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HISTORICAL RECORDS

TOWN OF CORNWALL,

Litchfield County,

Connecticut.

COLLECTED AND ARRANGED BT

THEODORE S. GOLD.

HARTFORD:
PRESS OF THE CASE, LOCKWOOD & BRAINARD COMPANY.
1877.

PREFACE.

The importance of preserving in permanent form the incidents
in the history of every community has induced me to gather the
materials for this volume. No one untried in such work is aware
Jof the difficulties encountered in collecting unpublished facts.
My honored father, Dr. Samuel "W. Gold, in his advanced years
undertook this work, and I shall confine myself mostly to editing
his papers, adding such historical discourses as present our life in
its home details, omitting in large degree what the sons of Corn
wall have done in national affairs, as finding its appropriate place in
national history.
Of course this implies some repetition, but it is better to give
original records than to trust to reorganizing them, for thus much
of their peculiar value will be destroyed. If undue prominence
appears to have been given to any events, we must remember that
they were not considered as small by the actors in them, and per
haps may thence derive some useful lessons for personal appli
cation. I have solicited full details of family histories, and have waited
a year for such documents. Too few have been presented. The
leanness of this department is due to the neglect of those who
ought to feel most interest.
T. S. GOLD.
"West Cornwall, Conn., Sept. 10, 1877.

HISTOEIOAL EECOED.

CHARTER AND SURVEY OF THE TOWN OF CORNWALL,
RECORDED IN THE FIRST BOOK OF PROPRIE
TORS' RECORDS, PAGES 275-280.
At a General Assembly holden at New Haven, in His Majesties English
Colony of Connecticut, in New England, in America, on Thursday, the
13,b Day of October, Anno R! R" Georgii 241 Magn Britan, &c, 11 "°
Annoq: Dom. 1737, and continued by several adjournments till the
second day of November next ensuing.
An Act for the Ordering and directing the Sale and Settlement of all
the Townships on the western Lands.
Be it enacted by the Deputy Governor, Council, and Representatives
in General Court Assembled, and by the Authority of the same, that all
the Townships in the western Lands on both sides the Ousatunnuck
River be disposed of and settled, and that each Town on the east side
of said River shall be divided into fifty-three Rights, (exclusive of the
Lands granted to the College and all former Grants of this Court that
are surveyed and recorded in the public Records of this Colony and are
lying in either of said Towns,) of which fifty-three Rights one shall be
for the use of the Ministry forever that shall be settled in the Town,
according to the Constitution and Order of the Churches established by
the Laws of this Government, as is provided in the first Paragraph in
the Act entitled an Act relating to ecclesiastical affairs ; one for the first
Gospel Minister as aforesd, and one other right for the support of the
School in such Town, and the same Rule shall be attended in every of
said Townships, being five in number ; and the remaining fifty Rights
in said Towns shall be sold at a public Vendue to the highest bidders,
being of His Majesties Subjects Inhabitants of this Colony, that will
settle and inhabit at least, three years in such Towns, and to no other
Persons. It is further enacted by the authority aforesaid that any person quali
fied as abovesaid, and being desirous to purchase an Interest in said
Lands and proposing to settle the same, and his Agent being esteemed
able and likely to do and perforin all duties and orders of the Place,
shall be allowed so to do ; and every purchaser shall be obliged within
three years next after their purchase to build and finish an House of
eighteen feet square and seven feet studd and to subdue and fence at
least six acres of land in such Town, where he is a settler or hath fixed
his Agent, and no person shall have any benefit by their purchase, but
shall be liable to forfeit the same unless by himself or his Agent he
perform all duties, pay Taxes, &c, as shall be enjoined.
******

6 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Further, that the Middle Town, bounded west on Ousatunnuck River,
shall in like manner be Vendued and Sold at the Court House in Fair
field on the first Tuesday of February next, at one of the Clock after
noon, and continued by adjournment as afores4, till the whole be sold,
and that the same be set up at fifty pounds a Right ; and that John
Burr, Esq., Edmund Lewis, Esq., and Mr. Ebenezer Silliman, or any
two of them, are appointed a Courte to sell the Rights, take bonds, give
Deeds with Defeazances in manner and form as hereafter in this Act shall
be directed. ******
And it is further enacted by the Authority afores4 that the several
Committees appointed for the sale of the said Townships in the Respec
tive Counties are hereby authorized and fully impowered, in the name
of the Governor and Company, to execute Deeds of Conveyance of the
several Rights or parcels of Land afores4 to the highest bidders, quali
fied as afores4, with conditions to each Deed annexed that if the pur
chaser do by himself or his Agent enter on the said land within two
years next after the purchase of the Right, and do build and finish an
House thereon not less than eighteen feet square seven feet studd, and
do fence and clear six acres of land, and do continue thereon for the
space of three successive years commencing after the two years afores4,
(unless prevented by Death or inevitable Providence,) then the said deed
to remain in full force and virtue, but on default or neglect in either or
all of the said Articles the same shall be void and of none effect, and
the several Committees afores4 shall take Bond obligatory in double the
sum for which each right shall be respectively sold, on each respective
purchaser to whom the same shall be sold, together with one good surety
with him, payable to the Treasurer of this Colony for the time being
for the use of the Governor and Company of said Colony, within two
years after the purchase of such Right.
SURVEY OF THE TOWN OF CORNWALL.
Vol. IV, pp. 663-665 of Deeds.
The Governor and Company of tlie English Colony of Connecticut in New
England in America to whom these Presents shall come. — Greeting.
Whereas, the said Governor and Company assembled at Hartford,
May, Anno. 1731, Did Order that the Western County Lands on the
east side of the Ousatunnoc River, should be laid out into Townships,
and appointed Messrs. Edmond Lewis, William Judd, and John Buel a
Committee to lay out the same; and whereas, in Pursuance of said
Order, the said Committee laid out the same into Two Townships, one
of which in this survey is called the township of B, now called Corn
wall, bounded as followeth : Running from the southwest corner bounds
of A, now called Goshen, West, ninety-two Degrees, North, five miles
and Seventy-two Rods to the Ousatunnoc River, where is marked a white
Oak tree, and set the letters, E. L. W. J. J. B., on said tree, and laid
many stones to it for a monument, at the Southwest Corner of the
Township of B. Then beginning at the White Oak Pole at the North
west corner of the Township of A, and run west ninety -two Degrees
north, four miles and a half to the Ousatunnoc River, and made a monu
ment for the Northwest corner of the Township of B, and the South
west corner of the Township of C, now called Canaan, it being Three
Black Oak trees growing from one root marked, and many stones laid
to them with the letters E. L. W. J. J. B., set on them, thus the Town-

SURVEY OF CORNWALL. 7
ship of B is surveyed and laid out, and the lines thereof are set forth by
marked Trees and monuments and is bounded south on the Township
of E, now called Kent, north on the town of C, east on the Township
of A, and west on the Ousatunnoc River. And —
Whereas, Said Governor and Company in General Court Assembled
at New Haven in the year of our Lord, 1737, by their act did order that
the said Township should be divided into fifty-three rights exclusive of
all former Grants of the General Court, that was thus surveyed and re
corded in the Publick Records of this Colony and lying in said town
ship, of which fifty-three rights one should be for the use of the minis
try that should be settled in said town according to the regulation in
said act. Provided, one for the first Gospel minister settled as aforesaid
and one other Right for the support of the school in said Town ; and
ordered that fifty of said rights should be sold and that the other three
rights should be for the uses aforesaid, and that the Committee by said
Act appointed should sell and in the name of the Governor and com
pany aforesaid execute deeds of conveyance of the said several rights
to the purchasers thereof respectively with conditions to each deed
answered according to the directions in said contained ; and
Whereas, in Pursuance of and according to said Act the said Com
mittee have sold and by their several deeds under their hands and seals
have granted unto George Holloway, Jonathan Squires, Samuel Robards,
Stephen Burrows, John Sherwood, Joseph Allin, James Dennill, Daniel
Harris, James Smedley and to the rest of the original purchasers of
Rights or fifty-third parts of said Township upon conditions as afore
said, which Township is now called and known by the name of Corn
wall ; and whereas Mr. Solomon Palmer is settled in the ministry in said
Town according to the direction aforesaid, and the several purchasers
aforesaid, their heirs or assigns, having performed the conditions in the
said deeds expressed, and now moving for a more full confirmation of
the land sold and granted them as aforesaid, Know ye, that the said
Governor and Company by virtue of the Power and authority, granted
unto them by our Lawful Sovereign King Charles, the Second, of Blessed
memory in and by his letters Pattent under the Great Seal of England,
bearing date the 23rd day of April, in the 14th year of his Magisties
Reign, Have given and granted, and by these Presents for themselves
and their successors,
Do give, grant, ratify, and confirm unto them the said George Hollo-
way, Jonathan Squires, Samuel JSobards, Stephen Burrows, John Sher
wood, Joseph Allin, James Donnill, Daniel Harris, James Smedley, and
to the said Mr. Solomon Palmer, who is their settled minister in said
Town, and to the rest of the original Purchasers, or their respective
Heirs or assigns, or Legal Representatives of such Original Purchasers,
to whom such Original Deeds were made and executed, all the aforesaid
Township of B. now called Cornwall, within the bounds and limits
described by the survey aforesaid to be the-bounds of said Township of
B., exclusive of former grants surveyed and recorded in the Publick
Records aforesaid Forever as College Lands. Together with all and
singular the woods, timber, trees, underwoods, Lands, water, Brooks,
Ponds, Fishings, Fowlings, Mines, minerals, and Precious Stones within
and upon the said Tract of Land and Township aforesaid hereby
granted, mentioned, or intended to be granted as aforesaid, and all and.
singular the rights, Profits, Privileges, and appurtenances whatsoever of
and within the said township and every part thereof to have and to
hold the above said tract contained in the Township of Cornwall afore
said with the appurtenances unto them the said George Holloway,

8 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Jonathan Squires, Samuel Robards, Stephen Burrows, John Sherwood,
Joseph Allin, James Dennill, Daniel Harris, James Smedley, and to the
said Mr. Solomon Palmer, and to the rest of the original purchasers,
their heirs and assigns, or Legal representatives of such Original Pur
chasers to whom such rights do belong, and to their only proper use,
benefit, and behoof, Forever, as a good, sure, absolute, and indefeasable
estate of inheritances in fee simple without any condition, Limitations,
use, or other things to alter and make void the same to be holders of
his Majestie, his Heirs or successors, as of his Majesties Manor of East
Greenwich in the county of Kent and kingdom of Great Britain in free
and. common. Socage and not in Capite nor by Knights' service yield
ing and paying therefor unto our soverign Lord the King, his Heirs and
successors forever, only one fifth Part of all the ores of Gold and Silver
which from time to time, and at all times hereafter shall be gotten, had,
or obtained, then, or in Lieu of all services, duties, and demands what
soever. In witness whereof we, the said Governor and Company have
caused the seal of said Colony to be hereunto affixed the 25th day of
May, in the 21st year of the Reign of our Soverign Lord George the
Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain, &c, King, Anno Dom,
1748. JONATHAN LAW, Governor.
By order of the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Con
necticut in New England in Ameriea, assembled in General Court,
May, 1748. Signed, GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.
Received, May, 1748, and then recorded.
Test-
Trie township of Cornwall, containing about thirty thousand
acres, lies in Litchfield county, near the northwestern corner of
the State.
The township was sold at public auction by a committee of the
General Assembly; said committee were John Burr, Edmund
Lewis, and Ebenezer Silliman, Esqrs., at Fairfield, February 8,
1738. The State had previously given three hundred acres, lying
in the southeastern part of the town, to Yale College. There were
fifty rights or equal shares sold, and three other shares were
reserved, one for the first minister; one for the support of the
gospel ministry, as a perpetual fund ; and one for the support of
schools. The length of the town is nearly ten , miles, and the average
breadth short of six miles. Its length on the Housatonic is
greater than at the Goshen boundary. No right was sold for less
than $99, or for more than $112. The average price per acre
was not over twenty cents.
On the 14th of November, 1738, at a meeting of the proprie
tors held at Litchfield, Samuel Messenger was appointed surveyor
of the lands of Cornwall.

PROPRIETORS FIRST MEETING. 9
Previous to the year 1738, there is no evidence that Cornwall
contained any white inhabitant. The entire surface of the town
at that period was covered with dense woods, composed of large
trees and a thick growth of underbrush. The first inhabitant of
the town, named in the records, was Peter Eastman ; where his
house was, the record does not state. But it was at his house that
the first proprietors' meeting was held in the town.
One of the conditions required by the proprietors of Cornwall
was, that the owner of each right should erect a house sixteen
feet square and seven feet in the clear, and occupy the same for
three years, except in case of death of the owner. These were
built of logs.
The first meeting of the proprietors of Cornwall was held at
Hartford, in the state house, on the 6th day of September, A.D.
1738. Mr. John Hall of Fairfield was chosen moderator, and
Timothy Collins of Litchfield, clerk of said meeting. He was
sworn into office as proprietors' clerk, before Capt. Samuel Chap
man, a justice of the peace. The meeting was adjourned to the
house of Mr. Ebenezer Williamson for a quarter of an hour,
where the proprietors met according to adjournment.
At that meeting they voted to lay out fifty acres of land to
each proprietor. Messrs. Benajah Douglass, Joseph Waller, Joseph
Kilborn, Joseph Allen, and Samuel Boberts were appointed a com
mittee to lay out said lots, also to lay out the highways in Corn
wall. Each proprietor was to be at the cost of the survey of his
piece of land, and in making the survey bill.
At the same meeting, it was voted to divide off another fifty
acres to each proprietor by the same committee.
Ten shillings per day was voted to each of said committee from
the time they set out from Litchfield, they boarding themselves.
At this meeting, it was voted to give to Mr. Benajah Douglass
£12 10 shillings for warning the same. The privilege was granted
to Mr. Timothy Collins, and such partners as he should take with
him, of the exclusive right to any streams on undivided lands
for mill or mills, provided that he shall set up a saw-mill by the
1st of November, 1739, and he was to have the privilege so long
as he kept a saw-mill upon the stream in good repair.
This first meeting was adjourned to the house of Ensign Eben
ezer Marsh, in Litchfield, on the second Tuesday of the following
November, at 9 a. m.
At this adjourned meeting, a tax of 26 shillings was levied on
2

10 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
each proprietor, to defray expenses of laying out; for the collec
tion of which tax, Joseph Allen was appointed. The lots were
laid out and numbered ; they were then divided by drawing for
them in the way of a lottery. Permission was granted that such
as were dissatisfied with their lots, could change them before the
next meeting of the proprietors, by paying the expense of the
survey. Messrs. Osborn, Joseph Kilborn, and Daniel Allen were
appointed a committee to make out the rate bill on the proprietors
for the tax of 26 shillings, before named.
The highways were to be six rods wide (many of which,
although they may be as long in our day as our fathers made
them, have shrunk wonderfully in breadth).
At this meeting, it was voted to lay out a highway from Litch
field to Cornwall, also from Kent to Cornwall. Mr. Messenger
was empowered to expend £25 in surveying and opening said
highways, and Messrs. Waller, John Dibble, John Hall, Samuel
Messenger, Daniel Allen, and Joseph Allen, -were appointed a
committee to lay out and clear up highways from Litchfield and
Kent, as far as they could for the £25. One half of said sum to
be expended on each highway.
This meeting was adjourned to the third Wednesday of Sept.,
1739, at 12 o'clock, at the house of Peter Eastman in Cornwall.
These meetings of the Proprietors were adjourned from time to
time and a division to the amount of three hundred acres set to
each. The one who drew by lot the first choice was required to
take the last in the following division; this plan was adopted to
equalize the division of property in which all were equally inter
ested. The names of those who drew in the first and second divisions
were Nathan Lyon, Joseph Frost,
Stephen Burr, Andrus Truby,
Jonathan Squires, Gideon Allen,
J. Sherwood, Stephen Boroughs,
James Smedley, John Dibble,
James Dennie,* Wm. Gaylord,
Reuben Dibble, Samuel Roberts,
Nathaniel Spaulding, Tim. Pierce,
Samuel Bryant, Ebenezer Seely,

* Spelled in different records Dcrinil, Dennis, Donnil.

RELIGION AND EDUCATION. 11
Benajah Douglass, Jacob Patchen,
Samuel Hall, Elizur Seely,
Peter Eastman,- Benjamin Osborn,
Thomas Harris, Isaac Bissel,
Joseph Kilborn, Samuel Smedly,
Samuel Kilborn, Ephraim Smedjy,
Timothy Collins, Joseph Waller,
Joseph Allen, Ebenezer Whitlesey,
Daniel Allen, Samuel Butler,
Eliphalet Seely, Thomas Ballard.
Ten of the above had two rights each, and one three.
Previous to the allotment of any of these proprietors' rights, a
division of three hundred acres was set apart and located for each
of the three important objects, viz. : first, for a parsonage, second,
for the support of a minister, third, for the establishment and
maintenance of schools.
If we had no other evidence that these our fathers who were
the early settlers of Cornwall were of Puritan origin than the
adoption of such measures for the promotion of education and
religion, the proof is well established.
These three divisions set apart for such important objects were
called "public rights." How expressive the term, embracing all the
great interests of society ? Even civil liberty so highly prized
has a secure basis only in the maintenance of education and relig
ion. These measures were adopted even before the town had been
incorporated. At a Proprietors Meeting held on the 8th day of May, 1740, Mr.
Joseph Allen was chosen Moderator. This meeting Voted To peti
tion the Assembly for town privileges and liberty to settle an ortho
dox Gospel Minister, also to grant a tax of four pence per acre on
each of the three hundred Acres laid out to each proprietor to
defray the charge of settling and maintaining a minister and build
ing a meeting house in the town, and that said tax continue for
the space of three years, the first of said tax to be paid upon the
1st of August following. Also voted To pray the General Assembly
to extend the time for the payment of the several rights; lawful
interest to be paid for the same. Mr. George Holloway was
chosen agent on the part of the township to attend the Assembly
to obtain the object of their petition and everything else which
Mr. Fitch, who had been appointed at a previous meeting as a

12 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
member of a committee, for various duties, shall think proper to
pray for.
It was also voted at this meeting empowering the Committee pre
viously chosen to lay out the Mill Brook land, to lay out at the ¦
mouth of the Pond at the foot of Cream Hill what they shall
judge proper for draining and damming said pond as a further
encouragement of building mills upon the stream that comes out
of said Pond. Voted, To sequester 30 acres of land on Mill
Brook to encourage building a Mill or mills on said stream to be
laid out by the Committee formerly appointed to lay out the Mill
land. This privilege of the Cream Hill Mill stream together with the
sequestered land was given to Mr. Mathew Millard with liberty of
damming and draining the pond and stream flowing out of it, he
to build and maintain a good Corn Mill upon said stream by the
1st of August, 1741, also a good saw-mill by the same time.
Mr. George Holloway was chosen Clerk in the place of Timothy
Collins. According to their requests immediately an aot of incorporation
with town privileges was granted by the General Assembly. This
was done in May, 1740. Mr. George Holloway was appointed to
call the first town meeting.
Up to the year 1740, there probably were no other than log
houses in this town. About forty of these rude tenements were
erected, usually upon the owner's land, and of course scattered
very widely over the different parts of the town. The occupants
of the dwellings we are enabled to learn, to a general extent, from
tradition. Samuel Abbott, who was from Danbury (1792), lived
near the place formerly owned and occupied by Mr. Birdsey,
now owned by Rogers White. (William Stratman, 1877.) Dan
iel and Joseph Allen, from Litchfield (1740); one lived opposite
the house of Col. Anson Rogers, and the other on the Joel Catlin
farm. (Harvey Baldwin, 1877.) Eleazer Barritt, from Plainfield,
lived near Pangmans by Housatonic Riverl David Baldwin, from
Litchfield, lived on Great Hill. John Blinn lived south of the
Cotter place, near the Housatonic River. Thomas Ballard, from
Plainfield, lived opposite Noah Rogers. John Clothier lived near
Cotters (Shepard, 1877), at West Cornwall. John Dibble, from
Stamford, lived a little west of the' Capt. Miles place, now Edward
Kellogg's. (A. Bennett, 1877.) James Douglass, from Plainfield.
settled on Cream Hill. His log-house was located a few rods north-

ORIGINAL SETTLERS. 13
easterly from the late residence of Capt. Hezekiah Gold, which
house he afterwards built about the year 1750, making this prob
ably the oldest house in town now standing and still occupied.
Reuben Dean was a celebrated hunter and doctor. He lived near
Chandler Swifts. (Ira Frink, 1877.) He was from Norwalk.
Woodruff Emmons came from Litchfield. He lived where Dr.
Joseph North lately resided — north of the residence of the late Car-
rington Todd. Nathaniel Green lived near the orchard of Capt.
Miles, north of the ancient burying ground. He was from Stam
ford. Thomas Griffis, from Litchfield. He lived on Dudley Town
Hill, near the residence of the late Caleb Jones. John and George
Halloway, were from Middlebury, or Pembroke, Mass. They lived
where Mrs. Ithamer Baldwin now resides. George died in 1750.
He built the house used as a tavern in 1776, kept by Woodruff
Emmons. Benjamin Hough, from New Milford, settled in the
northwest part of the town. Thomas Harris was from Plainfield.
He lived where the late Capt. Elias Hart resided. (Geo. Potter,
1877.) Moses Harris, from Plainfield, lived near the late Capt.
Clarke's. (William Bennett, 1877.) Nathaniel Jewell, from Plain-
field. He lived near the present residence of Mr. Fowler Brad
ford. Joshua Jewell, from the same place, lived on the present
Maj. Pierce's farm. David Jewell, also from Plainfield, lived near
the present residence of Wm. Hindman, Esq. (Tyler Miner,
1877.) Stephen Lee, from Litchfield, lived on Great Hill. Mat
thew Millard, from East Haddam, lived opposite the residence of
the late Oliver Burnham, Esq. Samuel Messenger, from Harwin-
ton, lived near the center of town, now Mr. Johnson's. James
Packett, from Danbury, lived in Great Hollow. Timothy Pang-
born, from Stamford, lived a little north of Mr. Luther Emmons'
place. Benoni Palmeter lived near the Baptist meeting house.
(Elias Scoville, 1877.) Thomas Tanner, from Litchfield, lived on
the hill east of the late residence of the Hon. 0. Burnham. He
was grandfather of Tryal Tanner. Ebenezer Tyler lived in Corn
wall Hollow, on the Samuel Johnson place. Jonathan Squires,
from Plainfield, lived south of the residence of the late Riley M.
Rexford. Reuben Squires, also from Plainfield, lived near the
late Capt. Joel Wright's. (T. Wilson, 1877.) Phineas Waller
lived near the late residence of Deacon Samuel Adams (Judson
Adams, 1877).
These are all the residences of the first settlers of Cornwall, on
the list of 1740, that are well authenticated.

14 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
In 1744, we find additional settlers.
Samuel Benedict, from Danbury, lived opposite K. Birdseys'.
Benjamin Dibble, from Stamford, near Seth Dibble's farm.
William Joyner, near R. M. Rexford's on Cream Hill.
Amos Johnson, from' Branford, near the late residence of Earl
Johnson.
Thomas Orton, from Litchfield, lived near the Sedgwick farm.
Joseph Pangborn, from Stamford, lived near Hart's Bridge, south
of the mill, West Cornwall.
Samuel Robards, from Colchester, lived thirty rods east of Benja
min Catlin's. (Niles Scoville, 1877.)
Patrick Hindman, a foreigner, settled near John Hindman's.
(Tyler Miner, 1877.)
Abraham Raymond, from Norwalk.
Joseph Peck lived where Stiles Peck last lived.
In 1748, Jonathan Hurlburt, east of Sedgwick's.
Jacob Bronson, from Norwalk, near the late Wm. Stoddard's.
(Peter Fritz, 1877.)
Israel Moss lived where Ezra Taylor lives: was a merchant.
The list for 1742 is the oldest extant, and a complete copy is
here given. It is written on a single sheet of foolscap paper — hay
ing on one page C, I, K, E, F, D, R, in water lines, and on the
other, a large shield, the design on which is not very plain. Whole
No. of Polls, 52; horses, 43; cows, 52; oxen, 41; young cattle, 9;
swine, 21.
A General List made on Polls and other Rateable Estate in Corn
wall, in the year of our Lord 171$.
A. — Sam1 Abbott, one head, 18; two cows, 6; 2 3 -year olds, 6;
one mare, 3; one swine, 1. — 34.
Dan1 Allen, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two cows, two horses,
12; one 2-years old steer, 2; one yearling heifer, 1; five swine,
5.-46. *
Joseph Allen, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two cows, two horses,
12; one swine, 1. — 39.
B. — Elear Barrett, one head, 18; one mare, two cows, 9. — 27.
Benj" Bissell, one head, 18; one cow, 3. — 21.
David Baldwin, one head, 18; one cow, one horse, 6. — 24.
John Blinn, one head. — 18.
Tho8 Ballard, one head, one horse, one cow. — 24.

A GENERAL LIST. 15
C. — John Clothier, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two horses, 6;
two cows, 6. — 38.
Wm. Chittester, one head, 18; two horses, one cow, 9. — 27.
D. — John Dibbell, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two cows, one
horse, 9; one yearling, one swine, 2. — 37.
Benjn Dibbell, one head, 18; a house lot, 3; one cow, one horse,
6; one yearling colt, 1; one swine, 2. — 30.
James Douglass, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two cows, 6; one
horse, 3. — 35.
Reuben Dean, two heads, 36; two oxen, 8; three cows, 9; three
horses, 9. — 62.
E. — Woodruff Emmons, one head, 18.
F. — David Frisbie, one head, 18.
G. — Nath1 Green, two polls, 36; one ox, 4; one horse, 3. — 43.
Thos. Griffis, two heads, 36; two oxen, 8; two cows, two horses,
12.— 56.
H. — George Holloway, one head, 18; five oxen, 20; two cows,
6; one horse, 3. — 47.
John Holloway, one head, 18.
Benja" Hough, one head, 18; two horses, one cow, 9; one swine,
1— 28. ,
Thorn. Harris, two heads, 36; two cows, 6; one horse, 3. — 45.
Moses Harris, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; one cow, three swine,
6.-32. Samuell Horsford, one head, 18.
J. — Nath1. Jewell, one head, 16; one mare, one cow, 6. — 24.
Joshua Jewell, two heads, 36; two oxen, 8; three cows, 9; two
horses, 6; one swine, 1. — 60.
David Jewell, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; one cow, one horse,
6.-32. L. — Richd Lovejoy, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two cows, 6;
one horse, 3. — 35.
Stephen Lee, one head, 18; one horse, 3. — 21=557.
M. — Mathw Millard, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; three cows, 9;
horse, 3. — 38.
Sam1 Messinger, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; two cows, 6; one
one horse, 3 ; one 2-years old, 2 ; three swine, 3. — 40.
Peter Mallory, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; one cow, two horses,
9; one swine, 1. — 36.
N. O.

16 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
P. — James Pickett, one head, 18; two horses, one cow, 9. — 27.
Tim* Pangborn, one head, 18; one horse, 3; one cow, 3; two
yearlings, 2. — 26.
Benoni Palmeter, one head, 18.
Q. R.— Sam1 Robards, one head, 18; one cow, 3; one mare, 3. — 24.
T.— Thos Tanner, one head, 18; a yoak of oxen, 8; two cows,
3; one horse, 3. — 42.
Wm. Tanner, one head, 18.
Ebenr Tyler, one head, 18.
U.S. — Jonath" Squier, three heads, 54; two oxen, 8; two horses,
6; one cow, 3; one swine, 1. — 72.
Reuben Squier, one head, 18; two oxen, 8; one horse, 3. — 29.
William Smiley, one head, 18=406.
W. — Phina Walker, one head, 18; one ox, 4; one horse, 3. — 25.
John Young, one head, 18; one cow, 3. — 21.
The sum of the several footings, - - 46
406 557
424

1433
The sum totall of this list made by us,
JONATHAN SQUIER, )
NATHLL GREEN, [ Listers.
SAME MESSINGER, )
In 1745 there were in the list two less than in 1742, and three
less than in 1744.
In 1748 there were seventy persons in the list, and the property
amounted to £3,054 18s. Jonathan Squire had the largest list of
any one in town, being £109 18s. Matthew Millard stood next,
being £99 2s. John Dibble was next, £93. Next was Thomas
Orton, £79 14s. Next was Joshua Jewell, £77. The next was
James Douglass, £68. Several were as low as five pounds.
SURFACE OF THE TOWNSHIP,- HILLS, VALLEYS, LAKES, AND STREAMSi
In the northwest part of the town is a high hill called Hough
Mountain, from Mr. Hough, who settled in that vicinity. Follow
ing the Housatonic River south, a valley is crossed, through which
runs a small trout brook, when we come to another hill, called

SURFACE OF THE TOWNSHIP. 17
Rugg Hill, named after a man by the name of Daniel Rugg, who
built a house there, and occupied it for a few months.
Going south from Rugg Hill across a small stream, we find
Waller Hill, at the foot of which lived Deacon Waller, near the
place of Mr. Judson Adams. About half a mile south from his
house we find another large hill, properly called Tower Dale. This
noble name, thus written by the early settlers, has degenerated, in
common speech, into the insignificant title of Tarry diddle. Its
north and western side is precipitous and mostly wooded, while its
eastern and southern slope is nice farming land. Going in the
same direction, but a little farther removed from the river, we find
Buck Mountain, so called from the great number of deer that used
to be found there. The northeastern part of this elevation is
terminated by a conical and steep hill known by the name of The
Cobble. The first hill below West Cornwall, and nearer the river, was
called Green Mountain before it became denuded of its pines and
hemlocks, which in early times covered it densely. Then next
south and easterly lies a long and high hill called Mine Mountain,
from the minerals it was supposed to contain. Cream Hill, lying in
the north-middle part of the town, received this appellation from
the superiority of its soil and beauty of scenery. A pretty lake
lies at its foot, and in fair view from its southern aspect, called
Cream Hill Lake. North from this lake is a high range called
Pond Hill. East of this is the Great Hollow extending over four
miles, nearly north and south, called, in the northern part, Sedg
wick Hollow, and Johnson Hollow in the southern. A high and
steep mountain range lies at the northwest of Sedgwick Hollow,
called Titus Mountain, and was so named from a young man of
that name who, with others, was amusing himself in rolling rocks
down the steep side of the mountain, and who had the misfortune
to break his thigh.
South of Cream Hill rises an isolated hill of no great height,
but rough and uncomely, to which is given the name of Rattlesnake
Hill. I set down here the tradition of fifty rattlesnakes killed at
one time on this hill, lest the story grow larger and tax our credu
lity too much as to the origin of the name. This raid was too
much for the snakes, as none have been found there in the period
of authentic history.
That such vermin were not unknown to the early settlers, the
3

18 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
following resolution adopted at a town meeting held Dec. 17, 1745,
will show:
Voted, That two shillings should be given for each rattlesnake tail
that shall be killed within the bounds of this town, by any of the in
habitants of it, from this time to the fifth of June, to such persons as
shall bring said tails and rattles to either of the selectmen of this town
The hill up which the road from Cornwall to Goshen winds is
named Bunker Hill, from the residence on it of Rufus Bunker, an
Indian of the Schaticoke tribe ; an old and honest man whose
name is associated with a more enduring monument than the pyra
mids of Egypt. North and easterly of this hill is situated Red
Mountain, so named from the color of the oak-leaves in the autumn
when touched by the frosts. Southerly is Clark Hill, so called
from a family of that name who removed nearly one hundred years
since from Hartford to that locality. Southeasterly from Clark
Hill is the most elevated land in the State, lying mostly in Goshen,
from the apex of which is a view of Long- Island Sound. This
elevation is called Mohawk Mountain. Southeast of Cornwall
Plain, forming a part of the same range as Clark Hill and Mohawk
Mountain, lies Great Hill. Three hundred acres of land given by
the General Assembly to Yale College, is located here, and goes
by the name of College land. Bloody Mountain, so named from a
bloody tragedy not enacted there, lies north of the Old Goshen and
Sharon turnpike, northwest from the center of the town.
In the southeast part of Cornwall is a high range called Wood
bury Mountain. West of this, and separated from it by a deep
gorge, is Dudley Town Hill, so called from a family of that name
among its early settlers, late the residence of Caleb Jones. North
of this elevated neighborhood is Colt's-foot Mountain, which rises
boldly from the beautiful valley, formerly called Pine street, then
the Plain, where is the pleasant village of Cornwall.
From the summits of many of these hills extensive and mag
nificent views are presented, extending west' of the Hudson River
and over a large share of Berkshire County, in Massachusetts.
There are many other minor hills the beauty and picturesque
appearance of which, to be fully appreciated, must be seen.
Cream Hill Lake, in the north part of the town, and Mohawk Pond
in the southeast, and the Housatonic River — River of the Moun
tains — forming the western boundary, give life and character to
the scenery, which is never perfect without water views. Small
streams are numerous, the most important of which are the North

NATURAL CONDITION OF CORNWALL. 19
Mill Brook, having its source in Cream Hill Lake, and flowing
southwesterly three miles to the Housatonic, with a descent of sev
eral hundred feet; the South Mill Brook, rising in the hills about
Cornwall Plain, and flowing southwest into the Housatonic; the
Hallenbeck, rising in the Great Hollow and flowing northwesterly
through Canaan to the Housatonic. These are good mill streams,
furnishing permanent water-power, but the Housatonic, in its
whole course by the side of the town, flows rapidly, and might
form the basis of active industry. But a very small part of the
power of this river is yet utilized in any part of its course. These
streams are all fed by abundant, never- failing springs, so that the
name of " the sweet water country " may most aptly be applied to
this township. NATURAL CONDITION OF CORNWALL.
Cornwall, as a township, is irregularly hilly and mountainous.
Thick forests covered its whole area. When the question of a county
seat was early agitated, and Cornwall put in her claim for the honor,
"Yes," it was said, "go to Cornwall and you will have no need of
a jail, for whoever gets in can never get out again." The old
divine who, passing through Cornwall, delivered himself of the
following couplet, gave more truth with his poetry than is consid
ered essential: " The Almighty, from his boundless store,
Piled rocks on rocks, and did no more."
Another authority attributes it to Dr. Dwight, President of Yale
College, who came up to look after the college lands and thus
expressed himself:" The God of Nature, from his boundless store,
Threw Cornwall into heaps, and did no more."
While the surface is so much broken, there' is but little waste
land, for even the steepest sides of the mountains furnish wood
and timber. None have proved inaccessible to the collier, and but
few bits of original forest remain as samples of the timber that
clothed these hills and darkened the valleys.
Most of the timber was oak, chestnut, hickory, and other hard
woods, which sprout readily when cut over, thus renewing the
forest growth unless the fields are subdued by cultivation. The
great Hollow abounded in the white pine, but this was especially
the prevailing tree on the Plain, hence called Pine Street. Some

20 history of Cornwall.
noble specimens of this forest remain; one grove adjoining on the
southeast of the village of Cornwall. No other village in the
State has such a treasure in the way of a natural park. Such a
dense growth of lofty pines is rarely seen in any part of our
country. Though the surface is rough and encumbered with rocks and
stones, yet it is very fertile, yielding fruit, grain, and grass in
abundance to the hand of culture. Only forty years ago the
notion of using a mowing machine on these hills would only have
excited laughter, for not one single acre was cleared so that it
could operate. Now they are a necessity upon every principal
farm. For many years after the settlement of the town, markets were
so remote that it was for the interest of the farmer to raise every
thing he needed for his family on the farm and to sell but little,
A generous but stubborn soil thus yielded an abundance for the
necessities of its inhabitants; but in the current of events other
towns found more easy access to market and this was left in the
background. The Housatonic Railroad, opened in 1840, again
gave an impulse to our industry, and the dairy, to which the soil
is well adapted, took precedence as a farm industry. Though the
experience of thirty years has greatly improved our dairy products,
yet it is safe to say, that more knowledge and skill, which already
exists, if generally applied on our farms producing butter and
cheese, would add at least twenty-five per cent, to their net returns.
MINERALS AND MINING.
The rocky surface of Cornwall gave large indications to the
early settlers of mineral wealth, and the township was named after
the rich mining region in the old country.
Mine Mountain, near the Housatonic, south of West Cornwall,
presented rich promise of plumbago or black lead, and a consider
able excavation was made in the rock for it, even before the time
of. the Revolution. The principal vein runs downward and grows
narrower, so that although the plumbago is of excellent quality it
cannot be obtained in paying quantities, and after repeated trials
at subsequent periods the search has been abandoned.
On Cream Hill, James Douglas dug two mines, one for gold and
the other for silver. The gold mine was one hundred and twenty
feet deep, and drained by four sets of pumps and a deep ditch.
Tradition is that the assayists returned a small button of gold as

MINERALS AND MINING. 2l
obtained from the ore, which appears to have been iron pyrites,
and may have been gold bearing. The mine was abandoned
temporarily, not because their hopes were gone but means were
exhausted. The labor of excavating one hundred and twenty feet
in solid rock, with necessary drainage, if applied to the surface
would have gone far towards its amelioration.
The silver mine, of sixty feet, was in the hill near the school
house. Large quantities of magnetic iron ore were thrown out.
which were afterwards carried away and worked up in the old
forge near the present residence of Chauncey Baldwin.
This work was all done in the last century; but in my boyhood
I remember Captain Holmes, an old English miner, who had
worked in the mine, and was still full of faith in its value, and
was anxious to have it reopened. He had seen a vein of silver ore,
but the warnings of those who had buried their fortunes in these
enterprises prevented any farther explorations.*
About 1860, at the urgency of a friend, we opened this mine to
a depth of forty feet, but found nothing of interest but a wheelbar
row made entirely of wood and a pump of the same material; with
new valves the latter did excellent service in removing the water.
About, the same date a company from New York purchased the
adjoining field, and by blasting obtained samples of nickel ore, but
have prosecuted their enterprise no farther.
Search has been made in various places for iron ore, but no
workable deposits have been found.
About 1860 a deposit of porcelain clay was found in the south
part of the town, and extensive buildings were erected for prepar
ing it for market. The supply soon failed and the works were
abandoned. Granite of excellent quality abounds, but it is only near the
South Cornwall cemetery that it has been wrought for monumental
uses. Large blocks are there obtained of fine grain and free from
blemish. Quarries of limestone, suitable for use in smelting iron, have
* Captain Holmes having been disappointed in his search for mineral wealth,
became a hermit, building himself a cabin near the spring by the side of the road
on the Blakeslee Hill. Here he lived many years by himself, cultivating a
garden and working out among the farmers to obtain the necessaries of life.
Too sensitive and too proud to return to his friends or to ask assistance of them,
he died about fifty years since in the poor-house in Salisbury, in which town he
had gained a residence.

22 history of Cornwall.,
been opened near Cornwall Bridge, but have only been used for
this purpose. BRIDGES, ROADS, FERRY.
The Housatonic is now crossed by three bridges, maintained
jointly with Sharon, two of wood and one of iron: one at West
Cornwall, formerly Hart's Bridge; one at Cornwall Bridge; and
one in the southwest part of the town, called Swift's Bridge. This
latter was rebuilt in 1875 of iron, at a cost of $2,500, a single span,
as it was difficult to maintain a pier from the ice.
Chichester's ferry.
The river is fordable at low water in certain places; yet before
bridges could be built a ferry was established and maintained for
many years near Cornwall Bridge. Originally the rates for ferri
age were, — for man, horse, and load, one penny; footman, one-half
penny; led horse, three farthings; ox or other neat kine, one
penny; sheep, swine, or goats, one farthing.
The rates of ferriage afterwards were (Conn. Statutes, 1808,) —
man, horse, and load, one cent four mills; footman, seven mills;
led horse, one cent; ox or other neat kine, one cent four mills;
sheep, swine, or goats, four mills. We are not informed how they
' made change, or as to the market value of the stock.
Roads were laid out of a liberal width, usually six rods, but in
other respects the layout fails to command our respect. To get to
the top of the highest hill by the shortest route and thence to the
top of the next, seems to have been the chief object in view, and
though many of these old roads have been discarded, yet the
traveler, if he has any taste for engineering, still has an oppor
tunity to exercise his propensity. The old Sharon and Goshen
turnpike crossed the town from west to east near the middle, and
though relinquished as a turnpike and its gates removed in 1850,
still it remains one of the chief avenues of travel. The Warren
and the Washington turnpikes are still maintained as town roads,
yet have lost their importance for travel. The town now maintains
between eighty and ninety miles of road, at an annual cost of
about $3,000. Natural difficulties, aggravated by bad location of
our highways, impose a heavy tax to keep the roads passable; yet
there is decided improvement in the majority. Fewer roads and
better ones, at less total expense, should be our aim.

DRESS ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.  INDIANS. 23

DRESS ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
The men and women of one hundred years ago might, to those
of the present age, well appear strange, for their style of dress was
very different from ours.
Gentlemen wore the cocked hat, leather breeches, long-skirted
coat, a doublet with large metal buttons, broad round-toed shoes
with massive buckles, in winter leggins and in summer the leg
bare from the knee down. On Sundays the hair was crimped and
powdered. A scarlet colored coat was not unfrequent, especially
among the young men.
The ladies were distinguished by long waisted dresses, hoopskirts,
high-heeled shoes, the hair crimped and powdered, when in full
dress wearing a rich pink damask silk with a profusion of rich
lace and other ornaments.
The manners of that day were as distinctly marked as the dress.
The usual way of riding was on horseback; the gentlemen on the
saddle, the lady on a pillion behind him. Wagons and carry-alls
were unknown. Hospitality was held in high estimation by them,
and a good degree of that same choice quality in character still
holds a place among their descendants, and may it never be less.
Their habits of living were plain and simple, but few luxuries
were theirs. They were a temperate, industrious, bold, and hardy
people. We may well be proud of such an ancestry, and should
be careful not to disgrace them by our degeneracy.

The Mohawks seem to have possessed this part of the state.
We do not learn that they had any permanent settlement within
our borders, yet the numerous arrow-heads and other relics turned
up by the plowshare, show these to have been favorite hunting
grounds. Occasionally the Indians from Bantam (Litchfield),
Schaticoke (Kent), and Weatogue (Salisbury), hunted on the hills,
and in fishing followed the Housatonic. From Bantam to Weatogue
they maintained a trail or path which was well known to the first
settlers. It crossed the great valley called the Hollow from south
east to northwest about one hundred rods north of the residence of
the late Samuel Johnson, and passed near a riving spring where they
were accustomed to encamp, and where occasionally have been found
the remains of their domestic utensils. As a protection against them,
and a place of refuge in case of attack, a palisade fort was early

24 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
erected near the residence of the late Judge Burnham. The alarm
signal was three guns fired in rapid succession. An occasional
lurking Indian kept them on the alert, but happily we have no out
rages to record.
One evening as James Douglass was on his way to the fort, from
Cream Hill, having remained at work later than usual, his family
having gone before, as he was passing through the low land, Pratt's
meadow, then covered with a dense growth of timber, in a narrow
foot-path, ho discovered two Indians, one on either side of the
path awaiting his approach. As Mr. Douglass had advanced too
near to retreat before he saw them, he assumed a bold and daring
manner and walked coolly between the two savages, who remained
without motion, being overawed by his fearless manner or out of
respect to the courage he displayed, and offered him no molesta
tion. They kept constant guard when at work in the fields, and when
James Douglass and his sons were at work his daughters, [one my
great grandmother — T. S. G.] often sat by the loaded guns to give
the alarm.
As a race they have passed away. The older inhabitants still
remember several families of them, and the bravery of one gains
him a place elsewhere in these records. (See William Coggswell.)
We are indebted to Gen. Chas. Sedgwick for the following
sketch of the Indian TOM WARRUPS.
This noble old Indian Warrior died in Cornwall early in the pres
ent century, and was well known throughout the township. In his
old age his hair became perfectly white, and his visits to all parts
of the town were frequent and acceptable, while his witty pleas
antries were long remembered. He was of the Schaticoke tribe
but he became a resident of Cornwall in his early life. In the
Revolutionary war he enlisted into a company commanded by
Edward Rogers, Esq., as Captain, of which Loyal Tanner was
Lieutenant; this company was in the battle of Long Island and
shared in all the disastrous results of that conflict, and in the
perils attending the retreat of the army from New York, Tom was
always spoken of by his surviving comrades as a brave and daring
soldier, ready for every duty and danger required by the service.
The following anecdote used to be told as illustrating his Indian
character. After the retreat from New York the company was sta
tioned on the shore of the East River, and one morning a party of

FARMING AND FARMERS. 25
British went up the River in boats on a foraging expedition, and
landed not far from the Cornwall company. Captain Rogers pro
posed that the company should attempt their capture, as the party
was small and could probably be easily taken prisoners, and sub
mitting the proposal to the company, some favored and others dis
approved of it. When the question was asked Tom he said, I guess
we had better kill what prisoners we now have before we try to get any
more. He was celebrated for his ready wit, and stories of it were
often related in the early years of this century.
Like the generality of his race he was addicted to intoxication,
and even in the army, he was sentenced for that offence to a ride
on the wooden horse in front of the regiment. While being thus
transported on the shoulders of his comrades Lieut. Tanner asked
him if he did not feel ashamed to be presented to the Regiment in
that way. "Yes," said Tom, "I am ashamed to think that our
Lieutenant must go on foot, while a poor old Indian can ride."
Here is another anecdote: Capt. Jeffers once meeting him said,
" Why, Tom, I was in hopes you were dead." " Why," said Tom,
" do you want the widow ?"
"Very few among the living can remember him, but his revolu
tionary services and the universal kindness with which he was re
garded renders it proper that his memory should be preserved.
FARMING AND FARMERS.
Farming has ever been the general occupation of the citizens of
this town. A thick and unbroken forest covered the whole town
ship. The first explorers found it difficult to select the most desira
ble locations, hence we view with surprise the choice made by many
for their homes. We can hardly conceive of the labors and trials
which they endured in clearing and subduing to culture these wild
hills. The possession of capital gave little advantage or very
slight exemption from toil and hardship. House-building, road-
building, clearing of land, culture of crops, planting of orchards,
destruction of noxious animals, protection from the Indians, the
erection of mills, the establishment of schools and churches, and
of town government, gave abundant employment for all. Popula
tion increased rapidly, both by immigration and natural growth —
all supported by home-grown products. The few supplies brought
with the settlers from earlier settlements were soon exhausted,
and the difficulty of transportation rendered them dependent upon
their own resources. The native forest, consisting largely of white
- 4

26 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
oak, chestnut, and hickory, indicated a strong and productive soil,
adapted to the growth of Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, grass, fruit;
in fact, all the great staples of northern agriculture. Potatoes
were then unknown as an article of food. Though a native of
America, they were only known as a tropical product. The mem
ory of the generation just passing away reaches the date of their
introduction, and for some time a store of two or three bushels
was considered a full family supply. Turnips, beans, ¦ green corn,
and pumpkins were the principal vegetables, while dry corn in the
shape of samp or hominy, coarsely pounded in the old samp mor
tars, formed the main reliance. These mortars were made of a
pepperidge log, about one foot in diameter and two feet long. The
ends were cut off square, so that it stood on end, and the upper
hollowed to receive the grain. The pestle was of hard wood, two
feet or more in length, with a handle inserted in the side like a
common hammer. These mortars are still to be found around old
homesteads, having been in use even in this century for pounding
corn, salt, etc.

I^BBBB

damp Mortar and Pestle.
As soon as mills could be erected, wheat and rye were raised in
considerable quantity. The virgin soil yielded a rich return even
to their rude culture. No soil exhaustion troubled them. The
Canada thistle, and other noxious weeds, were unknown. The
hardhack {Potentilla fruticosa) had not invaded their pastures. The
apple-worm, the borer, pear-blight, peach-tree yellows, curculio,
and plum-knot, were evils of which they never heard. So that
they had some happy compensations to make up for their priva
tions, and, to balance the supposed necessities of the present day,
when our farmers feed upon wheat grown beyond the Missouri,
the cattle of Illinois and our own cattle are fattened upon the corn
of the far west.
The rich grass springing everywhere where the forest was
cleared, indicated the dairy as a leading branch of their hus
bandry. As soon as their family wants were supplied, the dairy
furnished a product which would allow of transportation, and
which, with beef and pork, has continued to be the main reliance

i FARMING AND FARMERS. 27
of our farmers for supplying their outside wants. The distance of
markets for the sale of produce and purchase of supplies, made a
self-reliant system of mixed husbandry a necessity. Not only was
the food supply homegrown, but clothing, in its material and man
ufacture, was all homespun. The farmer and his family were clad
in linen spun and woven in the house from flax grown and dressed
on the farm, or woolen from his own sheep, colored with native
dyestuffs, as butternut or oak, when the black sheep were too few
to give the due proportion of colored wool. Shoes were from the
hides of his own animals, tanned by himself, or, later, at some
neighboring tannery, and made up by the traveling shoemaker,
who, " whipping the cat," carried his own tools and wax, but
worked up the homegrown leather with shoe-thread and pegs all
grown on the farm. A wooden standard at one end of his bench
provided for two candles, an extravagance otherwise not allowed —
but these were of home material, tallow with a tow wick — their
slender proportions revealing more clearly than any other single
thing the leanness of their housekeeping.
Stoves were unknown. Fifty years count back to the time
when they were as rare as open fireplaces now are. Most ample
fireplaces received wood as large as could be handled, the object
being to consume it as rapidly as possible. The huge chimney was
a perfect ventilator; and in spite of their fatigues and toil, and
lack of now called comforts, they enjoyed life with a zest surpass-
-ing the present. Four families in one school-district, with twelve
children each (West District), made lively times — and all earned
their own bread.
Acute disease often carried them off suddenly, and the feeble
had little chance of life; yet their very hardships gave them
strength and long lives, and strong vitality marked our ancestors.
But this has no connection with farming, except as showing how
farmers lived.
For stock, their cattle were small and rough, of various colors,
brindle and brown being favorites ; yet many of the cows were
good milkers. The sheep were a long-legged, scraggy race, with
thin and coarse wool, but hardy and good nurses. The swine
were especially coarse and thick-skinned, often large.
Tools of all kinds were of the rudest description. The plow was
of wood, the point being of steel or iron fashioned by the black
smith, whose shop was located in every neighborhood for the con
venience of sharpening the plow-irons; the harrow home-made, with

28 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
wooden teeth; the hay and manure forks of iron, so heavy that no
man now would use them; in fact, the change in farming tools has
been almost as great as the change in the aspect of the township
from the primeval forest to the cultivated field of the present. Yet
we should make as poor work farming with the stock of a hundred
years ago as with their tools. Because we have no specimens left
of the former, we do not notice the change.
THE FARMERS' CLUB.
This institution, which has effected much good in this commun
ity, socially, morally, and physically, originated in the year 1846.
One evening in the month of November of that year, six men, by
previous agreement, met at the house of T. L. Hart, Esq., and
organized this club. Meetings were held in several neighborhoods
once in two weeks during the winter. The numbers increased;
some addresses were delivered, and the public mind became
informed and interested in the objects aimed at; which were the
gathering and diffusion of agricultural and horticultural knowledge
among the people.
The peculiarly social features of this club, the farmers and their
wives and children meeting for social intercourse, as well as
instruction, have given it a permanence and practical value that
otherwise could not have been attained. The enthusiasm of num
bers has given strength to the institution. Meetings have been
continued with more or less regularity every winter since its form
ation. It is entirely beyond the reach of human calculation to estimate
all the good which the organization and continuance of the Farmers'
Club has produced. In a pecuniary point of view it has well paid,
while in intellectual, social, and moral benefits it has accomplished
still greater good. It has multiplied knowledge, improved man
ners by increasing social intercourse, eradicating those petty jeal
ousies and bickerings which are too common a source of trouble
in neighborhoods. Who, that has been well acquainted with this
community for the last twenty-five years, is not aware of its bene
fits ? Cherish this institution, and, while you labor for its success,
you will share its blessings. Beautiful homes will more and more
adorn your hills and valleys. A broader and kinder spirit of good
feeling will mark this people in all their social relations; and to
have a residence here will be no common blessing.

sl«ll-:-ilt:il

.FOREIGN MISSION SCHOOL.

SCHOOLS. 29

SCHOOLS.

Foreign Mission School.- — The Board of Foreign Missions, in 1816,
resolved to establish a school in this country for the education of
foreign youth, designing" to fit them to become "missionaries,
schoolmasters, interpreters, and physicians among heathen nations:
and to communicate such information in agriculture and the arts
as should tend to promote Christianity and civilization." For this
object a farm was purchased in Cornwall, and suitable buildings
erected,1 and a school commenced May 1, 1817, with twelve pupils.
Mr. Edwin W. Dwight, of Stockbridge, Mass., took charge of
the school for one year, till Rev. Herman Dagget, of New Canaan, .
could be at liberty to take the post, which he held acceptably for
about six years. He was succeeded in 1824 by Rev. Amos Bas
set, D. D., who continued in charge till the school was disbanded,
in 1827. Rev. Herman L. Yaill was, for a time, an assistant
teacher. The school was a decided success as far as its original
plan was concerned, and was closed because the opportunities of
educating the heathen on their own ground were opened, thus ren
dering it unnecessary and from the local opposition produced by
the marriage of two Cherokee Indians with respectable white girls
residing in the town.
The number of pupils in 1822 had risen to 34, representing the
leading then known Indian tribes, and many of the Pacific Islands.
Henry Obookiah, a Sandwich Islander, was a devoted Christian,
and gave great promise of usefulness, but he died while a member
of the school, Feb. 17, 1818, aged 26. A tablet erected to his
memory in the cemetery at Cornwall bears this inscription:
In
memory of
Henry Obookiah,
a native of
Owyhee.
His arrival in this country gave rise to the Foreign Mission School,
of which he was a worthy member. He was once an Idolater, and was
designed for a Pagan Priest; but by the grace of God, and by the
prayers and instructions of pious friends, he became a Christian.
He was eminent for piety and missionary zeal. When almost prepared
to return to his native Isle, to preach the Gospel, God took him to him
self. In his last sickness he wept and prayed for Owyhee, but was sub
missive. He died without fear, with a heavenly smile on his countenance
and glory in his soul, Feb. 17, 1818,
Aged 26.

30 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
A sketch of his life, by Rev. E. W. Dwight, the first instructor
of the school, has been published by the American Tract Society,
and forms a most interesting and valuable volume for Sabbath
schools. His memory is cherished by all who knew him, and the
cause of missions has a stronger hold upon christians in Litchfield
county, that he was permitted to bear his testimony before them
to the power of the cross.
Thomas H. Patoo, another converted heathen, is interred beside
him. His monument bears this inscription:
In
memory of
Thomas Hammatah Patoo,
a native of the Marquesas Islands, and a member of the Foreign Mission
School, who died June 19, 1823, aged about 19 years.
He was hopefully pious, and had a great desire to be qualified to
become a missionary to his ignorant countrymen. But he died in hope
of a better country.
This stone is erected by the liberality of his Christian friends in N.
Coventry, Conn., among whom he first found the Saviour of sinners.
The annual commencements of the school drew together a large
concourse of christian ministers and other citizens. These exercises
of song and rehearsal in their various languages, then so little
known, were of great interest. At this school was educated John
Boudinot, the Cherokee who reduced that language to a written
form. The influence of this school may be seen to-day in the •
advanced civilization of the Cherokees, and other Indian tribes,
among whom the institutions of religion and education are most
dearly cherished, and their refining effects most clearly shown.
Cornwall was selected as the location for this school from the free
dom from temptation in its seclusion, the healthfulness of its
climate, and its kindly soil, and the sound moral and christian
influences which pervaded the community. The same reasons
have made it a favorite location for various select or private
schools. The school building of the Foreign Mission School was
for many years used for a select school, under the charge of vari
ous teachers, then for a public school, till it was removed, in 1873,
to give place to the chapel of the First Congregational Church,
erected on the same ground.

FOREIGN MISSION SCHOOL. — INDIAN SONG.

31

List of Members of the Foreign Mission School, Cornwall, Conn.,
July 22, 1823, by Caleb Jones.

Names.

Native Names.

Country.

George D. Weed,

Anglo-American, Catskill, N. Y.

Horatio N. Hubbell,

1

;' " Trumbull, Conn.

Bennet Roberts,

" " Tompkins, N. Y.

Joseph Potang Snow,

, Sar-'duk,

Malay.

John C. Trepoah,

I-re-po-ah,

Owyhee.

Robert Whyhee,

Why-hee,

Mowhee.

Henry Taheete,

Ta-hee-te,

Owyhee.

David. Brainerd,

Mak-oo-wi-h6-na,

u

Charles Arohekaah,

A-ro-he-ka-ah,

t(t

John E. Phelps,

Kal-la-ah-ou-lun-nah

Charles Backus,

Na-muk-ka-ha-loo,

u

Samuel J. Mills,

Pau-loo,

Woahoo.

John Newcom,

Wau-ne-mauk-theet,

Stockbridge Indian.

John N. Chicks,

Pau-poon-haut,

U (£

Solomon Sabattis,

Sol-lo-loh,

Mohegan.

Peter Augustine,

Ta-kon-o-tas,

Oneida.

Guy Chew,

Tuscarora.

William L. Gray,

Iroquois.
David Gray,
u
Jacob P. Tarbel,
it
Thomas Zealand,
Ka-la-la,
New Zealand.
James Lewis,
Narragansett.
William Botelho,
Lieaon Asee,
Chinese.
Henry Martyn Alan,
A-lan,
"
William Alum,
A-lum,
u
Jonas I. Abrahams,
Jew.
John Joseph Loy,
Portuguese.
Photius Kavasales,
Greek.
Anastasius Karavelles,
k
George Fox,
A-t6-Koh,
Seneca.
John Saunders,
Cherokee.
David C. Carter,
a
Miles Mackey,
Choctaw.
James Terrell,
a
Isaac Fisk,
K
George Tyier,
Owyhee.
There were not only Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese, but the
Cherokee tribe of Indians was there represented. Two members of this
tribe became enamored with two of the young** ladies of the village,
offered marriage and were accepted. This created a good deal of feel
ing, and finally ended in breaking up the school. The famous John
Ridge was one of the Indian lovers, and during the excitement the poet
wrote the following song :
TO THE INDIANS OF CORNWALL.
O, come with me, white girl fair,
O, come where Mobile's sources flow ;
With me my Indian blanket share,
And share with me my bark canoe :
We'll build our cabin in the wild,
Beneath the forest's lofty shade,
With logs on logs transversely piled,
And barks on barks obliquely laid.
32 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
O, come with me, my white girl fair,
Come, seek with me the southern clime,
And dwell with me securely there,
For there my arms shall round thee twine ;
The olive is thy favorite hue,
But sweet to me thy lily face ;
0, sweet to both, when both shall view
These colors mingled in our race.
Then come with me, my white girl fair,
And thou a hunter's bride shalt be ;
For thee I'll chase the roebuck there,
And thou shalt dress the feast for me :
O, wild and sweet our feast shall be,
The feast of love and joy is ours ;
Then come, my white girl fair, with me,
O come and bless my sylvan bowers.
By Silas Hurlbut McAlpine.
[The following metrical essay is part history and part romance.
Though it graces no volume of " Connecticut Poets," it nevertheless
once had a considerable local fame, and there are many among our aged
readers who will remember having read it more than forty years ago.]
THE INDIAN SONG, SARAH AND JOHN.
[Composed by Emily Fox of Cornwall.]
Behold, there came into our town,
A man of fame and great renown ;
He had thought to live in splendor here,
And brought with him a daughter dear.
She was blest with beauty bright and fair,
There were few with her could compare.
O, 'tis hard for to relate the truth,
She fell in love with an Indian youth !
He was a bright young man, we know,
And with him she resolved to go.
He flatter'd her to be his young dove,
Till her young heart was filled with love.
Then to her mother he did go,
To see whether he might have her or no.
She was well pleas'd at the words of John,
And consented that he should be her son.
They kept it a secret, and did not tell,
How Sarah loved an Indian well ;
Nor was the secret thing made known, .
Till from his country he did return.
Her father then being out of town,
And when he heard that John had come,
He sighed, and for his child did mourn,
Saying, O that my Sarah had not been born.

AN INDIAN SONG. 33
And when this Indian he had come,
She thought her daughter was undone ;
She made as though her heart would break,
And it was for her daughter's sake.
She being then borne down with grief,
Went to her neighbor for relief,
Saying, my sorrows, friend, are hard to tell ;
Our Sarah loves this Indian well.
What shall I do, what can I say ;
Can I bear my child should go away ?
For she is young and in her bloom, —
We'll fasten her tight in a room.
O fasten her, I think to say ;
She with the Indian shall not stay ;
Then in distraction this fair maid did run,
It was for the love of an Indian man.
Declaring if she was not his wife,
Most suddenly she would end her life.
Sickness on her then did fall,
And for the doctor they did call.
He gave them soon to understand,
'Twas for the love of an Indian man.
Unto her parents he did tell,
Let her have him and she will be well.
The Reverend Vaill we would not blame ;
On Sabbath next he published them,
But Reverend Smith feared not the law,
He married this lady to be a squaw.
Highly promoted were Sarah and John,
Col. Gold did them wait upon,
He waited on them most genteel too,
And seated them in his own pew.
Upon her side it does look dark,
To think how she used her neighbor Clark —
Has left behind for to make sport,
To think she did with an Indian court.
He went with her both night and day,
While her dear John was gone away.
And unto him she did not tell
How that she loved an Indian well.
He being absent from his friends,
A letter unto her he did send,
And unto it she would not hear,
But married John her only dear.
Her parents with her a piece did go,
To bid their lovely child adieu—-
Now with her mother she must part,
Which was enough to break her heart.

34 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
She hung upon her mother's breast,
With sighs and tears did her embrace,
I cannot bear, I am sure, said she,
My tender mother, to leave thee.
He snatch'd her from the mother's breast,
And his tawny arms did her embrace,
Sarah, said he, you are mine you know,
And with me you have got to go.
Now Sarah is gone and seen no more —
She has gone and left her native shore —
Ah ! yes, she has gone but proved unkind,
And left her whole disgrace behind.
She thinks great splendor she shall see,
When she arrives at Cherokee —
She thinks great splendor there is seen,
And she be crowned for a queen.
She would be disappointed of her home,
To find a little, small wigwam.
And nothing allowed her for a bed,
But a dirty blanket, it is said.
And this be hard for Sarah fair,
Who long did live in splendor here,
To lay aside her laces and fine gowns,
Her Indian blanket to put on.
'Twould sink her pride — 'twould raise her shame,
To follow him and carry game,
And with her John must march along,
Amidst a savage whooping throng.
Come all young maids I pray take care
How Indians draw you into a snare,
For if they do I fear it will be
As it is with our fair Sarah.
And what a dreadful, doleful sound
Is often heard from town to town,
Reflecting words from every friend,
How our ladies marry Indian men.
Now Sarah is gone — her we ne'er shall view —
She's gone, and to her love proves true,
O yes, she's gone, and her Indian too —
Now Sarah we will bid adieu.
A Fragment of the Funeral Sermon of Rev. Herman Daggett, by Rev.
Timothy Stone.
He had already, by an early discipline, formed his mind for systemati
cal study ; and had learned the necessity of order and close application
to obtain science. Having little or no patrimony to aid him, and being
infirm in health, it was a great effort for him to go through a course of
collegiate study. No education society then existed, to cherish the hopes
of indigent and promising youth who sought knowledge. By strict

FRAGMENT OF A FUNERAL SERMON. 35
economy, and some aid from friends, he went through the regular course
of four years study, in Brown's University, in Providence, R. I. His
standing in college as a scholar was so respectable that an honorable
appointment was allotted him in the exercises of commencement, when
he graduated, Sept. 1788. Among his fellow students in college he was
much esteemed.
Mr. Daggett entered college without vital piety. But in an early period
of his residence there, his heart and affections were changed by the
grace of the Holy Spirit.
This revolution in the character of Mr. Daggett was the commence
ment of a course of uncommon devoteduess to God. He no more
regarded himself as his own, but as consecrated to the service of Jesus
Christ. In prosecuting study, he was now incited by motives elevated
above the desire of being a distinguished scholar, or of gratifying his
taste for literature, or of enjoying the pleasures of science : it is true,
that he did not lose his relish for these innocent enjoyments. He loved
knowledge, and delighted in the cultivation of letters : but he had found
the pearl of great price, and to obtain it, he could cheerfully sell all.
Like Paul, he " counted all things loss for the excellency of the knowl
edge of Christ Jesus his Lord."
It is known that Mr. Daggett wrote to a considerable extent a regular
journal ; but a small part, however, of such manuscripts, has been seen
since his decease ; he no doubt destroyed many of them.
No one appeared more opposed to egotism and vanity than he, and
to speak of himself.
The following lines were written by him in college, not long after he
was of the age of nineteen. They express his firm confidence in the
Saviour, and in the belief of his being united to Him by faith ; and that
he was resolved to be wholly devoted to his service.
" Come my beloved, let us go forth into the fields." — Solomon's Song,
Chap, vii, 11. This world's a wide uncultivated field,
Through which like weary travelers we pass,
Unskilled in all the dangers of the way.
Deceitful prospects open to our view
To lead the simple on to vain pursuits.
Happy the man, that finds a faithful friend,
A kind, compassionate, experienced guide,
With whom to travel through this wilderness,
Who knows where danger is, and who can point
The way to true felicity and rest.
O Jesus ! kind redeemer, thou art He —
Thou wast in all points tempted like as me,
Thou shalt conduct me — I am wholly thine,
And thou hast shown that thou art wholly mine.
No writings are found, which give any particular account of his conver
sion. But a moral change of such vast moment, as a transition from the
darkness and bondage of sin, into tbe light and liberty of those who are
regenerated, is an event which cannot but excite a strong desire to know
how such a moral revolution is effected. But " the wind bloweth where it
listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh and whither it goeth : " to this declaration our Divine Teacher
adds — " so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Everyone possessing genuine piety is born of God, having been
renewed by the Holy Ghost. But to ascertain and point out the mode

36 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
of operation by which this divine agent effects such a moral change in
the hearts of sinful men, is a matter greatly overvalued : and to judge
of the reality of this spiritual renovation, by the circumstances which
precede and accompany it, and with positiveness as some do, is both
preposterous and antiscriptural. Such not only assume a wisdom above
" what is written," but oppose the bible, by their traditions. That this
last proposition is not unfounded, let it be considered that the bible
gives us scarcely any account of the manner how the ancient saints were
converted. While their holy characters are represented in a manner
most striking, and in colors the most vivid ; and while faith, the fear of
God, holiness, and all the virtues and graces of the christian character,
are not only clearly defined in precepts, but illustrated in the examples
of holy men of old ; where do we find one specimen in the bible of what
is called the work of conviction, unless very briefly stated, and without
any particulars?
Saul of Tarsus, the Philippian jailor, Lydia, and the numerous con:
verts to Christianity in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, are almost all,
if not tbe whole number, of the instances of the operation of the Holy
Spirit on the conscience, usually termed conviction, which are recorded
in sacred history. These cases are stated in the briefest and most gen
eral terms, and without any recital of circumstances.
Such silence on this subject furnishes conclusive proof that the spirit
of infinite wisdom regarded the holy example of good men, and the
illustration of holiness by their conduct, and the emotions of their hearts
expressed in their prayers and praises, as inexpressibly more instructive
to us than any representation of the mode by which their souls were
turned from the death of sin to spiritual life. Life and activity are
unquestional proof of a man's birth.
So the fruits of the Spirit ; " love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, temperance, faith, meekness," give the most conclusive evi
dence that all who possess these moral qualities are bom of God.
According to this rule of judgment, but very few of the professed disci
ples of Jesus Christ have given more decided evidence that they were
the subjects of the new birth, than was seen in Mr. Daggett.
Having completed his studies in college, Mr. Daggett commenced
reading theology, under the direction of that distinguished divine, the
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Emmons of Franklin, Mass. The peculiar sentiments
of Dr. Emmons, in connection with his uncommon clearness of intellect,
and very perspicuous mode of writing, have made him a divine of great
celebrity. His amiableness as a christian and his talents were held in
high estimation by Mr. Daggett But, however much he venerated the
man, it is not to be understood that he, as a necessary consequence,
adopted all the peculiarities of his instructor's doctrinal tenets. If Mr.
Daggett did imbibe them, his preaching in the latter part of his life
never indicated it. In his communications from the desk, and in his
more private religious instructions, he was remarkable for an entire free
dom from any thing of polemical divinity.
Dr. Emmons ever held Mr. Daggett in high esteem ; and this affection
and friendship met in return with the cordial respect and gratitude of
his pupil.
In October 1789 he was licensed to preach, as we learn in the following
extract of a letter to an intimate female friend. He writes : " Wednesday
7 inst. I attended the Association at North Bridge ; was examined,
received recommendation, and last Sabbath I spent at Franklin.
" I feel in some measure the importance of that work upon which I
have entered ; at the same time my insufficiency and unworthiness, and
can say with the prophet — ' Ah ! Lord I cannot speak, for I am a child.'

VISIT TO THE CHEROKEE NATION. 37
Yet necessity is laid upon me, and I must go forward, and with the apos
tle I know that through Christ strengthening me I can do all things.
I do not wish to go back, but thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath
enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the minis
try. — My dearest Sister — will you give me your prayers ? "
Mr. Daggett was ever remarkable, as all his acquaintance will bear tes
timony, for simplicity and sincerity in what he said or wrote. Never
would he use words without meaning, as some do. What he expressed,
he believed and felt. Very deeply did he feel the vast responsibility of
a minister of Christ — of an ambassador of the King of Kings, whose
duty is to urge sinners to become reconciled to God. Were all, who
enter upon this most solemn service of God's altar, to feel their respon
sibility to their final judge, as we believe this young candidate for the
ministry did; and be regardless of mercenary and personal considera
tions as he appears to have been, — relying entirely on the Lord Jesus for
righteousness, spiritual strength, and success in their work ; what a glo
rious accession of energy would be seen in the church. How beautiful,
and how strong, yea, how impregnable would be the walls of Zion ! —
Then the church would " look forth as the morning, fair as the moon,
clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners."
May thousands of such ministers be brought forward, speedily, by the
exalted head of the church.
During all his life, Mr. Daggett suffered much bodily infirmity. His
lucid and sound mind was united to a corporeal system so frail that it
was wonderful that he was so useful to society for so many years.
For about twenty years or more, he was able to preach for the most
part, and also to instruct youth. For two years and a half he preached
as a candidate very acceptably in various places ; but chiefly on Long
Island. He went there, soon after he was licensed to preach, and with
hope of receiving benefit to his health, by inhaling the mild and salu
brious air of that island ; and his health was improved. He spent a
year at Southhold, a town on the north shore, where he received from
the Presbyterian church and society a unanimous invitation to be their
pastor. But for reasons, not now known, he did not accept it.
Col. Benjamin Gold and wife visited their daughter Harriet,
who married the Cherokee, Boudinot, at her home in the Cherokee
nation in Georgia, making the trip in a one-horse wagon, and
writes thence to his brother Hezekiah his impressions. To get a
correct view, we must look on all sides.
New Echota, Cherokee Nation, 8th Dec, 1829.
Dear Brother : We arrived here on the 27th day of October, 47
days on our journey — we might have performed the journey sooner — but
we chose not to be in haste, and to give ourselves time to view the
country and get acquainted with the people by the way, and moderately
drive our horse, as a thousand miles is a pretty serious journey for a
horse, and to carry as much of a load as we had. But by a merciful
Providence we were upheld and wonderfully supported all the way — in
good health and good spirits. We are now in good health, and can say
with truth that now — nearly three months since we left home — has been
as pleasant and interesting as any part of our lives. We traveled
through a very pleasant part of the country — from Newburgh through
Orange county into New Jersey ; then into Pennsylvania, through Eas-
ton, Lancaster, Reading, Bethlehem, and many other large and beautiful

38 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
villages in Pennsylvania; then through a small part of Maryland, and
over the Potomac, about 30 miles north of Baltimore; then into the
great State of Virginia, four hundred miles ; then into Tennessee about
200 miles ; then crossed the Highwassey River at a place called Calhoon
into the Cherokee Nation, where an agent of the United States resides
to manage the Indian concerns of the Cherokee Nation. We put up at
the house of Mr. Lewis Ross, one of the principal chiefs of the Cherokee
Nation; being a very rainy day, we tarried there two nights. His
house is an elegant white house near the bank of the river, neatly fur
nished as almost any in Litchfield county ; his family of four pretty
children, the eldest a daughter of about 12 years, attending a high
school in Tennessee, appears well as any girl of her age. Mr. Ross,
a brother of the principal chief, has two or three large stores, no doubt
independent; has negroes enough to wait on us; made us very welcome;
said he would take nothing of any one who had connections in the
Nation. He is part Cherokee — his wife a white woman of the Meigs
family, but you would not suspect him or his children to be any part
Indian. We then traveled about 20 miles, and came to a Mr. McVann's,
a white man who married a Cherokee woman, sister of Mr. Joseph Vann,
another Cherokee chief. He has a beautiful white house, and about six
or seven hundred acres of the best land you ever saw, and negroes
enough to manage it and clear as much more as he pleases; raised this
year about five thousand bushels of corn; and it would make you feel
small to see his situation. Mr. McVann lives in a large elegant brick
house, and elegantly furnished. We staid there over night, and he
would take nothing of us. We have considerable acquaintance with
most of the principal men of the Nation. We were here two or three
weeks while the Council were in session, and were introduced to all of
them, and became familiar with most of them. We have traveled about
100 miles in the Nation, visited three mission stations, and are much
pleased with the missionaries; have seen most of them and become
acquainted. Mr. Boudinott has much good company, and is as much
respected as any man of his age. His paper is respectable all over the
United States, and known in Europe; has about 100 newspapers sent
him from the different parts of the United States by way of exchange ;
so that you may perceive we have an interesting stand, where we have
the news from all quarters of the globe. We are in good health, and
likewise Mr. Boudinott and his family.' They have two beautiful and
interesting children ; would pass in company for full-blooded Yankees.
My wife says she thinks they are rather handsomer than any she has
seen at the north; am uncertain when we shall return to Conn. Har
riet says she well remembers the conversation with Dr. Gold, and he
labored with her to dissuade her from her purpose, he supposing she
was going to place herself in an unhappy situation ; but she wishes you
to present her regards to the Doctor, and tell him that she has never yet'
seen the time that she regretted coming here in the manner she did, but
has ever rejoiced that she placed herself here; that she envies the situa
tion of no one in Conn. She has a large and convenient framed house,
two stories, 30 by 40 feet on the ground, well done off, and well furnished
with the comforts of life ; they get their supplies of clothes and groceries
— they have their year's store of teas, cloths, paper, ink, &c, from Bos
ton, and their sugars, molasses, &c, from Augusta; they have two or
three barrels of flour on hand at once. This neighborhood is truly an
interesting and pleasant place; the ground is level and smooth as a
house-floor; the center of the Nation — a new place, laid out in city
form — 100 lots one acre each — a spring called the public spring, about

PE-lw

aW

CREAM HILL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL.  ADELPHIC INSTITUTE. 39
twice as large as our saw-mill brook, near the center, with other springs
on the plat; six new framed houses in sight, besides a Council House,
Court House, printing office, and four stores, all in sight of Mr. B.'s
house; but the stores are continued only during the session of the
Council, and then removed to other parts of the Nation— except one,
steadily continued. The stores in the Nation are as large as the best in
our towns in Litchfield county — their large wagons of six horses go to
Augusta and bring a great load ; and you will see a number of them
together. There is much travel through this place. I have seen eleven
of those large wagons pass by Mr. Boudinot's house in company. John
Ridge* was clerk of the Cherokee Council, and is now clerk of a Creek
Delegation to Congress for the winter, and likely will get his five or ten
thousand dollars, as he did before. The Cherokee delegation has gone
on to Congress again this winter. I could tell you many pleasant things
about the country, but for fear you may not be able to read, or get tired,
I must close by telling you that you must give our love to your family
and friends, and accept the kind regards of your affectionate
Brother, B. Gold.
CREAM HILL AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL,
was established in May, 1845, by Dr. S. W. & T. S. Gold, at
their farm on Cream Hill, and continued till April, 1869, twenty-
four years.
At the beginning there were but four pupils, afterwards
increased to twenty, the limit of the school. The object was to
unite, with classical and scientific education, theoretical and prac
tical instruction in agriculture : to encourage a taste for the pur
suits of rural life, to develop and strengthen the body as well as
the mind. The results of the plan were eminently satisfactory,
and we look with pleasure upon our pupils, scattered everywhere,
in positions of honor and usefulness, but especially in the record
of those who, in the opening of their manhood, took up arms in
defense of their country, is our especial delight and pride, while
with tender hearts we recall those who were permitted to offer
their lives a sacrifice that the nation might live.
THE ADELPHIC INSTITUTE.
Mr. Ambrose Rogers, a native of Cornwall, and a graduate of
Union College, opened a family boarding school, with the above
title, at. North Cornwall in 1847, and continued there until 1860,
when 'he removed his school to New Milford, where he taught till
Sept., 1876, a total of thirty-nine years. His house was always
full. * The other Indian who married a Cornwall girl, Sarah Northrup.

40 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
SCHOOL OF W. C. AND MISS L. ROGERS.
In 1852, Mr. Wm. C. Rogers, succeeded by his sister, Miss Lydia
Rogers, opened a school for young ladies, with good prospects, at
the residence of their father, near the church in North Cornwall.
They had about one dozen pupils, but closed after two years.
NOAH AND BURTON HART'S SCHOOL.
In the spring of 1853, Noah R. Hart, assisted by his brother,
E. Burton Hart, established a private boarding school for boys,
on the place now owned and occupied by the latter, in West Corn
wall. Both had previous experience in the instruction of youth
in the district schools of the town. Their efforts in the boarding
school were crowned with success, being sustained by a choice
and generous patronage from New York city, while from Maine
to Texas and California nearly all sections of the Union were
represented by pupils.
In the spring of 1857, Noah R. Hart left the school to engage
in the mercantile business with his brother, Julius L. Hart, in
West Goshen, Conn. E. Burton Hart, then twenty-three years of
age, continued the school with unabated prosperity, and soon
through the kindness of his friend and patron, Horace Webster,
LL.D., Principal of the New York Free Academy, received the
honorary degree of Bachelor and Master of Arts, from the Uni
versity of Vermont.
In the spring of 1863, he discontinued the school and gave his
personal attention to the produce business, in New York City, in
which he was engaged some five years in company with his
youngest brother, George S. Hart. This enterprise has also
proved very successful. The firm now, George S. Hart & Howell,
with warehouses 33, 35, and 38 Pearl street, and 22 and 24 Bridge
street, New York City, is second to no house in this country, in
the magnitude and success of its business.
THE YOUNG LADIES' INSTITUTE (BIRDS' NEST).
Mr. Hopkins T. S. Johnson, an influential member of the fourth
school district, feeling aggrieved at the action of the district in
school matters, withdrew from all support of the public school,
erected a commodious school building near his dwelling, in John
son Hollow, employed teachers and opened a school in 1852,
mostly for young ladies.

THE ALGER INSTITUTE. 41
The first term began in May with twenty pupils, under the
charge of Misses L. S. Kellogg and F. 0. Sanford, with Miss M.
J. Everest, teacher of music.
Mr. Johnson died December 22, 1852, aged thirty years, but the
school was continued by his widow, Mrs. Sarah A. Johnson, till
1859, when her failing health compelled her to relinquish the
charge. Mrs. Johnson died February 6, 1861, aged thirty-seven
years. Miss Mary J. Murdock, a graduate of Mt. Holyoke, afterwards
wife of George R. Gold, Miss Sarah C. Bliss, Miss Caroline Went
worth, Miss Josephine H. Barton, Miss Clara Vaill, Miss Mary C.
Cleveland, and Prof. G. D. Wilson, were valuable teachers em
ployed by Mrs. Johnson, and under their charge the enterprise
enjoyed merited success.
The memories of "Our Birds' Nest," are cherished by many
scattered here and there in our land, as among the brightest and
happiest associations of their lives.
THE ALGER INSTITUTE,
located at Cornwall, was commenced November, .1847, and
completed May 1, 1848, was built by subscription by Joshua
Peirce, John Miles, Seth Peirce, Charles Alger, Frederick Kellogg,
E. W. Andrews, B. B. North, D. W. Pierce, and E. F. Gold at a
cost of about $5,000.00.
It was named the Alger Institute after Charles Alger, Hudson,
N. Y., but with small endowment from him for its name.
The building was used for a boarding school by E. W. Andrews
as principal, James Sedgwick of Great Barrington, Mass., and
Oliver St. John of Easton, Pa., as assistants. It was a very
successful school for several years, when it was sold by E. W.
Andrews to Wait Griswold of Wethersfield, Conn., under whose
administration it drooped. It was sold again to Rev. Ira Petti-
bone of Winchester, Conn., who kept a flourishing school for
four years. It was then sold to L. F. Dudley, who started a
school, and after about one year it was given up, since which time
it has been used as a boarding house for summer boarding.

42 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES OF
CORNWALL, CONN.

BY REV. TIMOTHY STONE.

Sketches of the Ecclesiastical history of Cornwall, commencing
at the settlement of the town, and continued to 1849, are presented
to the reader of the following pages. A continuous narrative of
events will be necessarily and not unfrequently interrupted after
the town was divided into two religious societies, so that it will be
requisite at one time to advert to one of them and then to another.
Congregationalists have ever formed the mass of the population
of Cornwall and of Connecticut; they therefore will be chiefly
brought to view. The Episcopal, Methodist, and Baptist denomi
nations are also to be exhibited, so far as information has been re
ceived; much effort having been made to obtain it, but not so
successfully as the writer desired. Of them but little is known.
Connecticut Congregationalists, who are not so democratic in
their church government as those of Massachusetts, have been
termed by many, Presbyterians. Some of the first ministers of
this State, as the Rev. Samuel Stone of Hartford, the colleague of
Rev. Mr. Hooker, were partial to Presbyterian church government;
and the church of Hartford, the oldest in Connecticut, was regu
lated by ruling Elders, as some others were. But soon, all the
churches adopted more democratic principles, and the majority of
the brotherhood in a church, decided every thing in its internal
concerns without such rulers. Still the churches generally (for
there were some exceptions) were united in consociations, by which
adjacent christian communities were so far amenable to each other
as to be liable to public censure, in case of heresy, scandalous and
unchristian conduct, and schisms. But no censure could extend
farther than the declaration of non-communion with the offending
church. Such are the principles of the Saybrook platform so
often spoken of, which was formed 1708. The Massachusetts
churches, according to the Cambridge platform established in
1648, are not at all consociated, but each individual church is
regarded as entirely independent. Thus, the Congregational
churches of this State in some measure approximate to Presby-
terianism. The Presbyterians are governed by ruling Elders, and
are united in Presbyteries, and Synods, and are subject to the de
cisions of the General Assembly that meets annually, to whom

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 43
appeals may be made from all inferior church judicatories, in all
cases of duty and conscience, and whose decisions are final; ex
cepting, that a case may be referred to all the Presbyteries, the
majority of whom may reverse any act of the General Assembly.
Without any attempt to show whether the Congregational or
the Presbyterian church discipline is the most accordant with the
word of God, it is obvious, that Connecticut Congregationalism is
somewhat of a medium between these two forms of ecclesiastical
polity. The Evangelical Congregationalists of New England,
forming a large majority of the denomination, are united with
the Presbyterian church in doctrinal sentiments, the Westminster
catechism being, next to the Bible, the standard of their faith.
Hence, Congregationalists have been often termed, though incor
rectly, Presbyterians, while in church government they are
essentially different.
There is a class in our community, too large in number for the
credit, and it is feared the safety of Connecticut, who ridicule the
character and sneer at the opinions and conduct of the puritanical
fathers of New England. Such are corrupt in principle, betray
ing great ignorance of facts, while they are chargeable with base
ingratitude toward their ancestors. Very unnatural is such a
disposition. Little do they consider their obligations to their
ancient benefactors whom they vilify, to whom they are indebted
for that peace, good order, and general prosperity which they
enjoy. "But wisdom will be justified of her children." Not
withstanding some acknowledged defects, our fathers of Connecti
cut and of New England, were generally a noble, and even a
superior race. They hated and ever frowned on vice. Their
laws against every species of immorality were very strict, and they
were enforced too. Demagogues had far less influence than in
more modern days. A man who ardently desired office, and strove
to gratify ambition was not often successful. The aged were
honored, and magistrates duly respected, far more than now.
They believed the Bible. They were not sceptical in regard to
the fundamental principles of christian doctrines and morals.
This was eminently their character. Like our great and immortal
Father of the American republic, and the late excellent President
Harrison, they were firm in their convictions that Christianity was
the only basis of sound morals. Hence, our puritanical fathers
laid the foundation of all that respect to law, good order, and
regularity and peace in society, for which Massachusetts, Con-

44 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
necticut, and the New England states have been distinguished.
Their personal character, as for the virtues of fortitude, heroic
constancy in duty, public spirit, and love to their country, was
highly commendable, and has never been surpassed in any human
community. In comparison with them, their descendants in these
respects are, with few exceptions, no more than pigmies. In olden
times, the laws of Connecticut and Massachusetts required that if
the inhabitants of a new plantation, containing a certain number
of people, did not support public worship, a gospel minister, and
schools, the authority of the State would interpose, and enforce on
them such institutions at their expense. But it is not known that
such cases were ever brought to an extremity; they were at least
very rare ; the inhabitants of new settlements were like those of
Cornwall, ready to anticipate the desires of their rulers. No per
son was obliged to make a public profession of religion ; but every
one was required to attend the public worship of God on the
Sabbath, unless a reasonable excuse could be rendered. These
laws were formed and executed by rulers chosen by the majority
of freemen, who were led and guided by leaders of their own
choice. The magistrates and religious teachers did not, as unprin
cipled demagogues ever do, attempt to blindfold the people by
artifice; but on the contrary, they endeavored to open as wide as
possible the avenues to knowledge, that all might learn and fully
know what was the direct and straight road to their highest
happiness. These leaders regarded schools of learning, the Sab
bath public worship, and christian instruction, of infinite value.
It is true that our forefathers had less correct ideas of religious
toleration than we have. At the same time, they were far less
intolerant, and far less of a persecuting spirit than their enemies
have represented them to be. They were much more tolerant
than almost all the civilized nations of that period of time. There
were those among our forefathers, who upon pretence of religious
liberty, went through the streets naked, both men and women, who
broke into public worship on the Sabbath, and were guilty of
outrage. Ought not such to have been punished ? Should not
such be severely punished now ? Such were whipped, as they
surely should have been. They were banished from the Common
wealth on penalty of death if they returned.
Our fathers were not perfect men; but they were beyond expres
sion superior in moral character to their slanderers and very ma
lignant revilers.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 45
The first settlers of this town were possessed of the general traits
of the New England Puritans. They were bold, daring, and
resolute men. It required no small share of courage and heroic
fortitude to establish a permanent settlement among these moun
tains and deep valleys, all densely covered with heavy timber and
thick underbrush.
There is not evidence of any permanent inhabitants in Cornwall
until 1739, in the summer of which year several families came that
remained through the succeeding winter. This winter was severe
almost without a parallel. Throughout New England the earth
was for many months covered with many feet of snow, and the
cold was intense. This was called the hard winter. These new
settlers had a few months before left comfortable habitations in
the older towns, and entered the dense forest little anticipating so
tremendous a winter. Their stores of provision were scanty, as
they could not have produced much food the summer preceding,
on their lands. They expected aid from their former homes, and
from their friends there. But the huge snow-banks shut them in
their log cabins for many weeks. . It was impossible to travel to
the towns adjacent but on snow-shoes. Several of the people were
located far apart from each other. The exact number of families
that continued through the winter of 1739-40, is not known.
Probably there were not far from twenty or twenty-five. Had
not deer been abounding, that could be easily caught by hunters
on their snow-shoes while the animals were helpless and wallowing
in the deep snow banks, many of these settlers would, in all proba-
ability, have perished by hunger and privation. One small child
died from want of the necessaries of life. In addition to the priva
tions unavoidably incident to the pioneers of a new settlement in
the forests, our fathers were near the habitations of the savage
dwellers of the wilderness, whose friendship could be, for the
most, confided in no further than the Indians feared the superior
ity of their white neighbors. It is true that the aborigines at
Kent, Sharon, and Salisbury, had been instructed by a few pious
missionaries, which tended no doubt to furnish greater security
to the first settlers here and in the vicinity. A few rods northeast
of the mansion of the late Oliver Burnham, Esq., a palisaded fort
was erected for a public storehouse of provisions, and a place of
defense in case of a sudden attack, and where ammunition was de
posited. But Cornwall was never assaulted by enemies.
No sooner was that hard winter gone, and the vernal sun began

46 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
to shine on the few openings in the wilderness of these high moun
tains and deep valleys, than the people, having been sustained in
their hardships by the kind hand of God, resolved to prepare im
mediately for the public worship, and to enjoy the blessings of the
preaching of the word of the God of their fathers. They employed
a Mr. Harrison, who seems to have been taught and graduated
about 1737, at Yale College, to preach to them. From whence he
came, and whither he went when he left Cornwall, it is not known.
He was the first who exhibited on 'these mountains the good news
of salvation.
At the May session of the Legislature at Hartford, 1740, the
town was incorporated.
On the 1st of July following, the inhabitants met, and accord
ing to law constituted themselves a legal community. Whether
they assembled in a log cabin, or under a wide-spreading tree, is
not known. Probably they met near the house of Darius Miner.
Having chosen George Holloway, Esq., to be their clerk, and the
other town officers having been appointed, they commenced their
public business.
Now what was the first public conduct of the fathers of this
town ? Surely, it was such as will surprise many, and all such
as despise religious institutions, who disregard the Sabbath, and
consider the support of the gospel ministry as a great burden. But
these fathers of Cornwall were trained up to believe that the Most
High God was to be publicly honored, — that his protecting provi
dence and favor were of infinite importance ; therefore, the first
vote of the first town meeting was in these words: "Voted, That
the whole charge of Mr. Harrison's preaching amongst us, together
with the charge of bringing him here and boarding him, we will
pay out of the first tax that shall be assessed."
The next vote in this meeting was: " Voted, We will send Mr.
Millard to agree with a minister, and bring him to preach amongst
us." And also, " Voted, That said Millard do advise the ministers
what sort of a man to bring to preach amongst us." At this meet
ing it was also "Voted, That we think it necessary and convenient
to build a meeting-house;" which vote was unanimous to a man.
Mr. Millard not being successful in obtaining a preacher, seven
weeks after that first town meeting the inhabitants again assem
bled, 18th of August, and renewed their efforts for a minister
appointing a committee of George Holloway, Joseph Allen, and
Nathaniel Jewell, to secure, as soon as possible, a preacher to con-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 47
tinue to them until the first of April, 1741, that is, for seven or
eight months. And this committee was directed to take the advice
of neighboring ministers in the choice of such a preacher. At the
same meeting, it was " Voted, That we will build a meeting-house
for public worship, 48 feet in length and 38 in breadth, and 24
feet between joints." Also, " Voted, That George Holloway shall
be an agent to address the General Assembly at New Haven, Oc
tober next, to appoint a committee to state the place where the
meeting-house shall stand." Also, "Voted, That David Rugg
should be the chorister till we agree otherwise." Also, "Voted,
That George Holloway shall read the Psalm." Also, " Voted, That
we will meet for public worship at Mr. Samuel Messenger's house,
till the town order otherwise."
This place was where Darius Miner resides. The people main
tained public worship of God at their settlement at the very first,
and when they had no preacher. Psalm-books were few; there
fore Mr. Holloway, no doubt, gave out the psalm by reading to
the singers line by line.
When and by whom the church, the articles of faith, and church
covenant were formed, are now entirely unknown. Nor is it
known who were the members comprising the church. Whether
such organization was previous or subsequent to their first minis
ter's preaching to them, cannot be ascertained. It is evident that
the "half-way covenant," so termed, which admitted persons of
good moral character who publicly assented to the doctrinal tenets
of the church, and still did not profess to believe that they were
the subjects of regenerating grace, to the privilege of presenting
their children in baptism, was a practice of this infant church of
Cornwall. Whether any preacher was employed during the winter of 1740-
41 is uncertain, but the people did not "forget the assembling of
themselves together" in the worship of God, and David Rugg
continued their stated leader in singing.
The Rev. Solomon Palmer, of Branford, Conn., educated at
Yale College, who graduated there 1729, was in the town in the
spring of 1741 as a preacher.
On the first Thursday of March, 1741, the people met according
to an adjournment of a meeting three months before, and voted
to hire Mr. Palmer to preach to them until the first of June as a
candidate for settlement.
Ten weeks after, May 24th, the town met at the house of

48 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Samuel Messenger, and passed the following vote: " That with the
advice and consent of the neighboring ministers, we will call the
Rev. Mr. Solomon Palmer to a settlement with us in the gospel
ministry in this place." Such was their deference to the opinion
of the ministers of the vicinity on a subject of high moment:
certainly the union of the ministers of Christ is essential to their
mutual usefulness. They added to this call, "That we will give
Mr. Palmer the following salary, to be paid in money equal in
silver at twenty-eight shillings, per ounce, for the first year, which
is to begin at the day of his ordination; £200 — the half of which
shall be paid at said ordination; the second year, £100; the third,
£110; and so rise £10 pounds a year till it comes at £160, to be
paid annually, so long as he continues in the work of the ministry
in this place." Soon after, the town granted Mr. Palmer £50
additional to his settlement of £200. In addition to his salary
and settlement, Mr. Palmer was entitled to a whole right of land,
or what was one fifty-third share of the town, the amount of which
in land was not far from six hundred acres. His ministerial sup
port was, according to his circumstances and the state of society as
it then was, far superior to the salaries of ministers and their sub
sistence at tbe present time. Also the supporters of Mr. Palmer
were many a fold more liberal in maintaining religious institutions
than any societies of this period of time in any section of our>
country. Some will no doubt be surprised at this statement; but
facts, amply supported, and figures cannot falsify.
Mr. Palmer was ordained on the second Wednesday of August,
1741; this was the time appointed by a freemen's town meeting,
but no records remain confirming this fact, nor anything relating
to the ordination. Who composed the ordaining council is un
known. The pastors of the churches of Litchfield County at that
period were the Rev. Messrs. Jonathan Marsh, of New Hartford,
Timothy Collins, Litchfield, Daniel Boardman, New Milford, An
thony Stoddard. Woodbury, Andrew Bartholomew, Harwinton,
Elijah Webster, Canaan, Stephen Heaton, Goshen, Joseph Bellamy,
Bethlehem, Peter Pratt, Sharon, and Cyrus Marsh, Kent.
The first deacons of Cornwall church were Jonathan Harris
who came from Derby and settled on Clark Hill near Goshen; and
Phineas Waller, who emigrated from New Milford, and whose
residence was half a mile northwest from Deacon Nathan Hart's
on Waller Hill.
For twelve years and seven months Mr. Palmer remained peace-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 49
fully with his flock, during which time the town increased in
population very considerably. No records of the church of those
years are extant, and no list of church communicants.
Tradition gives Mr. Palmer the character of a gentleman, affable
and pleasant in manners, unimpeachable in his morals, and that he
was united with his ministerial brethren in doctrinal sentiments
until he became an Episcopalian. That he was a good English
scholar, the town records of twelve years, during which he was
town clerk, are evidence, as his handwriting and orthography are
good specimens throughout.
At his settlement there had been a very uncommon religious
revival in all New England, in which Connecticut enjoyed a large '
share. But the pastor of Cornwall did not favor that religious
excitement. It was so with many Connecticut ministers. Before
Wesley and Whitefield in England were known in our land, there
had been at Northampton, Mass., under the ministry of Mr.
Edwards, and in several other places, a deep sense among multi
tudes of the infinite importance of the salvation of the soul. For
many years before this revival, pastors and churches were, with
several happy exceptions, cold and lifeless and almost entirely
formal in devotion; a dead and worldly morality was inculcated
by many in the sacred desk; dangerous errors became prevalent;
and as a necessary consequence immorality increased. Pious
ministers and many devout Christians feared that the power of
godliness would perish in the land of the Puritans. But God
interposed. He heard the prayers of those who trembled for the
prosperity of the churches. He raised up the pious father of
Jonathan Edwards. This father, the minister of East Windsor,
was greatly blessed in his labors, especially those of his son at
Northampton. Also Tennant in New Jersey, Moody of the dis
trict of Maine, and Bellamy of Connecticut. Whitefield came
into our country, whose piety, holy zeal, accompanied with an
eloquence that was scarcely ever before equaled, drew the atten
tion of many thousands who followed his preaching from town to
town. Multitudes became truly religious. But although this
excitement undoubtedly originated from the force of divine truth
and the influence of the Spirit of God, yet there was soon a great
degree of wild-fire, disorder, enthusiasm, confusion, and false
religion which marred this revival. Religion was counterfeited.
There were dreams and visions and hypocritical imposters. And
even some pious people and ministers, too, were sadly deluded
7

50 history of Cornwall.
into great errors of conduct. They were led into great extrava
gance. Not a little of the zeal of that day was a fire never
kindled on God's altar.
As natural consequences, two terrific evils were immediately
manifest. The first was, the enemies of vital religion rejoiced and
openly exulted in the confusion produced by enthusiasts. They
strengthened each other in their opposition to the doctrines and
practice of godhness. On the other hand, some persons of cool
temperament, and whose fears of evil were bordering on extreme
caution, and who still were the friends of religion, were prejudiced
against this extraordinary excitement. They were astonished at
the extravagances of the enthusiasts, who thus injured the cause of
truth. They did not with candor discriminate the truth from the
errors and disorders of the times.
Mr. Palmer was not favorable to this religious revival; and it is
believed that his church and congregation were with him in his
views on this subject.
The spiritual rain and dews of heaven, which descended so
copiously on many towns in New England, and especially in
Connecticut, were not enjoyed here. These mountains were like
those of Gilboa, having had neither rain nor dew. The new
settlements of Litchfield County were not, unless the society of
Bethlehem under the ministry of Mr. Bellamy is excepted, much
blessed by the spirit of this revival.
The- church of Litchfield did not at all favor the ministers that
zealously advocated this revival. It is not improbable that the
feelings of Mr. Palmer toward this subject, and the irregularities
and enthusiasm accompanying these scenes of religious excitement,
had influence on him to become an Episcopalian.
In March, 1754, Mr. Palmer declared on the Sabbath, and to the
great surprise of all his people, that his ordination had no validity,
that he was an Episcopalian, and that he now renounced his
ministry among them.
He preached from Joshua 24: 15 — " And if it seem unto you to
serve the Lord, choose ye this day whom ye will serve; whether
the gods your Fathers served, that were on the other side of the
flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in which land ye dwell ; but as
for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
There were but few Episcopalians in Connecticut; a church of
that denomination had been existing in Stratford, and in 1722 the

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 51
Rev. Mr. Cutler, rector of Yale College, became an Episcopalian.'
After this there were a few more added to the number.
It is believed that several of Mr. Palmer's parishioners were at
first inclined to think favorably of his change of opinion. But
very few only continued so, for he claimed his land which was
granted to the first minister, but the people resented the claim as
unjust, for he had deserted his charge. A lawsuit was commenc
ing; but the matter was compromised, he giving us a part of his
demand. This controversy it is probable prevented the establishment of
an Episcopal church in this town; for the people had held their
pastor in high estimation.
Mr. Palmer went to England, was there ordained as a priest,
and sent back as a missionary of the church of England. He had
an offer of a permanent settlement at Amboy, N. J., with an ample
salary, but from the reluctance of his wife to go thither, he
remained in Connecticut. He preached at Goshen, at New Milford,
and itinerated in various parts of the western section of the state.
Mr. Palmer derived no pecuniary benefit from leaving his
parochial charge at Cornwall, but experienced the contrary.
For seventeen months after this defection of the first pastor, the
town had no settled minister.
The disappointment of the people in the conduct of their
spiritual guide was sensibly felt and the effect was quite unhappy,
tending to discourage them, when their efforts to enjoy the benefits
of the stated gospel ministry had been almost unparalleled in such
an infant state, and when no man was wealthy.
Whether Mr. Palmer took away or destroyed the records of
this infant church, or they were lost by the careless neglect of
others is unknown; not a scrap of such history is extant. It is
not known whether any one preached in Cornwall except Mr.
Gold until his installment. This was on the 27th of August,
1755. Rev. Dr. David Bellamy of Bethlehem preached on the occa
sion from Jeremiah iii, 15 — " And I will give you pastors according
to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understand
ing." The Rev. John Graham, minister of Southbury, gave the
charge to the pastor, and Rev. Daniel Brinsmade, of Judea Society
of Woodbury, now Washington, presented the right hand of
fellowship. Who were the other members of this ordaining
council are not on record.
The Rev. Hezekiah Gold was a native of Stratford, a descendant

52 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
from a family highly honorable, being a grandson of the Hon.
Lieut. Governor Nathan Gold, and a son of the Rev. Hezekiah
Gold of Stratford. His father, who was an evangelical pastor of
the First Congregational church of Stratford, advocated the cause
of the revival of religion first referred to, and was a friend to Mr.
Whitefield and to his associates. His son, who became the minister
of this town, was educated at Yale College, where he graduated
1751. He possessed a superior mind, having talents comprehen
sive and penetrating, by which he easily obtained a thorough
knowledge of human nature, and of course able to acquire much
influence with whom he associated. Until unhappy dissensions
took place in the latter part of his ministry, Mr. Gold's influence
among the people and families of his charge was almost unbounded.
In every concern, private and public, civil, military, and domestic,
the advice and opinion of Mr. Gold was esteemed as highly
important. During the former and greater part of his ministerial
labors a very large assembly gathered at the house of God on the
Sabbath, which stood nearly opposite to the house of George
Holloway, Esq., — the house now owned by Ithamar Baldwin.
No dissenting society existed ; and the people on the borders of
Kent, Warren, and in the northwest corner of the society of
Milton, all came to the meeting-house of Mr. Gold. These inhabi
tants of our lofty hills and deep valleys came regularly to the
worship of the God of their fathers, both in the winter and
summer, and on roads far worse than they are now; and
when there were no warm stoves to cheer them when they
arrived half frozen at the house of worship. They were ready to
endure hardships to attend public worship, which their descendants
of this day would regard intolerable. Not a few came from six
miles distance. From well founded tradition it is certain, that at
that time the people of Cornwall were more disposed to. honor the
sanctuary of God by their constant attendance there, than most
other country towns. It is true, that regular attendance on exter
nal ordinances of religion does not prove the extent of vital piety
— but can people be the lovers of God, when they express no
public honor to his Sabbath, and to religious institutions ? From
the time of Mr. Gold's settlement till his death, a period of thirty-
five years, religious revivals in our country were far less frequent
than in almost any other course of time of the same space since
our pilgrim fathers came hither.
The last French war, previous to the American revolution, till

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 53
the reduction of Quebec and of Canada, in 1759, was a season of
great military excitement throughout all the British colonies.
War and Christianity cannot coincide. The spirit of religious
revivals witnessed in former years was now httle known, while the
effects of the disorder and enthusiasm of that day were sensibly
felt. Soon after Britain had reduced Canada, our colonies were
crowded on by the mother country, by striving to take away our
chartered rights. Hence commenced the contest with Britain, termi
nating in the independence of our nation. During this period of
great public disturbance, religion was unusually disregarded, as a
natural result. In the ministry of Mr. Gold, revivals of religion
were very little known in Cornwall, or in the country at large.
Mr. Gold was a sound divine, being evangelical in his views of
divine truth. The antiscriptural and very preposterous practice of
allowing persons who did not profess to be sincere believers in
Christ to have their children baptized had been very prevalent in
the churches. By the influence of Mr. Gold this practice was done
away in his church.
In the book of church records, in the handwriting of Mr. Gold,
we find a list of baptisms, apparently accurate and complete, con
tinued thirty-two years, from 1755 to 1787. There are the records
of several acts of the church, but those of church meetings and
transactions are not many. The list of marriages and of deaths is
quite imperfect; and there is no copy in this record book of the
creed and covenant of the church; nor is there anything of the
kind now extant. It is evident that in the most prosperous part of
his ministry Mr. Gold's church was large.*
In a few years after his ordination, and till the close of the rev
olutionary war, there were many of Mr. Gold's parishioners and
church communicants who removed to various places out of Connecti
cut. This emigration was for several successive years such that
the population of Cornwall decreased considerably.
It is requisite to bring to view the unpleasant scenes witnessed
* I copy from an old record a list of male members of Mr. Gold's church in
April 3, 1783. (The total calls for another name.) T. S. G.
Joshua Pierce, Caleb Jones, Woodruff Emmons, Amos Jones, Edward May,
James Beirce, Joseph Pangman, Jacob Brownson, John Pierce, John Wright,
Jacob Brownson, Jr., Nath'l Swift, Zechanah H. Jones, Seth Pierce, Nehemiah
Beardsley, Ralph Grimes, Timothy Brownson, Dea. J. Kellogg, Ketchel Bell,
Lem'l Jennings, Dar. Everest, Ebenezer Symonds, Thorn. Tanner, John Bene
dict, Austin Bierce, John Jones, Josiah Stephens, Seymour Morse, Elias Birdsey,
Joel Wood, Amos Camp. Mr. Gold, the pastor, makes 33.

54 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
in the town in the latter part of Mr. Gold's life, and which pro
duced the division of the society and church into two distinct
religious communities. It is painful to exhibit the long conflict
which subsisted between the majority of the town on one part, and
the major part of the church and the pastor on the other. Impar
tiality demands that the truth be exhibited.
Were the writer to assert that one of the contending parties
was wholly right, and the other entirely wrong, no person possessed
of common understanding would credit the declaration. After
more than twenty years of external prosperity, having possessed a
very uncommon influence among his people, the days of darkness
came, and Mr. Gold met with no small trials. Few, however, would
bear them with more fortitude. While one of the parties claimed
that equity was on its side, and the other defended itself on the
strength of the law of the State, they both viewed themselves
much injured by their respective antagonists.
What first excited dissatisfaction toward the pastor, who had
been so much respected for his abilities and hospitality, it is diffi
cult to ascertain. Many maintained that the origin of the contro
versy was that Mr. Gold used his influence in favoring a friend
and relative in his military promotion, to the prejudice of a very
respectable gentleman of the town who had a prior claim from his
merit or seniority as an officer in the French war in Canada.
How far the opposers of Mr. Gold would concede this to be a
fact, is unknown. But Mr. Gold ever denied the charge alleged
against him. He became more wealthy than most of his ministe
rial brethren, and his capacity was greater than most of them to
acquire property without any dishonorable means. Though re
markable for hospitality, he was a superior economist. His salary
was in value greater than the support of any minister of Cornwall
since his day. The nominal salary of Mr. Gold was £65 and ten
cords of fire wood; being at least as much as 218 dollars in silver
in real value, in addition to fuel. He had a noble farm.
Such independency gave him advantages to maintain his ground.
Several things were alleged to the injury of his character ; that,
notwithstanding his great hospitality, acknowledged by all, he was
covetous; that he was exceedingly subtle in his designs. It was
doubtless true that Mr. Gold possessed uncommon sagacity. It
was not easy to ensnare him. His opposers, too, were no inferior
men; they had a large share of discernment, as their management
proved in their opposition. These things commenced about the

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 55
time of the beginning of the American Revolution. Embarrass
ment of business, the confusion of the public mind, and the priva
tions resulting from the condition of the. country, made it more
difficult to pay a minister's salary.
All ministers, settled as pastors, according to the laws of the
State, were exempted from all taxes. Mr. Gold was an ardent
friend to the revolutionary movements of the country. And he
offered to deduct from his annual salary so much as his property
would demand and the exigencies of the times required. How
far this proposal was accepted is not now known. After a long
season of increasing dissatisfaction, the town voted, July 26, 1779,
to call a council for the purpose to obtain a dismission of the
pastor. It is not recorded how large a majority of the town voted for
such a council; but it was a fact that a majority of Cornwall were
dissatisfied with the minister.
In about six weeks after, the church met to act upon the vote of
the ecclesiastical society. Dr. Bellamy, of Bethlehem, presided as
the moderator of the meeting. According to the record of that
meeting the result was that the church voted by a large majority
not to concur with the town in calling such a council.
It was the advice of Dr. Bellamy to the church, not to concur
with the vote of the town. His influence with the churches of
this country was great, and his ministerial brethren regarded him
with much deference. Mr. Gold ever enjoyed the confidence of
Dr. Bellamy, and therefore felt strong.
Afterwards, a council of nine ministers was convened in Corn
wall, to advise the people in regard to their unhappy situation ;
Dr. Bellamy was present. Mr. Gold was not dismissed. One of
the most distinguished citizens of the town, who had become
unfriendly to the ministry of Mr. Gold, wrote and published a
statement of what he regarded as "the extraordinary conduct of
nine ministers in a meeting in Cornwall." Mr. Gold replied by the
press. This Cornwall controversy became, therefore, a subject of
public notoriety. Its influence on the religious feelings of the
people of this town, and on their domestic enjoyments and moral
character, was pernicious. Jealousies and calumnies and unchris
tian temper were the natural result.
A majority of the town were unwilling to support their religious
instructor, believing that they and their children could receive no
religious benefit from his ministry; and the church, on the other

56 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
hand, determined not to separate from their pastor ; and in this
determination they were supported by the ministers and sister
churches of the vicinity.
Had the pastor been in a regular manner impeached for immo
ralities, there would have been, no doubt, a very different state of
things — but it was not so. Unchristian conduct was indeed
charged on Mr. Gold by his accusers, but was not proved before
the council. A minister of both Sharon and of Kent had been
deposed for immorality.
Had the Cornwall minister been accused of conduct injurious to
his reputation as a christian minister, so as to destroy -his public
character, there would have been no just reasons in his refusing to
be dismissed.
Apprehending that they could obtain no redress by councils and
from the sister churches, and feeling themselves exceedingly
aggrieved, while, as they thought, equity was on their side, and the
law of the state supported the pastor and the majority of the
church, the major part of the town was exasperated greatly.
There were, in this majority, very many of worthy christian char
acter, as well as quite respectable in community at large.
They were resolved that Mr. Gold should not have his salary,
and that by a public town vote, so that Mr. Gold was obliged to
commence a suit at law. A compromise, however, was effected.
This majority claimed the right of holding the house of worship,
and with force attempted to shut out Mr. Gold from the pulpit on
a Thanksgiving day. Those who did this were prosecuted by the
state's attorney, and by a court of law fined to a considerable sum.
Having no other legal remedy to redress their wrongs, which they
regarded as great, the majority of the town, in the year 1780,
twenty-five years after Mr. Gold's ordination, formally, and as the
law of the State allowed, separated from the society to which they
had been united, and styled themselves, "Strict Congregation
alists." Those of them who had belonged to the church of Mr.
Gold, formed themselves a new church with the name that the
new society had assumed. The articles of faith by them adopted
were entirely evangelical and conformable to the Calvinistic creed
of Connecticut Congregationalists. By this act they were entirely
separated from all connection with the Saybrook platform of
church discipline and of consociations.
The old church connected with Mr. Gold regarded this separa
tion as censurable conduct ; but they did not undertake to deal

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 57
t with their separating brethren in way of discipline. That there
was real piety in both of these churches, is unquestionable, and
that an unchristian spirit, manifested in various ways, was charge
able on them both, is also evident. Which of them was the most
aggressive to each other and the most guilty, is not to be decided
by us, but is left to an impartial judge. Peace to the memory of
those imperfect men. Paul and Barnabas separated from each
other, having had " a sharp contention," — but they are now united
in the most glorious and happy union.
As a large proportion of these dissenters resided in the northern
section of the town, this society has been denominated the north
society. In the course of a few months, the north society engaged the
Rev. Mr. Bird to be their preacher, and who for a few years had
been the pastor of a church in New Haven. He was a very
respectable minister, of piety and fair talents. How long he con
tinued their preacher is now unknown. Afterward the Rev. John
Cornwall was their stated minister, officiating as a pastor for seve
ral years, though he was not installed as such. He had not a
liberal education, but possessed a vigorous mind; not much culti
vated in general knowledge, but was well versed in the holy
scriptures, and was sound in the faith and of devoted piety. He
was of eccentric manners in the pulpit, and in his mode of exhibit
ing and illustrating divine truth, which singularity was not pleasing
to a refined audience ; yet from his simplicity, fervency of feeling,
and love to the cause of religion, he would command the attention
of an audience much more than many well educated men.
The ministry of Mr. Cornwall was blessed to the religious bene
fit of several of his hearers, notwithstanding the unhappy contro-
versey between the two contending parties. He resided in the
house now occupied by Carrington Todd, and in which he gene
rally preached. In 1785, the north society, by subscription,
erected a house for public worship; it was nearly on the site of the
present school-house, on the north of the mansion built by George
Wheaton, Esq. It was small and never completely finished, and
was taken down in 1826, when the present commodious congrega
tional church was built. Although these societies were separated,
and Mr. Gold and Mr. Cornwall officiated to their respectivp
people, party spirit still remained, to the detriment of vital piety,
and of the enjoyment of friendship and social intercourse. Each
of the societies felt the evil of separation. Frequently the
8

58 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
thought and desire of reunion was intimated, until it was at
length attempted, but without success. It was requisite that both
the ministers should be dismissed. Mr. Cornwall did resign his
charge; and Mr. Gold offered to relinquish his salary and pastoral
charge, so soon as the two societies and churches should unite in
settling a sound, learned, and suitable minister.
Before Mr. Cornwall left the town, all past disagreement that
had subsisted between him and Mr. Gold was most happily settled
on Christian principles, as they cordially forgave each other. In
the autumnal session of the Connecticut Legislature, 1787, both
Mr. Gold and Mr. Cornwall were the representatives of this town,
and in the ensuing spring Mr. Cornwall was again elected and sent
to the Assembly. The confidence of the opposers of Mr. Gold was
again so reposed in him that they respectfully invited him to
preach in the new house of worship of the dissenters. As about
that time, the people seriously, and with many then sincerely, con
templated the reunion of the two societies, the Rev. Medad Rogers,
a very respectable minister well adapted to harmonize the town,
was engaged to preach for a year. Mr. Cornwall, after he left this
town, was for a number of years a zealous and faithful preacher
of evangelical truth to a church and society of Congregationalists
in Amenia, in New York State, bordering on Connecticut, in
Dutchess County. He died there in a good old age, May 12, 1812.
The efforts to unite the two societies proved abortive; Mr.
Rogers, with all his prudence and wisdom, could not prevent jeal
ousies and suspicions, and therefore left the place. He went to
New Fairfield, where for several years he was a very worthy
pastor. One cause preventing the proposed union in Cornwall was in
respect to the payment of Mr. Rogers' preaching; one party
charged the other with the neglect of paying its due proportion,
which the accused entirely denied.
All the first agents and principal actors of the Cornwall contro
versy have for several years gone to the grave. Peace be to
their memory. They had their imperfections— and their virtues
too. Several of them, of both parties, were undoubtedly persons
of real piety, notwithstanding their contentions on earth.
Several families of the southwestern part of the town were
annexed to the religious society of Kent, by the act of the Legis
lature; the boundary of the Cornwall Society on the south was
about half a mile below Gen. Swift's, taking a mile or more of this

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 59
town into the parish of Kent. A few families were in the same
manner added to the ecclesiastical society of Warren, and many
more were united to the society of Milton, including the Great
Hill and the College Farms. This curtailment of territory on the
south of the town lessened the south society of Cornwall and
enlarged the north ; the new dissenters and unlocated society, which
formed the majority of the inhabitants of Cornwall, readily
assented to these alterations, while the people that adhered to the
old pastor were not a little dissatisfied, and complained much of
the doings of their northern townsmen. Thus the two parties were
not easily harmonized.
In the spring of 1790 the house of God built in the days of Mr.
Palmer was taken down, and rebuilt with considerable enlarge
ment, having a little steeple added to it, and was situated in the
east part of Cornwall valley. It had no bell until 1825, when the
steeple was rebuilt.
The south society had a committee appointed by the General
Assembly to place the spot of the church of the south society.
But the north people took no part in the matter, determining not
to move any further south to favor any union of the societies.
Mr. Gold relinquished his salary and his pastoral charge in an
agreement with his church and people, but was not formally dis
missed. He died on the 29th of May, 1790.
The Rev. Mr. Smith of Sharon, with whom he had ever been
intimate as a ministerial brother, preached his funeral sermon.
The following is inscribed on Mr. Gold's monument in the ceme
tery: " In whom a sound knowledge of the Scripture, extensive charity to
the poor, unshaken fortitude in adversity, were united with uncommon
discerning of the human heart, and shone conspicuously thro, an active
and useful life."
During the thirty-five years of Mr. Gold's ministry, religion de
cayed in the country, through the baleful influence of political and
military conflicts. The effects of the great revival of a few years
before were not gone indeed, but the spirit of fervent piety was
dying away. The French war, at the commencement of Mr.
Gold's ministry, that closed in 1759, was soon succeeded by the
quarrel between Britain and her American colonies that prepared
the way for the revolutionary contest, produced a perpetual tumult
ir? the country at large, while this town was involved in its own
controversy respecting the minister. Religion, when externally

60 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
persecuted with violence, lives and flourishes, if the church is pure
and sound in doctrine, and retains in her bosom ardent love ; but
when those who should be " the light of the world " are contentious
and feuds and animosities prevail, woe be to Zion.
Still in this dark period Cornwall church had some worthy
Christian characters whose examples deserved imitation. The
Rev. Mr. Gold's talents would have made him conspicuous in any
situation. As a preacher he was not popular in speaking, though
capable of writing good discourses. He had such sagacity, firm
ness of purpose, and fortitude, that had he been a warrior he
would have been no inferior military officer.
When Deacon John Harris and his associate, Deacon Phineas
Waller, the first deacons here, died, is not known. The latter was
one of those who became dissenters from Mr. Gold. Deacon Ben
jamin Sedgwick and Deacon Samuel Abbott were elected, officiated,
and deceased during Mr. Gold's ministry. They sustained a
worthy reputation. It is not known when they were elected. Not
a church in the State was more favored with a worthy and judi
cious deacon than Cornwall was in Thomas Porter, Esq., who was
elected deacon October 8, 1767. and continued in office till 1779,
when he removed to Tinmouth, Vt. In June 24, 1773, Elijah
Steele was chosen deacon. In a short time he became a Quaker in
sentiment. Whether the church did anything in attempting to
reclaim him, or in disciplining him, we now know not. Upon this
defection of Deacon Steele, Judah Kellogg, Esq., was, in 1776,
June 20th, elected deacon. It appears that after the removal of
Deacon Porter no one was elected to this office during Mr. Gold's
life, and Judah Kellogg, Esq., was the sole deacon of this church
for a course of years.
Before Mr. Gold's decease, the Rev. Hercules Weston of Mid-
dlebury, Mass., who was an alumnus of Dartmouth College, came
here as a licensed preacher. He was patronized by Mr. Gold; and
in 1792, June 20, was ordained pastor of Cornwall South Church,
after having repeatedly preached to this society in two or three
years preceding. He was installed by the north consociation of
this county : formerly the churches of the county were united in
one association and consociation ; but now the body had been
divided. The Rev. Mr. Smith of Sharon, preached the ordination
sermon from Acts xxviii, 15. "Whom when Paul saw, he
thanked God and took courage." The charge to the pastor elact
was given by the Rev. Mr. Mills of Torrington, and the right

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 61
hand of fellowship was presented by the Rev. Mr. Starr of
Warren. The prospect of this people was not very promising at this time:
the church was reduced more than one-half within ten years, by
death, removals, and by the desertion of not a few. In 1782 there
were in Mr. Gold's church, thirty-three male members, and a
larger number than this of female professors. Now, no more than
thirty members composing the church, and of which sixteen were
male members, and fourteen females; a very singular fact, as in
almost all Congregational and Presbyterian churches, female mem
bers are most numerous.
The sisters in the church, though they do not vote, are no incon
siderable part of the spiritual strength of a christian community.
Their prayers, private and domestic influence is immensely
important : therefore, when females in a church are few, its pros
pects cannot but be gloomy and portentous.
Mr. Weston commenced his pastoral duty in very inauspicious
circumstances. His health was very infirm when he first came to
Cornwall. The society was forming itself anew, and had continual alterca
tions with their dissenting brethren at the north. Mr. Weston
was an ardent partizan for his people's cause. One of the most
respectable citizens, Judah Kellogg, Esq., wlio was the only deacon
of the church, considered the infirm health of Mr. Weston to be
such that he ought not to be settled. After the ordination, Deacon
Kellogg left the communion table, for which he was disciplined
and excommunicated as an offender for a very high crime, and
without the discrimination which the apostle Paul required in. his
directions. Mr. Weston's health was such that, many times, and for weeks
in succession, he was entirely unable to perform a,ny pastoral duties.
And during his eleven years' ministry the sacrament was not
administered in more than three or four instances. Cases of dis
cipline relating to persons who had not united with the dissenting
society, and had been members of the South church, and had
deserted it, occasioned trouble. At this time the feelings of the
two parties in Cornwall were to each other exceedingly unpleasant.
And thus were the religious circumstances of Mr. Weston's church
and people, until 1799, a period of uncommon interest in the
county of Hartford and that of Litchfield for the revival of piety.
In 1798 a very uncommon religious excitement, and greater than

62 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
had been known in Connecticut for many years, took place in the
town of Mansfield, Windham county. Soon after a revival was
witnessed at Hartford, which spread through the county and in
that of Litchfield, and of Berkshire, Mass. No religious revivals
had been known since those of half a century before of so great
extent as were seen now in the northwestern part of the State.
Many towns were deeply interested in the subject of salvation.
Now, for the first time, was Cornwall visited with a revival that
excited public notice. Both the north and south societies were to
some considerable degree blessed with the influences of the Holy
Spirit. There were between twenty and thirty hopefully the sub
jects of regenerating grace in the society of Mr. Weston; several
of whom were eventually united to his church, and became con
sistent professors. About the same number were added to the
church of the other society. Never before had Cornwall witnessed
a similar event. This interesting time was at the close of the last
century and the first years of the present one. These religious
excitements were remarkably free from those disorders and that
wild enthusiasm which so much disfigured the revivals of fifty and
sixty years before. Many thousands in Western Connecticut made
a good confession before the world, and lived answerably to
their christian views. Most of them have fallen asleep, but a few
of them still remain, proving the sincerity of their profession.
The influences of the Divine Spirit were at the same time en
joyed in several other places in Connecticut and Massachusetts,
accompanied with the most happy results. Also in Kentucky,
about the same time and a httle after, a religious excitement was
widely spread, which was much more remarkable for bodily
operations, produced by the impressions on the mind, than were
witnessed in New England. Many were entirely deprived of the
use of their limbs, or were convulsed with spasms; they were
instantly cast down and sunk into a trance. In repeated instances
persons were very strangely and involuntarily agitated in their
limbs. But in New England such cases were very rarely known.
This is an unquestionable fact, that those who had been most
acquainted with the sacred writings, and had the best means of
knowing divine truths, were far the least subjected to such singular
phenomena. But to return from this digression. The society and
church of Mr. Weston received from this revival an impulse of
religious activity unknown before; at the same time the pastor's
health decayed, and when the people needed the increased labors

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 63
of a pastor's duty, Mr. Weston was very incapable of doing what
he wished to perform and the circumstances of the people required.
The venerable Mr. Mills of Torringford, with his associates in the
work of God, Messrs. Gillett of Torrington, Stasr of Warren,
Hallock of Canton, and the excellent Mr. Hooker of Goshen, and
other zealous ministers, were ready so far as they could to aid Mr.
Weston in his infirmities, to promote the religious welfare of
South Cornwall.
After continuing eleven years and one-half in his pastoral office,
Mr. Weston was dismissed an account of his increasing ill health.
Both pulmonary and nervous diseases afflicted him. He was a
good economist. His wife, who was Miss Abigail Mills, of Kent,
an excellent lady of good health, proved a helper in all respects, .
and having no children to provide for, he acquired a comfortable
share of property, and retired to Kent, where he died, November,
1811, being supported in death by the promises of the Gospel.
Had, he been blessed with a firm constitution of body, he would
have been an active and, no doubt, energetic minister. His mind
was naturally vigorous. He was distinguished for a keenness of
wit and a talent of sarcasm, so that those who knew him were not
very ready to attack him with the shafts of satire, well knowing
that they would be losers in such a conflict. In the course of his
ministry, the subject of the standing of baptized children was
seriously discussed by the church, and an opinion was stated in a
written document, in Mr. Weston's handwriting, in which the
church concurred with the pastor. This paper is still extant,
expressing the belief that baptized children are to be regarded as
in a covenant relation to God, but not to be allowed to be commu
nicants at the Lord's Supper, or to offer their children in baptism,
without faith and repentance.
Some time previous to Mr. Weston's dismission, several candi
dates preached to the people.
In March, 1803, the writer of these historical sketches came
here to preach as a candidate for settlement, while he anticipated
a residence not longer than four or six weeks. " But it is not in
man to direct his steps." His first preaching, on the 15th of
March, was from the text, "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor,
therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Within ten weeks, he
was invited by an unanimous vote of both the church and society
to be their pastor. The salary offered was $420 only. Having
been sought for, some time before he came to Cornwall, to preach

64 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
as a candidate at Sunderland, on Connecticut river, Massachusetts,
and receiving another and special request from that town, he went
thither in June, and in six weeks was invited to settle there, with
a salary equal- to that offered at Cornwall. After hesitating for
many weeks, he accepted the invitation of Cornwall. South Corn
wall had, with much effort, raised a fund for the support of a
minister, the interest of which amounted toward $300. The
people here were unanimous in their call, while those of Sunderland
were not so perfectly united. Four church members objected —
doubting whether the candidate possessed vital piety, as they
found, after examining him, that his experience at his regeneration
did not agree with theirs. He engaged to stay at Sunderland,
provided those four dissenters would not oppose. They did not
consent so to do, therefore he returned to Cornwall, and, on the
20th of November, 1803, was ordained. He was previously exam
ined by the association held in Torrington, before which body he
preached, and he was approved to be allowed to accept the Corn
wall call. This rule is an excellent one, and prevents improper
candidates from intruding themselves into the consociation of the
churches. At that period, the north consociation of Litchfield.
County had the following pastors, viz. : the Rev. Messrs. Bordwell
of Kent, Starr of Warren, Smith of Sharon (the father of Gov.
Smith), Parker of Ellsworth, Grossman of Salisbury, Morgan of
North Canaan, Hooker of Goshen, Gillett of Torrington, Robbins
of Norfolk, Mills of Torringford, Lee of Colebrook, Hallock of
Canton, Miller of Burlington, and Jerome of New Hartford.
Rarely has there been a more worthy association of pastors than
those who have been now enumerated. They were closely united
in christian and ministerial friendship, and of one accord in their
views of divine truth. Every one of them had been more or less
blessed with religious revivals; one of them, indeed, who preached
sound doctrine, and had witnessed a revival among his people,
was, in 1817, deposed from the ministry, after he had left his
flock, for dishonesty. Every one of them is in the grave, and
the, writer of this statement is the only surviving associate of that
body with which he had the honor of being once connected.
At the ordination of the writer, the Rev. Bezaleel Pinneo of
Milford, the brother-in-law of the pastor-elect, preached from
2d of Timothy, ii, 15: "Study to shew yourself approved of God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the
word of truth." It was an excellent discourse. Rev. Mr. Rob-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 65
bins, of Norfolk, who was moderator of, the consociation, offered
the consecrating prayer, the candidate, according to his own
request, received consecration on his bended knees, on a platform
stage prepared before the pulpit. Rev. Mr. Starr, of Warren, gave
the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Mr. Hooker, of Goshen, pre
sented him the right hand of fellowship. It had not then become
customary to give a charge to the church and people. The whole
number of the church then, including several that had removed
from the town and were not dismissed, was fifty-five — twenty-one
males and thirty-four females. The confession of faith of this
church was essentially defective, as the divinity of Christ, His
atonement for sin by vicarious suffering, and other important
principles of the Christian faith, were omitted. Therefore the
pastor, in a few months, proposed to the church the articles of
faith and the church covenant, the same that are now in use, and
are published in the church manual prepared by the Rev. Mr.
Urmston, in 1838. In May 4th, 1804, the church unanimously
adopted it. Both Mr. Gold and Mr. Weston were sound in their
doctrinal opinions ; it was, therefore, a matter of surprise that such
a lax creed was in use for so long a period.
It is now requisite to advert to the North Church and society.
While the South Church had a creed exceedingly lax and such as
Unitarians would readily admit, the other church at the north
had adopted a creed very explicit and sound, declaring in language
very copious, without the least reserve or ambiguity, all the tenets
of that Saybrook platform, the church government of which they
had formally rejected.
Thus, while the old church strenuously maintained the discipline
and consociational polity of the Saybrook platform, and at the
same time did not insert in her creed the doctrinal sentiments of
that platform, the dissenting church received cordially those
doctrines, but had rejected that which was less important, to wit,
the church discipline and consociational principles. Each party
in Cornwall was willing and even desirous to form a union. But
the removal of the old meeting-house to Cornwall Valley, a mile
beyond its former site, proved an insuperable obstacle to such a
compromise. This obstacle became afterwards still more insupera
ble by the ecclesiastical fund of the south society, as the validity
and existence of it depended upon the continuance of the meeting
house being in Cornwall Valley.
The north society had no incorporation, and no local bounds.
9

66 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
For about five years, in the period of Mr. Weston's ministry, the
Rev. Mr. Israel Holley, who had been a minister in the Society of
Salmon Brook in Granby, Hartford county, was their stated
preacher and officiated as pastor, though not installed. He was a
pious man and of sound theology. His ministry was blessed, for
the spirit of revival that had been spreading in the county, and
had reached South Cornwall, was soon enjoyed in the north part
of the town. This revival was not an event that could be ordina
rily expected, when there were such discordant feelings between
professed friends of Christ here. Still it was so. The two
ministers of the town had scarcely any intercourse with each
other. They did not associate at all in religious meetings, and yet
both of them were the sincere friends of Christ and of His cause !
The claims of conscience, and a religion that is established by
civil government, cannot well coalesce anywhere, but above all, not
in a free government like ours. The people that had separated
from the society of Mr. Gold some years before, believing that they
and their families could not be edified by the instruction of the -
pastor, formed the majority of the legal voters of Cornwall. But
the statutes of Connecticut bound them to the decision of the
minority, by means of the union between church and the ecclesiasti
cal society.
At this time Mr. Gold was disconnected from his people by his
resignation of office as pastor, and also by death.
Those dissenters, respectable in character and for number, being
in their religious opinion united with the churches and societies of
the vicinity, were very desirous to have christian intercourse and
fellowship with the adjacent churches. But the south church and
society opposed them, unless they would come down to Cornwall
Valley to worship there, which the northern people regarded as a
mile beyond the center of the town. They were regarded by the
south as schismatics and disorganizers, and the neighboring
ministers and churches countenanced the conduct of the south
church by refusing to associate with them as a regular body of
Christians. Therefore the north church and people applied to the Morris
town Presbytery (a body of churches and pastors that had from
some reasons separated from the Presbyterian Church of the
United States), to be united with them as a regular church. They
were so far received as such that for eighteen months they had
their patronage and were in a sort of connection with that presbytery.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 67
The Rev. Mr. Somers, afterwards the pastor of a church in
Spencertown, in Columbia County, N. Y., preached to them for
some time. They applied to the legislature for incorporation with
local bounds, but unsuccessfully, as the society bounds they
petitioned for took in several families that had uniformly belonged
to the south society.
A few months after the ordination of the writer at South Corn
wall, the people of the north made another attempt to become an
incorporated society, and to obtain an equal part of the property
that belonged to the Ecclesiastical Society of Cornwall which was
appropriated in a right of the town for that purpose at the survey
ing of the township. This property was not granted, as it was
designed for the first society, and these petitioners were dissenters
from it. But an act of the legislature in 1804, at the October
session held in New Haven, gave them an incorporation, but with
out any local boundaries: allowing any one to join the society,
if done within a specified time prescribed in the act.
More than a year before this incorporation, at a meeting of the
north association of this county, held at the Rev. Mr. Starr's of
Warren, a delegation from the north church met them, requesting
that the pastors of the vicinity would visit the north society and
church and open a friendly and christian intercourse with them,
and thereby acknowledge their christian character. They having
been connected with the Morristown Presbytery, the association
appointed a committee of their body to unite with a committee of
that Presbytery, to investigate into the state of North Cornwall
Church. This proposal was much opposed by Mr. Weston, who
was present; and no doubt the opposition was agreeable to some
of the leading persons of the south church, but not to all of them.
Those who with Mr. Weston opposed such compromising measures,
thought that all the northern people ought to come down to the
meeting-house in Cornwall Valley, and quitting their old prejudices,
unite and form one large church and society. The joint com
mittees of this association and of the Morristown Presbytery met
at North Cornwall in the summer of 1803, and recommended such
a course, or rather did such things, as tended to a reconciliation
of the two contending parties.
Having been incorporated as an ecclesiastical society, as has been
already stated, Rev. Josiah Hawes, a native of the adjacent town
of Warren,, was invited to preach to the north society, and he
commenced preaching in the latter part of 1803, and continued his

68 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
labors 'in the succeeding winter. He had studied and graduated
at Williams College, and was a pupil of Dr. Backus of Somers, of
this State. Having been invited by the church and people with
much unanimity to the pastoral office, he was ordained on the 14th
of March, 1805.
The ordaining council consisted of the pastors and delegates of
the North Consociation, although the church of North Cornwall
was not yet consociated. The church and pastor of South Corn
wall were invited to the council. Some of the worthy members of
this church were not very ready to acknowledge the North Church
as a sister church, — they had not sufficiently forgotten former trou
bles. But the venerable General Heman Swift was then retain
ing his ample powers of mind, and he wished to see the peace of
Cornwall. The pastor, too, earnestly desired the same, and, in
opposition to the feelings of his friends, his church, by a majority,
voted to comply with the request of North Cornwall, and appointed
Gen'l Swift delegate. Previous to the ordination of Mr. Hawes
the South Cornwall minister determined, so far as he could do it,
to break down the separating walls between the two churches, and
therefore exchanged labors in the pulpit with Mr. Hawes. The
Rev. Mr. Stowe, the pastor of Mr. Hawes, preached the ordination
sermon. The venerable and reverend Mr. Cornwall, the former
spiritual guide of the people of North Cornwall, was appointed by
the council (he being one of the body) to give the charge to the
pastor elect. This he did with great propriety and solemnity. He
presented to Mr. Hawes the holy Bible, and, putting it into his
hands, charged him to regulate his own conduct and all his minis
try according to the orders of this sacred directory.
The right hand of fellowship was allotted to the writer of this
account. With great pleasure was the right hand of his presented
to that most worthy and very amiable ministerial brother. This
event was interesting, highly so, to the religious prosperity of this
town. During the ministry of Mr. Hawes, which was more than eight
years, his ministerial connection with the pastor of South Corn
wall was unusually cordial; and when their respective flocks were
not on the most friendly terms, the two pastors never indulged a
suspicion of the friendship of each other. There was, indeed,
much more harmonious feeling between the two churches and
societies than had been before known. In more instances than one
the two churches, with their pastors, met for prayer and Christian

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 69
conference. These meetings were delightful. The North society
had never been accustomed to pay taxes for the support of the
ministry, as the South society had been, and which had now an
ecclesiastical fund of nearly three hundred dollars a year; and the
people of Mr. Hawes, who were less in number than the Sbuth
parish, and supported their minister by subscription and donations,
found it somewhat hard to raise the salary of about three hund
red and thirty- three dollars for Mr. Hawes.
Therefore they were desirous that the South society should con
sent and propose to give up some families that belonged to them
to be united with the North. For this purpose the North Church
requested that the sister church should, in a meeting with them,
favor such a concession, and that some important members of the
South society, living in the north part of the town, should be
allowed and recommended by the South Church to join the North
society. This was, indeed, a delicate matter to handle. •Fearing
that such a meeting of the two churches for such a purpose would
tend to lessen friendly feelings which had been enjoyed already, the
influential members of the South Church, with the pastor's advice,
opposed such a meeting, and it did not take place. This was in
the summer of 1810. This rejection produced unpleasant feelings
among many of the North society toward the pastor of the South
Church, charging him with too much influence on the minds of
his people and church. In the summer of 1811, proposals were
made by the North society, in a meeting for a union of the*
town in one society, and for the accomplishment of which the two
ministers would be necessarily dismissed.
The South society met on this subject, and about or nearly one
half of the voters approved, in general terms, this project. But
as it excited much agitation, and was strongly opposed by some of
the most important members of the church and society of the
South, the plan was soon given over by those who at first had
strongly advocated it. Some time before this, in the spring of
1809, Mr. Hawes proposed to be dismissed on account of his inad
equate support, and the consociation was convened. It should be
stated that soon after the connection of Mr. Hawes with his
church it was formally united to the North Consociation of the
county. At that consociational meeting in North Cornwall, in the
spring pf 1809, it was not thought proper to dismiss Mr. Hawes,
as his people did not wish it, and they made a compromise with
him. He did not leave his charge till he was dismissed by a

70 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
special meeting of consociation, convened at Ellsworth for a case
of an appeal from Ellsworth Church. Mr. Hawes and his church
and society, being united, then requested the separation, and it took
place. The eight years of Mr. Hawes' ministry at North Cornwall was
a very great blessing, as will be shown in the following pages, and in
the statement of the condition of the South society, to which we
are now to advert.
There were several cases of discipline, demanding the immediate
attention of the church of South Cornwall, on the commencement
of the pastor's duty. The adoption of a sound and sufficiently
explicit creed has been brought to view already. Such was the ill
health of Mr. Weston that it had been impossible for him to
attend to pastoral visits among the families of his flock. This
being known, the new pastor was under the necessity of paying
special attention to service, and immediately entered upon it. He
soon saw the benefit of communicating religious instruction in the
family and at the fireside; where a friendly familiarity inspires
confidence and friendship. But little did he at first apprehend
that, maintaining the advantages resulting from it, required a con
tinuance of such a practice, and at the expense of the time essen
tial to faithful study for the all-important services of the pulpit.
Little did he think that to prepare "well beaten oil " for the light
of the sanctuary demanded much time. He, indeed, at first
intended to be more of a studious minister than many times he
was. Cases of discipline were attended to, and with apparent suc
cess, as the delinquents gave satisfaction to the church.
Early in 1806 the church appointed a committee to visit with
the pastor the families of the society, and especially members of
the church, and to converse on religion, and urge on baptized
children their duty. This plan had been recommended by the
Association to the churches a few months before. In a few in
stances this course was prosecuted, but not so effectually as the
importance of it demanded; still it was not unsuccessful. In the
course of the summer of 1806 a revival of religion, almost imper
ceptible, commenced. Here and there in different and various
sections of South Cornwall there were cases of religious impres
sions. The excitement was still and solemn ; it gradually increased
more and more for several months. Youth, the middle aged, and
many younger heads of families now felt the infinite importance
of salvation. Some had very deep convictions of the truths that

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 71
had been urged before in the pulpit. The entire depravity of man
kind, the spirituality and strictness of the law of God, the neces
sity of renewal of heart and affections by the Holy Spirit, the ina
bility of sinners to come to Christ on account of their alienation
from God, and the endless destruction of the finally impenitent
sinner, were the doctrines which had been plainly exhibited. Nor
was the doctrine of divine sovereignty in the predestination of the
elect at all disguised. At this time, when religion was the absorb
ing subject of attention, these doctrines were deeply reflected
upon, and had very great influence. For it is not to be forgotten
that in connection with the preaching of those truths, the moral
agency of sinners and their accountability to God, were strenu
ously maintained. In all the religious conferences, and meetings
on the Sabbath, there was solemnity, and nothing like outcries,
but not a few tears. Cases of great opposition to certain truths
were manifest, when conscience felt the truth, which the heart per
fectly abhorred, which opposition terminated in a peaceful and
joyous submission. Some saw that the heart was so opposed to
the spirituality of the Divine law, that it was apprehended by them
that the Holy Spirit had nothing to do with the production of such
a conviction of the truth, but that they were given up ' to their
native wickedness. They could not believe that God's Holy Spirit
could have any connection with such hearts as theirs. Some that
lived within a few rods of the house of worship, and had scarcely
ever attended it, were alarmed at their situation — were enlightened,
and became decidedly pious members of the church that they
formerly detested. In short, this was a most interesting event to
South Cornwall. Before, the youth had been quite lawless ; had
their midnight balls, and violated the rules of propriety with very
little restraint. But now there was a surprising change among
-the youth. Most of the influential of them turned their course en
tirely, and were sober-minded and truly pious. For twenty years,
until about the time the pastor of those youth was dismissed, in
1827, there was scarcely an instance of a midnight dance or party
of the youth known in South Cornwall. Then, when their pastor
was to be dismissed, parties were again renewed, to the alarm of
their more sober parents, who, for their own credit and for the
reputation of the society, determined to break up such disorder.
More than seventy, most of them youth and younger heads of
families, were the subjects of religious hope at that period, and
about that number united with the church in a few months. Al-

72 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
though this revival commenced in South Cornwall, the North
society soon shared in this effusion of God's regenerating and
sanctifying spirit. The same solemn scenes of religious anxiety for
the salvation of the soul were witnessed among the people of Mr.
Hawes. The same doctrinal preaching was heard from both of
the pulpits, and the confessions of faith of the two churches were
essentially the same ; and the operations of the divine Spirit, in
awakening, convincing, and converting sinners, were similar in
both parts of the town. A considerable number of heads of fam
ilies of North Cornwall, and of the most respectable class, became
publicly the disciples of the Lord Jesus.
In this season of revival much ministerial labor was demanded;
religious meetings and evening conferences were multiplied far
more than in a former period. Neighboring pastors and other
ministers were not unfrequently here, rendering their benevolent
aid, in both of the societies. The venerable fathers of the
consociation, the Rev. Messrs. Mills, Starr, Gillett, and that emi
nently pious servant of Christ, Jeremiah Hallock, were here in
Cornwall, to bear their witness to the great truths of the gospel.
None were here oftener in this precious season, than Messrs. Gil
lett and Hallock. Opposition to this work of God was very Httle
known. It ought not to be forgotten that previous to the commencement
of the solemn scenes in South Cornwall, there had been, within a
year or two, religious camp-meetings of the Methodists in adjacent
towns. Although those meetings were accompanied with irregu
larities and confusion, yet, no doubt there were in those meetings
real conversions to God. And those scenes, in all probability, had
their influence in leading some persons who had been entirely
thoughtless of their souls, to think seriously on their situation.
Religious conversation was more common in Cornwall. The
youth were unusually sober-minded throughout the town. At that
time the religious youth in South Cornwall maintained, at stated
times, meetings of their own for prayer and familiar conversation
on religious subjects.
The plan of uniting the two societies in the summer of 1811
already mentioned, was fraught with danger to the peace of the
South church. The fund of the South society was so managed as
to give great dissatisfaction to many; it was indeed conducted in a
manner that could not bear a legal trial at law. A fund for a

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 73
society is obviously intended (unless otherwise specified in its con
stitution) to be an equal benefit to each individual. Therefore, if
the fund is not sufficient to pay the annual support of the minister,
the deficiency must be made good by subscriptions, or by a tax
laid on all equally. But some individuals had given for the fund
more than their property would have required had there been no
fund. Such were resolved not to pay more by a tax over and
above their fund subscription. But this was not legal proceeding,
and it produced a continual dissatisfaction in South Cornwall.
By the proposed union of the two societies, the entire abolition of
this fund was intended. But the goodness of Divine Providence
interposed by a very great and most interesting revival of religion
in the South church and society not long after the project of union,
and which commenced in the beginning of October, 1811. This
solemn excitement silenced all present agitations of union and of
the fund.
The youth had maintained their stated religious meetings, and
the church also had not neglected to attend their meetings in a
somewhat regular manner. But in the summer of 1811, both the
meetings of the youth and of the church had become less regarded.
The zeal of christians among us in the midst of the agitations of
union of societies and of the fund, was dying away apace. Thomas
Ruggles Gold, a most excellent character, and Victorianus Clark,
Esq., afterwards a deacon of the church, made efforts to revive
the spirit of zeal in the youth's religious meetings. God mani
festly smiled on these efforts. The youth were the first fruits of
this revival of 1811 and 1812. Very many of them, and many
children, turned to the Saviour. Gradually, and with solemn
silence, this interesting state of mind concerning the unseen
realities of a future world, increased from October to the succeed
ing spring. The charge of the Rev. Mr. Hawes, in North Corn
wall, shared not a little in these things. One after another of the
youth, and several children of the age of twelve and somewhat
older, were solicitous to find their Saviour. The Center School of
South Cornwall, taught by a young man who had been one of the
first to hope in God, was in a very singular situation. Often in
the intermission of the school hours, the children would resort to
their pastor's house, a few rods distant, to receive his instructions,
and to unite in his prayers for them. Deeply interesting were
these interviews. To behold a group of children, forsaking their
accustomed pastimes, and from the number of six or ten to double
10

74 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
of that sum, asking with the utmost simplicity, and with tearful
eyes, " What shall we do to be saved," would affect the stern heart
of any stoical and proud pharisee that opposed the effusions of
the Holy Spirit. Many in that season were most solemnly im
pressed with the belief of the reality of vital religion, who never
gave evidence that they knew it experimentally. Yet a very con
siderable number of both societies eventually united themselves
with the visible church, whose deportment as christians hon
ored their holy profession. A large accession there was to the
church of South Cornwall, not only of youth, but of those of
respectable standing in middle life. The two pastors beheld with
great delight, a happy change in the religious state of their
respective charges.
On a very pleasant Sabbath morning in May, 1812, the minister
of the South society had the great satisfaction of beholding from
his pulpit about forty seated in the galleries of the house of God,
most of them youthful singers, who with two or three exceptions
were young converts, and had united with the church, or expected
to do it soon. Few pastors had more reason to rejoice than he, in
seeing so large a number of the youth of his flock apparently
walking in the truth, conducting soberly and amiably as young
christians, and honoring the great Saviour by a public profession of
faith in Him.
One extraordinary case of conversion in a man of more than
eighty-one years of age is demanding peculiar notice. Samuel
Abbott, eldest son of the ancient Deacon Abbott, was at his com
mencement of active life amply furnished with patrimonial
property, which he entirely lost, by a peculiar providence, not
long after he began to take care of himself and family. His loss
made him almost a misanthropist. He for a long course of years
was scarcely ever seen in the house of worship, though within
half a mile of his residence. He indulged strong prejudices
against professed christians, and felt and expressed bitter feelings
to the minister of South Cornwall. In the summer of 1811 he
was sick, and apparently near death. He was often visited by his
minister in his sickness, and was solemnly and yet tenderly urged
to repentance, being told that he was a ruined sinner. But the
agonizing sufferer felt himself insulted, and indignantly turned a
deaf ear. When requested by his wife, who was a professor of
religion, to ask Mr. S. to pray for him, he sullenly assented to the
request, turning on his side, intending to hear nothing. He com-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 75
plained of the minister as wishing to torment him in his distress,
and even declared that he believed that the Almighty loved to tor
ment him in his distresses. He indeed seemed like a wild bull
tossing in a net which he could not break. Contrary to all expec
tations, he recovered to his former activity. The revival came, he
knew nothing of it, as he was quite a deaf man, and none wished
to speak to him of a subject that would provoke his wrathful
feelings. Thus this aged man appeared to be given up to repro
bation and final impenitence; and as such was he regarded by him
who gives this narative, and so he wrote of him in his private
writings of that time.
When the cold season had commenced, and the anxiety of
many youths concerning their salvation was increasing, this old
man became unhappy, and silent, sullen, and unpleasant in temper;
often he retired to the woods, continuing there alone. When his
wife, noticing his singular conduct, inquired of him what affected
him, his answers were cross and evasive. She, suspicious that he
was under serious impressions about his soul, asked him whether
it was not so, he indignantly denied it. Repeatedly it was so
when the wife thus inquired of him. His pride and the force of
truth and conscience made him miserable.
For many days, in which he would hide himself in the woods
among the rocks, and seated on the stumps would he bemoan his
woeful situation. At length his agony of soul was too much to
be concealed, and soon his state of mind was entirely altered.
It was reported to his minister that Samuel Abbott was under
deep conviction, and was even converted. This astonishing report
soon brought the minister to his little, cold habitation, who in his
way thither, took with him a judicious christian brother of the
church, to ascertain what was truth relating to this marvelous
story. On meeting him in his house, he seized the hand of his minister
with much emotion, while tears rolled down on his wrinkled
cheeks, and said to him : "I have hated to see your face, but 0,
how glad I am now to see you ! " sobs and crying checked further
speaking. He then stated that he had been some time before
made to think that he had become a very old man, and must soon
die; — that he was an old and great sinner against God, who had
borne with him in his sins with astonishing patience, and these
impressions filled him with great horror. He said, that as long as
possible he had endeavored to conceal his distress of mind, there-

76

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

fore he went often into the woods alone to think on his wretched
condition. He felt so guilty that he did not dare to offer one
petition to God for mercy. At length, a few days since, he, when
in the woods, was so entirely overwhelmed with distress, that he
thought his heart would break. Then he was compelled to cry
out for the mercy of God. Soon he was led to reflect on the long-
suffering goodness and patience of God toward him, and to other
sinners. It seemed to him most wonderful. Also, at the same
time, he saw God in every object around him, and as he expressed
himself: "God was in all the rocks and trees." Having stated
these facts, he added that he loved to think of God, but if he
looked on himself, he was distressed. As yet, the old man did
not seem to have any peace in believing in the pardon of his sins
through Christ. But from instructions, accompanied with the
influence of God's good Spirit, he very soon enjoyed great peace
and even joy, — as Christ, no doubt, was formed in him the hope
of glory. Now he greatly loved christians, and was much en
deared in his feelings to his pastor, whom, a few months before,
he so much hated.
After a trial of the continuance of his faith, which was accom
panied with a corresponding deportment, he was, from his earnest
request, received into the visible church. He was, indeed, a won
der to all who had before known old Mr. Samuel Abbott.
During the remainder of life, there was nothing in his conduct
that could justify any doubts of the sincerity of his faith and pro
fessions. His mental powers had been decaying for some time,
when he died in peace in July, 1816.
The deacons of the north church were, Beriah Hotchkiss, Heze
kiah Clark, and David Clark, two brothers, Jesse Hyatt, Eliakim
Mallory, Titus Hart, Noah Rogers, 2d, Nathan Hart, and James
Wadsworth. The two last mentioned are at present officiating.
Invidious comparisons among characters of worth are to be
wisely avoided. But without reflecting" at all on the worthiness of
the deacons of North Cornwall, all of whom have been not a little
respected by their christian friends, Deacon Hyatt and Deacon
Titus Hart deserve more than ordinary notice.
The former was eminently amiable and meek, and few chris
tians have lived and died with fewer enemies than Deacon Hyatt.
Until the. latter part of his life, he did not believe that infants
should be baptized ; but before his death he was convinced of that
duty; yet he was never a close communionist, but with the utmost

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 77
cordiality was ever glad to receive everyone that loved the essen
tial doctrines of the cross. He removed to Georgetown, Che
nango County, N. Y. There his light shone with mild and
amiable lustre, until in good time he was summoned to the church
triumphant. Deacon Titus Hart was truly a good man, an Israelite indeed,
and ever firm and steadfast in duty; possessing the qualifications
which Paul required of the office pi deacon.
For thirty-six years from the election of Judah Kellogg, Esq.,
until 1812, no deacon was chosen by the South Church. Capt.
Seth Pierce and Col. Benjamin Gold acted in some sort as dea
cons; they waited on the church at the communion table, but did
not formally accept the office of deacons.
The church was three times larger than it was six years before, '
and these three deacons were chosen July 9, 1812 : Josiah Hop
kins, Sen., Benjamin Gold, and Abel Carter. Deacon Hopkins
possessed a sound judgment, but he was slow in speech, having no
eloquence, and his education had been no more than ordinary.
He could not plead a cause before an earthly court to any advan
tage ; but his eloquence in the court of Heaven, with which he
maintained an invincible intercourse by prayer, was mighty. Very
few disciples of Christ imitated their Master more than Deacon
Hopkins. His pastor ever regarded his secret prayers in the
closet, and in the retirement of the woods, one of the most im
portant means of bringing down the rich effusions of the Divine
Spirit, with which South Cornwall was favored.
In 1819 he resigned his office,, and Deacon Jedidiah Calhoun,
in December, was elected.
In Nov. 1824, Deacon Hopkins peacefully exchanged earth for
heaven. Deacon Gold, after a long, active, and useful life, having been
much employed in public business, died, May, 1847, with great
calmness and peace, relying on his Saviour.
The people of South Cornwall, and of the north society, also,
were generally interested in the promotion of an institution called
"The Moral Society," which had excited not a little attention in
New England. Between 1812 and 1816, many meetings were
held in this State, and in various places,, also very extensively
throughout the country, to promote this cause. Probably it pro
moted morality and good order. But previous to this voluntary
organization, the temperance cause had secured a large share of

78 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
notice, and soon superseded "The Moral Society." The authority
of this town, at its annual meeting on the first Monday of June,
1814, was respectfully solicited by the minister of South Cornwall
to favor the moral society; and all the gentlemen of that meeting
signed their names to the moral society. For a time, this society
flourished. The standing in which baptized children are to be regarded in
their relation to the church in which their parents are members,
had been seriously attended to by the church here in the ministry
of Mr. Weston. His successor often brought to view this highly
important subject in the pulpit. It weighed very heavily on his
mind. The greal neglect of poedobaptist churches to their baptized
children, seemed to him an aggravated sin, and their amazing
inconsistencies of conduct, as one great cause of many sincere
christians renouncing infant baptism. The subject having been
once and again pressed on the church, a meeting, in March 6th,
1814, was held, in which thirty-four brethren gave their assent and
signatures to a system of discipline of baptized children. This is
on the records of the church; and in a future period, this church,
(which no doubt will, with her sister churches, become obedient to
God's institutions and laws, much more than any now are,) will
duly regard the important duty the church owes to her baptized
children. All members present at that meeting gave their consent; a few
brethren were absent; and some felt uninterested in the subject,
but no one opposed it. Such had been the harmony of the
church on every subject, excepting in regard to the ecclesiastical
fund, that the pastor indulged considerable hope of seeing baptized
children more faithfully trained up "in the way that they should
go," and " in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." The sub
ject was brought, not long after, to the consociation to be consid
ered. They generally approved of a system somewhat similar,
and suggested it to the consideration of the churches. But
nothing was effected.
Not long after this act of the churches of South Cornwall, the
plan of union of the two churches and societies engrossed all the
attention of the people of the town for many months in the year
1815, and directly after, in 1816, the Foreign Mission School was
instituted in Cornwall Valley. These things tended directly to
turn off the mind from the duties devolving on believing parents
and the church in respect to their baptized children.

ECCLESIASTICAL HfSTORY. 79
The North church and society demands now our attention.
The church of Mr. Hawes and his society were favored with a
good share of the revival of religion enjoyed in 1806 and 1807,
and also in 1811 and 1812, that commenced in South Cornwall.
There was a harmonious feeling between Mr. Hawes and his flock.
But the people felt a considerable burden in supporting him.
Without any unpleasant feelings toward each other, in July, 1813,
at an extra meeting of the consociation at Ellsworth, which was
convened to hear an appeal of an excommunicated member from
the Ellsworth church, Mr. Hawes and his people were amicably
disunited. In the ensuing winter, efforts were made by some of '
the neighboring ministers to induce the people of the north society
to recall Mr. Hawes, but without any success. He was, in a year,
settled at North Lyme, in this State, where, for more than eight
years, he was beloved by his flock. He eventually removed to the
the State of New York.
His people hired preaching; two very respectable candidates
were employed for a season in the two years after Mr. Hawes'
dismission, viz.: Rev. Francis L. Robbins, settled at Enfield, and
Rev. Mr. Hawley, who settled at Hinsdale, Mass. In the year
1815, serious efforts were made to unite the societies and churches,
it being intended that the minister of the South society should
take the charge of them both, they forming one society and
church. The north parish and the church were apparently unani
mous, and a large proportion of the south concurred; but three
very respectable members of the South church, Capt. Seth Pierce,
Col. Benjamin Gold, and Samuel Hopkins, Esq., opposed through
fear of the removal of the meeting house, and the consequent loss
of the ecclesiastical fund. Por a short season, there was a very
fair prospect of success. Had the minister of the South society
been active in promoting this design, and had he not thrown some
obstacles in the way, probably a compromise of the two parties
would have been effected. No one was more urgent than Gen.
Sedgwick, who was a member of the South church, and a sincere
friend of the pastor; he was desirous to hasten on the union by an
immediate application to the State legislature, to pass an act of
uniting the two ecclesiastical societies into one. Had this been
done without any specific arrangement, as for who should be the
minister, the pastor of the South church would have been without
a society, and the society without a minister. But this obstacle
having been stated in a letter sent to the members of the joint

80 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
committee of the two societies, broke up the project. A large
proportion of the North church and society were, it is believed, no
way insincere in their professed desire that the minister of the
South society should be the pastor. Some living in the south of
the town were willing to have the fund destroyed, and to run the
risk of losing the meetinghouse in Cornwall Valley. Cornwall is
not favorably located for one society. Not only its length from
north to south is about double its breadth, but, also, the mountains
and valleys are so located that a convenient center cannot be found
to accommodate the inhabitants in assembling in one place for
public worship. Experience has clearly proved that it is highly
expedient for this town to have two . distinct societies, and nearly
two thousand people demand two ministers.
When this plan of union was agitated, Mr. Grove Brownell, of
Vermont, a graduate at Burlington College, Vermont, who afterward
was the minister of Woodbury, (north society,) Conn., and more
recently of Sharon, was employed as a preacher in North Corn
wall. He continued there for some months in the winter of 1816,
and his ministry was much blessed with a special revival of reli
gion. Quite a considerable number were eventually united to the
north church.
A revival also was then enjoyed in the south society, but it was
somewhat subsequent to that of the north. A considerable addi
tion was made at that time to the south church. From this
period all serious thoughts of union of the societies was given up.
The revival of religion in North Cornwall, through the instru
mentality of the Rev. Mr. Brownell, was not only highly auspi
cious in promoting piety, but also, it animated the hopes of the
friends of the ecclesiastical society, and excited their efforts to
support and elevate it. Occasionally their pulpit was supplied,
but until June, 1819, no pastor was obtained. At that time, the
Rev. Walter Smith, a native of Kent, who graduated at Yale col
lege, 1816, and had studied theology under the guidance of the
Rev. Dr. Perrine, of New York, was installed by the consociation
as pastor; the society had engaged his support for five years at a
salary of $500. At his ordination, the Rev. Asa Blair, of Kent,
the pastor of Mr. Smith, preached the ordination sermon, and the
minister of South Cornwall was appointed to give the right hand
of fellowship, as he was fourteen years before at the installment
of Mr. Hawes.
During a few years previous, after the plan of union of 1815

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 81
the two churches and societies had not been so perfectly harmoni
ous toward each other, as they had been before. A military
union, occasioned by a new arrangement of the militia companies,
produced unpleasant consequences; and as it ought not to have
been, soured the feelings of several professed christians of the
respective churches. This, though very unpleasant, was only
temporary. The two ministers were not at all drawn aside from each other
in their cordiality as brothers in the ministry. Mr. Smith's minis
try in North Cornwall was not limited, as it was first proposed, to
five years, but he continued in his office until 1838. For the nine
teen years of his pastoral duties, Mr. Smith was an able and useful
minister, being a respectable scholar no less than a faithful pastor.
He was the means, under God, of enlarging his church not a little;
as he received, during his ministry, a hundred members or more.
Repeatedly his ministry was blessed with hopeful conversions.
Not improbably he would have continued longer-with his people,
had he not been deranged in mind, produced by ill health. He
was constitutionally, and in a measure hereditarily, prone to men
tal derangement; and he was four times placed in the Hartford
retreat for the insane, and by medical aid was restored. In the
summer of 1838 he was dismissed. In the spring of 1840 he
removed to Vernon, in Ohio, and while occasionally he preached,
he became an instructor, and eventually a merchant with his eldest
son. Previous to his dismission the enterprise of North Cornwall
erected a very commodious and handsome house for divine wor
ship, now standing toward a mile north of the former house that
was demolished.
The south church and society now demand attention.
After the project of the union of the two societies was in 1815
given up, the people of the south were much involved in debt, by
the neglect and inattention of those who had the charge of their
financial concerns. By this means many of the people were dis
satisfied. There was such an unpleasant set of feelings as threat
ened almost the dissolution of the ecclesiastical society. There
were many that had greatly desired a union with the other society;
and they earnestly wished the ecclesiastical fund to be destroyed.
Therefore there were jarring opinions and feelings among those
who were members of the church. Hence religion did not prosper.
Notwithstanding the considerable revival enjoyed in the winter
of 1816, when the same blessing was granted, and to a greater
11

82 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
extent, to North Cornwall, spirituality in religion was now much
diminished in this church. The prospect was indeed gloomy.
About that time, the pastor, with the concurrence of the church,
instituted meetings to be held once in two weeks in different parts
of the society, to consist of members of the church and of baptized
children. The places of the meetings were so allotted as to accom
modate in their rotation all the various church members and their
families. One great object was to lead baptized children to consider
their peculiar relation to God to whom they had been dedicated, also
to impress on believing parents their solemn obligations to train up
their dedicated children in "the nurture and admonition of the
Lord." This plan was prosecuted for a considerable time; and
several of those meetings were deeply interesting. Such should
have been the conduct of this church long before ; and every pedo-
Baptist church, to be consistent with their views of infant bap
tism, ought ever to regard their dedicated children in a very dif
ferent manner from what any church has ever done. Let this
subject be treated as God, and the conscience of a well-informed
believer in Christ, and in infant baptism dictate, and infinite and
most glorious consequences would unquestionably follow. God
would then turn the hearts of parents to their children, and chil
dren to their parents, in a way that has never yet been seen. In
the blessed and approaching period, when all shall know the Lord,
something like such meetings will be regarded universally by all
the churches of the Lord Jesus. Then the baptism of infants
will be viewed as something infinitely more important than a mere
ceremony, and to give a name to a child, and which, according to
the solemn working of almost all christian churches holding to
infant baptism, very significantly is called christening. Such a
term is very appropriate when baptism is regarded as the same as
that regeneration which is requisite to reach heaven.
In the autumn of 1816, an event interesting to the people and
church of South Cornwall, excited their feelings and greatly ab
sorbed their attention. The foreign mission school was by the
American Board of Foreign Missions located in Cornwall Valley.
This place was chosen because of its retirement, the salubrity of
air, and the moral character of the people, and especially of the
youth; many of them, more than almost in any other society, were
professors of religion. The youth of the society were then un
usually sober and promising, and many of them were, more
than in most other places, informed in books, and had a respect- v

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 83
able library of their own, Inost of which books were chosen by
their pastor.
Few of this village were at first pleased with the proposal of
this establishment among them. The committee appointed by the
American Board of Foreign Missions came to propose to the people
this seminary when the minister was abroad, and they received
very little encouragement from the inhabitants of the village.
But on the return of the minister, and on his giving informa
tion of the design, and of its high importance, the people of the
vicinity altered their opinion concerning it, and several were very
liberal in their donations to it.
Henry Obookiah, with Thomas Hoppoe, his countryman, who a
few years before came from Hawaii, were instructed in New Eng
land, and were patronized by the ministers and religious people of
Litchfield County, especially those of the north consociation of
the congregational churches. A few other Sandwich Islanders,
with some other pagan youth, were collected at the school of
James Morris, Esq., of Litchfield, South Farms, in 1816. But
the decision of the American Board of Foreign Missions, from
the report of their committee, at their meeting at Dr. Dwights',
at New Haven, in October of that year, placed the institution at
Cornwall Valley. Rev. Mr. Harvey, of Goshen, who was the
most active in promoting this design, was appointed the principal
of the school. But the great unwillingness of the people of Mr.
Harvey to lose their pastor decided the consociation not to allow
his dismission.
The Rev. Herman Daggett, who then was engaged for a year
as teacher of a respectable academy at New Canaan, in Conn., and
had been both a pastor on Long Island, and a distinguished in
structor of youth, was by Rev. Mr. Beecher, then at Litchfield,
recommended and immediately appointed to take the charge of
the infant institution of Cornwall Valley. But the instruction of
it was committed to Rev. Edwin Dwight, who came with the for
eign youth to this place from South Farms in May, 1817. The
school flourished under his care. The death of Obookiah, in Feb
ruary 18, 1818, and the narrative of him, written by Mr. Dwight,
excited very uncommon interest in the minds of all friends to the
foreign missionary cause throughout our country. This school
had a celebrity beyond all expectation. The vale of Cornwall
became known in almost all the world by this singular, interesting,
and highly prosperous seminary.

84 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
In May, 1818, Mr. Daggett came here, and with very uncommon
prudence, piety, and wisdom from above, guided and instructed
for six years between eighty and one hundred youth of various
foreign and pagan nations. There were here more languages
spoken than are specified in the account of the various tongues at
the day of pentecost at Jerusalem, which we read in the 2d of
Acts. The blessings of God's spirit were very unusually sent down
once and again on this school. Many of Mr. Daggett's scholars
were baptized and received in the church of South Cornwall.
And most of these conducted consistently with their holy profes
sion. It was regarded as an honor, and no small benefit to our church,
that a man of Mr. Daggett's intelligence, wisdom, and uncommon
piety, was received as a member. His opinion and judgment were
highly estimated, and indeed in one instance, in a case of very
difficult and unhappy controversy and discipline, it was believed
by the pastor, too much confidence was placed in that wise and
good man's guidance, which led the church to an error of judg
ment. Still the example and advice of this good man was a great
blessing, and had his practical illustration of vital piety been
much more regarded and imitated, the ehurch of South Cornwall
would have been immensely more benefited. This school was
almost continually more or less visited by the divine Spirit, — at
times it resembled a green oasis amidst a sandy desert.* 
In 1822 and until 1824-5, the Foreign Mission school in Corn
wall Valley was highly prosperous, and was of great celebrity
among all friends to the cause of protestant missions. In the
winter of 1823-4 the marriage between John Ridge, a Cherokee
youth, who had been a pupil of Mr. Daggett, and had gone
home, and had now returned to Cornwall, and Sarah Northup, a
daughter of Mr. John Northup, steward of the mission school,
produced much agitation in South Cornwall; an agitation which
* We omit an account occupying eight closely written pages, of a, difficulty
between two church members, names not given, in which one sued the other in
the courts, resulting in the excommunication of one of them from the church.
Pourteen meetings of the church and one council of ministers were held on the
case. Mr. Stone closes his account of the affair thus: "But the ehurch has
never enjoyed as much internal peace, united with so much spiritual vigor since
that period as before."

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 85
would not have been, had all the people been more wise, and if
both the friends of the connection and the opposers of it had
possessed more discretion. Many things are lawful which are far
from being expedient. Had such who wished this connection to
take place, known more of human nature, and the prejudices of
society in which they lived they would not have involved them
selves and others in such evils as actually took place. This event
greatly embarrassed the mission school, and led to great evil in
the church and society. Especially, the repetition of a similar
connection between Elias Boudinot, a most promising and pious
.Cherokee youth who had been a pupil of Mr. Daggett, with Har
riet W. Gold, a young lady of no small excellence, and of one of
the most respectable families in the county of Litchfield had a
fatal influence in the community of South Cornwall. Enemies to
the missionary cause, and who had ever disliked the Cornwall
school, exulted in these things as they well presumed that they
would exceedingly injure the school.
The impartial and well-informed friends of this missionary
institution, who were personally acquainted with the operations
of these concerns, being eye-witnesses, were much grieved, and
involved in great embarassments. The interests of the church
in South Cornwall were hurt extremely, as unpleasant feelings
were cherished toward the respectable family connected with this
last Indian marriage, it being believed that there was not that
sincerity maintained, which ought to have been, in so long conceal
ing from public view the intended design.
A large proportion of the young females of the vicinity of the
F. M. School, were worthy members of the church, and most
favorably disposed to the missionary institution. Their fair char
acters were grossly calumniated by enemies to the seminary. All
our youth were excited to a spirit of indignation and tempted to
some acts of impropriety.
But none suffered so much as the pastor of the church. He
loved the mission school ardently, and saw the prospect of its dis
solution. He loved Boudinot and had been much loved by him ;
the young lady was a most sincere friend of her pastor. Had he
been in the Cherokee nation as a missionary, he would most cor
dially have married these young christian friends, whom he loved
as his spiritual children. But for him to have married, in Corn
wall, Boudinot to Harriet, would no doubt have exposed him to
immediate personal insult and abuse, and his dismission would

86 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
have been the direct consequence. He endeavored to harmonize
and conciliate the feelings of the contending parties so far as pos
sible — but to do it was impossible. He, like many others, who
have striven to reconcile combatants, received the blows of both,
and his dismission, a few years after, was in no small degree the
effect of this Indian marriage connection.
Ill health, which he had experienced for four years and a half,
from November, 1822, and from which he had been gradually
recovering, was the professed reason why about one-half of the
society requested his dismission, which took place May 1, 1827.
Other motives beside these ostensible reasons, operated on the
minds of the younger class. A more popular preacher and one
of more eloquence was desired. He would not contend with the
flock with whom he had been connected for toward a quarter of a
century, as pastor. It was a peaceful separation, although to him
it was extremely painful. After the severity of his feelings sub
sided, he ever rejoiced that he conducted as he did. Nothing
tends more to injure the cause of religion than for a pastor to
quarrel with his flock. The thought of a quarrel of this sort was
more painful than a dismission.
The sickness referred to, was a severe fever, continuing many
weeks; life was almost extinct, and death thought most probably
to be the result. For seventy days strength was too much pros
trated to allow walking. He had two watchers every night for
nearly three months ; during which period the kindness of his
people was exceedingly great ; especially the foreign youth of the
mission school manifested the most peculiar affection to the sick
minister and to his family. On his recovering in the spring of
1823, the Rev. Mr. Strong, who had been pastor of North Wood
bury, was hired by the society for four weeks. Afterward the
pastor, being still an invalid, hired preaching at his own expense
to the amount of between thirty and forty dollars.
In the winter of 1827-8, the dismissed minister was so well as
to go to East Hampton, the east parish of Chatham, on Connec
ticut river, where he was, on the first of May, 1828, installed pas
tor. There he continued three years and eight months. His
family could not leave Cornwall, chiefly on account of the ill
health of his wife. During his ministry at East Hampton, there
was, in the winter of 1828-9, a very uncommon religious ex
citement among his people, and no doubt many were truly con
verted. The Methodists took an active part in this revival, with

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 87
whom the East Hampton pastor had, for the most part, a friendly
correspondence, often meeting together.
It is important to refer back to the summer of 1826. At that
time there were many indications of a religious revival in South
Cornwall. There were a few hopeful conversions; but the influ
ential members of the church did not (a very few exceptions
only) take any interest in the prospect of a revival. At that time
the dismission of the pastor was no doubt secretly intended, and
when he knew nothing of it ! ! ! !
On July 25, 1827, the Rev. William Andrews, who had been
the pastor of Danbury, and previously of Windham, was installed
pastor of South Cornwall.
After the dismission of Mr. Smith in 1838, the north church
and society were destitute of a pastor until January, 1841. In the
summer of 1838, and in the succeeding autumn and winter, the
Rev. Mr. Tracy preached to them, and his ministerial labors were
accompanied with happy success. He was unusually plain and
pungent both in public and private in urging sinners to repent
ance; and so much so, as to give offence to many. Whether he
was in all cases entirely wise and prudent is doubtful ; still his
endeavors to excite and promote a religious revival were not in
vain. Many were the subjects of hopeful conversion, and many
of them were young heads of families, and of respectable, influ
ential characters. In the spring of 1839, fifty were united with
the church, most of that number at one time. This church and
society were now rising fast in respectability and in the order
and peace of the gospel, manifesting most evidently that the union
of the two congregational churches of Cornwall was not a desir
able event. After Mr. Tracy had left them, who had no intention
of being settled as the pastor of this people, no candidate was
employed with view of his settlement, until the summer of 1840,
when the Rev. Mr. Joshua L. Maynard, a native of New London
county, who was educated at New York City, and studied theology
there, preached as a candidate. With great unanimity he was
settled as their pastor. His ordination was January, 1841. Rev.
Mr. Andrews of Kent preached on the occasion.
Mr. Maynard's ministry was blessed uncommonly; and in the
winter of 1846 and 1847 a great religious excitement was, for sev
eral months, witnessed among the people of his charge. The scene
was deeply solemn; no irregularities or any indications of enthusi
astic feelings were displayed, as had been so unhappily manifested

88 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
in the course of the twenty years past, in many parts of our coun
try, where new measures and artificial management had produced
among thousands a prejudice against genuine revivals of religion.
,At North Cornwall all was still and impressive; and, what was yet
more extraordinary, there was no similar revivals in any adjacent
society. In the society of South Cornwall repeated weekly meet
ings of the church were held with the pastor, Rev. Mr. Day; and
a small degree of interest was felt in regard to the spiritual condi
tion of the people; and a few were the hopeful subjects of religion.
But nothing more appeared to be the result of the prayer meetings.
A more solemn and impressive scene of a religious revival was
never witnessed by the writer of this narrative, during his observ
ations of fifty years; nor, indeed, did he ever hear of a revival
much more interesting or more happy in its results. At the com
munion of North Cornwall, on the first Sabbath of May, about 100
were received into the church. Several of them were respectable
and influential heads of families. This society is not large, and
therefore, according to the population, not any ecclesiastical society
of Congregationalists in any place have enjoyed a religious revival
greater than North Cornwall.
Thus the historical sketch of that church and society is brought
to a close. North Cornwall's Congregational church is now in a
very prosperous condition, as much so as any in our own country,
excepting that, as in most of her sister churches, zeal and love are
now apparently declining. The installation of Rev. Mr. Andrews,
the immediate successor of the writer, was July 25, 1827. Rev.
Mr. Punderson, of Huntington, a special friend of Mr. Andrews,
preached on the occasion. There was but a small congregation
assembled. In the call of Mr. Andrews by the church and society
there was unanimity The dismissed minister exerted his influence
for Mr. Andrews' settlement. Rev. William Andrews was born at
Ellington, in this State, and graduated at Middlebury, Vermont.
Having studied theology with Dr. Burton, of Thetford, Vt., he
was settled as pastor of the Congregational Church of Windham,
of this State. Having been dismissed at his own request, he was
installed pastor of the First Church of Danbury. He continued
there, until a very unhappy controversy took place, occasioned by
a very perplexing case of church discipline (when the majority
of the church sustained Mr. Andrews in his proceedings, while a
majority of the society was adverse to him), he was then dismissed.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 89
Mr. Andrews was a sound divine, an uncommonly good sermonizer,
possessing a good logical mind, and was a superior scholar.
His ministry at Danbury was, until a controversy commenced,
more than usually happy and successful. He continued here in
his ministry for ten years and nearly six months, till, on the first
day of January, 1838, he died peacefully, relying on Christ; hav-
ing been for considerable time very infirm, and for several weeks
incapable of performing any ministerial services.
previous to the dismission of his predecessor the society was, in
consequence of the confusion of the Indian marriages, and the
infirm health of the pastor, although he was gradually recovering
it, sinking down into a declension. On the settlement of Mr.
Andrews, efforts were made to build up society secularly, and to
maintain respectability as a parish, manifestly appeared to have
been no small object in their efforts. When vital piety is the chief
object of a church, and genuine revivals are enjoyed, temporal
prosperity is the invariable result. Considerable pains 'were taken
to advance the interests of the Sabbath-schools. Mr. Andrews
was a sermonizer of superior order. His style was exceedingly
neat and perspicuous, and the truths of divine revelation and
sound Calvinistic doctrines were plainly and faithfully exhibited.
His speaking was good, without any oratorical display. It was evi
dent that his manner was regarded not a little.
His ministry was accompanied with success. A special revival
was enjoyed in the winter of 1829 and 1830, and during his ten
years' ministry sixty-three, by profession, were received into the
church. His health was, during the latter half of his ministerial labors,
quite infirm. The society, as such, was becoming weaker, and the
old house of public worship was less frequented, while the youth
in the gallery were light and irregular in their deportment.
Religion sensibly decayed. At the decease of Mr. Andrews the
prospect was dark. His funeral was very respectfully attended by
several ministers and by a full congregation. The Rev. Grant
Powers, of Goshen, preached on the occasion a sermon that was
soon issued from the press.
The Rev. Wm. W. Andrews, who was ordained pastor of Kent,
May, 1834, the oldest son of Mr. Andrews, was exceedingly pop
ular as a preacher, and of a most amiable character. He was a
superior scholar, and was highly esteemed by all the people of
South Cornwall, being everywhere popular. It had been reported
12

90 , HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
that his father gave as his dying request that this son might be his
successor at South Cornwall.
The influential, members of both church and society deemed it
highly important for the building up of the society that this young
minister should be removed from Kent to this place.
Nothing could have been more pleasant to the family of that
lovely and most intelligent young man, especially to his widowed
mother, than for him to come and take the place of his father.
But Kent regarded itself no way inferior in respectability to South
Cornwall. That people were strongly attached to their minister,
and therefore were highly indignant at our people in calling away
their pastor by an offer of an increase of one hundred dollars to
his salary. This was disingenuous conduct. But great allowance
should be made for the friends of Mr. Andrews and his family in
their peculiar circumstances of temptation. The writer (was an
ardent friend of this young minister, and had he not been settled
a pastor, Mr. Andrews would have been chosen to be the pastor
here in preference to another candidate, excepting that Mr.
Andrews was much attached to the singular views of the celebrated
Irving of Holland, who maintained the doctrine of the near
approach of Christ's second advent, in opposition to the spirit
ual millennium which is so clearly foretold in the prophetical
writings. These views of Mr. Andrews were regarded by the writer of
this statement as quite injurious to those efforts which the church
is under obligations to make to evangelize the world. Hence, with
all the partiality of friendship, and a high esteem for Mr. Andrews,
as a man of uncommon amiability, and of excellent mental endow
ments and acquisitions he could not desire him to be pastor of this
church. At a meeting of the church he remonstrated against an
invitation of Mr. Andrews — -and was thereby an object of no small
reproach for a season. Mr. Andrews did not accept the call. His
conduct was altogether honorable, as he did not encourage his
friends here that he would accept such an invitation.
The Rev. Nathaniel M. Urmston, a native of Chillicothe, Ohio,
who had studied theology at Princeton, N. J., and had been pastor
for two or three years at Newtown, Conn., was installed here June
28, 1838. He continued in his office only twenty-two months.
There was opposition to his settlement at first; it was not large in
number, but the character of the opposers was respectable. These
persons had been the most ardent advocates for inviting Mr. An-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 91
drews, of Kent. This opposition did not decrease. Mr. Urmston
was truly a worthy man, of good mind, sound and thorough in his
views of divine truth, had good health, was able to perform all the
laborious services of a pastor with ease, and possessed a strong
voice and was easily heard by such as were afflicted with deafness.
His voice, however, was not pleasant, but rather displeasing to such
as were fastidious as to what they heard.
Mr. Urmston was quite independent in his judgment and
opinions; and did not possess that ease and familiarity in his con
versation that distinguished his predecessor, Mr. Andrews. Also he
took a deep interest in the district schools, of which he was chosen
the first school visitor. He, in his determination of maintaining
strict order in the conduct of the school boys, was in a measure
imprudent, by which he lost some influence. His wife was an
infirm person, and therefore he did not visit his people so much as
he otherwise probably would have done. No prospect appeared
that his influence would be increased for doing good ; and as the
opposition to him was evidently increased his best friends intimated
to him the propriety of calling a consociation to decide whether
a dismission was not advisable. Mr. Urmston, being a man of
good sense, took no umbrage at the suggestion, as he knew his
friends were sincere in their friendship, and therefore the majority
of his church at his request called the consociation which met the
first of April, 1840. That body did not advise his dismission.
But the first of May, at the installation of Rev. Mr. Brownell at
Sharon, Mr, Urmston having obtained the consent of the church
urged and obtained a regular dismission ; and a very good recom
mendation was given him by the consociation.
In the course of the winter of 1838 and 1839 there was a
manifest revival of religion in the society, at the time when
Rev. Mr. Tracy was laboring successfully in North Cornwall.
Several were anxious for their salvation, and a few were hopefully
converted. About sixteen were received into the church during
his ministry of twenty-two months. He was active in his minis
terial duty, not only on the Sabbath but in attending religious
meetings in the week. His bodily health was firm, and he had no
occasion to call in the aid of his ministerial brethren. There was
indeed a very favorable prospect of an extensive revival in South
Cornwall. But Mr. Urmston soon felt discouragements on account
of the apparent indifference of influential members of the church.
And certainly he had some ground for such an apprehension.

92 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
It is truly melancholy to witness the private and partial feelings
of Christ's disciples operating against His cause. Had there not
been opposition to Mr. Urmston's settlement, there is just reason
to believe that he would have had more effectual aid from his
church. Mr. Urmston was afterward installed pastor of a Pres
byterian Church.
In the summer of 1840 the Rev. John Williams Salter, a native
of Mansfield, in this State, who had been a pastor at Kingston,
Mass., near old Plymouth, was employed as a preacher and candi
date for settlement, and continued here until April, 1841.
His preaching was acceptable, and his manners and disposition
were, though somewhat eccentric, very agreeable. Had he been
disposed to have continued still longer, and until the new church
(which he was influential in building) had been erected, most
probably he would have been chosen pastor by a large proportion
of the society.
Energetic efforts were made, especially by the inhabitants of Corn
wall Valley, to build this church edifice. The southern sections of
the society, beyond Colt's-f oot mountain and on the Housatonic river,
were at first quite favorable, or at least apparently, to this design.
When the people of the vicinity of the meeting-house were found
quite active and liberal in their intentions of building, the people
of the northern sections appeared to draw back, pleading that
they intended to build a house for worship to their accommoda
tion in their vicinity. This excited a set of very unpleasant feel
ings which are not yet forgotten — especially as they have not to
the present day done anything to erect such a building.
It should be not forgotten, that after the dismission of Rev. Mr.
Urmston all previous unpleasant feelings among the people during
Mr. Salter's preaching were apparently gone. His influence was
unusually happy in promoting harmony. The temper of the
friends of Mr. Urmston in their concessions to his dismission
tended not a little to this peace.
The situation of the people of the southern section of the
society, being quite remote from Cornwall Valley, which is situated
on the northern border of the parish, naturally produced among
those who were thus separated by Colt's-foot mountain from the
village of the church edifice, unpleasant feelings. This sectional
party spirit was promoted at the erection of the new house of
worship. This new building, begun in the summer of 1841, was
finished in the winter of 1842, and in February was dedicated, a

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 93
very large assembly being convened, an excellent sermon was
preached by the Rev. Adam Reid, of Salisbury. Various candi
dates were called to preach after Mr. Salter, without sufficient
union to obtain a pastor until February 28, 1844, when the Rev.
Hiram Day was ordained.
It is doubted whether, within half a century, there has been in
our churches an instance of a pastor being installed against so
great an opposition as in the case of Mr. Day. About one-third
of the legal voters of the society and nearly one-fourth of the
church appeared in their formal protest before the consociation
against his ordination. All but two or three of the ministers in
this council, voted at first that although they approved of the
character and qualifications of the candidate, still they ought not
to disregard so large an opposition. A majority of the delegates
of the churches voted to ordain him; and at length a majority of
the presbyters concurred.
Previous to this, an unhappy party spirit existed. The Rev. Mr.
Blodgett (afterward the pastor of Greenwich, in Mass.) was the
object of the choice of almost all, but there was some opposition;
and as he had declared- that he should not receive any call that
was not unanimous, no formal invitation was extended to him.
He was an excellent man, a fine classical scholar, a distinguished
Hebrewist, and a sound and well-read divine. Many were very
urgent to settle him as their pastor. ,
In the winter and spring of 1843, the Rev. John Sessions, who
had been Presbyterian pastor of a church in the town of Norwich,
Chenango County, N. Y., was invited to settle. He was a very
superior man in intellect, and a thorough theologian. He was a
student at the theological seminary of Princeton, and an excellent
sermonizer. All the church, except the youngest deacon, were,
at the first vote, united in calling him, and the society was nearly
as much desirous to settle him.
But through the opposition of one of the officers of the church,
and hesitancy as to the support offered, he gave a negative answer,
to the great regret and (it is believed by the writer) to the very
great injury of the society. After this, he offered to come back,
but a large minority opposed him. This produced a most unhappy
schism, and renewed the sad sectional divisions already referred to.
This undoubtedly had influence in dividing the society, about one-
third being against and two-thirds for the settlement of Mr. Day.
This opposition did not decrease. At the annual meeting of con^

94 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
sociation, in September, 1848, Mr. Day was dismissed; when it is
evident that he determined, if possible, to retain his ground, in
spite of so large an opposition. Let a minister be possessed of all
ministerial qualifications, he is not an object of the choice of the
writer, who is willing to continue in his ministry against such
opposition, excepting where he is opposed on account of his holding
to essential truths of the Gospel. In such case, it may be proper
for such a pastor to stand firm against heresy. But this was not
the situation of Mr. Day. Never has the writer, who has been
toward half a century a minister of the Gospel, seen so much evil
in any ecclesiastical society, by party spirit, as was promoted by
the determined purpose of Mr. Day to stand his ground. Still,
Mr. Day was a man of piety. He was supported by the party
spirit of his advocates. Rev. Warren Andrews, the principal of
Alger Institute, supplied the pulpit till the spring of 18.49, when
his younger brother, Rev. Ebenezer Andrews, was engaged to
preach for a year.
Extract from the Centennial Sermon o/Rev. Samuel J. White, D.D.,
taking up the history of the First Congregational Church as left by
Mr. Stone:
Two years after the dismission of Rev. Mr. Day, the Rev. Ralph
Smith was installed pastor, September, 1851. He is regarded by
the people of his charge as a refined and cultivated scholar and
able preacher. The church records contain no account of his
labors. He was dismissed May 3, 1855. As near as I can learn,
thirty-three united with the church during his pastorate. What
proportion by profession of faith, I cannot learn.
1 From September, 1855, to September, 1857, Rev. Ira Pettibone
was " acting pastor " of the church. The church records are silent
in respect to his labors. I learn, from the list of members, that
twelve united with the church during his ministry; how many by
letter, and how many by profession of faith, I cannot learn.
Rev. Stephen Fenn- was installed pastor May, 1859, and dis
missed December, 1867. During his pastorate of eight years and
six months, fifty-eight united with the church. The church records
do not contain much in respect to his ministry. I have already
stated the substance of all that I can gather. His labors were very
acceptable to the people, and were very much blessed. He loved
his people ardently, and was tenderly loved by them.
Rev. Elias B. Sanford was ordained and installed pastor of this

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 95
church July 7, 1869. The installation sermon was preached by
Rev. Mr. Backus, of Thomaston. There is a copy of Mr. Sanford's
letter of acceptance on the church book, and the action of the
church preparatory to his installation. At a meeting of the
church, September 7, 1871, they voted to unite with Mr. San
ford in dissolving the pastoral relation. During his pastorate of
two years and three months, ten were added to the church.
Rev. N. A. Prince was installed pastor of this church, June 28,
1872. There is no record in the church book of any action of the
church in respect to the dismission of Mr. Prince. I learn from
the society book that he was dismissed May 12, 1874. Six united
with the church during his pastorate. He was regarded by his
people as a preacher of much ability. He laborod under peculiar
embarrassments and discouragements, which those who know the
facts can appreciate.
This brings us down to June 1, 1875, at which time the writer,
Rev. Samuel J. White, became "Acting Pastor."
At this writing, July 3, 1877, he has been connected with this
people two years and one month. So far as he knows, there is
great harmony in him among his people. He has received many
tokens of their good will and affection, and they are assured of his
pastoral love and care.
Last winter, the Second church, with their pastor, Rev. C. N.
Fitch, united with us in observing the week of prayer. As a fruit
of our quickened and improved spiritual state, twenty-one have
already united, by profession of faith, with the church, and more
are expected to unite in due time. During the writer's ministry
with the church, twenty -three have united by profession, and two
by letter.
This church has had ten settled pastors, whose united pastorates
cover one hundred and thirty -six years ; and allowing twelve years
for intervals between the pastorates, the length of each is about
twelve years and six months.
Since the formation of the church nineteen deacons have been
ordained, viz. :
Deacons of First Congregational Church since its Formation.
John Harris, Date of appointment unknown.
Phinehas Waller, " " "
Benjamin Sedgwick, " " "
Samuel Abbott, - " "
Thomas Porter, Chosen Oct. 8th, 1765.
Elijah Steel, " June 24th, 1773.

96 history of Cornwall.
Judah Kellogg, Chosen June 20th, 1776.
Josiah Hopkins,

Benjamin Gold,
Abel C. Carter,
Jedidiah Calhoun,
Victorianus Clark,
Henry Swift,
Silas P. Judson,
Marcus D. F. Smith,
Robert T. Miner,
George H. Swift,
Silas C. Beers,
Harlan Ives.

July 9th, 1812.
11 11 ii
Dec. — , 1819.
March 4th, 1831.
July 21st, 1839.
u il u
Jan. 5th, 1855.
Jan. 6th, 1867.
ti u ci
Dec. 13th, 1868.

Of these deacons, Phinehas Waller and Elijah Steel, at the time
of division, went with the Second Church. It is said that Deacon
Steel became a Quaker in sentiment, and his successor was chosen
four years before the division, and that Deacon Waller was not act
ing. So far as I have been able to learn, these nineteen deacons
were all true men. They may sometimes have erred in judgment,
but by divine grace they honored their profession and office. Of
course some of them were more marked in their intellectual
strength, moral power, and Christian activity, than others.
Among the first elected was Benjamin Sedgwick, patriarch of
a large and distinguished, family, some of which have ranked
high in civil and military life.
If time would permit, we might speak of Deacon Judah Kellogg,
a gentleman of liberal education — a graduate of Yale College — a
man whose counsel was sought when questions of civil law were
involved; of Thomas Porter, Josiah Hopkins, Benjamin Gold,
Victorianus Clark, Henry Swift, Silas P. Judson (for many years
clerk of the church), Jedidiah Calhoun, always prompt and lib
eral, and kept "loose ends " well tied up. These having witnessed
a good profession, died in faith and hope.
In passing, we would not fail to pay our tribute of respect to
the late John C. Calhoun, the warm friend and benefactor of this
town and church. He was the founder of the Cornwall Library,
and bequeathed to it $2,000, the interest of which is to be annually
expended in the purchase of books. He also bequeathed $2,000
to our cemetery, the interest to be annually expended in improv
ing and ornamenting the grounds. These noble bequests can but
perpetuate his influence and embalm his memory in the affections
of the citizens of this town.
I have been giving a short history of the Spiritual temple of God;
I will now briefly speak of the house or houses made by hands.

ecclesiastical history. 97
The first resolution passed by the people of Cornwall — in town
meeting assembled A. D. 1740 — was to get a minister; and the
second was like unto it, viz., to build a "Meetinghouse." In due
time the minister was obtained, and the house was commenced — I
will not say built — I think it never was built.
In 1745 the town passed a resolution accepting the house' of the
builders, so far as the work had progressed, and ordered that it be
set apart to God for purposes of worship.
The house was only covered with shingles and clapboards, and
in it the people worshiped, summer and winter, without fire, except
what burned upon God's altar. The church was located in Corn
wall Center, a mile distant from this village.
In 1790 this church was taken down, enlarged, and put up
again in this village, near where the liberty-pole now stands.
In 1840 or 1841, the " old house" was torn down, and the pres
ent one built.
While upon this subject I would call your attention to this pul
pit, from which I am now addressing you. A few days since
Esquire Kellogg said to me that he had in his garret a relic which
might be of some interest on this Centennial year. He brought it
out from its .hiding place, brushed the cobwebs and dust from it,
and it proved to be the veritable primitive pulpit of the town of
Cornwall. When the old church was being torn down, Esquire Kellogg
requested that he might have the pulpit as his share of the spoils.
We owe him a vote of thanks for his thoughtful care of what is
primitive. The Pope places his relics on exhibition, why not we
ours ?
This- pulpit has not a seam or joint in it. It is carved solid from
a primitive pine tree that grew upon these primitive hills.
Rev. Solomon Palmer was the first to read the word of God and
preach the gospel of Christ from this pulpit; and after the lapse of
one hundred and thirty-one years, I have the honor to be the last
who has read this same word of God and preached the same gos
pel from this pulpit. And what a history that of which this relic
is witness, lying1 between the dates 1745 and 1876 !
In 1874 our beautiful chapel was built upon the grounds upon
Which the old mission house of the American Board once stood.
One century ago we became a free and independent nation. It
is wonderful to contemplate the progress made during this time.
In what is useful and facilitates the labor of man, there has been
13

98 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
more progress than in many centuries before. Light is shining
brightly in some places, and beginning to dawn in others; and
progress, slow and sure, is a clear omen that in the end the whole
earth shall be radiant with the light of science, art, literature, free
institutions, and the knowledge of God.
We joke about seeing the next Centennial. It is no joke.
It is no joke that none of us will be present when the next
Centennial Sermon is preached from this desk; that we shall all
be on that shore of life where years and centuries are like the
seconds and minutes on our clock-dials; where " a thousand years
is as one day." 0 Time ! thy greatest measurements are but the
tickings of eternity's watch.

On Sunday, July 15, 1866, when there was no one to supply the
pulpit, Deacon R. R. Pratt read to the congregation the substance
of the following discourse on the history of the Second Ecclesias
tical Church and Society in Cornwall. He subsequently extended
it to a later date, and furnished it for publication in this work:
History of North Cornwall Church and Society.
1 think I may safely infer that there are none present here to-day
who have arrived at mature years, who do not often find themselves
communing with the past and listening to the voices that come out-
of it.
The hours thus employed may be sad or joyous, but whatever
their character, if they are properly viewed and improved they will
be a source from which we may get strength and power for present
work and duty, and our pathway in the future may thereby be
made more distinct, bright, and hopeful, for
" There is a history in all men's lives,
Picturing the nature of the times gone by,
The which — observed — a man may prophesy,
With a nearer aim, the chance or form of things
That are yet to be."
From the standpoint which we occupy to-day I will speak to
you of the past history of our church and society. My words may
be dull, and my thoughts feeble, but as I have examined the subject,
1 have felt that it was full of eloquence. There are memories, and
associations, and events linked with it, that, if properly presented,
would be inspiration to our hearts.
It is about one hundred and fifty years since the rays of civiliza-

ecclesiastical history. 99
tion first dawned over these hills, and began to lighten up these val
leys. At first this new order of things unfolded itself but slowly,
but gradually the better days were ushered in.
In 1731 the Governor and Company of the Colony of Connecti
cut, in council assembled at Hartford, ordered that the western
county lands lying on the east side of the Housatonic River be laid
out into townships.
In that survey- the boundaries of Cornwall were established.
The town is said to be five miles and seventy -two rods wide on the
south end, four and one-half miles wide on the north end, nine
miles in length, and to contain 23,654 acres of land.
Tradition says that when this original survey was nearly com
pleted the surveyor came to the top of the hill a short distance
north of where the residence of Hon. T. S. Gold now stands. As
he stood looking at what presented itself from that point, he said,
''This is the cream of the town;" and from that day that part of
the town has borne the name of " Cream Hill."
The town was divided into fifty-three rights, one of which was
to be given .to the first orthodox gospel minister that should be
settled in the town; one was to be for the use of the ministry; and
one for the benefit of schools. The fifty remaining rights were
sold at auction at the court-house in Fairfield on the first Tuesday
in February, 1738, at 1 o'clock p. m. They were not to be sold for
less. than fifty pounds for each right. Each purchaser was obli
gated to build, or have built, upon the land he might purchase,
within three years, a house not less than eighteen feet square, with
not less than seven-foot posts, and to fence in not less than six
acres of the same. A failure on these points forfeited his title to
the property.
The sale was made, and averaged £110 for each right, which
was at the rate of 821 cents an acre. In 1740 there was quite a
settlement in the town, and in May of that year a town organiza
tion was formed, and measures adopted to settle a minister and
build a meeting-house. The first minister was Rev. Solomon
Palmer, who was ordained and settled in August, 1741. He lived
at what is now known as the Oliver Burnham place.
He continued here until March, 1754, when from the pulpit, on
the Sabbath, he announced himself Ian Episcopalian in sentiment,
and asked for a dismission, which was granted. The next pastor
was Rev. Hezekiah Gold.
He came from Stratford, was educated at Yale College, and

100 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
settled here in 1756. He lived at the place now owned and occu
pied by Benjamin P. Johnson. At his installation Dr. David
Bellamy of Bethlehem preached the sermon from Jeremiah iii, 15.
Rev. John Graham of Southbury gave the charge to the pastor,
and Rev. Daniel Brinsmade of Washington, the right-hand of
fellowship. He appears to have been a man of good ability and an acceptable
preacher, and to have exerted quite an influence in the town, not
only in its religious but also in its civil affairs.
He once or twice represented the town in the General Assembly
of the State. He continued to preach until about 1786, when he
retired from active ministerial labor, and died here in 1790, at
fifty-nine years of age.
He had five sons, all of whom became prominent and influential
men. Two of them only remained in this town, one, Hezekiah,
settled on Cream Hill, the other, Benjamin, in South Cornwall, and
we are all witnesses of, and can testify to, the good his descendants
have done and are doing in this town.
During the first forty years of our town history, there was but
one church and society in the town of the Congregational order.
Their meeting-house stood very near the present residence of Jas.
D. Ford. To that point, from all parts of the town, for about forty
years, the tribes went up to worship God.
But it was not thus to continue. Then, as now, there were
"many men of many minds." Saybrook platforms, church cove
nants, Congregational theories and customs, ecclesiastical connec
tions, and divers other matters, were exciting topics of discussion.
Discussion led to action; action brought forth a division; and in
1780 the Second Ecclesiastical church and society of Cornwall
came into being.
Soon after the separation the First Society moved their meeting
house to near where it now stands.
This society hired the Rev. John Cornwall, not to supply their
pulpit, for they hadn't any, but to officiate as their pastor and
teacher in things pertaining to the kingdom of heaven. They had
no stated place of worship, and the meetings were held around at
the houses of the members, being more often than elsewhere at
the house of Mr. Cornwall, which was where Mr. Carrington Todd
now resides.
Mr. Cornwall came from Branford, in this State, as did quite a
number of the ea,rly settlers of this town. He was a poor boy, and

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 101
was bred to the trade of a shoemaker. In his family Bible there
was this record in his handwriting: "Lived without God in the
world until twenty years old." This would indicate that his con
version Occurred at this date.
After Mr. Cornwall became a Christian he seems to have been
possessed with the feeling of the great apostle when he exclaimed,
" Wo is me if I preach not the gospel." He was a young man of
much native ability, and he applied himself as diligently as his
circumstances and means would permit to a preparation for the
gospel ministry. While engaged in his daily labors as a shoe
maker he would have his book lying open before him, and thus his
studies and his work went on together, and by a diligent use of his
time he acquired means for, and obtained his education. In due
time he was licensed to preach, ¦ and this church, in the early morn
ing of its existence, while recognizing Christ as the Great Shepherd,
chose Mr. Cornwall as the under shepherd of the flock. It is re
ported of him that he was an earnest preacher, a warm-hearted
Christian, a good man. In 1787, five years after its organization,
the society having obtained the needful authority from the Gen
eral Assembly, made arrangements for, and proceeded to build a
meeting-house. It stood where the school-house near Mr. John R.
Harrison's now stands, and there, for many years, our fathers
gathered to worship the Most High God.
It was for a number of years but little more than the shell of a
building, with some kind of a rough floor, and rough, uncomfort
able seats. There was no lath or plaster, and it was often the
case that while the worship was going on below the birds held high
carnival and built their nests among the rafters overhead. The
only railing around the gallery was some strips of timber standing
upright, nailed on to the front, across the tops of which were nailed
strips of boards. On one occasion, while the services were going
on, a boy by the name of Job Simmons leaned his head down
against this railing and soon feel asleep. When he had got fairly
under way in a good sound nap, his head shpped from its support
and pitching forward, he landed on the floor below. It was not as
fatal as in the case of the young man who fell out of the window
on one occasion when Paul was preaching. Job soon gathered
himself up, order was restored, and the services went on as usual.
Mr. Cornwall remained here until about 1792, when he removed
to and was settled as pastor over a church in Stamford, New York,
where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1812. Noah

102 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Rogers the 4th married a daughter of his, and thus his (Mr.
Cornwall's) blood runs in the veins of quite a number who are
living in this society.
In those early days ecclesiastical matters were managed to a large
extent by the town when in town meeting assembled. Thus in
one instance we find the town voting, that we will unite to call and
settle a serious, pious, godly, orthodox, and learned minister in the
town, according to the rules of the gospel. In another instance
they voted a tax of four pence on the pound upon all polls and
ratable estate of the inhabitants of the town of Cornwall, to be'
collected forthwith, to be paid to Rev. Hezekiah Gold, Rev. John
Cornwall, and to the missionary of the Church of England who
hath preached to the inhabitants of this town the past year who
are professors of the Church of England, and each individual
person in the town may pay his proportionate part of said tax to
the minister whose worship he attends — he or she giving the col
lector directions to which minister or candidate, who officiates in
the town, his or her proportion of said tax shall be paid. Noah
Rogers 3d, was collector at this time.
About the year 1795 the Rev. Israel Holley was employed by
the society, and he preached here for five or six years. He was an
old man of nearly seventy years when he came here. Whence
he came or whither he went I don't know. That he was a priest
of the Most High God we have good reason to believe, for under
his ministry occurred, so far as is now known, the first one in that
series of revivals with which this church has been so signally
favored. The questions here naturally arise, Who were the co-
laborers with Mr. Holley in that revival ? Who were the men and
who the women that in those early days held up the pastor's hands
while the work of the Lord went on ? Who were they who offered
the effectual, fervent prayer that called down the blessing ? Who
were they that thus helped to lay the foundations of this church,
sure and steadfast, on the unfailing promises of a covenant-keeping
God ? There are no original records that give their names that can
now be found. Our church manual gives the names of eleven
males and two females who were members of the church at the
time of its organization in 1780. They were James Douglass, who
lived on Cream Hill, Phineas Waller and wife, who lived where
Judson Adams now lives or near there, Noah Bull, Andrew Young,
David and Hezekiah Clark, of Clark Hill, Elijah Steele, Beriah
Hotchkin and wife, who resided where Mr. Jacob Scovill now

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 103
lives, Noah Rogers the 3d, Ethan Allen, and Jesse Hyatt, who
lived in the house next south of that of Noah Rogers.
In 1784 five more were added to the church, viz., Mrs. Silas
Dibble, Mrs. James Travis, Mrs. Samuel Scovill, Mrs. Uriel Lee,
Joseph Wadsworth, and Mrs. Henry Fillmore, who was grand
mother of ex-President Millard Fillmore.
In 1789 and 1790 there were further additions of Mrs. Asa
Emmons, Joseph Hotchkiss and wife, Mrs. Silas Clark, Mrs.
Solomon Emmons, and Abigail Rogers (afterwards Mrs. Asahel
Bradley of Stockbridge, Mass.). Thirty names, fourteen males and
sixteen females, thus appear as having been members of the church
from its organization in 1780 up to the time of the first general
revival in 1795.
If there were any others, we know of no source from which
their names can now be recovered. The "Lamb's Book of Life "
will alone reveal them. How many of the thirty whose names we
have, were left to help on that work of ninety-five we do not know,
as removals and deaths had considerably lessened their number.
But this much is evident, there were enough, so that meeting in
the name of Christ, they could claim and secure the fulfillment of
Christ's most precious promises. Those few disciples, whether more
or less, were surely with one accord in one place, and that the
place of prayer. They felt the need of a divine blessing — for that
they prayed — and it came. Sinners were converted, additions
were made to the church, and among the number then brought
into this fold of Christ were Nathan Hart, James Wadsworth,
Ichabod Howe, Thomas Hyatt, Thaddeus Cole, and others. Men
who, clothing themselves in the armor of God, fought valiantly
the good fight of faith, and on many a well-contested field, with
the Great Adversary, were enabled, by the grace of God assisting
them, to bear the banners of this church on to victory. Of all the
number who composed the church at the beginning of this century
none remain; all have passed the dark river, and, as we trust, they
to-day worship in a " building of God, a house not made with
hands, eternal in the heavens." Rev. Mr. Holley remained here
until about the year 1801. About twenty persons united with the
church during his ministry.
The deacons of the church from 1780 — when it was organized — to
1800, were Beriah Hotchkin and Phineas Waller. Mr. Hotchkin
lived near where Mr. Jacob Scovill now resides. He was a man
of much intellectual ability. About the year 1798 he removed to

104 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Black River country, and was afterwards licensed to preach. He
had a son who was also in the ministry. Mr. Waller filled the
office of deacon with credit to himself and to the edification of
the church.
He also removed into the western country about the year 1800.
From the time Mr. Holley left in 1801 until 1805, we do not know
who supplied the pulpit. We expect the people then, as now, were
somewhat afflicted with deacons' meetings.
Hezekiah Clark and Jesse Hjptt were deacons at this time,
having been chosen in 1800. Mr. Clark was quite gifted in ideas
whioh he was able to communicate intelligently to others. Mr.
Hyatt was a strong, substantial man, upon whom the church could
lean with trust and confidence. In addition to the deacons, Eliakim
Mallory and Noah Rogers the 3d were relied upon to a consider
able extent to sustain the meetings, although there were some of
the younger members who were getting on the harness and aided
in religious work and labor to some extent. In 1805 the church
and society called the Rev. Josiah Hawes, of Warren, Conn., who
was then a young man, to be their pastor. He accepted the in vita.
tion, and was installed March 14, 1805, on a salary of three hundred
dollars. Rev. Mr. Starr of Warren preached the ordination sermon;
Rev. Mr. Cornwall gave the charge to the pastor-elect, and Rev.
Timothy Stone of the First Society gave the right-hand of fellowship.
Mr. Hawes occupied a house now owned by Theodore Ives,
which stands a few rods north of the Burnham house.
The first written records of our church history that now exist
commence immediately after Mr. Hawes came here. We conclude
he stirred the people up to good works in that line, for just then
we find, that by a vote of the church, a committee was appointed,
consisting of Noah Rogers, Sr., Nathan Hart, David Clark, and
Eliakim Mallory, who, in connection with the pastor, were to
examine the church records and select such as they thought proper,
and have them recorded in a book to be kept for that purpose.
(The records up to this time seem to have been written on loose
papers and kept in a file.) And what was the result of this ex
amination ? Simply this : the committee reported that " they had
attended to the duties of their appointment, and that they did not
deem it expedient to introduce into the book any transactions of a,
date previous to the settlement of Mr. Hawes."
They had the records on file, a few hours' writing would have
put every important transaction that had occurred in the history

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 105
of the church up to that date into a permanent form, but . they did
not do it, and after a few years they were lost past recovery. We
expect that committee had not searched through the musty records
of a past age to ascertain what those who had gone before them
had said or done, to the extent that some of us who are here to-day
have done ; if they had, they would never have passed a vote like
that. Mr. Hawes, during his ministry, kept a fair record of the trans
actions of the church, but from the time he left, except at brief
intervals, they are very imperfect, and not at all what they should
have been. In matters of this kind we are too apt to think only of
the present, and the future is left to take care of itself.
Mr. Hawes recorded the names of those who were members of
the church at the time of his settlement in 1805. They are as
follows: Noah Rogers, Sen. (3), Mrs. Samuel Scovill, Jr.,
Eliakim Mallory and wife, Wife of Capt. Williams,
Hezekiah Clark, Clarissa Irene Rogers,
David Clark, Wife of Joseph Ford,
Jesse Hyatt and wife, Wife of Philo Hawes,
Nathan Hart and wife, Mrs. Silas Clark,
Thaddeus Cowles and wife, Abiy ail Hart, widow of John Hart,
Titus Hart, Wife of Asa Emmons,
Ichabod Howe, Ira Gleason,
Silas Meacham, Wife of Joseph Hotchkin.
Mrs. Samuel Scovill, Sen.,
The whole number, so far as we can discover, who had belonged
to the church from its organization to this date (1805) was forty-
eight persons.
Twenty-five (twelve males and thirteen females) only remained
when Mr. Hawes was settled. In the winter of 1806-7, there was
another revival of religion, which was very general throughout
the society, and the result of it was an addition of fifty-two mem
bers to the church. Among them were James Wadsworth and
wife (Mr. Wadsworth was a subject of the revival in 1795, but
did not unite with the church until this time), Joel Millard and
wife, Elias Hart and wife, Capt. Hezekiah Gold and wife, Eliakim
Mallory, Jr., and wife, James D. Ford, James Bunce, and others.
For more than twenty years this church, comparatively weak in
numbers and in financial strength, but strong in faith, had struggled
with difficulties, beset with dangers without and fears within, until
at length a blessing came which filled their hearts with a new joy
and caused them to sing aloud of the goodness and mercy of God.
14

106 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
From twenty-five they were at once increased to seventy-five in
number, and a new life and power was infused into the whole
body. Rev. Mr. Hawes was dismissed July 6, 1813, having been here
eight years and four months.
All who remember Mr. Hawes speak of him as a devotedly pious
and an earnest Christian man.
About this time — we think in 1812 — there was some special
degree of reUgious interest in the parish, and eight persons joined
the church. Among the names are Luther Emmons, Mrs. Oliver
Burnham, Miss Rhoda Burnham, Mrs. Jasper Pratt, Miss Hannah
Pratt, and others.
After Mr. Hawes left, a son of Rev. Mr. Robbins, of Norfolk,
supphed the pulpit for a number of months. He is remembered
as a young man of talent, eloquent, and a popular preacher.
Afterwards came the Rev. Grove L. Brownell, fresh from his
theologic studies, who supplied the pulpit for a year more or less.
That was in 1817-18; and under his ministry there was another
pleasant and interesting revival of religion, and twenty-two were
added to the church. Among these we find the names of Joseph
Scoville, John P. Wadsworth, John and Eber Cotter, Amanda
Johnson, and others. Of those who then joined the church, we
think John P. Wadsworth and Amanda Johnson (now Mrs. Milo
Dickinson) are the only survivors.
In 1819 the church and society gave a call to the Rev. Walter
Smith, of Kent, Conn., which he accepted, and he was ordained
and installed on the second day of June, of that year, on a salary
of five hundred dollars. Rev. Mr. Blair, of Kent, preached the
sermon, from Daniel xii, 3: " And they that be wise shall shine as
the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to
righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
Rev. Cyrus Yale, of New Hartford, gave the right hand of fellow
ship; Rev. Ralph Emerson, of Norfolk, the charge to the people;
and the Rev. D. S. Perry, of Sharon, the charge to the pastor.
Mr. Smith's sermon on the Sabbath morning next after his instal
lation was from Acts x, 29: "Therefore came I unto you without
gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what
intent ye have sent for me ? " In the afternoon the text was
Acts x, 33: "Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast
well done that thou art come. Now therefore we are all here

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 107
present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of
God." Rev. Mr. Smith was a sound and substantial preacher of the
gospel. The state of his health was such that he could not endure
much excitement, or with safety to himself sustain and carry on
a continued series of meetings. But notwithstanding this, the
church and society were during his ministry repeatedly blessed
with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In one instance, and we think in two, there were quite extensive
revivals when Mr. Smith, on account of ill health, was absent nearly
if not quite the whole time of their continuance. In one of these,
those efficient laborers, John C. Hart and Augustus T. Norton,
rendered valuable aid.
In 1821 five persons joined the church, among whom were
Benjamin Sedgwick, Mrs. William Pendleton, and others. Benja
min Sedgwick — what a power he was in this church ! Large and
well developed in his physical proportions, these seemed to repre
sent the largeness of his faith and of his trust in God. He was
seldom absent from his seat in church on the Sabbath Day. His
prayers always seemed to come from a warm and sympathizing
heart, and in his intense earnestness he often appeared to be taking
this whole congregation in the strong arms of his devotion, and/
.thus he bore them up before the mercy seat, while he pleaded for
heaven's richest blessings to rest upon them.
In 1822-3 there were further tokens of God's favor in the midst
of this people, and sixteen were added to the church. Among
them were Darius Miner, William Clark, Erastus Gaylord, Mrs.
William Clark, Mrs. Samuel W. Gold, Mrs. Micajah Barnum, and
others. In 1824 there was an addition of twenty, and in this list we find
John C. Hart, Chalker Pratt and wife, Isaac S. Wadsworth, Mrs.
Ithamer Baldwin, Catharine Clark (now Mrs. Noah Rogers), etc.
In 1826-7 there was held in most of the churches in this section
a series of what were called delegate meetings. At an appointed
place and time, two or three delegates from each of the surround
ing churches came together, with the society in the midst of which
the meeting was held, and special efforts were made for the
extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Some of these were meet
ings of great power, and were attended with great success. One
of these meetings was held here with beneficial results. At this

108 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
meeting Rev. Messrs. Yale of New Hartford, and Halleck of
Canton, Conn., were present.
I remember a meeting which they attended in this house on a
Sabbath evening. A large congregation was present, and the
influences of the Holy Spirit pervaded the place. After the pre
liminary exercises were gone through with, Rev. Mr. Yale arose
and announced his text, viz., " 0 that my head were waters, and
mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night
for the slain of the daughters of my people."
The value of an immortal soul, the agencies that were at work to
effect its ruin, and the anxiety of Christian men and women in
regard to it, and the sacrifices they were willing to make as co
workers with Christ to save it, were the themes of the discourse,
which was given with all that thrilling earnestness which might be
expected from a master workman who felt the importance of the
subject he was handling. Under the inspiration of that hour souls
were drawn up towards a higher and purer life.
In 1830-31 protracted or four days' meetings were in vogue.
They were held in many of the churches through all this region,
and in many cases great spiritual blessings came with and followed
them. The one held here was attended with a good degree of
success. During its continuance, inquiry meetings were held
between the forenoon and afternoon services in a house where Mr.
Harvey Baldwin now resides. That house and its surroundings
were very different from what we now see at the same place, the
difference being very decidedly in favor of the present. As the
result of these meetings, and of the revival in connection with
them, there were twenty-nine added to the church. Among them
were Henry F. Wadsworth, H. Milton Hart, A. B. Pratt, Harvey
Wheadon, Esther and Sylvia Ann Hart, Harriet Clark, Harriet
Miner, Julia and Caroline Hitchcock, and others.
From 1832 to 1837 we find the following additions to the church,
viz. : Noah Baldwin, Eliza Rogers, Mrs. Noah Rogers, 4th, Mrs.
T. L. Hart, Mrs. Fowler Bradford, Ambrose S. Rogers, Mrs.
Anson Rogers, Olive and Emily Sedgwick, Laura Wheadon, Mrs.
H. M. Hart, etc.
In 1838 the state of Rev. Mr. Smith's health was such that he
was led to ask for a dismission, which was granted April 3d of
that year. We doubt if he would have remained here as long as
he did, but for the fact that his wife was one of the most efficient

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 109
of women, being very much beloved by all the people, and fully
equal to all the duties of a. minister's wife.
We remember her especially as an efficient worker in the Sun
day-school. She had been a resident in the city of New York,
and was there interested in Sunday-school work.
Coming as the bride of the newly-chosen pastor, with gifted mind
and ready heart and hands, she here took up the work she there
laid down. She found ready co-workers, but she seems to have
been the moving spirit in the organization of a Sunday-school in
1820, with Deacon Nathan Hart for superintendent.
In our imagination and recollection many of us to-day see her
as she was wont, on Sabbath noon, to take her seat in yonder cor
ner pew, where she was surrounded by a large company of the
elderly ladies of this church, to whom she earnestly and intelli
gently expounded the Scriptures. All loved and respected her,
and she was worthy of it.
During Mr. Smith's ministry, in 1824 and 1825, a considerable
majority of the society had come to think that the meeting-house
was not situated where it accommodated the greater number, and
that, as the house was old and uncomfortable, a new one should be
built, and its location changed. The subject was discussed —
talked about. Talk and discussion resulted in action. Locations
were canvassed, roads were measured, and there was much excite
ment upon the subject. At length the Judge of the County Court
was called upon, as the law provided, to settle the contest, and the
stake was placed where this house was built and now stands.
The first stick of timber for the new church, a white-oak, fifty
feet long, was drawn on to the ground by Ambrose S. Rogers, then
ten years old, with four heavy yoke of oxen, that belonged to his
father. T. L. Hart says he scored a stick of that kind one hot
June day that went into the building, and he thinks the harder
part of the job was his. All the people had a mind for the work I
The old house, coarse, uncouth, and uncomfortable, but hallowed
by many years of sacred worship — by many a sacred song — by
many a sermon, and many a prayer — by many a holy sacred mem
ory; yes, hallowed by many a communication from God the
Father — God the Son — and God the Holy Ghost, was taken down,
and this new house was built; and many a beam from that helped
to erect and sustain this, the new temple, which was dedicated to
the worship of Almighty God in 1826.
About the beginning of this century, there was a boy living in

110 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
New Marlborough, Mass., by the name of S. J. Tracy. He was a
wild and somewhat reckless youth, caring very little for religion,
or its duties and obligations. He went out one Sabbath day with
a company of young persons for a pleasure sail on a pond near
where he lived. While they were thus enjoying themselves a
sudden and severe gust of wind struck them, the boat was capsized,
and those in it were thrown into the water. Two or three were
drowned, and we think two were saved. Young Tracy was one
of the rescued ones. He was deeply affected by the event. He
was led to feel that the command. " Remember the Sabbath day to
keep it holy," could not, with impunity, be violated. He made
haste to seek pardon of an offended God, whose law he had broken.
He became a Christian, and studied for and became a minister of
the Gospel of Christ.
In the orderings of Providence it so happened that, soon after
Rev. Mr. Smith left, this same Mr. Tracy was invited here to
preach. We expect that, from the day the foundations of this
house were laid until the present, there has never been preached,
from this pulpit, in one day, two sermons which so aroused and
stirred up the people as did those preached by Mr. Tracy on that
Sabbath. They were eloquent, searching, and sharp as a two-edged
sword. The society was stirred from its center to its circumference.
After a brief time Mr. Tracy was hired to supply the pulpit.
Meetings were multiplied, religious interest increased. On an
appointed day members of the church, in committees of two, visited
all the families in the several school districts. At evening all
gathered in this house, the presence of the Infinite seemed to fill
the place, and it became as the gate of heaven to many souls.
For thirty weeks the work went on with power, forty-nine were
added to the church, fifteen of them being heads of families, and
twenty-six children were baptized. Among those who then joined
the church were Col. Anson Rogers, Jehial Nettleton, William and
Ithamer Baldwin, J. P. Brewster, N. R. Hart, H. L. Rogers, D. M.
Rogers, F. Bradford, N. Hart, Jr., D. Miner, Jr., and others.
Much fallow ground in this moral vineyard was then broken up
which has continued to bear fruit to this day.
In 1840, Rev. Joshua L. Maynard was introduced here by Rev.
A. B. Pratt, they having been students together in the Theological
Seminary in New York. Mr. Maynard proved to be an acceptable

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. Ill
preacher, a call was given him, and he was installed as pastor of
this people January 14, 1841, on a salary of five hundred dollars.
He was a man of ardent piety, consistent in his daily walk and ,
conversation, and his sermons were filled with the spirit of the
gospel of Christ. In Bunyan's " Pilgrim's Progress " we have this
description of a faithful minister:
" In the house of Interpreter, Christian saw a picture of a very
grave person hung against the wall, and this was the fashion of it :
"It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books was in his
hand, the law of truth was written on his lips, the world was
behind his back; he stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown
of gold did hang o'er his head."
We think this as applicable to Mr. Maynard as to any of the
ministers who have been settled here. He plead earnestly with
men that they be reconciled to God, and his pleadings were not in
vain. There were frequent seasons of more than usual religious
interest, and in 1846 there was a more extensive work of grace
than this society had previously enjoyed. Its first development
became manifest in a series of prayer meetings held at the resi
dence of Deacon Wadsworth. The work spread rapidly. Inquiry
meetings were multiplied. They were thronged. The pastor's
hands seemed more than full with his abundant labors. The
deacons asked him if he would not have ministerial help from
abroad. He said " No I If the church members will do the praying,
I will do the preaching," and thus they worked on.
On the first Sabbath in May, sixty-four persons united with the
church. Five had united at the previous communion in March,
five more came in during the summer, making seventy-four in all,
thirty-six males and thirty-eight females, who joined the church as
the result of that deeply interesting winter's work.
Among these were George Wheaton, Julius Hart, D. L. Rogers,
John W. Beers, Ralph I. Scovill, Samuel Scovill, 2d, etc. In
1851, there was another season of general religious interest, and
forty united with us on profession of their faith, and seven by
letter. The whole number admitted to the church during the eleven
years of Mr. Maynard's ministry was one hundred and sixty-three
persons. In the spring of 1852 he had a call to East Douglass, Mass.,
which he accepted, and was dismissed from here. Mr. Maynard

112 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
was an earnest, devoted pastor, and he served us faithfully and
well. From 1852 to 1855 ministerial candidates came in quick succes
sion. We remember Mr. Russell, with his eloquence; Mr. Bradley,
and his sermon to "the little foxes that spoil the vines," many of
which are still running around here; Mr. Bartlett, with his strong
logical presentation of divine truth; Mr. Peck, Mr. Aikman, etc.
In 1855 a call was given to the Rev. Wm. B. Clarke, of New
Haven, and he was' installed May 4th of that year on a salary of
seven hundred dollars. The next winter there was another revival,
as the result of which thirty persons united with the church.
During that winter extra meetings were held at Deacon Wads-
worth's, Deacon E. D. Pratt's, Harvey Baldwin's, Wm. Stoddard's,
and Deacon Gibbs's.
Most of these were solemn, impressive meetings. Those at Dea
con Gibbs's will be remembered by those who attended them as being
peculiarly so.
There were other seasons during Mr. Clarke's ministry when
there was more than usual religious interest, but nothing of a very
marked character.
In 1859, Mr. Clarke wished to go to Europe and the Holy Land.
He asked for a dismission, which was granted May 18th of that
year. Mr. Clarke was a man of refined taste — of great purity of char
acter — kind and generous in his disposition — an earnest Christian,
and of much ability in his pulpit ministrations.
He left with us two memorials which will long perpetuate his
name here. One is our Church Manual, of which he is the author;
the other, the elms in front of the meeting-house, which he planted
with his own hands.
As future generations shall read the one, or recline under the
shade of the other, they will revere his memory.
Very soon after Mr. Clarke left, Rev. Chas. Wetherby of New
Haven, Vermont, was introduced here, and preached for us two or
three Sabbaths. On the 2d of July, 1859, the church and society
gave him a call to settle.
He accepted the same, and was installed on the 28th of Septem
ber of that year, on a salary of eight hundred dollars. His style
of preaching was attractive and interesting, and our congregation
increased in numbers under his ministry.
There was very soon an increase of religious interest, and in the

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 113
winter of 1859-60 there was another revival throughout the
parish, and in the spring, forty-one were added to the church.
In the winter of 1861-2, there was another revival, as the
result of which about twenty united with the church. At this
time a very large proportion of the congregation were members of
the church. One of the subjects of this revival (John B. Sedg
wick), in his examination for admission into the church, said he
was told, about the time that he came over to North Cornwall to
live, that they would have him into the church before he had been
there a year, and his reply at the time was, " I guess not." But the
prediction was about to prove true, and he thanked God that it
was so.
In 1864 and 1865, there was another season of special religious
interest, out of which came eighteen persons who united with the
church. One great benefit of this revival was the renewed spirit
ual life that it infused into many members of the church.
They seemed to attain to a higher elevation in their christian
life and experience, and to become more efficient workers in their
Master's vineyard. Mr. Wetherby received a call from the church
and society at West Winsted, and was dismissed from here June
3, 1866. Mr. Wetherby was a man of warm affections and many
generous impulses. Being an extensive reader, he gathered up
many things new and old, and so wove them into the web of his
thought as to instruct and edify his people. His great strength
lay in his pulpit labors, which were often eloquent and forcible.
Being sustained by an energetic, working church, his labors here
were crowned with abundant success.
In 1860, the premises now occupied as a parsonage, with the
lecture room in connection with the same, were bought of A. S.
Rogers, and appropriated to the uses for which they were purchased.
On the 7th of March, 1867, Rev. Jesse Brush of Vernon, Conn.,
came, and he was invited to become our pastor. Accepting the call,
he removed here with his family, and was installed on the 20th of
June of that year, on a salary of eleven hundred dollars and use
of parsonage. An effort was made to have the installation servi
ces on this occasion conducted entirely by those who- had been our
former pastors. It however failed in part in that respect. Rev.
Chas. Wetherby preached the sermon, and the charge to the pastor
was by Rev. Wm. B. Clarke, then at Litchfield, Conn. Commenc
ing with the week of prayer, in January of 1867, there was an
increase of religious interest, which continued along through the
15

114 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
winter. There were some conversions, but the fallow ground did
not get broken up, and there were no very marked results. In
March the condition of things was such that it was thought best
to invite the Evangelist, Rev. J. D. Potter, to come and aid in the
work. He came in April, and a continued series of meetings were
held. The attendance was large, and there were very soon
marked indications of the Divine Presence. Cases of conviction
and conversion were multiplied, and a goodly number rejoiced in
a new-born hope in Christ. The closing meeting , of the series
was very impressive. The house was full of people, and when at
its close they all rose and sang the familiar hymn,
" Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,"
it seemed as though none could willingly leave the place un
reconciled to God. As the result of that revival forty -two persons
united with the church. The additions during Mr. Brush's ministry
were seven by letter and fifty by profession.
In June, 1873, Mr. Brush received a call from the church and
society at Berlin, Conn., and he was dismissed from here on the
23d of that month. Mr. Brush wrote a good sermon. He was
pleasant and genial in society, attentive to all parish work, and all
honored and respected him. His wife was gifted with many
qualifications for her position, and was an efficient co-worker in all
duties pertaining to the ministry that came within her scope.
In December following Mr. Brush's departure, Rev. Chas. N.
Fitch, of Geneva, Ohio, and from the Theological Seminary at
New Haven, came to preach for us. The people were pleased with
him, and with his wife also, who was a daughter of Hon. James
Monroe, a prominent member of Congress from Ohio. Mr. Fitch
continued to supply the pulpit, and on the 14th of February, 1874,
a call was given him to settle, which he accepted, and his installa
tion was on the 12th of the next May. His salary was to be
$1,000 and use of parsonage, with a summer vacation of four
Sabbaths. Dr. Eld ridge of Norfolk preached the installation
sermon ; right-hand of fellowship by Rev. Mr. Bonney of Falls
Village; charge to pastor by Rev. Wm. E. Bassett of Warren;
charge to the people by Rev. J. B. Bonar of New Milford.
Mr. Fitch proved to be an active, earnest worker, with an eye
to all parts of the parish, and a good degree of executive force in
the exercise of which he succeeded to a good degree in bringing

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 115
the latent force, in the members of the church, into a harmonious
working channel, for the upbuilding of the Redeemer's Kingdom
in our midst. His work has not been in vain. In the winter
of 1875-6 there was an increased religious interest in the
church, especially during and after the week of prayer on the
first of January. The indications were suchrthat it was thought
best to invite the Litchfield Northwest Conference to hold a meet
ing here. The appointment for it was made to be held in West
Cornwall on the 26th of January. Most of the churches were repre
sented, and there was a large attendance of the people in this
vicinity. It was one of the memorable days in the history of our
church. From the commencement of the meeting in the morning
to its close late in the evening, there were increasing indications of
the presence of the Holy Spirit. A sermon by the Rev. J. B.
Bonar, in the evening, made a deep impression on many minds,
and at the close of the services a deep solemnity rested upon the
entire assembly. A winter of active religious and revival work
followed this meeting, and fifty persons united with the church as
the fruits thereof. Since Mr. Fitch commenced his ministry, sixty-
nine persons have thus joined us. As an educator and trainer of
young converts into the work and experience of a christian life,
Mr. Fitch has excelled.
For a long time there has been a pressing need for a better
place for holding meetings in West Cornwall than they have had-
Several of our pastors, previous to Mr. Fitch, have urged its im
portance, and repeated efforts have been made to obtain one, but
without success. Soon after he came here, Mr. Fitch began to
agitate the subject, but there was but little prospect of reaching
the desired result. As a last resort he, with Deacon T. S. Gold,
went to New York, and called upon C. P. Huntington, Esq., Vice-
President of the Union Pacific Railroad, whose wife was a daughter
of the late Wm. Stoddard of this place. The proposed building
of a chapel as aforesaid was talked over with Mr. and Mrs. Hunt
ington, and they were requested to aid the effort. They responded
favorably, and said if we would build the chapel, costing not
less than twenty-five hundred dollars, they would pay the last one
thousand of it, provided that cleared off all the indebtedness in
curred in its erection. Under the inspiration of this generous offer,
the people here took hold of the work, the required amount was
raised, the material has been purchased, contracts made, and the
foundations are now (July, 1877) being laid, and we trust it will

116 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
be completed in time so that the dedicatory services can form a
part of these records. The names of C. P. Huntington and wife
will ever be held in grateful remembrance by this people for
their liberal aid in the erection of the chapel.
The Deacons.
Beriah Hotchkin and Phineas Waller were the first chosen
deacons of this church, and they held the office until 1800. Then
Hezekiah Clark and Jesse Hyatt were chosen. They resigned in
1807, and Eliakim Mallory and David Clark succeeded them.
Mr. Clark died in 1811, and Titus Hart was chosen. Nathan
Hart and Noah Rogers, 4th, were chosen in 1816. Mr. Rogers re
signed in 1836, on account of ill health, and James Wadsworth
was elected. Messrs. Hart and Wadsworth resigned in 1854, and
E. D. and R. R. Pratt were then chosen to fill the places thus
vacated. These deacons, on Sunday, Nov. 1, 1868, eighteen years after
their appointment, resigned back to the church the positions it
had so generously given them. The church seemed unwilling to
release them, and an arrangement was made by which they were
to continue in the office three years, or until January 1, 1872.
When that time arrived, by vote of the church, a limitation was
put to the official term of the diaconal office, and T. S. Gold and
E. M. Rogers were elected deacons for five years.
Deacon Rogers died in the winter of 1876, and E. D. Pratt was
again elected deacon, his term of office to expire on the first of
January, 1881. Deacon Gold's term of office having expired on
the 29th of January, 1877, he was again elected for five years,
from January 1, 1877.
I would like to speak a word in regard to those who have con
ducted our service of song in the sanctuary, but I will not detain
you on this point, further than to recall the faithful, sacrificing
service in this department of our deceased brother, H- M. Hart.
Neither summer's heat nor winter's cold deterred him from the
performance of his work and duty in this line, and when he was
taken away we realized more than ever before how great a bless
ing he had been to us. SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.
Paul at Athens had his spirit stirred within him when he saw
the whole city given to idolatry.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 117
So, in 1781, in Gloucester, England, a warm-hearted christian
man had his spirit stirred when he saw the multitudes of children
violating God's holy day, and going on in ignorance of the great
command to remember and keep it holy.
The great question with him was, what can be done f The result
was the gathering of the children in on the Sabbath day to study
the word of God. Thus a Sabbath-school was formed, and Rob
ert Raikes became one of the world's benefactors.
How great a fire that little spark has kindled J The little hand
ful of corn has become like unto the cedar of Lebanon, that to
day scatters its fragrance over all the civilized world. Sunday-
schools were transplanted to this country about 1806, and we first
find them in and around Boston.
The first organization of one in our church was in 1820.
Mrs. Smith, the young bride of the pastor, had been connected
with a Sunday-school in New York, and soon after coming here
she stirred the people up to good works in that direction. A
school was formed, with Deacon Nathan Hart for Superintendent.
Only those between five and fifteen years of age were invited in
as scholars, and of these there were about fifty.
In 1829 there existed in this State an organization known as
the State Sunday-school Union. To that this school was an aux
iliary, and about that time new rules and regulations were adopted.
Scholars of all ages were invited to come in, and the school in
creased to an average attendance of about eighty.
Deacon Hart continued as superintendent nearly twenty years.
He was succeeded by Chalker Pratt, and the others who followed
in that office were Eber Cotter, H. M. Hart, T. L. Hart, A. S.
Rogers, E. D. Pratt, A. B. Pratt, R. R. Pratt, T..S. Gold, Stephen
Foster, N. R. Hart, N. Hart, Jr., E. B. Hart, and E. M. Rogers.
In the oft-recurring revivals with which this church has been
blessed, the Sunday-school has largely shared.
In 1858, Samuel Scovill, 2d, then in his theological studies at
New Haven, while at home in one of his vacations, was impressed
with the necessity that something be done to bring about a better
observance of the Sabbath in West Cornwall.
He went to work and secured the organization of a Sunday-
school in that part of the parish. From its commencement it has
been an active and prosperous institution in connection with this
church, and beneficial to the section where it is located.
At the time of its organization Wm. C. Rogers was chosen super.

118 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
intendent. After two or three years Mr. Rogers removed from
the town. R. R. Pratt succeeded him, and from that time on has
had charge of that school.
The admissions to this church have been as follows:
From its organization in 1780 to 1805, when Mr. Hawes was set
tled, the number was, - - 48
During eight years of Mr. Hawes's ministry, 62
From 1813, when Mr. Hawes left, to 1819, when Mr. Smith came, 26
Under Mr. Smith's pastorate, of nineteen years, 113
Under Mr. Tracy in 1839, and other intervals, 59
Mr. Maynard, eleven years, - 162
Mr. Clarke, four years, - 34
Mr. Wetherby, seven years, 70
Mr. Brush, six years, - 61
Mr. Fitch, three and one-half years, 69
Whole number, 704
Our present membership is 181.
Were it best, I could describe the footprints I have seen, as I
have followed up the lines of family histories. Some of them
would remind us that
"We may make our lives sublime,'"
while others show that evil words and deeds are
"A blot on human character which justice must wipe out ;"
and all verify the truthfulness of those words uttered by the
Lord God amid the thunders and lightnings of Sinai, wherein
he declared that the iniquities of the fathers should be visited upon
the children unto the third and fourth generations of those that
hated him, while mercy should be shown unto thousands of those
that loved him and kept his commandments.
Influence — Who shall measure its height or its depth, its
length or its breadth ?
" The smallest bark on life's tempestuous ocean
Will leave a track behind for evermore ;
The lightest wave of influence, set in motion,
Extends and widens to the eternal shore ;
We should be watchful, then, who go before
A myriad yet to be ; and we should take
Our bearing carefully, where breakers roar,
And fearful tempests gather ; one mistake
May wreck unnumbered barks that follow in our wake."
I have thus brought before you some of the more prominent
points of our past history.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 119
What are its lessons ?
1. " The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's
children. 2. If pastor and people properly use the means God has placed
within their reach for the cultivation of his moral vineyard, a
divine blessing will surely attend and follow their efforts.
3. The religion of the bible made practical in life, exalts, enno
bles, and dignifies human character.
Therefore, in the language of another, I inquire in all earnest
ness, " Who would not be a Christian ?
And yet we see men shrinking from the term
As though it brought a charge against them.
But it is the loftiest name the language knows,
And all the names in all the languages
Have none sublimer.
It breathes of heaven and of an
Immortal life with God.
We have seen it take the old man,
With evening shadows resting thick upon him ;
Oppressed with years, and wrinkled o'er with cares,
And to his view disclose a vision
Which has made the old man's heart to sing with gladness.
We have seen it take those in all the vigor
Of life's noontide hours,
And make them co-workers with Christ,
For a world's salvation.
We have seen it take the youth
In the bright morning of their existence,
And train them up in wisdom's ways,
And make them meet
For an inheritance beyond the skies.
We have seen it take the child
And kiss away its tears ;
Press it to its bosom,
And send it on its way rejoicing.
We have seen it take the outcasts,
Whose names were odious in the streets,
And bring them back to virtue and to God."
And hence it is that "godliness is profitable unto all things
having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to
come."

120 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
MEMORIAL SERMON, OR THE HISTORY OF THE SECOND
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF CORNWALL, AT
NORTH CORNWALL, CONN., JULY 9, 1876.
By Rev. Charles N. Fitch, Pastor.
Job viii, 8 — " For inquire I pray thee of tho former age, and prepare thyself to
the search of their fathers."
Rev. iii, 1, 2 — "I know thy works. . I have not found thy works perfect."
The sources of information for this historical discourse are:
1. Town Records from 1740 to 1800.
2. Societies' Records — 1st and 2d.
3. Church Records — -1st and 2d.
4. Historical Sketches, by Rev. Timothy Stone, of the Ecclesiastical
History of Cornwall.
5. Records of L. N. Consociation, and L. S. previous to 1790.
6. Association Records, L. N.
7. Contributions to Eccl. Hist, of Conn.
8. Genesis of New England Churches — Dr. Bacon.
9. History of North Cornwall Church, by Deacon R. R. Pratt.
10. Rev. B. C. Megie, D. D., Pleasant Grove, New Jersey.
The history of the Second Congregational Church of Cornwall
properly begins with the settlement of the town of Cornwall in
1738-40. In that early day every citizen was considered to
be a member of the ecclesiastical society of the town in which he
resided. He was taxed to support worship; and the law recognized
no churches but Congregational churches. Up to 1784 every citi
zen could be compelled by law to aid in supporting the Congrega
tional church of his town. So it came about, that the church
planted in Cornwall was the Congregational church of Christ.
The town was incorporated at the May session of the Legislature,
1740. Some families had moved in two winters before, and had
braved the rigors of the hard winters among the hills ; but the
incorporation was not secured until the spring of 1740.
On the first day of July following — thirty-six years before the
signing of the Declaration of Independence — the fathers met to
take the requisite steps towards a permanent legal settlement.
This was the first town meeting; and how was its business opened ?
Undoubtedly by prayer, as was in that day the universal custom.
All business pertaining to the worship of God was transacted in
town-meeting, and so naturally God was invoked to bless their
meeting and their business. The first item of business, according
to the records, shows what high value the fathers set upon religious
privileges. It was " Voted, that the whole charge of Mr. Harrison's
preaching among us, together with the charge of bringing him

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 121
here, and boarding him, we will pay out of the first tax to be
assessed." The next vote of the meeting was of the same tenor,
to wit: "Voted, that we will send Mr. Millard to agree with a
minister, and bring him to preach among us."
There was one other action of this ancient and honorable body
which deserves notice. Before dispersing to their own rude and,
in many cases, unfinished homes, they remembered the promise of
the Lord: "My tabernacle shall be with them; yea, and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people'." They voted, therefore,
" ' That we think it necessary and convenient to build a meeting
house:' which vote was unanimous to a man."
Thus early we discover, in their high regard for the worship of
God and the services of the christian religion, a marked relation
ship with those earlier fathers who, " as soon as the Mayflower had
brought them into a safe harbor, fell upon their knees and blessed
the God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and
furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries
thereof, again to set their feet upon the firm and stable earth, —
their proper element."*
The population of Cornwall in 1740 was twenty -five families.
Among these are the names of Jewell, Spaulding, Barrett, Squires,
Allen, Griffin, Fuller, and Roberts. These early settlers main
tained public worship from the first, even though occasionally
without a settled pastor. For the first forty years the only church
in Cornwall was the Consociated Congregational Church, which
was laid at first as the corner-stone upon which the town was built.
Forty years from the time the first corner-stone was laid, the
fathers laid another, and called it "The Strict Congregational
Church of Cornwall." But although the second stone was laid
beside the first, the ceremony lacked the fine feature of harmony.
The second church was formed in the early autumn of 1780, by
secession from the first. " The Separates," as they were called by
their opponents, at first numbered only nine souls, but theirs were
unusually large souls, as the sequel will show. The names of the
Separates were:
Andrew Young, James Douglass,
Phineas Waller, Marsh Douglass,
Elijah Steele, David Clark,
Samuel Butler, Hezekiah Clark.
Noah Bull, 
* Bacon's Genesis of The N. E. Churches, p. 310.
16

122 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Of this list, two — viz., Phineas Waller and Elijah Steele— had
been deacons in the First Church, but were not holding that posi
tion at the time of the separation. It does not appear why Deacon
Waller was succeeded, but Deacon Steele became a Quaker in senti
ment, and his successor had been chosen four years before he, with
his brethren, withdrew. Samuel Butler and Marsh Douglass
never united with the new church. By reference to the Manual
we find that within two years six others were added to this little
company, viz.:
Beriah Hotchkin, Jesse Hyatt,
Noah Rogers, 3d, Mrs. B. Hotchkin,
Ethan Allen, Mrs. P. Waller.
This made a grand total in 1782 of thirteen members. If this
seems to us a small nucleus for a church, we should be reminded
that back of this little handful was a majority of the voters of the
township of Cornwall to give it courage and strength. In fact the
cause of the secession was the dissatisfaction of the ecclesiastical
society of the town with the pastor, Rev. Hezekiah Gold.
Mr. Gold, be it known at the outset, had ministered to the First
Church twenty years before the separation, and continued its pastor
for six years thereafter. And I am unable to find any sufficient
evidence that would lead one to question his purity and integrity
of Christian character, or his soundness in Christian faith. On
the contrary, Mr. Gold had enjoyed an unusual influence among
his own people, as is sufficiently proven by the fact that when the
crisis came, and the major part of the town refused to support the
pastor, and demanded of the church that they should dismiss him,
they refused to comply, but stood by him instead. Then there
was presently a great gulf opened, on the one side of which stood
the pastor and the majority of his church; behind them were all
the consociated churches of this county, together with their min
isters forming the Consociation, and led by the celebrated Dr.
Bellamy. On the other side stood only a single rank of "rebels,"
with that "baker's dozen " of resolute and honest church members
in the center, flanked by a majority of the citizens who were out
side the pale of the church.
To comprehend the situation of the " Separates," you must bear
in mind the condition of religious toleration in Connecticut at that
time. It will be necessary to go back with me to Old Saybrook,
where, in 1708, the Saybrook Platform was adopted. The adop
tion of that platform fastened the peculiar system of discipline upon
the Connecticut churches known by the name of Consociational;

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 123
for the platform, when it was adopted by the council at Saybrook,
was ratified by the Legislature, and declared binding upon all the
churches which voluntarily accepted it.
After 1708, then, there was an "established" church in Con
necticut. "If Congregationalists became disaffected with either
their pastor or brethren, and wished to worship by themselves, they
were still obliged to pay their taxes for the support of the church
from which they had seceded" (Ecc. Hist, of Conn., p. 119).
This class was called "Separates," although they preferred the
name of "Strict Congregationalists."
The Separates of different churches had different local causes
for separating, but the principle underlying the action of every
separate church was the same. They fretted against the bars of
Consociational authority, and believed in the superiority of the
individual church in all matters of discipline. They objected to
the system of discipline laid down in the Saybrook platform, and
to having that system crowded down their throats by the civil
authority. The last court of appeal was not, in their view, the
Consociation, but the church itself. In this they were what their
name signified, "Strict Congregationalists," and so, in a certain
sense, reformers.
" They abhorred the civil enactments which authorized and regulated
our associations and consociations, which enactments have long since
become obsolete, and have left these institutions to rest, as they should,
on the voluntary principle." (Eccl. Hist, of Conn., p. 281.)
So far this church was, at its establishment, a separate church.
But one other feature, which characterized the separate churches,
I cannot learn that this church ever introduced, viz., that each
church should ordain its own pastor.
But with the principles of religious liberty advocated by the
Separates, this church was in full and cordial sympathy. Let it be
here recorded, and ever remembered, that that little band of " big
souls " contended for a principle in their act of separation from the
mother church just as truly, if not as heroically, as the same gene
ration of noble men had done, but four years before, in their
separation from the mother country 1
What was that principle ? It was the principle of "no taxation
without representation."
The "tea-chests " that they threw overboard were the planks of
the Saybrook platform, which held them in bonds to support a

124 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
minister whom they did not wish to support, but whom the
majority of the church decided to stand by, and whom both the
consociation and legislature decided they must support; and so by
law they were obliged to comply with the decision of conso
ciation. They rebelled against this decision, and maintained the right to
withdraw and support the minister of their choice.
It was not until four years later, or 1784, that the law was
enacted permitting persons to choose their own church. There
had been, up to this time, no alternative recognized by law to the
true Congregationalist in sentiment. If he chose to attend and
support a " Strict Congregational " church, he was not relieved of
his tax in support of the church of the " standing order." The
only exceptions were in favor of Episcopalians, Baptists, and
Quakers. These had been, as early as 1729, exempted from the
support of Congregational churches. This act of exemption is
said to have made many Baptists and Episcopalians.
We see then the situation of the citizens of the town during the
period of which we speak. A majority of the town voted, July 26,
1779, to call a council to dismiss the pastor, Rev. Hezekiah Gold;
but unless the church would concur in calling the council, the town
could be compelled to continue his support. This was virtually
taxation without a voice or a vote, and the same spirit that led
them four years before to declare war in behalf of civil liberty,
inspires now the step they take for religious liberty.
This may serve to explain, in part, why, in their difficulty with
their pastor, they were opposed, and Mr. Gold was supported, by
the body of the clergy and the neighboring churches.
They declared themselves "Strict Congregationalists," and in
sympathy with the Separates, who were exciting great hostility
among the churches of the "Standing order," but who numbered
at one time over thirty churches in the State. £To this class of
Separates, however, Connecticut owes more than to any other
single influence, for the repeal of the law restricting religious
toleration. They aided in cultivating public opinion, which
secured the privilege to every man of worshiping God "accord
ing to the dictates of his own conscience."
This was one of the last Separate churches formed in the State,
but the difficulty between these two churches being submitted to
the legislature, in 1784, was one of the causes in securing the
repeal of the law above referred to.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 125
The names of the committee who presented the case to the
legislature have a peculiar historic interest. They are Major John
Sedgwick, Dr. Timothy Rogers, and Andrew Young.
This was then a " Separate " church, and notwithstanding the
occasional displays of unchristian temper during the controversy,
it is a cause of great satisfaction to know that the fathers who
founded it were impelled to the step by their loyalty to christian
conviction, and their truly Puritan regard for religious liberty.
In behalf of the First church, and of the town in general, it
should be said, also, that they never compelled the Separates to
pay taxes to support the "standing order," owing partly, perhaps,
to the fact that the " Separates " were in the majority; but mainly
to the spirit of toleration, which was at work here, and which
was preparing the town to, pass a vote, 1782, two years subsequent
to the separation, but two years before the repeal of the law by the
State Legislature, permitting each person taxed to say to which
church he preferred to have his tax applied, whether to the First
or Second Congregational, or to the support of a missionary of the
Church of England, who had been preaching in the town for a
few months.
So much by way of setting the actors on this ecclesiastical
stage, one hundred years ago, in the midst of the ecclesiastical
history of that early day. In no other way should we be able to
comprehend their acts, and do justice to their motives.
I pass now to speak of the mysterious local causes of this
separation. A vote was passed at a town meeting held July 26, 1779, call
ing a council to dismiss the pastor of the First church. So much
is clear. It is in evidence, also, that the church met six weeks
later to consider this question forced upon it by the town, but
decided not to join in calling a council.* It is understood that
* Question 1st. Doth this church advise the Rev. Mr. Gold to concur in the
vote passed by this town, July 26, 1779, to call a council to dismiss him from the
work of the ministry among them 1
Voted, We do not choose so to do.
Question 2d. Is it the duty of a christian people to make a minister's salary
good as well as the wages of day laborers ; the minister deducting towards the
extraordinary expense of the present war, a quota equal to the estate which he
possesseth t
Voted, It is their duty ! Test, JOSEPH BELLAMY, Mod'r.
Cornwall, Sept. 6, 1779.

126 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Dr. Bellamy gave his advice against the council. The association
was asked also for its advice, and gave it against the council.
The result was, the council was not called; the pastor was not
dismissed. The next action of the town relating to the matter in hand.
dates April 10, 1780, when three votes were passed, as follows:
1. " Are the inhabitants of this town willing any longer to be gov
erned by and subjected to the Ecclesiastical Constitution of this State,
as set forth in the Saybrook Platform, and established and approved by
General Assembly of this State, or with the same with the exceptions
or alterations made and agreed to by the Consociation of Litchfield
County ? Voted in the Negative ! "
Vote 2d (declares them to be Strict Congregationalists both in doctrine
and in discipline ; but as no exception had ever been taken to Congre
gational doctrine, the emphasis was, of course, upon the discipline of
the Platform.)
Vote 3d. " That the Rev. Hezekiah Gold be desired not to perform
divine service any more in this town."
One month later the vote styling themselves Strict Congrega
tionalists was rescinded, only to be re-passed June 19th, with
renewed vigor, as though the vote of May 4th represented only a
minority, and the town had rallied again in June, and re-asserted
its authority.
The vote as last passed, remained without change for at least
twenty years.
Besides the above action, Mr. Gold was again desired not to
preach in the meeting-house.
A committee, with Capt. Edward Rogers as chairman, was
appointed "to procure a preacher for the following Sabbath,
according to the Congregational mode of worship." And another
committee, consisting of Elijah Steele, Ithamar Saunders, and
Noah Rogers, were constituted with the rather unlimited powers
of "taking care of the meeting-house;" which I take to mean,
that if Mr. Gold should attempt to preach in the meeting-house,
this committee were to take care of the minister. Tradition says
that Saunders was the member who " took care " of the minister,
keeping him out of the pulpit by taking up his position on the
pulpit stairs, and preventing Mr. Gold's entering to deliver the
sermon on Thanksgiving day. For this unlawful proceeding
Saunders was fined to a considerable amount.
The record shows that the above votes were ratified June 30th,
and that January 22, 1781, the town voted that Mr. Gold should
not receive his salary for the previous year. A lawsuit followed

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 127
which ended in a compromise. The separation took place some
time during the year 1780, at least before the middle of October.*
The causes which led up to this unfortunate rupture between
the men of the town on the one side and the pastor and church
on the other, are not very clearly defined in any of the records
which I have been able to find. According to Mr. Stone — whose
sketches are the most thorough and satisfactory, impartial, dis
criminating, and candid — in fact, the only consecutive history of
Cornwall yet written :
"Embarrassment of business, the confusion of the public mind, and
the privations resulting from the condition of the country, made it more
difficult to pay a minister's salary.
" All ministers settled as pastors, according to the law of the State,
were exempted from all taxes. Mr. Gold was an ardent friend to the
revolutionary movements of the country, and he offered to deduct from
his annual salary so much as his property would demand, and the
exigencies of the times required. How far this projaosal was accepted
is not now known." (For particulars, see Stone's Sketches, p. 31, seq.)
The real nub of trouble was the minister's salary. It became
difficult, owing to the war, to raise the stipulated salary. Mr. Gold,
in what he regarded the spirit of patriotic sympathy, no doubt,
submitted his property to taxation. Even this concession did not
satisfy the people. Instances in which pastors had voluntarily
resigned an entire year's salary in order to make the burdens of
the people lighter, were not uncommon; one had occurred so near,
as in the parish of Kent, where Nathaniel Taylor was the minister.
The people felt that one who was so well able to release them
from a part of their pecuniary obligations as was their pastor — as
he was reputed wealthy — was not evincing sufficient consideration
for their distressed situation, in holding them to the strict letter
of their engagement. But Mr. Gold felt that as he had submitted
to taxation, "and such a reduction from his salary as the, exigencies
of the times required," it was unreasonable to require yet further
reductions. Before the actual separation, feeling ran high, and unchristian
conduct is chargeable to both parties.
Mr. Gold not feeling inclined to withdraw his claims, and the
disaffected citizens feeling that the claims were unjust, and yet
that, owing to Mr. Gold's wealth and personal influence, an appeal
to Council was not likely to result favorably to them, at length
withdrew, and began to hold services separately, during the sum
mer of 1780.
* See Records of First Church in Mr. Gold's handwriting : also Records of
Consociation for June 5, 1781.

128 , HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
For some time after the separation, the new church had neither
permanent pulpit nor priest. It met, however, for public worship,
regularly, in such of the houses of the Separates as were central
and suitable.
While John Cornwall was the stated preacher, the services
were more commonly held at his own residence, on the site more
recently known as "the Carrington Todd residence."
The first minister which the new church had was not Mr. Corn
wall, as is usually stated, but Rev. Samuel Bird, who had been.
pastor of a New Haven church — now the North Church. This
" Bird " was not " in hand " of the infant church but a few months.
After him came the Rev. John Cornwall, a recent "graduate"
from a shoe-shop in Branford. In Mr. Cornwall's family Bible is
this sentence, written on the fly-leaf: " Lived without God until I
was 20 years of age."* He was converted to Christ at that age.
John Cornwall was a strong, eccentric preacher, devoted to his
calling; with powerful convictions, and fearless in expressing
them; having little of the learning of "the Schools," but with
such a fund of general knowledge, and an acknowledged ability,
as gave him great respect among his people.
He was twice sent to the legislature.
At one session of legislature, Mr. Cornwall and Mr. Hezekiah
Gold were the representatives from Cornwall.
Mr. Cornwall was never installed over the church, but it was
while he was preaching to them that the first house of worship
was erected, 1785.f
In this connection, I will speak of the locations of the various
houses of worship which these two societies have had.
The old First meeting-house in the town was built on the site of
Jas. D. Ford's homestead. In 1785, the second meeting-house
was begun by the " Separates," on the site of the present school-
house at Cornwall Center.
In 1790, the first house was pulled down, enlarged, and rebuilt
in the vicinity of the present church at Cornwall.
In 1826, the Second society built this house in which we are at
*See Deacon Pratt's History.
t Respecting the date of the erection of this first house, it may be well to say
that Mr. Stone gives it 1785, and an indirect reference is made to such a house
in one of the old papers on file, dated February, 1786, which shows it to have
been standing then and partially finished. Mr. Stone says it was never com.
pleted, so we conclude that it was begun, at least, in 1785. The date in the
manual of 1858 is therefore too late (1787) by two years.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 129
present assembled at North Cornwall. (See Nathan Hart's sketch
of erection of North Cornwall meeting-house.)
Mr. Cornwall removed, in 1792, to Amenia, N. Y., where he
ministered to a Congregational church until his death, which
occurred May 12, 1812.
Before Mr. Cornwall ceased his labors with the Second church,
christian fellowship had been so far revived as that Mr. Gold was
invited to preach in its new house of worship.
And after Mr. Cornwall's departure, efforts to re-unite the two
churches were begun, which, though never resulting in anything
satisfactory, were continued at intervals for thirty years. One
would judge from the records that every proper expedient had
been employed to bring about this desirable end. It is unneces
sary to go into the history of those fruitless efforts at reunion
which fill the pages of our society's records. Besides the latent
feeling founded upon the history of the separation, there were
geographical objections to the reunion. No site sufficiently central
to accommodate all the citizens could be settled upon. It is diffi
cult to avoid the impression that, while men had by their variances
caused the separation, a " divinity " shaped their " ends " to prevent a
- reunion. Mr. Cornwall was ordained by the "Morris County Presbytery"
of New Jersey, which was organized in 1780, "by secession from
pure Presbyterianism." It was "based mainly on the principle of
the independency of the local church, yet assuming that the power
,of ordination was vested in the Presbytery."* As it is known that
Mr. Cornwall was accustomed to attend the sessions of this Pres
bytery, and that he also took with him one or more members of
this church, it is probable that it was, for a year or two, connected
with this " Presbyterio-Congregational Presbytery."
The earliest records of the Second society which have been pre
served, date from the year 1793, when Wm. Kellogg was chosen
clerk, and since which time the records have been, in the main,
well kept. Mr. Kellogg's entries are thorough and business-like.
He was clerk eight years, then was succeeded by Noah Rogers, Jr.,
or "Noah 4th," who served eighteen years, until 1819. It is
barely possible that the records of this society, from 1780 to 1793,
are yet in existence, but though I have made dihgent search, they
are not to be found. *Rev. B. C. Megie, D. D,
17

130 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
In this connection it should be said that the church records
begin with the settlement of the first pastor, Rev. Josiah Hawes,*
called December 18, 1804, and ordained March 14, 1805. By a
vote passed by the church in 1807, it was decided not to copy
into the new book " transactions of a more ancient date than those
pertaining to the settlement " of Mr. Hawes.
Whether the fathers thought best not to transmit to their chil
dren the particulars of the early difficulties, or whether they thought
they might be sufficiently secure in their place " on file," it is to be
deplored that they failed to leave in more enduring form their
written testimony upon their actions and motives of action during
those " times that tried men's souls."
In the early spring of 1794, the Rev. Israel Holley came to
preach to the " North Church," as it was called. Mr. Holley was
ordained over the church in Suffield, Conn., June, 1763. He was
pastor of the church in Granby nine years, and was, it is said,
seventy years of age when he came to Cornwall.
The society voted, June 11, 1794, to hire Mr. Holley "to take
charge, in this society, as a Gospel minister, and teacher of piety
and morality, for the term of five years." The society had pre
viously offered to join with the church in settling Mr. Holley, but
as he did not wish to be settled, he was accordingly hired for a
limited term. Mr. Holley's salary was " £60 lawful money, one-
third part of which was to be paid in necessaries of living, and
fifteen cords of firewood of good quality, delivered at his dwelling."
In the last decade of the last century, and near its close, a
revival of religion, beginning in Hartford, and extending over
Litchfield County, reached this church in the latter part of Mr.
Holley's ministry. How much its advent was due to Mr. Holley's
labors, it is not easy to say. It was one of Connecticut's "revival
periods," and this church, with many of its sister churches, received
a blessing. Dr. Griffin says: "From 1792, I saw a continued succession of
heavenly sprinklings, until I could stand at my door in New Hart
ford, and number fifty or sixty congregations laid down in one
field of divine wonders."
This church was one of those "divine wonders" of that "field"
which the good Doctor saw, as it received twelve additions in
September, 1800, as the result of that revival.

* The initial " B.," which was sometimes inserted in this name, did not belong
to it.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 131
It was also the first in a long series of revivals with which this
church has been blest.* It may be regarded as a happy prophecy
of the better days to come, both for the cause of Christ in this
town, and for the peace and prosperity of the local churches.
Up to 1804, the Second society had had no legal establishment.
It was incorporated at the October session of the legislature, and
called a "poll-point," i.e., any person could join the society by
lodging his certificate of his intention, within a specified time,
with the town clerk. The society thus formed was taxed to
support its own form of worship according to the number of polls
and the amount of "ratable property." The tax in 1805 was
three cents and five mills on the dollar.
The minister's salary was raised in this manner until the settle
ment of Walter Smith, with the single exception of the year 1814,
when a subscription was circulated to procure preaching for the
summer and fall. The tax of the poor was abated by subscription.
I subjoin a list of the members of the society at its incorporation,
October, 1804.f
The church now began to cast about for a suitable man to settle
with them in the full relation of pastor to the flock. They thought
they had found the right man in Rev. Alvin Somers, of Sharon.
But notwithstanding their very cordial call, they were not success
ful in retaining Mr. Somers. They succeeded better with Mr.
*The total number of additions to the church through the aid of twelve
revivals, is four hundred and seventy-four, or an average of nearly forty to each
revival. This includes the year 1876.
tNoah Rogers, Abraham Hotchkin, Eliakim Mallory, Sam'l Scovel, Solo
mon Hart, Silas Clark, David Clark, Timothy Scovel, Titus Hart, Thadeus
Cole, Jesse Hyatt, Nathan Millard, Stephen Scovel, Elias Hart, Bradley Catlin.
Oliver Burnham, Joseph Scovel, Joel Harrison, Jason Coles, Daniel Harrison,
William Kellogg, Jasper Pratt, Ichabod Howe, Elisha Carrier, Benjamin Carrier,
Luther Harrison, Oliver Ford, Henry Baldwin, Lemuel Jennings, Phineas Hart,
Saml. Deming, Jacob Scovel, Oliver Hotchkin, Abner Hotchkin, David Jewel,
Levi Miles, Richard Wickwire, 2d, William Johnson, Saml. Scovel, Jr., Israel
Dibble, Justis Seeley, Asa Emmons, Asaph Emmons, John Jeffers, Joseph North,
John Kellogg, Theodore Norton, Seth Wadhams, Jr., Sturges Williams, Minor
Pratt, Noah Rogers, Jr., Charles T. Jackson, Timothy Johnson, James Wads
worth, Jr., Joel Millard, Saml. Rexford, Elias White, Andrew Cotter, Eliakim
Mallory, Jr., Ezra Mallory, Nathan Hart, Saml. A. Cole, Silas Meashum, John
Dean, Theodore Colton, Joseph Ford, Zephaniah Hull, Jonathan Scovel,
Edmund Harrison, Henry Baldwin, Jr., Erastus Beirce, Luman Seeley, Fred
erick Tanner, John Dobson, Levi Scovel, Stephen Scovel, 2d, Jerijah Dean,
Gildmore Hurlburt, Josiah Hawley, Joel Trowbridge, Mathew Morey, Noah
Dibble.

132 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Hawes. Josiah Hawes, the first pastor of this church, was a
native of Warren, Conn. He graduated at Williams College in
the year 1800; studied theology with Dr. Chas. Backus, of Somers,
so celebrated in his day for his " School of the Prophets," in which
many of the clergymen of Connecticut were prepared for the
ministry. Mr. Hawes was licensed by Litchfield North Associa
tion Sept. 28, 1802. This was his first parish. He was settled by
ordination March 14, 1805, the ordaining council being the Litch
field North Consociation, from which this church had withdrawn
a quarter of a century before.
The explanation of this condescension on the part of the Con
sociation is found in the fact that the church and society had
rescinded the odious vote by which they had styled themselves
" Strict Congregationalists." Having worn for twenty-two years
the name, and having seen the changes wrought in the Consocia
tion which they had desired, and having no desire to maintain a
name which did not at that time signify any living issue, the
society voted, Sept. 23, 1802, "to reconsider and make null the
vote '' referred to. The church was received back into Consocia
tion Sept. 27, 1809.
Mr. Hawes' salary at settlement was three hundred and thirty-
four dollars and eighteen cords of firewood.
The services of Mr. Hawes' ordination have a peculiar interest
from the fact that the First Church was invited to the council, and
was represented by its pastor, Rev. Timothy Stone, and the vener
able Gen. Heman Swift. This ordination marks a new era in the
history of these churches. The pastor of the parent church gave
to the pastor-elect of the seceding church the "right hand of
fellowship." During the eight years of Mr. Hawes' ministry here,
there was no cessation of the friendly christian intercourse thus
delightfully begun between' these brethren and participated in to a
good degree by their people. On several occasions the pastors
with their flocks met together for christian conference and inter
course. The other parts to Mr. Hawes' ordination were a sermon by
Rev. Mr. Starr of Warren; and the charge to the pastor by the
venerable John Cornwall. It had not then become the custom to
charge the people.
The ministry of Mr. Hawes proved a very prosperous one for
the church, and must have done much to satisfy the conscientious
" Separates " that their enterprise was approved of God.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY^ 133
At his ordination the church numbered twenty-five members, to
wit, eleven males and fourteen females. When he was dismissed
he had received sixty-two members, of whom forty-six entered at
one communion, the fruit of the revival of 1807.
Mr. Stone bears cheerful and hearty testimony to the work and
worth of his cotemporary and co-laborer in this vineyard of the
Lord. He is also spoken of in our church manual as "an earnest
and faithful pastor, a man of prayer and effort."
He seems to have had, to an unusual degree, the confidence and
love of his people. They found it difficult, nevertheless, to raise
the stipulated salary. In 1809 Mr. Hawes, being persuaded that
his salary was not sufficient to meet his expenses, asked, for a
dismissal. But as the society raised by subscription the sum of four hun
dred, dollars to enable him to purchase in part the place on which
he lived, Mr. Hawes was relieved for the time being and remained.
It is worthy of note that at this time the society took care to speak
of their " great reluctance at being called to part with our beloved
teacher in the gospel rules of our Lord." Again, however, in
June, 1813, the pastor informs the society of renewed embarrass
ment on account of the insufficient salary, and asks to be dis
missed. The resignation was received with regret, and the pastor was
dismissed by Consociation at Ellsworth, July 6, 1813, with the
" full approbation " of his brethren in the ministry " as a prudent,
faithful, and holy minister of Christ," and cordially commended
to the confidence of the churches. Mr. Hawes was settled eighteen
months later over the church in Lyme, where for more than twenty
years he resided, " beloved by his flock." From Lyme he removed
to Sidney Plains, N. Y., in 1835. From thence, in 1840, he went
to Scienceville, N. Y., supplying the Congregational Church until
1847, when he removed to Unadilla, Otsego Co., N. Y., and sup
plied the First Presbyterian Church until his death, June 26, 1851.
" Mr. Hawes died at the advanced age of seventy-three, and is
buried at Sidney Plains, N. Y.
During the interim between the dismissal of Mr. Hawes and the
choice of his successor, the question of union again came up, and
never was the effort so nearly successful as at this time.
The North Society proposed to unite under Mr. Stone, then
pastor of the First Church. This proposition all of the First
Church were ready to accept, save three, viz., Capt. Seth Pierce,

134 ' HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Col. Benj. Gold, and Samuel Hopkins, Esq. Their' opposition' is
said to have been called out by the fear that the plan would ulti
mately result in the removal of the meeting-house from the valley.
Furthermore, it is clear that the plan was discouraged by Mr. Stone,
who himself records the anxiety he felt lest "the pastor of the
First Church should have been without a society and the society
without a minister." This failure of effort occurred in 1815.
We find the names of only two ministers who preached for the
church during the first two years after Mr. Hawes' dismissal.
The first, Francis L. Robbins, a young minister licensed by
Litchfield North, and afterwards settled at Enfield, where, after a
pastorate of thirty-four years, during which he had witnessed four
powerful revivals, his death occurred in the progress of a revival.
Mr. Robbins was liked, but was not a candidate. The second
name mentioned is that of a Mr. Hawley, from Hinsdale, N. Y.
But the only man who left his mark upon the church during this
interval was Grove L. Brownell.
He was raised up for the ministry in the neighboring church in
North Canaan; graduated at Burlington College, Vt. ; preached
for a time at Woodbury, Conn. ; and was for eight years pastor at
Sharon. The labors of Mr. Brownell, under the lead of the Holy Spirit,
resulted in a revival which brought from twenty to twenty-five
members into the church, and stimulated the entire community to
renewed efforts for the permanent success of the gospel in Corn
wall. This revival was in the winter of 1815-16. For three years
thereafter the church depended upon occasional supplies, concern
ing whom nothing has been left on record.
About the beginning of the year 1819 the church seems to have
had a fresh infusion of life or effusion of the Holy Spirit. This
effusion may have been the result in part of a renewed devotion
to prayer; and in part, of a report of the "Committee on Ways
and Means " — a special committee, — who reported a plan of volun
tary subscription for the support of preaching, saying that a paper
was then in circulation, which was meeting with such good success
that they would advise the society to proceed at once to call and
settle a minister on a salary of five hundred dollars.
Until the settlement of Mr. Smith, members of the society had
been taxed for the support of preaching. There is no evidence
previous to this time of money having been raised for this purpose

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 135
by subscription, with the single exception of 1814, unless we con
sider that the gift of four hundred dollars to Mr. Hawes ought
also to be excepted.
The tax system was the prevailing system until 1819.
And just here permit me a word as to the custom of the early
churches of Connecticut with respect to raising the salary of the
minister. It was raised, as you all know, by a tax, up to 1784; and the
taxes thus raised went to support Congregational churches only,
and such only as were consociated.
In 1784, four years after this church was established, the law
requiring citizens to be taxed for support of churches of the
"established order" was repealed in the legislature, as before
stated. This left all free to worship with whatever denomination
they preferred. This was a step toward religious liberty, and but
a step, for still all were taxed for the support of the church of
their choice. Every one was at liberty to choose between churches,
but no one was allowed to choose "no church." Persons could
withdraw from one society by lodging with the , clerk a certificate
to the effect that they were to join another; but they were not
permitted to " sign off to nothing."
In 1818, however, when the new State constitution was adopted,
this compulsory law was repealed, and every man was left free to
support any church or no church, just as he might choose. This
was regarded by many excellent men as a dangerous expedient.
It seems strange that men should have been found as late as 1818
who looked with forebodings to the future of the church of Christ,
if christians should be left free to not serve God, as well as to
serve Him according to the dictates of their own consciences.
Yet Dr. Lyman Beecher has left a sermon against the plan and
idea of voluntary support of the gospel. But I am happy to be
able to chronicle the superior faith of the fathers of this church,
who in 1819 reported that, in their humble opinion, the voluntary
plan was the best plan. The committee thus reporting were, Oliver
Burnham, Benjamin Sedgwick, George Wheaton, Joseph North,
Hezekiah Gold, Joel Catlin, Nathan Hart, Seth Dibble, William
Clark. Their report was accepted, and from that time until the
year after the erection of this house of worship the minister's
salary was raised by " the subscription plan."
In 1827 the custom of renting the pews arose, and this has
been continued up to the present time. i

136 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
i
Rev. Walter Smith, the next pastor of this church; was born in
Kent, in the year 1793; graduated at Yale in 1816; pursued the
study of theology two years with Dr. Matthew Perrine, of New
York city. Returning to Kent, he was licensed by Litchfield
North Association, Sept. 30, 1818.
Then came an invitation to him to preach at the North Church
in Cornwall. He accepted, and was asked in the following March
to settle as pastor. He consented, and was ordained June 2, 1819,
at the age of twenty-six. The salary was five hundred dollars.
Mr. Stone gave the young pastor the " right hand " at his
ordination, as he had done to his predecessor; and as before, so
now, this public act was a real index of the private fraternal feel
ing which ever existed between these neighboring pastors.
Mr. Smith's ministry spanned nineteen years. His labors were
blessed with frequent conversions. Twenty members were added
to the church in 1824, in 1831 twenty-eight, and in 19 years, 113.
Mr. Smith was, in his pulpit ministrations, scholarly and effec
tive, and in private life an amiable and estimable man. Toward
the close of his ministry the state of his health precluded his doing
much pastoral labor, but the state of feeling between pastor and
people never ceased to be that of mutual christian kindness and
confidence. Upon the records of Consociation he stands com
mended as follows: "The Consociation feel it their privilege to
record the assurance of their unabated confidence in Mr. Smith as
an able, faithful, and devoted minister of Jesus Christ."
The church accepted Mr. Smith's resignation April 3, 1838,
solely on the ground of failing health and consequent disability to
perform the duties of his office. They voted at the same time —
although he had not been able to supply the pulpit since January
— to continue his salary until June 1st.
He removed in the spring of 1840 to Mt. Vernon, Ohio,, where
he resided until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy-
seven. We cannot do better than to quote the language of his estimable
widow, still living: "His ministry is adjusted on the other side;"
adding only, that Mr. Smith is spoken of only with affectionate
regard by those that are still on this side.
It will be, I am confident, no digression from the legitimate
scope of this history, if I introduce just here a brief testimonial to
the worth of the wife of Walter Smith. She is remembered with
marked expressions of admiration, by many present, for her pru-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 137
dence, piety, and ability to honor the position of pastor's wife.
To Mrs. Smith is attributed the leading part in establishing the
Sunday-school in Cornwall. Her bible class was always the prom
inent class in the school. She formed the " Ladies' Sewing Cir
cle," an important department of the church work. She has sur
vived her husband, and now, in the evening of her life, reverts to
her Cornwall home and friends with affectionate and hallowed
memories.* A sister of Mr. Smith, Mrs. Noah Baldwin, is at present the
oldest resident member of this church, a woman of devout piety
and true worth.
I shall speak, in this connection, of the revival of 1830-31,
which, though not conducted by Mr. Smith, took place during
his ministry. He was absent, to regain his health. Among the
methods by which it was promoted, the " four-days' meetings "
are spoken of as most effective. Delegates from neighboring
churches, with now and then a pastor, visited their sister churches,
" to provoke unto love and to good works." Messrs. John C. Hart
and Augustus Norton, young men fresh from the theological
school, labored also with much acceptance during this revival.
The church received twenty-eight members, mostly the fruit of
the revival. The following . persons, now living, and in full con
nection with the church, joined previous to this revival, to wit:
Mrs. Sabra Baldwin (Noah), Mrs. Ithamar Baldwin, Mrs. Jacob
Scoville, Mr. Titus L. Hart, Mrs. Thirza Wheeler (Samuel).
At Mr. Smith's dismissal, there ensued an interval of nearly
three years in which the church was without a settled pastor; but
it was by no means an eventless interval.
By reference to the Manual, it appears that fifty-four members
were added to the church during that interval, of whom forty-four
were at our communion in March, 1839. This is good work for
interval-work, surely ! What is the explanation of this important
addition while the church is without an under-shepherd ? Evan
gelistic labor by Rev. S. J. Tracy I Mr. Tracy was introduced to
the church in the early summer of 1838, soon after Mr. Smith's
ministry closed. He preached one Sabbath, and was then absent
from Cornwall until fall, when his protracted labors were begun,
and continued until the following May.
One of Mr. Tracy's first methods was through parish visitation,
* Mrs. Smith's death occurred near the close of the year 1876.
18

138 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
with which this parish has been familiar, and from which it has
reaped rich fruit. Before the committees sallied out upon their
work, they met early in the morning at the school-house near the
church, for a season of prayer and christian conference.
In the evening they convened at the church to report to a public
meeting the important features of the day's work.
Mr. Tracy's manner of presenting gospel truth had the merits
of clearnesss, force, and pungency, and usually awakened convic
tion in the minds of the masses. While he drew upon himself
much criticism by his disregard of conventionalities, and some
times gave offense by his unwise personal appeals, he found the
way to many hearts that remained closed to other men's approaches.
It would have been more acceptable to a large class of respectable
people, if Mr. Tracy had had more of that gospel grace of "gentle
ness " by which the great apostle to the Gentiles was marked, and
which distinguished " the Beloved disciple " from the Baptist, Elisha
from Elijah, or even which makes Christianity to differ from Juda
ism; and yet, as we honor the bold, dauntless man of God, "the
Prophet of the Mountains," for faithfully fulfilling his peculiar
mission in his own chosen way, so now should we commend to a
charitable memory the evangelist who manifested such devout
loyalty to the person and " works " of " Him who " had doubtless
" sent " him.
When the candidates, converted through Mr. Tracy's instrumen
tality were received into the church, he was asked to admit and
baptize them, which he did. Mr. Tracy is still living. He resides
in East Springfield, Otsego County, New York.
In November, 1840, the church heard as candidate, Joshua L.
Maynard, a graduate of Union Seminary, New York City, and a
licentiate of the Association of New London County, his native
county. His call, with "great unanimity," was voted November
23d; he was ordained January 14, 1841, and settled with a salary
of $500.
Mr. Maynard "was a man," says Deacon Pratt in his history,
" of ardent piety, consistent in his daily walk and conversation,
and his sermons were filled with the spirit of the gospel of Christ."
He, like both his predecessors, was a young man.
During all the first years of Mr. Maynard 's ministry there were
seasons of religious interest; but it was not until 1846 that there
occurred a general revival. This revival began in a series of
prayer-meetings held at the residence of Deacon Wadsworth. The

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 139
pastor was supported by a strong corps of earnest workers, and
soon the good work spread through the parish. In illustration of
the judgment of the pastor, this incident : When the interest was
at its height, the deacons asked Mr. Maynard if he would not Uke
some evangelical aid from abroad. "No!" he replied, "if the
church will do the praying, I will do the preaching, and we will
keep quietly along with the work God has given us to do ! " Rev.
Mr. Stone speaks of this revival as truly remarkable for the depth
and earnestness of feeling manifested, combined with a quiet but
impressive solemnity scarcely ever witnessed by him.
" But at North Cornwall all was still and impressive, and what
was yet more extraordinary, there was no similar revival in
any adjoining society."* Respecting Mr. Maynard's ministry, his
successor, Mr. Clarke, bears cheerful testimony that "It was at
tended signally by the ministrations of God's spirit, and the church
was very greatly enlarged and strengthened under it."
This would indicate what, from my own observation, I believe
to be the truth, that Mr. Maynard was not a man who merely
planted and labored for others to enter into his labors, but thanks
to the great Head of the Church, he was able to see some of the
fruit of his labors before he went hence.
The largest company ever received into this church at any one
time, it was Mr. Maynard's happiness to receive, in May, 1846,
numbering sixty-five. During that same year the total admissions
were seventy-six. Another revival in 1851 brought in forty-seven
members. It was Mr. Maynard's privilege to see this church in
creased during his ministry of eleven years, by one hundred and
sixty-two members, of whom thirty-nine were by letter, and one
hundred and twenty -three on profession.
In 1852 a call was extended to Mr. Maynard from the Congre
gational church in East Douglass, Mass. The call was accepted ;
he was dismissed May 25, 1852, with the assurance of "the undi
minished confidence and affection " of his people. His death oc
curred in the spring of 1873, at Williston, Vt.
From 1852 to May, 1855, the church was again listening tp
"candidates." But the only name to which reference is made,
that I can ascertain, is to a Mr. Bradley of Lee, Mass. The church
gave him a call, but it being not entirely unanimous, he did not
accept. In March, 1855, a unanimous call was extended to the Rev.
* Parson Stone's Sketches.

140 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
William B. Clarke, of New Haven. It was favorably received,
and he was ordained May 4th. Mr. Clarke was graduated at Yale,
class of '49, and licensed by New Haven East, in 1852. As had
been the case with each of his three predecessors, this was Mr.
Clarke's first settlement. He remained with the church but four
years, on a salary of seven hundred dollars.
Mr. Clarke was, in private character, marked by purity, refine
ment, and the union of true courage and Pauline "gentleness."
In manners he wa,s a thorough gentleman ; in pulpit ministrations
he was appropriate, scholarly, and edifying, while in the special
field of biblical training of the young he was thorough and
inspiring. The Church Manual was revised and printed under his supervis
ion, and is thorough and systematic. While some corrections are
needed in the historical part, the roll has been carefully prepared.
I notice, at the close of this address, several errors in the man
ual, which please see.
In the winter of 1855-6 another gracious revival was enjoyed,
and thirty-one names were addded to the roll, all but three on
profession of faith. Similar to the revival of 1 846, this began with
a series of neighborhood prayer-meetings.
Mr. Clarke asked for his dismission in 1859, in order to enable
him to carry out a cherished plan of European travel. It was left
by the church for Consociation to decide, while no formal opposi
tion was made to the proposition. Mr, Clarke was unmarried at
the time of his dismissal.
He was dismissed May 18, 1859, spent two years in Europe,
and on his return was called to the pastorate of the church in
Yale College. After three years' service at Yale, he went to the
charge of the Congregational church, Litchfield, where he spent
three years as acting pastor. Mr. Clarke married the daughter
of Dr. Arms, of Norwich Town.
Mr. Clarke was succeeded in September following by Rev.
Charles Wetherby, a graduate of Middlebury College. He was
ordained September 29, 1859. President Labaree of the college
preached the sermon. Mr. Wetherby's salary was $800.
Mr. Wetherby had a popular pulpit-power which " drew," an en
thusiastic, fearless spirit, which interested an audience. He had
quick sympathies, ardent impulses, a generous nature. He made
original interpretations : struck out new lines of thought vigorously.
He had striking analogies, made remarks calculated to be remem-

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 141
bered: drew out to church some who had long neglected public
worship. He had a versatile and ready mind, great social powers,
quick wit. He had his friends, and loved them on the principle,
doubtless, — " The friends thou hast and their adoption tried,
Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel."
His traits and merits were positive, his tastes pronounced, his con
victions prompt, his views humanitarian, and closely bordering
on what is known in the vicinity of Boston as " broad." Like all
positive characters, Mr. Wetherby laid himself open to much
criticism, but on the whole his ministry was acceptable and useful.
A sermon delivered by him at the funeral of Captain Allen was
published. The winter of 1860 witnessed another revival, the first interest
being awakened at the annual meeting of the church in January.
Forty-one members were added to the church during that year.
Twenty-one joined in 1865. The whole number of additions dur
ing the six years and eight months of his ministry, is seventy.
On the 25th of March, 1866, the pastor presented his resignation
by letter, which is on record. He was earnestly solicited to with
draw it, but could not think it his duty to do so, and was conse
quently dismissed June 13, 1866. After leaving Cornwall, Mr.
W. was pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Winsted,
and thence went to one of the Congregational churches of Nashua,
N. H.
Interval No. 5 in the history of this church was of one year's
duration. Rev. Jesse Brush was called from Vernon, and accepted; was
installed June 20, 1867, upon a salary of eleven hundred dollars
and the use of the parsonage. Mr. Brush was an acceptable
preacher, a man of character and cultivation, and a thorough
pastor. During the winter of 1868, commencing with the Week of
Prayer, a revival of religious feeling was manifested; meetings
were increased, well attended, and fruitful; but not to that degree
which was desired. The work of bringing those interested to the
point of consecration was committed, under the Spirit, to the
evangelist, John D. Potter. Respecting Mr. Potter's work here,
there is not entire unanimity of view. That those who were
awakened through his efforts and added to the church have "run

142 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
well," and "faithfully endured," with a few exceptions, I can tes
tify. The great majority of those who were received in July of
1868, numbering forty-two, are with us still, and following the Mas
ter. The number added to the church during Mr. Brush's minis
try of six years is sixty-one. Mr. Brush was dismissed to accept
of a call to Berlin, June, 1873. (See Church Records.)
The present pastor, Chas. N. Fitch, is a graduate of Yale Theo
logical Seminary, class of '73 ; licensed by N. H. West Consociation,
April 30, 1872; ordained by Litchfield North Consociation, May 12,
1874; settled on a salary of $1,000 per annum,and the use of the
parsonage. 1. To recapitulate: This church has had and parted with six
pastors, whose average period of pastorate has been nine years and
one month. It is a proper cause for pride that you "have never
turned away a minister." It has, the rather, been your privilege
to become a training-school for taking ministers fresh from the
seminary and preparing them for " wider fields of usefulness."
If you cannot boast of having had the lifelong ministries of
each successive servant of Christ in the gospel, nor can point out
in your burial-place on yonder hillside the grave of a single minis
ter * whose service ended among you, you can nevertheless rejoice
that you were able to retain the affectionate regard and warm
commendation of every pastor released. You are entitled to no
slight satisfaction from the thought that your sacrifice has in
several instances been richly rewarded by the increased usefulness
which has come to them in their new fields; and it is not unnatural
for you to believe that some have been disappointed in their
endeavors to find either wider fields or happier ones by making a
change. 2. The church has been pastorless fifteen years since 1805.
For forty years, since its establishment, or during forty-one per
cent, of its life, it has had to depend for pulpit instructions upon
either stated supplies, or evangelists, or "deacons' meetings."
3. The many revival eras to which you can look back with
deep gratitude to the Great Head of the Church, are perhaps the
chief features of your religious history.
Being " addicted " to revivals has, however, one drawback if it
becomes the master-habit of a church, that is, it will be likely to
* The first wife of J. L. Maynard is the only minister's wife buried in the
churchyard.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 143
overlook the need of training in christian work and developing in
practical righteousness, those confessedly immature " plants of right
eousness " whose growth has been started by hot-house methods-
There have been since 1805 twelve distinct revival eras, from
which an average of forty persons to each revival have been added
to the church.*
The distinguished capacities for work and noble christian char
acters developed in the few of each past generation, upon whom the
church burdens have rested, may well lead us to reflect what a
symmetrical and uniformly strong church-life might have been
developed had the work been judiciously distributed: "to every
man his work."
4. The total admissions to the church from 1780 to 1877 is
seven hundred and four members, as follows:
The first nucleus, 13
Before Mr. Hawes' settlement, . 35
During Mr. Hawes' pastorate, 62
During Mr. Smith's pastorate, 113
During Mr. Maynard's pastorate, 162
During Mr. Clarke's pastorate, 34
During Mr. Wetherby 's pastorate, 70
During Mr. Brush's pastorate, 61
During first three years of Mr. Fitch's pastorate, 69
During the various intervals, 85
Grand total, - - 704
The living membership of the church, January 1st, 1876, is
one hundred and eighty-one.
5. The practical benevolence of the church can be only approx
imately estimated, as we have access to the figures for only the
past thirty years:
From 1847 to 1876, inclusive, the church collections
amounted to - - ¦ $6,330.44
A yearly average of - $211.00
The Ladies' Benevolent Society has raised in twenty-
two years 1,303.33
A yearly average of - - $59.24
Total, $7,633.77

*In twelve revivals there were added 474 members.

144 - HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
As it is known that the Ladies' Society has been in existence
nearly fifty years, if we allow only one-half of this yearly average
for the twenty-eight preceding years, we will still have a total of
over two thousand dollars to be accredited to the benevolence of
the faithful women of the church.
If a like estimate of the benevolence of the church previous to
1847 be made, on the low average of seventy-five dollars per year,
we shall find that the amount of twelve thousand dollars would not
be too large an estimate in money of the benevolent contributions
of this church in its entire history.
6. Thus far we have limited our review to the narrow home-field
which we can almost compass in a bird's-eye view from the steeple
of the old church. But manifestly such a limitation is unfair, as
one notable feature of christian work in a country church in New
England is her far richer gift of consecrated sons and daughters
to the attractive cities of the east and west and to the missionary
fields of all the world. For while this august sacrifice yields ulti
mately vast harvests of good in both the home church and the
churches that receive these our precious gifts, still this perpetual
draft upon the young corps of the old Home Guard leaves it in
crippled condition as compared with growing churches.
The country church thus becomes to America what the
"Cohen Caph El" was to Egypt — a "royal seminary, from whence
they drafted novices to supply their colleges and temples."
In the list of "ministers raised up," you may see the mission
the church has had and is still fulfilling in this the noblest work of
the ages.
If now you add to this list the names of those noble women
whom she has given as " helps " to the ministers, " meet " to be their
partners in the work of winning souls; those teachers who have
had leading positions in the great work of moulding the minds
and characters of the youth of the land; those christian lawyers
and physicians who owe a good part of their religious impressions
to their spiritual fathers and mothers in this church; besides the
long list of worthy laymen who have illustrated the nobility of
patriotism in times of war, and the fidelity of christian faith in
times of peace; you may have some slight conception of the good
that has been done in the fields of the world, through what may be
termed the missionary work of this ancient church.
If I may give expression, in a few words, to the lessons to be
learned from this "inquiry into the former age," and this "search

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 145
of the record of the fathers," I will remind you that as christians
we should estimate the church by means of spiritual standards.
As stewards of an heavenly Master, our supreme desire should
be to do our work so as to merit His approval.
When Lord Beaconsfield was asked in what style his official
residence should be furnished and decorated, he replied, pointing
to the portrait of Sir Robert Walpole, "Furnish it for that
portrait." So would I point you to day to the Great Head of the Church,
whose image not merely, but whose presence is with us and whose
eye is ever upon us, and ask you to keep always in mind His
standard, both in judging of the work that has been done and in
planning the work yet to be done.
"I know," says the Master, "thy works," and He rejoices more
in them, be assured, than men are able to, for He knows amid
what trials and sacrifices the noble history of the past has been
wrought out. "God is not unrighteous," says the apostle, "to
forget your works and labors of love that ye have shewed toward
His name."
But think not too much upon the past. Think reverently, think
charitably, think sensibly, but let your thoughts of the past be
brief I Look back just long enough to take your bearings, and
then push right onward. " Be watchful and strengthen the things
that remain, for I have not found thy works perfect."
This is the spiritual standard; — perfect trust, perfect consecration,
perfect work: and you are a long way from reaching that standard.
Although this church has not been the residence of ancient Lydian
kings, she has an honored roll of "the just made perfect." What
are we doing to-day to add to that roll ?
While you cannot boast of Cornwall as having been the birth
place of any rich Crcesus, your homes have long been abodes of
comfort and signs of abundance. Are the gifts and sacrifices as
abundant as the Master would like ? Does your benevolence yet
bear the proper ratio to your abundance ? Apply the spiritual
standard. Christ does not ask for your gold to gild some splendid heathen
god's statue, but to bear to living, sinning, suffering neighbors both
sides the sea, the good news of freedom and peace. And He asks
for your sons and daughters: that you train them, some for the
work of the church at home, some for the august sacrifice upon far
off, unknown altars, and all for His service, so loyally, that when
19

146 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
the word comes to any one, " The Master is come and calleth for
thee," he shall promptly respond, "Here am I, send me ! "
Therefore, brethren, let us one and all "be watchful and
strengthen the things that remain," for wp know not but that they
may be ready to die even while we are rejoicing. But this we
know, that He saith (whose praise we covet more than the praises
of all men), " I have not found thy works perfect."
Addenda. In its deacons this church has been no less favored
with earnest and godly men than in its pastors.
The Separates at first had for deacons Beriah Hotchkin and
Phineas Waller, who served eighteen years. Respecting either of
these deacons, all that is known of them now is that Deacon Waller
was the first deacon of the First Church ; that he came from New
Milford; that his residence was on the north side of Waller Hill,
where Judson Adams now lives; and that they served until 1800.
Their successors were Jesse Hyatt and Hezekiah Clark. Both
these brethren were serving at the time of Mr. Hawes' ordination.
A short time previous to 1807, Deacon Clark died, and Deacon
Hyatt removed to Georgetown, New York.
Mr. Stone, pastor of the First Church, has recorded his estimate
of Deacon Hyatt in these very commendatory words: "He was
eminently amiable and meek; few christians have lived and died
having fewer enemies than had Deacon Hyatt. He was never a close
communionist [sectarian is intended, I presume— c. n. f.], but was
ever glad to receive every one that loved the essential doctrines of
the cross."
David Clark was chosen, April 10, 1807, to succeed his deceased
brother as deacon, and Eliakim Mallory was chosen Deacon Hyatt's
successor. Deacon Clark served but four years, when he died, and
was succeeded by Titus Hart in 1811.
That the church should make choice of two deacons from the
same family in the same generation is clear proof of the worth
and piety of Hezekiah and David Clark.
Eliakim Mallory honored the office of deacon eight years, and,
for his faith and devotion to the Church, "obtained a good report."
He was a man of more than average ability. He was a frequent
delegate to Consociation in that day when the choice of delegate
was quite an honor. He was the delegate, with the 'pastor, when
this church was admitted to that body in 1809. He frequently
served on committees of conferences between the two churches,
when the question of union was so much discussed. Deacon Mallory

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 147
was prominent also in the business of the society. A man of
noble spirit, unexceptional character, and decided dignity of man
ner, his death, occurring near the close of 1815, left a large vacancy
in both society and church.
At Deacon Hart's election, a day of fasting and prayer was ob
served, according to prevalent custom. It is said of Deacon Hart,
by Mr. Stone, that he was "an Israelite indeed, ever pious and stead
fast in duty, possessing the qualifications which Paul required of a
deacon." At his death, in 1830, he had held the office nearly
twenty years. Titus Hart and Jesse Hyatt are the only deacons
from this parish who received notice in Stone's History of Corn-
wall.* Nathan Hart was chosen deacon in 1816, and retired in 1854.
His term of office is the longest of any of the deacons, embracing
three distinct periods in the history of the church, to wit: the
ministry of Walter Smith, the evangelical labors of S. J. Tracy,
and the entire ministry of Joshua Maynard, — a period of thirty-
nine years. He was chosen while his father, Dea. Titus Hart, was
living, but because he was too old and infirm to perform the office
of a deacon, and too much beloved to be asked to resign. Deacon
Nathan Hart had high regard for purity and consistency of chris
tian character, "was very jealous for the Lord of hosts," and was
very faithful in labors to secure righteousness of life in all who
professed and called themselves christians. He was also a peace
maker. I notice in the Church Records for March 20, 1822, that
Deacons Noah Rogers and Nathan Hart, and Ichabod Howe, were
appointed a Standing Committee "to settle difficulties between
brethren." Before his death Deacon Hart joined with Deacon
Wadsworth in gifts to the church, of which I shall speak presently.
At his death, in 1861, he had been a member of the church sixty-
one years, for nearly two-thirds of which time he had been deacon;
and he was for many years superintendent of the Sunday-school.
Of his many excellent qualities none were more marked than his
devotional spirit, which had for a substantial basis good sense and
integrity. Deacon Hart was "faithful over a few things," and
has doubtless entered into the joy of his Lord.
Noah Rogers was chosen deacon in 1816. In a church which
has had four men by that name connected with it this would not,
at least, be speaking very definitely. But the Noah chosen deacon
joined the church about 1814, and is known to this community as

* Parson Stone's History was not brought down to the present day.

148 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
"Deacon Noah." His place in the genealogical tree is, I believe,
Noah 4th. Respecting the worth and work of Deacon Noah
Rogers, I cannot do better than to cite th^e testimony of the late
George Wheaton, Esq., for many years associated with him in
social and business relations of life. His words will be all the
more weighty, because coming from one not at that time a profess
ing christian. "The ardent desire of Deacon Rogers was ever for
the prosperity and upbuilding of the North Congregational Church.
Through his influence, and the material aid which he furnished,
it received much of that material and spiritual aggressive power
which has brought to it its present degree of prosperity. He was
ever kind and liberal to the poor, and gave freely of his abundance.
He lived a christian life, and died the death of the righteous."
From the records of both church and society it is clear that Deacon
Rogers served this church with a fidelity which it would be hard
to match, and impossible to excel, in the long list of her worthy
sons. His qualities were of the quiet kind, substantial and worthy.
His fitness answered to Paul's test, in that he was "grave," "not
double-tongued," "ruled his children and his own house well,"
"ministered in the office of a deacon well," and "purchased for
himself a good degree," both as respects grace of character and
favor among men. Deacon Rogers retired in 1836, three years
before his death, having served twenty years.
His successor was James Wadsworth, who was about as near a
"blameless" man, doubtless, as men become. He exemplified his
faith by " walking in the light," and seems to have deserved Paul's
requirement to be put as his epitaph: for " he held the mystery of
the faith in a pure conscience."
A few months before the retirement of the two venerable dea
cons, Hart and Wadsworth, they each made a valuable gift to the
church — Deacon Hart giving this Bible, and Deacon Wadsworth
that service, which is at present used at the Communion table.
The church acknowledged the gifts in the following resolution:
Resolved, That these tokens of their regard for us, crowning, as they
do, many years of active, efficient, and successful labor in this church,
entitle the givers to our highest respect and consideration, and in all
coming years they shall be held in grateful remembrance, as bright
examples of Christianity, as taught by our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ." R. R. and E. D. Pratt were chosen in September, 1854, to be
their successors. Deacon Wadsworth lived, after his resignation,
until April, 1867.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 149
In 1872 both active deacons tendered their resignation, from a
conviction that the good of the church required that the deacon's
term of office be limited, with the privilege of reelection if it
seemed best. They were accordingly succeeded by T. S. Gold and
Egbert M. Rogers, in 1872, who were chosen for the term of five
years. As both retired deacons are still present with us, I shall pass by
their service at this time without encomium, speaking only a few
words respecting Deacon E. M. Rogers, deceased in February last.
My own estimate of Deacon Rogers's character is incorporated in
the resolutions adopted by this church in April last:
Whereas, In the providence of God, it has pleased Him to remove, by
death, brother E. M. Rogers, who has " walked with this church faith
fully in all the ordinances of the Gospel " for thirty years, the last four
years of which time he filled the office of deacon ; therefore,
Besohed, That it gives us pleasure to express and record the affection
in which Deacon Rogers was held by his brethren in Christ, for the devo
tion which he manifested to the cause of the Master, making himself a
servant to all, that he might "gain. the more;" and becoming a cheerful
" burden-bearer," in obecjjbnce to the law of Christ ; and furthermore,
that we believe that his laith and good works were a " light upon a
hill " to lead men " to glorify our Father which is in heaven."
Ministers Raised Up.
John C. Hart, oldest son of Deacon Nathan Hart, a graduate of
Yale, class of '31, was pastor in Springfield, N. J. ; thence to church
in Western Reserve College, Hudson, Ohio; thence to Congrega
tional- Church, Ravenna, Ohio. Death in 1870 from paralysis, at
Ravenna. Almon B. Pratt, born North Cornwall 1812, son of a farmer, and
worked with his father until nineteen years of age, then, began to
study with the ministry in view. Entered Yale College, but failing
in health, withdrew. Studied theology at Union Seminary, New
York City; licensed by Litchfield North Association July 20, 1841 ;
ordained June 12, 1850, by Litchfield North Association, at Wol-
cottville, Conn.; acting pastor of a church in Genesee, Genesee
County, Michigan, several years; treasurer of college at Berea, Ky.;
thence removed to Camp Creek, Neb., as acting pastor, in which
capacity he died December 28, 1875.
Henry G. Pendleton graduated at Amherst, August, 1836;
licensed at Dayton, Ohio, November, 1838, by Presbytery; gradu
ated at Lane Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1839; ordained January,
1840, by Peoria Presbytery at Granville, 111.; remained at Gran
ville four years; Lacon one year; Henry, Marshall county, twenty-

150 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
five years. He organized a Congregational Church in Chenoa, 111.,
in summer of 1867, and was acting pastor until 1872. At present
he is acting pastor of Congregational church at Gridley and Chenoa;
some of the time Mr. Pendleton has supplied two churches "yoked."
He has been very successful in gathering churches and building
meeting-houses. The hand of the Lord has evidently been with
him. P. 0. address, Chenoa, Livingston Co., 111.
H. F. Wadsworth, son of Dea. James Wadsworth, graduated
at Union College, July, 1836; was licensed by Litchfield South
Association, July, 1838; was ordained as an Evangelist, in the
Tabernacle in the city of New York in 1842, by Manhattan Asso
ciation. In the same month was settled as pastor over the Pres
byterian church at Newfoundland^ Morris County, N. J. He
resigned this charge November, 1858, for the Presbyterian church
at Unionville, Orange County, N. Y., where he was installed pastor
the following May, and where he continues to labor in the gospel.
John A. R. Rogers, son of Jno. C. Rogers, graduated at Oberlin
College 1851; from the theological department 1855. Holds the
chair of the Greek Professorship in Berea College, Ky.
Samuel Scoville, son of Jacob Scoville, is a graduate of Yale
College, of the class of '57. After spending one year in theologi
cal study at Andover Seminary, he took an extended European
tour. Returned to his theological studies at Union Seminary, New
York City, graduating 1861. He was settled as pastor over the
First Congregational Church in Norwich, N. Y., in 1862.
John Hart, son of H. Milton Hart, graduated at Yale, class of
'67; taught in public schools of New Haven several years;
graduated at Union Theological Seminary 1876.*
List of Ministers' Wives who were Daughters of the Church.
Eliza W. Rogers, daughter of Dea. Noah, married Rev. A. T.
Norton. Amanda Rogers, her sister, married Rev. A. B. Pratt.
Amelia Rogers, daughter of John C, married Rev. Mr. Davis.
Sarah A. Nettleton, daughter of Dea. Elijah, of Baptist Church,
married Rev. Mr. Jencks, Baptist.
Clarissa Clark, daughter of Wm., married Rev. A. Munson.
. Mary Burnham, daughter of Oliver, married Rev. A. Judson,
Philadelphia. Emily Burnham, her sister, married Rev. J. C. Hart.
* Mr. Hart was ordained and installed over Cong. Church in Bristol, N. H.,
in the fall of 1877.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 151
List of prominent Laymen not previously mentioned in the Sermon.
Ichabod Howe will be remembered as a man of Pauline gentle
ness, and Christlike spirit of self-sacrifice for his brothers' good.
To a lif e of rectitude and consecration he added a very fitting
closing chapter, by giving himself almost wholly to visitation of
the parish and prayerful lay-labors for the conversion of men to
his dear Lord. He died in 1857.
A man of more marked ability, of strict integrity, of unim
peachable veracity, and of wide-spread influence was Benjamin
Sedgwick, Esq. In private life and places of public trust he was
an honorable man and a christian gentleman.
William Clark of Clark Hill, was a self -depreciating but valua
ble citizen, who took up his clffistian crosses late in life, but bore
them with fidelity to the close.
Chalker Pratt you remember as a strong, resolute, self-reliant
man, ever devising liberal things for the cause of his Master, and
energetic in carrying them through. Born on Cream Hill, he
moved to West Cornwall, at the time of the building of the railroad;
was identified with the interests of the place; was an able and
zealous laborer in his Master's vineyard, as well as an earnest and
honorable citizen.
Noah Baldwin was for fifty-five years connected with the choir,
and by his faithfulness to his post, his love of music, and his regu
larity, did what he could for the service of Christ; keeping his
place even after old age had made his service as an effort.
Reuben Hitchcock was a regular and conscientious attendant
upon public services, and a supporter of the prayer meetings.
There are many that will remember the commander of the regi
ment of militia, Col. Anson Rogers. In stature tall, athletic; in
nature cordial, genial, sympathetic; in character benevolent to a
fault; his liberality was proverbial, and proceeded not from the
love of display, but a natural susceptibility to the appeals of the
needy, and from an instinctive desire to do a good and generous
action. Col. Rogers was also a christian soldier. As he was at the head
of his regiment on public parade, so his name stands first on the
list of those recruited for the Master in 1839, by Mr. Tracy. And
he was behind none of his fellow citizens in interest in the pros
perity and perpetuity of the kingdom of Christ no less than in
his public spirit. Of his prominence in town matters, and the
acceptable administration of his public trusts, politically, honorable

152 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
mention should be made here, and the record in detail will be found
elsewhere. Daniel Leete Rogers, Noah Rogers, and John C. Rogers are
worthy descendants of an honored sire, who hand down the
precious legacy untarnished and undiminished of solid christian
character. They have stood manfully "holding the fort" for
Christ, here where their father helped to plant it.
They were men to be relied upon for sound judgment and with
abundant means, and while exact and punctual in their business
transactions, they were generous to the poor, liberal toward the
church, and invariably found on the right side of questions of
general interest in church or state.
The devotion of these men and their children to christian prin
ciples and christian liberty, when considered in connection with
their boast that they were " descendants of the John Rogers of
Smithfield fame," furnishes a new illustration of the faithfulness
of God in "showing mercy unto the thousandth generation of
them that love me and keep my commandments."
Geo. Wheaton, Esq., was a lawyer of prominence in West Corn
wall, who declared at last that he was " not ashamed of the gos
pel of Christ." Entering the church during Mr. Maynard's ministry,
he ever afterward interested himself in the material interests of
church and society.
Dr. Samuel W. Gold, whose residence was on Cream Hill, until
his removal to West Cornwall, near the close of his life was a man
of wise counsel, great energy, and remarkable public spirit.
He offered to donate $1,000 toward building a chapel for the
use of the citizens of West Cornwall, but did not live to see the
project begun. Mr. Gold gave liberally of his abundance for the
support of the gospel, and had a deep interest in the welfare of
his town and country. He had in mind the publication of the
history of Cornwall, which he did not live to carry out, but which
is likely to be completed by his son, Theodore S. Gold.
H. Milton Hart was a man who was to the minister as Asaph to
David, in the service of song in the sanctuary. He filled besides,
with ability and christian fidelity, every position of trust in church
and society to which he was appointed; was a man beloved for
his graces of character, and esteemed for his cultivation of mind,
by a wide circle of friends. His interest in the musical training
of the young was a prominent characteristic.
Stephen Foster was one of the promising men of the church of

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 153
the last generation, and one whose death occurring in the very
prime of life was deeply deplored.
He was already "proving his lance" in his defense of the right,
and showing his zeal in the service of his Master, when cut down
by death. He was calculated by his enthusiasm, executive and
financial ability, no less than by his eminent social traits, to be of
great usefulness in this community. His work may have been
finished, in the estimation of God, but from the human standpoint,
it hardly seemed more than just begun.*

A Semi-Centennial

Celebration of the erection of the church at Norih Cornwall was held
July 19, 1876.
The morning exercises consisted of singing by the choir ; reading
the scriptures and prayer by the pastor, Rev. C. N. Fitch; an his
torical address, "Ye Olden Time," by Gen. Chas. F. Sedgwick, of
Sharon ; music, by the band ; sketch of the erection of the church
edifice by Nathan Hart; an address by Rev. Samuel Scoville of
Norwich, N. Y. ; a poem by Dwight M. Pratt, of Cornwall, and
singing an anniversary hymn written by Mrs. C. E. Baldwin.
The afternoon exercises in the grove were refreshments, exhibi
tion of relics, reminiscences of the olden time, in short, regular
and volunteer sentiments and addresses, interspersed with vocal
and instrumental music. The affair was a success, affording both
instruction and entertainment.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS OF GEN. CHARLES F. SEDGWICK AT
NORTH CORNWALL, JULY 19, 1876.
Several weeks since I was requested to write up some sketches of
incidents and events illustrating the history of this ecclesiastical
society. Without thinking much on the extent of my knowledge of
such incidents, I consented to do so, but I soon found that any
certain degree of reliable accuracy in many things pertaining to
the history of the parish were not within the reach of my investi
gations. There are many things which rest in dim and unreliable
tradition, which can only be illustrated by a thorough and careful
examination of the records of the State, of the town, and of the
* In these biographical sketches I have limited myself to the deceased, not
thinking it wise to attempt an estimate of the work of any one while he is still
with us, or, at least, yet living.
20

154 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
parish. And such examination I have had no opportunity to
make. I shall give you as good a statement of facts relating to
the history of the society as the materials at my command will
furnish, not holding myself responsible for the uncertainties of
tradition, or the barrenness of documentary proofs. To illustrate
more fully the history of the parish, it will be necessary to con
sider briefly the early ecclesiastical history of the town previous
to 1738. This northwestern corner of Connecticut had been
surveyed and laid out into townships and sold to proprietors.
This territory embraced the townships of Salisbury, Sharon, Kent,
Cornwall, Canaan, and Goshen, and the settlement of each of those
townships commenced about that time — Kent then included War
ren, and Canaan included North Canaan, but with these exceptions
the integrity of the territory of each township has not been dis
turbed. The acts of the legislature incorporating each township,
vested both municipal and ecclesiastical power in the inhabitants,
and made it as much their duty to provide for the establishment
of the one polity as of the other. It was as much their duty to pro
vide for the early settlement of the gospel ministry of the order and
faith then recognized as the standing order in the colony, as it was to
provide for the support of the poor or the maintenance of high
ways. And to help the towns thus organized to carry out the
purposes of the legislature in providing for the establishment of
gospel ordinances, grants of land were made; one right to the
first minister, and one right in perpetuity to the town for the
support of the ministry for ever.
Some of the towns have since been subdivided into located
parishes, but with the exception of a small portion in the south
west part of the town, which many years since was annexed to the
ecclesiastical organization of Kent, and a larger portion on the
Great Hill, which now forms a part of the Society of Milton,
Cornwall remained one parish until the incorporation of this
society in 1804.
Cornwall was not backward in fulfilling the purpose of the
Assembly in regard to the settlement of a minister. The Rev.
Solomon Palmer was the successful candidate for the place, and
he was settled over the town as its religious teacher in August,
1741. He was a native of Branford, in New Haven County, and
graduated at Yale College in 1 729. Previous to his settlement in
Cornwall he had been settled over a Congregational parish on Long
Island. He continued in the ministry here about thirteen years.
I know of nothing to distinguish his ministry from that of other

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 155
clergymen of that day in this region. Religious interests were not
neglected. A spacious meetinghouse was erected, which stood on
the high ground nearly opposite the residence of the late Ithamar
Baldwin, with a broad and extensive green, opening to the south,
before it. Mr. Palmer's residence was on the spot afterwards
owned and occupied by the late Judge Burnham, and there several
of his children were born. My friend, Mr. Solon B. Johnson, in a
sketch which he gave me several years ago of the Johnson family
in Cornwall, in speaking incidentally of Mr. Palmer's family, with
whfch the Johnson family was connected, informed me that Mr.
Palmer's only son was a sot — I could have added to the stock of
Mr. Johnson's information on the subject, by the statement, that
when I went to reside in Sharon, fifty-nine years ago, that son of
Mr. Palmer's was an inmate of the poor-house there, where he con
tinued during his life, and that his remains, after his death, were
buried at the expense of that town. I never knew how he became
chargeable to Sharon, but the fact as to his residence and depend
ence there is as I have stated it.
I never heard but that the ministry of Mr. Palmer was entirely
acceptable to the people of his charge. His subsequent career
would intimate that he was not deficient in intellectual ability, and
old people who, in my early years, spoke of him, never intimated
any defect, of moral qualifications. In March, 1754, to the great
surprise of his people, he announced from the pulpit that he had
become an Episcopalian in sentiment. His ministry in Cornwall
ceased from that time, but after going to England and receiving
Episcopal ordination there, he returned to this country and entered
upon clerical duties in congregations of that faith. He ministered
successively at Great Barrington, New Haven, and Litchfield,
at which last mentioned place he died in 1771, at the age of
sixty-two years. I never heard that - any of his people here
followed him into the Episcopal church, or that his defection in any
degree impaired the stabihty of the ecclesiastical organization here.
He sold his place here, which came to him from the gift of the
colony by virtue of his being the first minister, in 1757, to Noah
Bull of Farmington, and thus compelled the town to assume
additional burdens in the support of the gospel ministry there
after. The next minister of Cornwall was the Rev. Hezekiah Gold.
His father, of the same name, was the minister of Stratford, and
his grandfather was the Hon. Nathan Gold, for many years

156 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
chief-justice of the supreme court, and lieutenant-governor of
the colony.
Mr. Gold was in comfortable pecuniary circumstances when he
came here, having received an ample patrimony from his father or
grandfather, and he purchased the farm which was afterwards
owned by Mr. Darius Miner, which was near the meeting house,
and which was every way convenient for a parsonage. There he
lived, and there he died, after a ministry of about thirty-five years.
I believe that the first twenty years of his ministry were acceptable
to the town, but the exciting times of the opening scenes of the
Revolution, and the opinion which some of the people entertained,
probably unjustly, that their minister was not quite as fervent in his
patriotism as in his purpose to increase his worldly estate, produced
complaint — not very loud at first, but which finally ripened into
an open opposition, which in the end included a majority of the
legal voters of the town. Through the whole conflict a decided
majority of the church stood by the pastor, and the influence
of his clerical brethren in neighboring towns sustained him.
The laws of the colony, too, strongly favored the stability of the
clerical relations in the town, and appeals to the courts, which in
this case were made, furnished no aid to the discontented portion
of the people. At length the town, claiming that it, and not the
church, owned the meeting-house, voted to exclude Mr. Gold from
it in the performance of Sabbath services, and in his absence it
became the duty of the deacons to conduct the ceremonies of public
worship. When the trial came to test the right of the contending
parties to the meeting-house for Sabbath worship, a scene occurred
whiqh would now be deemed a disgrace to the civilization of the
times, reminding one of the .times spoken of by the old Enghsh
humorist, Hudibras: When civil dudgeon first grew high,
And men fell out, they knew not why ;
When hard words, jealousies, and fears
Set men together by the ears ;
When pulpit dean-ecclesiastic
Was beat -with, fist instead of a stick.
I heard a statement of it given to my father, probably more than
seventy years ago, by an aged widow lady. It may be interesting
to my friend r Deacon Russell R. Pratt, if I state that she was Mrs.
Brown, a sister of Mrs. Jasper Pratt, who was his grandmother.
The deacon who intended to conduct the proceedings was Elijah
Steele, one of the opposers of Mr. Gold. From the statement of

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 157
Mrs. Brown, it would appear that Mr. Gold had taken his seat in
the pulpit to conduct the exercises of worship in the usual manner,
and that Deacon Steele, in his seat below, by whom Mrs. Brown
was sitting, was preparing his book to give out the opening psalm.
Said she, " Just as Steele was about beginning to read the psalm, I
laid my fan right down on to Steele's book, and thus gave Mr.
Gold an opportunity to start first in the race." The common-sense
of sober-minded people must have revolted at such unhallowed
proceedings, and the result was, that the dissenters of the congre
gation, in 1780, formed themselves into a separate society, which
they called a society of Strict Congregationalists, and the dissent
ing members of the church formed themselves into a separate
church, to act with the society in cases where their joint action
might be necessary. I can find no law of the State which then
justified these proceedings, but in 1791 an act was passed which
seemed to recognize the legal status of such voluntary religious
associations and churches, and which provided that all such
churches and congregations which shall, or shall have, formed
themselves, and maintain public worship, were vested with power
to levy taxes on the members. By virtue of this law, the Strict
Congregationalists of Cornwall laid taxes on their members, and
thus, for several years, supported preaching in their meetings ; but
the church thus formed had no connection or association with any
other ecclesiastical body. It will be seen in the sequel, that this
society was abandoned and dissolved when that now subsisting
here was organized, and that the church, then independent, finally
fell into sympathy with the Christian churches of like faith, and
co-operated with them in religious duty and action.
The meetings of the Strict Congregationalists were held at the
house of their minister, the Rev. Mr. Cornwall, the house lately
owned and occupied by the late Mr. Carrington Todd; but in 1788
the meeting-house, which stood on the ground now occupied by
the Center school-house, was built by subscription. Some of the
subscribers for its building' were living when the present place of
public worship was established in the society, and some of them
claimed that they were still owners of the building.
The old society maintained their ownership of the old meeting
house, and I suppose held their meetings there until 1790, when it
was taken down, and a new and fashionable house of worship was
erected on the plain. Mr. Gold continued his relation as pastor of
the church till his death, but he gave up his claim for salary, and
remitted pastoral labor some three or four years before his decease,

158 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
which occurred in 1790, at the age of sixty-two years. It would
seem that in 1787 the. asperities of the conflicting parties were
somewhat abated, for in the fall session of the legislature of that
year, both ministers, Mr. Gold and Mr. Cornwall, were elected rep
resentatives from the town, and Mr. Cornwall was a member at the
next session. Mr. Gold was undoubtedly a man of uncommon
shrewdness and vigor of action, as is shown by his being able to
baffle all the efforts of his opposers to remove him from his pas
torate of Cornwall. I remember reading his epitaph many years
ago, in which there is the expressive statement of one element in
his character: that he was a very accurate judge of the human
heart. Mr. Gold was succeeded in his ministry by the Rev. Hercules
Weston. He remained the minister of the old parish from 1792
to 1803. I never saw him, but well remember that he was noted
for his keen specimens of polished wit, which were often related
in social gatherings. He had a parishioner, Rufus Paine, senior,
whose wit, though of a coarser kind, was equally pungent and
effective, and they sometimes had passages of intellectual sharp
ness with each other. As this is a purely secular meeting, it may
not be improper that I should give a specimen.
They were the joint owners of a slaughtered animal, and in
dividing to each owner his share, they had no difficulty until they
came to the division of the head. Each asked the other to propose
a method of division. After due deliberation Mr. Weston said,
" It is an old saying that each part strengthens j'fepart. I preach;
you give me the tongue and you may have the remainder." Said
Paine in reply, " According to your rule, that each part strength
ens its part, I think you need the whole head. Take it all."
The Strict Congregationalists maintained their standing under
their original self-constituted organization for nearly twenty-five
years. In one sense they were isolated from the neighboring par
ishes, being, as I believe, the only society organized on that platform
on this side of the Connecticut River. They received no sympathy
from neighboring parishes, and were merely tolerated, not encour- .
aged, by the laws of the State. The South Society had the advan
tage in this respect, that every new-comer into the town was, by
law, a member of that society, as the legal society, whose limits
embraced the whole town, and could not be relieved from his con
nection there without going through with the legal ceremonies
which the law provided for such cases. Their ministers, Mr. Corn
wall, and after him Mr. Holley, though on personal friendly terms

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 159
with the neighboring ministers of the standing order, were excluded
from all ecclesiastical relations to them, and were shutout from all
their official gatherings. Still the parish maintained itself with a
considerable degree of vigor down to 1804. I have been shown a tax-
list laid on the last of 1795, and signed by Daniel Harrison, Oliver
Burnham, and David Clark, committee, to which is annexed a tax
warrant in due form, signed by Jud ah Kellogg, Esq., justice of the
peace, and directed to Hezekiah Gold, collector. There were about
one hundred tax-payers assessed on the list at different sums, none
very heavily, and nearly every name is mentioned as paid or abated.
It embraced nearly all the persons liable to pay taxes in the east part
of the town, where the Johnsons were thickly planted, all on Clark
Hill, and some, Mathew Patterson, for instance, who lived far
within the limits of the South Society. It was a seemingly tedious
process to collect it, for seven years after the tax was laid I find
the following entry on the tax-book in the handwriting of Judge
Burnham :
On the 7th day of September, 1802, on view of the foregoing bill, we
are of opinion that all that is now due on this bill, after the orders are
severally brought in for that is chargeable, ought to be abated, and there
fore do abate the same. ELIAKIM MALLORY, ) n .„
TITUS HART, [ Committee.
The difficulty of conducting efficiently the affairs of the parish,
owing to their ecclesiastical exclusion and the advantages which
the law gave the other society, in the acquisition of new members,
instigated a movement in 1804 for the legal establishment of a new
society with definite boundaries, and for the granting to it all the
privileges enjoyed by other societies in the State, the old organiza
tion as Strict Congregationalists to be for ever abandoned. A peti
tion to this effect was presented to the October session of the
Assembly for that year, and a desperate struggle with the old
society was a natural result of such proceedings. The exciting
incidents which accompanied them are just within the reach of my
recollection. The word locate and location I remember to have been
in very common use, and it was a considerable time after all the pro
ceedings before the Assembly were brought to a close, before the
use of these words, as bearing on the condition of the society, was
given up. The petition for the location of a new parish probably
contained a prayer for aid in some other way if that relief of
location could not be afforded, and under that clause of the peti
tion the Assembly passed a resolution in the words following,
which I copy verbatim from the records of the State:

160 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
" Besohe, incorporating the Second Ecclesiastical Society in Cornwall, passed
October, 1804.
"Upon the petition of Noah Rogers, and others, Resolved by this
Assembly, that such of the petitioners and others, inhabitants of town
of Cornwall, residing within the limits of the First Ecclesiastical Society
in Cornwall, as shall, on or before the first day of December enrol them
selves as hereinafter directed, shall be and constitute an ecclesiastical
society by the name of the Second Ecclesiastical Society in Cornwall ;
and Noah Rogers Jr, of said town is hereby appointed to enrol the
names of all such persons as shall by said day elect to be enrolled as
aforesaid ; and after such enrollment the inhabitants- so enrolled may
proceed to form themselves, and choose officers in the same manner as is
by law provided for societies in such cases, and the persons who shall not be
enrolled as aforesaid by the time aforesaid, shall be and remain members
of the First Ecclesiastical Society in said Cornwall."
Thus it may be seen that the petition for a located society was
negatived, but permission was given to form what is called in law
a poll-parish to act in sympathy with other parishes of the same
faith. Although there was a great disappointment in the result of
the application to the Assembly, it was deemed expedient to accept
it, and the society was duly formed under the Act of the Assembly,
and the Article I have just read is the charter of your society. I
do not know who, or how many, were members under the first
enrolment, nor was it important, as, after a society was formed, the
law made ample provision for the accession of new members. Thus
while the society had been in existence since 1780, it was not until
this time that it came under the privileges and limitations of
statute law, for such cases made and provided.
The society being thus organized, the way was prepared for the
church, which was formed under an old Strict Congregational organ
ization, to connect itself with the new society, according to the forms
and usages of Congregational churches in Connecticut. It had
existed for nearly a quarter of a century in a kind of ecclesiasti
cal isolation, holding no religious communion with the established
churches in the neighborhood. Tired of this seclusion, it for a
short time connected itself with a distant organization of the
Presbyterian church, and the late Deacon Nathan Hart informed
me that he once went as delegate from the church here to a meet
ing of the Presbytery to which it belonged, which was that of
Morristown, New Jersey. It was a most unnatural and inconven
ient union, and Providence kindly opened a way for its speedy
dissolution. After the new society was placed in successful operation here,
the North Consociation of Litchfield County, without waiting for

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 161
any action of this church, extended to it a kind and fraternal invi
tation to unite itself in Christian relations to that body, and the
union was at once consummated, and I doubt not that all parties
concerned felt relieved from a most untoward perplexity. The
society and . church were thus placed in a good condition to pros
ecute religious enterprises, and well have they performed that
duty. The old meeting-house by the turnpike was the place of wor
ship for the new society for about twenty years. It was an old
brown building, open from the ground floor to the ridge, with
rafters, beams, braces, and roof -boards in plain view, but it shel
tered many sincere and pious worshipers. Long seats extended
from the aisle in the center to the walls, but nearer the pulpit the
seats faced towards the center. The males were all seated on the
right of the pulpit and the females on the left, and this arrange
ment was continued while I remained in Cornwall; but I was told
there was some change in it before the old house was abandoned.
Mr. Hawes and Mr. Smith were both ordained there. I attended
the ordination of Mr. Smith, and the late Mr. James Wadsworth
informed me, many years after, of a circumstance which I had
forgotten, and which I still very dimly remember, that the beauti
ful hymn composed by Helen Maria Williams, commencing
" Whilst thee I seek, protecting power,"
was sung at my suggestion, as a part of the ordination services,
from manuscript copies in the hands of the performers, the hymn
not having then been introduced into any of the books of psalmody
in common use.
Before the settlement of Mr. Hawes, those in . the hollow who
were in the habit of attending congregational meetings went to
Goshen for the service of public worship, where the Rev. Mr.
Heaton was then pastor. The first outlet for travel in carriages
from that locality was furnished by the construction of the Litch
field and Canaan turnpike road, and that circumstance turned the
worshipers in that section towards Goshen. But after the settle
ment of Mr. Hawes, we attended meeting here. From my recol
lection of that gentleman I should say he was a very good preacher,
and would be so esteemed at the present day. Mr. Hawes lived
first in the house called the Tailor Brown house, on the corner
south of the meeting-house, but' his more permanent residence
was in the house north of Judge Burnham's, said to have been
21

162 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
once owned by the grandfather of President Fillmore. He was in
the habit of riding on horseback to meeting with his good lady
on the same animal behind him, a method of travel not only not
uncommon, but very common among all classes in those days.
' Mr. Hawes was a very faithful pastor, and had the- confidence
and respect of all classes in the parish. I never heard him spoken
of from that day to this, but with the utmost respect and defer
ence. He was compelled to leave because he could not live on
the salary which the society was able to pay; but he went with
the good wishes and respect of the whole community. After
leaving this field of labor he was very soon settled over a parish
in Lyme, in this State.
The first deacon whom I can remember in active duty here
was Deacon Hyatt. I never knew the Deacon Clark who lived
on Clark Hill. I remember once attending deacons' meeting,
where Deacon Hyatt conducted the proceedings. I was then quite
young, and only remember that the sermons were so short that
two of them were read in the morning service, the singing of a
psalm intervening the reading of the sermons.
The next succeeding deacons whom I can remember were Deacons
Mallory and Titus Hart. During the time intervening between
the dismission of Mr. Hawes and the settlement of Mr. Smith, it
often occurred that there were long intermissions of clerical ser
vices in the parish, and during such intermissions the meetings
were conducted by the deacons, assisted sometimes by Mr. Daniel
Harrison and Mr. Timothy Johnson. There was no apparent dimi
nution in the attendance at such seasons, as the presiding Deacon
Mallory had a method of conducting the proceedings which made
them very satisfactory to the congregation. His prayer was very
free, appropriate, and fervent, and he sometimes added an exhor
tation of his own, which showed the depth of his christian sym
pathy, and the fervor of his christian zeal. It might have been
expected that, as preaching was constantly had in the other parish,
many of this congregation, for that reason, would have attended
meeting there, but there was a kind of home feeling in those
christian gatherings in that old tabernacle of the Lord, which
made it very amiable to the worshipers there, and very few de
serted the meetings. Mr. Nathan Hart, afterwards Deacon Hart,
well known to this day, usually read the sermon, and I was some
times called upon to perform that service myself.
The first chorister whom I remember to have seen officiating in

E60LESIASTICAL HISTORY. 163
leading the singing in the meeting-house, was Thomas Hyatt, a
son of the deacon of that name whom I have mentioned. He was
succeeded in that office by Joel Millard, who lived at the foot of
Cream Hill, and who, with a clear strong voice, led the choir for
several years. He was succeeded by Bradley Mallory, who him
self sometimes taught a singing-school in the parish, and he was
in charge of the choral services when I left Cornwall. In the
absence of the regular chorister Mr. Nathan Hart usually officiated.
The decayed condition of the old meeting-house, and the fact
that it was on the very outskirt of the parish, prompted a move
ment, soon after the settlement of Mr. Smith, to erect a new house
of worship. The strength of the parish lay in portions north and
west of the old house, but the neighborhood in which it was
located, and some others, were strongly opposed to the change of
site. The requisite number of two-thirds of the voters at a society
meeting could not be obtained to effect the object, although a
majority favored the place which was afterward selected. The
law provided that in such cases the judges of the county court
should be called upon to designate the place for the erection of
the building. Those judges, at that time, were Augustus Pettibone
of Norfolk, chief judge, and Martin Strong of Salisbury and
John Welsh of Milton, associate judges. After a due hearing of
all the parties concerned, these gentlemen stuck the stake, as the
proceeding was called in those days, at the place now occupied by
this house of worship (I will not say church, as applied to the
building), and here that house was erected in 1826, fifty years
ago. In the interval between the taking down of the old house
and the finishing of the new one, public worship was celebrated
in an old tenantless house, standing a few rods south of this build
ing, which has a history both in relation to its former occupants
and of scenes of suffering by the family dwelling there during
the prevalence of the small-pox early in this century, which I have
no time to relate.
A few members of the society, living near the old house, felt
that they had been deeply wronged by the change, and some
threatened secession, but time and reflection smoothed over the
difficulty, and with most, I presume, it has long since been forgot
ten. In the height of the conflict an action at law was brought to
the superior court in favor of one or more of the original sub
scribers to the building of the old house, against some persons who
had assisted in taking it down and appropriating the materials to

164 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
the new structure, and the case was tried vide post, on a plea of
abatement to the suit, for the reason that all the parties in interest
had not been joined in bringing it before Chief -Justice Hosmer of
the Supreme Court of the State. It was elaborately argued by
Mr. Wheaton for the plaintiff, and I think by Mr. Bacon of Litch
field, for the defendants. Mr. Wheaton's strong argument was,
that, although as a general principle, all the parties in interest
should be joined in the suit, yet here was a case of absolute refusal
to join, and a refusal which utterly deprived the plaintiffs of a
remedy for the wrongs they had suffered, which was a state of
things which this bar would not tolerate. The chief -justice was
evidently impressed with the force of the argument, and took the
case home with him for a full consideration of its merits. His
opinion, communicated to Mr. Wheaton in writing, was in sub
stance that the rule that all parties must join in an action for an
injury to their joint property was imperative, and that the suit
must abate. In reply to the argument so forcibly urged by Mr.
Wheaton, he said, that a court of chancery, on proof that a good
cause of action existed, could compel the recusant members, under
a penalty, to join in the action. I have understood that some
adjustment of the matter was effected. At any rate, there was no
more litigation in reference to it.
The meeting-house here was fashioned after one in Sharon, which
was built two years before. They were on a model somewhat
prevalent in those days, with the desk between doors at the entrance
of the audience-room, with the seats rising on an inclined plane in
front of the pulpit, with the organ-loft behind the officiating clergy
man. Many years after, this society changed the interior structure
of the house to its present form, and we in Sharon very soon fol
lowed your example, and I believe the members of both parishes
feel that the change has been a decided improvement.
I deem it not out of place here to say, that from my earliest
recollection there has existed within the limits of this parish a very
estimable body of christians of the Methodist Episcopal denomina
tion, who, in the periods of the early history of that' body, prose
cuted religious duties here with great zeal and faithfulness. The
Rev. Henry Christie, who was one of the first preachers on the
circuit which then embraced Cornwall, afterwards settled here as a
local preacher. He was a pure-minded christian man, and faith
ful according to his ability. He preached in the Hollow, once in
two weeks, for many years, and thus furnished an opportunity for

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 165
worship for such persons as were unable to attend other meetings.
There was not much point or method to his sermons, but they
teemed with earnest exhortations. His prayer was very earnest
and fervent, and, on the wholfe, his labors in the Hollow are worthy
of a grateful remembrance.
One gentleman of that denomination, Mr. Ozias Hurlburt, who
resided in the Hollow, was a remarkable instance of successful
self-culture; who, in that way, had schooled himself to the attain
ment of much knowledge and many useful acquirements. But
theology was his great study, and in that department he could
maintain his own views of the Divine government of man with
great ability. I remember to have heard him say that he had
read President Edwards's Treatise on the Will, and I should think
from what he said that he found no difficulty in delivering his own
mind from the stern conclusions of the great theologian. He was
very superstitious on some subjects, believing in the significance of
celestial omens, as that the appearance of a comet, which he called
a "blazing star," was a sure sign of impending war. But with all
these vagaries, which themselves gave a zest to his conversation, he
was one of the most interesting men in social interviews with whom
I held intercourse in my early years.
I have now presented a very imperfect history of this parish
down to a period within the memory of others who are much
better able to give the sequel than I can be. It remains only to
speak of some individuals who were active in the measures already
spoken of, for the organization of the society, and for giving sta
bility to its parochial existence. But before doing this, I wish to
say that I know of no rural community — and I do not confine the
statement to members of one denomination, but taking the territory
as a whole — I know of no rural community which, in the evidence
of the industry of its inhabitants, and in the external proof of
thrift, taste, intellectual culture, and social enjoyment, can bear
any comparison with this. In fact, the whole parish has been
rebuilt. Within my recollection, there were but three white
houses in the whole society. Captain Wadsworth, his son-in-law
Captain Gold, on Cream Hill, and Lot Hart, at the locality then
called Hart's Bridge, now West Cornwall, had given their houses
a coat of white paint, and a few of the more aristocratic families,
as the Rogerses, Johnsons, and perhaps some others, had painted
their houses red; but, with these exceptions, nearly every tenement
in the parish was a brown, weather-beaten building; some of them

166 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
mere cottages, with few, if any, outward adornments of shade trees
and shrubbery, and, in many cases, the door-yard fence was a huge
massive stone wall. These tenements sheltered an honest, indus
trious, painstaking, pious people, who in humble life, and in com
paratively straitened circumstances, were laying foundations on
which their children and grandchildren could build beautiful hab
itations, and provide all the appliances of intelligent social and
individual enjoyment.
Citizens of North Cornwall] you can scarcely comprehend and
estimate the value of your inheritance in the stern virtues of
your ancestors.
I have been furnished with a list of the male members of the
church, at its formation as an independent church, in 1780-82.
They numbered ten. The only members whom I knew were, Eli
jah Steele and Noah Rogers. Mr. Steele was a deacon of the old
church of Cornwall, and was one of those who came out in opposi
tion to Mr. Gold, the pastor. He was originally from West Hart
ford, and in this town lived in the east part of the parish next
north of the Johnsons. He was of some prominence in the affairs
of the town, and in 1768 was a member of the Legislature. He
joined the seceders who formed the independent church, as did his
colleague, Deacon Waller, but I do not know that he was a deacon
in that church. He was called Deacon Steele during his life. He
returned to West Hartford during the latter years of the last cen
tury, but in 1805-6 he came back to Cornwall, a full-fledged
Quaker, in drab drapery and broad-brim. He lived in the Hollow
till 1810, when, on the death of his wife, with his second wife, who
was a sister of my grandmother, he went to Albany, and there
spent the remainder of his life with his son, Eliphalet Steele. I
knew him only after he joined the Friends. He was a mild, intel
ligent, amiable old gentleman, and his wife, whom our family
affectionately called Aunt Sarah, was one of the most sweet-
tempered, lovable old ladies I ever knew. Her remains repose in
the cemetery in the Hollow.
I well remember Noah Rogers, senr., the other member of the
church at its original formation, of which I have spoken. He was
said to be a descendant in the sixth generation from the martyr of
Smithfield, and I believe that the tradition of such descent is toler
ably well authenticated. I remember him as a very old man, who
was constant in his attendance at meeting, portly in his physical
dimensions, and regarded as a patriarch of the parish. He was

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 167
probably the most wealthy man in the society, and his benefactions,
and those of his descendants here, have done much to give, strength
and stability to the concerns of the parish.
The most prominent man in the affairs of the town and society
for many years, was Oliver Burnham, Esq. His early life was
eventful. He was born in the parish of Kensington, in Berlin,
where his grandfather was an eminent clergyman, and at the age
of fifteen enlisted as a soldier in the army of the Revolution. He
was in all the battles near New York, and on Long Island, during
the operations of the British army, which resulted in the capture
of that city, in 1776. He told me that he stood within five feet of
the lamented Colonel Knowlton when he was shot dead, at the
battle of Harlem Plains. He was one of the forlorn hope who
defended Fort Washington, the last foothold of the Americans
on York Island, to the last extremity, and was one of the 2,000
prisoners who there surrendered to the British. He was confined,
with comrades, in a loathsome prison called the Sugar House, and
there suffered from the infection of the small-pox, from which his
recovery was very protracted. He told me that he believed that
the British officers connived at his escape on account of his ex
treme youth. At any rate, he was allowed to depart quietly from
the city, and when he presented himself to his captain, within the
American lines, it was with much difficulty that he could persuade
that officer that he was the identical young Burnham who belonged
to his company, so great a change had the small-pox made in his
personal appearance. He came to Cornwall about 1790, and
gradually acquired an extensive and commanding influence in the
town and society. He was a member of the legislature at more
than thirty sessions. He also was for a time a judge of the
county court, and for some forty years a magistrate of the town.
It was sometimes said of him that he used his opportunities to
acquire and retain popularity with great cunning and sagacity, but
it can be truly said of him that his influence was always exercised
in promoting peace, quiet, and good order in the community. His
influence was so persuasive that he was able to do much in healing
contentions in families and neighborhoods. I have often said,
since his decease, while contentions and litigations were rife among
those who were his own neighbors, that I wished Judge Burnham
eould come back for a few weeks in the plenitude of his influence
to put an effectual quiet upon the storm. He never united with
the church, but it was said that in difficult matters before it he

168 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
was often consulted, and his good counsels in such matters were
duly heeded. Towards the close of his protracted life he con
formed to the Episcopal church, received confirmation at the hands
of its Bishop, and was buried in its rites.
I have already spoken of Deacon Eliakim Mallory in regard to
his method of conducting public worship. It is due to his memory
to say further, that as a citizen of the town and a member of the
community, he was universally respected and beloved. There was
a cordiality in his greetings, and a geniality in his social inter
course which would attract one at once to his person. In all his
familiarity with his friends, he never deviated from the line of
high christian integrity, and at the last he died in the calmness of
christian confidence and in the serenity of christian hope.
Of his colleague, Deacon Titus Hart, I had not much personal
knowledge. I never heard him speak except in public prayer, and
there was a solemnity, and I may say a propriety, in his language
and manner which betokened a devotion and faith deep-seated in
the heart of the suppliant. He was much respected as a citizen,
but did not mingle as much in the community as did his colleague,
Deacon Mallory.
Another gentleman of many peculiarities of character, and of
some prominence in the parish, was Daniel Harrison, who lived in
the Hollow. The most prominent element in his character was his
unyielding adherence to a purpose once formed, and his disposi
tion to assume prominence and authority in all his intercourse with
men. He spake as an oracle on matters to which his attention was
invited, and arguments tending to persuade him to change his
opinion were wasted in the air. He had some difficulty with the
School District in the Hollow, claiming ' that a just debt was due
him, which the district declined to pay. He said he would never
attend meeting in the house until that debt was paid. At one time
his minister, Mr. Hawes, appointed to preach an afternoon lecture
there, and the neighbors interested themselves much in the ques
tion whether Uncle Daniel, as we called him, would attend, but he
was not there, and I heard him say, speaking of the circumstance,
that he would not have attended if Gabriel had appointed to
preach there. It is due to his memory to say that the district
afterwards acknowledged the justice of his claim, and paid it in
full. From that time he attended the meetings in the school-
house, and in the absence of a minister, usually conducted them.
Notwithstanding his peculiarities in the respects just mentioned,

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 169
he was a man of expanded and, sometimes, of daring benevo
lence. If a neighbor, through sickness or other untoward provi
dence, fell behind in the gathering of his crops, or in any other
discouragement of his affairs, he was among the first and most
willing with his personal labor and with his team to bring up the
affairs of his unfortunate neighbor to a good condition. When a
mortal sickness raged through the town in 1812, and many of our
citizens were keeping themselves in seclusion for fear of contagion,
he was abroad ministering to the sick, and enshrouding and bury
ing the dead. And when, in 1802, Ebenezer Jackson was attacked
with the small-pox, of which he died, in the old house which stood
just south of here, and his neighbors fled from him and abandoned
him to his fate, Daniel Harrison, ashamed that he should be left to
die in solitude, with no other protection than a recent vaccination for
the kine-pox, braved the terrors of the pestilence, and ministered
to the wants of the dying man. We can pardon many obliquities
of character in such a man. He was faithful in christian duties,
giving exhortations and offering prayers in conference meetings,
and visiting and praying with the sick in his neighborhood, and
usually, in the absence of Deacon Hart, assisted Deacon Mallory in
conducting the exercises of public worship. The last struggle
which, he had with an adverse public sentiment was when the
place of worship was changed by the building of a new meeting
house. Although it brought the meeting-house much nearer to
him, yet, as a matter of policy, he was decidedly opposed to the
change, and that opinion, thus formed, he never yielded. His
argument in society meetings was, that skillful ecclesiastical strategy
required that the fort, as he called it, should be kept on the fron
tier, and that the removal of it into the interior would invite
invasion from without. He persisted in his opposition, and, I
believe, never entered the new meeting-house. I believe that at
one time action on the part of the church was contemplated on
account of his neglect of public worship and ordinances, but his
brethren, pardoning much from his great age and his peculiarities of
character, never proceeded against him, and he was suffered to die
in peace.
I had intended to speak of others who were active in building
up the society and maintaining its permanence and integrity, but I
find that to do so will encroach upon the time allotted for the other
exercises of this occasion. I can recall the names of many of
whom I should like to speak, but they will live in the traditions of
22

170 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
the parish and in the personal knowledge erf many yet surviving,
and they will not be forgotten, though I am compelled to pass
them by.
I cannot close without tendering to those now composing that
ecclesiastical organization my sincere congratulations on its pres
ent condition of stability and prosperity, and during the progress
of human affairs towards the final consummation of all things, may
this parish continue to meet the obligations of the times as they
arise, and fullfil its destiny as one of the instruments of God in
building up his kingdom and accomplishing his work.

SKETCH OF CHURCH ERECTION AT NORTH CORNWALL.
BY NATHAN HART.
Mr. President and Friends : My paper shall have one merit — that
of brevity. And if in this sketch I misstate facts or give a differ
ent version to tradition than' some of you have heard, it will be
because the tradition is not remembered by the " elders " all alike,
and I have endeavored to give the most probable.
The great question for this struggling church, after the separa
tion — few in numbers, straitened in means, but strong in faith —
to consider was, a housft wherein to worship God.
The house was built on the ground now occupied by the school-
house near the Methodist church at the Center. This was a plain,
barn-like structure, in which many present remember to have
worshiped. In February, 1824, a new move was made to build a meeting
house, and a committee appointed to report a plan, but instead of
a plan, they reported the movement premature. The report was
accepted. But at the same meeting a vote Was passed to build a
new meeting-house on the public road, near where the old one
stands, and a committee appointed to go one step further than any
former committee had been directed to go, viz., to fix on a site.
This fixing the site of the new house was the rock on which they
split, and was the beginning of difficulties that resulted in the with
drawal of twenty-one names from the roll of the society, and a
formidable array of names they were, too. This committee stuck
the stake about where the house of the late Ithamar Baldwin
now stands. This vote was subsequently reconsidered, and a new
committee fixed the site a little east of, and nearer the road, where
the house of Mr. John R. Harrison stands. An effort was now

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 171
made to unite the two» societies, and the matter of building rested
a few months, only to be agitated again on the failure of the effort
at union, and a new plan for fixing the site (I use the words of the
record) was adopted. The standing committee of the society was
directed to invite a disinterested committee, consisting of Daniel
Bacon, Morris Woodruff, and Moses Lyman, to fix on a site for
the new meeting-house, as soon as the sum of $2,500, was sub
scribed. They were directed to provide quarters, and pay their
expenses, But right here a new issue must be decided. It was a
bold offer of Capt. Noah Rogers, of the ground and a certain sum
of money, the amount is not known, "provided the house was
built on the corner where it now stands." This offer was rejected
at a special meeting held the 22d day of February, 1825. The
vote was thirty-five yeas, twenty-eight nays, seven neutral; not
being a two-thirds vote, it was declared not a vote. And about
this time those favoring building got their grit up, and we find
them, on the 14th of March, voting to call on the judge of the
county court to fix the site for the new meeting-house, and this
place was selected. It is not recorded when the court examined
the matter, but it must have been between this and the 11th day
of the following April, for on that day Mr. Julius Hart, Benj.
Catlin, Uriah Tanner, Chalker Pratt, Wm. Stoddard, Daniel Wick-
wire, and Benjamin Sedgwick were appointed a committee to
solicit subscriptions to build a meeting-house on the ground fixed
by the county court, and subsequently Darius Miner and John C.
Rogers were added to the committee.
This must have been a trying time to this band of heroes, for
from April 9th to the 11th fifteen men withdrew from the society,
which number was increased to twenty-one in a few weeks. But
they went forward in the strength of a firm purpose, and in the
face of every difficulty, and subscribed the necessary $2,500. And
the record of names and amount subscribed by each is preserved.
It would seem as if these earnest men were deserving of a respite
from their perplexities, with the money pledged and the stake
legally stuck, but not so. But with astonishing forbearance we
find them meeting again in deference to the opposition, and con
senting to rem.ove the site to a place opposite Oliver Burnham's
house, provided a sum was subscribed, within one week, to exceed
the sum subscribed to build on the site fixed by the county
court. At the expiration of that time the subscription lacked
$800 of the necessary amount.
And now the dove has found a resting-place for her tired wing,

172 HISTORY OE CORNWALL.
and as we look over the weary way the little flock has come, we
admire the christian patience and forbearance exercised, and we
admire and love them more and more as it culminates in the
closing lines of the last vote, in these words: "We do deeply
regret any circumstance that militates against the union and har
mony of the society, and do most cordially, affectionately, and
sincerely invite all persons, heretofore belonging to it, to unite
with us in the enjoyment of the privileges on the site estab
lished by the court."
On the 9th of November, 1825, Benjamin Catlin and Chalker
Pratt entered into a contract with Hiram Vaill to build. How
much was paid besides the old meeting-house is not stated, but it
is supposed that the $2,534 subscribed was the amount. But no
doubt much material was given outside of the subscription and
contract, for they had a mind to work. In fact, I am told the
timber for the frame was all given, and the contract included
everything else.
Noah Rogers, Benjamin Catlin, and Chalker Pratt were the
building committee.
The work once commenced, there was great enthusiasm in prose
cuting it. It is to be regretted that there is no record of dates
or facts in relation to the progress of the work. But I am told
that many of the society met, and with much trepidation pro-1
ceeded to break ground for the foundation, and that Anson Rogers
removed the first shovelful of dirt. But a time of much greater
trepidation attended the taking down of the old meeting-house.
With a full knowledge of the bitter opposition on the part of
some, and the inconvenience warm friends and family connec
tions would be subjected to, it was like shutting the door to all
prospects for a union with the old society for generations to come,
if not for ever. And it is no wonder they hesitated, as it is
said they did, and one Asa Emmons did bring a suit which cost
the society $100 to compromise. One account has it, that the
society met by private understanding early in the morning, fearing
an injunction would be served on them, restraining them from
taking the house down, and that before night it was down and the
largest part removed to this place.*
Living authorities do not agree upon the day of the month
whereon the raising of the frame occurred. The best authenticated
* A recent letter from one of the opposers says, " How large those matters
seemed then ; how small now ! " T. S. G.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 173
account fixes the date the 27th, 28th, and 29th of June, A. D.
1826. Others have it that it occurred a few days earlier, and ex
tended to nearly or quite a week, with an interval of one day on
which some of those engaged on the work went to Goshen, where
was a meeting of Masons, St. John's Day occurring on the 24 th of
June, which was Saturday. Hence it appears that the work of
getting the timber together commenced before the 24th, and that
the 27th, 28th, and 29th the work of raising the frame was ac
complished. It is to be regretted that there is no account left of
the laying of the corner-stone, and that no living person has been
found who remembers the ceremonies connected with it, or the
articles deposited within or under it.* A lesson to the present gen
eration, and the one just coming on the stage of action, to be
more careful and particular in preserving in detail matters of in
terest connected with all public as well as private matters. The
dedication is recorded in these words: "The meeting-house in the
2d ecclesiastical society in Cornwall was dedicated to Almighty
God on the 11th day of January, A.D. 1827.— C. Pratt, S. C."
Rev. Walter Smith preached the sermon, and was assisted in
the services by the Rev. Timothy Stone. Mr. Smith had just
recovered from his ill health, and the sermon is said to have been
exceedingly appropriate, and worthy the occasion, and it was re
marked by people from other parishes, " that if sending ministers
to Hartford would enable them to preach like that, it would be a
good plan to send more of them."
It was a proud, glad day to the little band when the offering to
Almighty God was made, free from debt. It was in architecture
and finish far in advance of any of the surrounding houses of
worship, and in their eyes it was a thing of beauty, and no doubt
will be a joy for ever to many new-born souls that have first learned
to offer true worship within its sacred walls.
The slips in the house have been rearranged, and repairs made
from time to time since. I don't find when stoves were intro
duced, but remember well how some of the ladies suffered severely
* Two verses only remain of a poem written for the occasion by Mr. Vaill, the
builder : Here stands the great and noble frame,
The Christians Temple be its name,
Erected by the christians of this land,
And here judiciously let it stand.
Next, to the minister I would say :
" May you go on that heavenly way,
And teach the people of this place
To seek for true and saving grace."

174 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
with the headache, who were greatly chagrined afterwards on
learning that there had been no fire in them.
The bell was purchased in 1844, and gave out its clear, musical
call to worship for a Sunday or two, when one morning the bell-
ringer, on pulling the rope, could get no sound from its hollow
throat, which was accounted for some days after, when the tongue
was found in a mowing-field some distance from the church, and it
is said "that Wm. Clark remarked that they could not hide it so
but what he could find it."
Ambrose S. Rogers had the honor of drawing the first stick of '
timber. It was white oak, and was cut from the woods near
where the tables are set. It forms one of the corner-posts. A
pillar that grew upon my father's land was white wood, as straight
as a candle, and I have often seen the stump from which it was
cut. There is a silver half-dollar on each side the star on the apex
of the spire, Noah Rogers and William Clark each giving one
for that purpose. The workmen employed were boarded for $1.00
per week, and most of them were good feeders, and were amply
supplied.* If I had ability to garnish the facts with fitting words, and ade
quate to express the self-sacrificing labors of those heroic men,
some of you would think I was talking for effect. Those were
days that tried men's souls, and the virtues displayed were akin
to those of 1776, and to us they speak in thunder tones, "Keep
those things which are committed to you, and hand them down to
future generations intact and untarnished."
ANNIVERSARY HYMN.
BY MRS. 0. E. BALDWIN.
Air, "America.''
On this glad day of days,
Father, help us to praise
Thy name alone.
Nobler than sacrifice
Our thankful prayers shall rise
Like incense thro' the skies,
E'en to Thy throne.
* Every forest was laid under contribution. No choice stick was exempt. I
have seen the stump (white oak), still undecayed, in my east woods, which fur
nished the north sill. The original pulpit, very elaborate, and gallery front
were of butternut, stained, resembling mahogany, as was much of the rest of
the wood work. T. S. G.

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 175
Man formed with patient toil,
Thou fill'dst with beaten oil
This lamp of grace,
Then bright its flame did shine
With radiance all divine,
A glory caught from Thine,
Illumed the place.
By Thy- creative power,
Thy fostering sun and shower
This palm-tree grew.
And olive, box, and pine,
And richly-fruited vine
Feared not destroying rime,
Nor woodman knew.
O lamp of life ! still burn,
0 palm-tree ! heavenward turn,
Nor ever cease.
0 olive-tree ! endure ;
Sign of God's presence sure,
Christ's legacy most pure,
Emblem of peace.
Father of lights, above,
From Thy great heart of love,
Our own inspire,
May all, Thy goodness sing,
Till heaven's wide arch shall ring ;
Let all their tributes bring,
And swell the choir.
OTHER RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS.
Methodists. — Although the Congregational order was the one
established here in the early settlement of the town, the Methodists
were early introduced by the preaching of the Rev. Messrs. Garret-
son and Wigdon in 1770. A Mr. Bloodgood preached here in
1788, and about the same date the Rev. Henry Christie. The first
Methodist meeting-house was built in May, 1808. It was the
building now owned and occupied by Jacob Sandmeyer as a resi
dence (1870), on the old turnpike easterly of William Baldwin's.
The land was the gift of Capt. Edward Rogers.
The new Methodist church at the Center was erected in the
year 1839; also, a few years later, a church was built at Cornwall
Bridge. Gurdon Rexford, brother of Samuel Rexford, was a Methodist
minister, and settled on Cream Hill.
The Rev. Gurdon Rexford Dayton, a Methodist minister, a
native of Goshen, preached in Cornwall for two years, about
1821-22. He resided in East street, opposite the Birdsey place.
His peculiar amiableness and pleasant manners endeared him to-

176 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was also inter
esting as a preacher. The funeral sermon of old Mr. James
Wadsworth was delivered by him at the house of the deceased on
Cream Hill, in which he used the very appropriate quotation:
" The chamber where the good man meets his fate,
Is privileged above the common walks of life."
Those who remember the exemplary piety of Mr. James Wads
worth, his fervent prayers and kind, persuasive exhortations, will
fully appreciate the applicability of these lines on such an occasion.
The Rev. Gad Smith, a young Methodist minister who used to
preach in Cornwall some fifty or sixty years since, is deemed
worthy of particular notice. A native of Sharon, he obtained a
classical education at the academy of the Rev. Daniel Parker, in
Ellsworth. He was a good scholar and a most exemplary christian.
As a preacher, he was solemn, earnest, and effective. He was not
long permitted to preach the gospel, but he fell an early victim to
consumption. His grave is in the burial-ground on the Sharon
road,' a little distance beyond the late residence of Mr. Silas Gray.
His earnest piety and the fragrance of his many virtues embalm
his memory and hallow the spot of his sepulture.
Many other pious and worthy ministers of the gospel have
preached their one and two years in Cornwall since the first intro
duction of Methodism into the town.
Baptists. — In the summer of 1800 Samuel Wadsworth, son of
Mr. Joseph Wadsworth, then living on Cream Hill, and a grandson
of Mr. James Douglass, was baptized by a Baptist minister in the
Cream Hill lake. This ceremony from its novelty at the time
attracted a large attendance of people. There may have been
Baptists here at an earlier day, but no accessible records furnish
data of their existence in this town previous to the above date.
Among the early Baptist preachers in Cornwall were the Rev.
Messrs. Bates, Fuller, and Talmadge. Elder Fuller, the father of
Mrs. Deacon Nettleton, had not a permanent residence in this
town, but often preached at the house of Captain Samuel Wads
worth on Cream Hill. He was peculiarly solemn and earnest in
presenting his subject to his hearers, sometimes exciting to tears
even the children, who would listen to him in breathless silence.
His residence was in Kent, where some of his descendants yet
remain. Lieutenant Nettleton, who perished in New Orleans during the ,
late rebellion, was a grandson of Elder' Fuller. He was a worthy

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 177
descendant of his sainted grandsire. Colonel Charles D. Blinn is
also a descendant of this noble ancestry.
Elder Talmadge was a very worthy man, and lived on the farm
now belonging to Mr. Franklin Reed.
The first Baptist church was erected about sixty years ago, and
is now occupied as a dwelling by Mr. Elias Scoville. The Baptist
church in Cornwall Hollow was built about thirty years since, and
soon after another on Great Hill.
Roman Catholic — A small Roman Catholic church was erected
at West Cornwall about 1850.
These, with the two Congregational churches, and chapel now
building at West Cornwall, in all eight in number, for a population
of less than two thousand, afford ample accommodations for re
ligious worship.

CORNWALL HOLLOW.
An Historical Address delivered at the Baptist Church in Cornwall
Hollow, Oct. 19, 1865.
BY GEN. CHARLES F. SEDGWICK OF SHARON.
In looking over the inhabitants now dwelling in this locality,
which, from the earliest settlement of the town, has been called
Cornwall Hollow, I find but few persons who can date their birth
back to within the eighteenth century. This fact indicates a great
change in the persons resident here within the period of my recol
lection. My memory in regard to some facts runs back to the last
year of the last century, and from that time to this, I have en
deavored, to keep tolerably well posted in regard to the families and
persons of my old neighbors. One fact in regard to the families
in this Hollow is noticeable, and that is, the permanence of family
names. The Harrisons, Hurlburts, Bradfords, Wilcoxes, Merwins,
Fords, and Sedgwicks, descendants of old families, still remain
here, or in the near neighborhood, and if the Pendletons could be
included in this list, they would still occupy nearly all the territory
of the Hollow proper.
I have a very pleasant remembrance of the old inhabitants of
this Hollow, and it is not confined to the limits of Cornwall
merely, but embraces those portions of Goshen, Norfolk, and
Canaan which are adjacent. The old gatherings for social enjoy
ment and religious worship come up fresh to my recollection, and
' 23

178 HISTORY OF CORNWALL,
although the retrospect calls up some memories of friends and
some memories of incidents that "mind me of departed joys,
departed never to return," yet it calls up pleasant memories of
pleasant scenes enacted, and of pleasant friendships formed and
enjoyed here during the early years of my life, and I now attempt
to execute a purpose I have long entertained, of gathering up such
facts and incidents, embraced in the early history of this portion
of Cornwall, as are within my knowledge, and laying them before
the present dwellers in this, to me, most interesting locality.
These facts and incidents, not important, it is true, in the great
history of the times in which they occurred, but perhaps in some
degree interesting to those whose parents or grandparents were
active in accomplishing them, are fast passing into the hazy obscuri
ties of antiquity, and will soon be beyond the- memory of living
men. So far as they are matters of record, they may endure; but
so far as they depend upon tradition, they are fleeting and fugitive.
I love to dwell upon these scenes of early childhood and of ripen
ing manhood. I love to call up the names and persons of the aged
men and women upon whose lips I have hung in early life, as they
have told the story of their experiences in the early days of the
history of this Hollow. This spot, secluded as it is, has not been
barren of incidents or of names which have marked it as an
important locality in Cornwall, and I deeply regret that I did not
take more pains, while the facts were accessible, to preserve and
perpetuate the memory of many persons and incidents which are
now gone into forgetf ulness. Such as are within my knowledge I
now proceed to lay before you.
This northwestern portion of Connecticut was settled at a much
later period than any other part of the colony. It was nearly a
century after the valley of the Connecticut River had been occu
pied by the English pilgrims or their descendants, and long after
that portion of the colony adjacent to the sea had been brought
under civilized cultivation, that public attention was turned to the
Western lands, as they were called. A controversy had arisen
between the colony and the towns of Hartford and Windsor as to
the title to these lands embracing all the northwestern part of
Litchfield County, and this controversy existed for several years,
and it was not till about the year 1730 that this matter was
adjusted between these towns and the colony by a division of the
lands. The most valuable portions of them were surveyed and laid
out into townships in 1732, but the towns of Norfolk, Colebrook,
and Barkhamsted were unoccupied for nearly thirty years later.

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 179
The first inhabitants of this town came in 1738 and 1739, and set
tled in the central and western portions of the town, taking up .
their home lots, as they were called, building houses, and other
wise establishing a municipal organization. This portion of the
town, the Hollow, seems not to have attracted the attention of the
original proprietors of the town, as none of them established their
home lots here. Up to about 1743 all the lands in this locality
were common and undivided, owned by the original proprietors of
the town, and subject to a division among them as regulated by
the laws of the colony according to the amount of their interest in
them. On the twenty-sixth day of April of that year (1743),
Thomas Orton of Farmington purchased of James Smedley of
Fairfield, one right in the common land in Cornwall, including all
the lands which had been laid out on rt, except fifty acres on
Cream Hill, where Peter Mallory lived. Orton laid out most
of the land on his right in the Hollow, and he also added to his
domains by purchase from adjoining proprietors, some of whom
were in Goshen, so that he finally owned a large share of the land
embraced in the Sedgwick and Hurlburt farms, being more than
one thousand acres of land. This Thomas Orton was the first
white inhabitant of Cornwall Hollow. His house stood on the
high bank south of the brook on which Mr. Merwin's saw-mill
stands, about sixty rods west of the old Litchfield turnpike. The
site was pointed out to me by my father more than sixty years ago,
but all traces of it are now obliterated. Orton remained in the
Hollow but two or three years, when he removed to Tyringham,
Massachusetts, and was a very respectable inhabitant of that town
for many years. Before leaving, he sold the greater part of his
real estate here to Benjamin Sedgwick of West Hartford, who was
the purchaser of the greater portion of it, and the residue to Dr.
Jonathan Hurlburt of that part of Farmington which is now the
town of Southington, and these gentlemen entered upon their
possessions in 1748.
The first public highway by which access was had to the Hollow,
was one leading from Canaan to Goshen. It passed over a slight
depression, in the sandy hills south of the Wilcox farm, along the
base of a wooded hill, north of the place where the forge formerly
stood, thence up a steep hill called — I know not why — Hautboy
Hill, to the residence of Mr. Benjamin Sedgwick, now the site of
Philo C. Sedgwick's house, thence up the hill by Dr. Hurlburt's
residence to the west side of Goshen. Traces of this old highway,
through its whole length to Goshen line, were very distinct, within

180 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
my recollection. At the top of the hill, above Hurlburt's, it met
another highway leading from Goshen East street, by the late Mr.
Merwin's, and thus communication was opened with both parts of
Goshen, east and west. Nearly all of Goshen, as it then existed, -
was on those two streets, there being then but a very few people at
the Center. This was the main thoroughfare through the Hollow
for nearly twenty years. The settlement of the inhabitants, after
wards, on the east and west sides of the Hollow compelled the
abandonment of this road and the opening of others near where
they now run. The west road by the school-house and up the
Hollow Hill, as it was called, to the west side of Goshen, was the,
main avenue of travel until the building of the Litchfield and
Canaan turnpike, in 1799.
On the old highway first mentioned, Mr. Sedgwick and Dr.
Hurlburt erected their habitations, the former at the place now
owned by his great-grandson, Philo C. Sedgwick, Esq., and the
latter at the place now owned by his great-grandson, Mr. Marcus
Hurlburt. As those gentlemen, with their families, were the only
inhabitants of the Hollow for nearly six years, I shall give as
minute sketches of them as the material at my command will
allow. The first pilgrim of the name of Sedgwick was Major Robert
Sedgwick, who settled in Charlestown, Mass. in 1637. He was a
leading, active member of the colony for nearly twenty years.
When Cromwell came into power in England, he invited Major
Sedgwick back, and placed him in command of a body of troops
who were to operate against the French possessions in Nova Scotia.
He returned to England, and was immediately sent out with the
army which was to reduce the island of Jamaica, under General
Venables, and in a short time he succeeded Venables in the chief
command, with the rank of major-general. He died of sickness
in Jamaica, in May, 1656, leaving three sons, Samuel, Robert, and
William. The last-named settled in Hartford, where he married
Elizabeth, the daughter of the Rev. Samuel Stone, colleague of the
celebrated Thomas Hooker, the first minister of Hartford. This
marriage was most unfortunate, and the relation was dissolved in
a few years by a decree of the Court of Assistants. The only
fruit of it was a son, Samuel Sedgwick, who was born after the deser
tion of his father, whom he never saw, and from this son of
William, born under such circumstances, have descended all the
Sedgwicks whom I ever knew. He inherited some estate from his
mother, and on arriving at maturity he became the owner of a

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 181
valuable farm in West Hartford, which is situated about one mile
south of the church in that town. There he raised a family
of ten children, and died in 1739. His youngest child was Benja
min Sedgwick, who was born in 1716, married Anna Thompson of
Wallingford, and for awhile was a merchant in West Hartford.
Thomas Orton, whom we have mentioned, married a sister of Mr.
Sedgwick, and, in 1748, sold to him his lands here, as we have
before stated.
Mr. Sedgwick, having erected his house, entered vigorously upon
the clearing up of his farm, which contained some six or seven
hundred acres of land in Cornwall, Goshen, Canaan, and Norfolk.
He erected a saw-mill on the stream which passes through the
farm, at the place where the forge once stood, at the foot of Haut
boy Hill, and encountered the labors, trials, and privations incident*
to the early opening of new countries to civilized occupation. The
forests in this region were well tenanted by bears, deer, wolves,
turkeys, and other animals which tempt the skill and adventures of
early settlers, but I do not know that he ever entered, to any great
extent, into these sports. One adventure, which was related to me
by Samuel Wilcox, is undoubtedly authentic, as Wilcox knew him
well. He was at work in his saw-mill, and heard, for several
hours, the barking of his dog in the woods north of him, and
when he had completed his work, at sundown, he took his axe, as
his only weapon, and sought the place where the dog was sound
ing the alarm, and found that he had driven a large bear into his
den. This den, which was shown to me by Mr. Wilcox, is about
forty rods north of my late father's residence, and is still in good
preservation, although somewhat reduced in capacity by the
removal of a part of the stones which formed one side of it, when
the house built for my late uncle Benjamin was erected, in 1809.
When Mr. Sedgwick came to the aid of the dog, the bear rushed
from the covert upon him, threw him down, and he would soon
have fallen an easy prey to the violence of the enraged animal,
but the dog, faithful to his master, seized him with a fearful grip
behind, which caused the bear to turn upon the dog, and Mr. Sedg
wick took the opportunity to bury his axe-blade in the back-bone
of the bear. Mr. Sedgwick died at the early age- of 42. He
was a man of christian character and profession, and was chosen
deacon of the church in Cornwall some time before his death, and
he is called Deacon Sedgwick in the traditions of the Hollow.
His death was very sudden, on the 7th of February, 1787, from
apoplexy. It occurred in the night. His wife, awakened by his

182 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
groans, found him in a dying condition, and before the attendance
of Dr. Hurlburt could be procured, he had ceased to breathe.
His epitaph is concise, and very expressive of the manner of his
death: " In an instant he is called
Eternity to view ;
No time to regulate his house,
Or bid his friends adieu."
Of his family 1 shall speak in the sequel.
Of Dr. Hurlburt my record must be brief, as I have only some
scraps of information concerning him. The name of the family is
ancient in our State, and, a century ago, prevailed extensively in
Middletown, Berlin, and Farmington. Dr. Hurlburt came from a
•locality called Panthorn, which is within the present town of
Southington, then a part of Farmington, and emigrated to the
Hollow with Deacon Sedgwick in 1748, having purchased a part of
Thomas Orton's farm. His son, Ozias, insisted that his father, the
doctor, was very badly overreached in the bargain. Whether
Doctor Hurlburt engaged, to any great extent, in medical practice,
I am not informed, but the fact that he was sent for when Deacon
Sedgwick was in his extremity, indicates that some reliance was
placed upon his medical knowledge. I have seen some entries
made by him in an old account book, now in possession of his
grandson, Frederick Hurlburt, describing the constituents of sev
eral kinds of medicine, which indicate that he had a considerable
knowledge of chemistry for those times. He died in 1779, at the
age of 79. He had three sons, Ozias, Jacob, and Hart, the last of
whom died, when a young man, of consumption. The tradition '
was, in my early years, that he had a supernatural premonition of
his approaching fate, and that an audible voice came to him from
the old grave-yard, that his days on earth were numbered. He
was always spoken of as a most amiable and lovely young man.
Those two families, Sedgwick and Hurlburt, were the only fam
ilies residing in the Hollow for more than six years. Their nearest
neighbor in this town was the Rev. Solomon Palmer, the first min
ister of Cornwall, who lived where Earl . Johnson lately -lived.
The road was opened to the' town street from the Hollow at the
first coming of Orton, except that part of it which crossed the
mountain range west of the Hollow. It was nearly in the same '
place which it now occupies. The grade over the hill has been
greatly improved within the last thirty -five years. Samuel O'viatt,
from Milford, had located himself in Goshen, on the hill above

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 183
Edwin Merwin's, where the large stone chimney is still standing,
and even after Fowler Merwin, also from Milford, while yet a sin
gle man, commenced clearing up the farm which he occupied till
his death; but it was not till 1754 that any further permanent set
tlement was made in the Hollow. These naturally commenced on
the west side, that being nearer the center of the town and more
inviting, from the general appearance of the country. The road
from Goshen west side was extended through to Canaan in 1760
on the lay which it now occupies, and that over Hautboy Hill
was naturally abandoned. There was no road on the east side of
the Hollow for many years from Canaan to Goshen, and after it
was built on that side there was a strong rivalry for the travel
between the two ; but it greatly preponderated in favor of the west
side till the building of the turnpike, when it turned the other way.
There is a misty tradition that a man of the name of Abbott
lived somewhere in the Hollow at a period perhaps somewhat
earlier than 1754, but I have not been able to locate his residence,
or to determine when he left the place.
The earliest permanent settler in the Hollow, after Sedgwick and
Hurlburt, was Solomon Johnson, whose father, Amos Johnson, the
patriarch of all the old Johnson family in Cornwall, came from
Branford at the earliest settlement of the town. Amos Johnson
was a large land-holder, his possessions, here including all the old
Bradford farm, and he gave off about fifty acres to his son Solo
mon, who built his house where Mr. Lyman Fox now lives. He
built a saw-mill near the school-house, in company with my mater
nal grandfather, Jesse Buel, and the remains of this saw-mill, and
of the dam, were remaining within my recollection. Johnson
remained in the Hollow about twenty years, and left in an extra
ordinary manner. He had become involved in a lawsuit with
Jonah Case, who lived at Goshen west side, and told his family
" that he must go and see his lawyer, who was John Canfield, of
Sharon. He left under that pretence, and was never seen or heard
of by them afterwards.
I will now speak of persons and incidents which are within
my more accurate traditional or personal knowledge, and in giving
sketches of the old residents, it is natural to begin with the fami
lies of the first settlers, Sedgwick and Hurlburt.
Deacon Sedgwick died in the very maturity of his powers, at ¦
the age of 42, leaving six children, three sons, John, my grand
father, Theodore, and Benjamin, and three daughters, one -of
whom married the Rev. TLezekiah Gold, the second minister of

184 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Cornwall, and who died at the age of twenty-eight, leaving four
sons, Thomas, Thomas Ruggles, who were eminent lawyers, Benja
min, the father of Col. Stephen J. Gold, and Hezekiah, the father
of Dr. Gold. Hezekiah was in his very early infancy when his
mother died. Another daughter of Deacon Sedgwick married the
Rev. Job Swift, and became the mother of a very numerous and
respectable family in Vermont. The other daughter married
Jacob Parsons, Esq., of Richmond, Massachusetts, who removed
to Broome county, N. Y., while it was yet new, and to a great
extent uninhabited.
The second son of Deacon Sedgwick was Theodore, who was
educated at Yale College, where he graduated in 1765. I have
heard my grandfather say, that the burden of his education was
very heavy upon the family, but he lived to obtain an eminence
of fame and honor, which satisfied them for all their struggles and
made them happy in the reflection that they had borne them. He
was a member of Congress under the old confederation, senator
and representative from Massachusetts under the present Constitu
tion, and for one term was Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He was a tried and trusted friend of Washington, who relied
much on his aid and counsel in setting the machinery of govern
ment in motion under the new order of things. He retired from
Congress in 1803, and soon after was appointed a Judge of the
Supreme Court of Massachusetts, which office he held till his death
in February, 1813. He left four sons, all of whom were respecta
ble lawyers, and three daughters, the youngest of whom, Catharine,
still survives.*
The third son of Deacon Sedgwick was Benjamin, who first
settled in Goshen, and who built the old house still standing near
the west side cemetery, and there married a Miss Tuttle. He
removed in a few. years to North Canaan and became a merchant,
and built the house which is yet standing, and was lately occupied
by his son-in-law, James Fenn, Jr., about one mile east of the four
corners. He died at the early age of thirty-six, leaving one son
and four daughters, and a handsome estate to his heirs.
The oldest son of Deacon Sedgwick, the late General John
Sedgwick, spent his life upon the old farm which was his father's,
and reflecting, I marvel at what he accomplished. He was of the
age of fourteen years when his father died, and all he inherited
* Miss Catharine Sedgwick resided at Stockbridge, Mass., and was an authoress
of wide celebrity. She died in 1869. T. S. G.

• CORNWALL HOLLOW. 185
was two-sevenths of his father's estate, which was incumbered
with the support of a young and expensive family. He had this
advantage over his brothers and sisters, that by the laws of inher
itance as they then existed in this colony, in partial imitation of
the English laws of primogeniture, he received a portion of the
estate of twice the value of that of each other child; yet from
such slender beginning, when he had arrived to the age of fifty
years, and before he had divided off a portion of his estate to his
children, he was the owner of a territory which extends from the
highway near the school-house, that being his western boundary,
full two and a half miles eastward into the towns of Goshen and
Norfolk, and which would average more than a mile in width, an
ample portion of which had been brought under cultivation from
a state of Nature. He was never in affluent circumstances, the
whole income of his farm being devoted to the support of a large
household and to extending and improving his possessions. Nor
did his household consist of his own family merely, but he
employed large numbers of laborers, who and whose families were
fed from his ample stores — within my recollection there were, at
one time, ten dwellings, all but one built of logs, all inhabited, in
the locality which we call Meekertown, and from them issued
swarms of laborers to earn their daily bread by their daily labor,
and many of these found employment and keeping on the large
and ample domains of General Sedgwick. The table at which he
presided reminded one of a good-sized country boarding-house,
and the barrels of pork and beef, and the immense piles of
vegetables with which his cellar was stored, resembled the supplies
of an army commissariat. He was a man of very large physical
dimensions, and performed an immense amount of personal labor.
He was first a captain and then a major in the army of the
Revolution, and after the war, a brigadier-general of militia. He
started to join his regiment at Ticonderoga in December, 1775,
and on the first night of his absence his house was consumed by
fire. My father, his oldest son, then ten years old, told me that
he was called up in the night and informed that the house was on
fire, and that he awakened to such a degree of consciousness as
that he remembered to have seen the flames through a knot-hole,
but overcome with drowsiness he fell asleep again and had nearly
perished in the flames before he was rescued. General Sedgwick
was called back by express, and I have heard it said that within
24

186 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
one week the frame of a new house was standing on the site of
the old one.
General Sedgwick was a man of strict religious principle and
possessed of undaunted moral courage, never fearing to express
his opinion before any audience, however large, and his efforts of
natural, unpretending eloquence were sometimes very effective.
He was a member of the Legislature of this State at twenty-eight
sessions, and took an active part in its deliberations, and was once
a candidate for Congress. He died in August, 1820, at the age of
seventy-seven years. He had twelve children, eight of whom lived
to mature years, but now they are all gone to the resting-place of
man, and his descendants are scattered in a wide dispersion over
the face of the earth. One of his grandsons, who bore his honored
name and who had acquired a national fame as a gallant soldier
and a skillful military leader, sleeps beneath the tall column which
rises amid the graves in your beautiful rural cemetery, and not the
stirring battle-roll nor the martial trump, not the clash, of arms
nor the. shouts of victory "can awake him to glory again."
It is in order now to speak of the family of Dr. Hurlburt, as
they were cotemporary with that of Deacon Sedgwick. I have
already stated all 1 know of the son, Hart Hurlburt, and that
was told to me by my mother nearly sixty years ago. Dr.
Hurlburt had two other sons, half brothers, Ozias and Joab, and
these lived on the farm which he left them. Ozias took the west
part of the farm and lived on the west road, opposite the old
burying ground. In his early years he was threatened with con
sumption, and never regained any firm health. In view of the
advantages afforded him, he had cultivated his mind to a remark
able degree, and was a most interesting, companionable man in
social intercourse. He united very early with the Methodist
church, and frequently took part in public religious services. He
was a theologian of no mean acquirements, and having read many
of the master works of the old divines, was well informed on the
most abstruse points, and could defend his cherished opinions with
much skill, and, I may say, learning. I heard him say once, that
he "should have been a crazy man if he had not got shot of the
doctrine of election." He was a believer in supernatural omens.
Signs in the heavens, meteoric phenomena and spots on the sun
were all full of significance to him. I once heard him say, that
he must give it up that a blazing star, as he called a comet, was a
certain sign of war. It so happened that a comet came within the
reach of our vision just before the war of 1812, and he remem-

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 187
bered that just such an event occurred just before the old French
war and the war of the Revolution, and his faith in their premoni
tory significance was thus confirmed. It ought to be said that those
opinions were by no means singular during my childhood; in fact,
they were very common. He was well versed in modern history,
especially in regard to the wars of the Duke of Marlborough, and
would recount the exploits of dukes, marshals, and generals with
much interest. He said the battle of Fontenoy was the hottest
battle ever fought under the cope of heaven. He was also a poet
of no mean pretensions, as well as a theologian, and towards the
close of his life he published a sermon and several poems, and both
sermon and poems show abilities which, if cultivated, would give
the author a respectable position among the writers of the day.
He also constructed a Hudibrastic poem in several cantos, (descrip
tive of men and events in Cornwall, which excited much interest
in its day, and which was very ingenious and witty. I have heard
him repeat page after page of it in my childhood, and deeply
regret that it has gone out of existence. He described most
humorously the proceedings of the town which led the way to the
removal of the meeting-house from the top of the hill near Mr.
Ford's to the valley below. One measure to help forward that
result was the construction of a road through the valley by Edmund
Harrison's, to facilitate communication between the Hollow and
the new meeting-house. The starting point was the fork of the
roads near the school-house, and the committee who laid the road
were represented as deliberating whether to follow the old road
owned by Thaddeus Ford, or to go straight through the land of
Hurlburt and Bradford, and their final determination was thus
expressed: " We will not go around by Thad. Ford's,
But cut across the farm of Bradford,
And bend around close by Ozias,
For he professes to be pious."
He spoke of several influential, ambitious men in the town who
lived in separate sections and led separate factions, and whose names
are familiar to elderly people present, as follows:
" Keep Swift in Warren, Sedgwick north,
And Patterson on water broth ;
Give Ned the power and Noah the land,
And you'll have peace through all the strand."
It was said that the wife of a large landholder was overheard

188 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
praying that they might become the owners of all the land that
joined them, and cantos represented her as
" Petitioning to the higher Powers
For all the land that joins to ours."
If this old poem had been preserved, I am sure it would be much
thought of, and read with great interest by the present generation.
Mr. Hurlburt had three children, Ulysses, Gilman H, and
Almira. Ulysses was a physician in West Stockbridge, Mass.;
Gilman was a well-educated, well-bred, polished gentleman, who
taught our school for several winters, and afterwards became a
physician in Western New York, and his father and mother went
to reside with him in 1817, and there spent the remainder of their
lives. The daughter, Almira, was also a well-educated lady, and
taught our school for several summers. She afterwards became
the wife of Mr. Bigelow.
The other son of Dr. Hurlburt was Joab, who lived on the old
homestead, where his grandson, Marcus Hurlburt, now resides.
He lived to the advanced age of eighty-six years, and his wife to
about the same age. He was a shop-joiner, manufacturing plows,
rakes, and such other agricultural implements as were then in use
by farmers. He was a man of few words, seldom speaking but to
give brief answers to questions, but his work was done in the most
finished manner. He seldom smiled, and I do not believe that
any one ever heard him raise a loud, hearty laugh. He had a
strong propensity to undervalue and underrate everything he had.
His tools were always in perfect order, and yet he would complain
that they were dull. He had a field of rye which yielded at the
rate of 37^- bushels per acre (probably the largest ever raised in
the Hollow), and when my uncle Benjamin said to him that it was
a very large yield, he said, " It would have been tolerably good if
the infernal geese had not eaten it all up." I said to him once,
when crossing a field of his where a crop was growing, that it
looked very promising. " It looks pretty well now," said he, "but
I guess it will all blast." In his household he appeared to a
stranger to be stem, sullen, silent, and indifferent. He had, however,
his good traits. In 1816 his son Frederick was visited with a long
and dangerous sickness, and I frequently watched with him, and I
never witnessed a more tender and affectionate solicitude from a
parent toward a sick child than he exhibited. He also cultivated
amicable relations with his neighbors, and nobody could complain

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 189
of ill-treatment from Uncle Joab, as we used to call him. His
wife was a pattern of meek, quiet piety, and they had a large
family. His sons, Frederick and Rodney, are all of them whom I
know to be living.
A man of the name of William Tanner settled in the Hollow as
early as 1755, on the spot where Mr. Eber Harrison now lives.
He also owned the Ford place. His father, of the same name,
was from Rhode Island, and was in the town at its first settle
ment, and lived in the south part of it. The younger William
lived in the Hollow more than twenty years, when he sold to Dan
iel Harrison and Thaddeus Ford, and himself removed to the
locality called Dudleytown. From his very large person, and to dis
tinguish him from others of the same name, he was called Great
Tanner. I saw him once in his extreme old age, but I had only a
short interview with him, and knew but a very little about him.
The Harrisons in the Hollow are the descendants of two
brothers, Daniel and Noah Harrison, who removed into the town
from Branford, in 1763. Daniel lived on the hill, where the Net-
tletons have since lived, and he was the father of Daniel, Jr., Joel,
and Luther Harrison. He died when I was very young, and his
was the first burial I ever witnessed. Noah Harrison, the younger
brother of Daniel, I remember very well. He was the father of He-
man Harrison, deceased, and of Edmund Harrison, still living at a
very advanced age.* The old house which Noah Harrison occupiedls
still standing, and it looks as it did sixty years ago.f Mr. Harrison
and his son Heman occupied the farm on which their descendants
now reside. The father, Noah, was distinguished for his skill in
subduing, taming, and breaking to the yoke wild young cattle.
We were frequently summoned over from our side of the Hollow
to work on the road in that neighborhood, the highway district
extending to Pond Brook, and on such occasions we were fur
nished with a sumptuous dinner at the Messrs. Harrisons, and I
well remember how I relished the baked Indian puddings which
formed part of the dinner. Noah Harrison lived to a good old
age. His son Heman, whom I have mentioned, was distinguished
for his quiet, industrious, thrifty habits, and seemed to be a timid,
bashful man, very seldom speaking when he was in company, and
was seldom seen abroad. He died at a comparatively early age.
Daniel Harrison, the son of Daniel Harrison of whom I have
* Mr. Edmund Harrison died in 1866, aged 98 years and 4 months. T. S. G.
t The brown house, still standing but unoccupied, near the residence of Luman
Harrison. It is the oldest house in town. T. S. G.

190 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
spoken, was a man of marked and positive character, which would
make him a leading man in any circle in which he moved. He
seemed to have been literally born to command, and his right
to that precedence was always acknowledged by his neighbors. If
a building was to be moved, and long strings of teams marshaled
to do it, universal consent awarded the direction of affairs to him,
and his stern and assuming demeanor in directing the movements
partook largely of the character of imperial dictation. He would
call the men to order by a few smart raps upon the building with
his ox goad, and woe to the wight who was found recreant in that
interesting moment. When he ordered the forward movement,
his eye was upon every part of the performance; and when he
ordered a stop, forward movements instantly ceased. Even down
to old age, whenever a building was to be moved, his services were
always in demand. I have often worked on the roads when he had
command of the gang, and it was wonderful to see what entire
deference was paid to his orders. If he said a large rock was to
be dug around and removed, all went to work to do it without
cavil or question. This obedience came from deference to what
was thought his superior judgment. His manner, when thus in
command, was stern, sullen, dominant. His words were few and
pointed, and his will was indomitable. He never retreated or
gave back a hair's breadth from any purpose he had formed. He
was employed to draw building stone for my grandfather, and I
was standing by a bar-way near the house, when he attempted to
pass through with his team and cart, very heavily laden, when the
hub of his cart-wheel came up, all standing, against a firmly-set
bar -post. " Pull away that bar-post," said he. " You can't pull it
away," said my grandfather. "Yes we can too," said he, and
many stout hands seized it, and away sagged the bar -post, and on
went the team. He thought this school district had wronged him
in not acknowledging and paying a small claim he had against it,
and he declared he would never attend another meeting in the
school-house till the bill was paid. It was thought that once when
his own minister, Mr. Hawes, appointed to preach in the school-
house one afternoon, he would yield his avowed purpose and go to
hear his minister; but he did not attend, and I heard him say in
reference to this meeting, that if Gabriel had appointed to preach
in the school-house he would not have gone to hear him. The
district finally yielded, and paid the bill, and then all was right
again. I have frequently heard him testify in court, and have
admired the positiveness, precision, and conciseness of his answers

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 191
to questions put to him by counsel. One of the most unpleasant
positions in which a witness can be placed is to be called upon to
impeach character, and the question whether a man is upon a par
for truth is often evaded, or the answer so modified as to be as
little offensive as possible; but if you put the question to Daniel
Harrison he would say no, and say no more. He opposed the
removal of the meeting-house in this congregational parish,
although it was to be built a mile and a half nearer to him, insist
ing that good ecclesiastical strategy required that the fort should
remain on the frontier. Having thus spoken of Mr. Harrison in
regard to some traits in his character, it is pleasant to remember
him in others. He was a man of decided Christian purpose, never
neglecting public worship when able to attend, and in the absence
of a clergyman, often assisting good Deacon Mallory in conducting
the public exercise of worship. He also attended and took part in
social meetings in the neighborhood, and then his exhortations were
earnest and his prayers fervent. If any neighbor got behind in
his work through sickness, loss of team, or other untoward causes,
he was always ready to lend a helping hand in bringing his neigh
bor's matters into a prosperous condition, and to incite others to
do so. He was remarkably kind to sufferers in times of sickness,
and would face any danger to relieve them . When Ebenezer Jack
son was sick with the small-pox, of which he died in 1799, and
dismay and terror spread through the town to such an extent as to
drive all the neighbors away to leave him to his fate, Mr. Harrison
defied the pestilence, and went to see him and minister to his relief.
Again, when the spotted fever prevailed to an alarming extent in
the town in 1812, most people avoided contact or intercourse with
the sick, but Mr. Harrison was indefatigable in ministering to
their wants. He was a man of great public spirit, never withhold
ing his share of labor or expense to carry forward meritorious
public objects. He lived to an advanced age, and pleasant memo
ries of him survive in the recollection of elderly people in the
Hollow. I now come to speak of the Wilcox family, the patriarch of
whom was Samuel Wilcox, of whom I have a very distinct per
sonal recollection, as he lived down to 1810. He was born in
Simsbury in 1727, but his father removed to Goshen as early as
1748, and lived in Humphrey's Lane, near the East street. The
name was originally Wilcoxon, and was so written in the Simsbury
records down to near the commencement of the last century, when
it was altered by common consent to Wilcox. He purchased in

192 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
1773 the place where Sylvester Scovill now lives, and lived there
four years, when he sold that place to Timothy Scovill, and pur
chased the farm at the north end of the Hollow, where he spent
the remainder of his life, and where his descendants now reside.
He inhabited a log-house as long as he kept house. In the latter
part of his life, his son, Zadok Wilcox, who had removed to the
house on the east side of the Hollow, which he occupied till his
death, took the old gentleman into his family. He was familiarly
called Uncle Sam, and was a noted hunter and trapper, and the
latter years of his life were principally occupied in telling stories
of his adventures among these mountains in pursuit of bears and
deer, whose haunts and dens and lurking-places were as familiar to
him as the fields of his own farm. He killed twelve bears during
the hard winter, as it was called, in 1780, as well as very many
deer. These kinds of game, as well as wild turkeys, were very
abundant in all these parts then. He called his favorite musket
Old Stagpole, and he kept it hung on wooden hooks in his house
during his life. He made all the ox-yokes and bows that were used
in these regions, and they were finished specimens of workmanship.
He was a disbeliever in the Copernican system of astronomy, and
could not be persuaded that the world revolved. He was well
read in the scriptures, and a strong believer in the Arminian sys
tem of divinity. He was a strong tory in the revolutionary war,'
and I once heard him say, " I did not join in this rebellion against
good old King George," and then he would sing out in a kind of
plaintive intonation, " Shame, British boys." He was in the habit of
using great extravagance in his comparisons and descriptions. A
great thing was as big as the ocean, and a tall person as high as
the clouds. If he wished to speak well of any thing or any per
formance, he would say that it was bloody good, or done bloody
well. I remember hearing him describe a sermon preached by
parson Robbins of Norfolk, in Goshen, during the ministry of
the Rev. Mr. Newell. His text was, " I gave her a space to re
pent, and she repented not." Said he of the preacher, "He
stretched his little arms from Torrington to Canaan almost, and he
preached bloody well." His company was very much sought by
the youth and children to listen to the numberless stories he could
tell of his exploits in hunting game and killing rattlesnakes, some
hazardous adventures of the latter kind being frequently inter
mingled in his relations. He died from mere decay, at the age of
ninety years, without any apparent distress, and I have a very

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 193
pleasant remembrance of my intercourse with him during the years
of my childhood.
His oldest son was Zadok Wilcox, whose history and character
ought to be preserved, and who is remembered with much interest
by the elderly people in the Hollow. He was, upon the whole, a.
remarkable man. His log-house stood, when I first knew him, near
a great rock just north of where the brook comes close upon the
highway north of the Pendleton farm; and there were born to him
a somewhat numerous family. When the building of the Litchfield
turnpike turned the course of travel to the east side, his habitation,
now standing, was there erected, and there he spent the remainder
of his days. He possessed remarkable conversational powers, and
was the life and soul of every circle in which he mingled. His
educational advantages must have been very limited, yet I never
knew a man in common life who could command more appropriate
and pertinent language to express his thoughts than he could.
He possessed a loud, clear voice, which was heard above all others
whenever he spoke. His statements were frequently illustrated by
appropriate anecdotes, of which he possessed an exhaustless fund,
and whenever he visited a family circle, his leave-taking was re
gretful to the household, and he was urged to prolong his stay
to the last possible moment. He was the dentist of the neighbor
hood, extracting all the teeth that demanded that operation. He
used a darning needle to remove the adhesive flesh from the
doomed tooth, and the instrument with which he extracted it he
called a hawk's bill. I remember he performed the operation for
me when I was quite a child, and almost before I could utter the
scream which the pain of the pulling forced from me, he pro
claimed three times in a loud voice, "It's out, out, out I" He was also
the great songster of the neighborhood; some of his songs were of
a serious, sentimental cast. Dwight's Columbia and Burns's Mar
iner's Farewell were favorites with him. He also frequently sang
Garrick's song, written in admiration of his Peggy. As this song
has gone out of the books, I will repeat a verse or two as I remem
ber it from his lips: Once more I'll tune my vocal shell,
O'er hills and dales my passion tell ;
A flame which time can never quell,
Still burns for thee, my Peggy.
Yet greater bards the theme have hit,
And say what subject is more fit,
Than to record the sparkling wit
And bloom of lovely Peggy.
25

194 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
While bees from flower to flower do rove,
Or linnets warble in the grove,
Or stately swans the rivers love,
So long shall I love Peggy.
I stole a kiss the other day,
As she to church was on her way ;
The fragrance of the blooming May
-Is not so sweet as Peggy.
Some of his songs partook of a coarse kind of wit, and were well
adapted to excite mirth and hilarity, and were heard with great
delight. One of these commenced with this stanza:
There was an old woman in our town,
I have heard some tell,
Who loved her husband dearly,
But another man quite as well.
He adopted the Protestant Episcopal form of church government
as the true rule, and adhered to it during his life. He made loud
and clear responses in the public celebration of worship when it
was conducted in that form, and the ceremony was quite deficient
of interest when he was absent, which was very seldom; and in
the choral exercises his voice was prominent and his help indispens
able. He was a man of good, placid, even tempeV, and I have no
doubt died without an enemy. His decease was very sudden, from
apoplexy, in 1821. I called on him about three weeks before his
death, and I never saw him in better humor or in finer spirits. I
am told that no grave-stone marks his resting-place. This is not
creditable to his descendants.
Another son of Samuel Wilcox was Joseph Wilcox, the father
of Russell Wilcox, Esq. Joseph Wilcox lived many years in the
Hollow. He was a blacksmith by trade, and his shop stood for most
of the time during his residence in the Hollow, nearly opposite my
father's house. He was a hard-working, honest man, who sup
ported his family well by his labor, and brought them up respecta
bly. He removed to Canaan about 1807. He was a very obliging,
aeQommodating neighbor, and between our families there was al
ways a very neighborly feeling, and the friendships formed between
the children of the families have been perpetual. I remember
that my mother shed tears when she parted with Mrs. Wilcox on
her removal to Canaan.
There was another son of Samuel Wilcox who must by no
means be overlooked. Sylvanus Wilcox was his true name, but
common usage gave him the name of Dr. Todd. He spent a

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 195
year in Vermont when he was a young man, with a physician by
the name of Todd, and after his return people commenced, first in
sport, to call him Dr. Todd, and it finally came to pass that he
was known and called by no other name. I knew him when he
was comparatively a young man. In his latter days he was always
the owner of a good horse, which received unremitted care and
attention from him, and of which he was always very proud. He
was social, agreeable, and pleasant in his intercourse with his
friends, fond of music and dancing, and other social pleasures.
His last days were clouded by untoward fortunes, and are re
membered with regret, but all who knew him have a kind feel
ing for the memory of Dr. Todd.
Captain Reuben Wilcox was the only son of Zadock Wilcox.
His mother was a daughter of Joshua Culver of Litchfield, who
was noted through the county for his great physical power, and in
his early life for his desperate adventures in rowdyism. After
this statement, it is due to Mr. Culver to say, that in his latter
years he was a very devoted and useful christian. I heard him
once deliver a discourse in Meekertown, but I retain no remem
brance of the style or power of the sermon. Captain Wilcox had
more of the Culver than the Wilcox in his complexion and stature.
He was of a dark hue, very compactly built, of large frame, and
of personal strength beyond any other man of his time in the Hol
low. He was a man of extraordinary strength of memory, and of
extraordinary acquirements for a man of his position in life. He '
was possessed of more historical facts regarding the men of this
locality, than any other person living here. He was fond of the
society of children, and was much addicted to amusing them by
his anecdotes. I remember he took me with him one day, when I
was very young, to Walnut Hill, where he was getting out barrel
staves, for the mere purpose of having my company, and I was
amused from morning till night by his interesting conversation,
adapted to the capacity of a mere child. He was free and fluent
in his conversation, wrote a very handsome business hand, and had
a very good common-school education. His mind was of a very
inquisitive turn, and he never gave up an inquiry till he had pros
ecuted it to a complete solution. He has frequently asked me the
meaning of Latin and Greek sentences which he had seen in mot
toes, coats-of-arms, and legal maxims, and pursued the inquiry
till the whole matter was explained. He-was well versed in New
England history, especially that part of it which related to the

196 HISTORY OF CORNWALL. '
French and Indian wars, and when he had obtained knowledge
upon any point which was new, was very ready to communicate it
to others. He was a man of laborious, industrious habits, and I
have spent many hours in his shop, seeing him manufacture bar
rels, and at the same time keep up a lively and interesting conver-
sation. His death, like that of his father's, was very sudden, of
apoplexy. It should have been stated before, that he represented
the town in the Legislature in 1849.
The first settler on the Pendleton farm was Major Jesse Buel,
my maternal grandfather. He was a grandson of Deacon John
Buel, the patriarch of the Litchfield Buels, and a son of Captain
Jonathan Buel, who lived on the line between Goshen and Litch
field, a little south of Deacon Brooks's residence. His wife was
Lydia Beach, daughter of Deacon Edward Beach, and she is cele
brated in Mr. Power's history of Goshen as the lady who spun seven
runs of yarn in one day, and who bore off the .palm of victory
over several competitors. Her father, who was my great-grand
father, and Major Buel's mother, who was my great-grandmother,
lived to within my recollection, and I have seen them both. I
have also seen my own grandchildren, making six generations in
one line of descent. Major Buel came to the Hollow about 1770,
and built the house which stood, till within a few years, near the
present residence of Mr. Yale. His children were all born there.
He kept the first tavern in the Hollow, and the large amount of
travel on this route during the Revolutionary war made this a
somewhat lucrative business. I have heard my mother speak of
the passage of a part of Rochambeau's French army through the
Hollow in 1781, on its way from Rhode Island to Virginia, to
assist in the capture of Cornwallis. The officers of high grade
obtained quarters in the tavern of her father, while the main body
encamped in the road and fields adjacent. Major Buel remained
in the Hollow till 1792, when he sold his farm to Increase Pendle
ton of Guilford, and himself removed to the south part of Salis
bury, his farm adjoining the town of Sharon. His wife Lydia
died in 1789, and she is represented to have been a woman of
superior excellence and amiability of character. Her epitaph is
tender and sweet to the feelings of her descendants, who cherish
her memory with unqualified respect and veneration:
Composed in mind, submitted to
The will of God she dies —
Bids all her earthly friends adieu,
Assured in joy to rise.

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 197
tjor Buel died in Salisbury in 1818, at the age of seventy.
He was a most amiable, genial, and good-humored man, who had
many friends, especially among the young.
Mr. Increase Pendleton, who succeeded him in the ownership of
his farm, was well advanced in life when he came here, and at my
remembrance of him his wife had died, and he was an old man,
living in the family of his son, William Pendleton. He retained
the ownership of the farm while he lived, his sons, William and
Joshua, cultivating allotted portions of it. He was a large, over
grown, sluggish man, who would occasionally walk up and down
the road, with staff in hand, and was very apt to be out when the
crops were divided between himself and his sons. His daughter
Julia, afterwards the wife of Uri Merwin, lived with him, and
appeared to care for him with all proper attention. His sons
William and Joshua were active, stirring men, who raised large
families. Joshua removed to the West many years ago, but Wil
liam remained here during his life.
Thaddeus Ford, from Guilford, whose wife was a sister of Abra
ham and Oliver Hotchkiss, lived at the foot of the hill, a little west
of the residence of his son, the late Samuel Ford, and within a rod
of the old school-house. He also erected a small building in the
gorge of the hills above him, in which he had an apparatus for
running a spinning-wheel by water-power, and there I have wit
nessed the operation of a female drawing off the threads from a
distaff of flax with both hands, at a very rapid rate. Mr. Ford
was a man of decided opinions and purposes, and had his own
peculiar way of expressing them. He had a peculiar kind of ges
ture, with closely-clinched fingers and extended thumb, and when
ever the neighbors undertook to repeat his assertions, they would
accompany the recital by an imitation of his gesture. He some
times made in the carelessness of his emotions curious blunders in
the inversion of syllables and the misplacing of words. I remem
ber once to have heard him finding fault with the manner in
which William Pendleton had constructed a box for the deposit of
the ashes made at the school-house, and intending to say ash-box,
he called it ax-bosh, and his thumb was out when he said it. He
had two sons, Zerah and Samuel, both of whom died in this town,
and his wife and several daughters died of consumption.
The last of the old settlers in the Hollow was John Bradford,
who came here from that part of New London which is now Mont.
ville, in 1783, at the close of the Revolutionary war. He was a

198 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
direct lineal descendant of the Pilgrim Governor Bradford of Ply
mouth colony. He lived where his grandson, Fowler Bradford,
now resides, having purchased the farm of Amos Johnson. He
was a very quiet, retired, affable man, always very neat in his per
son and dress, and much given to a dry kind of waggery and
story-telling, which would call out a jolly laugh from bystanders.
He was very fond of telling anecdotes, and would entertain any
social circle by his pleasant humor and salient jokes. He attended
all the religious meetings of the different denominations who cele
brated their worship here, and I never heard a profane or vulgar
word from his lips. His only son, James F. Bradford, who lived
where his son-in-law, Lyman Fox, now lives, was a man of quicker
movements and more personal activity than his father. If he
called on a neighbor on business, he was always in a hurry to have
it accomplished, and he would be off in a twinkling as soon as it
was done. He was of untiring industry, and very successful in
acquiring property.
I might extend these imperfect sketches of individuals to an
indefinite length, but they would be of persons well known to
many present, and would protract this talk to an interminable
prolixity. I have spoken of every man I remember to have been
a householder here sixty years ago.
The first school-house in the Hollow stood at the foot of Ford
Hill, as we used to call it, on the road leading westerly from the
late residence of Samuel S. Ford. It stood directly in front of
the house of Thaddeus Ford, and it seems to me within one rod
of it; so near, at least, that much of the conversation in the family
could be heard distinctly in the school-house. I now remember
but two of my old schoolmates who now reside in the Hollow,
who attended school with me in that school-house, to wit, Eber
Harrison and Olive Cowles (now Mrs. Reuben Wilcox). The
Baldwins, Ithamar, Noah, and William, and Stephen How, are
the only other survivors of those who attended school there that I
now remember. The school-district then extended to Canaan line,
north of Deacon Nettleton's, and embraced the families of Joel and
Luther Harrison and Joseph Cowles. After the school-house had
been removed to the place which it now occupies, the gentlemen
just named took measures to be annexed to the Cream Hill district,
and an earnest controversy was had in the town-meetings on the
question of their being set off. I well remember the close and earn
est canvass which was made, and the drumming up of voters in the

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 199
Hollow to resist the application, as well as the chagrin and disap
pointment which prevailed when the town voted to set off the ap
plicants according to their request. My uncle Benjamin was the
collector of the tax which was levied to build the new school-house,
and a lawsuit to test the legality of his levy on the property of Joel
Harrison was tried before the Superior Court at Litchfield. The
levy was sustained by the judgment of the court.
The school-house which stood till within a few years on the site
of the present house, was built, I think, in 1804. I am told that
the district records, which would fix the date precisely, are lost.
The first and last clerk of the district whom I knew in that office,
was James F. Bradford, and the first moderator of a school-meet
ing at which I was present, was Ozias Hurlbut. The teachers,
whose school I remember to have attended in the old school-house
at the foot of Ford Hill, were Dr. Everest, whose father lived in the
South Society, my uncle Roderick Sedgwick, Gilman Hurlburt,
Almira Hurlburt, and Clarissa Steele. The first school in the new
house was kept by Henry Baldwin. Miss Steele kept the last
school in the old house, and the first summer school in the new.
Her subsequent history was eventful. In the summer of 1806
she was employed to keep the school on Canaan Mountain, and
there a maniac of the name of Isaac Baldwin attempted to assasi-
nate her in the school-house, after she had dismissed her school
for the day. He belonged to Litchfield, was of a highly respecta
ble family, and a graduate of Yale College of the class of 1801.
He seems to have entertained a passionate fondness for Miss Steele,
which', in his state of mental derangement, she could not recipro
cate, and in desperation determined to take her life. He entered
the school-house at the close of the school, and with a knife in
flicted several dangerous wounds upon her face and neck, nearly
cutting off the lower part of an ear, but her resolute resistance,
and the coming in of two or three women whom her cries had
alarmed, prevented the consummation of his purpose. She lin
gered a long while between life and death at the house of Joshua
Munson, and finally recovered a tolerable degree of health. She
had been an inmate of my father's family, and went from our
house to the Mountain school. I went to see her two or three
days after she was injured, and found her under the care of Dr.
Humphrey of Norfolk, a young physician who had just commenced
practice. Soon after her recovery she became the wife of Dr.
Humphrey, but she lived but a little more than two years after her

200 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
marriage with him. I was living in Norfolk at the time, and
was present at her bedside when she breathed her last. Baldwin
fled to the mountain north of the school-house, but was arrested
within twenty-six hours after he had attempted to take the life of
Miss Steele. I remember to have seen him in a day or two there
after on his way to Litchfield on horseback, under the care of
Sheriff Landon, with his hands pinioned behind him. He was
tried for the act, but was acquitted on the ground of insanity, but
was kept in confinement till his father removed to the West and
took him with him.
About the year 1780 General Sedgwick erected a forge on the
stream which runs through the east side of the. Hollow just above
where it enters the meadow lands, and there grew up a small
business hamlet. Large quantities of iron were manufactured
from the Salisbury ore, and two dwelling-houses were erected near
the forge, which afforded accommodations for several families of
the operators. A shoemaker's shop was also built, where that
business was carried on by Benjamin Palmer, who came to the
Hollow from Barkhamsted. This last mentioned building was
occupied one summer for a neighborhood school, which was kept
by Mrs. Bierce, wife of Joseph Bierce, who was also a shoemaker,
and lived in one of the houses in the hamlet. This school I at
tended, being then probably about seven years of age. Joseph
Wilcox here erected his first blacksmith's shop and commenced
working at his trade, which he followed many years, and also oc
cupied, with his family, one of the houses I have spoken of. He
afterwards removed his shop and changed his dwelling-house up
the hill to the turnpike road, directly opposite my father's, and
kept it in operation till 1807, when he removed to Huntsville, or
Ireland, as it was then called. This shop was a great place of re
sort for the men of the neighborhood on rainy days, and all the
common topics of the day, public and private, received ample dis
cussion and appropriate criticism. After Mr. Wilcox removed to
Canaan the shop was carried on by Dudley Henderson, afterwards
of Goshen, and when he gave it up the blacksmith's business in
the Hollow ceased to be prosecuted. The forge was destroyed by
fire in 1803, as near as I can remember, and the buildings which
stood around it gradually disappeared, and not a vestige of any of
them now remains.
General Sedgwick also erected a grist-mill on the same stream,
about sixty rods above the forge, which did a good business ac-

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 201
.cording to the extent of its accommodations, there being but one
pair of stones in it. I have - heard my grandfather say that it
yielded him one hundred bushels of grain annually clear of all de
ductions. The house built for the miller was the first built on the
east side of the Hollow, which stood in Cornwall. As early as
1770 Jeremiah Harris had built a house over the Goshen line
where Mr. Lawton lately lived, and owned a farm of about one
hundred and thirty acres. He sold this to General Sedgwick in
1783. The farm contained all the land which was owned by my
uncle Henry, now owned by Erastus Merwin, which lies in Goshen,
and extends around the saw-mill pond, and up to the hill east of
it. The first miller was a Mr. Ensign, the next was Theron Beach,
uncle of the late Theron Beach, Esq., of Litchfield, who, when the
mill was still for want of custom, used to weave cloth for the
neighbors, his loom standing in the upper loft of the mill. The
miller's house was the one occupied by Joseph Wilcox after he
removed up the hill, and was much enlarged by him.
The next house after the miller's, erected on the east side of the
Hollow, was the one erected by my grandfather for my uncle
Henry, and it is the one now owned by Erastus Merwin, Esq. ; and
in that house I was born, my father and mother living in the same
. house with his brother while their house was being built. My
uncle Henry kept a tavern for several years, and in his house all
the dancing parties were held which I ever knew of in the Hollow,
and they were not infrequent in my early days. The next house
on that side was that erected for my father, and next to that the
house by the saw-mill, which were all on that side till the Wilcox
family removed their habitations. General Sedgwick apportioned
to each of the three sons I have mentioned, John, my father, and
Henry, more than one hundred acres of land, and built a new
house and barn for each. The mill of which I have spoken was
carried off by a freshet in 1805-6. The immediate cause of its
destruction was the breaking away of the saw-mill dam above it.
A heavy rain produced such a pressure upon the dam that it
yielded, and the rush and roar of the waters was terrible. The
turnpike bridge, a small saw-mill which had been erected by my
uncle Henry, and the grist-mill, were all borne off like a feather
upon a gale of wind. The millstones, which weighed more than a
ton each, were carried more than twenty rods, and deposited in the
bottom of the stream. In 1816 they were purchased by Captain
Jonah Lawrence, of North Canaan, and placed for use in a mill
which he built that year.
26

202 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
General Sedgwick also erected a saw-mill on the spot where that
owned by Mr. Merwin now stands, before the commencement of
the present century. This mill stands in Goshen, within a rod of
the line, but the house attached to it is in Cornwall. This mill,
from my earliest memory, was under the care of Jephtha Merrills,
a ma.n of singular habits, and of a certain kind of drollery, which
gave him a considerable notoriety. He was the most perfect
mimic I ever saw. He would imitate to striking perfection the
voices of men, women, and beasts, and could set off by droll descrip
tions anything and everything that fell under his observation.
He was a soldier of the Revolution, and was at the battle of Long
Island, and exposed to all the perils of the retreat to and from
New York, and I have often been entertained by his graphic
, descriptions of the scenes of those trying days. His manners and
deportment were in strong contrast with those of his wife, who was
a mother in Israel — one of the excellent of the earth.
There was, from my earliest recollection, a small local congrega
tion of Episcopalians, who had stated worship after the forms of
that denomination, either in the Hollow, or in the next neighbor
hood above in Canaan. The meetings were generally held at the
school-house, but during one summer they were held at Joseph
Wilcox's, and during one winter they were held at Zadock
Wilcox's. They were conducted by a lay reader called Deacon
Howe, although I am not aware that he ever held that office.
Occasionally, the priest from Litchfield would visit them and
administer the sacrament, and the service was kept up as long as
Deacon Howe was able to carry it on, and before he gave it up he
was assisted occasionally by Captain Reuben Wilcox. I became
so familiar with that form of worship as contained in their ritual,
by attending those meetings, that I have retained it ever since,
and when 1 worship with Episcopalians I can anticipate every
successive change in the service. I believe the Episcopal worship
has not been celebrated in the Hollow for many years.
, The Methodist circuit preacher visited this locality at a very
early period. The only early Methodists in the Hollow were Ozias
Hurlburt and his wife, Joshua Saunders and his wife, and the wife
of Joab Hurlburt; but on the hills of Goshen, adjacent, there
were several families of that order, and the meetings were well
attended. But the principal supply of preaching at the Methodist
meetings was by the Rev. Henry Christie, a local preacher, who for
many years held stated religious services in the Hollow and its

CORNWALL HOLLOW. 203
vicinity. Mr. Christie lived where the late Henry Baldwin lived,
and was a tailor by trade. , He was the son of an officer in the
British army who came to this country in the time of the old
French war, and I have heard him say that he was born in Albany,
where his father was then stationed. Sometimes, and most of the
time, the meetings were held at the school-house, sometimes at the
house of Ozias Hurlburt, and during one summer at the house of
David Smith, at the Hollow Hill in Goshen. The minister received
frequent contributions as the reward of his labor, and the rich west-
side farmers, Lieut. Riley, Philo Collins, and Thomas Beach, were
not stinted in their donations. Mr. Christie was a man of moder
ate abilities as a preacher, but was of an excellent spirit. His ser
mons were without method or point, but his prayers were free,
fluent, and fervent, and he is entitled to a grateful remembrance
by the people of the Hollow for honest service and faithful labor.
He removed to Ohio in 1837.
The Congregationalists in the Hollow did not number very
strong in the early years of this century. There was occasionally
a conference meeting, and the only persons whom I remember as
taking part in them were, my grandfather, Mr. Daniel Harrison,
and Mr. Ichabod Howe. Mr. Hawes, Congregational pastor of
North Cornwall, occasionally held service at Mr. Harrison's, but
the principal meetings of that order were at the center of the
parish. Nearly fifty years ago stated meetings were commenced here by
the Rev. Mr. Talmadge, a Baptist clergyman, who was a good,
sound, sensible preacher, and whose labors were well adapted to
advance the cause of religion and sound morals in the neighbor.
hood. The enterprise of this worthy denomination was such that
they erected, many years ago, a beautiful house of worship, and it
is among the most pleasant incidents of my visiting the Hollow
during these later years, that I can know that so appropriate a
place has been provided, and that evangelical christian worship- is
constantly maintained. Christian ordinances are the best conser
vators of public morals.
I have now accomplished, as far as I am able to do it, the pur
pose I undertook in gathering up some historical facts and inci
dents relating to the neighborhood in which I was born. I am
well aware that the work has been very imperfectly done. Very
few of my old acquaintances remain to assist in bringing up to
memory the scenes of other days, or the men of other times. It is

204 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
nearly fifty years since I ceased to have a home among you, and
you must be well aware that great changes — perhaps more notice
able to me than to you who have remained here — have taken place
here during the currency of that period. The face of nature, it is
true, is unchanged. The same sun still comes up from behind that
spur of the Green mountain range that came up fifty years ago,
and looking at his fair face to-day, I do not perceive that he has
grown dim with age during that period. The same mountains still
lift their summits to the storms and defy the thunderbolts, and
the same beautiful streamlets reflect the moonbeams, and fertilize
the valley; but in other respects the changes and vicissitudes
which mark the progress of human affairs toward the final consum
mation of. all things are going forward here as they are elsewhere.
Be these changes what they may, or how they may, I shall never
cease to cherish with fond emotions the memory of my early expe
rience in this pleasant locality, and to say from the heart :
O, give me back my native hills,
Rough, rugged though they be,
No other clime, no other land
Is half so dear to me.
The sun looks bright, the world looks fair,
And friends surround me here ;
And memory, brooding o'er the past,
Gives home its tribute tear.
Though far from home, the heart may still
Reflect surrounding light,
When stranger smiles enkindle love,
And stranger hearts delight ;
Yet, oh, they call the memory back,
As meteor-like they glide,
To tell how kind our early friends,
How dear our old fireside.
My native hills, still dear to me
Wherever I may roam,
With lofty pride and cherished love,
I'll think of thee, my home.
For rooted in thy rock-bound sides
The noblest virtues grow,
And beauty's choicest flowers are cull'd
From out thy highland snow.
Then give me back my native hills,
Rough, rugged though they be,
No other clime, no other land
Is half so dear to me.
Affection's ties around my home
Like ivy tendrils twine,
My love, my blessings, and my prayers,
My native hills, are thine.

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 205

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION.
¦ I cannot give even the names of many of our revolutionary
heroes, but brief reminiscences of a few are here presented.
Phineas Hart was a pensioner; lived to about eighty years ; when
over seventy, walked a journey in one week of over three hundred
miles. He lived and died at a house on the Canaan road, a little
north of James Reed's. Capt. Edward Rogers,
the father of Col. Anson Rogers, was an officer both in the French
and Revolutionary wars. He held a captain's commission during
the latter. He was a man of good judgment, genial manners, and
kindness of heart. Whilst he lived his house was ever open, and >
made welcome to the old soldiers, some of whom might almost be
said to have lived there. A copy of his will, now before me, dated
April 27, 1757, bequeathing £100 to his five sisters, and the residue
of his estate to his brother Noah, was made as stated when he " was
bound on the expedition against the French." With such a docu
ment in hand, we realize the dangers of our forefathers. He was a
country merchant, a farmer, a manufacturer; he had a potashery ,
in Cornwall, and made potash in 1775, as the books show in the
purchase of ashes and the sale of potash, and long engaged in both
military and civil service. His papers, still in possession of his
•descendants, show his abundant labors, and in lack of a complete
list of soldiers furnished by Cornwall, we give a mileage list of
his company, also an alarm list, which is marked as Capt. Rogers's
company, though the names of other captains are attached to it.
Some erasures and some additions on the list as here printed, in
different ink, indicate it as having done duty for some time. This
contains all the names on it:
An Abstract of the Mileage of Capt. Edward Rogers' Company in
late Col. F. Gay's Regiment, returning at the
end of the campaign.
KEN'S names.
Edward Rogers, Capt.,
Nathaniel Hamlin, Lieut.,
Hezh. Andrews, Lieut.,
Joel Hinman, Ensign,
Joshua Parmele, Sergt.,
Wm. Avery, do.,
Jacob Williams, do.,
Simeon Barns, do.,
Timothy Doughty, Drummer,
Samuel Darrow, Fifer,

MILES

DISCHARGED AT
RETURNING TO
dist't.
North Castle,
Cornwall,
77 £0
:6 :
5
do.,
Sharon,
77
(i:
5
do.,
Canaan,
87
7:
3
do.,
Woodbury,
55
4:
7
do.,
Cornwall.
77
6:
5
do.,
Sharon,
77
6:
5
do.,
Canaan,
87
7:
3
do.,
Woodbury,
55
4:
7
Philipsborough,
Sharon,
S3
6:
11
Norwalk,
Canaan,
70
6:
10
206

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

MEN'S NAMES.
Timothy Knapp, Corpora],
Gershom Dormon, do.,
Daniel Harris, do.,
John Demmin, do.,
Solomon Emmons,
Francis Brown,
Timothy Rowley,
Joseph Brown,
Daniel Harrison,
James Wilson,
John White, Sen.,
James Sterling,
Ichabod Brown,
Benj'n Carrier,
Roswel Fuller,
Aaron Brownell,
Samuel Partridge,
David Whitney,
William Fellows,
Peter Tooley,
Asa Cole,
Ebenezer Pardee,
Nehemiah Smith,
Asa Smith,
John Whitney,
George White,
David Lawrance,
Uriah Williams,
John Curtice,
Luke Rowland,
Jonathan Blinn,
Samuel Franklin,
Elisha Forbbs,
John Cusehoy,
Lewis Hnrd,
Solomon Reynolds,
Simeon Rood,
Timothy Johnson,
David Franklin,
Andrew Coe,
David Douglass, '
John White, 2d,
Samuel Lamson,
EInathan Knapp,
Daniel Coon,
Cornelus Hamlin,
Thomas Hamlin,
William Robinson,
Joel Jackson,
Asa Hamlin,
Sliunan Abels,
Peter Pratt,
David Simons,
Gamaliel Pardee,
David Hicock,
Adam Wagner,
Daniel Potter,
Nathan Bristol,
Ephraim Herrick,
Justus Johnson,
Lemuel Gillet,
James Daley,
William Jakways,
Samuel Sirdam,
Isaac Cool,
Samuel Williams,

discharged at returning to

Norwalk,

Cornwall,

North Castle,

Sharon,

Norwalk,

Canaan,

North Castle,

Woodbury,

do.,

Cornwall,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

Norwalk,

do.,

Philipsborough,

do.,

Norwalk,

do.,

North Castle,

do.,

Philipsborough, North Castle,

Canaan,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

Norwalk,

do.,

do.,

do.,

Dead.

Norwalk,

Canaan,

do.,

do.,

North Castle,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

do.,

Norwalk,

do.,

North Castle,

do.,

Norwalk,

do..

do.,

do..

North Castle,

do.,

do.,

do.,

Dead.

North Castle,

Woodbury,

do.,

do.,

Norwalk,

do.,

North Castle,

do.,

Dead.

North Castle,

Woodbury,

in Captivity.
North Castle,

Sharon,

Dead.

Norwalk,
Sharon,
North Castle,
do.,
do.,
do.,
Norwalk,
do.,
North Castle,
do.,
Norwalk,
do.,
North Castle,
do.,
Philipsborough,North Castle,
do.,
do.,
Philipsborough,
do.,
Norwalk,
do.,
North Castle,
Woodbury,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
. do.,
Dead.
in Captivity,
Norwalk,
Canaan,
do.,
do.,
do.,
do.,
North Castle.
do.,
MILES.
DIST'T. 60
77 70
55
7777777777 00
,s:;00 7703
87878787S770 70
70 7087 87
87 70S770708787 55
554055
77
5: 0
6: 5
5:104: 7
6: 5
6: 5
6: 6
6: 5
6: 5
5: 0
6:11
5: 0
6: 5
7: 9
7: 3
7: 3
7: 3
7: 3
7: 3
5:10 5:10
5:10 5:107: 3
7: 3
7: 3
5:107: 3
5:10 5:10
7: 3
7: 3
4: 7
4: 7
4: 7
6: 5
fiO
5:
0
77
6:
5
77
6:
5-
60
5:
0
77'
6:
5
60
5:
0
77
6:
5
83
6:
11
77
6:
5
33
6:
11
40
5:
0
55
4:
7
55
4:
7
55
4:
7
55
4:
7
55
4:
7
55
4:
7
70
5:
10
70
5:
10
70
5:
10
87
7:
: 3
A list of the Number and Names of such as are of the Alarm List
who have their abode within the Limits of the fourth Company or
Trainband in the ljjih Regiment in the State of Connecticut :
Col. Heman Swift,
Capt. Thos. Porter,
Elijah Hopkins,
Jonathan Crocker,
James McClary,
Nehemiah Barsley,
SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION.

207

i-

/Lieut. Ebenezer Dibble, EInathan Patterson,
v Lieut. Matt. Pattei'son,/Sherman Patterson,

Ensign Benoni Peck,
Abraham Payne,
James Barse,
Thos. Dean,
Hezekiah Carter,
David Liudsly,
Samuel Sawyer,
John Millard, Jr.',
Peter Rumer,
John Carter,
John Sprague,

Hezekiah Barse,
Josiah Patterson,
Samuel Sawyer,
Sele Abbott,
Job Simmons,
Jesse Jerrards,
Rufus Payne,
John McHannah,
Samuel Abbott,
Jethro Bonney,
Abel Abbott,

Silas Clark,
Kitchel Bell,
Samuel Bassett,
John Dibble, 2d,
John Dibble, -3d,
Timothy Cole,
Noah Bull.
38 in number.

3338
74

Cornwall, 17th March, 1777.

Capt. Rogers's Company.
pr. Josh da Pierce,
Captain of the Company.
Capt. Rogers.

The subjoined order for teams shows that the pressure of mili
tary necessity was felt even among our hills :
These Lines are to Sertify all whom it may Conserne that I the Sub
scriber was sent by Mr. Isaac Bauldwin A. D. Qt. to Edward Rogers with
a desir for him to Procure ten teames in this Place to tranceport one
Hundred Barrels of flower to Litchfield on next Sabooth Day if the
teams Cannot be procured no other way they must be pressed.
pr. Jos. Gregory.
Cornwall, April 9, 1779.
The following Act of the General Assembly, found among the
same papers, shows the pressing necessities upon the country at
that time, in a clearer light than I can in any Other way:
At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of
Connecticut, holden at Hartford, (by special Order of his Excellency the
Governor?) on the 1th Day of April, A. D. 1779.
An Act for ascertaining the Quantity of Grain, Flour and Meal in this
State, and thereof to make provision for an immediate Supply of
Bread for the Army, and the necessitous Inhabitants of the State, and
for securing other necessary Articles- for the Army.
Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Bepresentatives, in General
Court assembled, and by the Authority of the same, That an exact account
shall be taken of the number of persons belonging to each family in this
State, and of the quantity of wheat, meslin, rye and Indian corn ; and of
all the flour and meal made of such grain, in the possession of every
person in this State, in manner following, viz. : That the Select-Men in
each town by themselves, or such persons as they shall appoint, shall,
by the twenty-ninth day of April instant, give warning in writing or
otherwise, to all the heads of families and other persons in their towns, to
make and return to them, on or before the sixth day of May next, a true
account, under oath, (or affirmation if of the people called Quakers,) of
all the wheat, meslin, rye and Indian corn, and of all the flour and meal
made of such grain, which they have in their possession, and to whom

208 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
the same belongs, on the twenty-ninth day of April aforesaid ; and also
an exact account of the number of persons each family consists of, on
penalty that each person who refuseth to give a true account of his or
her grain, flour and meal, as aforesaid, shall forfeit to and for the use of
this state, double the value of such grain and meal as any such person
hath, and is found to be possessed of on said twenty-ninth day of April,
and also the sum of one hundred pounds lawful money, to be recovered
by bill, plaint or information, which oath shall be in the form following,
viz. :
" You A. B. do swear, (or affirm) that this return by you made, con
tains a just and true account of all the wheat, meslin, rye, Indian corn,
flour and meal, made of either of said kinds of grain, you had on the
twenty-ninth day of April, 1779, in your possession, being either your
own, or the property of any other person, and the number of persons of
which your family consists, according to the best of your knowledge.
So help you God."
Which oath may be administered by an Assistant or Justice of Peace,
or any Select-Man, within the town to which he belongs. That the
Select-Men of each town, by themselves or such person or persons as
they shall appoint, shall receive said accounts so returned, and enter
them in a book, or- roll, keeping each family and its number of persons,
with the kinds and quantities of such grain, flour and meal returned, as
the stores of each family, or on hand, in distinct columns ; and of all
persons having such grain, flour or meal in possession at the time afore
said, with the footing of the sum total of the inhabitants, and of each
kind of the aforesaid grain, flour #and meal in each town, on the twenty-
ninth day of April instant; and such book or roll so made up, shall be
lodged with the town clerk in such town, by the tenth day of May next,'
and a true return of the sum total of such inhabitants, and of each kind
of such grain, flour and meal aforesaid in each town, shall by the Select-
Men be made from the footings of rolls aforesaid, entered in separate
columns according to the form hereto annexed, and transmitted to his
Excellency the Governor, by the fifteenth day of May next.
That an allowance of one bushel of wheat, or five pecks of meslin, or
one bushel and a half of rye, or two bushels of Indian corn, or flour or
meal equivalent, shall be reserved in the hands of the possessors, for
each person in their families per month respectively, until the twenty-
ninth day of August next, for their subsistence. And such owners and
possessors of such grain, flour and meal on hand on said twenty-ninth
day of April, more than the aforesaid allowance, for their families use for
the time aforesaid, shall stand accountable to the Select-Men of their
respective towns for the same, and not dispose thereof, unless to the
Continental or State Commissaries, or to such persons as by a certificate
of the town-clerk, or in his absence, of any one of the select-men of
the town where they dwell, appear to be deficient of the quantity of
such grain, flour and meal, for support of their respective families, as
also the quantity that is necessary for that purpose, until the first day of
August aforesaid. And whoever shall otherwise dispose of the same,
or any part thereof, or shall refuse to render an account thereof to the
select-men when required, shall forfeit the value of all such grain, flour
and meal, refused to be disposed of or accounted for as aforesaid ; one
half thereof to the town treasurer of the town, where such grain is found,
and the other half to him who shall sue for, and prosecute the same to
effect, in any court proper to try the same.
And in case any owner or possessor of any such grain, flour or meal,
more than is wanted for his own family, by the allowance aforesaid, will

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 209
not sell to any continental or state commissary, or his agent, at a reason
able price, such commissary or agent may immediately apply to an as
sistant or justice of peace, who shall grant a warrant directed to any
proper person, to enter any house or store, and seize and take from such
refusing owner or possessor, all such grain, flour and meal, in his or her
hands, over and above the allowance made by this act, and deliver the
same to such commissary, taking a true account thereof, to be laid before
the General Assembly, to be considered and allowed as they shall judge
just and reasonable ; and such commissary shall thereupon pay for the
same accordingly.
And any person who shall be in want of any such grain, flour or meal
as aforesaid for his families use, may take a certificate from the town-
clerk, or in his absence from any one of the select-men of said town
where he belongs, of the quantity in which he is deficient, which shall
be a sufficient warrant to him to purchase the quantity therein specified,
on the back of which certificate, shall be endorsed the quantity of grain
purchased, and of whom, and shall be returned to the town-clerk, and
such persons receipt left with him, of whom he shall purchase, shall be
good accounting, by the seller, for such quantity of grain sold as afore
said. And whenever any such certificate shall be given by any select
man as aforesaid, he shall forthwith lodge a memorandum thereof, in the
town-clerks office ; and the select-men of any town deficient in supplies
of such grain or meal as aforesaid, may take a certificate from their town-
clerk of their deficiency, and the same shall be a warrant to them, to
purchase of such persons and in such town, as have to spare, and cause
the same to be disposed of to such persons as are deficient therein, and
shall have power to transport the same by the most convenient carriage,
to their own towns, giving bond to the treasurer of the town from
whence transported, in double the value of the grain, flour and meal by
them so transported, to be forfeited to and for the use of such town, in
case the whole of such grain, flour and meal be not disposed of for the
purpose aforesaid.
And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That when any
purchasing commissary, for the continent or state, shall have occasion for
rum, molasses, sugar, coffee, or other supplies and refreshments, necessary
for the continental or state troops, and cannot purchase the same, at a
reasonable price, of such person or persons as may have the same on
hand, such commissary shall make information thereof, as also whose
hands such articles are in, to any assistant and justice of the peace, or to
any two justices of the peace, who shall consider thereof, and if they judge
it reasonable, shall grant a warrant, directed to some proper officer, to
enter any house or store, seize and take such quantity as they shall judge
sufficient, and deliver the same to such commissary, taking his receipt,
and a true account thereof, and such warrant shall be returned to the
authority granting the same by such officer with his doings, and a list
of the goods taken and delivered by virtue thereof, truely indorsed
thereon, and an account of such goods, with the expence of seizing and
delivering the same as aforesaid, shall be laid before the General Assem
bly as soon as may be, to be adjusted and allowed as they shall judge
just and reasonable, and such commissary shall pay for the same ac
cordingly. And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That it shall be,
and is hereby enjoined on the commissaries, and all other persons what
soever, to stop, take, and seize all such grain, flour or meal, as they shall
find in the hands of any person or persons, conveying or transporting
the same, by land or water, out of this state', without a special permit
27

210 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
from the General Assembly therefor, or from his Excellency the Governor
and Council of Safety, and the same being so seized and stopped, shall
be reported, with the facts and circumstances attending the same, to his
Excellency the Governor, and Council of Safety, and be liable to such
orders and directions as they shall give thereon, any law of this state
notwithstanding. Provided nevertheless, That nothing in this act shall
be construed to prohibit any licenced tavern-keeper, or victualler, from
purchasing, or retaining in his or her possession, such supplies as the
select-men shall judge necessary for the use of his or her tavern. Pro
vided also, that masters and owners of vessels, may purchase such neces
sary stores for the use of such vessels, having regard to the number of
men, and the length of the voyage intended, as his Excellency the Gov
ernor and his Council of Safety shall allow, and grant them a licence to
purchase for that purpose.
'And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if the select
men, in any town in this state, or any of them, shall neglect or refuse his
or their duty, in executing the trust reposed in them by virtue of this
act, each select-man, so neglecting or refusing, shall forfeit as a penalty, to
the treasury of this state, the sum of one hundred pounds, lawful money,
to and for the use of this state ; to be recovered by bill, plaint, or infor
mation, in any court proper to try the same. And the select-men and
town-clerk of each town shall be allowed a meet reward for their services,
by their respective towns. And this act shall be and remain in full force
until the first day of August next, and no longer.
And all suits that may then be depending for the breach of this act,
may be pursued thereon to final judgment and execution. And the
form in which said returns shall be made from the select-men to the
town-clerk, and from the town clerk to his Excellency the Governor,
shall be as follows, viz. : A true Copy of Record,
Examin'd, by
GEORGE WYLLYS, Secretary.
Gen. John Sedgwick.
Gen. John Sedgwick was an officer in the War of the Revolu
tion. He was superseded by Col. Heman Swift, which offended
him to such a degree that he resigned his commission and retired
from the army. He was a brave and good officer. For many
years he represented the town in the legislature. Although his
early education was defective, his natural good sense enabled him
to discharge the various duties of public and private life in which
he was actively engaged in a very creditable manner. As a magis
trate he was remarkable in leading contending parties to an amic
able settlement. For many years he discharged the duties of
School Visitor. To the scholars whom he inspected General Sedg
wick was always an object of much interest. His stalwart form,
shaggy eyebrows, with the frank, familiar, and kind manner with
which he was accustomed to address them, attracted their atten
tion, won their confidence and esteem to the highest degree, and

GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK.
Born 1742. Died August 18,
1820.

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 211
many a little fellow, for the first time, was induced to commence
on a course of honorable manhood by his kindly persuasiveness
and appropriate suggestions which flowed out of his large heart
and superior mind. General Sedgwick was a man of piety. His
passions were naturally strong, but, subdued by moral principle,
and guided by an excellent understanding, made him one of the
kindest of men in all the social relations of life.
A true friend, kind and affectionate in manner, a peace-maker,
and given to hospitality, his memory will be cherished with vene
ration by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. As in stat
ure and physical strength he excelled his fellows, in moral quali
ties he was equally unrivaled. He died at the age of seventy-
seven years, and his remains repose with those of the other mem
bers of his family in the old Cornwall Hollow Cemetery.
Anecdotes illustrating his Herculean strength and resolute, cour
age are abundant. One of his oxen once slipping from the yoke
left the half -loaded cart in the mire. He took the place of the ox
at the yoke, saying, "I will have it go; whip up that other ox," —
and it went. Hunting bears on the back side of Cream Hill — the
bear came out of the cleft in the rock where he watched, and
astride him he rode some ways down the mountain before the bear
was subdued.
His energy at the time of Shays's Rebellion, in 1787, saved our
county from participation in the affair.
Shays's Rebellion.
Theo. Sedgwick of Great Barrington, wrote under date of May
13, 1787, to his brother Col. John Sedgwick of Cornwall, Conn.,
that the followers of Shays were depending on much assistance
from New York, Vermont, and Connecticut, and especially boasted
of receiving aid from Sharon and vicinity, and «he asks if there is
no power in Connecticut to stop these scoundrels.
Thereupon (the same day, May 13th) Col. John Sedgwick issued
orders to his regiment, the 14th Militia, to hold themselves in readi
ness to march at a moment's notice to prevent all disturbances;
that in no case must eitizens be allowed to assist the rebels of Mas
sachusetts, and orders Parsons and Day to be arrested, who are
leaders. He appears also to have informed Gen. Heman Swift of the
facts, who investigated the matter so promptly as to be able to
write to Gov. Huntington, at Hartford, May 15th, to this effect: That

212 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Col. Sedgwick had acted as above in order to let the disturbers of
the peace know that their plans are discovered ; that many men,
particularly in Sharon and Norfolk, had formed connection with
Shays; that one Mitchell is employed in that service in Sharon; that
he (Swift) had just sent a " man of sagacity and prudence " to
Sharon, who had approached Mitchell and made him believe he
was friendly, and Mitchell disclosed to him his whole plan of ope
rations, and said he had enlisted 100 men in Sharon as minute
men, to support Shays, who were now completely equipped and
ready to march at the shortest notice, but the whole organization
was secret.; that Drs. Hurlburt and Barns were Mitchell's advisers,
who were insurgents from Berkshire, and had fled from justice
there, and were harbored in Sharon ; also, that one Captain Tanner
from Spencertown, N. Y., had been publicly forwarding recruiting
in Sharon, and that the disaffected people in Berkshire were con
stantly passing and repassing to and from Sharon. Swift says he
had been obliged to act in secret, for the movement was very popu
lar, and he was regarded as " a speckled bird " for opposing it.
The Governor laid this at, once before the Assembly, who
ordered Col. Canfield to come at once, and gave him authority to
arrest Mitchell, Tanner, Hurlburt, Barns, and such others as should
be thought necessary, and the governor was authorized to order
Gen. Swift to call out some or all the militia under his control, if
necessary, to stop the insurrection and prevent their joining the
Massachusetts insurgents.
Canfield acted so promptly and carefully as to be able to get to
Sharon and make the arrests and put those men in jail before they
knew any design to that effect was on foot.
This from State Archives at Hartford, in State Library.
Col. Ethan Allen.
Ethan Allen was the son of Daniel Allen, who resided in Corn
wall, and though it does not appear that Col. Allen was born here,
yet most of his boyhood was spent here, and we rightly claim
some share in the honor which attaches to his name. The resi
dence of his father was on the corner south of the North Corn
wall Church, a large old house torn down about 1830. Many sto
ries are told of his youthful spirit, indicating the man of firm
resolve and undaunted purpose.
Colonel Allen held a commission in the army, and by his bold
daring and laconic demand obtained the surrender of Ticonderoga

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 213
and Crown Point. He was afterwards taken prisoner and sent to
England, where he was for some time confined in the Tower of/
London. The British found him such a difficult case to manage
on account of the influence he exerted over the masses of the
English metropolis, by communications which he made and con
trived to send out, though kept closely confined in prison, that
they desired to send him back to America. He wore the same
Continental uniform through the whole period of his imprisonment
in England which he had worn in the American service. Of course
it was in a soiled and dilapidated condition — on which no "busy
housewife " had " plied her evening care " for many a long month.
But this circumstance did not break down the spirit of Allen. He
was sent under the charge of a hard and cruel officer, who treated
him with the greatest severity. He was not allowed to come on
deck in presence of the British officers. The ship in which he
sailed had occasion to put into a port in Ireland, and when it became
noised about that Colonel Ethan Allen was aboard— -he who was
the famous champion of American liberty — the great Irish heart,
which then, as now, beat in unison with his in the cause of freedom,
and in opposition to British tyranny, rallied around him, much to
the annoyance of the officers who had him in charge. They pre
sented Colonel Allen with a new uniform, many articles for his
comfort, of nice luxuries, and a purse of fifty guineas. The luxu
ries were distributed among the ship's crew by the captain. The
purse of gold was nobly declined by Colonel Allen. The uniform
he too plainly needed to decline.
Gen. Heman Swift.
Gen. Heman Swift came from Kent, about the year 1764-5,
and settled on the road from Sharon to Warren and Litchfield,
about half a mile southeast up the hill from the residence of his
son, the late Rufus Swift, Esq. His mind was strong, and he pos
sessed an uncommonly sound judgment, for which he was much
more distinguished than for brilliancy of imagination. He was
also distinguished for firmness and decision of character. He was
a man of strict integrity. Early in life he was selected by his fel
low-citizens for public service, both in a military and civil capacity.
He was an officer in the old French war, and in the Continental
army, having received a colonel's commission over Major John
Sedgwick, which circumstance created a momentary excitement,
and the major resigned his commission and retired from the army.

214 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
But this breach of good feeling did not long continue. Colonel
Heman Swift continued in active service during most of the War
of the Revolution. He was a personal 'friend of Washington, by
whom he was held in high esteem.
Colonel Swift's early education was very limited. This circum
stance prevented the attainment of as high a position as otherwise
he might have occupied. He was for many years after the close
of the war a member of the Upper House in the State Legisla
ture. He possessed a noble personal appearance, and during the
later period of his life bore the title of General. He died Novem
ber, 1814.
Colony ,
of
Connecticut. THOMAS FITCH, Esq. ;
Captain- General and Governor-in- Chief in and over His Majesty's English
Colony of CONNECTICUT, in New-England in America.
To Heman Swift, Gentleman, Greeting :
By Virtue of the Power & Authority to me given, in & by the Royal
Charter, to the Governor & Company of the said Colony, under the Great
Seal of England, I do by these presents, reposing especial trust & confi
dence in your Loyalty & Courage & good Conduct, constitute and
appoint you the said Heman Swift to be first Lieutenant of the ninth
Company in a Regiment of Foot, raised within this Colony for invading
Canada, and carrying the War into the Heart of the Enemies Posses
sions ; & to proceed therein under the Supreme Command of His
Majesty's Commander-in-Chief in North America, of which Regiment
David Wooster, Esq., is Colonel. You are therefore carefully and dili
gently to discharge the Duty of a Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and
exercising said company in Arms, both inferior Officers & Soldiers, in the
service aforesaid, to keep them in good Order and Discipline ; hereby com
manding them to obey you, as their Lieutenant, and yourself to observe
& follow such Orders & Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time
receive from Me, or the Commander-in-Chief of the said Colony, for the
Time being, or other your superior- Officers, according to the Rules &
Discipline of War, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you.
Given under my hand & the public of the said Colony at
Norwalk, the Twenty-seventh day of March, in the Thirty-
first Year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the
Second. Annoque Domini, 1758.
By His Honor's Command, THOS. FITCH.
George Wyllys, Sect.
Captain John Jeffers.
This name in the early records of the town was called Jeffrey.
Whoever was acquainted with the people of Cornwall fifty or sixty
years ago will recollect an old Revolutionary soldier by the name
of Captain John Jeffers. He had served faithfully in the Conti-

SOLDIERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 215
nental army against the British and Indians. The rough pursuits
of a large share of his' life, and the times in which he lived, had
given him a peculiar style of manner, and made their impress
indelibly upon his moral sensibilities. He was naturally brave,
ardent, and of strong passions. After the war had closed he
retired to private life, and abstained from any business engage
ments except as teacher of a district school. He taught in the dis
trict north of Cream Hill for at least two winters. As a teacher,
Captain Jeffers, accustomed as he had been to the arbitrary rules
of a military life, was severe in the government of his school — dif
fering widely from that modern tender-footed class who advocate
the no-whipping and anti-corporeal punishment system, and believe
that Solomon was not a very wise man in comparison with many
in our day.
The military company which was under Jeffer's command, and
which he often led to perform feats of valor, received the gentle
appellation of " Hell Hounds." He was accustomed to spend most
of his time in visiting the various families about the town, who
were always happy to entertain an old soldier, give him the
best seat at the board and the fireside, and to promote his happi
ness in every possible way. His genial manners, large stores of
information, and free conversational powers, made his company
usually agreeable and interesting. His vices, for he had some,
"leaned to virtue's side," and were the inseparable accompany-
ments of the camp and battle-field, where he had passed so many
years. Captain Jeffers was never married. When in 1812 war was
declared by the United States against England, Jeffers made
application to a distinguished member of Congress for a Brigadier-
General's commission in the army; but this request was not
granted. Soon after this he was taken with a fever at the house of Mr.
Timothy Johnson, and after a few days' illness died. His death
occurred in the early part of May, 1813. His grave is in the old
South Cornwall cemetery.
He was the son of John Jeffrey and Mary Howland. He was
born 5th of June, 1761, being at the time of his death nearly 52
years of age. His birthplace, and where his father's family
resided, was the farm owned and occupied by the late Hawley
Reed, now that of Barnett Johnson, in Cornwall Hollow.

216 history of cornwall.
Hon. Oliver Burnham.
Few, if any, of the distinguished men who have borne an active
part in the transactions of Cornwall since its first settlement, would
rank before the Hon. Oliver Burnham, whose late residence still
remains, though in a dilapidated condition, about a quarter of a
mile south of the North Cornwall Church. His father, at the
time of his death, was a resident of Cream Hill. The son Oliver
served, while very young, as a soldier in the Army of the Revolu
tion, and in consequence of a wound produced at that time he
received a small annuity from the government. He occupied the
place of County Surveyor for many years. For twenty or twen
ty-five years he represented the town in the General Assembly,
usually in the House of Representatives, and served one term in
the Senate. He held the office of magistrate until exempted by
age, and served a short time as judge of the county court.
When in middle life he was distinguished by the beauty of his
personal appearance. His manly form, dark eyes, regular features, ¦
which were usually enlivened by a smile and a strong intellectual
expression whenever addressing another, was in no ordinary degree
interesting and agreeable. A mind naturally vigorous had been
much improved by his long course of public life, and his varied
stores of knowledge, thus acquired, enriched his conversational
powers, which gave a charm to his society possessed by very few
men of the age in which he lived.
He was a native of Farmington, and born on November 1 1 ,
1760. When he was fifteen years of age, he enlisted as a soldier
in the regiment of Col. Willis, and went, in December, 1875, to
join Gen. Washington's army, then near Boston. When the Brit
ish evacuated Boston and removed to New York, the army of
Washington soon followed them. Young Burnham was in the
desperate and disastrous battle on the west end of Long Island, at
Flatbush; many were killed, and others taken prisoners. The
prompt withdrawal of the American army by Washington during •
a dense fog perhaps saved the cause in which he was engaged from
total failure.
When in New York, young Burnham was removed from his
regiment to a battalion of rangers, commanded by Col. Knowl-
ton, and was near Harlem when the army of Gen. Washington
left New York. Knowlton was ordered to take one hundred and
twenty men and reconnoiter a large body of the British on Harlem

SOLDIERS OF THF. REVOLUTION. 217
Heights, and bring them down to a certain ground, more favor
able to the attack of the Americans. They went on until the
enemy fired upon them, when Knowlton's men fired, and after giv
ing the enemy nine rounds, rapidly retreated and concealed them
selves behind a stone wall. The British came on, and when within
about ten rods of the wall Knowlton's men fired upon them.
Thirty were killed or wounded of the Americans, and many more
of the British. Knowlton, before he could reach the main army,
being pursued by the enemy, was mortally wounded. At this
juncture the American army attacked the enemy in large force,
and after a severe battle of four or five hours, the enemy were
driven back, leaving many dead and wounded on the field. Gen.
Washington gave his thanks to this brave body for their success,
and they were ordered to the rear for a season of rest.
After this, the corps to which Burnham belonged, under the
command of Maj. Coburn, was placed between the two armies —
a post of danger, but one of honor also — the place of the greatest
hazard is best suited for the brave. In a skirmish which ensued
on Harlem Plain, Maj. Coburn was wounded, and in consequence
resigned his command, and a Capt. Pope took his place.
On the 16th of the following November, the enemy came out in
full force and attacked the Americans on every side. The battle
lasted during most of the day and resulted in young Burnham,
with many others, being taken prisoners of war. He was taken to
New York with his associates. They were confined in a barn for
two or three days, and then in the old Dutch Church. For the
first four days after Burnham's captivity, he tasted no food nor saw
any but some sea biscuit, which were devoured before he could
obtain any.
These prisoners were nine days in the church with small allow
ance of food. Some soup was furnished them by a few good peo
ple in the city.
From the Old Dutch Church they were removed to a prison-
ship where were confined eight hundred prisoners, making with
the guard, 1,000 men. The name of this ship was the Dalton.
Although she was a large-sized East Indiaman, the crowd in the
hold was so great that there was not room to sleep below without
lying partly one upon another. In the pestiferous air of this
crowded ship, with scanty allowance of food, and but little water,
it seems extraordinary that any should have survived.
The prisoners died in vast numbers. Every morning boat-loads
28

218 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
were conveyed away to a sand-beach, ostensibly for interment, but
the whitened bones which afterwards appeared were a sufficient
proof of the barbarity of the enemy.
Such was the situation of young Burnham among the sick,
dying, and dead for many days (how long he did not know), until
he also became sick. Being the youngest of the prisoners, his
sufferings excited the compassion of the commander, and he and
a few others were sent to the city. They were put into the Meth
odist church in John street. Burnham remained there for many
days without any proper care, and was furnished with nothing but
powders and water-gruel.
Soon after this a quarrel originated between the doctor who had
the care of him, and a prisoner by the name of Samuel Lyman,
who brought some soup for the sick. Lyman applied to the British
commodore, and obtained orders that he and his associates that were
sick and were New Englanders might board in the city. The
town of Farmington sent money, so that they were comfortably
provided for in provisions. At this time the small-pox was pre
vailing in New York. Burnham caught the disease, from which
he recovered. After a time he was about to obtain leave to go
home on parol, but just before the arrangement was completed, and
while at the office upon this business, the news of Washington's
successful battle at Princeton arrived and crushed all hopes of a
parol. He remained a prisoner in New York until the 16th of
February, 1777, when, by the aid of some friends, he took leave
of his captors without asking their liberty, and returned home.
He was afterwards in two campaigns until he became lame, and in
consequence compelled to retire from the army — at which time he
was but eighteen years of age.
He married the daughter of Mr. Noah Rogers, a lady of piety,
and the mother of a numerous and interesting family of children,
all of whom but two have passed away.
As a politician, Judge Burnham possessed much shrewdness and
tact. For many years he probably held a greater influence in the
affairs of the town than any other individual. His vigorous intel
lect remained unimpaired until he attained about fourscore
years. Although partial to the Episcopal church, he was a regular
supporter of the Congregational society. He died in the eightieth
year of his age.

soldiers of the revolution. 219
Jacob Scoville.
Among the residents of Cornwall who took an active part in the
struggle of the Revolution, and one intimately known to the writer,
was Jacob Scoville. Often did he afford amusement in my boy
hood by relating incidents of the war in which he had for so many
years been an actor. He was distinguished by a genial and con
vivial nature, frank and amiable manners, and generous hospitality.
He served as a private soldier through most of the war, and in
his old age received the benefit of a pension. He was a single
man through his military service, at the close of which he married
a widow Emmons, whose first husband died in a prison-ship in
New York.
The farm she occupied was situated on the southern border of
Cream Hill. The house was remote from the traveled road, in a
sequestered vale, and beside a little brook whose bright and spark
ling waters murmured their sweet though monotonous music, as
they hurried onward in their ceaseless course. It was a small
brown cottage. Its original dimensions were very limited, consist
ing of but one room, to which several small additions had been
made from time to time, to suit the convenience of the occupants.
Here were a few feet appended for a pantry, there an addition for
a small bedroom, and on another side still, a portion sheltering the
only entrance. Its secluded and sheltered position precluded
extensive prospect, and no other house was in view.
Fruit trees of various kinds, such as the cherry, peach, plum,
quince, pear, and apple, exhaled the fragrance of their blossoms
upon the balmy air of spring, and sheltered, beneath their cool,
embowering shade, this quiet spot from the scorching rays of the
summer sun, or protected it from the rough blasts of winter.
In this humble though picturesque spot lived a widow, with her
three orphan children. Her name was Hamer [Ruhamath] Em
mons. She was the daughter of Mr. Jennings. Her eldest
children were daughters of some six and eight years; the
youngest, a son of about four. One of the daughters married a
Mr. Cole of Sharon, father of Benjamin Cole. The other a Mr.
Hudson; from this last marriage a grandson, who became high
sheriff of Columbia County, N. Y. Two long years had this
widowed mother tended her little flock since the companion of her
happier days — he who shared with her the toils and joys of life —
had passed away.

220 HISTORY OF CORNWALL. /
Melancholy were the circumstances of Ms death to her, for he
expired amid the pestilential air of a British prison-ship. He was
a brave soldier and a kind husband, but his country had called
him to break away from all the endearments of his happy home,
and meet his fate where she could not smooth his lonely pillow, or
administer any relief to his sufferings.
But Time, the great restorer of human comfort under bereave
ment, had done something to tranquilize her perturbed spirit, and
heal the wounds of her lacerated heart.
A placid melancholy had taken the place of deep sorrow, and
she became pleased when some neighbors dropped in to pay her a
visit, and particularly when a soldier, returned from the war, would
spend a leisure hour in relating something which he chanced to
know of her dear lost husband.
Among the number of her visitors, none seemed to afford her
more pleasure than Jacob Scoville. She had known him from
childhood. He had suffered with her late husband in the toils and
privations of the army and noisome prison-ship, and had watched
over him when the deadly sickness was upon him, and assisted to
close his eyes in death.
Jacob Scoville was young, several years younger than widow
Emmons; but she was still a young widow, and it was not strange
that the susceptible heart of Jacob, at length, should have become
affectionately inclined towards Hamer Emmons'. Every time he
could honorably obtain leave of absence from the army, he would
hasten home, and as often as he came he visited his gentle friend,
who greeted him with kindness at each successive visit, and as he
rarely failed to bring some little present for the children, he soon
became quite a favorite with them. Mrs. Emmons scarcely knew
why she had become so much interested in these things, or why
her heart would suddenly leap with a joyous emotion as she con
templated his speedy return.
Now "the wars were over," the "intention of marriage," as the
law of the time required, was duly' proclaimed by the minister on
the following Sabbath, and the indissoluble bands were shortly
after imposed. Jacob Scoville was too partial to the little cottage
by the brook to forego the pleasure of occupying the same, and
chose it as his residence. Here Jacob and Hamer lived many
years, until they purchased and occupied the small brown one-story
house situated on the traveled road, a little west of the present
house of Jacob and Ralph I. Scoville, where now is the residence

SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 221
of Mrs. Wm. Rogers. Here they Uved together until the death of
Hamer [Ruhamath], which occurred in the year 1830.
The writer, during a professional visit in the neighborhood on
the day of her decease, in passing the house, was accosted by
Jacob Scoville with a request to call, saying, with deep emotion,
and tears falling from his cheeks, "Hamer is a-dying." She was
insensible, and in a dying state, and shortly breathed her last.
On the death of his wife, Jacob went to live with his nephew,
Jacob Scoville, to whom he gave his property. Here, at the
advanced age of ninety-two years, he died, and was buried by the
side of Hamer.
Their resting place may be seen in the old South cemetery in
Cornwall. And whoever shall read their brief epitaphs, may drop
a tear over a soldier's grave, and remember the virtues which were
many, and forget the vices which were comparatively few, over
two generous hearts now tranquilly at rest.
Samuel Scoville, brother of Jacob, was very partial to Gen. Swift.
Once, when on sentinel duty, it was very wet and muddy, an officer
came riding along, whom he ordered to dismount. The officer
replied, "You know me well, and you wouldn't make me get off in
this mud ? " "I know no man when on duty, and you must dis
mount.'' Soon after Gen. Swift rode up, to whom he said, "I
know you very well, you can pass."
The following names are from an old record :
Samuel Emmons died in a prison-ship at New York.
Heth, or Hesse (colored,) belonged to Capt. Samuel Wadsworth :
died in Goshen, aged about 90.
Reuben Dean, Jos. A. Tanner, Elisha Bradford, Wm. Chittester.
Wm. Bierce, afterwards went to New Connecticut, where his
sons, Columbus and Lucius, became prominent men.
Ebenezer Bierce, Edward Allen.

CORNWALL SOLDIERS IN THE WAR OF THE REBEL
LION.
Of the sons of Cornwall who gave their lives for their country
three lie buried in the Hollow cemetery; one alone has a monu
ment with this short epitaph:
MAJ. -GEN. JOHN SEDGWICK,
Born in Cornwall Hollow,
Sept. 13, 1813.
Killed near Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 9, 1S64.

222 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Any attempt to do justice to the eminent services of Gen.
Sedgwick must of course be a failure. My father attempted to
prepare a sketch of his life, but it remained unfinished among his
papers. He says: "Among the distinguished heroes for the
maintenance of the Union, none held a more exalted position, or,
dying, left a purer record on the page of our country's history,
than Maj. -Gen. John Sedgwick."
In 1832, in a letter to Gen. Cass, recommending young Sedgwick
for an appointment at West Point, my father wrote: "I believe,
if permitted to enjoy that privilege, he would do honor to the
institution and become of some service to his country." Would
that all our recommendations to public places could be as well
honored. Graduating with honor in 1837, he was first engaged
in the Seminole war in Florida; the next year, under Gen. Scott,
employed in the removal of the Cherokees to their Western reser
vation; next we find him fighting in Mexico, under Taylor, Worth,
and Scott. Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Puebla, Cherubusco, El
Molino del Rey, and Mexico herself, witnessed his valor.
The war of the rebellion opened while he was on the frontiers
beyond Pike's Peak. Called to the Army of the Potomac, the
command of which was twice offered to him and twice declined,
he fought at Fair Oaks, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and the battles
of the Wilderness, till he met a soldier's death at Spottsylvania.
Notwithstanding his familiarity with scenes of blood and car
nage, he was as tender as a father of his men; and though so long
in public life, and removed from the scenes of his boyhood, his love
for them, for his ancestral acres, — for they had memories of which
a soldier and ^a patriot might well be proud, — his love for the
simple pursuits of husbandry was as strong as if he had never
wandered from his native vale.
The strength of a country consists not in bulwarks and ramparts
of stone, nor yet in an array of well-disciplined troops, bristling
with bayonets and thundering with artillery; not in commerce,
with her sails whitening every sea, and bringing tribute from
every clime; not in manufactures, leading captive the powers of
water and of steam ; nor even in agriculture, the parent of all arts,
with her waving fields of grain, and her flocks and herds upon a
thousand hills; but in the hearts of her citizens. If they are vir
tuous, if they are true, if they are noble, if they are brave, they
form true ramparts stronger than ribs of oak or mountains of
rock, alike defenders against external assaults and internal dissen
sions.

WQ^ ift,<&f

SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 223
What nation has a richer record than our own of true, noble, and
brave men, who in times of danger have rushed to her rescue —
have bared their breasts to her enemies — and who have, alas I
sealed their sacrifice with their blood.
But Gen. Sedgwick was known to us as one who never forgot
his ancestral home. The adornment of his paternal acres was his
pride, and it was his hope and. ambition to retire from public life,
here to enjoy that quiet which his duties as a soldier prohibited. '
The same qualities which made him a good officer made him a
good farmer, and his example and influence as a cultivator of the
soil will be no less enduring than as a patriot soldier.
In 1858 the old Sedgwick residence, which had been so speedily
rebuilt for his grandfather when it was burned by the Tories in
Revolutionary times, was consumed by fire. Here Gen. Sedgwick
built a noble mansion for his own occupancy, but it was a sad day
to his friends and neighbors gathered there, May 15, 1864, to per
form the last offices to the patriot dead.
In the same cemetery, with unmarked graves, rest Harvey Ford
and Mr. Read, colored.
In the North Cornwall cemetery we find the names of
Lieut. William H. Coggswell, died Sept. 22, 1864, aged 25
years, 2 months, and 23 days. He enlisted as private in the Fifth
Regiment, C. V., June 22, 1861, and was promoted in the Second
Connecticut Artillery for gallant services, Sept. 11, 1862. He was
in the battles of Peaked Mountain, Winchester, Cedar Mountain,
Cold Harbor, and Opequan, and died from wounds received in
last battle.
A handsome freestone monument, with the above inscription,
erected by his fellow-townsmen, stands as a tribute to his memory.
As a valiant, faithful soldier he had no superiors, while in his power
to endure fatigue, agility, strength, and never-failing spirits, he had
few equals. The writer remarked to his colonel (Wessells) that
" William was one of a thousand as a soldier." He replied,, " You
might well say one of ten thousand."
It is related of him that when on the march many were falling
out of the ranks from fatigue, he grasped the muskets of three or
four, carrying them for miles, showing his men what strong and
willing arms could do.
Before he went into the army he was a noted runner at all our
local fairs, surpassing all competitors, so that when it became
known that he was to run, there would be no race. No gymnasium

224

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

could surpass these Cornwall hills, as a field to acquire good lungs
and limbs. He was the oldest son of Nathan Coggswell, to whose
skilled hands Cornwall farmers are indebted for many of their fine
stone walls, and grandson of Jeremiah Coggswell, a member of
the Scatikoke tribe.
Crawford H. Nodine, son of Robert G. and Clara Hart Nodine,
died of wounds received at the battle of Cedar Mountain, Sept. 3,
•1862, aged 21.
He was a grandson of Deacon Nathan Hart, and a young man
of much promise. He was residing at Charleston, West Virginia.
A rebel bullet struck a building near him. This settled his deter
mination to enter the army. He said he would " send it back to
its owners."
Capt. Amos T. Allen, Co. C, Eleventh . Regiment, C. V., only
brother of Susan Brewster, died of wounds received at the battle
of Cold Harbor, July 6, 1864, aged 25 years. He was engaged
in the following battles: Winchester, May 25, 1862; Cedar Moun
tain, Aug. 9, 1862;. Fredericksburg, Dec. 12 to 15, 1862; Suffolk,
April 24, 1863; near Suffolk, May 3, 1863; Swift's Creek, May 9,
1864; Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864.
Capt. Allen enlisted as a private, and was promoted for his gal
lant conduct. Political economists, in attempting to account for
the present hard times, for the stagnation in business, fail to take
account of one important element,— the immense loss the country
sustained in so many of her most enterprising, active young men,
who now, in the prime of life, would have been foremost in every
enterprise. Charles McCormick, born Sept. 15, 1836; died Sept. 17, 1865,
from disease contracted in the service. He was a member of Co. I,
Fifth Regiment, C. V., and in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Moun
tain, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, and orderly-sergeant of his
company under General Sherman, in all battles from Chattanooga
to the surrender of the rebels under Johnson.
William Green, died March 29, 1874, aged 46; born in Shef
field, England.
Myron Hubbell, died at Alexandria, Va., Nov. 24, 1862, aged 38.
Mr. Hubbell was a miller by trade; tended the mill at West
Cornwall, and when he enlisted was at Gold's mill. A few years
before he married Laura, daughter of Birdseye Baldwin, who
still survives.
Two as yet have no monuments.

SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 225
Edward Barnum. — He was the son of Micajah Barnum, and
was a native of Cornwall, though he enlisted elsewhere; died
in 1875.
Edgar Elias, eldest son of John Hart, born in Cornwall, 1842;
enlisted in the Eighth N. Y. Regiment, . and served through the
war. He died in Cornwall in 1875.
Soldiers Buried in the Cemetery at Cornwall.
Rev. Jacob Eaton, Chaplain of Seventh Regiment, C. V. I., died
at Wilmington, N. C, March 20, 1865, aged 32 years; a volunteer
in the war of 1861. A noble Christian patriot.
George W. Pendleton, a member of Co. C, First Connecticut
Artillery; died while in the service of his country at Washington,
D. C, September 11, 1862, aged 22 years.
Corporal Henry L. Vail, died at Winchester, Va., November 3,
1864, by a rebel bullet through the neck and shoulder; aged 23.'
John Hawver, died August 1, 1868, aged 30.
Philo L. Cole, died January 4, 1863, aged 27.
William R., son of Rufus .and Mary S. ¦ Payne, died February
20, 1865, aged 33.
William B. North, born June 25, 1835, died March 18, 1866.
Two other graves there have no monuments.
Thomas Sherman returned at the close of the war with the
Second Connecticut Artillery, and died in 1866.
Zina D. Hotchkiss, a member of Co. G, Second Connecticut
Artillery, died in 1875.
The remains of five are buried in the cemetery in the southwest
part of the town.
Albert Robinson, sergeant of Co. G, Second Connecticut H. A.,
died at Baltimore, Md., March 26, 1865, aged 33 years.
George Page, killed at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19,
1864, aged 25. A member of Co. G, Second Conn. H. A.
Lewis Sawyer, died at the City of Washington, August 24,
1864, aged 24 years. A member of Co. G, Second Conn. H. A.
Horace Sickman, a member of Co. G, Second Conn. H. A.,
died in Washington, July 19, 1864, aged 29 years.
Hermon E. Bonney, died at Philadelphia, June 28, 1864, aged
28 years. A member of Second Conn. H. A.
29

226 HISTORY OF CORNWALL. i
I am indebted to H. P. Milford of Cornwall Bridge for the
names of Cornwall soldiers in Co. G, Nineteenth Conn. Vol., after
wards Second Conn. H. A., with some incidents of their history.
Mr. Milford went as corporal, entering camp at Litchfield, August
21, 1862, and was quartermaster-sergeant at the time of his dis
charge, July 7, 1865. '
The following-named men were residents of Cornwall at the time
of their enlistment: Edward F. Gold, captain; John M. Gregory,
lieutenant, lost an arm at the battle of Cedar Creek. Gad N. Smith
became captain. Henry S. Dean, wounded at Cold Harbor; Henry
P. Milford, Joseph Payne, killed at Cold Harbor; Myron Hubbell.
died of sickness; Albert L. Benedict, Frederick Butler, Franklin
B. Bierce, Jerome Chipman, Nelson Clark, Philo Cole, died; Josiah
B. Corban, Patrick Delaney, Edward Hawver, wounded at Cedar
Creek; Nelson T. Jennings, George L. Jones, David Kimball, Syd
ney Lapham, John Lapham, Elijah C. Mallory, Ralph J. Miner,
Henry Peck, killed at Winchester; George W. Page, killed at Cedar
Creek; Lucian G. Rouse, died; Charles R. Swift, Lewis Sawyer,
died; Thomas Sherman, Charles H. Smith, Elisha Soule, killed at
Cedar Creek; Patrick Troy, died from wounds received at Win
chester; Allen Williams, died; Horace Williams, brother to the
above, Robert Bard.
The above went with the regiment from Litchfield Hill.
The following joined the company from Cornwall as recruits ;
Herman E. Bonney, died ; Albert H. Bailey, George W. Baldwin,
John Hawver, wounded at Cold Harbor; John Christie, Hubert
D. Huxley, Zina D. Hotchkiss, Dwight A. Hotchkiss, father and
son, Timothy Leonard, Paschal P. North, died; Nathan Payne,
Wm. S. Palmer, Frederick J. Pierce, Swift B. Smith, John Tul-
ley, William White, died; James H. Van Buren — this was a boy
in- the drum corps; he was wounded in the leg at Winchester, had
the limb amputated twice, and died of the wound.
The reader is referred to the history pf the Nineteenth Conn. Vol.,
afterwards the Second Conn. Vol. H. A., by Lieut. T. F. Vaill, for a
fuller record of these Cornwall soldiers, yet some personal inci
dents related by Mr. Milford will be interesting to those who shared
the dangers with him.
On the night before the battle of Cold Harbor, our company was
on picket near the town of Hanover. We were in a very bad
place, and very near the rebs; so much so, that we could hear dis
tinctly all that was going on in their camp, and we were, in conse-

SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 227
quence, very watchful, having strict orders so to be. Each man
worked faithfully in digging himself a hole that would protect him
from the enemy's bullets. While so engaged, we could just dis
tinguish a body of men marching on our left, and supposing them
to be the rebs, our men at once opened fire upon them, receiving a
shower of balls in return. But we soon learned they were friends
instead of foes. We were lucky on our side in getting no one hurt,
but the other party, which proved to be Company L of our regi
ment, had two wounded. We left this place about 2 a. m. on the
morning of the 1st of June, the army being on the march some
hours before us towards Cold Harbor, and I think all of our com
pany will always remember that march until we came up with the
army, about 10 a. m. Battle of Cedar Creek.
The morning of October 19, 1864, found our company suddenly
formed in line of battle at Cedar Creek ; and rebel balls made sad
havoc in our ranks. The company numbered thirty-four in the
'morning; at night I called the roll and found seventeen. I was
stationed on the left of the regiment. Sergeant F. Lucas, our
sergeant-major, was wounded in the thigh, and I aided him off the
field, and while doing so our army retreated past us, leaving us
between the lines, and the balls flew about us thick and fast. We
expected every moment to be either shot or captured. While in
this place I had my knapsack strap cut, letting it fall, the ball
passing under my arm. parting the strap as cut with a knife, with
out doing other injury. We succeeded in getting safely within
our lines again.
Assistant Adjutant-General Simeon J. Fox has kindly furnished
me the names of recruits from the Town of Cornwall from and
after July 1, 1863. Those previously named have been stricken
from this list. First Artillery.
John Swift, Isaac Doughty.
Second Artillery.
Newton W. Coggswell, Lockwood Waldron,
John H. Taylor, John R. Thompson,
Orville Slover, George Burton,
Horace Sickmund, Henry M. Marshall,
William A. Slover, Sylvester Graves,

22^ HISTORY OF, CORNWALL.
Norman Mansfield, Charles C. BosWorth,
Lorenzo Moseley, Patrick Ryan,
Frederick Saxe, James Adams.
First Cavalry.
.Michael R. Oates, William H. Benton,
James McLane, George B. Clark,
Edward Suter, William Rogers,
James Carey, Frederick Beam,
John Brady, James Kelly,
John McCabe, John Boyd,
James Flood, John Kelly.
Fifth Infantry.
Charles McCormick, Wm. H. McMurtry,
Tracy A. Bristol, Adam Coons.
Seventh Infantry. — Hiram F. Hawver.
Eighth Infantry.
Charles Dixon, William Petri,
John Williams, Hiram Allen,
Peter Smith, William Murphy,
Henry Root, Nelson Hart,
Bennett Smith, Charles E. Dibble.
Henry C. Smith,
Ninth Infantry. — William C. Wilson.
Tenth Infantry.
John Martin, Andrew Hall.
Eleventh Infantry.
Thomas Quinlan, James Armit,
Frederick Krellmer, Joseph Morean,
Francis Ginnetty, Charles Marien,
Gustave Krall, Pierre A. Guy.
Thirteenth Infantry.
Eugene Davidson, Ira A. Davidson,
John McGowan, Charles Richmond,
George Roraback, Sylvester Titus,
Henry S. Wright, James H. Roraback.
Fourteenth Infantry.
John Buckley, John McCarrick.

SOLDIERS OF THE REBELLION. 229
Seventeenth Infantry.
James Mills, James McDermott.
Twentieth Infantry.
Lewis T. Drummond, Charles J. Brent.
Twenty-ninth Infantry.
John Watson, George H. Green,
Peter Howard, John Lepyon.
Henry Johnson, Navy. — Charles Dailey.
Substitute. — John Mahone.
From other sources I gather the following names, but it by no
means completes the list. A visit to each family would hardly
enable one to make a complete record, so soon does the memory of
events fade away:
Col. Charles D. Blinn, though born on the west side of the
Housatonic River, and hence in the Town of Sharon, by good
rights belongs to Cornwall. He was a son of Sturges Blinn, and
on his mother's side a grandson of Dea. Elijah Nettleton, of the
Baptist church, who resided on Cream Hill. From the location of
his. father's farm, just across the bridge, he was really " brought
up " in Cornwall, was a member of the North Cornwall church,
and at the opening of the war was a clerk with Pratt & Foster.
He, with his uncle, Isaac Fuller Nettleton, then living in Kent,
desirous to do something for their country, consulted with my
father, resulting in a letter from him of recommendation to
Governor Buckingham that they were proper persons to raise a
company. I went to Hartford with them. We left Cornwall
early in the morning, and before noon were in the Governor's
office. He approved the application, the necessary papers were
made out, and they returned the same afternoon to Cornwall and
commenced recruiting. Theirs was the first full company to go
into camp of the Thirteenth Regiment at New Haven. Going out
as captain, Blinn returned at the close of the war as colonel, — the
youngest in age in the Connecticut service. Lieutenant Nettleton
died at New Orleans, much lamented, in the early period of the
war, leaving an honored name in Cornwall. The same promptness
that distinguished Captain Blinn and his company in their
enrolment, followed them in their whole career. No task so diffi-

230

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

cult or post so dangerous that they hesitated. To detail their services
belongs to national history.
Alvin Henry Hart, son of Elias Hart, went as sergeant in Co.
I, 5th Reg., Conn. Vol., and was promoted to 2d Lieut. Nov.
1, 1864.
Horace Nelson Hart, son of John Hart, enlisted in Co. I, 8th
Reg., Conn. Vol., Sept. 21, 1861, at sixteen years of age. Mustered
out in 1865. Still lives in Cornwall.
John Mills, son of Peter Mills, enlisted at the same time and
died in the service.
Henry Fieldsend, killed in battle.
Edwin L. Nickerson, 15th Conn.
Thomas A. Smith.
James Wilson.
Charles Fairchild.

LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY FROM THE TOWN OF CORN
WALL—FROM THE STATE RECORDS.

Thomas Russell,
May.
Joshua Pierce,
Thomas Russell.

Thomas Russell,
Joshua Pierce.
May.
Thomas Russell,
Joshua Pierce.
May.
Thomas Russell,
Joshua Pierce.
May.
Noah Rogers,
Heman Swift.
May.
Thomas Russell,
Heman Swift.

October Session, 1761. Joshua Pierce.
1762. Oct.
Thomas Russell,
Joshua Pierce.
1763. Oct.
Joshua Pierce,
Amos Johnson.
1764. Oct.
Thomas Russell,
Joshua Pierce.
1765. Oct.
Thomas Russell,
Joshua Pierce.
1766. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Russell.
1767. Oct.
Thomas Russell,
Heman Swift.

LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM STATE RECORDS.

231

May.
Thomas Russell,
Elijah Steele.
May.
Joshua Pierce,
Thomas Porter.

Joshua Pierce,
Thomas Porter.
May.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
May.,
Thomas Russell,
Heman Swift.
May.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
May.
Thomas Porter,
John Pierce. May.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
May.
Edward Rogers,
John Pierce. May.
Edward Rogers,
John Pierce. May.
Edward Rogers,
Judah Kellogg.
May.
Judah Kellogg only.
May.
Edward Rogers,
Andrew Young.

1768. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
1769. Oct.
Thomas Russell,
Thomas Porter.
1770. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
1771. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
1772. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
1778. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Russell.
1771,.. Oct.
Heman Swift,
Thomas Porter.
1775. Oct.
Edward Rogers,
John Pierce.
1776. Oct.
Thomas Porter,
Judah Kellogg.
1777. Oct.
Judah Kellogg only.
1778. Oct.
Edward Rogers,
Abraham Payne.
1779. Oct.
Edward Rogers,
Andrew Young.
1780. Oct.
Edward Rogers,
Andrew Young.

232

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

May.

1781.

Oct.

No record.

Mathew Patterson,
Noah Rogers.

May.

1782.

Oct.

John Sedgwick,

John Sedgwick,

No record.

Mathew Patterson.

May.

1783.

Oct.

John Sedgwick,

Andrew Young,
Matthew Patterson.
Edward Rogers.
May.
178^.
Oct.
Andrew Young,
John Sedgwick,
John Sedgwick.
Andrew Young.
May.
1785.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Heman Swift,
Matthew Patterson.
Matthew Patterson.
May.
1786.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Heman Swift,
Samuel Wadsworth.
Matthew Patterson.
May.
1787.
Oct. .
Matthew Patterson,
Rev. Hezekiah Gold,
Heman Swift.
Rev. John Cornwall.
May.
1788.
Oct.
Rev. John Cornwall,
Samuel Wadsworth,
John Pierce.
Ebenezer Jackson.
May.
1789.
Oct.
Ebenezer Jackson,
Samuel Wadsworth,
No choice.
Ebenezer Jackson.
May.
1790.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
John Sedgwick.
Ebenezer Jackson.
May.
1791.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Timothy Rogers,
Dr. Timothy Rogers.
Tryal Tanner.
May.
1792.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
John Sedgwick,
Timothy Rogers.
Isaac Swift.
May.
1798.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Samuel Wadsworth,
Isaac Sw^ft.
Tryal Tanner.
LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM STATE RECORDS.

233

May.

1794.

Oct.

Samuel Wadsworth,

No record.

Isaac Swift.

May.

1795.

Oct.

John Sedgwick,

Isaac Swift,
Ebenezer Jackson.
Samuel Wadsworth.
May.
1796.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
John Sedgwick,
Isaac Swift.
Isaac Swift.
May.
1797.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
John Sedgwick,
Isaac Swift.
Judah Kellogg.
May.
1798.
Oct.
Elijah Steele, Jr.,
John Sedgwick,
Tryal Tanner.
Judah Kellogg.
May.
1799.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Samuel Wadsworth,
Isaac Swift.
Judah Kellogg.
May.
1800.
Oct.
Judah Kellogg,
Judah Kellogg,
John Sedgwick.
Samuel Wadsworth.
May.
1801.
Oct.
Judah Kellogg,
Judah Kellogg,
Oliver Burnham.
Samuel Wadsworth.
May.
1802.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Benjamin Gold,
Benjamin Gold.
Oliver Burnham.
May.
1803.
Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham,
Oliver Burnham.
Benjamin Gold.
May.
1801
Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham.
Oliver Burnham.
May.
1805.
Oct.
John Sedgwick,
Benjamin Gold,
Benjamin Gold.
Oliver Burnham.
May. ,
1806.
Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham.
Oliver Burnham.
30
234

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

- ' May. 1807.
Oliver Burnham,
Benjamin Gold.
May. 1808.
Oliver Burnham,
John Calhoun. May. 1809.
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham.
May. 1810.
Oliver Burnham,
Benjamin Gold.
May. 1811.
John Sedgwick,
' Benjamin Gold.
May. 1812.
Oliver Burnham,
John Sedgwick. May. 1813.
Oliver Burnham,
Noah Rogers.
May. 1814.
Noah Rogers,
Benjamin Gold.
May. 1815.
Noah Rogers,
John H. Pierce.
May. 1816.
Oliver Burnham,
John H. Pierce.
May. 1817.
Philo Swift,
Oliver Burnham.
May. 1818.
Noah Rogers,
Philo Swift.
After this the new Constitution
resentatives were chosen annually,

Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham. Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
John Calhoun,
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
John Sedgwick.
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
Oliver Burnham,
Benjamin Gold.
Oct.
Reuben Fox,
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
Benjamin Gold,
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
Oliver Burnham,
John H. Pierce.
Oct.
Oliver Burnham,
Philo Swift. Oct.
James Ailing,
Oliver Burnham.
Oct.
Philo Swift,
Noah Rogers.
began to operate, and the Rep-
not biennially.

LIST OP REPRESENTATIVES FROM , STATE RECORDS.

235

1819

Oliver Burnham,

1839

Isaac Marsh.

John H. Pierce.

1840

Isaac Marsh,

1820

Oliver Burnham,

John R. Harrison.

Wm. Kellogg.

1841

John R. Harrison,

1821

William Bennet,

Frederick Kellogg.
Samuel Hopkins.
1842
William Hindman,
1822
Oliver Burnham,
Edwin White.
Samuel Hopkins.
1843
William Hindman,
1823
Oliver Burnham,
Edwin White.
Samuel Hopkins.
1844
John Scovill,
1824
Peter Bierce,
John E. Sedgwick.
Benjamin Sedgwick.
1845
Edward R. White,
1825
Peter Bierce,
Joseph Essex.
Benjamin Sedgwick.
1846
Carrington Todd,
1826
Peter Bierce,
William Hindman.
John A. Sedgwick.
1847
Chalker Pratt,
1827
John A. Sedgwick,
John C. Calhoun.
Peter Bierce.
1848
John Scovill,
1828
Seth Pierce, Jr.,
Myron Harrison.
Peter Bierce.
1849
Hezekiah C. Gregory,
1829
Peter Bierce,
Reuben Wilcox.
John A. Sedgwick.
1850
Amos M. Johnson,
1830
George Wheaton,
Charles Lewis.
Frederick Kellogg.
1851
Edward W. Andrews,
1831
George Wheaton,
Isaac Marsh.
Frederick Kellogg.
1852
Isaac Marsh,
1832
Benjamin Catlin,
Charles Lewis.
Frederick Kellogg.
1853
John R. Harrison,
1833
Benjamin Catlin,
William Hindman.
Victorianus Clark.
1854
Jacob Scovill,
1834
Victorianus Clark,
Henry Swift.
Philo Kellogg.
1855
Sherman Barnes,
1835
Philo Kellogg,
Earl Johnson.
Anson Rogers.
1856
Jacob Scovill,
1836
Caleb Jones,
Samuel S. Reed.
William Clark.
1857
Ralph C. Harrison,
1837
Caleb Jones,
John W. Beers.
Myron Harrison.
1858
Russell R. Pratt,
1838
Caleb Jones,
Edward F. Gold.
Benjamin Sedgwick.
1859
Alvin B. Palmer,
1839
John C. Calhoun,
George H. Swift.
236

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

1860

Nathan Hart, Jr.,

1869

M. A. Nickerson.

Rossiter B. Hopkins.

1870

Wm. H. H. Hewitt,

1861

Dwight W. Pierce,

Geo. C. Harrison.

Philo C. Sedgwick.

1871

Alanson Preston,

1862

Stephen Foote,-

Niles Scoville.
1
H. C. Gregory.
1872
Henry L. Beers,
1863
Marcus D. F. Smith,
Chester Wickwire.
John McMurtry.
1873
Virgil F. McNeil,
1864
S. P. Judson,
Robert N. Cochrane.
John McMurtry.
1874
Luman Harrison,
1865
Robert T. Miner,
Smith Beach.
E. Burton Hart.
1875
Myron I. Millard,
1866
Gad W. Smith,
,
George H. Crandall.
Solon B. Johnson.
1876
Henry L. Beers,
1867
Silas C. Beers,
Ralph I. Scoville.
H. C. Crandall.
1877
William L. Clark,
1868
George L. Miner,
Ingersoll Reed.
Edward Sanford.
1878
Elbert Shepard,
1869
William H. Harrison,
Amos Waterbury.
Senators from
the Town
beginning in
1837
Peter Bierce.
1847
Samuel W. Gold.
1838
Peter Bierce.
1855
George A. Wheaton,
1844
Philo Kellogg.
1859
Samuel W. Gold.
1845
Philo Kellogg.
1870
Victory C. Beers.
MANUFACTURERS AND MECHANICS.
A detailed history of the various manufacturing establishments
which have sprung up in Cornwall would occupy too much space.
Gen. Sedgwick has given a sketch of early enterprises in the
Hollow. Capt. Edward Rogers had a potashery near North Cornwall in
the time of the Revolution, and there was one owned by a company
on the Agur Judson farm. There was an old forge near Chaun-
cey Baldwin's, at West Cornwall, which stopped work in 1828.
Gardner Dodge, Eliakim Mallory, and Eli Stone are names men
tioned as connected with it. The ore was brought principally from
Salisbury, yet some was dug in Cornwall.
Adonijah Pratt, in the last century, had a carding machine and
fulling mill near where Gold's mill now stands. He was sue-
MANUFACTURERS AND MECHANICS. .237
ceeded by William Stoddard, who built lower down on the stream,
and afterwards made satinet, followed by Gledhill and others.
Another factory of the same kind (Avery's) was in the south end
of the town.
About 1837, John Rogers and Almon B. Pratt set up a tannery
near Stoddard's, to dress deer and sheep-skins. These were made
into mittens and gloves about the town. William Smith, and M.
Beers & Sons afterwards extended the business; and after the
burning of the paper mill, built a tannery on that spot. This was
also burned and rebuilt, and then converted into a grist mill by
S. W. & T. S. Gold, in 1860. The paper mill had been burned in
1846, just after its completion. It was owned by Pratt & Foster,.
Noah Hart, and M. D. F. Smith.
The Cornwall Bridge Iron Co. was formed in 1833, and about
the same date the West Cornwall Iron Co. These were blast
furnaces, making pig iron from Salisbury ore. The one at West
Cornwall stopped in 1850; that at Cornwall Bridge is still in good
working order, with a full stock of coal.
About 1845, Mr. Allen had a cupola-furnace at West Cornwall,
for casting stoves, etc. Still earlier, S. J. Gold, followed by Mr.
Essex, had a casting shop at South Cornwall.
For twenty-five years the manufacture of shears has been carried
on at West Cornwall, by various parties, now by firms of Volmiller
& Beck and Wood & Mallinson.
C. &. M. Beers had a successful tannery in South Cornwall, sixty
years ago. Capt. Clark, father of Pierce and Victory, had another
on the hill south of Truman Dibbles ; and still later, Leighton W.
Bradley had a tannery in the Hollow near the Baptist Meeting
House, and carried on quite an extensive trade.
Joel and Benjamin Catlin, sons of Bradley Catlin, were hatters,
and had a shop near the North Cornwall Church, where they made
hats till about 1835. They were active men and quite prominent
in town affairs. They married sisters of Lee Blinn.
Blacksmiths and shoemakers were more numerous formerly than
at present; machine and factory work now taking the place of the
slower hand processes. Almon Benedict had a shop near E. D.
Pratt's in 1825, and Chester Markham at Cornwall Center; later,
Zerah Dean had a shop near Gold's mill.
Sixty years ago, tailor (Josiah F. Dean) Dean's wife did most of
the tailoring for North Cornwall, succeeded by Reuben Hitchcock.
John Dean, sixty year ago, told stories over his lapstone, in the
old house now torn down, north of the Hitchcock place. Alvy

238

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

Norton,* familiarly known as "Waxey," succeeded by Samuel
Wheeler, made shoes on Cream Hill, while Milo Dickinson, Mica-
jah Barnum, Theodore Ives, Curtiss and Menzies Beers followed the
same calling.
Jeremiah Coggswell, father of Nathan, James Ford, and Car-
rington Todd made barrels.
Soon after the railroad was completed, Henry and Edwin Ives
of Goshen, with their brother-in-law, Mr. Baker, built a sash and
blind factory at West Cornwall. The Iveses moved West, and
Baker to New Hartford, and the building was used as a carriage
shop by David Vail, succeeded by Orville L. Fitch, who came from
Salisbury, Thomas Bosworth from Duchess County, and now by
Geo. W. Silvernale.
James M. Gardner built a larger sash and blind shop, now
Volmiller's Bee Hive, but the business failed.
Two grist-mills were early erected, special privileges being be
stowed for the control of the water — the one where Gold's mill
now stands having the right to dam the lake for a water supply,
and the other, below the pines at South Cornwall, having similar
rights. A story is told of this mill, which had wooden gudgeons,
and sometimes was run with a lack of oil. The inhabitants on
the mountains south were aroused one night by certain unearthly
sounds, like " Oh, father ! " " Oh, mother ! " " Oh, dear 1 " and
mustered courage to trace them to their origin. They found old
Mr. Kipp, the miller, was grinding his grist, and hence these lam
entations. The grist-mills at West Cornwall and Cornwall Bridge
were built about 1830.
Messrs. Wood & Mallinson, in 1873, erected a cupola-furnace at
West Cornwall for the manufacture of Gold's Sanitary Heaters,
and general castings. This was burnt in 1875, and rebuilt. Saw
mills have been numerous upon all our streams of sufficient water
supply, and in some cases the builders have been disappointed in
this respect. Tradesmen in the different arts have been enabled to
make a fair living, and tolerable success has been awarded to our
manufacturers; but agriculture, with all its difficulties, has ever
been the main support of the inhabitants.
* He was one of the last of those who went about from house to house making
a stock of shoes for the family, an occupation known as " whipping the cat." A
practical assertion of "women's rights" over him, to correct a little irregularity
in his domestic relations, made him famous in the annals of the neighborhood.
The women, though not allowed to vote, claimed and exercised the right to
administer justice.

CRIMES AND CASUALTIES. 239
CRIMES AND CASUALTIES.
There are few gross crimes to record. Rev. William Green,
who was sentenced to state's prison for life for the murder of his
wife, by poison, at West Cornwall, about 1867, was only a tem
porary resident. We are happy to say also that the "Perkins " of
unhappy notoriety did not belong here.
Early in the present century Edmund, son of Oliver Ford, and
brother of James Ford, and Samuel, son of Bradley Catlin,' were
drowned in the pond on Cream Hill, on a Sabbath evening.
John Ford, a son of James Ford, was drowned in the Housatonic
about 1842; also, a son of Jacob Garrison was drowned at West
Cornwall about 1845.
Eber Johnson was killed by a bull in the Hollow about 1846.
Mrs. Hiram Garner was thrown from a wagon and killed, near
West Cornwall, about 1850.
The house of Dea. Andrew Holmes of the Baptist church, was
burnt in the night, about 1845, and his wife and two children
perished in the flames. It stood in the Housatonic Valley, north
of West Cornwall.
Charles Baldwin was thrown from a wagon and killed, on the
turnpike west of Cornwall Center, about 1852.
James Oats was killed by the cars at West Cornwall about 1846,
and Wm. White at Cornwall Bridge, about 1868.
A son of Wallstein Wadhams was killed by the kick of a horse,
at Cornwall Bridge, about 1872.
Martin Cook was killed by the fall of a building in North Corn
wall in 1874.
A little son of Martin Besancon went to meet his father, who
was chopping in the woods, got lost, and was frozen to death in
1874. Story of the Convict Dana.
On or near tha same ground on which now stands the house of
Capt. Edward Gold, stood an old house occupied by several fam
ilies at different times, one of which was that of Joseph Judson.
Ih- this house he had a store. One night his store was broken open
and robbed. London Dana was arrested upon suspicion, and in a
singular manner convicted of the crime and sentenced to Newgate
prison at Simsbury. Dana opened the store through the window,
from which he removed a pane of glass by cutting out the putty
with a knife. -Having removed the pane of glass, he, with his

240

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

hand, unloosed the shutter on the inside, and thus effected an
entrance. At a place in the casement where the putty was dug
out, was found the point of a knife-blade. This was preserved,
and, being presented, was compared with the blade of a knife
which Dana had in his possession. The fracture of the blade of
his knife agreed perfectly with the point found in the casement.
On this single proof the villain was convicted. He was an extra
ordinary character, and the following story was taken from the
mouth of Col. Humphrey, the commandant of the prison at Sims
bury. Of Dana, he said that he was the most intractable and most
difficult to manage of all the convicts, and of the most determined
resolution, giving the overseers of the prison almost constant vexa
tion. After being there for a season, Dana, while making nails,
laid his right hand on the anvil, and taking the hammer in his left,
he smashed the other hand and fingers, declaring with an oath that
he would make no more nails. His master was not to be conquered
in this way, and therefore ordered a frame and hopper to be made
and sand brought, and directed Dana to pour the sand through the
hopper with a ladle, unremittingly, while the other convicts were at
work. This employment Dana pursued week after week. Finding
that it availed nothing in subduing his indomitable temper,
Humphrey adopted an expedient that effectually reduced him. In
the numerous caverns of the prison was a dungeon, where the light
of day could not enter, and from its rocky walls water was drip
ping constantly. Here Dana was confined, chained to a staple in
the rock. The furniture of his solitary cell consisted simply of a
bed of straw. At stated times one of the guards was sent to his
cavern to carry him his bread, with an express order not to speak
to him a word. For a long time Dana bore his dismal solitude,
with invincible patience. But at length his spirit was broken. He
implored to be allowed again to see the light of day. Still the
guard kept silence. Finally the colonel went down, and Dana was
ready to yield with the most abject submission, asked his forgive
ness, and went to making nails with his mutilated hand, and con
tinued to the end of his term perfectly obedient.
Note. — I have visited this old prison at Simsbury and have seen
this cell, with the staple in the rock, where the most incorrigible
were confined, An old copper mine, wrought before the Revolu
tion, was used to confine the prisoners. Tories as well as common
malefactors were here confined. t. s. g.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 241
RECORDS OF EARLY AND -PRESENT RESIDENTS IN
CORNWALL.
Of some of these we have no record. Others have passed away,
and their names are no longer found here; tradition still survives,
and we gather up the fragments. Some are so fully sketched in
the historical discourses as to need little further notice. The
record of the living is still incomplete, and they are passed with
brief mention. I have solicited full records from all. It is
unfortunate that so many have failed to respond, as I have labored
to make this volume full in everything pertaining to Cornwall.

The Douglas Family.
One of the most active pioneers in the settlement of this town
was James Douglas. He came here, in 1739, from Plainfield.
Cream Hill was his lot ; it received this name from the superiority
of the soil and the beauty of its scenery. This name was given to
it, as Town Records show, before Mr. Douglas purchased. He
bought two rights of Timothy Pierce of Canterbury, an original
proprietor, in 1738, for £400; also, he bought fifty acres on Cream
Hill, on which his first house was built. The fifty acre lot was
purchased of Jonah Bierce of New Fairfield, who had bought it of
Nathan Lyon of Fairfield, an original proprietor. James Douglas
was brother of Benajah, an original proprietor in Cornwall, but
who settled in North Canaan, being the ancestor of the Douglas
family in that town, and great-grandfather of the distinguished
senator, Stephen Arnold Douglas.
James Douglas and his wife, whose family name was Marsh,
taught the first school in Cornwall, he teaching in the winter and
his wife in summer. Cream Hill, before the woodman's ax was
heard there, was covered with lofty trees of various kinds, the sur
face not being entangled with underbrush, as much of the forest in
town was. Mr. Douglas was an energetic and public-spirited man.
31

2^2 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
He expended much labor in opening a mine one hundred and
twenty feet in depth, for gold. Specimens of the ore were sent to
Boston for analysis, from which small sums in gold were returned.
But the expense of obtaining it was too great to make it a paying
business. Another mine was wrought for silver, sixty feet, with
like results.
He is said to have wintered the first stock in town, — a horse and
yoke of oxen. Heavy snows caught him unprepared. Deer were
abundant; the boiled flesh made a nutritious soup for the cattle,
which, with browse from the trees felled for the purpose, was their
support. The horse refused both, but ate hair from the skins, and
moss from the trees gathered in blankets.
Mr. Douglas, about 1748, erected a large two-story house, which,
about two years after its completion, was unfortunately burned
down, and he built the house now standing on the same ground,
which he occupied till his death. This is supposed to be the oldest
occupied house in town. Capt. Hezekiah Gold, son of Rev.
Hezekiah Gold, who married Rachel Wadsworth, granddaughter
of Mr. James Douglas, purchased this property about 1790, of Mr.
Joseph Wadsworth, a son-in-law of Mr. Douglas. This house and
farm is at present (1877) owned by T. S. Gold.
Farmers were then their own mechanics. The old tan vat,
where James Douglas tanned his own leather, was but recently
filled up, — on the bank of the small stream now called the
'• Gutter," near his house.
Mr. Douglas had three sons and four daughters. The eldest
of the daughters, Sarah, married Capt. Samuel Wadsworth; the
youngest, Eunice, married Mr. Joseph Wadsworth; another, Olive,
married for her first husband, a Mr. Johnson, and after his death,
Dea. Eliakim Mallory. The other daughter, Mary (or Rachel),
married a Mr. Taylor, of New Marlboro, Mass. Two sons, William
and James Marsh, having sold their property on Cream Hill,
removed to Vermont, where some of their descendants at present
reside. James Marsh married Rhoda, sister of Judge Burnham,
of Cornwall. The other son, John, died in 1763, aged fourteen.
In the old cemetery at South Cornwall, we find the tombstones
of James Douglas and his wife thus inscribed :
James Douglas, Died Aug. 18, 1785, se. 74.
Mortals Awake
Your time review, think on
Death, Eternity is near.

/tf-^-T-x-*-/

'-t-kW

#6r-

RECORDS OP EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENT'S. 243
Rachel, wife of James Douglas, died April 23, 1790, se. 78.
Ljfe bow short,
Eternity how long.
• I am indebted to Charles H. James Douglas, of Providence, R. I.,
author of the "Douglas Genealogy," for the ancestral record of
James Douglas.
Dea'. William' Douglas, b. 1610; m. Ann, d. of Thomas Marble,
of Kingstead, Northamptonshire; landed at Cape Ann 1639-40;
removed to New London 1660; d. July 25, 1682. Had five chil
dren.
, Dea. William8 Douglas, fifth child of Dea. William1, b. April 1,
1645; m. Dec. 18, 1,667, Abiah, d. of William Hough, of New
London, and had eight children.
Dea. William3 Douglas, third child of Dea. William2, b. Feb. 19,
1672-3; m. Sarah Proctor, about 1695, and in 1699 removed to
Plainfield. He was one of a little company who, in 1705, cove
nanted together and formed a little church at Plainfield, of which
he was chosen first deacon. He had twelve children, of which
Thomas, the eleventh, was also deacon, and settled in Voluntown
(now Sterling).
James Douglas, tenth child of "Dea. William3, b. May 20, 1711 ;
d. Aug. 18, 1785, aged seventy-four.
The Wadsworth Family.
Rev. Samuel Wadsworth was a minister in. Killingly. He had
three sons, who came to Cornwall about 1740, — Samuel, Joseph,
and James.
Samuel Wadsworth married Sarah, daughter of James Douglas,
and had only one child, Rachel, who married Hezekiah Gold. By
her he received her father's farm on Cream Hill, which has passed
by descent to the present owner, T. S. Gold. Samuel Wadsworth
died Jan. 2, 1813, aged sixty-six. Sarah, his wife, died April 16,
1820, aged seventy-seven.*
Joseph Wadsworth married another daughter of James Douglas,
—Eunice, and had three sons, Warren, Samuel, and Douglas.
About 1800 he sold his farm on Cream Hill to Hezekiah Gold, and
removed to Goshen, Orange Co., N. Y.
James Wadsworth married Irene Palmer, and had a son, Dea.
James Wadsworth, one daughter, who married an Ingersoll from
* Strange as it may seem, I remember her, though but two years old at the
time of her death. (T. S. G.)

244

HISTORY OP CORNWALL.

Bethlehem, and a second daughter, who married Hawley Reed, of
Cornwall. Dea. James Wadsworth had sons — John Palmer, a farmer living
in New Marlborough, Mass. ; Stiles, Franklin, Henry, a Congrega
tional minister in New Jersey; and one daughter, who married
Darius Miner, and lives in Torrington. His children had all left
town previous to the death of Dea. James Wadsworth, and the
dwelling, with a portion of the farm, was purchased by T. S. Gold.
Industry, frugality, and simple Christian consecration were
characteristics of Dea. Wadsworth and his wife, and though their
descendants have all removed, yet will their memories long be
cherished by their friends and neighbors.
Joshua Pierce, the father of Joshua, John, and Seth Pierce,
and of several daughters, belonged to Pembroke, of Plymouth
County, Mass. He bought the place now occupied by Maj. Seth
Pierce, May 17, 1748, consisting of three hundred and three acres,
of Joshua Jewel. Joshua Pierce was the venerable ancestor of
the Pierce family. He was a poor boy, put out to a hard master,
who treated him with much unkindness and severity. But when
he became of age, the severe training which he had received made
hinuan industrious, economical, and respectable citizen. He gave
half his wages of one year's hire, when living at Pembroke, for
the building of a house for the worship of God. He was remark
ably prosperous in acquiring property. He gave £3,000 for his
farm, which he bought of Jewel. He here increased in wealth,
and was very liberal towards all benevolent objects and ever
remembered the poor; and such was his reputation and standing ¦
that he was one of the first chosen to represent the town in the
legislature, to which place he was re-elected for ten different
sessions. He was a good ministerial man for the sake of their
sacred office. He showed himself a genuine descendant of the
Puritans in principle and feeling. Generally the descendants of
this venerable Joshua Pierce have been prosperous and respectable,
having a blessing resting upon them. He died at the age of
eighty years, on March 13, 1794. He had five daughters. Eliza
beth and Eleanor married two brothers, Amos and Solomon John
son. Sarah, the second daughter, married Jonathan Chandler.
The younger, Priscilla, and Anna, married Perez and Titus Bonney,
two brothers. Mr. Pierce married, for his second wife, a widow
Starr, from Danbury.

RECORDS OP EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 245
Joshua, second, his oldest son, had children, — Joshua, Samuel,
Captain John, and Lorain, who married Captain Nehemiah Clark.
Joshua, third, married Betsey Paine, and had children, — Mills,
a farmer in Cornwall; Fayette, who went to New York; Colonel
Dwight, who remained in Cornwall; and a daughter, who married
Dr. B. B. North.
Captain John, the youngest son of Joshua, second, had daughters
who married Menzies Beers and Rexford Baldwin, and remained in
Cornwall; and two sons, who removed to Plymouth. His second
wife, Sally Russel, still survives, living with her daughters' at
Cornwall. 1 John, second son of the elder Joshua, lived where William
Harrison now lives. He had one daughter, who married in
Washington. He went to live with 'her, and died there, aged
about ninety.
Captain Seth Pierce, the youngest son, inherited the homestead.
He was a very liberal man. When the old meeting-house was
moved down to the plain, he put on one bent at his own expense.
He was a large and thrifty farmer, breeding horses and cattle in
large numbers, having at one time eighteen horses. At this time
Captain Pierce and Noah Rogers were the largest landholders in
town, each listing over one thousand acres.
He had sons, Major Seth and John H.; and daughters, who
married Franklin Gold, Oliver Chapin, and Ezekiel Birdseye.
Major Seth inherited the homestead, which he still holds at the
age of ninety- two. He graduated at Yale in the class of 1806,
and, having been born May 16, 1785, is the oldest living graduate
of the college. A bachelor, his life has been that of a quiet
farmer, and he still enjoys good health in his green old age, and
is much respected by his fellow-citizens. John H., second son,
was a farmer; built the corner house, so called, which he occupied;
and was killed about 1825, having been crushed by a cart.
Doctor Jonathan Hurlburt came from that part of Farmington
now* called Southington, having bought of Timothy Orton 120
acres, in 1746. He is thought to have been the first that practiced
medicine in the township. It seems that his medical profession
was not his only employment. He was also a mechanic, and made
plows. His son Ozias lived and died on the same place where
his father did, a little south of the Sedgwicks. He had a natural
taste for poetry, and published a poem on the great hail storm
which occurred in the summer of 1799. He lived to a good old age.

2^6 HISTORY OP CORNWALL.
His brother, Joab, lived near him, and died some years before him.
Both are buried in the old Cornwall Hollow cemetery.
Mathew Millard, from East Haddam, was one of the early
permanent citizens in Cornwall. He located and built on the west
side of the street opposite to the house of the late Judge Burnham.
He was one of the largest land-holders in Cornwall; was a very
respectable citizen, and was authorized to obtain a minister at the
first town meeting. Mr. Millard had but one child that lived to ma
ture age — a daughter, Achsah. She married Elisha Steele of West-
Hartford, called Deacon Steele, who, after the death of his father-
in-law, occupied his house and homestead. The house was sold to
Wm. Tanner (called Great Tanner on account of his extraordinary
size), a native of Rhode Island. John Jones bought the house
and place of Tanner, and afterwards it was purchased by Judge
Burnham, and occupied by him till he bought the habitation of
the Rev. Mr. Palmer.
Samuel Messenger of Harwinton, was one of the first settlers,
a surveyor, a very active and useful inhabitant. His residence was
on the spot where the Rev. Hezekiah Gold built and lived, at the
Center. Mr. Messenger was here in the summer of 1739. He
bought a whole right of Ephraim Smedley of Woodbury, soon after
the sale of the town in 1738.
According to town records, Mr. Messenger's son Daniel, who
was born March 18th (old style), 1740, was the first birth of the
early settlers of the town. Mr. Messenger, in four or five years,
sold his place to his brother Nehemiah Messenger, and he, in 1757,
sold to one Joseph Mather. The Rev. Hezekiah Gold then was
settled here as minister, and bought the place of Mr. Mather, and
erected the house which he occupied until his decease, in 1790.
His youngest son, Wakeman, owned the house and homestead,
and he having sold to Captain Peck, removed to Pompey, N. Y.
Captain Peck sold to Theodore Norton, from Goshen. The next
owner was Mr. Darius Miner, followed by his son-in-law, Mr.
Johnson, who erected a new house in place of the old ohe. ' His
widow and family still reside there.
George Holloway, from Pembroke in Massachusetts, came with
his brother John to this town from' New Fairfield, in the spring,
1740. He was the most prominent among the first settlers in
office, character, and influence. He was directed by the Assembly
to call the first town meeting; was a justice of the peace, first town
clerk, captain of the militia, and bore the title of Doctor Holloway.

RECORDS OP EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 247
His handwriting in the first Town Records is quite ordinary, and
his orthography more imperfect. He had a wife, but no children.
His brother John, who for some years survived him, never
married. At the public worship which our forefathers regarded with the
strictest pertinacity at the very first of their settlement, and when
they had no public teacher, and when Daniel Rugg was by
town rule to pitch the tune for the choir, it was the allotted duty
of Doctor Holloway to select and read the Psalm. He was consid
ered to be one of the most wealthy men in town. He settled on
the hill near the first meeting-house, and erected the house which
Ithamer Baldwin occupied many years, and which was on the same
ground on which his widow resides. Mr. George Holloway died in
middle life, and having been too much engaged in public life he
had necessarily neglected his private affairs, and left his estate
insolvent. Woodruff Emmons , became the owner of the Holloway house,
and kept a tavern there during the Revolutionary War.
The Emmons Tavern.
One hundred years ago, in the center of the town there was a
tavern of some notoriety in its day, which stood near the summit
of a high hill, overlooking in a southern direction a wide extent of
country, embracing a beautiful valley.
The building was distinguished by the peculiar architecture not
altogether uncommon at that period in the construction of the
better class of dwellings. Large massive scrolls and roses of
carved work ornamented the tops and sides of the doorways, while
the windows, of six by eight glass, were surmounted by heavy
angular projecting caps. The doors were wrought with curvili
near styles and panels, surmounted also like the windows with the
angular projecting caps. The body of the house was painted a
light red, the windows and doors being trimmed with white. The
large square chimney-top exhibited, neatly cut in a stone on . its
front side, the figures 1758, being the year in which the house was
built. Few dwellings at the present day exhibit so elaborate a
finish as appeared in its exterior. The interior was more plain.
The best rooms, however, were finished with a dark, heavy wain
scot, nearly half way to the ceiling above, on three sides, while on
the fourth the wood-work covered the whole. A plaster of lime
mortar covered the remaining portions of the walls. On the

248

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

chimney side of each of the front rooms there was a huge fire
place, with a wooden manteltree, in the wainscoting above which
there was inserted an immense panel, some four or five feet in
breadth. The remaining parts of the house were done with plain
wooden ceilings, leaving the joists, which were neatly planed,
naked overhead. The wood-work was painted either red or blue;
the latter being considered the most genteel color, was applied to
the two front rooms of the first story — the one being used for the
best room or parlor, and the other as the bar-room. In one
corner of the latter was a space six feet square, parted off by a
ceiling four and a half feet high. This inclosure was called the Bar.
Around the two posterior sides of the bar were placed several
shelves containing various articles, of which the most conspicuous
were several square bottles filled with different kinds of liquors.
One was labeled Old Holland Gin, another French Brandy, and a
third Orange-peel Bitters. By the side of these stood drinking
vessels of various kinds, some of glass and others of pewter. A
large conical loaf of white sugar, enclosed in a thick dark purple
paper, was also conspicuous, while beside it stood a large, round,
covered wooden box, containing many broken pieces of the same,
ready for use. The furniture of the bar-room consisted of a large
heavy oaken table, composed of a single leaf, one. or two forms or
• benches, and some half dozen splint-bottomed chairs.
The house here described stood upon a terrace some three or four
feet high, sustained on two sides by a wall of unhewn stones, the
entrance being up a flight of large stone steps; the side-hill posi
tion of the building rendering this arrangement quite convenient.
Just exterior to this terrace, and about thirty feet from the build
ing, stood the sign-post, from the rectangular bar of which was
suspended the sign.
In front of this tavern was an open space or common, sixteen
rods in width and forty in length, called the green; it was nearly
destitute of trees, and furnished the ordinary parade ground for
the militia, and place for town gatherings on gala days or other
public occasions.* On the opposite side of the green from the tav-
*From the papers of Capt. Edward Rogers, we select a bill from this tavern
showing the depreciated state of the currency :
The Comassart General or Forrage, to Samuel Bassitt, Dr.
To keeping Colo11 Sprought's 2 horses 6 days on hay that was good in Stable,
£6 14s. id. Sam'l Bassitt.
January 1780.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS.' 249
ern, and near the northwest corner, stood the meeting-house, a large
and respectable looking edifice, where all the inhabitants of the
town usually met on the Sabbath. Fronting the extreme southern
part of the common or green, stood the parsonage of the Rev.
Hezekiah Gold; about half a dozen other dwellings completed the
center village. Whipping-Post and Stocks.
About six rods from the tavern, and directly in front of it, near
the traveled path, stood a wooden post about ten inches square, and
seven feet in height placed firmly and perpendicularly in the earth.
Near the ground a large mortice was made through the post, in
which were placed the ends of two stout pieces of plank, five feet in
length, lying edgewise, one to the other. The under one was made
immovable in the post, while the upper plank was movable up and
down by a hinge-Uke motion. Between the edges of these planks
were four round holes, one-half of each hole being cut from each
plank; the two half circles when joined made an opening of the right
size to embrace a person's ankles. On the outer ends of these hori
zontal planks were appended a stout iron hasp and staples, designed
when in use to be secured in place with a heavy padlock. The
fixture here described answered the double purpose of posting
warnings for town meetings or other public notices, as well as for a
whipping-post and stocks.
A spot like the Center Village, connected so intimately with
many revolutionary incidents, is deemed worthy of the particular
notice here given. Time has wrought many changes in the place
since that memorable era. The broad common has, by the cupidity
of adjoining proprietors, been reduced to the width of an ordinary
highway. The venerable church has long since been removed,
and given place to one of quite a different construction; and the
famous old tavern has relinquished its commanding seat upon the
The Comassary General op Forrage, to Asa Emmons, Dr.
To keeping Colo11 Sprought's 2 horses 1 week in Stable4 at good hay, £9 0 0.
Asa Emmons.
February 1780.
The Comassary General of Forrage, to Salmon Emmons, Dr.
To keeping Col1 Sprought's 2 horses 4 weeks & 1 day, Stabled on good hay
at 15 dolars pr head pr weak, £31 : 6s : 6d. Salmon Emons.
December 1779 & January 1780.
32

250 HISTORY OP CORNWALL.
hill-side, which is now occupied by a handsome residence of more
modern style. The stocks and whipping-post have disappeared,
and are to be found nowhere within the limits of the State; a
change caused by the onward march of a more enlightened and
refined civilization.
The old parsonage occupied by the Rev. Mr. Gold has recently
been removed, and the spot is now occupied by a handsome mod
ern edifice owned and occupied by the family of Mr. Palmer John
son. About 1820, Erastus Gaylord kept a store on the corner of
this green, south of the old tavern. He removed to Madison,
N. Y., in 1827, but the store was continued by others for more than
thirty years. Here was the post-office of Cornwall, till it was
removed to the Plain about 1850. For many years this was the
only office in town, which now boasts of six offices.
When we consider the events which here transpired during the
stormy period of the Revolution; when we contemplate that this
now quiet hill was then alive and resounding with the bustle of
those who came, leaving the plow in the furrow, and the grain
ungathered in the field, to peril fortune and life for their country
in its awful extremity; that here, as upon one of Nature's great
altars, many a heart was devoted to the sacred cause of freedom,
and that here were often gathered bands of stalwart men whose
minds glowed with patriotic fire; that here, on this very spot, they
pledged themselves on the issue of the great cause in which they
engaged for victory or death. Who can fail, as the mind's eye
dwells upon this consecrated spot, to venerate those once throbbing
hearts, glowing minds, and stalwart forms which have long since
passed away.
But the hill-side, with all its rural beauties, still remains, and
who can contemplate its bold and picturesque scenery and not feel
his heart glow with something of that same old fire of seventy-six,
and entertain a purer and holier devotion for the welfare of our
common country ?
John Clothier, who was one of the first permanent settlers,
resided for some time on Cream Hill, and finally settled on the
Cotter place, near the Housatonic river. This farm of 160 acres
was made a present to him by Thomas Ballard, who had no chil
dren. Mr. Ballard was from Plainfield. He first settled almost
opposite the house of Noah Rogers, from whence he removed to
the Cotter farm.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 251
Samuel Abbott was one of the early settlers from Danbury.
He located in the East Street. He first erected a log-house, and
afterwards a large and commodious residence a few rods southwest
of the house of the late Ebenezer Birdsey. This house was
burned in the middle of the day by the accidental ignition of dry
flax, supposed by means of a cat. This was before the existence
of insurance on buildings or their contents — all the furniture and
clothing of the family being in the house, were, with it, totally con
sumed, which calamity at once reduced Mr. Abbott from a' state
of affluence to poverty.
Mr. Abbott was a very worthy citizen, and for several years a
deacon of the Congregational Church. His children were Samuel,
Abel, Nathan, Seeley, and Daniel, and a daughter who married
Jesse Jerrods, from Long Island. Samuel Abbott, Jr., is said to
have been regardless of religion until he was more than eighty
years old. He did not attend public worship, but in 1811 he was
in a surprising manner changed in his views of religion. At the
time of a revival, he became under deep conviction, which he
struggled desperately to suppress. After a time his heart yielded
to the power of Divine Truth, and he became a humble and earnest
Christian, and united with the Congregational Church in South
Cornwall. He lived to be eighty-six years old, and died in the
full hope of a glorious immortality.
Thomas Tanner, one of the original settlers, came from Litch
field, with his son William, being of age. Thomas settled on the
old road east of the Burnham place, and died there; house since
occupied' by John Kellogg. William had sons, — Consider, who
removed to Ellsworth; Ephraim, to Warren, and kept tavern
opposite the meeting-house; Tryal built the gambrel-roofed house
since owned by Tyler Miner, and early in this century went to
Ohio, Joseph to Green River, N. Y. Dea. Ebenezer Tanner was
also a son of William.
Jethro Bonney, and his brother Perez, came from Pembroke,
Mass., about 1760. Jethro owned the Beardsley place, and after
wards the Judson place. Perez settled on Clark Hill, and had
sons, — Perez, Titus, Asa, and»Jairus. Perez and Titus married
Priscilla and Anne, sisters of J. Beirce. Stephen, son of Perez,
occupied the same place as his father. Titus lived on Clark Hill
till 1813, when, with his oldest son, John, and his son-in-law,
Joshua Bradford Sherwood, he went to Nelson, 0. Jairus was a
soldier, deserted, and went to the District of Maine.

^52 _ HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
The Burnham place was sold in 1757, by Rev. Solomon Palmer
(eighty-five and one-half acres, house, barn, and orchard), to Noah
Bull, of Farmington. That house is still standing, being the back
part of the Burnham homestead. In 1759 Noah Bull sold to Joel
Gillett, of Great Nine Partners, N. Y. Judge Burnham bought
the place in 1792, of Jerrett Kettletop, of New York city.
Record op the Burnham Family.
Oliver Burnham m. Sarah, dau. of Noah Rogers, third, and had
children, — Oh ver Rogers; Franklin; William; Rhoda, m. Victori
anus Clark; Mary A., m. Rev. A. Judson; Clarissa, m. Alvin
North; Emily F., m. Rev. John Clark Hart; Harriet, m.~Rev.
Grove Brownell.
Dr. Russell came from Guilford. Sold the Holloway House, in
April, 1777, to Salmon, son of Woodruff Emmons. Dr. Russell,
with his father-in-law, John Pattison, removed to Piermont, N. H.
This was the Emmons tavern (elsewhere described), torn down
about 1846 by Ithamar Baldwin, who built upon the site.
Ebenezer Sherwood, son of John Sherwood, of Fairfield, a
Baptist minister, and one of the early proprietors, in 1770 settled
on the farm afterwards owned by Parson Stone, now (1877) the
estate of John C. Calhoun. He died in 1785. His daughter
married Joel Millard, son. of Nathan Millard, and lived on Cream
Hill. Timothy Cole, from New Milford, married Rebekah, daughter
of old Sergeant John Dibble, lived south of Truman Dibble, and
died in 1783. He was uncle of John and David Cole, who came
from same town. His son Ezra built the house formerly occupied
by Timothy Bronson, and in 1845 by W. Barber. Seth sold his
place in 1800 to Asa Emmons. Thaddeus, having lived at Rogers'
mill, went to Tioga, N. Y. John Cole bought of Orlo Allen; had
three sons, — Edmund, Irad, and Martin, who had the mill where
now stands Gold's grist-mill; the saw-mill on the turnpike near
West Cornwall, now Henry Cole's; and built the grist-mill at
West Cornwall, now owned by Wood and Mallinson. David Cole
was a Revolutionary soldier, but his health failed, and he came to
Cornwall in 1773. Had one daughter, Rachel, who married Wil
liam Allen. He lived at Cole's mill, a few rods west of his brother
John. Jonathan Squires, an original purchaser of two rights, was

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 253
another enterprising pioneer from Plainfield. In 1739 he settled
on Cream Hill, southwest from Mr. .Douglas's place, on the road
(long since discontinued) leading from Rexford 's to the grist-mill.
His son Reuben, who came with him, established himself on the
place where Captain Joel Wright resided, which property now
belongs to his only son, John Wright. (Thomas Wilson, 1877.)
Jonathan Squires was a man of activity, and was frequently
employed in the public business of the town. But few of the first
settlers were more wealthy than he. A daughter of his married
Mr. Samuel Scovill, grandfather of Jacob Scovill, Esq. Mr.
Squires died in this place at an advanced age.
The Rugg Family.
Thomas Rugg, in 1739, came from Woodbury and built a house
on Rugg Hill, near the Housatonic River. As the " hard winter "
set in, he left his wife and three small children, and went to
Woodbury to obtain supplies, expecting to be absent but a few
days. Before he could return, there came on a terrific snow-storm
which lasted many days. The scanty supply of food in the house
was exhausted, and one of the children died from starvation, and
they might all have perished from the same cause had not Mr.
Douglass, living on Cream Hill, went on his snow-shoes to inquire
after them. Finding them in this suffering condition, he brought
them all on his ox-sled to his house, and kindly cared for their
necessities until Mr. Rugg's return. This family, disheartened by
their afflictions, returned in the spring to Woodbury.
The Johnson Family.
Amos Johnson removed from Branford to Cornwall in 1742.
He was accompanied by his wife and two sons. His wife was
Amy Palmer, a sister of Solomon Palmer, the first settled minister
in Cornwall. Mr. Johnson settled where the late Amos Johnson
lived, now (1877) Mr. Fairchild' s, and the farm was retained in
the family over one hundred years. The two sons were respec
tively named Amos and Solomon. The former was born in 1733,
and the latter in 1735. Descendants of Amos.
Amos Johnson, second, was a captain in the Revolutionary War.
He married Elizabeth Pierce, a daughter of Joshua Pierce. They
had twelve children, of whom nine survived childhood, viz., Amos,
Elizabeth, Timothy, Anna, Lucy, Samuel Pierce, Buckley, Urena,'
and Palmer.

254 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Amos, third, married Anna Patterson, daughter of EInathan
Patterson, and had four children, viz., David, Benjamin, Sylvester,
and Elizabeth.
Timothy married Sarah Mallory, daughter of Deacon Eliakim
Mallory. They had children as follows, to wit, Elizabeth, Amanda,
Earl, Amos, Lucy, Sarah Ann. Elizabeth m. Luther Emmons;
Amanda m. Milo Dickinson ; Earl m. Lucia Ann Wadhams ;
Amos m. Sarah Ives; Sarah Ann m. Joel Hall. -
. Samuel Pierce married Miriam Gilbert. Their children were, —
Mariett, m. Frederick M. Peck; Martha Louisa, m. Joseph L.'
Cowdin; Myra Caroline, m. Lemuel Peck; Jesse Gilbert; Eber
Ives; Samuel Joseph Burnet, m. Desire Hewitt; Thomas Stanford
Hopkins, m. Sarah Hopkins.
Buckley married Elthene Britton, adopted daughter of Jared
Jones. Their children were, — John Lyman, m. Persis Dean;
Benjamin P., m. Mary Miner; Urena Maria, m. Philander Vaill;
David Franklin ; Wakeman Pierce, m.JIarriet Avery; Timothy C,
m. Betsey S. Barber; Charlotte Ann, m. Jay Gaylord; Harriet,
m. Allen T. Bunnell, and secondly, Mortimer D. Holcomb; Laura,
m. Luther Ives; Lucy Maria.
, Urena married Isaac Sterling. Their children were, — Isaac;
Urena, m. Ephraim Gibbs; Heman B. ; Amos; Ansel.
Palmer married Celia Bonney, daughter of Asa Bonney. They
had children, — Dorothy Woods, Sophronia, Seymour, and Lewis
Palmer. Sophronia m. Rev. N. M. Urmston; Seymour m. Julia
Ann Sanford, and had children, — J. Sanford, Solon B., and
Collis S. ; Lewis Palmer m. Rebecca Barber, and had children, —
Wilbur A., and Walter B.; J. Sanford m. Martha S. Foster;
Walter B. m. Mary J. Harrison.
Descendants of Solomon.
Solomon married Eleanor Pierce, daughter of Joshua Pierce.
Their children were, — Solomon, Eleanor, Abigail, Stephen, Seth,
Lucy, and David. The two last named died in childhood. Of the
remainder, a number went West, and Eleanor married Col. Benja
min F. Gold. They had several children, whose names appear in
another part of this history.
Story of the Carter Family.
Nathaniel Carter came from Killingworth and bought the Jones
homestead of BarziUai Dudley, in Dudley Town. In March, 1763

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 255
he sold his place and removed to the I^orks of the Delaware, now
Binghamton. The following narrative of their sufferings from the Indians
was from the lips of Mrs. 'Elizabeth Oviatt of Goshen, one of his
daughters, an eye-witness of the scenes described at the age of
nine years, given a few weeks before her death — past eighty years —
at Goshen, in 1832.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, in company with two other
families, removed in the spring of the year 1763 from Cornwall
to a place then called the Forks of the Delaware, now Binghamton,
N. Y. They advanced about twenty miles beyond any other white
settlement, cleared a small spot near the bank of the river, and
erected a building of logs, in which the three families resided. Mr.
and Mrs. Carter had four children — Sarah, the eldest, was eleven,
Elizabeth, the second daughter, was nine, a son of seven years, and
an infant. There were also several children belonging to the other
families. Here those parents, with their children, passed a few
months in apparent security. They were engaged in various
employments to improve the safety and comfort of their new resi
dence. The heavy, tall trees immediately in front of their dwelling they
had in part cleared away, and some corn and other articles required
for their families were cultivated. While some were laboring,
others carried the muskets and ammunition, acting as sentinels,
that they might seasonably be apprised of any approaching danger.
Every day seemed more promising of future happiness and security,
and added something to their little stock of comforts. The wild
scenery had begun to grow familiar to their view, and an agreeable
interest had associated itself with the principal objects which were
embraced by the little horizon formed by the tall and unbroken
forest, which stretched away to an almost interminable distance
around them.
One day in October, when the inmates of this little settlement
were occupied in their usual pursuits, two of the men having gone
a short distance into the woods to labor, and the other, whose busi
ness it was to act as sentinel, had also gone a few rods out of sight
from the house to examine some traps; the Indians, who had been
secretly watching their prey, uttered their savage shout, and rushed
upon- these defenseless women and children. At this moment Eliz
abeth was a few yards from the door in company with her mother;
in an instant she saw her mother weltering in blood upon the ground .

256

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

beside her, a savage having nearly divided her head with a toma
hawk. The Indians, twelve in number, then rushed into the
house, where were the elder females, one of whom was confined to
her bed with illness ; a daughter of the same woman, aged sixteen,
who was ill, an infant child of Mrs. Carter, and five other children.
One of the Indians seized the infant and threw it with such vio
lence against the logs of the house that it was instantly killed.
The two sick females were also put to death with the tomahawk.
The man who had gone to examine the traps, hearing the shrieks
of the sufferers, hastened to their defense, but had only time to
discharge his gun once, before he received a death-blow from the
hands of the assailants.
The Indians, having selected such of their captives as they sup
posed could best endure the hardships of savage life, taken the
scalps from those they had killed, and also having collected the
clothing and utensils which they thought would best serve their
convenience, set fire to the house, and then hurried off to their
encampment, a short distance from thence on the river.
The captives were the three surviving children of Mr. Carter,
Mrs. Duncan, and two children belonging to the other family. At
the encampment they found about two hundred Indians, principally
warriors. Several large fires were burning, around which the
Indians began to regale themselves with roasted corn and other
refreshments which had been brought from the white settlement.
After having indulged themselves in exultations at their recent
success, and night approached, they secured their captives with
cords, and stretched themselves on the ground around the fires.
Sarah, the eldest daughter of Mr. Carter, appeared perfectly dis
tracted, by the circumstances of her situation. She continued
crying and calling for her father to come and rescue her.
The Indians appeared several times almost determined to silence
her screams with the tomahawk. At length, when they had be
come buried in sleep, Sarah obtained a small brand and burned
the cord in two with which she was bound, and being thus at
liberty, made her way back to the smoking ruins of her recent
home, where she gave way to the most violent lamentations.
Though her cries were distinctly heard in the encampment, she
was not pursued until morning, when she was retaken.
The next day the Indians commenced their journey through the
woods, carrying on horseback their captives. After pursuing
their route three days in a westerly direction, they halted and sent

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 257
back a war party of .twenty Indians. After five or six days the
party returned with several scalps; those of Mr. Carter and his
companion, Mr. Duncan, were of the number.
These unfortunate men, after seeing the desolation which the
Indians had made, hastened to the nearest white settlement to ob
tain some assistance from thence, and they returned precisely in
time to fall a prey to the aforementioned party; five of the twelve
only being able to escape. The Indians then recommenced their
march through the woods to the residence of their nation. As
nearly as Elizabeth could recollect, they traveled several days
diligently in a northwesterly direction, and at length arrived in
their nation. Here, in dark and filthy huts, hung round with the N
scalps of their parents and friends, separated from each other, did
these captives spend the long and tedious months of winter, in a
state of almost perfect starvation. The Indians would never go
abroad to obtain new supplies of food so long as one morsel re
mained; and then sometimes return with little success. Being
extremely indolent in their habits, they would only yield to the
labor of hunting from the most imperious necessity.
When spring returned they deserted their winter quarters and
journeyed toward the Lakes, and after several weeks they arrived
in the vicinity of Fort Niagara; and here, to the great joy of Eliza
beth, she and her sister Sarah were ransomed. Being conducted
under the escort of English troops, they at length reached their
friends in Cornwall in safety. Most of the other captives were
ransomed at a- subsequent period. But young Carter, the brother
of Elizabeth, never returned. Having imbibed the habits of the
Indians, he married one of their daughters, by whom he had sev
eral children, and finally died in the Cherokee nation, at the age of
about seventy.
O. N of the sons of this Carter by the Indian marriage attended
for a t'L. le the Foreign Mission School in Cornwall, during which
period he visited the Oviatt family, then in Goshen. Although
Sarah lived to old age, her mind never recovered from the shock
it had received. She became incapable of providing for her own
wants. She was never married. But Elizabeth's mind received
no permanent injury. Possessing naturally a high degree of equa
nimity of temper, and being early made acquainted with the con
soling and purifying truths of the Gospel, she passed the remainder
of her life in much prosperity and happiness. She married Mr.
Benjamin Oviatt, of Goshen, Conn., from which union proceeded
33

258

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

numerous and highly respectable descendants. After reaching the
seventy-ninth year of her age, she closed her long life — which was
in childhood so darkly overshadowed — peaceful, resigned, and
happy, leaving behind her not only the memory of her early suf
ferings, but the rich legacy of her exemplary virtues and Christian
character. v The Dibble Family.
John and Benjamin Dibble were brothers, and among the first
inhabitants of the town. They came from Norwalk. Benjamin,
who was called Doctor Dibble, though he had no medical educa
tion—was a sort of a root or Indian doctor. He lived thirty or
forty rods down the hill from the house of the late Seth Dibble,
his grandson ; the cellar of the old house remains, and is seen a
few rods north of the road in the meadow. He died at an ad
vanced age. He had two sons and several daughters. The sons
were Israel and George. Israel was severely wounded during the
Revolutionary war, at White Plains, from which wound he never
recovered fully, rendering him decrepit for life. He had nine
children, sons and daughters. His youngest son, Seth, lived at
his father's house, and was an active business man. His father
died when quite aged. The son Seth Dibble died suddenly, after
a brief illness, in the midst of an active life, leaving sons and
daughters. George, the other son of Benjamin Dibble, lived to the age of
eighty -four. He left one son, Truman Dibble, and a daughter.
John Dibble was designated by the title of Sergeant Dibble; such
titles were common less than one hundred years since. This man
was active, and is often referred to in the early records. He built
a house some sixty rods east of the present residence of William
Harrison, at the southwest corner of the Dibble meadow, so called;
vestiges of the old cellar still remain. Mr. Dibble had three sons,
Clement, John, and Silas, and two daughters, Lydia and Re-
bekah. Clement was an inefficient and useless man, and became
poor. Silas was intemperate. Sergeant Dibble died in 1782, be
ing eighty two years old. The Scoville Family.
Among the early settlers, though not original proprietors, were
three brothers, — Samuel, Stephen, and Timothy Scoville, — spelt in
the early records, Scovel, from Saybrook.
Samuel settled where Henry Rogers now lives, building a house,
probably of logs, just east of the present dwelling.

*

RECORDS QF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 259
Stephen settled where Sylvester Scoville now lives.
Timothy settled just above the Mills place, north of Frank Reed's.
These three lived and died where ' they settled, and are buried in
South Cornwall cemetery.
From Stephen descended Levi, who was deaf and dumb; and
Sylvester, his son, who still occupies the old homestead. Levi was
a good farmer, a man of remarkable intelligence for a deaf and
dumb, before they had any of the modern advantages of education.
He had no difficulty in communicating with his neighbors by nat
ural signs so apt that all could understand. He was a regular
attendant at church, and, it was said, well knew what the minister
had to say.
Timothy's children — Ira and Ithamar — moved West.
Samuel had a large family, — two sons by his first wife, Samuel
and Jacob, familiarly known as " Uncle Jake." Both were Revo
lutionary soldiers, and were taken prisoners at the battle 'of Long
Island, and confined in the terrible prison-ships, and eventually
dismissed on parole. When they came home, their clothes were so
infested with vermin that they had to bury them.
Samuel settled on the Cobble, and it is said that when engaged
in piling up the stone walls which still stand there, talking to his
four yoke of oxen, he could be heard at Cornwall Center and down
on Cornwall Plain.
A sketch of "Uncle Jake" is given among the Heroes of the
Revolution. Many stories of him are still extant. One time,
while watching a redoubt, a British soldier, being in the habit of
coming out and slapping a portion of his person in contempt, he
was appointed, as the best shot in the company, to put a stop to the
performance. He watched his opportunity, and had the satisfac
tion of seeing the soldier keel off the parapet before the slapping
process was half accomplished.
At one time he bet a gallon of rum that he could outjump the
company (the  Connecticut), and won it by clearing thirty-
six feet at two hops and a jump.
By his second wife Samuel S., Sen., had sons, Joseph, Daniel,
Jonah, Ezra, Stephen, and Jonathan.
Joseph first settled and built the house where Frank Reed now
lives; afterwards moved to Greene, Chenango County, N. Y. ; was
run over by his team of horses and killed; His son Jesse built the
house lately occupied by Deacon Nettleton, and moved with his
father to Greene, and built the first permanent bridge across the
Chenango river at that place.

260 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Daniel and Ezra moved to Vermont. Jonah went, to New Con
necticut, 0. Stephen lived in Cornwall, and died from the bite of
a mad cat. Jonathan remained on the old homestead and took
care of the old folks.
Daughters of Samuel S., Sen., were Lois, married Dilly Howe,
brother to Ichabod, and lived on Sharon Mountain; Eunice, mar
ried Richard Wickwire, brother of Daniel W ., and father of Mrs.
James Reed; Ruth, married Mr. Dibble, and moved West; Sallie,
married Mr. Brown, and moved West ; Samuel was a bachelor, and
died in 1877; John, married Eleanor Fletcher. Is now a success
ful practitioner of medicine at Ashley Falls, Mass.
Jonathan had children, Jacob and Samuel, twins; John, Ethan,
and Daniel, Sarah, and Mary Ann.
Jacob married Martha Ingersoll of Bethlehem, and settled near,
and occupied a part of, the old homestead, now owned by his son,
Ralph I. Scoville. He died in 1876. Jacob and his son Ralph
have represented the town in the Legislature. Samuel, second son,
graduated at Yale, 1857. Is a Congregational minister at Nor
wich, N. Y.; married Hattie, daughter of Rev. Henry Ward
Beecher, and has four children. Eliza, only daughter, married
William Rogers of Cornwall; moved to Kentucky, where he died.
Mrs. R. returned to Cornwall, and lives on the old property of
" Uncle Jacob." Her eldest daughter, Belle, married Eugene
Wickwire, and lives in Cornwall.
Ethan died in New Haven, unmarried. Daniel married Betsey
Gray. Only one son, Eugene, survives. A daughter, Belle, mar
ried David O. Cain of Sharon. Sarah married Riley M. Rexford
Another Scoville, — Elias, a blacksmith, — came from Middlebury,
having resided'in Goshen for a time, about 1838, and had a shop
near North Cornwall church, where, in connection with Mr. Studley
of Sharon, they made wagons, and also did general blacksmithing.
His shop was afterwards removed to the neighborhood of Gold's
mill, where he bought the house of Wm. Smith, formerly the old
Baptist church, where he now resides. He is a genial man and a
good mechanic ; but had rather tell a story than shoe a horse, even
when the joke rests on himself. As the owner of a Bolles' rock-
puller, with improvements of his own, he has helped to make the
rough places of Cornwall smooth. His oldest son, Niles, follows
his trade at the same place, and represented the town in the Legis
lature in 1871.

records op early and present residents. 261
The Wick,wire Family.
Oliver Wickwire came from New London county before the
time of the Revolution. He settled on the old road, long since
discontinued, running northeast from near Chester Wickwire's.
His nearest neighbor on the south was James Douglas.
He had children, Joshua, who went to Eaton, Mad. county, N. Y. ;
Lois, married James Robb, and lived in Salisbury, near Falls Vil
lage; Richard, who lived where his daughter, Mrs. James Reed,"
now lives, and went to North Canaan in 1842. Daniel married
Mara Scoville. He lived, and died at an advanced age, where his
son Chester now lives, on Cream Hill, and Lucretia married Calvin
Butler, and had a numerous family. Another daughter married
Paul Price.
Chester Wickwire is a farmer, one of the largest landholders in
town; was member of the General Assembly in 1872, and has held
other town offices; married Mary Harrison, and has children;
Daniel removed to Illinois; Jane married Mr. Smith, Homer, -
N. Y. ; Eugene married Belle Rogers, and Luman, Julia, and Ger
trude. The Wheaton Family.
George Wheaton, Esq., came from East Haven, where he was
born, in 1790. He died Nov. 24, 1865, aged 75. He studied law
with Judge Church of Salisbury, was admitted to the bar in 1813,
and settled as a lawyer in Cornwall. Mr. Wheaton was a well-
read, exact lawyer, a prudent business man, and a close reasoner.
He was a valuable man in town affairs, and enjoyed the respect
and confidence of his fellow -citizens. He was a member of the
Congregational church, and was well known as a consistent Chris
tian. Married, first wife, Lewey Ailing, Nov. 10, 1815, and had
children, George A., married Artemisia Baldwin; Lewey, married
William Baldwin. Cynthia married Elbert Shepard. Second wife,
Eliza Cotter, and had Lucretia, married Dr. P. C. Cummings of
Canaan. The Rogers Family.
The pedigree of this family is traced back by records in the
British Museum to Thomas Rogers of Bradford, County of Wilts, ,
sergeant-at-law, who died in 1485. He was great-grandfather of
John Rogers, the martyr.
John Rogers, the martyr, born about 1500, married Adigan
Pratt of Brabant, and had eleven children, — named, Daniel, John,

262

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

Ambrose, Samuel, Philip, Bernard, Augustine, Barnaby, Susan,
Elizabeth, and Hester.
The son, John Rogers, married Mary, daughter of William Leete
of Everden, County of Cambridge. Thomas, a grandson of the
martyr, came over in the Mayflower, and was the ancestor of the
Rogers family in Cornwall, who have now reached ten generations
from him. The early records note other arrivals of this name.
It is probable, from the records, that this Thomas was the father
of William, who was the father of Noah, 1st.
Noah Rogers, 1st, married Elizabeth, daughter of Michael
Taintor, and had seven children, as mentioned in his will: Mary,
born April 14, 1675; John, born Nov. 8, 1677; Josiah, born Jan.
31, 1680; Hezekiah, Noah, Elizabeth, Ann.
Noah Rogers, 2d, married Elizabeth Wheeler, 1722, and had
children, Abigail, born Oct. 8, 1723; Temperance, born Sept. 6,
1725; Elizabeth, born Nov. 9, 1727; Rebecca, born June 20, 1730;
Noah, born May 8, 1732; Edward, born April 14, 1735; Harriet,
born May 8, 1737.
Noah Rogers, 1st and 2d, were large landholders in Branford,
and held many positions of public trust.
Noah Rogers, 3d, with his brother Edward, moved to Cornwall
from Branford in 1760. Noah, 4th, born 1766; Noah, 5th, 1803;
Noah, 6th, 1844; Noah, 7th, 1871.
Noah Rogers, 3d, though relieved from military duty by defect
in one of his eyes, was a volunteer at the time of the surrender of
Burgoyne, and brought home a British musket as a trophy.
Noah Rogers, third, b. in Branford, 1 732, m. Rhoda, dau. of Dea.
Daniel Leete, of Guilford, a descendant of Gov. Leete ; his chil
dren were Sarah, m. Oliver Burnham; Irene, m. Prentiss Williams
of Stockbridge, Mass. ; Rhoda, m. Andrew Cotter; Noah, Abigail,
m. Asahel Bradley of Stockbridge, Mass. ; and Amanda, m. Theo
dore Ives.
Noah Rogers, fourth, b. 1766; m. Lydia, dau. of Rev. John Corn
wall; his children by first wife were Daniel L., b. 1790, m. Harriett,
dau. of Miner Pratt; Abigail, b. 1793, d. 1791; Lydia, b. 1795, m.
Chalker Pratt; Rhoda, b. 1798, m. Julius Hart; John, b. 1801, m.
Elizabeth, dau. of Dea. B. Hamlin, of Sharon; Noah, b. 1803, m.
Catharine, dau. of Wm. Clark; Abigail, b. 1805, m. E. M. Pratt.
Children by his second wife, Elizabeth of Amenia, N. Y., dau. of
Hon. John Wilson of Perth, Scotland; Eliza, b. 1812, m. Rev.
Augustus T. Norton; Ambrose S., b. 1815, m. first wife, Corneha

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-gf*.+-

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 263
Hamlin, of Sharon, dau. of Dea. B. Hamlin; Amanda, b. 1817, m.
Rev. A. B. Pratt. His third wife was Mrs. Abigail Whedon of
Winchester. Daniel Leete Rogers and Harriet had nine children, — Henry L.,
m. Nancy, dau. of Wm. Clark; Daniel M., m. Philena Knapp of
Greenwich; Mary E., m. Theodore R. Ives; Dwight, m. Lucy, dau.
of Dea. Edward Leete of Guilford; Hattie, m. Edward W., son
of Dea. E. Leete of Guilford; Miner, Egbert M., and Abby died
unmarried. Henry L. and Nancy had one son, William, who m. Julia Cor-
bin, and they have two children.
Daniel M. and Philena live in New Britain, and have had five
children. Their second son, Daniel 0., m. Emma, dau. of David
N. Camp, of New Britain.
Theodore Ives and Mary E. have had four children, three V .is
and one daughter; Frederic died in early manhood, a youth of
much promise.
Dwight and Lucy have five children, — Dwight, Nellie, Lucretia,
Hattie Fowler, Miner Pratt, and an infant.
Edward W. Leete and Hattie reside in Guilford, and have two
sons and two daughters.
Ambrose S. Rogers m. second wife, Ellen T., dau. of Hon. N. F.
Thompson of New Haven, and have children, Clarence T., b. 1870;
Juliet W., b. 1874. Mr. Rogers resides in New Milford, and is
elsewhere referred to as the Principal of the successful school,
"the Adelphic Institute."
Capt. Edward Rogers m. Hannah Jackson, July 18, 1773, and
had children, Elizabeth W., b. June 23, 1777, m. Rev. Henry
Christie; Hanhah, b. May 29, 1776, m. Henry Sedgwick; Cinthia,
b. Dec. 8, 1782, m. Elias Wbite; Lucretia, b. March 17, 1785, m.
John Ward; Edward, b. May 30, 1787, m. Sally M. Gold; Anson.
b. April 2, 1792, m. Philomela Hart, dau. of Capt. Elias Hart, Oct.
14, 1814.
Capt. Edward Rogers was a lieutenant in the old French War
having received two commissions from George III., and an officer
in the army of the Revolution; more particular mention of him
is made in that record.
Descendants of Capt. Edward Rogers.
Elizabeth m. Rev. Henry Christie, removed to Philadelphia.
Had six children, — Henry practised medicine in New Jersey;

264 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Asbury and John died young. Edward, received a liberal educa
tion, and lived in Columbus, Ohio. Elizabeth m. Rev. Milton
Buttolph. Margaret m. Mr. Wright of New York.
Hannah m. Henry Sedgwick, son of Gen. John Sedgwick of
Cornwall Hollow. They had four children, — Anna m. Mr. Barnes
and removed .to Ohio; Fallah m. Mr. Landon and settled in
Canaan; Lucretia m. Mr. Yale and settled in Canaan; John
Edward, the youngest son, held important offices in this town and
Litchfield, and now resides in Sandisfield, Mass.
Cynthia m. Elias White; had four sons, — Comfort, a farmer in
Canton; Edward R. and Edwin, farmers in Cornwall. They have
both been members of the General Assembly, and are honorable
members of society; a son of Edwin is at present a member of
Wesleyan University. Elias is highly esteemed as ticket agent at
Poughkeepsie, on the H. R. R. R.
Lucretia m. John Ward. He built the house on Cream Hill
where Chester Wickwire now resides, but after a few years removed
to Sheffield, Mass. They had twelve children, — Artemisia m. Hor
ace Hollister of Salisbury; Hannah m. a Mr. Cook, and Nancy a
Mr. Lewis, both of Little Falls, N. Y.; Clarissa m. David Nor
throp of Sherman, Conn., removed to Middletown, where his son
Ward Northrop is Judge of Probate; Sarah m. Dr. Turner of
Tyringham, Mass., who practiced medicine in New York City;
Elizabeth m. Dr. Bidwell of Tyringham; Cynthia m. Joseph Green
wood, a prominent lawyer in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; a talented daugh
ter, Miss Libbie Greenwood, is devoted to social reform; John Rog
ers, the only son who lived to maturity, settled near Falls Village,
in Salisbury, as a farmer, and is well known as a prominent man
in the town, and in the Methodist Church, of which he is a
member. Hon. Edward Rogers, oldest son of Capt. Edward, was a gradu
ate of Williams College, studied law at the celebrated Law School
' of Gould & Reeves of Litchfield; m. Sally Maria Gold, daughter
of Hezekiah Gold ;* settled in the practice of his profession in
Madison, Mad. Co., N. Y. He was a member of the New York
State Convention for framing' the Constitution for that State.
Was presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in Madison
County, for many years. Judge Rogers represented the district in
which he lived in the Congress of the .United States. On his
monument, in the cemetery of Madison, is this inscription:
*For children, see Gold family.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 265
HON. EDWARD ROGERS,
Born May 30th, 1787— Died May 29th, 1857,
A Scholar, a sound Lawyer,
An Impartial Judge,
An incorruptible representative of the people.*
Anson m. Philomela, daughter of Capt. Elias Hart of Cornwall,
and had four children, — Cynthia A. m. D. L- Cartwright of Sharon;
Lucretia H. m. Austin Brush, and now resides in the old home
stead; Edward H., North Cornwall, unmarried; Maria E. M. m.
Niles Scoville of North Cornwall.
Col. Anson Rogers was widely known as largely occupied with
public affairs, having held almost every important office in the gift
of his townsmen. He was drafted in the War of 1812, and served
the town as constable and collector for fourteen years in succes
sion. It was said of him that "he never served a writ without
making a friend." He was a zealous worker to secure the location
of the church at North Cornwall.
Noah and Edward Rogers appear on the town records as pur
chasers of land in December, 1761. The principal pieces were
bought of William Gould ; those near the church in North Cornwall
now owned by Noah Rogers, and the estate of Anson Rogers, and
a farm of six hundred acres lying in and on both sides of the
Great Hollow, price £1,200. The family has always been one of
the most substantial in town, always reliable in every good word
and work.
Several members have received a liberal education, and are
noted elsewhere, as Rev. J. A. R. Rogers and Ambrose Rogers,
and in the other branch Hon. Edward and Hezekiah Gold Rogers.
A family gathering was held September 28, 1864, on the farm
of Noah Rogers 6th. One hundred and twenty-five members of
the family were present. After dinner, in which all heartily
engaged, an historical address was given by Ambrose S. Rogers of
New Milford, to whom we are indebted for many of these facts.
* Extract from a letter of Edward Rogers to his brother Anson, dated Madi
son, June 17, 1816. This advice commends itself to our regard, and shows the
cast of the man :
" Punctuality in payment is all important, more especially to a young man.
It is a maxim I have endeavored rigidly to adhere to. It is the life of credit,
and a safe and secure course to pursue. ' I owe no man anything,' is a kind of
guard against insult, and the crowing of a vain and miserly disposition which
too often abounds in the world. It besides keeps a man above the cringing
dependence so annoying to a man of delicate feelings."
34

266 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Then followed short speeches, anecdotes, .etc. One incident related
by 0. Rogers Burnham is worthy of preservation:
"The Rev. Nathaniel Hawes, minister of the parish, became
embarrassed and was intending to sell his Httle house, when it was
proposed to raise the $750 he needed by subscription in shares of
fifteen dollars each. The citizens generally subscribed one share
each, but two young girls in the bloom a,nd beauty of maidenhood,
daughters of Noah Rogers, had put down their names for two
shares each; and how," he asked, "did they obtain the money? by
keeping school at one dollar a week.! and thirty dollars then was
more than ten'times thirty now."
Anson Rogers said that his father Edward Rogers was a captain
in the Revolution, and as the government scrip was valueless, he
advanced $2,000 in gold to pay his men, which sum the govern
ment had never restored. Revolutionary relics of Capt. Rogers were
presented, specimens of the handiwork of the mothers; but more
interesting was a Bible printed in 1575, brought over in the tylay-
flower. It had appended a "Book of Psalmes collected into
English meter by Thomas Sternhold and John Hopkins."
Daniel Leete Rogers was an older brother of Noah 5th,. and
Ambrose S. was a younger brother. As stated elsewhere, this
family have always been ready to bear a full share in all public
burdens, and when Mr. Maynard left they bought his property
for a parsonage, but it was not wanted for that purpose, and
remained on their hands.
Henry Rogers, with his son William, and Dwight Rogers, sons
of Daniel L., are farmers in North Cornwall. Noah the 6th still
holds a portion of his paternal acres though residing in Bridge
port: The descendants of Capt. Edward also hold their lands by
direct descent from him. These are important facts, in these days
of change, for no single cause has done more for North Cornwall
than this attachment to their paternal acres, for very many names
cultivate the lands cleared from the forest by their ancestors.
The genealogist will notice with curiosity the occurrence of the
names of Pratt and Leete as intermarrying with the Rogers' in Old
England, — a custom so oft repeated in modern times, that the name
of one family is suggestive of the others, — the last act being the
marriage of Edward W. Leete of Guilford, with Hattie Rogers of
Cornwall, for which reprisal was made by his brother Dwight in
marrying Lucy, sister of Edward. Neither Guilford nor Corn
wall can complain of the trade: their children rise up and call
them blessed.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 267
By intermarriage in North Cornwall the Rogers blood is mingled
in most of the leading families that now reside there — as the
Harrisons, Pratts, Harts, etc. — and frequent mention of them
occurs in all parts of this History.
The Pratt Family.
In 1636, the Rev. Thomas Hooker, with a company of about one
hundred men and women, the most of whom were members of his
church, left what is now Cambridge, Mass., for the purpose of
finding a new home somewhere along the valley of the Connecti
cut river. The most of the company traveled on foot, driving
their cattle before them. After a few days they came to where
the city of Hartford now stands. The fertility of the soil, the
bountiful supply of game in the forests, and of fish in the river, all
joined to recommend this as a desirable location, and there' they
pitched their tents and took up their abode.
Among those composing this company was Lieut. William Pratt,
who came from Stevenage, in the County of Hertfordshire, Eng
land, about 1632. From that place his lineage is traced back
direct to Thomas Pratt of Baldock, in Hertfordshire, who died in
February, 1539. From this point the genealogical line backwards
is not entirely perfect at one or two points, still it seems to run
with a good degree of certainty back to Sir William Pratt, who
in 1191 was a favorite officer under and accompanied Richard
Coeur-de-Lion to the Holy Land in the Crusade wars.
In the division of lands in Hartford, the aforesaid William
Pratt of Hooker's company drew lots on what is now North Main
street in that city.
In 1637 he was one of a band who went from Hartford on an
expedition against the Pequot Indians, the result of which was the
annihilation of their power as a tribe. For his services on that
occasion the General Court voted him one hundred acres of land.
In 1645 he sold his possessions in Hartford, and removed to Say
brook in this State, where he became a large landholder. He rep
resented that town in the General Assembly thirteen years, from
1665 to 1678. He had eight children.
Following down in the line of the said William Pratt's descend
ants to the fifth generation, we find one David Pratt, born about
1725. He married Jerusha Chalker in 1748, and had by her
six sons and three daughters. This family moved to Cornwall
about 1780. Among the sons was Jasper, the third child, born in

268 history of Cornwall.
1756, and Miner, the youngest, born in 1768. These two sons
were the only ones of the family who became permanent residents
in this town.
Before the removal from Saybrook, Jasper . Pratt had enlisted
from that town at the commencement of the Revolutionary war,
into the Third Connecticut Regiment, and served in the army
seven years and three months, or until the close of the war. For
most of the time he was stationed in New Jersey, guarding the ¦
coast from foraging parties from New York, who were called
" Cow Boys." In one of these raids he was taken prisoner and
confined three months in the city, when an exchange of prisoners
released him.
One winter the regiment was ordered to the banks of the Hudson
river. The weather was cold, he with others was scantily clothed,
their shoes were miserably poor, and blood from their feet was
often left in their tracks. They suffered severely in that trip,
but they endured patiently to the end that their country might be
free. In those days there lived on the premises now owned by Har
vey Baldwin, a man by the name of Samuel Butler. He came
from Windsor, in this State, about 1775, with a family of several
daughters and one son. Mr. Butler was in infirm health, and did
not live long after coming to Cornwall. It was not long after
Mr. Butler died, before his wife was taken with the small-pox.
She died, and her remains rest under one of the old tombstones
now standing in the meadow a short distance west of the North
Congregational meeting-house. Three or four other persons, who
died of the same disease about the same time, were also buried
there. Of the daughters, one was married to Ozias Hurlburt, one to
Simeon Emmons, one to Samuel Demming; and it so came about
that the care of the farm devolved upon Abigail and Thankful, the
two youngest of the daughters, and they were efficient in working
it. They sheared their own sheep, spun the wool, and wove it
into cloth. They also themselves sowed the flax and put it through
all the necessary processes to get it into cloth. They disposed of
considerable of their cloth for the benefit of the soldiers in the
army, and took their pay in Continental money. They afterwards
gave one hundred dollars of it for a sieve. Some of the linen cloth
made by Abigail in those days, was, more than thirty years after
wards, worn by one of her grandchildren, and was in good condi-

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 269
tion. Thankful Butler married a Mr. Fellows, by whom she hadv
one son, Ephraim, who now lives in Wolcottville, Conn. Calvin
Butler, who had a large family, and who owned a large farm in
the northwest corner of this town, and who died about I860, was
a grandson of the aforesaid Samuel Butler. Soon after the war
• closed, Jasper Butler came to his Cornwall home, which was. then
on the south side of the road, opposite to where the foundation of
Elias Scovill's former blacksmith shop now stands, and near the
Butler place. The Butler girls had a hog to kill. They did not
understand dressing pork as well as they did flax, and they em
ployed Jasper Pratt, then just home from the war, to help do it.
On that occasion an intimacy between him and Abigail Butler had
its starting point, which resulted in their marriage in 1785. "Tall
oaks from little acorns grow." The Butler property was sold, and
they purchased from Noah Rogers a farm on Cream Hill, to which
they removed. He died February 24, 1833, aged seventy-seven
years. Mrs. Abigail Pratt was an active, energetic woman, with a well-
ordered, intelligent mind, a retentive memory, and a will that
often conquered difficulties which to others seemed insurmountable.
She was a dihgent Bible reader, and one of her grandchildren
says, that in his childhood, when he had done something worthy
of approval, she often commended him by some quotation from
Solomon's proverbs; and When he was naughty, she would reprove
by something drawn from the same source. She died March 1 1 ,
1845, aged ninety-five years, and her faculties were well retained
to the last.
The children of Jasper and Abigail Pratt were : Hannah, born
in 1789; Chalker, born in 1792; Abigail, born in 1795, married
George Brewster, July 28, 1814.
Chalker married Lydia, daughter of Deacon Noah Rogers, and
had two children, Russell R., born October 15, 1816; Helen A.,
born August 24, 1818, married Stephen Foster, of Morristown,
N. J., who died March 10, 1863— she died in 1875.
Chalker Pratt was a man of influence in the community, ever
ready to lend his aid to every good work, and an active member
in the church of Christ. He was the agent for the Cornwall Iron
Company for a number of years, until about ' 1 840, when, as the
Housatonic railroad drew near completion, he sold his farm on
Cream Hill and removed to West Cornwall, where he had pur
chased land and erected buildings thereon, with reference tq going

270

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

into the mercantile business. He died August 26, 1851, aged
fifty-nine: Russell R.' Pratt married Mary E., daughter of John Cotter.
She died May 1, 1849, leaving one child, Harriet C, who married
Col. C. D. Blinn, of West Cornwall, a merchant now residing in
New Milford. Incidents in regard- to Col. Blinn will be found in
another part of this work. The second wife of Russell R. Pratt
was Mary W. Bonney, of Danbury, Conn., a daughter of Rev.
William Bonney, of New Canaan, Conn. He was a native of this
town, and during his early years lived on the premises now owned
and occupied by Edwin White, on Clark Hill. Russell R. Pratt and
Stephen Foster, under the firm name of "Pratt & Foster," estab
lished a successful mercantile business at West Cornwall in 1841.
Upon the death of Mr. Foster in 1863, the business was continued
by his heirs, and now Mr. R. R. Pratt and R. P. Foster constitute
the firm. Mr. Foster was a man of pleasing manners, great indus
try, indefatigable energy, and shrewd in his business plans. As a
railroad contractor he was the first one in the construction of the
Housatonic railroad to break ground north of New Milford, which
was done at the Deep Rock cut near West Cornwall. The material
interests of the church had his especial regard. His death, in the
full vigor of life, was a serious loss to the church and community.
Mr. R. R. ¦ Pratt, as an energetic business man, as selectman for
seven years from 1856, as representative in 1858, as deacon of the
church from 1854 to 1871, as superintendent of the Sabbath-school
at West Cornwall since 1860, has filled and still holds a prominent
position in the secular and religious interests of the town.
Stephen Foster and Helen A. Pratt had children, — Russel P.;'
Charles C, d. 1875 ; Lillie M., m. L. A. . Bates, of Sharon,
June 21, 1876.
Russel P. Foster m. Mary E. Beardsley, of Waterville, N. Y.,
and has children, — Frederic B., b. April 18, 1870; Brace, b.
Aug. 25, 1873.
Miner Pratt, son of David and Jerusha, as before mentioned, m.
Mary Ann, d. of Dea. Eliakim Mallory, December, 1795, and had
children, — Harriet, b. Oct. 3, 1796, m. Daniel L. Rogers, son of
Dea. Noah; Eliakim Mallory, b. Oct. 12, 1802, m. Abigail Rogers,
d. of Dea. Noah, d. 1852; Ezra Dwight, b. Nov. 26, 1810, m.
Anna Aurelia, d. of Dea. Ebenezer Rood, of Torringford ; Almon
Bradley, b. June 3, 1812, m. Amanda Rogers, d. of Dea. Noah.
We remember Mr. Pratt as a man of untiring industry, sterling

%tfpA

^- /ty j -r~~r

RECORDS OP EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 271
integrity, and interested in all matters pertaining to the public
good. Eliakim Mallory Pratt and Abigail Rogers had five children, —
Hubert, b. March 25, 1832; Noah Miner, b. March 24, 1836;
Mary M., b. Sept. 15, 1834, d. Sept. 17, 1834; Frances Delphine,
b. Jan. 6, 1838; Harriette A., b. Oct. 15, 1842, d. Aug. 10, 1843.
Mr. Pratt first settled at Mt. Morris, N. Y., removed to Avon,
N. Y;, and thence to Flint, Mich., where he died in 1852. As a
pillar in the church, he was a beautiful pattern ; as a citizen, he
was the noblest work of God — an honest man. Uniting with his
religion sound judgment, business tact, and a pure taste, he became
at once an individual in whose principles and character a general'
and unlimited confidence centered. Hubert R., his oldest son, m.
Laura Mills, of Flint, Mich., and with his mother and sister,
resides at Lansing, where he occupies a position of trust as first
clerk in the office of the auditor-general of the State.
Noah Miner, second son, was born in Cornwall, resided in
Detroit, Mich., where he enlisted as a private in the Eighth Regi
ment, and, as a lieutenant, was killed in battle at Wilmington
Island, April 16, 1862. No words can describe the loss the
country suffers in the death of such defenders. His colonel
(Fenton) says: "No terms of endearment can be lavished on the
memory of this heroic soldier, who gallantly stood on the, battle
field facing danger and death, putting his trust in God."
Ezra Dwight Pratt and Mary Ann had children, — Mary Aurelia,
died in infancy; Dwight Mallory, Harriette J., Hubert Miner.
Mr. Pratt is a farmer on Cream Hill, and is still with us. We
can only say that, as a deacon in the church, he has long honored
the office, and as a citizen and a neighbor, honors his Christian
profession. His son, Dwight M., graduated at Amherst, 1876, and
is now in the theological seminary at Hartford.
Almon Bradley Pratt and Amanda had children, — Harriette A.,
m. Rev. Charles C. Starbuck; Amanda Isabel, m. Arthur Fairchild,
son of President Fairchild, of Berea College; Noah Rogers, m. in
Berea, and lives in Hastings, Neb. Rev. Almon B. Pratt was
licensed and ordained by North Consociation of Litchfield County,
and went to Michigan under commission of the American Home
Missionary Society; ministered to a Congregational church in
Genesee, Genesee County ; thence removed to Berea, Ky., as
treasurer and steward of the college; thence to Nebraska, where
he had charge of a church at Camp Creek at the time of his death,
in 1875. '

272 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Personal acquaintance enables us to speak freely of the purity,
the honesty, the noble Christian character of our former classmate
and friend. The Brewster Family.
Widow Brewster came to Cornwall from Stratford in 1797, with
two children, — George, eight years old, and his younger brother
Nelson. Her husband had been lost at sea with his vessel, of
which he was owner and captain, three years before.
George lived with Agur Judson till he went to learn his trade
of carpenter and cabinet-maker, of Captain Williams. He lived
where James 0. Ford now Uves at Cornwall Center, and followed
his trade. He married Abigail Pratt, who still survives, and had
children, — George S., m. Adeline Stone; Sarah, m. Josiah John
son, lives in California; Jasper, m. Susan Allen; Abigail B., m.
'James Armstrong, Ogdensburg, N. Y.; Maria, m. James Cotter,
Ansonia; Lucius, m. Julia Kingwood, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Georgiana,
lives in California.
Jasper alone, of the children, remained in Cornwall. Bought
the farm of his uncle, Chalker Pratt, on Cream Hill, where he
died Nov. 9, 1874. His sons, William and George, occupy the
farm with their mother. Edward is a member of the Sheffield
Scientific School at New Haven. Lydia, the only daughter,
married Rollin M. Hubbard, and lives in Toledo, 0. Jasper was
a good farmer, a man of much energy, and quite prominent in
town affairs.
Nelson Brewster studied law ; resided in Goshen, where he
married Lucretia Root, and had children, — William and Ephraim.
William was a colonel in the War of the Rebellion, and was highly
commended for his gallant conduct.
The Jones Family.
Caleb Jones died in Cornwall Dec. 9, 1786, aged seventy-four
years. Zachariah Howe Jones, son of Caleb Jones, died July 31, 1817,
aged seventy-two years.
Caleb Jones, son of Zachariah Howe Jones, died Aug. 3, 1854,
aged seventy-two years. Jane Ann, only child of the above Caleb,
was born May 17, 1814, and was married to John T. Andrew,
Sept. 9, 1839, and resides in the village of Cornwall.
Zachariah Howe Jones removed from Wallingford, Conn., to
Cream Hill in Cornwall, and owned the farm since occupied by the

RECORDS OF EARLY AND- PRESENT RESIDENTS., 273
late Deacon James Wadsworth. He afterwards removed to the
south part of the town, called Dudleytown. He was one of a large
family of brothers and sisters. He left two children, — Abby, m.
David Patterson; and Caleb.
On the 28th of February, 1811, Caleb was married to Harriet
Swift, daughter of Rufus Swift, and granddaughter of General
Heman Swift, of the Revolutionary army, the friend and at one
time the host of Washington.*
He lived generally respected by his fellow-citizens, and although
of a retiring disposition, was twice elected member of the State
legislature. He devoted the best years of his life to the cause of
education,- having himself taught parts of thirty-one years in the
common schools of this town.
The Beirce Family.
James Beirce, father of Joseph and James, came from eastern
Massachusetts, probably Pembroke, about 1739, and settled on the
old road east of the Burnham place. He afterwards removed to
Cornwall Bridge. From him the late Peter Beirce, a prominent
business man and politician, and James Beirce, of Cornwall Bridge,
are descended. The Clark Family.
Ephraim Clark came from England early in the seventeenth
century; his wife came from France in 1740, and they settled in
Stratford. He came to Cornwall and bought most of the hill
called after him, " Clark Hill." He was taken sick with the
measles, returned to Stratford, and died there. His four sons,
David, Hezekiah, Silas, and Uri, settled on his lands. Dayid had
a son, William, who lived on the place now occupied by his son,
William L. Clark. William was a man highly respected by his
townsmen; had a family of six sons and six daughters, who grew
to maturity. • They are now widely scattered, one, William Leavitt,
remaining on the old homestead ; has one son and three daughters.
Deacon Victorianus Clark was the son of Captain Nehemiah
Clark, and brother of Pierce Clark. They had no relationship
with the other family of Clarks.
Mr. Clark was afflicted with an inflammation of his eyes, gave
up farming, and made weekly trips to Hartford with the mail and
passengers, to which he added the errand business, now dignified
by the name of "express." He had a covered wagon and two
* Tradition reports that Washington once passed through Cornwall and
stopped with Gen. Swift.
35

274 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
horses. He left Cornwall early Monday morning, arriving in
Hartford the same day. Returning, left Hartford about noon,
and arrived in Cornwall Wednesday noon. He was entrusted
with errands of all sorts, of which he took no memorandum,
trusting alone to his memory, which never failed him. He was a
man of much intelligence, and he managed to entertain his passen
gers so that the distance seemed short and the hills less tedious.
About 1840 he removed to Wolcottvile and from there made semi-
weekly trips to Hartford, and lived th'ere till his death.
Cornwall can boast of few authors, and her history would not
be complete without mention of one who in 1814 published a
geography in rhyme. It was a volume of some one hundred and
fifty pages, and was confined to the United States, called by the
poet, " Fredonia."
Under the head of Character and Manners, Mr. Clark says of
New England: By talents and by worth alone
Are candidates for office known ;
And he who asks to be elected,
Is very sure to be rejected.
The men are tall, stout-built, and hardy ;
Their manners, like their persons, manly,
Unaffected, plain, and simple,
Generous, brave, and hospitable.
Oft on the female cheek the rose,
Softened by the lily, glows ;
While just-proportioned forms impart
New graces to the sculptor's art.
The fair, tho' ranking high by birth,
By fortune, talents, and by worth,
Like her,* the boast of Italy,
Despising ease, use dexterously
The pencil, the embroidering steel,
Or ply the useful spinning-wheel.
His patriotism is aroused by the "Militia of Tennessee":
Let no rash foe presumptuously
Rouse up the sons of Tennessee !
For brave are they, inured to wars,
All ornamented with the scars
Received in rescuing their land
From murderous and savage bands.
When late the British lion led
His legions o'er the ocean's bed
To try the towering eagle's might
On Orleans' plains, in doubtful fight,
She becked this hardy yeomanry,
Who charged her legions merrily,
With blood and carnage spread the plain,
And chas'd him homeward through the mam.
* Lucretia.

records of early and present residents. 275
The Cotter Family.
Andrew Cotter was a blacksmith by trade, and emigrated to
Cornwall from Haddam, and set up his shop and dwelling where
Harvey Baldwin now resides, in North Cornwall.
He was much respected as a man and citizen, and married
Rhoda Rogers, daughter of Dea. Noah Rogers. At his marriage,
Dea. Rogers gave him the largest part of what is known as the
" Cotter Farm," situated on the Housatonic River. They were the
parents of six children, two of whom died in infancy; names of
survivors were John, Ambrose, Eber, Eliza.
John married Sabra Smith of Kent, and their children were
Elizabeth and Harriet.
Ambrose married Mary Ann Pratt of Guilford, by whom he
had six children ; their names were Samuel, James, Charles, Henry,
Elizabeth, and Emma. He afterwards married Mary Talcott of
Vernon, Conn. ; they had no children.
Eber married Bathsheba Talcott of Vernon; they had three
children, but one of whom, Rhoda, lived to grow up. His second
wife was Mrs. Ralph Talcott (Susan Bull); they had no children.
Eliza married George Wheaton of Cornwall; they had one
child, Lucetta. The Cotter family was highly respected in all its
branches. The Baldwin Family.
' Henry Baldwin was a Revolutionary soldier from Saybrook,
Conn. He served as a private during the war, and returned home
at its close, with $150 of "Continental money" in his pocket.
This soon depreciated in value to such an extent, that he offered
the whole sum in exchange for a bushel of wheat, and was refused.
Not discouraged by adversity, he soon after married Jane Ship-
man, a native of the same town, and emigrated to Cornwall, where
he became the tenant of Dea. Noah Rogers, on the farm now
owned by T. S. Gold, in Cornwall Hollow.
Here were born to him twelve children, ten of whom outlived
their parents. Their names were Ithamar, Henry, Jane, Ann,
Hannah, Polly, Noah, Jabez, William, and Abby.
Ithamar m. Electa Millard of Cornwall: had children, Charles, ¦
Lucretia, and Marcia.
Henry m. Mitylene Millard of Cornwall; two of their three chil
dren lived to grow up. William and Artemisia.
Jane m. Joel Trowbridge of Goshen; had four children, Lucy,
Caroline, Mary, and Anson.

276 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Ann did not marry.
Hannah m. James Ford of Cornwall; had children who lived to
maturity, John, Chester, Chauncey, James, Ellen, Mary, Sarah,
and Lydia.
Polly m. Chester Markham of Wrentham, Mass. ; had children,
Martha, Phebe, and "William.
Noah m. Sabra Smith Cotter, widow of John Cotter of Corn
wall; his children were Andrew and Chauncey.
William m. Julia Trafford of Cornwall, and had children,
Henry, Horace, James, Russell, Frank, Edward, Electa, and Eliza
beth, besides one boy who died in childhood.
Abby m. Rogers White of Cornwall; had children, Edward and
Cynthia. Mrs. Henry Baldwin was a notable housewife, and it was a com
mon remark, that " Miss Baldin's Johnny-cake was ahead of some
peoples' loaf -cake stuffed full of raisins."
Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin brought up their family in habits of
industry, integrity, and sobriety; and it is believed that no mem
ber of the family, or its descendants thus far, has brought disgrace
upon the name.
Capt, Phineas Baldwin and Harry Baldwin, brothers, came from
Milford. Phineas m. Nancy Rexford, and had children, Rexford, Riley,
and Robert, and a daughter, wife of R. T. Miner.
He was a carpenter and joiner, and lived at South Cornwall.
His sons were farmers and lived in the same vicinity.
Harvey Baldwin is a farmer; bought the Joel Catlin place at
North Cornwall, where he now resides. He has no children.
Birdsey Baldwin was of still another family, and came from
Goshen in 1841. He was a lawyer, and lived at West Cornwall;
one son, Daniel, lives at West Cornwall, as also a daughter, Laura,
widow of Myron Hubbell; another son, Abram E., graduated at,
Yale, 1854, studied theology, and is now a successful clergyman
at Bound Brook, N. J. The Calhoun Family.
Dr. John Calhoun, son of Dr. John Calhoun of Washington,
came to Cornwall in 1 792, and in 1 804 was followed by his brother
Dea. Jedediah Calhoun, who located as a farmer in the southwest
part of the town. Dr. Calhoun was a successful practitioner for
forty-six years, and had a numerous family.

RECORDS OP EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 277
Mary m. Rufus Payne; Sarah F. m. Stephen J. Gold; Ruth m.
Frederic Kellogg; Charlotte m. Myron Harrison; Harriett m. Wm.
L. Clark; Joseph Fay, residing, in Wolcottville; John Benjamin,
residing near Chicago.
The children of Dea. Calhoun were: John Clark, m. Sarah War
ner of Plymouth, June, 1840; Frederic J.; David P., who lived
at West Haven; Mary, m. Chas. L. Ford of Washington; Abby J.
John C. Calhoun went as a clerk to Plymouth in 1832, and after
wards engaged there in mercantile business. In 1846 he went to
New York, establishing the firm of Calhoun & Vanderburg. The
firm was afterwards changed to Robbins, Calhoun & Co. As a busi
ness man he was eminently successful, rapidly accumulating a hand
some fortune; but he was better known to us as a liberal-hearted
Christian gentleman. His love for the quiet scenery of his native
town induced him to purchase for a summer residence the old
homestead of Parson Stone, in the village of Cornwall, about 1866.
The enthusiasm with which he entered upon its improvement was
only surpassed by his public spirit and liberality. The adornment
of the cemetery at South Cornwall, upon which he expended
$1,000, and for the permanent care of which he gave $1,000, se
curely invested, and the establishment of a town library, with a
trust fund of $2,000 for its annual enlargement, are examples of
his judicious use of the property committed to his stewardship.
He died in New York, November 26, 1874. We mourn his death
as a great public misfortune. He left two promising sons.
The Birdseye Family.
Ebenezer Birdseye, residing in the south part of the town, had a
son, Victory, who received a liberal education and became a prom
inent lawyer, residing at Pompey, N. Y. He represented his dis
trict in the Congress of the United States, and was appointed an
especial attorney to prosecute the abductors Of .Morgan. His son,
Judge Lucius Birdseye, of New York, was a graduate of Yale, '
1841. There are none of the name now residing in Cornwall.
Ezekiel B., brother of Victory, went West.
The Andrews Family.
Rev. William Andrews was installed pastor of the church at
South Cornwall, July 25, 1827, where he remained till his death,
January 1, 1838. For his record the reader is referred to Mr.
Stone's Ecclesiastical History. He had a numerous family, whose

278

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

youth was spent in Cornwall, and are remembered here with high
esteem, and Cornwall claims an interest in their honorable record.
William Watson, born at Windham, Conm, in 1810, was grad
uated at Yale College in 1831. He was pastor of the Congre
gational church at Kent, Conn., for fifteen years. Has resided at
Wethersfield for some years.
Edward Warren, born at Windham in 1811, studied law, and
was partner of Hon. Truman Smith, at Litchfield; afterwards
studied theology, and was settled at West Hartford, New York
City, and Troy, N. Y. He established the Alger Institute at
Cornwall, and subsequently resumed the practice of law. He was
an officer in the army during the war.
Sarah Parkhill, married Mr. A. W. Hyde, of Castleton, Vt.,
and died in 1.840.
Israel Ward, D.D., LL.D., born at Danbury, Conn., January 3,
1815, was graduated at Williams College in 1837. He taught the
Academy at Lee, Mass., for fifteen months; was appointed Tutor
at Marietta College in 1838, Prof essor of Mathematics in 1839, and
President in 1855, which office he still holds.
Samuel James, born at Danbury, 1817, was graduated at Wil
liams College in 1839. After practicing law for a short time, he
entered the ministry, and was settled at East Windsor. He has
resided for many years at Hartford.
Timothy Langdon was born at Danbury in 1819, studied medi
cine at Castleton, Vt., practiced at New Orleans, was an editor in
California and then in Ohio, and is now engaged in his profession
at Creston, Iowa.
Ebenezer Baldwin was born in Danbury in 1821, was gradu
ated at Marietta College in 1842, became pastor of the North Con
gregational church at New Britain, Conn., and was appointed pro
fessor of- Geology, etc., at Marietta College in 1851. In 1870 he
was appointed Assistant Geologist for Ohio, and now resides at
Lancaster, O. He was two years in the army, Colonel of the 36th
0. V. I. The degree of LL.D. was conferred on him by Marietta
College in 1870. The Ives Family.
Theodore Ives, brother of Cephas Ives of Goshen, about 1800
came from that town, married a daughter of Noah Rogers, 4th,
and set up his trade at North Cornwall. He had but one son,

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 279
Theodore, who now occupies his farm. Theodore married Mary,
daughter of Leete Rogers, and has three children.
Rev. Mark Ives, son of Cephas, received a liberal education, and
went as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands in 1836, and remained
there fourteen years, when,, on account of the failure of his health.
he returned to this country with his family, and settled as a farmer
in Cornwall. Those who enjoy the privilege of a personal ac
quaintance with Mr. and Mrs. Ives, can testify to their rich
Christian experience, the true missionary spirit, not exhausted by
their residence in heathen lands, but developed and enlarged.
In answer to my inquiries, Mr. Ives has furnished some interest
ing facts connected with his residence in the Sandwich Islands: .
"I graduated at Union College in the summer of 1833; studied
divinity two years at Andover, and nearly a year at East Windsor.
My wife's name was Mary Anna Brainerd, of North Guilford.
We sailed from Boston December 14, 1836. I remained at the
Sandwich Islands fourteen years. I was absent from the United
States fourteen and a half years. My wife was absent seventeen
and a half years. We were stationed at Hana, on the eastern ex
tremity of Mani, a place much exposed to the trade-winds. We
commenced life in a house made by planting posts in the ground
and sticks tied across them; the whole covered with grass. On
March 21, 1838, during my absence, our house took fire and burned
to the ground. This left us very much exposed ; my wife took a
severe cold, and was threatened with consumption. We were con
sequently removed to Kealakekua, on the east side of Hawaii
(Owyhee). Here we lived nine years, or until my health failed.
With the advice of the physicians, and being commended by the
mission to our secretary in Boston, I left the Sandwich Islands
December 9, 1850. My health not being restored as was expected,
my family left there December 1, 1853.
"We have four children. Our eldest son. Joseph Brainerd, is
laboring as a home missionary in Douglas, Butler County, Kansas.
Our second son, Harlan Page, is living near us, in Cornwall. He
has seven children. Our third child, Mary Parnellie, is with us,
at home. Our youngest daughter, Hattie Elizabeth, is teaching
school in the vicinity of Waterbury.
Kealakekua, where we were last stationed, is about a mile from
Haawaloa, where Mr. Ely lived, and where Capt. Cook lost his life.
The trees around bore marks of cannon-balls, fired among the
natives to revenge his death.

280 HISTORY OF CORNWALL:
Kealakekua is where Opukaia (Obookiah) lived. Here was for
merly a small pen, enclosed by a rude stone wall, where he wor
shiped. In this was a cocoanut-tree planted by his own hands, the
fruit of which was given to none but to us missionaries.
Contiguous to this was the temple where Capt. Cook allowed
himself to be worshiped as God. The stones of that temple con
tributed towards building a large house of worship to Jehovah.
We arrived at the Sandwich Islands just before the great
revival that swept over the islands and lasted two years. There
was no difficulty in getting crowded houses and attentive listeners.
There seemed to be an almost universal desire to enter the church.
A church was organized at Kealakekua, under the care of Mr.
Forbes, of 3,000 members, and another at Kealia, twelve miles
beyond, of nearly as many, which was under my care.
The children of a suitable age were without exception gathered
into schools. Our thirty-three schools numbered over 1,000 chil
dren, 996 of whom were present in the schools when I last exam
ined them.
His second son, Harlan, married a daughter of William Vail, by
whom he has a numerous family.
The Dean Family.
John Dean, the shoemaker, had children, Zerah, Jerijah, Jere-
siah, William, and Ethel. Zerah had children, Theodore, living
in Sharon; one daughter married William Smith, and another,
Alvin Palmer. Jerijah, father of William Dean, now living at
West Cornwall. Jeresiah had daughters, Mary, married Barbarina
Eggleston; Morilla, married Daniel Bronson; William, married
 Richardson, and went to Sharon. His descendants now
live in Winsted. Ensign Nathan Millard,
father of Joel Millard, settled on Cream Hill. Joel married
Azubah Sherwood, and had children, Ebenezer Sherwood; Sub
mit, married Henry Baldwin, lived in Cornwall; Electa, married
Ithamar Baldwin, lived in Cornwall; Amanda, married 
Kilborn, a hatter, and' lived in Litchfield; Melissa; John Walker,
went to New Marlboro, and thence to Illinois; Azubah, married
 Rood of Sheffield.
His second wife was Mrs. Theodore Norton, and had children,
Clarissa and Franklin. Mr. Millard removed with his son Walker
to New Marlboro, -about 1835, having sold his farm to E. D. Pratt.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 281
Mr. Millard was proverbially a slow man, yet the abundant
young life in his family must have made lively times.
The Rexford Family.
Rev. Gurdon Rexford, a Methodist minister, and his brother
Samuel Rexford, settled on Cream Hill, towards the close of the
last- century.
Samuel had one son, Riley, who succeeded to the ownership of
his farm, and a daughter, Nancy, who married Capt. Phineas
Baldwin and resided at South Cornwall.
Riley married Sarah Scoville and had two daughters. Harriet
married Aaron Chase of Saratoga County, N. Y., and lives in
Sheffield, Mass. ; and Jane married Thomas Bosworth of Duchess
County, and lives at West Cornwall.
Mr. Rexford was a farmer, endeared to his neighbors by his
kind, neighborly ways, to whom his genial presence was always
gratifying. The Prindlb Family.
Abiel Prindle, who lived near Cream Hill lake, was the father of
Warren and Joseph Prindle; he also had two daughters, Alice,
married Mr. Barnes; and Anna. Warren had sons, Samuel and
Harmanus, who still survive and have families. Joseph and Anna
lived to a good old age, but remained unmarried. Joseph was
quite a character in his day. He was an indulged boy, who played
truant, and grew up a slave to a hard master, even his own ungov-
erned passions. In his youth he had some ambition, and aspired to
the study of Latin, and to making poetry. One stanza will suffice:
" Dr. Frank,
He felt so crank,
, He danced like a dandy, O ;
He jumped so high
He hit, the sky,
And thought he'd got Miss Pangman, O."
The Judson Family.
Samuel Aguh Judson came to Cornwall in 1794, with his sister,
Sarah A., from Old Mill, Bridgeport, and bought the farm from
Mr. Thorp, where Harlan Ives now resides. He had one son,
Samuel Wesley, and several daughters. A few years since he went
to New York to live with his son, and died there in his 89th year!
Samuel Wesley was a graduate of Union College; taught the
academy in Goshen for several terms, about 1830; studied law,
and established himself in New York. As a lawyer, he is more
36

282

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

distinguished for his learning, integrity, and honesty, than for his
brilliancy as a pleader. If lawyers were more generally of his
style, we should have fewer lawsuits and more justice.
The Reed Family.
Eli Reed was a native of Fairfield County. He was a goldsmith
in the time of the Revolution, and resided in Poughkeepsie. "He
went to New York, designing to remove his family there, but died,
leaving a widow and six children. Her name was Weed, and she
went back to her friends in Fairfield County, afterwards removing
with one of her brothers to Greenfield, Saratoga County, N. Y.
Two of her sons came to Cornwall. Hawley Reed married
a daughter of James Wadsworth; died, at the age of eighty years,
in 1841. Had children, James, who married Rhoda, daughter of
Richard Wickwire, and bought the farm of his father-in-law on
Cream Hill, and reared a numerous family, who are still with us ;
Hawley, John, Henry, Samuel — who lives in the south part of the
town, and has a family; also several daughters — one married
Hiram Garner.
Henry, ten years younger than Hawley, came to Cornwall in
his boyhood, and lived with Capt. Pierce and Capt. Edward
Rogers. In 1799 married Sarah Abiah Judson, who was born at
Old Mill, Bridgeport, in 1770, and came to Cornwall in 1794, with
i her brother, Samuel Agur Judson.
Mr. Reed bought the farm in the Hollow at the foot of Bunker
Hill, now Solon Johnson's, and resided there till his death, in 1842,
aged 68. He had two daughters, one of whom, Alicia, lives in
Goshen. The Marsh Family.
Dr. Isaac Marsh was born in 1777, in Litchfield, where his ances
tors had lived. His father and grandfather were also named Isaac
He studied medicine with Dr. Woodward of Torringford, but
being of rather a nervous temperament, shrank from the practice
of the profession. He was occupied for a time as druggist, but
temporarily took up the business of farming, and followed it for
life. He married in 1803, and in 1820 bought a farm in Cornwall
of Rev. Asa Talmage, located near the Housatonic River, north of
the intersection of the Waller Hill road with the Warren turnpike.
This was two miles north of Hart's Bridge, now West Cornwall.
At that time there was but one house at the bridge, called the
"Hart House," where now stands the residence of Isaac Marsh.

$^e#*Z&5*£*^~

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 283
Dr. Marsh died, in 1829, set. fifty-two. His oldest son Isaac, now
residing at West Cornwall, at the age of seventy-four years, is the
only survivor of seven children. Has held the office of town clerk,
and other offices of trust. The second son died at Racine, Wis.,
in 1873, set. sixty -four. Five daughters died young — between
1828-38, aged from seventeen to twenty-five years.
The Stoddard Family.
i
William Stoddard came from Woodbury, m. Mary Willis of
Cornwall, May 27, 1809, and settled as a manufacturer and farmer
on the Pond brook, one and a half miles from West Cornwall.
His farm'is now owned by S. P. Fritz; the mill-privilege by T. S.
Gold. His old satinet factory, gone to decay, is owned by S. M.
Gledhill. Mr. Stoddard had a family of twelve children, none of
whom reside in Cornwall.
His wife Mary died in 1837, aged forty-four, and he died in
1875, aged eighty-six; children, Hammond, b. Oct.' 30, 1810, m.
Sally A. Wheeler of Salisbury; Sarah M., b. June 31, 1812, m.
Henry L. Safford, Buffalo, N. Y.; Harriet, b. March 17, 1814, d.
March 20, 1836; Seth, b. March 22, 1816, d. Jan. 1, 1859;
m. Mary Ann Brush, and lived in New Haven; Jane, b. March 17,
1818, d. Feb. 24, 1832; Minerva A., b. March 27, 1820, m. Hor
ace H. Sexton, Hartford; Elizabeth S., b. Nov. 9, 1823, m. Hon.
C. P. Huntington, New York.
In the account of the Chapel at West Cornwall, notice is given
of the liberal gift of Mr. and Mrs. Huntington to that enterprise.
Clara, b. July 21, 1824, m. Edward Prentice of Canaan, resides
in Colorado; Hannah, b. Aug. 15, 1826, m. Daniel Hammond of
Oneonta, N. Y., resides in California; William M., b. Nov. 12,
1828, m. Jennie Wilson, California; Mary J., b. Aug. 12, 1831, m.
Delos Emmons, Oneonta, N. Y., resides in Huntington, West Vir
ginia; Julia M., b. Feb. 16, 1834, m. Asa N. Hawley of Newtown.
This family are widely scattered, and their history would fill a
volume. Few families iri New England can boast of more varied
experience and greater influence.
The Mallory Family.
Dea. Eliakim Mallory came from Hamden, near the close of the
last century, and settled where Julius Hart now lives. Frequent
mention of his name appears in the Church History.
His first wife was Sarah Bradley of Stockbridge, Mass., by

284, HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
whom he had five children,. Ezra, Eliakim, Philomela, Sarah, and
Mary Ann, who married Miner Pratt of Cream Hill. His second
wife was widow Johnson (Olive Douglas), by whom he had two
children, — Bradley, m, widow Wadsworth (Tabitha Clark); Olive,
m. Mr. Kellogg, and went to Green River, Columbia Co., N. Y.
Bradley had six children, — Almon, Davis C, Ambrose, Harri
ette, Jane, and Mary; Almon m. daughter of Rev. Asa Talmage,
is a Baptist minister, and lives at Benton Center, N. Y.
The Smith JFamily.
The Smiths have never been very numerous in Cornwall. Rev.
Walter Smith came from'Kent in 1819, and in 1838 went to Ohio.
He had sons, — Matthew' LaRue Perrine, and' twins, Walter and
Harvey. Perrine lives at the West. Walter, settled as a lawyer in
Mt. Vernon, Ohioj and is now in government employ at Washing
ton. Harvey was a physician in New York, and died at Mt.
Vernon, Ohio.
David Smith, who for a time lived in the Hollow, came from
the Sharon side of the Housatonic. and returned to the same
neighborhood after a few years.
William and Frank Smith were brothers, and lived near Gold's
mill in 1850-60. William m. Nancy Dean, and had one daughter,
Honora. He removed to Newark, N. J.
Frank Smith had a numerous family of promising boys. He
removed to Brookfield, Conn., where he now resides. One son,
Thomas, left a leg on a battlefield of Virginia.
The Gold Family.
This family was connected with the earliest settlement of the
State. By these first settlers for three generations the name was
spelled Gold, yet for some reason, portions of the family have
changed to Gould, yet most of those holding that name have no
connection with the Golds. In this record we give the name as
spelled by the owners, descendants of Major Nathan Gold.
Major Nathan Gold married Martha, widow of Edward Harvey.
They had only one son, Nathan, and daughters, Sarah, who married
John Thompson ; Deborah, who married George Clark ; Abigail,
who married Jonathan Selnck" — — /
Major Nathan Gold removed from St. Edmondsbury, in South
Britain, to Fairfield, Conn., in the reign of Charles IL, and was
one of the first settlers of that town. He was a wealthy and edu-

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 285
cated gentleman, and is often mentioned in Smith's History of New
York. In the first volume of the town records of Fairfield, we find him
a landholder in 1649, and in 1653, a purchaser of fifteen separate
pieces of land, some of which remains in the possession of his
descendants of the sixth generation.
He was one of the petitioners (nineteen in number) named in
the charter of Connecticut, dated April 12th, in the fourteenth
year of the reign of Charles II, which petition " was signed by no
gentleman unless he had sustained a high reputation in England
before he came to New England."
He was an assistant or member of the Council from 1657 to
1694, and " departed this life into the Mantions of Rest upon the
day of Rest, on Saboth, it being the 4th day of March, 1693-4."
'Inventory of his estate, £400 3s. 6d.
There is a gun in the possession of T. S. Gold, which tradition
says was brought by him from England.
Nathan Gold, Jr.,
married Hannah, born in Hartford, Dec. 8, 1663, daughter of
Lieut.-Col. John Talcott and Helena Wakeman. He died Oct. 3,
1723. Hannah died March 28, 1696. His second wife, Sarah,
died Oct. 17, 1711.
Had children : Abigail, born Feb., 1687, married Rev. Thomas
Hawley of Ridgefield; John, born April 25, 1688, married Hannah
Slawson, died Sept. 23, 1766 ; Nathan, born April 6, 1690; Samuel,
born Dec. 27, 1692, had six children; Joseph, born  , died
Oct. 11, 1769, sa. 77; Rev. Hezekiah, born  , 1694, had 13 chil
dren; Onesimus, married and had a family; David; Martha, mar
ried Samuel Sherman, April 4, 1728.
Nathan Gold, Jr., was long engaged in public service; was Re
corder of the town of Fairfield for many years, was an Assistant from
1694 to 1723, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in 1712, and
Lieut. -Gov. from 1708 to 1723, a period of fifteen years.
We can find no trace of any living descendants from his sons,
except from Samuel and Hezekiah. A copy of his will, as recorded
in Hartford, is here given.
Inventory of his estate, £2,953 6s. Sd.
Will of Nathan Gold.
Superior Court Records of the Colony of Connecticut, in New England,
Vol. HI, p. 545 :

286 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
John Gold of Fairfield, &c, Executors to the Last Will and Testament
of the Honl. Nathan Gold, Esq., late of sd Fairfield, deceased, appealed
to this Court from the Determination of the Court of Probate, held at
Fairfield, November 27th, 1723, • not approving the sd Last Will and
Testament, the sd Appellants appeared at this Court to set up the sa Will,
and no person appearing to oppose them, or to object against the
approving thereof, the,-sd Will being proved in the sd Court of Probate,
the same is by this Court approved of, and ordered to be recorded.
In the name of God, Amen.
I, Nathan Gold, Sen., of Fairfield, in the County of- Fairfield, in the
Colony of Connecticut, in New England, being very sick in body, yet of
good understanding, and sound memory, knowing that I must shortly
put off this Earthly Tabernacle, and accounting it my Duty to set my house
in Order, do make this my last Will and Testament, in manner and form
following, hereby revoking and annulling every and all other Will and
Wills, Testament and Testaments heretofore made by me, declaring this
t,o be my last Will and Testament.
Imprimis. I give and bequeath my precious and immortal Soul to God
through Jesus Christ, my Glorious Redeemer, hoping for acceptance
through Him.
My Body I commit to the Earth, to be decently Interred according to
the Discretion of my Executor or Executors hereafter named hoping for
a Blessed Ressurrection to Eternal life in the last day. And as to the
temporal Estate which it hath pleased God to bestow upon me, I dispose
of it as followeth :
And now my Will is that all my Just Debts & Funeral Charges be first
paid and then Imprimis I give and bequeath a double portion of my
whole Estate, to my Eldest Son John Gold, reckoning what he hath
already had of me.
Item. I give to my Son Nathan Gold one full single share of my whole
Estate, and One hundred pounds over and above the sd share.
Item. I give to my Son Samuel Gold, One single share of my whole
Estate, reckoning in what he hath already had of me.
Item. I give to my Son Hezekiah Gold fifty pounds over and above
what I have expended upon him for his learning, this to be the whole
of his portion.
Item. I give to my Son in Law Thomas Hawley of Ridgefield The
sum of One hundred pounds, besides what he hath already had with my
Daughter Abigail, this to be the whole of her portion.
Item. I give and bequeath to my Daughter Martha Gold, the sum of
two hundred pounds, this to be the whole of her portion.
Item. I give and bequeath unto my Sons Onesimus Gold, David
Gold, and Joseph Gold, that is to each of them one single share of my
whole Estate, And I do hereby constitute and appoint my loving Sons
John Gold, Nathan Gold, and Samuel Gold to be Executors of this my
last Will & Testament. And this to be my last Will and Testament, I
declare by setting to my hand and Seal in Fairfield this twentieth day
of September Anno Domini 1723 Annoq" R. R". Georgii, Magna Brittania
&c. Decimo.
Signed, Sealed, pronounced &
declared to be his last will and NATHAN GOLD, [seal.]
Testament In presence of
Jos. Wakeman ) Memorandum ; I give to Sarah Clarke
Thomas Hanford [• the sum of five pds.
Ephraim Burr

( RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 287
Capt. Joseph Wakeman, Thomas Hanford & Ephraim Burr named as
witnesses to the above Will, approved in the Court of Probate held in
Fairfield November 27th 1723 and each of 'them acknowledged their
names above written to be their Character and that they set their
names as witnesses to the sd Will and did testify and' declare upon their
Oaths that they saw the Testator, the Hon1 Nathan Gold Sign and Seal
the Instrument written above and on the other side of this paper and
heard him declare it to be his last Will and Testament, and they each
for himself did further declare, that they did Judge the sd Testator then
tobe of sound mind and in a disposing frame, and the sd Wakeman also
said that he heard the sa Will, audibly read in the presence and hearing
of sd Nathan Gold, before he signed and sealed it, but said Hanford and
Burr declared that they did not hear said Will read, neither did see the
s" Nathan Gold seem to read it to himself. JOHN GOLD Clerk.
Recorded from the Original August 19, 1724.
H. CHRISTOPHER Clerk.
Aaron Gold, son of Onesimus Gold, married Rebecca, daughter
of Peter Scudder of Long Island, January 27, 1761. Scudder,
their son, was born March 27, 1762. Can find no further trace of
this branch.
Samuel Gold, _(d. 1766,) m. Esther Bradley, Dec. 7, 1716, had
children: David" Gold, b. July 11, 1717; Esther, b. Oct. 13, 1719;
Abigail, b. April 27, 1724; Abell, b. Sept. 14, 1727, d. Nov. 11,
1769; Abraham, b. Oct. 12, 1730, d. 6 w. and 3 d.; Col. Abraham,
b. May 10, 1732, d. 1777.
Abell Gold, son of Samuel and Esther, married Ellen, daugh
ter of Captain Samuel Burr, December 19, 1754; had children:
John, b. Oct. 2, 1755, d. Dec. 15, 1755; Abell, b. Oct. 18, 1756.
Colonel Abraham Gold, son of Samuel Gold, married Elizabeth,
daughter of Capt. John Burr, Jan. 1, 1754, (she d. 1815, se. 84,) and
had children: Abigail, b. Nov. 15, 1754, m. Isaac Jennings, 1770;
Hezekiah, b. Dec. 9, 1756, drowned 1789;* Anna, (Mrs. Silliman,)
Abraham b. 1766; Jason, b. 1771; John Burr, died at sea, 1781;
Daniel, died at sea, coast of France, 1796; Elizabeth, m. 
Curtiss of Newtown; Sarah; Deborah, m.  Osborne, d. 1785.
Colonel Abraham Gold was killed on his horse by the British,
at Ridgefield, in 1777.
The sword used by Colonel Abraham Gold is in the possession
of Abraham Gold Jennings, his great grandson, who resides in
Brooklyn, N. Y., and his sash and coat were deposited in the
Trumbull Gallery at New Haven. The sword is straight, silver-
* He was walking on a plank from the wharf to the vessel, in New York; the
end of the plank dropping off from the vessel he struck his breast, and was
drowned.

288 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
mounted, three-cornered, and at his death was found stained-with
the enemy's blood. His,body was carried on horseback to Fair
field for burial.
His son Jason changed his name to Gould, still retained by his
descendants.* Jason had a son John born in 1801, who lived in
Fairfield on his ancestral acres, and died aged 70. ,Hon. John
Gould held many positions of public trust; was member of the
House of Representatives from Fairfield for several sessions, and
member of the State Senate from the Tenth district in 1847; rail
road commissioner from 1854 to 1861; in 1864 appointed United
States marshal for Connecticut by President Lincoln, and held the
office for four years. His widow and daughters still live on the
homestead in Fairfield. He had children: William Jason, died
September 6, 1877; Elizabeth, married Captain Wm. Peck; Mary
Catherine; John, died 1850, aged 18; Julia; James, died in
infancy. Isaac Jennings, died June 6, 1819, and Abigail Gold, his wife, died
Nov. 2, 1795, aged 41, had children: Elizabeth, m.  Mason;
Abigail; Phcebe, m.  Sherwood; Abraham Gold, m. Anna
Burr, 1807; Anna. m.  Burr; Isaac, m.  Beach; Seth;
Polly. In 1786 several of the descendants of Nathan Gold removed
from Fairfield to Delaware county, N. Y., some retaining the name
of Gold, others changing it to Gould. Their names were Abra
ham and his sister Anna, and their, cousins Isaac and Talcott,
brothers. A large colony cut their way through the forests to the
sources of the Delaware, over the Catskill mountains.
Abraham Gold was a prominent man in the town affairs of Rox-
bury, N.Y. His oldest son, John Burr, was also a prominent man,
and quite a hero in the anti-rent war of 1846. The Fairfield colony
settled on leased land, rent 12^-c. per acre; the anti-renters for
bade any persons blowing any dinner-horns; but John B. had quite
an arsenal in his house, and he defied them. They came often to
carry him off and make him prisoner, but he stood his ground.
Abraham Gold died in 1823, aged 57. In his family record kept
* This stone in the old cemetery at Fairfield is the oldest record we find where
the name is spelled Gould :
• A. G.
This stone is erected by
Jason Gould,
in memory of his honored Father
Col. Abraham Gould
•Who fell in defence of his Country
at Ridgefield
April 27th, 1777, aged 44 years.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 289
by himself he spelled the name Gold. His oldest son, John Burr,,
the first male child born in Roxbury, Delhi Co., N. Y., continuing
the record wrote Gould.
Abraham Gold had six sons and four daughters. John Burr
Gould, his oldest son, died in 'his 74th year, leaving sons, Jay
Gould, the banker, in New York, and Abram, who is in business
in Salt Lake City ; and daughters, Anna, m. Rev. A. M. Hough of
the southern Cal. Con., residing in Los Angeles ; Mrs. Dr. G. E.
Palen of Philadelphia, and Mrs. S. B. Northrop of Hackettstown,
N. J.
Jason, another son of Abraham Gold, settled at Smith's Falls,
U. C, and died there, aged 61.
Another son of Abraham, Daniel Gold, studied law in Delhi,
was clerk of the New York Legislature, and afterwards appointed
chief clerk of the House of Representatives at Washington, D. C,
where he married a daughter of Amos Kendall ; he died at the age
of 41, leaving two sons, William Jay, an Episcopal clergyman,
professor in college at Racine, Wis. The other, Sydney Kendall,
is in the flouring business in Faribault, Minn.
Rev. Hezekiah Gold of Stratford, third son of Hon. Nathan
Gold, married Mary, daughter of Rev. Mr. Ruggles, of Guilford,
May 23, 1723. He died April 22, 1761, aged 67. Mary, his wife,
died July 2, 1750, aged 48" years. They had children: Mary,
b. Feb. 29, 1724, m. Dr. Agur Tomlinson, 1745, she d. June
23, 1802, se. 78; Catee, b. Aug. 31, 1725, d. Sept. 31, 1742, Ee. 18;
Jerusha, b. March 6, 1726, d. Dec. 24, 1748, se. 20 y. 8 mo.; Sarah.
b. May 8, 1729; Hezekiah, b. Jan. 18, 1731, d. May 30, 1790, £e. 60;
Thomas, b. Jan. 8, 1733; Anna, b. Dec. 15, 1734, d. April 9, 1739,
se. 4 y. and 4 mo.; Rebekah, b. Sept. 24, 1736, m. Abraham
Tomlinson a lawyer, Dec. 24, 1754, she d. Nov. 1, 1774, se. 38 ;
Huldah, b. April 15, 1738, m. Samuel Curtiss, Jr., Dec. 20, 1759;
had four children: Anna, b. May 14, 1740, 2d of the name, m.
Levi Hubbard of New Haven, had one son, William Gold, she d.
as. about 80; Catharine, Oct. 16, 1742, d. Oct. 23, 1743, se. 1 y. 7 d.;
Abigail, b. Nov. 4, 1744, m. Samuel Ufford, Nov. 28, 1769,
had seven children, she d. Dec. 3, 1817, as. 73; Elizabeth, b.. Aug.
15, 1747, died young at Guilford.
Dr. Agur Tomlinson, son of Zachariah (of Stratford) and Mary
Gold, had eleven children. Two sons lived to marry — Hezekiah
and William Agur. They married sisters by the name of Lewis.
Abraham Tomhnson, youngest brother of Agur, and Rebecca
37

290 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Gold, had eight children. One son, David, lived at Utica, N. Y..
another was Dr. Charles of Stratford.
The tombstone of Rebecca bears this inscription:
"I have been what thou art now,
And am what thou shalt shortly be,
How loved, how valued once avail me not,
To whom related or by whom begot,
A heap of dust alone remains of me :
'Tis all I am and all that you must be."
Catee, second daughter of Rev. Hezekiah, is reported to have
possessed remarkable beauty. Her golden hair and large soft eyes
added grace to her form, which was of rare elegance; a pure and
elevated character and cultivated mind harmonized with and
added to her loveliness. Tradition is, that she was engaged in
marriage to a young clergyman, and that on her deathbed, at the
early age of eighteen, she took off her gold beads from her neck,
and gave them to him as a keepsake. He afterwards married and
lived to a good old age, but at his death that string of beads were
found on his neck, where he had always worn them.
Thomas married Anna, daughter of Samuel Smith, Feb.
13, 1755.- It is reported that he was a stone-cutter, lived in
Woodbury. Died on Long Island in Revolutionary army.
Rev. Hezekiah Gold of Stratford graduated at Harvard* 1719;
was ordained over the church in Stratford in June, 1722. His
ministry was blessed with large additions to the church. President
Edwards, in his account of the " Great Awakening," makes honor
able mention of Mr. Gold and his ministry. Oct. 7, 1740, Mr.
Whitefield preached for Mr. Gold. His sermon was blessed to the
conversion of several souls. The tombstone of Mr. Gold in the
old cemetery at Stratford has this inscription :
" He was the fourth settled minister in the first society of Stratford of
the Presbyterian and Congregational denominations, and executed the
ministerial office in said place for more than thirty years which he
performed with diligence and an honest heart to the end of his ministry."
Many volumes of his library, some with his name written by his
own hand, are in the possession of T. S. Gold.
Rev. Hezekiah Gold of Cornwall, fourth generation, eldest son
of Rev. Hezekiah Gold of Stratford, married Sarah Sedgwick
Nov. 23, 1758. They had children: Thomas, b. Nov. 23, 1759, d.
* It was customary at that time to arrange the names in the college catalogue
according to the dignity of the parents. His name stood third.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 291
Feb. 13, 1827, se. 68; Hezekiah, b. May 7, 1761, d. April 6, 1766, se.
4 yrs. 11 mo. and 2 d.; Benjamin, b. June 25, 1762, d. 1846, se.
84; Thomas Ruggles, b. Nov. 4, 1764, d. Oct. 25, 1827, se. 63;
Hezekiah, 2d of the name, b. Aug. 1, 1766, d. Feb. 22, 1847, se.
81 y. 6 mos. 21 d.; Sarah, wife of Rev. Hezekiah, d. Aug, 28,
1766, se. 27; Rev. Hezekiah m. 2d wife, Elizabeth, daughter of
Joseph Wakeman of .Fairfield, Oct. 11, 1768; had children: Joseph
Wakeman, b. Sept. 4* 1769; Sarah, b. Aug. 15, 1771, d. Nov. 1,
1776, se. 5 years; Mary, b. July 2, 1775, d. Nov. 12, 1776, m. 1 y.
Elizabeth, 2d wife, d. Feb. 11, 1778, in the 33d year of her age.
Rev. Hezekiah m. 3d wife, Abigail Sherwood of Fairfield, Sept.
24, 1778. He died May 30, 1790, se. 60 years. Mr. Gold gradu
ated at Yale in 1751, settled over the Congregational Church in
Cornwall in 1755, and continued his ministry till 1787, a period
of thirty-two years. His tombstone in the old cemetery at Corn
wall bears this testimonial:
" In whom a sound knowledge of the Scriptures, extensive charity
to the poor, unshaken fortitude in adversity, were united with uncommon
'discerning of the human heart, and shone conspicuously through an
active and useful life."
In addition to his labors as a minister, Mr. Gold was a farmer,
and by the labor of his hands added to his means of living in
those disastrous times, and also was enabled to give a liberal
education to two of his sons. Many anecdotes are extant showing
that in physical ability as well as in skill as a farmer he was not
surpassed by any of his parishioners. Laying rail-fence in those
days was a common exercise, and tried the backbone of the settler.
It is reported " that he could lay more green rail-fence in a day
than any of his parishioners."
Thomas Gold, oldest son of Rev. Hezekiah, graduated at Yale,
1778, settled in the practice of the law at Pittsfield, Mass., acquired
wealth, and held an honorable position in his profession. His res
idence on East Street, now owned by the heirs of Hon. Thomas F.
Plunkett, is the finest location in the village of Pittsfield. Here
stood the " Old Clock on the Stairs," the subject of a poem, by Henry
W. Longfellow, who married a granddaughter of Mr. Gold.
" Somewhat back from the village street,
Stands the old-fashioned country-seat,
Across this antique portico,
Tall poplar trees their shadows throw.

292 HISTORY OP CORNWALL.
" In that mansion used to be
Free-hearted hospitality ;
His great fires up the chimneys roared,
The strangers feasted at his board."
Mr. Gold married a daughter of Dr. Marsh of Dalton, and had
seven children. Thomas Augustus, the oldest son, was also a prom
inent lawyer in Pittsfield. He married, and had a family; also
William, who resided in Pittsfield.
One daughter married the Hon. Nathan Appleton of Boston, and
was the mother of Mrs. Longfellow.
A second married Dr. Worthington Wright; a third, the Hon.
Mr. Gardner; while Martha, the fourth, remained unmarried.
Benjamin Gold, son of Rev. Hezekiah, married, Nov. 27, 1784,
Eleanor, daughter of Solomon Johnson, b. Oct. 21, 1764, and had
children: Sarah Ann, b. March 21, 1786, d. March 25, 1786;
Thomas Buggies, b. March 25, 1787 (Yale 1806), d, Dec. 30, 1829;
Sarah Ann 2d, b. Dec. 29, 1788, dead; Eleanor Pierce, b. July 4,
1790, d. Feb. 27,. 1809; Benjamin Franklin, b. May 29, 1792, d.
Dec. 5, 1873; Mary Wakeman, b. March 8, 1794; Hezekiah, b. July
8, 1796, d. Sept. 1800; Abby, b. Jan. 28, 1798; Flora, b. Sept. 25,
1799; Stephen Johnson, b. Aug. 3, 1801; Catherine Melissa, b.
June 4, 1803; Harriet Ruggles, b. June 10, 1805, d. Aug. 15, 1836;
Hezekiah Sedgwick, b. June 6, 1807; Job Swift, b. Nov. 27, 1810,
(Yale 1834), d. June 18, 1844.
Dea. Benjamin Gold was a farmer, to which business he added
that of *a country merchant. He built and occupied the house now
owned by Robert Baldwin. He was a deacon in the S. Cornwall
Church for many years, was highly esteemed by his fellow citizens,
being called to occupy many positions of public trust. He lived
to a good old age, and under every trial which he encountered, he
exhibited the character of a true Christian. His old age was
peculiarly happy, and none who knew him during that period will
fail to remember his cheerful smile, and the genial spirit he mani
fested to the end of his life.
He died in 184-6, at the age of eighty-four, while his wife sur
vived till 1858, sb. ninety -two, when her descendants numbered
over 100. Truly, "her children arise up and call her blessed."
Sarah A. Goldm. Samuel Hopkins (ked. Sept. 15, 1834), Sept. 24.
1805, and had children: Ann Pierce, b. July 2, 1806, dead; Elea
nor Johnson, b. March 5, 1808, d. Feb. 24, 1830; Benjamin Gold,
b. March 4, 1811; Sarah Ann, b. March 16, 1824, d. Feb. 6, 1861.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 293
Mary W. Gold m. Daniel B. Brinsmade of Washington, Jan. 12,
1814, and had children: Thomas Franklin, b, April 11, 1815; Wil
liam Bartlett (Yale 1840), b. May 10, 1819; Abby Irene, b. July
18, 1820; Mary Maria, b. Nov. 4, 1827.
Abby Gold m. Rev. Cornelius B. Everest (Williams 1811), Oct
9, 1817, and had children, he died about 1869; Harriet Gold, b. April
18, 1819, d. April 22, 1819; Cornelius, b. March 3, 1821; Mary,
b. June 2, 1823; William Cleveland, b. July, 1831, dead; Henry
Gold, b. 1833; Martha Sherman, b. 1837.
Benjamin Franklin Gold m. Maria Pierce, Jan. 19, 1818, and had
children: Cornelius Chapin, b. Oct. 2, 1819; Edward Franklin, b.
Sept. 29, 1823.
Married second wife, Elizabeth H. Doane, March 24, 1834, and
had son, Willis Doane, b. July 1, 1837.
Flora Gold m. Rev. Herman L. Vaill (h. A. M. Yale, 1842),
Jan. 22, 1823 (he d. 1871), and had children: Catherine Harriet
Gold, b. Dec. 3, 1824, d. Aug. 17, 1828; Charles Benjamin, b. Sept.
11, 1826; Elizabeth Sedgwick, b. Jan. 4, 1828; Abby Everest, b. Sept.
14, 1829; George Lyman, b. Jan. 19, 1831, d. Sept. 23, 1833; The
odore Frelinghuysen, b. March 27, 1832, dead; Sarah Hopkins, b.
Oct. 21, 1834, dead; Clarissa Champlin, b. Jan. 28, 1836; Joseph
Herman, b. Oct. 15, 1837; Julia Maria, b. Feb. 28, 1839; Mary
Woolsey, b. July 15, 1842, dead.
Catherine M. Gold m. John B. Lovell (he d. Oct. 1851), Dec. 25,
1825, had children: Almira, b. Oct. 4, 1826; Sarah Hopkins, b.
Nov. 19, 1828, dead; Clarissa Maria, b. March 19, 1830; Henry
Row, b. May 30, 1831; Lucy Eleanor, b. Sept. 15, 1832; Mary
Wakeman, b. May 22, 1834, dead; Frances Gold, b. March 4, 1836;
Helen Catherine, b. May 23, 1839; Laura Gurnon, b. Sept. 2, 1841.
Harriet R. Gold m. Elias Boudinott (he d. June 21, 1839), March
28, 1826, and had children: Eleanor Susan, b. May 4, 1827, dead
Mary Harriet, b. Oct. 5, 1828; William Penn, b. Feb. 4, 1830
Sarah Parkhill, b. Feb. 24, 1832, d. Aug. 29, 1845; Elias Udr
nelius, b. Aug. 1, 1834; Frank Brinsmade, b. May 15, 1836, dead.
Stephen J. Gold m. Sarah F. Calhoun, Nov. 13, 1826, and had
children: John Robinson, b. Aug. 20, 1827, d. Jan. 28, 1847;
George Ruggles, b. Oct. 9, 1830; Stephen Benjamin, b. Sept. 15,
1834, d. March 20, 1836; Martha Ramsay, b. June 16, 1837; Sam
uel Fay, b. March 20, 1840. Married second wife, Mrs. Brown,
1876. Hezekiah Sedgwick Gold m. Chloe A. Peet, Sept. 6, 1836, and

294 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
had children: Henry Martin, b. July 25, 1837, dead; Myron Swift,
b. Dec. 1, 1842; Ethel Edward, b. Feb. 9, 1847.
Job Swift Gold m. Catherine B. Smith, Oct. 28, 1835, and had
children: LinColn Swift, b. Oct. 1, 1837, dead; Cornelius Boudi
nott, b. June 27, 1839; Walter, b. Feb. 22, 1842, d. Feb. 22, 1853;
Henry Smith, b. March 31, 1844, dead.
Our limits forbid that we should follow with the succeeding
generations, for the family has increased like good seed in a fertile
soil. I am indebted for these records to Mrs. Abby I. (Brinsmade)
Gunn and Miss Elizabeth Vaill. Rev. Herman L. Vaill had prepared
a record with great care to 1854, when the number of descendants
exceeded one hundred.
Dea. Benjamin Gold was well represented in the late war, as
follows :
Edward F. Gold, of Cornwall, - son of Benjamin F., Capt. Co.
G, 2d Conn. Heavy Artillery.
Henry Martyn Gold, son of H. Sedgwick, was killed early in the
war. Frank Boudinott, son of Harriet Gold, Capt. N. Y. Mounted
Rifles, died in consequence of a hurt received by his horse falling
on him; a bold, dashing officer, much beloved by his men.
Capt. Putnam, supposed to be of Gen. Putnam stock, married
Helen Lovell, daughter of Catharine.
Theodore Frelinghuysen Vaill, Adj. 2d Conn. H. Art., wounded
near the close of the war; died recently of typhoid fever; author
of the History of the Regiment and editor of the Winsted Herald.
Joseph H. Vaill, his brother, present editor of the Herald, was
in the 8th Conn.
Thomas R. Gold* son of Rev. Hezekiah of Cornwall, m. Sarah
Sill, daughter of Dr. Elisha Sill, she died July 13, 1852.
Children: Hezekiah, b. Sept. 17, 1788, drowned June, 1792; Har
riett L., b. July 30, 1790, m. Rev. John Frost, d. Aug. 5, 1873;
Mary S., b. June 9, 1794, m. John Peck, d. April 4, 1877; Theodore
S., b. July 23, 1796, died at Utica; Sarah P., b. March 10, 1801, m.
William B. Walton, d. 1866; Charlotte Ruggles, b. July 7, 1806,
d. Oct. 18, 1808; Thomas, Jr.,b. March 11, 1809, d. Oct. 8, 1846,
as. thirty-seven.
Hon. Thomas R. Gold graduated at Yale College in the class of
1786. , When the Whitestown country was first being settled Mr.
*The promise (never fulfilled) of a library from Thomas Ruggles for his name
was the reason for two brothers of the name of Thomas.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 295
Gold established himself there, about 1792, in the profession of
the law. He soon acquired a high position, and for a time stood
at the head of the bar in Central New York. In 1798 he was
elected to the Senate of his adopted State. For about twenty
years he represented New York in the Congress of the United
States. Although important public business engrossed a large
share of his time, yet Mr. Gold contributed largely to the " North
American Review " and other leading literary publications of the
day. In the later years of his life he became a humble and earnest
Christian, and died in the faith of Jesus, at the age of sixty- three
years. The record of this branch reads thus:
Hon. Thomas R. Gold, "Under the smiles of Providence, was
greatly blessed."
Of his wife, Sarah Sill, " Blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord." Harriet L., " Widow of Rev. John Frost, died at the age of
eighty-three years, after a long pilgrimage, refined and matured
for heaven, loved and revered by kindred and friends, two sur
viving children, and grandchildren to the third generation."
Theodore S. left one daughter, Mrs. Andrew Dexter of New
York. Thomas, Jr., had one son, Thomas Raymond Gold of Chicago..
Hezekiah Cold, of Cornwall, fourth son of Rev. Hezekiah, and
of the fifth generation, m. Rachel Wadsworth, daughter of Samuel
Wadsworth. Oct. 24, 1788.
Children: Sally Maria, b. Oct. 19, 1789, m. Edward Rogers,
March 4, 1810; Samuel Wadsworth, b. Sept. 27, 1794, m. Phebe
Cleveland, daughter of Erastus and Rebecca (Berry) Cleveland,
Madison, N. Y., April 17, 1817; Julia R., b. May 31, 1800,
m. Daniel Cleveland, Nov. 13, 1821; Lorain Sedgwick, b. May
26, 1804, m. Wm. S. Stevens, Jan. 1, 1828.
Capt. Hezekiah Gold was a farmer on Cream Hill; a part of
his farm, he inherited by his wife, the remainder he purchased of
Joseph Wadsworth. He was an active, energetic, public- spirited
man, never backward in any good work. He was a good farmer
for his day, and if we can farm as well for the times as he did we
shall be satisfied.
Hon. Edward Rogers and Sally Maria, oldest daughter of Hez
ekiah Gold, had children: Hezekiah Gold, b. Feb. 22, 1811; Sarah
Maria, b. July 30, 1820; Edward, b. July 20, 1826, d. Dec. 26, 1846.

296

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

Hon. Edward Rogers died May 29, 1857 ; his wife, Sally Maria,
died Jan. 28, 1847. (For further account, see Rogers family.)
Hezekiah Gold Rogers graduated at Yale in 1831; practiced law
at Pittsburgh, Pa., was chargS de affaires to the Kingdom of Sardinia,
and held various positions of public trust. Is still living as a law
yer in Pennsylvania.
Samuel Wadsworth -Gold, son of Hezekiah of the sixth genera:
tion, and Phebe Cleveland, had children: Theodore Sedgwick, b.
March 2, 1818; Mary Elizabeth, b. Nov. 21, 1820, d. April 6, 1821;
Julia Lorain, b. June 24, 1824, d. Aug. 12, 1875.
Dr. Samuel W. Gold graduated at Williams College in 1814;
studied medicine at Pittsfield and at Yale, where in 1834 he re
ceived the honorary degree of M. D. He was licensed to practice
medicine in 1817, and began hispr6fessional,lifeat Madison, N. Y.
From there he returned to Cornwall for five years, then went to
Goshen to fill out twenty-five years of medical practice. He re
turned to Cornwall in 1842, and in 1845, with his son, T. S. Gold,
established the Cream Hill Agricultural School, which was contin
ued successfully for twenty -four years. He was State senator in
1847 and 1859, and presidential elector in 1857.
Dr. Gold was a thorough student of medicine, and a successful
practitioner. He was a frequent contributor to the medical jour
nals and other publications of the day. As an educator he applied
to good advantage his professional knowledge and ripe experience ;
while as a farmer 'he early realized the necessity of clearing our
fields of rocks for successful agriculture, and was the first to at
tack the great boulders, in 1823, that infested our farms. The
horse-rake and the mowing-machine were first used in town on
his Cream Hill farm, an impossibility in the original condition of
the fields.* He was persistent in his efforts to promote the social,
moral, and educational interests of the community, and lived to
see many of his favorite projects brought to maturity.
Dr. Samuel W. Gold died Sept. 10, 1869, aged 74 years, 11
months. His wife, Phebe C, died Nov. 29, 1869, aged 73.
Theodore Sedgwick Gold, seventh generation, son of Samuel W.,
married Caroline E- Lockwood, daughter of Charles and Eunice
Lockwood, Sept. 13, 1843. Children — Eleanor Douglas, b. Sept.
11, 1844, m. Chas. H. Hubbard of Sandusky, 0., Sept. 30, 1868;
*We bought a revolving horse-rake from Amenia, Dutchess Co., .in 1842,
and an Allen mowing-machine in 1857. We had tried a Ketchum unsuccess
fully the previous year.

^^^JL^/lM^

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT ' RESIDENTS. 297
Mary Elizabeth, b. Feb. 2, 1847, d. July 11, 1857, aged 10 years,
5mo., 9d; Emily Sedgwick, b. Jan. 31, 1849, d. April 2, 1858,
aged 9 years 2m ; Rebecca Cleveland, b. July 29, 1851, m. Sam
uel M. Cornell of Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 8, 1876; Caroline Simons,
b. Oct. 3, 1855.
Mrs. Caroline E. Gold, wife of T. S. Gold, died April 25, 1857,
aged 32. Theodore S. Gold married second wife, Mrs. Emma
(Tracy) Baldwin, daughter of A. W. Tracy of Rockville, Ct, April
4, 1859. Children— Alice Tracy, b. Jan. 14, 1860; Martha Wads
worth, b. July 20, 1861; Charles Lockwood, b. April 14, 1863;
James Douglas, b. Nov. 5, 1866.
T. S. Gold graduated at Yale, 1 838, studied at Yale one year
after graduation; taught in Goshen and Waterbury academies three
winters; came to Cornwall in 1842, as a farmer; established agri
cultural school with his father, in 1 845, and taught for twenty-four
years; was chosen Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture at
its organization in 1866, which office he still holds.
Charles H. Hubbard and Eleanor D., eighth generation, daugh- ,
ter of T. S. Gold, had children (being the ninth generation) — Rollin
Barnard, b. July 22, 1869; Caroline Lockwood, b. Oct. 14, 1871;
Eleanor Gold, b. Sept. 20, 1873, d. Aug. 11, 1874; Charles Mills,
b. Oct. 24, 1875.
Frederic Lyman married Julia L., daughter of Samuel W. Gold,
and had children — Samuel; Anna E., b. Sept. 13, 1848; Frederic
Gold, b. Aug. 27, 1850; Sarah Mead, b. Oct. 21, 1852; Theodore,
Edward C. Samuel, Theodore, and Edward died in early infancy.
Daniel Cleveland and Julia R., second daughter of Hezekiah
Gold, had children — James Douglas, b. 1822, m. Charlotte Bing
ham; Julia Antoinette, b. Jan. 25, 1830, m., Oct. 1, 1851, Charles
G. Aiken; Mary S., b. 1832, d. May 6, 1877; Thomas Gold, b.
May, 1838, m. Harriet Wiley, and d. in 1871. Julia R. Cleve
land d. Feb. 13, 1852, and her husband, Daniel Cleveland, a few
years after.
James Douglas Cleveland and Charlotte Bingham had. children —
Emma Douglas, b. Oct. 8*il852; Walter Gold, b. Oct. 1, 1857;
William Bingham, b. May 20, 1863. James Douglas Cleveland, a
lawyer in Cleveland, O. Has held, and now holds, many public
and private trusts, as an honest lawyer, able and willing to defend
the right.
Thomas Gold Cleveland and Harriet W. had children — Grace,
b. Nov. 26, 1855, d. Feb. 13, 1856; Katharine, b. April 28, 1857,
38

298 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
d. Oct. 11, 1857; Douglas, b. Jan. 11, 1859; Julia Gold, b. Dec.
22, 1860; Hattie, b. June 12, 1863; Alfred, b. May 20, 1866;
George Wiley, b. Dec. 24, 1864; Alice, b. Oct. 27, 1868; Darwin
Burton, April 25, 1870. Dr. Thomas G. Cleveland was a physician
in Cleveland, 0. He did good service as a surgeon in the war of the
rebellion, and died in 1871, of exposure and fatigue in army ser
vice. Charles G. Aiken and Julia Antoinette Cleveland had children —
Julia Cleveland, b. Oct. 22, 1852, d. Sept. 12, 1854; Florence Car-
nahan, b. Aug. 8, 1855; Henrietta, b. July 26, 1857, d. Aug. 24,
1858; Willie Cleveland, b. June 11, 1859,' Charles S., b. Feb. 6,
1863. William S. Stevens and Laura Sedgwick, third daughter of
Hezekiah Gold, had children— George G, b. Feb. 16, 1829, d.
about 22 years old; Emeline Cordelia, b. Aug. 20, 1832; Mary
Lorain, b. Nov. 11, 1834, m. Rev.  Kinney, and has chil
dren — Edward, d. about 20 years old, he was a good soldier in the
war against the rebellion, and died in Saratoga from disease con
tracted in the service. William S. Stevens d. Nov. 30, 1876. His
wife Laura d. Nov. 12, 1867.
Joseph Wakeman, youngest son of Rev. Hezekiah Gold, settled
as a farmer at Pompey, N. Y., accumulated a handsome property,
and died in early life. He had a daughter, who married Andrew
Dickson, a merchant in New York. His son Andrew is a mer
chant in Chicago. The Everest Family.
Rev. Cornelius B. Everest was a son of Daniel Everest, who
lived south of the village of Cornwall. He was a graduate of
Williams College, a faithful and acceptable preacher. He married
Abigail, daughter of Deacon Benjamin Gold, and had several chil
dren. He was settled over a Congregational church in Hartford
county; also at Norwich, Conn.
The Harrison Family.
The name of Harrison has been associated with Cornwall from
the earliest period of its history. Each generation has well' sus
tained its part in the history of the town, and they have spread
laterally into many families, conspicuous among the. present inhab
itants, while their descendants are found in many of the States —

¦<4r*

X^l^^^^C^^ j&t

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 299
even to the shores of the Pacific. Those bearing the name have
been, with scarcely an exception, freeholders and heads of families,
thus becoming closely identified with the prosperity of the com
munity where they have resided, building up happy homes, the
secure foundation of the nation. They have been law-abiding citi
zens, and such has been their regard for law and the rights of
others, that it is doubted if there has ever been one of the name in
this town, or their descendants, indicted for crime. All of those
now residing in Cornwall of the name (except Myron Harrison, in
the Hollow, who is grandson of Daniel, 2d,) are descended from
Noah Harrison, who came to Cornwall from Branford in 1762, in
company with Noah and Edward Rogers. His first purchase of '
land was a fifty-acre lot, upon which he built the house now stand
ing near the presenj residence of Luman Harrison, where he lived
and died in 1823, aged 86. He was a man of great resolution,
and a great teamster with oxen. It is said that "the crack of his
whip could be heard at a mile's distance." During the Revolution'
a troop of dragoon horses were wintered on his farm, and from the
man in charge Mr. Harrison and others learned to braid those
whip-lashes for which the neighborhood was so famous.
Noah Harrison married Hannah, sister of Noah and Edward
Rogers, and had children — Edmund, b. May 1, 1868; Heman and
Luman; and by a second marriage, Hannah m. Elias Hart, and
Amanda m. Oliver Burnham Hart.
Edmund Harrison, as a pupil of Oliver Burnham, developed a
taste for mathematical studies, and became a farmer of more than
ordinary intelligence. He ruled his family well, both by precept
and example; was temperate in all things; a strict observer of the
Sabbath, and of unblemished moral character, and in public and
private life bore the title of an honest man. One of his maxims
was, " What is worthy of thy remark, remember, and forget the
rest." His grandson, Geo. C. Harrison, enjoyed much of the
society of his grandfather in his later years, and gives many rem
iniscences of him. In his 87th year he received injuries from a
fall which rendered him comparatively helpless for the remaining
eleven years; yet he was always cheerful, and by reading and con
versation kept well informed in the knowledge of passing events,
even to the close of life, Jan. 4, 1867, aged 98 years, 8 months,
and 4 days. His memory held out to the last, and his apt quota
tions of poetry, from book, and of local origin, enlivened his con
versation. Addressing thus a young pedagogue, he quoted:

300 HISTORY OP CORNWALL.
" The schoolmaster rages
For want of more wages,
And hurries his scholars along.
He teaches them morals,
And whips all that quarrel,
And silence all day is his song.''
Edmund Harrison married/ Ruth Hopkins of Warren, and had
children — Rufus, Noah, Myron, Chandler, Lucretia, John R., Han
nah, and William H. Of his sons, Rufus went to Genesee
County, Mich., where by industry he secured for himself a home,
with his own hands clearing away the primeval forest. He was a
man of powerful frame, tall and lithe as his Indian neighbors, of
bold and fearless character, and though of a kind and generous
disposition, yet when aroused to vindicate his rights, according to
the then law of that land, woe to the white man or Indian that
came within reach of his arm.
Noah went to Columbia County, N. Y: Was a man of decided
character and influence; had a large and prosperous family, one
son, John J., being a graduate of Wesleyan University and of
the Albany Law School, and is now an Episcopal clergyman on
Long Island.
Myron Harrison, third son of Edmund, was born Sept. 25, 1800;
he was apprenticed as a clerk to Mr. Allen, then a merchant at Corn
wall Center, where he remained some two or three years, until
Allen failed; spent some two or three years in Goshen; then
entered the mercantile business at Cornwall Bridge in 1826, in
partnership with Peter Bierce. He married Charlotte E. Calhoun,
daughter of Doct. John Calhoun, June 2, 1830. He died Sept.
19, 1872. He left a family of three children: Ralph C, b. Oct.
22, 1831; George L, b. May 5, 1835; Sarah C, b. Oct. 31, 1840;
Ralph, m. Juliet Waite of Chicago, is a graduate of Wesleyan
University, and of the Albany Law School, and is a lawyer in San
Francisco, Cal. (he has two or three sons) ; Geo. L. is married, is
General Pass. Agent of Chicago & Northwestern R. R. at Boston,
Mass.; Sarah C. m. V. C. Beers of Cornwall. Myron Harrison
was selectman of the town seven years; twice a member of the
Legislature; United States Assistant Assessor eight years; during
his life he was engaged in the settlement of eighty-six estates.
Chandler, who was considered the flower of the family, died at
the early age of twenty-six, from consumption contracted in travel
at the South; Lucretia m. John Bradford.
John R. Harrison m. Eleanor Bradford in 1833, and had chil-

RECORDS OP EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 301
dren: George C, b. May 19, 1840; Catharine, b. Aug. 1, 1843;
Wilbur Fitch, b. Aug." 22, 1845, and John P., Nov. 4, 1848.
In 1833, with John Bradford as partner, Mr. Harrison engaged
in mercantile business at the Center, and was postmaster there'till
the removal of the office to Cornwall Plain, about 1849. In 1833,
there were only two other offices in town, one at Cornwall Bridge,
and one in the Hollow, kept by John E. Sedgwick, in the house
lately owned by Erastus Merwin. His business qualifications and
true worth were soon brought into use in offices of trust and
responsibility, and his life became closely identified with the record
of the town ; with such faithfulness were these duties performed,
that almost continuously, from 1835 to 1877, a period of forty-two
years, his townsmen called him to public duty. His record is
three years in General Assembly, about thirty years Justice of the
Peace; Selectman for seventeen years; Treasurer of Town Deposit
and School Society's Funds, fifteen years; Judge of Probate, six
years'. Of dignified, unassuming manners, a safe counselor, and
true friend, an example of temperance and sobriety, of an earnest
Christian spirit, ready to aid with his name and influence those in
straitened circumstances, Mr. Harrison still remains with us, though
having passed the allotted "three-score years and ten;" and of such
we say, Sero redeas in Coelum.
Of his children, George C. m. Mrs. Rebecca (Todd) White,
Feb. 21, 1862, and has children: Cynthia R., Eleanor H, George
E., Charlotte A., Katie J., Ruth, Gertrude, Anna, and Mary M.
George C. Harrison, as Town Clerk and Treasurer, and as Judge
of Probate; with his young family, promises to rival his ancestors
as a citizen worthy of the trust and confidence of his fellows.
Catharine, daughter of John R. Harrison, m. Wm. H. H. Hew
itt, and resides in New Haven; has children, Mary Cornwall, and
Harrison. Wilbur F., second son, m. Harriet, d. of Luther Miner; is a
farmer residing in South Cornwall. John B. removed to Ohio,
married there, and has one daughter.
Hannah Harrison, second daughter of Edmund, remained unmar
ried, and still occupies the homestead of her father in the Hollow.
William H. Harrison, youngest son, m. Mary, d. of Benjamin
Catlin, and has children: Edward R., b. Feb., 1841, living in Chi
cago; Nancy; Martha, m. Frederic Harrison, son of Heman, and
gone to Iowa ; Mary; Charles, a farmer at home; Cornelia and
Susan. Wm. H. Harrison is a thrifty farmer, owning a good farm

302 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
near the village of Cornwall, has held many offices of trust, and
¦ enjoys the respect of his townsmen, and the well-earned rewards
of his industry.
Heman, second son of Noah Harrison, remained on the old home
stead, and had sons, Heman and Luman, who are farmers, reside
in the Hollow, and have promising young families; and daughters,
Lucy, m. Coddington Crandall, and Mary, m. Chester Wickwire.
Luman, third son, removed to Genesee Co., N. Y., and bas left
numerous descendants in that vicinity.
Darnel Harrison, brother of Noah, was born about the year
1730, and came to Cornwall from Branford, Conn.; was son of
Daniel Harrison of that place, m. Miss Hannah Barker, lived on
the hill west of Cornwall Hollow, and died at an advanced age, —
eighty-four years. This family consisted of four sons and two
daughters: Daniel 2d, Joel, Joseph, Luther, Abigail, and Thankful.
Daniel 2d, m. Miss Hannah Page for his first wife, and Sarah
Parker for his second; his children were: Eber, Sylvester, Han
nah, Reuben, and Joseph.
Joel, second son, m. Hannah Beardsley, sister to Stiles, and aunt
to Julius Beardsley; removed to Amenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y.,
where he died, leaving one son and one daughter, who removed to
Ohio. Joseph, third son, enlisted in the Revolutionary Army, was taken
prisoner to New York, finally exchanged, but from sufferings and
fatigue of imprisonment, died before he reached home.
Luther, fourth son, m. Rachel Johnson, whose grandfather,
Douglas, was one of the original proprietors; his family were:
Douglas, Barker, Albert, Wm. E., Abby, and some who died
young. Abigail, daughter of Daniel 1st, m. Wm. Cranmer, and
removed to the West.
Thankful, daughter of Daniel 1st, m. John Cornwall, a minis
ter of the Presbyterian denomination.
Douglas, son of Luther, died young.
Barker, second son, m. Mary Scoville of Cornwall, removed to
Michigan. Albert and Abby removed unmarried to the West.
Wm. E., fourth son, remained in Cornwall, m. Fanny Winans,
'who died 1861; he remarried and removed West.
Children of Daniel Harrison, 2d.
Eber m. Laura Hart, sister of Elias and 0. B. Hart — lived to an
advanced age — he had two sons, Hart and Myron 2d, who is still

YA

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RECORDS. 303
living, 1877, on the homestead of his father; he leaves no'children.
Sylvester died young ; Hannah m. Mr. Hitchcock, and removed to
New York; Reuben m. and removed to Amenia, N. Y., where he
died; Joseph m. Eleanor Bradford, sister of James Bradford —
removed to the West. His son, Bradford Harrison, is now living
at Cuyahoga Falls, and a grandson at Freedom, Ohio, with a son
and daughter (Nellie) at home, and one son, Daniel, who is said
to be a true type of Daniel 2d, living in New York State. He
enlisted in the War of 1812, and died shortly after returning
home. The Bradford Family.
John Bradford came to Cornwall from Montville, New London
County, about 1772; he bought and settled on the farm now occu
pied by Fowler Bradford, died in 1817, about eighty years of age;
married Mary Fitch of Norwich, Conn. ; his children were, James
Fitch, Rachel, Mary, Abigail, Rebecca, and Eleanor.
James F. Bradford was born May 1, 1767; was appren
ticed at the age of fourteen to a tanner and shoe-maker in
Montville, Conn., and served seven years and came to Cornwall
soon after the expiration of his apprenticeship. He married
Mary Merwin of Goshen; built the house where Mrs. Fox now
lives in Cornwall Hollow, and lived there the first part of his
married life. After the death of his parents he owned and
occupied where Fowler Bradford now lives until about 1825,
when he gave to his sons John and Fowler that place, and
spent the remainder of his days where Mrs. Fox lives. He was
very handy with all mechanical tools, in erection of buildings,
making tubs, pails, etc. His children were: Laura, m.
Lyman Fox of Cornwall, now living; Mary, m. Sherwood Millard
of Canaan, now living; Emeline, m. Wm. Marsh, M. D., one of
whose sons, C. W. Marsh, is now living at Cornwall Plain, another
son William in Memphis, Miss. ; John, m. Lucretia Harrison,
first wife, second, Maria Blinn of Sharon, third, Corneha Beebe of
Canaan; his widow and daughter are now living at Cornwall;
Fowler, m. Charlotte Belden of Canaan; has three sons and one
daughter living; two sons, John and James, are at home; Henry is
in Plymouth, the daughter is married and lives in Canaan ; James
Fitch, Jr., m. Catherine Catlin of Bethlehem ; Charlotte and Sarah
m. William Regg of New Marlboro, Mass. ; Eleanor m. John R.
Harrison of Cornwall; Uri m. Charlotte Hurlbut, d. in Egremont,
s., where his family remain; Benjamin m. Rebecca Jackson.

304 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Rachel, dau. of John Bradford, m. Shubael Lowry of Canaan.
(She was mother of Mrs. David Smith of Sharon.)
Abigail m. David Smith of Goshen, commonly called " Quaker
Smith," whose son, David F. Smith, now resides in Sharon; Mary
m. Daniel Sterling of Cornwall; they settled in Jefferson County,
N. Y. ; Rebecca m. Heman Harrison of Cornwall, whose sons, Heman
and Luman, now reside in the Hollow. His daughter Lucy m. C.
B. Crandall, and Mary m. Chester Wickwire. Eleanor m. Joseph
Harrison, son of Daniel 2d, and settled in Madison County, N. Y.
The Crandall Family.
Coddington B. Crandall came from Goshen about 1826, and mar
ried Lucy Harrison. Had four sons, three of whom lived to man
hood, — John, Henry, and George. The two last have represented
the town in the legislature, and held other offices. George is a
farmer, residing near West Cornwall on the farm formerly owned
by Amos Johnson. The citizens of Cornwall have to thank Mr.
Crandall for much good work upon our roads.
v The Chandler Family.
Joseph Chandler came from Danbury, Mass., in 1748, and settled
where Agur Judson lived in 1845. He lived to about ninety years.
He had sons: Benjamin, who was a blacksmith, went to Fairmouth,
Vt., and was killed at the battle of Bennington. Abner in, 1774
sold his place to Jethro Bonney and went to Piermont, N. H.
Jonathan lived where Jabez Baldwin lived, and went to Piermont,
N. H. Simeon, after 1754, lived at New Milford; a daughter
married Ephraim Patterson, brother of Matthew.
The Kellogg Family.
Judah Kellogg from Colchester graduated at Yale 1763, taught
school in Stratford, where he married Mary Tomlinson, an aunt of
the late Governor Tomlinson, came to Cornwall in 1774, and
bought 160 acres of land with a small house, of Stephen Royce,
Here he lived till his death, in 1820, aged eighty.. He represented
the town in the General Assembly the first four years of his resi
dence here, and was Justice of the Peace for a long period. As
deacon of the church he is referred to elsewhere. He was chosen
clerk in 1776, and continued to hold the office till 1810, a period
of thirty-six years. His skill and accuracy, in penmanship was
complete, while in accuracy in punctuation he was surpassed by
none. William, his oldest son, succeeded him as clerk, and at his

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 305
death Frederick, the fourth son of William, was chosen to the
office, which he held till 1845, the clerkship having been in the
family sixty-nine years.
William Kellogg had four sons, two of whom died young.
Philo, the eldest son, was a farmer, and owned and occupied the
site of his grandfather Judah. He was a partner in the firm of
P. & F. Kellogg for twenty years. He represented the Seventeenth-
District in the Senate of Connecticut two terms, and was a represent
ative from Cornwall two years. He was appointed Judge of Probate
at the organization of the district, and held the office two years.
He died in 1862, aged sixty-eight.
Frederick Kellogg, the youngest son of William, was a mer
chant; in 1829 he succeeded his father as Town Clerk, which office
he held uninterruptedly for sixteen years, and was four times
elected to the same office at various times afterwards; in 1852 he
was appointed Judge of Probate for the District of Cornwall, which
office he held, with the exception of two years, till constitutionally
disqualified. In 1841 he was appointed County Commissioner,
which office he held for three years. From 1830 to 1841 he
represented the town of Cornwall in the Legislature four years.
Is still living, enjoying his faculties of both mind and body, and
the fruits of his industry and frugality.
John Kellogg, the second son of Judah, resided in Cornwall, and >
died at the age of seventy-seven. He raised a family of ten
children, seven sons and three daughters; the entire family
emigrated to the Western States, viz., Wisconsin, Minnesota, and
Kansas, and have become prosperous citizens.
Lucius, the third son of Judah, settled at Oyster Bay, Long
Island, where he became an eminent physician. •
The Hart Family.
The name of Hart seems to be common to several nationalities.
England, Scotland, and Ireland have their Harts. The origin of the
name is not made known. Perhaps from David's beautiful ani
mal that panted for the water-brooks. The variety in spelling is
not great. The prevailing is simply Hart — occasionally Hartt,
Harte, Heart, Hearte. Tradition has it that three brothers came
to this country early in its settlement, and the name is prominently
connected with the settlement of various places.
" Honest John Hart," as he was called, was a son of one of the
39

,306 , history of Cornwall.
brothers, and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, being
a member of the General Congress from New Jersey.
The patriotism of the family is proved by the great number
found in the ranks of the armies of 1775, 1812, and 1861, either
as officers or privates. There is a record of nearly three hundred
names of Harts as soldiers, and the list is far from complete.
The mother of the Hon. Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, was a
Hart, and the veteran Senator, in a conversation with the Hon. A.
N. Hart of, Michigan, said he was related to this family of Harts.
Deacon Stephen Hart, the principal founder of the Hart family
in this country, was born in Braintree, Essex County, England,
about 1605, came to Cambridge, Mass., in 1632, and to Hartford,
Conn., with Mr. Hooker's company in 1635, where he was one of
the original proprietors. His home lot was on the west side of
what is now called Front street, near Morgan street, and there is a
tradition that the town was called from the ford he discovered and
used in crossing the Connecticut river at a low stage of the water,
and so from Hart's ford it soon became Hartford. He took the
lead about 1645 in settling among the Indians in Farmington, pur
chasing extensive tracts of land. His village lot on Main street,
opposite the meeting-house, was five times as large as any other,
and contained fifteen acres. He was one of the first representatives
in 1647, and for the succeeding fifteen years. He was deacon of
Rev. Thomas Hooker's church in Cambridge and Hartford, also
first deacon of church in Farmington, organized in 1652, under
Rev. Roger Newton, where he died in 1683, aged seventy-seven,
leaving three sons — John, Stephen, and Thomas, of the second gen
eration. John Hart, eldest son of Dea. Stephen, resided in Farmington,
where he wsts made a freeman in 1 654, and admitted to the church
the same year. He was one of the first settlers of Tunxis, called
after the Indian tribe of that name, from which he bought his
house-lot. His sad and untimely death occurred on this wise, viz.:
His house, located near the center of the village, was fired in the
night by the Indians, and he and all his family, except his eldest
son, John, who was absent, perished in the flames. All the town
records were likewise burnedt This fire occurred in 1666, when
he was about thirty -five years of age.
Captain John Hart, eldest son of John Hart, born in Farmington
in 1665, was caring for stock on his father's farm in Avon when
the fire occurred, and thus providentially saved to be the progenitor

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 307
of a numerous posterity. Many offices and honors were con
ferred on him, and he was a useful man in Church and State. He
died in Farmington in 1714, aged sixty years, being of the third
generation. Dea. John Hart, son of Captain John, was deacon in Farmington
and Kensington, was town clerk many years, and twenty-three
times elected to the General Court. He died in 1753, aged sixty-
nine, being of the fourth generation, leaving three sons — Judah,
John, and Solomon, of the fifth generation.
John Hart, second son of Deacon John, born October, 1714, at
Kensington, moved to Canaan, Connecticut, in 1740, and to Corn
wall in 1763, where he became a large land-holder. He died Dec.
18, 1773, aged fifty-nine years. By his second wife, Hannah Gould,
he had five children; none of his descendants bearing the name of
Hart remain in Cornwall. Amy, their second child, born in
1753, m. Capt. Seth Pierce of Cornwall, and their son Major Seth
Pierce still resides here.
Deacon Solomon, third son, b. Oct. 1, 1724, moved to Cornwall
in 1764, making many purchases of land on the river from Corn
wall Bridge to Canaan line, also largely in the present Hart school
district. He built the large white house which stood near pres
ent site of Mr. Isaac Marsh's residence, which was called Hart's
Tavern, and the locality now West Cornwall was then known as
Hart's Bridge. He married, Mar. 3, 1750, Experience Cole o'f
Southington, and died May 15, 1805, aged eighty years, leaving
children, Ruth, Esther, Titus, Lot, Phineas, Elias, Jemima, Expe
rience, and Solomon, of the sixth generation.
Phineas Hart, of the sixth generation, third son of Deacon Solo
mon, born in 1758, did valiant service for his country in the Rev
olution. He was a pensioner of the general government. He
married and lived in Cornwall, where he had children: Lot, Solo
mon, Mary, Experience, and Jane. He removed West, where his
children remained. He died in Cornwall in 1728, aged 70 years.
Captain Elias Hart, fourth son of Deacon Solomon, was born
May 11, 1759. He was a brave youth, and when the war for
independence came, although scarcely sixteen years of age, he
gave his services heartily to his country, and through seven cam
paigns unflinchingly faced the foe and met the privations of war.
One inclement winter, when the small-pox was raging with fatal
effect in camp, he inoculated himself, and thus came through this
fearful scourge in safety. The inkstand he used after the war

308 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
was a small metal flask taken from the enemy at Danbury. He
married, June 14, 1781, Philomela Burnham, sister of Oliver
Burnham, Esq., of Cornwall. Both were consistent members of
the Second Congregational church. He moved in 1784 from
Hart's Bridge to the farm deeded him by his father that year, the
house then standing on the large meadow now owned by E. Burton
Hart. He served the town many years in positions of trust and
honor, and received a pension till his decease, at the age of 75, in
1834; their children being seventh generation :
Enos d. in childhood; Elias, b. 1784, m. 1807, Hannah Harri
son of Cornwall, d. Mar. 5, 1865, se. 80; Oliver Burnham, b. 1787,
m. 1807, Amanda Harrison, d. Aug., 1844, se. 57; Laura, b. 1790,
m. 1819, Eber Harrison, d. Mar., 1875, se. 85; Philomela, b, 1793,
m. 1814, Col. Anson Rogers; Julius, b. 1796, m. Jan. 7, 1819,
Rhoda, dau. of Dea. Noah Rogers; Harriet, b. 1798, m. Gideon P.
Pangman, d. 1853, se. 55; Jerusha, b. 1801, m. Palmer Brown;
Alvin Nelson, b. 1804, m. 1829, Charlotte F.Bali of Mass., d. 1874,
se. 70.
Titus, oldest son of Solomon Hart, was born in Farmington, June
4, 1754; came to Cornwall with his father' at the age of ten years.
He married Esther Hand, and lived in a house where Mrs. H. M.
Hart's barn now stands. He was deacon of the church in North
Cornwall, eminently a man of prayer; he was never known to omit
his morning and evening devotions, after which he retired for his
private or closet duties. He died October 31, 1831, aged 77. His
children, being the seventh generation, were: Nathan, b. June 12,
1774, d. 1861, se. 86; John, b. 1779, d. 1801, sa. 22; Nathan, m.
Sylvia Clark. He succeeded his father Titus as deacon, and was
superintendent of the Sunday-school for many years.
Deacon Hart was largely identified with the religious interests of
the town, and Litchfield North Consociation; a man of strong
mind and good sense. His children, being of the eighth genera
tion, were: John Clark, Titus Leavitt, Abigail Amelia, Hezekiah
Milton, Solomon, Esther Maria, Sylvia Ann, Mary Eliza, Clarissa,
Nathan, Delia, Uri William. Of these, Titus Leavitt, H. Milton, and
Nathan settled in Cornwall, farmers by occupation. They are iden
tified with the improvement of the agricultural industries of the
town and State. H. Milton was judge of probate, justice of the
peace, surveyor, and in the winter months taught music in various
places in the State. Nathan represented the town in the Legislature
in 1860, and held many positions of trust in the civil and business

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 309
affairs of the town; was also member of the State Board of Agri
culture from Litchfield county, and its treasurer for several years.
, John Clark, son of Deacon Nathan Hart, graduated at Yale Col
lege in 1831, and after a course in theology at Andover, entered
the ministry, and was a devout and successful .minister. He mar
ried, first, Emily Irene, daughter of Oliver Burnham, and, second,
Mrs. R. K. Moore; he died at Ravenna, Ohio, Sept., 1871, se. 67.
At this time (October 1, 1877), of this family of twelve children,
six are living: Titus Leavitt, Sharon, Conn.; Sylvia Ann Whittle
sey, New Preston; Mary Eliza — Nodine, Vt.; Clarissa — Nodine,
matron Deaf and Dumb Asylum, Rochester, N. Y. ; Nathan, West
Cornwall; Uri William, North Haven, Conn.
Children of H. Milton, being of the ninth generation: Sylvia
Rosalia, Mary Jane, John Milton, Albert Judson, Wilham Clarence.
Children of Nathan, being the ninth generation: Ellen Clarissa,
m. John Cotton Sherwood ; Charles Whittlesey, Gould Whittlesey.
Titus L. Hart has no children, but adopted a nephew of his wife,
Horace Hart, who succeeds in the occupancy of his farm.
The children of Elias Hart and Hannah Harrison, being the eighth
generation, were: Albert B., b. 1806; Flora Ann, b. 1811; Elias
Nelson, b. 1813; Harriet E., b. 1815; John Elias, b. 1817; Caro
line A., b. 1819; Hannah M., b. 1821; Juliette, b. 1823;' Edmund
H., b. 1826; Alvin Henry, b. 1828; JerushaR, b. 1830.
Of these but one son, Albert B., lives at present in the town, and
two daughters, Mrs. Harriet Wetherby and Mrs. Juliette (Horace)
Hitchcock. Hon. Alvin Nelson Hart, youngest child of Captain Elias, edu
cated at Amherst College, was the first settler of Lapeer, Mich., in
1831. He held the offices of sheriff, supervisor, representative,
State senator, and judge of Lafayette county. Removed to Lan
sing in 1860, where he died. He was engaged in real estate and
merchandise, and was an efficient promoter of railroads and other
enterprises for the development of the State. Oliver Burnham
Hart, third son, soon followed his brother to Lapeer, where he died
much lamented. They have many prominent descendants in the
State of Michigan and elsewhere.
Julius Hart, fourth son, has led an active life cultivating the soil
on part of the acres of his ancestors, and has enjoyed the society of
six generations. He worshiped many years in the old church at
the Center, contributed liberally to the construction of the church
in North Cornwall, and to its subsequent support, and now, in his
eighty-second year, rejoices in the erection of the chapel in West

310 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
, Cornwall; which experience is not shared by any other male member
of the Second Congregational church. He has served the town well
in various offices, also enlisted heartily in the Washingtonian temper
ance movement of 1840. He was for years president oi the local
society, and kept open house for worthy temperance laborers. He
made it a rule to supply from his own purse any deficiency in the
public contributions for the adequate compensation of deserving
speakers. The good resulting to this community was positive and
enduring. Their children, born in Cornwall, being the eighth generation.
Julius Rogers, b. Dec. 15, 1819, d. Jan. 31, 1821; Noah Rogers, b
Sept. 12, 1821; Julius Leavitt and Lydia Julia, b. Aug. 9, 1826,
the latter d. June 10, 1827 ; Elizabeth Wilson, b. Jan. 22, 1829, d.
Sept. 28, 1835; Elias Burton, b. Feb. 9, 1834; George Spencer, b.
Feb. 11, 1837.
Noah R., second son of Julius Hart, was early a clerk, later a
manufacturer. In 1853 he opened a boarding school for boys, m
which he continued until 1857, when he engaged in mercantile
business in West Goshen, thirteen years. He was superintendent
of the Goshen Sabbath-school ten years, and one of the founders of
the Young Men's Christian Association there; is now engaged in
manufacture of printers' ink in Brooklyn, N. Y. Nov. 22, 1843,
married Lucretia M. Barnum of Cornwall. Their children, ninth
generation: Frederick Augustus, b. July 25, 1849, at Cornwall;
Arthur Benton, b. June 26, 1855, at Cornwall; Mary Elizabeth, b.
Feb. 8, 1859, at Goshen; Emma Lucretia, b. Mar. 16, 1865, at
Goshen. Julius D., third son, from an early age was clerk, till, in 1857, in
partnership with his oldest brother, he succeeded the firm of A.
Miles & Son in West Goshen. He is now in Watertown, Wis.,
engaged in the purchase of Western produce. He married, Aug. 1,
1863, Mrs. Harriet C. Watson, youngest daughter of Capt. John
Smith, formerly of Kent, Ct. Their children are: Minnie Luella,
b. Nov. 28, 1864, at Goshen; George Edward, b. May 11, 1867, at
Goshen. E. Burton Hart, fourth son, was born on the homestead he now
owns and occupies. He labored on the farm from the age of seven,
being allowed only one short term yearly at the common school
from that time. He taught district school at Cornwall Center the
winter of 1852-3; then for four years both studied and taught in
connection with the private school known as the West Cornwall
Institute, of which he soon became principal and proprietor. In

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 31 1
1857 he received the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts from
the Norwich University of Vermont, and that of Master of Arts in
1860; was a member of the Legislature in 1865; is now one of the
board of selectmen. He was married, October 7, 1857, to Harriet,
daughter of Lee Canfield, Esq., of Salisbury, Conn.
Their children, being ninth generation: Lee Canfield, b. Nov. 15,
1862; Elias Burton, b. Feb. 1, 1865; Charles Julius, b. June 29,
1867. George S. Hart, youngest son, was brought up on the farm,
where he performed all the duties that fell to those who are born
on a farm, and did them faithfully. He was not a strong youth,
however, and the winter of 1859 and '60 finds him in the South,
whither he was sent by his parents for the benefit of his health.
It was during this Southern trip that he first conceived the idea
of entering the trade in which he has since won so much reputation.
Two years later, in 1862, he determined, although still in feeble
health, to go to New York and enter the great whirlpool of com
merce. His object was to acquire a proficiency in the produce
business, and more especially the receiving and selling of dairy
products. It was no easy task for him, however, to secure the
employment he desired. He offered his services without remuner
ation to many houses in the trade, but this Connecticut youth did
not apparently possess the qualities that old merchants desired,
and he went — as Lafitte, the French banker, went — from store to
store, in search of employment. As the French boy came from
the provinces, and applied to the leading financiers of Paris, so did
George S. Hart come from the hills of Connecticut, and, just as
Lafitte worked and triumphed, so did he. If others would not
employ him, he would try his own chances, and so hired a very
limited office privilege in Washington street. Here so well did he
do, that in a few weeks he decided to locate on the east side of the
city, near the Produce Exchange, and with a limited capital,
furnished by his brother E. Burton, he hired a small office at 39
Pearl street, with a contracted space in front, on the first floor, for
the reception of goods. Before the year was out the young mer
chant's business had increased to such an extent that he required
and had secured the entire building. Business prospered under
his management, and after remaining at 39 Pearl street for several
years, a move was made to the present commodious quarters of
the firm, 33 and 35 Pearl and 22 and 24 Bridge streets. From
the commencement of his business in the city he has met with con
tinued success; no failures nor embarrassments have marked his

312 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
course, and he is now, and long has been, regarded; as one of the
authorities in the trade. The business of his firm is of unusual
magnitude, and there are daily receipts of dairy produce from
nearly every point of production in the Union, the annual sales
amounting to over two million dollars. In addition to Mr. Hart's
immense produce business, he is a director in the New York Pro
duce Exchange Insurance Co., as well as director and executive
officer of some of the leading railroad companies of the city. In
1856 he became a member of the Congregational church at North
Cornwall; and the good teachings imparted to him in youth he has
endeavored to carry out amid the turmoil of commerce and the
excitement of trade. On February 23, 1871, he married Ann#,
daughter of Charles H. and Anna Eliza Dudley of New York city,
Their children: Anna Dudley, b. Dec. 25, 1871, d. Sept. 13,
1872; a daughter b. May 27, 1877, d. in infancy.
The Adams Family.
Deacon Samuel Adams of the Baptist church, came to Cornwall
from New Bedford in 1800. He first lived as a tenant in the Hol
low; afterwards on Cream Hill, and finally bought a farm of
Nathan Wickwire on Waller Hill. He enjoyed little opportunity
of education, but was a man of decided opinions, and well informed
upon all public matters. He served an apprenticeship as a wheel
wright at Westerly, R. I. His father was a captain of a privateer
in the time of the Revolution, and perished while in action, his
vessel being blown up by the explosion of the magazine.
Deacon Adams, born June 24, 1776, married first wife, Hope-
still Williams of Stonington, in 1795, and had one daughter, Hope,
who married Augustus Squires, and now lives at New Hartford,
N. Y. In 1835 married second wife, Lorilla Hurlbut, and had
children: Samuel Judson, b. Aug. 23, 1836, m. Louisa A. Dibble, andThas
four children. He is a farmer, living on the old homestead; and
John Quincy, b. Nov. 2, 1837; m. Sophronia A. Owen of Sharon;
has one son, Eugene. John Quincy Adams is a lawyer at Ne-
gaunee, Mich., and is reported as successful in his profession, and to
have acquired wealth.
At the time of his first marriage, Deacon Adams was 25, and the
blooming bride 48. To balance things, at his second marriage, at
the age of 59, he took a partner aged 25.

records of early and present residents. 313
The Beers Family.
England is credited with being the fatherland of the Beers, and
the genealogical records of the family trace back to the feudal age,
under the name of Beare, which was afterwards written Bears,
with a coat-of-arms to correspond.* The family were represented
in the English army during the reign of Charles I., and received
a grant of land in the north of Ireland for services rendered, and
a branch of the family permanently settled in that country in 1646.
John Beers, the founder of the family in this country, was accepted
an inhabitant of the town of Stratford, in Fairfield county, Novem
ber 25, 1678. The records are not definite upon the subject, but it
is supposed he was accompanied by his wife and four sons, as we
find that Samuel Beers, son of John and Mary Beers, was born
November 9, 1679, and the records then show that Barnabas Beers
m. Elizabeth Wilcoxson, April 4, 1688; Samuel Beers m. Sarah
Sherman, Jan. 16, 1706; Josiah Beers m. Elizabeth Ufford, May
10, 1717; Joseph Beers m. Sarah Clark, March 6, 1720; Abiel
Beers m. Elizabeth Cammel, Jan. 16, 1722.
, Barnabas Beers left a family: Mary, b. Dec. 27, 1689; Nathan,
b. Dec. 1, 1691 ; Josiah, b. Aug. 8, 1693.
Samuel Beers, it is believed, died without issue.
Josiah Beers left a family: Elizabeth, b. Oct. 16, 1721; Josiah,
b. Dec. 14, 1724 ; Ebenezer, b. Mar. 18, 1726.
Joseph Beers left a family: Ephraim, b. June 25, 1722; Mary,
b. Nov. 20, 1723; Joseph and John, b. Oct. 13, 1727; Andrew, b.
Feb. 3, 1729; Abel, b. Sept. 27, 1732; Sarah, b. Feb. 18, 1734;
Matthew, b. Dec. 19, 1736.
Abiel Beers left a family: Ebenezer, b. March 18, 1726; Eunice,
b. July 14, 1729; Abiel, b. Sept. 5, 1732.
Matthew Beers, youngest son of Joseph Beers, m. Sarah Curtis
of Stratford, and left a family: Curtis, Silas, Menzis, Otis, Lewis,
Lucinda. Curtis, eldest son of Matthew Beers, was born in Stratford, March
25, 1789. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to the shoe
maker's trade, and three years after purchased his time, as was
customary then, and engaged to Enoch Curtis to work at his trade
in Darien, Georgia, where at the expiration of two years he opened
* The coat-of-arms are described as follows : Arms argent (silver) ; a bear
rampant, " sable " (black) ; Cantan Gulez (red) ; Crest on a garb lying fipwise
( ) "or" (gold); a raven "sable" (black). Motto: Bear and forbear.
40

314 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
a boot and shoe store. In the summer of 1812, the store was con
sumed by fire, leaving him penniless, and in October, 1812, he came
to. Cornwall, and engaged with Captain Nehemiah Clark in the
curing of leather and the making of boots and shoes. Married
Alice Curtis of Stratford, September 22, 1817, and in November of
same year purchased, in connection with his brother Menzis, the
house now occupied by Menzis Beers at Cornwall. For several
years they manufactured boots and shoes for the Southern market,
a brother, Lewis Beers, taking charge of the business in Athens,
Georgia. In 1822 he purchased a farm of Luman Hopkins, near
Cornwall Bridge, and removed therein 1826, and engaged in farm
ing, which occupation he followed until his decease, March 10, 1848.
He left a family: Job W. C, b. July 9, 1818; Henry L., b. May 9,
1823; Sarah E,, b. Oct. 25, 1825; Victory C, b. Sept. 25, 1832.
Henry L. Beers represented the town in the General Assembly
in 1872 and 1876; was selectman for some years, and held many
offices of trust.
Sarah E. m. Hiram Pierce of Thomaston, May 31, 1849; her
only daughter m. Dr. Edward Bradstreet, and is settled in Meriden.
Victory C. Beers m. Sarah C. Harrison, daughter of Myron Har
rison, June 2, 1862, and has one son, George H., b. July
15, 1866. He was for several years a member of the Dem
ocratic State Central Committee; represented the Seventeenth
Senatorial District in the Senate of 1870; was selected as chairman
of the Board of Selectmen in 1876, which position he now holds.
Menzis Beers, third son of Matthew, was born in Stratford, July
23, 1795; he permanently settled in Cornwall in 1817, and engaged
with his brothers Curtis and Lewis in the curing of leather and the
manufacturing of boots and shoes for the Southern market. They
opened a store in Athens, Georgia, under the name and firm of C.
& M. Beers & Co. Married Laura, daughter of Captain John
Pierce, Jan. 1, 1820, and has two sons: John W., b. Jan. 15, 1822;
Silas C, b. Mar. 13, 1827.
In 1840, Menzis Beers engaged in the mercantile business with
F. Kellogg, at Cornwall, under the firm name of F. Kellogg & Co.,
which continued two years; but in 1842 the firm of J. W. & S. C.
Beers opened a store at North Cornwall for general merchandising
and the manufacturing of gloves and mittens, which continued
with several partners till 1860, when the business was removed to
South Cornwall, under the firm name of M. Beers & Sons.
John W. Beers represented the town in the General Assembly of

P2l

& yJ*^$

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 315
1857, and Silas C. was chosen town clerk and treasurer in 1852,
which office he held continuously for fourteen years, and in 1867
he represented the town in the General Assembly. Was chosen
deacon of the First Congregational church in 1868, which position
he now holds. The Sedgwick Family.
Members of this family have often appeared in this record, yet
some continuous account is requisite.
Gen. Robert Sedgwick, one of the first settlers of Charlestown,
Mass., was the progenitor of that family in this country. He was
one of the most distinguished men of his time, and, according to
the record, " was stout and active in all feats of war." This was
in Cromwell's time, and the account of his services against the
French and in other public positions is very complete. He died
at Jamaica, W. I., May 24, 1656. He had five children, one of
whom, William, m. Elizabeth Stone, dau. of Rev. Samuel Stone of
Hartford, and had one child, Samuel, b. 1667, d. March 24, 1735,
in his sixty-ninth year.
• Capt. Samuel Sedgwick, of the third generation, m. Mary, dau.
of Stephen Hopkins, 1689, and had twelve children.
Dea. Benjamin Sedgwick, the youngest son of Samuel, and of
the fourth generation, b. Nov. 7, 1716, m. Anna, dau. of John
Thompson of Wallingford, and had children, Sarah, m. Rev.
Hezekiah Gold of Cornwall, and d. Aug. 18, 1766; had five
children. John, bap. March 7, 1742, of the fifth generation, m. Abigail,
dau. of Capt. Stephen Andrews of Wallingford, about 1763,
and had children, John Andrews, b. March 8, 1764; Sarah, b. Dec.
27, 1765, d. unmarried; Henry, b. Sept. 13, 1767; Roderick, b.
March 8, 1770, d. se. 13; Parnel, b. Oct. 4, 1771; Anne, b. April
6,' 1775, d. unmarried; Elizabeth, b. Oct. 9, 1777, d. Jan. 4, 1778:
Pamela, b. Dec. 21, 1778; Benjamin, b. Jan. 25, 1781; Stephen
and Elizabeth, twins, b. March 1. 1783, Elizabeth d. unmarried;
Roderick, b. Jan. 26, 1785. Gen. John Sedgwick* m. second wife,
*I am informed by Gen. Charles F. Sedgwick of Sharon, that the statement
that Gen. Swift was appointed Colonel over the head of Gen. Sedgwick, and
that the latter resigned in consequence, is a great mistake. Gen. C. F. Sedg
wick says: '' From a statement made by Gen. S., now before me, I learn that
he was appointed a Captain in Col. Hinman's regiment in the spring of 1775.
Swift's regiment was raised in 1776, but Gen. Sedgwick had no connection with
it until as stated below. Gen. Swift was the first Colonel, and he had been an

316 HISTORY OP CORNWALL.
Mrs. Sarah Lewis of Farmington, but had no children by this
marriage. He d. Aug. 28, 1820.
The other children of Dea. Benjamin were: Benjamin, bap.
March 11, 1744; Theodore, bap. May, 1746 (Yale, 1765). History
says of him: "Hon. Theodore Sedgwick, LL. D., was one of the
great and good men of his time." He resided at Stockbridge,
Mass. His sons Theodore, Henry, Robert, and Charles were also
eminent lawyers. His daughters were, Eliza, m. Dr. Pomeroy of
Northampton, Mass.; Pamelia, m. Elkanah Watson of Albany,
N, Y.; Frances P., m. Ebenezer Watson of New York; and
Catharine M., widely known as a writer of ability.
John A. Sedgwick, of the sixth generation, m. and had children:
Charles F., a lawyer, living in Sharon; Albert, living in Bantam
Falls. Mary Ann m. Mr. Noyes; Amanda m. Mr. Bridgman.
Henry m. Hannah, dau. of Capt. Edward Rogers, and noticed in
Rogers Family; Pamelia m. Jonathan Bates and had one daughter,
Pamelia, who m. Charles Hunt of Canaan.
Benjamin m. Olive, dau. of Philo Collins of Goshen, and had
children: Philo Collins, b. July 18, 1810; John,*b. Sept. 13, 1813;
Olive Collins, b. Jan. 15, 1817, m. Ashbel Fuller of Kent, d. with
out children, Jan. 15, 1856; Emily, b. Nov. 6, 1819, m. Dr. Wm.
Welsh of Norfolk, 1869; Eliza, b. Nov. 7, 1824, d. Feb. 15, 1831.
Benjamin Sedgwick was a farmer in Cornwall Hollow. His
character and position are well given elsewhere in this volume.
He died March 15, 1857. Olive C, his wife, d. July 12, 1859.
Gen. Charles F. Sedgwick, of the seventh generation, m. Betsey,
dau. of Cyrus Swan, Esq., of Sharon, and had children: Betsey
officer in the French war, and was very properly selected as its commanding
officer. I copy from my grandfather's statement as follows :
"'In the winter of 1776, I was appointed a Major in the regiment commanded
by Col. Charles Burral, to succor our army after tho defeat of Gen. Montgom
ery, and crossed the lakes on the ice.'  'In the arrangement of the
army in 1777, I was transferred into a regiment commanded by Heman Swift,
Esq., and served with the main army under General Washington, and hutted
at Valley Forge.'"
This statement is consistent with the fact that Gen. Swift had been Colonel of
the regiment for a year and a half before Gen. Sedgwick joined it. He served
under Gen. Swift through all the campaign of 1777 ; was in the battle of Ger
mantown, and remained with the army till encamped at Valley Forge.
The appointment which gave him offense, and led to his resignation, was that
of two young Captains from the eastern part of the State to the office of Colonel.
One of them was Eleazer Huntington, afterwards Adjutant-General of the State
militia. T. S. G.
* For the record of Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, see Soldiers of the Rebellion.

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 317
Swan, John, Harriett Maria, Emma Denison, Charles Henry,
Caroline Swan, Mary Gould, Robert Adam, Cyrus Swan, and
Annie Rachel.
Gen. Sedgwick (Williams, 1813) is well known as well versed in
the pedigree of all this part of New England. My thanks are due
to him for his historical addresses and other contributions which
add so much to the value of this volume. His history of Sharon
is very comprehensive, and gives many facts in a small space.
Hon. Albert Sedgwick, of the seventh generation, m. Mary Hunt
of Canaan, October, 1822, and had children: John R., Mary H,
E. Buel, Catharine, Albert, Theodore,, Dwight, Charles F., and
Elizabeth, all now living except Theodore and Dwight. Albert
Sedgwick obtained the establishment of a post-office in the Hollow
in 1824, and received a commission as postmaster from Amos
Kendall, P. M., during the presidency of Andrew Jackson; was
sheriff of the county for seventeen years, till he resigned in 1854,
and was appointed Commissioner of the School Fund, May session,
1854, which office he held for twelve years.
Philo Sedgwick, son of Benjamin, of the seventh generation,
married Eliza, daughter of William Adams of Canaan, Oct. 2,
1833, and had children : William, b. Nov. 7, 1834, d. March 12,
1835; AdaLoiiise, b. March 16, 1836, d. Dec. 2, 1866; John Benja
min, b. Jan. 25, 1840, d. Oct. 18, 1867; Emily, b. April, 1842;
Harry, b. May 6, 1848.
Philo Sedgwick was a lawyer, and resided for many years at
Harrisburg, Pa., but afterwards returned to Cornwall. He died
Nov. 20, 1868. Of his children, John B. m. Catherine, dau. of
Noah Rogers, and had two children: Emily m. Harlan Page
Tracy of Elmwood, 111., June 16, 1869, and have one son, John
Sedgwick, b. Sept. 19, 1872; Harry m. Katharine M., dau. of
Newton Reed of Amenia, N. Y., Jan. 1, 1869, and have children:
Emily Irene, b. Nov. 13, 1870, d. Dec. 23, 1870; Benjamin,* b.
July 3, 1872; Clara Benton, b. Jan. 25, 1874, and John, b. March
17, 1876.
Major-General John Sedgwick was killed at Spottsylvania Court
House, Va., May 9, 1864. His record is given elsewhere. The
following extract from a letter written when he was a lieutenant, to
Dr. S. W. Gold, is here given as part of his history:
*At the semi-centennial at North Cornwall, July 19, 1876, James Douglas
Gold, Benjamin Sedgwick, and Dwight Rogers were appointed a committee of
arrangements for the next semi-centennial, 1926.

318 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
City of Mexico, November 28, 1847.
Mt Dear Doctor :
My last letter from home was dated July 8th, and but one opportunity
has occurred of sending letters from here since, with any certainty of
their reaching their destination... This necessary grievance has now been
remedied by the occupation of the dangerous passes with our troops, and
we now anticipate the pleasure of hearing from home at least once a
month. The important political events that transpire in the States, are
brought here either by the English courier or Mexican mails ; the Mexi
can government being much better and sooner informed of the numbers
and destinations of all reinforcements that General Scott receives than he
is himself— the first, and very often the only, information that he
receives of the arrival of troops is through the Mexican government.
You have no doubt seen more fully the details of the battles fought here
in the Valley, than I could give you in a short letter  Allow me
to relate a little incident, which, I think, reflects much credit on my regi
ment. During the severe battle of Cherubusco, an aide-de-camp of our
brigade went to General Worth to report the progress ; but before he
could speak, General Worth says : " How is this, sir ; I hear that your
brigade has given back? " The aide said : " No, sir, I have just left the
advance, where the Second Artillery are warmly engaged with the enemy ;
not a man has fallen back, and what is more, they will drive the enemy
from their position in fifteen minutes." This was done, although not in
the time he mentioned. This was told me by Lieut. Thorne, the aide,
who is the son of Colonel Thorne that has resided many years in Paris,
and of whom you have no doubt heard. In the action above mentioned,
the color-bearer was shot down, and the colors taken by a sergeant of
my company. Just before we reached the breast-work of the enemy,
and when the balls were flying the thickest, the sergeant said to me :
" Lieutenant, shall I shake out the colors, to let the Mexicans know who
are after them ? " so confident was every soldier in the result. This same
sergeant, in the battle of the 13th — the day we entered the city — was
stricken down by a grape-shot, by my side. In falling, he said : " Push
on, Lieutenant, and get out of this fire ; they have got me at last ;"
but what, was my surprise, in two hours, to see the sergeant join the com
pany, cheering the men on, as if nothing had happened. The ball had
struck his shoulder, depriving him for a time of his breath, but not
proving a serious wound. This was the most serious place 1 was ever in.
Seven men nearest me were struck with this discharge. You can imagine
something how serious ; we were advancing down the street, with houses
on one side and an aqueduct on the other, and across this street was
placed three twelve-pounders, pouring a terrible fire of grape-shot. But
we had the satisfaction of taking those guns, and sleeping that night, for
the first time, in the great city of the Aztecs. For this night, and the
two previous ones, I had slept out, without a blanket to cover me, or
anything but a crust of hard bread to eat. You may imagine I was very
much exhausted, but add to this, that when we lay down, there was
every prospect that the battle would be renewed the next morning.
Although wo knew we were inside the gates of the city, and that
nothing could prevent our taking it, yet we did not believe that they
would give it up without one more effort. Such, however, was the case.
About midnight a deputation arrived from the city, saying that the
troops were leaving, and wanted to make some terms of surrender. Gen
eral Scott told them it was immaterial to him whether the troops left or
not ; that at 10 o'clock in the morning he would be in the Palace, and
there he would dictate terms to them. Early the next morning (day
light) the troops were all under Jarms, General Worth's division in

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 319
advance, when a shout came from the rear that could be heard for miles,
each regiment taking it up, and presently General Scott rode lip, in full
uniform, with his staff, speaking a few words as he passed the different
regiments.^ Here General Quitman's division passed ours, and marched
to the main Plaza, and had the honor to first plant their colors in the
Halls of the Montezumas. There was, however, a good deal of firing
from the houses all day, but with little execution. Thus has ended the
second fall of the City of Mexico, and if so many gallant achievements
have not been performed as were by the cavaliers under Cortez, the result
is the same. Our loss has been terrible since we first entered the Valley.
All that left Puebla were capable of undergoing almost any fatigue. >Oi
fifty-two men that I brought from Puebla, twenty-six have been kille,d
or wounded. Thank God, I have yet been spared, and I trust that He
will still keep me to visit again all my friends. I have enjoyed most
excellent health since I entered the Valley ; the weather is as mild as
May with you, but at all seasons can you look in all directions and see
the snow-capped mountains. The most famous of them is Popocatapetl ;
from this the smoke is frequently seen, and lava and ashes running down
its side. There are others, the most perfect craters you can imagine —
some where the second eruption has taken place, making a perfect cone
on the shoulders of the first  Sincerely yours, J. S.
The Shepard Family.
Allen Shepard came to Cornwall from Newtown, with his
family, in 1798. His son Eliphalet H. Shepard was born in New
town, 1789; m. July 7, 1813, Mary, dau. of Judah Kellogg, d. Aug.
12, 1865, leaving four children: George H., Charles N, who
resided in Brooklyn, N. Y., and died unmarried at West Cornwall,
July 23, 1876, Elbert, and Harriett.
Elbert, b. May 2, 1824, m. May 31, 1846, Cynthia L., dau.
of George Wheaton, and has one son, George W., b. December
25, 1854.
Mr. Shepard is a farmer, residing at West Cornwall at this time,
1878, represents the town in the General Assembly, and has held
many offices of trust. He is a Methodist, and a prominent sup
porter of that denomination, but his generous donation to the
chapel at West Cornwall, and especially the gift from himself and
his family of the location, will ever remain as a testimonial of their
liberal Christian spirit.
Eliphalet Shepard was a Methodist, an earnest worker in that
denomination; a man pure and peaceable, and much respected by
his fellow-citizens.
George H. Shepard resides in Brooklyn, N. Y., and married first
wife, Hannah Woolsey, June 3, 1840, by which marriage he had
one daughter, Phebe. Hannah d. June 20, 1844, and he m. second
wife, Oct. 7, 1847, and had children: Charles Edward, -Jessie Wool
sey, Elizabeth Silliman, Mary Cynthia, and George Augustus.

320 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Harriett married Morris Tuttle, Oct. 14, 1867; resides in Goshen,
and has no children. The North Family.
Dr. Joseph North resided north of the Carrington Todd place,
and practiced medicine for many years. He died September 22,
1848, aged 76. He had children: Ethel, who went West, had a
family, and died there ; Dr. Burritt B. (d. July 18, 1876, ». 72), m.
Maria L. Pierce, and had children, George, William, Paschal,
Alice, Roland; Dr. Loomis went to Bethlem, m. Miss Bird,
removed to New Britain, where he died ; had one son Edward, and
one daughter Jennie; Joseph (d. 1877) m. Mary Miner, and had
children; Dr. Hammond of Goshen, Mary, George, William, Min
nie, and Ella ; Mary m. Chester Birge, and lived in New Britain.
The Webb Family.
Darius Webb came from Warren in 1832, as agent of the Corn
wall Bridge Furnace, where he remained about twenty years. He
then went to Wyandotte, Mich., where he established a successful
furnace. His son, J. J. Webb, in 1835 went to Rahway, N. J.,
and in 1844 engaged as a trader to Santa F6. At that time, Inde
pendence, Missouri, was the starting-point for transporting goods
across the plains to Mexico. The teams employed were mostly
oxen, sometimes mules; load about three tons, twenty-five teams
of six yoke each, and about fifty men in each train. His first pas
sage required seventy days ; the second, eighty- three. He followed
this business for fourteen years, when, returning to Connecticut,
Mr. Webb purchased a farm in Hamden. His success as a farmer
is well known, and his testimony that " Connecticut is a good place
for a farmer," is the more valuable from his wide experience and
familiarity with the broad fields of the West.
John T. Andrew,
a native of the county of New Haven, was born July 19, 1811,
graduated at Yale, 1839; studied theology in the Yale Theological
Seminary, and graduated in 1842 with the highest honors of his
class. Prevented from entering upon his chosen profession by
bronchial disease, after waiting two years, spent partly in teaching
a select school in Cornwall, and finding little improvement of his
voice, he turned his attention to agriculture, and, in 1847, pur
chased a farm near West Cornwall, and engaged in his new calling
with great enthusiasm and success. He has written occasional
articles for the press on subjects chiefly agricultural; has been an
active member of various local, and vice-president of the National

qju t JXc/.

Ltct

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 321
Agricultural Society. In 1861 he retired to the village of Corn
wall, where he has since resided. His fellow-citizens have
employed his leisure time in various services requiring intelligence,
learning, and taste. He has been deeply interested in the, cause of
education, kong a member, and during several years chairman of
the Board of School Visitors. He has been among the most active
in all village improvements, and has contributed liberally to works
of benevolence and philanthropy. He became in early youth a
member of the Christian church, and spent the best years of his life
in preparation for its ministry. That early hope he has long since
relinquished, but has never forgotten his early consecration to the
elevation of man through the general prevalence of learning and
good morals, based on a pure Christianity.
The marriage of Mr. Andrew was on the 9th of September, 1839,
to Jane Ann, the daughter of Caleb Jones of Cornwall, mentioned
elsewhere in this record. They have had no children.
The family of Mr. Andrew is found among the earliest which
came to this country. William and Mary, the first family now
known in this genealogy, cotemporaneous with Shakspeare, came
to this country and died at Cambridge, Mass., A. D. 1639.
Samuel, their son, b. 1621, m. Elizabeth White, dau. of John
White, England, 1652, and d. in Cambridge, Mass., 1701.
Samuel, second son of Samuel and Elizabeth, was born in Cam
bridge in 1655; graduated at Harvard in 1675; settled as pastor
in Milford, Conn., 1685, and died there in 1738.
Jonathan, son of Samuel, 2d, b. at Milford, 1701, m. 1723, and
left among other children, Jonathan, 2d, b. 1730.
¦Jonathan, 2d, had children, the eldest of which, John, left two
sons, Jonathan and Munson, the former of whom was father to
John T., the subject of this sketch. Of the generations of the
family now known, he is the eighth, thus:
1. William, b. 15-, d. 1639.
2. Samuel, b. 1621, d. 1701.
3. Samuel, 2d, b. 1655, d. 1737.
4. Jonathan, b. 1701, d. 1740.
5. Jonathan, 2d, b. 1730.
6. John.
7. Jonathan.
8. John T., b. 1811.
Among the names in this line more or less distinguished, was
41

322 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
that of Samuel in the second generation, living from 1621 to 1701.
The inscription on his monument in the old burial ground in Cam
bridge, as quoted in Harris' Book of Epitaphs, is as follows: " Here
lies buried ye body of Samuel Andrew, aged about 80 years — died
June 21, 1701, son of Mr. William Andrew, deceased, and his wife
Mary, who' died Jan. 19th, 1639, 0. S. He was a member of the
church, and married Elizabeth White (whose father, John
White, had hved in England), Sept. 22, 1652. Town Clerk and
Treasurer, 1691, 1694,. 1696, and Selectman from 1681 to 1693,
inclusive." Governor John A. Andrew of Massachusetts, was of the Salem
branch of the family. His brilliant career as the war Governor of
Massachusetts during the late war is within the memory of the
present generation, and needs no record here.
The man who has done most to honor the name of Andrew,
was Samuel, the son of Samuel and Elizabeth, and grandson of
William and Mary of Cambridge. His talents, thorough culture,
and usefulness, especially in his relation to Yale College, have
raised his name above those of his kindred, and placed it among
those of the great benefactors of mankind.
He was b. at Cambridge 1655, graduated at Harvard 1675,
studied at the College as resident graduate four years, and in
1679 was chosen Fellow, and was engaged during the six succeed
ing years as an associate of the Faculty in both the instruction
and government of the College. The whole period of his con
nection with the College was as student and instructor fourteen
years. He thus acquired that thorough scholarship and educa
tional skill which so eminently qualified him for the founding and
superintending a new institution destined to become the glory of
the State. As a student he had been faithful and thorough ; as a
member of the Faculty his ability and efficiency were recognized
by the Corporation by repeated votes of praise, and frequent
additions to his salary. In 1681 he was honored, by admission to
the freedom of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. In the year
1685 he was called from Harvard to become pastor of the First
Congregational Church in Milford, Conn. At the time of his
settlement he was perhaps the most thoroughly educated and one
of the most learned and able men in the Colony. His attention
was soon directed to the fact that there was nothing like a college
in the State. Having associated with himself the Rev. Mr. Pier-
pont of New Haven, and the Rev. Mr. Russell of Branford,

RECORDS OF EARLY AND PRESENT RESIDENTS. 323
these three, says President Clap in his Annals, became the "most
forward and active " in founding a new college. So forward and
active were they, that friends gathered about and encouraged
them, and the work went on so rapidly, that fifteen years after his
settlement, viz., 1700, the college was founded, and the next year
received the Charter of the State. Prof. Kingsley says: "Mr.
Andrew was considered one of the best scholars of his time, was
one of the principal founders of the college, and deserves to be
considered one of its greatest as well as earliest benefactors. , He
was twice chosen rector pro tem. of the college, presided at com
mencements and conferred the degrees in 1724, 1725, and 1726."
The historian Lambert says: "Mr. Andrew was a hard student,
very retiring in his habits, a patron of education, one of the first
projectors of Yale College, and was more forward and active for
its establishment than any other person." The same historian adds:
" After the death of Rector Pierson, Mr. Andrew was chosen rector
pro tem., and for a number of years had the Senior Class under
his instruction at Milford." With the exception of the brief rec
torships of Pierson and Dr. Cutler, the son-in-law of Mr. Andrew,
that of the former terminated by death, and that of the latter by
his defection from the faith, Mr. Andrew performed the duties of
President, was chief in the board of instruction consisting at that
time of himself and two assistant tutors, and had the chief care
of the college during the first quarter of a century of its existence,
that is, from 1700 to the election of Rector Williams, 1726. He
continued an active member of the Corporation until the time of
his death.
In other relations of life Mr. Andrew was no less happy than in
his connection with the College.
His pastorate at Milford of more than half a century in dura
tion, was peaceful and beneficent. By his brethren in the ministry
he was held in the highest honor for learning, piety, and ability.
He was elected a delegate to the famous council at Saybrook,
1708, which adopted the well-known and long-revered "Confes
sion of Faith, Heads of Agreement, and Rules of Discipline,"
called the Saybrook Platform.
In his domestic relations he was equally blessed. He had several
children, seven of whom are still known. His eldest son Samuel
graduated at Yale, and took his degree A. B. in 1711, and in 1714
A. M., at both Yale and Harvard. His grandson Samuel also
graduated at Yale in 1739. The epitaph of this grandson in the

324 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
old burying-ground at Milford, translated from the Latin, is as
follows :
"Samuel Andrew, A. M., well skilled in law, upright in life,
pure from offense, died October 15, 1760, 38 years of age." The
family relations of Rector Andrew gave him the highest social
position and extensive influence in the affairs of the State.
His wife was daughter of Gov. Treat. His eldest daughter was
the wife of Gov. Law. His daughter Ehzabeth was the wife of
President Cutler of Yale College. The widow of his son was the
fifth wife of Gov. Law.
Gov. Treat, the father of Rector Andrew's wife, was a member
of Mr. Andrew's church, and through the influence of the pastor,
with the Governor and other leading men in the State, frequent
and valuable aid came to the infant college.
It is not often that Providence assigns to one man the oppor
tunity of doing so much for his race as was done by Samuel
Andrew, the chief among the founders of Yale College.
Among the ancient relics of Rector Andrew which have been
preserved, are several manuscripts, chiefly notes taken while he
~wa,s associated with Presidents Rogers and Increase Mather, in
the Faculty of Harvard College, which are now almost two- hund
red years old. There is also an old and very curious article of
furniture, side-board or bureau, of material and fashion unknown
in this country. The wood of which it is made is entirely of
solid English oak. It has not .a particle of either the soft or
ornamental wood of America in its composition. It is presumed
that it was brought over to this country and descended to him
from his ancestors. It was brought by him from Cambridge,
Mass., to Milford, Conn., in 1685. It is probably not less, and
may be much more, than three hundred years old. So far as is
known, this is the oldest article of furniture in this country..
These articles have come down to the present time, and are in the
possession of John T. Andrew of Cornwall. The following beau
tiful tribute to the memory of Rector Andrew is from his mon
ument in Milford cemetery:
" Here lies ye body of ye Reverend and Learned Mr. Samuel
Andrew, Pastor of ye church of Christ in this place for above
50 years. Formerly a Fellow of Harvard College and more
lately Rector of Yale College — a singular ornament and blessing
in every capacity & relation, — of unwearied labors, modest, cour
teous, & beneficent, never fond of this world, earnestly pursuing

^(ZW^cJi-e+s.

RECOLLECTIONS OF REV. WM. B. CLARKE. 325
and recommending a better, greatly esteemed in life, and lamented
at death, which was Jan. 24, 1737-8 lacking five days to complete
82 years of life."

Letter from Rev. Wm. B. Clarke, former pastor of the church at
North Cornwall: Griswold, Conn., October 24, 1877.
Hon. T. S. Gold :
My dear Friend, — The suggestion that I should give you some recol
lections of North Cornwall in the days when it was so important and so
dear to me, has awakened many a pleasant memory. I came as a young
man to this, which was my earliest, pastorate. My first acquaintance
was with the family of Mr. D. L. Rogers (Uncle Leete, as I became
accustomed to hear him called), where I stayed during casual visits that
preceded my settlement. Later, my home was with his brother, Mr.
Noah Rogers. Highly as I valued these men at that time, my experience
since has even enhanced my estimate of their worth. They were very free
from small prejudices, and could be relied on to do their part liberally
when any good cause required. I remember one instance which will
serve to show how well they had maintained a generous spirit amid the
enforced frugality of a farmer's life. A Mr. Smith, a man of small means,
had a factory for tanning skins, which Mr. John Beers, now of South
Cornwall, worked up into gloves and mittens. The tannery took fire one
night, and burned to the ground. A company of us rode down the next
morning to the scene of the disaster. After a few expressions of con
dolence, Mr. Beers drew up a subscription paper, and headed it with his
own name for $100. This was quite proper, as Mr. Beers' own business
was largely dependent on the factory. He turned then to " Uncle Leete,"
with the question : " What will you do ? " The answer came in his
deliberate, solid way : " You may copy those figures for me." Mr. Noah
Rogers also subscribed $50. A few moments secured the success of the
movement, and Mr. Smith was comforted.
I have often wondered whether three such old men could be found
anywhere else as were members of the church in North Cornwall when I
came there. The story of Father Howe, you will doubtless have told ;
it is part of the history of the town. He was still living in extreme old
age. Though infirm and very deaf, he had still his faculties in fair
preservation. I might have thought him a true-hearted, but simple and
rather illiterate old man ; but before we left, upon my first visit, we
invited him to lead us in prayer, and thus we saw him as he was when
most at home, and most himself. Such a prayer ! I have never heard its
equal for simple, child-like pleading with God. "Bo, dear Father,
grant us this blessing; do give us this thing we need." Even more
remarkable were the alternating higher strains of praise. He spoke of
patriarchs, prophets, kings, the glorious preparation for God's more glori
ous gift of His Son — the impression was that of strains from some grand
old liturgy ; and I think nothing ever gave me such a sense of the power
of religion to ennoble, the common mind.
The second of my old men worthy, and beloved, was Deacon Hart.
For sixty years a member of the church in North Cornwall, and for nearly
forty an officer in that church, he had represented it upon scores of coun
cils, and it had become a part of his very being. Sweet-souled he must
have been to have won the love of a young man. How many a time he

326 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
has called for me with his old horse (or I for him with my young one),
and we have spent the day making parish calls together. I remember
his saying to me, very gravely ,upon one of those rides, " I understand,
Mr. Clarke, that you got the boys and girls into a great frolic the other
evening, sliding down hilH" "Yes, sir." "And it was on your way
home from the young folks' meeting?" "Yes, sir." "I have heard
that some of the good people were quite disturbed about it." " I believe
they were." " Well," turning to me with a pleasant smile, " I am glad
you did ; I hope you will do it again." I love to think of this dear old
man as I saw him last, some years later, seated, but with his staff in
hand, as though ready at a moment's notice to start on tlie last long
journey. The remaining one of the three was Squire Sedgwick, and I wish
there were more such men. His noble frame seemed the fitting accompa
niment of so broad a mind, so large and true a heart. I think of him as
seated in his great arm-chair — for he was already blind when I knew
hira — his children and his children's children gathered, as it were, under
his wings. No one of the dead in the great war of the Rebellion is more
honored, and justly, by this nation than the son of this old man, Major-
General John Sedgwick ; but the father stands, and will always stand
with me, as the type of the very noblest manhood.
Your own father, a man of stately presence, and somewhat of the old
school in manners, was at this time approaching old age ; but " his eye
as yet was not dimmed, nor his natural strength abated." This is not
the place for the many memories connected with that house ; they have
their place, and will have to the end, with other so dear recollections of
those early days.
The active officers of the church at this time were Deacon Dwight
Pratt, whose children I baptized, now grown, or rapidly growing, to
man's and woman's estate, and honoring their Christian parentage ; and
Deacon Russell Pratt. The church and society could ill have spared
the liberal expenditure of energy and means on the part both of Deacon
Russell Pratt and of his partner, Mr. Foster. It was matter of thankful
ness to me, that the sad death of the latter, in the midst of his years, came
not till after my day. Time forbids my speaking of others, many others,
in mid-life, whose presence at that time gave strength and character to
the church.
And now what Bhall I say of the young life that gave brightness and
animation to this whole scene ? How it overflowed in the houses where
I was so kindly made at home. I remember the sleighing parties, and
the more distant blackberry expeditions. I remember, and Chauncey, I
am sure, will not have forgotten, the literary society, the social gather
ings, the evening meetings. When my boy came from college.* what a
glad day it was for me ! Oh ! the happy days in the woods ! the glori
ous picnics, the joyous laughter, the bounding pulse of youth, and joy of
life ! Unbroken substantially remained that happy circle during trie four
years I was there, and the thought of it fills my heart to tears, as I look
back to-day. Where shall we seek them now ? ' Scattered wide over our
land, and in the blue heavens. I thank God most of all, as I look back,
for the moral and spiritual earnestness that animated that circle of young
friends. I have found no other place, I expect to find none, where so
large a proportion while still in youth gave their hearts to God, and their
lives to His service. I rejoice to learn that it is still so. May the old
church abide through all changes, and light the future as it has the past.
Yours, dear friend, faithfully,
Wm. B. Clarke.
* Samuel Scoville.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 327

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

I am indebted to M. S. Nickerson, school visitor, for an account
of the condition of schools in the town:
The town of Cornwall still retains the old district system in the
management of its public schools. It is divided into seventeen
school districts. Each district annually elects a district com
mittee, clerk and treasurer, and collector. The employment of
teachers is left to the district committees, subject to the approval
of the district. The town board of school visitors is composed of
six members, who are elected for terms of three years, and whose
duty it is to examine and decide upon the qualifications of teachers,
and exercise a general supervision over the public schools of the
town. These in 1878 are Arthur D. Warner, Rev. Charles N.
Fitch, Wilbur F. Harrison, M. S. Nickerson, Frederic Kellogg,
and Theodore S. Gold.
Cornwall may be classed among the declining towns, as the enu
meration of scholars has been slowly diminishing, and two districts
have been practically discontinued for lack of scholars, so that
school is maintained at present in only fifteen districts. It may
also be classed as among the poorer towns in the county, in point
of wealth, yet its citizens enjoy an enviable reputation for giving
liberally according to their means, for the support of schools, and
in this respect the town stands in the front rank among the towns
of the county.
Consolidation of districts with a view to establishing a high
school has been recommended by the school visitors, and the
subject has been agitated more or less at different times, but as
yet no decisive action has been taken in the matter, and at the
present time the town does not support a high school, yet in the
more advanced schools, some of the higher branches are taught.

328

HISTORY OF CORNWALL,

Tarle of Statistics in regard to Schools for the year
ending August 31, 1877.

Enume

Whole

Average

Length

NAME OF DISTRICT.
of
district.
rated
Jan, 1,
1877.
Appro
priation.
No.
regis
tered.
attend. for the
year.
of
school
in days.
expense
of school.
Puffingham, -
1
39
$225.00
30
16.25
190
$318.18
Cornwall Plain, - -
2
32
250.00
28
20.00
160
249.04
Cornwall Center,
3
26
225.00
24
13.75
180
219.25
Johnson Hollow,
4
19
190.00
18
9.50
180
190.00
Cream Hill, -
5
31
255.00
28
20.00
175
285.00
Cornwall Hollow,
6
34
250.00
40
21.00
150
310.00
West District,
7
28
225.00
29
17.50
160
236.75
Cornwall Bridge,
8
68
300.00
48
34.00
170
332.00
Bennett District,
10
9
100.00
9
6.75
80
100.00
North Cornwall,
12
8
175.00
11
7.00
140
175.00
Swift District,
13
21
150.00
14
9.00
95
167.00
East Street, -
14
18
175.00
19
10.78
165
175.00
West Cornwall, - - -
15
57
300.00
38
25.58
]90
354.00
Beach District,
16
13
190.00
15
8.60
180
190.00
College Street, -
17
21
200.00
25
15.25
210
299.50
Total, - -
424
$3,210.00
377
$3,600.72
In those districts where the whole expense of school exceeds
the appropriation, the balance was given by the district as a volun
tary contribution for fuel, teachers' board, etc.
Table comparing the last School Year with the three
preceding it.
school year.
Enume ration
Jan. 1st.
Total
appropria tion.
Whole
expense of
school.
Average
length of
school
in days.
PER CENT. ATTEND
ANCE.
Winter.
Summer.
Ending Aug. 31, 1874, -
Ending Aug. 31, 1875, -
Ending Aug. 31, 1876, -
Ending Aug. 31, 1877, -
Ending Aug. 31, 1878, -
458 463427 424
$3,625.00 3,540.00 3,450.003,210.00 2,895.00
$4,038.25 3,811.59 3,537.33 3,600.72
154.38 161.42 163.40 166.66
71.60 69.80 76.7078.90
64.00 66.00 73.00
In giving the whole cost of schools, the amount expended on
repairs is not included, only teachers' wages, fuel, and incidentals.
THE CHAPEL AT WEST CORNWALL. 329
THE CHAPEL AT WEST CORNWALL.
As the great event of the year in Cornwall, we give an account
of the chapel at West Cornwall. Dea. R. R. Pratt has detailed
the prehminaries in his church history, p. 115. The corner-stone
was laid Aug. 9, 1877, with appropriate ceremonies, as follows:
Music by the band.
Singing by the choir.
Reading of the Scriptures — I. Peter, Chap. 3, by the pastor, Rev. C. N.
Fitch.
Historical sketch by Dea. R. R. Pratt.
Dea. T. S. Gold then deposited documents in a box in the corner-stone.
List of Documents.
Missionary Herald, Home Missionary, New York Observer, New York
Independent, Republican Standard, Bridgeport Farmer, Litchfield
Enquirer, Wolcottville Register, Winsted Herald, Connecticut West
ern News, Religious Herald, Christian Advocate, Southern Workman,
Daily Courant, Pro-ramme of Exercises, Passages of Scripture,
Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Church Manual, with History of
Second Ecclesiastical Church to the present time, Annual Report of
the Church for 1876, Programme of the Semi-Centennial, 1876, Con
stitution of the West Cornwall S. S. Association, Report of Secretary
of the West Cornwall S. S. Association, Card of the West Cornwall
Sunday School, History of the Chapel Building, by R. R. Pratt,
Copy of Subscription for Erection of Chapel, Contract for Mason
Work, J. Odell ; Contract with Builder, E. J. Beardsley ; Contract
between Society's Committee and R. R. Pratt and N. Hart ; Specifi
cations for the work ; Poem, written for the occasion by D. M. Pratt ;
A silver half-dollar, 1876, contributed by Nathan Hart.
The corner-stone was then laid by the Pastor, assisted by Dea. T. S. Gold.
Music by the band.
Singing by the choir.
Address by Dr. White of the First Congregational Church.
Poem by Dwight M. Pratt.
In prophetic days of old time,
Ere the advent of Messiah,
Muse, Urania, child of Heaven,
Gave her breath of inspiration
Unto poets, bards, and prophets.
David drank the poet's spirit,
Sang, the coming to the nations,
Of the corner-stone most precious,
Sang in wbrds majestic, noble,
, Sang Isaiah, and his singing
Has, with matchless music ringing,
Gladdened all succeeding ages
With these words, this sacred poem,
" Thus the Lord God saith, Behold ! I
Lay in Zion for foundation,
A tried stone ; a sure foundation ;
A tried stone, a precious corner."
We a corner-stone are singing,
But it is of earth most earthy.
Muse of Heaven, give then thy spirit ;
42

330 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
Lift our thoughts from stone of granite,
To the stone it symbolizes,
Corner-stone, elect, most precious.
Builders led by intuitions,
Of the future filled with wisdom ;
Seek alone, what will be lasting;
Seek the permanent abiding,
Be they architects of matter,
Or of mind, and soul, and spirit.
If they build of things material,
Select such as time corroding
Cannot weaken ; if of spirit,
Choose foundation-stone eternal ;
Fashion character undying
In its goodness and its beauty.
In erecting here a chapel,
We are building for the future.
If for time alone, our object
Is unworthy our ambition.
If for never-dying ages,
Guard the workmanship, and watch it.
If the deep foundation solely,
Be of granite or of marble,
'Twill not outlive storm and tempest.
Build on Christ, though your foundation
Be of stone, and earthly substance ;
Build on him whose name is written
In your foreheads : Though material
Be terrene, be this your object;
That the altar here erected,
Be to all who join its worship,
Portal to a " house eternal
In the heavens, and made without hands.''
Here the heart of hearts will mingle,
Human hearts in happy union,
And no discord, inharmonious,
Will their fellowship dissever.
Then this age and its descendants
Will go singing, and this valley,
With its echoes will be ringing,
Praises to the glorious Author
Of all good, who, by His spirit
Shows man's need and God's great mercy.
Sabbaths ! all these woodland mountains,
To the church-bell unaccustomed,
Will repeat in joyous echoes,
All the music of its ringing,
All the music of its singing,
As it calls to praise and worship,
Dwellers by the peaceful river,
And the sunlight of the azure,
In its waters clear reflected,
Will reshine in lives and faces
Of the people. Such the mystic
Power and influence radiated,
From a temple dedicated
To the Lord.

NATURAL CURIOSITY. 33 I
Rey. Samuel Scoville, a native of Cornwall, pastor of church at
Norwich, N. Y., followed with a happy address, and the exercises were
closed with the benediction by the pastor.
The chapel was dedicated Jan. 3, 1878.
Order of Exercises.
Part First — Afternoon. Doxology.
Scriptural Reading— I. Kings, 8 Chap. Rev. F. S. Fitch.
Music by choir — " Brightest and Best."
Business Report. R. R. Pratt.
Presentation of the chapel to the church from the donors. Dea. T. S.
Gold.
Reception Address. Rev. C. N. Fitch, Pastor.
Music — " Rock of Ages."
Dedicatory Prayer. S. J. White, D. D., Minister of First Church.
Music — " I love Thy Kingdom, Lord."
Part Second.
" Giving as related to worship." Rev. W. H. McAllister, Litchfield, and
Dr. H. M. Knight, Lakeville.
Music — "Turn then unto us."
" Work as related to worship." Revs. J. ,0. Stevenson and S. H. Reid.
" Respect unto the recompense of the reward." Rev. C. L. Kitchell.
Music — " Coronation."
collation at village hall.
6.30 — Evening.
Sermon by Rev. Frank S. Fitch of Stratford. Text, Psalm xix, 14.
The whole cost of the building and furnishing was reported as
amounting to $4,000. Builders contract $2,600; value of the
site, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Shepard and son; the bell
from David Ocain; lamps from Geo. S. Hart of New York; pulpit
chair from S. W. Gledhill of Chester; Bible and hymn book from
Mrs. Noah Baldwin; other gifts from individuals; cushions, car
pets, etc., from the ladies; grading, foundation, and heaters, make
up the foregoing estimate. Erected in the spirit of Christian unity,
may the work prove a blessing to the community.

NATURAL CURIOSITY.
I have to thank Mr. Harry Sedgwick for information of a
remarkable rock in the Hollow, in a northeasterly direction from
the residence of Miss Hannah Harrison. Mr. Sedgwick says, and
I agree with him, "that this rock would attract notice even in
Monument Park or any other of the famed rock localities of
Colorado."

332 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.-
This rock, as well as the other bowlders in the vicinity, and the
bed-rock, are a peculiar kind of gneiss, full of small nodules of
quartz, which give an ancient and roughened aspect to the surface,
from the wearing away of the softer materials, cemented together
and rendered heavy, tough, and dark by hornblende and iron. The
especial rock of interest is a bowlder of irregular shape, about
twenty feet long and ten feet in diameter, perched on top of two
other bowlders of the same kind, some four feet apart, and with
space high enough for a boy to pass under upright. This big
boulder thus poised has a rift, where the two pieces have slid a
little from their original union, and at first thought we are afraid
to climb it, for fear of its instability, but when we remember
that it weighs perhaps two hundred tons, our weights as we climb
its jagged surface will do little to disturb its equilibrium.

PHYSICIANS.
Most of those who have practiced medicine in Cornwall have been
referred to elsewhere. Dr. Hollister from Salisbury, resided at the "
Center for several years, about 1830. Dr. John Scoville, after
practicing at North Cornwall for fifteen years, about 1845 removed
to Ashley Falls, Mass., where he now resides. Dr. Smith from
Kent, practiced at West Cornwall about 1843, and went West.
Dr. Edward Sanford from Goshen, resided at West Cornwall for
nearly thirty years, till 1876, when he bought the residence of the
late Dr. B. B. North, at South Cornwall, and continues his practice
there. Dr. Elias B. Heady is now practicing at Cornwall Bridge.
Sufficient to say of them that they have been faithful and generally
successful in affording such relief to suffering humanity as comes
within the power of the physician to bestow.
In January, 1878, Franklin W. Hall, M.D., from New Haven,
takes up his residence at West Cornwall as a physician.

List of soldiers killed in battle, or who died of wounds or disease
in the war of 1862-1865.
The following list kept by me at the time was mislaid, and but
recently came to light — it contains some names that did not en
list from Cornwall. It has been recently examined by others, and
pronounced substantially correct;

RECENT

CITIZENS. i

Maj -Gen. John Sedgwick.

' Henry Green (col.)

Capt.

Amos T. Allen.

William White.

Lieut.

William Cogswell.

John Mills.

Sergt.

Crawford H. Nodine.

Harvey Ford.

Henry Fieldsend.

Myron Hubbell.

Henry Peck.

Charles McCormick.

Patrick Troy.
James H. Roraback.
E. L. Nickerson.
Charles Hotchkiss.
Joseph Payne.
John McGown.
Corp.
Henry L. Vaill.
Thomas Sherman.
Lieut.
A. B. Swift.
Philo Cole.
Sergt.
George Page.
George C. Pendleton.
Elisha Sole.
Charles Western (col.)
Lieut.
William R. Payne.
Albert Robinson.
John Hawver.
Charles Read.
Henry Morse.
Edward P. Barnum.
William Slover.
Henry Freeman.
Rev.
Jacob Eaton.
Norman Mansfield.
Surg.
William North.
Lieut. Fuller Nettleton.
Paschal North.
William Ford.
Lucien Rouse.
John Ford.
Horace Sickman.
Martin Scovill.
Allen G. Williams.
James Sterling.
Lewis Sawyer.
Peter Howard.
Henry Wright.
James Van Buren.
Herman Bonney.
Orlando Pritchard.
Andrew Green (col.)
333
RECENT CITIZENS.
Among the more recent comers to Cornwall are James Cochrane
from Goshen, in 1845; originally came from the north part of
Ireland. Has a large family, mostly married and settled in West
Cornwall, some of whom have held important offices of trust in
town affairs. Respectability and a handsome property are the
results of industry.
John Thompson came from the north of Ireland in 1858. Has
lived mostly on Cream Hill, and has recently purchased a part of
the farms lately owned by Albert Hart and Elijah Nettleton.
He has a large family of promising children.
334 HISTORY OF CORNWALL.
John Peter Fritz came from Germany in 1858. Is a profes
sional miller, and now runs the grist mill at the old stand, owned
by T. S. Gold. He has purchased the homestead of the late Wm.
Stoddard, where he now resides.
George Vollmiller from Germany makes shears at West Corn
wall; firm of Vollmiller & Beck, owning the so-called Gardiner
property. John Wood from near New York, connected with J. Mallinson,
who owns the Housatonic dam at West Cornwall, the grist-mill,
foundry, and shear-shop.
William Stratman from Germany, owns and occupies the farm
in East street, formerly owned by Rogers White; the old Birds-
eye place.
Joseph Whitney came from Salisbury, and lives at South Corn
wall. His son Ernest is seeking a liberal education.
Archelaus and Smith Nickerson, brothers, came from Sharon
about 1842. They brought with them as their riches bright and
promising families of children.
Hermon Fairchild came from Sharon in 1877, bought the farm
in North Cornwall formerly owned by Earl Johnson.
W. H. Porter, from Lee, Mass., druggist at West Cornwall, and
deputy postmaster.
These all have promising families, and it requires but small gift
of prophecy to see their children, and the children of others like
them, largely the landholders and the business men of the town
ship. These names must be taken as a sample, not as a full list,
of those who will be likely to appear as the families most prom
inent in town when the historian of 1977 shall make his record.

CEMETERIES.
The oldest burial ground used in Cornwall was on the hill west
of the present residence of Ozias Palmer. Few marked graves
remain, as some bodies have been removed, and time has effaced
the testimonials from others. Its neglected condition is dis
creditable. The cemetery near South Cornwall has been occupied nearly
120 years, as we find tombstones marked 1763, and some may be
earlier. By the liberality of Mr. J. C. Calhoun, assisted by others,
not only has this ground been enlarged and handsomely laid out,
but provision has been made for its care in the future. Mr.. Cal
houn left $1,000 as a fund, the interest to be annually expended

CONCLUSION. 335
in the care of the cemetery. The spirit manifested by the citizens
in the neighborhood in beautifying these grounds is in striking
contrast with the neglect of the first-mentioned burial-place.
Cornwall Hollow has the old cemetery on the hill, on the road
leading to Goshen west side, and the new one, opened early in the
present century, near the Baptist Church.
About fifty years since, a small burying-ground was set apart
near North Cornwall. This has since been enlarged. There is
another in the southwest part of the town, near Cornwall Bridge,
and still another in the southeast part, on the old Warren turn
pike. A few stones still standing near the North Cornwall church
mark the graves of some who died of small-pox. Others who
died of the same disease are buried on the old Wright farm, on
the old Sharon and Goshen turnpike, where a marble monument
marks the burial-place of Capt. Joel Wright and family.

CONCLUSION.

My thanks are due to the many friends who have contributed to these
records. It is not my fault that any families are omitted. A notice of
my intention to publish a History of Cornwall was issued in September,
1874. I have devoted all the leisure at my command since that time to
the work, and in addition to the general published request, I have made
personal solicitations of many individuals who have failed to respond
by furnishing me with family records, which they alone possess, and I
cannot in justice to those who have been prompt, longer delay the pub
lication. While no one can be better aware than myself of its imper
fections, and for which I beg the indulgence of the reader, it is not
without some pride that I offer this volume to the citizens of Cornwall,
and those who have gone out from us — pride for having gathered so
much that would otherwise have been lost, and placed it in a perma
nent form ; in happily blending the grave and the gay, the substantial
facts of town history with the lighter effervescence of the times, thus
securing a general reading of the volume, and in connection with the
" Sun pictures " making it a household book for Cornwall ; but above all,
is my pride that as a resident in Cornwall, I may claim some share ' of
the honor, which so many noble and good men and women have con
ferred upon it, and expressing the hope that the memory of their virtues
may not be buried with them, but that as our children learn of their
toil, sacrifice, and victory, they may emulate their example.

INDEX.

Abbott, Samuel  74, 261
Adams Family  313
Adelphic Institute  39
Alger Institute  41
Allen, Col. Ethan  212
Allen, Capt. Amos T  224
Andrews Family  277
Andrew, John T  320
Andrew, Rev. Samuel  320
Andrews, Rev. William  87, 88
Andrews, Rev. William W  89
Anniversary Hymn  174
Baldwin, Noah  151
Baldwin, Mrs. C. E., Hymn  174
Baldwin Family,  276
Barnum, Edward  225
Bassett, Rev. Amos  29
Baptists  176
Baptism of Children  78
Bird, Rev. Samuel  57, 128
Birdseye Family  277
Bird's Nest  v  40
Beers Family  313
Bellamy, Dr. Joseph  61, 55, 100, 125
Bonney Family  251
Bierce Family  273
Blinn, Col. Chas. D  229
Bloody Mountain  18
Boudinott, Elias  37, 85
Boudinott, Frank  294
Blodget, Rev  r -o^
Bradford Family  .6
Bradford, John  I 297
Bridges  22
Brownell, Rev. Grove L  80, 106, 134
Brinsmade, Rev. Daniel  51
Brush, Rev. Jesse  113, 141
Buck Mountain  17
Buell, Maj. Jesse  196
Bunker Hill  18
Burnham Family  252
Burnham, Oliver  167, 216
Calhoun, John C  96
Calhoun Family  276
Carter Family  255
Cemeteries  334
Clark, Victorianus  73
43

Clark, William  151
Clark Family  273
Clark Hill  18
Clarke, Rev. Wm. B  112, 140
Clarke, Rev. Wm. B. , Letter of.  325
Cedar Creek Battle  227
Charter and Survey  6
Chichester Ferry  22
Chandler Family  304
Chapel, South Cornwall  97
Chapel, West Cornwall  115, 329
Church Members, List  53, 102
Church Collections  143
Clothier, John  250
Christie, Rev. Henry  '. 164
Cogswell, Lieut. Wm. H  223
Cochrane, James  333
College Land  18
Colt's Foot Mountain  18
Conclusion  335
Congregational Church  42
Congregationalists, Strict  123, 157
Consociation, N. of L. Co  64
Cornwall Hollow  177
Cornwall, Kev. John  67, 100, 105, 128
Cotter Family  275
Crandall Family  304
Cream Hill  17
Cream Hill Agricultural School  39
Crimes and Casualties  239
Daggett, Rev. Herman,  29, 83
Daggett, Funeral Sermon  34
Day, Rev. Hiram  93
Dayton, Rev. G. R  176
Dana, The Convict  239
Deacons, North Church  76, 116, 140
Deacons, First Church  95
Dean Family  280
Dibble Family  258
Douglas Family  241
Dress in 1777  23
Dwight, E. W  29, 30, 83
Emmons' Tavern  247
Episcopalians  202
Everest Family  298
Fairchild, Herman  334

338

HISTORY OF CORNWALL.

Farmers' Club  28
Farming and Farmers  25
Fenn, Rev. Stephen  94
Perry, Chichester's  22
Pitch, Rev. Chas. N  114,142
Pitch, Rev. Chas. N., Mem. Sermon, 120-153
Foreign Miss. School  29, 82
Foreign Miss. Sch., List of Members 31
Ford, Thaddeus  197
Forge in Hollow  200
Poster, Stephen  152, 270
Pox, Emily, Indian Song  32
Fritz, Peter  334
Puller, Elder  176
Garrick's Song, Peggy  193
Gold, Benjamin, Letter  37
Gold, S. W., and T. S  39
Gold, Nathan  284
Gold, Col. Abraham  287
Gold, Rev. Hezekiah  51, 99, 122, 155, 290
Gold, Thomas R  73
Gold, Dr. S. W  152, 296
Gold Family  284
Graham; Rev. John  5i
Great Hill  18
Great Hollo*  17
Green Mountain  17
Green, William  224

Harris, Jonathan  48.
Harrison, Daniel  168,
Harrison, Daniel 2d  189,
Harrison, Noah  189,
Harrison Family 
Hart, Noah and E. B., School 
Hart, George S  40,
Hart, Dea. Titus  72,
Hart, Dea. Nathan  147, 308,
Hart, Rev. John C  149,
Hart, H. Milton  '
Hart, Nathan, Church Erection, 
Hart, Edgar Elias 
Hart Family 
Hautboy Hill  .' 
Harvey, Rev. Joseph 
Hawes, Rev. Josiah  67, 104, 130,
Highways 
Hitchcock, Reuben 
Holley, Rev. Israel  79,' 102,
Holmes, Capt 
Holloway, George 
Hotchkin, Dea. Beriah 
Howe, Ichabod  151,
Hough Mountain 
Housatonic R. R 
Huntington, Mr. and Mrs. C. P 
Hubbell, Myron 
Hurlburt, Dr  182,
Hurlburt, Joab 
Hurlburt, Ozias  165,

307,
152 170
225 395
179 83
161 10
151180 21
246 103325 16 20
115

Hyatt, Dea  76
Indians  23
Ives Family  280
Jeffers, Capt. John  214
Jones, Caleb  31
Jones Family  272 '
Johnson Hollow  17
Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. H. T. S  40
Johnson, Solomon  183
Johnson Family  253
Judson Family  281
Kellogg, Dea. Judah  96
Kellogg Family  304
Ladies' Sewing Society  137, 143
Lakes  18
List for 1742  14
Manufactures  236
Mallory, Dea. E  162
Mallory Family  283
Marsh Family.'-.  282
Maynard, Rev. J. L  87, 110, 138
McAlpine, Silas H., Poem  31
McCormick, Charles  224
Messenger, Samuel  246
Meeting-House, First  ,  47
Meeting-House at South Cornwall. . . 92
Meeting-House at N. Corn wall.. 109, 163, 170
Methodists  124, 175, 202
Memorial Sermon, Rev. C. N. Fitch, 120-153
Mine Mountain  17
Minerals and Mining  20
Ministers Raised in Second Church. . 149
Ministers' Wives raised in 2d Church 150,
Milford, Sergt. H. P  226
Mill Rights  12
Millard, Matthew  246
Millard Family  280
Morris Co. Presbytery.  129
Morristown Presbytery  66, 160
Moral Society  77
Natural Curiosity  331
Nodine, Crawford H  224
Nickerson Family  334
North Family  320
Obookiah, Henry  29, 83
Orton, Thomas  179
Palmer, Rev. Solomon  47, 97, 154
Patoo, Thomas H  30
Pierce Family  244
Pendleton, Rev. H. G  149
Pendleton Family  197
Pettibone, Rev. Ira  .'  94
Physicians  332
Pine Street  -19
PondHill  -17
Porter, Dea. Thomas  60

INDEX.

339

Prindle, Family  281
Pratt, Poem by Dwight M  329
Proprietors,  10
Prince, Rev. N. A  95
Pratt, R. R., Hist, of Ecc. Soc  98-119

\

Pratt, Rev. Almon B. . . .
Pratt, Chalker 
Pratt Family 
Public Rights 
Pulpit of First Church.
Rattlesnake Hill 
Recent Citizens 
Red Mountain 
Reed Family 
Representatives 
Revolutionary Soldiers. .
Rexford Family 
Ridge, John. ., 
Rivers 
Roads 
Rogers, Rev. Medad 
Rogers, Ambrose  39,
Rogers, W. C, and Lydia 
Rogers, Dea. Noah  147,
Rogers, Dea. Egbert M 
Rogers, Rev. John A. R 
Rogers, Col. Anson 
Rogers, D. L., Noah, and J. C 
Rogers, Capt. Edward 
Rogers, Hon. Edward 
Rogers Family 
Rogers, D. L 
Roman Catholics 
Robbins, Rev. Francis L...4  79,106,
Rugg Hill 
Rugg, David 
Rugg Family 
Russell, Dr 

149
151 267 10
9717
333 18
282

281
1,84 182258
174 40
166
149150
151152
205 264261 325177134 17
47
253
252

Society, 2d Eccles., Members  161
Society, 2d Eccles. , Act of Inc  160
Soldiers of the Revolution  205
Soldiers against Rebellion  221
Soldiers of 1862, List of  332
Squires, Jonathan  252
Stratman, William  334
Steele, Dea. Elijah  60, 166
Steele, Miss Clarissa  199
Stoddard Family  283
Stone, Rev. Timothy  34
Stone, Rev. Timothy, Ecc. Hist  42-94
 116
 213

Sunday-schools.. Swift, Col. Heman 
Salter, Rev. J. W 
Samp mortar.. ., 
Sanford, Rev. E. B 
Schools 
School, Hollow District. .

94

198

Scoville, Rev. Samuel   150,
Scoville, Jacob 
Scoville Family 
Scovill, Elias 
Sedgwick Family 
Sedgwick, Benjamin  107,
Sedgwick, Hist. Add. by Gen. Chae. .153,
Sedgwick Hollow 
Sedgwick^ Maj. Robert 
Sedgwick, Dea. William 
Sedgwick, Theodore 
Sedgwick, Gen. John  184, 210,
Sedgwick, Maj. -Gen. John  221,
Shays' Rebellion 
Settlement 
Settlers, Early 
Separates 
Shepard Family 
Sherwood, Ebenezer 
Sessions, Rev. John 
Smith, Rev. Walter  80, 106,
Smith, Mrs. Walter 
Smith, Rev. Ralph 
Smith, Rev. Gad 
Smith Family 

153

315 326 177 17
180180184315317211 9
12
121
319

136 136 94
174
284

Talmage, Elder  177,203
Tanner, William  189
Thompson, John  333
Titus Mountain  ¦. 17
Tower Dale   17
Tracy, Rev. S. J  87, 110, 137

Urmston, Rev. N. M. ,

Vaill, Rev. Herman L.
Vail, Hiram 
Volmiller, George 

90

172

Wadsworth, Dea. James 
Wadsworth, Rev. Henry F 
Wadsworth Family 
Waller Hill 
Waller, Phineas  48, 60,
WarrupB, Tom 
Webb Family 
Weston, Rev. Hercules  60,
Wetherby, Rev. Charles  112,
Wheaton, Geo 
Wheaton Family 
White, Rev. S. J., Sermon 
White, Rev. S. J 
Whitney, Joseph 
Whipping Post and Stocks 
Wickwire Family 
Wilcox Family 
Woodbury Mountain 
Wood, John 

148150

17
104

158
140 152
261 94
95
334

191 18

3 9002 03078