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A SKETCH 
 
 OF 
 
 ELDER DANIEL HIX. 
 
 WITH THE 
 
 HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN 
 
 CHURCH IN DARTMOUTH, MASS., 
 
 FOR ONE HUNDRED 
 
 YEARS. 
 
 BY S^'^'M. AISTDREAVS. 
 
 NEW ^^^E^^mi^^Jh^^^ 
 
 E. AxTHOxr & Sons, PRiNTSiS'?. 
 
 iSSo. 
 

 Entered according to Act of Congress by S. M. Andrews, March 20 13Si). 
 
2./ 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 The following pages were written to supply a 
 local want, and to preserve the records of the 
 First Christian Church of Dartmouth in a per- 
 manent form. It is evident such a book will be 
 useful not only to the church but to all desirous 
 of reviewing the lessons of the past ; and per- 
 haps no apology is required, beyond regrets 
 that the work has been done in such an imper- 
 fect manner. This, however, from a pressure 
 of other duties, was unavoidable. The book 
 lays no claim to literary excellence, and goes 
 forth with the desire that it may be profitable, if 
 not faultless as a scholarly production. 
 
 Some years ago the propriety of such a work 
 was seen, but few materials could then be found. 
 Recently the diary of Elder Daniel Hix, his list 
 of baptisms, and the church records of the old 
 Baptist organization, were obtained from Mrs. 
 Rachel Davis of Westport, to w^hom the thanks 
 of writer and readers are due. 
 
 I am under obligations to Gilbert Miller, 
 clerk of the church, for Information found in 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 the later portion of the work. Indebtedness 
 is also thankfully acknowledged to General 
 Ebenezer W. Peirce, Rev. O. A. Roberts, Rev. 
 I. C. Goff, Rev. Moses How, Rev. B. S. Batch- 
 elor, Rev. George N. Kelton, Jesse W. Nichols, 
 Thomas Cottle, Mrs. William Allen, Mrs. Judith 
 Whithead and others, for particular incidents, 
 correction of lists of church members, &c. 
 Some of the church documents, and names in 
 most cases, have been copied literally; family 
 records have been consulted, and much pains 
 taken to verify any partial or doubtful dates : it 
 is likely, however, that among so many names 
 some mistakes may be seen, which it is hoped 
 will be pardoned. Contributions have also been 
 levied upon the Memoirs of Elders Smith, Shaw, 
 and Fernald, besides Backus's Church History, 
 Bliss' History of Rehoboth, and Ricketson's 
 History of New Bedford. 
 
 I also desire here to express thanks to Mr. 
 B. F. H. Reed, for aid in revising the work, 
 proof reading, &c., which has enabled me to 
 fulfill my promise to subscribers ; and if the 
 book is in any degree helpful in promoting 
 piety, the object in view will have been attained. 
 
 S. M. A. 
 
 North Dartmouth, March i, iSSo. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Preface, iii 
 
 Contents, v 
 
 Chapter I. 
 
 Elder Daniel Ilix ; His Family ; Boyhood; Education; 
 Military Service ; Marriage ; Religious Experience ; 
 Call to the Ministry ; His Character as a Man and a 
 Minister, i 
 
 Chapter H. 
 
 Religious Meetings in Dartmouth ; Organization of the 
 Church ; Call of Elder Hix ; Original List of Mem- 
 bers ; Ordination ; Installation ; Discipline ; Salary ; 
 Elements of Success ; Success in Preaching ; Groton 
 Conference ; Revival at Long Plain ; General Refor- 
 mation of 1 788, 29 
 
 Chapter IH. 
 
 Preaching Tour ; Revival of 1794-5 ; Doctrinal Discus- 
 cussions ; Council in Freetown ; Revival of 1 801-2 ; 
 Ordination of Elder Ira Phillips ; Great Revival of 
 1805-6 ; Elias Smith ; Sermon of Elder Hix ; Change 
 of the Church, 63 
 
VI CONTEXTS. 
 
 Chapter IV, 
 
 Page 
 
 Continued Reformations; Organization of the North 
 Christian Church in New Bedford; Elder Howard 
 Tripp; His Early Preaching; Revival in Taunton, 
 Rochester, New Bedford, and Middleborough; Final 
 Separation from the Groton Conference; Letter of 
 Elder Hix to the Conference; The Second Church 
 Built; Revivals of 1811-12-13, 93 
 
 Chapter V. 
 
 War of 1 81 2; Secession of Anti- War Members; Revival 
 and Formation of the First Christian Church in West- 
 port; Ordination of Elder Howard Tripp; Great Re- 
 vival of 1825; Organization of Fall River Church; 
 Other Revivals; Death of Aunt Mary Hix; Last Ser- 
 mon and Death of Elder Daniel Hix; Church Troubles; 
 Temperance Reform; List of Members, 1829-44, 123 
 
 Chapter VI. 
 
 Advent Meetings; Causes and Effects of that Excitement; 
 Third Church Built; Elder Tripp's Resignation; Elder 
 William Faunce; North Westport Church Formed; 
 Revivals of 1857-61; Difficulties; Sketches of Suc- 
 cessive Pastors; Revival of 1870; Obstacles; Present 
 Condition; List of Members; Record of Marriages 
 Solemnized by Elder Hix, 161 
 
 Appendix, 
 
 201 
 
Sketch of Elder Daniel Hix. 
 
SKETCH OF ELDER DANIEL HL\. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 ELDER DANIEL HIX ; HIS FAMILY ; BOYHOOD ; ED- 
 UCATION ; MILITARY SERVICE ; MARRIAGE ; RE- 
 LIGIOUS EXPERIENCE; CALL TO THE MINISTRY; 
 HIS CHARACTER AS A MAN AND A MINISTER. 
 
 Daniel Hix was born in Rehoboth, Mass., 
 Nov. 30, 1755. The house where his father, 
 Elder John Hix, then lived is still standing (Oct. 
 1879) perhaps three fourths of a mile south- 
 west of the Oak Swamp meeting-house. Little 
 is known of the early history of the Hix family 
 beyond a tradition that two brothers came from 
 England near the beginning of the eighteenth 
 century. John Hix, father of Daniel, was born 
 May 10, 1 71 2 (O. S.) ; his wife, Hannah Galu- 
 sha, was born April 25, 1713 (O. S.) 
 
 Bliss, in his history of Rehoboth, says that 
 John Hix formed a Baptist church in that town 
 and was ordained its first pastor, Nov. 10, 1762. 
 In 1 77 1 there was a revival in this church, and 
 Elder Hix baptized forty persons. He was 
 taken sick, but the revival continued under the 
 B 
 
2 A SKETCH OF 
 
 labors of Elhanan Winchester, who shortly after 
 formed another church. The new church was 
 divided the next year on doctrinal questions, 
 and Jacob Hix, the oldest son of Elder John 
 Hix, was ordained pastor of the part which re- 
 tained the old Baptist principles, Jan. 20, 1773. 
 
 Jacob Hix was born Jan. i, 1740, and seems 
 to have been a truly pious and useful man. He 
 preached in a church situated about one and a 
 half miles southwest from the present Oak Swamp 
 meeting-house, and three fourths of a mile from 
 Stillman Baker's residence and the cemetery on 
 the old Hix homestead. He owned a farm and 
 part of a mill, which, wath some help from the 
 church, enabled him to live comfortably. He 
 had no children, and died March 30, 1809, after 
 an illness of only four days, aged sixty-nine 
 years. His wife, Submit Hix, died May 25, 
 1809, aged seventy years. 
 
 The other children of Elder John Hix were : 
 Sarah, born Oct. 17, 1735, who married Daniel 
 Carpenter, and removed in early life, perhaps to 
 New York state ; Anna married Valentine Hor- 
 ton, and died in Rehoboth ; Nathan was born 
 Aug. 23, 1742, and died June i, 1816. He was 
 the father of Capt. Nathan Hix and grandfather 
 of John Hix, now living in Rehoboth. John, 
 another son, settled in Richmond, N. H., as ap- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 3 
 
 pears from some nearly illegible writing in Dan- 
 iel Hix's diary, dated Nov. 30, 1774. This was 
 his nineteenth birthday, and he began a journey 
 of four days to Richmond to see his brother 
 John. Nothing more is known of this brother, 
 unless the death of John Hix, Nov. 10, 1776, as 
 recorded by Daniel, refers to him. Josiah, son 
 of Elder John Hix, settled in Royalston, Mass. 
 His son Josiah^came to Dartmouth and married 
 Serapta Phillips, and their children were Mary, 
 Daniel, Jacob, Sarah, Nancy, Eliza, Amanda and 
 Philip. Sarah and Philip are dead ; Amanda 
 removed years ago ; Mary, with her husband 
 William Allen, lives on the homestead of Elder 
 Daniel Hix; Mrs. Eliza Briggs lives in Dart- 
 mouth ; Daniel and Jacob Hix live inWestport. 
 
 From the rolls of the old military companies, 
 it is certain other families of the same name 
 lived in Rehoboth, but whether they were rela- 
 tives of Elder John Hix is not known. 
 
 Elder John Hix continued preaching in Reho- 
 both until 1785, when his health failed, and he 
 died March 17, 1799, aged eighty-seven, having 
 outlived his wife eleven years. There is no 
 doubt of his sterling qualities as a man and a 
 minister. In 1780 his church comprised 106 
 members. 
 
 The family seems to have been characterized 
 
4 A SKETCH OF 
 
 by a rugged honesty common to the best fam- 
 ilies of that day ; and while the boys were early 
 trained to out-door work, the girls knit, spun 
 and wove most of the family clothing, besides 
 doing other work belonging to the household. 
 Elder Jacob Hix was a millwright, Daniel was 
 a cooper, and all were hunters and farmers, and 
 by all these occupations they gained their live- 
 lihood. Such surroundings could hardly help 
 forming a character such as Daniel Hix after- 
 wards possessed. With a sturdy frame and ro- 
 bust health, he early became a leader among 
 his associates, and stories of his feats of mis- 
 chief have been transmitted from one genera- 
 tion to another. So far as we can learn, his 
 acts were inspired by a spirit of frolic rather 
 than malice. There is nothing surprising in 
 this. Strong animal life is ever associated with 
 buoyant spirits, and the ablest minds have gen- 
 erally been found in connection with good health 
 and robust bodies. The preacher Daniel Hix 
 was the natural outgrowth of the boy who was 
 able not only to lead his comrades into, but out 
 of mischief successfully. On one occasion, after 
 a more than usual roguish prank, he lay stretched 
 out upon the meal chest, while his mother urged 
 him to abandon his habits of folly, and appealed 
 to his love for his father and brother Jacob, who 
 
ELDER DANIEL MIX. 5 
 
 were much grieved by his conduct. " Well, 
 mother," said he, ''you know the shaking of 
 the bag is the flour of the meal ; I shall be a 
 preacher by-and-by, and when I am I shall beat 
 father and Jacob both." 
 
 A neighbor one Fall had loaded his cart with 
 apples to draw away, when Daniel and his com- 
 rades, seeing a chance for some fun, backed the 
 cart down a hill and tipped the whole load into 
 the well. This was rather serious, and his father 
 deemed it best to secure Daniel in his room at 
 night. The opportunity for more mischief soon 
 arrived, and with outside help from his com- 
 panions, he passed out through the window, but 
 was careful to return before morning. Another 
 complaint was made to Elder Hix, but said the 
 old man, " It could not be Daniel, for he was 
 fastened securely in his room." At one time a 
 minister came to visit Elder Hix, and as he 
 shared Daniel's room the boy was supposed to 
 be secure for that night at least. After his bed- 
 fellow was asleep, Daniel crept out, and with 
 his associates went to a store or public house 
 and removed the sign-board, which they carried 
 to the meeting-house and placed under the pul- 
 pit, which concealed it from view. This too 
 was charged to Daniel, but the minister testify- 
 
6 A SKETCH OF 
 
 ing to his presence through the night saved him 
 from punishment. 
 
 His opportunities for education were very 
 limited. There is one record in his note-book 
 relative to school. He writes : "School began 
 July 12, 1773; the school ended Oct. 16, 1773. 
 For boarding schoolmistress, £2 5 s." Elder 
 George Kelton says, " Judging from my per- 
 sonal knowledge of the educational interests of 
 the community fifty years later, his advantages 
 must have been very limited, but in this he was 
 the peer of his age and time." It is evident he 
 improved all his privileges, for books still pre- 
 served show he could read, write and keep ac- 
 counts years before he began to preach, and he 
 seems to have been very exact in his records. 
 
 He was without doubt early taught the prin- 
 ciples of piety, and afterwards wrote, " I was 
 often convicted of my being a sinner by the 
 Spirit of Christ," but the excitements of the 
 revolutionary war were probably not favorable 
 to early piety. 
 
 He was in his twentieth year, when he wrote, 
 April 20, 1775 : '* An alarm came here in the 
 morning to go to Boston. I set out with my 
 sword by my side and my gun upon my back, 
 until we met Col. Smith, who ordered us to go 
 back and meet in the morning at Deacon Dan- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 7 
 
 lel Bullock's, and we should have news if we 
 were wanted ; which we did. In the morning 
 of April 2 1 we met and chose our officers. 
 Chose John Kilton captain, Stephen Bullock 
 lieutenant, and Samuel Gofif ensign. Col. Smith 
 came and said he had no news from Boston, and 
 our captain ordered that we should be ready at 
 a minute's warning, and dismissed the company 
 for a week." This alarm was in accordance 
 with the plans of the patriot officers ; but being 
 so far from Lexington, of course the British had 
 retreated to Boston, and the Rehoboth men 
 were not needed. 
 
 The continental army was made up at this 
 time of volunteers, but the militia were enrolled 
 and drilled, and sometimes were drafted to serve 
 as coast guard. When on such duty, they were 
 partly or wholly supplied with weapons, cloth- 
 ing, &c., by the government, and were under 
 pay. During the years i 'J']^-'] it became neces- 
 sary to call out a portion of the militia as a 
 coast guard ; it appears also that the company 
 to which Daniel Hix belonged became sadly 
 disorganized. " The 4th company met at Dea- 
 con Daniel Bullock's on the 22d of March to 
 choose officers, and after consulting a while, 
 chose Nathaniel Pearce captain, Stephen Bullock 
 lieutenant, Samuel Gofif ensign. They all re- 
 
8 - A SKETCH OF 
 
 fused to serve. Then chose James Horton 
 ensign, and he refused. They then elected S. 
 Bullock captain, James Horton lieutenant, and 
 Israel Nichols ensign, and they accepted. The 
 under officers were left to be chosen by the 
 commissioned officers. The 4th company met 
 again at Deacon Bullock's March 28, when the 
 officers came to take proper measures to settle 
 the company. It was put to vote whether the 
 company would sign a covenant to obey them, 
 and they could not get a vote ; then the captain 
 asked a dismission of the soldiers, but they 
 refused, and then he declared he would not 
 serve them in that place. Col. Peck came there 
 to list men, but none listed that day. " " May 
 29th, 1776, this company met at Hezekiah 
 Martin's and drew up before his door. Elder 
 John Hix prayed with them ; then they marched 
 into a field ; the roll was called, arms inspected, 
 then exercised till they were ordered to fire ; 
 when eleven men left the company, and after- 
 wards others as the officers showed no authority 
 over them." 
 
 Sometime in the Winter of 1775-6 it is quite 
 certain Daniel Hix was in government service, 
 for ** Lieutenant Bowen, Sergeant Cambell and 
 Elisha Mason went to Roxbury for money for 
 the soldiers." Once D. Hix went with Abiah 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 9 
 
 Jenkins and Wheaton Luther to Roxbury and 
 Watertown. They arrived home Feb. 29th with 
 the money, and stayed at Elder John Hix's that 
 night. " March 2, paid Daniel Bullock and 
 Richard Lee their money and took a receipt for 
 the same." 
 
 ''March the 5th, 1776, a part of a company 
 listed under Peck ; " who was probably the 
 Capt. Peleg Peck under whom Daniel served in 
 the fall of 1777 in Tiverton, R. L 
 
 From the various records of farm work, &c., 
 it is quite certain that Daniel Hix lived in Re- 
 hoboth during most of 1776. March 2, 1777, 
 he was married to Mary Kelton, daughter of 
 Capt. John Kelton, whose family is well known 
 in Rehoboth. In Oct. 1777, he served 17 days 
 more in the coast guard at Tiverton, R. L, in 
 Capt. Ichabod Wade's company in Col. Will- 
 iams's regiment. 
 
 With their various disadvantages, it cannot 
 be doubted that these terms of service were 
 beneficial in forming in young Hix the habits of 
 order and promptness for which he was after- 
 wards noted. It is said that in the course of his 
 military service he sometimes preached for the 
 amusement of his comrades, which folly caused 
 him regret in later years. 
 
 As far as known, his religious experience 
 
lO A SKETCH OF 
 
 began Dec. 9, 1779. He came from work one 
 night and found his wife had gone to meeting. 
 While eating his supper his thoughts took a 
 serious turn, and he resolved to go and return 
 with her. At this meeting he decided to begin 
 a Christian life. He writes afterwards, '* My 
 distress and trials cannot be written, nor my 
 joys when delivered, Dec. 17, 1779." Baptized 
 by Elder John Hix, the same month he joined 
 his brother Jacob Hix's church. " The Lord 
 only knows why this should be, but I believe he 
 means it for good to Zion, and I immediately 
 found the Lord never meant his children should 
 hide their tallow under a bed or bushel, nor 
 their talent in a napkin." This view was what 
 might have been expected of such an earnest, 
 energetic disposition. His mind was much 
 exercised for souls out of Christ, and he says, 
 " I conferred not with flesh and blood though 
 my strength was small." 
 
 With a solemn sense of his responsibility, he 
 yielded to the persuasion of friends, and preached 
 his first sermon from Jeremiah, IV, 19, (which he 
 says "was gloriously opened to my mind,") 
 March 13, 1780. 
 
 The following part of a letter from Elder 
 John Hix was probably sent to Daniel soon 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. I I 
 
 after his ordination, which took place in July, 
 1780. 
 
 To Brother Daniel : 
 
 O brother Daniel, be humble; carry low sails. I tremble for 
 you, ordained so soon after conversion. I trust I had been 
 religious ten years, and preached four years but not ordained, 
 being three or four years older. I preached for you a little that 
 night, and pray you may take good advice; let your experienced 
 father counsel you, and be humble and teachable. You are so 
 newly come to the faith, I am afraid like Uzziah of old you may 
 give wrong touches to the ark which is the cause of religion; 
 be good and religious, brother Daniel. 
 
 Soon after ordination his way was opened to 
 live in Dartmouth, at which time he wTites : 
 *' My soul so loveth the Lord and the cause of 
 my master, on the 5th of April, 1781, I left 
 my honored father and loving mother, and all 
 that was near and dear and delightful but Jesus 
 and Christians' conversation, which is more than 
 all earthly friends, and came to labor and im- 
 prove my gifts in Dartmouth, with a branch of 
 Elder Jacob Hix's church which lay nigh my 
 heart and has for twelve months past, and at 
 their repeated request. O Lord, bless my poor 
 soul, and grant that my labors, private and public, 
 may be blessed to the advantage of Zion and 
 convincing to sinners of the error of their ways." 
 
 From the foregoing it is clear that Daniel Hix 
 was perhaps strong willed and impetuous, but 
 
12 A SKETCH OF 
 
 with reflective faculties capable of correct judg- 
 ment, even in youth ; he was not guided so 
 much by feeling as by reason, and he certainly 
 possessed deeply settled convictions of truth, 
 which he preached with a strong faith in their 
 ultimate triumph. He had a well-balanced 
 mind, which counted the cost of every enter- 
 prise, and when undertaken it was prosecuted 
 with wisdom and zeal. These qualities are the 
 elements of real greatness, and enabled him to 
 impress society as few men of the present age 
 have done. He was called eccentric ; doubtless 
 he was so in his modes of preaching, which 
 grew out of a real wit natural to the man ; but 
 there was usually an object in view which was 
 secured by these odd expressions. Besides 
 being limited in general culture, he was in 
 harmony with the age in using the most direct 
 and striking language to convey his ideas. 
 
 He once held a meeting in the south part of 
 Dartmouth. After meeting he said to a man 
 present, ''Some tears shed to-day." "They 
 were not caused by your sermon," replied the 
 man, probably afraid of a direct appeal. " No, 
 I suppose not," said the Elder ; '' they were 
 doubtless caused by your wicked actions." 
 
 On one occasion he met a man much intoxi- 
 cated ; he was passing by, when the man called 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 3 
 
 with drunken familiarity, " Why, Elder, don't 
 you know me ? You converted me twenty years 
 ago." "Ah," said the Elder, "it looks like 
 some of my work ; I don't believe the Lord had 
 much to do with it." 
 
 We copy the following from the Old and 
 New, a paper published by Rev. O. A. Roberts 
 on the seventieth anniversary of the organiza- 
 tion of the North Christian Church in New 
 Bedford, Mass., January 25th, 1877 : 
 
 He [Elder Daniel Hix] preached not by constraint, but 
 willingly; nor for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. His 
 sermons were long, often two or three hours; and although 
 not carefully prepared, they were so remarkable for strength 
 and originality of thought, so practical and full of the Holy 
 Ghost, that his hearers never tired. He held a revered, beloved 
 and sacred place in the hearts of multitudes in this region. He 
 was often called away to officiate at ordinations, installations, 
 and four-days meetings. At the close of one of these latter, 
 held somewhere down on the Cape, where the brethren were 
 rich in faith only, a brother arose, hat in hand, and said Elder 
 Hix had been with them several days, they had enjoyed a 
 precious season, and he would now proceed to take up a 
 collection in his behalf. "Don't, brother, don't," said the 
 good Elder; "you're welcome to my labors, and my heart's 
 with you and I feel for you. When I came down here I had a 
 little change in my pocket, and I 've been thinking all the time 
 how I could divide it round amongst you. If you won't say 
 anything about it I won't, — but don't pass round the hat." 
 Elder Hix often labored all night long at his trade while his 
 faithful wife wove at her loom in order to meet their temporal 
 C 
 
14 A SKETCH OF 
 
 wants and give him time to attend to his ministerial duties by 
 day. 
 
 We are indebted to the memory of Elder 
 Moses How and the pen of Elder B. S. Batch- 
 elor for the following account of the first 
 meeting of Elders Hix and John Leland : 
 
 These two eccentric men had never met each other, but had 
 corresponded, Mrs. Hix was in the house alone, except a young 
 girl who assisted her about her work, when a stranger came in, 
 and after the usual salutations took a seat on the dye-tub in a 
 chimney corner, and taking out his pipe commenced smoking. 
 Mrs. Hix, not liking his ways, sent the girl into the field to call 
 her husband. He came in immediately and looked at the 
 stranger. "How d'ye do?" was the opening salutation, 
 answered by " How d'ye do? " Elder Hix then took his pipe 
 and began to smoke as he walked the floor. Soon the stranger 
 called him by name. " You have the advantage of me," said 
 Elder Hix ; " you know my name, and I should like to knot\' 
 yours." "Why do you ask my name?" said the stranger, 
 "seeing it is secret? " "I never heard of but one that had a 
 secret name, and that was an angel, and I guess you are not an 
 angel unless you are a fallen one," was the reply. After a 
 pause. Elder Hix pushed his inquiry by asking, "Where are you 
 from?" The answer was, " From the wilderness." " Where 
 are you bound? " " For the land of Canaan." "It is doubtful 
 if you ever get there." Another pause, and Elder Hix said, 
 " I should like to know your name." "John, sir, John," was 
 the reply. "John what?" "John Leland, sir." "Don't 
 believe it," was the incredulous answer. " He that believeth 
 not shall be damned." This parleying had now lasted half an 
 hour; but when Elder Hix became sure that it was his hitherto 
 unseen friend they embraced each other and wept hke children, 
 and spent the most of the night together in conversation. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 5 
 
 The following illustrates his style in the 
 pulpit. The Elder had great love for trapping 
 foxes, and he turned his experience to account 
 in this wise. When preaching his anniversary 
 sermon after a forty years pastorate, he said : *' I 
 have preached here these forty years, and some 
 of you are no better than you were when I 
 began. You make me think of an old fox that 
 I tried to catch.- I baited the trap but the fox 
 came and stole my bait. I set it again and 
 baited it, and he came again and stole it. Then 
 I turned the trap bottom up, and that night I 
 caught him. Now some of you have been 
 stealing my bait all these years. The Lord 
 help me to turn the trap up-side down !" 
 
 That Elder Hix's love for fun did not pass 
 away with youth is evident from the following 
 anecdotes. 
 
 A Mr. John Andrews sometimes went hunting 
 with him, and on one occasion the Elder, 
 walking in front, grasped a bush, holding it 
 until John was in the right position, when he 
 let it go, switching him smartly in the face. 
 Some emphatic remarks followed from the in- 
 jured party, and Elder Hix replied, " Hush, hush, 
 John ; I held it as long as I could." 
 
 The same man was a good friend of Elder 
 Hix, though not a church member. Once on 
 
l6 A SKETCH OF 
 
 receiving his pay for mowing, he dedined pay 
 for one day's work, saying he would take that 
 in preaching. " I don't know about that, John," 
 said the Elder; " I shouldn't want to chase you 
 through the woods bee hunting on Sunday to 
 pay you in preaching." 
 
 Another characteristic of Elder Hix was a 
 native shrewdness, manifest in conversing with 
 an educated Calvinist clergyman, who ques- 
 tioned him as to the nature of evangelical 
 repentance. '' Define evangelical," said Daniel. 
 " Why, that repentance which is unto salvation." 
 ''Ah," said Elder Hix, "that is what I preach, 
 — repentance unto salvation." 
 
 A little girl in the same minister's society 
 wished to be baptized. The preacher objected, 
 saying she knew nothing about circumcision. 
 **Ah," said Elder Daniel, "circumcision nor 
 uncircumcision availeth anything, but a new 
 creature." 
 
 He evidently felt but little respect for useless 
 forms, but sought the life and power of experi- 
 mental piety, which course kept him in advance 
 of the people. In this work his native common- 
 sense made him judicious in the choice of 
 means, and he probably made as few mistakes 
 as any preacher of his time. His success as 
 pastor and evangelist was almost unrivaled ; his 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 1 7 
 
 work extended nearly over and even beyond 
 Bristol county, and he held the respect and love 
 of thousands of people. 
 
 He seems to have been a spiritual man in the 
 best sense of the word. Prayer was his delight, 
 while he taught and believed the doctrine of 
 trusting in God for blessings needed in daily 
 life. On one occasion he made a preaching 
 tour to Fall River, from there to Connecticut, 
 where he preached once or more ; then being 
 furnished with a lunch of johnny-cake and 
 cheese, he started to return home. On his 
 way was a ferry, and he had but a ninepence in 
 his pocket, not enough to carry him over. He 
 stopped to let his horse feed, and ate his lunch, 
 and then prayed most earnestly for direction, 
 after which he remounted and rode on. He 
 soon heard a traveller behind him, who rode up 
 and told him he heard him preach the night 
 before, and then saying his business required 
 haste, he shook hands with Elder Hix, leaving 
 in his hand several pieces of silver money, and 
 rode on. This incident verified his faith, and 
 he sometimes related it in later years. 
 
 Perhaps it was on this tour that he overtook 
 the Dutchman driving to the meeting to be held 
 that night. Elder Hix kept up with him, and 
 after meeting, the Dutchman said to him, " I 
 
l8 A SKETCH OF 
 
 thought you might be a surly old deacon, but 
 did not think you were a preacher. I find you 
 are a preacher and your preaching has a witness 
 with it." 
 
 Elder Hix was strongly attached to his church 
 and people. When asked once about going to 
 Middleborough to live, he replied, "If I go 
 there I shall have to remove my family there." 
 "Of course we expect that," said the friend. 
 "But," said the Elder, "it would be very diffi- 
 cult to remove the whole church of Dartmouth 
 there with me." 
 
 As an instance of his strength and activity, 
 he once saved a burning house while the men 
 were away to town meeting, by walking on the 
 roof, holding a line attached to the chimney, 
 while women handed water to him through the 
 scuttle. 
 
 The daring courage of the man was exem- 
 plified in his religious work. We have little 
 idea of the virulence of different sects towards 
 each other during the early part of the present 
 century. Baptism, the doctrines of election and 
 the trinity, claimed much attention, while the 
 scholarship of the age was exhausted in proving 
 the respective creeds. It required much wisdom 
 with real courage, to carry out any plan of 
 religious improvement; yet Elder Hix seems to 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. I9 
 
 have pursued a course which secured the 
 present welfare of the church and also laid the 
 foundation for future successes. 
 
 His success was not accidental nor ephemeral, 
 but obtained by forecast and industry. It 
 could hardly be said that Elder Hix was a man 
 of genius, unless a combination of common- 
 sense faculties made him so ; but for a large 
 judgment in organizing and executing plans of 
 religious improvement in his field of labor, he 
 has rarely been equaled. He seems to have 
 recognized the conditions of the best success, 
 and after due thought pressed forward with 
 energy in the path of duty. As a result, success 
 came — a true and lasting success in developing 
 the religious forces of his large society. He 
 must have had enemies, and he speaks of deep 
 trials, especially before the church was dropped 
 from the Baptist denomination. He was doubt- 
 less slandered w^hile pursuing a course that he 
 felt was necessary to the welfare of the church, 
 but we hear of no harsh expressions in return. 
 He held his doctrines firmly, ever appealing to 
 the scriptures as their support, and displayed 
 more than ordinary ability in defending them 
 from attack. 
 
 From 1801 to 1813 was a period of almost 
 
20 A SKETCH OF 
 
 continual revival, especially during the years 
 1805, 6, 7 and 8. 
 
 Jesse W. Nichols, the former clerk of the 
 church, says of the change of the church : 
 •'While the old members were more or less 
 opposed to any new doctrine, the infusion of 
 new converts from the surrounding country, 
 coming in by scores, carried all before them. 
 The old members nearly all retained Calvinistic 
 sentiments, but as the work was moving on in 
 all directions, in New Bedford, Taunton, Free- 
 town, Westport, Middleborough and Beech 
 Woods, they could not stop it. This helped 
 Elder Hix keep the church together ; not one 
 left the church. Some appeared dissatisfied 
 for a while, but kept their places. People 
 followed Elders Elias Smith and Daniel Hix as 
 sheep do their shepherds, to the great dis- 
 pleasure of all Calvinists. Smith preached in a 
 ropewalk to large congregations ; think I have 
 seen nearly one thousand people following him 
 through the streets of New Bedford on Sundays, 
 singing as they went. I have been with a 
 dozen or more following Elder Hix to his 
 meetings as far as Rehoboth, finding dinner 
 prepared for us all on the way." This was in 
 1807. 
 
 Such a period of prosperity had its peculiar 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 21 
 
 dangers as well as blessings. We are told by 
 an aged lady, Mrs. Adams, that sometime in 
 1811, Elder Hix being away from home, a 
 preacher named Farnham began to hold meet- 
 ings in the northeast part of the town ; quite a 
 revival followed, and certain peculiar notions 
 were soon after taught and practised by some 
 of the converts. The following statements of 
 Rev. Asa Coan are confirmed by the aged sister 
 just named. " Mr. Farnham taught the people 
 that they were all in great danger of being lost 
 on account of their pride and disobedience to 
 the commands of the Savior. He told them 
 the Master said distinctly that except they be 
 converted and become as little children they 
 could not enter the kingdom of heaven. He 
 soon found followers. When they met for 
 worship, they laughed, played and talked in a 
 childish manner ; they would climb trees and 
 bark like dogs when out of the house. At their 
 homes they would build stick houses, run under 
 the bed or table when strangers came, and 
 performed many other such pranks as might 
 be expected of very silly and untaught chil- 
 dren." On Elder Hix's return he was called 
 on to decide the questions raised by this new 
 doctrine. As might have been expected, he 
 took a decided stand against it, which called 
 
22 A SKETCH OF 
 
 forth some very strong language from the new 
 minister. Elder Hix's influence however was 
 sufficient to end such nonsense in this section at 
 least. 
 
 The following description of Elder Hix in 
 the later years of his life is given by Elder 
 George N. Kelton : 
 
 I had occasionally seen and heard him for years, but in 
 memory he is photographed as I saw and heard him at a con- 
 ference of ministers in Swanzey, Mass., September, 1830. 
 The impressive services of the day were about to close. A 
 feeling of deep interest pervaded the audience, when an aged 
 man of medium height, compact, muscular build, broad chest 
 and shoulders, short neck, brushy iron gray hair, heavy beetle 
 brows, and broad, swarthy features, slowly arose in the pulpit, 
 ejaculating, " When the lion roars, the weaker beasts tremble, 
 eh? The lion of the tribe of Judah has roared to-day, and 
 there is an awful trembling in the camp." In the man I saw 
 a lion type, and in his words heard Judah's lion in princely 
 right and dignity. Lord of lords and King of kings, earth's 
 Savior, man's Redeemer, in this sacrificial humility, the Lamb 
 of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and tremblingly 
 rejoiced that I could call him mine. 
 *********** 
 
 I think it was the following September that I met Elder Hix 
 at a conference near Newport, R, I. After most of the 
 younger ministers had spoken of their labors and prospects, he 
 arose and thanked God that he had lived to see that day — had 
 lived to see so many young men able ministers of the New 
 Testament — " and I suppose you want to hear from the old 
 man." He then drew a word picture of an old ship long at 
 sea, with barnacled hull, stranded shrouds, rent sails, and 
 disabled spars, but with cargo safe ; yes, said he, freighted with 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 23 
 
 grace and bound for glory, being towed into port by the grace 
 of God. Meantime the waves of the Atlantic were distinctly 
 heard breaking upon the beach. Then, comparing converts to 
 a nest of young robins, he exhorted the brethren to feed and 
 care for them if they would build up the church. 
 
 Soon after Elder Kelton began to preach, he 
 called at Elder Hix's home. He says : "His 
 wife, usually called Aunt Mary, gave me a very 
 cordial welcome. She was proverbially social 
 and companionable ; and as the Elder was 
 heard coming in, she remarked, * Friend Hix is 
 sometimes very taciturn, and you must not 
 think it strange if he is not inclined to talk 
 much.' Subsequently, when teaching in North 
 Dartmouth, I occasionally passed a night with 
 these old folks, and usually found them both 
 communicative." It must have been in March, 
 1827, he called on them and was invited to stay 
 all night. He says : '' Seated before the old- 
 time wood fire. Aunt Mary made inquiries 
 about the families of their old friends and 
 relatives in Rehoboth, and related many remi- 
 niscences of the past. Her sociality abating, at 
 an early hour I arose and proposed to retire. 
 The old Elder, who had been sitting in entire 
 reticence, apparently more asleep than awake, 
 now roused up, saying, * Don't be in a hurry, 
 George; don't be in a hurry — sit down. I 
 
24 A SKETCH OF 
 
 have been thinking. Fifty years ago to-night 
 Mary and I were married. * * * * 
 Father and brother Jacob were Baptist minis- 
 ters. Well, I was a wild youth, but by the 
 grace of God I was converted and felt it my 
 duty to preach. Brother Jacob had been here 
 in Dartmouth and raised a church. Well, 
 Mary and I came over here and settled, and 
 here we are yet.' He then gave me an 
 epitomized sketch of his life, with interesting 
 anecdotes of Elder John Leland and other 
 Baptist ministers with whom he was intimate, 
 the wide extent of his field of ministerial work, 
 and the passing of himself and churches of his 
 charge from the Baptist to the Christian de- 
 nomination. We retired at a late hour, but I 
 would gladly have sat and listened until morn- 
 ing. Of incidents fresh in memory, one is 
 indehble. Said he: 'In my youqger days I 
 used to travel considerably, and as we had no 
 children Mary used to keep a horse and travel 
 with me. Occasionally we used to visit churches, 
 relatives and friends in Vermont. On one of 
 these visits I was to preach in the Methodist 
 church in the afternoon. In the forenoon the 
 minister had preached about falling from grace. 
 Poor stuff. Better preach about living by 
 grace. Well, I commenced the meeting, and 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 2$ 
 
 was feeling pretty well, and the people soon 
 began to respond, ''Amen!" "Amen!" Sol 
 thought I would see what Daniel Hix could 
 do. I stopped and clapped my hands and 
 shouted, "Glory ! " and such another shout you 
 never heard. Mary got scared and went over 
 into another pew with an old acquaintance. 
 When I came down from the pulpit, they 
 gathered round me, saying, " Elder Hix, you 
 are full of the grace of God." " Oh," said I, 
 " full of Daniel Hix." And if you think I ever 
 got a chance to preach there again you are 
 mistaken. That effort was Daniel Hix — poor 
 stuff. I never dared impute it to the grace of 
 God ; and now, George, if you are going to 
 preach, don't preach Kelton, — it will be poor 
 stuff; don't do it.'" 
 
 Some years ago Elder I. C. Goff published 
 the following in the Herald of Gospel Liberty : 
 
 Seventy years ago Father Hix was one of the most popular 
 Eaptist ministers in Massachusetts, The evidence, aside from 
 the unanimous verdict of his cotemporaries, exists in the fol- 
 lowing facts. 1st. Large congregations, including many of his 
 orthodox neighbors, everywhere waited upon his ministry. 2d. 
 He collected in a rural and sparsely populated portion of 
 Massachusetts, a church of more than five hundred members. 
 3d. His interposition for the settlement of difificulties in his own 
 and neighboring churches, as also in neighborhood misunder- 
 standings, generally was sought and satisfactory. 4th. When 
 seven or eight years later he left the Baptists and united with 
 D 
 
26 A SKETCH OF 
 
 the Christians, his whole church accompanied him. My personal 
 recollections of Father Hix extend back some fifty years ago. 
 He had then submitted to the inquisitorial examination and 
 been pronounced heterodox. This only increased his popu- 
 larity. He preached constantly in Dartmouth, Swanzey, 
 Rehoboth, Fall River, and New Bedford. * * * * 
 He may justly be ranked in point of usefulness with Smith, 
 Jones, Plummer, Fernald, and How. ***** 
 It was not so much his opposition to the doctrines of the 
 trinity or Calvinism that drove him from the Baptists, as his love 
 of simple Christianity, Christ and the Bible the only authority 
 in the churchy and Christian character^ piety and holiness the 
 only conditions of Christian and church fellowship^ which drew 
 him to the Christians. 
 ♦ ♦*****♦*** 
 
 On his trial for heresy before the Warren Association,* the 
 moderator as usual proceeded to question the supposed heretic. 
 
 Moderator. Elder Hix, do you believe in salvation by faith 
 alone? 
 
 Ilix. I believe James, ii, 24 : Ye see then how that by 
 works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 
 
 M. Elder Hix, do you believe in the doctrines of foreordi- 
 nation and predestination? 
 
 H. I believe whom he did foreknow, he also did predesti- 
 nate to be conformed to the image of his Son. Moreover, 
 whom he did predestinate, them he also called : and whom he 
 called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he 
 also glorified. Romans, viii, 29, 30. 
 
 M. Elder Hix, do you believe in the doctrine of the trinity? 
 
 H. I believe that there are three that bear record in 
 heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and these 
 three are one. I John, v, 7. 
 
 M. Elder Hix, do you believe in total depravity? 
 
 H. Twice dead, and plucked up by the roots. That is as 
 near total depravity as anything I can think of. Jude, 12th 
 verse. 
 
 * Probably the Groton Conference. 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 2/ 
 
 M. Elder Hix, we are not satisfied with your answers. 
 
 H. I did not expect the Bible would satisfy you. 
 
 Elder Hix was once called to baptize a Congregational 
 deacon. The deacon's church, a brother deacon, and his 
 family especially, were much opposed. But many people, and 
 finally the wife and oldest son of the candidate, came to witness 
 the ceremony. The son and mortified wife rode double into 
 the water and about to where the husband and father was to be 
 buried with Christ. The ceremony over, the Elder, leading the 
 joyful behever to the shore, repeated the words : 
 
 " Shout,' brethren, shout all around ! 
 Satan's kingdom is coming down ! " 
 
 The Pedobaptist deacon had quite trial enough before, but the 
 poetjy was more than he could stand. "Elder Hix," said he 
 impatiently, " I have always had charity for you, but it is all 
 gone now." The Elder readily replied, " It was not the right 
 kind : charity never faileth." The scene over, the rude son, in 
 attempting to turn his horse with indecent haste, destroyed the 
 balance of the mother, and she went backwards into the water. 
 Hastening to her rescue, the Elder said, " Good woman, I 
 thought you were opposed to going into the water; if I had 
 known that you wanted to go into the water, I would have 
 assisted you in a much more decent performance." 
 
 When he became old, a successor in the pastorate was elected. 
 Elder Hix was desired to preach at his installation. For a 
 while he declined, but finally at the earnest solicitation of many 
 he compHed. He selected as his text, "Preach the word." 
 He said, "When I was young, old ministers said to me, 
 * Daniel, you must be a great man.' Well, I said, * How can I 
 be a great man?' They said, 'You must read Calvin's Insti- 
 tutes and Hopkins's Divinity.' ' Well,' said he, * I read them 
 until I got Calvinistn all through my bones, and I verily believe 
 if I had not taken a pozverftil dose of the grace of God it would 
 have killed me.'' " 
 
 The last time I heard him preach was in Rehoboth in Tune, 
 1829. Hundreds listened with rapt attention to his words, and 
 
28 A SKETCH OF 
 
 often during a discourse of more than two hours, nearly the 
 whole congregation wept aloud. 
 
 Elder Hix was evidently a man through life 
 of much talent, genuine wit, and with a real 
 devotion to duty, which with a larger culture 
 would have distinguished him in any profession 
 or country. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 29 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 RELIGIOUS MEETINGS IN DARTMOUTH; ORGAN- 
 IZATION OF THE CHURCH; CALL OF ELDER 
 HIX ; LIST OF MEMBERS ; ORDINATION ; INSTAL- 
 LATION ; DISCIPLINE; SALARY; ELEMENTS OF 
 SUCCESS ; SUCCESS IN PREACHING ; GROTON CON- 
 FERENCE ; REVIVAL AT LONG PLAIN ; GENERAL 
 REFORMATION OF 1788. 
 
 The first part of March, 1780, Elder Jacob 
 Hix held his first meetings in North Dart- 
 mouth,* and laid the foundation of the First 
 Christian church. It is not known by whose 
 invitation he came ; but it is probable, like 
 most settled pastors of that day, he extended 
 his labors in any direction that promised success, 
 thus originating many churches which now 
 exercise much influence for good. His first 
 meeting was held at Caleb Wilbour's house, 
 about two miles north of Hixville, at present 
 the home of Philip Macomber. The records 
 state that *' it was a powerful time, and a Pente- 
 cost shower fell on the assembly." In the 
 evening he preached again at Richard Collins's, 
 who lived some two miles eastward, in from the 
 
 * Appendix, Note A. 
 D^ 
 
30 A SKETCH OF 
 
 highway, one half mile west from Davis Collins's 
 residence. This was the beginning of a refor- 
 mation which extended in all directions, and 
 resulted in the formation of the church the 
 following May. It appears from a note in the 
 records that Daniel Hix, then but a convert, 
 and another, supposed to be Stephen Ingalls of 
 Rehoboth, came with Elder Hix on this first 
 visit. These brethren remained but a short 
 time, for Elder Hix came again March 23, and 
 baptized Jonathan Bullock. Saturday, March 
 25, ten more persons were baptized. Daniel 
 Hix came with his brother again, and remained 
 over the Sabbath and preached at Richard 
 Collins's. After meeting in the day-time, the 
 eleven who had been baptized, with their young 
 preacher, " agreed to join together and watch 
 over one another in the Lord." 
 
 It appears that the church in Rehoboth 
 believed Bro. Daniel Hix had a call to preach ; 
 and as he had preached his first sermon on the 
 13th of March, this must have been his first 
 effort to conduct meetings alone. But the 
 people were satisfied, and the agreement of the 
 eleven converts was in accordance with Elder 
 Jacob Hix's advice. How long Brother Daniel, 
 as he is called, remained here, is unknown, but 
 the work went on and the number of converts 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 3 I 
 
 rapidly increased. Elder Hix was sent for 
 often to baptize, and by the first of May the 
 number became so great that ''something more 
 was necessary towards organization." All the 
 converts agreed to join the church in Rehoboth, 
 but the distance was so great they could not 
 attend meetings there; therefore the church 
 sent chosen brethren to consult with the believ- 
 ers here, and all agreed to organize a branch 
 church under the care of Elder Jacob Hix, 
 which should have the power to receive mem- 
 bers, with the privileges of church organization. 
 This was in fact the only safe course, as it is 
 not to be supposed so many converts were yet 
 prepared to act independently. Elder Jacob 
 Hix as pastor, counseled this organization, 
 which was effected May 21, 1780. 
 
 It was soon found, however, that Elder Hix 
 could not meet with them as often as was 
 desirable ; and though Daniel came occasion- 
 ally, a deeply felt want of pastoral care caused 
 them to pray earnestly *'for a shepherd to go 
 in and out before them." The meetings were 
 held in dwellings, and the time occupied in 
 exhortation and prayer with singing, which 
 seems to have been productive of good, 
 for the revival went on. The church in Re- 
 hoboth sent a message of good will, and 
 
32 A SKETCH OF 
 
 expressed a belief that ''Brother Daniel should 
 be ordained as an assistant to his brother." 
 This was cordially assented to, and July 12, 
 1780, was appointed as the day of ordination. 
 The clergymen officiating were Elders Jacob 
 Hix, and Elisha Carpenter of Cumberland, R. I. 
 There is a tradition that Mrs. Jemima Andrews 
 of Dartmouth was the third who laid hands 
 upon Elder Hix's head in the act of consecra- 
 tion. We can imagine the journey to Rehoboth, 
 and the joyful yet solemn services of ordination, 
 with the greetings of fellow-disciples, to have 
 been an era in the infant church. 
 
 During the Summer of 1780, ''the work still 
 continued." Prayer meetings were held, with 
 occasional visits from Elder Daniel Hix, and 
 the number of converts increased to sixty. 
 The burden of prayer in the church still seemed 
 to be " for a shepherd after God's own heart." 
 
 This Summer, the records say that " some 
 talk was had of settling Elder Daniel as pastor; 
 though his gifts were small, yet they were 
 advantageous to us, and there seems to grow a 
 union towards him." Nothing was done, how- 
 ever, until a church meeting was held at Stephen 
 Andrews's house, Dec. 9, 1780. After much 
 prayer for guidance, a letter requesting Elder 
 Daniel Hix to come and take charge of the 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 33 
 
 church was written, and signed by the sixty- 
 three members of the church. 
 
 The following named members appear to 
 have been the signers of the call, as they 
 comprised the whole church at that time. The 
 two or three additional names perhaps were 
 added before the church book was obtained. 
 
 John Andrews, dismissed 1 78 1. 
 David Bullock, removed 1787. 
 Jonathan Bullock, dismissed Sept, 26, 1782. 
 Thomas Booth, removed Jan. 30, 1 783. 
 Deacon Richard Collins, ordained Oct. 10, 1781. 
 Thomas Castle, removed 1 782. 
 Benjamin Cornell, removed 1782. 
 
 Perry Davis, a preacher, removed to Cumberland, R. I.; 
 died Dec. 3, 1787. 
 
 Edmund Davis, died Dec. 27, 1848. 
 
 Ichabod Davis, dismissed Sept. 20, 1 784. 
 
 Deacon Abial Davis, died Sept. 28, 1840. 
 
 George Gelatte, admonished March 9, 1782. 
 
 Gideon Hathaway, dismissed April 6, 1782. 
 
 "William Reed, dismissed for enlisting in the army, 1 781. 
 
 Deacon Alexander Mason, dismissed. 
 
 Derius Thurber, removed Jan. 30, 1783. 
 
 Cromwell Thurber, removed Jan. 30, 1783. 
 
 James Young, clerk of the church, removed April, 1788. 
 
 Hannah Andrews. 
 
 Anna Andrews. 
 
 Jemima Andrews, died April 15, 1 824. 
 
 Keziah Andrews. 
 
 Permelia Andrews. 
 
 Sarah Allen. 
 
 Amea Allen, dismissed May 4, 1782; restored 1784. 
 
34 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Mrs. David Bullock, removed 1787. 
 
 Abigail Butts. 
 
 Mary Babcock. 
 
 Submit Baker. 
 
 Sarah Booth, dismissed Sept. 25, 1782. 
 
 Susanna Brightman. 
 
 Sarah Brient. 
 
 Hannah Bennett. 
 
 Elizabath Collins. 
 
 Rachel Collins. 
 
 Mary Collins. 
 
 Rhoda Collins. 
 
 Sarah Chace. 
 
 Lovice Davis, died Dec. 15, 1834. 
 
 Susanna Davis, died June 2, 1792. 
 Jemima Edwards, died May 21, 1781. 
 
 Elizabeth Edwards. 
 
 Abagail Earls, died Sept. 20, 1782. 
 
 Elizabeth Harrason, dismissed March, 1783. 
 
 Rhoda Hathaway, dismissed Sept. 9, 1782. 
 
 Patience Hathaway, admonished March 3, 1781 
 
 Lillis Laton [perhaps Lawton.] 
 
 Elizabath Latin [or Lawton.] 
 
 Hannah Latin. 
 
 Charity Mason. 
 
 Sarah Mingo. 
 
 Mary Potter, dismissed 1786. 
 
 Mercy Pearce. 
 
 Elizabath Pendol, 
 
 Sibbil Pearce, died Jan. "27, 1786. 
 
 Sarah Phillips. 
 
 Hannah Phillips, dismissed March 9, 1782. 
 
 Rebecca Rights. 
 
 Anna Reed, set aside; restored 1788. 
 
 Mary Rider, dismissed April 6, 1782. 
 
 Deborah Seems. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 35 
 
 Content Reed, dismissed. 
 
 Mary Reed, dismissed. 
 
 Susanna Samson, died Feb, 6, 1783. 
 
 Mary Winslow. 
 
 Content Winslow. 
 
 While waiting the result of their letter, the 
 following articles for the future government of 
 the church were drawn up and adopted at a 
 church meeting held at Richard Collins's, 
 January 20, 1 781. 
 
 ARTICLE I. 
 
 A church meeting that is appointed or stated, has a right, 
 when met together, to act on matters that arise in the church. 
 If some members neglect the meeting, those who meet have a 
 right to act as they think will be for the glory of God and the 
 advantage of the church. Amen. 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 No member to be received to the Lord's supper, nor as a 
 member of the church, to the grief or burden of any that are 
 wholesome members of the church; but if a person offers to 
 join as a member, and the church receive him save one or two, 
 and if they can produce no reason why they cannot, they shall 
 attend a church meeting, and if the church finds them members 
 have prejudice against the person that offers to join, the church 
 has a right to be a judge and deal with the members for having 
 had against them that offer to join the cause of God and the 
 church of Christ. Amen. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 We do withdraw all fellowship from any brother that goes 
 and joins in shedding of blood, or goes to war for the sake of 
 
36 A SKETCH OF 
 
 honors or money; but if the authorities oblige us to support the 
 war, we grant liberty to our brethren if they can go, to go, or to 
 answer the law as they think proper, judging for themselves as 
 they can answer a clear conscience, as every one must answer 
 for one at the last day. Amen. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 We do not believe it right for one brother to judge over 
 another brother's conscience; but freedom to be granted for 
 each one to go as far as the Lord shows them by his Spirit their 
 duty to do, and they are to judge none nor condemn none 
 because they cannot see so far as they do; therefore we grant 
 liberty for any brother or sister to join in worship of the Lord 
 Jesus wherever they may find a number of Christ's disciples, 
 and to act just as far with them as the Lord teaches them by 
 his Spirit; if it is to commune with them, it be no offence to us. 
 And our elder, when the Lord opens the way for one to take 
 the charge of us, we give him liberty to administer the glorious 
 ordinances of baptism, laying on of hands, or the Lord's supper, 
 to any disciple or disciples of Christ wherever his Lord and 
 Master sends him and opens the doors, and the same freedom 
 and privileges as the other members, having worship and 
 communion wherever he finds Christ's spirit in the children of 
 men. 
 
 ARTICLE V. 
 
 If any brother or sister finds that they can be more benefited 
 by joining any other church, they shall be dismissed, as we do 
 not mean to make the church a prison; they shall have the 
 same door to go out as they had to come in, as the Lord hath 
 granted every person liberty. 
 
 ARTICLE VL 
 
 As it is necessary that the church know each other's minds, 
 how they stand towards the church, and how they fare, both in 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 37 
 
 spiritual and temporal things, to which church meetings are 
 appointed for that purpose, and them members that neglect 
 their duty, and the church receive no information from them in 
 two church meetings, we think it proper to send their minds by 
 some brethren to the church, how they fare in this troublesome 
 world. Amen. 
 
 At the church meeting when the above articles 
 were adopted, Jan. 20, 1781, three brethren 
 were chosen to sign acts or letters in behalf of 
 the church ; James Young, Ichabod Davis, 
 Perrey Davis. At this meeting Jonathan Collins 
 joined the church. A letter from Elder Daniel 
 Hix was also received at this time, in which 
 "he gave them to understand that he would 
 take his lot with them as soon as the way was 
 open for him to live here as to temporal affairs." 
 This, as might be supposed, caused great joy, 
 and such arrangements were made that he was 
 able to move April 5, 1781, into Dartmouth to 
 a life-long pastorate. 
 
 At the March church meeting, the church 
 agreed to prepare a book for the records of the 
 church, and to call upon all the members to 
 fulfil their obligations to God and each other. 
 
 At this meeting, the first case of discipline is 
 recorded as follows : ''Patience Hathaway was 
 admonished by Elder Hix with other brethren 
 in behalf of the church for these reasons, ist, 
 for saying she had more delight in the world's 
 E 
 
38 A SKETCH OF 
 
 company than in Christian company. I Tim. 
 V, 6, 7. 2ndly, for declaring that she would draw 
 as many of the church into sin as she could, 
 which is contrary to the doctrine of Christ and 
 the apostles. Matt. VI, 24; Heb. ill, 13. 
 
 The first death in the church occurred soon 
 after, that of Jemima Edwards, May 21, 1781. 
 
 The separate organization of the church was 
 effected June 2, 1781. The church members 
 met by appointment, and after Elder Jacob 
 Hix had expressed his fellowship for them as a 
 sister church, the church formally chose Elder 
 Daniel Hix for its pastor, which position *'he 
 accepted until further light doth appear." He 
 also joined the church with his wife about this 
 time. ''Brother Richard Collins was chosen 
 first deacon at this meeting." 
 
 The next month, July 7, James Young was 
 elected clerk, and several brethren chosen as a 
 committee to act in behalf of the church. 
 
 The following is the confession of faith and 
 covenant of the church, probably adopted June 
 2, 1781. 
 
ELDER DANIEL IHX. 39 
 
 The Confession of Faith and Covenant of the 
 Baptist Church of Christ in Dartmouth, under 
 the pastoral care of Elder Daniel Hix, organ- 
 ized May 21, \j8q, 
 
 Art I. We believe that there is but one only living and true 
 God, who is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in his 
 being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. 
 Deut. VI, 4; John, iv, 24; Psalm CXLVII, 5; James, i, 17; 
 Isaiah, XL, 28. 
 
 Art. 2. That there are three persons in the Godhead, who 
 are but one God, the same in substance, equal in power and 
 glory. I John, V, 7; Phil, ii, 6. 
 
 Art, 3. That the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testa- 
 ments are the words of God, which he hath given as our only 
 perfect rule of faith and practice. II Tim. iii, 15, 17. 
 
 Art. 4. That God, who is infinite in knowledge, and per- 
 fectly views all things from everlasting to everlasting, hath 
 foreordained whatsoever comes to pass, either by his order or 
 permission, shall work for the eternal glory of his great name. 
 Acts, XV, 18; Rom. IX, 17, 23; Acts, ii, 23; II Tim. ill, 16. 
 
 Art. 5. In the beginning God created the heavens and 
 earth, the sea and all that in them is; and he upholds, governs 
 all things by the word of his power. Ex. XX, 1 1 ; Heb. I, 5 ; 
 Dan. XI, 35. 
 
 Art. 6. That God made man in his own image in knowledge, 
 righteousness and true holiness, and made with him a covenant 
 of life, the conditions whereof were perfect obedience. Gen. 
 n, 16, 17; Gal. II, 10. 
 
 Art. 7. Man, being left to himself, soon fell from that 
 happy and glorious estate in which he was created, by eating 
 the forbidden fruit, whereby he brought himself and his posterity 
 into a state of death. Gen. ill, 6; Rom. v, 12, 19. 
 
 Art. 8. Man being thus dead, his help and recovery is 
 wholly in and from God. Heb. X, 9; Ephesians, II, 8, 6. 
 
40 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Art. 9. God the Father, of his mere good pleasure, from all 
 eternity hath chosen a number of poor lost men in Christ Jesus, 
 to eternal salvation. Rom. viii, 29, 30; Ephesians, I, 4, 5. 
 
 Art. 10. Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, hath come 
 into the world and taken on him human nature, and in that 
 nature hath yielded a perfect obedience to the law that we have 
 broken, and suffered death for our sins, and hath brought in a 
 complete and everlasting righteousness, and risen and ascended 
 to the right hand of God, and ever liveth to make intercession 
 for us. Heb. x, 1-9; 11, 4; vii, 25. 
 
 Art. II. The Holy Ghost, and he only, can and doth make 
 particular application of the redemption purchased by Christ to 
 every elect soul. John, iii, 5; XYI, 7, 15. 
 
 Art. 12. The Spirit of God applies this redemption by 
 convincing us of our sinful, lost and miserable condition, and 
 then to discovering the glorious Savior as he is offered to us in 
 the gospel, in his suitableness and sufficiency, and enabling us 
 to embrace him with our whole soul, whereby he is made unto 
 us wisdom, righteousness and sanctification. John, xvi, 8, 
 12; I Cor. I, 30. 
 
 Art. 13. The life of religion consists in the knowledge of 
 God and conformity to him in the inward man, which necessarily 
 produceth an external conformity to his word, and brings us to 
 live in obedience to his holy will in all our ways and in our 
 several places and relations. John, xvii, 3; Matthew, xxill, 
 26; Ephesians, ii, 2. 
 
 Art. 14. True believers, being invited to Jesus Christ, by 
 faith have communion with God and his Spirit; they are united 
 to each other and communion one with another, whereby they 
 are made partakers of each other's gifts and graces. I John, i, 
 3; Rom. I, 11; Phil. I, 7. 
 
 Art. 15. We believe that the first day of the week, com- 
 monly called the Lord's day, is the Christian sabbath. John, 
 XX, 19, 26; Rev. I, 10; Heb. iv, 8, 9, 10. 
 
 Art. 16. That God hath appointed the ordinance of civil 
 government, of defending of the poor as well as the rich in their 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 4I 
 
 civil rights and privileges; and the civil magistrate's work is to 
 banish moral evils, and to encourage moral virtue, without 
 touching upon conscience or pretending to dictate and govern 
 in the worship of the eternal God, which belongs to Jesus Christ 
 the great Law-giver and Head of his church. Rom. xill, 1-4; 
 I Peter, n, 13, 15; I Tim, i, 8, 9, 10; Matt, xxiir, 8, 9, lO; 
 Luke, XXII, 25, 26; Isa. xxxiii, 20, 22. 
 
 Art. 17. We believe there will be a general resurrection, 
 both of the just and unjust, and that God hath appointed a day 
 in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus 
 Christ and will reward every man according to his works, when 
 the wicked shall be sent into everlasting punishment, and the 
 righteous be received into life eternal. John, V, 28, 29; 
 Romans, II, 16; Matt. XVI, 27; xxv, 34, 41. 
 
 SECOND PART. 
 
 CONCERNING CHURCH AFFAIRS. 
 
 Art. I. We believe that a visible church of Christ is a 
 number of his saints and people by mutual acquaintance and 
 communion voluntarily and understandingly covenanting and 
 embodying together for the w£>rship and service of God. 
 I Peter, ii, 5; I Cor. I, 2; Acts, n, 42, 47. 
 
 Art. 2. That baptism and the Lord's supper are ordinances 
 of Christ, to be continued until his second coming, and that the 
 former is requisite to the latter; that is to say, that those are to 
 be admitted into the communion of the church, and to partake 
 of all its ordinances, who upon profession of their faith have 
 been baptized by immersion in the name of the Father and of 
 the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxvni, 19, 20; I Cor. 
 XI, 23, 26; Acts, II, I, 4; IX, 18, 26; Rom. vi, 4; I John, 
 in, 2, 3. 
 
 Art. 3. Since none but saints can rightly partake of these 
 ordinances, therefore the door of the church should be carefully 
 kept at all times against all such as cannot give a spiritual 
 E^ 
 
42 A SKETCH OF 
 
 evidence of their union to Christ by faith. I Cor. xi, 27, 29; 
 Matt. VII, 6, 15, 20; Eze. XLiv, 7, 9; Isa. XXVI, 2. 
 
 Art. 4. A church thus gathered hath power to choose 
 and ordain those officers that Christ hath appointed in his 
 church, viz., bishops or elders, and deacons, and also to 
 dispossess such officers as evidently appear to walk contrary to 
 the gospel, disciplining their members therein; in some such 
 cases it is convenient and profitable to request the advice of 
 neighboring churches of Christ. Acts, I, 21-26; VI, 3; Num. 
 ni, 10; Acts, XV, 6. 
 
 Art. 5. A bishop or elder hath no more power to decide 
 any case or controversy in the church than any private brother; 
 yet they, having a superior gift for teaching and ruling, ought 
 to exercise and improve the same for the benefit of the church, 
 and the church ought to be subject to the gifts. Believing that 
 the minister is from the Lord while he is rightly acting in his 
 place, whose work is to lead in the acting of the church and to 
 administer the sacraments, and devote himself to the work of 
 teaching, warning, rebuking and exhorting the people publicly 
 and from house to house. Matt. XX, 25, 28; I Peter, v, 3; 
 Matt. XXVIII, 19; Acts, XX, 20; xxviii, 31. 
 
 Art. 6. The deacon's office is to take care of the poor, and 
 to have the oversight of the temporal affiiirs of the church, and 
 to minister at the Lord's table. Acts, vi, 2; I Tim. ill, 8, 15. 
 
 Art. 7. Every saint is commanded to be faithful to improve 
 every gift and talent that is bestowed on him, in order to which 
 there ought to be such gospel freedom that the church may 
 know where every particular gift is, that it may be improved in 
 its end even to the glory of God and good of his people, and 
 the church ought to be subject to such improvement. Rom. 
 XIII, 5-8; I Peter, iv, 10, 11. 
 
 COVENANT. 
 
 We do now, in the presence of the great all-seeing and most 
 glorious God, and before angels and men, give up ourselves to 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 43 
 
 the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as our portion 
 forever. We give up ourselves unto the Lord Jesus Christ and 
 adhere to him as the head of his people in the covenant of 
 grace, and rely on him as our Prophet, Priest and King, to bring 
 us to eternal blessedness; and acknowledge our everlasting and 
 indispensable obligation to glorify him by living a holy, righteous 
 and godly life in this present world in our several places and 
 relations; and we do engage, by the assistance of the Divine 
 Spirit, to improve all our time and strength, talents and advan- 
 tages, for his glory and the good of our fellow-men, promising 
 by divine help to walk in our houses with a perfect heart, and 
 to train up those under our care in the ways of God; and we 
 give up ourselves to one another in covenant, promising to act 
 towards each other as brethren in Christ, watching over one 
 another in the love of God, and to watch not only against them 
 that are reckoned more grosser evils, but also against all foolish 
 talking and jesting which generates strife, disregarding promises 
 and not fulfilling of engagements, tattling and backbiting, spend- 
 ing time idly at taverns or elsewhere, and vain and unnecessary 
 worldly conversation on Lord's days, and whatsoever else that is 
 contrary to sound doctrine to the gospel of Christ, promising to 
 hold communion together in the ordinances and discipline of 
 his church, according as we are or shall be guided by the Spirit 
 of God in his word, expecting that he will yet further and 
 gloriously open his word and the mysteries of his kingdom, 
 flying to the blood of the everlasting covenant for the pardon of 
 our many errors, praying that the Lord would prepare and 
 strengthen us for every good work to do his will, working in us 
 that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to 
 whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 
 
 (Copied by James Young, November ye i6, 1787.) 
 
 Thus a church was organized, which for 
 successful work and influence during the next 
 fifty years, has been seldom equaled. Arrange- 
 
44 A SKETCH OF 
 
 ments were soon after made for a public in- 
 stallation, which took place October lo, 1781. 
 A council composed of Elder Jacob Hix of 
 
 Rehoboth, Elder Sheldon from , and 
 
 Elder Enoch Goff from Dighton, with lay dele- 
 gates from each church, assembled. "Elders 
 Hix and Sheldon, with their brethren, expressed 
 full fellowship for the sister church. Elder 
 Goff could not grant liberty of conscience as 
 explained in the fourth article of the church 
 by-laws, but otherwise joined and fellowshipped 
 them." Elder Goff preached an able sermon 
 from Acts, XX, 28 ; and Elder Jacob Hix gave 
 the charge of the church to his brother in a 
 solemn and impressive manner. 
 
 Brother Richard Collins was ordained at this 
 time the first deacon of the church. 
 
 The course of Elder Goff and his brethren 
 makes it evident that the Dartmouth church 
 occupied a somewhat different position from 
 many other Calvinist churches, which ultimately 
 prepared the way for its secession from the 
 Baptist denomination. It is well known that 
 many of the early settlers of Dartmouth were 
 Friends ; and that their views of spiritual 
 guidance were represented in this fourth article, 
 is beyond a question. The ideas of religious 
 liberality seem in advance of the age, and to this 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 45 
 
 spirit of progress we attribute much of their 
 subsequent prosperity. 
 
 The social condition of the country at this 
 time was not encouraging. The revolutionary 
 war was still in progress ; one hundred dollars in 
 specie were equal to four thousand dollars in 
 continental currency; which, with hardships 
 and general poverty, must have been very de- 
 pressing. It seems strange to people living 
 here to-day, that a church could have been 
 formed under such circumstances. Yet there 
 were elements of .strength here ; the people 
 were hardy, persevering, and determined, in 
 whatever they undertook; whether they made 
 shingles or preached the gospel, it was done 
 with energy. Their emotions were strong, if 
 reason was uncultivated ; and settled religious 
 conviction often gave depth and stability of 
 character, where school advantages were want- 
 ing. 
 
 In the Summer of 1780, Elder Daniel Hix 
 baptized, on his visits to Dartmouth, Ira Phillips, 
 who afterwards became a preacher; Mary 
 Gillat; Elizabeth Chase; a person named Car- 
 penter; Mary Booth; Sarah Handy; Darkis 
 Wampom; Church Winslow; Jonathan Latin 
 (or Lawton) ; and Sally Reed. On his twenty- 
 fifth birthday, Nov. 30, 1780, he baptized Luce 
 
46 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Durfee; Jan. 12, 1 781, he baptized PoJly Read ; 
 March 29, two colored persons, names unknown, 
 went forward. The first candidates after he 
 moved here were Jeams Gifford, May 6, 1781, 
 who was afterwards deacon of the church ; and 
 Desiar Mitchel. These were the last baptized 
 until August, 1784. 
 
 No stated salary seems to have been agreed 
 on, but some accounts were kept in Elder Hix's 
 handwriting. The people moved his goods 
 from the Ferry, and hired a house with some 
 improvements for one year, for which they paid 
 £'j 10 S. They also paid for ferriage, 9 s. 
 The Spring he moved, the church paid for 
 hay to keep his cow and sheep, £1 10 s. 
 In October, 1781, he went a journey to Rich- 
 mond (probably N. H.,) which expense was 
 met by a contribution of 15 shillings. The 
 first year. Deacon Collins kept eight sheep for 
 him ; he also gave him a likely shote, and let 
 him have his oxen several days to plow and 
 draw firewood. In the Fall after he moved. 
 Elder Hix writes, "George Gelatte, with his 
 brother John, gave me a quarter of beef, 100 
 lbs., and the first Winter they kept a cow for 
 me half the Winter." Bro. William Right kept 
 his cow the rest of that Winter. This year 
 Elder Hix preached ninety-nine sermons ; the 
 second year, one hundred and fifty. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 4/ 
 
 As far as known, his salary for 1782 was as 
 follows: "In the Spring Deacon Collins sent a 
 boy and oxen to plow one day; " in September 
 three days more ; in December, oxen, cart and 
 boy one day, drawing wood, and gave him 70 
 lbs. beef. William Right gave one day's work 
 making shingles, one day chopping wood, and 
 one day mowing. John Rogers chopped wood 
 for him one day, and gave him one bushel of 
 rye. Bro. Alexander Mason brought a load of 
 corn for him from the Ferry this year. Abraham 
 Ashley also gave him one and a half bushels of 
 rye. Mr. Benjamin Winslow kept his horse 
 for him during the Winter of 1782. This year 
 he received from Stephen Andrews, who after- 
 wards became a church member, ''five days' 
 work drawing logs with oxen and plowing, and 
 a gammon of pork." Bro. John Andrews gave 
 him half a sheep, a gammon of beef, and made 
 a pair of shoes for him. Some time this year 
 "Lydia Chace, Mercy Perce, Phebe Fisher, 
 Molly Winslow and Rhoda Collins gave one 
 day's work each, breaking wool, also some days' 
 washing when Mrs. Hix was poorly." " Also," 
 he says, "other sisters showed a willing mind 
 from time to time in small things to help us in 
 this troublesome world." This shows conclu- 
 sively that his principal reliance was on the 
 
48 A SKETCH OF 
 
 cultivation of his own fields or making wooden- 
 ware. 
 
 For the year 1783-4, the following items are 
 recorded. "Deacon Collins again sent a boy 
 and team to plow two and one half days, and 
 gave him a small shote ; in September and 
 November two or three days more plowing, 
 with a number of small articles from his wife, 
 which was a help to support the gospel; in 
 September, 1784, one half-bushel of corn, and 
 team to plow an acre." 
 
 In 1784, Gideon Rogers gave him four days' 
 work. In the Fall of 1784 Bro. William Right 
 lent him a beast to ride on to Cumberland, and 
 worked for him one day. John Rogers went 
 with him to Rehoboth after corn three days, and 
 worked one day beside. Bro. Jeams Gifford 
 gave one day's work in 1783, and soon after 8 
 lbs. of sugar ; in November, 1 784, he gave him a 
 pair of shoes for Mrs. Hix. Bro. David Bullock 
 gave one day's mowing and a bushel of potatoes. 
 In March, 1783, Bro. Abiel Davis worked with 
 team two days. Bro. Alexander Mason in 1783 
 drew several loads of wood for him, and gave 
 him a number of small articles; in May, 1784, 
 he gave his pastor the following, — *' several 
 hundred of hay, half a bushel of potatoes, half 
 a pound of tea, a bottle of rum, with other 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 49 
 
 things that helped him"; in September **he 
 plowed one' and one half days and drew in 
 the corn, and in November he worked with his 
 team drawing stones three or four days more." 
 He also gave his minister cloth for a pair of 
 breeches and coat, worth i6 s. 3 d. In the 
 years 1783-4, Abraham Ashley ''contributed 
 meat from time to time, one half-bushel potatoes, 
 one bushel of corn, four lbs. sugar, some tea, 
 one lb. coffee, some fish, besides other neces- 
 saries of great service." John Gillat worked 
 two days in 1783, went to Rehoboth with him 
 after, a cow, and in 1784 gave him enough logs 
 to make a thousand feet of boards. In March, 
 1783, Edmund Davis worked one day, and Bro. 
 John Harrason made him two pairs of shoes. 
 It was probably this year that he says, ** Sister 
 Mary Babcock made me a cotton shirt, also a 
 number of small articles, which manifested a 
 willing mind." *' Also a number of sisters gave 
 me three cotton shirts, and Betsa Latin gave 
 me one jacket." This closes the record for 
 1784. 
 
 Without doubt the same custom was continued 
 from year to year ; the men who chose worked 
 on his farm, and with the various articles con- 
 tributed, and much personal labor, he was not 
 only able to preach, but gradually acquire 
 
50 A SKETCH OF 
 
 property. It is surprising that he could do 
 this, but the plain, inexpensive habits of that 
 day, with the gradual rise of real estate and the 
 sale of lumber, enabled many of the people to 
 do the same. 
 
 The reason of his success in the ministry 
 appears plain, when we consider all the circum- 
 stances around him. Though not educated in a 
 scholarly sense, he was truly educated for his 
 place and the people. His strong common- 
 sense enabled him to grasp intuitively the 
 principles underlying human nature and apply 
 them in practical life. He was perhaps not 
 broad in his ideas, but he was thorough, and 
 his papers give the idea of exactness, with at 
 least a cultivation in advance of his people. 
 Few in that day had even the advantages of a 
 common-school education ; he certainly had its 
 equivalent, for agreements and wills are pre- 
 served in his own handwriting, which show that 
 he was sometimes employed in draughting such 
 papers. He was intense, direct and positive in 
 his convictions. His knowledge of the Bible 
 was great; and if ignorant of the science of 
 logic, his arguments were adapted to his hearers, 
 and convincing. His personality too had some- 
 thing to do with his success ; what he said he 
 believed, and his people knew it; he feared 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 5 I 
 
 no danger, and there was a power in his strong 
 voice which was not often resisted ; he was of 
 the people and they knew he was in sympathy 
 with them, and that sympathy, with a dry 
 humor, doubtless helped his popularity. 
 
 The first year of his pastorate, he lived in a 
 house which stood a short distance west from 
 Jason Phillips's. The next year, he removed to 
 Wright Lyne's farm, better known as the John 
 Millard place. He seems to have bought or 
 hired one half the farm and house, in company 
 with Stephen Andrews, and lived here eight 
 years in one part of the house, while Stephen 
 and his wife Jemima occupied the other. One 
 incident during this time is worth recording. 
 A girl came to Jemima to borrow some corn 
 meal, but she, being somewhat quick-tempered, 
 refused in a fretful way to let her have any, and 
 the girl went away. In a moment, conscience- 
 smitten, she prayed for forgiveness, and calling 
 the girl back, gave her what she wanted. Aunt 
 Mary Hix saw the affair, and asked Jemima 
 why she changed her mind. Her reply was, 
 **I had to do it to crucify natur." 
 
 While he resided here, Elder Hix saw some 
 trials in the church, and also a revival. The 
 church meeting of Oct. 5, 1782, elected James 
 Gifford deacon in place of Abiel Davis, which 
 
52 A SKETCH OF 
 
 he accepted the following month, and in Feb- 
 ruary, 1783, Brother Alexander Mason was 
 unanimously chosen to act as deacon. 
 
 The second death in the church was Abigail 
 Erls, Sept. 20, 1782 ; and the third was Susanna 
 Samson, the next February. 
 
 The year 1783 brought some trials in connec- 
 tion with James Gifford's election as deacon, 
 which he ended by resigning, July 3, 1784, 
 leaving Dea. Collins with only Dea. Mason to 
 assist him. 
 
 The religious interest began to increase about 
 this time, and Hannah Raymond was baptized 
 in August. The church meeting of this month 
 is referred to as one remarkable for spirituality 
 and power. This Fall Ruth Mitchel and Lydia 
 Chase the aged were baptized, and Jan. 3, 
 1785, Peleg Babcock and Chloe Hathaway. 
 This was the beginning of a glorious reforma- 
 tion. In January, 1785, Bro. Rufus Blossom 
 came from Elder Jacob Hix's church, and was 
 received as a member here, and a Widow 
 Seems, who had been baptized some time be- 
 fore, also joined the church. At this meeting 
 "Content Reed was dismissed for idle talk, 
 foolish jesting, neglecting religious duties, and 
 joining friendship with the world." 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 53 
 
 At the February church meeting, Bro. Perrey 
 Davis, who had been Hcensed to preach, was 
 recommended as pastor to the church at Cum- 
 berland, R. I., the letter closing as follows: 
 "And now, brethren, if you are fully persuaded 
 that 'tis God's holy will to have him come and 
 improve amongst you, we can fellowship you, 
 but if not, touch not our beloved brother." 
 The confidence expressed in Bro. Davis seems 
 to have been fully merited. He removed to 
 Cumberland, where he labored very acceptably 
 until just before his death from consumption, 
 Dec. 3, 1787, at the age of twenty-seven years, 
 leaving the brightest evidences of a future 
 immortality. 
 
 The year 1785 was an eventful one to the 
 church. In March, finding no dwelling-house 
 was large enough to hold the people, the first 
 meeting-house was begun, and was finished the 
 first of June ; the work was accompanied wuth 
 much revival interest, and the house was filled 
 during the Summer months with attentive con- 
 gregations. This house was built on the site 
 now occupied by the church, and was a plain 
 building, furnished with seats instead of pews, 
 and warmed by a charcoal fire kindled on a 
 hearth in the centre of the room. 
 
54 A SKETCH OF 
 
 The persons baptized in 1785 were as follows : 
 Feb. 28, Stoughton Booth, Keziah Mason, 
 Patience Mosher; May 3, Elizabeth Strange, 
 Anna Wording; in June, Mary Soule, Sarah 
 Strange and Elizabeth Bennett; in August, 
 Eunice Tabor, Mary Cooke, Submit Booth and 
 Abigail Bennett ; also later in the month, Sarah 
 Rider with Charita Mosher; Sept. 3, James 
 Woodmansea, Rhoda Woodmansea; Sept. 10, 
 Stephen Devoll; on the 25 th, William Collins. 
 
 The first part of October, 1785, Elder Hix 
 went a journey to Grafton, N. H., probably on 
 a visiting and preaching tour. He came home 
 on the 29th, having travelled 450 miles and 
 preached seventeen times. He also baptized, 
 perhaps in Grafton, William Bowen, Josiah 
 Bowen, and James Wheeler. 
 
 In November, Phebe Howland, Lidey Wood- 
 mansea and Tucker Tabor were baptized. Bro. 
 Tabor afterwards became a preacher, and held 
 meetings in his neighborhood (Long Plain,) 
 with unusual success. Dec. 6, Bro. Alexander 
 Mason was ordained deacon. One more, Grace 
 Coombs, was baptized in December, which 
 closes the record of baptisms for the year. 
 
 In July of this year, Simeon Clark was 
 received as a member from Elder Simmons's 
 church in Freetown. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 55 
 
 The year 1786 was ushered in with one 
 baptism, that of Jireh Bennett, while the meet- 
 ings continued very spiritual. Four others 
 were baptized this year, Roby Ward, Isaiah 
 Peckham, Jemima Howlan, and Patience How- 
 Ion ; and the deaths included Sibbil Pearce 
 Bullock and Elizabeth Strange. 
 
 This year was memorable also for the first 
 general meeting or association. The record is 
 as follows : 
 
 Elder Silas Burrus of Groton, Elder Philip Jerkins of South 
 Kingstown, passing amongst us on a journey, and informing us 
 of a general meeting appointed for further acquaintance and if 
 the Lord would that they might become one, they gave us notice 
 of the meeting and a request to attend, which we take into con- 
 sideration, and agree to attend, and made choice of our beloved 
 Elder to attend the meeting at Groton, June 20, 1786. 
 
 Our beloved Elder attended the general meeting the 20th and 
 2 1st days of June, 1786, was blessed with an agreeable visit, 
 found an agreement with several churches, and opened fellow- 
 ship M'ith them, viz.. Elder Jason Lee of Lyme, Elder Zadock 
 Darrow of New London, Elder Silas Burrus of Groton, Elder 
 Isaac Wilcox of Westerly, Elder Philip Jenkins of North 
 Kingstown, Elder William Northup, South Kingstown, with 
 ours under the care of Elder Daniel Hix. 
 
 After the business was done, Elder Hix 
 preached from Song of Solomon, I, 8 ; and 
 Elder Northup from Eph. II, 19, 20. The 
 conference closed with a prayer meeting and 
 
$6 A SKETCH OF 
 
 communion. Another meeting was appointed 
 at Westerly, the third sabbath in June, 1787. 
 
 In September, 1786, Elder Hix and Bro. 
 Edmund Davis were sent by the church to 
 Grafton to assist in ordaining a preacher and 
 deacons. They went to Cumberland and visited 
 Bro. Perrey Davis, and meeting Elder Jacob 
 Hix, proceeded to Grafton, where they found 
 the brethren in union and love. The council, 
 composed of delegates from Dartmouth, Reho- 
 both and Canaan, convened Sept. 27, and 
 agreed to ordain Bro. Williams as Elder and 
 Elkanah Phillips as Deacon. Elder Jacob 
 Hix preached, also Elder Daniel, from the text, 
 *' Preach the word," and the brethren exhorted. 
 It is spoken of as a spiritual season. The next 
 day, 28th, Elder Hix set out for Richmond, 
 where he arrived the 30th, attended meeting 
 there on Sunday, and on Monday started for 
 home, where he arrived on Thursday. 
 
 Another member of the church, Grace 
 Coombs, died about this time in full assurance 
 of faith. 
 
 In the beginning of 1787, a revival began in 
 the place called Long Plain, as nearly as can be 
 ascertained under the labors of Tucker Tabor, 
 who lived there. Near this time Lucy Babcock 
 was baptized ; and in February, John Summer- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 5/ 
 
 ton and Peace Hammon. These probably lived 
 in or near Dartmouth, and we know that Ruth 
 Kimpton, who was baptized March 12, lived in 
 New Bedford. 
 
 This year Elder Daniel Hix extended his 
 work, and he afterwards formed branch churches 
 of members who lived too far away to attend 
 the meetings in Dartmouth. They were con- 
 sidered however as members of his church, and 
 he visited them often to baptize and hold com- 
 munion services. It is difficult to tell sometimes 
 where his members lived, for his work and 
 influence extended far and wide. 
 
 March 18, Preserved Merihew, Anna Merihew 
 and Rebecca Summerton were baptized ; March 
 20, Thomas Tabor, Mary Easterbrooks, Abigail 
 Rightington; April 3, Comfort Tabor, Patience 
 Rightington, Phebe Caine ; April 16, Mary 
 Sands, Phebe Blackamore, Experience Fuller; 
 April 27, 1787, John Blackamore, Ruth Caine. 
 May 29th, 1787, the following named persons 
 were baptized : Robert Brownin, Sarah Tabor 
 the aged, Lucy Spooner, Hope Hamilton, and 
 Deborah Weston. 
 
 April 27th, 1787, the branch church at Long 
 Plain was formed by Elder Hix, with seventeen 
 members. Elder Jacob Hix visited the place, 
 and preached at Brother Summerton's May 
 
58 A SKETCH OF 
 
 29th. The first Sunday in July, Elder Daniel 
 Hix baptized at Long Plain, Luis Gifford, Jenne 
 Weston, Sarah Blackemore, Desire Soge, Rhoda 
 Rouse, Remember Gifford, Weltha Tabor, Lydia 
 Merihew. He says: **A powerful time. 
 Blessed be the good God for continuing his 
 work." He probably came home soon, and 
 baptized Parnal Russell July 15; July 28, 
 Sarah Maffet was baptized ; the next month the 
 26th, he baptized at Long Plain, Simeon Fuller, 
 Mary Greay, Lydia Tabor, Jediah Tabor, 
 Eleanor Gifford, Mary Keene, and Sarah Soge. 
 Sept. 16, he writes, "Thanks to God for the 
 outpouring of his spirit." He baptized this 
 same day Ruby Phillips and Mercy Ashley. 
 **This was a very powerful day." On Sept. 30, 
 Rebecca Gifford was baptized. 
 
 Some time after the general meeting (Groton 
 Conference) he writes : '*We, Elder Hix and 
 Deacon Mason, attended our general meeting; 
 Elder J. Hix joined and had a comfortable 
 time ; about two hundred members joined the 
 several churches in union the year past; ap- 
 pointed the next yearly meeting at Elder 
 Northup's church." 
 
 Oct. 3, Priscilla Joinson, Melinthe Joinson 
 and Permelia Durfee went forward in baptism, 
 and the nth Rebecca Southard. About this 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 59 
 
 time Elder Hix made a tour through the country ; 
 having arranged to meet with the branch church 
 on the last Saturday of each month, he went 
 through Freetown, where he baptized, Oct. 30, 
 Israel Burton, Mercy Stanton, and Huldy Stan- 
 ton. It is not probable his tour was a long one, 
 as the next record is the baptism of Samuel 
 Shearman, and soon after Betsa Sears and Mary 
 Samson. Nov. 25, Judah Browning. Dec. 9, 
 Zilva Davis was baptized. 
 
 In March, 1788, Elder Hix attended a meet- 
 ing at Mr. Rounseville's, probably in Freetown, 
 which he says "was a powerful day; great 
 apparent conviction ; O Lord, I thank thy 
 name." At this time he baptized John Law- 
 rence, Ichabod Johnson, Hulda Reynolds, Han- 
 nah Braley, Hannah Norton, and Polly Pitts ; 
 April I, Mary Bly. At a meeting at Mr. 
 Summerton's, John Gray and Ebenezer Keene 
 were baptized, April 9. The next day, loth. 
 Elder Hix had a meeting at Deacon Rounse- 
 ville's,* and baptized William Rounseville, Moses 
 Norton, Dorothea Howlon, and Freelove Norton. 
 
 The Summer and Fall of 1788 were a busy 
 time for Elder Hix, as he was continually 
 
 * William Rounseville, born 1769, became an ordained minister and 
 a remarkably eloquent speaker, and he represented the town of 
 Freetown in the General Court for ten years. He died Nov. 13, 1816. 
 
60 A SKETCH OF 
 
 traveling through Freetown, Long Plain, New 
 Bedford and Dartmouth, preaching and bap- 
 tizing in each place. The following named 
 persons were baptized : in New Bedford, April 
 19, Amos Bennett, Rube Hammett; April 22, 
 in Middleborough, Elizabeth Bly, OHve Hinds, 
 Lydia Hardin. April 23d, in Freetown, he 
 writes, ** This neighborhood is greatly shaken 
 by the mighty power of God." The converts 
 here were Abraham Ashley, Roger Haskell, 
 Isaac Haskell, Noah Crapo, William Ashley, 
 Tabor Ashley, Joseph Braley, Consider Crapo, 
 Jr., Waty Crapo, Mary Ashley, Cynthy Crapo. 
 He also baptized in Freetown, May 8, Benjamin 
 Braley, Richard Crapo, Azubah Crapo, Eliza- 
 beth Haskell; May 15, Sarah Davis; May 19, 
 in Rochester, George Braley and Sarah Had- 
 way; May 21, in Middleborough, Thankful 
 Macomber, Anna Ashley, Betsa Luis; May 28, 
 Olive Davis, Rachel Booth; June 5, at Middle- 
 borough again, John Hinds was baptized ; in 
 Freetown, June 10, Hope Capron, Peace Borden, 
 Isaac Boomer. In Freetown, June 24, Elder 
 Jacob Hix preached, and Elder Daniel bap- 
 tized Elizabeth Freelove and Patience Bordin. 
 He went to Freetown again July i, and baptized 
 a person named Terry and Rachel Bordin; 
 from there to Rochester, and baptized Sarah 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 6 1 
 
 Shearman. All this time there was much revival 
 interest at home, for Elder Hix writes, July 6, 
 " A powerful day, many poor souls in distress, 
 and saints rejoice." At this time he baptized 
 John Armitage, Keturah Booth, Mercy Shear- 
 man, and Welthy Crapo. July 8, he had a 
 meeting in Freetown at Mr. Rounseville's, and 
 baptized Sarah Rounsevill, Benjamin Mason, 
 Gabril Rounsevill, Asa Braly, Easter Borgine, 
 Hope White, Hannah Fuller, Delilah Rounsevill, 
 and Lucy Braly ; two days after in Middleborough, 
 George Douglass, Thomas Rounciville, Philena 
 Rounsevill; July i8, at Freetown Narrows, 
 Phreborn Francis ; July 27, at Freetown meeting- 
 house, Luke Hall and William Hall; Aug. i, at 
 Gershom Woddle's in Freetown, Rachel Woddle 
 and Sarah Woddle; Aug. 10, Caleb Peckum. 
 Aug. 14, Elder Goff preached at Long Plain 
 meeting-house, and Isaac Walker, Silas Sweet, 
 Mary Sweet and Lydia Hammet were baptized. 
 This was another solemn day. The next Sun- 
 day at Cranberry Neck, Hannah Randall and 
 Bathsheba Peattis were baptized ; at Stephen 
 Southard's, Aug. 29, Susanna Bennett; in 
 Rochester, Sept. 2, Lienor Winslow; in Dart- 
 mouth, 7th, Widow Armatage; on the 28th, at 
 ** the Lewis meeting-house," Elizabeth Sears, 
 Sarah Ashley, Huldah Larronce, Mary Purron- 
 G 
 
62 A SKETCH OF 
 
 ton ; Oct. 7, at John Hinds's, a person named 
 Ashley, and Tamer Rowland. This closes the 
 list of baptisms for 1788. 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 63 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 PREACHING TOUR ; REVIVAL OF 1794-5 ; DOCTRINAL 
 DISCUSSIONS ; COUNCIL IN FREETOWN ; REVIVAL 
 OF 1 801-2 ; ORDINATION OF ELDER IRA PHILLIPS ; 
 GREAT REVIVAL OF 1805-6; ELI AS SMITH ; SER- 
 MON OF ELDER HIX ; CHANGE OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 In the year 1788 a convention or council was 
 held with ** Elder Lewis's church," when it was 
 seen that while no perfect agreement could be 
 attained on the doctrine of election, yet " most of 
 the members could fellowship Elder Hix's 
 church and gave their members liberty to com- 
 mune with it, but would dismiss none to its 
 watch-care." They opened their house how- 
 ever and worshipped with Elder Hix when he 
 came the last Saturday in May, and from this 
 time Elder Hix seems to have attended the 
 church meetings. 
 
 At the general meeting held in June, "there 
 was great fellowship and union among the 
 churches ; Elder Jeams Sheldon and church 
 joined the Conference at this meeting. Elder 
 Jason Lee of Lyme preached from Gen. XXIV, 
 
64 A SKETCH OF 
 
 27, and was followed by exhortations from other 
 ministers and brethren." 
 
 About this time Bro. Ira Phillips of the Dart- 
 mouth church made some trouble, for a com- 
 mittee was chosen to labor with him. 
 
 At the August church meeting in Elder 
 Lewis's church, Bros. Ebenezer Keene and Silas 
 Sweet were chosen first and second deacons,* 
 and the meetings at this time are spoken of as 
 being ** comfortable seasons, and the church 
 walking in harmony and love." "In November 
 two members of Elder Lewis's church joined, 
 Hannah Keene and Hannah Durfee." Others 
 whose names are recorded on preceding pages 
 were baptized and joined the church from time 
 to time. 
 
 In March, 1 789, Robert Demoranville, Abigail 
 Tinkham and Anna Raymond were baptized ; 
 in May five others. Experience White, George 
 Tabor, another person named Tabor, with 
 Bathsheba Blackinsher, and one named Clark. 
 
 * The meeting here spoken of was probably a meeting of the church 
 organized at Long Plain in 1787 by Elder Hix and his brother, and 
 held in an old Calvinist Baptist church in which an Elder Lewis then 
 or formerly preached. Elder Hix's more liberal ideas at length pre- 
 vailed, and the new organization eventually supplanted or absorbed 
 the other. There was also a church in Freetown known as Elder 
 Lewis's church, and in some places where "Elder Lewis's church" 
 is referred to in the church records it is doubtful which of the two is 
 meant. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 6$ 
 
 June 24th and 25th of this year the general 
 meeting was held in Dartmouth. It is said to 
 have been very satisfactory, and reference is 
 made to minutes, which have been lost. 
 . In August Sarah Rogers was baptized. 
 
 The last Saturday in this month, Elder Jacob 
 Hix met with a council at the branch church to 
 ordain Bros. Ebenezer Keene and Silas Sweet 
 as deacons, which was done, Elder Jacob Hix 
 preaching a ''worthy" sermon. In September 
 Samuel Wilkey was baptized. 
 
 Elder Hix in September made quite an ex- 
 tended tour, in company with brothers Keene 
 and George Braley. He first went to Elder 
 Jenkins's, North Kingstown, " where a council 
 was held to settle some difficulties between the 
 Elder and the church ; from thence to Canter- 
 bury, then to Chesterfield, tarried over the 
 sabbath, and after visiting many brethren in 
 different parts of the country he returned home ; 
 having been absent fifty days, rode about seven 
 hundred miles, and preached twenty-five ser- 
 mons." 
 
 The next and last record in the old church 
 book is the admission of Isaac Howlin to mem- 
 bership, Sept. 5, 1790. 
 
66 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Sometime this year Elder Hix bought and 
 removed to the farm on Quann Hill where he 
 died. 
 
 There seems to have been but little revival 
 interest from 1790 to 1793. No doubt Elder 
 Hix pursued his former course of preaching in 
 different places, and his time must have been 
 fully occupied. Two names are recorded in his 
 list of baptisms, June 3, 1792, Mary Reed and 
 Abigail Faunce ; and Nov. 23, Deidah Roben- 
 son. 
 
 There was some revival in 1793, mostly in 
 Middleborough and Rochester. Jan. 25, Joseph 
 Leavet and Betsey Besse were baptized ; in 
 Rochester, the first sabbath in September, 
 Nathaniel Hammond and Thomas Spooner; 
 in Middleborough, John Gammons, Job Shear- 
 man, Sylvanus Thomas, Jedediah Thomas, and 
 Dec. 16 Abial Pearce ; in New Bedford, Dec. 
 29, William Gammons. 
 
 In the Spring of 1794 a great revival began 
 in Dartmouth, which extended to other places. 
 The following named persons were baptized by 
 Elder Hix in the year 1794. They belonged in 
 different places, and joined either the Dart- 
 mouth church or its branches. March i, 1794, 
 in Dartmouth, Rebecca Ashley, Hannah Booth, 
 Pruda Phillips, Abigail Exerter; March 9, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 6"] 
 
 Jemima Marthers, Susanna Baker; March i6, 
 in Freetown, Elizabeth Hathaway; also the 
 next day Niabe Hoskins and Hesikiah Wilboure ; 
 and on the 20th, Susanna Tripp, Hannah Read, 
 and Thankful Crapo ; March 23, in Dartmouth, 
 Jacob Wilbour, Jonathan Petty, Paul Russell, 
 Betsey Fisher, Rebecca Russell, Mary Chase, 
 Lydia Chase; April 6, Stephen Andrews, 
 Nathan Chase, Henery Freelove, Betsa Wilson, 
 Robe Washmon, Ruth Mosher, Sarah Upham, 
 Squier Wheeler, Leaven Crank; in Freetown, 
 April 9, Edward Chase, Mary Hathaway; April 
 10, in Middleborough, Wanton Westgate, An- 
 drew Perrey, John Gammons, jr. April 13 he 
 writes, ''These are the most blessed days I ever 
 saw in my society." This day he baptized, in 
 Dartmouth, Jeremiah Chandler, Jeremiah Chase, 
 Keziah Gelatte, Sarah Wilson ; also April 20, 
 Amos Cornell, jr., Anna Jones, Priscilla Smith, 
 Huldah Bennett; at Consider Crapo's, April 
 24, Lydia Burdin, Christiana Hathaway. In 
 Freetown, April 27, Elder Hix says, ''This day 
 the meeting-house galleries broke and hurt a 
 number of people ; the most surprising scene I 
 ever saw, and as great a surprise to the assembly 
 as if the day of judgment had come." At this 
 date he baptized William Hathaway, John Tobey, 
 Alliance Weston, and Priscilla Weston. May 4, 
 
68 A SKETCH OF 
 
 ("thanks to God for the display of his grace,") 
 he baptized in Dartmouth Isaac Tripp, Eliza- 
 beth Winslow, Rhoda Andrews, Huldah Collins, 
 and Nuport Negeormon.* Again of Dartmouth 
 he says, "The blessing of the Lord is in this 
 place," and baptizes John Gelat, John Winslow, 
 Susanna Macomber. May 15, in Freetown, 
 William White, jr., and Polly Bates; again in 
 Freetown, June i, Lucy Braley; in Dartmouth, 
 June 8, Joseph Baker, Reuben Baker, Sarah 
 Reed, Hannah Wilbour, Hannah Baker; in 
 Rochester, Hannah Tripp, Mariah Ellis; June 
 13, in New Bedford, Desire Swift, Amos Braley, 
 Mary Andrews, Jediah Gifford. June 19, he 
 baptized, in Westerly, R. L, Joanna Wilbur and 
 Thomas Cooper ; in New Bedford 29th, Lemuel 
 Perry, William Hathaway, Widow Martin, 
 Charity Andrews ; in Dartmouth, July 6, Elijah 
 Ellis, Reuben Shearman, Zilva Jucket, Betsey 
 Russell, Phebe Mosher; in Dartmouth, Aug. 3, 
 Lois Shearman, Louise Cornell, Chloe Cornell. 
 Sometime this month Elder Hix went to Sand- 
 wich, where he baptized Phillis Rogers and 
 Lydia Douglass. In New Bedford, Sept. 10, 
 Rube Tabor and Betsa Harvey were baptized. 
 Sept. 14, Elder Hix writes, "At my meeting- 
 
 * Possibly Newport negro man. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 69 
 
 house, Enos Wood and Rebecka Reed were 
 baptized " ; Oct. 5 , another person named Wood, 
 and Polly Chandler, these last on his return 
 from Freetown, where Sept. 24 he had baptized 
 Edward Chase, Polly Chase, Sarah Lucas, and 
 Betsa Chase. In New Bedford, Oct. 17, he 
 baptized Content Drew, Jennie Terry, and 
 Susanna Wilson. Nov. 15, he visited Westerly, 
 R. I., again, and baptized ** three blacks, who 
 joined the church in Westerly." Dec. 1 1 he 
 baptized in Rochester Zephaniah Robinson, 
 Joshua Besse and Experience Ellis, also on the 
 25th at the same place, Melissa Ellis, Charles 
 Tinkham, Jethro Randolph, and Phebe Mireck. 
 
 The revival of this year made it necessary to 
 ordain a colleague with Elder Hix, and John 
 Lawrence was ordained Oct. 23 as his assistant. 
 He preached mostly in East Freetown, and died 
 there some years afterward. He was born in 
 Freetown Aug. 30, 1 76 1. 
 
 It was in the year 1795 that we first get 
 a view of Elder Hix in a religious discussion. 
 A short time previous, a Mr. Swift and wife had 
 left a pedobaptist church, and after being im- 
 mersed by Elder Hix joined his church; and 
 the church from which they came sent through 
 its minister an admonition, dated August, 1795, 
 censuring them severely for their course. The 
 
70 A SKETCH OF 
 
 letter charges them with violating the covenant 
 of grace and displaying pride and bitterness, 
 besides being guilty of the worst kind of perjury. 
 While admitting that Mr. and Mrs. Swift had 
 changed their views on baptism and acted ac- 
 cordingly, Elder Hix proceeds to show in his 
 reply that church fellowship is distinct from 
 Christian fellowship. He states the situation of 
 the parties, and claims that they pursued the 
 only course open to them. He assumes the 
 truth of human depravity, and insists on spiritual 
 regeneration, of which love is the outgrowth ; 
 and claims the freedom of religious belief. He 
 agrees with the writer of the admonition, that 
 the covenant consists of two parts, the outward 
 and inward ; and clearly shows the proper 
 subjects of baptism. His arguments are well 
 stated, and proof texts pertinent. The copies 
 of the letters preserved show a good under- 
 standing, and his propositions are clearly proved. 
 However firmly Elder Hix held his views, he 
 was more liberal than many of that day, and 
 the sentiments advanced show him to be already 
 prepared to embrace the principles of the 
 Christian denomination. 
 
 The year 1795 was not so much a revival 
 season in Dartmouth as in Rochester, New 
 Bedford, and other places. In Rochester meet- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. /I 
 
 ing-house Elder Hix had a solemn season, Jan. 
 23, and baptized at this time Thomas Ellis, 
 David Randolph, Jesse Tripp, Ephraim Tink- 
 ham, and Mariah Tripp. March 15 he visited 
 Rochester again, and baptized Mary Parlor, 
 Anna Robenson, Lydia Dexter, and Bathsheba 
 Tripp. This he says *'was a day of rejoicing." 
 May 17 he baptized in Rochester Unice Ellis, 
 Lydia Westgate, Waty Stephens, and Deliver- 
 ance Ames. During the month of May there 
 was much revival interest in New Bedford ; 
 May 31st he writes, ''Thanks to God for his 
 work in this neighborhood." He baptized here 
 Silas Swift, Deborah Swift, Hannah Sears, 
 Temperance Peirce, and Anna Tabor; June i, 
 he baptized here, Hannah Drew and Bathsheba 
 Swift; in Dartmouth, June 7, Patience Wash- 
 burn ; in Freetown, July 26, Mehetable Ashley. 
 This was probably on his return from Rochester, 
 where on the 19th he had baptized two candidates. 
 The next month in Dartmouth Martha Coombs 
 was baptized; and Sept. 5, at Bro. Lincoln's in 
 Rochester, Widow Mary Clark, Meriah Sher- 
 man, and Anna Hammon. Nov. i he baptized 
 in New Bedford, Keziah Shearman and Abigail 
 Perry; Nov. 15, in Rochester, Unice Tinkham, 
 Easter Delanow; Nov. 17, at the Indian meet- 
 ing-house in Plymouth, he baptized Edward 
 
72 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Gowns, Jasper Hall, Francis Liberty, Mehetable 
 Hall, and Sarah Liberty. These were the last 
 baptized in 1795. 
 
 We have a paper dated June 18, 1795, 
 showing the names of members living and dead 
 and those who had moved away, exclusive of 
 the branch churches ; fifty-one had died, moved 
 away or been dismissed, and one hundred and 
 fifty-three retained a visible membership. At 
 this time Abraham Ashley was deacon in place 
 of Alexander Mason, dismissed. 
 
 The year 1796 seems to have been less 
 prosperous as far as additions were concerned. 
 April 3, in Dartmouth, Rachel Durfee was 
 baptized ; and in New Bedford, April 30, Paul 
 Hammond and Deborah Shearman. Besides 
 these only one baptism, at the Indian meeting- 
 house in Plymouth, is recorded. 
 
 In August, 1796, a council called by Elder 
 Hathaway's church in Freetown met to settle 
 some trouble in that church relative to singing. 
 The council comprised pastors and delegates as 
 follows : *' Elder Backus and Brother Hath- 
 away, Elder Roberson with his two deacons. 
 Elder Gofif and Brother Simmons, Elder Burdin 
 with Brothers Boomer and Jonathan Reed, be- 
 sides Elder Hix with chosen brethren." The 
 council was organized by the choice of Elder 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 73 
 
 Backus moderator, and D. Hix clerk. Elder 
 Lawrence with some brethren were then received 
 to a seat in council. After prayer, inquiry was 
 made as to the difficulties in the church, and it 
 appeared "that half the members were grieved 
 on account of the manner of singing." After 
 careful investigation, the council retired for 
 consultation. The following decision helps us 
 understand the case. 
 
 The council conceive that Elder Hathaway took an imprudent 
 step in that he did not lay it before the church before it was 
 introduced. Second, voted that the government of worship is 
 wholly in the church. Third, it appears that those grieved 
 have not been exercised with the spirit of the gospel, and that 
 their conduct is contrary to divine rule in leaving the meeting 
 and in hard sayings against the Elder, We heartily advise 
 each and all to confess their faults to one another and to pray 
 for one another that ye may be healed. Lastly, we advise the 
 church to comply with the request of the society so far as to 
 grant them the privilege to sing before prayer in the morning 
 and at the close of the meeting; and if those brethren against 
 hearing said singing leave the meeting, we advise the church 
 not to break communion with them, or those who do not stay to 
 break communion with the church that doth stay. 
 
 ISAAC BACKUS, Moderator. 
 DANIEL HIX, Clerk. 
 
 We have been particular in the account of 
 this council, that the way of doing business in 
 those days may be seen. 
 H 
 
74 A SKETCH OF 
 
 But three candidates were baptized by Elder 
 Hix in 1797; in Rochester, March 19, a person 
 named Besse, and April 16 Joanna Blankenship ; 
 also in April, Caleb Boomer was baptized. 
 
 In 1798, Lillis Soule of Dartmouth and one 
 person in Rochester were baptized. No other 
 candidate went forward until 1 801. This is the 
 time referred to in Backus's History as a spirit- 
 ually dry season. It is quite certain that Elder 
 Hix traveled among the branch churches and 
 preached regularly at home, but for nearly 
 three years there was no addition to the church. 
 During this period the yearly meetings of the 
 Groton Conference were maintained, and from 
 several reports to that meeting we know harmony 
 yet existed ; much zeal is expressed, with regrets 
 that infidelity with various immoralities pre- 
 vailed. It was evidently a cold time. 
 
 In the Spring of 1801 the drought was broken, 
 and showers of grace began to fall. In Dart- 
 mouth, March 29, Jonathan Haskins was bap- 
 tized ; in Freetown, May i, Noah Hathaway, 
 Rosanna Booth, and a person named Gifford ; 
 in Dartmouth, June 7, Rebecca Brown; July 5, 
 William Babcock, and Aug. I Josiah Hix ; Aug. 
 16, Sibel Beadon, Priscilla Allen; Sept. 6, 
 Rowland Rider, Elizabeth Rider, Polly Law- 
 rence, Nancy Burt, Jonathan Lawton ; Oct. 4, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 75 
 
 Phebe Chase; 25th, Rebecca Chase; Nov. 22, 
 Clothier Peirce ; Dec. 6, Else Dennis, Phebe 
 Cook, Susanna Chase. This revival seemed to 
 be confined mostly to Dartmouth. Jan. 10, 
 1 802, Samuel Cottle, Russell Phillips and Serapta 
 Phillips were baptized ; Feb. 7, Anna Gersee 
 and Molly Winslow. "March 7 was a good 
 day;" Benjamin Collins, Robert Dennis and 
 Abigail Millard were baptized. April 4, John 
 Millard, William Cornell, Chase Babcock, Polly 
 Millard, Phebe Jones, Lucy Rowland, Lovina 
 Butts; May 27, Abiel Jones, Richard Beadon, 
 Betsey Booth ; July 4, Thomas Lee. These 
 are the last baptisms for the year 1802. 
 
 In the early part of 1803 some revival interest 
 was enjoyed in New Bedford. March 17 the 
 following named persons were baptized : Thomas 
 Carstley, Elijah Carstley, Polly Watson, Patience 
 Tripp, Sukey Shearman; also May 19, Hannah 
 Allen and Patience Butler. In Dartmouth, 
 July 3, Sarah Durfee was baptized. This year 
 there was also a revival in Middleborough. A 
 person named Parish was baptized in Septem- 
 ber ; and Oct. 20, Charlotte Peirce, with Lovisa 
 Records; Nov. 3, Isaac Halloway, Freeman 
 Peirce, Noah Simmonds, William Ashley, Betsey 
 Rowland, and Tilly Ralloway. 
 
"J^ A SKETCH OF 
 
 Feeling the need of assistance, Elder Hix, 
 aided by Elders Jacob Hix, William Northrup, 
 John Lawrence, and Elder Peckham, set apart 
 and ordained Ira Phillips to the work of the 
 gospel ministry, Nov. 17, 1803. ** Elder Wm. 
 Northrup of North Kingstown, R. L, preached 
 the ordination sermon, from Solomon's Song, 
 III, 7, 8, to a large, solemn and respectable 
 assembly; ordaining prayer by Elder Jacob 
 Hix ; the charge by Elder Northrup ; the right 
 hand of fellowship by Elder Daniel Hix ; and 
 the closing prayer by Elder Peckham of Tiver- 
 ton. The whole was conducted with the greatest 
 decency, propriety and order." From this time 
 Elder Phillips occasionally supplied the pulpit 
 in Elder Hix's absence. He was a ready 
 speaker, but in the latter part of his life became 
 somewhat notional with regard to the operation 
 of the Holy Spirit, and gave the church some 
 trouble. 
 
 In Middleborough, Dec. 11, James Peirce, 
 Elkanah Peirce, Isaac Hathaway, jr., Benjamin 
 Tinkham, Guilford Booth, Mary Peirce, Mary 
 Bordin and Zintha Peirce were baptized. ''This 
 was a day remarkable for freedom and power ; 
 thanks to God." The revival in Middleborough 
 continued, for March 18, 1804, George Castle 
 with two others, was baptized ; also in June 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 7/ 
 
 three more went forward. A person named 
 Thomas in Freetown was baptized in August, 
 and the 2ist in Middleborough, Noah Ash- 
 ley, Ezra Clark, Chloe Winslow, and Sally 
 Hathaway. 
 
 It was at the session of the Groton Conference 
 held in Rehoboth in 1804, that a committee 
 was chosen to secure a missionary to travel and 
 preach in the north part of the United States 
 and Canada. The committee selected Elder 
 Daniel Hix, and agreed to pay him five dollars 
 per week. With his appointment was sent his 
 recommendation, as follows : 
 
 To all Christiaji people where these presents shall coine. 
 
 Greeting : 
 
 Whereas, the Baptist churches of our Lord Jesus Christ con- 
 stituting the Groton Union Conference, assembled at Rehoboth 
 on the 19th and 20th days of September, 1804, taking into 
 consideration the destitute circumstances of our brethren in the 
 northwest part of the United States and in the province of 
 Upper Canada, made known to them by our beloved brother 
 Joseph Comwell, did then propose by the leave of Divine 
 Providence to send one of their beloved elders into those parts, 
 for the purpose only of preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ and administering the ordinances of the New Testament 
 as duty and circumstances may require : 
 
 We, therefore, the subscribers, being duly appointed by said 
 
 conference for that purpose, do hereby appoint our dearly 
 
 beloved Elder Daniel Hix, whom we esteem as a faithful 
 
 minister of Jesus Christ, and send him as a missioner among 
 
 H. 
 
yS A SKETCH OF 
 
 you, with our hearts' desire and prayer to the Throne of Divine 
 Grace that his journey may be prospered by the will of God, 
 and that the power of God unto salvation may be made known 
 to thousands, and the wilderness in a spiritual sense may bud 
 and blossom as the rose. 
 
 Signed in behalf of said conference by your affectionate 
 brethren in the best of bonds. 
 
 CALEB GREENE. 
 DAVID PERRY, jr. 
 
 Newport, Dec. 8, 1804. 
 
 We have good reason to believe Elder Hix 
 never accepted this appointment. 
 
 Several persons were baptized in New Bed- 
 ford in November : Anna Kersley, Polly Tripp, 
 Lydia Williams, Sybil Sutton. 
 
 In April, 1805, Elder Hix baptized in New 
 Bedford, Deborah Tripp, John Hadway, John 
 Russell, Edy Hadway, Sarah Price, Miriam 
 Briggs, Phebe Quanewa; the first Sunday in 
 May he baptized Joshua Southard and Patience 
 Peckham in Dartmouth ; in June another per- 
 son named Cowen ; perhaps the same day, he 
 baptized David Wilkey and a person named 
 Robinson in New Bedford. In the month of 
 August he went to Freetown, and baptized on 
 the 15 th, Gilbert Smith, Jeremiah Braley, 
 Charity Braley, and Sarah Haskell ; 22d, Benja- 
 min Haskell, William Braley, Ruth Reynolds, 
 Soloma Haskell, Margeret Braley; Sept. 5, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 79 
 
 Elihu Hadway, Nehemiah Demoranville and 
 four others were baptized. 
 
 At this time there was a great revival in 
 Taunton. Elder Hix writes, Sept. 22, ** Jesus 
 reigns marvelously in this place." He baptized 
 there William Holmes, James Smith, Jeremiah 
 Bassett, John White, Luther Lincoln, Wealthy 
 Britton, Abiah Green, Mercy Lincoln, and Polly 
 White. Oct. 9, " Taunton Baptist meeting- 
 house, a day of rejoicing in Zion, in heaven by 
 angels, and saints on earth ; " Saul White, 
 Timothy White, Benjamin White, Greenfield 
 Williams, Charles Field, Sullivan Lincoln, Lovis 
 Makepeace, Hannah Wilbour, Polly Lincoln, 
 Lurinda Tucker, Susanna Tucker and Selah 
 Lincoln were baptized. 
 
 In Dartmouth, Silas Collins was baptized 
 Oct. 6. 
 
 The revival in Taunton increased in interest, 
 and under date of Oct. 15 he writes: "The 
 work is glorious and appears to spread : this 
 day will ever be remembered : saints and angels 
 rejoice : Satan is mad." The following named 
 persons were baptized : Ezekiel Lincoln, Jabesh 
 Carver, Solomon Witherell, Jonathan Field, 
 John Pollard, Ebenezer Smith, Levi Eddy, 
 Phebe Pollard, Phebe Smith, Anna Lincoln, 
 Keziah Carver, Sally Pratt, Merada Field, Polly 
 
80 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Eddy, Subrlna Lincoln, Sally White, Nancy 
 Lincoln, Ruth Deane, Hannah White, and soon 
 after a person named Haskins. Nov. 5, the 
 following were baptized in Taunton : William 
 Burt, Levi Lincoln, Amea Tucker, Juda Field, 
 Asheel Tucker, Solomon Leonard, Jeams Cham- 
 berlain, Ruel Dean, Cynthia Lincoln, Noah 
 Smith, Cynthia Lincoln, 2d, Sarah Preshove, 
 Phebe Carver, Flora Witherell, Anna Leonard, 
 Delila Eddy, Betsey Witherell, Abigail Tucker, 
 Hannah Wilbur, Woodard Lincoln. "This 
 occasion drew together some fifteen hundred 
 people ; sixty-two carriages and five ministers 
 were present." This was truly a remarkable 
 work, and it was not surprising that Elder Hix 
 felt like praising God. The revival was not yet 
 over, for Nov. 8 he baptized in Taunton, Betsey 
 White, Lydia Snow, Hannah Tisdale, Abigail 
 White, Sally Burt, Wealthy Eddy, and Abigail 
 Field. This week he preached seven sermons. 
 
 The last week in November and the first in 
 December, Elder Hix traveled and preached 
 sixteen times with much freedom. Dec. 8, he 
 says," "This is a good day; thanks to God." 
 At this date he baptized in Taunton, Tisdale 
 Godfrey, Josiah Austin, Daniel Woodward, 
 John Austin, Uriah Smith, Jenny Chamberlain, 
 Hannah Lincoln, Sophia Woodard, Marilla 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 8 1 
 
 Field, and Ebenezer Leonard. Dec. 28, in 
 Dartmouth, Sally Cowen was baptized. 
 
 In the early part of 1806, several others in 
 Dartmouth were baptized : Feb. 2, Nancy Jones ; 
 In March, Sally Cowen; April 6, John Chase 
 and Hannah Chase ; in New Bedford, June 6, 
 Elizabeth Chase and Patience Chase; June 15, 
 Doctor Hathaway; in Dartmouth, June 22, 
 Sally Poole ; July 6, Luther Gifford and Maria 
 Gififord ; in Freetown, July 12, Ephraim Braley, 
 Margeret Braley, Asa Clark, and Rhoda Rounse- 
 ville. ''This was a spiritual season." In 
 Taunton, July 20, he writes, ''A powerful day, 
 blessed be God," and baptized Ezra Richmond, 
 Lucy Lincoln, Nancy Austin, and Silence Hill. 
 In Rochester, July 27, he baptized Thomas 
 Shearman. About this time, or soon after, he 
 made a visit to Norton. Aug. 20, he had 
 preached seven times in a week with satisfac- 
 tion, and baptized there Hannah Wilbur* 
 Priscilla Witherell, Abigail Fields, and Anna 
 Lincoln. Soon after this he baptized in West- 
 port (''the first ever baptized in this place") 
 Rufus Tripp, Stephen Butts, and William Gifford ; 
 again in Dartmouth, Sept. 7, Thomas Wood- 
 mansea and Phebe Eddy. Sept. 25 the follow- 
 ing were baptized in Taunton : Mercy Geary, 
 Hannah Warren, Almeda Wilbour, Polly Lincoln, 
 
82 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Nancy Vallom, Martin Dean, and Lucy Newton. 
 There must have been some revival interest in 
 Westport at this time, for Oct. lo Cynthia 
 Devoll and Elizabeth Butts were baptized ; 
 again on the 19th he baptized there Isaac 
 Gifford, another person named Gifford, Martin 
 Besse, and Phebe Besse ; in Assonet, Oct. 19, 
 Polly Terry; in Long Plain about this time, 
 Abigail Gammons ; at Freetown Furnace, Oct. 
 29, Mica Reynolds; in Dartmouth, Nov. 2, 
 Deborah Crapo ; in Westport, Nov. 6, Comfort 
 Gifford, Ruth Gifford, and a widow Wilkey about 
 this time. 
 
 The church had now reached a crisis. Though 
 Baptist in sentiment, it was more liberal than 
 many churches associated with it, and the 
 addition of so many converts made it progress- 
 ive. The spirit of the age likewise demanded 
 a larger freedom, which seems a natural out- 
 growth from its original position. The princi- 
 ples of the Christian denomination began to be 
 understood, and were found to be in harmony 
 with the practice of the church, and hence the 
 change was easy. 
 
 Some time in June, 1805, Elias Smith had 
 preached at Freetown Furnace, which meeting 
 Elder Hix and several brethren attended. His 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 83 
 
 address to Elder Smith was characteristic: "I 
 will now tell you, Brother Smith, as I told the 
 Methodists ; they might make me and my 
 brethren all Methodists if they could. They 
 tell me you wish all to be Christians : make us 
 all Christians if you can ; I am willing for that." 
 There is no doubt the question of religious 
 creeds was discussed freely for some time prior 
 to 1806, otherwise the people would not have 
 followed Elder Hix as they did. It is certain 
 that other churches were agitated by the same 
 questions, but the Groton Conference is not 
 known to have taken any public position on the 
 new doctrines until the general meeting of 1807. 
 We have positive evidence that Elder Hix cor- 
 responded with other ministers in relation to 
 Elder Smith's teachings, but he said ''that he 
 would adopt no man's opinion unless sustained 
 by the scriptures, which he felt the strongest 
 obligation to obey." He did not approach the 
 new doctrines like a bigot, but like an honest 
 disciple anxious to learn the truth. The Bible 
 was his standard of faith, and to it he constantly 
 appealed. When clearly convinced of his duty 
 from the word of God, he was immovable as 
 the hill upon which he lived. It is certain 
 Elder Hix did not act hastily. 
 
84 A SKETCH OF 
 
 The only sermon or sketch of a sermon 
 among his papers was prepared and delivered 
 about this time. We copy it entire. 
 
 Dartmouth, Oct, ii, 1806. 
 
 Having passed through various trials since I experienced 
 the Christian religion, and for the year past greater than 
 at any other period of my life, during which time I have 
 attended to prayer, fasting, and reading the scriptures, 
 particularly what Christ has said and done as recorded by 
 the four evangelists and the apostles, I believe it to be 
 my duty to communicate the following things to you, my 
 dear brethren. 
 
 First, what shall we do to be saved? 
 
 Jesus saith a man must be born again. John, in, 3-5. 
 It is plain from this that the first birth is natural and the 
 latter is spiritual. Being born again is by the operation 
 of the Spirit of God on the souls of the children of men. 
 From whence came this Spii'it? 
 
 We are told in John, xvi chap., what Jesus' disciples 
 should meet with; nevertheless he says, "It is expedient for 
 you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Com- 
 forter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will 
 send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove 
 the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment : of 
 sin, because they believed not on me; of righteousness, be- 
 cause I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judg- 
 ment, because the prince of this world is judged." This 
 Comforter is the Spirit of God, and of Christ called the 
 Holy Ghost. John, xiv, 26. It is also called the Spirit, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 85 
 
 17 V. This is that which teacheth every man, as it is written, 
 (Isaiah, Liv, 13,) and Jesus said, (John, vi, 45,) "And 
 they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore 
 that hath heard, aud hath learned of the Father, cometh 
 unto me." 
 
 This divine teaching is from God, and he that heareth 
 and learneth therefrom will discover himself a sinner, as is 
 the case of all. Rom. iir, 9: "What then? are we better 
 than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved 
 both Jews and gentiles, that they are all under sin." 2^ : 
 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of 
 God : " hence they that learn of Christ are brought to re- 
 pentance. Luke, XIII, 3, 4: Christ Jesus the Lord said, 
 when preaching to the people, " Except ye repent, ye shall 
 all likewise perish." 1st, repentance is a heart sorrow for 
 our sins, as they are against God, and as they will be the 
 cause of our punishment with everlasting destruction from 
 the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power. 
 II Thess. I, 9. 2ndly, repentance means turning first from 
 a sinful course of living to the Lord with full purpose of 
 heart; seek after him; cry to him for help as he finds 
 it impossible to help himself. And blessed be the name 
 of the all-glorious God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He 
 has said, and it shall not fail, ( Matt. Vil, 7, ) " Ask, and 
 it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and 
 it shall be opened unto you." And thus it is written, (Rom. 
 X, 13,) "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the 
 Lord shall be saved." The thief on the cross with our 
 Savior had this glorious truth fulfilled to him; the Lord 
 Jesus hears the dying prisoner's groan and speaks — all 
 I 
 
86 A SKETCH OF 
 
 glory to his name, — he speaks from heaven. John, v, 25 : 
 "Verily, verily, I say unto you. The hour is coming, and 
 now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of 
 God : and they that hear shall live." At which time the 
 soul trusts, relies, depends and believes on the Lord Jesus 
 for life and salvation, hence is obedient to the faith. Rom. 
 I, 5. And Heb. v, 9, speaking of Christ, "And being 
 made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation 
 unto all them that obey him." This salvation is great: it 
 is from sin; it is from guilt; it is from the curse of the 
 law. Christ Jesus was made a curse for us. It is from 
 the wrath to come; thanks to God. This salvation causes 
 the soul to love God, and praise his blessed name, and 
 engage to serve him all his days. 
 
 What were these new-born souls called first? Disciples, 
 because they had learned of Christ. 2d, believers, because 
 they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ. I John, v, i : 
 *' Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born 
 of God." 3. What is the duty of believers? Ans. To 
 be baptized. Acts, XXil, 16: "And now why tarriest 
 thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, 
 calling on the name of the Lord." It is a sin not to be 
 baptized. Why? Because it is a command of Jesus and 
 the apostles. Mark, xvi, 16: "He that believeth and is 
 baptized shall be saved," &c. Acts, X. 48: "And he 
 [Peter] commanded them to be baptized in the name of 
 the Lord." Also Matt, xxvill, 19. Where were they bap- 
 tized? In Jordan, and at Enon near Salem, because there 
 was much water, and at other places where there was 
 sufficient water to bury the persons baptized, Rom. vi, 4: 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 8/ 
 
 * Therefore we are buried with him [i. e. Christ] by bap- 
 tism into death : that like as Christ was raised up from the 
 dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should 
 walk in newness of life." Also Col. ii, 12. To bury, to 
 plunge, to dip into, to immerse, is the mode of baptism, 
 and no other mode is baptism. 4thly, to watch and pray, 
 to live righteously, soberly and godly in this present evil 
 world. Again, to join a church, if any there be that they 
 can walk with, and if not, when two or three are agreed 
 let them meet together; blessed be God, Christ has prom- 
 ised to meet with them. This is plain from Acts, xi chap., 
 and Matt. XViil, 19, 20. It is duty to commemorate the 
 supper of our Lord by bread and wine. "This do in re- 
 membrance of me," saith Jesus. Luke, xxii, 19, 20. 
 
 These baptized believers were called Christians first at 
 Antioch; this is the name the inspired writers have given 
 to the followers of the Lamb, and this name they ought 
 to bear and hold in high esteem. These Christians, having 
 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, united in one body to 
 serve the Lord, were called a church. Acts, xiii, I : 
 "Now there were in the church that was at Antioch cer- 
 tain prophets and teachers," &c. Matt, xvi, 18: "And 
 I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this 
 rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall 
 not prevail against it." Acts, xx, 28: "To feed the church 
 of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." 
 From these and many other passages of scripture, we see 
 that they were the chuixhes, and were so called, and ought 
 to be now. 
 
 In the church of Christ there is a diversity of gifts. 
 
SS A SKETCH OF 
 
 I Cor. XII, 4: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the 
 same Spirit." 27th v.: "Now ye are the body of Christ, 
 and members in particular." 28th v. : " And God hath 
 set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, 
 thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, 
 helps, governments, diversities of tongues." Eph. iv, ii, 12: 
 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and 
 some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the 
 perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for 
 the edifying of the body of Christ." And Paul, in Rom. 
 XII chap., hath set them in order, and in what manner 
 each one should be faithful and wait thereon. 
 
 Praying, preaching or teaching, exhortation, and singing, 
 are appointed to be performed in the church of Christ. 
 First, prayer. I Tim. 11, i : "I [saith Paul] exhort there- 
 fore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, 
 and giving of thanks, be made for all men." Luke, i, 13: 
 "Thy prayer is heard." Acts, ill, i: "Now Peter and 
 John went up together into the temple at the hour of 
 prayer, being the ninth hour." Phil. I, 19: "For I know 
 that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, 
 and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." 2ndly, 
 preaching. Matt, x, 7: "And as ye go, preach, saying, 
 The kingdom of heaven is at hand." Again : " And he 
 commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify 
 that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge 
 of quick and dead." II Tim. iv, 2: "Preach the word; 
 be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort 
 with all longsuffering and doctrine." This word meant 
 Christ, the way of salvation thereby, and it is what prophets 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 89 
 
 proclaimed, David sung, Paul preached, and all true serv- 
 ants of Jesus Christ are called to look on and do like- 
 wise. 3rdly, exhortation. Acts, xiii, 15: "Ye men and 
 brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, 
 say on." Heb. Ill, 13: "But exhort one another daily, 
 while it is called to-day; lest any of you be hardened 
 through the deceitfulness of sin." 4thly, singing praises 
 to God. Paul speaks of singing: Rejoice, praise the Lord. 
 And again he saith, " Rejoice, ye gentiles, with his people." 
 And again, "Praise the Lord, all ye gentiles; and laud 
 him, all ye people." Paul speaks of himself, I Cor. xiv, 
 15: "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the 
 understanding also." Eph. V, 19: "Speaking to yourselves 
 in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and 
 making melody in your heart to the Lord." In Col. ill, 
 16, mention is again made of "psalms and hymns and 
 spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the 
 Lord." Also our Lord sung a hymn with his disciples. 
 Matt. XXVI, 30. 
 
 As there have been difficulties in churches about singing, 
 I will say a few words thereon. Singing belongs to the 
 church, and to take the lead therein, as it is in divine 
 worship; to this end, the members should obtain such 
 information as to sing in order, for God is a God of order 
 and not of confusion. As to them who believe not, it is 
 their duty to attend public worship and to give attention 
 to the preached word; and when any pray, let them rise 
 or kneel and desire with all their hearts the Lord would 
 have mercy on them; if disposed to join in singing, for 
 heaven's sake let there be no contention on that account. 
 
90 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Lastly, the government of the church, as it respects lead- 
 ing, ruling, discipline, or settling anything whatever, be- 
 longs to the brotherhood or male members. This is evident 
 from what Paul saith, I Cor. xiv, 34, 35 : " Let your 
 women keep silence in the churches : for it is not permitted 
 unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under 
 obedience, as also saith the law." And again he saith, 
 " For it is a shame for women to speak in the church." 
 This did not mean they should not pray, and testify to the 
 goodness of God. Mary's soul magnified the Lord; Eliza- 
 beth was filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake with a loud 
 voice the praises of God. It is plain from these and many 
 other passages that the sisters in the church have a right 
 to labor in the vineyard. Phil, iv, 3 : " Help those women 
 which labored with me in the gospel," saith Paul. And, 
 blessed be God, I have had great satisfaction in seeing 
 and hearing them when in their lot, and much good has 
 been done by them. I pray God to strengthen them to 
 every good work; but when they undertake to direct, rule, 
 or lead in church affairs, it generally ends in confusion. 
 Hence Paul saith to Timothy, ist Epistle, il, 11 : "Let 
 the woman learn in silence with all subjection," 12th v.: 
 "But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority 
 over the man, but to be in silence." 
 
 From the scriptures it is plain that man is dead in 
 trespasses and sin; his recovery is of God, not of the deeds 
 of the law, nor by works of righteousness of his own per- 
 formance, but by grace we are saved through faith, and 
 not of ourselves, but it is the gift of God. This salvation 
 is by faith in the blood of the Lamb. Such were called 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 9I 
 
 believers in Christ's blood, and after baptism were called 
 Christians, and brothers and sisters in the church, because 
 they are the purchase of his blood. And what name they 
 bear that is not scriptural is not right, and only tends to 
 keep up separations among the followers of the Lamb : 
 therefore let us leave them all behind and take the name 
 which is given us by inspiration, and let our lives corre- 
 spond with the name, walking in the order of God's 
 house, whosoever ye are; and in so doing, all separation 
 will cease, prejudices will fall, unity, peace, love and glory 
 shall dwell in our land. O Lord, hasten it, for Zion's sake, 
 for thy name's sake. 
 
 In 1807 the vote was taken to drop all human 
 standards of faith. Tradition informs us that 
 Elder Hix, after church meeting the first Satur- 
 day in June, unrolled a long sheet of paper 
 upon which the creed, covenant, church rules, 
 &c., were written, and after stating that it would 
 be necessary soon to rewrite the worn and soiled 
 pages, requested a vote on the question of aban- 
 doning all church creeds and taking the Bible 
 alone as the only rule of faith and practice. 
 All but four voted in the affirmative, and the 
 branch churches seem to have done the same 
 soon afterwards. Thus was accomplished a 
 change which was inevitable in the work of 
 progress and religious reform ; an event which 
 certainly did not hinder the work of Christ, but 
 
92 A SKETCH OF 
 
 opened a larger field of usefulness to many then 
 unborn. The church, including the branches, 
 numbered near five hundred members, and for 
 several years enjoyed an almost continual revival. 
 It does not appear that the church withdrew 
 from the Groton Conference or was dropped 
 until 1811, for reports were made as to mem- 
 bership, additions, &c. " The Groton Confer- 
 ence met at Long Plain, where Elder Hix 
 preached one half the time, June 24-25, 1807." 
 We have no record of that meeting, except a 
 circular letter to the churches, exhorting the 
 members to increased faithfulness. Elias Smith 
 says, '' The ministers and delegates, with a large 
 number of peof>le, met at 10 o'clock." The 
 meetings, however, did not seem successful ; 
 some wished Elder Smith to preach, while 
 others opposed him. "When the business was 
 concluded the second day. Elder Hix gave no- 
 tice that Brother Smith would preach in fifteen 
 minutes from that time, upon which the minis- 
 ters took their hats and coats and went out in a 
 pouring rain." It is evident from Elder Smith's 
 brief account that the popular sympathy with 
 Elder Hix's influence had decided the question 
 in favor of a free church and religious progress. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 93 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 CONTINUED REFORMATIONS; ORGANIZATION OF 
 THE NORTH CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN NEW BED- 
 FORD ; ELDER HOWARD TRIPP; HIS EARLY 
 PREACHING ; REVIVAL IN TAUNTON, ROCHESTER, 
 NEW BEDFORD, AND MIDDLEBOROUGH ; FINAL 
 SEPARATION FROM THE GROTON CONFERENCE ; 
 LETTER OF ELDER HIX TO THE CONFERENCE; 
 THE SECOND CHURCH BUILT; REVIVALS OF i8ii- 
 12-13. 
 
 The year 1807 was a revival season through- 
 out Elder Hix's extensive parish. Beginning in 
 Westport in January, he baptized Thadeus Rey- 
 nolds; March 12th, at the same place, Timothy 
 Tripp, Peace Mosher, Eunice Lion, and Sally 
 Gifford. "A good day; thanks to God," In 
 Berkley, March 26, Hannah Burt, Persis At- 
 wood, Deliah Briggs, Sally Pitts and Abigail 
 Burt were baptized ; in Westport again, April 
 9, Brice Mosher, Sophia Tripp, Rachel Tripp, 
 Dina Mosher ; in New Bedford, April 16, Rhoda 
 Hathaway; in Dartmouth, May 3, Hope Davis, 
 and another person named Reynolds on the 5th ; 
 in Berkley, May 15, Lydia Burt, Trifenia Burt, 
 Rachel Wilder, and Serena Jackson; May 21, 
 in Assonet, Benjamin Tisdale, Wanton Hatha- 
 
94 A SKETCH OF 
 
 way, Ruby Briggs, and Sally Chase, and Elder 
 Hathaway baptized four others at the same time. 
 In Fairhaven, June 2, Bradford Williams was 
 baptized ; in Dartmouth, June 7, Benjamin Hor- 
 ton, Lydia Horton, Nancy Francis; June 1 1, in 
 Fairhaven, Lucretia Knowles and Matilda Dun- 
 ham. Elder Hix baptized one person at Long 
 Plain June 13, and on the i6th, in Fairhaven, 
 Charity Perce; in Dartmouth, June 17, Richard 
 Craw, Rhoda Woddle, Betsey Briggs, and Nancy 
 Baker. ** This was a day of rejoicing." Elder 
 Hix went to Taunton June 19, and baptized 
 Betsey White ; to Long Plain 27th, and baptized 
 Salla Belden and Ruth Davis. In Dartmouth, 
 July 9, Lemuel Reed, Hannah Weldin, Delilah 
 Wheeler, Mary Rogers and Sally Reed went for- 
 ward in baptism. "Another good day; thanks 
 to God." Two more at Long Plain were bap- 
 tized July 14, and one in New Bedford the next 
 day. Judah Maxfield was baptized at Smith 
 Mills July 16, and on the 19th Zebedee Jones, 
 Nathaniel Woddle, Eliza Sanford, Sukie Wod- 
 dle, Mercy Pool, and Eliza Gifford. "A good 
 day; his kingdom is glorious, saints rejoice, 
 sinners tremble, and the cry is. What shall I do 
 to be saved?" Elder Hix baptized in Roches- 
 ter, July 27, Micah Winslow, Hannah Winslow, 
 Deborah Shearman, and in Fairhaven, July 28, 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 95 
 
 Jonathan Tripp, William Mirack, and Thadeus 
 Studson ; in Westport, July 29, John Gifford 
 and Patience Tripp, and at Seconet Hannah 
 Gifford. In New Bedford, July 31, he baptized 
 William Killey and Joseph Shockley. The in- 
 terest in Dartmouth continued, for Aug. 2 Elder 
 Hix writes, ** The Lord's power is great" ; Ab- 
 ner Tripp, Sally Francis, Ruth Gifford and 
 Versey Kempton were baptized. In Freetown, 
 Aug. 10, the following named persons were bap- 
 tized : James White, Elisha Braley, Abraham 
 Braley, Deborah Trotter, Tabitha Rogers, Polly 
 Downs, Lydia Ashley, Rebecca Braley, Delana 
 Allen, Lucinda Haskins, Peggy Haskins, Hul- 
 dah Lawrence. This was a joyful and solemn 
 occasion ; " thanks to God, the work increases ; 
 ride on, all-glorious King." '* In Rochester, 
 nth, at the Shore a precious season; " Medad 
 Cannon, Thomas Kinney, Mary Studson, Su- 
 sanna Frasher, Penney Beck and Elizabeth Dun- 
 ham were baptized. In Fairhaven, Aug. 13, 
 Polly Tripp and Huldah Tinkham ; in Dart- 
 mouth, 1 6th, Thomas Faunce, Calvin Wheeler 
 and Amy Russell were baptized. Aug. 20 El- 
 der Hix went to Rochester again, and baptized 
 Joseph Whitridge ; at Morton's pond, Aug. 24, 
 Elijah W. Hoar, Abigail Hoar, John Lawrence, 
 jr., Mary Hoar, Anna Pearce, and Judah Pearce. 
 
g6 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Aug. 25, "a glorious day at Mattapolsett har- 
 bor," Anna Weston, Betsey Briggs, Polly Green, 
 Mary Dexter, Arty Besse, Amelia Haskell, Ab- 
 igail Briggs and Thankful Tinkham were bap- 
 tized. '* This was a time to be remembered." 
 *' The next morning at the same place the glory 
 of God was evident," when four others were 
 baptized, Seth Ames, Timothy Ellis, Edmund 
 Beck, and Mollie Ellis. Aug. 26, at New Bed- 
 ford, east side of the river, (Fairhaven,) Elder 
 Hix baptized Parnal Kinney, Abigail Nye, 
 Charlotta Howard, Olive Gelatte, Ruth Gelatte, 
 and Sylvia Delano ; Aug. 28, Rebecca Samson, 
 Joanna Demoranville, Prudy Spooner. In Dart- 
 mouth, Aug. 30, ** a large and solemn assembly; 
 saints rejoice, sinners tremble, morning prayers, 
 songs and groans ascend to Heaven." The 
 following were baptized : Noble Martin, Nathan 
 Craw, David Craw, Lydia Craw, Susie Mosher, 
 Lydia Lincoln, Abigail Russell, Mercy Francis, 
 and Mercy Whalon. Sept. 6, Abner Vincent, 
 and two others named Vincent and Shearman, 
 were baptized at Long Plain ; in Middleborough, 
 Sept. 8, John Bly, Betsey Fuller, and another 
 person named Bly. Sept. 9, at Rochester Shore, 
 Thomas Ames, Asa Dunham, Ebenezer Fuller, 
 Joseph Hammond, Betsey Haskell, Mary Dan- 
 ham, Joa Hammond, Rocksa Haskell, Thankful 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 9/ 
 
 Higgins, Joa Bowles, Lois Atsel and Dolly Snow 
 were baptized. ** A glorious work in this place ; 
 the Lord reigns marvelously ; saints rejoice and 
 sinners mourn." In New Bedford, Sept. lO, a 
 person named Severance was baptized. In New 
 Bedford again, Sept. 25, Richard Liskum, Jesse 
 Reynolds and two others went forward ; in Dart- 
 mouth 27th, Thomas Winslow, Jesse Nichols, 
 Clarissa Blossom, Mary Allen, and Rebecca 
 Booth ; " a powerful time ; peace and much 
 joy." At Rochester Shore Oct. 6, *' the Lord 
 leadeth and his people follow " ; Nancy Ham- 
 mett, Seany Hammond, Prudence Wilbour, Ab- 
 igail Kinney, Joanna Dexter and Holder Gelatte 
 were baptized. Oct. 8 at Fairhaven, Jacob 
 Kinney, Josiah Wilcox and Mary Merrick went 
 forward in baptism; in Middleborough, Oct. 12, 
 Joseph Westgate and Jonathan Westgate ; in 
 Rochester, 13th, Nicholas Snow, John Hall, Jo- 
 seph Parker and Polly Parker were baptized ; 
 at Fairhaven, Oct. 15, Widow Adams, Sybil 
 Whitefield, Lydia Allen, Hannah Wood, Han- 
 nah Nye, Betsey Adams, Charlotte Hatch ; Oct. 
 19, at Long Plain, Hannah Mendall and Lydia 
 Perry were baptized ; also in Rochester soon 
 after, Joseph Edwards, Benjamin Perkins, Judah 
 Perkins, Lucy Haskell, Polly Haskell, and Abi- 
 gail Skiff; at New Bedford, Head of the River, 
 
 J 
 
98 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Oct. 22, James Cox, Phineas White, Othnial 
 Omans, Joseph Perce, Luther Pratt, Lucy Perce, 
 Lydia Green, Rebecca Parker, Hannah Perce. 
 In Dartmouth, Oct. 25, Howard Tripp, the fu- 
 ture pastor of the church, was baptized, then 
 seventeen years old. In New Bedford again 
 Oct. 31, Isaac Smith, Richard B. Parsons, Sally 
 Bennett and one other obeyed the Lord in bap- 
 tism. Elder Hix also baptized Ruby Terry at 
 Long Plain about this time. At Freetown, Nov. 
 2, " a good day," he baptized in Morton's pond 
 Mary Allen, Mary Perce, Sally Tobey, Anna 
 Parker, and Mary Parker ; Nov. 4, Jonathan 
 Westgate, Nathaniel Andrews, Daniel Westgate, 
 and Judith Hoar. The rest of Elder Hix's bap- 
 tisms for the year are as follows : Nov. 8, Fair- 
 haven, Mary Tinkham ; Dartmouth, same day, 
 Silas Terry, Joshua Pickens, Rebecca Pickens, 
 Matilda Craw; New Bedford, Dec. 3, Francis 
 Stow, Betsey Howard, Abigail Ingraham ; Dart- 
 mouth, nth, Ebenezer Tripp and Mary Tripp; 
 Head of the River, Dec. 19, Peter Crapo, Eliza- 
 beth Hathaway, Betsey Furlong, Katy Spooner, 
 Elizabeth Earls ; the same month in Fairhaven, 
 Henry Smith, and a person named Howard. 
 
 During this year upwards of four hundred 
 persons were baptized in this section, of whom 
 Elder Hix baptized two hundred and thirty-one. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 99 
 
 For some three months afterward his health did 
 not permit him to baptize any, but as we shall 
 see the revival continued and he soon resumed 
 the work. 
 
 The year 1807 is memorable for the organ- 
 ization of the North Christian church in New 
 Bedford, which has since maintained a leading 
 place in the denomination. There is no doubt 
 that Elder Hix had members and held meetings 
 there for several years before the church was 
 formed; and on Jan. 25, 1807, at the house of 
 Obed Kempton, thirteen persons were recog- 
 nized by him as a Christian church. The mem- 
 bers were Obed Kempton, Ruth Kempton, John 
 Hathaway, Edith Hathaway, Jonathan Haskins, 
 Sarah Haskins, Sarah Strange, Lois Hervey, 
 Patience Hatch, Remembrance Wood, Nabby 
 Russell, Nabby Tobey, and Betsey Chace. The 
 history of this church is a faithful iHiistration of 
 what piety, with a catholic spirit, will accom- 
 plish in any community. 
 
 There were, besides the church in New Bed- 
 ford, branch churches in Fairhaven, Rochester, 
 Long Plain, Berkley, and Freetown, all of which 
 were visited by Elder Hix as circumstances re- 
 quired, while several local preachers aided him 
 as best they could. 
 
 The following are the names of persons bap- 
 
100 A SKETCH OF 
 
 tized by Elder Hix in the year 1808: March 
 18, in Fairhaven, Thomas Mendall, Luina Mor- 
 ton; Westport, March 22, Abner Devoll, and 
 another named Devoll ; in " New Bedford Sea- 
 port" 25th, James Peckham, Phebe Peckham, 
 Elizabeth Ellis, and a person named Handy; 
 east side of the river, April i, Polly Blossom; 
 Dartmouth, April 3, James Upham, Anna Will- 
 iams ; New Bedford, April 27, Benjamin Chase, 
 John Edwards, Mary Crapo, Nancy White ; also 
 April 29, Lucy Durfee; in Middleborough, May 
 10, a person named Peirce; May 25, in Roch- 
 ester, James Blankenship, aged 86 years, James 
 Blankenship, jr., Charles Chandler, and Rebec- 
 ca Chandler; New Bedford, May 27, Jemima 
 Hathaway, Sarah Clifton ; Middleborough, May 
 31, Sarah Hoar; June i, in Fairhaven, a person 
 named Mendall; June 3, Head of the River in 
 New Bedford, Rhoda Peirce, Ann Gibbons; 
 Dartmouth, June 5 , Ruth Strange, Sarah Faunce ; 
 Freetown, June 21, Mercy West; the next day 
 at Freetown Furnace, after a solemn meeting, 
 Cynthia Smith, Sarah Demoranville, Isibel 
 Downing, Jane Haskins and Mercy White were 
 baptized; in Middleborough, 23d, Abial Nel- 
 son,* Sally Nelson; Rochester, June 28, EUis 
 
 ♦Afterwards deacon of the church iu Long Plain. Died in 1829. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. lOI 
 
 Mendall, Abigail Whitridge, Sarah Jenny; 
 Rochester Great Neck, 29th, Ruth Blankenship 
 and Betsey Allen; Freetown, July 7, at Capt. 
 White's, Elizabeth Crapo, Huldah White, Abi- 
 gail Bennett; Bedford village, July 8, Katy 
 Christon ; in Dartmouth, July 1 8, Zilpha Briggs ; 
 Long Plain, July 24, Jabez Benson ; Dartmouth, 
 July 31, Ira Washburn, Lois Collins, Nancy 
 Tabor; at the Furnace, Aug. 2, James Ashley, 
 Betsey Ashley, Temperance Downs, Elizabeth 
 Rounseville, Hannah Ashley, Hannah Parker; 
 July 13, in Rochester, Mary Bowlen, also next 
 day George Shaw; Rochester Shore, i6th, 
 Abraham Harrison, Daniel Shearman, William 
 Shearman, Luke Dexter, Vina Paine ; Bedford 
 village Aug. 18, Abraham Gifford, Anna Gif- 
 ford, Elisha Nash; Elder Hix writes, "A solemn 
 time; thank God I live to see this day." In 
 Freetown, Aug. 23, *' a day of rejoicing," the 
 candidates were Deliverance Bennett, Barnabas 
 Shearman, Abraham Parker, Chloe Lawrence, 
 and Fannie Tobey; the next day in Freetown, 
 Deborah Morton, Rebecca Braley; 25th, in 
 Middleborough, Samuel Peirce, Hannah Peirce. 
 Sept. 4, in Dartmouth, ('* a good day; thanks 
 to God for his blessings to us,") Lydia Wins- 
 low, Mary Peirce, Dina Gifford, Betsey Hath- 
 away, Elizabeth Booth and Ruth Bedon were 
 
 J* 
 
102 A SKETCH OF 
 
 baptized. In New Bedford, above the Head of 
 the River, ** a heavenly, time ; the Lord reigns 
 gloriously," Sept. 6. The persons baptized 
 were John Haskins, Mary Haskins, Luther Rey- 
 nolds, Ruany Reynolds, William Tabor, Jenny 
 Howard, and Rebecca Omans. In Rochester, 
 Sept. 27, Elizabeth Hall and Deborah Haskell 
 were baptized ; the next day, same place, three 
 persons, whose names were Edwards, Shaw, and 
 Dexter. In Dartmouth, Oct. 2, (" a good day; 
 thanks to God,") William Johnson, Abiathar 
 Tripp, Phebe Hathaway and Sally Davis were 
 baptized ; Oct. 6, in Westport, Earson Howland ; 
 Oct. II, Head of the River, William Holmes 
 and Mercy Holmes ; in Troy, (now Fall River,) 
 Oct. 13, Betsey Lawton ; Freetown, Oct. 18, 
 Philip Rounseville, Mercy Rounseville ; Roches- 
 ter Shore, Nov. 3, Elizabeth Cannon and Nancy 
 Paine ; Nov. 6, in Dartmouth, Mary Petty. This 
 concludes the list of baptisms for the year 1808. 
 The Groton Conference met this year in Gro- 
 ton, June 22. The Dartmouth church reported 
 itself by the following letter. 
 
 The church of Christ in Dartmoiith and brethren in several 
 places sendeth greeting. 
 
 Dear brethren, This is the twenty-second year of our 
 acquaintance, and some of us well remember the happy sea- 
 sons we have enjoyed in meeting from different places, when 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. IO3 
 
 praying, praising, and preaching theg lad tidings of the gospel. 
 Again, we at these meetings give and receive information from 
 each other, and bear the tidings to the churches where we 
 belong, that they may share the blessing which refreshes their 
 hearts and strengthens their faith. A meeting of the above 
 description, we give our hearty fellowship and delight to enjoy, 
 believing it to be profitable to all. But whenever they under- 
 take to exercise a power over the churches and domineer over 
 their faith, or to give out rules, orders and directions, or make 
 any laws, creeds, covenants, articles of faith, &c., is a departure 
 from the intention we had in view in our first meeting, and 
 brings into bondage instead of that glorious liberty we are 
 called to stand fast in; for where the spirit of the Lord is, there 
 is liberty. O dear brethren, strive to use this liberty not as a 
 cloak to the flesh, but in love serve one another. 
 
 As to the state of the church and revival of religion here the 
 year past, it is the most glorious we ever saw. It may be 
 remembered that the revival begun before our last yearly 
 meeting, and about forty persons were added, mostly in Dart- 
 mouth; from thence it spread in every direction, and, thanks to 
 God, it continueth to this day, and we are the happy people 
 whose God is the Lord. The particulars we cannot describe; 
 they would fill a volume ; therefore we say, Come and see what 
 God hath wrought. 
 
 We give a general statement of the church since our last 
 conference (from June, 1807, to June, 1808.) 
 
 In Dartmouth, 
 
 44 
 
 added. 
 
 3 dismissed. 
 
 2 died. 
 
 New Bedford Set 
 
 iport, 44 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Fairhaven, 
 
 30 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Rochester, 
 
 44 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Long Plain, 
 
 68 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 Berkley, 
 
 26 
 
 
 
 
 
 Freetown, 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 
 * 262 added. 
 
 7 dismissed. 
 
 4 died. 
 
 Whole numbe; 
 
 r, 699. 
 
 
 
 
 *Sce Appendix, 
 
 B. 
 
 
 
 
104 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Brothers Ira Phillips and William Gifford are our messengers 
 this year. 
 
 In behalf of the church. 
 
 DANIEL HIX, Elder. 
 
 From this report, it is clear that the church 
 was in the enjoyment of unexampled prosperity. 
 
 During the month of November, 1808, Elder 
 Hix and Elder Frederick Plummer made a 
 preaching tour to Rhode Island and Connecticut. 
 Elder Hix writes : 
 
 Bro. Plummer left New Bedford village Nov. 7, reached 
 Assonet and preached in the evening. I left home the 8th, 
 found Brother Plummer at Assonet, and from thence we rode to 
 Rehoboth. I preached at Brother Edward Kilton's in the 
 evening, to a crowded assembly; a good season, thank God: 
 text, Rev. Vil, 14. Wednesday, 9th, we reached Providence; 
 brother Plummer preached in the evening, Thursday, loth, 
 went as far as Bro. W^illiam Taylor's in North Kingstown; 
 tarried all night. Friday, i ith, arrived at Elder Jesse Babcock's 
 in Westerly; Saturday, 12th, went to meeting with him, and 
 preached from Luke, ii, 10; some hearts appeared to be touched 
 by the word and spirit of God; from thence to the Lottery 
 schoolhouse, where Bro. Plummer preached in the evening; 
 some movement on the minds of the people; lodged at Bro. 
 James Sheffield's. I preached in the morning, Sunday, 13th, 
 at the same place; from there we went to the first Baptist 
 church in Westerly, where I preached from John, vii, 37, with 
 freedom; some rain, not a great many people; in the evening 
 Brother Plummer preached in the schoolhouse by the bridge; 
 lodged at Deacon Gavitt's. Monday, 14th, crossed the bridge 
 into Stonington, Conn., and went to the Point, and I preached 
 in the afternoon with freedom from Acts, XXVI, 22, 23. The 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 10$ 
 
 people desired a longer visit, but I could not stay. Bro. 
 Plummer however remained and preached in the evening. He 
 had a powerful meeting; a number gave him their hands as a 
 token that they desired an interest in Christ; a weeping time 
 with the unconverted, while believers rejoiced; they followed 
 him to his lodgings, and while singing, praying, and exhorting, 
 some wept aloud. I returned to Mr. Gavitt's in Westerly, and 
 that evening preached to a large assembly with freedom from 
 Acts, VIII, 34, 35. After preaching, the meeting continued till 
 midnight; a moving, melting time. O Lord, carry on thy 
 work to the salvation of souls. Tuesday, 15th, Bro. Plummer 
 came, and a few hours were spent in singing, praying, &c., 
 with some friends; a powerful, solemn and sweet time; thence 
 attended a meeting at the meeting-house, where I preached 
 from Psalm VII, II, 12, 13; a storm of rain and snow, but a 
 good time. We went next to Col. Noyes's and took some 
 refreshments, then to Bro. Taylor's in Charlestown. I preached 
 from Proverbs, VIII, 4, to a solemn and attentive assembly; 
 some hearts affected, and desired prayers. O Lord, hear 
 prayer and convert souls. We tarried all night; Wednesday, 
 1 6th, rode to North Kingstown, and had a meeting with Elder 
 William Northrup and Elder Sayer. After Elder Sayer 
 preached, we had praying, singing, exhorting; a weeping, 
 melting time. O Lord, revive religion in this place. Stopped 
 all night at Bro. William Taylor's. Thursday, 17th, rode to 
 Providence; much unwell on the way; a tedious night in great 
 pain; Brother Plummer preached; after meeting he tended me 
 until 2 o'clock; after this we slept some. Friday, i8th, some 
 better; rode to Elder Sayer's meeting-house, and Brother Plum- 
 mer preached; from thence to Elder Hathaway's in Assonet, 
 where Brother Plummer preached again. I was much unwell 
 this night; some brethren met us here, and we were glad. 
 Saturday I returned home to my family, and found all well, 
 but Brother Plummer set out for New Bedford and preached on 
 the way. 
 
I06 A SKETCH OF 
 
 This was a short and truly pleasant tour, but fatiguing, and 
 I firmly believe some great good will be done in the name of 
 the holy child Jesus. O Lord, so let it be, and thy name shall 
 have all the glory. DANIEL HIX. 
 
 This year, 1808, Elder Howard Tripp began 
 preaching. He was born Nov. 8, 1789, about 
 one mile south of the Head of Westport River. 
 His advantages for education, like most country- 
 boys of that time, were limited ; but early 
 habits of industry, with plain living, strength- 
 ened a good constitution, and made him one of 
 the most useful men in this vicinity. When 
 twelve years old, he went to live with Ebenezer 
 Tripp ; with him he worked, teaming and farm- 
 ing, until after his marriage. What his early 
 convictions of religious truth were before con- 
 version, we have no means of learning ; he has 
 told some now living that, being convicted of 
 sin at the age of seventeen, he felt deeply his 
 situation, and many days were spent in prayer 
 and self-examination before he found peace ; 
 then his joy was as deep as his conviction had 
 been thorough. Though ardent in temperament, 
 he possessed a well-balanced mind, and soon 
 gained the confidence of others ; and after re- 
 lating a remarkably clear experience, he was 
 baptized by Elder Hix, Oct. 25, 1807. His 
 improvements were soon evident, and after 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. lO/ 
 
 much urging, at the age of eighteen years, he 
 preached his first sermon, Aug. 7, 1808, one 
 half-mile from the Head of Westport River, in 
 the dwelling-house occupied by the late Charles 
 Craw. At this time he could hardly read the 
 New Testament, but the sermon seems to have 
 been well received, for he soon had invitations 
 to preach in different places, and considerable 
 revival interest followed his labors in Dartmouth 
 and Westport. He did not devote his whole 
 time to the work, but preached on the sabbath 
 and evenings as opportunities presented. He 
 also attended many funerals, before his ordina- 
 tion in 1824. 
 
 When he was twenty-one he hired out at ten 
 dollars per month, but continued to preach in 
 various localities. He was married to Thank- 
 ful Tripp, daughter of James and Meribah 
 Tripp, April 10, 1 8 1 1 . Soon after he separated 
 from his partner in business, Ebenezer Tripp, 
 and began on a small scale the business of pur- 
 chasing farms. On obtaining one, it would 
 make a home, while he labored constantly, 
 sometimes by moonlight, building walls, &c., to 
 increase its market value. After a few months' 
 or years' work in this way, he would sell, or 
 trade it for another at an advanced price, by 
 which he accumulated quite a fortune. At one 
 
I08 A SKETCH OF 
 
 time he agreed to buy a farm south of the Head 
 of Westport River for one thousand dollars, but 
 from representations made to him relative to 
 the value 'of the land, he desired to withdraw 
 from the bargain, and when the parties met to 
 write the deed he offered the owner fifty dollars 
 to release him from his verbal agreement. This 
 was declined, and feeling that his word was as 
 good as his bond, he closed the bargain. This 
 was a type of the man. Economical and close 
 in his dealings, as with his large family he was 
 compelled to be, yet in his business relations he 
 set an example that might well be imitated. In 
 the case just cited, his fears proved groundless, 
 for in a year he sold the farm for fifteen hun- 
 dred dollars. Another plan he pursued profit- 
 ably. During the short leisure after mowing, 
 he would draw cord-wood into New Bedford 
 and pile it in some vacant lots until the hardest 
 part of the Winter season, w^hen teaming was 
 impossible ; then he could sell his wood in a 
 ready market. There is no doubt he received 
 various presents occasionally for preaching, but 
 even after ordination, though called to attend 
 meetings, &c., away from home, his compensa- 
 tion was unworthy the name of salary. Thus 
 he labored, year after year, studying his Bible 
 and a few schoolbooks at home, training his 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. IO9 
 
 children to habits of industry, and with prudence 
 maintaining his family comfortably. In May, 
 1823, his house was burned, and only the most 
 necessary articles were saved ; then he was 
 aided somewhat in rebuilding by members of 
 his church and society. 
 
 His family consisted of his wife and nine 
 children, Delilah, Benjamin Taylor, Mary A., 
 Meribah, James F., John M., David H., Adeline, 
 and Daniel Hix. David died some years ago. 
 All the family are respectable and useful 
 citizens, and one, John M. Tripp, is a preacher 
 in the Advent denomination. 
 
 It is to be regretted that Elder Tripp pre- 
 served no journal or papers recording the 
 events of his early ministry, but he was evidently 
 needed here, and from his ordination his history 
 is identified with that of the church until his 
 resignation in 1857. 
 
 Sometime in February, 1809, in New Bedford, 
 Elder Hix baptized Harvey Sullings, whose 
 name is still remembered there. 
 
 The record of baptisms continues : In Roch- 
 ester, April 18, Philip Atsetts ; in Sandwich, 
 April 20, Josiah Macomber, Jacob Swift, Polly 
 Cowne, Josiah Kinrick, a person named Night- 
 ingale, Remember Swift, Mehetable Norris ; 
 "a good work in this place; we thank God 
 K 
 
no A SKETCH OF 
 
 and take courage." In Taunton, April 24, 
 Hope Hathaway, Polly Read; "a solemn and 
 joyful time." May i, in New Bedford, above 
 the Head of the River, at Bro. White's, ten 
 married people were baptized, James Skiff, 
 Joshua Tabor, Mary Tabor, Joseph Tabor, Re- 
 becca Tabor, Peter Gifford, Desire Gifford, Lydia 
 Tabor, Phebe Tabor, Polly Pease; "thank God 
 for his work in this place." In Dartmouth, 
 July 16, Richard Winslow, Jane Winslow, 
 George Mosher, Phebe Mosher, Sally Lawton ; 
 "a day to be remembered by many." In 
 Dartmouth, July 30, Peleg Sisson, afterwards a 
 preacher ; Rochester, Aug, 4, Susanna Edwards, 
 Deborah Pope; Bedford village, Aug 25, Sally 
 Durfee ; Westport, Sept. i, Channing Daven- 
 port, Mercy Sherman; Dartmouth, Sept. 3, 
 Job Terry and Maria Booth; **a solemn time." 
 At the Head of the River, Sept. 14, Timothy 
 Mendall, Sally Mendall, Abigail Sprague, Sally 
 Tabor; ''thank God for his good work." In 
 Dartmouth, Sept. 16, James Tripp was bap- 
 tized ; at Bedford village, Sept. 24, Widow 
 Deborah Wilson; Rochester, Nov. 2, John 
 Cole and Rebecca Cole; in South Dartmouth, 
 Nov. 7, Pardon Devoll, Benoni Small, Lydia 
 Small, Roby Wood, and Betsey Bedon. These 
 were the first baptized there. Nov. 14 in Mid- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. Ill 
 
 dleborough, Phebe Vaun and Clarissa VV. Bales ; 
 Dartmouth, Dec. 3, Polly Bedon. 
 
 No record appears beyond the above list for 
 the year 1809, but this, with the record of 
 baptisms for the year 18 10, shows that revivals 
 were enjoyed in new fields, perhaps under 
 the labors of Elder Tripp and other young 
 preachers. 
 
 In New Bedford there were almost continual 
 revivals. Jan. 26, 18 10, Elder Hix baptized 
 there Samuel Mendall and Abigail Rickenson ; 
 Feb. 23, George Whitman, Betsey Mendall, 
 Hannah Tripp, Ruth Wrightington, and Rhoda 
 Washburn. This last candidate was the 1004th 
 person Elder Hix had baptized since his ordina- 
 tion, or an average of more than thirty each 
 year. 
 
 March 5, in W^estport, he baptized Ruth 
 Howland ; again March 25, Jireh Brownell, 
 Pardon Howland, John Briggs, Mary Briggs, 
 Meribah Shearman, Mary Howland, and Eliza- 
 beth Gifford. ''This was the first baptizing 
 season in South Westport." 
 
 March 30, in New Bedford, he baptized 
 Amassa Simmons, Thomas Jenney, Kate Jenney, 
 Rebecca Handay, Chloe Jenney, Thomas 
 
 , and another person, name unknown. 
 
 "Another victory gained in Dartmouth April 
 
112 A SKETCH OF 
 
 8th"; Deborah Chase, Lydia Terry, and April 
 21, James Allen were baptized. April 22, in 
 New Bedford, Star Nicher, Enoch Butts, Sarah 
 Smith, Eleanor James, Patience Briggs, and a 
 candidate named Richardson were baptized ; 
 "a good day; O Lord, display thy power." 
 In New Bedford, May 6, Sylvia Johnson, Easter 
 Adams, Agnes Richards, Dency Johnson and 
 Mary Ann Gelatte were baptized ; these last 
 were all colored people. In Portsmouth, R. I., 
 May 13, Thomas Sisson, Rebecca Slocum, and 
 Mary Cook; in New Bedford soon after, Peter 
 Howard and Nancy Pease ; May 25, same place, 
 Mary Hart and Rebecca Sisson. 
 
 June 10, Elder Hix writes of a good work in 
 Westport; he baptized Thomas Shearman, Ruth 
 Cornell, Polly Fisher, Samuel Slocum, Dorcas 
 Slocum, and a person named Briggs. July 4, in 
 New Bedford at Bro. White's, "a. good time"; 
 Weltha Skiff, Weltha Tabor, Rebecca Allen 
 and Elizabeth Tabor were baptized ; in Middle- 
 borough, July 5, Lydia Jenny; in Rehoboth, 
 July 15, Elizabeth Rounds, Hannah Bliss; in 
 Dartmouth, July 22, Patience Mosher; in 
 Westport, Aug. 6, Susanna Gifford, Thankful 
 Tripp, and Mercy Tripp ; in Dartmouth, Sept. 
 I, Levi Chase; in New Bedford, at the Point, 
 near the last date, Lewis Tabor, Mary Tabor, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. II3 
 
 Phebe Reynolds, and Hannah Bond ; in Taun- 
 ton, Sept. 10, Abner Pitts; Dartmouth, Dec. 2, 
 John Head. This was the last baptism in 18 10. 
 The year 181 1 was characterized by the 
 same revival spirit of former years, and the 
 church grew rapidly in numbers and influence. 
 It was also the year when the final separation 
 took place from the Groton Conference. The 
 following letter to Elder Silas Burrows, dated 
 Aug. 2, 181 1, explains itself. 
 
 Dear Brother and Elder, As you were the first that invited 
 me to meet with the elders and brethren at Groton to form a 
 union of churches, which took place June 20, 1 786, the church 
 of which I am a member with myself were received into fellow- 
 ship as the minutes of the above meeting now before me show. 
 I cannot find that the church in Dartmouth or I have departed 
 from anything contained in the proceedings of said meeting, 
 except your articles of faith, body of principles and rule of 
 discipline, and these I understand you have laid aside for 
 others, and all them we have laid aside for the rule Christ hath 
 given us. 
 
 The proceedings of the conference for four years past, I do 
 not so fully understand. I shall make some statements, and 
 hope you will be able to make all things plain to me. First, 
 the conference met at Groton, June 22-23, i8o8j and the church 
 of Dartmouth was represented by a letter and messengers; the 
 number added the year previous was two hundred and sixty- 
 two. It appears by the proceedings of the conference, that 
 the letter, messengers, or the blessing God had bestowed upon 
 us, did not give satisfaction, for some of the elders told our 
 brethren they must not commune with them, and a committee 
 of elders was appointed to inquire into the standing of the 
 
114 A SKETCH OF 
 
 church in Dartmouth under the pastoral care of Elder Daniel 
 Hix, and report to our next conference. This committee, nor 
 any other, ever came to see the church. The church expected 
 to meet the committee or to hear again from the conference, 
 but to our surprise we received a letter signed by Asa Wilcox in 
 behalf of the conference, which says : " Beloved brethren, as 
 a church in this conference, you have not been legally repre- 
 sented last year nor this; we know of nothing on our part to 
 hinder. We invite you to continue your seats and fellowship 
 with us, believing it will be for the honor of Christ and for the 
 encouragement of his people." This was dated, Westerly, June 
 20, 1 8 10. This was two years after the committee was chosen 
 to look into the standing of the church. From this statement, 
 the candid must conclude that the conference had received 
 information that all uneasiness concerning our standing was 
 removed. But a wonder appears to be brought forth by the 
 conference when met at West Greenwich, June 19-20, 181 1: 
 " Voted to drop the Dartmouth church out of our fellowship." 
 A great turn-about indeed : last year, " we know nothing to 
 hinder fellowship; we invite you to continue your seat and 
 fellowship with us." The church sent on brethren this year as 
 messengers with a letter as heretofore, but some that had the 
 lead objected to having it read in public. What was this for? 
 Let the candid judge. If the letter blasphemed God or accused 
 the conference wrongly, publish it to the world, that it may be 
 known; if it speaks truth, why should any be ashamed? But a 
 committee was appointed to examine the letter, and they con- 
 sented to have it read, with this reserve, that no remarks be 
 made thereon. This had the desired effect in the house, but 
 after meeting the people found themselves at liberty and many 
 showed their opinion of the matter. What has taken place in 
 the church since the conference requested them to keep their 
 seats and fellowship? Can you reconcile these proceedings? 
 I know of no alteration except it be in this; that the Lord hath 
 blessed us with a revival, and his work is glorious among us. 
 Three in my family appear to have met with religion. The 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. II5 
 
 work began, and has spread through all the society; it is 
 believed that forty or fifty have experienced religion, and many 
 more are inquiring, What shall I do? It appears to us that 
 heaven owns us. Although the conference has dropped us, 
 Jesus has not, thanks to God and the Lamb. 
 
 But I forbear; I had purposed to state the treatment I have 
 received, but as this letter is lengthy I omit at this time, but I 
 felt it my duty to make a fair statement of the whole matter and 
 publish it to the world. DANIEL HIX. 
 
 To Elder Silas Burrus. 
 
 On reviewing the circumstances now before us, 
 several facts appear clearly. From the first the 
 Dartmouth church had taken an unusual posi- 
 tion in favor of religious liberty, and led by 
 their clear-headed pastor, they became ener- 
 getic and progressive in the work of saving 
 souls. This course will always bring success, 
 just as surely as a neglect of natural laws in- 
 sures failure. Faithfulness created a public sen- 
 timent in favor of piety, and all the converts 
 being aggressive, they rapidly extended the 
 boundaries of the church. Failures there cer- 
 tainly were, and will be doubtless as long as 
 human weakness exists, but it is believed that 
 few instances are recorded where such extended 
 and continual growth was maintained so many 
 years. The reason is obvious, when we take 
 into account the broad and everlasting princi- 
 ples upon which the church was founded. It 
 
Il6 A SKETCH OF 
 
 is evident also that this method of work brings 
 us into collision with the unsanctified and nar- 
 row-minded of all classes, with some church- 
 members as well as the world. In the case 
 before us, the church as a body outgrew the 
 worldly-minded, whether in sister churches or 
 outside any church, and its members preached 
 the perfect law of liberty they had learned of 
 Christ. They did not oppose their brethren 
 even of a different belief, but preached against 
 everything they felt was injurious to their wel- 
 fare. This brought them into antagonism with 
 all who loved their creed and church forms bet- 
 ter than spiritual life. The church had the 
 spirit of Christ, and esteemed the whole Bible 
 more than any partial or one-sided statement 
 of divine truth ; as a natural result, a separation 
 became necessary. The believers here felt that 
 the whole ought not to be sacrificed for a part, 
 nor were they willing to surrender the natural 
 right of thinking for themselves. Thus obeying 
 the law of progress, they were led on to still 
 higher degrees of religious prosperity. Nor is 
 the good sense and judgment of Elder Hix less 
 clearly apparent than his apostolic faith; his 
 course was most judicious in preparing the way 
 for the inevitable change, and he had a faculty 
 of finding work for all, while his mind contin- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. II7 
 
 ually sought new channels of usefulness. He 
 encouraged young men to preach, and from the 
 records it is certain that if they departed from 
 sound doctrine, he looked after them that no 
 harm should come to others. He had occasion 
 sometimes for rebuke, but an instance of harsh 
 dealing has yet to be found ; he seems to have 
 been in season and out of season ever doing 
 the Master's work. 
 
 In the year 181 1 Elder Hix baptized the fol- 
 lowing candidates: in Rochester, Jan. 17, Eze- 
 kiel Cushman and Widow Rider, and i8th, two 
 persons named Miggs; New Bedford, March 
 17, Rachel Sullings, Betsey Cottle, Mary Sand- 
 ford, Avis Ellis ; also two more in April, names 
 unknown ; in Dartmouth, July 7, Calvin Rey- 
 nolds ; again Aug. 4, Abigail Jones and Phebe 
 Tabor; Aug. 11, Edward Wilson ; in Rochester, 
 Aug. 13, Andrew Randall; Dartmouth, Aug. 
 25, Elijah Allen and Daniel Gifford ; Aug. 28, 
 in Watuppa ponds, Job Sherman ; Sept. 8, in 
 Dartmouth, Jacob Samson; also Sept. 22, Jona- 
 than Gifford, Abraham Allen, Stephen Ashley, 
 James Ashley, Elisha Fuller, Jason Phillips, 
 Lewis Gifford, Mary Davis, and Lucy Millard. 
 " The work is glorious at this time ; thank the 
 Lord. Saints rejoice, converts sing, sinners 
 mourn." In Rochester, Long Plain society, 
 
Il8 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Ebenezer Keene, jr., Abigail Wilbour and Eliz- 
 abeth Wilcox were baptized ; "a good work in 
 this place." There seems to have been an in- 
 creased interest in Dartmouth at this time, Oct. 
 6, for he writes, ** The work is glorious ; thank 
 God I live to see this day ; all glory to the Lamb 
 that was slain for us." Candidates baptized, 
 Sylvanus Allen, 2d, George Gifford, Pardon 
 Jones, John Samson, Asa Nichols, Leonard 
 Ashley, Alden Collins, Hix Gifford, Betsey Ash- 
 ley, Amy Woddle ; at North Westport, Oct. 9, 
 John Crapo, Abraham Wordle. Nine members 
 of the Long Plain society were baptized in 
 Rochester soon after, James Simmons, Mercy 
 Simmons, Joseph Wilbour, Asa Brient, Otis 
 Oliver, Gibson Cushman, Catharine Pope, Delila 
 Shearman, and Polly Sears ; " this and the day 
 before was a solemn and joyful time." In Dart- 
 mouth, Oct. 20, Major Pool, William Jucket, 
 Barbara Jucket, Isaac Babcock, Abiel Crapo, 
 Leonard Millard, Joseph Briggs and Rebecca 
 Briggs were baptized ; " a day of rejoicing and 
 gladness of heart to many; thank the Lord." 
 Also the same day, Mary Crapo, Nancy Burdin, 
 Anna Washburn, Anna Russell, Lucy Snell, 
 Betsey Allen. *' Elder Babcock preached to- 
 day to our satisfaction." Oct. 28, at Morton's 
 ponds, Eliza Braley and Lucy Braley ; Oct. 29, 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. II9 
 
 at Rounseville's, probably In Freetown, Betsey 
 Cummings and Lucy Ashley were baptized. 
 Oct. 30, in Rochester, " the good work contin- 
 ues " ; Charles Brightman, Meribah Brightman, 
 John Sears and Nancy Sears were baptized. In 
 Dartmouth, Nov. 3, Ezra Winslow, Abraham 
 Ashley, jr., William Gifford, Content Crapo, 
 Susanna Crapo, Susanna Gifford, Mary Samson, 
 Elizabeth Bedon, Dighton Millard, Susanna 
 Butts, William Ashley, and David Chase ; '* the 
 spirit of the Lord this day was powerful, to the 
 joy of saints and reaching sinners' hearts ; praise 
 ye the Lord, for he is worthy." In Westport at 
 the Narrows, Elijah Blossom, Bradford Burdin, 
 Mercury Besse, Susanna Briggs, Eliza Crocker; 
 " a good time ; the work increases in this place." 
 In Dartmouth, Nov. 17, Arabia Samson, David 
 Butts, jr. ; also Dec. i, Betsey Maxfield ; West- 
 port, Dec. 5, Pardon Wordell ; Freetown, Dec. 
 12, Alick Burdin, Jeptha Ashley, Sarah Cottle; 
 "a good day." Dartmouth, Dec. 15, Anna 
 Jones, Hannah Jones. 
 
 The necessities of the society required at this 
 time a larger house of worship, and in the Sum- 
 mer of 181 1 the old house was taken down and 
 a new one built, furnished partly with pews and 
 partly with seats. Here Elder Hix preached 
 many years, two or three Sundays in a month. 
 
120 A SKETCH OF 
 
 to large congregations from all the surrounding 
 country and even from other towns. In his ab- 
 sence, the pulpit was supplied by Elder Ira 
 Phillips or Howard Tripp, or some other local 
 preachers. 
 
 In the year 1811, Mr. Thomas Lee felt it his 
 duty to preach, and for several years held meet- 
 ings in different neighborhoods. He was a man 
 of considerable ability, and made many warm 
 friends. He conceived that ordination was un- 
 necessary, and baptized some converts, but the 
 church not countenancing his irregularities, he 
 left it, and finally joined the Shakers. He died 
 Feb. 10, 1857. 
 
 The year 1812 was a time of excitement, yet 
 the revival spirit continued in the church. Elder 
 Hix pursued the course of former years, preach- 
 ing and baptizing. Jan. 9, 18 12, he baptized 
 Joseph Davis; in Dartmouth, Feb. 2, Elizabeth 
 Wordel; also April 5, Hope Collins; in Middle- 
 borough, April 13, Joseph Finney, another per- 
 son named Finney, Zilpha Freeman, Abigail 
 Sturdevant; again April 27, in Middleborough, 
 Lathrop Lewis, a person named Finney, Han- 
 nah Westgate, and Betsey Hoover; in Dart- 
 mouth, soon after, Sally Crapo ; in Fairhaven, 
 John Perry and Sophia Spooner; Dartmouth, 
 May 17, Charles Crapo; Westport, May 21, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 121 
 
 Pardon Thomson, Nancy Mosher, and Elizabeth 
 Gifford. Elder Hix went to Middleborough 
 May 25, and baptized James Finney, Job Hoar, 
 Maria Finney, and Sally Hoar; " bless the Lord 
 for the good work in this place." May 30, in 
 Fairhaven, he baptized Stephen Davis and 
 Thomas Omans ; Dartmouth, June 7, a person 
 named Butts and another named Burt, Ruth 
 Crapo, and Sarah Cottle, 2d ; *' praise the Lord 
 for his spirit." Middleborough, June 15, Anna 
 Phinney, Betsey Lewis, Phebe Quinn ; ** a good 
 time; thank the Lord." Rochester, June 18, 
 Lydia Randall and Susanna Howard ; and the 
 19th, Richard Randall and Keziah Randall; at 
 the Narrows, July i, Hannah Crandall and Phebe 
 Wordel; July 5, in Dartmouth, Richard Collins, 
 Alpheus Simmons, Maria Perce ; at the Nar- 
 rows, July 8, Samson Sherman, jr., and another 
 person named Sherman; Rochester, July 10, 
 Caleb Mendall and Maria Mendall ; July 11, in 
 Middleborough, Mercy Hare; July 23, in Free- 
 town, Hannah Ashley and Polly Burdin ; *' a 
 good day; thank the Lord." Aug. 2, in Dart- 
 mouth, a person named Reed; at Bro. Rounse- 
 ville's, Freetown, Oct. 30, two candidates, named 
 Cummings and Lucas ; in Dartmouth, the last 
 of the year, B. C. Reynolds's wife. 
 L 
 
122 A SKETCH OF 
 
 The revival interest during the year 1813 was 
 much less, yet we should suppose Elder Hix 
 had a good degree of success. He baptized at 
 the Ponds, Aug. 12, Sister Peckham ; in Attle- 
 borough, Aug. 15, Stephen Bensale, Timothy 
 Bullock, James Ellis, Alfred Wilmarth, Truman 
 Hall, James Sadler, Zelotes Fuller, Esther El- 
 dridge, and Ruam Tabor ; '* a good day, and long 
 to be remembered ; thank the Lord for his good 
 work in this place." Aug. 20, he went to Mid- 
 dleborough and baptized one person, and Sept. 
 17 he baptized Levi Hathaway there; in Free- 
 town, Percival Ashley near this time ; and Oct. 
 21 he baptized Zilpha DevoU on the sea coast 
 in Dartmouth. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 23 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 WAR OF 181 2 ; SECESSION OF ANTI-WAR MEMBERS ; 
 REVIVAL AND FORMATION OF THE FIRST CHRIS- 
 TIAN CHURCH IN WESTPORT; ORDINATION OF 
 ELDER HOWARD TRIPP; GREAT REVIVAL OF 
 1825; ORGANIZATION OF FALL RIVER CHURCH; 
 OTHER REVIVALS ; DEATH OF AUNT MARY HIX ; 
 LAST SERMON AND DEATH OF ELDER DANIEL 
 HIX; CHURCH TROUBLES; TEMPERANCE RE- 
 FORM ; LIST OF MEMBERS. 
 
 During the war with Great Britain, from 18 12 
 to 18 1 5, New England interests were very much 
 depressed, and the alarms of war, with prostra- 
 tion of business, made money scarce, while pro- 
 visions were very high. The people of the 
 Dartmouth church bore their full share of hard- 
 ship, yet another trial was in store for them. 
 This was a secession of sixteen members, on 
 the question of bearing arms. It is evident the 
 non resistant element had been in the church 
 from its organization, and but for the war might 
 have remained passive ; but as a number of the 
 church members had been drafted into the 
 coast guard, the question became prominent. It 
 was agitated for several years, but it is not 
 
124 A SKETCH OF 
 
 known that Elder Hix took a decided stand 
 either for or against it. When disunion became 
 inevitable, he is said to have remarked in his 
 quaint way, ''The same door is open to go out 
 that they had to come in, and I hope they 
 won't take the side of the house with them." 
 
 Some time near the close or soon after he 
 war, the following named members withdrew 
 and formed a separate meeting: Rufus Tripp> 
 David Craw, Ebenezer Tripp, James Upham, 
 Levi Chase, Joseph Davis, Cynthia Crapo, 
 Mercy Shearman, Elizabeth Mosher, John Gif- 
 ford, Thomas Winslow, Abner Devoll, Pardon 
 
 Rowland, Rowland, Anna Williams, 
 
 Ruth Cornell. The church clerk in his record 
 says, **The above mentioned brethren and sisters 
 formed a church by themselves in consequence 
 of the church fellowshiping members that bear 
 arms." Abner Devoll and Joseph Davis were 
 their ministers, and after holding meetings in 
 this vicinity for a while, they worshiped in a 
 meeting-house at the Read of Westport River. 
 Rere Elder Peleg Sisson preached, and after 
 the society was disbanded the meeting-house 
 was removed to Pine Rill, Westport. Evidently 
 the community was unprepared for such ex- 
 treme views, which accounted for the failure of 
 the movement. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. I25 
 
 For several years after the war, the church 
 records are few and brief, and we hear of no 
 revival until 1819. We are told that at this 
 time the custom of feet washing was practised 
 by some on communion days, and that the 
 church cared for its own poor. These were 
 among the earliest customs of this church. 
 
 It must have been in the Fall of 18 19, or just 
 before the revival of that year, that Abiathar 
 Pool and Alpheus Simmons, with a colored 
 man, were burning charcoal on the present farm 
 of Captain Clothier Peirce, and as usual lodged 
 in a cabin near the pit. One night, remarkable 
 for its extreme stillness, the colored man awoke 
 almost suffocated. He called to his compan- 
 ions, and hastened out, supposing the pit to be 
 on fire; seeing no blaze, he hastily secured help 
 for his comrades, which came too late ; they 
 were both dead. This event seemed to startle 
 some to a sense of their danger out of Christ. 
 
 Soon afterwards a revival began, which ex- 
 tended into Westport, and resulted in the for- 
 mation of the First Christian church in that 
 town, besides a number of additions to the 
 Dartmouth church. The First Christian church 
 of Westport was formed at the Head of West- 
 port River in 18 19, and the following named 
 persons were acknowledged as members by 
 L^ 
 
126 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Elder Hix : Peleg Sisson, afterwards the pastor ; 
 Jonathan Mosher, deacon ; George Mosher, 
 Thadeus Reynolds, Catherine Soule, Phebe 
 Mosher, Rachel Tripp, Susanna Lawton, Eliza- 
 beth Tripp, Sophia Tripp. Some of these 
 members were dismissed from the Dartmouth 
 church, and the others were converts in West- 
 port. 
 
 Elder Howard Tripp had now grown to be a 
 useful preacher. He was favored with much 
 revival interest, and Elder Hix was called to 
 baptize many candidates. There is reason to 
 believe that there were occasional seasons of 
 special interest after 1819, but no general refor- 
 mation until 1824. Then a revival began which 
 extended far and wide. 
 
 About the first of November, 1824, Elder 
 Mark Fernald visited North Dartmouth, from 
 an impression that he ought to do so, and 
 though he traveled out of his way one hundred 
 miles, yet he said, *'A11 my expense was made 
 good to me, and I found it good to hear the 
 Shepherd's voice." Many converts afterwards 
 dated their experiences from his sermons. 
 While here he was a member of the council 
 called to ordain Howard Tripp to the work of 
 the gospel ministry. These services were held 
 Nov. 3, 1824. The council consisted of Mark 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 27 
 
 Fernald, Moses How, Daniel Hix, and Benjamin 
 Taylor, whose names were all signed to the 
 certificate of ordination, now in the possession 
 of Benjamin T. Tripp. Tabor Ashley was 
 ordained deacon the same day. 
 
 The death of Deacon Abraham Ashley, in 
 the first part of December, 1824, being very 
 sudden, had such an effect upon the community 
 that three young people, Robert W. Cottle, 
 Barnabas Collins, and Hope Collins, resolved to 
 seek the Lord. Deacon Ashley had been long 
 in the church, and though strongly Calvinistic, 
 so much so that he refused to vote for the 
 denominational change of the church, yet for 
 the sake of peace he kept his place, and died in 
 the triumphs of a Christian faith. The three 
 young people just named kept their resolution, 
 and the reformation extended from Dartmouth 
 to Westport, Fall River, Freetown, and Middle- 
 borough. The revival seemed almost a surprise 
 to Elder Hix and others most interested. 
 Among the first conversions was that of a young 
 lady named Reynolds, who lived with Deacon 
 Abiel Davis. She was on a visit to her home 
 at Copicut, and at a meeting held there, first 
 rose for prayers. On hearing the news, the 
 worthy Deacon exclaimed, ''Surely the Lord 
 was in the place and I knew it not." The 
 
128 A SKETCH OF 
 
 revival continued until the Fall of 1826, and 
 resulted in nearly one hundred additions to the 
 church in Dartmouth, besides many who were 
 converted in other places. There must have 
 been several hundred conversions in all. Elder 
 Tripp preached mostly in Westport and Elder 
 Hix in Dartmouth, but both baptized in different 
 localities. The church record says, "The re- 
 vival appeared to spread in different directions, 
 people were anxious to attend meetings, young 
 people began to desire the prayers of Christians, 
 solemnity was visible in all the meetings, and 
 many embraced religion and spoke of the glory 
 of the Lord." 
 
 In the first part of February, 1825, ten young 
 converts were baptized by Elders Hix and 
 Tripp, and the last part of the month three 
 more. March 5, eleven joined the church; the 
 next day, ten more were baptized by Elders 
 Hix and Tripp; March 10, two candidates were 
 baptized at the Ponds by Elder Hix. March 
 19, ten believers were added to the church; 
 March 20, thirteen were baptized, and March 
 24, four others at the Ponds. April 2, seven- 
 teen who had been baptized joined the church. 
 April 3, Elder Hix went to Troy (Fall River) 
 and baptized three persons ; April 7, seven 
 more were baptized by Elders Hix and Tripp ; 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. I29 
 
 April 14, Elder Hix baptized four at Troy; 
 April 16, twelve were added to the church, and 
 the next day Elders Hix and Tripp baptized 
 seven more; April 21, Elders Hix and Tripp 
 baptized four persons at Freetown Furnace ; 
 May 7, five persons joined the church ; May 8, 
 four were baptized, one of whom joined the 
 church; May 21 four believers were received 
 into the church, and May 22 Elder Hix bap- 
 tized five more converts; May 25 Elder Tripp 
 baptized three in Westport, and in the month 
 of May Elder Hix visited Fall River and bap- 
 tized eight; Elder Hix baptized two persons 
 June 19, and the same month three more in Fall 
 River. July 2, five joined the church. 
 
 June 19, 1826, Elder Hix baptized two per- 
 sons ; at the July church meeting, four joined the 
 church; July 3, two believers were baptized by 
 Elder Tripp. 
 
 It is evident the record of baptisms is far 
 from complete, but the additions to the church 
 during this revival are recorded in the list of 
 members. 
 
 The condition of the church at this time must 
 have resembled its earlier history when converts 
 were multiplied, for nearly all the young people 
 became interested in religion and joined the 
 church. 
 
130 A SKETCH OF 
 
 March 5, 1825, the church chose Jesse W. 
 Nichols clerk, which office he filled until his 
 removal to Connecticut in 1830. 
 
 In the year 1825, Rev. Albert G. Morton 
 began his public ministry in this place ; he 
 preached his first sermon, from Heb. xil, i, in 
 the church at Hixville, Aug. 7, 1825, at the age 
 of twenty-one years, thus giving a promise 
 of usefulness which has been amply fulfilled by 
 a long and honorable life. Elder Hix seems to 
 have taken pains to encourage young men in 
 the ministry, and the results must have been 
 gratifying to him in later years. 
 
 Beyond the revival of 1825-6, there were few 
 incidents of importance until the reformation of 
 1830. Church meetings were regularly held the 
 first Saturday of each month ; the branch 
 churches were visited occasionally by Elder Hix 
 or Tripp, and the meetings generally were well 
 attended. This state of things was maintained 
 by the progressive character of the church ; it 
 led, not followed public sentiment, and its 
 influences largely moulded the youthful minds 
 which came upon the stage of action, and pre- 
 pared them to become the bone and sinew of 
 the church to-day. 
 
 It is interesting to note the process of growth 
 in any society, especially such an organization 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. I3I 
 
 as the church before us. A few sermons 
 preached by Elder Jacob Hix In almost a 
 wilderness were followed by a work of grace 
 covering townships, originating churches of 
 large influence, and calling into activity the 
 multiplied religious forces of our day. It is 
 truly wonderful ; It must be the work of God. 
 
 One reason for the success of the church in 
 Dartmouth, is the fact that being aggressive, it 
 was consequently united. In some respects, a 
 church resembles an army ; it must have an ob- 
 ject ever in view, and a few days of Idleness or 
 distraction of thought will do more injury than 
 a season of persecution. This church had a 
 leader whose counsels were practical ; he knew 
 the people with whom he lived, and he was sus- 
 tained by a strong-willed membership, whose 
 prayers and hymns carried conviction to Zion's 
 foes. Intense, practical, and with a profound 
 knowledge of human nature, it would have been 
 strange if Elder Hix and the church had failed 
 in their work. 
 
 In 1828 the Christian conference was held 
 with the church in Dartmouth. We have no 
 particulars of this meeting, but it was doubtless 
 profitable to the people. 
 
 In 1829 another revival began, which contin- 
 ued several years. At the church meeting held 
 
132 A SKETCH OF 
 
 March 7, 1829, three persons were added to the 
 church. 
 
 At this meeting, a committee, consisting of 
 Elder Howard Tripp, Deacon Tabor Ashley, 
 Brothers Jonathan Davis, Pardon Wordelle and 
 Jesse W. Nichols, was chosen with Elder Hix 
 to revise the church records. The committee 
 met ^t Elder Hix's house, and proceeded to 
 copy from the old. records all the names of the 
 living members, and found two hundred thirty- 
 seven persons enrolled ; two hundred twenty- 
 six had been dismissed or removed, and one 
 hundred fifty-seven had died, since the organi- 
 zation of the church ; this of course included 
 only the Dartmouth church. 
 
 This month (March,) another church meet- 
 ing was held, at which *'a committee was 
 appointed to visit some brethren and sisters who 
 have not attended meeting for some years, and 
 learn their state of mind." 
 
 A letter was also read in this meeting from 
 Elder Joshua V. Himes, who then preached in 
 Troy, stating " that a revival in that place had 
 caused the brethren there to think of forming a 
 church." "Some thirty or forty had been con- 
 verted, and Elder Hix was requested to meet 
 with them on the evening of April 9, for the 
 purpose of organizing a church, providing it is 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 33 
 
 deemed expedient ; also ten of our brethren and 
 sisters who reside there have requested a dis- 
 mission and letters of recommendation as soon 
 as the church is organized." This request was 
 granted, and the following named persons were 
 dismissed with letters of recommendation under 
 date of April 4, 1829: Silas Collins, Peleg 
 Babcock, Ezekiel Chace, Rebecca Burt, Priscilla 
 Chace, Abiah T. Snell, Lydia Horton, Sally 
 Blossom, Betsey Durfee, Lydia Chace. "The 
 church being formed at Fall River, the above 
 named members are dismissed from this 
 church." This is attested by J. W. Nichols, 
 church clerk. Ezekiel and Lydia Chace after- 
 wards returned. 
 
 Some months before, Jonathan Davis had 
 been chosen deacon, and now took his place. 
 
 May 3, 1829, Elder Tripp baptized two young 
 ladies, who subsequently joined the church. 
 The revival interest continued, and though not 
 so sweeping as in former years, thirteen joined 
 the church this Summer. Baptizing was sus- 
 pended for the Winter, but eleven were baptized 
 and joined the church in the Spring of 1830, 
 Nine others became church members during the 
 Summer. The years 183 1, 2 and 3 witnessed a 
 steady growth in numbers, though during this 
 time quite a number of the older members were 
 M 
 
134 A SKETCH OF 
 
 claimed by death. Several members near this 
 time were dealt with for various misdemeanors 
 and dismissed. 
 
 A revival began in the Summer of 1832 at 
 Westport Factory, in some prayer-meetings held 
 there, and about fifty were converted. Among 
 the converts was Ruth Gifford, a beautiful and 
 intelligent girl of a cheerful disposition, who 
 with others at first went to a meeting and lis- 
 tened outside a while, and then came away. 
 She afterwards married Elder John Phillips, and 
 was the mother of J. T. Phillips, one of our 
 ministers in Indiana. 
 
 Near this date the health of Elder Hix began- 
 to fail, and we have no more records of 
 baptism at his hands. In August, 1832, Elder 
 Elijah Shaw made him a visit and preached 
 for him. " Elder Hix was then seventy- 
 seven years old, had preached more than fifty 
 years, and baptized between fifteen hundred 
 and two thousand persons." It is likely he 
 wished to be relieved from a part of his work, 
 for at a church meeting, March 9, 1833, it was 
 unanimously voted to have Elder Howard Tripp 
 to preach in Dartmouth one half or three quar- 
 ters of the time for the ensuing year; also 
 voted that he should take the care and charge 
 of the First Christian Church in Dartmouth, that 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 35 
 
 Elder Daniel Hix, through age and infirmities, 
 wished to be released from. At this time Jona- 
 than Davis was church clerk. It is not likely 
 Elder Hix gave up preaching all at once, but 
 his health became no better, and the church 
 voted unanimously, June 7, 1834, ** that Elder 
 Howard Tripp should have the care and charge 
 of the church so long as they could walk to- 
 gether." 
 
 The Summer of 1833 was characterized by 
 the same gentle shower of grace that had marked 
 preceding years, and December 7th quite a 
 number joined the church. The church was 
 still in view of its aged pastor, and the able 
 hands of Elder Tripp executed whatever seemed 
 necessary for the public good. It was indeed 
 the busiest and perhaps the most useful period 
 of Elder Tripp's life. Around him were gath- 
 ered not only his own children but others almost 
 as dear, who were coming to fill the places of 
 those who had fallen under the leadership of 
 Elder Hix. It was Elder Tripp's work to en- 
 courage and train these converts for the stern 
 trials that should come upon the church. The 
 work was with the Divine help well done ; for 
 had it not been for those years of frequent re- 
 vivals from 1830 to 1842, there would scarcely 
 have been a church to-day. Never has been 
 
136 A SKETCH OF 
 
 exemplified more clearly a Father's hand in the 
 care of his church, than during this part of its 
 history. Of a large company of young people 
 then converted, a number of both sexes have 
 been faithful through all subsequent trials, and 
 are still sustaining the church by precept, ex- 
 ample, and means, striving to gather in recruits 
 for Zion. The wild frenzy of 1843 failed to 
 carry them away, discouragements have not 
 driven them from the post of duty, nor church 
 dissensions kept them from the sabbath service. 
 They are now growing old, but they are yet 
 known as the bulwarks of the church. God 
 bless them. 
 
 Perhaps, like empires, churches have stages 
 of growth and seasons of decay.. It is clear 
 that for more than ten years prior to 1843 the 
 church at Hixville, under the care of Elder 
 Tripp, was a power in the community. It is 
 said that during that time intemperance was in- 
 creasing ; that was perhaps true of every country 
 village in Massachusetts. Sabbath-breaking was 
 common, no doubt, but the church member who 
 drank freely was dismissed, while the line be- 
 tween piety and vice was drawn more clearly 
 than now. The church as a body commanded 
 the respect of the community, and certainly 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 37 
 
 embraced the most respectable portion of the 
 people. 
 
 In the Summer of 1835, the first Sunday- 
 school was organized at Hixville. 
 
 Elder Hix preached but little after 1833. He 
 had suffered for several years from a kidney dis- 
 ease, and gradually his disorder took the form 
 of consumption, but having a farm, he was en- 
 abled with his wife to live comfortably as they 
 walked quietly down the western hill of life. 
 
 Aunt Mary was called first. Though suffer- 
 ing at times from a humor, she had been able 
 to work hard through life and exercise all the 
 qualities of a thrifty housekeeper. Having no 
 children of their own, she with her husband had 
 brought up several children in the course of 
 their sixty years of married life; and though 
 more impulsive than Elder Hix, Aunt Mary is 
 still remembered with love by those who knew 
 her best. In the last of August or first of Sep- 
 tember she took a severe cold, which with the 
 humor produced a fever, of which she died, 
 Sept. 28, 1837. Elder Moses How preached 
 her funeral sermon, from the text, " Mary hath 
 chosen that good part, which shall not be taken 
 away from her." Luke, X, 42. This sad event, 
 in his weak state, perhaps shortened Elder Hix's 
 life. 
 
138 A SKETCH OF 
 
 About two months after, he preached his last 
 sermon, Thanksgiving day, Nov. 20, 1837. ^^ 
 are told that people came many miles to hear 
 what all expected to be his farewell discourse. 
 Just before speaking, he whispered, ** I have 
 forgotten my text." *' Can you tell any of the 
 words ? " asked the younger pastor. ** The word 
 thanks was in it." "Was it Thanks be unto 
 God for his unspeakable gift?" ** Yes, that 
 was it." His text was found in II Cor. IX, 15, 
 Elder Tripp helped him to his feet, and he 
 spoke for an hour with considerable animation. 
 It was Elder Hix's last public service. 
 
 This Fall his health failed considerably. Dea- 
 con Jonathan Davis, being elected representa- 
 tive to Boston, before going away called upon 
 Elder Hix, and found him very feeble. He said 
 but little, and evidently realized his situation. 
 Before Mr. Davis left, he received for safe keep- 
 ing a number of church books, records, &c., 
 which have been used in the preparation of this 
 work. 
 
 Elder Hix continued to fail until March 22, 
 1838, when he expired, aged 82 years 3 months 
 22 days. He had spoken occasionally of his 
 approaching death, and always with the assur- 
 ance of a life beyond the grave ; but it was the 
 life which for more than fifty years had been 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 39 
 
 devoted to Christ that bore the strongest evi- 
 dence of eternal realities. His funeral services 
 were conducted by Elder How, who preached 
 from the text, " Help, Lord ; for the godly man 
 ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the 
 children of men." Psalm XII, i. His remains, 
 with those of his wife, were interred near the 
 church of his choice, according to his request, 
 and are almost surrounded by the graves of his 
 friends and former church members. 
 
 Thus ended a successful life, a life founded 
 on integrity, matured by successes in his chosen 
 work. He died as the sun sets beyond the hills, 
 reflecting backward rays of light and glory. 
 Truly he was a great man ; whether we consider 
 his early disadvantages or later responsibilities, 
 he manifested a clear mind with a discriminat- 
 ing judgment worthy of all praise. Energy, 
 native talent and discretion were all exhibited in 
 his life work. 
 
 Among the first converts of the revival in 
 1825 was Barnabas Collins, who afterwards felt 
 it his duty to preach, and he was ordained April 
 25, 1838, shortly after Elder Hix's death, by 
 Elders Moses How and Howard Tripp. This 
 seemed necessary, as Elder Tripp needed help. 
 Elder Collins is still living in New Bedford at 
 an advanced age. 
 
140 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Soon after this, religious changes took place, 
 which it is said Elder Hix foresaw. These 
 changes cannot be attributed wholly to his ab- 
 sence ; they came largely as the result of cir- 
 cumstances natural in themselves. The branch 
 churches had before this become practically in- 
 dependent, and if Elder Hix had lived longer 
 he might not have had influence enough to allay 
 the trouble in relation to singing, or prevent the 
 Advent excitement. It is plain the church had 
 reached another crisis, and several causes com- 
 bined to reduce the membership and injure its 
 influence. 
 
 To explain the declension which followed, 
 attention must be given to certain principles 
 ever in operation. The laws of success require 
 of a church that there be a union of purpose, 
 which union can only grow out of a personal 
 religious experience. Again, if this union is 
 interrupted by new influences, or new purposes 
 divert the mind from the work of salvation, 
 other interests appear, and the door is opened 
 for prejudice and jealousy with all the hateful 
 broods of selfishness to enter. Such being the 
 case, farewell to peace, discipline, and piety. 
 The only safe course is never to allow anything 
 to lead the church away from its legitimate 
 work. When unavoidable questions arise, threat- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 14I 
 
 ening disunion, the principles of the Bible should 
 be applied by mutual consent or by disinterested 
 councils in a way that will not provoke public 
 discussion ; the method of work is often as im- 
 portant as the work itself. Love and justice 
 are ever in harmony, and if Christians even yet 
 realized the power of charity, many difficulties 
 might be avoided. 
 
 Elder Hix ever acted on these principles, and 
 his church was always alive and at work. When 
 questions came up like that of singing, he took 
 a common-sense view of them. He said once 
 in reference to this question, " I am willing the 
 devil should look over my shoulder if he will 
 hear me preach." The decision of the council 
 years before in Elder Hathaway's church reveals 
 his opinion about singing. 
 
 From the first, an executive committee had 
 been elected, to which questions were sometimes 
 referred for decision. In 1837, Nov. 18, a busi- 
 ness meeting of the church was called, to deter- 
 mine the power of this committee. The subject 
 of singing by note had come up, and some had 
 denied the power of the committee to decide 
 such questions. At this meeting it was unani- 
 mously voted *' that the committee had a right 
 to decide on all matters brought before it." 
 The next subject was the mode of singing, and 
 
142 A SKETCH OF 
 
 " it was voted that the way they anciently sang 
 should be practised in the meeting-house for 
 the future." 
 
 This did not settle the question : quite a 
 number of the younger people were good 
 singers, and naturally wished to sing correctly ; 
 the discussion became warm, and for months 
 the cords of brotherly love were loosened. A 
 committee of several brethren was appointed to 
 examine the writings of Elder Hix and learn 
 the former proceedings, and at a church meet- 
 ing held April 27, 1838, a compromise was 
 made by the following votes, as recorded by 
 Jonathan Davis, clerk: "Voted that they 
 would have note singing for the future. Voted 
 that those who made no profession of religion 
 might join with them in singing. Voted that 
 those brethren and sisters who do not, join in 
 singing by note may select a hymn or ask the 
 minister to select a hymn and read it for them 
 to sing; also voted not to invite the nonpro- 
 fessors into the singers' seat." 
 
 The subject however did not rest, for at a 
 business meeting called Dec. 6, 1839, the sub- 
 ject of singing was taken up, **and as consider- 
 able had been said and felt about the way that 
 singing should be practised, it called the attend- 
 ance of a large number of faithful brethren 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 43 
 
 that appeared to feel desirous that union and 
 fellowship might again be felt in the church as 
 a body. After all present that wished to speak 
 had given in their minds and views on the sub- 
 ject, they almost unanimously came to the 
 conclusion that singing should be governed by 
 the church ; and that the brethren and sisters 
 and those who had experienced religion and 
 lived as Christians should have the privilege of 
 singing by note in the meeting-house at any 
 time or all times when they chose." This was 
 probably the best course that could have been 
 taken, for we hear of no more trouble about 
 singing. 
 
 At the yearly church meeting, held May 16, 
 1840, the church committee chosen were Abra- 
 ham Ashley, Lemuel Reed, William Cowen, 
 John Millard, Danforth Hathaway, Samuel Sa- 
 bins, and Joshua Wordelle. The last named 
 served t^vo years, when he resigned, and Benja- 
 min Gifford was elected in his place. David 
 Wilson was afterwards added to this committee. 
 The above-named persons were chosen "to be a 
 standing committee, and were to have authority, 
 and it is meant to be their duty to visit such 
 members as the church shall direct them to 
 visit ; to decide on all difficulties that may take 
 place in the church, and if necessary call special 
 
144 A SKETCH OF 
 
 meetings for business, but in all cases the com- 
 mittee shall be under the control of the church. 
 The decisions of this committee are however to 
 be final." 
 
 "At the church meeting held June 6, 1840, 
 the following named brethren were chosen and 
 set apart for deacons : Abraham Ashley, David 
 Wilson, Perry Davis." 
 
 During the year 1840, a good degree of 
 interest prevailed, which continued until 1842, 
 at which time many gave evidence of being 
 born again. About fifty joined the church in 
 1842. This revival was in connection with the 
 temperance reform begun the year before. 
 
 Elder Timothy Cole probably delivered the 
 first temperance lecture in the place, in 1831. 
 A pledge was circulated and signed to abstain 
 from all distilled liquors, and a society was 
 formed, and meetings held for some time. The 
 pledge proving its weakness by allowing the free 
 use of fermented liquors, the society fell into 
 disrepute. 
 
 In 1 84 1 the present Total Abstinence Wash- 
 ingtonian Society was formed, which by moral 
 suasion has accomplished much good. The 
 first president was Gilbert Millard, and being 
 sustained by Elder Tripp, John Millard, Dan- 
 forth Hathaway and others, the society soon 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 45 
 
 became a power in the community. There is 
 no doubt such a society was needed, as drunk- 
 enness was common, and in some parts of the 
 town, sabbath-breaking, fighting and poverty 
 were frequently seen. There was the usual 
 opposition to a new movement, but being 
 forwarded by a large number of the young 
 people, the work went on, and its benefits are 
 enjoyed to-day. The society has found it 
 necessary to make but little change in its 
 methods of work up to the present time. The 
 meetings have ever been conducted as gospel 
 temperance meetings, held sometimes in the 
 church, sometimes in a hall or schoolroom, 
 and in private dwellings in different localities. 
 Occasionally lecturers have been employed, but 
 usually, after opening the meeting by singing 
 and prayer, all who choose speak on the subject 
 of temperance or religion as seems best. The 
 yearly meeting elects a president and vice- 
 presidents, clerk and treasurer, with an execu- 
 tive committee of both sexes to labor with 
 those who violate the pledge, and manage the 
 general interests of the society. Care is 
 taken to deal with members on Christian prin- 
 ciples, and in no case is a member's name 
 stricken from the roll until all means of reform 
 have failed. Could the history of this society 
 N 
 
146 A SKETCH OF 
 
 be written, many surprising cases of reform 
 would be made public ; sometimes there is a 
 failure, but usually love and forbearance with 
 private discipline are successful, and the ine- 
 briate is restored. Like the church, its in- 
 fluence has extended to other localities and has 
 quietly done much good. The presidents of 
 this society, as nearly as they can now be 
 ascertained, have been Gilbert Millard, Abra- 
 ham A. Allen, Andrew T. Wilbur, Frederick P. 
 Wilbur, Washington Whithead, Job Chace, 
 William Gifford, Elder William Faunce, Otis 
 Manchester, Ebenezer C. Andrews, S. M. An- 
 drews, James Webb, J. C. Hathaway, Richard 
 Duckworth, and Irving C. Reed, with perhaps 
 some others. It is believed, although the 
 meetings have been suspended sometimes in 
 Summer, that for nearly forty years a meeting 
 each week has been a fair average. It should 
 be said, that the society has engaged the labors 
 of many church members, and exercised a favor- 
 able influence upon the morals of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 The following is a list of church members 
 living in 1829, with all who joined from 1825 to 
 Nov. 2, 1844. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 47 
 
 When received. 
 
 Before 1825 Abram A. Allen, died April 2, 1872. 
 
 Before 1825 Amy Allen, deceased. 
 
 April 2, 1825 Isaac Allen, unknown. 
 
 Before 1825 Mercy Allen, dead. 
 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Sarah Allen, dismissed by request. 
 
 March 5,1842 Sylvenus Allen, went away. 
 
 March 19, 1825 Almira Samson Andrews, died in faith. 
 
 April 16, 1842 Ann E. Andrews, dead. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1837 Betsey Andrews, dead. 
 
 June 4, 1836 Ebenezer Andrews, withdrew April 6, 1843. 
 
 March 4, 1833 Hannah Pool Andrews. 
 
 Aug. 2, 1834 John Andrews, jr., dead. 
 
 Oct. 2, 1 83 1 Stephen Andrews, 2d, dismissed with letter. 
 
 June 4, 1836 William F. Andrews, died in faith 1877. 
 
 Before 1825 Abraham Ashley, deacon, died June, 1870. 
 
 Before 1825 Almeda Ashley, dead. 
 
 Before 1825 EHzabeth Ashley, dead. 
 
 June 2, 1838 George Ashley, dead. 
 
 Before 1825 Hannah Ashley, dead. 
 
 July 7, 1827 Hannah Ashley, dead. 
 
 March 5, 1825 Hope Collins Ashley, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
 
 Before 1825 James Ashley, died 1839. 
 
 March 3, 1838 Jefferson Ashley, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
 
 Before 1825 Leonard Ashley, dismissed with letter Nov. 6, 
 
 1852. 
 Jan. 4, 1837 Malora Crapo Ashley, withdrew March, 1845. 
 June 4, 1842 Phebe Faunce Ashley. 
 April 4, 1840 Rachel Davis Ashley. 
 
 March 5, 1825 Rebecca Ashley, died in faith Jan. 25, 1827. 
 Before 1825 Stephen Ashley, dead. 
 June 2, 1838 Susan Ashley, dead. 
 July 2, 1842 Sybil Ashley. 
 
 Before 1825 Tabor Ashley, deacon, died Feb. 22, 1845. 
 March 7, 1829 Warren Ashley, dismissed Nov. 1837. 
 Before 1825 William Ashley, died April 5, 1830. 
 
148 A SKETCH OF 
 
 "When received. 
 
 Before 1825 Chace Babcock, dismissed with letter 1829. 
 Before 1825 Isaac Babcock, dead. 
 
 April 3, 1830 Peleg Babcock, dismissed with letter 1829. 
 Before 1825 Phebe Babcock, dismissed with letter 1829. 
 
 April 4, 1840 Patience Wordelle Barney, dismissed with letter. 
 
 June 4, 1842 Phebe Barrett, dead. 
 Before 1825 Mercury Besse, dismissed Sept. i, 1832. 
 
 July 2, 1825 Barnabas Blossom. 
 
 June 5, 1830 Clarinda Blossom, died Dec. 1838. 
 
 June 5, 1830 Clarissa Blossom, dismissed with letter. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1826 Elijah Blossom, died 1840. 
 
 May 1, 1830 Mary Blossom, dismissed with letter. 
 Before 1825 Sally Millard Blossom, dismissed with letter. 
 
 Oct. 1, 1825 Sally Millard Blossom, dismissed with letter. 
 
 June 6, 1829 Sarah M. Blossom. 
 Before 1825 Amy Booth, died Jan. ii, 1849. 
 Before 1825 Elizabeth Booth, dismissed with letter Sept. 
 
 1833. 
 March 19, 1825 Alexander Borden, died 1832. 
 Before 1825 Hannah Borden, dead. 
 Before 1825 Mercy Borden, died 1838. 
 Before 1825 Nancy Borden, removed. 
 April 4, 1840 Rebecca Borden, dead. 
 March 19, 1825 Thomas Borden, removed. 
 Before 1825 Sally Bosworth, dismissed June, 1826. 
 June 1, 1833 Elias Briggs, dismissed Sept. 1836. 
 Jan. 5, 1833 Eliza Ann Briggs. 
 Jan. 5, 1833 Elizabeth Briggs, withdrew Sept. 1844. 
 Aug. 6, 1825 Ephraim Briggs, jr., dead. 
 Before 1825 Joseph Briggs, withdrew 184 1. 
 Feb. 4, 1837 Polly Briggs. 
 
 July 3, 1 84 1 Prudence Wilbor Briggs, withdrew 1844. 
 Before 1825 Rebecca Briggs, dead. 
 Before 1825 Polly Brightman, dead. 
 April 2, 1842 Judith A. Brown, dead. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 49 
 
 When received. 
 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Adeline Allen Bullock. 
 Before 1825 Rebecca Burt, dismissed with letter. 
 July 2, 1842 David Butts. 
 Dec. 3,1842 Lydia Butts, dead. 
 Before 1825 Rebecca Butts, dead. 
 July 2, 1842 Samuel Butts, withdrew 1843. 
 
 1845 William Butts, died Sept. 1851. 
 Before 1825 Hope Capron, died in faith. 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Dilly Chace. 
 Before 1825 Ezekiel Chace, dismissed with letter, received 
 
 again May 7, 1831, dead. 
 April, 1836 Frederick Chace. 
 Before 1825 Hannah Chace, dead. 
 April 2, 1842 Hannah W. Chace, deceased. 
 Before 1825 John Chace, deceased. 
 Aug. 6, 1825 Joseph Chace, dead. 
 Before 1825 Lucy Chace, died in 1838. 
 June 4, 1836 Lucy Chace, dead. » 
 
 Before 1825 Lydia Chace, dismissed with letter, received 
 
 again May 7, 1831, dead. 
 Before 1825 Mary Chace, died Jan. 1834. 
 April 16, 1842 Nathan Chace. 
 Before 1825 Phebe Chace, dead. 
 May I, 1830 Polly Chace, dead. 
 Before 1825 Priscilla Chace, dismissed with letter. 
 May 7, 1 83 1 Priscilla Chace, died Sept. 1834. 
 April 16, 1842 Rhoda Chace, dismissed conditionally 1875. 
 April 16, 1825 Sally Jones Chace. 
 July 2, 1825 Susannah Chace. 
 May 7, 1825 Polly Clark, removed Sept. 1825. 
 April 2, 1825 Abiel D. Collins, withdrew Nov. 4. 1843. 
 Before 1825 Alden Collins, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Allen Collins, dead. 
 
 March 5, 1825 Barnabas Collins, ordained April 25, 1838. 
 Before 1825 Benjamin Collins, dead. 
 
ISO 
 
 A SKETCH OF 
 
 "Wheni 
 
 received. 
 
 June 
 
 2, 
 
 1838 
 
 March 
 
 5, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Sept. 
 
 4, 
 
 1831 
 
 April 
 
 2, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Feb. 
 
 6, 
 
 1829 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 2, 
 
 1834 
 
 April ] 
 
 [6, 
 
 1825 
 
 July 
 
 I, 
 
 1837 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 May 
 
 4, 
 
 1833 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 March 
 
 5. 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 I. 
 
 1836 
 
 April 
 
 2, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Sept. 
 
 2, 
 
 1826 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 May 
 
 7» 
 
 1842 
 
 July 
 
 3, 
 
 1830 
 
 May 
 
 I, 
 
 1830 
 
 April ] 
 
 [6, 
 
 1825 
 
 April 
 
 2, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 March 
 
 19, 
 
 1842 
 
 June 
 
 6, 
 
 1840 
 
 Brightman Collins, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
 
 Hannah Chace Collins, died in faith. 
 
 Hope ColUns, died Jan. 1836. 
 
 Lois Collins, died in faith Nov. 1842. 
 
 Mary White Collins, dead. 
 
 Nancy Collins, withdrew 1843. 
 
 Olive Collins, died 1836. 
 
 Rhoda Collins, dead. 
 
 Richard Collins, 2d, deacon, deceased Dec. 25, 
 
 1851. 
 Sally Collins, dead. 
 Silas Collins, dismissed with letter. 
 Abiah Hathaway Cook. 
 
 Clarissa Reynolds Cornell, dismissed with letter. 
 Jacob Cornell, dead. 
 Jemima Cornell, dismissed in 1832. 
 Phebe A. Cornell. 
 
 William Cornell, dismissed in 1832. 
 Hannah Cottle, dead. 
 Robert W. Cottle, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
 Sally Cottle, died Oct. 1855. 
 Sarah Cottle, dead. 
 Susan Cottle, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
 Thomas Cottle, withdrew 1837. 
 Eliza Cowen, dead. 
 Elizabeth Cowen, dead. 
 Hope Cowen, dead. 
 Leonard M. Cowen. 
 Margaret Cowen. 
 Mary Cowen, dead. 
 Philip Cowen, dismissed Aug. 2, 1828. 
 Wealthy Cowen. 
 
 William Cowen, withdrew April 6, 1 843. 
 Zenas Cowen, died 1853. 
 Zenas B. Cowen, dismissed with letter. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 151 
 
 When received. 
 
 Before 1825 Dorcas Crank, died in faith. 
 Before 1825 Abiel Crapo, dismissed. 
 Before 1825 Charles Crapo, dead. 
 March 19, 1825 Joseph Crapo, removed. 
 Before 1825 Peter Crapo, dead. 
 Before 1825 Sally Crapo, dead. 
 
 April 4, 1840 Sally A. Weaver Crapo, dismissed with letter. 
 Sept. 2, 1837 Sarah Crapo. 
 Before 1825 Susan Crapo, dead. 
 Before 1825 Keturah Cummings, dead. 
 Before 1825 Mary Cummings, dead. 
 Before 1825 Abiel Davis, deacon, died strong in faith Sept. 
 
 28, 1840. 
 March 19, 1825 Clarissa Wordelle Davis, dead. 
 July 7, 1838 Daniel Davis, dismissed June, 1842. • 
 May 21, 1825 Fanny Chace Davis, removed. 
 May I, 1830 Hannah Wordelle Davis. 
 Before 1825 Hope Davis, died Sept. 1829. 
 Sept. 3, 1825 Jonathan Davis, chosen deacon 1829, and clerk 
 
 June 5, 1830, died March 28, 1851. 
 Before 1825 Lovisa Davis, died in faith Jan. 5, 1835. 
 Jan. 2, 1839 Lucy Thurston Davis, dead. 
 Nov, 15, 1825 Perry Davis, elected deacon June 6, 1840, clerk 
 
 April 8, 1852, dismissed with letter 1857. 
 Before 1825 Polly Davis, dead. 
 Nov. 15, 1825 Rachel Davis, dismissed with letter. 
 Before 1825 Rebecca Russell Davis, dead. 
 Before 1825 Ruth Davis, probably dead. 
 June 5, 1830 Ruth Davis, dismissed with letter. 
 April 2, 1825 Sally Wordelle Davis, dead. 
 Before 1825 Else Dennis, died in faith Dec. 15, 1834. 
 Nov. 15, 1825 Mahaly Dennis, dismissed with letter. 
 Sept. 5, 1829 Peleg Dennis, dismissed with letter. 
 Before 1825 Robert Dennis, died June, 185 1. 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Sylvia Dennis, dead. 
 
152 A SKETCH OF 
 
 When received. 
 
 Before 1825 Anna Driscoll. 
 Before 1825 Daniel Driscoll, dead. 
 Before 1825 Betsey Durfee, dismissed with letter. 
 Aug, 6, 1825 Mary Durfee, died 1836. 
 Before 1825 Sarah Durfee, died in 1837. 
 Before 1825 Betsey Edminster, dismissed with letter. 
 Before 1825 Sally Eldridge, dead. 
 April 2, 1825 Eliza Faunce. 
 July 4, 1829 John Faunce. 
 Before 1825 Patience Faunce, died in 1839. 
 April 4, 1840 Samuel Faunce, dead. 
 Before 1825 Sarah Faunce, dead. 
 Before 1825 Thomas Faunce, died 1841. 
 Before 1825 Betsey Fisher, dead. 
 May 21, 1825 Isaac Fisher, died March, 1851. 
 May 21, 1842 Howard Francis, withdrew April 6, 1843. 
 Sept. 3, 1825 John Francis, dead. 
 May 7, 1825 Lydia Francis, dead. 
 July 7, 1838 Mercy Francis, died in faith. 
 Before 1825 Nancy Francis, dead. 
 April 4, 1840 Peace B. Francis, died Oct. 9, 1879. 
 Sept. 2, 1826 Polly Francis, dead. 
 Sept. 3, 1825 Rebecca Francis, dead. 
 Before 1825 Sarah Francis, died 1838. 
 July 2, 1825 William Francis. 
 Jan. 2, 1839 George Freelove, jr. 
 April 16, 1825 Lydia Freelove, dismissed Aug. 2, 1828. 
 May 2, 1840 Benjamin Gififord, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
 April 16, 1825 Betsey Samson Gifford. 
 Before 1825 Dinah Gifford, dismissed with letter 1831. 
 Before 1825 Elizabeth Gifford, died in good standing. 
 June 4, 1842 Emily Chace Gifford. 
 Before 1825 George Gifford, dead. 
 March 5, 1825 George Gifford, dismissed July, 1833. 
 1826 Hannah Gifford, dead. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 
 
 153 
 
 When 1 
 
 •eceived. 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 May 
 
 7. 
 
 1825 
 
 April 
 
 2, 
 
 1842 
 
 May 
 
 I, 
 
 ,1830 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 7. 
 
 1830 
 
 April 
 
 16, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 6, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Feb. 
 
 6, 
 
 1829 
 
 May 
 
 h 
 
 1830 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 4, 
 
 1832 
 
 July 
 
 4, 
 
 1829 
 
 April 
 
 2, 
 
 1842 
 
 July 
 
 3, 
 
 1830 
 
 1845 
 
 Nov. 
 
 5. 
 
 1836 
 
 April 
 
 16, 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 I, 
 
 1836 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Aug. 
 
 6, 
 
 1825 
 
 March : 
 
 19. 
 
 1825 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 April 
 
 16, 
 
 1825 
 
 May 
 
 7» 
 
 1825 
 
 Jan. 
 
 2, 
 
 1839 
 
 May 
 
 2, 
 
 1840 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 April 
 
 4, 
 
 1840 
 
 Before 
 
 
 1825 
 
 Lewis Gifford, died Dec. 14, 1843. 
 
 Luther Gififord, dead. 
 
 Mary Gifford, withdrew Nov, 4, 1843. 
 
 Mary Gifford. 
 
 Nancy Gifford, dead. 
 
 Peleg Gifford, dead. 
 
 Rebecca Gifford, dead. 
 
 Ruth Gififord, died in faith Sept. 1827. 
 
 Sally Gififord, dismissed with letter 1S40. 
 
 Sarah Gififord, dead. 
 
 Susanna Gififord, died Oct. 5, 1833. 
 
 Sylvia Gififord, died in faith. 
 
 Virtue Gifford, dead. 
 
 William Gifford, died 1838. 
 
 William Gififord, 2d, dead. 
 
 William Gifford, dead. 
 
 Alice Mosher Goodnough, dismissed with letter. 
 
 Benjamin Hart, dead. 
 
 Ephraim Hart, dead. 
 
 Rebecca Hart, died 1868. 
 
 Lydia Haskell, dismissed 1842. 
 
 Michael Haskell, dismissed March 2, 1833. 
 
 Abiah Hathaway, dead. 
 
 Charity Hathaway. 
 
 Danforth Hathaway, died March 7, 1872. 
 
 Hannah Hathaway. 
 
 John Hathaway, dismissed 1836. 
 
 Phebe Hathaway, dead. 
 
 Roxellany Lee Hathaway, dead. 
 
 Ruth Hathaway, removed. 
 
 Thomas Hathaway, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
 
 Thomas S. Hathaway, withdrew Nov. 4, 1843. 
 
 Lucy Heffords, dismissed with letter 1842. 
 
 Amanda Hix, removed. 
 
 Daniel Hix, Elder, died March 22, 183S. 
 
154 
 
 A SKETCH OF 
 
 When received. 
 
 Sept. I, 1838 Jacob Hix, dismissed 186S. 
 Before 1825 Mary Hix, died Sept. 28, 1837. 
 May I, 1830 Prudy Hix. 
 Aug. 7, 1830 Ruth Gifford Hix. 
 Before 1825 Serapta Hix, dismissed with letter. 
 Before 1825 Lydia Horton, dismissed with letter. 
 July 2, 1825 Joanna Jones Hunt. 
 July 3, 1830 Eliza Sherman Jennings. 
 May 21, 1842 Benjamin W. Jones. 
 Before 1825 Caleb Jones, dismissed with letter 1829. 
 March 19, 1825 Charlotte Jones, removed. 
 March 4, 1833 Eunice F. Jones, died in 1838. 
 Jan. 5, 1833 Jeremiah Jones, dismissed with letter. 
 April 2, 1825 John Jones, dead. 
 Before 1825 Phebe Jones, died 1838. 
 April 2, 1825 Ruth Jones, dead. 
 Sept. 3, 1825 Sally Jones, dead. 
 Before 1825 Zebedee Jones, dead. 
 Before 1825 Sally Lawton, died Sept. i, 1S29. 
 Feb. 4, 1837 Betsey Lee, dead. 
 Dec. 4, 1836 Harriet Lee. 
 Jan. 5, 1839 Philip Lee, dead. 
 Before 1825 Polly Lee, joined the Shakers. 
 April 2, 1825 Abigail Lincoln. 
 Feb. 6, 1829 Content Lincoln, dead. 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Louisa Lincoln, dead. 
 May 21, 1825 Ralph Lincoln, dead. 
 April 16, 1825 Almira Cowen Macomber, dead. 
 Sept. 3, 1825 Levi Macomber, died July 5, 1830. 
 Sept. 3,1825 Levi Macomber, jr., dismissed with letter. 
 April 4, 1840 Lydia Macomber, dismissed with letter. 
 Nov. 15, 1825 Orian Macomber, moved away. 
 March 7, 1829 Peter Macomber, dead. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1825 Ruby Francis Macomber, dismissed with letter. 
 Nov. 15, 1825 Sally Dennis Macomber, dead. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 155 
 
 When received. 
 
 March 5, 1825 Israel Martin, removed 1827. 
 March 5, 1825 Jireh Martin, removed 1827. 
 Before 1825 Noble Martin, removed. 
 March 5, 1825 Roby Martin, removed 1828. 
 March 5, 1825 Thankful Martin, removed 1828. 
 April 2, 1825 Delila Snell Maxfield. 
 April 16, 1825 Grace Maxfield, dismissed with letter. 
 April 4, 1840 David Maxim, dead. 
 Sept. 2, 1837 Ruth Merrick. 
 Before 1825 Abigail Millard, dead. 
 Dec. 5, 1833 Clarissa Millard, dead. 
 Before 1825 John Millard, died Jan. 8, 1867. 
 Dec. 5, 1833 Leonard Millard, dead. 
 Before 1825 Polly Millard, died Jan. 31, 1834. 
 Before 1825 Priscilla Millard, died May, 1842. 
 March 19, 1842 Abraham B. Miller, died July 14, 1871. 
 July 7, 1838 Gilbert Miller, deacon, elected clerk Sept. 3, 
 1864. 
 
 1842 Isaac M. Miller, died July 2, 1865. 
 
 1825 Sarah Mingo, died in good standing. 
 
 1836 Harriet Allen Mosher. 
 1833 Rebecca Mosher, dead. 
 1833 William Mosher. 
 
 1837 Asa Nichols, dead. 
 1825 Jesse W. Nichols, chosen clerk March 5, 1825, 
 
 removed 1830, died April 30, 1880. 
 
 1829 Polly Nichols, dead. 
 
 1844 Sarah Niles, dead. 
 Oct. 15, 1842 Chloe Pearce. 
 June 21, 1826 Mary Pearce. 
 
 Before 1825 Polly L. Peck, dismissed with letter in 1833. 
 Before 1825 William Peck, died 1854. 
 April 2, 1825 Lydia Peckham. 
 June 18, 1842 William Peckham. 
 May 4, 1833 Ann Peets, dead. 
 
 June 
 
 4, 
 
 Before 
 
 
 July 
 
 2, 
 
 June 
 
 i» 
 
 June 
 
 I, 
 
 Dec. 
 
 
 Before 
 
 
 March 
 
 7> 
 
 Nov. 
 
 2, 
 
156 A SKETCH OF 
 
 When received. 
 
 April 2, 1825 Benjamin Peets, dead. 
 April 2, 1842 Elias S. Phillips, dead. 
 March 19, 1825 Mary Cottle Phillips, dead. 
 
 1839 Abiathar Pool. 
 April 16, 1842 Emily Reed Pool. 
 June 18, 1842 Jacob Pool, died 1848. 
 March 19, 1842 Lindsay Pool, dead. 
 March 5, 1842 Mary Pool, dismissed with letter. 
 June 6, 1840 Surbinas Pool, dismissed with letter 1857'. 
 April 2, 1842 Abram Reed. 
 May 7, 1842 Asa W. Reed. 
 
 May 21, 1825 Henrietta Wordelle Reed, removed. 
 June I, 1830 Jireh Reed, withdrew. 
 Before 1825 John Reed, dismissed 1832. 
 Before 1825 Lemuel Reed, died March 24, 1857. 
 Before 1825 Mary Reed, dead. 
 May I, 1830 Matilda Reed. 
 
 Before 1825 Rebecca Reed, died in March, 1844. 
 June 2, 1838 Rhoda Winslow Reed. 
 April 16, 1825 Barbara Reynolds, dead. 
 Jan. 4, 1837 Patience Reynolds, dead. 
 June 18, 1842 Samson Reynolds, withdrew 1843. 
 July 2, 1 83 1 Peace Wordelle Richmond, dismissed with let- 
 ter. 
 Before 1825 Mary Rider, dead. 
 June 4, 1842 Abigail Rogers, dead. 
 Before 1825 Azubia Rogers, dead. 
 March 3, 1838 Elizabeth A. Rogers. 
 Before 1825 Gideon Rogers, died 1837. 
 Before 1825 Gideon Rogers, jr., dead. 
 April 4, 1840 Lemuel T. Rogers, dead. 
 Before 1825 Polly Rogers, dead. 
 Before 1825 Sarah Rogers, died in good standing. 
 March 19, 1842 John Russell, moved away. 
 May 21, 1825 Margaret Russell, died 1834. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 57 
 
 When received. 
 
 Jan, 5, 1833 Maria Russell. 
 July 2, 1842 Mary Russell. 
 April 7, 1832 Nancy Russell, dead. 
 Before 1825 Paul Russell, dead. 
 April 2, 1825 Sarah Russell, dead. 
 Before 1825 Susan Russell, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
 Before 1825 Lillis Sabins, dead. 
 Before 1825 Mary Gifford Sabins, dead. 
 Oct. I, 1825 Olive Sabins, died Sept. 1830. 
 Before 1825 Samuel Sabins, died Dec. 1847. 
 Before 1825 Samuel Sabins, jr., died July, 1864. 
 April 2, 1825 Abigail Sampson. 
 March 4, 1833 George W. Samson. 
 Before 1825 Jerusha Samson, dead. 
 March 19, 1842 John Samson. 
 Before 1825 Mary Samson, died 1835. 
 Before 1825 Sarah Samson, dismissed 1832. 
 Jan. 4, 1837 Sarah Samson, dead. 
 June 3, 1826 Thomas Sanford, dismissed with letter. 
 April 16, 1842 Phebe Ashley Shaw, dismissed with letter 1874. 
 May I, 1830 Mary Davis Sherman, deceased. 
 July 2, 1842 Humphrey A. Shockley, elected deacon Jan, 
 
 16, 1858. 
 July 3,1830 Patience Borden Short, dismissed with letter 
 
 1848. 
 April 16, 1842 Abraham Simmons. 
 Dec. 7, 1833 Mary Allen Simmons. 
 Aug. 6, 1825 Permelia Simmons. 
 May 7, 1825 Lucy Smith, dead. 
 Before 1825 Abiah T. Snell, dismissed with letter. 
 June 2, 1838 Abigail W. Snell. 
 May 2, 1840 Lydia Snell, dead. 
 July 2, 1825 Olive Snell, dead. 
 June 4, 1842 Sylvia A. Snell, dead. 
 Oct. I, 1825 George Soule, dead. 
 
158 A SKETCH OF 
 
 When received. 
 
 May 4, 1833 Lydia Soule, dead. 
 
 July 3, 1830 Nathaniel Soule, died in 1848. 
 
 June 6, 1829 Mary Pearce Tabor. 
 Before 1825 Phebe Tabor, dead. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1825 Ruth Tabor, dead. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1825 William Tabor, removed to Westport. 
 Before 1825 Betsey Terry, dead. 
 Before 1825 Dighton TeiTy, dead. 
 Before 1825 Elizabeth Terry. 
 Sept. 1837 Emmeline Samson Terry. 
 
 March 19, 1842 Fannie W, Terry, removed. 
 
 March 19, 1842 Isaac F. Terry, removed, 
 
 Aug. 6, 1825 Joanna Thurston Terry, dead. 
 Before 1825 Lydia Terry, dead. 
 Before 1825 Olive Terry, died 1836. 
 
 July 7, 1838 Silas Terry, dead. 
 
 Sept. I, 1838 Adam Thurston, removed. 
 
 July 4, 1840 Ebenezer Thurston, dismissed with letter. 
 
 April 4, 1829 Nathaniel Thurston, dead. 
 
 July 3, 1830 Ruth Thurston, dead. 
 
 July 2, 1836 Benjamin T. Tripp, 
 
 Before 1825 Howard Tripp, Elder, deceased April 20, 1872, 
 
 Sept. 2, 1826 Job Tripp, dead. 
 
 June 4, 1836 Mary Andrews Tripp, dismissed with letter. 
 Before 1825 Mercy Tripp, dead. 
 
 July 2, 1836 Mercy Tripp, dead. 
 Before 1825 Patience Tripp, dead. 
 Before 1825 Thankful Tripp, died Jan. 2, 1861. 
 Before 1825 Timothy Tripp, went away. 
 Dec. 1833 Bethuel- Turner, dismissed. 
 
 March 5, 1842 Calvin K, Turner, 2d, died Nov. 17, 1879.* 
 
 April 16, 1842 Caroline Reed Turner, dead. 
 
 Nov. 5, 1836 Mary Turner, dead. 
 
 May I, 1830 Olive Pool Weaver, removed. 
 
 * Selectman of Dartmouth and representative several years. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. I 59 
 
 When received. 
 
 Before 1825 Sarah Weaver, dead. 
 
 Before 1825 Mercy West, died 1838. 
 
 March 19, 1842 Hiram Whalon. 
 
 June 4, 1836 Miriam Pool Whalon. 
 
 Before 1825 Calvin Wheeler, withdrew July i, 1837. 
 
 Before 1825 Delila Wheeler, dead. 
 
 Jan. 5, 1833 Judith Andrews Whithead. 
 
 March 19, 1842 Andrew T. Wilbur, dead. 
 
 May 7, 1836 De Witt C. Wilbur. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1837 Frederick P. Wilbur. 
 
 May 21, 1842 Hannah Wilbur. 
 
 May 7, 1842 Harriet Wilbur. 
 
 Before 1825 Content Wilcox, probably dead. 
 
 May 21, 1842 Samuel Wilkey, dead. 
 
 March 5, 1842 Benjamin Wilson, removed. 
 
 June 2, 1838 David Wilson, elected deacon 1840, withdrew 
 
 Oct. 4, 1844. 
 Before 1825 Edward Wilson, died May 2, 1866. 
 March 5, 1825 Lovisa Wilson, withdrew Oct. 1844. 
 Before 1825 Sophie Wing, probably dead. 
 Aug. I, 1836 Abigail Winslow, dead. 
 Before 1825 Ezra Winslow, withdrew Sept. 7, 1844. 
 Before 1825 Jane Winslow, died 1838. 
 Before 1825 Phebe Winslow, dead. 
 Dec. 3, 1842 Phebe Winslow, dead. 
 March 19, 1825 Susan Winslow, dismissed Nov. 1 837. 
 Before 1825 Abraham Wordelle, dismissed Sept. I, 1 832. 
 April 4, 1840 Abraham Wordelle, jr., removed. 
 March 3, 1 838 Amy Rogers Wordelle, dead. 
 April 16, 1825 Charles Wordelle. 
 June 5, 1830 Clarinda Wordelle, dead. 
 Nov. 15, 1825 Edmund Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 
 June 6, 1838 Edmund Wordelle, 2d, dead. 
 Before 1825 Elizabeth Wordelle, dead. 
 Before 1825 Eunice Wordelle. 
 
l60 A SKETCH OF 
 
 When received. 
 
 May 7, 1825 Gershom Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 
 
 Before 1825 Joshua Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1836 Leonard Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 
 
 March 19, 1825 Lovisa Wordelle. 
 
 May 7, 1842 Mary Turner Wordelle, died in faith 1878. 
 
 April 4, 1840 Nancy Wordelle, removed. 
 
 Before 1825 Pardon Wordelle, dismissed with letter 1841, 
 
 April 2, 1825 Rachel Worcjelle, dead. 
 
 April 2, 1825 Rebecca Wordelle, died in faith Aug. 1827. 
 
 May 7, 1 83 1 Sylvia Wordelle, dismissed with letter. 
 
 Dec. 7,1833 Eliza Wrightington, dead. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. l6l 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 ADVENT MEETINGS; CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF THAT 
 EXCITEMENT; THIRD CHURCH BUILT; ELDER 
 TRIPP'S RESIGNATION; ELDER WILLIAM FAUNCE; 
 NORTH WESTPORT CHURCH FORMED ; REVIVALS 
 OF 1857-61; DIFFICULTIES; SKETCHES OF SUC- 
 CESSIVE PASTORS; REVIVAL OF 1870 ; OBSTA- 
 CLES; PRESENT CONDITION; LIST OF MEMBERS; 
 RECORD OF MARRIAGES SOLEMNIZED BY ELDER 
 HIX. 
 
 The religious excitement of 1842-3 was not 
 confined to Dartmouth, but extended over a 
 wide district of country, and caused the extinc- 
 tion of some churches. The leading doctrines 
 then advanced are too well known to require 
 any statement here, but the peculiarities of that 
 work deserve notice in connection with the 
 results of the meetings. The primary cause has 
 been thought to have been the lectures of Will- 
 iam Miller on the coming of Christ; his state- 
 ments were taken as positive assurances, and 
 many Christians speedily imagined themselves 
 able to interpret the Bible on new principles 
 and establish an infallible system of theology. 
 Having his attention called to the prophecies 
 glowing with eternal hopes, it is not surprising 
 
1 62 A SKETCH OF 
 
 that the humble disciple, trusting to his teach- 
 ers, was carried away with a magnetic enthusiasm 
 which was mistaken for the Holy Spirit. In 
 other words, one aspect of truth alone was con- 
 sidered, while some preachers, mistaking emo- 
 tion for piety, fanned the excitement to the 
 utmost height. It was not a new phase of 
 church history, but another illustration of human 
 inability to comprehend the divine plans. That 
 it was mischievous, none will deny; that it was 
 wholly evil is not so apparent, for a new interest 
 was given to Bible study, and the devout be- 
 liever discovered truths before unseen. 
 
 In September, 1842, a grove meeting Avas 
 held at Myrick's, at which the doctrine of 
 Christ's second coming was preached with great 
 zeal. Some of the Dartmouth people attended, 
 and soon after, James Taylor, Wesley Burnham 
 and Timothy Cole began a protracted meeting 
 at Hixville ; this was the last of October, 1842. 
 The doctrine was new; many of the people 
 were unprepared to discriminate between the 
 truths of the Bible and the speculations of men ; 
 in their opinion this was the midnight cry; 
 Jesus was expected in April, 1843, ^^^ the 
 excitement grew so intense that meetings were 
 held almost night and day; even the necessary 
 intermissions were spent by some in the groves 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 63 
 
 praying so loudly that they were heard a mile 
 away. The slaying power, as it was called, 
 caused some to fall suddenly, and after a period 
 of insensibility they were pronounced converted. 
 Personal appeals were made in language that 
 would not be endured to-day; prayers, hymns, 
 and sermons on the prophecies were heard until 
 nature was exhausted. It is said Elder Tripp 
 preached once on the subject, but after consul- 
 tation with Elder How concluded to hold him- 
 self aloof from the excitement around him. 
 
 Such a series of meetings affords a field for 
 the moral philosopher. It is not clear that the 
 preachers engaged foresaw the effect which 
 followed, or that they realized the source of 
 their own power. Psychology explains some 
 of the phenomena, and charity requires that the 
 deluded laity should have the credit of honesty. 
 One effect of these meetings was to increase 
 largely a sectarian spirit. Some of the mem- 
 bers of the Dartmouth church refused to indorse 
 the wild excitement; many others, disgusted 
 with the unchristian spirit manifest in the dis- 
 cussions, withdrew quietly, some never to re- 
 turn ; still others, declaring the church to be 
 Babylon, withdrew with excuses both frivolous 
 and unreasonable. From the Fall of 1842 to 
 1845, the discussions continued, in public and 
 
1 64 A SKETCH OF 
 
 private. Some members, both old and young, 
 remained firm. April 6, 1843, three persons 
 were dismissed by request, and in November 
 eleven more; in 1844, nine withdrew, and in 
 March, 1845, another was dismissed by request 
 for a similar reason. 
 
 April, 1843, having passed, it was evident a 
 mistake had been made ; another calculation 
 fixed the date of Christ's coming in October, 
 1844. This gave a new impulse to the excite- 
 ment, which led some farmers to neglect har- 
 vesting until late in the season. 
 
 As might have been expected, after the ex- 
 citement passed, a season of depression followed, 
 and a dark, cold time succeeded for years. A 
 few of the Advent people returned to the church 
 long afterward, and some became interested in 
 other societies. 
 
 Looking from this distant date, it was the 
 most serious event that ever befell the church. 
 Spiritual growth was checked ; brotherly love, 
 with the confidence so necessary in religious 
 work, was sadly lessened, and a small band 
 comparatively remained to represent the great 
 revivals of former years. Not quite seventy 
 remained in fellowship when the church record 
 was revised, June 21, 1845, ^^^ some of these 
 lived miles away. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 65 
 
 Elder Howard Tripp continued pastor from 
 year to year, on a salary which allowed him but 
 little time for pastoral oversight so necessary in 
 most prosperous churches, and but few addi- 
 tions to the church are recorded until 1857. 
 Rebecca Driscoll, who died in 185 1, was a 
 member in 1845. Nov. 6, 1845, Sarah A. Pool, 
 now deceased, joined the church; Feb. 6, 1847, 
 Ezekiel Chace, who died in September, 1849. 
 There was some revival interest in the Winter 
 of 1846-7; and April 4, 1847, Alfred Sabins 
 and Eliza Sabins were received, both of whom 
 were dismissed by request Nov. 7, 1874. After- 
 wards Mary M. Phillips, now dead, and Mary 
 E. Ellis, became members. The last named 
 was dismissed with letter June 6, 1874. 
 
 At the yearly meeting held March 6, 1847, 
 the following church committee was chosen : 
 Danforth Hathaway, Hiram Whalon, Jacob 
 Pool, William Andrews, Samuel Sabins, 2d, 
 Silas Terry, and John Faunce. 
 
 Comparatively little interest was manifest in 
 meetings for some time after this, and but 
 little more could be done than to keep the 
 church together. This was not the fault of the 
 pastor or church officers, for certain conditions 
 of success are necessary to build up a church 
 or maintain a uniform usefulness. While many 
 P 
 
l66 A SKETCH OF 
 
 pleasant seasons of devotion were enjoyed at 
 this period, yet society was not in a receptive 
 state. As in the scientific and poHtical world, 
 so with religious truth, there are seasons of 
 upheaval and agitation, and after\vards comes a 
 period of reflection, in which men learn the 
 true relation of things. The Advent excite- 
 ment was necessary to make prominent a great 
 truth; it also served the purpose of compelling 
 men to think of the questions connected with 
 it. It was an upheaval of religious thought, 
 and a benefit as it prevented many from sinking 
 into a state of lethargy ; afterwards time was 
 necessary to resolve order out of chaos and 
 advance a higher standard of scriptural interpre- 
 tation. The time mentioned above was not lost 
 to the Dartmouth church, for a foundation was 
 being laid for further successes in 1857. 
 
 Feeling the need of better organization, the 
 church was legally incorporated as a society in 
 1849. In response to a petition from Jonathan 
 Davis, Lemuel Reed, John Millard, Benjamin 
 T. Tripp, Silas Terry, and Edward Wilson, to 
 Hiram Whalon, Esq., a warrant was issued in 
 due form, calling a meeting of the legal voters 
 of the First Christian Church in Dartmouth, at 
 their meeting-house, June 23, 1849. After 
 organization, this meeting chose the following 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 6/ 
 
 named persons to take care of the meeting- 
 house, burying ground, and all the property 
 of the church: Samuel Sabins, John Millard, 
 Abraham A. Allen, Abraham Millard, and John 
 Chace. It was voted that three of these con- 
 stitute a quorum ; and arrangements were made 
 to defray some necessary expense connected 
 with repairing the line walls around the burying 
 ground. 
 
 April II, 1850, the church and society voted 
 that Elder Howard Tripp be their pastor the 
 current year, beginning March 25th; it was 
 also voted that four contributions or collections 
 be taken for his benefit. These amounted to 
 $55 for the year. The yearly meetings have 
 since been regularly held, and for several years 
 the officers were nearly the same. Elder Tripp 
 was also elected pastor each year until his 
 resignation. His salary was sometimes raised 
 by subscription, and he probably received less 
 than $100 yearly. 
 
 March 28, 1851, the church suffered a great 
 loss in the death of Deacon Jonathan Davis. 
 He was a man of good judgment and fervent 
 piety, and faithful to his church and fellow- 
 citizens; he held various offices of trust and 
 honor, and died sincerely lamented, leaving the 
 brightest evidences of a future immortality. 
 
l68 A SKETCH OF 
 
 April 8, 1852, Deacon Perry Davis was 
 chosen -clerk of the church. 
 
 A special meeting of the church was called 
 Aug. 20, 1853, which voted to build a new 
 meeting-house; also ''voted that Humphrey A. 
 Shockley, Leonard Millard, John Faunce, Gil- 
 bert Miller and Howard Tripp be a building 
 committee, and that this committee have power 
 to dispose of the old house as they think 
 proper." 
 
 The present house was built by Frederick P. 
 Wilbur in the Fall of 1853, and dedicated in 
 February following. Several ministers were 
 present at the dedication services ; Elder Moses 
 How preached the sermon, and Elder A. G. 
 Comings preached in the afternoon. The house 
 is 34 by 44 feet, built in modern style, and 
 presents a neat appearance. The next year a 
 commodious shed was built adjoining the church. 
 
 In the Spring of 1857 Elder Howard Tripp 
 resigned the charge of the church. He was 
 perhaps moved to this step partly by the want 
 of interest ; and thinking some one else could do 
 more good in his place, he took leave of his 
 many friends as pastor of the church. The 
 following letter was unanimously adopted by 
 the church, and a copy presented to him, May 
 2, 1857. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 69 
 
 To 'vhom these presents shall covie : 
 
 Whereas, Elder Howard Tripp has been an able minister in 
 the gospel field, influential in doing much good, faithful to his 
 brethren and the cause of Christianity, beloved and esteemed 
 by a large community with which he has been acquainted ; and 
 
 Whereas, it is not expected that he will remain with us 
 longer at the present time as a preacher : 
 
 Therefore, at a church meeting at Hix's Meeting-house on 
 Saturday, April 4, 1857, it was unanimously agreed as is written 
 above, and as such we recommend him to the community and 
 world at large. PERRY DAVIS, 
 
 Church Clerk, * 
 
 His resignation was deeply regretted by many. 
 He had preached here occasionally before his 
 ordination in 1824, and regularly since 1833, 
 supplying one half the time for the first year, 
 and then assuming full pastoral care. 
 
 His successor, Elder William Faunce, was 
 elected pastor at the yearly meeting held April 
 16, 1857. ^^ ^^'^s a native of Plymouth, and 
 being in the prime of life, he entered upon his 
 work with a zeal that made success sure. Like 
 most of our older preachers. Elder Faunce had 
 struggled with many difficulties in early life, but 
 possessing a good voice and a natural preach- 
 ing talent, with the blessing of God, his labors 
 were crowned with success. Being supported 
 better than Elder Tripp had been, he began 
 visiting, &c., and soon made many friends, be- 
 
170 A SKETCH OF 
 
 sides getting acquainted with the condition of 
 the society. Having engaged to preach in 
 North Westport each sabbath afternoon, his 
 time was fully occupied, and the religious pros- 
 pect grew much brighter. In searching the 
 early church records, many persons* names 
 were found who did not attend meeting, and 
 they were urged to resume their places in the 
 church. Many of them did so, and at a subse- 
 quent date a number of persons was restored to 
 fellowship. 
 
 There was an increased interest in the Sum- 
 mer of 1857, and in the Fall a wave of revival 
 interest reached Dartmouth and the meetings 
 became highly interesting. Nov. 29, 1857, El- 
 der Faunce baptized and gave the hand of fel- 
 lowship to John M. Collins, Charles A. Cowen, 
 Charles Peckham, Bethania B. Miller (died July 
 15, 1 87 1,) Mary J. Reed, Lucy A. Mosher San- 
 ford, Hannah C. Madison, Susan T. Millard 
 (since deceased,) Dighton M. Terry, Sarah 
 Reed, Elizabeth C. Anthony, and Maria G. 
 Wilson. 
 
 Having decided it best to form a church in 
 North Westport, it was voted in December that 
 the following named members be dismissed to 
 organize it : Perry Davis, Ruth Davis, Joshua 
 Wordelle, Peleg Dennis, Mahaly Dennis, Ed- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 171 
 
 mund Wordelle, Mary Sherman, Clarissa Blos- 
 som, Lydia Macomber, Sarah Crapo, Gershom 
 Wordelle, Sylvia Wordelle, Patience Barney, 
 Rachel Davis, Mary Blossom. Though these 
 members were sadly missed, the North West- 
 port church was organized Dec. 21, 1857, and 
 Elder Faunce preached there once each Sunday 
 for several years. 
 
 In January, 1858, Ruth Snell and John Rus- 
 sell joined the Dartmouth church. 
 
 Jan. 16, 1858, the church elected Humphrey 
 A. Shockley and Gilbert Miller deacons, and 
 they have since served in that capacity. The 
 church committee this year were Gilbert Miller, 
 Washington Whithead, and Abiathar Pool; 
 female committee, Bethania Miller, Mary A. 
 Wordelle, and Mary J. Reed ; treasurer, H. A. 
 Shockley. A committee was also chosen to 
 revise the church records. 
 
 April 15, 1858, the yearly meeting voted that 
 Abram Reed, H. A. Shockley and Elbridge 
 Faunce be the committee on property; also re- 
 elected Elder William Faunce pastor for the 
 year. 
 
 The committee on revising the church book 
 reported the following named persons as mem- 
 bers, whose names are not found in former hsts. 
 Their names probably were not recorded when 
 
172 A SKETCH OF 
 
 they joined. Mary Hathaway (deceased,) Han- 
 nah Sherman (deceased,) Jeptha Ashley (de- 
 ceased,) John Tripp (deceased,) James Tripp 
 (deceased,) Sumner Faunce (removed,) Wash- 
 ington Whithead (died Dec. 21, 1873.) 
 
 The revival interest continued, and April ii, 
 1858, the following named persons were bap- 
 tized by Elder Faunce and joined the church: 
 Daniel Lewis (now dead,) David Chace, Will- 
 iam T. Faunce, Loam Faunce, Frederick Peck- 
 ham, Elbridge Faunce, Cynthia Chace, Annie 
 M. Faunce, Phebe S. Millard (dead,) Mary 
 Faunce, Mary Peirce Sherman, Sarah J. Wor- 
 delle Chace, Ellen Sabins (now dead,) Elizabeth 
 Peckham Gifford. In June, 1858, Harvey B. 
 Peirce (now deceased,) Samuel Cottle and Su- 
 san Cottle were received; June 13, Angeline 
 Hathaway (now dead,) Martha Reed, Ruth A. 
 Ashley (dismissed with letter May 25, 1874,) 
 Eliza Jones and David Wilkey were received as 
 members. This revival was one of the most 
 precious seasons ever enjoyed in North Dart- 
 mouth. It also extended into Westport, and a 
 number were baptized by Elder Faunce in 
 Watuppa ponds at the Narrows, who joined the 
 North Westport church. Meetings were crowd- 
 ed on such occasions, and the power of the Holy 
 Spirit was sensibly felt. The prosperity of the 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. I 73 
 
 Hixville church seemed assured for several 
 years. May 5, i860, Joan Wilbur joined the 
 church; the next month Robert W. Cottle and 
 Michael Russell became members. 
 
 Jan. 12, 1 86 1, the yearly meeting of the church 
 and society reelected Elder Faunce pastor, and 
 in April William T. Faunce was chosen church 
 clerk. The church at the last date elected as 
 committee, Danforth Hathaway, Abraham A. 
 Allen, Frederick P. Wilbur, Robert W. Cottle, 
 and Loam Faunce ; female committee, Wealthy 
 Cowen, Bethania B. Miller, and Mary J. Reed; 
 treasurer, Abram Reed. But little change in 
 church officers took place for several years. 
 
 The meetings were generally interesting at 
 this time, and in the Spring of 1861 another 
 revival began. The church was in a good con- 
 dition, when a protracted service was held by 
 Elder Faunce, assisted by a Mr. Jones of North 
 Carolina. The meetings were continued two 
 weeks, and about twenty persons professed con- 
 version, of whom a large proportion were Sun- 
 day-school scholars. Without unnatural excite- 
 ment, the services were sweetly tender and 
 impressive, while conviction rested on the com- 
 munity. May 10, Elder Faunce baptized Allen 
 Booth (since deceased,) Betsey J. Allen, Daniel 
 H. Allen, Hannah E. Faunce, Jesse Allen, Lu- 
 
174 A SKETCH OF 
 
 cretia Faunce Weeks, Andrew Mosher (dismissed 
 with letter,) Elizabeth Allen, Thomas Lee (died 
 July 10, 1864, in military hospital, Washington, 
 D. C.,) Franklin Duckworth (since deceased,) 
 Harriet Wilbur, Ellen Macomber,Chloe Coombs, 
 and Stephen M. Andrews. All these joined the 
 church except the last named, who became a 
 member of the First Christian Church in West- 
 port. June 30, Keziah Booth, Sylvia Macom- 
 ber, Henry B. Macomber, Philip Pool and Mary 
 Reynolds were added to the church; Aug. 3, 
 William Cowen (now dead,) Oct. 5, John Pratt 
 and Sophia Allen were received. This was an 
 interesting season ; the pastor's sermons were 
 spiritual, converts were happy, and saints took 
 courage. 
 
 The last part of 1861, some cases of disci- 
 pline occurred. Three members, two of whom 
 had been officers in the church and Sunday 
 school, becoming grieved by some proceedings 
 of the church and personal difficulties, absented 
 themselves from the meetings. They were 
 called on to return and confess their faults with- 
 out effect, and after some months they were dis- 
 missed. This act of the church was a mistake, 
 both in principle and policy. The principle of 
 church government is love ; love is born of 
 Christian experience, and is never needed so 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. 1 75 
 
 much as in cases of discipline. Had all the in- 
 terested parties realized their privileges, they 
 would have submitted their grievances to arbi- 
 tration, or applied Matt. V, 23, 24, in a spirit of 
 meekness. It was also a mistake of policy. 
 When labor Is undertaken, the object of reform 
 should be kept in view, and if persuasion fails, it 
 is better to wait until the church is a unit before 
 a vote of dismission is taken. The members 
 referred to were afterwards restored by vote of 
 the church. 
 
 For several years after this, but little revival 
 interest was enjoyed, and but little can be said 
 of the union or spirituality of the church. John 
 Sadler joined the church in January, 1863; 
 Dec. 5 the same year, James Whiteside and 
 Martha Whiteside became members; April 2, 
 1864, Jonathan Peirce, Sarah Peirce and David 
 Petty were received as members from W'estport. 
 
 During 1863, committees were called on to 
 settle difficulties, but with little effect, for many 
 had backslidden. Discipline is practicable when 
 the church is spiritually alive, but almost im- 
 possible when the membership is so conser\^a- 
 tive that no change is wanted. The few are 
 compelled to bear the burdens of the many, 
 and forms of discipline without the spirit are 
 seldom beneficial. The church, if anything, is 
 
1/6 A SKETCH OF 
 
 a help to personal righteousness ; at the best it 
 is a moral school, and furnishes appliances for 
 learning religious truths. Its privileges may be 
 misused or neglected, but truth remains the 
 same ; men alone are the sufferers. If a church 
 neglects to maintain a high standard of piety, 
 its influence is small ; if it is progressive, it will 
 attract men by the force of love, and compel 
 the respect of the community. Gossip and 
 slander, with all the elements of depraved hu- 
 manity, will be manifest as long as churches are 
 needed ; but with the Bible for a guide, no be- 
 liever need fear the malice of wicked men, and 
 the best reply to much so-called persecution is 
 silent pity. Never should principle be set aside 
 for policy, but the Christian is required to allay 
 prejudices and jealousy by a tender, loving de- 
 portment. Great care, too, should be taken 
 that unity of spirit be maintained among breth- 
 ren. This does not indicate weakness, but is 
 rather a sign of strength. 
 
 The church and society reelected Elder Faunce 
 pastor in 1864, but finding obstacles to his suc- 
 cess increasing, he resigned after a short time, 
 leaving the pulpit to be supplied until Fall, when 
 Elder F. P. Snow became pastor of the church. 
 Elder Snow was born in Rochester in 1812. 
 His early privileges of education were limited 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 77 
 
 to the common school, but being of a thought- 
 ful mind, he sought the society of intelligent 
 Christians, which doubtless helped form his 
 character. He early learned the business of 
 cabinet-making and upholstery, which he has 
 pursued most of his life. He received a letter 
 of recommendation from the Rhode Island and 
 Massachusetts Christian Conference, when it 
 was dissolved, dated Taunton, Mass., Sept. 12, 
 1843, but since has never been a member of 
 any conference. He was ordained in New Bed- 
 ford, Dec. 28, 1845, by Elders Charles Mor- 
 gridge, Thomas Dawes, F. G. Brown and L. D. 
 Johnson, and has since labored as pastor in 
 Massachusetts and Rhode Island much of the 
 time. He removed to Hixville in the Fall of 
 1864, and remained pastor one and a half years. 
 His gift proved what was needed, in soothing 
 the agitated church and affording time for hard 
 feelings and prejudices to subside. One old 
 man, not interested in meetings, sent him a load 
 of wood, saying he gave it to the minister for 
 minding his own business. 
 
 In 1865, Elder Snow baptized and received 
 Phebe Akins into the church. She was dis- 
 missed with letter June 4, 1873. 
 
 The yearly meeting held April 5, 1866, chose 
 for officers: Jonathan Peirce, Abiathar Pool, 
 
 Q 
 
178 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Hiram Whalon, Gilbert Miller and Benjamin T. 
 Tripp, committee ; and Abram Reed, treasurer. 
 Gilbert Miller has been elected clerk each year 
 up to the present time. 
 
 Rev. Gideon W. Tripp was the next pastor, 
 from the Spring of 1866 to 1868. He was the 
 son of Luthan and Lydia Tripp, born in West- 
 port, Sept. 4, 1805. He was converted April 
 28, 1833, baptized by Elder Howard Tripp, and 
 joined the First Christian Church in VVestport. 
 With only a common school education, he be- 
 gan preaching Dec. 1842. He was blessed 
 with much revival interest, and was ordained 
 some three years afterward. A farmer by oc- 
 cupation, yet down to the time of his death he 
 was pastor of churches most of the time in 
 Westport, except two years in Rochester. Of 
 a genial, social disposition, his sabbath-school 
 work at Hixville was very successful, and there 
 was some revival interest in 1867. 
 
 Sept. 7, 1867, the church voted to join the 
 Rhode Island and Massachusetts Christian Con- 
 ference. 
 
 Sept. 8, 1867, Elder Tripp baptized and re- 
 ceived into the church Priscilla M. Chace, Ruth 
 Pool (afterwards dismissed with letter,) and 
 Ruth A. Andrews. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HLX. I 79 
 
 In Elder Tripp's pastoral work, few could help 
 feeling the power of love manifest in his life, 
 and he returned to his farm sincerely regretted. 
 He died very suddenly, Dec. 13, 1879. 
 
 For three months in the Spring of 1868, Rev. 
 Mr. Tyler of Freetown supplied the pulpit, after 
 which Rev. E. Hawes of New Bedford was pas- 
 tor until December. Mr. Hawes was born in 
 New Bedford, June 16, 1805, and began to 
 preach in 1840. He saw some revival interest 
 at home among the colored people, and baptized 
 forty the first year. The next year he went to 
 Carver, where he baptized about the same num- 
 ber. Being a sailmaker by trade, he did not 
 devote his whole time to preaching, and in later 
 years has suffered much sickness. After leav- 
 ing Hixville, he returned home to New Bedford, 
 where he labors in the temperance reform, &c., 
 as his health permits. He is a member of the 
 North Christian Church in New Bedford, and is 
 strongly attached to the principles of the de- 
 nomination. 
 
 Sept. 8, 1868, Philip Cowen and Susanna 
 Cowen were received as church members ; they 
 were afterwards dismissed to join another church. 
 
 Dec. 27, 1868, Warren S. Emery was elected 
 pastor of the Hixville church. He is a native 
 of New Hampshire, and a graduate of the New 
 
l80 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Hampton Institute. After some successful work 
 in New Bedford, he came to Dartmouth, with a 
 strong faith, which soon made him popular and 
 successful. Meetings w^ere held in different lo- 
 calities, courage took the place of doubt, and 
 in the Fall of 1869 a number of converts was 
 waiting for baptism. Oct. 2, 1869, at a church 
 meeting, it was unanimously voted to set apart 
 and ordain Warren S. Emery to the work of the 
 gospel ministry. Accordingly a council was 
 called by the church, Oct. 14, consisting of Rev. 
 R. B. Eldridge, Howard Tripp, S. W. Butler, F. 
 P. Snow, and S. M. Andrews, who proceeded to 
 examine the candidate, and voted unanimously 
 to ordain him. This was done the same day at 
 the church ; sermon by S. W. Butler, ordination 
 prayer by Howard Tripp, hand of fellowship 
 by S. M. Andrews, and charge to the candidate 
 by F. P. Snow. 
 
 Jan. I, 1870, ice was broken, and D. Orville 
 Andrews (since joined a Methodist Episcopal 
 church,) Cynthia F. Andrews, Elizabeth Jones, 
 Benjamin Jones, 2d (since joined a Methodist 
 Episcopal church,) George S. Crocker and 
 Carrie E. Brownell were baptized and received 
 into the church ; and Thomas Cottle (dismissed 
 by request Aug. 4, 1877,) and Mr. Emery, the 
 pastor, were at the same time received as mem- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. l8l 
 
 bers of the church. Jane M. Hart was received 
 soon after. 
 
 A few months of prosperity followed, when a 
 new difficulty arose in the church. The com- 
 mittee tried to settle the matter in vain, and it 
 finally terminated in a law-suit. 
 
 In the Spring of 1871, Elder Emery, finding 
 himself unable to secure peace, resigned ; he 
 has since joined the Baptist denomination. 
 
 The pulpit was supplied through the Summer 
 by various ministers until November, when S. 
 M. Andrews became pastor. The circumstances 
 of the church at this time were such that the 
 pastor could only preach experimental piety 
 and remove roots of bitterness as far as possible. 
 
 May 4, 1872, two persons were baptized, one 
 of w^hom, Hannah W. Andrews, joined the 
 church. June i, three more went forward in 
 baptism, of whom only one, E. Frank Peck- 
 ham, became a member. 
 
 April 20, 1872, the long and useful life of 
 Elder Howard Tripp came to a close. After 
 eighty-two years five months, he could say, " I 
 have been preparing nearly all my life for this 
 time." He survived his wife eleven years, and 
 most of the time was spent in visiting different 
 churches, occasionally staying a while with some 
 of his children. He died with liver complaint 
 
l82 A SKETCH OF 
 
 in New Bedford at the home of his son John M. 
 Tripp ; he suffered much, but the Savior's hand 
 sustained him, and he peacefully rests from his 
 labors and his works do follow him. His fu- 
 neral services were held at the Head of Westport 
 River, and were conducted by Rev. B. S. Batch- 
 elor, April 25, 1872. 
 
 In April, 1873, Rev. Ephraim Burroughs was 
 chosen pastor of the Hixville church, which 
 position he filled two years. Mr. Burroughs 
 was born in Westport, Sept. 17, 1828. His 
 early school advantages were limited. On re- 
 moving to New Bedford in 1846, he maintained 
 habits of morality but did not attend meetings ; 
 though often convicted of sin, he neglected 
 Christ until March, 1849, when he found peace 
 in believing. Three months after, he was bap- 
 tized by Elder James Taylor, and joined the 
 Middle Street Christian Church in New Bedford. 
 Sept. 30, 1858, he preached his first sermon, 
 and since has labored in New Bedford, Dart- 
 mouth, Westport, and East Freetown. He was 
 ordained, Nov 16, 1869, by B. S. Batchelor, N. 
 S. Chadwick, A. G. Morton, and I. H. Coe. 
 His character is that of an honest, hard-working 
 gospel preacher; plain and unpretending in his 
 manners, he is admirably adapted to the work 
 he is doing. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 83 
 
 At the time he became pastor at Hixville, the 
 church was in a divided state ; he went to work 
 however with energy, and during a period of 
 revival interest baptized six persons, of whom 
 some have since joined the church. 
 
 The fact of conversions without additions to 
 the church is significant. Converts, Hke chil- 
 dren, are susceptible to all influences, and when 
 a church is what it should be they are attracted 
 to it; if the church is backslidden they are as 
 surely repelled. Churches are not made, they 
 must grow; and just in proportion as gospel 
 life and love are manifest, to that extent they will 
 incorporate all the pious elements of the com- 
 munity. It is of the utmost importance that 
 Christians realize their responsibility in this re- 
 spect, and make the church the most peaceful 
 and home-like place on earth. 
 
 During the Summer and Fall of 1875, Dr. A. 
 M. Higgins and some others supplied the pul- 
 pit, and the next year Rev. Ansel Bourne, from 
 Shelby, Orleans county, N. Y., preached here 
 several months. Considerable interest was man- 
 ifest, and he enjoyed one season of baptism. 
 May 6, 1876, Susan Collins joined the church; 
 and later, Lucinda Phillips, John F. Mosher, 
 Addie F. Mosher and H. Eudora Andrews were 
 received. 
 
1 84 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Since 1877 the church has been supplied by- 
 different ministers, most of the time by S. M. 
 Andrews, who has attended church meetings, 
 communion seasons, &c., as far as other engage- 
 ments permitted. 
 
 Four members were received in 1879: May 
 17, Emma T. Sanford ; August 2, L. Franklin 
 Chase and Susie Andrews Chase ; at the No- 
 vember church meeting, Bessie Whithead Wil- 
 bur was received by letter from the Allen Street 
 Methodist Episcopal church in New Bedford. 
 
 At the annual meeting, held Fast-day, 1879, 
 the following officers were chosen : committee 
 on property, Abram Reed, Abiathar Pool,' and 
 H. A. Shockley ; treasurer, Abram Reed ; church 
 committee, Abiathar Pool, Gilbert Miller, Abram 
 Reed, H. A. Shockley, and Jonathan Peirce ; 
 female committee, Harriet Lee, Miriam Whalon, 
 Sarah Peirce, and Joan Wilbur. 
 
 The year 1879 has been marked by a grow- 
 ing sense of our needs as a church, while the 
 additions have encouraged the older members 
 to work for a larger success in the near future ; 
 the meetings have been maintained regularly, 
 and in December some revival interest was en- 
 joyed under the labors of Rev. G. W. Kennedy. 
 At the present time the church enjoys more 
 harmony than for many years past, and if indi- 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 85 
 
 cations of good now visible are realized, the 
 coming year will bring an increased spiritual 
 growth. 
 
 At the church meeting of Nov. i, 1879, Hi- 
 ram Whalon, Esq., was chosen to aid in pre- 
 paring the church records for publication. 
 
 A church meeting was called Jan. 24, 1880, 
 when it was voted that the executive committee 
 be a committee to make arrangements for the 
 centennial services, to be held May 21, 1880. 
 
 It is fitting that the anniversary of such a 
 church be set apart as a day of meditation, 
 prayer, and praise ; it will recall the labors and 
 successes of our ancestors, while a review of 
 what has been accomplished will inspire our 
 hearts with zeal, enabling the church to continue 
 its work until its members are gathered into the 
 heavenly city to go no more out forever. 
 
 During the last twenty years, quite a number 
 of the members of the First Christian Church 
 in Dartmouth have died or been dismissed, 
 and the following named persons now comprise 
 its membership. May i, 1880. 
 
 Betsey J. Allen, Cynthia F. Andrews, 
 
 Daniel H. Allen, H, Eudora Andrews, 
 
 Elizabeth Allen, Hannah Andrews, 
 
 Jesse Allen, Hannah W. Andrews, 
 
 Sophia Allen, Ruth A, Andrews, 
 
1 86 
 
 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Elizabeth Anthony, 
 Phebe A. Ashley, 
 Rachel C. Ashley, 
 Sybil Ashley, 
 Elizabeth A. Ball, 
 Barnabas Blossom, 
 Sarah M. Blossom, 
 Keziah Booth, 
 Lucy Davis Borden, 
 Eliza A. Briggs, 
 Polly Briggs, 
 Carrie E. Brownell, 
 Adeline Allen Bullock, 
 David Butts, 
 Cynthia Chace, 
 David Chace, 
 Dilly Chace, 
 Frederick Chace, 
 Nathan Chace, 
 Sarah J. Wordell Chace, 
 Susanah Chace, 
 L. Franklin Chase, 
 Priscilla M. Chase, 
 Susie Andrews Chase, 
 Elder Barnabas Collins, 
 John M. Collins, 
 Susan Collins. 
 Abia Hathaway Cooke, 
 Chloe Coombs, 
 Phebe A. Cornell, 
 Robert W. Cottle, 
 Samuel Cottle, 
 Susan Cottle, 
 Leonard M. Co wen, 
 INIargaret Cowen, 
 Wealthy Cowen, 
 
 George S. Crocker, 
 
 Hannah Wordelle Davis, 
 
 Anna Driscol, 
 
 Annie M. Faunce, 
 
 Elbridge Faunce, 
 
 Eliza Faunce, 
 
 Hannah E. Faunce, 
 
 John Faunce, 
 
 Louam Faunce, 
 
 Mary Faunce, 
 
 Sally Francis, 
 
 William Francis, 
 
 George Freelove, 
 Betsey Samson Gifford, 
 Elizabeth Peckham Gififord, 
 Jane M. Hart, 
 
 Charity Hathaway, 
 
 Hannah Hathaway, 
 Prudy Hix, 
 Ruth Gifford Hix, 
 Joanna Jones Hunt, 
 Eliza Sherman Jennings, 
 Benjamin W. Jones, 
 Eliza Jones, 
 Elizabeth Jones, 
 Mary Giftbrd Jones, 
 Harriet Lee, 
 Abigail Lincoln, 
 Ellen Macomber, 
 Henry B. Macomber, 
 Josephine Macomber, 
 Sylvia Macomber, 
 Hannah Madison, 
 Delila Snell Maxfield, 
 Ruth Merrick, 
 Deacon Gilbert Miller, 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 
 
 87 
 
 Addie F. Mosher, 
 Harriet Allen Mosher, 
 John F. Mosher, 
 William Mosher, 
 Charles Peckham, 
 E. Frank Peckham, 
 Frederick Peckham, 
 Lydia Peckham, 
 William Peckham, 
 Chloe Peirce, 
 Jonathan Peirce, 
 Sarah Peirce, 
 David Petty, 
 Lucinda Phillips, 
 Abiathar Pool, 
 Emily A. Pool, 
 Philip Pool, 
 Emily Gifford Potter, 
 Abram Reed, 
 Asa W. Reed, 
 Martha Reed, 
 Mary J. Reed, 
 Matilda Reed, 
 Rhoda Reed, 
 Sarah Reed, 
 Mary Reynolds, 
 Maria Russell, 
 Mary Russell, 
 Michael Russell, 
 John Sadler, 
 Abigail Sampson, 
 George W. Sampson, 
 John Sampson, 
 
 Emma T. Sanford, 
 
 Lucy Mosher Sanford, 
 
 Clara Sampson Sherman, 
 
 Mary Peirce Sherman, 
 
 Deacon Humphrey A. Shockley, 
 
 Abram Simmons, 
 
 Mary Simmons, 
 
 Permelia Simmons, 
 
 Abigail Snell, 
 
 Ruth Snell, 
 
 Mary Peirce Tabor, 
 
 Dighton M. Terry, 
 
 Elizabeth Terry, 
 
 Emeline Sampson Terry, 
 
 Benjamin T. Tripp, 
 
 Sarah Crapo Tripp, 
 
 Lucretia Faunce Weeks, 
 
 Hiram Whalon, 
 
 Miriam Whalon, 
 
 Martha Whiteside, 
 
 Judith Whithead, 
 
 De Witt C. Wilbour, 
 
 Bessie Whithead Wilbur, 
 
 Frederick P. Wilbur, 
 
 Hannah Wilbur, 
 
 Harriet Wilbur, 
 
 Joan Wilbur, 
 
 Maria G. Wilson, 
 
 Ellen Faunce Winslow, 
 
 Charles Wordelle, 
 
 Eunice Wordelle, 
 
 Lovisa Wordelle. 
 
I 88 A SKETCH OF 
 
 The following are the marriages solemnized 
 by Elder Daniel Hix. Where the parties be- 
 long in other towns, it is stated ; otherwise the 
 persons named lived in Dartmouth. 
 
 Sept. 6, 1 781 Ira Phillips to Sarah Collins. 
 
 Oct. 5,1781 Ichabod Davis of Freetown to Barbara Soule. 
 
 Nov. 18,1781 Samuel Grinnell of Little Compton and Sarah 
 Woodniansea. 
 
 Nov. 29,1781 Stoten Booth and Amea Allen. 
 
 Dec. 13, 1781 Lemuel Borden of Freetown and Sarah Reed. 
 
 Dec. 16, 1 781 Bristol Peck to Elizabeth Edwards, (colored.) 
 
 Feb. 26, 1782 David Bullock to Phebe Pearce. 
 
 June 23, 1782 Mingo Dice and Sarah Cuff, (colored.) 
 
 Oct. 6, 1 782 Ezekiel Chace to Lydia Wilbour. 
 
 Dec. I, 1782 Jonathan Anthony to Sarah Chace. 
 
 Dec. 12, 1782 Gershom Wordelle of Tiverton to Sarah Handy. 
 
 Dec. 12, 1782 Simeon Clark of Freetown and Sarah Allen. 
 
 Jan. 22, 1783 Abraham Ashley and Hannah Crapo, both of 
 Freetown. 
 
 March 27, 1783 Shadrach Horskins and Mary Rider. 
 
 Oct. 19, 1783 James Gifford to Elizabeth Chace. 
 
 Dec. 18, 1783 Nathaniel Gifford and Desier Mitchel. 
 
 Dec. 22, 1783 David Winslow of Freetown and Betty Kithel. 
 
 March 18, 1784 John Bosworth and Rosanan Blackemore. 
 
 May 9, 1784 Stephen Beden to Ruth Sherman. 
 
 June 24, 1784 Asel Nap, to Sarah Freelove of Freetown. 
 
 Aug. 12, 1784 Henry Bedent, to Thankful Freelove of Free- 
 town. 
 
 Dec. 19, 1784 Comfort Bullock of Rehoboth to Sibbil Pearce. 
 
 April 6, 1784 Alexander Mason of Freetown to Lydia Chace. 
 
 April 14, 1785 Henry Wilbour, to Deborah Freelove of Free- 
 town. 
 
 July 10, 1785 Barzaleel Worshburn to Patience Lollard. 
 
 Dec. 7, 1 785 Stephen Gifford to Esther Boomer. 
 
ELDER DANIEL IIIX. 1 89 
 
 Jan. I, 1786 Tucker Tabor and Submit Booth. 
 
 July 30, 1786 Abner Devoll to Lydia Milk. 
 
 Aug. 20, 1786 Benjamin Smith to Thankful Gifford. 
 
 Aug. 20, 1786 Jonathan Gififord and Johanna Handy. 
 
 Oct. 12, 1786 Canaan Crocker of Tiverton to Sarah Petty. 
 
 Oct. 19, 1786 Samuel Shearman and Constant Wodel. 
 
 Dec. 24, 1786 Deliverance Bennett and Mercy Phillips. 
 
 Dec. 31, 1786 John Read and Mary Wilbour. 
 
 Jan. 14, 1787 Stephen Rogers to Sarah Petty. 
 
 Jan. 14, 1787 Elijah W. Reed of Middleborough and Susanna 
 
 Bedon. 
 Feb. 23, 1787 Edward Sherman and Sarah Grinnell. 
 March 2, 1 787 Lemuel Burden and Mary Gififord. 
 April 5, 1787 Jacob Amos and Meribah Cornell. 
 Aug. 23, 1787 Lemuel Reed and Rebecca Mosher. 
 Oct. II, 1787 John Winslow to Elizabeth Chandler. 
 Nov. 4, 1787 Jonathan Oman and Remembrance Gifford, 
 
 both of New Bedford. 
 Nov. 22, 1787 Benjamin Boomer to Mary Collins, 
 Feb. 3, 1788 William Russell to Mary Cook. 
 May 22, 1788 Job Case and Susanna Jenne. 
 May 28, 1788 John Cornell and Chloe Mosher. 
 July 6, 1 788 James Pearce of Swanzey and Rebecca Mott. 
 July 17, 1788 James Baker of Rehoboth and Roby Cornell. 
 July 24, 1 788 David Petty and Temima Bedon. 
 Sept. 28, 1788 Ebenezer Akin and Chloe Hathaway. 
 Nov. 9, 1 788 Philip Cummins of Freetown and Keturah 
 
 Booth. 
 Dec. 4, 1788 Samuel Shearman of Westport and Parnol 
 
 Russell. 
 
 1788 Robert Demoranville and Sarah Chase. 
 
 1789 Thomas Amos of Freetown and Patience Jen- 
 nings of Westport. 
 
 1789 Benjamin Babcock and Mary Potter. 
 26, 1789 John Gelatte and Keziah Mosher. 
 1 789 Joshua Cowen and Mary Andrews. 
 
 R 
 
 Dec. 
 
 II. 
 
 Jan. 
 
 2, 
 
 Feb. 
 
 10, 
 
 Feb. 
 
 26, 
 
 April 
 
 22, 
 
190 A SKETCH OF 
 
 May 21, 1789 Anthony Booth to Jemima Blackman. 
 June 10, 1790 Joseph Wheaton and Zilva Woodmansea. 
 Aug. 21, 1789 William Spooner of Middleborough to Abigail 
 
 Bennett. 
 Sept. 6, 1 789 Benjamin Gifford and Judith Andrews. 
 Nov. 8, 1789 Nicholas Davis and Hope Hathaway. 
 Dec. 21, 1789 Reuben Smith and Lois Shearman. 
 Dec. 31, 1789 William Reed and Mary Blackemore. 
 Jan. 7, 1790 Stephen Russell and Susanna Burgess. 
 Jan. 14, 1790 Jeremiah Devoll and Meriah Tripp, both of 
 
 Westport. 
 Feb. 18, 1790 Amos Braley and Lucy Morton, both of Free- 
 town. 
 Feb. 28, 1790 Philip Chace and Experience White, both of 
 
 Freetown. 
 March i, 1790 Josiah Brown and Philena Rounciful. 
 March i8, 1790 Joseph Allen and Priscilla Lawton. 
 April 18, 1790 Edmond Davis of Westport to Sarah Waite. 
 June 10, 1790 Reuben Shearman and Charity Mosher. 
 Sept. 2, 1790 Philip Allen and Mercy Perce. 
 Oct. 1 7, 1 790 Edward Chace and Permelia Durfee. 
 Jan. 13, 1 79 1 Elnathan Coombs and Martha Wilkey. 
 Jan. 30,1791 William Clark of Middleborough and Patience 
 
 Howland of Freetown* 
 Jan. 30, 1 791 Richard Easterbrooks and Hannah Fuller, both 
 
 of Freetown. 
 Feb. 17, 1 791 William Gifford, jr., of Tiverton, and Elizabeth 
 
 Boomer of Westport. 
 Feb. 17, 1 79 1 John Jencks of Tiverton to Elizabeth Davis of 
 
 Freetown. 
 March 2, 1791 Peleg Durfee and Priscilla Johnson, both of 
 
 Freetown. 
 March 3, 1791 Daniel Boomer of Freetown and Ruth Perkins 
 
 of Westport. 
 March 20, 1 791 John Baker and Mary Soule, both of Freetown. 
 March 20, 1791 Elijah Mosher to Joanna Andrews. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 191 
 
 June 9. 1791 Daniel Tripp, jr., of Westport, and Hannah 
 
 Tripp. 
 July 3>I79I William Braley to Thankful Braley, both of 
 
 Freetown. 
 July 17, 1 79 1 Isaac Fisher to Elizabeth Allen. 
 Nov. 27, 1 79 1 Seth French to Anna Andrews. 
 Dec. 25, 1 79 1 James Peckham to Elizabeth Smith. 
 Jan. I, 1792 James Mosher to Elizabeth Rider. 
 Jan. I, 1792 Jeremiah Chandler to Eliz<ibeth Cummins. 
 Jan. 29, 1 792 Samuel Holmes and Permelia Andrews. 
 March 15, 1792 Charles Shearman to Lois Tabor. 
 March 26, 1792 Elihu Coffin of Sherburne and Deborah Myrick. 
 April 22, 1792 John Rogers and Lucy Fisher. 
 . May 13, 1792 Abner Tripp and Bethia Shearman. 
 June 26,1792 Jonathan Demoranville, and Elizabeth Booth 
 
 of Middleborough. 
 June 28, 1792 Stephen Gifford of Westport and Margeret 
 
 James of Tiverton. 
 Aug. 20, 1792 Zebedee Tallman to Sarah Winslow. 
 Jan. 3, 1793 Robert Tripp of Tiverton and Jane Freelove of 
 
 Freetown. 
 Jan. 24, 1793 Reuben Devoll and Elizabeth Tripp, both of 
 
 Westport. 
 April 7, 1793 Alexander Burdin and Widow Mary Hathaway. 
 April II, 1793 Amos Cornell to Susanna Bennett. 
 
 21, 1793 James Upham and Sally Morrison. 
 
 Aug. II, 1793 Jacob Wilbour and Hannah Blackmon. 
 
 Oct. 13, 1793 David Craw and Hannah Pool. 
 
 Nov. 7, 1793 John Mirick Miller of Freetown and Mary Jones. 
 
 Zephaniah Jones of Freetown and Ruth Mosher. 
 
 July 1 7, 1 794 Thomas Spooner of New Bedford and Prudence 
 
 Phillips. 
 July 27, 1794 Gershom Wordel, jr., of Tiverton, to Peace 
 
 Burdin of Westport. 
 Oct. 12, 1794 David Sherman and Elizabeth Russell. 
 Oct. 19, 1794 Nathan Chase and Susanna Macomber. 
 
192 A SKETCH OF 
 
 Dec. 14, 1794 Hezekiah Wilbour, and Desire Swift of New 
 Bedford. 
 
 Dec. 18, 1794 Joseph Luther of Swanzey and Anna Bennett. 
 
 Feb. I, 1795 Shubel Terry of Freetown and Reliance Hath- 
 away. 
 
 Feb. 26, 1795 Jeremiah Buffinton to Bathsheba Washburn. 
 
 Feb. 20,1795 Pardon Shearman to Sabra Grinnell. 
 
 March 22, 1795 Ebenezer Samson of Freetown and Mary 
 Brown. 
 
 June 4, 1795 Isaac Tripp of Westport and Mary Chase. 
 
 July 14,1795 Prince Hathaway and Ruby Bennett, both of 
 New Bedford. 
 
 July 19, 1795 Isaiah Peckham and Rhoda Woodmansea. 
 
 Oct. 4, 1 795 Henry Freelove and Phebe Mosher. 
 
 Oct. 15,1795 Isaac Mosher of Westport and Bethania Mosher. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1 795 Wilson Mosher and Sylvia Davis. 
 
 Nov. 20, 1 795 Samuel Rider, to Keziah Tripp of Westport. 
 
 April 3, 1 796 Job Shearman, and Elizabeth Shearman of 
 Tiverton. 
 
 June 12, 1796 Samuel Wilkey and Huldah Collins. 
 
 Sept. 4, 1796 Abishai Cowen and Jemima Baker. 
 
 Sept. 15, 1796 William Davis of Long Island and Jane Allen. 
 
 Dec. 25, 1 796 Isaac Boomer of Freetown and Eady Waite of 
 Westport. 
 
 March 5, 1797 Simeon Chase, jr., to Robe Washburn. 
 
 Nov. 12, 1797 Henry Rider to Mary Chandler. 
 23, 1797 John Rider and Rebecca Chase. 
 1797 Isaac Shearman and Alice Grinnell. 
 
 1797 William Cornell and Jemima Marthers. 
 
 1 798 Avei-y Tobey and Betsey Harvey, both of New 
 Bedford. 
 
 1798 Abner Mosher and Anna Petty. 
 1798 Rowland Rider and Elizabeth Chase. 
 1798 John Chase and Hannah Rider. 
 1798 Ebenezer White of Freetown to Phebe Fisher. 
 Nov. I, 1798 George Wilkey to Mehitable Cook. 
 
 Nov. 
 
 ^Zf 
 
 Dec. 
 
 17. 
 
 Dec. 
 
 28, 
 
 Jan. 
 
 14, 
 
 March 22, 
 
 June 
 
 14, 
 
 Sept. 
 
 20, 
 
 Oct. 
 
 25» 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. I93 
 
 Dec. 9, 1798 Weaver Potter, and Content Drew of New Bed- 
 ford. 
 
 Dec. 16, 1798 William Hathaway of New Bedford and Eliza- 
 beth Smith. 
 
 Dec. 27, 1798 Reuben Mosher of Westport to Sarah Gifford. 
 
 Jan. 3, 1 799 Tabor Ashley of Freetown and Nancy Phillips. 
 
 Jan. 6, 1799 Preserved Chase and Rhoda Rogers. 
 
 Jan. 13, 1799 Jonathan Haskins to Sarah Chandler. 
 
 Sept. 8,1799 Luther Gifford and Ruth Manchester, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 Sept. 19, 1799 Allen Chase and Deborah Buffinton. 
 
 Sept. 26, 1799 Lewis Gifford and Susanna Allen. 
 
 Nov. 7, 1799 Thomas Williams and Anna Winslow. 
 
 March 23, 1800 Joseph Briggs and Rebecca Babcock. 
 
 Dec. 18, 1800 Nathan Francis and Sarah Cowen. 
 
 Jan. 1, 1 80 1 Mason Davis of Westport and Hannah Palmer. 
 
 March i, 1801 Noah Allen and Mercy Perce. 
 
 March 5, 1801 Benjamin Baker, jr., to Hannah Wilbour. 
 
 Aug. 6, 1 801 John Spooner of New Bedford and Keturah 
 Gifford. 
 
 Aug. 16, 1801 Zenas Cowen and Mary Francis. 
 
 Aug. 23, 1 80 1 Elijah Allen and Rebecca Gifford. 
 
 Sept. 6, 1 801 James Shearman and Martha Brown. 
 
 Jan. 3, 1802 Alden Hathaway of Freetown to Mercy Palmer. 
 
 Jan. 10, 1802 John Reed and Maria Petty. 
 
 April 5, 1802 Thomas Woodmansea and Sybil Beden. 
 
 Dec. 12, 1802 Samuel Samson of Freetown to Sarah Rogers. 
 
 May 19, 1803 Joseph Reed, to Elizabeth Wordell of Westport. 
 
 July 10, 1803 Paul Gifford and Patience Tripp. 
 
 Oct. 9, 1803 Richard Macomber of Tiverton and Lavinia 
 Butts of Westport. 
 
 Oct. 23, 1803 Pitts Phillips of Berkley and Roby Pettys. 
 
 Nov. 13, 1803 Josiah Hix and Serapta Phillips. 
 
 March 25, 1804 Jonathan Tripp and Alice Devoll, both of 
 Westport. 
 
194 A SKETCH OF 
 
 May 6, 1804 Calvin Reynolds, and Barbara Woddle of Tiver- 
 ton. 
 
 April 25, 1805 Philip Cornell and Nancy Rider. 
 
 June 26, 1806 David Gifford and Nancy Baker. 
 
 Dec. 25, 1806 Simeon Chase, and Lucy Rowland of Westport. 
 
 Jan. 6, 1807 Martin Besse and Anna Gifford, both of West- 
 port. 
 
 Jan. 22, 1807 William Gifford of Westport and Sally Cowing. 
 
 Feb. 15, 1807 Benjamin Hart and Delilah Russell. 
 
 March i, 1807 Benjamin Horton and Lydia Chase. 
 
 Aug. 30, 1807 Zacheus Gifford of Westport and Waity Crape 
 of Freetown. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1807 George Gifford and Judith Maxfield. 
 
 Nov. 8,1807 Prince Rowland and Judith Devoll, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 Dec. 6, 1807 Job White and Amy Gifford, both of Westport. 
 
 Dec. 10, 1807 Peleg Gifford and Phebe Brownell, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 Jan. 24, 1808 Abial Jones and Sally Pool. 
 
 March 6, 1808 Richard Craw and Hannah Chase. 
 
 June 5, 1808 Chase Babcock and Phebe Chase. 
 
 June 19, 1808 Henry Chase and Mercy Whalon. 
 
 Oct. 26, 1809 Levi Gifford and Prudence Brownell, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 June 3, 1810 Noah Macomber of Westport and Mary Miller 
 of Troy [Fall River.] 
 
 Avig. 30, 1 810 Isaac Millard and Susan Blossom, both of Troy. 
 
 Nov. 22, 1 8 10 Jonathan Davis of Westport and Rachel Wodel 
 of Tiverton. 
 
 Sept. 8, 181 1 Malichi White and Content Crapo. 
 
 Nov. 17,1811 Isaac Case of Tiverton to Amy Russell. 
 
 Feb. 16, 1 81 2 Abraham Allen and Amy Wordell. 
 
 Aug. 2,1812 William Cummings of Freetown and Polly Perce. 
 
 Oct. 4, 1 81 2 Uriah Shearman and Mary Peirce. 
 
 Nov. I, 1 81 2 Reuben Crapo, and Cynthia M. Devoll of West- 
 port. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 95 
 
 March 21, 1813 Bradford Burdin of Westport and Hannah 
 Jones. 
 
 April 22, 1 81 3 Ebenezer Terry of Troy and Betsey Allen. 
 
 July 4, 1813 Holder Mosher to Betsey Snell. 
 
 July 4, 1 81 3 James Reed and Anna Reed. 
 
 July 18, 1813 Stephen Wordell and Rebecca Russell. 
 
 Oct. 19, 1 81 3 Shubael Garner Allen to Bathsheba Hathaway, 
 
 Oct. 20, 1 81 3 Peleg Dennis of Westport and Mahala Snell of 
 Troy. 
 
 Oct. 20, 1 81 3 Paul Russell and Sarah Booth. 
 
 Feb. 10, 1814 Job Wordell of Tiverton to Keziah Samson. . 
 
 Aug. 7, 1814 Pardon Wordell of Troy and Elizabeth Reed. 
 
 March 24, 18 14 Samuel Sabins and Olive Brown. 
 
 Dec. 22, 1 814 Pearce Phillips of Freetown and Susan Wordell 
 of Westport. 
 
 Dec. 23, 1 8 14 Peleg Woddle and Delana Woddle, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 Feb. 5,1815 Isaac Babcock, and Hannah Wordell of Troy. 
 
 June 4, 1815 Jedediah Howland of Middleborough and Su- 
 san Crapo. 
 
 Jan. 7, 1 81 6 Barnabas Thomas of Tiverton and Barbara 
 Booth. 
 
 Jan. 21, 1816 George Gifford and Mary Rider. 
 
 March 3, 1816 Cyrus Ellis of New Bedford and Audra Cook. 
 
 July 18, 1 81 6 Tabor Ashley of Freetown and Elizabeth Wor- 
 dell. 
 
 Nov. 7, 1 816 Jesse Nichols and Lucy Snell. 
 
 Dec. 1, 1 81 6 Holder White of Westport and Sarah Burdin of 
 Troy. 
 
 Jan. 2, 181 7 Stephen Gifford and Phebe Washburn. 
 
 Jan. 19,1817 Joshua Woddle and Anna Cowen, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 Feb. 2, 1 81 7 Alden Reed and Amelia Ann Sears. 
 
 April 17, 181 7 Ebenezer Haskins and Lurania Pool. 
 
 Dec. 21, 181 7 Abraham Ashley, 3d, of Freetown, and Thank- 
 ful Allen. 
 
196 A SKETCH OF 
 
 March 22, 1818 Israel Chase and Mary Chase. 
 
 April 5, 1 81 8 Joseph Eldridge of Freetown and Sally Reed. 
 
 Sept, 27, 1 818 Isaac Chase of New Bedford and Priscilla Mil- 
 lard. 
 
 July 5, 1 81 8 Weston Winslow to Elizabeth Chase. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1 81 8 Joseph Chase to Susanna Chase. 
 
 Nov. 15, 1 81 8 Richard Winslow and Abigail Snell. 
 
 Dec. 6, 1 81 8 Thomas Hathaway, jr., and Charity Snell. 
 
 Dec. 13, 181 8 Thomas Durfee of New Bedford and Elizabeth 
 Maxfield. 
 
 Feb. 14, 1819 William Gifford, and Sarah Wodle of Troy. 
 
 Sept. 23, 1 8 19 George Gifford of Westport and Ruth Crape of 
 Freetown. 
 
 Oct. 10, 1819 Isaac W. Rogers and Abigail Bullock. 
 
 Nov. 7, 1819 Daniel Martin, and Abigail Smith of Freetown. 
 
 Dec. 2, 1 819 Weston Gifford of Troy and Sally Wordell of 
 Westport. 
 
 Dec. 3, 1819 Daniel Driscoll and Anna Reed. 
 
 March 5, 1820 Wordin Babcock and Rebecca Martin. 
 
 April 23, 1820 William Cowen and Elizabeth Simmons. 
 
 April 30, 1820 Jacob Reed and Lois Rogers. 
 
 June 18, 1820 Jonathan Collins, and Sarah Shearman. 
 
 Aug. 20, 1820 Clark Freelove of Troy and Rebecca Tripp of 
 Westport. 
 
 Aug. 20, 1820 Gideon Rogers, and Azubah Wordell of Troy. 
 
 Nov. 23, 1820 Ezra Winslow and Rebecca Winslow. 
 
 Feb. 4, 1 82 1 Stephen Russell and Margaret Reed. 
 
 June 17, 1 82 1 William Ashley and Sarah Collins. 
 
 Oct. II, 1821 John Wodel and Diana Wodel, both of West- 
 port. 
 
 Oct. II, 1821 Jeremiah Russell and Maria Samson. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1 82 1 Joseph Russell, and Polly Samson of Troy. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1 82 1 Thomas Clark and Polly Wheeler. 
 
 Feb. 28, 1822 James Gifford of Westport and Sylvia French. 
 
 iMay 19, 1822 Spooner How and Phebe Briggs. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 9/ 
 
 Oct. 3, 1822 David Lewis of Middleborough and Lucy Free- 
 man. 
 
 Oct. 3, 1822 Elder Maxson Mosher of New York and Re- 
 becca Mosher. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1822 Stephen Ashley of Freetown to Sybil Bullock. 
 
 Dec. 5, 1822 John Edminster of Middleborough and Betsey 
 Ashley of Freetown. 
 
 Feb. 20, 1S23 Joseph Brightman and Susanna Brightman, 
 both of Troy. 
 
 May 29, 1823 Ephraim Kempton of New Bedford and Salome 
 Russell. 
 
 June 12, 1823 Leonard Snell and Abigail Faunce. 
 
 Aug. 3, 1823 Clothier Peirce and Bethia Cleaveland. 
 
 Sept. 7, 1823 Daniel Russell and Nancy Briggs. 
 
 Sept. 14, 1823 Philip Cowen and Margaret Butts. 
 
 Nov. 2, 1823 Asa Nichols, and Betsey Swift of New Bedford. 
 
 Nov. 2, 1823 Henry Davis of New Bedford and Mary Ashley. 
 
 Jan. 4, 1824 William Butts and Lydia Andrews. 
 
 Jan. 28, 1824 David Rider and Clarissa Snell. 
 
 March 4, 1824 William Peets and Eliza Collins. 
 
 April II, 1824 William Mosher and Hannah Millard. 
 
 Aug. 19, 1824 Elkanah Mitc^hel of New Bedford and Amy 
 Reed. 
 
 Sept. 30, 1S24 Lewis Gifford and Eliza Winslow. 
 
 Oct. 3, 1824 Abel Snell and Betsey Hall. 
 
 Oct. 10, 1824 Joseph Williams of Dighton and Marian Briggs. 
 
 Oct. 13, 1824 Elihu Beden and Mercy Chace. 
 
 Oct. 17, 1824 Israel Reed and Maria Mosher. 
 
 Dec. 23, 1824 George Pool. and Nancy Nickerson. 
 
 June 5, 1825 Samuel Winslow and Charlotte Cowen. 
 
 July 17, 1825 James Butts and Susanna Simmons. 
 
 Aug. 7, 1S25 William Winslow and Sukie Russell. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1826 Job Terry, 2d, of Troy, and Elizabeth Reed. 
 
 April 2, 1826 John Chase and Sarah Jones. 
 
 Sept. 3, 1826 Abel Boomer and Loisa Davis, both of Troy. 
 
 April I, 1827 Philip Peckham and Julia Ann Haskins. 
 
198 A SKETCH OF 
 
 April 10, 1827 Oliver Ramsdell and Lydia Jones. 
 
 April 19, 1827 John Davis Green and Mary Lincoln Jones, 
 both of New Bedford. 
 
 Oct. 7, 1827 Abel Snell and Paulina Faunce. 
 
 Oct. 14, 1827 Barnabas Collins and Olive Millard. 
 
 Nov. I, 1827 Thomas Sanford of Westport and Almeda Mil- 
 lard. 
 
 Dec. 4, 1827 Thomas Jones and Charlotte Jones. 
 
 July 26, 1828 George Gifford of Westport and Mercy Bullock. 
 
 April 14, 1828 Philip Cummins of Freetown and Rhoda Chase 
 of New Bedford. 
 
 1828 Brightman Collins and Cynthia Snell. 
 
 July 20, 1828 Jesse W. Nichols and Polly Merick. 
 
 Aug. 19, 1829 David R. Rider and Lydia Simmons. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1829 Elijah Home and Delila Tripp, both of New 
 Bedford. 
 
 Nov. 8, 1829 Robert W. Cottle of Freetown and Polly Mil- 
 lard. 
 
 March 23, 1830 William Green and Fanny Samson. 
 
 Jan. 24,1831 Benjamin D. Cooms of Fairhaven and Clarissa 
 Mirreck of New Bedford. 
 
 May 23, 1831 Arabia Samson of Troy and Abigail Cowen of 
 Westport. 
 
 Aug. 18, 1 83 1 Eli West and Mary Rogers. 
 
 Oct. 12, 1 83 1 Edwin Luce and Lydia Ann Wilbour, both of 
 New Bedford. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1832 Jonathan Maxfield and Delila Snell. 
 
 Feb. 23, 1832 Ensign Baker, and Lydia Ann Devoll of West- 
 port. 
 
 May 7, 1832 Nathan Raymond of Fairhaven and Hannah 
 Walters of Troy. 
 
 May 13, 1832 Timothy Dunlap and Mercy Westgate, both of 
 Troy. 
 
 July 2, 1832 Barnard H. Damon of Fairhaven and Mary 
 Millard of Troy. 
 
ELDER DANIEL HIX. 1 99 
 
 Oct. 21, 1832 Wilson Barlow of New Bedford and Mary Ann 
 Tripp. 
 
 Nov. II, 1832 Silas Terry of Troy and Sarah A. Faunce. 
 
 Dec. 2, 1832 Benjamin Wilson of Troy and Hannah ^E_ ' 
 Faunce. ] 
 
 Dec. 11,1832 Bradford Manchester and Frances Clark, both 
 of Troy. 
 
 Dec. 25, 1832 Holder Brightman of Little Compton and Mar- 
 tha Chase. 
 
 Feb. 21, 1833 Allen Gifford and Sally Macomber, both of 
 Westport. ^^ 
 
 Aug. 8, 1833 Moses Clark and Hope Booth. 
 
 Oct. 3, 1833 Howard Tripp and Emily ]\L Gifford, both m' 
 Westport. 
 -^s-Oct. 6, 1833 William Allen and Mary Hix. 
 
 Oct. 6, 1833 Anthony AJlen and Lucretia Gifford, both of 
 Westport. 
 
 Nov. 3, 1833 Jacob Hix and Ruth Gifford, both of Westport. 
 
 Dec. 29, 1833 Benjamin B. Blossom of Westport and Sarah ^L 
 Reed. 
 
 Feb. 16, 1834 Abraham Ormsbee of Seekonk and Cynthia 
 Wordell. 
 
 April 7, 1834 Peleg Russell and Rebecca Peckham. 
 
 Nov. 9, 1834 Jireh Reed and Orry Haskins. 
 
 April 30, 1835 Albert Sherman and Alice Dexter, both of New 
 Bedford. 
 
 Feb. 21, 1836 Oliver W. Wilcox of Westerly, R. I., and 
 Harriet Vincent of Fairhaven. 
 
 Oct. 2, 1836 John Bracy and Almira Vincent, both of Fair- 
 haven. 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 A. 
 
 The town of Dartmouth, Bristol County, Mass., 
 as incorporated in 1664, included within its limits 
 the present towns of Dartmouth, Westport, Fair- 
 haven, Acushnet, and the city of New Bedford, 
 and was purchased of the Indians in 1652, for 
 "thirty yards of cloth, eight moose skins, fifteen 
 axes, fifteen hoes, fifteen pairs of breeches, eight 
 blankets, two kettles, one cloak, £2 English 
 currency value of wampum, eight pairs of stock- 
 ings, eight pairs of shoes, one iron pot, and 
 ten shillings in another commoditie." In 1665, 
 the Dartmouth proportion of rates or taxes was 
 £\0. In 1673, the officers of the military com- 
 pany in Dartmouth were John Smith, lieutenant, 
 and Jacob Mitchel, ensign. During King Phil- 
 ip's war nearly every house in Dartmouth was 
 burned, and the people much distressed. West- 
 port, the western division of old Dartmouth, 
 was incorporated in the same year as New Bed- 
 ford, 1787. Fairhaven was set off in 1812 from 
 New Bedford, and Acushnet in i860 from Fair- 
 haven. 
 S 
 
202 APPENDIX. 
 
 B. 
 
 The branch church at Long Plain was visited 
 by Elder Daniel Hix one or two Sundays each 
 month for many years, and it paid him an annual 
 salary of fifty dollars, which was at length raised 
 to fifty-five dollars. The church meetings at first 
 were held in an ''Elder Lewis's meeting-house," 
 probably the one in Freetown, on the last Satur- 
 day of each month. When organized, the 
 church comprised the following named persons : 
 Lucy Babcock, Peace Hammon, Anna Merihew, 
 Rebecca Summerton, Mary Easterbrooks, Abi- 
 gail Rightington, Comfort Tabor, Patience Right- 
 ington, Phebe Caine, John Summerton, Preserved 
 Merihew, Thomas Tabor, John Blackemore, 
 Mary Sands, Phebe Blackemore, Experience 
 Fuller, Ruth Caine. Afterwards others were 
 added, and Ebenezer Keene and Silas Sweet 
 were chosen deacons. 
 
 In 1807 and 8 there was a branch church in 
 Rochester, which then included Mattapoisett 
 and Marion. The present Christian church in 
 Mattapoisett, under the pastoral care of Elder 
 William Faunce, is an outgrowth from it. 
 
 The branch church in Fairhaven was visited 
 by Elder Hix occasionally, and in December, 
 1 8 19, Elders Moses How and Frederic Plummer 
 
APPENDIX. 203 
 
 held meetings there in the Academy, which re- 
 sulted in a revival, and many were baptized soon 
 after. Nov. 30, 1820, a Christian church was 
 formed, of forty-five members, taking the Bible 
 as their only rule of faith and duty, and the 
 number was soon increased to seventy-five. 
 September 4, 1 821, Charles Morgridge was or- 
 dained in Fairhaven and became pastor of the 
 church. He was succeeded by Simon Clough, 
 James Taylor, Frederic Plummer, George Kel- 
 ton and others. The church was reorganized 
 Dec. 7, 1832, as the Washington Street Chris- 
 tian Church, and William H. Taylor was elected 
 pastor. He was followed by J. H. Currier, 
 Charles I. Bennett, Elder Joseph H. Smith, and 
 others. This church was again reorganized 
 September i, 1865, as the Washington Street 
 Christian (Unitarian) Church. 
 
 At a meeting held November 9 and 10, 183 1, 
 the East Freetown Christian Church was organ- 
 ized in No. 13 district schoolhouse, with the 
 following members : Hezekiah Mason, Elbridge 
 G. Morton, Samuel Wilde, Thomas Lucas, James 
 Ashley, Bradford Braley, Jonathan Hervey, 
 Samuel Brown, Sarah Mason, Lovey R. Tobey, 
 Margaret Wilson, Mary Hervey, Nancy Parker, 
 Patience Braley. Bradford Braley was chosen 
 clerk of the church. 
 
204 APPENDIX. 
 
 The old church at Beech Woods, Lakeville, 
 was organized by Elder Ebenezer Hinds in 
 1750, or according to Barber's Historical Col- 
 lections in 1757, and Mr. Hinds was ordained 
 pastor the next year. He was a Calvinist Bap- 
 tist, and preached there forty years. His suc- 
 cessor was Elder Simeon Coombs, who was 
 pastor thirty-six years. The next pastor was 
 Elder Daniel Brown, who preached eight years. 
 Elder Richard Eldridge became pastor soon 
 after. Elder Robert Foster, of the Christian 
 denomination, came next, under whose labors 
 there was a revival, and the Christian denomi- 
 nation gained new strength ; he probably labored 
 there five or six years. The next pastor was a 
 Freewill Baptist, whose influence seemed to 
 weaken the Christian denomination as a distinct 
 people. Elder Hix held meetings in this 
 place, and many were converted during the 
 revival of 1807-8. Until 1853 Lakeville was a 
 part of Middleborough, and it is probable that 
 many of the baptisms in Middleborough re- 
 corded by Elder Hix were in this part of the 
 town. 
 
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