Ronk -NTSWA / ye-TT Annals of Newington. Roger Welles. EAKLY ANNALS ^ NEWINGTON, ' COMPRISING THE FIKST RECORDS OF THE NEHINGTON ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY, AND OP THE CONiatEGATIONAL CHORCU CONNECTED THEREWITH; WITH DOCUMENTS AND PAPERS RELATING TO THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE PARISH. TR^NSCKIBED j^ND EDlTEr) ROGER WELLES, CLERK OF THE SOCIETY A.VD CHURCH. HARTFORD: PRESS OF THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BUAINARD CO. 1874. NOTE The original manuscripts and records, which are transcribed and presented in the following pages, are written in the ancient style of writing and spelling, which renders them almost, if not quite, illegible to all eyes unused to read them. They are also fast peri-hing by reason of age and decay. It is fit that they should live, and in an accessible form yield up any treasures of historical and genealogical interest that they may contain. It is hoped that they may piove valuable for reference to individuals and families, and as a contribution towards a history of Newington. The aim has been to let them, so far as possible, tell in their own quaint language the story of the past, connecting and explaining them with only needed words of comment. The preservation of the records of a society, church, or any public body is a matter of such common concernment, that it might very fittingly be undertaken by the authority and at the expense of such body. In this case, however, the interest felt in the subject by three persons has dictated the present publication. Martin Robbins, Esq., and Henry M. Robbins, Esq., of Newington, have furnished the means for carrying the work through the press, while my part has been to select, transcribe, and arrange the materials. Most of the documents quoted have been copied from the originals in the state archives now in the office of Mr. Charles J. Hoadly, the state libra- rian, who has very kindly given rue his assistance in consulting them. . . •" R. WELLES. Newington, March 30, 1874. EARLY ANNALS NEWINGTON. FIRST PERIOD,— 1700-1726. Wethersfield is the most ancient town in the Common- wealth of Connecticut. It was first settled about the year 1634, and called Watertown. Within twenty years after that time, the General Court of the Colony adopted a code of laws for.'the Colony, since called the " Code of 1650." This body of laws required among otlier things that all towns should set out their bounds and perambulate them every three years, and that ■^' The most ancient town, which for the river is determined by the Court to be Wethersfield," should give notice of such perambulation. This oiScial enactment, made by men highest in authority in the Colony, who were themselves probably among the first settlers of these towns, and knew whereof they spalce, ought to settle the question tliat Wethersfield is the pioneer town. This provision of the law was retained in the printed revision of 1672»-3 and in that of 1702, and was not omitted till the revision of 1750, one hundred years after it was originally passed (Conn. Col. Rec. 1636-1665, page 513, and note). The original domain of the town was ample. It extended from Hartford south, six miles to Middletown, and east from the river three miles, and west from the river six miles to Farmington. From its teri'itory have been incorporated the town of Glastonbury, a portion of the town of Berlin, and the towns of Rocky Hill and Newington. The first settled towns were divided into tiers of land or plantations called divisions of lands. There were such divisions in Wethers- field. How early in its history they were made, might pos- sibly be disclosed by its ancient records. There was such a division of lands on its western border, running from Hart- ford, south to Middletown six miles, and from Farmington east, about two miles and fifty rods, called "the west division" of lands.* It began to be settled probably about 1700. In the year 1708 its inhabitants had so increased iu its fruitful valleys, that the spirit of liberty arose in their hearts, and they desired to break the ministerial tie that bound them to their brothers located at the other side of the town. They accordingly petitioned the town of Wethersfield to be allowed to be a distinct parish, as appears by the following vote, passed at a town meeting held December 20, 1708. " Whereas tlie inhabitants on the west part of tliis town do petition to be a distinct parisli, tlie town thinlc it meet to refer tlie consideration thereof to the next town meeting, and for tliat purpose choose Mr. Stephen Mix, Lieut. James Treat, Capt. Joshua Robbins, and John Chester, a committee to con- sider of what may be proper to offer concerning s'aid petition of the west inhabitants, and make report thereof at the next meeting." This committee did not apparently '' consider" the matter very attentively. At all events the result of tlie next meet- ing was to postpone the subject for another year, as appears by the following vote. " At a town meeting lield in Weathersfield on the 14th day of December, 1709. Tiiis town do continue the power of the committee chosen in December, 1708, for the considering of the petition of the west inhabitants, and to consider a suit- alile place for the setting a meeting house on, and to make return of their thoughts to the town meeting the next oppor- tunity." It is probable that tlie committee were still slow to grant tlie prayer of tlie petition, and that they did not favor the formation of a new parish, and the consequent release of the west farmers from paying ministerial charges to the Weth- ersfield parisli, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Stephen Mix, tlie chairman of the committee. Undoubtedly the com- mittee reported the plan of compromise which received the sanction of the town, and is embodied in the following record. » This division of lands contained apparently four tiers of lots, called " East Tier," " Short Lots," " Sawmill Lots," and " Fifty Two Acre Lots." Some ot the large land-owners, ahout 1720, were the Chester family, who held about w.2 acres, of which 400 acres belonged to Major Chester and were by hmi cntailea, 298 acres belonged to Capt. Wells' sons, 127 to Capt. Kobbnis, about 109 to Ensign liobbins, about 104 to Mr. Mix,— also Governour baltonstall Jonathan Demm.'of Rocky Hill, and Thomas Wright each owned a " Fifty-two Acre Lot. " At a town meeting holdcn in Wethersficld on the Istli day of December, Anno Domini, 1710. Our brethren dwelling towards the west end of this town, viz. Ezekiel Buclc, senior, and the rest hereunto subscribing, desiring lilierty to be a distinct assembly for the public wor- ship of God, because of their being remote from the place of public worship in this town. In answer to their petition, the proprietors, inhabitants of the town of Wethersfield, return as foUoweth, viz. That they being many of them newly planted and settled where they now live, we can't see how they can ho)iorably, and without apparent straightening them- selves to that degree as shall overbalance the toil of attend- ing the public worship where it is now carried on, set up and support the puljlic worship of God amongst themselves : and that therefore the proprietors, inhabitants of this town, do consent and vote, as far as it is with them so to do, that the said petitioners, and any that shall inhabit within half a mile of any of their houses, shall have liberty of assembling separately from the rest of the town, and jointly and publicly to gather in the worship of God amongst themselves for four months of the year yearly, that is to say, December, January, February and March, until the lands about them being more peopled, and themselves and their labors blest to such a suffi- ciency as that they shall be able comfortably, and without distraction, decently and honorably to set up and maintain the ministry and ordinances amongst themselves, and tliat they shall be released from one-third part of the charge that shall yearly arise for the maintaining the ministry in the town where it now is." Thus the people of this hamlet, foiir or five miles distant from Wethersfield church, and separated from it by Cedar mountain and two or three ranges of high hills and interven- ing valleys, had liberty granted them, for a third part of the year, when tiie weather was most inclement and the traveling the worst, to assemble in neighborhood meetings to worship God among themselves ; and were released from a third part of the tax for the support of the ministry at Wetiiersfield. Tiie two went together, freedom to worship God and the ne- cessity of paying for it. The vote shows how firmly linked were church and state in those days. Indeed tlie church was dominant, the civil power subsidary. Every man was held to liis allegiance to his God, and it was considered right that his property which he held as the steward of his Master, 6 should pay its due proportion towards tlie Master's service. The sturdy men of tliat time saw no ecclesiastical despotism in these principles. They based their action upon the sure foundation of the written word of God. The words of our Saviour " Render therefore unto Cesar the things whicJi are Cesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" con- tained a short summary of their duty to their God and their King, an epitome of their religion and their loyalty. All compromises are apt to fail. This one lasted about two years, wlieu the subject was again brought up in town meet- ing. The record tells the story as follows : — " At a town meeting lawfully assembled and held in Weath- ersfield, December 24, 1712. To the inhabitants of tlie town of Weathersfield now met in town meeting. The petition of those that now inhabit in the west divis- ions of lands in the said Weathersfield, with others that are proprietors therein. The good Providence of God having cast our lot here in this place. And we being willing for our- selves and of ours to serve the Lord God of our fathers, and finding it very difficult in the best season of the year, with our families, to attend the public worship of God at Weath- ersfield, and at many seasons very difficult. And being in- creased to such auuml)er at present that we may in a toler- able manner be capable to maintain a minister amongst us, with the ordinances of the Gospel, do earnestly entreat of the said town that they would compassionate us under our difficulties, (so far as to grant,) that we may be a distinct parish for the carrying on the worship of God amongst us. ^And that the town would please to set out our ijarish bounds as may include the west divisions of lands in Weathersfield, that, all persons inhabiting within the said bounds, with the lands that are therein improved, may be obliged to pay tlicir proportion to all charges for the setting up and maintaining the worship of God amongst us. And herein you, the said town, would be pleased to gratify our desire and oblige our persons to thankfulness to yon. This is the earnest desire of us the subscribers, inhabitants and proprietors as above. Ezckil Buck, Nathaniel Churcliel, Abraham Woren, Jona- than Buck, Richard Bordman, Enock Buck, Ephraim Wliaplcs, John Whaples, Joseph Andrus, Simon* Willard, Benjamin Andrns, John Stoddar, Joseph Camp, Jolm Camp, Sanuiel Hun, Nathaniel Ilun, Eliphilit WhitUese, Jonatlian Wright, Steven Buck, John Kclcy, Steaven Keley, Daniel Andrus, Jonathan Hurlbiit, Jonathan Buck, Thomas Molton, Richard Beckly, John Deming, Ephraim Deming, Jabez Whittlese, Benjamin Becklj." The action of the meeting was now favorable to tlie peti- tioners, as recited in the votes passed as follows : — " At this meeting, December 24th, 1712. This petition as above was by vote granted to the petitioners, that they should be a distinct parish by themselves for the carrying on the worship of God amongst themselves. And it was also by vote agreed and consented to, that the aforesaid petitioners should be discharged from paying their part of tlieir minister's rate to the town of Weatliersfield when once tiiey have attained to those abilities that they can maintain the worship of God among themselves. It was at the same meeting voted and agreed, that Capt. Joshua Robbins, Lieut. Benjamin Churchel, Mr. 8tillman, Natlianiel Stodder and Jacob Giiswould, Sen., shall be a committee to look out a convenient place on the commons between the two last divisions, whereon the west farmers shall erect their meeting house for the carrying on the worship of (God) amongst them. And to make return thereof to the next town meeting." Thus after an agitation of the question for four years the town of Wethersfield granted", so far as they could, to the west farmers, their cherished desire of becoming a distinct parish. But this step involved the expense of building a meeting house and of settling a minister, necessarily a consid- erable tax upon the slender resources of the community. And the grant of the town must be confirmed by the General Assembly to enable them to become a corporate body, with power to lay and levy taxes within their geographical limits. The next session of the General Assembly was holden at Hartford, in May, 1713, and the following petition was presented to that body. " To the Honorable, the Creneral Assembly now holden in Hart- ford, May 14, 1713. May it please this Honorable Court — Some of the inhabit- ants of Weatliersfield, particularly those dwelling in the west- ern part of the said town, near the boi'ders thereof, being allowed by the inhabitants thereof to be a distinct society for the public worship of God ; the dwellings of the said western inhabitants being remote from the place of public worship in Weathersfield. We, the subscribers, in the behalf of the ma- jority of the said remote dwellers, pray the approbation of this honored court, that they should be sucli a distinct society for the end aforesaid, and that they may be furnished with powers for doing and performing what is or may be needful to the aforesaid end of said society, particularly that they may be enabled to raise and levy in a due propoi'tion and by an equal rule the necessary costs and charges for the said end on all persons inhal)iting, now or hereafter, the westward part near the western border of Weathersfield, that is to say, two miles and fifty rods in width from Farmington township eastward, bounded on the north by Hartford and on the south by Mid- dletown, and on their ratable estates within this said tract, and also on the appropriated lands, improved and unimproved, lying in the said ti'act pertaining to others dwelling without the said limits, as well as on the improved and unimproved lands of those that dwell within the said tract, unless that right would that the imjjroved lands of those which dwell not within the said tract should lie ta:jed lower than the improved lands of those that inhabit within it, the latter receiving the greater advantage of the ministry for the present. All of which is humbly submitted. Jabez Whittlesey, ) Committee. In the name and John Iteming, ^^''^'^ "".^ .<^''^ ^^^* P^'^P'-'^' ' ) iors, petitioners. There were nine or ten families " dwelling towards the south-west corner" of the town, at the south end of. the pro- posed society, who attended worshi}) at the Great Swamp Society, located in the south-east part of what was then Farm- ington. These families bore their part of the ministerial charge in the town of Wethcrsfield, to the Rev. Mr. Mix, as by law they were obliged to do, being included in tiie limits of that town, but they did not wish to be put to the additional expense of helping to ])ay for the settlement of a new minister and the building of a meeting house, which would be the nat- ural result of the formation of a new society, within whose geographical limits they would be embraced. These families, then known as the Becklys, opposed the granting of a charter to the proposed society. They presented to the General Assemlily their written declaration, dated May 15, 1713, signed by Benjamin Bcckly, Stephen Kelscy, Thomas Morton, Jonathan Buck, Richard Bcckly, and Jonathan Hurl- but, ill which they declare that they did not desire to be " joined or included in said society with those inhabitants towards the northwest part of said township of Weathersfield," stating that some of them were "twice so near to the meeting house in the south-east part of the township of Farmington" as to the place appointed by the committee for the meeting house in the new society, and preferring to remain as they were. They appointed Stephen Kelsey and Jonathan Hurl- but a committee to represent them before the Colonial Legis- lature. They also presented a paper, entitled " An account of the case of those nine or ten families that inhabit toward the south-west corner of Weathersfield bounds, the Beckleys and those about them," which contained a statement ia detail of the grounds of their opposition. But their labor was in vain. The General Assembly granted the charter by the fol- lowing resolution : — CHARTER. ■ " Upon the petition of divers inhabitants of Wethersfield, dwelhng in the west division of lands on the borders of said town, requesting that they may be allowed to be a distinct parish for setting up the public worship of God amongst them. This Assembly allows and grants the said petitioners to be a distinct parish^ for the public worship of God, according to the grant of the town of Wethersfield. Which parish is contained within these following limits, that is to say : Two miles and fifty rods in width from Farmington township, eastward, bounded on the north by Hartford, and on the south by Mid- dletown. And that they shall be discharged from payino' their dues to the minister of the town of Wethersfield, when and so long as they maintain the public worship of God amongst themselves." (Conn. Col. Rec. 1706-1716, p. 374.) The society was now legally established, with the corporate powers of a parish, being the second ecclesiastical society in the town of Wethersfield. Its geographical limits formed a parallelogram, long and narrow, extending from Hartford to Middletown, between Farmington on the west and Cedar Mountain on the east, making a natural boundary between the new and old societies of Wethersfield. It contained two settlements, one comprising the great majority of inhabitants located towards its northern extremity, the other comprising 10 the Becklcy quarter situated on its southern border. The latter community were dissatisfied with the aUiance. They had opposed the granting of the charter. Now that the society was a fixed fact they turned their attention to bringing about their own separation from it. and their anion with Great Swamp Society where they attended worship. For some years there had been more or less controversy between Wethersfield and Farmington in relation to the boundary line dividing these two towns. A new element was now introduced to still further complicate tlie matters of dis- pute. At last, after nearly two years had passed away, the conclusion arrived at between those in Farmington and the West Society who favored the Beckleys, was, that an exchange of territory would best heal the difficulty. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the West Society held April 4, 1715, a committee was appointed who favored the exchange policy, consisting of Benjamin Beckley, John Stod- dor, Jonathan Hurlbut, and Nathaniel Churchel. They immediately began to treat with their friends in Farmington who were to be annexed to the West Society in compensation for the annexation of the Beckleys to the Great Swamp Society. The terms were arranged and were put m writing m a paper which was signed by those proprietors in Farmington who consented to their proposition, as follows :— Consent of Farmington Proprietors. Whereas, on April 7, 1715, a committee from tlie Western- most Society in the Township of Weathersfield, and sundry inhabitants of the Southeastern Society in Farmington, have been treating with us, the subscribers, being part ot the pro- pde tors of ifnds lying westward of the divident uie between said Farmington and Weathersfield, extending to the north- ward of the bounds of the Great Swamp Society, m order to our willingness to have our lands and estates in said place released from ministerial charge in the Northward Socie y in Farmington and annexed to the said Westernmost Society in Weathe^'sfield, we, the said proprietors, do hereby sigmty our willingness to said motion, upon condition that we and our estates shall be excused from any rates lor the building the 11 first meeting-house, and from all charge ahout settling the first minister, except our proportion according to law, with our neighbors in said Westernmost Society in said Weathers- field, of one hundred pounds, as money if needful, for tlie settlement of said first minister in said place, and also upon condition that tlie meeting-house in said Westernmost Society of Weathersfield l)e set upon the plain in the common land, about 20 or 30 rods to the noi-thwestward from the house formerly belonging- to Joseph Andrus, late of Weathersfield, deceased. Thomas Hart, Sen. Jonathan Smith, Sen. Henry Bird. John Thompson. ■ ' Thomas Thompson. Daniel Judd. Anthony Judd. Jonathan Smith, Jun. John Root. The next step was to obtain the consent to this arrange- ment of the society in Farmington to which the above propri- etors belonged. A meeting of the First Society of Farming- ton was called, and was held April 11, 1715. To this meeting the Committee of the West Society made a formal request in writing tliat the above agTeeinent might be ratified and carried out by the First Society. The docu- ment is as follows : Committee's Request to Farmington. Whereas, some of the- proprietors of lands within the Town- ship of Farmington in a division against Weathersfield have signified their willingness that their lands in said place sliall be released from ministerial cliarge in the Nortliward Society of Farmington and annexed to the Westernmost Society in the Township of Weathersfield, upon certain conditions men- tioned in an agreement bearing the same date with these pres- ents. The request of us, the subscribers, a committee from the Westernmost Society in Weatliersfield to the Noithward Society in Farmington, met April 11, 1715, is as foUowetli : Tliat the said Northward Society in Farmington will please to release all the lands in the division against Weathersfield, from the north bounds of the Society of the Great Swamp to the north side of the lot in said division which belongs to 12 the heirs of Thomas Stanley, late of Farmhigton, deceased, together with all ratable estate thereto belonging, from minis- terial charge in said Northward Society in Farmington, in order to their being annexed to the said Westernmost Society in said Weathersfiold, upon the conditions mentioned in said agreement. Signed by us. Benjamin Beckley, ^ John Stoddor, I Committee. Jonathan Hublbut, f Nathaniel Churchel,J April 7, 1715. Tiie request was faTorably received and acted upon by the Northward Society. The meeting passed the following vote : " The Society granted a liberty to the proprietors of tlie several lots in the division of land butting upon Weathers- field Township, from tlie south side of John Norton's lot on West Plain to the north side of the bounds of the Great Swamp Society, to annex their lots and estates within the said bounds to the society granted in Weathersfield west bounds, provided all that part of Wethersfield West Society from tlie north side of Hurlbut's lot (and to include the Kelsys) to Middletown bounds, comprising the Beckley's farm, all said land and estates be annexed to the Great Swamp Society, and so to continue. Yet allowing a liberty to any such persons, when any other ministerial society shall be erected nearer, to remove to said society. Upon the per- sons so doing, to be freed from all ministerial charge in the First Society in Farmington, arising after this time, for said lands and estates so annexed." The consent of the Society having been thus given to the exchange, nothing was now needed but the confirmation of the agreement by the General Assembly. Accordingly the following petition was presented to that body: Petition to the General Assembly. The Petition of some of the inhabitants of the Western Society of the Township of Weatliersfield to tlie General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut, begun on May 12, 1715, humbly showeth : That, whereas at a meeting of the inhabitants of the said Society, holden on April fourtli, sundry persons were ap- 13 pointed by said Society a committee to endeavor an exchange of some part of tiie bounds of said Society to males it more compact together, and the North Society in the Townsliip of Farmington iiave so far complied with the motion of said committee as to be willing that a certain tract of land in their bounds adjacent to the main bulk of the inhabitants of the said Western Society, togetlier with all ratable estate thereto belonging (as by the act of said society may more fully appear), should be released from ministerial charge among them, upon condition that the southern part of said Western Society in Weathersfield be annexed to the Southeastern Soci- ety in Farmington. The desire and request of the subscrib- ers is that this Honored Court will please to perfect and confirm the above mentioned exchange. And your humble petitioners shall always pray. Benjamin Beckley, Richard Beckley, Stephen Kelsy, Daniel Andrus, John Kellsy, Jona- than Hurlbut, John Andrus, Samuell Hun, Simon Willard, Heze. Deming, John Camp, John Stoddor, Nathaniel Church- ell, Mindwell Whaples, James Francis, Benjamin Andrus, Thomas Francis, Josiah Willard, Samuel Churchell, Thomas Morton, Abigail Camp, Nathaniel Stodder, Jonathan Stodder, Isaac Buck, Joseph Andrus. (The names in italics stricken out.) But there was a large and very respectable number of per- sons in Wetherstield who did not approve of the policy pro- posed. A remonstrance headed by Rev. Stephen Mix and Rev. Elisha Williams, the latter the first minister of the parish some years later, was numerously signed, as follows: Remonstrance. We, the subscribers, proprietors, or intrusted with the rights of minors in the western tract of Weathersfield, al- lowed for a distinct parish or Ecclesiastical Society, expres- sive of our dissent from the project of uniting of a part of said tract to Farmington South Society, and of Farmington to the northward part of our Society, as subversive to the said Society, have hereto snlijoined our names. Stephen Micks, Elisha Williams, James Treat, Thomas Wells, Joshua Robins, Joshua Robbins, 2d, Josiah Deming, Ebenezer Dick- inson, Jonathan Belding, Daniel Warner, Joseph Hurlbutt, Michaell Griswould, David Wright, Samuel Wright, Jona- than Goodrich, Jacob Griswold, Joseph Killburn, John Rose, 14 T^ohert Wells El^enezer Doming, Gideon Wells Benjamin Robeit we b J^ Elizabeth Curtis, wid., Samuel bSo? n1 S N^Jt, Daniel Bonlman, llu.ha.d RoW.n^ benton iNa Chester, Ephraim Goodrich, Sai ah Hannah ^y^X^^^^^^^r'^' Chester, William Warner, ?itrd. w"'e.?wir JoS^Vls, Josiah Bellding Sam- S Sa^'eTDird, Jun., Abigail Lattimore T -mas Stand- ish John Deming, John Denying, Stephen ^usk, /ohn & s w^ui Abnham Woren, Ephraim Deming, Ezekel biain--* Wright. But the Beckleys and those interested with them in secui^ ino- their annexation to the Great Swamp bociety, for the encouragement of their project executed a bond, for the pay- ment of fifty pounds to the West Society m case the an- nexation should be granted by the Colonial Legislature. This l^ond was presented to the Assembly and lodged on file m the office If the Secretary of the Colony at Hartford. It is as follows : Bond Lodged in the Secretary's Office. Whereas, sometime in April last, at Y:"Ti^fn^i/o( inhabitants of the Western Society in the Township ot wtt e sfield, in the County of Hartford, and Colony of KSicut, in New England, a ---'^f ^^-^^^^1^ Iw said Society to endeavor an exchange of some pait ot ttie by saa ^^^'^'J g • t fo^. the encouragement of said cx- cZo and'pon edition that all the Tands in said West- W Soc^eJy in Weathersfield southward of the home lots of Stephen Ssey and Jonathan Hurlbut inclusively Ccompre- H no- sakl home lots and Beckley's farm), and all the per- hending sam n Ji hereafter belonging to the rollthwJdT-^oi'sS Society within the limits above men- tbned may be wholly released from ministerial charge in "er own Township, and annexed to the Southeastern boci- e y n t^e Township of Parmington, in the County aforesaid • tJ o dor of the General Assembly of this Colony ; we the subSers, inhabitants of the said Township o Weatlm^s- fied do hereby covenant and promise to and with our neigh- bo s in said Western Society in the Township of Weahers- f e d, manner following: That is to say that we wdl o our proportion with our neighbors there of building the hi..t 15 meeting-house among them, except what is already done to said meeting-house, and also pay to the said Western Society, or to any tliat shall legally represent them, upon demand thereof, the full sum of fifty pounds iu current money of New England, or bills of credit, or that which is equivalent thereto, in manner following: That is to say, twelve pounds and ten shillings within one year after the date of tliese pres- ents, also twelve pounds and ten shillings more within two years, and twelve pounds and ten shillings more within three years, and twelve pounds and ten shillings more within four years after the date of these presents, which above said fifty pounds is to be borne by us, the subscribers, according to the lists of our estates ; and to the faithful performance of the above written agreement we, tlie subscribers, do hereby bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators firmly by these presents, both jointly and severally. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this tliirteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifteen. Benjamin Beckley. [l. s. Daniel Andrus. [l. s. Stephen Kelsy. [l. s. Jonathan Hdrlbut. [l. s. Richard Beckley. [l. s.' John Kellsy. [l. s.] John Andrus. [l. s.] Daniel Beckley. [l. s.] Upon the presentation of these papers to the General Assembly they took no further action than to appoint Joseph Talcot, Esq., Col. William Whiting, and Capt. Aaron Cooke a committee to "go upon the place" to effect a settlement if possible between tiie parties ; if this were impossible, to fix upon a site for the meeting-house, consider tlie subject of the exchange, and report at the next October session of the Assembly (Conn. Col. Rec. 1706-171(3, p. 199). Two of tiie Committee performed the duty assigned to them, and made the following report at tiie October session of the Assembly, 1715, held at New Haven. 16 Report of the Committee of the Assembly. We, tlie subscribers hereunto, being appointed by the Gen- eral Assembly, holden at Hartford, May 13, 1715, to go to the West Farms in Weathersfield, to endeavor to bring the people there to an agreement and accommodation between the peti- tioners and other the inliabitants of the said West Society in Weathersfield, in respect to an exchange of the south ))art or southwest corner of Weathersfield West Society to the Great Swamp Society in Farmington, and for an addition of a part of Farmington Old Society to the foresaid West Society in Weathersfield, and any other thing that the situation of the lands and convenience or inconvenience of the exchange aforesaid, and place of setting the meetingdiouse, and any other things that may conduce to the peace and good settle- ment of said society, and make report to this Assembly in October next. We have accordingly. been upon the spot and called together before us said inhabitants, and have endeavored an agreement between them, which proved inetfectual, have also had a map of said lands laid before us, and upon the whole of our inquiry do conclude and report to this Assembly that wo judge the best regulation of that affair, and tliat which will conduce most to the weal and convenience of said people that do or may inhabit there, that the exchange of land between Weath- ersfield West Society and Farmington, laid before the Assem- bly in May last, be confirmed, and that the meeting-house place for the West Society in Weathersfield be on the Com- mons or common land near Dea. Joseph Andres's house, within about twenty or thirty rods of said house, and that the southwest corner of Weathersfield help build the meeting- house at tlie said West Farms, and pay 50 pounds to the peo- ple of the West Society in Weathersfield, according to their agreement upon file in the Secretary's office, and tliat the lands, stocks and heads belonging to that part of Farmington now added to Weathersfield West Society shall be annexed to them, said Weathersfield West Farms, and be obliged to pay to the support of all ministerial charges there in equal pro- portion with the rest of the said West Society. Joseph Tallcott. Aaron Cooke. The General Asseml)ly accepted the report, and passed an act to carry it into effect, annexing to the Great Swamp Soci- ety that part of the West Society " From the north side of 17 Hurlbut's lot and the north side of Stephen and John Kel- sey's lands to Middletown bounds, including the Beckley's land." And requiring them to pay the fifty pounds bond and help finish the meeting-house in the West Society. Also annexing to the West Society " All the land in the several lots in Farmington bounds from the south side of John Nor- ton's lot on Wolf Plain to the north side of the bounds of the Great Swamp." (Conn. Col. Rec. 1706-1716, p. 532.) The Great Swamp Society was in 1722 named Kensington. (Conn. Col. Rec. 1717-1725, p. 316.) And the territory taken from the West Society of Wethersfield in the manner detailed was wholly lost to Wethersfield, and now forms a part of the town of Berlin, which was incorporated May, 1785. The West Society of Wethersfield was now established in more compact foi'm, so far as its geographical limits were concerned, than when it was first chartered. Those of its former inhabitants who had formed an element of discord had departed in peace. It was now ready to build a meeting- house preparatory to settle a minister, and to enter upon a career more favorable to its harmony and prosperity. The So- ciety became better organized. The next year, 1716, it began to keep a record of its Society meetings. The next ten years witnessed the building of the meeting-house, the formation of a church, the settlement of the first minister. Rev. Elisha Wil- liams, the naming of the parish Newingtou, and the close of Mr. Williams' ministry, in 1726, by reason of his being chosen Rector of Yale College. This record still exists, but in a state of decay ; it is worth preservation. It tells the story of the life of the parish during these years more truly than a brief condensation could do. THE FIRST BOOK OF RECORDS NEWINGTON rAllISII, OF WETIIERSFIELl). April B, 1716. At a Society meeting lawfully assembled and held at the dwelling house of James Francis, in the westwarduiost society in Wethersfield, upon the 5th day of April in the year 1716, it was voted and acted as followeth : We then chose Josiah Willard, clerk of the West Society. It was voted to raise our meeting house in this instant month April, and also that the said meeting house should be raised within a few rods of the place where the timber now lies. John Stodderd, Sanil. Ilunn, Stephen Buck were chosen a committee to take care to raise, (and) provide for the raising of, the said meeting house : to act according to the best of their discretion foj- the public interest. May 8, 1716. At a Society meeting lawfully assembled and held upon May the 5th, 1716, at the dwelling house of James Francis in the westwardmost society of Weatherstield, it was voted and acted as followeth, viz. to say, John Stodderd and Samuel liunn, Stephen Buck, chosen a committee to take care to cover the meeting house that was of late raised in the westward- most society in Wethersfield, to take care to provide all things necessary for said work that belongs to that meeting house, to act according to the best of their discretion for the public interest. It was voted that the same committee should underpin the said house. At the same meeting Josiah Willard was chosen and empowered to demand and receive the money that is due from our neighbors by the bond lodged in the Secretary's Office ;* from the persons concerned or so bound * That Mr. Willard entered upon the discharge of this duty appears from the following receipt given by him — " Whereas I, Josiah Willard, at a Society meet- ing lawfully assembled and held upon the I5[h (5th ?) day of May, 1716, at the dwelling liouso of James Francis, in the Westwardmost Society of Wethersfield, was chosen and empowered to receive the money due from several of our neigh- bors upon the account of the bond that is lodged in the Secretary's office Received this 20 day of March, 1 71 7, of Mr. Daniel Beckley, the just sum of twelve shillings due upon the account of the fifty pound bond lodged in the Secretary's Office, I say received by me Josiah WiLLAito. 19 to the Society, the above said Josiah Willanl is to demand, receive and keep and deliver to the society the said money at tlieir demand. Dec. 2, 1717. At a meeting of the west society of Wethersfield December the 2nd day 1717, being lawfully warned : at this meeting it was voted and agreed, that there should be a rate raised on all our polls and ratable estate to raise money to defray the charge of the General (2) Court to the obtain- ing our first grant for a society, and also to defray all the charge already laid out about our meeting house ; always provided and to be understood, that all those that have 'done more work than their neighbors about the meeting house, shall stay for their pay for the space of one year, to or till others of their neighbors have come even with them in their labor, accord- ing as others that have already wrought at the meeting house, as to the price of their labor by the day or otherwise. At the same meeting it was also voted, that all men that labored at the meeting house shall have three shillings per day, from the first day of March till the first day of September for the time ])ast, and so annually for the time to come, and from the 1st day of September till the 1st day of March, they shall have two shillings per day, and also a man and team that is good and well fitted shall have six shillings per day, from the first day of March till the first day of September, and from the 1st day of Sep- tember till the 1st day of March a man and team shall have four shillings per day. v' At the same (meeting) it was voted that Abraham Woring,* James Francis and Josiah Willard, or any two of them, shall be a committee to adjust and account with those that have laid out money or done any labor about our meeting house, or about the concerns of our society, and also to get a true list of our etfects, and make a rate to defray the charge as above said : this is to be done upon the present list. At the same meeting Caleb Androus was chosen collector to gather the rates when made as above said. At the same meeting Jabezeth Whittelsey, Joseph Androus and John Deming were chosen a committee to manage the prudentials of our Society about our meeting house or other things needful for the year ensuing, with as full power as the selectmen in the town. At the same meeting Josiah Willard was chosen clerk and sworn. Dee. IS, 1718. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newingtonf parish lawfully assembled and held upon the loth day of December 1718 (3) voted and agreed, Josiah Willard chosen clerk and sworn. Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey, Mr. James Patterson, James Francis a committee to order the pruilentials of our Society about our meeting house or other things needful for the year ensuing, with as full power as selectmen of a town. Also voted that our committee for the year ensuing are impowered to receive and allow any further amounts that are just, and shall add them to the Society debts already brought in. Also voted, granted a rate on polls and all ratable estate in this Society * Woren was the way he spelled his name himself, now written Wart-en. The spelling of the original records as to names has been retained in all cases. t This is the first mention of the word Newington in any records. It is said to have been so called " out of regard to the place of Dr. Watts's residence neir London." (See Dr. Brace's Dis., 65.) 20 for the payment of all debts allowed by our committee, it is to be under- stood only the charges already passed. Also voted, Samuel Hunn collector to gather our society rates when made as above directed. January IB, 1719. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon 15th of January, 1719-20, it was voted and agreed as followeth : Voted, Jabezeth Whittlesey, John Deming, Samuel Hunn a committee to order the prudentials of our Society for the year ensuing. Also voted, to call a minister to preach with us until the last of March next ensuing. Also voted, John Stoddard, Abraham Woring a committee to treat with Mr. Nathanel Burnham to come and preach with us. May 6, 1719. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon sixth day of May, 1719, voted and agreed to petition to the General Assembly for a repeal of that act concerning an exchange between some part of the bounds of Farmington and Wethers- field. Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey, agent to go with a petition to the General Assembly.* April 6, 1720. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 6th day of April, 1720, it was voted as fol- loweth : Jabezeth Whittelsey, Abraham Woring, a committee to treat with Mr. Elisha Williams to come and be our minister in Newington. April 21, 1720. (4) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish' lawfully assembled and held upon the 21st day of April, 1720, voted and agreed : To get hewed plank and lay a floor in our meeting-house, and to get window-frames and glass for the lower tier of windows, and also to make doors for our meeting-house. Also, Richard Borman, Isaac Buck, Abraham Woring, a committee to lay a floor in our meeting-house, and to make doors. Also voted, Jabez- eth Whittelsey, Samuel Hunn, a committee to get window-frames, glass, hooks, and hinges for our meeting-house doors. Mays, 1720. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 3d day of May, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth : Whereas, through defect of warning, our votes on the 21st day of April last are of no eflect, now voted, that all of the votes passed by us on the 21st day of April last be good and valuable respecting our meeting-house, except that of getting hewed planks to lay a floor ; also voted to get two summers f and joists, and to buy one thousand and half of pine boards for the floor of our meet- * This petition was not granted. (6 Conn. Col. Eec, 116.) tThe summer is the technical name of the large central beam th.it supports the joists, seen in old buildings. 21 ing house. Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus and James Francis a com- mittee to buy boards. Augusts, 1720. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 5th day of August, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth: We did make choice of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams (to) be our minister. Also voted and empowered Jabezeth Wbittelsey and Abraham Woring our committee to go and treat with the Rev. IMr. Elisha Williams to be our minister, and agree with him as to a settlement and maintenance ac- cording to the best of their discretion, and make return to this society. September IS, 1720. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon 15th day of September, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth : To make hollow walls to our meeting-house. Samuel Hunn, John Stoddard, and Isaac Buck a committee to lath and plaster said walls. Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus, James Francis a committee to lay a floor in our meeting-house. December 6, 1720. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the sixth day of December, 1720, voted and agreed as followeth: Samuel Hunn, Abraham Woring, and John Deniing, a committee to order the pru- dentials of our society for the year ensuing. Also voted, Samuel Hunn, John Camp, a committee to treat (5) with the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, in order to a settlement, and make return to this Society ; and endeavor with the town to get a piece of land for our minister, by gift, or by exchange, or by purchase, according as they shall be most likely to obtain it, to act according to the best of their discretion. December 21, 1720. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 21st day of December, 1720, it was voted _ and agreed to give the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams one hundred and seventy poimds for a settlement, for and in consideration that he will be our minis- ter, which is to be paid in money or labor done to building him a house, to be paid in two years after this present date, and he shall also have that money that is subscribed or shall be subscribed in the time.* Also voted, to give to him two days' work in a year of every man that is or shall be in this Society, from sixteen years old and upwards, capable of laljor, for the space of five years ensuing this date, which labor is to be done half in the summer and half in the winter, yearly. , Also voted, to give Mr. Williams, for his salary fifty pounds the two first years, and so to rise two pounds a year until we come to seventy pounds per year, and so to continue so long as he continues in the work of the ministry with us. Also voted, to raise a rate on polls and all ratable estate to pay Mr. Williams from the time of his first coming unto the last *This house was not the property of the Society, hut belonged to Mr. Williams. It afterwards came into the possession of the Kellogg family, and so continued till it was destroyed hy fire, in 1872. 22 ot" March, in proportion to a rate of fifty pounds a year, and then to begin the year with Mr. WiUiams.* Alfo voted, that a Society rate granted the 15th of December, 1718, shall stand in force and be collected. Also voted, to raise a rate on polls and all ratable estate to defray all the charge or debts raised in our society since. Also voted, that Samuel Hunn, John Deminj;, Abraham Woring to re- ceive, accept any just accounts that are behind and not yet brought in, and to make a rate to defray them. Also voted, Richard Borman and Abraham Woring collectors to gather our minister and society rates. January 4, 1721. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held by an adjournment from the 21st of December, 1720, to the 4th day of January, I7'20-21.- Voted and agreed as followeth : For a man to have 2s. 6d. per day from this time to the 1st of March, and for a man and team to have five shillings per day to work at Mr. Williams' house. Also voted, Isaac Buck, Hezekiah Deming and Abraham Woring a committee to take care of the building of Mr. Williams's house (6) to see who labors and who does not, and keep an account. Also voted, Samuel Ilunn, John Camp a committee in behalf of the Society, to make demand of the fifty pounds due by bond from those persons included (in) the bond and annexed to Farmington : that is to say, Benjamin Bockley, Daniel .Vndrous, Stephen Kellsey, Richard Beck- ley, John Androus, John Kellsey, Jonathan Hurlburt, Daniel Beckley ; this committee is also empowered upon neglect or refusal to sue for the money due by the above said bond from those persons that are bound, viz. Benjamin Beckley, &c. February 16, 1721. At a Society meeting (of) the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon IGth of February, 1720-21, it was voted and agreed as followeth : granted to Mr. Elisha Williams liberty to make a seat or pew for his family in our meeting house. Also voted, to pay Mr. Williams' rate in grain at the price as followeth, viz : Wheat at five shillings per bushel, rye at three shillings and four pence per bushel, Indian corn at two shillings four pence per bushel. Also voted, for the payment of the fifty pound bond due from Benjamin Beckley, Daniel .■\ndrous, Stephen Kellsey, Richard Beckley, John An- drous, John Kellsey, Jonathan llurlburt, Daniel Beckley, that wheat should be five shillings per bushel, rye at 3s. 6d. per bushel, Indian corn at 2s. 6d. per bushel. May lO, 1721. At a Society meeting (of) the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assomblod and held upon the 10th day of May, 1721, it was voted and ' agreed as followeth, to petition to the General Assembly for some relief, that they would grant to us our country rate or grant a tax on all land un- improved, belonging to proprietors ; and that the Court would grant that * It would seem from this vote that Mr. Williams had preached for some time before this. (See tlie votes passed January 15, 1719, April 6, 1720, and August 5, 1720.) Mr. Nadianicl BuriiJuun hail certainly preaclied belbre this time. (See Dr. Brace's Half Cuutiirv Discourse, pp. U>, II.) 23 our four public training days for some time might be improved in the public service of our society. Also voted, Jabezeth Wbittelsey agent to go to the General Court with the above vote and manage it according to the best of his discretion.* June 26, 1721. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and held, upon the 26th of June 1721, voted and agreed as foUoweth : Samuel Hunn, Jabezeth Whittelsey, Richard Bonnan, Samuel Churchel should undertake to make twenty thousand bricks for Mr. Elisha Wil- liams, to take the care, and provide hands and all things for said work. December 13, 1721. (7) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, law- fully assembled and held upon the 13th day of December, 1721, it was voted and agreed as followeth : Mr. James Patterson, Ephraim Deming, Richard Borman, a committee to order the prudentials of our Society for the year ensuing. Also voted Jebezeth Whittelsey, Caleb Androus collectors for the year ensuing. Also voted, for a man to have three shillings per day from the first of March to the first of September, and from the first of September to the first of March two shillings and six pence per day, and for man and team shall have six shillings from the first of March to the first of September, and from the first of September to the first of March five shillings per day, for labor already done to Mr. Williams' house or yet to be done. Also voted, Granted a rate to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, of the present list of our Society, to pay the one hundred and seventy pounds granted to Mr. Elisha Williams for a settlement December 21, 1720. * Mr. Whittelsey immediately attended to this duty, as aijpears by the fol- lowing petition : "To the Honorable, the present General Assembly .it Hartford, May, A. D. 1721. 'ihe prayer of the inhabitants of the West Society in Weatbersfield implores the indulgence of the Court, that tlie said Society may be exempted from Country Kates by the space of four years as other new poor places have been. That a reasonable tax for a reasonable time may be laid on their unim])roved lands. That their training days may be turned into days of public service of tlie Society, at the discretion of such otflcers as the Society shall from year to year for that end appoint; and all training soldiers and officers obliged to attend the same under suitable penalties by the space of "the above said four years. And finally that the said society may be named and called Newington. And your poor petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. JABEZ WHITTELSEY, For the Society. The Assembly granted " That the said Society raise a tax annually on all the land in the said parish or society that by law is not ratable, of ten shillings per the hundred acres, and pro rata for greater or lesser parcels, for the term of four years next coming ; and that the said society or parish be called Newington." (6 Conn. Col. Rec., p. 246.) This was passed May 25, 1721. One hundred and fifty years afterwards (July 10, 1871) Newington was incorporated a town. 24 Also voted, Granted fifty pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate in our Society, for Mr. Elisha Williams' salary, to be paid in money or grain, as fblloweth, viz. wheat at 5s. 4d. jjer bushel, and rye at 3s. Gd. per bushel, and Indian corn 2s. lOd. per bushel. Also voted, to build a pulpit in our meeting house, as soon as wc can in the spring. Also voted, twenty pounds money to defray the charge of a pulpit. Also voted, Stephen Buck, Tho. Frances, Sam'l Churchel, Jonathan Stodderd, Joseph Benton should undertake to build a barn for Mr. Elisha Williams,* and to employ those men that are behind in their rate of 1 70 pounds above mentioned as him or them and they can agree, viz, Stephen Buck, Thos. Frances, &c. February 8, 1722. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and held on the 8th day of February, 1 721-22, voted and agreed that Leonard Dix shall have two pounds out of the treasury or (the) fifty pounds due from the Beckleys. Also voted, that the remainder of the fifty pounds and the tax laid on the proprietors's unimproved land, to be laid out in our meeting house, to build a pulpit and deacon seat, and to prepare timber and nails for the finishing the lower part of our meeting house, and to proceed as far as we can with the money granted. Voted, Jabezeth ^Vhittelsey, Samuel Hunn and Samuel Churchel a committee to take care and proceed to do the work above mentioned in our meeting house, to proceed as fast as they can with prudence, also voted, the tax put into our minister's rate should be laid out and improved as above, and the rate made on ratable estate. December 20, 1722. (8) December 20 Day, 1722. That the Society grant the money of the tax granted by the General Assembly on the unimproved land to the committee for the finishing the meeting house for the charge that is past, that is, so much of it as to answer the same, that is the proprietors' and not the inhabitants' land, the galleries is exempted, the charge of them for this year. It was voted this 20th day of December 1722.f September 6, 1722. At a Society of Newington inhabitants lawfully assembled and held upon the fifth day of September, 1722, it was voted and agreed ; That Mr. Elisha Williams shall have sixty pounds money for his salary this year and next year, and next year he shall have sixty-two pounds, and so to raise two pounds a year tor the space of ten years, which will make eighty pounds, and so to continue eighty pounds per year so long as he continues in the work of the ministry with us. Also voted, that Mr. Williams' rate should (be) paid by the last of March annually, so long as he continues to be our minister. (See page the 5th.) * Stephen Kellsy was paid for eight days work " framing Mr. Williams' barn." t Another record of the same meeting follows in its order. This seems to bo inserted out of its chronological order. 26 Also voted, to find Mr. Williams his wood annually, so long as he con- tinues in the work of (the) ministry with us. Also voted, that a former vote bearing date the December 21, 1720, to give Mr. Williams two days works in a year of every male from sixteen to sixty years of age, shall be in full- force and virtue, and if any man in our Society shall refuse or neglect to do the two days laljor in the vote above mentioned (he) shall pay three shillings for the summer's day and two shillings six pence for a winter's day, and (it) shall be gathered by the collectors annually. Also voted Jabesh Whittelsey moderator for this meeting, and if any man shall presume to speak without liberty (he) shall forfeit the sum of ene shilling. Also it was voted that if Mr. May* would make window frames for the lower part of our meeting house, and Mr. Kelloug make the glass (?) for wood, then to take the windows that (are) now below and put them up in the upper part of our meeting house. Also voted, Richard Borman, Ebenezer Kilburn, James Francis, Isaac Buck, should keep a public house of entertainment on the day of the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams. September 12, 1722. (9.) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and held upon 12th day of September, 1722, voted, and agreed as followeth : It was voted, having had some considerable experience of his life &c., we do make choice by a full vote of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams to be our minister and pastor. Also voted, to keep Wednesday the 3rd day of October next ensu- ing as a fast, to implore divine assistance of God in gathering a church of Christ here, and in the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams. Also voted and made choice of the Rev. Mr. Stephen Mix, of Wethersfield, and Mr. Samuel Whitman, of Farmington, to assist on the day of fasting as above mentioned, Mr. James Pattterson and John Deming to go to the ministers above said and to intreat them to come and help us.f Also voted, that the third Wednesday the 1 7th day of October next ensuing to be the day of the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Wil- liams. Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus, Jabezeth Wittelsey, Joseph Hurlbut, David Curtis and Samuel Churchel to take care and provide for the ministers and messengers on the day of the ordination. December 20, 1722. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington Parish, upon the 20th day of December, 1722, it was voted and agreed : John Camp, Hezekiah Deming and Samuel Churchel a committee to order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuing. Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut and Ebenezer Kilburn collectors for the year ensuing. * Mr. Hezekiah May, of Wethersfield, did "joining; work" on the meeting house to the amount of fifty-five ])0uuds, for which Jabez Whittelsey, Samuel Hun and Samuel Churchell gave their pCTSonal bond, dated Sept. 25, 1722, pay- able 12,£. on or before the first day of October next, 31.£. on or before the 15th of March next, and 12£. on or before the last day of May nest thereafter. The office of committee was no sinecure in those days. t The church was then first organized. (See Dr. Brace's Discourse, p. 11.) 4 26 Also voted, Mr. James Patterson, Deacon John Deminjr, and Josiah Willard, a committee to seat our meeting-house. Also voted, gi-anted a rate to be raised on polls and all ratable estate to pay Mr. Williams' salary, accordini; to our agreement. Also voted, Mr. Elisha Williams should have the parsonage at his dis- posal as long as he continues in the work of the ministry with us.* Also voted, £l 12s. to the widow Elizabeth Androus, for sweeping our meeting-house. Also voteil, that the present committee should inspect the old rates, and all that can't be had or got by law, and to deduct it and add it to our min- ister's rate. (See page 1 2.) March 1, 1723. (10.) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 1st day of IMarch, 1722-3, it was voted and agreed as followeth, viz. : Concerning our parsonage, lying so that there is a great inconveniency in the highway, we do consent and desire to remove it to a more convenient place, provided it be no damage to our Society, town, or to Mr. Williams, and that the land may be as good. We do appoint Mr. Jame.*; Patterson, David Curtis, and William Smith, to use the circumstances thereof, and to discourse Mr. Williams, and to have his consent, and make report at the town meeting. Also voted, to fill the walls, and lath and plaster the lower part of our meeting-house. Also voted, that Joseph Hurlbut and Tho. Francis, a committe to see said work done. December 31, 1723. At a Society meeting Of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 31st day of December, 1723, it was voted and agreed as followeth: Hez. Deming, Eliphalet Whittelsey, and Josiah Willard, a committee to order the prudentials of our Society for the year ensuing. Also voted, Ebenezer Kilburn and Hezekiah Griswould, collectors to gather our minister and Society rates, and tax money granted by the Gen- eral Court. Also voted, that all former committees shall make up their accounts with the collectors chosen when they were, and to bring the arrearages to the present committee, and to be added to the present Society charge. Also voted, for the payment of our minister rate that wheat should be at 5s. 6d. per bushel, rye at 3s. 9d. per bushel, and Indian corn at 2s. 8d. per bushel. Also voted, that the present (committee to adjust all accounts in our Society about our meeting-house, from the laying of the floor and filling of. the walls to this day ; all such accounts to be examined by the committee, and to allow or disallow as they find them to bo just or unjust. Also voted, granted a rate to be raised on polls and all ratable estate to defray the necessary charge of our Society. Also voted, that our committee should purchase a drum, and add it to our present Society charge. Also voted, Jebezeth Whittelsey, Isaac Buck, a school committee, and the country money to them to defray part of the charge of a school.f *The parsonage was opposite the present residence of Martin Robbins, Esq. Mr. Williams lived in his own house. (Dr. Brace's Dis., 66.) t Tlie first mention of the subject of schools. 27 February 8, 172S. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 8th day of February, 1724-5, (11) it was voted and agreed as followeth : Mr. Josiah Deming, John Camp, and Josiah Willard, a committee for this year to order the prudentials of our Society according to the best of their discretion. Also voted, Nathaniel Stodderd and Jonathan Griswould, collectors for this year. Also voted, for the payment of our minister's rate, wheat should be at 6s. per bushel, rye at 4s. 6d. per bushel, Indian corn at 4s. per bushel. Also voted, one pound ten shillings to be added to our minister's rate. Also voted, to carry Mr. Williams wood as heretolbre we have done, and to cart it on the first Thursday oi' March, January 6, 1726. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the sixth day of January, 1725-6, voted and agreed : Deacon John Deming, Joseph Hurlbut, and Isaac Buck, com- mittee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of our Society. Also voted, David Griswould, and Nathaniel Churchel, collectors to gather our minister and Society rates. Also voted, that the necessary charge of our Society for this year should be added to our minister's rate. Also voted, that grain for the payment of Mr. Williams' rate should be as followeth: — wheat at 6s. 6d. per bushel, rye at 4s. 6d. per bushel, and Indian corn at 3s. 6d. per bushel. Also voted and agreed, that our annual meeting for the choosing of Society officers in this Society for the future shall be on the third Monday of December, beginning at twelve of the clock of the day. Also voted, whereas this society are obliged by covenant to provide Mr. Williams his firewood so long as he continues in the work of the ministry among us, and the method heretofore practiced of warning all or most of the society in a day been found by experience to be troublesome, uncer- tain, and unequal, for remedy hereof it is now voted and agreed to grant a rate of twelve pounds to be raised on polls and all ratable estate apper- taining to all persons inhabiting within this Society, for providing Mr. Williams' wood ;- and every person hath liberty to pay his proportion of the said 12 pounds in wood, provided he doth it in season ; but if any per- son refuses or neglects to pay his proportion seasonably in wood, they shall pay it in money, or that which is equivalent, to the committee for the Society for the time being, to be by them improved for the providing of said wood ; and further, the committee for the Society for the time being (12) for the time shall order every person as to the time of his car- rying Mr. Williams his proportion of wood, and those that attend not this order as to time shall be deemed unseasonbly, always provided no person be hindered from carrying their proportion sooner than the committee orders ; and every load is to be reckoned at the price of three shillings. Also voted, to provide all joists and boards for the galleries' floor of our meeting-house, and to lath and plaster the w'Sills of our meeting-house up to the plate, and the new windows to be put up below, and the present windows of our meeting-house to be put up above. Also voted, to have a school in our Society, and what the country money don't pay is to be raised on polls of the children that go to school, to defray the charge of the school. 28 Also voted, Dea. Joseph Androus and James Francis, a committee for the school. Also voted, that for the payment of our minister rate grain should be as foUoweth, viz : — Wheat at six shillings per bushel, rye at tour shillings per bushel, and Indian corn at two shillings eight pence per bushel. Also voted, to have a school six months in this Society for the instruc- tion of children, and all the charge more than is allowed by the country to be raised on the polls of those children whom their parents send to school. Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey and Richard Borman a school com- mittee. To the Honorable Governor and Council: We, the inhabitants of Newington, having considered the weighty affair of the removal of our Rev. pastor trom us to Yale College — * April IS, 1726. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawlully assembled and held upon the 15th day of April, 1726, voted and agreed as followeth : That we desire to be heard as to the removal of our Rev. pastor to Yalfe College by the honored Governor and Council. Also voted, Deacon Jabezeth Whittelsey, John Camp, and Joseph Hurl- but, a committee to represent our Society, if by any means our minis- ter may stay with us ; and if not, act according to the best of their discre- tion that we may have the charge returned that we have been at in set- tling our minister. May 25, 1726. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 25th day of May, 1 726, it was voted and agreed to call the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus upon probation for our minister. Also voted, Jabezeth Whittelsey, to call Mr. Backus upon probation. Yale College had for some years been without a rector. Tiie General Court had appointed a Committee to inquire into the reasons for the long delay in filling tlie vacant chair of president of that " school." At last the trustees of the Col- lege met at Hartford, May 22, 1724, and there presented a memorial to the General Assembly tlien in session at Hartford, stating among other things their action in attempting to fill the vacant rectorship as follows: "We have unanimously chosen the Rev. Mr. Wigglesworth, Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, to be the Rector of Yale College. And in case of a disappointment of our hope of obtaining him, we have chosen the Rev. Mr. William Russell, of Middletown, to that office. And in case our expectations should there fail us also, * This is the beginning of a petition to the Governor and Council, inserted here perha])S liy mistake. I do not find luiy such jjetitioii. — |K. VV.] 29 in a farther attempt, the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, of New- iiigtoii, hath had the voice of the major part of the trustees here present." The memorial was signed by T. Woodbridge, as moderator, and Eliphalet Adams, as scribe. This memorial contains the following endorsement, " Upon consideration of the above address of the trustees of Yale Col- lego, and the extraordinary charge they will be at in settling a rector there, it is granted that the impost of rum for the present year be allowed and paid to them to enable them therein." During the following year the trustees of the College made unanimous choice of Mr. Williams as rector. Only two or three years before, he had been settled as pastor for life over the parisli of Newington. A considerable sum of money had been paid to him and expended for him for his settlement. It was in part consideration of his entering into a life-long con- tract to labor with them and cultivate this long destitute por- tion of the Lord's vineyard. He was their first pastor, and had but just begun his appointed work with them ; had scarcely got his settlement money in his pocket. He could not now break this "binding contract. He could not abandon it with- out the consent of the other party to it. This fact was recog- nized by all. Negotiations therefore were commenced between the trustees of the College, Mr. Williams, and the people, to effect an amicable arrangement for his release and removal. The people were unwilling to part with him. They asked to be paid their disbursements if he went away from them. This was certainly reasonable, for they were poor; so was the Col- lege. Recourse for help was had to the General Court. In October, 1725, the trustees of the College presented the following memorial to the General Assembly. " To the Honorable the Governor, Council and Representa- tives, in General Court assembled, at New Haven, October 14, 1725. The memorial of the ti-ustees of Yale College humbly shew- eth, that the said trustees after many endeavors for tlie gain- ing a rector for Yale College, have at our late meeting in New Haven unanimously chosen the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, minister of Newington, a parish belonging to Wethersfield, 30 unto that service, and judge him a person well qualified for the work we liave called hini to, and in him have a fair prospect that he will he a repairer of the breach that has been made in that society ; and as that school has had its beins: from this Honorable Assembly, and testimonies of their good will in supporting it hitherto, so we count it our duty not only to in- form this Honorable Assemljly of the measures we have taken for the promoting the good thereof, Ijut now pray that Ijy your act you will give your public approbation of our choice, which we shall take as a favor. We (as appointed by the trustees) have made application, both to the Rev. Mr. Williams, and to the people of the parish, with liim, and liave a likely prospect of obtaining him, both from him and tliem ; but tlie parish being small, and generally new beginners, it will necessarily bring a considerable charge upon them in settling of another minister. The College, out' of their small stock cannot fully answer the charge we shall put them to ; we therelbre humbly pray this Honorahle Assembly that as they have often done to divers places in this Government, that upon Mr. Williams' removal to the College, so you will please to allow them their country rates (which are but little,) for the space of four or five years, and by your act state it to be applied to the settling the next succeeding minister in their parish ; and we shall accept it as a token of the favor this Honoral)le Assembly bears to the College, and a manifestation of their deligliting in its prosperity. And your memorialists shall ever pray, &c. Timothy Woodbridge, Thomas Buckingham, Samuel Whitman. Upon the reception of this memorial the Assembly congrat- xdated the College, saying, " This Assembly rejoice in the good providence that con- ducted the Reverend Trustees to fill up tlie vacancy of a rector in said College witli a gentleman so agreeable to the country, and so very acceptable to the Assembly ; and do enact that when tlie said Mr. Elisha Williams shall remove to New Haven into the service of rector in Yale College, according to appointment of the said reverend trustees, that Newington, or the inhabitants of said parish, shall be freed from [laying their country tax for the sj)ace of four years next coming, on con- dition that the money be improved towards settling anotlier minister in said parish." 6 Conn. Cvl. Bee, 569. After this aid was extended to Newington by the General Court, negotiations were again renewed. The College, acting tlirough its trustees, and tlio parish, acting through its com- .31 mittee, at last agreed that the terms of adjustment lietween the College and society should be settled by a committee. The College selected Mr. Nathaniel Stanley and Capt. Ozias Pitkin ; the society Mr. Nathaniel Burnham and Mr. Martin Kellogg, as a committee of arbitration, to adjust the accounts presented by Newington, for expenses incurred in settling Mr. Williams. The pari.sh presented the following bill of particulars : " A true account of the settling of Mr. Williams, at New- ington. 1. Particular. The committee treating with Mr. Williams before his first coming but to Newington to undertake the work of the ministry with us, 2. The charge of the several meetings about settling him, - . . - 3. Charge arising in bringing out his family, goods, and creatures, at his first coming- out, and providing a supper, - • 4. Charges at his ordination, 5. Charges at the raising of Mr. Williams' house, - - - - To eight acres of land. To 170 pounds towards the building of Mr. Williams' house. More to days' works, that amount to These items amount to ,£362 6s. 8d. The committee how- ever did not allow the whole of the bill. They rejected all but the sum of £200 16s. which they awarded should be paid by the College. A memorandum of the adjustment, which still exists, shows its terms in full. " A. D. 1726, May the 4th. It was concluded by Mr. Na- thaniel Stanley and Capt. Ozias Pitkin, chosen by the Rev. Trustees of Yale College, (Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, and Mr. Thomas Buckingham, and Mr. Samuel Whitman,) and also Mr. Nathaniel Burnham, and Mr. Martin Kellogg, chosen also by the committee of Newington, (Dea. Jabez Whittelsey, John Camp, and Joseph Hurlbut,) to adjust the accounts that the peoj)le of Newington were at in settling of the Reverend Mr. Elislia Williams amongst thorn as their pastor. Jt was con- cluded that there should be delivered to tiie committee the sum of two hundred pounds, sixteen shillings, in bills of credit, by the last day of October next ensuing the date of these pres- ents, and also to pay to them wliat the General Assembly £1 is. Od. 00 2 13 38 15 5 3 4 80 170 65 6 3 32 granted to them, also the releasing of their country rates for the term of f'onr years." On the same day the committee drew up their report to the General Assembly in which they announced the conclusion to which they had arrived. This sum was higher than the Col- lege felt able to pay. Again recourse was had to the General Coui't. It would seem that even now the question of Mr. Williams leaving for the new field of labor at New Haven, depended upon the action of the General Court in affording their aid. The College was felt to be in danger of sinking unless the enterprise could be carried through. The following carefully drawn memorial for help gives a vivid picture of the situation. " To the Hon'''*" Governor, Council and Representatives in General Court assembled, in Hartford, May 12, 172G. The memorial of us tlie subscribers, in behalf of Yale College, humbly offered. Whereas for public benefit the said College hath been erected, and hitherto supported in great measure, by the favor and beneficence of the Honorable Assembly of this Colony, so as our necessities have required, upon application to them by the trustees of said College, it has from time to time been sup- plied, wherefore make bold to inform this Honorable Assem- bly that it stands in great necessity of relief. It is well known that the sufferings of the College through the defection of the rector have been long and great, and will increase till there be a rector settled in it. Through the good hand of God's provi- dence the trustees have Ijeen directed to make choice of the Rev. Mr. Elisha WiUiams, of Newington Parish, in Wethers- field, to supply that place, which this Honorable Assembly has well approved, and given a good token of their approlia- tion. We, according to tlie instructions given us by the trus- tees, have applied to the said Mr. Williams, and to the people of his parish, and have, though not without difficulty, olitained the consent of .Mr. Williams and his people, that he shall remove to New Haven, and as it appears both just and reason- able, that the people should be made good in their temporal interests. We have agreed with their committee to take the judgment of prudent and indifferent persons in stating their "accounts, who have given their judgment in the case, and have determined what they judge to bo just and reasonalile for the people to receive, to make up what tlicy have expended in set- tling Mr. Williams amongst them, which sum ariseth higher 33 than wliat the College can pay, and what tlie General Assem- bly in October last granted ; wherefore we make our humble address to this Honorable Assembly to assist the College, which will be in danger of sinking without it. We therefore humbly pray that this Honorable Assembly would according to your usual bounty, and from their good will to the support of the College, grant to the trustees for the use of the College, the impost settled by law on the importation of rum, from the beginning of last May, to be continued till the May next com- ing, which possibly may reach to what is due to the people of Newington, to repair the rector's house, and fit it to dwell in. And we hope and desire that the Divine Goodness will gra- ciously accept your offering. And we obliged ever to pray as in duty bound, &c. T. Woodbridgb, Samuel Whitman. The General Court received the application graciously, and responded by voting to pay one half of the money out of the Colonial .treasui-y, as follows : " Upon the memorial of the Rev. Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, and Mr. Samuel Whitman, Trustees of Yale College, inform- ing this Assembly that they had prevailed with the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams to remove from his parish at Newington to Yale College, and to undertake the trust and service of rector of said college, and that the people of Newington ought to be considered with respect to the disbursements they have made in settling Mr. Williams amongst them. It is, therefoi-e, con- sidered by this Assembly, that the Treasurer pay out of the public treasury to the inhabitants of Newington, the sum of one hundred pounds and sixteen shillings, in satisfaction of part of the sum the trustees agreed the said inhabitants should have as a recompense for their said disbursements ; provided the said Mr. Williams be settled in the trust of rector of the said college." 7 Qonn. Col. Rec, 24. The record also shows an act of courtesy to Mr. Williams which proves the high estimation in which he was held personally : — At a meeting of the Governor and Council in Hartford on April 13, 1726 : " A letter to Mr. Williams, elect rector of Yale College, was read and approved at this board, and ordered that the same be signed by the secretary ; and his Honor is desired to have it transmitted to Mr. Williams." 6 Oonn. Gol. Eec, 380. 5 34 The Trustees of the College were now enahled to comply with the terms of the adjustment, and they did so. The money was paid to the committee of the parish, as shown by the following receipt : — " November 4, 1726. " The money received from the Reverend Trustees was tlms disposed : " John Camp, 13 five-pound bills. " Joseph Hurlbut, 13 five-pound bills. " Of the society money received by me, Joseph Hurlbut. " Jabez Whittelsey, 14 five-pound bills and sixteen sliil- lings. " Witness our hands, " John Camp. " Jabez Whittelsey." The grant of the General Court in May, 172(3, settled the question of Mr. Williams' removal. He probably dis- solved his connection witli the Newington parish and church at once. The society meeting of May 25, 172(5, voted to call Rev. Simon Backus on probation. The Society lost a revered pastor, the College gained an able rector. Mr. Williams was a man of ability and culture, lie had represented the town of Wethersfield in the General Assem- bly, at its sessions held in October, 1717 ; May, 1718 ; May and October, 1719 ; and May, 1720. He had been appointed Clerk of the House at all these sessions, except that of May, 1719, when he held the office of auditor of public accounts. He had also acted as tutor to some of the students of Yale College, at Wethersfield, in 1719. His ability had been tried and approved in all these positions. He acted as rector of the College for thirteen years, till Oct., 1739, when he resigned on account of ill health. Soon after, in May, 1740, we find him again representing the town of Wethersfield, in the Gen- eral Assemljly, and Speaker of the House during that session. He continued to bo a deputy from Wethersfield and speaker of the House for several sessions thereafter. He was judge of the Sui)crior Court in 1740, and for some years following. 85 He was also a Justice of the Peace for Wethersfield, in 1740, and for a number of years after tliat time. He held the office . of Town Clerk for the same town. He was appointed by the General Assembly held in March, 1745, chaplain to the State forces sent in April in the expedition against Cape Breton. He was chaplain during that spring and summer, and wit- nessed the capture of Louisburg, June 17, 1745. In August he had probably resigned, as we find a vote of the General Assembly passed in that month requesting him to continue as cha{)lain. In May, 1746, he was again a Deputy from Wethersfield to the General Assembly. That session determined that another expedition should be sent to Canada, and Mr. Williams was appointed its colonel. The i-egiment, however, did not go. It was I'aised and expenses were incurred. Mr. Wil- liams was sent as special agent of the colony to Great Britain to negotiate for the payment of these expenses, by the General Government. Without following his career further, the fore- going incidents of his life, prove his great versatility of talent. He was a prominent character in theology, education, law, legislation, diplomacy, war and military affairs. He died in Wethersfield, July 24, 1755.* His removal from Newington to Yale College properly closes the first epoch in the history of that parish. SECOND PERIOD, 1726-1746. The parish of Newington being left without a pastor, hj the removal of Mr. Williams, immediately took the necessary steps to supply the vacancy. Mr. Simon Backus, of Norwich, was called to preach on probation. His pastoral ministrations appear to have been satisfactory, for, after a short probation- ary term of service, he was called to be a settled pastor. This was voted in society meeting, Aug. 24, 1726. The terms of * See Dr. Brace's Discourse, for a sketch of his life and character. 36 his settlement were agreed upon, and embodied in a vote of the society passed September 5, 1726. On account of the 'poverty of the parish he received Init a meagre sum for a set- tlement, " One hundred and seventy-five pounds of the money given by the country and college, and all the money granted us in our country taxes, be it more or less." Mr. Backus, Iiowever, accepted these terms in his formal answer to the society, dated Sept. 7, 1726. He was ordained Wednesday, the 25th day of January, 1727. Dr. Brace says of him : — " From all the testimony which I have found, I am convinced that Mr. Backus was a substantial, orthodox, pious minister, that gave good satisfaction to the people during his ministry, which continued about twenty years. His wife was one of the ten daughters (every one of whom has been said to be six feet tall, making the sixty feet daughters, and all of them strong in mind,) children of Rev. Timothy Edwards, of East Windsor. Mr. Belden used to tell me of Madame Backus, as living here in his time, and of her brother, Rev. Jonathan Edwards, of Northampton, as visiting iiis sister, and favoring Mr. Belden by preaching to the congregation of Newington. I suppose she closed her life at Bridgeport, with her son. Rev. Simon Backus, who was the minister of that place. Mr. Backus himself died in 1745, at Cape Breton, whither he had gone as chaplain in the colonial service, aged about forty-five years. He was a good minister, and lived in great harmony with his people."* The following is the record of the society during the term of his service as pastor. THE FIRST VOTES FOR THE SECOND MINISTER. June 1, 1726. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the first (lay of June, 1726, it was voted and agreed as followeth : It was voted n.nd agreed, that all the votes preceding the 25th day of May, 1726, however weak and insufficient they be, they shall be accepted to be good, and are hereby made good and valuable. * Dr. Brace's Dis., pp. 14 and 15. 37 It was also voted, to proceed to get some suitable person upon probation to be our minister. It was also voted, that Dea. Jolin Deming and John Stoddcrd do, iij behalf of the Society, apply to Mr. Russel, junior, of Middletown, to come and preach here upon probation ; and if he shall decline it, then Dea. John Deming is to proceed to make application to Simon Backus, of Norwich, to come here on the aforesaid purpose. .A.ugust 24, 1726. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held on the twenty-fourth day of August, 1726, it was voted and agreed as foUoweth, viz. : It was voted and agreed to call Mr. Simon Backus to be our minister. Dea. John Deming, Samuel Hunn, a committee to treat with Mr. Backus in order to a settlement. It was voted and agreed to give Mr. Backus seventy pounds salary the first year, and to rise two pounds per year until we come to eighty povmds a year. It was voted to give Mr. Backus for a settlement one hundred pounds money when we receive it of the country or college, and sixty pounds as it is gathered in our country rates, and sixty pounds in labor towards building. The meeting is adjourned until the next Monday come sennight, at sun one hour high at night. September S, 1726. At a Society meeting continued by adjournment from August the 24th, 1726, to September the 5th, 1726, it was voted and agreed as iblloweth : Making void those two votes relating to a settlement and salary passed the 24th of August last. It was voted (17) and agreed, to give Mr. Simon Backus for a settlement one hundred and seventy-five pounds of the money given by the country and college, and all the money granted us in our country taxes, be it more or less. • It was also voted, to give Mr. Simon Backus for a salary seventy pounds the first year, and so to rise as we rise in our lists until we come to ninety pounds per year, so to continue as long as he continues in the ministry with us. It was voted, to give Mr. Simon Backus his yearly wood, and the use of the parsonage, so long as he continues in the work of the ministry with us. This meeting is adjourned to the next Friday, at sun one hour high at night. We then received Mr. Backus' answer, which is as followeth : MR. backus' answer TO THE SOCIETY OP NEWINGTON. " To the Society of Newington : " That respect you have put upon me in the several votes your commit- tee appointed for that end have laid before me, calls for my particular acknowledgment, and to your votes of the 24th of August and of the 5th of this instant September, jyherein you have manifested your desire of my settlement with you in the work of the ministry, and for that end have made proposals to me for my settlement and maintenance therein, as you desire (I) make this return by your committee. That in a due sense of my unworthiuess to be employed in, and insufficiency for that great and solemn work of the ministry, I accept of your call to that woi'k, and acceiit your proposal for ray settlement and yearly maintenance. Desiring 38 your earnest prayers with mine to the God of all grace that I may come to you in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. "Sept. the 7, 172G. SIMON BACKUS." November 21, 1726. (18) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 21st day of November, 172G, it was voted and agreed as foUow- eth, viz. : We apjioint by vote Wednesday, the 28th day of December next, for the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Backus. It was voted, that the present committee is to agree with the man that boards Mr. Backus to provide for him on the ordination day for victuals and drink convenient. It was voted and agreed, that Samuel Hunn, Joseph Hurlburt, Ebene- zer Killborn, Caleb Androus, Isaac Buck, James Frances, Ebenezer Smith, should keejj a tavern on the ordination day. It was voted that the present committee, Jabezeth Whittelsey, John Camp, Joseph Ilurlbut, shall forthwith pay to Mr. Simon Backus the one hundred and seventy-five pounds money already voted to him on Sept. the 5th, 1726, taking his receipt, which shall be their discharge of said money.* It was voted and agreed for the £23 10s. received for the Society, now in the hands of said Committee, Dea. Jabezeth Whittlesey, John Camp, Joseph Hurlbut, shall be distributed by them to the persons according to the charge they were at in the particulars following, to wit : the charge of bringing out Mr. Williams and his family, at his first coming, and charges of his ordination, and for raising of his house, and for bis oven and well. December 19, 1726. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington Parish upon the 19th day of December, 1726, lawfully assembled and held; it was voted and agreed as followeth : It was voted and agreed that Dea. John Deming, Samuel Hunn, Senior, Caleb Androus, should be a committee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of the society according to the best of their discretion. It was voted, Daniel Curtis, Jonathan Whaples, Collectors, to gather the minister's rate and society rate. It was voted, that the money overplus in our last minister's rate should be laid out in meeting house, by the present committee. It was voted, to make a rate to defray the ministerial charge of the year past. * The Committee paid the money the next day, as appears by the following receipt : "NovEMDF.R, the 22, 1726. " Then received of the i)arish of Newington, the sum of one hundred and sev- enty-five pounds, money, liy tho hand of their cominitteo chosen to receive and dispose of said money, namely : Deacon Whittelsey., Ca.pl. John Camp, and Mr. Joseph Hurlhut, which money became due to me, the subscriber, by virtue of a vote passed by said parish, Sejitember the first, 1726. I say received by rae. Simon Backus. The sum contiiined in the above rccei))! 1, the subscriber, promise and oblige myself to return unto the above said Committee, in case I don't settle in the work of the ministry among them. Simon Backus." It was voted, That Wednesday, the 25th of January nest ensuing to be the day of ordination of Mr. Simon Backus, and the day of humiliation to be on Wednesday the eleventh day. (19) It was voted to have a pound near about Caleb Androus corner, and Isaac Buck, Ebenezur Killburn, to take care of said work in erecting a .pound, and Ebenezur Killburn to be pound keeper.* It was also voted. That the society charge, two pounds, nine shillings, eight pence, should be added to our minister's rate. It was voted, Dea. Jabezeth Whittlesey, Ebenezur Killburn, a school committee. December 18, 1727. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and' held upon the eighteenth day of December, 1727, it was voted and agreed as followeth, viz : That those men, to wit : Dea. John Deming, Samuel Hunn, Sen'r, Caleb Androus, did agree with Ensign Richard Borman on the account of the •ordination charge, we look upon that agreement to be good, and the levy made on that account to be good, and all those persons that are behind forthwith to pay their just dues. This agreement was voted. It was voted and agreed, That Ensign Richard Borman, Mr. Eliphalet Whittlesey, Joseph Hurlbut, a Committee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of the society. It was voted. That Joseph Benton, Samuel Hunn, Ju'r, Collectors, to collect the minister's rate and society rate. It was voted and agreed, to make a rate on polls and all ratable estate to pay Mr. Backus according to agreement by the last of March next ensuing, and we agree that wheat shall go at 6s. 6d., rye at 4s. 6d., Indian corn at 3s. per bushel, to pay Mr. Backus' rate. It was voted, and agreed, to allow Jonathan Wright one pound, one shilling, for sweeping the meeting house, and to Jonathan Whaples eleven shillings ; and what money is wanting in the last rate, is to be brought to the present committee, and they to add it to the present society charge. This meeting is adjourned to the first Monday in January next. January 1, 1727-S. The meeting was adjourned to the first Monday in May next ensuing. May 6, 1728. (20) At a society meeting of Newington parish lawfully assembled upon the 6th day of May, 1728, it was voted and agreed as followeth : That whereas there is a certain piece or some part of the parsonage land in controversy between Abraham Woring and the Society, we agree * The society not only managed the pounds and probably owned them, but also furnished the church eiliflco for meetings of military companies, as appears by the following warning. The meeting house was used as a Town Hall. Its sanctity was not considered profaned by such uses. • To Ebenezur Kilborn Constable of Newington, Greeting : I, having received a special command from the Major Roger Woolcutt, Major of the County of Hartford, for a muster day of Newington parish, and also that part called the Beckleys. These are, therefore, in his Majesty's name, to require you to warn all the inroUed citizens there, that they appear on Tuesday, the eighteenth day of this instant October, at nine of the (clock) in the morning on said day, at Newington meeting house, and there to'attend on the choice of your officers. Hereof fail not. Dated in Wethersfield, October the 12th, 1726. Thomas Wells, Capt. 40 to leave it to the arbitration of two indifferent men, and if they cannot agree, the two to choose an umpire, or third man, and that the said Abraham Woring resign the said land to the society or to Mr. Backus at the time of said vote, — we vote and agree that Capt. John Camp, Ensign Richard Borman, IVIr. Eliphalet VVliittlesey a Committee to act in the Society's behalf, and are hereby impowered to choose one man, and Abra- ham Woring another, and to abide the award ; and this society grants a rate on polls and all ratable estate to defray the charge if any ariseth, and to pay to said Abraham Woring what the arbitrators award to him said Woring. It was voted, that Joseph Hurlbut, Ebenezur Killburn, Josiah Willard a Committee to examine or inspect Dea. Jabezeth ^Vhittlesey's accounts concerning his collectorship and committeeship about the meeting house, and to make return of bis disposing of the society money to the next meeting. December 16, 1728. (21) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish law- fully assembled and held upon the IGth day of December, 1728, it was* voted and agreed as followeth, viz : It was voted and agreed that Mr. Eliphalet Whittelsey, Joseph Hurl- but, Jonathan Stodderd a committee for to order the prudentials of the society for the year ensuing. It was voted and agreed John Patterson, Ephraim Whaples, collectors to gather the minister's rate and society rate. It was voted and agreed that the society charge, for the year past, seven pounds two shillings and six pence, to be added to the minister's rate, and this (society) grants by vote twenty pounds to be added and gathered with our minister's rate ; and also to be laid out in our meeting house by the present committee. It was voted and agreed, that to pay our minister's rate, wheat (should be) at 6s. 6d. per bushel, rye at 4s. 6d. per bushel, Indian corn at 3s. per bushel. It was voted and agreed, to have a school as the law directs as to time, and Samuel Churchel, Thomas Francis, a committee for the school, and what the country money don't do towards defraying the charge, the rest shall be raised on the polls of the children that go to school. December 23, 1728. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfidly assembled and held upon the 23d of December, 1 728, it was voted and agreed as followeth, viz : "it was voted and agreed to raise a rate on polls and all rateable estate to defray the ministerial charge arising in our society. It was voted and agreed that all the votes made and passed on the IGth day of this instant shall be good and valuable, except the choice of John Faterson, a collector, because he is under age ; it was voted that Joseph Androus should be a collector. It was voted and agreed to raise a rate of six pounds for Mr. Backus's wood, and to go on in the same method as we did for Mr. Williams. December 15, 1729. (22) At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled a*id held upon the 15th day of December, 1729, it was voted and agreed as followeth, viz : It was voted and agreed, Joseph Hurlbut, Capt. John Camp, Ensign 41 Richard Borman (committee) for the year ensuing, with as full power as the selectmen in the towns, as to the business of our society. It was voted and agreed, David Wright, William Weils collectors, to gather our minister's rate and society rate. This society, by vote, grants a rate on polls and all ratable estate to de- fray the ministerial charge for the year past ; it was voted that wheat (should be) at 7s. per bushel, rye at 5s. Sd., per bushel, indian corn at 4s. per busbel, to pay our minister's rate. This society, by vote, grants four pounds to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, to the last Committee Eliphalet Whittelsey, Joseph Hurl- but, Jonathan Stodderd, which they have already laid out on our meeting house. This society, by vote, grants twenty pounds to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, and to be laid out on our meeting house by Samuel Hunn, Senior and Josiah Willard, a committee appointed for that end, according to the best of their discretion. This society grants, by vote, two pounds nineteen shillings eight pence, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, to defray the charge aris- ing by a certain arbitration between Deacon John Deming and Samuel Hunn, senr., in the behalf of this society, and Abraham Woring, about some part of the parsonage, awarded to him, said Woring, by Capt. Tho. Seymore and Isaac Heart, arbitrators. It was voted and agreed, Ebenezer Killburn and Nathaniel Churcbel a committee to cover the school house.* And we do grant four pounds, to be raised on polls and all other rat- able estate, and laid out on the school house by the above said committee. It was voted and agreed to raise eight pounds on polls and all ratable estate for Mr. Backus' wood, in the method we did for i^Ir. Williams. We do, by vote, grant to Jonathan Wright, for sweeping our meeting house, one pound and eight shillings, to be raised on polls and all rat- able estate. It was voted. That, whereas there is a difference between the society of Newington and Dea. Jabezeth Whittelsey, we do'agree by vote to leave said ditference to the (23) North Association of the County of Hartford, on' the first Thursday of February next ensuing, at the dwelling house of iMr. Thomas Buckingham ; and we agreed to abide their determination, pro- vided the above said Dea. Jabezeth Whittelsey will leave said difference to the North Association, and abide their determination. And the grand committee, Joseph Hurlbut, Capt. John Camp, and Ensign Richard Bor- man, to represent the society, and act in their behalf. Ebenezer Killburn, Josiah Willard and Samuel Hunn, sen., to act with the above said commit- tee. It was voted to begin our annual meeting at nine Of the clock in the morning. December 21, 1730. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and held upon the 21st day of December, 1730, begun at our meeting house and adjourned to the house of Ephraim Whaples, by vote, voted and agreed : Capt. John Camp, Mr. Josiah Deming and Daniel Curtis, a committee to order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuing. Voted and agreed, Thomas Frances and David Hunn, collectors for the year ensuing. * This is the first mention of a school house in the records. 6 42 Also voted, to raise a rate of five pence halfpenny on polls and all ratable estate, to pay Mr. Backus' salary for the year past. It was voted and agreed, to take three pounds, thirteen shillings, one penny, out of the twenty pounds granted last year, to be laid out in our meeting house, to pay what was wanting in a rate granted to the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus in the year 1726. It was voted, to pay Mr. Backus' rate, wheat at 7s. per bushel, rye at 5s. per bushel, Indian corn at 4s. per bushel. We, by vote, grant ten pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, for Mr. Backu.s' wood, in the same method as we agreed on to carry it to the Rev. Mr. AVilliams, at 3s. per load. It was voted to release Joseph Root his rate this year. Voted, Joseph Benton and Caleb Androus a school committee for this year. Also voted, one pound ten shillings to Jonathan Wright for sweeping our meeting house, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate. Also voted, to adjourn this meeting until ne.\t Monday, at twelve of clock. December 20, 1731. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawful!}' assembled and held upon the 20th day of December, 1731, voted and agreed as followeth.. viz : (24) Voted and agreed. Sergeant Isaac Buck, David Wright and John Patterson, a committee for the year ensuing. Voted and agreed, Thomas Stodderd and Daniel Willard, collectors. Also voted and granted, a rate to be raised, five pence half-penny on the pound, on polls and all ratable estate, to the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, for his salary for the year past. Also voted, to raise a rate of ten i)ounds on polls and all ratable estate, for Mr. Backus wood, at four shillings per load, to be raised accord- ing to our vote January the 6th, 1 725-6. Also voted, one pound ten shillings to the widow Sarah Whaples, for sweeping our meeting house, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate. March 20, 1732. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish law- fully assembled and htdd upon the 20th day of March, 1 73i, it was voted and agreed as followeth : It was voted and agreed to put up a prayer to the General Assembly in May ne.\t ensuing, for some relief under our present circumstance relating to our minister. Also voted Samuel Hunn, sen., and John Patterson, a committee to go to the Assembly with a prayer, and to act according to the best of their discretion.* * The committee went to the Assembly with the following prayer : To the Honorable General Assembly of Connecticut, in New England, holden at Hartford, May Iltli, A. D. 1732. The niomorial of Samuel Hunn, and .Joliii ratterson, agents for the iiarish of Newington, in liehalf ofsaid parisli, humbly showoth — That little more than nine years ago the said jjarish were at the cost and ex- pense of settling a minister amongst them, who, after a few years continuance in the ministry with us, was elected Rector of Yale College, and being approved of by your Honors, accepted said ofiBce, aiul left us, and imdertook to serve in that 43 Voted and agreed, That vSamuol Hunu, sen. (be a coniniittee) to treat with the Rev. Mr. Elisha Williams, to see if he will give sotue relief relat- ting to .Mr. Baekus's bonds, if we should attain to a piospect of clearing up the said bonds with Mr. Williams. Voted and agreed, To have a school as the law directs. Also voted, Isaac Buck and David Wright a school committee. Also voted, To adjourn this meeting until the last Monday in May nu.xt ensuing at three o'clock in the afternoon. December 18, 1732. At a Society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, law- fully assembled and held upon the 18th day of December, 1732, voted and agreed as folio we tli : It was voted, John Patterson, Ebenezer Killburn and Joseph Benton, a office a more public benefit for the whole government, and left tlie poor parish of Newington, who were then l>ut about three thousand 700 pounds hi tlieir public list, to seek for and settle anotlier minister, the burden of wliicli was great upon our small parish, though favored with some relief from this Honorable Assembly, which was 'just about what was given by the said parish to the Rev. Mr. Wil- liams, which, we make bold to inform your Honors, did not make up our loss, because Mr. Williams, bis having a good and large estate of his own, and that being principally in lands in and near our parish, could and did serve us much cheaper in the ministry than any other would, or, indeed, could, and we being poor, &c., and having proceeded to settle another minister with us, and we not being able to purchase him a settlement, nor able to do much for him, he pur- chased a settlement for himself, and th.at but a small one, whereby our present rev'd miinster did run himself considerably into debt in the purchase aforesaid, whereof there remains yet unpaid about three hundred jjounds, and the time that it should have been paid is some considerable time agone, and our minister is un- able to pay that debt, neither is the parish able to pay it for him. being still poor and having now but about three thousand nine hundred (pounds) in the public list. And our said minister is daily exposed to be sued for the money, by reason whereof he informs us that he must be obliged to make sale of what he bath amongst us, for the payment of the debt and so leave us, if some other way be not found, speedily found, for the payment thereof, which would be attended with many inconveniences and conse(juences hurtful to our parish and threaten its dis- solution. We, therefore, pray your Honors would compassionate us under our distressed circumstances, and, according to your wonted goodness afford us some relief, and if 3'ou, in your great wisdom, think meet to grant us liberty to take out of your public treasury as much money as our country rates will pay in, in four years. And if your Honoi-s should think it not proper to do that, you would be pleased to grant us our country rates for four years, and although thut would not half pay the debt, yet we hope that with the contributions of some generously disposed gentlemen, and with what we shall be able to obtain in some other ways, we shall then be able to pay the debt, and relieve our rev'd pastor of the difficulties he js involved in by reason thereof, and that we may yet enjoy and be blest with the continuance of his ministry among us. And your memorialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray. Dated in Newington, May 16, 1732. Samukl HoNN, Ugents. John rAXTERSoN, ) " In the Lower House, The question was put whether anything should be granted on this memorial, Resolved in the negative. Test., Jno. Rcssell, Clerk. In the Upper House, Read and concurred. Test., Hez. Wyllys, Secretaiy. 44 committee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of our society according to tlieir best discretion. It was voted, Joshua Androus and William Smith, collectors. Also voted and gi-anted. To raise a rate of five pence half-penny on the pound on polls and all ratable estate, for the Kev. Mr. Simon Backus's salary for the year past. Also voted. To the widow Sarah Whaples, one pound ten shillings, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, for sweeping our meeting house. (25) Also voted, To raise sixteen pounds on polls and all ratable estate, according to our vote January 6th, 1725-G. 'Also voted, Each man to have four shillings per load for Mr. Backus' wood Also voted, To adjourn this meeting from our meeting house to the dwelling house of the widow Elizabeth Androus. Also voted and granted. To Joseph Hurlbut, jun., three pounds, eight shillings, six pence, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate. Also voted. To have a new seating of our meeting house. Also voted, Isaac Buck, Samuel Churchel and Pelatiah Buck, a com- mittee to seat our meeting house. April 30, 1733. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held, upon the 30th day of April, 1 733, voted and agreed as foUoweth ; Voted and agreed. Captain John Camp, moderator for this meeting. Also voted and agreed, Samuel Hunn, sen., and Jo.seph Hurlbut, sen., both of Newington, a committee to order the prudentials of the parsonage belonging to Newington parish, to sue or dispossess any person or persons that has, do, or shall enter on the said parsonage as trespassers, at the charge of the society. December 17, 17SS. At a society (meeting) of the inhabitants of Newington parish, upon the 17th day of December, 1733, lawfully assembled and held, voted and agreed as lolloweth : Voted and agreed, Joseph Benton, Uea. John Deming and Nathaniel Churchel, a committee for tbe year ensuing, with as much power as to the prudentials of our society, as the selectmen in the town. Also voted and agreed, Josiah Killburn and Pelatiah Buck, collectors to gather our minister and society rates. Voted and granted. To the Rev. IMr. Simon Backus for his salary, five pence half penny on the pound, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate. Also voted. To raise a half penny on the pound on polls and all ratable estate, to be added to Mr. Backus' salary this year. Also voted. To raise a rate of sixteen ])ounds on polls and all ratable estate for Mr. Backus' wood, and each man shall be allowed four shillings per load if he bring good loads. Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Eliphalet Whit- tlesey a Committee to inspect the loads. And our Society's committee for the year ensuing to appoint and warn suitable days for the carrying of Mr. Backus' wood, and whomsoever don't carry his proportion of wood on the said days appointed by the Committee, shall pay according to our vote January the 6th, 1725-0. " (26). Voted and granted. To the widow Sarah Whaples one pound, five shillings for sweeping our meeting house. Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut, twelve shillings. 45 Also voted, To Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Joseph Ilurlbut, Sen., the sum of four pounds, eleven shillinfjs six pence. Also voted. To Ebenczer Killburn and Joseph Benton for charges past sixtee n shillings : all to be raised on polls and all other ratable estate. March 20, 1734. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and held upon the 20th day of March, 1733-4, voted and agreed as followeth : Voted and agreed, Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., both of Newington, a Committee, to order the prudentials of the ])arsonage belonging to Newington parish, to defend said parsonage from any person or persons that lias or shall illegally enter thereon, to sue or dispossess all such persons that shall enter thereon to cultivate or improve said land without liberty of our society, or of the Kev. Mr. Simon Backus, at the charge of the society. December 16, 1734. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish lawfully assembled and held upon the 10th day of December, 1734, voted and agreed as followeth : Also voted, Lt. JNIartin Kellogg moderator for this meeting.* Also voted, To adjourn this meeting from our meeting house to the dwelling house of Lt. IMartin Kellogg, and there to hold our meeting.-}- Also voted, Nathaniel Churchel, Samuel Hunn, Sen., and Ensign Rich- ard Borman, a Committee -ibr the year ensuing. Also voted, William Androus, Collector for our minister's rate, also voted Ebenezer Killburn, Collector, to collect our society rate. Also voted and granted, To the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, for his salary, one hundred poimds for this year, to be raised on polls and all other ratable estate. Also voted. To raise eighteen pounds on polls and all other ratable estate, for Mr. Backus' wood : and each man shall be allowed 4 s. per load, to be raised according to our vote and act, January the 6th, 1725-6, for the getting our minister's wood. Also voted, one pound to the widow Sarah Whaples for sweeping the meeting house. (27) Also voted. To finish the galleries in our meeting house, and lath and plaster the walls up to the plates and beams, and to glass the lower windows of our meeting house. Also voted. To raise fifty pounds on polls and all ratable estate to defray the charge of finishing our meeting house, that is to say, twenty and five jjounds to be raised on the present list of our society, and to be paid to our- Committee for that work by the last of March next ensuing, and twenty and five pounds to be raised on the next list, for the year 1735, and to be paid by the last of December next ensuing. Also voted. Jit. Martin Kellogg, -Jonathan Whaples and Samuel Churchel, a Committee to finish our meeting house. Also toted, Lt. Martin Kellogg and David Wright, a school committee for the year ensuing, also voted to keep a school two months at the north- ern part of our society, and four months in the middle of our society, and two months at the southern part of our soci- ty. * He was appointed a Captain by the General Assembly at their October Session, 1735. t This was probably the Williams house, which became his residence and in which he died Nov. 13, 1753, aged 68. 46 Also voted, Five pounds to the school it' it be kept according to our votes. Also voted, Ensign Richai-d Borman and Mr. Abraham AVoring to inspect the loads carried to Mr. Backus, and to allow lour shillings per load, if good loads, if not, according to their judgment, they shall allow each one for his load or loads. December IS, 173S. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 15th day of December, 1735, voted and agreed as followeth : Voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator (or this meeting. Also voted, Samuel Hunn, Sen., David Wright, and David Griswould, a Committee to order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuing. Also voted, Gamaliel Borman, Collector to collect our minister's rate, also voted, Mr. Joseph Woodbridge, Collector to collect our society rate. Also voted, Caleb Androus, and Pelatiah Buck, a Committee for the school, also voted, Charles Hurlbut, Collector for the school. Also voted. That our Committee, viz : Capt. Martin Kellogg, Samuel Churchel, and Jonathan Whaples, shall have power to repair our meeting house, mend the roof, ida])boarding, and underpinning. (28) Also voted. That the overplus money in our last minister's rate, now in William Androus' hand, two pounds seventeen shillings, to be given to the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus. Also voted and granted. To Mr. Simon Backus, one hundred and twenty pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate ibr his salary this year. Also voted. To raise eighteen pounds on polls and all ratable estate, according to our vote January the 6th, 1725-G. Each man to have tour shillings per load if he carries good loads. Also voted, Samuel Hunn, Sen. and Mr. Eliphalet Whittelsey to inspect the loads carried on the day appointed by our Committee. Also voted, To widow Sarah Whaples, one pound ten shillings : also voted, to Mr. Elisha Mi.x, one pound : all to be raised on polls and all other ratable estate. December 20, 1736. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 20th day of December, 1 736, voted and agreed as followeth : Voted and agreed, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator for this meeting. Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., John Patterson, Sen. and Caleb Androus, a Committee to order the prudentials of our society for the year ensuin'f, with as much power as the select men in the town. Also voted, Jabezeth Whittlesey, Jun., Collector to collect our minister's rate and society rate. Also voted and granted, To the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, to raise a rate of sixpence on the pound on polls and all ratable estate, for his salary for this year. Also voted, Joseph Hurlbut, Sen., Caleb Androus, and .John Patterson, rate-makers for this year. Also voted. To raise a rate of three fiirthings on the pound, on polls and all ratable estate to defray the charge already arisen in our meeting house, and for glass, and for mending the roof of our meeting house. Voted, to raise eighteen pounds on polls and all ratable estate for Sir. Backus' wood, and each man shall have four shillings per load, to be raised according to our vote January the 6th, 1725-6. 47 Also voted, To seat our meeting house : also voted, Lt. Epliraim Deming Capt. Martin Kellogg and David Curtis, a Committee to seat our meeting house. (29) Also voted, To Caleb Aadrous one pound ten shillings for sweeping our meeting house. Voted, To Ephraim Whaples three shillings six pence. Voted, To Charles Hurlbut three shillings six pence. Voted, To Jonathan Whaples three shillings. Also voted, to erect a new pound in the place where the pound, . Also voted, Pelatiah Buck, Charles Hurlbut, and Robert Wells, a Com- mitter for the school. Also voted and agreed, Dea. Jabezeth Whittelsey, Lt. Richard Borman, a Committee in behalf of our society, to act with the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus about that part of our parsonage that is not yet fenced, to let out said land to such person or persons as shall fence said land, as they shall think fit until the fence be paid for. December 19, 1737. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfully assembled and held upon the 19th day of December, 1737, voted and agreed as foUoweth : Also voted, Capt. Martin Kellogg moderator for this meeting. Also voted, Lt. Ephraim Deming, James Francis and Ebenezer Smith, a Committee for the year ensuing, to order the prudentials of our society. Also voted, That our Committee, Lt. Ephraim Deming, Mr. James Francis and Ebenezer Smith, (be) rate-makers for the year ensuing. Also voted, Joseph Deming, Collector, to collect our minister and society rates. Also voted and granted, one hundred and thirty pounds to be raised on polls and all ratable estate lor the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus' salary for the year past. Also voted, Jonathan Whaples, Joshua Androus, a Committee for (he school, for the year ensuing. Also voted and granted, Twenty-two pounds for Mr. Backus' wood, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, according to our act in the vear 1726, and each man shall be allowed four shillings per load. ' Also voted. That our Committee for the time being shall watch on (?) the loads or part of loads that are carried to Mr. Backus, and said Com- mittee shall appoint three several days for carrying said wood, between this time and the (30) first of March next ensuing, and whosoever doth not carry his proportion of wood by the first of March, shall pav their wood rate in money, and to be collected by the Collector. Also voted. Seven pounds ten shillings for the school. Also voted and granted. To raise a rate of three i'arthings on the pound, on polls and all ratable estate, to defray our society charges. December 18, 1738. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newington parish, lawfullv assembled and held upon the 18th day of December, 1738, voted and agreed as followeth, viz : Voted and agreed, Capt. Martin Kellogg, moderator for this meeting. Also voted, Ebenezer Smith, Thomas Francis and Mr. Josiah Deming, a Committee for the year ensuing, to order the prudentials of our society. Also voted, John Gillit, Collector, to collect our minister's rate and society rate. Also voted. That our Committee, Ebenezer Smith, Thomas Francis, and Mr. Josiah Deming shall be ratemakers for the year ensuing. 48 Also voted, Mr. James Francis, Pelatiali Buck, and David Wright a school committee, and said David Wright a school collector. Also voted and granted, One pound ten shillings to Caleb Androus for sweeping our meeting house. , Voted and granted, 4s. 6d. to Ephraim Deniing, four shillings to Joseph Deming, for service done. Also voted, To raise twenty pounds on polls and all ratable estate for Mr. Backus' wood, and each man to be allowed four shillings per load, and our Committee to act according as we voted ]3ecember the 19th, 1737. Also voted and granted. To the Rev. Mr. Simon Backus, for his salary for till- year past, ninety pounds, to be paid in grain at the price that "rain went at on the first of March, that year that ninety pounds became due to him, said Backus, by our contract or covenant in his first settling with us. Also voted, That the Rev. Mr. Backus, Mr. Josiah Deming, Ebenezer Smith and Thomas Francis, that tbey search and fiml out what the price of grain was on the first of March, the year above referred to. (31) Also voted, To raise a half iiirthing on the pound on polls and all ratable estate to defray our society charges. Also voted, To give or disoliarge the widow Beccraft (?) of her two last society rates. Also voted and granted, To the Rev. JSIr. Simon Backus 8s. .5d. already in his hands. December 17, 1789. At a society meeting of the inhabitants of Newinglon parish upon the seventeenth day of December, 1739, voted and agreed as tblloweth : Capt. John Camp, moderator for this meeting. Also voted, Thomas Francis, Caleb Androus and Josiah Killburn, a Committee for the year ensuing to order the prudentials of our society. Also voted, Abraham Woring, Jun., Collector to collect our minister's rate and society rate. Also voted and granted, To the Rev. Sir. Simon Backus, for his salary for the year past, one hundred and fijrty pounds, to be raised on polls and all ratable estate, to be paid in money or grain at the market f)ricc. Also voted. That the fourteen loads ol' wood already carried to Mr. BacUu«, shall be allowed an\"f "^ ;^'^„ f '^^^^^^ through an from whence they cannot P^^^ ^''f ''»"' ''^?"™'"/,,„ ", "' 'oZ^ b^ the inclosureset apart and ^^^V^^^f ^^'^J^silX^'^^o^^^^^^ inhabitants of said society and the P'^^^' "'' X^f^Jg^id'c Kellogg with pray that the said piece of ""'^.'^^'^^^.P/'' :\"ffu"v^^^^^ .aid town, and the Dublic "ood, so that relief may be granted. ^ •' And your petitioners, as in duty bound shall ever pray, etc. ■' ' Bv order of said Society, _^ JosiAH WiLLARD. Society Clerk. David Lowry, ) James Welles, > Committee. Daniel Willard, jr., ) tEmo from .1.. -i" of ''''■"->• """S- ""'" *''"' """■ a suitable quantity of ^oo^s "t ' fo":^^ ^^ij ,^^;,, ^ far as the ^I^;t;rSy-^>-- ^icfrfecy Shan be paid b^ my executors 73 At a meeting held September 21st, 178D, " Upon a motion of Deacon Stoddard to resign the trust reposed in him by Mr. Jedediah Deming, late of Wethersfield, deceased, in liis last will and testament, for applying a legacy given by said Deming to the society of Newington for procuring a public library for said society : Voted, That Messrs. David Lowrey, Roger Welles, John Goodrich, Simon Welles, and Daniel Willard, Jun., be appointed to assist the deacons in the discharge of the trust reposed in them by said will, in applying said legacy, procuring books, and forming a constitution for said library, and to assist them in any other matters that shall be thought necessary respecting said legacy, agreeable to said will, according to their best judgment and discretion, and to report from time to time, when called, their proceedings in the business aforesaid." * At a meeting held December 7th, 1789, "Messrs. Unni Robbins, Elizur Andrus, and Daniel Willard, Jun., were appointed to consider the petition of the south end of the society respecting a school district, and to report to the society." At a meeting held December 22d, 1 780, " Voted, That the sum of one huiulred and eighty pounds be raised on the list of this society for defray- ing the cost ot" the school houses already built in this society and for building a school house at the southern part of the society, the said sum to be equally divided to said houses, and that the south end, extending to one third part of the list of 1 7S8 as near as may be, be impowered to call a meeting and transact any matters respecting the building said house, and that the proprietors of the other houses be empowered to meet and make an average of the sums so voted to each house. (Carried, nineteen against twelve.) " At a meeting held March 2d, 1 790, " Voted, To empower the committee who have the care of the public monies belonging to this society in the loan office, both interest and principal, to dispose of the same according to their best discretion for the benefit of said society." At a meeting held July 7th, 1791, "There was then laid before the meeting a written obligation, signed by Capt. Martin Kellogg, promising to give to the society ninety pounds in njoney to be laid out towards a frame lor a meeting house in consideration that the society agree to erect and build said house on the west side of the olo Elijah Bordman and Nancy Deming. April 7. William Bebe and Eliza- beth Dunston. May 1 1 . David Stoddord and Mary Thompson. May 22. William Parbant and Lydia Butler. May 24. Capt. Nehemiah Mer- ril and Sarah Welles. May 25. James White and Mercy Linsly. May 25. Asa Welles and Martha Goodrich, W'd. June 1. Joseph King, Canadian, and Bathsheba Trailor, tramper. June 14. William Wookutt and Rebecca Goodrich. Dec. 28. Joseph Curtis, jr., and Eunice Hun. Jan. 18, 1781. Levi Lusk and Happy Kilborn. Feb. 8. Thomas Clap and Hul- dah Bull, of W'd. March 21. Joseph Rowlandson and Sarah Latimer. April 19. Seth Kilborn and Louis Blin. Feb. 7, 1782. Abijah Flagg and ThankfuU Seymour. April 30. James Blin, jr., and Irene Andrus, she on a sick bed. May 30. Ozias Willcox and Mary Lusk. July 31. James Hogan and F — . Minor. Nov. 3. James Prat and Ruth Andrus. Nov. 14. Daniel Warner and Cinthia Kellogg. Nov. 21. Leonard Belden and Anne Buck. Nov. 28. Timothy Hubbard and Meliitable Beckly. Jan. 23, 1783. Phineas Andrus, jr., and Seebury Stoddord. Ill April 24. Daniel Willard. jr., and Rhoda Welles. July 3. Justus Francis and Mary Belden, my dau<»hter. Au<;. 21. Francis Deming and Elizabeth Churchill. Nov. 13. Edward Howard and Anne Stiiddord. July 1, 1784. Daniel Ayrault and Mary Balch, Wd. Sept. 1. Robert Welles, 3d, and Lucretia Russel ; al.-o Francis Coslet and Racliel Adkins. Sept. 23. Silas Sandford and Lu- cretia Deming. Jan. 6, 1785. Lemuel Holmes and Sarah Whaples. jMarch 27. Capt. Roger Welles and Jemima Kellosrg. April 10. Jchabod Paterson and Jemima Haiden. June 28. John Kirkum and Jan- net Sloddord. Oct. 26. Eli Hurlbut and Sarah Landers. Nov. 10. Absalom Welles and Lorrain Paler.-on. Dec. 12. Justus Woolcut and Ro- setta Squier. Jan. 17, 1786. Robert Deming and Lucy Blin. April 20. Stephen Kellogg and Cinthia Andrus. April 27. Seth Kilborn and Han- nah Churchill. Oct. 5. Charles Dix and Pru- dence Welles, Wd. Jan. 28, 1787. Zadock Hinsdale and Elizabeth Camp. April 12. Simon Kilborn and Eunice Kircum. Sept. 20. Charles Miller and Polly Weaver. Jan. 16, 1788. Edward Buttricks and Nabby Kilborn. May 11. Gideon Hubbard and Bathsheba Migat. June 2. Capt. Samuel Wyllis and Mary Ducass. June 26. Thomas Fox and Louis Seymour. Sept. 11. Ashbel Seymour an4 Honor Willard. Oct. 19. David Wilterly and Ruth Andrus. Nov. 27. Ichabod Minor and Hannah Witterly. Jan. 25, 1781). Jo>iah Griswould and Abigail Welles. Feb. 17. Unni Blin and Holly Hunter. May II. Sion Wentworth and Rebecca Bordraan. Oct. 25. Jonathan Blin and Honor iStoddord. Jan. 21, 1790. Lemuel Gibs and Martha Hurllnit. Jan. 28. John Webster and Eu- nice Deming, Worthington. March 4. Aaron Hart and Sarah Francis. April 22. Bnrzillai Deming and Sophia Smiih. Dec 9. Levi Welles and Han- nah Welles. Dec. 19. Jason Buckly and Clar- issa Dort. April 21, 1791. Francis Coslet and Sarah Smith. June 30. Christopher Bebe and Mercy Taylor. Sept. 15. Curtis Welles and Han- nah Tryon, Wd. Oct. 2. Ebenezur Hart and Lucy Jerome, N. Bn. Nov. 22. Klisha Blin and Mary Rodes, Wd. Feb. 23, 1792. Prince Draper and Sibil Goodrich. May 3. John King and Sally Mervin, W'd. Nov. 4. Unni Robbins, jr., and Lucy Lowry. Dec. 30. Medad Gibs and Ele- anor Hurlbut. Jan. 17, 1793. Seth Peck and Mary Deming. Feb. 24. Selah Deming and Sarah Jerome. 112 May 22. Ozias Hurlbut and Euiii(!e Dealing. Sppt. 2(i. Jouathan Stoddordjr., and Candace Peck. Marcl) 2. 1794. Aziel Belden and Azubah Goodrich. April 13. Asa Case? and Abi- gail Blin. May 11. Isaac Buokinham and Lucy Belden, W'd. June 12. Luthei' Paterson and Jemima Tryon. Feb. 15, 1795. Michel Wi-ight and Silva Goodrich ; and the same time Stth Lowiy ? and Lydia Wright. May 27. David Gilbert and Lucy Squire. June 28. Timothy Stanly and Abigail Robbins. October 23. Juba Stephenson and Jenne Stouton, negroes. Dec. 27. Justus Cook and Mary Goodrich alias Webster. Sept. 29, 1796. Timothy Sted- nian and Abigail Peck. Nov. 29. Joseph Lynde and Mar- tha Belden. Nov. 30. James Welles,jr., and Eleanor Camp. Jan. 9, 1797. Joshua Belden, jr., and Dorothy Whittlesey. April 12. Mr. Joel Hutchins ? and Elizabetii Goodrich. May 13. Alliu Francis and Esther Hotchkis. Nov. 8. Oliver Richards and Lvdia Andrus. October 12. Mr. Silas Churchill and Rhbda Belden. Feb. 14, 1798. Bethuel Lusk and Elizabeth Foster, of Mer- iden. Oct. 7. Leonard Welles and Pru- dence Robbins. Oct. 19. Elisha Whaples and Nancy Blin. Nov. 29. Samuel Whaples and Abigail Hohnes. Feb. 18, 1799. Leonard Hub- bard and Elizabeth Churchill. Sept. 29. Lemuel Holmes and Sylvia Andrus. Jan. 30, 1800. Benjamin Hart jr., and Haimah Kellogg. Sept. 3il. Moses Kelsy and Han- nah Andrus. Jan. 8, 1801. Elizur Dudly and Anne Hurlbut. Jan. 18. Daniel Lamb and Pru- dence Fox. Aug. 20. Elias Dillingwood and Polly Richards, (Wo'rthington.) Nov. 2(5. Ralph Smilh, Chaiham, and Honor Deming, W'd. March 4, 18n2. AUIn Webster, Hartford, and PoUv Ilurlbul, W'd. June 1. Rev. Sam'l Mills, Say-' brook, and wid. Caty Seymour, West Hartford. Oct. 3. Ashbel Seymour, jr., and Mary Lowry. Oct. 12. Noble Churchill and Olive Stoddard, both of W'd. Nov. 25. Moses Camp and Cloe Stoddord. Jan. 2, 1803. Enos Deming and Pruey Lusk. Marcli 24. Joseph Blin and Olive Stoddord. Oct. 9. WilUara Lowry and Ra- chel Seymour. April 4, 1804. Benjamin Read and Bathsheba North. Marriages, 326. Feb. 24, 1807. Charies Belden Churcliill and P>lizabeth Hub- bard, both of Weatherslield. 113 VI. Deaths. Nov. 30, 1747. Died, Eunice, daughter of George Woolcot. Dec. 17. Widow Sarah Chur- cHl. Sept. 2, 1748. Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Josiah Wright. Sept. 5. Amos Andrus. Sept. 15. Hannah Andrus. Sept. — . Lydia, daughter of Josiah Jones. Oct. 22. Reuben Whaples. Nov. 4. Solomon, son of Amos Hurlbut. Jan. 2, 1748-9. Oliver, son of Jonathan Churchil. Jan. 14. Hannah, daughter of Charles Churchil. Feh. 20. Timothy, son of Tim- otiiy Kilborn. April 19. Thankful, veife of Timothy Andrus. Sept. 4. Tlie wife of William Lusk. Oct. 8. Louis, daughter of Ben- jamin Goodrich. Dec. 2, 1750. Mr. James Patter- son. April 5, 1751. Ruth, daughter of Joseph Andrus. April 12. Hannah, daughter of Elisha Warren. June 25. Sarah Goodrich. Sept. 17. Bela, son of Benjamin Goodricli. Oct. Mary, daughter of John Peirce. Dec. 14. Sarah, daughter of William Andrus. Scault to death. Feb. 8, 1752. Wife of Thomas Francis. March 20, 1752. Mary, wife of Samuel Buck. April 23, 1752. Hannah, daugh- ter of Ephraim Blin. 16 Same day, died Peter, in a fit. June 4. The aged widow, Sarah Whaples, 84 yrs. June 24. Mr. Joseph Hurlbut. July 10. Prudence, wife of Mr. Josiah Deming. Jan. 1, 1753. Mary, daughter of Samuel Hun. Jan. 1. The aged Mrs. Hun. Sept. 22. Abigail, daughter of Caleb Webster. Sept. 27, 1753. Mary, infant daughter of Charles Churchih Nov. 13, 1753. Capt. Martin Kellogg. Jan. 21, 1754. Mrs. Sarah Lamb. Feb. 3. Josiah Atwood, jr., his child. Maj 8. Nicholas Deming. May 19. Nathaniel North. May 24. Betty Churchil. Sept. 4. Semiley (or Smiley), wife of Jacob Way. Sept. 12. Jacob Whaples. Sept. 16. Thomas Robbing. Sept. 17. Gamaliel Bordman. Sept. 26. Mrs. Dorothy Kellogg. Oct. 3. Tlie Wid. Ruth Dem- ing. Dec. 14. Jan. 10, son of Feb. 24 Elijaii May 15. Aug. 1 G. cott. Aug. 19. Steel. Sept. 5. Oct. 3. Oct. 13. Jan. 18, I drus. Josiah Kilborn. 1755. David Churchil, David Churchil. I 1755. John, son of Stoddord. Elizabeth Stoddord. Wife of David Wool- Ann, wife of Samuel Violet, negro woman. The aged Mr. Chester. Wid. Sarah Whaples. 1756. Dr. Joseph An- 114 Jan. 26. George, infant son of Josiah At wood, jr. Jan. 31. Curtis, son of Joshua Andi-us. March 12. Jonathan, infant child of Nathaniel Kircum. "March 1 .3. Mrs. Mercy Lamb. May 31. Jonathan Blin. June 15. Enos, son of . July 23. Benajah Andrus. July 25. Hannah, wife of Amos Hurlbut. Aug. 7. Lt. Richard Bordtnan. Sometime in May, I think, died Josiah, infant son of Amos Hurlbut. Aug. 15. Nathaniel Stoddord. Aug. 20. Mary, wife of William Wells. Oct. 26. Rosel, son of Bevil Seymour. Nov. 3. Elisha Andrus. March 10, 1757. Dea. Josiah Willard. Aug. 2. Samuel Hun. Aug. 24. Pelatiah Buck, jr. 72. Aug. 31. Jonathan Stoddord. Sept. 13. Mr. Ehphalet Whit- tlesey. Nov. 4. Wid. Sarah Stoildord, daughter of Josiah Atwood. Jan. 17, 1758. Josiah Atwood. March 22. The aged Mr. Whit- tlesy. June 6. Silvia, daughter of Ste- phen Deming. Aug. 14. Leonard, son of Ste- phen Deming. Sept. 10. Irene, wife of William Andrus. Sept. 16. Atwood. Sept. 23. Anne. — wife of Jedediah My second daughter Jan. 7, 1759. John Bordman. •Jan. 13. Amos, infant son of Amos Hurlbut. May 31. Mary Willard. June 2. Martha, wife of Henry Kircum. June 17. Was buried an infant child of Josiah Atwood, un- baptised. June 2G. Nathaniel Kircum, being in the public service at Fort Edward.* June — . Samuel Wriglit, in the army. Aug. 26. Lt. Ebenr. Kilborn. Sept. 10. Cloe, daughter of the widow Buck, relict of Pelatiah Buck, jr. Oct. 8. Joseph Kellogg. Feb. 24, 1760. Anne, infant daughter of Amos Hurlbut. May 23. The Wid. Saraii An- drus. And same day buried a still-born child of Thomas Francis. May 26. Simeon, infant son of Stephen Kellogg. Oct. — . A child of Tliomas Wright. Nov. 7. Buiied, a still-born child of Robert Wells, jr. Nov. 27. Jacob Way. Dec. 5. Nathaniel, infant son of Elijah liircum. Dec. 13. Thode Seymour, wiih the !-mall-pox. Feb. 20, 1761. Zebu Ion Stod- dord buried. Sarah, infant daughter of William Andrus. And Bethsheba, daughter of Jede- diah Atwood. Who all died in one night. March 24. Joel Jones. April 9. Buried, an infant child * Fort Edward was on the site of the present village of Fort Edward, in Wa.sh- ington county, New York, on the east side of Hudson river, about 45 miles north from Albany. It was erected by the iroops undei' the command of Gen Lyman, in the summer of 1 75.5, who were jussembled at the " carryinq-plarn " between Hud- sou River and l>ako George, being the (loint where, in the expeditions against Canada, in the French war, the troops and stores were landed, and thence carried to Wood Creek, 12 miles, where they were again embarked. 115 of Mr. David Webster, iinbap- tized. April 19. Lydia, wife of William Buck. {lllegibk.) May 1 . Dea. John Deming, 82 yrs. May 1 2. Hannah, child of July 2. Child of Charles Chur- chil. July 27. My eldest daughter, Martha. Aug. 12. Mr. Josiah Deming, 73 years. Aug. 13. Was buried an infant child of Jonathan Stoddord, un- baptized. Dec. 21. Orrin, infant son of Elijah Kircurn. July 24, 1 7 62. Ruth, daughter of Amos Hurlbut. Dec. 29. Elizabeth, dau. of Eli- jah Stoddord. Jan. 10. 1763. Peter, negro. March 13. Cloe Willard. Aug. 29, 1764. Wid. Prudence Bobbins. Oct. 3. Buried, still-born child of John Squires. Nov. 26. Wid. Grace Goodrich. May 30, 1765. Timothy Andrus. May, 1766. A child of Ebenr. Goodrich. July 1 or 2. A child of Billy Blin. Dec. 23. Buried, a still-born child of Lr. W . April 2.5, 1767. Hannali, wife of Wm. Blin. April 29. The aged Mrs. Chit- teuton. June 20. Rosetta, daughter of John Squires. July 21. Ensign Samuel Chur- chil, of a — Aug. 24. Stephen Kellogg, sud- denly, by a f — Sept. 24. Buried, still-born child of Ensign Da — Feb. 24, 1768. Infant child of Joel, negro. March 18. Gamaliel, infant son of Sherman Bordman. May 3. Lorania, daugh. of Ben- jamin Andrus. May 21. Reuben, negro. Fuller, suddeidy, at Capt. Churchil's. Nov. 22. Child of Ann Kellogg, immature birth. Dec. 24. Wid. Deming, relict of Dea. Jon. Deming. Dec. 28. Wid. Bordman, relict of R. Bordman. Feb. 26, 1769. Wid Camp, re- lict of Capt. Camp. July 1. Infant child of Jemima Hun. Oct. 1. Mercy Knowles. Jan. 4, 1770. Elijah Atwood. May 19. Dora, aged negro woman, about 90. June — . Infant child of Eli Tryon, unbaptized. Nov. 25. Johv, son of Sherman Bordman. Dec. 15. Infant child of Asa Andrus. April 23, 1771. Aged Eliz. Wool cot. Sept. 22. Aged Wid. Stoddord. Nov. 6. Wid. Hannaii Deming, above 70. Feb. 22, 1772. The wife of Fitch Hurlbut, by a f— May 12. Infant child of Louis— Aug. 31. , the wife of Joseph The original manuscript containing these church records is without covers, and about the size of a school writing-book. The p.aper coarse and unruled. The leaves worn and frayed. The writing very fine and very mucli crowded. The first and last le.ives have evidently become detached, and are lost As the " ad- missions to communion " stand first in the record the commencement of those 116 entries is gone, and as " deaths " stand :it the close, these entries are lost after the date Aug. 31,1 772. It appears, hy a memorandum on one of the leaves, that these records were delivered to Mr. Biiue, October 16, 1812, aljout a year before Mr. Belden's death. They have probably remained at the parsonage ever since, till quite recently. CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH. (/« the time of Mr. Belden.') You believe, That there is one only living and true God, the Almighty Maker and constant Preserver of Heaven and Earth, the rightful Supreme Lord over all. Tiiat in God there are three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, who are the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice. You believe, Tiiat God made man, at first, in a holy and happy state ; that all mankind, by their apostacy from and rebellion against God, have exposed themselves to his wrath and curse, have fallen into a state of sin and misery, and are utterly unable to deliver and save themselves ; but that God, out of the infinite riches of his free grace, sent his only begotten son into the world, to be a Saviour, to die, the just for the unjust, tliat He might bring us to God ; and that He has graciously made a promise of pardon and eternal life, and all the saving benefits of the Redeemer's purchase to all that sincerely repent of their sins, believe in, heartily receive, and rest upon Christ for salvation, as He is offered in the Gospel, who, at the last great day being raised from the dead, shall be adjudged to eternal life, Init all others to everlasting punishment. And you do now, so far as in you lies, make choice of the living God for your God, your Sovereign Lord and portion forever ; of God the father for your father, of Christ the Son of God for your Saviour and Redeemer, and of the Holy Ghost for your Sanctifier and Comforter, and of the Word of God for the rule of your belief and practice.* *Jnly 21, 1819. At a special meeting of the church in Newington, at the house of the pastor. Opened witli prayer. After mature consideration it was voted, — 117 And you do now openly and solemnly dedicate and give up yourself and yours to God, to be wholly and forever liis, to be guided by his spirit, to be ruled by his laws, to be dis- posed of by his Providence, and to be eternally saved in the Gospel way ; promising, by the assistance of the blessed Spirit, that you will live soberly, righteously, and Godly all the days of your life ; and, as the ordinary way of God's conveying grace and the blessings of the Redemption to the souls of men, is in and by his word and ordinances, you will make it your care and study to walk by this rule, to attend upon God and draw near to him in all the ordinances of the Gospel and ways of His institution, herein joining yourself with this church so long as God, in his providence, shall give you opportunity, submitting yourself to the watch, discipline, and government of Christ, therein regularly administered, that so you may be edified and built up unto eternal life. Thus you profess and promise, giving your unfeigned assent and consent.f We do then receive you into our Christian communion and fellowship, praying that both you and we may find grace to be faithful. That the practice of demanding confessions of sins committed previously to a person's proposing to join tlie church be discontinued, and that Instead of partic- ular confession of individual sins, there be a clause expressive of general repent- ance, introduced into the covenant of personal dedication to God, viz. : — " You do also m.ake a solemn confession of all your past sins ; you jirofess repentance before God, and promise amendment of life." (This clause is inserted at this point in the covenant, as copied into the pulpit Bible by Dr. Br.ice. There is no record of any action of the church making other changes during Dr. Brace's ministry. — R. W.) tin the copy in the pulpit Bible these last six words are omitted ; also some other verbal alterations and omissions appear, among which m;iy be mentioned the omLssion of the clause added to the covenant in whicli the church recognize new members. This omission was supplied by vote of the church passed Feb. 28, 1857, as follows : — " Voted, That the following words be added to the covenant, by which the church will recognize new members — 'We, the members of this church, do now receive you into our fellowship, promising, through Divine help, to observe towards yon all the duties which the Gospel enjoins upon us as mem- bers of the one body of the Lord.' " This vote was passed at the suggestion of Dr. Brace's successor iu the pastoral office, Rev. William P. Aiken. APPENDIX. IMPORTANT DATES. Dec. 20, 1708. Town meeting. Committee appointed to consider the petition of the West inhabitants to be a distinct parish. Dec. 14, 1709. Town meeting. Power of committee continued. Dec. 18, 1710. Town meeting. West inhabitants authorized to hold meetings among themselves four months in a year, released from a third of the minister's rates. Dec. 24, 1712. Town meeting. Petition for a distinct parish granted by tlie town. May 14, 1713. Petition to the General Assembly to confirm the grant. May 15, 1713. Remonstrance of the Beckleys. May — , 1713. General Assembly grant the charter. April 4,1715. Society meeting. Committee appointed " to endeavor an exchange " of territory. April 7, 1 715. Farmington proprietors consent to the exchange. April 11, 1715. First Society of Farmington also consent. May — , 1715. Petition to the General Assembly to confirm the ex- change. May 13, 1715. Beckleys execute a bond, which is lodged in the Secre- tary's office. May — , 1715 General Assembly appoint a committee " to go upon the place," consider the subject of an exchange, and report. Oct. — , 1715. Committee report in favor of the exchange. " " General Assembly accept the report and confirm the ex- change, annexing the Bcckley quarter to the Great Swamp Society, and the Stanley quarter to New- ington. April 5, 1716. First Society meeting recorded, Josiah Willard chosen clerk. First meeting house raised that month. Dec. 15, 1718. West Society first called Newington in the record of this meeting. Jan. 15, 1719. Society vote to call a minister to preach till last of March, 1720. Committee appointed to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Burn- ham. April 6, 1720. Society appoint a committee to treat with Mi-. Elisha Williams. Aug. 5, 1720. Dec. 21, 1720. May- May 10, 25, 1721. Feb. 8> 1722. Sept. 5, 1722. Oct. 3, 1722. Oct. Dec. 17, 31, 1722. 1723. May 22 1 724. Oct. ^ 1725. 119 Society make choice of Rev. Elisha Williams as their minister. Mr. Williams' settlement fixed at £170. Salary £50 a year. Society vote to petition the General Assembly for relief. General Assembly grant relief, and name the Society Newington. Society vote to build a pulpit, a deacon seat, and finish lower part of meeting house. Society vote to put in windows above as well as below in meeting house. Fast. Church organized, preliminary to ordination of Mr. Williams. Rev. Elisha Williams ordained. Drum to be purchased. First school committee ap- pointed. The trustees of Yale College make conditional choice of Mr. Williams as rector. The trustees report to the Assembly their unanimous choice of Mr. Williams as rector, and ask aid for the parish, which is granted. May 4, 1726. Committees of the College and Society agree that New- ington should receive £200 16s. for the removal of Mr. Williams to the College. May 12, 1726. Trustees petition Assembly for help again. Granted. May 25, 1726. Rev. Simon Backus called to preach on probation. June 1, 1726. Mr. Russel, jun., of Middletown, to be invited to preach on probation ; if he decline, then Mr. Backus to be invited. Aug. 24, 1 726. Rev. Simon Backus called to be the minister. Sept. 7, " He accepts the call. Settlement, £175. Salary, £70 to £90. Nov. 4, 1726. Trustees of Yale College pay the Society's committee £200 16s. Jan. 11, 1727. Fast, preliminary to ordination of Mr. Backus. Jan. 25, " Mr. Backus ordained. May 16, 1732. The Society petition the Assembly for relief for their minister. Not granted. Dec. 16, 1734. The society vote to finish the meeting house. Oct. — , 1 745. The Governor and Council impowered to appoint a chap- lain to the forces in garrison at Louisburg. Mr. Backus appointed afterwards. March 15, 1746. Mr. Backus dies at Louisburg, while at his post as chap- lain. May 8, 1746. Mrs. Eunice Backus petitions the Assembly for relief for the loss of her husband in the public service. Granted. May 10, 1747. Rev. Joshua Belding began to preach for the society. June 15, 1747. Society vote to call him as their minister. Nov. — , 1747. Fast, a few days before Mr. Belding's ordination. Nov. 11, " Mr. Belding ordained. May 12, 1748. Josiah Deming, as agent of the society, petitions the Assembly for relief for the loss of their minister in the public service. £150 granted, in bills of credit. May — , 1754. The Stanley quarter annexed to the new society of New Britain, and Beckley quarter confirmed to Kensing- ton for a consideration. 120 Oct. — , 1757. Beckley quarter incorporated as a school district. Oct. — •, 1772. WorthingtOQ society organised, including Beckley quar- ter. March 23, 1774. Society vote to lease the parsonage for 999 years. April 6, 1 7 74. Mr. Belding releases to the society his right to the par- sonage. March 10, 1783. Society vote to be divided into three school disti'icts. April 14, " Society approve of the division of districts reported by committee. April 29, " Society vote to build two school houses at the north and south ends. Dec. 6, 1784. Society vote to petition town to buy land of Capt. Kel- logg, for a green. May, 1794. Certain territory adjoining Worthington, annexed to that society " for parochial purpose merely." Oct. 3, 1796. Last votes of the society on the subject of schools. Aug. 28, 1797. Final vote to erect and finish a meeting house on the green. Nov. — , 1803. Mr. Belden ceases from pastoral duties. Oct. 7, 1804. Ml-. Joab Brace begins to preach. Nov. 19, 1804. Society vote to call him as theu- minister. Dec. 3, 1804. Committee give him a formal call. Dec. 1 7, " He accepts in a formal answer. Jan. 9, 1805. Fast, preliminary to his ordination. Jan. 16, 1805. He is ordained. THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEWINGTON.* Prior to the year 1 700, an excellent tract of land lying west of the mountain, and known by the name of " Cowplain," was in the almost ex- clusive possession of the Indians. It was the residence of Sequin, the Sachem of the Wcthci-sfield tribe, which at that time was numerous. The increase of poimlaticjii in tlii^ old town, and the consequent advance in the value of real estate, rendered removals necessary for a livelihood, and in- duced five men to commence the settlement of this part of the town. Tlie names of three of these adventurous persons were Andrus, and the others Steel and Hun. The house of one of the Andruses stood a few rods south of the Congregational meeting house, that of Steel near the spot now occupied by the academy, and that of Hun in the north part of the parish. Tlie house of Andrus was fortified and surrounded by a high wall, to guai-d against attacks of foreign Indians (those in the neighl)orhood being fricmlly disposed). To this fortress they, with their families, retired every iiiLiliI, ninl slc'|p| n|ii>u their arms. They were, however, never attacked by iIh ii ^nvi.;.' iiuMiiics. The tract of land they settled being large and bi.:blv pi'iiiliiciiv', lliey were soon joined l)y others, and in a few years grew into a considerable and prosperous settlement. * Tliesc extracts are taken, by permission of Dr. Trumbull, from a manuscript history of Wctliersficlil, written by Hczekiah Beklcn, Esq., and dcpositod Nov. 8, 1855, (after his deatli,) in the rooms ot the Historical Society, at Hartford. I was not aware of the existence of the manuscript till after the preceding pages were in press. R. W. 121 THE FIRST MINISTER OF NEWINGTON. Mr. Williams was tlio son of the Kuv. William Williams of" Hatfield — lirotLer of tlie Hon. Israel Williams aiiJ the llev. Solomon Williams, D. D. His mother was the daughter of the Kev. Solomon Stoddaid of Northamp- ton. He was educated at Harvard College, graduating in 1711. From this time until his st^tllement at Newingtou, it is probable he resided on his estate in Wethersliold. He married Eunice, daughter of Mr. Thomas Chester, February 2od, 1714, by whom he had six children, Eunice, Eli- slia, Samuel, William, Mary, and Anne, — two of whom only, Elisha and Mary, survived their father. * * * * His administration of the government of Yale College is spoken of as highly creditable to himself, and beneficial to the institution. Prudent and energetic in government, " he suppressed the vice and disorder that had long prevailed — introduced many salutary and beneficial rules, and culti- vated, among the graver studies that had before almost exclusively occu- jiied the attention of the students, a taste for useful and polite literature." Among the distinguished graduates during his presidency, were President Wheelock, President Burr, Dr. Bellamy, Chief Justice Dyer, and Philip and William Livingston. It was in the same time that Bishoj) Berkley, pleased with the character of the College, and having ascertained by cor- respondence with Rector Williams, what was most necessary for its improvement, made several donations to it, among which were a thousand volumes of books, " the finest collection that ever came together, at one time, into America." President Williams retaitied his oflice for thirteen years, when he re- signed on account of ill health, with undiminished (luster V) and the "hearty thanks of the trustees for his good service." The office which he relinquished was one of high distinction, and gave him a station in soci- ety, above which, few in the country, not of royal appointment, were more elevated. * » « * In 1 745 we find him attending the ehivalric expedition against Cape Bre- ton, in the capacity of chajilain. The following year he was appointed a Lieut. Colonel in Col. Joseph Dwight's Regiment, raised for the proposed expedition against Canada. The pious and faithful pastor, the accom- pli.shed College President, the speaker of a popular assembly, the learned juilge, the itinerant army chaplain, is hereafter known under his new designation of Colonel. At Louisburg his counsel was valued. " If you find any difiiculty," writes Thomas Cushing to a friend having business there, " take advice of Col. Choate and Rector Williams." .In his regi- ment, he was efficient and popular. AVhen the Canada expedition was abandoned, there was delay in the jiayment of the officers and men, and in December, 1749, Col. Williams for the purpose of procuring a settle- ment was sent to England and effected the object of his mission. While in England he formed an acquaintance with a lady of superior accomplishments. Miss Scott, daughter of the Rev. Timothy Scott of Nor- wich, and sister of the Rev. Thomas Scott, the well-known writer of com- mentaries on the Bible, who married and accompanied him to America. In England he also became known to many persons of distinction. Dr. Doddridge, with whom he formed an intimate acquaintance, describes him as possessing " an ardent sense of religion, solid learning, consummate prudence, great candor and sweetness of temper, and a certain nobleness of soul, capable of conceiving and acting the greatest things without seeming to be conscious of having done them." After his return from England the remainder of his life was spent in the enjoyment of well earned I'epose at Wethersfield. Ho died July 24th, 175.5, in the (ilst year of his age. Mrs. Williams afterwards became the wife of the Hon. \Villiam Smith, historian of New York, Snd died in Wetbersfield, June 13th, 1776. 16 122 It has been truly said that " so great a variety of honorable occu])a^ tions successively discharged is rarely recorded," as iu the case of Elisha Williams. On a tablet inscribed to his memory is the foUowinp; memorial of him : " The Hon. Col. Elisha Williams shined in excelling gifts of nature, learning and grace. In benevolence universal. Firm in friendship; in conversation pleasant and instructive ; in lleligion sincere, unallectcd, cheerful, truly humble, jjatient ; fearless in the cause of God and truth ; a pattern of conjugal and parental allection and humanity, a wise, great, and good man; 5 years he was an honor to the ministry in Ncwington, i:! years Yale College llourished under his pious, learned, faithful instruction and government, the glory of the College and ornament of his Country. He, after, filled and adorned several civil and military characters. Heaven claimed what was immortal that glad obeyed and dropped hero the dust till Jesus comes. Obiit, 24 July, 1 755. iEtatis Gl mo. THE SECOND MINISTER. Mr. Backus graduated at Yale College in 1724. Oct 1, 1729, he mar- ried Eunice, daughter of Rev. Timothy Edwards of East Windsor, and sister of the first President Edwards, by whom he had seven children, Clorinda, Eunice, Elizabeth — married IJaniel Bissell of East Windsor ; Esther, married Benjamin Ely of West Springfield, Simon married Rachel Mosley of East Iladdam, and was settled in the ministry at Granby, Mass.. and then at North M , where he died a pauper, Jeru- sha, married Smith Bailey, Mary died unmarried as did the two eldest daughters. THE THIRD MINISTER. The Rev. Joshua Belden was the second son of Mr. Silas Belden, and born in Wethersfield, July 19, 1724. His mother Abigail was the daugh- ter of Mr. Joshua Kobbins of WetluTsfield. He was educated at Y'ale College, graduating in 1743. He was a plain practical preacher of Evan- gelical truth and " shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God." A uuin scrupulously conscientiou.s, of deep humility, and of devoted and ardent jiiity. He was married twice. First to Mrs. Anne Belden of Wetlurslirld, by whom he had ten children, nine daughters and one son. Four of the daughters died in early life, Abigail born Aug. 10, 1754, mar- ried Mr. James Lusk of Ncwington. Mary born Dec. 9, 1755, married Mr. Justus Francis of Ncwington. Anne, a mute, born July 7, 1 759. Martha born July 24, 1761, married Doct. Joseph Lynde of Hartford. Octavia born Oct. 27, 1763, married Rev. Nathaniel Gaylord of llartland. Rhoda born May 29, 1766, married llev. Silas Churchill of New Lebanon, N. Y. JoshuS born March 29, 1 768, married Dorothy, daughter of Mr. Lemuel Whittlesey of Ncwington. For his second wife, Mr. Belden on the 14th Nov., 1774. married Mrs. Honor Whiting, widow of Cajit. Charles AVhiting of Norwich, and daughter of Mr. Ilezekiah Goodrich of Wethersfield, by whom he had one son, Ileze- kiah, born Feb. 17, 1778, married Harriet Halstcd Lyon, daughter of Underhill Lyon, Esq., of Rye, N. Y. Of the nuuicrous family of Mr. Bel- den, five only survived him, four of his youngest daughters, an5 was incorpor- *As this road is a main thoroughfiire, and as it is importan t to preserve the ancient land marks, the decree of the court laying out the road is worthy of an insertion at this place. It is as follows : " On the Petition of Joshua Belden and others praying for highways in New- ington society in Wethersficld, leading to Hartford, hy ])etition on file, dated Fchiiuiry 28, 1807, the case was continued to this term, the committee in the case laid before the court thoir report in these words. " To the honorahlc (bounty Court to be holden at Hartford, within and for the county of Hartford, on the second Tuesday of August, 1807. The suhseriliers a|)pointed by your honors a Committee on the petition of Joshua Belden, Jr., E.^q., and others, inhabitants of the parish of Newington in the town of Wcthersfield, to view, and, if judged by said Committee expedient, lay out a highway from near tlic dwelling house of said Joshua Belden, Jr., to the south line of the town of Hartford, in such direc- tion as would best accommodate the travel from said Newiiigton to the city of Hartford, or to alter the present traveled roads in a manner most convenient to the public, and least injurious to private property, and report make to the then or some future .session of said court, l)eg leave to report — Tliat having given legal notice of the time, place, and purpose of our meeting we met at the liouse of deacon Wells in said Newington on the 25th day of June last and from thence proceeded to view the several roads leading from near the house of said .Toshua Belden, Jr., Esq., mentioned in the bill in form a])i)oiiiting said Committee, with the intermediate ground from the west street in said Newington to the mountain; and upon a full view and hearing of those concerned your Committee were clearly Committee under oath. SASinEL Pitkin, ) The court accept said rejiort of Committee whereupon it is considered by the court that the highways, as by said Committee laid out or widened, be anil the same are established public highways, and that the same he opened by the 20th day of June next, and that said town of Wetliersfield pay to the individuals the damages assessed to them by said Committee in said report by the 20th day of June next, and that the Petitioners recover of. said town of Wethorstield, Cost taxed at 28 Dollars 13 cents. Execution granted for said Cost August 22d, 1807." The above'is copied from the Records of the County Court, in the book of records Irom August, 1803 to December, 1809, in that part of the book containing 126 has greater facilities of access to tlic capital of the state; midway between the two great emporiums Boston and New York, an hour's ride to New Haven, it is an eligible location for speedy egress and ingress and for quiet residence. There have been four public libraries in Newington, "The Nevvington Library," " The Charity Library," " Tlie Social Library," and "The Young Men's Library." 1. The Newington Library is the most ancient, and is sup- posed to have been purchased hy the Ecclesiastical Society in its early days. Tlierc was formerly a small tax levied on those who used the ])OoIcs. 2. The Charity Library was a gift to the Society from Jedediah Deming, as has already appeared. It consisted of religious works almost entirely. It was free to all. Tlie books were usually exchanged on lecture days. Simon Wells was for many years the lilirarian. Some l)ooks of tliese two libraries still remain. ■'>. The Social Library was of miicli later date. It belonged to individuals, and was destroyed i)y fire with the house of the late Roger Welles in October, 18r)5. 4. The Young Men's Library was also the fruit of indi- vidual enterprise, instituted by the young men of the genera- tion of Gen. Martin Kellogg and Capt. Daniel Willard. That library is supposed no longer to exist as a library. Tlie books are probably dispersed or lost. When Dr. Brace was settled there was in Connecticut a union of church and state. Every ecclesiastical society hav- ing territorial limits was considered to be, and was in fact, a municipal and public coi-poration. And every individual the record of the doings of the County Court for Hartford County at the August term, 1807, being a little past the middle of the book, there being no paging. It is (juite probable that the green taken from Mrs. Jemima Welles' land was to make it eonform to the green opened east of the Burying ground not long before. The following vote which appears to have been passed at a town meeting held December 26, 1798, .appanntly .authorizes the opening this green. "At this meeting the selectmen who were apjiointed in April last to view the ground near the meeting house in the society of Newiugton, Reported, that in tiieir opinion it would be proper to lay out a highway four rods wide across the west end of Unni llobbins's lot adjoining tlic bm'ying ground, — Voted, that this meeting do accejit the report. Voted, that the selectmen be directed to view the road to Newington, and to straight(m it by crossing the corners of certain lots, which they arc hereby authorized lo purchase of iuilividuals and .so open the road." 127 residing witliin the limits of any such society was considei'ed by tlie law as luucli a memljer of it, as each resident of a town was deemed its inhabitant. When the State Constitu- tion was adopted in 1818, it was ordained in that instrnment that every person then belonging to any religious association should remain a member thereof until he should have sepa- rated therefrom by leaving a written notice thereof with the clerk of such society, after which time he sliould be no longer liable for any future expenses incurred by such society. Our ecclesiastical society was established with local limits more than a hundred years before the adoption of the state consti- tution, and was not by tliat instrument or by subsequent leg- islation divested of its local character. It still lias its local limits the same as in the days of our fathers. Consequently all the residents of Nevvington, who have not formally sepa- rated themselves from the society, who were residents at tlie time of the adoption of the constitution in 1818, are now members of the society. Tlie members of this class formerly constituted almost the entire body of the society, but time has thinned their ranks, a few only ai'e left, and soon they too will have passed away forever. The society consists now almost wholly of those who have been voted in as members, whose previous voluntary assent tliereto would be implied ; and those also who have accepted office in the society, their assent would be implied, they treat themselves as members and so hold tliemselves out to the world; probably also those who vote and participate in the meetings of the society, their vol- untary association would be implied. Memberships, being no longer coercive but voluntary, must be determined in tlie light of these principles. The school society of Newington was organized as early as 1797 ; it was continued as an organization during tlie entire ministry of Dr. Brace, but did not long survive it: in July, 1856, the General Assembly passed an act abolisliing school societies, and vesting their property in the towns. As early as May, 1799, an act was passed providing — " That each school society shall have full power to divide itself into proper and necessary districts, for keeping their schools." 128 (Rev. Stat. 1808, p. 581, sec. 1.) IJjider this autliurity the school society of Newiugton, in 1835, passed a vote creating a new district, called the South Bast School District, as follows : " Voted, That there be a new district formed from the present South district in Newington, to be called the South- east district. The nortli line of said district to run an east and west course from tlie Southwest district, ten rods north of the liouse in which Reuben Whaples now lives ; thence east to the Wethersfiold line, and to include all the inhabi- tants living south of said north line, in Newington school society." This made the fourth school district in Newington, three having been previously created by authority of the ecclesiasti- cal society, as already related.* In 1829 an association was formed by twenty-five of the prominent men of the society, called " the Newington Educa- tion Company," for the purpose of building an academy for a * When the school society was abolished in 185G, the record liook disap- peared. This is much to be regretted, as it contained valuable records wliich can not be replaced. The vote i;iven in the text, however, was fortunately pre- served, as also the following document establishing the lines between the socie- ties of Newington and Wortliington : " We, the school society's conimitlee of Wortliington and Newington, with the assistance of Loton Porter, County Surveyor, liave run out anil cstablisbcil the lines betwixt said societies in the following manner, to wit: Hcginuing at the northwest corner of David Ivclscy'.-; farm, on town line he_twixt Wetherslicld and Berlin, near his dwelling-house, we ran a line on the north side of saiil Kclscy's farm, north 89j° east, to a highway, where we found a stone jilaced in the ground betwixt Anion KicJiards ami Oliver Kichaids, thence continuini; the same course to the Hartford and New Haven tiirnjiike, where we creeled a stone monument betwixt Oliver Kichanis and Samuel Steele, thence continuing the same course (lo) the bigbwav leading from Newington, and erected a stone mon- ument, marked on one side W. and on the other N. ; thence southerly by the said last highway one hundred and forty -one rods to the Berlin corner. JOSEPH SAVACiK, J Cer Inventory, - - - - $170 82 House $-25. Barn $100. 39 Acres, homo lot, at S38, Si482, ^ Sl,807.00 43 acres east side highway at f28, 7 do. Belden Lot, $50.— $3.50 -= Sl,5.")4.00 6 acres ledge lot at $30, ...... . Daniel ,Willard and Lowrey Robbins be a committee to devise togethe'" upon the best method of raising the sura necessary to meet the expense* of this society the ensuing year, and report to the ne.xt meeting." At a meeting held Nov. 18, 1824, " Report of a committee appointed the last meeting to devise some plan, &e., received and acted upon. REPORT. Tlie committee appointed by the society to devise a plan to raise the sum of 375 dollars, to defray the expenses of the society the ensuing year, having investigated the subject according to the best of their abilities, and availed themselves of such information and advice as they have had opportunity to obtain, beg leave to submit the following report. Although no plan has been suggested to your committee entirely free from objection , the following measures appear to them the best adapted to accomplish the desired object. Let the pews in the meeting house be sold at auction for one year, the highest bidder being entitled to a choice of pews, with one e-xception, viz., that when the purchaser has chosen his pew the auctioneer sliall make known to the meeting which pew has been chosen, and shall proceed to offer said pew for sale to any person or com- panj' who will bid more, and if no person shall offer more for the pew, it shall belong to the person or company to whom it was struck off; and when two or more persons shiU purchase the same pew they shall inform the clerk of the meeting of the names and the sum each individual is to pay for the pew. If a less sum than 375 dollars should be raised from the sale of the pews, your committee would recommend that the deficiency he mide up by a tax on the property of such persons as are willing to be taxed for that purpose. It is further recommended that a committee of three, that is, one in each district, be appointed to inquire of all the persons who are possessed of taxable property, whether they will or will not be taxed to make up said deficiency, then the committee shall proceed to find the amount bid for pews by those persons who did not consent to be taxed, which sum shall be deducted from the 375 dollars, and the remaining part shall be the sum to be raised by a tax on the property of those persons who give their consent to be taxed, and whatever sum any person has bid for his pew shall be applied towards the payment of his tax. The above report is respectfully submitted, (Signed) AMOS ANDRUS, DANIEL WILLARD, LOWRKY ROBBINS. " Voted, That Roger AVelles, Allen Stoddard, and Jedediah Deniing, he a committee to obtain the names of those who are willing to be taxed." " Voted, That the pews in the meeting house be sold according to a report of a committee, on the 24th of instant Nov., at 1 o'clock P. M." " Voted, That Gen. Martin Kellogg be auctioneer on the day of the sale of the pews." At a meeting held April 3d, 1826, " Voted, That this society receive with cratitude the very generous donation lately made them by Mr. Amos Andriis, deceased, and comply with the requisitions of his will."* " Voted, That the society's committee be directed to borrow 400 dollars, and that they pay to Mrs. Lydia, the wife of Horace (Joodwin, 300 dollars, * Amos Andrus died Feb. 21, 1826, he was treasurer of the society at the time, the vacancy was supplied at this meeting hy the election of Roger Welles to that otlice, who was annually re-appointed till he roignert in 1845, when John M. Belden was appointed, who was continued till 1873. 137 and to Mrs. Hannah, the wife of Phineas Hurlbut, 100 ilollars, and take receipts therefor as a legacy from Mr. Amos Andrus deceased." " Voted, That Messrs. Levi Deming, Martin Kellogg, Jr., and Joseph Camp, be appointed to superintend the erecting a fence to enclose a piece of wood land lately given to this society by Mr. Amos Andrus deceased, and to see that it is kept in repair."* At a meeting held Nov. 6, 1827, Voted, That the society's committee with the agent be directed to devise some plan for the payment of the debts the society owes, and report at the next meeting." At a meeting held Nov. 20,1827. The committee presented the follow- ing report. " The committee appointed by the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington to devise measures for the extinguishment of said society's debts beg leave to report. That they have examined the wood lot belonging to the soci- ety, to ascertain whether it would be policy to sell the wood to pny said debts, and they find that most of the wood is thrifty growing timber. There is about two acres at the east end of said lot that is rather on the decay, your committee would recommend to have sold as soon as it can be disjiosed of to advantage. There are a few trees about the woods that are growing worse, they think it best to sell, and the money applied to extinguish said debt. They would also recommend that all the avails of the land over one hundred dollars a year be applied for the same purpose, and that whenever the sale of wood and the extra avails of the land shall not amount to one hundred dollars, there be taken from the avails so much as shall enable the society to pay 100 dollars a year until they shall extinguish their debt." " Voted, That the report of a committee appointed the last meeting to to devise some plan for the extinguishment of the debts of this society be accepted." " Voted, Mr. Uzziel Lattimer, with the agent, be appointed to dispose of the wood, according to the report of a committeee in the best manner they can. At a meeting held Nov. 4, 1828, " Voted, That the society's committee Extract from will of Amos Andrus. *" Item 5th, I give and bequeath to the Ecclesiastical society of Newington in connection with the Congregational Church of the Calvinistic or orthodox sen- timents, a farm situate in said town of WetliersfieUl, known by the name of the Wright lot, together with a piece of land containing about four acres situate at the east end of said Wright farm, the rent of which, if unsold, to be appropri- ated to the use and benefit of said society, either in building or repairing a place for the worship of God, or for the support of the gospel. And provided that three fourths of the members of said society shall be in favor of selling said pro- perty, the avails shall be added to the funds of said society, and the interest only be appropriated to the iibove said objects. And also I give and bequeath to said ecclesiastical society one piece of land situate in said town, known hy the name of Vexation lot, containing about forty-two acres, partly wood land and partly clear, on the following conditions, to wit: that said society enclose the wood land within fifteen months from and after the day in which the society shall be put in possession of said lot, and ever keep it enclosed under the inspection of a com- mittee appointed for that purpose. And that said society pay to my sister Lydia Goodwin three hundred dollars, and to my sister Hannah Hurlbut one hundred dollars. If the said society comply with the above mentioned conditions, the said lot is to be for their use with liberty to sell the clear land if three fourths of said society judge best. If said society do not comply with said terms then the land will revert to my heirs according to l.tw." Executed Feb. 20, 1826. His estate was appraised March 8, 1825, at $11,- 938.43. 18 138 be authorized to receive proposals from some persons for ringing the bell and to officiate as sexton the year ensuing."* At a meeting held Nov. 21, ]828, " Voted, That William Deming and Dosithens Hubbard be a committee to settle -with Mr. Roger AVelles, an agent appointed to purcliase a bell, and apply the balance if there may be any to repairs and ringing the bell as they think best.f " Voted, That the society's committee be directed to employ some suita- ble person to ring the bell the year ensuing at 12 o'clock and at 9, and on the Sabbath. " Voted, That Col. Joseph Camp, Roger Welles, and Dea. Levi Deming, be a committee to view the Wright farm, so called, and receive proposals from any person, vpho would wish to buy .said farm, and report at some future meeting." At a meeting held Nov. 2, 1830, " Voted, That Col. Joseph Camp, Capt. Daniel Willard, and Dea. Levi Deming be a committee to confer with a committee of the school society of Newington, to make some arrangement about the division of the public moneys belon<:ing to the two societies." At a meeting held Nov. 16, 1830, " Voted, That a report of a committee on the public moneys be accepted." '• REPORT. " The committee appointed by this society to confer with a similar com- mittee of the school society for the purpose of investigating the situ- ation of the funds belonging to the two societies, and to ascertain in what manner a division of said funds can be best eflected, beg leave to report " That they have carefully attended to the duties of their appointment, and find that the sources from which our Ecclesiastical and school funds are derived are as follows : " 1. The parsonage money, received from the sale of 50 acres of land granted by the town of Wethersfield to the society of Newington for the benefit of the Ecclesiastical society in said place. This part of the fund we find to be $1,718.0(1. " 2. The loan money, derived from the sales of land in certain townships in the western part of the state, done by authority of the Legislature, and appropriated exclusively for the benefit of schools. This part of the fund we find to be S279.23. " 3. 77ie excise money, accruing from certain imposts or duties paid on the importation of goods, which was apjiropriated by the legislature for the support of schools. This part of the fund amounts to $168.58. "4. The Kensington money. This was paid by the town (society) of Ken- sington to the society of Newington, as a compensation ibr that portion of said society which was annexed to Kensington, and now belon'j;s to the society of Worthington. This part of the fund amounts to $195.40. " 5. After the termination of the late war with Great Britain, Connecti- cut received of the United States dollars as a remuneration in part for expenses incurred by the State during the war, which sum the Legis- lature apportioned among the several religious societies in the State. Of this money the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington received $70.33. " 6. The sum of $500.00, which the Ecclesiastical society received for the relinquishment of its claim to the estate of Ro.sanna Deming, deceased. " 7. The bequest of the late Mr. Amos Andrus, deceased. As this pro- perty consists wholly of real estate, no estimation of its worth has been made by your committee. *This is the first mention of a church bell. Sec Dr. Brace's Dis., p. 42. tThc agent went to Albany for the bell and transported it from there to New- ington with Ids own team. That was liefoR' the time of railroads. 139 " With regard to the several items which compose our funds, the in-- quiry next arises which of these belongs to the school society. " Your comuiittee are not yet satisfied that the school society has a legal claim to any except the Loan and the Excise moneys. No difficulty arises with regard to any except the Kensington money. Your committee can- not find any record or document which shows conclusively for what pur- pose it was to be applied. It was simply given to the society of New- ington. " Athough your committee are unanimous in the opinion that the Eccle- siastical society has the best claim to the Kensington money, yet consider- ing that there is some diversity of opinion on the subject, and also that our fathers usually applied a part of the interest of the Kensington money for the support of schools, your committee would beg leave to recommend that a vote be passed authorizing your trustee to transfer to the treasurer of the school society one half of the Kensington money, * together with the Loan and Excise moneys, the whole amounting to $545.51, to be paid in notes or cash as shall hereafter be determined. " All which respectfully submitted, LEVI DEMING, ) JOSEPH CAMP, [■ Committee." DANIEL WILLARD,) Newington, Nov. 16, 1830. At a meeting held Nov. 30, 1830, ^' Voted, That a committee of three be appointed and directed to sell the farm owned by this society called the Wright fiirm, as soon as practicable, provided that a sum shall be od'ered which, in the opinion of the committee, shall be a fair price for it. Also that this committee be authorized to give, in the name of the society, to the purchaser a good and lawful deed of the same. (In the affirmative the votes were thirty one, Neg. none.) Voted, that Gen. Jlartin Kellogg, Col. Joseph Camp, Uea. Levi Deming, be the committee for the object as above stated." At a meeting held Nov. 4, 1834, "Voted, That Gen. M. Kellogg, Levi Deming, and Col. Joseph Camp, be a committee to give and receive deeds in exchange of some land to straighteu the line on the society's lot. AlsQ to sell the Clear lot, if an offer shall be made that they shall consider reasonable." At a meeting held April 5, 1837, "Voted, That Messrs. Roger Welles, Jeremiah Seymour and Martin Robbins be a committee to draw a plan of such alterations as this society propose to have made to the meeting house and report at the next meeting." At a meeting held April 12, 1837, " Voted, That the committee appointed * This division of the Kensington money was certainly liberal to the school society. In 1715 when the original annexation of the Beckleys to the Great Swamp Society took place, the main consiJeration urged by them was their near- ness to the meeting house in the Great Swamp Society where they attended wor- ship and their distance from thn Newington meeting house, the suliject of schools was not mentioned and prol):ihly had no influence in the matter. In 1754, when tlie annexation was confirmed to Kensington society, apparently the same con- sideration <;ovcrncd. The people annexed were incorporated a school district by themselves in 1757, so that their school privileges were very little affected by their annexation. The Kensington money was paid for the loss to Newington society of the territory annexed to Kensington, this tcritory would have fur- nished a revenue to the Newington society by way of taxes, had it not been set off", these taxes were in 1754 almost wholly for the support of the ministry, and even in 1830 the cost of schools did not probably equal the cost of supporting the ministry. 140 the last meeting be directed to apply tlie sum of 800 dollars now raised by subscriptions, and whatever more may liereafter be raised, in making such alterations in the meeting house as they shall think expedient." At a meeting held Nov. 7, 1837, " llefolved, That (this) meeting pre- sent their thanks to the Rev. Mr. Todd and wife for the prompt and lively interest they have manifested in fitting up and adorning our church, and also for their very liberal donations presented for said purpose. "Voted, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Rev. Joab Brace, our pastor, and his family, for the aid they have given and the interest manifested in repairing the church, and fitting it for the public worship of God." * At a meeting held Sept. 1, 1841, " Voted, To purchase a bell for the Ecclesiastical society of Newington of from 700 to 800 lbs. " Voted, That a committee of two be directed to dispose of the old bell and to purchase a new one. "Voted, That Roger Welles and Homer Camp be that committee." At a meeting held Nov. 2, 1841, " Voted, That the society's committee be directed to set out trees about the meeting house for public convenience, according to their judj;ment, at the expense of the society." At a meeting held Oct. 1, 1842, " Voted, That a committee be appointed to sell a part of the society's land, Roger Welles, Martin Robbins, Erastus Latimer, committee." At a meeting held June 2, 1845, " Voted, That the society's committee be authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, to be expended in painting, blinds, repairs, &c., on the meeting house of said society. Voted, That J. M. Belden, M. W. Stoddard, and Levi S. Dem- ing be a special committee to carry the above vote into effect." At a meeting held Nov. 21, 1845, " Voted, That Jeremiah Seymour, Mar- tin Robbins, H. E. Stoddard, L. S. Doming, and Henry Luce be appointed a committee to view and stake out the ground in the vicinity of the Con- gregational Church where in their opinion it would be expedient to plant shade or ornamental trees, and to invite individuals of the society to select their spot, and plant and maintain a tree or trees on said spot. Voted, that the secretary be invited to take the names of those who will volunteer to set out trees. Volunteers. M. W. Stoddard, D. H. Willard, Erastus Latimer, E. Whaples, Jr.. S. J. M. Kellogg, R. W. Kellogg, William Wells, Newman Huntly, William Kirkham, Martin Brown, Henry S. Kilbourn, L. S. Deming, Henry Luce. At a meeting held November 5, 1851, " Voted, That Mr. Brace be invited to remain as pastor until he shall have completed the term of fifty years." At a meetjng held November 9, 1852, " Voted, That a committee of three be appointed to take into consideration the enlargement of the church. That M. W. Stoddard, Levi S. Deming, and D. H. Willard be that committee. At a meeting held November 16, 1852, " Voted, That the report of the committee on enlargement be accepted." At a meeting hehl December 7, 1852, " Voted, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the enlargement of the churcli, said committee to consist of one. That Dea. Jedediah Deming be that com- mittee." At a meeting held January 4, 1853, " Voted, That the special committee *Among other changes the pews were altered into slips. 141 be directed to procure the opinions and estimates of some other architect. Dea. Jedediah Deminp; be that committee." At a meeting held January 18, 1853, " Voted, That the committee report on or before the first Tuesday in March. " Voted, That Homer Camp, Erastus Latimer, John M. Belden, and M. W. Stoddard be added to the committee." At a meeting held February 15, 1853, " Report of committee on enlarge- ment accepted. " Voted, That a committee be appointed and instructed to obtain a side and front elevation, with a view of the steeple raised and improved, with estimates of costs. " Voted, Edwin Wells and L. S. Deming be that committee." At a meeting held February 23, 1853, " Voted, That the sum of One Thousand Dollars be raised by subscription. That Levi S. Deming be agent to obtain subscriptions. That subscriptions shall be paid on or before the first of October next. That the agent be authorized to take notes in payment of subscriptions, to be paid with interest on or before the first of June, 1856. That a committee of seven be appointed as a building committee. That Albert S. Iliinn, J. Deming, jr., Charles K. Atwood, John M. Belden, AVillis P. Davis, Daniel H. Willard, H. L. Kel- logg be that committee." At a meeting held March 14, 1853, " That a building committee be appointed and authorized to enlarge and improve the meeting house in accordance with a general plan presented, (called White's plan,) said plan to be subject to alterations and amendments, as to the committee shall appear best. " Voted, That Levi S. Deming, Edwin Welles, and Albert S. Hunn be a building committee. " Voted, That a resolution appointing a committee of seven as a building committee, at a former meeting, be rescinded." At a meeting held December 13, 1853, " Voted, That the report of the building committee be accepted, and that the society assume the debt by them contracted. " Voted, That this society present a vote of thanks to the building com- mittee. " Voted, That this society present to Mr. Eliphalet Richards, (and his subordinates,) building contractor on their meeting house, a vote of thanks for the acceptable manner in which he has fulfilled his contract." At a meeting held November 7, 1854, "Whereas Rev. Joab Brace notified this society three years since of his readiness to discontinue his active duties as pastor with us, and at the request of the society, by a committee appointed for the purpose, agreed to continue as pastor for three years more, and this period having nearly expired, Therefore, Voted, That a committee of three be ajipointed to conler with Mr. Brace, and ascertain his views and wishes on the subject, and report to the next meeting. • " Voted, That Homer Camp, Charles K. Atwood, and Marcus W. Stod- dard be that committee." At a meeting held November 13, 1854, " Voted, That the report of the committee to confer with Rev. Mr. Brace be accepted, and that their report and bis communication be recorded." " Committee report that they met Mr. Brace at his house on the even- ing following their appointment, and after a very pleasant and somewhat lengthy interview, Mr. Brace, at our request, agreed to put his views in writing, which is herewith submitted." 142 Communication from Mr. Brace. Newingtox, November 9, 1854. To the Ecclesiastical Society of Newington. Your committee called on me last evening to converse on the question of my resigning my pastoral services among you, and now, through that committee I have to say, (1.) 1 thank you for the respect shown to me herein, by you and by the committee. (2.) I was ordained January 16, 180.5, as the minister of this people. In the year 1851, I offered to cease from my labors, if my people wished it, as that was the year of my three score and ten, otherwise I would go on .ind complete, if God would give me strength and grace, the half-century of my ordination. The society voted that a committee be appointed to signify to me their pleasure that I should continue my ministry during those three years. I rejoice that having obtained help of God I continue lo thii time. (3.) I now propose, with your Special Committee. Ch. K. Atwood, ) At a meeting held March 10, 1856, " Voted, That we concur with the church in extending a call to Mr. William P. Aiken to settle with us in the gospel ministry. " Voted, That we will pay Mr. Aiken the annual salary of Nine Hun- dred Dollars. " Voted, That Henry L. Kellogg, Albert S. Hunn, and John M. Belden be a committee to carry into effect the votes of this meeting. " Voted, That the committee express to him the desire of this society that he come as soon as convenient to him." TRADITIONS AND REMINISENCES OF NEWINGTON. COMPILED BY THE LATE CAPT. DANIEL WILLARD.* For quite a number of years, perhaps some thirty or forty years after the first settlers came to Wethersfield, in 1634, that part' of the town lying west of Cedar Mountain, since <:a.lled Newington, was a wilderness, " Where nothiu;,' dwelt but beasts of prey, Or men as fierce and wild as«they." The Indians were somewhiit numerous, many of them lived around a pond near tlie center of the place, where they had a little village of wigwams. From the pond they obtained an abundance of fish. Sequin was then Sachem, they were tributary to the Saihem at Miildletown. • Mr. Willard was cr.ntemporary with Dr. Brace, and lived to an advanced age. In the latter years of his life he gathered .and compiled a mass of materials ahout " Newinf;;ton, its family {;eueaIogies, with historical and biographical sketches, incidents, reminiscences, anecdotes, traditions, &c.," from which the fullowing account has been condensed, retaining as (:w as possible his own langu.age. The original manuscript is in the possession of his son, Daniel H. Willard. It con- tains genealogies of the families in Newington of great interest. 143 The people of Newington need not be ashamed of their early ancestors. Most of them were descendants of the pilr;riin fithers of New England, and retain much of the " steady habits " of Connecticut. Some thirty years ago a Connecticut historian, speaking of Newington, says, " Its inhabitants (about 650 in number) are chiefly engaged in agriculture, and are distinguished for their general intelligence, and attachment to the institutions of morality and religion." At a very early period they built school houses, and provided teachers for thiir children. As soon as they were able they erected a house for public worship. Previous to that time they attended church at Wethersfield, they walked through the woods, the women carrying their infant children in their arms, and taking off their shoes and stockings to ford the streams, and the men carrying their loaded guns, for fear of the Indians. The early settlers of Newington were not more than two generntions later than their Puritan fathers, who came to Hartfoi'd and Wethersfield about the year 1634, than whom a more worthy race of men cannot be found in Modern History. The first settlers and their more immediate descendants were a strong, hardy, athletic race, capable of greater endurance of bodily toil than the more lefined and better educated men of the present day. To reap, bind, and stack an acre of heavy, new-land wheat, was but a common day's work. The late Mr. Amos Andrus, who was born in 1765, said that he could well remember when the old men were not so tall in stature, but larger, heavier, more thick set and hardy, as he expressed it, than the men of later generations. Our maternal ancestors were the fit companions of the brave pioneers and founders of a new settlement, most of them pious women, some of them " mothers in Israel," with strength equal to their day; see them, after the toils and hardships of the week, without servants, without the modern improvements in houses, fires, and culinary utensils, see them, on the morning of the Sabbath, take their infant children in their arms and walk through the forests to Wethersfield to attend public worship. I ought to have added, that until the last half century, most of the clothing both for summer and winter, was of their own manufacturing, exce|)t the dressing of it by the clothiers. When all wore homespun, they were as proud of a new garment as many are now ot the most costly fabi ics. I remember well when there was not a white house in the place, one was of a greenish color, a few were painted with Spanish brown, all the others of the natural wood color. Stoves were not known, many of the old fire places were wide and deep enough to seat a number of children on stools inside the jambs; few or none of the rooms were plastereis well as the Sabbath day, except attendance at church, was spent in reading the Bible and other reli- gious books, of which those in the Charity library formed an essential part. The children often recited the Assembly's catechism, the little children were taught to learn Dr. Watts' catechism and divine songs, &c. It was considered sacred time from the setting of the sun on Saturday eve. to the same hour on Sunday evening. The means of information have been multiplied many fold. I recollect well when there were but few books except those contained in our three public libraries, of which we were in advance of most country places. There were then no daily newspapers, no weekly papers accessible to us but the Courant and Mercury, both of which were smaller than our daily- papers now are. There were no reports of Bible, Missionary, Tract, and 145 Sabbath School Socielies, &c., which were not then in existence, with the exception of the Connecticut Mission'ary Society, wliich employed a few laborers in the new settlements in the State of Vermont, Western New York, and later in New Connecticut, as it was then called. That society once a year, published a [,amphl>'t containing an account of the labors of their missionaries, one copy only of which was sent to Newington for the whole society to read, on which Mr. Belden, with his characteristic precision, wrote, " This book belongs to the Ecclesiastical Society of New- injTton, to be circulated from neighbor to neighbor as speedily as may be." There was one magazine, viz. The Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, the articles of which were very ably written by such men as Dr. Strong, Dr. Suialley, Dr. Perkins and others. Jt is well known that slavery once existed in Newington, though our young children will hardly realize that several of their forefathers owned negro slaves. But the servituile here was much milder than it is in the Gulf States, in Cuba, Brazil, or, as I should think among the serfs of Rus- sia, who have lately been emancipated by the Emperor Alexander, 2d. It was more like tbat which existed in the family of Abraham, and the other Patriarchs of old. Our ancestors who owned them were humane, benevolent, and conscientious men, who taught them to read, especially the Bible, to go to church, and in some cases they were allowed almost as much liberty as members of their own families. A part of these slaves were emancipated by the voluntary acts of their masters, others by enact- ments of pur State Legislature. Deacon Jo^iah Willard, in his will, provided for the freedom of Guinea, whenever his old mistress dieil, which I should think was before he arrived at middle age. He was brought from the coast of Guinea in Africa and sold to Dea. Willard. Deacon John Camp bought a negro boy, named Pomp, said to have been brought from the AVest Indies. I was told that the Deacon paid pound for pound for him, that is, he paid twenty shillings in money lor every pound that Pomp weighed. Pomp, after he obtained his freedom, married Zilpah, by whom he had eight children. Mr. Gideon Hunn, I think, had a negro whose name was Toney ; James Lusk had a negro named Peter; Unni Robbins, ] st, had one whose name was Benuni; Daniel Willard, 1st, had one named Brisco; he died when a boy ; Rev. Mr. Belden had one whose name was Job ; Lemuel Whittlesey had one named Dick ; Capt. Martin Kellogg owned two negroes. Step and Katrine, he permitted Step to many Katrine. Step had a little child named Pegg. I remember that on the Mitchell farm in the south part of the place, lived two aged negroes, called Toin and Frank. Towards the close of Tom's life, at his own request, the pastor, deacons, and several members of the church met at his house and with him partook of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Capt. Jonathan Stoddard had one who was called Jim. The names of some of the physicians who have resided in Newington are : Dr. Andrus, a shrewd, observing man, who had a very retentive mem- ory ; Dr. Richards was one of our early physicians, he introduced the innoculation of the small pox in Newington ; Dr. Joshua Belden was an excellent physician ; Dr. Archibald Hall practiced medicine more or less many years ; Dr. Wadsworth also during a much shorter period. In 1776 the population of Newington was about 500. Many of its inhabitants have lived to a good old age. During the fifty years of Dr. Brace's ministry the number of deaths of pei-sons between 70 and 80 years were G-t ; between the ages of 80 and 95 there were 36 persons; making in all 100 deaths of those 70 years old and upwards. Newington has been blessed with several revivals of religion. The 19 146 greatest of them was that of 1821, under the solemn and pungent preaching of Rev. Dr. Nettleton. It is often spoken of as the qreal revival. There were fifty heads of families, viz. 25 husbands with their 25 wives, that were soon afterwards received into the church at one time, as the fruits of that revival. Several others of difleient ages united with the church, Widow Charity Tryon, then 70 years old, was one of them, she lived to the advanced age of 94|- years. This work of grace was previous to the era of Sabbath schools, since then, revivals have been greater in Dr. Brace's Bible class and in the Sabbath school than among other classes of people. In 1831 there was a great revival, followed by another in 18-14. These last two were the most powerful among the young people and children. The Sabbath school has been well sustained ever since its commence- ment. It has proved to be an important auxiliary to the ministration of Divine truth. It has shared Largely in the religious revivals. There has been a time when more than one-half of all belonging to or connected with the school were members of the church. The superintendents of the school have been Daniel Willard, superintendent the first 13 years, Wil- liam Deming, assistant superintendent and secretary during the same time, Dea. Origen Wells, Dea. Jedidiah Deming, Levi S. Deming, Marcus W. Stoddard, Charles K. Atwood, and Joseph J. Francis. After the revolution the schools in Newington progressed rapidly. By the year 1800, our schools were in a good state, and before 1830, the principal branches of a common school education, such as reading, spell- ing, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and geograjjhy vi&re as faithfully taught as they have been at any time. Our old people well remember the times when the two oldest classes of the several schools, at the close of the win- ter sessions, were assembled at the church for a public e.xamination and exhibition. Newington has not fallen short of other country places in its military character. At an early period a militia company was organized, I find by a diary kept by Daniel Willard, 1st, that in the year 1741, there was a draft made of one half of the company, viz. 1 ensign, 2 sergeants, 2 cor- porals, 1 drummer and 23 privates, in all 29 persons, which would make . the company at that early date to consist of 58 persons. I can name but a part of those who were Captains of the Company before the Revolutionary w.ar and during its continuance. John Camp, Josiah Willard. Martin Kellogg, 2d, Martin Kellogg, 3d, Robert Wells, Sen., Robert Wells, Juu., Charles Churchill, Jonathan Stoddard, Sen. Captains of the company after the Revolution, Levi Lusk, Absalom Wells, Robert Francis, Jonathan Stoddard, Jun., Martin Kellogg, 5th, James Deming, Joseph Caiup. On the re-organization of the militia a Light Infantry Company was enlisted from the 1st and 2d societies, about two- thirds of them from Newington. Captains of the Light Infantry Company who belonged to Newington : Joseph Camp, Simeon Stoddanl, Daniel Willard, Erastus Latimer, Erastus Francis, Selden Deming, Daniel H. Willard, Albert S. Ilunn. The light infantry company for many years after its organization was considered superior to any company in the regiment. Newington has furnished its full share of soldiers in tlie war of the Revolution. It has furnished more Generals and Field Oflicers, in pro- portion to its population, than any place with which I have been ac- quainted. Four Colonels, viz. Roger Welles, Levi Lusk, Martin Kellogg, and Joseph Camp, three of them, viz. Welles, Lusk, and Kellogg were afterwards Brigadier Generals, and two of them, Lusk and Kellogg were promoted to the Rank of Major Generals. Newington furnished many men in the Revol»tionary war. Some of them lost their lives in that service. In the war of 1712-15, two small drafts were made from the company. 147 and stationed at Groton to defend New London and the frigate Macedon- ian and the sloop of war Hornet, from any attack that might be made from the British fleet on the coast. Gen. Levi Liislc commanded the mili- tia and Lieut. Joseph Camp, (afterwards Col. Camp) had a command there. CHURCH RECORDS, 1803— 1SS7. I. ADMISSIONS TO COMMUNION. Feb. 3, 1805. Admitted to Com- munion, Lucy, wife of Joab Brace, by letter from West Hartford.* Feb. 17. Absalom Welles and Lorrain his wife, having stood propounded the usual time, viz. 2 weeks, as also those which follow. March 3. Sally, the wife of Levi Deming. April '28. Luther Latimer. June 30. Elizabeth, the wife of Francis Deming. June 30. Lucretia, the wife of Solomon Churchill. Oct. 13. Jennette, the wife of John Kirkham, Elizabeth, the wife of Leonard C. Hubbard, and Lydia Churchill, daughter of Lttvi Churchill. Oct. 27. Irene Andrus, (daugh- ter of Eiizur Andrus) and Mary Shepard. Jau. 4, 1807. Lemuel Whittle- sey, and Hannah, his wife. March 1. Benjamin Hopkins, per letter from Kensington. March 1. John Phillips, per let- ter from Sangerfield, N. Y. Nov. 6, 1808. Nancy Seymour, daughter of Elias Seymour. Jan. 1, 1809. Josiah Willard and Rhoda his wife, per letter from Wethersfield. March 5. Zerviab, wife of Reu- ben Whaples. Oct. 29. Rosetta, the wife of John Squier. July 1, 1810. Harvey Francis, son of Justus Francis. Aug. 19. Mary, the wife of Jo- seph Hulet. Aug. 25, 1811. Wm. Kirkham. Aug. 25. Lucy, the wife of Sim- eon Stoddard. April 5, 1812. Candace, wife of Jno. Stoddard. April 5. Mary Wells, daughter of Dea. Wells. April 26. Chloe Deming. May 27. Thomas, a black man. Aug. 23. Prudence Kellogg, daughter of M. Kellogg. Nov. 1. Mary A. Churchill, daughter of Samuel Churchill. Nov. 1. Julia Churchill, daughter of Solomon Churchill. Nov. 1. Mercy Churchill, daugh- ter of Samuel Churchill. Nov. 1. Lucinda Sage of Middle- town. May 2, 1813. Nancy, the wife of Elisha Whaples. * " This may certify that Lucy, the wiTe of the Rev. Joab Brace, is a member in full communion of the cliurch of Christ in West Hartford, and in good standing; and as such is herel)y recommended to the enjoyment of all gospel ordinances in the the church of Christ in Newiiigton, and will be considered as dismissed from our watch and care when received by tlie saiil church. NATHAN PERKINS, Pastor, In the name and behalf of the church." West Hartford. Jau. 26, 1805. 148 May 2. Abigail, tiie wife of Samuel Whaple*. Feb. 27, 1814. Sarah, wife of Elisha Whaples, 2d. May 1. Origen Wells and Sarah his wife. March .5, 1815. Klizaboih, tlie wife of Leonard C. Hubbard, by letter from Lejdeii, N. Y. May 7. Mary, wife of Martin Kellogg, Jun. May 7. Sophronia, wife of Asaph WiJlard. May 7. Ciiarlotte Welles. May 5, 1816. Widow Lucretia Wells, Lois, the wife of Levi Hurlburt, Sopliia, the wife of William Kiikham. May [>. Electa Kellogg. " Gennette Kirkham. " Robert Ro(!kwell. " Hiram Stoddard. Jan. 1, 1818. Ruth Barnes, the wife of Martin Barnes, by letter from Bolton. Jan. 17, 1819. Elias Andrews. July 25. Henry Blannot. Sept. 19. Nancy, wife of Sylves- ter Hurlburt. Sept. 19. Abigail Kilbourn. Dec. 12. Sylvester Hurlburt. Aug. 20, 1820. Charlotte Chur- chill. Aug. 20. Elizabeth Kilbourn. May 6, 1821. Eunice Kilbourn. " Jonathan Stoddard, Sen. " Eli-ha Whajiles, 1st. " Elislui Whaplcs, -Id. '• Daniel Willard and Laura, his wife. " William Deming and Sarah, his wife. " Eunice Hubbard, wife of Dositheus Hubbard. " Sarah Dow, wife of Samuel Dow. " Nancy Drinkwater, wife of Thomas Drinkwater. " Jedidiali Deming and Mary, his wife. May G, 1821. Ahna Camp. '• Horace Hopkins and Fan- ny, his wife. " Abel Matson and Mabel, his wife. " Giles Smith and Lydia Smith, his wife. " Josiali W. Griswold and Mary Ami, his wife. " .Jeremiah Seymour and Em- ily, his wife. " Anson Wliaples and Sarah, his wife. " William McCarty and Jeru- sha. his wife. " Lester Luce and Sophia, his wife. " Benjamin Hopkins and Har- riet, his wife. " Pliebe INIessenger. " Roger Welles and Electa, bis wife. " Aaron Tryon. " Zerah Preston. " Elisha Whaples, 3d. " Elisha Whaples, 4lh. " Ei-astus Kilbourn. " John C. Dow. " Sabra Stoddard. " Sarah Dow. '' Huldah Sedgwick. " Mary S. Brace. " Martha Brace. July 1. Martha Graham. " Huldah Squire. " Thomas Drinkwater. " Dositheus Hubbard. " Rebekah Tryon. " John Whaples. " Henry Kilbourn. " Joshua Belden. " Mason Belden. " Emeline Brown. Aug. 30. Ruth Francis, wife of Justus Francis, by letter from Simsbury. Sept. 2. Reuben Whaples. '• Archibald Hall and Harriet his wife. " Chester Churchill. 149 Sept. 2, 1821. Erastus Lattimer. " Lucy Churchill. " Jemima Churchill. " M;n-y Steel. Nov. 4. Ellas Seymour. Jan. 6. 1822. Beulah Stoddard, wife of Elisha Stoddard. " Catherine "Wells, wife of William Well8. Sept. 1. Salome Deming, by let- ter from Bristol. July 6, 1823. Laura Whittle>ey, wife of Asaph Whittlesey. May 7, 1826. Prudence, the wife of Enos Demino;. " Mary Ann, the wile of Lot Beckwith. " Mary Cole. " Seth Collins Brace. " Alma, wife of John Fuller, Jr., by letter from Burlington. Jan. 7, 1827. Timothy Stanley. " Anna Wells. Mar. 4. Sarah, wife of Unni Robbins, by letter from Ken- sington. " Elmina, wife of Erastus Kilbourn, by letter from N. Britain. Nov. 4. Anna, wife of James Blinn, letter fr. Wethersfield. Mar. 2, 1 828. Nancy, the wife of Cyrus Francis, by letter from N. Britain. July 6. lilecta Whittlesey, letter from Stockbridge. Nov. 2. Sally, the wife of Dea. Levi Deming, by letter from West Hartford. Mar. 1, 1829. Fanny, wife of Hiram Stoddard, by letter from East Windsor. May 3. Elisha Stoddard. " Allen Stoddard. " Dorothy Stoddard. " Sarah Chapman. " Eleanor Celia Wells. " Caroline Deming. " Ehoda Willard. Sept. 6. Lucinda D. Hall. Sept. 6. Rhoda Brown. " Charlotte Kiikham. " Mary A. Wells. " Maria Hubhard- " Catherine Wells. " Emily Hubbaid. May 2, 1830. Homer Camp, by letter from New Preston. i\Iay 1, 1831. Lucretia, wife of Chester Churchill. " Joab Brace, Jr. " Samuel Brace. Jan. 1, 1832. Augustus Wilson. " Daniel H. Willard. •' Marcus W. Stoddard. " Albert S. Hunn. " William McCarter. " Henry G. Tucker. '' William S. Deming. " William F. Willard. " Levi S. Deming. " Charity Tryon. " Harriet Rockwell. " Electa Hazzard. " Amanda A. Whaples. " Sarah Abernethy. " Sarah Deming. " Elizabeth Willard. " Martha iMcCaiter. " Lucinda Wells. " Mary S. Stoddard. " Mary Kellogg. « Mary A. Gnswnld. " Julia A. SlO'lilard. Mar. 4. David Hunn. " Lydia Smith, by letter from Boonville. " Charity P. Chirk, by letter from N. Hartford. May 6. Lot Beckwith. " Honor Stoddard. " Hannah Hunter. July 1. Delia Camp. Mar. 2, 1834. Esther W., wife of Elisha Bliim, letter from • "W^ethersfield. May' 4. Josiah Atwood. Mar. 1, 1835. Henry G. Little. " James B. Wells. May 1, 1836. Emily W., wife of 150 Lowrey Robbins, letter from Southington. Nov. 5, 1837. Mary Slater, by letter from West Hartford. " Coriu-Iia Deming. May G. 1838. Uzziel Lattimer. " Lucy Robbins. " Uimi Robbins. " Amelia Aiulrus. " Susanna Whaples. " Hannah Kelsey. '• Seviah H. W. Lattimer. " Minerva C. Rodgers. « Eliza Wells. « Sarah M. D. Willard. May 6, 1838. Mary Wells. " Harriet Rockwell. July 1. Elisha Blinn. " Edwin Welles. " Jedidiali Deming, jun. " Charles K. Atwood. " .Josiah E. Atwood. "• Ji'hn M. Atwood. " Martin K. Whittlesey. " Heman A. Whittlesey. " Dennis W. Dorniau. " Samuel J. M. Kellogg. " Charles Kellogg. " John W. Brace. " Sophronia Tucker. " Mary Tucker. " Emeline G. Kilbourn. " Frances N. W. Griswold, " Sarah C. Wells. " Susan S. Wells. " Lucy Wells. " Frances G. Wells. " Charlotte J. Welles. " Julia Welles. " Abigail Welles. " Sarah M. Whaples. " Julia Whaples. " Eliza J. Davis. " Julia Ann L. Davis, " Mary Seymour. " Harriet P. Atwood. " Eliza Kilbourn. Nov. 4. Mary Blinn. " Ann Gaylord. " Julia Churchill. Jan. 13, 1839. Lucretia Chur- chill, from cburcli, Augusta, Georgia, letter. " Mary E. Belden, wife of J. M. Belden, from Glastonbury, letter. April 28. Maria Richards, wife of Eliphalet Richards, from Middletown, letter. Nov. 3. Maria H. Lamberton, wife of Stephen P. Lamber- ton, from Bloomtield, letter. Mar. 1, 1840. Abigail F. Kel- logg, recommended by letter from Marshall, N. Y. Sept. 6. Solomon Churchill. Jan. 3, 1841. Sophronia Saun- ders, rec. by letter from 3d church, East Windsor. " John Kilbourn, rec. by let. from Yale College. May 2. Henry L. Kellogg. " Chauncey Deming. " Elizabeth C. Kirkham. " Abigail, wife of Robert Chapman, by letter from West Avon. July 4. Eunice C. Lattimer. " Mary K. Atwood. Sept. 5. Jemima Simons, by let- ter from Holton. Nov. 6, 1842. Philenia Wells, by letter from Westfield, JIs. Mar. 5, 1843. Caroline S. Dem- ing, wife of Levi S. Deming, by letter from Madison. June 4. William Wells. " James Blinn. " James B. Blinn. " Sophia L. Kirkham. " John G. Stoddard. " John S. Kirkham. " George T. Davis. " Walter Whaples. " Carlos Huntley. " Samuel N. Rockwell. " Warren D. Whaples. " Chester W. Carter. " Andrew Jackson. " Nancy A. Whaples. 151 June 4. AbigJiil J. Kilbourn. " Frances M. Judd. " Julia Pierce. " Cliarlotte Wells. " Wyllis P. Davis. " Henry S. Kilbourn. " Marilla Hubbard. " Hepzibah Deming. " Aaron and Lucietia Davis. " Henry and Martha Deming. " Joseph Camp. " Sarah Blown. " Henry and Hannah M. Luce. " Charles Stoddard. Nov. 2. Nancy Wells, by letter from Tolland. Jan. 4, 1844. Cbloe S. Hum- phrey, letter fr. Vernon, 2d. " Harvey .Stearns, letter from Vernon, 2d. " Ann S. Stearns, letter from Vernon. " Amy Wood, let. fr. Vernon. " Sarah Smith, " " May 5. Martha C. Fuller, letter from Franklin. Sept. 1. Margaret, wife of Wil- liam Hubbard, letter fr. West- field, Mass. Nov. 3. Abner Simons, let. from Worthington, 3d ch., Berlin. " Cornelia Whittlesey. Mar. 2, 1845. Cornelia F. Dem- ing, wife of Ch. Deming, let. fr. Hartford, 4t,h church. Sept. 7. Sophia, wife of Joseph Camp, letter fr. New Haven, Chapel St. July 5, 1846. Ely Gifford and wife, letter from Kockville. " Charlotte Churchill, letter from Cheraco, S. C. July 4, 1847. Lucinda Gaylord. letter from West Harttord. Nov. 1, 1849. Edwin Gaylord and his wife Lucy Gaylord, from West Hartford. Nov. 4. Hngh Davies, let. from Liverpool, Eng., Thos. Raf- fles, D. D. Sept. 1, 1850. Sarah Theodosia Bobbins, d. of Unni Bobbins and Sarah. " Electa Stanley Welles, d. of Boger and Electa Welles. Jan. 5, 1851. Lemuel W. Camp, s. of Homer Camp. July 6. Laura Kellogg Camp, d. of Homer Camp. " Mary Bobbins, d. of Unni Bobbins. " Emily Sophia Bobbins, d. of Lowrey Bobbin.s. May 2, 1852. Caroline A. Camp, d. of Homer and Delia Camp. " Jane McElratli, letter from W. Harlford. July 4. Abigail Bockwell, d. of Bobert and Harriet Bock- well. " Harriet B. Dillings, wid. of Nelson D., d. of Bob. Bock- well. Jan. 2, 1853. Frances Mnria Lamberton, d. of Stephen P. Lamberton. May 7, 1854. Frances S. W. Stoddaid, w. of M. W. Stod- dard, letter fr. Wethersfield. " Sarah Wells Stoddard, wife of Bufus Stoddard, letter fr. Wethersfield. July 2. Percy Bichards, d. of Francis Bichards. Sept. 3. Mary Ann, wife of Geo. T. Davis, let. fr. Cromwell. Dec. 31. Caroline S. R. Stod- dard, wife of John G. Stod- dard, letter fr. Charlemont. Jan. 4, 1855. Adeline Lewis, wife of Lewis, letter Waterbury.* May 6. John McElrath and Jane his wife. June 28. Woodford Kilbourn. * The last entry in Dr. Brace's handwriting. Tliose that follow were admitted after he left. 152 Sept. 22. Mary Abilene Dow. Nov. 4. Samufl Chauncey Dix. •' Henry Elbert Loveland. " Hiram Hudson Stoddard. " Joseph Camp. " Cyrus Franitis. '' Henry Martin Robbins. " Mrs. Ho|)y Lovelaud. " Martha Urania Dow. " Jane Margaret Finnegan. " Mary Jane Stoddard. " Lydia Francis Camp. " Mary Klisabetli Browu. " Julia Maria Cady. " Valina Ann Francis. " Emeline Elisabeth Kil- bourn. Nov. 4. Nancy Kilbourn. •' Sarah Tiiompson. " Delia Richards. " Mary Ann Richards. " Ehza Kilbourn Richards. " Mary Ann Seymour. " Sarah Jane Rockwell Jan. 13, 1856. Daniel Dwight AVillard. " JuUa Norton Atwood. Mar. 2. Franklin Carroll Latti- mer. " Tiiomas Russell Byrnes. " Mary K. Richards, wife of Oliver. July 6. Celiuda Clarissa Wiers. n. April 2^^, 1805. Joshua, s. of Fitch Andrus and Lois his wife. May 5. Ralph, s. of Absalom Wells and Lorrain his wife. Aug. 18. Julia, Nancy, Chester, and Cynthia, children of Solomon Churchdl and Lucretia his wife. Oct. 27. Irene Andrus and Mary Shepard, adults. Jan. 5, 1806. John Butler, Jennette, and Lucy, children of John Kirkiiam and .Jennette his wife. " Abigail Deming, d. of Leo. C. Hubbard and Elizabeth his wife. May 18. Jemima, d. of Solomon Churchill and Lucretia his wife. June 8. Mary Skinner, d. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. June 15. Walter Wells, s. of Ashbel Seymour and Mary hi,s wife. Sept. 9. Cornelia Susanna Wesley, d. of Joseph Lynde and M.artha his wife, per Mr. Belden. Oct. 26. John Mason, s. of Joshua Belden, .Tr., and Dorotha his wife. " Monerva, child of Feck, at Kensington. May 31, 1S()7. s. of Levi Churchill. Sept. C. Rhoda, d. of Absalom Wells and Lorrain his wife. Aug. 28, 1808. Mary, d. of Justus Francis and Lois his wife. Mar. 26, 1809. Martha, d. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. June 25. Hubertus, s. of John A. Phillips and Honor his wife. Sept. 3. Thomas Foster, s. of Reuben AVhaples and Zerviah his wife. Sept. 17. Caroline, d. of Levi Deming and Sally his wife. May 13, 1810. Calvin, William, Daniel, Reuben, and Abigail, chil- dren of Reuben Whaples and Zerviah his wife. July 1 . Josefih, s. of Levi Hurlburt and Lois his wife. Oct. 21. Amelia, Harriet, Mary, and Hiram Hopkins, children of Jose])li llulet and Mary his wife. Aug. 11, 181 1. Seih Collins, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. 153 Aug. 25. William Kirkhara, adult. " Lucy, the wife of Simeon Stoddard. " Almii-a, d. of John A. Phillips and Honor his wife. Ajiril 19, 1812. Sally Maria, d. of Levi Deming and Sally his wife. ]May 10. Martha, d. of Levi Hurlhurt and Lois his wife. M:iy 27. Thomas, a black man. May 31. George, s. of Reuben Whaples and Zerviah his wife. June 14. Hiram Edwards, Sabra, Nathan Fenn, Candace, Joseph, and Abigail Honor, children of Jonathan Stoddard and Candace his wife. Aug. 23. Abigail, wife of David Hunn. May 2, 1813. Abigail, wife of Samuel Whaples. June 27. Newton, William, and Simeon, children of Simeon Stod- dard and Lucy his wife, per Mr. Williams. July 18. Enos Higley, Mary Ann, and Albert Smith, children of David Huun and Abigail his wife. Sept. 12. Harriet, Sally, Fanny, Henry, Mary, and Laura, children of Samuel Whaples and Abigail his wife. Sept. 26. Elisha, Curtis, and James Blinn, children of Elisha Wha- ples and Nancy his wife. June 19, 1814. Marcus Willard, s. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. July 10. Eliza, (adopted,) and Mary Anthony, children of Origen Wells and Sarah his wife. Aug. 7. Joab, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. " Robert and Solomon Welles, children of Elisha Whaples and Sarah his wife. May 14, 1815. Lucindn, d. of Origen Wells and Sarah his wife. July 2. Martin and Roger Welles, children of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. Oct. 15. Abigail, d. of Samuel Whaples and Abigail his wife. Feb. 18, 1816. Charlotte, d. of Asaph Willard and Sophronia his wife. May 5. Sophia, wife of William Kirkham. " Henry Laurens, s. of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. July 7. Mary Sophia, d. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. Nov. 17. Fidelia, d. of Simeon Stoddard and Lucy his wife. May 25, 1817. Samuel, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. June 22. Jane, d. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. May 17, 1818. James Daniel, s. of Asaph Willard and Sophronia his wife. May 24. Levi Sage, s. of Levi Deming and Sally his wife. Aug. 23. Sarah Sage, d. of Elisha Whaples and Sarah his wife. Nov. 15. Sidney, s. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. July 25, 1819. Henry Blannot, adult. Aug. 22. Mary, d. of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. Sept. 5. Ruth Maria, d. of Martin Barns and Ruth his wife. Sept. 19. Abigail Kilbourn, adult. Oct. 17. Sarah Clarina, d. of Origen Welles and Sarah his wife. 20 ir,4 Oct. 17. Jane, d. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. Dec. 5. Lucy Ann Sophronia, d. of Asaph Willard and Sophronia his wife. June 18, 1820. Mary, Henry, Harriet, Edwin Washington, Fanny, and Nancy, children of Henry Blaniiot and Harriet his wife. Aug. 6. Harriet, d. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his wife. Aug. 20, Sabra Kilbourn, adult. " Elizabeth Kilbourn, adult. Sept. 24. Amanda, Emily, Nancy, Samuel Stnnley, and Silvester, children of vSilvesler Hurlburt and Nancy his wife. Oct. 4. Julia Norton, d. of Martin Welles and Frances his wife. The following persons were adults : May 6, 1821. Elisha Whaples, 1st. " Laura Willard, wife of Daniel Willard. " Eunice Hubbaid, wife of Dositheus Hubbard. " Sarah Dow, wife of Samuel Dow. " Nancy Drinkwater, wife of Thomas Drinkwaler. " Mary Deming, wife of Jedidiah Deming. " Fanny Hopkins, wife of Horace Hopkins '' Giles Smith. " Anson W^haples and Sarah his wife. May 6. William M'Cariy. " Sophia Luce, wife of Lfester Luce. " Harriet Hopkins, wife of Benjamin Hopkins. " Electa, wife of Roger Welles. " Aaron Tryon. " Zerah Preston. " Erastus Kilbourn. " John Cheney Dow. " Sarah Dow. " Huld,ah vSedgwick. July 1. Thomas Drinkwater. " Rebekah Tryon. " Henry Kilbourn. Aug. 5. James, s. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. " Charles Kellogg, s. of .losiali Atwood and Prudence hi.s wife. Aug. 10. Sarah and William Smith, children of William Deming and Sarah his wife. " Harriet Amanda, Nancy INIaria, and Horace Kilbourn, children of Thomas Drinkwater and Nancy his wife. " Cornelia, Mary Lusk, and Jedidiah, children of Jedidiah Dem- ing and Mary his wife. " Frances Norton, Edwin, and Charlotte Jemima, children of Roger Welles and Electa his wife. " Delia, d. of Benjamin Hopkins and Harriet his wife. " Henry, s. of Lester Luce and -Sophia his wife. Aug. 20. Susan Sophia, d. of Origen Wells and Sarah his wife. Sept. 2. Reuben Whaples, Harriet Hall, Erastus Lattimei', adults. " Rhoda, Daniel, Elizabeth, William Francis, children of Daniel Willard and Laura his wife. 155 Sept. 2. William, J^unice Maria, P^mily, Orrin, children of Dositheus Hubhard and Eunice his wife. " Samuel Russell, s. of Giles Smith and Lydia his wife. " Henry, Richard, Julia Ann, children of Aaron Tryon and Eebekah his wife. Sept. 30. Martha and William, children of William McCarty and Jerusha his wife. " Mary Ann, and Angeline Belden, children of Josiah W. Gris- wold and Mary Ann his wife. Oct. 21. Franklin Blin, s. of Henry Blannot and Harriet his wife. Nov. 4. Samuel Mills, s. of Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary his wife. Mar. 31, 1822. Albert Francis, s. of Aaron Tryon and Rebekah his wife. May 5. Samuel Talmage, Lucinda Deming, Robey Williams, Jona- than Baitnn, Royal Serene, and Cornelia Hale, children of Archibald Hall and Harriet his wife. " Henry Benjamin, George Botsford, and Horace Root, children of Horace Ho[)kins and Fanny his wife. " Sarah Maria, and Walter, children of Anson Whaples and Sarah his wife. " Elizabeth Emery, d. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his wife. June 2. Abigail, Catherine, William, Frances Griswold, and John Gaylord, children of William Wells and Catherine his wife. July 7. George Grannis, s. of Giles Smith and Lydia his wife. Aug. 11. Chester Wells, s. of William McCarty and Jerusha his wife. Dec. 29. Rufus, s. of Allen Stoddard and Mary his wife. April 18, 1823. Joshua, s. of Sylvester Hurlbut and Nancy his wife. Julj' 6. Elizalieth Cook, d. of William Kirkham and Sophia his wife. " Julia, d. of Roger Welles and Electa his wife. " Josiah Elbert, s. of Josiah Atwood and Prudence his wife. July 20. Henry James, s. of Henry Blannot and Harriet his wife. Aug. 17. Delia, Lemuel, Laura Kellogg, Hannah, children of Asaph Whittlesey and Laura his wife. May 23, 1824. Nathan Fenn, s. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his wife. June 6. Lucy, d. of Orisen Wells and Sarah his wife. " Hapsebath, d. of Jedidiah Deming and Mary his wife. Aug. 29. John Whitman, s. of Joab Brace and Lucy his wife. " Julia, d. of Anson Whaples and Sarah his wife. Oct. 24. Thomas Robbins, s. of Josiah Atwood and Prudence his wife. '' Emily Eliza, d. of wid. Lydia Parker of New York. Nov. 21. Edwin Boardman, s. of J. W. Griswold and Mary Anne his wife. June 12, 1825. Levi Sedgwick, s. of Horace Wells and Pamela his wife. Sept, 4. Rollin Peck, s. of Horace Hopkins and Fanny his wife. Sept. 18. Samuel Newton, s. of Robert Rockwell and Harriet his wife. 156 Sept. 25. Martha Edwards, d. of Henry Blannot and Harriet his wife, per Mr. Robbins. Oct. 2. Charles, s. of Martin Kellogg, jr., .and Mary his wife. " Joseph Camp, s. of Edwin Gaylord and Lucy his wife. Oct. 2.3. Wyllis, s. of Benjamin Hopkins and Harriet his wife. May 7, 1826. Prudence Deming, Mary Ann Beckwilh, Mary Cole, adults. " Marilla, d. of Dositheus Hubbard and Eunice his wife. June 4. John Mitchelson, s. of Josiah Atwood and Prudence his wife. " Abigail, d. of Roger and Electa AVelles. Aug. 20. John Stoddard, s. of William and Sophia Kirkham. " Joshua Chauncey, s. of Lester and Sophia Luce. Dec. 6. Abigail, d. of Josiali AV. and Mary Ann Griswold. Jan. 7,- 1827. Anna Wells, adult. Feb. 11. Samuel, s. of John C. and Laura Dow. Mar. 27. Hapsebath, d. of Jedidiah Deming. May G. Mary Avaline, d. of Erastus and Salome Cunningham. May 27. Robert Raikes, s. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. Aug. 19. Harriet Prudence, d. of Josiah and Prudence Atwood. Sep. 16. Harriet Eliza, d. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. Sep. 16. Mary Webb, d. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. Oct. 7. Eunice Cordelia, d. of Erastus and .Seviah Lattimer. May 18, 1828. John Gaylord, s. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. May 25. John Belden, s. of Josiah W. and Mary Ann Griswold. " Lucy Lowrey, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins. June 22. James Butler, s. of James and Anna Blinn. Aug. 10. Nancy Angeline, d. of Elisba and Amanda Whaples. Oct. 19. Julia, d. of Chester and Lucretia Churchill.^ Mar. 16, 1829. Horace, s. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. May 3. Dorothy Stoddard, adult. " Eleanor Celia Wells, adult. May 17. Sophia Leifiugvvell, d. of William and Sophia Kirkham. May 24. Henry Sedgwick, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. June 21. Sarah Welles, d. of Martin and Mary Kellogg. •July 12. Roger, s. of Roger and Electa Welle*. Sept. 13. Joseph, s. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. Oct. 25. Lucy Lowrey, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins. June 13, 1830. Mary Kellogg, d. of Josi.ah and Prudence Atwood. " Heman Francis, s. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. June 20. Lemuel Whittlesey, s. of Homer and Delia Camp. •' Eunice, d. of Anson and Sarah Whaples. June 27. Jane Eliza, d. of Josiah W. and Mary Ann Griswold. July 19. Joseph, s. of Samuel and Rhoda Clark. Aug. 8. Jane Aurelia, d. of Erastus and Seviah Lattimer. Aug. 13. John Churchill, s. of John Dow. Sept. 5. Loretta, d. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. May 1, 1831. Lucretia, wife of Chester Churchill. May 15. Abigail Jane, d. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. July 24. Sarah Jane, d. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. 157 Jan. 1, 1832. Aujjustus Wilson, Henry G. Tucker, Electa Hiizzard, Amanda A. Whaples, .Julia A. Stoddard, adults. May 6. Lot Beckwith, Hannah Hunter, adults. ■' William, s. of William and Sophia Kirkham. May 13. Delia Ann. d. of James and Anna Blinn. May 27. William Sherman, s. of William and Charity P. Clark. " Erastus, s. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. June 10. Julia Norton, d. of Josiah and Prudence Atwood. " Laura Kellogg, d. of Homer and Delia Camp. July 15. Francis, s. of Chester and Lucretia Churchill. July 29. Mary Urania and Martha Eunice, ds. of Anson and Sarah Whaples. Oct. 7. Warren Day, s. of Elisha and Amanda Whaples. Nov. 4. Sarah Theodotia, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins. Dec. 30. Samuel, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbnuin. June 23, 1833. Electa Stanley, d. of Roger and Electa Welles. May 4, 1834. Josiah Atwood, adult. June 8. Timothy Woodford, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. " Lemuel Franklin, s. of William and Charity P. Clark. June lo. Elisha Burrit, s. of Elii>ha and Esther Blinn. " Henry Edwin, s. of James and Anna Blinn. Aug. 3. Laura Churchill, d. of John C. and Martha Dow. Aug. 10. Abigail Whaples, d. of Robert and Harriet Rockwell. Sept. 21. Mary Jane, d. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. Nov. 2. Charles Clinton, s. of Erastus and Seviah Lattimer. Aug. 2, 1835. Chauncey Wright, s. of James and Anna Blinn. " Franklin, s. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. Sept. 27. John Wallace, s. of Anson and Sarah Whaples. " Timothy Woodford, s. of Henry Kilbourn. Oct. 11. Caroline AtmH, d. of Homer and Delia Camp. Oct. 18. Mary, d. of LTnni and Sarah Robbins. July 31, 1836. Martha Urania, d. of .John C. and Martha Dow. Aug. 14. Agnes Whitile>ey, d. of Joshua and Agnes Belden. Oct. 2. Elizabeth, d. of R'^v. S. N., and Martha B. Shepard. Oct. 9. Sarah Denman, d. of Rev. John and Mary S. B. Todd. Aug. 27, 1837. Alraira Day, d. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn. " Chauncey Mason, s. of Erastus and Elmira Kilbourn. " Esther Amelia, d. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. Oct. 8. Mary, d. of Chester and Lucretia Churchill. Oct. 22. Hiram Hudson, s of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard. Nov. 19. Emily Sophia, d. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. May 6, 1838. Unni Robbins, Hannah Kelsey, Minerva C. Rodgers, and Mary Wells, adults. July 1. Elisha Blinn, Sophronia Tucker, Mary Tucker, Eliza Jane Davis, Julia Ann Lucretia Davis, Mary Seymour, adults. Sept. 9. Nancy, d. of Erastus and Eknina Kilbourn. Sept. 30. Mary Abilene, d. of John C. and Martha Dow. Oct. 21. Richard, s. of William and Sophia Kirkham. Nov. 4. Mary Blinn, adult. Nov. 11. Daniel Dwight, s. of Daniel H. and Maria S. D. Willard. 158 Feb. 17, 1839. Emeline Elizabeth, d. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbonrn. Oct. 27. Kanny Eliza, d. of Hiram E. and Fanny F. Stoddard. " Henry Martin, s. of Unni and Saiah D. Robbins. Feb. 1, 1840. Infant of Eraslus and Elmina Kilbourn. Feb. 9. ]\Iary Elizabeth, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. April 4. Ellen, d. of William and Sophia Kirkham. Sept. 20. Shubael Hart, s. of Elisha and Amanda A. Whaples. Feb. 11, 1841. Walter Lowrey, s. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. Mar. 28. Samuel llait, s. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn. May 2. Chauneey Demmg, adult. June 20. Charles Levi, s. of Daniel H. and Maria S. D. Willard. June 27. Mary, d. of Stephen and Sophronia Saunders. May 22, 1842. John Davis, s. of .Tames and Eliza I. D. Griswold. May 31. Lucy Fiances, d. of James and Anna Blinn. July 24. Mary Jane, d. of Elisha and Pother Blinn. Aug. 28. Henry Willis, s. of Willis P. and Mary T. Davis. Sept. 11. John Newton, s. of Erastus and Elmina Kilbourn. April 30, 1843. Sarah Adaline, d. of John F. and Mary A. W. Willard. June 4. Lucretia Davis, James Blinn, Henry and Martha Deming. Wyllis Philander Davis, Hannah Maria Luce, Charles Stoddard, Andrew Jackson, Julia Pierce, Carlos Huntley, George Thomas Davis, adults. July 16. Agnes Whittlesey, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. •' Burdett Eugene, s. of Daniel II. and Maiia S. D. Willard. Aug. 20. Marcus Lent, s. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn. Oct. 15. Julia Newell, d. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. Nov. 19. George Scranton, s. of Levi S. and Caroline S. Deming. Nov. 10, 1844. Levi Welles, s. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. June 8, 1845. .Joseph and Lydia Francis, children of .Joseph Camp. July 20. Cornelia Hale, d. of John M. and Mai-y E. H. Belden. Mar. 15, 1846. Stephen Dwight, s. of Stephen P. and Maria H. Lamberton. April 27. Child of Rev. Mr. Keeler. July 19. Frances Arabella, d. of Lowrey and Emily Robbins. " Newell Foote, s. of Chauncey Deming. Aug. 23. De Forest, s. of Daniel II. and Sarah M. D. Willard. " Edward Levi, s. of Levi S. and Caroline S. Deming. Aug. 30. Eugene Franklin, s. of Willis 1^. and Mary T. Davis. Nov. 15. John Newel, s. of John C. and Martha Dow. July 4, 1847. Agnes Whittlesey, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. Oct. 3. John Franklin, s. of Stephen P. and Maria H. Lamberton. Oct. 10. Harriet Lavinia, d. of Elisha and Esther Blinn. " William Albert, s. of William and Margaret T. Hubbard. Oct. 29, 1848. Mary Deming, d. of William and Cornelia Wells. Nov. 19. Mary Ellen, d. of Willis P. and ]\Iary T. Davis. Dec. 17. Clarence Henry, s. of Samuel N. and Eliza H. Rockwell. 159 Mar. 11, 1849. Henry Marius, s. of Henry and Ilininah Maria Luce. April 1. Joshua, s. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. May 27. Jane Electa, d. of Hemau A. and Eunice C. Whittlesey. July 22. David Lowrey, s. of Lowrey and Emily Rnbbins. July 29. Elbert Edwards and Ellen Eunice, children of Eraslus and Ehiiina Kilbourn. Jan. 13, 1850. Thomas Wilson, s. of Hugh Davies and wife. Mar. 24. Edward Merton, s. of William F. and France^ G. Willard. Sept. 1. Catharine Griswold, d. of William and Cornelia Wells. Oct. 31. Lewis Stephen, s. of William and Margaret T. Hubbard. June 29, 1851. Martha Elizabeth, d. of Willis P. and Mary T. Davis. Dec. 14. William, s. of Hugh and Margaret Davies. Sept. V2, 1852. Caroline Elizabeth, d. of Levi S. and Caroline Deming. " Abbot, s. of William F. and Frances G. Willard. '• William Gaylord, s. of William and Cornelia Well^. May 29, 1853. Ellen Amanda, d. of Jedidiah W. and Nancy A. Deming. June 5. Julia, d. of John M. and Mary E. H. Belden. June 5. John Wilson, s, of Hugh and Blargarette Davies. Nov. 12. Laura Levvella, d. of John C. and Mariha Dow. May 21, 1854. Mary, d. of John D. and Abigail W. Seymour. " Fanny Augusta, d. of Edwin and Lucy L. R. Welles. June 18. Cornelia Lucretia, d. of Wyllis P. and Mary T. Davis. July 9. Frederick Wayland, s of Elisha and Esther Blinn. Sept. 24. John Hammond, s. of Roger and Harriet Mills. Oct. 22. Cornelia Augusta, d. of William and Cornelia Wells. Dec. 31. Marcus Lewis, s. of Marcus W. and Frances S. Stoddard.* Jan. 17, 1855. Elizabeth Caroline, d. of William Nuah Turner and Jane McElrath. June 24. Rebecca Smalley, d. of Rev. J. S. and E G. Whittlesey. " Eunice Cornelia, d. of Heman A. and E. C. Whittlesey. " Marshall Allen, s. of Rufus and S. W. Stoddard. " Edward Laurens, s. of G. T. and M. A. Davis. Nov. 4. Samuel Chauncey Dix, Henry Elbert Lovelund, Cyrijs Francis, Jane Margaret Finnegan, Mary Elisabeth Brown, Julia Maria Cady, Valina Ann Francis, Delia Richards, Mary Ann Richards, Eliza Kilbourn Richards, adults. Mar. 2, 1856. Franklin Carroll Lattimer and Thomas Russell Byines, adults. May 11. Mary Elisabeth, Dwight Nelson, Ella Harriet, and Sarah Adaletta, children of the late Nelson Dillings and Harriet his wife. July 6. Celinda Clarissa Wiers, adult. Oct. 5. Roger Welles, s. of John D. and Abigail Seymour. * The last entry by Dr. Brace. 160 HI. MARRIAGES. Jmi. 20, 1805. Arthur Andrus, s. of Elizur AnJrus, and Mary Iiijirahain, both of Wethersfield. April 15. Daniel Webster, s. of Amos A. Webster, and Anne Andrus, d of Elizur Andrus. April 22. Elisha Stoddard and Beulah Wells. May 9. Erastus Seymour and Clara Wells. May 12. Lyman Brown and Sarali Tryon. Sept. 5. Abel Pentield and Sally Richards. Sept. 12. Simeon Stoddard and Lucy Kellogg. Sept. 18. Asaph Whittlesey and Laura Kellogg. Nov. 18. Appleton Francis and Charlotte Webster. Jan. 21, 180U. Samuel S. Goodrich and Lina Kelsey. Feb. 16. John A. Phillips and Honor Blinn. Feb. 26. William Deming and Sally Smith. May 24. Gilbert Chajjman and Sabra Winchel. June 8. Stephen Webster and Hannah Kilbourn. June 17. John Dow and Lucy Andrus. July 23. Klisha H. Street and Patty Latimer. Aug. 12. David Hunn and Abigail Higley. Aug. 17. Archibald Hall and Harriet Deraing. Nov. 1 8. Lester Hunn and Caty Goodrich. April 28, 1807. Daniel Willard and Laura Francis. May 13. Jacob Bates, jr., and Mary Robbius. June 18. Joseph D. Kinyon and Sabra Howard. July 2. Thomas S. Curtis and Lois Blinn. Aug. 9. Charles Olcott and Sarah Churchill. Nov. 3. Amos A. Webster and Mary Rice. •' 12. Henry Fox and Zilpah Brown. Jan. 6, 1808. Epaphras Andrus and Abigail Wells. Mar. 29. Horace Goodwin and Lydia Andrews. June 23. Sylvester Hurlburt and Nancy Stanley of Berlin. " " John Pine and Harriet Wetherby of Rocky Hill. Aug. 30. Josiah Huntington and Rachel Hinsdale of West Hartford. Sept. 26. Martin Kellogg, jr., and Mary Welles. Oct. 24. Luman Woodruff and Laura Holmes. Jan. 4,1809. Elizur Deming, jr., and Sally Goodrich. April 5. Thomas Clark and Alma Wells. June 5. James Phillips and Persis Hopkins. July 30. Levi Hurlburt and Lois Johnson. Aug. 20. Emmonds Rudge and Lucy Squire. Sept. 3. Barzillai Deming and Fanny Barns. *• 23. Abijah Porter and Betsey Wilco.K of Worthington. " 24. Benjamin Pettis and Anna Nott of Worthington. May 2, 1.810. Henry Blannot and Harriet Blinn. " 9. Chauncey North and Abigail Griswold. Oct. 15. Samuel T. Mills and Harriet M. Belden. •' 17. Thotnas Drink water and Nancy Kilbourn. 161 Nov. 13. Nathan W. Hale and Jemima Kellogg. Jan. 24, 1811. Rice Cari-ington and Abigail Fox. Mar. 5. Abel Matson of Glastonbury, and Mabel Holmes of Weth- erstield. May 1 2. William Wells and Catherine Griswold of Wethersfield. June 23. George Coleman and Prudence May Warner of Wethers- field. Sept. 9. John Churchill and Laura Wells of Wethersfield. " " Elijah Howard of Greenfield, and Sarah Hurlburt of Wethersfield. " 29. Ebenezer P.' Owen and Sally Blinn of Wethersfield. Nov. 28. Leonard Webster and Alma Rockwell of Wethersfield. Jau. 12, 1812. Ebenezer Gillet of Lebanon, and Rocsey Rhodes of Wethersfield. " 14. John Dodge of North Marlboro, and Lucy Langdon of Danbury. Feb. 17. Wait Griswold and Elizabeth Blinn of Wethersfield. " 27. William Dunham and Nancy Peck of Kensington. Mar. 9. Warner Dunham of Berlin, and Mary Andrews of Weth- ersfield. " 10. Amos Andrus and Mille Wells of Wethersfield. May 26. Allen Stoddard and Mary Wells of Wethersfield. June 3. Andrew Brown and Elizabeth Holmes of Wethersfield. Sept. 10. William McCarter and Jerusha Fox of Wethersfield. Oct. 27. Gideon Gates of Derby, and Lucy Blinn of Wethersfield. Mar. 16, 1813. Edwin Gaylord of West Hartford, and Lucy Camp of Wethersfield. Oct. 19. Benoni Hubbard of Windsor, and Abigail Francis of Wethersfield. Jan. 24, 1814. Solomon Churchill and Chloe Deming of Wethers- field. May 29. Jeremiah Colton of Long Meadow, and Lucy Lusk of Wethersfield. Sept. 18. Anson Francis of Wethersfield, and Almira Owen of AshfoiKl. Oct. 1 9. Joshua Andrus of Wethersfield^ and Prudence Camp of Hartford. Jan. 17, 1815. Asaph Willard of East Windsor, and Sophronia Wells of Wethersfield. " 29. Jedidiah Deming and Mary Lusk of Wethersfield. Mar. 12. Oliver Talcott and Mary Bliun of Wethersfield. " 23. Henry Fuller of Colchester, and Chloe Webster of Weth- ersfield. April 1 6. Roger Welles and Electa Stanley of Wethersfield. May 7. Abijah Hubbard of Middletown, and Hannah Brown of Wethersfield. Oct. 19. George Wells of Wethersfield, and Prudence Deming of West Hartlbrd. Feb. 4, 1816. Oliver Wells and Abigail Warner of Wethersfield. 21 162 Feb. 22. Horace Porter and Mabel Webster of Wetliersfield. " 29. Charles Stedman of Farmington, and Elizabeth Kellogg of Wethersfield. Mar. 17. Benjamin Hopkins and Harriet Lusk of Weiher.*field. Sept. 16. William Ellis of Berlin, and Lydia AVebster of Wethers- field. " 29. Thompson Kasson of Broad-Alban, and Mary Warner of Wethersfield. Nov. 20. Grandison Barber of Windsor, and Laura Francis of Wethersfield. " 27. .Tames Churchill of Wethersfield; and Clarissa Steele of Berlin. Jan. 16, 1817. Hubbard Wescott and Nancy Hooper of Welhers- field. Nov. 25. Lester Luce of Tolland, and Sophia Lattimer of AVeth- ersfield. June 7, 1818. Heman Whittlesey of Stockbridge, and Electa Kel- lojrg of Wethersfield. Aug. 25. Alfred Francis and Nancy Deming of Wethersfield. Oct. 14. Jonathan Stoddard and Dorothy Brown of Wethersfield. " " Anson Whaples and Sally Kilbourn of Wethersfield. Nov. 22. Abram Hills of Berlin, and Lydia Brown of Wethersfield. " 26. Roljert Rockwell and Harriet Whaples of Wethersfield. " " Robert Booth of Berlin, and Sally AVhaples of Wethers- field. l>ec. 31. David Crocker and Nancy Warner of Wethersfield. Feb. 3,1819. Chester Soper of Winchester, and Charlotte Welles of Wethersfield. Mar. 15. James Andrews of Burlington, and Lydia Wells of Weth- ersfield. June 10. Allen Judd of Berlin, and Harriet E. Johnson of Weth- ersfield. " 10. Justus Griswold and Jennette Kirkhara of Wethersfield. " 13. Normon Beckley of Berlin, and Mary Evans of Weth- ersfield. Oct. 18. Josiah Atwood of Hartford, and Prudence Kellogg of Wethersfield. " 27. Ralph Wells and Julia Roberts of Wethersfield. Feb. 16, 1820. Noadiah Bosworth of Westfield, and Anne Wells of Wethersfield. April 13. Hiram Goodrich and Susan Crocker of Wethersfield. " 23. Noah Tryon of Berlin, and Lucinda Westcott of Weth- ersfield. Jan. 9, 1821. George Tucker and Sophronia Blinn of Wethers- field. " 21. Beriah Green of Pawlef, Vt., and Maria Deming of Middlebury, Vt. Feb. 11. Jeremiah House of Glasteubury, and Fanny Blinn of Wethersfield. 163 April 3. Seth Woodruff of Suffield, and Lois Hurlburt of Weth- ersfield. Sept. 13. William M'Clintick of Palmer, Mass., and Huldah Case of Wetlierstield. Oct. 8. William Barns of Lee, and Sarah Holmes of Wethers- field. " 25. Alanson Colton and Lucy Deming of Wethersfield. Dec. 20. Jason Stevens of Glasteubnry, aud Fanny Whaples of Wethersfield. IMay 9, 1822. Jeremiah Ward and Abigail Hurlburt of Wethers- field. June 23. Douglass Woodworth of New London, and Almira War- ner of Wethersfield. Sept. 3. Benjamin Whaples of Wethersfield, and Climena Sander- son of Blandford. Nov. 21. Cyrus Webster and Cynthia Churchill of Wethersfield. June 23, 1823. Cyrus Francis and Sahara Blinn of Wethersfield. Nov. 27. William Blinn and Sally Blinn of Wethersfield. " 25, 1824. Hiram Kilbourn and Mary Crocker of Wethers- field. Dee. 9. Erastus Lattimer of Wethersfield, and Seviah Webster of Worthiugton. April 3, 1825. Andrew Roulston aud Eunice Skinner of Wethers- field. May 5. Lyman Booth and Keziah Andrews of Berlin. July 10. Joseph Mather of Berlin, and Hannah Sage of Wethers- field. " 17. Erastus Francis and Bertha B. Stoddard of Wethersfield. " 25. Edward Howard of Leyden, and Candace Stoddard of Wethersfield. Aug. 7. William H. Smith and Marcia North of Berlin. " 1(3. Thomas Wells of Tolland, and Nancy Seymour of Weth- field. " 23. John C. Dow and Laura Churchill of Wethersfield. Nov. 24. Charles Clark and Elizabeth Beckley. Mar. 6, 1826. Michael Applebee of Middletown, and Abigail Whaples of Wethersfield. " 7. Henry Kilboum-and Huldah Sedgwick of Wethersfield. Sept. 3. Stephen Hazzard of Berlin, and Electa Landers of Weth- ersfield. Mar. 11, 1827. Rev. John Todd of Groton, Mass., and Mary S. Brace of Wethersfield. " 29. Amasa S. Fanning of Lebanon, and Lucinda Sage of Wethersfield. April 29. Lewis Goodrich of Wethersfield, and Violetia Case of Simsbury. May 1 6. Stephen Tando and Betsey Squires of Wethersfield. Nov. 1. Merit Baldwin of New Hartford, and Rhoda Wells of Wethersfield. " 29. Philip Camp and Mary Green of Wethersfield. 164 Feb. 26, 1828. .James Nortli sen., and Alii Frances of New Britain. April 9. Jumes Blian Wliaples and Robey Williams Hall of Welh- ersfield. July 3. Dennis Sweet of Farmington, and Caroline Hart of Ber- lin. Aug. 18. Winthrop Cinnamon of Hartford, and Eliz.ibcth Green of Wethersfield. " 27. Samuel Dix and Elizabeth Kilbourn of Wethersfield. Nov. 19. Homer Camp of Washington, and Delia Whittlesey of Wethersfield. " 27. Hervey Francis and Abigail Kilbourn of Wethersfield. Dec. 11. Chester Griswold and Nancy Blinn of Wetliersfield. Feb. 1, 1829. Samuel T. Hall of Wethersfield, and Harriet Hart of Berlin. Mar. 2. Horatio Recor and Elizabeth Kilbj' of New Britain. April 13. Henry I. Braman of Newport, and Melinda M. Curtis of Wethersfield. Jan. 11, 1830. Solomon Wadsworth of Ea*t Hartford, and Sarah Dow of Wether-field. " 13. Heraan Seymour of Hartford, and Eleanor C. Wells of Wethersfield. April 8. Absalom AVells and Mary Deming of Wethersfield. Oct. 7. Oliver Richards, jr., and Mary Kilbourn of Wethersfield. Dec. 29. Peter Ferrows of Westfield, and Caroline Fox of Weth- ersfield. Feb. 2, 1831. Thomas Lee of Berlin, and Laura Whittlesey of Wethersfield. Mar. 31. Orange C. Butler of Hartford, and Mary Francis of Wether.-field. May 8. Jason Porter of East Hartford, and Abigail Blin of Weth- ersfield. Oct. 27. William Dee and Lucy Green of Wethersfield. Nov. 2. Andrew Abernethy of New Hartford, and Sarah Beckley of Wethersfield. " 23. .lames Hurlbut and Harriet Deming of Wethersfield. Dec. 7. Araon Judd of Berlin, and Julia A. Austin of Wethers- field. Feb. 12, 1832. Luther Dart and Mary Clapp of Wethersfield. April 20. Isaac Bosworth of Buffalo, and Martha A. Clark of Wethersfield. Aug. 28. Rev. Samuel N. Shepard of Madison, and Martha Brace. Oct. 7. John Kent, jr., and Sarah W. llotchkiss of Berlin. " 10. John C. Dow and Martha McCarter. Jan. 14, 1833. Jesse Collins and Elizabeth Amelia Jackson of Winchester. " " John Hanmer and Hannah B. Churchill of Wethersfield. " 23. Jo.seph Camp and Lydia Francis of Wethersfield. April 3. Alvah Dillings and Sarah Griswold of Wetlier.-.lleld. May 19. Levi North, jr., of Berlin, and Ann Taylor of Wethers- field. 165 June 12. Chester Faxon of West Hartford, and Sarah Deming of Wethersfield. Nov. 6. Elisha Whaples of Wethersfield, and Susanna Thomas of Avon. Dec. 31. Lorin Cooley of Granville, Mass., and Laura Blinu of Berlin. April -2, 1834. " William Hubbard of Wethersfield, and Martha Hurlbut of Berlin. May 21. Jedidiah Darning and Anna Wells of Wethersfield. July 10. Henry Whaples and Hannah Brown. Sept. 2. Sidney Curtiss of Auburn, N. Y., and Lucinda D. Hall of Wethersfield. " 30. Stephen P. Lamberton of Simsbury, and Marin E. Hub- bard. Jan. 13, 1835. Justus Griswold and Abigail H. Stoddard of Weth- ersfield. Nov. 26. Homer Curtis of Meriden, and Julia Ann Upson of Ber- lin. Jan. 17, 1836. Jarvis Dorau of New York, and Selina Southworth of Berlin. Feb. 17. John F. Willard of Wethersfield, and Mary A. Wells Mar. 17. Hezekiah Griswold, jr., and Frances N. Welles of Weth- ersfield. May 6. William Roberts and Sarah Ann Chapman of Wethers- field. July 10. Nelson Allen and Lucy Ann Brown of Berlin. Sept. 11. (At Chatham,) Horace Deming of (ilastenbury, and Phebe Scofell of East Haddam, both residents of Chatham. Oct. 25. Norris Slater of Berlin, and Maria D. Hamlin of Farm- ington. Nov. 24. Jesse Holister of Glastenbury, and Lucy M. Rugg of Berlin. Dec. U>. Henry Deming of Wethersfield, and Martha Avery of Berlin. May 9, 1837. Daniel H. Willard and Sarah M. Deming of Weth- ersfield. Sept. 24. Erastus Deming and Laura Weeks of Wethersfield. Feb. 21, 1838. Milo Doty of Hartford, and Catherine Wells. Mar. 31. William B. Booth and Betsey Blinn of Berlin. May 12. Purmont P. Bradford of Haddam, and Nancy Blinn of Berlin. April 21, 1840. James B. Griswold and Eliza L Davis. May 28. John L. Apgar of Newark, N. J., and Mary Sophia Stod- dard. Oct. 6. Willis P. Davis and Mary Tucker. Dec. 2. Albert S. Hunn and Minerva C. Rogers. April 27, 1841. Joseph L. Shepard of Westfield, and Emily Hub- bard. July 4. Leander Smith and Caroline Huntley of Ellington. 166 Oct. -20. Nelson Dillings of Weathersfielc), Vt., and Harriet Rock- well. Dec. 2.'5. Baldwin Hart of Madison, and Charlotte J. Welles. " 3l). Urbiu K. Sanford and Jane Hollow of Wethersfield. Jan. 2, 1842. Charles K. Stedman of Meriden, and Sarah C. Guylord of Wethersfield. Mar. •2'J. William F. Willard and Frances G. Wells. May 10. Dumont Carey of Berlin, and Delia Hopkins. June 3. Jonathan T. Hart and Maria VVoodriifi' of New Britain. Sept. 4. Daniel Whaples and Sophronia Gladding. Oct. 26. Robert 0. Joyner of Egremont, Mass., and Sarah C. Wells. May 21, 1843. John N. Mather of New Britain, and Martha Mor- gan. June 21. Edward M. Knight and Ann M. Selden of West Hartford. " 22. Daniel M. Wolcott of Wethersfield, N. Y., and Lucinda G. Wells. Aug. 22. Henry Olmsted of East Hartford, and Julia T. Welles. Jan. 16, 1844. Channcey Deraing and Cornelia Foot. May 8. William Dee and Harriet Smart. Nov. 16, 1845. Lowrey Goodrich of Berlin, and Sarah Maria Blinn. Jan. 1, 1846. William B. Booth of Ne.w Britain, and Maria A. Keach of Wethersfield. " 18. Dunham E. Calkins and Maria A. Calkins. April 9. Martin Brown and Elizabeth C. Kirkham. Sept. 3. William Wells and Cornelia Demiug. " 9. Eli I. Smith of Tollaiid, and Mary Seymour. Nov. 18. Jedidiah Deming, jr., and Nancy A. Whaples. Jan. 6, 1847. John To[)liff" of Westtield, and Sophronia Saunders. " 21. Heman A. Whittlesey and Eunice C. Latlimer. Mar. 17. Samuel N. Rockwell and Harriet E. Kilbourn. April 8. Reuben Beckley of Berlin, and Elizabeth Tucker. " 20. Samuel K. Camp of Farmington, and Mary Kellogg. May 12. Ephraim Nelson of North Adams, and Roxana Tuttle of West Hartford. Aug. 19. Samuel Brace of Newington, and Sarah R. North of New Britain Nov. 15, 1848. Horace Bidwell, jr., of Manchester, and Abigail I. Kilbourn. Mar. 21, 1849. William D. Wilcox of Rocky Hill, and Matilda Saunders. " 25. Nelson Peters of Wilbraham, Mass., and Laura A. Camp. July 22, 1850. Francis Shaw of Union Village, N. Y., and Sarah E. Fairfield. Oct. 23. William B. Clark and Frances M. Culver. Nov. 17. Nelson Sperry of Newington, and Mary Griswold of Bloomfield. Jan. 5, 1851. Woodbridge Gilbert of New York City, and Mary Richards. July 3. Thomas W. Keach of AVethersfield, and EHzabeth H. Bidwell of Hartford. 167 Sept. 17. William I. Thomas of Quincy, Mass., and Mary Williams. Feb. 1, 1852. Otis Huntley of Newington, and Maria Wolcb of Jersey City. " 22. James Johnson of Albany, and Nancy Whaples. May 3. Chester C. Webster and Marilla Richards. " 19. Geo. W. Catlin of Harwinton, ami ISIarilla Hubbard. " " Thomas B. Briggs of Mayfield, N. Y., and Elizabeth Wells. " 20. Jason Wright of Wethersfield, and Eliza Philips of Hart- ford. Nov. 25. John D. Seymour and Abigail Welles. Dec. 30. Erastus Francis and Cornelia Stoddard. Jan. 16, 1853. Edwin Welles and Lucy L. Bobbins. Mar. 27. Ely Franklin and Cornelia Lantmon. May 25. Jonathan B. Gillette of Bleriden, and Lydia M. Brown. Dec. 14. Charles Stoddard and Hapsebah Deming. Jan. 1, 1854. John S. Watrous of East Haddam, and Harriet A. Hurlburt of Wethersfield. " 22. Edward Tando and Mary Ann Matthews. Sept. 19. Samuel K. Camp of N. Y., and Sarah W. Kellogg. Nov. 1. Pasclial Withey of New Haven, and Lucy Wells. Dec. 24. Benjamin Benslead and Eliza McNeil. Mar. 14. Nelsoa P. Woodruff of North Carolina, and Sarah T. Robbins. IV. DEATHS OR FUNERALS. Nov. 23, 1804. Florella, child of Josiah Griswold, aged 8 years " Hepzibah Weaver, aged 67. " Child of Dan . " Child of James Stedraan, aged 3. Dec. 22. Robert, child of Josiah Griswold, aged 2. Mar. 14, 1805. Benajah Taylor, very suddenly, aged 75. " 20. Lydia Churchill, aged 80. May 30. Lois, wife of Fitch Andrus, very suddenly, aged 43. June 17. Olive Lattimer, very suddenly, aged 29. " 21. Enos Hunn, after long sickness, aged 61. Aug. 18. Sarah Blinn, aged 79. Jan. 4, 1806. David Russel, aged 80. " 7. Benjamin Atkins, aged 87. Feb. 15. Infant child of Oswell Hunter, aged 5 weeks. " 25. Child of Olive Fox, aged 3. April 10. Child of James Stedman, aged 6 weeks. " 21. Stephen Kellogg, aged 48. May • 8. Sarah Hurlbui't, wife of Eli Hurlburt, aged 40. June 24. Candaee, wife of Jonathan Stoddard, aged 55. Feb. 14, 1807. Infant child of Asaph Whittlesey. " 22. Hannah Willard, aged 58. July 1. William N. Wolcott, aged 35. 168 Dec. 18. Mary Goodrich, aged about 80. Jan. 1, 1808. Child of Dan Camp, aged 8. April 21. Asher At wood, aged 77. May 1 2. Aliipail, wife of Josiah Griswold, aged 44. " 18. Martha, wife of Levi Hurlhurt, aged 63. " 18. Benjamin Stoddard, aged 65. June 6. Joshua Belden, jr., aged 40. " 10. Oledine Andrus, at Long Meadow, aged 34. " 24. Mary Taylor, aged 74. Aug. 25. James Blinn, ajed 78. Sept. 1 6. Child of Euos Deniing. Jan. 18, 1809. John Squire, jr., aged 38. Feb. 8. Child of John Squire, aged 2. April 8. Silvy Deming, aged 51. Dec. 22. Samuel Deming, aged 70. Jan. 2, 1810. Sylvester Warner, s. of Elijah Warner, aged 3. Mar. 4. Elisha Andrus, aged 50. " 28. Mercy Westcott, wife of Samuel Westcott. April 3. Hannah, wife of Lemuel Whittlesey, aged 68. " 7. Ashbel Seymour, jr., aged 32. June 17. Uiini Robbins, aged 68. " 19. Benjamin Hopkins, aged 58. Aug. 25. Two infants of Origen Wells. Sept. 2. Olive, wife of Asa Fox, aged 50. Oct. 11. Child of Daniel Willard, jr., aged 14 months. Feb. 20, 1811. Infant of Thomas Deming. Mar. 13. Capt. Jonathan Stoddard, aged 74. April 1 2. Infant of Thomas Drinkwatei'. " 16. Eli Andrews, aged 75. " 17. Infant of Uzziel Latimer. May 15. Abel Andrews-, aged 76. '• 25. Elijah Wells, aged 67. July 2. Elizabeth, wife of Abuer Roberts, aged 29. Nov. 21. Lucretia, wife ol Solomon Churchill, aged 47. " 26. Sarah Kellogg, widow of S. Kellogg, aged 41. Dec. 10. Esther Wright, aged 79. April 15, 1812. Joseph Camp, aged 68. " 26. Joseph Churchill, aged 62. July 3. Capt. Robert Wells, aged 72. Aug. 23. Josiah Griswold, aged 52. Jan. 30, 1813. Zilpah, wife of Pomp Green, aged 50. Feb. 8. John Squire, aged 75. Mar. 24. Pomp Freeman, .aged about 60. April 12. Anna Deming, aged 85. July 20. Lois, wife of Justus Francis, aged 49. " 23. Rev. Joshua Belden, aged 89. Aug. 5. Martha, wife of Elias Deming, aged 63. Sept. 2. Child of Cieorge Hale's, aged 14 months. Nov. 11. Oswell Rockwell, aged 58. Feb. 4, 1814. Mary, wife of Oliver Crocker, aged 47. 169 Feb. 16. Prince Miranda, aged 47. Mar. 21. Rebecca, wife of 8ion Wentworth, aged 55. April 27. Mulatto woman, aged 20, and child. May 13. Elias Deming, aged 62. June 21. Ezeiiiel Deming, aged 51. '■ 27. Abigail Wells, widow of Capt. Robert Wells, aged 74. Aug. 5. Thomas , black man, aged about 90. Nov. 20 Martha, d. of Lemuel Henry, aged 2 years and 9 months. Dec. 9. Rebekah Boardman, aged 91. " 19. Robert Deming, aged 51. " 25. Thomas Clark, aged 38. Jan. 7, 1815. Robert Wells, s. of Capt. Robert W., aged 53. Feb. 23. Dorothy Clark, aged about 80. June 8. John Kirkhara, aged 54. Aug. 13. Martha, d. of Levi Hurlburt, aged 3^. " 15. Tabitha, wife of Ehas Andrus, aged 69. Oct. 25. Nancy Hooper's child, aged 1. " 26. Orra Deraing's child, aged 2. Nov. 8. Mehitabel, wife of Isaac Clark, aged 61. Dec. 29. Twin infants of Ansel Fox and Prudence his wife. Jan. 22, 1816. Mary Robbins, aged 73. Mar. 27. Mary Atwood, aged 88. Jan. 1, 1817. Infant of .Jeremiah Seymour, aged 2 days. '• 16. Dea. Daniel AVillard, aged 63. IMar. 17. Levi Hurlburt, aged 74. April 23. Elizabeth Smith, aged 88. May 3. Eleanor, wife of James Wells, jr., aged 42. June 6. Esther Hunn, aged 64. Oct. 26. Laura Dillings aged 16. Nov. 15. Chauncey L. Hunn, s. of Lester C. Hunn, aged 9. -^April 1, 1818. Josiah Willard, aged 78. June 8. Jennette Kiikham, wife of John K., aged 51. July 7. Unni Robbins, aged 52. Aug. 6. Catherine , black woman, aged 80. " 10. Lucius C'aes, aged 20. Oct. 20. Elisha Blinn, aged 55. Dec. 7. Jane, d. of William Kirkham, aged about 2. " 9. Lucina, wife of Elizur Deming, aged 65. " 10. Lucretia, wife of Elijah Warner, aged 47. " 23. Child of , tramps, aged 4 months. Jan. 7,1819. Elizabeth Whaples, aged 79. April 15. Sidney, s. of Allen Stoddard, aged 7| months. June 15. Child of Giles Smith, aged 8 months. " 25. Horace Kilbourn, aged 15. " 27. A man — unknown. July 10. Luther Lattimer, aged 75. Aug. 4. Eliza, d. of Lester C. Hunn, aged 6. Oct. 15. John Wright, aged 56. Dec. 7. David Lowrey, aged 79^. 22 170 Dec .19. Francis Deming, aged 81. Jan. 22, 1820. Harriet E. Judd, wife of Allen Ju.ld, aged 20. Mar. 12. Lois Blinn, widow of James Blinn, aged 78. " 28. Infant of Lester Hunn. June 30. Nathan Rockwell, aged 21. Oct. 6. Julia Norton, d. of Martin Welles and Frances his wife, aged 1. Dec. 26. Elisha Squire, aged 40. Jan. 7, 1821. Ro-^anna Deming, aged 73. " 7. Rev. R. Emery, aged 26. Child of Robert We\U. Twin infants of James Wells, jr., aged 2 months. Silas Andrus, aged 75. Lucy Drming, d. of widow R. Deming, aged 18. Jeru>ba, wife of Thomas Deming, aged •!». Samuel Whaples, aged 41. Chauncey Whittlesey, aged 44. Elisha Squire, aged 78. , 1822. Sarah Roberts, aged 40. Eunice Wolcott, aged 74. Chester Wells, aged 47. . . Lucy, wife of Simeon Stoddard, aged 36. Henry Blannot, jr., aged 10. . David Goodrich, aged 66. Julia Churchill, aged 30. . Elizabeth Emery, d. of R. Rockwell, aged 13 months. , Maria, child of Thomas Curtis, aged 2i. 5. Twin children of Levi Hubbard, aged 2. , Benjamin Ilendrick, aged 25. , Cynthia Wells, aged 30. 2, 1823. Thomas S. Curtis, aged 37. " 25. Prudence, d. of Enos Deming, and Prudence his wife, aged 4. April 18. Sion Wentworth, aged 69. Henry Brown, aged 64. Anne, wife of Joseph Churchill, aged 42. Lemuel Whittlesey, aged 83. Abigail, wife of Asahel Case, aged 40. John Churchill, aged 38. Frederick Demiug, aged 57. 1, 1824. Lifant of Jedidiah Deming. Asaph Whittlesey, aged 42. Sabra, wife of Cyrus Francis, aged 22. Hendric , an Indian, agi d 70. Hannah, wife of Benja:niu Hart, aged 50. Elizabeth, wife of L'onaid C. Hubbard, aged 51. Levi Lu^k, aged 67. Jonathan Hubbard, aged 14. " Martin Hooper, s. of Philip, aged 22. Nov. 4. Abigail, wife of Dea. James Wells, aged 75. Feb. 26. Mar. 3. April 16. 21. May 4. 8. Oct. 22. Nov. 6. Jan. 15, " 19. Mar. 5. May June 20. 22. Aug. 22. Sept. 16. 19. " 22. Oct. 4, Nov. 25. Dec. 20. Feb. 2, May July Aug. 20. 22. 24. Sept. 4. 17. " 21. Mar. 1, May July 24. 5. 6. a 28. Aug. 4. Sept. Oct. 16. 16. 171 Nov. 20. Ha|jseb;Uli, d. of Jedidiah Deming, aged months. Jan. 13, 1825. Infant of Roswell Hunter, aged 3 mouths. " 13. Infant of Simeon Harrington, aged 7 months. Mar. 4. William Wells, s. of Dea. James, aged 39. " 21. Lydia Willard, aged 68. " 25. Deacon James Wells, aged 77. " 31. Jerusha Hartshorn, aged 78. April 12. Lorrain, wife of Absalom Wells, aged 56. " 30. John Fox, aged 24. May 6. Gardiner, child of Simeon Harrington, aged 5. " 8. Heman Francis, s. of Robert, aged 21. " -19. Martha Graham, aged 70. July 12. Harriet Churchill, d. of Samuel, aged 27. Aug. 23. Child of Alanson Colton, aged 1. Sept. 19. Lois Andrus. aged 95. Oct. 28. Arta Stevens, wife of Ichabod S., aged 34. " 29. Abigail Whaples, aged 47. Nov. 1. Chauncey Lattimer, aged 22. Dec. 8. Asahel Case, aged 49. Feb. 2, 1826. Lucy Lowrey, aged 77. " 21. Amos Andrus, ageil 63. April 11. Dorothy Stoddard, aged 84. May 1. Henry, s. of George Tucker, aged 2. " 6. Charles Corning, aged 47. Joseph Francis, aged 26. Aug. 21. Candace, wife of Jonathan Stoddard, aged 55. " 27. .Jonathan Stoddard, jr., aged 33. Dec. 30. Abigail, infant of J. W. Griswold, aged 4 weeks. Jan. 8, 1827. Rhoda Willard, aged 70. " 9. Justus Francis, aged 76. " 10. Amos A. Webster, aged 74. Feb. 24. Rhoda Churchill, aged 76. Mar. 18. Mary, wife of Jedidiah Deming, aged 37. April 15. Elias Andrews, aged 74. May 18. Infant of Ansel Fox, aged 6 months. " 24. Sally, wife of Dea. Levi Deming, aged 47. Sept. 29. Thomas Deming, aged 72. Nov. 1. Orra Fuller, aged 20. " 8. Mary Beckwith, aged 28. " 10. Samuel, s. of John C. and Laura Dow, aged 1. " 13. Hannah, wife of Marliu Kellogg, aged 77. " 22. Marietta, d. of Enos and Prudence Deming, aged 14. " 29. Orin Hubbard, s. of D. and E. Hubbard, aged 9. Dec. 5. Elizur Deming, aged 77. May 1, 1828. Rlioda Willard, widow of Josiah Willard, aged 75. June 8. Child of Alanson Colton, aged 4 months. " 27. Jane Kirkhain, d. of William and Sophia K., aged 9. Aug. 19. Martin Kellogg, aged 82. " 21. Justus Riley, aged 4, and Maria Clark, aged 2, children of William Blinu. Aug. Sept. 29. 5. 17. « 21. Oct. 6. Nov. 7. " 8. Dec. 8. " 10. " 24. Jan. 24, Feb. 10. " 28. April .17. 19. May 2. 12. June 26. Oct. 27. Dec. 4. " 6. 172 Lucy Lowrey, d. of Unni and Sarah Robbins, aged 1. Wait Griswold, aged 41. Child of Lot anil Mary Ann Beckwith, aged 1. Child of Abigail Blinn, aged 2. Elias Seymour, aged 82. Alfred Deming, aged 24. Ichabod Stevens, aged 44. Elizabeth Griswold, aged 37. Whiting, s. of Orin and Sarah Chapman, aged 2. Infant of Winthrop and Elizabeth Cinnamon. .829. Hannah Goodrich, aged 08. Laura K. Whittlesey, d. of Asaph W., aged 13. Joseph Churchill, aged 4'J. Sylvia, wife of Lemuel Holmes, aged 67. Jemima Welles, widow ot Roger, aged 72. Infant of Lot and Mary Ann Beckwith. Sarah Wells, widow of Elijah, aged 78. Lemuel Whittlesey, s. of Asaph, aged 18. Infant of Barzillai Deming, aged 7 hours. Elizur Andrews, aged 82. Hannah Crocker, aged 78. April 29, 1830. Lucy, wife of Uzziel Lattimer, aged 58. " 27. Laura, wife of John C. Dow, aged 27. July 9. Child of Woodward, aged 2 weeks. Aug. 28. Charles Mitchell, aged 19. Sept. Infant of John C. Dow. Feb. 25,1831. Seth Boardraan, aged 89. April 8. Mary Kellogg, d. of Martin Kellogg, aged 56. Aug. 15. Child of William Blinn, aged 6 months. Sept. 10. James Barnaby, aged 76. Nov. 25. Infant of Seth Kilbourn. Dec. 3. Martha, wife of Seth Kilbourn, aged 30. " 24. Mabel Webster, widow of Amos A. Webster, aged 77. " 31. Elisha Stoddard, aged 52. Jan. 13,1832. Solomon Welles, aged 85. Feb. 4. Elizabeth Seymour, widow of Elias, aged 85. April 8. Eunice, d. of Anson and Sarah Whaples, aged 2. " 20. Nancy Whaples, aued 53. Dec. 30. Samuel, infant of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn. Feb. 16,1833. Child of Miles Peck, aged 1. April 8. James Wells, aged 61. Nov. 22. Hannah, wife of Ezekiel Atwood, aged 04. Dec. 29. Lois Hurlbut Woodrufl", aged 51. Jan. 24, 1834. Mercy, wife of Samuel Churchill, aged 76. " 24. Francis, s. of Chester and Lucrelia Churchill, aged 2. April 6. Kasson, s. of Leo C. and Nancy Hubbard, aged 2. " 19. Martha, d. of Enos and Prudence Deming, aged 13. May 6. Benjamin Hopkins, aged 41. " 19. Samuel Wheelock, aged 35. Aug. 10. Jane Amelia, d. of Erastus and Seviah Lattimer, aged 6. 173 Sept. 4. James Wells, s. of James W., at West Hartford, aped 35. " 6. Frederick Sage, aged 11. " 29. Candace, d. of widow Candace Howard, aged 8. Nov. 14. Timothy Woodford, s. of Henry and Huldah Kilbourn, aged 10 months. Dec. 10. Samuel Churchill, aged 78. " 11. Heman F. Stoddard, s. of Hiram E. and Fanny Stoddard, aged .5. " 19. Manning Wells, aged 42. " 23. Enos Deming, aged 55. Jan. 1, 1835. James Hooper, aged 38. Feb. 8. Child of Chauncey Hart, of Farmington, aged 15 months. Mar. 8. Lydia Churchill Smith, aged 62. " 24. Lester C. Hunn, aged 51. April 10. Child of William Clark, aged 2. May 18. Jason Porter, aged 26. June 7. Simeon Stoddard, aged 53. July 17. Huldah B. Kilbourn, wife of Henry, aged 29. Sept. 3. George Seymour, deaf and dumb, aged 93. Oct. 1. Isaac Bell, aged 51. " 19. Eleazar Holmes, s. of Lemuel, aged 44. " 19. Ruggles Austin, aged 13. Feb. 16, 1836. Anna Andrus, wife of Elizur, aged 81. Mar. 1. Sarah Camp, d. of Joseph, aged 58. " 28. Beulah Stoddard, aged 55. April 5. Lucy Wells, always blind, aged 61. " 24. Wilson, aged 61. May 7. Caty, widow of Lester C. Hunn, aged 51. July 10. Laura, wife of Daniel AVillard, aged 53. Feb. 9, 1837. Laura K. W. Lee, wife of Thomas Lee, aged 53. April 25. Lydia F. wife of Joseph Camp, aged 31. Child of Mary Stowe, aged 3. Child of William Jackman, aged 3. Child of Ralph Wells, aged 1. Catherine, d. of Rebekah Stevens, aged 11. Julia, wife of Ralph Wells, aged 36. Chester Churchill, aged 39. 1838. Mary Atwood, aged 75. John Grimshaw, suddenly, (heat 99°) aged 23. Sarah Jane, d. of Jesse and Lucy M. Hollister, aged 1. Stanley W. Griswold, s. of Hezekiah, jr., and Frances N. W. Griswold, aged 1. Ralph Wells, s. of Absalom, aged 39. Chloe, wife of Solomon Churchill, aged 74. Thankful , a black woman, aged 91. Electa Whittlesey, widow of Heman Whittlesey, aged 45. 1839. Almira Day, d. of Henry and Emeline G. Kilbourn, aged 2. 26. William Henry, s. of William and Martha Hubbard, aged 2. Sept. 12. " 18. Oct. 14. " 21. Oct. 22. Nov. 7. Mar. 7, July 10. Aug. 24. 29. W. ( Oct. 19. Nov, 3. " 23. Dec. 5. Feb. 5, 174 April 30. James, s. of Stephen and Soplironia Saunders, aged 2. June 17. Absalom Wells, aged 74. Aug. 18. Infant of Jesse and Lucy M. Hollister. " 29. Sarah Rockwell, widow of Oswell Rockwell, aged 77. " 29. Child of John Crosslee, aged 1. Sept. 7. Lemuel Holmes, aged 75. " l.S. "William S. Deming, aged 25. Oct. 19. John Mitchell, aged GO. Nov. 5. Simon Kilbourn, aged 80. Dec. 11. Elisheba Hunn, aged 66. " 31. Elizabeth Deming, widow of Francis Deming, aged 85. Jan. 11, 1840. Mary P. Smith, wife of Samuel Smith, aged 34. Feb. 1. Infant of Erastus Kilbourn. " 14. John Green, aged 62. " 15. Unni Blinn, aged 75. April 6. Ellen, d. of William and Sophia Kirkham, aged 6 months. " 28. Jonathan Stoddard, aged 68. May 29. Hepzibah Lusk, wife of Gen. Levi Lusk, aged 83. Sept. 1. Abigail Forbes Kellogg, aged 62. Oct. 30. Sarah Ann C. Roberts, wife of William Roberts, aged 23. Feb. 2, 1841. Infant of Seth Purrington, aged 3 weeks. July 2. Almira, d. of John L. Apgar, aged 6. " 29. Mary Lusk Deming. d. of Jedidiah Deming, aged 23. Jan. 2, 1842. Martha H. wife of William Hubbard, aged 26. Mar. 18. Sarah Naomi Loveland, d. of James and Candace Love- land, aged 3. " 23. Caroline Deming, d. of Dea. Levi Deming, aged 32. April 6. Theodore Seymour, aged 64. " 18. Eunice Seymour, deranged 30 years, aged 61. May 3. Amelia Andrus, widow of Amo8 Andrus, aged 75. " 9. Lucy Dee, wife of William Dee, aged 34. " 10. Benajah Roberts, s. of Benajali Roberts, aged 3 weeks. " 16. Serviah Wliaples, wife of Reuben Whaples, aged 73. " 23. William Henry Deming, s. of Henry and Martha Dem- ing, aged 2. June 2. Lucy Frances, d. of James and Anna Blinn, aged 2. " 16. Solomon Churchill, aged 78. " 16. Orin Chapman, aged 45. July 27. Joseph Dee, s. of William Dee, aged 1. Sept. 5. Martin, s. of Chester and Nancy Griswold, aged 2. " 11. Julius Dee, s. of William Dee, aged 11. Oct. 11. Elizabeth Atwood, aged 84. Jan. 13, 1843. Octavia S., wife of Newman Francis, aged 34. " 28. Martha Green, d. of Phillis, aged 24. Dec. 1. Child of Joshua Dean, a^ed 3 months. June 29, 1844. Cynthia Holmes, aged 44. Aug. 21. Walter Lowrey, s. of Lowrey and Emily F. Robbing, aged 4. " 23. Jemima Filley, aged 88. 175 Oct. 7. Theresa Hibbard, d. of Isaac and Martha Bo^worth, aged 1 year. Nov. 21. Phiiena S., wife of William Wells, aged 25. Mar. 20, 184.5. Infant of Homer Camp, aged 2 days. April 3. Alma Camp, aged 58. " 20. Nathaniel Hillhouse, aged 53. Sept. 20. . Horace Whaples, aged 26 " 22. ■■ Eev. E. .Toab Brace, at Pittsfield, aged 31. Oct. 15. Agnes W., d. of John M. and M. E^ H. Belden, aged 2f Nov. 13. Allen Stoddard, aged 59. " 18. Cornelia F., wife of Chauncey Deming, aged 26. " 22. Dr. Chauncey Belden, aged 41. Dec. 12. William Deming, aged G3. Jan. 2, 1840. John Whitman Brace, aged 2H. Feb. 4. Joseph Hunlley, s. of Newman and Caroline H., aged 2. Sept. 10. Dorothy Belden, aged 76. Dec. 3. Edward Brainerd, aged 5. Jan. 1, 1847. Dea. Levi Deming, aged 74. Feb. 28. Richard Smart, aged 75. April 3. Mary S. Smith, d. of Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, a^^ed 22. May 12. Eunice Kilbourn, aged 83. July 7. Mary L., wife of Ashbel Seymour, aged 69. Dec. 11. Eliznr Deming, aged 66. Feb. 18,1848. Mary A^ Churchill, aged 65. " 23. Child of Seth Purrington, aged 3 months. " 29. Alice, d. of Truman Wiers, aged 10 months. Mar. 14. Charles Clark, aged 47. « 21. James Churchill, aged 66. " 28. Stephen P. Lamberton, aged 36. April 24. Laura Wells, d. of Ralph, aged 22. May 19. Lucy Ann Gaylord, aued 31. Aug. 4. Fanny Eliza, d. of Hiram E. Stoddard, aged 9. Nov. 4. Lucy Mullen, aged 16. Dec. 30. Eliza G. Cinnamon, aged 46. Feb. 15, 1849. Uzziel Lattimer, aged 79^. Aug. 15. Chester Griswold, aged 48. Oct. 1. Charity Tryon, a;;ed 94^. " 30. Sarah M. Goodrich, d. of William Blinn, aged 20. Dec. 13. Robert R. Rockwell, a^ed 23. Jan. 31, 1850. Laura F., d. of William F. and Frances G. Willard, aged 6. April 20. Child of John L. Apgar, aged 6 months. May 5. Sarah Deming, wife of William, aged 66. " 23. Phillis Green, widow of John Green, aged 72. June 30. Joseph Rockwell, s. of Robert Rockwell, aged 21. July 23. Nancy Francis, widow of Cyrus, aged 48. Aug. 30. Newel, s. of Reuben Osborn, aged 3. Nov. 7. Amanda, wife of Elisha Whaples, jr., aged 44. " 30. Nelson Dilliugs, s. of Elias, aged 38. Jan. 29, 1851. Mary, wife of Otis Huntley, aged 45. 176 Feb. 22. Nancy Wells, aged 77. Mar. 31. Michael Guuniiig, aged 23. Jlay 28. Mary Blinii, widow of Elisha, aged 80. July 17. Alice Augusta, d. of Elisha and Esther Blinn, aged 2. Aug. 9. Joel Huntley, aged 64. Sept. 21. John Cady, s. of Walter G. Cady, aged 5. Oct. 2. Julia A. S. Cady, wife of Walter G. Cady, aged 32. " 4. Levi Welles, s. of Elisha and Esther Blinn, aged 7. " 30. Irene AnJrus, aged 82. Jan. 13, 18.52. Lucy Robbins, aged 80. Feb. 17. Joseph Camp, aged 71. Mar. 9. Bertha B., wife of Erastus Francis, aged 44. April 9. Harriet Hopkins, widow of Benjamin, aged .07. May 7. Nancy, d. of widow Nancy Griswold, aged 22. " 14. Mary K. Camp, wife of Samuel Camp, aged 33. " 29. Child of John G. Wells, aged 1. Sept. .''. Child of Hezekiah Griswold, aged 2. " 17. Julia A. Hull, aged 16. " 18. Lucy Deraing, widow of Robert, aged 87. Oct. 8. Harriet, wife of William Dee, aged 26. Nov. 2. James B. Griswold, aged 36. " 14. Oliver Pomeroy Bulkley, many years deranged, aged 65. Feb. 3, 1853. Dositheus Hubbard, aged 60. Mar. 20. Laura C. Dow, d. of John C. and Martha Dow, aged 1 9. " 24. Mary Ann Cady, d. of Walter G. Caily, aged 2. April 1. Marcus Lent, s. of Henry and Emeliue Kilbouru, aged 10. May 11. Anna Camp, aged 80. Oct. 26. Reuben Whaples, blind, aged 86. '• 29. Ezekiel Atwood, aged 90. Dec. 18. Abigail, wife of Linus Gilbert, d. of Unni Blinn, aged 48. April .5,1854. Elisha Whaples, jr., aged 53. May 9. James H. Dix, s. of Roswell Dix, aged 11. July 2. Eliza Wells, d. of Dea. Origen Wells, aged 44. Aug. 23. Sarah Dow, wife of Samuel Dow, aged 76. Sept. 18. Gennette. wife of Martin Whaples, aged 24. Oct. 23. Lucinda Gaylord, aged 84. Oct. 28. Daniel Whaples, aged 54. Nov. 16. Child of George F. and Mary A. Davis, aged 1. " 16. Child of Carlos and Frances M. Huntley, aged 2. " 16. Lucy Collins Brace, wife of the Pastor, aged 72^. " 24. Martha Carter Dow, wife of John C. Dow, aged 41. Dec. 14. Esther Latimer, aged 83.* Feb. 13, 18-55. Robert Francis, aged 92. Mar. 1. Lydia Smith, wife of Giles Smith, aged 71. " 4. Elizabeth Hollister, wife of Horace Kilbourn, aged 22. " 10. Sally Demiug, widow of Dea. Levi, aged 72. '• 14. Child of Dumont Carey, aged 1|. Mary Abilene Dow, d. of John C. and Martha Dow. Jan. 25, 1856. David Hunn, aged 77. * The last entry by Dr. Brace. 177 May 29. Harriet R. Dillings, aged 36. June 7. Fanny Deming, widow of Brazil, aged 68. " 12. Child of Benjamin Beastead, aged 8 months. " 29. Carlos Gottlieb Wagner, aged 36. Ang. 30. Stephen D wight Laraberton, aged 12. Nov. 28. Maria Larabeiton, aged' 43. April 20, 1861. Rev. Joab Brace, D. D., at Pittsfield, aged 90. V. CHURCH VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS. Feb. 28, 1805. Church meeting after lecture, " Voted, a tax on the communicants to supply the deficiency of the fund given by Deacon Dem- ing, for the support of the Communion table." Appointed David Lowrey and Levi Deming a committee to direct this business, also to purchase a record book for the church. Attest, J. Brace, Col. Pastor. Oct. 29, 181 8. A special meeting of the church was held for the choice of two deacons, one in the place of the late deacon Willard, and the other in the room of deacon Wells, resigned. Levi Deming, 2d, and Origen Wells were chosen, and commended to God in prayer. Attest, J. Brace, Pastor. Jan. 4, 1830. The church resolved to appoint a committee to aid in the exercise of church discipline, and to renew the appointment annually, to consist of the two deacons, and three additional members. The two dea- cons were appointed by nomination, and the other three were chosen by ballot. The whole committee are Dea. Levi Deming, Dea. Origen Wells, Brother Josiah W. Griswold, Brother William Deming, and Brother Jedi- diah Demini;, to hold their office imtil the sacramental lecture preceding the first Sabbath in January, 1831. After prayer, the meeting was adjourned Dec. 30, 1830. At the time of sacramental lecture, the same persons were re-;ippointed church committee. Dec. 2',), 1831. After lecture the church re-appointed the same persons committee for the year ensuing. Jan. 3, 1833. At lecture, the same church comnuttee was re-appointed. Jan. 2, 1834. At lecture, the same church committee was re-appointed. Jan. 1, 1835. At lecture, the same were re-appointed except J. W. Griswold. Mar. 2, 1837. The church held a meeting after the sacramenta,l lecture for receiving the communication of six members, (who had in a disorderly manner left the communion and ordinances of this church,) wishing to be dismissed, without naming any church to which they wish to go. . . . Tlie church deferred these petitions for consideration on the next lecture day. In the meantime, the church committee were especially appointed to attend to these members, and report to the next meeting. The committee appointed were Dea. Deming, Dea. Wells, William Deming, Jedidiah Deming, and Josiah Atwood. The meeting was adjourned to the time of the next sacramental lecture. May 4, 1837. The church held a raeetiiig by adjournment, after the sacramental lecture, for receiving the report of the committee, when it appeared that they had with christian kindness and patience admonished the delimjuent ' members, but without any effect in reclaiming them. 23 178 Whereupon, after mature deliheratinn, thi' {■Imrcli came unanimously to the tbllowing decision. " Viileil, That whereas .... have fur a long time, contrary to their covenant engagements, separated themselves from the communion of this church, and have refused to listen to the admonitions of the church committee who were especially appointed to reclaim them, this church does by this act, (2 Thess. Ill, G.) withdraw from them, and considers itself as discharged from the covenant ohligatiun to watch over them." Jan. 4, 1838. At lecture, Church Committee were appointed, viz : Dea. Levi Deming, Dea. Origen Wells, Br. William Deming, Br. Jedidiah Deming, Br. Josiah Atwood. Jan. 28. Voted by the church unanimously, that the pleasure and the thanks of this church be expressed to Lucy L. Robbins and Mary L. Sey- mour for the mahogany table this day presented by those two sisters for the possession and use of this church in the sacramental communion. Jan. 1, 1839. Voted by the church and people in general meeting to drop Dwight's edition of the Psalms, and adopt Watti' entire^ with select hymns. Jan. 3, 1839. Lecture. "Voted, That Wm. Deming, Lester Luce, and Jeremiah Seymour, with Dea. Deming and Dea. Wells, he the standing committee of the church for this year." July 7, 1839. Church furniture this day presented and consecrated, viz : two flagons, six cups, four platters, and a baptizing bason, procured by a readij subscription, bought of Thomas Wiggins, of Philadelphia, (by whose favor, $20. were deducted from the price.) to be the property of the church, (gathered Oct. 3, 1722, whose covenant is written in this book and in the Pulpit Bible,) to be used in the administration of the Lord's supper so long as the church shall choose. Whole cost of An-niture and trunk $111). J. Bkaci:, Pastor. Dec. 31, 1840. The same church committee were appointed. Dec. 30, 1841. The same were re-appointed as the comniiltee of the church. Dec. 29, 1842. Jan. 4, 1844. Jan. 2, 1845. The same were re-ap- pointed committee of the church. April 30, 1846. Joseph Camp was chosen by ballot committee in place of VVilliam Deming, deceased. The others re-appointed. Dec. 31, 1840. The same re-appointed. July 1, 1847. Jedidiah Deming was chosen deacon in the place of Dea. Levi Deming. Dec. 30, 1847. Church Committee. Two deacons, Joseph Camp, Lester Luce, and Jeremiah Seymour. Jan. 4, 1849. The same were re-appointed. Nov. 29, 1849. Dea. Origen Wells, having served the church ever since 1818, resigned his work as deacon, on account of the loss of sight, and brother Jeremiah Seymour was chosen deacon in his place. Jan. 3, 1850. Church Committee, two deacons, Joseph Camp, Lester Luce, Roger Welles. Jan. 2, 1851, and Jan. 1, 1852. The same were re-appointed. Dec. 30, 1852. Two deacons, (e.x-o(Bcio) of the standing committee. Josiah Atwooil (diosen by ballot in the place of Joseph Camp, deceased, for the year ensuing. Roger Welles and Lester Luce re-apjiointed. Dec. 29, 1H53. Same Committee re-appointed. Widow Dorothy Stod- dard re-admitted to the church. Jan. 4, ISo."). Dea. Deming, Dea. Seymour, Roger Welles, Josiah Atwood, anil Ix'ster Luce re-appointed church Conmiittee. Dea. Deming's account reported, and a contribution directeil ibr paying the account.* * The last entry by Dr. Brace. 179 May 4, 1855. Charles K. Atwood was appointed Clerk. Jan. 5, 1S5G. Deacons J. Deming ami J. Seymour, and brethren Roger Welles, Josiah Atwood, and Erastus Latimer were appointed committee ibr the year. Mar. 3, " Voted, That we make choice of and invite Mr. William P. Aikin to become colleague pastor with Rev. Dr. Brace. " Voted, That Erastus Latimer be a committee to inform the society of our action and request their concurrence. " Voted, That Charles K. Atwood, ^Marcus W. Stoddard, and Levi S. Duming be a committee of the church to inlbrm Mr. Aikin of our call, and to take measiu-es necessary to his settlement." 1857. Mr. Aikin having accepted the call, Friday, January 9, was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer. Public exercises in the after- noon were conducted by Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, assisted by Rev. Fred- erick Gridley. Charles K. Atwood, Clerk of Church. Note. — The records kept by Dr. Brace are written in a very plain band, and are still in .a very good state of preservation. Tliey contain the church Covenant, Onlinaiions, Admissions to Comnuuiion, Baptisms, Confessions, Publishments, Marriages, Funerals or Deaths, Church Proceedings, Those dismissed .ind recom- mended to other churches, and the Delegates to Councils. A large portion of these records is omitted, and that jiortion printed has been aln-idged to some extent; as an instance of this abridgment may be mentioned the fact that Dr. Brace records not only the deaths of his people and their ages, hut also the diseases which carried them otf ; tlie latter have been omitted. A single case of discipline has been given where certain persons were e.xcluded for absenting tliemselves from the communion and ordinances of the church, in whose case the action of the church was the reverse of that taken recently by a distinguished church in Brooklyn. Only two other cases of discipline occur in Dr. Brace's ministry. The resignation of Dr. Brace, January 16, 1855, closed a ministry of fifty years; and altliougli he had passed the age of threescore years and ten, it could almost be said of him that "his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." The affection of liis people towards him was certainly una- bated. In his valedictory discourse he said : " The great body of this congregation can not look back to the time when I was not here. They have known no other minister." He was as a father to them all. Under these circumstances his with- drawal from his life work was, in the language of a brother minister, " a fitting close of a favored ministry. This termi- nation of the pastoral office, and laying down the commission borne for more than half a century, while yet conscious of the possession of vigorous powers, and of tlie active confidence 180 and afifection of a grateful people, was a delightful exhibition of the power of the gospel." He himself has left on record the following remarkable testimony of his devotion to his chosen work and people: "Now, my people, if you should rise up in a body here to-day, and propose this one question to me, viz: 'If we should all' go back to our youth again, would you, with all your experience, come and be our minister again?' what would I say? If I were to go back and begin my life anew I would choose the Christian ministry for my work, and for the joy of my life. Lord Jesus accept me. 'Would I come and be the minister of Xewingion again?' Yes, yes, my brethren, I think I can say that I would, and spend the half century with you." And his people Avould, in response, also have takenhim anew to their iiearts, as their minister for the half century over again. A j)ortion of his work appears in the preceding records, but the whole will never be made man- ifest until the final books of account shall be opened at tlie holding of the Great Assizes. After his resignation he left the scene of his life-long labors, and took tip his residence with his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. John Todd, at Pittsfield, Mass., where he ended his earthly pilgrimage in peace with all men and with his Maker, having length of days, and honor, and " riches incorruptible and that fadeth not away." During the season following the resignation of Dr. Bi'ace the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Jno. Whittlesey, of New Brit- ain. A revival followed his preaching, which resulted in the addition to the church of about* thirty persons. In Decem- ber, 1855, a call was extended to Rev. David H. Thayer, then settled at Mount Carmel. Mr. Thayer declined. In March, 1856, Mr. William P. Aiken, then a tutor in Yale College, received a call, which he accepted with the understanding that his ordination should not take place until January, 1857. During the interval between his call and ordination the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, of Hartford. SECOND PERIOD, 18S7-1874. Mr. Aiken was ordained Tuesday, January 15, 1857. The churches represented on the occasion were the following: Hartford 1st, Rev. Joel Hawes, D.. D., Samuel Ward; Farm- 181 ington, Dca. Thomas Treadwell ; West Hartford, Rev. M. N. Morris, Dea. Josiah W. Griswold; Berlin, Josiali Webster; Rocky Hill, Rev. L. B. Rockwood, Dea. Thomas D. Williams; Wethersfield, Rev. W. S. Colton, Dca. Galpiii; Pittsfield 1st, John E. Todd; Hamden, Rev. David H. Thayer, Joshua Carpenter; church in Yale College, Rev. George P. Fisher, Rev. Theodore D. Woolsey, president of Yale College; Rev. Frederick Gridley, Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, Rev. Joab Brace, senior pastor of the church. Dr. Hawes was appointed mod- erator, and Rev. Mr. Colton scrilje. The several parts of the public service were performed as follows: Invocation and reading of the Scriptures, Rev. Mr. Morris; sermon, Rev. Pres. Woolsey; ordaining prayer, Rev. Dr. Brace; charge to the pastor, Rev. Royal Robbins; right hand of fellowship, Rev. Prof. Fisher; address to the people. Rev. S. J. Andrews; concluding prayer, Rev. D. H. Thayer; l)enediction by the pastor. Rev. Mr. Aiken continued to discharge the duties of the pastoral office for ten years, most acceptably to his peojile, who with great reluctance yielded to his departure to another field of labor in the summer of 1867. He resigned, and a mutual council was called which severed the tie which had so happily bound pastor and people together. He became principal of the Lawrence Academy at Groton, Mass. He is at this time settled at Vergennes, Vt. In February, 1868, Mr. Sandford S. Martyn received a call, which he accepted March 12, 1868, and was ordained April 29, 1868. He continued pastor two years, when he resigned to take charge of the church in New Hartford, where lie is still settled. On the second Sabbath in June, 1870, Rev. Roliert G. Ver- milye, then professor in the Hartford Theological Seminary, began to supply the pulpit. July 8d, 1870, on invitation of the Society's Committee, he became stated preacher, and so continued until November 2d, 1873, when he ceased his serv- ices on account of failing health. He is now living in Hart- ford. He continued to discharge his duties as professor while acting as preacher in Newington. This ends the catalogue of 182 worthy men who liave for nearly a century and three-quarters proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation to hungry souls in Newington. Most of tliem have gone to their reward, but their influence has left its impress upon the character of the people, wlio are pre-eminently moral, intelligent, temperate, and industrious, and who from the first have been engaged almost wholly in tlie peaceful cultivation of the soil. Like the Acadian farmers, they have been — "Men whose lives gliiled on like rivers that water the wooillamls, Darkened by shadows of earth, but reflecting an image of heaven. Living in a fruitful valley, formerly " Distant, secluded, and still, the description of the poet might be very truthfully applied to the homes of our fathers. "There, in the midst of its farms, reposed the Acadian village. Strongly built were the houses, with frames of oak and of chestnut. There in the trantiuil evenings of summer, when brightly the sunset Lighted the village street, and gilded the vanes on the chimneys, Matrons and maidens sat in snow white caps and in kirtles Scarlet, and blue, and green, with distaffs spinning the golden Flax for the gossiping looms, whose noisy shuttles \vithin doors Mingled their sound with tlie whir of the wheels and the songs of the maidens. Then came the laborers home from the fields, and serenely the sun sank Down to his rest, and twilight prevailed. Columns of pale blue smoke like clouds of incense ascending. Rose from a hundred hearths, the homes of peace and contentment. Thus dwelt together in love these simple Acadian farmers — Dwelt in the love of God and of man. Newington has an honored past. May her sons ever prove worthy descendants of those noble sires who originally ol> tained the liberty to be a distinct parish from the parent soci- ety, for the high purpose of " carrying on the worship of God amongst themselves." " Sweet Auburn ! loveliest village of the plain, Where health and plenty cheered the laboring swain, Where smiling spring its earliest visit paid. And parting summer's lingering blooms delayed — Dear lovely bowers of innocence and ease. Scats of my youth, when every sport could please, How often have I loitered o'er thy green, Where humble happiness endeared each scene; How often have I pause2 the Ncvvin;;ton School Society was reestalilishcd. At the annual meeting of the voters of the Newington School Society held Oct 15, 18fifi, "IWrf, That this society hcreliy donate the north half of the BuriMl lot, No. II, in tlie old ground, to thu Ecclcsiasiical Society, a.s a parson- age lot, for the use of the pastor of the Congregational Church; and the treas- 185 At a society meeting lield Dec. 4, 1866, " Voted, Tliat the sum of tlirce luindred dollars be added to the salary of William P. Aikin, for the year ensuing." At a society meeting held July 13, 18G7, " Voted, That from and after January 1st, 1868, the salary of our pastor, Rev. AVilliam P. Aikin, shall be tliirteen hundred and fifty dollars a year and the parsonage." At a special society meeting held July 20, 1867, " Voted, That the mem- bers of this society deeply regret the action of our pastor. Rev. William P. Aikin, in tendering his resignation of the ])astoral ofHce in this place ; tliat the ties which have, for the last ten years, so happily bound pastor and people together are not willingly sundered on our part; but acqui- escing in his decision that to change his field of labor would be more con- sistent with his sense of duty, and give him a wider opportunity to use his influence for good, we hereby accept his resignation, tendering him our heartfelt thanks for his faithfulness to us in the past, and assuring him that our benedictions will go with him into his new sphere of action. " Voted, That the society's conunittee are hereby instructed to unite with the committee of tlie church, and witli Mr. Aikin, in calling a council for his dismission. " Voted, That the society's committee be authorized to act as agents for the society, to represent the society before the council. "Voted, That Edwin Welles and H. A. Whittlesey be and they are hereby appointed a committee to comnumicate to Mr. Aikin the action of this meeting, and present to him a copy of the foregoing vote." At a special society meeting held Feb. 10, 1868, to give a call, if deemed expedient, to the Rev. S. S. Martyn to become tlie settled pastor in the gospel ministry over the congregational church and people in this place, and to arrange terms of his settlement as such pastor. urer is hereby authorized to issue the usual certificate, upon being notified that the Ecclesiastical Society have accepted the donation for the use specified." In 1865, the school society purchased additional land for burial purposes adjoining the old burying ground on tlie west, and employed Mr. Scott of New Britain to lay out the ground into suitable lots, and make a plan, which was deposited with the clerk of the society for reference. Unoccupied lots in the old ground were also examined and numbered and assessed. At a meeting of the School Society held Dec. 18, 1865, " Voted, That the society's committee is hereby instructed to sell, subject to all rules and regulations winch, from time to time, may be m.ade by the society, only the exclusive right of burial in the lots offered for sale in the new burying ground, reserving to the society the title in fee simple to the lots, and the society hereby guarantee to all who shall become purchasers thereof and to their heirs and assigns forever, upon receipt of the purchase money for said lots sold, the exclusive right and title of burying their dead in said lots, and all other rights and privileges necessary to the full enjoy- ment of said right of burial." " Voted, That the terms of sale be cash or approved notes on interest for three months." At a meeting held Dec. 25, 1865, " Voted, That no person shall plant or retain on his lot on the new ground any tree, or set or retain around his lot any fence or hedge without the approbation of the society's committee." It was afterwards voted to sell lots in the new ground to members of the society only. By the action of the legislature in 1872, the school society was again abolished, and its property vesl^ed in the town of Newington, which now therefore owns the burying ground, and holds it upon the same terms and subject to the same rules and regulations as did the school society. The last meeting of the school society was held Sept. 28, 1871. In the fall of 1872, the town by vote authorized the town clerk to sell the lots in the bury- ing ground, subject to the same conditions as before. It is believed most if not all of these conditions are enumerated above. 24 186 Whereas a communication has been received from the chiin-h, inform- ing us that they have chosen Mr. >S. S. Martyn for their pastor, and desire our concurrence. Therefore, Voled, That we concur with the church in the choice of Mr. Martyn, and direct tlie committee, to be appointed for the purpose, to request his acceptance of the offer.* At a special society meeting held April 22, 1870, " to take into consider- ation the resignation of Kev. S. S. Martyn." The moderator, as committee of the church, reported that the church had passed a vote to unite with the pastor and society in calling a council to take action upon Mr. Mar- tyn's resignation, " Voted, That this society unite with our pastor and the church in calling a council to act upon his resignation. Roger AVclles, Charles K. Atwood, and John M. Belden were then appointed a committee to represent the society belbre the council." At a society meeting held Nov. 8, 1870, " Voted, Th.at the society's committee be authorized to employ Rev. Dr. Veimilye to supply the pulpit for the ensuing year." At a special society meeting held April 12, 1871, "to take into con- sideration the expediency of celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the existence of Newington." The clerk read by reijuest a report of a committee of the "Farmers Club," recommending that a celebration be held on the 25th day of May next, as the 25tb day of May, 1 721, was the date of the passage by the Gen- eral Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut of the resolution which gave the name of Newington to this parish. " Voted, That Charles K. Atwood, Henry M. Robbins, Joshua Belden, and David L. Robbins be a committee to take into consideration the ex- pediency of celebrating the 150th anniversary of Newington, and if deemed expedient by them, to make the necessary arrangements for such cele- bration."! At a society meeting held Nov. 7, 1871. " Highly appreciating the past services of Rev. Dr. Vermilye, and desiring to enjoy them still further, it is Voted, That the society's committee be instructed to engage him for another year. Passed unanimously. At a special society meeting held Feb. 24, 1873, "to take action upon the acceptance of the devise of Miss Prudence Hall of certain land with conditions attached." "Whereas Prudence Hall, late of Newington, deceased, has, by her *The society voted to give him SI, 200 a year in addition to the parson,nj;e, which he accepted March I a, 1870. Previous to this time the pulpit had heen supplied partly by Rev Mr. Winslow, then of Newington, also Kev. Mr. Riggs of West Hartlord had held many meetings which resulted in a revival which was in progress at this time. t A majority of the committee were of the opinion that the best mode of cele- brating this anniversary, was to obtain another grant from the (ieneral As.-icnibly making Newington a new town. It was accordingly done. The history ol tli.ct transaction is too long for insertion here. It marks an epoch in the aiinnls of Newington, which will be long remembered by those who participated in it. The statute book gives one result of the action that was taken, other results are unfolding and will continue to unfold so long as Newington stands iirm on its foundations. Let us cherish the hope that these results will always prove con- ducive to the jjermanent prosperity anha Wliaples. aged 80. " 13. David, son of Seth ;uifl Hetsey Purrinlon, aged 19. Dec. 21. Betsey, wife of Seth Piirrinton, aged 45. Jan. 27, 1858. Mathew, son of Benj. and Eliza Benstead, aged 1. March 6. William, son of Henry and Fanny Lnin, aged 7. April 29. Eoger Welles, son of John D. and Abby Seymour, aged 2. Aug. 20. Emiline, wife of David Root, aged 54. " 29. Erastus Francis, aged 5G. Sept. 22. Aaron Davis, aged 78. Oct. 10. Eliza, widow of James B. Griswold, aged 37. " 23. Frank, son of Newman and Caroline Huntley, aged 1. " 29. Eoswell Dix, agnd 51. Jan. 13,1859. William Blinn, aged 61. April. Martha Jane, daughler of William and Margaret Hub- bard, aged 1. July 2. John Deniing, aged 35. Oct. 14. Mary, daughler of Samuel Camp, aged 9. Kov. 18. Roger Welles, Esq., aged fi9. " '27. Manha Urania, daughter of John C. Dow, aged 23. Jan. 18. 1800. Bridget, wife of John Flaherty. March 2. Eleanor, daughter of Newman and Caioline Hinitley, aged 5. " 1 6. Thomas Francis, aged 32. April 22. Levi, son of William Powers, aged 16. •' 2H. Levi Adams, aged 37. Mav 6. William Martin, son of AVilliam Powers, aged 7. June. Riley, son of Wid. Electa Merrills, aged 10. July. Wife of William M. Powers. " 25. Rebecca Hunn, aged 78. " 27. Warren B. Crane, aged 28. Aug. 31. Flavel, son of Robert and Sarah Joyner, aged 7. Sept. 18. Abigail, wife of Hervey Francis, aged 72. " 25. Sarah Gaylord, wife of Dea. Origen Wells, aged 77. " 29. Hart, son of John G. and Caroline Stoddard, aged 3 weeks. Oct. 15. Mary Tobey, wife of Robert Francis, aged fi4. Dec. 25. Kate, daughter of John and Kate Ramsey, aged 1. Jan. 2, 18()l. Hervey Francis, aged 70. " 3. Nathan Hale, aged 76. " fi. Charles, son of William Hubbard, aged 20. " 8. The aged widow of Oliver Richards, aged 87. Vth. ti. Jlary, daughter of the late Nelson and Harriet Dil- lings, aged H. March 10. Celinda, daughter of ■ Wiers, aged 25. " 15. Edward, son of Seth and Betsey Purrinton, aged 2-). July. The wile of Mr. Luther, aged 70. 195 April 20. Died at Pittsfield. Mass., Rev. Joab Brace, D. D., senior pastor of the cluirch in this place. He was born in the year 1781, graduated at Yale College in 1804, and was ordained col- league pastor with the Rev. Joshua Belden over the church of Christ in Newington, Jan. 14, 1805, and continued to discharge the active duties of the ministry for a period of fifty years, aged 80. Nov. 4. George T. Davis, aged 31. " 18. Jane, wife of Steele, aged 29. " 22. Arden Whaples, aged 72. Dec. 6. Elizabeth Cogswell, aged 58. " 15. Child of John and Margaret Corrigan, aged 2. " 20. Zaccheus Brown, aged 80. " 31. Chester Webster, aged 36. Jan. 22, 1802. Edwin Gaylord, aged 75. March 5. Caroline Elizabeth, daughter of Levi S. and Caroline Deming, aged 10. April 21. Henry Morris, only child of Henry and Hannah M. Luce, aged 17. May 4. Lillie, daugliter of George and Ellen Tucker, aged 3^. " 19. Mary Ann, wife of Joseph Francis, aged 28. Aug. 5. The aged Jerusha Seymour, she was the last surviving member of the church, admitted to its communion by Mr. Belden, aged 92/j. " 19. Lowrey Robbing, aged 69. Oct. 13. Mrs. Hannah, wife of >Stone, aged 51. Dec. 16. Samuel Dow, aged 86. " 23. vSamuel Smith, found dead in a barn, aged 52. " 26. Emma, daughter of Blinn Griswold. Feb. 23. 1863. Abigail, widow of David Hunn, aged 75. March 12. Mary, widow of John Deming, aged 23. " 23. Lauretta, daughter of Erastus Kilbourn, aged 33. April 21. Near Washington, D. C, Eugene, son of Daniel H. and Sarah M. Willand, and a private in Company B, 22d Reg. Conn. Vol., aged 20. July. Samuel Steele, son of Samuel Steele, aged 1. " Child of Edward Bailey, aged 1. " Child of Jared Starr, 3 months. Sept. 8. Josiah At wood, Esq., aged 69. " Two children of O'Brien. Nov. 14. Mary Shepherd, aged 80. f Some time in August died an infant child of Flaherty, and also one of O'Sullivan. Feb. 10, 1864. Julia, wife of Henry L. Kellogg, aged 45. " 16. Charles, son of John and Mary Deming, aged 4. Priscilla, wife of Frank Ri(diards, aged 54. Infant of Irisli parents, at R. Francis', aged 1 mo. Charlotte Churchill, aged 68. Silvester Warner, aged 50. Dwight Dix, aged 18. Charlotte Soper, aged 75. March 1. " 7. April 7. May 28. Aug. 17. Sept. 25. 196 Feb. 28, 1865. Seth, son of Seth and Betsey Piirrinton, aged 22. April 24. Mary, wife of Gen. Jlartiu Kellogg, aged 76. " 24. Frank, son of Blinn Griswold, aged 1^. May 3. Augusta, wife of Samuel Kilbourn, aged 22. July 18. Augustine, son of Samuel and Augusta Kilbourn, aged 6 months. « 20. Child of J. S. Rowley, aged 1. « 23. Seth Purriuton, aged 59. Sept. 6. Hiram London, aged 60. Oct. 7. Sophronia Tucker, aged 67. Nov. 27. Widow of Chislieu Churchill, aged 77. Dec. 5. Marcus W. Stoddard, aged 51. May 7, 1866. Mercy Churchill, aged 73. " 8. Child of Irwin, (Irish) aged 2 mo. Aug. Child of John and Kate Ramsey, aged 1. " Child of Henry Carter, aged 3 mo. Oct. 16. Peter Burns, aged 62. Nov. 30. Infant child of Jared Starr, aged 2 mo. Dec. 13. Mary E. wife of Rev. Frederic Gridley, aged 66. March 4, 1867. Emily, wife of Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, aged 79. " 12. Ettie, daughter of Henry C. and Abby Cadwell, aged 2. April 1. Dea. Jeremiah Seymour, aged 80. " 1. Marshall, son of Rufus and Sarah Stoddard, aged 12. May 24. Elliott W. Doming, son of Elizur Deming, aged 17. Aug. 9. Luella, daughter of John C. Dow, aged 14. 2. After Mr. Aikin's resignation. March 20, 1868. Abner Simons, aged 83. Maiy, widow of Allen Stoddard, aged 78. Daniel Willard, aged 84. 3. During Mr. Martyn's ministry. 18G8. Dea. Jedediah Deming, aged 77. Prudence K., widow of Josiah Atwood, aged 77. William Kirkham, aged 80. Daughter of Lemuel W. Camp, aged 17 mo. Freddie, son of John S. Rowiey, aged 10. Gen. Martin Kellogg, aged 87. Dea. Origen \\(ells, aged 85. Chapman, aged 85. Henry Whaples. Mrs. Henry Blinn. Capt. Gilbert, aged 70. 1870. Amon Richards, aged 70. " 30. Dea. Rufus Stoddard, aged 47. 4. During the ■preaching of Dr. R. C-i. Vermilte. July 26. 1870. Sabbath, funeral of , child of Chas. L. Willard. April 4. " 7. May 4, ] 24. Oct. 6. Sept. July Nov. 13. 22. 23. Dec. 23. 1869. Aug. Dec. Jan. 197 Sept. Nov. 8. Wednesday, funeral of the wife of Clias. Kellogg. Saturday, funeral of Sarah Aikiii, daughter [of Roger Welles, aged 6. Dec. 31. Carrie Osborn, daughter of R. C. Osborn, aged 14. Jan. ] G, 1872. Mary Kilbourn, wife of Oliver Richards, aged 66. May 16. E. E. Camp, wife of Lemuel W. Camp. Sept. 12. Milton, infant child of . Dix, aged 5 weeks. 5. Deaths taken from the Toion Registrar. 1871. Homer Camp, aged 74. 1872. Mary K. Richards, aged 65. Lydia D. Francis, aged 77. Elbert Blinn, son of Porter Blinn, aged li mo. Eliza E. W. Camp, wife of Lemuel W. Camp, aged 40. Milton Dix, son of Jacob Dix, aged 12 days. Pjlecta E. Merrills, aged 45. Frances M. D. McLean, aged 46. Flavel Weirs, aged 70. William L. Deraing, son of Selden Deming, aged 23. 1873. George Lovely, aged 27. Prudence Hall, aged 87. Harriet Adams, aged 53. Grace Camp, dau. of L. W. Camp, aged 11 mo. Katie A. Churchill, aged 26. Henry Kilbourn, aged 73. Mary Muloahey, aged 3. Lizzie Finnegau, aged 2. Alice Camp, dau. of L. W. Camp, aged 3. Samuel Richards, aged 73. Willie Hoye, aged 2 mo. Oliver Warner, aged 37. George Harlow, aged 3. Edward Harlow, aged 4. Truman Weirs, aged 57. 1873. Wyllys Hopkins, aged 47. Jolm Sweeney, tramp, aged 35. Minnie McGrath, aged 3. Ralph Childs, aged 52. Babie Childs, aged 7 mo. 1874. William French, aged 2. Mrs. Ellen Clayton, aged 57. Mrs. Hudson H. Stoddard, aged 42. Mrs. Clarence H. Rockwell, aged 26. Robert Rockwell, aged 78. John Squires, aged 74. Caroline A. Camp, aged 39, Edmund A. G. Nash, aged 61. l Mrs. Susanna McLean, aged 86. Oct. 9, Jan. 1 6, March 7. April 10. May 14. Sept. 13. Oct. 25. " 27- Nov. 27. Dec. 20. Jan. 7, " 31. Feb. 11. March 26. April 6. 18. " 25. May 2. June 15. " 25. July 10. * 28. 10. 12. 14. 27, Aug. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 3. 30. 12. 23, '• 17. « 25. Feb. 10. April 2. " 19. May 21. July 4. July 14. 198 CHURCH VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS. Feb. 28, 1857. Voted, That letters recommending members of other churches to our care and fellowship, be twice read, — the first, two weeks belbre the vote be taken upon the question of their admission. June 7, 18.57. Brethren Roger Welles, Josiah Atwood, and Erastus Latimer were chosen by ballot church committee for the ensuing year. Levi S. Deming, Superintendent of Sabbath SchooL Jan. 1, 1858. The church committee chosen last year were re-elected for another year. It was voted that the afternoon of the second Sabbath in each month be devoted to the catechetical instruction of the children. Sept. 3, 1858. Brethren Chas. K. Atwood, Daniel H. Willard, and Rufus Stoddard were appointed a committee to consider the expediency of changing the book of hymns now in use, and report at the next lecture. Levi S. Deming and Homer Camp to report upon the propriety of prepar- ing and publishing a catalogue of the members of the church. Dec. 30, 1858. Committee on Hymn Book reported in favor of a change, and recommended the collection prepared by direction of the General Association of Connecticut. Adopted. The committee on a catalogue reported in favor of preparing one, and the pastor to do it. Adopted. Dec, 1859. Brethren Marcus W. Stoddard, Homer Camp, and Erastus Latimer were chosen church committee for the year ensuing. June 10, 18G0. The junior pastor of the church having resigned his pastoral care, a meeting of the church was held on this Monday evening to act upon his request. Dea. Jedidiah Deming was chosen Moderator, John D. Seymour, Clerk. Prayer having been offered by the moderator, a resolution requesting each individual present to e.\press his opinion was olTered and adopted. The following preamble and resolutions were then presented. Whereas the Rev. William P. Aikin, the junior pastor of this church, has requested a dissolution of the pastoral relation which subsists between himself and this people — Resolved, 1st, He has in our view acted the part of a faithful minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, as we hope and trust to the salvation of many souls, which shall be seals of his ministry and crowns of his rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. Resolved, 2d, That we believe he has labored to the highest satisfaction and acceptance of this people, which has manifested itself in the peace and harmony which has at all times prevailed. Resolved, 3d, That we believe a dissolution of the relation which now subsists between us, would be disastrous to the prosperity of this church, and, we fear, would result in this people being scattered as sheep without a shephird. Resolved, 4th, That be be invited to reconsider and withdraw his re- quest, pledging to him our cordial co-operation and support. Resolved, 5th, That a committee of three be appointed to confer with Mr. Aikin, and to present the foregoing resolutions. All of which were unanimously passed. P>astus Latimer, Pieman A. Whittlesey, and Marcus W. Stoddard were appointed said committee. Attest, John D. Seymour, Clerk. 199 Dec. 1860. The church committee of last year were re-electeJ. Dec. 1861. M. W. Stoddard, Homer Camp, and Levi S. Deming were chosen church committee. Oct. 19, 1862. A letter having been received inviting this church to meet in consociation, — the meetings having been long discontinued — the expediency of continuing a connection was discussed, and finally laid over for consideration at the next meeting of the cliurch on lecture day. Oct. 30, 1862. The subject discussed at the last meeting was again taken up. After due delibei-ation it was voted unanimously to withdraw from that body. Jan. 1, 1863. Marcus W. Stoddard, Levi S. Deming, and Homer Camp were again chosen church committee for the coming year. Sept. 7, 1863. Brother Charles K. Atwood having resigned the office of Superintendent, resolutions thanking him for the fidelity and ability with which he had discharged its duties were unanimously passed, and Joseph J. Francis was chosen to take his place, Heman A. ^V'hittlesey, assistant, and George S. Deming, secretary. Jan. 2, 1864. Levi S. Deming, Rufus Stoddard, and Erastus Latimer were chosen a committee of the church for the ensuing year. Dec. 1805. Kul'us Stoddard, Levi S. Deming, and Homer Camp were appointed church committee for the ensuing year. Jan. 3, 1866. Voted, To take a collection for objects of Christian benevolence as often as once in two months, the cases to be presented to be left to the discretion of the pastor. Levi S. Deming, Rufus Stoddai'd, and Homer Camp were again chosen committee of the chui-ch. Jan. 4, 1867. Levi S. Deming, Joseph J. Francis, and Homer Camp were appointed church committee for the coming year. Joseph J. Francis was chosen superintendent of the Sabbath School. Voled, To take collections once in two months the ensuing year. The American Board, Home Missionary Society, Bible and Tract Societies, the other two objects to be designated by the pastor and church commit- tee, the same persons may also bring other objects of benevolence before the church in the alternate months. May 3, 1867. Brethren Rufus Stoddard and Levi S. Deming were this day chosen to serve the church in the office of deacon, the former to fill the place made vacant by the death of Dea. Jeremiah Seymour. Nov. 1867. Charles K. Atwood appointed clerk. Jan. 4, 1868. Joseph J. Francis, Homer Camp, and Jedidiah Demino- were chosen church conmiittee for the year. Joseph J. Francis superin- tendent of the Sabbath School. Feb. 16, 1868. At a church meeting presided over by Rev. S. J. An- drews, Vdted, That we invite Mr. Sandford S. Martyn to be our pastor. Voted, That the society be informed of our action and requested to concur. March 22, 1868. Voted, That Dea. Rufus Stoddard and Dea. Levi S. Deming be a committee to act with the committee of the society in procuring the settlement of Mr. Martyn. Feb. 9 or 16, 1868. The following was presented to the church, and on motion of Dea. J. Deming, ordered on record. C. K. A. To the church of Christ in Neivington. The undersigned respectliilly represent, that though they have no vote in the church by reason of not being members thereof, they have a deep interest in tlie choice you shall make of a pastor. And though many of us are young in years, and all are young in the Christian life, ^^ c hope it will not be thought improper for us to say that, should your choice fall on Mr. S. S. Martyn, he would be not only acceptable to us, but the one we earnestly desire for our guide and teacher in spiritual things. 200 Roger Welles, James B. Griswold, S. H. Kilbouin, Olin L. Wetherell, Lewis S. Hubbard, Walter F. Brown, John 0. Merrills, Josiah J. Russell, B. C. Griswold, Walter B. Dorman, J. II. Boardman, .^111 Richards, N. Jacobs, John S. Rowley, Charles S. Francis, E. L. Wetherell, Alfred E. BoyinjTton. Erastus Kilbourn, Jr., George N. Downs, James Reed, C. H. Rockwell. VV. B. Wiur, George E. Whaples, T. F. Wier, A. H. Crittenden, Pr:itt Francis, Thomas R. Atwood. Mr. Martyn was ordained April 29th, 1868. The following persons were present. First church in New Haven, Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., pastor, Edward W. Bacon. First church in Pittsfield, Mass., Rev. John Todd, D. I)., pastor, William B. Cooley. West Hartford, Rev. M. N. Morris, pastor, Dea. Josiah W. Griswold. Southington, Rev. E. C. Jone.s, pastor, Walter S. Merrills. Asylum Hill, Hartlbrd, Rev. Joseph H. Twichell, pastor, R. P. Keep. First, New Britain, Charles Northend. New Britain, South, Rev. C. L. Goodell, pastor, Martin Brown. Berlin, Rev. L. H. Hallock, pastor, Leonard Hubbard. Wethersfield, Rev. A. C. Adams, pastor, Dea. George Stillman. Plantsville, Rev. W. R. Eastman, pastor, Henry D. Smith. Also, Rev. Samuel J. Andrews, Rev. C. B. McLean, Rev. Frederick Gridley, Rev. Seth C. Brace. Rev. L. li. Hallock was chosen scribe, and Rev. Dr. Leonard Bacon moderator. The several part's of the service were assigned and performed as fol- lows : Invocation and reading of scripture. Rev. L. H. Hallock. Introductory prayer. Rev. A. C. Adams. Sermon, Rev. Dr. Todd. Ordaining prayer. Rev. E. C. Jones. Charge to pastor. Rev. Dr. Bacon. Right hand of fellowship. Rev. J. II. Twichell. Address to people. Rev. C. L. Goodell. Sir. Martyn was ordained at this time by request of the church, that he might officiate as pastor at the next communion season, (first Sabbath in May,) when some desire to be received into the church by profession, he having informed the church and society that he could not be ready to perform the duties of a resident pastor, beibre June 1st. C. K. A. Oct. 18, 1868. A circular having been received by the pastor from Revs. E. B. Hillard, E. C. Jones, and L. H. Hallock, as "committee of arrangements," inviting the church to be present by pastor and delegate at the Annual Convention of the Congregational Churches of the south part of Hartford, to be holden at Westfield the 20th and 2Ist instants, the aim of said meeting, as set forlh by the circular mentioned and also in a letter from Mr. Hillard to the pastor, being " to realize a general confer- ence of the churches in their full membership," and it also being the intention of the meeting, as set forth in Mr. Hillanl's letter, to supersede the old name of " Hartford South Consociation," by that of " Conference," and this church being invited to union with this understanding : it was accordingly Voted, That the church unite witli the churches thus assem bled in forming said conference. Brother Roger Welles on motion being chosen delegale. (S. S. M.) Dec. 31, 1868. Voted, at close of preparatory lecture, that Roger Welles act as Superintendent in place of Brother Joseph J. Fi-ancis, whose term ex[)ires and who has handed in his resignation. Church committee for year following also elected as follows : Brethren C. K. Atwood, John D. Seymour, Jedidiah Deniing. Dec. 30, 1869. Voteil, at close of preparatory lecture, th.at the same church committee and superintendent appointed last year, serve this. Feb. 6, 1870. Mr. Jeilediah Deniing was appointed deacon in this church. March 6, 1870. Mr. C. K. Atwooil and Mr. H. A. Whittlesey were 201 appointed deacons in this church. The brethren named having accepted the office, the bo^ird of deacons now consists of Messrs. Jedidiah Deming, Charles K. Atwo .d, and Heinan A. Whittlesey. April 17, 1870. Sunday, Rev. S. S. Martyn read from the pulpit his letter of resignation as pastor to take effect April *29th. At a meeting of the church held Friday, April 22, 1870. Dea. Charles K. Atwood called the meeting to order. After prayer and reading of Scripture, on motion, Roger Welles was appointed Clerk, pro tern. The following resolution, after debate, was passed. " Whereas, Rev. Sandford S. Martyn has tendered to this church the resignation of his pastorate without indicating to us the reasons therefor. And whereas, during his ministry he has satisfied the expectations with which we called him to the work, by a faithful performance of a pastor's varied duties. Therefore, Voted, That we will unite with him in calling a council, but do not accept his resignation till further advised. Voted, That the standing church committee be instructed to call the council. Voted, That Charles K. Atwood be appointed a committee to inform the Ecclesiastical Society of the action of the church. Voted, That Roger Welles be appointed a committee to represent the church before the council. The meeting then adjourned. Attest, RoGKR Welles, Clerk, pro tern." The council was called and convened at the church, April 27, 1870, and after investigation voted to dissolve the pastoral relation e.xisting between Mr. Martyn and the church, from and after April 29th, 1870. May 1, 1870. Sunday, At a meeting of the church, Dea. Jedediah Deming called the meeting to order. Roger Welles was appointed Clei'k of the church in the absence of a pastor. Dea. Charles K. Atwood offered the following resolution, which after some discussion was passed, to wit : " The council to which was referred the resignation of our late pastor. Rev. Sandford S. Martyn, having advised the severance of his relation to us, we accept it, deeply regretting the loss we sustain in the removal of an able, faithful, and devoted minister, who had endeared himself to us by his sympathy, his kindness, and his evident interest in whatever per- tained to our welfare." Voted, That the monthly collections taken up at the communions be hereafter appropriated to the benefit of the Am. B. C. F. M. Voted, That John S. Kirkham be appointed Treasurer of the church. The meeting then adjourned. Attest, Roger Welles, Clerk of Church. July .3, 1870. On invitation of the Society's Committee, the Rev. R. G. Vermilye, professor in the Hartford Theological Seminary, became stated preacher in this church, and officiated at the communion this day, having supplied the pulpit from the 2d Sabbath in June, he occupied the parsonage, and continued his services until the annual meeting of the society in Novemher. Sept. 13, 1870. The annual Sabbath School convention of the '" union " of neighboring churches was held with this church to-day. Nov. 1870. By request of the society's committee Prof. Vermilye con- tinued to supply the pulpit, during the winter, residing in Hartford. Dec. 31, 1870. The annual church meeting was held this day, at the close of the preparatory lecture, Mr. J. J. Francis, Mr. J. D. Seymour, and Mr. J. S. Kirkham, were chosen by ballot to constitute, in connection with the three deacons, the church committee for the ensuing year. Mr. 26 202,. Roger Welles was re-elected as superintendent of the Sabbath School for the ensuing year. - The following is the report of the church for the year 1870, as pre- sented to the registrar of the general conference, viz., members, males, 60, females, 112, total 172, of whom are absent, 22; deaths, 2, dismissals 5 ; total loss 7; number in Sabbath School 160; number of families 85; amount of contributions $330.11. May 1, 1871. Rev. R. G. Vermilye resumed his residence at the par- sonage for six montlis, having continued to supply the pulpit during the past winter and spring. Jan. 6, 1872. The annual church meeting was held this day, at the close of the preparatory lecture, Mr. J. J. Francis, Mr. J. D. Seymour, and and Mr. J. S. Kirkham were chosen by ballot to constitute, in connection with the three deacons, the church committee for the ensuing year. Mr. Roger Welles was re-elected as superintendent of the Sabbath School for the ensuing year, and Mr. J. S. Kirkham was re-elected treasurer of the church funds. The following is the report of tlie church for the year 1871, as presented to the Registrar of the General Conference, viz., members, males, 57 ; females, 121 ; total, 178; absent 22; no death; dismissals, 5; added by pro- fession, C : baptized, adult, 1 ; infants, 2 ; number in Sabbath School, ICO; number of families, 85. Contributions $600. Jan. 4, 1873. The annual church meeting was held this day, at the close of the preparatory service, Mr. J. J. Francis, Mr. J. D. Seymour, and Mr J. S. Kirkham, were chosen church committee, Mr. J. S. Kirkham was elected Superintendent of the Sabbath School for the ensuing year,. Mr. Roger Welles having declined to serve any longer. The following is the report of the church for the year 1872, as sent to the Registrar of the General Conference, members, males, 58; females, 113 ; total, 171 ; absent 22 ; no additions to the church during the year; 5 members died, and one was dismissed; number in Sabbath School, 162; number of families, 8.5. Contributions $542.62. The pulpit was sujjplied during the year 1873, until the annual meeting of the society in November, by the Rev. R. G. Vermilye, either in person or by substitute, and the parsonage was occupied by him for three months after the first of July, during the latter part of the period Dr. Vermilye's health failed, so that he was unable to preach, but furnished supplies at the request of the society's committee. In the summer of this year the society resolved to make extensive repairs and improvements in their churcb building, service was omitted the first two Sabbaths in Septem- ber, and was then resumed in tlie new town hall, and continued there until the re-opening of the church. Nov. 2, 1873. On the first Sabbath in November the usual communion service was held in the town hall. Dr. Vermilye officiated, and then ceased his services for the church and society. May 3, 1874. At a meeting of the church held Sunday, May 3, 1874. Voted, That we hereby extend a call to Rev. William Greenwood to settle as pastor of this church and of the Ecclesiastical Society connected therewith. Voted, That Roger Welles be appointed a comnuttce to inform the Ecclesiastical Society of our action, and to invite their concun-i-nce. May 10, 1874. Voted, That Dca. Charles K. Atwood, Dea. Heman A. Whittlesey, and Joseph J. Francis be a committee to communicate to Rev. William Greenwood the action of this church in giving him a call to settle with us in the work of the ministry, and to invite his acceptance of the same. R. Wellks, Clerk. 203 'hj::; : ^ • ^ ; lis 53 .S <5 oi -e i-^ 2 a i -a ,. = -^ O 3 = " -■ ^„ ;, a g-s^: •--'-s So^' Q t« a" > 3 b -f ■;: S -3 " --*! 1-5 Tf t-( 1^ ' "3 o . > "1 -"'o o 2; "^ b > P* . > -^ '* ,rt---T3 ^ [z; °° " TS T3"^' p.-^-'B ■?, a.T3 -tT >>^ a ? a ^ ^B2a V oaa ^ V a a Nil l.i.ffillll? §= ^"^ a S a H M ^'S 3Ha5S5t§H3M 3^j^QS ISSSSSSooSoooocooooocooox^aJoocococo r^r-Tin ^ 07 o ( [ O I'- ^ ^ ^ ' ) CI ^ r^ ; ^ O. CL, O. £1. O, CL, : = -a.a^^jaj3,a-a 5 p5"i4'ddd<5p;ddQ w*t2^!2JWMPoi--r^. Q c o 00 ^ » ^- (3 ^ Q ^- 3 3 = ^2 tc 5 ^ O _- O i; C 5 C .S O 5^ a^ SQW (OOOOGOOOCCODOOCOaOGOOOf p 00 oo CO CO as I »0 00 '-'»-' c^ r^ 00 I ■OOOOOf-HCiii^i turi fcO tr fcD tc >-. bo tB bo tu bo bo bo bo bo bO bo ■£,■£, bo c c stJ = = = ='3 = 3 = 333 = = = 3 = aror=3§ 2!< 6 » o t. _t-~ ■— !^-o J3 c to -= s -b s ^ g s > 2 i I i ^ I lil" § i-il -I I -S tl a a n O (if^R T-1'-''