LIBRARY 
 
 / 
 
 OF THK 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. 
 
 GIFT OF" 
 THE FAMILY OF REV. DR. GEORGE MOOAR 
 
 Class 
 
CENTURIAL HISTORY 
 
 MENDON ASSOCIATION 
 
 OF CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS, WITH 
 
 THE CENTENNIAL ADDRESS, 
 
 DELIVERED AT FRANKLIN, MASS., NOV. 19, 1851, 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE MEMBERS 
 AND LICENTIATES. 
 
 BY REV. MORTIMER BLAKE. 
 M 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PUBLISHED FOR THE ASSOCIATION, 
 BY SEWALL HARDING, 
 
 113 WASHINGTON STREET. 
 
 1853. 
 
I I v < 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, hy 
 
 MORTIMER BLAKE, 
 in the Clerk s Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 
 
 A X I) O V K R : JOHN D. F L A G G , 
 
 STEREOTYPER AND PRINTER. 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 THE history of this volume is as follows. At a meeting 
 of the Mendon Association at Foxboro, April 1C, 1850, on 
 motibn of Br. M. Blake, it was voted, that there be a Com 
 mittee chosen to prepare a History of Mendon Association. 
 Brs. M. Blake and T. Thacher were appointed. Mr. 
 Thacher soon after decided to remove to California, and 
 the subject remained untouched until the next year ; when, 
 upon examination of the few ancient documents in possession 
 of the scribe, it was found that the Association had nearly 
 reached the close of itsjirst century. The fact was inform 
 ally communicated to some of the members, at the meeting 
 of the State Association at Wrentham, in June, 1851, and 
 at the next regular meeting, at Auburndale, August 12th, it 
 was decided to observe the centennial day, November 19th, 
 with appropriate public services. Franklin was selected as 
 a central and very appropriate place for the meeting, and 
 Rev. M. Blake was appointed to deliver an address. The 
 scribe was instructed to issue special invitations to attend, 
 to all the living former members and licentiates. 
 
 An account of the meeting is abridged from the Congre- 
 gationalist of the following week. 
 
 80 
 
iy INTRODUCTION. 
 
 " The first public service was held on Tuesday evening, 
 18th inst. This was of the nature of a conference, in which 
 a number of the older licentiates and former members of the 
 body, participated. The time was mostly given up to his 
 torical reminiscences ; and to feeling allusions to the great 
 and good who were once with us, but now are passed 
 away. Rev. Dr. Ide remarked : i I joined the Association 
 thirty-seven years ago. It was a large and nourishing body, 
 but now all of them but one are dead. I have seen eighteen 
 beloved brethren laid in the grave. At the time of joining, 
 I was not only the youngest, but the feeblest and weakest 
 of them all, and did not expect to live long ; but through 
 help obtained of God, I continue unto the present day 
 I have belonged to the Association fifteen years longer than 
 any other member. He proceeded to speak of his fellow- 
 laborers in the ministry ; said that God had blessed their 
 labors. He had witnessed signal and glorious revivals of 
 religion in every church in the Association. 
 
 " Rev. J. O. Barney alluded to Dr. Emmons as the instru 
 ment of his conversion, by one sermon, which he heard when 
 he was a very wicked boy. 
 
 " Rev. M. Moore spoke of the fathers that approbated him 
 in 1812, Emmons, Fisk, Howe, Wilder, Holman, Dickin 
 son, Thompson, all now dead but the last-named, who was 
 present. 
 
 " Rev. D. Brigham said he should rather go down to the 
 regions of the lost from almost any other place than Franklin, 
 divine truth had been there so plainly exhibited. 
 
 " Rev. Messrs. Perkins, Cobb, and Harding, made brief 
 and pertinent allusions to the brethren who used to converse 
 with them at the meetings of this body. Every heart seemed 
 to be full ; and the fact was more than once spoken of, that 
 it must be a terrible guilt which continues in impenitence, 
 after having enjoyed the ministry of such able and godly 
 men. 
 
INTRODUCTION. V 
 
 " On Wednesday, at 10 o clock, A. M., some forty or more 
 of the past members of the Association convened in the 
 meeting-house, to attend the services of the centennial 
 celebration. Prayer was offered by Rev. Alvan Cobb of 
 West Taunton. After the address, the company were 
 invited to partake of a bountiful collation provided in the 
 vestry ; after which the brethren separated, feeling that it 
 had been an occasion of deep and peculiar interest, and that 
 it was good to call to mind those champions of the faith, who 
 lived to shape the morals and theology of happy New Eng 
 land, and to behold with exultation and gratitude the fruits 
 of their toil." 
 
 The author of the address, given upon the above occasion, 
 was by vote requested to prepare the same for publication, 
 with a list of the members and licentiates from the begin 
 ning, and such notes and historical appendix as he deemed 
 appropriate. Hence the following volume, and the long 
 delay of its publication. 
 
 A desire to make the biographical sketches as complete as 
 possible, and the delays of an extensive correspondence with 
 reference to this end, have deferred the publication of the 
 address to this date. And after all our researches, some 
 vacancies must be left, which it is hoped may yet be filled, 
 should another edition ever be called for. 
 
 The author feels it due to himself to add, that the discourse 
 was prepared during the anxieties of a distressing and doubt 
 ful sickness of one of his family, which compelled him to 
 select a general theme, and less appropriate than undisturbed 
 leisure would have permitted. 
 
 It is also due to the members of the Association to say, 
 that the compiler is alone responsible for the manner in 
 which their vote to publish its History has been executed, 
 as but the plan of the work, and not its details, has been 
 submitted for their approval. 
 
 1* 
 
vi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The volume, as it is, is offered to the public, as the first 
 contribution from the unexplored annals of ministerial 
 associations, towards the yet unwritten ecclesiastical history 
 of New England. 
 
 MORTIMER BLAKE. 
 
 Mansfield, Mass., Nov. 19, 1852. 
 
OF THE 
 
 UNIViRbiTY 
 
 OF 
 
 CENTENNIAL ADDRESS. 
 
 I, SAMUEL, 2, 30, 1. c. 
 
 4< THEM THAT HONOR ME I WILL HONOR, AND THEY THAT 
 DESPISE ME SHALL BE LIGHTLY ESTEEMED." 
 
 THESE words express the general reason why God 
 would disinherit the house of Eli from the high priest s 
 office, which had been entailed upon it forever, " His 
 sons had made themselves vile, and he restrained them 
 not." They had brought the services of the sanctuary 
 into contempt with the people by their profligacy, and 
 he had only opposed weak remonstrances instead of the 
 decisive measures which became his office. Wherefore, 
 God, jealous of his worship, determined to transfer the 
 high-priesthood to another branch of the Aaronic family. 
 
 God announced this rejection, not only by a vision to 
 young Samuel, but by the mouth of " a man of God " 
 sent to Eli with the particular message, "The Lord 
 God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and 
 the house of thy father, should walk before me forever ; 
 but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me ; for them that 
 honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be 
 lightly esteemed." 
 
S HISTORY OF 
 
 This doom, I may observe, was afterwards accom 
 plished when Solomon removed Abiathar, the last 
 high-priest of the line of Ithamar, of which line Eli was 
 the first, and placed Zadoc, of the house of Eleazer, 
 in the high-priest s office. 
 
 The general principle on which this ejection proceeded 
 admits of a great variety of special applications. But 
 the present occasion, as well as the occasion on which 
 God uttered the words of the text, points out the parti 
 cular application to be selected : viz. to ministerial labor 
 and ministerial success. 
 
 God honors the ministry which honors him, and that 
 ivhich despises him, he lightly esteems. 
 
 This proposition may require some explanatory obser 
 vations ; first, in respect to the manner in which ministers 
 as such, may honor or despise God ; and, secondly, the 
 manner in which God expresses his honor or disesteem 
 -of their ministry : 
 
 I. I observe, then, that God possesses certain rights 
 which belong to him, as the Sovereign Ruler of the uni 
 verse, and he justly claims that these rights shall be 
 cordially yielded unto him by his intelligent creatures. 
 ^Those who cheerfully render unto God the glory due 
 unto his name, honor him. They who deny or indiffer 
 ently treat his claims, despise him. Every one who 
 cordially submits to the government of God, and loves his 
 sovereign authority over himself, honors him. He who 
 resists that sovereignty, despises his Maker. 
 
 In particular, that ministry of the Gospel honors God, 
 -which makes the Divine glory the prime incentive to 
 labor for the salvation of men, which exhibits the 
 foundations of the Gospel as laid deep in the sovereign 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 9 
 
 grace of God, or his "just liberty" to treat his guilty 
 creatures according to his holy pleasure, and which 
 draws the motives to repentance from the inherent evil 
 of sinning against the rightful claims of the Almighty. 
 
 But that ministry despises God which represents the 
 plan of Redemption to be a device chiefly of God s pity 
 to men ; as if it were their deliverance from misery 
 which first and most moved him to the thoughts of their 
 salvation ; and which makes the sinner s safety his own. 
 prime motive of endeavor. 
 
 The former exalts God as a sovereign, and abases 
 transgressors. The latter exalts man, and makes the 
 wisdom and mercy of God mere servants to secure man s 
 endless happiness. One mode of preaching the Gospel 
 makes the glory of God the end of all his doings, and the 
 redemption of sinners a means to illustrate that glory. 
 The other mode of preaching makes human happiness the 
 chief end of all God s works and of man s efforts. 
 
 All the various systems of religious doctrine and 
 styles of religious teaching may be put into one or the 
 other of these classes, as their tendency and effect are to 
 exalt God or abase him. And according to this their 
 character, God honors or lightly esteems them. 
 
 II. The indications of God s approval or disapproval 
 of our ministry are not difficult of detection, if a sufficiently 
 long period be subjected to examination. 
 
 The temporary popularity of any doctrines, measures, 
 or men, is obviously no criterion, for they may be con 
 genial to the natural heart. 
 
 The honor which God bestows descends first into the 
 heart, making that pure and joyful ; and then displays 
 itsetf in the life ; as the transfiguration-glory of Christ 
 
10 HISTORY OF 
 
 beamed outwards through his countenance, and caused 
 his raiment to be white and glistering. 
 
 God honors the ministry of those who honor him,- by 
 giving a success evinced in the purity, stability, and 
 harmony of the church, and its enlargement by genuine 
 revivals of religion. The ministry which he lightly 
 esteems is unacknowledged by the Holy Spirit, and leads 
 men into dangerous errors, or lulls them in security, 
 apathy, and the sleep of eternal death. 
 
 The fruits of a ministry honored of God, are the 
 edification of the church and the conversion of sinners. 
 The fruits of a ministry he lightly esteems, are the 
 church s virtual extinction and sinners ruin. 
 
 After this lengthy definition of the terms of the text, 
 I come to its demonstration. And the occasion reminds 
 me, that I may pass by the many logical reasons which 
 confirm its truthfulness, and confine myself to what may 
 be termed its historic illustration. 
 
 And I will assert, that the history of religion, from the 
 earliest times, shows that God has honored that ministry 
 which has honored him, and that which has despised him 
 he has lightly esteemed. Especially does the progress 
 of the Redeemer s kingdom in this New England most 
 significantly illustrate this assertion. I say especially, 
 because here the ministry has brought forth its fruits 
 unhelped and unhindered by many causes which have 
 obscured its agency elsewhere. So that the actual 
 results of every species of ministration can be here ap 
 proximately ascertained. Such a cursory glance as we 
 can now give to this field with reference to this single 
 point, will make the truth of these observations sufficiently 
 obvious. 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 11 
 
 The beginning of each of the three centuries of our 
 religious history, has been marked by a new and striking 
 phase, whose results have been developed in the remain 
 der of each century. 
 
 The first century bore the impress of the pure and 
 devoted ministry of the Puritan preachers. 
 
 The second century was marked by the labors of 
 Edwards and his coadjutors and opposers, in the great 
 revival beginning in 1735, and extending onwards to the 
 disturbances of the Revolution. 
 
 The third century has witnessed the reanimation of 
 evangelical religion, and its collision with the ripened 
 fruits of Arminianism. 
 
 Omitting subordinate causes, the chief agency m these 
 fluctuations of our Religious History belongs to the 
 character and aim of the pulpit ministrations. 
 
 A hasty review of these three periods of our history 
 will show, that when the ministry has exalted God, by 
 clearly presenting his sovereignty, and by exposing the 
 fallacy of self-righteous hopes, true religion has flourished, 
 and the churches have been strengthened and multiplied. 
 When ministers in their preaching have obscured the 
 sovereignty of God and the essential distinction of saints 
 and sinners, the wise and foolish have slumbered together. 
 
 Let us take this review. 
 
 I. The first ministers of these colonies were eminently 
 godly and self-denying men. With talents fitted by nature 
 and by study to take possession of the highest places of 
 influence and honor in England, and most of them actu 
 ally occupying them, they conscientiously resigned lucra 
 tive and important situations, because they could not, in 
 them, worship God as he required ; and they came here, 
 
12 HISTORY OF 
 
 with the like-minded of their flock, -where no civil author 
 ity should vie with the claims of God. Such men would 
 not, and did not, dimly apprehend nor obscurely present 
 the truths of God, to obey which they had already sacri 
 ficed so much. They were the beloved associates of 
 Bates, and Howe, and Baxter, and Owen ; and like these 
 well-known defenders of the faith, they put foremost in 
 their preaching the great truths of the sovereignty of 
 God, and his electing purposes ; a Divine Redeemer and 
 his vicarious atonement. 
 
 Some who love to boast of a Puritanic descent for the 
 sake of their legacies, studiously obliviate the fact of the 
 high Calvinism of those worthies. But if they have not 
 left learned and scientific systems of theology, it in no 
 wise follows that they lightly esteemed the great princi 
 ples of the doctrines of grace. These doctrines were not 
 the points at issue between themselves and the church 
 they left, and they called not for a labored defence when 
 the protestant world were remarkably harmonious on the 
 chief points of doctrine. 
 
 In examining the theology of the first ministers of 
 New England, we are not to forget the main object for 
 which they came hither. Says President Oakes in his 
 election sermon of 1673, " It is worthy to be remem 
 bered by these churches, that it was not on account of 
 any peculiar sentiments in doctrinal matters, that our 
 wise and good fathers left their native country, and came 
 into this then howling wilderness ; for they agreed to the 
 doctrinal articles of the church of England, as much as 
 the conformists to that parliamentary church, and indeed 
 much more so than most of them. But it was from a 
 pure respect to ecclesiastical discipline and order, and to 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 13 
 
 a more refined worship, that these excellent men, our an 
 cestors, transplanted themselves, with their families, to 
 this land." And to this same purport agrees the pre 
 face to the confession of faith adopted by the synod of 
 1679. " There have been some who have reflected upon 
 these New England churches, for ouf defect in this mat 
 ter, as if our principles were not known : whereas it is 
 well known, that as to matters of doctrine, we agree with 
 other Reformed churches. Nor was it that but what 
 concerns worship and discipline, that caused our fathers 
 to come into this wilderness, while it was a land not 
 sown, that so they might have liberty .to practise ac 
 cordingly." 
 
 The Theology of the Puritans will thereforejnot bejfound 
 drawn up in voluminous systems, scientifically defined and 
 lengthily argued. Yet New England had a Theology 
 from the beginning, and her first ministers were very par 
 ticular to state the fact to the world. 
 
 The historian of Harvard University may gravely wonder 
 that there was not " some form of sound words, some creed, 
 some catechism, some medulla Theologia," yet there was, 
 a creed ; publicly adopted by the Pastors and messengers 
 of all the churches in the colonies. The synod of 1648 
 distinctly declare " Our churches here, as (by the grace 
 of Christ) we believe and profess the same doctrine of the 
 truth of the Gospel, which generally is received in all the Re 
 formed churches in Europe, so especially we desire not 
 to vary from the doctrine of faith and truth held forth by 
 the churches of our native country." The same assertion 
 is substantially repeated by every succeeding synod even 
 to the last. 
 
 Now the confession of the Westminster Assembly 
 2 
 
14 ^HISTORYOF 
 
 the Savoy confession, and the New England confession of 
 1680 are known. Let the querist review those expo 
 nents of the faith of our fathers, mark the central ob 
 ject of their belief, the prominence of special grace in 
 Redemption, and let him ponder, whether the men who 
 ventured their lives for their faith would belie their pub 
 lished creeds in their pulpit ministrations, and dimly ex 
 hibit in the desk truths which they laid at the basis of 
 their theological system. 
 
 Their works thanks to the Doctrinal Tract and Book 
 Society will soon be accessible to moderns, and we 
 can see if Jesus Christ on the throne of his glory was not 
 the end of their preaching, as he was of their conversion ! 
 
 Say the venerable Higginson and Hubbard, in their 
 testimony to the order of the Gospel in the churches of 
 New England, " We that saw the persons, who from 
 four famous colonies, assembled in the synod, that agreed 
 on our Platform of church discipline (that is, the synod 
 of 1648), cannot forget their excellent character. They 
 were men of great renown in the nation from whence the 
 Laudian persecution exiled them : their learning, their 
 holiness, their gravity, struck all that knew them with ad 
 miration. They were Timothies in their houses, Chry- 
 sostoms in pulpits, Augustines in their disputations. The 
 prayers, the studies, the humble inquiries, with which 
 they sought after the mind of God, were as likely to pros 
 per as any men s upon earth, and the sufferings wherein 
 they were confessors for the name of the truth of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, add unto the arguments which would 
 persuade us, that our gracious Lord would reward and 
 honor them, with communicating much of his truth unto 
 them." 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 15 
 
 Our mathematics may be confounded by their inter 
 minable subdivisions of a subject, our rhetorical taste may 
 be offended at their far-fetched illustrations, and our ex- 
 egetical rules at the application of some of their proof-texts, 
 but we cannot deny that they emphatically exalted God 
 as the just Disposer of all things, and abased man as a 
 sinner deserving endless punishment for his guilty re 
 bellion. 
 
 They bowed with silent deference to the word of God, 
 and most devoutly followed what they believed to be its 
 teachings, whether they wished to test a doctrine, found 
 a state, or forestall a vicious practice. 
 
 And need I say, God honored the ministry of those 
 worthy men ? Dr. Increase Mather tells us, " In a ser 
 mon before the houses of Parliament and the Westminster 
 Assembly the preacher exclaimed, I have lived in a 
 country seven years, and all that time I never heard one 
 profane oath, and all that time I did never see a man 
 drunk in that land. Where was that country ? It was 
 New England. " 
 
 But God bestowed more than these temporal blessings. 
 His Holy Spirit was present in those primitive churches, 
 and under the faithful, energetic aim of his sword of 
 truth," the slain of the Lord were many." 
 
 It is said of Mr. Shepard, of Cambridge, that " he 
 scarce ever preached a sermon, but some or other of his 
 congregation were struck with great distress of soul, and 
 cried out aloud in agony, " What shall I do to be saved." 
 Though his voice was low, yet so searching was his preach 
 ing, and so great a power attending as an hypocrite could 
 not easily bear it, and it seemed almost irresistible." 
 
 The first forty years of our churches history was a 
 
16 HISTORY OF 
 
 period of almost continuous revivals. The influences of 
 God s grace came down, not as in these later times, in 
 occasional showers, but as the gentle dew, continually 
 descending upon the earth. " It was a common question 
 for those who were detained at home, to put to their friends 
 who had attended meeting, whether anybody appeared to 
 be wrought upon to-day." 
 
 In consequence of this blessing upon ministeral fideli 
 ty, the churches increased and multiplied. 
 
 In the Cambridge synod of 1648, twenty-eight years 
 after the first settlement in New England, were repre 
 sented thirty-nine churches. These were in the colonies 
 of Plymouth and Massachusetts. Add the four churches 
 in the Connecticut colonies, and the three in New Hamp 
 shire, and there were, in a population of less than thirty 
 thousand, forty-six churches, each with its sanctuary and 
 most of them with two ministers each ; being a place of 
 worship and one or two ministers for every six hundred 
 and fifty souls. The ablest of these churches were poor 
 er in this world s goods than many congregations now who 
 think the scanty support of one minister a burden too great 
 to bear. But those godly men prised the faithful minis 
 try of the word, more than bodily luxuries ; and God 
 blessed them in soul and estate. In fifty years, the num 
 ber of churches arose to seventy-six, although the reac 
 tion in favor of puritanism in England under Cromwell, 
 had nearly arrested the flow of immigration. 
 
 And in all those churches there was one Lord, one faith, 
 one baptism ; " and they continued steadfast in the Apos 
 tles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and 
 in prayers," until certain men crept in unawares into the 
 pulpits of New England, and gave to the silver trumpets 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 17 
 
 of the Gospel an unwarranted utterance. Then the days 
 of our Zion s glory for a time passed away. God as a holy 
 Sovereign, before whom the wicked shall not stand, was de 
 spised, and in return, his long favored heritage was light 
 ly esteemed. 
 
 The causes of a temporary desertion had been for some 
 time at work. What has been termed the half-way cov 
 enant was proposed in 1662, and extensively adopted, by 
 which persons of not scandalous lives, yet not pretending 
 to be regenerated men were, on owning the covenant, ad 
 mitted to the privileges of church-membership. 
 
 No prudential reasons could arrest the evils of this rad 
 ical innovation upon the constitution of the churches, not 
 the least of which evils was the introduction of unconverted 
 men into the ministry. This woful fact was even justi 
 fied. Even the acute Stoddard, of strong Presbyterial 
 tendencies, and who had been a main cause of making 
 this breach in the walls of Zion, ^publicly argued that 
 " unconverted ministers have certain official duties which 
 they may lawfully perform," and, consequently, upon 
 which the people may lawfully attend. 
 
 The character of their pulpit ministrations speedily re 
 vealed the character of such incumbents. The Gospel 
 was clothed in a dress, which fettered its athletic grasp. 
 Unregenerate doings became the key to open the king 
 dom of Heaven. It was preached and believed, that im 
 penitent men may prepare the way for their own regen 
 eration, and that while they are busy in their self-right 
 eous formalities, they are doing very well. The germ of 
 Arminianism was not only dropped in a prepared soil, it was 
 tilled and watered : and rapidly it struck its roots down 
 wards and shot its branches upwards. 
 
 2* 
 
18 HISTORY OP 
 
 The Holy Spirit, thus deprived of his office-work, re 
 turned for a season to heaven. The churches dwindled 
 away, or were filled with ungodly members, and Zion s 
 banners of past victories hung drooping in the dust. 
 There was sorrowful occasion for the pathetic lament of 
 the aged Increase Mather, who at first earnestly stemmed 
 the changing tide, but whose fading eye failed to detect 
 the real inlet of the flood of evils. "Look into our pulpits," 
 says he, " and see if there is such a glory there as once 
 there was. New England has had teachers eminent for 
 learning, and no less eminent for holiness, and all minis 
 terial accomplishments. When will Boston see a Cotton 
 and a Norton again? When will New England see a Hooker, 
 a Shepard, a Mitchell, not to mention others ? Look into 
 our civil state. Does Christ reign there as once he did ? 
 How many churches, how many towns are there in New 
 England, that we may sigh over them, and say, < Thy 
 glory is gone. >: 
 
 Truly the first period of our religious history teaches 
 that they that despise God shall be lightly esteemed ! 
 
 II. I pass to the second period. 
 
 Though God spake against Ephraim, he earnestly re 
 membered him still. His sustaining promise to ancient 
 Zion deserted was not recalled. "For a small moment have 
 I forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 
 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; 
 but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, 
 saith the Lord thy Kedeemer." 
 
 God was preparing the way for its fulfilment. He 
 was raising up a youth in an obscure village in the Con 
 necticut colony, and was leading him through the miry 
 depths of his own depravity, that he might, through pain- 
 
MEND ON ASSOCIATION. 19 
 
 fully-gained self-knowledge, proclaim the truths of sove 
 reign and special grace to a slumbering generation. 
 
 In 1734, Jonathan Edwards preached his sermons on 
 4 Justification by Faith alone. Multitudes condemned the 
 introduction of such a controversial theme into the pulpit. 
 But God s Spirit owned his truth and came down in mar 
 vellous power amongst the faithful shepherd s flock. 
 Above three hundred in Northampton became the hopeful 
 subjects of Divine grace. Other watchmen, waiting in the 
 darkness, saw the light, and they sounded out the Gospel- 
 call with a new energy. Sleeping assemblies were start 
 led, heard, and believed. The great revival of 1740 had 
 begun. 
 
 Notwithstanding its bitter opposition and its manifest 
 extravagances towards the close, that revival must be ac 
 knowledged to be a work of God, which proved the reani- 
 mation of the fainting churches. President Edwards, 
 under whose ministry it was first manifested, and in its 
 purest stage, was no artful, fascinating orator. He stood 
 calm and serene in his pulpit, while he reasoned of right 
 eousness, temperance, and judgment to come. In plain 
 but solemn language he preached on such themes as : 
 
 * Men naturally God s enemies ; * the Justice of God in 
 the Damnation of Sinners ; Wicked Men useful in their 
 destruction only ; Sinners in the hands of an angry God ; 
 
 * God exercises his sovereign Mercy in the salvation of 
 Sinners ; and the people often cried out in such agony 
 of conviction, that he had to request them to be still, that 
 he might be heard. 
 
 In that time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, 
 carried on by the labors of Edwards, Whitefield, the Ten- 
 nents, and others, it was abundantly evident, that the 
 
20 HISTORY OP 
 
 most numerous and most decided cases of conversion took 
 place under the clearest exhibitions of the sovereign grace 
 of Grod in the salvation of men. The most successful min 
 isters were preeminently marked for the prominence they 
 gave to this aspect of the Gospel. They demolished the 
 curious distinctions that dreaming speculatists had traced 
 over the space which separates the sinner from his God ; 
 they stripped him of his filmy guises, put on to hide his 
 inborn deformity, and brought him under the burning gaze 
 of Jehovah s awful holiness. They knocked away the 
 props of his tottering hopes and let him fall, helpless, into 
 the hands of a sovereign God, who can justly destroy or 
 graciously save. They banished the apologies of a natu 
 ral necessity of sinning, and made their hearers feel that 
 they were voluntary transgressors of a holy law, and de 
 served eternal death ; and that their only hope of deliver 
 ance lay in the will of him " who hath mercy on whom 
 he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth." 
 And what wonder if men cried out in agony, " Men and 
 brethren, what shall we do ?" And what wonder if, struck 
 with the agreement of such an aspect of the Gospel with 
 their own convictions, multitudes believed ? 
 
 If in anything Theology as a science then received a 
 New England type, it mainly consisted in making sin to 
 consist in a voluntary selfishness, which could be em 
 braced by the mind as a conscious reality, and to whose 
 charge the heart had to confess, with self-conviction of its 
 truth. 
 
 The definitions of depravity which made it to be an 
 inherited physical, intellectual, and moral corruption, 
 antedating the sinner s agency, if not his individual being, 
 were then invaded, and the deadening inference fell with 
 
MEND ON ASSOCIATION. 21 
 
 it, that man must wait the operations of the Divine Spirit 
 to restore what he himself cannot reach. Instead thereof, 
 man s ruin was made to stand out as really his own vol 
 untary work, for which God and his own conscience held 
 him responsible. Because his lack of holiness sprang from 
 his own voluntary wilfulness of choosing the fancied hap 
 piness of self to the glory of God. Religion was no longer 
 the belief of a nicely-adjusted system of opinions, neither 
 a zeal in unregenerate doings, but a radical change of the 
 affections from selfishness to benevolence. 
 
 The actual amount of influence of the deep researches 
 of President Edwards upon the theology of his times, re 
 mains to be determined. It cannot be doubted that he 
 exposed many untenable positions, which had been taken 
 by the defenders of truth, and that he did make new and 
 valuable contributions to the treasures of doctrinal know 
 ledge. Few perhaps would adopt literally the encomium 
 of Dr. D wight, that he, 
 
 " In one little life, the Gospel more 
 Disclosed than all earth s myriads kenned before." 
 
 Yet all admit that the pearl of great price, so to speak, 
 sparkled with fresh brilliancy and with a brighter play of 
 colors, under the friction of his powerful hand. He cer 
 tainly presented its salient points in clear and sharp 
 outline, and he removed much of the incrustation which 
 had accumulated on its faces and dimmed their original 
 brightness. In other words, he carefully defined the 
 terms of Theology and clearly showed the arguments on 
 which its truths really rested, and as clearly showed what 
 arguments weakened the force of truth and exposed it to 
 perversion. 
 
22 HISTORY OF 
 
 Had he only exhibited Theology as a rational and har 
 monious system, he would deserve the high honor God 
 bestowed upon his labors. But he did more. Guided 
 by a singular sagacity, always true to the lode-star of 
 Revelation, he searched regions of truth before unexam- 
 ined, and returned safely, as few others could have done, 
 laden with rich spoils, which he laid at the feet of " Him 
 in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and know 
 ledge." The younger Edwards specifies ten particulars 
 wherein his father made improvements in Theology.* 
 The chief of them respect the subjects of liberty and 
 necessity, the nature of true virtue, the origin of moral 
 evil, the atonement, imputation, the nature of experi 
 mental religion and regeneration. The substance of these 
 consists in bringing God and man near together, and 
 shortening the chain connecting the moral agency of the 
 Creator and the creature. Many of these points w r ere 
 followed out by Bellamy, Hopkins, Einmons, and others, 
 and made to cast a clearer light upon some of the obscu 
 rities of theological science, f 
 
 * See Edwards s Works, Vol. I, p. 481, Doct. Tract Soc. Edition. 
 
 f The history of doctrinal theology in New England is a rich 
 and yet unexplored field, and a volume upon the subject a desid 
 eratum which ought to be supplied. Inquiry and research has had 
 unrestricted freedom, and every position has been most rigorously 
 scrutinized, assaulted, and defended, and the progress and results 
 would furnish a captivating and valuable theme. President Ed 
 wards has been lauded, but who has traced his actual progress in 
 investigation, and shown what he actually did in theology ? Who 
 has fully exhibited the influence of the studies, preaching, and 
 printing of Bellamy and Hopkins upon their contemporaries and 
 successors ? Who has analyzed New England Theology/ and 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 23 
 
 1 Without deciding -whether President Edwards is to be 
 considered the father of Hopkinsianism, it is certain that 
 he believed and stated some of its leading peculiarities, 
 however he might have reconciled them with opinions 
 elsewhere uttered in his works. 
 
 The influence of such a view of Divine truth as Edwards 
 and his associates and successors presented, so far as it 
 extended, was felt in the preparation of sermons, and in 
 their delivery, and in their reception. It fashioned that 
 metaphysical, argumentative style, that doctrine, proof 
 and inference method, of sermonizing, which still char 
 acterizes most of the pulpits of Massachusetts, and im 
 parts to them much of their efficiency. 
 
 This mode of preaching has been severely criticised. 
 But if such were human depravity, as Edwards, Bellamy, 
 and Hopkins defined it, its defences were not to be de~ 
 molished by a volley of proof texts from a phalanx of 
 exegetical comments in quaint uniform ; but by some one 
 mighty truth from God s word aimed at the gate of the 
 understanding, under cover of which, earnest logic made 
 
 traced its elements along their respective channels, up to the 
 parental source ? Is it not time that this were fully, fairly, tho 
 roughly done ? The great quaternions of the last century- 
 deserve it. Dr. Hopkins, especially, has been viewed through 
 some such medium as Cromwell has until lately been, a cold, 
 abstract speculatist, with a meagre retinue of disciples, now di 
 minished to a point. His able memoir, by Prof. Park, has refuted 
 this impression, and shown the leader of the New Divinity to have 
 been one of the mightiest and most influential minds of America, 
 full of benevolent plans, which now bless the world by their prac 
 tical operation. 
 
24 HISTORY OF 
 
 repeated charges, through the breach, upon the conscience 
 and heart. 
 
 Sinners that had long stood the pattering of divisions 
 and subdivisions, and, like the walls of Jotapata, had 
 only become harder under the concussion, fell now at 
 once before the sword of the Word, when wielded by 
 Him who knows the joints of the soul and spirit. This 
 practical, common-sense theology if New England may 
 have the glory of it was a sure earnest of that honor 
 which cometh from God only. The blessed fruits of the 
 ministerial labors of the Edwardses and their contempo 
 raries of Bellamy, Hopkins, Strong, West of Stock- 
 bridge, Spring, Emmons, and others are still cluster 
 ing and ripening to refresh the people of God. The 
 honor which God bestowed upon them that thus honored 
 him, still circles the brows and sparkles on the robes of 
 Zion. The churches which sympathized with the spirit 
 of those times of refreshing stand to-day, perhaps without 
 exception, with the light of that gracious visitation linger 
 ing about their walls and watch-towers, and clothing them 
 in beauty and radiance. But there were many ministers 
 and churches who looked either suspiciously or hatingly 
 upon the revivals of the last century. Some honestly 
 opposed, regarding only the excesses of their close. But 
 many wickedly maligned a work which so plainly con 
 demned them of having sadly mistaken the spirit of the 
 Gospel. 
 
 The results and the cause of this hostile attitude 
 towards vital piety thus revived were not long concealed. 
 The opposing ministers mostly took with rapidity the few 
 remaining steps which separated them from open Ar- 
 minianism. The leader of the opposition stopped riot in 
 
MEN DON ASSOCIATION. 25 
 
 his haste, till he reached the middle of the great desert of 
 Universalism. The churches, losing sight of their fleeing 
 shepherds, wandered dreamily on, tithing their mint and 
 anise and cummin on their way, undisturbed by the weight 
 ier matters of the law, until they were gradually lost in 
 the misty regions of Unitarianism, where many of them are 
 still stumbling and still dreaming.* In rapid succession 
 after the revival of 1740, followed the exciting scenes of 
 the Indian wars, the oppressions of the English parlia 
 ment, the stirring times of the Revolutionary war, the 
 formation of the Federal Government. They absorbed 
 the thoughts and energies of the country, and the light 
 of Zion was for a time again obscured. 
 
 III. The illustration of the sentiment of this discourse 
 might be continued from the present century, but the 
 want of time and a becoming modesty forbid my entering 
 where many before me have the familiar acquaintance of 
 active participation. 
 
 I will just say, however, that the deadening influences 
 of the Revolution, and the blasted path of the infidelity 
 imported with our French allies, are still traceable, and 
 Zion has not yet wholly recovered of her sickness and 
 faintness, from eating the fruits of Arminianism. And 
 on the other hand, the vigorous struggles of a few firm 
 lovers of the Gospel of the grace of God, against these 
 
 * The new divinity has been repeatedly accused of opening 
 the door for the admission of Unitarianism into the Congregational 
 churches. No accusation is more unfounded. It was the chief 
 barrier to its entire prevalence. Of the Hopkinsian churches, 
 none are known to have become Unitarian. This error flourished 
 exclusively among the opponents to Hopkinsianism. 
 3 
 
26 HISTORY OE 
 
 antagonistic influences, are fresh in remembrance. I 
 need only allude to the surprising evidences of a once 
 secretly and actively driven effort to undermine . the 
 foundations of the Gospel revealed by the disclosures of 
 Belsham s chapter on " American Unitarianism." You 
 saw the width to which many eyes were then opened, and 
 the light then reflected on many movements ambiguous 
 before. 
 
 The startling cry of alarm was raised from many a 
 watchman who had not been asleep in his observatory. 
 The " Spirit of the Pilgrims " reappeared amongst their 
 descendants. The well-proved weapons of the Panoply 
 were drawn from the " Christian s Armory," and the 
 encounter was earnest. 
 
 Many a church planted by the Puritans the object 
 of their living labors and their dying prayers found 
 itself suddenly and magically jostled from the sanctuary 
 of its fathers. The legal tribunals seized many a fund, 
 " devoted to Christ and the Church," and even grasped 
 the sacramental vessels, and handed them over to those 
 who accounted the blood of the covenant an unholy 
 thing. 
 
 But God appeared for those who boldly honored him 
 when his Gospel was reviled, and he rained down right 
 eousness upon them. Extensive revivals followed, and 
 many a plundered and exiled church was enriched and 
 strengthened, as it came out of the wilderness of its 
 destitution, leaning upon the arm of the Beloved. 
 
 Within twenty-five years after the Unitarian contro 
 versy, upwards of two hundred Congregational churches 
 were gathered in this state alone, on " the foundation of 
 the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being 
 
MEND ON ASSOCIATION. 27 
 
 the chief corner-stone ; " and now in the middle of this 
 century of revivals and of active benevolence for the 
 cause of Christ, 
 
 " Let strangers walk around 
 
 The city where we dwell, 
 Compass and view the holy ground, 
 And mark the buildings well, 
 
 and let them say if God doth not still observe the prin 
 ciple which he announced to the high-priest of Israel 
 more than three thousand years ago : " Them that honor 
 me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly 
 esteemed." 
 
 IV. Illustrations of the truth in the text might be 
 drawn from the history of this Association, and of the 
 churches within its bounds. But I am confined to the 
 brief statements of a few facts of general interest, leaving 
 it to you to trace their connection with the general 
 theme. 
 
 As the services of this day show, this Association of 
 ministers was organized on the 8th of November, 1751, 
 old style, or on the 19th according to present computa 
 tion. It was formed in the second parish of Mendon, 
 now called Milford, at the house of Rev. Amariah Frost, 
 pastor of the church in that parish. 
 
 Its name was derived from the place of its organiza 
 tion. 
 
 On that day, four pastors of neighboring churches, 
 having met together, and as they say, u Being thotful 
 that it might tend to the advancement of y e glory of 
 Christ and of his kingdom and interest in this vicinity, 
 
28 HISTORY OP 
 
 for them to associate, have tho t it duty, and accordingly, 
 first voted themselves associated." 
 
 These pastors were, 
 Rev. Joseph Dorr, pastor of the first church in Mendon, 
 
 " Nathan Webb, pastor of the church in Uxbridge, 
 " Amariah Frost, pastor of the second church in 
 Mendon. 
 
 " Elisha Fish, pastor of the church in Upton. 
 
 Ministerial associations had existed in England as 
 early as 1576, though they were soon put down by 
 Elizabeth as savoring too much of Puritanism. They 
 have existed here substantially from the beginning of the 
 country ; but at times watched with great jealousy, lest 
 they should prove a stepping-stone to Presbyterianism 
 and ministerial usurpation.* In 1641, the general court 
 virtually authorized such meetings, with the proviso, 
 " that nothing be concluded or imposed by way of 
 authority from one or more churches upon another, but 
 only by way of brotherly conference and consultation." 
 A proviso which more than two centuries has shown to 
 have had but rare application. 
 
 In the three towns just mentioned, churches had but 
 recently been gathered. 
 
 The first church of Mendon was indeed formed in 1669, 
 
 * See Christian Observatory, vol. iii., p. 389. The oldest 
 known regular association there given was formed " at Charlestown, 
 N. E., October 13, 1690," and met at the College in Cambridge 
 on " Monday, at nine or ten o clock in the morning, once in six 
 weeks, or oftener if need shall be." A semi-monthly meeting of 
 the ministers of Boston and vicinity, at the house of the members 
 in succession, was commenced in 1635. 
 
~ or THF V 
 
 UNIVHRSITY 
 
 V 
 
 MENDOX ASSOCIATION. 29 
 
 but was broken up by the Indian wars. The second 
 church was not organized until 1741. 
 
 The church in Uxbridge was gathered in 1731, by the 
 labors of Mr. Dorr, and that in Upton in 1735. 
 
 At the date of the formation of this body, Rev. Mr. 
 Dorr, the moderator, was sixty-two years old, and in the 
 thirty-eighth year of his ministry ; Rev. Mr. Webb was 
 forty-four years old, and in the twentieth year of his 
 ministry ; Rev. Mr. Frost was thirty-one, and in the 
 eighth year of his settlement ; Rev. Mr. Fish was thirty- 
 one, and had been settled but six months. 
 
 Of their ministerial character I have not time to speak. 
 A single fact reveals their sympathy with the revival of 
 1740. The names of Joseph Dorr and Nathan "Webb 
 are appended unconditionally to the testimony of the 
 New England pastors in favor of that revival, signed 
 Boston, July 7, 1743. 
 
 The other two members were not then settled. 
 
 The length of their period of settlement may perhaps 
 indicate the sympathy of their churches with them in this 
 particular. 
 
 Mr. Dorr ministered to his people over fifty-one years ; 
 Mr. Webb, forty-one years ; Mr. Frost, forty-nine years ; 
 and Mr. Fish, forty-four years ; and each died among his 
 own people, and was succeeded by a pastor of like faith 
 with himself. 
 
 Wars and civil commotions arose soon after the forma 
 tion of this body, and it shared the general depression of 
 religious interest. But it arose again when those com 
 motions subsided. The accession^of Dr. Emmons to its 
 
 d 
 
 numbers in 1783, and his vigorous activity for more than 
 half a century, put new life into its meetings, and made 
 3 
 
30 HISTORY OF 
 
 them a center of earnest deliberation and of powerful 
 influence. 
 
 Questions of deep and vital interest were discussed, 
 various sermons, essays, tractates, and periodicals were 
 published by the Association, and other measures, of last 
 ing value to the progress of truth, and whose influence 
 still operates, had their origin in its deliberations. 
 
 Since the organization of this Association, it has enrol. 
 led seventy-seven members, of whom forty-two are still 
 living, our respected moderator being the oldest mem 
 ber, and twenty are still connected. 
 
 In the past century, its territorial center, contrary to 
 the commercial law, has travelled eastward, to this spot, 
 where for half that period stood firm and evident the 
 pivot of its moral power. 
 
 Its territory, once embracing the pastors in three 
 towns, has variously enlarged, till its outward points have 
 extended from Worcester to Dighton, and from Abington 
 to Seekonk, enclosing the pastors of thirty-three different 
 churches, in twenty-nine different towns. This extent has 
 not been from convenience more than from sympathy with 
 the scheme of theology predominant in this Association. 
 
 That scheme, I need not say, has been called Ed 
 ward ean, Hopkinsian, sometimes Emmonsism. Some 
 call it New England Theology, or, as others term it, 
 New Theology ; who, if they will have it considered new, 
 may call it New Testament Theology. It is a system 
 which most obviously as some say, unduly exalts 
 and honors God as the Sovereign Ruler of His creatures, 
 and abases man.* And God has not left it without an 
 
 * The term Hopkintonian, or Hopkinsian, was applied to this 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 31 
 
 evidence of his blessing, in the purity and stability of the 
 churches where it has been embraced and taught, and in 
 the rich fruits which it has borne to Zion at large. 
 
 While we avow our predilection for the system of doc 
 trines in which we were nurtured, we believe that history 
 will show that system to have been productive of far 
 more good than many are even now disposed to allow. 
 It has modified the current theology of all New England, 
 and given to it its harmony, consistency, and beauty, as 
 it now appears in the creeds of the churches and the 
 teaching of the ministry. Hopkins s system of theology 
 has been, from its publication, a classic in the hands of 
 candidates for the sacred office, arid has sharpened the 
 intellect and molded the sentiments of nearly every 
 preacher. 
 
 When this Association was formed, Dr. Hopkins says 
 he could count but four or five Edwardean preachers. 
 And one of them Rev. Dr. Hall, of Sutton was a 
 .member of this body. But within forty years afterwards, 
 he knew of more than a hundred who espoused his own 
 sentiments ; and these, he declares, " are the most 
 popular preachers." 
 
 In those days, when theological seminaries were not, 
 candidates pursued their studies with private teachers. 
 
 system of theology in 1770, by Kev. William Hart of Say brook, 
 Ct. It was previously styled Edwardean, and more generally 
 * New Divinity. The designation, New England Theology, ap 
 propriately belongs to the views current in the beginning of this 
 century, the result of the discussions of the last, and which 
 now obtain, with few exceptions, in New England. See Memoir 
 of Hopkins, by Prof. Park, p. 183 ; and Dr. Pond s Sketches of 
 N. E. Theological History, in the Congregationalist, vol. IV. 
 
32 HISTORY OF 
 
 And the teachers most numerously resorted to were 
 Hopkinsians. The instructors, par excellence, were 
 Bellamy, Hopkins, Strong, Backus, and Emmons. An- 
 dover Seminary was endowed by Hopkinsian funds, and 
 Bangor Seminary was founded as well as endowed by 
 Hopkinsian energy. The theological chairs of both in 
 stitutions have been filled by Hopkinsian professors. 
 Those at Bangor have all been students of Dr. Emmons. 
 
 Of the powerful revivals which prevailed in more than 
 a hundred towns in New England, at the beginning of the 
 present century, it has been said, that " they took place 
 in almost all, if not in every instance, under the preach 
 ing of those ministers who had embraced Edwardean 
 principles."* 
 
 The influence of Hopkinsianism is no less visible in the 
 history of our benevolent organizations. The first efforts 
 in England to send the Gospel to the heathen originated 
 in Carey s contact with Edwardean theology. The 
 Massachusetts Home Missionary Society is the own 
 child of Hopkinsianism. Its first officers, missionaries, 
 and its periodical, were strongly Hopkinsian. f Its 
 resources came from Hopkinsian churches, and they have 
 been acknowledged to be still its most liberal supporters. 
 The Doctrinal Tract Society was formed by Hopkinsian 
 divines, within the then bounds of this Association, and 
 mostly by its members. Some of the first movements, 
 which resulted in the formation of the American Board, 
 were taken by a young man, an ardent disciple of 
 
 * See Hopkins s Letter to Rev. A. Fuller, Prof. Park s Memoir, 
 page 237. 
 
 t See Historical Appendix, article Home Missions. 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 33 
 
 Hopkins and Emmons, who in 1809 unsuccessfully essay 
 ed to bring the subject of foreign missions before the 
 General Association of Connecticut ; and who next turned 
 his efforts to the establishment of a magazine devoted to 
 this object, and visited Mr. Evarts, then at New Haven, 
 with special reference to the editorship. Mr. Evarts 
 replied, " I will think of it." The following spring, Mr. 
 Evarts was at Charlestown, as editor of the united Pan- 
 oplist and Magazine, now the Missionary Herald. Rev. 
 W. Jackson, D. D., a Hopkinsian pastor and student of 
 Dr. Emmons, suggested the idea of the first education 
 society in America, which his exertion carried into suc 
 cessful operation. 
 
 These facts are not mentioned to glorify Hopkinsianism, 
 but as a reply to the occasional insinuation, that it is a 
 system delighting only in abstrusities, and cold towards 
 the wants of a perishing world. A system teaching that 
 all sin consists in voluntary selfishness, and all holiness 
 in disinterested benevolence, must, when cordially em 
 braced, produce just such results as have been indicated. 
 
 The religious history of this town might be made to 
 testify to the practical workings of Hopkinsian theology. 
 Here Emmonsism, in its undisputed and undiluted purity, 
 was drawn out and borne to the people for more than 
 half a century saying nothing of the subsequent time, 
 and though it was, unlike the little book of the Evan 
 gelist, bitter to the mouth of some that only tasted it, 
 yet to them who inwardly digested it, it was sweet as 
 honey ; so sweet, that they retain the relish still, as 
 this single sanctuary may perhaps indicate. No hostile 
 faith has built it a house in this town . nor in its borders. 
 No liberal creed has decoyed any recruits from this 
 
34 HISTOEYOF 
 
 church. Cursed by no funds, but blessed with a legacy 
 of sound doctrines, it has offered no attractions to the 
 spoiler, to try his devices. 
 
 Other churches and localities bear witness that God 
 bestows some honor upon Hopkinsian preaching. But I 
 will avoid comparisons, and take shelter behind the asser 
 tion of Dr. Dwight, who, in his travels over New England, 
 half a century ago, says, " he found that those ministers 
 who preached the doctrines of grace earnestly were 
 generally Hopkinsians." 
 
 The writings of Hopkins, Strong, Smalley, and Em- 
 mons, have not only provoked the ire of the reviewer, but 
 they have sharpened the logic of the judge on the bench, 
 have guided the researches of the theological student and 
 pastor, and have clarified and strengthened the faith of 
 many a pious layman, even in the depths of the western 
 wilderness. 
 
 I must return once more to that primary meeting of 
 this Association. Besides its four original members, 
 there was one other person present, a young man who 
 had presented himself for approbation to preach the 
 Gospel. This was David Thurston, afterwards first 
 pastor of the church in West Medway, the first licen 
 tiate and first admitted member of this body. He was 
 the antecedent of a goodly line of successors, applicants 
 for the same recommendation. 
 
 I count up one hundred and twenty-one persons appro 
 bated to preach the Gospel by Mendon Association. Their 
 listory could be given, but statistics are barren subjects 
 for declamation. Amongst them are Presidents of col 
 leges, Theological Professors, Pastors, Evangelists, a 
 
MENDON ASSOCIATION. 35 
 
 goodly number of D. D s. already in fruition, some in ex 
 pectancy. 
 
 If the agency of these one hundred and twenty-one 
 ministers of the Gospel could be traced, it would add an 
 other illustration to the truth of the text, " Them that 
 honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be 
 lightly esteemed." 
 
 But I ought to close ; yet indulge me in one or two re 
 flections, suggested by this subject and occasion. If I 
 overstep your patience you may reflect that you will 
 never be wearied with another centennial discourse before 
 the Mendon Association. 
 
 The theme of this discourse, as illustrated by our reli 
 gious history, points out the Primary Element of a 
 church s real prosperity or decline. 
 
 It is found in the character of its ministry. 
 
 As it was " like people like priest " in the days of Isaiah, 
 so has it been in all following ages. When religious 
 teachers have catered to the lusts of the people, and 
 * taught for doctrines the commandments of men, or 
 have timorously or slothfully shunned to declare the whole 
 counsel of God, the people have ripened for desertions 
 and divisions, have served the world and died in indiffer 
 ence. But when the ministers of Christ have fully and 
 boldly preached the doctrines of grace, piety has flour 
 ished, sin has diminished, and death has been robbed of 
 his sting. So the past history of our Zion teaches us. 
 Her days of brightness have been when her heralds 
 sounded the distinctive notes of salvation, clear, full, and 
 piercing to the conscience and heart. Then the trump 
 ets gave a certain sound, the hosts of God s Elect ral- 
 
36 HISTORY OP 
 
 lied for the conflict and Zion was terrible as an army with 
 banners. And so it must ever be. 
 
 It is by the clear exhibition of the truths of the Gos 
 pel that the carnal heart is developed, and holy affections 
 are exercised. The milk which the Apostle fed to the 
 Corinthian church, was precisely the doctrines now called 
 strong meat Entire depravity, special grace, electing 
 love. These truths with their adjuncts, are the sincere 
 milk of the word which God has provided for new born 
 souls, whereby they may grow unto the stature of perfect 
 men in Christ Jesus. And the church which understands 
 the philosophy of its own real growth, will seek to be fed 
 with these truths. 
 
 The darkest cloud on the horizon of Zion s prospect, 
 is not the multitude of the rejectors of the Gospel, but 
 the indifference and even repugnance of some of her 
 professed friends to the fundamental doctrines of the 
 Gospel ; at least, a cowardly solicitude lest they should be 
 preached so plainly and so often as to offend the world. 
 This is the spot of leprosy, breaking out in the timber 
 and on the wall of God s spiritual temples, and indicating 
 the existence of decay. 
 
 Suffer the exhortation, then, brethren of the churches, 
 to cleave to those humbling but precious truths whose 
 faithful presentation has ever been the means of the 
 church s true prosperity. Be fully persuaded of them 
 in your own minds, and love to hear them preached fully 
 and distinctly. Encourage your ministers to fidelity. 
 We sympathize with the reception of our message. And 
 you know not how much it incites us to fidelity when you 
 show a delight in the doctrines of Sovereign and special 
 grace, and how much it disheartens us to have our breth- 
 
MEND ON ASSOCIATION. 3T 
 
 ren in the church predict divisions and dismissions if we 
 declare the whole counsel of God. 
 
 II. This subject also points out to us the only way to be 
 successful and finally accepted ministers of Jesus Christ. 
 The power of the ministry lies in the power of the 
 truths of God. The exercise of that power consists in the 
 complete and plain enforcement of those truths. Fidelity, 
 we have reason to hope, God will bless to the edification 
 of Christians and conversion of sinners. 
 
 To this result, we need a clear and systematic knowl 
 edge of the Gospel, wherein every doctrine shall have its 
 own place and importance ; then, an unhesitating confi 
 dence in the adaptedness of the Gospel to fit men for 
 eternity ; and lastly, an unfaltering courage in declaring 
 its every truth, whether men will hear or whether they 
 will forbear. The soldier needs unwavering confidence 
 in the trustiness of his weapons. The soldier of the cross 
 needs an invincible faith in the adaptation of the sword 
 of the Spirit to slay the carnal heart, a faith that it 
 needs no polishing, no re-fashioning of his to give it edge 
 and effect. He should never substitute weapons of his 
 own invention, nor go down to the Philistines to sharpen 
 God s armor. He is to approach God s enemies, not with 
 feints and stratagems and masked batteries, but openly 
 and fearlessly, straight onwards, and without a misgiving 
 of victory. 
 
 True, the laws of the affections are to be regarded in 
 the mode of presenting truth ; but those laws do not re 
 quire that timorous hesitancy about preaching unwelcome 
 truths, that anxious beclouding and hiding offensive doc 
 trines, which appears too often to-day. No. Mighty is 
 the truth. In its own native, majestic beauty, it is " the 
 4 
 
38 HI STORY OF 
 
 wisdom of God and the power of God unto salvation, to 
 every one that believeth." And he who wisely seeks the 
 salvation of his hearers, will preach the truth as purely as 
 he can. 
 
 This is not, indeed, the present way to be a popular 
 preacher, courted by the world, and coveted by rich par 
 ishes, for then is the offense of the cross ceased ; but it is the 
 way to be popular with the angels, waiting to carry up the 
 news of sinners repentance. It is the way to be approved 
 by the great Head of the church, when he shall come the 
 second time without sin unto salvation. 
 
 In earnest fidelity, then, my brethren in the ministry, 
 
 let us preach the Gospel of the grace of God. Others 
 
 ,,- ! "will not let us forget that we are men ; let us remember 
 
 that we are " ministers of Christ and stewards of the mys- 
 
 * 
 
 teries of God, and moreover that it is required in stewards 
 that a man be found faithful." Only by an ardent piety, 
 and vigorous exhibition of the truth, can we stem the tide 
 now strongly setting towards a rejection of the Bible and 
 the unsteady billows of a general skepticism. 
 
 Finally. Let this subject encourage ministers to fidelity 
 in their trying work. 
 
 You know, my brethren, that to preach the Gospel 
 fully and faithfully, to a world who will not have Christ to 
 reign over them, is no self- pleasing work. Its humbling 
 truths do and must awaken the enmity of the carnal mind, 
 till its enmity is slain. But what if, for our unshrinking 
 fidelity, we meet with indications and expressions of disap 
 proval from a sin-loving world ? It is not our master. 
 One is our Master, even Christ, and his " Well done, good 
 and faithful servant," will make us more than conquerors, 
 at the last. Every open indignity, every sly contempt, 
 
MEND ON ASSOCIATION. 39 
 
 every ambiguous reception, for our faithful witness of Jesus 
 and of the word of God, will be changed into a sparkling 
 gem in the crown of glory, by the strangely transmuting 
 alchemy of the last day. 
 
 And then, too, God will measure the prominence we 
 shall have given to the peculiar points of our message. 
 He will compute the value of the gold, silver, and precious 
 stones, wherewith we shall have enriched the foundation 
 of the Gospel ; and he will apply the torch to all the hay, 
 wood, and stubble we may have built thereon ; and that 
 which shall stand the fiery test shall indicate our reward. 
 My brethren, in view of such a trial, what matter the re 
 ception we may personally receive, if so be that we be 
 found faithful in the day of the Lord Jesus ! How die 
 away into inaudible murmurs, both the applauses and the 
 hisses of this world ! How fade its honors in the bright 
 beamings of that crown which the Lord, the righteous 
 Judge, will then give to him that hath fought a good fight 
 and hath kept the faith ! 
 
 And, men and brethren, this day and occasion tell us 
 that that final judgment will soon come. A century of 
 our associational history has passed away, yet the founders 
 of this Association seem to have been hardly committed 
 to the earth. We enter into their labors for a little while, 
 soon to give an account of our ministry to him that com 
 missioned us. When our faces shall have been hardly 
 forgotten, another century will have passed, and another 
 company will be gathered to observe a second centennial 
 epoch. So rapidly, from high summits of observation, 
 does time appear to pass away, and so speedily does the 
 day approach when we all, ministers and people, must be 
 
40 HISTORY OF MENDON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 judged, one for our exhibition and other for our reception 
 of the Gospel of salvation. 
 
 My brethren, then will the unchangeable principle of 
 Jehovah s government, which I have attempted to set 
 forth, receive its fullest illustration : Even as the Judge, 
 when on earth, forewarned his ambassadors, " Whosoever 
 shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man 
 also confess before the angels of God ; But he that de- 
 nieth me before men, shall be denied before the angels 
 of God ! " 
 
HISTORICAL APPENDIX, 
 
 THE existent records of Mendon Association, for the first 
 thirty years of its existence, consist of onjy a few loose 
 scraps of paper. These fragments contain little more than 
 the time and place of meeting, and the certificates of appro 
 bation to preach the Gospel of candidates now and then 
 examined. Complete records exist from October 7, 1783. 
 The following interesting historical items are added to 
 what is contained in the preceding pages. 
 
 A VERBATIM COPY OP THE RECORD OF THE FIRST MEET 
 ING OF ASSOCIATION. 
 
 A number of Pastors of chhs, viz. of y e 1 st chh of Christ 
 in Mendon, of y e chh of Christ in Uxbridge, of y e 2 d chh of 
 Christ in Mendon, and of y c chh of Christ in Upton, being 
 conven d at the house of y e Rev d M r Frost, in s d Mendon 
 Novemb r 8 th 1751. 
 
 Being thotful that it might tend to the Advancmen* of 
 y e Glory of Christ and of his Kingdom and Interest in this 
 Vicinity, for them to Associate, have tho t it duty. And 
 Accordingly, 1 st Voted themselves Associated, And 2 d Voted 
 y 6 Rev d M r Dorr the Moderator of the Association, 3 d M r 
 Webb the Scribe for the pres fc Meeting. And David Thurs- 
 4* 
 
42 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 ton, A. B., having apply d himself to us for our advice and 
 countenance with Regard to his purpos 1 Design to Enter 
 into y 6 great and important work of the Evangelical Ministry, 
 after Supplicat n to God thro X fc the Head of the chh, and 
 careful Enquiry into the Case, offer 1 unto him This Testi 
 monial following Viz. 
 
 These may certify, that we, the Subscribers, Associated 
 Pastors of chhs of Christ, Have, upon the application of M r 
 David Thurston, admitted him to examination, in ord r to his 
 Regular Introduction to the Preaching of the Gosp 1 . And 
 upon a proper Examination Respecting his Moral Character, 
 his Learning, his Orthodoxy in the Doctrines of the Gosple, 
 and Christian Experience in Religion, are Well Satisfied as 
 to his qualifications for or Entrance upon y e Gosple Ministry, 
 and can very freely recommend him to y 6 churches and 
 People of God as a Suitable Person to preach the Gosple, 
 wheresoever he shall by y e Providence of God be call d . 
 
 JOSEPH DORR, 
 NATHAN WEBB, 
 AMARIAH FROST, 
 ELISHA FISH. 
 Mendon, Nov r . i/ r 8, 1751. 
 
 TIME OF MEETINGS. 
 
 THE meetings of the Association were held at irregular 
 intervals for several years, gradually settling into some sys 
 tem, until, at the close of the Revolution, June and October 
 became the months of regular meeting. For the first five 
 years the meetings were held at Rev. Mr. Dorr s, the senior 
 member, and standing moderator. During this period Rev. 
 Mr. Webb was scribe. As other members joined, each had 
 the meeting in rotation. But the officers continued un 
 changed for a long time. The first Tuesday in June and 
 October continued to be the regular time of meeting, until 
 
OFFICERS. 43 
 
 October, 1821, when the third Tuesday of the above months 
 was selected. In 1824, October 19th, the last Tuesdays in 
 April and October were adopted. Again in 1831, April 26th, 
 it was voted that an additional meeting be annually held 
 upon the third Tuesday in August. In 1841, August 17th, 
 the third Tuesday was reselected for the regular meetings. 
 Finally in 1844, December 17th, voted, that " our future meet 
 ings be on the second Tuesday of the month." These fre 
 quent changes have been rendered necessary by the increase 
 of other and more general religious meetings. 
 
 There are records of two hundred and fourteen regular 
 and occasional meetings of the body. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 For many years Rev. Mr. Dorr was standing moderator 
 of the Association. After his death, Rev. David Hall, D. D. 
 of Sutton, succeeded him. In 1783, it was determined that 
 the senior member present at each meeting should preside, 
 and that the host of the Association should act as scribe. 
 Under this rule, the following members became virtually 
 standing moderators, namely, Rev. Messrs. Elisha Fish, 
 Amariah Frost, David Sanford, and Nathaniel Emmons, 
 D. D. Dr. Emmons presided over the deliberations of the 
 Association for nearly twenty-five years, and was seldom 
 absent from any of its meetings. In 1841, April 27th, Rev. 
 Elisha Fish was elected as moderator, and continued until 
 January, 1851, the time of his decease. The moderator is 
 now chosen annually in April. 
 
 The first arrangement respecting a scribe was found to be 
 defective, and a standing scribe was chosen. The following 
 is a list of the scribes, with the dates of their election. 
 Rev. John Crane, chosen 12 October, 1802 ; 
 
 " Timothy Dickinson, chosen 9 June, 1812 ; 
 
 " David Long, chosen 12 October, 1813 ; 
 
44 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 Rev. Elam Smalley, chosen 16 August, 1831 ; 
 " David Sanford, chosen 30 April, 1839 ; 
 " T. D. P. Stone, chosen 11 August, 1846 ; 
 " Tyler Thatcher, chosen 17 August, 1847 ; 
 Thomas T. Richmond, chosen 8 October, 1850. 
 
 BUSINESS. 
 
 THE regular exercises at Associational meetings have 
 varied at different dates, according to the number of members 
 and apparent state of religion. The fragmentary scraps of 
 the first quarter of the century give us no information of the 
 business of its meetings, other than the preacher of the 
 public lecture, and the occasional examination of candidates 
 for the Gospel ministry. We naturally infer it to be the 
 discussion of such questions as the times made important and 
 prominent. It is not until 1794, that any of these questions 
 are recorded. Then, " 14 October, 1794, it was voted that 
 each member should write upon the following question, and 
 read at the next meeting : i Whether or not, there be any 
 proof, the Bible being excepted, that there is another state 
 of existence for men ? " 
 
 Nothing more is said of questions for thirteen years. We 
 may infer that the plan of written discussions did not succeed, 
 for the following year it was agreed that each member should 
 read a sermon in rotation for general criticism. Still another 
 change was made in 1797, by substituting a Concio ad Cle- 
 rum by one of the members. This was shortly abandoned, 
 and no substitute adopted until 1807, June 9th ; when a com 
 mittee, chosen for the purpose, proposed a plan, which 
 was adopted, and has been followed, with slight additions, to 
 the present time, " That at every meeting, one text of 
 Scripture should be explained, and two questions be discus 
 sed, if there be time. And that each member shall present 
 
STANDING REGULATIONS. 45 
 
 a text of Scripture for explanation, or a question for discus 
 sion, from which the Association shall make a selection." 
 
 The additions to this plan have been, the reading of a 
 sermon for criticism by the minister at whose house the 
 Association meet, adopted 18 August, 1835. And the 
 presentation of the skeleton of a sermon by some designated 
 member, adopted 20 August, 1844. Other additions have 
 been temporarily made. 
 
 The following digest of the regulations of this body, now 
 in force, may be here conveniently added : 
 
 STANDING REGULATIONS OF MENDON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1. The meetings shall be held on the second Tuesday in 
 April, August, October, and January, at three o clock, p. M. 
 
 2. The Moderator shall be chosen by ballot annually at 
 the April meeting. The Scribe shall serve until his resigna 
 tion. He is also Librarian of the Association.* 
 
 3. The regular business of each meeting shall be : 
 Prayer by the Moderator ; reading the minutes of the last 
 meeting ; sermon for criticism by the host of Association ; 
 
 * The Library of the Association has consisted of records, docu 
 ments on file, and a few volumes presented, some by Harvard Uni 
 versity, some by members. At the regular meeting in August, 1852, it 
 was unanimously voted to attempt a complete collection of all the printed 
 works of the past and present Members and Licentiates of the body, and also 
 an autograph sermon of each Member and Licentiate, ivith an autobiography 
 appended, as far as they can be obtained. Rev. Charles Simmons, of 
 North Wrentham. was designated to the charge of this collection and 
 authorized to solicit, in behalf of the Association, donations of the pub 
 lications, and a MS. sermon of Members and Licentiates, from them 
 selves or their surviving friends. It is hoped that the public value of 
 such a collection will secure the complete execution of the plan. 
 Occasional sermons, pamphlets, etc., and the more important bound 
 volumes, upon every subject pertaining to religion, will be gratefully 
 received from their authors and publishers. 
 
46 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 written exegesis of a portion of the Scriptures ; written essay 
 upon an assigned theme ; oral discussion of a previously 
 selected question ; a written skeleton of a sermon for criti 
 cism ; an hour of devotional exercises ; and a season of public 
 worship. 
 
 4. The examination of candidates for approbation to preach 
 the Gospel will commence with reading a sermon. Their 
 examination takes the precedence of all other business. 
 
 5. The place of meeting and the preacher shall be ap 
 pointed in rotation. 
 
 6. The schedules for the General Association of the State 
 shall be forwarded to the delegates before the first of Febru 
 ary, and their report of the Association shall be presented to 
 this body at the April meeting. 
 
 7. When any member of this Association is dismissed 
 from his people, and leaves the ministry for more than one 
 year, we shall not consider him a member of this body. 
 
 DOINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 THE records of a ministerial association cannot furnish 
 many striking historical facts, formed as it is for professional 
 and private deliberations, whose results appear only in indi 
 vidual benefit. Yet the questions discussed and resolves 
 passed, connected with their dates, may give some light to 
 the past state of religion. We can thus learn what aspects 
 of truth occupied attention, and may sometimes trace impor 
 tant movements to their source in some passing discussion or 
 brief resolution. 
 
 The data furnished by our records for conclusions of this 
 sort, are here given for this use, grouped by their affinities, 
 such as they have. 
 
DRAFT FOR CONSOCIATION. 47 
 
 CONSOCIATION OF CHURCHES. 
 
 THE first intimation of this subject, found in the few loose 
 documents of the period, is a draft of principles and rules for 
 a consociation, adopted by the Association, and dated Button, 
 17 November, 1756. Some additions were made at the 
 meetings in 1757, and then the subject appears to have been 
 dropped. The churches probably declined to enter into the 
 proposal, as no vote of adoption occurs in the records of the 
 churches which have been examined. 
 
 This draft is copied here, as an interesting digest, in the 
 working form, of the principles suggested by the Synod 
 of 1662. 
 
 DRAFT FOR A CONSOCIATION, PROPOSED 1756. 
 
 To the several Fraternities of the churches of Christ in 
 Mendon, the first church of Sutton, the church of Uxbridge, 
 the church of Upton, the church of Medway Precinct : 
 The Pastors of said churches send Greeting, Wishing to 
 them Grace, Mercy and Peace, from God our Father and 
 from our Lord Jesus Christ. Dearly Beloved Brethren in 
 Christ : 
 
 Whearas, the churches of Christ rightly constituted, ac 
 cording to the Word of God ; are to be considered as standing 
 in a Sisterly Relation to each other, (Cant. 8 : 8,) being 
 united in the same faith and order, (Eph. 4 : 4,) walking by 
 the same Rule, in the use of the same Ordinances, for the 
 same Ends, under one and the same Political Head, the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, Head over all things to the church of God ; 
 There must needs, from this their Relation to and Union one 
 with another, be Inferred their Duty of Communion one with 
 another, suitable to that union and relation ; Which commu 
 nion of churches, according to the Definition Given of it, by 
 
48 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 a Venerable Synod of these churches, Is the Faithful Im 
 provement of the Gifts of Christ, Bestowed upon [them] for 
 his Service and Glory, and their Mutual Good and Edifica 
 tion, according to capacity and opportunity. And further, 
 whereas there hath constantly been in the churches, a Pro 
 fession of Communion of Churches, one with another, in 
 Giving the right hand of Fellowship at the Gathering of 
 Churches and Ordination of Elders ; which import a Con 
 sociation, and obligeth to the Practice thereof. 
 
 We doe therefore most earnestly call upon the churches 
 under our Pastoral care, and advise them to come into a 
 Mutual and Solemn Agreement, to exercise Communion In 
 and by such acts of Communion as are mentioned in the 
 Result of the Synod, Held by the Elders and Messengers of 
 the churches of the Massachusetts Province, contained in the 
 Platform of Church Discipline, ANNO DOMINI 1648, and in 
 the Result of the Synod of the same Province in 1662, so 
 far as they are agreeable to the Word of God, and more 
 Especially in the following Mentioned acts : 
 
 1. By an hearty careing for one another s wellfare, and by 
 Earnest and fervent Prayer one for another. (Cant. 8 : 8. 
 Ps. 122 : 6, 7, 8, 9.) 
 
 2. By Admitting to occasional communion in Sealing 
 Ordinances, such members of any Particular church in our 
 Consociation, upon satisfying and sufficient Testimonials, of 
 their regular standing in said church, when there shall be no 
 weighty Objection to Barr their Communion. 
 
 3. By Admitting to settled and stated Communion in 
 Seals, and Censures, as there shall be Occasion, such Mem 
 bers of any one of our Consociated Churches, as shall be 
 regularly dismissed to our Stated Communion ; Provided, 
 there shall be no Sufficient Barr put in against the member 
 or members so Dismissed. 
 
 4. When any sufficient Number of the Members of our 
 Consociated Churches having a regular Standing in the 
 
CONSOCIATION OF CHURCHES. 49 
 
 churches, shall be about to Embodie in a church, for the 
 Enjoyment of Gospel Ordinances among themselves, They 
 Procedeing according to Gospel order, and Desireing our 
 Presence, and Assistance in so Good a work : we shall be 
 ready to Assist them, and to hold forth to them the Right 
 hand of Fellowship. 
 
 5. For the preserving of Peace and Unity ; by giving an 
 account one to another of our Publick Actions, when it is 
 orderly Desired, In order to our Strengthening one another, 
 in our Regular Administrations, Especially by our concurrent 
 Testimony against Persons justly censured. 
 
 6. By Seeking and accepting of Help, and Good Advice 
 when Given, and by Affording our Help, best Counsel, and 
 Advice, to each other when the case shall require it. More 
 Especially in the four following cases. 1. In case of Divi 
 sions and contentions, when the Peace of any of the Conso- 
 ciated Churches is Disturbed, (Acts 15 : 2.) 2. In cases of 
 more than ordinary Importance ; as the Ordination and 
 Deposition of Elders, and the like. 3. In case of Difficult 
 Questions and Controversies that may arise, (Acts 15 : 2.) 
 4. In case That in any one of our Consociated Churches 
 there should subsist Mall-administrations, Errors, or Offences 
 that remain unhealed, we will be ready to Afford and receive 
 help one from another, for the Healing and removing such 
 Offences, and for the Rectifying such Administrations. 
 
 7. By Admonishing One Another when there shall be 
 need and sufficient Reason for it, Especially in such a case 
 as Mall- Administrations, Errors, and Scandals shall continue 
 to subsist in a particular church, after Good Advice given ; 
 and if after a first Admonition administered by a Parti 
 cular church of the Consociation, and a second Admonition 
 Dispensed by a superior Number of the Consociated 
 Churches, the said offending church shall remain, We will 
 then, if the whole Number of the Consociated Churches, or 
 the Majority of them regularly convened, by their Pastors 
 
 5 
 
50 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 and Delegates in council, shall Judge necessary, Precede to 
 the Sentence of Non-communion with said church or Peccant 
 Party Therein, agreeable to what is Declared in the loth 
 chap, of the Platform of Church Dicipline, Sec. 2, Partic. 3d. 
 
 POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 To Prevent any misunderstanding of the Design of the 
 Consociation of these Churches, or of the true Intent and 
 Meaning of any one of the above-Mentioned acts of commu 
 nion, we Declare as Followeth. 
 
 1st. That Neither the above scheme in General nor any 
 one of the acts of communion in Particular, is so to be under 
 stood in the least to Prejudice the Power of Government in 
 any Particular Congregational Church, for we apprehend 
 according to the first Proposition in Answer to the 2nd 
 Question of the General Synod assembled in Boston, 1662, 
 That every church or Particular Congregation of Visible 
 Saints in Gospel order being furnished with a Presbytery, 
 at Least with a Teaching Elder, and walking together in 
 Truth and Peace, hath received from the Lord Jesus, full 
 Power and authority Ecclesiastical, within itself, Regularly 
 to administer all the Ordinances of Christ, and is not under 
 any other Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction whatsoever, (Mat. 18 : 
 17, 18.) And that the Consociation of Churches is not to 
 hinder the Exercise of this Power, but by counsel from the 
 Word of God, to Direct and strengthen the same, when it 
 may be Done upon Just and Sufficient Reasons. 
 
 2nd. It is the Proper work of the Pastors and Delegates 
 of the Consoeiated churches, when assembled in council, to 
 Debate and Determine controversies of faith, and cases of 
 Conscience, to clear and Hold forth from the Word of God 
 Holy Directions, for the Holy Worship of God, and Good 
 Government of the Church, and to bear witness against 
 mall-administration and corruption in Doctrine or Manners, 
 
POSTSCRIPT. 51 
 
 in a Particular Church; and to give Directions for the 
 Reformation thereof, but not to administer church censures, 
 in a way of Discipline, to the Prejudice of the Power of 
 Government, or Privilege, of any Particular Church. 
 
 3d. For the ascertaining the Rights and Powers of the 
 Bretheren in the Ecclesiastical council when convened, it is 
 agreed that the Power of the order of Delegates in voting 
 shall be full equal, to that of the Pastors, And that the 
 Majority of Delegates, as well as the Majority of Pastors or 
 Elders shall be Judged Necessary to constitute a valid act 
 of the Council. [And that the Eldership and Delegates 
 from each church, be they one or more, to have Equal power 
 with oth r Churches in Every act of the Consociation.] 
 Added 10 May, 1757. 
 
 [1. That this Association in their Proposal to their sev 1 
 chh s of Forming into a Consociation, would be understood 
 as having in View, That y e Assemblie s Catechism and N. 
 England Confession of Faith be regarded as Scriptural, arid 
 what we are all agreed on in point of orthodoxy. 
 
 2. As the mutual Edification of these chhs, (the End of 
 the Consociating,) cannot be Expected but in the way of 
 Xtian Liberty, and to guard ag st all Lording it over 
 God s Heritage, We Propose y l in case any Particular 
 Consociated chh or chhs shall in Process of Time apprehend 
 their Relation w l the Consociation, no longer to their Edi 
 fication, They may (Regularly or Formally desireing it) be 
 Dismissed, or otherwise, their Desires being thus Signified, 
 Dismiss themselves.] Added 20 Sept. 1757. 
 
 N. B. It is Proposed that if the churches manifest their 
 concurrence by vote with the above written Proposal for a 
 Consociation of Churches, That they chuse their Delegates, 
 to stand for one year and no Longer, and so annually, and 
 that they stand ready to Repair to the Place that shall be 
 appointed, when they shall be notified of the time for their 
 
52 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 convening ; and when the said Delegates shall be Elected, 
 that the Pastors of the Several churches notify the Moderator 
 of Mendon Association, in order to their being convened and 
 formed into Council. 
 
 JOSEPH DORR, 
 DAVID HALL, 
 NATHAN WEBB, 
 AMARIAH FROST, 
 ELISHA FISH, 
 DAVID THURSTON. 
 Sutton, Nov. the 17, 1756, at a Meeting 
 of the Mendon Association. 
 
 !*+*** 
 
 Nothing occurs in any subsequent records in relation to 
 consociation of churches. The subject of a conference of 
 churches has been often up for consideration, but none was 
 ever formed, because many of the members were so con 
 nected elsewhere. 
 
 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 THE action of this body in relation to the General Asso 
 ciation of the State, may be next alluded to. 
 
 A communication from the Brookfield Association, dated 
 March 22, 1802, was received, proposing the subject of 
 forming a State Association, and inviting correspondence. 
 Whereon it was " voted, 8 June, 1802, to choose a committee 
 to repair to Northampton, to meet the committees of other 
 Associations, agreeably to proposals. Rev. David Sanford 
 and Rev. Samuel Austin were chosen as committee." Both 
 these gentlemen attended the preliminary meeting at North 
 ampton, July 7, 1802. The consideration of their report 
 was deferred from October 1802, until October 1803, when, 
 " the minds of the Association being taken, whether they 
 will accede to the proposal made to them, and send two 
 
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 53 
 
 delegates to the convention next June, the vote passed in 
 the negative." The motion of Rev. Dr. Lyman of Hatfield 
 in the Convention of Congregational Ministers, May 30, 
 1804, to enlist that body in a general movement to the same 
 end, and which was by vote of convention referred to the 
 district associations, was also rejected by this Association. 
 The subject again came up in 1807, by a letter from the "1 6 i 
 scribe of the General Association, when the same vote of /$ 
 refusal was repeated. So the matter rested until April 1841, l 
 when a vote of union was passed. The reason of this long 
 hesitancy may be found mainly in the following sentiment, 
 and in deference to him who uttered it. 
 
 " Associationism leads to Consociationism ; Consociation- 
 ism leads to Presbyterianism ; Presbyterianism leads to 
 Episcopacy ; Episcopacy leads to Roman Catholicism ; and 
 Roman Catholicism is an ultimate fact." 
 
 v 
 
 BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 
 
 THE attitude of the Association in respect to other public 
 movements, benevolent organizations, etc., will be best shown 
 by the various resolves passed at different times. Those on 
 record are given in the order of the dates of their adoption. 
 The more important are copied verbatim. 
 
 Nov. 17, 1756. " Upon. our information that a donation given 
 to Bellingham Church is alienated to another use, We the 
 Associated Pastors of Mendon Association, Do Judge, that 
 all such donations for sacred use ought by no means to be in 
 such manner improved as to give just scandal to any ; but 
 Rather, considering y e dissolved state of said chh, be re- 
 posited in y hands of y e next Heir of y e Donor to be in 
 Reserve : and for y e use of w h it was originally Designed 
 w n y r shall be occasion. 
 
 Oct. 2, 1792. " Voted, as the opinion of this Association, 
 That no man ought to be approbated, as a School-Master, 
 
 5* 
 
54 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 unless he promises to pray in his school every day, and to 
 teach his scholars the Assemblie s Catechise once every 
 week. 
 
 Jan. 19, 1795. Association highly approved of and 
 adopted " Prest. Edwards newly revived plan for a general 
 concert in prayer ; " and a lengthy letter, expressive of their 
 cordial union, was addressed to Rev. Walter King. 
 
 May 29, 1799. A proposition from the Boston Associa 
 tion for a convention to consider the increase of infidelity 
 and immorality, approved, and three delegates chosen. 
 
 June 13, 1809. Association agreed " to catechise the 
 children under their care," and " recommend to heads of 
 families, in their respective congregations to take pains to 
 instruct .their children in the use of the Assembly s Shorter 
 Catechism." The same vote was substantially repeated in 
 1824 
 
 Oct. 31, 1826, Vo.ted that it be the rule of this Associa 
 tion, that no ardent spirits be presented at their meetings."* 
 
 * This vote was passed at Seekonk, on the suggestion of the follow 
 ing incident. 
 
 The host of the Association, Rev. J. O. Barney, went into Provi 
 dence on the day previous to the meeting, to procure the due assort 
 ment of spirits which immemorial usage had made an important part 
 of his preparation. He accomplished his errand, and at sunset com 
 menced his return, with an extra choice variety of liquors, as it was 
 his first meeting, densely packed in a large basket in the back of his 
 wagon. As he was abstractly driving, in forgetful haste to reach home, 
 the loud laughter of some men upon the staging of a new house in the 
 outskirts of the city, broke up his reverie, and suggested to him the 
 risk of such unbecoming speed. Instantly thinking of his freight, he 
 looked behind, and lo ! fragmentary jugs, demijohns, and bottles, were 
 dancing in and out of the basket, and a ruby stream of wines, brandies, 
 and cordials was allaying the excited dust of the pebbly street ! What 
 was to be done ? Should he go back and replenish, or take it as a 
 Providential hint, and go on ? The late hour decided him to proceed, 
 and state the calamity to the venerable body when they assembled. He 
 did so, and they took tJie hint, and promptly banished the side-board 
 
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES, 55 
 
 In 1829, votes were passed commending the Massachu 
 setts Missionary Society, and making the Association an 
 auxiliary. 
 
 Aug. 16, 1831. "Voted, that this Association, not being 
 an ecclesiastical body, and having no jurisdiction over the 
 churches, cannot consistently give advice to any church or 
 number of churches, as such, in relation to any difficulties 
 under which they may labor." 
 
 April 28, 1835. A committee on the conversion of Papists 
 reported, that " as the Romish priesthood have almost un 
 bounded influence over the Catholic population, the first 
 thing to be attempted towards their conversion, is to weaken 
 this powerful influence of the priests." 
 
 Aug. 18, 1835. Resolved, " That the members of this 
 Association feel it to be their duty to act as agents for the 
 benevolent societies of the day, in their own congregations ; 
 and thus to do what they can to relieve these societies of the 
 necessity of sustaining agents to plead their respective causes 
 within their bounds." A copy was transmitted to the 
 secretaries of the above-intended societies. 
 
 Nov. 21, 1837. Voted, " That every member of the 
 Association feels the object of the Seaman s Friends Society 
 to be important, and will do what he consistently can to aid 
 the friends of said Society." 
 
 April 24, 1838. Resolves respecting the American Peace 
 Society. 
 
 1. Resolved, That this Association view with deep con 
 cern the prevalence of the war spirit in this and in other 
 lands, and deem it highly important to pursue all judicious 
 measures to check and eradicate that spirit. 
 
 2. Resolved, That, although we are not prepared to 
 
 from their meetings. This was the year in which Dr. Beecher preached 
 his six sermons on intemperance, and the American Temperance 
 Society was organized. 
 
56 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 deny the right of self-defence, we highly approve the great 
 object of the American Peace Society, to discourage war, 
 and promote the cause of Peace. 
 
 3. JResolved, That we recommend it to every brother in 
 this Association, to preach, at least once in each year, on this 
 important subject. 
 
 Oct. 18, 1842. Similar resolves were passed respecting 
 the Sabbath, and the American and Foreign Sabbath Union. 
 
 Dec. 19, 1843. Was passed a resolve of sympathy and 
 aid for the Western Reserve College. 
 
 March 18, 1845. On an unfinished report of a committee 
 on Congregationalism, appointed at Boston, __Maj, 1844, 
 the Association adopted the following result of their deliber 
 ations : 
 
 " We are agreed that a reassertion of the principles of 
 the Cambridge Platform, with such alterations as shall adapt 
 them to the churches of the present age, is a very desirable 
 object. But there is, as it seems to us, a real discrepancy 
 between the Report and the Platform in respect to several 
 very important principles. For instance, in proposing to 
 make the decision of ecclesiastical councils binding, the 
 Report goes beyond the Platform, and adopts a most im 
 portant principle which is not recognized in that instrument, 
 and which, in our view, is entirely inconsistent with its most 
 prominent features. The Platform admits of Lay-ordination, 
 but the Report proceeds upon the principle that ordination 
 is exclusively the work of ministers. 
 
 Though we believe that$ as a general thing, it is best that 
 Ministers should ordain Ministers, and this they can in all 
 I ordinary cases do, even if the right belongs to the church ; 
 yet we think it important that, in a system of rules for the 
 | government of the churches, this right of theirs ought to be 
 recognized, as it is in the platform. If the churches have 
 a right in all cases to exclude appeals from their decisions in 
 reference to their offending members, as the Report admits ; 
 
BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 57 
 
 it can be neither duty nor good policy to establish a perma 
 nent and uniform tribunal, beyond the power of the churches, 
 which shall virtually take this right out of their hands. To 
 constitute by agreement a tribunal, to which every member 
 of a church is understood to have the right of appeal from 
 its decisions in every case, and to make the decision of this 
 tribunal binding, is to remove the power of discipline from 
 the body in which Christ has placed it, and to give individ 
 uals a power which Christ never gave them. If the church 
 place the right of decision in respect to the discipline of its 
 own members, beyond their control, they are liable in certain 
 cases, to be obliged to acquiesce in wrong decisions and in 
 decisions which they know to be wrong. We see not how 
 this is consistent with the responsibility which rests upon 
 them as the depositaries of all Ecclesiastical power. 
 
 A minister ought, in our view, always to be a member I ^ 
 of the church of which he is the Pastor, and, like other mem 
 bers, subject to its discipline for all immorality, crime or here- ! 
 sy. We think his own church is a suitable body to try him ; 
 although they ought as a general thing to seek that instruction 
 and advice in so important matters which are to be obtained 
 from an Ecclesiastical council. We do not think that, in any 
 case, the minister has the power of suspending the action of 
 the church, in opposition to the will of the majority. It is his 
 prerogative to decide all questions of order, and his decision 
 is binding until an appeal is taken from it to the whole body 
 and by them reversed. We are happy to agree with the 
 authors of the Report on the general inutility of exparte 
 councils. We think they do more hurt than good. But as 
 we do not consider Ecclesiastical councils, when called to act 
 with respect to the affairs of a particular church, a judicial, 
 but only an advisory body, we are not prepared to adopt, in 
 full, the language of the Report respecting them. We ad 
 mit " that there are some things in the Platform of a subor 
 dinate character which cannot at the present day be carried 
 
58 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 into practice, and some defects which it is important to sup 
 ply." We need no ruling Elders in distinction from th ose 
 who preach, and we do not believe that the Bible makes any 
 distinction between officers of this class. It is our opinion 
 that the rules of church discipline, found in the eighteenth 
 chapter of Matthew are applicable to public as well as pri 
 vate offenses. If this be not a direction respecting the treat 
 ment of public offenses, we have none in the New Testa 
 ment for this class. Besides any offender, whether his crime 
 be public or private, is more likely to be gained by being 
 first approached in a private, affectionate manner, than he is 
 to be at once arraigned before the whole church, and made 
 the subject of public censure. In the process of dealing with 
 offenders given in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew, there 
 is a display of Divine Wisdom so obviously adapted to touch 
 the feelings of the human heart, and win over a fallen brother, 
 that we cannot believe its advantages were designed to be 
 confined to private offenses alone. 
 
 We believe that the act of Excommunication may, for pru 
 dential reasons, be occasionally delayed for a short time after 
 the offender is proved guilty of an offense of sufficient mag 
 nitude to cut him off from the church ; and that, during this 
 delay, it would be improper for him to come to the commun 
 ion ; but suspension, as a punishment to be inflicted upon a 
 member, or as the final act of the church in any case, is un 
 known in the scriptures, and obviously unauthorized by the 
 great Head of the body. 
 
 In the above remarks, we express to you the views of a 
 large majority of our association. In respect to some of the 
 points involved, there are a few contrary minds. 
 
 April 8, 1845. Resolved, that we regard slavery in the 
 
 /*A/ A Southern States as a great sin ; a violation alike of the great 
 
 principles and the spirit of Christianity, and that it becomes us, 
 
 as members of the same great Christian family, to remonstrate 
 
 with our brethren at the South in regard to this sin of op- 
 
HOME MISSIONS. 59 
 
 pression : " and urge that the General Association correspond 
 with Southern Ecclesiastical bodies on the subject. 
 
 Aug. 12, 1846. Voted " that the Am. Protestant Society, 
 aiming as it does, in the spirit of love, to convert the Roman 
 ists of our land to the Gospel of Christ, by the dissemination 
 of light and knowledge, is worthy of the confidence, prayer 
 and charities of Christian benevolence." 
 
 Jan. 12, 1847. A plan of action was adopted respecting 
 agencies of benevolent associations ; according to which the 
 claims of the various benevolent societies were placed each 
 under the special care of one of the members, to be present 
 ed by him whenever requested within the bounds of this body. 
 The plan was adopted as an experiment for a single year. 
 The following year the plan was dropped, and each pastor 
 was left to adopt his own arrangements. 
 
 Aug. 13, 1851. A resolution was passed condemning the 
 use of Tobacco as highly pernicious. 
 
 Some other votes of a temporary or local application, have 
 been omitted in this summary. 
 
 HOME MISSIONS. 
 
 The subject of Domestic Missions has ever had a strong 
 hold upon the sympathies of this association : and not without 
 reason. Of the little group of FOUR who originated the 
 Mass. Miss. Society, two were members of this body. Mrs. 
 McFarland notes the fact in these words. " During Election 
 week in May 1799, a number of ministers [Dr. Spring, Dr. 
 Emmons, Mr. Sanford and Father Niles, as they called him] 
 came to my mother s and requested the use of that room to 
 consult together about forming the Mass. Missionary Society. 
 They met four or five times during the week, and then re 
 solved to form the Society."* 
 
 # Memoirs of Mrs. McFarland, p. 179. 
 
60 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 Dr. Emrnons, then in the strength of his influence at home 
 and abroad, was the first President. The first secretary, Dr. 
 Austin, was a member of this body. Of the first two Mis 
 sionaries sent out, Jacob Cram was its Licentiate, and David 
 Avery a member. 
 
 In 1797, two years before the existence of the State So 
 ciety, the Association virtually resolved itself into a tempo 
 rary missionary organization, by voting to supply South Men- 
 don, then destitute, one Sabbath each, gratis.. 
 
 Similar votes have been frequently passed in respect to 
 other destitute parishes. In 1800, a committee examined 
 " the religious state of the people " in Cumberland, Smithfield 
 and Patuxet, R. L, and the association voted to preach once 
 each gratis in the first mentioned place. In 1805, again 
 preached in turn in South Mendon. In 1810, Blackstone 
 was similarly favored with pulpit ministrations. In 1824, 
 committees were chosen to confer with the Rhode Island 
 Domestic Miss. Soc y, and with the people of Greenwich 
 respecting their waste places. In 1830, the church in 
 Canton was gratuitously supplied. 
 
 PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 The first publication issued by the Mendon Association, of 
 which any record is made, and the largest single work they, 
 have issued, is entitled " Evidences of Revealed Religion." 
 
 The preliminary steps were taken at a meeting of the As 
 sociation at Holliston, Oct. 11, 1796, in the following votes: 
 
 I. That it is desirable that Mendon Association should 
 publish upon the Evidence of Divine Revelation, with some 
 strictures upon Deistical writers. 
 
 The parts were assigned as follows : 
 
 I. The need and importance of a Divine Revelation. By 
 Rev. John Robinson, of Westboro. 
 
PUBLICATIONS. 61 
 
 II. The Spirituality of the Bible. By Rev. David San- 
 ford of Medway. 
 
 III. Miracles. By Rev. Nathaniel Emmons of Franklin, 
 
 IV. Prophecies. By Rev. Caleb Alexander of Mendon. 
 
 V. Strictures upon Deistical Writers. By Rev. John 
 Crane of Northbridge. 
 
 At an adjourned meeting, Northbridge, Jan. 10, 1797, 
 the parts were read to the Association : and it was voted to 
 issue them in a volume. Each member in favor of the vote, 
 shared equally in the expenses and profits of the publica 
 tion. The work of publishing was committed to Rev. Messrs. 
 Alexander, Dickinson and Crane. 
 
 A Sermon by Rev. Dr. Emmons, preached before the As 
 sociation at Upton, Oct. 13, 1813, was published by vote and 
 at the expense of the body. Four hundred copies were 
 printed and circulated. The discourse is the same as appears 
 in his published works, Vol. IV., Sermon xxxiv., entitled 
 The Law of Paradise." 
 
 A sermon by Rev. Nathaniel Howe, founded upon John 1 : 
 31, and preached before the Association at Foxboro , Oct. 
 5, 1819, was also published by vote of the Association. 
 
 The subject of issuing a monthly periodical was introduced 
 to the Association at their meeting in Oct. 21, 1823, by a 
 communication from Mr. Barnum Field, Providence, R. I., 
 then publisher of " The Christian Visitor." A committee of 
 conference reported upon the subject, and the result was a 
 vote to issue a prospectus for a separate magazine. As all 
 the members did not second this movement, or wish to be 
 involved in the responsibility of such an undertaking, the 
 imprimatur read as follows : " The Christian Magazine ; 
 By members of Mendon Association," rather than, " By 
 Mendon Association." Yet the agency of the body in the 
 existence of " The Christian Magazine " extended thus far, 
 that they voted to publish it and chose the Editors. The 
 members individually contributed to its columns and its sub- 
 6 
 
62 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 scription list at their pleasure. The work appeared January, 
 1824, under the Editorial Supervision of Rev. Messrs. J. Ide, 
 C. Park, and E. Fisk : and was continued four years, extend 
 ing to four volumes. 
 
 Several tractates, essays and biographic notices of mem 
 bers read before the Association at different times, have been 
 kindly published in the Boston Recorder and New England 
 Puritan, and other religious papers. These articles may 
 be regarded as generally expressing the views and feelings 
 of the body upon the topics so presented. 
 
 QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 
 
 In the following list of questions, the date of their adop 
 tion for discussion is added, as a suggestive guide to their im 
 portance. Those marked with an asterisk were assigned to 
 some one member to write upon. The remainder were dis 
 cussed orally. 
 1794. June 3d. * Whether the soul after death, does or does 
 
 not sleep during the intermediate state ? 
 * Whether or not there be any proof, the Bible excepted, 
 
 that there is another state of existence for man ? 
 1807. June 9th. Meaning of " the first resurrection" Rev. 
 20 : 6. Whether there be sufficient argument to 
 support the doctrine of the intermediate state ? 
 Oct. 13th. Meaning of mens being rewarded according 
 
 to their works ? 
 
 1 809. Jane 1 3th. Is it lawful in any case, for individuals to 
 withdraw from a church without its consent, on 
 account of corruption in doctrine and practice ? 
 What is the ground of moral obligation ? 
 Oct. 10th. Whether our Saviour returned thanks after 
 
 eating ? 
 
 At what time did the Jewish dispensation end, and the" 
 Christian dispensation commence ? 
 
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 63 
 
 1810. June 12th. Do such universal promises as " all flesh 
 
 shall be saved," and "in him shall all the families 
 of the earth be blessed," etc., embrace all who have 
 
 , lived and shall live in time to come, or only those 
 who are to live on the earth in some future day ? 
 
 Is it proper, under any existing circumstances, for 
 congregational ministers to baptize by immersion 
 unbaptized persons? 
 
 Oct. Sth. Have a plurality of gods been worshipped as 
 gods, or as inferior deities and intercessors between 
 the worshippers and the Supreme Being ? 
 
 Ought churches to pay any regard to the sentiments 
 and practices of other churches of the same denomi 
 nation, in dismissing and recommending members to 
 their communion ? 
 
 Will the first and third persons in the Trinity ever be 
 visible to Saints in Heaven ? 
 
 1811. June llth. Meaning of probation in this world? 
 May God reward men in time, and punish them in 
 
 eternity for the same actions ? 
 
 Oct. Stk. Meaning of the sin of the world which 
 Christ took away, and how did he take it away ? 
 
 "Why is the punishment of the finally impenitent end 
 less? 
 
 1812. June Sth. In what does the righteousness of Christ 
 
 consist ? 
 
 Oct. loth. Is there any foundation in the Scriptures 
 for the formation of a Consociation of churches, as 
 an Ecclesiastical body, to which individual churches 
 may appeal for a final decision in cases of discipline ? 
 
 Is an individual member belonging to a church, to be 
 censured for neglecting the communion, who pleads 
 conscience on account of ill treatment which in his 
 - opinion he has received by a vote of the church ? 
 
64 HISTORICAL APPENDIX, 
 
 Does the Divine Law require men to love their neigh 
 bors as much as they do themselves ? 
 
 1813. June 8th. Was Christ the Son of God before his in 
 carnation 1 
 
 Is there any foundation in the Scriptures for the use 
 of the term Infant Baptism ? 
 
 Oct. 12th. Is there any foundation in the Scriptures 
 for delegates to vote in the ordination of a minister ? 
 
 1815. May 16th. If delegates are allowed to vote with res 
 
 pect to the ordination of ministers, why may they 
 not consistently assist in the ordination? 
 Do ministers ordain ex qfficio, or act under the author 
 ity of the churches exclusively ? 
 Oct. 10th. Did John the Baptist require a profession 
 of repentance and faith previous to his administer 
 ing the ordinance of baptism ? 
 ~*"W When may a minister be said to have left the ministry ? 
 
 1816. June llth. What obligations are Christians under to 
 
 profess religion ? 
 Oct. 8th. * What authority have we for the imposition 
 
 of hands at an Installation ? 
 Is there Scriptural authority for the use of the sword 
 
 in any case ? 
 
 1817. Oct. 7th. Was there any difference between the church 
 
 and society in Corinth ? 
 How long a period will the Millennium continue ? 
 
 1818. June 2d. What was the design of John s Baptism ? 
 *In what will the future punishment of the wicked 
 
 consist ? 
 
 Oct. Gth. * Import of the fifth petition in the Lord s 
 prayer ? 
 
 1819. June 1st. Is it agreeable to the Scriptures for a council 
 
 to ordain a candidate as pastor of a parish ? 
 Did the Jewish tythes pay the expenses of civil gov- 
 
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 65 
 
 ernment as well as of religious worship, or only of 
 the latter ? 
 
 1821. June 5th. Did the Divine nature of Christ suffer on 
 
 the cross ? 
 Is true faith the only condition of salvation ? 
 
 1822. Jime ISth. What is the true province of reason in 
 
 ascertaining the doctrines of revelation ? 
 
 Would it be subservient to the interests of religion for 
 the Massachusetts Convention of Ministers to dis 
 cuss and decide the question, What constitutes a ,. % 
 Christian church ? 
 
 Oct. loth. Is 1 John 5 : 7 canonical, or an interpo 
 lation ? 
 
 To what must the ultimate appeal be made in estab 
 lishing the principles of interpretation ? 
 
 1823. June 17th. When are children too old to be baptized 
 
 on account of the faith of their parents ? 
 Does native depravity originate from a privative 
 cause ? 
 
 1824. April 27th. Meaning of Pilate s question to Christ, 
 
 " What is truth ? " 
 
 As the laws of this State permit individuals to join 
 any ecclesiastical society which they choose, ought 
 our churches and societies to make any exertions to 
 obtain an amendment to the laws, so that our 
 parishes may have the power of refusing such 
 applicants under certain circumstances ? 
 
 Ought a church member who has committed a public 
 offence worthy of discipline, to be required to make 
 a confession before the congregation ? 
 
 Oct. ISth. Is the agency of God the same in governing 
 the conduct of holy and unholy creatures ? 
 
 Can any particular method of ecclesiastical govern 
 ment be supported from the Scriptures ? 
 
 1825. April 26th. Had the Apostles and primitive Christians 
 
 6* 
 
66 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 uny apprehension that the end of the world was 
 nigh in their time ? 
 
 Have the ministers of Christ received authority froin 
 him to license candidates, and to ordain them to 
 the ministerial work? And does this authority 
 cease with the ordination ? 
 
 Oct. 25th. * What is the foundation for the common 
 arrangement of the books in the Bible ? 
 
 * May God both reward and punish a person for the 
 
 same conduct? 
 
 1827. April 2th. " By man came death," what death ? 
 
 : * What motives shall be used to induce creatures totally 
 selfish, to embrace the Gospel ? 
 
 1828. April 29th. Did our Saviour give thanks after eating ? 
 
 * What is the penalty of the divine law ? 
 
 1829. April 28th. * How are we to understand those pas 
 
 sages of the Scriptures which employ the term fire 
 in reference to future punishment ? 
 
 * Is there any rule by which we can determine what 
 
 proportion of our property ought to be devoted to 
 benevolent and religious purposes ? 
 
 1830. April 27th. * What do the Scriptures teach concern 
 
 ing the existence and agency of Devils ? 
 
 1831. Aug. 16th. *Are there any means of regeneration 
 
 appointed in the Scriptures to be used by unre- 
 newed sinners ? 
 
 Oct. 25th. * What are the Scriptural means to promote 
 revivals of religion ? 
 
 1832. April 2th. * Can man act independently ? 
 
 * Is it necessary to the moral government of God that 
 there be a penalty to the divine law ? If so, is this 
 penalty -efficient as a motive to induce sinners to 
 obey ? 
 
 1833. Aug. 20th. What is the Scriptural process of church 
 
 discipline ? 
 
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 67 
 
 1833. Oct. 29^. *Is it necessary that a complaint entered 
 against a brother in the church should specify all 
 the particular acts which it is designed to prove 
 against him, and the time when the censurable acts 
 were done ? 
 
 * Did Christ in the garden sweat drops of real blood ? 
 1835. April 2Sth. * Are believers rewarded on the same 
 
 ground on which they are forgiven ? 
 
 * Is it expedient for ministers to exchange labors very 
 
 frequently ? 
 
 What is the best method of constructing a sermon ? 
 
 Aug. 18th. Is the modern practice of settling minis 
 ters for a limited time, beneficial or prejudicial to 
 the interests of religion ? 
 
 * Does Romans* vii. ch. describe the feelings of the im- - 
 
 penitent sinner, or of the Christian ? 
 
 * Does the Holy Spirit renew the hearts of sinners 
 
 without the use of means ? If so, what is the evi 
 dence ? if not, what are the means ? 
 Oct. 28th. * Was the human soul of Christ saved by 
 grace, or was he admitted into heaven on account of 
 having yielded perfect obedience to the divine law ? 
 
 * Did Christ, in making atonement for sin, suffer in 
 
 his divine nature ? 
 
 1837. April 25th. What is the object of laying on of hands, 
 at ordination ? 
 
 * Can the consistency between divine and human agency 
 
 in the moral actions of men be seen ? 
 
 Aug. 15th. * Is there any distinction between justifi 
 cation and pardon ? 
 
 Nov. 2lst. * Meaning of" whom he did foreknow ?" 
 
 * What are we to understand by the intercession of Christ, 
 
 and what is its influence in the salvation of men ? 
 Why, previous to Christ, was transgression followed, 
 to so great an extent, with present penalty ? 
 
68 HISTORICAL APPEXDIX. 
 
 1838. April 2th. * What evidence is there that the books 
 
 contained in the common version of the Bible, are 
 the ones, and the only ones, which can justly claim 
 to be inspired ? 
 
 1839. April 30th. What is the meaning of sovereignty when 
 
 applied to God ? 
 Are protracted meetings on the whole a good measure 
 
 for promoting religion ? 
 Oct. 29^/z. Have Christians, in any case, a right to 
 
 defend themselves by force ? 
 
 * What is the real difference between Arminianism and 
 
 Calvinism ? 
 
 Is it desirable that our churches take any action 
 respecting communion w r ith slave-holders, or admit 
 ting them to the pulpit ? 
 
 1840. Aug. ISth. What is clerical etiquette, to be observed 
 
 between neighboring ministers ? 
 A man is a member of the church, and his wife is not. 
 
 He died before his child is baptized. Is that child 
 
 a subject of baptism ? And if so, who is to 
 
 present it ? 
 Oct. 27th. Is the dedication of a child by the parents, 
 
 an essential part of infant baptism ? 
 
 * What is the doctrine of professed modern Perfection 
 
 ism ? and is it taught in the Bible ? 
 
 1841. April 27th. * Is a literal return of the Jews to Pales 
 
 tine predicted in the Scriptures ? And if so, what 
 bearing have recent events in the East upon this 
 subject ? 
 
 * Is the exercise of love or any other affection at the 
 
 direct command of the will ? 
 Oct. IVth. Is any exercise of Christian affection perfect 
 
 in its character ? 
 Is it expedient and advisable to encourage and patron- 
 
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 69 
 
 ize missionary associations formed on the principle 
 of refusing the contributions of slave-holders ? 
 
 1842. April ISth. * What relation do baptized children sus 
 
 tain to the church ? 
 
 * Can a future state of existence be proved from the 
 Old Testament ? 
 
 Oct. 18th. * Does /3a.7rT%(a mean to purify, without refer 
 ence to the mode ? 
 
 1843. April 18th. * Do the Scriptures teach that there will 
 
 be a millennium of peculiar holiness and happiness 
 upon this earth ? 
 
 Aug. 15th. The duty of the church toward those mem 
 bers who neglect the ordinance of Infant Baptism ? 
 
 Have ministers a right to ordain for the Gospel minis- / to \ 
 try independently of the churches ? 
 
 Oct. 17th. * How far is the Cambridge Platform our 
 rule of discipline ? 
 
 Dec. 19th. How far ought the building of meeting 
 houses at the west to be aided by the churches at 
 the east ? 
 
 What advice shall a pastor give to the members of his 
 church going south, respecting their communion 
 with slave-holding churches ? 
 
 1844. April 16th. What are the political duties of pastors at 
 
 the present time ? 
 
 Aug. 20th. Is it consistent or right for Congregational 
 churches to admit as members those who disbelieve 
 in infant baptism ? 
 
 Oct. 15th. * Ought capital punishment to be abolished ? 
 
 Dec. 17th. What course of proceeding ought our 
 
 churches to take with those members who have 
 
 fallen into the errors and irregularities of Mil- 
 
 lerism ? 
 
 1815. April 8th. Is it right for a man to marry his paternal 
 half-brother s daughter ? 
 
70 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 1845. Aug. 12th. What is odd-fellowship? and what is the 
 
 duty of ministers and churches in reference to it? 
 Oct. llth. * Ought slave-holding to be treated by the 
 churches as other sins? 
 
 * What is the Bible view of infant salvation ? 
 
 1846. Jan. loth. * Did Christ suffer in his divine nature in 
 
 making atonement for sin ? 
 
 * What is the great end of punishment ? 
 
 April llth. * Does God experience any degree of suf 
 fering in connection with his perfect happiness ? 
 
 Shall the basis of organization of the General Associ 
 ation be so modified as to admit of a lay delegation ? 
 
 Aug. llth. * Does the New Testament authorize di 
 vorce for any other reason than adultery ? Or, if 
 the courts grant a bill of divorce for other reasons, 
 has the party which obtains a bill, a moral right to 
 marry again ? 
 
 Is God necessarily a good Being ? 
 
 Oct. 13th. Why cannot a member of a church, of his 
 own accord, leave the church ? 
 
 * What can we do as ministers of Christ to increase 
 each other s usefulness ? 
 
 1847. Jan. 12th. * Is the agency of God universal and 
 
 particular ? 
 
 What is our duty towards the " Evangelical Alli 
 ance ? " 
 
 April 13th. * Is there a succession of exercises in the 
 Divine Mind ? 
 
 Oct. 12th. Ought a minister to be a member of his 
 own church ? 
 
 * The significance and use of infant baptism? 
 
 1848. April l 2th. * What is the duty of ministers and 
 
 churches in relation to the order of the Sons of 
 Temperance and other secret societies ? 
 Aug. 22d. Is it advisable for our Congregational 
 
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION. 71 
 
 churches so to alter their creeds and covenants as 
 to admit persons as members, who deny that infant 
 baptism is a Scriptural rite ? 
 
 1848. Oct. lOrh. * Orthodoxy, the antagonist of superstition. 
 Have the majority of a church the right to contravene 
 
 its articles of faith and covenant, to accommodate 
 individuals, against the protest of a minority ? 
 
 1849. Jan. Wi. * Was Melchisedeck a divine person ? 
 
 Is it advisable to continue our separate county organ 
 izations for benevolent purposes ? 
 
 April 10th. * Review of" Dr. Smith on Infant Salva 
 tion." 
 
 Aug. lAth. * Is sin the necessary means of the greatest 
 good? 
 
 Oct. $th. Is it right for a Congregational church to 
 dismiss its members, and recommend them to a 
 Methodist church ? 
 
 1850. Jan. 8th. Is there any specific rule by which the 
 
 amount of our Christian charities, or pecuniary 
 benefactions, should be regulated ? 
 
 * What is the nature of the unpardonable sin ? 
 
 April 16th. Is an individual a proper subject of church 
 discipline who removes from a place where his 
 property remains, and where the Gospel is supported 
 by taxation, and who i signs off from the parish, in 
 order to avoid such taxation ? 
 
 Should a pastor leave a notice to be read by an ex 
 change, which he would not give himself? And if 
 so, who takes the responsibility ? 
 
 Is the prevalence of a universal language during the 
 Millennium predicted, as in Zeph. 3:9? 
 
 * What is the origin, propriety, and true signification of 
 
 the benediction, as practised in Christian assemblies ? 
 Aug. 13th. Are there any limitations of age in respect 
 to the subjects of household baptism ? 
 
72 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 1850. * Review of the Conventional Sermon by Prof. E. A. 
 
 Park." 
 Is congregational sitting a proper posture in public 
 
 prayer ? And what is ministerial duty in relation 
 
 to this practice ? 
 Oct. 8th. *The duty of ministers in regard to the 
 
 Fugitive Slave Bill/ or in regard to the fugitive 
 
 who in distress may come to us for protection ? 
 
 1851. Jan. Hth. *The household I crsus Socialism. 
 * History of the doctrine of Imputation. 
 
 April 15th. Is there any difference between common 
 and special grace ? and, if any, what ? 
 
 Aug. 13th. *What obedience to the husband do the 
 Scriptures enjoin on the wife, and what authority 
 do they give the husband over the wife ? 
 
 TEXTS OF EXEGETICAL ESSAYS. 
 
 As the date of their exhibition is of no consequence, they 
 are arranged in their order of occurrence in the Bible. 
 
 Gen. 1:1; 4:7; 1 : 27 ; 6:14. Psalms, 15 : 5 ; 68 : 30; 
 74:4. Proverbs, 16: 7; 25:2. Eccl. 7 : 29. Isaiah, 23 : 18; 
 42 : 19 ; 53 : 8; with Acts, 8 : 33 ; 66 : 22. Ezekiel, 24 : 13 ; 
 37 : 4. Zephaniah, 3 : 9. Matt. 6:10; 11:12; 12 : 43-5 ; 
 16: 28; 19:14; 26:39. Mark, 2:27-8. Luke, 10: 18; 
 11:9; 15:7; 18:8. John, 1 : 1 ; 1 : 9 ; 14 : 21 ; 16 : 8 ; 
 17:12; 19 : 11, 1. c. Acts, 3 : 21 ; 8 : 33 ; with Isa. 53 : 8. 
 Eomans, 3:4; 5: 14; 5 : 19 ; 6 : 23 ; 7 : 14 ; 8 : 16 ; 8 : 
 19-23 ; 9 : 3 ; 11 : 32. I. Corinthians, 3 : 23 ; 5 : 5 ; 11 : 3 ; 
 15:29. II. Corinthians, 5 : 1. Galatians, 4 : 22. Ephe- 
 sians, 6 : 4. Philippians, 3 : 11-12. II. Thessalonians, 1 : 9. 
 I. Timothy, 5 : 8. Hebrews, 2:11; 5:7; 13:17. James, 
 2: 10; I. Peter, 3: 19. II. Peter, 2: 1. I. John, 3: 9. 
 Revelation, 20 : 4-6 ; 20 : 5. 
 
APPROBATION OF CANDIDATES. 73 
 APPROBATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE MINISTRY. 
 
 At the date of the formation of this Association, the prac 
 tice of admitting only approved candidates to the sacred desk, 
 had been generally adopted. In the beginning it was not so. 
 The brethren of the church at Plymouth, gave leave to any of 
 their number to prophesy, subject to the regulation of the 
 Elders of the church, who thus ruled over them. In the 
 Massachusetts colony, the matter of prophesying early occu 
 pied the attention of the court. They first legislated upon 
 the subject of the pastoral office. 
 
 In 1651, The church in Maiden was fined for settling a 
 minister without icSnsuTtlng the neighboring churches. And 
 in 1653, the court forbade the settlement of Mr. Powell over 
 the second or north church in Boston, because he was not a 
 learned man. An order was also passed that no minister 
 should be called into office without the approbation and al 
 lowance of some of the magistrates as well as the neighbor 
 ing churches. A similar order was adopted respecting can 
 didates for the ministry. 
 
 "1653, May 18^. Ordered that no person shall begin to ; 
 preach or prophesy without the approbation of elders belong- / 
 ing to the four next churches or county court." 
 
 The church of Woburn, and also of Salem, remonstrated 
 against this order, on the ground that if they, the churches, 
 had the power of_election and ordinationjrf n^nistgrg^lkeyJtiad^ 
 the power of approbation also. 1 Cor. xiv. The order was 
 repealed.* 
 
 In certain proposals, assented to by delegates of associations 
 at a meeting in Boston 13th Sept. 1705, occur the follow- 
 in g recommendation : " That the Candidates of the Ministry 
 undergo a due Tryal by some one or other of the associations 
 
 * See this interesting petition of the Woburn church in Mass. Hist 
 Coll. Scries III. Vol. I, p. 39. 
 
 7 
 
74 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 concerning their qualifications for the Evangelical Ministry : 
 and that no particular Pastor or Congregation Imploy any one 
 in occasional preaching who has not been recommended by 
 -1JL testimonial under the hands of some association. * 
 
 On this proposition Rev. J. Wise of Ipswich, who so sar 
 castically reviewed the proposals, makes the following his 
 torical comment : " Their degrees, with the express testimony 
 of the college (when particularly desired), are sufficient tes 
 timonials of their learning : and the experience of their other 
 good gifts and ministerial qualifications, obtained by converse 
 and their occasional preaching has been the chief test and 
 tryal of our candidates ; and by these methods they have been 
 approbated in order to settlement in office-trust : and this 
 has been the custom of the country and churches for near 
 fourscore years,"* that is, from its settlement. 
 [The practice, however, of approbating candidates by Cleri- 
 /cal Associations obtained almost universally, though the other 
 proposals of the meeting above-mentioned failed of adoption. 
 In the Mendon Association, applicants for approbation to 
 preach the Gospel have, from the beginning, been subjected 
 to a thorough examination, as the first certificate already 
 inserted witnesseth. 
 
 The mode of ascertaining the candidate s qualifications and 
 ike form of certifying to them have hardly varied during the 
 century. 
 
 As to the mode, the following vote, passed June 7, 1785, 
 expresses the present practice. u Voted that for the future, 
 when any gentleman shall offer himself to this body, in order 
 for recommendation as a candidate for the Gospel Ministry, 
 the person thus offering himself shall first read a sermon ; 
 after which, secondly, there shall be a particular and systematic 
 examination of his knowledge in Divinity, and acquaintance 
 
 * See Wise s Church s Quarrel Espoused ; and Vindication of the 
 government of the N. E. Churches. 
 
FORM OF RECOMMENDATION. 75 
 
 
 
 with experimental religion : and thirdly, his design in preach 
 ing the Gospel." 
 
 The recommendation of convention of Congregational 
 Ministers at Boston, May 26, 1790, met the cordial approval 
 of Mendon Association, and agreement to admit none into 
 their pulpits to preach, except such as had been examined 
 and regularly approbated. 
 
 Certificates of approbation, at first, bore the signatures of 
 all the members of the association present. In 1794 they 
 were authenticated by the signatures of the moderator and 
 scribe, and so continue to be. The form adopted 1802, is 
 the latest recorded, and is still in use. 
 
 FORM OF RECOMMENDATION OF CANDIDATES FOR 
 THE MINISTRY. 
 
 At a meeting o f Mendon Association at the house of Rev. 
 
 , in , on the , Mr. appeared, and 
 
 requested to be recommended by the association to the 
 churches as a preacher of the Gospel, and a candidate for 
 the Christian Ministry. The association received authentic 
 testimonials of his regular membership in the church of 
 Christ, and of his having honorably completed a course of 
 academic education. They examined him with respect to 
 his views and feelings in contemplating to undertake this 
 work, his attainments in the knowledge of the leading doc 
 trines of Christianity, and his personal qualifications to per 
 form the duties which will devolve upon him. Finding him in 
 these several respects a person qualified, the association 
 deemed it expedient to comply with his request : and do 
 
 thereupon,- by these presents, recommend the said Mr. 
 
 - to the churches, to be employed by them as a candidate 
 for the Gospel Ministry, and to the patronage of the pastors of 
 the churches, for- this purpose. 
 
 Moderator. 
 
 Scribe. 
 
76 HISTORICAL APPENDIX 
 
 LICENTIATES. 
 
 LIST of persons approbated to preach the Gospel, with the 
 date of their approbation. The numbers refer to the Bio 
 graphic Index. Those starred became members of the 
 Association, and will be found, by the numbers in parentheses 
 at the end of the name, among the sketches of members. 
 
 1. * David Thurston, Nov. 8, 1751, (O. S.) (5.) 
 
 2. Moses Taft, Jan. 7, 1752, (0. S.) 
 
 3. Cornelius Jones, May 9, 1753. 
 
 4. Nathaniel Potter, May, 1754. 
 
 5. Joseph Dorr, jr. Aug. 11, 1756. 
 
 6. Asaph Rice, Aug. 11, 1756. 
 
 7. Benjamin Caryl, Sept, 8, 1761. 
 
 8. * Ebenezer Chaplin, June 4, 1764. (9.) 
 
 9. Ezekiel Emerson, June 5, 1764. 
 
 10. Silas Biglow, July 9, 1766. 
 
 11. Alexander Thayer, June 28, 1768. 
 
 12. Josiah Reed, June 3, 1777. 
 
 13. Elisha Fish, jr., Oct. 30, 1781. 
 
 14. Moses Warren, June 7, 1785. 
 
 15. Jacob Cram, June 7, 1785. 
 
 16. Solomon Aikin, June 7, 1785. 
 
 17. Enoch Pond, Oct. 3, 1786. 
 
 18. Walter Harris, June 17, 1788. 
 
 19. Reed Paige, June 2, 1789. 
 
 20. Elias Dudley, June 2, 1789. 
 
 21. Herman Daggett, Oct. 7, 1789. 
 
 22. Royal Tyler, Oct. 7, 1789. 
 
 23. Josiah Holbrook, Oct. 5, 1790. 
 
 24. Holloway Fish, Oct. 4, 1791. 
 
 25. John Morse, Feb. 14, 1792. 
 
 26. * Samuel Judson, June 5, 1792. (22.) 
 
 27. Nathaniel Hall, June 5, 1792. 
 
LICENTIATES. 77 
 
 28. John Fitch, June 5, 1792. 
 
 29. Eli Smith, Oct. 2, 1792. 
 
 30. William Jackson, June 4, 1793. 
 
 31. Kiah Bailey, June 3, 1794. 
 
 32. Abijah Wines, Jan. 13, 1795. 
 
 33. John Smith, Jan. 13, 1795. 
 
 34. Nathaniel Ogden, Oct. 14, 1795. 
 
 35. John Bowers Preston, Oct. 14, 1795. 
 
 36. Joseph Rowell, June 12, 1798. 
 
 37. * Nathan Holman, June 12, 1798. (26.) 
 
 38. Drury Fairbank, Aug. 15, 1798. 
 
 39. Leonard Worcester, March 12, 1799. 
 
 40. Joseph Emerson, June 9, 1801. 
 
 41. Nathan Waldo, jr. Oct. 13, 1801. 
 
 42. Levi Nelson, June 9, 1802. 
 
 43. Joseph Cheney, Oct. 13, 1802. 
 
 44. Sherman Johnson, Oct. 11, 1803. 
 
 45. * David Holman, jr. Oct. 9, 1804. (33.) 
 
 46. Gaius Conant, Oct. 9, 1804. 
 
 47. * Daniel Thomas, Oct. 9, 1804. (41.) 
 
 48. Stephen Chapin, Oct. 9, 1804. 
 
 49. Elnathan Walker, June 11, 1805. 
 
 50. Algernon Sidney Bailey, Oct. 14, 1806. 
 
 51. * Samuel Wood Colburn, Oct. 11, 1808. (35.) 
 
 52. Nathaniel Rawson, Jan. 10, 1809. 
 
 53. Isaac Perkins Lowe, Jan. 10, 1809. 
 
 54. Martin Moore, June 10, 1812. 
 
 55. John Burl Wight, Oct. 14, 1812. 
 
 56. * Josephus Wheaton, June 14, 1814. (38.) 
 
 57. Emerson Paine, June 14, 1814. 
 
 58. Enoch Pond, June 14, 1814. 
 
 59. * Alvan Cobb, Oct. 11, 1814. (37.) 
 
 60. Jonas Perkins, Oct. 11, 1814. 
 
 61. Stetson Raymond, Aug. 2, 1815. 
 
 62. Lot Bumpas Sullivan, Aug. 2, 1815 
 
 7* 
 
HISTOKICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 63. Moses Partridge, June 11, 1816. 
 
 64. John Luke Parkhurst, June 3, 1817. 
 
 65. Willard Holbrook, June 3, 1817. 
 
 66. Abel Manning, Feb. 9, 1818. 
 
 67. William Tyler, Oct. 6, 1818. 
 
 68. Jonathan Longley, June 1, 1819. 
 
 69. David Brigham, June 1, 1819. 
 
 70. Zolva Whitmore, Oct. 5, 1819. 
 
 71. * Sewall Harding, Oct. 5, 1819. (61.) 
 
 72. Silas Shores, June 6, 1820. 
 
 73. John Milton Putnam, June 6, 1820. 
 
 74. George Fisher, Oct. 3, 1820. 
 
 75. * John Ferguson, June 5, 1821. (42.) 
 
 76. * Moses Thacher, June 19, 1822. (43.) 
 
 77. Augustus Brown Reed, Oct. 15, 1822. 
 
 78. Levi Packard, Oct. 15, 1822. 
 
 79. * James Ormsbee Barney, June 17, 1823. (44.) 
 
 80. Henry Harrison Fayette Sweet, Oct. 21, 1823. 
 
 81. * Tyler Thacher, April 26, 1825. (64.) 
 
 82. James Tisdale, Oct. 25, 1825. 
 
 83. Lucius Watson Clark, Oct. 31, 1826. 
 
 84. Sylvester Graham, Oct. 31, 1826. 
 
 85. * Charles Jarvis Warren, Oct. 30, 1827. (47.) 
 
 86. Cyrus Whitman Conant, Oct. 30, 1827. 
 
 87. William Harlow, Oct. 30, 1827. 
 
 88. *Elam Smalley, Oct. 28, 1828. (49.) 
 
 89. Gilbert Fay, Oct. 28, 1828. 
 
 90. John Forbush, Dec. 31, 1829. 
 
 91. Varnum Noyes, April 27, 1830. 
 
 92. Isaac Erwin Heaton, Oct. 28, 1834. 
 
 93. Thomas Edwards, Aug. 16, 1836. 
 
 94. Eli Thurston, Aug. 16, 1836. 
 
 95. Charles Turner Torrey, Oct. 25, 1836. 
 
 96. Elnathan Davis, Oct. 25, 1836. 
 
 97. John Dwight, Jan. 25, 1837. 
 
LICENTIATES. 79 
 
 ; 
 
 98. * Mortimer Blake, April 24, 1838. (56.) 
 
 99. Edmund Dowse, April 24, 1838. 
 
 100. * Charles Chamberlain, Aug. 21, 1838. (75.) 
 
 101. * Samuel Hunt, Aug. 21, 1838. (76.) 
 
 102. * Daniel Jefferson Poor, Aug. 20, 1839. (55.) 
 
 103. William Phipps, jr. Aug. 20, 1839. 
 
 104. Jonathan Grout, April 28, 1840. 
 
 105. Joseph Homes Bailey, Aug. 16, 1842. 
 
 106. * Preston Pond, jr. August 16, 1842. (73.) 
 
 107. Richard Cecil Spofford, Aug. 16, 1842. 
 
 108. Horace Deane Walker, Oct. 18, 1842. 
 
 109. Abraham Jenkins, jr. Aug. 15, 1843. 
 
 110. Edward Pratt, Dec, 19, 1843. 
 
 111. Malachi Bullard, jr. Dec. 19, 1843. 
 
 112. Allen Lincoln, April 16, 1844. 
 
 113. William Makepeace Thayer, Oct. 16, 1844. 
 
 114. James M. Bacon, Dec. 17, 1844. 
 
 115. Josiah Lyman Armes, Aug. 12, 1845. 
 
 116. Ezra Newton, jr. April 14, 1846. 
 
 117. Hiram Clark Daniels, Aug. 11, 1846. 
 
 118. John Wheeler Harding, April 11, 1848. 
 
 1 19. Frederick Augustus Fiske, Aug. 14, 1849. 
 
 120. Henry Lobdell, Aug. 13, 1851. 
 
 121. John Edwin Corey, Nov. 19, 1851. 
 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 A LIST of the members of Mendon Association, with the 
 dates of their admission and dismission. Those starred died 
 in connection. Those marked (|) were dismissed on re 
 moval elsewhere. 
 
 1. * JOSEPH DORK, "] 
 
 2. * NATHAN WEBB, I Original members, Nov. 8, 
 
 3. * AMARIAH FROST, \ 1751, O. S. 
 
 4. * ELISHA FISH. 
 
80 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 
 
 "5. f David Thurston, admitted May, 1754. 
 G. * David Hall, D. D. 
 
 7. t Aaron Hutchinson, May 10, 1757. 
 
 8. f Caleb Barnum, June 4, 1764. 
 
 9. * Ebenezer Chaplin, Oct. 8, 17G5. 
 
 10. * Isaac Stone, May or June, 1772. 
 
 11. * David Sanford, 
 
 12. * Nathaniel Emmons, D.D., between 1773 and 1781. 
 
 13. * Elijah Fitch, 
 
 14. f Josiah Spaulding, 1772 ; dismissed 1787. 
 
 15. t John Crane, D. D., Oct. 7, 1783 ; dis. Oct. 6, 18.18.* 
 
 16. t David Avery, Oct. 3, 1786 ; dis. 1796. 
 
 17. t Caleb Alexander, Oct. 3, 1786 ; dis. 1803. 
 
 18. * Timothy Dickinson, June 1, 1790. 
 
 19. t Edmund Mills, June 7, 1791 ; dis. Oct. 6, 1818.* 
 
 20. t John Robinson, June 5, 1792 ; dismissed 1815. 
 
 21. * Nathaniel Howe, June 5, 1792. 
 
 22. t Samuel Judson, Oct. 2, 1793 ; dism. Oct. 6, 1818.* 
 
 23. * John Wilder, June 3, 1794. 
 
 24. f Benjamin Wood, Oct. 11, 1797 ; dism. Oct. 6, 1818.* 
 
 25. * John Cleveland, March 12, 1799. 
 
 26. t Nathan Holman, Dec. 10, 1800 ; dismissed 1825. 
 
 27. f Otis Thompson, " 
 
 28. * David Long, June 9, 1801. 
 
 29. * Elisha Fiske, June 8, 1802. 
 
 30. t Samuel Austin, D. D. ; dismissed 1805. 
 
 31. f William Warren, Oct. 9, 1804. 
 
 32. t Preserved Smith, June 15, 1808 ; dismissed, 1812. 
 
 33. f David Holman, June 13, 1809 ; dism. Oct. 6, 1818.* 
 
 34. f Elisha Rock wood, Oct. 9, 1810. " " 
 
 35. f Samuel Wood Colburn. 
 
 36. Jacob Ide, D. D., May 16, 1815. 
 
 37. t Alvan Cobb, ; dism. April 29, 1834. 
 
 * See note, at the end of this list. 
 
LIST OF MEMBERS. 81 
 
 38. * Josephus Wheaton, Oct. 8, 1816. 
 
 39. Thomas Williams, June 3, 1817; dism. Oct. 25, 1825; 
 
 and readmitted, April 15, 1851. 
 
 40. * Calvin Park, D. D., June 5, 1821. 
 4 l.f Daniel Thomas, " 
 
 42. t John Ferguson, June 18, 1822. 
 
 43. t Moses Timelier, Oct. 21, 1823. 
 
 44. t James Ormsbee Barney, Oct. 19, 1824. 
 
 45. t Willard Pierce, April 26, 1825. 
 
 46. t Charles Fitch, April 25, 1826. 
 
 47. t Charles Jams Warren, Ap. 29, 1828 ; dis. Ap. 29, 
 
 1834. 
 
 48. t Preston Cummings, Oct. 28, 1828. 
 
 49. t Elam Smalley, D.D., Oct. 27,1829; dis.Aug.19,1840. 
 
 50. t Amos Augustus Phelps, Oct. 26, 1830. 
 
 51. t Harrison Greenough Park, Oct. 29, 1833. 
 
 52. t Asahel Bigelow, Oct. 28, 1834; dis. Aug. 21,1838. 
 
 53. David Sanford, April 30, 1838. 
 
 54. t Tertius Dunning Southworth, Aug. 20, 1839 ; dis. 
 
 Oct. 8,1850. 
 
 55. Daniel Jefferson Poor, April 28, 1840. 
 
 56. Mortimer Blake, Aug. 18, 1840. 
 
 57. f Moses Gill Grosvenor, Oct. 19,1841. 
 
 58. Thomas T. Richmond, April 18, 1843. 
 
 59. Timothy Dwight Porter Stone, Aug. 15, 1843. 
 
 60. f David R. Barnes, " " 
 
 61. Sewall Harding, Oct. 17, 1843. 
 
 62. Andrew Hunter Reed, " 
 
 63. Horace James, Dec. 19, 1843. 
 
 64. t Tyler Thacher, Aug. 20, 1844; dis. Oct. 8, 1850. 
 
 65. f Smith B.Goodenow, Dec.17,1844 ; dis. Oct.12,1847. 
 
 66. Charles Simmons, April 18, 1843. 
 
 67. f Calvin White, Aug. 12, 1845. 
 
 68. f Oramel W. Cooley, Aug. 22, 1848; dism. Nov. 19, 
 
 1851. 
 
82 HISTORICAL APPENDIX. 
 
 69. t Henry Lewis Bullen, April 12, 1848. 
 
 70. William Barnes, Oct. 10, 1848. 
 
 71. Joshua Thomas Tucker, Aug. 14, 1849. 
 
 72. Preston Pond, jr. Jan. 8, 1850. 
 
 73. George Harrison Newhall, Oct. 8, 1850. 
 
 74. Charles Chamberlain, " 
 
 75. Samuel Hunt, Jan. 14, 1851. 
 
 76. John Haskell, " " 
 
 77. Asa Hixon, April 15, 1851. 
 
 NOTE. In 1818, Oct. 6th, six members obtained a dismission, for 
 the purpose of forming another Association. Their request is thus 
 recorded : 
 
 NORTIIBRIDGE, OCT. 5, 1818. 
 BRETHREN, 
 
 We, the subscribers, members of Mendon Association, wish, 
 on account of local conveniences, to form another Association by 
 ourselves, and with such others as may wish to unite with us ; and 
 ask, that the body with which we are now connected will grant us 
 this request. 
 
 At the same time, we wish to have it understood, that we retain 
 the same fraternal affection which has ever subsisted among us. 
 We remain yours, brethren, with affection and esteem, 
 
 JOHN CRANE, 
 EDMUND MILLS, 
 SAMUEL JUDSON, 
 BENJAMIN WOOD, 
 ELISHA ROCKWOOD, 
 DAVID HOLMAN. 
 
 Thus and then originated the Harmony Association. 
 
LIST OF TOWNS, ETC. 
 
 83 
 
 LIST OF TOWNS, 
 
 
 
 Which have been ministerially connected with the Mendon 
 Association. 
 
 Abington. 
 
 Milford. 
 
 Attleboro . 
 
 Milbury. 
 
 " East. 
 
 Northbridge. 
 
 Dedham, South. 
 
 Behobotk. 
 
 Dighton. 
 
 Seekonk. 
 
 Douglas. 
 
 Stoughton. 
 
 Dover. 
 
 Sutton. 
 
 Foxboro . 
 
 Taunton, West. 
 
 Franklin. 
 
 Upton. 
 
 Grafton. 
 
 Uxbridge. 
 
 Holliston. 
 
 Walpole. 
 
 Ilopkinton. 
 
 Westboro . 
 
 Mansfield. 
 
 Worcester, South. 
 
 Medfield. 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 Medway, West. 
 
 North. 
 
 East. 
 
 
 Village. 
 
 Mendon. 
 
 Total, 33. 
 
 PRESENT TERKITOKIAL EXTENT. 
 
 Dover. 
 Foxboro . 
 Franklin. 
 Holliston. 
 Mansfield. 
 Medfield. 
 Medway, West. 
 East. 
 
 Medway Village. 
 
 Mendon. 
 
 Milford. 
 
 Walpole. 
 
 Wrentham. 
 
 North. 
 
 Total, 14. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 MEMBERS OF MENDON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 THE authorities for these sketches are the Quarterly Reg 
 ister, Hist, and Geneal. Register, Panoplist, Mass. Hist. Col 
 lections, Ordination and Funeral Sermons in the Library of 
 Brown University, and elsewhere, newspaper obituaries, and 
 an extensive correspondence with the persons themselves, 
 or their successors and descendants. For this last valuable 
 assistance, the compiler would here express his acknowledg 
 ments. 
 
 He has taken the liberty of rearranging articles, when 
 needful, to adapt them to one common form. Dates are 
 given in the style of their own time of occurrence. The 
 sketches are as complete as he had the means of making 
 them, without delaying the publication of the work too long 
 beyond its occasion. And he would take this opportunity to 
 request any corrections or additional information, which may 
 be with those into whose hands this book may fall, to be for 
 warded to him, to be placed in the care of the Association 
 for future use. Particularly, genealogical items will be valu 
 able. 
 
 1. REV. JOSEPH DORR, 
 
 Was the youngest son except one, of Rev. Edward and 
 Elizabeth Dorr, and was born in Roxbury about 1689.* He 
 
 * Eer. Edward Dorr had the following children : 1st. Edward, born 
 
REV. JOSEPH DORR. 85 
 
 graduated at Harvard 1711, and received the degree of A. M. 
 in course. He was ordained over the church in Mendon, 
 25 Feb. 171 G, and continued in the ministry there until his 
 death, 9 March, 1768, aged 79. 
 
 Mr. Dorr s predecessor in the pastoral office, was Rev. 
 Grindal Rawson, (youngest son and child of Edward Rawson, 
 the famous secretary of the Massachusetts Colony from 1650 
 to 1686,) whose daughter, Mary, he married 9 April, 1724. 
 Her mother was Susanna, daughter of Rev. John Wilson of 
 Medlield, and granddaughter of Rev. John Wilson, the first 
 minister of Boston. By this alliance he also became con 
 nected with the celebrated John Hooker, and Edmund Grin 
 dal, the renowned Archbishop of Canterbury, of the reign of 
 Queen Elizabeth.* 
 
 Mendon Association certainly had good Puritan blood in 
 the family of its first moderator. 
 Mr. Dorr s children were : 
 
 1. Mary, b. 6 June, 1725, the wife of Rev. Moses Taft. 
 (See Licentiates, No. 2.) 
 
 2. Joseph Jr., b. 24 May, 1730. (See Licentiates, No. 4.) 
 
 3. Katharine, b. 8 March, 1732, and married Rev. Ezekiel 
 Emerson. (See Licentiates, No. 9.) 
 
 4. Susanna, b. 4 Sept., 1784, and married Rev. Amariah 
 Frost. [See Members, No. 3.] 
 
 Mrs. Dorr was born 22 June, 1699, and died 9 April, 1776, 
 aged 77. 
 
 Nov. 15, 1683. 2nd. Ebenczer, b. 25 Jan., 1687. 3d. Joseph, b. about 
 1689, or 90, (birth not recorded.) 4th. Edward, b. Oct. 19, 1692. 
 Church Records of Roxbury. Of the father, no notice has been found. 
 He is not mentioned amongst the ministers of Roxbury by Farmer, 
 and yet his great grandson. E. Frost, M. D., of Mcriden, N. H., asserts 
 him to be a clergyman. Was Edward, the minister of Hartford, the 
 maternal uncle of Dr. E. D. Griffin, his eldest son, and did the title of 
 Rev. belong to the son instead of the father ? 
 
 * Hist, and Geneal. Register, Vol. Ill, p. 201 and 310. 
 8 
 
86 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Dorr s character is thus summarily expressed 
 upon his tombstone. " He was endowed with good sense. 
 His temper was mild and placid. He excelled in the virtues 
 of meekness, patience, temperance, sobriety, gravity, bene 
 volence, and charity ; was a good scholar, a learned divine, 
 and exemplary Christian." 
 
 The above facts are all which an extensive inquiry has 
 elicited respecting the projector and first moderator of our 
 Association. That he sympathized with the revival of 1740, 
 and with Edwardean sentiments, is a rational inference from 
 the fact of his signature to the "testimony" in favor of that 
 work of grace. The ministerial character of his family 
 argues its decided piety and intelligence. Nothing is known 
 of his publications, or of the success of his ministry. 
 
 2. REV. NATHAN WEBB 
 
 Graduated at Harvard, 1725; was ordained over the 
 church in Uxbridge, 3 February, 1731 ; and died there in 
 the pastoral office, 14 March, 1772, in the 67th year of his 
 age, and 41st of his ministry. He was consequently born 
 about 1707 ; where, it has not been ascertained. He married 
 Elizabeth (Pratt?) 
 
 His widow subsequently married, November, 1773, Isaac 
 Coit, Esq., a very respectable citizen of Plainfield, Ct., a 
 widower of 59, and without children. He died, still without 
 issue, 23 April, 1776. His widow, formerly Mrs. Webb, 
 then married, 30 November, 1779, a Rev. Mr. Jones of 
 Western.* 
 
 The following is the inscription upon Mr. Webb s grave 
 stone : 
 
 * Letter of Rev. R. C. Learned, Canterbury, Ct. 
 
E E V . A M A 11 1 A H FROST. 87 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE 
 
 REVEREND AND LEARNED NATHAN WEBB, 
 
 PASTOR OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, 
 
 IN UXBRIDGE : 
 
 Who, after a laborious life in the Gospel Ministry, Resigned his 
 
 Ministerial office in God s Sanctuary for the sublime Employments 
 
 of Immortality, March 14, 1772 ; In the 67th year of his age, 
 
 And the 42nd year of his Ministry. 
 
 MEMENTO MORI.* 
 3. REV. AMARIAH FROST 
 
 Was the son of Mr. Samuel and Elizabeth (Rice) Frost, 
 and was born in Framingham, 4 October, 1720. He gradu 
 ated at Harvard 1740, and A. M., was ordained over the 
 second church in Mendon, (now Milford,) 21 December, 
 1743, and died 14 March, 1792, aged seventy-two years. 
 
 The following interesting document, in his own hand 
 writing, is copied from the church-records of Milford : 
 
 " A record of my genealogy, as far as I can trace it back 
 according to the best accounts received by tradition : 
 
 u JOHN FROST of England, in the time of the Nonconform 
 ists, wherein a great number were silenced in England, was 
 one of them. Two of his sons came to America, fled for 
 refuge to this then savage wilderness, to escape the more 
 savage oppression and enjoy the freedom of Englishmen* 
 Samuel Frost, my father, of Framingham, in the county of 
 Middlesex, and province of Massachusetts Bay, in New 
 England, was a descendant of the fifth generation, ( ut puto).\ 
 
 * Letter of Rev. J. J. Abbot, Uxbridge. 
 
 t Dr. Elias Frost, of Plainfield, N. II, furnishes the following 
 grounds of this " puto." 
 
 1. Rev. John Frost, the silenced non-conformist, whose two sons, 
 Nicholas and Edmund^ came to America, about 1635 ; of whom, Nicholas 
 settled in Portsmouth, N. H. 
 
 2. Edmund Frost settled at Cambridge, and was ruling elder in Rev. 
 
88 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 My mother was a Rice, the daughter of Dea. Rice of Fra- 
 mingham aforesaid, and was descended from the Walkers of 
 England, (mother s side). I, Amariah Frost, of Mendoh, 
 (Millriver,) now Milford, in the county of Worcester, was 
 born at Framingham. in the county of Middlesex, 4 October, 
 1720. Married Esther Messinger, daughter of Rev. Henry 
 Messinger, of Wrenthan, county of Suffolk, (now Norfolk,) 
 27 April, 1747." 
 
 By this marriage, Rev. Mr. Frost had five children ; the 
 first, Esther, died you/ig. The others were as follows : 
 
 2. Amariah, b. 5 Feb. 1750. H. U. 1770, and preached 
 some time in Ward. He died in Sanford, Me. 
 
 3. Sarah, b. 24 May, 1751 ; and married Rev. Hezekiah 
 Taylor of New Fane, Vt. 
 
 4. Olive, b. 19 February, 1753; and married Dr. Samuel 
 Willard, an eminent physician of Uxbridge. 
 
 5. Elizabeth, b. 6 September, 1754; and married Dr. 
 Isaac Brigham of Milford. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Frost s wife died 5 January, 1778. He then 
 married Susanna, the youngest daughter of Rev. Joseph 
 Dorr, of Mendon, and had two children. The first, Mary, 
 died young. The second, Elias, was born 10 January, 1782. 
 Fitted for college at Leicester, and with Dr. Crane of North- 
 
 Thomas Shepard s church ; and who had children, 1. John, horn in 
 England. 2. James, Dea at Billcrica, and died 12 August, 1711, aged 
 74. 3. Samuel ; and 4. Joseph. 
 
 3. John Frost, the child immigrant, supposed to have a son, Thomas, 
 who took 300 acres of land in Framingham in 1700. 
 
 4. Thomas Frost had sons, Thomas, jr, and doubtless Samuel. 
 
 5. Samuel Frost, the fifth generation from Rev. John, the non-con 
 formist, and father of Rev. Amariah Frost of Milford. He married 
 Elizabeth Rice, and had seven children. 1. Kcziah, horn 1 Dec. 1711. 
 2. Bezaleel, horn 8 September, 1713. 3. Samuel, horn 13 Dec. 1715, 
 and married Rebecca How. 4. Amasa, born 24 Jan. 1717. 5. Ama 
 riah, born 4 Oct. 1720. 6. Elizabeth, born 10 May, 1724, and married 
 Isaac Cutler. 7. Lois, 2 Oct. 1732, and married Phinehas Goodcnow. 
 
REV. BLISHA FISH. 89 
 
 bridge. Graduated at Brown University, 1804. A. M. and 
 M. D. in 1824. He has since extensively practised medicine 
 in Plainfield, N. H., where he now resides. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Frost was again deprived of his wife, 21 June, 
 1783 ; and he married Mrs. Sarah Adams, who survived him. 
 
 Mr. Frost was reputed an excellent man, and one of the 
 most popular preachers of his age. It is a sufficient indica 
 tion of his reputation, and of his attainments, to state, that 
 he was extensively resorted to as an instructor of young 
 men, fitting for college and for the ministry. A list of his 
 pupils is not preserved. But among them were, his son 
 Amariah, Thomas Haven, son of Rev. Elias Haven of 
 Franklin, and settled in Reading 2d church, and Hezekiah 
 Taylor, afterwards of New Fane ; and also Alexander 
 Scammel, one of the aids of General Washington in the 
 Revolution. 
 
 None of his works were published, save the charge at the 
 ordination of Mr. T. Dickinson, Holliston, the last charge 
 he ever gave. 
 
 4. REV. ELISHA FISH 
 
 Was the son of Mr. Moses Fish, a respectable farmer of 
 Groton, Ct. He was born 1719; graduated at Harvard 
 1750, and A. M., and was ordained over the church in Upton, 
 o June, 1751. He continued in the pastoral office forty-four 
 years, and died 6 August, 1795, aged seventy-six years. 
 He married Hannah Fobes, the daughter pf Dea. Fobes of 
 Westboro , by whom he had nine children, six of whom 
 survived him, viz : 
 
 1. Martha, married Page. 
 
 2. Abigail, married Elijah Warren. 
 
 3. Elisha, jr., (v. Licentiates, No. 13.) 
 
 4. Holloway, (v. Licentiates, No. 24.) 
 
 5. Henry, married a Holmes. 
 
 8* 
 
90 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 6. Eunice, married Rev. Mr. Langdon, and now lives with 
 Wm. Fay of Cincinnati, her son-in-law. 
 
 Mr. Fish s characteristics have been thus laconically 
 summed up ; " He was a grave and good man of the Puritan 
 stamp ; gave himself wholly to the ministry ; was soundly 
 orthodox ; governed his own household, the church of God, 
 and his own tongue and passions." * 
 
 The following extracts from his funeral sermon, by his 
 long-tried and intimate friend, Dr. Emmons, may be consid 
 ered just : 
 
 " The better to prepare him for His own service, God was 
 pleased to give him, for a long time, most clear and distress 
 ing views of the enmity, malignity, and total corruption of 
 the human heart. 
 
 " Being persuaded it was his duty to preach the Gospel, 
 he surmounted peculiar difficulties, and obtained a liberal 
 education. And as soon as he had finished his academical 
 course, he immediately offered himself as a candidate to the 
 work, to which his heart had been long and zealously 
 attached. 
 
 " Being understandingly and heartily attached to the pe 
 culiar doctrines of grace, he made them the common subjects 
 of his public discourses. He made a point of explaining the 
 Gospel, and of giving his hearers a clear, connected, and 
 extensive view of the great scheme of redemption. He 
 possessed the rare talents of a good casuist. 
 
 " He annually visited every family in his whole congrega 
 tion, in order to -know the state of his flock. 
 
 " He carried his religion into all places and into all com 
 panies. His house appeared like a bethel ; especially on the 
 Sabbath, for which he maintained and inculcated a most 
 sacred reverence. His veracity and integrity were never, 
 perhaps, so much as called in question. 
 
 * Letter of Rev. W. Warren, Upton. 
 
REV. DAVID TIIURSTOX. 91 
 
 " His occasional publications served the cause of liberty 
 and religion. And his vigorous exertions in ecclesiastical 
 councils did essential benefit to the churches of Christ. 
 
 " Mr. Fish seldom wrote his sermons. 
 
 O. REV. DAVID TIIURSTOX 
 
 Was the second son of Daniel and Deborah (Pond) 
 Thurston, of Wrentharn, where he was born, 9 May, 172G.* 
 He graduated at the college of New Jersey, Princeton, 1751. 
 He received an invitation to settle in West Medway, 5 March, 
 1752, which he accepted 29 April, and was ordained 23 
 June, 1752. Ilev. Nathan Bucknam, of the first church, 
 preached the ordination-sermon. Owing to the ill health of 
 Mr. Thurston, and some difficulties, supposed to grow out of 
 the revival of 1740, with which some did not sympathize, he 
 was led to ask a dismission. This event took place 22 Feb. 
 17G9, after he had been settled nearly 17 years. Mr. T. 
 was never resettled. In the spring of 1772, he removed 
 with his family to Oxford, where he purchased a farm, for 
 which he paid 700.f 
 
 He subsequently removed to Auburn, and finally to Button, 
 where he died 5 May, 1777. He was the father of five 
 children. 
 
 1. Susan, married and died in Oxford, September, 1798. 
 Her children are in New York State. 
 
 2. Paul, settled in Harvard, and died September, 1797. 
 Some of his descendants are living in Maine. 
 
 3. Elihu, with his brother, 
 
 4. Abijah, were in the Continental army. Both belonged 
 
 * His father was born 20 November. 1693, and was the son of Tho 
 mas and Esther Thurston, one of the first settlers of the town. Rev. 
 II. James, Wrentham. 
 
 t Rev. L. Wright s Century Sermon. 
 
92 BIOGllAPIIICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 to the same company, and were killed in the same battle, 
 August, 1777. 
 
 5. Nathan, died in Oxford, about 1817, and left a numer 
 ous and respectable posterity.* 
 
 The inscription on Rev. Mr. Thurston s tombstone in 
 Auburn is as follows, verbatim : 
 
 IX MEMORY OF THE 
 
 REV. MR. DAVID THURSTON, 
 
 WHO DIED MAY 5 ;h 1777, 
 IN THE 51 st YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
 
 WAS PASTOR OF THE 2 nd CHURCH IN MEDWAY MANY YEARS. 
 
 Sweet is the memory of those 
 For whom Christ died ; yea. has arose, 
 And broke the bonds of Death and hell, 
 That they with Him in Heaven may dwell.! 
 
 During the ministry of Mr. Thurston, 79 persons were 
 admitted to the church, and 23 owned the covenant with 
 reference to baptism. 
 
 No materials are in our possession for forming an opinion 
 of Mr. Thurston s literary abilities. He is remembered as 
 not efficient enough to combat and overcome the difficulties 
 in his infant church. He yielded to them, and escaped by 
 resignation. No writings of his are known to exist, as any in 
 dex to his attainments as a theologian, or skill as a preacher. 
 
 6. REV. DAVID HALL, D. D. 
 
 Was the son of Joseph Hallj and his wife Hannah (Mil 
 ler) Hall, and was born in Yarmouth, 5 August, 1704 ; 
 
 * Letter of Mr. Geo. F. Daniels, Oxford. 
 t Letter of Mr. D. Green, Auburn. 
 
 J Dr. Hall descended from John Hall, who came from Coventry in 
 the north of England, about 1630 ; first settled in Charlestown, then 
 
REV. DAY ID II ALL. 93 
 
 graduated at Harvard 1724, and A. M., and received the 
 honorary degree of S. T. D., Dartmouth, 1777. In Nov. 
 1729, Mr. Hall commenced supplying the pulpit in Sutton, 
 just vacated by Rev. Mr. McKinstry. On the 7th of March, 
 the church gave him a call to settle, which the town agreed 
 to March 2Gth, and he was ordained over the church in 
 Sutton, 15 Oct. 1729. Rev. Mr. Williams, of Weston, 
 preached. He labored here until his death, 8 May, 1789, 
 in his 85th year, and the 60th year of his ministry. 
 
 Dr. Hall married, 24 June, 1731, Elizabeth Prescott, 
 daughter of Doct. Jonathan and Rebecca (Bulkley) Prescott 
 of Concord. She was daughter of Peter Bulkley, Esq., 
 and grand-daughter of Rev. Peter Bulkley. They had 12 
 children. 
 
 1. David, born 5 May, 1732 ; married Mary Barrett of 
 Stowe ; merchant in Sutton ; removed to Windsor, Vt. ; and 
 died in Woodstock, Vt., while on a visit. 
 
 2. Elizabeth, born 17 February, 1734. Married to Col. 
 John Hale of Sutton, physician ; settled in Hollis, N. H, 
 where she died, over 90 years of age. 
 
 3. Rebecca, born 1 September, 1736. Married 30 Oct. 
 1760, to Rev. Aaron Putnam of Pomfret, Ct. ; was killed by 
 a fall from -her carriage, 17 July, 1773. Left two children, 
 Rebecca, second wife of Doct. Samuel F. Morse of Sutton, 
 and Aaron P. jr. 
 
 4. Mary, born, 14 December, 1738. Married to Col. John 
 Putnam of Sutton, and had eleven children, of whom was 
 Doct, John P. of Upton. 
 
 5. Hannah, born 3 August, 1740. Married to Capt. Asa 
 
 Yarmouth. lie married Miss Larncd, or, says another Ms., Bcthiah 
 Larnard, and had twelve sons. John, the eldest, had three sons, Joseph, 
 John, and Nathaniel. Joseph married Hannah Miller, daughter of 
 Rev. John Miller, first minister of Yarmouth, and had Joseph, Daniel, 
 Josiah, Da fid, above, Hannah, Priscilla, and Margary. Letters of Rev. 
 D. B. Hall, Cleaveland, N. Y., and Rev. G, Lyman, Sutton. 
 
94: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Grosvenor of Pomfret, Ct., and died at Reading, 1834, aged 
 ninety-four. 
 
 6. Sarah, born 15 Dec. 1742. Married to Gen. Jonathan 
 Chase of Cornish, N. H., his second wife. Her daughter 
 married to Doct. Smith, Medical Prof, at New Haven, and 
 was the mother of Doct. D. S. C. H. Smith, of Sutton, now 
 resident in Providence, R. I. 
 
 7. John, born 3 March, 1745 ; died 14 March following. 
 
 8. Benjamin, born 27 Feb. 174G. Married Elizabeth 
 Moseley of Sutton. Died at St. Albans, Yt., : at the house 
 of his son, about 1833. 
 
 9. Lucy, born 19 March, 1749. Married to Capt. Samuel 
 Pain of Randolph, Yt. 
 
 10. Joseph, born 8 September, 1751 ; H. U. 1774; mar 
 ried Chloe Grosvenor, daughter of Ebenezer G. of Pomfret, 
 Ct. For 30 years town-clerk, and for 50 years school teacher 
 in Sutton. Died 6 April, 1840, aged 89. 
 
 11. Jonathan, born 20 January, 175*i. Physician in Pom- 
 fret, Ct. 
 
 12. Deborah, born 5 March, 175G. Married 9 May, 1776, 
 to Rev. Daniel Grosvenor, of Grafton, brother of Joseph s 
 wife. Died, it is believed, in Petersham. She was mother 
 of Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor. [See Members, No. 57.] 
 
 Mrs. Hall, wife of Dr. Hall, died in Sutton, 7 Aug. 1803, 
 aged 89.* 
 
 A brief sketch, such alone as this work allows, cannot do 
 justice to the labors and character of Dr. Hall. 
 
 At his settlement, the church, of only 49 members, was in 
 a low state, and had just passed through serious troubles 
 with the former minister, a rigid Scotch Presbyterian. Ini 
 quity abounded, and piety was dim. But a mighty work of 
 grace soon began, which resulted in the addition of two 
 hundred and sixty-one members to the church, out of a popu- 
 
 * Letter of Rev. G. Lyman, Sutton. 
 
REV. DAV*-&AtL. 95 
 
 lation of about four hundred inhabitants.* Other periods 
 of interest followed at different dates. 
 
 With such rich fruits before him, Dr. Hall became an 
 earnest laborer in the vicinity, during the revival of 1740. 
 He was amongst its most powerful instruments ; and his labors 
 were greatly blessed. His diary from 1751 and onwards, 
 shows him to have been an eminently spiritual Christian, 
 and full of the one idea of bringing souls to Christ. He was 
 a pungent and popular preacher, and had great power over 
 his hearers. 
 
 As an illustration of the subduing influence of his preach 
 ing, take his account of a sermon in a private house, where 
 opposition was strongly felt towards him. " When I came 
 there, I seemed welcome to but few. But before the sermon 
 was over, there seemed to fall such a shower as softened 
 every heart. They now discovered wonderful affection ; 
 and almost the whole number of Christians present were 
 unable to refrain from some uncommon discoveries of it. 
 I exhorted them after preaching, and the power of God 
 seemed to descend ; some careless sinners, especially one 
 young man, were brought under strong convictions. All the 
 prejudice conceived by some brethren against me vanished 
 away ; and some of them discovered deep anguish of heart 
 for their sin therein." 
 
 It is sufficient commendation of Dr. Hall s public reputa 
 tion amongst his contemporaries, to allude to the fact that he 
 was the intimate and esteemed friend of Rev. Jonathan Ed 
 wards, of Northampton. He was a member of the council 
 called to dismiss the latter, and was afterwards addressed in 
 a letter of confession, by one of President Edwards s opposing 
 parishioners.f 
 
 * For an account of this revival, see Tracy s History of the Great 
 Awakening, p. 162. Also, Hist. Sermon of Sutton, by Eev. H. A. 
 Tracy. 
 
 t Sec Life of President Edwards, in his works, Vol. I. p. 42. 
 
96 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 "When president Bunn of New Jersey college died, Dr. Hall 
 was one of the candidates for the vacancy, to which his friend, 
 President Edwards, was elected. 
 
 It may be inferred, as was the fact, that the friend of Ed 
 wards and admirer of Whitefield was of the Edwardean school 
 in theology. Although it does not appear that, at any period 
 of his life, he devoted himself, with peculiar closeness, to the 
 study of theology as a science. He however received seve 
 ral young men into his family, and directed their theological 
 studies. Few of his writings are extant. Though frequently 
 requested to publish his discourses, it is not known that more 
 than two were ever committed to press : a thanksgiving ser 
 mon on the reduction of Canada, Oct. 17 60, and a half-century 
 sermon, 1779. 
 
 His epitaph is as follows : * 
 
 SACRED 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF 
 REV. DAVID HALL, D. D. 
 
 Who was ordained Pastor of the First Church of Christ 
 
 in Sutton, Oct. 15, 1729, and was 
 
 instant and laborious in the business of his office 
 
 until May 8, 1789, when he departed this life 
 
 in the eighty-fifth year of his age 
 
 and sixtieth of his ministry. 
 He was venerated in life, and lamented in death. 
 The grateful people of his charge have erected" this stone, 
 a monument of his virtues and their respect. 
 
 7. REV. AARON HUTCHINSON 
 
 Was born within the then town of Hebron, Ct., March, 
 1724, and graduated at Yale, 1747, and A. M. He was also 
 Dean scholar at New Haven, and " took the premium with- 
 
 * Letter of Be v. G. Lyman, Sutton. 
 
REV. AARON HUTC II INSON, 97 
 
 out a competitor appearing as rival." He received the de 
 gree of A. M. from Harvard, 1750 ; Dartmouth, 1780 ; and 
 New Jersey, 1794. He was ordained second pastor of the 
 church in Grafton, 6 June, 1750. Rev. Mr. Pumroy of He 
 bron preached. He was dismissed by the church 18 Nov., 
 1772, at his own request, though the town refused to concur 
 in the vote, and did not. He continued to reside in Grafton, 
 supplying vacant churches in the neighborhood, until 177&, 
 when he purchased a farm in Pomfret, Vt., and engaged to 
 supply, for five years, the towns of Pomfret, Woodstock, and 
 Hartford. On the 4th of July, 1776, he removed, with his 
 family of ten children, to Vermont, and resided on his farm, 
 preaching in the vicinity, often gratuitously, until his death. 
 This occurred 1 Sept., 1800, at the age of seventy-six and a 
 half years. During his long ministerial life, he was never 
 prevented from preaching, by ill nealth, but two Sabbaths; 
 and one of these was the last Sabbath before he died. He 
 preached at a funeral on Friday ; was but poorly able to get 
 home, and died the next Thursday, of a fever. 
 
 Mr. Hutchinson was a man of strong natural powers of 
 mind, and was considered a learned man and a good classical 
 scholar by his contemporaries. He was particularly remarka 
 ble for an extraordinary memory. It was of him that the 
 remark was made, If the Bible were destroyed, he could re 
 write it from memory. This, however, was more than true. 
 He could very nearly tell where any text was to be found. 
 He could repeat the whole of the New Testament.* He 
 often entered the pulpit and went through the whole service 
 without opening a book of any kind. He appointed his hymns 
 and recited them, as well as passages of Scripture, with en 
 tire confidence in his memory, and without mistake. 
 
 Mr. Hutchinson is known at this day chiefly as one of the 
 polemic writers of the last century. His controversy with 
 
 * Letter of Hon. Titus Hutchinson, Woodstock, Vt. 
 9 
 
98 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Tucker, of the First church, Newbury, on some of 
 the points of Arminianism, presents him as a high-toned Qal- 
 vinist, a zealous defender of the faith, and a vigorous writer. 
 In his personal habits, Mr. Hutchinson had many eccentrici 
 ties. " He was without grace or polish in his manners, and 
 his freedom, though he probably was not conscious of it him 
 self, must often have verged upon rudeness." He instructed 
 many youth in his family. Tradition avers that "his method 
 was to teach Latin and Greek, and probably other branches, 
 as he wrought in the field, his pupils being required to follow 
 him as he followed the plough. His classical attainments 
 and strong memory enabled him thus to cultivate mind and 
 mold at the same time. Both soils, we doubt not (says the 
 author we quote), were well tilled, though we may innocently 
 conjecture that the master^at the plough-handle would, now 
 and then, be guilty of an ungrammatical apocope, as the share 
 was caught with frequent jerks among the roots and rocks of 
 the rough new country. None but an accomplished linguist, 
 we are sure, could, under such circumstances, have adminis 
 tered Greek to the student and English to the cattle, in due 
 proportion and proper order, without confusion.* 
 
 Several printed sermons of Mr. Hutchinson are to be 
 found, viz. 
 
 Valor for the Truth. Newburyport, 27 April, 1767. 
 
 Sermon at Graft on, 23 Oct., 1768, (Sabbath after the exe 
 cution of Arthur, at Worcester). 
 
 Two Sermons at Grafton 15 Nov., 1772 (the last to his 
 people). 
 
 Sermon at Pelham, 28 Dec., 1773. 
 
 These sermons show him to have been a preacher of much 
 more than common power and influence. 
 
 Mr. Hutchinson married Miss Margary Carter, a native of 
 
 * See " Church Record," by Rev. E. B. Willson, Grafton. 
 
REV. AARON II UTCHINSON. 99 
 
 of his own town Hebron, Ct. She died 8 Aug., 1819, in her 
 ninetieth year. Their ten children were as follows. 
 
 1. Margary, m. Mr. Samuel Wadsworth, of Henniker, 
 N. H. 
 
 2. Mary, m. Aldrich. He died in the army, soon af 
 ter the revolutionary war commenced. She died in Pomfret, 
 Vt., June, 1789. 
 
 3. Aaron, Jr., H. U., 1770. Preached till his voice failed ; 
 then studied law and settled in Lebanon, N. H., where he 
 died, 1843. 
 
 4. William Samuel. Settled first in Pomfret ; then Pike, 
 Pa. 
 
 5. Susanna, unm., d. in Pomfret, July, 1848. 
 
 6. Joanna, m. Mr. Phinehas Davis, S. Stanstead, Canada. 
 
 7. Alexander, a retired merchant, still lives in Wood 
 stock, Vt. 
 
 8. Sarah, m. John McKenzie ; died, 1844. 
 
 9. Oliver, a merchant ; died, October, 1800. 
 
 10. Titus, grad. Vermont U. 1811. Lawyer and judge; 
 still living in Woodstock. 
 
 Two of the above children still live : Alexander, who will 
 be eighty-eight next July 4th, and Titus, who will be eighty- 
 one next April 29th. The others all died at an advanced 
 
 Inscription upon the gravestone of Rev. Mr. Hutchinson. 
 
 Here lie the relicts of 
 REV. AARON HUTCHINSON. 
 
 He died Sept. 27, 1800, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, 
 
 and fiftieth of his ministry. 
 
 His days he passed in health, religion, and domestic virtue ; 
 nor did his sun go down till night* 
 
 * Letter of Hon. Titas Hutchinson, Woodstock, Vt. 
 
100 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 8. REV. CALEB BARNUM, 
 
 Was the son of Thomas and Deborah Barnum,* and was 
 born in Danbury, Ct., 30 June, 1737, graduated Princeton, N. 
 J. 1757, and A. M. at Harvard 1768. He received a call to 
 settle over the second church in Wrentham, now Franklin, 
 28 Oct., 1759, and was ordained 4 June, 1760. Rev. Philips 
 Payson of Walpole, preached the sermon. Difficulties arose, 
 and Mr. Barnum felt it his duty to ask a dismission ; to which 
 the church reluctantly consented, and he was dismissed, 6 
 March, 1768. After his departure from Franklin, he recieved 
 an invitation to the pastoral office in Taunton, and was in 
 stalled there, 2 Feb., 1769. The war of the colonies awak 
 ened his strongest sympathies, and he applied for a chaplain 
 cy in the army. He enlisted 3 May, 1775, left Taunton, and 
 was chaplain, first to Col. Walker s regiment, and then to the 
 XXIV Regiment, Col. John Grealon commander, at that 
 time stationed at Boston. This latter connection began 10 
 Feb., 1776. After the evacuation of Boston, he accompanied 
 his regiment to New York, then to Montreal, where he was 
 inoculated for the small pox. He shared with fortitude in 
 the disastrous retreat from Canada. At Ticonderoga he was 
 seized with a bilious disorder, which so impaired his health 
 that he obtained a discharge on the 24 July, and commenced 
 his return homewards. But on his reaching Pittsfield, Aug. 
 
 * Thomas Barnum was either son or grandson of Thomas, one of 
 the first settlers of Norwalk, Ct. ; where he is found from 1662 to 1682, 
 or later, when he removed to Danbury. Had 5 sons, Thomas b. 1663, 
 John 1677, Ebenezer 1682, the others horn in Danbury, date unknown, 
 as the records were burnt by the British in the war. Thomas, the elder, 
 was appointed by the town in 1681, u to keep decorum during the exer 
 cise on the Sabbath and at other public meetings, and to keep a small 
 stick with which moderately to correct the disorderly." Rev. S. H. 
 Emery. 
 
REV. CALEB BARNUM. 101 
 
 2, he was arrested by an accession of his disorder. He 
 wrestled with his disease until he fell, 23 Aug. 1776, at the 
 age of 39. A sermon was preached at his funeral, from John 
 14 : 28, by Rev. Thomas Allen, then minister of Pittsfield. 
 
 Mr. Barnum left behind him a wife and seven children. 
 He married, 13 June, 1761, Priscilla, daughter of Rev. Caleb 
 Rice of Sturbridge. His wife was sister of Col. Nathan 
 Rice of Hingham, afterwards Aid-de-camp to Gen. Lincoln 
 in the Southern campaign. 
 
 He had three sons and five daughters, one of which died 
 in infancy. 
 
 1. Caleb, b. 11 April, 1762 : m. Nancy Paine of Thetford, 
 Vt. 
 
 2. Priscilla, b. 1 April, 1764 : m. Capt. David Vickery 
 of Taunton. 
 
 3. Deborah, b. 27 Oct., 1766: m. Thomas S. Bailies of 
 Dighton. 
 
 4. George, b. 25 May, 1768: m. Sally Cutler of Warren. 
 
 5. Mary, died young. 
 
 6. Thomas, b. 30 Oct., 1772 : m. Sally Abraham of New 
 York. 
 
 7. Anna, b. 30 Dec., 1773 : m. Rufus Child of Woodstock, 
 Ct. She is the only child living, and is entirely blind ; re 
 sides in Taunton. 
 
 8. Polly, b. 11 Oct., 1775 : m. Rev. Peter Nourse of Ells 
 worth, Me. 
 
 The changeful life of Rev. Mr. Barnum, like that of many 
 others, presents numerous points of interest. He was a man 
 of noble impressive aspect, dignified yet affable, uniting 
 the paternal mildness of the clergyman with the grace and 
 polish of the gentleman. Yet he had a bold, fearless spirit, 
 which bore him unflinchingly through hardships and opposi 
 tion. His dismission from Franklin is said to have been 
 primarily owing to a misunderstanding between two members 
 of the church about a few cranberries. The amount of tres- 
 
 9* 
 
102 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 pass was thought by him who felt injured, to be not more 
 than two dollars : which sum Mr. B. offered to pay himself, if 
 the complainant would rest. When this offer was known, 
 the minister was blamed as trying to shield the guilty.* And 
 so a bone was found for the inclined to growl over. The in 
 troduction of Dr. Watts s Version of the Psalms, furnished 
 another question of dispute. 
 
 Mr. Barnum s connection in Taunton was also marked by 
 differences with some of his parishioners. Yet in both con 
 nections, his friends were very strongly his, and they were 
 in decided majorities. 
 
 During Mr. Barnum s ministry in Franklin, forty-seven 
 were added to the church, though there was no general revi 
 val of religion. In Taunton, the thrilling events of the revo 
 lutionary war occupied all minds, and the pastor entered most 
 cordially and enthusiastically into the cause of freedom. He 
 announced the news of the skirmish at Lexington from the 
 pulpit, and gave his people, thereupon, an eloquent exhorta 
 tion to firmness and patriotism. His manuscript sermons, 
 several of which are in possession of the writer, show him to 
 be vigorous, bold, and unshrinking in his presentation of the 
 Gospel, yet affectionate and persuasive in its practical appli 
 cation. He must have been an efficient and moving preacher. 
 Nothing of his is known to have been published. His closing 
 moments, so painful to him in their circumstances, were sus 
 tained by the hopes of the Gospel. Rev. Mr. Allen, of Pitts- 
 field, where he died, thus speaks of him : " Not a repining 
 word was uttered by him. He received the report of his 
 physician, of the great hazard of his case, with equable firna- 
 ness and composure of mind. Such sweetness of temper, such 
 tranquillity of spirit, such serenity and peace in the near view 
 of death and eternity, such patience under pain, and entire 
 ubmission to God s disposing will, which appeared in him, 
 
 * Gent. Sermon of Franklin, by Rev. E. Smalley, D. D. 
 
REV. EBENEZER CHAPLIN. 103 
 
 manifested at once the power of those supports and consola 
 tions which he enjoyed, and the excellence of the Christian 
 religion. 
 
 " Being asked his present views, in the approach of death, 
 as to the goodness of the American cause, in which he had 
 been engaged, and by means of which he was now about to 
 die, replied, * He had no doubt of the justice and goodness of 
 that cause, and that had he a thousand lives, he should b 
 willing to lay them all down in it/ * 
 
 9. REV. EBENEZER CHAPLIN 
 
 Was the son of Benjamin Chaplin.t His mother was an 
 Alden. He was born in that part of Pomfret, Ct., which is 
 now called Hampton, 16 Sept., 1733. He graduated at Yalq 
 College, 1763, and A. M. ; studied divinity with Kev. Dr. 
 Hall of Sutton, and was ordained over the Second church in 
 Sutton, now Millbury, 14 Nov., 1764; dismissed 6 March, 
 1792. He afterwards lived with his children, being wealthy ; 
 and finally died at Hardwick, 13 Dec., 1822, aged nearly 90. 
 
 Mr. Chaplin married Miss Mary Morse, of Holliston, by 
 whom he had seven children : 1. Mary, died at 23 years. 
 2. Sarah, m. Rev. Thomas Holt, second minister of Hard- 
 wick, and the only survivor of the family, now at the age of 
 89. Mr. Chaplin died in her family. 3. Aaron Morse died, 
 aged 18. 4. Ebenezer, m. Abigail Griswold, of Athol, 
 where he was physician, and died May, 1844. 5. and 6, 
 
 * Letter of Rev. T.Allen to Pittsfield Representatives, Aug. 26, 1776. 
 
 t He came from England, killed an Indian, and was hunted, in re 
 venge, through the wilderness. Finally settled in Pomfret, Ct. and 
 had eight children. Benjamin, the oldest son, lived in Mansfield, Ct., 
 and was deacon of the church, to which he gave a large sum of money. 
 Hence that part of the town was called Chaplin, in acknowledgment of 
 the gift. The other children were, Joseph, Nathan, John, William, Mary, 
 Tammy, and Ebenezer, above. 
 
104 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Ichabod and Anna, died young. 7. Benjamin, physician in 
 Dixfield, Me., where he died, Dec. 1836. He married Miss 
 Sally Towne, of Ward, now Auburn.* 
 
 " Mr. Chaplin was a man of strong mental powers, a good 
 textuary, a fair reasoner, and possessed no inconsiderable 
 share of originality in his colloquial powers and style of 
 writing." He published several controversial works, on doc 
 trinal subjects ; among them, a volume " on the Sacraments." 
 His ministry in Millbury was not marked by any remarka 
 ble success. 
 
 10. REV. ISAAC STONE 
 
 Was born in Shrewsbury, 17 March, 1748. He was the 
 only son and eldest of four children of Dea. Jonas and Rachel 
 (llice) Stone, of Framingham, afterwards of Shrewsbury-! 
 His mother was a woman distinguished for her piety, mater^ 
 nal fidelity, and prayerfulness. It was parental solicitude 
 which early led him to Christ and to the ministry as his voca 
 tion. At fifteen, he commenced the study of the languages, 
 under Rev. Mr., afterwards Dr., Sumner, of Shrewsbury. 
 At sixteen, he united with the church. In 1765, he went to 
 Chelsea, and completed his preparation for college with Rev. 
 Mr. Payson, and graduated at Cambridge, 1770, and A. M. 
 in course. 
 
 He preached a while in Temple, N. H., and in Ashburn- 
 harn and Franklin in this State, and came to Douglas as 
 candidate, 31 March, 1771. He was ordained there, 30 Oct., 
 1771, and was dismissed, at his own request, 28 Oct., 1805, 
 having been settled thirty-four years. 
 
 * Letter of A. E. Knight, Esq., Hard wick. 
 
 t Mr. Stone descended from John Stone. Elder in the church at Cam 
 bridge. Elder John Stone s son Nathaniel was father of Isaac Stone of 
 Framingham, whose son was Dea. Jonas Stone, father of the above. 
 
REV. DAVID SAN FORD. 105 
 
 , 
 
 He continued still to reside in Douglas and preached occa 
 sionally, and for a considerable time in Whitinghana and 
 Reedsboro , Vt., until old age impaired his faculties. He 
 spent the close of his life with his children, in Oxford, where 
 at length he died, 22 Feb., 1837, in his 89th year. 
 
 Mr. Stone married Miss Susanna Goddard, daughter of 
 Benjamin Goddard of Shrewsbury, 27 October, 1773, and 
 had six children, four of whom still live. 
 
 1. His eldest son, a very active and useful man, died in 
 early life. 
 
 2. Susanna, married Mr. John Larned of "Webster, and 
 has three children living. 
 
 3. Luke R., Deacon in the Congregational Church, Oxford. 
 
 4. Grace, married a Mr. Hill of Douglas, and has three 
 children. 
 
 5. Submit, married a Mr. Balcom of Douglas, and has 
 nine children. 
 
 The wife of Mr. Stone died 28 April, 1837, aged 92 years, 
 8 months, and 13 days. 
 
 This worthy pair lived together nearly sixty-four years, 
 died within two months of each other, and are both interred 
 in one grave in the old bury ing-ground in Oxford. 
 
 Mr. Stone s ministry in Douglas was characterized, not 
 by striking and brilliant exhibitions, but by quiet, steady, 
 unobtrusive labor, under which the walls of Zion rise, firmly 
 cemented and compacted, if less rapidly than under such 
 impulses a^ mark some other men s labors. 
 
 11. REV. DAVID SANFORD 
 
 Was the third son of Elihu and Rachel (Strong) Sanford, of 
 New Milford, Ct., where he was born, 11 December, 1737. 
 He was named after David Brainerd ; to whom his father 
 was especially attached. He graduated at Yale College 
 1755, and A. M. ; and commenced the study of divinity with 
 
106 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Bellamy. But, under that godly and faithful 
 instructor, he found himself to be wanting in the essential 
 qualification of a new heart ; and he relinquished the busi 
 ness of the ministry, and settled down as a farmer in Great 
 Barrington, near to his brother-in-law, Rev. Dr. Hopkins. 
 Not long afterwards, he became a subject of Divine grace. 
 
 The doctrines of the new divinity, as Hopkinsianism was 
 at first termed, peculiarly excited the native depravity of Mr. 
 Sanford, and Dr. Hopkins became the object of his dislike. 
 The settlement of their wives patrimony was an occasion of 
 showing this dislike, in a very aggravating manner ; which, 
 on one evening, overcame Dr. Hopkins s gentleness, and led 
 him to use very sharp language. Mr. S. rejoiced that the 
 mighty had fallen ; but on opening his door to a gentle 
 knock in the grey dawn of the next morning, the Dr. stood 
 tearful before him. He requested that the family might be 
 called together, and then acknowledged his resentful words 
 on the preceding evening, implored forgiveness for them, 
 and consented to any reasonable division his brother might 
 propose. Mr. S. was overwhelmed. He knew that he had 
 inveigled the unsuspecting Christian into that resentment ; 
 and he saw that a pious heart was nobler than worldly tact. 
 He bowed to. the power of the Gospel so tenderly exhibited, 
 and became a child of God. He soon after recommenced 
 and completed his studies, and entered the ministry.* 
 
 He received a call to Medway, west parish, 28 Dec. 1772, 
 which he accepted, and was settled, 14 April, 1^73. Rev. 
 Dr. West, of Stockbridge, preached on the occasion. Dur 
 ing his ministry in Medway, he was appointed chaplain in 
 the army, and served a short time in the beginning of the 
 war.f 
 
 * See more fully, Prof. Park s Memoir of Hopkins, p. 61. 
 f Mr. Sanford s commission is inserted as a specimen of such docu 
 ments. It is a fine specimen of chirography : 
 
REV. DAVID SANFORD. 107 
 
 In 1807, he received a stroke of paralysis, which instantly 
 terminated his public labors. .He lived, however, in a dis 
 tressed state, until 7 April, 1810, when he died in his 73d 
 year. 
 
 Mr.. Sanford married; 4 August, 1757, Miss Bathsheba 
 Ingersol, daughter of Moses Ingersol, then of Great Barring- 
 ton, and sister to the wife of Rev. S. Hopkins, D. D. She 
 was born 5 June, 1738. They had ten children. 
 
 ,~^^^ The Committee of the Council of Massachu- 
 
 SEAL. setts Bay, To DAVID SANFORD, Gentleman, 
 
 v -V^-- Greeting : 
 
 WE being informed of your exemplary life 
 
 and manners, and reposing especial trust in 
 
 your abilities and good conduct, Do by these 
 
 presents constitute and appoint you the said 
 
 W. SEVER. David Sanford to be Chaplain of the Regiment 
 
 B. GREENLEAF. whereof Lemuel Robinson is Colonel, raised by 
 
 J. "YViNTiiROP. this Colony to reinforce the American army, 
 
 J. GUSHING. until the first day of April next. You are 
 
 JAMES PRESCOTT. therefore carefully and diligently to inculcate 
 
 JOHN WHETCOMB. on the minds of the soldiers of said Regiment, 
 
 JED. FOSTER. as well by example as precept, the duties of 
 
 MOSES GILL. Religion and morality, and a fervent love to 
 
 I. PALMER. their country in all other respects, and to dis- 
 
 CHAS. CHAUNCEY. charge the duty of a Chaplain in said Regiment, 
 
 S. HOLT ON. observing from time to time such Orders and 
 
 MICHAEL FARLEY. Instructions as you shall receive from your 
 
 JABEZ FISHER. superior officers, according to military Rules 
 
 JOHN TAYLOR. and discipline established by the American 
 
 B. WHITE. Congress, in pursuance of the trust reposed 
 
 in you, for which this shall be a sufficient 
 
 Warrant. 
 
 Given under our hands and the seal of the 
 said Colony, at Watertown. the twenty -third 
 day of January, and in the sixteenth year of 
 the reign of his Majesty King George the Third. 
 By command of the Major part of the 
 Council. 
 
 PEREZ MORTON D. SECY. 
 
108 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 1. David, b. 6 January, 1760 ; private in continental 
 army, and d. in Great Harrington 19 July, 1841. 
 
 2. Philo, b. 7 Sept. 1761; married Lydia Whiting of 
 Medway, and lived together over fifty years. 
 
 3. Clarissa, b. 20 Nov. 1763 ; married to Rev. John 
 Morse. (See Licentiates, No. 25.) 
 
 4. Elihu, b. 28 Jan. 1766; married, first, Hannah Met- 
 calf, Franklin ; second, Miss Betsey Fisher of Belchertown. 
 He died in Oxford. 
 
 5. Ichabod, b. 18 Oct. 1768; still lives in Belchertown, 
 father of Rev. W. H. Sanford of Boylston. 
 
 6. Bathsheba, b. 14 Feb. 1770; married to Rev. Ethan 
 Smith, of Haverhill, N. H., and author of the Key to Re 
 velation." She died at Pompey Hill, N. Y., 5 April, 1835. 
 
 7. Stephen, b. March, 1773. 
 
 8. Moses, b. 7 Nov. 1775 ; was a lawyer. 
 
 9. Electa, b. 13 March, 1778. 
 
 10. Samuel, b. 29 January, 1780 ; married Miss Betsey 
 Wight, daughter of Doct. Aaron Wight, of Medway. He 
 was a physician. 
 
 Mr. Sanford r s ministry, until near its close, was rendered 
 uncomfortable and marred in its results, by the existence of 
 an unhappy difference between the two churches in Medway, 
 which prevented mutual fellowship and communion. But 
 he lived to see the breach healed, and communion renewed. 
 He was permitted to enjoy several seasons of religious inter 
 est, in one of which, in the winter of 1784, nearly one 
 hundred were brought to Christ. 
 
 No list of his published books has been obtained, although 
 he appeared occasionally as an author. It is but just to say 
 of him, that in his doctrinal views, he sympathized mainly 
 with his early teachers and later associates in the ministry, 
 while he held some views upon the extent of the atonement 
 and of redemption, as did Mr. Avery of Wrentham, different 
 from his brethren of the Association. The difference, if 
 
REV. NATHANAEL EMMONS, D. D. 109 
 
 rightly understood at this time, was rather metaphysical 
 than practical, and only sharpened the discussions of the 
 clerical gatherings of the Association. 
 
 The character of Mr. Sanford is thus set forth by one who 
 was his intimate friend and acquaintance for forty years.* 
 
 " The Author of nature endowed Mr. Sanford with a rich 
 variety of rare and superior talents. He possessed a quick 
 apprehension, a clear and sound judgment, a lively imagina 
 tion, and an uncommon knowledge of human nature. These 
 intellectual powers, sanctified by Divine grace, fitted him to 
 shine with peculiar lustre in every branch of his ministerial 
 office. But perhaps he appeared to the best advantage as a 
 speaker. He had a piercing eye, a significant countenance, 
 a majestic appearance, and a strong, clear, melodious voice, 
 which he was able to modulate with ease and propriety. He 
 was able to move any passion which he wished to move, 
 whether love or hatred, hope or fear, joy or sorrow. He 
 knew every avenue to the human heart, and could make the 
 deepest impressions upon it. He preached with great plain 
 ness and fidelity, and usually extempore. In private dis 
 course he had a peculiar talent at explaining Scripture, de 
 tecting error, and vindicating truth. He was often called to 
 attend the ordination of ministers, and oftener still to attend 
 ecclesiastical councils, where he displayed great ability and 
 had powerful influence." 
 
 12. REV. NATHANAEL EMMONS, D. D. 
 
 Was the sixth son and twelfth and youngest child of Dea. 
 Samuel, jr. and Ruth (Cone) Emmons.t He was born in East 
 
 * Sec Funeral Sermon, by Rev. N. Emmons, D. D. 
 
 t Samuel Emmons, grandfather of Dr. E., migrated from Cambridge 
 and joined the church in E. Haddam, with his wife, 15 October, 1705. 
 He had three sons, Samuel, Nathanacl, and Jonathan, and two more 
 children born in E. Haddam, Ebenezer and Mehitabel. 
 
 10 
 
110 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Haddam, Ct., 1 May, 1745, (N. S.). Graduated at Yale 
 College, 1767, and A. M. ; also, at Dartmouth, 1786,. and 
 D. D. 1798 at Dartmouth. He professed religion in 1769, 
 and commenced the study of theology with Rev. Nathan 
 Strong of Coventry, Ct., and completed the usual course with 
 Rev. John Smalley, D. D. of Berlin. He was licensed by 
 the Hartford South Association, 3 Oct. 1769, and ordained 
 over the church in Franklin, 21 April, 1773 ; having been 
 hired to supply the pulpit from 14 December preceding. 
 
 Discouraged by the little apparent fruit of his labors, he 
 twice asked a dismission; viz. 21 January, 1781, and 20 
 May, 1784; which were each most wisely refused by his 
 attached people. In 1827, May 13, he was seized with 
 faintness while in the middle of his sermon, and carried to 
 
 Dea. Samuel jr. married Ruth Cone, 14 Sept. 1721. Nathanael 
 married Elizabeth Mills. Samuel jr. lived at a village called Bashan 
 (Union Factory). His twelve children were, 
 
 1. Dorothy, b. 16 Sept. 1722 ; m. Enoch Arnold of Millington. 
 
 2. Elizabeth, b. 6 March, 1724; m. Peter Spencer of Millington. 
 
 3. Ebenezer, b. 18 Sept. 1725. 
 
 4. Samuel jr., b. 20 Nov. 1727. 
 
 5. Mary, b. 6 Feb. 1730 ; not married. 
 
 6. Daniel. 
 
 7. Infant son. 
 
 8. Jonathan. 
 
 9. Hannah ; married a Cowdry of Colchester. 
 
 10. Ruth ; married Abner Chapman of Colchester. 
 
 11. Sybel. 
 
 12. Nathanael, b. 1 May, 1745. 
 
 Dea. E. had a second wife, Rachel. Her tombstone is, " Mrs. Rachel, 
 wife of Ens. Samuel Jones, 2d, wife of Dr. Benjamin Knceland, 3d, wife 
 of Mr. Nathaniel Mann, 4th, wife of Samuel Emmons. died 25 Feb. 
 1776." Dea. E..died about 1767. 
 
 The minister of Dr. Emmons s boyhood was Rev. Timothy Symmes. 
 He had two sons, John Cloves and Timothy. John C. Symmes was 
 judge in N. J., and his daughter was wife of Gen.AV. H. Harrison. 
 His second son, Timothy, was father to Capt. John C. Symmes, famous 
 for his ;; Theory of the Earth." 
 
REV. NATHANAEL EMMONS, D.D. Ill 
 
 his house. He so far recovered as to finish his sermon on 
 the following Sabbath. But this was the last sermon he 
 preached. The second Sabbath following, May 27, 1827, 
 he sent a note resigning his pastoral office, and requesting a 
 meeting called immediately to provide for a supply of the 
 pulpit. Though speedily recovering his former vigor, he 
 would not recall his determination ; meaning, he said, to 
 retire while he had sense enough to do it. His retirement 
 was spent in converse, reading, and revision of some of his 
 sermons. He died 23 September, 1840, in the 96th year 
 of his age, and the 68th from the commencement of his 
 ministry in Franklin. 
 
 A granite pyramid on a granite base is raised to his 
 memory in the centre of Franklin common, over which he 
 went to the house of God for nearly seventy years, and 
 bears this simple inscription : 
 
 N, EMMONS, D, D. 
 
 AGED 06. 
 
 His tomb-stone over his grave in the church-yard, where 
 his dust rests with that of his family, is inscribed as follows : 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 REV. NATHANAEL EMMONS, D.D. 
 
 PASTOR OF THE CHURCH IN FRANKLIN : 
 BORN MAY 1, 1745. 
 
 ORDAINED APRIL 21, 1773. 
 
 DIED SEPTEMBER 23, 184O, 
 
 In the 96 th year of his age, and the 68 th of his ministry. 
 
 THE TRUTHS OP THE GOSPEL, 
 
 And the duties of his sacred calling, 
 
 WERE HIS DELIGHT. 
 
 He " meditated on these things, gave himself wholly to them, 
 
 AND HIS PROFITING APPEARED TO ALL." 
 
112 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 In 1775, April 6, Dr. Emmons married Deliverance 
 French, of Braintree. She died 22 June, 1778, and their 
 two infant sons soon followed, on the same day, 8 Sept. 1778. 
 He again married, 4 November, 1779, Martha, daughter of 
 Rev. Chester Williams, of Hadley,* by whom he had two 
 sons and four daughters. 
 
 1. Martha, married Willard Gay, Esq. of Dedham. 
 
 2. Deliverance, died 3 June, 1813. 
 
 3. Sarah, died January, 1823. 
 
 4. Mary, married Rev. Jacob Ide, D. D., and still sur 
 vives. Of the sons, the eldest, 
 
 Williams, graduated B. U. 1805 ; tutor until 1808 ; mar 
 ried Eunice Wilde of Dedharn, and is now judge in Augusta, 
 Maine. 
 
 2. Erastus, Maj. aid-de-camp to .Gen. Crane; died 13 
 March, 1820. Mrs. Emmons died 2 August, 1829, and Dr. 
 E. married Mrs. Abigail M. Mills, 18 Sept. 1831. She was 
 daughter of Capt. Judah Moore, sister of Rev. Z. S. Moore, 
 D. D., President of Amherst College, and the widow of 
 Rev. Winslow Packard, of Wilmington, Vt., and afterwards 
 widow of Rev. Edmund Mills, of Sutton. She now resides 
 in Auburn Dale, Newton, still able to attend and enjoy the 
 public worship of God, although 90 years of age. 
 
 Of the labors and character of Dr. Emmons, it is unneces 
 sary to speak. His published works, more extensively 
 circulated than this brief notice can be, are sufficient ex 
 ponents of his character and sentiments.f 
 
 * Rev. C. Williams left five children, three of them daughters. His 
 widow was married to Rev. Samuel Hopkins, his successor, who had 
 nine children. Of this family of fourteen children, were Rev. 
 Nathaniel Williams, of Brimfield, and the wives of Rev. Dr. Emmons, 
 of Rev. Dr. Spring of Newburyport, of Rev. Leonard Worcester of 
 Peacham, Vt., of Rev. Dr. Austin of Worcester, and Rev. Wm. Riddell 
 of Bernardstown. 
 
 t As a valuable contribution towards a complete idea of Dr. Emmons s 
 intellectual character, and as an interesting literary morceau, the 
 
REV. NATHANAEL EMMONS, D.D. 113 
 
 Of his labors, the following extract, taken from the 
 records of the Association, may be interesting : 
 
 " He attended thirty councils called for advice. He re 
 ceived seventy-Jive calls to attend ordinations and installations, 
 as a member of councils, in six different States, fifty-four of 
 which he attended. At twenty-five of these, he was the 
 preacher. His publications during his ministry were, four 
 dissertations on important subjects ; nearly sixty single occa 
 sional sermons, delivered in different places, and published 
 by request of hearers ; and one hundred and thirty-one ser 
 mons in six detached volumes. In addition to these, he 
 wrote largely for several of the periodicals of 4he day, some 
 of which were almost wholly sustained by him. And such 
 were his industry and resolution, that, together with all these 
 labors and all his parochial duties, including his weekly 
 preparations for the sanctuary, he read all the distinguished 
 books of his day which came within his reach. And he 
 generally had under his tuition one or more students in 
 theology, till the infirmities of age rendered it necessary for 
 him to decline the labor. The whole number of students 
 
 author ventures to insert the following poetic effusion. They are the 
 only rhyme which Dr. E. is known to have written. 
 
 " My thoughts I can with ease disclose 
 
 In plain, and pure, and perfect prose ; 
 
 But give me e er so much of time, 
 
 I cannot make a single rhyme. 
 
 No reason I could ever find 
 
 Why nature did so frame my mind, 
 
 But that it were to check my pride, 
 
 And give me reason for my guide. 
 
 This guide ne er led a man astray, 
 
 Who heard its voice and did obey. 
 
 But there is something I deem higher, 
 
 To which I always will aspire, 
 
 To lead mankind to fear and love 
 
 The God who lives and reigns above." 
 
 10* 
 
114 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 whom he thus assisted in their preparation for the ministerial 
 office, was eighty-six." 
 
 As was the custom in his clay, Dr. Emmons seldom 
 visited his parishioners, unless they were sick or in affliction. 
 In the latter part of his ministry, the writer remembers that 
 he called annually, and perhaps oftener, when the members 
 of the family were assembled, enquiries made after the 
 temporal and spiritual welfare, and maxims of wisdom 
 dropped, which are still remembered. Also, in May annu 
 ally, the children were invited to meet him in their respective 
 school-houses, where they were catechised, and exhorted, 
 and prayed with, by this venerable puritan minister. Those 
 gatherings, and his appearance and words are forever fresh 
 in recollection. The portrait of him in his published works 
 very exactly reflects the image engraven in the minds of that 
 generation ; lacking, may be, the vivacious flash of quick 
 intelligence and sympathy. The works themselves have 
 engraved his theological likeness upon a multitude of minds, 
 and will continue to multiply resemblances until earthly 
 teachers cease, and we sit down together at the feet of 
 Him in whom are hid all treasures of wisdom and know 
 ledge. 
 
 A list of Dr. Emmons s students, as found amongst his 
 papers, is here inserted. They are riot recorded in the order 
 of time, and were therefore probably written down towards 
 the close of his life, from memory. The list does not evi 
 dently include all who resorted to him for theological instruc 
 tion. Some of these were with him but a short time : at the 
 beginning or close of their preparation for the ministry. 
 Some did not enter the ministry at all, but studied for their 
 own benefit. The list is copied without alteration ; their place 
 of settlement is added, when known. Those starred were 
 approbated by this Association, and will be found in their 
 proper place : 
 
DR. E M M N 8 S STUDENTS. 115 
 
 * Josiah Reed, Uxbridge. 
 
 Daniel Farrington, Wrentham ; never settled. 
 
 * Jacob Cram, Hampton Falls. 
 
 * Read Page, Hard wick. 
 
 * Walter Harris, New Lebanon, N. II. 
 
 * Elias Dudley, Newport, N. II. 
 
 Ariel Parish, Plainfield, Ct. : settled in Manchester. 
 
 * Royal Tyler, Uxbridge. 
 
 Pierson Thurston, Lancaster ; s. in Somersworth, N. H., 
 
 and St. Johnsbury, Vt. 
 
 Thomas Moore, Lancaster ; s. in Wiscasset, Me. ? 
 Nathan Church, South Hadley ; s. in Bridgton, Me. 
 
 * Herman Daggett, Wrentham. 
 
 * Josiah Holbrook, Wrentham. 
 
 James Tufts, Oakham ; s. in Wolfsboro , N. H., and Do 
 ver, N. H. 
 Josiah Graves, Sunderland ; deacon in Amherst. 
 
 * John Fitch, Hopkinton. 
 Eleazer Taft, Waltham. 
 
 Phinehas Taft, Braintree ; died before settlement. 
 
 * Nathaniel Hall, Sutton. 
 
 William Riddell, Colerain ; s. in Bristol, Me. 
 John Smith, Palmer ; s. in Haverill, N. H. 
 
 * Eli Smith, Belchertown. 
 
 * Abijah Wines, Newport, N. H. 
 
 * John Bowers Preston, N. Jersey. 
 
 * Nathaniel Ogden, N. Jersey. 
 Thomas Thompson, Newbury. 
 
 John Simpkins, Boston ; s. in Brewster. 
 
 * Samuel Judson, Woodbury, Ct. 
 
 * John Morse, Medway. 
 
 Jonathan Ward, Plymouth, N. H. ; s. in Brentwood, 
 N. H. 
 
 * William Jackson, Wallingford, N. H. 
 
 * Enoch Pond, Wrentham. 
 
116 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Caleb Blake, Wrentham ; s. in "Westford. 
 
 * Kiah Bailey, Haverill, N. H. 
 
 Calvin Chaddock, Oakham ; s. in Hanover. 
 
 * Nathaniel Howe, Linebrook. 
 
 Timothy Clark, Wallingford, Ct. ; s. in Greenfield, 
 N. H. 
 
 * Benjamin Wood, New Lebanon, N. H. 
 
 * Nathan Holman, Sutton. 
 
 * Joseph Rowell, Newton, N. H. 
 
 * Druiy Fairbanks, Holliston. 
 
 Samuel Fowler Dickinson, Amherst ; Lawyer in Am- 
 
 herst. 
 William Salisbury, Braintree; s. in N. Y. State. 
 
 * Joseph Emerson, Hollis, N. H. 
 
 Oliver Ayers, Franklin, Ct. ; s. in Augusta, N. Y. 
 Samuel Brown, Kingston, N. H. 
 
 * Joseph Cheney, Holden. 
 
 * Nathan Waldo, Orange, N. H. 
 
 Abel Farley, Hollis, N. H. ; s. in Manchester, N. H. 
 
 * Levi Nelson, Milford. 
 
 * William Warren, New Ipswich, N. H. 
 
 Edward Whipple, New Braintree : s. at Charlton and 
 
 Shrewsbury. 
 
 David Jewett, Hollis, N. H. ; s. in Gloucester. 
 Gordon Johnson, Farmington, Ct. ; s. at West Killingly, 
 
 Ct. 
 Nathaniel Kendrick, Hanover, N. H. 
 
 * Gaius Conant, Braintree. 
 
 Spalding, Westford ; s. in Penobscot, Me. ? 
 
 Truman Baldwin, Granville ; s. at Pompey, N. Y. 
 Luke Wood, Somers, Ct ; s. in Waterbury, and West- 
 ford, Ct. 
 
 * Thomas Williams, Pomfret, Ct. 
 
 George Hall, E. Haddam, Ct.; s. at Cherry Valley, 
 N.Y. 
 
REV. ELIJAH FITCH. 117 
 
 Roswell R. Swan, Stonington, Ct. ; s. in Norwalk, Ct. 
 
 * Stephen Chapin, Milford. 
 
 Bela Kellogg, Amherst ; s. 2d Ch. Avon, Ct. 
 
 * David Holman, Sutton. 
 
 - Fisher, - , N. H. 
 Christopher Webb, Weymouth ; Mass. Senate, died in 
 
 Weymouth. 
 Artemas Dean, Taunton ; s. in Rome, N. Y. 
 
 * Sherman Johnson, Southboro . 
 
 Bancroft Fowler, Pittsfield ; Prof, at Bangor. 
 
 Dickinson Fowler, Amherst. 
 
 Ebenezer Burgess, Wareham ; s. at Dedham. 
 
 * John B. Wight, Bristol, R. I. 
 
 * Elnathan Walker, Taunton. 
 
 Thaddeus Osgood, ; Missionary in Canada. 
 
 * Enoch Pond, North Wrentham. 
 
 * Emerson Paine, Mansfield. 
 
 Alexander Metcalf Fisher, Franklin ; Math. Prof, at 
 Yale College. 
 
 * Willard Holbrook, Sutton. 
 
 * Moses Partridge, Bellingham. 
 
 * William Tyler, Pawtucket. 
 
 * Abel Manning, Holden. 
 
 * Sewall Harding, Medvvay. 
 
 * David Brigham, Westborough. 
 
 * Zolva Whitmore, East Haddam, Ct. 
 
 * Jonathan Longley, Boylston. 
 
 13. REV. ELIJAH FITCH, 
 
 The son of Capt. John Fitch, was born in Windham, Ct., 
 1746, graduated at Yale college, 1765, and A. M. ; and also 
 at Harvard, 1770. He preached in Franklin some time af 
 ter Mr. Barnum s dismission ; but settled, ultimately, in Hop- 
 
118 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 kinton, 15 Jan., 1772, as colleague with Rev. Samuel Barrett. 
 In Dec. 11, Mr. Barrett died, and left Mr. Fitch sole pastor 
 of the church, which office he filled until his death, 16 Dec., 
 1788,"in his 43d year and the 17th of his ministry. 
 
 Mr. Fitch married Hannah Fuller, who survived him and 
 died 7 Feb., 1824, aged 80. He left five children alive at 
 his death. 
 
 1. A daughter, who died about 1793. 
 
 2. John, Rev. (see Licentiates, No. 28). 
 
 3. A daughter, resident at Hopkinton. 
 
 4. Elijah, Dea. in Hopkinton, d. 27 Apl., 1847, aged 68. 
 
 5. Betsey, married Rev. Nathanael Rawson (Licentiates, 
 No. 52). 
 
 Mr. Fitch " was a man of great powers of mind. He 
 possessed a sound judgment. He was somewhat reserved 
 in mixed companies, but in the pulpit he was remarkably 
 eloquent. He was unassuming ; a man of meekness and 
 candor ; a man of humility and benevolence ; he was patient, 
 industrious, and persevering. His life spent in one con 
 tinual series of exertion for the good of his church, people, 
 and family. He was not rigid in his religious opinions ; he 
 was considered a moderate Calvinist. 
 
 " No man ever more feelingly participated in the* happi 
 ness or misery of his fellow men, than he ; or better filled the 
 several offices of pastor, husband, parent, friend, neighbor, 
 and townsman." He was a fine scholar and poet. He left 
 a poem, of several cantos, in blank verse, entitled the * Beau 
 ties of Religion, addressed to the young, which contains 
 passages of poetic merit. He published a Sermon on the 
 Evacuation of Boston, 1776. 
 
 " Two years before his death, he was unable to preach 
 through the winter. But in the spring he partially recovered, 
 and was able to preach until the April preceding his death.* 
 
 * Century Sermon, by Rev. N. Howe, fourth edition. 
 
REV. JOSIAH SPALDING. 119 
 
 14. RET. JOSIAH SrALDING 
 
 Was born in Plainfield, Ct., 10 Jan., 1751, graduated at 
 Yale college, 1778, and A. M., approbated to preach the Gos 
 pel, 1780. He was ordained at Uxbridge, 11 Sept., 1782, 
 and, on account of some dissatisfaction in the church, was 
 dismissed 23 Oct., 1787. The council say : "they view Mr. 
 Spalding s Christian character in a fair and amiable light, 
 and hope Christ will use him as an instrument of speedily 
 building up his Gospel and promoting his cause in the world." 
 
 Mr. Spalding was next installed in Worthington, 21 Aug., 
 1788, and dismissed March, 1794. He left there with the 
 reputation of being sound in doctrine, but very eccentric. * 
 He was next settled in Buckland, in 1794, where he re 
 mained until his death, 8 May, 1823, at the age of 72 years, 
 41 of which he spent in the ministry; viz. 5 years in Uxbridge, 
 6^ in Worthington, and 28J years in Buckland. 
 
 " His ministry in Buckland," says his successor, " was a 
 successful one. There were several seasons of special re 
 ligious interest during his ministry, the last of which was 
 the year before he died, when there was probably the most 
 powerful revival ever enjoyed among this people. In 1799, 
 there were 17 admitted to the church at one time ; in 1807, 
 12 at one time ; and 8 at one time in the following year; 16 
 were admitted at once in 1816, and in 1822, 65 were admit 
 ted, among which number was Miss Mary Lyon. 
 
 " Mr. Spalding was a sound doctrinal preacher, who in 
 structed his people well in the great truths of the Bible, 
 and laid the foundations so thoroughly that they remain to 
 this day. The fruits of his ministry still exist in the church, 
 and they form its strongest pillars. Unitarianism never found 
 a place here (in Buckland), and we need not look any far 
 ther than to the labors of such a man, to account for it. 
 
 * Letter of Rev. J. W. Bisbce, Worthington. 
 
120 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 " As a preacher, his manner was rather dull and uninter 
 esting ; but what he lacked in manner, he made up in matter. 
 
 " On his death-bed, he was visited by some of his people, 
 who came to confess some wrong they had done him. He 
 felt that he could not die without an interview. When it 
 was over, he said he could die in peace. " His memory still 
 lives among the people. They looked up to him as their fa 
 ther ; and when they now speak of him, they usually give 
 him the title of father. 
 
 Mr. Spalding published several sermons during his min 
 istry. He also issued a volume entitled, " Universalism 
 destroys itself," which is among the references in the An- 
 dover Course of Theological Study. It enters into a mi 
 nute and extensive examination of the original words used 
 in the Scriptures in reference to the duration of future pun 
 ishment. It cost much labor, at a time when few helps ex 
 isted for such researches. He had another work in readiness 
 at his death, but the manuscript is now lost. 
 
 Mr. Spalding married Martha Williams, daughter of 
 Judge Williams, of Taunton, who died a few months before 
 him. They had Jive children, four daughters, and one 
 son, Josiah. Three of the daughters married and left de 
 scendants. But a melancholy interest gathers over the son. 
 " Bearing his father s name, the pride of his parents, and de 
 signed by them for the ministry, he has been a raving maniac 
 for forty-four years. He is now almost 65. For some two 
 years after he became deranged, he was not confined ; but 
 his father s life was repeatedly endangered, and he was 
 chained for some two years. For the last forty years, he has 
 been shut up in a cage. No clothing can be kept on him. 
 He remains constantly in a sitting posture, with a blanket 
 wrapped about him, and only leans back against the cage 
 when he sleeps. He has remained in this position so long, 
 that his limbs cannot be straightened. 
 
 "Before he became deranged, he had been for many 
 months in an interesting state of mind, and his parents enter- 
 
D.D. 121 
 
 tained a hope for him. He was nearly or quite prepared to 
 enter college, and was teaching school when the first signs of 
 insanity appeared. He appears to become more and more 
 demented."* Strange are the ways of Providence ! and con 
 tradictory now ; but radiant hereafter, and admirable to the 
 student in heaven ! 
 
 15. REV. JOHN CRANE, D. D. 
 
 The son of John and Rachel (Terry) Crane, was born in 
 Norton, 26 March, 1756. His parents belonged to the soci 
 ety of Friends.f He graduated at Harvard, 1780, and A. M.; 
 also A. M., 1792, and S. T. D., 1803, from Brown Univer 
 sity ; studied theology with Dr. Emmons ; and, in 1782, was 
 invited by the society in Northbridge to preach as a candi 
 date. Soon after, a church was gathered, and he received a 
 regular call to settle over the church and society, in the work 
 of the ministry. He accepted it, and was ordained over the 
 first church in Northbridge, 25 June, 1783. He died in the 
 ministry, 31 Aug. 1836, aged 80 years, and in the 54th of 
 his pastorate, j 
 
 Dr. Crane married Miss Rachel Taft, of Northbridge i 
 by whom he had three children, daughters. The eldest, 
 Rachel, was married to Rev. Ezekiel Rich. 
 
 The second, Susan, was married to Abel Jaquis, Esq., of 
 
 * Letter of Kev. A. B. Smith, Buckland. 
 
 t John Crane Sen. was born in Berkley, 1732, moved to Norton about 
 1750, and died April, 1800. His wife was of Freetown. She died, 1821. 
 
 Their children were John (above), George, b. 8 Nov., 1758, Rachel, b. 
 12 Sept., 1761, Calver,b. 13 May, 1764, Hannah, b. 18 June, 1766, Terry, 
 b. 28 April, 1774. 
 
 J " Dr. C. resigned his charge, 14 March, 1832, but continued nominal 
 pastor, until his death. On the first Sabbath in May, 1835, about a 
 year before his death, he preached his last sermon in the old meeting 
 house, in which he had ministered for half a century (just before it was 
 taken down), from thistext : " The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, 
 are ended." Rev. W. Bates, Northbridge. 
 
122 BI GB APHI C AL SK ET C H E S . 
 
 Worcester. The third, Hannah, was married to Rev. John 
 Taylor, late of Shutesbury, but who now leads a private life 
 in Northbridge, on the paternal farm.* 
 
 " Dr. Crane had a strong and penetrating and well cultiva 
 ted mind. He was cordially attached the great and distin 
 guishing doctrines of the Gospel, and never shunned to de 
 clare the whole council of God." " It was a settled maxim 
 with him, always to preach the truth in that clear, plain and 
 simple style which even children could understand. He says 
 in one of his sermons, " I have aimed to preach the doctrines 
 of the Gospel in as plain a manner as I could. I have tried 
 to make Divine truth bear upon the heart and the conscience. 
 I have studied to send away my hearers dissatisfied with 
 themselves." 
 
 " Dr. Crane was not only a plain, practical and pungent 
 preacher, but he was decidedly orthodox. He embraced sub 
 stantially, what have been called the doctrines of the Reform 
 ation. The free moral agency of man, the entire depravity 
 of the human heart, the Sovereignty of God in the election 
 of grace, the necessity of regeneration by the Spirit of God, 
 the perseverance of the Saints, the resurrection of the dead, 
 and a general and final judgment, formed the great outlines 
 of that system which he believed and preached. This system 
 of doctrines he believed, not merely because they had been 
 embraced and ably advocated by Luther and Calvin and 
 Edwards and Bellamy and Hopkins and Dwight and Em- 
 mons : but because they appeared to him to be the great truths 
 taught by the Lord Jesus Christ and his inspired Apostles."f 
 
 # At was the fashion of those times, Dr. Crane carried on a large 
 farm, on which, during the latter part of his ministry, he engaged daily 
 with his hired men. For many years, his cider-mill was the only one in 
 the parish, and all his people were dependent on him for their cider ! 
 Happy the minister who could so easily cut off such supplies !! 
 
 t Extract from Funeral. Sermon by Rev. D. Holman, Douglas, in 
 B. Recorder, No. 1141. 
 
REV. JOHN CRANE, D. D. 123 
 
 " Dr. Crane was very active and laborious. Besides his 
 pastoral and ministerial labors, he instructed many youth at 
 a school in his own house, which he kept for many years. 
 In his half-century sermon he says, * The fifty years which I 
 have passed in this place have been full of labor and hurry. 
 I was employed more than thirty years in teaching youth. 
 I have instructed more than a hundred young men in their 
 preparation for admission to college.* I have written about 
 four thousand sermons, and probably delivered about two 
 hundred extempore discourses. " 
 
 Several revivals marked his ministry. In 1800, 27 were 
 added to the church ^ in 1809, 28 were added. In 1829-30, 
 about 30 were joined to the followers of Christ. In 1831, 
 almost 70 were gathered into the fold. 
 
 " Dr. Crane published several occasional discourses, which 
 show not only strength of mind and maturity of judgment, 
 but also a familiar acquaintance with the Holy Scriptures, 
 and the great and essential truths of our holy religion." His 
 chapter in the Mendon Evidences, indicates the extent of 
 his studies and the power of his logic. The titles of some 
 of his published productions are as follows : 
 
 1. Thanksgiving Sermon, 1800. 2. Two Fast Sermons 
 on Civil Liberty. 3. Ordination Sermon of Rev. Calvin 
 Park, D. D., at Franklin, 1815. 4. Ordination Sermon of 
 Rev. Ezekiel Rich. 5. Ordination Sermon of Rev. John 
 Taylor, at Shutesbury. 6. Two Sermons on the Nature and 
 Design of John s Baptism. 7. Lecture on Sacred Music, at 
 Sutton. 8. Fourth of July Oration, at Douglas. 9. " Rea 
 sons why I am not a Baptist : By Bickerstaff." 
 
 * Among them were Rev. Dr. Hawes, of Hartford, Ct., Rev. 
 Willard Preston, D. D., of Savannah, Ga., and Rev. Cyrus Kingsbury, 
 Missionary to the Choctaws. Dr. Crane represented the town of North- 
 bridge for several years in the General Court. 
 
124 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 16. REV. DAVID AVERT 
 
 Was born 5 April, 1746, in that part of Norwich, Ct., now 
 forming the town of Franklin. His parents were John and 
 Lydia (Smith) Avery.* He was converted to God at about 
 twenty years of age, under the preaching of Whitefield. Fit 
 ted for college at Dr. Wheelock s school, in Lebanon, Ct. 
 Entered Yale College a year in advance, and graduated 1769, 
 A. M. in course, and also at Dartmouth, 1773. Employed 
 in his vacations teaching Indian schools. Studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. E. Wheelock of Dartmouth Coll. Preached a 
 short time on Long Island as a licentiate. Was soon ordained, 
 probably at Dartmouth, 29 August, 1771, as missionary to 
 the Oneida Indians, and colleague with Rev. Mr. Kirkland, 
 father of President Kirkland of Harvard University. 
 
 He was compelled to leave this field of labor by a bad fall 
 upon the ice, when he returned to New England. After 
 preaching in different places, he was installed at Gageboro , 
 now Windsor, 25 March, 1773, and dismissed 14 April, 
 1777,t to go as chaplain in the army. On his return he was 
 settled at Bennington, Vt., 3 May, 1780, and dismissed 17 
 June, 1783 ; again settled at Wrentham, 25 May, 1786 ; and 
 
 * The first of the paternal line in New England was John Avery, a 
 Scotchman, who with his Avife and children, four sons and several 
 daughters, settled in Truro, where he died. Two of the sons settled 
 in Connecticut, from one of which Rev. Mr. A. descended. John 
 Avery, former Secretary of the state of Massachusetts, and also Rev. 
 Dr. Griffin. President of Wms. Coll., were cousins of Rev. David 
 Avery. See Letter of W. H. Smith, Esq., Prov. R. I. The first 
 minister of Truro was Rev. John Avery, son of Robert, and grandson 
 of Doct. William Avery of Dedhatn. Was he the same person ? See 
 notice of the Avery family, by W. R. Deane, Boston. 
 
 t His commission was dated 18 April, 1776. He resigned it 1 Feb. 
 1780. He was attached to Col. Sherborn s regiment, Continental 
 army. Served from 15 Feb., 1777, to 5 March, 1780. Slate Records. 
 
REV. DAVID AVERY. 125 
 
 after many councils and much difficulty, dismissed 21 April, 
 1704. He still preached to a congregation at North Wrentham, 
 where a church was organized in 1795. He left previous to 
 1798, and removed his family to a farm belonging to his wife in 
 Mansfield, now Chaplin, Ct., and employed himself in preach 
 ing in vacant places in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Ver 
 mont. He performed two missionary tours in the western 
 frontiers of New York, and one in Maine, under the direc 
 tion of the Massachusetts Domestic Missionary Society.* 
 He afterwards gathered a new church and society, called the 
 Union Church, in Chaplin, Ct., to which he preached from 
 1798 to 1801. In 1817, October 28, he visited his daughter, 
 Mrs. Hewett, then resident in Shepardstown, Va., where, 
 and in the vicinity, he preached a few weeks. He received 
 a cordial and unanimous call to settle in Middletown, fifteen 
 miles from Shepardstown, where he was taken (on the even 
 ing of a day of fasting preparatory to his installation) with 
 the typhus fever, of which he died. He was buried on the 
 week of his intended installation, the clergy of the invited 
 council officiating as his bearers. 
 
 Mr. Avery married, 10 Oct., 1782, Hannah Chaplin, 
 daughter of Dea. Benjamin Chaplin, of Mansfield, Ct. Her 
 mother was Mary Paine, cousin of Judge Robert Treat 
 Paine of Boston, and aunt of Judge Elijah Paine of Vermont. 
 They had four children : 1. Mary C., married to William 
 H. Smith, Esq., and still living at Providence, *R. I. 
 
 2. David, jr. ; graduated at Brown University; lawyer; 
 married Miss Morgan, and resides in Hampton, Ct. 
 
 3. Hannah, married to Chester D. Clarke, merchant of 
 Utica, N. Y. 
 
 4. Lydia S., married to Lieut. Thomas Hewitt, U. S. 
 Army ; and resided in Shepardstown, Va., where both 
 deceased. 
 
 * Rev. David Avery and Rev. Jacob Cram, (Licentiate, No. 15,) 
 were the first missionaries commissioned by the Society. 
 
 11* 
 
126 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 The following list comprises his publications : 1. Thanks 
 giving Sermon, preached before the Army, 1777. 2. Ser 
 mon, on bridling the Tongue, Wrentham, 1779. 3. Funeral 
 Sermon of his Father-in-Law, Dea. Benjamin Chaplin, 
 1795. 4. Funeral Sermon of Mr. Walter Moore. 
 
 Mr. Avery is said to have been tall, portly, commanding 
 in presence, with a prominent Roman countenance. His 
 natural disposition was generous and warm-hearted. His 
 manners were frank, cordial, humble, and dignified. He 
 was emphatically a gentleman of the old school ; and when 
 he thought occasion demanded, rigid in adherence to his 
 opinions. He was an Edwardean in sentiment, and a 
 Whitefieldian in warmth of manner : although he differed 
 from the Hopkinsians on some minor points. He preached 
 extemporaneously from short notes. His language was 
 copious, and at times too diffuse. His voice was so clear 
 and sonorous, and his articulation so distinct, that it was a 
 common saying in the army, that every soldier in a brigade 
 could hear all that he said. 
 
 His ministry on Long Island in 1771 appears to have 
 been remarkably successful. His private diary for that year 
 exhibits earnest longings to be useful, and in such fields of 
 labor as God should see fit. 
 
 "Jan. 1, 1771. Preached at Sag Harbor, a new-year s 
 sermon. People somewhat solemn. I earnestly desire to 
 begin the year with God, and in entire dedication to Him." 
 " Lord, let me spend and be spent for thee. Dispose of 
 me as thou pleasest ; send me where thou pleasest ; let me 
 have no will of mine own, or let my will be thy will. 
 
 " 2. Preached to-day to a solemn assembly. Had some 
 intimations of God s presence. 
 
 " 3. This evening preached to a very solemn assembly. 
 Numbers of the youth in tears and sighs. 
 
 " 6. Preached to an attentive audience on the stoutness of 
 the natural heart. Isa. 46 : 12." 
 
REV. DAVID AVERY. 127 
 
 The journal of his chaplaincy contains many facts of 
 interest. His connection with the army of Washington was 
 intimate and of considerable continuance. When the news 
 of the battle of Lexington reached Gageboro , Mr. Avery s 
 parishioners assembled in arms, formed themselves into a 
 company, elected him for their captain, and on Saturday, 22 
 April, after devoutly asking God s blessing on the enterprise, 
 marched for Cambridge. They spent the Sabbath at North 
 ampton, and attended public worship. Mr. Avery preached 
 in the afternoon from Neh. 4 : 14. Monday, marched on, 
 and arrived at Cambridge, Saturday, 29, where they were 
 honorably received and congratulated by the troops as 
 sembled. Next day, Sabbath, Rev. Dr. Langdon, a chaplain 
 in the army, preached on a temporary stage erected in the 
 college area from 1 Tim. G: 12. In the r. M. Mr. Avery 
 preached from Neh. 4:14. Monday, Mr. A. commenced a 
 regular course of morning and evening prayer with the 
 regiment to which he belonged. Tuesday, commenced 
 visiting and praying with the sick and wounded regulars in 
 the hospitals. 
 
 May 11. A Province Fast. Preached on Cambridge 
 Common. 
 
 29. Went volunteer with an expedition to Noddle s Island. 
 A brisk skirmish. Stood guard two hours that night after 
 praying with the expedition. 
 
 July 20. Continental fast day. Preached to the troops. 
 
 27. Read to the troops the Declaration of War by Con 
 gress against General Gage. 
 
 Nov. 14. "My people, (of Gageboro ,) consented that I 
 should engage in the next campaign, and the neighboring 
 ministers kindly agreed to supply my pulpit two-thirds of the 
 time of my absence." 
 
 Dec. 31. Exhorted the troops to repent of their past sins, 
 and begin the new year with new hearts and lives, and to be 
 faithful in the service of God and their country." 
 
128 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Avery often acted as physician and assistant surgeon. 
 He was at the taking of Burgoyne, the capture of the Hes 
 sians at Trenton, and in the battle of Princeton. When 
 settled at Bennington, at the request of the Governor and 
 Council of Vermont, he took the field with General Allen, 
 and was in the battle of Bennington, and assisted in dressing 
 the wounds of the soldiery. 
 
 Mr. Avery had fourteen cousins of the name of Avery in 
 Groton Fort, who were all massacred except one, and he 
 had a musket ball pass through the left side of his head, 
 carrying his left eye with it. He lived to be more than a 
 hundred years old.* 
 
 17. REV. CALEB ALEXANDER 
 
 Was born in Northfield, 22 July, 1755. Graduated at 
 Yale College 1777, and studied theology with Rev. Ephraim 
 Judson, of Taunton. He was ordained at New Marlboro , 
 28 February, 1781, and dismissed 28 June, 1782. Installed 
 at Mendon, 12 April, 1786. In 1801, he was appointed by 
 the Massachusetts Missionary Society, to visit the churches 
 and Indians in Western New York. On his return, he was 
 dismissed from his charge in Mendon, 7 December, 1802, 
 and reentered the western field as teacher, for which work 
 he had eminent abilities. He first located in Fairfield, 
 Herkimer Co., N. Y., where he was elected Preceptor of 
 Fairfield Academy, just erected. Under his direction it 
 became a prominent resort for education. In 1812, he re 
 moved to Onondaga, Onondaga Co., to take charge of a 
 newly-established academy there. He was also greatly 
 instrumental in the establishment of Hamilton College and 
 Auburn Theological Seminary. During the time, he 
 preached almost every Sabbath in adjoining places, and 
 gathered many now flourishing churches in the region. 
 
 * Letter of W. H. Smith, Esq., Providence, E. I. 
 
REV. CALEB ALEXANDER. 129 
 
 He died at Onondaga, N. Y., 12 April, 1828, aged 72 
 years, 8 months, and 20 days. His epitaph is as follows : 
 
 HIS INDUSTRY AND ZEAL, 
 
 IN THE CAUSE OF LITERATURE AND RELIGION, 
 
 . WERE UNTIRING AND BENEVOLENT. 
 
 "PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD is THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS." 
 
 The following extracts are from an obituary notice of Mr. 
 Alexander, published in the Onondaga Register for April 
 16,1828: 
 
 " Rev. Mr. Alexander graduated at New Haven College, 
 fifty-one years since ; and after obtaining a theological edu 
 cation, and being for a few years pastor of a church, he 
 chose for his future life the equally laborious employment of 
 a teacher. For this employment he was admirably fitted. 
 Being himself an excellent scholar, he excelled in this de 
 partment of usefulness, and may be considered as the founder 
 of several important literary institutions. Many of the dis 
 tinguished men in each of the professions in this State have 
 been brought up under his instructions. His literary labors, 
 considering the nature of his official duties, have been aston 
 ishing. As the correspondent of scientific and religious 
 periodicals, and as the author of several systems of education, 
 translations, and essays on various subjects, he has long been 
 well known to the world. But this is not all. As a steward 
 of the mysteries of the Gospel, he was a * scribe well in 
 structed. Clear and distinguishing in his views of divine 
 truth, he manifested to all that, amid his complicated labors, 
 the Bible had never been neglected ; and we have seldom 
 seen a man so familiar with its doctrines, and so capable of 
 making the Scripture the interpreter of itself. The last 
 years of his life, after having retired from its active duties, 
 were devoted to the Bible ; and the treasures of divine 
 knowledge he had gathered from it were truly wonderful." 
 
130 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Alexander married Miss Lucina Strong, daughter of 
 his predecessor at New Marlboro , Rev. Thomas Strong. 
 She died in Onondaga, 24 Nov., 1847, aged 91. They had 
 seven children : 
 
 1. William H., now living in Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 2. Fanny, married Smith of Rocton, Herkimer Co. 
 
 3. Elizabeth, married - Groesbuck of Buffalo. 
 
 4. Sylvia, married a Sheldon, of Buffalo. 
 
 5. Laura, wife of Rev. D. C. Lansing, D. D., of Brooklyn, 
 deceased. 
 
 6. Sophia, wife of W. Raynor, of Syracuse, deceased. 
 
 7. Sarah, of Onondaga.* 
 
 Mr. Alexander published many works. Among them are 
 " Essay on the Deity of Christ, with Strictures upon Emlyn, 
 1791. Translation of Virgil. Latin, Greek, and English 
 Grammars." And several occasional Sermons. 
 
 18. REV. TIMOTHY DICKINSON, 
 
 The son of Nathan and Esther Dickinson, was born at 
 Amherst, 25 June, 1761.| He lived with his parents and 
 
 * Letter of W. H. Alexander, Esq., Syracuse, N. Y. 
 
 t The ancestral line is traceable to Nathaniel of Weathersfield, Ct., as 
 early as 1638. He signed the agreement of the Hartley Settlers at the 
 house of " Goodman Ward." in Hartford, 18 April, 1659, and moved 
 to Hartley within the year after. He died at Hartley, 16 June, 1676. 
 He had nine children. 
 
 II. Samuel, the eldest son of Nathaniel, born 1638, and married 
 Martha Bridgman of Springfield, and lived at Hatfield. He died 
 30 Nov., 1711 : had nine children. 
 
 III. Ebenezer, the sixth son. born 2 Feb. 1680; married Hannah 
 Frary, and lived at Hatfield. Died 16 May, 1730. Had seven 
 children. 
 
 IV. Nathan, the third son, born 30 May, 1712 ; married, 1. Thank-, 
 ful Warner ; 2. Joanna Leonard ; 3. Judith Hosmer. Died 7 Aug., 
 1796. Had thirteen children. He moved to Amherst, 1742. 
 
REV. TIMOTHY DICKINSON. 131 
 
 labored upon a farm until sixteen years of age, when he 
 enlisted as a private soldier in the Continental Militia. He 
 served in the army about fifteen months. Urged by the 
 developments of depravity so visible in the camp, he deter 
 mined to secure a public education, that he might combat it 
 more successfully. He fitted for college under Kev. Dr. 
 Dwight, afterwards President of Yale College, then teaching 
 a private school in Northampton. He graduated at Dart 
 mouth College 1785, and A. M. ; and then, for one year, 
 took charge of " Moore s Charity School," connected with 
 the College. He studied theology with Rev. David Tappan, 
 D. D., then of Newbury, afterwards Divinity Professor in 
 Harvard University. He preached at Exeter, N. H., and at 
 Hopkinton, N. H. ; and finally, he received an unanimous 
 invitation to settle in Holliston, 13 Nov., 1788. He was the 
 thirteenth candidate after the dismission of Rev. Joshua 
 Prentiss. He was ordained and settled 18 Feb., 1789. 
 He died in the ministry, 6 July, 1813, aged fifty-two years, 
 having been a pastor twenty-four years. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson married Margaret, the eldest daughter of 
 Rev. J. Prentiss, his predecessor, and had seven children, 
 five of whom survived him, and two became physicians. 
 His children were, 
 
 1. Nancy. 
 
 2. Joshua Prentiss, graduated Brown, 1811, and M. D. at 
 Cambridge, 1816. Lives in Bangor, Me. 
 
 3. Thomas. 
 
 4. Edwards, graduated Harvard, 1818, and M. D. 1823. 
 Died at Holliston, 1831. 
 
 5. Irene. 6. John. 7. Esther. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson published several occasional sermons ; 
 
 V. Nathan, jr., born 19 Oct. 1735; married Esther Fowler; 2. m. 
 Jerusha Blodgett, daughter of Dea. Ebenezer Dickinson. He died 
 3 Aug., 1825. He had eight children, of whom Rev. Timothy D., 
 above, was the eldest. Letter of Rev. L. M. Boltwood, Amherst. 
 
132 BIO GRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 among them a sermon preached before the Mass. Missionary 
 Society, 1811. 
 
 Mr. Dickinson became a subject of Divine grace during a 
 remarkable revival of religion, in his first year at college. 
 He had the reputation of a correct classical scholar, and was 
 diligent and persevering in his studies. 
 
 " As a preacher, he was plain, faithful, and affectionate. 
 And as he firmly believed in those doctrines which are 
 usually denominated the doctrines of grace, he felt it his 
 duty often plainly and affectionately to state and illustrate 
 them. No considerations of popularity or self-interest could 
 deter him from a plain and frequent exhibition of those 
 truths which are so offensive to the carnal mind."* 
 
 " He had a clear, strong, and pleasant voice, which enabled 
 him to speak with peculiar propriety and energy ; and as he 
 aimed to draw the attention of his hearers to his subject, 
 rather than to himself, so he seldom failed of deeply impress 
 ing their hearts and consciences." 
 
 " He loved to converse upon religious subjects, and greatly 
 excelled in private discourse with his people. In some 
 Christian and ministerial virtues, he shone with a peculiar 
 lustre. He was among the most zealous ministers and 
 Christians to spread the Gospel, and to extend the kingdom 
 of Christ through the world."f He was one of the founders 
 of the Massachusetts Missionary Society, and one of its 
 trustees. His boldness in preaching the offensive doctrines 
 of the Gospel produced much disturbance and alienation, 
 insomuch that a council was once called, 4 June, 1804, to 
 dissolve the connection. But harmony was ultimately 
 restored, and his closing labors were performed in quiet, and 
 to the general edification of his people. 
 
 * Panoplist, June, 1814. 
 
 t Funeral Sermon, by Dr. Emmons. 
 
REV". EDMUND MILLS. 133 
 
 19. REV. EDMUND MILLS 
 
 Was born in Kent, Ct., 1752 ; graduated at Yale College 
 1775. He preached in various places, was invited to settle 
 in Westboro , but finally accepted a call from the church in 
 Sutton, as successor of Rev. Dr. Hall, where he was ordained 
 23 June, 1790. The sermon was preached by his brother, 
 Samuel John Mills of Torringford, father to S. J. Mills, of 
 missionary celebrity. He remained here until his death, 
 7 Nov. 1825, aged 73 years, having ministered 35 years 
 5 months. 
 
 Mr. Mills married Mrs. Abigail M. Packard, widow of 
 Rev. Winslow Packard, of Wilmington, Vt., and afterwards 
 wife of Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 
 He left five children, three sons and two daughters. The 
 eldest, E. J. Mills, Esq., reside? in Sutton. 2. Lewis, is of 
 the firm of Dodge, Tucker & Co., merchants, Boston. 3. 
 Henry, is in trade at Watertown. The eldest daughter is 
 married to William Whittlesey, Esq., of Auburndale. The 
 second is widow of the late N. Whittlesey of West Newton, 
 brother to the last named. 
 
 The beginning of Mr. Mills s ministry encountered the 
 rank spirit of infidelity which followed the French Revolu 
 tion, and blighted so many places in New England. But his 
 wise and vigorous exhibitions of truth annihilated the influ 
 ence and existence of an infidel club in the town, and secured 
 the triumph of the Gospel. In 1810, the church was reduced 
 to 55 members ; but an extensive revival raised the church, 
 and increased it to 125 members. Another season of refresh 
 ing was enjoyed ten years after, when between 40 and 50 
 were added to the church. 
 
 " Mr. Mills was an uncommon man. His erect and com 
 manding person, the dignity and urbanity of his manners, 
 his great sensibility and kindness of heart, fitted him in an 
 
 12 
 
134 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 admirable degree to gain the respect and good will of all 
 who knew him. 
 
 " He was a man universally beloved and admired ; and to 
 this day is mentioned with veneration. 
 
 " He possessed great originality of mind, a fine taste, and 
 a cultivated intellect. These, together with a warm heart, 
 enabled him in the pulpit to command and rivet the atten 
 tion of his hearers. He was distinguished for appropriate 
 ness in all his performances. Upon unusual occasions, he 
 was ready at a moment s notice to perform any part assigned 
 him, with propriety and effect. It was upon such occasions 
 more than any other that he appeared the man he was. He 
 always excelled where others failed. He was fitted by 
 nature and by grace to gain influence and preserve it. 
 
 " His piety was of the contemplative cast. He loved 
 retirement. He was a sound divine. The great doctrines 
 of the Reformation as set forth by Calvin, received his most 
 hearty assent. He was a faithful and affectionate pastor. 
 His last prayers were for his family and his people."* 
 
 20. REV. JOHN ROBINSON 
 
 Was the son of Ichabod and Lydia (Brown) Robinson,f 
 and was born in Lebanon, Ct., April, 1760. He graduated 
 
 * Tracy s Historical Sermon of Sutton. 
 
 t The father of Rev. John R., above, is supposed to be the son of 
 Rev. John Robinson of Duxbury, who had a son of the same name. 
 If so, his ancestral line is as follows : 
 
 1. William Robinson, Dorchester, 1636, Farmer. Supposed by 
 some,*but without positive proof, to be son of Rev. John Robinson, of 
 Ley den. None of the name in this country, have proved their descent 
 from the famous Nonconformist. 
 
 2. James, son of William. 
 
 3. Rev. John, bora at Dorchester, 17 April, 1675; H. U. 1695; 
 ordained at Duxbury, 5 June, 1702 ; dismissed in 1739; removed to 
 Lebanon, Ct., and died 14 Nov. 1745. He married Hannah, daughter 
 
REV. NATIIANAEL HOWE. 135 
 
 at Yale College 1780, and was settled in Westboro 14 Jan. 
 1789 ; dismissed, 1 Oct. 1807. He continued to reside in 
 Westboro some years after his dismission, preaching occa 
 sionally, but ultimately removed to Lebanon, his native 
 place, where he died suddenly, dropping dead in the street, 
 2 May, 1832, aged 72. He was never resettled, and 
 preached but little, being of the uncommon class of dismissed 
 ministers, able to live without the pittances of occasional 
 supplies. 
 
 His residence in Lebanon was marked by a controversy 
 with the church, the result of which was, rightfully or wrong 
 fully, his exclusion from the sacramental table. 
 
 The first wife of Mr. Robinson was a native of Westboro , 
 by whom he had two children, who reached maturity. The 
 oldest, Melinda, a young Christian of hopeful promise, died 
 at the age of 23. The other, John A. Robinson, is a very 
 eminent and wealthy merchant in New York city. 
 
 His second wife, a widow, still resides in Lebanon, Ct.* 
 
 21. REV. NATHANIEL HOWE 
 
 Was the third son of Capt. Abraham and Lucy (Appleton) 
 Howe, of Ipswich, Linebrook parish, where he was born, 6 
 
 of his predecessor, Rer. Ichabod Wiswall, 31 Jan. 1705. His wife and 
 daughter Mary, aged 1G, were drowned on a passage to Boston, 22 
 Sept. 1722. His other children were, Hannah, Althca, Betsey, John, 
 and Ichabod. John, jr., born 16 April, 1715, married a Hinckley of 
 Lebanon, Ct., Teacher in Portsmouth, N. II. , and died in Norwich, 
 North Concord parish, 21 Aug. 1784. 
 
 4. Ichabod, born 12 Dec. 1720. His son William, born at Lebanon, 
 15 Aug. 1754, ordained at Southington, Ct., 1780, and died 15 Aug. 
 1825. He was the father of Rev. Edward Robinson, D. D., author of 
 Biblical Researches, etc. 
 
 5. Rev. John, of Westboro , probably son of Ichabod. 
 
 W. R. Deane, Boston. 
 * Letter of D. S. Woodworth, Esq., Lebanon, Ct. 
 
136 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Oct. 1764. He prepared for college at Dummer Academy, 
 Byfield, under Mr. Samuel Moody, and afterwards studied 
 with Rev. George Leslie, his pastor, and Rev. E. Bradford, 
 of Ipswich. With the latter he experienced religion and 
 united with his church. He entered the junior class at 
 Nassau Hall, Princeton, N. J., Dr. Weatherspoon from 
 Scotland being then President ; remained one year, and 
 graduated at Harvard University 1786, and A. M. 
 
 After teaching school a while in his native town, he com 
 menced the study of theology with Rev. Dr. Hart of Ct., which 
 he completed with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He preached at Lon 
 donderry and Francestown, N. H., and at Hampton, Ct., and 
 at Grafton, where he declined a call to settle. He com 
 menced preaching at Hopkinton, 16 Jan. 1791, and in May 
 was invited unanimously by the church to settlement. The 
 town concurred, on condition of retaining the half-way 
 covenant system. Mr. Howe refused any personal agency 
 in its operation, but engaged to exchange with ministers 
 who would administer it in his absence to such as desired. 
 
 The town assented, 18 July, and he was settled, 5 Oct. 
 1791. Rev. E. Bradford, of Ipswich, preached the sermon. 
 In April, 1830, it was proposed to him, on account of in 
 creasing infirmities, to have a colleague pastor ; and accord 
 ingly Rev. Amos A. Phelps was so settled as colleague 14 
 Sept. 1830, and continued until his dismission, 1 May, 1832. 
 In 1833, Rev. Jeffries Hall was ordained colleague, and con 
 tinued in the office until after Mr. Howe s death. With both 
 these gentlemen Mr. II. lived on the most friendly terms. 
 His last sermon was preached at Franklin, 25 Dec. 1836. 
 Text, Gal. 1: 10.* His last public service was the instal 
 ling prayer of Rev. D. Brigham, at Framingham. He died 
 in peace and hope, 15 Feb. 1837, in the 73d year of his age, 
 
 * His vivid description of " popular preachers," and parsonages on 
 wheels, at that time, are still quoted to this day, in F. 
 
REV. NATIIANAEL HOWE. 137 
 
 and 4Gth of his ministry. His funeral sermon was preached 
 by Rev. J. Ide, D. D., of Medway. 
 
 Mr. Howe married Olive Jones, daughter of Col. John 
 Jones, of Hopkinton, son of Col. John of Boston, who came 
 to H. 1727. She died 10 Dec. 1843, "as distinguished as 
 her husband." They had four children : 
 
 1. Appleton, H. U. 1815, M. D., and State Senator; also 
 Major Gen. 1st Div. Mass. Militia ; resides in Weymouth. 
 
 2. Eliza, died 1815, aged 21. 
 
 3. Mary, married Rev. Samuel Russell, Boylston ; died 
 1836. 
 
 4. Lucy Ann, married John Fitch, son of Dea. Elijah F., 
 and grandson of Rev. Elijah Fitch, of Hopkinton. 
 
 There is little need, for the present generation, of any 
 portraiture of Mr. Howe s character, in these brief sketches. 
 And there is every prospect that its impressive features will 
 be perpetuated in his celebrated Century Sermon, and its 
 valuable illustrative notes, which has now reached its fourth 
 edition, and been translated into foreign languages. 
 
 He is especially remembered for his fervency and appro 
 priateness in prayer ; his originality and raciness of exp res- 
 sion in his sermons ; and his earnest sympathy with his sub 
 ject in their delivery ; for his generosity, often eccentric in 
 its exhibition, and his unflinching utterance of truth, let it 
 fall where it might. " He was rightly named Nathanael, an 
 Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile ! "* 
 
 His publications were, 
 
 1. A Funeral Sermon, 1808. 
 
 2. A Century Sermon, 24 Dec. 1815. 
 
 3. A Sermon on the Design of John s Baptism, preached 
 before the Mendon Association, Foxboro , 1819. 
 
 4. A Reply to Dr. Baldwin on John s Baptism, 1820. 
 
 * See Century Sermon, and notes by E. Nason, A. M. ; fourth 
 edition, from which the above sketch is digested. 
 
 12* 
 
138 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 5. A Catechism, with Miscellaneous Questions, and a 
 Chapter of Proverbs, for the Children under his Pastoral 
 Care, 1834. 
 
 22. REV. SAMUEL JUDSON 
 
 Was born 8 December, 1767, in Woodbury, Ct. Gradu 
 ated at Yale College 1790 and A. M., and was ordained over 
 the church in Uxbridge, 17 Oct. 1792. He was dismissed 
 on account of ill health in 1832, and soon died, 11 Nov. 
 1832, aged 65 years. 
 
 Mr. Judson married Sally Bartlett, daughter of Mr. 
 Walter P. and Elizabeth (Norris) Bartlett, of Salem. They 
 had five children, three sons and two daughters. The oldest 
 son, Walter P. Bartlett, grad. B. U. 1818, A. M. ; and M. D. 
 at Harvard, 1821. He practised medicine in Bridge water 
 until his health failed ; went to New Orleans, and died there 
 1825. The second son resides in Connecticut. Their eldest 
 daughter married the late Rev. Albert Cole, of Bluehill, Me. 
 The youngest son and daughter are active Christians in 
 Uxbridge. 
 
 " Mr. Judson was sound in the faith, a consistent minister 
 of the Gospel, an excellent pastor, and highly respected and 
 beloved by his people."* 
 
 He gave a thousand dollars to found a scholarship for the 
 education of pious young men. Not long before his death, 
 his church were exiled from the house of their fathers ; but 
 he lived long enough to see a new house dedicated to the 
 worship of the Triune God, and a godly successor of like 
 faith to his own ordained. 
 
 * Letter of Miss S. J., Uxbridge. . 
 
REV. JOHN WILDER. 139 
 
 23. REV. JOHN WILDER 
 
 Was born in Templeton, 12 March, 1758.* He was the 
 son of Mr. Jonas and Elizabeth Wilder, and removed with 
 them to Lancaster, in 177G. He graduated at Dartmouth, 
 1784, and A. M. ; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Hart, of 
 Preston, Ct., and was ordained in Attleboro , 27 Jan y, 1790. 
 He was dismissed 28 Nov., 1822, and died in Attleboro , 9 
 Feb. 183G, aged 78 years. 
 
 Mr. Wilder married Esther Tyler, daughter of Col. Sam 
 uel Tyler, of Preston, Ct. Mrs. Wilder died, 19 Jan. ISll.f 
 He married Mrs. Elizabeth Austin, of New Hartford, Ct., 
 sister to the late Dr. E. D. Griffin. She died at Austinburgh, 
 March, 1847, aged 72. His children were : 
 
 1. Esther, died at the age of 18. (Funeral Sermon : Dr. 
 Emmons s Works, Vol. Ill, p. 93.) 
 
 2. Eliza, m. Hon. Lemuel May, Esq., S. Attleboro : d. 1831 
 aged 39. 
 
 3. Julia, resides in Jewett s City, Ct. 
 
 4. John, Rev., grad. Brown Univ. 1822, settled in Charle- 
 ton 1828, died March, 1.844. He m. Mary W., d. of Nehe- 
 miah Jones, Esq., Raynham. He was a talented and useful 
 minister of the Gospel. 
 
 5. Jonas, a distinguished school teacher in Brighton ; died 
 1838, m. Miss P. Hyde, d. of Capt. Samuel H. of Newton : 
 See obit, in B. Recorder, 22 June, 38. 
 
 6. Samuel T., grad. Brown Univ. 1825; Lawyer in Roch 
 ester, N. Y., where he died 1837, aged 37. 
 
 7. Charles B., merchant in Boston ; m. Mary A., d. of Mr. 
 Ebenezer Guild, S. Attleboro . 
 
 8. Betsey B., resides in Lowell. 
 
 * Eev. L. Sabin, Templeton. 
 
 t See her Funeral Sermon, Dr. Emmons s works, Vol. Ill, p. 104. 
 
14 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 9. Amy Ann,m. Eev. J. W. Smith, of Eaton Rapids, Mich., 
 where she died, in 1846, aged 37. 
 
 10. Joseph A., Merchant, Philadelphia ; m. Mary, d. of 
 Capt. Henry Smith, of Dedham. 
 
 11. Richard E., school teacher, in Kentucky. 
 
 12. George G., Merchant, in Boston; m. Martha, d. of 
 Mr. Benjamin Swan, of Fitchburg. 
 
 The funeral sermon of Mr. Wilder, by Rev. E. Fiske, of 
 Wrentham, was printed, and exhibits him as an able, firm 
 preacher of the Hopkinsian school, and eminently useful in 
 his work. 
 
 Mr. Wilder s ministry succeeded a long vacancy of eight 
 years, in the pastoral office, following the death of Rev. Ha- 
 bijah Weld ; in which time so much difference of opinion 
 about candidates prevailed, that the church appointed a " Fast 
 on account of present difficulties." Upon his settlement, 
 these differences disappeared, and unanimity marked the 
 thirty-two years of his pastoral connection with them, in 
 which time the church grew, and was strengthened. 
 
 Mr. Wilder was a faithful pastor, a clear and convincing 
 preacher, and respected by his people to the end of his life. 
 His memory is gratefully preserved by them to this day. 
 
 He published several sermons, among which are, Funeral 
 Sermon of Dea. Lane, also of Hon. Elisha May ; Fast Ser 
 mon, 1805; Sermon on " The Coming of The Lord ;" Ad 
 dress before the Attleboro Agricultural Society. 
 
 24. REV. BENJAMIN WOO D 
 
 Was the son of Joseph and Ellen (Palmer) Wood, and 
 was born in Lebanon, N. H., 15 Sept., 1772. He was the 
 eleventh of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, ten 
 of whom reached maturity. The eldest son was the late Sam 
 uel Wood D. D., of Boscawen, N. H. The youngest is now a 
 clergyman in the State of New York. His parents at the 
 
REV. BENJAMIN WOOD. 141 
 
 first resided in Mansfield, Ct., and removed to Lebanon, N. H. 
 1767. 
 
 He fitted for college with his brother Samuel, and gradu 
 ated at Dartmouth, 1793, and- A. M. He commenced Theol 
 ogy with his brother, then settled at Boscawen, and completed 
 his course with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He first preached in 
 Upton, 14 June,1795; on December 17, received an unanimous 
 call to settle there, which he accepted, 12 March, and was 
 ordained in Upton 1 June, 1796. He was urged to take 
 charge of the newly organized Central Church in Worcester 
 in 1820, but he refused ; and, according to his then reply, "I 
 shall leave my bones in Upton," adhered to his first choice 
 until his death, 24 April, 1849, aged 76. 
 
 Mr. Wood married Miss Betsey Dustin, of Haverhill, a 
 descendant of the Mrs. Dustin taken by the Indians. His 
 second wife was Miss Almira Howe ; she died 16 Sept., 1845, 
 after a sickness of six years. 
 
 He had seven children ; Betsy, Palmer, Fanny, Philena, 
 Maria, Willard, and Hannah. 
 
 During the fifty three years of Mr. Wood s labors in Up 
 ton, eight distinct seasons of refreshing were enjoyed, which 
 resulted in the addition of over four hundred members to 
 the church. He lived to see anew house of worship opened. 
 When the old pulpit was forsaken, he felt it was time that 
 the voice which had spoken from it half a, century should be 
 silent. His last sermon was preached on the last Sabbath in 
 March before his death, and was addressed to the youth. 
 Then he laid down to die. To a clerical brother, he expressed 
 his dying faith, " I have been examining the doctrines which 
 I preached, to see if any of them may be spared : but I can 
 not part with one. They are all precious ; They are all 
 links in a golden chain." 
 
 " Mr. Wood was a man of great excellence. He was a 
 gentleman and a Christian. His vivacity and kindness of 
 
142 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 disposition, associated with his piety, made religion in him 
 appear with peculiar beautj. 
 
 " He was a sound and discriminating theologian ; a faith 
 ful, efficient, and popular preacher. He was eminently a 
 doctrinal preacher. There was an aptness and vivacity in 
 his instructions, a clearness in his statements and reasoning 
 that, aside from any peculiarity of voice and manner, would 
 have made him an interesting and popular preacher."* 
 
 25. REV. JOHN CLEAVELAND, JR. 
 
 Was born in Ipswich, 17 Jan. 1749-50. He was the son 
 of Rev. John Cleaveland, of the Fourth church, Chebacco 
 parish, Ipswich, now Essex. His father was born in Can 
 terbury, Ct., 1722 ; Yale Coll. 1745 ; and was chaplain four 
 years in the French war, at Louisburg and Ticonderoga.f 
 The subject of this sketch, with his younger brother, com 
 menced preparation for Yale college ; but the father being 
 unable to support both in college, decided to treat both alike, 
 and give them the best education he could. On this account, 
 he never graduated. For a time, he served as soldier in the 
 war of the Revolution ; j but left, and resumed his studies in 
 private, and qualified himself for the ministry. Pie received 
 an honorary A. M., Union Coll., 1803. He was ordained at 
 Stoneham, 19 Oct., 1785, and dismissed 23 Oct. 1794; was 
 installed over the Second or North church in Wrentham, 6 
 June, 1798 ; where he died, 1 Feb., 1815, aged G5 years, 
 after a wasting sickness by consumption. While at Stoneham, 
 
 * Sec Extract from his Funeral Sermon, in B. Recorder. 
 
 i He was son of Josiah and Abigail Cleaveland, and b. 1 1 April, 1722. 
 Ordained at Chebacco, 25 July, 1747; m. 1. Mary, dau. of Parker 
 Dodge, 31 July. 1 747. 2d. Mary, widow of Capt. John Foster, of Man 
 chester, Sept. 1769. Hist. Ipsicich, p. 2G3. 
 
 \ John Cleaveland served as chaplain in Col. Little s regiment, 
 xvii Foot, Cont. Army, enlisted 1 July, 1775. 
 
REV. JOHN CLEAVELAND, JR. 143 
 
 he married Miss Abigail Adams of Canterbury, Ct. She 
 died of small pox, in 1793. His second wife was Miss Eliza 
 beth Evans, of Stoneham. She was not pious, but afterwards 
 became eminently so.* She afterwards became the wife of 
 Rev. Dr. Harris, of Dunbarton, N. H. 
 
 While Mr. Cleaveland was in Wrentham, several seasons 
 of religious interest were enjoyed amongst his people, and a 
 large proportion of them were converted to God. They were 
 days of brightness and prosperity to that part of the Lord s 
 vineyard. 
 
 Mr. Cleaveland was grave and sedate. " He possessed a 
 singular talent at turning conversation to some useful sub 
 ject, and at making pertinent and serious remarks with ease 
 and propriety. 
 
 " He dwelt much, in his preaching, upon experimental 
 religion. His discourses were more solid than brilliant, more 
 sentimental than declamatory ; and better adapted to assist 
 the memory, enlighten the understanding, and awaken the 
 conscience, and penetrate the heart, than to excite the admi 
 ration, or gratify the vain curiosity of his hearers."f 
 
 He published a few occasional sermons : one, War/ 
 preached fast-day, 1812. 
 
 Mr. Cleaveland invariably devoted two afternoons, weekly, 
 to systematic visitation of his people, and the rest of the week 
 as systematically to study. 
 
 He was remarkably punctual ; so much so, that when he 
 found he was likely to arrive at the meeting-house five min 
 utes too soon, he would walk his horse, so as invariably to 
 reach the door within three minutes of the time. He had also 
 an almost prophetic induction of future events. By calm colla- 
 
 * This marriage with a non-professor, troubled some pious minds at 
 Stoneham, and occasioned his dismission ; without the least charge, 
 however, to the pastor or his wife. 
 
 t See Funeral Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 
144 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 tion of Scripture with history, he very fully predicted, to 
 confidential friends, half a century ago, just such improve 
 ments in education and facilities for travel as are now taking 
 place. 
 
 As Mr. C. had no children, he adopted two as daughters : 
 Miss Nancy Felt, now Mrs. J. C. Proctor, of Boston, and 
 Miss Mary Robishaw, now of Walpole ; natives of Wrent- 
 hara. 
 
 26. REV. NATHAN HOLMAN 
 
 Was the third son of Mr. David and Lucy (Thurston) 
 Holraan, and was born in that part of Sutton now called 
 Millbury, 17 May, 1769. He descended from Solomon Hoi- 
 man of Newbury.* 
 
 He labored upon his father s farm until his 21st year, 
 when his ardent thirst for knowledge set him determinately 
 at work to procure a liberal education. He had no funds of 
 his own, and could expect but little direct assistance from his 
 father, who had a family of twelve children to provide for ; 
 
 * The Holman family migrated from Wales to the Bermuda Islands, 
 between 1670 and 1690. It included three sons born in Wales. Two of 
 the sons, Solomon and John, were seized by a press-gang and brought 
 to Ncwburyport. There they succeeded in escaping from the British 
 ship. John, the younger, settled in North Carolina. Solomon settled 
 in Newbury, married a Miss Barton, of Old York, and had four sons 
 and three daughters, viz. Solomon, Edward, Thomas, and John ; Anna 
 m. Richard Waters, Rachel m. Samuel Waters, and Sarah m. Abel 
 Chase. Solomon, Edward, and Thomas settled in Sutton, before 1732. 
 They were among the original proprietors of Millbury. 
 
 Edward m. Hannah Emory of Newbury, and had eleven children, 
 six sons and five daughters. 
 
 David, his third son, m. Lucy Thurston, of Uxbridgc, an orphan 
 from infancy, and had twelve children. Eight sons and one daughter 
 reached maturity. 
 
 Nathan, above, was their third son. Letter of Rev. David ttol man, 
 Douglas, brother of Nathan. 
 
REV. NATHAN HOLMAN. 145 
 
 but by uncommon adherence to his cherished purpose, he 
 succeeded. He graduated at Brown university, 1797, and 
 A. M., with distinguished honors ; and immediately com 
 menced the study of theology with Rev. Edmund Mills of 
 Sutton. He spent the close of his course with Rev. Dr. 
 Emmons. 
 
 After approbation, he preached in several places with 
 great success, and received several calls to settle in the min 
 istry. Early in 1800, he commenced preaching in East At- 
 tleboro , and was ordained there, 15 Oct. 1800, the successor 
 of Rev. Ebenezer Lazell. After laboring nearly 21 years, 
 he was, to the regret of his people, dismissed, 22 May, 1821.* 
 He still resided in Attleboro , supplying destitute pulpits as 
 he was able, while he lived. He died suddenly, 28 Oct., 1844, 
 at the age of 75 years. His monument is conspicuous in the 
 burying-ground, north of the meeting-house where he spent 
 his strength, a plain pyramidal shaft, with the brief in 
 scription, above the usual dates : 
 
 "LooK TO GOD." 
 
 Mr. Holman married Miss Lettice, daughter of Mr. Sam 
 uel Morey, of Norton. She died 6 March, 1848. They had 
 three children : 
 
 1. Samuel Morey. Married Miss Lincoln, of Norton, 
 and lives in Attleboro . 
 
 2. David Emory. Married Miss Jane Bolcom. Resides 
 in Attleboro . 
 
 =* The real cause of his dismission, (undivulged at the time, as ap- 
 pcai s from his papers,) was two-fold : 1. His objection to the intro 
 duction of wind instruments, in sacred music, on the Sabbath. 2. His 
 not proposing a relinquishment of some part of his salary. He asked a 
 dismission, April 12. At two church-meetings, not one was in favor of 
 granting his request. At the third, only two. The rest of the church 
 present, 28, refused to act. Accordingly, the request was declared 
 granted. 
 
 13 
 
146 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 3. Mary Hodges, the wife of Col. M. Stone, of Norton. 
 At the time of Mr. Holman s settlement in Attleboro , the 
 church was in a very reduced state. There had been but 
 nine additions for eighteen years. There were but ten active 
 male members, and none of these under fifty years. A deep 
 interest in religion marked the commencement of his ministry. 
 He says in a sermon, " From the first sermon preached by me 
 in this pulpit, some dated those serious impressions upon their 
 minds, which resulted in hopeful conversion." During the 
 first two years of his ministry, forty -three were added to the 
 church. Then for twelve years religion declined, and only 
 twelve were added. In 1814, his labors were blessed with 
 another and very extensive outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 
 The work continued two years, and resulted in the addition 
 of one hundred and thirty-four to the church. 
 
 This revival seemed to give new life to the church, and 
 wrought a great change in the morals and habits of the 
 people. Many deeply interesting facts are remembered of 
 this surprising work of grace. As a specimen, " a pious fa 
 ther travelled some thirty miles to bring home an absent child, 
 saying, it is my duty to place my children where God is. 
 Next day she attended a conference, and the 30 Hymn II 
 Book, of Watts was sung : 
 
 Come, we who love the Lord, 
 And let our joys be known. etc. 
 
 She arose and sung the first and second stanzas with others. 
 "When they began the third, 
 
 1 Let those refuse to sing, 
 Who never knew their God, 
 
 she dropped upon her seat, and knew no peace till she found 
 it in believing."* 
 
 . * , 
 
 * Historical Sketches, by Rev. J. Crane, p. 41. 
 
REV. NATHAN HOLMAN. 147 
 
 Mr. Holman thus speaks of the religious experience of the 
 subjects of this work of grace. Their relations " were 
 particularly Scriptural, and truly orthodox. In general, those 
 who have united with the church for twenty years past have 
 fully embraced the system of doctrine, which is called Hop- 
 kinsian." 
 
 It is perhaps needless to say that Mr. Holman believed 
 and preached the same system of Divine truth. 
 
 He was a clear, plain and discriminating preacher of the 
 doctrines of grace. As a pastor, he was eminently adapted 
 to labor in seasons of religious interest. The writer well 
 remembers his serious appeals in public, and his faithful ex 
 hortations, and wise directions in the inquiry-meeting, during 
 a revival of religion in Franklin, where he supplied the pulpit 
 after Dr. Emmons s resignation. He had ever a peculiar 
 and impressive solemnity in the pulpit, especially in his prayers, 
 which seldom failed to impart itself to the assembly. 
 
 His manners and habits were marked by regularity, pre 
 cision, firmness and industry.* He had by nature a kind and 
 benevolent disposition, and in all his intercourse, as a pastor, 
 citizen, husband and father, the law of kindness was written 
 on his heart. 
 
 His style as a writer was pure and chaste. His productions 
 are marked by unity of subject, and every sentence tells upon 
 the final impression. They abound in terse apothegms. 
 
 * The T^oom by which Mr. II. procured the means of his education was 
 still kept in working order in his garret at Attlcboro, on which he plied 
 the shuttle almost daily during his ministry. The first suit of clothes 
 says one of his sons, which he wore to meeting, when a boy, were of his 
 fathers weaving. t As evidence of Mr. H s perseverance, it is said that 
 he studied Latin and Greek while at work in the field ; setting open his 
 book on the wall at one side of the plot of ground, and conning his de 
 clensions and paradigms, while he followed the plough, the hoe, or the 
 scythe across and back. He thus worked his way through the farm and 
 the classics at the same time. 
 
148 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Many sentences, heard from his lips twenty years ago, are still 
 fresh in mind, even to the exact phraseology. 
 
 Mr. Holman published several occasional sermons and ad 
 dresses. The publication of a volume from his manuscripts, 
 has been contemplated. 
 
 * 
 
 27. REV. OTIS THOMPSON 
 
 Is the son of Nathaniel Thompson, and was born in Mid- 
 dleboro , 14 Sept., 1776. He graduated at Brown University 
 1798, and A. M. For the two years following his gradua 
 tion, he filled the office of tutor to the College ; the last year 
 in connection with Rev. E. Fisk, of Wrentham. He pursued 
 the study of theology while instructing in the University, 
 and was ordained over the church in Rehoboth, 24 Sept., 
 1800. He continued in this connection until his dismission, 
 30 Oct. 1832. He afterwards preached in various places, 
 until 1840, when he removed to the state of New York, and 
 took charge of a church in Litchfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y. ; 
 which charge he relinquished in 1849. Since the latter 
 date, he has resided in North Abington, his present abiding 
 place. 
 
 Mr. Thompson married Miss Rachel Chandler of Plymp- 
 ton, by whom he had nine children, six of whom survive. 
 Of his four daughters, one was married to Rev. Tyler 
 Thacher, now of California ; one to Rev. Origen Batchellor, 
 once editor of the Anti-Universalist ; one to a Mr. Carpenter, 
 of Auburndale ; and one to Mr. Lewis Kent, of Boston. 
 None of his sons are in the ministry. His wife died in 1827, 
 and he married Miss Charlotte Fales, of Bristol, R. I. She 
 died in 1849. His present wife was Miss Polly Shaw, of 
 North Abington. 
 
 Mr. Thompson is chiefly known as an experienced and 
 skilful theological instructor and writer. 
 
 During his ministry he superintended the theological 
 
REV. DAVID THOMPSON. 149 
 
 studies of fifteen candidates for the ministry, eleven of whom 
 are noticed in these sketches.* 
 
 The chief of Mr. Thompson s publications are the follow 
 ing: 
 
 1. " A Review of Rev. Thomas Andros s Essay on Divine 
 Efficiency." 12mo., 1821. 
 
 2. " The Hopkinsian Magazine," a monthly, and making 
 four volumes in eight years, 1824-32. 
 
 3. " Sermons, Doctrinal and Practical." Vol. I. 12mo. 
 pp. 336, 1850. 
 
 4. 1 6 Funeral Sermons, 6 Ordination Sermons, 3 Fast and 
 Thanksgiving Sermons, 5 Occasional Sermons, making 30 
 pamphlets. 
 
 These works show the author to be an acute metaphysical 
 thinker, a discriminating writer, and a thorough, consistent 
 Hopkinsian, who understands his position and his definitions, 
 and leaves no obstacle to prevent others from doing the 
 same. Though now the oldest of the living clergymen who 
 have been connected with this body, and though his earthly 
 tabernacle trembles under the load of years, his mind shows 
 no indications of yielding to the pressure of age. 
 
 28. REV. DAVID LONG 
 
 Was the son of Mr. Enoch and Abigail Long, and was 
 born in Newbury 3 Feb., 1772. At the age of five years, he 
 
 removed with his parents to Hopkinton, N. H. He became 
 
 * The following is a list of Mr. Thompson s students. Those starred 
 are elsewhere mentioned. * Daniel Thomas. Jason Chamberlain, 
 Prof, in Vermont University, deceased. * Alvan Cobb. * Jonas 
 Perkins. * Stetson Raymond. * Lot B. Sullivan. * Josephus 
 Wheaton. # Augustus B. Read. Jabez Porter, never settled, de 
 ceased. * Silas Shores. * Moses Thacher. *Tyler Thacher. * Elam 
 Smalley. Ebenezer W. Robinson, Lisbon, Ct. Stephen S. Harrison, 
 Bloomingdale, 111. 
 
 13* 
 
150 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 *. 
 
 a subject of Divine grace in his nineteenth year, and united 
 with the church under Rev. Jacob Cram. He fitted. for 
 college under the eye of Rev. Mr. Paige of Hopkinton, N, H., 
 and Rev. Dr. Wood of Boscawen ; and entered the sophomore 
 class of 1795 at Dartmouth College, and graduated 1798, 
 and A. M. He studied theology with Rev. Walter Harris, 
 D. D., of Dunbarton, N. H. He received invitations to 
 settle in the ministry, both at Deering, N. H., and at Man 
 chester, Mass., but declined them. He came to Milford in 
 1800, and was ordained there 20 May, 1801. He continued 
 in the pastoral office until 1844, when he resigned to a suc 
 cessor. He remained in Milford until his death, which event 
 occurred while he was on a visit to a sick daughter, at Hart 
 ford, Ct., 13 March, 1850. He was 78 years old, and had 
 been nearly 49 years in the ministry. 
 
 Mr. Long married Miss Lois Howe in 1794. who died in 
 a few months. He married a second time, 4 June, 1804, 
 Miss Rebecca Curtis of Worcester, by whom he had four 
 children. The mother died 24 June, 1824. None of the 
 children are now alive. The daughter, at whose house Mr. 
 Long closed his days, Mrs. Maria A., wife of Mr. Hoyt 
 Freeman, of Hartford, Ct., followed him in three weeks. 
 The only child who survived him, Claudius B. Long, died in 
 1851. Mr. Long married a third time, 17 April, 182G, 
 Miss Sophia Rice, of Marlboro , who still lives. 
 
 " Mr. Long was a firm believer in the distinguishing doc 
 trines of the Gospel, as they were taught and believed by 
 our Pilgrim Fathers. (He was an intelligent Hopkinsian.) 
 
 " His sermons were able, well studied, and correctly writ 
 ten ; not so remarkable for their brilliancy as for their depth 
 of thought and weight of matter. In his delivery, there was 
 more of that distinctness, moderation, and solemnity, which 
 the philosophic and patient thinker prizes, than that rapidity 
 of utterance, animation of feeling, and energy of manner, 
 which are pleasing to all, and deemed indispensable by 
 
REV.ELISIIAFISK. 151 
 
 some, with whom the chief object of preaching is animal 
 excitement. 
 
 " There was a beautiful correspondence between the truths 
 which he taught and the principles by which his own conduct 
 was governed. Integrity and uprightness were leading 
 features in his character. When he once made a promise, 
 everybody expected he would fulfil it. He would do right at 
 all events. 
 
 " There were repeated revivals among his people during 
 his ministry. But he gathered men by individuals rather 
 than by multitudes into the church ; and his success lay 
 rather in establishing Christians in the faith once delivered 
 to the saints, in inculcating the duties which devolved upon 
 them as the professed disciples of Christ, and in disciplining 
 their minds for their holy warfare, than in rapidly increasing 
 their number. There are comparatively few men that have 
 done more for the kingdom of Christ, in similar circum 
 stances."* 
 
 Mr. Long published but one sermon, on the return of an 
 artillery company from the war of 1812. 
 
 29. REV. ELISHA FISK 
 
 Was the son of Robert and Mary (Hall) Fisk, and was 
 
 born in that part of Holliston now included in West Medway, 
 
 1 3 Sept., 1769-t At a year and a half of age his parents 
 
 * Sec Funeral Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Idc ; also, Obituary in Assoc. 
 Records. 
 
 t Mr. Fisk descended from William Fisk, brother of Rev. John 
 Fisk, minister of Chelmsford, where he died 14 Jan., 1676. William 
 Fisk arrived 1637, admitted freeman 1642, member of the church, 
 Salem, 2 July, 1641 ; removed to Wenham, where he was town clerk, 
 and rep. from 1647 to 1650, and died 1654. His widow married a Rix, 
 of Salem. His grandson, Daniel, removed from Wenham to Upton in 
 1748, and died about 1761. He had eight children. Samuel, one of 
 
152 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 removed to Upton, where he spent his youth, and where he 
 became a child of God, under the ministry of Rev. Elisha 
 Fish ; whose name differed from his own by but a single 
 letter. At five years of age he had read the Bible through. 
 He set himself to gain a liberal education with reference to 
 the ministry, and by dint of perseverance, entered Brown 
 University, and graduated 1795, and A. M. He was tutor 
 the three years following. While here, he was approbated 
 to preach the Gospel. 
 
 He preached the first time in Wrentham, on the first 
 Sabbath in May, 1798. It was the first sermon he wrote, 
 and the text was Gen. 1:1. It proved to be the first of a 
 long series of discourses to that people. Nov. 6th, he re 
 ceived a call to settle amongst them. The prospect was 
 dark indeed, but circumstances appeared to make duty very 
 plain. He was ike forty-ninth candidate, and but the second 
 who had received a call. Imagining the interminable cata 
 logue which might follow if he declined, he decided to break 
 this non-apostolic succession, and accepted the invitation, 25 
 April. He was ordained over the first church in Wrentham 
 12 June, 1799. Rev. Dr. Hitchcock of Providence preached 
 the sermon. After occupying the field alone nearly 45 years, 
 he proposed that a colleague should be settled, and Rev. 
 Horace James was inducted into this office 1 November, 1843. 
 Mr. Fisk still continued to preach almost every Sabbath at 
 home, in surrounding vacant places, or in the pulpits of his 
 brethren. 
 
 The last Sabbath he spent on earth was employed in 
 preaching the Gospel and breaking the sacramental bread 
 
 the sous, removed to Shelburne, and was the ancestor of Rev. Pliny 
 Fisk. Daniel, the oldest son, born about 1723, married Zelpah Tyler, 
 and had five children. Of them, Robert, born 24 February, 1746, 
 married Mary Hall, and had four children. The eldest was Elisha 
 Fisk, above. Letter ofM. Plimpton, Esq., Boston. 
 
REV. ELISIIA FISK. 153 
 
 to the church in Attleboro . It was an intensely cold day 
 in December, and the fatigue and exposure of riding in an 
 open sleigh some ten miles was more than a human frame of 
 over four score years standing could endure. A cold and 
 fever was the result, running into a lethargic state, in which 
 the ever-busy spirit, having put its weary partner of dust to 
 sleep, softly withdrew to the presence of God. He died 
 7 Jan., 1851, in the 82d year of his age, and 52d of his 
 ministry, and was buried on the day of the regular meeting 
 of the Association at his house. It was appointed to be there 
 at his request, and he had anticipated its coming with great 
 satisfaction, not imagining that they should be convened 
 for his funeral ! 
 
 Mr. Fisk married first, Lydia, daughter of John and 
 Susanna Robinson of Milford. She died 11 July, 1805, 
 leaving two children. He next married Mrs. Margaret 
 Brown, daughter of Capt. Benjamin and Hepsibah (Blake) 
 Shepherd, of Wrentham. She died 30 April, 1850. His 
 children were, 
 
 1. Mary Hall, married Rev. George Fisher, Harvard, and 
 died 29 April, 1852, aged 51. 
 
 2. Charles Robinson, grad. Brown University 1824, and 
 now a clergyman in Illinois. 
 
 3. Charlotte Brown, daughter of his second wife, by a 
 former husband, who married Rev. Amos A. Phelps of 
 Boston, and died Aug., 1838. 
 
 4. Emily Frances, married to Capt. Wm. Sturtevant, of 
 New Bedford. 
 
 5. William Jones, died in 1830, aged 16. 
 
 6. Frederick Augustus, Rev. (See Licentiates, No. 119). 
 
 7. Harriet Josephine, wife of Rev. Erasmus D. Moore, of 
 Boston. 
 
 At the time of Mr. Fisk s ordination, the church was 
 reduced to ten members ; and " they were divided in their 
 religious opinions, and in many instances strongly excited 
 
154 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 against each other, on account of the different positions 
 which they had taken in the controversy with his predeces 
 sor, Rev. Mr. Avery. Of an observing mind, careful and 
 conciliating in his conversation and manners, interesting and 
 popular in his pulpit performances, he succeeded, as few 
 other men would, in uniting and holding together very dis 
 cordant materials, not only at the commencement of his 
 ministry, but through the vicissitudes of more than fifty 
 years. He gained and kept the enviable reputation of 
 peace-maker"* 
 
 He was blessed with several seasons of refreshing from 
 the presence of the Lord. In 1805, 51 were added to the 
 church. In 1815 and 16, 64 made profession of religion. 
 In 1821, 43 were gathered in. Again, 58 joined in 1832. 
 The whole number of admissions during his sole ministry 
 was 432. 
 
 Mr. Fisk possessed an iron constitution, and great perse 
 verance, and was able to labor, even in his advanced age, 
 beyond the ability of many young men. He frequently took 
 long walks of five and even ten miles on his exchanges. He 
 travelled much on foot over his extensive parish. He was 
 seldom unable to preach ; but two Sabbaths in forty years. 
 He was seldom absent, or even tardy, at Associational meet 
 ings. He attended over one hundred and fifty ecclesiastical 
 councils ; and did a large part of the editing of the " Christian 
 Magazine," during its four years continuance ; and was in 
 all ministerial labors abundant. 
 
 " Mr. Fisk was sound in doctrine, fervent in his devotions, 
 and active and laborious in his efforts to do good. He ex- 
 
 * Funeral Sermon, by Rev. Dr. Storrs, Braintree. As a fact illus 
 trative of Mr. FLsk s reputation, the celebrated Hannah Adams once 
 said, that another question should be added to well-known interroga 
 tories in the New England Primer, Who is the first man, etc., viz. : 
 Who is the most prudent man ? Parson Fisk, of Wrentham. 
 
REV. ELISHA FISK. 155 
 
 celled in the carefulness and prudence with which he was 
 accustomed to feel his way through difficulties, and to com 
 pose conflicting elements just ready to burst into a storm. 
 
 " He had a fondness for society, was eminently social in 
 his tastes, and acceptable in company. His vivacity and 
 interest in young people rendered him a pleasant friend to 
 all. His attachment to his ministerial brethren, and enjoy 
 ment in their society, was unbounded."* 
 
 Mr. Fisk lived long enough to pass through the regular 
 and usual phases of a pastor s life ; which may be divided 
 into the attractive novelty of the first settlement, the period 
 of common-place regard, of indifference, of burdened uneasi 
 ness, of reviving veneration, and, if he live long enough to 
 celebrate his jubilee, the period of rare relics, of whose pos 
 session his people will be justly proud. 
 
 Mr. Fisk will be remembered chiefly, for the heavenly 
 fervor and unction of his prayers, and for his lively interest in 
 children and youth. His apt sayings to them, have a warrant 
 of immortality in their memories for at least half a century 
 to come. 
 
 Mr. Fisk published several sermons ; among them are, 1. 
 Address on removing the bodies of Dea. Tho. Mann and 
 wife into a tomb, 1813 ; 2. Ord. Sermon of Rev. Martin 
 Moore, at Natick, 1814 ; 3. Sermon before the Norfolk Co. 
 Education Society, 1819; 4. Funeral Sermon of Maj. Eras- 
 tus Emmons, 1820; 5. Sermon before the Mass. Soc. for the 
 promotion of Christian Knowledge, 1822 ; 6. Funeral Ser 
 mon of Mrs. David Fisher, Esq., 1827 ; 7. Do. Rev. John 
 Wilder, 1836; 8. Two Sermons on the 47th anniversary of 
 his settlement, 1846 ; 9. Semi-centennial Sermon of his 
 settlement, 1849. 
 
 * Obituary Notice in Assoc. Records. 
 
156 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 30. REV. SAMUEL AUSTIN, D. D. 
 
 Was born at New Haven, Ct,, 7 Oct., 1760. He was the 
 eldest son and child of Samuel and Lydia (Wolcot) Austin. 
 At the age of sixteen he took his father s place in the army, 
 who had been drafted as a soldier, and did military duty in 
 New York. When the British took possession of the city, 
 he obtained a discharge and returned home. He taught 
 school two or three years, and then commenced studying 
 law with Judge Chauncey, of New Haven. But he soon 
 dropped his professional studies, and began upon the classics. 
 In one year he fitted himself for the Sophomore Class, 
 which he entered at Yale College, 1781. In the same year 
 he joined the College Church. He graduated 1783, with 
 the highest honors of the college, in a class of forty-two 
 members, and was also a Dean scholar. He recieved A. 
 M. in course from his alma mater, and also from New Jersey, 
 1785, and D. D. 1807 from Williams College. After grad 
 uation, he commenced the study of Theology with Rev. 
 Jonathan Edwards, D. D., then settled in New Haven. At 
 the same time, he taught an English and Grammar school. 
 In 1784, he took charge of the academy at Norwich. 
 
 He was approbated to preach the Gospel, 12 Oct, 1784, by 
 the New London Association, and on the following Sabbath, 
 preached his first sermon in Chelsea, now Norwich City. 
 Soon after, he preached in New York, and received an unan 
 imous invitation from the Middle Dutch Church, to settle as 
 colleague with Rev. Dr. Livingston. He declined on account 
 of scruples at the half-way covenant there practised. He 
 also declined a call to settle in Hampton, Ct. . In 1786, he 
 was invited by the society of Fairhaven in New Haven, and 
 was ordained there 9 Nov., 1786. His class-mate, afterwards 
 Dr. Morse, of Charlestown, -was ordained Evangelist at the 
 same time. After three years, the society was remerged in 
 
EEV. SAMUEL AUSTIN, D.D. 157 
 
 Dr. Edwards s society, and Mr. Austin resigned, 19 Jan., 1790. 
 The first society in Worcester, hearing of his intention to 
 leave, sent him an invitation to resettle with them. He was 
 installed over the first church in Worcester, 29 Sept., 1790. 
 In 1815, he was invited to the presidency of the University 
 of Vermont, at Burlington, Vt. Into this office, he was in 
 ducted, 26 July, 1815. He continued at this post about 
 six years, encountering great difficulties in resuscitating 
 and sustaining the institution, and resigned in 1821. 
 Hearing of the feeble and destitute state of the church in 
 Newport, over which Dr. Hopkins was once pastor, he offered 
 to come and supply them, an offer which they gladly accepted. 
 He was installed at Newport, 25 July, 1821. But his health 
 admonished him to seek a less laborious post, and he resigned 
 the pastoral charge in 1825, and withdrew to the family of 
 John W. Hubbard, Esq, of Worcester, son of Mrs. Austin s 
 sister, and whom they had brought up from a child. But this 
 quiet retreat was broken up suddenly, by Mr. Hubbard s 
 death. The inroads of aggravated disease, affliction, and 
 perplexities in the settlement of his nephew s estate, induced 
 upon Dr. Austin a deep melancholy passing into a temporary 
 insanity, to which he had an inherited constitutional tendency, 
 that clouded his remaining days. 
 
 He spent the year 1827 with his brother-in-law, Mr. John 
 Hopkins, of Northampton. In 1828, he went to reside with 
 his nephew, Rev. Samuel H. Riddell, of Glastonbury, Ct., 
 where he died 4 Dec., 1830, in his 71st year. 
 
 Dr. Austin married, 14 Sept., 1788, Miss Jerusha Hop 
 kins, daughter of Rev. Dr. Samuel Hopkins, of Hadley.* 
 She survived him. They had no children. 
 
 Intellectually, Dr. Austin sustained a high rank among 
 scholars. His powers of conception and imagination, to- 
 
 * See Note on Dr. Emmons, No. 12. 
 14 
 
158 ]) I 11 A P Il l C A L S K !] T II K S . 
 
 gether witli comparison and association of ideas, were unu 
 sually developed. As a writer, his style was nervous, copi 
 ous, and unstudied. Its faults were those of redundance, 
 difl uscness, and occasional negligence. As a preacher, he 
 rank CM! among the most able, eloquent, and popular of Amer 
 ican divines. His manner in the pulpit was solemn, digni 
 fied, and commanding. Tin: tones of his voice were full and 
 flexible; his enunciation, Tree and emphatic. 
 
 His doctrinal tenets were thoroughly Calvinistic ; in gen 
 eral accordance with those of Kdwanls, Bellamy, and Hop 
 kins. And these he " heartily and earnestly inculcated upon 
 his hearers." He instructed many students in theology, 
 among whom may be- mentioned Dr. Samuel Worcester, of 
 Salem, and Rev. Leonard Worcester, of IVacham, Vt., who 
 imbibed hero the missionary spirit, bearing fruit so rich at 
 this day. 
 
 Dr. Austin issued several publications; among them the 
 following : 
 
 1. A View of the Church. 2. Lectures on Baptism: a 
 review of Merrill s Sermons, 1805. 3. Reply to Merrill s 
 Twelve Lectures, 1800. d. Dissertations on the several 
 fundamental art ides of Christian Theology, 182G. Also, the 
 following sermons: on 1 )isinterestcd Love, 171)0. Funeral 
 sermon on a Mr. and Miss Smith, of Kxeler, N. II., 171)0. 
 On Death of Miss Hannah lilair, 171)4. Thanksgiving Ser 
 mon, 171)7. Ordination Sermon of Rev. Samuel Worcester, 
 171)8. Of Rev. Leonard Worcester, 1800. Of Rev. War 
 ren Kay and Rev. J. M. Whiton, 1808. Dedication at 
 lladley, 1808. Fast Sermon, 1811. Two Fast Sermons, 
 1812. Dedication Sermon, at Worcester, 182- ). Sermon 
 before the Mass. Miss. Soc., ISO. J. Fourth of July Address, 
 at Worcester, 1825* 
 
 * Abrid^nl from his Mnnuir, in (Juart. He;;. Vol. IX. p. 201. 
 
REV. WILLIAM W A R R E X . 159 
 
 31. REV. WILLIAM WARREN 
 
 Was born in New Ipswich, N. H. Graduated at Dart 
 mouth, 1800 ; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons, 
 and was ordained, at Dighton, in 1802 ; dismissed in 1815 ; 
 and removed to the state of New York, where he entirely 
 resigned the duties and designations of the ministry, and 
 turned to the practice of medicine. The date and place of his 
 death have not been ascertained. 
 
 Mr. Warren married a daughter of Capt. John Davis, of 
 Dighton, and left a large family of children, five of whom 
 are living. 
 
 Mr. Warren was endowed, by nature, with uncommon men 
 tal abilities, and was one of the most popular preachers in Bris 
 tol county. His eminently social qualities made him a wel 
 come visitor amongst his people, who delighted to show their 
 hospitality in the way universal half a century ago. The pas 
 tor, thus cordially treated, formed intemperate habits, which 
 incapacitated him for the functions of the ministry, and com 
 pelled him to resort to another calling and another region ; 
 a painful fruit of those usages which cannot be too speedily 
 expelled from every vocation and every region of society 
 where they still linger. 
 
 32. REV. PRESERVED SMITH 
 
 Was the son of Elder Ebenezer Smith, Baptist minister 
 of Ashfield, and his wife Remember (Ellis) Smith, daughter 
 of Richard Ellis, who came from Ireland, 1617.* He was 
 
 * lie was sixth in descent from Rev. Henry Smith, of England. 
 Settled in WeatUersfield, Ct.. 1641, and died 1648 ; who, tradition avers, 
 had a son horn on the passage, which was called Preserved, a name still 
 retained. His father was a Baptist preacher 72 years, and died at the 
 age of 90. The Elder, when to be married, took his lady behind him, 
 on horseback, from Ashfield, then Huntstown, to Deerfield, there 
 
160 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 born in Ashfield, 25 June, 1759 ; and, at an early age, be 
 came a member of the Baptist church. 
 
 He had a great thirst for knowledge, and taught himself 
 in arithmetic, with chalk and a piece of bark. The sight of 
 a Latin grammar, determined him to learn the language. 
 
 When the revolutionary war began, he entered the army 
 and served five campaigns as a soldier. He was present at 
 the surrender of Burgoyne. He left the army at the age of 
 nineteen, * bought his time of his father, purchased a piece 
 of ground, paid for it with the first crop, sold it at an advance, 
 and with the proceeds, set himself to carry into effect his 
 early resolves for an education. 
 
 He fitted for college with Rev. Messrs. Hubbard of Shel- 
 burne and Murdock of Pawlet, Vt. He entered Brown Uni 
 versity one year in advance, and graduated in 1786 ; studied 
 theology with Rev. John Emerson, of Conway, and was ap 
 probated by the Hampshire Association in the spring of 1787. 
 
 He was ordained at Howe, Nov. 1787, and dismissed May, 
 1804. After declining an invitation to resettle in Whiting- 
 ham and Guilford, Vt., he was installed over the first and 
 second churches in Mendon, 2 Oct., 1805. In 1812, the 
 people of Rowe invited him to return to them. His attach 
 ments to his former parishioners, and the labor of two 
 churches, attended besides with some unpleasant differences, 
 at the latter place, induced him to accept, and he was dis 
 missed from Mendon, 20 Oct., 1812, and in Dec. was reset 
 tled at Rowe, where he remained until July, 1832, when his 
 age induced him to resign. He died at Warwick, 15 Aug., 
 1834, aged 75. 
 
 Mr. Smith married, 1 Jan., 1788, Miss Eunice Wells, 
 daughter of Col. David Wells of Shelburne. Born in Col- 
 
 being no minister or magistrate nearer, to perform the ceremony ; and 
 his father rode another horse, before him, with a gun, to keep off the 
 Indians. This was in 1756. 
 
REV. PRESERVED SMITH. 161 
 
 Chester, Ct., 12 May, 1764; removed to Shelburne with the 
 family in 1771, and died 13 July, 1847, aged 83. They had 
 two children. 
 
 1. Preserved, jr., born 1 Aug., 1789. Grad. B. U. 1812. 
 Rev. settled at Warwick 30 years ; at Pembroke, 4 years ; 
 now in Deerfield. 
 
 2. Royal Wells, born 8 Sept., 1799. Grad. Wms. College, 
 1818. Died while preparing for the ministry, 1820. 
 
 Mr. Smith issued but few publications. Two Masonic 
 discourses previous to 1800, and a farewell discourse, 1804. 
 
 " He was a great student through life ; and, in the last 
 twenty years of his ministry, much devoted to the study of 
 the Scriptures, especially in the original, and various trans 
 lations. His sermons were mostly extemporaneous, rarely 
 writing them in full ; and they were replete with fresh 
 thoughts from his richly-stored mind. 
 
 " His theological views for many years might be termed 
 Trinitarian- Arminian ; but towards the close of his ministry, 
 he discarded the Trinitarian dogma, yet he did not like to 
 be called Unitarian. He thought that the name given to the 
 disciples at Antioch is the true name by which the followers 
 of Christ ought to be called. 
 
 " Mathematics and astronomy were his favorite studies for 
 relaxation. For controversial theology he had no taste. 
 His love of free inquiry led him to advocate freedom of 
 action, and oppose combinations for their tendency to abuse 
 of power. In manner, he was affectionate and sincere ; in 
 conversation, affable, entertaining, and full of anecdote, 
 and serene in his old age."* 
 
 * Abridged from a biographical sketch of Rev. P. Smith, Greenfield, 
 1 852, in pamphlet. 
 
 14* 
 
162 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 33. REV. DAVID HOLMAN 
 
 Was born in Button, now Millbury, 13 December, 1777. 
 He is the son of Mr. David and Lucy (Thurston) Holman, 
 and brother of Rev. Nathan Holman, and descendant of 
 Solomon Holman, one of the original proprietors and settlers 
 of Sutton.* He experienced the power of the Holy Spirit 
 while preparing for college ; entered Brown University, 
 sophomore class, and graduated 1803, and A. M. After 
 graduation, he taught in an academy in Cumberland, R. I. ; 
 then studied theology, first with his brother, Rev. N. Holman, 
 of Attleboro , and finally with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He after 
 wards had charge, for six months, of the grammar-school in 
 Worcester. 
 
 He was ordained over the church in Douglas, 19 October, 
 1808, and dismissed 17 August, 1842, on account of the 
 feeble state of his health, and the inability of the society to 
 raise his support. After a separation of some six years, 
 during which time he preached in vacant parishes, Mr. 
 Holman was recalled, and now, for three years, has been the 
 stated supply of the people for whom he labored as pastor for 
 thirty-four years ; a rare instance of reunion, and highly 
 commendatory of both him and them. 
 
 Mr. Holman married Miss Clarissa Packard, daughter of 
 Rev. Winslow Packard, of Wilmington, and of Abigail 
 (Moore) Packard, afterwards wife of Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 
 They had six children, of whom five reached maturity, 
 and two still live. 
 
 1. Daniel W., married Elizabeth Aldrich of Mendon, and 
 was suddenly killed by a wheel in a factory, at about thirty 
 years of age. 
 
 2. Mary Anne, was married to Samuel Waters, son of 
 Elder S. Waters of Millbury, and died at Chelmsford. 
 
 * See Eev. N. Holman. Sketches of Members, No. 26. 
 
REV. DAVID II L M A X . 1G3 
 
 3. Florella Mills, was the wife of Rev. Jonathan Grout, 
 now of Coolville, Ohio, and died in Westboro . 
 
 4. Edward More, married Sarah, daughter of Capt. Peter 
 Butler, of Oxford, and is now Civil Engineer in Worcester. 
 
 5. Daughter residing with her parents. 
 Mrs. Ilolman died 14 November, 1823. 
 
 His second wife was Miss Lois Adams, daughter of Lieut. 
 Abner Adams, of jSTorthbridge. She died 9 September, 1831 ; 
 and he married Miss Sarah Cannon of Greenwich, daughter 
 of Mr. Cornelius and Mary Cannon, and sister of Rev. Josiah 
 Cannon of Gill, and of Rev. Frederic E. Cannon of Geneva, 
 N. Y. 
 
 Mr. Holman furnishes the following incidents for insertion 
 in this sketch : 
 
 " I worked on the paternal farm until about twenty-one. 
 My advantages for even a common school education were 
 very small. About eight weeks in the winter, in an old 
 smoky school-house, with a teacher that would be called, at 
 this day, an ignoramus, comprised them all. I had good and 
 salutary religious instruction in my father s family. My par 
 ents were pious. The Bible was read daily, and prayer was 
 offered. The Catechism, next to the Bible, was the text 
 book of the family, and from it, every Sabbath, lessons of 
 instruction were imparted to us. "When I became of age, I 
 was influenced and encouraged to obtain a liberal education. 
 But to accomplish this, I must rely mainly upon my own 
 resources." 
 
 The church in Douglas, at the date of his settlement, was 
 in a very weak and feeble state. It embraced 27 members, 
 9 males and 18 females, most of them very aged and 
 infirm. He says, "They had never been accustomed to 
 occasional meetings. As to revivals, they had heard but 
 little said about them since the days of Edwards and White- 
 field. But during the first year of my ministry here, God in 
 mercy granted a time of refreshing from his presence. It 
 
164 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 was the beginning of a series of revivals, which, during my 
 ministry, brought into the church 226 members. About .70 
 have been dismissed, including about 35 to form the church 
 in East Douglas." In his farewell sermon to his people, Mr. 
 Holman says, " During these 34 years, we have enjoyed no 
 less than seven revivals, besides some intervening drops of 
 mercy. In 1809, 18 were added to the church. In 1813 
 and 14, 10 were added. In 1819 and 20, 18 were joined. 
 In 1824, we were favored with an extraordinary and signal 
 display of God s power and grace. The whole town, to 
 gether with the surrounding region, seemed to be shaken." 
 Soon after the death of the pastor s wife the work commenced. 
 The Spirit of the Lord came down with great power. Sin 
 ners were pricked in the heart, and the cries of the wounded 
 were soon succeeded by the songs of the redeemed. Busi 
 ness was in a great measure laid aside. The brethren went 
 from house to house, praying and exhorting the people. 
 Our meetings were crowded, still, and solemn. Divine truth 
 preached seemed to be pressed upon the conscience and 
 heart by the Spirit of God. There was no noise, no crying 
 out. There was opposition. But a number of the most 
 bitter and violent opposers were overcome, and hopefully 
 converted. During the year, we have reason to believe, as 
 many as 150 were converted. 
 
 34. REV. ELISHA ROCKWOOD 
 
 Was bora in Chesterfield, N. H., 9 May, 1778. He was 
 the oldest son of Elisha and Abigail (Stone) Rockwood, and 
 had two sisters older, and three brothers younger, all of whom 
 lived to have families.* He fitted for college at Chesterfield 
 
 * Rev. Mr. Rockwood s direct ancestral line is as follows : 
 1. Nicholas Rockett, or Rockwood, of Wrentham, probably in Med- 
 h eld, 1661, and the son of Richard Rockett, of Dorchester, prior to 
 
KEV. ELISHA ROCK WOOD. 165 
 
 Academy, and graduated at Dartmouth, 1802, A. M. ; and 
 also at Harvard. He then taught an academy at Plymouth 
 two years, and was tutor in Dartmouth College two years, 
 from 1804 to 1806. In 1804, he hopefully experienced 
 religion, and united with the church in Chesterfield in 1805. 
 He studied theology while tutor, and was approbated by the 
 Londonderry Presbytery in 1806. He preached afterwards 
 in Woodstock and Barnard, Vt. ; in Bernardston, Springfield, 
 Ashn eld, Brimfield, and Dorchester, and was ordained in 
 Westboro , 28 Oct., 1808. He was dismissed 11 March, 
 1835, and preached as a supply in Attleboro , Weymouth, 
 and Sherborn ; in York, and South Berwick, Me., and was 
 installed in Swansey, N. H., 16 Nov., 1836, where he still 
 officiates as pastor. 
 
 During Mr. Rockwood s ministry in Westboro , there were 
 precious seasons of revival, and 354 were added to the 
 church. 
 
 Mr. Rockwood married, 2 Oct., 1809, Susanna B. Park- 
 man, daughter of Breck Parkman, Esq., by whom he had 
 five children. 
 
 1. Elisha Parkman, died aged 16| years. 
 
 2. William Otis, married Helen Mar More, of Illinois, and 
 lives in Shelbyville, Indiana. 
 
 1636, (sec Dr. Harris s List of Settlers.) who is supposed to have come 
 from England. 
 
 2. Nathaniel Rockwood, of "Wrcntham, born 1665, and married 
 Joanna Ellis, 1 698. His youngest son was 
 
 3. Elisha Rockwood. born Wrentham, 1716; married Elizabeth 
 Adams of Sherborn, 1738, and soon removed to Grotori, and settled as 
 clothier and farmer. Hie oldest son was 
 
 4. Elisha Rockwood, born in Groton, 1740 ; married Abigail Stone, 
 of Groton, 1771; removed to Chesterfield, N. H., amongst the first 
 settlers; joined with the church, and died there, he in his 92d and 
 she in her 63d year. Their third child, and oldest son, was 
 
 5. Elisha Rockwood, the subject of the above sketch. Letter of Rev. 
 E. Itockwood, Swansey, N. If. 
 
166 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 3. Susan Brigham, was married to Dea. C. C. Denny, of 
 Keene, N. H., and died in 1843, leaving one son, Henry 
 Rockwood Denny. 
 
 4. Hannah Abagail, is the wife of Dexter Brigham, Jr., of 
 the firm of Harnden & Co., Boston. 
 
 5. Robert Breck, died at 3 days old. 
 
 Mrs. Rockwood died at Westboro , 4 June, 1836, and he 
 married Mrs. Emily W. Herrick, relict of Rev. Osgood 
 Herrick, late of Millbury. She still lives. 
 
 Mr. Rockwood has published several sermons : 1. Ordina 
 tion Sermon of Rev. Cyrus Mann, Westminster. 2. A Cen 
 tury Sermon, in Westboro , 1808. 3. A Dedicatory Sermon. 
 4. Farewell Sermon at W., 1835. 5. Funeral Sermon of 
 Rev. John Sabin, 1845. 
 
 35. REV. SAMUEL W. COLBURN 
 
 Is the son of Mr. Asa Colburn, of Lebanon, N. H. His 
 mother was sister of Rev. Dr. S. Wood of Boscawen, N. H., 
 by whom he was adopted and educated. Graduated at 
 Dartmouth, 1808 ; ordained in West Taunton, 29 August, 
 1809, and dismissed in feeble health, 9 Dec. 1812. As 
 health permitted, he labored some time as missionary in R. I. 
 Installed in East Abington, 3d ch., 13 Oct., 1813; dis 
 missed 5 Feb., 1830. Several years agent of the Am. Doct. 
 Tract and Book Society. Preached a year at Newark, N. J., 
 two years at West Attleboro , and three years at Sandwich. 
 From July 1835 to July 1838 were spent at Little Compton, 
 R. I. His present residence is South Weymouth. He has 
 published severaroccasional sermons. The Doctrinal Tracts, 
 Nos. 9 and 16, are from his pen. 
 
 Mr. Colburn married Miss Ruth Cogswell, daughter of 
 Nehemiah and Ruth Cogswell, of Boscawen, N. H., and has 
 three children. One is the wife of Mr. Albert Reed, of 
 New York ; the second married Mr. Theron V. Shaw, South 
 
REV. JACOB IDE, D. D. 167 
 
 Weymouth ; and the third is wife to Mr. B. A. Smith, Prin 
 cipal of Leicester Academy.* 
 
 36. REV. JACOB IDE, D. D., 
 
 The son of Mr. Jacob Ide, of Attleborough, was born in 
 Attleborough, 1786. f He graduated at Brown University, 
 1809, and A. M., whence he received the honorary degree 
 of 8. T. D., 1827 ; and studied theology at Andover, where 
 he was graduated, 1812. He was ordained over the church 
 in West Medway, 2 November, 1814, and there still con 
 tinues. 
 
 Dr. Ide married Mary Emmons, daughter of Rev. N. 
 Emmons, D. D., of Franklin. Of his children, the oldest 
 son living, Jacob, Jr., graduated at Amherst College, 1848 ; 
 and is preparing for the ministry. His youngest daughter, 
 Mary, was married to Rev. Charles T. Torrey. 
 
 Dr. Ide was one of the editors of the " Christian Maga 
 zine," published in the Association, and enriched its pages 
 with his communications. He has published several occa 
 sional discourses, and edited a new and uniform edition of 
 Dr. Emmons s Works, to which he prefixed an able exhibition 
 of the life of the author. He has also superintended the 
 theological studies, wholly or in part, of forty-one candidates 
 for the ministry.]: 
 
 * Letter of llev. S. W. Colburn, South Weymouth. 
 
 t His New England ancestry originates in Nicholas Ide. Rehoboth, 
 1645. Nicholas, Jr., b.Nov.. 1654.,m. Mary Ormsby and had 7 ch. Ja 
 cob, his second son, m. Sarah Perry and had 2ch., Sarah, and Jacob, b. 
 26 Sept., 1723. He was father of Jacob, and grandfather to Rev. Jacob 
 Ide, D. D., above. 
 
 f His students are, Rev. Messrs. * Sewall Harding, * David 
 Brigham, * Zolva Whitmorc, * John M. Putnam, * George Fisher, 
 
 * Henry H. F. Swett, * James 0. Barney, *Levi Packard, 
 
 Cone, of E. Haddam, Ct., M. S. Hagar, Morrell, of Boscawen, N. 
 
168 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 37. KEY. ALVAN COBB 
 
 Is the son of Timothy and Deborah (Church) Cobb, and 
 is a native of Carver.* He graduated at Brown University, 
 1813, and A. M. ; and studied theology with Rev. Otis 
 Thompson, of Rehoboth. He was ordained over the church 
 in West Taunton, 19 April, 1815, where he still labors. 
 
 Mr. Cobb married Mary, daughter of Hon. Elijah and 
 Rebecca Ingraham, of Pawtucket. She died 13 September, 
 1846, having had two children, one of whom survives. He 
 next married Miss Abiah F. Homer, of Boston. 
 
 Mr. Cobb s chief publications are : 1. Funeral Sermon of 
 Mrs. Rebecca Talbot, N. Y., 1825. 2. Sermon on Fore 
 fathers Day," Plymouth, 1831. 3. Ordination Sermon of 
 Rev. C. Simmons, Attleborough, 1832. 4. Funeral Sermon 
 of Mrs. Hannah Walker, Taunton, 1838. 5 Ordination 
 Sermon of Rev. David Tilton, Edgartown, M. V., 1835. 6. 
 Funeral Sermon of Rev. Joseph H. Bailey, Dighton, 1844. 
 7. Doctrinal Tract, No. 23, besides many articles in 
 periodicals. 
 
 Mr. Cobb has had charge of the theological instruction 
 of nine students. f 
 
 H., * Gilbert Fay, * Lucius W. Clark, * Cyrus W. Conant, Charles 
 R. Fisk, * Varnum Noyes, * John Forbush, * Isaac E. Heaton, * Ch s 
 T. Torrey, * Eli Thurston, * Thomas Edwards, * John Dwight, * Ed 
 mund Dowse, * Charles Chamberlain, * Daniel J. Poor, Samuel Vial, 
 * Samuel Hunt, * Abram Jenkins, Jr., * Richard C. Spofford, * Jo 
 seph H. Bailey, * William Phipps. Jr., * Jonathan Grout, =* William 
 M. Thayer, * Preston Pond, Jr., * Horace D. Walker, * Allen Lincoln, 
 William S. Lcavctt. Asa Bullard, * Malachi Bullard, * James M. Ba 
 con, Jacob Ide, Jr. Some of these remained but a short time. Those 
 starred are elsewhere mentioned. 
 
 =* His ancestry are found in Plymouth Colony. His grandfather, 
 Nathan, was brother to Ebenezer Cobb, of Kingston, who attained the - 
 age of one hundred and eight. 
 
 t They are Rev. Messrs. * Silas Shores, * James Tisdale, * Charles 
 
REV. JOSEPH US WH EATON. 169 
 
 38. REV. JOSEPHUS WHEATON 
 
 Was born in Rehoboth, 16 March, 1788, and was the son 
 of Joseph Wheaton, Esq. He early evinced a strong thirst 
 for knowledge, and by his own ingenuity and perseverance 
 obtained the trade of shoemaker, the avails of which enabled 
 him to obtain an education. He entered the Sophomore class 
 in Brown University, and graduated in 1812, one of the best 
 scholars in his class ; among whom was Rev. C. Kingsbury, 
 missionary to the Choctaws, his room-mate and dear friend. 
 He made profession of religion while in college ; and after 
 graduation, studied for the ministry with Rev. Otis Thompson, 
 of his native town. At the same time he had, for a while, 
 the preceptorship of George-street Academy, Providence ; 
 and was tutor in the college from 1813 to 1815. He was 
 approbated while in the University, and commenced supply 
 ing the pulpit in Holliston, vacated by the death of Rev. Mr. 
 Dickinson. He was ordained pastor of the Church in Hol 
 liston, 6 December, 1815. Rev. Otis Thompson preached the 
 sermon. A pulmonary disease soon made its appearance, 
 with which he contended about three years. The latter part 
 of the time he was blind until he died, 4 February, 1825, 
 at nearly the age of thirty-seven, and in the tenth year of 
 his ministry. 
 
 Mr. Wheaton married first, Mary, the only daughter of 
 Daniel and Sarah Ide, of Franklin. Her father died in her 
 infancy, and she was brought up in the family of Peter 
 Hunt, Esq., of Seekonk, to whom her mother was married. 
 This alliance continued only from January, 1816 to July, 
 1817, when Mrs. Wheaton died of consumption. Mr. 
 Wheaton s second wife was Miss Abby Fales, whom he left 
 
 J. Warren. Martin Cushman, Michael Burclette, David Tilton, H. Au 
 gustus Woodman, Robinson, ^ Thomas T. Richmond. The 
 
 starred are included in this volume. 
 
 15 
 
170 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 a widow with three children. She was subsequently mar 
 ried to Dea. Benjamin Shepherd, of Wrentham, 15 .No 
 vember, 1838, and died in Wrentham. Their children were, 
 
 1. Francis, grad. Brown, 1840, and now practising Law. 
 
 2. Henry Stewart, grad. Brown, 1841, now a Lawyer in 
 California. 
 
 3. Mary and Louisa. 
 
 Mr. Wheaton excelled in an intimate acquaintance with 
 the classics, and his talents as an instructor, drew many youth 
 to him for qualification for college. 
 
 " As a preacher he was instructive, animated, and animating. 
 His delivery was uncommonly rapid, yet natural, and made 
 him a highly acceptable preacher. His conciliating deport 
 ment, amiable temper, and dignified, yet unaffected manners 
 won the affections of those who were not always pleased with 
 his theological sentiments, which closely resemble those of 
 his predecessor, and were decidedly what are termed Hopkin- 
 sian. He united his people when they were not a little dis 
 cordant, and retained their respect, confidence, and affection, 
 to the close of his life. Humility was the distinguishing fea 
 ture of his piety : and it shone with brightness during his 
 long and painful sickness." 
 
 Mr. Wheaton published several occasional sermons. 
 Among them : 1. A Fast Sermon, on the Equality of Man 
 kind, and the Evils of Slavery : 1820. 
 
 2. A Funeral Sermon of Miss Sarah Emnions : 1823. 
 
 3. Dedication Sermon of the meeting-house, Holliston, 5 
 Nov., 1823. 
 
 39. KEY. THOMAS WILLIAMS, 
 
 The son of Joseph Williams,* was born in Pomfret, Ct., 5 
 Nov., 1779, graduated at Yale College, 1800, and A. M. in 
 
 * His immigrant Ancestor was Robert "Williams, of Roxbury, from 
 
REV. THOMAS WILLIAMS. 171 
 
 course : also A. M. at Brown Univ., 1814. After graduation, 
 he taught a Colored school in Boston, of a hundred scholars. 
 In 1804, May, he was approbated to preach, by the Windham 
 Evangelical Association, when he returned to Boston, and 
 officiated as chaplain to the almshouse. At the close of his 
 engagement, he went as a missionary to Otsego, Delaware Co., 
 N. Y., under the direction of the Conn. Dom. Miss. Society. 
 On his return, he was ordained in Providence, R. I.,l Jan. ,1807. 
 Spent six weeks with Rev. Dr. Emmons, reading Ecclesias 
 tical writers, and then acted as stated supply to the Richmond 
 St. Church, in Providence, until 1816, when he removed to 
 Foxboro , where he was installed, 16 Nov.,1816,and continued 
 until 24 Oct., 1821. He preached in Attleboro from 29 Sept., 
 1824, until 11 Dec., 1827 ; in Hebronville, in the same town, 
 until April, 1832; then in Barrington, R. I, until 1838; 
 since which last date, he has resided in Providence, laboring 
 in destitute parishes. He has never viewed himself as reg 
 ularly settled over any individual Church, but as set apart 
 to do the work of an Evangelist, or " Job work," as he signif 
 icantly terms it. 
 
 Mr. Williams was one of the originators of the Evan. 
 Consociation of Rhode Island, drafted its articles of Faith 
 and Rules, and was the first scribe of the body. 
 
 Mr. Williams married Miss Ruth Hale, of Newbury, and 
 has had seven children. His second son, Nathan Ritter, 
 graduated at Yale, and was ordained at Shrewsbury, 28 Feb., 
 1849. 
 
 Mr. Williams has published several volumes and pamph 
 lets. The following list is nearly complete. 
 
 1. Volume of ten sermons on Election, Hartford, 1810. 
 
 Norwich, England. Freeman, LG38. He had four sons. Samuel, Dea. in 
 Roxbury ; Isaac, settled in Newton, ancestor of the founder of Wms. 
 Coll. ; Stephen, Thomas. The ancestral line is, Robert, 2. Dea. Sam 
 uel, 3. Samuel, Jr., 4. William, one of the first settlers inPomfret, Ct., 
 and brother to the first minister, 5. Joseph, 6. Rev. Thomas, above. 
 
172 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 2. Sermon on the peace between the U. S. and Great 
 Britain, 1815. 
 
 3. Sermon on the National Thanksgiving for peace, 1815. 
 
 4. Ordination Sermon of Rev. Emerson Paine, 1 4 Feb., 1816. 
 
 5. Sermon on Psalmody, 1817 ; another in 1823. 
 
 6. Dedication Sermon at Foxboro , 1 Jan., 1823. 
 
 7. Volume of seven sermons, Providence, 1823. 
 
 8. Funeral Sermon of Mrs. Chloe Read, Attleboro , 1826. 
 
 9. On the effects of the Gospel on the day of Pentecost. 
 
 10. Volume of twelve sermons, Providence, 1832. 
 
 11. Sermon on Rhode Island Protestantism, 1836. 
 
 12. "Domestic Chaplain," twenty -four short sermons, 
 Hartford, 1839. 
 
 13. Funeral Sermon of Rev. Dr. Emmons, 1840. 
 
 14. Discourse on the Battle of the Great Day, 1849. 
 
 15. Sermon on Theological and Evangelical Orthodoxy, 
 1850. 
 
 16. Discourse on the Life and Death of Oliver Shaw, 1851. 
 
 17. Volume on the Official Character of Dr. Emmons, 
 1851. 
 
 Mr. Williams also contributed very many articles in the 
 Conn. Ev. Magazine and Panoplist. 
 
 40. REV. CALVIN PARK, D. D, 
 
 "Was the son of Nathan Park, and was born in North- 
 bridge, 11 Sept., 1774. He graduated at Brown University, 
 1797, and A. M. ; and from which he received the degree of 
 S. T. D., 1818. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Austin 
 of Worcester. In 1800, he accepted the office of Tutor in his 
 Alma Mater, which office he filled until 1804, when he was 
 elected Professor of Languages. In 1811, he took the chair 
 of Moral Philosophy and Metaphysics, and continued in it 
 until his resignation, 1825. 
 
 He preached, from the beginning of his connection with 
 the college, in destitute churches in the vicinity, but he was 
 
REV. CALVIN PARK, D.D. 173 
 
 not ordained until 1815, May 17 ; when, at his request, the 
 Mention Association convened at Franklin, and he was there 
 inducted into the sacred office, as Evangelist. Rev. Dr. 
 Crane, of his native town, preached the sermon. After the 
 resignation of his professorship, he commenced preaching to 
 the Evangelical church in Stoughton. He was installed as 
 pastor, 13 Dec., 1826. In 1840, he resigned- the pastoral 
 charge, but still resided in the town until his death, 5 Jan., 
 1847, the same day on which died his near and well-loved 
 brother in the ministry, Rev. Daniel Thomas of Abington, 
 in the 73d year of his age. His last words were : " It is 
 well that we are not always to live." 
 
 Dr. Park married Miss Abigail Ware of Wrentham, the 
 daughter of Mr. Nathaniel and Abigail Ware. He had three 
 children : 
 
 1. Harrison G., Rev., now in Burlington. (See Members, 
 No. 51). 
 
 2. Edwards A., Rev., S. T. D. and Divinity Professor in 
 Andover Theological Seminary. He married Miss Maria 
 Edwards, daughter of Wm. Edwards, of Hunter, Greene 
 Co., N. Y., and recently deceased at Brooklyn. 
 
 3. Calvin E., Rev., and pastor of the Congregational 
 Church in West Boxford. He married Miss Harriet T., 
 daughter of Joseph Pope of Portland, Me., deceased. 
 
 The following extract from a biographical sketch of Dr. 
 Park, on the Records of this Association, is deemed pertinent 
 and truthful : 
 
 " As a teacher, he was apt, faithful, and thorough. If any 
 under his care were not good scholars, the fault was not in 
 him. He possessed a clear, discriminating mind, and sound 
 judgment. He was not satisfied with looking at the mere 
 surface of things, but disposed to examine elements and prin 
 ciples ; and was one who could see effects in their causes. 
 
 " As to character and habits, he was correct, stable, con 
 scientious, pious, and devout. Although he had great sen- 
 
 15* 
 
174 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 sibility and quickness of feeling, yet his passions were under 
 control. No one, it is presumed, ever found confidence in 
 him misplaced. 
 
 " His mind was of a meditative and pensive cast. As a 
 moralist and divine, he had no superior. His views of the 
 great doctrines of the Gospel were strictly Calvinistic. They 
 were his own ; made so not by adoption, but by a careful 
 examination of evidence. He knew what and why he 
 believed. So rooted and grounded was he in the truth, 
 that he was not shaken by any of the new or plausible 
 theories which came up in the religious community. 
 
 u As a preacher, he was clear, definite, instructive, solemn, 
 and impressive. He fully and faithfully preached what he 
 believed. His aim in his sermons was at the understanding, 
 conscience, and heart of his hearers. But few preachers, 
 with his compass of voice, or even with a much greater, could 
 keep an audience more still and attentive. 
 
 " He was not a man of noise and display, but of sound 
 thought and close reasoning. He felt, and he made his 
 hearers feel." 
 
 41. REV. DANIEL THOMAS, 
 
 The son of Daniel Thomas, was born in Middleboro , 1779, 
 and graduated at Brown University, 1803, and A. M. He 
 studied theology with Rev. O. Thompson, of Rehoboth, and 
 was ordained over the second church in Abington, south 
 parish, 1 June, 1808. He successfully labored there until 
 his dismission, 1842. He died 5 Jan., 1847, in the 68th 
 year of his age. 
 
 Mr. Thomas was never married. He was betrothed in the 
 early part of his ministry, to a very lovely and respectable 
 lady of his own parish. But she became sick and was con 
 fined to her bed, most of the time for thirty-seven years. 
 This prevented their union ; and yet it showed the strength 
 
REV. DANIEL THOMAS. 175 
 
 of its bond, that he remained true, affectionate, indulgent, and 
 gentle in the trial, and never sought another, considering his 
 engagement morally binding, and a prevention to any other 
 connection. 
 
 In person, he was tall, spare, and, in the latter part of his 
 life, emaciated by toil and disease. He had a dark, kindling 
 eye, a swelling, symmetrical forehead ; and in his whole 
 appearance chaste, neat, immaculate. " Without spot" was 
 his apparel ; " without spot or wrinkle" his sermon. 
 
 " Pie was a clear, intelligent preacher. Everybody under 
 stood him, some much better than they desired. He did 
 not make spiritual confectionary of his sermons, and spice 
 them so sparingly with Gospel truth as just to keep them 
 from being fatal, so that the enemies might take the pre 
 paration, not knowing what it was. Nor did he whip down 
 the high doctrines of sovereignty, decrees, election, depravity, 
 the law and the atonement into delicious rhetorical sillabub, 
 so that the babes in Christ might take unconsciously what 
 they knew not. He gave them the sincere milk of the 
 Word/ and made them distinctly understand what it was. 
 
 He was a poet. He was pleasantly facetious, and his 
 wit was sensible, adding life, cheerfulness, and power to great 
 principles. 
 
 His character might not inappropriately be compared for 
 chasteness and beauty to a Grecian pillar of Parian marble, 
 pure, symmetrical, finished. 
 
 " Having been in feeble health for more than a year, on 
 the 10th of December, he was taken suddenly more ill, and 
 laid down to die. His mind was clouded, and his mental 
 faculties seemed to be paralized. Reason struggled hard to 
 retain her seat, and at intervals would assert her sway. But 
 it was evident she had yielded her empire to disease. In the 
 midst of this mental darkness, there was the man, the Chris 
 tian, the minister, meek, patient, gentle, holy. On the 
 morning of January 5, he faintly whispered, I am going 
 
176 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 home, and ceased to breathe. Rev. Mr. Couch, of North 
 Bridgevvater, preached his funeral sermon ; and his dust was 
 committed to the earth, the same day with the remains of his 
 long and intimately acquainted friend and neighbor, Rev. Dr. 
 Park, of Stoughton."* 
 
 Mr. Thomas published a few occasional sermons and 
 poems. 
 
 42. REV. JOHN FERGUSON 
 
 Was born 9 Dec., 1788, in Dunse, Berwickshire, Scotland. 
 He is the oldest son of Mr. John Ferguson, a native of the 
 same town in 1739.f His mother s maiden name was Ann 
 Briggs, a native of Little Compton, R. I. Both his parents 
 died in Newport, R. L, and each at the age of 85. 
 
 At 20 years of age, and while residing in Providence, R. I., 
 he began preparing for the ministry, under the direction of 
 Rev. C. Park, D. D., then professor in the college. He did 
 not graduate, but received an honorary A. M. from Amherst 
 College in 1837. 
 
 He was ordained at East Attleboro , as successor of Rev. 
 N. Holman,27 Feb., 1822, was dismissed 25 March, 1835. 
 Installed at Whately, 16 March, 1836, and dismissed, 17 
 June, 1840. He preached about two years in Lanesboro , 
 and has since been engaged by the Am. Tract Society, as 
 
 * Extract from Funeral Sermon, in Puritan Recorder. 
 
 t The grandfather of Rev. Mr. Ferguson was a native of the High 
 lands of Scotland. He belonged to the Scotch Greys, a regiment 
 of heavy cavalry, and was under the Duke of Marlborough in all his 
 wars. He was brother to Rev. Ferguson, minister of the parish of 
 Logierait, in Perthshire, who was the father of Doct. Adam Ferguson, 
 the historian, and predecessor of Dugald Stewart in the chair of Phi 
 losophy, at Edinburgh. He died in 1742. Mr. F. above, is the only 
 male representative of his family, excepting his own children. 
 
REV. MOSES THACHER. 177 
 
 General Agent for New Hampshire and Vermont. His 
 residence is at Whately. 
 
 Mr. Ferguson married first, Mary V., daughter of Benja 
 min Hammett, of Newport, R. I. His present wife was 
 Margaret Snow Eddy, daughter of William Eddy, of Provi 
 dence, R. I. He has had eleven children, eight of whom are 
 living ; viz. : John ; Mary H., m. to Mr. Stockbridge, 
 Whately ; Peter ; William E. ; George R., grad. Amherst 
 Coll., 1849 ; Margaret E., Teacher in the Young Ladies 
 Institute, Pittsfield ; James A., and Abby Park. 
 
 Mr. Ferguson has published several sermons, and a me 
 moir of Dr. S. Hopkins, of Newport, R. I., for Sabbath 
 Schools. 
 
 43. REV. MOSES THACHER 
 
 Is the son of Obadiah and Elizabeth (Richardson) Thacher, 
 and was born in Princeton, 14 Nov., 1795.* Fitted for 
 
 * His immigrant ancestor was Rev. Thomas Thacher, son of Rev. 
 Peter Thacher. of Sarum,or Salsbury, England. He was born 1 May, 
 1620, arrived in Boston, 4 June, 1635,ord. at Wcymouth, 2 Jan., 1645, 
 inst. pastor of the Old South Church, Boston, 16 Feb., 1670, and d. 16 
 Oct., 1678, aged 58. He m. a daughter of Rev. Ralph Partridge, of 
 Duxbury. His son. Rev. Pder, b. at Salem, 1 8 July, 1 65 1 , ord. at Milton 
 1 June, 1681. and d. 27 Dec, 1727, ngcd 77. He m. Theodora, daughter 
 of Rev. John Oxenbridgc, of the first church, Boston. He m. 2nd., the 
 widow of Rev. John Bailey, and 3d., the widow of Rev. Joshua Gee, 
 both of Boston. He had 9 ch.; The sixth, was Rev. Peter, b. 9 Oct., 
 1688, ord. at Middleboro . 2 Nov., 1709, and d. 22 April, 1744, aged 56. 
 He m. Mary, sister of Rev. Thomas Prince, of the Old South Ch., 
 Boston ; he had ten ch. The eldest was Rev. Peter, ord. in East Attle 
 boro , 30 Nov., 1748, and died 13 Sept., 1785, aged 70. He m Bethiah, 
 daughter of Obadiah Carpenter, of Attleboro , and had ten ch. ; one of 
 whom was Oladiak, father to Rev. Moses above. Of the last two genera 
 tions of this family, six arc in the ministry, and over one hundred now 
 living members of the church. Eighteen of them joined the church in 
 Harford. Pa., on one Sabbath, in 1808. See Farmer, History of Middle 
 boro and Daggett s Attleboro , and Letter of Rev. M. Thacher. 
 
178 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 college, partly, with Rev. N. Holman, and graduated at Brown 
 University, 1821, and A. M. He studied Divinity with Rev. 
 O. Thompson, of Rehoboth, and was ordained at North 
 Wrentham, 20 Aug., 1823, and dismissed, 30 Oct., 1832. 
 A portion of the church withdrew, and was constituted a 
 separate church over whom he was installed, 20 Feb., 1833. 
 In 1838, he left New England for the Middle States, and was 
 installed at Wysox, Pa., 29 April, 1840. Afterwards he was 
 settled four and a half years at Virgil, Cortlandt Co., N. Y., 
 and is now pastor of the church in Genoa, Cayuga Co., N. Y. 
 
 Mr. Thacher married Henrietta, daughter of Stephen and 
 Lurana Wilmarth, of Attleboro , and has several children. 
 
 Mr. Thacher has published : 1. Funeral Sermon of Mr. 
 Shubael Pratt, of Foxboro , 1822 ; 2. do. of Mrs. Naomi F. 
 Harlow, wife of Rev. William Harlow, of North Wrentham, 
 1823 ; 3. do. on the death of his mother, 1823 ; 4. New Eng 
 land Telegraph as a weekly religious paper, for four years, 
 from Jan., 1831, and two years as a monthly magazine; 5. 
 several Tractates upon Free Masonry; 6. on Household 
 Baptism ; 7. Confession of Faith in Scriptural Quotations. 
 
 44. REV. JAMES O. BARNEY 
 
 Is a native of Providence, R. L, where he was born 30 
 Sept., 1795. His parents were Cromwell and Lydia P. 
 (Grinnell) Barney. At the age of fourteen, he was seized 
 with a strong desire to visit foreign countries, and shipped as 
 a sailor to gratify this wish. His seafaring life, though short, 
 being terminated by the Embargo Act, and the war with 
 England, had its share of peril and suffering. Once he 
 was shipwrecked, once on short allowance, and once nearly 
 drowned at sea in a long-boat. He then went to Attleboro 
 to learn a trade, where he was conquered -to Christ by the 
 powerful revival of 1815, under Rev. N. Holman. He 
 joined the church, 2 July, 1815, and began his preparation for 
 
REV. WILLARD PIERCE. 179 
 
 the ministry; graduated at Brown University 1821, and A. 
 M. ; and studied divinity with Rev. Prof. C. Park, and Rev. 
 Dr. Ide. He was ordained at Seekonk, 4 Feb., 1824, and 
 was dismissed, 13 May, 1850, to act as Seamen s Chaplain, 
 and to supply the pulpit of the Fourth Cong. Church in the 
 city of Providence. He returned 1 June, 1852, to his form 
 er charge, retaining, however, a partial chaplaincy among 
 seamen at the port. 
 
 Mr. Barney married Eliza Lathe, daughter of Mr. Zepha- 
 niah Lathe, of Charlton, and has four children. Eliza L., 
 the oldest, is married to Mr. James Walker, grad. Arnherst 
 Coll., 1844, and teacher of a high school in Taunton. 
 
 45. REV. WILLARD PIERCE 
 
 Is a native of Stoughton, where he was born 15 March, 
 1790. He was the son of Seth Pierce, Jr. His mother was 
 Alice, daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth Gay, of Stoughton. 
 Being one of a large family of children, and of parents not 
 abundant in " goods/ he left home before eleven years of 
 age to win his own support. His only wealth, was a mind 
 richly stored with the Assembly s Catechism, Watts s Cradle 
 Hymns, and what was of more value, followed by a pious 
 mother s prayers. Not only did he get his own living, but, 
 while a mere lad, and before he began his apprenticeship, he 
 remitted , hundred dollars to his parents. Soon after leav 
 ing his trade, a carpenter, he fell and broke his arm. 
 He returned home in discouragement, with his arm slung to 
 his neck, and having nothing else to do, he attended a religious 
 meeting. A revival was commencing, and one of its early 
 fruits, was the disabled carpenter. By advice of Rev. Dr. 
 Strong, of Randolph, where he learned his trade, he was ad 
 vised to commence a course of study : and the Dr. offered to 
 teach him at seventy-five cents per week, and be remunerated 
 in carpenter s work at a dollar a day. The plan was agreed 
 
180 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 to, with pecuniary prospects on the part of the student suffi 
 ciently dark to appal the stoutest heart. It took three days 
 work weekly to pay his board and tuition, and the rest was 
 given to study, as labor engagements permitted. Yet he 
 kept pace with a class-mate, who studied all the time, and at 
 the close, was admitted to college, while the student was 
 rejected. 
 
 Dr. Strong had a large number of private students, and 
 but one rule of tuition, to charge each for the whole week, 
 whether present or absent. Such a settlement in the present 
 case was very onerous upon a poor youth who had spent 
 half his time in work, to pay for the other half. The Dr. 
 wished to favor his poor pupil, but then the rule, it could not 
 be broken ! An ingenious solution of the difficulty was 
 proposed by the student, in the present case : viz. to settle 
 both bills by the same rule, of charging for the whole week, 
 whether he had studied or worked but a part of it, which 
 with tuition at seventy-five cents per week, and work at a 
 dollar a day, would evidently make a sensible difference in 
 the settlement. The Dr. laughed heartily, and agreed to 
 settle by the actual quantity received and rendered, and 
 offered to furnish a hundred dollars to the young collegian, if 
 he should want it. In two short months, the Dr. was in his 
 grave. 
 
 Mr. Pierce graduated at Brown University, 1818, and 
 A. M. He was ordained over the church in Foxboro , 17 
 November, 1824, and was dismissed, Oct., 1839. Installed 
 in Abington, 8 April, 1840, and dismissed in feeble health 
 1 May, 1850. He still resides in Abington. 
 
 Mr. Pierce married Miss Eleanor Ware, daughter of 
 Metcalf and Fanny Everett of Foxboro , and has several 
 children. 
 
 His publications are, 
 
 1. Funeral Sermon of Dr. Carpenter of Seekonk, 1825. 
 
R EV . CHARLES FITCH. 181 
 
 2. A Century Sermon on the day Widow Hannah Sumner 
 of Foxboro completed her hundredth year, 1828. 
 
 3. Sermon on Slavery, 1835. 
 
 4. Sermon before the Norfolk Ed. Society, 183G. 
 
 5. Sermon on the Mutual Duties of Parents and Children, 
 1837. 
 
 6. Sermon before the Palestine Missionary Society, 1842. 
 
 7. Sermon at Dedication of the Meeting-house,. E. Bridge- 
 water, 1845. 
 
 46. REV. CHARLES FITCH 
 
 Was born in Williamstown. He was the youngest son of 
 Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, D. D., the first president of Williams 
 College, afterwards pastor of the church in West Blooinfield, 
 N. Y., and was the sixth in descent from Rev. James Fitch, 
 (or Fytche,) from Bocking, Essex, England, and of Norwich, 
 Ct.* He graduated at Williams College 1818, studied the 
 ology at Princeton, N. J., and was ordained first in Cherry 
 Valley, N. Y., and then in Holliston, 4 Jan., 1826. He was 
 dismissed 1 May, 1832, and migrated westwards. In 1836, 
 he was in Buffalo. In 1843, he was in Ohio, where he 
 occupied a chaplaincy in some of the State institutions. He 
 is believed to be now in Indiana, acting as an agent of the 
 American Bible Society. Another Rev. Charles Fitch, 
 settled once over a free church in Boston, has been con 
 founded with the subject of the present sketch. 
 
 * Rev. James Fytche, born in Bocking, Essex, England, 1622, and had 
 by two wives 14 children. The eldest, James, Esq., and maj.,of Canter 
 bury, Ct., had by two wives 13 children. The youngest of these waa 
 Jabez, Col., had 8 children, of whom was Jabez, jr., Doct., and father 
 of Rev. Ebenezer Fitch, D. D. He married Widow Mary Cogswell, 
 formerly Miss Backus, and had 11 children, of whom was Rev. Charles 
 Fitch, above. See Sketch of Dr. Fitch, Quar. Register. 
 16 
 
182 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Fitch married Miss Sarah Hamilton, and has three 
 children. 
 
 47. REV. CHARLES JARVIS WARREN 
 
 Was born in Boston, 3 Aug., 1796. His father and grand 
 father were natives of Waltham. He spent his early life in 
 Sutton ; at about 21 years of age, removed to Taunton, where, 
 in 1820, he joine^d the church under Rev. A. Cobb, with 
 whom he commenced his classical studies. He completed 
 his academic course at Castleton Academy, Vt, and grad. at 
 Brown University, 1826. He studied theology with Rev. 
 Alvan Cobb, of Taunton, and was ordained pastor of the first 
 Congregational church in Attleboro , 28 February, 1828. 
 He was dismissed 8 July, 1730. He next supplied the 
 newly-formed Robinson Church, Plymouth, until his settle 
 ment over the first church in South Weymouth, 1 Jan., 1833. 
 In the following year, Aug. 13, he was dismissed, and opened 
 a classical school in Brooklyn, N. Y. Installed 1 July, 1835, 
 at Weathersfkld, as colleague with Rev. Caleb J. Tenney, 
 D. D.; dismissed 1 February, 1837. Next settled in Can 
 terbury, Ct., 13 September, 1837, and dismissed 1 April, 
 1840, to become agent of the American Temperance Union, 
 in some department of whose operations he has since been 
 employed. Much of his labor has been given to the enrol 
 ment and instruction of children and youth in the temperance 
 cause. He is now Corresponding Secretary and General 
 Agent of the New York City Temperance Alliance, and 
 resides at New York. 
 
 His publications have been, a Dedicatory Sermon of the 
 Meeting-house of the Robinson Church, Plymouth ; a Bible 
 Manual and Temperance Catechism, for Youth; besides 
 small tractates upon Free Masonry and Temperance gen 
 erally. 
 
 Mr. Warren is married, and has several children. 
 
REV. PRESTON CUM MINGS. 183 
 
 48. REV. PRESTON CUMMINGS 
 
 Was born in Seekonk, 1 May, 1800, the son of David and 
 Hipsey Cummings ; but spent his early days in Attleboro , 
 where he prepared for college, under the tuition of Rev*. N. 
 Holman, then and there pastor, and where he also made 
 profession of religion in 1816. He graduated at Brown 
 University, 1822, and studied theology under Rev. C. Park, 
 D. D., then Professor in the University. Was ordained at 
 Lebanon, N. Y., 22 August, 1825 ; and dismissed Feb. 1827, 
 " on account of a serious injury, then supposed to be fatal to 
 his ability to be useful." Installed at Dighton 26 December, 
 1827, and dismissed 5 Oct., 1835. Installed at Wrentham, 
 North Church, 6 July, 1836, and dismissed 1 Jan., 1838. 
 Installed at Buckland 1 Jan., 1840, and dismissed 1 January 
 1848, on account of a return of the malady which occasioned 
 his first dismission. Subsequently he has preached frequently, 
 and supplied his former charge in Dighton a year and a half; 
 but has been chiefly occupied in compiling a " Dictionary of 
 Congregational Usages and Principles ; " containing the lan 
 guage of the various writers on the subjects treated, with 
 copious references to authorities. Several years have been 
 spent in consulting and comparing the works of the fathers 
 of Old and New England, and the result is an invaluable 
 key to the various opinions of prominent writers on our 
 church polity. 
 
 Mr. Cummings has been permitted to rejoice in several 
 interesting seasons of blessing upon his labors. One very 
 marked revival occurred in Buckland in 1842. 
 
 Mr. Cummings married Miss Alona Davis, of Holden, 
 sister of Rev. Elnathan Davis, and has had two children, 
 one of whom survives. James P. Chaplin graduated in the 
 medical class at Cambridge, 1850, and is now a practising 
 
184 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 physician at Leicester. He married Miss Harriet V. Mann, 
 of Holden. 
 Mr. Cummings s present residence is at Leicester. 
 
 49. REV. ELAM SMALLEY, D. D. 
 
 Is a native of Dartmouth ; graduated at Brown University, 
 1827, and A. M. ; and also S. T. D., 1849. He studied 
 theology with Rev. Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth. He was 
 ordained at Franklin, 17 June, 1829, and was, at his own 
 request, dismissed 5 July, 1838. He was installed over the 
 Union Church, Worcester, 19 Sept., 1838, where he still 
 labors. 
 
 Dr. Smalley married Miss Louisa J. Washburn, daughter 
 of Gen. Abiel and Mrs. Elizabeth Washburn, of Middleboro , 
 and has two children. 
 
 Dr. Smalley has published a Sermon on " the Piety which 
 the present Age demands," Franklin, 1835 ; A Centennial 
 Discourse, Franklin, 1838 ; A Volume upon the Sacrament, 
 1841; "The Worcester Pulpit," 1851; Pastors Counsels ; 
 and Funeral Sermon of Hon. D. D. Foster, 1852 ; besides 
 some articles in the Quarterlies. 
 
 50. REV. AMOS AUGUSTUS PHELPS 
 
 Was the son of humble but pious parents, and was born in 
 Simsbury, Ct., 11 November, 1804. His mother s name, 
 previous to marriage, was Clarissa Bodwell. 
 
 He early exhibited strong traits of character; and his 
 mother, on whom entirely devolved the care of rearing him 
 from childhood, furnished him with the best facilities for 
 gaining an education within her reach. He spent his early 
 years with his uncle, Mr. Augustus Bodwell, of Farmington, 
 Ct. When about sixteen years of age, his mother was mar- 
 
REV. AMOS AUGUSTUS PHELPS. 185 
 
 ried to Mr. William Tryon, and he was placed in a store in 
 Farmington. 
 
 While thus employed, he became, in 1821, a subject of 
 Divine grace, and immediately turned his desires and plans 
 toward the Gospel ministry. His mother had, meanwhile, 
 become again a widow, and the little property accumulated 
 by her careful toil was involved in the insolvent estate of her 
 deceased husband. Her only possible way of rescuing any 
 thing was by assuming all the debts, which the heroic woman 
 actually did, and eventually paid them. 
 
 It was in this time of embarrassment and perplexity that 
 she was called also to decide upon giving her son a liberal 
 education. She resolved it should be done, and was enabled 
 to accomplish it. Such energy was worthy of such a son as 
 Mr. Phelps. 
 
 Mr. Phelps graduated at Yale College 1826, and A. M., 
 and studied theology at New Haven. He was ordained at 
 Hopkinton, 14 Sept., 1830, as colleague pastor with Rev. 
 Nathanael Howe. His cordial enlistment in the cause of 
 Temperance so displeased many in the town, as to lead to 
 his dismission, 1 May, 1832. 
 
 Mr. Phelps then removed to Boston, and supplied the 
 pulpit of the Old South Church, and afterwards of the Pine 
 Street Church, where he received a call and was settled, 13 
 Sept., 1832. Induced chiefly by the failing health of his 
 wife, he obtained a dismission, 26 March, 1834. 
 
 It was during his settlement at Pine street that he became 
 an Abolitionist. In 1833, he was invited to deliver a Fourth 
 of July Address upon the subject of Slavery. With his 
 natural earnestness and thoroughness, he collected and 
 studied all the documents upon the subject, and upon all 
 sides of it, to which he could gain access. The result of his 
 examination was, his clear, cordial, and life-long conviction 
 of the right of immediate emancipation. His address was 
 written accordingly. He subsequently enlarged it to four 
 
 16* 
 
186 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 lectures, which were published, and became a text-book on 
 the subject. 
 
 Immediately after his dismission from the Pine St. church, 
 Mr. Phelps entered, April 1, upon an agency for the Ameri 
 can Anti-Slavery Society, in whose organization in Phila 
 delphia, Dec. 30, he had ^een a prominent agent, and 
 visited New York, Washington, and, during the summer, the 
 State of Maine. On the arrival of George Thompson from 
 England, Sept., 1834, Mr. Phelps joined him, and accompa 
 nied him through New England and New York. April, 
 1836, he accepted the Editorship of the Emancipator, and 
 conducted it until May of the following year ; when he re 
 moved to Boston and became General Agent of the Mass. 
 Anti-Slavery Society, in whose service he continued until 
 the division in 1839. In 1838, he declined an invitation to 
 the pastoral office of the Third Presb. church in New York, 
 on account of his Congregational attachments. But he ac 
 cepted a call from the Marlboro Chapel Free church, and 
 was installed 24 July, 1839. In 1841, March 1, he entered 
 upon the Agency for City Missions ; and the year following, 
 March 2, he was settled over the Maverick church, East Bos 
 ton, still holding a nominal connection with his missionary 
 agency. 
 
 His health, never robust, was at this time enfeebled by 
 his multiplied labors ; and, as a respite, he sailed for Eng 
 land, 1 June, 1843, to attend the Anti-Slavery Convention 
 to be holden at London, June 12, to which he had been elected 
 delegate by the Mass. Abolition Society. He was a promi 
 nent and active member of that Convention. 
 
 The prevalent east winds at Boston induced him to resign 
 his pastorate at East Boston, and accept the office of Corre 
 sponding Secretary of the Am. and Foreign Anti-Slavery 
 Society, at New York, whither he removed in April, 1845. 
 But the symptoms of Consumption so increased upon him, " 
 that he was advised to seek a milder clime. He sailed for 
 
REV. AMOS AUGUSTUS P HELPS. 187 
 
 Hayti, 20 Oct., 1846, and reembarked for Jamaica in De 
 cember, where he spent the winter, but without any marked 
 benefit. 
 
 In April, 1847, he left for the United States, reached 
 New Orleans on the 18th, and proceeded up. the river to 
 Cincinnati, and thence to New York. After a brief rest, he 
 continued on to Castine, Me., where his family had remained. 
 But the season was most unfavorable to him, and he jour- 
 nied, once more, to Roxbury, to the house of his brother- 
 in-law, Rev. E. D. Moore. In the quiet of his family, he 
 arranged the valuable information which he had collected 
 respecting slavery in the West Indies, prepared his Letters 
 to Drs. Stowe and Bacon for the press, and set his house in 
 order to die. The anticipated event came suddenly at last. 
 He died at little past midnight, on the morning of the 30th 
 of July, 1847, aged 43 years ; and, Aug. 2d, his remains 
 were committed to rest in Mount Auburn. 
 
 Mr. Phelps married, Nov., 1830, Charlotte Brown, daugh 
 ter of William and Margaret (Shepherd) Brown, of Wrent- 
 ham. Her father died in her childhood, and her mother had 
 become the second wife of Rev. Elisha Fisk, of Wrentham. 
 Mrs. Phelps was born 1 Sept., 1803, and died 31 Aug., 1838, 
 and was buried in Wrentham. She was an amiable, devoted, 
 and exemplary Christian, and exhibited the beauty of the 
 Gospel in her long and painful sickness, consumption. She 
 left one child. 
 
 Mr. Phelps married, 3 Oct., 1839, Caroline G. Little, 
 daughter of Mr. Doty Little of Castine, Me. She died in a 
 short time, leaving one of two children to survive her. Mr. 
 Phelps married her sister, Lucy T. Little, 9 Oct., 1844, by 
 whom he had two children. She is still living in Ellsworth, 
 Me. Of Mr. Phelps s children : 
 
 1. Edward Augustus, b. 21 June, 1832, lives in East 
 Abington. 
 
 2. Lucy Little, b. 11 Jan., 1841; 4. Caroline Little, b. 18 
 
188 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Nov., 1845 ; and 5. Clara Bodwell, b. 23 July, 1847 ; are 
 with Mrs. P. in Ellsworth. 
 
 Mr. Phelps s writings were voluminous, but mostly occa 
 sional pamphlets, etc., connected with his agencies. He pub 
 lished, however, the following volumes : 1. Lectures on Sla 
 very, 1834. 2. Book of the Sabbath, 1841. 3. Letters to 
 Drs. Bacon and Stowe, 1848. He also left, unfinished, a 
 volume on the Bible View of Slavery, and materials collected 
 for many other works, of which his early death prevented a 
 completion. 
 
 Here is not space to give more than the most sketchy 
 outline of his character and labors. His whole life showed 
 him to be indefatigable in perseverance, cool and thorough 
 in his examination of all doctrines and duties, and explicit 
 and bold in making his conclusions fully known. Whatever 
 he considered to be wrong in principle or practice, he fear 
 lessly and uncompromisingly attacked ; and strong had to be 
 the entrenchments which could stand before the fire of his 
 well-directed assaults. He was as determined an enemy to 
 ultraism as he was to timid conservatism. In all his attacks 
 upon slavery, he used none but what he believed to be Chris 
 tian weapons, and sternly rebuked the use of any others by 
 his casual associates. 
 
 As a preacher and pastor, he was regarded as instructive 
 and faithful. His ministry, both in Hopkinton and Boston, 
 was crowned with success. In the former place, he enjoyed 
 an extensive revival, in which some 150 were hopefully con 
 verted. His labors in Pine Street church were attended 
 with a similar, though less extensive, work of grace. 
 
 As a public lecturer and extempore speaker, he was re 
 markable for his systematic clearness, logical accuracy, and 
 argumentative cogency. However entangled a subject might 
 have become by rambling debate, under his lucid exposition 
 the crooked became straight, light broke through the obscu 
 rity, and the point at issue was revealed in vivid distinctness. 
 
RE V. HARRISON GREENOUGH PARK. 189 
 
 As an advocate of emancipation, he stood unrivalled 
 amongst his coadjutors. The progress of the cause was 
 greatly indebted to his enlightened and fervid zeal. He was 
 regarded as a leader, not only at the North and in England, 
 but also at the South. The high value which was put upon 
 his labors by the slaveholders, is indicated by the offer, in the 
 Milledgeville (Ga.) "Federal Union," of Feb. 1, 1836, of 
 $10,000 for his head! 
 
 He was a man of unblemished morals. He was a warm 
 friend, cherishing all the domestic affections, and loved the 
 cause of the slave, not merely as a principle of duty, but 
 from the impulses of the heart. His characteristic calmness, 
 collectedness, and freedom from excitement marked his clos 
 ing hours. " All is right, all is right," were his last excla 
 mations.* 
 
 51. REV. HARRISON GREENOUGH PARK 
 
 Is the eldest son of Rev. Calvin Park, D. D., and was 
 born in Providence, R. L, 1806. He graduated at Brown 
 University, 1824, and studied theology at Princeton, N. J., 
 and with Rev. Dr. Wisner, of Boston. He also read law 
 three years with Bradford Sumner, Esq., of Boston, and 
 with Hon. J. Fisk, of Wrentham. He was ordained pastor 
 of the church in South Dedham, 16 Dec., 1829, and dismissed 
 in 1835 ; settled a short time over the second church in Dan- 
 vers,and was installed over the church in Burlington 15 Nov., 
 1849, and dismissed in 1851. In the interim of his last 
 two settlements, he was employed, part of the time, as trav 
 elling agent for the Mother s Magazine, and in the publica 
 tion and editorship of the Father s and Mother s Manual. 
 
 Mr. Park married Miss Julia Bird, daughter of Mr. George 
 
 * Condensed from Boston licporter, Emancipator, National Era, 
 and Letters of Messrs. L. Tappan, A. Bodwell, and E. A. Phelps. 
 
190 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Bird of Dedham. Subsequently to her death, he married her 
 sister, Miss Elizabeth Bird. He has several children. 
 
 Mr. Park published a Funeral Sermon of Rev. George 
 Cowles, and his wife Mrs. Elizabeth Cowles, who were lost 
 in the steam Packet, Home, 9 Oct., 1837. Preachecl at 
 Danvers 12 Nov., 1837. 
 
 52. REV. ASAHEL BIGELOW 
 
 Was born in Boylston ; the son of Andrew and Sarah 
 Bigelow, and brother of Rev. Jonathan Bigelow of Rochester, 
 and of Rev. Andrew Bigelow of Needham, and descendant 
 of John Bigelow, Watertovvn, 1841. He graduated at Har 
 vard Univ., 1823, and at Andover, 1826 : ordained at Walpole, 
 12 March, 1828, and dismissed 1 Jan., 1849. Installed in 
 Hancock, N. H., 15 May, 1850, where he now labors. Has 
 published : 1. Sermon before Norfolk Co. Ed. Soc y, 1833 ; 
 2. Sermon at ordination of Mr. Andrew Bigelow, So. Dart 
 mouth, 15 Aug., 1841. 
 
 Mr. Bigelow married Miss Dorcas F. Homes, daughter of 
 the late Henry Homes of Boston, and has several children. 
 
 53. REV. DAVID SA.NFORD 
 
 Is a native of Medway. His father was Mr. Philo San- 
 ford, a son of Rev. David Sanford, pastor of the church in 
 West Medway. 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1825, and A. M., and 
 studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide, and at Andover Semi 
 nary. He preached a short time in the city of Lowell, and 
 in Somersworth, N. H. ; and was ordained at New Market, 
 N. H., 22 May, 1828. He was dismissed June, 1830, to 
 take charge of a new church in Dorchester, over which he 
 was installed as pastor, 14 July, 1830. He was again dis 
 missed, Sept., 1838, to take the pastoral charge of a new 
 
REV. TERTIUS D. SOUTH WORTH. 191 
 
 church in his native place, Medway Village. He was 
 installed there 3 Oct., 1838, and continues to labor amongst 
 his own people. 
 
 Mr. Sanford married Miss Sarah P. Daniels, daughter of 
 Mr. Obed Daniels of Hopkinton, and has several children. 
 
 Mr. S. has published a sermon before the Norfolk Co. 
 Education Soc y, 1840; Sermon to Young Men, 1848; 
 Sermon to Young Ladies, 1849 ; Funeral Sermon of Mrs. 
 James B. Wilson, 1850. 
 
 54. REV. TERTIUS DUNNING SOUTHWORTH 
 
 Is a native of Rome, N. Y., and son of Rev. James South- 
 worth, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Bridgewater, 
 N. Y.* His mother s name, before marriage, was Mary 
 Dennison, of Saybrook, Ct. 
 
 He studied with W. R. Weeks, D. D., of Paris Hill, and 
 also at the academy in Whitesboro , and graduated at Hamil 
 ton College, Clinton, N. Y., and A. M. 1825 (?) ; attended 
 Theological Seminary at Auburn one year, and at Andover 
 nearly three years, and graduated at Andover, 1829. 
 
 He was ordained in Claremont, N. H., 18 June, 1834, and 
 dismissed July, 1838. Installed at Franklin 23 Jan., 1839, 
 and dismissed 25 April, 1850. He afterwards supplied 
 temporarily at Bridgewater, N. Y., at Sasquoit, in the ad 
 joining town, at Hebron, Ct., and Andover Theological 
 Seminary. His present place of labor is Lyndon, Vt. 
 
 Mr. Southworth married Miss Martha Warren, daughter 
 of Luther and Martha (Niles) Warren. She is a native of 
 
 * His paternal ancestry is directly traceable to Sir Richard South- 
 worth, who was knighted by James I. of England, and whose widow 
 Alice, migrated to Plymouth, and became the wife of Gov. William 
 Bradford. She brought two sons with her, Constant and Thomas 
 Southworth, prominent personages in the Plymouth Colony, from the 
 former of whom Mr. S. (above) is descended. 
 
192 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Haverhill, N. H., was educated at Mr. Brace s Female 
 Seminary, Hartford, and, at the time of her marriage, resided 
 at Weathersfield, Vt. They have no children. 
 
 Mr. Southworth s publications are: 1. A Sermon, "Civil 
 Government ordained of God," 1840. 2. Funeral Sermon 
 of Rev. N. Emmons, D. D., 1840. 3. Dedication Sermon 
 at Franklin, 1842. 4. " Memorial of Unassuming Piety," 
 1844. 5. Sermon before Norfolk Co. Education Society. 
 6. Man s Hopes destroyed. Besides pamphlets. 
 
 55. REV. DANIEL J. POOR 
 
 Was born in Woburn, and was the son of Lemuel and 
 Elizabeth (Richardson) Poor. 
 
 He graduated at Amherst College, 1837 ; studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Ide, and was ordained in Foxboro , 11 March, 
 1840. He was dismissed, at his own request, 12 May, 1847. 
 Since this date, he has been the preceptor of an academy in 
 Hopkinton, where he now resides. 
 
 Mr. Poor married Miss Susan Thompson, daughter of Mr. 
 Alpha and Mary (Scottow) Thompson, and has several 
 children. 
 
 56. REV. MORTIMER BLAKE, 
 
 The eldest son of Ira and Laura (Howry) Blake, was born 
 in Pittston, Me., but early removed to Franklin, with his 
 parents.* He fitted for college, partly in private, and partly 
 
 * His earliest discovered paternal ancestor was Eobcrt Blake of 
 Wrentham, 1676; who married Sarah, daughter of John and Sarah 
 Guild, of W., and had 10 children. Three of them were the first settlers 
 of Keene. N. II. ; namely, Nathan, who built the first house in Keene, 
 Elijah, and Doct. Obadiah, the first physician in that town. Annals 
 of Keene. Josiah, son of Robert, lived in Wrentham, and had 7 
 children, of whom was Dea. Philip, father of Ira Blake, and grandfather 
 of Rev. Mortimer, above. 
 
REV. MOSES GILL GROSVENOR. 193 
 
 at the Medway Classical Institute, and graduated at Amherst 
 College, 1835. He next taught an academy three years at 
 Franklin, during which time he studied theology under the 
 direction of Rev. E. Smalley, D. D., then pastor. He was 
 employed one year as preceptor of Hopkins Academy, Had- 
 ley. He then resigned school-teaching, and was ordained at 
 Mansfield, 4 December, 1839, where he still continues. 
 
 Mr. Blake married Harriet Louisa, daughter of Mr. Joseph 
 and Susa (Fisher) Daniels, of Franklin, and has two chil 
 dren. 
 
 His publications are : 1. A Funeral Sermon, 1844. 2. 
 A Funeral Sermon, 1845. 3. Address on the erection of a 
 Monument to Rev. Dr. Emmons, at Franklin, 1846. 4. Two 
 Sermons, on the Import of the Church Covenant, and on the 
 Duty of Mutual Forbearance, 1846. 5. Gethsemane and 
 Calvary, 12mo, 1844, two editions. 6. Fast-day Sermon on 
 the " Maine Preventive," 1852, three editions. 
 
 57. REV. MOSES GILL GROSVENOR 
 
 Is the youngest son and child of Rev. Daniel and Deborah 
 (Hall) Grosvenor, and was born in Paxton, 23 Sept., 1796, 
 where his father was then settled.* 
 
 * His grand-parents were Ebenczer and Lucy Grosvenor, natives 
 and residents of Pomfret, Ct. They had ten children. Three were 
 Orthodox ministers. 
 
 Rev. Daniel, one of the three, and father of Rev. Moses G., was born 
 in Pomfret, 20 April, 1750; Yale College, 1769, chum of Prest. Dwight. 
 Studied theology with Rev. Dr. Hall of Sutton, whose daughter, 
 Deborah, afterwards became his wife ; and was ordained at Grafton, 
 19 Oct., 1774. He lost his voice, and was dismissed, in 1787. He 
 afterwards settled in Paxton, 5 November, 1794; resigned 17 Nov. 
 1802, and died in Petersham, 22 July, 1834, aged 84 years. He had 
 ten children, of whom Rev. Moses G. (above) was the last. 
 
 Ebenezer, an older brother of Rev. Daniel, was born 1739 ; graduated 
 
 17 
 
194 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 He fitted for college at Amherst ; graduated at Dartmouth 
 College, 1822, and at Andover, 1825. 
 
 He was ordained at West Haverhill, 27 December, 1826, 
 dismissed in 1829, and installed in Ackworth, N. H., 14 Oct., 
 1829. He was dismissed 25 April, 1832, and was installed 
 over the Orthodox Church in Barre, 14 November of the 
 same year, where he continued until May, 1834. He was 
 next settled, 30 May, 1835, at Marlboro , N. H., where he 
 staid six years. He afterwards supplied the pulpit at Medfield 
 a year, and at Marshall, N. Y., for six months, at each of 
 which places he declined a settlement ; also at Gardner, 
 during six months of the year 1837. 
 
 His present abode is Petersham, in whose vicinity he 
 occasionally preaches, as a diseased throat will permit. 
 
 Mr. Grosvenor married Miss Sophia W. Grout, daughter 
 of John, and grand-daughter of Hon. Jonathan Grout, of 
 Petersham. They have no children. 
 
 Mr. Grosvenor has published an Address on Church Music, 
 delivered at West Alstead, N. H. 
 
 58. REV. THOMAS T. RICHMOND 
 
 Is a native of Mettapoiset, (Rochester,) but spent his early 
 life in Taunton. He pursued a course of study with Rev. 
 A. Cobb, of West Taunton, but did not graduate, and was 
 approbated by Taunton Association. 
 
 He was ordained at Dartmouth, 17 July, 1832. During 
 his ministry, religion was revived, and the church built up 
 and strengthened ; but he was compelled to leave, in poor 
 
 Yale College, 1759; ordained at Scituate, April, 1763, and dismissed 
 April, 1780; afterwards settled in Harvard, 1782, Avhere he died, 28 
 May, 1788. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Mr. Clarke, of 
 Danvers, and had six children. 
 
REV TIMOTHY D . P. STONE. 195 
 
 health, 23 April, 1837. He next spent four years in New 
 market, N. II., where he declined a call to settle, on account 
 of his health. He was afterwards so far restored as to con 
 sent to a settlement in Medfield, where he was installed 26 
 November, 1842, and where he still continues. 
 
 Mr. Richmond married Miss Relief II. Smith, daughter of 
 Mr. Jesse Smith, of Taunton. 
 
 He published a Sermon before the Norfolk Co. Education 
 Society, 1849. 
 
 59. REV. TIMOTHY D. T. STONE 
 
 Graduated at Amherst College, 1834, and A. M., and 
 studied theology at Andover. He afterwards was Teacher 
 of Elocution in the Teachers Semfnary, in the same town. 
 He was ordained pastor of the church in Holliston, 1 March, 
 1843, and dismissed 2 March, 1849, to take the chaplaincy 
 of the State Reform School, at Westboro . He is now Prin 
 cipal of the State Normal School of Connecticut, located at 
 New Britain. 
 
 Mr. Stone is the author of several small volumes for the 
 young. 
 
 60. REV. DAVID R. BARNES 
 
 Was employed as stated supply by the church in North 
 Wrentham, during which time he became of member of 
 Mendon Association. On the expiration of his engagement 
 to that church, he returned to the State of New York, 
 from which he came. No farther sketch of him has been 
 obtained. He is supposed to be a native of Rome, N. Y., or 
 its vicinity. 
 
196 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 61. REV. SEWALL HARDING 
 
 Is a native of Medway, the son of Capt. John Harding and 
 his wife Beulah, daughter of Judge Stephen Metcalf of 
 Bellingham. He is a descendant of John Harding of Med- 
 field, freeman 1640. 
 
 He graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., 1818 ; 
 studied theology with Rev. Drs. Emmons and Ide, and was 
 ordained over the second Congregational Church in Wal- 
 tham, 17 Jan., 1821. He was dismissed November, 1837, to 
 take the pastoral care of the church in East Medway, where 
 he was installed 1 Nov., 1837. He was dismissed thence, 3 
 Dec., 1851, to become the Secretary of the American Doc 
 trinal Tract and Book Society. He resides in Auburndale, 
 Newton. 
 
 Mr. Harding married Miss Eliza Wheeler, daughter of 
 Capt. Lewis and Betsey Wheeler, of Medway, and has four 
 children. 
 
 His oldest son is Rev. John W. Harding. [See Licentiates, 
 No. 118.] 
 
 His oldest daughter, Eliza, was married, 13 Oct. 1852, to 
 Rev. Augustus Walker, of Medway, who sailed as Foreign 
 Missionary to Syria, January, 1853. 
 
 Mr. Harding has published a Sermon before the Norfolk 
 Co. Education Society, 1841 ; besides various documents 
 connected with his present duties. 
 
 62. REV. ANDREW H. REED 
 
 Was born in Oakham, and is the son of Mr. Silas Reed, 
 a native of Rutland. His mother s name was Elinor Hunter, 
 of New Braintree. 
 
 He graduated at Amherst College, 1826, and at Andover, 
 1829. He was first settled at Raymond, N. H., 1834, and 
 
REV. HORACE JAMES. 197 
 
 dismissed in 1837. He was installed the same year at 
 Mason, N. II. ; dismissed in 1841. He was invited to settle 
 the same year in Mendon, but declined, and preached as 
 stated supply until 1848. He still resides in Mendon, and 
 preaches occasionally in the vicinity. 
 
 Mr. Reed married Miss Sarah Lawrence, daughter of Mr. 
 John and Abigail (Reed) Lawrence, of Concord. He has 
 two children living. Has published several articles upon 
 electricity and cognate subjects. 
 
 63. REV. HORACE JAMES 
 
 Is the son of Dea. Galen James,* of Medford, of which 
 town he is a native. He graduated at Yale College, 1840, 
 studied theology at New Haven and Andover, and graduated 
 at the latter Seminary, 1843. He settled in Wrentham, as 
 colleague with Rev. E. Fisk, 1 Nov., 1843, and is now sole 
 pastor of that church. 
 
 Mr. James married Miss Helen Leavitt, daughter of Gen. 
 David and Corinna (Aldrich) Leavitt, and grand-daughter 
 of Rev. Jonathan Leavitt, of Walpole, N. H.f 
 
 Mr. James has published, A Thanksgiving Sermon, 1846 ; 
 Wrentham Jubilee, 1850 ; and several Reports and Lectures 
 on Education. 
 
 * John James, his paternal ancestor, freeman, Scituate, 1668, died 
 ly a- wound from the Indians, leaving one son, John, who was Deacon, 
 as was also his son John, and grandson John. The fifth generation was 
 also John, Major, who removed from Scituate to Medford, and was the 
 father of Capt. Galen James, above. See Dcanes Scituate, p. 293. 
 
 t llev. J. Leavitt was born in Sufficld, Ct., 22 Jan., 1731 ; Yale Coll., 
 J758 ; ordained, Walpole, N. H., 27 May, 1761 ; dismissed, May, 1765. 
 Installed at Charlemont, Oct. 1768, and d. at Heath, set off from 
 Charlcmont, 9 Sept., 1802. He married Sarah Hooker, of Farrington, 
 and had eleven sons and one daughter. 
 
 17* 
 
198 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 64. REV. TYLER THACHER 
 
 Was born at Princeton, 11 September, 1801, and is the 
 son of Obadiah and Elizabeth (Richardson) Thacher, and 
 brother of Rev. Moses Thacher, (Member of Association, 
 No. 43).* He pursued his preparatory studies in part at Har- 
 ford, Pa., graduated at Brown University, 1824, and studied 
 theology with Rev. O. Thompson, of Rehoboth. He was 
 ordained by Mendon Association as Evangelist, at North 
 Wrentham, 4 December, 1827. 
 
 After preaching some years under appointment of the 
 Home Missionary Society, he was installed at East Hawley, 
 14 May, 1834, and dismissed 31 Jan., 1843. He was after 
 wards employed as stated supply at North Wrentham, until 
 he departed, in 1851, for California, with his family. He 
 is now employed at Majrsyille in that State, teaching school, 
 and preaching in the mining districts upon the Sabbath. 
 
 Mr. Thacher married, first, Miss Fidelia Thompson, 
 daughter of Rev. Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, by whom he 
 had three children, two of whom (sons) survive. The eldest, 
 a promising youth, was drowned. On the death of his wife, 
 he married Miss Nancy Newton, of Hawley. 
 
 Mr. Thacher has published several volumes, besides 
 numerous theological essays in periodicals. His chief works 
 are : Taylorism Examined, 1834 ; Arminianism Examined, 
 1833. They indicate an uncommonly acute and discriminat 
 ing thinker. 
 
 A California paper, announcing his arrival in that region, 
 says, and justly : " His thorough scholarship and unfeigned 
 piety will render him a valuable acquisition to the New 
 State." 
 
 * See his ancestry in a note, under llev. Moses Thacher. Members, 
 etc., No. 43. 
 
REV. SMITH B. GOODENOW. 199 
 
 65. REV. SMITH B. GOODENOW 
 
 Was born in Damariscotta, Lincoln Co., Me. At four 
 years of age he was left fatherless, and was taken by his 
 friends to Providence, R. I., where he commenced learning 
 the watch-maker s trade. In his fifteenth year he was hope 
 fully converted, and joined the Beneficent Congregational 
 Church, May, 1832, by the ladies of which church he was 
 sent to Waterville Academy. He entered the College in 
 1834, but removed to Bowdoin College, and graduated, 1838. 
 He was Principal of the Academic High School at Bath 
 three years. 
 
 He was approbated to preach the Gospel, 1843, by the 
 Lincoln Association, and engaged as missionary at Westerly, 
 R. I., 1 April, 1843. He was ordained as Evangelist, at 
 Providence, 17 Aug., 1843 ; and installed pastor of the church 
 in Milford, 20 Oct., 1844, whence he was dismissed 1 Jan., 
 1846. After preaching a while in Warwick, R. I., he was 
 settled at Edgartown, Martha s Vineyard, 30 June, 1847. 
 He left in January, 1851, on invitation of the Presb. Board 
 of City Missions in Newark, N. J., and commenced labor as 
 preacher as large, Feb. 8, in that city, where he still is. He 
 was subsequently dismissed from the pastoral office in Edgar- 
 town, Oct., 1851. 
 
 Mr. Goodenow has published a * New England Gram 
 mar," three editions. " Book of Elements," 1850. Pre 
 mium Tract on the Sabbath, published by the Philadelphia 
 Sab. Association. The wife of Mr. Goodenow died in the 
 summer of 1852. 
 
 66. REV. CHARLES SIMMONS 
 
 Is a native of Paris Hill, Oneida Co., N. Y., and the son 
 of Aaron Simmons, Jr., whose father belonged to Little 
 
200 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Compton, R. I.* His mother was Lydia Wilbor, daughter of 
 Charles Wilbor, of Little Compton, and sister of the late 
 Gov. Wilbor, of the same place. 
 
 He spent his early life in the family of Rev. W. R. Wrecks, 
 D. D., of Paris Hill, N. Y., and in travelling as general agent 
 for the Utica Christian Repository, which Dr. Weeks then 
 conducted, and for similar publications. He also served an 
 apprenticeship as blacksmith, and carried on the business as 
 partner a year, during which time, he engaged to go, in this 
 capacity, under the patronage of the Am. Board, to one of the 
 Indian tribes near Green Bay. But they abandoned the en- 
 terprize, and he was released. He then engaged in study, for 
 college, with Dr. Weeks ; but on his advice, he relinquished 
 the idea of graduating, studied theology, and was approbated 
 by the Oneida Association, 24 May, 1832. 
 
 Mr. Simmons commenced preaching in Hebronville, South 
 Attleboro , in July, and was ordained there, 26 Dec., 1832, 
 and dismissed 21 Oct., 1838. He spent the winter following 
 in Middleboro , assisting Rev. Mr. Putnam, in that extensive 
 town. He was stated supply at North Scituate, 1839, and 
 also at Wareham the year and a half following. Since this 
 latter date, he has resided in North Wrentham, preaching 
 occasionally, but employed chiefly in the distribution of Dr. 
 Emmons s Works, and upon his own publications. 
 
 Mr. Simmons married Miss Eliza Perrigo, daughter of 
 Mr. John Perrigo, of North Wrentham, and has two chil 
 dren. 
 
 Publications. Besides many articles in the Utica Reposi 
 tory, Hopkinsian Magazine, N. E. Telegraph, etc., he has 
 issued, 1. Tract on U. S. Slavery, 24 pp. 1841. 2. Scrip 
 ture Manual, 1st edition, at Wareham, 1841; 2d, in 1844. 
 
 * The first Simmons of his family, Moses, settled at Duxbury, of 
 whose sons, one went to Vt., another to R. I. Aaron migrated to Paris 
 Hill, when a wilderness, about 1790. He was grandfather to Rev. C. 
 Simmons, above. 
 
REV. CALVIN WHITE. 2 01 
 
 Stereotyped, 1845. Over 40,000 copies of this valuable work 
 have been sold in this country, and it has been translated in 
 to other languages at some of the Mission Stations. 3. A 
 tract on Human Ability and Dependence, 1850. 4. A 
 Manual of Maxims, 1852. 
 
 67. REV. CALVIN WHITE 
 
 Is the son of Israel and Margaret (Tubbs) White, of 
 Raynham, in which town he was born 12 Sept., 1799.* In 
 1819, while living in Dorchester, he became a subject of re 
 newing grace, and united with the church under Rev. Dr. 
 Codman. He commenced study for college, and, after two 
 years, entered Bangor Seminary, whence he graduated, 1827. 
 
 He preached as missionary about two years, and was 
 agent of Lincoln Co. Bible Society, three months of the time. 
 He was ordained, 28 Oct., 1829, in Robbinston, Me. The 
 church consisted of 7 females and one male, and he was a 
 rum-seller ! Mr. White s labors were blessed with a revival, 
 and the addition of 21 members to the church, out of a con 
 gregation of less than 100. The church was too feeble to 
 support him, and he was dismissed 19 July, 1831. He left a 
 total-abstinence temperance society in the town, of over 100 
 members. He next preached several months in East Ma- 
 chias, and was installed in Gray, Me., 7 Aug., 1833. He 
 received a dismission in June, 1837, and removed, with his 
 
 * His ancestry is traceable to John White, of Raynham, m. Hannah 
 Smith, 24 Feb., 1679. Had 10 ch. II John, Jr., eldest sou, born 16 
 Aug., 1681, had 5 ch. certainly, of whom was George. III. George 
 m. Hannah Briant, 4 June, 1745, and had 9 ch. Israel was the 7th. 
 IV. Israel, b. 20 Aug., 1757, m. Margaret Tubbs, 12 Sept., 1782, had 
 12 ch., of whom Calvin, above, was the 9th. His Avife, Margaret Tubbs. 
 was born in Berkley, 1762. Her father was Maj. Samuel Tubbs. of the 
 Revolution, and Deacon of the church in Berkley, and afterwards in 
 Dresden, Me., where he died. Rev. C. White, Gardiner, Me. 
 
202 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 family, to Amherst in this state. From April, 1839 to Jan., 
 1841, he resided in Loudon Village, N. H., where he de 
 clined a settlement. A year was next spent in Province- 
 town, Cape Cod. In April, 1844, he commenced preaching 
 in Dover, where he remained three years. In 1849, he re 
 moved to Gardiner, Me., where he now resides, and in whose 
 vicinity he has l abundant opportunities of preaching the 
 Gospel to the poor, without money and without price. 
 
 Mr. White married, first, Mary N. Dickinson, daughter of 
 John and Rebecca Dickinson. Her father was a native of 
 Amherst, but spent 25 years in East Machias, Me., as a law 
 yer and Judge of Probate, and where Mr. W. married her, 
 2 Feb., 1830. She died at her father s, in Amherst, 2d 
 May, 1841. His second, and present wife was Ellen Maria, 
 daughter of Ebenezer Nickerson, of Boston, whom he mar 
 ried 8 Jan., 1845. Mr. White had, by his first wife, 5 chil 
 dren, and 4 by his present wife, two of whom are dead. 
 
 Mr. White has issued no publications. 
 
 G8. REV. ORAMEL W. COOLEY 
 
 Was born in Hawley, and is the son of Calvin and Rosa 
 mond (Field) Cooley. 
 
 He studied Theology at the Seminary in Bangor, and 
 was ordained at Dover, 4 May, 1848. He was dismissed in 
 1850, and migrated, with his family, to Illinois, in which 
 state he is now laboring, in Grandville or vicinity. 
 
 Mr. Cooley married Miss Sarah Adams, of Hopkinton. 
 
 G9. KEY. HENRY L. BULLEX 
 
 Is a native of Medway. His parents names are Lewis 
 and Esther (Grout) Bullen.* He commenced his classical 
 
 * His grandfather was Jcduthun, son of John Bullen, a descendant 
 of Samuel, of Dedhara, freeman, 1641. 
 
REV. WILLIAM BARNES. 203 
 
 studies at Franklin Academy, and entered Western Reserve 
 college, but graduated at Dartmouth Coll., 1842. He after 
 wards taught school three years in Savannah, Ga., where 
 he was approbated to preach, by the Hopewell Presbytery, 
 at Madison, Ga. He returned to Mass., and taught school 
 in Sherborn and Holliston ; from which town he removed 
 to the West, 
 
 He was ordained as Home Missionary, 7 May, 1850, and 
 labored at Port Byron, 111., and in Lee and Clair coun 
 ties, Iowa. 
 
 He is now acting as professor of Mathematics and Natu 
 ral Philosophy, in Iowa College, at Davenport, Iowa. 
 
 70. REV. WILLIAM BARNES 
 
 Was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, and is the youngest son 
 of Thomas and Sarah (Evans) Barnes, who migrated from 
 Sussex Co., Del., in 1809. He was baptized, in infancy, by 
 a Methodist minister, in a log cabin, upon the banks of the 
 Ohio. To this denomination, of Methodists, all his family 
 belong, and in their faith he was educated. From 1823 to 
 1833, he resided with his parents in Marion Co., O., and at 
 tended, meanwhile, at Worthington Academy six months, 
 and taught school six months. While studying for the legal 
 profession, at the Huron Institute, in Milan, in 1833, he be 
 came converted, and joined the Presb. church in that town. 
 He graduated at Yale Col., 1839, and taught an Academy 
 at Southold, L. I., the following year. He graduated at East 
 Windsor, and was approbated by the New London Associa 
 tion, 1 Sept., 1841. Ordained at Hampton, Ct., 21 Sept.,1842, 
 dismissed in 1847, and installed at Foxboro , 15 Dec., 1847. 
 He has recently asked a dismission from his charge on ac 
 count of ill health, and has returned to his former residence. 
 Mr. Barnes married, 18 Aug., 1842, Miss Eunice Alvard 
 
204 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Taylor, daughter of Nathaniel and Betsey Taylor, of Man 
 chester, Ct., and has three children. 
 
 71. KEY. JOSHUA THOMAS TUCKER 
 
 Is the son of Joshua Tucker, and is a native of Milton.* 
 
 He prepared for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, 
 and graduated at Yale, 1833, pursued his theological studies 
 at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, 0., and was approbated to 
 preach the Gospel, April, 1837, by the Presbytery of St. 
 Louis, Mo. 
 
 He was ordained by the Presbytery of Alton, 111., Oct., 
 1837, and preached as a missionary until 1840 at Chester 
 and Rushville, 111. From 1840 to 1846, he had the pastoral 
 charge of the Pres. church, in Hannibal, Missouri ; From 
 1846 to 1848, he was minister of the North Pres. Church, 
 St. Louis, Mo., and joint editor of the " St. Louis Herald of 
 Religious Liberty," a weekly paper. At this last date he 
 was compelled, on account of broken health, both of himself 
 and his family, to leave the western missionary service and 
 return to the region of his nativity. 
 
 Mr. Tucker commenced ministering to the church in Hol- 
 liston, 1 April, 184$, and was installed in the pastoral office, 
 6 June, following. He is still in Holliston. 
 
 Mr. Tucker married, first, Mary Oland Stibbs, daughter 
 of Christopher and Elizabeth Stibbs, of London, Eng. ; she 
 died in 1844. 
 
 His present wife was Miss Anne D. Shackford, daughter of 
 
 * His immigrant ancestor was Robert, of Weymoutli, 1639 ; who had 
 two sons, Ephraim, and Manasseh, and probablya third, Robert, Rep. 
 for Milton. 1680. Manasseh, was Deacon of 1st church in Milton, and 
 had four sons : one of whom was Samuel. He had two sons, Samuel 
 and Nathaniel. (Nathaniel grad. H. U., 1744, and Rev., settled in N. 
 Y. State.) Samuel had a son Samuel, whose son Joshua was father of 
 Rev. Joshua Thomas Tucker above. 
 
REV. PRESTON POND. 205 
 
 John and Jane Shackford, of Portsmouth, N. H. Of his five 
 children, two only survive. 
 Mr. Tucker has published : 
 
 1. Dying Scenes A Memorial of Mrs. Mary O. Tucker, 
 1844. 
 
 2. Thanksgiving Discourse, Hannibal, Missouri, 1845. 
 
 3. Discourse, Historical, of first Pres. Church, Hannibal, 
 Missouri, 1845. 
 
 4. God s Ministry of Judgment Sermon on the Day of 
 National Fast, Holliston, Mass., 1849. 
 
 5. Life s Lessons of Wisdom a Funeral Sermon on Mr. 
 Harding Daniels, Holliston, Mass., 1849. 
 
 6. The Citizen and the Commonwealth Sermon on State 
 Fast Day, Holliston, Mass., 1851. 
 
 7. The Maine Temperance Law a Thanksgiving Sermon, 
 Holliston, 1851. 
 
 72. REV. PRESTON POND 
 
 Was born in Wrentham, and is the son of Gen. Preston 
 and Abial (Blake) Pond.* 
 
 He commenced his course of liberal studies at Bangor, 
 Me., graduated at Bowdoin Coll., 1840, and at the Bangor 
 Theol. Seminary, 1843. 
 
 He was ordained at Eastport, 8 Oct., 1843, and dismissed 
 April, 1845. He next labored a year in South Newmarket, 
 N. H., and commenced preaching as stated supply at Milford 
 in Sept., 1846. He was installed as pastor 24 May, 1849, 
 and dismissed 16 Feb., 1852, to take the pastoral charge of 
 the Edwards Church, Boston ; over which he was installed, 
 25 Feb. 
 
 * Gen. P. Pond is brother of Rev. E. Pond, D. D. (Lie. No. 58.) 
 For the ancestry of the Pond Family, see Enoch Pond, Lie. No 17. 
 
 18 
 
206 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Pond married Miss Elizabeth S., daughter of Deacon 
 John and Sarah Thompson, of Durham, N. H. 
 
 73. REV. GEORGE H. NEWHALL 
 
 Is the son of George and Mary (Woods) Newhall, and 
 was born in Athol. He graduated at Amherst College, 1845, 
 and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1848. 
 
 He was ordained over the church in Walpole, 18 Sept., 
 1850. 
 
 Mr. Newhall married Miss Harriet F. Lindsey, daughter 
 of Stacey Lindsey, Esq., of Prescott. 
 
 74. REV. CHARLES CHAMBERLAIN 
 
 Is a native of Holliston, and the son of Enoch jr. and Lucy 
 (Holbrook) Chamberlain. He prepared for College at 
 Leicester Academy, graduated at Brown Univ., 1836, and 
 officiated as Tutor, during the years 1837 and 8. Pie studied 
 theology in part, at Andover Seminary, and with Rev. Dr. 
 Ide, and completed the usual course at Union Theol. Semi 
 nary. 
 
 After laboring two years at the West as missionary, he 
 returned to Massachusetts, and was ordained over the church 
 in Berkley, 8 July, 1842. He was dismissed in 1844, and 
 afterwards preached in New York, Freetown, and Mendon. 
 He was installed at Auburn, in this state, 9 July, 1851, and 
 there now continues. 
 
 Mr. Chamberlain married a daughter of Moses and Chloe 
 (Hodges) Bassett, natives of Norton, but residents, after 
 marriage, at Providence, R. I. 
 
REV. ASA HIXON. 207 
 
 75. REV. SAMUEL HUNT 
 
 Is the son of Dea. Richard and Ann (Humphrey) Hunt, of 
 Attleboro , in which town he was born. He graduated at 
 Amherst College, 1833, and studied theology with Rev. J. 
 Ide, D. D. 
 
 He was ordained at Natick, 17 July, 1839, and dismissed 
 May, 1850. He was installed pastor of the church in Frank 
 lin, 4 December, 1850, which office he fills at this date. 
 
 Mr. Hunt has published " Letters to the Avowed Friends 
 of Missions," 1844 ; Political Duties of Christians," 1848. 
 
 Mr. Hunt married Miss Mary Foster, daughter of Maj. 
 Josiah Foster, of Southampton, L. I. She died Dec., 1849, 
 leaving three children. 
 
 76. REV. JOHN HASKELL 
 
 Is a native of New Glocester, Me., and son of Caleb and 
 Judith (Collins) Haskell. He graduated at Bowdoin College, 
 1846, and at Bangor Theological Seminary, 1850. He was 
 ordained pastor of the church in Dover, 25 December, 1851. 
 
 Mr. Haskell married Miss Lucy J. Dickey, daughter of 
 Mr. George and Lucy L. (Patch) Dickey, of Bangor. 
 
 77. REV. ASA HIXON 
 
 Is the son of Mr. Asa Hixon, of Medway. He graduated 
 at Brown University, 1825, pursued his theological course at 
 Auburn Seminary, N. Y., and was ordained at Oakham, 7 
 Oct., 1829, as colleague with Rev. Daniel Tomlinson. He 
 was compelled to resign his charge, 25 Dec., 1832, on account 
 
208 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 of ill health, which continued, with increasing debility, until 
 he was, and continues to be, entirely disabled from public 
 speaking. He now resides in Franklin. 
 
 Mr. Hixon married Miss Charlotte Baker, daughter of 
 Capt. David and Jemima (Richardson) Baker, of Franklin, 
 and sister of Rev. Abijah R. Baker, of Lynn, and has one 
 child, a son. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 
 
 LICENTIATES OF MENDON ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1. REV. DAVID THURSTON. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 5.] 
 
 2. REV. MOSES TAFT 
 
 Was born in Mendon, 20 July, 1722 ; graduated at Harvard 
 University, 1751, and received A. M. in course. He was or 
 dained second minister of the new south precinct, in Brain- 
 tree, now first church in Randolph, 26 Aug., 1752. Rev. 
 John Shaw, of Bridgewater, preached the sermon. The 
 written parts of the ordination, with Mr. Taft s confession of 
 faith, were published ; the only known copy of which is in 
 the Mass. Hist. Library. 
 
 In 1789, Rev. Jonathan Strong, D. D., was settled as his 
 colleague. He died 12 November, 1791, aged 69, having 
 been settled 39 years. 
 
 Mr. Taft married, 15 Aug., 1753, Mary Dorr, oldest child 
 of Rev. Joseph Dorr, of Mendon. She died 10 Jan., 1796. 
 Their children were, 
 
 1. Moses, born 10 June, 1754; graduated Harvard Uni 
 versity, 1774; physician in Sudbury ; died, 1799. 
 
 18* 
 
210 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 2. Eleazer, born 11 Oct., 1755; H. U., 1783 ; resided- in 
 Exeter, N. H., and died there in 1834. 
 
 3. Joseph, born 15 Aug., 1756 ; H. U., 1783. 
 
 4. Phinehas, b. 11 Aug., 1762 ; H. U., 1789. He studied 
 theology with Dr. Strong and Dr. Emmons, was a promising 
 young man, and thoroughly orthodox, after the Hopkinsian 
 model, but he died in 1798, having never actively v entered 
 upon the ministry. Mr. Taft had also four daughters, married 
 respectively to an Allen, a French, a Henshaw, and Samuel 
 Stetson, of Boston. 
 
 " Mr. Taft s doctrinal views were evangelical, though some 
 supposed, with little reason, that, towards the close of his 
 ministry, he inclined somewhat to Arminianism. As a preach 
 er, he was not especially distinguished. His ministrations 
 at last were exceedingly dull. His health became very 
 infirm, and his excessive use of tobacco and opium impaired 
 his usefulness, and induced a premature old age. He became, 
 as a consequence, quite indolent and inefficient in his habits, 
 and finally a paralytic. 
 
 " His character resembled that of Eli more than that of 
 Nehemiah. 
 
 " It is not known that he ever published anything, other 
 than the confession of faith already mentioned. A manu 
 script sermon of his, dated 1771, still in being, although in 
 nearly illegible cacography, shows him to have been naturally 
 capable, and, at that date, doctrinally evangelical."* 
 
 3. REV. CORNELIUS JONES 
 
 Is recorded as a native of Bellingham. He graduated at 
 Harvard University in 1752, and received A. M. He was 
 ordained as first pastor of the church in Sandisfield in 1756, 
 on the same day in which the church was organized. Prest. 
 Edwards, then in Stockbridge, preached the ordination 
 
 * Letter of Doct. E. Alden, Randolph. 
 
REV. NATIIANAEL POTTER. 211 
 
 sermon, which, through the lack of a meeting-house, was 
 delivered in a barn. 
 
 Mr. Jones was dismissed in 1761. Rev. D. D. Field 
 says,* " He never resettled, but preached occasionally. He 
 resided for a number of years in Howe ; then removed to 
 Skeenesborough, now White Hall, N. Y., where he died at 
 an advanced age." The Harvard Catalogue says in 1783, 
 the name of his wife was Sarah, and he was married while 
 at Sandisfield. Nothing more is known of him. And even 
 at White Hall, the oldest citizen can give no information 
 whatever in relation to him.f 
 
 4. REV. NATHANAEL POTTER 
 
 Is supposed to have been a native of Elizabethtown, N. J. 
 He graduated at Princeton, N. J., 1753, and A. M. ; also at 
 Harvard, 1758. He was settled in Brookline, 19 Nov., 1755, 
 and dismissed, 17 June, 1759. He is said to have died at 
 sea. At what date, is unknown. 
 
 Mr. Potter published, in 1758, " A Discourse on Jeremiah 
 6 : 20, preached on the Lord s Day morning, Jan. 1, 1758, 
 at Brookline ; wherein is briefly attempted A Discovery of 
 the Causes, of our late National Calamities, Disappoint 
 ments, and Losses, that they are owing to our Sins," etc. 
 8vo. 27 pp.| 
 
 5. HON. JOSEPH DORR, JR. 
 
 Was born in Mendon, 24 May, 1730. He was the only 
 son of Rev. Joseph Dorr, of Mendon. He graduated at 
 Harvard, 1752, and A. M., and preached occasionally for 
 several years, but was never ordained. He early turned his 
 
 * Quarterly Keg., Vol. VII., p. 35. 
 
 t Letter of W. G. Wolcott, P. M., White Hall, N. Y. 
 
 \ Copy in Mass. Hist. Soc. Library, shelf 74. bk. 21. 
 
212 BIOGRAPHIC AL S KETCHES . 
 
 attention and energies to the political affairs of the times, 
 and became an earnest, unceasing, and vigorous co-laborer 
 with the earliest patriots of the Revolution. Worcester, in 
 his immediate neighborhood, was the central point of the first 
 movements of the Revolution ; and none were behind Mr. 
 Dorr in hastening it onwards, and directing its course. It is 
 said that three hundred days of each year from 1773 to 1780, 
 were devoted by him to the public service without compen 
 sation. 
 
 Mr. Dorr filled many important civil offices. He was 
 town-clerk, justice of the peace, member of the secret com 
 mittee, of the committee of safety, and of the committee 
 of correspondence. He was one of the commissioners chosen 
 to wait upon the Mandamus Councillors of the county of 
 Worcester, and to demand the surrender of their charter. 
 He was also member of the Legislature, and, after the 
 Revolution, was appointed Justice of the Court of Common 
 Pleas, and Judge of Probate ; which last offices were held 
 by him till near the close of life. Judge Dorr died 31 Oct., 
 1808, aged 78. He married Catharine Bucknam, 6 Dec., 
 1768, and had eight children. Two oldest died young. The 
 others were, 
 
 3. Joseph Hawley, born 20 July, 1772, a merchant of 
 Boston. He married Lucy Penniman of New Braintree, 
 and is still living. He is the father of Joseph H. Dorr, 
 M. D., of Philadelphia. 
 
 4. Samuel, born 23 June, 1774. President of " New 
 England Bank," and Representative and Senator for Boston, 
 where he died Dec., 1844. He married, 1st, Lucy, daughter 
 of Joseph Fox, Esq., of Fitchburg, and 2d, a Miss Brown, 
 and had seven children. Among them is James A. Dorr, 
 Esq., H. U., 1813, lawyer in New York. 
 
 5. Sarah, b. 10 Aug., 1776, and married to Jonas Newell, 
 of New Braintree. 
 
REV. ASAP II RICE. 213 
 
 6. Thomas Shepherd, born 11 Nov., 1778; died October, 
 1816. 
 
 7. Mary, born 7 January, 1784, and married to Oliver 
 Fox, Esq., of Fitchburg. 
 
 8. Edward, born 10 Oct., 178G, and settled in Nova Iberia, 
 La. He owned Dorr s Island at the mouth of Trinity River, 
 Texas, and became celebrated for his droves of horses and 
 cattle. He died in April, 1847.* 
 
 6. REV. ASAPII RICE *. 
 
 Was born in Hard wick, in 1733, and graduated at Harvard, 
 1752, and A. M. 
 
 The early Indian wars awakened an interest in the spiritual 
 condition of the Western Aborigines. After the close of the 
 second war, Rev. Eli Fobes, afterwards Dr. Fobes, of North- 
 field, who had served as chaplain to the colonial troops of 1758, 
 visited the Six Nations as a missionary ; Mr. Rice accompa 
 nied him on his return to them, in 1762. They were to be 
 supported by a society in Scotland, and were to labor among 
 the Oneidas. Rev. Dr. Chauncey, in his ordination sermon 
 of Mr. Bowman, as the third missionary, at Boston, 31 Aug., 
 1762, calls Mr. Rice, "a promising young man, who went 
 out to spend his life in the service." 
 
 On the arrival of Rev. Messrs. Fobes and Rice at Ohono- 
 quagie, they assembled the chief men of the tribe, who gave 
 thanks for their arrival, and only waited for the return of 
 three sachems, then absent, to accept formally the services of 
 the missionaries. A Rev. Mr. Havvley had spent some time 
 with them previous to the war, and prepared them to favor 
 the introduction of the Gospel. Mr. Fobes writes : we have 
 set up a school here. Have had a dozen a day for twenty 
 days/ Two white boys were members. 
 
 * Hist, and Gcncal. Register, Vol. III., p. 312. 
 
214 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Fobes returned 29 Oct., 1762, leaving Mr. Rice, who 
 was now, or soon after, joined by Mr. Bowman. An Indian 
 church was gathered by them at Ohonoquagie, on the banks 
 of the Susquehanna. It embraced at first ten members, five 
 males, and five females ; to which three were added before 
 Mr. Rice returned. This church and school were the first 
 amongst the Six Nations, and furnished some of the earliest 
 Indian pupils of Dr. Wheelock, afterwards President of 
 Dartmouth College.* 
 
 Mr. Rice returned in 1765, and was ordained pastor of 
 the church in Westminster, 16 Oct., 1765, where he continued 
 until his death, 20 March, 1816, at the age of 83. 
 
 He married Mary, daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Morse, of 
 Shrewsbury. She was born 24 Dec., 1747, and died on the 
 birth of her first child. Her father, afterwards of Boylston, 
 was also a physician, and had, besides, many private pupils; 
 among whom was Dr. T. Harris, of Dorchester. Of Mr. 
 R s family history, no further account has been obtained. 
 
 Little of Mr. Rice s further history is known. No records 
 of the church during his fifty years ministry, exist. The 
 church numbered ninety members at his decease. 
 
 " Mr. Rice is said to have been a man of great dignity, and 
 very commanding in his personal appearance. He had many 
 excellent qualities. The children and youth both respected 
 him, and also stood in great awe of him, by reason of his 
 dignified person. He was a man of some talent, and consid 
 erable influence in his region. He was reputed to have been 
 an Arminian in his doctrinal affinities. ! 
 
 7. REV. BENJAMIN CARYL 
 
 Was the son of Benjamin, and grandson of Benjamin and 
 Mary " Carril," and was born in Hopkinton, 1732. He grad- 
 
 * See Indian Documents, Miss y Rooms, Boston, 
 t Letters of Rev. 0. A. White, Westminster. 
 
REV. BENJAMIN CARYL. 215 
 
 uated at Harvard, 1761, and A. M. ; and was settled in Do 
 ver, 10 Nov., 1762, the first minister of that church, 
 \vhere he died 14 Nov., 1811, after a ministry of fifty years, 
 and in the 80th year of his age. 
 
 Mr. Caryl married, 9 Dec., 1762, Mrs. Sarah Colick, 
 widow of Dr. Colick, of Wrentham. She was a daughter of 
 Rev. Henry Messinger, of Wrentham. She had had one 
 son, Cornelius Colick, by her former husband, and had two 
 sons by Mr. Caryl, viz. : 
 
 1. Benjamin, b. 6 Dec., 1764, and died 12 Sept., 1775, 
 ,aged 11 years. 
 
 2. George, b. 1 Apl., 1767, grad. Harvard, 1788, m. Miss 
 Pamela Martin, and settled in Dover as physician. Was very 
 successful, and highly esteemed. He died 9 Aug., 1829, 
 leaving a son and two daughters, who, with his widow, still 
 live. 
 
 No obituary of Mr. Caryl was ever published. But his 
 report is of a goodly savor. " He was greatly beloved by all, 
 and his memory is cherished with affection and respect. All are 
 uniform in testifying that he was a good man and thoroughly 
 orthodox. He was remarkably gifted in prayer. When he 
 delivered his message, the tears were often seen to roll down 
 his cheeks. He kept himself very much at home, seldom at 
 tending public meetings abroad. He drew as little from 
 books as any man of his time. A lawyer of some eminence 
 remarked of his library, that " it consisted of a Bible, a con 
 cordance, and an old jacknife." His sermons are written in 
 a very legible hand, and the style is quite perspicuous. But 
 one of them a Thanksgiving Sermon was published. 
 His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Palmer of 
 Needham. 
 
 His epitaph is as follows : 
 
216 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 REV. BENJAMIN CARYL, 
 
 WHO DIED NOV. 14, 1811, M. 80 TEARS, AND IN THE 50TII YEAR OF 
 HIS MINISTRY. 
 
 " The fathers, where are they ? 
 And the prophets, do they live forever ?" 
 
 ERECTED BY THE REQUEST AXD AT TUB EXPENSE OP HIS SOCIETY.* 
 8. REV. EBENEZER CHAPLIN. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 9.] 
 
 9. REV. EZEKIEL EMERSON 
 
 Was the son of John and Mary Emerson, of Uxbridge. 
 He was born in Uxbridge, 14 Feb., 1735. He graduated at 
 the college of New Jersey, 1763, and during the following 
 summer of 1764, commenced preaching in Phipsburg, for 
 merly part of Georgetown, Lincoln Co., Me. 
 
 Here was one of the earliest colonies in this province, and 
 the Gospel had been statedly enjoyed in the town from 1738, 
 but no church was organized until two days before the ordi 
 nation of Mr. Emerson, which ordination took place, 3 July, 
 1765. 
 
 " He remained, happily and peaceably, with the people 
 for about fourteen years. At that period, the Revolution 
 ary war rendered his situation unpleasant. The settlements 
 on the coast, and especially at the mouth of large rivers, 
 were considered unsafe, the expenses of the war lay heavy 
 on the people, and the depreciation of the paper currency of 
 the country made Mr. Emerson s nominal salary to be of lit 
 tle value. All these circumstances induced him to remove 
 for a season. He accordingly suspended his ministrations at 
 Georgetown, and, taking his family, removed up the river 
 to Norridgewock, where he remained until 1 May, 1783. 
 
 * Letter of Rev. J. Haskell, Dover. 
 
RE V.SILAS BIGLOW. 217 
 
 The country was then at peace ; and, taking the advice of a 
 Council, he returned, resumed his ministerial labors in 
 Georgetown, (now Phipsburg,) and continued to discharge 
 them steadily and faithfully until 1810. At this time, his 
 mental powers became impaired to a considerable degree, 
 and he found it necessary to retire from the ministry. He 
 died 9 Nov., 1815, at the age of 80 years. He is spoken of 
 with marked respect, as an " excellent man." * 
 
 Mr. Emerson married Catharine Dorr, second daughter 
 of Rev. Joseph Dorr, of Mendon, 27 March, 1760. He had 
 nine children, and all but one reached maturity and became 
 heads of families. The two eldest, Phebe and Ezekiel, were 
 born in Mendon, and settled in Norridgewock. The third, 
 Hawley, settled in Georgetown. Calvin settled in Fairfield. 
 
 Luther, b. 26 Sept., 1772 r grad. Dartmouth, 1799. Law 
 yer in Sedgwick, and then in Ohio. The remaining children 
 were, Eusebius, Susannah, Mary, and Elizabeth. Eliza 
 beth died in early childhood ; the others left families in Nor 
 ridgewock and Fairfield, Me. 
 
 10. REV. SILAS BIGLOW 
 
 Was the son of Samuel and Jedidah (Hathorn) Biglow, 
 Jr., of Westboro , whose father and wife were of Marlboro . 
 He was born in Shrewsbury, 10 Oct., 1739, and graduated 
 at Harvard, 1765, and A. M. He was ordained at Paxton, 
 21 Oct., 1767, and died shortly after, 16 Nov., 1769, at the 
 age of 30 years. 
 
 Mr. B. was engaged to Sarah, daughter of Rev. Dr. Hall, 
 of Sutton ; but his sudden death prevented the union. She 
 afterwards married Gen. Chase, of Cornish, N. H. 
 
 " Mr. Biglow was very highly esteemed for his intellectual 
 
 * Greenleafs Eccl. History of Maine, and Williamson s History of 
 Maine, as quoted in Hist, and Geneal. Register, Vol. Ill, p. 312. 
 19 
 
218 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 and moral worth, and his ministry was very satisfactory to 
 the people of his charge."* 
 
 11. REV. ALEXANDER THAYER 
 
 Was the son of William and Abigail (Sumner) Thayer,t 
 and was born in Mendon, 25 Jan., 1744. He graduated at the 
 college of New Jersey, 1 7 65. He was ordained at Paxton, 
 the successor of Rev. Mr. Biglow above 28 Nov., 1770. 
 His political affinities did not at all harmonize with those of 
 the staunch freedom-loving people of Paxton. 
 
 He was dismissed on account of his strong Loyalist opin 
 ions, 14 Aug., 1782. After his dismission, he removed to 
 Holliston, and there spent his days as a private citizen. He 
 died 25 Sept., 1807, aged 64 years. The stone marking the 
 place of his sepulture, has the following : 
 
 Beneath this stone his body lies, 
 And mingles with its native earth ; 
 The immortal spirit to the skies 
 Is gone to God who gave it birth. 
 
 Mr. Thayer married Miss Abigail Goulding, and had seven 
 children : Patty, Nabby, Polly, Ursula, Sarah, John, and 
 Alexander. 
 
 12. MR. JOSIAH READ 
 
 Was the son of John and Lucy Read, of Uxbridge, in which 
 town he was born, 23 July, 1753. He graduated at Brown 
 
 * Letter of Rev. W. Phipps, Paxton. 
 
 t Rev. Mr. Thayer s ancestral line is as follows : Alexander, the son 
 of William and Abigail (Sumner) Thayer, who was the son of Thomas 
 and Mary Thayer, of Mendon, who was the son of Ferdinando and 
 Huldah (Hay ward) Thayer, of Braintree, who was the son of Thomas 
 and Margary Thayer, who came to New England with three children : 
 Thomas, Ferdinando, and Shad rach, and was admitted freeman, 1647, 
 and died 1665. 
 
REV. ELISHA FISH, JR. 219 
 
 University, 1775, and A. M. lie also received the honorary 
 degree of A. M. from Yale, 1781, and from Harvard, 1785. 
 He did not enter the ministry. But what became of him, 
 and what was his history, has not been ascertained. 
 
 13. REV. ELISHA FISH, JR. 
 
 Was born in Upton, 31 March, 1756. He was the son of 
 Rev. Elisha Fish of the same place, and grandson of Moses 
 Fish, a respectable and enterprising farmer in Groton, Ct. 
 His mother was Hannah, daughter of Dea. Fobes, of West- 
 borough. He was brother to Rev. Holloway Fish, (Licentiate 
 No. 24). 
 
 He graduated at Harvard, 1779, and A. M., studied theol 
 ogy with his father, and was settled in Windsor, 16 June, 1785. 
 He was dismissed 5 July, 1792, and settled in Gilsum, N. H., 
 29 May, 1794, as the first pastor of the church, and where 
 he continued until his death, 28 March, 1807, in his 5 1st year. 
 
 Mr. Fish married Abigail Snell, daughter of Ebenezer and 
 Sarah (Packard) Snell, of Cummington, formerly of North 
 Bridgewater. She was sister of Rev. Thomas Snell, D. D., 
 of North Brookfield, and of Mrs. Doct. Peter Bryant, mother 
 of William Cullen Bryant, the Poet. They had six children . 
 five of whom, two sons and three daughters, still reside in 
 Gilsum, unwavering friends of the Gospel and the distin 
 guishing doctrines which their father taught. Mrs. Fish, af 
 ter living a widow 42 years, died in Gilsum, 1 Nov., 1841, at 
 the age of 85. 
 
 While at Windsor, Mr. Fish received an injury in his right 
 ancle, which resulted in the loss of the limb, the embarrass 
 ment of his energies, and probably the impairing of his health, 
 and the shortening of his life. The church was small, but 
 sound in doctrine, and united in their pastor. But Antinom- 
 
220 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ianism prevailed in the parish to such an extent as before long 
 rendered his support so precarious, his situation so unpleasant 
 and his prospect of continued usefulness so dubious, that he 
 asked and received a dismission, His labors, however, were 
 not in vain. Besides witnessing a season of unusual ingath 
 ering into the church, he prepared the way for a successor of 
 like sentiments Rev. Gordon Dorrance, who remarked 
 that he could never have been sustained there, had not Mr. 
 Fish by his previous labors, broken up the hard and difficult 
 field. 
 
 His interest in the spiritual welfare of his people at Gil- 
 sum, N. H., was great, as both his labors and prayers testified. 
 But he was apparently less successful in the ministry here, 
 than many of his brethren. Still God did not leave him 
 wholly without witness, even in Gilsum, but granted him 
 what might be termed "a season of revival." 
 
 " In disposition Mr. Fish was friendly and affectionate ; 
 in manners easy ; in conversation frank and sincere, yet win 
 ning and conciliatory. He was styled a Hopkinsian, of which 
 appellation he was not ashamed. Nor did he hesitate to ac 
 knowledge and defend on all suitable occasions, what he* es 
 teemed to be the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel. In his 
 ministry, he urged them with exemplary fidelity, whether 
 men would hear or forbear. The duties too, which flow from 
 these doctrines, he fearlessly expressed and conscientiously 
 exemplified." 
 
 An illustrative anecdote may be given. About the time 
 of his settlement in Gilsum, he was called to a council in a 
 neighboring town, to ordain a candidate of that class, whose 
 creed, as one of the number remarked, i rather consisted in 
 not believing. Only one other Evangelical minister was 
 invited on the council, and he found it necessary or conven 
 ient to be absent on a journey. Thus Mr. Fish was without 
 a single sympathizing clerical friend. When he found the 
 
REV. MOSES WARREN. 221 
 
 council disposed to proceed without examination or inquiry, 
 he insisted upon a confession of faith from the candidate. 
 The answer of the candidate, that l the Bible was his confes 
 sion of faith, was received by the council with applause. But 
 Mr. Fish was not so easily satisfied, nor would he be silenced ; 
 but continued his interrogatories, till the candidate stood con 
 fessed before the council as an Arian, and a favorer, if not 
 an advocate of Universalism. He now felt that the path of 
 duty was plain, and after a manly defence of the truth in face 
 of violent opposition, he entered his protest, in which five lay- 
 members united, against a man who entertained views so 
 subversive of the Gospel. For this he met with severe re 
 buke from some of the members of the council. But his 
 conscience approved his course ; and one of his most violent 
 assailants on that council, subsequently became a friend to the 
 same system of truth, and advocated the very faith he before 
 had endeavored so vigorously to destroy.* 
 
 14. REV. MOSES WARREN 
 
 Was the son of Dea. Jonas and Lydia Warren, was born 
 in Upton, 31 Oct., 1758. He graduated at Harvard college, 
 1784, A. M., 1788, and was ordained over the church in 
 South Wilbraham, 3 Sept., 1788. Rev. E. Fish, Jr., of Wind 
 sor, preached the sermon from Mai. 2:7. He continued in 
 the pastorate here forty years, until his death, 19 Feb., 1829, 
 in his 71st year. 
 
 Mr. Warren married the daughter of Hon. John Bliss, 
 Esq., of his own parish, a man of great worth, of ardent 
 piety, and who was one of the Judges of the court in the 
 county of Hampshire, for many years. He had four chil 
 dren, who lived to adult age, three sons and a daughter. 
 
 * Letter of Kev. E. Adams, Gilsum, N. H. 
 19* 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Two of the sons received a classical education at Williams 
 College ; one of whom entered the ministry and spent his days 
 principally at the South ; and was highly esteemed, as a 
 sound orthodox divine and an interesting preacher. He has 
 been dead for some years, as are both the other sons. The 
 youngest died May, 1851, in South Wilbraham, having occu 
 pied the same house as his father during his forty years 
 ministry. The daughter of Rev. Mr. Warren was married 
 to Rev. Levi Smith, and is still living with him at East 
 Windsor Hill, Ct. 
 
 " Mr. Warren sustained a respectable standing in his class 
 as a classical scholar. He was uncommonly amiable in his 
 disposition and circumspect in his deportment, so that he was 
 highly esteemed by his instructors and beloved by his 
 acquaintance. 
 
 u As a preacher of the Gospel, Mr. Warren was consider 
 ably above mediocrity. His sermons were written in a 
 simple but chaste style, were remarkable for the appropriate 
 introduction of Scripture language, which ever rendered 
 them edifying to pious hearers. They were delivered with 
 a solemnity which indicated the responsibility which he felt 
 to the Master whom he served, and the anxious desire he 
 had to be useful to his hearers. 
 
 " His demeanor was marked by a diffidence which pre 
 vented his intellectual worth from being readily appreciated 
 by strangers, or by those who were slightly acquainted with 
 him. But his remarks on the performances of others, at the 
 Associational meetings, on Councils, and at other times, 
 were always discriminating and instructive. And they were 
 ever given with a spirit which made them highly respected. 
 
 " Mr. Warren was always tender of the feelings of those 
 who differed from him, and carefully avoided all severe re 
 flection, while he defended his own views with firmness. He 
 never made an enemy. He was greatly beloved by his 
 parishioners, and lived in peace with Christians of other de- 
 
R E V. J A C B C 11 A M . 223 
 
 nominations in his own town, and was highly esteemed by 
 them. 
 
 " He was a man of prayer. It was his uniform practice, 
 when he visited any of his ministerial brethren, or was vis 
 ited by any one of them, to propose uniting in a short season 
 of devotion before they separated. This practice arose from 
 the overflowings of a pious heart ; for no man could suspect 
 him of having a wish for self-exaltation. 
 
 "Mr. Warren lived in quietness and harmony with the peo 
 ple over whom he was first ordained. And although individ 
 uals, from time to time, left his ministry to join other denomi 
 nations, it was not from disaffection to him ; for all esteemed 
 him as " a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." 
 His salary was always small, but he was contented with it. 
 His people cheerfully paid it, and never manifested any de 
 sire of a change in their relations. 
 
 " The Hampden Association, to which Mr. Warren be 
 longed, assembled at his house two or three days before his 
 death. He had looked forward to this meeting, as he told 
 them, with much interest, for he always enjoyed the society 
 of his brethren. But he was too unwell to attend to the exer 
 cises. No one, however, supposed that he was sick unto 
 death ; and when they took leave of him, on his bed, they 
 did not sorrow because they expected " to see his face no 
 more." All were surprised, when they were so soon called to 
 follow their revered and beloved brother to the house ap 
 pointed for all living." * 
 
 15. REV. JACOB CRAM S" 
 
 Was the son of Col. Jonathan Cram, of Hampton Falls, 
 N. H., and a descendant of John Crarn, one of the first set- 
 
 * Letter of Rev. S. Osgood, D. D., Springfield. 
 
224 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 tiers of Exeter, N. II., 1639.* He was born 12 Oct., 1762, 
 fitted for college at Dummer Academy, Byfield, and gradu 
 ated at Dartmouth Coll., 1782, and A. M. in course. He 
 studied Theology with N. Emmons, D. D. His college class 
 embraced four members, one of whom was Caleb Bingham, 
 known as compiler of the " American Preceptor." 
 
 In 1788, June 2, he received an invitation to settle over 
 the church in Hampstead, N. H. ; but, on the strength of an 
 invitation from Hopkinton, N. H., he left, without returning 
 any formal answer to the call from the former place, and on 
 the 25th Feb., 1789, was ordained at Hopkinton. He was 
 dismissed, 5 Jan., 1792, apparently on account of difficulties 
 connected with his pecuniary transactions amongst his people. 
 He next labored as a missionary amongst the Stockbridge 
 Indians in Western New York. He, together with Rev. 
 David Avery, were the first missionaries appointed by the 
 Massachusetts Home Missionary Society. Mr. Cram s com 
 mission is dated 3 July, 1800, and specifies as a field " the 
 region between Whitestown and Genesee river, Western 
 New York."f 
 
 After laboring a while, he left that region, 15 May, 1801, 
 and came to Exeter, N. H., where he spent the rest of his 
 days. His ruling feature of character, parsimony, which 
 had from the beginning obstructed his usefulness, rapidly 
 settled into a species of monomania, and prevented his em 
 ployment almost entirely as a preacher, during the rest of 
 his life. He died at Exeter, 21 December, 1833, aged 71 
 years. 
 
 * Col. J. Cram married Miss Mary Cram. They had seven children : 
 1. Rev. Jacob, the present subject. 2. Jonathan, of Marietta, O. 
 3. Benjamin, of Pittsfield, N. H. 4. Lois, married to Rev. John Web 
 ber, of Sandown, N. H., who afterwards went to the West. 5. Mary, 
 married to Joseph Ware. 6. Eunice, and 7. Martha, also married. 
 
 t Letter of Rev. J. S. Clark. D. D., Sec. M. H. M. S. 
 
REV. JACOB CRAM. 225 
 
 Mr. Cram married Miss Mary Poor of Exeter, daughter 
 of General Poor, of Revolutionary fame, a truly excellent 
 and pious man ; but who was drawn into a duel with a 
 French officer, and was killed. Her mother s name was 
 Osgood, of Andover, where General Poor also belonged. 
 Mrs. Poor was opposed to the union, on account of Mr. 
 Cram s eccentricities ; but the daughter, like her mother 
 before her, had her own way, and was privately married at 
 the house of a neighbor, 13 Sept., 1804. She died 19 July, 
 1848, aged 79, having been born in 1769, and married at the 
 age of 35, when Mr. Cram was 41. Their only child was 
 Martha, who, at 18, became the third wife of a Col. Rogers, 
 and was the mother of two sons, Jacob and Charles, still 
 living. She died at an early age. 
 
 Mrs. Cram was a woman of distinguished excellence. 
 Her piety was profound, vital, strict. She had some peculi 
 arities. It was because of her strict injunctions, that no 
 tombstones mark the grave of eithef her husband, her mother, 
 or herself. They all lie buried together undistinguished and 
 undistinguishable, in an old cemetery near the railway station 
 at Exeter. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Cram appears, by current traditions, to have been 
 an original in very earnest. His besetting sin, or infirmity, 
 as you please, has been alluded to. It obtained, in the course 
 of his life, to some very instructive developments. If his 
 history could be fully written, it would prove a curious 
 episode in the common run of these brief and barren 
 sketches. 
 
 He was naturally and from the beginning very eccentric, 
 and of strong passions ; and his ruling propensity, penu- 
 riousness, early gained a decided visibility. His patrimony, 
 by most solicitous protection and increase, rose at one time 
 to about ten thousand dollars. But it proved to be another 
 illustration of Solomon s class of riches, " kept for the owners 
 thereof to their hurt," developing miserly habits and ques- 
 
226 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 tionable deeds. He took great pains to conceal his property, 
 to avoid paying taxes. He once owned the tract of land on 
 which the city of Utica, N. Y., now stands. But it was sold 
 at auction, under execution, to pay the taxes which he 
 begrudged. 
 
 His ruling feature, so carefully cultivated and indulged, 
 very early shaded off into a downright but very subtle and 
 peculiar derangement, involving the stability of his other 
 mental attributes. Yet so peculiar and subtile was it, as to 
 leave a wide debatable space for locating the line of respon 
 sibility. 
 
 He had, in his later days, frequent paroxysms of the mis 
 sionary spirit, when he would visit the towns in the vicinage, 
 carrying books, and preaching as he could get an audience. 
 He then insisted upon the utmost deference to his ministerial 
 office, and was most sensitive to any the least apparent 
 slights. Wherever he tarried, he insisted upon conducting 
 family prayers, saying grace at the table, and would often 
 awake early in the morning and lie in bed, singing most 
 lustily, Old Windham, and similar tunes, to the annoyance 
 or diversion of the aroused inmates of the house. 
 
 Anon, this impulse would pass away, and he would oscillate 
 to the laical extreme, and dressed in leather apron and 
 cast-off garments, teach contempt for appearances, after the 
 manner of Socrates. Again, a passion for military display 
 ruled the hour. Through the influence of his son-in-law, 
 Col. Rogers, he had been appointed chaplain of the militia 
 regiment. He appeared regularly upon the muster-field for 
 many years, with three-cornered hat and flowing sash, and 
 often paraded in the streets, at otner times, clothed in regi 
 mentals, and unabashed by the public gaze. 
 
 The erection of a Universalist meeting-house in Exeter 
 grievously annoyed him. As the only available off-set, he 
 determined to anticipate its owners, and stamp an orthodox 
 dedication upon it. Watching his opportunity, when the 
 
REV. SOLOMON AIKEN. 227 
 
 house was nearly completed and the workmen were at dinner, 
 he gathered in a few boys, and, with their help in singing, 
 though with many drawbacks in the way of noise and 
 giggling on their part, he performed a species of dedicatory 
 service, which he boasted of for weeks afterwards, as a most 
 shrewd triumph. But, whether through the influence of the 
 dedication, or the subsequent preaching, or from some other 
 cause, the building is now used as a billiard-room! 
 
 Mr. Cram s habit was to dress very slightly in winter. In 
 this way he contracted a cold which terminated his days. 
 
 Although he was not an attractive preacher, he was much 
 of a scholar, and exhibited in his selection of a library, which 
 was sold after his widow s death, an uncommon appreciation 
 of sterling works. His own manuscripts were all committed 
 to the flames. No printed work of his is known, other than 
 a fragment, somewhere existent, entitled, " Conference with 
 Red-Jacket," in which the white man is Mr. Cram.* 
 
 16. REV. SOLOMON AIKEN 
 
 Was born in Hard wick, 15 July, 1758. He was the 
 second son of John and Jerusha Aiken, whose parents 
 migrated from Scotland. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the 
 Revolutionary army, served two years, and was honorably 
 discharged. During this time, he indulged a hope of con 
 version, and immediately after his discharge commenced his 
 studies. He. graduated at Dartmouth College, 1786, and 
 A. M. ; studied theology with Rev. E. Fish, of Upton. 
 
 He was settled in Dracut, 4 June, 1788, dismissed 4 June, 
 1812, and entered the U. S. Army, as chaplain. He was 
 stationed on Fort Independence in Boston harbor. At the 
 end of the war, he returned to Dracut, and resided there, 
 preaching occasionally until 1818, when he removed with his 
 
 * Letter of Rev. K. D. Hitchcock, Exeter, N. H. 
 
228 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 family to Hard wick, Vt, where lie died, 1 June, 1833, aged 
 75 years. 
 
 His stone bears the following inscription : 
 
 THE G E A V E 
 
 OF 
 
 REV. SOLOMON AIKEN. 
 
 CORN JULY 15, 1758. 
 DIED JUXE 1, 1833. 
 
 In youth, a Soldier of the Revolution; in age, the Christian Pastor; 
 And through life, the firm and inflexible Friend of 
 
 CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. 
 
 Mr. Aiken married Mary, daughter of Capt. Daniel War 
 ner, of Hardwick, Mass. She died at Hardwick, Vt., Oct., 
 1820, deeply lamented as a devoted Christian. They left 
 9 children, 4 sons and 5 daughters, viz : Solomon, Justus 
 Warner, Daniel, and Samuel Adams, all living. The latter, 
 S. A. Aiken, is well known as Professor of Penmanship. 
 The eldest daughter, Mrs. Sophia Spalding, died in 1849. 
 The youngest, Selina, wife of Dea. G. H. Cook, died in 
 Portland, in 1850. Alma, the second daughter, is in Boston. 
 The other daughters, with the sons above mentioned, reside 
 in Hardwick, Vt. 
 
 Mr. Aiken enjoyed uncommon health and vigor. He 
 never took a particle of medicine, or lost a relish for food, 
 until his final and brief sickness, a pleurisy fever. 
 
 He possessed peculiar power as a logician, and was very 
 popular as a preacher. He was kind-hearted and benevolent, 
 almost to a fault. 
 
 But it is chiefly as a political writer that Mr. Aiken is 
 remembered. He was sent as representative two years, by 
 the town of Dracut. He published several sermons and 
 pamphlets, chiefly upon political themes, which excited much 
 attention in their season. Among them are, 2 Sermons at 
 Dracut, 1809 ; Letter to Dr. Samuel Spring, of Newbury- 
 
REV. ENOCH POND. 229 
 
 port, in Answer to a Keview of the Sermon ; Fast Sermon, 
 1812; Sermon on the Rise and Progress of Religious Dis- 
 sention in the United States ; Ordination Sermon of Rev. 
 S. T. Barton, Tewksbury, 1792. 
 
 17. REV. ENOCH POND 
 
 Was the eldest son of Dea. Jacob Pond,* of Wrentham, 
 where he was born, 27 April, 1756. He graduated at Brown 
 University in 1777, and A. M. ; and entered the American 
 Army for one year. He served as Ensign in Col. William 
 R. Lee s regiment, to which office he was appointed 4 June, 
 1777. On the expiration of his time of enlistment, he was 
 employed for some years as school-teacher in Boston, where 
 he was much admired. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. 
 Emmons, and in 1789 was ordained over the church in Ash- 
 ford, Ct., where he continued until his death, 6 Aug., 1807, 
 in the 52d year of his age. His disease was consumption. 
 
 Mr. Pond married, first, Miss Margaret Smith, daughter 
 of Col. John Smith, of Wrentham, by whom he had nine 
 children. She died in 1 800, and on the Sabbath following, 
 while her remains awaited interment, Mr. Pond preached to 
 his people. Dr. Welch calls her, in her funeral sermon, 
 " a prudent, discreet, and faithful wife, a kind and tender 
 mother, an affectionate sister, a benevolent neighbor, a faith 
 ful friend." His second wife was Mrs. Mary Baker, of 
 Roxbury, who survived him. 
 
 * His emigrant ancestor, Ephraim Pond, came from England, and 
 was one of the first settlers of Wrentham. He had a son Ephraim, 
 who was father of Dea. Jacob Pond, sen., and grand-father of Dea. 
 Jacob Pond, jr. Dea. Pond, jr., died 1815, aged 86, and was the 
 father of Rev. Enoch, above, his eldest son. His youngest son was 
 Dea. Elijah Pond, who died, 1847, aged 82, and who was the father of 
 Rev. Enoch Pond, D. D., of Bangor, and also of Gen. Preston Pond, 
 who is in turn the father of Rev. Preston Pond, jr., of Boston ; a 
 clerical familv ! 
 
 20 
 
230 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Pond s ministry was marked by several powerful 
 revivals of religion. One in 1798 resulted in the addition of 
 80 members to the church. 
 
 " He was peculiarly tender and affectionate in his family. 
 He was never idle. He was a peacemaker in the neighbor 
 ing churches, and universally beloved. He fitted many 
 scholars for the university, and some for the Gospel ministry. 
 As a preacher, he was plain, practical, and persuasive. He 
 had a readiness of utterance, a force and fluency of expres 
 sion, which are possessed by few. His performances during 
 the latter part of his life were chiefly extemporaneous. The 
 ease and pertinence with which he could express his ideas 
 with little premeditation, led him on some occasions to neg 
 lect, perhaps to a fault, a preparation for the pulpit. He was, 
 in short, an amiable companion, and a man of modest, unassum 
 ing worth. By means of his councils, instructions, and pray 
 ers, Ashford rose from a state of comparative rudeness to be 
 one of the most flourishing inland towns of Connecticut." 
 
 He was particularly celebrated as a skilful singer. 
 
 The following lines, prepared by one of his neighboring 
 brethren in the ministry, to be recorded upon his tombstone, 
 are considered a just tribute to his memory : 
 
 GENEROUS IN TEMPER, 
 
 Correct in Science, and Liberal in Sentiment ; 
 The Gentleman, the Scholar, and the Minister of the Sanctuary. 
 
 APPEARED WITH ADVANTAGE IN 
 
 MR. POND. 
 
 - The Church and Society in Ashford were favored with his 
 
 GOSPEL MINISTRY EIGHTEEN YEARS. 
 
 In yonder sacred house he spent his breath. 
 Now silent, senseless here he lies in death. 
 These lips again shall wake, and then declare 
 A loud Amen to truths they published there.* 
 
 * See obituary in Panoplist and Magazine, XIV., 315. 
 
REV. W ALTER HARRIS, D. D. 231 
 
 18. REV. WALTER HARRIS, D. D. 
 
 Was born in Lebanon, Ct., 8 June, 1761. His parents 
 were Nathaniel and Grace Harris, of whose five children, 
 two sons and three daughters, he was the youngest. He 
 graduated at Dartmouth College, 1787, and A. M. ; whence 
 lie also received a Doctorate in 1826. He studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Emmons, and was ordained the first pastor of 
 the church in Dunbarton, N. H., 26 Aug., 1789. After 
 forty years labor, his health became impaired, and he asked 
 and received a dismission, 7 July, 1830. He died 25 Dec., 
 1843, aged 82. 
 
 Such are the chief statistics of Dr. Harris s life. But his 
 whole history deserves a minute study. A condensed brevity 
 alone is here allowable. 
 
 The father of Dr. Harris died shortly before his birth, and 
 he was deprived of his mother before he was sixteen. The 
 three daughters were provided for in other families, and 
 Walter and his brother Nathaniel, two years his senior, were 
 left, without parent or guardian, and with a mere pittance 
 of property, to provide for themselves. They enlisted into 
 the Continental Army in May, 1777. In the same year, 
 Nathaniel fell in battle at Philadelphia, and Walter was 
 frequently in jeopardy. But he served out his term of three 
 years enlistment, as fifer, and was honorably discharged, 
 May, 1790, then not quite nineteen. 
 
 With his scanty wages and patrimony, he migrated to 
 Lebanon, N. H., purchased a tract of wild land near Dart 
 mouth College, and went alone with his axe into the forest 
 to spend the winter. But the young pioneer was soon sur. 
 rounded by the thrilling scenes of a powerful revival of 
 religion in the town. And a sermon he heard in the neigh 
 borhood, awakened him to his own actual destitutions. 
 
 The struggle was long, obstinate, and characteristic of the 
 
232 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 future man. Wearied with his anxious searchings, and 
 crushed with his increasing convictions, and with his pro 
 tracted fastings, he resolved, in despair, in the midst of 
 winter, to cast himself down upon the snow in the bleakest 
 place in his field, and there remain in prayer till he perished 
 with cold or found relief. He chose a position on the north 
 side of a stump, near an opening among the trees, where the 
 cold winter s blasts rushed through with unendurable keen 
 ness, and fell upon his knees, determined never to leave the 
 spot till he should hear the voice of mercy. He remained 
 but a short time before he seemed to hear, in reality, a voice, 
 saying in wrath, " What, rebel! seek to limit the Holy One 
 of Israel! Arise! and flee for thy life, or thou art a dead 
 man ! " He fled to the house in horror at his guilt. 
 
 After passing through what seemed to him a foretaste of 
 the pains of hell, he fell submissively, cordially, upon the 
 sovereign, electing love of God in Christ for salvation. His 
 experience imparted a peculiar thoroughness and fidelity to 
 his subsequent preaching. 
 
 His mind was from this moment directed to the Gospel 
 ministry, as the chosen avocation of his heart. And although 
 without even a common school education, and encumbered 
 with his farm, yet he resolved, after prayerfully weighing the 
 solicitations of friends, that he would go to college. "With 
 him, this was almost tantamount to execution. 
 
 He first attended a common school ; then began the study 
 of the languages with a private teacher, and finally completed 
 his preparation in Moore s Charity School, on Dartmouth 
 plain. At his graduation from college, his commencement 
 exercise was delivered in Hebrew. 
 
 This testimony is given of his college career by one of his 
 instructors : " Rarely have I met with a man more decided 
 and unequivocal, more upright and downright than he. He 
 had a mind of uncommon strength, and unusually patient of 
 
REV. WALTER HARRIS, D.D. 233 
 
 labor. He was most distinguished in the solid and useful 
 branches of study." 
 
 After his graduation, he taught a Latin school six months 
 in Boscawen. It was here that an occasional sermon of Dr. 
 Emmons fell into his hands. Having perused it with deep 
 interest, he laid it down, and said, with emphasis, " I will 
 study divinity with the author of that sermon, if I can find 
 him." He did find him ; and never fit teacher had a fitter 
 learner.* 
 
 * It is his creed that was, by vote, copied into the Records, and 
 became the theological basis, of the Mendon Association. It is here 
 inserted : 
 
 " I believe that there is one, and but one, true God ; who created, 
 upholds, and governs all things in the universe ; and who is possessed 
 of t all natural and moral perfections. That the scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments are the word of God ; that they were written by 
 men Divinely inspired ; that they exhibit a perfect rule of conduct, 
 which we are bound to follow ; and that they contain all knowledge 
 requisite to eternal salvation. That the Deity subsists in three distinct 
 persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; that these three are 
 perfectly equal in all Divine perfections and excellence. That God, 
 from all eternity, has fore-ordained and perfectly seen through all 
 events, which ever have, or ever will, take place, both in the natural 
 and moral world. That God made the first man perfectly holy, and 
 set him as a public head or representative of his posterity, and that 
 he sinned against God, and fell from Him ; and in consequence of his 
 fall, all his descendants now come into the world sinners, totally 
 depraved, and under Divine condemnation. That Jesus Ch nst, being 
 God and man, in one person, has wrought out a complete righteousness 
 by his obedience, sufferings, and death, and made an atonement suffi 
 cient for all the human race. That God has, from all eternity, elected 
 some to everlasting life, whom he will, by his special and sovereign 
 grace, bring to the acceptance of Jesus Christ, while he leaves others to 
 neglect him, to their own eternal destruction. That it is wholly through 
 the righteousness and atonement of Christ, that we are accepted and 
 justified in the sight of God. That a man must be regenerated, or. 
 renewed in the disposition of his mind, in order to see the kingdom of 
 God ; and that faith and all holy exercises are wrought by the effica- 
 20* 
 
234 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES- 
 
 After approbation, lie preached at Canterbury, Dumbarton, 
 and Royalton, Vt., and again at Dumbarton, where he receiv 
 ed a call to settle amongst them. He accepted conditionally, 
 returned to Franklin and studied three months longer with 
 Dr. Emmons, and then was ordained. 
 
 The church had been organized on the 18th of June pre 
 ceding. 
 
 Arminianism and lax discipline prevailed extensively in 
 the town ; but the faithful doctrinal preaching and earnest 
 prayers of Dr. Harris, and his near brethren, Rev. Moses 
 Bradford of Francestown, Rev. Reed Paige of Hancock, and 
 Dr. Wood of Boscawen, effected, under God, an entire revo 
 lution in the sentiments and practice of the churches through 
 out the then large county of Hillsboro . 
 
 A powerful revival followed soon after the settlement of 
 Dr. Harris, and brought most of the principal men under its 
 power. He enjoyed four or five other seasons of refreshing 
 during his ministry. The feeble church of his early labors 
 in his later days became marked for its intelligent, discrim 
 inating piety, " a city set on an hill." 
 
 The following are some of the features of his character, 
 set forth in a discourse on occasion of his death.* " He was 
 an instructive preacher. His words were well chosen ; 
 
 cious power of the Holy Ghost. That the saints shall persevere in 
 holiness, and be kept by the mighty power of God. through faith, unto 
 eternal salvation. That it is the duty of professors to give up their 
 infant offspring to God in baptism. That none but those who can give 
 sufficient evidence that they are born again, and are the true friends 
 of Christ, ought to be admitted to partake of the Lord s Supper. That 
 God has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world by 
 Jesus Christ ; when he will receive the righteous into life eternal, and 
 send away the wicked into everlasting punishment." 
 
 * See Commemorative Discourse before Hopkinton Association, 
 14 May. 1844, by Rev. A. Burnham, Pembroke, N. H. Also, Hop. 
 Mag., Vol. IV. p. 573. Fun. Sermon, by Rev. E. P. Bradford, New 
 Boston, N. H., and Fun. Sermon, by Rev. J. M. Putnam, Dunbarton. 
 
REV. REED PAIGE. 235 
 
 his language, remarkably plain ; his method, natural and 
 lucid. But what contributed most to make his preaching in 
 structive, was the prominence he gave to the doctrines of 
 grace, and, the happy connection he maintained between doc 
 trine and practice. He followed, very closely, his theological 
 teacher s method of sermonizing, as well as, entirely, his sys 
 tem of theology. He was a plain, direct, experimental, 
 searching preacher. The Sabbath after his ordination, he 
 specified the principal doctrines he should preach, and the 
 course he should follow ; and then added, with his peculiar 
 emphasis : These doctrines I shall preach, and this course I 
 shall pursue, if you stone me out of the pulpit. He had the 
 faculty and the disposition to tell the truth, in the most sin 
 cere, simple, and plain manner. The doctrines of the Gospel 
 were preached, explained, enforced, and repeated, plainly 
 and fully, till they were understood, not only by the church, 
 but speculatively by the whole society. Hence converts had 
 no difficulty in deciding what are the truths of the Bible. 
 He has left his mark deep upon the people who enjoyed his 
 ministrations ; and so, he being dead, yet speaketh. His 
 published discourses were fourteen, all occasional sermons. 
 Dr. Harris s first wife was Jemima Fisher, daughter of Na 
 thaniel Fisher, and sister of the late Lewis Fisher, Esq., of 
 Franklin, by whom he had seven children. After her de 
 cease, he married the widow of Rev. John Cleaveland, of 
 North Wrentham. And his third and last wife was Mrs. 
 Jane Aiken, relict of Mr. James Aiken. 
 
 19. REV. REED PAIGE 
 
 Was born in Hard wick, 30 Aug., 1764. He was the son 
 of Col. Timothy Paige. He was graduated at Dartmouth 
 Coll., 1806, and A. M. in course ; studied Theology with Rev. 
 Dr. Emmons, and was ordained the first minister of the church 
 
236 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 in Hancock, N. H., 21 Sept., 1791, where he continued to 
 labor until his death, 22 July, 1816, at the age of 52. 
 
 Mr. Paige married Miss Hannah Paige of Bedford, who 
 survived him, and by whom he had seven children. Six of 
 them reached maturity. Their residences are unusually sep 
 arated from each other. 
 
 Of his two daughters both married the elder lives in 
 Peterboro , N. H. ; the younger, in Oswego, N. Y. His 
 third child, and oldest son, David Paige, settled in La Port, 
 Indiana. The second, Timothy, in Detroit, Mich. George 
 Reed Paige was in Illinois, and the youngest, William, in 
 St. Louis. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Paige was an excellent scholar. He was esteemed 
 by his brethren in the ministry, and by his people, as a man 
 of strong mind and a good preacher. He was highly respect 
 able as a divine, sound in religious sentiment, and correct in 
 moral practice. It is enough to say that he was the warm 
 coadjutor of such men as Dr. Harris of Dunbarton, and Dr. 
 Wood of Boscawen. 
 
 In the latter part of his life, Mr. Paige entered deeply in 
 to politics, and represented the town of Hancock, in the State 
 legislature, for seven years, from 1809 to 1814, and again in 
 1816. He died while in the office of Representative. 
 
 His publications were : Ordination Sermon of Rev. Jabez 
 P. Fisher, 1796; a 4th of July Oration; Election Sermon, 
 1805; Fast Sermon, 1812; and an occasional Sermon at 
 Lyndboro , 1815. 
 
 20. REV. ELIAS DUDLEY 
 
 Was born in Say brook, Ct., 12 Aug., 1761, but subse 
 quently removed, with his parents, to Newport, N. H.* He 
 
 * He was the son of Daniel and Susanna Dudley, who had four 
 children, viz.: Josiah, Daniel, Ellas, and John. The father died at New 
 port, N. H., 1 Feb., 1811, aged 92. The mother d. 6 Aug., 1791. aged 
 67. Rev. H. (Jumminqs, Newport , N. If. 
 
REV. ELIAS DUDLEY. 237 
 
 graduated at Dartmouth, 1788, and A. M., and studied The 
 ology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained the third 
 pastor of the church in Oxford, 13 Apl., 1791. Dr. Em 
 mons preached the sermon. His salary was 75, with a set 
 tlement of 150, in three annual instalments. He was dis 
 missed at his own request, by the advice of physicians, 6 
 March, 1799, and removed, the same year, to Newburyport, 
 where he went into business. 
 
 While here, he took several short voyages, in a fishing 
 vessel, to Labrador, for the benefit of his health. About 1805, 
 he removed, with his family, to Prospect, Me., where he died, 
 25 Jan., 1808, of consumption, at the early age of 47 years. 
 
 Mr. Dudley married, 22 Oct., 1793, Miss Mary Spring, 
 daughter of John Spring of Northbridge. She returned 
 to Uxbridge, after her husband s death, and there died. 
 They had three children while living in Oxford, and four 
 more subsequently three sons and four daughters, viz. 
 
 1. Hannah, b. 19 Nov., 1794, m. Luther Bullard, of Ux 
 bridge, and died 7 June, 1845. Their son, Charles H., is in 
 the ministry, at Rockville, Ct. 
 
 2. .Otis, b. 14 Nov., 1796, lives at Williantsburgh, O. Has 
 5 children. 
 
 3. John Spring, b. 19 July, 1798, and d. at Millbury, 23 
 Aug., 1816. 
 
 4. Daughter, died in infancy. 
 
 5. Elias, lives at Cincinnati, O. 
 
 6. Mary, died in Uxbridge, 1 Aug., 1837, aet. 32. 
 
 7. Daughter, died young. 
 
 Mr. Dudley is represented as a man of excellent character, 
 and a faithful and efficient preacher of the Gospel. He was 
 much interested in education and the moral culture of youth, 
 and acted as private instructor to many of the young, who 
 frequented his house. His talents as a teacher are still 
 spoken of by his surviving pupils with great interest and 
 high commendation. But he was of melancholic tempera- 
 
238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ment, and subject to great depression of spirits. He suffered 
 much under an impression that he was unfaithful and defi 
 cient in his duties as pastor and teacher of his flock. This 
 feeling, induced by his continued feebleness of health, led 
 him repeatedly to ask a dismission from his charge. But the 
 real opinion of his fidelity, entertained by the church, is indi 
 cated by their repeated refusals to grant a separation. 
 
 It is related of him, that, during the last year of his minis 
 try, he would prepare for the Sabbath, and, when the hour 
 of service came, his depression would often weigh so heavily 
 upon him, as to compel him to send word to his waiting peo 
 ple, that he could not appear before them. 
 
 Divine service was generally held but half the day, to 
 wards the close of his labors. Yet the people declined his 
 repeated requests for a final separation ; and at last, consented 
 on the representation of physicians, to refer the subject to a 
 mutual council. So highly was he prized as their pastor by 
 the people of Oxford. 
 
 His communications to the church and town, are the best 
 exponents of the state of feeling between him and them. As 
 early as 14 Sept., 1798, he proposed to leave the desk for 
 them to hear a candidate, and offered to deduct the expense 
 from his own income. On a renewal of the proposition, 9 
 Jan., 1799, a committee of conference was chosen, who agreed 
 to concur with the church in seeking advice about his dismis 
 sion. To this committee he says : "My health is yet ex 
 tremely low, and my state, I think precarious. From the 
 nature of my complaints, being very much upon my lungs, I 
 must freely own, I see no probability of being able to preach. 
 What a number of years may do for me, should I be contin 
 ued in life, is unknown to us ; but I think it must be several 
 years, should I do as well as can be expected, before I can 
 engage in public speaking."* 
 
 * Letter of Mr. G. F. Daniels, Oxford. 
 
REV. HERMAN DAGGETT. 239 
 
 The council which advised his removal, express in their 
 result, much sympathy for him in his affliction, and bear tes 
 timony to the excellence of his character as a minister of the 
 Gospel.* 
 
 21. REV. HERMAN DAGGETT 
 
 Was born in Wrentham, 3 Oct., 1765. He was the son of 
 Ebenezer Daggett, M. D., who was a native of Attleboro , 
 but pursued his profession in Wrentham. His mother was 
 daughter of Timothy Metcalf, Esq., of Wrentham.f 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1788, and A. M., and 
 studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained 
 at Southampton, Long Island, 12 April, 1792, and dismissed 
 in 1796: when he removed to Westhampton, where he was 
 settled in 1798, and dismissed 9 Sept., 1801. Thence he re 
 moved to Middletown, in Brookhaven, and was installed 20 
 Oct., 1801, and continued until 20 April, 1807, when he re 
 moved to Ridgefield, Ct., and from thence to Cornwall, where 
 he established and became principal of the celebrated Mission 
 School. He remained here until his death, 19 May, 1832, 
 leaving a widow, but no children. 
 
 Mr. Daggett possessed a peculiarly even temperament. A 
 gentleman intimately acquainted with him on Long Island. 
 
 * Rev. H. Bardwcll, Oxford. 
 
 t Doct. Daggett was the son of Ebenezer and Mary (Blackinton) 
 Dnggett. of Attleboro , and brother of Rev. Naphtali Daggett, D. D., for 
 1 1 years Prcs t of Yale College, and prof, of Divinity for 25 years. 
 
 The pilgrim ancestor of this family, was John Daggett, Watertown, 
 1G42. lie removed to Martha s Vineyard with Gov. Mayhew, 1644. 
 His son ( ?) Thomas Daggett, married Hannah, eldest daughter of Gov. 
 Mayhew. Their son John, moved from Chilmark to Attleboro , about 
 1709, and had 9 children; of whom Ebenezer was the second. He 
 married Mary Blaekinton, daughter of Pentecost B., of Attleboro , and 
 from whom came in the second generation, Rev. Herman Daggett. 
 Daggetfs Hist. Attlebora. 
 
240 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 relates, " that he was never known to laugh, although of a 
 cheerful and happy turn of mind; to smile was all he ever did." 
 
 His style of composition was plain and direct ; his manner 
 of preaching deliberate and solemn. He was highly appre 
 ciated while in the ministry.* 
 
 The Cornwall school was instituted through his agency in 
 the autumn of 181 G, and opened May, 1817. Mr. Daggett 
 was the first appointed teacher, but being unable to engage, 
 Mr. Edwin W. Dwight took his place for a time. Mr. Dag 
 gett commenced the supervision of the school, in May, 1819. 
 For this enterprise he was, say the committee in one of 
 their annual reports, " peculiarly qualified." 
 
 Mr. Daggett published a sermon on " the character and 
 work of John the Baptist;" delivered at Patterson, N. J., 
 1813. 
 
 22. REV. ROYAL TYLER 
 
 Was born in Uxbridge, 24 May, 1770. He graduated at 
 Dartmouth, 1798, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Em- 
 mons. He was ordained at Andover, Ct., July, 1792, and 
 dismissed May, 1817. Installed over the church in Salem, 
 Ct., in 1818, and dismissed in 1824. He died at Salem. Ct., 
 10 April, 1826, aged 56. 
 
 Mr. Tyler married Miss Lyclia Watson, daughter of 
 Joseph Watson, of Thompson, Ct., by whom he had eight 
 children, namely : 
 
 1. Samuel L., graduated Brown University, 1820 ; taught 
 academy in Florence, Alabama, and died there, 5 Oct. 1822. 
 
 2. Royal W., a farmer ; resides in Salem, Ct. 
 
 3. George W., physician in Providence, R. I. 
 
 4. Nathan, lawyer; died in Meadville, Pa., 5 March. 
 1833. 
 
 5. Abigail W., married to Dr. Alfred Riggs, Fourth St., 
 New York. 
 
 6. Lydia, died young. 
 
REV. HOLLO WAY FISH. 241 
 
 7. Benjamin S., physician in Royalton, Cuyahoga Co., 
 Ohio. 
 
 8. Gideon W., merchant in Granger, Medina Co., Ohio. 
 Mrs. Tyler died August, 1835, at Ohio City, O. 
 
 Mr. Tyler s ministry was marked by several revivals of 
 religion. But of his character, we have had access to no 
 materials for judgment. 
 
 23. MR..JOSIAH IIOLBROOK 
 
 Was born in Wrentham, 19 January, 1765. He was the 
 third son of Daniel and Esther (Hall) Holbrook. He grad. 
 at Brown University, 1788, and A. M. ; and studied Theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He went to the South, and is 
 believed to have died in Beaufort, S. C., in 1796 or 7. 
 
 It is not known that he was ever settled, nor have any 
 further particulars of him been collected. 
 
 24. REV. HOLLOWAY FISH 
 
 Was the son of Rev. Elisha Fish of Upton, and brother of 
 Rev. Elisha Fish, jr., of Gilsum, N. H. He graduated at 
 Dartmouth, 1790, and was ordained at Marlboro , N. II., 25 
 Sept., 1793, where he died, in the pastoral office, 1 Sept., 
 1824, aged 62. 
 
 Mr. Fish married Miss Hannah Harrington, of West- 
 borough. They had no children. An adopted son of theirs, 
 Mr. Holloway Brigham, still lives in Westborough. 
 
 Mr. Fish enjoyed two seasons of revival amongst his peo 
 ple, and 129, were added to the church by profession, and 45 
 by letter, during his ministry. 
 
 He is represented as a man of sound judgment, a faithful 
 pastor, and a decided Hopkinsian in his theological views. 
 His influence was of great worth in withstanding and arrest 
 ing the tendency towards Arminianism in his vicinity. He 
 
 21 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 preached the doctrines of Divine sovereignty with great 
 boldness and plainness. And though not a popular preacher, 
 his voice being indistinct to strangers, he was an eminently 
 useful minister of the Gospel.* 
 His epitaph is as follows : 
 
 M E M E N T M R I T U It U S . 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 REV. HOLLO WAY FISH, 
 
 Who died Sept. 1, 1824, IE. 62. 
 
 HE WAS GRADUATED FROM DARTMOUTH COLLEGE, 1790; 
 
 Ordained in Marlboro , Sept. 25, 1793; 
 
 A> T D THIRTY YEARS THE BELOVED PASTOU OF 
 
 The Church and Society. 
 
 HE DIED PRAYING FOR HIS PEOPLE. f 
 
 25. REV. JOHN MOUSE 
 
 Was the second son of Dea. James and Hannah (Daniels) 
 Morse, of East Medway, where he was born, 20 Nov., 
 1763.J 
 
 Mr. Morse became personally interested in religion under 
 the preaching of Rev. John Leland, of Peru. He graduated 
 at Brown University, 1791, and studied theology with Rev. 
 Dr. Emmons and Rev. David Sanford of West Medway. 
 He went to the then " far West," and was soon ordained, in 
 1792, over the Congregational Church in Green River, 
 N. Y. He continued the pastor of this flock for 23 years. 
 
 * Letter of Kev. L. Wiswall, Me. 
 
 t Letter of Rev. G. Lyman. Marlboro , N. II. 
 
 J Dea. James Morse, the father of Rev. John Morse, was the eighth 
 child of Henry and Sarah Morse, who was the son of Joseph and 
 Prudence (Adams) Morse, who was the son of Capt. Joseph, jr., the 
 son of Joseph, who was the son of Samuel Morse, born in England, 
 1558, and appears in Dedham, 1635, and who died at Medfield, 5 April, 
 1654. Book of the Morses. 
 
REV. JOHN MORSE. 243 
 
 In 1816, he removed to Otego, N. Y., and was installed 
 pastor of the Presbyterian Church, where he remained for- 
 1 2 years. The last sermon he preached was on the occasion 
 of the death of President Harrison. He died 3 Jan., 1844, 
 aged 80 years ; over 50 of which he spent in the ministry. 
 
 Mr. Morse married Clarissa Sanford, daughter of Rev. D. 
 Sanford, of Medway, 4 Feb., 1793. They had two children: 
 
 1. David Sanford, born 22 Dec., 1793; Rev. and settled 
 in Richford, N. Y. He married Miss Margaret Vandyke. 
 
 2. Clarissa, born 4 May, 1796, and married to Isaac Fair- 
 man, of Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y. 
 
 Mrs. Morse died at Pompey Hill, N. Y., 15 March, U850. 
 It is said of Mr. Morse that he took a very prominent and 
 active part in the extensive revivals in 1785, in and around 
 his native place ; holding conference meetings in Holliston, 
 and in West Medway, in different neighborhoods. The 
 influence of these meetings went far towards deciding the 
 character of the churches in those two communities, especially 
 when the popular movement was opposed to a pure Gospel. 
 This revival also fixed his purpose to become a preacher of 
 righteousness. 
 
 ; Soon after his settlement at Green River, a powerful 
 revival of religion followed his ministry, during the whole of 
 which the church continued remarkably united in him. 
 
 " His theology was sound, and of the New England stamp, 
 which enabled him, during the prevalence of the new 
 measures in central New York, to see the rock upon which 
 the churches were driving. 
 
 " He loved and preached the distinguishing doctrines of 
 grace which supported him in his last sickness and death. 
 During his short illness of four days, he enjoyed his mental 
 faculties in a remarkable degree. Not a cloud was over his 
 mind to darken his prospects beyond the grave."* 
 
 See Book of the Morses. 
 
244 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 26. REV. SAMUEL JUDSON. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 22.] 
 
 27. REV. NATHANIEL HALL 
 
 Was born in Sutton, 9 April, 1764, and was the son of 
 Dea. Willis Hall* and Anna (Cage) Hall. His mother was 
 the daughter of William and Anna Cage, of Grafton and 
 Warren, formerly of Scotland. 
 
 Mr. Hall graduated at Dartmouth, 1790, and A. M., and 
 studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained 
 over the Congregational Church in Granville, N. Y., 3 Oct., 
 1797, and continued its pastor until his death, by a can 
 cerous tumor, 31 July, 1820, at the age of 56. 
 
 His gravestone bears the following inscription : 
 
 A SPIRITUAL, COMPANION, 
 
 An able Pastor, a faithful, instructive Preacher, a consistent, 
 
 PENETRATING DIVINE. 
 
 His influence in this region was precious. 
 The intelligent Christian who knew him best, 
 
 WILL REVERE HIM MOST. 
 
 The plan of Grace which he loved and defended, 
 
 SUPPORTED HIM IN DEATH. 
 
 Mr. Hall married, 22 Jan., 1798, Hannah Emerson, 
 daughter of Dea. Daniel Emerson, of Hollis^ N. IL, and 
 
 =# He was descended from Capt. John Hall, of Medford, formerly of 
 Concord and of Charlestown, who married Elizabeth Green, 2 April, 
 1656. and who was the son of Widow Mary Hall, of Charlestown. His 
 son, Dea. Percival Hall, born 1672, and married Jane Willis, migrated 
 to Sutton, and was the father of Dea. Willis Hall, above mentioned. 
 Rev. D. B. Hall, Cleveland, N. Y. 
 
REV. NATHANIEL HALL. 246 
 
 sister of Rev. Joseph Emerson. (Licentiates, No. 40.) She 
 was born 7 Dec., 1773, and died 22 May, 1832. 
 They had nine children, seven of whom are still living : 
 
 1. Hannah Emerson ; born 9 Nov., 1798, and married 
 Aug., 1823, to Rev. Abijah Crane, for fifteen years Central 
 Agent of the American Home Missionary Society. He died 
 at Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y., 14 May, 1847. His wife died 
 at Clinton, 12 June, 1846. 
 
 Their son, Edwin H. Crane, graduated Hamilton College, 
 1844, and Auburn, 1851 ; married Ann Eliza Cowles, of 
 Otisco, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and embarked, 31 May, 1852, 
 as Missionary to Nestoria. A second son, Lewis H. de Loss 
 Crane, graduated Hamilton College, 1845, and is now a 
 lawyer in Selden, L. I. 
 
 2. Willis, born 1 April, 1801 ; graduated at Yale College, 
 1824, and studied law. He settled in New York City, re 
 presented the City and County of New York in the State 
 Legislature of 1838. In 1839, appointed Attorney-General 
 of the State. Representative for the City and County of 
 Albany in 1842. In 1847, was Councillor to the Board of 
 Aldermen of New York City. He married Mrs. Helen 
 Haudley. 
 
 3. Nathanael Emmons, dentist in Middle Granville, N. Y. ; 
 married Miss Mary Fell, of Bloomington, 111. 
 
 4. Eliza, resides in Middle Granville, N. Y. 
 
 ,5. Richard Baxter, was a portrait-painter ; now a physician 
 in Sacramento City, Cal. 
 
 6. J)aniel Emerson, born 9 May, 1810 ; graduated at Yale, 
 1834 ; lawyer in Mobile, Ala. He married Delphine E. 
 Kennedy, 13 Jan., 1840, and died 24 April, 1852. 
 
 7. David Brainerd, graduated at Union College, 1839, and 
 at Princeton Theo. Seminary. Is now settled at Cleave- 
 land, Oswego Co., N. Y. 
 
 8. Mary, resides at Middle Granville. 
 
 9. Edwards, graduated at Hamilton College, 1840 ; phy- 
 
 21* 
 
246 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 sician in New York City. He married Maria M. Chambers, 
 of Trenton, N. J.* 
 
 " As a preacher, Mr. Hall was always interesting to those 
 who hear for instruction. His discourses contained the sin 
 cere milk of the Word. His discernment of defects in the 
 matter or method of a sermon was singularly acute. This 
 rendered him particularly useful in ministerial circles, and to 
 theological students. His gifts and influence in our churches 
 as a religious instructor, an able councillor, and faithful 
 disciplinarian, were such as we know not how to spare. 
 
 " His discernment of moral truth, and his ability to inves 
 tigate and defend its principles, were distinguishing. Loose 
 and unsystematic notions in divinity and moral science, rarely 
 escaped his observation, 
 
 " He saw with clearness, the first leadings of error, in 
 principle or practice, and opposed them with candor and 
 firmness. 
 
 " It was the habitual object of his zeal and effort to instruct 
 his hearers in the doctrines of grace, to convince them of 
 those self-denying truths which stain the pride of all flesh. 
 
 "His discourses were serious and practical. Practical 
 improvement was the moral and literal end of every sermon. 
 And God was pleased to crown his labors with many precious 
 fruits. These consisted in the enlightening and restraining 
 power of Gospel truth on his hearers generally, and in the 
 conversion of many souls. 
 
 " In the course of his ministry, he enjoyed three special 
 revivals among his people. In 1800, when the church re 
 ceived 45 hopeful converts. In 1814, 77 were added to the 
 church. In 1816, 45 were added. The whole number re 
 ceived during his ministry was 255. 
 
 " Days of religious harvest appeared to be particular sea- 
 
 * Letter of Rev. D. B. Hall, Cleaveland, N. Y. 
 
REV. JOHN FITCH. 247 
 
 sons of his enjoyment ; and his skill in divinity rendered him 
 a consistent and very useful guide to inquiring souls. 
 
 " He was the warm friend of Bible, Missionary and Educa 
 tion Societies. He was also a companionable and interesting 
 friend, and his house was always the mansion of unaffected 
 hospitality."* 
 
 Mr. Hall s only publication is a sermon preached before 
 the Evangelical Society, in Poultney, Vt., at their annual 
 meeting, 22 Nov., 1815. 
 
 28. REV. JOHN FITCH 
 
 Was the oldest son of Rev. Elijah Fitch, of Hopkinton, 
 where he was born in 1770. He graduated at Brown Uni 
 versity, 1790, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 
 In 1793, July 29, he was invited to settle in Danville, Vt., 
 where he was ordained the first pastor, 30 Oct., 1793, in a 
 grove of maples, at the base of a circular valley. His salary 
 was two hundred dollars, paid in produce. 
 
 After laboring twenty-three years, he was dismissed, 1 
 Oct., 1810, on account of feeble health, and took a journey 
 to the West. In about two years he returned, resigned the 
 office of the ministry, and removed to Guildhall, Vt., where 
 he died, 18 Dec., 1827, aged 57. 
 
 The interval after his return, was partly spent as teacher 
 at Thetford, and at Guildhall. 
 
 Mr. Fitch married, first, Miss Sally Magoon, of Danville, 
 by whom he had one daughter : Hannah, who was married 
 to Dea. Asa Sargent, of the same place. Mr. Fitch s second 
 wife was Mrs. Lydia Farmer, sister to Mr. Jeduthun Loom- 
 is, of Montpelier, Vt. : by whom he also had one daughter, 
 Nancy Jane. 
 
 * Obituary in Boston Recorder, by Rev. W. Jackson. D. D., Dorset, 
 Vermont. 
 
248 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 She became the wife of a Mr. Elkin, formerly professor 
 in Mandaville College, but now resident in New Orleans. 
 
 Mr. Fitch wrote largely for " The Adviser," published at 
 Middlebury, Vt., and issued several sermons ; among them 
 was an Election Sermon, before the State Legislature, at 
 Danville, 1805. 
 
 The church of Danville at its organization, 9 Aug., 1792, 
 embraced twenty members. During Mr. Fitch s ministry, 
 sixty-five were added. 
 
 He stood high in the estimation of his people up to the 
 time of his dismission, and though no marked revivals of 
 religion occurred, he was regarded at large, as an able and 
 faithful minister. He was a strong writer, but not an elo 
 quent speaker ; yet he possessed a considerable degree of free 
 dom, coupled with moderation.* 
 
 29. REV. ELI SMITH 
 
 Was born in Belchertown, 17 Sept., 1759, and was the son 
 of Joseph Smith-t His early life was spent on a farm, and 
 
 * Hist. Sermon, of Danville, Vt, by Rev. J. Dudley, pastor. 
 
 t His earliest American Ancestor was Joseph Smith ; who removed 
 from Hartford, Ct., to Hadley, 1680, and had four sons. The second 
 son, John, b. 1686, settled in Hadley, and d. 1777, aged 91. He had 
 live sons and five daughters : viz. John, Abner. (father of Rev. Abner, of 
 Derby, Ct. ;) Daniel, Joseph, and Elijah. 
 
 Joseph, just mentioned, was the father of Rev. Eli, above, also of 
 Rev. Amasa, and Rev. John, D. D.. of Bangor : (Licentiate No. 33.) 
 
 It may be added, that Elijah, the youngest son, had nine children. 
 Among them were ; 1. Asa, father of Rev. Asa, of Virginia, and of Rev. 
 Theophilus, of New Canaan, Ct, ; 2. Sarah, wife of Elijah Bardwell, of 
 Goshen. and mother of Rev. Horatio B., of Oxford, and of Sarah, wife 
 of Rev. Wm. Richards, of the India Mission : 3. Rev. Ethan, of Boyls- 
 ton ; 4. Dea. Jacob, father of Elizabeth, wife of Rev. Wm. Hervey, of 
 the India Mission, of Esther, wife of Rev. Mr. D unbar, of the Pawnee 
 Mission, of Martha, wife of Rev. O. G. Hubbard, of Lcominster, and 
 of Miranda, wife of Rev. P. Belden, of E. Amherst. Geneal Regis 
 ter, Vol. I. p. 183. 
 
REV. ELI SMITH. 249 
 
 it was not until 1787, some time after the death of his first 
 wife, at Sunderland, that he commenced his course of edu 
 cation. He graduated at Brown University, 1 792, and A. M., 
 at the age of thirty-three, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. 
 Emmons. Pie was ordained as colleague pastor at Hollis, 
 N. H., 27 Nov., 1793. He labored with fidelity and success 
 for thirty-seven years, and was dismissed in 1831. After 
 this date, he preached one year in Greenfield, N. H., one 
 year in Montague, one year in Marshfield, and shorter periods 
 in other places. He died 11 May, 1847, aged 87 years and 8 
 months. 
 
 Mr. Smith married, first, Miss Catharine Sheldon, of North 
 ampton, by whom he had one son. His second wife, was 
 Miss Ama Emerson, of Hollis, daughter of Dea. Daniel 
 Emerson, and sister of Rev. Joseph Emerson, (Licentiate 
 No. 40). By this marriage he had five children. His fam 
 ily were : 
 
 1. Eli. He formed the first church in Frankfort, Ky., of 
 which he was pastor ten years. He was then ten years pastor 
 of the church in Paris, Ky. He died at Frankfort, Ky. 
 
 2. Ama : m. Rev. Noah Emerson. 
 
 3. Luther, teacher in West Liberty, O. 
 
 4. Hannah C., m. Rev. Darwin Adams, now of Dunstable, 
 Mass. 
 
 5. Joseph E., lives in Hollis, N. H. 
 
 6. John R., physician in Lexington, Ky. 
 
 Mr. Smith s ministry in Hollis was signally blessed. The 
 first great revival among his people began in 1801, and con 
 tinued over a year. It was preceded for three or four years, 
 by an uncommon degree of religious feeling. As its fruits, 
 one hundred and forty-two, mostly heads of families, united 
 with the church. This was one of the first revivals of the 
 present century. During his pastorate, between 400 and 500 
 were added to the church. 
 
250 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 He was also an early and fast friend to missions, and once 
 left his people, as a home missionary for a short time. 
 
 His prominent features of character, as gathered from his 
 funeral sermon, by Rev. R. Emerson, Andover, were, an ar 
 dent temperament, and quick mental activity, which gave 
 peculiar point and power to his extempore efforts ; an invin 
 cible firmness, manifested in his boldness and distinctness in 
 preaching the humbling truths of grace. He was a revival 
 preacher, in the best sense of the term, plain, pungent, prac 
 tical. 
 
 His late education prevented his being a learned theolo 
 gian. Yet he was a diligent student, rising usually at four 
 o clock in the morning, and spending much of his time in 
 secret devotions. 
 
 The system of Christian doctrine taught by his revered 
 preceptor, Dr. Emmons, he embraced in all its strictness, and 
 with all his heart, and taught with all his power. 
 
 He published but two or three sermons. An ordination 
 sermon, of Rev. Stephen Farley, and a Fast sermon, are 
 known to exist. 
 
 30. REV. WILLIAM JACKSON, D. D. 
 
 Of his ancestry little is known, except that his paternal 
 great grandfather lived and died in Norwalk, Ct. ; and that 
 piety distinguished his progenitors and their families for sev 
 eral generations. 
 
 His grandfather, Ebenezer Jackson, removed to Sharon, 
 Ct. and was deacon in the church, and died in triumph, saying, 
 Welcome, Welcome, I am ready. 
 
 His father, Abraham Jackson, married Eleanor Bumpas, 
 of Wareham, and settled in Cornwall, Ct., where the subject 
 of this notice was born, 14 Dec., 1768. 
 
 Mr. Jackson was the youngest of five sons, and the tenth of 
 
REV. W I L L I A M J A C K S N , D . D . 251 
 
 eleven children, all of whom live d to be married and become 
 parents. When he was but three years of age, the father 
 migrated with his numerous family, to Wallingford, Vt., in 
 which town they were the first, and for several months the 
 only settlers. Here amidst the severe toils, simple habits, 
 and scanty means of culture, incident to a new settlement, 
 his early life was spent. At sixteen he became a subject of 
 grace. 
 
 He fitted for college at Norwich, Vt., and at Moore s 
 charity school, Hanover, N. H., graduated at Dartmouth 
 College, 1790, and A. M. He received a Doctorate from 
 Middlebury College. 
 
 After graduation, he taught a female select school at 
 Wethersfield, Ct., for a season, and then studied Theology 
 for one year with Rev. Dr. Samuel Spring, of Newburyport, 
 and completed his course with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He 
 immediately commenced preaching, at Dorset, Vt., but de 
 clined an invitation to continue there, on account of his 
 health, and journeyed south and preached, for a season, in 
 New Jersey. After three years, he returned ; and, on a re 
 newal of their invitation, was settled over the church in Dor 
 set and East Rupert, Vt., 27 Sept., 1796. He labored here 
 until 1837, when his health, always feeble, induced him to 
 accept a colleague. Rev. Ezra Jones, formerly of Greenfield, 
 N. H., was settled in this relation, 12 Dec., 1838. He was 
 dismissed, 28 Oct., 1841, and Mr. Jackson remained sole 
 pastor of the church until his death, 15 Oct., 1842, in his 
 74th year, having been settled 46 years. 
 
 Dr. Jackson married, 3 Nov., 1796, Miss Susanna Cram, 
 of Brentwood, N. H., who survived him. They had seven 
 children ; two of whom died young. 
 
 1. Samuel C., grad. Middlebury Col., 1821, settled at An- 
 dover. He is now Assistant Sec. of the Mass. Board of Edu 
 cation. 
 
252 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 2. Margaret Graves, m. to Rev. John Maltby, Bangor, 
 and died in 1851. 
 
 3. Susan, lives unmarried at Dorset. 
 
 4. Elizabeth Rogers, wife of Rev. Nathaniel Beach, of 
 Milbury. 
 
 5. Henrietta Anna Lorain, m. to Rev. Cyrus Hamlin, 
 Miss, at Constantinople. She died at Rhodes, 14 Nov., 
 1850.* 
 
 Dr. Jackson s bodily constitution was naturally frail, and 
 subjected him to frequent and severe indisposition ; yet he 
 accomplished much as a builder in the temple of the Lord of 
 Hosts. His most striking feature was that of deep solemnity 
 when exhibiting the truths of God. 
 
 One intimately acquainted with him, says : " He had strik 
 ing and uncommon powers in the pulpit. His sermons were 
 solid and effective. His preaching, as a whole, was biblical, 
 instructive. His manner was characterized by a natural dig 
 nity and an urgent, solemn earnestness. His whole appear 
 ance, in the pulpit, indicated a holy sincerity that he spoke 
 according to his own deep convictions." 
 
 His sermons were not usually fully written, but left with 
 hints for amplification in the delivery. Said one of his aged 
 parishioners : I never wish to hear any greater eloquence 
 than comes from my minister, when he gets through his notes 
 and shuts up his Bible. It was then, that, having gained 
 the convictions of his hearers, he pressed truth upon their 
 consciences in fervid, forcible, and solemn appeals and ex 
 postulations, which often rose to the highest order of pulpit 
 eloquence. 
 
 The solemnity which uniformly characterized him in the 
 pulpit, is the more noticeable as he was rather distinguished 
 for a keen and ready wit, and for shrewd, pointed, and laco- 
 
 * See Obit, in Miss. Herald, March, 1851. 
 
REV. KIAH BAYLEY. 253 
 
 nic sayings. But nothing of this ever found a place in his 
 preaching. Through his whole public life he was never 
 known to appear depressed, discouraged, or troubled. 
 
 He was a correct and thorough scholar in the ancient 
 classics ; and with some of them so familiar as to repeat 
 large portions from memory. He was a warm friend to edu 
 cation, and one of the founders of Middlebury College, of 
 which he was the first elected member corporate. 
 
 He originated and set in operation the first Education 
 Society in the country for replenishing the ministry. This 
 was in 1803, and was termed the Evangelical Society "to 
 aid pious and needy young men in acquiring education for 
 the work of the Gospel ministry." * He was its first presi 
 dent, and voluntarily undertook an agency for collecting its 
 first funds ; and was, throughout, its most efficient helper. 
 
 As a specimen of Dr. Jackson s unceasing earnestness in 
 the work of the Gospel : after the settlement of his colleague, 
 he became a teacher in the Sabbath School, as punctual and 
 engaged as in the public ministry. Such devotedness re 
 ceived the blessing of frequent and powerful revivals of 
 religion amongst his people.f 
 
 31. REV. KIAH BAYLEY 
 
 Was born in Brookfield, West Parish, 11 March, 1770, 
 and was the son of Charles and Abigail ( Safford ) Bayley. 
 He spent his early life at Haverhill, N. H., " Indians and 
 
 * The first meeting, for organization, was held at Pawlet, 6 March, 
 1804. The first regular meeting was held at Dorset, on the last Tues 
 day of June, 1804, at which Rev. Nathaniel Hall, of Granville, preached 
 the opening sermon. Its plan was to aid suitable candidates for the 
 ministry by loans, without interest, for not more than six years. The 
 Evangelical Society continued, until superseded by the Am. Education 
 Society and its Auxiliaries. More than fifty persons were, by it, helped 
 into the ministry. 
 
 t Funeral Sermon by Kev. J. D. Winkham, of Burr Seminary. 
 22 
 
254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 old tories around, frequently running for dear life moth 
 er, baby and all." * 
 
 He graduated at Dartmouth, 1793, and studied theology 
 with Rev Dr. Emmons. He indulged a hope, during vaca 
 tion, 1790, in his father s barn at Newbury, Vt. His first 
 sermon was preached at West Taunton. He afterwards 
 preached and received calls from Milford, and Ashby, and 
 from Cornish, N. H. In 1796, he visited Maine, preached 
 six months at Newcastle, Me., and was settled there in 
 Oct., 1797. 
 
 The church at Newcastle was virtually extinct, only 
 three male members being alive on the list. There had been 
 no preaching for ten or twelve years, and the forms of re 
 ligion had nearly disappeared. The church was reestablished 
 by his labor, and the " foundations of many generations " 
 were laid. 
 
 He was dismissed at his own request, Sept., 1823. He 
 preached at Greensboro , Vt., the four years following. 
 Thence he went to Thornton, N. H., 30 May, 1829, and staid 
 three years. He commenced preaching at Hardwick, Vt., 
 29 June, 1833, where he also purchased a farm on which he 
 still lives at the advanced age of 82, the oldest living licentiate 
 of this association. 
 
 Mr. Bayley has published ; a sermon, Salvation by Grace, 
 Ashby, 1796 ; the Preciousness of Christ, 12mo. ; eight or 
 ten ordination and occasional sermons ; and over three 
 hundred articles on Anti-Masonry and Ant^-Slavery. He 
 was for three years, co-editor of the Christian Magazine, 
 published in Maine. 
 
 Mr. Bayley, in company with some six other ministers of 
 the Kennebec valley, most of whose names appear in this 
 list, ardently labored together to plant the germs of Gospel 
 institutions in the then District of Maine. He says " they 
 
 * Letter of Rev. K. Bayley, East Hardwick, Vt. 
 
REV. ACIJAII WINES. 255 
 
 were united, and tried to lay such foundations as would abide. 
 They published a Christian Magazine formed a Tract 
 Society, a Missionary Society for Maine an Education 
 Society, and the Theological Institute at Bangor, and 
 were in the field as early as older churches. How God 
 blessed, results must show. I claim the Academy at New 
 Castle, and the Theol. School at Bangor, as my own children. 
 Not that others did not help, but on me the burden of lay 
 ing plans and executing them without funds, for five or six 
 years, rested."* 
 
 Mr. Bayley married, in 1794, Miss Abigial Goodhue, of 
 Newburyport. She died 18 March, 1846, aged 90 yrs. She 
 was a woman of uncommon excellence, and left the impress 
 of her active piety upon the religious institutions of the 
 State of Maine.f They have no living descendants. 
 
 32. REV. ABIJAH WINES, 
 
 The oldest child of Abijah and Deborah (Runnels) Wines, 
 was born in Southold, L. L, 28 May, 1766.} 
 
 At about fifteen years of age, he removed with his parents 
 to Newport, N. H. He married at twenty years of age, and 
 settled down with his wife and children to live ; but the Lord 
 had other work for him, and he was awakened and converted 
 
 * Bangor Seminary, to which Maine owes two thirds of her ministers, 
 besides many in other states, originated in a female Cent Society pro 
 posed by the wife of Mr. Baylev. It is an interesting fact that its three 
 Theological Professors Smith, Wines, and Pond were licentiates 
 of Mendon Association and students of Rev. Dr. Emmons. Prof. B. 
 Fowler was also a student of Dr. Emmons. 
 
 t See her Memoir by Mass. S. S. Society ; also, Prof. Park s Me 
 moir of Dr. Hopkins, in his Works, Vol. I, p. 95. 
 
 I His ancestry was Welsh, and settled on Long Island. His father 
 removed to Newport, N. H., in 1 780, with four children, Abijah, 
 Samuel, William, and Abigail. 
 
256 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 to his Redeemer. He immediately set himself to the work 
 of fitting for college under a neighboring clergyman, and 
 entered Sophomore at Dartmouth College, 1792, and grad. 
 in 1794, aged 28. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Em- 
 mons, and was ordained, 5 Jan., 1796, at Newport, N. H., the 
 place of his early residence. 
 
 After laboring 20 years, he was dismissed, with great 
 reluctance on the part of his people, 4 Dec., 1816. He next 
 went to Ohio, to found, if possible, a Theological School in 
 that then newly-settled region. But failing in this desired 
 project, which had occupied his thoughts for many years, 
 he returned and accepted the professorship of Theology in 
 the Maine Charity School, just established in Hampden, Me. 
 He filled this office but about a year, and resigned in 1819, 
 with his colleague, Prof. Jehudi Ashmun, when the institu 
 tion was removed to Bangor, and became the Theological 
 Seminary now permanently established and endowed there. 
 
 After leaving the Seminary, Professor Wines supplied the 
 pulpit of the Congregational Church on Deer Island, in Pen- 
 obscot Bay. He labored here twelve years, earnestly devoted 
 to his work, and .especially to the cause of Temperance. 
 With this some of his people were dissatisfied. 
 
 A morbid nervous affection, from which he had suffered in 
 previous years, revisited him, induced by extreme exposure 
 in the spring of 1832. He resorted to a farm ; but the dis 
 ease increased, and resulted in a deep melancholy and tem 
 porary insanity. In August, he was conveyed to the M Lean 
 Asylum at Charlestown, where he died, 11 Feb., 1833, in 
 his 67th year. His remains were interred at Amesbury, by 
 the side of his daughter. 
 
 Prof. Wines married, 27 April, 1786, Miss Ruth Giles, 
 daughter of Hon. Benjamin Giles, of Newport, N. H.* She 
 
 * Benjamin Giles was born in Dublin, Ireland, and received a 
 thorough English education in that city. When he was fourteen, his 
 
REV. ABIJAH WINES. 257 
 
 survived him a few years, and died March, 1838. They had 
 twelve children, eight daughters and four sons. Three 
 children died young. The adults are as follows : 
 
 1. Abigail ; married to Silas Buell, of Orwell, Vt. One 
 of her daughters is the wife of Rev. Job Hall, of Orwell. 
 
 2. Sarah ; married to Rev. Hosea Wheeler, pastor of the 
 Baptist Church in Eastport, where he died, Dec., 1822. She 
 died 25 Sept., 1847, leaving one son and three daughters. 
 The son is Rev. Francis B. Wheeler, of Brandon, Vt. 
 
 3. Mima ; married to Rev. Benjamin Sawyer of Salisbury. 
 She died 8 Sept., 1817, leaving three children.* 
 
 4. Harriet ; married to Rev. Weston B. Adams, of Lewis- 
 ton Falls, Me. She died, Jan., 1841, leaving one daughter, 
 the wife of Edward I. Little, Esq. ; she died Sept., 1842. 
 
 5. Sophia ; married to Peter Kimball, Esq., of Bloomfield, 
 Me., and has three children. 
 
 6. Sophronia; married to Rev. Carlton Hurd, of Frye- 
 burg, Me. Has three children living. Marion Lyle Hurd, 
 who died 11 Feb., 1841, was their daughter. 
 
 7. Maria ; married to Moses Kimball, of Bloomfield, Me. 
 She died Feb., 1841, leaving one daughter. 
 
 Hiram, the eldest son, died in 1813, at the age of 20. 
 Edwards, the youngest, died Dec., 1840 .t 
 " Prof. Wines was distinguished for personal accomplish 
 ments. He had a stature erect and high ; a compact, well- 
 
 father migrated to Norwich, Ct. At the commencement of the Revo 
 lution, he removed to Newport, N. H., with his family, a wife and 
 two daughters. The daughters married brothers, Christopher and 
 Isaac Newton. 
 
 Benjamin Giles married a second wife, Ruth Tracy, of Norwich, Ct., 
 by whom he had one daughter, Ruth, married to Rev. Prof. Wines at 
 the age of twenty. 
 
 * Obituary Notice, in the Panoplist, Jan .1818, Vol. XIV p. 21. 
 
 t Letter of Rev. C. Hurd, Fryeburg, Me. 
 22* 
 
258 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 proportioned frame ; a piercing eye, a manly aspect, a comely 
 visage. 
 
 " His feelings were chiefly of the tender and benevolent 
 kind. He was seldom known to be angry. 
 
 " As a preacher, he was plain, pungent, and uncompromis 
 ing, aiming to declare the whole counsel of God. 
 
 "As a theologian, he possessed uncommon talents. Here 
 his great strength lay. A deep and discriminating force of 
 mind enabled him to understand the system which he had 
 adopted, to discern its foundations, to simplify its points, to 
 explain its principles, and to defend its positions. His mind 
 was accustomed to a critical and philosophical theology. He 
 would have a reason for every article of his faith. 
 
 " He was not an orator. His manner was uncommonly 
 plain and simple. 
 
 " He possessed a noble description of greatness. He detest 
 ed every thought of what was mean, sordid, and covetous. His 
 chief wish and aim were, that he might live for the moral 
 benefit of mankind."* 
 
 His " Enquiry on the Taste Scheme," shows him to have 
 been an acute thinker. His sermons were very thoroughly 
 studied and carefully written. But when he came to the 
 decision to preach no more, he committed all his manuscripts 
 to the flames. 
 
 Prof. Wines excelled in conversation, and his company 
 was always agreeable. He was remarkably hospitable, and 
 welcomed everybody to his house. Clergymen felt at home 
 \mder his roof. 
 
 REV. JOHN SMITH, D. D. 
 
 "Was the son of Joseph Smith, and descendant of Joseph 
 who removed from Hartford, Ct., to Hadley, 1680. He was 
 
 * See Funeral Sermon, by Rev. Stephen Farley. 
 
REV. JOHN S M I T II , D . D . 259 
 
 the younger brother of Rev. Eli Smith, of Hollis, N. II., and 
 of Rev. Amasa Smith.* 
 
 lie was born in Belchertown, 5 March, 1766; graduated 
 Dartmouth, 1794, A. M. and D. D. ; studied theology with 
 Rev. Dr. Emmons ; and was ordained over the church in 
 Salern, N. II., 2 Jan., 1797, as colleague with Rev. Abner 
 Bayley. He was dismissed from Salem, 21 Nov., 1816; 
 installed at Wenham the following year, 26 Nov., and left, 
 8 Sept., 1819, to take the chair of the theological professor 
 ship in Bangor Seminary, March, 1820. In this office he 
 continued until his death, 14 April, 1831, at the age of 65. 
 
 " Dr. Smith possessed what is fitly termed a reasoning 
 mind. He loved the naked truth ; and, on subjects of a 
 religious nature, few men could reason with greater ability. 
 
 " As a preacher, he dwelt much on the perfections of God, 
 the great principles of the Divine government, and on all 
 those truths which are adapted to make men feel their obli 
 gations to submit to God, and accept the salvation offered in 
 the Gospel. 
 
 " As a theological professor, his constant aim was to im 
 bue the minds of his pupils with clear, consistent, connected, 
 systematic views of what he believed to be the doctrines of 
 the Bible. He was greatly beloved and venerated by 
 them all. 
 
 " His natural temper was marked by sympathy, kindness, 
 good-will, and a great firmness of purpose. His piety was 
 strongly marked with the character of solidity. 
 
 " A cold and slight affection of the lungs confined him to 
 his house in February. He had some apprehensions, as his 
 will was dated 5th March. On the 20th, the Sabbath, he 
 sent a note requesting prayers, and asked his attendants to 
 sing the 51st Psalm, " Show pity, Lord," etc. " That," said 
 he, "meets my case, just the language of my heart." 
 
 * See Biog. Sketch of Rev. Eli Smith, Licentiates, No. 29. 
 
260 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 After this, there was a rally of strength, so that he conducted 
 the family devotions. But, April 1, the disease returned, 
 and in a few days he died. 
 
 " His close was peaceful. He could converse only in 
 broken sentences. His closing words were, " Perfectly 
 willing waiting waiting to be called ready to de 
 part, and be with Christ. Blessed Saviour Eternity. It 
 is near but not too near nor will it be too long." The 
 Seminary was in his last thoughts, and his last prayer was 
 for its success. " Thou wilt bless it, and keep it. I give it 
 up to thee. I can do no more for it. Thou canst do all 
 things." He died without a struggle."* 
 
 Rev. Dr. Smith married Miss Hannah Hardy, of Pelham, 
 N. II. After his death, she was married to a Mr. Greely, of 
 Portland ; and again to Gen. Richardson of her native town, 
 with whom she now lives. 
 
 Dr. Smith had no children. 
 
 34. REV. NATHANIEL OGDEN 
 
 Was born in 1768, near the village of Fairton, Cumberland 
 Co., N. J. His parents, Joseph and Abigail Ogden, both 
 died when he was about six years old, and he lived with a 
 brother-in-law, engaged chiefly in farming, until about twenty 
 years of age, but studying as he had opportunity. He then 
 devoted himself to securing means for an education ; for his 
 patrimony was lost in the fluctuations and depreciation of the 
 continental currency. 
 
 His studies were pursued with an intimate friend, after 
 wards Rev. John B. Preston, then a member of the University 
 in Philadelphia. Mr. Ogden at length entered the same class, 
 and graduated with Mr. Preston in 1793. 
 
 In the December following, he married Miss Ruth , 
 
 * Rev. Mr. Pomeroy s Funeral Sermon, Sp. Pilgrims, Vol. V., p. 125. 
 
REV. NAT ITA^t IEL OGDEN. 261 
 
 and commenced school-teaching in his native State, and 
 reading theology at the same time. In 1794, he came to 
 Massachusetts, and completed his theological studies with 
 Rev. Dr. Ernmons. 
 
 After approbation, he commenced preaching in Taunton, 
 to the major part of the Cong, church, who, on the Rev. Mr. 
 Judson s departure in 1790, had withdrawn from the first 
 Society, and established worship in the western part of the 
 town. 
 
 He preached here but seven Sabbaths, when he took cold 
 from riding in a storm, and, in a severe fit of coughing, rup 
 tured a blood vessel. He was sick about six months, and 
 died of consumption 11 July, 1796, at the house of Mr. Peter 
 Walker, in Taunton. 
 
 A month previous to his own death, his only child, a son 
 eighteen months old, also died. Mrs. Ogden had left him in 
 New Jersey, to attend upon her husband in his last illness. 
 This fact will explain some allusions in the funeral sermon 
 preached by Dr. Emmons upon the occasion. 
 
 Mr. Ogden was buried in Taunton, on the plain near the 
 site of the old meeting house, and not far from the present 
 residence of Rev. Mr. Cobb of West Taunton. His stone 
 bears the following inscription ; 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 MR. NATHANIEL OGDEN, A. B. 
 
 OF FAIRFIELD, N. J., PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL, 
 WHO DIED JULY 11, 1796. 
 
 Aged 28. 
 
 lie had preached on seven Lord s days, when 
 our high expectations of his future usefulness 
 were suddenly blasted.* 
 
 * Rev. S. H. Emery, Taunton. 
 
262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Ogden left no printed works to bear witness to liis 
 ability. A volume of his sermons was arranged by liis in 
 timate friend, Mr. Preston, to be published by subscription. 
 But the project was never executed. His theological teacher 
 entertained a high opinion of his talents, and prospects of 
 usefulness. His congregation in Taunton regarded him as 
 " sound in doctrine, clear in religious experience and forcible 
 in argumentation." * 
 
 Nearly two thousand persons were present at his funeral. 
 
 Says one who has examined the volume intended for the 
 press ; " From all that 1 can learn of Mr. O. : from the 
 expressions of those who knew him, from Dr. Emmons s re 
 marks in his funeral sermon, and from the evidence of his 
 manuscript sermons, I cannot doubt that he was a man of 
 rich promise." f 
 
 The widow of Mr. Ogden, was married in Oct., 1813, to 
 Rev. Abijah Davis of Millville, N. J. He died in 1817. 
 She still lives a widow, in Fairton, N. J.} 
 
 35. REV. JOHN BOWERS PRESTON 
 
 Was born in Fairfield, Cumberland Co., N. J., 3 Oct., 1770.. 
 His father was Col. Isaac Preston, who died in the service of 
 his country, 5 March, 1777, aged 42. His mother, whose 
 name was Hannah Bovvers, died in 1782, at the age of 45, 
 leaving him an orphan at 12 years of age. 
 
 His life in infancy was for a long time precarious, and he 
 wholly lost the sight of one eye. 
 
 At ten, he was seriously awakened, and his pious mother 
 had hope in his conversion. At fourteen he publicly pro 
 fessed religion, and turned his attention to the ministry. 
 
 * Rev. A. Cobb, Taunton. 
 
 t Rev. N. C. Burt, Springfield, O. 
 
 | Rev. B. B. Hotchkin, Branclywine Manor, Chester Co., Pa. 
 
KEV. JOHN BOWERS PRESTON. 2(38 
 
 He graduated at William and Ann College, Philadelphia, 
 1793. He then taught school about two years, near his native 
 place, when a protracted sickness compelled him to travel 
 for health into New England. He providentially came to 
 Franklin, May, 1795, and commenced the study of theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 
 He was ordained 8 Feb., 1798, at Rupert, Vt., and died on 
 Sabbath morning, 21 Feb., 1813, aged 42 years, having been 
 settled lo years. Just before his sickness, he had watched 
 with two sick children, both whose parents had been cut 
 down by an epidemic fever, and buried in one day, of which 
 disease he also soon after died. His last sermon was from 
 Isaiah, 1:11. 
 
 Mr. Preston married, 6 Jan., 1799, Miss Polly Haven of 
 Franklin, daughter of Asa Haven, and niece of the wife of 
 Dea. James Metcalf, in whose family she resided. She was 
 afterwards married to Dea. James Fisher, of Gouverneur, N. 
 Y., where she died, 23 March, 1848, aged 71 years.* 
 
 Mr. Preston left five children : 
 
 1. Mary II. ; married to Harvey D. Smith, Esq., of Poult- 
 ney, Vt., now of Gouverneur, N. Y. They have no children. 
 
 2. John B. ; grad. Middlebury Coll., 1827, Auburn, 1830, 
 ordained over the Presb. church, in Attica, N. Y., 23 Oct., 
 1839 ; inst. at Byron, N. Y. ; now at Berlin, Wis. He m. 
 1st., Mary Whedon, of Hebron, N. Y. ; 2nd., Clarissa North, 
 of Farmington, Ct. ; Has G children. 
 
 3. Nathaniel O. ; grad. Middlebury Coll., 1831 ; Rector 
 of Epis. church of the Annunciation, at New Orleans ; m. 
 Charlotte Whedon, of Hebron, N. Y. Has no children. 
 
 * She was a woman of more than ordinary talents and piety, and 
 found the promises of the widow s God richly fulfilled. Left poor, with 
 five little children, she maintained them, carried two of them through 
 college, and saw them all hopeful Christians. See Obituary in N. Y. 
 Evangelist^ q/*1848; also Geneal. of the Haven Family, Continuation, p. 
 32, Ed. 0/1849. 
 
264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 4. Julia R. ; m. to Rev. Geo. S. Wilson, then pastor of 
 the church in Windsor, Vt., afterwards of the Presb. church 
 at Sackett s Harbor, N. Y. He d. 17 May, 1841. She then 
 m. Rev. A. Cram, of Clinton, N. Y., where she now resides, 
 a widow with two children. 
 
 5. Maria; m. to Rev. Stephen Johnson, of Griswold, Ct., 
 and sailed as Missionary of the A. B. C. F. M., to Siam, 
 returned and died at Philadelphia, 8 Jan., 1839.* 
 
 Mr. Preston left no printed works. His funeral sermon, 
 printed, exhibits him as highly esteemed by his theological 
 instructor, his ministerial brethren, and his people. 
 
 He was a man of noble spirit, of quick perceptions, and 
 of a solid judgment. Solidity, system, energy, and persever 
 ance were his peculiar characteristics. His discernment of 
 characters, and especially of false merit, seemed as ready 
 as instinct. His sensibility, both of favors and of injuries, was 
 very acute ; but was generally regulated by a pious heart, with 
 dignity and propriety. He was singularly fervent and per 
 severing in every duty ; never resting till it was done, and 
 well done. This fervor of spirit rendered him singularly 
 punctual to all his engagements. He was an able instructor 
 of students in theology. 
 
 He was one of the founders of the Evangelical Society of 
 Western Vermont, an Education Society, and president 
 of its board of Trustees at the time of his death. 
 
 In the extensive revival which visited Western Vermont, in 
 1802, one hundred and eleven were gathered into the church 
 at Rupert, and his influence still bears fruit amongst that 
 people, favored by his faithful ministry .f 
 
 His gravestone in Rupert, Vt., bears the following : 
 
 * See Miss. Herald for Feb., 1839 ; also, Letter of II. D. Smith. Esq., 
 Gouverneur, N. Y. 
 t Obit, notice by Rev. W. Jackson, D. D. 
 
REV. JOSEPH RO WELL. 265 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 REV. JOHN B. PRESTON, 
 
 PASTOR OF THE CONGREGATION. CHURCH 
 
 In this town, who 
 Died Feb. 21, 1813, 
 
 AGED 42 YEARS. 
 
 As a friend, greatly beloved ; 
 As a Christian, alive and devoted ; 
 As a divine, clear and penetrating : 
 As a preacher, eminently faithful, 
 Solid, plain, and pungent. Let 
 All who heard him, be prepared to 
 Meet him in the judgment of 
 The great day. 
 
 36. KEY. JOSEPH ROWELL 
 
 Was the eldest of nine children, and was born in Rowley, 
 in 1767. He graduated at Dartmouth, 1794, and A.M. 
 He studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons, and com 
 menced preaching in Cornish, N. H., May, 1800, where he 
 was ordained, 23 Sept., 1800. He was dismissed, 19 Feb., 
 1828, and was never resettled ; but, in 1838, he removed to 
 Claremont, N. H., where he died, Nov., 1842, aged 75. His 
 death was occasioned by being thrown from his wagon, while 
 on his return home from a meeting of his Association. 
 
 Mr. Rowell married Miss Hannah Chase, daughter of 
 Daniel Chase, Esq., of Cornish. She now resides with her 
 daughter, Mrs. C. Tracy, in New York city. Their family 
 consisted of eleven children, viz. 1. Eliza, wife of Rev. 
 Charles Shedd, pastor of the Cong, church in Campton, N. H. 
 
 2. Jonathan Edwards, a farmer in Claremont, N. H. 
 
 3. Maria C., wife of Mr. Calvin Tracy, for many years 
 Principal of a Classical Institute in New York city, and 
 author of a series of Mathematical works. 
 
 23 
 
266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 4. Daniel C., died while a member of the class of 1837, in 
 Amherst College. 
 
 5. Martha L., wife of Edwin Locke. She spent, with 
 him, six years in missionary labor, at the Sandwich Islands, 
 where both now rest from their labors. 
 
 6. George Berkley, grad. Amherst, 1837, and is now 
 Missionary at Sandwich Islands. 
 
 7. Timothy Dwight, has been merchant at Canandaigua, 
 N. Y. ; now resides in Orford, N. H. 
 
 8. Joseph, grad. Yale Coll., and is missionary at Panama. 
 He m., 11 Oct., 1852, Miss Hannah, daughter of Rev. A. 
 Cummings, D. D., of Portland, Me. 
 
 9. Samuel N., grad. Yale, is physician at New Haven. 
 
 10. Caroline E., wife of Doct. A. G. Skinner, Youngs- 
 town, N. Y. 
 
 11. Harriet L., wife of A. C. Stolz, recently merchant in 
 New York city, but now embarked, together, for Australia.* 
 
 Mr. Rowell was blest with pious parents, and his early as 
 sociations were connected with religion. His first reading 
 was the -writings of the Puritans, which he read and reread 
 until he could almost repeat them. His mind became, conse 
 quently early and thoroughly indoctrinated with their prin 
 ciples. 
 
 His conversion was occasioned by the death of his father 
 and grandfather to him a severe affliction. But it was some 
 years before he ventured to indulge a hope for himself. This 
 gave a peculiar distrustfulness to the character of his subse 
 quent experience, and mingled many doubts with his hopes. 
 But the blessing of the Spirit evidently attended his labors, 
 and he received the name of a devoted Christian and faithful 
 minister. 
 
 He enjoyed three seasons of revival and an addition of 170 
 souls to the church in Cornish. 
 
 * Letter of Mrs. C. Tracy, New York city. 
 
REV. DRURY FAIRBANKS. 267 
 
 "Mr. Rowell possessed a mind of great strength and clear 
 ness. His sermons were logical in their arrangement, lucid 
 in thought, and easily understood by the hearers. It was a 
 common saying : Mr. RowelVs sermons would hold water? 
 He dwelt much on the doctrines of the Bible. They were 
 food to his soul. 
 
 " He was highly esteemed as a man. Upright, meek and 
 kind in his deportment. He was a diligent student, a devoted 
 pastor, and a very bold, fearless, and faithful preacher." * 
 
 None of his writings are published, save one or two fune 
 ral sermons. 
 
 37. EEV. NATHAN IIOLMAN. 
 
 [Members of Assoc., No. 26.] 
 
 38. REV. DRURY FAIRBANKS 
 
 Was born in Holliston, 13 Oct., 1772. He was the young 
 est of five sons of Drury and Deborah (Leland) Fairbanks.f 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1797, and A. M., 
 and studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was 
 ordained in Plymouth, N. H., 1800 ; and dismissed 18 March, 
 1818, in feeble health, induced by extra labor in the sur 
 rounding region, and by the additional care of teaching 
 many youth. 
 
 He was next installed at Littleton, N. II., about 40 miles 
 north of Plymouth, 3 May, 1820. He was dismissed in 1836, 
 but still resides in the town, upon a farm, to which he has 
 retired. In both Plymouth and Littleton, his labors have 
 been blessed to the advancement of the cause of Christ. 
 His publications have been confined to occasional sermons. 
 
 * Rev. A. Spaulding, Cornish, N. H. 
 
 t He is a descendant of John or Jason Fairbanks, brothers, of Rox- 
 bury, probably sons of John, Dedham, 1642. 
 
238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Fairbanks married Miss Lucretia Rockwood, of IIol- 
 liston. She died suddenly, March, 1818, having been mar 
 ried 17 years.* He afterwards married Miss Sarah Worces 
 ter, relative of the late S. Worcester, D. D., of Salem. He 
 has had eight children, five of whom still survive, residing 
 mostly in St. Johnsbury, Vt. 
 
 39. REV. LEONARD WORCESTER 
 
 Was the son of Noah Worcester, Esq., of Hollis, N. II., 
 and was born 1 Jan., 1767.f His mother died when he was 
 in his sixth year. 
 
 In some memoranda of his life, left for the use of his chil 
 dren, he says : " All my opportunity for obtaining an educa 
 tion was comprised in attending school, about three months 
 annually, from my childhood until I had just entered my 18th 
 year, in a common school, such as common schools then were 
 
 * See obituary notice, Panoplist. March, 1818. 
 
 t "His ancestry is traceable to Rev. William Worcester, from Salis 
 bury, Eng., one of the reverend, learned, and holy divines, mentioned 
 by Cotton Mather. He settled in Salisbury, Ms., about 1638, and d. 28 
 Oct., 1662. 
 
 II. His oldest son, Samuel W., born in England, a farmer of Brad 
 ford. Returning homo on foot from General Court, to which he was 
 Representative, he froze to death on the road, 20 Feb., 1680. 
 
 III. Francis, b. 1662, and died 17 Dec., 1717. 
 
 IV. His son, Rev. Francis, b. 7 June, 1698. Blacksmith until 34 
 years old. Then studied Theology and was ordained over the 2d. church 
 in Sandwich, 1735. Dis. 1745 ; removed to Exeter, N. H. ; thence to 
 Plaistow ; and, in 1750, to Hollis, N. II. He was a Home Missionary 
 until his death, 14 Oct., 1783. 
 
 V. Noah, was his youngest son ; born 4 Oct., 1735, in Sandwich. He 
 had, by two marriages, 16 children, of whom were Leonard, Samuel, 
 D. D., of Salem, Rsv. Noah, of Thornton, N. H., and Rev. Thomas, 
 of Salisbury, N. H. His first wife was Lydia Taylor, of Hollis. She d. 
 6 July, 1772. Memoir of Samuel Worcester, D. D., by his Son, S. M. 
 
 Worcester, Salem. 
 
REV. LEONARD WORCESTER. 269 
 
 ill New England ; in which, so far as my acquaintance then 
 extended, the principal and indeed almost the only studies 
 were, reading, orthography, writing, and common arithmetic. 
 Beyond these, my own school-education never extended." 
 
 In Sept., 1784, he entered, as apprentice, the printing of 
 fice of Isaiah Thomas, Esq., of Worcester, and became a 
 member of his family. lie continued in this business until 
 1 March, 1799. During several years of this time, he was 
 editor, printer, and publisher of the Mass. Spy. 
 
 In 178G, he united with the First church of Worcester, of 
 which Rev. Dr. S. Austin was then pastor. In 1795, while 
 " still, I believe," he says, " the youngest male member," 
 he was chosen one of the Deacons. By the advice of 
 judicious friends, ministers and others, he left his profitable 
 business of printer and became a preacher of the Gospel. 
 Though without any previous preparatory study under the 
 direction of a teacher, he was found so well versed in the 
 doctrines of religion, as to receive the unanimous approba 
 tion of the Association, at a full meeting of fifteen members, 
 at which Dr. Austin, his pastor, was present. 
 
 lie was very soon requested to preach, as candidate, at 
 Feacham, Vt., where two young men, former apprentices of 
 his at Worcester, were then engaged in their business. He 
 came, 21 June, 1799, and was ordained, as the first pastor of the 
 church, 30 Oct. Dr. Austin preached the sermon. An aged 
 female told him, * he was the 80th person she had heard 
 preach in Peacham. 
 
 He continued as the active pastor nearly forty years, and 
 nominally pastor till his death. 
 
 In 1837, he removed to Littleton, N. H., to reside with his 
 son, pastor of the church ; afterwards, to another son s in the 
 ministry, at St. Johnsbury, Vt., where he died, 28 May, 1846, 
 at the age of 79. He was buried at Peacham. 
 
 Mr. Worcester married, 1 Nov., 1793, Elizabeth, young 
 est daughter of Rev. Samuel Hopkins, D. D., of Had- 
 23* 
 
270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ley,* by whom he had fourteen children. Five died in infancy 
 Four survived the father. Of his six adillt sons, four entered 
 the ministry, and the father preached the ordination sermon of 
 them all. The daughters all died unmarried. 
 His six sons were : 
 
 1. Samuel A. ; grad. U. Vermont, 1819 ; Andover, 1823 ; 
 Miss, to Cherokees, 1825 ; sentenced to Georgia Penitentia 
 ry, 1832 ; released, 1833 ; still Miss, of A. B. C. F. M. to the 
 Cherokees. He m. Miss Ann Orr, of Bedford, N. H. 
 
 2. Leonard; grad. Dart. Coll., 1825; Principal of Fe 
 male Academy at Newark, N. J. He died at Walpole, N. H., 
 24 Aug., 1835. 
 
 3. Evarts ; grad. Dart. Col., 1830 ; ordained at Littleton, 
 N. H., 17 March, 1836, and d. 21 Oct. ; m. Ann, daughter 
 of Rev. R. Shurtleff, D. D., Prof, in Dart. Coll. 
 
 4. Isaac R. ; successor of his brother, as pastor at Little 
 ton ; now District Sec y for Mass, of the A. B. C. F. M. 
 
 5. John Hopkins; grad. Dart. Coll., 1833; settled at St. 
 Johnsbury ; now at Burlington, Vt. 
 
 6. Ezra C. ; M. D., physician at Thetford, Vt. 
 
 At Mr. "Worcester s ordination, the church numbered 40 
 members, and the town 850 inhabitants. Two remarkable 
 revivals of religion attended his ministry, in 1817-18 and 
 1831-2. As a fruit of the first, 225 were added to the church ; 
 and of the second, 154 ; the whole number of additions, dur 
 ing his active pastorate, 5G6 ; 484 by profession. But one 
 religious society existed in the town till near the close of his 
 labors, when the Methodists formed a small congregation. 
 It is a true saying, that "much of the prosperity of Peacham 
 is owing to Mr. Worcester." 
 
 Mr. Worcester, as the above particulars show, was an un 
 common man. He possessed great energy, perseverance, and 
 forethought, yet was very conciliatory and modest. " His per- 
 
 * See Note in Sketch of Dr. Emmons, Members, No. 12. 
 
REV. JOSEPH EMERSOX. 271 
 
 sonal appearance was commanding, tall, and of full propor 
 tions. A frame large, compact, strong, and capable of much 
 endurance. With his commanding personal appearance, his 
 voice and manner corresponded. Hence his sermons were 
 remembered, and his works live after him." * 
 
 His course of intellectual training was peculiarly adapted 
 to make him an independent thinker ; and his sermons evince 
 the work of an originating mind. Yet he is declared to have 
 been a firm adherent to the Puritan doctrines the more 
 closely and confidently as he advanced in life. The subtle 
 Socinian speculations of his brother, Rev. Noah W., of Brigh 
 ton, caused but a temporary and superficial disturbance in his 
 views. 
 
 He published several sermons and pamphlets, of which 
 the chief are the following : 1. Letters and Remarks on a 
 Sermon of Rev. Aaron Bancroft, on Election. (Published 
 while a printer, and had much to do with his introduction to 
 the ministry.) 2. Oration on the Death of Washington. 
 3. Fast Sermon. 4. Sermon on Isa. 35 : 8. 5. Answer to 
 Rev. Wm. Gibson s Rejoinder. 6. Sermon on 2 Sam. 7: 27. 
 
 7. Sermon " Men sometimes their own worst Enemies." 
 
 8. Inquiries occasioned by Address of the Gen. Assoc. of 
 N. IL, on the Trinity. 9. Funeral Sermon. 10. Sermon 
 Confession of Faith of the Peacham Church defended. 
 11. Appeal to the Conscience of Rev. Solomon Aiken, 
 concerning his Appeal to the Churches. 12. Ord. Sermon of 
 Rev. Elnathan Gridley and Rev. S. A. Worcester, as Mis 
 sionaries. 13. Sermon on the Alton Outrage. 14. Sermon 
 on the Close of his Ministry. 
 
 40. REV. JOSEPH EMERSON, 
 
 The son of Daniel and Ama (Fletcher) Emerson, was 
 born in Hollis, N. II., 13 Oct., 1777.f 
 
 * Obit, notice, by Rev. D. Merrill. 
 
 t This family have been prolific in ministers. The first ascertained 
 
272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 He pursued his preparatory studies at New Ipswich, N. H., 
 and entered Harvard Univ., whence he graduated, 1798, and 
 A. M. While in college, he became the subject of Divine 
 grace, and made a profession of religion in 1797. He took 
 charge of the Framingham Academy, the first year after 
 graduating, and then officiated as Tutor, at Cambridge, two 
 years, meanwhile studying Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons.* 
 
 In March, 1803, he commenced preaching in Beverly. 
 In June, he received a call, and was ordained over the Third 
 Cong, church in Beverly, 21 Sept., 1803. Dr. Emmons 
 preached at his ordination. While here, his interest in Edu 
 cation prompted him to great exertions for its promotion. 
 He was also occupied in preparing, and publishing his Memoir 
 
 ancestor was Rev. Joseph Emerson, the first minister of Mendon, or 
 dained 1667. When the settlement was broken up by the Indians, he 
 removed to Concord, and died there, 3 Jan., 1680. He m. Elizabeth, 
 dau. of Rev. Peter Bulkier, of Concord. She afterwards married Capt. 
 John Brown, of Reading, whose first wife was Elizabeth, dau, of Rev. 
 John Fiske, first min. of Chelmsford. 
 
 2. Peter Emerson, s. of Rev. Joseph, m. Anna, dau. of Capt. Brown, 
 and was father of Rev. Daniel, of Hollis, N. II. 3. Daniel was b. 20 
 May, 1716 ; converted under Whitefield ; ord. first min. of Hollis, 1743 j 
 chaplain at Crown Point, 1755 ; pastor, over 50 years ; and died, 1801. 
 He m. Hannah, daughter of Rev. Joseph Emerson, of Maiden, (who 
 was son of Edward, and grandson "of Rev. Joseph, of Mendon) 
 and of his wife Mary, daughter of Rav. Samuel Moody, of York. 
 4. Pea. Daniel, son of Rev. Daniel, b. at Hollis, 26 Dec., 1746 ; m. A- 
 ma, daughter of Dea. Joseph and Elizabeth Fletcher, of D unstable. He 
 had 7 ch. : Daniel, Ama, Hannah, Joseph, Ralph, Samuel, and William. 
 He d. 20 Oct., 1820. Farmer. Other branches of this family are 
 equally clerical. 
 
 * While in this office, he shewed the manuscript of Dr. Emmons s 
 Sermon on Activity and Dependence, (which the Dr. was then delibe 
 rating about printing) to Prest. Webber, for his opinion. After re 
 peatedly answering his inquiries, .by saying : I will read it again ; on 
 the third or fourth interview, the President handed the Sermon back 
 to Mr. E., with the exclamatory criticism : It s a plaguy thing! " 
 Rev. T. Williams. 
 
REV. JOSEPH EMERSON. 273 
 
 of Miss l^anny Woodbury, and his Evangelical Primer. 
 Under these additional labors his health failed, and he was 
 seized, in 1811, with a species of paralysis, first in his right 
 wrist, and then in both wrists, so that he was driven from 
 his writing-desk. On a second attack, he was disabled in his 
 ankles ; and, being unable to stand, was compelled to sit and 
 preach. lie bore these painful attacks until serious inroads 
 were made upon his general health, when he felt obliged to 
 renounce his pastoral charge, to the deep regret of himself 
 and his flock. He was dismissed, 21 Sept., 1816, after a set 
 tlement of just 13 years. 
 
 He immediately sailed to the South, to spend the winter. 
 He stopped in Charleston, S. C., where, still laborious, he 
 delivered and published a course of Lectures upon the Mil 
 lennium. . On his return to the North, he established an 
 Academy at Byfield, and, in the winter following, gave a 
 course of Astronomical Lectures in Boston. In 1821, he 
 opened a school in Saugus, and supplied the pulpit at the 
 same time; but he was compelled to seek a southern home, 
 again, at Charleston, for the winter of 1823. Here he re 
 peated his Historical Lectures, which had been given in 
 Beverly. Again he returned to Saugus, but gave up his 
 labors as a minister, in 1825, and removed to Wethersfield, 
 Ct. At this place, he ree ntered upon his favorite business 
 of teaching. During his residence here, he visited Saugus, 
 and gave familiar Lectures upon Pollok s Course of Time. 
 
 Such ceaseless activity cut short his days, and he died at 
 Wethersfield, 13 May, 1833, at the age of 5G. 
 
 Mr. Emerson married Miss Nancy Eaton of Framingham, 
 daughter of Ebenezcr and Rebekah Eaton, and one of his 
 pupils in the Academy. She died 15 June, 1804, within 
 seven months of her marriage, in her 26th year. He next 
 married Miss Eleanor Read of Northbridge, daughter of 
 Thomas and Martha Read, by whom he had one child, a 
 daughter Nancy, still living. Mrs. E. died at Leicester on a 
 
274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 journey for her health, 7 Nov., 1808. Her Memoir has been 
 published. 
 
 Mr. Emerson married a third wife, Miss Rebecca Hazel- 
 tine of Bradford. 
 
 He had nine children in all, six of whom reached ma 
 turity. 
 
 1. Nancy; above mentioned. 
 
 2. Luther; grad. Amherst, 1831, went to Virginia, 1837, 
 and now has charge of Sheremiah Church ( O. S. Presb.) 
 Augusta Co. He m. Miss Catharine Miner, Albemarle 
 
 Co.,Va. 
 
 3. Alfred ; graduated at Yale and Andover ; and ord. at 
 South Reading, 1845. He m. Miss Martha E. Vose, Lan 
 caster. 
 
 4. Ellen ; Teacher in Scottsville, Va., where she died 1848. 
 
 5. Edwin ; died 1841, at Matanzas, Cuba. 
 
 G. John; died 1851, at San Francisco, Cal., whither he 
 went as Captain of a ship. 
 
 Mr. Emerson was, in personal appearance, tall and slender, 
 with a dark complexion, and mild hazel eyes. His motions 
 were quick but not strong. In the latter part of his life, he 
 was much bowed down and emaciated by disease. He pos 
 sessed an attractive vein of pleasantry, and, though he was 
 sometimes reserved, yet generally, the natural enthusiasm of 
 his character imparted a charm to his conversation and made 
 him a most welcome guest and desirable companion. 
 
 As a student, he was diligent beyond the bounds of pru 
 dence. The rapidity with which he multiplied plans for the 
 mental and moral improvement of mankind shows the activi 
 ty of his mind. 
 
 As a Teacher of youth, he was original, practical and suc 
 cessful, and deeply interested in the moral culture of his pu 
 pils. His edition of Watts on the Mind has been and is ex 
 tensively used, and invaluable in its influences. 
 
 As a man, he knew not how to dissemble or wear a mask. 
 
As a Christian, he was characterized by the habitual fervor 
 of his devotional feelings, an earnest love of truth, deep 
 wrought humility, and a warm and expanded benevolence. 
 His last earthly words were " Peace more than peace." 
 
 41. REV. NATHAN WALDO, JR. 
 
 Was a native of Canterbury, Ct. He was not a graduate 
 of any college, but received the honorary degree of A. B. from 
 Dartmouth college in 1 805. He studied theology with Rev. 
 Dr. Emmons, whose doctrinal system he adopted and ardently 
 defended. 
 
 After preaching as a Licentiate about five years, he was 
 ordained at "VVilliamstown, Vt., 26 February, 1806. Rev. 
 Dr. Parish, of Byfield, preached on the occasion. He was 
 dismissed, 8 Sept., 1812, and soon after removed to Orange, 
 N. H. His subsequent history is not known. 
 
 Mr. Waldo was never married. 
 
 In person he was very singular, as well as in some of his 
 habits. lie was tall and slender. His joints seemed to be 
 loose, and his spare, skeleton frame hardly to hold together. 
 His gait was reeling, tottering, and apparently tending to fall. 
 His health was generally good, and both body and mind were 
 capable of much endurance. He was very abstemious of 
 meats, and rich food he ate little. Of fruit he could never eat 
 enough, although he was continually trying the experiment. 
 
 < As a writer, he united great purity of style with precis 
 ion. 
 
 As a man, he was modest, diffident, retiring. His piety 
 was speculative and sedative. * 
 
 His ordination sermon pays this high tribute to his charac 
 ter. " Having been acquainted with your pastor elect from 
 early life ; having known the high approbation and esteem 
 
 * Rev. J. P. Cleveland, D. D., Providence. 
 
276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 which he has enjoyed in many intelligent churches in our 
 part of the country ; knowing, also, his industry, his prudence, 
 his respectable talents, natural and acquired, we cannot but 
 consider it a token of the divine favor, an evidence of redeem 
 ing love, that he is_this day to be set over you in the Lqrd. " 
 
 42. REV. LEVI NELSOX 
 
 Was born in Milford, 8 Aug., 1779. He was the son of 
 Mr. Seth Nelson, and his wife Silence (Cheney) Nelson, both 
 of Milford.* 
 
 He is the youngest, and with the exception of his brother 
 Seth, father of Rev. Henry Kelson, of Auburn, N. Y v 
 the only survivor of eleven children. Rev. Dr. Nelson, 
 of Leicester, is his nephew. 
 
 His hopeful conversion took place in 1795, while preparing 
 for college. He entered the sophomore class of Brown Uni 
 versity, 179G ; left the following June for Williams College, 
 but was arrested by sickness, which induced feeble health 
 for many years, and he was thereby prevented from graduat 
 ing. But encouraged by Rev. Dr. Emmons, with whom he 
 studied theology, he persisted in his intentions to preach the 
 Gospel, and was finally approbated. 
 
 In 1803, he received a commission from the Mass. Miss. 
 Society, to labor six months, in what is now the northern 
 part of Oneida and Lewis counties, N. Y. Poor health 
 prevented his preaching more than sixteen weeks. In Dec. 
 
 * The father, or grandfather of Seth Xelson. came to Milford from 
 Rowley. He was probably a descendant of Thomas Kelson, who came 
 from England, 1G38, bringing two sons, Philip and Thomas, whom lie 
 left in the care of Richard Duinmcr, their great uncle, and returned to 
 England, where he died. Aug., 1648. Philip grad. II. U., 1 054, the only 
 one of that year, and died 1691. He made some trouble in Rowley, by 
 pretending to cure a deaf and dumb boy, by saying Enhphatha. Tho 
 mas, Jr, died 1712, aged 77. Farmer. 
 
REV. JOSEPH CIIEXEY. 277 
 
 and Jan., he preached in Tewksbury. He first preached in 
 Lisbon, Ct., 12 May, 1804, where he was ultimately ordained, 
 5 Dec., of the same year. Rev. D. Long of Milford preached 
 from 1 Cor. 2:2. In this connection he still remains. 
 
 Mr. Nelson married Miss Abigail Tyler, of Mendon. 
 She died in Dec., 1806, within two years of her marriage, 
 leaving a daughter, who was married Jan., 1826, and died 
 in June following. lie next married, Aug., 1809, Miss Mary 
 Hale, of Franklin, Ct., daughter of Joseph Hale, of Coven 
 try, Ct., who was brother to the late Rev. Enoch Hale, of 
 West Hampton. She died childless, 2 May, 1851. 
 
 Mr. Nelson s publications are ; 1. Sermon before For. 
 Miss. Soc y, of Norwich and vicinity, 1813 ; 2. Thanksgiv 
 ing Sermon, 1830 ; 3. Annual Address, before the Norwich 
 and Vicinity Temperance Soc y ; 4. Tract " On Attending 
 Public Worship," 16 pp. ; 5. A letter to the Theol. Profes 
 sors, New Haven, 88 pp., 1848; 6. Letters to the Christian 
 Public, pp. 128,1851. 
 
 43. REV. JOSEPH CHENEY, 
 
 The son of Josiah and Lydia (Gleason) Cheney, was born 
 in Holden, 16 Aug., 1775, graduated at Brown Univ., 1801, 
 and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 
 After Approbation, he preach in various places, until 1807, 
 Sept. 15, when he received and accepted a call to settle in 
 Milton, Vt., where he remained ten years. He was next 
 settled in Salisbury, Vt., March, 1819, and dismissed in 1823. 
 A short time before his dismission he was thrown from a 
 horse. The fall greatly injured his nervous system, and put 
 an end to his preaching, and finally to his life. He died, 6 
 June, 1833, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A very, in 
 Brandon, Vt., in the 58th year of his age, having spent near 
 ly twenty years of active labor in the ministry. 
 
 Mr. Cheney married Miss Elizabeth Preston, of North- 
 bridge. She died Sept., 1819, and he married Miss Hilpha 
 24 
 
IsTo BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Nash, of New Haven, Vt., with whom he lived but a few 
 years. Four children survived him, and still live ; 
 
 1. Elizabeth C. ; married Charles Flagg, Esq., of Holden. 
 now Post-master of East Brookfield. 
 
 2. Lydia C. ; the wife of Mr. Elijah Avery, of Bran 
 don, Vt. 
 
 3. Joseph Preston, of New Braintree. 
 
 4. Willard, Rev. ; pastor of the presb. church, in Spring 
 field, Kentucky.* 
 
 The ministerial character of Mr. Chene} r , is thus sketched 
 by Rev. Mr. Ingraham, the minister of Brandon, at the time 
 of his death. 
 
 " As it regards his knowledge of theology, he stood high 
 among his brethren. As a preacher, he was clear, earnest, 
 and faithful. Many, who were brought into the fold of Christ 
 under his ministrations, will cherish with warm affections, 
 the memory of one who was the instrument, in the hand of 
 God, of leading them to the knowledge of the truth as it is 
 in Jesus. During his last illness, which was of long contin 
 uance, his mind, until it became too much impaired, dwelt 
 much on the revealed character and offices of God manifest 
 in the flesh. He meditated much on the Epistle to the 
 Hebrews, and derived great peace and joy from the views of 
 Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. Such passages 
 as Heb. 12:2, particularly confirmed his hope, strengthened 
 his faith, increased his joy, and elevated his soul." 
 
 44. REV. SHERMAN JOHNSON 
 
 Was born in Southboro , 18 Aug., 1776. His parents were 
 John and Persis (Sherman) Johnson. f 
 
 He graduated at Yale College, 1802, studied theology with 
 
 * Letter of Mrs. E. C. Flagg, E. Brookfield. 
 
 t His grand-parents were Isaac and Rachel Johnson, and Ephraim 
 an d Sherman. Rev. A. Raivson. SoutJtboro\ 
 
REV. GAI US CONANT. 279 
 
 Rev. Dr. Emmons, and was settled in Milford, Ct., in 1804 ; 
 where he died, 1806, aged 30 years. 
 
 He married Miss Sally Daggett, of New Haven, and left 
 one child, Sherman Johnson, Jr., now supposed to be a resident 
 in Hartford, Ct. 
 
 The lack of information, prevents any exhibition of his 
 character, or of his brief ministerial life. 
 
 45. REV. DAVID HOLMAN. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 33.] 
 
 46. REV. GAIUS CONANT 
 
 Was born in Bridgewater 6 September, 1776. His parents 
 were Ezra and Mary Conant. His ancestral line upon both 
 sides unites in Nathaniel Conant of Beverly.* 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1800 ; and studied 
 theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained at Pax- 
 ton, 17 February, 1808 ; and closed his ministry there, May, 
 1 830. He was next installed over the second church in 
 
 * Ezra Conant, his father, was the son of Thomas, and grandson of 
 Nathaniel, Jr., whose father Nathaniel, came from Beverly to South 
 Bridgewater, before 1690. His mother, Mary, was daughter of David 
 Conant, Jr., whose father David, was son of William Conant, brother 
 of Nathaniel, Jr., just mentioned. This Nathaniel Conant, was probably 
 son of Lot Conant, a son of Roger Conant, immigrant at Plymouth, 
 1623, and who built the first house in Salem, 1626. 
 
 Roger is supposed to be brother of Dr. John Conant, one of the 
 Westminster Assembly of Divines. History of Bridyeivater, p. 140. If 
 so, he was the son of Richard and Agnes Conant, and born, April, 1591, 
 at Budligh, Devonshire, Eng., and grandson of John Conant, " descended 
 from ingenious parents of Gittisham, near Honiton, whose ancestors, for 
 many generations, have been fixed there, but originally of French x- 
 traction." Gibbs, in Farmer. 
 
280 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Plymouth, 24 April, 1834 ; and dismissed April, 1841, on ac 
 count of the failure of his health. He then retired to Pax- 
 ton, where he now resides. 
 
 Mr. Conant married Cassandra Whitman, daughter of 
 
 Mr. Zechariah Whitman of Bridgewater. She died, . 
 
 and he married Mrs. Chloe Leonard, widow of Mr. Jonas 
 Leonard, and daughter of Mr. Jesse Allen, all of Bridgewa 
 ter. 
 
 He has had six children. Five sons and one daughter. 
 The oldest, Cyrus Whitman, is amongst those approbated by 
 this association. (See Licentiates, No. 86.) 
 
 47. REV. DANIEL THOMAS. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 41.] 
 
 48. REV. STEPHEN CHAPIN, D. D. 
 
 Was born in Milford, 1778, and was the son of Stephen 
 Chapin and his wife, Rachel (Rawson) Chapin. She was a 
 descendant in the fifth generation from secretary Edward 
 Rawson. 
 
 Dr. Chapin graduated at Harvard, 1804, and S. T. D.. 
 Brown Univ. 1822, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. 
 Emmons. He was ordained at Hillsboro , N. H., 19 June, 
 1805, and dismissed 12 May, 1808. Installed at Mt. Vernon, 
 N. H., 15 Nov., 1809, and dismissed 18 Nov., 1818, on ac 
 count of a change in his views respecting the mode of Bap 
 tism. He next preached at North Yarmouth, Me., and was 
 afterwards, in 1822, elected professor of sacred theology, in 
 Waterville College, which office he continued to fill until 
 1828. He was then called to the presidency of Columbian 
 College, just established at Washington, D. C. This trust 
 he fulfilled until his death, 1 Oct., 1845, at the pge of 67. 
 
REV. STEPHEN CHAFIN,D.D. 281 
 
 In 1809, Dr. Chapin married Miss Sarah Mosher, of Hol- 
 lis, N. II. She, with three sons and two daughters, survived 
 him.* 
 
 Dr. Chapin possessed many admirable traits of character. 
 
 " His mind was not brilliant, but close, discriminating, pa 
 tient, and careful in investigation. He loved to study, 
 yet he seemed to have but one object in view, to make a 
 sanctified use of all the knowledge he could acquire. He 
 possessed an excellent literary taste, and his style of com 
 position, for purity, precision, and a chaste and elegant 
 simplicity, has rarely been excelled. His thoughts were 
 always most carefully considered, and the utmost pains taken 
 to present them in the clearest, most simple, and at the same 
 time, most impressive manner. He lacked the graces of 
 person and delivery, yet his performances were listened to 
 with pleasure and profit. The Bible was his daily study and 
 delight, especially towards the close of his life. Next to the 
 Bible, he loved the works of the old English Divines." In sen 
 timents he closely agreed with his theological instructor. 
 
 Though somewhat reserved in manners, and, to strangers, 
 appearing rather distant, yet to his friends and family he 
 was steadily and strongly attached. 
 
 " The crowning excellence of his character, was his con 
 sistent and devoted piety. He appeared, in a far more 
 emphatic sense than is common, to regard himself as belong 
 ing to Christ, and to be only anxious to employ himself and all 
 that he had in his service. His simple-hearted ingenuous, 
 and underrating piety, made the strongest impression upon 
 the minds of all who knew him."| 
 
 A list of his publications has not been collected. A ser 
 mon of his was published, delivered before the Trustees of 
 
 * llev. W. B. Sprague, D. D., Albany. 
 
 t Rev. J. S. Bacon, D. D., Pres t of Columbian Coll., Washington, 
 1). C. 
 
 24* 
 
282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES- 
 
 Columbian College, with an obituary notice of its founder, 
 Rev. Luther Rice. Sermon before the Me. Bap. Ed. Socie 
 ty, 1820. Also a sermon addressed to Mariners, North Yar 
 mouth, Me., 1821. 
 
 49. REV. ELNATHAN WALKER 
 
 Was born inTaunton, 18 Feb., 1780, and was the son of 
 Peter and Deborah Walker. He fitted for college at Bristol 
 Academy, Taunton, under Rev. Simeon Doggett, and gradua 
 ted at Brown Univ., 1803. He studied theology with Rev. 
 Dr. Emmons, was settled over the Presb. church in Homer, 
 
 N. Y., 25 Oct., 1809, and died there in the ministry, 4 . 
 
 1820, aged 40. 
 
 Mr. Walker married Miss Aurelia King, of Sharon, Ct, 
 in 1809, and had three children, two sons and a daughter. 
 James was lost at sea in the steamship " Home," 9 Oct., 1837. 
 Elnathan G. is a merchant in W. New York.* 
 
 Mr. Walker was a slow, but patient and thorough scholar. 
 In his youth he was sedate, amiable, and beloved by all in 
 his native place. His mature character, is thus sketched in 
 an obituary in the " Cortland Repository : " 
 
 " As a man, Mr. Walker possessed an assemblage of ami 
 able qualities. As a Christian, he was diligent and exempla 
 ry. As a minister, fie set an example of prudence, patience, 
 and fidelity. 
 
 He was a firm advocate for the doctrines of grace. He 
 preached them plainly and cheerfully, and decidedly bore 
 testimony in their favor on his dying bed. He was a friend 
 to revivals of religion by the efficacious influence of the 
 Holy Spirit. No less than three general revivals were ex- 
 perienced in the congregation during his pastoral connection 
 with them, and four hundred and sixty-eight members were 
 added to the church. 
 
 * Letter of Rev. A. Cobh, Taunton. 
 
REV. ELNATHAN WALKER. 283 
 
 It is related,* that several persons became at one time 
 somewhat uneasy under Mr. Walker s ministry, and agitated 
 the subject of his dismission. He promptly responded to 
 the suggestion, and a council was invited to consider the 
 question. An anxious people assembled to await the result. 
 The Moderator opened the session with a prayer of peculiar 
 fervor and earnestness, especially praying for the movers of 
 so responsible a step as severing the pastoral relation. The 
 spirit of the prayer awakened new thoughts and feelings in 
 the assembly. At its close, one of the chief agitators request 
 ed a delay of the proceedings, and moved, before the church, 
 a reconsideration of the matter to be presented to the council ; 
 which motion was unanimously carried. 
 
 The council, instead of dismissing the pastor, were invited 
 to stay and assist him in gathering in the fruits of a most ex 
 tensive and precious revival, of which God s answer to that 
 prayer was the beginning. The question of his dismission 
 was never afterwards agitated. 
 
 " Mr. Walker s funeral was attended by more than two 
 thousand people, assembled to pay their last tribute of res 
 pect to departed worth. Eleven of the neighboring clergy 
 men were present. The funeral sermon was preached by 
 Rev. Mr, Lansing, from Heb. 11 : 27 ; " For he endured as 
 seeing Him who is invisible." 
 
 50. MR. ALGERNON S. BAILEY 
 
 Was born in Berlin, 11 May, 1782. He was the son of 
 Dea. Stephen and Sally (Crosby) Bailey. His mother was 
 the daughter of Doct, Samuel and Azubah Crosby of Shrews 
 bury, afterwards of Winchendon.t 
 
 Mr. Bailey s attention was specially turned to personal re- 
 
 * Rev. S. Raymond, Briclgcwater. 
 f Letter of Rev. II. Adams, Berlin. 
 
284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 ligion, by the labors of his room-mate, while he was prepar 
 ing for college. He joined the church at Berlin, March, 1803, 
 and entered Harvard University the same year. But he 
 left Cambridge, and joined the Junior Class at Williams 
 College ; where he graduated in 1806. In March 9f this 
 year, he was attacked severely with pleurisy, which devel 
 oped his hereditary and final disease, Consumption. 
 
 After his approbation, Mr. Bailey commenced preaching 
 in Douglas, but he preached only until Jan., 1807, when he 
 was compelled to leave the pulpit on account of his failing 
 health. He removed to Philadelphia, but the change result 
 ed in no special benefit. The Winter of 1808, he spent in 
 New York, still without visible improvement. He returned 
 home to Berlin in the Spring, but his disease rapidly gained 
 upon him, and he died 26 May, 1808, at the age of 26 
 years. 
 
 Mr. Bailey was neither ordained nor married. 
 
 His natural abilities and devoted spirit promised much 
 usefulness. But his brief public life awakened high expecta 
 tions only to disappoint them. 
 
 " He had a clear, discriminating mind, and promised to be 
 a potent advocate of the distinguishing doctrines of revealed 
 religion. His zeal was fervent, and rose superior to every 
 discouragement. In his prayers, he was uncommonly de 
 vout, collected, humble ; in his endeavors to do good, un 
 wearied."* 
 
 Mr. Bailey is the author of "Letters on Fashionable 
 Amusements," in the Missionary Magazine, Vol. II. ; and 
 also of " Letters to the Young," in Vol. IV. of the same 
 work. 
 
 51. REV. SAMUEL W. COLBURN. 
 
 [See Members, No. 35.] 
 
 * Panoplist and Miss. Mag., Jan., 1809. 
 
52. REV. NATHANIEL RAWSON 
 
 Was the son of Dea. Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Ndson) 
 Rawson of Mendon, where he was born 26 Feb., 1780.* 
 
 He received a good academic education, but did not 
 graduate, and studied Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. 
 He was ordained in Hardwick, Vt., 13 Feb., 1811, and dis 
 missed, 30 May, 1817. He then preached, until 1834, as a 
 missionary, in Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and 
 Canada. Owing to bodily infirmity, he removed to Hamp 
 ton, Ct., where he spent the rest of his life in cultivating a 
 farm which belonged to his second wife. He was killed in 
 stantly, by lightning, while raking hay in his field, July, 
 1845, at the age of 65. 
 
 Mr. Rawson married!, first, Miss Betsey Fitch, daughter 
 of Rev. Elijah Fitch, of Hopkinton. His second wife was 
 Miss Sarah Piper, of Hampton, Ct. He had six children ; 
 five of whom, with his wife, survived him. 
 
 " He was a large, stout man ; kind, peaceable, retiring, and 
 somewhat melancholy in his disposition. His mind was clear 
 and strong, though far from showy. His theological views 
 harmonized closely with those of his teacher, Dr. Emrnoiis. 
 
 " He often expressed a preference for a death without any 
 warning, like, that from a stroke of lightning, a wish 
 which, in his case, was singularly granted. He not only died 
 in a moment, but was buried in less than twenty-four hours 
 from the time he entered his field in health."f 
 
 * Dca. N. Rawson was the son of Thomas and Anna (Waldron) 
 Rawson, and grandson of Wilson and Margaret (Arthur, of Nantucket) 
 Rawson, who was the son of Rev. Grindal Rawson, of Mendon, whose 
 father was Edward, the well known Secretary of the Mass. Colony. 
 /list, and Gcneal. Register: 
 
 t Letter of Rev. W. Barnes, of Foxboro , formerly of Hampton, Ct. 
 
286 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 53. MR. ISAAC PERKINS LOWE. 
 
 He is supposed to be still alive ; but no information has 
 been obtained of him or about him, other than that he is not 
 a graduate of any college, and is not known to have ever 
 been ordained. 
 
 54. REV. MARTIN MOORE 
 
 Was born in Sterling, 1790, and the son of Jonathan and 
 Elizabeth (Richardson) Moore, whose ancestors appear 
 amongst the original settlers of Sudbury.* 
 
 He graduated at Brown Univ., 1810, and A. M., and then 
 took charge of Wrentham Academy four years ; during which 
 time he studied Theology with Rev. E. Fisk. 
 
 He was ordained in Natick, 16 Feb., 1814, and dismissed 
 Aug., 1833. Installed at Cohasset, 4 Sept., 1833, and dis 
 missed, Aug., 1841. In Jan., 1844, he became editor and 
 proprietor oft he " Boston Recorder ;" now united with the 
 " New England Puritan," and issued as the " Puritan Re 
 corder," with which paper he is jointly connected, as editor 
 and proprietor. 
 
 Mr. Moore married Miss Sarah Fisk, of Natick, and has 
 several children. His oldest son, Jonathan F., graduated at 
 Middlebury, 1838, and is a Lawyer in Boston. His third 
 son, Francis C., is of the well-known firm of Damrell & 
 Moore, Printers, Boston. 
 
 Mr. Moore has published several volumes and pamphlets. 
 Among them are : Memoir of Rev. John Elliot, 1822 ; 
 2d ed., 1842 ; History of Natick, 1817 ; Memoir of Sophro- 
 nia Lawrence, Boston ; Revival of 1842, with a History of 
 Evangelical Religion in Boston ; the " Old Way of the Pil 
 grims," 1835. 
 
 * John Moore was in Sudbury in 1643, and died, 6 June, 1G74. He 
 had a son Jacob, bom 1645. Farmer 
 
REV. JOHN B U R T WIGHT. 287 
 
 55. REV. JOHN HURT WIGHT 
 
 Was born in Bristol, E. I., 7 May, 1790, and was the son 
 of Rev. Henry Wight, D. D.* His mother was Alice Bur- 
 rington. 
 
 He graduated, with the highest honors of his class, at 
 Brown Univ., 1808, and A. M. ; also A. M., at Harvard, 
 181G. He studied Theology with Dr. Emmons, and was or 
 dained in Wayland, 25 Jan., 1815. He was dismissed in 
 May, 1835. He was next settled over the First Congrega 
 tional church in Castine, Me., from 1836 to 1839. Then 
 over the two associated churches, in Milford and Amherst, 
 N. II., from 1839 to 1841 ; and over the First Congrega 
 tional church in North Dennis, from 1842 to 1846. Since 
 this last date, he has resided in Wayland, where he was first 
 settled. 
 
 Mr. Wight married Miss Sarah Grout, of Sudbury, by 
 whom he has had four children : Martha, Henry, Sarah, and 
 John. 
 
 Henry married Miss Isabella Mann, of Orford, Me., 28 
 May, 1848, and resides in Wayland. 
 
 Sarah was married, 14 Jan., 1852, to Mr. Edward P. 
 Bond, of Boston. They reside in Kawai, one of the Sand 
 wich Islands. 
 
 56. REV. JOSEFIIUS WHEATON. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 38.] 
 
 * Rev. Dr. Wight, for over fifty years the pastor of the church in 
 Bristol, R. I. : and, for many years, was one of the Fellows of Brown 
 Univ. He was born in Medfield, 1752; Harv., 1782; ordained, 5 
 Jan., 1785: dis., 11 Nov., 1828; and died, Aug.. 1837, aged 84. 
 
 The ancestral line is as follows : 
 
 1. Thomas Wight, immigrant from the Isle of Wight, England, 1637. 
 
 2. His son, Samuel Wight, of Dedham. 3. Jonathan Wight. 
 4. Jonathan Wight, Jr., of Medfield. 5. Rev. Henry Wight, D. P., of 
 Bristol. 6. Rev. John B. Wight, of Sndbury. 
 
288 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 57. REV. EMERSON PAINE 
 
 Was born in Foxboro , 5 Dec., 1786. He was the son of 
 Abiel and Cynthia (Robinson) Paine.* 
 
 He obtained a liberal education through his own exertions, 
 and graduated at Brown University, in 1813 ; studied divin 
 ity with Rev. Dr. Emmons ; and was ordained in Middle- 
 boro , 14 Feb., 181 G. He was dismissed by a Council, called 
 at his own request, 4 June, 1822. In Nov. 20, of the, same 
 year, he was installed at Little Compton, R. I., whence he 
 was dismissed, on account of his health, 20 April, 1835. 
 He preached again, a few months, in Middleboro , until 
 invited to labor in Halifax, where he continued to preach 
 until his death, which occurred 26 April, 1851, at the age 
 of 65. 
 
 Mr. Paine married Miss Lydia Pendleton, of Dighton. 
 who still resides in Halifax. They had five children, of whom 
 four survive. 
 
 1. Joseph Emerson : m. Eliza Rebecca Glover, of Milton, 
 and lives in New York. 
 
 2. Charles Henry; m. Mercy Bryant, of Halifax, and 
 resides in that town. 
 
 3. Horatio Edwards ; m. and lives in Bridgewater. 
 
 4. Mary Niles ; m. to William Holmes, of Halifax, and 
 lives there. 
 
 " Mr. Paine was an able vindicator of Dr. Emmons ^ 
 Theology. He was a man of unblemished reputation, of a 
 benevolent heart, of an humble, Christian walk, and of deep 
 sympathy for his people ; but a Boanerges to the sinner. 
 in the hands of an angry God. His great topic of conso- 
 
 * His father and grandfather, both named William, came from Mai 
 den. William Paine, Jr. m. Mary Bull, dau. of Jacob Bull, of Dor 
 chester. He and his wife both migrated to Mansfield on the same day. 
 at the ages of 15 and 13. Mrs. B. S. Paine. 
 
REV. ENOCH POND, D . D . 289 
 
 lation for all in affliction was, full, entire, absolute, and un 
 conditional submission to the will of God ; perfect trust in 
 Him, as infinitely wise and good, and who doeth all things 
 well. And in this frame of mind he gave up his spirit. 
 
 A volume of his Sermons has been printed, and they 
 exhibit deep and energetic thought and true orthodoxy."* 
 
 He published a 4th of July Oration before the Students 
 of Brown Univ., 1813; Farewell Sermons at Middleboro , 
 1822; Funeral Sermon of Mr. S. S. Sturtevant, Halifax, 
 1839 ; a volume of Sermons, 8vo, 1842. 
 
 58. REV. ENOCH POND, D. D. 
 
 Is a native of Wrentham, north parish, where he was born 
 29 July, 1791. His parents were Dea. Elijah and Mary 
 (Smith) Pond.f 
 
 He graduated at Brown University in 1813, and A. M. ; 
 S. T. D., Dartmouth, 1835 ; studied Theology with Dr. Em- 
 mons, and was ordained at Ward, 1 March, 1815. He resigned 
 his charge, 22 Oct., 1828, to take the editorial care of the 
 " Spirit of the Pilgrims ; " the first five volumes of which 
 were published under his supervision. In the spring of 1832, 
 while residing at Cambridge, he was elected Professor of sys 
 tematic Theology in the Seminary at Bangor, Me. ; and was 
 inaugurated in the autumn following. He still occupies the 
 Professor s chair in that institution, a post filled from the 
 beginning, and acceptably, by pupils of the celebrated Dr. 
 Emmons. 
 
 Dr. Pond married, first, Miss Wealthy M. Hawes, daugh 
 ter of William and Eunice Hawes of Wrentham. She died 
 Sept., 1824, leaving three children : the youngest of whom 
 was Rev. Enoch Pond, Jr., grad. Bowdoin, 1838, and at Ban 
 gor, and was settled at Georgetown, where he died, 17 Dec., 
 
 * Puritan Recorder, 15 May, 1851. 
 
 t For paternal ancestry, see Note on Rev. Enoch Pond, Lie. No. 17. 
 25 
 
290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 1846, aet, 26. His second wife was Miss Julia Ann Maltby, 
 daughter of John and Elizabeth Maltby of Northford, Ct., and 
 sister of Rev. J. Maltby of Bangor. She died Sept., 1838, 
 leaving five children. His present wife was Mrs. Anne M. 
 Pearson of Bangor, formerly Miss Anne Mason of Dedham. 
 Of his eight children, six survive and are all hopefully 
 pious. 
 
 His eldest son living, Wm. C. Pond, grad. .at Bowdoin, 
 1849 ; at Bangor, 1852. Was ordained as evangelist, and 
 sailed, 13 Nov., 1852, as missionary for California. He mar 
 ried Miss Caroline A. Woodhull, daughter of Rev. R. Wood- 
 hull of Thomaston, Me. 
 
 His second son, Jeremiah E., is in Bowdoin Col., preparing 
 for the ministry. 
 
 Dr. Pond is the author of several valuable contributions to 
 the leading Quarterlies, and religious newspapers, and also 
 has published some distinct volumes. Review of Sweden- 
 borgianism, of Millerism, etc. 
 
 59. REV. ALYAN COBB. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 37.] 
 
 60. KEY. JONAS PERKINS 
 
 Was born in North Bridge water in 1790, and is the son 
 of Josiah, Jr. and Anna (Reynolds) Perkins.* 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1813, and A. M., and 
 studied theology with Rev. Otis Thompson of Rehoboth. He 
 was ordained pastor of the Union church of Weymouth and 
 Braintree, 14 June, 1815. He still remains in the same field, 
 one of the few pastors who, in these unquiet times, have the 
 strength i to sit still. 
 
 * He descended from Mark Perkins, who came to Bridgewatcr 
 from Ipswich, 1741. His eldest on, Josiah, was grandfather to Rev. Jo 
 nas Perkins. 
 
REV. STETSOX RAYMOND. 291 
 
 Mr. Perkins married Miss Rhoda Keith, daughter of Mr. 
 Simeon Keith of Bridgewater, and has two children. 
 
 61. REV. STETSON RAYMOND 
 
 Is a native of Middleboro , and the son of Samuel Ray 
 mond.* 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1814, and A. M., and 
 studied theology with Rev. O. Thompson of Rehoboth. He 
 was ordained, 9 April, 1817, at Chatham, and dismissed 24 
 June, 1829. He was next installed, 20 Sept., 1829, as the 
 first minister at Assonet in Freetown, whence he took a dis 
 mission Nov., 1836. He was settled, 1 Jan y, 1837, over the 
 Trinitarian church in Bridgewater, Scotland parish, and 
 was dismissed 1 April, 1851. He still resides in that place. 
 
 Mr. Raymond married Miss Deborah Loud, daughter of 
 Mr. Elliot Loud of Weymouth. He has four children, two 
 sons and two daughters. 
 
 1. Sophia Loud, m. to Mr. Otis Bullard of Boston. 
 
 2. Samuel Elliot, m. Lucretia Bryant of Bridgewater, and 
 resides in New Bedford. 
 
 3. Francis Henry, in Boston, and 4. Ann Sarah, at home. 
 
 62. REV. LOT B. SULLIVAN 
 
 "Was born in Wareham, 27 June, 1790. His Father was 
 Lot Bumpas, a descendant of Edward Bumpas or Bonpasse, 
 of Plymouth, 1623. The name of Sullivan was adopted by 
 himself. 
 
 He fitted for College with Rev. Samuel Wood, D. D., 
 of Boscawen, N. H., and grad. at Brown University, 1814. 
 
 * Samuel R. was the only son of Ebenezer Raymond, who married 
 the daughter of Rev. Mr. Fuller, first minister of Middleboro . 
 
292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 He studied theology with Rev. Otis Thompson of Rehoboth. 
 After receiving approbation to preach the Gospel, he went 
 into the missionary field of the Western Reserve, Ohio. He 
 was ordained over the Congregational and Presbyterian 
 church in Lyme, Huron Co., Ohio, 14 June, 1820. He la 
 bored here until 19 Feb., 1824, when he left and preached as a 
 stated supply in Wellington, and Medina, Loraine Co., in 1824 ; 
 and in Canfield, Trumbull Co., from I May, 1825, to 1 May, 
 1826. Thence he preached about a dozen years in Durham- 
 ville, Oneida Co., N. Y., and in other places in Western New 
 York. His health, by this time, in a great measure failed him, 
 and he returned to Massachusetts, in 1840, where he has 
 since been able to labor in the Gospel occasionally. He is 
 at this date, 1851, supplying the pulpit in West Tisbury, 
 Martha s Vineyard. 
 
 Mr. Sullivan married Miss Lydia Stetson of Scituate, and 
 has four children. 
 
 63. REV. MOSES PARTRIDGE 
 
 Was born in Medway, or Bellingham, the adjoining town. 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1814, and studied The 
 ology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. After his approbation, he 
 engaged in the service of the Mass. Missionary Society. 
 
 In 1817, he preached some time in Freetown, and then , 
 removed to Penobscot Co., Me., where he preached, some 
 years, under the same commission. On his return to Massa 
 chusetts, he received and accepted a call to settle over the 
 church at Manomet Point, Plymouth. Within a short time 
 after his ordination he died, 25 Sept., 1824, aged 36. 
 
 His early departure was universally lamented, as the loss 
 of a devoted and faithful laborer, and one promising great 
 usefulness amongst the people to whom a few months only 
 had greatly endeared him. He was unmarried, and is not 
 known to have left any printed publications. 
 
MR. JOHN LUKE PARKHURST. 293 
 
 64. MR. JOHN LUKE PARKHURST 
 
 Was born in Framingham, 7 Sept., 1789. He was the son 
 of Ephraim and Betsey (Luke) Parkhurst, and descendant 
 of George Parkhurst, one of the immigrant settlers of the 
 town.* 
 
 At the age of 20, he began the business of school teaching, 
 in East Sudbury, at the same time pursuing his studies; 
 which method he pursued through his whole course. He 
 entered Brown University one year in advance, and gradu 
 ated in 1812. He taught school in Needham the remainder 
 of the year ; and, in 1814, had charge of Wrentham Acade 
 my. He studied Theology at Andover ; and, after appro 
 bation by this Association, he commenced preaching at 
 Plymouth. 
 
 The exercise of speaking in public affected him unpleas 
 antly, and he resigned the idea of settling in the ministry, 
 but devoted himself to his favorite employment of teaching, 
 occupying the desk occasionally, as Providence called him. 
 
 He was, in succession, Preceptor of the Academies at Am- 
 herst, from 5 Dec., 1817 to the fall of 1819 ; of Plainfield, 
 N. II., until May, 1821 ; and of Gilmanton, N. H., until 29 
 Apl., 1825. He then spent a year in a Monitorial School, at 
 Wiscasset, Me., and returned to Gilmanton Academy, where 
 he continued until Aug., 1832. In the mean time, he vigo 
 rously applied his pen to raising the standard of Common 
 Schools, and also had the editorial care of the Christian Mir 
 ror, Portland, in 1826. 
 
 * The ancestral line of the family is as follows : Ephraira Parkhurst, 
 h. 1765, was the son of Josiah and Elizabeth (Bigelow) P., b. 1737, 
 who was the son of Josiah and Sarah (Carter) P., b. 1706, who was the 
 son of John and Abigail (Morse) P., b. 1671, who was the son of John 
 
 and Abigail , b. 1644, who was the son of George and Sara (Brown) 
 
 P., b. about 1618, who was the son of George and Susanna P., immigrant 
 ancestors. Hist. Framingham, p. 352. 
 
 25* 
 
294: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 After leaving Gilmanton, in 1832, he opened a family- 
 school for boys, in Portland, which continued two years. He 
 then removed to Standish, Me., and taught a family boarding 
 school, until May, 1843. His vigor now declined, and he 
 withdrew to a small farm in Gorham, Me., where he closed 
 his life, 20 May, 1850. 
 
 Four years before his death, he was deprived, by a para 
 lytic stroke, of the use of his right hand. This led him to the 
 study of Phonography, and to teaching it to his children. 
 He finally died of consumption, in his conscious intervals re 
 joicing in the end of his laborious career. His grave-stone 
 has this simple inscription : 
 
 DIED. K)1IX I,. I ARKIIURST, MAY 50, 1850. 
 AGED 61. 
 
 Mr. Parkhurst married, 30 Aug., 1819, Persis Goodale, 
 daughter of Dea. Abner and Mary Goodale, of Marlboro . 
 She died at Wiscasset, Me., 25 Jan., 1829, aged 34, leaving 
 three sons. His second wife was Maria C., daughter of 
 James and Sarah Harriman, of Wiscasset. She now lives, 
 a widow, in Gardiner, Me. His children are as follows : 
 
 1. William Goodale ; married, and is an assistant phono 
 graphic reporter, at Washington, D. C. 
 
 2. Henry Martyn ; m., and has been phonographic reporter 
 for the Senate four years. 
 
 3. Edward Warren ; m., and is fancy painter at Gardiner, 
 Me. 
 
 4. John Thurston ; farmer, Gorham, Me. 
 
 5. Sarah Elizabeth ; Assistant to her brother Henry M., 
 as reporter. 
 
 6. Charles Stewart ; resides in Bath, apprentice to a 
 painter. 
 
 7. Leonard Woods ; resided on a farm, in Gorham. 
 
 8. Alpheus Crosby ; similarly employed in the same town. 
 
 9. Melville Cox ; resides with his mother, in Gardiner. 
 
MR. JOHN LUKE PABKHUEST. 295 
 
 Mr. Parkhurst published several school-books and treatises 
 upon education ; 1. A Systematic Introduction to English 
 Grammar, 1820. 2. The Teachers Guide and Parents As 
 sistant, 1821. 3. Elements of Moral Philosophy, 1832, 
 which passed through two editions. 4. First Lessons in 
 Reading and Spelling, two editions. 5. English Grammar 
 for beginners, 1838. G. First Lessons in Latin. He also 
 compiled a little work, containing Letters on Marriage, by 
 Dr. Witherspoon."* 
 
 Mr. Parkhurst was of unexceptionable piety, and singly 
 devoted to the good of his fellow beings. 
 
 As a preacher, though he was not popular, he was correct, 
 logical, and very systematic in the exhibition of Divine 
 truth. His Moral Philosophy, worthy of a reprint, exhibits 
 his mental structure, his exactness, and discrimination, and 
 reverence for revealed truth. 
 
 His very precision and exactness, however, were so refined 
 as to diminish much from his influence and usefulness. He 
 could not conform to others, even in little things, nor touch 
 men at points enough to make definite impressions. His 
 metaphysical ideas were often too abstract for practical pur 
 poses, ancl^gave such a fixedness to his manners and habits as 
 allowed no deviation, even in things indifferent. He would 
 carry a fish from the market to his house, borne horizontally 
 in his two hands, as one would carry an infant, because this 
 was its natural position in its native element. All things 
 with him had their reason, sometimes many reasons. Such 
 niceties probably interfered with his immediate usefulness, 
 by making first impressions unfavorable, yet his life was 
 by no means unimpressive or useless. As a teacher of youth, 
 he made impressions permanent as existence, and the 
 happy influences of his care and instructions are still spoken of 
 
 Mrs. M. C. Parkhurst, Gardiner, Me. 
 
296 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 in the highest terms by parents who placed their children in 
 his family school.* 
 
 65. REV. WILLARD HOLBROOK 
 
 Is a native of Uxbridge, but early removed to Button. 
 His father was Stephen Holbrook,t a native of Bellingham. 
 His mother, still living in Sutton, was Mary, daughter of 
 Jesse Penniman, of Mendon. 
 
 He prepared for College, in part, at the Sutton Grammar 
 School, under Mr. Hall, son of Dr. D. Hall, partly at Lei 
 cester, and finally with Rev. Mr. Goffe, of Millbury. He 
 entered the second class in Brown University, and graduated, 
 1814, and A. M. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Em- 
 mons, and at his suggestion, completed a regular course at 
 Andover, 1817. 
 
 He engaged as missionary six months, at Nottingham 
 West, N. H., now Hudson, where he declined an invitation 
 to settle as pastor. He commenced preaching at Rowley, 
 the first Sabbath in April, 1818, and was ordained there 22 
 July, 1818. He was honorably dismissed, 12 May, 1840, 
 and installed over the church at Millville, in Mandon, now 
 Blackstone, 18 Aug., 1841, where he was dismissed, 19 Feb., 
 1850. In April following, he removed to his own house, in 
 Rowley, where he still lives. Since March, 1851, he has 
 supplied the pulpit of the West parish, in Ipswich, (Line- 
 brook). 
 
 Mr. Holbrook married Miss Margaret Crocker, daughter 
 of Mr. John Crocker, and his wife Margaret (Choate) Crock 
 er, aunt of Hon. Rufus Choate. She and her parents were 
 natives of Ipswich, but early removed to Derry, N. H. 
 
 * Letters of Rev. Drs. Pond, of Bangor, and Cummings, of Portland. 
 
 t Stephen Holbrook was son of Stephen, who was a son of Simeon, 
 
 a descendant of Dea. Peter Holbrook, one of the first settlers of Mendon. 
 
11 E V . ABEL MANNING. 297 
 
 They have had six children, of whom the three youngest, 
 daughters, died in infancy. 
 
 Amory, the eldest, grad. Bowdoin Coll., 1841, studied law 
 with Hon. Rufus Choate, and Judge Perkins, of Salem, and 
 has been for over two years, District Attorney for Oregon. 
 
 2. John Crocker; died in 1829, at 7 years of age. 
 
 3. Willard R. ; is merchant in New York. 
 Mr. Holbrook has issued no publications. 
 
 66. REV. ABEL MANNING 
 
 Was born in Sterling, March, 1788, but pursued his 
 studies in the adjoining town of Holden, and he is men 
 tioned as an inhabitant of Holden in the history of Holden 
 by Rev. S. C. Damon. 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1817, and imme 
 diately commenced the study of theology with Rev. Dr. 
 Emmons. 
 
 He commenced preaching in Candia, N. H., thence went to 
 Pittsfield, and afterwards to Goffstown, in the same State, 
 where his labors of several months were blessed with an in 
 teresting revival and the hopeful conversion of nearly a 
 hundred souls. He left Goffstown for Plymouth, Vt, as a 
 missionary to a small and feeble church, which had never en 
 joyed a settled ministry. An extensive revival prepared the 
 way for his settlement, and he was ordained at Plymouth, 
 8 Nov., 1820 : where he continued until dismissed, May, 
 1824, by an ecclesiastical council, for want of support. 
 
 After laboring two years in Goshen and vicinity, as a 
 missionary of the N. H. Miss. Society, he was employed 
 nearly five years, by the Presbyterian church at Chester, 
 now Auburn. But as they were feeble and he was " no Pres 
 byterian," he was not installed. He next preached three 
 years in Epsom, and again three years in Ossipee; all in 
 N. I!., and excepting Chester, missionary ground. 
 
298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 In 1838, Mr. Manning came to Dartmouth in this State, 
 and labored there a year, as the successor of Rev. T. T. 
 Richmond. In 1839, he preached for a season in Barring- 
 ton, R. L, and then returned again to his former fields of la 
 bor inN. Hampshire, where he preached until 1844. Since 
 this last date he has preached but occasionally. He now re 
 sides in Pembroke, N. H. 
 
 His wife was Miss Mary Little of Goffstown, N. II. 
 
 They have had no children. 
 
 G7. REV. WILLIAM TYLER 
 
 Is the oldest son of Ebenezer Tyler, Esq., late of Paw- 
 tucket,* and was born in Attleboro , 7 Jan., 1789. 
 
 He graduated at Brown Univ., 1809, and studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was settled over the second 
 church in Wey mouth, 24 Feb y, 1819, dismissed 17 Oct., 
 1831 ; Installed at South Hadley Falls, 10 Aug., 1832, and 
 dismissed in 1839, by the same council which ordained his 
 successor, Rev. W. W. Thayer. He afterwards preached in 
 Pelham, New Salem, Erving and Shutesbury. For some 
 time he resided in Northampton, but is now at Pawtucket. 
 Mr. Tyler married Betsey, daughter of Jacob Balcom, Esq., 
 of Attleboro . She died at Weymonth, 9 June, 1822, aged 
 32, leaving one son, William Ebenezer ; who graduated at 
 Amherst Coll., Oct., 1844, and is now a teacher in Jasper, Steu- 
 ben Co., N. Y. His second and present wife is Nancy W., 
 daughter of Mr. Ebenezer Newell of Natick, who has six 
 children, four sons and two daughters. Elizabeth, resides at 
 home. The second daughter, Annie N., is a teacher at Fair- 
 mount, near Cincinnati, O. Henry E. is clerk with a dis- 
 
 *The immigrant ancestor of Mr. Tyler was Job Tyler, b. 1619; 
 came to N. E., 1639, and was one of the original proprietors of And over. 
 He afterwards settled in Memlon. His grandson, Ebenezer. removed 
 from Mendon to Attleboro , 1709, and was great grandfather to Rev. 
 William Tyler. 
 
BEV. JONATHAN LONGLEY. 299 
 
 ponsing apothecary in Providence, R. I. The Junior mem 
 bers of his family are, Evarts C., clerk in a drug house, N. Y. 
 city. Edmund W., bookbinder. Francis M. W., at home. 
 Mr. Tyler has issued no publications. 
 
 G8. REV. JONATHAN LONGLEY, 
 
 The son of James and Polly Longley, was born in 
 Boy 1st on, 1790. 
 
 In 1811, he entered Harvard University; but straitened 
 pecuniary circumstances did not permit him to graduate. 
 Endowed, however, with great perseverance, he pressed on 
 wards, and commenced the study of Theology with Dr. 
 Emmons. 
 
 After approbation, in 1819, he preached, for different pe 
 riods of time, in various places. He was never married, and 
 never settled in the pastoral office. Much of his time, he 
 was engaged collecting facts and s-tatistics relating to the in 
 terests of religion and the church of Christ. He died in 
 Northbridge, 20 Jan., 1850, aged 60 years. 
 
 ( Mr. Longley was assiduous in cultivating his mental abili 
 ties ; and, assisted by a remarkably tenacious memory, his 
 treasure of knowledge, particularly of facts and dates, was 
 large and always available. His sermons, although system 
 atic and cohering, were unadorned, and, to popular taste, 
 unattractive. He was not a popular preacher. He lacked 
 the allurements of an attractive delivery. His " neglect of 
 the cultivation of a polished manner," and consequent " want 
 of the amenities of refined life," coupled with his characteris 
 tic modesty, probably alone prevented him from being a most 
 effective preacher. 
 
 His intimate acquaintance with the Bible was unusual. 
 He was equally at home in all its parts, and could give 
 the exact phrase and locality of particular passages, to a 
 surprising extent. His friendships were few, but the few 
 
800 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 were mutually prized and cherished. Singularly conscien 
 tious in his piety, he cautiously lived and peacefully died, 
 lamented by his brethren and friends, but welcomed by his 
 Redeemer in a better world.* 
 
 69. REV. DAVID BR1GIIAM 
 
 Is the son of Mr. David and Lucy H. Brigham, of West- 
 boro , where he was born, 3 Sept., 1794.f 
 
 He graduated at Union Coll., N. Y., 1818, and studied 
 Theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons and Rev. J. Ide, D. D., 
 of Medway. 
 
 He was ordained over the church in East Randolph, 29 
 Dec., 1819, and was dismissed, 15 Nov., 183G, to take pas. 
 toral charge of the church in Framingham, where he was 
 installed, 29 Dec., 1836. He was dismissed, 14 May, 1844, 
 and was settled in Bridge water, 23 April, 1845, where he 
 now labors. 
 
 His wife was Eliza H. Durfee, daughter of Charles and 
 Welthe Durfee, of Fall River. 
 
 Mr. Brigham has published a Funeral Sermon of Miss 
 Mehitable Torrey, 1847. 
 
 70. REV. ZOLVA WHITMORE 
 
 Is a native of Rutland, Yt. 
 
 He graduated at Union College, 1818, and studied The 
 ology with Rev. Dr. Emmons. He was ordained and set 
 tled at North Guilford, Ct., 5 Sept., 1821. He was dismissed 
 
 # Congregationalist, Feb., 1850. 
 
 f Mr. Brigham s ancestral line is : his father, David, who was the 
 son of Jonas, the son of David, the son of Thomas, the son of Thomas 
 Brigham, immigrant ancestor from the south of Scotland, 1G34. and 
 original settler in Sudbury. Thomas Brigham married Mercie Ilurd. 
 Rev. D. BrigJiam. 
 
KEY. SILAS SHORES. 301 
 
 thence, 31 August, 1846, after a pastorate of 25 years. He 
 next labored, as stated supply, in Heath, from Nov., 1848 to 
 June, 1851, when he was installed pastor of the church in 
 Becket, 18 Feb., 1852, and there now resides. 
 
 71. REV. SEWALL HARDING. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 61.] 
 
 72. REV. SILAS SHORES 
 
 Was the son of Mr. Benjamin and Jemima Shores, of 
 West Taunton, and was born there, 1 Sept., 1784. 
 
 He studied the Classics with Rev. A. Cobb, of Taunton ; 
 but did not graduate at any college. He pursued the study 
 of theology with Rev. Mr. Cobb, and Rev. Otis Thomson of 
 Rehoboth. After approbation, he was settled, 31 July, 1822, 
 at Falmouth, Second church, and was dismissed, June, 1828. 
 After laboring in various places, he was engaged, as stated 
 supply in Shutesbury, in 1834, where he continued to preach 
 occasionally until his death, 10 Feb., 1844, aged 60. 
 
 Mr. Shores married Miss Abigail Stacy, of West Taunton, 
 11 Dec., 1822, and left three children, a son and two daugh 
 ters, now residents of Shutesbury. 
 
 " Mr. Shores was a man of good judgment and of remark 
 ably exemplary piety; gifted in conversation, and never 
 weary in trying to persuade people to love the doctrines of 
 the Gospel. He seemed to be so absorbed in this, as to for 
 get there was anything temporal to care for. So the Lord 
 took him home."* 
 
 73. REV. JOHN M. PUTNAM 
 
 Is a native of Sutton, and the son of Dea. Reuben and 
 
 * Rev. J. Tisdale, Shutesbury. 
 26 
 
802 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Elizabeth (Mason) Putnam. His parents were both of the 
 orthodox faith, and strictly pious. 
 
 He served an apprenticeship as painter at "Worcester, and 
 indulged a hope at 1 6 years of age. On his majority, he 
 commenced study at Kimball Union Acad., Plainfield, N. H., 
 and after two years, entered Brown University, but was 
 obliged to leave from ill health. After partial restoration, he 
 studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide. 
 
 He commenced preaching at Ashby, June 1820, the week 
 after being approbated, and was ordained 13 Dec., 1820, over 
 the church and Society newly seceded from the town. 
 
 In 1822, this church was visited by a precious revival, and 
 received over fifty members. After five years labors, Mr. 
 Putnam s voice failed, and he was dismissed, 1 3 December, 
 1825, to the mutual regret of pastor and people. 
 
 Supposing his ministerial labor done, he removed to Keene, 
 N. H., and established a religious newspaper, called the 
 " New England Observer," which, after six months, was 
 united with the " N. H. Repository," under the title of " Re 
 pository and Observer." A year s respite so far restored his 
 voice that he transferred the paper to other hands * and com 
 menced preaching at Epsom, N. H., where he was installed, 
 1 Nov., 1827. 
 
 This was a feeble church, and though the connection was 
 harmonious, he was obliged to leave, 12 May, 1830, for want 
 of support. 
 
 The next sabbath, he preached at Dunbarton, N. H., 
 where he was installed, 8 July, 1830, by the s^me council 
 which dismissed his predecessor, Rev. Dr. Harris. In 1837, 
 he requested dismission on account of his health, but the 
 request was declined by the church. After a few weeks, he 
 
 * Tobias H. Miller removed the office to Portsmouth. In 1835, it 
 was published at Concord, and the name changed to " Christian Pano 
 ply," which it bore until 1840. 
 
REV. GEORGE FISHER. 303 
 
 returned to his labors, which he has since been able to per 
 form to this date, with only three sabbaths interruption. 
 
 Mr. Putman married Arethusa, daughter of David and 
 Lucy (Harrington) Brigham, of Westboro , and sister of 
 Rev. D. Brigham, of Bridgewater. Of their eight children, 
 two only survive ; a son, George Augustus, now at Plain- 
 field Academy, and looking to the ministry ; and a daughter, 
 elder, Antoinette B., one of the first class of teachers who 
 went to the West under the Nat. Popular Ed. Soc y. She 
 has lately returned to Dunbarton. 
 
 Mr. Putnam s publications have been ; 1. Ordination 
 Sermon of R. A. Putnam, Fitchburg, 4 Feb., 1824. 2. S. 
 S. Address, Dunbarton, 4 July, 1831. 3. Thanksgiving 
 Sermon, 1832. 4. Sermon on Divine Sovereignty and 
 Man s Free Agency, 1833. 5. Address before Concord 
 Female Anti-Slavery Soc., 1835. 6. Dedication Sermon, 
 Dunbarton, 1836. 7. Sermon on " Communion with Extor 
 tioners," 1838. 8. Do. on Christian Courage," 1839. 9. A 
 Sermon on the Death of Rev. W. Harris, D. D., 1844. 
 10. Sermon on Future Punishment, 1845. 11. Historical 
 Sermon, Dunbarton, 1845. 12. Sermon on Civil Govern 
 ment, 1851. Also, " English Grammar," with an Improved 
 Syntax, 1825; 4 Editions Comprehensive Grammar, and 
 Analysis ; in which he was co-editor with Rev. H. D. Hodge, 
 1848, two editions. 
 
 74. REV. GEORGE FISHER 
 
 Was born in Wrentham, and is the son of Luther and 
 Betsey Fisher, grandson of James, and the great grandson of 
 Ebenezer Fisher, all of Wrentham. 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1819, and A. M. in 
 course : studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide, and was ordained 
 over the second church in, Harvard, 12 Sept., 1821, where he 
 still continues in office. 
 
304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Fisher married Miss Mary Hall Fisk, eldest daugh 
 ter of Rev. Elisha Fisk, of Wrentham, by whom he has 
 had five children. 
 
 1. George Elisha ; grad. Amherst, 1846, and Andover, 
 1849; and settled at Rutland, Feb., 1850. He married 
 Miss Harriet B. Holt, of Amherst. Mr. Fisher is now set 
 tled at North Amherst. 
 
 2. Mary Robinson : married to Mr. Andrew Farwell, of 
 Harvard. 
 
 3. Elizabeth Smith, 4, Harriet Fiske, 5, Henry Martyn. 
 reside at home. 
 
 Mrs. Fisher died, 29 April, 1852. 
 
 Mr. Fisher has published: 1. Funeral Sermon of Rev. 
 James Howe, Senior Pastor at Pepperell, 21 July, 1840. 
 
 75. REV. JOHN FERGUSON. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 42.] 
 
 76. REV. MOSES THATCHER. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 43.] 
 
 77. REV. AUGUSTUS B. REED 
 
 Was a native of Rehoboth, and born 19 Nov., 1798.* 
 He became a subject of renewing grace when he was 18 
 years old, and made a public profession of religion the follow 
 ing summer, 4 May, 1817. Hereupon he turned his pur 
 poses from the profession of law to preparing for the Gospel 
 ministry, and entered Brown University, whence he gradu 
 ated, 1821, and A. M., in course, with the reputation of being 
 " a diligent, accurate and punctual scholar." He studied 
 theology with Rev. Otis Thompson of Rehoboth, and was 
 
 * His father, Dea. E. A. Reed and his maternal grandfather, Deacon 
 Brown, were deacons in the Cong, church at Rehoboth. His paternal 
 grandfather was deacon in the Cong, church in Dighton. 
 
KEY. AUGUSTUS B. REED. 305 
 
 ordained the first pastor of the first Cong, church in Fall 
 River, 2 July, 1823. He was dismissed 2 April, 1825. 
 
 In 1826, July 19, he was installed in Ware. His health 
 became gradually impaired, with intervals of returning 
 strength, but he felt himself sinking under his labors, and 
 finally asked a dismission. The pastoral relation was sev 
 ered 5 June, 1838. Soon after, he died in Ware, 30 Sept., 
 1838, aged 39 years. 
 
 Mr. Reed left a wife and five children to mourn his early 
 departure. Her name was Melinda Boyden, daughter of the 
 late William Boyden, Esq., of Fall River.* She is now the 
 wife of Mr. Nathaniel Eddy, of Middleboro . 
 
 Mr. Reed s children were, 
 
 1. Theodora C. ; resides in Middleboro with her mother. 
 
 2. Delight Brown; died at Fall River, 29 Oct., 1849, aet. 
 21 years. 
 
 3. William Augustus ; in mercantile business, in Westfield. 
 
 4. John Richard ; book-keeper in Fall River. 
 
 5. Theophilus ; died at Westfield, 23 Aug., 1843, aged 7 
 years. 
 
 Two children died previous to his own death. 
 
 Mr. Reed s ministry was too short to bear much fruit ; yet 
 the first year of his labors in Ware was blest with an exten 
 sive revival, and the addition of about seventy members to 
 the church. 
 
 "As a scholar, Mr. Reed was diligent, accurate, punc 
 tual. His standing in his class was above mediocrity. He 
 loved the sound doctrines of the Gospel, and he loved them 
 unto the end. He preached them with plainness and per 
 spicuity ; dwelling upon the truths most displeasing to the 
 carnal mind with the more distinctness and frequency. He 
 was a better writer than speaker."f 
 
 * The first Gong, church in Fall River was formed at the house of 
 Mrs. Reed s grandfather, Dea. Richard Durfee. 
 t See Funeral Sermon, by Rev. L. Packard, Spencer. 
 26* 
 
806 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 In temperament he was ardent, earnest and sympathizing. 
 None of his sermons have appeared in print. 
 
 78. KEY. LEVI PACKARD 
 
 Was born in North Bridgewater in 1793. He is the son 
 of Levi and Ruth P., and is the sixth in direct descent from 
 Samuel Packard, who came from Windham, near Hingham, 
 England, in the Diligent," and settled in Hingham, 1638.* 
 
 Mr. Packard graduated at Brown University, 1821, and 
 A. M. ; studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide of Medway, and 
 was ordained at Spencer, 14 June, 1826. He still " dwells 
 among his own people." 
 
 Mr. Packard married Clarissa Sanford, the daughter of 
 Mr. Philo Sanford, of Medway, and sister of Rev. David 
 Sanford, of Medway Village. 
 
 His oldest living son, Levi Sewell, is now an undergraduate 
 of Amherst College. 
 
 79. REV. JAMES O. BARNEY. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 44.] 
 
 80. REV. HENRY HARRISON FAYETTE SWEET 
 
 Was born in Attleboro , 1 Nov., 1796, and was the only 
 son of Henry and Lucinda Sweet. 
 
 He was converted, and joined the church, under Rev. N. 
 Holman, in 1816 ; graduated at Brown University, 1822, and 
 studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide. 
 
 He was ordained at Palmer, 9 Nov., 1825. He died, 28 
 Feb., 1827, in his 31st year. The last sermon he preached 
 
 was upon the anniversary of his ordination. 
 
 
 
 * The ancestral line is: I. Samuel Packer or Packard, of England. 
 2. Zacheus, m. Sarah Howard. 3. David, b. 1687, m. Hannah Ames. 
 4. Abiah, b. 1727, m. Phebe Paine. 5. Levi, b. 1761, m. Ruth Snow of 
 Eastham. 6. Rev. Levi, of Spencer. Mitchell s Bridgewater. 
 
REV. JAMES TISDALE. 307 
 
 He left only a widow, formerly Miss Elizabeth Henshaw, of 
 Roxbury, now the wife of Mr. Cyrus Merrick, of Sturbridge. 
 
 As a man, Mr. Sweet was gentle, unassuming, and kind in 
 his manners and intercourse with others. His mind, though 
 not brilliant, was above the ordinary level, patient, logical, 
 fully grasping, and thoroughly understanding its themes of 
 thought. 
 
 As a preacher, he was interesting and impressive. 
 
 He was thoroughly Calvinistic in his doctrinal views. 
 
 As a pastor he was solemn, deliberate, wise. He particu 
 larly excelled in the conference meeting, and in his interest 
 in the lambs of the flock.* 
 
 81. REV. TYLER THACHER. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 64.] 
 
 82. REV. JAME8 TISDALE 
 
 Was born in West Taunton, 7 Nov., 1799. He is the son 
 of James Tisdale, Esq. and of his wife Abigail (Freeman) 
 Tisdale. His mother was from Norton.f 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1821; and then taught 
 an academy, during the two years following, at Darlington 
 
 * Funeral Sermon by Rev. Dr. Nelson, Leicester. 
 
 t Mr. Tisdale descended from John Tisdale, of Taunton, by the fol 
 lowing line : his father, James Tisdale (1740 1811) was the son of Job, 
 who died, 19 May, 1755, act. 47. His father was Capt. Joseph, Jr.j 
 (1682 1739) the son of Joseph, who died about 1722. Joseph was the 
 son of John Tisdale, of Duxbury, 1636 ; afterwards of Taunton, 1653. 
 In 1655, he was constable, and afterwards selectman and deputy to 
 Plymouth Court. He was killed by the Indians, at Taunton (now 
 Raynham), 27 June. 1675. 
 
 In the Plymouth Court Records is the following item: "1638. 
 John Tisdale, upon the good report made of him and of his good car- 
 ryage, is allowed to keepe house and plant for himself, provided that he 
 shall continue his carryage still." Mr. E. II. Reed, Taunton. 
 
308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Court House, South Carolina. While there, he became con 
 verted, and returned and commenced the study of theology, 
 with Rev. A. Cobb, of West Taunton. 
 
 He was ordained, 29 Sept., 1830, over the churches in 
 Guildhall and Granby, Vt. He was dismissed, 4 May, 1836, 
 and next supplied the pulpit, four years, at Dublin, and 
 seven years at Gilsum, N. H. He now officiates at Shutes- 
 bury, where he has acted as stated supply since Oct., 1851. 
 
 Mr. Tisdale married, 5 Oct., 1831, Miss Margaretta Caro 
 line Tubbs, of West Taunton, and has three children. 
 
 He has, for years, declined a resettlement in the pastoral 
 office, on account of the precarious state of his health. 
 
 83. REV. LUCIUS WATSON CLARKE 
 
 Was born in Mansfield, now Chaplin, Ct., and is the son 
 of Mr. James and Jerusha Clarke, and the youngest of eleven 
 children. His parents were both hopefully pious, and trained 
 their household in the ways of wisdom. 
 
 He graduated at Brown Univ., 1825, and studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Ide, of Medway. He was ordained over the 
 church in South Wilbraham, 9 Dec., 1829, and dismissed, 18 
 Sept., 1832. Afterwards he engaged, as stated supply^ to the 
 Fifth church in Plymouth, where he labored four or five years. 
 He was next installed pastor of the church in West Ames- 
 bury, Oct., 1838, and continued there over five years. 
 
 He now resides at Middlebury, Vt., and preaches, occa 
 sionally, in the vicinity. 
 
 Mr. Clarke married Miss Lucy Beard, daughter of Rev. 
 Daniel and Lucy Tomlinson, of Oakham, and has two chil 
 dren, Lucy Maria and Lucius Watson. Both children are 
 hopefully pious, and the son is in Middlebury College, pre 
 paring for the Ministry.* 
 
 * Letter of Rev. L. W. Clarke. 
 
REV. CYRUS WHITMAN CONANT. 809 
 84. MR. SYLVESTER GRAHAM 
 
 Was the son of Rev. John Graham, of West Suffield, Ct., 
 where he was born. He prepared for college -at Araherst 
 Academy, but did not enter any institution ; studied theology 
 under the general direction of Rev. Emerson Paine, then of 
 Little Compton. He requested ordination as Evangelist, by 
 Mendon Association, 28 Oct., 1828 ; and, after considerable 
 delay and examination, was ordained at Rehoboth, 18 Nov., 
 1828. He afterwards preached a short time in New Jersey, 
 to a Presbyterian church ; but soon after resigned the duties 
 and titles of the ministry, and became known simply as a 
 Lecturer upon Diet and Regimen. The subsequent part of 
 his life was spent at Northampton, when not lecturing abroad. 
 As a writer upon Dietetics, he became extensively known. He 
 died at Northampton, 17 Sept., 1851, at the age of 50, leaving 
 a widow and two children : a daughter, the wife of Mr. John 
 Musgrave, of Leedsville, Northampton ; and a son, now resi 
 dent of Boston. 
 
 85. REV. CHARLES JARVIS WARREN. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 47.] 
 
 86. REV. CYRUS WHITMAN CONANT, 
 
 The son of Rev. Gaius Conant, was born in Bridgewater, 
 where his father was then settled, 27 Nov., 1803.* 
 
 He graduated at Union College, Schenectady, 1824 ; 
 studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide ; and, after approbation, 
 preached in several places in Worcester county. 
 
 On account of ill health, he went to the Southern States, 
 in the autumn of 1829, and there preached to a society of 
 
 See his ancestry, under Rev. G. Conant, Licentiates, No. 46. 
 
310 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 colored people, in Savannah, Georgia. Soon after his return, 
 he entered on a Tract Agency, in the State of Indiana. He 
 spent a year in this mission ; and then applied to the Pres 
 bytery for a renewed license to preach the Gospel. But he 
 was refused, on account of his religious sentiments. He was 
 a thorough and consistent advocate of Dr. Emmons s views 
 in theology ! 
 
 He next engaged as a school teacher, and finally settled 
 down as a farmer, in Greene county, Indiana. Here he has 
 established a Sabbath school, where they were destitute of 
 regular preaching ; and here he still resides, planting and 
 watching over the seeds of future Gospel institutions. 
 
 87. REV. WILLIAM HARLOW 
 
 Is the son of Dea. John and Betsey (Torrey) Harlow, 
 and was born in Plymouth, 27 Oct., 1805.* 
 
 He graduated at Yale College, 1826, and studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Ide. He was ordained as Evangelist, by the 
 Mendon Association, at Wrentham, 28 Oct., 1828, and 
 preached, as stated supply, in Canton, during the years 1829 
 and 30. He next supplied at Waterford, until 1832. He 
 afterwards preached, for different periods, in vacant pulpits, 
 in the vicinity of Wrentham, in which town he has resided 
 since 1830. 
 
 Mr. Harlow married, 19 March, 1829, Miss Caroline Por 
 ter, daughter of Lebbeus and Mary (Brastow) Porter, of 
 Wrentham, and has had two children, daughters ; the young 
 est, Caroline F., is living. 
 
 * Mr. Harlow descended from William Harlow, who came in the 
 second ship to Plymouth. His line, as far as furnished, begins with 
 Jonathan Harlow, b. in Plymouth, 1712. His son, Jonathan, Jr., b. in 
 Plymouth, 1742, m. Betsey Blackmcr, of Plymouth, and removed to 
 Middleboro . His son John, b. in Plymouth, 1779, m. Betsey Torrey, 
 of Plymouth, and still lives in Plymouth. He is the father of Rev, 
 William, above. 
 
REV. GILBERT FAY. 311 
 
 Mr. Harlow published a tract on the Divinity of Christ, 
 1828 ; and a sermon on " False Standards in Religion," 
 1828. 
 
 88. KEY. ELAM SMALLEY, D. D. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 49.] 
 
 89. KEY. GILBERT FAT 
 
 Was the son of Otis and Mary (Morse) Fay, and was born 
 in Westboro , May, 1803. 
 
 He graduated at Brown University, 1826, and studied 
 theology with Rev. Dr. Ide. After two years labor in vari 
 ous places, he was ordained as Evangelist, at Westboro , 6 
 Oct., 1830, and went under a commission of the A. H. M. S., 
 into the Western Reserve, and engaged in missionary labors 
 in that important, but then destitute region. 
 
 He labored as stated supply at Wardsworth, Medina Co., 
 O., until his death, 27 Oct., 1835, at the early age of 32. 
 He was not unable to preach a single sabbath, until his final 
 sickness. 
 
 " He was much loved and lamented by his church and his 
 brethren in the ministry." 
 
 Mr. Fay married 11 Sept., 1831, Miss Clarissa Walker, 
 daughter of Comfort and Tamar Walker, of Medway. They 
 had two children : one of whom, a daughter, died before 
 him. The other child, Gilbert Otis Fay, lives with his mother, 
 who has returned to Medway. 
 
 Mr. Fay s labors were too brief to develop his full abili 
 ties. They were, however, signally blessed. The little 
 church of eleven members at the commencement, numbered 
 seventy at his death. 
 
812 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 90. REV. JOHN FORBUSH 
 
 Is the son of Dea. Samuel Forbush, of Upton, and was 
 born in that town, 4 Sept., 1800. His mother s maiden name 
 was Lydia Gibson, of Hopkinton. Both parents are living 
 in Upton. 
 
 He made public profession of religion, in Sept., 1815, and 
 in 1823, began his literary studies with Rev. Samuel Wood, 
 D. D., of Boscawen, N. H. He graduated at Amherst Col 
 lege, 1828, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide. He 
 preached his first sermon at Milford, Jan y, 1830. Then 
 supplied Dr. Ide s pulpit, during his illness, until May, when 
 he went to Mendon, where he preached three months. He 
 was ordained 6 Oct., 1830, as an Evangelist, at Westboro , by 
 the Harmony Association, and went to the West, under a 
 commission from the Am. Home Miss. Society. 
 
 In this great " place," he labored for many years, amongst 
 the feeble churches and new communities, with encouraging 
 success. He was one year at Burlington, Lawrence Co., O. 
 A new meeting-house was built, and several additions to the 
 church. Two and a half years, he officiated as pastor of the 
 Mt. Leigh church, Adams Co. There were over sixty addi 
 tions. From Dec., 1834, he labored six years at Brush 
 Creek, in a moral waste, the first year without a church 
 and sanctuary. He left a church of fifty members, and two 
 meeting-houses, seven miles apart. One year at Homer, 
 Licking Co. A year and a half at Bremen, Fairfield Co. 
 Two years pastor at Lexington, Perry Co. Forty were 
 added and a new church of thirty members was formed in 
 the field, Unity Church, with a new meeting-house. 
 Over four years at New Plymouth, now Vinton Co. 
 
 Besides these multiplied missionary and pastoral labors, 
 Mr. Forbush spent much time as agent of the Am. Sunday 
 
REV. VARKUM NOYES. 813 
 
 School Union. Nearly fifty Sabbath Schools were organized 
 by him, many of which are still in successful operation. 
 
 In May, 1850, he returned with impaired health, to the 
 place of his nativity, where he now resides, preaching 
 recently to a small congregation in the South West corner 
 of Hopkinton. 
 
 On the evening of his ordination, Mr. Forbush married 
 Miss Sarah Lesure, of Upton. He has two children, both 
 of whom are alive to bless his household.* 
 
 91. REV. VARNUM NOTES, 
 
 The son of Josiah and Mehitable (White) Noyes,f was 
 born in Acton, but, at four years of age, removed with his 
 parents to Westmoreland, N. H. 
 
 He made profession of religion, in Nov., 1821, and com 
 menced fitting for the ministry, at the academies of Chester 
 field, N. H., and of Amherst, Ms., and entered Dartmouth 
 College, 1824. In his second year, his course was arrested 
 by a severe and protracted disease. On his recovery, he 
 taught school for a while, and then studied theology with 
 Rev. Dr. Ide. 
 
 He was ordained as Evangelist for the West, by Mendon 
 Association, at Medway, 25 Aug., 1831, and commenced 
 preaching in -Guilford, O., 2 Oct., 1831. Half of the time, 
 for a few years, was spent in other neighboring places. In 
 1836, Sept. 21, he was regularly installed as pastor, in which 
 relation he continued until 8 May, 1849, when it was dissolved 
 at his own request. 
 
 The reason of the step was found in the prevalent impres 
 sion, among a portion of the people, that, as he had been with 
 
 * Letter of Rev. J. Forbush, Upton. 
 
 t Son of Thomas Noyes, of Acton, and brother of the late Rev. 
 Thomas Noyes, of Needham. 
 
 27 
 
314 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 them a long time, a change of labors might be beneficial. 
 The pastor was willing the experiment should be tried. But 
 after a trial of about three years, he was invited to return, 
 which he did, March, 1852. In the interval, he was the sta 
 ted supply of the church in Wayne. His ministerial connec 
 tion is with the Wooster (O. S.) Presbytery. 
 
 Mr. Noyes married, 17 June, 1833, Miss Lois Walker, 
 daughter of the late Comfort Walker, of Medway, and sister 
 of Mrs. Gilbert Fay. They have eight children, and one 
 has fallen asleep. 
 
 92. KEY. ISAAC ERWIX HEATON 
 
 Is a native of Franklin, and the oldest son of Mr. Nathan 
 Heaton. His mother was Sarah Boon, of Upton.* 
 
 At twenty years of age, he experienced the power of the 
 Gospel, and joined the church, under the care of Rev. Dr. 
 Emmons. He entered Brown University, two years in ad 
 vance, and grad. in 1832. Studied theology with Rev. Dr. 
 Ide, and was ordained as an Evangelist, by Mendon Associ 
 ation, at North Wrentham, 25 April, 1837. He then en 
 gaged in the service of the Home Missionary Society, and 
 in May, removed to Wisconsin. 
 
 In this State he was, with the exception of Rev. C. Marsh, 
 foreign missionary to the Indians, the pioneer herald of the 
 cross. For more than a year he was the only * congregation 
 al minister in Wisconsin. Rev. C. Caldwell, the second min 
 ister, resided more than a hundred miles from him ; and they 
 were strangers for two years. 
 
 Mr. Heaton spent the first six months in Elk Grove, where 
 is now a flourishing church, and meeting-house. The pres 
 ent active and useful deacon, was then an avowed atheist, 
 and seen at meeting but once during Mr. IPs abode there. 
 
 * His father and grandfather were Isaac, and were descended from 
 the original settlers in Wrentham, Nathaniel and Mary Heaton. 
 
REV. THOMAS EDWARDS. 315 
 
 He next spent three years at Belmont, where the legislature 
 first met, before the capital was located at Madison. The 
 place declined as a settlement, and he removed to Mt. Zion, 
 in Rock Co., a pleasant eminence, so named in sport, by 
 an irreligious settler. His present place of labor is at Wa 
 terloo, where he has been for six years. It was swayed 
 by a strong Universalist influence, now on the wane. 
 
 The church at first consisted of five members, all, except 
 ing one female, unmarried. It now numbers 24. The place 
 has grown rapidly since the Gospel was established there. 
 Ten years ago, only one or two white persons could be found 
 within a radius of ten miles, where now a funeral procession 
 has been seen one hundred and twenty rods in length.* 
 
 Mr. Heaton married Miss Miranda N. Metcalf, daughter 
 of Samuel and Mary Metcalf, of Franklin. They have had 
 three children, daughters. The eldest died in infancy. 
 
 93. REV. THOMAS EDWARDS 
 
 Is a native of London, England, and the son of Miles and 
 Ann (Debenham) Edwards. 
 
 He became interested in the Gospel of Christ, under the 
 ministry of Rev. John Clayton, Sen., of London, and pursued 
 classical studies under a private tutor. 
 
 After arriving in this country, he reviewed the usual 
 course of theology with Rev. Dr. Ide, and was ordained 
 and settled over the Evangelical church, Mendon, 28 Dec., 
 1836, and dismissed 4 Feb., 1840. 
 
 He next preached in Ackworth, N. H., and after several 
 months delay on account of health, was installed, 19 Aug., 
 1841. Dismissed, 13 Feb., 1843. He has since preached in 
 Salem and various other places. His present residence is 
 Charlestown. 
 
 Mr. Edwards married Miss Amelia Spear, daughter of 
 Gershom and Elizabeth Spear, of Boston. She died in 1851, 
 
 * Letter of Rev. I. E. Heaton, Waterloo, Wisconsin. 
 
316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 leaving two children to survive her. His second wife was 
 Miss Caroline , of Charlestown. 
 
 94. REV. ELI THURSTON 
 
 Was born in Brighton ; removed thence, at an early age, 
 to Jamaica Plains, and to Westboro ; and was converted to 
 God while learning the trade of gunsmith in Millbury. He 
 immediately turned his thoughts to an education for the Gos 
 pel ministry. 
 
 He pursued his preparatory studies at Day s Academy, 
 Wrentham ; graduated at Amherst College, 1834, and studied 
 theology at Andover, and with Dr. Ide, of Medway. 
 
 He was ordained over the Congregational church in Hal- 
 lowell, Me., 3 Jan., 1838, and dismissed July, 1848. 
 
 On the 21 of March. 1849, he was installed over the Cen 
 tral Cong, church in Fall River, where he still continues. 
 
 Mr. Thurston married M. Caroline, daughter of Mr. 
 Philo Sanford, of Wrentham, now of Boston ; who is a 
 brother of Rev. David Sanford of Medway Village, and 
 grandson of Rev. David Sanford of West Medway. 
 
 95. REV. CHARLES TURNER TORREY 
 
 Was born in Scituate, 21 Nov., 1813. He was the son of 
 Charles and Hannah Tolman Torrey. 
 
 His father died in 1815, and his mother in 1817 ; and he 
 was left, at little over three years of age, to the care of his 
 grandparents, who, as often happens, did not guide and re 
 strain their young and impulsive charge with a parent s 
 anxious care and fidelity. When but five or six years old, 
 he attended the town-meetings, sat with his grandfather, 
 Hon. Charles Turner, who was generally moderator, watched 
 every movement and counted every vote. Thus he acquired, 
 perhaps, his strong penchant for political affairs, so fully de 
 veloped in his subsequent life. 
 
REV. CHARLES TURNER TORREY. 317 
 
 In 1828 lie entered Phillips Academy, at Exeter, N. H., 
 where he prepared for college. He entered Yale, as Sopho 
 more, at 17, and graduated, 1833. It was during his first 
 year that he became a subject of Divine grace. 
 
 After graduation, he took charge of the Female Seminary, 
 West Brookfield ; but the school-room was not his field of 
 action, and he resigned, after keeping about four months. 
 He next spent the academic year 1835-6 at Andover Theol. 
 Seminary. On account of his health and pecuniary circum 
 stances, he left, tried a pedestrian journey, for the former, 
 with success, and resumed his studies, with Rev. L. A. Spof- 
 ford, then of Scituate. In the summer following, June, 1836, 
 he repaired to Rev. Dr. Ide, and completed his preparation 
 for the ministry. In March, 1837, he was ordained over the 
 Richmond St. Cong, church, Providence, R. I. ; and was dis 
 missed, at his own request, in October. Soon after, he 
 simultaneously received calls to resettle, one from Randolph, 
 the other from the Howard St. church, Salem, over which Rev. 
 Dr. Cheever, now of New York city, had been settled. This 
 latter call he accepted, and was installed, Jan., 1838. Here 
 his earnest entering into the Anti-Slavery cause, and his calls 
 abroad to labor for its advancement, rendered necessary a 
 yielding either of his pastoral connection, or of his services 
 in the Abolition field. He considered the latter more impor 
 tant, and accordingly was dismissed from his charge at Salem, 
 and engaged as a public lecturer by the Mass. Abolition So 
 ciety. 
 
 The exciting theme of American Slavery furnished ample 
 material to inflame his zeal and employ his energies and 
 time. His labors in this field are detailed in his published 
 Memoir. He travelled, lectured, wrote, and published, in 
 furtherance of the cause of Emancipation. 
 
 While he was at Washington, as a correspondent for seve 
 ral newspapers, a slaveholders convention was holden, 12 
 Jan., 1842, at Annapolis, Maryland, to further the interests 
 
 27* 
 
318 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 of the peculiar institution. Mr. Torrey determined to at 
 tend and gather up the developments, and report for the press. 
 He took his seat with other reporters ; but, by a series of 
 manoeuvres, he was ejected, from the floor into the lobby, 
 and thence into jail ; on what definite charge, even his accus 
 ers could not find to say. After vexatious legal quibbles, 
 he was released and bound over to t keep the peace, until 
 April. Thus began his practical acquaintance of slavery 
 and slave-prisons, an acquaintance to end, not yet. 
 
 In 1842, he went to Albany and edited and finally published 
 the " Tocsin of Liberty," afterwards u Albany Patriot." But 
 his warm and readily-awakened sympathy for them in bonds, 
 would not suffer him to operate in their behalf at this dis 
 tance. He repaired to Delaware, and became, as was sus 
 pected, the active coadjutor of slaves escaping from servitude. 
 
 He was arrested, 24 June, 1844, at Baltimore, on com 
 plaint of Bushrod Taylor, of Winchester, Va., for aiding, as 
 affirmed, certain slaves of his to escape from Virginia. Im 
 mediately upon this, William Heckroth brought a similar 
 suit for aiding the escape of slaves from Maryland. This lat 
 ter case took precedence, and he was committed to jail for trial. 
 That event at length took place, 29 Nov., 1844 ; and, on the 
 3d of December, terminated in a verdict of guilty, upon every 
 indictment ; and he was condemned to six years hard labor, 
 in the State Penitentiary. Sentence was suspended nearly 
 a month. 
 
 During part of this time, Mr. Torrey wrote his little vol 
 ume, " Home, or the Pilgrims Faith revived." 
 
 On the 30th day of December, 1844, he was removed to 
 prison. His treatment was as humane as the rules would 
 allow ; but the seeds of disease, sown in previous labors, ger 
 minated in the solitudes and silence of the cell, and speedily 
 ripened for the reaper, Death. Every rational effort for his 
 deliverance was made by his friends, but without avail. But 
 a deliverer was coming whom no prison walls could exclude ? 
 
REV. CHARLES TURNER TORRE Y. 819 
 
 and no Executive could prevent accomplishing his work. 
 Consumption opened his way beyond the reach of man. 
 
 Mr. Torrey died 9 May, 1846, aged 33 years. Three days 
 before his death, the sacrament of the Lord s Supper was ad 
 ministered to him by Rev. Dr. Smalley, of Worcester. The 
 occasion was solemn ; and, to him, seemed a foretaste of that 
 communion above, which he was speedily to enter. His re 
 mains rest in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, marked by a monument, 
 raised by his friends, to his memory. 
 
 Mr. Torrey married Mary, the second daughter of Rev. 
 Dr. Ide, of Medway. He left two children, still living. 
 
 Mr. Torrey was of pale visage, slender form, and nervous 
 temperament. As a scholar, he was marked by a ready intui 
 tion and grasp of subjects, and by versatile talents ; but he 
 lacked concentrativeness and perseverance. It is no common 
 man that could write, in the circumstances and the manner 
 he did, such a book as " Home," of 255 pages, in twelve 
 days, on the eve of an incarceration of six long years ! 
 As a preacher, his marked characteristics were obviously 
 impressed upon his every performance. His pastoral labors 
 were too brief to leave any very permanent impressions. 
 
 It is as an earnest laborer in the cause of Abolition, that 
 he will be known hereafter. The part he acted, has been 
 the subject of general speculation. It will come up again, 
 in future review, and with truer conclusions, when the dark 
 system of oppression which c ut short his days, with all its 
 perverting influences, will have passed away. 
 
 As to his legal guiltiness, on the specific charges made 
 against him, we have nothing to say. But assuming the fact 
 of his actual agency in aiding fugitives escaping from slavery, 
 as to his moral guilt, we may use his own language to a friend, 
 while in prison : " If I am a guilty man, I am a very guilty 
 one ; for I have aided nearly four hundred slaves to escape 
 to freedom ; the greater part of whom would probably, but 
 for my exertions, have died in slavery." 
 
o20 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 96. REV. ELNATHAN DAVIS 
 
 Is the 3d son of Ethan and Sarah Davis, late of Ilolden. 
 
 He graduated at Williams College, 1834, and at East 
 Windsor, Ct., 1836; ordained as Evangelist, at Holden, 9 
 Nov., 1836. An engagement with the A. B. C. F. M., was 
 resigned on account of opinions upon Infant Baptism. A 
 Chaplaincy from the Am. Seamen s Friends Society, was 
 arrested by the commercial pressure of 1837. 
 
 He supplied vacant pulpits : among them, that of the Lu 
 natic Asylum, Worcester. In 1839, went to Indiana, and 
 returned in 1845, on account of his wife s health. He was 
 also engaged in the cause of peace, as delegate of which, he 
 attended the Peace Congress of 1839, at Paris. 
 
 He was installed in Ashburnham, 16 Sept., 1846 ; and dis 
 missed, May, 1851, to take charge of the Trinitarian Cong. 
 Church, Fitchburg ; where he was installed, 23 June, 1851. 
 
 Mr. Davis married Mary Avery, daughter of Mr. Aaron 
 White, of Boylston, and granddaughter of Rev. Joseph 
 Avery, former pastor of the church in Holden. 
 
 97. REV. JOHN DWIGHT 
 
 Was born in Shirley, and is the son of Mr. Francis and 
 Maria Dwight. 
 
 He prepared for college at Woburn Academy, graduated 
 at Amherst, 1835, and studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide. 
 
 He was ordained over the South Church in North Bridge- 
 water, 12 April, 1837, and dismissed in feeble health, March, 
 1839. He was installed over the Manomet Church, Ply 
 mouth, 28 July, 1841, and dismissed at his request, March, 
 1846. He is at present employed as stated supply, at North 
 Wrentham. 
 
 Mr. - Dwight married Miss Sally Hasting?, daughter of Mr. 
 Benjamin Hastings, late of Boston, and has six children. 
 
REV. WILLIAM PHIPPS, JR. 321 
 
 Mr. Dwigbt has published two Farewell Sermons, deliv 
 ered to his people, at Plymouth. 
 
 98. REV. MORTIMER BLAKE, 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 56.] 
 
 99. REV. EDMUND DOWSE 
 
 Is the son of Benjamin and Thankful (Chamberlain) 
 Dowse, of Sherborn. 
 
 He fitted for college at Day s Academy, Wrentham, and 
 graduated at Amherst College, 1836, and studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Ide. 
 
 He was ordained, 10 Oct., 1838, over the church in his 
 native town, where he still remains. 
 
 Mr. Dowse married Elizabeth R., daughter of Dea. Daniel 
 Leland, of Sherborn. She died 16 June, 1842, leaving a 
 daughter. His present wife was Elizabeth Bowditch, daugh 
 ter of Galen and Sally (Davenport) Bowditch, of Sherborn. 
 
 100. REV. CHARLES CHAMBERLAIN. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 74.] 
 
 101. REV. SAMUEL HUNT. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 75.] 
 
 102. REV. DANIEL J. POOR. 
 
 [See Sketches of Members, No. 55.] 
 
 103. REV. WILLIAM PHIPPS, JR. 
 
 Is a native of Franklin, and the son of William and 
 Fanny (Morton) Phipps. 
 He graduated at Amherst College, 1837, and A. M. ; studied 
 
322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 theology with Rev. Dr. Ide, and was ordained at Paxton, 1 1 
 Nov., 1840. 
 
 Mr. Phipps married Miss Mary Partridge, daughter of 
 Mr. Eleazer Partridge, of Franklin, and has several children. 
 
 Mr. Phipps has published a Funeral Sermon of Mrs. E. 
 T. Smith, wife of Rev. John C. Smith, missionary to Ceylon, 
 1842. 
 
 104. REV. JONATHAN GROUT 
 
 Was born in Westboro , in 1811. 
 
 He studied at Amherst Academy, and graduated at Yale 
 College, 1836. He followed teaching about two years, in 
 North Carolina, and then returned, and studied theology 
 with Rev. Dr. Ide. He preached a few months in Millville, 
 South Mendon, when he withdrew from the ministry, and 
 settled upon the paternal farm. 
 
 Upon the death of his wife, Mrs. Florella Mills Grout, 
 daughter of Rev. David Holman, of Douglas, he resolved 
 to preach again. 
 
 He was ordained as an Evangelist, at Westboro , Oct., 1845, 
 and went to Southeastern Ohio, in Meigs and Athens Cos. 
 His health began to be impaired, and he left the pulpit for 
 the school room. He taught school for three years in 
 Coolville, Athens Co., Ohio. 
 
 In this latter place, he now resides, engaged in business, 
 as partner in a mercantile firm, and occasionally preaching 
 in destitute places. He is ministerially connected with the 
 Marietta Consociation. 
 
 105. REV. JOSEPH HOLMES BAILEY 
 
 Was born in West Newbury, 15 Sept., 1808. 
 
 He indulged hope at the age of 21, and, though feeble in 
 body, bent his steps towards the ministry. After many 
 struggles, he graduated at Amherst Coll., 1838. He then 
 
MR. RICHARD CECIL SPOFFORD. 823 
 
 taught school some two years, at Edgartown, M. V., studied 
 theology with Rev. Dr. Ide, and also attended lectures at 
 Andover. 
 
 He commenced preaching in 1843, at Dighton, where he 
 was ordained, 31 Jan y, 1844. Rev. Dr. Ide preached the 
 Sermon. In the Autumn of the same year, he was seized 
 with the prevailing typhoid fever ; recovered partially, and 
 went prematurely, to his parents, in West Newbury, where 
 he relapsed and died in a few days, at the age of 36.* 
 
 Mr. Bailey secured a strong hold upon the affections of 
 his people in his brief ministry, and awakened promising 
 hopes of usefulness to the church and the world. But his 
 sudden end destroyed their fruition, and left his page a 
 blank. 
 
 106. REV. PRESTON POND, JR. 
 
 [See Members, No. 72.] 
 
 107. MR. RICHARD CECIL SPOFFORD 
 
 Was born at East Bradford, now Groveland, 22 Dec., 
 1817. He was the son of Rev. Luke A. Spofford and his 
 wife Grata (Rand) Spofford, the daughter of Col. Daniel 
 and Susan Rand, of Rindge, N. H., and was grandson of 
 Dea. Eleazer and Mary (Flint) Spofford, of Jaffrey, N. H. 
 
 He fitted for college at Groveland Academy, where he 
 was converted, 1831, and graduated at Amherst Coll., 1839 
 He then engaged a year, or more, in teaching, in which occu 
 pation he was highly efficient. He studied theology with 
 Rev. J. Ide, D. D. From November to March, after his ap 
 probation, he preached in Barre. His labors were too ex 
 hausting for an already diseased frame, and he retired to the 
 
 Rev. A. Cobb. W. Taunton. 
 
32-1 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 family of his father, on Martha s Vineyard, to recruit. But 
 weeks passed, and consumption indicated its grasp so de 
 cidedly and powerfully, that he resigned the hopes of re 
 covery. He lingered through the winter, and died at Chil- 
 mark, 25 May, 1843, in his 2Gth year. 
 
 In Mr. Spofford s early death, many high hopes for this 
 world were forever blasted. 
 
 In college, he sustained a high reputation for accurate 
 scholarship, and purity and elegance of literary taste. His 
 style as a writer was pure and classical, and his descriptions 
 peculiarly chaste and graphic. 
 
 He wrote many poetical effusions, evincing an ability, 
 which, one who knew him well has said, might, with life and 
 favoring circumstances, equal a Thompson or a Cowper. 
 
 The ministry was to him the highest and holiest calling ; 
 and when he entered upon it, it engrossed his supreme re 
 gard, and enlisted his undivided labors. His season of pre 
 paration for the sacred office was marked by earnest labors 
 for the salvation of men, and the fidelity of his public and 
 private exhortations at Medway are still remembered. 
 
 While there he prepared the copious Index to Dr. Ein- 
 mons s works, then in process of publication by his instructor. 
 Dr. Ide. 
 
 The Gospel, which had been the theme of his deep and 
 prayerful study, was his sure foundation in his closing sick 
 ness and death. 
 
 108. REV. HORACE DEAN WALKER 
 
 Is the son of Mr. Dean and Rebecca (Wright) Walker, of 
 East Medway.* 
 
 * His ancestry first appears among the early settlers of Rehoboth. 
 Comfort Walker, son of Caleb, Jr., removed from Rehoboth to Kil- 
 lingly, Ct. Ills son. the father of Dcanc Walker, migrated thence* to 
 Med\vay, where the latter was born. Rev. Augustus Walker, of the 
 Syrian Mission, and approbated by Mendon Association, Jan., 1852, is 
 brother of Rev. Horace, above. 
 
REV. ABRAHAM JENKINS, JR. 325 
 
 He prepared for college mostly at Franklin Academy, and 
 entered Western Reserve College at Hudson, O., in 1837. 
 He then removed to Yale College, where he graduated, 
 1841. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide one year, 
 and completed his course at Bangor Seminary, in 1843. He 
 was ordained over the third church in Abington, 15 Feb., 
 1844, where he remains. 
 
 Mr. "Walker married Mercy A. Mason, daughter of Hora 
 tio and Julia (Adams) Mason, of Medway. Her mother was 
 sister to Rev. Jasper Adams, D. D., Prest. of Geneva Coll., 
 N. Y., of Charleston Coll., Charleston, S. C., and Prof, of 
 Moral Philosophy at West Point Academy. 
 
 109. REV. ABRAHAM JENKINS, JR. 
 
 Is the son of Abraham Jenkins, of Barre. 
 
 He graduated at Amherst College, 1838. After gradua 
 tion, he assisted Prest. Hitchcock in his chemical lectures, 
 and in his geological survey of the State, until the summer 
 of 1839, when he taught school, for more than two years, at 
 Troy and Keene, N. H. ; also, part of the year 1842, at Ed- 
 gartown, M. V. He entered upon the study of theology with 
 Rev. Dr. Ide, and received approbation to preach. 
 
 A bronchial affection soon disenabled him from occupying 
 the pulpit, except occasionally ; which he did, in 1843, at 
 Hardwick; in the autumn of 1844, at River Head, Long 
 Island, and in 1845 at Halifax, Vt. Here he declined a call, 
 as he did also from the church of River Head, on account of 
 a fresh attack of bleeding at the lungs. Subsequently, he 
 labored a few months at South Woodstock, Ct., at Gorham, 
 Me., at Winchendon and Royalston. In 1847, he preached 
 some months at South Brookfield and Tisbury, M. V. 
 
 In October, he was invited to Fitzwilliam, N. H., where 
 he was ordained and settled, 16 Feb., 1848. He is now 
 pleasantly situated, and able to preach most of the time ; al- 
 28 
 
326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 though with anticipations on his part, that < he can hardly 
 hope to preach much more. 
 
 110. KEY. EDWARD PKATT 
 
 Is a native of Marblehead, and the son of Jonathan and 
 Sarah (Beckford) Pratt, natives of Salem.* 
 
 He commenced studies with reference to a collegiate educa 
 tion, but was compelled, by his health, to relinquish them. 
 After engaging some ten years in business, his returning 
 health encouraged the former idea of entering the ministry. 
 As his age seemed to forbid the usual complete course of 
 study, he entered Gilmanton Theol. Seminary, and gradu 
 ated, 1844. He was Resident Licentiate at Andover, until 
 Feb., 1845. 
 
 In April, he commenced preaching at Abington, Ct. ; was 
 ordained Evangelist, by Mendon Association and others, at 
 Wrentham, 13 Aug., 1845. He left Abington, April, 1849, 
 and engaged as exploring agent of the Norfolk Co. Bible 
 Society. In May, 1851, he entered the service of the N. Y. 
 City Tract Society, as their missionary in the III. and V. 
 Wards, and is now in the same employ. 
 
 Mr. Pratt married Miss Sarah Blake, daughter of Mr. 
 Robert Blake, of Wrentham, who w r as lost in the steamer 
 Lexington, on Long Island Sound. 
 
 * Mr. Pratt s paternal grandfather, born Salem, 1745, and died 
 Orford, N. H., 1831, was captain of the famous privateer, "Grand 
 Turk," during the revolutionary war. After the close of the war, he 
 retired to Orford, N. H., and became one of the parishioners of the late 
 Rev. Jotham Sewall. 
 
 His maternal ancestor was Benjamin Beckford, Salem, 1640. Ben 
 jamin Beckford, the patriarch of Congregationalism in Illinois, and who 
 recently died at Griggsville, 111., aged 87, was his descendant, and uncle 
 to Mr. Pratt. 
 
 Rev. Horace Pratt, lately at Seekonk, is brother of Rev. Edward, 
 above. Rev. E. Pratt. 
 
REV. MALACHI BULLARD. 327 
 
 111. REV. MALACHI BULLARD, 
 
 The son of Malaclii Bullard, was born in West Medway, 
 1817. 
 
 He pursued his preparatory studies at Franklin Academy, 
 and entered Amherst College, 1837 ; but left, the second 
 year, for Dartmouth College, where he graduated, 1840. He 
 studied theology with Dr. Ide. 
 
 He was engaged, more or less for some years, in teaching 
 school. In 1842, he had the preceptorship of Atkinson 
 Academy, N. H. He continued in this employment, and oc 
 casionally supplied vacant pulpits, preaching several months 
 in Dighton, among other places, until 1846; when he 
 was ordained over the church in Winchendon, 19 Nov., 1846. 
 But his work on earth was speedily finished. After a sick 
 ness of several months, he died, 10 May, 1849, aged 32. 
 
 His wife was Sabrina, the daughter of Mr. Nathan Bul 
 lard, of W. Medway. 
 
 As a scholar, Mr. Bullard was laborious and persevering. 
 If his progress was slow, it was sure. He left no ground 
 unsurveyed, no student s duty unperformed. 
 
 " He was a man of few words, but those were spoken with 
 discretion ; of few promises, but they could be relied upon 
 with entire confidence. 
 
 He was a faithful and useful Minister of the Gospel, 
 industrious, methodical, kind, prudent, and devoted to his 
 duties. 
 
 The people of his charge, and the association of ministers 
 to which he belonged, regarded him with respect, confidence, 
 and affection. During his entire sickness, he was calm, hap 
 py, and hopeful, and manifested entire acquiescence in the Di 
 vine Will." * 
 
 The only published production of his pen, an occasional 
 
 * Obituary notice in Puritan Recorder. 
 
328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 sermon on " Sinful Amusements," shows him to be a clear 
 thinker, and an unshrinking reprover of what he considered 
 wrong, even amongst his own people. 
 
 112. REV. ALLEN LINCOLN 
 
 Is the son of Mr. Thomas and Nancy N. (Norcross) 
 Lincoln, of Cohasset, where he was born, 24 November, 
 1813. 
 
 He first learned the house and ship joiner s trade in Bos 
 ton, but afterwards fitted for college at Woburn Academy, 
 and grad. at Dartmouth, 1839. 
 
 He had charge of Austin st. Academy, Cambridgeport, 
 four years, and then studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide. 
 
 He was ordained at Gray, Cumberland Co., Me., 5 Nov., 
 1845, where he now is. 
 
 Mr. Lincoln, m. Lucy Richardson, only daughter of Dea. 
 Stephen Richardson of Woburn. She died 2o July, 1846. 
 His present wife was Julia A. Holmes, d. of Asa Holmes, 
 Esq., of North Auburn, Me. 
 
 113. REV. WILLIAM M. THAYER 
 
 Is the son of Maj. Davis and Betsey (Makepeace) Thayer 
 of Franklin. 
 
 He fitted for college at Franklin Academy, and grad. at 
 Brown University, 1843. After graduation, he engaged for 
 awhile in teaching, at Attleboro , Franklin, and South 
 Braintree. He studied theology with Rev. Dr. Ide of Med- 
 way, and Rev. M. Blake of Mansfield. 
 
 He preached in Edgartown, M. V., for a year, and declin 
 ed a call for settlement. He was employed for a season in 
 North Chelsea, and in other places, and finally was ordained 
 over the church in Ashland, 20 June, 1849, and there he con 
 tinues. 
 
REV. JOSIAH LYMAN AEMES. 329 
 
 He married Miss Rebecca Richards, of Dover, and has 
 one child. 
 
 Mr. Thayer has published, a Review of Rev. Mr. Love- 
 joy s sermon on Prohibitory Law, 1851. The Price of Gold, 
 a funeral sermon on a young member of his congregation 
 who died in California, 1852. The Worth of the Soul, and 
 Happy New Year : a juvenile series, 1852. 
 
 114. REV. JAMES M. BACON 
 
 Is the son of Joseph and Beulah (Fuller) Bacon of New 
 ton. 
 
 He fitted for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, but 
 did not graduate, on account of ill health. After an irregu 
 lar study of over six years, he became the theological pupil 
 of Rev. Dr. Ide, with whom he attended the usual course. 
 
 He was ordained in Littleton, 8 Oct., 1846, and dismissed, 
 on account of ill health, 13 Nov., 1849. He was installed 
 over the Union Evangelical church of Amesbury and Salis 
 bury, 25 June, 1851, where he now is. 
 
 Mr. Bacon m. Miss Maria Woodward, daughter of Dea. 
 Elijah F. and Anna Woodward of Newton.* 
 
 115. EEV. JOSIAH LYMAN AKMES 
 
 Was born in New Salem, but early became a resident of 
 Randolph."}" 
 
 He spent some time in Hamilton Coll., N. Y., and entered 
 
 * The Deaconship of the Newton church seems to be an heirloom in 
 this family. Six of them, in direct lineal descent, have held the office, 
 and have also lived and died in the same house ; which is now occupied 
 by the seventh generation of their line. Rev. J. M. Bacon. 
 
 t His father bore the same name as himself. His mother was a Trask, 
 of New Salem. He is a descendant, in the fifth generation, from William 
 Armes, who came from the Island of Jersey, and settled in Hadley, 
 about 1700. 
 
 28* 
 
330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Amherst College, 1836 ; but was compelled to leave, as many 
 others, for want of funds. He engaged in teaching, in the 
 Academy at South Dennis, and the Classical School in 
 Belchertown. In 1841, he took charge of the Mansfield Acad 
 emy, where he continued until 1845. During his connection 
 with this school, he prosecuted his theological studies, under 
 the direction of Rev. M. Blake, of Mansfield. 
 
 He was ordained pastor of the Manomet church, Plymouth, 
 25 June, 1846 ; and was dismissed, 31 July, 1850. He was 
 again settled, 30 Oct., 1850, in Mason, N. IL, as colleague 
 with Rev. Ebenezer Hill, where he now is. 
 
 He married Marcia K., daughter of Mr. Arza Keith, of 
 N. Bridgewater, and has five children, daughters. 
 
 116. REV. EZRA NEWTON, JR. 
 
 Was born in Princeton, 30 Sept., 1818. 
 
 He studied at Monson Academy, 1838-9, graduated at 
 Dartmouth, 1843, and studied theology with Rev. S. Harding, 
 then of East Medway. He preached in Dighton one year, 
 from 1 July, 1846, where he declined a settlement. He was 
 ordained in Shutesbury, 1 March, 1848 ; and was dismissed, 
 on account of his health, 10 Sept., 1850. The following sum 
 mer, he acted as Agent of the N. Hamp. Bible Society, and 
 preached, part of the time, in Raymond, N. H. 
 
 Mr. Newton married Miss Clark, of E. Medway, and now 
 resides at Kingston, N. H. He is unable to preach. 
 
 117. MR. HIRAM C. DANIELS 
 
 Is a native of E. Medway, and the son of Amos and Sally 
 Daniels. His father died recently, and his mother married a 
 Bullard, and resides in Sherborn. 
 
 He graduated at Dartmouth College, 1845, and studied 
 theology in private. 
 
REV. FREDERIC A. FISK. 331 
 
 He has preached in various places, supplying the pulpit in 
 Kennebunk, Me., for a considerable time ; but is now com 
 pelled, by a bronchial difficulty, to forego the labor of public 
 speaking. 
 
 He is employed as travelling Agent of the American and 
 Foreign Christian Union. 
 
 Mr. Daniels married Miss Susan Cressy, of Rowley. 
 
 118. REV. JOHN W. HARDING 
 
 Is the oldest child of Rev. Sewall Harding of Boston, and 
 was born in Waltham.* He fitted for college at Phillips 
 Academy, Andover ; graduated at Yale College, 1845 ; and 
 at Andover. He is at Longmeadow, where he was ordained, 
 1 Jan., 1850. 
 
 Mr. Harding married, 29 Dec., 1852, Mehitable P. Lane, 
 daughter of Jenkins Lane, Esq., of East Abington. 
 
 119. REV. FREDERIC A. FISK 
 
 Is the youngest son of Rev. Elisha and Margaret (Shep 
 herd) Fisk, of Wrentham.f 
 
 He prepared for College at Day s Academy, Wrentham ; 
 and graduated at Amherst Coll., 1836, and A. M. After his 
 graduation, he followed school-teaching for ten years, both in 
 Connecticut and Massachusetts. After the death of his wife, 
 he resided awhile at New Haven, and prosecuted the study 
 of divinity there, in 1850. 
 
 After approbation, he supplied the pulpit in Norton and in 
 Ashburnham, at which latter place he received a call, and 
 was settled, 30 Dec., 1851. 
 
 * See Rev. S. Harding, Members, No. 61. 
 t See Kcv. E. Fisk, Members, No. 29. 
 
o32 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 Mr. Fisk married Anne A. Nelson, daughter of Rev. Ste 
 phen S. and Emilia (Robbing, of Suffield, Ct.) Nelson, late 
 pastor of the West church in Amherst. She died, 7 May, 
 1848, leaving one child a son. Mr. Fisk s present wife 
 was Rebecca J. Robbins, daughter of Dea. Josiah Robbins, 
 of Plymouth. 
 
 120. REV. HENRY LOBDELL 
 
 Was born in Danbury, Ct,, 25 Jan., 1827, and is the son 
 of Henry C. and Almina Lobdell. His life, from ten to six 
 teen, was spent in the family of Mr. John Covill, of Reading, 
 Ct., engaged in labor upon a farm. In the course of prepa 
 ration for College, he taught school, one year, in the city of 
 New London, Ct. 
 
 Previous to entering college, he studied medicine three 
 years with Dr. Hanford of North Bennet, Bethel, Ct. In 18i9, 
 he was graduated at Amherst College, and received the degree 
 of M. D., from New Haven, March, 1850. lie studied 
 theology, at New Haven, at Andover, and while teaching 
 a boarding school, in Danbury, Ct. 
 
 At the time of his approbation, he was under a prospective 
 appointment to the Foreign Mission Field, by the American 
 Board, expecting to occupy the post in Syria, made vacant 
 by the death of Doct. A. Smith. 
 
 He was ordained as an Evangelist to Koordistan, 5 Oct., 
 1851, at the Broadway Tabernacle, New York, and has since 
 sailed to his destined field of labor. 
 
 121. MR. JOHN EDWIN COREY 
 
 Is the connecting link of the lists of candidates of the past 
 and present centuries. 
 He was born in Mansfield, and is the son of Mr. Leonard 
 
MR. JOHN EDWIN COREY. 333 
 
 and Adah (Skinner) Corey. He fitted for college at Mans 
 field Academy, graduated at Ambers t, 1850, and studied 
 theology with Rev. M. Blake, of Mansfield. 
 
 He was immediately employed, as stated supply, at Edgar- 
 town, Martha s Vineyard, where he preached until Oct., 1852. 
 lie is now supplying at Dighton. 
 
 Mr. Corey married Fanny M., the daughter of Mr. Daniel 
 and Lavina (Clark) Williams, Jr., of Mansfield. 
 

 
 
 
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COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
 337 
 
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338 COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
 III. AVERAGES. 
 
 Of the 77 Members, 35 are dead, 42 are living. 
 Of the 42 living, 6 have retired or entered other employments, 
 and 16 are in the pastoral office ; of whom, 6 continue in their 
 first pastorate. 
 
 Of the 35 deceased members : 
 The average of their first pastorate is 28 yrs. 3 m. 
 " " "" whole pastoral life, 32 yrs. 2 m. 
 " " " " ministerial life, 38 yrs. 2 m. 
 
 " " " " natural life, 68-j-yrs. 
 
 Of the survivors : 
 The average first pastorate of 39 is 10 yrs. 1 m. 
 
 " " whole pastoral life of 39, 12 yrs. 8 m. 
 
 " " ministerial life of 40, 20 yrs. 10 m. 
 
 " " pastorate of 5 still undismissed, 18 yrs, llm. 
 
 Of the deceased members, Rev. Dr. Emmons of Franklin at 
 tained to the greatest age ; viz. 95 yrs. 4 m. Rev. Dr. Hall of 
 Sutton was the longest settled over the same people ; viz. 59 yrs. 
 6 mos. 
 
 Rev. O. Thompson of N. Abington, is the oldest minister who 
 has belonged to the Association ; being now in his 7 7th year. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Ide, of the living members, has been the longest set 
 tled in the same place ; being now in the 39th y. of his pastorate 
 at W. Medway. 
 
 Five members have been settled over fifty yrs. in one parish, 
 Seven have been settled over forty years, and Nine over thirty 
 years. 
 
COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
 339 
 
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340 
 
 COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
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COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
 341 
 
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342 
 
 COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
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COMPARATIVE TABLES. 343 
 
 GRADUATES. 
 
 Harv. Univ 11 Penn. Univ 2 
 
 Yale Coll 6 Union Coll 3 
 
 N. J. Coll 3 Not grad 13 
 
 Brown Univ 32 
 
 Dart. Coll 17 100 
 
 Wms. Coll 2 
 
 Amh. Coll.. ,.11 Members.. . 21 
 
 AVERAGES. 
 
 Of the 121 Licentiates, 21 became members of the Association, 
 5 never entered the ministry, and 8 have not been ordained. 
 They are omitted in the preceding list. Of the remaining 8 7, 6 
 have been ordained, but not settled as pastors ; 45 are dead, and 
 42 are still living. Of the latter, 10 have entered other avoca 
 tions, or retired from active labors, and 1 9 are now pastors ; of 
 whom, 1 2 are still in their first pastorate. 
 Of the deceased members : 
 The average first pastorate of 44 is 17 yrs. 9 m. 
 " " pastoral life of 43, 19 yrs. 4 m. 
 
 " ministerial life of 40, 26 yrs. 1 m. 
 " " natural life of 42, 58 yrs. 4 m. 
 Of the survivors : 
 The average first pastorate of 36 is 12 yrs. 9 m. 
 
 " pastoral life of 36, 16 yrs. 4 m. 
 " " ministerial life of 40, 21 yrs. 
 
 " pastorate of 11, still undismissed, 16 yrs. 9 m. 
 Rev. Asaph Rice of Westminster, was the longest settled in 
 one place ; viz. 50 yrs. 5 m. Rev. Eli Smith of Hollis, N. Hamp 
 shire, reached the most advanced age ; viz. 8 7 yrs. 8 m. 
 
 Rev. Kiah Bayley of Hardwick, Vt, is the oldest of living Li 
 centiates, being nearly 83. Rev. Levi Nelson of Lisbon, Ct., 
 has been the longest settled over one charge ; viz. 48 years. 
 
344 COMPARATIVE TABLES. 
 
 III. OF MEMBERS AND LICENTIATES. 
 
 GRADUATES. 
 
 Harv. Univ 20 Wms. Coll 3 
 
 Yale Coll 23 Amh. Coll 17 
 
 N. J. Coll 5 Hamilton Coll 1 
 
 Brown Univ 53 Union Coll 4 
 
 Bart. Coll 26 Penn. Univ 2 
 
 Bowd. Coll 3 Not grad 20 
 
 Total 177 
 
 AVERAGES. 
 
 Of the 164 Members and Licentiates contained in the preced 
 ing tables, 80 are dead, and 84 are living; of whom, 68 still ex 
 ercise the functions of the ministry. 
 Of the deceased : 
 The average first pastorate of 79, is 22 yrs. 5 m. 
 
 " " pastoral life of 78, 25 yrs. 1 m. 
 
 " " ministerial life of 75, 31 yrs. 10 m. 
 
 " " natural life of 77, 62 yrs. 9 m. 
 Of the living : 
 The average first pastorate of 75 is 11 yrs. 4 m. 
 
 " " pastoral life of 75, 15 yrs. 9 m. 
 
 " " ministerial life of 80, 21 yrs. 2 m. 
 
 " " pastorate of 16 still undismissed, 17 yrs. 6 m. 
 
 or TH 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF 
 . 
 
GENERAL INDEX, 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Address, Centennial 7 
 
 Agencies of benev. Societies 55 
 
 Am. and For. Sab. Union, vote on 56 
 
 " Peace Soc., vote on 55 
 
 " Protestant Soc., vote on 59 
 
 " Sea. Friends Soc., vote on 55 
 
 Appendix, historical 41 
 
 Approbation of Candidates 73 
 
 " Form of 75 
 
 Ardent spirits, abolished 54 
 
 Articles of Faith, record of. 233 
 
 Associations, antiquity of 28 
 
 Bangor, Theol. Sem., origin of 255 
 
 Bellingham church, vote on funds 53 
 
 Benev. Societies, resolves on 55 
 
 Biog. Sketches of Licentiates 209 
 
 " " Members 84 
 
 Business of Association 44 
 
 Candidates, early practice 73 
 
 " form of approbation 75 
 
 " list of 76 
 
 Catechising, vote on 54 
 
 Centennial Address 7 
 
 " Meeting 4 
 
 Chaplain s Commission, copy 107 
 
 Christian Mag., vote to publish 61 
 
 Comparative Tables 334 
 
 Congregationalism, principles stated 56 
 
 Consoc. of churches, draft for 47 
 
 Creed recorded, copy of 233 
 
 Doct. Tract Soc., origin of 32 
 
 Eccl. hist, of N. E., periods of 11 
 
 Education Soc., first in Am 253 
 
 Edwards, influence of on theology 21 
 
 Evidences, vote to publish 60 
 
 Extent of Mendon Assoc 83 
 
346 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 First meeting of the Assoc 41 
 
 First missionaries of M. M. S 60 
 
 Form of approbation of Cand 75 
 
 Gen. Assoc. of Mass 52 
 
 Harmony Assoc., origin of. 82 
 
 History of this work 3 
 
 Home missions 59 
 
 Hopkinsianism, origin of the term 30 
 
 progress and influence 31 
 
 Library of Association 45 
 
 List of Candidates 76 
 
 " Members 79 
 
 " Questions 62 
 
 " Scribes 43 
 
 " Texts for Exegesis 72 
 
 Mass. Home Miss. Soc., origin of. 59 
 
 Meetings, time of regular , 42 
 
 Members, list of 79 
 
 " Sketches of. 84 
 
 Moderators 43 
 
 Origin of Bangor Sem 255 
 
 " Doct. Tract Soc 32 
 
 " Education Soc. .... 253 
 
 " Harmony Association 82 
 
 " Mass. Miss. Soc 59 
 
 " Mendon Assoc 27 
 
 " term, Hopkinsian 30 
 
 Periods of N. . Eccl. History 11 
 
 Publications by the Assoc 60 
 
 Puritans, object in emigrating 12 
 
 Questions for discussion, list of 62 
 
 Regulations of the Association 45 
 
 Resolves on miscel. subjects 53 
 
 Scribes, list of. 43 
 
 Six Nations, missions to 213 
 
 Sketches of Licentiates 209 
 
 " Members 84 
 
 Slavery, resolves on 58 
 
 Territorial extent of Assoc 83 
 
 Texts for exegesis, list of. 72 
 
 Theology, Prest. Edwards s influence on 21 
 
 " of the Puritans 12 
 
 * Unfinished Report/ reply to 56 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX, 
 
 Aikcn, Solomon . 
 Alexander, Caleb 
 Arnies, Josiah L/. 
 Austin, Samuel . 
 Avcry, David 
 Bacon, James M. 
 Bailey, Algernon S. . 
 
 " Joseph H. 
 
 " Kiah 
 Barnes, David R. 
 
 " William . 
 Barney. James O. 
 Barnum, Caleb . 
 Bigelow, Asahel . 
 Biglow, Silas 
 Blake, Mortimer . 
 Brigham, David . 
 Bullard, Malachi 
 Bullen, Hem-y L. 
 Caryl, Benjamin . 
 Chamberlain, Charles . 
 Chapin, Stephen . 
 Chaplin, Ebenezer 
 Cheney, Joseph . 
 Clark, Lucius W. 
 Cleaveland, John 
 Cobb, Alvan 
 Colburn, Samuel W. . 
 Conant, Cyrus W. 
 
 " Gains . 
 Cooley, Oramel W. . 
 Corey, John E. . 
 Cram, Jacob 
 Crane. John 
 Cummings, Preston . 
 Daggett, Hcrmon 
 Daniels, Hiram C. 
 Davis, Elnathan . 
 Dickinson. Timothy . 
 Dorr, Joseph 
 
 " " Jr. . 
 Dowse, Edmund . 
 Dudley, Elias 
 Dwight, John 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 . 227 
 
 Edwards, Thomas 
 
 . 315 
 
 . 128 
 
 Emerson, Ezckiel 
 
 . 216 
 
 . 329 
 
 " Joseph 
 
 . 271 
 
 . 156 
 
 Emmons, Nathaniel . 
 
 . 109 
 
 . 124 
 
 Fairbanks, Drury " . 
 
 . 267 
 
 . 329 
 
 Fay, Gilbert 
 
 . 311 
 
 . 283 
 
 Ferguson. John . 
 
 . 176 
 
 . 322 
 
 Fish, Elisha 
 
 . 89 
 
 . 253 
 
 " Jr. . 
 
 . 219 
 
 . 195 
 
 " Holloway . 
 
 . 241 
 
 . 203 
 
 Fisher, George . 
 
 . 303 
 
 . 178 
 
 Fisk, Elisha 
 
 . 151 
 
 . 100 
 
 u Frederick A. 
 
 . 331 
 
 . 190 
 
 Fitch, Charles . 
 
 . 181 
 
 . 217 
 
 " Elijah 
 
 . 117 
 
 . 192 
 
 " John 
 
 . 247 
 
 . 300 
 
 Forbush, John 
 
 . 312 
 
 . 327 
 
 Frost, Amariah . 
 
 . 87 
 
 . 202 
 
 Goodenow, Smith B. . 
 
 . 199 
 
 214 
 
 Graham, Sylvester 
 
 . 309 
 
 . 206 
 
 Grosvenor, Moses G. . 
 
 . 193 
 
 . 280 
 
 Grout, Jonathan . 
 
 . 322 
 
 . 103 
 
 Hall, David, 
 
 . 92 
 
 . 277 
 
 " Nathaniel . 
 
 . 244 
 
 . 308 
 
 Harding, John "VV. 
 
 . 331 
 
 . 142 
 
 " Sewall . 
 
 . 196 
 
 . 168 
 
 Harlow, William 
 
 . 310 
 
 . 166 
 
 Harris, Walter . 
 
 . 231 
 
 . 309 
 
 Haskell, John . 
 
 . 207 
 
 . 279 
 
 Hcaton. Isaac E. . 
 
 . 314 
 
 . 202 
 
 Ilixon, Asa 
 
 . 207 
 
 . 332 
 
 Holbrook, Josiah 
 
 . 241 
 
 . 223 
 
 Willard . 
 
 . 296 
 
 . 121 
 
 Holman, David . 
 
 , 162 
 
 . 183 
 
 ; Nathan . 
 
 . 144 
 
 . 239 
 
 Howe, Nathaniel . 
 
 . 135 
 
 . 330 
 
 Hunt, Samuel 
 
 . 207 
 
 . 320 
 
 Hutchinson, Aaron 
 
 . 96 
 
 . 130 
 
 Idc, Jacob . 
 
 . 167 
 
 . 84 
 
 Jackson, William 
 
 . 250 
 
 . 211 
 
 James, Horace . 
 
 . 197 
 
 . 321 
 
 Jenkins, Abraham, Jr. 
 
 . 325 
 
 . 236 
 
 Johnson. Sherman 
 
 . 278 
 
 . 320 
 
 Jones, Cornelius . 
 
 . 210 
 
348 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX. 
 
 Judson, Samuel . 
 Lincoln, Allen 
 Lobdell, Henry . 
 Long, David 
 Longley, Jonathan 
 Lowe, Isaac P. . 
 Manning, Abel 
 Mills, Edmund 
 Moore, Martin . 
 Morse, John 
 Nelson, Levi 
 Newhall, George II. . 
 Newton, Ezra, Jr. 
 Noycs, Varnum . 
 Ogdcn, Nathaniel 
 Packard, Levi 
 Paige, Reed 
 Paine, Emerson . 
 Park, Calvin 
 
 " Harrison G. 
 Parkhurst, John L. 
 Partridge, Moses 
 Perkins, Jonas . 
 Phelps, Amos A. 
 Phipps, William, Jr. . 
 Peirce, Willard . 
 Pond, Enoch 
 
 D.D. . 
 
 " Preston, Jr. 
 Poor, Daniel J. . 
 Potter, Nathaniel 
 Pratt, Edward . 
 Preston, John B. 
 Putnam, John M. 
 Rawson, Nathaniel 
 Raymond, Stetson 
 Reed, Augustus B. 
 
 " Andrew II. 
 
 " Josiah 
 Rice, Asaph 
 Richmond, Thomas T. 
 Robinson, John . 
 Rockwood, Elisha 
 Rowell, Joseph . 
 Sanford, David . 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 . 138 
 
 Sanford, David, 2d . 
 
 . 190 
 
 . 328 
 
 Shores, Silas 
 
 . 301 
 
 . 332 
 
 Simmons, Charles 
 
 . 199 
 
 . 149 
 
 Smaller, Elain . 
 
 . 184 
 
 . 299 
 
 Smith, Eli . 
 
 . 248 
 
 . 286 
 
 " John 
 
 . 258 
 
 . 297 
 
 " Preserved 
 
 . 159 
 
 . 133 
 
 Southworth, Tertius D. 
 
 . 191 
 
 . 286 
 
 Spaulding, Josiah 
 
 . 119 
 
 . 242 
 
 Spofford, Richard C. . 
 
 . 323 
 
 . 276 
 
 Stone, Isaac 
 
 . 104 
 
 . 206 
 
 " Timothy D. P. 
 
 . 195 
 
 . 330 
 
 Sullivan, Lot B. . 
 
 . 291 
 
 . 313 
 
 Sweet, Henry II. F. . 
 
 . 306 
 
 . 260 
 
 Taft, Moses 
 
 . 209 
 
 . 306 
 
 Thacher, Moses . 
 
 . 177 
 
 . 235 
 
 " Tyler . 
 
 . 198 
 
 . 288 
 
 Thayer, Alexander 
 
 . 218 
 
 . 172 
 
 William M. . 
 
 . 328 
 
 . 189 
 
 Thomas, Daniel . 
 
 . 174 
 
 . 293 
 
 Thompson, Otis . 
 
 . 148 
 
 . 292 
 
 Thurston, David 
 
 . 91 
 
 . 290 
 
 Eli . 
 
 . 316 
 
 . 184 
 
 Tisdalc, James 
 
 . 307 
 
 . 321 
 
 Torrey, Charles T. . 
 
 . 316 
 
 . 179 
 
 Tucker, Joshua T. 
 
 . 204 
 
 . 229 
 
 Tyler, Roval 
 
 . 240 
 
 . 289 
 
 " WHliam . 
 
 . 298 
 
 . 205 
 
 Waldo, Nathan . 
 
 . 275 
 
 . 192 
 
 Walker, Horace D. . 
 
 . 324 
 
 . 211 
 
 " Elnathan 
 
 . 282 
 
 . 326 
 
 Warren, Charles J. 
 
 . 182 
 
 . 262 
 
 " Moses . 
 
 . 221 
 
 . 301 
 . 285 
 
 William 
 Webb. Nathan . 
 
 . 159 
 
 . 86 
 
 . 291 
 
 Whcaton, Josephus 
 
 . 169 
 
 . 304 
 
 White, Calvin 
 
 . 201 
 
 . 196 
 
 Whitmore, Zolva 
 
 . 300 
 
 . 218 
 
 Wight, John B. . 
 
 . 287 
 
 . 213 
 
 Wilder, John 
 
 . 139 
 
 . 194 Williams, Thomas 
 
 . 170 
 
 . 134 Wines, Abijah . 
 
 . 255 
 
 . 164 Wood, Benjamin 
 
 . 140 
 
 . 205 Worcester, Leonard . 
 
 . 268 
 
 . 105 
 
 

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