Glass. HISTORY OFPOMFRET. DISCOURSE DELIVERED OX THE D VY OF AWUAL TIIANKSGIVIIV«, IN THE FIRST CHURCH IN roMFRET, NOV. 1 9tii, 1840. BY D. HUNT, PASTOR OF SAID CHURCH. . ,^-^' of CO.^-., x>^-' ^'■^- 186T Q;< • '"^"^ ^ °^ y/ashir\S^-" HARTFORD: J HOLBROOK. PRINTER 1§41. *v %^-v^ %.'.%\ ., xvr .... Ji^o AUTHOR'S NOTICE. [ It may be proper to state here, that this work has been performed under great em- barrassments, and is, after all, but a meager representation of the history of this town. *' The fathers have fallen asleep," and with them is lost a great amount of valuable history. The work should have been undertaken twenty years ago. But such as it is, I yield it, at the request of my people, for publication. Errors will doubtless be found in some of the statements which I have made, especially from tradition; but I have no means of detecting them. I have declared what I have supposed after much examination and inquiry, to be the truth. I have hesitated whether to publish it in tlie shape of a sermon, as it was originally prepared, or simply as a history ; but have concluded, on account of my profession, though there is not much in it that re- sembles a sermon, to give it in its original form. In what estimation such labors of a Clergyman, to gratify his people and their friends will be held by the public, remains to be seen. The author, during his preparation of this work, has been compelled to regard the council of Moses, in the text — " Remember the days of old" erous and happy ; though there is not evidence of so great a number of conversions, as sometimes take place, in such a congregation. Of the number who united to form the church at first, we have no Imowledge. During the first eighteen years of Mr. Williams's ministry, one hundred and ten persons, were ad- mitted to its communion. Of the remaining twenty years, there is no record. No reason is known why an equal number should not have been added during this period. In the year 1729, and while Mr. Williams was yet in his prime, the inhabitants of that part of Pomfiet, known by the name of Mortlake, petitioned the town to be released from the minister's tax ; with a view to establish a church and society by themselves. Their petition was granted. A society was form- ed, and regular preaching set up, in what is now Brooklyn ; and a church organized, November 2 1st, 1731, composed of mem- bers, from this church and the church at Canterbury. Mr. Wil- liams officiated on that occasion. This church and society were known for several years, and until they became the town of Brooklyn, as the second church and society of Pomfret. Their first mmister was Rev. Ephraim Avery, ordained 1735. Their second, Rev. Josiah Whitney. After the formation of the so- ciety of Brooklyn, business respecting the support of the gospel and schools, ceased to be done in the name of the town ; and each society managed those matters by themselves. This {)art of Pomfret, and all that is now Pomfret, constituted tiic " old," or " first society," and Brooklyn, the south, or second society. 12 After this, no mention is made of society and churcli matters, in town books. In the year 1749, and while Mr. Wilhams was still living and active as a minister, the inhabitants of the west part of the town, now known by the name of Abington, petitioned to be set off as a society, with a view to their becoming a distinct church and congregation. Their petition was granted and confirmed by the Legislature. Their meeting house was built in 1751, which is the one that has been recently repaired. Their church was organised by Mr. Williams, from members from this church, Jan- uary 28th, 1753, and was known as the Third Church of Pom- fret, until the incorporation of Brooklyn as a town, when it took the title of the Second Church, or the Church of Abington. The line between the two Societies of Pomfret and Abington, as it now remains, is said to have been run by Rev. Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams died, much lamented by his people, March 28th, 1 753, in the sixty-third year of his age, and thirty-eighth of his ministry, in this place. His funeral charges were defrayed by the society. The officers of the church during Mr. Williams' ministry, were his brother Wm. Williams, afterwards of Brook- lyn, (as is believed.) Benjamin Sabin, and Philemon Chandler. If there were others, their names arc not known. The children of Mr. Williams were, Samuel — Chester, for many years a distinguished minister of the gospel in Hadley, Mass., and father of the late Rev. Mr. Williams of Brimfield, and of Mrs. Emmons, wife of the late Rev. Dr. Emmons, of Franklin Mass. — Ebenezer, an influential citizen of this town, and a Colo- nel of the militia in the revolutionary war — Nchemiah, and Han- nah, who married General Huntington of Norwich, and was the mother of Generals Ebenezer and Zachariah Huntington, and grand mother of Hon. Jabez W. Huntington, our present Senator in Congress. After the death of Mr. Williams, the church was destitute of a pastor for three years ; though it is believed they had preach- ing most of the time. Thirty-one children were baptised by the neighbouring ministers. Mr. Russel, afterwards minister of Thompson, preached to this people for some time ; and received 13 a call from tlieni. lo bocomo ihcir j)asl()i ; but ior ^(.iiu' reason saw fit to decline. The Rev. Aaron Putnam then supplied them, and received a call to become their pastor and teacher, Nov. 17th, 17r>.'}, and gave his answer in the afhrmative, Feb. 8th, 1750, in a sermon from Job 33 : G. "Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead ; I also am formed out of the clay.'' The time of his ordi- nation, was appointed to be the following March 10th, 175(». Previous to that time, namely, February 25th, a day of fasting and prayer was observed by the church, with reference to the interests of the church, and the preparation of themselves and the pastor elect, for the solemn day of his ordination. Seven of the neighbouring ministers were present ; two sermons were de- livered, and Mr. Putnam was examined with reference to his qualifications for the gospel ministry. On IMarch 10th the coun- cil convened for his ordination at the house of Deacon Ebenezer llolbrook. Twelve ministers were present, with their delegates. Rev. Dr. Williams, of Lebanon, was Moderator, and Rev. Ebe- nezer Devotion, of Scotland, Scribe. The council voted unani- mously, to proceed to his ordination. Mr. Gleason, of Dudley, oITered the first prayer ; Mr. Mosely, of Windham Village, now Hampton, preached the sermon ; Mr. Rice, of Sturbridge, ofli^r- ed the ordaining prayer ; Dr. Williams gave the charge ; Mr. Devotion gave the right hand of fellowship; Mr. Williams, of Woodstock, offered the last prayer, and the solemnity was con- cluded by singing the 08th Psalm. Of Mr. Putnam and his ministry, a great deal cannot be said ; though in many respects it was an eventful period, both to this church and the country. Mr. Putnam was the son of Rev. Dan- iel Putnam, of Reading, Mass. He graduated at Harvard Col- lege in 1752. Of his talents and influence as a minister, judging from what I have seen and heard, I should think he was hardly equal to his predecessor. He published some pamphlets during the latter part of his ministry, which, though they show a chris- tian spirit, and in their design were most excellent, are not indic- ative of great mental force. Still, it is believed, he was a veiy useful and acceptable servant of Christ, serious and godly m his 14 Jeportment; careful to admonish transgressors, and to maintain order in the house of God. The records show him to have been very thorough, not to say severe, in his discipline. He had high notions of the sanctity of the sabbath, and most scrupulously avoided every thing in sign, word, or deed, that had the appear- ance of desecrating that holy day. During the latter part of his ministry he lost his health, and finally, his voice ; so that for several years before his dismission, he was unable to preach. During this period he did. what he could to fulfil the office of a christian bishop. He wrote sermons, which were read on the sabbath, to the people, by the deacons. He also wrote epistles to members of the church and society, and as before remarked, published a few small tracts for their benefit. But the church and society suffered much, at this time, from the want of a speak- ing preacher, and the regular administration of the ordinances. And what was worse than all ; in their attempts to settle a col- league, they became divided and almost extinct. A part of the church and society went off, and settled under the pastoral care of one Oliver Dodge, who was the rejected candidate for the office of colleague, assuming the name of "' the reformed catholic church of Pomfret." While this schism prevailed, the town was full of " debates and backbitings and wdiisperings and swellings and tumults ;" and nearly the whole county, churches and min- isters and civilians, became implicated in the controversy ; and a most violent and disgraceful newspaper and pamphlet warfare, was kept up for several years. During this period, those who adhered to their minister, and to this church and society, used to meet from sabbath to sabbath ; a small and feeble band, indeed, in their great meeting house, standing near this place, to pray and read the word of God. One of the deacons would read, and the other would pray, and their poor, speechless minister would show his approbation by his constant presence. It was a melan- choly spectacle. The multitude were all gone after the preten- der. Those that remained were oppressed and despised ; and as they sat around in their several pews, here and there one, they might adopt the language of the prophet, " we are in deso- late places as dead men." But though they were few and fee- 15 l)lc, the Lord heard their prayers, and in his own time granted thcin dehverancc from their sorrow. Greater blessings tiian ihcy dared to hope for, were granted them. Dodge, who had been the occasion of all their trouble, and who drew away the people after him, proved, after a while, to be a drunkard and an apostate, one of the vilest ; and his followers became disgusted with him, and weary of their schism, clieerfully returned to the church and society which they had left, and harmoniously united in the choice of Rev. Asa King, to be their colleague pas- tor. Since that time, no schism has occurred, or any thing unu- sual, to mar the harmony and peace of the church or society. When the council were convened for the ordination of Mr. King, it was thought best, by all the parties, that the pastoral relation between the church and Mr. Putnam should be dissol- ved, and that Mr. King, should be installed sole pastor, which was accordingly done. It was ordered, however, that a stipula- ted, annual allowance, should be paid by the society, for the sup- port of INIr. Putnam during his life. Mr. Putnam admitted, during his ministry of forty-six years, one hundred and seventy-six members to the communion of the church, and baptized seven hundred and sixty-one children. His death occurred October 2Sth, 1813, in the eightieth year of his age. He had two wives. His first was the daughter of Rev. Dr. Hall, of Sutton, Mass., and sister of the late Doct. Jonathan Hall, of this town. She was lulled by bemg thrown from a car- riage, in the hollow, a few rods north of this house. His other wife was the daughter of Rev. Ephraim Avery, of Brooklyn. He had one son, Aaron, who was a minister of the gospel, and one daughter, who was the wife of Rev. Samuel P. Storrs of the State of New York. In the year 1760, m the early part of Mr. Putnam's ministry, a new and large meeting house was com- menced on the common, directly in front of the one which we now occupy. Some difficulty occurred about moving from the old site, at the top of the hill, and two or three years elapsed before it was ready for public worship. The frame, I am told, stood a year or more, uncovered. Those difficulties, however, soon passed away and all became willing to finish the house and IG meet in i(, for the worship of their God and Saviour. The offi- cers of the church during Mr. Putnam's ministry, were deacons Samuel Sumner, Ebenezer Holbrook, Jonathan Dresser, David Williams, John Holbrook, Simon Cotton, Caleb Hayward, Wil- liam Sabin, and John II. Payson, Mr. King, as before intimated, was ordained pastor of this church May 5lh, 1802. He is a native of Mansfield, in this State. He studied theology with Rev. John Sherman and Rev. Dr. Welch, of his native town. Great harmony prevailed du- ring his continuance witli this people. In the year 1808, a very extensive and powerful revival prevailed, and "many were ad- ded unto the Lord," both in this and the Baptist Society. Mr. King was dismissed June 15th, 1811, on account of ill-health. He was afterwards settled for many years, at North Killing- worth, in this State, and is now pastor of the church in West- minister, in this county. During his ministry here of nine years, Mr. King admitted ninety-nine persons to the communion of the church by profession, and ten by letter. He baptized ninety- seven children. His ministry since he left here, has been per- haps, equally successful. During his connexion with this people, the meeting house was repaired, and a balcony was erected, which, I am told, cost the society more than the building we now occupy. A bell was given to the society by Mr. Benjamin Duick, which is the foundation of the one we now possess. Mr. Oliver Grosvenor was chosen Deacon near the close of Mr. King's ministry. After the dismission of Mr. King, the people were in a desti- tute condition, for two or three years. They had a great num- ber of candidates, some of whom tliey rejected ; and others who being invited to settle, rejected them. At length, they were uni- ted in giving a call to the Rev. James Porter, who was pleased to accept their invitation, and was, accordingly, ordained Sept. Sth, 1814. The sermon preached at his ordination by Rev. Eli- jah Dunbar, of Peterborough, N. H., was printed. Mr. Porter is a native of Peterborough, and was graduated at Williams College in 1810. He continued as the minister of this parish until April 23d, 1830, when, on account of protracted ill-health, 17 there being no |>rospcct of liis restoration, so as to perform the duties of the ministry, he was dismissed, greatly beloved and confided hi, by the people. He still lives witiiout charge, in Woodstock, in this State. During his ministry of sixteen years, great harmony prevailed. Several seasons of refreshing were granted to the church, " from the presence of the Lord." The first Sabbath School in this town, or in this region, was establish- ed in this church, in the early part of Mr. Porter's ministry. Major Asa Copeland was the first Superintendant. Ninety per- sons were admitted to the church, and one hundred and twelve were baptized, brothers Job and Zephaniah Williams, were chosen deacons during his ministry. The year and a half, that intervened between the dismission of Mr. Porter and the settlement of his successor, was a period in many respects, of great discouragement and trial to this people. Before Mr. Porters dismission his health had for some time been feeble, and others had taken the advantage. Sectarian influence was rife and active. The old meeting house had become so di- iaj)idated and uncomfortable, that it must either be repaired or rebuilt. Withal, it was so large and contained so small an audi- ence, that ministers shunned it, feanng that it would soon cause them to " cough their own knell." One or two ministers were called, who rejected their invitations. It was truly, a day of tlai'kncss and gloominess. All knees were feeble and all hands hung down. However, the Lord did not utterly forsake them. Under the preaching of a young man. Rev. David A. Grosvenor, now of Uxbridge, Mass., who supplied them for a wliile, a little season of revival was granted. Twenty-eight persons were brought into the church, and fourteen adults and children were baptized. Thus like Israel of old, " they were helpen with a little help." At this period they made preparation to build a new place of worship, and formed their contracts. Some assistance was granted them by their friends abroad. Oct. 19lh, 1831, Rev. Amzi Benedict was installed pastor of the church and society ; and the ensuing summer this house, which we now occupy, was built and dedicated in October to the worship of Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 3 18 Mr. Benedict is a native of New Canaan, in this State, was graduated at Yale College in 1814, and at the Theological Sem- inary, Andover in 1818. He was first settled in Vernon, in this State, then over this church. During his ministry of two years and nine months, a very interesting revival was enjoyed by the church. Seventy-seven persons were admitted to the church — seventy-three by profession, and four by letter. Fifty of the above number, I am informed, were admitted in one day. Mr. Benedict baptized forty-five adults and forty-two children. He was dismissed July 15th, 1834. He has since been settled at Manlius, N. Y., and is now Principal of a Female Seminary, in New Haven. The present pastor is a native of Columbia, in this State — was graduated at Amherst College in 1828, and at the Theolo- gical Seminary, Andover, in 1833 — was ordained as pastor of this church and people, April 8th, 1835. The number of per- sons who have been admitted since my labors commenced here, is forty-five — nineteen by profession, and twenty-six by letter. I have baptized forty-four persons — thirty-eight children, and six adults. Deacon Zephaniah Williams died in 1838, and brother Lewis Averill was chosen to fill his place. Probably at no pe- riod in the history of this church w^ere its numbers greater than at the present time, though we now number but one hundred and sixty-two. The congregation at the present time, though larger than at some former periods, does not compare with what it was, under the ministry of Mr. Williams and Mr. Putnam, and Mr. King, when the great house, which would hold a thousand persons, was filled above and below, together with the pulpit and gallery stairs. Great changes have taken place. Non-es- sentials have magnified in the esteem of the people. Four pla- ces of worship have arisen in this parish, in a population which were once accommodated in one. We are denounced by one denomination, as having no ordination ; by another, as having no ordinances ; and by a third, as having too many. But who are right, we or they, " the day of the Lord " will make manifest. However, 1 am persuaded, there is a greater amount of vital piety, amongst this people now, than in some former years. The 11> number of proi'essors of religion is much larger tlian at any for- mer period. The morals of the people, are in some important respects greatly improved, in others they have, probably, de- clined. Respecting the church in Abington, I observed, it was organ- ized January 28th, 1753. The number of members which com- posed it at first, was about forty. The first deacons were Sam- uel Craft and Edward Ruggles. The Rev. David Ripley was ordained the first pastor, February 23d, 1753. The services at his ordination were performed by the following ministers. Mr. Cogswell, of Canterbury, ofiered the first prayer ; Mr. Devotion, of Scotland, preached ; Mr. Stiles, of Woodstock, offered the or- daining prayer ; ]Mr. Williams, of Pomfrct, gave the charge ; Mr. Cabot, of Thompson, offered another prayer ; and Mr. Ave- ry, of Brooklyn, gave the hand of fellowship. Of Mr. Ripley's personal history, I have been able to obtain but little. He was a native of Windham, in this State — eradua- ted at Yale College — received the Master's degree from Har- vard, 1754. He is supposed to have possessed rather superior gifts, as a preacher. The church and society were generally prosperous under his ministry. It is said, that at the time of his death, which occurred in 1785, there was not a dissenting family in the parish, nor one that did not attend meeting. He admitted to the conmiunion of the church about one hundred and forty persons, and baptized seven hundred cliildren and adults. He was the father of Rev. David B. Ripley, late of Marlborough, Conn. Rev. Walter Lyon was the second minister of Abington. He was a native of Woodstock, in this State — graduated at Dart- mouth College 1777, and was made Master at Yale 1782. He was ordained December 31st, 1782. The following ministers performed the services : Mr. Sumner, of Shrewsbury, Mass., of- fered the introductory prayer ; Mr. Paine, of Sturbridge, Mass., preached; Mr. Cogswell, of Scotland, offered the ordaining prayer ; Mr. Williams, of Woodstock, gave the charge ; Mr. Russell, of Thompson, offered a prayer after the charge ; and Mr. Whitney, of Brooklyn, gave the hand of fellowship. 20 Mr. Lyon was a very conscientious and exemplary nnnisler of the gospel, careibl to admonish transgressors, and maintain the authority of the church over its members. Some seasons of refreshing were enjoyed by the church during his ministry. In the latter part of his life he entered very fully into the benevo- lent operations of the day, and made liberal bequests to the cause of foreign missions and of education for the ministry, also to the society of which he was pastor. During his ministry of forty-four years, he admitted one hundred and four persons to the communion of the church by profession, and baptized two hundred and forty. His death occurred February 11th, 1826. The deacons appointed during his ministrj^ were Robert Sharpe, Benjamin Ruggles, Joshua Grosvenor, Samuel Crafts, Amassa Storrs, William Osgood, and Willis Goodell. After the death of Mr. Lyon, the church in Abington was des- titute of a pastor nearly two years, when they united, February 19th, 1828, in giving an invitation to the Rev. Charles Fitch, to become their pastor and teacher, which he was pleased to ac- cept, and was accordingly ordained April 30th, 1828. Of Mr. Fitch, it may be said, that without the advantages of an early or classic education, or any regular theological instruc- tion, he far exceeded, as a preacher, what could have been ex- pected. During his ministry of four years, there was much reli- gious interest among the people, and many hopeful conversions. Fifty were added to the church by profession, and some by let- ter. He also baptised fifty-two persons, children and adults- Since his dismission he has occupied free churches in Hartford and Boston, and his sympathies are at present enlisted with the perfectionists and the school at Oberlin. The present pastor. Rev. Nathan S. Hunt, is a native of Cov- entry, in this State — graduated at Williams College 1830, and at the Theological Seminary, Andover, in 1833 — was ordained pas- tor of the church in Abington, February 12th, 1834. He is grandson of Rev. Nathan Strong, of North Coventry, and neph- ew of the Rev. Drs. Strong, of Hartford and Norwich. During his ministry the interests of the church and society have prosper- ed. Twenty-five have been added by profession, and twelve by loiter. He has liapli/L'cl sixty-two persons. During llu' |«ast season the society have remodeled their ancient house, and made in it most desirable changes for their convenience and coinforl. The present number of members in the church, is one hundred and twenty — thirty-four males and eighty-six females. The present deacons arc Elisha Lord and William Osgood, Jun. Of the Baptist Society in this town, I have, as yet, said noth- ing. It had its origin in events that took place during the min- istry of Mr. Putnam, and in connection with the influence and agency of Rev. Dr. jNIanning, of Providence. The church, how- ever, was not formed until April 9th, 1806. For many years they had no meeting house, but worshipped in school houses, chiefly in the northeast and southeast districts of this parish. Their present valuable house of worship, was erected in 1821. They have never had, it is believed, any settled pastor; but have supplied their pulpit by annual contract. Five different ministers have served them. They have had several seasons of revival, and of additions to their church. The size of their con- gregation is very icspectable. The present number of commu- nicants is one hundred and forty-two. The whole number that have been added since its formation, is three hundred and twen- ty-three. Some members of this church have become preach- ers of the gospel. Their present preacher is the Rev. Warren Cooper. The Fipiscopal Society in this town was formed in 1830, while this people were destitute of a pastor, and their house built and consecrated. They have had two or three different ministers, who have supplied ihcm one half of the time, in connexion with the church at Brooklyn. Two members of this church have become preachers of the gospel. Rev. Riverius Camp is their present minister. The friends Meeting house was built in 1S20, during the min- istry of INlr. Porter. Thoy had for several years previous to this time, held meetings in a school house near their present place of worship. But few families in Pomfret belong to this meeting. Some from Killingly — some from Brooklyn, and some 22 Ironi Abington, unite with them in sustaining their mode and place of worship. Having said thus much respecting the religious history of this town, I will now pass to what I may perhaps call its literary or scholastic history. It appears, from the records, that the fathers of this town were, hke the early fathers of New England, as much engaged to establish and sustain schools, as they were the preaching and ordinances of the gospel, for immediately upon the erection of their meeting house, and while it was yet unfin- ished, they voted, January 28th, 1719, "to erect a school house, near the meeting house, twenty-four feet by nineteen, seven feet studs, which shall be reared and finished by the next Michael- mas, come twelve month, which will be in the year of our Lord 1721." A committee was also appointed to oversee the affairs of the school in general. In August, 1723, it was voted, first, that the school house shall be finished with all convenient speed. Secondly, query ? wheth- er the town will agree upon this method, as to the places where the school shall be kept in the town ; namely, that the school be kept one half of the time in the school house already built, and the other half of the time somewhere, farther northward, in some house which the neighborhood shall provide, and the whole maintained in the same public manner 'I Voted in the affirmative. Thirdly, query ? Whether the town will allow those that live south of Governor Saltonstall's land, their proportion of collector Whitney's rate ; which proportion amounts to three pounds, ten shillings and eight pence, towards building a school house for themselves, provided they first erect a school house ; also, their proportion of all rates that shall hereafter be made towards the maintenance, provided they keep a school among themselves." These three schools were established almost simultaneously at the north, centre, and south part of the town. At a meeting of the town in June, 1729, six years later, it was voted, " to raise one penny on the pound to defray the expense of the schools." This also was passed — "Whereas there are sundry families in the town who are so remote from the school houses, that they can have no benefit of sending their children 23 by reason of the distance of the way ; tlie town now submits notwithstanding any former vote, that upon the rc(iuest and ap- pHcation of any number of famihes to the select men, they shall at their discretion accommodate them witha school, at any })art of the town, until the town sees cause to order otherwise." Here then, I sec not, why all needful provision w^as not made for the education of the children and youth of this place. This provision continued to be made by vote of the town until the society of Brooklyn was set off, when it was done by the eccle- siastical society, in connexion with their provision for the support of the ministry. This practice continued, I believe, throughout the State until the appropriation of the school fund of Connecti- cut, to the purposes of education, when the present system of school societies was decreed. Of the time when the present or- der of districts was established in the town, I have no means of deternuning. There is a small fund belonging to the first school society, obtauied by the sale of State lands in Litchfield County,* whose annual interest is appropriated for the benefit of the com- mon schools. But the early inhabitants were not only the friends of common schools, but of the higher branches and institutions of learning. The first minister of this town, as already observed, was a Fel- low of Yale College. His second son graduated there, and oth- ers were continually going from this place to the higher schools and colleges of New England, and have been until the present day. At one time, I am informed, there were seven young men from this parish in Yale College, all of whom became ministers of the gospel. Some of the most distinguished ministers and civilians in the country have gone from this town. I have ascer- tained the namesf of about thirty persons from this parish who have become ministers of the gospel ; two of whom received the honorary tittle of D. D. ; also of three who were distinguished Judges of courts in diflcrent States ; three who have been mem- bers of Congress, and one, for many years, a Senator of the United States ; two who were reckoned among the most distin- * Sec Note B. t See Note C. 24 guished barristers in the State of JNew York; and another who has been Speaker of the House of Representatives in that State.* In the profession of law,- there have never been many who have resided in tliis place. Two men, however, were ornaments to that profession, Hon, Thomas Grosvenor, for many years Judge of the County Court and State Counsellor, and Sylvanus Backus, long a Speaker of the House of Representatives in this State, and at the time of his death, a member elect to the Con- gress of the United States. In the profession of medicine and surgery, this town has not been deficient. Dr. Abbigence Waldo and Dr. Thomas Hub- bard, had a high reputation in this and the neighboring States. Others hardly less distinguished have resided in the town.f Special efibrts were made by the early inhabitants of this town and vicinity, to provide themselves with the means of gen- eral and useful knowledge. In 1739 a solemn covenant was entered into by sixteen individuals of Pomfret, Woodstock, and Killingly, including the ministers of the several parishes, to pay the sums affixed to their names, for the establishment of a libra- ry. One man gave thirty pounds, and four others, twenty pounds each, and the sixteen made out two hundred and fifty- four. (Very liberal we should call that in these times.) This library association was called " The United English Li- brary, for the propagation of Christian and Useful Knowledge." It was ordered that the books of said library should be kept in Pomfret. Mr. Williams was the first Librarian. After the for- mation of the society, other individuals joined them. Fifteen persons very soon, who paid into the society one hundred and eighty-five pounds. With these funds, a very valuable library was purchased. They also received presents of books from friends abroad, and from authors. Thanks were voted, as ap- pears by the records, to Rev. Dr. Guise, of London, for his works. In 1715, the library was divided; the mhabitants of the several towns taking their share of the books and funds, to con- * See Note D. t Sec Note E. 25 stilutc a distinct library by themselves. General Israel Putnam was admitted to this association, August 27th, 1753, and "paid sixteen pounds, okl tenon." The Pomfrct branch continued to be sustained for many years. The old case and a remnant of the books, I now have in my possession. The foregoing statistics sufficiently illustrate the interest which our fathers felt in the cause of education and the diflusion of useful knowledge. May their descendants fear to fall behind them. I may next refer to their interest in the cause of civil freedom. We have abundant reason to_ believe that the first settlers of this town were firm su|)porters of the rights of the colonies against regal oppression, and any infraction upon the exercise of civil and religious freedom. The first notice I have been able to find ol' their feelings in reference to the war of the revolution, is de- rived from the account we have of a donation which they made for the benefit of the poor in Boston, during the time that the British troops were quartered there. The following letter from the Selectmen of Boston to the Selectmen of Pomfret, dated July 8th, 1774, is an interesting relic, and shows the feelings of the citizens of both places, and the spirit of those times which trieti men's souls. " Gentlemen : — By the hand of Mr. Elias Wells we received your generous antl kind benefaction for the poor of this distres- sed town. We cannot enough express our gratitude for this in- stance of your bounty, in which you have liberally contributed to the relief of many. What you have thus lent to the Lord, we trust and pray that he will pay you again. It gives us great consolation amidst our complicated and unparalleled sufl^erings, that our brethren in the other colonies show such christian sym- pathy and true benevolence towards us. That we are greatly distressed, needs no comment. Our harbor blockaded by a fleet of ships ; our foreign trade actually annihilated ; thousands of poor reduced to extreme want; troops continually pouring in upon us, to insult us in this our distress, is a consideration that must excite pity in the most obdurate. However, although we 4 2G thus suffer, wc arc willing to suli'er still more, rather than give up our birthright privileges. With great regard, we are your brethren and most humble servants." JOHN SEELEY, ^ TIMOTHY NEWELL, {Selectmen SAMUEL AUSTIN, (of Boston. JOHN PITTS, J This letter establishes some facts of great interest. It shows the sj>irit which operated to produce the revolution, and to se- cure the liberties of this country. "We are willing to suffer still more rather than give up our birthright." It shows that the people of this town fully possessed that spirit. It shows that they were a benevolent people. " They did liberally." It shows above all, that the fathers of the revolution went to their work in the fear of God ; and were not afraid, in all their correspon- dence and public acts, to recognise and express their dependence ( »n Him. " The Selectmen of Boston trust in and pray to God !" Who sees such things in the documents of the Selectmen and rulers of these days ? " Those suns are set. O rise some other such I " Or all that we have left, is cmpt}' talk "Of old achievements, and despair of new." A company seems to have been formed in this town, as early as 1774, with reference to the threatening difficulties. Stephen Crown was the Captain, and Thomas Grosvenor, Lieutenant. This company immediately after the news of the battle of Lex- ington, marched, under the direction of Colonel Knowlton, to Cambridge and was engaged in the memorable battle of Bunker Hill, where three men, inhabitants of Pomfret, were killed, and fifteen wounded. Lieutenant Grosvenor was wounded in the hand. At a town meeting held March 26th, 1779, the town voted to appoint a committee to supply the families of the poor, whose husbands and fathers were gone into the service. Then the (jucstion was put, " whether the towfi would take any measures to encourage and promote the speedy raising and enlisting of men 27 to fill up the nuiiibijr to be raised within suicl t(»wn, according to the proposal of the Governor and Council, passed in the affirma- tive." -'Also, voted and agreed to firmly unite among ourselves, and strictly to adhere to the laws regulating prices, and to use our joint and several influences to support and maintain the same as a very important regulation for the support of the army, and preventing every measure, artfully taken, for the oppression of the poor." "Also voted that the sum of twenty-four pounds lawful money be paid each elfective man that has or shall enlist into the continental army for three years, or during the war, in this tow^n, by the 7th day of April next, not exceeding eighty men." This money as appears, was raised partly by subscrip- tion and partly by tax. Under this encouragement, seventy-one men from this town enlisted into the continental army. The town paid them a boun- ty of three thousand four hundred and seven pounds, and for the support of their families, two thousand eight hundred and eighty- nine pounds, in all, six thousand two hundred and ninety-six pounds, or twenty thousand nine hundred and sixty-five dollars, according to New England currency. In addition to this, there were various militia services and expenses, which I have no means of determining. Three men from this town, were especially distinguished for their bravery and enterprise in the revolutionary war ; General Israel Putnam,* whose history is so familiar to every one that I need not dwell upon it ; Captain Stephen Brown, who was killed at the taking of Mud Island Fort ; and Colonel Thomas Grosvc- nor. Of the latter gentleman, I have the following memoranda from the Boston Spectator, of August Oth, 1825, ])ul)lished soon after his death : _Coloncl Grosvcnor was the son of John Grosvenor, Esq., and born at Pomfret in 1744. He was educated at Yale College, under the Presidency of Mr. Clapp, and afterwards pursued the study of the law, till the measures of the British ministry roused the energies of New England tr» resistance. At this crisis he did * See Note F. 28 not hesitate what course to pursue, entering at once into tlie spirit of the times. He accepted a Lieutenancy in Captain Brown's Company, (as before stated,) and was present at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was afterwards in the disastrous con- flict near Flatland, on Long Island, when General Sullivan was captured. He was also with the retreating army in its subse- quent progress from I^ong Island to Harlem Heights, Morisania, and White Plains, and in its desponding flight thi'ough the Jer- sies, and beyond the Delaware. He recossed the Delaware with that army, and was present at the actions of Trenton and Prince- ton. In 1778, he was at the battle of Monmouth; and during the subsequent part of that year's campaign, was constantly at- tached to the main army under Washington. In 1779, he ac- companied General Sullivan in his expedition against the Six Na- tions. In the winter of that year, and of 1780, he first broke ground at West Point, and began a fort at the present site of the United States Military Academy, halting his corps there. The celebrated Kosciusko was the engineer who directed the opera- tions with him at that time. In 1780, Colonel Duj'kee retiring from the service,| Lieutenant Colonel Grosvenor was promoted to his place. The active du- ties of Colonel, had been previously discharged by him. About this time he evinced great penetration, judgment, and energy, in detecting and suppressing a dangerous meeting that broke out in the camp near the time of the famous Ncwburgh letter. After the disbanding of the army, Colonel Grosvenor returned, like many oilier distinguished officers of the revolution, to his farm in Pomfrct, and immediately laid aside the garb, and the habits of a soldier — habits which he had acquired by seven years experience of toil, and the privations of the camp — with the same apparent ease that they had been assumed. Colonel Grosvenor appears, throughout his useful life, to have been directed, not by ambition, but the desire to be useful. It is remarkable of him, that he lived after his retirement to his na- tive place, forty years, greatly venerated by all, without ever revisiting the priHci{>al scenes of the revolution, with which he licul been conversant, or even leavij.a the confines of his native State. He was for more than twenty years, a member of the Gover- nor's Council in Connecticut ; and f(»r a much longer time, C/hiof Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in tliis County. He was a member of this church at the time of his death, which occurred July 11th, 1825. I have thus given you an account of the religious, literary, and civil history of this town. Several other topics of interest ought to be mentioned and dwelt upon, if time would permit — such as the hospitality and benevolence of the people ; their interest in the cause of temperance ; their wealth and enterprise compared with other farming towns ; their past and present population ; the intluences that have operated to change the character of so- ciety ; the health in former and recent years, and the bills of mortality compared with other towns and sections of the coun- try.* But to do justice to these topics would carry me beyond your patience, and my own strength. I will just say, however, that the people of this town have ever been esteemed a hospita- ble and benevolent people. Prom the day they remembered the poor in Boston, until now, their liberality in the cause of chris- tian l)enevolence, has abounded. Their efforts in the cause of the temperance reform, were also early and have been thorough and persevering. As their fathers pursued the wolf, which dis- turbed and destroyed their flocks, until they had etTected her de- struction, so the children have pursued the monster intemper- ance by day and night, o'er hill and dale, in church and court, in authority meeting and town meeting : so that, at the present time, the sale of intoxicating drink is not allowed within the limits of this town. And now let me conclude with a few remarks, appropriate to this subject, and to the serviros of this day. 1 . Wc see fJir hlessinirs of a pious and intelUgent ancestry. — * Sec Note G. 30 Evoiy community paiiakcs very much of the character of its ancestors. In cvciry town and state and nation, we find traces of their origin. We read their history in themselves. What gave Israel such superiority over all other nations 1 The piety and wisdom of their patriarchs. What gives this country, and particularly our own New England, such superiority in civil, so- cial and religious institutions ? The virtue and intelligence of our ancestors. The same influences wrought here. The fathers of this town were near akin to the first settlers of New England. They were rocked by them in their cradles, and trained under their immediate influence and inspection; and when they came here they brought all those institutions, civil and religious, which the pilgrims came to this land to establish and enjoy. When we look round then upon these churches and schools — upon this intelli- gent and happy community, and all the social and religious bles- sings with which we are surrounded, we should remember, this is an inheritance from our fathers. They brought all these things into this place. They came here to prepare them for us. This very occasion of annual Thanksgiving; which has called us to- gether, is their legacy. They taught their children to observe this day, and their children taught another generation; and we, following the same devout practice, meet to day to praise the God of our fathers. Ought we not to venerate the names and character, and cherish the institutions of such ancestors ? What true descendant does not feel his heart warming and swelling at the mention of those men, who have transmitted to him such an inheritance, and at the same time resolve never to trifle with his birthright. 2. Wc see the faithfulness of God to his Church. — This has always been seen and known, from the beginning. God proved it to Israel, times without number ; and he has proved it to the christian church, in all ages and in all countries. But it is some- times comforting to see his fidelity in near relation to ourselves. This church, we have reason to think, was planted in faith, and that God adopted it as his own vine. From time to time he has M'atered it and made it grow. Sometimes it has stood in the 31 desert, sometimes in the fire. Tiie enemy has trampled on it. But it still lives. Like the bush which Moses saw, it has " burn- ed unconsumed." And we are now permitted to coinmcmorate its preservation, and consider the years of the right hand of the Most High ; when he wrought deliverance for it, and enlarge- ment. Surely, the God of this church is a faithful God. The history of his dealings with it, which we have now reviewed, proves him so. Hence, 3. We see our obligation to he faithful to Him. — God has been faithful to our fathers — has remembered their sacrifices and prayers, and preserved their institutions, and brought them down to us. But if we become faithless and unfruitful, his glory will depart from us, and " the candlestick be removed out of its place." It has been God's way, when his people have become disobedient and unthankful, to leave tiiem to themselves. So he did with the churches of Asia, planted by the hands of the apos- tles, and watered by their tears. Once they " flourished as Eden," but when they became lukewarm and self-confident and rebelious, the blast of heaven passed over them and they ceased to be. O then, let us remember as a church and people, thus far preserved by the good hand of God, our obligations, and be faithful in every duty. Let our works of faith and love abound. Let us be instant in prayer, that these blessed institutions and privileges may be transmitted from us unimpaired, and handed down from generation to generation, till the world shall end. Finally. Let us j)raise the Lord. — "O, says the Psalmist,, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men." Surely we have occasion to praise him. His love and works to our fathers and to us, have been wonderful. " He has not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." " His mercies have been new every morning, fresh every evening, and repeated eve- ry moment of our lives." During the year that now closes, great has been his goodness. He has kept us, as a people, " from the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that 32 wasteth at noon day," he has made rich provision for the suste- nance of man and beast, "causing the earth to yield her increase" and " the clouds to drop down fatness." He has " satisfied our mouth with good things." He has also granted us the means of grace and the offers of eternal life through his blessed Son. Many of us from Sabbath to Sabbath, have been permitted to meet in his house, and have blessed foretaste of " the rest that remaineth for the people of God." O let us praise him — praise him for his goodness to our fathers — for his goodness to us — for all his w^on- derful works to the children of men. " It is good to sing praises unto our God, for it is pleasant, and praise is comely." Praise is the highest, holiest exercise in which we can be engaged. Praise is the employment of heaven. The angels praise. The spirits of just men made perfect, praise. We shall not always pray, but, if we are christians, we shall always praise. And nev- er had we so much occasion to praise God, as now. Let us then anticipate the employment of heaven, and exercise ourselves unto praise. Let us begin to day. This is the day to praise. O, be- loved, praise the liord for his goodness. Say, each one of you, " while I live I will praise the Lord, I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being." R E F E II E i\ C" E S . Note A. — The following are the names of those persons who first signed the agreeiDcnt to sustain the preaching of tiie gospel, in this town: Benjamin Sabin, (deacon) John Sahin, Nathaniel Gany, Benjamin Sitton, Samuel (^atca, Edward Payson, Samuel Paine, John Cnmmings. JosiaJi Sabin, Samuel Warner, Thomas Goodcll, Seth Paine, Philemon Chandler, (deacon) Daniel Allen, David Allen, Joseph Tucker, Lemuel Taylor, Leicester Grosvenor. r.benezer Grosvenor, Benjamin Sabin, Jun., Jeremiah Sabin, Stephen Sabin, Ebenezer Sabin. .\i)TF. B. — The State of Connecticut formerly owned lands in Litchfield County ; and when they were sold, the avails were distributed to the several School Societies then existing, to constitute a fund, whose annual interest should be appropriated to the support of conmiou schools. The whole amount thus distributed by the State, I have no means of determining. That held by this Society, is three hundred and twenty dollars. Tiie first School Societies in the State, only, received it, and no di- vision was ever made in favor of those Societies that were afterwards set off. The Abington, or 2nd School Society of this town, petitioned the Legislature for a portion of this fund, but their prayer was not heard. Note C. — The following are the names of those who have become iiiinister.<3 of the gospel, from this town : Chester Williams — Hadley, Mass. — son Joseph Pope — Spencer, Mass. of Rev. Ebenezer. Ezra Weld — Braintree, Mass. Joshua Paine — Sturbridgc, Mass. Ebenezer Grosvenor — Scituate, Mass. Ephraim Hyde — Bridgewater, Mass. Holland Weeks — Abington, Mass. Joseph Sumner, Shrewsbury, Mass. Josiah Dana. Eleazer Craft — Craflsbury, Vt. Abishai Sabin — Monson, Mass. John Sabin — Fitzwilliam, N. H. Thomas Williams — Providence, R. I. 34 Elijah Wheeler — Great B;irriiiglon, JIs. Job Hall — Agent Aiiicricfin Ed. Soc. Daniel Grosvenor — Paxton, Mass. Charles Dres.ser — Illinois. Aaron Putnam, son of Rev. Aaron. Erastus Spalding. William Morse — Marlborough, Mass. A. H. Vinton — Providence, R. I. Nathan Grosvenor — Chaplin, Con. Francis Vinton — Newport, R. I. George Payson — Kennebunk, Maine. Benjamin Congdon. Joshua P. Payson — Martha's Vineyard. David B. Ripley — Marlborough, Con. Mason Grosvenor — Hudson, Ohio. Andrew Sharpe — Williniantic, Con. Charles P. Grosvenor — Scitnate, R. I. Note D. — The following persons, in the legal profession, have gone from this town: Benjamin Ruggles, Senator in Congress, from Ohio. Elisha W^iliiams, Hudson, New York. Thomas Grosvenor, Member of Congress, from New York. John P. Cushman, Member of Congress, from New York. Seth Cushman, Vermont. Richard Goodell, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nfw Yoi'k. Josiah Spalding, Tennessee. David Hall, New York City. J. Prescott Hall, do. do. Horace Dresser, do. do. William Sharpe, Ohio. Note E. — Tiie following persons have practised as physicians in this town, since its first settlement : Thomas Mather, Thomas Hubbard,* David Adams, Benjamin Hubbard, John Weld, Darius Hutchins, William Walton, Warner, Morse, Hiram Holt, Hallowell, Daniel F. Mosely, Albigence Waldo, Alex. H. Vinton, Elisha Lord, Virgil M. Palmer, Jonathan Hall, F. L. Wheaton. Note F. — Respecting General Putnam, it would be superfluous for me to say any thing, as his history is so fully before the public. But, as Pomfret was the scene of one of his most hazardous exploits, it may be proper to remark, in connection with his name, that the place where he performed it, still remains, "as at the beginning." The "wolf-den" (for so wc call it) is situated in the southern part of the town, in a * Late Professor of tho Principles and Practice of Surgery, in Yale College. 35 wild, rooky, piecipitous region, well ailiipted to be the residence of wild beasts. Nor iius any change apparently taken place, eitiier in the scenery, or in the cavern itsell' from the days of I'utnani until now. It still open? its dismal mouth, which is about two feet square, 'on the east side of a very high ledge of rocks." The rocks all re- tain their ancient position. The very trees, many of them, which witnessed the gath- ering on the memorable night, " with dogs, guns, straw, fne and snlpluir," and .saw the anxiety and the success of the perilous undertaking, remain there still. This cav- ern is an object of great curiosity, especially with people from obroad ; and scarcely a stranger visits the place, but makes it a part of his business to call there before he leaves. Hundreds, probably, visit it every year. Note G. — The following table gives the number of deaths which have occurred in both parishes of the town, during the last twenty -five years, and will exibit the health, iness of the place, comj)ared with other towns and sections of the country. The pop- ulation of the town is about 2,000. In the first Society, 1200; in the second, 800. V'onrs. 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 3S0 321 701 The average number of deaths in the whole town, is 28 1-25. Average for Pom- fret, 1") 1-5— for Abington, 12 21-25. Annual per cent, for the town. 1 2-5. Deaths in Pomtret. 24 Deaths in Abington. 9 Total in the town. 33 17 12 29 18 2 20 17 11 28 11 12 23 17 10 27 14 11 25 16 16 32 12 12 24 13 17 30 23 17 40 18 16 34 10 6 16 15 16 31 9 12 21 13 10 23 21 4 25 24 13 37 13 15 28 12 14 26 10 10 20 9 12 21 18 21 39 9 15 24 10 17 27 7 11 ].^ L^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0014 1134152