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CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
Cornell University Library 
 
 Memorial to my honored kndred / 
 
 3 1924 024 733 515 
 
The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
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MEMORIAL 
 
 TO MY 
 
 V 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 
 BY 
 
 CHARLES W. DARLING. 
 
 1888. 
 
 UTIOA, K. Y. 
 
Historia, testis temporum lux veritatis vita me'mori(Z, magistra vitce, 
 nuntia vetustatis. — CiCKRO. 
 
PREFATORY REMARKS, 
 
 IP'OR a portion of the historical memoranda which this brochure 
 contains, the collator acknowledges his indebtedness to the late 
 ^&" Rev. N. C. Fowler, Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey, Mrs. Homer 
 Stewart, Mr. Myron Angel, the New Haven Colony Historical 
 Society, and other sources. These gleanings, combined with infor- 
 mation obtained from old manuscripts in possession of the writer, 
 give an accuracy to the accompanying records, which while proving 
 of interest to the families mentioned, add likewise a few lines to 
 truthful history. It was the design of the compiler to embellish 
 these pages with portraitures of many of the persons herein men- 
 tioned, but fire destroyed the originals, while in possession of the 
 artist to whom they had been intrusted for reproduction. 
 
Rev. Charles Chauncey Darling. 
 
^faf%HE subject of this sketch was born in the city of New Haven, 
 t,i Connecticut, Januan- 27th, 1799. There was nothins; unusual 
 ^ which marked his infantile days unless it were a deep reverence 
 for his parents and a desire to do their will. As a lad he was bright 
 and active, tender of conscience, and so sincere in wise purpose that 
 he became a member of the First Congregational Church of that city 
 November 2Sth, 1812. Ha\'ing recei^-ed a full preliminary prepara- 
 tion, he entered Yale College in 1.S16, and was graduated in the 
 autumn of 1820, in the class which numbered among its members 
 one of the future Presidents of that institution, the Rev. Theodore 
 D. Woolse}-, D. D. The same year of his graduation he entered the 
 Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, and after finishing 
 his course of study was licensed to preach, in 1S23, by the New 
 Brunswick Presbyters', at Lawrenceville, New Jersej-. Soon after- 
 wards he became one of the editors of the " Spectator," a religious 
 periodical published at New Haven. Subsequent!}- he connected 
 himself with the Jocelyns, and among the publications of that house 
 with which his pen had to do, was the Memoir of Rev. James Brain- 
 
lO 
 
 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 erd. The title page of this well known book shows that the office 
 of Jocelyn, Darling & Company, was at No. 31 Merchants Ex- 
 change, Wall Street, New York. 
 
 On the 28th of July, 1829, Rev. Charles Chauncey Darling was 
 married to Adeline Eliza (Davis) Dana, bom June 12th, 1798, of 
 Boston, Massachusetts, the Rev. Joel Hawes, D. D., performing 
 the ceremony. Her father, William Dana, died June 3d, 1799, 
 aged 32. Entertaining a strong desire to engage more actively 
 in his chosen work. Rev. Mr. Darling retired from the business firm 
 with which he had been associated, and oflFered his services to the 
 "Society for Improving the Condition of the Poor," and later became 
 one of its secretaries. At the same time he connected himself with 
 the New York Tract Society, as one of its missionaries, with which 
 he was actively identified for more than thirty years, wherein he 
 rendered most faithful work. 
 
 For thirty seven years he officiated as chaplain of the Magdalen 
 Benevolent Society, continuing its earnest friend and adviser until 
 physical infirmities rendered it necessary for him to resign January 
 ist, 1874. It may be said that owing to his unremitting, indefati- 
 gable and eifective exertions, the burdensome debt which formerly 
 rested upon the Society was paid. Soon after, at his earnest solicit- 
 ation, the Board of Managers bought for a very low sum, several lots 
 in Eighty-Sixth Street, near Fifth Avenue, N. Y., upon which a 
 substantial Asylum building was erected. As this property has 
 greatly advanced in value, the purchase of the same was not only 
 wise but has proved also very timely. Feeling the laboriousness and 
 wear of these arduous labors, and age rapidly adding its weight, he 
 concluded to sever his official relations with his life work, and find 
 such rest as his increasing infirmities demanded, and so he did. 
 
 He now withdrew from the city of New York, and for tiie 
 
RE V. CHARLES CHA UNCE Y DARLING. 1 1 
 
 remaining years of Ms life resided in Utica, in the same State. 
 But his rest was soon disturbed by the decease of his beloved wife, 
 who died September nth, 1882, at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., during 
 a temporary visit. Five years more passed, and he himself was 
 gathered to his fathers — dying in Utica at the home of his son, Sep- 
 tember 15th, 1887. 
 
 On the i6th of April, 1861, by request of Rev. George Potts, D. 
 D. , the connection of Rev. Mr. Darling was removed from the New 
 Brunswick Presbytery to the Presbytery of New York, and on the 
 19th of May, 1867, at the suggestion of Rev. Samuel H. Cox, D. D., 
 he was ordained as a special evangelist in the Fourth Avenue Pres- 
 byterian Church of that city. Rev. Thomas Hastings, D. D., 
 giving the charge. 
 
 As a more detailed reference to the character and services of Rev. 
 Mr. Darling follow this very brief outline of his life, it may be wise 
 here to insert an extract from a local newspaper: 
 
 "Mr. Darling was a man of unusual vitality and strength, and 
 enthusiastic in his love for his alma mater, Yale. At the reunion of 
 the Alumni two years ago he was among the first to attend, and 
 when the party bade each other ' 'good bye, " at a very early hour 
 the next day, he was as bright as any of the younger men. His last 
 illness was of short duration, and on Sunday he was able to attend 
 church as usual. Mr. Darling was a life member of a number of 
 religious societies, prominent among which are to be included the 
 American Tract Society, the New York City Tract Society, the 
 American and Foreign Christian Union, the American Sunday 
 School Union, and the American Board Commissioners of Foreign 
 Missions." 
 
 Another paper observes that : "In his devotion to fhe poor and 
 
12 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 downcast wherever he met them, in his sympathy for the afflicted — 
 in fact in all things tending to a life of practical Christianity, Rev. 
 Charles C. Darling stood in the foremost rank. Esteemed by all 
 who knew him, his memory will long be revered, now that he has 
 passed on to reap the reward of a long life devoted to well doing." 
 
 In Utica, September 19th, his funeral services were conducted by 
 Rev. Isaac S. Hartley, D. D., and Rev. Robert I,. Bachman ; the 
 former paying to this aged servant of the lyOrd the following eloquent 
 tribute : 
 
 ' ' No bell from convent turret ever broke more suddenly upon 
 the air than the news of the death of him about whose pearly form 
 we are now gathered. Meeting him a few days ago upon the street, 
 he assured me in having his usual health ; he also spoke of the past, ' 
 the present, and the purple future; and before parting, laying his 
 hand upon my shoulder, gave me a patriarchal blessing. Now, all 
 that earth possesses of him, is represented by these remains before 
 us ! 
 
 " God's finger touched him and he slept." 
 
 In passing along the pathway of life there have been a very few 
 for whom I have cherished a higher regard or had a more profound 
 admiration. Our acquaintance covers a period of more than thirty 
 years. He came of an ancestry equally as distinguished for intel- 
 lectual and pious attainments as for consecration and beneficence. 
 Were I to express in a single phrase what seemed to be the great 
 purpose of his life, I would adopt the words of the Roman poet when 
 referring to one for whom he mourned : "he believed that he was 
 bom, not for himself, but for others. ' ' Such was the trend of his 
 thoughts and actions. 
 
 No sooner had he. qualified himself for an active ministerial life 
 
REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 13 
 
 than lie became identified with many philanthropic boards, especially 
 those which have their origin in the great centers of our population, 
 designed to embrace the many. Though not one of the founders of 
 the American Tract Society, he contributed largely however to its 
 efficiency ; Was one of its most zealous supporters and co-operated 
 promptly with it in all its wise and benevolent purposes. So long 
 as he was a resident of New York City the same interest was mani- 
 fested in the City Tract Society, whose birth he witnessed, and to 
 whose successful development he gave many of his days of manful 
 vigor ; nor was he more happy than when engaged in counsel, elab- 
 orating its aims and extending its usefulness. When an authentic 
 history of this Christ-loving and man-loving Society shall have been 
 prepared, many pages, written with a pen dipped in golden ink, will 
 appear recording the energies, services and devotion of the loved 
 form now before us. 
 
 In our intercourse with the world, you and I perhaps delight in 
 keeping aloof from those who by reason of great sin have forfeited 
 their claims to recognition, rejoicing in the thraldom of the flesh. It 
 was not so with our departed father. Woman, God's grandest crea- 
 tion and man's sincere counselor, he loved with all the fullness of his 
 nature; he loved her in her feebleness as in her strength, in sadness 
 as in joy, in her virtue and purity. He loved her also when that 
 virtue and purity were lost and she had nothing to look forward to 
 in this world, save the deep frowns of her sex, and the gibes and jeers 
 of her captors.' In every debased and fallen woman he recognized a 
 jewel covered with the slime of sin, but capable of removal. And he 
 strove to give this jewel its early beauty by restoring her anew to 
 society, that she might fulfill her mission and leave behind her a 
 benignant blessing ; not content counseling the thus erring, plead- 
 ing with them to abandon their iniquitous ways, but returning them 
 
14 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 to their homes and introducing them to positions of usefulness and 
 respectability. That he might become even more helpful to this 
 unfortunate class, he accepted the chaplaincy of the Magdalen Soci- 
 ety in New York, with which he remained for more than thirty-six 
 years. The good which this servant of God wrought in this relation, 
 the wanderers he recovered, the wounds he healed, the homes and 
 hearths he made happy, the hopes he engendered, the tears — the 
 burning, scalding tears he wiped away never will be known 'till the 
 great book is opened up, when the Master, looking upon him, and 
 pointing to these same recovered ones, will say, "inasmuch as ye 
 have done it unto one of the least of these ye have done it unto me. ' ' 
 
 Nor was this venerable saint any the less interested in the labors 
 of the New York Association for Improving the Condition of the 
 Poor, which for now nearly fifty years has had under its care the 
 worthy poor of this same city. He was appointed one of its early 
 visitors, and for nearly forty years was connected with its benevolent 
 operations. He aided it in founding asylums for the hardened and 
 criminal, dispensaries for the sick, hospitals for the deformed and 
 homes for the aged and infirm. His gentle manner, deep sympathy 
 and sound judgment specially qualified him for laboring in these 
 varied departments of christian usefulness ; and in whatsoever he 
 engaged he met with success. I have known of his remaining in 
 counsel long in the night, that on the morrow, even midst a beating 
 storm he might be the almoner of substantial relief to such as sick- 
 ness had stranded, or the turn of fortune had made dependent. It 
 may be said of him during these days that he literally imitated the 
 Saviour, and "went about the world doing good." 
 
 In all his bounties and efforts, he knew likewise no nationality 
 nor creed. It was sufficient that there were needs to be met and sor- 
 rows to be relieved. When this loving disciple was engaged in ac- 
 
REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 15 
 
 tive christian labors, unhappily the race line was sharply drawn, and 
 but few were willing to accord to the colored man the consideration 
 properly his due. Loving him, however, for humanity's sake, and 
 discovering also in every human form a soul for whom Christ died, 
 he was as anxious that his needs should be considered as those more 
 highly favored. 
 
 But why should I thus speak ? Many in our city have never 
 known the man who for the past few years has been dwelling in their 
 midst. By reason of his advance in years his life among us has been 
 as quiet as the flowing of a river. We have seen his aged form, 
 heard his trembling voice, and witnessed something of his fervor and 
 energy ; but not as when in the meridian of life and engaged in his 
 chosen toil, when he was as erect and vigorous as any in busy life, 
 constant in labor, bold, persevering, faithful, and enthusiastic in his 
 purposes as they were positive and good. In brief, had an angel 
 accosted me a few days ago in our beautiful city, now gradually be- 
 coming decked in the golden tints of an early autumn, so suggestive 
 of completed life, requesting that he be directed to the most perfect 
 man among us, — perfect in all that constitutes a rounded humanity, 
 I should have directed him unhesitatingly to the home in which we 
 are now assembled, and bade him seek the honored father whom we 
 so truly mourn. 
 
 His religious life, as is so well known, glittered with a holy lus- 
 tre. He came to us bearing a maturity of christian experience, such 
 as no hypocrite can question, nor scoffer possibly answer. All have 
 seen that life, and have seen it to admire and covet. As others no doubt 
 in the future will make it the theme of remark, I leave to them this 
 fruitful field. Still may I say in closing, emphatically our departed 
 and venerable father was a man of God, and his life a perpetual fra- 
 grance, and largely hidden, as the violet conceals itself among its 
 
1 6 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 leaves. Devoted to every good work, and crowned with success, he 
 left us possessing that sublime faith which overcomes fear and gives 
 the soul an eternal rest. Friend of my youthful days, friend of my 
 honored father, friend of humanity, friend of Christ and child of God, 
 the blessing of the Highest ever rest upon thee. Farewell. 
 
 September 20th, 1887, his remains were removed from Utica to 
 New Haven, and interred in the cemetery of that city; in the absence 
 of his life-long friend and relative. Rev. ex-President Theodore 
 D. Woolsey, the services were conducted by the Rev. Lewis O. 
 Brastow, Professor in Yale Theological Seminary, after which the 
 benediction was pronounced, when the way-worn pilgrim was laid 
 away — to rest. 
 
 Among many testimonials received from the various societies with 
 which Rev. Mr. Darling was connected is the following ; it is given 
 place because of his special interest in the object of this noble organ- 
 ization. 
 
 Memorial Minute. 
 
 Thursday, October 20th, i88y. 
 
 Inasmuch as in the providence of God the Rev. Charles C. 
 Darling has been removed from the scenes of -his earthly cares and 
 labors. 
 
 Resolved, That we, the Board of Managers of the Magdalen 
 Society of New York, do deeply regret his death. For thirty -seven 
 years he was the Chaplain of this Society. Faithful and earnest, he 
 went in and out among the inmates of this Home, sowing the divine 
 seed of the Word; and of his labors much fruit was gathered in. 
 When with advancing years he felt compelled to resign his place 
 among us, we saw him depart with regret. 
 
 Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with his family in the 
 
REV. CHARLES CHA UNCEY DARLING. 17 
 
 loss of so good a father, so earnest a Christian, so devoted and effi- 
 cient a worker in the Master's vineyard. 
 
 Resolved, That these resolutions be sent to his son, Gen. Charles 
 W. Darling, and also placed on the pages of our Minutes, a slight 
 tribute to a life well lived. 
 
 The last few summers of Mr. Darling's life were passed amid the 
 quiet and beauty of Silver Lake, in the Green mountains of Vermont, 
 and the very isolation of this place rendered it difficult for the 
 regular observance, by clergymen, of Divine service on the return of 
 each Sabbath day. Under such circumstances, he was usually prompt 
 to respond to a request to conduct the Sunday services ; and readily 
 manifested a willingness to minister to the few who might assemble, 
 when his strength would permit. And since the last discourse that 
 dropped from his lips was preached in his 86th year, upon the 
 shores of this wooded lake, and so truly illustrates the spirituality 
 of his mind, and his freedom in the use of the Bible, it is here 
 inserted verbatim, less the usual marks of biblical quotation. 
 
 SIN: ITS CONSEQUENCES AND REMEDY. 
 
 I purpose this morning to present a few thoughts, familiar to us 
 all and worthy of frequent consideration. All the essential truths of 
 the Bible are so plain and simple that a child can comprehend them, 
 and we may contemplate them with benefit, by the power of the 
 Holy Spirit. 
 
 The theme of my discourse may be found in James i: 15: "Sin, 
 when it is finished, bringeth forth death." 
 
 Sin is the transgression of the Divine law, a law which is pre-em- 
 inently holy, just and good, and designed to promote the present 
 
1 8 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 and the future happiness of all who obey. Sin is doing that which 
 God has prohibited, or neglecting to do that which He has required; 
 consequently it is a great Crime and affects our temporal and spir- 
 itual welfare. The curse of the I^ord is in the house of the wicked, 
 but He blesseth the habitation of the just. 
 
 In its extent sin is universal; for. all have sinned and come short 
 of the glory of God. The effects have been, and still are, fearfully 
 appalling. Sin expelled our first parents from Paradise, their 
 blissful abode; it overflowed the earth with water, destroying all its 
 erring and wicked inhabitants, except Noah and his family; it also 
 destroyed by fire from heaven Sodom and Gomorrah, with their 
 iniquitous inhabitants. It even crucified the blessed Son of God, 
 who was the brightness of the Father's glory, and the express image 
 of His person, who thought it not robbery to be equal with God, 
 but made Himself of no reputation and took upon Him the form of 
 a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. It brought death 
 into the world, and has filled it with lamentation, mourning and 
 woe. Famine, pestilence and the sword have followed in its deso- 
 lating train, sweeping untold millions into the grave. 
 
 The text plainly suggests two important questions: Is man a 
 sinner in the sight of God ? and if a sinner, how can he escape the 
 direful penalty of a violated law ? 
 
 First. Is man, in the sight of God, a sinner? The Bible declares 
 that he is a transgressor — that every imagination of the thoughts of 
 his heart is evil continually — that the heart is deceitful above all 
 things and desperately wicked— that out of it proceed evil thoughts, 
 murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies— 
 and there is no soundness in it. Such is the sad picture which the 
 Bible presents of the unsanctified heart, and this vivid reality is con- 
 
REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 19 
 
 firmed by personal experience and observation. Who among us are 
 not conscious of doing many things which are unlawful, and of neg- 
 lecting many things which have been commanded ? Is it not true 
 that many of our thoughts, words and acts are evil and offensive to 
 infinite purity? Conscience, therefore, when listened to, convicts us 
 of transgression. What painful evidence communities generally 
 present of the extreme sinfulness of the human race! Every species 
 of crime is perpetrated; vice is everywhere present — in high and in 
 low places; among the rich and among the poor, the learned and the 
 uneducated. Truth has fallen in our streets, and equity cannot 
 enter. The worshiper of the mighty dollar boasts of his accumulated 
 wealth and fancies that his mountain stands firm, immovable; 
 failing to consider that riches are not forever, and that often they 
 take wings and fly away. He heeds not the counsel of the 
 Almighty, who commands us not to trust in uncertain riches, but 
 only the living God . 
 
 The votaries of unlawful amusements virtually say — I^et us eat 
 and drink, let us enjoy the pleasures of this brief life while we have 
 the opportunity, regardless of the truth that he who liveth in pleas- 
 ure is dead while he liveth — that it is appointed unto man once to 
 die, and after death, the judgment, when every work shall be 
 brought into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good 
 or evil ; that he who soweth to the flesh shall reap corruption, and 
 he that soweth to the spirit shall reap life everlasting. Thus our 
 iniquities- testify against us, and as willful transgressors we justly 
 merit everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and the 
 glory of His power. 
 
 If therefore it be true that man is a sinner, it becomes, in the 
 second place, an interesting question. How can he escape his 
 
20 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 fearful punishment and be accounted just in the sight of a Holy 
 God ? No human agency can accomplish this mighty work. Vain 
 is the help of man. None can by any means redeem his brother, nor 
 give to God a ransom for him. Inflexible honesty and integrity in 
 our dealings will not accomplish the object; for except a man be 
 born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Nor will the 
 exercise of sympathy and kindness towards human suffering do it ; 
 for should we bestow all our goods to feed the poor, and have not 
 charity, it profiteth nothing. No amount of physical suffering that 
 we may endure in this life will ever do it ; for though we give our 
 body to be burned as martyrs and have not love, we are nothing. 
 Neither can we be justified by an obedience to the divine law, for 
 this requires perfect perpetual universal obedience from the com- 
 mencement of moral agency to the end of life. Cursed is every one 
 that continueth not in all things written in the book of the law to do 
 them, and whoso shall keep the whole law and offend in one point, 
 he is guilty of all. Thus the law of God is exceeding broad and 
 inflexible, and none of our sinful race has ever rendered to it 
 perfect perpetual universal obedience. By the works of the law 
 shall no flesh be justified. Is our condition then absolutely hope- 
 less? Thanks to sovereign grace an effectual remedy has been 
 provided, a door of mercy has been thrown wide open and whosoever 
 will, may enter in and be saved. There is an overflowing fountain 
 in which the most unclean may be cleansed, and whosoever will, ma}' 
 come to that fountain and partake of its benefits. 
 
 It is then by faith in the I/)rd Jesus Christ, and by faith only, 
 that any can be justified. By His life, sufferings and ignominious 
 death upon the cross, He has fully satisfied the demands of infinite 
 justice, cancelled the oppressive debt of the believer and brought in 
 an everlasting righteousness, so that to those who trust in Him there 
 
REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 21 
 
 is no condemnation ; they have passed from death unto life, and 
 being justified by faith, they have peace with God. This is the only 
 medium of access to the Father, for there is none other name under 
 heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved, but the name 
 of Jesus. 
 
 Evangelical faith works by love, purifies the heart and overcomes 
 the world, and when imparted, the soul is regenerated. Old things 
 pass away and all things become new. It has new hopes and fears 
 — new joys and sorrows — new aspirations — new motives of action. 
 Things once hated are now loved and those once loved are now 
 hated. This faith leads out of darkness into God's marvelous light, 
 and gives an earnest of the blissful inheritance which is incorrupt- 
 ible, undefiled, and fadeth not away. 
 
 Upon what then is our hope of heaven now resting ? If on our 
 strict morality, our unblemished reputation, the building we are 
 attempting to erect will be swept away when the fierce storm and 
 tempest shall assail ; for without holiness no man shall see the I^ord ; 
 and nothing that is unclean shall enter heaven. But if conscious of 
 our lost, guilty, ruined condition, we heartily receive Christ as our 
 Prophet to instruct us, our great High Priest to atone for us, our 
 King to rule in us and over us, and we follow after righteousness, we 
 shall find the Almighty our reconciled Father and friend, all our sins 
 shall be forgiven, and a full salvation granted through the grace of 
 our lyord Jesus Christ, who becomes our burden-bearer, who hath 
 borne our sins and carried our sorrows, and ever liveth to intercede 
 for us at the right hand of God. As great things have thus been 
 done for those who believe, should they not render careful acknowl- 
 edgments and consecrate themselves, their powers, their faculties 
 and their possessions to Him who has thus loved them and sacrificed 
 
22 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 
 
 His life for them ? And are they now ready to do this ? Are they 
 His faithful witnesses, testifying for Him by a godly, prayerful, 
 useful life ? Does their light so shine that others are induced to 
 glorify God ; or are they hiding their light and causing others to 
 stumble and fall into endless perdition ? 
 
 Again, let us seriously consider the fearful condition of the 
 ungodly. They are charged with the violation of a law which is 
 holy, just and good ; and the charge has been fully sustained ; and 
 nothing but sovereign, unmerited grace can avert the dread penalty 
 they have incurred. They are adding iniquity to iniquity — heaping 
 up transgressions — waxing worse and worse — filling up the measure 
 of their iniquity. They are engaged in a progressive work which, 
 when finished, bringeth forth death. They flatter themselves with 
 the delusive hope that there will be a more convenient season to 
 attend to the things which belong to their everlasting peace and to 
 secure the favor of heaven. Alas! how many have entertained this 
 hope and have mourned at the last, when the flesh and the body are 
 consumed, exclaiming; how have we hated instruction and despised 
 reproof, and have not obeyed the voice of our teachers nor inclined 
 our ear to those that instructed us. Thus impenetrable darkness 
 has encompassed them, and they have died without hope. 
 
 Thanks be to God that the door of mercy is now open; but how 
 long it will so remain no one can tell. Now is the accepted time. 
 Now infinite I^ove says come, take the bread and water of life and 
 live forever. Now flee to the stronghold while a prisoner of hope — 
 to the City of Refuge — before the avenger of blood overtake and de- 
 stroy. Turn from all your transgressions, saith Jehovah, so iniquity 
 will not be your ruin. Choose this day whom you will serve, God 
 or the world ; for death has marked his victim. The precious oppor- 
 
REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARLING. 23 
 
 tunity now afforded is rapidly passing away, and the time drawing 
 near, when he that is unjust shall be unjust still, and he that is filthy 
 shall be filthy still, and he that is holy shall be holy still. Soon shall 
 inflexible Justice say to the procrastinating sinner: because I have 
 called and ye have refused, I have stretched out my hand and ye 
 have not regarded, but have set at naught my counsel — when your 
 fear cometh as desolation and your destruction as a whirlwind — then 
 shall ye call upon me but I will not hear ; ye shall seek me but shall 
 not find me. Ye shall eat the fruit of your own ways and be filled 
 with your own devices. 
 
 "While God invites, how blest the day. 
 How sweet the Gospel's joyful .sound, 
 Come sinner haste, oh haste away. 
 While yet a pardoning God is found. 
 Soon borne on Time's most rapid wing 
 Shall death command you to the grave. 
 Before His bar, your spirit bring. 
 And none be found to hear or save. 
 In that lone land of deep despair. 
 No Sabbath's heavenly light shall rise. 
 No God regards your bitter prayer, 
 No Saviour calls you to the skies. ' ' 
 
 May the Almighty, in His infinite condescension, impart to us 
 that true faith in the I^ord Jesus Christ which shall forever shield 
 us from such a fearful doom, and give us an inheritance reserved in 
 heaven for all who beheve and are sanctified by the Holy Spirit." 
 
 As the Rev. Mr. Darling was fond of his home and the home life, 
 the following copy of a letter addressed to his children is here given 
 
24 REV. CHARLES CHAUNCEY DARJJNG. 
 
 as it so plainly illustrates his kind and loving nature in this 
 relation : 
 
 "I would fain present an offering at this anniversary season, but 
 having nothing suitable, such as I have, give I thee — a loving 
 heart. With the commencement of a New^ Year, my heart goes up- 
 ward in fervent aspirations that it may be to my beloved son and 
 daughter, fraught with the blessings of this life, S(3 far as it may be 
 the will of God ; but above all that they may have a vivid con- 
 sciousness of Heaven's distinguishing favor and love, and a foretaste 
 of their everlasting peaceful rest. Thanks to the Great Author of 
 all blessings, who is using them conspicuously, as instruments of 
 comfort to a bereaved father, the light of whose dwelling has been 
 unexpectedly removed to illuminate a wider and brighter sphere than 
 earth can present. But he is not alone — nor shrouded in darkness ; 
 for He who has afflicted, sustains and cheers the survivor with the 
 full expectation of a reunion with the loved one, in a home where 
 sanctified spirits are forever united — where they shall see face to 
 face, and know as they are known. 
 
 That Heaven may ever bless and sanctify my beloved children, is 
 and shall be the prayer of an attached — a loving father. 
 
 There are three things which, if carefully observed, will insure a 
 happy New Year. Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God." 
 
 Among the many warm personal friends of Rev. and Mrs. Charles 
 Chauncey Darling, was Rev. Howard Crosby, D. D., who, in refer- 
 ring to them while conversing with their son, made use of the fol- 
 lowing words : ' ' There are no more charming characters that I 
 have met with in the whole course of my life than your dear father 
 and mother, and I have lived more than sixty years. ' ' 
 
SAMUEL DARLING. 25 
 
 The ancestors of the Rev. Charles Chauncey Darling were prom- 
 inently identified with the early history of the State of Connecticut, 
 and shared in its government. They took a great interest likewise 
 in its educational concerns, among which may be mentioned the 
 founding of Yale College. His father. 
 
 SAMUEL DARLING, 
 
 was born in New Haven, January 30th, 1751. He entered Yale Col- 
 lege and ultimately became a graduate from the same. Immediately 
 afterward he chose medicine as his profession, which he diligently 
 pursued and practiced, up to the very time of his decease, in his 
 ninety-first year. He was one of the original members of the Medi- 
 cal Society of New Haven County, and officiated as its first Secre- 
 tary, where he discharged the duties of that important office with 
 commendable fidelity. When the Connecticut Medical Society was 
 organized, in 1792, he joined it, and continued his membership until 
 181 1, when he resigned. 
 
 In February 1785, Dr. Samuel Darling became a member of the 
 First Church of Christ in New Haven, and the year following he 
 was chosen a deacon, which ofiice he held until his decease — a term 
 of fifty-six years. As early as October 1793, he bought property 
 on the westerly side of State street, between Chapel and Crown 
 streets, where he always resided. His house stood in part on the 
 site of the present Merchants Bank. The well is still in use in the 
 cellar of the bank. The records of the New Haven Colony Histor- 
 
26 REV. RICHARD ELY. 
 
 ical Society mention that he was extensively known for his purity 
 of character and integrity 
 
 Dr. Samuel Darling married December 22, 1779, Clarinda Ely, 
 born March 23, 1759, the daughter of 
 
 REV. RICHARD ELY, 
 
 of Saybrook, Conn., who was born September 30th, 1733, and died 
 August 23rd, 1 814. Dr. Samuel Darling died in New Haven Jan- 
 uary 15, 1842; his wife Clarinda departed this life in the same city, 
 July 28, 1847. 
 
 The following sermon, originally in manuscript, and preached by 
 Rev. F. W. Hotchkiss, pastor of the First Church in Saybrook, 
 Connecticut, at the burial services of Rev. Richard Ely, is intro- 
 duced as much for preservation, as for interest to the family: 
 
 "This aged Divine, whose remains are before us, was the eldest 
 of six sous; five of whom are now living, and the youngest (Rev. 
 David Ely, D.D.) in the ministry. Blest with Christian parents, he 
 was, from early youth, instructed in the things of the Kingdom, and 
 taught to venerate that system of the Christian faith which was 
 adopted by the Assembly of Divines. 
 
 After having completed a course of public education, and 
 received the collegiate honors of this State, in the year 1754, he was, 
 for a time, occupied in the education of youth. While thus 
 employed in teaching others, he was himself taught; as he believed, 
 by Divine influence, 'the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
 
REV. RICHARD ELY. 
 
 27 
 
 Jesus.' His mind became deeply impressed with a sense of eternal 
 realities, and remaining for a length of time under strong conviction, 
 he was reduced to a state of mind verging on despair. After this 
 season of great solicitude, it pleased God to give him such views of 
 the glorious fullness and grace of the Saviour, as filled his soul with 
 a lively hope of justification by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. 
 In this ineffable consolation, through faith, he was led to search 
 the Scriptures for greater evidence ; and, considering himself a 
 Christian believer, and being able to give ' a reason of the hope ' that 
 he had entertained, was united to the Church by solemn covenant. 
 Speaking of this experience, at the close of his ministry, he said, ' I 
 believe that I then made a sincere dedication of myself to the Lord.' 
 He then broke forth into rapturous joys, and ardent expressions of 
 his full belief that the glorious Saviour would keep what ' he had 
 committed unto him,' and that he should rejoice in His presence for 
 ever. Having received the faith, and ' tasted the good word of God, 
 and the powers of the world to come,' he had an ardent desire to 
 become an instrument of spiritual good to his fellow men. For this 
 purpose he devoted himself to the study of theology, and after exam- 
 ination, was approved and licensed to preach the gospel. Having 
 received an invitation from a Church in Guilford, he was there 
 ordained to the pastoral office. He continued with them in the 
 ministry for several years, when he received an invitation from the 
 Second Ecclesiastical Society in Saj brook, and was installed as their 
 Pastor in January 1786. Here he labored in the work of the 
 ministry till growing infirmities and declining age induced him to 
 request of his people that some person might be invited by them to 
 assist him in his services, as a colleague. 
 
 With this request they complied, and Rev. Aaron Hovey was 
 called and ordained, in September, 1804. Having now less cares 
 
28 REV. RICHARD ELY. 
 
 devolving on him, and more leisure for meditation and study, he 
 removed to the Fourth Society in Say brook, and lived with his son; 
 occasionally visiting and ministering to his church and people, till 
 called from his labors by death, on the twenty-third day of August 
 1824, in the eighty -first year of his life, and the fifty-seventh of his 
 ministry. 
 
 Rarely can one be found who more diligently devoted himself 
 to study, to industry, and the improvement of his time in useful 
 pursuits. Seldom did an idle moment pass over him; his time was 
 mostly occupied in some employment by which advantage, or 
 information, might arise to others, either in their temporal, or spir- 
 itual concerns. His life was a practical illustration of the precept, 
 'Occupy till I come.' As a preacher, there was a flow of ideas, and 
 a fullness in prayer, with a readiness of thought for every Provi- 
 dential call and the demands of his people. Fond of researches in 
 science he studied much, and drew from the many sources of theo- 
 logical knowledge. He was a good classical scholar; understood 
 several languages; could read Greek with facility, but Hebrew was 
 his peculiar delight. He loved to investigate truth in the most 
 ancient language, and derive light from its origin, and its rays from 
 their earliest dawn. To the study of truth in its original tongue, his 
 last years were almost altogether devoted. Having then but few 
 avocations, he made researches independent of all human opinions, or 
 preconceived ideas, on subjects in theology the most sublime. The 
 revealed doctrine of Trinity in Unity, on which in different ages of 
 Christianity there have been varying sentiments, occupied his study 
 beyond any other subject in theology. 
 
 To gain just sentiments on this sublime mystery, he carefully 
 examined the original languages from Genesis to Revelation. He 
 
RE V. RICHARD ELY. 29 
 
 thought much, studied much, conversed much, and wrote much; 
 and at last, though acknowledging that 'great is the mystery of 
 Godliness,' he seemed to be satisfied with his discoveries, and to use 
 his own language, ' rejoiced in the belief of a Glorious Three, and 
 of an all-sufi&cient Saviour.' His faith in the Trinity varied, in 
 some points, from the usually received ideas, and yet he was far 
 removed from the errors of Socinius, and as much reprobated the 
 modern heresy existing in some of our Eastern States on this 
 subject. He believed the Son of God and the Holy Ghost to be 
 equal with the Father, except in self-origination and independence. 
 He believed that all power in heaven and earth was committed to 
 the Son, and that He was constituted the L,ord of angels and of men. 
 He believed that Jesus Christ made a full and meritorious atonement 
 for sin; and that believers were saved by His righteousness imputed 
 to them for justification; that He was mighty and able to save, and 
 that salvation was in no other name. He expressed great confi- 
 dence of his being saved through the meritorious atonement and 
 righteousness of Jesus Christ. He believed the regeneration and 
 sanctifying influences of the Holy Ghost, forming the sinner's heart 
 to the image of God, and the freedom, fullness, and sovereignty of 
 Divine Grace through a Redeemer. One of his last expressions to 
 me on this subject, and his experience of it, was: 'I was wandering, 
 and should have continued to wander, had not Divine grace arrested 
 me and brought me back; to a glorious God and a glorious 
 Saviour I give all the praise;' and then with transport of joy 
 exclaimed, 'Glory to God and the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb that 
 was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, 
 and honor, and glory, and blessing. Here alone is my hope, and 
 this is my faith; I shall see Him; yes, I believe I shall see Him, and 
 give glory to Him forever.' In his high and feeling expressions of 
 
30 
 
 REV. RICHARD ELY. 
 
 the glory and merits of Christ, and by his language in prayer, and 
 his unusual degree of confidence in the imputed righteousness of the 
 Redeemer, it would be difficult to discriminate between his faith and 
 that of the fullest believer of the most perfect equaUty of the Trinity 
 in Unity. 
 
 But though scriptural researches, through the mediation of the 
 most ancient languages were his peculiar delight, he was not 
 limited to this study. He was fond of general knowledge in all 
 things useful and practical. He extended his researches in 
 Natural Philosophy, and studied much the principles and operations 
 of the world of nature. As was said of a sacred writer, i Kings, 
 iv:33, 'He spake of trees, from the cedar to the hyssop, that 
 springeth out of the wall.' This knowledge of the powers and 
 variegated productions of the material system, all declaring the 
 wisdom of the Creator, he made very practically useful, and by his 
 ready facility of instruction, benefited many in their temporal con- 
 cerns, and gave them enlarged views of the wisdom of God, and the 
 minuteness of His providence, in the formation, progress, and 
 maturit}' of things that do exist. By similar researches and knowl- 
 edge of the nature, power, and operations of the material world, he 
 was qualified for counsel with the physician, and to relieve the anxi- 
 .eties of his afflicted people, when called to visit the sick, and to 
 inspire them with confidence in his wisdom in their temporal as well 
 as spiritual concerns. Indeed, all his studies seemed to concentrate 
 in laboring to be useful among his people, to enlighten and benefit 
 them. 
 
 As a Pastor he delighted to visit his people, entering in the 
 most familiar manner into all their family interests, and imparting 
 instruction from every rising occurrence. He was always ready at 
 
RE V. RICHARD EL Y. 
 
 31 
 
 the calls of the afflicted, and was a man of prayer. In conducting 
 the affairs of church government, he was a great advocate for the 
 system adopted by the Divines assembled in Saybrook, in 1708. He 
 was much opposed to the aspiring ambition of men for anti-christian 
 power in the Church and matters of faith; and considered this 
 Constitution for the Churches to be well calculated to moderate that 
 passion, and to place the powers and rights of the clergy and laity 
 on spiritual grounds. In admitting members into his Church, he 
 was not for multiplying forms of faith composed by men, but used 
 a brief summary of leading scriptural truths. In revivals of religion 
 he was apprehensive of enthusiasm, and perhaps carried his fears, in 
 the judgment of some, farther than was expedient, or necessary. 
 He had witnessed former irregularities in ancient revivals, and 
 unhappy divisions arising out of an honest but misguided zeal for 
 truth. He was not an advocate for frequent evening meeting; and 
 thought that when protracted to late hours, they were unfavorable 
 to religious order, and the regular habits of religious families. He 
 was watchful over, what he considered, the spiritual interests of his 
 people; if he erred, it was not the error of his heart in conducting 
 the religious concerns of his flock, at such seasons. 
 
 While attending to the duties of a Pastor, he did not lose sight 
 of those of the citizen. He was a firm advocate for civil order, and 
 a great admirer of the civil government, and constituted authorities 
 of the State. In this view he was considered as a political father by 
 many, and shared largely in their confidence. In domestic life, 
 while respected and beloved, he was daily occupied in imparting 
 useful instruction, and exemplifying it in his practice. Happy in 
 his children, he was attached to the satisfactions of home, and 
 especially in his last years. Having for a length of time considered 
 his active services as drawing to a close, he devoted his leisure 
 
32 
 
 REV. RICHARD ELY. 
 
 moments to his favorite study and researches, while his family 
 labored to render his declining years as peaceful, serene, and free 
 from cares, as possible. Having attained to a bright faith, and a 
 matured age, he waited with earnest longings for the solemn hour 
 which many dread, and spake of eternity, and the end of his earthly 
 pilgrimage, with all that composure, and serene but animated hope, 
 which one would express in returning home to see his dear friends 
 after a long absence. 
 
 Interview with his religious brethren was peculiarly dear and 
 affecting, as the time drew near in which he must separate from 
 them; and he spake and dwelt much on the satisfaction of being 
 reunited with his goodly brethren who had departed. He longed for 
 their society, but more for that of the glorious Redeemer, whose 
 character had engaged his study, his earnest desires, and prayerful 
 meditations, for many years. Believing that he had found the 
 Truth, he longed to see that Truth, eye to eye, beyond the power of 
 doubt. His faith that he should enjoy the presence of the Saviour, 
 seemed almost without the shadow of disbelief; and though sensible 
 of imperfections, his confidence in the righteousness of the Redeemer 
 dispelled all fear when called to walk through the valley of death. 
 His reason and faith continued with his last breath; and though 
 unable to speak but in broken sentences, he departed from this dying 
 world uttering 'There is rest for the weary.' 'Peace of conscience.' 
 
 Such is the summary of this aged father in Christ, whose 
 remains are now before us. His work is finished on earth; he can 
 no more pray for and with his people, but we trust his soul still 
 bears them in remembrance, while entering the holy of holies, and 
 leaving us to pay the last sad duties of respect to the dead. That he 
 had no enemies, while he lived, is not to be supposed. He reproved 
 
REV. RICHARD ELY. 33 
 
 disorder undauntedly, and was not suspected of using an hypocrisy 
 in his reproofs, or dissimulation in his words. His enemies believed 
 him honest, and his friends admired his undeviating firmness and 
 perseverance. He has gone to give an account of his stewardship. 
 May his memory be sanctified to the living, and benefit survivors. 
 His children will long remember his instructions and watchful care 
 over their youth, and his ardent prayers for their families. No more 
 will they see his face in the flesh, or hear his voice of parental affec- 
 tion; but the fruits of his many supplications may be long and 
 pleasant, and blessed. While grateful to Heaven that he was contin- 
 ued for so many years, may they be fully resigned to the will of God 
 in his departure. They could not have prayed, or even have imag- 
 ined a time and mode of dying more graciously ordered by the Lord, 
 than the period, manner and circumstances, attending this death. 
 Surely their mourning will be intermingled with praise, while their 
 prayer ascends to Heaven, "Let me die the death of the righteous," 
 and my last hope and departing faith be as triumphant as my 
 father's. " Be ye followers of them who, through faith and patience 
 inherit the promises," and may they study to be as useful to the 
 living, and pray that their memory may be as pleasant and profitable 
 to their surviving families and friends, as were the labors and the 
 remembrance of the dead. Like him too, may they live to see, in 
 the way of righteousness, their children and their children's children 
 arise around them to be ornaments and pillars; and call them 
 blessed. 
 
 Between death and some of the living here present, there may be 
 but a step ; between the grave and a still greater number not a year, 
 and perhaps not a month will pass and probation is closed forever. 
 None prays for the dead ; their destiny is fixed. Go then and pray; 
 go "set thine house in order," and watch; "for thou knowest not 
 
34 
 
 HON. THOMAS DARLING. 
 
 the hour when the Son of man shall come." The turning of a page 
 may shew a new people and a new world. And oh, what a world, 
 what inhabitants, and what a God, shall then be seen ! Soon the 
 trumpet shall sound, the dead arise, the great white throne appear, 
 the books be opened, the world be judged, the righteous ascend with 
 their Redeemer, and the wicked depart into everlasting darkness. 
 
 Seeing then that all these things shall come to pass, oh !' what 
 manner of persons doth it become us to be, in all holy conversation 
 and godliness ? "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying. Write 
 blessed are the dead, who die in the lyOrd, from henceforth and for 
 ever. Yea, saith the Spirit, they rest from their labors, and their 
 works do follow them." 
 
 HON. THOMAS DARLING. 
 
 The grandfather of Rev. Charles Chauncey Darling was the Hon. 
 Thomas Darling, a student and graduate of Yale, 1740, who for a 
 brief period was also a tutor in this institution. As he possessed 
 qualifications in an unusual degree for the legal profession, he gave 
 himself to the study of law, subsequently attaining the position as 
 Chief Justice in the Court of Common Pleas of his adopted State. 
 He was bom February 21st, 1719, at Newport, Rhode Island, and 
 married, July 23rd, 1745, Abigail Noyes, bom March 20th, 1724. 
 
 Thomas Darling was the only child of Samuel Darling, bom 1695, 
 and Susannah Childs, bom 1680. His father, accompanied by his 
 
HON. THOMAS DARLING. 35 
 
 wife and an only sister Dorothy Griffin, a widow and childless, 
 removed from Rhode Island to New Haven, Connecticut, in 1722. 
 Samuel Darling was admitted to practice as an attorney at law in 
 New Haven, in 1737. 
 
 According to the records of the New Haven Historical Society, 
 Thomas Darling, his son, was highly esteemed as a jurist as well as 
 eminent for his lofty integrity and strong Christian character. He 
 is described in history as not more remarkable for the strength of his 
 intellectual powers than for modesty, candor, sympathy, and benev- 
 olence. President Stiles writes : ' ' He was a man of large stature, of 
 a strong reasoning mind, calm and judicious, of integrity and 
 uprightness, and of great prudence." 
 
 Judge Darling was also strictly a temperate man; and yet the 
 existence of a massive silver punch-bowl, in possession of Mr. 
 Thomas Darling of New York, leads to the supposition that he 
 sometimes practiced the universal custom prevalent at that period, 
 of entertaining his guests occasionally with something stronger than 
 water. It is known, however, that this bowl, which gives rise to 
 the intimation, was presented to him by students at Yale, during the 
 period of his tutorship, and before he engaged in the practice of law. 
 The following is its inscription ; ' 'Domino Thomas Darling Tutori 
 Dignissimo hos Damns C. Yathos CBtetni Pignus Amoris Classis sua 
 
 ms-' 
 
 The subjoined letter, a copy of which was published in "The 
 History of the Ely Re-Union," is, as the editor — Mrs. Stewart — truly 
 observes, a fine specimen of the courtesy and custom of the period. 
 As it was written by Judge Thomas Darling to Rev. Richard Ely, 
 asking his eldest daughter in marriage for his son Samuel, it 
 possesses special interest : 
 
36 HON. THOMAS DARLING. 
 
 New Haven, August 17, 1779. 
 Rev. Richard Ely, 
 
 I/yme, Conn. — 
 Sir: — I am informed by my son, Samuel, that he has paid his 
 compliments to your daughter, Clarinda, whom he finds agreeable, 
 and intends, as soon as his circumstances will admit of it, if he 
 obtains the approbation of her parents, to receive her into the most 
 intimate and dear relation to himself, and has desired me to solicit 
 your consent and approbation for that purpose, which I accordingly 
 do. And if you, sir, are pleased with his attentions, I desire you 
 should signify the same to him. 
 
 I would also acquaint you that from the character we have heard 
 of your daughter, we approve of his choice and such connection with 
 your worthy family, and give an assurance that should the Doctor 
 receive her as the partner of his life, to share the joys and sorrows of 
 the same, we will make it our care that such a connection shall be as 
 agreeable and useful as may be, and we hope that God will approve 
 of, and crown the same with His blessing. 
 
 Presenting my compliments, with Mrs. Darling's, to yourself and 
 lady, and in a particular manner to your daughter, 
 
 I subscribe myself, with great esteem, sir, 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 Thomas Darling. 
 
 The sequel to that marriage, as drawn with pen picture by her 
 granddaughter, Mrs. Ann Frances Ibbotson, recently deceased, given 
 in a private letter, thus reads : 
 
 ' ' Clarinda, daughter of Rev. Richard Ely, was married December 
 22nd, 1788, to Dr. Samuel Darling. Memory, with vivid touch, 
 paints picture after picture of other days in the home at New Haven. 
 
HON. THOMAS DARLING. 37 
 
 The sacred observance of tlie Sabbath, from Saturday sundown to 
 the first glimmer of the stars on Sunday night ; ' from even to even 
 shall ye celebrate your Sabbath,' quoted as an authority for the 
 custom. The honored grandfather, dressed with silver knee and 
 shoe buckles, and carefully arranged queue, standing with his family 
 around a bountiful table to invoke a blessing, and after the meal 
 again to return thanks. The window in the keeping room by which 
 the grandmother sits, the bag of knitting on the arm of the chair, 
 while the table near supports books and papers. As the eye turns 
 outwards the beds of pinks and other fragrant varied flowers in the 
 garden show her love for the beautiful. The father reads aloud, 
 while the wife and daughters ply their busy needles, instruction and 
 industry clasping hands. Genuine artistic taste was evinced in the 
 white spreads beautifully worked by her fingers in designs of sym- 
 metry and grace. Her wedded life of sixty-three years was rich, 
 amid varied experiences, in harmony and beauty. Ready for every 
 event, when the last hour came, all her preparations had been wisely 
 and carefully made. She slept like one who ' lies down to pleasant 
 dreams.' Of her husband. Dr. Samuel Darling, the late Nathaniel 
 Chauncey, Esq., in a biographical sketch, records: 'I consider the 
 character of the deceased as one of the purest models of Christian 
 excellence.' " 
 
 In 1774 Judge Thomas Darling became a deputy to the General 
 Assembly. This opened up greater opportunities for exercising his 
 legal attainments and giving wise counsel in all the important ques- 
 tions then under consideration. As years advanced his influence 
 extended, nor did he lay down any of the responsibilities and trusts 
 committed to him till the year 1789, when fatal illness prostrated 
 him — dying November 30th, in the seventieth year of his age. 
 
38 REV. JOSEPH NO YES. 
 
 The ancestry of his wife, Mrs. Thomas Darling (Abigail Noyes),^ 
 may easily be seen by examining the following extracts from well 
 known historical works : 
 
 [From ''Biographical Sketches" by Prof . F. B. De:vter.'] 
 
 REV. JOSEPH NOYES. 
 
 Joseph Noyes, the father of Mrs. Thomas Darling, was bom in 
 Stonington, Connecticut, July 4th, 1688, and was graduated from 
 Yale in 1709. He was a son of the Rev. James Noyes, senior mem- 
 ber of the original Board of Trustees of Yale College, and for over 
 fifty years the minister of Stonington. In the History of Walling- 
 ford, Connecticut, by Dr. C. H. Davis, it is written that this family 
 of Noyes belonged to a line of ministers which, at the time of the 
 decease of Rev. James Noyes, had existed during two hundred years 
 in uninterrupted succession. The family is of Norman descent, and 
 originated in England with William de Noyes, one of the followers 
 of the Duke of Normandy in his Conquest of England in 1006. 
 The family settled in Cornwall, England, in the reign of Charles I. 
 
 Joseph Noyes studied theology with his father, and was licensed 
 to preach by the New London Association, Maj^ 2nd, 17 10. In 
 September, 17 10, he entered on a tutorship in College, which office 
 he held for the five following years. His reputation at this time is 
 indicated by an extract from President Stiles, given in the sketch of 
 Phineas Fiske. In November, 17 14, the pastor of New Haven — the 
 Rev. James Pierpont — was removed by death, and while the church 
 was delaying the choice of a successor, Mr. Noyes received a call 
 from Stonington (given in town-meeting, April 14th, 1715,) to 
 
RE}' JOSEPH NO YES. 39 
 
 become colleague-pastor with his father. This call he declined, and 
 when the Society at New Haven met, July i, 1715, "to nominate a 
 man to carry on the work of the ministry on probation," Mr. Noyes 
 received a majority of votes; but with the deliberation which was 
 customary at that period, his ordination did not take place until July 
 4th, 1716, almost a year after he had entered on his pastoral labors. 
 He preached his own ordination sermon from Jeremiah i: 7. In the 
 first year of his ministry, he was largely instrumental in promoting 
 the removal of the College to New Haven, by his exertions in 
 raising subscriptions; and when the College was actually settled 
 there, he further aided it with means, and also by hearing for two 
 years nearlj' all the recitations of the Senior Class. His last years 
 were almost entirely withdrawn from public labors, and he died at 
 New Haven, June 14th, 1761, in his 73d year. 
 
 The record on his tombstone, under the present First Church, is 
 as follows: "Rev'd Joseph Noyes, a Man of God, eminent for 
 Prudence, catholic in Sentiments, given to Hospitality, patient in 
 Tribulation, and abundant in Labours; having serv'd his Generation 
 by the Will of God, 5 years a Tutor, and 26 a Fellow, of Y. College, 
 and 45 Pastor of y'^ ist Church in N. Haven, died June 14, 1761, 
 ^tat. 73. Mrs. Abigail Noyes, Relict of the Rev'd Joseph Noyes, 
 died at Wethersfield, y= loth of Oct'r, 1768, Ae. 73, and was Buried 
 in that place. A Gentlewoman of a sweet and delicate Temper, and 
 of Female Virtue an Example, she greatly excelled in y^ knowledge 
 of y^ Scriptures, and they were y^ Guide of her Youth, and y'= Com- 
 fort and Support of her Age; she was a Loving dutiful Wife, a Kind 
 instructive Parent, to ye poor Charitable, to y^ Faulty a faithful 
 Reprover, to the Cause of Truth a Friend. Her life was diligent 
 and useful ; Her Heaven began on Earth, She saw through a Glass 
 darkly, but now Face to Face. O Grave where is thy Victory!" 
 
40 RE V. JAMES PIERPONT. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Noyes married, November 6th, 1716, Abigail, 
 daughter of 
 
 REV. JAMES PIERPONT. 
 
 A solid silver porringer of exquisite workmanship belonging to 
 the daughter of Rev. James Pierpont, with her name inscribed upon 
 it, is now the property of the writer of this work, and is prized as a 
 valuable family heir-loom. 
 
 Rev. James Pierpont was born at Roxbury, January 4th, 1659, 
 was graduated at Harvard in 1681; settled in New Haven, Connect- 
 icut, July 2nd, 1685, as pastor of the First Congregational Church. 
 He married. May 30th, 1694, for his second wife, Sarah Haynes, 
 born in New Haven, 1673. Their only child was Abigail. Rev, 
 James Pierpont died November 14th, 1714, in the fifty-fifth year 
 of his age. Sarah, his wife, died while on a visit to Wethersfield, 
 Connecticut, October 7th, 1696, aged twenty-three. 
 
 Rev. James Pierpont, as will be seen by reference to Trumbull's 
 History of Connecticut, was one of the principal ministers who 
 assisted in the founding of Yale College. In Barber's History of 
 Connecticut it is stated that he was appointed a Trustee to direct its 
 government. His first wife, Abigail Davenport, died childless, aged 
 twenty years. Rev. James Pierpont came of an illustrious line; 
 his aincestors added two more letters to their name than did the 
 New England family. Sir Hugh de Pierrepont, A. D. 980, lord of 
 the Castle of Pierrepont, in the south confines of Picardy and 
 diocese of I^aon, a branch of the Pierreponts, who were lords of 
 Castle Pierrepont, two leagues from S. Saveur, Normandy, whence 
 they derived their name. The place was named from a stone 
 
REV. JAMES PIER PONT. 
 
 41 
 
 bridge with which Chariemagne supplied the place of a ferry. His 
 son, Sir Godfrej^ Pierrepont, succeeded, and was father of Godfrey 
 and Robert. Godfrey, son of Sir Godfrey, was father of Sir Ingol- 
 brand, lord of Castle Pierrepont, Picardy, A. D. 1090, and ancestor 
 of the French Pierreponts. The younger son. Sir Robert de Pierre- 
 pont, knight, came over from France to England as a commander 
 in the army of the Conqueror, 1066, from whom he received great 
 estates in the counties of Suffolk and Sussex, among which was the 
 lordship of Hurst Pierrepont. His son was William de Pierrepont, 
 lord of the Manor of Hurst Pierrepont, county Sussex. His son, 
 Simon de Pierrepont, of Hurst, was at the siege of Acre; was 
 succeeded by his son, William de Pierrepont. He had two sons, 
 Simon and a younger brother; the former was his successor. 
 
 Robert de Pierrepont, sixth lord of the Manor of Hurst Pierre- 
 pont, was the father of Sir Henry de Pierrepont, "a person of great 
 note," fought in the battle of I^ewes, 1264, died 1292. He married 
 Annora, only daughter of Sir Michael de Manvers, lord of the Manor 
 of Holme, of which he became possessed under the name of Holme 
 Pierrepont, county Nottingham. This place is still in the family, 
 the present proprietor being Herbert Pierrepont, of Holme Pierre- 
 pont. Sir Henry was succeeded by his son Simon, who was created 
 Baron Pierrepont. His younger son. Sir Robert de Pierrepont, 
 third proprietor of Holme Pierrepont married Sarah, daughter of 
 Sir John de Heriz, knight, and was succeeded by his son, Henry 
 de Pierrepont, who married Mary, daughter of (by Maude, only 
 daughter of Edmund, Baron Deincourt) Sir William Fitzwilliam, 
 knight, grandson of Thomas Fitzwilliam, the son of Sir William 
 Fitzwilliam and Ella Plantagenet. They had Henry and a younger 
 son. Sir Edmund Pierrepont, maternally descended from the Kings 
 of France and England, Counts of Normandy, Flanders and Anjou, 
 
42 REV. JAMES PIERPONT. 
 
 and sixth proprietor of Holme Pierrepont. He died at Gascoigne, 
 France, 1370, having married Joan, daughter of Sir George Mont- 
 boucher, of Gomulston, Notts, knight, and was succeeded by his 
 son. Sir Edmund Pierrepont,. who married Frances, daughter of Sir 
 William Franck, of Grimsby, county lyincoln, knight, by whom 
 he had an only son, Sir Henry Pierrepont. He married Helen, 
 daughter of Sir Nicholas Langford, of Langford, Notts., knt., by 
 whom he had an only son, Henry Pierrepont, who married Thom- 
 asine, daughter of Sir John Melton, of Melton Hall, county Derby, 
 knight, by whom he had Sir Henry, knight, his successor, and a 
 younger son, Sir Francis Pierrepont, knight, eleventh of Holme 
 Pierrepont. He married Margaret, daughter of John Burdon, and 
 had Sir William Pierrepont. By his second wife, Joan, daughter 
 of Sir Richard Empson, knight, he had Sir George Pierrepont, only 
 son, thirteenth of Holme Pierrepont, and lord of several manors in 
 Nottingham and Derby, and one of the Knights of the Carpet that 
 were made at the Coronation of Edward VI., Feb. 22, 1547. He 
 died March 21, 1564. By his second wife, Winifred, daughter of 
 William Thwaites, he had five children, one of whom, first Sir 
 Henry, fourteenth of Holme Pierrepont, born 1545, married Fran- 
 ces, daughter of Sir William Cavendish, died March 19, 1615, and 
 buried in S. Edmund's Church, at Holme Pierrepont. His son. Sir 
 Robert Pierrepont, was created Earl of Kingston, in 1628, and was 
 ancestor of Evelyn Pierrepont, Duke of Kingston, who died in 1773. 
 Rev. James Pierpont is thus described in the Pierpont Genealog- 
 ical Summary. 
 
 James Pierpont, son of John, of Roxbury, born Jan. 4th, 1659. 
 He graduated at Cambridge in 1681, settled in the ministry in New 
 Haven, Conn., 1684, took possession of the mansion house and 
 planted two elm trees in front, on the north side of the Green, in 
 
REV. JAMES PIERPONT. 
 
 43 
 
 1686. Died Nov. 14, 1 7 14. Rev. James Pierpont was married three 
 times. To Abigail, daughter of Rev. John Davenport, who had no 
 children; to Sarah, daughter of Rev. Joseph Haynes, of Hartford, 
 who had one daughter, Abigail ; and to Mary, daughter of Rev. 
 Samuel Hooker, of Farmington, who had two daughters, — Sarah 
 and Mary, — and six sons, — ^James, Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin, Ben- 
 jamin 2d, and Hezekiah. He was one of the founders of Yale 
 College, over which venerable institution two of his descendants, 
 Timothy Dwight; D.D., and Theo. D. Woolsey, D.D., have officiated 
 as President with distinguished ability, dignity, and success. For 
 thirty years he was Pastor of the First Church in New Haven. Mr. 
 Pierpont, his three wives, and several of their descendants, are 
 buried under the Centre Church. He was a man, lofty and pure 
 in his aspirations, and of the most spiritual temper; his words, like 
 the live coals from the altar in the hands of the angel, touched and 
 purified the lips of those who listened to his teaching. -HoUister, 
 in his History of Connecticut, says: — "His moral nature was so 
 softly diffused over his church and people that they appeared to lose 
 themselves in the absorbing element, as dark forms seem sometimes 
 in pleasant days to dissolve in an atmosphere of light. ' ' 
 
 Henry E. Pierrepont, who died March 28, 1888, at No. i Pierre- 
 pont-place, Brooklyn, rightly claimed the Rev. James Pierpont for a 
 direct ancestor. Mr. Pierrepont resided the greater portion of his 
 life upon the site occupied by the house where he died. The 
 building in which he was born was torn down in 1846, to make 
 way for Montague street, and immediately thereafter, the present 
 building was erected. He was for many years President of the His- 
 torical Society in Brooklyn, of the Geographical Society of New York, 
 and was a member of several benevolent societies. Mr. Pierrepont 
 was also Senior Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, in which he 
 
44 RE V. JOSEPH HA YNES. 
 
 manifested a deep interest, as well as in all the great charities of the 
 city. His means were ample, and he contributed Uberally toward 
 their support. He left a widow and five children — two daughters 
 and three sons. 
 
 The father of Sarah Haynes, the second wife of Rev. James 
 Pierpont, was 
 
 REV. JOSEPH HAYNES. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Haynes was born in 1641, was graduated at Harvard 
 College in 1658, and preached at Wethersfield, Connecticut, in 
 1.663-4. I" 1664 he was called to the First Congregational Church 
 in Hartford. In 1668 he married Sarah, daughter of Richard Lord, 
 son of Thomas Lord, one of the first settlers of Hartford. Sarah 
 Lord was born in 1638, and died November 15th, 1705. Rev. Joseph 
 Haynes died May 14th, 1679, aged 38. The children of Rev. Joseph 
 Haynes and Sarah his wife, were Mabel, who died unmarried in 17 13; 
 Mary, Sarah, and John, born 1699, and who died in 1730, a Judge of 
 the Supreme Court of the Colony. So far as tradition instructs us 
 concerning the Rev. Joseph Haynes, in no sense was he behind his 
 ministerial kindred in holy zeal and purpose. His life was passed 
 amid many trials incident to the early colonists, but it was a happy 
 life and blessed to the many unto whom he ministered. 
 
 The honored father of Rev. Joseph Haynes was the distinguished 
 
JOHN HAYNES. 
 
 John Haynes, Governor of Massachusetts, and afterwards of 
 Connecticut, was bom at Copford Hall, in Essex, England. He 
 came with Hooker and his company to Boston in 1632, and in 1635 
 was chosen Governor of Massachusetts. In 1636 he removed to 
 Connecticut, being one of the prominent founders of that Colony. 
 In 1639 he was chosen its first Governor, and every alternate year 
 thereafter, which was as often as the Constitution permitted, he was 
 re-elected up to the time of his decease. He was one of the five who 
 in 1638 drew out a written Constitution for the Colony, which was 
 finished in 1639 ; the first ever formed in America, and which 
 embodies the main points of all our subsequent State Constitutions 
 as well as the Federal Constitution. 
 
 Bancroft describes him as a man of large estate and larger 
 affections, of heavenly mind and spotless life, of rare sagacity and 
 accurate but unassuming judgment; by nature tolerant and a friend 
 to freedom. An able legislator and esteemed by the people for his 
 benevolent virtues. No man was more respected by the Colonists of 
 Connecticut, and few, if any, did more for the true interests of the 
 Colony. He died in 1654, leaving, it is said, an income of $50,000 
 a year, to be used by Rev. Dr. Hooker and others, for religious 
 purposes. He married for his second wife Mabel Harlakenden, born 
 September 27th, 1614, at Earl's Colne. By his first wife, Mary 
 Thornton, he had issue; Robert, Hezekiah, John, Roger and Mary; 
 by his second wife, John, Joseph, Ruth and Mabel. 
 
 After the decease of Gov. Haynes, his wife Mabel married, Nov. 
 17, 1654, Samuel Eaton, son of Gov. Eaton, both of whom died the 
 following June, within two days of each other. 
 
46 JOHN HAYNES. 
 
 This family, and some others herein mentioned, trace their descent 
 on the continent of Europe through the Kings of the Burgundians, 
 Merovingian Kings of France, Kings of Toulouse, Navarre, Castile 
 and L^on, and Emperors of Spain. In Great Britain the line can be 
 traced also to a King of England and to the families of Clare, Audly, 
 Stafford, Neville, Dacre, Fiennes, Londenoys, and Harlakenden. 
 In America through the families of Haynes, Pierpont, Noyes, Darling 
 and Chauncey. 
 
 The name of Governor John Haynes is so familiar to readers of 
 New England history, that it seems hardly necessary to make any 
 other historical reference to it than that which appears in Trumbull's 
 History of Connecticut, from which the following account is summed 
 up: 
 
 "The colony sustained a great loss in 1654, by the death of Gov- 
 ernor John Haynes. He had been a father to it from the beginning; 
 employed his estate, counsels and labors for its emoluments, and 
 bore a large share in its hardships and dangers. He was a gentle- 
 man from the county of Essex, in England, where he had an elegant 
 seat called Copford Hall. He came to New England in 1632, and 
 settled first at Cambridge, Massachu.setts. His distinguished abili- 
 ties, prudence, and piety, so recommended him to the people that in 
 1635 he was chosen Governor of Massachusetts. Upon his removal 
 to Connecticut he was chosen Governor of this colony. His great 
 integrity and wise management of all affairs in private and in public, 
 so raised and fixed his character in the esteem of the people, that 
 they always, when the Constitution would permit, placed him in the 
 chief seat of the government, and continued him in it until his 
 death." 
 
l] ISTORIC NAMES forever greet us, 
 
 Where'er our wandering way we tread; 
 Familiar forms and faces meet us, 
 As living, walk with us the dead. 
 
 Man's fame, so often evanescent. 
 
 Links here with thoughts and things that last; 
 And all the bright and teeming Present 
 
 Thrills with the great and glorious Past. ' ' 
 
THE PEDIGREE. 
 
 The Pedigree which appears on the opposite page is diminished 
 in size by the photo-gravure process, from a large engraving in pos- 
 session of the collator; and may be read without much difficulty 
 with the aid of a magnifying glass. It has been obtained at great 
 expense, and is the result of many years' careful investigation in 
 Europe by Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey. In the prosecution of this 
 search, he succeeded in enlisting some of the ablest talent in 
 Great Britain, and the chart is strictly accurate in every particular. 
 A critical study of the map will doubtless afford much interest to 
 persons related by ties of consanguinity or marriage. 
 
'l^tHE Pedigree of the family of Chauncy as compiled by Stephen 
 § ] Tucker, Somerset Herald in Ordinary, London, England, goes 
 '-^ back to the time of Chauncy de Chauncy, a Norman noble- 
 man who came into England, A. D. io56, from Chauncy, near 
 Amiens, in France, with William the Conqueror. WiIvLiam de 
 Chauncy, the eldest son Chauncy de Chauncy, was Baron of Skirp- 
 enbeck, in the reign of Henry ist. Walter de Chauncy, son and 
 heir of William, succeeded as Baron, and was a great benefactor to 
 the monastery of Whitby. Anfride de Chauncy, son and heir of 
 Walter was a great benefactor to the canons of St. Peter's, York. 
 On the 1 2th Henry 2nd, upon the assessment of an aid for marrying 
 the king's daughter, it was certified that he held five knight's fees. 
 He died 6th of Richard ist, leaving Walter and Roger; Walter 
 succeeding, died without issue, leaving his brother Roger his heir. 
 Roger de Chauncy died 15th of Henry 3rd, leaving Robert and 
 Hugh. The latter became afterward lord of the manor of Upton, in 
 the county of Northampton, and from him sprang the branch of the 
 family in that county. Robert de Chauncy, son and heir of 
 Roger, 23d of Henry 3rd, paid his twenty-five marks tax on five 
 knight's fees for his barony of Skirpenbeck, and sundry manors 
 connected therewith. Died 42nd of Henr}' 3rd, 1258. 
 
 Thomas de Chauncy, son and heir of Robert, married Isabel, 
 daughter of Sir Philip de Chauncy (another branch of the family), 
 lord of the manor of Willoughton in Lincolnshire, by whom he 
 became possessed of a large addition to his estate. Thomas died on 
 the 8th of April, 2nd of Edward 2nd. William de Chauncy, son 
 and heir of Thomas and Isabel, held in addition to his barony of 
 
^O PEDIGREE. 
 
 Skirpenbeck, Thoralby, Hogham, Bugthorp and Camelstown. Died 
 1343, 17th Edward 2nd. Thomas de.Chauncy, son and heir of 
 William, died 49tli Edward 3d. Sir William de Chauncy, son and 
 heir of Thomas, married Joan, daughter of Roger, younger son of Sir 
 John Bigod, brother of the Earl of Norfolk. 
 
 John Chauncy, son and heir of William de Chauncy, was the 
 last Baron of Skirpenbeck. He married Margaret GifFord of Gedle- 
 stone; one of the co-heirs of William Gifford. John died February 
 22nd, Henry VI. John Chauncy, son and heir of John, married 
 Ann, daughter of John Leventhorp of Shingey Hall. He died May 
 7th, 1479, and was buried in the church of Sawbridgeworth. John 
 Chauncy, son and heir of John, married a daughter of Thomas 
 Boyce. He died June 8th, 15 10. John Chauncy, son and heir of 
 John, married Elizabeth, daughter of John Proffit, and widow of 
 Richard Mansfield. He died June 4th, 1546. His sons were Mau- 
 rice, Henry, and Robert. Henry Chauncy, second son and heir 
 of John Chauncy, held the manors of East L,atham and Crayford in 
 Kent; Barcomb in Sussex; Over Hall, Nether Hall, and GifFord's in 
 Hertfordshire; Sampfords, Hemstead and Passebury in Essex — ten 
 manors in four counties. He erected a mansion house called "New 
 Place" on his manor of Giffords or Gelston, where he resided at the 
 time of his decease, April 14th, 1587, 29th of Elizabeth. George 
 Chauncy of Newplace and Yardleybury in Hertfordshire, the second 
 son of Henry, at the decease of his brother John, became the repre- 
 sentative of the family. He married Jane, daughter and heir of 
 John Cornwall of Yardley. By his marriage he had several children. 
 After the decease of his first wife, he married Agnes, or Ann, the 
 daughter of Edward Welsh of Great Wymondley. She was the 
 widow of Edward Humberston, by whom he had George, Edward, 
 and Charles. He died in 1625. Charles Chauncy, born in Eng- 
 
PEDIGREE. 
 
 51 
 
 land 1589, was a son of George, and after his settlement in New 
 England he became the second President of Harvard College. His 
 son by his wife Catherine, daughter of Robert Eyre of Sarum, Wilts., 
 and Agnes his wife; was Rev. Nathaniel Chauncy, born 1639 
 in Plymouth. The old Wiltshire family of Eyre enjoyed for several 
 centuries the highest distinction within its native county. He was 
 graduated at Harvard College 1661, and in 1673 married Abigail 
 Strong. He died 1685. His son was Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey, 
 (here an e is added to the name,) of Durham, Connecticut. His 
 wife was Sarah Judson of Stratford, to whom he was married Octo- 
 ber 12th, 1708. She was born February i6th, 1682, and died May 
 31st, 1745. Their son was Elihu Chauncey, born March 24th, 
 17 10. He was Colonel of a regiment in the French war, and after- 
 wards was Chief Justice of the Count}^ Court. He married Marj' 
 Griswold, daughter of Samuel Griswold of Killingworth. Colonel 
 Elihu Chauncey died April loth, 1791. His wife died March ist, 
 1 80 1, aged 83 years. Their son was Judge Charles Chauncey, 
 LL-D., of New Haven, Connecticut. He was born at Durham, May 
 30th, 1747, O. S. He was King's Attorney for the State, .and 
 Judge of the Superior Court. He married Abigail Darling, born 
 November 9th, 1746. She was a daughter of Judge Thomas Darling, 
 of New Haven, Connecticut. Judge Charles Chauncey died April 
 28th, 1823. His wife died December 24th, 1818. 
 
 Blake, in his Biographical Dictionary, states that the Rev. 
 Charles Chauncy— the second President of Harvard College, was 
 born in England, 1589. He was first settled in the ministry at 
 Marston, but became Vicar of Ware in 1627. Being fined and 
 imprisoned for nonconformity, he determined to seek the peaceful 
 
52 JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, LL. D. 
 
 enjoyment of the rights of conscience in New England. He arrived 
 at Plymouth 1638. He continued there about three years, and then 
 took the pastoral charge of the church at Scituate, where he 
 remained twelve years. The ecclesiastical state of England being 
 now changed, he resolved to accept the invitation which he had 
 received from his people in Ware to return to them. He went to 
 Boston to embark, but the presidency of Harvard College being at 
 this time vacant, by the resignation of Mr. Dunster, he was 
 requested to accept that office. He was inducted into the office of 
 President in 1654, and continued in this station until the time of his 
 death in 167 1, aged 81. His son, by his wife Catherine Eyre, Rev. 
 Nathaniel Chauncey, was born in 1639, at Plymouth. He was 
 graduated at Harvard in 1661, and in 1673 married Abigail Strong. 
 He died in 1685. His son. Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey, was born in 
 Hatfield 1681. He was graduated at Yale, and in 1708 married 
 Sarah Judson, He died 1756. His son, Judge Ehhu Chauncey, 
 born 1710, married Mary Griswold, and died 1791, aged 81. His 
 son, the subject of our sketch, was 
 
 JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, LL.D. 
 
 Judge Charles Chauncey is described by Rev. J. L. Blake, D. D., 
 as a distinguished lawyer, born at Durham, Connecticut, May 30th, 
 1747. Removing to New Haven, he was admitted to the bar 
 November, 1768, appointed Secretary for the State 1776, and a Judge 
 of the Superior Court 1789. He was President of the First Agricul- 
 tural Society in Connecticut, which he was mainly instrumental in 
 founding. He was familiar with the ancient and modern languages; 
 
JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, LL.D. 53 
 
 with law, theology, and miscellaneous Uterature. Superior native 
 faculties, improved by intense study for more than sixty years, 
 rendered him one of the most learned men of the age, and his house 
 was pre-eminently the abode of science, hospitality and religion. 
 He married Abigail Darling, daughter of Judge Thomas Darhng of 
 New Haven. 
 
 The appended biographical sketch of Judge Charles Chauncey, 
 Lly. D., is taken from the published records of the New Haven His- 
 torical Society: 
 
 Charles Chauncey was a son of Elihu Chauncey born in Durham 
 March 24, 1710. He was grandson of the Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey 
 of Durham, great grandson of Rev. Nathaniel Chauncy of Hatfield, 
 Mass., and great great grandson of President Chauncy of Harvard 
 (the ancestor of nearly all the Chaunceys in this country); and he 
 proved himself worthy of this excellent and honorable descent. He 
 wa.s bom at Durham, May 30, 1747. In consequence of feeble 
 -health in the youthful period of his life, he did not receive a colle- 
 giate education. But such were the strength and quickness of his 
 mind, such his zeal and diligence in study, and so rapid and exten- 
 sive his acquisitions in learning, that this defect in his early training 
 was fully supplied to him. He studied law with James A. Hill- 
 house, and was admitted to the bar in November, 1768. He at once 
 took a prominent position in his profession, and steadily rose to 
 eminence as an advocate. His wife was Abigail Darling, daughter 
 of Judge Thomas Darling of New Haven, and the first home to 
 which he introduced his young bride was the house he had just 
 bought of John Danielson. It was a small building when Mr. 
 Chauncey purchased it, but it gradually increased by successive 
 
54 JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, LL. D. 
 
 additions on every side except the front. Here Charles and Abigail 
 Chauncey — he twenty-seven, and she twenty-six years of age — 
 commenced housekeeping; and here they remained almost fifty 
 jears. They died in the home where all their children were born. 
 Mr. Chauncey's success at the bar secured for him, in 1776, the 
 appointment of Attorney for the State of Connecticut, and in 1789 
 he was elevated to the bench of the Superior Court. Both of these 
 positions, so diverse in character, he filled with marked ability. In 
 1793 he resigned his seat on the bench and retired from the practice 
 of law. From this time he devoted himself principally to reading, 
 superintending the education of his children, giving lectures to a class 
 of students, and preparing candidates for the bar. Such were his 
 skill and success, that many of the most talented young men in the 
 country were drawn to his instructions, and not a few of the eminent 
 lawyers of the past generation received their legal training from his 
 hand. In 1777, Yale College gave public testimony of his talents, 
 by conferring upon him the degree of Master of Arts; and in 181 1, 
 Middlebury College honored him with the degree of Doctor of Laws. 
 His thirst for knowledge was intense; he needed not the spur of 
 ambition, or the pressure of official duty, or the necessity of subsist- 
 ence, to urge him into the paths of literature and science. He loved 
 study for its own sake. His reading was on the most extensive 
 scale, and his investigations of the most thorough and exhaustive 
 character, especially in the department of law. Descended from a 
 long line of eminent ministers of the gospel, famous and mighty in 
 their day, he had a peculiar fondness for theological researches, 
 which he prosecuted with such zeal and success that he became one 
 of the most intelligent theologians of the time. Endowed with a 
 mind so vigorous, active and fertile, so highly cultured by discipline, 
 and so richly stored with well-digested and classified learning, we 
 
JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, LL.D. 55 
 
 are not surprised that he was held in high respect by educated men; 
 we can understand why President Dwight spent much time in his 
 societ}', and can believe the tradition that the President sometimes, 
 before committing' it to the press, read his manuscript to the judge 
 for his criticism. 
 
 Judge Chauncey made a profession of his faith in Christ at an 
 early period of his life, and was a member of the First Church in 
 New Haven. He served at one time as a deacon of this Church, 
 though his name does not appear in the published catalogue of 
 officers. He often represented the church in ecclesiastical councils, 
 and was for a long time one of its most prominent members. His 
 familiarity with theology, and church polity, drew to him many 
 applicants for advice in religious matters, and he was often employed 
 as counsel in ecclesiastical trials. When the Rev. Moses Stuart 
 succeeded Rev. Dr. Dana in the pastorate of the First Church, Judge 
 Chauncey did not sympathize in the religious change that followed. 
 He was a friend of Dr. Dana, of his way of preaching, and of the 
 theology which Dr. Dana ably represented. Taking exception to 
 some sentiments advanced by Mr. Stuart in the pulpit, the judge 
 withdrew from attendance on his ministry. This occasioned some 
 inquiry and agitation in the church, but the matter was ultimately 
 dropped, leaving Judge Chauncey in regular standing. He did not 
 resume his attendance, however, even after the settlement of Rev. 
 Dr. Taylor, with whom he was on terms of personal friendship; but 
 it appeared that this continued absence was caused by physical 
 infirmity which disabled him from attending. In a eulogy pro- 
 nounced at his funeral, President Day speaks of Judge Chauncey's 
 religious character in terms of unqualified confidence. He describes 
 his declining years as hallowed by religious faith, and cheered by 
 Christian hope, and he speaks of his closing hours as blest with the 
 peace of God. 
 
^5 JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, LL. D. 
 
 Judge Chauncey was sensitive to slights or wrongs, whether real 
 or imaginary; yet in his family and among the friends in whom he 
 confided, he was affectionate, genial, and happy in, the love of others. 
 His house was the home of all the domestic virtues and graces, — the 
 true, the pure and the beautiful, — where intelligence and refinement 
 shed their clearest and softest light, and where over all, religion 
 spread her sacred mantle. Of this lovely circle Judge Chauncey 
 was the honored head and center — loved and revered by all. 
 
 In height he was nearly six feet, stoutly built and corpulent. 
 His features were strong and massive, the brow heavily overhanging 
 his blue eyes, and the whole head and figure expressive of dignity 
 and force. His death occurred April 38, 1823. His wife died Dec. 
 24, 1818. Their children were Charles, Elihu, Sarah, Abigail and 
 Nathaniel. They were all carefully trained by the skillful hand of 
 their parents. All the sons were educated at Yale College, and 
 never had parents more reason to be satisfied with the results of their 
 home training, than Judge Charles Chauncey and his accomplished 
 wife, who was called a bright example of Christian excellence. 
 
 Their eldest son, Charles Chauncey, was born in New Haven, 
 November 17th, 1777, was examined and accepted for admission 
 to Yale College at the age of ten, but was kept back a year, and 
 then entered, and graduated at fifteen — one of the youngest grad- 
 uates of the College. Young as he was, he stood high in his class for 
 scholarship, and higher still for loveliness of character. His appoint- 
 ment at Commencement was a Greek dialogue, in which a talented 
 colleague was his associate. Charles Chauncey, Jr. , after studying law 
 five years with his father, removed to Philadelphia, where he was 
 admitted to the bar, and commenced that high and ascending career 
 which in the course of a few years placed him among the first of 
 
JUDGE CHARLES CHAUNCEY, l.L. D. 57 
 
 American jurists. A purer, more honorable or loftier character never 
 adorned the legal profession. It was formed after the highest models 
 of gentlemanly grace, christian integrity, and refinement. He died 
 August 30th, 1849, and few have forgotten the burst of sorrow and 
 exalted eulogy that from the press, the bar, and the pulpit, found 
 eloquent utterance at the intelligence of his death. 
 
 President Day states that his thirst for knowledge was unbounded; 
 and scarcely any department of Hterature, of history, of civil policy, 
 or of theology, escaped his attention. The rich furniture of his 
 mind was manifest to all those who had the opportunity of hearing 
 him converse. In legal science, his investigations were profound 
 and original. He did not content himself with treasuring up a 
 confused mass of forms and precedents. The practice of the law he 
 delighted to reduce to the invariable principles of justice. On 
 political subjects, he had enlarged and liberal views. While he 
 considered all rightful authority as proceeding from the people, he 
 saw the necessity of checks and balances, to give stability to the gov- 
 ernment. But that in which he felt his own highest interests, and 
 those of his fellow men, to be involved, was religion. He sought 
 for the light which neither learning nor philosophy can bestow. He 
 examined the evidences of Christianity, and consulted the records of 
 antiquity. He weighed the cavils of unbelievers, with the argu- 
 ments which are adduced, in support of the Scriptures. The result 
 of his investigations was a settled conviction that the Bible is indeed 
 t'he word of God. He early made a public profession of his faith, 
 and as he advanced in years the effect of religious considerations on 
 his feelings appeared to be more and more happy; inspiring him 
 with grateful recollections of the past, and serene anticipations of 
 the future. After he had reviewed in his last sickne.ss, with deep 
 emotion, the kindness of Providence to himself and his family, the 
 
58 NATHANIEL ClIAUNCEY, A. M. 
 
 slumber of death came upon him gradually and gently, like the 
 repose of the night upon him who has faithfully performed and 
 finished the labors of the day. 
 
 Sarah the eldest daughter of Judge Charles and Abigail Darling 
 Chauncey, was born Dec. 2nd, 1780, was married December, 1815, 
 to William Walton Woolsey, who was married in his first nuptials 
 to Elizabeth, sister of the late President Dwight, and mother of ex- 
 President Theodore Dwight Woolsey. She died February 8, 1856. 
 Abigail, the second daughter of the Judge was born June aglh, 
 1785, and died June 14th, 1819. His second son, 'Elihu, was born 
 in New Haven, Jan. 15, 1779, was graduated at Yale College 1796; 
 was admitted to the bar in Philadelphia, and was for a time asso- 
 ciated with the late Mr. Bronson, as one of the editors of the United 
 States Gazette. Retiring from the Gazette he devoted himself to 
 financial pursuits, for which his mind was eminently qualified, 
 and became a complete master of political economy. After having 
 been for many years a director of the Bank of Pennsylvania, he was 
 elected to take part in its executive administration. It is recorded 
 that his great experience in matters of finance won for him the confi- 
 dence of merchants, statesmen and capitalists, in their enterprises 
 of magnitude, and in other ventures was frequently consulted by 
 leading capitalists abroad. It was largely owing to his financial 
 ability, vast resources and indomitable energy, that the work of the 
 Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was completed. He was also 
 one of the largest original subscribers to the enterprise of the West 
 Chester Railroad, and it was mainly due to the influence of his 
 name that the money was so readily obtained to complete it. Mr. 
 Elihu Chauncey married Henrietta Teackle of Virginia, who died 
 March 2nd, 1832. His death occurred April 8th, 1847. 
 
NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY, A.M. 59 
 
 The youngest son of Judge Charles and Abigail Darling Chaun- 
 cey is thus described in a paper read by W. C. Fowler, LL.D., March 
 2nd, 1866, before the New England Historic Genealogical Society, 
 Boston. The title of the paper is "Conditions of Success in Genea- 
 logical Investigations, illustrated in the character of Nathaniel 
 Chauncey." 
 
 NATHANIEL CHAUNCIiY, A. M., 
 
 Was born at New Haven, Connecticut, on the 27th day of February, 
 1789. He was the youngest son of the Hon. Charles Chauncey, 
 Lly.D., of New Haven, for many years Attorney for the State of 
 Connecticut, to which office he was appointed in 1776, having been 
 previously the King's Attorney, under the Colonial Government. 
 He was afterwards appointed Judge of the Superior Court of Con- 
 necticut, which office was held by him until 1793, when he resigned 
 it, and devoted himself to reading and superintending the education 
 of his family. In common with all, or nearly all, who bear the sur- 
 name of Chauncey in the United States, he was a lineal descendant 
 of the Reverend Charles Chauncey, the second President of Harvard 
 College, who graduated as A. M., at the University of Cambridge, 
 England, in 1617, and as Bachelor of Divinity, in the same Univer- 
 sity, in 1624. He was afterward elected Professor of Hebrew and 
 Greek, in the same University. Nathaniel Chauncey, the subject of 
 the present sketch, was graduated at Yale College in 1806, afterwards 
 studied law, and was admitted to the Philadelphia bar, but his 
 health had been impaired by close attention to his studies, and he 
 was unable to prosecute a profession as arduous as the law. He soon 
 
6o NATHANIEL CIIAUNCEY, A. M. 
 
 retired from it, and on the decease of his father, Judge Chauncey, he 
 determined to pass several years in Europe, in travel and literary 
 pursuits. During the residence of Mr. Chauncey in Europe, 1825-8, 
 he occupied much of his time in ascertaining the lineage of his 
 American ancestor — President Chauncey, of Cambridge — which he 
 was enabled to trace, without missing a link in the chain, to Chauncy 
 de Chauncy, a Norman Knight, who came to England in 1066 with 
 William the Conqueror. Mr. Chauncey returned to the United 
 States in the autumn of 1828, and was married June 8th, 1836, to 
 Elizabeth Sewell Salisbury, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Salisbury 
 of Boston. This most estimable and accomplished lady died in Phil- 
 adelphia, May 22nd, 1850, leaving two sons, Charles and Elihu, 
 named after Mr. Chauncey's distinguished brothers, Charles and 
 Elihu Chauncey, of Philadelphia. They are both graduates of Har- 
 vard University. After the decease of his wife, Mr. Nathaniel 
 Chauncey led a life of great retirement, employing his time in acts 
 of benevolence and quiet charity, and in enjoying the society of his 
 sons, and a few near relatives and cherished friends. In June, 1863, 
 he was elected Vice-President of the New England Historic- Gene- 
 alogical Society for Pennsylvania, in place of the Hon. William 
 Darlington, of that State, deceased. Nathaniel Chauncey died Feb. 
 9, 1865, and his mortal remains were interred, by his request, in the 
 burial ground at New Haven, where those of his beloved parents 
 repose. 
 
 Following is a copy of a resolution passed by the Historical 
 Society above named, at the time of his decease : 
 
 At the regular meeting of the New England Historic- Genealog- 
 ical Society, holden March ist, 1865, it was 
 
 Resolved, That this Society has heard with deep regret of the 
 death of Nathaniel Chauncey, of Philadelphia, one of the Vice- 
 
NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY, A.M. 6 1 
 
 Presidents of this Institution, with which he has been many years 
 associated ; that his loss is not only a loss to his immediate family 
 and friends, but to literature, and a wide and appreciative community 
 of co-laborers in a field but recently under cultivation, but which is 
 now admitted to be one of great importance, both to the present and 
 future generations. 
 
 Resolved, That the sympathy and condolence of the Society be 
 tendered to the bereaved family. 
 
 Edward S. Rand, Jr., 
 
 Recording Secretary. 
 
 The writer of this paper in some general observations remarks 
 that ancestral virtues are the property of a family which ought to be 
 preserved, and in order that they maj' be faithfully transmitted to 
 posterity, they should be recorded, as in a public registry, with the 
 associations of persons, times, and places in which they originally 
 existed. Thus exhibited, these virtues awaken an interest in the 
 hearts of living descendants, which incline them to imitate their 
 ancestors in all that is good and praiseworthy; just as a motto on 
 armorial bearings has helped to preserve in a family the trait of 
 character which originally led to its selection. The genealogy of a 
 family should not consist merely of names in the lines of descent, 
 but in addition to these, it should present biographical sketches of 
 those in the lines who ought to be held in lasting remembrance, and 
 thus at once gratify a natural feeling of the heart, and conduce to 
 its moral improvement. 
 
 Lord lyyndsay, in his "Lives of the Lyndsays," states that we do 
 not love our kindred for their glory or their genius, but for those 
 domestic virtues that expand toward ourselves. An affectionate 
 regard for the memory of our forefathers is natural to the heart ; it 
 is an emotion totally distinct from pride, an ideal love, free from the 
 
62 NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY, A.M. 
 
 consciousness of requited affection and reciprocal esteem, which con- 
 stitutes much of the satisfaction we derive from the lives of the 
 living. In order to give form to a true ideal of the genealogy of a 
 family, materials are needed, and the materials which enter into the 
 composition of these genealogical notes have been carefully sought 
 and obtained in various localities, and from many individuals, at 
 home and abroad. The difficulty of collecting these materials, 
 embracing as they do events distant in time and nearly faded into 
 forgetfulness, no one can estimate who has not had experience in 
 similar undertakings. Men appear on the stage in rapid succession, 
 each strangely unmindful of those who have gone before, and 
 hastening off, to be forgotten in turn. Thus the knowledge of 
 events connected with family history is either lost, or recovered by 
 the genealogist with great difficulty. 
 
 And yet there are those who believe in and cherish a certain 
 affection in the human soul which is not merely that of friendship. 
 It is the affection that men feel for kindred; for, those who have 
 descended from the same ancestor as ourselves, in whose veins 
 courses the same blood as in our own. Nor is it confined in its 
 exercise to families of the same household, but it holds in its tender 
 embrace all who are related by a common descent. He whose creat- 
 ing fingers placed this affection in the human soul, knew its strength 
 as a bond of union. It is true that there are those who have very 
 little affection for their kindred, whether paternal, filial or fraternal, 
 but such men will not be apt to enter upon genealogical investiga- 
 tions, nor would they achieve much if they made the attempt. Some 
 of them might adopt the words of the old song, — 
 
 "Of all my father's family I like myself the best, 
 And if I am provided for. Old Nick may take the rest." 
 
NATHANIEL CNAUNCEV, A. M. 63 
 
 In genealogical investigations, facts must be separated from 
 fiction, truth from falsehood, history from tradition, reality from 
 dreams; and for this a sound and disciplined judgment is necessary. 
 Hypotheses may be framed with advantage, theories may be adopted; 
 but their value must be tested before they can be received as true. 
 These qualifications Mr. Nathaniel Chauncey possessed to a remark- 
 able degree, added to which was a conscientious regard for truth. 
 He had a soul of honor that must speak the truth, and that soul was 
 seated in a heart of courtesy which would not allow him to wound 
 the feelings of others. In an article written by him on "Christian 
 Courtesy," he shows, by a thorough analysis, the distinction between 
 the love of truth on the one hand, and rudeness in its communication 
 on the other. This distinction it was the impulse of his conscience, 
 and the habit of his life to observe, both in his writings and his con- 
 versation. So unwilling was he to break a promise, even inadvert- 
 ently, that he would refuse to receive a confidential communication 
 coupled with the condition that he should promise not to disclose it. 
 And yet no one could be more safely trusted. Thus qualified for 
 genealogical investigations, and thus uniting in himself the condi- 
 tions of success, he went to Europe in 1823, where he remained five 
 years. In England he visited those towns and seats where, two 
 centuries before, some of his ancestors were living, and made the 
 genealogical investigations which appear in the pedigree of the 
 family of Chauncey. 
 
64 NATHANIEL CHAIJNCEY, A. l\l. 
 
 The following letter shows the interest which Mr. Nathaniel 
 Chauncey took in the subject of genealogy : 
 
 NITHARDI ANGELBERTI 
 
 FILII, CARLI MAGNI IMP. 
 
 Ex Bektha Filia Nepotis. 
 
 De Dissensionibus filiorum Eodhuvici Pij., 
 
 Ad Annum usque DCCCXLIH. 
 
 LIBRI QUATUOR. 
 
 Ad Carolum Calvuin Francorum Regem. 
 
 PREFATIO LIBRI I. 
 
 Cum, ut optimi mi Domine nosti, jam pene annis duobus illatam 
 a fratre vestro persecutionem vos vestrique haud quanquam meriti 
 pateremini antequam Cadhellonicam introessimuscivitatem precepistis 
 ut res vestris temporibus gestas stiti officio memorise traderem. 
 
 Paris, Jan. 20, 1826. 
 My Dear Brother : 
 
 Above you have the title and the first sentence of the preface of a 
 history which was written by one of your ancestors who lived a 
 thousand years ago. I know not how you will be affected by the 
 sight of it, and by the confessions I have been making for months 
 past, about the trifling employment which consumes my time; I 
 hope, however, you will not be altogether uninterested in the subject 
 
NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY, A. M. 65 
 
 that has taken such peculiar hold of my imagination. In analyzing 
 my feelings, I have been disposed to think that the hope of giving 
 pleasure to my brothers and sisters was the great charm of the pursuit 
 that I have engaged in. Perhaps pride and vanity lie at the root of 
 the matter, but it is not plain that they do. However, let the cause 
 be what it may, I have never found any study so interesting as this 
 ^'ery odd one of tracing the pedigrees, and learning the actions and 
 characters of our remote ancestors. One of the libraries to which I 
 resort is badly warmed, and the other has no fire in it at all, yet I 
 spend in one or the other almost all the hours during which thely are 
 open. I have not yet begun to digest my memoranda, which already- 
 fill a quire of paper. The task will be no slight one, and I grudge 
 the time that has been spent and is likely to be consumed in the work, 
 but I cannot leave off. Often the end of my researches has seemed 
 close at hand, when some new field of discovery was opened upon 
 me, and I have been irresistibly impelled to explore it. The few 
 pages which all this work will produce may seem to you but a very 
 trifling result, for you have little idea of the pains I take to ascertain 
 the truth, and of the pains which are necessary for that purpose. 
 Genealogists are even more liable to error than other historians, and 
 their mistakes and discrepancies are very provoking, but with all 
 there are some facts which a concurrence of testimony will force us to 
 believe. For example, it is plain from numerous writers that the 
 Bigots were descended from the Guelphs to whom the royal family of 
 England were proud to trace their origin. In the Museum in London 
 is a history of the house of Guelph, written by the physician to the 
 Duke of Clarence, and grounded upon documents collected within 
 these few years by the duke himself. The work was published in 
 1 82 1, and dedicated to the King. In the second page is this remark: 
 "At a period when the present reigning families of Europe were 
 
66 NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY, A. M. 
 
 unheard of, or merely emerging into notice, the ancestors of George 
 the 4th were already reigning in their greatest splendor. ' ' Thus you 
 see that if this pedigree-hunting is a folly it is not altogether peculiar 
 to your odd brother, and that people of the very highest rank in the 
 old world care about their distant progenitors. But to return to the 
 history, it seems from it that our blood ran in the veins of the 
 Guelphs for nearly four hundred years, and that when at length a 
 portion left the main stream, it was borne off by an Empress. 
 
 But I shall tire you with my folly so much beforehand, that when 
 the tables which I mean to prepare and send over arrive, you will 
 not have patience to read them, and my three or four months' work 
 will be thrown away. I almost regret that it was begun ; but when 
 it was begun it was impossible to stop. 
 
 Much, however, as I confess I have been weak enough to care 
 about our ancestors that lived hundreds of years ago, my interest in 
 them and the great parts they played in the world is nothing and less 
 than nothing in comparison with the solid satisfaction, the delight I 
 have in contemplating the characters of the near friends with whom 
 God has blessed me. • One is a mere excitement of the imagination, 
 the other an inducement for the deepest gratitude. I have traced our 
 descent from very many who wore royal and even imperial crowns, 
 but the worth and the love of the parents, brothers and sisters that 
 God in mercy gave me, are far more valuable in my esteem than all 
 the glory, wealth and power of our renowned ancestors. 
 
 Yours, most afiectionately, 
 
 N. CHAUNCEY. 
 
 Chas. Chauncby, Esq. 
 
PRESIDENT CHARLES CHAUNCY. 67 
 
 The portrait which appears of Rev. Charles Chauncy, second 
 President of Harvard College, is a perfect copy from a contempora- 
 neous engraving for very many years in the possession of the family 
 of Darling. As allusion has only incidentally been made to this 
 distinguished man in the preceding pages, a few extracts from Cotton 
 Mather's historical writings are here appended: 
 
 FRESIDliNT CHARLES CHAUNCY, 
 
 the second President of Harvard College, was the fifth son of George 
 and Agnes Chauncy. He was baptized November 5th, 1592, in 
 Yardley-Bury Church, Hert. From long lines of ancestors converg- 
 ing in him, he received those intellectual and moral endowments 
 which, developed by education and the grace of God, made him one 
 of the lights of the age in which he lived, both in England and 
 America. He was pre-eminent among the Pilgrim Fathers for his 
 learning as a scholar, for his genius as a poet and orator, and for his 
 piety as a Christian. The training necessary to his entrance into the 
 University he received at the Westminster school. Having com- 
 pleted his preparatory studies, he entered Trinity College, Cambridge, 
 where he proceeded Bachelor in 1613, and Master of Arts in 1617. 
 Here he prosecuted his studies with so much diligence that he 
 became a Fellow of the College, and was honored, 1624, with the 
 degree of Bachelor of Divinity. In consequence of his distinguished 
 attainments in Oriental literature, he was chosen Professor of Hebrew, 
 but soon after he resigned that position to receive an appointment to 
 the Greek professorship. In 1627 he became vicar of Ware, and was 
 
68 PRESIDENT CHARLES CHAUNCY. 
 
 eminent as a preacher of the gospel. It was at this place that he 
 became involved with difficulties with the government, by reason of 
 his opposition to the Book of Sports. This book, drawn up by 
 Bishop Moreton, and dated from Greenwich, May 24th, 1618, in the 
 15th of James I., is to this effect: "That for the recreation of his 
 people, his Majesty's pleasure was that after the end of divine service, 
 they should not be disturbed from any lawful recreations; such as 
 dancing, leaping, vaulting, or other sports, so that the same may be 
 had without impediment to divine service. ' ' 
 
 The Puritan preachers greatly desired to repress festivals on 
 the Sabbath ; and therefore an effort was made by those opposed to 
 the proper observance of the Sabbath, to create an impression that 
 the reformed religion was incompatible with the liberty which 
 belonged to the people. To this desecration of the day Mr. Chauncy 
 was strongly opposed, and as preaching on the afternoon of Sunday 
 was prohibited by statute, he would in that part of the day catechise 
 both old and young. The bishop was not satisfied with this substi- 
 tution, and said that '''catechising was as bad as preaching J '' Bishop 
 I^aud was determined to bring the Puritan divines to an exact con- 
 formity — cast them into prison, or drive them out of the land. Mr. 
 Chauncy did not escape the vengeance of this tyrannical prelate. In 
 January, 1629, he was questioned in the high commission court, for 
 having said that idolatry was admitted into the church, that Baal 
 was received, and that men of courage were wanted to remind the 
 prelates of their neglect. He was admonished by the archbishop to 
 regard the discipline, rites, and ceremonies of the Church of England, 
 and warned that if he was again prosecuted in the high commission 
 for any similar offence, he would be proceeded against with all 
 severity. This was not the end of his troubles, for in 1635 he was 
 again brought before this tribunal for opposing the railing in of the 
 
PRESIDENT CHARLES CHA UNCi '. 69 
 
 communion table at Ware; when he was suspended, cast into prison, 
 and condemned to costs. He was soon released, however, and in 1637 
 he left England, and arrived in Plymouth, Mass., a few days before 
 the great earthquake which happened June i, 1638. Here he 
 preached the gospel for about three years, and was greatly blessed in 
 his ministry. In 1641 he was elected pastor of the church at Scit- 
 uate, but the records show that he was not well pleased with the 
 pastorate. The salary which he received was not sufficient for his 
 support, and some of his people offered to give him a deed of a house 
 and land if he would spend his life in Scituate. This offer Mr. 
 Chauncy declined. The deed was then made to the church, and the 
 same year the church conveyed it to him by deed of gift. Though 
 this property was granted without any condition to be performed on 
 the part of the minister, yet on his retiring at the close of the same 
 year he relinquished this improved real estate to the church. His 
 people at Ware had sent him an invitation to return and be their 
 minister. Times had changed in England, and his party were in 
 power. I^aud, his persecutor, had given his head to the block to 
 expiate his crimes, and his friends of the University of Cambridge 
 also urged him to return. Accordingly he went to Boston to take 
 passage for himself and family to England. The overseers of Har- 
 vard College, not willing that the country should suffer the loss of so 
 valuable a man, on November 2nd, 1654, tendered to him the place of 
 President. He accepted the office, and his inauguration was solem- 
 nized November 29th, 1654. He was now where his influence could 
 be proportioned to his talents and learning. He was a most indefat- 
 igable student, which with the blessing of God made him a most 
 incomparable scholar. He rose very early, about four o'clock, both 
 winter and summer; and he set an example of diligence hard to be 
 followed. His active piety, his great talents, his extensive learning 
 
PRESIDENT CHARLES CHAUNCY. 70 
 
 were appreciated by a wide circle of friends and admirers. Mather 
 in referring to Rev. Charles Chauncy says: — "But if the whole 
 country were sensible of the blessing which New England enjbyed 
 in our Chauncy at Cambridge, the church at Cambridge in which he 
 sometimes preached had also particular cause for rejoicing." 
 
 This remarkable testimony to his character and influence has no 
 parallel, so far as is known to the writer, in the history of the Puritan 
 worthies in New England. On first rising in the morning he devoted 
 himself to private prayer, and at the regular hour he visited the 
 college hall, and expounded a chapter from the Old Testament, 
 which was first read from the Hebrew, with a short prayer before 
 and after. About eleven each forenoon he retired for secret prayer, 
 and at four in the afternoon he did the like. In the evening 
 he expounded a chapter of the New Testament, which was first read 
 in Greek, in the college hall, with a prayer in like manner before 
 and after. He also repeated this in his family, and at nine in the 
 evening he retired for another hour of secret prayer before the Eord. 
 On the morning of each Sabbath he preached a sermon in the college 
 hall which lasted for three-quarters of an hour. Besides this, he 
 often set apart whole days for prayer, with fasting alone by himself, 
 and sometimes he spent even whole nights in prayer. Many days of 
 prayer with fasting, he also kept with his religious consort; and 
 many such days likewise with his family, inviting godly neigh- 
 bors to join them. So sensible was the church at Cambridge of the 
 blessing which New England experienced in the great piety of Pres- 
 ident Chauncy, that its members devoted one whole day in giving 
 thanks to God for the mercy enjoyed by the presence among the 
 people of this godly man. Some minds never seem to grow old, but 
 retain even on the verge of extreme old age the same freshness of 
 feeling, and the same vigor of intellect which they had in their early 
 
PRESIDENT CHARLES CHAUNCY. 71 
 
 prime. The mind of President Chauncy belonged to this class. It 
 continued earnest, strong, active to the last, bearing fruit even in old 
 age. On one occasion his friends endeavored to discourage this 
 venerable man from preaching a sermon on a cold winter's day, and 
 one of them said, ' ' Sir, you will certainly die in the pulpit. ' ' Press- 
 ing on more vigorously through the snow-drift he answered, ' ' How 
 glad I should be if what you say might prove true ! ' ' This eminent 
 soldier of our Lord Jesus Christ continued to endure hardship as a 
 faithful standard-bearer of the Master. When his friends pressed 
 him to remit and abate his labors, he would reply, "Oportet impera- 
 torem stantem mori;" accordingly he stood beyond expectation in 
 the learned camp where he had been a commander. At length, on 
 the commencement of the year 167 1, he made a farewell oration, and 
 the end of this year proved the end of his days on earth. During 
 his last moments, when asked to give a sign of his hopeful and 
 joyous assurances of his entering into eternal glory, the speechless 
 old man lifted up his hands as high towards heaven as he could 
 reach them, immediately following which his ripened soul went up 
 to God February 19th, 167 1, in the eightieth year of his age. 
 
 "Laws, freedom, truth, and faith in God 
 Came with those exiles o'er the waves, 
 And where their pilgrim feet have trod. 
 The God they trusted guards their graves. 
 
 And here Thy name, O God of love. 
 
 Their children's children shall adore. 
 Till these eternal hills remove, 
 
 And spring adorns the earth no more. ' ' 
 
 — Rev. Leonard Bacon, D.D. 
 
(^^O-^ ^:^C:(UC>^^^ 
 
^ I 
 
 f7tHE relation which history holds to biography is intimate, for 
 the one when combined with the other opens up great facilities 
 both in the researches of the past, and in those to be made in 
 future 3'ears. Biographical history incites the commendable ambi- 
 tion of 3'outh, and furnishes them with salutary lessons. The most 
 eminent masters of mental culture have all fully appreciated the 
 advantage of biography as an instrument of education; and with 
 their opinions the experience of teachers will coincide. Such works 
 therefore may properl}' take their place among the permanent literary 
 records of the country. 
 
 ELY. 
 
 Prominent in the list of names is that of Ely, but it is not shown 
 that the American Elys are related in any way to the titled family 
 bearing that name in England. The writer, however, can testify 
 that the present head of the Ely family in England, is in every way 
 worthy of this honor, as it was his privilege frequently to meet in 
 pleasant intercourse Lord and Eady Ely, while spending a winter in 
 Cairo, Egypt. 
 
 There is a cathedral town of England, county of Cambridge, on 
 the river Ouse, in the fen country, bearing this same honored name. 
 Here a monastery was founded about 673 A. D. The cathedral in 
 architecture exhibits a combination of early Norman and Gothic 
 styles; it was erected in the eleventh century. The city became a 
 
74 
 
 ELY. 
 
 bishop's see in 1 107. It is not known that any of the ancestors of 
 the American family of Ely were connected with the early history of 
 this place; and it yet remains for an Ely to prosecute with the same 
 energy as a Chauncey, the genealogical search in Great Britain and 
 on the Continent. To give a complete genealogy of the Ely, or any 
 other family herein mentioned, does not come within the scope of 
 this Memorial; only brief biographical and historical sketches of 
 several nearly related members, are introduced. According to Rev. 
 W. B. Gary, there were three distinct settlements of the Ely's in this 
 country in the seventeenth century. The first was that of Nathaniel 
 Ely, in Massachusetts, in 1635, near the present city of Springfield; 
 the second that of Richard Ely, at Eyme, Connecticut, in 1660; the 
 third was begun by Joshua, at Trenton, New Jersey, in 1683. 
 Richard arrived in Eyme during the year of the Restoration in Eng- 
 land, and being a Puritan he sought New England, that he might 
 exercise his religious faith with none to molest or disturb. When 
 Charles I. of England, with his halberdiers, invaded the House of 
 Commons in 1642, Richard Ely sided with Parliament against the 
 king's infringement of the liberties of the English people, and con- 
 tinued a noble supporter of the institutions of law and just govern- 
 ment. Previous to his emigation he lived in Plymouth, England. 
 Richard Ely became the possessor of a large tract of land upon 
 which a portion of the town of I^yme was subsequently built. 
 
 Truly it has been said that the renouncing by Richard Ely of his 
 comfortable home in England, is not only a glorious picture of noble 
 heroism, but it indicates plainly a firm adherence to principle and 
 unflinching resolve, in the face of trouble and danger. There are 
 yet in existence a few relics which once formed a portion of the 
 personal effects of the first Richard Ely. Among them may be men- 
 tioned ' ' The Ely Tankard, ' ' brought from England by him about 
 
ELY. 75 
 
 1660. Richard married a sister of Colonel Fenwick of Saybrookport. 
 His wife died November 12th, 1683; he survived her about one year, 
 dying on the 24th of November, 1684. 
 
 Colonel Fenwick was the husband of Alice (Lady Fenwick,) 
 whose tomb is yet to be seen in the Saybrook cemetery. The tank- 
 ard has been handed down by inheritance through either male or 
 female line to the present day, and it is now owned by Richard S. 
 Ely of New York. This relic of sterling silver has upon it the 
 London mark of the silversmith, and its date of manufacture is 
 believed to be about 1630. 
 
 Another treasure is an oaken chest of massive strength which was 
 brought by the first Richard on his voyage to this country. It was 
 inherited by Margaret Ely, his great granddaughter; remaining in 
 the family of Mrs. Ely, and that of her son, and in the same house, 
 more than a century. Margaret Ely married Eliab Pratt of East 
 Hartford, Connecticut, and this chest contained the wedding outfit. 
 A few years ago the chest was bequeathed to the granddaughter, 
 Mrs. E. M. Seymour, of Syracu.se, N. Y., who states that it is yet 
 in excellent preservation. 
 
 Another family inheritance is a ring bearing the arms of royalty 
 —a present from Charles IX. of France, to an ancestor of Richard 
 Ely. This ring is said to have been presented by the king as a safe- 
 guard, at the time of the massacre of French Protestants, which 
 commenced at Paris August 24th, 1572, and continued for several 
 days; during which time many Huguenots lost their lives. There 
 is a tradition among the older representatives of the Ely family, 
 that they were of French extraction, and at the time of the massacre 
 of St. Bartholomew made their escape. A great ancestor, named 
 Joseph, held a high position under the king; and this ring, bearing 
 
76 EL Y. 
 
 the royal crest, originally belonged to him. This curio is now in 
 the hands of Joseph E. Ely, a resident of Binghamton, N. Y., into 
 whose possession it came upwards of fifty years ago. 
 
 William D. Ely, of Providence, R. I., who has a fine taste for 
 historical studies, and who has recently read before the Rhode 
 Island Historical Society an able paper on "Settlement of Warwick, 
 1642," and the Seal of the R. I. Historical Society (since pub- 
 lished), furnishes this note: — "So far as there is any record among 
 books on antiquities, chronicles, etc., in the Congressional I,ibrary 
 at Washington, Nicholas de Ely was the first de Ely in history. 
 He was the Bishop of Worcester in 1268, and of Winchester till his 
 death in 1286. The author of the "Eives of the Lord Chancellors," 
 L,ord John Campbell, an advocate himself for descent and privileges, 
 stigmatizes one Nicholas as a tool of the Barons. But how, he adds, 
 'was he more of a tool than the noble lord himself?' That Nicholas 
 de Ely was a man of energy and learning, is plain from Sir John's 
 own showing. Burke traces the family to this same Nicholas, and 
 the way he accounts for the loss of the "de" from the name, is that 
 in the reign of Charles I., 1638, when the family left the Cavaliers 
 and joined the Democrats, they tore away the "de." 
 
 Reverend Richard Ely, whose sermon has already been given, 
 was the eldest son of Deacon Richard Ely of Eyme, by his father's 
 second marriage to Phebe Hubbard of Middletown. He was born 
 in Lyme, September 30th, 1733; his education was obtained at Yale 
 College. After he was graduated, he studied theology, was ordained 
 to the ministry, became pastor of a church in North Bristol, and 
 died August 23rd, 1814. He prepared his two sons for Yale College, 
 giving them later a medical education, although the youngest, 
 William Ely, of Hartford, did not follow the profession. 
 
ELY. 
 
 n 
 
 HuLDAH Ely, another daughter, married Uriah Hayden; and 
 Amelia P. Hayden, the daughter of this marriage, was united in 
 wedlock to Captain H. L. Champlin, 1815. The only sister of Uriah 
 Hayden married Nathaniel L. Griswold of New York, who was the 
 founder of the old shipping house of N. L. Griswold & Co., and who 
 died many years ago. 
 
 William Ely of Hartford, son of Rev. Richard and Jerusha 
 Sheldon Ely, was born at Guilford, Connecticut, January loth, 1767. 
 He was graduated at Yale College in the Class of 1787. Personal 
 dignity was in him always a prominent characteristic, and in college 
 his deportment was such as to command the respect of his classmates. 
 After leaving college he studied medicine for a short time, but soon 
 relinquished it to engage in commercial enterprises. It is stated in 
 Mrs. Stewart's "History of the Ely Re-Union," that when war 
 between France and England threw the carrying trade of the world 
 largely into neutral hands, he built a ship and sailed in her to the 
 East Indies, as owner and supercargo. With his usual energy on 
 his various voyages he studied navigation and made himself master 
 of the science. He became well acquainted also with the Dutch 
 language during his residence in Holland, in which he was able to 
 converse with facility. During one of his voyages (when his knowl- 
 edge of navigation came into practical use), the ship encountered a 
 cyclone. So terrible was the tempest that the captain and officers of 
 the vessel renounced their commands and begged him to save the 
 ship if in his power. Clear-headed and self-possessed, he assumed 
 the new responsibility and by his own example with new hope so 
 fully inspired the crew that he carried the ship, with her large and 
 valuable cargo, safely into port. From that day he made a resolu- 
 tion not to own nor venture his interests in a ship which he did not 
 command. His action on the occasion leading to this resolve affords 
 
EL V. 78 
 
 but a single illustration of the superb moral and physical courage 
 that ever characterized his life. The various enterprises of Mr. 
 William Ely soon enabled him to acquire a fortune and thus retire 
 from active business. His piety was simple and sincere, and he 
 always exhibited the largest charity for others. Serene in the con- 
 scious rectitude of his own purposes, ever gentle with all human 
 weaknesses and the opposition of willful men, he could calmly 
 wait till impatience had exhausted itself in fruitless struggles, and 
 then accomplish the contemplated good. Conscientious to a high 
 degree in the discharge of every obligation and engagement, he 
 shrank from no danger and spared no effort in pursuing the path 
 that seemed to him that of duty. When Commissioner of the Amer- 
 ican Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb, by reason of his efforts with 
 the leaders in Congress, and with the Secretary of the Treasury, he 
 secured a valuable property for the Asj'lum, which is now estimated 
 in value at more than a half million dollars. 
 
 Philanthropic in his views, he was active in work for the public 
 good, and as one of the pioneers in internal improvements, he was the 
 executive right arm of the Connecticut River Company. Under his 
 special directions a shoal water steamboat was built, by which the 
 upper waters of the Connecticut river were first opened to successful 
 steam navigation, which was extended as far as Barnet, Vermont. 
 William Ely married, in 181 1, Clarissa May Davis, youngest daugh- 
 ter of Major Robert Davis of Boston. He died February 21st, 1847, 
 at his residence in Hartford, Connecticut. His wife departed this 
 life May 7th, 1882. 
 
 Major Robert Davis, the father of Mrs. William Ely, and the 
 grandfather of her niece, Mrs. Charles Chauncey Darling, was an 
 
ELY. 
 
 79 
 
 officer of Artillery in the revolutionary army. He was in service at 
 the siege of Boston, and was one of the famous tea party who 
 threw the tea overboard in Boston harbor. When the American 
 soldiers followed the retreating British to the outlet of the harbor, he 
 sent to his wife by a special messenger the earliest news of their final 
 departure, written on part of a barrel-head, the only stationery then 
 at hand. He was brother of Hon. Caleb Davis, Speaker of the 
 House of Representatives, Massachusetts, 1780, and delegate from 
 Boston to the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention in 1787. 
 Another brother was Brigadier-General Amasa Davis. All his 
 brothers resided in Boston, and were members of the "Ancient and 
 Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. ' ' The date of the 
 membership of Major Robert Davis, as the records show, was 1786. 
 
Adeline Eliza Darling; 
 
 <g)-WIKE OF(3i^ 
 
 Rev. Charles Chauncey Darling. 
 
' ' rniME is a river deep and wide : 
 
 -*- And while along its banks we stray, 
 We see our loved ones o'er its tide 
 Sail from our sight, away, away." 
 
84 ADELINE ELIZA DARLING. 
 
 While she was a sincere and earnest Christian, there was nothing 
 stern or ascetic in her nature. A friend in alluding to her character 
 truly said, ' ' that to her mind this was a pleasant world in which to 
 live; she rejoiced in its beauty, light and life, and in the warm and 
 loving friendships which it brought." In this wife, her husband 
 found a devoted, cultivated, and most excellent companion to share 
 his toils, and to cheer him through his long voyage pf life, from 
 comparative youth up to nearly fourscore years and ten. In the 
 midst of the changes and chances of this mortal life she was most 
 faithful, passing to her eternal home about five years before her 
 husband. She died at Saratoga Springs, N. Y., September nth, 
 1882. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Drs. Peter Stryker 
 and Irseneus Prime. The remains were interred in the burial plot 
 jointly owned by the families of Chauncey and Darling, in the ceme- 
 tery at New Haven, Connecticut. Among the various obituary 
 notices which appeared in the newspapers, were two which so truly 
 represent her character, that they are herewith transcribed. 
 
 {^From the New York Observer, October 12th, 1882.] 
 
 ' ' The announcement of the death of Mrs. Adeline E. Darling, 
 wife of the Rev. Charles Chauncey Darling, brought sorrow to 
 friends beyond those of her immediate home circle. While they 
 tenderly sympathize with her family in this heavy loss, it is fitting to 
 remember the rare qualities that made her admired as an acquaint- 
 ance and beloved as a friend. Graceful in her manners, of quick 
 and cultivated intellect, she retained to the last a vivacity that made 
 her society equally charming to young and old; and many will feel, 
 in this bereavement, that a light has gone out of the days that 
 
ADELINE ELIZA DARLING. 85 
 
 remain to them here. It shines, it is true, upon another shore, but 
 their lives are darker for the want of a tender friend, a cheerful helper 
 in their perplexities, and a sharer of their burdens. While they 
 would not recall her from the heavenly rest, upon which she has 
 entered, they grieve that they shall see her face no more." 
 
 \_From the New York Evangelist, Thursday, October igth, 1882.] 
 
 "Many readers of the Evangelist have been saddened by the 
 decease of Mrs. Adeline E. Darling, the wife of Reverend Charles 
 Chauncey Darling, and mother of Gen. Charles W. Darling of Utica, 
 N. Y. Her lovely Christian character, her cultivated mind, and her 
 kind and gentle disposition, as well as her charming manner, will 
 ever live in the memory of all those friends whose privilege it was to 
 know her. Her presence was a blessing. She has gone to the 
 bright home to which she looked forward with a happy confidence 
 in her Saviour who had promised it; and she is now enjoying the 
 full fruition of a beautiful and consecrated life. For more than fifty 
 years she had been an exemplary member of the Christian Church, 
 and although a delicate constitution had prevented great activity in 
 her church relations, she was a light in the world, reflecting the 
 example of her Saviour, and silently attracting others to the cross of 
 Christ. Though dead, she yet lives, and her memory will long be 
 fragrant as well as precious to the large circle of friends who now 
 mourn her departure. ' She now sleeps in Jesus, and in the morning 
 of the resurrection she shall awake in His likeness.' Truly, the 
 memory of the just is perfect." 
 
86 ADELINE ELIZA DARLING. 
 
 When a beautiful life has ended, and a sainted spirit entered the 
 heavenly rest, survivors pause to reflect upon a blessed memory, and 
 to consider the completeness of the Christian faith. The influence 
 of such a life touches many wants, bears a noble testimony to Chris- 
 tian worth, and continues its mission, growing wider in its influence 
 as the years glide swiftly past. Such were the elements of character 
 which marked the life of Mrs. Charles Chauncey Darling. Gentle- 
 ness of manner, and kindness of thought and word toward all, won 
 for her the love and affection of all with whom she was brought in 
 contact. Furthermore, in the bestowal of her kindness there was 
 never the slightest degree of hesitancy, for she intuitively knew who 
 were worthy, and would discriminate with quick perception. In the 
 Greek anthology we are told that "swift clemency is best; a long 
 delay in kindness takes it all away. ' ' 
 
 Kind words are more than coronets, and simple faith than Nor- 
 man blood. — Tennyson. 
 
 Acts of kindness and of love are not to be neglected; the best 
 portion, of a life well spent are the little nameless unremembered acts 
 of kindness. — Wordsworth. 
 
 ' ' There is no man whose kindness we may not sometime want, 
 or by whose malice we maj^ not sometime suffer." 
 
 The ancestry of Mrs. C. C. Darling dates back to early colonial 
 times; Richard Dana, the progenitor of the family, settling at 
 Cambridge in 1640. From that patriarch has descended a numerous 
 family, and many have attained distinction as jurists, poets, scientists, 
 divines, doctors, and writers of every class. The spirit of Richard 
 of 1640, could it look over the long and numerous line of descendants, 
 would probably find as many representatives of this name on the roll of 
 
CAPTAIN THOMAS CHANDLER. 87 
 
 honor, as any of the Puritan Pilgrims of that day. To New England 
 belongs the honor of having given the world a collection of literary 
 men unequaled for social purity and uprightness by any or all of the 
 great intellectual circles of this or any other age. W1LI.1AM Dana, 
 the father of Mrs. C. C. Darling, was the son of Benjamin Dana. 
 He was born in 1767, and married Eliza Davis, eldest daughter of 
 Gen. Robert Davis, a brief history of whom has already been given. 
 There are now in possession of the writer two exquisite miniatures, 
 on ivory, of William and Eliza (Davis) Dana, (the parents of Mrs. 
 Darling), painted from life, by Malbone, nearly a century ago. 
 From these were copied the beautiful engravings to be seen in the 
 April number of the Magazine of American History. These minia- 
 tures are quite as fresh and well preserved as if painted in very recent 
 years. In this connection it may be well to say that Edward G. 
 Malbone, born 1777, at Newport, Rhode Island, attained a very high 
 reputation as a miniature painter. He visited lyondon, May, 1801, 
 and was presented to the President of the Royal Academy, who 
 showed him much attention, and urged him to remain in England, 
 assuring him that he had nothing to fear from professional competi- 
 tion. He preferred his own country, however, and returned to the 
 United States at the close of the same year, where by reason of 
 intense application to his professional labors, his health became so, 
 much impaired, that in the summer of 1806 he was compelled to try 
 the effects of a change of climate. In the beginning of winter he 
 therefore took passage in a vessel bound for Jamaica, but the change 
 not producing much benefit, he returned to Savannah, where he died 
 May 7th, 1807. 
 
 Mrs. Eliza (Davis) Dana, the mother of Mrs. Charles Chauncey 
 Darling, after the decease of William Dana, married September 25th, 
 1802, her second husband, Thomas Chandler, born in Worcester, 
 
88 CAPTAIN THOMAS CHANDLER. 
 
 Massacliusetts, January nth, 1768. The marriage ceremony was 
 performed by Rev. Aaron Bancroft, at Worcester. He was a grad- 
 uate of Harvard College 1787. During the hostile attitude of France 
 in 1798, a company of sixty rank and file was formed in Worcester 
 under Captain Thomas Chandler. It was called the "Worcester 
 Volunteer Cadet Infantry," and was cantoned at Oxford during the 
 following winter. Thomas Chandler was a son of Hon. John Chan- 
 dler by Mary Church, his second wife, whose father was Colonel 
 Charles Church of Bristol, Rhode Island. Captain Thomas Chan- 
 dler died May 13th, 1804. He was the uncle of Hon. George Ban- 
 croft the historian, and the grand uncle of Hon. John Chandler Ban- 
 croft Davis, U. S. Minister at Berlin in 1875. Eliza Davis was 
 considered one of the most beautiful and accomplished ladies in 
 Boston, and it is therefore not a matter of wonder that after the 
 decease of Captain Chandler she married again, December 8th, 
 1805, a third husband, whose name and residence was James 
 Rowan, Boston, Massachusetts. She died Thursday evening, Oct. 
 i6th, 1806, ten minutes past nine, at the early age of 28 years, and 
 her remains were interred in the Bancroft tomb at Worcester, Mass. 
 
INSCRIPTIONS. 89 
 
 The following inscriptions throw much light on the character of 
 some of the names just mentioned : 
 
 INSCRIPTIONS ON K MONUMENT IN WORCESTER RURAL CEMETERY. 
 
 (North.) 
 
 HERE REST 
 
 THE MORTAL REMAINS 
 
 OF THE REV. AARON BANCROFT, D.D, 
 
 BORN IN READING, NOV. 10, A. D. 1755. 
 
 ORDAINED PASTOR OF THE SECOND PARISH IN WORCESTER, 
 
 FEBRUARY I, A. D. 1786. 
 
 HIS SPIRIT ASCENDED TO GOD WHO GAVE IT, 
 
 AUGUST 19, A. D. 1839. 
 
 (IVest.) 
 
 IN HONOUR AND GRATITUDE 
 
 TO A DEVOTED PASTOR, 
 
 WHO GATHERED A LITTLE FLOCK 
 
 OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIPPERS, 
 
 IN DAYS OF OPPOSITION, STRAITS AND TRIALS, 
 
 VINDICATING FOR THEM 
 
 THE GLORIOUS FREEDOM TO WORSHIP THE ONE GOD, 
 
 ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS AND EXAMPLE 
 
 OF THE BLESSED SAVIOUR, 
 
 GIVING THEM UNION, STRENGTH AND INCREASE, 
 
 BY HIS LABOURS AND HIS LIFE, 
 
 IN A MINISTRY OF FIFTY-THREE YEARS ; 
 
 THE SECOND PARISH IN WORCESTER 
 
 ERECT THIS MONUMENT. 
 
90 INSCRIPTIONS. 
 
 {South.) 
 
 A SPIRIT, FREE TO CONCEDE AS TO CI,AIM 
 
 ITS DEAREST TREASURE, CHRISTIAN LIBERTY ; 
 
 FEARLESSNESS IN THOUGHT AND DUTY ; 
 
 READY AND VARIOUS POWERS OF LEARNING AND OBSERVATION ; 
 
 A CLEAR AND FORCIBLE EXPRESSION ; 
 
 AN ARDENT TEMPER 
 
 SUBDUED TO THE CALMNESS OF CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY ; 
 
 UNIFORM PRUDENCE IN COUNSEL AND ACTION; 
 
 A WARM HEART AND COURTEOUS MANNERS ; 
 
 AND DEVOTED FIDELITY IN ALL RELATIONS 
 
 OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIFE ; 
 
 GAVE TO OUR REVERED PASTOR 
 
 A MORAL POWER, 
 
 WHICH EXTENDED TO A LARGE CIRCLE 
 
 BEYOND THOSE, WHOSE HAPPINESS IT WAS 
 
 TO KNOW HIM BEST AND LOVE HIM MOST. 
 
 {East.) 
 
 HERE REST 
 
 THE MORTAL REMAINS 
 
 OF LUCRETIA BANCROFT, 
 
 DAUGHTER OF JUDGE JOHN 
 
 AND MARY CHURCH CHANDLER, 
 
 BORN JUNE 9, A. D. 1765. 
 
 MARRIED TO THE REV. DR. BANCROFT OCT. 24, A. D. 17S6. 
 
 DIED APRIL 27, A. D. 1839. 
 
 WITH ZEALOUS AND UNTIRING SYMPATHY 
 
 SHE SHARED AND RELIEVED 
 
 THE PIOUS LABORS OF HER HUSBAND, 
 
 AND WAS NOT LONG SEPARATED FROM HIM 
 
 BY AN EARLIER SUMMONS TO HER REWARD. 
 
 HER ARDENT FRIENDSHIP, HER ACTIVE BENEVOLENCE, 
 
 HER MANY VIRTUES, 
 
 AND HER EFFORTS AND SACRIFICES 
 
 FOR THE WELFARE 
 
 OF THE SECOND PARISH IN WORCESTER, 
 
 SHOULD EVER BE HELD 
 
 IN GRATEFUL REMEMBRANCE. 
 
Elisha Colt Darling. 
 
tn 
 
 X, 
 
 LISHA COLT DARLING, the second son of Rev. Charles 
 
 Chauncey and Adeline Eliza Darling, his wife, was born in 
 '^^'' New York, February 25th, 1S33. His parents holding in 
 high esteem their relative, Mr, Eli.sha Colt of Hartford, Connecticut, 
 on the christening of their bo}' named him for the former. He was 
 a quiet child, very impressible, thoughtful in his ways and as atten- 
 tive to the more serious concerns of life as those less significant. As 
 early as his fourteenth year he united with the University Place 
 Church, New York, then under the pastorate of Rev. George Potts, 
 D. D. This same year also found him applying for admission to the 
 freshmen class in the University of the City of New York, whose 
 full course he pursued and was graduated with honor, June, 1851. 
 His brief career as well as his record at this institution is best 
 described by his classmates, in the accompanying resolution and 
 remarks : 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK. 
 
 A meeting of the Class of '51 was held July 14th, 1S52. On 
 motion Wm. H. Van Mater was appointed chairman, and Charles 
 
94 ELISHA COLT DARLING. 
 
 S. Webb, secretary. Henry D. Noyes, George W. Vanderlip, and 
 Frederick G. Burnam, were selected to draft resolutions expressive 
 of the feelings of the Class occasioned by the intelligence of the 
 death of Elisha C. Darling. The committee reported the following 
 resolutions, which were unanimously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That in the death of our late beloved classmate, Elisha 
 C. Darling, we have lost a friend whose talents, social qualities and 
 virtues, have always commanded our highest respect, admiration and 
 affection. 
 
 Resolved, That it is becoming to recognize the hand of God in 
 inscrutable providence which has removed from us one so young and 
 so promising, and to heed the solemn admonition. Nor can we 
 doubt but that the fragrant recollection of his attainments, diligence 
 and piety, will ever stimulate us. 
 
 Resolved, That in tendering to his sorrow-stricken parents' and 
 brother our cordial sympathy, we share the trust, full of consolation, 
 that his name, so deeply engraven on our hearts, is "written in the 
 Lamb's book of life." 
 
 Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the 
 relatives of the deceased, and published. 
 
 WILLIAM H. VAN MATER, 
 
 Chairman. 
 Chari^ES S. Webb, Secretary. 
 
ELISHA COLT DARLING. g^ 
 
 At a special meeting of the Delta Chapter of the Psi Upsilon 
 Fraternity, July 15th, 1852, the following resolutions were unani- 
 mously adopted : 
 
 Resolved, That we have heard with no ordinary emotions of sor- 
 row, of the death of our brother, EHsha C. Darling, whose talents 
 commanded our highest admiration, and whose warm and noble 
 heart had won our deepest love. 
 
 Resolved, That we will ever cherish the recollection of his virtues, 
 and with the sacred memories of the past indelibly impressed upon 
 our hearts, we resign him to the bosom of his heavenly Father, 
 grateful that he was pleased so long to lend us the brightness of our 
 brother's fellowship. 
 
 Resolved, That beneath that Father's chastening hand we will 
 again bow, remembering that in love and wisdom He works His 
 wondrous will ; feeling also that our brother's end was one of peace, 
 as his life was one of prayer. 
 
 Resolved, That to the little family circle from whom he who was 
 their joy and pride has gone — to father, mother, and brother, in their 
 solitude — we offer the sympathy of those who share with them the 
 desolation. 
 
 Resolved, That, in respect to his memory, the Chapter shroud 
 their badges in mourning for thirty days. 
 
 Francis N. Zabriskie, 
 
 Henry R. Stiles, \ Committee. 
 
 Isaac S. Hartley, 
 
gS ELISHA COL T DARLING. 
 
 Later the following appeared in one of the religious newspapers : 
 
 THE EARLY DEAD. 
 
 It is often well to teach by examples. By this means, conspic- 
 uous models of nobleness and virtue are so made illustrious that we 
 who survive are stimulated to a better life and a stronger faith. I 
 desire in this article to portray a character and narrate a life which, 
 I doubt not, will benefit those who read them, even as they 
 instracted the friends who studied them from nature. Elisha C. 
 Darling died at the age of nineteen years. Yet in that brief space, 
 I know of few who had accomplished as much. Though in delicate 
 health during his boyhood, he was graduated honorably at the New 
 York University at the early age of eighteen. He was then con- 
 nected with the press for a considerable time, where he labored with 
 diligence and ambition until his health gave way before his arduous 
 duties; and he was about to study the law when Heaven proclaimed 
 that he had finished his work, and took him to its rest. He was 
 singularly accomplished. Those who witnessed his graceful man- 
 ners, his eloquent conversation, and his expressive face, all felt and 
 acknowledged the fascination of his society. As a writer, he was 
 exceedingly graphic in his style and mature in his thoughts, and had 
 enriched the pages of many of our journals by his anonymous con- 
 tributions. He was gifted with an exquisite musical and artistic 
 taste, and great mechanical ingenuity. His mind was of a high 
 order, witty, keen, and critical, and with the industry by which he 
 cultivated his powers, bade fair to elevate his name to a high place 
 in our literature. Of his character, the elements were a nobleness 
 which towered above all that was mean or false, a tender regard for 
 the feelings of others, firmness, constancy, ambition, independence. 
 
ELISHA COLT DARLING. gj 
 
 and benevolence. His social qualities were strikingly developed, 
 and to his family, his societies, and his friends, he was devotedly 
 attached. There was one quaHty in particular deserving of remark, 
 namely, his earnest desire to make his friendships fruitful, and his 
 quiet but constant efforts in behalf of his associates. I could point 
 to cases in which he was not only the first to discover the merits of 
 college companions, but in which he took pains to point them out to 
 his friends, and to enlist their sympathies, until he had made heroes 
 out of those whose modesty would else have kept them always in 
 obscurity. Many a friend owed much of his appreciation and good 
 name to these efforts and defenses. But it is to his religious char- 
 acter that I would chiefly and most lovingly advert. When but 
 fourteen years old he united with the church, and ever since, those 
 who saw his external deportment felt, and those who were admitted 
 to the secrets of his heart knew, that he walked in the faith of 
 Christ. During the last year of his life, especially, he often told the 
 writer of the increased joy he derived from his religion, and the 
 strengthening of his faith in the Saviour. His piety was not of an 
 obtrusive, or even of an enthusiastic kind. It was with him a prin- 
 ciple which lay at the foundation of his character, by which he regu- 
 lated all his actions. The love and worship of God was to him the 
 grand object of existence, and all else was subordinate. Thus his 
 life, nourished by faith and prayer, bore the fruits of consistency, 
 stern morality, and conscientiousness. Nor was his religion of an 
 incommunicable kind. As in every other possession, he strove to 
 make it profitable to others, and to have them endowed with the 
 same hope. Accordingly, his labors were indefatigable, both in the 
 extended field of society and in the intercourse of his individual 
 friends. His devotion to the Sabbath school cause was complete, 
 and the Mission school in which he labored was to him one of the 
 
98 ELISHA COLT DARLING. 
 
 pleasantest scenes on earth. He was one of the eight or ten gentle- 
 men who met for the first time to deliberate upon forming the 
 "Young Men's Christian Union," (now called Young Men' s Christian 
 Association,) and to the last he viewed that association with high 
 hopes and warm affections. His desire was to prepare himself for 
 the ministry, but the delicacy of his constitution obliged him to 
 relinquish the hope. But his disposition was extremely modest, and 
 therefore it was to his private friendships that he chiefly labored for 
 Christ. And here he never obtruded his subject injudiciously or 
 offensively, bnt, by the beauty of his life, the purity of his consecra- 
 tion, and that quiet influence which is unseen but felt, he gradually 
 drew them away from bad associates, implanted new tastes, and 
 invested religion with new beauties in their eyes. The writer could 
 point to many instances where he had gradually led the mind to 
 Jesus, and crowned his friendship with the highest benefits he could 
 bestow. With gratitude he could point to himself as one who owes 
 to this departed friend the influence that moulded and preserved his 
 mind. . . . And thus, when death came in suddenness and pain 
 upon him, he could look back upon a life well spent and a spirit well 
 trained, and forward to the hope of a life everlasting. Such is a brief 
 sketch of one who occupied a conspicuous place among the young 
 men of our city, and who has left behind him an unusual number of 
 sorrowing yet hopeful friends. We wish to present his character as 
 a model to 5'outh, more eloquent than a thousand abstract homilies. 
 We wish to stand by the early dead, and proclaim the brevity of life; 
 we wish to stand by the gifted dead, and show the vanity of high 
 endowments; we would stand by the grave of the useful dead, and 
 call on others to take his place; we would stand by the lovely dead, 
 and conjure you to set not up your idols in the vale of death; but we 
 would stand by the pious dead, and plead the consolation of a "hope 
 full of immortality." Z. 
 
ELISHA COLT DARLING. 
 
 99 
 
 The address which follows was prepared and delivered by Elisha 
 Colt DarHng, February 5th, 1850, during his Junior year in the 
 University of the City of New York; and since it bears so directly 
 upon his own experiences then so near at hand it is given publica- 
 tion. He died July 13th, 1852, aged 19 years, 4 months, and 15 
 days. 
 
 DEATH. 
 
 For several thousand years, Death has been in constant activity; 
 though his sickle has laid low the inhabitants of earth for so long a 
 time, yet it waxes not dim nor powerless in the hands of its wielder. 
 By the loss of companions — of friends, we have still food for reflec- 
 - tion, and find the subject inexhaustible. You stand by the bedside 
 of a dying relative and gaze upon that emaciated face, now express- 
 ing too plainly the intensity of suffering, yet so soon to become 
 expressionless in the rigidity of death. The beams of the setting 
 sun light up the ropm and throw a strange glare upon the anxious 
 faces around. A hymn seems befitting the occasion, and some soft 
 voice rises upon the hushed air in accents so sweetly thrilling, it 
 seems a fit accompaniment to the departing spirit. 
 
 The melody dying away in such affecting cadences now is a type 
 of earthly mortality then rises in loftier and firmer strains — a type 
 of triumphant ascension to the yet lingering soul, which, fettered by 
 its weakened tenement, struggles for release. As the strain faints 
 upon the ear, a tremulous voice feebly utters a farewell. That voice 
 which has perhaps sung a lullaby in your childhood and impressed 
 holy precepts on your memory; which has soothed you in your sick- 
 ness and enlivened you in health — is now making a final effort. An 
 ineffable sweetness steals over the changing countenance and the 
 
lOO ELISHA COLT DARLING. 
 
 spirit labors as though striving to grasp the glories of heaven just 
 opening upon it. Who shall say that saints upon the bed of death 
 do not have visions of splendor presented to their eyes even while 
 life lingers? Who shall say that ministering spirits are not present 
 to smooth the pillow of the dying and the passage from this earth ? 
 When the heart strings are breaking and mortal eyes are waxing 
 dim, may we not be certain that our Father in Heaven makes such 
 manifestations as are not lawful for grosser senses to perceive ? All 
 is now still, for that mysterious moment has passed when soul and 
 body separate. The last audible sound has been uttered — the last 
 breath drawn of earthly atmosphere, and now the cold remains lie in 
 the darkened room as still and insensible as if they had never been 
 animate and formed the abode of a most loving spirit. 
 
 With death, though it is the common lot of all mankind, we can 
 never become familiar. Millions of mortals have lived and passed 
 away, while the same mystery and solemnity remains which attended 
 the first exit. The Bible tells us of an eternal existence — that our 
 portion shall be of blessedness or woe, according to deeds done in 
 the flesh; but there still are facts of heavenly existence which we 
 cannot comprehend till we shall ourselves be spiritualized. Of the 
 location and appearance of the New Jerusalem we are ignorant. It 
 is a grand, impenetrable mystery which we cannot fathom. Yet 
 none the less we love to picture to ourselves the destiny of our 
 beloved friends. We think of them as ascending on angel wings to 
 the throne of the Most High, welcomed by strains from seraph harps, 
 and by that Saviour whom in a long earthly pilgrimage they per- 
 chance have loved and served so well. We think of them as when, 
 glorying in the consciousness of exalted immortality, they sing the 
 spirit-song of the redeemed. Can the life of such fail to be an exam- 
 ple, and their death an encouragement to us? A peaceful end 
 teaches that, however we may dread the passage to the dark and 
 gloomy grave, it can be smoothed and illuminated by divine love. 
 Yet more, it will be, if by faith and submission we repay this love. 
 
"of HE biographical sketch which follows will end this Memorial, 
 y. ; and it is possible that the perusal of these pages may inspire 
 "^ younger members of the family, at no distant period of time, 
 to collate a more complete history of their ancestors. Dr. Johnson 
 says: "No species of writing seems more worthy of cultivation than 
 biography, since none can be more dehghtful, or more useful." 
 
 WiLiviAM Goodwin Dana, born Friday, May 5th, 1797, was the 
 first child of William and Eliza (Davis) Dana, of Boston, Mass., 
 whose portraitures, as has been said, appear in the Magazine of 
 American History, April, 1888, under the head of " UnpubUshed 
 Washington Portraits — Some of the Early Artists." He was the 
 only brother of Miss Adeline Eliza Dana, who married Reverend 
 Charles Chauncey Darling. A few days after his birth, he was bap- 
 tized (May 17th, 1797) by Rev. Dr. Eathrop. His father (William 
 Dana,) was bom in Boston 1767, and married Eliza Davis, daughter 
 of Major Robert Davis, already referred to as a prominent artillery 
 officer in the revolutionary army; who afterwards commanded a 
 brigade in which his ordnance did good service and gained for him 
 the star. William Dana, the father of the subject of our present 
 sketch, died at St. Thomas, June 3rd, 1799, aged 32. The father of 
 William Dana was Benjamin Dana, 2nd of Cambridge (son of 
 William ist) born April 6th, 1741, was married May 22, 1766, by Rev. 
 Seth Storer, to Lucy Whitney of Watertown. She was born June 
 30, 1749, was a daughter of Daniel and Dorothy Whitney, and after- 
 wards married Samuel Whittemore, of West Cambridge. She was 
 the youngest of fourteen children, and her death occurred Dec. 18, 
 
I02 CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 
 
 1814, at the age of 65. Her brother EUsha was born 1747, was 
 graduated at Harvard College 1766, was a physician of Hamilton 
 and Beverly, Mass., and died 1807. 
 
 Benjamin, Samuel, Jonathan, William, Josiah, Ezra, Mary, and 
 Ivucy Dana, were brothers and sisters. IvUcy married Jonas White 
 of Watertown, and was the grandmother of the first wife of James 
 Russell I,owell. The other children of Benjamin 2nd and I/Ucy 
 Whitney Dana his wife, were Elisha Whitney Dana, born 1773, died 
 August 6th, 1828, aged 55; Jonathan Taft Dana, born November 
 13th, 1787, died January, 1809, aged 22; and Anne, born 1771. She 
 married a Sparkhawk, and died 1804, aged 33. Issue, two daugh- 
 ters, and a son named Elisha. One of the daughters married Daniels 
 of Salem, the other married a Garfield. 
 
 WnxiAM Dana ist (son of Benjamin ist), born October 5th, 
 1703; married May 20th, 1736, Mary Greene, and died May 17th, 
 1770. According to Paige he was published to Mary Greene Feb. 
 20th, 1735-6. She was born December 28th, 171 1, was daughter of 
 Captain Samuel and Martha Greene, and died March 5th, 1763. 
 Benjamin Dana ist (the father of William Dana ist), was bom 
 February 20th, 1660, baptized April 8th, 1660, married Maj' 24th, 
 1688, Mary Buckminster, and died in Cambridge, Mass., August 
 13th, 1738. Richard Dana (the father of Benjamin ist) was born 
 1612-20, and in 1640 was a resident of Cambridge. He married 
 1647 or '48, Anne Bullard, who departed this life July 15th, 17 11. 
 He died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, April 2nd, 1690. 
 
 As a Dana book will probably soon be privately printed, contain- 
 ing genealogical memoranda relative to other members of this family, 
 further references to the same are purposely omitted. 
 
CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 103 
 
 Among the commercial people of tlie United States there has 
 been accorded to New England the credit of largely developing 
 commerce, and making explorations among the South Sea islands, 
 and along the western shore of North America. Boston, Salem, 
 New Bedford, and Nantucket were localities well known to all 
 classes of people, and their residents were regarded as the best repre- 
 sentatives of active thought and energy. From such an ancestry 
 came William G. Dana. His youth was spent in Boston, where he 
 acquired a good education; but at the age of eighteen his uncle, a 
 Boston merchant, sent him to Canton, China, where he remained 
 nearly two years; from thence he journeyed to Calcutta, India, where 
 he remained one year. Observing and studious in his ways he took 
 up the study of navigation, and very soon qualified himself to sail 
 and master a ship, as is shown by certificates of his skill and faith- 
 fulness in possession of the family. From India he cruised to the 
 Sandwich Islands, where he remained for a time, and in 1820 estab- 
 lished a large commercial business on the island of Oahu, where he 
 erected an extensive warehouse. I^ater he made several voyages as 
 a ship captain from Honolulu to Russian America, California, and 
 the South American coast. In 1825 he located at Santa Barbara, 
 lyower California; three years after he built a schooner, said to be 
 the first sea-going vessel ever launched by an American on the Pacific 
 coast. He married, August 20th, 1828, at Santa Barbara, Maria 
 Josefa Carillo, the eldest daughter of Don Carlos Antonio Carillo, 
 the Governor of Alta California. Among the old letters, documents, 
 etc., which have survived the ravages of time, is one showing some- 
 thing of the ancestral estate of Mrs. Eliza (Davis) Dana, his mother. 
 It is a power of attorney to Joshua Davis of Boston, to sell and dis- 
 pose of Captain Dana's interest in a "piece of land, or flats, in the 
 southerly part of the city of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachu- 
 
I04 CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 
 
 setts, and in the rear of land of Mary Davis, and about one hundred, 
 feet westerly from Washington street, extending thirty-five feet along 
 the land of Mary Davis, and a thousand feet toward the mill-dam," 
 etc. This deed was prepared in Boston in 1825, sent to the Sand- 
 wich Islands, thence to Santa Barbara, where Captain Dana received 
 it, carried it to Oahu, perfected the papers before the American Con- 
 sul in March, 1827, and returned the same to Boston, where they 
 arrived about two years after they were first sent out. No large sum 
 was expected from the property, which would probably represent a 
 good fortune at the present time, as that land is now in a densely 
 populated district, and many elegant edifices are erected upon it. 
 Whatever it might have been, however. Captain Dana very honora- 
 bly expressed his doubts about his right to receive anything from 
 the property, as he thought it had been omitted by mistake from the 
 will of General Davis, and should not revert to him. He remarked, 
 "If I am not one of the rightful heirs, I feel no disposition to retain 
 that which is the property of another, contrary to the rules of equity 
 and justice." 
 
 The facilities for communication by mail were not as good in those 
 early days as now, consequently his relatives in the East seldom 
 heard from him through the medium of letters. In Fremont's 
 reports, however, and those of other army officers and travelers, who 
 had enjoyed his hospitality at Nipomo, news from him would occa- 
 sionally be obtained. In Bryant's work entitled "What I saw in 
 California, ' ' Captain Dana is described as " a native of Massachusetts, 
 and a gentleman whose unbounded liberality and hospitality was 
 known throughout California." 
 
 That was about the time when the land of gold was receiving 
 much attention, and pioneers became awakened to its resources. 
 
CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 
 
 105 
 
 Much dissatisfaction was expressed with the existing government, 
 by new residents, and a hope was entertained that there might be 
 intervention on the part of the United States, and the government 
 take possession of the country. 
 
 In 1835 Mr. Dana (having become a naturalized citizen of the 
 Mexican Republic, and thereby entitled to hold land) applied for and 
 obtained a grant of the Nipomo Rancho, comprising 37,887.91 acres. 
 This grant was one of the earliest on record, and as he had his choice 
 in a very extended area of country as lovely as the sun shines upon, 
 he made a selection which exhibited a profound judgment. This 
 rich tract of land is now included in the southern part of San Luis 
 Obispo county, extending from near the shore of the Pacific to the 
 base of the Santa I,ucia mountains. The name is derived from an 
 expression of the Indians formerly located in that vicinity, who made 
 use of the word ne-po-mah, meaning foot of the hill. In their gut- 
 tural language the first two syllables were only slightly sounded, the 
 accent being on the last. From this the grant was designated as the 
 Nipomo. In the autumn of 1839 Mr. and Mrs.. Dana removed their 
 residence from Santa Barbara to Nipomo, and upon his property he 
 erected a large adobe house, which continues to be the home of 
 members of the family. 
 
 The venerable Casa de Dana stands a conspicuous object on an 
 elevation overlooking a large area of the grant, a monument in the 
 history of the county second only to the old missions; and around it 
 cluster many interesting reminiscences. In the period of the ran- 
 chero days when the gi-eat landholders were the lords of the country 
 and the patrone of the people, this, in the absence of all hotels, was 
 one of the houses where travelers were made welcome and where 
 hospitality was unbounded. In nearly all the books upon California 
 
Io6 CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 
 
 in the early days, in government reports and orders, frequent men- 
 tion is made of Captain William G. Dana, his pleasant home and his 
 generosity. The rancho of Nipomo was a charming resort for Amer- 
 icans journeying through the country, and the guests entertained 
 and welcomed there were numerous. Among them have been men- 
 tioned Colonel John C. Fremont and General H. W. Halleck, then a 
 Captain in the United States Army. Early in the Mexican war they 
 were sent to the Pacific coast, where they bore an influential part in 
 military operations, and in the civil government, nearly up to the 
 time that California was admitted as a State of the -Union. In 1848, 
 when the United States steamship Edith went ashore between Point 
 Arguello and Point Saland, the officers and crew were taken by 
 Captain Dana to his home, where they were kindly cared for until 
 he could perfect arrangements to transport them to Monterey, which 
 he did by providing horses and saddles, and sending men to guide 
 them on the way and return with the animals. Several of the 
 ofiicers remained some months at the rancho. At that time it was 
 customary to furnish travelers with meals and lodging, also a relay 
 of horses; and if unacquainted with the country, a guide was sent 
 to accompany them to the next place. All this was gratuitously 
 provided, and at times, if the traveler was thought to be in need of 
 pecuniary assistance, money would be placed in his room that he 
 might supply himself without the indelicacy of asking his condition, 
 or openly making the tender of a gift. Such was the hospitality of 
 the Californians, of which the rancho of Captain W. G. Dana was a 
 conspicuous example. 
 
 The only places on the road between San I^uis Obispo and Santa 
 Barbara were Nipomo, twenty-four miles from San I^uis, thence twen- 
 ty-one miles to Santa- Ynez Mission, thence to Refugio, and thence 
 
CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 107 
 
 to Santa Barbara. These distances were the r^gyAw jornadas between 
 the stopping-places named. The house was located upon an eleva- 
 tion iu order that a more extended view could be had of the sur- 
 rounding country, to observe the approach of the marauding Indians, 
 and thus be enabled the better to prepare against a sudden attack. 
 From this commanding site was presented a panoramic view of the 
 most picturesque and charming character, embracing the broad and 
 fertile valley of Nipomo, spreading in front many miles to the north 
 with the precipitous range of the Santa lyucia beyond. The Indians 
 from the Tulare Valley occasionally made raids upon the great stock 
 ranches of the coast, and often from Casa Dana they could be seen 
 gathering the horses and cattle in the valley or upon the bordering 
 hills. Then it was necessary to arm and mount all the men of the 
 place and speed to the attack of the marauders. Some fierce conflicts 
 have occurred, and constant vigilance was required to protect the 
 stock. 
 
 In the political controversies of the country, Captain Dana took 
 but little part, although as chief alcalde he was in favor with the 
 party of the South, supporting his father-in-law, General Carillo for 
 Governor, when legally appointed by the President of Mexico, as 
 against the revolutionists Alvarado and Castro of the North. Gov- 
 ernor Nicholas Gutierrez, in October, 1836, writes him a letter, 
 addressing him as Mi estimado amigo, showing the probability of his 
 friendship for the party represented by Gutierrez. That he was 
 favorable to the American cause is shown by the warm friendship of 
 Col. Fremont and other prominent United States Army officers. His 
 health at the time however did not permit him to take a very active 
 part in military operations, he being a victim to acute rheumatism. 
 Captain Dana was tendered many political offices and held several. 
 Under Mexican rule he was Prefecto, the highest office in the gift of 
 
I08 CAPT. WILLIAM C GODWIN DANA. 
 
 the Governor. At the first election for officers under the Constitution 
 of the State of CaHfornia in 1849, he received the largest vote for the 
 Senate, but owing to informalities in the election, the office was 
 accorded to Don Pablo de la Guerra, a native of California, and con- 
 nected with one of the leading Spanish families of that country. He 
 subsequently became President of the Senate. Captain Dana, by 
 his first and only wife, Senora Maria Josefa, had twenty-one children, 
 of whom eight died in infancy,; one, (Adeline Eliza), born January 
 31, 1842, died April 11, 1847; another, (Maria Josefa), born July 9, 
 1829, died July 23, 1878. She married Henry A. Tefft, a talented 
 young lawyer from the Ea,st, who through his own abilities and the 
 political influence of his father-in-law, soon became a member of the 
 Constitutional Convention, and was elected by the first Legislature 
 Judge of the district comprising the counties of San L,uis Obispo 
 and Santa Barbara. He was drowned in the Bay of San Luis 
 Obispo, in attempting to land from a steamer Feb. 6th, 1852. His 
 widow afterwards married S. A. Pollard. 
 
 The surviving children of Capt. and Mrs. Dana, are : 
 
 Charles W., born May 6, 1836. 
 John F., born June 22, 1837. 
 Henry Carillo, born July 14, 1839 
 Ramon H., born Jan. 11, 1841. 
 Francis, born May 14, 1843. 
 Edward Goodwin, b Dec. 24, 1846. 
 
 Adeline Eliza, (2nd,) born March 
 
 30, 1848. 
 Frederick A., born June 12, 1849. 
 Davis A., born Aug. 27, 1851. 
 Elisha Colt, born Oct. 23, 1852. 
 Samuel A., born April 3, 1855. 
 
 Captain William G. Dana died at Nipomo February 12, 1858, and 
 his remains were interred in the cemetery at San Luis Obispo. His 
 widow died at the same place February 25th, 1883. 
 
CAPT. WILLIAM GOODWIN DANA. 
 
 109 
 
 Thus has been given in a brief and rather desultory way a few 
 incidents in the Hves of departed relatives who have gone to their 
 reward; and thus, in the words of Cicero, "The life of the dead is 
 placed in the memory of the living. ' ' 
 
 The perusal of these gathered fragments may, perhaps, produce 
 a salutary effect upon the minds of younger members of the family 
 who have yet a record to make; and serve to inspire them with a 
 desire to emulate the Christian example of ancestors whose biograph- 
 ical sketches have here been given, and whose names from a remote 
 period of time have been closely identified with Church and State. 
 If such a happy influence be thus exerted, the writer will feel amply 
 repaid for all the time and labor which must necessarily have been 
 expended in the preparation of this work. It is compensation suffi- 
 cient for the author to feel that characters have here been portrayed 
 and lofty integrity shown, which, as Horace says, are "monuments 
 more lasting than brass, and more sublime than the regal elevation 
 of pyramids, and which neither the wasting shower, the unavailing 
 north wind, the flight of seasons, nor an innumerable succession of 
 years, shall be able to demolish. ' ' Time is not wasted in the prepara- 
 tion and presentation of memorials relating to the heroic sacrifices of 
 our forefathers. The records exemplifying the sturdiness taught by 
 a hardy love of liberty, should remind those who are now called 
 upon to cope with the realities of life, that all they have and all they 
 enjoy, was dearly bought; and that their inheritance of peaceful 
 prosperity is charged with an obligation of honor and afiection for 
 those from whom it descended, and with a sacred duty for its preser- 
 vation by the exercise of such endeavors as it may be in their power 
 to make. 
 
--^ 4; NOTES, h ^- 
 
 {Rohe7-tson.) Eliza Abramse, widow of Archibald Robertson, b. July 7tli, 
 1776, d. April 5th, 1865. Her father was Jacob Abramse, whose brother was the 
 father of Andrew, who m. Magdalena Lispenard, by whom he was father to the 
 wife of Rev. Theodosius Bartow of New Rochelle. 
 
 Since the arrangement of the previous page, a fuller list of the children of 
 Archibald Robertson and Eliza his wife has been obtained and is here given : 
 Jacob Abramse, b. Sept. 23d, 1795, d. July 13th, 1866 ; Alexander Hamilton, b, 
 June, 1797, d. Feb. 12th, 1846; William, born Odt. 2d, 1799, d. Nov. 3d, 1801. 
 Jane Eliza, b. Sept. 15th, 1803, d. 0&.. 29th, 1839 ; Rachel Ann, b. Feb. 15th, 
 1806, d. May 12th, 1884 ; Anthony Lispenard, b. June 3d, 1808, d. Dec. i8th, 
 1868; Una Gorilla, b. Feb. 25th, 1810, d. Jan. 13th, 1811 ; Magdalen Matilda, b. 
 Nov. 20th, 181 1 ; William Archibald, b. March 19th, 1815, d Jan. 28th, 1853; 
 Andrew James, b. July 12th, 1817. 
 
 The second son, Alexander Hamilton, was at the time of his decease 
 Grand Master of the Grand Ivodge of the Order of Free and Accepted Masons 
 of the State of New York. 
 
 The fourth son, Anthony Lispenard, was Assistant Vice-Chancellor of 
 the State of New York, 1846-8 ; Surrogate in 1848 ; Delegate to the Constitu- 
 tional Convention 1867, and Chief Justice of the Superior Court Jan. ist, 1860-9. 
 He was also Vice-President of the Manhattan Club, and one of the Governors of 
 the Union Club of New York. Judge Robertson lived and died a bachelor. 
 
 The second daughter, Rachel Ann, m. Henry Winslow, founder of the 
 banking house of Winslow, Lanier & Co. 
 
 The fourth daughter, Magdalen M., m. first Robert Tinson ; second Rev. 
 Mr. Hall ; third Col. Craft, once a law partner of Aaron Burr. 
 
 The surviving children are Andrew J. and Mrs. M. M. CraET, both of 
 New York City. 
 
 Helen Ackerman, wife of Jacob A. Robertson, b. 0&.. 24th, 1808, d. Dec. 
 15th, 1851, at Savannah, Georgia. 
 
 (Mygatt.) Lieut. J. P. K. Mygatt, U. S. N., b. 0&.. 13th, 1832, m. oa. 
 27th, 1858, S. Matilda Robertson, eldest daughter of Jacob A. Robertson. He 
 d. 0<ft. 26th, 1866. Their children are : Robertson Kirtland, b. 0&.. 6th, 1861 ; 
 Otis Augelo, b. June 4th, 1863.