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HISTORY AND GENEALOGY
THE DAYENPOET FAMILY,
ENGLAND AND AMERICA, PROM A.D. 1086 TO 1850.
COMPILED AND PREPARED FROM ORMEROD'S HISTORY OF THE COUNTY
OF CHESTER ; OOLLEOTIOXS FROM THE HARLEIAN MSS, ;
rAROCHlAL AND TOWN RECORDS IN ENGLAND
. AND AMERICA, ETC., ETC.
BY A. BENEDICT DAVENPORT,
(of the twenty-fourth GErfERATION,)
nBREBPONDING MEMBER OF THE KEW ENGLAND HISTORIC-GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY.
' Inquire, I pray theo, of the former age, ancU prepare thyself to the search of
their fathers."— Job viii. S.
NEW YORK :
S. W. BENEDICT, 16 SPRUCE STREET.
1851.
YALE
Entered according to act of Congress, iu the year 1851, by
A. BENEDICT DAVENPORT,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the
Southern District of New York.
TO THE
DESCENDANTS OF
REV. JOHN DAVENPORT,
THE FOUNDER AND PATRIARCH
OF
NEW HAVEN, CT.,
WHO CHERISH THE PRINCIPLES, EMULATE THE VIRTUES,
AND ILLUSTRATE THE EXAMPLE
OF THEIR DISTINGUISHED ANCESTOR,
THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY
THE AUTHOR,
INTRODUCTION.
" Not to know what took place before one
was born," says Cicero, " is to remain forever a
child." History is the herald of the past. To
search into that past, to learn the lessons
which it teaches, to profit by its experiences,
avoiding its errors and cherishing its virtues,
is aKke the duty of the scholar, the patriot,
and the Christian.
The history of nations is chiefly that of
individuals. It is the individual character that
gives shape and color to any age, that effects
great moral and pohtical revolutions, that
evolves and illustrates great principles or he
roic achievements. Such was that of the Pu
ritan fathers of New England. They were cotv-
st/ructors of society. They laid the foundations
of that mighty edifice which they were about
to build, upon a broad and imperishable basis.
VI mTEODUCTION.
The vine which God brought out of Egypt
has spread its shadows over our land, till mil-
hons are now enjoying the rich legacy of their
toils, their labors, and their prayers.
In the following pages, the author lays no
claim to originality. That the long winter of
age might not bury the leaves and fruit of our
pious ancestors in America, the pleasing task
was undertaken, to collect and preserve, in
this simple form, some memorials of theh
principles and their virtues, for future gene
rations. In commencing the preparation of this work,
the writer had no idea of extending it to its
present limits, or of going further back than
to the original settler of New Haven. But in
his researches, he was led backwards by a
series of successes, by which he is enabled to
present a hne of ancestry for nearly eight
hundred years, authenticated by the clearest
proofs and evidences.
Most of the information in regard to the
family in this country has been obtained from
probate and town records, sepulchral monu-
INTEODUCTION. Vll
ments, and local or general histories. To
those who have aided him in making these
collections, the author would here tender his
grateful acknowledgments.
After much labor bestowed, ia coUectiag
and preparing materials, the work is sent forth
as a vade mecum to the Family, with the hope
that it may stimulate the present and future
generations, to emulate the piety, the love of
civil and religious liberty, and that devotion
to " the common welfare of all," which charac-
teiized the Puritan fathers of New England.
Brooklyn, N. Y., )
January 1, 1851. )
FAMILY OF DAVENPORT
Arms of Davenport. — Argent, a chevron sable bet-ween
three cross crossletts fitchee of the second.
Crest. — On a wreath a felon's head, couped at the neck
proper, haltered Or.
Office indicated, Magisterial Sergeancy.
(See page 1.5.)
FAMILY OF DAVENPORT,
HISTORICAL.
The family name of Davenport is of local ori
gin. The township of Davenport is situated in a
sequestered part of the Hundred of Northwich,
County of Chester, England ; and is about
twenty-five miles from the ancient city of
Chester. It stands on high ground above a
range of rich meadows, through which the
river Dane flows rapidly, with a winding and
hregular course. The banks on each side are
remarkably lofty ; those on the Davenport side
are a series of verdant slopes, bearing evident
marks of having been covered with timber at
some former period ; the opposite ones have
been broken by the force of the current, and
are more precipitous.
These features of the circumjacent landscape
constitute some of the most pleasiag scenery of
the hundred; and they are backed by what
must have had no ordinary charms for the an
cient chiefs of Davenport, the adjoining hills
12 FAMILY OF nAVENPOET.
of Macclesfield— the scene of their favorite
sports and their feudal power.*
The manorial history of this township in
volves a subject of rare occurrence even in
England— the descent of a family in one unia-
terrupted male line from the Norman Con
querors of the palatinate, possessing at the pre
sent day the feudal powers ^itli which the lo
cal sovereigns of that palatinate invested it,
and preserving in its archives, in a series of
original documents, the proofs of its ancient
history, and its unbroken descent.
Davenport occurs in that part of the descrip
tion of the Venables estates, in which the
founder of the barony is termed "venator."
Isdem Gislebertus (Venator) tenet Deneport.
Gochdnus tenuit ; ibi dimidia hida geldabihs :
terra est una cacura ; ibi est cum uno Eadman ;
et III Ijovariis, et III bordaiiis ; et una acra
silvae. Valebat III sohdos ; wasta invenitm\
Shortly after this vill was given, either hj
the Norman grantee or by his grandson (who
appears to have succeeded him), to Orme, the
ancestor of the Davenports, who assumed the
local name, as is proved by his attestation to a
charter at that period.
* History of Cheshire, In- George F. Ormerod, A.M.,
F.R.S.,F.A.S.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 13
Orme de Davenport appears to have been
born in the 20th year of William the Conquer
or, 1086, and must have been fifty 3^ears old at
the l)irth of his son Richard, who married
Amabilia, daughter of the second Gilbert Ven
ables, the Norman grantee of Davenport, &c.,
before 1086.
Ilugli Kevelioc, Earl of Chester, granted by
charter to Richard de Davenport, the master
torester,--;liip of the forests of Leek and Maccles
field, about 1166, which was an hereditary of
fice, and is nominally held at the present time.
This Richard de Davenport had also in
mariiage with Amabilia, a moiety of the town
ship of Marton, by grant from her l^rother
William de Venables, and the same has con
tinued ) )y hereditary descent in the Davenport
family to the present day.
This township is noticed in the Domesday
sur-\'ey, and -^vas held, together ^^4th other
estates, by the Saxon thane Goderic. From
various coincidences in the Domesday account,
it ap])ears that Wi/Jf /¦/'(', who lived in the time
of Edward the Confessor, 1040, and who Avas
grandfather to Margaret Venables, the mother
of Amabilia, was heir (probably brother) to
Goderic, and that the Norman conquerors who
14 FAMILY OF DAVENPORT.
had dispossessed this family in the first in
stance, re-admitted them to Marton, Cranage,
&,G. Of the Manor, Hall, and Chapel, of Marton,
which has passed through successive genera
tions to the late Davies Davenport, Esq., mem
ber of Parhament for the county of Chester,
we shall speak hereafter.
Thomas de Davenport, son of Richard, hved
in the time of Henry IL, or before 1189.
Vivian de Davenport, son of Richard, and
grandson of Thomas, and the fourth in descent
from Orme de Davenport, had a grant of the
magisterial sergeancy of the hundred of Mac
clesfield, from Randle BlundeviUe, earl of
Chester, by charter made dm-iag the justice
ship of Philip de Orreby, between 1209 and
1226. It appears that the grant was made to
Vivian Davenport, against his will, as a com
pensation for the park and vivaries of ]Mac-
clesfield, of which the earl had deprived him,
but which Vivian did not consider an ade
quate compensation.
The powers of this oflice were the highest
which the earl could bestow, as it placed, in
several cases, at the chsposal of the sergeant
and his itiaerant subservients, the hves of his
subjects, without delay, and without appeal.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 15
At this period., the illusive crest of the Da
venports is said to have first been adopted., and
to have le&n home upon the helmets of the mas
ter sergeants in their perambulations through
the peak, hills., and the forests of Leek and
Macclesfield., to the terror of the numerous
gangs of handitti tohich then infested those xvild
districts. There is now in the possession of the family
at Capesthorne, a long roll (without date, but
very ancient), containing the names of the
master robbers who were taken and beheaded
in the times of Vivian, his son Roger, and
grandson Thomas de Davenport, and also of
the fees paid to them in right of this ser
geancy. From this, it apj)ears that the fee
paid for a master robber was 2s. and one
salmon, and for theh companions 12 pence
each. There is also an account of the master
robbers, and theh companions slain by the
sergeants, and the fees thereon.*
* On the roll is a note by the first Davies Davenport,
of Woodford, Esq., to wit : " The numbers are great, and
though the roll is very ancient and much defaced, yet
several of the names appear." — Communicated to Ormerod
hy the Rev. Walter Davenport, in 1819.
The same gentleman, now the Rev. Walter Davenport
Bromley, adds, in a letter to the writer, dated September
16 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
Man}^ particulars connected with this ser
geancy are found interwoven with the subse
quent history of the family in England. At
times, it has been sought to wrest the powers
of this ofiace from those who have held them,
but such eftbrts have been unsuccessful.
This charter, as suljsequently interpreted,
seems to have given to the master sergeant,
within the fee of the hundred of Macclesfield,
all goods and chattels of felons and fugitives
condemned, and to be condemned, and what
ever properly belonged to them.*
28, 1850 : " Though the oflice of grand sergeancy since
the time of Queei; Elizabeth has been comparatively obso
lete, yet Waifs, Estrays and Mortuaries were claimed as
late as when my father succeeded to the estates ;
and I remember the old steward. Tlie roll of names of
persons beheaded still e.\ists, and I think the names are
visible." * The original inquisition, under the seals of the jurors,
is preserved among the deeds of the grand sc-r2;eancy at
Capesthorne, at the present day.
Davies Davenport, Esq., member of Parliament from
1806 to 1830, held the grand sergeancy, and had in his
possession m.iny original papers, and much other matter
pertaining to the family. The same passed to his son, the
late Ed-n-ard Davies Davenport, Esq,, who succeeded to
his father's estates in 1838, and who died in 18-47.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 17
A few general remarks may here be intro
duced in regard to the origin and use of arms.
Arms in heraldry are ensigns armorial or
marks of honor, borne upon shields, banners
or coats of mail, in order to distinction. These
may belong to individuals, to famihes, or to
countries. Badges, and emblems on shields and hel
mets, occurred in the earliest times. Allusion
is made to this in Numbers, (chapter 1 : 52,)
where the children of Israel are required to
pitch theh tents, " every man by his own
camp, and every man by his own standard,"
with the ensigns of his father's house.
Reference is also made by the Greek and
Roman poets, to the use of such devices ; and
Xenophon relates that the kings of Media
bore a golden eagle on theh shields.
— But notwithstanding these traces of armo
rial bearings in the ancient world, modern
heraldry is no older than the tournaments,
and seems to have first prevailed in the
eleventh or twelfth centuries.
The Crusades, which were expeditions to
the Holy Land against the Infidels, during the
twehth century, tended to bring this science
to its present degree of perfection. From
IS FAMILY OF DAYENPOKT,
these originated several new figui'os betore
unknown in arms, besides a great number of
crosses variously formed, which are to be seen
ia the arms aU over Eui'ope.
In process of time, these tokens, now called
arms, became remunerations for ser\-ices. and
were bestowed by emperors, kine*. genertds,
and chief-commanders in the field, upon mar
tial men, as a reward for heroic acts, the re
membrance of which woidd thus be preserved
to posterity.
At first, arms were allowed to l^e taken up
at any gentleman's pleasiu'e, but according to
the present laws of the college of arms, in
England and most other countries of Europe,
no person is allowed the betu'ing of them but
such as belong to the family, except In- specitd
grant or purchase.
The crest is considered the highest part of
the ornament of a coat of arms, and is placed
on a wreath. Anciently, they were worn on
the heads of commanders in the field, to distin
guish thfterent tamUies, armies or nations.
The Davenport crest, denotiag the oftice of
mao-isterial sero-eancv, mav be reckoned amono-
the most ancient in England, and the same
family coat of arms, with filial distinction,
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 19
appertains to all the different branches through
which the line of descent Avill here be given.
Sir Thomas Davenport, of Davenport,
knight, son of Roger, and grandson of Vivian
de Davenport, married for his first wife,
Agnes, daughter of Thomas cle Macclesfield,
in 128Y. She was the mother of his issue. His
second wife was Roesia, daughter of Ralph de
Vernon, and widow of Sh Wdham de Brere
ton. In 1309, he grants a lease of the office of
sergeancy for two years to his son Thomas, and
his pledges for two years, at an annual rent of
sixteen marks of silver.
This Thomas, second son of Sir Thomas, was
male ancestor of the Davenports of Whet-
rough, Bromhall, Henbury, Coventry, and
Woodford (now of Capesthorne).*
Sh John Davenport, knight, eldest son and
heir of Sh Thomas, married his father's step
daughter, Margery, daughter of Sh Wilham
Brereton, by Roesia Vernon ; to his second
wife he had Agnes de Bradford.
* From this time, the name, whiclj had been previously
¦written Dauneporte and Davenporte, was usually spelled
as at this day. The name was sometimes vulgarly called
Damport.
20 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
The first of these marriages took place in
1301, when "Thomas, son of Roger de Daven
port," grants to Sh Wilham Brereton, knight,
the marriage of his eldest son John, (to marry
him to Margery, daughter of the said Wilham,)
for 60 marks. Whnesses, Hugh Massey,
Ralph Vernon, Hugh de Venables, knights,
&c. ; dated at Brereton. Harl. MSS. 2074 : 148.
Four years after this, a sentence was procured
from the Court of Chester, declaring the mar
riage null, having been celebrated -without the
consent of the parties, both being under age.
The pedigrees, however, make Margery Brere
ton the mother of Sh John's children, which
must of course suppose them to have been re
united ; which fact seems further proved by a
settlement, in 12th year of Edward IL, (1319,)
when Thomas de Davenport obtained fi-om
Richard, Chaj)lain, of Prestbury, the manors of
Davenport and Marton, remainder to John
his son anrl Margery his -wife ." remainder to
the heirs of Thomas.
The issue of Sir John were as foUows : 1st,
Thomas ; 2d, John, who became rectoi' of the
Church in Swettenham, (a viUage on the side
of the Dane, opposite to Davenport,) in 1335,
of which Church his father and several of the
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 21
succeeding Johns were patrons ;* 3d, Ralph,
the continuer of the direct male line ; 4th,
Richard ; 5th, Roger ; 6th, Urian, who was chs-
tinguished for his great stature and military
achievements ; 7th, Arthur, ancestor of the
Davenports of Calveley, ^\'ho was slain on the
part of the Percies in the battle of Shrewsbury,
in 1403.t
Sir John Davenport, in the reign of Edward
IIL, (1343,) founded a chantry in the Chapel
of Marton, which was dissolved at the Refor
mation, or after 1500. After the dissolution,
the site of the Chapel was granted by the
Crown, to the Davenports of Davenport, in
* The Church is a neat building of brick, with a tower
and side aisles, the former of which forms an interesting
object in several romantic views along the banks of the
Dane. The Harl. MSS. 2151 -. 68. have notes of this Church.
On the windows are many figures, arms, &c. On one is ¦
this inscription : " Of yr charitie pray for Rondell Main-
waring and Margaret and Ellen his -vvyves, which made
this window A'no D'mi M'^CCC^XL.^
In the same -window, the arms of Davenport, and Daven
port impaling Savage.
f Sir John's daughters were Margaret, who married Sir
John Hyde, son of Eobert Hyde, Lord of Norbury, and Isa
bella, who married Robert Eaton, baron of Stockport, and
re-married to John de Stafford.
22 FAMELY OF DAYE^TOET.
which family it has continued to the present
day. The present Chapel, con^i^tiug of a belfry,
with a smaU spUe, porch, nave and chancel,
with side aisles, is buUt exclusively of timber,
except the chancel, wliich has l^een relmilt of
brick. The ^ide aisles are separated from the
body by rudely hewn timber beams, resting on
piUars of the same materials, and ia some of
the Yrindows are fragments of ancient painted
glass. The only monuments here, worthy of notice,
are two mutilated figures placed in the Church
yard, to the south of the Chapel, representirig
knights armed, as far as can be traced, in plate
armor, with conical helmets, and boots pointed
at the toes and much curved.
The hands are clasped in prayer ; the feet
of each figure are pressed against an animal,
and under the head of each is the Davenport
crest, a felon's head couped ; the rope is only
visible round one of the heads, the other is
placed on something which has more the ap
pearance of a chapeau, or cap of maintenance,
than the wreath and helmet with which it has
usuaUy been borne. These figures are sup-
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 23
posed to be those of Sir John Davenport, and
hi? son L'rian.*
About a quarter of a mUe from the Chapel,
*The church notes of this Chapel, Harl. MSS. 2151,
p. 54. contain a dra-ndng of the moniiments in the Church
yard, -svith this note, " It is said by auncient people that
the were Sir Jo. Davenp't and Vidian [Urian] his sone,
who founded the ChappeU of ^ilerton, and they lie buried
there." In the painted glass was a kneeling armed figure,
¦with sTircoat. quarterly, 1 and 4. a che-vron between three
martlets ; 2 and 3, Davenport. In the windows also arms
of Davenport, Siddington and barry of 4 sable and
arsent, the second and third indented.
(The Siddingtons, as far as can be judged from their coat
of arms, were originally Davenports, their coat differing
from the latter family, only in the addition of three cross
crosslets fitchee in the base.
The Davenports had estates in Siddington as early as
the time of Edward I., 1272-1307.)
Among the Davenport deeds is a grant from Sir John
de Davenport, knight, to Eobert de Bradshaw, &c., of 4
messuages, and 60 acres of land, -with the appurtenances in
the woods and wastes and all other profits in the ville of
Merton, &c., of the one part, and Yeaton on the other, to
maintain a fit priest celebrating mass in the Chapel of Mer
ton, for the souls of himself, his parents, and successors,
and all faithful people deceased forever ; and he also grants
to them common of pasture in all pastures in ^lerton, till
they should be appropriated ; and if any heir of Davenport
should contradict his -will and grant, they should incur
God's indignation. Witnessed, 1390.
24 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
is the present HaU of Marton, a plain building,
built with timber and plaster. The center and
wings of the front project and terminate hi
gables. The porch in the center opens to a
haU in which some long pikes yet remain sus
pended ; on the left is a wainscoted parlor,
over the mantle-p)iece of which, amongst old
carvings in oak, apparently older than the
building, are the arms and crest of Davenport,
inlaid with various colored wood.
Behind the hall, to the west, is a mere which
gave name to the townshij), and near which is
the site of a more ancient mansion.
Sir Ralph Davenport, knight, succeeded his
father, Sir John, and was engaged in the ser
vice of king Richard IL, binding himself by
indenture in 1380, to serve the king -with three
archers, well mounted and armed, to make war
for a year beyond the sea where God pleased.
This Ralph Davenport, chevaher, held, infer
alia,, lands in Swettenham, from St. John of
Jerusalem, also the manors of Davenport,
Withington, Marton, etc. He ched in 1383.*
* Among the notes of the tenures by which Sir Rate
Davenport held his grand sergeane3% is a bill from Jolm
Davenport of Davenport, Esq., to King Richard IL, (1383,)
sho-\ving that Randle, Earl of Chester, granted to Vivian
F^UaiLY OF DAYENPOET. 25
John Davenport, son of Ralph, and grandson
of Sir Ralph, was a minor in 1416, and was
married to Joan, daughter of Randle Mainwar-
ing, of Peover, on whom were estated the
manor of Swettenham, and the advowson of
the Church and aU the lands which Thomas de
Swettenham, lord of Swettenham, had in
Cheshhe, by deed, dated Monday, in the 4th
week in Lent, 21 Henry VL (1443).
About the latter end of the same reign,
(1460,) before the last struggle of this king
with the house of York, Priace Edward, earl of
Chester, issued his writ to John Davenport,
Esq., his sergeant, for keeping the peace within
the hundred of Macclesfield, also to take 120
persons who had been outlawed in the seven
de Davenporte the office of Master-Sergeant, worth not
above the yearly sum of £12 6s. 8d., in exchange for the
park, &c., of Macclesfield, worth about £40 a year, and
though the petitioner and supplicant, and his ancestors, had,
time out of mind, had and received £12 6s. 8d. yearly, as
puture or kelk of the inhabitans and towns within the hun
dred, yet that Sir John Stanley, and others, would not suf
fer their tenants to pay the same, and therefore, he prays
the king's letters under the privy seal to the bishop of
Exeter, president of the council, with the king's daughter,
the princess, and other his commissioners in the marches of
Wales, to call the persons before them, and cause payment
to be made of the money.2
26 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
preceding years, and who are mentioned by
name.* He died about 1475.
It may here be added that twelve pitched
battles were fought lietween the houses of
York and Lancaster, ivhich desolated the king
dom for the space of nearly thh-ty years, cost
the lives of eighty princes of the blood, and al
most annihUated the ancient nobility of Eng
land. After a series of successes and defeats by
each party, the contest was decided by the
battle of Bosworth, 1485, which was won by
the Lancastrians, and Richard HI. slain.
Henry VIL, of the second branch of the house
of Lancaster, then ascended the thi'one.
John Davenport, of Davenport, Esq., son of
John, held the oftice of sergeant on the death
of his father in 1475. He married Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir John Savage, of Clifton, knight.
Died in 1482.
John Davenport, Esq., son of Ralpih and
grandson of John, was born 1480. Married
1st, MatUda, daughter of Sh Andi-ew Brere
ton, knight, of Brereton ; 2d Avife, Jane,
daughter of Ralph Arderne, Esq. ; and
3d, Blanch, daughter of Robert Latham,
* Communicated by Rev. Walter Davenport to Ormerod.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 27
of Tabley, Esq. He died about 1553, aged
74 years. His chUdren were, 1st, John ;
2d, Wilham; 3d, Thomas; 4th, Roger; 6th,
Ralph ; 6th, Randle ; 7th, ParneU ; 8th, Ahce ;
9th, Mary ; 10th, Kathariae ; 11th, Margaret ;
12th, Margery ; 13th, EUen.*
John Davenport, of Davenport, Esq., son of
the preceding John, was born in 1505. Mar
ried 1st, to EUeanor, daughter of Thurston
HoUand, Esq., of Denton County, Lane; 2d
wife, Jane, daughter and cohehess of Richard
Massey j 3d wife, Anne, daughter of Randle
Mainwaring, of Carincham, Esq. By his first
¦* Thomas Davenport, a younger brother of the above
John, (son of Ralph,) married Elizabeth, sole daughter and
heiress of Robert Handford, of Chorley, Cheshire, who thus
became possessed of Chorley Hall, in whose descendants
it remained vested for four generations, as follows : Robert,
son of Thomas ; William ; Henry ; William Davenport,
who married Jane Bromley, and who sold Chorley, and
whose grandson Henry was high sheriff of Shropsliire, in
1683, and was the lineal ancestor of the Rev. Edward
Sharington Davenport, of Da,venport House, county of
Salop, who died February 27, 1842. His son, William
Sharington Davenport, of Davenport House, was born
July 30, 1808, and was married December 22, 1835, to
Catharine Louisa, only daughter of Samuel Warindin, Esq.,
of Chestleton, County of Salop, and has issue : William
Bromley, born October 14, 1836 ; Edward Henry, born
August 9, 1839, and Louisa Warindin.
28 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
whe, he had eight chUdren, by his second,
seven, and by his thhd, fifteen, makmg thirty
in aU, as foUows: 1st, John; 2d, Anne; 3d,
Ahce; 4th, EUen; 5th, Bridget; 6th, Urian;-
7th and 8th, two who died before baptism;
9th, Richard; 10th, WUham ; 11th, Hugh;
12th, Ralph; 13th, ParneU; 14th, Jane ; 1.5th,
Anne; 16th, Elizabeth; 17th, Mary; ISth,
Katharine; 19th, Bridget; 20th, Anne ; 21st,
Jasper; 22d, John 2d (died young); 23d,
Henry; 24th, Francis; 2.')th, George; (these
thi-ee last aU died young ;) 26th, Ai-thur ; 2 7th,
Thomas; 2Sth, Peter; 29th, WiUiam 2d;
30th, Edward.*
Sir John Davenport, of Davenport, knight,
son of John, and grandson of the above John
(the father of so numerous offspriog), was
born in 1549. He married Elizabeth, daughter
of Thomas WUbraham, of Nantwich, Esq.
Webb, in his King's Vale Roval, o-ives an
interestino- incident concerninsf the kniohtins:
of this John D.
John Davenport, in 1617, Avas high sherift'
of the comity, and, performing his service and
* These thirty children of Jolm Davenport, added to the
thirteen of his father, and the fourteen of liis eldest son,
make the three persons the fathers of fifly-seven cliildren !
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 29
duty to his exceUent majesty James I., whUe
making his tour through this county, so
pleased his royal highness, that upon his
taking leave of him in the confines of the
county, his majesty not only gave him thanks
for his attention, but calling him to come to
him, bestowed upon him the degree of knight
hood, and graced him with this pleasant,
princely farewell : " You shall carry me this
token to your tvife .•" for which honor, Sir John
had to thank his majesty as far as himself was
concerned ; but to inform him that his gentle
woman had already attained to a better lady
ship, having gone to her Lord and Saviour in
heaven. Sir John Davenport died in 1625, aged sev
enty-six years.
John Davenport, of Davenport, Esq., son of
John, grandson of Johu, and great grandson
of Sh John, and the twentieth in lineal male
descent from Orme de Davenport, married
Anne, daughter of Sh Peter Richaut, knight,
of London. She died at Manchester, county
of Lancaster, September 27, 1665 ; and was
buried at Swettenham, October 6, 1665.
Their chUdren were John Davenport, only son
and heh apparent, born ia London, October
30 FABIILY OF DAYENPOET.
6, 1653; died in 1658, and was buried at
Swettenham, aged five years ; second, Eliza
beth, eldest daughter and co-heiress, baptized
at Swettenham in 1655, and married Robert
Davies, gent, of Molds^\'orth, son and heir of
John Da\des, of Manley, county of Chester,
March 23, 1676, and on her was settled the
manor and mansion of Davenport ; third,
Anne Davenport, second and youngest daugh
ter, co-heiress with her sister, baptized at
Swettenham, 1658, and married to John Da
venport, Esq., of Woodford, March 6th, 1676,
at Prestbury.
Between the husbands of these co-heiresses,
the real and personal estate of the aliove men
tioned John Davenport was di^dded, by an
agreement signed March 23, 1689.
Mr. Davies had the manor and mansion of
Davenport, and a moiety of ]Martou, from
whom it descended to Salisbui'y, daughter and
sole heiress of Thomas Davenport Da^-ies, of
Manley, Esq., whe of Sir WiUiam Deaue, of
Dromore, who sold Davenport to Richard Da
venport, of Calveley, Esq., Avho was the I'epre-
sentative of the eldest knoA\ii existing male
line of its ancient possessors.
Under the ^\'iQ. of Mr. Davenport, this
FAJDLT OF DAVESiPOBT. 31
manor passed to Phcebe (daughter of his own
daughter Phoebe, wife of Davies Davenport
2d, of Woodford and Capesthorne, Esq.),
which Phoebe was whe of Eusebius Hort»n, of
Catton, Esq., aad the same became vested ia
AuTie, wife of Eobert Wihnot, Esq., M.P., son
of Sir Robert Wihnot, baronet.
John Davenport, of Woodford, Esq., had
the other moiety of Marton (which has never
been out of the family since the marriage of
Richard de Dauneportie with Amabilia Vena-
bl^, nearly seven hundred years ago), and also
the grand sergeancy of Macclesfield hundred,
and the faresterahip of Macclesfield- After
his death, without issue, the same passed to
his nephew Davies Davenport 2dL, of Wood
ford and Capesthorne, Esq., and thence to his
son Davies Davenport 3d, &q., member of
Parliament from 1806 to 1830, and the same
passed at his death in 1838, to his eldest son
Edward Davi^ Davenport^ of Woodford and
Capesthorne, i&q., its late proprietor, who was
of ihs twenty-fifth generation,, and who died in
1847, leaving eldest son and heh Arthur
Henry, bom June 9th, 1832.
The of&ce oi hereditary master forester., held
in fee by the Davenports of Davenport, ap-
32 FAJaiLY OF DAYENPOET.
pears, after the demise of the local earldom, to
have been rather an honorary olfice, and to
have been superseded, as far as its active pow
ers were concerned, by that of stewards^ who
were appointed and removed at pleasure, untU
the reign of Edward IV., when the steward
ship of the forest and hundred of Macclesfield
was granted to Thomas, Lord Stanley, in which
famUy it has since remained.
The magisterial duties of the office of grand
¦sergeant^ stiU held by the Davenports, have
become less frequent of later years, and par
taken of that tendency to disuse, to which aU
feudal tenures have been subject, but its privi
leges remain in full force in the hundred. The
office is noticed in the successive wiUs and in
quisitions, and was included in a recovery, IS
George IL (1745.)
In possession of the family at Woodford and
Capesthorne is stiU retained a collection of
very numerous documents, cleai'ly pro^'ing its
general exercise ; consisting of reports of coro
ners, letters describing the goods of felons, and
announcing sudden deaths, and in some in
stances treasure trove ; and the rights of the
grand sergeancy have been exercised by late
sergeants M'ith respect to forfeited goods and
EAAfU.Y OF DAYENPOET. 33
chattels of felons, felos de se, and fugitives,
estrays and deodands, -within the hmits above
specified. The present haU of Davenport is a low
bmlding of various materials, stiU used as the
residence of a gentleman's famUy, and doubt
less retaining in its waUs many rehcs of the
ancient mansion which occupied its site.
Capesthorne, a vUl about six mUes from
Davenport, passed from the ancient famUy of
the Capesthornes to the famUy of the Wards,
and through ]Maiy (eldest daughter, and
finaUy sole hehess of John Ward, who died in
1748,) to her husband, the first Davies Daven
port, of Woodford, Esq.
This ptlace is now the residence of this
branch of the Davenj)ort famUy, and is situ
ated ia one of the most jileasing pai-ts of the
himdi'ed. The haU is a spacious buUding, in the style
of architectm-e used in the early part of the
last centuiy, and stands upon extensive grounds
to the left of the road leading to the citv of
Manchester, which is about twenty mUes to
the north.
This sketch -wiU now be continued, and
present somewhat of the Mstoiy and haeage
34 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
of the other most distinguished coUateral
branches, after which the fuU genealogical line
of descent wiU be given ia its regular succes
sion. WHELTROUGH HALL.
The township of Lower Withington (which
hes adjoining Capesthorne), with its appurte
nances and hberties, was given by Randle
BlundeviUe, Earl of Chester and Lincoln, with
twenty shiUings rent out of the mills of Mac
clesfield, besides various lands held by his
father and grandfather, to Robert, son of
Salmon, to be held by a pah of gUt spurs, for
which Robert remitted and quit-claimed to
the earl and his heirs aU the lands which his
father held in Normandy.
These deeds were executed dmhig the jus
ticeship of Phihp de Orreby, between 1209
and 1226.
Hari. MSS. 2074, 183. Robert de Sahnon
gives to Roger, son of Vivian de Davenport,
in frank marriage with Mary his daughter one
half of Withington, with homages, rehef and
wardships ; half of Timsted, Lundi'is and Ward-
shaw ; half of Hewood and Weltrok, "subject
FAMILY OF. DAYENPOET. 35
to foreign service and suite in the court of
Weverham. In this township is a singular hiU caUed
Timsted., which precisely resembles in form an
enormous tumulus, which is the commence
ment of the natural undulations of surface
which distinguish Macclesfield hundred, and
graduaUy increase ia size and number towards
the eastward, until they form the bold barrier
of hUls ranging along the Staffordshire frontier.
On the northern side of this hUl is Whelt-
rough HaU., an ancient timber mansion, embo
somed in trees, in which a branch of the Da
venports (as above stated) seated themselves
during the reign of Edward the First, or be
tween 1250 and 1300, and from which de
scended the coUateral liaes of Jjramhcdl., Heiv-
hury., Coventry.^ and Woodford.
The moiety of the manor settled on the
Davenports of Davenport, by inquisitions post
mortem, is shown to have been held by Sir
Ralph Davenport of Davenport, his son Ralph,
and Ralph of the thirteenth generation ; also
John Davenport of Davenport, of the four
teenth generation, his son John, and also by his
grandson John Davenport of Davenport.
Harl. MSS. 2119, p. 225, &c. Arms and
36 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
crest as Davenport of Davenport, with fihal
distinction. Thomas Davenport of AATieltrough was the
second son of Sh Thomas Davenport of Da
venport, by Agnes de ^Macclesfield.
In 1309, his father grants him a lease of the
office of sergeancy for two j'ears, at an annual
rent of sixteen marks of sUver. He had lands
from his father, in AYithing-ton, Tunstede and
Marton. Married Elizabeth, daughter of ,
who survived her husband 12 Edw. HI.
(1355). Theh children were, 1st, Thomas, the con
tinuer of the dhect line in Wheltrough ; 2d,
John, ancestor of the Davenports of Bromhall,
fifth in the Henlmry entaU, 1366 ; 3d, Sh
John (caUed also Jenkin, to distiaguish him
from his brother of BromhaU), kt. justice of
Lancastershhe, 1384, and purchaser of Hen-
bmy ; 4th, Ahce, wife of Sh John de Hide of
Urmetson. From Thomas, the oldest son and heh, the
line of descent in Wlieltrough is as follows :
Richard; Richard (1452); Richard; Ralph
(1499); Richard (1542); Richard (1566)
Richard; Richard (1618); Richard (1647)
Richai'd, son and heir, vnJl dated 1677
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 37
shortly after which, the family appear to have
left Wheltrough.
Sir John (alias Sir Jenkin) Davenport, third
son of Thomas of Wheltrough, and grandson
of Sir Thomas Davenport of Davenport, mar
ried Ehzabeth, daughter and co-heiress of Pe
ter Legh of Betchton. Theh children were,
1st, Thomas, ancestor of the Davenports of
Henbury ; 2d, John, living 1366 ; 3d, Nicho
las, ancestor of the Davenports of Woodford
and Capesthorne, living 1371 ; 4th, Griffin
Davenport. Thomas Davenport of Henbury, eldest son
of Sir Jenkin, married Margaret, daughter of
Hugh Venables, Uving in 1371. Prom him
the Henbury line of descent was as follows :
Hugh, son and heir ; Thomas ; Thomas ; Thom
as; John (Inq. post-mortem 1556); Randle
(Inq. p. m. 1614) ; WiUiam (fifteen years old
in 1580) ; John ; WiUiam, whose only chUd and
heiress was Isabella, who became the wife of
Sh Fulk Lucy, kt. member of Parhament for
the county of Chester in 1664, and who thus
came into possession of the Henbmy estate.*
* The to-wnship of Henbury lies about twelve or fifteen
miles from Davenport, and two mUes from Macclesfield.
Several more names of this branch of the family -will
38 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
BRAMALL, OR BRAMHALL, CHESHIRE.
. This township hes about twenty mUes from
Davenport, two from Stockport, and about
eight mUes south of the city of Manchester.
From the Domesday smwey, it appears that
two manors existed in this township in the
Saxon period, the proprietors of which were
ejected, to make way for the baron of Durham
Massey. A charter from the third baron of Durham,
in the time of Henry II. (1154 — -1189), con
firms to Mathew de Bromeale, the manors of
Bramall, Duckenfield, and two parts of Bag-
gUey, which had been previously held by his
father, whose name is not mentioned, but who
was probably younger son or near kinsman of
Hamo de Masci, the Norman grantee.
In 1278, Richard de BromhaU obtained a
conditional release for himself and his tenants,
in Bromhall, Duckenfield, etc., from Hamon
de Massey, from being imj)leaded in the com-t
of Dunham. He is caUed Sir Richard in the
be found in the genealogical line of descent. Of all these
branches, the writer has in his possession hundreds of
names belonging to the various pedigrees, which are not
here used, his object being simply to give an outline of the
descent of the different branches.
FAMILY OE DAYENPOET. 39
pedigrees of this famUy, " son of WiUiam, son
of John, son of Edward," and is allowed for
his armorial coat, gable, a lion rampant Or,
which might have had reference to the hon
rampant on the early seals of the lords of
Durham. Sh Richard de BromhaU had issue, Sir
Geoffry de BromhaU, whose daughter and
heiress, according to Dugdale, and other pedi
grees, married John Davenport, second son of
Thomas Davenport of Wheltrough, in the
twenty-second year of Edward HI. (1349),
and who thus became proprietor of the manor,
and the same has contiaued in the Davenport
famUy to the present day.
The children of John Davenport, by Ahce
his wife, are given as Robert, oldest son and
heir hving in 1399 ; Thomas, who married
Ellen, sister of Sir Ralph de Moburley ; and
Margaret, wife of WiUiam Hyde of Hyde.
Sh John Hyde of Norbury and Hyde, kt.,
father of WUliam, and son of Robert Hyde,
lord of Norbury, married for his first wife
Margaret, daughter of Sir John Davenport of
Davenport, and was the ancestor of the distin
guished Edward Llyde, earl of Clarendon,
Lord High Chancellor of England, whose
40 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
daughter, Anne Hyde, was the wife of James
IL, and the mother of Queen Mary (the -wife
of WUham Prince of Orange), and also of
Queen Anne, successive sovereigns on the
throne of England.
John Davenport, son of Robert, and grand
son of Robert, married for his first vrife. Cicely,
daughter of Lawrence Warren, of Poymton, by
whom he had WUham, eldest son and heh;
second wife, a daughter of John Pagot, of
Staffordshhe, by whom he had John Daven-
jDort, of the County of Somerset. He died in
1497. Sh WiUiam Davenjoort, of BromhaU, knight,
was the son of AYUham, and the grandson of
the above WUham. He married for his first
¦wife, Margarie, daughter of George Booth, of
Durham ; second wife, Anne, daughter of Sh
Richard Brereton, of Patton, knight. His
first marriage took place in 1566. He died
Sept. 13th, 1577.
Sir William Davenport, of BromhaU, knight,
son of WiUiam, and grandson of Sir AA'iUiam,
married Dorothy, daughter of [Edward] War
ren, of Poynton.
Of the product of the handicraft of this
dame Dorothy Davenport, we shall speak in
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 41
giving an account of the interior of the present
hall attached to this manor. Sir WilUam
died in 1641.
The following account of Sir LIumphrey
Davenport, knight, lord chief baron, younger
brother of Sir William Davenport, (last men
tioned,) is drawn from Wood's Atlienas Oxoni-
enses. Humphrey Davenport, younger son of
William Davenport, of BromhaU, in Cheshire,
by Margaret, his wife, daughter of Richard
Ashton, of MidcUeton, in Lane, knight, was
born of an ancient and genteel family at Brom
hall, and became a commoner of Baliol College,
Oxford, in the beginning of 1581, being then
in the fifteenth year of his age, and matricu
lated, or made a member of the University, as a
Cheshire man born, or an esquire's son. He was
brought into trouble by the members of the
Long Parliament, which hastened the end of
this good man, esteemed by all who knew him,
as an ahle lawyer., a loyal suhject., hc^pitahle,
eJiaritahle, and above all., religious. He died in
1645.* * The trouble into which he was brought by the Long
Parliament, was that of several impeachments drawn up
against him ; 1st, for being one of the judges that advised
the king in the matter of ship money ; 2d, for ordering the
42 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
His wife M-as Mary, daughter and coheiress
of Francis Sutton, of Sutton. Tliey left one
son, James Daveiq)ort, of Sutt(ni, who was
born about 1610, and who married Anne,
<laughter <it Sir Henry Robinson, county of
Noi'thampton. Williain Daven]iort, of BromhaU, Esq., son
of Sir AVilllam, Avas ba])tized at Stockjxirt,
March 25, 1584, and buried April 24,
1655. His oldest son AVilliam, and most of
his other children, having died in tlie Ufetime
of their father, he was succ^'cded liy his }'oung-
est son, Peter Davenport, Esq., who Avas bap-
tizcid at Stockport, July 31, 1622, and buried
AprU 8, 1658.
Hew Warren Davenport, of Bromliall (heh
to his brother AVilliam), Avas the son of AVil
liam, and grandson of AMUiam, the son of
Pester Daven])ort, K^^\., ba]>tizcd at Stockport,
September ;W, 1698. He married i\.ch,sali,
daughter of Calcl) Storrs, of Stock])ort, in
seizing of the goods of Samuel Vassal, a merchant, because
he vcl'iis(,-d to pay tho imposition due for them ; 3d, for
acting injuriously in the case of Prtor Smart, Prebendary
of Durham, for prc-icliing a fui-tious sernicm.
He was ably dcl'i-ndod iu lG-11, in a speech before tho
joint houses of Parliament, by tho Earl of Clarendon, Lord
High Chancellor.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 43
1744, and was succeeded by the late proprietor
of Bromhall, William Davenport, Esq., only
son and heir, Avho Avas born November 18,
1749, and who married Martha, youngest
daughter of Rev. John le Tourcey, April 27,
1767. The following sketch is subjoined of
the present seat of this ancient branch of the
family — compiled fi-om Ormerod.
The first appearance of the Hall, pertaining
to this domain, is unusually striking, exhibit
ing a long and lofty liae of irregular buildings
of timl )er and plaster, stanchng in a consider
able elevation at the intersection of two deep
valleys, near the bank of a rivulet. The build
ing was originally quadrangular, but the west
ern side of the quadrangle Avas removed by a
former proprietor, who also took down a long
gallery which extended along the top of the
eastern side, and added much to the imposing
effect of the buUding.
A porch admits from the court on the east
side into the great hall, whence a spiral stair
case, composed of solid blocks of oak, leads to
the drawing-room, a noble apartment about
twelve yards square, wainscoted neai'ly to the
top. Over the wainscot are ornaments in stuc
co, and the arms of the successive alliances of
44 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
the Davenports. The ceiling is emiched with
pendants. On the mantle-piece, which ascends
to the top of the room, are the arms of Queen
Ehzabeth, and the date 1592 occurs in the
ornamental castings of the door posts. Round
the apartment is hung a fine series of famUy
portraits, commencing with Sh WiUiam Daven
port, aged 65, and Dorothy his -wife, aged 66,
1627. Among other portraits, are originals of
Edward Warren, of Poynton, 1594, aged 32;
Sir Urian Legh, of Adhngton, aged 39, 1632 ;
and Llenry, earl of Derby, 1583, aged 51, be
ing then lord-heutenant of Lancastershh'e and
Cheshire. Beyond this are the plaster-room, (so called
from the materials of the floor,) hung round
with buff' coats, imperfect suits of armor, and
mihtary weapons, and a bed chamber, caUed
" The Paradise room^'' from a bed in AA'hich
the entire history of the Fall was worked in
worsted by the hands of dame Dorothy Daven
port, who appears to haA^e labored upon it
from 1610 to 1614. The entire arrangement
of this little room is probably unequaled as a
specimen of the furniture and decorations of
the time. A wainscoted apartment in the
south-east angle leads hence to the banqueting
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 45
room, which occupies nearly aU that remains
of the first story on the south side of the quad
rangle. This singularly curious room is about
forty-two feet by twenty-one ; the floor is plas
ter, and the sides are timber and plaster, paint
ed with figures and foliage in imitation of
tapestry. The roof is divided lengthways into
six compartments, supported' by massive arch
ed timbers, the alternate ones being supported
by uprights, resting on obtuse arches of oak,
sprung from pilasters : the sides of these arches
are ornamented "with foliage, rosettes, <fec., and
finished at the top with embattled mouldings.
There have been originally three -Rdndows in
each side, divided by upright muUions only,
with highly carved gothic heads. The center
AAundow on the north side projects out into the
quadrangle, resting on a bracket below, on
which, among some bold carvings in oak, is the
shield of the ancient BromhaU famUy. In
these windows are armorial bearings in stained
glass with damasked grounds.
The domestic Chapel, which is in the south
east angle under the wainscoted room before
mentioned, has a flat roof supported by brack
ets, is fltted up with oaken benches, and retains
much ancient paiated glass in its -windows.
46 FAMILY OF DAA^ENPOET.
At the end of one of these benches is a curious
carving in oak, the aera of which, from the de
vices, consisting of the rose and fetterlock, the
feathers of the principahty, the ragged staff
and the rampant bear of the hehess of the
earls of Warvrick, may be referred indubitably
-within the reign of Richard the Thhd.
In this Chapel is the family vault, over
which is an inscription commemorating
]VIAKTHA, WIFE OF WILLIAJl DAVEXPOET, ESQ.,
AYHO DIED
DECEMBEE 25tH, 1810,
AGED 63 TEAES.
Mr. Davenport died in 1838, and was suc
ceeded by Sir SaUsbury Davenport, of the
cross of the Bath, and knight of the cross
of the Hanoverian Order, Rear Admhal of the
White, AA'hose patronymic was Humphi-ep,
(son of Rev. Evan Humphrey's,) and who mar
ried for his second wife, in 1816, Maria, daugh
ter and heiress of WiUiam Davenport, Esq., of
BromhaU Hall, by whom he has issue. He as
sumed his present surname, by royal hcense, on
succeeding, through his wife, to the Davenport
estate of BromhaU. He is acting magistrate
for the counties of Chester, Derby, Lancaster,
and Gloucester, and the borough of Stoclq^ort.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 47
Arms and crest, those of the old famUy of
Davenport. WOODFORD, CHESHIRE.
The township of Woodford, with those of
Withington and Capesthorne, lies in the parish
of Prestbury, not far from the original seat of
the Davenports of Davenport. It is unnoticed
in the Domesday survey, but in the reign of
King John, between 1199 and 1216, it occurs
among the estates of Sir John Arderne of Alf-
dord. In 1356, the manor and appurtenances of
Wydeford, (Woodford) were granted by John
Stafford and Isabella his wife to John Daven
port, third son of Thomas Davenport de Whel
trough, for the life of Isabella, Avife of said
John Stafford. (This Isabella was the daugh
ter of Sh John Davenport of Davenport, by
Margaret, daughter of Sh WUliam Brereton,
and was first married to Robert de Eaton,
baron of Stockport.) John Davenport was
knighted, and chief justice of Lancastershhe,
and is styled iadifferently of his father's estates
of Wheltrough and his own manors of Hen
bury and Woodford. He enfeoffed his brother
Robert, chaplain, with the manor of Woodford,
48 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
for the use of his son Nicholas,, by deed, dated
1371, at Woodford, who resettled the same on
John and his wife Margaret, for hfe, remainder
to this Nicholas and his male hehs.
Christopher Davenport of Widford, eldest
son of Nicholas, married Ahca, daughter of
Hugh Arderne; marriage articles dated 1415.
Their chUdren were John, eldest son, who died
in 1415 ; RandiUjih, parson of WUmslow ;
Charles ; and Nicholas, who married Agnes,
daughter of Robert Davenport of BromhaU.
Nicholas DaA^enport, son of John, and grand
son of Christopher, married Alargaret, daugh
ter of Sir ChristojDher SaA^age, knight, son of
Sir John Savage of Clift.on, knight, feoflment
for her jointure Feb. 3, 1490. He died
Feb. 9, 1522, and his Avife 1542, and was
buried with her ancestors at Macclesfield.
Their chUdren were John, who married Alar-
garet, daughter of AA'Uham Davenport, Esq., of
BromhaU, AA'ho died in 1575, surviAing AVU-
liam, his eldest son and heh ; Nicholas ; Law
rence ; and Christopher DaA^enport, ancestor
of the DaA^enports of Locrosse, who married
Emma, daughter of John Blunt, upon Trent,
County of Stafford— Harl. MSS. 2094.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 49
Wilham Davenport of Woodford, son of
John, was married to Ellen, daughter of John
Davenport of Davenport, Esq., by dispensa
tion from Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal Arch
bishop of York, they being of the third and
fourth degree of kindred, dated at Westmin
ster, July 3, 1529. He was buried at Prest
bury, January 6, 1570.
WUham Davenport, son of Christopher, and
grandson of WiUiam, married for his first wife
Dorothy, daughter of Robert Hyde of Norbury,
Esq., by Jane his wife, sister of Sir William
Davenport of BromhaU ; marriage articles
signed January 26, 1569. His second -wife
was Elizabeth, daughter of William Dimocke
of Chester, who was a widow to Hugh Brom
ley of Hampton Post, County Chester. His
third Avife-was Anne, daughter of John War
ren of Pointon, Esq. He died at Woodford,
and was buried at Prestbury, April 2, 1632.
WiUiam Davenport, son of John (by Mary,
daughter of Hugh Bromley, Esq.), and grand
son of WiUiam, married Elizabeth, daughter
of WiUiam Rawlinson, Esq., county of Derb.
He died at Woodford, and was buried at
Prestbury, November 6, 1656,
3
60 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
John Davenport, son of John, and grandson
of WiUiam, married Anne, daughter and co
heiress of John Davenport of Davenport and
Marton; marriage articles signed March 23,
1676. He was major of the Cheshire forces
raised at Nantwich in 1689, and died February
4, 1733, and was buried at Marton.
Monk Davenport, brother of the above
John, and heir by surviA'orship, married Eliza
beth, daughter of John Davies, Esq., of Alan-
ley and Moldsworth, coimty of Chester, and
died February 24, 1735.
Davies Davenport, Esq., of AVoodford, Alar-
ton, and of the Inner Temple, London, heh to
his father Monk, and uncle John Davenport,
Esq., was baptized at Prestbury, Alarch 14,
1696. He married Alary, daughter and sole
heiress of John AA^ard, of Capesthorne, Esq.,
and of the Inner TempUe, October 19, 1721.
Their chUchen were, 1st, DaA-ies Davenport,
Esq., of Woodford, Marton and Capesthorne,
and of the Inner Temple, born ia Red Lion
Square, London, October 2, 1723, and who
married Phoebe, daughter and co-heiress of
Richard DaA^enport of Cah-eley and Daven
port, and died at Capesthorne in 1758; 2d,
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 61
WUliam Davenport, born in London, October
8, 1725, buried at Liverpool; 3d, Philip Da
venport, born 1726, died in 1727 ; 4th, Rich
ard Davenport, born August 20, 1729, and
died in 1799 ; 5th, Christopher Davenport, born
NoA^ember 4, 1730, and was buried at Liver
pool ; 6th, Thomazine Davenport, born in Red
Lion Square, March 28, 1732, and died at
Capesthorne, unmarried, in 1766 ; 7th, Sir
Thomas Davenport of Hendon, knight, born
1733; and baptized at St. George's (London),
died on the York Circuit, and was buried in
the Minster. His wife was Jane, daughter of
John Seel, Esq. ; 8th, Charles Davenport, born
ia Bloomsbury Square, London, April 7,
1735, was rector of Brereton, county of Ches
ter, and was buried at Capesthorne, March 16,
,1767. Davies Davenport of Woodford, Marton,
Calveley and Capesthorne, Esq., only son and
heir of the above' Davies Davenport, was
born August 29, 1757. He married Charlotte,
daughter of Ralph Sneyd, Esq., of Keel,
county of Stafford. He was first chosen a mem
ber of Parliament for the county of Chester in
1806, and continued to represent that county
62 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
in successive parliaments till 1830, when he
resigned. He died February 6, 1837.
Edward Davies Davenport, Esq., eldest son
of the above Davies Davenport, M.P., was
born at Catton HaU, county Derby, AprU
27, 1778, and succeeded to his father's es
tates in Woodford, Marton, Calveley, Capes
thorne, <fec., in 1837. He was married Novem
ber 8, 1830, to Catharine j^ne, daughter of
Richard Hunt, Esq., of Whksworth, and had
a son and heh, Arthur Henry, bom June 9,
1832. Mr. D. died in 1847, ia the seventieth
year of his age. His widow is now hving at
Capesthorne. Rev. Walter Davenport Bromley, youngest
son of the above Davies Davenport, Esq., ALP.,
was born in Upper Seymour Street, London,
Feb. 5, 1787, and baptized in the parish of St.-
Mary-le-bone. For some time he was Aricar of
EUaston, county of Stafford. He was first mar
ried July, 1818, to Carohne Barbara, daughter
of John Gooch of Praxlingham, county of Nor
folk, Archdeacon of Sudbury. For his second
wife he married, February 22, 1829, Lady Loui
sa Dawson, sister of the earl of Portarlington.
He assumed the surname of Bromley by royal
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 53
hcense, and for some years OAvned and resided
at Bagiaton HaU, about four mUes from the
city of Coventry.* His present country resi
dence is at Wootton HaU, county of Stafford,
about five mUes from Ashbourne.
Harriet Catharine Davenport, daughter of
the above Davies Davenport, Esq., M.P., was
born in Harley Street, London, April 4,
1791, and married Sh John Williams, knight,
Judge on the Bench of Queen Victoria.
DAVENPORT OF CALVELEY, CHESHIRE.
Arms and Crest as Davenport of Davenport, <&c.
Calveley hes about fourteen mUes from the
city of Chester, on the left of the road leading
-* Baginton HaU was long the seat of the Bromley
family. The estate was purchased by the family in the
reign of James I., and the original Hall was built by Sec
retary Bromley. This gentleman was Speaker of the
House of Commons during the reign of Queen Anne. In
proof of the high estimation in which he was held, the fol
lowing circumstance may be cited : In 1706, the family
seat at Baginton was reduced to the ground by fire.
Intelligence of this calamity was conveyed to the OAnier
while attending his duty in the House of Commons, and a
considerable sum was immediately voted by Parliament
towards a restoration of the edifice. — DugdaWs England
and WaUs Delineated,
64 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
from thence to London. The township was
granted by Richard de Vernon, in the begin
ning of the thirteenth century, to Hugh de
Calvelegh, and from the tenure of the Daven
ports under the Vemons of Shipbrook and
theh successors the Savages, as specified in the
inquisitions post mortem. The son of the
grantee was Richard cle Calvelegh, who re
ceived a confirmation of this title fi'om Elena,
daughter of Matthew de Vernon. This Rich
ard de Calvelegh had issue by Leuca his Avife,
as follows : Hugh de Calvelegh, his successor,
William (living in 1339), and Robert. From
Hugh de Calvelegh, the estate passed to his
son Kenric de Calveley, who by his vrife had
issue Robert de Cah^eley, son and heir, as also
DaA^d de Calveley, the father of the celeln-ated
Sir Hugh Calveley of Lea, knight, the founder
of Buxbury College.
Robert de Calveley married Eliza, one of
the daughters and co-heiresses of Ralph, son
of DaAdd de Haselwall, Avho was a widow in
1350, when the Black Prince ^^I'esented in her
stead to the church of Haselwall, in conse
quence of an alienation without her hcense.
By his Avife, Robert de Calveley had a son,
who dying without issue (inquisition post mor-
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 55
tem, 1362), was succeeded in the joiat estate
of Calveley and HaselwaU by Catharine, the
sister and heh of this son of Robert cle Calve
ley, in whom the male hne thus terminated.
Cathariae de Calveley, who thus became
heiress, brought the manor of Calveley and a
moiety of Haselwall in marriage to her hus
band, Arthur Davenport, who presented in
her right to the church of HaselwaU, in 1369
and 1394, and after whose death Cathariae
presented as a Avidow in 1405. The said Ar
thur and Catharine Davenport had a release
for their lands in Wirral forest, from WiUiam,
son of WiUiam, son of John Stanley (Harl.
MSS. 2079 : 147), and the marriage is further
proved by an inquisition post mortem, 17
Richard II. (1394), in which Hugh Calveley
of Lea is stated to hold lands in Calveley,
from Arthur Davenport and Catharine his
¦wife, in right of said Catharine.
This Arthur Davenport, as appears by a
very elaborate pedigree drawn up from origi
nal deeds (Harl. MSS. 2119 : 224), was sixth
son of Sir John Davenport of Davenport,
knight, by Margery, daughter of Sir WiUiam
Brereton. He was one of the Cheshire men
who were zealously attached to King Richard
66 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
the Second, and was slain on the part of the
Percies at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.
According to Holinshed, two hundred Cheshhe
esquires and gentlemen feU on that bloody day.
Henry Davenport, son of Arthur, had issue
by IsabeUa, his wife, Arthur Davenport, who
died before his father, leaving issue, Hugh,
grandson and heh of Henry, who married a
daughter and hehess of WiUiam Handford, of
Handford. Inquisition j)ost mortem 1472.
Ralph Davenport, of Calveley, Esq., son of
Hugh, married IsabeUa Spurstow, of Spurstow,
in the 9th year of Edward IV., 1470. He died
on Whitsunday, 14th year of Henry ATH.,
(1523.) John Davenport, of Calveley, Esq., son of
Hugh, and grandson of the above Ralph, mar
ried Eleanor, daughter of Sir George Calveley,
of Lea, knight, 1522. He died October 20th,
1567. His chUdren were, Katharine, Ehza
beth, Dorothy, Jane, Hugh, John, Arthur,
Randle and Anthony.
Hugh Davenport, Esq., son of the above
John, held the manor of Cah-eley, and lands
and tenements therein, fi'om Sir John Savage,
knight, by mihtary serA'ice, by the ser-s-ices of
the sixth part of a knight's fee, and the sixth
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 67
part of the twenty-ninth part of a knight's fee,
also a moiety of the advowson and lands of
HaselwaU, Wythington, Somerford, Maccles
field, &c. By his first wife, he had John, eldest
son, who died young (August 21, 1570),
Jane, Catharine, Arthur, who married Elean
or, daughter of John Davenport, of Davenport,
and RandeU; by his second wife, he had
George, WiUiam, and Dorothy.
Arthur Davenport, oldest surAdAung son, dy
ing A^-ithout male issue in 1625, the estate
passed to his younger brother, by the second
marriage, George Davenport, Esq., who died
in 1638.
Samuel Davenport of Calveley, Esq., son of
George, and grandson of the above George,
was baptized at Bunbury, June 28, 1652, and
married Mary, daughter of the Right Hon.
Richard Verney, Lord WiUoughby de Broke.
Richard Davenport, of Calveley, Esq., son
of George, and grandson of the above Samuel,
purchased from Sh Matthew Done, hart.
(who in the right of his wife Sahsbury, daugh
ter and sole hehess of Robert DaAdes, of Man-
ley, was the representative of the Davenports
of Davenport; in the female hne), the original
seat of his ancestors, and died without male is-
58 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
sue in 1771, leaving two daughters and coheir
esses, Bridget, who married John Bromley,
Esq., of Baginton, (near Coventry,) County of
WarAYick, and Phebe, who became the Avife of
DaAdes Davenport, of Capesthorne, Esq., the
representative of the Davenports of Woodford,
in the hundred of Macclesfield. On the death
of John Bromley, Esq., Avithout issue, who
possessed the Manor and HaU of Calveley, ia
right of his wife, the same passed to Davies
Davenport, Esq., only son of the cohehess, who
was knight of the shire for the County of Ches
ter, in several successive parliaments, and who
died in 1838.
Nearly the whole toAvnship is now ia the
possession of the famUy at Capesthorne. The
ancient hall of Calveley was puUed dovm duihig
the latter part of the last century. The enclo
sure contained about two acres. The present
house is an old timber buUding cased with
brick. There are no famUy paintings found
here. The park and paddock adjacent to the
house contain about sixty-three acres, in which
have been kept a large number of deer.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 69
DAVENPORT OF COVENTRY, WARWICKSHIRE.
Arms and Crest as Davenport of Davenport, Wheltrough,
Henbury, Sc.
The city of Coventry was founded at a very
early period, probably whUe the Romans in
habited Britaia. It was anciently speUed
Coventrie, the final syllable being evidently
the British Tre, a toAvn ; and its prefix as given
by the Saxons, is supposed to express the ch-
cumstance of a covent, or convent, having stood
upon the spot. In 1016, when Edric invaded
Mercia, a house of nuns in Coventry is said to
have faUen a prey to their ferocity. After the
Norman conquest, the lordship of Coventry
became vested in the Earl of Chester, by the
marriage of Leucia, granddaughter of Leofric,
(by Countess Godiva), the fifth Earl of Ches
ter, who was descended from Leofric, Earl of
Chester, in the time of Ethelbald, 857-860.
The city and certain viUages in its vicinity,
as a mark of special favor, were constituted
by Henry VI. in 1451, an enthe county by
themselves, so that the citizens of Coventry
had no pohtical connection with WarAvick-
shhe, and the mayor and aldermen of Coven
try have been justices of the peace for the
60 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
county, and held quarter sessions in the same
manner, and Avith the same powers as counties
at large. The freeholders, as such, are not
even entitled to vote for the retum of any
member to parhament, and the pubhc offices
are required to be filled from the tradesmen
and artisans, rather than from the landed
proprietors. The city of Coventry, having been pecuharly
favored ia escaping any extensive conflagration,
tiU recently has preserved the aspect of a city
of the sixteenth century. The streets were
narrow, and the upper parts of the houses pro-
jected, so as almost to form an arch, and were
evidently constructed -with httle intention
of affording a free chculation of ah. Many
houses replete Avith traces of the fifteenth cen
tury, tiU recently were standing, and though
age had impahed theh ft-eshness, it had not
served much to weaken theh timbers of mas
sive and impregnable oak. A - specimen of
these buUdings yet remains ia that of the Bab-
lake School, to which reference wUl be made
hereafter. In this city, a younger son of the Henbury
branch of the Davenport famUy in the County
of Chester, settled soon after the year 1500,
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 61
and became the ancestor of the Davenports of
that city. Here they were not, as in Cheshire,
landed proprietors ; but as merchants, artisans,
&c., were men of wealth, piety, and influence ;
four of whom were mayors of that city — an of
fice, as before remarked, held by the latter
class of citizens, rather than the former.
In this connection, we find John Davenport,
the father of those distinguished brothers — ¦
Rev. John Daa^npoet, the PURITAN, and
Rev. Chkistophek Daatenpoet, alias Feancis-
ers A Sancta Claea, who, like two mighty
forces, diverging from a common center, arose,
the one to plant in this western world, a sys
tem of Church polity, which should give the
purest freedom to all the members of Christ's
house ; the other, endowed with hke genius,
and energy of will, to lend his influence to pro
mote that system of Ecclesiastical despotism,
which a Wickliffe, a Luther, and a Melancthon,
had labored to overthrow. Of these two bro
thers, and other members of this branch, we
shaU further speak in the genealogical Une of
descent to be now given.
PLAN OP THE GENEALOGY.
The Arabian figures mark the number in the line of
descent. Tlie Roman letters number the children of a
family. To trace backwards the line of descent, take the Arabian
number prefixed to any name, and refer to the number of
the person whose issue is there given, and repeat the same
vrith each preceding generation, thus : (42) EI. shows
John Davenport to be the third son of Sir John Davenport,
No. 38. Turning to No. 38, Sir John Davenport of the
ninth generation is shoAvn to be the third son of Thomas
Davenport, No. 21, of the eighth generation, &c.
GENEALOGY OF THE DAVENPORT FAMILY.
FIRST GENERATION.
(1.) Ormus de Dauneporte, born in 1086,
and assumed the local name in the County of
Chester, England. He witnessed a charter of
enfranchisement of GUbert Venables, in the
time of WilUam IL, or Henry I.
SECOND GENERATION.
Issue of Ormus de Dauneporte, {^No. 1.)
(2.) I. Richard de Dauneporte, born in
1136, to whom Hugh KeveUoc, earl of Chester,
granted by charter the chief forestership of the
forests of Leek and Macclesfield, about 1166,
and who had a moiety of the township of
Marton by marriage, about 1176. His wife
was Amabilia, the daughter of GUbert Ven
ables, baron of Kinderton, whose father, GU
bert Venables, was the Norman grantee of
Kiaderton, Davenport, <fec., before 1086.
64 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
THIRD GENERATION.
Issue of Richard de Dauneporte, {No. 2.)
(3.) I. Thomas de Davenporte, hAdng in the
time of Henry IL, or before 1189.
FOURTH GENERATION.
Issue of Thomas de Davenporte, (No. 3.)
(4.) I. Richard de Davenporte, to whom
Randle BlundeviUe, earl of Chester, granted
by charter acquittance from suit in the Shhe
and Hundred Court, for himself and hehs,
between 1209 and 1226.
FIFTH GENERATION.
Issue of Richard de Davenporte, [No. 4.)
(5.) I. Amicia Davenporte, who became the
wife of RancUe de Cheldleton, and had lands in
the Abbacy of Dierlacres.
(6.) II. Vi\dan de DaA'enporte, to whom
Randle BlundeAdlle, earl of Chester, granted
by charter, the grand sergeancy of the forests
of Leek and Macclesfield, between 1209 and
1226, and also acquittance of juris of County
and Hundred. Married Beatrix, daughter of
Bertrand de Hulme. Harl. MSS. 2094.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 65
(7.) HI. Walter Davenporte, second son,
had lands in Somerford Booths.
(8.) IV. Peter Davenporte, liAdng ia 1263.
Hari. MSS. 2119. SIXTH GENERATION.
Issue of Vivian de Davenporte, {No. 6.)
(9.) I. Roger Davenport of Davenport, who
married Mary, daughter of Robert Salemon of
Wythington, with whom her husband had a
moiety of Wythington, also a part of Tunstede
and Wultroke (Wheltrough).
By an inquisition taken before Reginald de
Gray, 16 year of Edward I. (1288), it is found
that Roger de Davenport held his sergeancy
in the Hundred of Macclesfield in the Bach
&c., and that he shall find eight sergeants (one
a horseman) to keep the peace, who shall
come at the king's summons, at their own cost
in the county, and at the king's cost when they
shall have passed the Dee, or gone out of the-
county. The same Roger, in 1248, witnessed
a deed of Alexander Wythington. He seems
to have died in 1291.
(10.) II. Edward de Davenport de Newton,
hving ia 1272. He assumed the name of New-
66 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
ton, and became the ancestor of the NeAvtons
of Newton.
(11.) III. Richard de Davenport, who was
the father of Roger cle Tornock, and who had
lands in Somerford Booths.
(12.) IV. Robert de Davenport, hving ia
1272 ; he assumed the name of Lawton, and
was ancestor of the LaAvtons of Lawton.
(13.) V. Beatrix Davenport, in some pedi
grees caUed the wife of Bertrand de Hulme.
(14.) VI. Thomas de Davenport.
SEVENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Roger de Davenport, {No. 9.)
(15.) I. Peter de Davenport, son and heh,
died without issue.
(16.) II. Sh Thomas Davenport of Daven
port, knight, married, 1st, Agnes, daughter of
Thomas de Macclesfield, who was born in 1287.
She was the mother of his issue. His second
wife was Roesia, daughter of Ralph de Vernon,
and widow of Sh WUham de Brereton. Sh
Thomas died in 1320, and his AAudow survived
him in 1322.
(17.) III. John de DaA-enport, who married
MatUda, daughter of WUliam de Rode, by
whom he had issue, Richard.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 67
(18.) IV. EUen Davenport, who was mar
ried to WilUam de Burklegh, eldest son and
heh of Robert Burkley, Esq., and ancestors of
the lords Burkley.
(19.) V. Henry Davenport of Marton, who
also had lands in Macclesfield in 1292. He
had one son, Roger, who married, 1st, Mary,
Avidow of WiUiam Mainwariag de Peover ; and
2d, Margaret, Avidow of Thomas de Swetten
ham. EIGHTH GENERATION.
Issue of Sir Thomas Davenport, {No. 16.)
(20.) I. Sh John Davenport of Davenport,
knight, married for his first wife in 1301, Mar
gery, daughter of Sh William de Brereton, by
Roesia his wife, daughter of Sir Ralph Vernon.
She was the mother of his issue. His second
wife was Agnes de Bradford. Sir John found
ed a chantry in the Chapel of Marton, in 1343,
which was dissolved after the Reformation.
His second wife survived him, and was remar
ried to Robert Massey, senior, of Sale, in 1358.
(2,1.) II. Thomas Davenport de Wheltrough,
to whom his .father gave lands in Withington,
Wheltrough, Marton, <fec., tfec, who became
the ancestor of the Davenports of Wheltrough,
68 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Henbury, Coventry, BromhaU, and Woodford,
(now also of Capesthorne.) He married Eh
zabeth who surAdved her husband in
1339. (22.) III. Roger Davenport, senior.
(23.) IV. Peter Davenport, who assumed
the name of Denton in 1329.
(24.) V. Roger Davenport, who had lands
in Whitting-ton, by gift of his father and bro
ther Roger.
(25.) VI. MaUicent Davenport.
(26.) VIL Roesia Davenport.
NINTH GENERATION.
Issue of Sir John Davenport, {No. 20.)
(27.) I. Thomas Davenport of Davenport,
who married for his first wife MatUda
in 1343, and was afterwards married to Eve . . .
He died in 1380 without issue.
(28.) II. John Davenport, who became rec
tor of the Church in SAvettenham, (a vUlage
on the side of the Dane opposite to Davenport,)
in 1335. He married, 1st, Johanna, daughter
of Sir Henry Delves, of Doding-ton, knight.
His second Avife was Margaret, daughter of
Henry Done, Avho remarried Sh Wilham
Brereton, knight.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 69
(29.) III. Sir Ralph Davenport, knight, the
continuer of the direct male Une of the Daven
ports of Davenport, who married Joice
In 1380, Sir Ralph bound himself by inden
ture to serve Kiag Richard, with three archers
weU mounted, to make war for a year beyond
the sea where God pleased. He died in 1383.
His wife Leld the grand sergeancy, by letters
patent from Richard IL, duriag the nonage of
Ralph, son and heir, dated December 11, 1384.
(30.) IV. Richard Davenport, liAdng in
1350. (31.) V. Roger Davenport, hAdng in 1350.
(32.) VI. Urian Davenport, distinguished
for his great stature, was buried at Marton.
(33.) VII. Arthur Davenport, of Calveley,
who married Katharine de Calveley, and be
came the ancestor of the Davenports of Calve
ley. He was slain on the part of the Percies,
in the battle of Shrewsbury, in 1403.
(34.) VIII. Margaret Davenport, who mar
ried Sir John Hyde, lord of Norbury, from
whom descended the distinguished Edward
Hyde, earl of Clarendon.
(35.) IX. IsabeUa Davenport married Rob
ert de Eaton, bg^ron of Stockport ; remarried
to John de Stafford.
70 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
NINTH GENERATION— CoNTiNTJED.
Issue of Thomas Davenport of Wheltrough, {No. 21.)
(36.) I. Thomas Davenport, Avith whose son
and heir Richard, the direct hne of Wheltrough
continued. (37.) II. John Davenport, who married
AUce, daughter and heiress of Godfrey de
Bromhall, and who became the ancestor of the
Davenports of BromhaU, 1366.
(38.) III. Sir John DaA^enport, (called also
Jeiikin, to distinguish him from his elder bro
ther of that name,) knight, justice of Lancas-
tershire, 1384, and who became the purchaser
of Henbury. He married Elizabeth, daughter
and coheiress of Peter Le2:h of Betcherton.
(39.) IV. AUce Davenport, married Sh
John de Hyde, knight, ancestor of the Hydes
of Urmetson. TENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Sir John Davenport, {No. 38.)
(40.) I. Margaret DaA^enport, married
Thomas de Leghes, Jr.
(41.) II. Thomas DaA'enport, ancestor of
the Davenports of Henbury, named 1st, in
the Henbury entail, 1366, and 3d, in the
Woodford entail, 1371. He married Margaret,
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 71
daughter of Hugh Venables, A^'ho was after
wards married to Sir WilUam Newport.
(42.) III. John Davenport, liAdng in 1366.
(43.) IV. Nicholas Davenport de Widford,
ancestor of the Davenports of Woodford, (fee,
hAdng ia 1371, and had lands as by indenture
in 1413 in Bredbury, Romiley, &c. He mar
ried EUena, widow of Edward Massey, of
Timberley, in 1371. She died a widow in
1423. (44.) V. Griffin Davenport, Uving in 1371.
ELEVENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Thomas Davenport, {No. 41.)
(45.) I. Hugh Davenport of Henbury, who
married for his first wife, Ellen, daughter of
WiUiam Massey, Esq. She was the mother of
his issue. His second wife was Jane, daughter
of Sir Thomas Whootton of Chester, knight,
Inq. post mortem, 1418.
(46.) II. Thomas Davenport of Butley.
TWELFTH GENERATION.
Issue of Hugh Davenport, {No. 45.)
(47.) I. Thomas Davenport, of Henbury,
who married Margery, daughter of Randle
Mainwaring of Carincham.
72 FAMILY OF DAA^ENPOET.
(48.) II. Margery Davenport, who married
Ralph Davenport of Davenport.
(49.) III. Margaret Davenport, married
Randle Mainwaring of Carincham.
(50.) IV. ParneU Davenport,- married WU
liam Somerford of Somerford.
(51.) V. WiUiam Davenport.
(52.) VI. John Davenport.
THIRTEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Thomas Davenport, {No. 47.)
(53.) I. Thomas Davenport of Henbury,
married Katharine, daughter of Sh John Rat-
chflfe, knight.
(54.) II. ParneU Davenport, married Robert
Downes, of Worth.
(55.) III. Agnes Davenport, married Wil
liam Ward of Capesthorne.
(56.) IV. WiUiam Davenport.
(57.) V. John DaA^enport.
(58.) VI. Richard Davenport, who appears
from the pedigrees to have first removed to
the County of Northampton, adjoining War
wickshire, and then to haA'e settled at Coven
try, in the latter County, about the year 1510.
His wife was a daughter of Venables.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 73
(59.) VII. Ralph Davenport, of Boughton,
liATag in 1542.* FOURTEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Richard Davenport, {No. 58.)
(60.) I. Edward Davenport of Coventry, who
married a daughter of John Harford, Alder
man of Coventry. In 1534, he was chosen to
the city office of Chamberlain, and in 1540 to
that of Sheriff. In 1550, he was chosen Mayor
of Coventry, and during the time of his May
oralty overruled all this county. f
* Boughton lies in the immediate suburbs of Ches
ter, a part of it forming a continuation of the streets
of that city. The principal manor of this place became the
property of Ralph Davenport, youngest son of Thomas
DaA'cnport, Esq., of Henbury, from whom it descended as
follows : Hugh Davenport, son of Ralph, living in 1589 ;
William, who died in 1621 ; Hugh, who died without is
sue in 1634, when Jane Davenport, aunt of Hugh, brought
the manor of Boughton, by marriage, to Thomas Hand,
merchant, of Chester, from whom it descended to his son
Thomas Hand, of Chester and Boughton, gent., whose
daughter Mary married Hugh Folkes, from whom the es
tate passed to Robert Folkes, and then to their daughter
Mary, who married William Currie of Chester, M.D., who
died in 1813.
f The writer is indebted to Mrs. M. A. [Davenport] Bruen,
of New York, for infoiTnation pertaining to the Coven-
4
74 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
FIFTEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Edward Davenport, {No. 60.)
(61.) I. Henry Davenport, of Coventry,
who married, 1st, Winifred, daughter of Rich
ard Barnabit. She was the mother of his
issue. His second AAdfe was Elizabeth, daugh
ter of Thomas of Gloucestershire. He
was chosen Sheriff of Coventry, in 1602, and
seems to have succeeded his younger brother
as Mayor, in 1613.
(62.) II. Christopher Davenport, who mar
ried a daughter of WiUiam Hopkins, Alder
man of Coventry. He was chosen Sheriff, ia
1593; and Mayor, in 1602. [On Thursday,
about 2 o'clock, March 24, 1603, deceased
Queen Elizabeth, at Richmond, when Hon.
Mayor Davenport proclaimed James I. King of
England. Harl. MSS.}* Christopher Davenport
try branch, collected by her while in London, from the
Harl. MSS., and also to the Rev. W. Davenport Bromley,
England, for pedigrees furnished through Panizzi, the
chief of the Literary Department in the British Museum.
* Rickson's MS. History says th.at he " was proclaimed
during the Mayoralty of Christopher Davenport, at Cross
Cheaping, Coventry, by Alderman Rogerson, in the pre
sence of Lord Berkley and divers others of good account." —
Communicated by George Eld, Esq., of Coventry, to Avliom
the writer is obliged for information gathered from the
Leet Books and Annals of that citA*.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 75
founded what is now known as the Bablake
School. This is one of the most celebrated of the
free schools of Coventry, and for nearly two cen
turies and a half has furnished a thorough sys
tem of instruction to a large number of youth.
Its funds are also used for the maintenance of
a certain number of superannuated teachers.*
It derives its name from a small sheet of water
near which the school is located, caUed Bab
lake, from the circumstance of a babe having
there been drowned. The master of this school
is stiU appointed by the General Charity Trus
tees of Coventry. A portrait of Christopher
Davenport is to be seen in St. Mary's Hall,
which stands a little south of St. Michael's
Church, with those of other benefactors of the
city. In these rooms are also to be founff"
many ancient paintings, figures, arms, <fec. :
also half-length portraits of Queen Elizabeth,
James I., Charles I. : whole lengths of Charles
IL, James IL, <fec. : WiUiam and Mary (copies)
in their coronation robes: originals of Anne,
George I., George IL, and Carohne, in their
coronation robes, &g.
* Communicated by Mr. J. Oliver, of Brooklyn, N. Y.,
formerly a teacher in Coventry.
76 FAMILY OF DA"VENPOET.
SIXTEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Henry Davenport, {No. 61.)
(63.) I. Barnabas Davenport of Coventry,
who married Mary, daughter of Simon Glover,
by whom he had issue, Christopher, Anne, and
Elizabeth. (64.) II. Edward Davenport, who married
Sarah, daughter of John A^Tiite, Alderman of
Coventry, by whom he had issue, Christopher,
Winifred, Elizabeth, and PhiUipa.
(65.) III. Christopher Davenport, who mar
ried Frances, daughter of John Higginson,
by whom he had one daughter, Elizabeth.*
* A Christopher Davenport was Sheriff of Coventry, in
1632, and Mayor in 1641, when Charles I. made his tour
through the country, and sent to the Mayor and Sheriffs of
Coventry, demanding an entrance into the city, which was
refused by the inhabitants. Whether this was the third
son of Henry, or one of the sons of that name by his
elder brothers, I am not able to ascertain.
The following monumental inscription, fomid in What
cote Church, Warwickshire, was communicated by Rev.
Walter Davenport Bromley. Tlie inscription is in Latin.
" Here lies John Davenport, for 70 years and 6 months
Rector of this church, Avho died the 20th day of July, 1688,
aged 101 years. Together Avith the husband lies liis most
loving Avife, who died in 1656, aged 88 years." What con
nection this John Davenport may have had with the Cov
entry family, if any, is not known.
FAMTT.Y OF DAVENPOET. 77
{6Q.) IV. Henry Davenport.
(67.) V. John Davenport, who married
Elizabeth WoUey.
SEVENTEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of John Davenport, {No. 67.)
[The foUowing account of these two brothers
is priacipally drawn from Wood's Athense
Oxonienses, and Biographia Britannica. The
numbers are given in inverted order.]
(69.) IL Christopher Davenport, second son
of John, by Elizabeth WoUey his wife, was
born in the city of Coventry, Warwickshhe,
in the year 1598, and ia grammatical learning
there educated. At about fifteen years of age,
he and his brother John were sent to Merton
College, in the University of Oxford, in the
beginniag of the year 1613, and became the
pupils of Samuel Lane, feUow of that house.
Here they were battlers, and took of the
cook's commons, but the warden, Sh Henry
Savil, having received notice of them and theh
condition, dismissed them unless they would
become commoners or students of the second
rank, to which their relatives would not con
sent. John therefore immediately withdrew,
and entered Magdalen Hall, whUe Christopher
78 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
remained for a time longer, as Sh Henry
was recalled to Eaton; but upon his return,
he also withdrew, and by the invitation
of a Romish priest, under whose influence
he had fallen, went to Doway, and thence go
ing to Ypres, he entered into the order of the
Franciscans, among the Dutch there, ia 1617.
Thence he returned to Doway, where he read,
first, philosophy, and afterwards became chief
reader of Divinity in the College of St. Bona-
venture, and in fine was made Doctor of Di
vinity of his order, but not of any University.
Afterwards, he went into England under the
name of Franciscus a Sancta Clara. He was
well versed in school divinity, in the fathers
and councils, in philosophy, and in ecclesias
tical and profane histories. At length, he was
made one of the chaplains to Heni'ietta Maria,
the royal consort of Charles I., and became
highly honored by all of his profession, and of
many scholars, (whether Protestant or Papist,)
for his great learning. For more than fifty
years, he labored incessantly to promote the
papal cause, by gaining many disciples, raising
money among the Enghsh Cathohcs to carry
on public matters beyond the seas, in travel
ing from one country to another, in priating
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 79
books for the advancement of his rehgion and
order, and by his perpetual and unwearied
motion, day and night, to administer among
his brethren, and by tending his services to
consult and help warping protestants.
During the ciAdl wars of CromweU's time,
he chsappeared from public life, and spent
most of those years beyond the seas, some
times in London, at times in the country, and
then at Oxford. After the restoration of
Charles IL, when a marriage was celebrated
between that sovereign and Catharine of Por
tugal, he became her theologist or chief chap
lain. He was four times chosen provincial
Minister of his order for the province of Eng
land, and was accounted its greatest pillar, and
the person most to be consulted in their aflfahs.
Among his published works were, 1st, Para-
phrastica Expositio Articulorum Confessionis
Anglicse. For some reason, this book was
much censured by Jesuits, who would fain
have burnt it, but being soon after licensed at ¦
Rome, all further rumor about it stopped.
•2d, Deus, Natura, Gratia, sive Tractatus de
Predestinatione de Meritis, ifec. This book was
dedicated to Charles I., and Prynne contends
that the whole scope of it, as weU as the para-
80 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
phrastical exposition of the articles reprinted
in 1633, were designed to reconcile the king,
the English Church, and the thirty-nine arti
cles to the Church of Rome. [A copy of this
work is to be found in the library of Brown
University, Providence, R. I.] Christopher
also pubhshed many other works, which have
sunk iato obliAdon. He was so actiA^e in making
converts, that one of the principal articles of
impeachment against Archbishop Laud was
his holding conferences with this Franciscan.*
He died at the palace of the Somerset
* " He was introduced to the Archbishop," as Bishop
Heber, in his Life of Jeremy Taylor, tells us, " by his
chaplain. Dr. Augustine Lindsell, as a person engaged in a
work on the Operation of God's Grace, and a Defence of
Episcopacy." Laud had some conversation with him about
his work, (Deus, Natura, Gratia,) but denied in his trial
that he had more than two or three conferences with Sancta
Clara after this, and that he did not give him encourage
ment in his Avork, but remarked, " that the bishops of Eng
land Avere able to defend their own cause and calling, Avith
out calling in aid from Rome ; and Avould m due time." —
Laud''s Troubles and Trial, page 385.
Bishop Heber suggests that the intimacy of Taylor Avith
this Franciscan, " whose friendship," he says, '' could have
been no disgrace to Taylor," probably afforded in those
suspicious times a foundation for the report that Taylor
himself had a concealed attachment for the Romish com
munion. — See Life of Taylor.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 81
House, in the Strand, London, on the 31st of
May, 1680, and was buried, not according to
his deshe, in the vault under the Somerset
House, which the Queen opposed, but in the
church belonging to the Savoy Hospital.
(68.) I. John Davenport, eldest son of
John, and grandson of Henry, was born in the
city of Coventry, in the year 1597, and in
grammatical learning there educated. He
entered Merton College with his brother
Christopher, in 1613. After passing two years
at Merton, he removed to Magdalen HaU, in
the same University, where, continuing under
severe and puritanical discipline for some time,
he left without taking the degree of A.M.,
rethed to London, and became a minister of
St. Stephen's Church in Coleman Street, and a
Puritan of much note. In 1625, he returned
to Magdalen HaU, and for some time per
formed his exercise for the degree of Bachelor
of DiAdnity, accumulated and took that degree
at the same time that he received his degree of
Master of Arts, and in a short time after re
turned again to London, where he was es
teemed a person of excellent gifts in preaching
and other quahties belonging to a divine.
Here he labored for some years, tUl becoming
4*
82 FAMILY OF DAAHENPOET.
a decided non-conformist, he resigned his
charge at St. Stephen's, in 1633, went into
HoUand, and after some time returned to
England, and sailed for America.
REV. JOHN DAVENPORT IN AMERICA.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
(68.) John Davenport, son of John, and
grandson of Henry, was born ia the ancient
city of Coventry, WarAvickshire, England, in
the year 1597. His father was an eminent mer
chant bf Coventry, of which city his grand-''
father was at one time Mayor. His mother was
a woman of piety, but was early removed by
death, leaAong this son in his chUdhood, after
ha-ving devoted him to the care and special ser
vice of God, Avith great fervor and faith, hum
bly relying on the divine promises to faithful
parental dedication. And Heaven graciously
accepted the offering of this beheving parent,
and gave to the dying mother's prayer an
early answer.
His father possessed the disposition, not less
than the ability, to give his son the best oppor
tunities for education. The early application
and vigorous genius of the son equaled the
exertions and hopes of the father. He was
84 FAMILY OP DAYENPOET.
placed at the grammar school in his na
tive city, where he pursued his academical
studies ; and in 1613, at the age of sixteen,
was admitted a member of Merton CoUege, in
the University of Oxford. A Uttle previous
to that event, he became a subject of the spe
cial infiuences of God's grace. Divine love
now possessing his soul, seems to have had a
governing influence in all the conduct of his
future life.
WhUe at the University, he was character
ized by that close and dUigent mental appU
cation which he maintained throughout his
whole hfe. After passing two years at Mer
ton CoUege, he remoA^ed to Magdalen HaU,
in the same University, vs'here he received the
degree of A.B., soon after which he com
menced preaching. At about the age of twenty,
we find him officiating, for a short time, as
chaplain at Hilton Castle, in the neighborhood
of Durham ; thence he was invited to London,
where he performed the services of assistant
to a clergyman of that city, and soon after
was made vicar of St. Stephen's Church, Cole
man Street, AA^here he labored coustantlv, and
with great approbation.* His assiduity in his
* This church is mentioned by Disceto, ui his survey, as
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 85
studies, and his dUigence in the pursuits of
science from early life, added to the gravity
of his demeanor, and the warmth of his
piety, gave him a popularity and influence
unusual for his years.
early as 1182, and was named after the proto-martyr Ste
phen. The old building was destroyed by the great fire
in 1666, and was rebuilt, in its present form, by Sir
Christopher Wren, in 1676. The vestry room at the Avest
end of the church contains a very curious painting of the
" Stoning of Stephen."
I have not been able to ascertain the precise time when
Mr. Davenport commenced his labors with this church.
That it was as early as 1624 is proved by the following
incident :
In the library of the American Antiquarian Society
at Worcester, Mass., is a bound volume, consisting of
miscellaneous tracts, pamphlets, &c., wliich belonged to the
private library of Mr. Davenport. On a blank leaf, at the
close of one of these pamphlets, containing the Thirty-nine
Articles of the Church of England, is found the following
declaration, evidently written with his own hand, and duly
signed in the handwriting of the churchwardens. What
adds additional interest to this incident is the fact that two
of the names which appear as witnesses to this document
are afterwards found among the members of the celebrated
Westminster Assembly of Divines.
"Nov. 7, 1624. — John Davenport, clerk, vicar of St.
Stephen's in Coleman Street, London, did, this day above
written, being Sunday, publicly read this book of Articles
herein contained, being in number 39, besides the ratifica-
86 FAMILY OF DAA^NPOET.
About this time, the city of London was
visited by a dreadful plague, which swept off
thousands of the inhabitants. While many
pastors deserted theh flocks, and fled from the
wasting pestilence, the youthful Davenport
remained fhmly at his post, and plantiag him
self on those promises of divine protection and
security, amid surrounding judgments, con
tained in the 91st Psalm, courageously passed
this season of aAvful visitation, ia proclaiming
to the afiiicted and the dying the consolations
and hopes of the Gospel. His Christian fldeUty
tion, and declared his full and unfeigned assent and consent
thereunto, in the time of morning prayer, next after the
second lesson, before the whole congregation ; as also the
said John did the same day administer the holy commu
nion, in the said parish, in his surplice, according to the
order prescribed by the Church of England, in the presence
of those whose names are hereunto written.
. Henrt Wood,
William Spurstowe,
Samuel Aldersbt,
Church Wardens,} Richard Symonds,
I Thomas Maston,
' John Wells,
William Hill,
' Robert Holmes."
Rov. Josiah Piatt is now (1850,) vicar of St. Stephen's.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 87
greatly endeared him to his flock, and raised
him in the esteem of all.
To show that others besides his OAvn congre
gation, were permitted to reap the harvest of
his soAving, may be mentioned the circum
stance, that about this time, he was the means
of the conversion of WUham Kiflfen, who be
came a distinguished minister of the Baptist
denomination. Having left the University without taking
the degree of Master of Arts, Mr. D. rethed to
Oxford, and having gone through Avith the ne
cessary exercises, received that degree, and at
the same time was created Bachelor of Divinity,
at Magdalen HaU, June 28, 1625, soon after
which he returned to London.
" One of the members of his church in
Coleman Street, was Theophilus Eaton, vrith
whom, though six years older than himself, he
had been intimate in chUdhood, the father of
Eaton being one of the ministers of Coventry.*
* His father was Rev. Richard Eaton, who was descend
ed from an ancient family in the County of Chester, near
the original seat of the Davenports. He died in 1600, and
left several children : Theophilus, a London merchant,
who was for some time engaged in trade Avith Denmark
and the ports of the Baltic ; Samuel, who also became a
88 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
It had been the hope of Eaton's friends to see
him in the ministry ; but the ProAddence that
controls aU things had other designs concern
ing him ; and therefore, the pious ambition of
his friends was defeated. Being permitted to
follow his OAvn preferences, he became a mer
chant, and in that employment was emiaent
and successful. It may be presumed that Ea
ton's friendship for Davenport had something
to do Avith bringing the young preacher to
London, and fixing him there. Thenceforward
the two lived in uninterrupted intimacy ; they
were rarely separated from each other ; theh
history runs in one channel ; theh names are
inseparably associated." *
During his ministry in London, Mr. Daven
port enjoyed the acquaintance, and esteem, of
the most distinguished persons belonging to
the Puritan party in the Church of England.
Among these may be mentioned Dr. John
Preston, Master of Emanuel CoUege, Cam
bridge. This man's popularity as a teacher
non-conformed minister, and came to America, and whose
son, Nathaniel, was the first rector of what is now Harvard
College, Cambridge, Mass.
* Historical Discourses, Rev. Dr. Bacon, Ncav Haven,
1838.
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
was SO great, that Fuller calls him the greatest
pupU-monger ever known in England. "He
was," says Mr. M'Clure, " a learned theologian,
a most eloquent preacher, and also a deep poli
tician. James I. made him chaplain to the
Prince of AVales, and also to himself, and urged
upon him the rich bishopric of Gloucester. On
the death of King James, Dr. Preston rode up
to London, in a close carriage, with the young
king, and the Duke of Buckingham. He was
again offered a bishopric, and the office of Lord
Keeper of the Great Seal, which was the high
est office in the State, and entitled the holder
to preside in the house of peers. These tempt
ing lures were offered, in the hopes of bringing
over the Puritan party to the king's side, by
means of Dr. Preston's vast influence. But the
good man had a conscience, and could not be
bought. He dechned the proffered honors, and
firmly adhered to his principles. Before he
died, which was in 1628, this celebrated man
showed his confidence in the young vicar of St.
Stephen's, by leaAdng his writings to be pub
hshed under Mr. Davenport's care, by whom
accordingly they were edited." *
* Life of John Davenport, by Rev. J. W. M'Clure.
90
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
In 1627, an association was formed in Lon
don, the design of which was, by certain mea
sures in connection Avith the Established
Church, to promote throughout England, an
able and evangelical ministry, and its mea
sures seem to have gained much favor Avith the
people, and to have promised usefulness. It
was, in fact, a sort of Home Missionary Society.
Funds, to a considerable amount, were raised
by voluntary contributions to support able and
faithful lecturers. The trustees who conducted
the business of the association were caUed
" feoffees in trust." These feoffees were twelve
in number ; four of them clergymen, of whom
Mr. Davenport was one ; four of them lawyers,
of whom one was a king's sergeant ; and four
of them citizens, one of whom was the Lord
Mayor of London.
As most, or all engaged in this association,
were zealous Puritans, the opposing party soon
took the alarm. Laud, then Bishop of London,
and his adherents were warmly aroused, and
took decisive measures to crush these develop
ments of the principle of A'oluntary association,
and of church reform. Through the influence
of Laud with the Idng, the trustees Avere soon
after arraigned before the Com't of the Exche-
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 91
quer, where the association was condemned as
dangerous and iUegal ; the whole of the funds
coUected, (about six thousand pounds,) were
confiscated to the kiag's use ; and the feoffees
were referred for punishment to that infamous
tribunal, the Star Chamber. The unpopularity
of the proceedings, however, caused the matter
to be dropt, and the fines and penalties with
which these excellent men were threatened, in
theh pious and laudable undertaking, were
never executed.
It was on this afflictive occasion, that Mr.
Davenport wrote the foUowing passages in his
great Bible : —
" Feb. 11, 1632. The business of the feoffees
being to be heard the third time at the Exche
quer, I prayed earnestly that God would assist
our counselors in opening the case, and be
pleased to grant, that they may get no advan
tage against us to punish us, as evil doers ; prom
ising to observe what answer he gave. Which,
seeing he hath graciously done, and delivered
me from the thing I feared, I record to these
ends : — ¦
" 1. To be more indu-strious in my family.
" 2. To check my unthankful/ness.
" 3. To quicken myself to thankfulness.
92 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
" 4. To awaken myself to more watchful
ness for the time to come, in remembrance of
his mercy.
" Which I beseech the Lord to grant ; upon
whose faithfulness in his covenant, I cast my
self to be more faithful in my covenant.
But the troubles of this good man did not
end here. The storm of religious intolerance yet
continued to lower, and threatened to spend its
fury against these first buddings of Puritanism.
Soon after, Mr. Da\^enport was convened be
fore the High Commission as a notorious delin
quent, because he had united with some other
worthy persons in promoting a private sub
scription in behalf of the poor distressed minis
ters of the Palatinate of the Rhine.
These ministers had been driA^en into exile
t
by the reUgious persecution of Ferdinand H.,
the papist Emperor of Germany. The Queen
of Bohemia (the wife of Frederic Y.), who
was sister to Charles I., desired that aid might
be rendered them from England. The king
was disposed to grant her request, and the
FAMILY OF DAATENPOET. 93
brief was prepared authorizing the collections.
Objections were at once raised against these
proceedings by Laud, because these impover
ished ministers, sufferiag as they were for the
faith of Christ, were Calvinists or Presbyte
rians. Swayed by these and other arguments,
the brief was altered and the public coUections
soon ceased. Upon this, Mr. Davenport united
with Doctors Sibbs, Gouge, and other Puritan
divines in promoting a private subscription,
and thus sought to afford relief through theh
individual efforts to their afflicted brethren.
This was the sum of his offence, and for so no
torious an exhibition of the broad principle of
charity, the arm of the devout bishop was rais
ed against him. These very proceedings, how
ever, as ^Ye shall see, were but working ont the
designs of an aU-AATse Providence for stUl great
er good.
How blessed is the school of affliction to the
true chUd of God ! It is here that God often
fits his people for those most important services
which they are to render to his church and
the world. As gold refined in the fire is sepa
rated from the dross, so by trials is the true
exceUence of the Christian character brought
94 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
out and the dross of human imperfection
purged away.
Until now, Mr. Davenport had adhered
to the EstabUshed Church, although there
were many things in its communion which he
could not approve, and which he sought to
have reformed.
About this time his personal friend. Rev.
John Cotton, of Boston, ia Lincolnshire, had
resigned his charge, having become a non-con
formist. He was now on a visit to London.
Mr. Davenport and some others, sought an ia-
terAdew with him for the pm-pose of convin
cing him that he ought not to leave his flock,
but retain his connection Arith the English
Church. The result of this interAdew was, that
instead of bringing Mr. Cotton over to his
views, Mr. Davenport, before somewhat " stag
gered in his conformity" became fuUy con
vinced by the strong reasonings of his pious
and erudite friend, and was fuUy brought over
to his side.
Before, however, he openly declared his in
tentions, he had several interviews with Laud.
The bishop, whose most weighty argument in
meeting all scruples of conscience in these mat
ters, was in pointing to the Star Chamber,
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 95
said, in reference to Mr. D., "7" tJimight I had
settled his judgment /" but found himself
greatly mistaken when he discovered that he
had openly " declared his judgment against
conformity with the Church of England," that
he had resigned his beneflce, and even made
his escape from the warrant which was out
agahist him, by fleeing into Holland. And
yet this was the man who afterwards, in a
speech before the House of Lords, spoke of
Mr. DaA^enport as " a most reUgious man, who
fled to IN'ew England for the sake of a good
conscience."" * Answer to Lord Say's speech.
A brief extract from Prynne as given by Neal,' Avill
throw light on some points of history to which allusion has
now been made. In describing the subsequent trial of
Archbishop Laud, he says : " The managers Avent on to
charge the Archbishop with his severe persecution of those
clergymen who had dared to preach against the dangerous
increase of Armmianism and Popery, or the late innova
tions : They instanced Mr. Chauncey, Mr. .Workman, Mr.
Davenport, and othei-s ; some of whom were punished in
the High Commission, for not railing in the communion
table, and for preaching against images, and when Mr.
Davenport fled to New England to avoid the storm, the
Archbishop said his arm should reach him there. They ob-
1 Neal's Puritans, vol. ii., p, 282.
90 FAMILY OP DAYENPOET.
Previous, however, to his embarkation for
Holland, Mr. Davenport called together the
principal people of his charge, desiring their
opinion and adAdce, when he acknowledged
jected further, his suppressing afternoon sermons on the
Lord's day, and the laudable design of buying in impro
priations which was designed to encourage such lectures.
Laud replied that the censures passed upon these men was
the act of the High Commission and not his, and if he did
say his arm should reach Mr. Davenport in New England,
he sees no harm in it, for offences against good order should
be dealt with by law.
He [Laud] confessed that he overthrew the design of
buying up impropriations, and he thanked God that he had
destroyed it, for he conceived it to be a plot against the
Church, for if it had succeeded, more clergymen would
have depended on the feoffees than on the king, and on all
the peers and bishops besides, and he proceeded against
them according to law, and if the sentence was not just, it
must be the judges' fault and not his. The Commons re
plied that it was notorious to all men how cruel he had
been toward all those Avho had dared to take a stand
against his proceedings, and put him in mind of many who
had been forced into Holland and America, to avoid the
ruin of themselves and family As to the impro
priations, there was no design in the feoftees to render the
clergy independent of the bishops, for none were presented
but comformable men, nor did any preach but such as were
licensed by the bishop ; indeed the design being to encou
rage the preaching of the Word of God, the feoflees were
careful to employ such persons as would uot be idle ; and
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 97
their right to him as their pastor, and declared
that " No danger shoidd drive him, from any
service which tliey should expect or demand af
his hands? With a noble disinterestedness of
soul, which reflected great honor upon them,
and demonstrated their affection for theh pas
tor and their respect for what he considered
the rights of conscience, and yet thoroughly
aware of theh loss, they ad-vised him for his
own safety to resign his office.
Having sent in his resignation in 1633, and
flnding that no peace or quietness could be
enjoyed while in the midst of those hungry
pursuivants who were continuaUy seeking to
draw him into theh power, he betook himself
during the same year into HoUand.
Soon after his arrival in Holland, a Presby
terian church of EngUsh Christians in the city
of Amsterdam, under the pastoral charge of
the Rev. John Paget, sent an invitation to Mr.
when they perceived the Archbishop was bent on their ruin,
Mr. White went to his grace and promised to rectify any-
thbg that was amiss, if the thing itself might stand. But
he was determined to destroy it, and by his mighty influ
ence obtained a decree that the money should be paid into
the Exchequer, by which an end was put to one of the most
charitable designs for the good of the Church, that has been
formed these many years."
5
98 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Davenport to come among them as a colleague.
Here, for a time, he labored, but a disagree
ment was soon found to exist between the two
pastors on the subject of administering bap
tism to the chUdren of hrehgious parents — a
practice which IVIr. P. and the Dutch classes of
presbytery insisted on, but to which Mr. D.
wotdd not conform—and therefore, in 1635, he
gave up his pastoral relation to this church.
Having resigned his charge, he opened a
catechetical exercise at his OAvn lodgings every
Lord's day evening, after the pubhc services
of the city were over. But the popularity of
his talents soon coUected great numbers of
hearers, which increased the jealousy and
opposition of the adverse party, and his
meetings were finaUy broken up. A warm
tractarian controversy ensued on the subject of
promiscuous baptism. Several works were
pubUshed on both sides, the last of which was
Mr. Davenport's " Apologetical Reply to a
book called 'an Answer to an Unjust Com
plaint of W. B.,' cfcc," published at Rotterdam
in 1636. That this disputation was conducted
in a kind and Christian spirit by Mr. Daven
port, at least, is evident from a review of his
Avorks yet extant. In proof of this may here
FAMILY OF DAATENPOET. 99
be cited a few remarks introductory to the
work above mentioned, and touching the spirit
which should govern aU rehgious controversies.
Addressing the Christian reader, he remarks :
" Though the testimony of a good conscience
is of itself a sufficient cause of rejoicing in all
the tribulations of this pUgrimage, and of con
fidence in aU our apologies against false ac
cusers, in which respect, blessed Paul, accord
ing to the Avisdom given unto him, did ' exer
cise himself to have always a conscience void
of offence both towards God and man ;' yet,
next to a good conscience, a man is bound to
provide for ' a good name,' it being in Solo
mon's judgment 'better than precious oint
ment.' But the regard to our good name must
be exercised upon higher ground than self-
respect, else it is but vain glory. God's name
must be dearer to us than our own ; and our
care must be, not so much to shun our duty,
as his dishonor; our esteem for his glory,
therefore, ought in some proportion to answer
to his dignity and eminency."
" Again, it is enjoined that our speech be weU
filled and well seasoned. It is well fiUecl when
it expresseth the sanctifying graces of the
Spirit ; as the fruits of the earth are then fuUy
100 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
ripe, when they have attained to the perfec
tion of theh kind. The best rise of a good
conscience is from a gracious heart, which is
declared to be a ' good treasure,' which send
eth fm^th good things, and to he full of goodness.
When good speeches flow from the ahajmdance
within, and are fiUed Avith the Spirit, then the
words wiU express the delightful and amiable
sweetness of those ' fruits of the Spirit, which
are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith,' which fruits are weU pleasing
to Christ, and delightful to good men, as the
savor of that ointment which Mary poured on
the head of Christ was to those that were in
the house.
" Thus an answer is weU fiUed when it ex
presseth Godly wisdom, and Christian pru
dence and discretion, which enable a man to
observe a due proportion to the causes, per
sons, times, places, and whatever chcumstances
are considerable ; as that harsh speech be for
borne when a soft answer should be given ;
that a friend be not wounded as an enemy, nor
be reviled as a brother, and that the answer
which should serve to mend the garment, doth
not make the rent Avorse." Such principles, for
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 101
the government of a controversy, are weU
worthy of imitation in modern times.
Finding no door of usefulness now open be
fore him in the land where so many of the
Puritans, for a short time, had found refuge,
Mr. D. soon after returned to his native coun
try for the purpose of emigrating to America.
For some years, he had been familiar,
chiefly through his personal friend. Rev. John
Cotton, vrith the weighty affairs that were
goiag on in "New England. He had taken an
early interest in the formation of the Massa
chusetts colony, and contributed £50 towards
the procurement of its charter. He was pre
sent at the meeting of the company ia London,
March 23, 1629, and also at those of March
30, AprU 8, August 28, 29, and those of No
vember and December foUowing.*
He now resolved, with his friend TheophUus
Eaton, to collect a band of colonists whom,
under God, they might lead out of spiritual
Egypt, the house of bondage and oppression,
into the distant land of promise. Many of
those who had formerly enjoyed the ministry
of Mr. Davenport, in Coleman Street, were
ready to join them.
* Prince's Ann.als, 257.
102 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
" He who diAdded the Red Sea before the
Israelites, gave this httle company as safe a pas
sage across the ocean. They arrived at Boston
in the Hector and another ship, on the 26th of
June, 1637. Among other passengers who came
with this expedition was Edward Hopkins,
son-in-law of Governor Eaton, and himself
for many years Govemor of Connecticut col
ony. By his wiU, he became a distiaguished
benefactor of Harvard College and several
other institutions of learning in New England.
With these came also Lord Leigh, son and
heir of the Earl of Marlborough, a youth of
nineteen, humble and pious, who came merely
to see the country, and returned to England a
few weeks after, in company vdth Sh Henry
Vane."* Mr. Davenport was heartUy welcomed by
Mr. Cotton and his associates, and more par
ticularly as his assistance was now requhed
in helping to stay the prevalence of Antino-
mian error, which seemed at this time, thi'ough
the fanaticism of Ann Hutchinson and othei*s,
to have threatened the peace and purity of the
churches. His preaching, and also his counsels
* Lives of the Chief Fathers of New England, by Rev.
A. W. M'Clure. Vol. ii. p. 270.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 103
in the Synod of that year, evidently had a
favorable influence in the suppression of those
dangerous errors. At the request of the Synod,
he closed the proceedings by a sermon on the
text, PhU. in. 16: "Nevertheless, whereto
we have attained, let us walk by the same
rule ; let us mind the same thing." In this
discourse, he declared the result of the assem
bly, and " with much Avisdom and sound argu
ment," urged to unity and harmony. These
difficulties being in a good degree removed, it
became an object with Mr. Davenport and his
company to fix upon a place of settlement.
The wealth, intellectual endowments and
moral worth of this newly arrived company ot
emigrants, made it very desirable with the al
ready organized colonies of Plymouth and
Massachusetts, to retain them among them :
and t^ this end, very liberal offers were made
them. But reasons existed in theh OAvn minds
why these urgent invitations could not be com-
phed with, " the refusal to accept which," says
Mr. M'Clure, " was regarded as almost an un
kindness by those who coveted this accession to
theh strength."
It was thought that Mr. Davenport's resi
dence in Massachusetts might draw down upon
104 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
that colony the speedier wrath of Laud, who
loved them not before. When he heard Mr.
Davenport had fled to New England, to avoid
the storm of prelatical indignation, the persecut
ing archbishop had boldly said, " My arm shall
reach him there? It was supposed that the
scattering of those who were obnoxious to
Laud into different places might lessen the mo
tives for stretching out his potent arm against
them. Although he obtained a commission
from the king to carry out these designs, yet
the political excitements by which they were
surrounded at home, obhged him and his
monarch (Charles I.) to confine theh actirity
to resisting a revolution which eventuaUy re
sulted in the overthrow of theh oAvn power.
As John Cotton expressed it, " God rocked
three nations with shaking dispensations to
procure some rest for these infant churches."
j^other probable reason why Mr. Daven
port and Eaton wished to form an independent
colony, beyond the limits of any existing grant
or patent, was, that they might carry out theh
peculiar views in regard to a ciAdl state. They
seemed to have deshed the formation of a com
munity in some respects different from any
that existed elsewhere ; one more thoroughly
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 105
scriptural — more in accordance with the an
cient Jewish system— one fashioned throughout
in the strictest conformity to the rules of the
Bible. In the FaU of 1637, Mr. Eaton and others
of the company, made a journey to Connecti
cut, to explore the lands and harbors on the
coast. They came to a place lying at the head
of a harbor, which sets up about four miles
from Long Island Sound. Its Indian name
was Quinnipiac. The explorers were much tak
en with the beauty and fertUity of this tract
of country, and most of them being Londoners,
and accustomed to commercial pursuits, they
deemed it a desirable site for the establish
ment of a commercial town. This place was,
therefore, fijxed upon for the location of their
colony. On what is now the south comer of
Church and Meadow Streets, they erected a
hut, in which a few men remained for the win
ter to make preparations for the commence
ment .of the settlement, while the rest returned
to Massachusetts.*
¦* Seven men were left by Eaton, one of whom was John
Beaoher, (from whom the venerable Dr. Lyman Beecher
descended) — another was Joseph Atwater. One of the
party died during the winter. Mr. Atwater was a gentle
man of distinction and opulence, and built himself a house
5*
108 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Early in the Spring the colonists prepared
to remove to their new home in the AvUderness.
After taking an affectionate leave of theh
friends and gratefully acknowledging the many
kindnesses they had there received, the com
pany saUed from Boston for the place of theh
destination on the 13th of March, 1638.*
" This band of pilgrims reached Quinnipiac,
the future New Haven, on the 14th of AprU,
1638. Mr. Davenport was then forty-one years
of age. The next day is the Sabbath. A
drum beats in the rude and hasty encampment.
The armed men AAdth their AAdves and chUdren
gather at this signal under a branching oak.f
on what is now Fleet Street, which has stood for more than
two hundred years, and was occupied till lately by descend
ants of its original proprietor.
* See letter No. 1, Note A., Appendix.
f This tree stood near the present corner of George and
College Streets, and was standing tUl after the revolution
ary war, when it is said to have been cut doAvn by Mr.
David Beecher (the father of Rev. Dr. Beecher), and to
have been burnt in liis shop which stood in College Street,
near George.
On the 25th of April, 1838, was celebrated the second
Centennial Anniversary of the settlement of New Haven.
A procession was formed at the State House, comprising
the various classes of citizens and strangers, which proceed
ed to the intersection of College and George Streets, at
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 107
They meet to consecrate to God a new region
reclaimed from heathen darkness. For the
fii'st time the aisles of that forest-temple re-
which place Mr, Davenport preached his first sermon, just
two hundred years before. Here the procession halted for
religious exercises. The number of persons assembled
around this spot Avas variously estimated from four to five
tJiousand. Many roofs of the houses were covered Avith
people, and some had taken their station in the trees. Af
ter singing, an appropriate and impressive prayer was of-
fered (on a stage Avhich had been erected near the spot
where the oak tree is supposed to have stood) by the
venerable Rev. Frederick W. Hotchkiss (since deceased),
of Say brook, whose mother was a direct descendant of Gov.
Jones, the son-in-law of Gov. Eaton,
After the religious exercises were closed the procession
again formed, and moving through George and State Streets
passed the place in Elm Street where the houses of Gov,
Eaton and Mr. Davenport formerly stood, and then doAvn
Temple Street to the First Congregational Church, where
the society whose first pastor was Mr. Davenport, worship,
and near Avhich the first house of worship was erected.
Here after singing and reading a portion of Scripture, prayer
was offered by the present pastor, Rev. Leonard Bacon,
after which an historical discourse was delivered by Pro
fessor James L. Kingsley, of Yale College, and the services
were closed by prayer, singing, and the benediction. See
Appendix to Kingsley's Discourse 109-115.
At this time there was a medal struck representing
on the one side Mr, Davenport preaching under the oak,
and on the other New Haven as it then (1838) appeared.
108 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
sounded with the praises of the Host High.
Here are men who were nurtured in the haUs
of Oxford and Cambridge ; and women used to
aU the elegant refinements of the British me
tropolis. They are gathered under the oaken
tree. Why are they here ? Why this change
in theh condition ? Why are they here, far
from the haunts of civUization, confronting pri
vation and suffering in every form ? It is for
conscience, to keep that sacred thing unspot
ted ; — it is for posterity : — for eternity : — for
God!
[" -yVhat sought they thus afar 1
Bright jewels of the mine ?
The wealth of seas? the spoUs of war?
They sought a faith's pure shrine !
There is also in the possession of Mr. James Brewster, of
that city, a large oil painting by Rossiter, givtog the land
ing of Davenport and his followers, and representing him
under the oak preaching his first sermon. — Communicated
by Mr. William A. Reynolds, of New Haven.
During the same year (1838), the eloquent pastor of the
First Church (Rev. Dr. Bacon), delivered a series of His
torical Discourses, which were published in a quarto vol
ume of 400 pages, containing a mine of valuable informa
tion in regard to the " first settlers,'' and the history of
New Haven generally. To that work and the admirable
discourse of Professor Kingsley, the writer is greatly in
debted for copious extracts made in preparing the present
sketch of the Rev. John Davenport,
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET, 109
Ay, Call it holy ground.
The soil where first they trod !
They have left unstained what there they found.
Freedom io worship GOD !" ]
Surely angels rejoiced while Infinite Love
smiled upon the scene. Mr. Davenport preach
ed from the text, Matthew iv. 1 ¦.' — ' Then was
Jesus led up of the Sphit into the Anlderness to
be tempted of the dcAdl' ;— and his subject was,
' the temptations of the wilderness.' Every
place, however sequestered, has its trials. In
every place we have need to watch and pray." *
At the close of these serAdces Mr. Davenport
remarked that " he had enjoyed a good da/y?
Soon after their arrival at Quinnipiac, at the
close of a " day of fasting and prayer," these
exUes formed and subscribed what they de
nominated a " plantation covenant." By this
instrument they ei^igaged " that as in matters
that concern the gathering and ordering of a
church, so also in all public offices, which con
cern civU order, as choice of magistrates, and
officers, making and repeahng laws, diAdding
allotments of inheritance, and all things of hke
nature, they would all of them be ordered by
the rules which the Scripture held forth to
* Life of John Davenport by Rev. Mr. M'Clure, p. 276.
110 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
them." This may be considered the original
civil constitution of the New Haven colony.
It may here be stated that the planters of
this colony, Uke the immortal Penn, did not
disregard the rights of the Indians. On this
point Dr. Bacon says :
" The most ancient record in existence at
New Haven is, as it ought to be, the reeord of
two treaties Arith the aboriginal proprietors,
by which the soU was purchased, and the rela
tions thenceforward to subsist between the In
dians and the English were distinctly defined."
These treaties commenced thus : " Articles of
Agreement between TheophUus Eaton and
John Davenport, and others, English planters
at Quinopiocke, on the one party, and Momau-
gin, the Indian Sachem of Quinopiocke,
and Sugcogisin, Caroughood, Wesaucucke,
and others of his councU, on the other party,
made and concluded the 24th day of NoA^em-
ber, 1638, Thomas Stanton being interpreter,"
&c. Here follow the treaties, which are duly
signed by Eaton and Da\"euport, and by the
Sachem, his councU and sistei', by theh respec-
tiA^e marks.*
* " Copies of these Indian marks may be seen in Barber's
History and Antiquities of New Haven, p. 27. The first is
a rude resemblance of a bow ; the second of a fish hook.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. Ill
These treaties were held in good faith, by
both parties, and the colony lived in much
peace and security from the hostUe attacks of
the surrounding tribes. By these treaties the
Indians considered themselves under the pro
tection of the English, whUe they retained the
right to hunt in their forests, to fish in the
streams, with the pledge not to disturb the
corn-fields or pastures of the English, or to in
terrupt their trade. The colonists showed
themselves the friends of the natives and en
joyed theh unlimited confidence — a confidence
which history forbids us to think in this case
was ever violated.
More than a year, after their arrival, was
spent in erecting their dweUings and in clear
ing theh lands, while they were often together
praying and consulting in reference to the fun
damental principles which should form theh
system of civU poUty. During this period,
Mr. Davenport prepared his " Discourse about
The third is a horizontal line, neither straight nor of any curve
knoAvn to mathematicians. The fourth is a small block.
The fifth may be imagined to stand for a war club. And
the squaw's mark is perhaps as much like a tobacco pipe as
the cloud which Hamlet showed to Polonius, was ' like a
whale.' " — Bacon's Discourses, p. 335.
112 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
CiAdl Government in a New Plantation, whose
Design is Religion." This treatise was publish
ed many years after, in 1673. It was a vindi
cation of the practice long maintained by our
fathers of aUowing the rights of voting and
holding office to only such as were members of
the Church.
Having giA^en themselves time for mature
deliberation and wise counsel, and practicaUy
recogniring the principle that " governments
are instituted among men, deriAdng theh just
powers from the consent of the goA^emed," " aU
the free planters" — by which was meant all
who were engaged in planting the colony — on
the fourth of June, 1639, convened in a large
barn of Mr. Newman, and in a formal manner
proceeded to the organization of a cIatI govern
ment. " No reference, direct or indirect," says
Professor Kingsley, " was made by those con
cerned in this transaction to their native coun
try ; as at the time the colonists signed theh
plantation covenant, so now they seem to have
supposed that since they were in fact beyond
the actual control of any existing soA-ereignty,
they had a perfect right to constitute a govern
ment for themselves." The business of the
occasion, in conformity to the views of those
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 113
assembled and the propriety of the case, was
opened with prayer, and Mr. Davenport is
said to have preached a sermon from Prov. ix.
1 : " Wisdom hath budded her house, she
hath hewn out her seven piUars."
Mr. Davenport then proposed several queries
to the planters, and urged them " to consider
seriously in the presence and fear of God, the
weight of the business they met about, and not
to be rash or slight in giving theh votes to
things they understood not ; but to digest fuUy
and thoroughly what should be propounded
to them, and without respect to men, as they
should be satisfied and persuaded in theh own
minds, to give their answers in such sort, as
they should be wUling should stand upon re
cord for posterity. They then unanimously
resolved " that the Scriptures do hold forth a
perfect rule for the dhection and government
of aU men in all duties, which they are to per
form to God and men as well in famUies and
commonwealth as in matters of the Church."
After this, they renewed theh assent to their
plantation covenant, and mutually bound them
selves, not only in their ecclesiastical proceed
ings, but also " in the choice of magistrates, the
making and repealing of laws, the dividing of
114 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
inheritances, and in aU civU matters, to submit
themselves to the rules held forth in the Word
of God."
" Then," as the record informs us, " Mr.
Davenport declared to them by the Scrip
ture, what kind of persons might best be
trusted with matters of govemment ; and by
sundry arguments from Scripture, proved that
such men as were described in Exod. xvhi. 21 ;
Deut. i. 13 ; with Deut. xvh. 15 ; and 1 Cor.
vi. 1, 6, 7 — [viz. : " Able men, such as fear
God ; men of truth, hating covetousness ;" " men
of wisdom and understanding, and knoAva
among your tribes ;" " not strangers, but breth
ren, and those whom the Lord your God shaU
choose ;" " not the unjust or the unbeheving,
but the holy"] — ought to be intrusted by them,
seeing they were free to cast themselves into
that mould and form of commonwealth which
appeared best for them in reference to the
securing the peace and peaceable enjoyment of
all Christ's ordinances in the Church."
After some further consideration, the com
pany, among other fundamental regulations,
adopted this : " that church-members only
should be free burgesses, and that they only
should choose magistrates and officers among
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 115
themselves, to have the power of transacting
aU the public civU affairs of the plantation ;
of making and repealing laws ; dividing inherit
ances ; deciding differences that may arise ;
and doing aU things and busiaess of Uke
nature." Such was the civU pohty established by the
colonists of New Haven ; and whatever may
have been its imperfection, the history of man
kind may be challenged to show a State com
munity organized under more favorable aus
pices, or a settlement that for so many years
has enjoyed a greater share of social happiness.
Having founded theh civil commonwealth,
they proceeded to the organization of their
church. On the twenty-second of August,
1639, seven persons chosen out of their num
ber, among whom Mr. Davenport was one,
entered iato a covenant with one another, and
with Christ, and thus was constituted the first
Church of New Haven. Being thus organ
ized, they proceeded to admit others of the
company to theh feUowship.
Shortly after the church was instituted, Mr.
Davenport was chosen pastor. He was ordained
by the hands of two or three of the lay breth
ren, though Mr. Hooker, and Mr. Stone, the
116 FAMILY OF DAYENPOET.
reverend pastors of the church in Hartford,
were present, and one of them made the
prayer. This ceremony was not used because
the vahdity of his ordination in the Church of
England was doubted, it being, in fact, but an
installation or solemn recognition of his new
relation to a particular church.
With an organization so simple and scriptu
ral ; Avith a minister, whose genius, wisdom and
piety enabled him to bring forth from the
word of God things new and old, it is not a
matter of wonder that success should have
croAATied theh enterprise. And such was em-
phaticaUy the case. The ministry of theh pas
tor was abundantly blessed. His church con
tinued in great unity during the whole period
of his pastoral relation of nearly thirty years,
and often received additions of those who were
" heirs of the grace of life." He was strict in
his examination of those who were to be admit
ted to membership, yet his church was large,
and they walked together in prayer and love.
But few instances of pubhc censure occm-red
in his flock, though seldom has one had a
deeper sense of the importance of the disci
pline of Christ's house than he.
FAMILY OP DAATENPOET. 117
About two months after the organization of
the church, on the 25th of October, 1639, the
General Court, as it was termed — consisting at
first of the " seven piUars" chosen to form the
church, but afterwards of aU the free burgess
es — proceeded to constitute the body of free
men, and to elect their officers. Mr. Daven
port expounded several passages of Scripture
to them, describing the character of civU ma
gistrates given in the Sacred Oracles. To this
succeeded the election of officers. TheophUus
Eaton, Esq., was chosen Governor; Robert
Newman, Matthew GUbert, Nathg.niel Turner,
and Thomas FugiU were chosen Magistrates.
Mr. FugUl was also chosen Secretary, and
Robert Seely, Marshal.
Mr. Davenport gave Governor Eaton a
charge in open court, from Deut. i. 16, 17 :
" And I charged your judges at that time,
saying. Hear the causes between your breth
ren, and judge righteously between every man
and his brother, and the stranger that is Arith
him. Ye shaU not respect persons in judg
ment, but ye shaU hear the smaU as weU as
the great ; ye shall not be afraid of the face
of man, for the judgment is God's ; and the
118 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto
me, and I avUI hear it."*
Governor Eaton was annuaUy chosen to pre
side over the colony, as its chief magistrate, for
nearly twenty years, till his death, which occur
red in January, 1668. This good man was accus
tomed to say : " Some count it a great matter to
die weU ; but I am sure it is a greater matter to
hve weU. AU our care should be, whUe we
have our hfe, to use it weU: and so when
death puts an end to that, it AviU be an end of
all our cares." " And God would have him die
well," says the quaint historian Mather, " Arith-
out any room or time then given to care at aU ;
for he enjoyed a death sudden to every one
but himself."
On the eveniag of the 7th of January, after
famUy worship, as usual, " he took a turn or
two abroad, for his meditations," and then
came to bid his Arife good-night, who was con
fined by sickness in another apartment. She
said to him, " Methinks you look sad." He re
plied, " The differences in the chm'ch of Hart
ford make me sad." She then, discontented
as she long had been, said, " Let us go back to
our native country." To which he answered,
' Records of the Colony of New Haven.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 119
"You may, but I shall die here." This was
the last word she ever heard him speak. He
rethed to his chamber ; and about midnight, he
was heard to groan : and to some one, who in
stantly came in to inquire how he did, he an
swered only, " Very UI," and immediately fell
asleep in Jesus, His grave is just behind the
pulpit window of the First Church.*
So intimately is the history of Governor
Eaton connected Arith that of Mr. Davenport,
that one or two brief extracts in reference to
him may not be deemed wholly out of place.
Mather, in writing the life of Eaton, whom
he calls the Moses of New Haven, says — " He
carried in his very countenance, a majesty
which cannot be described ; and in his dispen
sations of justice he was a mirror for the most
inimitable impartiahty, but ungainsayable au
thority of his proceedings, being awfully sensi
ble of the obhgations which the oath of a judge
lays upon him. Hence he who would most
patiently bear hard things offered to his per
son in private cases, would never pass by any
pubhc affronts or neglects, when he appeared
under the character of a magistrate. But he
stUl was the guide of the bliad, "the staff of the
* Bacon, His. Dis. p. 110.
120 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
lame, the helper of the widow and the orphan,
and aU the distressed. None that had a good
cause was afraid of coining before him. On
the one side, in his days did the righteous
flourish ; on the other side, he was the terror
of evil doers."
Hubbard, who was partly his cotemporary,
says : " This man [Gov, Eaton] had in him
great gifts and as many exceUencies as are
usuaUy found in any one man ; he had an ex
cellent princely face and port, commanding
respect from all others ; he was a good scholar,
a traveler, a great reader, of an exceeding
steady and even spirit, not easUy moved to
passion, and standing unshaken in his princi
ples when once fixed upon, of a profound judg
ment, full of majesty and authority in his judi
catures, so that it was a vain thing to offer to
brave him out, and yet in his ordinary conver
sation, and among friends, of such pleasantness
of behavior, and such fehcity and fecundity of
harmless wit as can hardly be paralleled ; but
above aU, he was seasoned Arith religion, close
in closet duties, solemn and substantial in fa
mily worship, a diligent and constant attender
upon all public ordinances, taking notes of the
sermons he heard exactly, and improving them
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 121
accordingly ; in short, approving himself in the
whole course of his life in faithfulness, Avisdom,
and inoftensiveness before God and man." *
When the day arrived for the election of a
* Governor Eaton, by will, disposed of his estates, both
in this country, and " in the parish of Great Budworth, in
the county of Chester, England :" and among other small
legacies, gives "to my wife's son, Thomas Yale, five
pounds ; to my dear son-in-law, Mr. Hopkins, and to my
reverend pastor, Mr. John Davenport, to each of them ten
pounds, as a small token of my love and respect."
Mrs. Eaton, soon after her husband's death, returned to
England, taking her children, and also her grandchild,
Elihu Yale, then about ten years old, from whom Yale
College was afterwards named.
The Rev. Samuel Eaton came to America with his
brother, Theophilus, and for a year or two was Mr. Daven
port's assistant. He returned to England in 1640, with a
view of collecting a company of emigrants to settle Bran-
ford — ^that tract of country having been granted him for
such friends as he should bring over from England. But the
temporary peace which he found enjoyed by those who had
before suffered from the persecuting spirit of the times,
induced him to settle as a teacher over a Congregational
church in Duckenfield, in Cheshire, his native county,
whence he removed, probably Avith some of his congrega
tion, to the neighboring borough of Stockport. He was
one of the two thousand ministers who, in 1662, were
silenced in one day, by the act of uniformity. He died on
the 9th of June, 1666, at Denton, Lancastershire, and was
buried in the chapel there.
6
122 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
new Governor, Mr. Davenport preached an
election sermon, as was usual on such occa
sions, taking for his text the first words in the
book of Joshua : " Now, after the death of
Moses, the servant of the Lord, it came to pass
that the Lord spake to Joshua, the son of Nun,
Moses' minister, saying, Moses, my servant is
dead; now, therefore arise, go over this Jor
dan, thou and aU this people." The unanimous
choice of the electors fell upon Francis New
man, who had been one of the bench of magis
trates, and for many years Secretary of the
colony.* Deeply did Mr. DaA^enport feel the loss of
his beloved Eaton, who for more than twenty
years had been his copartner in the Avork of
rearing a repubhc, and from chUdhood his
most intimate friend and companion. The fol
lowing eloquent passage is from Dr. Bacon's
invaluable Historical Discourses :
"Davenport, and his friend Eaton, biult
their clAvelliugs OA^er against each oth^r, on the
same street,f and the intimacy begun AA^hen
* Historical Discourses, page 114.
f These houses were large and commodious. GoA'ernor
Eaton's stood upon the north corner of Elm and Orange
Streets. It Avas built in the form of a capital E, had many
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 123
they were children, and strengthened in their
earlier manhood, is prolonged without inter
ruption, tiU in a good old age death separates
them for a httle season, to meet again in
heaven. They were never out of each other's
thoughts ; and rarely could a day pass by in
which they did not see each other, and take
counsel together. The voice of prayer, or the
evening psalm, in one of their dwellings, might
be heard in the other. Whatever changes
came upon one family, the other was sure to
partake immediately in the sorrow or the joy.
In such neighborhood and intimacy, these two
friends passed theh days here, tiU the full
strength of manhood in which they came had
graduaUy turned to venerable age. They saw
trials, many and various ; trials such as weigh
heaviest upon the spirit, and cause the heart
to faint ; but in aU their trials, they had one
hope, one consolation ; and how refreshing to
such men, in such ricissitucles, is the sympathy
apartments in it, and nineteen fire-places. Mr. Daven
port's house, on the opposite side of Elm Street, near State
Street, was built in the form of a cross, with the chimney
in the centre. " That Mr. Davenport's house had also
many apartments, and thirteen fire-places," says President
Stiles, in his History of the Judges, " I very well remem
ber, having frequently, when a boy, been all over the house."
124 FAMILY OF DAAnENPOET.
of kindred souls, well-tried and tme. Strong
in themselves, Arith the gifts of nature, the
endowments of education and experience, and
the unction of Alnughty grace ; strong in theh
indiridual reUance upon God, theh help and
Sariour; they were the stronger for theh
friendship, the stronger for theh mutual coun
sels, the stronger for the sympathy by which
each drew the other towards the great foun
tain of strength, and love, and life.
" Such are the friendships of good men.
Their iatimacies make them better, holier,
happier, more patient for endurance, Triser for
counsel, stronger for every Godlike action."
The fathers of New England were not
professedly separatists, but non-conformists.
They did not design so much to Arithdraw
themselves from the Church of England,
as to promote a reformation from what they
considered to be the errors that had crept
into theh communion. But the reformation
which they sought, and effected, laid the foun
dation for a system of church polity which,
both in its simplicity and practical operations,
was most nearly aUied to that of the apostles
of Christ. They stiU felt themselves in com
munion with the truly good and pious, whether
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 125
in the Church of England, or in any other
Christian denomination ; and especially in the
former, there were many to whom theh hearts
stUl clung with the warmest Christian attach
ment. A work written by Mr. Davenport, in 1639,
and pubUshed in London, in 1641, entitled
"An Answer of the Elders of the Several
Churches in New England, unto nine Positions
sent over to them by divers reverend and
Godly ministers in England," exhibits most
clearly his riews, and those of the first minis
ters of New England, in regard to this work
of reformation.
In the preface to this epistle, he says, " In
our native country, where we were first caUed
to the ministry, many of us took some things
to be indifferent, and lawful, which in time we
saw to be sinful, and could not continue in the
practice of them there. Afterwards, some
things that we bare as burdens — that is, as
things inexpedient, though not utterly unlaw
ful, we had no cause to retain and prescribe
the same things here, which would have been
not only inexpedient, but unlawful — such
things as a man may tolerate when he cannot
remove them ; besides some things we prac-
126 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
ticed there, which, (we speak it to our shame
and grief,) we never took it into serious con
sideration whether they were lawful and expe
dient, or no, but took them for granted, and
generaUy received not only by the most re
formed churches, but by the most judicious ser
vants of God amongst them, which, neverthe
less, when we came to weigh them in the bal
ance of the sanctuary, we could not find suffi
cient warrant in the word to receive them as
established there."
In closing this opening address of the work,
he says : " If anything [in this answer] appears
to be unsound, and dissonant to the word,
(which we, for our part, cannot discern,) we
shaU willingly attend to what further hght
God may send unto us by you. In the mean
time, we entreat you in the Lord, not to suffer
such apprehensions to lodge in your minds,
which you intimate in your letters, as if we
justified the ways of rigid separation which,
sometimes amongst you, we formerly bore
witness against, and so buUd again the things
AA'hich we destroyed, as those who separate
from your congregations as no churches, ft'om
the ordinances as dispensed by you as mere
anticltristian, and from yourselves as no
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 127
Christians. But we profess unfeignedly, we
separate from the corruptions which we con-
ceiA^e to be left in your churches, and from
such ordinances administei'ed therein, as we
fear are not of God, but of men ; and for our-
seh^es, we are so far from separating, as from
no risible Christians, as that you are under
God in our hearts (if the Lord would suffer it)
to hve and die together, and we look at sundry
of you as men of that eminent growth in Chris
tianity, that if there be any visible Christians
under heaven, amongst you are the men who
for these many years have had written in your
foreheads, 'holiness to the Lord,' which we
speak, not to prejudice any truth which our
selves are here taught and called to profess,
but we still beUeve, though personal Chris
tians may be sminent in their growth of Chris
tianity, yet churches have stiU need to grow
from apparent defects to purity, and from
reformation to reformation, from age to age,
tiU the Lord have utterly abolished Antichrist
with the breath of his mouth, and the bright
ness of his coming to the fuU and clear reve
lation of all his holy truth, especially touching
the ordering of his house, and public worship.
As a pledge of this, our estimation of you, we
128 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
have sent you these answers to your demands,
and shall be ready, by the help of Christ, to
receive back from you. Arise and just and holy
advertisements in the Lord. Now, the Lord
God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, lead
you and us into all truth, and purge aU leaven
out of his churches, and keep us blameless and
harmless in his holy faith and fear to his heav
enly kingdom, through Him that hath loved
us, in whom we rest."
During the year 1642, letters were received,
signed by Oliver CromweU and several mem
bers of both houses of parhament, and also
from some ministers in England, inriting Mr.
Davenport, Arith Mr. Hooker of Hartford, and
Mr. Cotton of Boston, to return to theh native
country, to assist in settUng the affahs of the
great revolution, which was then in progress
there, and more particularly Arith reference to
securing the independency of the churches.
" The condition," say they, " wherein the state
of things in this kingdom doth now stand, we
suppose you have from the relation of others ;
whereby you cannot but understand how great
need there is of the help of prayer, and im
provement of all good means, from aU parts,
for the settling and composing the affahs of
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 129
the Church. We, therefore, present to you
our earnest deshes of you all. To show where
in, or how many ways, you may be useful,
would easUy be done by us and found by you,
were you present with us. In aU hkelihood
you wiU find opportunity to draw forth all
that helpfulness which God shaU afford by
you. j^d we doubt not, these advantages
wiU be such as wiU fully answer aU inconveni
ences yourselves, churches or plantations, may
sustain in this your short voyage and absence
from them. Only the sooner you come the
better." Upon the receipt of this inritation the sub
ject was duly weighed by the several ministers
and other leading men of the colonies, and
whUe many deemed it " a caU of God," yet it
appears that Mr. Hooker was averse to the
proposal, " nor thought it any sufficient call for
them to go a thousand leagues to confer Arith
a few persons that differed from the rest ia
matter of church government." Mr. Daven
port, on the contrary, was strongly inclined to
go, but his church considering the case, came
to the conclusion, " that in regard they had
but one officer, they could not see the way
clear to spare him for so long a time as such a
130 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
journey requhed." Mr. Cotton was in favor
of accepting the inritation, and would have
gone if the others had not dechned.*
In the cause of popular education, Mr. Da
venport has been justly styled a leader. " It
has been a matter of some curiosity," says Pro
fessor Kingsley, in his Historical Discourse,
" to ascertain, to what man, or class of men,
the honor of haring origiaated our system
of schools belongs. A distinguished citizen
of Connecticut remarked more than forty
years ago : ' Did I know the name of the
legislator, who first conceived and suggest
ed the idea [of Common Schools], I should
pay to his memory the highest tribute of re
verence and regard, I should feel for him a
much higher veneration and respect than I do
for Lycurgus and Solon, the celebrated legis
lators of Sparta and Athens, I should revere
him as the greatest benefactor of the human
race ; because he has been the author of a pro
vision which if it should be adopted in every
-* It is said that letters were also received during the
same year — probably not official, but private — ^inviting the
above ministers to come over, that they might have seats
in the famous Assembly of Divines at Westminster. — His.
Discourses, 103, 104.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 131
country, would produce a happier and more
important influence on the human character
than any institution which the wisdom of man
has devised.'*
" Perhaps the honor of derising the scheme
of popular education, which has prevailed in
New England, belongs exclusively to no indi
ridual. It originated rather in the general
wish to bring aU dhectly to the Scriptures for
rehgious knowledge and in a regard for popu
lar rights, both of which were distinguishing
traits of Puritanism, than in the sagacity and
benevolent efforts of any one man. But if the
inquhy should be to whom is to be ascribed
the honor of establishing the school system
of the New Haven Colony, the question is
easUy answered. It is the just due of Theophi
lus Eaton and John Davenport; or if a dis
tinction must be made here, abundant eridence
exists in the colony records that the pre-emi
nence belongs to the latter. In John Daven
port was that deep conriction of the value of
•general inteUigence, especially, in his riew of
the subject, as the means of diffusing sound re
ligious instruction, that energy, and that reso-
*«1 Swift's System, 159."
132 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
lution, which are essential to the successful ia-
troduction iato a community, of a practical
Common School System ; and it is to men hke
him, that the credit should be given of haring
by their influence carried this system forward
to its full execution."
In 1654, Mr. Davenport brought forward
the plan of establishing a CoUege ia New
Haven, for which the toAvn made a donation of
land. Through the correspondence of Daven
port and Eaton, a donation of i6500 sterUng
was also made by Govemor Hopkins, who soon
after died in England. With these funds the
General Court erected the coUege school into
a CoUege for teaching the three learned lan
guages, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and for the
education of youth in good literature to fit
them for the public serrice in church and
commonwealth, and settled £40 a year out of
the colony treasury, upon the preceptor or
rector, besides the salary from New Haven
School, with =£100 for a hbrary.*
* Stiles' History of the Judges.
It was in 1660, that Mr. Davenport appeared before the
General Court reinforced with the legacy of Gov. Hopkins,
and entreated them " not to suffer this gift to be lost from
the Colony, but as it becometh fathers of the Common-
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 133
Mr. Davenport took the care of the colony
school for several years, but in 1660, the Rev.
Jeremiah Peck was appointed to that post.
The convulsions of the time ia 1664, the small
number of inhabitants in the colony, and the
subsequent removal of Mr. Davenport to Bos
ton, prevented the carrying out of theh de
signs for a College, and left the institution to
terminate in a Grammar School, which con
tinued to hold the Hopkins' fund.*
wealth, to use all good endeavors to get it into their hands
and to assert their right in it for the common good ; that
posterity might reap the good fruit of their labors and Avis
dom and faithfulness; and that Jesus Christ might have
the service and honor of such provision made for his peo
ple." The letter of Mr. Davenport resigning the Hopkins'
ftmd into the hands of the General Court of New Haven,
may be found in Trumbull's History of Connecticut, vol. 1,
p. 532. \- V- )- -'.':- ¦:-.' '--'¦'--
* This was not the origin of Yale College. In the year
1700, several individuals met in New Haven and formed
themselves into a Society, to consist of eleven ministers in
cluding a rector, and agreed to found a College in the
Colony of Connecticut. At a subsequent meeting, the same
year, at Branford, each of the trustees brought a number of
books, and presented them to the Association, using words
to this effect, as he laid them on the table, " / give these
looks for founding a College in Connecticut." About forty
134 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
The foUoAring extract from the record of " a
town meeting, held in New Haven, Feb. 7,
folio volumes were contributed on this occasion. This act
of depositing the books has ever been considered the origin
of Yale College. — Quarterly Register, Vol. 8, p. 14.
The College for some time was located at Saybrook, till
in the year 1717, it was removed to New Haven, "where,"
says President Woolsey, " from being almost an airy no-
thinff, it received a local habitation and was also in the
course of the year 1718, destined to have that name given
to it, by which, since the charter of 1745, the whole institu
tion has been designated."
The folloAving extract from a manuscript Avritten at this
time by one of the CoUege officers, the Rev. Samuel John
son, D.D., afterwards first President of King's [Colum
bia] College, New York, Avill not be uninteresting : —
" The building went forward apace, so that the haU and
library were finished by Commencement. A few days be
fore Commencement, came the news of the good success of
some gentlemen's endeaA'ors to procure some donations
from Great Britain. For at Boston, arrived a large box of
books, the picture and arms of King George, and two hun
dred pounds sterling worth of English goods, all to the A-a-
lue of eight hundred pounds in our money, from Governor
Yale of London, which greatly revived our hearts and dis
heartened our opposers. [We were] favored and honored Avith
the presence of his Honor Governor Saltonstall and his lady,
and the Hon. Col. Taylor, of Boston, and the Lieutenant-
Governor, and the Avliole Superior Court at our Commence
ment, Sept. 10, 1718, Avhere the trustees present — those
gentlemen being present, in the hall of om- New College,
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 135
1668," affords a specimen of the early proceed
ings, in reference to this subject : —
" Mr. John Davenport, senior, came into the
meeting, and deshed to speak something concern
ing the school, and flrst propounded to the toAAm,
whether they would send theh children to the
school, to be taught for the fitting them for
first most solemnly named our College, by the name of
Yale College, to perpetuate the memory of the Hon. Gov.
Elihu Yale, Esq., of London, who had granted so liberal
and bountiful a donation for the perfecting and adorning of
it. Upon which the Hon. Col. Taylor represented Gov.
Yale in a speech expressing his great satisfaction, which
ended, we passed to the church, and there the Commence
ment was carried on. In which affair in the first place, af
ter prayer, an oration was had by the saluting orator,
James Pierpont, and then the disputations as usual, which
concluded, the Rev. Mr. Davenport [one of the Trustees
and Minister of Stamford] offered an excellent oration in
Latin, expressing their thanks to Almighty God and Mr.
Yale under him for so public a favor, and so great regard
to our languishing School. After which, were graduated
ten young men ; whereupon the Hon. Gov. Saltonstall, in
a Latin speech, congratulated the Trustees on their success,
and in the comfortable appearance of things with relation
to their School. All which ended, the gentlemen returned
to the College Hall, where they were entertained Avith a
splendid dinner, and the ladies at the same time were also
entertained in the Library, after which they sung the four
first verses in the 65th Psalm, and so the day ended."
136 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
the serrice of God in church and common
wealth. If they would, then, he said that the
grant of that part of Mr. Hopkins his estate
formerly made to this toAvn stands good, but
if not, then it is void ; because it attains not
the end of the donor. Therefore, he deshed
that they would express themselves. Upon
which Roger Ailing declared his purpose of
bringing up one of his sons to learning ; also
Henry Glover, one of Mr. WUham RusseU's,
John Winston, Mr. Hodshon, Thomas Trow
bridge, Darid Atwater, Thomas Meeks [Mix] ;
and Mr. Augur said that he intended to send
for a kinsman from England, Mr. Samuel
Street declared that there were eight at pre
sent in Latin, and three more would come ia
summer, and two more before next Arinter.
Upon which Mr. Davenport seemed to be satis
fied ; but yet declared that he must always re
serve a negative voice, that nothing be done
contrary to the ±rue intent of the donor, and it
[the donation] be improved only for that use,
and, therefore, whUe it can be so improved
here, it shaU be settled here. But, if New
Haven wUl neglect theh OAvn good herein, he
must improve it otherwise, unto that end it
may answer the wUl of the dead. His deshe
FAMILY OF DAATENPOET. 137
was, that a farm may be purchased, that the
revenues of it may ease the town ; and there
fore propounded, that if any knew of any farm
to be purchased, they would acquaint the com
mittee with it ; and then deshed to know whe
ther the toAvn would grant this to be recorded,
with this condition. The toAvn feU into some
debate about it, and so nothing was done fur
ther at this time."
A goodly number of pupils were fitted for
CoUege at this Hopkins' Grammar School.*
* This School is still kept on the corner of Temple and
Crown Streets.
Mr. Ezekiel Cheever (or Cheevers), who came to New
Haven with Mr. Davenport, taught a Grammar School
there for many years. He was the father of New Eng
land school teachers. He was born in London, in 1615,
and was one of those who signed the Plantation Covenant
in Mr. Newman's barn in 1639. Of this man, Mather
wrote : " He was a pious and learned divine, as well as
preceptor. He wore his beard to the day of his death. He
much formed and established the New England pronuncia
tion of Latin and Greek. He printed an English Accidence
StUl in use. The hair of his head and beard were white as
snow. ' He died, leaning like old Jacob upon a staff; the
sacrifice and the righteousness of a glorious Christ, he let
us know, was the staff which he leaned upon.' ' He wore
a long white beard terminating in a point, and when he
stroked his beard to the point, it was a sign to the boys to
138
FAMILY OP DAATENPOET.
Says Professor Kingsley, " Of the graduates of
Harvard College, from its foundation [1638]
to the year 1700, as many as one in thhty, at
least, were from the toAvn of New Haven.
When it is considered that so late as the year
1700, the number of inhabitants in New
Haven could have very little if at aU exceed
ed five hundred, this fact deserves notice. The
explanation is found in the exertions of Mr.
Davenport, which continued to produce theh
effect long after his death. Indeed, his influ
ence in favor of liberal education has never
ceased ; but commencing in the infancy of the
colony, has Arith the progress of time, and the
increase of population, been more and more
strengthened and more widely diflhsed." " How
aptly," adds Dr. Bacon, " might that beautiful
apostrophe of one of our poets have been ad
dressed to him :
stand clear.' He died in Boston, August 21, 1708, in the
ninety-fourth year of his age ; after he had been a skOlfiil,
painful, faithful schoolmaster for seventy years ; and had
the singular favor of HeaA-en, that though he had usefully
spent his life among children, A"et he had not become twice
a child, but held his abilities, Avith his usefiilness, in an un
usual degree to the A'cry last."
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET, 139
' The good begun by thee shall onward flow
In many a branching stream, and wider grow ;
The seed that in these few and fleeting hours
Thy hands, unsparing and unwearied, sow.
Shall deck thy grave with Amaranthine flowers.
And yield thee fruit divine in Heaven's immortal bowers !' "
The name of Mr. Davenport, more than
that of almost any other man, has been
associated Arith the history of those in
diriduals, commonly known as " tlie regi
cides? These were men who had conspired
against the tyrannical rule of Charles I., the
result of which was, the overthrow of that
monarch who was condemned to the scaffold.
On the restoration of Charles IL, in 1660,
some Avho had been active in the times of the
Commonwealth, under Cromwell, were put to
death, and others fled for their Uves, The
surviring members of the Court that condemn
ed the king to the scaffold, were pursued Arith
special fury. Of these regicide judges, four at
least escaped to this country, two of whom,
Edward WhaUey and WUliam Goffe, came to
New Llaven, These two were among the most
prominent of those who signed the death-war
rant of the king. They arrived in Boston, on
the 27th of July, 1660, in the same ship that
brought the first news of the king's restoration.
140 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
" WhaUey was closely connected Arith Crom
weU by kindred, as weU as by the tie of a com
mon political interest. He was the colonel of
that regiment of cavalry in the Parhament's
army, in which Richard Baxter was chaplain,
and between him and the author of the Saint's
Rest, there was an intimate friendship, not
only whUe Baxter continued in the army, but
afterwards, when WhaUey had become, under
the Protectorate of his cousin CromweU, one of
the chief officers of the emphe. To him, in
token of their continued friendship, Baxter
dedicated one of his works in an epistle, which
is, among the most beautiful examples of that
kind of composition.
" Goffe was the son-in-law of WhaUey, and
hke him, haring distinguished himself in the
army, in which he rose to the rank of Major-
General, he became a member of CromweU's
House of Lords, and was one of the principal
supporters of the CromweU dynasty. So emi
nent was he, that it was thought by some, that
he might, in time, become the head of the
empire. " When these men arrived in Boston, with
the news of the king's restoration, they were
at first received with undisguised attention by
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 141
the Governor of that Colony and the principal
inhabitants. For some time, they resided
openly at Cambridge, where they attended
pubUc worship, and were active in private reli
gious meetings, and were received to occasional
communion in the church, by rirtue of letters
which they brought from the churches in Eng
land, Arith which they had been preriously
connected. As they became personally known,
they were greatly respected for their piety, as
weU as for theh talents and inteUigence, It
was hoped that in so distant a part of the
world as this, they would escape the notice of
theh enemies ; and the first rumors that fol
lowed them from England, gave some con
firmation to the hope. But in November, the
act of indemnity arrived, which secured aU,
Arith certain exceptions, against being called
in question for anything they had done against
the govemment since the beginning of the civU
wars ; and it appeared that these two men, with
many others, were excepted from the general
pardon ; stiU, however, compassion and friend
ship prevented the go"vernment of Massachu
setts from taking any measures to arrest them.
" On the 22d of February, 1661, the Governor
caUed his council together, to consult about
142 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
seiring them, but the councU not having yet
received any special order on that subject,
refused to do anything. Four days after this,
the two regicide judges, foreseeing that a war
rant or order for theh arrest must soon arrive
from England, and that Governor Endicott,
and theh other friends there, would, in that
case, be unable to protect them, left Cam
bridge, and passing through Hartford, where
they were hospitably received by Governor
Winthrop, arrived at New Haven on the 7th
of March."*
Here, the minds of the people were weU
prepared to receive them. Mr. Davenj)ort at
once espoused theh cause with great courage
and boldness. There seems to be no eridence
that Mr. Davenport ever preached a special
discourse, as he is usually represented to have
done, with reference to the cause of the regi
cides. That he aUuded to them in terms which
were not Ukely to be misunderstood, in a series
of sermons which were preached just before
their coming to New HaA'en, and which were
afterwards published in his " Saint's Anchor
Hold," is quite evident. In speaking of the
general state of the church, both in this and
* His. Discourses, 123, 124.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 143
other lands, and of the persecutions and trials
to which God's people have been subject in all
ages, he uses the foUowing language :
" Brethren, it is a weighty matter to read
letters, and receive intelligence in them con
cerning the state of the chm-ches. You had
need to lift up your hearts to God, when you
are about to read your letters from our native
country, to give you wisdom, and hearts duly
affected, that you may receive such inteUi-
gences as you ought; for God looks upon
every man in such cases, with a jealous eye,
obserring Arith what workings of bowels they
read or speak of the concernments of his
church. You see, in Amos vi. 6, how his
wrath was incensed against those who solaced
themselves Arith theh private prosperity, but
were not sick; their hearts asked not for the
afflictions of Joseph.
" Again ; let such know that if they Arithdraw
from being helpful to the church, God avUI do
good to his church, Arithout them ; but he AriU
be avenged upon them that desert or neglect
his cause and people. This argument, Morde-
cai used to Esther (Esther iv. 13, 14) ; and it
prevaUed mightily with her, to run the utmost
hazard of her OAvn person when there might
144 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
be hope of some good to the church thereby
(verse 16). For the contrary, Meroz was cursed
by the angel of the Lord, because they ' came
not up to the help of the Lord against the
mighty.' (Judges v. 23.)
" Though men cannot help the Lord essen
tially or personaUy, yet they may be said to
help him relatively in his cause and people ;
when they own his cause and people, and
appear on that side, when Satan and his in
struments raise persecutions and reproaches
agahist them. Though the Lord needs not
men's help in such cases — ' for when he saw
that there was no man, no intercessor, his OAvn
arm brought salvation unto him' (Isa. h. 16)
— ^yet it is our duty to show on whose side we
stand. For Christ wUl look upon us as his
enemies, that disown his cause and people at
such times ; as he saith : ' He that is not with
me, is against me.' (Matt. xu. 30.) ' Are the
people and ways of God under reproach?
Christ is reproached in them, and with them.'
(Rom. XA\ 3.)
" But it is objected, we are called fools and
fanatics ! This is the reproachful title put by
profane men upon the people of God, in aU
ages. But if he is a fool who AriU be laughed
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 145
out of his coat, much more is he a fool who
AriU be laughed out of heaven ; that wiU
hazard the loss of his soul, and salvation, to
free himself from the mocks and scofls of a
profane and sinful world.
" If Christ had not, for our sakes, endured the
cross, despising the shame, we could never
have been redeemed and saved. ' Let us go
forth, therefore, unto him Arithout the camp,
bearing his reproach' (Heb. xih. 13.) In
the same epistle, the Chi'istian Hebrews are
exhorted to ' caU to remembrance the former
days in which, after they were iUuminated,
they endured a great fight of afihctions, partly
whUst they were made a gazingstock, both by
reproaches and afihctions, and partly whilst
they became companions of them that were so
used.' (Heb. x. 32, 33.) Let us do hkewise, and
own the reproached and persecuted people, and
cause of Christ, in suffering times.
" Withhold not countenance, entertainment
and protection, from such, if they come to us
from France, Germany, [England,] or any other
place. ' Be not forgetful to entertain strangers,
for thereby some have entertained angels una
wares.' ' Remember them that are in bonds, as
bound with them, and them who suffer adver-
7
146 FAMILY OP DAYENPOET.
sity, as being yourselves also in the body.'
(Heb. xih. 2, 3.) The Lord required this of
Moab, saying : ' Make thy shadow as the night
in the midst of the noon^day''- — i. e., provide
safe and comfortable shelter, and refreshment,
for my people, in the heat of persecution and
opposition raised against them — ' Hide the out
casts; hewray not him that wandereth. Let mine
outcasts dwell with thee, Moah ; he thou a cov-
ert to them frmn the face of the spoiler^ (Isa.
xvi. 3.)
" But, again, it may be objected, so I shaU ex
pose myself to be spoUed or troubled? He
therefore, to remove this objection, addeth,
' for the danger is at an end, the spoUer ceaseth,
the treaders down are consumed out of the
land.' WhUe we are attending to our duty in
owning and harboring Christ's witnesses, God
AriU be providing for theh and our safety by
destroying those that would destroy his peo
ple. " Two helps I shaU propound to arm you
against those fears of reproach, or danger,
whereby men are apt to be drawn to ffinch
from the cause and witnesses of Chidst in suf
fering times.
" First, strengthen your faith. A sight of the
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 147
inrisible God and an eye to the recompense of
reward so quickened and strengthened the
faith of Moses, that he chose rather to suffer
affliction Arith the people of God, than to enjoy
the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the
reproach of ' Christ greater riches than the
treasures in Egypt.' (Heb. xi. 25, 26.)
" Secondly, exalt God as the highest object of
your fear. Fear God as he ought to be feared,
fear him above all. The greater fear wUl ex
pel the lesser. Therefore, the Lord prescribes
this fearing him aright, as the best remedy
against aU carnal fears, whereby men are wont
to be hindered from obeying God in those du
ties that AriU expose men to hurt from the crea
ture. (Isa viii. 12, 13.) The halking of any
duty which God comma/ndeth is the ready way
to bring upon you, by the wrath of God, that
very evil which you fear that the doing of yowr
duty wHl expose you to by the rvrath of men?
With such a state of feeling in the pubhc
mind at New Haven, the two Colonels, as they
were called, met with that kind reception
which was considered due at least to uncon-
demned criminals. Soon after they had left
Massachusetts, the king's proclamation denounc
ing them as traitors was received at Boston.
148 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET,
Before the news of this reached New Haven,
they had showed themselves openly there as at
Boston. Now they were obhged to secrete
themselves. For more than a month they
were hid in Mr. Davenport's house, when they
removed across the street to Governor Eaton's,
then occupied by Mr. Jones.
Near the last of April, the royal mandate
arrived requhing the Govemor of Massachu
setts to cause the two Colonels to be arrested.*
* The folloAving is a copy of this mandate found in Mass.
His. Col. 3d Series, Vol. vii., p. 123.
" GOVBRNOR OF NEW-ENGLAND TO APPREHEND WHALLET A_^D
GOFFE.
" To our trusty and -well-beloved, the present Govemor, or other Ma,-
gistrate or Magistrates, of our Plantation qf New-England.
Charles R.
Trusty and well-heloved, — Wee greete you well. Wee being
given to understand that Colonell WhaUey and Colonell Goffe,
who stand here convicted for the execrable murder of our Royal!
Father of glorious memory, are lately arrived at New England,
where they hope to shroud themselves securely from the justice
of our laws ; — Our will and pleasure is, and wee do hereby express
ly require and command you forthwith, upon the receipt of these
our letters, to cause both the said persons to be apprehended, and
with the first opportunity sent over liither, under a strict care to
receive according to their demerits. Wee are confident of your
readiness and diligence to perform your duty ; and so bid you
farewell. " Given at our Court at Wliitehall, the fifth day of March, 1661.
" By his Majesty's cormnand, "Edw. Nicholas.
" Jno. Endecott, GoA'oraor."
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 149
The whole community was now alarmed, and
the Governor and Council of Massachusetts seem
to have set about ia earnest to apprehend and
dehver up the rictims. They deputized two
zealous royahsts, Thomas KeUond and Thomas
Kirk, just from England, to go thi'ough the
Colonies in pursuit of them. They came into
the jurisdiction of the New Haven Colony and
caUed upon Governor Leete, at Guilford, then
acting magistrate. He assured them that he
had not seen the men in several weeks, and
that they had probably gone out of the juris
diction. They came to New Llaven two days
after, Arith a letter fi'om the Govemor to the
magistrate of the toAATi, adAdsing the toAvn
court to be caUed together, and search to be
made. Various hindrances for some days
prevented any further progress in the matter.
Governor Leete, who had now arrived at New
Haven, objected to giring them a special war
rant authorizing theh search, because the king's
mandate which they brought Arith them was
addressed to the Govemor of New England,
and he would not recognize any such offlcer.
TiTien they asked the magistrates if they would
honor and obey the kiag iu this affah, the
Governor replied, " We honor his Majesty, but
150 FAMILY OP DAYENPOET.
we have tender consciences." When further
asked, whether they would own his Majesty or
not, they rephed, " That they would first
know whether his Majesty would own them."
The pursuers insisted that the regicides were
hid somewhere in the town, and pointed to the
houses of Mr. Davenport and Mr. Jones. They
had proof that they had been seen at Mr.
Davenport's, and threatened him Arith severe
penalties for conceahng and comforting trait
ors. They also offered great rewards to any
who should aid in their arrests. After various
delays the court gave them authority to pro
ceed. A diligent search was made throughout
the colony, but the fugitives were not to be
found. During aU this time the Colonels were in
the immediate ricinity of New Haven. On the
day in which their pursuers arrived at GuU-
ford, they had left their concealment at New
Haven, and escaped to a mUl at West Rock,
where they spent the Sabbath. For two days,
they were secreted by some friends at Wood-
bridge, and on the 15th of May took uj) their
residence in a cave at West Rock, a mountain
ous and almost inaccessible AvUd in the Adcinity
of New Haven. Here they were concealed till
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 151
the 11th of June, whUe the whole colony was
searched. " Once, when they ventured out of
the cave for prorisions, they hid themselves
under a bridge, whUe their pursuers passed
over it. At another time, they met the sheriff,
who had the warrant for theh execution, in his
pocket, but they fought for their lives, and
before they could procure assistance, escaped
into the woods."*
WhUe at the cave, they were informed of
all that was going on, and stood ready to sur
render themselves, rather than that any one
should suffer through theh concealment. At
last, finding that Mr. Davenport was in danger
of suffering on their account, they came into
the town for the purpose of surrendering them
selves. Here they remained for two days, and
were seen so publicly, as to clear Mr. Daven
port from the charge of still concealing them.
On the second day, whUe the Governor and
Magistrates were consulting in reference to
their case, the two Colonels suddenly disap
peared, and when the search for them was re
newed, they could not be found. They had
betaken themselves to the cave, which contin-
* Stiles' History of the Judges.
152
FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
ued to afford them a safe asylum, and where
they were suppUed with things needful for
theh comfort. As theh hiding-place continued
undisclosed, the zeal of their pursuers graduaUy
died away, the fugitives rethed to Hadley,
Mass., where they hved for some years in de
vout seclusion, and at last died in peace.*
In reference to the matter of the regicides,
it may be remarked, that whUe the magistrates
wished to show theh loyalty to the Mug, and
as we have seen, made some efforts to aid the
pursuers in theh arrest, stiU, but few kncAv,
or desired to know theh hiding-places, and
* James Dixwell, another of the regicide Judges, resided
for some years at New Haven, where he was knoAvn by
the name of James Davis, Esq. He died in 1689, and
was buried in the rear of the First (Centre) Church, close to
the graves of Govemor Eaton and Govemor Jones. An
ancient stone, in the old burying ground, marked the spot,
Avith this charged inscription : " J. D., Esq., deceased,
March y^ 18th, in t« S2d tear of his age, 1688-9."
It is said that the bodies of Whalley and Goffe were
secretly conveyed to New Haven, and also buried near this
spot ; and the tradition is strongly confirmed by the two
stones there standing, on one of which are the initials " E.
W., 1678," and on the other " M. G., 80," the M of which,
with a line draAvn under (evidently intentional), may be
taken for an inverted W., and the number, as fixing the
date of his death, 1680.
PAMILT OF DAVENPOET. 153
these could not be tempted, either by the fear
of punishment, or the hope of reward, to be
tray them. The overruling proridence of God
preserved them in the midst of their threaten
ed danger, and as Davenport afterwards wrote :
" The same Proridence could have done the
same, ia the same circumstances, if they had
been in London, or ia the Tower."
President StUes, in his " History of the
Judges," attributes thus much to, Mr. Daven
port : " WhUe these matters were going on,
everything depended upon Mr. Davenport's
firmness. If he gave out, aU was gone ;" and
adds, " Mr. Davenport was a man of intrepid
resolution and firmness, of greater discernment
in pubhc affairs, and in every way superior in
abUities to the Governor and aU concerned.
He saw they aU gave up. He, like Mount
Atlas, stood firm and alone, and took the
whole upon himself. Better than any of the
counseUors, he knew that all that had been
done before the arrival of the royal mandate,
could be vindicated by the laws of hospitality
to unconricted criminals, and could not, in a
court of law, be construed into even a suspicion
of treason. It might subject him to some in
conveniences, perhaps prosecutions, but could
154
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
not be fatal — a thing which, perhaps, the
others doubted. Supported by his good sense,
and deep discernment, he therefore felt himself
secure. What staggered Govemor Endicott,
a man of heroic fortitude, and other hearts
of oak at Boston, never staggered Mr. Daven
port. Great minds display themselves on try
ing and great occasions. He was a man for
this trying occasion. Davenport's enlightened
greatness, fidehty and intrepidity, saved the
Judges." I Dr. Bacon, in narrating the history of the
Judges, also says : " These details show in a
striking hght the character of Mr. Davenport,"
and adds, " I know not what incident in histo
ry exhibits a more admirable combination of
courage and adroitness, of fidehty to friendship,
of magnanimity in distress, and of the fearless,
yet discreet assertion of great principles of
liberty, than can be found in this simple story
of the protection of the regicides by the men
of New Haven. And what gives to aU the
rest a higher dignity, is the fact, that the cou
rage which feared not the wrath of the king,
was not fool-hardiness or passion, but faith in
God, who bade them hide the outcasts, and be
a covert to them from the face of the spoUer.
FAMILY OP DAATENPOET. 155
The rude munition of rocks that sheltered the
fugitives when they were chased into dens and
caves of the earth, is a monument more elo
quent than arch or obelisk. TiU the mountains
shaU melt, let it bear the inscription, ' Oppo
sition to tyrants is obedience to God.' " *
In 1662, after his restoration, Charles II.
granted through the agency of Governor Win
throp to the people of Connecticut a charter
Arith the amplest privUeges, which was also de
signed to include the colony of New Haven.f
* This inscription is placed by a modern hand on the
Judges' Cave at West Rock.
f Govemor John Winthrop, of Connecticut, was the son
of Governor John Winthrop, " the father of Massachusetts."
He was a man of eminent abilities and commanding influ
ence, learned and pious. He so far ingratiated himself in
to the favor of Charles II. and Lord Clarendon, that while
in England in 1662, he obtained from the king a charter
embracing in its limits all that tract of country which lies
between the Narragansett River and the Pacific Ocean, and
conferring upon the colonists unqualified powers to govern
themselves. Mr. Winthrop, it is said, had " an extraordi
nary ring," given to his grandfather by Charles I., which he
presented to the king. This exceedingly pleased his ma
jesty, and perhaps had some influence in procuring the
grant. This was the charter which King James II. in 1686
sent Sir Edmund Andross to take -away from the people of
Connecticut, but by the adroitness of Capt. Wadsworth, it
166 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Great efforts were made at this time to unite
the two colonies. This was warmly opposed
by a majority of the people of the New Haven
colony. They were attached to their pecuhar
polity and feared such a union might have an
unfavorable bearing on the purity of their
churches, and on theh general prosperity. Mr.
Davenport took an active part in this resist
ance. The people of the Connecticut colony,
however, endeavored by unfah means to bring
them under their jurisdiction without their
consent. In October, after the arrival of the charter,
the court of magistrates at New Haven, accord
ing to usage, appointed the 23d of that month,
as a day of pubhc thanksgiving, and at the
same time ordered " that the 29th of this
was hid in a large hollow oak still standing in Hartford,
and knoAvn by the name of Charter Oak.
Gov. Winthrop's principal residence in Connecticut was
at Pequot, now Ncav London. Great efforts were made by
Mr. Davenport to induce his removal to New Haven and the
town voted to give him a house. He declined their generous
donation but resided there about two years. One reason
why the people of New Haven were so anxious to have
Mr. Winthrop make his residence there was his medical
knowledge and skill. A number of letters from Mr,
Davenport to Governor Winthrop, will be found in the
Appendix.
FAMILY' OP DAATENPOET, 157
month be kept as a day of extraordinary seek
ing of God by fasting and prayer for his guid
ance of the colony in this weighty business
about joining with Connecticut colony, and for
the afflicted state of the Church and people of
God in our own native country, and in other
parts of the world."
" Two days after that day of fasting," says
Dr. Bacon, " the records of the town show us
a meeting of the freemen at which a copy
of the charter was exhibited, together with a
writing from some gentlemen of Connecti
cut, signifying that they looked upon New
Haven as being within their bounds. Mr.
Davenport, and his colleague Mr. Street,
were both present. Mr. Davenport ap
pears to have addressed the meeting at
great length. He stated some important
facts, Ulustrating the haste, unkindness, and
arrogance, with which their brethren of the
other colony had proceeded in the matter.
He showed what pledges he had received
from Mr. Winthrop that so unrighteous an
act should not be attempted. He went into
an argument to prove, first, that New Haven
was not of course included under the charter,
and secondly, that New Haven ought not vo
luntarily to enter into such a union ; and he
158 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
concluded by giring directions as to the an
swer that should be returned to the men of
Connecticut, ' that they may see theh eril in
what they have done, and restore us to our
former state, that so we and they may Uve to
gether in unity and amity for the future.' Mr.
Street followed in the debate ; he declared
that he looked upon Mr. Davenport's argu
ments as unanswerable, he thought ^ ' that both
Church and town had cause to bless God for
the wisdom held forth in them,' he exhorted
the freemen ' to keep the ends and rules of
Christ in their eye, and then God would stand
by them ; ' and he concluded by seconding Mr.
Davenport's directions respecting an answer,
' with one scripture out of Isaiah xiv. 32 [What
shall one then answer the messengers of the
nation ? — that the Lord hath founded Zion, and
the poor of his people shaU trust in it J ; and
from thence did adAdse that the answer should
be of faith, and not of fear.' The decision of
the meeting, after a full debate, was in accord
ance with the adAdce thus given.
'* Four days afterwards, the freemen of the
whole colony were convened at New HaA^en,
not by delegation but in full assembly. To
that convention, Governor Leete submitted the
FAMILY OP davi;npoet. 159
communication which had been received from
Connecticut, and the brief reply which had been
made by the committee appointed by the last
General Court. These writings having been
read, together with the copy of the charter,
the Governor called the attention of the meet
ing to the two distinct points which the com
munication from Connecticut presented for
theh consideration, namely, the claim that the
charter necessarUy included them, and that
they were therefore bound to submit, and the
inritation to a voluntary and peaceful union.
After this, that the people might have time for
consideration, the assembly was dismissed for
an hour and a half, ' then to meet again at the
beat of the drum.' When the meeting was
again opened, Mr. Davenport was caUed upon
by the Governor to express his riews.
" Mr. Davenport said ' that according to
this occasion he should discharge the duty of
his place,' and proposed to ' read to them his
own thoughts, which he had set down in writ
ing, and which he deshed might remain his
own tUl they [the freemen of the colony]
should be fully satisfied in them, for he would
leave others to walk according to the light
which God should give them in this business.'
160 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Accordingly he read some reasons why the
people of Connecticut ought not to construe
theh charter as including New Haven colony,
and why New Haven might not voluntarUy
join Arith Connecticut — and then rethed, leav
ing his written thoughts for the consideration
of the assembly. The Govemor carefuUy ab
stained from giving any opinion; but urged
the freemen to speak theh minds, that the sub
stance of the answer might proceed from them.
After the matter had been ' largely debated '
the substance of the answer was agreed upon,
and it was determined that the points of the
reply should be, first, a ' due witness-bearing
against the sin' of Connecticut in invading
theh independence ; next, a demand that tiU
Mr. Winthrop should retum, or tiU they should
otherwise obtaia satisfaction, the whole matter
should be deferred, and the jurisdiction of New
Haven be permitted to proceed without inter
ruption ; and thirdly, a resolution to do no
thing Arithout taking adrice fi'om the other
confederate colonies. A committee including
aU the magistrates and elders was appointed
to prepare such an answer and to forward
it to the authorities of Connecticut. The
' answer of the freemen drawn up into form by
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. IGl
the committee,' * bears strong marks of the
workmanship of Mr. Davenport.
" The correspondence thus begun between
the two colonies was continued through several
years, whUe Connecticut was gaining strength
by steady encroachment, and New Haven, at
first the weaker party, was gradually weakened
by defections, and by the increasing burdens
which the controversy occasioned. The great
body of the people here loved their indepen
dence and their oAvn pecuhar polity. 'The
ends for which,' said they, ' we left our
dear native country, and were wUliag to
undergo the difficulties which we have since
met with in this wilderness, yet fresh in
our remembrance,' were ' to advance the
kingdom of our Lord Jesus Chidst and to
enjoy the liberties of the Gospel in purity
with peace ; ' and these are ' the only ends
we stUl pursue, haring hitherto found by
experience so much of the presence of God
with us, and of his goodness and compas
sion towards us in so doing, for these many
years.' To these ends theh pecuhar iasti-
* Found in Trumbull's History of Connecticut, vol.
i., 515.
162 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
tutions seemed in theh judgment best adapted.
To them their little repubhc seemed as near a
perfect model .of a Christian commonwealth, as
could be in this world of imperfection. Cato
in his ' little senate ' at IJtica., standing against
the power of Cesar, for the ancient constitution
of his country, was actuated by no sentiment
higher or more admirable than that which ac
tuated them. In aU the negotiations of that
crisis, the influence of Mr. Davenport was con
spicuous. The numerous letters and remon
strances in which the claims of New Haven
were argued, bear the stamp of his mind.
Their clearness in the statement of the case,
their cogency in the argument, their dignity of
manner, Avith slight occasional manifestations
of sarcastic humor, and the simple piety that
breathes so naturally through them all, indi
cate him as the author." *
It was not till the beginning of 1665,
that this controversy was ended. At that
time an invasion of the rights of aU the
New England colonies was threatened by
grants of large territories made to the Duke
of York, the brother of the king, and a
* Historical Discourses, pp. 135-138.
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 163
general commission for him to settle the
peace of the colonies and superintend their
affairs. Fearful not only that their own
interests but the common interests of all
the other colonies, as well as the cause of
truth and Uberty, might now suffer, the
New Haven colony came to a unanimous
decision to submit to the claims of Con
necticut, and Mr. Davenport, yielding with
many regrets to the necessity of the mea
sure, was chosen one of the committee for
consummating the union.
In 1651, the second church in Boston,
then just formed, had extended a call to
Mr. Davenport, to settle among them, which
however, he felt it his duty to decline.
Sixteen years had now passed away. Mr.
Davenport had become an old man. His be
loved Eaton and many more of his fellow-pU-
grims had passed to their reward ; whUe a new
generation had risen up around him. Great
changes had taken place. There were some
things that gave him grief, but others were
fuU of hope and promise. Yet his zeal and ac
tirity remained unabated. His heart and hand
were ready for every good work. For thirty
years he had hved in the affection and undi-
164 FAMILY OP DAATENPOET.
minished confidence of his church. His influ
ence was also lent to all the great questions
that concerned the interest of this as weU as
the other colonies of New England. But new
scenes and trials were now opening before him.
In 1667, the Rev, John Wilson, who had
been associated with the distinguished Cotton
and Norton, as pastor of the First Church in
Boston, died. That was the oldest church ex
cept the one at Plymouth, and the most con
siderable one in the colonies. On the death of
Mr. WUson, Mr. DaA'enport was thought best
fitted to succeed the eminent characters who
had ministered there. In addition to this, his
influence seemed called for at that time to re
sist the introduction into the churches of that
region of what was then caUed the " Half-way
covenant," by which the children of parents
not pious, receiA^ed baptism- — an innovation
which Mr. Davenport had so strenuously op
posed in Holland. This question was now
agitating the whole of New England.
In 1657, a synod had couA^ened to discuss
this question, and the party in favor of so far
considering persons not couA-icted of scanda
lous practices as church members, as to allow
them to have theh children baptized, pre-
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 165
vailed. The same decision prevaUed at another
synod, in 1662. Mr. Davenport was not a
member of this synod, but he sent his written
opinion, which, though the synod refused to
hear it read, was " generaUy transcribed," and
put Arithin the reach of the members, and a
report of concurrence in the riews which he
presented, was afterwards made by the mi
nority. On the 27th of September, (1667,) the call
was made out, and a committee sent to New
Haven to inrite Mr. Davenport's removal to
Boston. The weU known opposition of their
candidate to the innovation allowed by the
" Synodists," awakened opposition on the part
of some thhty prominent members of the Bos
ton church, to Mr. Davenport's coming among
them. This opposition had no effect in leading
him to decline the call. He looked upon the
application with favor, and felt it his duty to
accept. His church, on the other hand, felt
unwilling to part with one who had so long
been their counselor and spiritual guide, and
withheld their formal assent to his removal.
The importunities of the church at Bostonj
at last led to the decision, that whUe they
would not take the responsibihty of con-
166 PAMU.Y OF DAVENPOET.
senting to his removal, yet, if it was his deter
mination to go, they would not oppose him.
At this partial acquiescence in his OAvn judg
ment, he felt at liberty to accept the caU to
Boston, and his removal from New Haven
took place the last of April, just thirty years
after the commencement of his ministry there.
He arrived with his famUy at Boston, on the
2d of May.* He and his son, and theh Arives,
were received into the church on the 11th of
* Erom John Hull's Diary,—-" 1668, 2d day, 3d month
[May],- at 3 or 4 in afternoon, came Mr. John Davenport
to towne, with his wife, somi, and sonn's family ; was mett
by many of the town. A great shower of extraordinary
dropps of rain fell as they entered the end of the ToAvn,
but Mr. Davenport and his wife were sheltered in a coach
of Mrs. Searls', who went to meet them.
" Deo. 9. Mr. Davenport and Mr. Allen were ordeyned."
Communicated by Mr. Henry Davenport of Boston, to
whom the writer is indebted for various collections from
that city, obtained through him.
This gentleman's first ancestor in this country was
Thomas Davenport, who settled at Dorchester, Massa
chusetts, in 1 640, of whose numerous descendants he has
gathered much information. From what part of England
this Thomas Davenport, and also Captain Richard Daven
port who arrived in America with Govemor Endicott in
1628, came, has not been ascertained. — See Ncav England
Historical and Genealogical Register, vol. iv., pp. Ill and
351.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 167
October, and on the 9th of December he was
instaUed. " His removal, under such circumstances,"
says Dr. Bacon, " occasioned much difficulty.
The minority of the church in Boston charged
him and the other elders with equivocation,
because they communicated to the church,
only those parts of the letters from New Ha
ven, which seemed to imply a dismission,
whereas, it was maintained, that if the whole
had been read, it would have appeared that
there was no dismission. Several letters were
written, and messengers were sent from that
church to this, in the hope of prevaihng on
this church [at New Haven] ' to declare their
owning of the letter sent from them, to be a
true dismission of Mr. Davenport.' Of that
correspondence, nothing remains but a frag
ment of one of the letters from the New
Haven church. That fragment is so full of
reverent affection towards theh pastor, even
after he had torn himself away from them, and
breathes so much of the Christian sphit, that
it is weU worthy of preservation. ' Though
you,' say they, 'judge it the last expedient for
your relief, and the remedy of some evUs grow
ing in the country, as also, we might do the
168 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
same, if we had nothing before our eyes but
his accomplishments and fitness for high ser
rice to God, in his church ; but being so much
in the dark about his way in learing this
church and joining to yours, that we are not
without doubts and fears of some uncomfort
able issue ; we cannot, therefore, clearly act in
such a way as is expected and deshed. We
are of the same mind as when we retmmed an
answer to your fixst letter, thus expressing
ourselves : — We see no cause, nor caU of God,
to resign our reverend pastor to the church of
Boston by an immediate act of ours, therefore,
not by a formal dismission under our hands.
It is our great grief, and sore affliction, that we
cannot do for him, whom we so highly esteem
in love for his works' sake and profitable labors
among us, what is deshed, without wrong to
our consciences. Anything that we have or
are, beside our consciences, we are ready to
lay down at his feet ; such is our honorable
respect to him, our love to peace, om' deshe of
your supply, that we shall go as far as we
safely can, in order to his and your satisfaction
in this matter, haring before us for our war
rant, Acts xxi, 14 : ' When he would not be
persuaded, we ceased, saying. The will of the
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 169
Lord be done.' Therefore, to suppress what
we could say touching that passage in our first
letter, whereof such hold hath been taken, and
what we have said in our last letter to you, of
our reverend pastor's making null the liberty
before granted, which, we doubt not, we are
able clearly to demonstrate ; yet, if this will
satisfy (but not otherArise), we are content to
wave and bury in sUence, and leave both your
selves and him to make what improvement
you see cause (Arithout any clog or impediment
from us upon that account), of the liberty be
fore mentioned. ' As he hath been a faithful
laborer in God's rineyard at New Haven, for
many years, to the bringiag home of many
souLs to God, and building up of many others,
so it is, and shaU be our prayer to God to
lengthen his life and tranquUUty in Boston, to
double his Sphit upon him, assist him in his
work, and make him a blessed instrument, of
much good to yourselves and many others.
The good Lord pardon, on aU hands, what he
hath seen amiss in these actings and motions,
that no sinful malignity may obstruct or hin
der God's blessing upon churches or church
administrations. As himself and his son have
desired, we do dismiss unto your holy fellow-
170
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
ship Mr. John Davenport, junior, and Mrs,
Davenport, elder and younger, desiring you
to receive them in the Lord, as becometh
saints, and imploring Almighty God for his
blessing upon them from his holy ordinances
in their communion, and walking with you.
The God of all grace supply aU your and our
need, according to his riches in glory through
Jesus Christ. Thus craving your prayers for
us in our afflicted condition, we take our leave,
and rest yours in the fellowship of the gospel,
Nicholas Steeet,
In the name, and with the consent of the Church
of Christ at New Haven.' ='*
* His. Discourses, 143-145. The date of this letter
was 12th October, 1668.
It may not be uninteresting in this place to add a list of
the estimable men Avho have succeeded Mr. Davenport as
pastors of the First Church in New Haven.
The Rev. Samuel Eaton, and Kev. William Hook, for a
short time acted as teachers during the ministry of Mr.
Davenport, both of Avhom returned to England, and after
the restoration, Avere silenced for non-conformity. To these
succeeded Rev. Nicholas Street, Avho was installed as ^Ir.
Davenport's assistant, in 1659, and continued his associate
in the ministry till Mr. Davenport's removal to Boston,
when he had the sole charge of the church till his death,
in 1674, when for eleven years there Avas no settled pastor.
Rev. James Pierpont was settled in 1685, and continued
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 171
Mr. Davenport was at this time more than
seventy years of age. " What minister," asks
the Avriter above quoted, " so far advanced in
life, would now be called from one church to
another, because of the eminency of his qualifi
cations for usefulness ? When was there ever
another such instance of competition and con
troversy between churches for the enjoyment
of the ministry of one who, always an invalid,
had numbered more than three score years and
ten ? How rarely can you find a church who
sole pastor till his death, in 1714. Rev. James Noyes,
son of Rev. James Noyes of Stonington, whose father was
James Noyes, one of the early settlers of Massachusetts,
was installed July 4, 1716, and continued their pastor till
his death, 1761, when the Rev. Chauncey Whittlesey, who
had been his associate, succeeded as sole pastor. Mr.
Whittlesey died 1787, and was followed by Rev. James
Dana, D.D., who was settled in 1787, and was dismissed
in 1805. The Rev. Moses Stuart was ordained as pastor,
March 5, 1805, and was dismissed in 1809, to accept a
professorship in the Theological Seminary at Andover,
Mass. On the 8th of April, 1812, the vacancy was sup
plied by the ordination of the Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor,
who was dismissed in 1822, to accept the Dwight profes
sorship of Theology in Yale College. The Rev. Leonard
Bacon, D.D., the present pastor, was installed in 1825,
having now stood in that relation to this church for
twenty-six years.
172 FAMILY OP DAATENPOET.
when a minister has torn himself away from
them, retain for him so strong and reverent an
affection ? "
A portion of the church in Boston stUl pro
tested against the views of Mr. Davenport,
twenty-eight of whom withdrew and formed a
new organization now known as the " Old South
Church in Boston." An unhappy feeling long
existed between these two churches, and the
defection spread throughout aU New England.
It was not till Arithin the last half century that
the riews of which Mr. Davenport was so long
the champion triumphed.
Mr. Davenport's ministry, which had lasted
nearly twenty years in England, and thirty in
New Haven, was of short duration in Boston.
At the time of his removal, his mental powers
were in full vigor and the church there antici
pated the enjoyment of his ministry for many
years. But his services on earth were fast
drawing to a close. He had labored among
them in the Gospel but about two years, when
on the 15th of March, 1670, he was suddenly
seized with an apoplexy in Avhich he was dis
missed from a life of faithful and unremitted
labor, and removed to his eternal rest. Lie
died in the seventy-third year of his age, and
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 173
was buried with every testimonial of respect
in the tomb of the venerated Cotton.*
Mr. Davenport was a great scholar. From
his early youth to his death he was devoted to
study. " Those lucubrations of his which in
London were protracted into the late hours of
the night, were not discontinued when he had
removed into a deeper wilderness than that
which is now spread around the base of the
Rocky Mountains." f He was " almost conti
nuaUy in his study and family, except some
pubhc work or private duty called him
forth ; " J and he was so close and bent a stu
dent that it excited the attention of the wild
Indians in his Adcinity, Avho used to call him,
according to their custom of applying signifi
cant or descriptive names, " So-hig-study-
man? §
* This tomb is in the burying-ground of the Stone Chapel
Church on Tremont Street. A broad slate stone monu
ment marks the spot, on which are the following inscriptions :
" Here Lye Intombed the Bodyes of the Famous Reverend
and Learned Pastors of the First Church of CHRIST in
Boston, viz. Mr. John Cotton, aged 67 years. Deceased,
December 23d, 1652. Mr. John Davenport, aged 72
years, Deceased, March the 15, 1670. Mr. John Oxen-
bridge, aged 66 years. Deceased, December 28, 1674."
f Dr. Bacon. \ Church Records of New Haven.
§ Mather, Magnalia, III. 56.
174 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
While Mr. Davenport pursued an extensive
range of study so as justly to merit the appel
lation of a universal scholar, yet his favorite
study was Theology, in which he arrived at
great attainments. The copious quotations
from the Scriptures which abound in his ser
mons for proofs of doctrine and illustration of
argument show a familiarity with the Sacred
Writings almost unparalleled. In jjreparing
for the pulpit he wrote out but part of his ser
mon and made but little use of his manuscript
in public. Says one of his cotemporaries, " He
was a person beyond exception and compare
for all ministerial abilities, and that even in his
latest years he was of that Advacity that the
strength of his memory, profoundness of his
judgment, floridness of his elocution were little
if at aU abated in him." * Another (Dr. In
crease Mather), who in his youth, was wont to
receive counsel from this aged divine, says,
" Lie was a princely preacher. I have heard
some say who knew him in his younger
y^ars that he was then very fervent and vehe
ment as to the manner of his deliA^ery,
but in his later years he did A'ery much
imitate Mr. Cotton, whom, in the grarity
* Hubbard's History of Massachusetts, 602, 603.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 175
of his countenance he did somewhat re
semble. Sic ille manus, sic ora ferebat? *
" Let us call up," says Dr. Bacon, " the
shade of our ancient prophet.f I see him
rising in his pulpit. The folds of his goAvn
conceal in part the slenderness of his figure,
worn thin with years of infirmity. The broad
white bands faUing upon his breast, starched
and smooth, — the black round cap, from be
neath Avhich a few snowy locks show them
selves, — the round face and delicate features,
which, but for the short white beard might
seem almost feminine, — the dark bright eye,
which shows that age has not yet dimmed the
fire within, — complete the venerable image.
Every eye is fixed upon him. He names his
text. As he reads it, all rise to show their
reverence for the ' Scripture breathed of God.'
After they have been seated again he proceeds.
He unfolds his text historically and criticaUy,
He raises from it some one point of ' doctrine.'
He ' proves ' that doctrine by an induction of
* Magnalia III. 10.
f See Frontispiece. The original painting is in the
Trumbull Gallery, Yale College, New Haven, and from
a date on the canvas, seems to have been taken the year of
his death.
176
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
instances from Scripture, or by the accumula
tion of proof-texts. He illustrates it, shows its
connections with other truths, and justifies it to
the understanding, by ' reasons ' drawn from
the nature of things, and evohdng the philoso
phy of the subject. He closes, and applies his
discourse with ' uses ' or inferences draA^m from
his doctrine for ' instruction,' or ' comfort,' or
' admonition,' or ' exhortation,' tUl the last
sands are faUing in the hour-glass. MeanwhUe
the listening congregation knows no weariness.
The weighty thought, the cogent argument,'
the flashing illustration, the strong appeal to
affection or to hope, the pungent appUcation,
the flow of soul in the fervid yet dignified ut
terance - — • keep fast hold on their attention.
' They sit under the shadow of his doctrine,'
says LIubbard, ' as it were with great delight,
and find the fruit thereof sweet to theh
taste.' " *
It may further be added, Mr. Davenport
was a most faithful patriot. He was en
gaged in all the great interests of the New
England Colonies. His plans were laid, not
for the good of the generation then existing
alone — they embodied principles AA'hich were
* Historical Discourses, p. 149.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 177
designed to develop their fruit for coming
ages. But his efforts were more particularly
dhected to the welfare of the colony of which
he and his associate, Eaton, were styled the
Aaron and Moses.
Professor Kingsley, in speaking of these two
men, says : " Mr. Davenport was a man of
more native ardor than his associate, and pos
sessed that fixedness of principle and firmness
of resolve which fitted him to encounter oppo
sition, and to embark in difficult and danger
ous enterprises. The opinions of the Puritans,
he adopted ia their full extent ; and persecu
tion, as usuaUy happens in the case of men of
ardent temperament, instead of breaking his
sphit, forced him to the extremes of his sys
tem. He thought that reformers were prone
to linger, and even to halt in theh course ; and
that after they had made a certain progress,
their further improvement was hopeless. It
was a saying of his, that as ' easily might the
ark have been removed from the mountains
of Ararat, where it first grounded, as a people
get any ground in reformation, after and be
yond the first remove of the reformers.'* He
* Mather's Magnalia, IE. 53.
8*
178 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
was roused, therefore, as we are told by Ma
ther, 'to embark in a design of reformation
wherein he might have opportunity to drive
things in their first essay, as near to the pre
cept and pattern of Scripture as they could be
driven. With these riews and feelings, he
came to New England. If a part of his plan
of a commonwealth proved to be impractica
ble, a part has stood the severe trial of time ;
and his success has been greater than that of
most theorists in governments,
" I am aware that there has been an impres
sion among some in this community, that Mr.
Davenport was fond of power; that he was
overbearing and arbitrary, and exercised a
kind of dictatorship in the Colony. On what
just foundation such an opinion rests, I have
never been able to discoA^er. That he had an
extensive and commanding influence in aU the
colonial transactions ; that he possessed those
qualities of mind which fitted hhn to become
a leader of others, and insensibly to mould
them to his views, there can be no doubt ; but
there is no evidence that this ascendency was
ever sought by him, or when possessed, was'
employed for unworthy purposes. Whatever
pre-eminence he attained, was voluntarUy con-
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 179
ceded to long-tried and acknowledged intelli
gence, integrity and wisdom.
" If he had been influenced by a thhst for
power, we might expect to find traces of it in
the Colony laws ; some valuable immunities of
the clergy, some share granted them ia the
legislative or judicial departments of the gov
ernment. But nothing of this character is to
be found there. On the contrary, by the New
Haven code, the clergy, so far from haring any
civU power, could not even perform the mar
riage ceremony, this being placed exclusively in
the hands of the magistrates. The church which
was formed under his adrice and superintend
ence, was organized on principles strictly inde
pendent ; a sort of spiritual democracy, in which,
if there were any lords, they were ' lords breth
ren.' But what must place the question out of
aU doubt, whether Mr. Davenport assumed im
proper power in the colony, is the siagle fact
that when he was inrited to Boston in 1668,
his removal was universally opposed by the
people of the town. As he was determined to
leave them, they appear to have silently acqui
esced in the measure, but never to have given
it their formal assent. This is not the mode in
180 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
which mankind act when about to be reUeved
from even a moderately exercised tyranny."*
It is not alone as a scholar, a pulpit orator,
the founder of a new commonwealth, or as a
philanthropist, that we are called to admire
the character of Mr. Davenport — but as a
Christian. It was the reigning deshe of his
heart to see a pure Gospel church- — a church
composed of those who had a rital, experi
mental union with Christ, their living head,
and for this, he deemed labor and suffering
as of small account. He had that unwavering
confidence in God, which led him to undertake
whatever presented itself to him as duty, with
an assurance that in the end the right would
always succeed. It was this faith in God,
which sustained him in the midst of the many
difficulties and trials which marked his event
ful life. The great question ever before his
mind, was — Is this right, and doth God require
it ? That was to him the beginning and the
end of all controversy. When assured of the
divine command : '' Lay this foundation ; God
doth requhe it ;" he was ready at the loss of
aU things to yield obedience to the call.
* Historical Discoursei , pp. 62-64.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 181
Prayer was his strong hold — his mightiest
weapon. Cotton Mather relates that " a young
minister,* once receiving wise and good coun
sels from this good and wise and great man,
received this among the rest, ' that he should
be much in ejaculatory prayers ; for, indeed,
ejaculatory prayers — as arrows in the hand of a
mighty man so are they,— happy is the man that
hath his quiver full of them,' And it was be
lieved that he himself was well used to that
sacred skUl of ' walking with God ' and ' hav
ing his eyes ever towards the Lord ' and ' be
ing in the fear of the Lord all the day long,'
by the use of ejaculatory prayers on the innu
merable occasions which every turn of our
hves does bring for these dcA^otions. He was
not only constant in more settled, whether so
cial or secret, prayers ; but also in the midst of
all besieging incumbrances, tying the wishes of
his devout soul to the arrows of ejaculatory
prayers, he would shoot them away to the
heavens, from whence he stUl expected all his
help."t Such was Mr. Davenport ; — such were the
fathers of New England. "And what," asks
* Supposed to be his father. Dr. Increase Mather.
f Magnalia, III. 54.
182 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
the author of the Historical Discourses, " do we
claim for them? What for the Pilgrims of
Plymouth, — what for the stern old Puritans of
the Bay, and of Connecticut, — what for the
founders of New-Haven ? Nothing, but that
you look with candor on what they have done
for their posterity and for the world, Theh
labours, their principles, theh institutions,
have made New England, with its hard
soil, and its cold long winters, ' the glory
of all lands.' The thousand towns and vil
lages, — the decent sanctuaries not for show
but for use, crowning the hUl-tops, or peer
ing out from the vaUeys, — the means of
education accessible to every famUy, — the
universal diffusion of knowledge, — the order
and thrift, the general actirity and enterprise,
the unparaUeled equaUty in the distribution of
property, the general happiness resulting from
the diffusion of education, and of pure religious
doctrine, — the safety in which more than hah
the population sleep nightly with unbolted
doors, — the calm, holy sabbaths, when mute
nature in the general sUence becomes voca-
with praise, when the whisper of the breeze
seems more distinct, the distant waterfall
louder and more musical, the carol of the
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 183
morning bhds clearer and sweeter — this is
New England ; and where will you find the
like, save where you find the operation of New
England principles, and New England influ
ence ? This is the work of our fathers and an
cient lawgivers. They came hither, not with
new theories of govemment, from the labora
tories of poUtical alchemists, not to try wUd
experiments upon human nature, but only to
found a new emphe for God, for truth, for vh-
tue, for freedom guarded and bounded by just
ice. To have failed in such an attempt had
been glorious. Their glory is, that they suc
ceeded. " In founding theh commonwealths, their
highest aim was the glory of God, in ' the
common welfare of all.' Never before, save
when God brought Israel out of Egypt, had
any government been instituted with such an
aim. They had no model before them, and no
guidance save the principles of truth and
righteousness embodied in the word of God,
and the wisdom which he giveth liberaUy to
them that ask him. They thought that their
end, ' the common welfare of all,' was to be se-
cured by founding pure and free churches, by
proriding the means of universal education,
184 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
and by laws maintaining perfect justice, which
is the only perfect Uberty. ' The common wel
fare of all,' said Davenport, is that ' whereunto
aU men are bound principally to attend, in lay
ing the foundation of a commonwealth, least
posterity rue the first miscarriages when it AriU
be too late to redress them. They that are
skillful in architecture, observe, that the break
ing or yielding of a stone in the groundwork
of a building, but the breadth of the back of a
knife, wUl make a cleft of more than half a
foot in the fabric aloft. So important, saith
mine author, are fundamental errors. The
Lord awaken us to look to it in time, and send
us his light and truth to lead us into the safest
ways in these beginnings.' *
" Not in vain did that prayer go up to
Heaven. Light and truth were sent ; and pos
terity has had no occasion to rue the miscar
riages of those who laid the ' groundwork ' of
New England. On their foundations has arisen.
a holy structure. Prayers, toils, tears, sacrifices
and precious blood, have hallowed it. No un
seemly fissures deforming ' the fabric aloft '
dishonor its founders. Convulsions that have
rocked the world have not moved it. When
* Discourse upon Civil Government, 1 4.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 185
terror has seized the nations, and the faces of
kings have turned pale at the footsteps of Al
mighty wrath, peace has been within its walls,
and stiU the pure incense has been fragrant at
its altar. Wise master-builders were they who
laid the foundations. They built for eternity.
" Among those truly noble men, it is not easy
to name one more strongly marked with bright
endowments, and brighter Adrtues, or more
worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance,
than he for whom the quaint historian has
proposed as his fit epitaph,—
'JOHANNES DAYENPOETUS,
In Portum delatus,
VlVXrs, NOV-ANGLliE ET ECCLESI,® ORNAMENTUM ;
MORTUUS, UTRIUSGIUE TRISTE DESIDERIUM.' " *
* Historical Discourses,- 152-154.
This epitaph was written by Dr. Cotton Mather, and
may thus be rendered :
JOHN DAVENPORT,
Borne into Port,
Living, the Ornament of New England and the Church ;
Dead, an Irreparable Loss to Both.
186 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
EIGHTEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of Rev. lohn Davenport, {No. 68.)
(70.) I. John Davenport of New Haven,
was born during the residence of his father in
London, and was an only child. He accompa
nied his parents to America, in the year 1637.
During his father's abode in New Haven, he
does not appear to have been much engaged
in pubhc affairs, although Dr. Stiles, in his
History of the- Regicides, in speaking of the
Courts of New Haven, about the year 1661,
mentions him as one of the judges. He was
not admitted a freeman at New Haven, till
15th of May, 1657. He was married, NoA'em-
ber 27, 1663, to Abigail, daughter of the Eev.
Abraham Pierson of Branford, Conn., who
was a sister of Rev. Abraham Pierson, the
first Rector of Yale College, In 1668, he re
moved with his famUy to Boston, taking his
letter of recommendation to the church there,
from the church in New Haven. He was ad
mitted freeman at Boston, in 1669. After his
removal to Boston with his father, he was
Register of Probate, from January 31, 1675,
to August 17, 1676 ; but at the time of his
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 18
death, which took place in the latter part of
16^6, he is called a merchant. His Avife sur
vived him, and died at New Haven, July 20,
1718.7 Her grave is under the First (Center)
Church. The foUowing is a fac-simile of his autograph:
CZUMUL
htcLzQ i^'jo
188 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
NINETEENTH GENERATION.
Issue of John Davenpoi't, {No. 70.)
(71.) I. John Davenport, born at New Ha
ven, June 7, 1665, and died August 31, aged
eleven weeks.
(72.) II. EUzabeth Davenport, born at New
Haven, October 7, 1666, who married War-
ham Mather in 1700.
[Warham Mather was the son of Rev. Elea-
zar Mather of Northampton, Mass., who died
in 1669, leaving also another son named Elia
kim, and a daughter Eunice, who afterwards
married Rev. John Williams of Deerfield, who,
with his family, was carried into captivity by
the Indians, in 1704. Mrs. WiUiams was killed
by the Indians, soon after they left Deerfield.
Their mother's maiden name was Esther War
ham, youngest child of Rev, John Warham of
Windsor, Ct., who, after the death of Mr,
Mather, married Rev. Solomon Stoddard, the
maternal grandfather of President Edwards,
by whom she had twelve children.
Warham Mather, after his marriage to Eliza
beth Davenport, resided at New Haven, where
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 189
for many years he filled the office of Judge of
the Court of Probate.]
(73.) III. Rev. John Davenport of Stam
ford, who was born ia Boston, and baptized
by his grandfather, on the 28th of February,
1669. He graduated at Harvard College, in
1687, and commenced preaching in 1690. In
1691, he was inrited to become an assistant to
the Rev. Mr. James of East Hampton, Long
Island.* "Apeil 16, 1691. The toAvn voted one
hundred pounds for the support of the minis
try. Sixty pounds to Mr. James, and forty
pounds to Mr. Davenport ; and Mr. Davenport
to have his diet free." — East Hampton Town
Records. Mr. Davenport, for a time, waived this call,
which— the way not seeming satisfactorily
* This ancient tOAvn was originally purchased by The
ophilus Eaton, Governor of the Colony of New Haven,
and Edward Hopkins, Governor of the Colony of Connecti
cut, in behalf of the proprietors, who had emigrated from
Maidstone, county of Kent, England, and settled in Salem,
Mass., and other tOAvns in the vicinity of Boston, and who
came and settled East Hampton, in 1648. On the pay
ment of the stipulated sum, the writings were transferred
from the original purchasers to the proprietors.
190 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
open for his settlement there — was soon after
decUned. In 1693, Mr. Davenport was caUed to the
work of the ministry in Stamford, Fairfield
County, Ct. This town originally belonged to
the Colony of New Haven, and was purchased
of them by some of the iahabitants of Weth-
ersfield, Ct., who settled there in 1641, the
purchasers agreeing to join the New Haven
Colony in their form of government. It de
rived its name from an ancient toAvn in the
county of Lincoln, England, from whence pro
bably some of the first settlers originated.
The following extracts are transcribed from
the town records of Stamford, both as a matter
of interest in these modern times, and as show
ing the distinctness with which the people were
wont to proride for the temporal wants of those
who ministered unto them in sphitual thiags,
whether single or " settled in a famUy :"
" A town meeting, orderly warned, the 10th
day of March, 1693. — It having been formaUy
voted our desire of Mr. John Davenport's com
ing to this place for a trial in the work of the
ministry, and a committee appointed to signify
their minds unto him upon that account ; and
Mr. Davenport being come (unto the Town) :
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 191
at a fuU meeting being orderly warned, and also
more fully by warrant added ; therefore, for a
further prosecution of that matter, with refer
ence to their vote the-12th of September, 1692,
doe now further order to a settlement in this
place as a minister of the Gospel amongst us,
and if upon trial they find his complying in
judgement with what is mentioned in said
vote, they have power to agree with him, and
provide for his comfortable settlement, in re
spect of house and lands, and what else is
needful for his encouragement, the committee
have fuU power to doe according to their best
discretion and the town's abUity, and that the
matter be forthArith attended.
" The names of the committee are —
" Capt. Selleck,
" Lieut. Bell,
" Wm. Amblee,
" Jon. Selleck, &c."
"Jtjlt 17th, 1693.
" 1st. At toAvn meeting, orderly warned, the
town by a unanimous vote doth give and grant
to Mr. John Davenport, for his encouragement
when he is sole (settled) minister in Stamford,
a hundred pounds a year per anno, according
192
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
to the committee's proposal to Mr. Davenport
when he was last in Stamford.
" 2d. It is voted that they give to Mr. Da
venport ten pounds a year during Mr. Bishop's
hfe, which makes seventy pounds a year : that
is to say, ten pounds to be added to the sixty
pounds, if Mr. Davenport doth settle in a
family before Mr. Bishop's death.
" 3d. The town per vote doth purpose and
desire their committee to write and send what
y^ town hath voted to Mr. Davenport, and to
send for him when and how they see most con
venient. " 4th. The town per vote doth give and
grant to Mr. John Davenport, when he is set
tled here in a family, his firewood, which is to
be done in a general way, and not by rate, and
to be done when the townsmen doe order a
day or two iti the year for it ; further, it is
understood that it is to be done by y" people
of the town, all male persons from sixteen
years and upwards," — Town Records of Stam
ford. In 1694, Mr. DaA^enport was ordained as
pastor of the church in Stamford, and on the
18th of April, 1695, he was married to Mar-
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 193
tha, vridow of John Selleck, formerly a Miss
Gould, by whom he had seven children.
The following is the minute of her death,
copied from the records of the town :
" That Eminently pious and very virtuous
Matron, Mrs. Martha Davenport, late wife to
the Rev. John Davenport, Pastor of ye Church
of Christ in Stamford, Laid down or Exchanged
Her Mortall or Temporali Life, to putt on
Immortality, and Doubtless was Crowned with
immortal glory, on the first day of December,
1712." She was buried at New Haven.
The following extracts are given from
" A Sermon preached at the Funeral of
the Rev. John Davenport, late Pastor
of the Church in Stamford, who died
Friday, Feb. 5, 1731, in the 62d year of
his age, and 36th of his ministry: And was
decently interred on Monday following:
By the Rev. Samuel Cooke, pastor of the
Church in Stratfield [now Bridgeport].
" 2 Kings ii. 12. ' My fatlier, my father,
the chariot of Israel and the horsemen there
of V Printed by J. P. Zenger, in New
York, 1731, pp. 62."
Speaking of Mr. Davenport, on page 42
the author says, " He had the advantage
9
194 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
of an accurate knowledge of those lan
guages, wherein the Scriptures were given
by Dirine Inspiration, probably far beyond
the compass of any of his survivors, with
in many scores of miles every way ; and
so could drink immediately out of the sa
cred fountain, those languages being al
most as famUiar to him as his mother tongue.
[When he read his Bible in his famUy and in
the pulpit, he did not make use of the English
translation, but of the Greek and Hebrew ori
ginal.] He was no less eminent in what did
belong to him as the mouth of the people unto
God. The spirit of grace and supplication
rested upon him beyond the common measure.
He was like Elijah, a man mighty in prayer:
an Israel that was wont especiaUy in cases of
pecuUar difficulty and emergency, to wrestle
with God as a prince that would not be put off
with a denial He was a skUlful and faith
ful rine-dresser in the Lord's vineyard, and
an able laborer in his private and pubUc dispen
sations. Witness his late painful and indefati
gable labors, even in the time of his prevaUing
and fatal sickness ; when nature was so weak
ened, that his thoughtful observers could not
but look upon it with admiration, that he
FAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 195
should appear in the pulpit, and with so much
engagedness and fervor ; not without some mis-
giAdng apprehensions within themselves, that
his time of serrice was near exphing. He was
a cloud richly fraught with the rains and dews
of heavenly doctrines, and plentifuUy distilling
the same here and there ; and especiaUy on
this part of the Lord's rineyard. He was a
watchman on the walls of God's Jerusalem
here ; and such an one as was eagle-eyed to
discern the approaches of sin and danger and
faithful to give warning thereof ; whether men
would hear or whether they would forbear. . . .
The person whose exit now calls for our deep
lamentation and mourning, was both our crown
and our bulwark, our glory and our defence.
Our croAvn is faUen from our heads, and our
defence is departed. We haA^e our chariot and
horsemen taken away. Wo unto us, that we
have sinned. It was many years since looked
upon by the serious and judicious, as a special
favor of Divine Proridence, that a person of
such distinction as we have now lost, was seat
ed so near to the western limits of New Eng
land as a bulwark against any irruptions of
corrupt doctrines and manners. Wo to us, our
hedgewall in that respect is broken doAvn. . . He
196 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
was proof against the temptations of the smiles
or frowns of others, to turn him out of the way
to the right hand or to the left. What was
many times in his mouth seemed to be always
in his heart — Magis arnica Veritas. These
things made him the object of the admhation
of good men and the reverence of aU."
Mr, Davenport for some time prerious to
commencing his labors in Stamford, taught
the Hopkins' Grammar School in New Haven,
He was a member of the Corporation of Yale
College from 1707 till his death in 1731.
His second wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Maltby,
daughter of John Morris, by whom he had
two children. The foUowing is the record of
her death. " The ancient Madam, Mrs. Eliza
beth Davenport, widow and reUct of y^ late
Rev. Mr. John Davenport, died January 11,
1758." (74.) IV. Abraham Davenport, baptized
March 5, 1671, and died young.
(75.) V. AbigaU Davenport, born in Boston,
and baptized Sept 15, 1672, was married to
the Rev. James Pierpont, of New HaA'eu, (suc
cessor of Rev. John DaA'^enport,) on the 27th
of October, 1691. She died, Feb. 3, 1692.
Iler grave is under the First Church. Of Mr.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 197
Pierpont, Dr. Bacon in his Historical Dis
courses, gives the following account.
[" Mr. Pierpont was the younger branch of
a noble famUy in England. It is believed,
though the necessary legal proof seems to be
wanting, that his son was the heir to the estates
and the now extinct title of the earls of King
ston. In the latter part of 1684, he was invit
ed to take the charge of the church in New
Haven. In January, it was voted that a home-
lot and house should be proAdded for Mr. Pier
pont, which his people agreed to build by vol
untary contributions. The lot was purchased
and the building was immediately commenced.
When it was finished it was one of the most
commodious and stately dweUings in the town.
For more than a century, it stood a monument
of the pubhc spirit of the generation by whose
voluntary contributions it was erected. As
the people were bringing in their free-will of
ferings of one kind and another, to complete
and furnish the building, one man desiring to
do something for the object, and haring no
thing else to offer, brought on his shoulder
from the farms two little elm saplings and
planted them before the door of the minister's
house. Under their shade some forty years
198 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET,
afterward Jonathan Edwards, then soon to take
rank in the intellectual world, with Locke
and Leibnitz, spoke words of mingled love
and piety in the ear of Sarah Pierpont. *
* Jonathan Edwards, son of the Rev. Timothy Edwards,
was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, October 5, 1703.
He graduated at Yale College in 1720, before he was seven
teen years of age. In 1724, he was appointed a tutor in
Yale College, in which oflice he continued till he was called
to settle in the ministry at Northampton, as an associate to
his grandfather, (the Rev. Solomon Stoddard,) in 1726,
where he continued in the pastoral office for more than
tAventy-three years. After his dismissal in 1750, he labor
ed for some years among the Housatonic Indians, at Stock-
bridge, in Berkshire County. In 1758, he was called to
the presidency of New Jersey College, where, soon after
having entered upon the duties of his office, he suddenly
died, March 22, 1758. His published works are numerous
and he has justly been considered the most distinguished
metaphysician and divine that America has ever produced.
His wife, Sarah, daughter of the Rev. James Pierpont, of
New Haven, was born January 9, 1710, married July 28,
1727, in her 18th year, and died in 1758.
The following account of this interesting person, when iu
her 13th year, was written on a blank leaf b}"- Mr. Edwards,
at the age of twenty. " They say there is a young
lady in New Haven, who is beloved of that Great Being,
who made and rules the world, and that there are certain
seasons, in whioh this Great Being, in some Ava}- or other,
comes to her and fills her mind Avith exceeding sweet de
light, and that she hardly cares for anything, except to me-
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET, 199
Under their shade, when some sixty summers
had passed over them, Whitfield stood on a
platform, and Ufted up that voice the tones of
which Ungered so long in thousands of hearts.
One of them is said to be still standing before
the mansion of the late Judge Bristol, in Elm
Street ; the taUest and most venerable of all
the trees in this ' City of Elms,' and ever the
first to be tinged with green at the return of
Spring.ditate on Him — that she expects after a while to be receiv
ed up where he is, to be raised up out of the world, and
caught up into Heaven ; being assured that He loves her
too Avell, to let her remain at a distance from Him always.
There she is to dwell with Him, and to be ravished with
His love and delight forever. Therefore, if you present all
the world before her, Avith the richest of its treasures, she
disregards it, and cares not for it, and is unmindful of any
path of affliction. She has a strange sweetness in her mind,
and singular purity in her affections ; is most just and con
scientious in all her conduct, and you could not persuade
her to do anything wrong or sinful, if you would give her
all this world, lest she should offend this Great Being. She
is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness, and universal bene
volence of mind ; especially after this Great God has mani
fested himself to her mind. She will sometimes go about
from place to place, singing sweetly ; and seems to be al
ways full of joy and pleasure, and no one knows for what.
She loves to be alone, walking in the fields and groves, and
seems to have some one invisible always conversing with
her."
200 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
" The ordination of Mr. Pierpont took place
on the 2d day of July, 1685, after he had been
with the people eleven months as a candidate.
On the 27th of October, 1691, he mariied
Abigail Davenport, a granddaughter of his
predecessor in the pastoral office. A httle
more than three months afterwards, on the 3d
of February, she was taken from him by death.
She died, as tradition tells us, of a consumption
caused by exposure to the cold on the Sabbath
after her wedding, going to meeting according
to the fashion of the time, in her bridal di'ess.*
"Two years afterwards he was married at
* In Rev. James Pierpont's Almanac, of 1692, the follow
ing notes were inserted by himself on blank leaves. " Jan.
14, wife had fitts." "Feb. 1, we sent to Mr. Chauncey,
of Strafford, to press him to come over, but he came not
till 2 at night. He gave much encouragement and ordered
friction of the lower parts which Avere utterly cold, where
upon her speech went away ; he lodged in the house — he
and I were called up between 2 and 3 o'clock in the night.
Mr. Chauncey supposed no great hazard — I declared I
thought it was our duty to resign this relation to the Lord
whilst we had time, and to beg pardon ere we parted, which
I endeavored in prayer.
" 3d, between 3 and 4, morning, my dear wife, Abigail,
died of Histeric fitts.
" 4th, at night buried ! ! "
Communicated by Rev. Stephen Dodd, of East Haven.
FAMILY OF DAATENPOET. 201
Llartford, to Sarah Haynes, a granddaughter
of Gov. Haynes, ' by Lieutenant-Colonel Allen,
Assistant the 30th of May, 1694.' On the
7th of October, 1696, he was again bereaved.
His second wife left one daughter, who bore
the name of his first wife. This daughter after
wards became the wife of Rev. Joseph Noyes,
pastor of the same church. His third wife was
Mary Hooker, a granddaughter of the Rev.
Thomas Hooker, the first pastor of the church
in Hartford, to whom he was married on the
26th of July, 1698. This lady who survived
him tiU November, 1740, was the mother of sev
eral chUdren, one of whom, Sarah, became at an
early age the wife of Jonathan Edwards, and
was truly ' a help meet for him.' "
(76.) VI. Mary Davenport, born in Boston,
¦and baptized the I7th of September, 1676.
She was first married to Nathaniel Weed, of
New Haven, who is spoken of as a practitioner
of physic, and second to a Mr. Wade ; of the
same place.*
* New Haven received its present name in 1640, two
years after Mr. Eaton and Davenport began their settle
ment. Designing the toAni for a commercial city, they
laid out the place in a regular manner, dividing it into nine
squares, the streets crossing each other at right angles.
202 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
TWENTIETH GENERATION.
Issue of Rev. John Davewport, {No. 73.)
(77.) I. Abigail Davenport, born July 14,
1696, and married to the Rev. Stephen WU-
These squares were fifty-two rods on a side, separated by
streets four rods in breadth. The central square was re
served for public purposes, and may vie Avith the public
grounds of any city in the country. The surrounding
squares have been divided into four, by streets running
crossAvdse in the direction of the original ones. Besides
these thirty-two squares, the town extends over consider
able tracts beyond already covered with villas and houses.
The city is much admired for its elegant appearance. Its
beautiful elms and shade trees have a very striking effect.
On the center square or green, represented in the accom
panying engraving, are located three churches of various
architecture, which are not excelled by any similar edifices
in New England. First, on the right hand, stands the
North Congregational Church, (Rev. Mr. Dutton's.) The
building in the center Avith a tall spire, is the First Church,
(Rev. Dr. Bacon's,) which occupies nearly the site of the
original building, constructed for Mr. Davenport's society.
Near this at the west, stands the State House, an edifice of
the Doric order of architecture after the model of the Par
thenon at Athens. On the left of the picture stands Trinity-
Church, (Episcopal,) a structure of much architectural taste
and beauty. The buildings seen in the rear, pertain to
Yale College. The present population of the city is about
20,000.
•si
^L L
FAMILY OP DAATENPOET. 203
hams, D.D., of Springfield, Mass., July 3, 1718,
by whom she had eight chUdren, three of
whom were ministers, the aggregate period of
whose ministry was over a hundred and fifty
years. Of these chUdren, some further account
AriU be given, under their appropriate head, in
the next generation. She died August 26,
1766. The foUowiag account of Mr. Williams
is principaUy drawn from Allen's Biographical
Dictionary, and "The WiUiams Family His
tory." [Rev. Stephen WUUams, D.D., minister ot
Springfield, Mass., and son of Rev. John Wil
liams of Deerfield, Mass., was born May 14,
1693. In the night of February 28, 1704,
when he was about nine years of age, his fath
er's house was attacked by a party of Indians
from Canada. The family were made captives.
He, with his brothers (except Eleazar) and
two sister, in the company of their parents,
set out on a long and tedious march to the
home of the Indians. In wading a river, on
the second day, Mrs. WUliams, his mother,
who had scarcely recovered from a recent
sickness, became nearly exhausted. She was
unable to keep up with the rest. Her husband
was not allowed to assist her, and she seemed
204 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
on the point of fainting from weakness and
fatigue. At this time, one of the Indians came
up to her, and killed her with his hatchet.
This woman was the granddaughter of the
Rev. Richard Mather of Dorchester, the daugh
ter of Rev. Eleazar Mather of Northampton,
and sister of Rev. Dr. Increase Mather, Presi
dent of Harvard College, and afterwards min
ister of Boston, who married Maria, the
daughter of Rev. John Cotton, Avhose son was
Rev. Cotton Mather of Boston.
After the death of Mrs. WUUams, the sur-
riring members of the family continued theh
journey of three hundred mUes, tUl they
reached Canada. Here they were retained
in captirity, amid scenes of sufferiag, for about
two years, when they were redeemed. Mr.
WUliams, the father, then returned to Deer
field, and was minister of that town tUl his
death, June 12, 1729. His son, Stephen, gra
duated at Harvard College in 1713, and was
ordained over the second church of Springfield,
now Long Meadow, in the year 1718, He was
married soon after his ordination, to AbigaU
Davenport, daughter of the Rca^ John Daven
port of Stamford, Ct. In 1745, he went to
Louisburg as a chaplain under Sir William
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 205
PeppereU, and in 1755 to Lake Champlain,
in the same capacity, under Sir William John
son, and in 1756, under Major-General Wins-
low. He died June 10, 1782, in the 90th year
of his age, and 66th of his ministry. His fune
ral was attended by his seven surriving chU
dren. His brother. Rev. Eleazar WUliams,
graduated at Harvard in 1708, and was settled
at Mansfield, Ct. Another brother. Rev. War
ham WiUiams of Waltham, Mass., who was
also taken captive to Canada when but four
years of age, graduated at Harvard College,
and studied diAdnity with the Rev. Solomon
Stoddard of Northampton, who married his
maternal grandmother (Mrs. Esther Mather),
reUct of the Rev. Eleazar Mather, and daugh
ter of the Rev. John Warham. He died June
22, 1751.]
(78.) II. John Davenport, born in Stamford,
January 21, 1698, and was married by his
father to Sarah Bishop,* September 6, 1722.
* Supposed to be a granddaughter of Rev. John Bishop,
who was Mr. Davenport's predecessor.
The following circumstances are connected vrith Mr.
Bishop's call to Stamford, about 1644: "The church there
hearing that he was in the neighborhood of Boston, two
brethren, George Slason and Francis Bell, were deputed to
206 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
He removed to what is now the North Society
of Stamford, and was one of the original
twenty-four members who were organized into a
Congregational Church in New Canaan, on the
20th of June, 1733.* He deceased November
17, 1742, learing fourteen children, the oldest
of whom had not reached the age of nineteen
when their father died, aged 44 years.
(79.) III. Martha Davenport, bom Febru
ary 10, 1700, was married to the Rev. Thomas
Goodsell of Branford, October 6, 1731, by
whom she had one chUd, Sarah, who married
go to Boston, and if he was to be found, to make known to
him the wishes of the church. Although the country was
full of hostile Indians, they went on foot, carrying their
provisions, and succeeded at length in finding Mr. Bishop,
' to the eastward of Boston.' He accepted the call, and
returned with them on foot, bringing his Bible under his
arm, through the wilderness to Stamford. (Tliis Bible is
still in the possession of Mr. Noah Bishop, one of his
descendants.") — Historical Address by Rev. J. W. Alvord,
1841. Published by Silas Davenport.
* The parish of Canaan was situated within the toAvn-
ships of Stamford and Norwalk, and was first mcorporated
in 1731. The church, in 1733, was organized with thirteen
members from the Norwalk side, and eleven from the
Stamford side. New Canaan was not incorporated into a
toATOship till 1801.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET, 207
about 1760, Jeremiah Wolcott of Windsor,
whose eldest daughter, Martha Davenport
Wolcott, married Hezekiah Reynolds in 1778,
who was the father of John Davenport Rey
nolds of Wallingford, and also of William Au
gustus Reynolds, who now owns, and resides
upon the old Davenport place in Elm Street,
New Haven.* Mrs. Goodsell died in 1796.
(80.) IV. Sarah Davenport, born July, 1702,
and was married, first, to Captain WilUam
Maltby of New Haven, by whom she had
three children — a son and two daughters. The
son. Rev. John Maltby, graduated at Yale Col
lege in 1747, and for a number of years was
the much loved pastor of a church in Ber
muda, West Indies. He afterwards removed
to Charleston, South Carolina, tUl, from im
paired health, he removed to Hanover, N. H.,
* The accompanying engraving presents a view of the
" Davenport Place," in Elm Street. The house occupied
by its original proprietor was principally taken down, and
rebuilt in its present form by the late Judge Pierpont Ed
wards, the father of Judge Ogden Edwards of New York,
about seventy years ago. Some parts of the. ancient dwell
ing appear in this mansion, and the cellar in which the
regicides were concealed by Mr. Davenport, yet remains
under the present building.
208 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
where he died in 1771. His monument is by the
side of that of his step-father. Dr. Wheelock.
One of the daughters died in youth, an exam
ple of patience and piety, and the other, Eliza
beth, was married May 15, 1754, to Dr. Thad
deus Betts, a highly respected physician of
Norwalk, Ct., who was the father of Judge
William Maltby Betts, and the grandfather of
Hon. Thaddeus Betts, Lieutenant-Governor of
Connecticut, who represented his native state
in the Senate of the United States, and who
died at Washiagton in 1840, aged 52 years.
After the death of Captain Maltby, his
widow married, in 1735, the Rev. Eleazar
Wheelock, of Lebanon, Ct.
[Dr. Wheelock was born in 1711, and gra
duated at Yale CoUege in 1733. He was set
tled at Lebanon, Ct., in 1735, where his labors
were productiA^e of much good. He was one
of the most eloquent and successful miaisters
in New England. Dr. TrumbuU describes him
as " of a comely figure, of a mild and winning
aspect ; his voice smooth and harmonious, the
best by far I ever heard. He had the enthe
command of it. His gestures were natural,
and not redundant. His preaching aud ad
dresses were close and pungent, yet winning
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 209
beyond aU comparison ; so that his audience
would be melted into tears, even before they
were aware of it." He became the founder of
" Moor's Charity School for Christianizing the
Indians ;" which he afterwards removed to Han
over, N. H., where he became the founder of
Dartmouth College, of which he was the first
President, in 1770. After being at the head
of the coUege for about nine years, he died in
Christian peace, April 24, 1779.]
" Mrs. Sarah Wheelock was a woman of a
meek and quiet spirit, active in duty, patient
in trial, given to hospitality. So endeared was
she to her husband by her natural and moral
qualities, that her grave-stone bears the in
scription, that her character was too estimable
for an epitaph."* — Memoir of her daughter,
Mrs. Patten.
(81.) Y. Theodora Davenport, bom Nov.
2, 1703, and died Feb. 15, 1712.
* The following inscription is from her monument, in
the burying-ground at Columbia, formerly Lebanon: "Sa^
ored to the memory of Sarah, the wife of y^ Rev. Eleazar
Wheelock, who died November 13, A.D. 1746, and in the
44th year of her age, and of a character too great and good
to have anything said, worthy to be inscribed here."
On the grave-stone are also found the arms of Daven
port. — Communicated by Rev. Wm. Allen, D.D.
210 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
(82.) VI. Dea. Deodate Davenport, of East
Haven, born in Stamford, Oct. 23, 1706. He
was married in 1730 to Lydia Woodward,
daughter of the Rev. John Woodward.* He
died Dec. 3, 1761. :•
(83.) VII. Ehzabeth Davenport, born in
Stamford, August 28, 1708, and was married
to the Rev. WUUam Gaylord, of WUton, by
whom she had two children, one of whom Mar
tha, was married to Seth Taylor, of Norwalk,
(now Westport.) Mrs. Gaylord died July 6,
1747, aged 38 years and 10 months.f
(84.) VIII. Hon. Abraham Davenport, of
Stamford, born in 1715, and graduated at Yale
College in 1732. He was married in Windham,
Connecticut, by the Rev. Stephen White, on
the 16th of November 1750, to Miss Elizabeth
* The Rev. John Woodward was graduated at Harvard
College, in 1693 ; and ordained Pastor of the Church at
Norwich, in 1699. He assisted in the Council that com
piled the Saybrook Platform in 1708, and removed to East
Haven in 1716, where he died the same year.
f Th? Rev. Mr. Gaylord Avas graduated at Yale College
in 1730. He Avas re-married to Elizabeth Bishop, in
1753, by whom he had Aaron, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sarah,
(Avho became the second Avife of Dea John Davenport,
No. 123,) Deodate and Moses.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 211
Huntington, whose mother was a daughter of
Rev. Timothy Edwards, of East Windsor, and
the sister of Pres. Jonathan Edwards.
His first wife died December 17, 1773.
He was re-married in Stamford, by the Rev.
Dr. WeUs, August 8, 1776, to Mrs. Martha
Fitch. " Mr. Davenport sustained many important
offices in civU life, all of which he fiUed with
honor to himself and fidehty to his country.
He was for many years one of the Council of
the State, and at the time of his death, was
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the
County of Fairfield, and Judge of the Court of
Probate of Stamford. While he lived he was
greatly respected, and his death was univer
saUy lamented. ' The righteous shall be had
in everlasting remembrance.' " *
Of Colonel Davenport, Dr. DAright in his
Travels, (Vol. 3d, p. 497,) gives the foUowing
account : —
"In this town [Stamford], lived the Lion.
Abraham Davenport, for a long time one of
the CounciUors of the State, and before that,
of the Colony of Connecticut. This gentleman
was the son of the Rev. John Davenport, and
* Tomb stone, Stamford.
212 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
the great-grandson of the Rev. John Daven
port, the father of the Ncav Haven Colony.
Colonel Davenport Avas possessed of a vigorous
understanding and invincible firmness of mind,
of integrity and justice, unquestioned even by
his enemies ; of A'eracity exact in a degree,
nearly singular ; and of a Aveight of character
Avhich for many years decided in this County
almost every question to which it was lent. Lie
was early a professor of the Christian religion ;
and adorned its doctrines by an exemplary
conformity to its precepts. He was often
styled a rough diamond ; and the appellation
was, perhaps, ncA^er giA^en with more propriety.
His virtues were all of the masculine kind ; less
soft, graceful and alluring, than his friends
wished ; but more extensively productive of
real good to mankind, than those of almost
any man who has been distinguished for gen
tleness of character. It would be happy for
this or any other country, if the magistracy
should execute its laAvs with the exactness, for
which he was distinguished. Colonel Daven
port acquired j)roperty with diligence, and
preserved it with frugality ; and hence was by
many persons supposed to regard it with an
improper attachment. This, however, was a
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 213
very erroneous opinion. Of what was merely
ornamental, he was, I think, too regardless ;
but the poor found nowhere a more Uberal
benefactor, nor the stranger a more hospitable
host. I say this from personal knowledge, ac-
quhed by a long continued and intimate ac
quaintance Arith him and his family. WhUe
the war had its principal seat in the State of
New York, he took the entire superintendence
of the sick soldiers, who were returning home ;
fiUed his own houses with them ; and devoted
to theh relief his own time, and that of his fa
mUy ; while he prorided elsewhere the best
accommodations for such as he could not re
ceive. In a season when an expectation of ap
proaching scarcity had raised the price of
bread-corn to an enormous height, he not only
sold the produce of his own farms to the poor
at the former customary price, but bought
com extensively, and sold this also, as he had
sold his own. His alms were at the same
time rarely rivalled in their extent.
" Two instances of Colonel Davenport's firm
ness deserve to be mentioned. The 19th of
May, 1780, was a remarkably dark day. Can
dles were lighted in many houses ; the birds
were sUent and disappeared ; the fowls retired
214 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
to roost. The Legislature of Connecticut was
then in session at Hartford, A very general
opinion prevaUed that the day of Judgment
was at hand. The House of Representatives
being unable to transact theh business, ad
journed. A proposal to adjourn the Council
was under consideration. When the opinion
of Colonel Davenport was asked, he answered
' I am agamst an adjournment. The day of
Judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If
it is not, there is no cause for an adjournment :
if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I
wish therefore that candles may be brought.'
" The other instance took place at Danbury,
at the Court of Common Pleas ; of which he
was Chief Justice. This venerable man after
he was struck with death, heard a considerable
part of a trial ; gave the charge to the jury ;
and took notice of an article in the testimony
which had escaped the attention of the counsel
on both sides. He then rethed from the
bench ; and was soon after found dead in his
bed. " To his friends Col. Davenport extended
his acts of kindness, as if they had been his
children. I say this from experience. Of his
country and of all its great interests, he was a
FAMILY OF DAATENPOET, 215
pUlar of granite. Nothing impaired, nothing
moved his resolution and firmness, whUe des
tined to support in his own station this valu
able edifice.
" He was educated at Yale College, in which
he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1732.
He died as he had long wished to die, in the
immediate performance of his duty, November
20th, 1789, in the 74th year of his age."
(85.) IX. Rev. James Davenport, born in
Stamford, 1716. He was educated at Yale
College, where he graduated in 1732. He set
tled at Southold, Long Island, in 1738.
[Southold was the first settled town on
Long Island, and originally extended from
Brookhaven to Oysterpond-Point, including
aU the islands in that ricinity, and extending
thence in a direct Une to within a few mUes of
the Connecticut shore. Like East Hampton it
was originally purchased by the magistrates of
the New Haven Colony, and after being held
by them for a number of years, was transferred
to the actual settlers, who were principaUy
emigrants from Norfolkshhe, England; who
had spent about two years in the New Haven
Colony, and established themselves on this
Island in 1640. Before they left New Haven,
216 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
by the adrice and aid of Governor Eaton and
John Davenport, they were organized into a
regular Church under a pastor. Rev. John
Young, who accompanied them to the Island.]
Mr. James Davenport was the fourth pastor
of this church, and remained there about two
years, and was esteemed a pious, sound, and
faithful minister. But in 1740, at the time
Whitfield came to this country, and a season
of great reUgious excitement prevaUed, Mr.
Davenport became carried away with enthusi
astic impulses, aud without askhig the aj^pro-
bation of his people, set out on an itineracy
among the churches, learing his OAvn particular
charge unjDrovided for.* He beUeved that the
Lord was about to arise and have mercy upon
Zion, for the time to favor her, yea, the set
time was come, and that he was especiaUy
caUed to prepare the way of the Lord by caU
ing the people to repentance.
Before learing Southold, he assembled the
people at his lodgings, and addressed them for
twenty-four hours together. The effort over
came his strength and confined him for some
days to his chamber.f He commenced his
* Prime's History of Long Island.
f The Great Awakening, by Rev. Joseph Tracy.
FAMILT OF DAVE2fP0ET. 217
travels about the 1st of June, 1740. In the
same month during the Session of the Presby
terian Synod, he was found at Philadelphia,
preaching at Society HUl, Arith the Tennents
and others.
In the autumn, he joined Whitfield, who
wrote in his journal, October 30, on arriring
at New York : — " To add to my comfort, the
Lord brought my dear brother Davenport,
from Long Island, by whose hands the blessed
Jesus has of late done great things." Haring
parted, they met again November 5, at Bas-
Mnridge, New Jersey, where Davenport had
been preaching to about three thousand peo
ple in the parish of the Rev. Mr. Cross. Here
Whitfield remained for one or two days, and
set out accompanied by Mr. Davenport to Phi
ladelphia. After a perilous journey, in which
they tArice narrowly escaped droAvning, they
arrived in Philadelphia . on Saturday eve, the
8th.* Mr. Davenport was particularly a favor
ite with Whitfield, and also with the Tennents.
" The Rev. Andrew CrossweU in a pamphlet
in his defence," says Tracy, " produced numer
ous testimonies in his favor; for example: —
'Mr. Whitfield declared in conversation that he
* The Great Awakening,
10
218 PAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
never knew one keep so close a walk Arith God
as Mr. Davenport. Mr. Tennent, in my hearing,
affirmed Mr. Davenport to be one of the most
heavenly men he ever was acquainted with.
Mr. Pomeroy, who is acquainted with both,
thinks he doth not come one whit behind Mr.
Whitfield, but rather goes beyond hhn, for
heavenly communion and feUowship Arith the
Father and with the Son, Jesus Christ. Mr.
Parsons of Lyme told me the other day, [this
was July 16, 1742,] that, not one minister
whom he had seen was to be compared to Mr.
Davenport, for liring near to God, and having
his conversation always in Heaven.* Mr.
Owen, also, of Groton, said that the idea he
had of the Apostles themselves scarcely ex
ceeded what he saw in Mr. Davenport. In
brief, there is not one minister in aU Connecti
cut, that is zealously affected in the good cause
of God at this day, but instead of shghting
him is apt to thiak more highly of him than
we ought to thiak of men, and to receive him
almost as if he was an angel from Heaven." f
" This is' the statement," adds Mr. Tracy, " of
* " Parsons, however, did not approve of all his mea
sures, as appears by his OAvn statements."
t Great Awakening, pp. 230-231.
PAMILY OF DAANENPOET.
219
an honest partisan — so far as a partisan can be
honest ; not false, but too highly colored.
Davenport had certainly produced wonderful
effects, and coUected a large tribute of venera
tion. He rode — to use language of a more
modern date^' on the very top wave of the
spirit of the age.' More than any other man,
he embodied in himself and promoted in others,
aU the unsafe extravagances into which the re-
rival was running ; and those whose zeal out
ran their knowledge, saw in him what they
proudly hoped soon to become."
After learing Mr. Davenport at Philadelphia,
we lose sight of him till the next Spring or
Summer, when we find him again pursuing his
travels in Connecticut, and in other parts of
New England.
Among other places he visited East Hamp
ton, Long Island. Rev. Dr. Beecher, in giring
the history of that town in a sermon in 1805,
remarks: "The rerival of religion in 1741-2,
was the first general rerival ever Aritnessed in
the town. It commeiiced apparently by the
instrumentality of the famous Mr. Davenport,
who was the means of doing both good and
evU. The novelty of his conduct thoroughly.
aroused the attention of the people and
220 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET,
brought them Arithin the reach of those
alarming truths, which like a torrent he
poured upon them. The effect was great.
They were pricked in the heart, and cried
out, ' Men and brethren, what shall we do
to be saved ? ' But his rashness in some
degree obscured the glory of his work :
but notArithstanding the unpleasant chcum
stances attending the rerival, there were
about one hundred persons who to appear
ance were made partakers of a new life,
in consequence of which, about sixty per
sons were added to the church, soon after
the settlement of Dr. Buel."
His proceedings were constantly of the
most extravagant character. " Endowed," says
Dr. Bacon, " with some sort of eloquence,
speaking from a heart aU on fire, and ac
customed to yield himself Arithout reserve
to every enthusiastic impulse, he was able
to produce a powerful effect upon minds
prepared by constitution or by prejudice
to sympathize vdth him.
"New Haven seems to have been one of
the principal theaters of his efforts. The
celebrity of his father, and of his more il
lustrious ancestor, and his numerous con-
FAMILT OF DAVENTOET, 221
nections here, his mother being a native
of New Haven, afforded him of course a
favorable introduction."* He came to that
place duriag the year 1741, and commenced
preaching. He gained considerable influence
among many members while occupying the
pulpit there. He was censorious and un
charitable in his public addresses, and even
publicly declared his behef that the pastor
of the church, — the Rev. Mr. Noyes, was
an unconverted man. The result of his
measures was unhappy upon the church, as
many led away by the extraordinary ex
citement of the times, became dissatisfied
with their pastor and their former connec
tion, and Arithdrew from the old church
and effected a new organization, which is
now known as the North Church.
In the Summer of the same year, Mr. Daven
port visited Stonington, Connecticut. " Here
it was said, near one hundred persons were
struck under conriction by his first sermon,
' and about that number converted in eight
days, including about twenty Indians ; and
that many were left under ' hopeful con-
* Historical Discourses, pp. 212-214.
222 FAMILY OP DAATENPOET.
victions.' * From Stonington he risited West-
erley, Rhode Island, where, according to the
account of the Rev. Joseph Park, then laboring
there as a missionary from the London Society,
a large number of conversions took place, and
among the number were many Indians, who
connected themselves with the church, and by
their subsequent lives evinced the genuineness of
the change that had been wrought in them, f
Throughout the whole country a reUgious
zeal hitherto unknown was spreading, and
many were led into various extravaganries.
Among these, Mr. Davenport was foremost.
He adopted the method of calling in question
the piety of ministers, and his measures gene
rally tended to produce disaffection in many
churches. He gave himself up to " impulses "
and the most enthusiastic proceedings, tUl car
ried away with the excitement of the times, he
f The Great Awakening, p. 235.
f Among the Indians converted through Mr. Davenport's
labors, was one afterwards known by the name of Rev.
Peter John, who was for many years a faithful and success
ful preacher of the Gospel, among^ the Shinnecock tribe on
Long Island. Through his zeal and piety, several churches
of the native Indians were gathered. He died about the
beginning of the present century, at the advanced age of
88, and was succeeded in the ministry by his grandson.
PAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 223
seems to have become almost insane, and was
so treated by his opposers, although, as has
been observed, it would be difficult to tell
which was most beArildered, he or the General
Assembly of Connecticut, that sought to re
strain him, and that, at their late session, had
passed a law, in most flagrant riolation of the
rights of conscience, repressing, by civU penal
ties, the practices of itinerants and exhorters.
The last and most extravagant of these pub
lic proceedings of Mr. Davenport, was at New
London, where he was inrited in the Spring of
1743, to organize a church. To cure the peo
ple there of theh idolatrous love of worldly
thiags, he called on them to collect theh orna
ments, consisting of jewels, rings, &c., and also
their clothes, that they might be committed to
the flame, and even added to the Ust a number
of books — the works of Beveridge, Flavel, &c.
From this time, Mr. Davenport seems to
have withdrawn from his public career, and
through the efforts of his personal friends, the
Rev. Drs. WUliams and Wheelock, of Lebanon
— the latter of whom had married his sister —
he became conrinced that in his course he had
committed many errors, and voluntarUy pub
lished a full and most ingenuous confession of
224 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
the extravagances into which he had been led.
This confession AriU be found in the Appendix.
Mr. Davenport was formally dismissed from
Southold, L. I. in 1746, and afterwards settled
at Hopewell, N. J., where he usefully labored
for some years, and died in 1755.
TWENTY-FIRST GENERATION.
Issue of Abigail Damenport, {No. 77.)
{Who Married Rev. Stephen WiUiams, D.D.")
(86.) L John, bom March 8, 1720, and
was married January 22, 1747, to Ann Colton,
by whom he had nine chUdren, died March,
1772. (87.) IL Stephen, born January 26, 1722,
was graduated at Yale CoUege in 174^, and
ordained at Woodstock, Second Society, Nov.
1747. He married, October 18, 1748, Miss
Martha Hunt, sister of the Rev. John WiUiams,
of Deerfield, by whom he had six children.
He died AprU 1795, haAdng been in the minis
try nearly fifty years.
, (88.) III. Eunice, bom September 1,
1723, and married May 1, 1753, Mr.
Wilham Stebbins, by whom she had one
chUd, Stephen WiUiam Stebbins, who was
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 225
born June 6, 1758, who graduated at Yale
CoUege, and was a settled minister at Strat
ford, for 29 years. He married Miss Eunice
Street, daughter of the Rev. Nicholas Street,
of East Haven, by whom he had a son. Rev.
WiUiam Stebbins, who was settled at West
Haven, and a daughter, Ann, who is is the
present wife of the Rev. Richard S. Storrs,
D.D., Braintree, Mass. Mrs. Stebbins died in
1805. (89.) IV. Warham, born January 7, 1Y26,
graduated at Yale. CoUege, in 1745, was ordain
ed at Northford, a parish in Branford, Connec
ticut, June 30, 1750, and was married Nov. 13,
1752, to Ann Hall, daughter of the Rev. Sa
muel HaU, of Cheshire. Their chUdren were,
Warham, who married Ann Wilford ; Samuel
Hall, Jonathan Law, Davenport who married
Mary Atwater ; Ann, who married first the
Rev. Jason Atwater, second Rev. Lynde
Huntington, and after his death. Rev. Mr.
Barker ; WiUiam Augustus, Lucy, AbigaU,
who died young ; AbigaU, who married
Stephen Maltby, Eunice K. Cooke, Samuel,
and Sarah who married Dr. Pynchon. The
Rev. Dr. WiUiams, father of the above, mar
ried again to Mrs. Whiting, widow of Colonel
10*
226 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
WiUiam Whiting, of New Haven. Dr. WU
liams died April, 1788. He was in the minis
try about forty years, and for many years was
a member of the Corporation of Yale CoUege.
(90.) V. Samuel, born May 31, 1729, and
was married February 14, 1760, to Miss Lucy
Burt, daughter of Deacon Nathaniel Burt.
One of their daughters, Sarah, born 1765, was
married to the Rev. Richard Salter Storrs,
who succeeded her grandfather, Rev. Dr. WU
liams, as pastor of the Church at Long Meadow.
Mr. Storrs was the father of the Rev. Richard
S. Storrs, D.D., of Braintree, Mass., who is the
father of the Rev. Richard S. Storrs, pastor of
the Church of the Pilgrims, Brooklyn, N. Y.
One of the sons, Samuel WUUams, born Sept.
23, 1774, now' (1851) lives on the old place at
Long Meadow, formerly occupied by his grand
father, Rev. Dr. Stephen WiUiams.
(91.) VL Davenport, born May 11, 1731,
and died at Sheffield, Oct. 8, 1758, as he was
returning from the army in which he held a
lieutenant's commission.
(92.) VIL Martha, born May 1733, and
was married January 4, 1759, to Mi\ Reynolds,
a son of Rev. Peter Reynolds, of Enfield, Ct.,
by whom she had several children. She was
PAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 227
afterwards married to Deacon Ely, of Long
Meadow. (93.) VIIL Nathan, born Oct. 28, 1735,
was graduated at Yale College, in 175^ and
ordained at ToUand,.AprU 30, 1760. He mar
ried, Oct. 20, 1760, Miss Mary HaU, daughter
of Captain EUakim HaU, of Wallingford, Ct.
Dr. WiUiams died, AprU 15, 1829, in the 94th
year of his age, and 66th of his ministry. His
wife, Mrs. Mary WUUams, died March 9, 1838,
aged 95 years and 4 months.
TVraNTY-FIRST GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of John Davenport, {No. 78.)
(94.) I. John Davenport of Stamford, bom
January 15, 1724. He resided at Daven
port Ridge on lands which he inherited
from his grandfather, the Rev. John Daven
port of Stamford, and which continue in the
family to the present day. At the age of
eighteen, he became a professor of the Chris
tian rehgion, by uniting vrith the church at
New Canaan, March 7, 1742. He was married
to Deborah Amblar, June 2, 1748, " by Jona
than Maltbie, Esq., one of his Majesty's Justices
for the County of Fairfield."- Died June 23,
1756, aged 32 years.
228 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
(95.) II. Joseph Davenport, bom August 9,
1725, and was married to Hannah Amblar, by
Abraham Davenport, Esq., July 5, 1753. Mrs.
Davenport died March 15, 1769.
(96.) III. Nathan Davenport, born January
15, 1727.
(97.) IV. Gould Davenport, bom Sept. 6,
1728, died Jan. 26, 1752.
(98.) V. Deodate Davenport, born Jan, 5,
1730, and was married to Lydia Raymond, by
Abraham Davenport, Esq,, June 16, 1757.
Mrs. Davenport died March 19, 1773. Married
again to Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, September 28,
1774. He died March 10, 1808, aged 78 years.
(99.) VI. Martha Davenport born Feb. 20,
1731, and married to John Crissey, by Abra
ham Davenport, Esq., AprU 7, 1757.
(100.) VII. Eleazar Davenport, born March
15, 1732.
(101.) VIII. Thaddeus Davenport, born
February 3, 1734.
(102.) IX. Elizabeth Davenport, bom AprU
1, 1735.
(103.) X. SUas Davenport, born May 13,
1736, and married to Miss Mary Webb, in
Stamford, by Rev. Mr. Wells, March 7, 1765.
(104.) XI. Hezekiah Davenport, born Jan.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 229
14, 1738, and was married at the Cramp Ponds,
(Yorktown,) by the Rev. Mr. Sackett, to Ruth
Ketchams, Dec. 7, 1763. He was a Lieutenant
in the army in the war of the Revolution,
and feU at Ridgefield, on his return from the
battle of Danbury, in 177Y. Mrs. Davenport
died in 17Y5.
(105.) XII. Josiah Davenport, born August
6, 1739.
(106.) XHI. Stephen Davenport bora AprU
9, 1741.* TWENTY-FIRST GENERATION.— Contintied.
Issue of 8a/rah Da/venport, {No. 80.)
(Who Married Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D.D.f)
(107.) I. Theodora, who married Alexander
Phelps, of Hebron, Connecticut, afterwards of
Oxford, N. H., whose son Rev. Davenport
Phelps, an Episcopal minister, died at Pultney-
viUe, N. Y., 1818, aged 58 years.
(108.) II. Ruth, who married Rev. WUliam
Patten, D.D., of Halifax, Mass.
The foUowing notice of Mrs. Patten and her
descendants, is principaUy drawn from her me-
* Omitted XIV., Sarah Davenport.
f The children by a former husband are given under No.
80.
230 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
moir written by her son, the Rev. WUham
Patten, D.D., of Hartford, Ct.
Ruth Wheelock, daughter of the above-men
tioned Sarah, and granddaughter of the Rev.
John Davenport, of Stamford, Connecticut, was
born March 4, 1740. When young, she was
an intelligent and docile child, and great atten
tion was paid to her education. Her mind
early and rapidly matured. At the age ot
eighteen, she was considered one of the most
accomplished and interesting of young women.
At this early age, (June 9, 1758,) she became
the wife of the Rev. WUUam Patten, pastor of
a church in Halifax, Plymouth County, Mass.
[Mr. Patten's early developments were not
less remarkable than those of his AAdfe. When
five years of age, he is said to have composed a
sermon on the first verse in the Bible, the sen
timents and connection of which excited the
surprise of his friends. He entered Harvard
College, when about twelve years of age, gra
duated at sixteen ; taught school and studied
Theology under Rev. Mr. Havens of Dedham,
Massachusetts ; was licensed to preach, engaged
to supply the pulpit in Halifax, for two or
three Sabbaths, and before that time expired,
received a unanimous call to settle over them
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 231
as a pastor, and was instaUed Feb. 2, 1757,
seven weeks before he was nineteen years of
age, and married Ruth Wheelock, before he
had reached the age of twenty years. Dr.
Patten died January 16, 1775, in the 37th
year of his age.]
Mrs. Patten surrived her husband for a
long thae, and hved an example of devoted
piety, usefuUy engagiag herself in the work of
her Master. She died December 5, 1831,
aged 91 years and 9 months, having been a
professor of the faith of the Gospel, for 77
years. Their son, Roat. WUliam Patten, gra
duated at Harvard CoUege, in 1780, and re
ceived the honorary degree of D.D., at Brown
University. He was settled in the ministry at
Newport, R. I., in 1786, where he preached
about 48 years. He married Hannah Hurlbut,
of New London. They had several chUdren,
one of whom is WUliam Patten, Esq., a lawyer
of Providence, R. I. Ruth W. who married
Frederick W. Hotchkiss, of Hartford. Joseph,
a lawyer in New York. Mary Ann, who mar
ried C. S. Halsted, of Brooklyn, N. Y, George
W. a Captain in the U. S. Army ; and Floride.
(109.) III. Rev. Ralph, who graduated St
Yale CoUege in 1765, and was an assistant of
232 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
his father, but in consequence of feeble health
was disqualified from becoming a pastor, and
finally for any useful labors.*
TWENTY-FIRST GENERATION.— Contiktjed.
Issue of Dea. Deodate Da/venport, {No. 82.)
(110.) I. Sarah Davenport, of East Haven,
born July 7, 1731 ; who married John Mix.
(111.) IL Martha Davenport, born May 26,
1733, and was married to Gold S. SUliman, of
Fahfield, by whom she had one son, WiUiam,
who married a daughter of Dr. Allen, and
afterwards a Miss Jennings. [Mr. SUliman
¦* There were two or three other children who died
young. By a subsequent marriage. Dr. Wheelock had several
children, one of whom, Hon. John Wheelock, LL. D., was
born at Lebanon, Ct., January 28, 1754, entered Yale Col
lege, but graduated Avith the first class of four persons, at
Dartmouth, in 1771. He succeeded his father as Presi
dent of Dartmouth College, in 1779, which office he held
for 36 years. He married Maria, the daughter of Gov.
Suhm, of St. Thomas, whose only daughter, Maria Malle-
ville, married the Rev. William Allen, D.D., of Northamp
ton, Mass., formerly President of Bowdoin College, and
author of the American Biographical Dictionary. Two
other daughters of Dr. Wheelock married Messrs. Wood
ward and Ripley, both Professors in Dartmouth College.
FAMILT OF DAVENPOKT. 233
graduated at Yale CoUege in 1752. He was a
General in the army in the war of the Revo
lution, and was taken by the British, just be
fore the burning of Fahfield, and carried a
prisoner to Long Island. His second wife was
Mrs. Rebecca Noyes, (widow of the Rev. Jo
seph Noyes,) by whom he was the father of
Mr. Gold S. SUhman, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and
also of Professor Benjamin SUhlnan, M.D., LL.D.
of Yale College.]
(112.) III. WUliam Davenport, born in
1734, and died Sept. 17, 1742.
(113.) IV. John Davenport of East Haven,
born 1738, and was married to Anna Pierpont,
in 1780, and afterwards to Mrs. PhebeuTodd,
but had jio chUdren. Died January 9, 1820,
aged 82 years. ^
(114.) V Deacon Samuel Davenport of
East Haven, bom 1740, and was married in
1766, to Mary Street. He died July 9, 1810.
Mrs. Davenport died December 21, 1803, aged
66 years.
(115.) Vl. RosweU Davenport, born 1742,
died September 19, 1749.
(116.) VII. Lydia Davenport, born 1746,
married Samuel Holt.
234
FAMILY OP DAATENPOET.
TWENTY-FIRST GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Hon. Abraham Da/venport, {No. 84.)
(117.) I. Hon. John Davenport of Stamford,
born Jan. 16, 1752, and graduated at Yale
CoUege in 1770. ' He was married to Mary
Silvester WeUs, daughter of the Rev. Dr.
Noah WeUs, by Abraham Davenport, May
7, 1780. He was Major of the militia in
this section of the State, in the war of the
Revolution. In 1799, he was chosen a Repre
sentative Member of the American Congress,
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of
his younger brother, (Hon. James Davenport,)
of which he continued for 18 years a member,
during the Presidency of the elder Adams, and
also of Presidents Jefferson and Monroe. He
was punctually at his post from the opening
to the adjournment of each session of Con
gress, and answered to his name when caUed
to vote on all subjects. Having declined a re
election in 1817, he spent the remainder of his
days in the bosom of his family. He died in
Christian peace, Nov. 28, 1830. His wife sur
vived him, and died in Brooklyn, N. Y., June
28, 1847, at the advanced age of 93 vears.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 235
(118.) II. Abraham Davenport, born Oct.
21, 1753, died October 25, 1754.
(119.) III. Ehzabeth Davenport, born Sept.
16, 175'6, and was married by the Rev. Dr.
Wells, to James Cogswell, M.D., of Preston,
August 8, 1776. They had one daughter, Alice,
who became the -wife of the Rev. Samuel
Fisher, D.D., of Greenbush, N. Y., who is the
father of the Rev. Samuel Ware Fisher, who
recently succeeded the Rev. Dr. Beecher, as
pastor of the 2d Presbyterian Church, Cincin
nati, Ohio.
"Elizabeth, wife of James Cogswell, M. D.,
departed this life, Nov. 15, 1779.*
* Dr. Cogswell was the son of Rev. James Cogswell,
D.D., of Hartford, Ct., who was born Jan. 6, 1720, and
died Jan. 2, 1807, having been for sixty years a laborious
and faithful minister of the Gospel. He had also a brother,
Mason F. Cogswell, M.D., who died in 1830, aged 69
years, who had a daughter named Alice, who though de.
prived of hearing and Speech, was distinguished for her in
tellectual attainments and loveliness of character. She died
December 30, 1830, aged 25 years. The American Asylum
for the Deaf and Dumb at Hartford, under Providence,
owes its origin to the father's tenderness towards his child,
and his sympathy for her fellow-sufferers, and will long
stand an enduring monument to his memory. — Connecticut
Historical Collections.
Dr. James Cogswell afterwards married Mrs, Abigail
236 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
(120.) IV. Hon. James Davenport, born
October 12, 1758, and graduated at Yale Col
lege in 1779V He was married to Abigail
Fitch, by Abraham Davenport, Esquire, May
7, 1780. Mrs. D. died Nov. 1782, aged 22
years. Married second, to Mehitabel Cogg-
shaU, by the Rev. WiUiam Lockwood, of Mil
ford, Ct., Nov. 6, 1790. He was a member of
the State Legislature, and Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas. In 1796, he was chosen a
Representative Member of the American Con
gress, during the Presidency of General Wash
ington. He died suddenly, August 3, 1797.
He was a member of the Corporation of Yale
College from 1793 to the time of his death.
Of Mr. Davenport, President DAright, in his
Travels, vol. iii. p. 500, says : " Few persons in
this country have been more, or more deserv
edly, esteemed than the Hon. James Daven
port. His mind was of a structure almost
singular. An infirm constitution precluded
him to a considerable extent, from laborious
study, during his early years ; and, indeed,
throughout most of his life. Yet an unwearied
attention to useful objects, a critical observa-
Loyd, and had several children, James, John, Sarah, and
Harriet.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 237
tion of everything important which feU under
his eye, and a strong attachment to intelligent
conversation, enabled him by the aid of a dis
cernment almost intuitive, to accumulate a rich
fund of valuable knowledge. With respect to
conversation he was pecuhar. The company
of intelligent persons he sought vrith the same
eagerness and constancy, as the student his
books. Here he always started topics of in
vestigation, fitted to improve the mind, as well
as to please ; and in this way, gathered knowl
edge with the industry, and success, Arith
which the bee makes every flower increase the
treasures of its hive. I never knew the value
of intelligent conversation, and the extent of
the contributions, which it is capable of fur
nishing to the stock of knowledge possessed by
an indiridual, exhibited more clearly, and de
cisively, than in his example. At the same
time, his own conversation was so agreeable,
and inteUigent, and his manners so engaging,
that his company was coveted by aU his nu
merous acquaintance. His life, also, was with
out a stain ; and on his integrity, candor, and
justice, his countrymen placed an absolute reli
ance. With these qualifications, it wiU not be
a matter of wonder, that at an early period of
238 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
his life, he was employed by the pubhc in an
almost continual succession of pubhc business ;
or that he executed every commission of this
nature honorably to himself, and usefully to
his country. He died in the thirty-ninth year
of his age, of a paralytic stroke, brought on by
a long continued, and very severe, chronic
rheumatism. Few persons have been more
universally, or deeply, lamented."
(121.) V. Huntington Davenport, born
April 18, 1761, and " departed this hfe on the
evening following the 22d of October, 1769."
TWENTY-FIRST GENERATION.— CoNinitrED.
Issue of Rev. James Davenport, {No. 85.)
(122.) I. Rev. John Davenport, born at
Freehold, N. J., August 11, 1752, and gradu
ated at Princeton CoUege in 1769, and receiv
ed the honorary degree of A.M., at Yale Col
lege in 1785. He studied Theology with Drs.
Bellamy and Buel, and was ordained at Matta-
tuck, a parish in the town of Southold, L. L,
June 4, 1775, and served the congregation
there as a stated supply for two years. He
was an amiable and excellent man, and labored
for some time in different parts of the Island,
FAMILT OF DAVENPOET. 239
and was dismissed from the Presbytery of Suf
folk, AprU 12, 1786. WhUe at Mattatuck, he
was married to Mrs. EUzabeth Barker, the
widow of his predecessor, the Rev. Nathaniel
Barker, by the Rev. John Storrs, Dec. 18,
1775, Arith whom, notArithstanding the great
disparity in theh ages, he hved happUy for
many years. He was the fijst nunister upon
Long Island, that refused to administer bap
tism upon the iadulgent plan. He was settled
at Bedford, N. Y., and afterwards at Deerfield,
N. J., August 12, 1795, and dismissed from fee
ble health in , 1805. In 1809 he returned to
the State of New York, and died at Lysander,
July 18, 1825. He had no ch.Tldien.^Rrime''s
His. L. I., AllerHs Bio. Dio.
(123.) n. James Davenport. No children.
(124.) III. Elizabeth Davenport, married
a Mr. Kelsey, of Princeton, but had no chUdren.
Issue of John Da/venport, {No. 94.)
TVSTENTY-SECOND GENERATION.
(125.) I. Dea. John Davenport, born in
Stamford, May 24, 1749, and was married by
the Rev. Dr. WeUs, June 4, 1772, to Prudence
Bell, daughter of Jesse Bell, of Stamford.*
* Another daughter of Mr. Bell married Mr. Water-
240 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
She died, December 23, 1794, aged 43 years.
Married 2d, to Sarah Gaylord, daughter of the
Rev. WUliam Gaylord, of WUton, August,
1795. Mr. Davenport was one of the early
members of the church organized in North
Stamford, of which he was an esteemed officer
at the time of his death, which occurred Feb.
6, 1820. Mrs. D. surrived him, and died Feb.
11, 1846, aged 87 years.
(126.) II. Sarah Davenport, born Jan. 7,
1751, and was married by the Rev. Dr. Wells,
to Monmouth Lounsbury, of Stamford, AprU
16, 1770, died about 1819.
(127.) III. Stephen Davenport, born March
9, 1752, was a school-teacher. Not married.
Died about 1777.
(128.) IV. Rhoda Davenport, born Jan. 4,
1754, and was married to Thaddeus Huested,
Nov. 19, 1775.
bury, the father of Gideon Waterbury, of New York, who
was the father of the Rev. J. B. Waterbury, D.D., of
Boston. One of Dr. Waterbury's sisters, Harriet, mar
ried the Rev. John Scudder, M.D., and another, Catharine,
became the wife of the Rev. Myron Winslow, both Mis
sionaries at Madras, in India,
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 241
TWENTY-SECOND GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Joseph Davenport, {No. 95.)
(129.) I. Hannah Davenport, born May 19,
1755. (130.) II. Deborah Davenport, born Jan.
30, 1757.
(131.) HI. Martha Davenport, bom Oct.
18, 1759. Married Mr. Scofield.
(132.) IV. Gould Davenport, born Oct. 5,
1762, was a school-teacher. Married and re
moved to Ohio.
(133.) V. Joseph Davenport, born March
28, 1765, died Oct. 28, 1766.
Issue of Deodate Da/venport, {No. 98.)
(134.) I. Lydia Davenport, born AprU 3,
1758. Married Peter Bishop. Died Jan. 7,
1837, in the 80th year of her age.
(135.) II. Sarah Davenport, born Feb. 13,
1760. Married Darid Webb, of Ohio, by
whom she had a son Nathan, and others.
(136.) III. Samuel Davenport, born AprU
3, 1762, and died December 30, 1775.
(137.) IV. Mary Davenport, born June 2,
11
242 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
1764, and was married to Dea. Isaac Benedict,*
of New Canaan, August 19, 1794 ; by whom
she had one chUd, Lorana, born December 7,
1795, who married Emory Whitlock.
[Dea. Isaac Benedict held several public of
fices in the community where he resided, and
was for some time a soldier in the war of the
Revolution. He died May 17, 1841, in the
90th year of his age. A sermon was deUvered
on the occasion of his death, by the Rev. T
Smith, from Gen. 35 : 29, " And Isaac gave
up the ghost and died, and was gathered into
his people, being old and full of days." f ]
* Dea. Benedict's first wife was Jane Raymond, by
whom he had Isaac, who married Fanny Hopkins ; Gould
married Betsey Foot ; Samuel R. (died young) ; Abigail
married William Davenport ; Obadiah married Clarissa
Bingham ; Lewis married Mary Scribner ; Lorana (died
young) ; and Rev. Amzi who graduated at Yale College, in
1814, and married Martha, daughter of Ge^neral Solomon
Cowles, of Farmington.
f Dea. Benedict was descended from Thomas Benedict,
who came from Nottinghamshire, England, to Massachusetts,
in 1638, and who finally settled Avith his family in Nor
walk, Connecticut in 1665. All his direct ancestors, for
one hundred and fifty years, held the office of Deacon in
the Church of Norwalk.
His father was Dea. Nathaniel Benedict of Norwalk,
who died in 1806, in the 90th year of his age, and AA'hose
PAMILT OF DAVENPOET. 243
(138.) V. Deodate Davenport of Stamford,
born June 2, 1766, and married to Abigail
Handford, Sept. 25, 1788. Died Oct. 29, 1839.
Mrs. D. died Sept. 6, 1848, in her 80th year.
character is thus described in an article written by the
Hon. Roger Minot Sherman, and published in a newspaper
at the time of his death :
" Dea. Nathaniel Benedict died in Norwalk, on the
morning of the 2d of April, 1806, after a shock of the pal
sy, with which he lingered about twelve days, in the 90th
year of his age. On the 3d, his remains were followed to
the grave by a large concourse of friends and relatives,
among whom were his twelve surviving children, and many
of his more remote posterity. He has left ninety-one
grandchildren, and eighty-eight great-grandchildren, the
whole number of his descendants now living, being 191.
" For about thirty-two years he sustained the office of
Deacon of the First Congregational Church in that town.
Deacon Benedict was one of those venerable personages by
whom what remains of the pious habits of our forefathers
have been transmitted to the present generation. His long
life has been eminently exemplary, and years to come will
feel its happy influence. Every moming and evening
witnessed his devotions. His Sabbaths A^ere faithfully ap
propriated to public worship and religious family instruc
tions. An amiable, cheerful disposition, a sound mind im
proved by a good degree of reading and much reflection,
and adorned vrith a bright constellation of Christian graces,
comprised his character. At his funeral, an appropriate
sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Burnett, from Prov.
xiv. 32 : ' The wicked is driven away in his Avickedness ;
but the righteous hath hope in his death.'' "
244 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
(139.) VI. Nathan Davenport, born Aug.
8, 1768, and married to PoUy Smith, Sept. 14,
1800. Died May 18, 1817.
(140.) VII. John Davenport, bom Jan. 11,
1771, and married EUzabeth Keeler, of WUton,
April 2, 1795. He removed to Charlton, N. Y.,
where he died, Jan. 4, 1834.
(141.) VIH. Elizabeth Davenport, born
March 20, 1773, and died May 30, 1792.
(142.) IX. AbigaU Davenport, bom July
28, 1775. Married to Lebbeus Reed, Oct.
1795. Mr. Reed died at SpencertoAvn, N. Y.,
AprU 22, 1851.
(143.) X. Betsey Davenport, born Oct. 12,
1777. Married Charles Knapp. Died July
28, 1825.
(144.) XI. Ann Davenport, born Nov. 14,
1779. Married Thomas Warren. Died Sept.
22, 1831.
(145.) XII. Clarissa Davenport, born Apidl
25, 1782. Married to Samuel Raymond, June
1804. (There were two other chUdren who
died in infancy.)
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 245
TWENTY-SECOND GENERATION.— CoNimuED.
Iss^te of Silas Da/venport, {No. 103.)
(146.) I. Nancy Davenport, born Dec. 21,
1765, and married to David Maltby, of Stam
ford, by Hon. James Davenport, Nov. 19,
1786. Died in 1815.
(147.) II. Abraham Davenport of Stamford,
born October 30, 1767, and married to PoUy
Brown, October 26, 1798. Died in 1845.
(148.) HI. Mary Davenport, born March
17, 1770. Died March 21, 1848.
(149.) IV. Ebenezer Davenport, bom May
9, 1773. Married Jerusha Aulstine. Died at
Flatbush, N. Y., 1833. No issue.
(150.) V- Rufus Davenport of New York,
born in Stamford, October 18, 1775, and mar
ried to Antoinette Cable, October 23, 1827.
Mrs. Davenport died April 28, 1832.
(151.) VI. Charles Webb Davenport, born
February 9, 1778. Married AmeUa Fitch.
Died in lUinois ia 1843.
(152.) VII. Catharine Davenport, born
February 24, 1783. Married James Palmer.
Died in 1813.
246 FAMILT OF DAVENPOET.
TWENTY-SECOND GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of lieut. Hezekiah Da/venport, {No. 104.)
(153.) I. Pruella Davenport, born August
25, 1764. Married a Mr. Dikem. Died
February 28, 1809.
(154.) IL Martha Davenport, born 1766.
Died November 3, 1807.
(155.) IIL AbigaU Davenport, bom 1768.
Died November 24, 1798.
(156.) IV. WiUiam Davenport, bom in
Stamford, September 17, 1770. Married, 1st,
by the Rev. Amri Lewis, to Theodora Daven
port, November 17, 1799. Mrs. Davenport
died October 29, 1809. Married, 2d, to Nanc$r
Hoyt, June 17, 1810. She died September 28,
1838. Married, 3d, by the Rev. Dr. Todd, of
Stamford, to Anna Tuttle, September 26, 1840.
Mr. Davenport died November 13, 1850, aged
80 years.
(157.) V. Elizabeth Davenport, died young.
(158.) VI. James Davenport, died young.
(159.) VII. Isaac Davenport, died young.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 247
TWENTY-SECOND GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Dea. Samuel Davenport, {No. 114.)
(160.) I. Sarah Davenport, born in East
Haven, January 31, 1767. Married Ira Smith,
in 1784.
~ (161.) II. RosweU Davenport, born in East
Haven, AprU 28, 1768, and married to Esther
Heminway, 1793. Resides at Erie, Pa.
(162.) HI. Llezekiah Davenport, bom ia
East Haven, December 11, 1769, and married
PhUena Pierpont. Mrs. Davenport died Octo
ber 29, 1827.
(163.) IV. Martha Davenport, born Decem
ber 16, 1771. Married to Eh Potter, of East
Haven, in 1793. Died in 1841.
(164.) V. Mary Davenport, born December
16, 1771. Married to John Woodward, of
East Haven, in 1794. He died August 26,
1819. (165.) VL. Street Davenport, born in East
Haven, January 28, 1775, and married to-
Nancy Maria Shults, AprU 19, 1827. Resides
at Townsend, Ohio.
248 PAMILT OP DAVENPOET.
TWENTY-SECOND GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Major John Davenpm-t, {No. 117.)
(166.) I. Elizabeth Huntington Davenport,
born March 4, 1781. Married to the Hon.
Peter W. Radchffe (Judge) of Brooklyn, N. Y,
October 1, 1799. Died May 28, 1850. No
issue. (167.) II. John Alfred Davenport of Brook
lyn, N. Y, born in Stamford, June 24,
1783. Graduated at Yale CoUege ia 1802.
Married Eliza M. Wheeler, February 10, 1806.
(168.) III. Mary Wells Davenport, born in
Stamford, September 12, 1785, and married to
James Boorman, of New York, November 10,
1810. (169.) IV. Theodosia Davenport, born Jan.
31, 1789. Died February 8, 1810.
(170.) V. Dea. Theodore Davenport of Stam
ford, born January 26, 1792, and married by
the Rev. Dr.'-- Spring, to Harriet Grant Chese-
brough, of New York, February 25, 1834.
(171.) VI. Rebecca Ann Davenport, bom
July 7, 1795. Died January 15, 1817.
(172.) VIL MatUda Davenport, born in
Stamford, AprU l'^. 1798, and married to the
FAMILT OP DAATENPOET. 249
Rev. Peter Lockwood, now of Biaghamton,
N.Y.* TWENTY-SECOND GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Hon. James Damenport, {No. 120.)
(173.) I. Betsey CoggshaU Davenport, born
January 27, 1781, and married to Charles W.
Apthorp, of Boston.
(174.) IL AbigaU Fitch Davenport, born
November 17, 1791. Married to Rev. PhUip
Melancthon Whelpley, Pastor of the Fhst
Presbyterian Church, New York.
[Rev. Mr. Whelpley was the son of the
Rev. Samuel Whelpley, formerly of Berkshhe
county, Massachusetts, but, subsequently of
New York. At about the age of eighteen, he
pubhcly professed his faith in Christ by unit
ing Arith the Presbyterian Church in Newark,
New Jersey, under the pastoral charge of Rev.
Dr. Richards. HaAdng pursued a course of
study with his father, he was Ucensed to
preach by the Presbytery of New Jersey, at
the age of nineteen. Before he was twenty
years of age, he was chosen Pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church in New York.
* Rev. Mr. Lockwood graduated at Yale College in
1817. 11*
260 FAMILT OP DAVENPOET.
" Mr. Whelpley possessed pulpit qualifica
tions of the highest order. He was gifted Arith
a very pleasing countenance, aspect, and figure ;
his voice was sonorous, clear, and flexible ia its
tones, his gesture was simple, grave, and ap
propriate. Indeed it is not easy to conceive
of one naturally better qualified for the pulpit
orator. WhUe he did not discountenancer
these advantages by neglect, his heart was too
truly touched by the love of souls to value
them if separated from a simple declaration of
the glorious Gospel of God our Sarior ; but
for mere oratory in the pulpit none could feel
more enthe compassion than he.'! * -Lfi. the
month of March, 1824, he suddenly ruptured a
blood vessel, and the hemorrhage was so great
that his life was considered in imminent danger ;
from this he but partially recovered tUl on the
17th of the foUoAring July (1824), he was
caUed from a station of eminent usefulness to
his crown and reward in Heaven. He died in
the 30th year of his age.]
(175.) III. Mary Ann Davenport, born in
Stamford, November 11, 1793, and was married
* Memoirs of the Rev. Mr. Bruen, p. 181.
PAMILT OF DAVENPOET. 251
to the Rev. Matthias Bruen of New York, Jan.
2, 1823.
[The Rev. Mr. Bruen was descended from
John Bruen, Esquhe, of Bruen Stapleford,
(near the original seat of the Davenports,) in
the County of Chester, one of whose sons,
Obadiah Bruen, was among the earhest Puri
tan emigrants to New England, his famUy
haring been much persecuted in the reign of
Charles I., for theh friendship to the celebrated
Mr. Prynne, at the time of his imprisonment in
the castle of Chester. He was a patentee of
the Colony of Connecticut, from Charles II. in
1662, and was Recorder of New London untU
the year 1667, when he, with the Rev. Abra
ham Pierson of Branford, bought of the In
dians for themselves and their associates, the
now flourishing city of Newark, then caUed
New-work, in New Jersey. In this place his
descendants have since continued to reside.
The Rev. Mr. Bruen, whose father was Mat
thias Bruen, was born in Newark, N. J., AprU
11, 1793. He graduated at Columbia CoUege
in 1812, soon after which he commenced the
study of Theology, with Dr. John M. Mason,
of New York. In 1816, he traveUed in Eu
rope with his distinguished preceptor. In the
252 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
beginning of 1819, being inrited to preach in
the American Chapel of the Oratohe at Paris,
he was ordained in London, and then passed
six months in Paris.
In 1822, he was employed as a missionary
in the city of New York, but refused to receive
any compensation. During his labours in New
York, he coUected the Bleecker Street Congre
gation. Of this people he became the stated
pastor, and continued such tiU his death, Sept.
6, 1829, aged 36 years.
Mr. Bruen engaged eamestly in various be
nevolent iastitutions. He was agent and cor
responding secretary of the Domestic Mission
ary Society, and when it was changed into the
American Home Missionary Society, he stiU
assisted by his counsels. Bible, Sabbath-
School, Tract, and Foreign Mission Societies,
engaged his efforts, and in the Greek cause he
cheerfully co-operated. Hfe was accomplished
in manners, in hterature, and in the knowledge
of mankind. Though possessed of eminent
quaUfications, he felt it his highest honor to lay
all his distiactions at his Master's feet, and de
vote his life to the glory of God and the good
of mankind.
He pubhshed a Sermon at Paris on the death
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 253
of a young lady from New York, and sketches
of Italy. — Memoirs of Bruen a/nd Am. Bio.
Dictionary^ Mrs. Bruen now resides at Newport, R. I.*
(176.) IV. Frances Louisa Davenport, born
November 10, 1795, and married the Rev.
Thomas H. Skinner, D.D., formerly pastor of
the Mercer Street Presbyterian Church, New
York, and now Professor of Pastoral Theology
in the Union Theological Seminary in the same
city. TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.
Issue of Dea. John Davenport, {No. 125.)
(177.) I. John Davenport, born October 27,
1773, and was kUled by a faU from a horse, at
the age of 11 years.
, (178.) H. Ralph Davenport, born 1776, died
1779. (179.) III. Theodora Davenport., born Sept.
27, 1779, and married to WUUam Davenport,
* Mrs. Bruen's present residence at Newport stands up
on the site occupied by her maternal ancestors, two hun
dred year's ago — her mother being a direct descendant of
the Hon. John Coggshall, who was first President of the
Colony of Rhode Island in 1647, under the patent granted
to Roger Williams, by the Earl of Warwick.
264 FAMILY OP DAATENPOET.
son of Lieutenant Hezekiah, Nov. 17, 1799.
Died Oct. 29, 1809.
(180.) IV. WUliam Davenport of New Ca
naan, born in Stamford, March 25, 1781, and
was married by the Rev. Justus MitcheU, to
AbigaU Benedict, daughter of Dea. Isaac Bene
dict, Sept. 12, 1802. She died Oct. 9, 1839,
aged 59 years.
Mrs. Davenport was a woman of much na
tive energy, blended A^dth great mildness and
gentleness of character. Her piety was of a
cheerful cast, lightening every burden of life,
sustaining the heart under trial, sanctifying af
fliction, and rendering the future ever bright
and joyous through the power of dirine faith
and love. Precluded by feeble health for the
most part of her life from pubhc efforts of
charity, her benevolence often exhibited itself
in plans of doing good to those around her and
who came under her immediate influence. But
it was in the private chcle of home that her
rirtues shone most brightly, and where the
happy influence of her serene and cheerful piety
was most apparent. With a strong faith in
the promises of God to parental faithfulness,
she labored dihgently and prayerfuUy to in
spire her children with honorable and right
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 255
impulses, and to train them up for usefulness
and for heaven.
The closiag scene of her Ufe showed most
strikingly the power of Dirine grace to impart
peace and joy to the dying believer. After
weeks of painful sufferiag, which she bore Arith
Christian resignation, she sank to rest whUe re
clining in the arms of the writer. To her may
aptly be apphed the lines of one of our sweet
est female poets : " And thus she stood.
Clad in that panoply of faith and prayer.
Serenely on the verge of three score years^
Prompt at her Master's call, and ripe for heaven:
Then leaning on the breast of filial love
Took her last peaceful sleep. So beautiful.
The pure in heart go forth to meet their God."
Mr. Davenport was again married July 28,
1842, to Mrs. Catharine M. Isaacs, of Brooklyn,
N. Y., in which place he now resides.
(181.) V. Sarah Davenport, born March 5,
1783, and married to Jonathan Bates, of Darien,
June 24, 1804. She died February 17, 1839.
(182.) VI. James Davenport of North Stam
ford, bom February 2, 1787, and married to
Martha Warren, February 6, 1810. Died Oct.
27, 1845.
256 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
(183.) VII. JuUa Ann Davenport, born
Nov. 30, 1794, and married to Jotham Hoyt,
Jan. 4, 1817.
(184.) VIII. John Gaylord Davenport, born
March 6, 1799, died April 1, 1799.
(185.) IX. EUzabeth Davenport, born Oct.
4, 1802, died AprU 12, 1818.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Sa/rah Da/venport, {No. 126.)
( Who Married Monmouth Lounsbury.)
(186.) L Betsey.
(187.) IL SaUy.
(188.) IIL WUham.
(189.) IV. Monmouth.
(190.) V. Nancy.
(191.) VL Polly.
(192.) VLL Jemima.
(193.) VIIL Prudence.
(194.) IX. Deborah.
(195.) X. Tamor.
(196.) XI. John Davenport.
Issue of Rhoda Davenport, {No. 128.)
(Who Married Thaddeus H-uested.)
(197.) L Shadrach
(198.) IL Deborah.
(199.) IIL Catharine.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 257
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of lydia Davenport, {No. 134.)
(Who Married Peter Bishop.)
(200.) L Samuel, bom Nov. 21, 1782.
(201.) IL PoUy, bom Jan. 23, 1785.
(202.) IH. Betsey, born March 26, 1787.
(203.) IV. Darid, born March 6, 1790.
(204.) V. Elsa, born Feb. 11, 1795.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Deodate Da/venport, {No. 138.)
(205.) I. Samuel Davenport of WUton, bom
July 9, 1789. Married Susan Betts, Oct. 30,
181L (206.) H. Handford Davenport, of New
Canaan, born March 10, 1791, and married by
the Rev. WiUiam Bonney, to Hannah St. John,
daughter of Col. Enoch St. John, Sept. 10,
1817. (207.) III. Polly Davenport, born Aug. 31,
1793. Died March 18, 1796.
(208.) IV. Polly Davenport, born June 19,
1796. Married to Amri Scofield, Nov. 25,
1819. (209.) V. AbigaU Davenport, born May 21,
1798. Died Nov. 1, 1825.
(210.) VL Thaddeus Davenport of North
258
PAMILT OP DAATENPOET.
Stamford, bom AprU 2, 1800. Married PeUn-
da Lyon, Feb. 9, 1831.
(211.) VII. Joseph Davenport of North
Stamford, born Jan, 3, 1803. Married to Juha
Young, Sept. 15, 1824.
(212.) VIIL Darius Davenport of North
Stamford, born Dec. 8, 1805. Married to Su
san Betts, of Wilton, Jan. 9, 1832.
(213.) IX. WiUiam Henry Davenport of
Brooklyn, N. Y., born Oct. 27, 1807, and mar
ried to EUen Maria Burdett, May 6, 1835.
Mrs. D. died Oct. 1, 1846, aged 29, and was
buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn,
N. Y. TVi^NTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Contdjued.
Issue of Nathan Da/venport, {No. 139.)
(214.) I. George A. Davenport of WUton,
born Jan. 31, 1808, and married to Mary Stm--
ges. Is Judge of the Probate of Norwalk.
(215.) II. James Smith Davenport of WU
ton, born Sept. 5, 1811. Married Mary 01m-
stead, AprU 6, 1840.
(216.) III. Mary Ann Davenport, bom Dec.
16, 1813. Married to Matthew Smith, Oct. 8,
1833. Mr. S. died July 1, 1841, in the 32d
year of his age.
FAMILT OF DAATENPOET. 259
Issue of John Davenport, {No. 140.)
(217.) I. Elizabeth Davenport, born Sept.
7, 1796, and married to WUham Wheeler,
March 5, 1822.
(218.) IL SaUy Davenport, born Dec. 27,
1799, and was married to Jeremiah Ward,
March 20, 1824. Died August 19, 1826.
(219.) IH. Lewis Davenport, born Sept. 18,
1803, and married to Griswold Maxwell, Jan.
20, 1826.
(220.) Amri Davenport of Charlton, N. Y.,
born AprU 9, 1807, and was married to Mary
E. HaU, AprU 9, 1833. Mrs. D. died Feb. 7,
1842. Married, 2d, to Thhza Redfield, Sept.
15, 1842. TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— CoNxmuED.
Issue of Abigail Da/venport, {No. 142.)
{Who Married Lebbeus Reed.)
(221.) L Darius,
(222.) IL Eliza.
(223.) IIL WUUam.
Issue of Betsey Davenport, {No. 143.)
{Who Married Charles Knapp.)
(224.) I. Samuel, married Eliza Burchard.
(225.) II. Ehza, married Isaac Sterhng.
(226.) IIL Betsey.
260 FAMILT OF DAVENPOET.
Issue of Ann Da/venport, {No. 144.)
(Who Married Thxymas Warren.)
(227.) I. Ephraim Chauncey, born March
13, 1808. Married Elmira Burr, Louisa Tay
lor, and Julia B. Warner.
(^228.) IL Joseph Davenport, born Oct. 2,
1809. Married Maria Jesup.
(229.) IIL John, born Feb. 19, 1813. Mar
ried Caroline Hoyt.
(230.) IV. Elizabeth, born May 16, 1818.
Married Charles Olmstead.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— CoNTmuED.
Issue of Clarissa Davenport, {No. 145.)
{Who Married Samuel Raymond.)
(231.) L Ann, born Feb. 12, 1805. Mar
ried Charles Raymond, of Norwalk.
(232.) IL Clarissa, born March 26, 1806.
Married Nathan Comstock, of Wilton.
(233.) IIL Sally, born Nov. 25, 1807. Mar
ried John Webb, of Stamford.
(234.) IV. John, born July 17, 1809. Mar
ried Elisha Raymond, of Norwalk.
(235.) V. Harriet, born Nov. 4, 1812.
(236.) VI. William, born July 26, 1814.
Married Joanna Morton.
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 261
Issue of Nancy Damenport, {No. 146.)
(Who Married David Maltby.)
(237.) I. WUham Davenport.
(238.) IL Mary Catharine.
(239.) IIL James Rufus.
(240.) IV. John Robert.
(241.) V. Rev. Ebenezer Davenport.
(242.) VL. Albert SUvester.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Abraham Da/venport, {No. 147.)
(243.) I. Julia Davenport, born June 5,
1795, and married to John BurraU, of Nor
walk, by whom she had one son, Samuel
Davenport BurraU, born Sept. 16, 1834.
(244.) II. James SUas Davenport, born No
vember 3, 1797, and died 1846.
(245.) III. Samuel Abraham Davenport,
bom Dec. 24, 1799, and died Dec. 28, 1821.
(246.) IV. EUzabeth Davenport, born Jan.
5, 1802, and married Charles BurraU, of New
York. She died Dec. 3, 1826.
(247.) V. Mary Davenport, bom March
14, 1804.
(248.) VI. HarrietDavenport, bornFeb. 28,
1806. Died Feb. 6, 1827.
(249.) VII. Ebenezer Charles Davenport,
262 FAMILY OF DAVEl^OET.
born October 9, 1809. Died September 15,
1841. (250.) VIII. Catharine Brown Davenport,
born Jan. 6, 1812. Died Jan. 25, 1814.
(251.) IX. WUliam B. Davenport, born
June 27, 1820. Married Frances Potter, of
Providence, R. I. by whom he had one son,
Wilham A. Brown Davenport, born Feb. 24,
1847.
Issue of Rufus Davenport, {No. 150.)
(252.) I. Rufus C. Davenport, bom Sept.
11, 1828. Died Jan. 9, 1832.
(253.) II. George F. Davenport, born Feb.
26, 1830, and graduated at the University of
New York, in 1847. Is now a lawyer in New
York. (254.) Antoinette Cable Davenport, born
Jan. 4, 1832. Died Aug. 16, 1832.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Charles Webb Da/venport, {No. 151.)
(255.) I. Charles Webb Davenport of Cam
bridge, nhnois, born March 22, 1818, and mar
ried to Electa Moore, May 21, 1843.
(256.) II. Thomas Fhch Davenport, of Dh-
nois, born Feb. 6, 1820, and married to Eliza
beth Lloyd, June 22, 1848.
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET. 263
(257.) III. Ameha Lewis Davenport, born
May 18, 1822, and married to Mahlon Lloyd,
Dec. 30, 1844.
(258.) IV. Mary Elizabeth Davenport, born
Dec. 16, 1824, and married to J. Hannaman,
Dec. 11, 1844.
(259.) V. Rufus Adolphus Davenport, born
Jan, 23, 1826. Died Sept. 5, 1833.
(260.) VL, Theodore SUas Davenport, bom
March 29, 1830.
(261.) VII. Edward Adolphus Davenport,
born AprU 11, 1833.
Issue of CatJiarine Da/venport, {No. 152.)
(Who Married James Palmer.)
(262.) I. James, born July 18, 1812, who
Avas adopted by his uncle Eleazar Davenport,
and bears the name of James Davenport. He
married Catharine Eliza Bennett, Oct. 23, 1843.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of WilUam Davenport, {No. 156.)
(263.) I. Hezekiah Ralsea Davenport of
Brooklyn, N. Y., born in Stamford, Feb. 24,
1801, and was married by the Rev. Dr. MUnor,
of New York, to Mary Rapelyea, Sept. 22,
1834. (264.) II. Mary Ann Davenport, born in
264 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
Stamford, AprU 23, 1803, and married by
Rev. Henry FuUer, to Ralph Hoyt, Feb. 28,
1827. Mr. H. died Oct. 28, 1839.
(265.) III. Adolphus Davenport, bom Feb.
9, 1805. Died Oct. 15, 1826.
(206.) IV. SUas Davenport of Brooklyn, N.
Y., born March 16, 1811, in Stamford, and
married in New Haven, by the Rev. Mr. Cleve
land, to Betsey Ann St. John, March 28, 1836.
(267.) V. WUUam Davenport of North
Stamford, born April 22, 1813, and married
to Clarissa RockweU, Feb. 3, 1834.
(268.) VI. Sarah Davenport, born June 10,
1815, and married to John F. RandaU, June
10, 1838, by whom she had one son, John Ed
ward, who died young.
(269.) VII. Emily Davenport, born Sept. 7,
1817, was married to Harvey D. Sanderson,
Feb. 4, 1836.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Sarah Davenport, {No. 160.)
(Who Married Ira Smith.)
(270.) L PoUy, married Urial Lindsley, M.D,
(271.) II. Enos, married Asena Thompson.
(272.) III. John, died young.
(273.) IV. Davenport, died young.
FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
265
(274.) V. Hezekiah, died aged 19 years.
(275.) VL. Nancy, married Levi Thompson.
(276.) VH. Lorinda, married P. A. WU
Uams, M.D.
(277.) VIH. Fanny, married George Dud
ley. (278.) IX. Sarah, married John Stonell.
(279.) X. Isaac, married PoUy WUUams.
(280.) XI. Lura, married Dr. WUUams.*
Issue of RosweU Da/venpmi, {No. 161.)
(281.) I. John Davenport, born AprU 5,
1794. Died June 6, 1815.
(282.) H. Wilham Davenport, of Erie, Pa.,
born Nov. 28, 1796, and married to Phylance
Tracy, October 16, 1823.
(283.) HI. Mary Davenport, bom August
26, 1803, and married to Aaron Waldo, Nov.
1819. (284.) IV. Nancy Davenport, born Dec. 24,
1815, and married to Enos Lyon, in 1836.
Issv,6 of Hezekiah Da/venport, {No. 162.)
(285.) I. Perlina Street Davenport, born
July 31, 1804, and married to Warren Parker,
1827, and died in 1829.
• There were two others who died young.
12
266 FAMILT OF DAVENPOET.
(286.) II. James Percival Davenport, born
Nov. 22, 1807, and removed to South America.
(287.) III. Henrietta Edwards Davenport,
born Jan. 4, 1810, and married Lucius Walker,
of New York, Jan. 9, 1837.
(288.) IV. Nancy Vere Davenport, bom
May 15, 1812, and married to Jacob T. Bond,
of Brooklyn, N. Y., March 14, 1836.
(289.) V. Augusta Davenport, born June
22, 1814, and married to Leonard Currier,
Sept. 10, 1834.
(290.) VI. Frances A. Davenport, bom Jan.
6, 1817, and married to Edward B. Hayes, of
New York, Nov. 20, 1839.
(291.) VHI. Samuel Breck Davenport, of
East New York, born AprU 5, 1819, and mar
ried to Mary Opheha Hunt, May 16, 1841.
(292.) VIII. John Gould Davenport, born
June 16, 1822, and married to Roxanna WU-
cox, August 28, 1844.
(293.) IX. Jane Davenport, born May 17,
1825, died Feb. 23, 1837.
Issue of Street Davenport, {No. 165.)
(294.) I. Sullivan Shults Davenport, born
1828. (295.) IL Mary Hetty Da,venport.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 267.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Martha, Da/venport, {No. 163.)
(Who Married Eli Potter.)
(296.) L Charlotte, bom 1796.
(297.) n. Ehza, born 1799.
(298.) HI. Edward, born 1802.
(299.) IV. Lyman, born 1805.
(300.) V. Amanda, born 1809. Died 1836.
Issue of Ma/ry Da/venport, {No. 164.)
{Who Married John Woodward.)
(301.) L EKza, born May 9, 1802.
(302.) H. John, born August 18, 1807. Died
182L (303.) IH. Lyman, bom Jan. 12, 1810.
(304.) IV. Laura, born Jan. 12, 1810.
(305.) V. RosweU, born Jan. 2, 1811.
(306.) VI. Emehne, bom May 5, 1814.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of John A. Da/venport, {No. 167.)
(307.) I. Juha MatUda Davenport, bom Dec.
26, 1806. Died June 22, 1826.
(308.) n. Rev. John Sidney Davenport,
born in Stamford, Sept. 26^ 1808, Graduated
at Yale College uf 1833. Married to Elizabeth
268 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
S. Leverett, July, 1836. Is now a settled min
ister (Episcopal) at Oswego, N. Y.
(309.) III. Theodosia Davenport, born Nov.
8, 1810, and married to RusseU C. Wheeler,
October 23, 1833. Mr. W. died August
13, 1847.
(310.) IV. Rev. James Radcliffe Davenport,
born Nov. 15, 1812. Graduated at Yale Col
lege ia 1830. Married to Mehitabel W. New
ell, Sept. 7, 1836, Is now a settled minister
(Episcopal) at Albany, N. Y.
(311.) V. Mary Davenport, born Aug. 7,
1814. Married to Joriah W. Wheeler, Oct.
15, 1835.
(312.) VI. Ehzabeth Davenport.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Dea. Theodore Damenport, {No. 170.)
(313.) I. Mary Carohne Davenport, born
Nov. 9, 1836.
(314.) II. Robert Chesebrough Davenport,
bom Sept. 1838. Died May 2, 1843.
(315.) Ill, John Davenport, born Aug. 28,
1840. (316.) IV. James Boorman Davenport, born
December 19, 1842.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 269
(317.) V. Richard Tigbe Davenport, born
Feb. 27, 1846. Died Feb. 8, 1847.
(318.) VI. Helen Matilda Davenport, born
March 9, 1849.
Issue of Matilda Davenport, {No. 172.)
( Who Married Rev. Peter Lockwood.)
(319.) L John Daveuport,* born Oct. 9,
1825. Died December 20, 1844.
(320.) IL Theodore, born June 30, 1827.
Died May 8, 1831.
(321.) IH Radcliffe Boorman, born May
6, 1829.
* John Davenport Lockwood was born in Stamford, at
the house of his maternal grandfather, Hon. John Daven
port. At the age of seven years he gave evidence of a
change of heart, and made a public profession of his faith
in Christ, by uniting Avith the church under the charge of
his father. He was remarkable from the first daAvning of
his boyhood for an early maturity of talent, from which, in
connection vrith his manifest piety, his friends indulged the
hope that he might become a minister of the Gospel, and
an ornament to the Church. In the Fall of 1844, he be
came a member of Yale College, where he suddenly died,
December 20, 1844, and was interred in the burying
ground of New Haven. A marble monument to his me
mory was " erected by his class-mates." — Memoirs of John
D. Lockwood, by his Father.
270 FAMILY OF DAVENPOfiT.
(322.) IV. James Boorman, born May 31,
1831. Died June 3, 1831.
(323.) V. Mary Ehzabeth, born Feb. 28,
1835. (324.) VI. Anna MatUda, bom October 1,
1837. (325.) vn. Theodosia Davenport, bom July
28, 1839. TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Betsey C. Davenport, {No. 173.)
(Who Married Charles W. Apthorp.)
(326.) L Mary MeMtabel, married Rev.
Horace Bushnell, D.D.
(327.) II. Elizabeth CogsweU,
(328.) IIL Frances Louisa.
(329.) IV. Emily Sophia, married Mr.
Sampson, of New York.
(330.) V. Catharine, married Dr. Head.
Issue of Abigail F. Damefvport, {No. 174.)
( Who Married Rev. P. M. Whelpley.)
(331.) I. James Davenport.
(332.) II. Philip Melancthon, died young.
(333.) IIL PhUip Melancthon.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 271
Issus of Mary Ann Da/venport, {No. 175.)
( Who Married Rev. Matthias Bruen.)
(334.) I. Mary Ann Lundie, died young.
(335.) II. Frances Davenport.
(336.) IIL Mary Lundie.
TWENTY-THIRD GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Frances I. Da/venport, {No. 176.)
{Who Married Rev. T. H. Skinner, D.D.)
(337.) I. Mary Ann Davenport.
(338.) II. Frances Davenport.
(339.) III. James Davenport.
(340.) IV. Helen.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.
Issue qf William Davenport, {No. 180.)
(341.) I. Isaac Gould Davenport, born Jan.
17, 1804, and married to Hannah Wilson, Oct.
12, 1831. Died in New York, April 28, 1839.
(342.) II. John WUUam Davenport, born
July 22, 1807. Died at New Canaan, May 26,
1826. (343.) III. Theodore Davenport, born Jan.
15, 1810, and died August 20, 1830.
(344.) IV. Lewis Benedict Davenport, bom
June 24, 1812, Was a school-teacher for
272 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
several years. Died at New Canaan, Dec. 17,
1836. (345.) Mary Jane Davenport, bom March 7,
1814. Miss Davenport was a person of much bene
volence of character. She early devoted her
self to the serrice of Christ. Her heart was
warmly enlisted in the cause of Sabbath-
Schools and Missions. For several years she
was engaged in the profession of teaching, to
whioh she devoted herself with a perseverance
and zeal seldom witnessed. She sought not
only to train the iateUect of her pupUs, but al
so to bring them to the knowledge of Christ.
These labors for their spiritual welfare are stUl
gratefully remembered by some who enjoyed
her instructions. In the Spring of 1836, whUe
teaching in Darien, the scarlet fever broke out
among her pupils. She continued her labors
in the school by day, and watched with some
who were sick at night. She took the disease,
came to her home in New Canaan, where in
less than a week she passed to her eternal rest,
AprU 25, 1836.
(346.) VI. Amri Benedict Davenport, born
in New Canaan, Ct, Oct. 30, 1817, and was
married ia Brooklyn, N. Y., May 2, 1842, by
PAMILY OF DAYENPOET. 273
the Rev. WUliam B. LeAris, to Frances Maria
Isaacs. Mrs. D. died June 9, 1848, and was
buried at Greenwood.
Married, 2d, ia Brooklyn, by the Rev.
Dr. Dwight, Oct. 30, 1850, to Jane Joralemon
Dimon. For fifteen years he has been engaged
as principal of a private school, — now the WU-
loughby-Street Academy, Brooklyn, N. Y.
(347.) VH. Julius Davenport, born in New
Canaan, Ct., May 26, 1821, and married to
Mary Ann Bates of New' York, by Rev. J. W.
M'Lane, June 4, 1846. For several years he
has had charge of a private school, in Brook-
lyn, N. Y.
(348.) VHI. Harriet AbigaU Davenport,
born in New Canaan, May 23, 1824, and mar
ried to Elisha Comstock, of Norwalk, by the
Rev. Theophilus Smith, Oct. 3, 1842.
Issue of Sarah Davenport, {No. 181.)
{Who Married Jonathan Bates.)
(349.) I. John Davenport, born Jan. 19,
1806. Married Sarah BeU.
(350.) II. Charles Augustus, bom Sept. 24,
1807. Married Polly Tuttle.
(351.) IH. Theodore, born Aug. 5, 1809.
12*
274 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
(352.) IV. Sally Elizabeth, bom May 1,
1811. Married WiUiam H. Bates.
(353.) V. Juha, born June 11, 1814 Mar
ried Carmi Betts.
(354.) VL Wah6r Henry, born Oct. 26,
1817. Married Sarah L. Clock.
(355.) VIL Frances, bom Aug. 27, 1819.
Died July 27, 1820.
(356.) VIH. Fanny.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Contdtoed.
Issue of James Davenport, {No. 182.)
(357.) I. John Davenport, bom AprU 9,
181L (358.) II. George Davenport of North
Stamford, born March 24, 1813, and married
to Amanda FuUer, by her father. Rev. Henry
FuUer, Nov. 25, 1841. Mrs. D. died July,
1843. Married, 2d, to Charlotte Warner,
March, 1850.
(359.) III. James Augustus Davenport of
Green Point, N. Y., born July 20, 1818, and
married to Martha Ann Meeker, of Norwalk,
November 4, 1839.
(360.) IV. Isaac Lewis Davenport, born
June 10, 1821, and married to EmUy J. An
dreas, Dec. 3, 1846.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 275
(361.) V. Silvester Davenport, born Feb.
24, 1824, and married Dec. 22, 1847, to Ann
H. Strong.
Issue of JuUa Ann Da/venport, {No. 183.)
(Who Married Jotham Hoyt.)
(362.) L John WiUis, born Oct. 30, 1820.
(363.) IL Mary BeU, born Sept. 27, 1822.
Died Nov. 13, 1843.
(364.) IIL Ameha, bom Oct. 22, 1823.
(365.) IV. Charles Edward, born May 5,
1825. (366.) V. Louisa Maria, born Dec. 1, 1826.
(367.) VL. Juha Augusta, born April 17,
1829. (368.) vn. EmUy Cordeha, born July 26,
1835. TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Contkued.
Issue of Samuel Da/venport, {No. 205.)
(369.) I. Charles Augustus Davenport of
WUton, born August 26, 1812, and married to
Sarah Maria Gaylord, Oct. 16, 1831.
(370.) II. Sarah Louisa Davenport, born
AprU 11, 1816. Died Nov. 8, 1826.
(371.) IH. John Davenport, born May 28,
276 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
1822, and married to Sarah Elizabeth Whit
ney, Sept. 1846.
Issue of Polly Da/venport, {No. 208.)
( Who Married Amzi Scofield.)
(372.) I. Amri Lewis, bom March 6, 1821.
Married Mary Lockwood.
(373.) IL Cyrus, born Jan. 22, 1823.
(374.) III. WUham WaUace, born March
2, 1825.
(375.) IV. Abigail Louisa, bom March 2,
1827. (376.) V. Henry, born AprU 16, 1829.
Issue of Thaddeus Davenport, {No. 210.)
(377.) I. WiUiam Henry Davenport, bom
Nov. 27, 1833.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Contdjued.
Issue of Joseph Davenport, {No. 211.)
(378.) I. EmUy Susan Davenport, born Oct.
23, 1825, and died May 16, 1835.
(379.) II. WiUiam Young Davenport, bom
March 30, 1830.
(380.) III. Caroline Davenport, born May
15, 1837.
FAMILT OP DAVENPOET. 277
(381.) IV. George B. Davenport, born
AprU 6, 1839, and died AprU 18, 1844.
(382.) V. Edward Sherman, born Sept. 13,
1843.
Issue of Darius Da/venport, {No. 212.)
(383.) I. Carohne Davenport, born Feb. 20,
1833. Died March 15, 1834.
(384.) H. Horace Davenport, bom Sept. 22,
1835. Died May 19, 1837.
(385.) IH. Sarah Davenport, bom Nov. 20,
1839. (386.) IV. BurraU Davenport, born Feb. 23,
1849. Died June 15, 1850.
Issue of WilUam Henry Da/venpart, {No. 213.)
(387.) I. WiUiam Henry Davenport, born
AprU 6, 1840.
(388.) II. Sarah EUen Davenport, born Sept.
17, 184L
(389.) III. EUen Maria Davenport, born Aug.
16, 1846.
278 FAMILT OF DAVENPOET.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Oeorge A. Da/venport, {No. 214.)
(390.) L Mary Davenport.
(391.) II. Abby Davenport. ,; ..^^, ^
Issue of James S. Davenport, {No. 215.)
(392.) I. Charles Oscar Davenport, bom
July 31, 1842.
(393.) II. George Alfred Davenport, bom
Feb. 14, 1849.
Issus of Mary Ann Damenport, {No. 216.)
{Who Married Matthew Smith.)
(394.) L Sereno Newton, born Feb. 11, 1836.
(395.) II. Eugene Davenport, born AprU 24,
1839.
Issue of FUzaheth Da/venport, {No. 217.)
(Who Married William Wheeler.)
(396.) Juha Emehne, bom Feb. 22, 1825, and
died Nov. 13, 1846.
(397.) II. Sarah Elizabeth, bom May 16,
1828, and married to Joseph S. Cond6, Dec.
22, 1847.
FAMILT OF DAVENPOET. 279
Isme of Amzi Damenport, {No. 220.)
(398.) L Ann Eliza Davenport, born Feb.
5, 1835.
(399.) IL Mary Elizabeth Davenport, born
Feb. 1) 1842. Died Feb. 8, 1842.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Cha/rles W. Damenport, {No. 255.)
(400.) I. Mary Esther Davenport, bom Jan.
21, 1845.
(401.) H. Pl-isdUa A. Davenport, born Feb.
17, 1847.
(402.) HI. Charles Silas Davenport, born
March 5, 1849.
Issue of Thomas F. Da/venport, {No. 256.)
(403.) I. Thomas WUlett Davenport, bom in
Dlinois, April 22, 1849. Died Sept. 21, 1849.
(404.) II. Thomas Arthur Davenport, born
Dec. 31, 1850.
Issue of Amelia L. Damenport, {No. 257.)
( Who Married Mahlon Lloyd.)
(405.) L Charles, bom October 9, 1841.
Died August 1, 1842.
(406.) II. Florence, bom May, 1844.
(407.) in. Isabel, born November 1, 1849.
280 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Issue of Ma/ry E. Damenport, {No. 258.)
{Who Married J. Hannaman^
(408.) I. Calista, bom January, 1846. Died
September, 1846.
(409.) H. Charles, bom September 23, 1848.
Issue of Ja/mes Damenport, {No. 262.)
(410.) I. Rufus Davenport,* bom December
12, 1844.
(411.) II. Mary Davenport, born November
30, 1847. Died October 9, 1848.
(412.) III. James Davenport, born Septem
ber 29, 1849. Died March 16, 1851.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— CoNxmuED.
Issue of Hezekiah R. Damenport, {No. 263.)
(413.) I. Mary Theodora Davenport, bom
August 3, 1835, and died August 13, 1836.
(414.) II. Frances Victoria Davenport, born
May 29, 1837, and died February 16, 1838.
(415.) III. Ralsa Adolphus Davenport, born
in New York, December 29, 1838. •
(416.) IV. Phebe Cortelyou Davenport,
July 9, 1841.
(417.) V. John Rapelyea Davenport, born
in Brooklyn, Feb. 20, 1844.
PAMILT OF DAVENPOET. 281
(418.) VI. Mary Frances Davenport, bom
Aug. 4, 1846, and died Jan. 30, 1847.
(419.) VII. Caroline Augusta Davenport,
Jan. 16, 1848.
(420.) VIH. WUham Lawrence Davenport,
bom Aug. 28, 1850.
Issue of Mary Ann Damenport, {No. 264.)
( Who Married Ralph Hoyt.)
(421.) L Adolphus, born Aug. 4, 1828. Is
a laAvyer ia New York.
(422.) IL Theodora.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Silas Damenpcyrt, {No. 266.)
(423.) I. Sarah St. John Davenport, born
Nov. 30, 1837, and died Oct. 23, 1838.
(424.) II. WiUiam St. John Davenport, born
ia Brooklyn, Aug. 16, 1840.
(425.) III. Sarah Elizabeth Davenport, born
June 24, 1843.
(426.) IV. Silas Augustus Davenport, born
in Brooklyn, June 27, 1846.
(427.) V. Anna Maria Davenport, born Jan.
27, 185L
282 PAMILT OP DAVENPOET.
Issue of William, Damenport, {No. 267.)
(428.) I. Mary Ann Davenport, born in
North Stamford, Dec. 9, 1834, died AprU 5,
1850. (429.) II. Charles William Davenport,
born March 31, 1836, and died May 9, 1838.
(430.) III. ¦ WiUiam Webster Davenport,
born in North Stamford, Jan. 16, 1839.
(431.) IV. EmUy Clarissa Davenport, born
March 20, 1841.
(432.) V. Henry Adolphus Davenport, bom
March 26, 1845.
Issue of Fmily Davenport, {No. 269.)
( Who Married Harvey Sanderson.)
(433.) I. Adolphus Davenport, born Janu
ary 18, 1837.
(434.) II. Emily Texiana ; died young.
(435.) IIL IsabeUa.
Issue of WilUam Davenport, {No. 282.)
(436.) I. Mary Davenport, born October
5, 1824.
(437.) II. Fanny Davenport, born Decem
ber 11, 1826, and married to William A. Gal-
braith, of Erie, Pa., May 25, 1846.
(438.) III. Sarah Davenport, born March
5, 1829.
FAMILT OF DAiVENPOET. 283
(439.) IV. WiUiam R. Davenport of Erie,
bom July 31, 1831.
(440.) V. Samuel A. Davenport, born Janu
ary 15, 1834.
(441.) VI. Helen Sophia Davenport, born
January 3, 1839.
(442.) VII. Marilla P. Davenport, bom
June 12, 1842.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of Henrietta Fdwa/rds Damenport, {No. 287.)
{Who Married Lucius Walker.)
(443.) I. Aldace Atwood, born June 30,
1838. (444.) II. Alice Henrietta, born February
10, 1841, died AprU 12, 1845.
(445.) III. Edna Minerva, born October
23, 1843.
(446.) IV. Lucius Pierpont, born March 29,
1848.
Issue of Nancy Vere Davenport, {No. 288.)
(Who Married Jacob T. Bond.)
(447.) I. James Davenport, born February
8, 1838, died March 23, 1840.
(448.) II. Leonard Currier, born August 8,
1840.
284 FAMILY OF DAVENPOET.
Issue of Augusta Davenport, {No. 289.)
( Who Married Leonard Currier?)
(449.) I. Frances Augusta, bom January
25, 1836,
(450.) IL Mary Jane, born Jan. 29, 1838.
(451.) III. Henrietta Edwards, born June
15, 1840, died March 25, 1845.
(452.) IV. Julietta Davenport, born June
15, 1840.
(453.) V. Sarah M., born Feb. 6, 1842.
Issue of Samuel B. Davenport, {No. 291.)
(454.) I. James Percival Davenport, bom
February 11, 1842.
(455.) II. Augustus Pierpont Davenport,
born February 23, 1844.
(456.) III. Adalaide Vhginia Davenport,
born July 10, 1846.
(457.) IV. Emma Davenport, born June
13, 1848, and died February 23, 1849.
(458.) Street L. Davenport, born AprU 27,
1850, and died March 25, 1851.
Issxie of John Gould Davenport, {No. 292.)
(459.) I. Franklin Edwards Davenport, born
May 21, 1845.
FAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 285
(460.) n. Elmha M. Davenport, born Sep
tember 7, 1847.
(461.) III. John Pierpont Davenport, bom
December 4, 1850.
TWENTY-FOURTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issu,e of Rev. John S. Damenport, {No. 308.)
(462.) I. Juha Matilda Davenport, bom
January 21, 1839.
(463.) II. Martha Davenport, born January
21, 1840.
(464.) HI. James Davenport, born Decem
ber 17, 1841.
(465.) IV. Elizabeth Davenport, born De
cember 27, 1843.
(466.) V. John Sidney Davenport, born
June, 1846.
Issue qf Theodosia Damenport, {No. 309.)
(Who Married Russell C. Wheeler.)
(467.) I. John Davenport, born August 28,
1834. (468.) IL WUUam, born August, 1836.
(469.) HI. Juha Davenport, born November
10, 1844.
(470.) IV. Theodosia Mary, bom Septem
ber 21, 1847.
286 FAMILY OP DAVENPOET.
Issue of Rev. James R. Davenport, {No. 310.)
(471.) I. Anna W, Davenport, born Febiju-
ary, 1838.
(472.) II. John Alfred Davenport,^ bom
February 16, 1840.
(473.) in. Mary Boorman Davenport, born
February, 1845.
(474.) IV. RusseU Wheeler Davenport,
bom November, 1849.
Issvs of Ma/ry Damenport, {No. 311.)
{Who Married Josiah W. Wheeler.)
(475.) I. Mary Boorman, bom June, 1837.
(476.) II. Elizabeth Davenport, born Jan.
1839. (477.) in. WiUiam, bom July, 1847.
TWENTY-FIFTH GENERATION.
Issue of Isaac Gould Da/venport, {No. 341.)
(478.) L Isabella Augusta Davenport, bom
in NeAfr York, August 1, 1832, and died No
vember 12, 1832.
(479.) n. IsabeUa Augusta Davenport, born
July 25, 1833, and died December 17, 1844.
(480.) III. John WUham Davenport, born
in New York^ July 1, 1835, aj^d died February
26, 1838.
FAMILT OF. DAVENPOET. 287
(481.) IV. Mary Jane Davenport, born
January 31, 1838. Died young.
(482.) V. John WUliam Davenport^ born
January 12, 1839.
TWENTY-FIFTH GENERATION.— CoNimuED.
Issue of Arrizi Benedict Damenport, {No. 346.)
(483.) I. John Isaacs Davenport, bom in
Brooklyn, N. Y., May 16, 1843.
(484.) II. Albert Barnes Davenport, born
in Brooklyn, N. Y., April 3, 1845.
(485.) III. Frances Maria Davenport, born
February 27, 1848, and died a,t New Canaan,
Ct., August 13, 1848. Buried at Greenwood.
Issue of JuUus Damenport, {No. 347.)
(486.) I. WiUiam Bates Davenport, born in
New York, March 10, 1847.
(487.) II. Juhus Bates Davenport, bom in
New York, June 24, 1849.
Issue of Ha/rriet A. Damenport, {No. 348.)
(Who Married Elisha Comstock.)
(488.) I. George WUliam, bom in New Ca
naan, November 22, 1845.
288 FAMILY OF DAATENPOET.
(489.) II. Frances Maria, born October 26,
1848. Died January 9, 1849.
(490.) HL Sarah Ehzabeth, bom November
24, 1849.
TWENTY-FIFTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issue of James A. Damenport, {No. 359.)
(491.) I. Charles Francis Davenport, born
May 5, 1841.
(492.) H. Ralsey Davenport, born Febru
ary 10, 1843.
(493.) III. Emma Louisa Davenport, born
December 17, 1846.
(494.) IV- Jane Amanda Davenport, bom
September 13, 1848.
Issue of Isaac lewis Davenport, {No. 360.)
(495.) I. Sarah Andreas Davenport, bom
October 16, 1847.
PAMILY OF DAVENPOET. 289
TWENTY-FIFTH GENERATION.— Continued.
Issus of Charles A. Davenport, {No. 369.)
(496.) I. Sarah Louisa Davenport, born in
WUton, August 5, 1832.
(497.) II. EmUy Davenport, born June 18,
1834. (498.) in. John Gaylord Davenport, born
November 24, 1839.
Issue of John Damenport, {No. 371.)
(499.) I. Samuel Davenport, born in WU
ton, Oct. 15, 1847.
(500.) IL Thomas Davenport, born Sept.
3, 1849.
13
APPENDIX.
EXTRACT FROM
" The Saint's Anchor-Hold in all Storms and Tempests.
Preached in Sundry Sermone ; and published for the
Support and Comfort of God's People in all times of
Trial. By John Davenport, B.D., sometime Minister
qf St. Stephens', Coleman Street, London, andPastorofa
Church of Christ in New Haven, in New /England.
Heb. vi. 18, 19, 20. — ' Lay hold upon the hope set be
fore us ; which hope we have as an anchor to the soul,
&c,' London : 1661. Reprinted: 1701."
Lam. 3 : 24. — " JTie Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will 1
trust in him."
This book is, according to the judgment of a godly,
learned writer,* an abridgment of all Jeremiah's sermons,
from the thirteenth year of Josiah, unto the fourth of
Jehoiakim ; and that book which God commanded Jeremiah
to write, and to cause Baruch to read publicly, upon the
day of a fast, kept in the ninth month of the fifth year of
Jehoiakim, which afterward Jehudi read unto the king,
sitting by a fire in his winter-house, who was so far from
repenting, that, when he had read three or four leaves of it,
he cut it Avith a penknife, and cast it into the fire, till all
was consumed, and rejected the intercession of some of his
princes, that he would not burn it, and he commanded to
lay hold on Jeremiah and Baruch; but God hid them.
(See the story at large in Jeremiah, 36th chapter.) Where-
*Mr. BroughtoB.
294 APPENDIX.
upon the Lord commanded Jeremiah to write the book
again, with additions, which the same writer thinks was
this chapter, which consists of a threefold alphabet in the
Hebrew. The prophet having discharged his offices, in
laboring to coiiA-ince the Jews of their sins, and to bring
them to repentance ; when he found not the success he de
sired, he falls to lamenting and weeping for their pride and
obstinacy in sin, and teacheth them also how to lament
their own misery in captivity ; and, because there was
among them a basket of good figs, he teacheth them how
to exercise faith and hope in the midst of their sorrows.
Among other passages, my text has a tendency thereunto,
which admits a double consideration : — I. As a part of a
lamentation. II. As an expression of a free spirit. Ac
cordingly I shall handle it, first, as a part of a lamentation.
In verses 17, 18, you may see their deep dejection and
despondency : " I said my strength and my hope is perish
ed from the Lord." In verses 19, 20, 21, you see how
from the good fruit of their affliction in humbling them,
they gather hope. In verses 22, 23, they can see mercy in
God toward them in their affliction. In my text, they are
as men that find rest after their dangers and tossings at sea,
by casting anchor upon firm ground, m a safe harbor.
The Doctrine, note, I collect from the words so con
sidered, is this :
Doctrine — Though it may be the case of true believers
to be greatly dejected for a time, yet, even then, God doth
support their spirits, and quicken their faith and hope in
him. To clear this point, avo must prove two things ; First,
that it may be the case of true believers to be greatly de
jected for a time. This may be abundantly confirmed,
both by the Scriptures in the examples of Job, David,
295
Hezekiah, Asaph, Heman, and of Christ himself, in the
garden, and on the cross, and by reasons of sundry sorts.
Reason I. — From God himself sometimes withholding
the light of his countenance from true believers. Then it
is with, them as it is with the earth, whioh would be cover
ed with darkness, coldness, and deadness, if the light and
influence of the sun were withdrawn from it. He is " the
God of all comfort" (2 Cor. 1:3); without him no true
comfort can be had. Sometimes he creates darkness in the
soul ; t}ien it is filled with fear, and amazement, and dis-
quietment. And thus he doeth for holy and good ends.
First, to confirm believers to Christ, as members to their
head (Rom. 8 : 29). Secondly, to inform them where
their " life is hid," viz., " Avith Christ in God" (Col. 3 : 3),
and that Christ " the last Adam was made a quickening
Spirit " (1 Cor. 15 : 45) ; that thereby he may quicken his
people in God, who quiokeneth the dead, when themselves
had not only a sentence of death in their bodies, as Paul
had (2 Cor. 1 : 9), but also a sense of death in their souls,
as Heman had (Psalm 88 : 5). Thirdly, to reform them.
Partly, for correction for their unthankfulness for former
comforts received from him, and for their not improving them
imto the ends for which he gave them. As a father, when
he seeth his child doth but play with the candle, which he
afforded him to work by, takes it from him, and leaves him
in the dark. Partly, for prevention of spiritual pride (2
Cor. 12 : 7) ; of spiritual wantonness and self-confidence
(Psalm 30 : 6, 7) ; of carnal security (Cant. 5:6); and
sundry other distempers.
Reason II. — From Satan, that envious one, who, as in
the beginning sought to cast Adam out of Paradise, and to
bereave him of his happmess in communion with God, so
now, finding believers in the kingdom of grace, which con-
296 APPENDIX.
sists in righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
when he cannot deprive them of their righteousness, will
endeavor to disturb their peace, and damp their joy ; know
ing that when they perform duties uncomfortably, they do
them weakly, and but by halves. To this end, First, he
strives to hide from them those promises that might com
fort them, when they have most need and use of them, and
he sometimes prevails herein (Heb. 12 : 5). Secondly,
he suggests any word that may terrify them, and presents
to their memory and thoughts former sins, to amaze them.
Thirdly, he presents all things to them in false glasses ; the
comforts of God in a diminishing glass, that God may seem
to them less mercifiil, less gracious than he is, and the pro
mises of God less free, less general than they are ; that all
the consolations of God may seem small things to them
(Job 15 : 11). But he presents to them their sins in a
multiplying glass, that they may seem more and greater
than they are ; their sins as unpardonable ; their miseries
mtolerable, incurable ; their state as desperate. Fourth-
, , he useth his instruments to deal Avith them as the Phi
listines did Adth Isaac, whose wells they stopped up, to
make unprofitable to them wells of salvation, from whence
believers might draw waters of consolation. Thus he used
Saul to banish DaAdd from the ordinances, and Avicked men
to insult and reproach him ; saying, where is now thy God
(Ps. 42 : 3) ? So others, to twit them in their religion,
when they are in distress, saying, Where are now your
prayers, your hearuig, reading, meditatmg, conferring, your
conscientious and exact Avalkiug, your csnfidenee in God ?
You live more dejected than others, and are as fearful as
others, to die. Thus, they thrust, as it were, swords and
daggers into their bones to kill their comforts, as David
there complaineth, verso 10.
297
Reason III. — From themselves. First, Sin presseth
doAvn their spirits, and hinders their cheerful progress in a
Christian course, as weight doth runners in a race (Heb.
12 : 1). Sorrow in the heart pulls it doAvn, especially
when guilt of sin is added to it. When the shoulder is out
of joiat it cannot bear its OAvn pain, much less other bur
dens. So it is Avith the soul ; a wounded spirit who can
bear (Prov. 18 : 14)? Secondly, Their spirit sometimes
suffers from their bodies, by sympathy ; as in melancholy,
which so darkens their imagination that everything seems
dark to them, and so sours their spirits that everything
seems bitter to them, and so fills them Avith fears and sus
picions that everything affrights them. Thirdly, Some
times passion so prevaUeth in them, that the higher.
faculties of the soul are subjected to the affections which so
bemist the understanding that it cannot judge of things ac
cording to right reason ; the conscience becomes suspensive
and wavering, and the memory, like a leaking vessel, lets
the grounds of comfort run out, and be forgotten. Fourth
ly, Sometimes spiritual gifts of grace are not exercised,
but as the body grows listless when some dull humor seiz-
eth, faith is oppressed by unbelief, hope Anth fears ; they
do not put forth themselves to wrestle with God, and stir
up themselves to take hold on him, but yield unto every
temptation and discouragement. Thus you see, that it
may be the case of believers to be greatly dejected for a
time. The second thing to be cleared, is, that though it be thus
Avdth true believers, for a time, yet then God will do two
things for them.
First, He Anil secretly support them, so that they may
say as Paul did, in 2 Cor. 4 : 8, 9, " We are troubled on
13*
298
APPENDIX.
every side, yet not distressed ; we are perplexed, but not
in despair ; persecuted, but not forsaken ; cast down, but
not destroyed." God dealt Avith the basket of good figs in
captivity, as Christ did with Peter, who first let him see
his oAvn weakness, in the water, then quickened him to cry
unto him for help, and then stretched forth his hand and
withheld him (Matt. 14 : 30, 31). So the Lord left the
church so far that they complained, my hope is perished
from the Lord ; yet speedily raised them up in sight of
his mercy, to trust and hope in him. In like maimer he
supports believers.
Reason 1. — From God's unchangeableness in his love ;
and unchangeableness in doing them good (Isa. 64 : 5 ; and
40 : 27, 28, 29, 31).
Reason 2. — From God's faithfulness in his covenant and
promises (Isa. 54 : 8, 9 ; Ps. 37 : 24; Heb. 13 : 5). He
wUl quicken their faith, to look unto himself for relief and
comfort, m such times (2 Chron. 20 : 12 ; Ps. 121 : 1, 2 ;
Jon. 2 : 3, 4), for these reasons :
Reason I. — From the efficacy of the spirit of faith in
them. As the needle in the compass being touched with
the loadstone, though it may be removed and shaken this
way and that, for a time, yet resteth not tUl it point to the
north ; so the soul, being touched by the Spirit of Grace,
though it may be forced by temptation from its bent for a
time, yet it hath no rest till it stand Godward. They may
by temptations be as sheep driven from mountain to
mountain, and forget their resting place (Jer. 50 : 6).
But the spirit of faith iu them Avill cause them to return
unto God, and to say as David (Ps. 116 : 7): "Return
unto thy rest, O my soul." Believers ai'e like Noah's
dove, that finding no rest for the soles of its feet, in the
299
deluge, returned unto the ark. Other men AvUl, like the
raven, be soon satisfied with other things.
Reason II. — From the suitable operation of God's Spirit
in them unto the end of Gcod's afflicting them. God's end in
afflicting his children is to drive them from all other things
unto himself For he corrects them for their good. (Heb.
12 : 10.) And it is good for them to draw near to God.
(Ps. 73 : 28.) When afflictions work us thereunto, it is
from the Spirit's sanctifying operation in them. For, first,
afflictions cannot work thus of themselves, but rather set
men further off from God by discontentment Avith his Pro
vidence, because it crosseth their carnal affections. And,
secondly, Tlie Soul itself is apt to misgivings in such cases,
and to have hard thoughts of God. And, thirdly, Satan
takes such occasions to breed and increase a distance and
division between the soul and God. Therefore, it must be
from the sanctifying operation of God's Spirit in them, and
with them, when they work this good (Rom. 8 : 28).
Use I. — For instruction.
1. Here we may see the difference between believers
and others, in their dejected condition. First, Believers
have the spirit of faith in them, whereby the Soul, though
it may be overborne by passion and temptation for a time,
yet will work itself into freedom again, as oil Avill be up
permost. The spirit, as a spring, Avill be cleansing itself
more and more, from that mud that is in it. But the heart
of unbelievers is like a standing pool, where that which is
cast into it rests. They are like the sea, where trouble and
unquietness are in their proper place (Isa. 57 : 20). True
rest and peace are forever separated from sin and any soul,
till the breach between God and the soul be made up by
faith in Christ.
Secondly, Believers have an interest in God, and he in
300 APPENDIX.
them, through Jesus Christ. Hence they are kept, as in a
garrison, by his mighty power, through faith unto salva
tion (1 Pet. 1 : 5), through the intercession of Christ
(Luke 22 : 3), by the Spirit of Christ, dwelling with
them, and who shall be in them, and abide Avith them, for
ever ; so that they shall not be left comfortless (John 14 :
16, 17, 18). Hereupon Paul triumphed in Rom. 8 : 35,
&c. ; where he puts the question about persons, and an
swers about things ; neither shall separate them fi-om the
love, which either Christ bears to them, or they to Christ.
Sin cannot separate them from Christ's love to them, be
cause he hath more than conquered it, by his oato power.
Tribulation cannot separate believers from the love they
bear to Christ, because they shall more than conquer it, by
the power of Christ. It is not our hold of God and Christ;
but God's and Christ's hold of us, that keeps us to him.
The root bears us up, not we the root (Rom. 11 : 18). This
Asaph acknowledged unto God, when his feet were almost
gone, his steps had well nigh slipped ; saying, nevertheless I
am continually with thee, thou hast holden me by my right
hand (Ps. 73 : 2, 23). But unbelievers are "vidthout
Christ, and Avdthout God in the world" (Eph. 2 : 12).
Therefore when their creature comforts faU them, they are
as a ship tossed in the sea without a pilot, and Arithout an
anchor, which soon is bulged upon rocks, or falleth upon
quicksands, haAdng no God to guide or support them.
2. Hence we may leam how to carry ourselves towards
aflSicted, dejected Christians. Judge mercifully and wisely
of poor weaklings (Ps. 41 : 1). Men are apt, through
want of Avisdom and love, to misapprehend the causes of
their dejectedness. It is the less to be Avondered at, that a
heathen king misinterpreted the dejected countenance of
Nehemiah (Neh. 2 : 2), seeing godly Eli miscensured
301
Hannah, as a distempered woman, when she was in bitter
ness of spirit (1 Sam, 1 : 14, 15), and Job's friends mis
judged him for his afflictions, and men generally miscon
strued Christ's sufferings (Isa. 53 : 4, 5). They are not
always the best that are merriest, nor tliey the merriest in
the heart that are so in the face. Nor are they always
of the weakest faith or spirit, who are sometimes deject
ed, as we see Joshua was, in Josh. 7th. Therefore be
not rash or harsh in censuring the dejected ; but rather
work Avith God for their support and comfort. Two
things are required hereunto ; knowledge and goodness
(Rom. 15 : 14). The first wUl make you able, the second
Avilling, to be helpful to such. Labor to abound in both.
First, in knowledge both of the word (Col. 3 : 16), and of
the temper of the party, that you may speak to them
suitably and seasonably (Isa. 56 : 4). Second, in goodness,
to pity them, to pray for them, and to set them in joint.
(Gal. 6 : 1).
3. As for yourselves, beware that you misjudge
not your own estate towards God, under such dejections,
but know that, if ever you had any clear testimony of
God's love to you in Christ Jesus, the love of God toward
you is unchangeable, it is an everlasting love (Jer. 31 : 3).
Therefore hold the confidence and rejoicing of your hope
firm unto the end (Heb. 3 : 6), and say Avith the Church
in Mich. 7 : 8 — " When I sit in darkness the Lord will be
a light unto me."
Use II. — ^For admonition.
Take heed of placing your comfort too much in the crea
ture, which being subject to change and inconstancy, will
be apt to breed disquietment. Vexation inseparably fol
lows vanity, when vanity is not apprehended to be where
302 APPENDIX.
it is. In what degree any are lifted up in expectation of
satisfying good from creatures, or overjoyed Avith the com
forts of them, in that degree they are dejected in the dis
appointment of their hope, and distressed in the loss of
creature contentments. Inordinacy of affections embitters
all afflictions. Hence arise those bitter complaints ; I had
settled my contentment and hope in such a friend, or rela
tion, but now they are gone, and Avith them all my joy is
gone. Woe is me, I am undone ! Therefore Agar prayed
wisely in Prov. 30 : 8 — " Remove far from me vanity and
lies," i. e., vain and false apprehensions, whereby the affec
tions are too strongly fixed upon things that are vain and
lying, promising that contentment which they cannot yield.
Confidence in vanities makes them idols, and makes the
heart vain like the things it relies upon (Ps. 115 : 8). They
shall find continual disquietment who walk in a vain
shadow (Ps. 39 : 6). The best remedy against this is,
by dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, to abide
under the shadow of the Almighty (Ps. 91 : 1, 2).
Lam. 3 : 24. — '^The Lord is my portion,'' S^c.
The words having been considered as they lie in the con
text as a part of a lamentation, we proceed to handle them,
as in my te.xt they hold forth the expression of a free
spirit ; that is, of a spirit set at liberty from those sad
perplexities, Avherein it hath been entangled and held under
deep dejection and despondency. The text thus considered,
containeth tho anchor-hold of a tossed, afflicted spirit,
Avherein three particulars are to be noted. 1st. An asser
tion, " The Lord is my portion;" 2d. A proof of it.
303
" Saith my soul;" 3d. A consectary, or inference from the
premises, " Therefore -will I hope in him." I Avill speak
only of the first at this time : " The Lord is my portion."
Now, a part, or portion, is not to be taken here in a mathe
matical or common use of that word, as denoting a part of
a whole, as it is frequently in Scripture, when that part of
estate which parents give their children is called their por
tion (Gen. 31 : 14) ; and that part of the spoil, which is
the soldier's share, is their portion (Gen. 14 : 24) ; and
that dimension of food which is allowed unto any is called
their portion (Deut. 18 : 8) ; and the alms given to
the poor is called their portion (Eccl. 12 : 2). For
God is not parted or divided, and distributed among
his people, so that one hath one part of him, another,
another part of God ; but every one hath whole God,
wholly, as the whole sun shines to every, one ; in which
respect, God is called a sun (Ps. 84 : 11). Therefore,
God is said to be his people's portion, not in a compara
tive, but in an absolute sense, God himself is theirs, a suit
able and all-sufficient good to them. They have not only
gifts and all good things from him, but himself also to be
their God, in the covenant of grace, through Jesus Christ.
He is their portion, though not formally, yet in two senses.
First, objectively, as he is their ultimate end, and chief
good. Second, casually, as he gives, together with him
self, in Christ, all good to them. The Doctrine, note, shall
be this :
Doctrine. All true believers have such a blessed inte
rest in God as renders him their portion. It is the voice of
faith, to say, " The Lord is my portion :" others may say,
The Lord is an all-sufficient portion ; but only believers can
say, The Lord is my portion. Because only faith interests
a man in God, and appropriates him to him. This, faith
304 APPENDtX.
does by a double act. First, by a direct act whereby true
believers see in God those properties which are required in
a satisfying portion. They are three : 1. all-sufficiency; 2.
perpetuity ; 3. safety in placing his happiness and full con
tentment there. All these, the Scriptures declare to be in
God alone. 1. A sufficiency (Gen, 17: 1; Ps. 84: 11);
2. Perpetuity. It tells us, that he is without shadow of
change (James 1 : 17), and that he AriU never fail nor for
sake his people (Heb. 13 : 5) ; 3. Safety in placing all our
contentment and happiness in him alone (Ps. 144 : 15),
Second, by a reflected act of faith, a believer seeth his pe
culiar right and interest in God as his portion. Hence
David saith : " The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance,
and of my cup" (Ps. 16 : 5) ; and " thou art my portion, O
Lord" (Ps. 119 : 57) ; and Asaph, "Whom have I in heaven
but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire be
sides thee." And again ; " God is the strength of my heart,
and my portion forever" (Ps. 73 : 25, 26). To clear this,
two things must be added : 1st, The grounds, whereupon
the saints have claimed this interest in God, as their por
tion ; 2d. The use they have made of God, under this
notion and relation. For the first, their title unto God as
their portion, is founded : 1st, in God's voluntary and free
donation of himself to them, in the covenant of grace,
whereby both they become his portion (Deut. 32 : 9),
" The Lord's portion is his people," and he becomes their
portion. " The portion of Jacob is the former of all things ;
the Lord of Hosts is his name" (Jer. 10 : 16). An act so
done, by one that is sui juris, is a strong binding act, as
Peter argued in the case of Ananias (Acts 5 : 4). It Avas
free and deliberate, and therefore exceedmgly dishonorable
to break it. God stands much upon his honor in this (Ps.
305
89 : 34), " My covenant will I not break." And (Ps. Ill :
5) " he vrill ever be mindful of his covenant."
2d. This donation is confirmed sundry ways : 1st. By
oath (Ps. 89 : 35), " Once have I sworn by my holiness."
Again ; in Ps. 105 : 9 — " he remembered his oath unto
Isaac." The covenant of grace, whereby God gives himself
to be his people's God and portion, Micah saith, God hath
unto our fathers from the days of old (Micah 7 ult).
Which also Zechariah declares to be performed when he
sent Christ (Luke 1 : 73). 2d. By seals : as circumcision
is called a seal of the righteousness which is by faith
(Rom. 4 : 11); because it eternally sealed the covenant
whereby God becomes the God of his people (Gen. 17 : 7,
11). So it is Arith both the sacraments of the New Testa
ment, by parity of reason. 3d. By marriage unto Christ
(Hosea 2:19, 20). Agreements upon marriage are firm,
because upon rational consideration. A consideration in
serted adds weight to a deed and covenant. The considera
tion is, that we shall be joined unto the Lord Jesus, and
then all the promises of God in him are yea and amen to
us, in him (2 Cor. 1 : 20). And Christ's God and Father
is our God and portion (John 20 : 17). 4th. By a recov
ery after judgment, if I may so speak, when, after they
are fallen into God's displeasure, and returned to him, with
repentance for and from their sins,* and renewing their faith
in Christ, they have renewed their taking hold of the cove
nant, and have pleaded it Arith God, and their plea hath
been accepted. Thus did Moses for Israel after they had
sinned in the matter of the golden calf (Ex. 32 : 10, 13),
and the Israelites for themselves (Isa. 63 : 10, 16, 17, 19).
The second thing to be shovra is, what use the saints have
made in their right and interest in God as their portion.
306 APPENDIX.
They have made use of him thus, both for themselves and
others. 1st. For themselves. 1. To glory in God; "this
God is our God" (Ps. 48 ult). 2. "To delight them
selves in the Lord," in confidence of his goodness to them,
in the midst of temptations (Ps. 37: 4). Whence follow
eth a rolling of themselves upon him in all their ways and
difficulties, verse 5 ; and a patient waiting upon God in
delays, with hope of a good issue — verse 7. 2d. For
others, whether they be friends or enemies, or of a middle
sort. I. Friends. A poor believer can pleasure his rich
est friends out of this, his portion, his God. This is a
prophet's, and a righteous man's reward (Matt. 10 : 41).
Thus Paul abundantly recompensed all his friends and
well-Arishers out of his portion (Phil. 4 : 19). "My God
shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory
by Jesus Christ." II. Enemies. In Jesus Christ, all be
lievers have sufficient help from God against all sorts of
enemies, and can, in a holy manner, challenge them to do
their worst, and triumph over them, before the battle,
upon this assurance, " My God will help me ; therefore, I
shall not be confounded" (Isa. 50 : 7, 8, 9). Other men
are strong in men, in arms, in shipping, in fortifications,
&c. A believer hath all in God ; he is " strong in the
Lord, and in the power of his might" (Eph. 6 : 10). III.
A middle sort. Laban fared the better for Jacob ; Poti-
phar, Pharaoh, and all Egypt, for Joseph ; the Sodomites
for Lot ; the mariners, and all that were in the sliip, for
Paul (Acts 27 : 24); the world, for the saints; for the
holy seed are the props that shore up the places where
they live, that the wrath of God doth not overAvhelm them
(Isa. 6 : 13.)
Use I. — For Instruction : Hence Ave learn to behold and
admire the excellence and happiness of every ti'ue believer
THE saint's AJSrCSOE-HOLD. 807
in his portion. The All-sufficient God is their portion ; his
greatness, power, mercy, grace, goodness, faithfulness, for
giveness, justice, all are for them ; and that they may pos
sess him as their portion, He gives them his Son to be
theirs, through faith, and Arith him all things (1 Cor. 3 :
21, 22, 23). Thus, " The brother of low degree is e^xalted "
(James, 1 : 9). He hath the best portion that God can
give, and upon the best assurance that God can make
(Heb. 6 : 18). Hence David calls such, "the excellent
ones'' (Ps. 16 : 3). He had conversed with rich men, great
men, wise men, after the flesh ; yet he called none of them
excellent ones ; he well knew that the righteous is more
excellent than his neighbor (Prov. 12: 16).
Use II. — For Exhortation : 1. Generally to all, to make
out for this portion. To this end wait upon God in his or
dinances, Arith thirsty souls ; it Arill not be in vain (Isa.
55 : 1, 2, 3; Prov. 8 : 34. 35). For thereby, either it
shall be cleared unto you, that the Lord" is your portion, or
the Lord Arill become your portion. And he is so unto
them, in whom faith is wrought in Christ by the Spirit, in
the ministry of the Gospel. They that can say to Christ
Arith Thomas, " My Lord and my God " (John 20 : 28),
may also say to God, vrith David, in Ps. 142 : 5, " O Lord,
thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the liv
ing." This is the pririlege of those who answer God's
call by joining to him in covenant. So saith the Lord :
" I entered into covenant Arith thee, and thou becamest
mine" (Ezek. 16:8); and again, in Hos. 2 : 23, " I Arill
say unto them which were not my people, Thou art my
people, and they shall say, Thou art my God."
To persuade you thereunto, consider, 1, — Everyman de
sires to have the best for his portion in other things, in
308 APPENDIX.
houses, land, food, apparel, cattle. But this portion is
simply, absolutely the best. This Christ tea<ieth in Luke
16 : 12. This he calls our own, those "another man's,"
When a man views houses, or surveys land, or tells money
for another man, his heart is not so affected Arith them, as
when he views, surveys, tells for himself. Propriety draws
and engages the heart, to that wherein a man hath a pro
perty, though it be but mean and worthless, and carrieth
the heart after it ; much more, when propriety and a most
worthy property meet together ; as David found this to be,
Ps. 4 : 6, 7. 2d, The misery of those that have not this
portion (Eph. 2 : 12). Little, or rather no cause, have
such to bless themselves in their worldly portions and pos
sessions, as worldly men are apt to do (Ps. 49 : 18). For
they " have their portion only in this life," which is but a
vapor. But believers are happy in their portion in God,
both in and after this life : for they " shall behold his face
in righteousness, and shall be satisfied when they awake in
his likeness" (Ps. 17 : 14, 15). Attend, therefore, in time,
to the counsel of Christ, in Rev. 3 : 17 : 18.
2. Especially to believers, to behave themselves as it
becomes those who have God for their portion. That you
may so do, first, professedly avouch God to be your por
tion (Deut. 26 : 17). This is done in three ways. First,
When you set your love upon him, with such an esteem of
him as is meet for such a portion. " Where a man's trea
sure is, there wUl his heart be also" (Matt. 6:21). Let
God be your treasure. When you look upon all things in
the world, single out those wliich you account most amia
ble, desirable ; then ascend in your thoughts to heaven, and
contemplate all the excellencies there ; the rivers of plea^
sure, the blessed fellowship of saints in glory ; each of
them as dear to one another as if all relations of husbands
309
and wives, of parents and children, and friends, were in
every one of them ; yet let God and Christ be above them
aU. So did Asaph (Ps. 73 : 25). So AriU every one that
knows God's name aright (Ps. 91 : 14). " Because he
hath set his love upon me, therefore AriU I deliver him, I
wUl set him on high because he hath known my name."
Secondly, When you are content to part Arith all to enjoy
him alone. A maid Arill say of a man whom she loves :
I will have him, though I beg my bread with him. A man
AriU lay out his estate in suit for his OAvn. Thirdly, When
you Uve in the world with affections free from worldly en
gagements, as pilgrims, whose hearts are at home when
their feet are travelling abroad. Again, possess, use, and
enjoy God as your portion. — Thus, 1st, Live upon God as
the IsraeUtes in Canaan did upon their lots and inherit
ance; live upon God's favor in Christ (Ps. 30 : 5), and
upon his promises (Isa. 38 : 16). Live by the faith of the
Son of God (Gal. 2 : 10), fetching all your comforts
thence. 2d, Walk Arith God (Gen. 5 : 24), and work in
God (John 3 : 21). Marry in the Lord, live unto the
Lord, exalting his ends and rules in all things. 3d, Cast all
your care upon him (1 Peter 5 : 7). You may try men
in smaller things, before you trust them vrith greater ; es
peciaUy if they be strangers. But it is dishonorable to
God, if you do not, at the first, trust him Arith all you
are, and have. When men's hearts sink in every danger,
it is from a defect, either of faith or in faith. See how
Christ reproveth Peter (Matt. 14 : 30, 31). David's first
recourse was to God, and whatever means he used, he
looked up to him (Ps. 5 : 3). 4th, Live contentedly,
when you enjoy God in his ordinances, vrithout covetous
ness (Heb. 13 : 5), and without discontentedness, because
310 APPENDIX.
of outward afflictions or wants. Darid, as he was the
sweet singer of Israel, so expressed a sweet frame of spirit,
in 2 Sam. 23 : 5, " He hath made with me an everlasting
covenant, ordered in all things, and sure ; this is all my
salvation and all my desire," &c. 5th, Make up all your
happiness in God. A worldly man, when he views his
houses, lands, cattle, bams filled with corn, &c., his heart
is cheered like that rich fool in Luke 12 : 19 ; but see the
vanity of that joy in the answer of God to him, verse 20.
But a true believer hath true cause of rejoicing in his por
tion, haring such an estate in God, and Christ, and the
covenant, that he shall want nothing (Ps. 23 : 1). His
down-lyings and up-risings, himself and his children, are
well provided for. What though his estate lieth not in
lands, or monies, or plenty of corn or cattle ? he hath that
which is better for his portion. A believer is a citizen of
heaven ; there is his inheritance ; things on earth are added
to him, only pro viatico, while he is traveUing thitherward,
[The foregoing extract comprises about one-eighth part of the mat
ter contained in " The Saint's Anchor Hold," upon the same subject,
and is here introduced to show the spirit and style of the preacher, " in
whose heart" (remark the Rev. Messrs. Hooke and Caryl in their in
troductory epistle to the work) " the text had been written by the
Spirit of God, long before these discourses were penned by their
author."]
LETTERS AND EXTRACTS.
[To THE Rev. AV. Davenport Bromley, of England, my special ac
knowledgments are due for obtaining the following Letters of Rev. John
Davenport to Lady Vere. Having heard that such Letters existed in
the British Museum, and Mr, B. having kindly offered further to assist
me in my researches — just as the work was going to the printer, the
18th of March, 1851, — I wrote to him, expressing my desire, if possi
ble, to secure copies of at least a portion of them. The 2d of May
found me in the receipt of the Letters, which, after a whole day's
search, were found {Catalogue Ayscough, " Letters of Divines, Mu
seum BaiTANNicuM BiBL,, BiROHiAN I 1275, Plut..CVII. D.") and
copied by Mr. Bromley. Their arrival was nearly at the time the
printing had proceeded to the point where the Letters are inserted. As
reference has already been made to the Appendix, they are here intro
duced, independent of the previous arrangement of this portion of the
book. Lady Mary Vere (as I gather from AVood, and others) was the
daughter of Sir John Tracy, Kt. of Tuddington, County of Gloucester.
Her husband was Horatio, Lord Vere, baron of Tilbury, the son of John
de Vere, the fifteenth Earl of Oxford. During the reign of Charles I.
he went into Holland as commander of a regiment sent to join with
the united princes of Germany. He is characterized by Fuller in his
" Worthies," as " of an excellent temper ; it being true of him what
is said of the Caspian Sea, that it doth never ebb nor flow, observing a
constant tenor, neither elated with success nor depressed by defeat."
He died the 2d of May, 1635, and was interred near his brother Sir
Francis Vere, in AVestminster Abbey. Between Lady Vere and Mr.
Davenport there appears to have existed a warm friendship, evidently
growing out of a similarity of religious views and feelings, and their
mutual trials. But the Letters will amply speak for themselves. A. B. D.
312 APPENDIX.
Me/o. John Da/venport to Lady Vere.
To the truly noble a-nd worthy the Lady Vere, these be directed in Hague.
Coleman Street, [London,] Jan. 18, 1627.
Madam :
A LINE to me from your Honor would have been to
me good news from a far country. Mr. More was a
welcome messenger, when he gave me assurance of your
safe arrival after so dangerous and troublesome a voyage.
He that delivered you on the sea AriU preserve you al-o in
the land. How safe are you. Madam, that are hid under
his Arings, and held in his hands. In nothing be careful,
but in all things let your requests be made knoAvn unto
God, with prayers and supplications, and giving of thanks.
Keep a record of special mercies, they AriU much strength
en you against future fears. I hope to wait on your Honor
in England again, ere long, if that be true which I Avrote to
my lord. If not, yet while I live I hope to meet you daily
in presenting our offerings and sacrifices at the door of the
sanctuary. Be confident of this, that I am ever mindful of
your Honor, making mention of you in my secret prayers,
night and day. I beseech your Ladyship that I may still
enjoy the benefit and assistance of your prayers, which I
am sure have been accepted, and AriU stiU prevaU vrith our
All-sufficient God, through the medium of om- Lord and
Savior. Good Madam, let me prevail vrith you to take
the encouragement whioh God gives you ; — set a higher
price on your prayers. Use and enjoy that interest AA-hich
you have in God's favor through Christ. If earthly men
can give good things to their children, what good thing can
your heavenly Father deny you ? only believe steadfastly ;
ask in faith, and waver not. You have an unjust judge
LETTERS Airo ESTEACTS. 313
granting the request of a strange Aridow; a sleepy man
satisfying the importunate desire of his neighbor, when he
comes unceasingly ; and will not the righteous God who is
faithful in his promises, grant the petitions of his children,
whose prayers are always tn season to him who command
eth them to pray always 1 Hagar was a bond-wo
man cast out of the church — she prayed not, but wept ;
she looked not up to God, but upon her Ishmael — that
scoffing Ishmael ; yet God heard and helped her. Will he
not much more regard Sarah, who leaves her own country
and father's house, to go with Abraham, in obedience to God,
when she seeketh his face by prayer for herself and family,
wherein God's name is called upon ] Doubtless He AriU
hear when she prayeth, and before she speaketh He wUl
answer. Here stay up your heart, good Madam, and re
joice in the Lord. Many prayers must be denied and re
fused if you want anything that is good. But that I may
not tire you with too much scribbling for conclusion oi
these rude lines written in too much haste, let me entreat
your ladyship to present my service to my Lord Horton,
and his good lady ; excuse my not writing to them at this
time by the haste of this bearer, Mr. Robert Hyrick, whom
I presume to recommend to your notice, beseeching you to
remember my Lord of his promise to hasten his preferment,
with whom also I join Mr. Humfrey, who still waiteth in
the city, expecting resolution from your Honor, how to dis
pose of himself If I had but a little more time I would
have written to Mr. Balinford and Mr. SedgArick, to whom
I desire to be affectionately remembered.
I rest your honorable Ladyship's much obliged,
John Davenport.
14
314 APPENDIX.
Bev. lohn Davertport to Lady Vere.
London, June 30, 1628.
Madam, Since my recovery out of a dangerous sickness, which
held me for a week or fortnight before Shrove-tide, to as
long after Easter, (for which I return most humble and
hearty thinks to the God of my life, the Father of mercies),
I have had divers purposes of writing to your Honor, only
I delayed in hope to write somewhat concerning the event
and success of our High Commission troubles. But I have
hoped in vain, for to this day we are in the same condition
as before delayed to the finishing of this session in Parlia
ment, which now is inhappily concluded without any satis
fying contentment to the King or commonwealth. Threat-
eniugs were speedily revived against us by the new bishop
of London, Dr. Laud, even the next day after the conclu
sion of their session. We expect a fierce storm from the
enraged spirit of the two bishops. Ours, as I am informed,
hath a particular aim at me upon a former quarrel, so that
I expect ere long to be deprived of my pastoral charge in
Coleman Street. But I am in God's hand, not in theirs, to
whose good pleasure I do contentedly and cheerfully com
mit myself. If it be his will to have me laid aside as a
broken vessel of no use, his will be done, and blessed be
his name that he hath served himself of me hitherto. If
other\rise he be graciously pleased to continue me in my
station and ministry, he is able to keep that Avliieh I haA-e
committed to him, and I avUI Avait on his goodness, how
ever things succeed on earth. If he will not deliver me out
of the mouth of the lions, yet he avUI deliver me from
every evil work, and will preserve me to his heavenly
LETTEES AND EXTEA0T8. 315
kingdom. In the midst of these troubles the Lord hath
not left me Arithout many comforts, among which, the re
membrance of your former favors, and the assurance of the
present help of your prayers which I know prevail much
with God, thrmjgh Jesus Christ our Lord, doth exceedingly
comfort me/ 1 rejoice much when I hear of your health
by your noble and worthy son-in-law, in whom I ac
count your Honor and his Lady, your virtuous daugh
ter, very happy as in one whom I am persuaded will far
exceed the most of our nobility in the truest worth.*
But much more did T rejoice to hear from him the continu
ance of your resolution to do God all the service you can
in your place, whereunto the good hand of God I am confi
dent hath brought you for some special end. The whole
country looks upon your personal carriage, and upon your
ordering of your family. Concerning your remove from
the Hague, Dr. Sibbs and I have had some conference. We
both agree in this conclusion, that in case absolute necessity
do not enforce, you should not remove your dwelling both
in respect of the benefit your family may have by being
members of a congregation besides their help at home
and in respect of the help and encouragement the ministry
and cause of Religion at the Hague may have by your con
tinuance and example. The glory that may redound to God,
* Her son-in-law here referred to, I suppose to have been Thomas,
Lord Fairfax, who after leaving College spent some years in martial
discipline under the command of Lord Vere, and who married Anne,
one of his daughters, by whom he had Mary and Elizabeth ; the first
of whom was married to George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, Nov.
19, 1657. Lord Fairfax was one who warmly espoused the parliamen
tary side in the civil wars, and contributed much to the gaining of the
celebrated battle of Naseby. He was shipped in 1648 lo the Hague.
At the restoration of Charles II. he was formally reconciled to that
monarch. He died in 1676. a, b. d.
316 APPEISTDIX.
and the good that may accrue to your famUy by your con
tinuance there, Arill recompence the loss you sustain in your
outward estate, but if this be not sufficient, we desire that
you should propose the question with your OAvn opinions
and reasons more fully ; and we AriU endeavor to satisfy
your Ladyship by a more full answer. Mr. SedgArick
Avrote to me for a prayer for Sir Edward Vere.* I have
one in readiness for him if that I may hear an answer of
what I wrote to Mr. SedgArick, to whom and to Mr. Balin
ford, I desire heartily to be remembered. I confess myself
indebted to Mr. Balinford for answer to his line, which I
hope to satisfy ere long. I wrote letters to my Lord and
to your Ladyship, by Mr. Hyrick, but never heard what
became of them or him. I find a great miss of you. Madam,
in the midst of my troubles, but I am not worthy to enjoy
such a friend : sometimes I think I placed too much con
tent in the enjoyment of such a friend, yet again I check
myself fearing I did not prize you enough. I was' not
thankful enough to you, nor to God for you. The Lord
enable me now to pay my debts to my noble Lord and
your good Ladyship, by fervent and frequent prayers for
you both. I hope ere long to be in Norfolk Arith my Lord
Horton. My Arife doth often make mention of your Lady
ship. With most hearty of my esteem, I rest your
honorable Ladyship's Davenport.
[Endorsed " Mr. Davenport, afterwards of New Eng
land, author of Power of Congregational Churches."]
* Obadiah Sedgwick took the degrees at Magdalen Hall, 0.xford,
about 1620, and afterwards became Chaplain to Lord Vere, with whom
he went into the low countries.
Sir Edward Vere, was the son of John Vere, the sixteenth Eail of
Oxford, and the nephew of Horatio, Lord Vere. a. b. d.
LETTEES AND EXTRACTS. 317
Bev. J'ohn Davenport to Lady Vere.
[Exteact.]
Madam,
The report of that great breach which it has pleased the
DiAone Providence to make in that family wherein you are
so much interested, did at first somewhat astonish me, but
after some recollections my thoughts affected
me vrith sorrow and pity ; for the public loss wherein the
whole land suffereth by the fall of such a pUlar, whose Aris-
dom and public spirit made him of singular use not to Nor
folk only, in his prudent management of his government,
but to the whole realm in his strong compliance Arith the
best affected patriots in Parliament for the promoting any
profitable proposals and motions for the good of the whole
nation. With pity and compassion to his good Lady and
the tender branches whose loss I would rather wail than
express, knoAring how sensible love maketh us of that com
fort which is more dear to us than our eyes, and more use
ful than our hands, and which we would choose rather to
enjoy in the want of all outward things than to want in the
enjoyment of all things ; nor can I look aside from your
Ladyship, Madam, when I remember how fearful you
were because of the infection in these parts, lest by your
coming hither any infection or sickness by any of yours
might be brought into the family, in which respect the
Lord hath dealt mercifully for the help of your spirit, that
this sad accident befell not at your first coming hither, nor
till half a year was past. * * * *
[Mr. Bromley adds in a note " The rest of this letter continues on
the same subject," but does not give the date. In the numbering how
ever, it is placed before the following line which he extracts from Let
ter No. 4, to Lady Vere, dated Dec. 26, 1629. • I will not fail to soli-
318 APPENDIX.
cit Sir Maurice Abbot, on your business concerning Hales.' Mr. B.
also says that " John Davenport complains that his letters have been
opened aud read."]
Bev. John Da/venport to Lady Vere.
To the Right Honorable arid Very Noble Lady, the Lady Vere, these be
delivered at the Hague.
Most Noble and much Honored Lady,
In the midst of my disappointments and tossings to and
fro, it is some comfort that I have assurance of the continu
ance of your favor towards me, and of your remembrance
of me in prayer. I know that love which you have been
pleased so freely to cast upon me wUl quicken you to all
diligence and industry in any way and cause which may
conduce to the procuring of my liberty, but hitherto it hath
pleased God to leave me in much darkness and many diffi
culties, to unbottom me wholly of the creature, and to re
veal himself now clearly and fully in all issues and events
that befall me. Be not troubled, much less discouraged,
good minds, at any rumors you meet with concerning my-
present way. The persecution of the tongue is more fierce
and terrible than that of the hand. At this time I have
sense of both ; but I can say that it is for thy name's sake,
O Lord, that I bear this reproach ; but the injurious sur
mises of those by whom I should be comforted and sup
ported, many that profess religion in a higher strain than
some others, doth most afflict me. I pray God it be not
laid to their charge. The truth is, I have not forsaken my
ministry, nor resigned my place, much less separated from
the Church, but am only absent a whUe to wait upon God
LETTEES AND EXTRACTS. 819
in the settling and quieting of things for light to discern
my way, being willing to lie and die in prison, if the cause
may be advantaged by it, but choosing rather to preserve
the liberty of my person and ministry for the service of
the Church elsewhere, if all doors are shut against me here.
What I now do or suffer, is not caused by any guilt of any
practice or action done or intended by me, which may expose
me to any just censure of authority, much less by a desire
of ease, as some give out, having gotten a great estate ;
least of all, by referring to my own private benefit, any
thing committed to my trust for the public good. My es
tate, although not in any present want, is not able to main
tain me without a calling. In the business of the Feoffees,
I have given up my account on oath. The Lord God
knoweth that I am so far from gaining by the business in
my outward estate, that I am out of purse on my OAvn par
ticular, for the advancement of it. The only cause of all
my sufferings is the alteration of my judgment in matters
of conformity to the ceremonies established, whereby I
cannot practise these, as formerly I have done, wherein I
do not censure those who do conform; nay, I account
many of them faithful and worthy instruments of God's
glory, and I know that I did conform with as much inward
peace as now I do forbear. In both, my uprightness was
the same, but my light different. In this action, I walk by
that light which shineth unto me. Let no man say the
matters be small, and what need I be scrupulous in these
things. That which the apostle speaketh, Rom. xiv., was
but a small matter; yet you see how heavy a doom he
passeth upon him that doth it, doubting of the lawfulness
of it. I have been taught by my God and Saviour to al
low no commandment of the Lord small, and to despise a
man's way, that is too despicable and slight a thing to be
320 APPENDIX.
stood upon. You know what an eril it is ; but these
things are not small, neither in themselves, nor in the con
sequences of them, but I have not time to be large, only
thus much I thought good to present to your Honor, in way
of account for the present, hoping, if God Avill give me an
opportunity, to make a large and fall apology for the satis
faction of all men. Any that know me, might have sus
pended their opinions and censures tUl they had heard
from myself the reason of my actions. With much ad
vice, of many ministers of eminent weight and worth, I
have done all which I have done hitherto, and Arith desire
of pitching on that way wherein God might be most glori
fied. In his due time, he will manifest it. Mr. Harris, I
know fully, and I do heartily love. He is a very worthy
man ; of a very gracious heart, humble, mUd and gentle
spirit; a man not at all taken notice of by the bishops.
He is weak and sickly, but you need not be discouraged
by that, for it is a lingering weakness whereby he might
hold out long ; but his spirit is very active in good. He
is very fit for your occasions in all respects. You shall be
very happy in him, if you can have him, for he is one of a
thousand. It is not in the bishop's power to take from you
what is settled on your nobility and others by Magna
Charta — the right and power of entertaining chaplains.
The good Lord strengthen your inward man with the joys
of his spirit. Your Honorable Ladyship's most obliged,
John Davenport.
Madam —
I pray send by this bearer
2 or 3 sheets of gilded paper.
I am about to Avrite to my Lord Keeper.
LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 321
Rev. John Da/venport to Lady Vere.
To the Right Honorable Lady Vere, these present in Hackney.
July 21, 1635.
[Extract.]
[Complaining of distractions by the unquiet spirit of Mr.
Paget] — who, to all his former injuries, addeth this ; that
he hath now published a tedious book in English, full of
reproaches and slanders against me, wherein he doth also
injury to Mr. Parker, Dr. Ames, and Mr. Forbes, who are
at rest, and Mr. Hooker, who is far absent, and to the best
members of his oAvn church, whom he brandeth several
ways, which will give the prelates too much advantage,
and open the mouths of enemies against the truth ; this I
am now constrained to answer for the truth's sake, notwith
standing all my former weakness ; but our God is strong,
in whom I trust that he wUl strengthen me to write with
such a spirit as I ought. Help me Arith your prayers, and
if any speak of Mr. Paget's book, let them know that I
am about to answer it. It may be of good to prevent pre
judice in the Queen, if your Honor, when you are pleased
to write to her and Lady Lewiston, take notice of their fa
vor to me, and pray them not to be prejudiced by any sug
gestions against me from that book, or otherwise, till they
may peruse my answer. This I ask, not for any use I have
of the Queen's favor, but that I may not be hindered from
receiving good from my ministry, which yet she well es-
teemeth.
Another letter, directed as above,
Dated Rotterdam, 25 Dec, 1632-[5?]
[Exteact.]
But what can a poor Pilgrim, a banished man do 1 That
which is wanting in this condition, shall not be wanting in
14*
322 APPENDIX.
prayer to God, or letters to yourself as to the knowledge
of your condition, as necessity, I shall minister occasion.
I ever remain in unfeigned thankfulness and faithfulness.
Your Honorable Ladyship's most obliged,
in the Lord Jesus,
John Davenport.
To the Right Honorable the Lady, the Lady Mary Vere, These, Hackney.
New Haven, 13th Qth month [Nov.], 1647.
[Extract,]
The Lord's controversy with his people is not yet ended,
but his hand is stretched out stUl, and worse things are yet
for to come, till the slaughter of the Aritnesses shall be
finished, which I suppose is not yet passed. When I seri
ously compare the description of that time, as it is in Rev.
xi., with the providence of God which has passed upon his
people at this day, yet I believe that the light which is
now discovered in England concerning church order and
government, avUI never be wholly put out, though I expect
that contrary principles will prevail for a time with the
generality, and sundry in reputation for godliness, they be
more renewed in the spirit of their mind to prove, &c.,
what is that perfect avUI of God whereby a full and exact
conformity to heavenly rules and patterns AriU be hindered
and overborne by such as plead for conforming to this
world. Your Honorable Ladyship's ever obliged,
to serve you in the Lord,
John Davenport.
NOTE A.
[Many autograph letters of Mr, Davenport to Governor AVinthrop
are still preserved in the AVinthrop family, at New Haven. Most of
these have been published by Dr. Bacon, in his Historical Discourses,
and also in the Third Series of the Collections of the Mass. Historical
Society. In the latter, the original orthography is retained. A few of
these will here be introduced, extracted from the above-named works,
and also one to the Rev. John Cotton, now in the possession Of Mr.
J. W. Thornton, of Boston, which has never before been published.]
I.
The Rev. John Davenport and Gov. Eaton, " To the much honored the
Governor, Deputy, and Assistants, S^c," of Massachusetts.
It may please the worthy and much honored Governor,
Deputy, and Assistants, and with them, the present court, to
take knowledge that our desire of staying within this patent
was real and strong, if the eye of God's providence (toAvhom
we have committed our ways, especially in so important an
enterprise as this, which, we confess, is far above our capa
cities) had guided us to a place convenient for our families
and for our friends. Which as our words have often ex
pressed, so, we hope, the truth thereof is sufficiently de
clared by our almost nine months' patient waiting in
expectation of some opportunity to be offered us, for that
end, to our great charge and hindrance, many ways.
In all which time, we have, in many prayers, commended
the guidance of our apprehensions, judgments, spirits, re-
324 APPENDIX.
solutions and ways, into the good hand of the only wise
God, whose prerogative it is to determine the bounds of
our habitations according to the ends for which he hath
brought us into these countries ; and we have considered,
as we were able, by his help, whatsoever place hath been
propoimded to us, being ready to have, Arith contentment
accepted (if by our stay any public good might be promot
ed) smaller accommodations, and upon dearer terms (if
they might be moderately commodious) than, we believe,
most men, in the same case Arith us, in all respects would
have done. And whereas a place for an inland plantation,
beyond Watertown, was propounded to us, and pressed
with much importunity by some whose words have the
power of a law Arith us, in any way of God, we did speedily
and seriously deliberate thereupon, it being the subject of
the greatest part of a day's discourse. The conclusion was,
that, if the upland should answer the meadow ground in
goodness and desirableness (whereof yet there is some
ground of doubting) yet, considering that a boat cannot
pass from the bay thither, nearer than eight or ten miles
distance, and that it is so remote from the bay and from
any toAvn, we could not see how our dwelling there would
be advantageous to these plantations, or compatible Avith
our conditions, or commodious for our families or for om*
friends. Nor can we satisfy ourselves that it is expedient, for our
selves, or for our friends, that Ave choose such a condition,
wherein we must be compelled to have our dwelling-houses
so far distant from our farms, as Boston or Charlestovra is
from that place, few of our friends being able to bear the
charge thereof (whose cases, nevertheless, we are bound to
consider), and some of them that -are able, not being per-
LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 325
suaded that it is lawful for them to live continually from
th'e greatest part of their families, as in this case, they
would be necessitated to do. The season of the year, and
other weighty considerations, compelled us to hasten to a
full and final conclusion, which we are at last come unto,
by God's appointment and direction, we hope in mercy,
and have sent letters to Connecticut for a speedy transact
ing the purchase of the parts about Quillypieck, from the
natives which may pretend title thereunto ; by which act
we are absolutely and irrevocably engaged that way ; and
we are persuaded that God will order it for good unto
these plantations, whose love so abundantly above our de
serts or expectations, expressed in your desire of our abode
in these parts, as we shall ever retain in thankful memory,
so we shall account ourselves thereby obliged to be anyway
instrumental and serviceable for the common good of these
plantations as well as of those, which the Divine Provi
dence hath combined together in as strong bond of bro
therly affection, by the sameness of their condition, as
Joab and Abishai were, whose several armies did mutually
strengthen them both against several enemies — 2 Sam 10 :
9, 10, 11 ; or rather they are joined together as Hippocrates
his twins, to stand and fall, to grow and decay, to flourish
and wither, to live and die together. In Aritness of the pre
mises we subscribe our names,
John Davenport.
Theoph. Eaton.
The 12th day of the 1st Month [March], Anno 1638.
326 APPENDIX.
n.
To his worthUy much honored friend, John Winthrop, Esq., these present
in Pequot.
Honored Sir, —
By Joseph Alsop we did expect your arrival Arith
your family here, and your abode with us this Arinter.
But instead of yourself I received your lines, whereby
I understand that your real purpose of transporting
your family, was, contrary to your expectation, utterly
disappointed. If you knew how much of our hopes of en
joying you Arith us comforted us, you would easily appre
hend how much the frustration of them damped us. And
if Mrs. Winthrop knew how welcome she would be unto
us, she would neglect whatsoever others may suggest to
discourage her from coming to us. And because I under
stood by Joseph Alsop how boisterously some of your
plantation opposed your voyage, with your family, to us
ward, and intimated that the vessel was rotten and your
lives would be endangered by the voyage, I signified in a
letter which I sent to you by Higby, that on the Lord's
day after his departure from Pequot, which was the next
day after the date of your letter to me, as I remember,
Joseph Alsop gave public thanks in the congregation for
his safe and comfortable passage. And that you might
knoAV what preparation was made for your comfortable be
ing in your house this winter, I showed in the same letter
how careful and active my wife hath been to procure hands
to prepare your house, whereby your well is cleansed, and
a new pump set up, and the rooms are made warm, and
tables, with some chairs, are provided. The twenty loads
of wood you mentioned are ready, and some already laid
LETTEES AND EXTRACTS. 327
in. The rest wait but for your coming. Also thirty bush
els of wheat, and fifty pounds of candles ; which together
Arith other things, I signified that you may see, and Mrs.
Winthrop also, how earnestly your coming to us is ex
pected and desired. You AriU now receive some farther
inteUigence from Mr. Goodyear, concerning the iron-work,
unto which there is a great forwardness among the people
generally, which it seems is somewhat checked by your
absence at this time. Sir, I thank you for the books you
sent me to read, which I am diligently perusing. My Arife
took care of your apples that they may be kept safe from
the frost, that Mrs. Winthrop might have the benefit of
them. Now the Lord pave your way to us, and make
your journey safe, comfortable and prosperous ; in whom
I rest, Yours, exceedingly obliged, John Davenport.
New Haven, the last of the 9th, '55, [30ih Nov. 1655.]
Sir, I forgat to give you notice, that my wife hath pro
rided for Mrs. Winthrop a cleanly, thrifty maid servant,
sister Beckley's daughter, whom she kept from a service at
Connecticut, where she was much desired, in expectation of
your coming.
m.
To the right worshipful John Winthrop, Esq., these present in Hartford.
Honored Sir, —
A report that you was gone to the Bay, put me
from my purpose of sending the enclosed, till I might
certainly know where my letter might find you. I have
328 APPENDIX.
now received intelligence by John Thomas, that you
are at Hartford, and that Mrs. Winthrop hath been very
ill and in great danger of her life, but is now, by the
mercy of God, recovered. Blessed be his name for this
mercy to her and to yourself and yours, in her recov
ery. But withal he saith that yourself are very UI, and
have taken physic this day, and that he staid three hours
to understand how it Avrought, and is informed that it
wrought well. This giveth us some ground of hope that
God will graciously bless the means for restoring your
health, whose life we account exceeding precious, and a
blessing to many. He who hath given you a merciful
heart to others in their sickness, hath promised that you
also shall obtain mercy. We are not wanting to you in
our prayers, since we heard of your state, which was but
this night ; nor shall we cease from praying for your life
and health, till we know that our petition is answered for
your good. Be pleased to let us hear from you by the first
opportunity, how it is Arith you. My vrife desireth to send
something suitable to your present condition, but knoweth
not what till she hear further concerning you. At present
she sends you a few fresh raisins, and a little Uquorice, and
your own unicorn's horn, which she hath kept safe for you,
since you sent it for Mrs. Eaton. My wife is ashamed to
send so few raisins, but she hath no more so good. Were
it not I am loth to trouble you with many lines, I should
write much more concerning other matters, and particularly
to return thanks for your mmdfulness of me for a vent for
some of my horses, by Mr. Adis, concerning wliich I hope
to have an opportunity of speaking with you ere long. The
Lord Jesus be with you, and bless means for your re
covery. With presenting my serrice and my Avife's and
LETTEES AND EXTRACTS. 329
son's to Mrs. Winthrop and yourself, and our love to
yours, I rest, sir, Your much obliged,
John Davenport.
New Haven, the 20th d. of the bth m. [July], 1658.
IV.
To the Right Worshipful, his much honored friend, John Winthrop, Esq.,
these present in Hartford.
HowoRF.n Sir. —
T"- - • " - '¦•¦-¦ • - ¦•- ¦< .--,.:,-¦;,:', .-:— vrturn to your
fam n account of
my ¦¦ ¦ ¦- ¦' "T," 7,,,-! .:'!¦,.':: A, the issue
whereof is according to your mind, as the enclosed to
Capt. Clarke from our govemor will show, which I send
enclosed that it may more speedily be conveyed to him by
land, than we can expect it will be by sea. The Lord also
bless the intended marriage of your eldest daughter to Mr.
NeAvman for many comforts to you both, and to your
family, and to themselves ! Be pleased to present mine,
my Arife's, my son's, humble serrice to Mrs. Winthrop,
together with yourself, with many thanks to her for her
great kindnesses to us when we were at Hartford. In great
haste, I must manum de tabula. The Lord Jesus dwell
Arith you and yours in peace and loving kindness ! In
whom I rest, Yours obliged,
John Davenport.
New Haven, the 22d of the 8th, '58 [22d Oct. 1658.]
330 APPENDIX.
To the Honored John Winthrop, Esq., Governor of Connecticut colony,
these present in New London.
Honored Sir, —
Your quick departure from Hartford, after my son's re
turn home from thence, denied me an opportunity of ex
pressing our due thanks for your loring entertainment of so
bold a visitor, whereof he speaketh much, and yet is not
satisfied Arith what he hath spoken, thinking it falls short of
what he should speak, to express your and Mrs. Winthrop's
kindness to him. Sir, you know that the affections of pa
rents are apt to sympathize Arith their children, and to take
contentment in what they find to be justly pleasing and
comfortable to them. Hence it is that I desire to take this
first overture for conveyance of these few lines in way of
thankfulness from us, both to yourself (as I have already
done to Mrs. Winthrop by J. Latimer) for the same ; and
to let you know that I have received a large letter from
Mr. Blinman, dated Aug. 22, whereby I understand that
God hath brought him to Newfoundland, in safety and
health, and maketh his ministry acceptable to aU the
people there except some Quakers, and much desired and
flocked unto. He hath made choice of a ship for Barnsta
ble to his content, the master being godly. After these
passages, and his notifying to me the lady Kirk's respectful
and loving mention of me, whom, she saith, she hath heard
in London, he addeth to what I had heard from England,
that a fine of 51. is put upon any that shaU name the last
protector. 2. That the Lord Henry is sent for out of Ire
land, and out of his place. 3. That four are sent from
England, and four from France, and four from the States,
to see whether they can compose matters betAveen Swede
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 331
and Dane. 4. That 30,000?. is demanded for the old pro
tector's funeral, which the parliament refused to pay.
Some urged that those that had the mourning clothes
should pay for them, that the commons might not be
charged. 5. That the last protector was like to be appre
hended for the debt, but Avithdrew ; whereupon the parlia
ment gave him six months' liberty to come to terms Avith
creditors. 6. That Mr. Hugh Peters is distracted, and
under sore horrors of conscience, crying out of himself as
damned, and confessing heinous actings. He concludes,
" For the truth hereof, sit fides penes auctorem." 7. That
there is an ambassador gone for Spain. Lastly, That the
fleet in the West Indies have taken an almost incredible
mass of treasure in some Spanish towns there. Reported
by a ship in the harbor where Mr. Blinman lies, that met
a frigate at sea, going home for. I shall not add at pre
sent, but my desires for your safe journey to the Bay and
speedy return to your family, and then to New Haven, —
and my wife's, with our son's respectful ^nd most affec
tionate salutations and humble service.
Yours, exceedingly obliged,
John Davenport.
New Haven, the 28th d. of the 7th m. [2Sth Sept.] 1659.
VI.
To the Right Worshipful John Winthrop, Esq. Governor of Cormecticut
Colony, these present in Hartford.
Honored Sir,
Yesterday, Mr. Gilbert and Deacon Myles brought un
to me a letter written by yourself to sergeant Whitehead,
about your house, which, it seems, was an answer to a letter
332 APPENDIX.
sent by I know not whom, nor when, to yourself, in the
name of the townsmen, and with their consent, that they
might purchase the house for the town. From Brother
Herriman's discourse with my Arife, I understand that him
self and Brother Wakeman had speech vrith you, to pro-
move that motion. All this was done and written Arithout
my knowledge and my Avife's and son's. They did not,
nor any from or for them, make it knoAvn unto me in the
least, that such a letter or message should be sent unto
you. Two of the brethren who were not toAvnsmen, spake
with me formerly about their fear of losing the govemor
for want of an house, and propounded yours, concluding
from your OAvn words that you would not dweU here,
though if there had been any ground of hope of the contra
ry, they would not have propounded it. This I add, that I
may do them right. My advice was, that they would not
send to you about it ; and to stay them from so doing, I
told them that I heard 'you purposed to come hither short
ly, (for so Daniel your man had reported,) and did think
that they would wait for that. These things I thus particu
larly relate, that you may see that I had not the least hand
in what they have done, nor consent to it, nor knowledge
of it. When the forenamed showed me your letter, and
enquired what I would do in reference to the power and
trust you was pleased to commit to me about alienating
your house, I told them, as I had said unto yourself before,
that I must desire to be excused from acting in that busi
ness, and did refuse it, and do still pray you to waive me
in that employment, who shall in other things deny you
nothing that I am fit to do, if I may really pleasure you
thereby. My son also hath refused to act in that matter.
Had a letter been brought to us to subscribe, for inviting
you to bring your family Avhen you shall find a convenient
LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 333
time, and to come and dwell in your house, and the sooner
the welcomer, &c., we should have signed that with both
our hands. What is done I have not yet heard, therefore
cannot give you account of it.
While I paused a little, having Avritten thus far, I hear
that the two mentioned in the first line have alienated your
house. If it be so, I am heartily sorry, that what we have so
many years desired and hoped for, we shall be thus de
prived of, viz. your neighborhood, which we do highly va
lue, and therefore cannot but look upon our loss as exceed
ing great. My wife received Mrs. Winthrop's loving to
ken, the sugar loaf she was pleased to send her, for which
she retumeth her many thanks, yet is sorry to have it from
her, to whom she accounteth herself obliged otherwise ra
ther to send unto her. With mine, my Arife's and son's
humble services to you both, and respectful and affection
ate salutations to your daughters, commending you both,
and yours, unto the everlasting arms, I rest, Sir,
Yours, exceedingly obliged,
John Davenport.
The 5th day of the 2d month, {April,) 1660.
We desire to receive some intelligence of your and Mrs.
Winthrop's coming to us, whose house shall be as your
OAvn ; and you AriU much cheer us if you say we shaU enjoy
you here shortly.
VU.
^^Superscription torn off.l
Honored Sir,
I received yours by Brother Benham, whom God pre
served from being droAvned in his journey homeward. The
334 APPENDIX.
river by Mr. Yale's farm was swollen high ; his Arife was
fearful of riding through it. God provided an help for her
at the instant, by a passenger who traveled from Windsor
to Brandford to Mr. Crane's, whose daughter he had mar
ried. He helped Sister Benham over a tree. But her
husband adventuring to ride through, a foot of his horse
slipped ; so he fell into the water, and his horse, as he
thinketh, fell upon him or struck him with his foot, for he
had a blow on his head. But through the mercy of God he
is now well. This day, Mr. Atwater, being at our lecture,
speaks of a letter newly received from his Arife, who writes
her fears that she shall never see him again, doubting that
he was cast away the last storm, whereby, she saith, sundry
vessels about Boston have suffered much hurt, and some
persons were cast away, and a ship also, if I mistake not,
at Cape Cod. But God ordered thuigs so, by his good
providence, that Mr. Atwater was then at New London in
a safe harbor. Even now, Major Hawthorne and Mr.
Richards are come from the Dutch. They are gone into
the tOAvn to despatch some business, but AriU return to sup
and lodge at my house. I do not yet know whether they
purpose to return to Boston by land or sea, yet prepare
these lines, in omnem eventum, to send by them if they go
by land,, or by some other conveyance if I can hear of any.
Sir, I thank you for my sight of Mr. Knowles' letter to
Mr. Joanes. That which he speaks of a parliament in
Scotland, I cannot receive. For I suppose England AriU not
suffer it. I still hope that things in England are in a hope
ful Avay. The Lord Jesus dwell Arith you in peace ! INline,
my wife's and son's humble serrices are affectionately- pre
sented to yourself and Mrs. Winthrop, with our salutations
to your daughters. Having other letters to write, in an-
LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 335
swer to friends in the Bay, I am compeUed to take off my
pen, but shall always remain, Sir, '
Your exceedingly obliged, John Davenport.
New Haven, the 13th of the 2d, [April,] 1660.
Mr. Price, of Salem, and his Arife, present their services
to yourself and Mrs. Winthrop, in a letter brought to me
by Ma-jor Havrthorne. They are importunately desirous to
stay Mr. Higginson Arith them at Salem, for continuance,
and in way of office.
VIII.
To the Right Worshipful John Winthrop, Esq., Governor of Connecticut
colony, these present in [Hartford.]
Honored Sir, —
I perceive you have received from others the sad intelli
gence of the decease of our honored governor, my very
dear and precious friend.* We hoped that he was in a
good way of recovery from his former sickness, and were
comforted with his presence in the assembly two Lord's
days, and at one meeting of the Church on a week day,
Arithout any sensible inconvenience. And on the morning
of the day of public thanksgiving, he found himself en
couraged to come to the public assembly. But after the
morning sermon, he told me that he found himself exceed
ingly cold fr m head to toe, yet, having dined, he was re
freshed, and came to the meeting again in the afternoon,
the day continuing very cold. That night he was very ill ;
* The governor here spoken of, is Govemor Newman.
336 APPENDIX.
yet he did not complain of any relapse into his former dis
ease, but of inward cold, which he and we hoped might be
removed by his keeping warm and using other suitable
means. I believe he did not think that the time of his de
parture was so near, or that he should die of this distem
per, though he was always prepared for his great change.
The last day of the week he desired my son to come to
him the next morning to write a bill for him to be prayed
for, according to his direction. My son went to him after
the beating of the first drum ; but finding himself not fit to
speak much, he prayed him to write for him what he
thought fit. When the second drum beat, I was sent for to
him. But before I came, though I made haste, his pre
cious immortal soul was departed from its house of clay
unto the souls of just men made perfect. We were not
worthy of him, a true Nathaniel, an Israelite indeed who
served God in Christ, in sincerity and truth. He honored
God in his personal conversation, and in his administration
of chief magistracy in this colony ; and God hath given
him honor in the hearts of his people. My loss and my
son's, who took great contentment in his company, as he
also did in his, is very great, and our grief answerable.
But the public loss is far greater ; and answerably it is
generally bewailed, God recompensing his faithfulness with
his living desired, and dying lamented. It becomes us to
lay our hands upon our mouths, yea, to put our mouths in
the dust, remembering whose doing this is^ Yet, in re
spect of means, I could wish two thmgs ; first, that in his
former sickness, he had wholly and only followed your di
rections ; secondly, that he had forborne coming forth that
cold day. But God's counsels shall stand, whose will is
the first and best cause of all thuigs ; and the very errors
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 33Y
of men shall serve to accomplish his purposes, who is holy
in all his ways and righteous in all his works.
Sir, what I Avrote in my former letter concerning Mrs.
Coglien, I had from Anthony Elcock, who received it in
the Bay, viz. that she was discontented that she had no
suitors, and that she had encouraged her farmer, a mean
man, to make a motion to her for marriage, which accord
ingly he propounded, prosecuted, and proceeded in it so
far that afterwards, when she reflected upon what she had
done, and what a change of her outward condition she was
bringing herself into, she was discontented, despaired, and
took a great quantity of ratsbane, and so died. Fides sit
penes auctorem. Sii', I humbly thank you for the inteUi
gence you Avas pleased to give me of an opportunity of
transmitting a letter for London, which is a thing that I
earnestly desire, and do make bold to commit it to your
OAvn care, seeing you are pleased to give me that liberty,
and hearing that the vessel is yet at Hartford. The letter
is of great importance. The safe and speedy handing of it
to Mr. Robert Newman will be a real advantage to me,
and the miscarriage of it no small disadvantage. In which
respect, if you conceive it Avill be more speedUy and cer
tainly conveyed to him by this way than by the ship at
Boston, I desire it may be sent accordingly vrith the more
engagement for committing it to a sure hand at Barbadoes,
to be delivered to Mr. Newman in London, as the matter
is of more consequence ; that an answer may be returned
from him, by the first ship from London to Boston in the
spring. Having thus opened the case, I crave leave to com
mit it wholly to yourself to take that course with it which
you shall judge most suitable. I shall not add, but
mine, my wife's and son's humble service to yourself and
15
338 APPENDIX.
Mrs. Winthrop Avith our respectful and affectionate saluta
tion to your son and daughters, praying the Lord to con
tinue your life unto them, and theirs unto you, and to mul
tiply his favors and" blessings upon you and them through
Jesus Christ ; in whom I rest, Sir,
Yours, ever obliged,
John Davenport.
New Haven, this 21 th d. of the 9ih m. [November,] 1660.
. The miscarriage of a letter which I formerly sent to
London by Avay of Barbadoes, makes me so desirous that
this may not miscarry.
IX.
Dev. John Davenpoi't to Hon. John Leverett.
[The following letter from Eev. John Davenport to Major-General
Leverett, is copied from " Miscellanies " published by the younger
Hutchini son.]
Honorable Sir,
Let my first salutation be my congratulation for this ad
dition of a further expression of God's people's affection
and confidence in your courage, Avisdom, and faitlifuluess
for the interest of our Lord Jesus, and the good and wel
fare of church and commonwealth in that they have unani
mously called you to be one of the assistants for governing
the civil affairs in the court, as Avell as to be their Major
General in the camp. The good Lord assist and govern
you by his Spirit of Avisdom and courage, and of the fear of
the Lord in both.
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 339
Sir: I received yours, dated 27th 3d month, 1665, for
Avhich I return humble and hearty thanks, and for the inclos
ed narrative, whereby I perceive that the poAvers of dark
ness which haA-e prevailed in other parts of the Avorld are
at work here also, to subvert the kingdom of Christ in these
ends of the earth. But God hath not yet said that this is
their hour in reference to New England, though our un-
thanlcfulness for the Gospel, unfaithfulness under it, dis
obedience to it, declensions from the simplicity that is in
Christ, and sinful compliances, &c., have deserved that our
hedge should be broken down. That admonition which
Christ sent unto the church at Ephesus, should sound in
our hearts continually : " Repent, and do thy first Avorks."
For even DaA'id had his first and his latter ways. There
fore it is noticed concerning Jehoshaphat, in 2 Chron. 17 :
3, that the Lord was Arith him, because he walked in the
first ways of his father Darid. If New England would
retum to the first ways of reformation here begun, accord
ing to gospel rules and patterns (from which the compass
of the last synod's conclusions seems to be varied by
some degrees toward the antarctic, or is newly discovered
to be other than I formerly apprehended to have been the
way of these churches), I would hope that the same only
wise God, who disappointed the counsel of that arch-prelate
in the reign of the last king (whereby your patent was
once and again demanded by the said king, and as often
refused by your general court, to be returned to England),
would also still appear, in this juncture, by frustrating the
general design, and making it an abortion, or a mere trial
of the country, whether they will stand to their church
rights and privileges, or permit them to be invaded and
violated by such attempts, whioh, when they are tried and
340 ATPENDIX.
found unsuccessful, will cease for the future. For the
Lord is and Avill be with his people while they are Arith
him ; and if ye seek him he will be found of you. An ex
periment hereof you had in the quiet proceeding of your
elections as a gracious ansAver to prayers. Their claiming
power to sit authoritatively as a court of Appeals, and that
to be managed in an arbitrary Avay, was a manifest laying
of a ground-work to undermine your whole govemment
established by your charter. If you had consented there
unto, you had plucked dovm with your OAvn hands that
house which wisdom had built for you and your posterity.
For all your courts would then have signified nothing ; the
sentences of them being liable to be disannulled, upon
complaints of commissioners, made by delinquents, as
appeareth in the case of Mr. Tliomas Deaiie, &o., and the
execution of the justest censure might be hindered, and the
course of Justice obstructed as you have already found in
the case of John Potter. Nor can I see that your preserv
ing that authority and jurisdiction, which the last king, by
his royal charter, gave you, can rationally be accounted as
opposing the sovereignty which this king hath over you,
seeing id possunt reges quod jure possunt. There is indeed
a verbal profession of preserving your liberties. But if
the commission of these gentlemen be of such a latitude as
they say, it is a real destruction of that which they pro
mise to preserve. Quid verba audiam, cum facta videam.
Therefore, to me the matter of your ansAver seems to be
rational, just, and necessary. As for the solemnity of pub
lishing it, in three places, by sounding a trumpet, I believe
you did it upon good advice, and therefore, suspending my
own thoughts, I shall Avait to see how it is resented at the
court in England. Yet upon serious second and third
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 341
thoughts, I see not but it was your prudent Avay so to do,
considering that, — 1. It was the ansAver of tho general
court. 2. Published in the king's name. 3. For the cog
nizance of the Avhole country concerned in it. 4. For de
claring the courage and resolution of the whole country to
define their charter liabilities and privUeges, and not to
yield up their right voluntarily, so long as they can hold it,
in dependence upon God in Christ, whose interest is in it,
for his protection and blessing, who will be with you while
you are with him. If my advice were Avorth anything, I
would say, let a collection of your grievances occasioned
by the coming over of these Commissioners, and by their
actings, in one place and another, and of the three commis
sioners in prejudicing the Indians against the English,
whereby the good work for their conversion is in danger to
be hindered, and the safety and peace of the English to be
hazarded for the future ; let, I say, all instances of their il
legal and injurious proceedings throughout the country be
fully collected, and clearly proved, and speedUy transmit
ted and represented to the King, the Lord Chancellor, &c.,
by your next address, and therein let them fully and plainly
understand that the whole country (for the generality of
them) are much aggrieved at these doings, and humbly
desire to be resettled in their former state, according to
their charter, and that they may be freed from those new
encroachments ; wherein the petition to the general court,
presented in the names of so many non-freemen, declaring
their full satisfaction in the settled government, as it is,
with their earnest desire that it may be still continued
without alteration, may be signified to the higher powers,
to good purpose. Sir, you see Avhether my zeal for pre
serving Christ's interests in your parts (though in New
342 APPENDIX.
Haven Colony it is miserably lost) and my unfeigned love
to your colony, and my fervent desire of the Avelfare of the
churches and commonwealth (so far as they may be pro
moted and perpetuated by your circumspection) hath
carried me, through my confidence in your wisdom and
faithfulness, that you will make no other use of this my
scribbling than such as shall be safe both to you and me.
To the honorable Governor you may communicate it, U"
you please, presenting also to him my humble and affec
tionate service.
Sir : I return your copy of the articles which concern
Commameene,* having receiA-ed them formerly from your
self and lately from Mr. Bishop, Avith many thanks to you
for the sight and loan of them from us both. But I am
and shall be discouraged from reading such agreement
made by a subject, though honorable, till I see your char
ter, sealed by the late King, and obliging his heirs and
successors, really as Avell as verbally confirmed and per
formed, toward the purchasing whereof I paid £50, and
Mr. Eaton £100, and sundry other merchants the same
sums respectively, we being members for the London Cor
poration for N. E., whioh doth engage me to desire and
endeavor, what I can and may, that the intended effects
thereof may remain, for the serrice of Christ and for the
good of all his people, both at present and for the future.
I hear well of your last address to the King. I should take
it for a favor if I might peruse it, and the King's answer.
I shall now cease from giving you any further trouble, but
not from praying for a good issue of your and our present
* Supposed to be a subordinate Indian Chief.
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 343
afllictive exercises, and not ours only, but of tho distressed
churches of Christ, in whom I rest.
Sir, your obliged aud assured,
John Davenport.
New Haven, tlie 24th of the 4th Month, 1665.
X.
Jl6v. Jolvn Davenport to Mev. John Cotton.
To the Reverend, and his worthily much honoured friend and brother, Mr.
John Cotton, Teacher to y^ Church in Boston these present.
Reverend and Worthy Sir, —
Yours dated ye 22th of ye Istm. 1649, was not brought
to my hand tUl this 2d day of the 3d month 1650 —
whereby I understand that Brother Pierce hath delivered
unto you a copie of some sermons preached by me in our
weekly lecture, wherein my intentt was to stablish the
hearers in assurance that Jesus ye sonne of ye virgin
Mary is the onely true Messiah. The forenamed brother
diligently wrote as his manner was, but finding that his
head and pen could not carry away some material expres
sions, he earnestly desired me to lett him have my notes,
to perfect his owne by them, which I promised him in
ye winter was twelve months. Having other hindrances,
he called not for them, when he was here, but being in
ye Bay, and unresolved about his stay there, or passage
for England, or returne hither, he Avrote for those notes,
clayming my promise, Avh accordingly I sent to him by
brother Livermore with a double charge, 1. yt when he
had transcribed them, he would return my copie again by
344 APPENDIX.
a safe land-messenger, not by sea ; remembering that I lost
my autographs of all ye sermons I preached out of the
Epistle of Christ to the Church of Philadelphia, (Rev. 3,)
concerning ye hours of Temptation, and sundry others
about Christ's shaking heaven and earth to establish his
kingdom, in (Heb. 12) wh I gave Mr. Gregson, at his
request, to carry Arith him Avhen he went hence for
England. My 2d charge was, that when he had tran
scribed them he would show them unto you, and make no
other use of them than privately for himself, but bj- your
advise. This I added, because I feared yt he had a purpose
for ye presse, from some words that 1 observed noAV and
then to fall from him. Now I am glad that you have them
Avith you to peruse, where I pray keep them tUl you have
sifted them thoroughly. I thank you for your faithfuU ad
rise about ye Interpretation of Phil. 2 : 6, 7, 8, Avhich I
did afterwards handle at large, unto 12, in sundry ser
mons, according to ye method I had propounded for hand
ling the grounds of religion. In those sermons I did inter
pret that scripture in ye largest and most comprehensive
sense ; and particularly, as holding forth Christ's pereonal
Godhead-humbling himself to .issume our human nature.
Nor can I tell what other or narroAver interpretation I adhered
unto, in the notes under your hand: but Avell knowing
yt ye one Avay and ye other avUI suite the scope of that
discourse, I leave it AvhoUy to your wisdom to add or
alter, as you find expedient, and analogous Arith other
Scriptures, that allegation Arith its interpretation. I shall
further pray you to cast your eye upon yt type, the rock
in ye wilderness, to see Avhether I have safely expressed
the rocks following ym , w h, I conceive, was that ye water
floAving from ye rock followed ym all ye way in ye
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 345
A^-ilderness, meaning it of yt 2d rock in Rephidim,
and kept by ym here and there in wells digged (Numb.
20 : 18), which alsp TertuUian (lib.depap.) seemeth
to intend by his petrce aquatilem sequetam. Such have
been my thoughts, but whether I did there so wright
ym down, I doe not remember. Others have other appre
hensions of it. If you meet with anything in yt or any
thing else, yt you doe not approve, deleatur. I .thought it
better to lett him have myne own notes to rectifye his
by them, than to lett him print great mistakes for want of
that helpe. I Arish the wrong yt is done Reipub. literariae
by imp'fect copies may warne you to improve ye present
season for ye perfecting of as many Tractates and com-
mentarys as you have for ye publick good. One thing
more give me leave to propound, and as earnestly as my
modesty AriU p'mit, to importune, that you would take into
your serious thoughts the question about single testimony
of severall p'sons Avho speak fully to ye things and Avith con
currence therein, though not joyntly m ye circ'stances of
time & place, and to answer that logicall quirk w'ch
Mr Prudden told you of, and what other Argum'ts you find
in yt postscript of Mr Cheivers, his answer to ye church,
& which you have elsewhere mett Arith. You vrill much
obUge me, if you AriU hasten a copie of yor labours upon
that subject. If you list not to appear in this controversie,
you shall be wholly concealed by me. For the manadging
of my speech or silence your letter of advice shall have
the force of a law with me. Onely be intreated to dis
patch it unto me by the 1st opportunity, whether by land
or sea. Bis dat qui ciio dat. The reason of this my ear
nestness for a speedy return, I wUl give at your demand
by the next, which I believe you AriU judge to be weighty.
15*
346 APPENDIX.
I had rather ease than add to your burdens, but that we
are in a speciall manner, called to a serious consideration'
and determination concerning this point. The Lord Jesus
dwell with you in peace, and preserve your Ufe, & health
& comforts, & croAvne your holy labours Arith a plentifuU
blessing. In whom I rest,
Your obliged friend & brother,
John Davenporte.
New Haven, ye (.th d. of ye 3 m. 1650.
I am told that this vessell will speedily retume againe.
I hope that you AriU retum an answer by him if no other
passenger leave sooner, Arith speed w'ch I earnestly desire.
XI.
Hev. John Daveivport to John WintJirop), Jr.
To his Honoured freind , Juhn Winthrop, Esq'-' , these present, in
; Pequot.
HoND Sir —
We did earnestly expect your coming hither, with Mrs
Winthrop and your familie, the last light moone, according
to your purpose signified to us, having also intelEgence that
a vessel wayted upon you, at Pequot, for that end, and
were thereby encouraged to provide your house, that it
might be fitted, in some measure, for your comfortable
dwelling in it, this vrinter.
My wife was not Avanting in her endeavours to set all
wheeles on going, all hands, that she could procure, on
worke, that you might finde all things to j'our satisfaction.
Though she could not accomplish her desires, to the full ;
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 347
yet she proceeded as farr as she could ; whereby many
things are done, viz. the house made warme, the well
cleansed, the pumpe fitted for your use, some provision of
wood is layed in, and 20 loades will be ready, whensoever
you come : and sundry, who have received help from you
have, by my wife's instigation, prepared 30 bush, of Avheate
for the present and sister Glover hath 12lb. of candles
ready for you. My wife hath also procured a maid-servant
for you, who is reported to be cleanly, and saving, her mo
ther is of the Church, and she is kept from a place in Con-
nectacut (where she was much desired) to serve you. At
last Joseph Alsop arrived here, in safety, on the Lords
day, and, in the Assembly, gave thancks for his comfort
able passage. By him I received (instead of yourselfe and
yours, whose presence was heartUy desired by us all) a let
ter from you, dated on the day before his arrivall, whereby
I understood that some providences uitercurring hindred
and disappointed your reall Intentions of coming, Arith your
family, to us, both before, and by him. The hazzard and
danger suspected, you now see, was more in ungrounded
imaginacons of those who laboured to hinder your proceed
ing, than in the reality and trueth of the cause prcetended
by them. Yet we have hope that, by another vessel (I
heare, Mr Yongs, ni fallor) you vrill be accomodated, for
transportation of your famUye, and what you purpose to
bring hither, and that you incline to improve that opportu
nity — whereof I am glad. Many hands are daily at worke
for the iron-buisnes : onely your presence is wanting, to sett
all things in a right course. If Mrs Winthrop knew how
Wellcome she AriU be to us, she would, I believe, neglect
whatsoever others doe, or may be forward to suggest, for
her discouragement. Salute her, with due respect, in my
348 APPENDIX.
name and my wifes, most affectionately, together with Mrs
Lake. The Lord Jesus pave your waye, and make your
journey to us speedy and prosperous ! In whom I rest,
Sir, Yours exceedingly obliged,
John Davenporte.
Newhavbn this 22 of the %th 55.
My wife had a man in pursuite that would be very fitt
to manadge your Island, and the motion proceedes in an
hopeful! way, if a marriage, which he is about, doth not
hinder. My sonne presents his humble service to yourselfe
and Mrs Winthrope.
Sir WiUiam Constable, and Mr Tillinghast are taken
away by death in England, boath buryed ; the one, in Lon
don; the other, in Norfolke with great honour. Also
Capt. Fen is dead at Barbadoes, and M.^ Nowel, at Charles
ToAvne. Mr Leverets Arifes violent aversenes from his set
tling in the CoUedge, he saith, causeth him to desist from
that buiseness. So, that worke must waite for a better
season. My wife complaineth of a paine in the soles of her feete,
especially in the evening, sometimes it burnes. Yet in the
day, and after she hath bene a while in bed, it doth not
trouble her.
Sir) I thanck you for the 2 bookes you sent me to pe
ruse, which I am reading diligently.
[Labelled, "M' Davenport,"]
LETTEES AND EXTEAC*. 349
XII.
Rev. John Davenpm-t to John Winthrop, Jr.
To the Right WorshipU and worthily much Honoured John Witvthrope
Esq'- Governor of Connectacute these present in Hartford.
Honoured Sis)
Yours, datd ye 27th of this moneth, I received, by one of
Farefield, whose name I know not, and in it an Almanack
inclosed, for boath which I returne many thancks, and send
inclosed a copie of a Anlghting, which Mr Atwater brought
from the Baye, which I read with joy and thancksgiving
unto God, beleiving it to be a true Narration of the state of
things in England, and the last that is come to our hands.
So that the other reports of Naylers being Governour of
Bristow, and of the fight betweene General Munck and
Lambert etc. I looke at as misreports. I hope also that
the fight reported to have bene in London will not be found
true, in all particulars, at least. I am sorry for your loss
of Mr Talcot, of whose decease I heard, but not how his
diseases were found to be incurable, tU I read your letter,
whereby it is most cleare to me that no art of man could
cure him. I hope now that you AriU either receive your
son safely arrived, in the next ship, from London, at Bos
ton, or good newes from him. By this time I am apt to
thinck that a ParUament is assembled for the establishment
of that great Commonw. (ealth) upon sure foundacOns of
trueth and righteousnes, by the blessing of the most High,
to whose grace, in Jesus Christ, Arith myne, my wifes, and
sons humble services presented to you boath and affection-
350 • APPENDIX.
ate salutations to your daughters, I heartily commend your
selfe, and all yours, resting in him
yours ever obliged
John Davenporte.
NEWHAVENye 29th of ye 1st m. 1660.
[Labelled, " Mr. Davenport."]
xm.
Hev. John Davenport to John Winthrop, Jr.
To the Right Worship^^ John Winthrope Esgr Governxf of Connectacute,
these present at Hartford.
Honoured Sir)
I received a former letter from you, by Mr Bishop, who,
in his returne from your parts hitherward, tooke a wrong
path twise and was so bewildred that he lost his way, from
Wethersfield, and lay in the woods, in a very cold night,
and came not to us, til the last day of the weeke towards
noone. But, I hope, he hath no hurte, but is returned in
safety and health, by the mercy of God to his family. I
will not now trouble you with the reasons of my returning
those papers unto you, but accept, thanckfuUy your freind-
ly admonition, for the future, not to erre againe, on that
hand. We boath pray you to accept our hearty thancks
for your supplies of Rubila, both then, and now againe, by
this bearer. The report is true Avhich you have heard of
much sieknes in this toAviie and the Farmes about it. Tlie
Lord be merciful to his people and rebuke our distempers,
and sanctifie his afflicting hand to them and us all. It is
true also that Mr Pierse is come. Brother Ruttcrford also
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 351
and Brother Alsop are come to us, and have brought Arith
them our Teacher whose deare Avife, and our much beloved
sister the most High hath taken to liimselfe, both from liim
and us. She was buried the day before his arrival. They
have also brought Mr Joanes, and his Arife, Mrs Hannah
Eaton, and her infant, Arith 2 sons of his, by a former Arife,
and 2 servants &e. They have declared themselves to be
unsatisiyed Arith brother Yales seUing away sundry things
in the house, and with his agreement with Mr HiU about
the diAision made of Mr Eatons estate. Some discourage
ment seemes to be upon theyre spirits concerning theyre
settling here, yet they are buisyed about disposing the
goods they have brought Arith them and accomodating
theyre dwelling in the house. Time avU! shew what theyre ,
future resolution avUI be. Edmond is come, who present-
eth his humble serrice to your selfe and to Mrs Winthrope.
He found out your son, who is Captaine of a Troope of
horse in Colonel Reades regiment, whom he also saw. upon
the Exchange. Your son is well recovered, by the mercy
of God, from the small poxe. He was Arith him againe,
the day before his coming away, by his bed side, and
brought letters from him to your selfe «&:c which he gave
to Mr Amos Richardson, at his desire, purposing, as he
said, a joumey to New London, where he was to meete
Arith you. But, when Edmund saw that he went not, but
staved above a weeke, Edmond, being to come for N.
Haven, desired him to lett him have the letters againe,
that he might bring them unto you more speedUy then, he
suspected, they would be handed to you, by Mr A. R.
But he utterly refused to let Edm. have them. So they
remaine stU in his hands. Concerning Mr Peters I heare
Utle, onely from brother Hooke, that the lord Craven
353 APPENDIX.
waytes hopefully for the restitucon of his lands, wherein,
he saith, Mr Peters hath a share, he is of kinne to Monck,
and sometimes dineth with him. Your son told Edmond
that he purposeth to returne for N. E. the next yeare. My
brother Hooke is valetudinarious, having bene afflicted
Arith a very greate fluxe of Rheume, accompanied with an
Erisipilus unto danger of death ; he hath stU an ill stomach,
and spleenish distempers. His wife also hath her bodUy
infirmities. He hath prevailed with a kinsman of yours to
wright unto you the story of these late years in Engl.
whom he commends for a great vrit, parts, and copious lan
guage, and choise for Intelligence &c. His letter I send
inclosed, with some others, and one from Mr Hartlib, who
thinckes you live in this plantacon, and hath sent a large
wrighting unsealed, that I might peruse it, which though I
want time to read over, I choose rather to send it to you,
then to detaine it. He hath sent also sundry Avrightings,
and bookes, some to your selfe, some to me. But 1 cannot
heare of them, in the pinnases, which makes me doubt,
they are stayed in the Bay, at Mr Ushers, which I the ra
ther suspect, because Mr Hartlib, and brother Hooke certi-
fie me that Mr Drury also hath sent some papers and
bookes to the 2 Teaching Elders at Boston, and to me. If
it shall please you to employ Mr A. R. therein, he will in
quire of Mr Usher, and procure them to be conveyed to
your selfe, and myne, by your helpe, to me. Many things
I might add, wliich it would be too tsedious to Avright, and
would be more fittly communicated to you, if we might injoy
your much desired presence here. The 2 gentlemen of
greate qualitie arrived in the Baye, are Colonel Whaley,
and his son in laAv, Lieutenant Goffe. I hope to see them
here, after the Commissioners are gone, if not before. I
might hope to see them licfore, upon my letter, but I defer
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 353
that, on purpose, that your chamber may be free for your
reception and Mrs Winthropes, when the Commissioners
meete. I must noAv breake off, rather than conclude, Avith
myne, my wifes, and sons humble services presented to
yourselfe and Mrs Winthrope, and our prayers for aU good
to you boath and yours, remayning
Sir, yours exceeding obliged
John Davenporte.
Newhaven ye 11th d. of the 6th m. 16S0.
[On a little piece of paper watered to the side of the letter, Mr, Dav
enport adds this note : — ]
Sir, I mistooke, in my letter, when I said. Colonel Wha-
lye was one of the gentlemen &c. It is Commissary Gene
ral! Whaley, sister Hookes brother, and his son in law who
is Arith him, is Colonel Goffe ; boath godly men, and es
caped pursute in Eng. narrowly.
Etiam atque etiam vale.
[Endorsed by Governor AVinthrop, " Mr Davenport. Aug, 11, 1660.
Papers from M'' Hartlib &c. and the papers about Wethersfeild church,"]
XIV.
Dev. John Davenp>ort to John Winthrop, Jr.
To the Right Worshipl'- John Winthrope Escf Governour of Connectacute
Colonic, these present ai Hartford.
Honours Sir)
Though I am, at present, in preparacon for the lecture,
to morrow, yet having newly received a letter from Capt.
Clarke, and hearing that one at the ordinary purposeth a
854 APPENDIX.
journey towards the Baye, in the moming, who, I suppose,
will goe by Hartford, I make bold to send you the Intelli
gence whioh I receive from England, by way of Newfound
land, to the middle of July, which informes, that those who
were of the High Court of justice and condemned the
former King, theyre estates are confiscate, 20 of them im
prisoned, three of them like to die, viz. Jones, Harrison,
and Say (if I doe not misreade) and that Dr GoodAriin, Mr
Nie, and Mr Peters, are in prison, and Ukely to lose theyre
lives, and that there is a consultacon to settle church disci
pline, in a way of joyning Episcopacy and Presbytery, by
agreement that each Bishop in his Diocess shall have a se
lect number of presbyters joyned A\ith him, the common
prayer to be established, but vrith some alteracons : some
ceremonies to be left indifferent ; as boAving at the name
of Jesus, the surpliss, cross in Baptisme &c. Tliat good
men are under some sufferings, many being turned out of
theyre places : but greater things feared : Spaine like to
make peace : France like to differ. The good Lord pre
pare his people, in Old England, and New, for what they
and we may expect, and, in the meaiie time, give us hearts
to sympathize with aftlicted Joseph ! We, at NcAvhaA-en,
are stil under Gods afflicting hand. The good Lord sancti
fie it, to us all ! Our Governor stil continues very weake,
eates Utle, and ill digests what he eates, is ill after it, yet,
til he takes something, findes a gnawing at his stomach, is
commonly coldish. Once he tooke the RubUa, but finding
himself sundrie times ready to fauit away, hath not bene
Avilling to take it againe, nor his wife that he should, though
we perswaded and encouraged him thereunto. I feare what
the issue may be, if some better course be not taken for
his recovery then [Mr Augur *] prescribes. Also our
* ¦' Erased by Governor AVinthrop."
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 355
Teacher is very sick. The last lecture day, he purposed to
preach, though he found an Aguish distemper, the day
before, and continued in that purpose til the 2d drumme,
but then was compelled to take his bed. So there Avas no
sermon. Afterward he hoped that it would be a quotidian,
and leave him at the 4th fitt, as it did here, in the spring,
and, once, before, at MUford The good Lord
direct to the meanes, which he will bless for his recovery !
Mr Jones tooke the Rubila 4 times and followed your other
directions, and is, by the blessing of God, in an hopefuU
way. His fittas, he thincks, have left him, though some
gmdgings he findes hanging about him he doth not know of
my wrighting, at this time. I believe Mr Jones himselfe
AvUl wright to you, when he findes himselfe able. And I
am persuaded that yom- advise Avill prevaile with our Gov
ernour to take what course you may please to prescribe.
He knoAveth not of my Aviighting at this time, because my
letter is now to be sent away, the messenger bemg to be
gone, betimes, in the mornmg. The Lord Jesus dwell
with you, and yours in mercy and peace aud loving kind
nesses ! With our humble service to yourselfe and Mrs
Winthrope, and our loring salutations to all your branch
es, my Avife, and son joyning Avith mc therein, I rest
Yours exceedingly obliged
John Davenporte.
Newhaven, yc llth d. of y^ 8th m. 1660.
We heare that Mr Paine and Mr Web are boath dead.
[Labelled, "Mr Davenport— October 17, 1660."]
356 APPENDIX.
XV.
Rev. John Davenport to Sir Tliomas TempAe.
[The following letter of Mr. Davenport was transcribed at her Ma
jesty's State paper office, London, Sept. 9, 1842, by Hon. James Sav
age, LL.D., Boston, by permission of Lord Aberdeen, from Vol. 1st,,
of papers called " New England papers," 147, and was published in
the Massachusetts Historical Collections, Vol, viii., 3d series, page 327,]
Noble Sir,
Whom though unknowne to me by Face, as allso I am
to yourselfe, I Honnour for your noble disposition & for
your neare Relation, to my. Ever Honoured, Lord, Vis
count, Say And Sele. unto whom I have bene continually
neare 40 years Past, Exceedingly obliged for Sundry Tes-
timoneyes of his Speciall Favors toAvardes me when I
lived in London, & when I was in Holland, & after my
Returne thence to London, And since my abode in this
Wildemesse, which hath bine above 24 yeares. If the
most high hath taken him From us, by Death, as I am In
formed he hath, The King hath lost the Best of his Peeres
& Counsaleirs for Godley Wisdome & Faitlffulnesse, The
Church and People of god an Assured Pattron, The Com
mons and Parliament a most Emminent Patriott, the No
bility a Singular Pattiren and ornament. And my Poore
Worthlesse Selfe a most Honorable & FaitlffuU frend,
And that in a time Avhen I have most need of his helpe,
which I am assured Would not have Failed my Confident
Expect.".tion, if any Complaint against me had bene Pre
sented to his Honor Avith tho rest of his JNIaj'ties most
Hono'ble CounccU. Multis ille Bonis FlebUis oceiditt,
NuUi Flcbilior quam mihi. Yet as long as his right hon
orable Son, my lord Fines liveth, he cannot Die, For in
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 357
him & I hope in his Posterity that Noble FamUey wiU be
like that Golden tree the Boughes and Branches whereof
Flourished in a Continuall Succession.
Uno Avulso non defficit alter
Aureus Et Simili Frondescens Virga Mettallo.
Sir, being Encouraged by some Expressions of your
good affection toward mee, Brought to my Knowledge by
one who came lateley, from Boston, heither, I take the
Boldnesse to desier this Favor, that you would be pleased
to cast your eyes uppon the Enclosed Appoligie, which I
formerly transmitted to the Deputy Govenor of Massa-
chusets to be by him Communicated to the General
Courte. In it you AriU Find myne Innocyency in Refer-
ance to the 2 CoUonells to be shuch as might secure me
From all feare of Danger & Futher molestation from his
Ma'tie in that Respecte, yet because I am sensible of
Possible misrepresentations of mine actions, & Intentions,
I humbly Crave leave to Intreate you to lay up in the Re-
positorie of your minde, your memorie. The tme State of
my Case that you may Speake a good an Seasonable word
of truth in the Cause of the Dumbe & deafe, when God
shall have Brought you in Safety to London, as occasion
may be offired in the King's Courte, would my age which
is past the great CUmactericall yeare, & the weakness of
my Boddy, which is under sensible decaies as well Shute
Arith so long a Voyage as my minde is Prepense to it, I
should not Fear to answer anything that can be Suggested
or objected against mee, in his Ma'tie presence, being Con
fident in the King's Justice and asqunimitie, that uppon a
faire hearing I should be acquitted, & some in Boston who
raile against mee, should have their Injurious mouthes
Stopped, what Libbirty is denyed unto me, if God Inclyne
358 APPENDIX.
& Encourage your hearte theirunto, a word From your no
ble selfe Spoken in Season may be blessed of god to make
up, Arith advantage, & to worke Favorable & Right appre
hensions and perswations of mee in his Ma'tie & shuch of
his most Hono'ble Councells as you maye have occasion of
Discourse Arith aboute these matters.
This is my great Intendment in this lines, humbly to
Crave your mindfulnesse of me & helpefulness* Toward
mee in this Exigent, And not for myselfe alone doe I make
this humble Request, But also on the Behalfe of this Poore
CoUoney & of our Govenor & majestrates, who wanted
neither will nor Industery to have served his Ma'tie in ap
prehending ye 2 CoUonells, but were Prevented & Hin
dered by gods overruilling Providence, which Arithheld
them that they Could not Exciqute their tme Purpose
therein ; And the same Proridence Could have done ye
same, in the Same Curcumstances, if they had bine in Lon
don, or in the Tower, The Case was thus, The CoUones
hearing that some who had Entertained them, at their
Houses, were in Extreme danger, uppon that Accompt to
Prevent the same. Came from another CoUoney where
they were, & had bine somtime, to N. H : Profess
ing, that their true Intentions, in their Coming at that
time was to yeld themselves to be apprehended, for the
adbresaid Purpose & accordingly they staled 2 dayes.
This was knowne in the Toatoc, The D. G. waited for the
Comming of the Govenor & other majestrats to this towne
on the 2d. day, which they allso did accordmg to Former
Aggrement, Imediately uppon their Coming together,
they fell into a Consultation, being out of any Feare of
that which FoUoAvcd, Before they had Issued their Con
sultation which Avas not long, the CoUonels Averc gon aAvay,
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 359
no man knowing how nor whether, Thereuppon a DUigent
Search was Renewed, & many were sent Forth on Foote
& horsebacke, to recover them in to their hands, But all
in vaine. I belive if his Ma'tie Rightly understood the
Curcumstances of this Event he would not be displeased
Arith our majestrates, but to accquiesce in the Providence
of the most high well KnoAring that the way of man is not
in himselfe, but god worketh all things according to the
CounsaUe of his owne will. It is now high time that I
begge pardon for putting so much trouble uppon you, &s
that I Conclude Arith my Prayers to him, whom Arindes &
seas obey to FUI your sailes with Favorable Arindes & to
Carrie your Person as uppon Eagles winges Far above the
reach of aU hurtful! Dangers, till he shall have landed you
safe at your desiered Port, & then to make you a Blessed
Instrument of some good unto this Poore CoUoney & to
myselfe, For which I shall Remaine
Noble Sir, your Humble Servt. & obliged
FaithfuU Frend John Davenporte.
N. H y'e 19th day of ye Q mounth
Called Aug St. 1661.
Sir, If my lord Saye be yet in vivis, be pleased to Com
municate ye inclosed to him, Arith ye reason of my not
writing to his honor at Present, & my Earnest desier of
his Favorable helpe, that ye King may be rightly informed
Concerning me in this matter ; if you shall find he is not
in ye land of ye living my humble request is the same to
my lord Fines. But if his honor have not Sufficient Inte
rest in those about his ma'tie for shuch a jJurpose, my In-
treaty to yourselfe is ye same aforementioned. Allso if
SCO APPENDIX.
the Deputy Govenor Mr. Bellingham hath not Reo'd. yt.
Letter & ye Appologie to ye General Courte weh I sent
above 5 weekes since be pleased to let him peruse this &
gett a Coppie of it (I meane ye appologie) transcribed &
Retturne yours againe to your Noble Selfe, to be Improved
as you find opertunity to ye best advantage on my be
halfe, lastley lett it please you to accept a booke newly
come forth weh I make bold to Present unto you for a vade
mecum, in your voyage at sea, & for an helpe to Fix your
Anchor aright when you come to land & for ever, ye lord
Jesus be with you both at sea &' land & to Ettemity as a
mighty Saviour Amen FareweU, interim.
XVI.
Rev. John Davenp/ort to John Winthrop, Jr.
To the Hon!>tt John Winthrope Governour of Connectecute Colonic, these
present at Hartford.
HoNOUEBLE Sir —
Many hearty thancks being prsemised, to God, and you ;
to God as to the principal efficient, who stirred up your
heart, and guided your minde to pitch upon such meanes
as his blessing made effectual ; and to yourselfe, as to a
blessed Instrument in God's hand, for our recovery, my
sons especially, from that weakness, and those great paines,
wherewith he was lately and long afflicted, unto this meas
ure of strength, Avhereby he was enabled to come into the
publick assembly, the last Lords day, to bless God the Au-
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 361
thor of all blessings upon your endeavours : which, I pray,
may be stil continued, for the good of many !
Yet, in the midst of our familie-comforts, I feele at my
heart no small sorrow for the publick dirisions and distrac
tions at Hartford. Were Mr Hooker noAV in vivis ; it
would be as a sword in his bones, that the Church, which
he had planted there, should be thus disturbed, by innova-
cons, brought in and urged so Vehemently, by his young
successour in office, not in his spirit : who was so far from
these laxe Avaies that he opposed the baptizing of grand
children, by their grandfathers right : much more would
he have decryed the baptising of Adopted children, by their
Adoptants right : most of all, the baptising of servants,
borne in the house, or bought with monie, qua tales, unles
they had a spiritual right, by being regularly joyned to the
Church, according to Gospel-rules. But he is at rest : and
the people there gro woefully divided, and the better sorte
are exceedingly greived, while the looser and worser party
insult, hoping that it will be as they would have it, viz.,
that the plantacons shall be brought into a parish-way,
against which Mr Hooker hath openly borne a strong Testi-
monie in print. The most of the churches, in this juris-
dicon, are professedly against this new way, both in judg
ment and practise, upon Gospel grounds, n, Newhaven,
MUford, Stratford, Brandford, GiUford, Norwalke, Stamford,
and those nearer to Hartford, n, Farmington, and the
sounder parte of Windsor, together Arith their Reverend
Pastor, M"" Warham, and, I thinck, Mr Fitch, and his
church also. Nor may it be thought that we all are mere
spectatours, or that we shall be allwaies silent, as persons
not concerned. It is the cause of Christ, for which we must
pleade : it is no slight matter, as de lani caprina, that is
16
362 APPENDIX.
now agitated, but that which concemes the preserving of
Christian Churches in peace, and Gospel-ordinances in
purity : it is the faith and order of the Churches of Chilst,
Avhich we are called to contend for, that they may be pre
served intyre and inoormpted. when the Bay-Synod pub
lished theire booke: I saw where their Temptation lay,
and printed my answer to it : whereunto, when a seeming
reply was made, 1 declared and proved the insufficiency of
it, and sent my MSS. to the Baye, where it lyeth, in friends
hands unprinted, til further occasion shaU obstetricate it ;
Sed quorsum hseo 1 I shall breifly suggest unto you what
1 have heard, viz. that before the last lecture-day, when it
was yong Mr Heynes his turne to preach, he sent 3 of his
partie to tell Mr Whiting, that, the nexte Lecture-day, he
would preach about his way of baptizing, and would begin
the practising of it, on that day. Accordingly he preached,
and Avater was prepared for Baptisme (which, I suppose,
was never administered, in a weeke day, in that Church,
before) But Mr Whiting, as his place and duty required,
testifyed against it, and refused to consent to it. Much
was spoken, to Utle purpose, by some of Mr Heynes his
partie. But, when Mr Warham began to speake, one of
the Church rudely hindered him, saying, to this purpose,
What hath Mr Warham to do to speake in our Church
matters ? This check stopped Mr Warhams proceeding, at
that time. The objectour considered not that this matter
Avas not res propria to that church alone, but res commu
nis, it being of common concernment to all the ohurdies in
these parts, and to the Teaching Officers of them, and to
Mr Warham more especially ; For tum sua res agitur pa
ries cum proxiinus ardet, which he might haA'e ansAvered.
But we live in times and places, Avhere the faces of the
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 363
Elders are not duely honoured ; and therefore its justly to
be feared that God will soone take away the most Godly
and judicious Leaders from so unthanckful and unworthy
people, and leave them to be mislead by superficial ver
balists. Yourselfe prudently concluded that, that day was
not a fit season to begin theire purposed practise, seeing it
was not consented to. But opposed. And so it ceased,
for that time. But Mr Heynes urged for a dispute about
it Arith Mr Wliiting, the next Lecture day, which wUl be
the 20*^ day of this month, which also, they say, is agreed
upon. But cui bono 1 No good issue can rationally be
expected of a verbal dispute, at that time, and in that place,
where so many are likely to disturbe the buisenes Arith in
terruptions and clamours, and to prepare a sufficient num
ber to overvote the better party for establishment of the
worser way. So Trueth shall be dethroned and errour set
up in the throne. What then is to be done, in this Case 1
Let M'' Heynes give in wrighting to M'' Whiting, his posi
tion, and his Ai-guments to prove it : and let M"^ Whiting
have a convenient time to returne his Answer in wrighting.
This is the most suitable way for a peaceable issuing of the
dispute, with soUd judgment, and with due moderation and
satisfaction : and let all practise of M"^ Heynes his opinion
be forborne, til the trueth be cleared. But if M"^ Heynes
refuseth this way ; I shall suspect that he more confides in
the clamours of his party, than in the goodnes of his cause
or ia the strength of his Arguments, or in his ability for
disputacon. These things I make bold to present to your
serious consideracon, that, by your wisdom and care of the
publick good and common peace, according to the duety of
your place, the fire alreadie kindled may be speedily
quenched, and the banokes may be seasonably strengthen-
364 APPENDIX.
ed, to prevent the irruption of waters, that may cause an
inundation, not to be stopped afterAvard.
Our service to yourselfe and Mrs Winthrope, with our
affectionate salutacons to all yours, being presented, I rest,
in Jesus Christ Yours obliged, assured
John Davenporte Senior.
N. H. the 14th d. of the 4th m. 1666.
Poster. My Rev^ brother, M'' Street, being Arith me,
and hearing this letter read, earnestly desired me, once and
againe, to declare unto you, his full consent to the contents
thereof: so that you may take it as from us boath. He
also thincks that a Synod of the Elders and Messengers of
the churches, on this side of the countrey, i. e. of this juris
diction, might be a suitable expedient motos componere
fluctus. But that I leave to further consideracon. In the
meane time, it AriU be operse prEemium that you interpose
your Authority and wisdom to stop all further proceedings
and actings in this irregular and tumultuous way.
[Labelled, " Mr Davenport, Senior — received Junij 19. 1666."]
John Dav&npm't, Jr., to John Winthrop, Jr.
Boston, 30. 2. 1675.
HoNBLE Sir —
Yours I reo'd, and returne thankfuU acknowledgments for
the Rubela and the directions about my arme, which I have
used, and hope it hath done good but yet remaines some
paine in the shoulder and upper parte of the arme and a
weaknes so as that I could not nor can lifl; up my hand to
LETTEES AND EXTEACTS. 363
my hat, for which I request your further helpe and advice,
there is no SAvelling but an itching especially (at times) on
my shoulder. My bodily health and appetite (through the
mercy of God) is better then before my sieknes.
The College busines (as I heare) is not yet settled. We
heare the uncomfortable state of our Relations at Jersey.
Many are the affiictions of the righteous, but the Lord
delivers out of all, it is good both to hope and quietly
waite for the salvacon of God : we live in a changable
troublesome world, but there is an unchangable God who
is the object of the hope of beleivers which is a strong
ground of consolation.
The Lord preserve your life and health for the good of
many in whome Arith our serrice presented, crave leave to
subscribe HonWe Sir, your humble servant
J. Davenport.
[" Labelled, ' Mr J. Davenport reci May 7.' The superscription is
gone. This letter is written in the hand of old age, — neither the spell
ing nor punctuation is as good as was usual with the writer's father,
who died March 15, 1670,"]
, INVENTORY OF THE REV. JOHN DAVENPORT.
" The inventory of the goods and chattels of Mr. John
Davenport, deceased, late pastor of the First Church of
Christ in Boston, taken by us, whose names are hereto
subscribed, the 22d of the 5th Mo. 1670 :—
In the Hall.
A feather bed and bolster, rugs, blanket, with damask
curtains and valance, and bedstead, £8 00 0
A drawing table, 2 00 0
366 APPENDIX.
To 10 high chairs, 2 low chairs, a form, a joint stool, and
a chest, 4 15 0
6 pair of sheets, 2 00 0
18 napkins, 3 short table cloths, and 5 towels 200 0
A pair of wampum, with trenchers, and several small
things, 3 00 0
I'll the Study.
Books prized by Mr, John Oxenbridge, our pastor, and
by Mr, James Alien, our teacher, as appeared to us by
a note under their hands, to the value of 233 17 0
A clock, with appurtenances, 5 00 0
7 high chairs, 3 stools, a low chair, 3 00 0
A skreen, 4 curtain rods, 4 boxes, 2 00 0
For wt sugar, a little trunk, and a box, 1 05 0
In the Upper Chamber.
3 rings, 4 blankets, a coverlet, 4 13 0
A feather bed, boulster, 3 pillows, a boulster and case,
with feathers and bedstead, 7 10 0
3 chests, a court cupboard, and 4 trunks 800 0
5 chairs, 2 boxes, and a table, 3 00 0
6 cushions and darnic carpet, 2 striped carpets, a valure
carpet, a cupboard, cloth and blanket, and 11 pair of
sheets, 25 00 0
For several small things, as yarn thread, 1 00 0
7 pair of sheets, 4 00 0
17 napkins, cupboard cloth, 9 pillow biers, and 3 coarse
towels, 3 00 0
1 pair of sheets, 1 1 pillowbiers, 4 short table cloths, 18
towels, and 4 napkins, 3 18 0
16 towels, 13 napkins, 3 pillowbiers, and 7 short table
cloths, 2 00 0
80 yards of Holland, at 4s 16 00 0
For some remnants of Holland lawn and dowlas, 3 10 0
6 pillows, 2 00 0
A basket, with Manchester binding, 5 0
In the Kitchen Chamber.
A feather bed, a rug, two blankets, bedstead, a bolster,
tick, and 2 pillow cases, 6 10 0
INA-ENTOEIES, DEEDS, A-C. 367
For his apparel, woolen and linen 30 00 0
In gold and English money, 13 OS 7 J
In Spanish money, 118 9
In New England money, 95 10 0
A quilt, rug, .j blankets, a pair of curtains and valance,
with buckram and )-arn, 5 00 0
3 yards of br. clash, 11 yards of red kersey, 2 yards of
Pennistone, a carpet, 1 yard of serge, 8 04 0
For several yards of tape, 15 0
21 pair of sheets, 17 00 0
For hangings and darnic curtains, 3 00 0
3 yards of Holland, 4J 5'ards dimity, 3 of thread, 11 quires
of paper, li dozen of pins, and 1 piece of brown tape
and ribbon, 2 17 0
3 pair of sheets, 6 diaper table cloths, 10 table cloths of
diaper and towels, 4} doz. of diaper napkins, and 3
diaper towels, 20 00 0
A dozen of plain napkins, 6 towels, S table cloths, 4 cup
board cloths, 17 pillowbiers, 6 diaper cloths, 6 doz. of
plain cloths, 10 00 0
14 yards of Holland, 4 07 0
4J yards of lawn and cambric, 2 00 0
5 yards of tufted Holland, 12 6
4 fine Holland beds for children, 15 0
6 trunks, 3 chests, and some boxes, 5 00 0
In plate, 50 00 0
In china and earthen ware, 5 00 0
In the Garret.
In bedding, iiax, sheep's wool, malt, Indian corn, with
divers other things, 20 00 0
It the Parlor.
A feather bed, bolster, pillow, a pair of sheets, pillow
biers, a pair of blankets, curtains, valance and bedstead, 12 00 0
A cupboard, 10 0
A red chair, 5 small chairs and 1 joint stool, 1 little table
and 6 cushions 2 14 0
A feather bed, bolster, and 2 pillows, a pair of blankets,
bedstead curtains and valance ¦ 6 00 0
368 APPENDIX.
A flock bed, bolster, 1 pair of sheets, blanket, rug, trundle
bed, 3 00 0
For glass bottles, 1 jug, and some nutmegs, 12 0
In the Kitchen.
In pewter and tin ware 20 00 0
A brass mortar, a marble mortar and pestles, 1 00 0
6 skillets, 6 brass candlesticks, with other brass things, . . 3 00 0
3 brass kettles, 2 iron pots and still, 1 bed-pan, 4 00 0
5 pair of andirons, 3 pair of tongs, 1 iron fire-pan, 2
hooks, 1 iron peel, grid-iron, warming-pan, and frying-
pan, 4 00 0
3 sheets, with some other linen, a pair of brass scales,
weights, chafing dish, and brass mortar, 3 00 0
In the Cellar.
In cotton wool, 3 old kettles, a great copper kettle, a great
pair of racks, a still in salt, a great washing tub, with
barrels, and other lumber, 20 00 0
The dweUing-house and land, 400 00 0
£1,147 15 lOJ
More presented to us :
In English money, £82 14 0
A bible, a gold ring, and sewing silk, 3 00 0
4 yards of bl. cr. cloth, 4 15 0
For silver clasp and silver hatband, 1 05 0
A saw, and 2 yards of flannel and fustian, 1 09 0
Total is £1,240 18 lOJ
James Penn,
Anthony Stoddart,
Thomas Clarke.
One servant boy, £10 00 0
Mr. John Davenport made oath before the Governor and
Major Gen. John Leverett, appointed by the county court
that last sat for that end, that this is a true Liventory of
mVENTOEIES AND DEEDS. 869
the estate he knows of his late father, and when he knows
more he AriU diseover it.
This done the first of the 7th Month, 1670.
As attest, Freegrace Bendall,
Clerk."
The above does not include the property the deceased
left in New Haven, most of which, however, AriU be found
included in the following Inventory of his son John Daven
port, jr.
A part of his very valuable library, prized at more than
one thousand dollars, seems to have been sold, or given
away, before the death of his son ; as the books then re
maining were prized in the Boston inventory at less than
£100. The largest portion passed to his grandson, the
Rev. John Davenport, of Stamford, and others were di
vided among his other grandchildren.
A part appears to have passed, previous to the death of
his son, to Dr. Increase Mather, and are now to be found,
together with some of his manuscript works, in the library
of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass.
INVENTORY OF JOHN DAVENPORT, JR. J. ;¦.- ":"
An Inventory of the effects of Mr. John Davenport, late
of Boston, in New England, deceased, viz. : that part of it
which is Arithin the limits of New 'Haven, taken and ap
prised by us whose names are hereunto written, according
to best information, — June 27, 1687.
Imprs. The house and barnes, home-lot and orchard, at
the town, ^200 00 0
About sixteen acres of upland in that quarter, at
the Sound side,. 50 00 0
16*
370 APPENDIX.
Two acres of home-lot, joining to the aforesaid
home-lot, 20 00 0
About nineteen acres of wood-lot, near the mill, . 15 00 0
About eleven acres and half in the necks, 10 00 0
House and buildings, with the upland and mea
dow at the farm, 4,50 00 0
One hundred and sixty acres of the third division 30 00 0
Right in the ox pasture and other commons of
the town, — six cows and two small oxen and
two 3-year old cattle at the farm, 35 00 0
One 2-year old mare, .• 2 00 0
Two cows and calves at the town, two ewes and
two lambs, 9 10 0
Horses not known in the woods,
Sum total, £821 10 0
Moses Mansfield,
Abram Dickeman.
The total of the Inventory of the said Mr. John
Davenport's estate found at Boston is, according to a
copy exhibited now in county court, held at New Haven,
August 3d, 1687, £836 12 6
Total of both is £1,658 02 6
May 21th, 1690.
Mrs. Abigail Davenport, Aridow, the relict and ad
ministratrix of Mr. John Davenport, of NeAV HaA'en, de
ceased, at Boston, appeared in Court, in New Haven, and
exhibited the above inventories, and requested the Court
to make distribution of the estate according to law, to her
the relict, and the four children of the said JNlr. John Da
venport, her dear husband deceased, viz., John, Elizabeth,
Abigail, and Mary DaA^enport, for that the said deceased
made no Avill Avhereby to dispose of his estate.
Tlie Court therefore examined the above inventory, and
KYENTOEIES AND AATLLS. 371
found that since it was made, one hundred and fifty-six
pounds of the estate had been expended for the education
and maintenance of the children, from their minority to
this time, and tor payment of debts and loss of fire, in
Boston ; and of the clear estate remaining, the Court grants
and confii-n^s to the relict and administratrix, a third part
of the house at Boston, a third of the houses and lands at
Xew Haven, during her natural life, and a tliird of the
personal estate in her possession, amounting at present to
£487 07^'. 6c?., and also tAvo-thirds of the plate, according
to her deceased husband's mind, and the rest of the thii-ds
to be used by her for the education and maintenance of the
chUdren, until they should be of lawful age, or the daugh
ters married, when they shall receive theu- portion.
Besides the son's portion, he shall receiA-e -vrith. the con
sent and good liking of the rest, £40 in books, Latin, Greek,
and Hebrew, according to his father's mind ; and the rest
of the books, to the value of £50, to be distributed among
the rest of the children, only the eldest daughter to haA-e
more than the younger, Adz., £20 out of the £50.
For the children's portion, the Court grant unto John
Davenport, the son, a double portion, viz, (including
the £40 in books) , £409 IS 10
To Elizabeth Davenport, the sum of 184 19 5
(besides the £20 in books)
To Abigail Davenport, „ 184 19 5
To 3Iary Davenport, „ 184 19 5
The son to receive his portion at the age of 21, and the
daughters at IS, or marriage, whichever may happen first.
The real estate of the Avidow's thUds, at her death, to go
to the children, according to the aforementioned pro
portions.
372 APPENDIX.
COPY OF A DEED OF THE HEIRS OF JOHN DAVENPORT,
Jk,, to the FIRST CHURCH, BOSTON, 1693.
(Drawn from Boston Town Records.)
This Lidenture made the tenth day of June, Anno Do
mini, one thousand six hundred and ninety-three, and in
the fifth year of the reign of our sovereign Lord and Lady,
WUliam and Mary, King and Queen of England, BE
TWEEN Abigail Davenport, relict, widow and adminis
tratrix of the estate of her late husband Johu Davenport,
late of Boston, in the county of Suffolk, within their Ma
jesties' Province of Massachusetts Bay, in' New England,
merchant, deceased ; John Davenport, of the toAvn and
county of Ncav Haven, Arithin their majesties colony of
Connecticut, in New England, aforesaid, clerk [minister],
son and heir of the said John Davenport, dec. ; James
Pierpont, of New Haven aforesaid, clerk, lately the hus
band of Abigail Davenport, deceased, one of the daughters
of the said John Davenport, dec. ; Elizabeth Davenport
and Mary Davenport, of New Haven aforesaid, spinsters,
tAvo more daughters of the said John Davenport, dec,
of the one part, and Robert Sanderson, sen., goldsmith,
Henry AUine, carpenter, and Joseph Bridgham, tanner, all
of Boston aforesaid, deacons of the First Church of Christ
in Boston aforesaid, and as Trustees for and in behalf of
the said First Church of Christ, on the other part, WIT
NESSETH, that the said Abigail Davenport, John
Davenport, James Pierpont, Elizabeth Davenport and
Mary Davenport, for and in consideration of the sum of
one hundred and seventy pounds current money, in Ncav
England aforesaid, to them in hand, at or before the seal
ing and delivery of these presents, Avell and truly paid by
373
the said Robert Sanderson, Sen., Henry AUine and Joseph
Bridgham, in behalf of the aforesaid church, the receipt
whereof to full amount and satisfaction they do hereby
acknowledge, and thereof and of every part and parcel f
thereof they do acquit and exonerate and discharge the
said Robert Sanderson, Sen., Plenry AUine and Joseph
Bridgham, and each and every of them, and each and every
of their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, as also
this First Church now being, &c., their successors, forever,
by these presents and for divers other good reasons and
considerations them hereunto at this present especially
moving, they the said Abigail Davenport, John Davenport,
James Pierpont, Elizabeth Davenport and Mary Daven
port, HAVE given, granted, bargained, sold, alienated,
released, enfeoffed, conveyed and confirmed, And by these
presents do fully, freely, and absolutely grant, bargain,
sell, alien and release, enfeoffe, convey and confirm, unto
the said Robert Sanderson, Sen., Henry AUine and Joseph
Bridgham, their heirs and assigns forever, to the use here-
into hereafter mentioned and expressed, ALL THAT
CERTAIN MESSUAGE or Tenement, with the appurte
nances and lands thereunto belonging, situate, lying and
being in Boston aforesaid, being butted and bounded on the
east with the street or highway leading from Prison Lane
up to the Common or Training fields on the west, and with
lands heretofore appertaining to Richard Bellingham, Esq. ,
deceased (of which this land herein granted was once a
part) ', on the south side with the garden and lands of the
late Humphrey Darie, Esq., deceased, in the present te
nure and occupation of Gabriel Barnon, merchant ; and on
the northerly side in part Arith the garden of Robert How
ard, deceased, now appertaining to the said Gabriel Bamon,
and in part by the land of the late John Hall, Esq., de-
374 APPENDIX.
ceased, Together Arith all and singular houses, edifices,
building and fences standing thereupon, yard, garden, wares,
wells, waters, water courses, profits, privileges, advantages,
commodities, hereditaments, emoluments and appurtenancer
whatsoever, to the said messuage or tenement belonging t
or in anywise appertaining, or therewith now or heretof
used or occupied, enjoyed, reputed, taken or knoAvn as pi
parcel or member thereof, or of any part thereof, and the
rerision or revisions, remainder and remainders, rents and
issues thereof, and all and each and every of their estated
right, title, interest, inheritance, trust, property, possession,
use, dower, claim and demand whatsoever of, into and out
of the premises, and every part thereof, with all original
deeds, writings and evidences Avhatsoever relating thereto,
in their custody or power, TO HAVE AND TO HOLD
the said messuage or tenement, Arith all the lands thereto
belonging, butted and bounded as aforesaid, Avith all other
the above granted premises, unto the said Robert Sander
son, Sen., Henry AUine and Joseph Bridgham, their heirs
and assigns forever, to and for the sole proper use, benefit
and behoof of the said First Church of Christ in Boston,
aforesaid, now living, and their successors forever, and to no
other use, intent or purpose whatsoever, absolutely with
out any manner of condition, redemption, or revocation in
anyArise : And the said Abigail Davenport, John Davenport,
James Pierpont, Elizabeth Davenport and Mary Daven
port, for themselves, their heirs and executors and adminis
trators, and every of them do covenant, grant and agree
to and with the said Robert Sanderson, Sen., Henry AUine,
and Joseph Bridgham, their heirs and assigns, and to and
with each and every of them, by these presents in maimer
and form following (that is to say) : — Tliat at and immedi
ately before the time of their sealing and delivery of these
DEEDS, AVILLS, &C. 375
presents, they the said Abigail Davenport, John Davenport,
James Pierpont, Elizabeth Davenport, and Mary Daven
port, or some or one of them, are the true, sole and lawful
OAVner or owners of all the aforebargained premises. And
stand lawfully seized thereof in their or some of their OAvn
proper right of a good, perfect, and absolute estate of in
heritance in fee simple, without any remainder of condi
tion, rerision, or limitation of use or uses Avhatsoever, so as
to alter, change, defeat or make void the same, Leaving to
themselves full power, good right and laAvful authority to
grant, sell, convey, alien, enfeoffe, release and confirm the
same in maimer and form as aforesaid, and according to the
true intent and meaning of these presents, And that the
said Robert Sanderson, Sen., Henry AUine and Joseph
Bridgham, and their heirs and assigns shall and may by
force and rirtue of these presents from henceforth and at all
times forever hereafter, lawfully, peaceably and quietly
have,hold,use, occupy, possess and enjoy all the above grant
ed premises, with their appurtenances, and receive and take
the use and behoof aforesaid the rents and incomes thereof
FREE AND CLEAR, and thereby acquitted, exonerat
ed and discharged from all and all manner of former and
other gifts, grants, bargains, sales, leases, mortgages,
jointures, dowers, judgments, executions, entaUs, wills, for
feitures, seizures, amercements, and all and from all other
titles, troubles, charges and incumbrances whatsoever ;
AND FURTHER, that the said Abigail Davenport, John
Davenport, James Pierpont, EUzabeth Davenport and
Mary Davenport do hereby covenant, promise, grant and
agree and bind and oblige themselves, their heirs and ex
ecutors and admmistrators, from henceforth and forever
hereafter, to warrant and defend all the said above granted
premises, with their appurtenances, and every part thereof,
376
APPENDIX.
unto the said Robert Sanderson, Sen., Henry Alline and
Joseph Bridgham, their heirs and assigns forever, to the
uses aforesaid, against the lawful claims and demands of
all and every person and persons whomsoever, and at any
time or times hereafter, upon reasonable request or demand,
and at the cost and charges of the above-named grantees,
their heirs or assigns, to give and pass unto them such fur
ther and ample assurance and confirmation of these pre
mises, as in law and equity can be reasonably desired, ad
vised or required.
In Aritness whereof the said Abigail Davenport, John
Davenport, James Pierpont, Elizabeth Davenport and
Mary Davenport have hereunto set our hands and seals the
day and year first above written.
Abigail Davenport, and a seal,
John Davenport, and a seal,
James Pierpont, and a seal,
Elizabeth Davenport, and a seal,
Mart Davenport, and a seal.
all on
labels.
Signed, sealed and delivered "
in the presence of us,
Samuel Bishop,
Isaac Jones.
AVILL OF MRS. ABIGAIL DAVENPORT, AVIDOAV OF
JOHN DAVENPORT, Jr.
"At a Court of Probate held at Newhaven Sept. 18th
1718, Present Warham Mather, Judge ;
Joseph Whiting Clerk
Mr John Davenport nominated Exr. in the Last Will
and Testament of Mrs Abigail Davenport late of New-
DEEDS, AVILLS, &C. 377
haven deed, exhibited the said Instrument in this Court
which on the oath of two of the Aritnesses before John
Bishop Esq. one of his Maj 'ties Justices of the peace for
the County of feirfeUd as by him Certyfyed and the said
WUl was proved in Court and approved for Record and
the said Execur accepted the tmst therein Committed to
him & Gave Bond for a faithful discharge thereof: And
admuiistration of the Intestate Estate or the Estate ot
whioh the Dec-d stood possessed as Tenant or Dower was
Granted unto the aforesaid Mr. John Davenport on his
OAvn Bond."
Copy of the Will.
"In the Name of God, Amen, the 13th Day of August
1713 I AbigaU Davenport of Newhaven, Widow, being
weak of body but of sound mind and memory, blessed be
God for it : Remembering the Mortality of my body Do
make & ordain this my Last Will & Testament — that is to
say principally & first of all I Give & Commend my
Spirit into the hands of God that Gave it & my Lord
Christ that Redeemed it & my body I Recommend to
ye Earth Decently to be buried at the Direction of my
Execur having a Good hope of the Resurection of the Just
and as Touching Such Avorldly Estate as a Good God hath
Lent me, my Last will & meaning is ; that my Just Debts
& funerall e.xpences be first paid and pertioularly as to the
bill of mine To my worthy Son-in-Law Mather of six
pounds Cash or thereabouts I do expect be allowed me as
part payment for work I have done Thirty & Three shil
lings Cash which his wife knoAVS very well besides much
more I have Done and Do not account and my said Debts
& expences being paid my Avill and meaning is that all my
Remaining Estate be Committed into the hands of my
378 APPENDIX.
Executor hereafter named & be Dealt out perticulerly as
is here under expressed & according to the Condition and
order hereafter mentioned first I Give & Bequeath unto
the Church of Newhaven my Silver Caudle Cup Desirmg
a Cup be made thereof for the service of that Church as
Likely as yt will afford for the Vessel & its making
out of my Love & affection to the house of God.*
Item. It is my will & meaning yt the biggest part by
far of the Little I leave be in the hands of my Loving Son
John Davenport to be improved for the education, en
couragement & preparation of my Loring Grand Son Deo
date Davenport.
Item. It is my will that my loving Grand Son John
Davenport have a fashionable silver sjDoon made for him
out of my plate.
Item. It is my will & meaning that the four daugh
ters of my Son Davenport my Loring Grand Cluldren to
say Abigail, Martha, Sarah and Elizabeth Davenport have
a pair of my Holland sheets each of them ; and I give also
to my Loving Grand-daughter Abigail Davenport the best
of my Turkey work Chairs & a pair of hoUaud pUlowbers.
Item. It is my will & meaning that my cloathes be all
of them Divided amongst my Three Children, my Lovmg
son John Davenport & my Loving Daughter Elizabeth
Mather, and my loving Daughter Mary Wade onely
my said Daughter Mary Wade my will is that she
hath a Avhole suit of woollen & Linen & my allamode
whood & my allamode Scarfe also If it please the Lord
yt I depart this Life by this sickness that my LoAnng
sister Mary Bishop of Stamford have my Gray petty Coat
Avhich I Avear every day.
* That cup is still used by the First Church of New Haven, at every
monthly Communion. — Communicated by Rev. Dr. Bacon, 1850.
DEEDS, AVILLS, &C. 379
Item. ILiving Given a piece of Gold to my said
Daughter Martha & two pieces of Gold remaining my
wUl is that one of them be to my Son Davenport & the
other to my Daughter Wade.
Item. My Will is yt my Loving Grand-daughter
AbigaU Pierpont have my SUver Spoon marked A : P :
and ten shillings of money be Given among the other Dear
Children of my Avorthy Son-in-Law the Revd-Mr James
Pierpont of Newhaven as a token of my Love to them.
Item. Further my avUI & meaning is absolute in Refer
ence to the Legacy of the Church of Newhaven but in all
the other Declarations of this my will foUoAving after said
Legacy is upon condition that my Estate will aUow it,
when my Just debts and funerall expences are paid & so
far as my Estate will allow ; the same order being observed
in the performing my AriU as is expressed in this my will
Desiring in no wise my Executor should be exposed to
suffer damage by this my Avill. Moreover, I Disannul &
Revoke all my former will or wills made by me & estab
lish this onely to be my Last WiU & Testament and I do
nominate Constitute & appoint my well beloved Son John
Davenport aforesaid to be my sole Executor.
And my desire mind & AriU is that my Dear Children
Live in Love and the God of Love & peace AriU be with
them. I also do in these declare that in my Chamber are one
Thousand & half of 8d nails and a thousand & about a
quarter of sixes which belong to my Son Daveuport & I
bought with his of twenty shillings.
380 APPENDIX.
Signed with my hand & sealed with my seal in Stam
ford the day & year above written. Abigail Davenport, [seal.]
Signed sealed published &
Declared by the said
Abigail Davenport as her
Last will & Testament in the
presence of us — ¦
JoNATH. Bell
Zachariah Roberts
Mart ( J. Hollt
(her mark)
THE AVILL OF REV. JOHN DAVENPORT, OF STAMFORD.
In the name of God amen. The 20tk day of Jan'y anno
Domini 1728-9. I John Davenport of the tOAvn of Stam
ford, alias Stemford, in Fairfield county, Connecticut colony,
in New England, in America, clerk, sensible of the fraUty
of human life, but of sound mind and memory, for which
Almighty God be thanked, whenever it shall please God to
call me hence, do now declare my mind in this my last
Avill and testament, as follows, A-iz. :
I give my soul into the hand of God my Creator, and
the Lord Jesus Christ my all-sufficient Redeemer, and my
body to the earth to be decently interred, according to the
discretion of my executors hereafter named, having hope
in the resurrection of the just ; and as touching the worldly
estate Avliich the dirine bounty hath been pleased to lend
me, my last will and meaning is —
That first, my just debts and funeral expenses being
DEEDS, AA7LLS, &C. 381
paid, and enough of my estate also reserved to answer for
decent grave stones for my deceased mother's grave at
New Haven, which my executors shall speedUy and
effectuaUy care for, and also all the grain and meat, soap
and fat, and candles, left at my decease, not to be inven
toried, but to be for the use of those that are of my family,
and residing therein, and that in common, under the
management of my now vrife ; and farther —
Impr. — I give and bequeath to my dear and loving wife
EUzabeth, one third both of my real and personal estate,
the personal her OAvn absolutely, and the real during her
natural life.
Farther. — I wUl that my estate according to the apprising
herein provided for ; J saA', my estate which I call dirida-
ble among my eight chUdren be divided into twelve equal
parts in value ; eight of which equal parts to be to my
four sons, to say, John, Deodate, Abraham, and James, but
the remaining four equal parts to be to my four daughters,
to say, AbigaU, Martha, Sarah and Elizabeth.
Item. — I give and bequeath to my loving and eldest son
John, two parts of said equal parts of my said dividable
estate, and over and above that, I give said son the sum of
thirty-one pounds and ten shUlings. Now, if the legacy
herein derised to my said son John AriU admit and fit ac
cording to apprising, my mind is, the said John have my
land on Davenport Ridge, so caUed, as may appear by
the note of laying out and seized to me, signed by Deacon
Samuel Halt, Stephen Bishop, and John HoUy, said note
entered on the record of said Stamford, and also an addi
tion of land northerly, and on the east side or east Une of
land laid out or belonging to Capt. Samuel Halt ; I say
northerly to my land contained in said note, I mean to the
easterly part of my said land contained in said note. Now,
382 APPENDIX.
the said addition of land may be thus known, viz. : from
, the south east corner of said land belonging to said Capt.
Samuel Hait in said east line, let thirty five rods be ex
actly measured northerly, and a line from thence be drawn
square tUl it come to the highway or path which hath been
called Ponasses path, and the house and barn thereon :
further, my meaning is that said house, to say mansion
house and barn, be appraised according to their value at
time of said appraising, and all said land be appraised ac
cording to their value at said time of said appraising, only
I would have all the land improved by my said son John
by the plough, or for pasture, and inclosed to be valued at
no higher price than if they had lain wholly waste to said
time of appraising, to be to my said son John, to him, his
heirs and assigns forever, with the reservation, and also
further conditions they may follow.
Item. — I give and bequeath to my loving son Deodate,
two parts of said equal twelve parts of my said diA'idable
estate, to be to him, my said son Deodate, to liim, his
heirs and assigns forever, and my meaning is, he said Deo
date, may choose Arithin one year after my decease, either
to dwell on Noroten hill in Stamford aforesaid, or at my
farm at said New Haven, long knoAvn by the name of Mr.
Davenport's farm, or up in the wood of said Stamford, if
on said Noroten ; my mind is, said Deodate have aU
my land on Noroten hiU, if on said farm he, said Deodate,
may choose not to prejudice the remainder of said farm ;
if up in the wood, it shall be AA'hoUy the said Deodate's,
where not interfering Arith the devise to said John : never
theless, in case said Deodate have any trouble in the law
on account of any said mother Davenport's last Avill and
testament, my will is then, first, said Deodate will be cut
DEEDS, AA^ILLS, &C. 383
out of the one half, tlie other half divided to my son Deo
date. Item. — I give and bequeath to my loving son Abraham,
two parts of my said dividable estate, to be to him, my
said son Abraham, to him, his heirs and assigns forever.
Item.—l give and bequeath to my loring son James,
tAvo parts of said equal parts of my said dividable estate,
to be to him, my said son James, to him, his heirs and as
signs forever.
Item. — I give and bequeath to my loAring daughter Abi
gail, one part of the equal parts of my diridable estate, to
be to my said daughter AbigaU, to her, her heirs and as
signs forever, of which said one part I account said Abi
gail hath already received of me one hundred and twenty-
one pounds nine shillings and eleven pence.
Item. — I give and bequeath to my loving daughter
Martha, one part of said equal parts of my dividable es
tate, to be to her, said Martha, to her, her heirs and as
signs forever ; also about one part, besides my special
charge on a gift to said Martha, I do further give to her,
said Martha, four score pounds, on compassion of said
Martha having been lame from a child.
Item. — I give and bequeath to my loving daughter
Sarah, one part of said equal parts of my said diridable es
tate, to be to her, said Sarah, to her, her heirs and assigns
forever, of which said part said Sarah has already received
one hundred and seven pounds four shillings and eleven
pence. Item. — I give and bequeath to my loving daughter Eliza
beth, one part of 6aid equal parts of my dividable estate,
to be to her, said Elizabeth, to her, her heirs and assigns
forever. Also upon consideration of accounts between me a^id m,-
884 APPENDIX.
said son John, I find said son John hath already received
of my estate seventy-one pounds and ten shUlings.
Also about my books, my mind is, my loving wffe
choose two of them, and my children, to say, John, Deo
date, Abigail, Martha, Sarah, Elizabeth, shall have each of
them two of my English, if they have not had already,
and all the rest of my books to belong to my said sons
Abraham and James, in an equal proportion.
Further, my meaning is, that my said sons Abraham
and James enter not on their respective portions till they
have arrived at the full ages of twenty-one years also, and
yet if only one of them, said Abraham and James, die in
nonage, the other that surriveth shall have all the books
of him that hath deceased, and as for the residue of the
portion of him that hath deceased, my mind is, that said
residue shall be equally divided into eight equal parts, and
equally belong to my said Arife, if surviving, and my seven
children, or their lawful representatives, but if said sons
Abraham and James die in nonage, my mind and meaning
is that my present wffe, if surriving, my said six chUdren,
to say, John, Deodate, Abigail, Martha, Sarah, Elizabeth,
or their lawful representatives, shall have an equal share in
the portions of the said Abraham and James, Arith this
only difference, the said Martha have thirty pounds above
an equal part, and to them, their heirs and assigns forever.
Also I give my said now Arife Elizabeth, forty pounds of
my estate in current bills of credit, or in bonds, and it is
in affection to her, my said Arife, and the improvement of
whole or part to be, as I h.ave told her, whereof she is not
accountable. And further together, my meaning about my estate
which I call dividable among my eight chUdren, and avUI
have divided into twelve equal parts in value, I would have
DEEDS, AVILLS, <fcC. 385
it understood thus, viz. : I consider these three articles on ac
count ; one article is the value of my said wffe's thirds in
my real estate, which are my said wife's during her natural
Itfe ; a second article is the value of all the rest of my real
estate ; that is to say, of the other two thirds of my lands ;
a third article is the value of all my personal estate, be
sides my said Arife's thirds, which are absolutely her OAvn,
nor in this thu-d article must be accounted three hundred
pounds four shUlings and ten pence. Now I wUl that these
three said articles be truly added into one sum : and fur
ther, I propose from said one sum be subtracted two hun
dred and ninety-one pounds ten shillings : now then, when
said subtraction is made, the sum remaining, or residue, is
the very thing I mean by my estate I call dividable among
my eight children as aforesaid.
Further, I open the three hundred pounds four shUlings
and ten pence thus, riz. : said John hath had seventy-one
pounds ten shUlings ; said Abigail hath had one hundred
and twenty-one pounds nine shillings and eleven pence ;
said Sarah hath had one hundred and seven pounds four
shiUings and eleven pence, which brought into one sum,
makes three hundred pounds four shillings and ten pence.
Further, I open the two hundred and ninety-one pounds
and ten shUlings thus, riz.: given my said son John,
thirty-one pounds and ten shUlings ; given my said daugh
ter Martha four score pounds ; given my said Arife Eliza^
beth forty pounds : now, if to these be added one hun
dred and forty pounds, the sum is two hundred and ninety-
one pounds ten shilUngs, and of said one hundred and
forty, I shall give account in what follows.
Further, however, I derise to my said children their
parts in the third of my land belonging to my said wife
17
386 APPENDIX.
during her natural life, my meaning is, my said Arife enjoy
the same, the term aforesaid, and that all my said children
do wait for their respective parts in the same, until the
term be fully completed.
Further, my mmd is, that whatever of my real estate
shall at any time or times fall to any of my said daugh
ters, to say, AbigaU, Martha, Sarah, Elizabeth, the whole,
or any part or parts thereof, it shall be in the power of said
John, or said Deodate, or my said Arife, to have payment
being made according to said appraising for the whole, or
any part or parts, as aforesaid.
Also, my will is, that my said loving vrife, whUe my
widow, at her pleasure improve all the lands I have im
proved up my ridge for plough and pasture, and at her
pleasure take in twenty acres more not within fence, at my
decease, which is the reservation I mean, mentioned in my
bequest to my said son John.
Also, I open the conditions, or further conditions men
tioned in my bequest to said wife Martha, deceased, said
land being at Fairfield, or Major Gold's farm, so called, in
all which land my desire is my sis children aforesaid
named, viz. : John, Deodate, Abigail, Martha, Sarah,
Elizabeth, have equal shares for them, their heirs and as
signs forever, which, if they have not through said John's
refusal or fault, then my will is, my said son John be cut
out of the one half aforesaid, devised to him, said John ;
the other condition relates to my estate of my sister Mar
tha, at said New Haven, or any other way which may fall
to me or any child of mine by right of inheritance, wherein
my desire is that all my said eight chUdren, viz. : John,
Deodate, Abraham, James, Abigail, Martha, Sarah, Eliza
beth, shall have equal shares in fee, which, if they have not
: t f them through said John's refusal or fault, then my
DEEDS, A\aLLS, &C. 387
last mind and meaning is, that my said son John be cut
out of all before bequeathed to him, said John, but only
the seventy and one pomids ten shillings which I account
the said John hath already received of me, so much being
the due to balance from said John to me, as must appear by
the accounts draAvn out by me, and signed with my name.
Further, in case of forfeiture made by said John, or said
Deodate, whatsoever shall be forfeited, I give and bequeath
to my other chUdren, to each one aUke, to be to them,
their heirs and assigns forever.
Also, I commit it to my executors to get my land at said
Stamford* and New Haven, &c., measured and appraised
by persons under the solemnity of an oath.
Further, Whereas I have in the seventh and eighth
Unes of this very page or foUo mentioned one hundred and
forty pounds, my meaning and will is, that my executors
reserve out of my estate to the value of one hundred and
forty pounds, and if said executors think it needful, I com
mit it unto iheir power to make sale of lands of mine : now,
said one hundred and forty pounds I intend on account of
charges for measuring and appraising aforesaid, and also
for undertaking in the law as my executor's council may
apprehend convement for asserting my right in land, or any
other head ; my meaning also is, that besides the neat an
swering of the trouble and charges of my executors, that
each said executors have twelve pounds gratuity ; and fur
ther, in case after all of said one hundred and forty pounds,
there be any thing remaining, my mind and meaning is,
about such remainder, or any other thing or things proper
for me yet to order, I say my meaning is, that a division
* The Inventory of Mr. Davenport's estate shows him to have
been possessed of about 4,000 acres of land within the township of
Stamford.
388 APPENDIX.
thereof in equal proportion be among all my said chUdren,
or their laAvful representatives.
Finally, I nominate, constitute and ordain my said lov
ing Arife EUzabeth, and my said loving son Deodate, ex-
eecutors of this my last will and testament, hereby re
voking and disannuUmg all and every former Arills and
testaments executed, and confirming and ratifying this and
no other to be my last will and testament, and seal, the
day and year first written. John Davenport, [a seal.]
Signed, Sealed, published, pronounced, ~
and declared by said John Daven
port, the Testator, to be his last
' AvUl and testament, in the presence
of us, the subscribers.
Jno. Bell,
Saml. Blachlbt,
Abigail Blachlet.
THE REV. JAMES DAVENPORT'S CONFESSION AND
RETRACTIONS.
(See pages 215-224.)
" Although I do not question at all, but there is great
reason to bless God for a glorious and wonderful work of
his power and grace in the edification of his chUdren, and
the conviction and conversion of numbers in New England,
in the neighbouring governments and several other parts,
vrithin a few years past ; and believe that the Lord hath
favored me, though most unworthy, Arith several others of
his servants,;in granting special assistance and success; the
glory of all which be given to Jehovah, to whom alone it
belongs :
389
" Yet, after frequent meditation and desires that I might
be enabled to apprehend things justly, and, I hope I may
say, mature consideration, I am now fully conrinced and
persuaded that several things, which in the time of the
work I was very industrious and instrumental in promot
ing, by a misguided zeal, were no parts of it, but of a dif
ferent and contrary nature and tendency, and that I was
much influenced in the affair by the false spirit ; which,
unobserved by me, did (as I have been brought to see
since) prompt me to unjust apprehensions and misconduct
in several articles ; which have been great blemishes to the
work of God ; very grievous to some of God's children, no
less ensnaring and corrupting to others of them, a sad
means of many persons' questioning the work of God, con
cluding and appearing against it, and of the hardening of
multitudes in their sins, and an aAvful occasion of the ene
mies blaspheming the right ways of the Lord ; and Arithal
very offensive to that God, before whom I would lie in the
dust, prostrate in deep humility and repentance on this ac
count, imploring pardon for the mediator's sake, and thank
fully accepting the tokens thereof.
" The articles which I especially refer to, and would in
the most public manner retract, and warn others against,
are these which follow, viz. :
" I. The method I used, for a considerable time, Arith
respect to some, yea, many ministers in several parts, in
openly exposing such as I feared or thought unconverted,
in public prayer or otherArise ; herein making my private
judgment, (in which also I much suspect I was mistaken in
several instances, and I believe also that my judgment con
cerning several was formed rashly and upon very slender
grounds,) I say, making my private judgment the ground
390 appendix.
of public actions or conduct ; offending, as I apprehend
(although in the time of it, ignorantly) against the ninth
commandment, and such other passages of Scripture as are
similar ; yea, I may say, offending against the laws both
of justice and charity ; which laws were further broken,
" II. By my adrising and urging to such separations
from those ministers whom I treated as above, as I believe
may be justly called rash, unwarrantable, and of sad and
awful tendency and consequences. And here I would ask
. the forgiveness of those ministers, whom I have injured in
both these articles.
" III. I confess I have been much led astray by follow
ing impulses or impressions as a rule of conduct, whether
they came with or Arithout a text of Scripture ; and by ne
glecting, also duly to observe the analogy of Scripture. I
am persuaded this was a great means of corrupting my ex
periences and carrying me off from the word of God, and a
great handle, which the false spirit has made use of with
respect to a number, and me especially.
" IV. I believe, further, that I have done much hurt to re
ligion, by encouraging private persons to a ministerial and
authoritative kind or method of exhorting ; which is parti
cularly observable in many, such being much puffed up and
falling into the snare of the devil, whilst many others are
thus directly prejudiced against the work.
" I have reason to be deeply humbled that I have not
been duly careful to endeavour to remoA'e or prevent pre
judice, (where I now believe I might then have done it con
sistently Arith duty,) which appeared remarkable in the
method I practised, of singing with others in the streets, in
societies frequently.
" I would also penitently confess and bewail my great
stiffness in retaining these aforesaid errors a great while,
CONEESSION, AC. 391
and unArillingness to examine into them Arith any jealousy
of their being errors, notArithstanding the friendly counsels
and cautions of real friends, especially in the ministry.
" Here may properly be added a paragraph or two, tak
en out of a letter from me to Mr. Barber of Georgia ; a
true copy of which I gave consent, should be published
lately at PhUadelphia : ' I would add to Avhat brother
T hath written on the awful affair of books and
clothes at Ncav London, wliich affords grounds of deep and
lasting humiliation; I was, to my shame be it spoken, a
ringleader in that horrid action ; I was, my dear brother,
under the powerful influence of the false spirit, almost one
whole day together, and part of several days. The Lord
showed me afterwards, that the spirit I was then acted by,
was in its operations void of true inward peace, laying the
greatest stress on externals, neglecting the heart, full of im
patience, pride and arrogance ; although I thought, in the
time of it, that it was the Spirit of God in a high degree ;
awful, indeed ! my body, especially my leg, much disorder
ed at the same time,* Avhich satan and my evil heart might
make some handle of.' •
" And now may the holy, Arise and good God be pleased
to guard and secure me against such errors for the future,
and stop the progress of those, whether ministers or people,
who have been corrupted by my words or example in any
of the above mentioned particulars ; and ff it be his holy
will, bless this public recantation to this purpose. And 0 !
may he grant, withal, that such, as by reason of the afore
said errors and misconduct, have entertained unhappy pre
judices against Christianity in general, or the late glorious
work of God in particular, may, by this account, learn to
* I had the long fever and the cankry humour, raging at once.
392 APPENDIX.
distinguish what is no part of the work, from the work it
self, that which is vile and odious, from that which is pre
cious, glorious and divine, and thus be entirely and happily
freed from all those prejudices referred to, and this, in in
finite mercy through Jesus Christ : and to these requests,
may all God's chUdren, whether ministers or others, say
Amen. James Davenport." ,
"July 28th, 1744.
" P. S. — Inasmuch as a number, who have fallen in Arith
and promoted the aforesaid errors and misconduct, and are
not altered in their minds, may be prejudiced against this
Recantation, by a supposition or belief, that I came into it
by reason of desertion or dulness and deadness in religion,
it seems needful, therefore, to signify, what I hope I may
say without boasting, and what 1 am able, through pure,
rich grace, to speak Arith truth and freedom, that for some
months in the time of my coming to the abovesaid conclu ¦
sions and retractions, and since I have come through grace
to them, I have been favored, a great part of the time, Arith
a sweet calm, and sereRity of soul, and rest in God, and
sometimes with special and remarkable refi-eshments of
soul, and these more free from corrupt mixtures than
formerly. Glory to God alone. J. D."
ADDITIONAL NOTICES. 393
SOME ADDITIONAL NOTICES OF REV. JOHN DAVEN
PORT, OF NEW HAVEN.
Rev. Dr. Bacon mentions the following incident, as an
additional illustration of his public spirit : — " On the 11th
of August, 1662, Mr. Davenport informed the town 'that
he having occasion, by the Providence of God, to go into
the Bay, and understanding that there are two merchants
that are lately come from England, who, have a desire to
come to these parts, wished to be authorized by the town
to make them some such proposals as m'ght induce them to
come to this place. They are very godly men,' he said, ' and
belong to a church in England, and so have a desire to have
a place to sit dovm together (as brother Alsop reported, and
Mr. Rutherford) ; they only desire home lots, and it may be
some out lots.' After some discussion it was suggested that
' the Neck ' might be the fittest place for them. Mr. Da^
venport then proposed the question whether the town
would give up that tract of land to these strangers, on con
dition of their settling here. ' For his p&rt, he had some
land there himself, and he would Arillingly resign up his.'
He argued that these merchants ' would bring shipping year
ly from England, hither, and so cause manufacture, which
is necessary, if we long subsist together.' The proposal
being favorably received, he further propounded whether
we should not consider them as coming from London and
not knoAring the state of a wilderness condition, and there
fore extend our thoughts further than their desires, so as to
accommodate them with land, and meadow for cows, and
also liberty for cutting fire wood, and timber' for building,
equal with others of the planters, which may be a great en
couragement to them when they should hear our thoughts
391 APPENDIX.
extend beyond their desires. All which he purposed to
acquaint them withal, when he understood the toAvn's mind
therein.' The result was a formal offer of ' the Neck,' a
tract of about six hundred acres, and of the other accom
modations and privileges proposed."
Rev. Mr. Dodd, in his East Haven Register, gives the
following record: — "In 1649, ' It was ordered that Mr.
Davenport, pastor of the church, shall have his meadow,
and the upland for his second dirision, both together, on
the east side of the East River, where himself shall choose,
Arith all the conveniences the place can afford for a farm,
together Arith the natural bounds of the place, whether by
creeks or otherArise.' He accordingly laid out a tract of
land of about a mUe square, and containing about 600
acres above Dragon.
" In 1650 Ailing Ball became his farmer, and was ex
empted from militia service while he continued in ^Ir.
Davenport's employment." A portion of that farm has
continued in the!" family till Avithin the present century,
when it became alienated.
In the Colony Records an expression of !Mr. Davenport's
is found, which is quite characteristic. In the trial of a
case of defamation, " Thomas Staplies, of Fairfield, plaintiff,
Mr. Roger Ludlow, late of Fairfield, defendant," 29th of
May, 1654, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport were called by the
plaintiff to testify to a conversation at their house, betAveen
them and the defendant. In regard to that convers.ation
Mr. LudloAV asserted " that he required, and they pro
mised secrecy ;'' to which Mr. Davenport replied, that " he
CATALOGUE OE AVOEKS. 395
is careful not to make unlawful promises ; and Avhen he
hath made a lawful promise, he is, through the help of
Christ, careful to keep it."
[I have never been able to ascertain either the maiden
or Chi-istian name of the Avife of Mr. Davenport, or the
date of their marriage. The earliest allusion to her is in a
letter of his to Lady Vere, in 1628. In the records of
New Haven she is frequently mentioned, but in all cases is
called simply Mrs. Davenport. I have sought to obtain
some information on this point, from the records of St.
Stephens' Church, London, but as yet have been unsuc
cessful. The Crest upon the Davenport Coat-of-Arms, as used by
Mr. Davenport, is changed, to what, says Rev. Mr. Brom
ley, " on comparison of several seals, resembles a wolfs
head, which might have been derived from the forest rights
which our ancestors had in Macclesfield forest."]
The following Catalogue of the published works of Rev.
John Davenport, to which, after careful research, but little
in addition could be found, is mostly taken from the list
given by Dr. Bacon, in his Historical Discourses, Appendix,
page 389 : —
A Royal Edict for Military Exercises, published in a
Sermon preached to the captains and gentlemen that exercise
arms in the Artillery Garden, at their general meeting in
Saint Andrew's Under shaft in London. (2 Sam. 1 : 18.)
London, 1629. ' A copy of this is in the Atheneum Li
brary, Boston.
Letter to the Dutch Classis, containing a just complaint
against an unjust doer, d-c, 1634, quarto. This is a com
plaint against Mr. Paget's proceedings in the English
Church at Amsterdam,
396 APPENDIX.
Certain Instructions delivered to the Elders of the English
Church deputed, which are to he propounded to the pastors of
the Dutch Church in Amsterdam, 1634. Wood calls it a
quarto paper.
1. A Report of some Passages or Proceedings about his
calling to the English Church in Amsterdam, against John
Paget. Quarto. 2. Allegations of Scripture against the
baptizing of some kind of infants. Quarto. 3. Protesta
tion about the publishing of his writings. Quarto. These
three " little scripts,'' as Wood calls them, were aU prinf>
ed at Amsterdam in 1634. Mr. Paget replied in a book
of 150 pages, quarto, entitled "¦An Answer to the Unjust
Complaints, etc." To this book Mr. Davenport made a
rejoinder, in the following article :
An Apologetical Reply to a book called ' an answer to the
unjust complaint of W[illiam] £[est].' Szc, quarto. Rot
terdam, 1636. A copy of this is among the books deposit
ed by the Old South Church in the Library of the Massa
chusetts Historical Society.
An Answer of the Elders of the several Churches in New
England, unto nine positions, sent over to them by divers
reverend and godly ministers in England, Avritten in 1639,
and published in London m 1641.
Profession of Faith made publicly before the Congregation
at his admission into one of the Churches of New England ;
containing twenty several heads. 1. Concerning the Scrip
tures, &c. London, 1642. One sheet, quarto.
The Messiah is already Come. A sermon on Acts ii. 36.
London, 1653. This is supposed to be the same with the
work next named.
The Knowledge of Christ, cfcc, wherein the types, prophe
cies, genealogies, miracles, humiliation, c&c. of Christ are
opened and applied. Quarto, printed in 1658, or before.
CATALOGTE OE AVOEKS. 397
Catechism containing the chief Heads of the Christian Re
ligion. London, 1659. Octavo. Published at the desire
and for the use of the Church of Christ in New Haven.
Wood says that Mr. Hooke had a hand in this work.
The Saints' Anchor-hold, in all storms and tempests,
preached in sundry sermons, and published for the support
and comfort of God's people in all times of trial. London,
1661. Duodecimo.
Another Essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to
two questions, &!:g. Cambridge, 1663. Quarto. There is a
copy in the possession of Rev. Thomas Robbins, D.D., of
Hartford, Ct.
Election Sermon, at Boston, 1669.
God's Call to his People to turn unto Him, &o., in two
sermons on two public fasting days in New England.
London, 1670. Quarto.
The Power of Congregational Churches asserted and vin
dicated ; in answer to a treatise of Mr. J. Paget's, entitled,
' The Defense of Church Government exercised in Classes
and Synods.' London, 1672. Duodecimo. A copy of
this is found in the Library of Harvard University.
A Discourse about Civil Government in a new plantation
whose design is religion. Cambridge, 1673. Quarto.
He was also the author of a Latin Epistle to John Dury
on the Union of Protestant Churches.
He also Avrote several commendatory prefaces to other
men's works, among which, Mather mentions an epistle be
fore Scudder's DaUy Walk, as worthy to be reckoned itself
a book.He also left ready for publication an Exposition of the
Canticles, which was just going into the press at London,
when the death of the undertaker of the publication stop-
398 APPENDIX.
ped it. This is to be lamented, because it was prefaced by
a life of the author, drawn up by Dr. Increase Mather,
which is now lost.
Mr. Davenport also wrote an unprinted Iffe of John
Cotton, which was once in Governor Hutchinson's hands,
but is now lost.
A volume of his earliest sermons in manuscript is pre
served in the Library of Yale CoUege, and several other
small works and essays in manuscript are in the Library of
the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester, Mass.
Some letters to Lady Digby also exist in. the British
Museum, supposed to be of an earlier date than those
to Lady Vere.
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