Wolcott History

[under construction, by Robert A. Kraft (September 2003); new materials added 21mr07; much reformatting and proofreading still needed ]

My acquaintance with the Town of Wolcott began in May, 1872. After preaching there a few Sabbaths, with no expectation of continuing in the place, I became interested in the history of the church by discovering that its Centenary would occur in 1873. I soon after accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit for one year. After a few months' labor in the parish, the idea of writing a brief history of the Congregational Church and Society was entertained, and the work was commenced with the expectation that it would not exceed two hundred pages. From that beginning the present volume has grown, and is, therefore, a little different in plan and style from what it would have been if the original design had included so large a field.

The work necessary to the making of this book has been performed with the greatest pleasure, though prosecuted, much of the time, under circumstances of disadvantage and discouragement. Now that it is done, I have no apologies to offer; nor have I any regrets to express, save that the people who form the subject of this volume have not received from my pen as high commendation as they deserve.

The labor has been performed within the space of two years, and has rather aided than hindered parish duties. In the commencement, it was as the Spring-time, full of [[iv]] buds and blossoms of hope; but in the closing it has seemed as Autumn. A shade of sadness has touched my mind as I have taken leave of one and another, individuals and families, when they passed from study and research; for, after so much thought expended upon them, it seemed as if they were friends and neighbors among whom I had spent my days, and I was at last attending their funeral services. The summing up of life, for each one of them, has seemed written in great characters before the mind. in the proverbial expression: "Born, lived, and died." And wherever the mind looks in review of the past, the epitome of history seems recorded in the repetition of this form. Yet in remembering the good of the past (and in fulfilling the responsive feelings of the heart), it is a comfort, if nothing more can be said, to repeat this form, and in it cherish the memory of those who have completed the routine of its
unchangeable decrees: -- "Born, lived, and died."

The style of the work is without ornament, because the times and the character of the persons forming the subject-matter of the history are better represented thus than otherwise. Of the times and circumstances through which the early settlers passed, there can be but one opinion: they were rigorously hard. Although the number who lived to be over three score and ten is large, yet to most of them, life meant hard work with many privations, plain food with scanty allowance at times, little clothing, and that of the plainest kind, restricted to the fashion of two seasons. Of the character of these ancestors, a good summary, in a few words, is given by Dr. Henry Bronson,in his History of Waterbury: "Individually, our Puritan ancestors were very much such men as [[v]] we are; little better, no worse. They were bred in a rigorous age, and were exposed to peculiar hardships, dangers, and temptations. Yet, on the whole, they, like us, were average men" (page 323). In one thing, however, it seems to me they have the pre-eminence, namely, in faithfulness to moral and religious convictions. Modesty, honesty, and integrity in the profession of the Christian religion, might have been written over nearly every man's door, to be read by all the world.

It will be observed that the genealogy of a few families is wanting. The cause of this, in every case, is the want of sufficient information to make a respectable represention of the family. The Blakeslee family was among the first in the parish, but no records could be obtained until it was too late to introduce them in their proper order. I have
hope of including them in the history of another town where their number is larger than in Wolcott. The Ponds and the Baileys were influential and leading families for some years. They are all now gone from the town, and no records have been obtained of them. A few families early in the parish, disappeared so soon that no connected account of them could be obtained. Also, a few came in about 1800, tarried a few years, then joined the grand army which for two or three generations has been steadily marching Westward.

The limited number of subscribers, and hence of copies printed, has compelled the laying aside of all illustrations, after considerable preparation had been made for their publication. This has been to myself and others a source of great regret.

In acknowledging my obligations to the very kind [[vi]] friends who have rendered special aid in this work, it is pleasant to say that all have cheerfully contributed information and encouragement as they were able, and have urged that the book be made as perfect as possible, even though the price of it should be increased. In fulfilling this last desire its publication has been delayed nearly six months. I am specially indebted to Rev. Joseph Anderson, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Waterbury, who has taken much interest in the work from the first, and has rendered very valuable assistance. Also, to Frederick B. Dakin, Esq., of the Waterbury American, a practical book-maker, under whose supervision the volume was printed. The following persons have also rendered special service to the work: Messrs. A. Bronson Alcott, Frank B. Sanborn, and William Ellery Channing, of Concord, Mass.; Judge William E. Curtiss, of New York; Hon. Leman W. Cutler, of Watertown; Hon. Birdsey G. Northrop, of New Haven; E. Bronson Cook, Esq., Editor of the Waterbury American; Hon. Elihu Burritt, of New Britain; Rev. William H. Moore, of Berlin; Rev. Heman R. Timlow, and Messrs. Gad Andrews, Simeon H. Norton, and Isaac Burritt, of Southington; Rev. William R. Eastman, of Plantsville; the late Ralph L. Smith, Esq., of Guilford; Mr. Aaron G. Atkins, of Chenango County, N. Y.; Mr. Lucas C. Hotchkiss, of Meriden; Mrs. Lucina Holmes and Mrs. Lucina Lindsley, of Waterbury.

CHAPTER I.
FIRST SOCIETY IN WOLCOTT.
First Settlers - Formation of the First Society - Assembly Act - Warnings - First Meeting - Adjourned Meetings.

CHAPTER II.
BUILDING A MEETING HOUSE.
Committee to Stick the Stake -- Notification - Order of the Court - The Deed - The House Built - Officers Chosen in 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774

CHAPTER III.
OBTAINING A PASTOR.
Grant of a Tax - First Call, Mr. Jackson - Second Call, Mr. Gillet - Organization of the Church - Declarations - First Members - The Ordination of Mr. Gillet.

CHAPTER IV.
MR. GILLET'S MINISTRY.
Graduate of Yale - His Father - A Library - Church Discipline - Revival - Results, Repairs on Meeting House, Singing, Additions - Mr. Gillet at Home - His Salary - He closes his Labors - Doings of the Council.

CHAPTER V.
MR. WOODWARD'S MINISTRY.
The Call - Letter of Acceptance - Subscription - His Labors - Completion of the Meeting House - Dedication - Mr. Woodward's Salary - Rate Bill - His Death.

CHAPTER VI.
REV. MR. HART'S AND REV. MR. KEYS' MINISTRY.
The Call - His Ordination - The Ball - His Labors - His Death - Mr. [[viii]] Keys - Urgent Invitations - The Council - Dr. Beecher's Sermon - Sunday School - Efficiency of the Church - Mr. Keys' Resignation and Dismissal.

CHAPTER VII.
WITHOUT A PASTOR.
The Meeting House full - Payment of Debts - Improvement in Singing - Deacon Isaac Bronson - His Gratuitous Labors Five Years - Journal of Rev. Erastus Scranton - The Revival - Dr. Wm. A. Alcott - Sunday School - Procuring a Bell - Subscription - Improvement of the Meeting House - Rev. Nathan Shaw - Rev. Seth Sacket - Rev. W. F. Vail - Pew-holders according to Age.

CHAPTER VIII.
MINISTRY OF REVDS. J. D. CHAPMAN AND AARON C. BEACH.
Anti-slavery - Burning of the Meeting House - Second Society Organized - Efforts to Rebuild the Church - A Council Called, its Findings - Mr. Chapman Dismissed - Difficulties Settled - Rev. Zephaniah Swift - Rev. A. C. Beach - His Settlement - His Labors - His Dismissal.

CHAPTER IX.
REVDS. STEPHEN ROGERS, LENT S. HOUGH, W. C. FISKE.
Mr. Rogers' Settlement - His Illness - He Resigns - Rev. Lent S. Hough - Letter of Commendation - A Communion Service - Revised Articles of Faith - Mr. Hough Closes his Labors - Rev. Mr. Fiske - He Resigns after Three Years - Rev. S. Orcutt - The Home Missionary Society.

CHAPTER X.
OFFICERS AND MEMBERS, OF THE CHURCH.
The List of Ministers - List of Deacons - Clerks of the Church - Moderators - Clerks of the Society - Treasurers - Prudential Committees - School Committes - Members of the Church.

CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION OF THE SOCIETY.
Episcopalians Early in Wolcott - Withdrawal from the First Society - Call for the First Meeting - Minutes of the First Meeting - Officers - Building a House of Worship - A Site Given by the Town - The House Built. [[ix]]

CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH.
Early Records - A List of Ministers - Clerks - Society Committees - Wardens - Vestry Men.

CHAPTER I.
THE TOWN INCORPORATED.
Votes of the Society - A Memorial-Act of the Assembly - The Poor - First Town Meeting - Hills of Wolcott - Streams in Wolcott.

CHAPTER II.
THE FIRST SETTLERS.
Farmington Part - Waterbury, Part - Wolcott Center in 1800 - The Public Green - The Will Place - Atkins' Will - Woodtick - Hotels - Highways.

CHAPTER III.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The Districts - Expenses - Will of Addin Lewis - Whipping Post - Law - Small Pox - Burying Grounds - Yankee Peddlers - Taxes.

CHAPTER IV.
ROLL OF HONOR.
List of Freemen - Town Officers - State Officers - Revolutionary Soldiers - Soldiers in the Late War.

John Alcock,
Capt. John Alcox,
A. Bronson Alcott,
Dr. Wm. A. Alcott,
Rev. Wm. P. Alcott,
Joseph Atkins, Senr.,
Dea. Joseph Atkins,
Rev. A. C. Beach,
Rev. J. W. Beach,
Dea. Isaac Bronson,
Timothy Bradley,
Rev. James D. Chapman,
Rev. W. C. Fiske,
Judah Frisbie,
Rev. Alexander Gillet,
Rev. Timothy Gillet,
Dea. Aaron Harrison,
Rev. Lucas Hart,
Lucas C. Hotchkiss,
Rev. Lent S. Hough, [[x]]
Capt. Heman Hall,
Ephraim Hall,
Dr. Ambrose Ives,
Rev. John Keys,
Simeon H. Norton,
Dr. John Potter,
Rev. Nathan Shaw,
Seth Thomas,
Rev. Benoni Upson, D. D.,
Rev. Henry E. L. Upson,
Rev. Israel B. Woodward,

PART V.-- THE CENTENARY MEETING.
Opening of the Meeting,
Remarks by Rev. A. C. Beach,
" " A. Bronson Alcott,
" " Editor E. B. Cook,
" " Hon. B. G. Northrop,
" " Rev. W. H. Moore
" " Simeon H. Norton.
List of Aged Persons,
The Centenary Poem,
Wolcott People removed to Meriden,
Isaac Burritt's remarks,
Hon. Elihu Burritt's remarks,
Antiquities,
Judge W. E. Curtiss' remarks,
George W. Seward's "
Dea. Samuel Holmes' "
Rev. Mr. Hillard's "

PART VI.-- GENEALOGIES OF FAMILIES.
Alcott, 425
Atkins, 439
Barnes, 446
Bartbolomew, 449
Beecher, 450
Bradley, 453
Brockett, 456
Brooks, 457
Bronson, 458
Brown, 464
Byington, 465
Carter, 467
Churchill, 471
Curtiss, 472
Fairclough, 473
Finch, 475
Frisbie, 477
Frost, 480
Gillet, 482
Hall, 485
Harrison, 490
Higgins, 497
Hitchcock, 499
Hopkins, 500 [[xi]]
Hotchkiss, 502
Hough, 506
Johnson, 508
Kenea, 509
Lane, 511
Lewis, 513
Lindsley, 5119
Merrill, 520
Minor, 521
Moulthrop, 525
Munson, 528
Nichols, 529
Norton, 531
Pardee, 536
Parker, 538
Peck, 540
Plumb, 541
Potter, 544
Pritchard, 545
Richards, 548
Rogers, 550
Root, 552
Rose, 553
Scarritt, 555
Seward, 556
Slater, 556
Smith, 557
Somers, 558
Sperry, 559
Sperry, 559
Stevens, 560
Sutliff, 561,
Thomas, 563
Todd, 564
Tuttle, 570
Twitchell, 575
Upson, 578
Wakelee, 592
Warner, 594
Welton, 598
Wiard 607

Amidst the rugged hills in the northernmost corner of New Haven County, just on the edge of the extensive granite district which spreads through the western part of Connecticut, lies the town of Wolcott. It covers an area measuring six miles from north to south, by about three front east to west, and contains within its limits higher ground than any that lies south of it in the State. In its external features it is a good representative of those rural towns of New England which have failed, for whatever reason, to keep abreast of the age in its rapid onward movement. On the plateau at the center of the town stand two churches of that nondescript style of architecture so often seen amidst New England bills ; one of them in good repair, through the kindness of outside friends, the other closed and going to decay. The Green which lies between these edifices is skirted by dwelling-houses, which have the look of having seen better times,-amongst these the remains of a flourishing country store, and of an equally flourishing tavern. There is the same look of incipient decay upon many of the houses of the town, some of which are still waiting for their first coat of paint. To one who wanders up and down these hills, on a sunless Autumn afternoon, the effect is monotonous and depressing, and even in the pleasantest Summer days there is but little that is interesting in these remnants of a farm life which must, at its best, have been unusually prosaic and dreary.

Attaining to the dignity of a separate existence so shortly before the great transition which has been referred to began, the period during which Wolcott could be considered a flourishing town was necessarily brief. As appears from several statements in the following pages, it attained its highest prosperity during the first decade of the present century. The parish was then one of the strongest in the county; the Society had over two hundred tax-payers [[xiv]] on its list, and the attendance at public worship was so large that the meeting-house was habitually crowded. But the population of the town, which numbered nine hundred and fifty-two in 1810, diminished steadily from decade to decade, until, in 1870, it numbered only four hundred and ninety-one ; so that at the last census Wolcott was in respect of population one of the three smallest towns in Connecticut. The population of Waterbury, on the other hand, which in 1800 numbered 3256, but which in 1810 had been reduced to 2784, or less than three times that of Wolcott, received within the next ten years a fresh impulse from the development of new industries within the limits of the town, and has continued to increase from year to year, until it now numbers over fifteen thousand, and is therefore thirty times as great as that of Wolcott. In comparison, then, with its sister town, not only, but in comparison with most of the towns in the State, Wolcott seems, even to its own inhabitants, insignificant,- so much so that the author of this volume was, in the course of his inquiries, frequently greeted with the remark, "What can you find here of which to make a history? What can you say of Wolcott-the last place on earth that will interest anybody ?" It was difficult, indeed, to make people feel that such a place could have a history which any practical person would care to hear about. But this goodly volume, with its varied contents, proves not only that the old town upon the hills, now in its decadence, has a history, but that its history is of great interest and value,-partly because of the example its people have set of quiet, heroic living, and partly because of the impress it has made on the character and career of the nation by the men it has sent forth into other parts of the land.

Besides the history of the two churches, and the biographical sketches, we have in the volume an account of the civil history of the town, a full report of the varied exercises of the Centennial Meeting, and a hundred and eighty pages of genealogies. In each of these divisions of the work there is evidence of the industrious research and faithful labors of the author. He has brought to this work, not indeed a facile pen, but a great fondness for antiquarian investigation and a warm sympathy with old-time phases of life and thought ; and the result is a book which is readable not because of its polished periods, but because of its pictures of the past, so full of local coloring, and for a certain simplicity and quaintness of style, imparting to the Fage that flavor so well known to all readers of town and county histories. Among such histories this volume is destined to hold a creditable place. The extent of the class of books to which it belongs, no one can apprehend until he examines the work of Ludewig on the "Literature of American Local History" (published in 1946), and considers how many local histories have appeared since that bibliography was compiled. To this extensive and steadily increasing literature the present volume constitutes a substantial addition. It calls attention once more to the minutest details of the old Connecticut life; it increases the store of available materials from which the future histories of

America

must draw their most valuable facts and illustrations.

In scanning these pages, the reader is impressed not only with the prominence of the ecclesiastical element in the life. of this old community, but also with the influence upon the people of the ecclesiastical system to which they adhered. The period most fully portrayed was one in which church councils, and the consociations which [[xvii]] they represented, were recognized as possessing power. Their advisory function had all the force of authority, as may be seen in the declaration recorded on pages 120-122, and its reception by the Wolcott church and society. It was a time in which the fellowship of the churches was something more than a name and a formality. In all acts of fellowship between the Wolcott church and its neighbors, the church in Waterbury took part; for this old parish held to the other the relation of mother and sister at once, and made its influence felt in a beneficent way. It is to the writer of this a gratifying fact that the pleasant relations so long existing have suffered no real interruption, and that he is permitted as the representative of the older organization, which still seems young and vigorous, to bespeak for the younger, as it seems to grow weak with age, the attention and sympathy of this new and busy generation. As pastor of the "First Church" of this whole region, I have a special interest in this history of the church and people of Wolcott; and I take pleasure in bidding this volume, in which a precious fragment of the past is treasured up, God speed on its useful errand. Its mission is not alone to the households scattered over the Wolcott hills; it should find a place in homes and public libraries throughout our broad country. Whatever hands it may fall into, may it do a good work in reviving pleasant memories of other days, and rendering vivid to young eyes the sober pictures of the ancestral time. May it incline us to do honor to those New England fathers to whom honor is so largely due ; and may it deepen our reverence for the nation by showing us how its foundations were laid with toil and sweat and patience on New England hills.

In the settlement of Connecticut, and other New England States, the settlers made their homes first in the valleys and along the rivers and streams of water. After fifty to seventy years' experience of decimation from fevers and sicknesses, caused by the fogs and malaria in these low lands, they began to climb the hills and mountains, and to make their homes where the sun rose before ten o'clock in the morning, and set after four o'clock in the afternoon; so that the first settlers came into Wolcott, upon the hills, fifty-seven years after the settlement of Waterbury, and ninety-one years after the settlement of Farmington.

The first settlers of Hartford reached that place in 1635, and "in 1640 the people of Hartford commenced a settlement at Farmington, it being the first made in Connecticut away from navigable waters. From this time to 1673, small beginnings were made at Norwich, Derby, Wallingford, Simsbury, Woodbury, and Plainfield." In the year 1674, "Articles of Association and Agreement" were signed by some of the people of Farmington for a settlement in Waterbury, but the first houses were not erected until the summer of 1678. The Indian " trail " or path by which the people of Farmington reached Mattatuck, now Waterbury, lay across the northwest corner of what is now Wolcott, and became, probably, the first "traveled" road in this town. It is the road that now [[002]] passes Mr. Levi Atkins’ dwelling house, and it is said that the millstones for the first Grist Mill in Woodbury were carried from Farmington on this road, on the back of a horse, the stones being in a sack balancing on each side of the horse, and the horse led by a footman. In 1731 Mr. John Alcock, of New Haven, settled in the west part of what is now Wolcott, he being the first settler there. In less than thirty years (in 1760) the people bad become so numerous within this territory as to desire parish privileges, and so petitioned the General Assembly to make them a " Distinct Society." They stated that they "occupied a tract of land five miles square, were £2,000 in the list, and lived an inconvenient distance from places of public worship." Waterbury First Society remonstrated with arguments, and the petition was rejected, as was another with forty-three signers, in May, 1762. In October, 1762, the people, numbering thirty-eight, renewed their petition, and the old Society remonstrated, the chief reason given being the difficulty of supporting the First Society, if Farmingbury, West Farms, and South Farms, should be granted society privileges. Notwithstanding the cogency of this reasoning, the people of Farmingbury (so called at this time) were allowed to hire preaching five months in the year, and to set tip a school, and in the meantime to be exempt from other society and school taxes. In the spring Of 1767, thirty-one petitioners of the Winter parish requested society privileges, and asked that the limits of the society might be extended into New Cambridge (now Bristol). They said they numbered seventy-one families, and had a list of £3,8728s. The petition was denied, as was also another in October, 1768.*

The preliminaries to this meeting were very carefully attended to according to the Colonial Law of that time, by a grant from the General Assembly, and by orders from the Courts, and legal warnings to the people. This grant formed the parish from the towns of Waterbury and Farmington, and gave it the name Farmingbury.

Several efforts had been made between the years 1760-69 to form such Society, but without success. In the Spring of 1770 a petition, signed by forty-none persons, was presented to the General Assembly, and was laid over until the next October, when the petition was granted.

The territory taken from Waterbury had been settled but a short time,- the first settler, Mr. John Alcock, of New Haven, having taken his residence on Spindle Hill, in March, 1731. So far as known all other settlers had come into this territory during the thirty-nine years intervening; and so far as known all the settlers in Farmington part of Farmingbury had come in after 1732.*

At a General Assembly if the Governor and Company of the Colony of Connecticut, holden at New Haven, on the Second Thursday of October, AD, 1770;

Resolved, by this Assembly, that the said Inhabitants living within said limits and boundaries as above described be and they are hereby made and constituted a distinct Ecclesiastical Society, and shall be called and known by the name of Farmingbury, with all the privileges and immunities to such societies usually belonging in the Colony, and the said Caleb Barnes hereby has liberty granted him of choosing whether he will be of said New Society or remain and belong to the First Society in Waterbury, and the same liberty is hereby given unto said Elijah Frisbie.

Upon the reception of this grant, application was made to the officers in Farmington and Waterbury, and the execution of the several papers was attended to as follows:

To Jared Lee, Esq., one of his Majesty’s Justices of the Peace in Farmington, in the County of Hartford:

On the above said application of Mr. Joseph Atkins, Capt. Aaron Harrison, and Daniel Byington- these are therefore to command Capt. Aaron Harrison in His Majesty's name, to give lawful warning to all the Inhabitants in said Society In Farming too Part allowed by law to vote, to meet at the Dwelling house of Mr. Joseph Atkins on the 13th Day of November, Instant, in said Society, at I2 o'clock of said day to Choose a Moderator and Society Clerk, and to do all other business Proper to be Done at said meeting.

Dated at Farmington, the 5th Day of November, A. D., 1770, and in the 11th year of his Majesty's Reign.

Pursuant to this warrant, I have proceeded and given Legal warning to the Inhabitants of Farmingbury, in Farmington Part, for a Society Meeting at the house of Mr. Joseph Atkins, on Tuesday the 13th of November, inst., at 12 of the Clock on said Day.

To Mr. Daniel Byington of the Society of Farmington, in the Town of Waterbury, in New Haven County, Greeting:

Whereas, The Honorable General Assembly, in their Session n New Haven, on the 2nd Thursday of October last made and constitiited the said Farmingbury, consisting part of the Town of Farmington, in Hartford County, and part of the Town of Waterbury, in New Haven County, a Distinct Ecclesiastical Society, as appears of Record, and it is now necessary that the said Society be convened in Society Meeting for the Lawfull Purposes thereof,-

These are therefore in His Majesty's name, to Require you to [[006]] warn all the inhabitants of said Waterbury, within the Limits of said Society of Farmingbury, to meet at the Dwelling House of Mr. Joseph Atkins, in said Waterbury, on Tuesday, the 13th Day of Instant Nov., at twelve of the Clock on said Day, then and there to choose a Moderator, Society's Clerk, and other proper Officers, and to do and transact all other Business proper for said meeting according to law.

Dated at Waterbury the 6th day of Nov., 1770, and in the sixth year of His Majesty's Reign.

Pursuant to this Warrant, I have Proceeded and given Legal warning to the Inhabitants of Farmingbury, in Waterbury Part, for Society Meeting at the house of Mr. Joseph Atkins, on Tuesday the I3th of Nov. inst., at 12 o'clock on said Day.

The foregoing Instruments are true copies of the warrants granted for the warning of the First Society Meeting in Farmingbury.

At a Society meeting holden in Farmingbury, the inhabitants being lawfully assembled on the 13th day of November, A. D., 1770, the following votes were, taken. Capt. Aaron Harrison was chosen Moderator, Daniel Byington was chosen Society Clerk, Lieut. Josiah Rogers, Mr. John Alcox, Mr. Stephen Barnes, Mr. John Bronson, and Mr. Amos Seward, were chosen Society Committee for the year ensuing.

Voted, to lay a rate of two pence on the pound to be paid on the list of August, 1770, and that the said rate should be paid by the first day of September next. Curtiss Hall and Daniel Alcox were chosen to collect said rate.

At the same meeting Lieut. Josiah Rogers was chosen Society [[007]] Treasurer for the year ensuing. David Norton, Seth Bartholomew, Daniel Alcox, Amos Beecher, Joseph Beecber, Justus Peck, Capt. Aaron Harrison, and Stephen Barnes were chosen School Committee for the year ensuing.

David Warner, Wait Hotchkiss, Simeon Hopkins, Nathaniel Lewis, Capt Aaron Harrison, and Joseph Beecher, were chosen a committee to divide the Society into Districts. Voted to give Mr. Joseph Atkins £15 sod for the use of his house to meet in on the Sabbath for the year ensuing, till the first of May next.

Jacob Carter, Levi Bronson, Jared Harrison, Stephen Eames, and David Alcox were chosen Choristers for the year ensuing. Capt. Aaron Harrison and Mr. Amos Seward were chosen to read the Psalms for the year ensuing.

John Barrett was chosen grave Digger. At the same meeting, voted to build a Meeting house. Joseph Atkins was chosen Agent to go to the County Court for a committee to stick the stake for said Meeting house. Capt. Enos Brooks, Capt. Enos Atwater, and

Col.

Hall were nominated a committee to stick the stake of said Meeting house. Voted to lay a rate Half Penny on the Pound to defray the Society Charges, and to pay the said half penny rate by the first day of February next, and Joseph Atkins and Jared Hauison were chosen to collect said half penny rate. Voted to adjourn said meeting to the last Thursday of Inst. November, at one o'clock in the afternoon.

At the adjournment the Inhabitants did meet and voted as follows, viz. : To accept the doings of the committee in dividing the Society into Districts. Voted that the Schooling should be by the poll. Mr. Samuel Upson was chosen School Committee. Voted that each School committee shall collect their poll rate each one in his own District. Adjourned for one hour. At the adjournment the inhabitants did meet and voted to procure a Book for Records. Voted to adiourn the meeting to the Third Monday in December next at one o'clock in the afternoon.

Met according to adjournment. Daniel Johnson and Daniel Byington were chosen to take the marks of stray sheep the year ensuing. [[008]]

Voted to have the Society measured by a County surveyor, and to reconsider the vote taken to lay a rate two pence on the pound in order to procure preaching. Voted to lay a half penny rate to pay for measuring the Society, and that said half penny rate be paid by the first Day of February next. Joseph Atkins and Jared Harrison were chosen to collect said half penny rate. Sergeant Samuel Smith and James Warner and Daniel Bronson were chosen chairmen, and Lieut. Ashbel Potter, County surveyor. Voted to lay a rate of one penny half penny on the pound to procure preaching, and to pay said rate by the first day of September next, and Abel Curtiss and Curtiss Hall were chosen to collect said rate. Voted to adjourn the meeting to the last Monday in Inst. December, at one o'clock in the afternoon.

Met according to adjournment and adjourned to the Second Wednesday of January next at one o'clock in the afternoon.

At the adjournment voted to adjourn half an hour, and then met and voted to confide in what the committee did in fixing a place for the Meeting house. Voted to have Society meetings on the first Monday of December annually. Voted to dissolve said meeting.

At a Society meeting holden in Farmingbury, on the 21st day of January, A. D., 1771, the inhabitants being lawfully assembled ,on said day, the following votes were taken. Capt. Aaron Harrison was chosen Moderator to lead the meeting. Voted to adjourn the meeting one hour, their met and voted to confide in what the late committee did in fixing a place for a Meeting house and dissolved said meeting.

At a Society meeting holders in Farmingbury, on the 22d day of April, A. D., 1771, the inhabitants being lawfully assembled on said (lay the following votes were taken. Capt. Aaron Harrison was chosen Moderator. Lieut. Josiah Rogers, Mr. Samuel Up son, Mr. Stephen Barnes, Mr. Joseph Beecher, and Mr. Daniel Alcox were chosen a Meeting house Committee. Voted to have all the land in the Society taxed. Voted to have the tax three pence per acre for four years. At the same meeting Capt. Aaron Harrison was chosen agent to apply to the Assembly to procure the said tax. Mr. Stephen Barnes was chosen for the same purpose. Voted to give Mr. Jacob Richmond his rate; also [[009]] to give Mr. Jedediah Minor his two half penny rates, and also to give Mr. Joseph Talmage his two half penny rates. Voted to have preaching this summer, and to lay a half penny rate in addition to the penny half penny to be paid the first of September next. Adjourned to first Tuesday of June next at three o'clock in the afternoon.

At the time, met and adjourned to last Monday in September next, at one o'clock in the afternoon.

Met according to adjournment, and voted to have the said memorial for said land tax carried into the next Assembly, giving the agents leave to alter in respect to the Churchmen as they shall find best, and Mr. Samuel Upson and Mr. Daniel Alcox were chosen agents to apply to the Assembly to procure said tax. Mr. Joseph Atkins was chosen for the same purpose. Daniel Alcox and Stephen Barnes were chosen to collect said tax. Voted to have our meeting on the last Monday of November, annually, and to warn said meeting by setting up Notifications at these places, viz. : John Barrett's, Isaac Hopkins', Dan Tuttle’s Shop, Curtiss Hall's, and Ensign Welton’s. Voted to dissolve said meeting.

These several meetings, as recorded, show the effort and labor and patience expended in forming a new Society and bringing it into working order, and the manner of attending to such duties in those days. They also bring forward names that are prominent in these records foimany years afterward, and names which will appear in various relations, and frequently, in the progress of this Historv.

From the first, Farmingbury Parish took supervision of the public schools; appointed the committees; voted how much " schooling " they should have each year ; laid taxes for the support of schools, and directed how these should be collected, and appointed the collectors of these taxes. They appointed the "grave digger" and the keeper of the "key," and persons to take the "marks of stray sheep." In one instance only did they go to the Assembly for power to lay a tax, and that was for a church rate on all the lands "for maintaining the worship of God."*

Upon the memorial of the Society of Farmingbury, prepared by Joseph Atkins, Samual Espon, and Daniel Alcox, agents for said Society, representing to this Assembly that the list of said society is small and they unable to set up and maintain the worship of God among them without some further help, praying for a tax on all the lands within said Society, &c., as per memorial on file:

Thus was formed, organized, and put into effectual operation the First Ecclesiastical Society in Wolcott, which was as a tree in the wilderness and proved to be "a fruitful vine in the tops of the mountains." The families of the parish were very much scattered amidst the forests that then covered most of these hills and the small patches of low lands.

It is not certain that at the time of the formation of the parish, there was more than one house at Wolcott Center, that of Abraham Woster, all traces of whose family have disappeared from Wolcott long ago. He was a carpenter, and was "foreman " or "boss" carpenter at the building of the first Meeting house. His wife, Rebecca, united with the church on the 12th of January 1777, and on the igth of the same month their son Lyman was baptized.

Another difficulty at this time and for some years after was in the fact that there was not sufficient land cleared to produce food to supply the people, and hence many went to Southington, in summer time, and worked to earn provisions which they carried up the mountain on their backs, so as not to "starve in winter." Much is said at the present day about farming being hard work, but if we were to walk three miles down a mountain, and work from sunrise to sunset and then carry up the mountain three-fourths of a bushel of rye as the reward of such a day's labor we might think farming harder than it now is. Now, a man laboring by the day earns between two and three bushels of rye, but a hundred years ago he received only three-fourths of a bushel. The necessity for suidnier work was increased by the fact that very little could be done in the winter by which to get money or provisions. If they cut down the forests to clear the land, there was no demand for the wood ; this [[013]] must be burned in great heaps where it was cut. No mechanical work of any extent was required. The first wagon in Wolcott was brought in, in 1800, by Lucius Tuttle, and it marked a period of wonder and improvement. A little could be done by way of getting " logs to the mill " for lumber, but no great amount of work of this kind could be done, for there were but two "sawmills" in the town, one where Mr. Pritchard's mill now is, and one at Woodtick,-and there was but little demand for lumber. In the house, the women were always at work. In the fall and beginning of winter they must make the clothes for the family for the year. As soon as "New Year's Day" was past they prepared to sit down at the “little wheel" to spin the "flax," and from New Year until April the "little wheel " occupied all the leisure time the mother and elder daughters could find. And in the latter part of spring and on into summer the "big wheel" usurped authority over the "little wheel " and the spinning of wool was the great extra work of the house.'

At the first meeting of the Society, Nov. 13, 1770, action was taken in regard to a Meeting house. We find the following votes:

Voted to Build a Meting House. At the same meeting Joseph Atkins was chosen Agent to go to the County Court for a Committee to stick the stake for said Meeting House. At the same meeting, Capt. Enos Brooks, Capt. Enos Atwater, and Col. Hall were nominated a committee to stick the stake for said House. At the same meeting voted to lay a rate Half Penny on the Pound to defray the Society Charges [in this matter]. At the same meeting voted to pay the said Half Penny rate by the first Day of February next, and Joseph Atkins and Jared Harrison were chosen Collectors to collect said rate.”

The energy with which Mr. Joseph Atkins moved in this matter is seen in the fact that the next day after this meeting and after his appointi-nent as agent, he presented his memorial to the Court in Hartford, as appears from the following paper:

"At a County Court held at Hartford, in and for the County of Hartford, on the first Tuesday of November, AD, 1770:

Upon the Memorial of Joseph Atkins of Farmingbury and the Rest of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Farmingbury in said County showing to this Court that at a Society Meeting held in said Society on the 13th day of November, instant, it was voted (wherein more than two thirds of the Inhabitants were in the [[015]] affirmative), to Build a Meeting House in said Parish, and thereupon appointed the said Joseph Atkins their Agent to apply to this Court, for the appointment of a Committee to repair to said Society to affix a stake in said Society, for said Inhabitants to Build a Meeting House upon, for Divine Worship, as per Memorial on file, dated the 4th day of November, 1770:

Whereupon this Court appoint

Col.

Benjamin Hall, Capt. Enos Brooks, and Capt. Enos Atwater, all of Wallingford, in New Haven County, a Committee with full power to repair to the Said Parish of Farmingbury, Notify the Inhabitants of said Parish, View all circumstances, and hear all Parties, and affix a stake upon some convenient spot of ground in said Society, for the Inhabitants thereof to Build a meeting House upon for the Purpose of Divine Worship, and make report of their doings herein to us at the next Court.

Whereas, The Honorable County Court at Hartford in Their Session s In November, Instant, appointed us subscribers a Committee with instructions to, repair to Said Society, Give warning to the Inhabitants, view their circumstances, Hear the Parties, &c., and affix a Place for said Inhabitants to build a meeting house upon:

These are Therefore to Notify said Inhabitants to Attend on said Committee on The Last Tuesday of Instant November by Their Agents, Committees, or otherwise as They Shall Think fit in order to Enable said Committee to Do The business assigned Them by Said Court, and Mr. Joseph Atkins of Sd Society is hereby Desired to Notify said Inhabitants accordingly. Dated at Wallingford the 23rd of November, Anno 1770.

At a adjourned County Court holden at Hartford, in and for the County of Hartford, on the fourth Tuesday of January, Anno Domini, 1771

Whereas, upon the Memorial of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Farmingbury by their agent Joseph Atkins praying for a Committee to affix a place in said Society for the Inhabitants thereof to Build a Meeting House upon, for Divine Worship, the County Court at their sessions at Hartford within and for Hartford County on the first Tuesday of November, A.D., 1770, appointed Benjamin Hall, Esq., Capt. Enos Brooks, Capt. Enos Atwater a Committee to repair to said Society of Farmingbury- hear all parties and view all circumstances, and affix a place for the Inhabitants thereof to Build a Meeting House upon, for Divine Worship as by the records of said County Court fully appears.

The said Committee having Returned their report in the Premises therein setting forth that on the 27th, 28th, and 29th Days of November, 1770, the Said Parish before being Notified to attend them, did repair to Said Parish of Farmingbury and there heard all parties and viewed all circumstances, and there affixed a Place in said Society, and erected a stake thereon, with stones about it, viz.: on a Beautiful Eminence and on the line Dividing between the Towns of Waterbury and Farmington, a little Northerly of Mr. Abraham Worster's Dwelling House in said Society, near where the North and South Highways cross each other in said Society as per Report on file, Dated the 30th Day of November, 1770, which said report this Court accept and approve of, and thereupon this Court Order and Direct that the Place mentioned in the said report of the said Committee be and the same is hereby Established as the Place whereon the said Society Shall Erect and build a Meeting House, for the Purpose of Divine Worship accordingly.

Mr. Atkins' name in these papers, and frequently in the church Records, is spelled Adkins. It is herein uniformly written Atkins ; because when be signed the Deed to the Society, he wrote his name " Joseph Atkins."

This order of the court was given during the Court term which began on the fourth Tuesday of January, 1771; but before the order was received by the Society, and probably before the court made the order, the Society took the following action on the report of the committee, in a Society meeting held on the Second Wednesday of January, 1771 : "Voted to confide in what the late Committee did in fixing a place for the Meeting house." On the 21st day of the same month, in another Society meeting, they again " Voted to confide in what the late Committee did in fixing a place for a Meeting house."

In the next April, 22nd day, at a Society meeting, the following persons were chosen a "Meeting House Committee :"Lieut. Josiah Rogers, Mr. Samuel Upson, Mr. Stephen Barnes, Mr. Joseph Beecher, Mr. Daniel Alcox.

This was a choice committee. These men were reliable, good men; equal, under ordinary circumstances, to the work committed to them; but the difficulties around and before them were peculiarly numerous. The Parish was new, not yet six months old, and had assumed nearly all the responsibilities of a Town, without the benefits. They had the work of dividing the parish into school districts, laying taxes for the support of these schools, providing school houses in some parts, and the ordering of the number of months school should be kept. They appointed a committee to survey the parish and fix the boundaries, and laid a tax to pay the expenses of surveying. [[018]]

The Society meetings had voted, besides school tax and surveying tax, a tax for the committee to fix the stake for the Meeting house ; a tax of "one penny half-penny" to procure preaching, and the tax of three pence per acre granted by the Assembly, for "Maintaining of Divine Worship." Besides this, the country was new. Some of these men were born in Wolcott, but were the first generation. Their fathers all, as near as we can learn, immigrated to Wolcott. How were they to build a meeting house? If the house could be built at the cost of five hundred dollars, from whence was the money to come? This committee doubtless consulted together, and with the people of the Parish, and much desired to see that Meeting house, but we hear nothing of it for six months.

There was but one thing unfortunate about that committee; the name of Joseph Atkins was not at its bead. He never slept six months at a time; when he moved others moved also. Whatever he touched seemed to rise to life, like the bones of the old prophet. As far as the record shows, be never failed but once, and that when sent by this parish as agent to the General Assembly in 1787 to secure town privileges. The united opposition of the adjoining towns of Waterbury and Southington was too strong for the energetic Joseph. Had he been on the committee there would have been some work done somewhere, and a report made at the next meeting ; but as it was, they came to the meeting on the 22d day of next November, made Mr. Joseph Atkins moderator, and the first business done is recorded thus: "Voted to go about building a Meeting house forthwith." Voted to build said house 58 feet in length and 42, feet wide. Voted to have said house 24 feet between joints. Voted to face said house to the south. Voted to board the body of said house. Voted to shingle said house with chestnut shingles. Voted to clapboard said house with ‘drent’ oak."

On the first Tuesday of the next December, about two [[019]] weeks after the above meeting, they met and "Voted to take 12 feet from the length of the house, and 8 feet from the width, and two feet from the height." Also, “Voted that Abraham Wester should be master builder on said house."

Another meeting was held on the first Tuesday of January, 1772, when it was "Voted to add to the length of said meeting house six feet, and four feet to the breadth." After these last votes there appears to have arisen some further discussion about the Meeting house, when they voted to "Reconsider half the votes taken in said meeting, respecting building a Meeting house, and dissolved said meeting."

This last vote seems to have referred to all the votes taken in all the previous meetings in regard to the building of a Meeting house, for on the 2oth day of the same month (January, 1772), they held another meeting, in which the only business recorded was concerning the Meeting house, as follows: "Voted to build a Meeting house 48 feet long and 36 feet wide. Voted to have the height of said house left with the carpenter. Voted to cover said house as the first proposed house was voted to be covered. Voted to give Mr. Abraham Wester 24 shillings for his services." From these records it appears that some work in making preparations, or estimates for building had been done by the master carpenter, and also by others, towards the building of the house. We are not informed as to the method pursued in building, except it appears that the work was not let by the job, but done by the day, as to the master builder. Whether work or lumber and materials were given by the parishioners, we are not directly informed, but the probability, from the facts mentioned, is that much was given in this way.*

On the first Monday in March next a meeting was held and further action taken. "Voted to lay the underpinning of the Meeting house in lyme mortar. Voted to have the window frames made of chestnut, and to have 24 panes of 7 by 9 glass in each window."

The next meeting was held on the first Monday of April, one month later, when they " Voted to lay a rate of two pence on the pound, to defray the Meeting house charges, and that said rate should be paid by the first of October next."

It is very probable that from the first Mr. Joseph Atkins agreed to give the land on which to build a Meeting house, but now that that house was in process of construction, and probably the frame was standing in its place, and a tax was to be collected to pay for the building of the house, it was very proper that it should rest on a good title of land, so that no trouble should arise from this direction. Therefore Mr. Atkins proceeded to execute the deed. And here again is seen the character of Joseph Atkins. Instead of giving a plot of ground one hundred feet by fifty, he gave two acres. This land was given, as is scen by the deed, from the noblest impulses and for the noblest ends. And wben thus devoted to the publishing of " good tidings " to lost men, it is saddening to know that on one corner of this square was erected a " whipping post," and that at this post were whipped several persons, and among them one woman for stealing.

And also one acre of land in the Township of Waterbury aforesaid, lying West from the above described land adjoining to the Highway between ad Waterbury & Farmington Twelve Rods wide, North and South, to extend West so far as to make one acre, Buting Northward on Highway, West and South on my own land, & East on Highway; which Land Described as aforesaid, I, the sd Atkins, make over to the Society of Farniingbury aforesd, for their use and benefit as above sd, & for the Church to be gathered, & which shall or may Worship in the said House to be Erected according to the Method, Doctrines, & Discipline now owned and practiced by the churches in the Colony, whither Called Presbyterian, Congregational, or Consociated by way of Distinction from Episcopalians, Baptists, Separatists, or other Secretaries,- To have and to hold the above granted and given premises, with all the Privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, into them the act grantees and to their successors forever, to & for the use aforesaid. And also I, the said Joseph Atkins, do for myself and my Heirs, Executors, and administrators, Covenant with the said Grantees and their successors, that at & until the Ensealing of these presents I am well seized of the premises as a good indefeasible Estate in Fee simple, and have good Right to give [[022]] and Convey the same in manner and form as is above written, and that the Same is free of all Encumbrances whatever. And furthermore, I, the sd Atkins, do by these presents Bind myself and my Heirs forever to warrant and Defend the above granted and given premises to them the sd Grantees and their successors against all Claims and Demands whatever. In Witness, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand. and seal, the 8th Day of June, in the 12th year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, George the Third of Great Britain, &c., King, A.D., 1772.

Waterbury, in New Haven County, the Day and Date above written, Personally appeared Mr. Joseph Atkins, Signer & Scaler of the foregoing Instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his Free act and Deed.

And Recorded in Waterbury Land Records, Book 15th, Page 312. Pr Ezra Bronson, Recorder."

While Mr. Atkins was thus doing his part, the Meeting house was rising to perfectness in its - place, and the people seemed ready to do their part as the cause might need. They were not only ready to pay the tax already assessed in behalf of the Meeting house, but they met [[023]] again on the "Third Monday of August, following, and voted to lay a rate of four pence on the pound, to be paid the first of December next, said rate being to defray the Meeting house charges."

In order to know what an effort it was for the people to build this church, we must take a little survey of the parish. The territory was newly settled. The older, active men in the Society, such as Joseph Atkins, Sen., Curtiss Hall, and Joan Bronson, were born elsewhere, and had come into the community and settled as farmers. The younger men, like Aaron Harrison, Daniel Byington, Jr., Joseph Atkins, Jr., and many others who were active members in the Society, were born here, or a little time before their parents came here, and were just beginning in the world, having no fortune of money, or old homesteads left them. The sixteen thousand acres of land in the parish, with all other taxable property, amounted in the assessment on the tax list to about two dollars and fifty cents per acre, or forty thousand dollars, or $8,ooo. Some of this amount belonged to Episcopalians, and hence was not available to the parish. The parish proper contained about seventy-five families, and the $40,000 divided equally among them, gives them about five hundred dollars of farming capital each, in the assessment list.

If we were building a church to-day, and should find a family with only such a capital in farming, we would be moved to pass by without asking a dollar, even for the church. Yet they taxed themselves toward blinding the church equal to six dollars a family. Several of these families were building houses for their own shelter from the cold and the storm.*

On the 26th day of October, 1772, at a parish meeting, they voted to have "our meetings for the future in the Meeting house." Here was the Meeting house so far completed that they could hold meetings in it. What a day of gladness to all who loved the "Hill of Zion" must that leave been when they first assembled in that house!

This Meeting house stood on the north side of the "Green," or "Square," facing the Green, and also facing the south. The principal door was in the front, and there was a door also in each end, east and west. It is said that the house stood on the line that divided the towns from which the parish was formed,- half in Waterbury and Half in Farmington. The house at first was not finished inside. The floor ",as laid, the frame-work of the gallery was put in its place, and the stairs were built, The gallery may have been used some on special occasions, and for the singers, in which case a temporary flooring must leave been laid, but ordinarily the singers sat below. The house was furnished in the simplest manner for some ten years, there being neither pews, stationary seats, nor permanent pulpit.

There were probably but little if any dedicatory services, as they had no pastor, though they were trying to arrange with a Mr. Jackson to become their pastor ; but in this they did not succeed.

Rev. Mr. Keys said, in an obituary notice, that Deacon Aaron Harrison made the first public prayer that was made in this house. This is all we can learn of dedicatory services.

As illustrative of the many interests they attended to, we give a list of the officers chosen at some of the Society meetings for a few years after the organization:

Moderator, Capt. Aaron Harrison; Clerk for the year, Daniel Byington, Sen.; Society Committee for the Year, Lieut. Josiah Rogers, Mr. John Alcox, Mr. Stephen Barnes, Mr. John Bronson, Mr. Amos Seward; Collectors to collect the Society Rate, Curtiss Hall and Daniel Alcox; Treasurer, Lieut. Josiah Rogers; School Committee for the year, David Norton, Seth Bartholomew, Daniel Alcox, Amos Beecher, Joseph Beecher, Justus Peck, Capt. Aaron Harrison, Stephen Barnes, and Samuel Upson; Special Committee to Divide the Society into Districts, David Warner, Wait Hotchkiss, Simeon Hopkins, Nathaniel Lewis, Capt. Aaron Harrison, Joseph Beecher; To read the Psalms for the year, Capt. Aaron Harrison and Mr. Amos Seward; Grave-Digger, John Barrett.

Voted that the schooling should be by the poll, and that each School Committee shall collect their poll rate in his district.

In December of the same year, 1770, at the adjourned meeting, they again elected officers:

To take the marks of Stray Sheep, Daniel Johnson and Daniel Byington; Chainmen, to measure the Society, Sergt. Samuel Smith, James Warner, and David Bronson; County Surveyor, Lieut. Ashbel Potter. To collect the Rate to pay for Surveying the Parish, Abel Curtiss and Curtiss Hall.

Moderator, Isaac Hopkins; Clerk for the year, Daniel Byington; [[026]] Treasurer, Lieut. Josiah Rogers; Society Committee for the year, Mr. David Norton, Mr. Amos Seward, Sergt. Stephen Barnes, Mr. Daniel Alcox, and Mr. Joseph Beecher. Collectors, Heman Hall and Joseph Atkins, Jr.; To Collect the Churchmen's Rate, Ensign Oliver Welton; School Committee, Joseph Sutliff, Jr., Joseph Atkins, Jr., Ensign John Alcox, Amos Seward, Capt. Aaron Harrison, Jedediah Minor, Nathaniel Lewis, Samuel Plumb, and Daniel Finch.

At a meeting in March, 1772, a committee was appointed to "Fix a place or places for burying grounds, consisting of Ensign Welton, Capt. Harrison, Sergt. Barnes, Mr. Joseph Beecher, Mr.

Israel

Clark."

In November, 1772: Moderator, Capt. Isaac Hopkins; Clerk for the year, Daniel Byington; Society Committee, Mr. David Norton, Mr. Amos Seward, Lieut. John Alcox, Mr. Joseph Beecher, Mr. John Bronson, Mr. Stephen Barnes, and Daniel Alcox; Treasurer, Lieut. Josiah Rogers; School Committee, Mr. Simeon Hopkins, Jacob Carter, Capt. Aaron Harrison, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Joseph Beecher, Justus Peck, Daniel Byington, John Bronson, Samuel Upson.

Voted that the school shall be by poll, and that each School Committee shall collect the poll rate.

Special Collectors, Ensign Oliver Welton and Eliakim Welton, Jar,; Collectors for the year, Levi Gaylord and Justus Peck; Special Committee to try to secure Mr. Jackson as Pastor, Capt. Harrison, Mr. Hotchkiss, Lieut. Rogers, Sergt. Barnes, and Mr. Amos Seward.

The list of offices filled for the next year includes some in addition to those already given, and nearly completes the list of those appointed by the Society.

Moderator, Deacon Aaron Harrison; Clerk, Daniel Byington; Treasurer, Simeon Hopkins; Society Committee, Mr. Amos Seward, Sergt. Stephen Barnes, Mr. Samuel Upson; Collectors, Mark Harrison and James Thomas; Grave Digger, John Barrett; Key Keeper, Daniel Alcoa; School Committee, Justus Peck, Jessie Alcox, Deacon Harrison, Sergt. Stephen Barnes, Daniel Johnson, Amos Seward, Simeon Hopkins, Daniel Alcox, Eliakim Welton, Jr.

At the same meeting, "Voted, that we would try the affair respecting the land belonging in Southington." Here was a resolution to enter into a suit at law with Southington.

At an adjourned meeting held the week after the above action, it was " Voted to reconsider the vote by which Samuel Upson was nominated Constable, and also that by which Eliakim Welton was nominated Surveyor."

By these votes it seems that the Parish sometimes nominated such officers; or that having done so once, it seemed wise to withdraw the nomination.

The energy and correctness with which these men entered upon this work indicates more than air ordinary business talent and spirit in the community, for I venture that few ecclesiastical societies and towns in this or any other State have kept as full records and attended to all items of public interest with greater care than has been the case here.

At the first Society meeting, Nov. 13, 1770, the following record was made: "Capt. Aaron Harrison was chosen to read the psalms for the year ensuing. At the same meeting Amos Seward was chosen for the same purpose." At the same meeting five choristers were appointed, and it was voted to give Mr. Joseph Atkins £15 for the use of his house to meet in on the Sabbath, for the year ensuing until the first of May next."

In the adjourned meeting held in December, about a month later, it was "Voted to lay a rate of one penny half penny on the pound to procure preaching."

At the meeting, the next April 22d, 1771, they "Voted to have preaching this summer," and, to sustain this, they voted to lay a "half penny rate in addition to the penny half penny "voted in December previous. As the tax list of the Parish amounted to about three thousand five hundred pounds, this tax brought them only one hundred and fifty dollars, and at five dollars a Sabbath, this would give them preaching thirty Sabbaths, or a little over two Sabbaths in the month during the year. Hence, because of this small sum with which to maintain public worship, they at this same meeting, April, 1771 "Voted to have all the land in this Society taxed," and appointed Captain Aaron Harrison and Mr. Stephen Barnes agents to procure a grant from the Assembly to this effect ; but it was so late in the session that the application was not made till the next meeting of the Assembly in the Autumn. Hence at an adjourned meeting held on the last Monday of the following September they "voted to have the said [[029]] memorial for said land tax to be carried into the next Assembly ; giving the agents leave to alter in respect to the Churchmen as they think best." Mr. Samuel Upson, Daniel Alcox, and Joseph Atkins were appointed agents to carry the Memorial to the Assembly. It was carried and the result appears in the following

At a General Assembly of the Governor and company of the Colony of Connecticut, holden at New Haven, on the 2nd Thursday of October, Anno Domini, 1771:

Upon a memorial of the Society of Farmingbury presented by Joseph Atkins, Samuel Upson, and Daniel Alcox, agents for said Society, representing to this Assembly that the list of said Society is small, and they unable to set up and maintain the Worship of God among them without some further help, praying for a tax on all the lands within said Society, &c., as per memorial on file:

Several persons were paying taxes for church support in Bristol and Waterbury and perhaps Southington. The Society, also, released every year quite a number of persons from paying their rate.

It was very soon after this grant of tax from the Assembly that this Society voted to "go about building a Meeting house forthwith," and it is possible that some of this tax money was used in building the Meeting house, which would be "setting up and maintaining the worship of God."

At the annual meeting, November, 1771, they "Voted to give John Atkins, Jr., ten shillings for the use of his house the summer past," and also to " Give Mr. Atkins and his son five shillings per month" for the future. And at the same meeting they "Voted to lay a rate of two pence on the pound, to be laid out for preaching the ensuing year."

Thus had they passed through the first year of ecclesiastical society work. That they had had preaching nitich of the time is quite evident from the fact of the use of the money raised for that special purpose; and, also, from the fact of laying another tax for the same purpose, besides that which was to come by the Assembly tax. To read the psalms the ensuing year, they had appointed Mr. Isaac Hopkins, Capt. Aaron Harrison, and Mr. Amos Seward. They meant "progress," and be-an to look more cheerfully for a minister who should become their pastor. In January, 1772, they met and made further arrangements for a Meeting house In March they met again, and decided as to the laying of the foundation of the Meeting house, In April they held another meeting, and arranged further concerning the foundation.

The Society met again on the last Monday in the following September and voted to have Mr. Jackson on probation one month longer, and also that the Society's Committee should " go and treat with Mr. Jackson whether he will stay one month longer on probation, and likewise to ask him whether he will settle wilt us if we can agree on terms." At the end of the month, 26th of October, they came together and' voted to settle Mr. Jackson if they could agree, and adjourned the meeting one hour. When they met, at the end of the hour, they agreed to give Mr. Jackson as a settlement 175 pounds and to be "four years paying said settlement," and to 11 give 50 pounds salary, to be paid yearly, four years," and then to raise it to 75 pounds to be continued during his continuing with us."

And it was at this meeting that it was voted to hold their meetings for the future in the Meeting house. Mr. Jackson did not accept this call., but appears to have continued to preach to the Society several weeks, for on the last day of November, 1772, a month later, they appointed a special committee to prevail with him to settle with them ; and this committee did not succeed. In the next meeting, in January, 1773, they voted to " apply to some man to preach with us on probation a few Sabbaths."

* Since writing the above, we have learned that this house was that of Mr. Thomas Upson, and was the house where Charles Upson, Esquire, afterwards resided, and where Mr. Joseph H. Somers now resides.

Voted to continue Mr. Gillet with us as a preacher longer." " Voted to improve Mr. Gillet ten Sabbaths more, and on probation." On the second Monday of October next, before the ten weeks were ended, they gave Mr. Gillet a call, agreeing to give him as a settlement 175 pounds, and to be four years paying the settlement, and to pay him 50 pounds salary yearly for four years, and then raise it to 75 pounds yearly, which was $250 a year for four years, and after that $375 a year.

Mr. Gillet accepted this invitation, as appears from the fact that the Society held another meeting about six weeks after the invitation was given (NOV. 29th), and voted to have the "ordination on the 29th day of December next," and voted also that " All that is due to Mr. Gillet shall be paid the first of March next ; and all that shall become due between this time and the first of said March, together with one-quarter of the settlement proposed by the Society."

The minister thus found by the Society could not be installed over a church until a church should be organized, and to this word, Mr. Gillet gave his attention. Here were scattered sheep in the wilderness, and duty was laid on him to look till be should find them, and gather them into one fold. Some were members in Waterbury, some in Southington, and other places. Of this there is no specific record, only that they were " members of several churches."

The only ceremony at the organization was the signing of "The Covenant of Confederation," in a meeting held for that purpose on the 18th of November, 1773, The original paper which they signed is not preserved ; that which we have is the record which Mr. Gillet wrote in

the Church Book five years after he was installed. This book, the first Used for church records, is a paper-covered, foolscap-size, unruled book of twenty-four slicets. It is literally "crammed" with writing, except parts of a few pages. The last record made was in 1830, by Deacon Isaac Bronson. On the first page of this book Mr. Gillet wrote the following statement, in an elegant handwriting: "A Book of Church Records from the year 1774, or December 29th, 1773, for Farmingbury Church. Alexander Gillet, Pastor."

The third page of this book contains the record of the formation of the church, and we give it just as Mr. Gillet wrote it, excepting the ornamental part :

Their Convent of confederation, assented to at Farmingbury, November 18th, 1773.

We, who are members Of several churches, desiring to be built up a spiritual house on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner-stone, in order to offer spiritual gifts and sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ, and being united in the bonds of Christian love, and in the faith of the gospel of Christ, do this day renewedly dedicate ourselves to God, acknowledging our great obligation to walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless,-and in the presence of God, angels, and men, do enter into covenant obligation with each other, as members in particular of one distinct and entire church, for all the purposes of Christian edification; promising, by the grace of God, to treat each other with all the tenderness, faithfulness, and watchfulness, which become members of the same body of Christ, humbly depending on, and begging grace from God, that we may find so much favor in His sight as to be found faithful to these our solemn obligations, through Jesus Christ our Lord, In confirmation of which we here subscribe our names. November, &C.

Admitted by letter, &c., December 22d, 1773,- William Smith, Anne, wife if James Baily; John Bronson, David Frost.

Admitted January 16th, 1774, Sarah, wife of Isaac Clark, Martha, wife of Aaron Howe.

These names, with the above "covenant," fill the third page of the book. They are given entire, as an illustration of Mr. Gillet's method of church work.

Of these persons, there were forty-one who unite in organizing the church; four united with the church one month later, in December, and seven united during January following.

The church being organized, their next step was the ordination of a pastor. There is no record of any action of the Church separate from that of the Society, yet it is evident that the Church united cordially with the Society in calling an ordaining Council.

At an Ecclesiastical Council at Farmingbury, on Wednesday, the 29th of December, 1773, invitedly the church in said Farmingbury for the purpose of the solemn separation of Mr. Alexander Gillet to the pastoral charge of said Church, and to the work of the gospel ministry in said Society,- convened according to letters missive : Present, Elders,- John Trumbull, Mark Leavenworth, Samuel Newell, Timothy Pitkin, Joseph Strong, Andrew Stores, Rufus Hawley. Messengers, Thomas Matthews, Esq., Deacon Andrew Bronson, Deacon Stephen Hotchkiss, Deacon Seth Lee, Judah Holcomb, Esq., Dencon John Warner, Joseph Hart, Esq.

Rev. John Trumbull was chosen Moderator, and Timothy Pitkin chosen Scribe. This Council, having been certified by attested copies from records, both of this Church and Society, of their respective united invitations of Mr. Alexander Gillet to be their pastor, and his acceptance of their invitation, proceeded to examine Mr. Gillet as to his regular church membership, and his views and ends in entering into the sacred work of the gospel ministry, and qualifications therefore, are of opinion that the way is clear for this Council to proceed to the solemn separation of Mr. Alexander Gillet to the work of the gospel ministry and pastoral office in this place.

The Rev. Mr. Stores to make the prayer before the sermon, Rev. Mr. Strong to preach the sermon, Rev. Mr. Leavenworth to make the prayer before the change, and Rev. Mr. Trumbull to give the charge; the Rev. Mr. Newell to make the prayer after the charge, and Rev. Mr. Hawley to give the right hand of fellowship.

On the same day that the Council was convened the Church held a meeting, and adopted some statements

At a church meeting held in Farmingbury December 29th, 1773, after mature consideration, the church agreed and voted in ye [[036]] following plan of chh discipline; That this chh, takes ye word of God to be the only sure and unerring rule of chh Discipline; neither do we think that any platform of human composure, without just exceptions. Howeveri we agree that ye platform drawn up by ye Elders & Messengers of ye chhs of Connecticut, convened at Saybrook, A. D., 1808, in ye main is agreeable to ye Word of God & a good Directory. But,

1st. We are not well satisfied that ye 7th article in ye heads of agreement, drawn up by ye Elders & Messengers aforesaid, and ye first article in ye administration of chh discipline are without just exceptions; but we are of opinion yt ye administration of chh discipline is communicated jointly to Pastor & church. However, as Pastors or Elders me worthy of double honor, so we believe they ought to have and be allowed a double vote in all acts and votes of ye chh.

2ly. We are not satisfied with ye 7th article, that a chh in ye calling of a council, ought to be confined to ye consociated chhs of ye circuit to which they belong; but we believe that ye chhs when they so agree, have a right to call in a promiscuous Council.

3rd. With respect to ye 8th article we are not satisfied. ]But we think an offending brother has no liberty of appealing to a Council, either before or after excommunication from ye chh, unless ye Pastor & church judge that ye nature of ye case require it, and will join in calling a Council.

4thly. With respect likewise to ye 4th article, we are not very well satisfied, for we believe that whenever a Council is called, nothing ought to be deemed an act of it which hath not ye major part of ye Elders separate, and likewise of ye Messengers present.

5thly. Lastly, we are not satisfied with ye I4th article, for tho' we allow it to be expedient, yet destitute and bereaved chhs, in ordinary cases, consult ye association, and take their advice concerning those persons who are fit to be called and settled in the gospel ministry among them @ yet notwithstanding, as we believe ye ebbs have a right of choosing their @ own officers, so we do not look upon it they are absolutely bound to adhere to such advice at all times; but there may be cases in which they have a right to judge for themselves, and act without it.

At a chh meeting, Farmingbury, April 15th, 1779, the chh voted to adopt ye above plan of chh discipline.

Thus was the first gospel minister settled in Farmingbury, afterwards Wolcott, to feed the flock of God and publish glad tidings to lost sinners. The scattered sheep had waited long for a fold, for they began to petition the General Assembly for such privileges, in 176o, and had continued their toils and oft-repeated petitions until the desired object was obtained and they had a Zion in the midst of them. One thing remained yet to be done to make complete the outward working of a church,- the election of deacons, and the consequent orderly administration of the sacraments.

The sacrament of baptism was administered the first time, in January, 1774, to a child: Eunice, the daughter of Stephen and Zilpha Pratt.

On the 29th of January, 1774, the church met for the purpose of electing deacons, and elected Captain Aaron Harrison for their first deacon, and Lieutenant Josiah Rogers for their second. They also " voted that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be observed once in two months ; the first to be on the first Saturday of February ensuing." It was probably observed on the 6th of that month, when Levi Gaylord and Lois his wife united with the church.

The ministry of Mr. Gillet, as a settled pastor, began on the first Sabbath of January, 1774, with a church membership of forty-five persons, and a parish numbering scarcely seventy-five families, the greater part of whom had come into the territory within the twenty years preceding the organization of the church; so that the whole parish was only a new settlement.

Mr. John Alcock had been in the parish territory thirty two years when the church was organized; and some of his sons and daughters were settled on their farms before 1773. Mr. Isaac Hopkins and Benjamin Harrison (father of Deacon Aaron Harrison), and a few other families, had been in the parish about thirty years.

This was Mr. Gillet's parish. The, remark is attributed to the oldest inhabitants, that when the Meeting house was raised, all the inhabitants in the parish could sit on its "sills." If those sills were of the length fixed upon by the Society in its first vote on the subject, they were 42 by 58 feet, and would not have seated over 140 persons,-men, women, and children.

Mr. Gillet graduated at Yale College, September, 1770. In 1771 he united with the church in Granby. After graduating, he taught school in Farmington a year or more, and may have studied theology during that time, under the direction of Rev. Timothy Pitkin, then pastor of the Farmington church. He was licensed to preach by the Hartford Association, on the 2d day of June, 1773, and on the 2d day of next August, the Society in Farmingbury " voted to continue Mr. Gillet ten Sabbaths more, and on probation." He had probably preached two Sabbaths, and these with the ten made three months, at the end of which he was installed. When he settled here lie was unmarried, was twenty-four years of age, naturally of a quiet spirit, but devotedly, and what is often called deeply religious, The good order with which all church matters were arranged, indicates a qualification, both in maturity of thought and in devotedness to the work, equal to the position he had accepted. Many churches, directed by older men, have not been as well directed; and it is seldom that church records are as fully kept and as carefully preserved as these; and to this preservation of these first records is due, in a large degree, this book of history.

Under Mr. Gillet's labors, the church, from the first, experienced a gradual growth, receiving members on profession of their faith from month to month, and some of the time from Sabbath to Sabbath. In June following the organization, there were sixty-two members. Ten years later, one hundred and three persons had united with the church. During his whole ministry, which lasted eighteen years, one hundred and forty persons were recorded as members of the church,-ninety-nine besides those who organized the church and most of them by profession.

Through Mr. Gillet's efforts a library was formed for the parish. The only account of it which I have been able to procure is contained in an inscription in one of the books which has come into my hands: "This book belongs to the library in Farmingbury. Founded November 5, 1779. No. 50." This library was, after some years, scattered among the original contributors, and between 1820 and 1830, another was formed, which suffered a like fate.

By a vote of the Society, in June, 1783, Mr. Mills was hired to preach. No length of time is specified, but the probability is that he preached three or four months. At the next annual meeting of the Society Mr. Gillet's salary was made "the same as other years ;" and while they paid two ministers, the Society received more than double benefit, for more members were added than during the five years preceding, and the church was greatly quickened, and the minister much encouraged in his work. Previous to this revival there had been some things to discourage the minister and the church, and the community felt these influences more, even, than the church and minister. Deacon Isaac Bronson, speaking of the effort which Mr. Gillet made, in connection with the preaching of Mr. Mills, says: " A serious attention began to take place, which Mr. Gillet perceiving, was greatly animated himself, and brought many good preachers here, and went round to every house to visit his people, and alarm them from that stupidity which for a long time had grossly overspread the Society."

During the ten years since the organization of the church, there had been several cases of church discipline which caused much trouble, and as is usual, much deadness in church interests. The first case arose in June, 1774, peculiar in itself, because it related somewhat to the civil courts. It caused considerable difference of opinion, and some personal feeling, and in regard to it the church voted twice to call a council; but they finally settled it among themselves by making " null and void all the votes that had been passed in regard to it," and likewise voted " to banish all differences which had been entertained, one towards another, and conduct themselves as forgiving Christian brethren."

These troubles, doubtless, affected the sensitive mind of the pastor, and may have had much weight in discouraging him, and bringing him to that state of health in which he was not able to preach. Hence, when the signs of revival appeared among the people in 1783, it was the morning of a new life to pastor and people, and was, in effect, like the passing away of a very cold winter, and the coming of April showers; all things began to spring into life and activity. The church had been overcome and trodden down by the spirit of the world. The revival was like the return of the captives from Babylon after seventy years. Jerusalem was a11 astir, and the walls of the city and of the temple began to rise from the dust and ruins with marvelous rapidity, and promise of final completion.

Several things resulted from this revival worthy of notice. They proceeded to "improve the Meeting house." Hitherto the Meeting house had no stationary seats or pews. Their place was supplied with seats from various sources, among others, some provided chairs for themselves. There is now in the possession of Mrs. Henry Carter a chair that was used by some of her ancestors for this purpose.

To Isaac Barnes, Collector of Society rate for the purpose of doing something to the Meeting house of the Parish of Farmingbury, in Waterbury, in New Haven County, greeting:

By virtue of the authority of the State of Connecticut, you are hereby commanded forthwith to levy and collect of the persons named in the annexed list herewith committed unto you, each one his several proportion as therein set down of the sum total of such list, being a tax or assessment granted by the inhabitants of the said Society of Farmingbury, regularly assembled on the 24th day of September, 1784, to defray the charge that shall arise in prosecuting the above said purpose, and pay or deliver such sum or sums which you shall so levy and collect unto the Society's treasurer for the time being of the said Society of Farmingbury, at or before the first day of October next ensuing the date hereof.

And if any person or persons shall neglect or refuse to make payment of tire sum or sums whereof he or they are assessed and set in said list, to distrain the goods or chattels of such person or persons, and the same dispose of as the law directs, returning the surplus, if any be, unto the owner or owners @ and for want of such goods and chattels whereon to make distress, you are t take the body or bodies of such person or persons refusing, and him or them commit unto the keeper of the gaol of said county, within the said prison, who is hereby commanded to receive and safely keep him or them until he or they pay and satisfy the said sum assessed upon him or them as aforesaid, together with your fees ; unless the said assessment, or any part thereof, upon application made to the county court shall be abated, or otherwise as the law directs.

This was as far as the Society could go at this time, and though the house was far from being furnished, it was a great improvement on the first ten years of its existence and use. The Society had -some difficulty in paying for these improvements and settling the old accounts, for in November, 1785, they appointed another committee "to settle the old accounts in building the Meeting house."

Another interest arose from the improvements in the Meeting house. It was respecting the singing, and the singers. Soon after the house improvements were made. -that is, in November, 1784, at the annual meeting, they appointed three choristers, as they had been accustomed for several years, and voted that " the singers should have the front seats, if they chose to sit there."/ That is, probably, the front seats in the gallery.

The next April, at a Society meeting, they voted, that "it is our mind to have more help respecting setting the psalm," for by vote the church had decided to use Watts' Psalms in public worship. They also voted that the "singers should have liberty to choose their own leaders;" and then, frightened at this innovation, immediately reconsidered the vote and adjourned the meeting two weeks.

Samuel Upson, Levi Bronson, Jared Harrison, Jacob Carter, Samuel Harrison, Cyrus Norton.

Samuel Harrison, Jacob Carter, Cyrus Norton. And for bass singers, Mark Harrison, Samuel Atkins, Daniel Finch, and Jared Harrison.

Stephen ]3arnes, Samuel Harrison, Cyrus Norton, Mark Harrison, David Harrison, Ziba Norton.

Samuel Harrison, Cyrus Norton, Isaac Carter, Mark Harrison, Dr. Potter, Jacob Carter, David Harrison, Ozais Norton, Joseph M. Parker, Joseph Miner, Jonathan Carter, Noah Norton, Elijah Horton. Thirteen.

In I787, the Society appointed "a committee to draw up a subscription for the encouraging of singing," consisting of Streat Richards, Mark Harrison, Cyrus Norton, Charles Upson, and Isaac Carter; and some years after they "laid a tax" for the same purpose. Such were some of the substantial and joyous results of one revival.

There came into the church at this time men who for many years were its leading members : among the more prominent of whom were Justus Peck, afterwards deacon, whose wife was one of the first members of the church ; Charles Upson, afterwards justice of the peace in the town, and for quite a number of years an active man in the church and Society, Jacob Carter, Samuel Byington, Samuel Atkins, and Mark Harrison, afterwards justice of the peace, all active and reliable men for years, and some of them, many years. Isaac Bronson, though converted at the same time, did not unite with the church till 1788, and was afterwards made deacon and served the church and Society many years, in many offices. He also served the town in various offices, being- elected Town Clerk and Treasurer, when the town was organized, and afterwards was Representative in the Assembly for many years.

There were also gathered into the church at this time a number of noble women who strengthened the church and did their part in the Redeemer's kingdom. Judah Frisbie was one of the formers and first members of the church; his wife was now also led into the fold, and the household was one in the church. Wealthy, wife of Charles Upson ; Phoebe, wife of Samuel Harrison; Mary Carter, wife of Jacob; Jerusha Norton, wife of Cyrus ; Esther Atkins, wife of Samuel ; and a number of others equally noted for their honorable lives, as Christian women.

It is said that the war made such desolation in these families, that those who were left began to move into other parts; and the emigration continued until a few years since, when the last inhabitant had fled. This whole district is now grown up into woods and bushes, except a few fields near the only remaining skeleton of a house, where stands, as a 'lonely sentinel, the "sweep" over the well; the "old oaken bucket" having gone to the depths of the well many years ago.

Though the times of the Revolution tried every man's' courage, and every woman's heart, yet through these years this little Society and its ministerial captan, passed securely and prosperously, and came out into a " large place, beside still waters."

When a people are in the way of improvements, it is easy to continue the same. The added comforts of the Meeting house may have suggested the idea of building "Sabha Day" houses, for we find a vote passed in 1788 appointing a committee to direct where such houses should be built on the land near the church, owned by the Society. Some few were built, but soon went out of use, for I have some suspicion that the hotel or tavern was the "Sabha Day" house many preferred to any other, between sermons. And I find, also, that many of the business meetings of the Society were held at Mr. Samuel Byington's house, which was the " tavern ;" and Samuel Byington was a member of the church, as were also many who came in to warm at his "fire."

When Mr. Gillet settled here his salary was to be fifty pounds a year, for four years, and seventy-five pounds early after that. The Society was faithful to this agreement. The nominal amount varied during a very few years, but varied because of the diminished or increased price of wheat, for wheat seems to have been the standard of value. His salary for the first four years (£5O per year) as paid regularly, with one-quarter of the £175 settlement, on the 1st of March. In 1778 they promptly voted [[052]] him £75 for the ensuing year, according to agreement. In 1779 they voted him £75, "to be paid in wheat, at six shillings a bushel." In 1780 it was £50, "to be paid in wheat at four shillings a bushel." In 1781 it was the same, £5O, "to be paid in wheat, at four shillings a bushel." After 1781 it was £75, with one exception, till he closed his labors here. In 1787 they paid him £75 and twenty five cords of wood, and in 1788 it was £70 and twenty five cords of wood.

This salary, though apparently small, was larger than Rev. Mr. Leavenworth, Congregational minister in Waterbury, was receiving at the same time*. "In 1755, Mr. Leavenworth's salary was £65 "proclamation money," or its equivalent in old tenor; in 1759, £54; in 1761, £65; in 1762, £82; in 1781, £55; but on account of the burdens of the Society and the public taxes, Mr. L. agreed to accept £45. In 1782, the salary was £65, and £10 in wood; in 1791, £70; but Mr. L. gave the Society £5 of it."

These figures show that Mr. Gillet's salary, on an average, was about ten pounds a year more than Mr. Leavenworth's, and therefore was very honorable for a new society, compared with one more than ninety years old. From the fact -that the Society voted twenty-five cords of wood in 1787, we infer that Mr. Gillet was then residing in his new house, on his own farm, and that that farm included no woodland ; and hence, also, that the farm was a small one, which we learn to have been about ten acres. It was in this house, probably, that the New Haven West Association held its first meeting. May 31st, 1787† "There were present, Messrs. Leavenworth, Williston, Foot, Edwards, Wales, Gillet, David Fuller, Fowler, Perry, and Martin Fuller. Mr. Leavenworth was moderator, and Dr. Jonathan Edwards was scribe."

The fact that this meeting was held at Mr. Gillet's house, indicates his interest in the neighboring ministers and churches ; for this being the first meeting, there must have been some preliminaries, and in these he must have taken considerable part, and hence the propriety of going to his house for this meeting. This was in accordance with his character, for though naturally reserved in his manner, he heartily gave all attention and effort to build up the churches and spread gospel light, and his home was a home of welcome to all who toiled as ministers in the Master's kingdom.

This Council met, but of its doings I find no record, yet from several items afterwards recorded, conclude that it advised against a dismissal. On the first day of next September, the Society "voted that all those that are easy with the Rev. Mr. Gillet as a pastor and teacher signify the same. Yeas, 40; nays, 19." "Voted that all those that are willing the Rev. Mr. Gillet be dismissed, agreeable to his request, signify the same by lifting the hand. Yeas, 20; nays, 29." One week from this meeting they " voted to call the same Council that were here in February last, to meet at the house of Samuel Byington in said Farmingbury, on the fourth Tuesday of October next, at nine o'clock in the morning, then and there to hear, advise, and determine, on matters of difficulty between the Rev. Mr. Gillet and his people." Deacon Aaron Harrison, Deacon Peck, Deacon Atkins, Messrs. Amos Seward, Streat Richards, Jacob Carter, Jonathan Carter, Capt. Samuel Upson, Capt. Daniel Alcox, were chosen a committee to make provisions for the Council, and to represent the Society before them."

The original copy of the proceedings of the Council is preserved, in Mr. Trumbull's hand-writing, and a splendid hand-writing it is:

Farmingbury, November 9th, the Council met according to adjournment, and adjourned to the Meeting house. In the recess of this Council the Society of Farmingbury, at the desire of Mr. Gillet and a number of the disaffected members, voted their willingness, that the Rev. Noah Benedict and Dr. Jonathan Edwards, with delegates from their respective churches, should be called to sit with the former Council, to advise with them relative to the matters of difficulty subsisting among them; in consequence of which vote, and letters missive to said gentlemen, predicated upon it, the Rev. Mr. Benedict and Dr. Edwards, Deacon Daniel Sherman from the First Church in Woodbury, and Mr. Jeyemiah Atwater from the Church in White Haven, joined the Council.

The Council thus formed consisted of the gentleman above mentioned (Benedict, Edwards, Sherman and Atwater), the Rev. Messrs. Mark Leavenworth, John Smalley, Simon Waterman, and Benjamin Trumbull, and of delegates Joseph Hopkins, Esq., from the church in Waterbury, Colonel Isaac Lee from the church in New Britain, Mr. Elijah Warner from the church in Northbury, and Joseph Darling, Esq., from the church in North Haven.

The Rev. Mr. Gillet, a committee of the Society in Farmingbury, and a committee of the members of said Society who were dissatisfied with Mr. Gillet, appeared before the Council, and after considerable conversation a question arose between the parties, whether the Society had property submitted the matters of difficulty to the decision of the Council. Some time was taken up in the discussion of that point, and the parties disagreeing on the subject, the Council adjourned till two o'clock, p.m.

The Council adjourned to Dr. Potter's. Met according to adjournment, and the parties appeared before the Council and began to make a statement of their difficulties. Adjourned to the Meeting house, to meet at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning.

The Rev. Mr. Gillet delivered to the council a paper, in which he submitted all matters of difficulty, and declared, that if this Council shall judge that there is not a prospect for his future usefulness and comfort in this Church and Society as their pastor, it is his honest wish to be liberated from their pastoral charge; and they continued the hearing.

We take the liberty here to refer it to the consideration of this whole Society, whether this whole calamity has not, in a great measure, come upon them in consequence of the want of due care to supply Mr. Gillet and his family with the conveniences of life; and whether if he had been duly supplied in this respect, be would not have been free from those cues, embarrassments and labors which have been inconsistent with that habitual study and improvement which would have rendered him more respected both to his own and neighboring Societies.

With respect to Mr. Gillet, from all that has appeared concerning him in the course of the hearing, and from our acquaintance with him, we believe him to be a man of strict morality and sincere piety; and of such ministerial accomplishments, natural and acquired, as may, if Divine Providence open the way, render him useful in the ministry; and as such we recommend him to all churches and to all Christians wherever God may cast his future lot. Passed unanimously in Council.

Thus closed on the 10th day of November, 1791, the ministerial labors of the Rev. Alexander Gillet as an ambassador of the court of heaven over this his first parish as pastorate which continued nearly eighteen years.

These are the things that made trouble in the home of the minister, and because of which we are told Mr. Gillet was not respected as he would have been, although he was not in fault. These things are suggestive and we leave them.

The last entries made by Mr. Gillet, in the church book were, "A marriage, Thanksgiving day, November 24, 1791; a baptism of a child, November 27, 1791, and the death of James Bailey, December 8, 1791.

His house and farm he sold to some individuals, who transferred it afterwards to the Society, it being valued at £250, and the Society gave two hundred pounds of it to Mr. Woodward, as we shall see, as his "settlement" in the parish.

Mr. Gillet was settled in Torrington, Conn., May, 1792, where he labored as pastor thirty-four years, till his death.

Mr. Woodward began to preach for this Society as a candidate about the first of February, 1792 -- that is, two months and a half after Mr. Gillet left. On the 13th of February the Society voted: "That we would wish to continue Mr. Woodward with, us as a preacher till the first of May next," which would, probably, make three months' service. This was the only business done at this meeting, and it then adjourned until the first Monday in April. Hence it is probable that the meeting was called for this one purpose, and that it was held soon after his first service among them.

When they met, according to adjournment, they voted to give Mr. I. B. Woodward two hundred pounds, we heretofore voted as a settlement, out of the late farm of the Rev. Mr. Gillet, estimated at two hundred and fifty pounds." They then appointed a committee "to wait on Mr. Woodward to the meeting." At this meeting the whole matter of settlement was arranged, and they appointed a committee to complete the work, as follows: "Voted that Capt. Samuel Upson, Capt. Charles Upson, Mr. Amos Seward, Mr. David Norton, Lieut. Joseph Beecher, Mr. Jonathan Carter, Mark Harrison, Esquire, Dr. John Potter, Deacon Joseph Atkins, be a committee to agree with Mr. Woodward on the time of the ordination, and on the ordaining council, and to attend said business till the ordination is over."

Mr. Woodward's letter of acceptance is still preserved in his own hand-writing, and is as follows:

To the Church of Christ, and to the inhabitants of the Society of Farmingbury:

Mr. Woodward was not married when he settled here. He afterward married the daughter of Rev. Dr. Smalley, of New Britain, now Berlin, but died childless. After his death his widow received from her father a house in East Haven, where she resided many years. She is spoken of as "a very fine woman," of a cheerful temperament, and fond of society. It is said that she was often present with her husband at public balls, given at the Hotel, and that she sometimes took part in the dance. Her husband never danced, but engaged in the social chat with much animation.

When Mr. Woodward settled here, Farmingbury was a flourishing parish, a "wide awake" community with considerable enterprise and business energy. In those days the present park in the city of Waterbury was a swamp, and Wolcott was a business centre with several stores and other enterprises which attracted visitors and drew trade from the vicinity for many miles around. The Church was really a strong one; it had in its membership men of talent and men of means. Several of these subscribed toward Mr. Woodward's settlement twenty-five dollars or more, and paid their yearly tax towards his salary, besides. This "settlement" was raised by subscription; the salary was paid by tax. There seems to have been considerable opposition to this method of raising the salary; so that, when Mr. Gillet closed his labors, the Society voted "that we are willing that those who find themselves willing, may have preaching by subscription for three months." But they were compelledt o return to the tax rate in order to fulfill their engagement with Mr. Woodward.

Mr. Woodward was more than ordinarily successful as a preacher, and was highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen. He was easy and friendly in his manners, ever ready with some pleasant remark, and was therefore liked by all classes. Probably no minister in the parish was ever loved and confided in as a minister more than lie, for to this day the remark of the people, as to all they ever heard of him, is in the highest tone of Christian love. [[067]]

He had a school for several years that was very popular with young men. He usually had from four to six scholars boarding with him, and others came to recite. Benoni Upson, son of Thomas and brother of Charles Upson, fitted for college at this school. He resided about half a mile from Mr. Woodward's. Mr. Woodward bad students from New Haven, from Waterbury and other neighboring places, and also from the Southern States.

The efforts of the parish to promote education were quite commendable for those times. In November after Mr. Woodward's settlement the Society voted that "we will keep eleven months school," and this length of term does not appear to have been an unusual thing. It is probable that Mr. Woodward was induced to commence his school, because of the large number of young men in the community needing opportunities of more advanced culture than the common schools afforded.

Immediately after the success of the subscription to pay Mr. Woodward's settlement, the people proceeded to complete the inside of the Meetinghouse.

The Spirit, and the great I AM. [[070]]

Their Songs seraphic shall they raise,

And Gabriel’s lyre the notes resound;

Heaven’s full toned organ join the praise,

And world to world repeat the sound.

To Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost,

Be ceaseless praise and glory given,

By all the high angelic host,

By all on earth and all in heaven.

Hallelujah! Ahmen.”

This hymn, sung by the large number of trained singers then in the community, must have given a sense of gratitude and joy worthy of the occasion. That they were trained singers is abundantly evident from the singing talent here, and the money they had spent in years past, and were spending for the "improvement of singing." In the last of November, 1793, the Society appointed "Joseph Minor, Lieut. James Bailey, Moses Pond, Isaac Upson, Enos Dutton, Joseph Beecher, Jr., Asahel Lane, Joseph M. Parker, a committee to circulate a subscription for singing, and procure a teacher according to the subscriptions they shall get."

In November, 1794, they appointed another committee: “Voted that we will do something to encourage singing. Voted that Dr. John Potter, Ensign Joseph Beecher, Capt. Charles Upson, Isaac Upson, Ensign Jonathan Carter, James Scarritt, Isaac Hopkins, Jr., Lieut. James Bailey, Nathan Barnes, Asahel Lane, and John Hitchcock, be a committee to get subscriptions to hire a singing master."

<>These committees were composed of substantial men, and the singing school was not to be a young people's pleasure meeting, but a school of thorough training in singing. And this old practice of "doing something to encourage singing" was continued for many years after the dedication of the church. In I797, they "voted that we lay a rate of three mills on the dollar on the last August list, payable the first of March next, to be laid out to hire and pay some man to teach and instruct in [[071]]<> singing; that Dr. John Potter, Moses Todd, Mark Harrison, Esq., Capt, Streat Richards, Joseph Minor, Joseph M. Parker, and Preserve Carter, be a committee to procure a teacher in singing, and to see to the laying out the above rate."

With this spirit of industry and improvement in the minds of the people, success and prosperity came to their hands and homes from every direction. They had petitioned for some years for "Town privileges," and in the spring of 1796, the parish was incorporated as a town, and the effect was to relieve the Society of various cares and responsibilities, and encourage them in all good things.*

<>*At this place in the Society's history I must take leave of an acquaintance who at first sight and introduction, gave me considerable trouble and misunderstanding, but whom after 6 months' acquaintance, I am quite reluctant to say "good-bye" for he has been of great service to me. Besides, when we are well acquainted with tried friends, we may well listen [@] to change them for strangers, though the strangers may be clothed in exquisite style and beauty. For twenty-nine years the records of the Society were written by Daniel Byington -- the first year by Daniel Byington, Sen., the other twenty eight by Daniel, Jr. In 1799 Isaac Bronson was elected Society Clerk, and to his most elegant writing I now come, and in so doing must leave the less elegant "hand" of Daniel. Apart from a little formality in the introduction of transactions Mr. Byington was nearly a model in the use of concise and appropriate terms, and of fidelity and better in the office he held. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I record my high appreciation of Daniel Byington, Jr., as clerk of the Society of Farmingbury, whose writings I have consulted daily for [@@] of the time for three months past, until I had become familiar with every turn of his pen, and every form of expression; and until it seemed to me as a communion of spirits in which friend Daniel as helping me on in giving to the world a picture of twenty-nine years of Society life in Farmingbury. Good-bye, Daniel, till I am introduced to you "on the other side of the veil."

In November, 1800, Mr. Woodward sent a communication to the annual meeting which caused the following vote, and which is explained only in a vote taken a year after : " Voted that a committee be appointed to treat with Mr. Woodward on the subject of the communication [[072]] by him made to this meeting, and that said committee report to this meeting at their adjournment." No report of the committee is recorded, and the matter went over till December 7th, 1801, when it was voted "that Charles Upson, Esq., Deacon Joseph Atkins, Mark Harrison, Esq., Major Streat Richards, and Isaac Bronson, be a committee to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Woodward and inform him that the Society, for various reasons, wish not to act upon the proposition by him made as to a dismission, particularly, as they are well pleased with his performance as their minister, and are by no means willing for a dissolution of the pastoral connection between him and them." This action is all that is recorded concerning this matter, unless it be a resolution passed soon after by the Society in regard to the payment of Mr. Woodward's salary when it should become due. The unusual rigor of this action may give us a suggestion of the reason why he desired a dismission,-namely, because the Society was so slow in paying his salary, even after waiting a year for it to become due. The first action reads thus: "Voted that if the Rev. Mr. Woodward's salary be not paid by the first day of March, annually, or any part of the same, such salary, or such part of it as is not paid, shall be upon interest until paid.", But this, after three years' trial, did not remedy the difficulty as desired, and hence the second vote : " That execution be taken out against the Society collector at the end of ninety days next coming after the first day of March, yearly, and put into the officer's hands by the Society's Committee, unless said collector shall have paid the Rev. Mr. Woodward's salary in full by that time." After this it may be supposed that either the collectors or parishioners recognized the fact that a minister had a right to his salary after having earned it. It is proper to state here that the Treasurer's book shows that Mr. Woodward received part of his salary from time to time during the year. He received money (a very little), orders, [[073]] notes, wheat, and other items, as individuals felt disposed to let him have, or to sell to him, but much of it went over from month to month after the end of the year, until being weary with delay he proposed to find another parish, or other work.

It may be thought that it must have been difficult to obtain a collector after a vote to "take out execution" against him but it was not. The first man elected after the above rule was passed was Selah Upson, and it is a singular incident that the assessment which he was to collect, with the order from the justice of the peace to collect it, have come into my hands just in time for insertion here:

To Selah Upson, Collector of the Society Rate in the Society of Farmingbury, in Wolcott, in New Haven County, Greeting:

<>By authority of the State of Connecticut, you are hereby commanded forthwith to levy and collect of the persons named in the annexed list herewith committed to you, each one in several proportion as therein set down of the sum total of such list, being a tax or assessment granted or agreed upon by the inhabitants of said Society. of Farmingbury, regularly assembled on the 2 7th day of October, x8oS, for defraying the ministerial and other charges arising within the same, and to deliver and pay the sum and sums which you shall so lay and collect, unto the Treasurer of the said Society, at or before! the first day of March, x8o6, and if any person or persons shall neglect or refuse to make payment of the sum or sums whereat he or they are respectively assessed and set in the above list, to distrain the goods or chattels of such person or persons, and the same dispose of as the law directs, returning the overplus (if any be) unto the owner or owners; and for want of goods and chattels whereon to make distraint, you are to take the body or bodies of the person or persons so refusing, and him or them commit unto the keeper of the gaol of the said county within the said prison, who is hereby commanded to receive and safely keep him or them until he or they pay and satisfy the said sum or sums assessed upon him or them as aforesaid, together [[074]] with your fees; unless the said assessment, or any part thereof, upon application made to the County Court, shall be abated.

Dated it Wolcott, this 28th day of February, 1806.

ISAAC BRONSON, Just. Peace.

John Alcox	$1.00	Benham & Tuttle	$3.07
Jesse Alcox	2.31	Samuel Benham	25
James Alcox, Jr.	1.94	Estate of Joesph Beach	1.97
Mark Alcox	77	Hannah Beach	33
David Alcox	2.08	Asa Barnes	15
Solomon Alcox	3.49	Besaleel Bowen	02
Obed Alcox	34	Solomon Barnes	07
Jesse Alcox, Jr.	2.52	Stepan Barnes	08
John B. Alcox	2.95	Levi Brown	37
Joel Alcox	2.30	Estate of Lois Blakeslee	17
David Alcox, Jr.	1.00	Jarred Burr	94
Eldad Alcox	1.00	Abel Curtiss	3.41
Elisha Alcox	2.01	John Cooper	07
Joeseph Alcox	32	Jacob Carter	5.93
Edmund Bradely	2.22	Stephan Carter	4.44
Zebulon Byington	20	Preserve Carter	3.23
Daniel Byington	3.23	Elihu Carter	52
Joseph Beecher	2.25	Stephan Carter, Jr.	1.28
John Beecher	4.04	John & Dan Carter	1.26
Hezekiah Beecher	3.38	Ashbel Cowles	45
Hezekiah Beecher, Woodbridge	84	James Cowles	1.75
Sylvester Beecher	54	Hope Cobb	07
James Bailey	3.86	Allen Clark	33
David Bailey	39	Phineas Castle	21
Glover Ball	3.41	Phineas Deming	1.95
Timothy Bradely	1.20	Isaac Downs	3.55
Amasa Bradely	2.32	Prince Duplax	1.30
Moses Byington	1.69	Jesse Dutton	77
Daniel Byington, Jr.	1.34	Ezra Doolittle	17
Farrington Barnes	2.32	Judah Frisbie	3.43
Mark Barnes	3.29	John Frisbie	4.27
John Bronson	3.00	Lydia Frisbie	1.14
John Bronson, Jr.	45	Ransom Frisbie	71
Hannah Bronson	28	David Frisbie	52
Isaac Bronson	87	Reuben Frisbie	08
Osee Bartholomew	4.51	Daniel Frisbie	44
James Bartholomew	2.16	Sarah Granniss	1.75
Heirs of Sam’l Bartholomew	2.73	Heirs of Irujah Granniss	23
Marvin Beckworth	66	Stephan Granniss	19

[[075]]

Joseph Holt	$2.34	Lewis Loveland	$1.88
Hotchkiss& Upson	2.15	Elijah Lane	9
Asaph Hotchkiss	2.07	Laura Lane	14
Timothy Hotchkiss	2.27	Joseph Miner	5.05
Titus Hotchkiss	4.89	Archibald Miner	20
Abner Hotchkiss	2.23	Ichabod Miner	1.73
Mary Hotchkiss	1.42	Caleb Merrills	27
Luterh Hotchkiss	29	Amasa Mix	28
Miles Hotchkiss	1.79	Samuel Munson	4
Mark Harrison	5.74	Elihu Moulthrop	20
David Harrison	3.94	Susanna Norton	37
Rollin Harrison	32	Ozias Norton	1.34
Leonard Harrison	65	John Norton	5.03
Isaac Hopkins	3.18	Ziba Norton	1.40
Estate of Isaac Hopkins	1.54	Rhoda Norton	14
Harvey Hopkins	39	David Pardee	2.32
Milly Hopkins	95	Samuel Porter	1.34
Elisha Horton	2.62	John Potter	4.07
Samuel Horton	85	Joseph M. Parker	2.75
Heman Hall	1.19	Zephana Parker	1.67
Levi Hall	1.84	Amos Parsons	1.99
Lyman Hotchkiss and Nathan Andrews	28	Justus Peck	3.62
Uriel Holmes, Jr., and Ephraim Root	70	Simeon Plumb	2.42
William Robinson and Isaac Upson	2.00	Gamaliel Plumb	61
Estate of Enes Hotchkiss	25	Samuel Plumb	55
Abigail Hall	73	Joseph Plumb	1.68
John Hitchcock	2.54	Amariah Plumb	14
David Hitchcock	41	Marcus Potter	1.40
Abel Ives	1.47	Asahel Peck	2
Ebenezer Johnson	39	Streat Richards	4.04
Levi Johnson	1.40	Elijah Royce	1.36
John J. Kenea	1.20	Elijah Rowe	1.12
Nathan Lewis	4.41	Lydia Rogers	28
Job Lewis	9	William Robinson	1.74
Timothy Lewis	22	Jeremiah Scarritt	94
Lemuel Lewis	66	James Scarritt	2.48
Jesse Lewis	8	David Scarritt	25
Nathaniel Lewis	7.96	Joseph Smith’s Estate	29
Reuben Lewis	1.65	Joseph Sutliff	63
Royce Lewis	1.36	Titus Sutliff	1.29
Nathaniel Lane	30	John Sutliff	1.25
Josiah Lane	51	Jesse Selkriggs	42
Lud Lindsley	3.01	Ephraim Smith	1.30
		Timothy Scott	19
		Truman Sanford	15
		Jared Smith	1.20

[[076]]

James Smith	$0.12	Manley Upson	$2.48
James Stone	10	Charles Upson	8.06
Lucias Tuttle	1.97	Washington Upson	1.14
Ichabod Talmage	1.28	Lee Upson	81
Jacob Talmage	2.29	Gates Upson	32
Josiah Talmage	2.60	Benoni Upson	52
John Thomas	1.50	Ashbel Upson	2.67
Seth Thomas	1.43	Selah Upson	1.55
Joseph Twitchel	1.40	Jesse Upson	3.50
Samuel Upson	2.25	Freeman Upson	37
Isaac Upson	5.64	Amos Upson	7
Harvey Upson	3.73	Ephraim Winstone	1.82
I. Upson and H. Townsend	26	David Wakelee	4.07
Obed Upson	1.80	Silas Weed	1.72
Samuel Upson, Jr.	2.26

Aside from this one item, there seems to have been no uneasiness" but great satisfaction with Mr. Woodward in the parish and in his own mind as to the parish; and with his school in a good degree of prosperity, he might well feel assured of filling an important position in his Lord's vineyard. For the last ten years of his ministry the Meeting house was so filled with hearers that there were extra committees appointed from year to year to seat the people and to provide seats for those who should become regular attendants.

It is painful to record the sudden close of such a ministerial service. In the Autumn of 1810, there prevailed somewhat, a peculiar and very fatal fever called typhoid. It was also called "the great fever." With this Mr. Woodward died after a sickness of but a few days.* In [[077]] the grave yard at Wolcott Center, stands a stone, on which is written not without ornament,

Memory of

Rev. ISREAL B. WOODWARD

WHO DIED

Nov. 17, 1810, AE. 43.

<>It is a singular fact that this grave is made directly and wholly across the walk or space between the two rows of graves adjoining; as though, when dead, this remarkably good man's body must lie in the path where men walk, to arrest their attention and preach to them still.

<>*In the summer of 1810, the typhoid fever appeared in the family of Mark Harrison, Esq. Rev. Mr. Woodward attended this family and others in their sickness, s pastor and neighbors and tendered great comfort in this time of fear and dread, for it is said to have been very difficult to get help to take care of the sick. Mr. Harrison’s son Rollin died July 22d; his wife, Rebecca Miles Harrison, died August 20th ; his son Michael died in New Haven, two days after his mother, he having been home and taken with fever. Reuben Beebe, son-in-law of Mr. Harrison, died in Waterbury, Sept. been with the same fever, having taken it in rendering help to the sick in Wolcott. Several others died in Wolcott besides Mr. Woodward and members of Mr. Harrison’s family

He had served this people for eighteen years, preaching more than a thousand sermons; he had welcomed to church membership about one hundred persons, many of whom were noble men in the church long after their leader left the toils of earth, and most of whom we doubt not have joined him again beyond the flood, where snows of winter, heat of summer, and the sorrows of earth will never come. It seems sad that one just reaching manhood's strength of intellect, and of whom we might properly expect thirty years more of efficient labor, should fall so soon; but so doeth He, who " doeth all things well."

<>His wife remained in the place during the winter and supplied the pulpit by inviting neighboring ministers to preach from Sabbath to Sabbath. This illustrates the ability and faithfulness of this noble woman. On the 15th of April, 1811, the Society voted, "that the Society's committee pay over to Mrs. Woodward, the widow of our late pastor, the same sum for each Sabbath which she had supplied the pulpit by the neighboring ministers that the Rev. Mr. Woodward's salary would have amounted [[078]]<> to for the same term of time including next Sabbath." Mr. Woodward's salary was 80 pounds a year and 25 cords of wood until 1796, when the Society voted him 90 pounds without wood, and this continued, probably, until his death.

[[079]]

Chapter VI

REV. MR. HART’S AND REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY: FROM 1811 TO 1822

REV. MR. HART'S SHORT MINISTRY.

At the meeting on the 15th of April, 1811, when the Society voted the settlement with Mrs. Woodward, they also voted, "that the Society's committee be directed to procure a candidate to preach to or in said Society after the next Sabbath," and on the 27th of May next they voted "to request the Society's committee to employ Rev. Mr. Parmele to supply the pulpit for a time that they shall judge proper."

In August next they had another candidate; for on the 26th they voted, "that the Society's committee be requested and directed to agree with Mr. Lucas Hart to preach wit-b us six Sabbaths after the next, on probation as it is termed, that is to say, if his performances and the prospect of his health are such as to be satisfactory to the Society and the Society to him, that he continue with us as our minister." At the annual meeting, Oct. 7, 1811, they voted "to give the Rev. Mr. Hart a call for a settlement with us as our minister. Voted, to give Mr. Hart four hundred and fifty dollars annually as a compensation for his services, if he see cause to accept the invitation to be our minister. That the Society's committee be directed to wait upon Mr Hart and inform him what the meeting had done." This meeting adjourned and met on the 4th of Nov., 1811, and voted, "that Lewis H. Wakelee, Gates Upson, Ira Hough, Lucius Tuttle, and John Bronson, Jr., be a committee, in con-

[[080]]

junction with the church committee, to provide for the Council at the time of ordination, and to take all necessary measures for the well ordering and conducting the same in all respects on the part of the Society." An account of the ordination is preserved.

ORDINATION OF MR. HART.

"At an Ecclesiastical Council convened at Wolcott, by letters missive from the church and Society in said town, at the house of Mr. Lucius Tuttle, on the 3d day of December, 1811, for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Lucas Hart to the pastoral care and charge of said church and Society,-present: The Rev. Simon Waterman, from Plymouth; the Rev. Benoni Upson and Deacon Asaph Smith, Kensington; the Rev. Jonathan Miller and Deacon Seth Peck, from the church at Burlington; the Rev. Luke Wood and Mr. Stephen Hotchkiss, from the church at Waterbury; the Rev. Luther Hart and Deacon Jacob Heininway, from the church at Plymouth; the Rev. Jonathan Cone and Deacon Bryan Hooker, from the church at Bristol; and Deacon Benjamin Dutton, from the church at Southington.

The Council proceeded to appoint the Rev. Simon Waterman Moderator, Rev. Jonathan Cone, Scribe. Business was then opened by prayer by the Moderator. The Council then attended to the communications from the church and Society, and from Mr. Hart, relative to his call and its acceptance. Being satisfied with these communications, the Council voted that the way was prepared to proceed to the examination of the candidate. After a thorough examination into his doctrinal and experimental acquaintance with the Christian religion, and his views with regard to entering the ministry, the Council unanimously voted to proceed to the ordination of the candidate at eleven o'clock to-morrow, A. M. The exercises of the ordination were then appropriated at follows: Voted that the Rev. Luther Hart make the introductory prayer; Rev. Jonathan Miller preach the sermon; Rev. Simon Waterman make the consecrating prayer; during which the Rev. Messrs. Waterman, Upson, Miller, and Wood, are to impose hands; Rev. Benoni Upson give the charge; Rev. Luke Wood give the right hand of fellowship; Rev. Jonathan

[[081]]

REV. MR. HART’S MINISTRY

Cone to make the concluding prayer. Voted to adjourn till half past 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.

Wednesday, December 4th, the Council met according to adjourment. Voted that they approve the minutes of the Council.

Test. SIMON WATERMAN, Moderator.

The exercise of the ordination were performed at the time and in the manner specified above.

Test. JONATIAN CONE, Scribe

On the evening of the clay of the ordination of Mr. Hart, an ordination "Ball" was Held at the house of Mr. Pitman Stowe, which was then a hotel, and was the house Mr. Keys afterward occupied as his residence. This ball is certified by most reliable witnesses and confirming circumstances. It is also stated that the young pastor gave a sermon soon after, that was a high reprimand for this ball festivity It is not asserted that the same committee of the church and Society that provided for the ordination services was the committee of the ball, but that nearly the whole congregation attended the ball.

Mr. Hart's term of ministerial service was short. He was ordained Dec 4, 1811, and died in East Haven, Oct. 16, 1813. When he was preaching here on trial his health was such that there was doubt whether he would be able to do the work of the parish. From all we can learn he was a very good and acceptable minister, with more ambition than health to perform the work of a pastor.

He received to the fellowship of the church fourteen persons; attended to a sad case of church discipline; kept the records of the church very carefully in all respects, and apparently was fully ready for the summons that called him to rest in the mansions of peace.

I find the following receipt preserved with other papers by the clerk of the Society:

WOLCOTT December 9^th, 1813

Received of Mr. William Bartholomow three hundred and thirty dollars, in full of all demands, which I have against the Eccle-

[[082]]

siastical Society in the town of Wolcott, in favor of Rev. Lucas

Hart, late of said Wolcott, deceased.

SIMEON HART, Administration

Since writing the above I leave seen the record of deaths in East Haven, wherein I find the following: " From Wolcott, Oct. 11, 1813, Edward, son of Rev L. Hart; disease, dysentery; one year old ; buried in East Haven. Oct. 16, 1813, Rev. Lucas Hart, of dysentery, buried in East Haven, aged 29 years." Hence I infer that Mr. Hart was married, probably shortly after his settlement in Wolcott; that he was visiting his kindred in East Haven; his little son departed this life, and five days later, the father followed.-"

REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

In February, 1814, a Mr. Stebbins was preaching here as a candidate, and the Society voted that " The meeting give Mr. Stebbins notice that it is their wish to have him continue with the Society if it is consistent with him and them," but no arrangement was made with him for a settlement.

On the 18th day of April next (1814) they had another candidate and voted: "That we are satisfied with the Rev. Mr. Keys as a preacher, and wish to settle or continue him as our minister. Voted that we will give Mr. Keys the sum of five hundred dollars each year that he shall serve us as our minister, as a compensation for his services."

On the 23d of day next they voted: "To renew the former call made to the Rev. Mr. Keys to settle with us as our minister, and, to give him in addition to the sum already offered, the quantity of 15 cords of wood yearly, so long as he continues to serve as our minister." -These fifteen cords of wood had weight in this matter, evidently, for Mr. Key.s came again, and on consulta-

__________________________________________________________________

*See Biography.

[[083]]

REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

tion the Society took the following action : " Voted that Lucius Tuttle, James Bailey, Pitman Stowe, William Bartholomew, Gates Upson, Clark Bronson, Mark Upson, and Harvey Upson be a committee to consult with the Rev. Mr. Keys respecting the time of installation, the council, etc., and make the necessary provisions and arrangements for their entertainment and convenience, and the ceremonies of the day."

It was nearly three months after this when the invitations for the Council were sent out, anti a month intervened before the Council met.

THE LETTER OF INITIATION.

To the Church of Christ in Plymouth, etc., The Church of Christ in Wolcott sendeth Greeting:

Whereas, the Congregational Church of Christ and Society of the town of Wolcott, have unanimously and in due form, given a call to the Rev. John Keys of the Presbytery of Albany, State of New York, to become their pastor and minister -and whereas, the said Mr. Keys has accepted their call, and with them is desirous of having the pastoral relation constituted-and whereas, they have agreed upon and appointed Wednesday, the twenty first of September ensuing, for the installation to take place : This is therefore to invite and request you to attend, by your Rev. Pastor and delegate, at the house of Mr. Lucius Tuttle in Wolcott, on the day preceding, at eleven o'clock, A. M., then and there to assist in Council, and if the way shall be prepared for the installation of Mr. Keys, to take such parts as the Council convened shall assign.

Signed, JOHN KEYS, Pastor Elect.

ISAAC BRONSON and others of the committee, in behalf of the Church and Society.

August 37 [27], 1814.

THE COUNCIL.

"The Council convened according to appointment. Several, however, who were invited, did not attend, their reasons, afterward assigned, were deemed satisfactory. At an Ecclesiastical Council convened by letters missive from the church of Wolcott,

[[084]]

On the 20^th Of Sept., 1814, at the house of Mr. Keys, pastor elect, in said place, for the purpose of installing the Rev. John Keys in the work of the Gospel ministry in said Wolcott-there were present, Rev. Messrs. Lyman Beecher, Litchfield; Luke Wood, Warerbury; Luther Hart, Plymouth ; Jonathan Cone, Bristol; with Deacons Pomeroy Newell, Southington; Thomas Trowbridge, from the church in Litchfield; Jacob Heminway, from the church in Plymouth ; Lemuel Porter, from the church in Waterbury; Charles G. Ives, from the church in ]3ristol.

The Council proceeded to choose the Rev. Luke Wood, Moderator, and Rev. Jonathan Cone, Scribe. Prayer was offered by the Moderator. The Council having attended to the call of the church and Society to the Rev. Mr. Keys, to settle with them in the work of the ministry, and likewise to his answer accepting the call, and also to his credentials relative to his ministerial standing, concluded to proceed to his examination. Having obtained full satisfaction as to his doctrinal and experimental knowledge of the gospel,- voted unanimously, that we approve of Mr. Keys, as a minister of the gospel, and that we proceed to install him in the ministry over this people.

The exercises of the installation were then appointed as follows, viz:

The Rev. Jonathan Cone to read the doings of the Council and make the introductory prayer; Rev. Lyman Beecher to preach the sermon and make the installing prayer; Rev. father Hart to give the charge to the pastor elect, and an exhortation to the church and people; and the Rev. Luke Wood to give the right hand of fellowship, and make the concluding prayer.

Voted to proceed to the exercises tomorrow at eleven o'clock, A.M. Prayer being offered, voted to adjourn till to-morrow at nine o'clock, A.M.

Wednesday, September 21, 18l4, the Council met and the meeting was opened with prayer. Voted to accept the minutes of the Council.

LUKE WOOD, Moderator.

JONATHAN CONE, Scribe.

At eleven o'clock, according to the foregoing resolution, the exercises of the installation were performed as above appointed.

Test. JONATHAN CONE, Scribe.

[[085]]

REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

This installation is memorable because of Dr. Beecher's sermon on the occasion; for the effects of that sermon have not ceased in Wolcott not- in Connecticut to this day. The subject of the sermon was,*

"THE BUILDING OF WASTE PLACES."

Text: Isaiah, lxi, 4. And they shall build the old wastes; they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

In the introduction it is stated that: "The waste places of Connecticut, and the duty of building them, will be the subject of consideration in this discourse. The building of these wastes will include the propagation of the truth, the communication of strength to the feeble, and the restoration of fallen Societies to the order of the gospel. In the illustration of the subject it is proposed to consider,

"I. The cause of these desolations.

"II. The means of restoring them.

"III. The motives to immediate exertion for that purpose.

“I. The immediate causes are, evidently, the difference of religious sentiment and worship which prevail, connected with a criminal indifference to the institutions of the Gospel. There is not, in this State, a town or parish Unable to support the Gospel constantly, and with case, provided all the facilities in the limits of each were of one heart and of one way to serve the Lord. 13ut the property, in many Societies, is divided between three or four different denominations, besides a part, which the love of money and indifference to the Gospel wholly withdraw from the support of divine institutions.

A remote cause of our present wastes is to be found in a very great declension of vital piety in the churches, which took place many years ago............. One

__________________________________________________________________

*Only the outline of this sermon is given, from an volume of Dr. Beecher’s sermons.

[[086]]

effect of this decline was the introduction into the ministry of men, who probably had never experienced the power of divine grace on their own hearts, and who, of course, would be prepared by native feeling to oppose the doctrines of the gospel." These innovations, the Dr. says, became at length almost universal throughout New England.

"As another cause of debility and desolation, may be noted the defection occasioned by the restoration of evangelical doctrine and discipline. The revivals of 1740 were the commencement of a reformation in this state, which has brought the churches back to the doctrines and discipline of our fathers.

"Another cause of desolation, more limited in its operation, but not less disastrous in its effects where it has operated, has been, the timid policy of forbearing to preach plainly those doctrines which offend, and of shrinking from a vigilant, efficient discipline in the church, lest these things interrupt the peace, and endanger the stability of the congregation.

"A later cause of decline and desolation has been the insidious influence of infidel philosophy."

Another cause, Dr. Beecher mentions, is "political violence and alienation." Another: "The direct enterprise of religious denominations to augment their numbers." Another: "The change made in the law for the support of the gospel, in order to accommodate it to the changes in religious opinions which had gradually taken place in the State." The last cause he mentions is: “The common policy, to settle a minister upon an incompetent salary, with the expectation that he will support himself in part by his own exertions."

"II. The means by which the wastes, in this State, may be built.

"1. The great utility of the occasional itineration of the stated pastors within the limits of each association."

"2. Another means may be found in the appointment of

[[087]]

REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

evangelists; and to these must be added, in some cases, a permanent stated supply, until the work of restoration be consummated." To these he adds: "Special enterprise of ministers in the performance of pastoral duties," and especially " pastoral visits."

"3. To parochial visits, it will be proper to add an efficient system for the instruction of children and young people in the doctrines and duties of religion,"

And last: "Earnest prayer among the churches, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon these desolations, and the revival of religion."

III. The motives to immediate exertion.

“1. Duty of the churches to help sister churches to rise.

“2. Unless these desolations are built, they will become more desolate.

“3. If these waste places are not built, they will exert a powerful influence to create other wastes, and extend the scene of desolation.

“4. If these wastes are not built, they will undermine, ultimately, the civil and religious order of the state.

“5. The time past is more than sufficient to have neglected our duty and slept over our dangers."

It was on that part of this sermon concerning the support of evangelists, who might be sent out, that Dr. Beecher made remarks which were suggestive to the ministers of the State, and which resulted in the change of the Missionary Society of the State to the Connecticut Home Missionary Society.

The "Missionary Society of Connecticut" was organized in 1798, the objects of which were: "To Christianize the heathen in North America and to support and promote Christian knowledge in the new settlements of the United States." This did not include home evangelization. Doctor Beecher in this sermon recommended the formation of a "general society for this special purpose."

In 1815, about six months after the delivery of this sermon, the General Association of Connecticut took up

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the subject and appointed a committee who reported at the next annual meeting. "On their report it was resolved unanimously to form a Domestic Missionary Society, for Connecticut and its vicinity." This Society is now the "Connecticut Home Missionary Society" and is auxiliary to the American Home Missionary Society. So much for the State of Connecticut.

In this sermon, also, Dr. Beecher refers to the education of children, iii the following words: "To parochial visits, it will be proper to add an efficient system for the instruction o' children and young people in the doctrines and duties of religion." "It is almost unspeakably important, that a system of religious instructions adapted to the age and altered feelings of young people be provided, to succeed the shorter catechism." Here we perceive the largeness of the Doctor's plan. "A system of religious instruction, for children and young people." The present Sabbath-school system of instruction is intended to meet the "unspeakably important" demand.

This part of the sermon resulted iii the commencement of Sunday-schools in the parish under Mr. Keys' administration.

So much for this sermon. It is frequently remarked that Dr. Beecher's thoughts were "Fifty years ahead of his day." It is now fifty-nine years since he delivered this sermon and we are only beginning to realize the systems of church work he planned out for us. Truly some men's works do follow them; and works of which they, and the world, need not be ashamed. What if there had been a thousand Dr. Beechers, and each with a family as numerous and noted for good as Dr. Lyman Beecher's! This may be thought no part of Wolcott history, but I assure such that without the Beecher family a large and very important part of Wolcott history would be wanting.*

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* It is said that Capt. Joseph Beecher and his sister who married Capt. Herman Hall, and Capt Amos Beecher (all of Wolcott) were cousins to Dr. Lyman Beecher.

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REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

It should be remembered that this sermon was preached in Wolcott when Wolcott was not a "waste place" but in its glory and strength. From 1790 to 1820, it was one of the strong Societies of the county. In 1806 it had over two hundred tax payers on the list of the Society, and this continued about the same for twenty years afterward; and the town had a reputation for agricultural products equal to any in the county. 'Then wheat grow on these hills more abundantly than in the valleys adjoining, and it would have been a disgrace to have imported corn into " Puddin' street:"

Dr. Beecher did not preach this sermon, alone for Wolcott, but for all Connecticut, and that, too, for a century of time after he should cease preaching on earth.

Mr. Keys had moved into the parish before he was installed and was ready to move forward in his work when the exercises of installation closed, and be did it right well. The first thin.- that meets us in his work, is the fullness of the records lie made of the doings of the church, a matter which bad been almost wholly omitted by the pastors before Mr. Hart. Hence we have the names of all who made application to join the church; the report's of the examining committees, a3icl the decision of the church on each report during Mr. Keys' pastorate. We discover, also, from these records that Mr. Keys was a man of church discipline, not afraid to try to preserve the honor of the church by attending to those, delinquent cases that sometimes occur in regard to individuals of the highest standing in the community.

Mr. Keys was a good preacher, above medium, but not equal to Mr. Woodward; a good and faithful pastor and public school visitor, and was ' esteemed, and kindly cared for, by the parish during his stay among them. During his pastorate, forty-one united with the church, thirty-five of them by profession; and every interest of the church seems to have been cared for faithfully to the close of his labors, and even after he was dismissed.

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The following entry in the church book illustrates these statements:

"At a church meeting, July 2d, 1819, opened with prayer.

. . . After some conversation on the duty of calling the brethren to account, for neglecting gospel institutions, and on the subject of setting up a Sabbath School, adjourned till our next preparatory lecture - conclude with prayer.

Attest. JOHN KEYS, Pastor.

In the church meeting of March 2d, 1821, we find the following entry: "After some free conversation and earnest exhortation by several of the members, on the present low state of our church, and on the importance of awaking to activity to some extraordinary exertions to revive our drooping graces and promote the cause of the Redeemer among us-- adjourned."

Mr. Keys had more than an ordinary amount of church discipline to attend to, all of which was prosecuted by church vote in regular form, and it was the fact of these difficulties that led the brethren on this occasion to earnest exhortations to the importance of awaking to extraordinary exertions to revive drooping graces and promote the cause of the Redeemer."

Also, from the first, Mr. Keys had been a faithful pastor in catechisms the children at home and in the public schools; but now he was on the move towards the Sabbath-school, which he succeeded in holding two summers. Here he calls this enterprise a " Sabbath-school," and as far as I can learn, it was a " Sabbath-school full grown for those days, and to this Deacon Irad Bronson, now living, adds his testimony. The catechism was recited, verses of the Bible were committed to memory, for which the children received credit of so many mills for every ten verses, and at the end of the school a book, in value according to the credit standing to their several names. Addresses were made by pastor, deacons, and others, which, doubtless, were quite as appropriate

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REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

and valuable as many are in these later days. Mrs. Mark Tuttle has now in her possession a little book given her by Rev. Mr. Keys on account of attendance at Sabbath-school. It is a paper covered book, 10 mo., printed in New York in 1810. The subject matter is: "The principles of the Christian Religion, in verse, for the use of children, by P. Doddridge, D. D., arranged for this object by Dr. Doddridge at Northampton, England, Oct. 31, 1743. One of the teachers in this school, Mrs. Hannah Plumb, is now living, and four women, who were then girls in her class, -Mrs. Mark Tuttle, Mrs. Johnson Alcott, Mrs. James Alcott, and Mrs. Isaac Hough,-are still living.

EFFICIENCY OF THE CHURCH.

During Mr. Keys' pastorate the church and Society were diligent and energetic. There was appointed, every year, a committee like the following, and for the same purposes: 1816, "Voted that Lucius Tuttle, John Potter, and John Frisbie, be a committee to provide seats for persons moving in [into the parish] and others as shall be necessary the coming year." Year after year this was attended to regularly, because then people removed into the community but now they remove out. The tax to provide for the support of the gospel, including "ministerial and other necessary charges," was four to six cents on a dollar, on the tax list; now the Connecticut Home Missionary Society requires "one per cent" to be paid before they render help to a church; but the assessment was much lower, on property then than now. In 1815 the tax was 5 cents; in 1816, 4 cents; in 1817, 6 cents; in 1818, 6 cents; in 1819, they " voted that a tax of 12 cents on the dollar be laid on the assessment list of said Society for 1819, payable to the Treasurer of said Society, immediately, to pay Mr. Keys' salary for 1820, and other necessary expenses."

This twelve percent tax, "raised a dust" in Wolcott, that ended in the dismissal of Mr. Keys, and in a vacant

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pastorate for many years. At the next annual meeting in October they voted to try to raise, by subscription, a sum sufficient to defray the necessary expenses of the Society for the year ensuing." During these years Mr. Keys' salary was five hundred dollars a year; and other Society expenses very little. The Society went through this year on the subscription plan, and at the end of the year voted: " That a tax, payable on demand, be laid on the list of said Society for j8ig, sufficient to raise the sum of three hundred dollars, to be applied wholly to the payment of the debts of the Society at that time due, or that were incurred that year." Yet they proceeded to try the subscription plan another year, an ' d appointed " Ira Hough, Jesse Upson, David Frisbie, James Bailey, Ziba Norton, Samuel Plumb, and Josiah Thomas, a committee to solicit subscriptions." These were mostly new men in the business of the Society and doubtless were opposed to taxation and in favor of a free gospel.

What was the result? At the next annual meeting,

Oct 14, 1822, they "voted that David Frisbie, James Bailey, and Thomas Upson be a committee to consult with Mr. Keys, and obtain from him the lowest terms upon which he is willing to preach for us the year ensuing, and whether, if the Society cannot find it possible to raise the stipulated sum, it would be agreeable to his feelings to be amicably dismissed." The committee waited upon Mr. Keys and returned with a written answer, whereupon the meeting adjourned.

'This twelve percent tax was called for probably, from the fact that the Society had fallen in debt from year to year till something must be done to pay up.

MR. KEY’S COMMUNITCATION.

“To the Ecclesiastical Society in Wolcott:

GENTLEMEN: Your committee have waited on me to know what proposition I have to make to the Society, to which I reply: 1st. I will accept for the current year of what sum you shall be able to raise, together with the usual quantity of wood, for which

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REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

I will supply the desk so many Sabbaths as that compensates for, at the rate of $500 the year. Or, 2d. If a dissolution of our relation shall be judged necessary- deeply as I deplore it, yet considering the situation of the Society, I shall consent on condition that they pay me two hundred dollars in money or in things necessary for the support of my family at cash prices, old arrearages being paid up. I propose this not as a compensation but as willing to bear a part of the burden which in Providence is fallen upon us; Of, 3d. I am willing to abide the decision of any disinterested Council. That you may be directed in the path of duty and come to such a result as may be for the glory of God and the best interests of Christ's kingdom, is the prayer of your sincere friend and servant in Christ.

JOHN KEYS."

Wolcott, Oct. 14, 1822

It is often the case that when troubles come in a Society, the minister is thought worthy of a full share of the responsibility. In 1806 there were over two hundred tax payers in the Society and the largest sum paid by any one man was less than nine dollars a year, and only seven that paid over five dollars a year. The Society was not reduced by emigration as in after years, for the diminished of numbers in the town began after Mr. Keys left. Quite a number withdrew from the Congregational and joined the Episcopal Society, but apparently nearly an equal number graduated, by age, into membership or removed into the parish. Besides, there was energy and ability in the church for other interests.

In 1815, they voted, " that a stove or stoves may be erected in the meeting house; if one only, at the west door; if two, then one at the east door, in the aisles, with pipes to convey the smoke out of the house in a convenient and proper manner." This resolution was executed, and one of those stoves is now used in Mr. Dennis Pritchard's saw mill.

The singing was improved at considerable expense. During Mr. Woodward's ministry a tax was laid several

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times for the " encouraging of singing." "18l5 they laid a tax of "six mills on the dollar to procure a teacher of singing;" and at a special meeting six months later they added 4 mills, making one per cent "to pay the singing master." In 1816 they voted to accept the offer of Mr. Stephen Harrison, and directed the committee to pay him the sum of ten dollars upon his spending one half day in each week so long as it shall be necessary to initiate young beginners who shall attend, in the first rudiments of singing, and two evenings in each week for three months in teaching and perfecting the singing." In 1817, ,voted that the Society's committee be authorized and requested to take such measures and expend such sums from the Society treasury as they shall judge proper for the encouragement of singing, the year ensuing." In 1817, voted " That the committee be requested to take such measures as they shall judge proper to encourage and keep up singing."

Notwithstanding this apparent prosperity, the Society had lost so much strength that it could not meet the engagements made with Mr. Keys.

In Oct. 28th, they voted that "under existing circumstances we are willing to dismiss the Rev. Mr. Keys from his service as our pastor and minister."

On November 5th, they appointed a committee to confer with the church and Mr. Keys, and if desirable to make arrangements for the Council.

Upon this Mr. Keys wrote the following letter to the church:

BELOVED BRETHRIEN:

The painful hour seems now arrived, in the sovereign dispensations of Providence, when we must part. The course of your deliberations this day, unpleasant and trying as they are, is plainly marked out. I have judged it best not to be present; the task would be painful; but I think also, that prudence dictates, you should be by yourselves.

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REV. MR. KEYS’ MINISTRY

If you shall concur with the propositions of the Society, relative to a dissolution of the pastoral relation between me and this church and congregation, which propositions have already been communicated to me, by their committee, I hereby give consent, and am ready to finite with you in calling a Council to carry them into effect. You will not need my assistance in selecting a Council. Any of the neighboring churches may be sent to-I should suppose five would be sufficient; but I cheerfully submit the matter to your discretion.

The condition of each of us -of the church and Society, and myself,-must necessarily be very unpleasant and trying. A church without the stated ordinances, and the minister without the means of support. We can, therefore, and I trust do, mutually sympathize with each other. Let us remember, brethren, and let us receive tire consolation of it: The Lord reigns.

While I have been with you, though one of the least of all saints, if a saint, and unworthy to be called to the pastoral office, yet I have endeavored to be faithful. I have many and strong ties of affection towards this church. I never can forget you, or cease, in my feeble, unworthy manner, to pray for you; and brethren, I hope and trust you never will forget to pray for me.

Our journey in this life is a thorny maze; every bush we pass inflicts a wound. Truly we may not look for our portion here below. But, blessed be God, our hopes reach beyond the grave. There may we meet, when the stores of life are o’er-free from sin, free from sorrow and pain and perplexity and disquietude, to dwell in the smiles of our God and Sovereign, forever.

That you, brethren, may be kept from falling; enabled to maintain the good fight of faith, walking in obedience to all God's commands, and be preserved through grace to the final coming of Jesus Christ in his kingdom, is the sincere prayer of your yet affectionate pastor and unworthy brother in Christ.

JOHN KEYS.

Wolcott, Nov. 11^th 1822.

No vote of the church in regard to this is preserved.

On the 18th of the same month, the Society voted, “That the only cause or reason which we have for our committee to lay before the Council as a ground of dis-

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missing the Rev. Mr. Keys from his pastoral relation to us, is our being, from the smallness of our numbers, and already embarrassing circumstances, utterly unable to afford him a sufficient support."

There are no records of the session or decision of a Council, yet it is very probable that the Council was called and rendered its decision, and that Mr. Keys was regularly dismissed in the first part of Dec., 1822, having -served the parish eight years and three months.

He had several children and a family that he could scarcely keep comfortable on five hundred dollars a year, and to be dismissed in December, the beginning of winter, was a sore trial, besides the fact that Mr. Keys was greatly attached to his church and people.

He made an entry in the church book in December, 1822, and signed it as "Late Pastor."

On Dec. 31, 1822, the Society, voted "That we lay a tax on the list of 1821, to the amount of three hundred and twenty-five dollars for the purpose of discharging the claims of Mr. Keys against the Society."

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CHAPTER VII.

WITHOUT A PASTOR.

It runs in the memory of some persons now living, is well as in the records of the Society, that before and after the dismissal of Mr. Keys, the Meeting house was crowded with hearers to such an extent that it was one of the great difficulties of the Society, to provide seats to accommodate and satisfy the people. One dollar per person, per year, from the regular attendants, would probably have paid the salary of Mr. Keys [$500], and yet they dismissed him, as they say, “for no other reason” than that the salary could not be raised, and had not been for a number of years, on which account the Society was in debt. At this time there was money enough in Wolcott, and if not, there were wheat, corn, and butter in abundance; for those were the days of prosperity in it. We are compelled to conclude that there must have been some radical cause for the unwillingness to support Mr. Keys. I am at a loss to know what it was, and have heard but one suggestion, -namely, that while Mr. Keys was an eminent scholar, and a man of diligence and energy, faithful in all his work, visiting families and public schools, catechising the children, attending social meetings, and preaching, yet the theology he preached was so imbued with the darker doctrines of Calvinism, that the people did not feel like paying heavily, nor even moderately, for it. Another fact deserving of consideration is that his dismissal occurred during the conflict of public sentiment in this town, between the two systems of supporting the gospel,-the

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one by levying a tax, and the other by subscription. There was much opposition to the taxing system; there had been for thirty years. But if this had been the cause of the failure to raise the money, I do not understand how it occurred that when the Society voted to raise Mr. Keys' salary by subscription one year, as they did two or three years before his dismissal, they should have incurred a debt of nearly three hundred dollars. I have not learned that Mr. Keys was an objectionable minister on account of “discussing politics in the pulpit.” Mr. Woodward was a high toned Federalist, and Thomas Jefferson was criticized with spirit and energy, more especially because Mr. Jefferson was supposed to be an infidel, which was the Highest wickedness to the good minds of the Puritans. But Mr. Woodward's commanding dignity and learning, and his genial good nature, disarmed opposition even on the part of political opponents. Yet a considerable number left the Society during his ministry; some for this cause and some for other reasons. But these questions do not appear to have effected the minds of the people during Mr. Keys' ministry, and hence some other cause must have brought the support of the gospel into disrepute.

Another singular fact is, that although when Dr. Beecher made it emphatic at the installation of Mr. Keys, that a Society could much better afford to pay for the preaching of the gospel than to go without it, this Society should dismiss Mr. Keys with the expectation of remaining without a minister for a length of time, though probably not as long as proved to be the case. For three years after the dismissal of Mr. Keys there is no mention of any vote of the Society referring to the matter of hiring a minister-, or obtaining one in any way.* They attended regularly

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* During the history of the Society far seventy years, or more, the committee never hired, minister or procured a candidate without a vote of the Society to that effect. It was left for committees of later day to hire ministers, continue them ad libitum, and dismiss them, without allowing the Society any voice in the matter; a clear violation of Congregational rules.

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to all other interests of the Society. Soon after his dismissal (Dec. 31, 1822) they voted to lay “a tax on the list of 1821, to the amount of three hundred and twenty-five dollars, for the purpose of discharging the claims of Mr. Keys.” In May next they voted that a tax be laid sufficient to raise the sum of two hundred and seventy dollars. They appointed Thomas Upson as agent to collect the several “notes and debts due the Society on old arrearages, and if possible to settle the debts of the Society due S. J. Hitchcock.” They appointed yearly the seating committee to seat the people in the Meeting house, and appointed in 1823 a special committee to “dignity or number the pews anew."

In annual meeting, 1824, they voted, “That John S. Atkins, Joseph N. Sperry, Jerry Upson, John Beecher, Jr. and Thomas Upson be a committee, to solicit subscriptions for the encouragement of singing; lay out and appropriate the moneys obtained as they shall judge-proper and best, and superintend the whole business.” In 1825 they appointed another committee for the same purpose, consisting of Gates Upson, Thomas Horton, George Griswold, Jerry Upson, John S. Atkins, and Ira Frisbie. Here is evidence of energy and of ability to do almost anything they chose to do as a Society.

These facts bring to view the character and standing of Deacon Isaac Bronson. After Mr. Keys was dismissed Mr. Bronson became the minister, in fact, although not in form; first, to fill the vacancy, during the embarrassed condition of the Society, and after that, by the informal choice of the people. He had been a member of the church over thirty years had been a deacon seventeen years, being sixty-one years of age. He had not the advantages of high school or collegiate education,- Mr. Woodward's school having begun several years after Mr. Bronson was married. Yet Isaac Bronson attained to a very creditable education for those times.

We have now in the Ministers' Library of this parish

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a book of “Mathematics” containing “Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Conic Sections, and Arithmetic of Infinites,” which was owned by Rev. Alexander Gillet, (dated as “his book,” 1767) and which Mr. Bronson bought of Mr. Gillet for six shillings.* Mr. Bronson was a Latin scholar, as may be seen in his writings as clerk of the church and the town. Some sketches of sermons of His have fallen into my hands which show unusual historical knowledge and very great familiarity with Bible history.

He is said to have been a man of remarkable eloquence in prayer, and in addressing a religious assembly, and with this all his writings now left correspond. Could he have had the opportunities of an early education, it is doubtful if the county or State could have boasted of a greater man than he. To this opinion all persons with whom I have conversed, in and out of Wolcott, agree. He was a mail, of great diffidence, but when called out by circumstances or peculiar occasions, he surpassed the expectations of all.

When, therefore, the Society in Wolcott was brought to extremities, Isaac Bronson became its leader and minister without ordination. Thus he continued for nearly three years, but for what “consideration” from the Society we have no means of knowing except by a vote passed at the end of three years, as follows :”That the Society's committee”(and others named,)”be a committee to circulate subscriptions to raise money to hire preaching.” This indicates that no money was raised for this purpose during the three years, for in those times money was not raised except by vote of Society. It is further evident from the fact, that upon the passage of this vote Mr. Bronson refused to serve the Society, as before ; as is

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*The possession of books relating to the advanced studies, and the fact frequently mentioned among the people, that often, when tired at night, he lay on the floor of his shop, with his head toward the fire, studying by firelight, indicate the methods by which he obtained knowledge.

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evident from a vote of the Society two months later, as follows: “That Gates Upson, Led Lindsley, Ashbel Upson, Ira Hough, and David Frisbie, be a committee to confer with Deacon Isaac Bronson in regard to the difficulties subsisting between him and the Society, and the cause of his unwillingness to serve the Society as heretofore.” After conferring with him the Society in a meeting held one Week later, voted to rescind the former vote to hire preaching, and that money be raised to hire preaching “for one third part of the year, beginning the first of April next.” That is, they should hire preaching four months, and the remainder of the year Isaac Bronson should preach for nothing. How the men of the Society could be at ease in their consciences, and let one man, and he a poor man, carry the largest part of the burden of the church for three years without compensation is beyond explanation, except on the supposition that they bad been educated to think that if a man were ordained, he should be paid for preaching, otherwise not, no matter how eloquent or successful the preaching, or bow great the service rendered. Probably but few ministers were ever more highly appreciated, in their parish generally, than was Isaac Bronson during these years, and but for the prejudices of a few leading men, lie would have been ordained and settled as pastor ; and in that case would have served their Society with as great success as any man they had had.

There were peculiar reasons why they should have paid him something appropriate for his work in filling the place of a pastor. He had several children and a noble, patient wife, for whom he could scarcely provide the comforts of life which his neighbors possessed. He had been clerk of the Society for twenty-six years, and bad served the church as clerk and treasurer for fifteen years; and as deacon for twenty years, His health had been so poor, from hemorrhage of the lungs, that his family often expected his speedy departure to the better land. He

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had taught school many years with small pay; and Was constant in every good work, for religion, education, and the town and State in which he lived. The Society had prospered and the public feeling had improved, so that they began to feel like raising a minister's salary, and did proceed with a tax in Sept., 1826, of ninety dollars, to repair the Meeting house. In all righteousness among brethren why should they not have paid Deacon Isaac Bronson for his labors in preaching and attending to the other duties of a pastor?

Thus did the Society continue enjoying a gratuitous ministry for the space of five years. What was the result?

They had all grown “lean” except Isaac Bronson. Dr. Beecher had told them they could better afford to pay a minister than go without one. They had now tried the latter, and to what effect? All were asleep, in religion, except when the voice of Isaac Bronson aroused them in church or “broke” their hearts at the funerals. The year before Mr. Keys left, twelve united with the church, and during his ministry of eight years, forty-one united, but during these five years of a vacant pulpit, not one united, as far as the books show. But in merey God sent them a minister to awake them, for in the midst of their sleep, a voice was heard as of one “in the wilderness” calling- them to repentance. How he came we know not, but certainly not by the call of the Society or church.* At a meeting held Oct. 28th, 1827, they voted that the “committee be directed to employ Mr. Scranton to preach for us until the end of May next."

On the 10th of next March they voted, “That seven persons, one in each school district, be forthwith appointed to solicit subscriptions for the support of the Rev. Mr. Scranton as a preacher of the gospel for the year next ensuing, after the first of June next.” He

*We learn from his journal, left in the hands of Mr. Jarvis R. Bronson, that he came here in Saturday, June 16, 1827, to preach for a number of Sabbaths.

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preached here two years and then departed ; the only reason we find is that the Society failed to raise three hundred dollars for his support for the year, as he desired. The first winter he was here he taught school three months, and in the spring and summer following there was a general awakening, and many were added to the church. This carried them through the second year. but when an effort was, made for the third year it did not succeed well, and the Society voted on July 7, 1829, “That the committee appointed on the 3oth of May to solicit subscriptions to hire preaching, offer their papers on the terms that in case there is not enough obtained to raise the sum of three hundred dollars, then whatsoever is subscribed to be null and void.” Soon after this, Mr. Scranton left. Mr. Scranton's labors were many and resulted in great good to the church and community. As proof of this and as evidence of the Lord's faithfulness to those who labor faithfully, we give some extracts from Mr. Scranton's journal, which was sent after his death to Mr. Jarvis R. Bronson. These labors were put forth amidst great difficulties and hindrances. The church was much divided, and great indifference to religion prevailed throughout the community. Indeed, when there began to be a stir about religion, some of the people spoke against it and ridiculed it.

JOURNAL OF REV. ERASTUS SCRANTON IN WOLCOTT, 1827 AND 1828.

June 16, Saturday; came here to preach several Sabbaths.

17 Preached, being unwell. I have not recovered from my dangerous illness in May. I found the Society feeble and disunited, but desirous to have steady preaching.

July 1st. Administered the Lord's Supper. It had not been celebrated here before, for a long time. It was a precious season to Christian people. Great coldness among professors of religion- much immorality among the people.

Sept. Miss Orpha Thomas, who is about 16, has been

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awakened and hopefully converted to Christ in the course of the summer. The preaching of the word is better attended than it was during the two months past. Administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Oct. 26. Maria, wife of S. Wheeler Upson, and Laura, wife of Linus Munson, admitted to the church. For several years there has not been an addition to the church. Mr. Upson, on seeing his wife come out and join the church was led to reflect. It was the means of his conversion, 'tis to be hoped.

Oct. 3o, Thursday. Returned from attending the conference of the churches at Waterbury called on Wheeler Upson, and found him an awakened sinner. Attended meeting at Woodtick School House; preached from Jer 17, 9.

In the course of the season past, Colonel Moses Pond has been awakened and hopefully converted. He did not let it be known, till his sickness. He has been in great distress at times, and found relief, I suppose, on Sabbath, NOV. 4, on his way home from meeting.

November, 1827. 1 have had repeated conversation with Mr. Upson, &c. He obtained hope about three weeks after his first awakening.

Nov. 4, Sabbath. Spoke to several voting ladies that came in to Mr. Whiting's.

Nov. 14 Conferences begin to be full and solemn. We seem on the eve of an awakening here. There has not been anything like a general revival here at any time.* B. L. revive thy work.

December, 1827. Meetings still full and solemn. Some Christians awake and pleading for a revival.

January 15, 1828, Thursday. Miss Rebecca Hall came here with Miss Vesta Frisbie, to see me, being awakened three weeks ago at her Uncle Frost's. She talked as one under conviction; proposed to come to school.+

Jan. 18. Took tea at Mr. Mark Tuttle's-found his wife

*There was a general awakening in 1783 under the preaching of Rev. Messrs. Mills and Miller and the labors of Mr. Gillet, and this was therefore forty-four years before Mr. Scranton came here. But a forty-four years’ sleep was probably long enough!

+Mr. Scranton taught school- I suppose a select school, like Mr. Woodward’s and Mr. Key’s.

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WITHOUT A PASTOR.

awakened. She told me that my conversation at their house, when I and Capt. Gates Upson came there, two or three weeks before, first awakened her. She had never disclosed her anxious feelings to any one before, Preached in the East School House this evening --full and solemn meeting. It is now manifest that an awakening is begun in this place.

19, Saturday evening. I went to make a religious visit to Mr. Alpert Boardman. He was absent, but I found her (his wife) awakened as I suppose. I then called to see Mr. J. N. Sperry, and found him more anxious than he ever was before, as he told me -his wife listened.

20, Sabbath. This evening called to see Mr. Clark Bronson and wife. I found her indulging a hope. I called at Eldad Parker's and found his wife thoughtful. She told me that 13 years ago, at Shenango, she was awakened, but grieved away the Holy Spirit. Has feeling, but no reason to hope.

Jan. 21. Monday evening. Mr. Boardman came to see me, in deep concern of soul. He tells me that he was first awakened last June.

Jan. 22, Tuesday. Conversed with Miss Rebecca Hall, at noon, who says her mind is relieved. In the evening I went to preach at Mr. Levi Atkin's. Heard that Mr. Newton Norton talks seriously.

25th. The center school house was full (though it rained hard), and the meeting solemn.

27th, Sabbath. Exchanged with Mr. Hart and Preached at Plymouth.

20. In conversation I find Mr. Doolittle anxious. He has felt that religion is important since his sickness two years ago. He lacks decision.

Feb. 1, 1828, Friday. Martha Tuttle is still anxious. No hope.

3, Sab. Today Col. Pond and Mr. Upson told me they had a wish to join the church.

7. Conference of the churches at Prospect.

8th, Friday. Held first inquiry meeting; present to persons Col. Pond, Mr. Upson, Clark Bronson and wife, Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Moulthrop, Mary Upson, Charlotte Harrison, Gen. G. Doolittle, and Rebecca Hall.

11. Monday. Preached at Woodtick; meeting full and solemn.

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13 Preached at South School House.

15. Preached in Center School House, and meeting solemn, and 70 present.

18, Monday. Anxious meeting here to-night and a very rainy

evening -6 only present, one of whom is Miss Clarissa Upson, rejoicing in hope.

March 2, Sab. Col. Poad and S. W. Upson joined church.

3. Monthly Concert. Full meeting and interesting.

12th. Preached at Woodtick, having closed my school today.

13th. Visited at Mr. Bement's, &c. Cyrus Fenn somewhat anxious.

17th, Monday. Anxious meeting.

18th. Esther Hotchkiss anxious some, and came to the anxious meeting,

23. Began a Bit)le class.

24 Went to N. Milford and found there had been 4 to 6 conversions.

30, Sab. Preached at Cheshire and came to Wolcott and preached in the evening at Center School House, where I heard that Lowman Upson has a hope. Church voted to invite the Conference.

April 1st, Tuesday. Went to N. Milford.

20. Conference of churches at N. M. 78 delegates.

4th. Annual Fast. Snowed all days. Rode from Prospect (where I preached last night) to Wolcott.

6th. Report from the Conference was listened to by all the congregation. Many were affected to tears.

7th. Monthly concert. Asaph Hotchkiss came to see me, P. NI., in distress - and sent for me to come to his house, &c. His wife and Esther and Wealthy interested.

8th, Preached at Spindle Hill.

9th. Preached at South District.

11th. Preached at Woodtick.

May 1st. Preached at South District.

UP to this time Mr. Scranton had urged forward this work without any formal action on the part of the church. On April, 25th the church met, and voted, “That Deacons James Bailey, Isaac Bronson, and Irad Bronson,

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with Brethren Thomas Upson, Harvey Upson, Ashbel Upson, Lucius Tuttle, Daniel Holt, Abner Hotchkiss, and Samuel W. Upson be a committee to visit the several members of the church, male and female, and inquire the situation of their minds in a religious point of view, and whether any, and if any, what matter of offense ties upon their minds and against any brother or sister, and if any such exist, to use their influence that the same may be mutually and satisfactorily healed and settled in a Christian manner."

On May 1st, Mr. Scranton wrote: “The church committee began their visits to prepare for the Conference to be held among them, and it was ascertained there was a happy state of feeling among the brethren; a readiness to confess their sins and to renew covenant. Several meetings of the church were pleasant and humbling seasons. Some few are opposed to the Conference -call it a Methodist meeting speak against a revival as a pernicious thing. W. A. J. 11,; J. A."

May 4th, Wednesday. The Conference met late in the day, owing to the great rain yesterday. The church and people were prepared to receive them with open hearts.

5th. The meetings last evening and this morning, in the several districts were full, solemn, and interesting. 30 churches represented and 40 delegates.

May 6, Friday. Went down to Mr. John Frisbie's and found him an awakened, distressed church member. Mrs. Frisbie was all in tears. Soon after, Sarah, their son’s wife, came in and on my speaking to her she was much affected. I prayed, and it was a scene of deep interest.

Met Mr. Fitch Higgins I 2 or 15 rods from his door, and he clasped my hand, and on being asked how lie did, he exclaimed, “I am a poor sinner.” His wife was under deep conviction. He said he had tried to work but could not.

At Mr. David Frisbie's was another deeply interesting scene, and a meeting was appointed at the school house in the evening, which was 'a full and solemn concourse.'

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On arriving home I learned that Mr. Smith Atkins had been to see me, and was deeply distressed in mind and could not work.

May 7th, Saturday. Went to see James Alcott and Smith Atkins and wife. Met the two first on their way to see me. At Mr. Alcott's house several came in and I exhorted and prayed.

Two days later he was sent for to go to the north-cast part of the parish, where several were in great distress of mind. The whole parish was moved on this subject, and why not? Too long had the people been indifferent or greatly negligent as to these things.

Among the names lie mentions, of those greatly interested at this time, are the Brockets, Lindsleys, Nortons, Ephraim Hall and wife, Orin Hall and wife, Anna Lewis, Lucius Tuttle, Jr., Maria Thomas, Mr. Bartholomew, and a number of others.

On May 11th, they held their “first public prayer meeting in the Meeting house, and a considerable number present, and a most solemn and impressive meeting- many in tears -the prayers appropriate, and Deacon Isaac Bronson's address was most weighty, powerful, and awakening."

Thus the church, after six years wandering in the wilderness, returned to her allegiance to the mission for which she was sent,- to save men. Had the church been faithful, there had been no occasion for such excitement, as it was there was no other way to salvation.

Mr. Scranton says, in his journal, March 23, 1828, “Began a Bible class.” This, I think, was on a week day evening, and was additional to the Sunday-school which was held on the Sabbath, between services, Dr. William A. Alcott being superintendent. The school was organized for the first time under a superintendent and other officers and teachers, during the summer of 1897.

Deacon Irad Bronson, now living in Bristol, thinks this was not an organized school; only two or three classes were organized with teachers, Dr. Wm. A. Alcott assist-

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ing, particularly in collecting books for the pupils of the classes to read. Others think Dr. Alcott was regularly appointed superintendent; for one of the class papers written by him is still preserved. These are the names: Ira H. Hough, Isaac Upson, Samuel Upson, Daniel II. Holt, Asaph Upson, Mahlon Hotchkiss, Leverette Alcott, Ambrose B. Alcott, John E. Alcott. These were then boys from eight to twelve years old; so says Mr. Ira H. Hough. This was class @0- 3, taught by Lucius Tuttle, Jr., and afterward by L. C. Hotchkiss, Who still holds the original class paper.

By vote of the Society, Rev. Mr. Wheelock was engaged to preach “for the term of one year” from Sept. 11, 1829; but in March next, 1830, they voted to “obtain from him the terms on which he is willing to settle with the Society for his past services and relinquish the contract for the future.” To this he made a written reply, but the records do not show whether he continued longer or not. The reason for this movement on the part of the Society, I apprehend to have been the difficulty of raising the salary of Mr. Wheelock, and that an arrangement was made by which he relinquished so much of that as to continue the time for which he engaged. The Society and church were probably without a stated minister from Sept., 1830, till August, 1831. On January 31, 183i, a subscription was started to raise money for a cupola and bell, to be attached to the Me6ting house. This subscription, in the elegant “hand-writing” of Mr. Archibald Minor is preserved, and the spirit of it, in one respect, is worthy of perpetuation, and in another respect so peculiar that I copy it:

“Whereas, the inhabitants of the town of Wolcott, feeling desirous to have a bell in said town, do propose to build a cupola on the Congregational Meeting house in said Wolcott for the purpose of hanging said bell, provided a sufficient sum can be raised to defray the expenses of the same; and wishing that if there be one provided it may be used for all denominations whatever, and that

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the same shall be freely used whenever it may be necessary for the convenience of any and every individual of said town; and hoping and trusting that a thing of this kind would be the means of uniting the people of this town rather than of dividing them; it is therefore to be hoped and trusted that the inhabitants of this town generally will take so deep an interest in an object of this kind that they will cheerfully and liberally contribute to effect said object. The bell to be always considered the property of the Town of Wolcott, and the ringing of the same to be directed by the inhabitants of said town in their annual town meetings. The weight of the bell to be determined by the subscribers or by a committee by them appointed.”

WOLCOTT, January 31, 1831.

Therefore, we whose names are underwritten do agree to pay the several sums annexed to our names, respectively for the attainment of the object as above specified, to be paid to him or them, whom the subscribers shall appoint for that purpose.

NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS AND AMOUNT SUBSCRIBED.

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Amount: $650.50

In fifteen days this subscription was raised and the sub-

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scribers in assembly voted “to apply the balance of the subscriptions already obtained over and above the expense of erecting cupola and procuring bell, towards covering and painting the house. Upon this the Society voted, “That we accept and approve of the proposals of the subscribers for the cupola to the Congregational Meeting house and placing a bell in the same, agreeable to the terms and upon the same principles as stated in the caption to the subscription paper now before the meeting. That the Society approve of the proposal of individual and grant permission to have the outside of the house covered and painted, if the subscriptions shall furnish means sufficient. That the committee appointed by the subscribers to superintend the erection of the cupola, be authorized to superintend the covering, painting, etc.” This committee consisted of Archibald Minor, Thomas Upson, Daniel Holt, Luther Hotchkiss, Adna Whiting. It is worthy of note that this project was carried on by the citizens as such, and not as members of the Society or church, and yet a very large part of the money came from members of the church. Why it was they would not do as well through the Society as through the Town I am unable to say; but the fact is very evident, and to complete the whole, the Society gave its own work into the hands of the special committee.*

On the 28th of June, 1831, the contractor gave a receipt in full for the pay for the work done on the house and cupola, $440. The bell, weighing 931 pounds, and the hangings cost at the foundry, Medway, Mass., $313.6i. At the following Town meeting the cup6la and bell were offered by the subscribers to the Town as Town property, but the Town refused to accept the same ; after which the subscribers organized into a stock company,

*In 1826 the Society voted a tax to the amount of ninety dollars, for repairing and painting the house, but in 1827 they rescinded the vote and gave up the work, having failed to raise the money.

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appointed officers and held the property several years. It was finally given to the Society. The first bell became fractured soon after it was put up. It was returned to the foundry, and another sent in its place, according to the .stipulations made by Mr. Holbrook, the maker. It is believed, to this day, that the first bell was not properly used.

In August, Rev. Nathan Shaw was hired for four months, beginning 4th of July, previous; and a vote was passed by the Society to apply to the Home Missionary Society for aid in paying the minister. Eighty dollars were obtained and Mr. Shaw preached until July 4, 1832. He is said to have been a “very smart” Preacher.

In October, 1832, the pews were offered for the first time, for rent for one year ;”to be sold to the highest bidder, provided the sum bid amount to three hundred and twenty-five dollars, reserving the pew east of the pulpit. “One year from this time they were rented again.

On the 12th of November, 1832, the committee was directed to “engage the Rev. David Smith for three Sabbaths.” During the year 1833 there is no account of a minister being hired by the Society. Mr. Shaw may have preached part of the year and others the remainder; the Home Missionary Society appropriated 80 dollars for 1833. On April 10th, 1834, they voted that “this Society will settle a minister provided the means can be obtained.” On the 21st of the same month they voted “That the prudential committee be directed to wait on Rev. Seth Sackett and invite him to become our minister and that we on our part will pay him four hundred dollars yearly, and that at any time, either party giving six months' notice, the connection between them maybe dissolved, without damage on either side.” This proposition was not accepted, and Mr. Sackett preached two months and probably no longer.

In 1835 Rev. Wm. F. Vail was hired for one year, his term of service extending into the summer of 1836.

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Several persons, not members of the committee, personally bound themselves for the payment of his salary. They circulated a subscription and obtained what they could, and at the end of the year made up the Whole amount that was wanting, by paying, each, an equal proportion of the deficiency. These are the names of the persons so uniting: Fitch Higgins, Jonathan Bement, Ephraim Hall, Orrin I-Tall, Reuben Carter, Luther Bailey, Joel Alcott, Lud Lindsley, Selah Upson, Noah H. Byington, Lucius Tuttle.

The committee were directed on the 4th of August, 1937, to “hire Mr. Chapman six weeks after next Sabbath, as a candidate for settlement,” and in September they voted to invite Rev. James D. Chapman to settle with them “as a gospel minister,” and this invitation being accepted, Mr. Chapman was” ordained Pastor of the church and Society of "Wolcott, on the 25th day of October, 1837,” with a salary of “three hundred dollars and all that is realized from the Home Missionary Society, annually, so long as he shall continue our minister-."

The following is a list of those who subscribed for the support of the gospel in 1837, who were seated in the Meeting house according to their age:

John Bronson 102	July 16^th	Rhoda Norton 63	Nov 6^th
John Frisbie 75	April 8^th	James Alcott 63	Dec 5^th
Nathaniel Lane 73	May 4^th	Levi Atkins 62	Jan 14^th
Sarah Parker 72	January 12^th	Royce Lewis 62	Feb 1^st
Theda Bailey 72	May 7^th	Ruth Johnson 62	Feb 1^st
Samuel Plumb 71	July 13^th	Luther Andrews 62	April 16^th
Amy Tuttle 70	March 14^th	Josiah Thomas 62	Sept 10^th
Mehitable Upson 69	January 24^th	John Bronson, Jr. 61	Jan 31^st
Samuel Gaylord 69	June 12^th	Joshua Minor 61	May 9^th
Lois Alcott 68	April 6^th	Selah Upson 61	May 26^th
Harvey Upson 68	Nov 11th	Lydia Hall 61	Aug 14^th
Lud Lindsley 67	Sept 24^th	Moses Bradley 60	Sept 25^th
Abner Hotchkiss 66	May 24^th	Luther Hotchkiss 59	Dec 17^th
Hannah Bronson 66	Aug 24^th	Elizabeth Alcott 58	July 14^th
Mark Alcott 64	May 11^th	Titus Bracket 58	Nov 25^th
John Thomas 64	Dec 9^th	Elihu Moulthrop 57	March 12^th

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Gates Upson 57	July 18^th	Ansel H. Plumb 34	Jan 6^th
David Scarritt 56	Dec 22^nd	Wm. B. Bradley 34	August 13^th
Ziba Norton 55	October 2^nd	Salmon Upson 34	Sept 8^th
Ira Hough 54	March 7^th	Mark Tuttle 34	October 21^st
Wm. Bartholomew 54	Nov 13^th	George Griswold 34
Archibald Miner 53	May 23^rd	Sylvia Thomas 33	February 15^th
Jonathan Bement 52	August 28^th	Ira Frisbie 33	March 28^th
Thomas Upson 52	Sept 23^rd	Alfred Churchill 33	May 28^th
Nathaniel G. Lewis 51	April 2^nd	Johnson Alcott 33	Dec 10^th
Clark Bronson 51	Dec 6^th	Lydia Hotchkiss 32	March 15^th
Moses Pond 50	January	Carlos R. Byington 32	April 24^th
Eldad Parker 50	July 24^th	Lucius Tuttle, Jr. 32	Sept 17^th
Isaac Hotchkiss 50	October	Luther Bailey 31	July 10^th
Olive Wiard 48	January 10^th	Encas Blakeslee, Jr. 31	Aug 10^th
Almon Alcott 47	February 29^th	Wm. Blakeslee 31	Oct 22^nd
Lucy S. Carter 47	Dec 2^nd	Charles Welton 30	April 30^th
Freelove Upson 46	Feb 2^nd	L.M. Sutliff 30	Sept 15^th
Daniel Holt 46	August	David Scarrit 30	Dec 28^th
Stephen Harrison 45	Sept 20^th	Anson H. Smith 29	March 20^th
Amanda Perkins 44	March 13^th	Jarvis R. Bronson 29	April 5^th
Reuben Carter 44	March 18^th	Henry Beecher 28	Jan 24^th
Jedeiah G. Alcott 44	June 26^th	Lenas Tolls 28	May
Hannah Plumb 43	February 12^th	Charles Upson 28	June 4^th
Lamburton Tolls 43	August	Benjamin Z. Lindsley 28	July 31^st
John Beecher 42	May 5^th	Noah H. Byington 28	Sept 18^th
Milo G. Hotchkiss 42	June 13^th	John Humiston 28	Sept 23^rd
Marvin Miner 42	August 19^th	Henry D. Upson 28	Oct 5^th
Stephen Meriman 42	Sept 20^th	Henry Harrison 27	March
Flavius Norton 42	Nov 27^th	James W. Norton 27	March 24^th
Anson G. Lane 41	March 19^th	Joel Alcott 27	August 16^th
William Plumb 41	July 29^th	Henry Minor 27	December 17^th
Orrin Hall 40	October 11^th	Levi Moulthrop 26	Jan 5^th
L.L. Kenea 39	June 21^st	Roxannah Perkins 25	Feb 13^th
Leonard Beecher 39	Nov 27^th	Augustus Rose 25	May 25^th
Ephraim Hall 38	Sept 15^th	Isaac Hough 25	Nov 23^rd
Nelson Tuttle 38	Nov 21^st	Cyrus Wiard 24	Jan 13^th
Florilla Hickox 37	March 7^th	Wm. Johnson 24	April 25^th
Chester Andrews 37	Sept 1^st	George H. Plumb 24	Oct 15^th
Joseph N. Sperry 37	Sept 5^th	Levi Atkins, Jr. 24	Nov 5^th
Prosper Hull 36	April 10^th	Henry A. Pond 23	January 13^th
Timothy Bradley 36	May 22^nd	David B. Frisbie 23	June 17^th
Alben Alcott 36	October 5^th	J.B.W. 23	June 23^rd
David S. Bailey 35	July 21^st	Ezra S. Hough 23	August 9^th
Mary Hotchkiss 35	August 11^th	Joel A. Hotchkiss 23	October 26^th
Abram Norton 35	Sept 15^th	Lucia Upson 22	Feb 13^th

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Lucius Upson 22	Feb 13^th	John C. Alcott 17	March 24^th
Elihu Moulthrop, Jr. 21	March 16^th	Wm. Wiard 16	Dec 10^th
Hendrick Norton 21	Dec 11^th	Rachel Lindsley
Stiles L. Hotchkiss 20	March 6^th	Isaac Bronson
Mary Ann Wiard 19	Nov 10^th	Mr. Higgins
Rufus Norton 18	Feb 18th

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CHAPTER VIII.

TIIE MINISTRY OF REV. JAMES D. CHAPMAN AND REV.

AARON C. BFACH: FROM 1837 TO 1857.

REV. JAMES D. CHAPMAN,

Mr. Chapman's ministry was passed during troublesome times. The anti-slavery spirit was rising in the country and making itself felt in political issues. Wolcott was a strongly democratic town and Mr. Chapman was a strong antislavery man, and it was not long after his settlement that the conflicting elements gave forth their legitimate prophecies. In April, 1839, when Mr. Chapman bad preached here but eighteen months, the Society “voted that a committee be appointed to confer with Rev. J. D. Chapman, with regard to the expediency of dissolving the pastoral relations existing between him and the Society.” So strong was the sympathy of some with the “peculiar institution” of the South that they adopted the barbarous expedient of despoiling their neighbors' property in order to intimidate them to silence. As a consequence, Mr. Chapman's horse was sheared, mane and tail, and also the horses of several other members of the church, and one member who had no horse had his cow sheared.

The church was satisfied with Mr. Chapman, but separate members of the Society, not members of the church, were very greatly opposed to him. The contest went on till the 11th day of December, 1839, when the Meeting house was burned to the ground. It is said in charity that the burning of the house was in part accidental. A notice had been given for an anti-slavery meeting to be held in the Meeting house. The evening before this

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meeting was to take place, a quantity of powder was placed in the stove with a slow match attached, and a little after nine o'clock in the evening a heavy explosion was felt and heard by the people residing near the Meeting house; but the cause they could not discover. About 12 o'clock in the night they were aroused by the cry of fire, and found the house all in flames, and it was soon a heap of ashes. The next day the anti-slavery meeting was held, and the people gathered around the smouldering ashes to keep warm while they were addressed on the great subject of freedom. It is possible that the intention was not to burn the Meeting house, but to destroy the stove, and thus prevent the meeting; for it is said that there was great opposition to having any stove in the house, and for this reason some wanted it destroyed. The first stove was put into the Meeting house about 18l5 and was used till near 1829, when it was set aside. The stove destroyed by the fire was a new one, and had been in the house about one month. This event made great excitement in the town and through the county. Some persons were arrested and held to trial, but when the trial came the principal witness was wanting. This witness was well known, and declared that certain parties had told him that if he testified in the court against them they would certainly kill him. Believing this, he left the town just before the trial, and has never been seen in Wolcott since. These things are still asserted by several of the most trustworthy persons of the town. This was the tribute that Wolcott paid in those early stages of the great conflict between slavery and freedom, a tribute which, though it seemed great at the time, was but a tithe of what it paid years after, in the conflict that closed, in 1865,in the realization of freedom to all the subjects of this nation without distinction of race or color. And it is to the highest honor of many in this town that, although they held strictly to the Democratic party, when the flag

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MINISTRY OF REV. JAMES D. CHAPMAN.

ilg

of the nation was dishonored by her own sons, they then buckled on the soldier's pack, marched to the war, and acquitted themselves like men. At the annual meeting, held on the 26tb of April, 184o, seventeen men withdrew from the First Society. They were the anti-slavery men, who ha(i been true and faithful to the church and to church principles as maintained in the Congregational churches in New England. They were nearly, if not all, communicants, and among them was Deacon Isaac 13ronson, the great and good man of this church.

When these persons had withdrawn, being strong friends of Rev. Mr. Chapman, and on the same side of the great question at issue, the Society @it once “voted that the Society hereby notify the Rev. James D. Chapman that they wish that the pastoral relation may be dissolved between him and this Society agreeably to the contract entered into between him and this church and Society, at the time of his settlement."*

An effort was made at this meeting, 26th of April, to raise a subscription to build a Meeting house, but did not succeed. On the 16th of May next they met again, and put forth the following, statement as the heading of a subscription paper

Whereas, the Congregational Society in the town of Wolcott have suffered a severe loss in the destruction of their house of public worship, inasmuch as they leave been deprived of a suitable and convenient place to assemble for the public worship of God; and whereas certain individuals who have formerly belonged to said Society have withdrawn from the same, thereby rendering said Society, whose strength has always been small, still more enfeebled ; and whereas it is believed that the erection of a house of public worship by said Society will greatly tend to unite the feelings and promote that p-ace and harmony throughout the parish which ought ht ever to exist amongst all ecclesiastical bodies; and whereas said Society are contemplating the erection of such

*The Contract was that the relation between the parties should be dissolved on condition that either party give six months notice

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a house, and feeling in their present circumstances the necessity of soliciting the aid of all those who feet desirous of promoting so laudable an object; therefore we, the undersigned, for the purpose of assisting said Society to build said house, hereby promise to pay, on demand, to the treasurer of said Society, or his successors in said office, the several sums set opposite our respective names, to be used by said Society for the purpose aforesaid.

Fifteen men were appointed to circulate this subscription paper, and on the 2oth of June they had succeeded so far that the Society held a meeting and appointed the following persons a building committee: Joseph N. Sperry, Marvin Miner, Ira Hough, Ira Frisbie, and Levi Moulthrop. “The house, including portico, to be 52 feet long main body of the house 46 feet long by 36 feet wide length of posts, 20 feet."

This effort to build a Meeting house did not bring back those persons who had withdrawn, and on the 10^th of July, 1840, a Second Congregational Society of Wolcott Was organized. Under these Circumstances a Council was called, consisting of the “whole Consociation.” The church united in calling the Council because the Society demanded the demission of the pastor. On the 9th of November, 1840,- probably the day on Which Mr. Chapman was dismissed,- the church, at a church meeting, took the following action :”Voted unanimously that we are well satisfied with the, Rev. James D. Chapman as a gospel minister, both as to his preaching and personal department, and are desirous that the pastoral relation might be continued but as the persons who now constitute the Society over which he was installed are anxious for his demission, we reluctantly consent to it; provided the Rev. Consociation shall judge it meet and proper."

The Council met apparently on the 9th of November, 184o, and passed the following remarkable but just and high-toned declaration:

“Whereas, there have existed various difficulties in the church and Ecclesiastical Society in Wolcott, which have led to the form-

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MINISTRY OF REV. JAMES D. CIIAPMAN.

ation of distinct congregations for public worship; and whereas, the Consociation has been requested to act on the case, in which request both parties have acquiesced ; and whereas, the interests of religion must be seriously injured in the place by their continued separate existence ; and whereas, the Consociation anticipate no good result from investigation into difficulties complicated and of so long standing, which it would be impossible now wholly to settle; therefore

Resolved, Th4 as in the opinion of Consociation, a union of these two bodies may take place without any sacrifice of principle by either of them, a union ought therefore to take place on the basis of the following great principles and stipulations, to be solemnly assented to and forever faithfully observed by the parties herein before mentioned: -

The church, in Congregational usage, is a body distinct and independent of the Ecclesiastical Society, and as such, should in the settlement of a pastor, give a separate vote to be concurred in by the Society, if the Society see fit; and moreover, may for sufficient reasons separate from the Society; but the separation never should take place except in peculiar emergencies and after seeking counsel of Consociation or the neighboring churches.

It is a cardinal principle that every pastor has a right to discuss in his pulpit those subjects, moral and religious, the discussion of which will in his judgment promote the cause of the Redeemer, and that it is an unreasonable and dangerous infringement on his right, for his church or Society to dictate to him, white their pastor, what moral and religious subjects he shall or shall not discuss; while we fully admit not only that the exercise of this right should be governed by discretion and wise regard to the interests of religion in the community, but also that a church or Society if they deem themselves aggrieved by indiscreet and improper discussion in the pulpit may seek redress, but only by the regular ecclesiastical and civil processes.

The above principles of Congregationalism are fully established 'and admitted, which no Congregational church or Society can violate without injustice to others and unfaithfulness to their denominational obligations.

We, therefore, the Congregational church and Society in Wolcott, do hereby solemnly admit these principles and express our

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fixed intention to abide by them. We also acknowledge it to be the sacred right of all individuals to enjoy, undisturbed, their own views in respect to Moral Reform, Anti-slavery, Temperance, and kindred subjects, and that we will not disturb, and will use our influence to prevent others from disturbing, any public meeting held for the discussion of these subjects.

Resolved, That on the above principles and stipulations we will finite in good faith as one Society in finishing the House of Worship which has been commenced on the site of the former house, and endeavor hereafter to support the gospel therein in peace and harmony, it being mutually understood that said house shall be opened for the discussion of the above mentioned subjects whenever it shall be requested by a majority of the Church.”

Upon this arrangement between the Society and the church, the pastor was dismissed with the full confidence of the church and Council, and the church and Society entered upon their engagement to complete the Meeting house.

During Mr. Chapman's first year of labor twenty-one persons united with the church, most of them by profession, so that the condition of the church and the congregation was prosperous and hopeful; and had the Society, or rather certain members of it, conducted themselves according to the Congregational principles which they finally bound themselves to obey, there would have been little if any of this difficulty.

This conflict of opinion was not peculiar to Wolcott, but occurred in many communities in the nation. It resulted from the persistent effort of a political party striving to please slaveholders, by intimidation and by formal attacks upon the faith and freedom of the gospel, as maintained by a very large portion of the Christian people of the nation.

REV. AARON C. BRACFI'S MINISTRY,

During the interval between Mr. Chapman's demission

and the employment of Mr. Beach, the Rev. Zephaniah

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MINISTRY OF REV. AARON C. BEACH.

1 23

Swift supplied the pulpit from nine months to one year, and seems to have given good satisfaction as a minister. Mr. Aaron C. Beach preached his first sermon in Wolcott on December 19, 1841, in the Center School House. On the 6th of September, previous, the Society voted to hold their meetings in the Meeting house, but it is probable, that as the Meeting house was not finished inside, and as there was no way to warm it sufficiently in December, they held their meetings in the school house. Mr. Beach was engaged to preach six months, at the end of which time he received a unanimous call to become the pastor.

He was ordained by New Haven West Consociation, on the 22d day of June, 1842. The members of Consociation present were: Rev. Zephaniah Swift, Rev. John E. Ray, Rev. Jason Atwater, Rev. Anson Smith. The delegates were: Brothers Eben Hotchkiss, of Prospect; Eli Dickerman, of Fast Plains ; Nathaniel Richardson, of Middlebury; Amos R. Hough, of Mt. Carmel; George W. Shelton, of Derby; Andrew W. De Forest, of Humphreysville; Deacon Lucian F. Lewis, of Naugatuck.

Rev. Z. Swift was chosen moderator and Rev. A. Smith, scribe. Rev. S. W. S. Dutton, of New Haven, and E. Lyman, of Plymouth, being present, were invited to sit as corresponding members, and after the examination the ordination services were arranged as follows: Mr. Lyman to offer the introductory prayer, Mr. Dutton to preach the sermon, Mr. Bray to offer the ordaining prayer, Mr. Swift to offer the right hand of fellowship, and Mr. Atwater to address the people and offer the concluding prayer. The services were held in the Meeting house, under the “naked rafters,” at it o'clock on Wednesday, June 22d, 1842. Mr. Beach graduated at Yale College, in 1835, was licensed to preach in 1838, and remained connected with Yale Theological Seminary till near the time when he began to preach in Wolcott. He bad a wife and one child when he came here, and resided three or four years in the house which Mr. Keys had for-

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merly occupied. After his settlement, the first great work was to finish the Meeting house, which had already been in process of building nearly two years. It was completed January j8th, 1843, and dedicated the next day, and has been a very comfortable and commodious house to the present time. During the year 1843 fifteen persons united with the church, and affairs presented a more promising and hopeful appearance than for some years before. Mr. Beach says of his labors here: “No extensive revival of religion occurred while I was in Wolcott, but more than once we enjoyed a pleasant season of quickened religious interest, which resulted in additions to the church at different times.” Forty-four names were added to the list of members while he labored here; the church and Society worked together in great harmony, and the way was prepared for better days.

A very important work was accomplished by Mr. Beach in building the house now owned as a parsonage. He built it for himself, but when he closed his labors here the Society purchased it of him. The ground around it, about four acres, was given to him for the purpose of a home, and a hard piece of land it @vas. There were more than four acres of stones to be disposed of before much soil could be found. Money and work were contributed by the parish,-some say, over a thousand dollars in money, besides the work; but often such matters are overestimated. Mr. Beach put in money of his own, to the amount of twelve hundred dollars, and when he left there was a debt of five hundred dollars, which the Society accepted, and on this condition Mr. Beach sold them the house. It is a good house, commodious, and pleasantly located, and there would be pleasure in the thought of the accomplishment of so good an object, but for the little item that somebody “paid too dear for his whistle.” When they began to build this house, the house that Mr. Woodward had owned, with ten acres of land, and very commodious out buildings, was for sale at the low price

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MINISTRY OF REV. AARON C. BEACH

of seven hundred dollars, The choice to-day between that and the parsonage would be in favor of the former. If that had been purchased, Mr. 13cach might have saved his $1,2oo, and the Society its $5oo, and then put that in repair with the extra money over $7oo and the labor expended on the parsonage grounds.

MR. BEACH DISMISSED.

At a church meeting held May 10th, 1857, the “church having appointed Deacon A. H. Plumb chairman, received a communication from their pastor, requesting the church to unite with him in calling the Consociation for the purpose of dissolving his relation to them as their pastor.” This communication was as follows:-

May 10, 1857

To the Congregational Church of Wolcott:

Beloved: It is not without pain and sadness that I separate myself from such tried and faithful friends as you have been to me and mine, in health and sickness, in joy and sorrow, these fifteen years. But the serious and growing inadequacy of my salary constrains me to ask, and I do hereby ask, you to unite with me in calling the Consociation to dissolve my relations to you as your pastor. Affectionately, your fellow disciple,

AARON C. BEACH."

Upon the reception of this letter the church voted to "grant said request, and accordingly appointed Deacon Orrin Hall a delegate to the said Consociation whenever it shall be convenient for that purpose."

DOINGS OF CONSOCIATION.

At a special meeting, Of the Consociation of New Haven West, held at Wolcott, May 27th, 1857, there were present the following pastors and delegates:

Wolcott, A. C. Beach, pastor, Deacon Orrin Hall, delegate; Waterbury, P. W. Carter, delegate; Naugatuck, C. Sherman, pastor, Bro. David Hopkins, delegate; Oxford, S. Topliff, pastor; Woodbridge, J. Guernsey, pastor, Bro. Nelson Newton, delegate;

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Hamden E. Plains, Deacon Eli Dickerman, delegate; Hamden, Mt. Carmel, Bro. Lucius Wes, delegate; Seymour, Bro. W. H. Tuttle, delegate.

Mr. Topliff was appointed moderator, and C. S. Sherman, scribe.

After full inquiry and discussion, Consociation voted unanimously that the pastoral relation between Rev. A. C. Beach and the Congregational Church and Society in Wolcott be dissolved, the dissolution to take place on the 22d proximo. In coming to this result Consociation express their conviction of the self-denying work of Bro. Beach, in laboring fifteen years, under the embarrassments of an inadequate temporal support, to preach the gospel to this people, raising up men and women for usefulness in other places to which they have been constantly emigrating, and preparing saints here for heaven. We sympathize with him in the necessity of leaving a still warmly attached church and people. We sincerely commend him to the-ministry and (hutches as an able and faithful minister. With this church and Society, in their destitute circumstances, we also heartily sympathize, bearing witness to their self-denying efforts to sustain the gospel among themselves. We pray the Great Head of the Church that the way may be opened, the means of support supplied, and a faithful servant of Christ be sent to them, and this place not be left waste, or the people be scattered @ sheep having no shepherd.

Attest: C. S. SHERMAN, Scribe.

The above statements were very true as to the sacrifice and efforts on the part both of pastor and people to sustain the preaching of the gospel in this place. Those were the years of emigration from Wolcott. The building of the church was a heavy work for the people, and after the best that could be done in raising money to pay for it, there was a debt of $350, which they tried to liquidate in the autumn Of 1843, but whether they succeeded or not we are not told. In 1846 they took up the subject of procuring a bell, in which they seem to have been successful, partly by the sale of the bell metal of the old bell which melted when the church was burned, and by a special subscription.

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MINISTRY OF REV. AARON C. BEACH.

In 1847 they took up the work of procuring a parsonage, and voted that subscription papers be circulated for this purpose, but they did not succeed. In 1848 they voted to “issue subscription papers to raise $750, for the purpose of buying,” for a parsonage, “the place now owned by Mrs. Finch, provided the amount be raised.” But they did not succeed in getting the parsonage. Then, in 1849, we find another special subscription for the purpose of paying $ too, “arrearages."

The efforts to secure a parsonage having failed, Mr. Beach engaged in building a house for himself, which he finished in good style; but alas, when he proposed to sell it, the Society could not refund the money he had put into it; for, to assume the five hundred dollars debt was all they could do, and that cost them many years of hard labor and sacrifice to pay.

Thus closed the labors of Rev. Aaron C. Beach, as pastor in Wolcott.

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CHAPTER IX.

REV. STEPHEN ROGERS’, REV. LENTS. HOUGH’S, AND REV. W. C. FISK’S MINISTRY: FROM 1858 TO 1872.

REV. STEPHEN ROGERS.

In the Spring of 1858, Rev. Z. 13. Burr, of Weston, Conn., received a “call” from this church and Society, but a settlement was not secured with him. In January, 1859, a call was extended to Rev. Stephen Rogers, and in February next the Society concurred in the call, and he was installed, the Society Records say, on the 7th of March, 1859, but the Church Records, a copy of the scribe's paper of the proceedings of Consociation, says the 25th day of March, 1859. Probably the latter is correct.

Members of the Consociation and other churches invited, who took part in the exercises of installation, were as follows: (The list of ministers and delegates present is not preserved.)

Rev. Austin Putnam, moderator; Rev. E. W. Robinson, scribe.

Invocation, by Rev. Geo. Bushnell; Sermon by Rev. Jas. Averil; Installation Prayer, by Austin Putnam ; Charge to the Pastor, by Rev. Charles S. Sherman; Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. Alexander D. Stowel; Address to the People, by Rev. E. W. Robinson; Concluding Prayer, by Rev. E. C. Jones; Benediction, by the pastor.

Mr. Rogers came from Northfield, and was a man advanced in life, of precarious health, but of noble spirit and of devoted mind. He found a quiet, peaceful parish,

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MINISTRY OF REV. STEPHEN ROGERS.

a good parsonage to live in, and a warm-hearted, working church. It must be noticed here that during the year 1858 the church was greatly revived under the preaching of Rev. Joseph Smith, who was engaged some months as a supply. I find no mention of him in the records of either church or Society, but he was a Methodist local preacher, not engaged regularly in the Conference of that denomination, and resided in or near Birmingham.* During the year 1858, thirty-nine persons united with the church by profession, quite a number of whom remain to this day devoted and trustworthy members. Most of these persons united in May, 1858, but it is probable that Mr. Smith began to preach in the summer or autumn of 1857, and continued during the following winter, it being a time of general religious interest in the parish. Mr. Rogers came here less than a year after these thirty-nine persons (at one time) united with the church, and had the comforting advantage of a church wide awake in religious things. He did well, considering his state of health, and is remembered with great kindness by the people of the parish. The following communication received by the church explains the difficulty of parish work to him, and the cause of the dissolution of the pastoral relation.

MR. ROGERS' LETTER.

To the Congressional Church and Society of Wolcott:

Beloved Brethren and Friends:-God in His allwise providence has for a long time visited me with sickness, rendering me incapable of performing all the duties that are expected of one having the pastoral relation; and, as there is no reasonable prospect of seasonable returning health, I feel constrained for your good and my own, to ask that the relation existing between myself and the church and Society be dissolved, to take effect the 18th of

*Rev. Mr. Smith is now (1874) a member of the Methodist Episcopal Conference, and is a successful minister in his denomination. He is preaching in Derby, Conn.

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April next., Grateful for the friendly relations that have existed between us from the first to this day, and for the sympathy and kindness manifested to me through all the months of trial through which I have been called to pass; greatly desiring the prosperity of the church and Society, and the re-establishment of the pastoral relation, and that you may enjoy and abound in all the blessings of the Spirit, is the prayer, of your unworthy servant.

STEPHEN ROGERS.

WOLCOTT, Conn., SEPT 6, 1862.

ACTION OF THE CHURCH.

WOLCOTT, Sept. 6, 1862.

Church voted unanimously to accept the above request.

Voted, that we as a church deeply sympathize with our pastor, Rev. Stephen Rogers, in his protracted illness and inability to preach the gospel. And further that we have fall confidence in His Christian character and integrity as a minister of the gospel and that we cheerfully recommend him to any church wherever in the providence of God he may be called.

The Society concurred in a vote to accede to Mr. Rogers' request for a dismissal by Consociation, and it is probable that he was regularly dismissed, though I and no record to that effect.*

Mr. Rogers removed to Woodbury, Conn., where he departed this life a few weeks after reaching that place,

REV. LENT S. HOUGH.

Rev. Lent S. Hough came to Wolcott in the Spring of

*Mr. Rogers donated to the church library of thirty volumes, consisting chiefly of standard theological works. The idea of writing a history of Wolcott was first suggested to the author while examining a book in this library, entitled Hayward’s New England Gazetteer. This book contains an account of Wolcott, but makes no allusion to the Church,- as though it were a heathen community, or one in which the preaching of the gospel had been discontinued. The author was thus led to make special inquiry respecting the religious history of the town, and the present volume is largely occupied with the result of his investigations. If it were not for the strange omission in the Gazetteer, the history of Wolcott might never have been written.

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MINISTRY OF REV. LENT S. HOUGH

1863 Mr. Rogers closed his labors on the 18th of April, and on the 27th of the same month the Society voted to raise three hundred and twenty-five dollars for the purpose of hiring “Rev. L. S. Hough to preach for one year, and that the salary should be paid semi-annually.” On the 4th of May, following, the Society voted “to invite Rev. L. S. Hough to serve as acting pastor of this Society, and that we invite the church to unite with us in the request.” There is no record of any action by the church. In the Society vote there is no mention of the time for which lie was engaged, nor of the terms upon which he was to continue with them. Mr. Hough came from Westfield Society, in the town of Middletown, where he bad been a settled pastor for seventeen years. The letter he brought with him from that Society shows the appreciation of him by that people. It is as follows:

The Fourth Church of Middletown, to the Congregational Church at Wolcott, Conn.:

Beloved Brethren:-This is to certify that the Rev. Lent S. Hough and Hannah S. his wife, are esteemed members of the Fourth Congregational Church in Middletown, in good and regular standing; and having signified their wish to remove their particular relations from us to yourselves, they are hereby recommended to your special care and fellowship, and when they shall be received into membership with you their particular connection with us will be considered as dissolved. Hoping that our beloved late pastor will find among you warm hearts and kind friends, and a liberal support, both in temporal and spiritual things, we recommend him, dear brethren, to your special love. And may his labors be as faithful and as successful with you m they have been with us, and may your prayers ever follow him, as ours certainly will, through all the troubles and trials he may still be called to pass before he shall finally reach his heavenly rest.

In behalf of the church,

HENRY CORNWELL, Clerk.

MIDDLETOWN, May 4, 1863.

Thus introduced, Mr. Hough went forward with the success of former pastors in this church, for three years,

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during which time nineteen persons united with the church, and other interests were proportionately prosperous. I am informed, however, that during the summer of 1866 lie manifested great discouragement in regard to the religious condition of the church, and seemed ready to seek some other field of labor. It was during this summer that Deacon Samuel Holmes, of New York, with his family, made his home in this parish for a few months; a fact that will be remembered with gladness for many years to come. The larger part of the time had passed before Mr. Hough became really acquainted with Mr. Holmes, for as he said afterward, he supposed Mr. Holmes was one of the city people, and would scarcely take notice of a country pastor or his flock. Early in the autumn, while the church was still in a torpid state, and after Mr. Hough had passed through several attacks of illness, accompanied with most acute pain, lie gave expression publicly to his feeling of despondency, and added that if any one present had any word of encouragement or exhortation he would be glad to have him speak. Upon this, Deacon Holmes arose, took his position by the table in front of the pulpit, and, referring to the pastor's feeling of discouragement, expressed the conviction that if efforts were put forth in cheerful hope. better days would dawn in Wolcott. To test the matter, be proposed that as the evenings were becoming longer, and the people had passed through the hurry of farm work, they should come together in a prayer meeting at a private house during the week. This proposal was eagerly adopted by Deacon Ansel H. Plumb, who invited them to his house. Between that day and the evening of the meeting, Deacon Holmes conversed with three young men on the subject of personal religion. He found one of them cherishing a hope, and the other two anxious in regard to their spiritual state. He persuaded them to come to the Thursday evening prayer meeting and state there what they bad

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MINISTRY OF REV. LENT S. HOUGH

told him. When the evening, came and the meeting was opened, Mr. Holmes made a few remarks, and called upon the young men to take up their cross. After they had spoken, there was no lack of interest in the meeting, nor in subsequent meetings of the church, for several months. For some few weeks, while Deacon Holmes remained in the place, regular prayer meetings were held, and sometimes special meetings, which resulted in the conversion of a number of persons. When Mr. Holmes left, lie had engaged J. D. Potter, the “evangelist,” to hold meetings there for one week, which engagement was fulfilled at the time with good success. The result was that at the first communion in 1807, on January 6th, twenty-seven persons united with the church, and at the next communion four more. This success in the church revived the courage of Mr. Hough for a time, but be still felt inclined to find another parish, and offered his resignation to that effect, but it was not accepted. Again, in the beginning of 1869, lie offered His resignation, and it was at once accepted by the officers of the church, without calling a meeting either of the church or of the Society. This method of doing business by the officers, “gave dissatisfaction to many; but it is said by the officers that the agreement with Mr. Hough was that if upon his giving a certain timely notice, he was to be allowed to go.” It will be readily seen that if any persons were to vote, those who called him, or the Society, should have done it; so that the method adopted was clearly contrary to Congregational rules and usages.

A COMMUNION SERVICE.

In the year 1864, the church was the recipient of a valuable present, which will be cherished by it, probably for the next century at least, and the following entry in the Records explains itself:

At a meeting of the Congregational Church in Wolcott, duly held on this 18th day of April, 1864, it being the 70th birthday

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anniversary of our much esteemed friend, widow Wealthy H. Wes, of Waterbury, formerly of this town; there was presented from her to this church as a birthday free will offering, an exceedingly rich and valuable communion service. Whereupon, it was voted That we gratefully receive the highly prized offering, and tender to the kind donor our heartfelt thanks for it, hoping that in ministering to others she may be ministered to from on high, abundantly, and that finally she may meet all the recipients of her bounty in the general assembly of the church in heaven.

Mrs. Wes was born in Wolcott, and was the daughter of Charles Upson, Esquire, for many years one of the most influential men of the town.*

In 1867, Feb. 28th, the church voted unanimously “to donate our old communion service, not now used, to the Congregational church in Allegan County, Michigan."

REVISED ARTICLES OF FAITH.

On the 1st of February, 1865, a committee was appointed to revise the Articles of Faith and Covenant, consisting of Rev. L. S. Hough, Deacon A. H. Plumb, B. A. Lindsley, S. L. Hotchkiss, and Deacon L. B. Bronson. They made their report at the next communion, and the revised Articles and Covenant were adopted, and were afterward printed, together with a list of the ministers and deacons, and the surviving members of the church. The old articles were twelve in number, and were Calvinistic in Their doctrinal statements; the new or revised articles are eight in number, and have not the slightest tincture of Calvinism in them. The wording of these articles, however, is so obscure that it is difficult to discern what doctrines are intended to be taught. The rules of the church, as published in this “Manual,” are peculiar in this respect, that members are received without vote, on the negative condition that no one publicly objects.

_______________________________________________________________________________

*See Biography of Dr. Ives. Mrs. Ives died November 21st, 1808, in the twenty-fifth year of her age.

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MINISTRY OF REV. WARREN C. FISKE

Mr. Hough closed His labors in the Spring of 1869, and went to Salem, Conn., where he preached sixteen months. I-le then settled in Lyme, where after three years he is still successfully at work, notwithstanding the severe and peculiar afflictions experienced by himself and family.

During Mr. Hough's labors in Wolcott, important repairs Were made on the Meeting house, inside and outside, and a cabinet organ was purchased to aid in the singing. The money for these improvements was secured, mostly, by the Ladies' Sewing Society of the congregation, and, as is often the case, the number of ladies engaged in the work of the Sewing Society was not large.

REV. WARREN C. FISKE.

The officers of the Society, having dismissed Mr. Hough without a vote of tile Society or the church, proceeded in like manner to hire another minister. They secured Rev. Warren C. Fiske, of Barkhamstead, a good pastor and preacher. It is possible that the committee proceeded in this manner without intending any violation of Congregational order, but it is difficult to see how they could proceed in this manner, when it was well known that there was much dissatisfaction in the parish in consequence of their dismissal of Mr. Hough. Mr. Fiske came to Wolcott in May, 1869, and continued to serve the church very acceptably for three years, and then, at his own pleasure, closed his labors, with the intention not to take charge of a parish again,-for a time, at least.

The year 1870 was the one hundredth year of the organization of the parish Society, and in that year should have been held the centenary meeting ; but as far as I have learned, no one thought of it or proposed such a meeting.*

*If some persons were so capable of conducting such meeting as they represented themselves to be in 1873, why did they not show specimen of their skill in 1870?

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No special revival occurred during Mr. Fiske's labors, yet the church kept up its meetings regularly, and attended to all the usual interests with earnestness and fidelity. The people speak in high terms of Mr. Fiske, his excellent wife, and agreeable family. He preached 'IS he was able, in the school houses, but being subject to sudden attacks of a bronchial ailment, could not do as he otherwise would, in the work of preaching. He removed from Wolcott to Charlton, Mass., where he now resides, preaching only occasionally, being without regular pastoral work.

REV. SANIUEI, ORCUTT

commenced his services in this parish as stated supply, July 1st, 1872, and as to his labors, this book, including the account of the Centenary meeting, must bear its testimony. He preached three Sabbaths as supply, without any purpose of continuing here. But on learning from the records that 1873 was the one hundredth year of the existence of the church organization, the idea of holding a Centenary meeting arose in his mind and became a special attraction, because of the great pleasure lie takes in historic study. In regard to that meeting, lie has but one regret, namely, that in consequence of the restricted notions of a few brethren in the church, he was obliged to omit several items which would have given greater interest to that very successful and long to be remembered gathering.

During his second year, the Meeting house was repaired, outside and inside, at a cost of over two hundred dollars, and chairs, tables, and a sofa were placed in the Meeting house and in the parsonage, to the value of one hundred and twenty-five dollars, besides a beautiful and durable clock, donated by Deacon Charles Benedict,-of Waterbury, through the agency of George Bridgeman, Esq., of Wolcott, lately deceased. A large proportion of the funds to purchase this furniture was solicited by the kind favor of Miss Mary E. Cook, of the

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MINISTRY OF REV. SAMUEL ORCUTT.

First Church in Waterbury, and was presented to the church through Mrs. Henry Minor and Mrs. Elihu Moulthrop, of Wolcott. Mr. Ephraim Hall contributed twenty-five dollars toward this fund; the remainder was raised by subscription in sums of five dollars and under.

Preaching services have been held in each of the six School Districts in the parish; and the whole number of sermons preached in the eighteen months, preceding January 1st, 1874, was two hundred and sixty, being an average of three and one-third a week for that time; and while thus preaching, the duties of Acting School Visitor have been faithfully attended to. Much time and labor were bestowed, meanwhile, upon preparations for the Centenary meeting, and also upon tire pleasing task of collecting materials for this history, and preparing it for the press.

The church has received aid from the Connecticut Home Missionary Society during the last forty-six years as follows:

1828	$50	1843	$100	1852	$100	1860	$125
1829	80	1844	100	1853	100	1861	125
1831	79	1845	100	1854	100	1862	125
1832	40	1846	100	1855	100	1863	100
1833	80	1847	150	1856	125	1864	175
1836	75	1848	100	1857	125	1872	100
1838	75	1849	100	1858	100	1873	200
1842	150	1850	100	1859	100	1874	200

The whole amount thus received being three thousand four hundred and eighty dollars, a sum for which all the people feel grateful, and which reflects great honor on the Missionary Society.

The Society has a small fund left to it by legacy, the interest of which is used for the support of the gospel in the parish. The following resolution was passed by the Society in regard to a part of this fund, in April, 1860, but whether that was the date of the reception of the same does not appear:

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Resolved, That the legacy of one hundred dollars left by Major Preserve W. Carter for the Congregational Society of Wolcott, constitute a permanent fund to be kept for the benefit of said Society, in the Waterbury Savings Bank, until further action of said Society; the income to be appropriated for the support of the gospel.

The sum of two hundred and fifty dollars was given by Judge Bennet Bronson, of Waterbury, the income of which is used for the support of the gospel.

In addition to these items of aid, it is a fact that in order to maintain the gospel in the parish, the members of the church are paying yearly a sum equal to one and one-eighth per cent on their assessment in the grand list, a sum much larger in proportion than is generally paid by the more wealthy churches.

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CHAPTER X.

OFFICERS OF TTIE CIIURCIF AND SOCIETY, AND MEMBERS

OF THE CHURCH.

MINTSTERS.

Rev. Alexander Gillet, ordained Dec. 29, 1773, dismissed Nov. 10, 1791. Died in Torrington, Connn., Jan. 10, 1826.

Rev. Israel B. Woodward, ordained June, 1792. Died Nov. 17, 1810.

Rev. Lucas Hart, ordained Dec. 4, 1811. Died October 16, 1813.

Rev. John Keys, installed Sept. 21, 1814, dismissed December, 1822. Died in Dover, Ohio, 1868. Aged 86.

Dea. Isaac Bronson, read sermons most of the time five consecutive years, from 1822 to 1827.

Rev. Erastus Scranton, stated supply from June 1, 1827, to August, 1829.

Rev. Mr. Wheelock, stated supply from Sept. 7, 1829, to Sept. 7, 1830.

Rev. Nathan Shaw, stated supply from July 4, 1831, nine months.

Rev. Seth Sackett, stated supply, a short time.

Rev. Wm. F. Vail, stated supply one year.

Rev. James D. Chapman, ordained Oct. 25, 1837, dismissed Nov., 1840.

Rev. Zephaniah Swift, stated supply, probably one year.

Rev. Aaron C. Beach, ordained June 22, 1842, dismissed June 22, 1857.

Rev. Z. B. Burr, stated supply a short time.

Rev. Joseph Smith, stated supply, one year.

Rev. Stephen Rogers, installed March 25, 1859, dismissed April 18, 1863, and died the same year in Woodbury, Conn.

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Rev. Lent S. Hough, stated supply from May, 1863, to May, 1869.

Rev. Warren C. Fiske, stated supply, from May, 1969, to June, 1872.

Rev. Samuel Orcutt, stated supply, from July 1, 1872, to May 17, 1874.

DEACONS

Aaron 14arrison, elected Jan. 26, 1774. Died Sept. 5, 1819.

Josiah Rogers, elected Jan. 26, 1774. Died Oct. 1, 1803.

Justus Peck, elected 1784, resigned Feb. 27, 1822. Died Nov. 23, 18l3.

Joseph Atkins, Jr., elected April 19, 1786, resigned and moved to Chenango Co., N. Y., in 1805.

Isaac Bronson, elected May 16, 1805. Died April 28, 1845.

James Bailey, elected Feb. 27, 1812. Died March 29, 1834.

Isaac Bronson, elected June 3, 1825, resigned March 20, 1834. Removed to

Cheshire, thence to Bristol, where he now resides.

Harvey Upson, elected May 12, 1832. Died Sept. 11, 1857.

Orrin Hall, elected May 18, 1835.

Ansel H. Plumb, elected Nov. 9, 1838. Died Aug. 20, 1870.

Lyman B. Bronson, elected June 3, 1864. Died May 27, 1866.

Miles S. Upson, elected March 1, 1867.

George W. Carter, elected Sept. 2, 1870.

CLERKS OF THE CHURCH.

Rev. Alexander Gillet, from 1773 to 1791.

Rev. Israel B. Woodward, from 1792 to 181O.

Rev. Lucas Hart, from 1811 to 1813.

Rev. John Keys, from 1814 to 1822.

Dea. Isaac Bronson, from 1823 to 1836.

Rev. James D. Chapman, from 1837 to 1840.

William Bartholomew, from Nov., 1840, to May, 1842.

Rev. Aaron C. Beach, from June, 1842, to May, 1857.

Stiles L. Hotchkiss, from March, 18S8, to 1874

MODERATORS OF THE ANNUAL SOCIETY MEETINGS.

Dea. Aaron Harrison, 1770, 1774, 1775, 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1782, 1783, 1788, 1789, 1794, 1795.

Capt. Isaac Hopkins, 1771, 1772, 1773, 1785, 1786.

Capt. Samuel Upson, 1780, 1787, 1790.

Capt. Zaccheus Gillet, 1781.

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OFFICERS OF SOCIETY

Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, 1784, 1793.

Dea. Joseph Atkins, 179I, 1792, 1797.

Esq. Charles Upson, 1796, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1803, 1804, 1807, 1809.

Esq. Mark Harrison., 1801, 1802, 1805, 18o6, 1809, 1811, 18I4, 1815, 1816, 1820.

Jacob Carter, 1810.

Asaph Hotchkiss, 1812.

Lud Lindsley, 1813

Doct. John Potter, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1822, 1823, 1827.

Capt Harvey Upson, 1821, 1828, 1829, 1834, 1837.

Thomas Upson, 1824, 1825.

Lucius Tuttle, 1826, 1830, r831, 1842, 1852, 1854

Luther Hotchkiss, 1832, 1833, 1835, 1838, 1841, 1844, 1846.

Clark Bronson, 1836, 1849, 1855

Dea. Orrin Hall, 1839.

Ira Hough, 1840, 1843, 1845, 1847.

Dea. George W. Carter, 1848.

Dea. Ansel H. Plumb, 1850, 18S6, 1863.

Jarvis R. Bronson, 1851, 1858, 1860, 1872.

Benjamin A. Lindsley, 1853, 1862, 1864

Eldad Parker, 1861.

Mark Tuttle, 1865.

Stiles L. Hotchkiss, 1857, 1859, 1866, 1870, 1871, 1873.

CLERKS OF SOCIETY.

Daniel Byington, Sen., was clerk one year, or, from 1770 to 1771.

Daniel Byington, Jr., from 1771 to 1798, 26 years.

Dea. Isaac Bronson, from 1799 to 1831, 32 years.

Thomas Upson, from 1832, one year.

William Bartholomew, from 1833 to 1835, two Years.

Mark Tuttle, from 1836 to 1838, two years.

Ezra S. Hough, from 1839 to 1842, 3 years.

Joseph N. Sperry, from 1843 to April, 1847, 3½ years.

Stiles L. Hotchkiss, from April, 1847, to April, 185O, 3 years.

Dea. George W. Carter, from April, 1850, to May, 1874, 24 years.

TRFASURERS OF THE SOCIETY.

Dea. Josiah Rogers, from 1770 to 1773, 3 years.

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Capt. Simeon Hopkins. from 1773 to 1789, 16 years.

Capt. Charles Upson, from 1789 to 1790, one year.

Jacob Carter, from 1790 to 1793, 3 years.

Esq. Mark Harrison, from 1793 to 1797, 4 years.

Dea. Isaac Bronson, from 1797 to 1830, 33 years.

Ira Hough, from 1831 to 1832, one year.

Lucius Tuttle, from 1833, one year.

Clark Bronson, from x834, one year.

Mark Tuttle, from 1835 to 1838, 3 years.

Ezra S. Hough, from 1838 to 1843, 5 years.

Stiles L. Hotchkiss, from 1843 to 1850, 7 years,

Dea. George W. Carter, from 1850 to 1874, 24 years.

PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEES

1770-Josiall Rogers, John Alcox, Stephen Barnes, John Bronson, Amos Seward.

1771-David Norton, Amos Seward, Stephen Barnes, Daniel Alcox, Joseph Beecher.

1772-David Norton, Amos Seward, John Alcox, Joseph Beecher, John Bronson.

1773-Amos Seward, Joseph Beecher, Stephen Barnes.

1774-Amos Seward, Stephen Barnes, Samuel Upson.

1775-Samuel Upson, Stephen Barnes, Joseph Beecher.

1776-Joseph Beecher, Samuel Upson, Amos Seward.

1777-Amos Seward, Jared Harrison, Thomas Upson.

1778-Daniel Byington, Jr., Thomas Upson, Daniel Alcox, Jared Harrison.

1779-Daniel Byington, Jared Harrison, Lieut. Alcox.

1780-Daniel Byington, Deacon Rogers, Jared Harrison.

1781-Daniel Byington, Charles Upson, Joseph Beecher.

1782-Lieut. Beecher, Daniel Byington, Lieut. Peck, Simeon Hopkins, Charles Upson.

1793-Lieut. Beach, Mark Harrison, David Norton.

1784-David Norton, Justus Peck, Mark Harrison, Simeon Hopkins, Lieut. Beecher.

1785-Justus Peck, David Norton, Mark Harrison, Joseph Beecher, Simeon Hopkins.

1786-Abraham Norton, Jonathan Carter, Justus Peck, Simeon Hopkins.

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.

1787-Simeon Hopkins, Nathaniel Lewis, Amos Beecher, Joseph Atkins, Jonathan Carter.

1788-Jonathan Carter, Amos Beecher, Simeon Hopkins. 1789-Amos Beecher, Jonathan Carter, Samuel Byington, Charles Upson.

1760-Mark Harrison, Streat Richards, Jonathan Carter. 1791 - Jonathan Carter, Abraham Norton, Jacob Carter, Samuel Byington, Walter Beecber.

1792-Walter Beecher, Streat Richards, Mark Harrison, Esq., Simeon Hopkins.

1793-Streat Richards, Mark Harrison, Walter Beecher, Charles Frisbie.

1794-Mark Harrison, Streat Richards, Isaac Bronson, Charles Upson, Samuel Byington, Joseph Minor.

1795-Judah Frisbie, Joseph Minor, David Norton, Isaac Upson, Isaac Bronson.

1796-james Bailey, Samuel Clinton, Joseph Atkins, Isaac Bronson, Daniel Johnson.

1797-Deacon Atkins, James Bailey, Stephen Carter, Daniel Johnson, Samuel Clinton.

1798-Moses Todd, David Harrison, Stephen Carter, Samuel Clinton, James Bailey.

1799-Stephen Carter, Charles Upson, Joseph M. Parker, Samuel Clinton, Preserve Carter.

1800-Chdes Upson, Preserve Carter, Joseph M. Parker, James Bailey, Isaac Upson.

1801-Joseph M. Parker, Preserve Carter, James Bailey, Charles Upson, John Frisbie, Nathan Johnson.

1802-Nathaniel Lewis, Joseph M. Parker, David Harrison, Elijah Rowe, John Frisbie.

1803-Joseph M. Parker, John Potter, Jesse Upson, Samuel Horton, David Harrison, John Frisbie, Royce Lewis.

1804-David Harrison, John Potter, Jesse Upson, Washington Upson, Royce Lewis, Farrington Barnes, Samuel Horton.

1805-John Potter, John Frisbie, Israel Upson, Washington Upson, James Bailey, Mark Barnes, Farrington Barnes.

1806-John Potter, Asaph Hotchkiss, Washington Upson, Elijah Rowe, Hezekiah Beecher, John Frisbie, Stephen Carter, Jr., John Hitchcock, Farrington Barnes.

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1807-John Potter, Asaph Hotchkiss, Joseph M. Parker, Farrington Barnes, Harvey Upson, Stephen Carter, Jr., John Frisbie, John Hitchcock, Hezekiah Beecher, Washington Upson.

1808-Asaph Hotchkiss, Heman Hall, John B. Alcox.

1809-Asaph Hotchkiss, Harvey Upson, Lud Lindsley, Abner Hotchkiss, Heman Hall.

1810-Harvey Upson, Gates Upson, Lud Lindsley, David Frisbie, Lucius Tuttle.

1811-Asaph Hotchkiss, Harvey Upson, David Frisbie.

18l2-Harvey Upson, Lucius Tuttle, Thomas Upson.

1813-Lucius Tuttle, William Bartholomew, Pitman Stowe.

1814-Lucius Tuttle, William Bartholomew, Pitman Stowe. x8j5-Williain Bartholomew, Luther Hotchkiss, Clark Bronson.

1816-Gates Upson, Ira Hough, Daniel Holt.

18l7-Ira Hough, Daniel Holt, John B. Alcox.

1818-Irad Bronson, Orrin Plumb, David Frisbie.

1819-Thomas Upson, David R. Upson, Moses Pond, Lucius Tuttle.

1820-Luchis Tuttle, Thomas Upson, William Bartholomew, Daniel Holt.

1821-Lucius Tuttle, Irad Bronson, Daniel Holt, William Bartholomew.

1822-Lucius Tuttle, William Bartholomew, Irad Bronson, Harvey Upson, Daniel Holt.

1823-Ira Hough, Lucius Tuttle, Irad Bronson, William Bartholomew.

1824-William Bartholomew, Gates Upson, Clark Bronson, Thomas Upson, Luther Hotchkiss.

1825-Luther Hotchkiss, David Frisbie, Jonathan Bement.

1826-Harvey Upson, Jonathan Bement, Ira Hough.

1827-Ira Hough, William Bartholomew, Daniel Holt.

1828-Thomas Upson, Luther Hotchkiss, David Frisbie, Clark Bronson.

1829-Thomas Upson, Lud Lindsley, Clark Bronson.

1830-Reuben Carter, Mark Tuttle, Ira Frisbie.

1831-Asa Boardman, George Griswold, Mark Tuttle.

1832-Gates Upson, Ira Hough, Lucius Tuttle, Jr.

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.

1833-Ira Hough, Luther Hotchkiss, Mark Tuttle.

1834-Hitch Higgins, Clark Bronson, Orrin Hall.

1835-Leonard Beecher, Ephraim Hall, Albert Boardman, Ira Frisbie, Mark Tuttle, Orrin Hall.

1836-Ephraim Hall, Ira Frisbie, Joel Alcox, Luther Hotchkiss.

1837-Moses Pond, Gates Upson, Joseph N. Sperry.

1838-Milow G. Hotchkiss, Charles H. Upson, Reuben Carter.

1839-Gates Upson, Daniel Holt, Ira Frisbie.

1940-Gates Upson, Ira Enable, Ira Hough.

1841-Ira Hough, Joseph N. Sperry, Ira Frisbie.

1842-Tra Frisbie, Ansel H. Plumb, Luther Hotchkiss.

1843-Ansel R. Plumb, Orrin Hall, Stiles L. Hotchkiss.

1844-Orrin Hall, Stiles I,. Hotchkiss, George )V. Carter.

1845-Stiles L. Hotchkiss, George W. Carter, Isaac Hough.

1846-Isaac Hough, Mark Tuttle, Carolus R. Byington.

1847-Ansel E. Plumb, Mark Tuttle, George W. Carter.

1848-Ansel H. Plumb, George W. Carter, Benjamin A. Lindsley.

1849-Jarvin R. Bronson, Ansel H. Plumb, Miles S. Upson, Mark Tuttle.

1850-Ansel H. Plumb, Jarvis R. Bronson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Miles S. Upson.

1851-Miles S. Upson, Ansel H. Plumb, Benjamin A. Lindsley.

1852-Ansel H. Plumb, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Henry Beecher.

1853-Ansel H. Plumb, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Jarvis R. Bronson.

1854-Ansel H. Plumb, Benjamin A. Lindsley, Ira H. Hough.

1855-Ansel H. Plumb, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Benjamin A. Lindsley.

1856-Ansel H. Plumb, Benjamin A. Lindsley, Miles S. Upson.

1857-Miles S. Upson, Ira H. Hough, Stiles L. Hotchkiss

1858-Miles S. Upson, Ira H. Hough, Benjamin A. Lindsley

1859-Miles S. Upson, Benjamin A. Lindsley, Ira H. Hough

1860-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Ira H. Hough

1861-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Ira H. Hough

1862-Miles S. Upson, Ira H. Hough, Joel W. Upson

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1863-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Benjamin A. Lindsley.

1864-Miles S. Upson, Benjamin A. Lindsley, Stiles L. Hotchkiss.

1865-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Ira H. Hough.

1866-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Albert N. Lane.

1867-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Albert N. Lane.

1868-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Albert N. Lane.

1869-Miles S. Upson, Albert N. Lane, Stiles L. Hotchkiss.

1870-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Albert N. Lane.

1871-Miles S. Upson, Albert N. Lane, Benjamin L. Bronson.

1872-Miles S. Upson, Albert N. Lane, Stiles L. Hotchkiss.

1873-Miles S. Upson, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Albert N. Lane.

SCHOOL COMMITTEES, AS APPOINTED BY THE PARISH SOCIITY.

1770-David Norton, Seth Bartholomew, Daniel Alcox, Amos Beecher, Joseph Beecher, Justus Peck, Capt. Aaron Harrison, Stephen Barnes, Samuel Upson.

1771-Joseph Sutliff, Jr., Joseph Atkins, Jr., Ens. John Alcox, Amos Seward, Capt. Aaron Harrison, Jedediah Minor, Nathaniel Lewis, Simeon Plumb, Daniel Finch.

1772-Simeon Hopkins, Tacob Carter, Aaron Harrison, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Joseph Beecher, Justus Peck, Daniel Byington, John Bronson, Samuel Upson.

1773-Stephen Barnes, Aaron Harrison, Joseph Beecher, John Bronson, Daniel Byington, Nathaniel Sutliff, Amos Seward, Daniel Alcox.

1774-Just'Is Peck, Jesse Alcox, Aaron Harrison, Stephen Barnes, Daniel Johnson, Amos Seward, Simeon Hopkins, Daniel Alcox, Eliakim Welton.

1775-Daniel Johnson, Justus Peck, Jesse Alcox, Joseph Smith, Jacob Carter, Amos Seward, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Joseph Hotchkiss, Daniel Alcox.

1776-Lieutenant Cleveland, John Barrett, Wait Hotchkiss, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Justus Peck, Jesse Alcox, Samuel Upson, Stephen Barnes, Stephen Pratt.

1777-Reuben Frisbie, Deacon Rogers, Captain Alcox, Amos

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SCHOOL COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY.

Seward, Nathaniel Hitchcock, Nathaniel Lewis, Joseph Beecher, Abel Beecher, Jared Harrison.

1778-Josiah Rogers, Jared Harrison, Stephen Pratt, John Alcox, Nathaniel Lewis, Isaac Hopkins, Noah Neal, Samuel Upson, Zadoc Bronson.

1779-Captain Gillet, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Samuel Upson, Mark Harrison, Simeon Plumb, Simeon Hopkins, Timothy Bradley.

1780-John Bronson, Heman Hall, James Alcox, Samuel Upson, Abel Beacher, Simeon Hopkins, Amasa Gaylord, Reuben Frisbie.

1781-Reuben Frisbie, Levi Gaylord, Heman Hall, Stephen Carter, Elisha Horton, Jonathan Robins, Amos Seward.

1782-David Warner, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Ozius Norton, Nathaniel Lewis, Captain Upson, Jacob Carter, Elisha Horton, Joseph Atkins, Abel Beecher, Samuel Byington, Lieutenant Beach.

1783-Jacob Carter, John Silkregg, Mark Harrison, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Samuel Byington, Charles Upson, Simeon Plumb, Justus Peck.

1784-Jacob Carter, Jonathan Carter, Charles Upson, Wait Hotchkiss, Nathaniel Lewis, John Alcox, Amos Seward, Simeon Plumb.

1785-Siineon Plumb, Nathaniel Lewis, Joseph Atkins, Zadoc Bronson, Jonathan Carter, Charles Upson, Simeon Hopkins, David Warner, Amos Seward.

1786-David Harrison, Simeon Plumb, Charles Frisbie, Calvin Cowles, Joseph Atkins, James Bailey, James Thomas, Josiah Warner.

1787-Charles Upson, Stephen Carter, Jonathan Carter, David Warner, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Daniel Dean, Deacon Peck, Zadoc Bronson, Samuel Upson.

1788-Chutes Upson, Jonathan Carter, Mark Harrison, Jesse Alcox, Charles Frisbie, Amos Beecher, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Samuel Upson, Ephraim Smith, Jr.

1789-Dr. John Potter, Samuel Byington, Charles Upson, Heman Hall, Ozius Norton, Joseph Minor, Simeon Plumb, Nathaniel Lewis, Nathan Scarritt, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Samuel Upson.

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1790-Abraham Norton, John Potter, Charles Frisbie, Atkins, Deacon Peck, Mark Harrison, Captain Lewis, Nathan Scarritt, James Bailey, Zaccheus Gillet, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Amos Seward, Joseph Minor, Samuel Byington.

1791-Simeon Plumb, John Potter, Nathan Scarritt, Moses Pond, David Alcox, Judah Frisbie, Deacon Atkins, Daniel Johnson, Jr., Samuel Upson, Nathaniel Lewis, Joseph Minor, Ezekiel Upson.

1792-David Harrison, Nathaniel Lewis, Streat Richards, William Stevens, Nathaniel Sutliff, Jesse Alcox, Samuel Byington, Zenas Bracket, Joseph Minor, Nathan Seward, John Alcox, Samuel Upson, Ephraim Smith, Jr.

1793-Joseph Twitchel, Daniel Tuttle, Mark Barnes, Joseph Minor, John Frisbie, Jonathan Carter, Stephen Carter, James Scarritt, Zuer Bracket, Moses Pond, John B. Alcox, Samuel Upson.

1794-Simeon Plumb, Heman Hall, Joseph 13ceclier, Joseph Nt. Parker, David Wakelee, Selah Steadman, James Alcoa, Joseph Minor, John Talmage, Samuel Clinton, Samuel Upson, Giddeon Finch, Nathan Scarritt, Walter Beecher.

1795-Heman Hall, Joseph Beecher, Simeon Plumb, Joseph M. Parker, Selah Steadman, David Wakelee, James Alcox, Joseph Minor, John Talmage, Samuel Upson, Samuel Clinton, Giddeon Finch, Nathan Scarritt, Walter Beecher.

1796-Town organized.

MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.

1773-Aaron Harrison and Jerusha his wife, Josiah Rogers, and Sarah his wife, Isaac Hopkins and Mercy his wife, Joseph Atkins and Abigail his wife, Thomas Upson, Joseph Sutliff, Amos Seward and Ruth his wife, David Norton, John Alco, and Mary his wife, Samuel Upson, Wait Hotchkiss and Lydia his wife, Nathaniel Butler and Rebecca his wife, Elizabeth Porter, Daniel Alcox and Elizabeth his wife, Joseph Hotchkiss and Hannah his wife, Judah Frisbie, Israel Clark and Mahetabel his wife, Daniel Lane and Jemima his wife, Stephen Miles, Stephen Barnes and Sarah his wife, Zadoc Bronson and Eunice his wife; Lucy, wife of Justus Peck; Rebecca, wife of Nathaniel Hitchcock; Esther Bar-

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MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.

rett, Joseph Benham and Elizabeth his wife; Josiah Barnes, William Smith; Anne, wife of James Bailey; John Bronson, David Frost.

1774-Samuel Bradley, Ephraim Pratt and his wife, Elizabeth, wife of Ebenezer Wakelee; Sarah, wife of Isaac Cleveland; Martha, wife of Aaron Hope; Daniel Byington, Jr., Cyrus Norton, Levi Gaylord and Lois his wife, Nathaniel Sutliff, Joseph 33cecher and Esther his wife, Jesse Alcox and Patience his wife, Daniel Byington and Sarah his wife, Sarah Seward, Simeon Plumb; Zeruiah, wife of Joseph Sutliff, Jr.

1775-Stephen Pratt and Zilpha his wife, Abel Curtiss and Anne his wife, Joseph Atkins, Jr., and Phebe his wife Sarah R., wife of Thaddeus Barnes; Eunice, wife of Samuel Bradley; Sarah, wife of Ingham Clark.

1776-Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Byington, Jr.; Mary, wife of Ttzekiel Upson; Eunice, wife of Luther Atkins; Rebecca, wife of Heman Hall.

1777-Rebecca, wife of Abraham Wooster; James Alcox and Hannah his wife; Mary, wife of Jeremiah Scarritt ; Wait Hotchkiss; Elizabeth, wife of Zaccheus Gillet, Jr., Jared Harrison and Hannah his wife, Zenas Brackett, Calvin Cole and Miriam his wife; Hannah, wife of Reuben Frisbie.

1778-Susanna, wife of Noah Neal; Sarah Jones, widow; Mrs. Josiah Hart.

1779-Josiah Hart.

1781-Isaac Barnes and Lucy his wife; Rebecca, wife of Amos Beecher; Sarah, wife of Capt. Zaccheus Gillet; Joseph Mallery and Eunice his wife.

1783-Justus Peck, Charles Upson and Wealthy His wife; Elizabeth, wife of Joel Lane.

1784-Ruth, wife of Reuben Frisbie; Joseph Smith, Jacob Carter and Mary his wife, Samuel Byington and Olive His wife, Jonathan Carter and Abigail his wife; Phebe, wife of Samuel Harrison; Sabra, wife of Asa Alcox; Sibyll, wife of Archibald Richard; Jerusha, wife of Cyrus Norton; Samuel Waters and Sarah his wife, Samuel Atkins and Esther his wife of Esther, wife f Joseph Smith; Hannah, wife of Judah Frisbie; Hannah, wife of Ebenezer Johnson.

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1785-Mrs. Nathan Stevens; Mary, wife of Charles Upson; Mark Harrison and Rebecca his wife.

1786-Triphene Carter, Abraham Norton; Betty, wife of Jeremiah Smith.

1787-Sarah, wife of Nathaniel Lewis; Catharine, wife of John Sutliff.

1788-Miriam, wife of Ozias Norton ; Esther, wife of Joseph Beecher, Jr.; Isaac Bronson, Ephraim Smith and his wife; Rachel, wife of Curtiss Hall

1789-Mrs. Selah Steadman.

1791-Adah, wife of Rev. Alexander Gillet; Sarah, wife of Josiah Barnes.

1792-Eunice, wife of Streat Richards; Hannah Talmage, widow.

1793-Sally, wife of Rev. J. B. Woodward; Lois Hopkins, widow; Heman Hall; David Harrison.

1794-James Bailey; Pamela, wife of Solomon Alcox; Lydia, wife of David Harrison.

1794-Isaac Bronson, Mrs. Loise Clark, -Clinton, Mrs. Joel Granniss; Hester, wife of Jerry Moulthrop; Cretia, wife of John Talmage; Ruth, wife of Elisha Horton.

1796-Charles Frisbie and wife.

1798-John Frisbie.

Of persons who united with the church from 1798 to 1811, I find no record. In a list written on the inside of the cover of the old book, probably by Rev. Mr. Keys, several names occur that I find in no other place. They are the following:

Preserve Carter, Prince Duplax, Lud Lindsley, Mrs. Lud Lindsley, Mrs. Preserve Carter, Stephen Carter, Mrs. Stephen Carter; Lowly Carter, widow; Jesse Upson, Mrs. Jesse Upson, Mrs. Moses Byington, Jeremiah Scarritt, Washington Upson, Mrs. Washington Upson, Abigail Pardee, Asaph Hotchkiss, Mrs. Asaph Hotchkiss, John Potter, Mrs. John Potter, Joseph Parker, Mrs. Joseph Parker, Joseph M. Parker and Hannah, his wife ; Henry Upson, Mrs. Henry Upson, Mrs. Selah Upson, Mrs. Manly Upson, Gates Upson, Mrs. Gates Upson, Isaac Upson, Mrs.

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MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.

Isaac Upson; Lydia Frisbie, Zeruiah Sutliff, Mrs. Ozias Norton, Mrs. John Thomas, Mrs. John Hotchkiss, Mrs. Bildad Hotchkiss: Martha Thomas, widow; Mrs. Joshua Minor, Daniel Rose, Mrs. Erastus L. Hart, Widow Sandford, Nathaniel Lane, Mrs. Laura Upson.

1811-Eldad Parker; Ruth, wife of Lewis Wakelee; Jonathan Case.

1812-Earlier Harrison, widow; Lydia Alcox, Maria Wakelee, Lewis H, Wakelee, Pitman Stowe and his wife, Mrs. Elisha Horton, Jr.

18l3-Abner Hotchkiss and his wife, Mrs. Ira Hough, Lydia Rogers, Julia Upson, Delight Carter.

1814-Abiather Sutliff and Clarissa his wife, Manly Upson, Harvey Norton, Hannah Beach.

1815-Fanny Knight, widow; Beds Goodyear; Mary, wife of Reuben Carter; Mary, wife of Bela Row; Abigail Royce, Sarah Churchill, Luther Roper, Mrs. Luther Hotchkiss, Mrs. Ziba Norton, Mrs. David Frisbie.

1816-Daniel Holt and Abby his wife, Reuben Carter, Bildad Hotchkiss; Hannah, wife of Orrin Jackson; Sarah, wife of Jerry Moulthrop; Hannah, wife of William Bartholomew; Phebe, wife of Irad Bronson ; Sarah Bronson; Lucette, wife of Obed Doolittle; Zechariah Hitchcock, Lois L. Doolittle, Mrs. Orrin Plumb.

18l7-Luna, wife of Amos Pierson; Irad Bronson; Amy Tuttle, widow; Lucy Upson.

1821-Mrs. Higgins, Jonathan Bement and Hannah his wife, Anne M. Bailey, Lucius Tuttle, Rebecca Tuttle; Hannah, wife of John Bronson, Jr.; Sarah, wife of Titus Brackett; Lucy, wife of Uri Carter; Betsey, wife of Almond Alcox; Thomas Upson and Jerusha his wife.

1827-Sally M. Upson, Laura Munson.

1828-Moses Pond, Samuel W. Upson, Clark Bronson and Experience his wife, Sophia R. Alcox, Orlinda Thomas, Selah Upson, Martha Tuttle, Wealthy Moulthrop, I-Talinah Norton, Fitch A. Higgins, Amanda Higgins, William Bartholomew, Lowman Upson, John S., Atkins, Esther Atkins, Ira Frisbie, Sarah Frisbie, Marilla Lindsley, Hannah M. Lindsley, Rachel Lindsley, Henrietta M. Bailey, Sylvia Thomas, Chloe Alcox, Bennet W. Parker, Mae-

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cus Upson, Mary Harrison, Clarissa Upson, Theda M. Carter, Laura A. Bement.

1829-Elizabeth Alcox, Sarah Plumb, Lois Alcoa, Benjamin A. Lindsley, Lucas H. Carter, Eunice Hotchkiss, Salina D. Carter, Asa Boardman, Louisa Boardman. Timothy H. Hotchkiss, Mary A. Hotchkiss, Mabel Downs, Sarah Scarritt.

1830 - Desire Bunnel, Charles Welton.

1833 - Polly Upson, Harriet Norton, Mary H. Upson, Charlotte R. Lindsley, Parlia A. Perkins, Sarah Upson.

1834-Ruth Johnson; Lydia, wife of Moses Pond; Nancy, wife of Zenas Tolles; Parlia, wife of Leonard Beecher; Mary, wife of Josiah Thomas; Amanda Perkins; Lucy, wife of Lowman Upson ; Luther Hotchkiss, Ansel H. Plumb, Luther Bailey, John B. Alcox, Russel Rowe, Cyrus Upson, Orrin Hall and Nancy his wife, Albert A. Boardman and Mary his wife of Ephraim Hall. and Mary, his wife, Matthew S. Norton and Betsy M. his wife, David S. Bailey and Sarah ],. his wife, Miles S. Hotchkiss and Abigail his wife, Jenette Upson, Mary A. E. Holt, Phebe L. Bronson, Thankful B. Bartholomew, Sarah Hotchkiss, Almira Norton, Rosauna ],. Perkins, Lois A. Johnson, Lucy A. Bement, Sarah Jane Bartholomew, Rachel Pond, William R. Higgins, Lorin C. Holt, Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Hendric Norton, Polly Alcott, Esther R. Atkins, Harriet Alcott, Russel Upson, Adeline Upson, Rosanna Hall, Flotilla Hickox, Isaac Upson.

1838-Timothy U. Carter; Lois M., wife of Lucas Sutliff; Hannah V., wife of Carolus Byington; Bertha Bartholomew, Joel Alcott, Samuel Lindsley, Daniel H. Holt, Mrs. Luther Bailey, George A. Duran, Lucius Tuttle, Jr.; Sylvia, wife of Eldad Parker; Polly, wife of Willard Plumb; Vina, wife of John Beecher; Henry D. Upson, Jarvis R. Bronson, Mary P. Smith, Lucius Upson, Anson Sutliff, Ezra Stiles Hough and Lucy his wife, Dei(lamia Minor.

1842-Marietta Bradley, Mary A. Hough; Harriet, wife of Henry Beecher.

1843-Lucy Ann, wife of Aaron C. Beech; Adah Finch, Stillman Bronson, Henry Beecher, Rollin W. Plumb; Lois A., wife of Ansel R. Plumb; Esther P., wife of Jarvis R. Bronson; Eliza A. Norton, George W. Carter, Rufus Norton, Mrs. Harriet

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MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH.

E. Norton, Narcissa Sperry, Esther Alcott, Royce Lewis and Fanny his wife.

1844-Mrs. Rachel Upson, Hannah Tuttle, Esther Atkins, Charles Kirk, Benjamin A. Lindsley and Lucina his wife.

1846-Sarah Ann, wife of George W. Carter; Matthew S. Norton and Betsey his wife.

1848-Merey Gaylord Alcott.

1849-Emoret A. Bartholomew, Sarah Plumb.

1850-Lois S., wife of David M. Sanford; Amos Roberts and Rebecca his wife, Miles M. Upson, Burritt W. Beecher, Newell B. Churchill, Lyman B. Bronson.

1853-Dudley H. Abbott; Jenette, wife of Seth Wiard.

1854-Martha Tuttle, John Wickliffe Beach, Mary R. Hotchkiss, David F. Beach, Jane Beach.

1858-Augusta E. Markland, James Alcott, Salina Alcott, Harriet Ann Alcott, Emily Alcott, Ardelia M. Tuttle, Mary A. Hough, Ann A. Hough, Ira 11. Hough, Ezra S. Hough, Harriet E. Hough, Emma J. Odell, Sarah E. Bartholomew, Augustus E. Brackett, Joel W. Upson and Eleanor his wife, Lucian Upson, Leroy Upson, Saphrona Upson, William A. Munson, Julia A. Munson, Mary E. Hitchcock, Henry 13. Carter, John H. Beecher, Joseph A. Beecher, S. Dwight Beecher, James 13. Bailey, Elmer Hotchkiss, Mary E. Atkins, Lucy S. Bronson, John Frisbie, Francis G. Churchill, Earlier E. Hough, Harriet I,. Bronson, Emogene E. Minor, Laura Ann Hough, Amelia F. Rose, Rufus A. Sandford.

1859-Mrs. Sarah Whitlock, Albert N. Lane and Esther Melissa his wife, Mary Harrison, Emma A. Upson, Edward H. Allen, Rev. Stephen Rogers and Jerusha his wife, Hannah Bement, Esther A. Beecher.

1860-Andrew R. Rowe, David A. Sandford.

1861-Mrs. Betsey Sperry.

1862-Helen M. Rogers, Abigail Brooks.

1863-Rev. Lent S. Hough, Hannah S. Hough, Leonard Blakeslee, Emma C. Hitchcock, Maria S. W. Hough, Mary L. Hough, Martha R. Hough.

1864-Saraii M. Moulthrop, Annis E. Hotchkiss, Emily M. Upson, Luther W. Plumb, Eliza A. Plumb, Emeline Thomas,

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Sarah U. Hall, Helen R. Thomas, Harriet S. Norton, Omer C, Norton.

1865-Mary E. Upson.

1866-Helen R. Hall.

1867-Mahlon Hotchkiss, Heman W. Hall, George W. Atwood, Huldah Atwood, Leverette A. Sandford, Harriet J. Hall, Amelia C. Hitchcock, Sarah J. Johnson, Augustus Rose, Mary Rose, Ella J. Rose, Arthur Terrill, James P. Alcott, Benjamin L. Bronson, Henry Fields, John T. Harrison, Evelin M. Upson, Frank C. Munson, Inez E. Munson, Mary Alcott, Mary W. Harrison, Anna C. Downs, Emilyette Upson, Isaac Hough, George Atkins, Cora A. Atkins, Elliot Bronson, Lydia J. Norton, Lydia S. Downs, Alice S. Lewis, Charles E. E. Somers, Sarah Terrill, Lucilla M. Upson.

1868-Martha A. Brooks, Mary A. Richardson.

1809-Rufus J. Lyman, Rev. W. C. Fiske and H. M. his wife, James P. Fiske, Sarah L. Friske, William W. Fiske, Orrin Yemmans, Rebecca Yemmans.

1871-Mary P. Carter, Sarah G. Thomas.

1872-Persis H. Atwood, Frank G. Mansfield.

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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

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CHAPTER 1

THE EPISOCAL CHURCH.

This church, though never large, ha, performed an important work in this part of the great vineyard,- a work of which it need not be ashamed in any respect. It has suffered more by removal of its members than the other church, and as a consequence, it is reduced to a handful compared to its former numbers, and has not held regular service for several years.

Among the earliest settlers in Wolcott were Episcopalians, and when the First Society was organized and a “tax laid” for the support of the gospel, the Episcopalians were taxed the same as others, but their tax was appropriation, according to law, for the support of their church in Waterbury. The First Society being the legal one, assessed the ecclesiastical taxes on all persons within its bounds, and appointed special collectors to gather the tax of Episcopalians, and hence we find as early as 1772, Ensign Oliver Welton and Eliakim Welton, it “chosen to collect Rev. Mr. Scovill's rate,” and this arrangement continued many years afterward, and therefore the Episcopalians paid, by tax, for the support of the gospel as regularly as the Congregationalists.

In 1779 the Episcopalians were so numerous as to petition the General Assembly to be made a distinct Society, as appears from the following record in the proceedings of the First Society: “Voted, to remonstrate against the memorial whereby we are cited to give reason, if any, at

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the General Assembly, why Josiah Cowles and others should not be made a distinct Ecclesiastical Society, and that Thomas Upson, Daniel Alcox, Daniel Byington and Jared Harrison be agents for the same purpose,” and in consequence of this remonstrance, probably, this petition was not granted.

Soon after Mr. Woodward's settlement, persons began to withdraw from the First Society, in favor of other churches, and from 1791 to 1822, twenty-six families withdrew and joined the Baptist Societies in Bristol, Southington, and Waterbury; twenty withdrew in favor of no Society, and the following in favor of the Episcopal church:

1793 - Barna Powers.

1806 - Timothy Hotchkiss.

1808 - Daniel Byington, Streat Richards, Joseph Minor, Lewis Loveland, David Wakelee, Reuben Lewis, Jesse Alcox, Jr., Nathaniel G. Lewis, David Alcox, Jr., Joseph C. Alcox, Phineas Deming, Levi 13rown, James Scarritt, David M. Beach, Isaac Downs, Elkanah Smith.*

1809 - John Norton, Caleb Merrills, Marvin Beckwith, Jr.

1811 - Jairus Alcox, Titus Hotchkiss, John J. Kenea.

18l2 - Levi Hall, Zephana Parker, Amon Bradley.

18l3 - Joseph Twitchell, Richmond Hall, Samuel Upson, Jr., Lyman Higgins, Jerry Todd, Levi Parker, Ambrose Wes, Archibald Minor.

1816 - Marcus Minor, Jeremiah Sperry, Harpin Hotchkiss.

1820 - Salmon Johnson.

1821 - Orrin Plumb.

1822 - William Parker.+

About the year 1805, the Episcopal people began to hold service at the house of Daniel Byington at the Mill

* And two others, whose names were afterwards erased, making eighteen at one time.

+ We have the certificates of over ninety families that withdrew from the First Society, between tile years 1791 and 1822.

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CALL FOR THE FIRST SOCIETY MEETING

Place, where they continued to hold it, most of the time, for a number of years.

The Episcopal Society was organized January 26th, 1811, at the house of Mr. Titus Hotchkiss, who then resided on the Twitchell place.

CALL FOR THE FIRST SOCIETY MEETING.

We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Wolcott, being of the order of Christians denominated Episcopalians, and being desirous to form ourselves into a Society for the purpose of exercising all the privileges which by law are granted to the several Societies, being of the aforesaid order of Christians, do hereby agree to meet on the 26ih day of instant November, at the dwelling house of Mr. Titus Hotchkiss, in said Wolcott, at one o'clock in the afternoon of said day, for the purpose of choosing a moderator and clerk of said meeting, which cleric, when chosen, shall be sworn as the law directs ; and also to choose all other officers which shall then be thought necessary and proper for the good of said Society, and also to tax ourselves for the purpose of procuring such proportion of preaching as shall by the Society be thought best, being at all times governed and directed by a majority of said meeting, in the doing and performing of all which, as above written, will ever, hereafter consider ourselves a Society; and to be guided by the as laws and in the same manner as other Societies of the same denomination, belonging to this State, are.

WOLCOTT, November 21, 1811.

John Welton, Moses Welton, Levi Hall, William Parker, William Hotchkiss, Ambrose Wes, Eliakim Welton, Timothy Hotchkiss, Streat Todd, Phineas Deming, Joseph Minor, John Norton, Zephana Parker, Bildad Hotchkiss, John J. Kenea, Asaph Finch, Levi Brown, Erastus Welton, Joseph Welton, Eliakim Welton, 2d, Titus Hotchkiss, Thomas Welton, Daniel Langdon, Hezekiah Bradley, Daniel Byington, David Wakelee, Joseph C. Alcox, Eleazer Finch.

MINUTES OF THE FIRST SOCIETY MEETING.

WOLCOTT, NOV. 26, 1811.

At a legal meeting this day holden at the dwelling house of

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Mr. Titus Hotchkiss, by the members of the Episcopal Society, the following votes were passed by the members of said meeting: That Daniel Langdon be moderator of said meeting, and that Erastus Welton be clerk for the year ensuing; that Moses Welton be treasurer; that Moses Welton, Bildad Hotchkiss, and Irad Wakelee be Society's Committee for the year; Daniel Langdon and Thomas Welton, Wardens. Voted that a tax of one cent on a dollar be laid on the list 1811, and made payable to the Treasurer the first day of March, 1812, and that Irad Wakelee be Collector of said Tax. Voted that the annual society meeting be hereafter holden the last Monday in November, annually. That the society committee receive the money at the hands of the Treasurer, and at their discretion apply it for preaching the ensuing year."

For two years after the formation of the Society, the Rev. Mr. Prindle, then of Naugatuck, supplied the Society cry with preaching once a month during the summer season, six or seven months, at $6 per Sabbath, as the Treasurer's book shows. In 1815 Rev. Tillotson Bronson preached for them. After this, names of ministers arc not mentioned for some years, yet the amount spent for preaching seems to have been most of the time nearly fifty dollars a year.

Services were conducted by laymen regularly in the absence of a minister, and the following committees were appointed from year to year to “read the prayers of the church,” and also to read sermons.

1812 - Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Elias Welton.

l813 - Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Elias Welton, Erastus Welton. To read sermons -Elias Welton, Ambrose Wes, Levi Parker, Erastus Welton, Jarius Alcox, Joseph Welton,

l814 - To read prayers-Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Eliakim Welton, Erastus Welton, Elias Welton. To read sermons - Ambrose Wes, John Kenea, Levi Parker.

1915 - To read prayers-Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Erastus Welton, Elias Welton, Eliakim Welton, Eben Welton,

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CHURCH COMMITTEES

To read sermons- John J. Kenea, Levi Parker, Ambrose Wes, Elias Welton.

1816 - To read prayers-Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Eliakim Welton, Jr., Erastus Welton. To read sermons-Ambrose Wes, Levi Parker, William Alcox, Amos B. Alcox, Elias Welton, Erastus Welton

1917 - To read prayers-Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Eben Welton, Erastus Welton, Eliakim Welton. To read sermons-Ambrose Wes, William Alcox, Levi Parker, Erastus Welton, Ziba Welton, Amos B. Alcox.

1918 - To read prayers-Eben Welton, Moses Welton, Erastus Welton, Thomas Welton. To read sermons-Ambrose Wes, Erastus Welton, William Alcox, Levi Parker, Elias Welton.

1819 - To read prayers-Eben Welton, Thomas Welton, Erastus Welton, Moses Welton, Archibald Minor. To read sermons-Erastus Welton, Archibald Minor, William Alcox, Levi Parker.

1820 - To read prayers-Eben Welton, Moses Welton, Thomas Welton, Erastus Welton. To read sermons-Ambrose Wes, Archibald Minor, Erastus Welton, Elias Welton, William Alcox.

1821 - To read prayers-Thomas Welton, Moses Welton, Eben Welton, Erastus Welton, Archibald Minor, William Alcox, To read sermons- Archibald Minor, Erastus Welton, William Alcox, Levi Parker, Elias Welton, Willard Plumb.

1822 - To read prayers-Thomas Welton, Eben Welton, Moses Welton, Erastus Welton, Archibald Minor, William A. Alcox. To read sermons -Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, Elias Welton, Willard Plumb, William A. Alcox, Levi Parker, Erastus Welton, Levi Hall, Ambrose Wes.

This list of names for ten years exhibits the working force of the church without a minister. In contrast with the other church in Wolcott, it shows that as the Episcopal Society and church grew strong, the Congregational grew weak, and hence, in 1822 and 1823, when the Episcopal Society began to make arrangements to build a house of worship, the Congregational Society dismissed Mr. Keys for want of ability to support him, and en12

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tered upon the plan of lay preaching, by Isaac Bronson, which continued a number of years after. There seems to be no occasion for censure, but if the whole people could have consented to worship as one body, the result would have been, apparently, more happy and advantageous to the community and to the world.

BUILDING A HOUSE OF WORSHIP.

III 1817 the Society voted that “we meet at the house of Mr. Daniel Byington the winter coming,” and at this house they probably had met during the winters, most of the time, from the commencement of holding services separate from Waterbury, and during the summer meeting in the school houses.

On April 10th, 1820, the Society, at an adjourned meeting, took into consideration the subject of building a house of worship, and “voted that we appoint an agent to consult the minds of gentlemen on the expediency of petitioning the Legislature for a grant of a lottery for the purpose of building a house of public worship.” At an adjourned meeting held in the same month, April 24th, they “voted that we will build a house of public worship, provided that we can agree upon a spot for that purpose.” Also “voted that we will build a house in the Centre, provided we can be accommodated with a place to set it, and that Levi Hall, Ambrose Wes, and Erastus Welton, be a committee to look out a spot to build a house."

At an adjourned meeting, held December 31st, 1821, they “voted that we will build a church in case we can get money enough subscribed, and that we will build it in the centre of the town, near the Meeting house, and that Archibald Minor, Levi Hall, Moses Welton, Eben Welton, Willard Plumb, and Ambrose Wes, be a committee to circulate subscription papers for the purpose of building a house."

On January 21st, three weeks later, they “voted to

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BUILDING A HOUSE OF WORSHIP.

ascertain the probable expense of a house from 40 by 30 to 46 by 36 feet, and also to get a plan of the frame.” One week later they “voted to build a church 3o by 4o feet, that it be two stories high,-with 20 feet posts and a cupola suitable for hanging a bell.” At the same meeting they directed the Society Committee to “agree with Moses Pond for a room in his chamber to meet in for one year, if in their opinion they can get it reasonable.” Moses Pond's house was at this time the public house at the Centre. In the Autumn of the same year they circulated subscriptions to raise money to defray expenses for hiring a house in which to hold public worship the year ensuing, and it is probable it was this chamber in Mr. Pond's hotel.

In December, 1823, they accepted the report of their committee on a place to build a house, and fixed a site and appointed a committee to forward the enterprise. Between the years 1822 and 1830, the Society met frequently, discussed the whole subject of building and appointed committees to forward the same, but the house did not appear in its place as desired. The Society was not able to build a church that would accommodate even its small congregation, and during the same time the Congregational Society was unable to “hire preaching.” The “revival” in the Spring of 1828 in the Congregational Society under the Rev. Mr. Scranton had revived the religious energies of the whole community, and the Episcopal Society shared in its benefits. In February of 1830, they changed the size of the house to 24 by 36 feet, and proceeded to gather materials for the building.

A SITE GIVEN BY THE TOWN.

WOLCOTT, April 5th, 1830.

Then met according to adjournment, and at said meeting, upon the petition of a number of the members of the Episcopal Society in said town in the form following:

Whereas, the Episcopal Society in the town of Wolcott are

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about to erect a house of public worship in said Wolcott, and being desirous to set tie e same somewhere near the Congregational Meeting house in said Wolcott, or as near as a suitable spot of ground can be obtained for that purpose, we, therefore, whose names are underwritten, petition the inhabitants of said Wolcott, in legal town meeting this day assembled, for leave to erect said house on the most eligible spot of ground belonging to said town of Wolcott on the south part of the public green.

Signed by JOHN J. KENEA and others.

Wolcott, April 5, 1830.

Voted to grant the prayer of the petition.

During the summer of 1830 the frame Was raised, and in December the outside of the church was covered. The only record of expense of the Society is a paper covered book, found in possession of Mr. Orrin Hall, having been left by Mr. Levi Hall at his death, containing Mr. Erastus Welton's account with the Society as treasurer from 1811 to 1823, and containing Mr. Levi Hall's account With the same from 1835 to 1839. These items give us no account of the cost of the church, nor when it Was completed. It is probable that the church was not finished till some time during the year 1832, from the fact that a meeting of the Society was held on the first Monday of April, 1833, and they “voted to discharge Levi Hall, Archibald Minor, Thomas H. Welton, and Orrin Plumb, building committee for the church, from any further services as committee aforesaid, and from all liabilities in said capacity,” which indicates the work of building completed at that time.

In 1836 a stove was put into the church, as appears from a subscription paper for that purpose, still preserved.

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CHAPTER 11.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH.

The early records of the church were destroyed, purposely, as we are informed, by Rev. Collis I. Potter, who was minister to this parish in 1850; but from a minute made in the transactions of the Society, we learn quite clearly that file church was organized on or about Easter, 1834, for the meetings are called “Meetings of the Episcopal Society” till October, 1833, when they adjourned to the first Monday after the next Easter, and on that date the record made is of “All Saints' Parish in Wolcott.” I have no doubt, therefore, of the date of the organization.

The records destroyed contained the list of the members and families of the church, and their destruction left the Book of Records in an unseemly condition, such as we should think no one would tolerate,-especially for the reason given, that some few things objectionable had been written therein. Hence, as to the records of the church, we arc carried forward to the year 185o, when the Rev. Mr. Potter, then minister of “All Saints' Church,” makes the following minute: “The old register is exceedingly imperfect, partly from the negligence of former ministers, and partly from the fact that t has been judged expedient to destroy several pages containing matter which was inappropriate for a register of the church, and which gave offence to some.” After thus giving reasons for the destruction of the records, he enters on an earnest exhortation to future ministers

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and wardens to keep the register fully and faithfully, and in a “proper manner ;” but lie himself makes no record whatever of past historical items, except this one of the destruction of the register. Instead of giving reasons why a register should be kept, it would have been better to copy such parts of the old register as were “proper” for a church record. Five years after Mr. Potter's reign of destruction in records, we come to some account of the members and families of the church, which was made by Rev. Ximenus Alanson Welton, who “took charge of the parish under the supervision of the Bishop,” in 1855.

During the years 1836 and 1837, the church was supplied with preaching by Rev. Peter G. Clark, residing in Cheshire. Several receipts for moneys paid are preserved, but they are not explicit as to the amount of yearly salary; only from one receipt it might be concluded that he received $2Do a year. In I 838 and 1839, Rev. Mr. Covill is mentioned as preaching to this church “half of the time."

In 184o and 184I, and possibly longer, the church was supplied with preaching, by Rev. Servilius Stocking, who resided in Wolcott, and may have been the first resident minister of this church. The salary seems to have been $3oo a year, which was equal to the amount raised by the other Society at the same time.

From Easter, 1843, for one year, the Rev. Mr. Gregor supplied the pulpit, and the Rev. Wm. G. French the year following; and following him, in 1845 to 1846, the Rev. David Sandford was engaged, and after him Rev. John D. Smith, for three years. The Rev. Collis Ira Potter was employed as minister from the Spring of 1850 to that of 1855. He entered in a new register a list of communicants and families then belonging to the church, and continued a faithful registry of baptisms, confirmations, and deaths, during his stay in the parish. The Rev. Ximenus Alanson Welton followed Mr. Potter in

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EPISCOPAL MINISTERS.

1855 and 1856, and showed equal faithfulness in regard to the records.

MINISTERS WHO PREACHED FOR THE EPISCOPAL PEOPLE IN

WOLCOTT.

Rev. Mr. Prindle, of Naugatuck, two years once in six weeks, from 1811 to 18l3.

Rev. Tillotson Bronson, of Cheshire, preached a short time.

From 1817 money was raised nearly or quite every year till 1835, to procure preaching, but the ministers' names are not mentioned in the records.

1836 and 1837- Rev. Peter G. Clark of Cheshire.

1838 and 1339- Rev. Alr. Covell, of Bristol.

1840 and 1841, and perhaps longer- Rev. Servilius Stocking, resident minister.

1843- Rev. Mr. Gregor.

1844- Rev. Wm. G. French.

1845 and 1846- Rev. David Sandford.

1847- Rev. John D. Smith, of Seymour, three years.

1850 to 1855- Rev. Collis Ira Potter, four years.

1855 and 1856- Rev. Ximentis Alanson Welton.

1858- Rev. Samuel A. Appleton, assistant to Rev. Dr. Clark, of Waterbury.

1859- Rev. James Morton, of Harwinton preached most of the year as supply on Sabbath.

1860- Rev. J. M. Willey, assistant of Rev. Dr. Clark, of Waterbury. He is said to have been a “smart man,” and enjoyed preaching at Wolcott very much.

Since Mr. Willey, Rev. Prof. Russell, of Waterbury, has preached a few times.

CLERKS.

1811 to 1823- Erastus Welton.

1924 to 1835- Orrin Plumb.

1836 to 1839- Seth Horton.

1840 to 1841- Orrin Plumb.

1842 to 1864- Ezra L. Todd.

1865 to 1873- Dennis Pritchard.

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TREASURERS.

1811 to 1823- Erastus Welton.

1824 to 1834- 0rin Plumb.

1835 to 1841- Levi Hall.

1842 to 1844- Heman Hall.

1845 to 1847- Levi Hall.

1848 to 1859- Geo. G. Alcott.

1860 to 1873- Dennis Pritchard.

SOCIETY COMMITI'EES.

1811- Moses Welton, Bildad Hotchkiss, Irad Wakelee.

1812- Moses Welton, Irad Wakelee, Elias Wakelee.

1813- Moses Welton, Ambrose Wes, Levi Parker.

1814- Ambrose Ives, Levi Hall, Moses Welton.

1815- Levi Hall, Ambrose Wes, Eliakim Welton.

1816- Ambrose Wes, Levi Hall, Eliakim Welton.

1817- Joseph Minor, Jeremiah Todd, Jared Welton.

1918- Eben Welton, Joseph C. Alcox, Streat Todd.

1919- Eben Welton, Streat Todd, Marcus Minor.

1820- Streat Todd, Levi Hall, EI(lad Alcox.

1821- Levi Hall, William Plumb, Eldad Alcox.

1822- Eldad Alcox, William Plumb, Archibald Minor.

1823- Archibald Minor, Hezekiah Bradley, Erastus Welton.

1824- Hezekiah Bradley, Archibald Minor, Levi Hall.

No record of election from 1825 until 1829.

1829- Lyman Higgins, Orrin Plumb, Eldad Alcox.

1830- Lyman Higgins, Levi Hall, Orrin Plumb.

1831- Levi Hall, Eldad Alcox, Lyman Higgins.

1832- John J. Kenea, Lyman Higgins, Marcus A. Minor.

1833- Martin Upson, Marcus Minor, Seth Horton.

1834- NO record.

1835- Marcus Minor, Chester Hotchkiss, Seth Horton.

1836-Seth Horton, Jesse Nichols, Martin Upson.

1837- Martin Upson, Heman Hall, Thomas H. Welton.

1838- No record.

1839- Marcus Minor, Moses Pond, Sammy Finch.

1840- Moses Pond, Heman Hall, Willis Merrill.

1841- Martin Upson, Levi Hall, James Alcott.

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WARDENS.

WARDENS OF THE SOCIETY.

1842- Martin Upson, Lyman Higgins, Levi Hall.

1843- Martin Upson, Harvey G. Plumb, Upson Higgins.

1844- Upson Higgins, Hezekiah Todd, Thoma5 H. Welton.

1811- Daniel Langton, Thomas Welton.

1812- Eliakim Welton, Thomas Welton.

1813- Eliakim Welton, Thomas Welton.

1814- Eliakim Welton, Thomas Welton.

1815- Eliakim Welton, Thomas Welton.

1816- Thomas Welton, Eliakim Welton, Jr.

1817- Eben Welton, Erastus Welton.

1818- Eben Welton, Erastus Welton.

1819- Thomas Welton, Moses Welton.

1820- Thomas Welton, Moses Welton.

1821- Erastus Welton, Moses Welton

1822- Erastus Welton, Eben Welton.

1823- Moses Welton, Thomas Welton.

1824- Hezekiah Bradley, Moses Welton

No record of any elections from 1824 to 1829.

1829- Levi Hall, Lyman Higgins.

1830- Sammy Nichols, Hezekiah Bradley.

1931- Sammy Nichols, Hezekiah Bradley.

1832- Hezekiah Bradley, Sammy Nichols.

1833- Lyman Higgins, Levi Hall.

1834- No record.

1835- Sammy Nichols, Heman Hall.

1836- Lyman Higgins, Heman Hall

1837- Heman Hall, Lyman Higgins

1838- No record.

1839- Lyman Higgins, Heman Hall.

1840- Heman Hall, Lyman Higgins.

1841- Heman Hall, Lyman Higgins.

1842- Lyman Higgins, Moses Pond, Martin Upson.

1843- Lyman Higgins, Moses Pond.

1844- Lyman Higgins, Moses Pond.

No record until 1849.

1849 -Levi Hall, Martin Upson.

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1849- Lyman Higgins, Levi Hall.

1850- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1851- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1852- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1853- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1854- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1855- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1856- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1857- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1858- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1859- Martin Upson, George G. Alcott.

1860- Martin Upson, Willis Merrill.

1861- Martin Upson, Willis Merrill.

1862- Martin Upson, Willis Merrill.

1863- Martin Upson, Willis Merrill.

1864- Martin Upson, Willis Merrill.

VESTRYMEN.

1845- Moses Pond, Martin Upson, Heman Hall, Marcus Minor, Levi Hall, Lyman Higgins, Hezekiah Todd.

1846- Moses Pond, Chester Hotchkiss, Levi Hall, Lyman Higgins, George G. Alcott, Hezekiah Todd, Marcus Minor.

1847- Lyman Higgins, Martin Upson, Hezekiah Todd, Moses Pond, Levi Hall, Willis Merrill, Geo. G. Alcott, Marcus Minor, Eldad Alcott.

1848- Moses Pond, Chester Hotchkiss, Orrin Hotchkiss, Luther M. Pond, Geo. G. Alcott, Hezekiah Todd, Ezra L. Todd, David S. Bailey, Marcus Minor, Willis Merrill.

1849- Moses Pond, Willis Merrill, Hezekiah Todd, Marcus Minor, Gorge G. Alcott.

1950- Ezra L. Todd, Marcus Minor, David S. Bailey, Willis Merrill, Bennet Upson, Luther M. Pond, Wells Plumb.

1851- Marcus Minor, Dennis Pritchard, Hezekiah Todd, Ezra L. Todd, Luther M. Pond.

1852- Dennis Pritchard, Marcus Minor, Willis Merrill, Hezekiah Todd, Moses Pond.

1853- Dennis Pritchard, Moses Pond, Marcus Minor.

1854- Willis Merrill, Hezekiah Todd, Dennis Pritchard.

1855- Marcus Minor, Willis Merrill, Dennis Pritchard,

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VESTRYMEN OF THE SOCIETY.

1856-Dennis Pritchard, Willis Merrill, Marcus Minor.

1857- Dennis Pritchard, Marcus Miner, Willis Merrill.

1858- Marcus Miner, Dennis Pritchard, Willis Merrill.

1859- Dennis Pritchard, Willis Merrill, Marcus Minor.

1860- George G. Alcott, Marcus Minor, Dennis Pritchard.

1861- Dennis Pritchard, Ezra L. Todd, Mucus Minor.

1862- Dennis Pritchard, Ezra L. Todd, Marcus Minor.

1863- Dennis Pritchard, Ezra L. Todd, Marcus Minor.

1864- Marcus Minor, Ezra L. Todd.

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Part III: CIVIL

CHAPTER I. TOWN INCORPORATED.

The Ecclesiastical Society of Farmingbury, at a Society meeting held December 7th, 1787, passed the following votes respecting the privileges of a town: "Voted that we are willing and desirous to be incorporated into a town. The negative was called, and not a hand up. Voted that it is our mind when made a town to be connected to New Haven County. Voted that Deacon Joseph Atkins, Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, Capt. Charles Upson, Deacon Justus Peck, Streat Richards, Mark Harrison, be a committee, or agents, to treat or confer with the towns of Southington and Waterbury respecting our becoming incorporated into a town, and likewise to carry a memorial to the General Assembly in May next. Voted that we prepare a petition to the Hon. General Assembly for privileges of a town, at their session in May next."

At an adjourned meeting on the second Monday of January, 1788, the Society "Voted that we will choose a committee to treat with the Waterbury committee respecting our having town privileges, and that Captain Charles Upson, Daniel Byington, Streat Richards, Simeon Hopkins, Abraham Norton, Amos Seward, and Capt. Samuel Upson be the committee; and said committee are desired to make their report to this meeting as soon as an agreement may be made; and it is understood that the agreement of said committee is not binding on said Society until agreed to by said Society." [[176]]

From Bronson's History of Waterbury we learn the opinion of that town respecting this movement:

In December, 1787, the inhabitants of Farmingbury presented a memorial, in town meeting, giving reasons why they should be incorporated into a distinct town, and asking the consent of the meeting. A committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration, and hear the proposals that might be made "concerning public moneys, bridges, and town's poor," &c., and report make. Josiah Bronson, Stephen Ives, Aaron Benedict, Ezra Bronson, John Welton, and Samuel Lewis were the committee. "It is rather a doubt in our minds," they reported, "of the expediency of granting them their request, on any consideration whatever, but more especially upon the offers and proposals in several articles by them made." (page 282)

On the 14th day of next April the Society "voted to reconsider the vote that was taken to send agents to the General Assembly in May next, to try to obtain priviliges of a town."

In a Society meeting, held on the 13th day of February, 1792, this subject was again taken up. It was at the same meeting that voted the settlement of Mr. Israel B. Woodward. "Voted that we prepare a petition to the Hon. General Assembly, at their session in May next, for town privileges; and Dr. John Potter, Lieut. Streat Richards, Mark Harrison, Esq., Capt. Charles Upson, Jonathan Carter, Lieut. James Bailey, Daniel Byington, Calvin Cowles, Capt. Nathaniel Lewis, Mr. Amos Seward, were chosen a committee, or agents, to treat with the towns of Southington and Waterbury respecting the above petition to the Assembly." We learn from the Waterbury History that this petition was not presented in the Spring, but in the Autumn session of the Assembly.

On the 8th of October, 1792, Farmingbury applied to the Legislature for the desired act of incorporation. The town of Waterbury "voted that if the memorialists would [[177]] within eight days give up all right to the ministerial and school moneys, pay twenty pounds in consideration of being released from supporting the great bridge on the Woodbury road, bind themselves to take care of their portion, according to the grand list, of the town poor, and to pay their share of the town debts; then, in that case, the town would not oppose the object of the memorial" (page 282). We find no report of the Farmingbury committee.

In the fore part of December, 1793, the Society again voted to present a petition to the General Assembly, and appointed the following committee to attend to this business: Capt. Charles Upson, Mark Harrison, Esq., Lieut. Streat Richards, Dr. John Potter, Capt. Samuel Upson, Lieut. Charles Frisbie, Capt. Walter Beecher, Ensign Jonathan Carter, Simeon Plumb, Joseph Beecher, Jr., Daniel Byington, and Samuel Byington. Of this committee we hear nothing, except that in a Society meeting, on the 5th day of February, 1795, tlle Society voted that "the committee heretofore appointed to prepare a petition to the General Assembly for town privileges, prepare the same." Hence it is probable they had done nothing about it.

On the 25th day of April, 1796, another committee was appointed, and this application was successful. The committee consisted of Mark Harrison, Esq., Captain Charles Upson, Capt. Streat Richards, Mr. Jacob Carter, Mr. Eliakim Welton, and Mr. Elijah Frisbie.

ACT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

At a General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, holden at Hartford, on the second Thursday of May, 1796:

Upon the petition of the inhabitants of the Society of Farmingbury, in the towns of Waterbury and Southington,\n/ in the counties [[178]] of Hartford and New Haven, showing to this Assembly that some years since said Society was formed by the extreme parts of said towns of Waterbury and Southington, with the dividing line of said towns and counties running from north to south through the centre of said Society, upon which line their Meeting house was erected and stands; that their local situation is such, being obstructed in their travel eastwardly by a mountain, and other natural impediments, that great inconveniencies arise in their attending upon public meetings, and other public services and duties, and various other disadvantages are attached to them under their present circumstances; praying to be incorporated into a distinct town, with usual town privileges, and to be added to the said county of New Haven, as per petition dated May 9th, 1796, on file; and the said towns of Waterbury and Southington having withdrawn all objections against the prayer of said petition,

\n/When Southington was incorporated a town, from Farmington, in October, 1779, the eastern part of Farmingbury was included within the boundaries of Southington, and belonged to that town until the above act took effect.

Resolved, That all the land lying and being in said Society of Farmingbury, and according to the established lines and limits of said Society, be and the same hereby is incorporated into a town by the name of Wolcott,\n/ and that it shall leave and retain, and enjoy all the privileges incident and belonging to any other town in the State; except, only, that said town shall hereafter send but one representative to the General Assembly of this State, and that the said town of Wolcott shall hereafter support their proportion of the present town poor, according to their list in said towns of Waterbury and Southington, on the said 9th day of May; provided that all debts and taxes due on said 9th of May from the inhabitants of said Wolcott shall be paid and discharged, as the same then or now remains due and owing; and that all debts and credits of said petitioners with said towns of Waterbury and Southington (except those appropriated for schooling in said Southington) shall be according to their respective lists of the year 1795. And it is further ordered that the inhabitants of said town of Wolcott shall hold a town meeting on the 13th day of June next, for the purpose of appointing town officers, and the meeting [[179]] shall be warned by a warrant signed by Mark Harrison, Esq., and posted on the public sign-post in said town at least five days before holding said meeting; and Mr. Aaron Harrison shall be moderator of said meeting, and said town shall then and there proceed to appoint a town clerk, and other town officers for said town, who shall continue in office until the second Monday of December next, or until others are chosen in their places and stead.

\*/ The name of the town would have been Farmingbury, but for the fact that Lieutenant Governor Oliver Wolcott, presiding in the Assembly when the bill was voted on, and there being a tie vote, he gave the "casting vote," which made it a town, and in honor of this fact it was called Wolcott.

And it is further Resolved that said town of Wolcott be and the same is hereby annexed to the county of New Haven, and shall be and remain within and part thereof.

A true copy of record.
Examined by SAMUEL WYLLIS, Secretary.

A true entry of the bill in form of the Town of Wolcott.
Test. ISAAC BRONSON, Regr.

The following is the agreement of the towns named concerning the poor:

Know all men by these presents, that whereas the General Assembly, at their session in May last, incorporated the parish of Farmingbury into a distinct town from a part of the towns of Southington and Waterbury, by the name of Wolcott, said Wolcott to support their proportion of the town poor, and the town of Southington having appointed Asa Barnes, Ashbel Cowles, Elizur Andrews, Samuel Hart, and Daniel Langton, jr., and the said town of Wolcott having appointed Jaacob Carter, Nathaniel Lewis, Calvin Cowles, and Mark Harrison, a committee to divide said poor, which dividend is this day concluded and made mutually by us the said committee, viz.: The said town of Wolcott do agree to take Elizabeth Bailey, and Susannnah Bailey and her child, on the 13th day of December next, and Abraham Pierson and wife on or about the first day of said December, into their care as their proportion of the poor of said town of Southington, and said Southington does agree to take into their care as their proportion of the poor of said towns of Southington and Wolcott, viz: Amos Parsons, his wife and child, Rebecca Hitchcock, Amos Nicholson, Mary --, and Eunice Buck; said Wolcott to have no demand, of any name or nature, on said Southington; neither shall said Southington have any demand, of any name or nature, [[180]] on said town of Wolcott, except a note of -- dollars, which note is to be delivered unto the selectmen of Southington as soon as said selectmen of Southington shall execute the said deed unto the said selectmen of Wolcott of the land deeded to said Southington selectmen by Philemon Barnes, now deceased, and each of said towns are hereby forever discharged from any demands on each other up until this date, except the above deed and note.

In testimony of the aforesaid agreement and settlement, we have hereunto set our hands, in Southington, this 25th day of November, A. D., 1796.

Ashbel Cowles, Asa Barnes, Jacob Carter, Nathaniel Lewis, Calvin Cowles, Mark Harrison, Samuel Hart, Daniel Langton, jr., committee.

A true copy. ISAAC BRONSON, Reg'r.

THE FIRST TOWN MEETING.

At a meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Wolcott, legally warned and holden according to appointment of the Hon. General Assembly, on the 13th day of June, 1796, Deacon Aaron Harrison, being appointed Moderator, proceeded to choose the following gentlemen to the several offices to which their respective names are annexed, viz:
Town Clerk - Isaac Bronson.
Selectmen - Mark Harrison, Streat Richards, Jacob Carter.
Treasurer - Mark Harrison.
Constables - John Potter, Streat Richards.
Surveyors of Highways - Daniel Dean, John Potter, Elnathan Thrasher, Simeon Plumb, Eliakim Welton, Joel Granniss, Charles Upson, Samuel Upson, jr., Nathaniel Lane, Jeremiah Scarrit, Nathan Barnes, Joseph Twitchell, Ebenezer Johnson, Truman Smith, Dan Tuttle, Streat Richards.
Listers - Daniel Byington, John Potter, Isaac Bronson.
Collector - Samuel Plumb.
Leather Sealer - Farrington Barnes.
Grand Jurors - Mark Barnes, Ashbel Upson, Walter Beecher.
Tything Men -John Frisbie, David Harrison, Solomon Plumb, William Bailey.
Gauger - Isaac Bronson.
Packer - William Bailey. [[181]]
Sealer of Weights and Measures - William Stevens.
Key Keepers - Calvin Cowles, Dan Tuttle, Amos Upson.
Fence Viewers -Silas Hine, David Norton, Samuel Clinton, Amos Brockett.

At the same meeting, it was voted "that Messrs. Samuel Upson, Charles Upson, Streat Richards, Jacob Carter, Mark Harrison, Calvin Cowles, Nathaniel Lewis, and Daniel Byington, be a committee to reckon and settle all accounts, whether by book, note, or bond, that are or may be open with this and the towns of Waterbury and Southington, at or before the 9th day of May last; to divide the town poor (if any be) according to list, and to compromise and settle all claims and demands, that are or may arise between this and said towns of Waterbury and Southington previous to said 9th day of May last, and, if possible, to effect such settlement, and make a true and just report of their doings to this town, at their annual meeting in December next. Voted, that the annual town meeting in this town be holden on the second Monday in December annually, and that the same -- and all other ordinary town meetings -- be warned by notification, set upon the sign-post eight days previous to said meeting, by the selectmen of the town for the time being."

Thus were the people of Farmingbury constituted a distinct town, by the name of Wolcott, after petitioning nine years, and after being an Ecclesiastical Society twenty six years; and the only evil we could wish to Wolcott, when its century of town history shall be completed, is that its prosperity may be much greater than ever before, and that the celebration of that event may wittness a population tenfold more than at any time in its past history.

THE HILLS OF WOLCOTT.
see http://www.wolcotthistory.org/
http://www.tapr.org/~wa1lou/whs/maps.html
http://www.tapr.org/~wa1lou/whs/1868mapA.jpg [can't display download]
http://www.tapr.org/~wa1lou/whs/wlct535556A.jpg [downloaded]

The town of Wolcott is situated on hills, there being only one valley of any extent within its territory, and that the one coming up from Waterbury to within half a [[182]] mile of the centre of the town. The stream of water called Mad River, rising in the extreme northern portion of the town, runs down this valley to Waterbury.
[This stream, near Waterbury, was called in early times Mill River.]

West of Mad River, and in the northwesterly part of the town, is Spindle Hill. [Note that mid-20th century survey maps show Spindle Hill as east of Mad River and of route 69, where the TV tower now stands!!]

A little to the north, on the western boundary of the town, and rising higher than Spindle Hill, is Clinton Hill, for a time called New Canaan. This is the highest point of land in the town, and from it may be seen nearly a dozen church spires, in as many villages, and from it also may be seen Long Island Sound and Long Island. [Clinton Hill Farm appears in the appropriate location on the 1868 map.]

A little east of Clinton Hill is a large and nearly barren rock, called Rattlesnake Rock. A little distance northeast of this rock is Becar Hill, which is nearly as elevated as Clinton Hill, but does not afford so extensive a view as the latter. [See the 1950s maps, between Spindle Hill Road and Mad River, north of the old Alcott/Thompson/Wierd housel.]

South of Spindle Hill is Chestnut Hill, extending south to the valley of Mad River, where the valley is half a mile wide. [OK, on 1950s maps, south of what became the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.]

Between Chestnut Hill and Spindle Hill is Potucco's Ring. [Potucco's Ring, written also Petucker's Ring, derived its name from an Indian who kindled a fire in a circle around the hill in order to shoot deer. Potucco himself, remaining within the ring was burned to death.] [This would place Spindle Hill in the area called Prospect Hill on the 1868 map, between Beach Road and Mad River Road.]

The hill which is now Wolcott centre was known as Benson Hill, until it was called Farmingbury, and contained a settlement of but few families.

A small hill south of the centre was called Hogfields. [It shows on the 1868 map.]

Woodtick [-- So called from a story told of a man who, having laid aside his coat during the day while at work, found it at night in the possession of an innumerable number of insects, called woodticks --] is in the southern part of the town, at the head of the valley that continues westward to the city of Waterbury.

A little south of Woodtick is a hill with which has been connected a legend from which it derives the name of Tame Buck and west of this is Bald Hill, and west of the Woodtick pond is Wolf Hill. [All three show on the 1950s map.]

East of the bound line, and situated near Mr. Shelton T. Hitchcock's present dwelling, is Judd's Hill, probably so called from the fact that Deacon [[183]] Thomas Judd, of Waterbury, father-in-law to Mr. Thomas Upson, was among the first land owners on or near it. [Just west of the south end of Hitchcock Lake?]

The hill extending northwardly from Judd's Hill was sometimes spoken of as a part of Southington Mountain. That part of it, especially, where Captain Nathaniel Lewis and Mr. Thomas Upson resided, was called Southington Mountain by Waterbury people before Wolcott territory was settled. Southington Mountain, so called by Wolcott people, begins at the south-east burying ground, and extends northward about two miles. [Thus along Southington Mountain, north of the Southington Reservoir and Chase Country Club on the 1950s maps.]

The land next to the highest in the town is in the north-east, and was called for many years Pike's Hill, and after that Rose Hill, and still later has been known as the Lindsley Hill. This hill, for some time supposed to be the highest in the town, is lower than Clinton Hill, is also a little lower than East Mountain, near Meriden, and a very little lower than the highest land near Long Island Sound, west of New Haven. [Perhaps what is called "Spindle Hill" on the 1950s maps, the source of "Lindley Brook" (which also shows on the 1868 map)?]

The hills of Wolcott are composed of ledges of gray rock, and in many parts the rock is near the surface, or rising above it; and where the rock is covered to a considerable depth, much of the soil is so filled with stones and small rocks that the cultivation of it is a difficult and laborious work. Some fields now under cultivation show nearly as great an area of stone as of soil, yet there are many acres of arable land. The greater part of the land under cultivation is at present devoted to grazing. If as much money was devoted to fertilizing the soil as in many other parts of the country, the trade of Wolcott would consist of exports more largely than imports. The rule governing most of the farmers at present seems to be, to get as much from the soil as possible and put nothing on it, which rule would bring barrenness to any land on the planet called Earth. One reason why the rule is in good favor, is because of the burdens laid upon the men left in the town, the young and strong men having gone away to engage in manufacturing and mercantile [[184]] enterprises elsewhere, and there is not force sufficient remaining to cultivate the land. Many of those who have emigrated from Wolcott have been remarkably successful, and this success abroad has been an injury, in one respect, for the impression seems to prevail that young men can make money faster and enjoy it more in any place other than in Wolcott.

Those farmers who cultivate the land with energy, by hiring "help" and buying fertilizers, reap harvests as large as the average throughout the eastern portion of the nation. One thing sure to grow if the soil is left to itself is white birch, chestnut, oak, and swamp maple trees. The average yearly export of wood is about four thousand cords, while the amount standing does not appear to be diminished. There are many acres of land now called woodland that were under thorough cultivation from thirty to fifty years ago. Mr. Levi Atkins has land where once he mowed an abundant crop of hay from which he has taken one crop of wood, some of the trees being from twelve to fifteen inches in diameter, and the second growth of wood on the same land is now of considerable value. Others have valuable timber land where they mowed large quantities of hay less than twenty-five years ago. Land with a full crop of wood standing is worth two-thirds more than without the wood, and when a farmer removes five or ten acres of wood, he applies to the assessors to lessen, proportionately, the assessment on his farm; so that the amount of the "grand list" is diminishing every year, for the growth of the wood is slow compared with the time required for the removal of it. On the other hand, the increase of the assessment list in proportion to the growth of wood is a very difficult matter, and one against which the people seem to have strong prejudices. The area of woodland is increasing every year, because the trees are springing up on grazing land in many parts with greit rapidity. Without considerable effort to subdue these growing [[185]] bushes they will soon become trees, and the present pastures will become forests. From the fact of this rapid growth of wood on land which had been under cultivation from forty to seventy years, it may be properly concluded that the strength of the soil has not been exhausted, and hence with labor and fertilizers Wolcott soil could be made to produce as abundantly as ever.

STREAMS IN WOLCOTT.

Mad River is the largest stream within the limits of the town. It rises at the northern boundary and flows south and southwest into the Naugatuck River. Several streams flow into Mad River.

One from Spindle Hill, called Stony Brook, enters the river from the west above the Great Falls, or the Mill Place [on the 1868 map this is called "Alcott Brook" and does indeed come from the hill between Beach Road and Mad River Road, south of Alcott Avenue];

another from the east, north of the center, enters below the Great Falls, and is the one on which was situated the tannery of Mr. Ira Hough. [It is unnamed on the 1868 map.]

Another stream from Buck's Hill enters the river in the Big Plains, and is the one on which Mr. Jonathan Bement built a tannery, near Gehula Grilley's residence, where Mr. Isaac Hough now resides. [Probably "Old Tannery Brook" on the 1950s maps, which is "Col. Richards Brook" on the 1868 map.]

A small stream east of Capt. John Alcox's residence was called East Misery Brook. [Maybe just west of the Great Falls on the 1868 map?]

Another from the north-eastern part of the town enters Mad River a little north of Woodtick, [perhaps "Lindley Brook" on the 1950s maps]

while another from the south-east part, called Lily Brook, enters a little below Woodtick. [See the 1950s maps, by the same name.]

Three reservoirs are now constructed in this town in connection with Mad River, to supply the manufactories of Waterbury, -

one in the northern portion of the town, covering Cedar Swamp;

another in the south-eastern, adjoining Judd's Hill [undoubtedly Hitchcock Lake, which is called "Waterbury Reservoir on the 1868 map],

and the other at the north end of Chestnut Hill. The last named, which is not yet completed, has been constructed at a much greater expense than the others;

and all of them have been built by Waterbury manufacturing companies. [Note that the Scovill Reservoir at Woodtick is unmentioned, and the Southington Reservoir #2, north of the south-east burying ground.]

In the north-east part of the town is Roaring Brook, running in a south-eastern [[186]] direction down Southington Mountain, on which is, at present, a saw mill of considerable power. There was another mill on the same stream further up, but nothing remains of it except the dam and the foundation walls. [This river shows on the 1950s maps, flowing to New Britain Reservoir; it is unnamed on the 1868 map.]

CHAPTER II.

THE FIRST SETTLERS.

The land in Wolcott, belonging as it did originally to the towns of Farmington and Waterbury, was "taken up" largely by the inhabitants of those towns some years before any persons made their residence on these lands, and hence the Waterbury part of Wolcott was, much of it, owned by Waterbury people, and was settled largely by the people of that town, while the Farmington part was "taken up" by the people of that place, and many of the early residents were from that town, including Southington, a few coming from Wallingford. The Farmington part was laid into "long lots," being in three tiers, of one mile each. The first tier joined the Waterbury, or the "bound line," the second lay east of the first, and the third east of the second, extending to the foot of Southington Mountain. The whole length of each "long lot" is said (in some of the deeds) to have been three miles. The lots were numbered from north to south, and must have commenced near the northern boundary of Wolcott.

The earliest record of the purchase of land in this part of Wolcott that I have seen, except that of Mr. Thomas Upson, in 1732, is that by Lieutenant Heman Hall, on March 12th, 1750, on the long lot, number fifty-six; but on this farm was then a dwelling house, in which Mr. Joseph Preston was probably residing. This house stood on the "twenty-rod highway" running north and south on Southington Mountain, directly east from [[188]] the present gable-roofed house which he or his son, Captain Heman Hall, afterwards built. Mr. Hall sold this farm to Mr. Preston, of whom he purchased it, and the deeds are dated on the same day. On the 19th of the same month, Mr. Hall purchased another farm on lot fifty-six, of a Mr. Jonathan Mott, fifty acres, "with a dwelling house on it and a road across it," for two hundred and ten pounds. He purchased other land near this in 1754, but was then residing in Wallingford, and did not make his residence here until after this date. In 1753, Mr. James Pike, and his two sons, Samuel and David, were residing on or near Pike's Hill. Mr. Samuel Pike bought eighty-five acres on lot thirty-eight, of Mr. Robert Porter, of Farmington, for two hundred and fifty pounds, in 1753, which land "butted on Waterbury line." Mr. Cogswell purchased of Asa Cowles a part of lot 38, "middle tier," in 1754. Mr. David Pike sold land to Mr. Daniel Mix, in 1753, it being a "part of the lot his father owned." Mr. Benjamin Barnes owned land near that purchased by Lieut. Heman Hall, in 1753, and may have resided on it.

The earliest record I have seen of Mr. John Bronson in Wolcott, is that of 1762, but whether be was then residing here or not I am not able to say, certainly, but think he was. Mr. Justus Peck, afterwards Deacon, was in Wolcott as early as January 18th, 1762. Captain Nathaniel Lewis, probably, made his residence on the farm still known by his name, about 1760 to 1765, and Mr. David Frost near the same time, perhaps a few years later, and the Carters about 1770. The Beechers may have been here before 1765, as also the Brockets, Hortons, and some others who settled in the north-east portion of the town; still, I am of the opinion that they had not been here long when the Society was organized, in 1770.

In Waterbury part, Mr. John Alcox, of New Haven, was the first resident, removing hither in March, 1731. [[189]] In the autumn of the same year Mr. Isaac Hopkins purchased the farm in the valley east of Chestnut Hill, and probably made it his residence the next year, 1732, the year that he was married, and on this farm he resided until his death. Mr. Benjamin Harrison was living on Benson Hill, now Wolcott Center, in 1739, when he purchased land adjoining "his own land," according to the reading of the deeds. He purchased one hundred and eleven acres of land of Stephen Hopkins, jr., of Waterbury, deeded July 2, 1737, which land joined on Isaac Hopkins' land. By the reading of some of Mr. Harrison's deeds it appears that other families had resided or were residing in that portion of the town before he removed there. After Mr. Isaac Hopkins and Mr. Benjamin Harrison, the following families became settlers in the valley southwest of Benson Hill: Elijah Frisbie, Roger Prichard, Eldad Mix, and a few others, before 1760; and Joseph Parker, Joseph Sutliff, Gehulah Grilley and Timothy Scott,\*/ before 1770. On Spindle Hill, Thomas Welton and Eliakim Welton, and Shadrick Benham settled soon after John Alcox. Mr. Amos Seward was residing east [[190]] of Woodtick in 1770, and had been there some years, probably, and south of him were settled at that time several of the sons of Thomas Upson. Wait Hotchkiss came to Wolcott in 1765, and Abel Curtiss, Isaac Twitchell, and Joseph Beach, near the same time; probably a little before. David Norton came about 1760. Josiah Rogers had been here but a short time before 1770, though his father, Deacon Rogers, of North Branford, purchased land here in 1724. Solomon Hotchkiss was an early settler on Spindle Hill, east of Mr. John Alcock's, but very few particulars concerning him and his family have been seen. Joseph Atkins removed here about 1758. In 1770 there were residing at the Center, then called Farmingbury, Aaron Harrison and the family of his brother Benjamin Harrison, Abraham Woster, John Barrett and the family of James Barrett, Joseph Atkins, and Josiah Talmage, and soon after were added Daniel Tuttle, Samuel Byington, and possibly a few others; yet of this I am not certain.

\*/ Inhabitants of Waterbury subject to pay taxes in 1760, residing in East Branch (afterwards Wolcott), three miles or more from the Meeting House, as given in Bronson's History of Waterbury.

Thomas Welton, L 83
Benjamin Nichols, 34
John Alcox, jr., 54
John Alcox, 51
Benjamin Benham, 40
Seth Bartholomew, 52
Joseph Sutliff, jr., 7
Conrad Johnson, 45
Eldad Mix, 22
Edward Rogers, 21
William Cole, 9
Roger Prichard, 96
James Bassett, 55
Joseph Beach, 54
Isaac Cleveland, 29
Joseph Sutliff, 86
Shadrick Benham, 26
Josiah Adkins, 35
William Hickox, 52
Abial Roberts, jr., 2
William Monson, 13
Daniel Alcox, 48
James Alcox, 42
William Woodward, 6
Isaac Hopkins, 151
Barnabas Lewis, 36
Abial Roberts, 73
Josiah Rogers, 49

Whole No. 28.
Total, L 1,261

WOLCOTT CENTER IN 1800.

The Center, soon after the town was incorporated, was a place of considerable mercantile business and land speculations, the land sales being stimulated by the expectation that a turnpike would be constructed from Torrington to New Haven, and that Wolcott would be an important station on that road. In 1796, Mr. Samuel Byington sold his farm and hotel, west of the Green, and a little southwest of the Meeting house, to Moses Todd, Bani Bishop, of Southington, and Hezekiah Todd, of Cheshire, for four hundred and eighty-four pounds. This farm contained forty-seven acres, the hotel and wheelwright shop, and was bounded on the north by Joseph Atkin's land, on the west by Mad River, on the south by David Norton's land and the highway. In February, 1797, this farm was purchased by Abijah Fenn, of Watertown, who built in the following year, 1798, the store [[191]] near the corner of the lot towards the Meeting house, which he built on contract for Truman Woodward and Amos Baldwin, said to be of Wolcott, but who, probably, came from Watertown, previously: In 1800 Moses Todd purchased this store, and soon after sold it to Benham and Tuttle, who continued the store with great enterprise for a number of years. Mr. Fenn sold his hotel and farm in January, 1799, to, Mark Harrison, Esquire, "for the consideration of eighteen hundred and thirty-three dollars." Mr. Dan Tuttle sold his place, containing ninety-three acres, at the south-west corner of the green, in 1797, to Moses Todd, for seven hundred and fifty pounds. This farm, Mr. Asaph Hotchkiss afterwards purchased, and resided on it some years, and gave some of it, lying west of the old bound line, for a public green. Mr. Asaph Hopkins came from East Haven to Woodtick and then to the Center, and was engaged largely in buying and selling land.

Rev. Mr. Woodward sold the Gillet place, March 4, 1799, to Charles Upson, Esquire, for five hundred and fifty pounds, and on the 26th of the same month he purchased of Mr. Bani Bishop "a certain piece of land about fifteen rods east of the Meeting house, containing about one acre of land, together with a large dwelling thereon standing, and store and horse shed near and adjoining the same," for eleven hundred and thirty dollars. In April following, he purchased of Elijah Birge thirty-five acres, with buildings, lying north of and adjoining the one acre. These buildings, including a dwelling house, stood opposite the burying ground, and was the house where a fatal accident occurred.\*/ Mr. Woodward continued [[192]] to reside in the house east of the Meeting house until his death.

\*/Some military officers came to the house early in the morning to "wake up" their fellow officer, and went into the house; upon which, the resident officer arose quickly and said in a joke, "Go out of my house, or I'll shoot you," he, supposing his gun was not loaded, and suiting his action to his words, fired, and the gun being loaded with a wad, the firing proved fatal in a few hours.

The old dwelling house now standing on the corner opposite the house Rev. Mr. Woodward resided in, was sold by Jabez Harrison, in January, 1799, to Moses Todd and Bani Bishop. Jabez Harrison was the son of Benjamin, the only brother of Deacon Aaron Harrison, and may have resided in this house a number of years. Todd and Bishop sold it to Aaron Harrison, jr., the land containing about half an acre. Mr. Harrison sold the south part, or about a quarter of an acre, to Darius Wiard, and then sold the house and lot in April, 1800, to Hezekiah Todd and Caleb Todd, who sold it in October of the same year to Matthew Wiard. In December 1801, Rev. Mr. Woodward purchased this dwelling, and the boundaries are thus designated: "a certain lot of land lying in said Wolcott, about fifteen rods Southeast of the Meeting house, and is butted North on highway, East on Lucius Tuttle, South on Darius Wiard, and West on said Town's land, containing about twenty-six rods of land, be the same more or less, with a dwelling thereon standing." This dwelling Mr. Woodward sold to Isaac Benham, of Waterbury, and Samuel Benham, of Wolcott, in 1802, the latter residing in it many years.

The house now the residence of Mrs. Johnson Alcott, was built by Darius Wiard, about the year 1800, and was the residence for a number of years afterward of Dr. John Potter. The house at the south-west corner of the Green was the residence of Mr. Daniel Tuttle for several years before 1797, and after that was the residence of Messrs. Asaph Hotchkiss, Isaac Hough, and for the last twenty years of Erastus W. Warner. I am of the opinion that the old cellar wall standing south-west of Mr. Erastus M. Warner's, near a large rock on east side of the present road, marks the place of the residence of Mr. John Barrett, the grave digger at the Center for many years.

The second house on the south side of the road going [[193]] east from the green appears, by a certain deed, to have been built by a Mr. Bishop in the summer of 1800, and it was afterward purchased by Mr. Lucius Tuttle, and possibly enlarged by him. The house next this on the east was built by Mr. Pitman Stowe, and was kept by him as a hotel for a number of years, after which Rev. Mr. Keys resided in it, and it is frequently spoken of at the present day as Mr. Keys' house. By some of the deeds it seems that there must have been a house here before the one Mr. Stowe built.

On the opposite side of the road from Mr. Keys' house, and a little east, was the residence, for some years, of Deacon Aaron Harrison. It was afterward the residence of Deacon Isaac Bronson for a number of years, and then of his son, Irad Bronson. East of the site of this house, and within a quarter of a mile of it, are remaining parts of the foundation walls of three other houses that were probably standing in 1820.

The house of Abraham Woster, in 1770, stood about three rods west of the present Meeting house; the committee who fixed the stake for the site of the first Meeting house said it was placed "a little north of Abraham Woster's house," but it must have been a little east instead of north.

THE PUBLIC GREEN.

The land given to the Ecclesiastical Society was located on the north side of the highway running east and west in front of the Meeting house, and all the Green south of this highway belongs to the town. The east part of this Green was given to the town by Charles Upson, Esq., in 1801, and is described in the deed as "a certain piece of land being and lying in said town of Wolcott, about ten rods southeast of the Meeting house, butting north on highway, east on Matthew Wiard and Darius Wiard, south on William Robinson, west on highway, or the bound line." The west part of this Green was [[194]] given to the town by two individuals; the northwest corner, containing about a quarter of an acre, by Michael Harrison, in 1800, and the remaining part by Asaph Hotchkiss, in 1808.

MILL PLACE.

There was "Laid out to Benjamin Harrison," father of Deacon Aaron Harrison, "December 5, 1748, five acres of land in the Northeast quarter of the bounds at the Great Falls of the Mad River," on which he probably built a saw mill, for he sold the same with a saw mill on it, deeded November 19, 1751, to John Alcox and Abiel Roberts. This property, with a clothing mill then standing below and adjoining the saw mill, was purchased of John, David, and Joseph Alcox, by Abraham Norton, in 1787, and at this place was erected afterwards a grist mill, one hallf of which was deeded on purchase, to John Norton by John Alcox, James Alcox, Daniel and David Alcox, November 1, 1793. John Norton received by gift from his father, Abraham Norton, one fourth part of this mill property in 1791, and in 1793 a dwelling house and one acre of land. Abraham Norton removed to Litchfield, in 1796, at which time his son John purchased sixty-four acres of his land at the mill place. The year following he sold to his son John thirteen acres more, it being, probably, all he owned in that part of the town. This grist mill was owned for many years by John Norton, and known far and near by his name. There is now standing at these Great Falls only a saw mill and cider mill which are owned by Mr. Dennis Pritchard.

ATKINS' MILL.

Joseph Atkins built a grist mill on Mad River, some twenty rods below the Great Falls, about the year 1760, which he continued as the only grist mill in the parish for twenty years or more.

Mr. Atkins died in 1782, and in 1783 his son, Deacon [[195]] Joseph Atkins, sold half of this mill property to Thomas Upson, father of Charles Upson, and afterward Streat Richards owned the whole property for a number of years, deeding it in 1800 to Isaac Upson, with "about one quarter of an acre of land a few rods northeast of said mill, with a dwelling house standing on the same." Some years after this, the mill was removed to Woodtick, where it was operated as a grist mill. There is now a building -- known as the "old carding mill" standing on the site of Atkins' grist mill, but no work is done in it, and the indications are that it will soon go down the river. There are two mills on this river a few rods below the "old carding mill," one a saw mill, now doing yearly a large amount of work. It is said that Seth Thomas made an agreement about the year 1800 or a little after, for some mill property, owned by Daniel Byington at this mill place, proposing to engage in the manufacture of clocks, and that by some peculiar requisitions afterwards made by Mr. Byington, and because of the want of encouragement from the people of the town in constructing a road from the mill place to Cheshire so that he could reach the market conveniently with his merchandise, he gave up the project, and went to Plymouth Hollow, and entered upon the same plan there, and the result has been the establishing of that enterprising village now known as Thomaston, Connecticut.

WOODTICK.

Mr. Judah Frisbie was the first settler in Woodtick, as far as I have learned, and he purchased his first land here in the autumn of 1773, but did not reside on it until some years afterward. His account book shows that he boarded at Mr. Amos Seward's before he was married, and while, probably, he was working on his land and attending to business of various kinds (for he was a busy man). The same book shows that he was engaged in building, probably a house, in 1776. His brother-in-law, Elnathan [[196]] Thrasher, was married in 1778, and probably settled on the farm now owned by Deacon Orrin Hall, the same year, where he resided until about 1800. Judah Frisbie mentions the saw mill as early as 1776, and as he sold lumber at different times and frequently from that time forward until 1790, it is probable that he owned a part or all of the mill. Abraham Norton sold one half of.this saw mill in 1801 to Harvey Upson, the other half being "owned by Capt. Samuel Upson and Samuel Upson, jr." The Atkins grist mill at the mill place was taken down (after 1800) and removed to Woodtick, and used for a grist mill for a time, and then changed into a paper mill, which has been greatly enlarged and improved by machinery, so that, at present, it is producing, yearly, a large amount of paper. It is now owned by Mr. Emerson M. Hotchkiss, late of Southington.

HOTELS.

The first hotel was that of Samuel Byington, on the west side of the Green, where he also had a wheelwright shop. Joseph Twitchell kept the same house after the year 1800, for a short time. Pitman Stowe kept a hotel a few years in the house that Rev. Mr. Keys afterwards occupied. Col. Moses Pond kept a hotel in the house previously occupied (about twenty-five years) by Mr. Lucius Tuttle. Daniel Alcox kept hotel for a time at the Center, probably in a house that stood near the corner of the roads east of the Center; one of the roads going east toward John Bronson's, the other toward Cheshire. Thomas Wiard had a hotel, but in what house I know not.

HIGHWAYS.

One hundred years before Farmingbury parish was organized, the hunters from Farmington followed the Indian trail, or, path, that passed through what is now the towns of Bristol and Wolcott, to the valley of the Naugatuck and to Woodbury. After the settlement of Waterbury, this path became the traveled road between [[197]] Farmington and Waterbury, passing from Bristol over the hills in a direction a little south of west, through what is now the northwest corner of Wolcott, into the valley near the present village of Waterville, thence down the stream to Waterbury. Tradition says this road passed Mr. Levi Atkins' present dwelling, and that the Indian trail at that point passed a little further north, near a large shelving rock called "Jack's Cave."\*/ This road continued to be, as I judge, the principal road between Farmington and Waterbury more than seventy years, until after the settlement of Spindle Hill. In 1750, nineteen years after Mr. John Alcock settled on Spindle Hill, a road was laid out from Mr. Eliakim Welton's running east of north until it reached the road above described, then east to the Farmington line at the Scarritt place (see Waterbury Records), it being a continuance of the road from Waterbury to Buck's Hill. We learn from the records that in 1754 another road was laid out from Waterbury to "Farmington bounds." This came up the Mad River, passing Mr. Isaac Hopkin's dwelling, the Abel Curtiss place, the mill place south of the great falls, thence east through land now inclosed in the Center burying ground, to the bound line, thence north on that line to the Scarritt place. This road was called the East Farmington road, the one passing Mr. Alcox's being the west.

\*/The Indians encamped under this rock nights in passing between Farmington and Woodbury. It was near this cave that the large chestnut tree stood from which Mr. Timothy Bradley said he cut two hundred bullets, which were shot into the tree by the Indians while shooting at a mark.

When Mr. Thomas Upson settled on Southington Mountain there was probably no road from Waterbury to Southington, except a path for persons on foot and on horseback. The old "twenty rod highway" was the first laid out highway near his farm, as far as ascertained, and began south of Mr. Upson's dwelling (I know not how far), going north past Capt. Nathaniel Lewis' and David [[198]] Frost's dwelling, thence east across the brook to the. present burying ground, thence north on the mountain to the northern boundary of present Wolcott, at least, but more probably to New Cambridge, now Bristol. The deeds recorded in Farmington that I have seen mention this twenty rod highway as far north as the "tenth long lot," making it certain that the road continued north as far as the first of the long lots at least. The date when the road was laid out I have not seen, but it was there twenty rods wide in 1750.

A few years after the incorporation of the town, there was considerable effort made by individuals and by the town, in town meetings, to secure a turnpike through the town from Torrington to New Haven. The town appointed committees at different times to meet other committees of the Legislature, to forward this object, and the town did considerable work on the road, but the project did not succeed.

About the time (near 1812-15) the New Haven turnpike was given up, the road on the southern boundary of the town running from Waterbury to Marion was made a turnpike, a large part of the stock being owned by the Upson families of Wolcott.

CHAPTER III. PUBLIC SCHOOLS

As early as 1763 the people of Farmingbury winter parish had their own schools and were exempted from paying tax for schools outside of the Parish, and this privilige was granted them until the parish was organized. At the first Society meeting, in Nov., 1770, a committee of six was appointed to divide the Society into Districts, and that committee made report to the adjourned meeting in the same month, which report was accepted by the Society, but what the report was is not stated in the records, and hence the difficulty of ascertaining how many Districts were established. There are, however indications that from the first, and for several years afterwards, there were nine districts, for they appointed nine men as committeemen, and passed the following vote: "Each school committee shall collect their poll rate, each one in his district." The words "each one in his district," are quite definite information that one man only was appointed to a district. The names of the several committees indicate where these districts were located.
Joseph Sutliff, jr., for the Southwest district;
Joseph Atkins for the one at the Mill place, for which district no name has been seen;
John Alcox for the West district;
Capt. Aaron Harrison at the Center;
Jedediah Minor for the East district, near John Bronson's;
Nathaniel Lewis for the Southeast district;
Amos Seward for the South district
Simeon Plumb for the North district, and
Daniel Finch for the Northeast district.
All these districts are [[200]] mentioned by name as given above except the one at the Mill place, or at Daniel Byington's. It is probable that the schools in some of these districts were kept in private houses, and perhaps most of them at first, but when school houses were erected the Southeast district and the one at the Mill place were discontinued, as we learn of no school-house sites in these parts of the town. The East district continued many years; the schoolhouse standing at the corner of the roads a litle east of Mr. Mark Tuttle's present dwelling house. This was the house in which Mr. David Harrison taught school much of the time for many years. The other districts, six in number, still continue.

EXPENSES OF THE SCHOOLS.

The expenses were paid "by the poll," that is, parents paid for their children, for each in proportion to the whole number of pupils -- and the number of days in attendance. Under this system it was often quite difficult for some parents to pay their school bills, and because of this many children were educated very little. Until the town was organized, the number of months the schools should be kept was decided by parish vote, and usually was voted to be according to law, but sometimes the vote was to "keep eleven months school." Wages were, for a man, from six to ten dollars a month, for a woman one dollar a week, and a school bill of eighty-eight dollars for the year was a great amount to be paid by the district, and was in reality a much greater burden then than any tax for schooling at the present time.

It is a matter of great congratulation to the people of this town that nearly three-fourths of the expenses of the schools are now paid by receipts other than taxes on the property of the town. The fund of $8,500 left to this town by the late Addin Lewis, of New Haven, a native of Wolcott, is of very great value in sustaining the schools. The income from this fund amounts to five hundred [[201]] dollars per year, and with the fidelity continued that has characterized its administration hitherto, it will be hereafter a benefit incalculably great. That part of the will of Mr. Lewis which relates to Wolcott is given.

THE WILL OF ADDIN LEWIS AS IT RELATES TO THE TOWN OF WOLCOTT.

Section 8. If my said daughter shall die without disposing by her will of the estate mentioned in the foregoing article, I do give, devise, and bequeath all said estate (so not disposed of by her) to her lineal descendants who shall be living at the time of her death, in the same manner and proportions as the same would have descended and been distributed to them if she had owned the same as her own proper. estate, and had died intestate and solvent; and if there should be no lineal descendants of my said daughter living at the time of her death, I give, devise, and bequeath ten thousand dollars of said estate to the School Society of the town of Wolcott, in, Connecticut, for the purposes hereinafter expressed; and fifteen thousand dollars of said estate to the School Society of the town of Southington, in Connecticut, for the purposes hereinafter expressed and five thousand dollars of said estate to "The President and Fellows of Yale College, in New Haven," for the purposes hereinafter expressed; and the balance of said estate shall go to increase proportionally the devises and legacies given in the following articles of this will.

And as to the said ten thousand dollars given as aforesaid to the School Society of the town of Wolcott, I direct that said Society shall hold the same as a permanent fund for the encouragement of the district schools in said town, and said Society shall annually pay the net income of said fund to the different school districts in said town in proportion to the number of children as ascertained by law; but every school district shall raise and expend for the support of district schools in such district during the year a sum equal to the sum to be paid to such district from the income of this fund, otherwise such district shall not for such year receive any part of said income, but the proportion of such district shall go to increase proportionally the,sums to be paid for such year to the other districts as aforesaid; and if all the school districts in the said town of Wolcott shall neglect for any year to [[202]] comply with the conditions aforesaid, then the whole of the net income of said fund for such year shall be paid to the different school districts in the town of Southington for the purposes and on the conditions aforesaid; and if all the school districts in the town of SouthiDgton shall neglect for any year to comply with the conditions aforesaid, then the whole of the net income of said fund for such year shall go to increase proportionally the devises and legacies given in the following articles of this will:

And whenever any persons or corporation shall have in their hands money to be invested in execution of any part of this will, I do expressly direct that said money shall in all cases be invested in mortgage security of unencumbered real estate of double the value of the amount of the loan secured thereon; and all loans may be varied from time to time on similar security.

In regard to the Southington Academy, for the erection and maintaining of which Mr. Lewis gave fifteen thousand dollars, he made this provision "And all Pupils from the town of Wolcott, not exceeding ten at any one time, who may wish to receive instruction in said institution, shall receive the same without any charge for tuition."

The income from this Lewis Fund of Wolcott, was five hundred dollars for the year 1873. In the same year were received from the School Fund and State appropriation two hundred and twenty dollars; for the Town Deposit Fund, one hundred and thirty dollars; in all eight hundred and fifty dollars. The actual expenses of all the schools for the same year were about twelve hundred dollars.

THE WHIPPING POST.

The whipping post stood east of the present Meeting house at the Center, near the southeast corner of the present horse sheds. Besides the three persons mentioned below, it is said, there were one man and a colored woman whipped at this post for stealing.

About the year 1815, Dr. George Williams (so he titled [[203]] himself), traveling through Wolcott, stayed over night at the house of Mark Upson, where he stole a shawl, and for which after trial, the court ordered seven lashes on the bare back. His hands were tied to the post a little higher than his head, and Capt. Levi Hall, constable, struck three blows when the lash came off, when some one said to the constable, "I am afraid the old man will not stand the blows quite so hard." The remaining blows were given lighter, the old man trembling greatly under the punishment. He was then taken to the store and his back washed with rum, upon which the old man said: "O my God, that is worse than the stripes; I think I will have a little inside," which was not denied him.

Pond and Granniss were convicted of stealing a cow about the vear 1817, for which, after trial, the court ordered seven lashes each. Their hands were tied as in the case of Williams, and Levi Parker, constable, laid the blows on Granniss with considerable severity, he remaining stubborn and making no complaint. Pond was very penitent, and while they were tying his hands to the post he prayed God to have mercy on him, the tears falling from the eyes of many who witnessed the unpleasant scene. The blows were given lightly, and while putting on his coat, Pond said: "It is just that it was done." It is thought that this was the last whipping done at the whipping post in the town.

LAW IN WOLCOTT.

Besides the above described whipping I have heard of no criminal proceedings in the courts of the town, nor in the county, concerning the inhabitants of Wolcott, of any special importance, except that which was instituted in regard to the burning of the first Meeting house. There were some old "stocks" for fastening the feet of criminals, laid up many years in the horse sheds which stood west of the Meeting house, but no one remembers to have heard of any use to which they were ever put except to [[204]] look at. The real facts I apprehend to have been these: There have existed in natural character and disposition of the people too much musical talent and good nature to allow disturbances of any serious kind to obtain a place of recognition among the people, and therefore they have worked hard, given much time and attention to singing, played the fife and drum, encouraged cheerfulness by pleasant associations, kept out of mischief, out of gaol, and off the gallows, and given as earnest adherence to religion as the average of country towns.

SMALL POX.

This disease was a great terror to the people and had made sad desolation in several families in the town before the year 1800. The following record indicates the conservatism of the people of those days in regard to the introduction of any new practice in medicine.

"At a special Town meeting held in Wolcott on the 27th day of October, 1800, Dr. John Potter prayed for liberty to set up or introduce the small pox by inocculation, into said town under the care, superintendence, and direction of the civil authority and selectmen of said town for the time being, or their successors in office, until said civil authority and selectmen, or the town at large by vote in legal meeting assembled, shall discontinue or suspend said liberty at the same meeting.

Voted to grant the prayer of the above petition, two-thirds of the members [voters] present being in the affirmative."

BURYING GROUNDS - THE CENTER BURYING GROUND.

In the Waterbury town records we learn the following action was taken in a town meeting held on December 10th, 1764: "At the same meeting Capt. George Nichols, and Capt. Stephen Upson, jr., were chosen a committee to go out eastward near Joseph Atkins', to view and purchase half an acre of land, upon the town cost, in that [[205]] neighborhood where they shall think it most convenient for a burying ground."\*/

* Mr. Bronson, in the History of Waterbury, page 229, in a note, makes a mistake in supposing this ground to be the one at East Farms, for it was to be "near Joseph Atkins'," and he never resided at East Farms. Besides, the East Farms ground was laid out since the memory of some persons now living. He says this burying ground, near Atkins', was on Farmington road, which was true; but Farmington road, instead of going direct to Southington, turned up Mad River, and through New Cambridge to Farmington.

The earliest record on monuments is that of Lieut. Heman Hall. bearing date 1769.

In the Wolcott town records are found the following entries:

December 11, 1797. Voted that Messrs. Mark Harrison, Charles Upson, Streat Richards, and Moses Todd, be a committee to confer with William Stevens to investigate and search into the circumstances of the Center Burying Ground, to see if it is the property of said Stevens, as is by him asserted, and also to settle and compromise the matter with said Stevens if it appears to be his property, by exchanging a certain quantum of highway now in the enclosure of said Stevens therefor, and also to draw upon the treasurer for a small sum in order to enlarge said burying ground to three-fourths of an acre; provided they think proper, and cannot obtain it without.

On the 9th day of April next the town meeting appointed another committee "to negotiate with William Stevens concerning the Center Burying Ground, to enlarge the same to three-fourths of an acre, to exchange the highway now enclosed in said Stevens' lot as part payment, etc., and make report of their doings at the annual meeting in December next." At the annual meeting in next December the report of the committee was accepted, and the selectmen were authorized to attend to the execution of the deeds.

The three-quarters of an acre became too small, and about 1870 the ground was again enlarged, so as to include nearly two acres. [[206]]

PIKE'S HILL BURYING GROUND.

This ground was laid out about 1774, by a committee of the Society appointed to "fix a place or places for burying grounds." The ground is located on the north declivity of the hill adjoining the Alcox road, in a most picturesque place. Here but few graves were made, some of which were afterwards removed to the ground east at the foot of the same hill, about fifteen yet remaining. Graves continued to be made in this ground until 1805, when the one east was constructed, and all burying ceased in the old yard, it having been used but thirty years. Some five or six monuments remain having inscriptions on them; the other graves are indicated by small field stones. The inscriptions below are given precisely as they are written on the head stones:

In Memory of Mrs.
RACHEL BRACKITT, who
Died October ye 17 th, 1776, in
YE 22D YEAR OF HER AGE.
While you are blooming young and spay
Perhaps you think you ne'er shall die;
But here's a witness of the truth,
That you may die when in your youth.

Here Lieth Interred
THE BODY OF MR.
MATHEW BLAKSLEE.
HE DEPARTED THIS
LIFE MAY YE 28, A. D.
1776, in ye 61st year
of his age.
[[207]]

In Memory of
THE WIDow RHODA
BLAKSLEE, THF WIFE OF
MR. MATTHEW BLAKSLEE.
SHE DEPARTED THIS
LIFE MARCH 12TH, A. D.
1781,in the 63rd Year
of her age.

The foregoing inscriptions are on brown stone. The following are on blue stone:

In Memory of
27th, A. D., 1791, In
the 51 year of
his age.

Ithamer,
SON TO
JESSE and PATIENCE ALCOX,
Died Aug. 9th, 1778,
AE. 3 Ys.

Lyman,
SON TO
JESSE and PATIENCE ALCOX,
Died Nov. 17th, 1781,
AE. 16.

[[2o8]]

The foregoing are all the inscriptions that remain in the old ground.

THE NEW NORTHEAST BURYING GROUND.

At a Town meeting held April 8, 1805, the meeting voted, "That the selectmen be authorized to purchase at the expense of the town such quantity of land and in such place as they in their discretion think proper and best, to be appropriated as a burying ground in the northeast quarter of the town; and that one rod in width be taken from the south side of the highway running east and west by the proposed burying ground the whole length of said ground and appropriated as a part thereof."

This new ground is on a gravel knoll at the foot of the hill east of the old ground, and is the one now in use as the northeast burying ground. [In 2003, this could only be accessed by foot path off the end of Beecher Road, eastward, crossing a powerline enroute.]

THE SOUTHEAST BURYING GROUND.

In March, 1772, the Society appointed a committee to "fix a place or places for burying grounds," and in 1776 it appointed three grave diggers, which indicates the existence of three graveyards, and their location defined by the residence of the three men -- Mr. John Barrett at the Center, where he had filled the same office several previous years; Mr. Zadoc Bronson at the northeast, and Mr. David Frost at the southeast. The earliest inscription on any monument in the Pike's Hill yard is dated May 28, 1776; the earliest date in the southeast yard is January 1, 1782, and is the grave of Archibald Upson, who died with small-pox.

THE SOUTHWEST BURYING GROUND.

At a Town meeting held NOV. 20, 1807, the meeting voted, "That Isaac Bronson, Mark Harrison, and Isaac Upson be a committee to view the circumstances of the southwest part of the town, and if they judge proper, lay out and purchase a burying ground in such place as they judge most convenient, and that the committee be [[209]] authorized to draw on the town treisurr for payment of the, sum which they shall agree to give for said ground, and take a deed thereof to the town." This is the present Woodtick burying ground.

[No mention is made of a cemetery just south of Southington Reservoir #2, which appears on the 1950s maps as "southeast burying ground" -- perhaps the misplaced label for the Woodtick cemetery?]

THE YANKEE PEDDLERS.

The Yankee peddler has been a celebrated character in the Middle and Southern States more than in the Eastern, yet the origin of this kind of merchant was in the New England States, particularly in Connecticut. Wolcott raised from thirty to forty men who engaged at different times quite largely in this business, traveling through all the Middle States, and most of the Southern during the years from 1810 to 1840. Among the first, who went out were Samuel Horton, Timothy Hotchkiss, Lyman Higgins, and Chester Hotchkiss. These sold "tin ware and Yankee notions;" beginning about 1810 and continuing for a number of years in the employment of a firm in Southington, and traveling mostly in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. When Mr. Eli Terry,\n/ then of Plvinouth, completed in the year 1810, the first great contract of four thousand clocks, for a Waterbury company, the Yankee peddler was wanted to sell these clocks, and Wolcott not only furnished an important man, in the person of Seth Thomas to make these clocks, but also men to sell them. Mr. Terry's shop was on Hancock River, at a place known since as Hoadleyville, being about a mile west of the boundary of Wolcott. The cords for these clocks were spun by Wolcott women from flax raised in Wolcott, and much of the inside woodwork of these clocks was made of Wolcott "ivy" or "laurel," of which there is still an abundance. For many years this work occupied the attention of Wolcott people, and furnished them extra work in winter and some additional comforts of life. For [[210]] a few years the clock peddling was confined mostly to the New England and Middle states, and was a different work from the selling of Yankee notions. The clocks were sold on "trial," the agent calling for the money six or more months after the delivery of the clocks, but the regular Yankee peddler sold for cash, if (as we have often heard him announce), he sold "two shillings worth,for a six pence," at which ruinous prices his wife and babies certainly would starve.

\n/See History of "American Clock Making" by Henry Terry, of Waterbury; and also the Biography of Mr. Seth Thomas, in this book.

About 1820 the spirit of enterprise called out a new and more numerous company of young men in the work of selling tin ware and Yankee notions, in the Southern State's. Among these were Ephraim Hall, Seth Horton, Holt Hotchkiss, A. Bronson Alcott, Thomas Alcott, Jason Hotchkiss, Leverette Kenea, William Cowles, Levi Frisbie, and many others. Some went out with a horse and peddler's wagon, selling tin ware, razors, pins, needles, patent medicines, peppermint essence, suspenders, and a large number'of such like things, called "Yankee notions;" others sold dry goods only, carrying them in two large trunks made for that purpose. Some of these men went in this employment one or two winters, while others continued until near the time of the late rebellion. Mr. Thomas Alcott was one of these, but the articles which he sold in later years consisted of carriages of various kinds, which he sold frequently on time, and hence lost considerable money by the war. The effect of this work on the young men, was to introduce them into mercantile life, which many of them continued, in one form or another, in different parts of the country, most of them making their homes and establishing themselves in business elsewhere, rather than in Wolcott.

TAXES.

The grand list was in 1860, $291,827;
in 1865, $297,891;
in 1870, $248,677;
in 1871, $243,640;
in 1872, $236,545;
in 1873, $241,100.
The tax collected in 1872 was eleven [[211]] mills on the dollar, and that for 1873 is ten mills. The decrease of the grand list, as appears above, is mostly in consequence of the decrease of cattle and money at interest, considerable money having been placed in United States bonds, and other untaxable property.

The following is a town rate made on the list of 1789, of two pence half-penny on the pound, on the inhabitants of Farmingbury, in Waterbury.\n/ [The "shilling symbol" has been introduced to clarify the numbers (shillings/pence), although it is not present in the original text.]

s. / d.
John Alcox 12 / 10
James Alcox 13 / 9
David Alcox, 9 / 11
Solomon Alcox, 7 / 11 1/2
Samuel Alcox, 8 / 10
John B. Alcox, 6 / 8
Daniel Alcox (Southington), 0 / 2
Sarah Atkins, 0 / 9 1/2
Joseph Atkins, 3 / 4 1/2
Samuel Bartholomew, 9 / 10
Samuel Byington, 19 / 3
Warner Barnes, 6 / 6 1/2
Isaac Blakeslee (N. Haven), 1 / 1 1/2,
Amos Beecher, 0 / 10
Ezekiel Barnes, 1 / 6 1/2
Josiah Barnes, 4 / 9 1/2
Abel Baldwin (Watertown), 0 / 6 1/2
Daniel Byington, 10 / 5
Jonah Byington, 3 / 9
David Beckwith, 3 / 7 1/2
Thaddeus Barnes, 0 / 1 1/2
Moses Byington, 4 / 0 1/2
Sturges Burr (N. Haven), 0 / 7
Abel Curtiss, 8 / 4 1/2
Joseph Curtiss (Stratford), 0 / 7 1/2
Jonathan Carter, 0 / 7 1/2
Daniel Dean, 5 / 8 1/2
Elijah Frisbie, 4 / 0
Judah Frisbie, 9 / 1
Charles Frisbie, 7 / 9
John Frisbie, 3 / 9 1/2
Gehulah Grilley, 1 / 7
Cyrus Grilley, 4 / 8 1/2
Isaac Hopkins, 14 / 0
Wait Hotchkiss, 8 / 2 1/2
Simeon Hopkins, 10 / 5 1/2
Joel Hotchkiss, 2 / 5 1/2
Daniel Johnson, 1 / 2 1/2
John Kenea, 4 / 2 1/2
Daniel Lane, 1 / 10 1/2,
Nathaniel Lane, 5 / 0 1/2
Asahel Lane, 5 / 5
Joseph Mallery, 4 / 9
Jedediah Minor, 0 / 9
Joseph Minor (Southington), 0 / 11
Caleb Minor 6 / 1 1/2
Abraham Norton, 17 / 0
Ozias Norton, 7 / 8
Noah U. Norton, 7 / 1 1/2,
Ruth Norton, 0 / 8 1/2,
Joseph Noyce (Stratford), 5 / 1
Joseph M. Parker, 1 / 4
Streat Richards, 11 / 2
Timothy Scott, 1 / 4
William Stephens, 0 / 3 1/2
Ephraim Smith, 4 / 3 1/3
Ephraim Smith, jr., 8 / 9
Joseph Sutliff, 4 / 4
Joseph Sutliff, jr., 5 / 9
Nathan Stephens, 8 / 9 1/2 [[212]]
Nathaniel Sutliff, 12 / 5 1/2,
Amos Seward, 7 / 10
Justus Scott, 4 / 10 1/2
Josiah Talmage, 5 / 9
John Talmage, 2 / 5
Jacob Talmage, 5 / 11 1/2
Moses Todd (N. Haven), 0 / 5 1/2
Joseph Twitchell, 4 / 6
Elnathan Thrasher, 6 / 5
James Thomas, 10 / 8 1/2
Amos Upson (Southington), 0 / 7
Josiah Upson, do 0 / 3
Samuel Upson, 14 / 7
Ashbel Upson, 6 / 0
Ezekiel Upson, 2 / 10
Charles Upson, 10 / 8 1/2
Eliakim Welton, 3 / 7
Eliakim Welton, jr. 10 / 6 1/2
Benjamin Welton, 7 / 1
Thomas Welton, 9 / 8
David Walelee, 7 / 4
Eliakim Welton, 3d, 5 / 4 1/2
Eben NVelton, 6 / 2 1/2
Philemon Wilcox, 4 / 1 1/2

The sum total is found to be, errors excepted, L 24 7 9 1/2
The foregoing rate, made this 9th day of February, 1790, by us.
EZRA BRONSON,
SAMUEL JUDD,
EPHRAIM WARNER,
SIMEON HOPKINS,
EBENEZER HOADLEY,
Selectmen of Waterbury.

\n/The original copy of this paper is in the possession of Mr. Silas B. Terry, of Waterbury, and was brought to light at the Centenary meeting.

The order of the court to collect was made to Capt. Charles Upson, collector of the town rate in the town of Waterbury, in New Haven county, and signed by "Ezra Bronson, Justice Peace.

CHAPTER IV.

ROLL OF HONOR.

The following lists are believed to be complete, except that of the Revolutionary soldiers, which, probably, contains about two-thirds of those who were engaged in that war:

LIST OF FREEMEN IN THE TOWN OF WOLCOTT.

September, 1800 - Isaac Hopkins, Joseph Beecher, Joseph Smith, Aaron Harrison, David Norton, Joseph Sutliff, Rev. Israel B. Woodward, Ebenezer Johnson, Abel Curtiss, Jeremiah Scarritt, Nathaniel Sutliff, Moses Pond, Streat Richards, Mark Harrison, Charles Upson, Elisha Horton, Jacob Carter, Stephen Carter, Thomas Upson, Walter Beecher, Charles Frisbie, John Potter, David Harrison, Joseph M. Parker, Farrington Barnes, Daniel Johnson, Moses Todd, William Stephens, John Frisbie, Wait Hotchkiss, Preserve Carter, Samuel Upson, jr., Amos Upson, Mark Barnes, Joseph Beecher, jr., John Bronson, Elijah Perkins, Samuel Clinton, James Bailey, Philemon Wilcox, Philo Thomas, Isaac Bronson, Gideon Finch, Titus Sutliff, David Pardee, John Sutliff, Harvey Upson, David Frost, Darins Wiard, Jacob Talmage, Daniel Deane, Richmond Hall, Abner Hotchkiss, Nathaniel Lewis, Justus Peck, Calvin Cowles, Judah Frisbie, Simeon Plumb, Amos Brockett, Joseph Minor, Samuel Horton, Isaac Upson, Abel Beecher, David Wakelee, Joel Hotchkiss, Zephania Parker, Nathaniel Lane, John Norton, Jared Welton, Benoni Gillet, Zuar Brockett, Aaron Wiard, John J. Kenea, Ellakim Welton, Jesse Alcox, Joseph Twitchell, Justus Scott, Nathan Barnes, Bani Bishop, David Alcox, Ashbel Upson, John Hitchcock, Enos Beecher, Luther Atkins, Nathan Scarritt, John Clark, Samuel [[214]] Plumb, Solomon Plumb, Jesse Alcox, jr., Solomon Alcox, Heman Hall, David Talmage, Jesse Pardee, James Scarritt, Moses Byington, Timothy Bradley, Selah Steadman, Washington Upson, Michael Harrison, James Alcox, jr., Seymour Welton, Williams Bailey, Amos Baldwin, Philenor Bronson, Appleton Lewis, Samuel Horton, jr., Reuben Lewis, Levi Johnson, Truman Woodward, Abijah Fenn, Cyrus Clark, Josiah B. Morse, John B. Alcox, Mark Alcox, Joseph C. Alcox, Royce Lewis, Joseph Sutliff, jr., Michael Sutliff, Aaron Harrison, jr., Andrew Jerome, Lee Upson, Elijah Royce.

April, 1801 - Nathan Johnson, Shubael Upson, John Thomas, Luther Hotchkiss, James J. Truesdel, Levi Atkins, Joseph Plumb, Amasa Bradley.

September, 1801 - Elijah Rowe, Nathaniel Sutliff, jr., Lucius Tuttle.

April, 1802 - Joel Alcox, Ebenezer Beecher, John Bronson, jr., Ashbel Atkins, John Dean.

September, 1802 - Gates Upson, Thomas Wiard, Caleb Minor, Joshua Minor, Mark Welton, Gideon Finch, jr., Moses Bradley, Manly Upson, David Alcox, Jr., Obed Alcox.

April, 1803 - Josiah Thomas, Silas Weed, Elijah Lane, Isaac Downes. Ransom Frisbie, Timothy Hotchkiss.

September, 1803 - John Wiard, Stephen Carter, jr., Truman Smith, David Bailey, Rollin Harrison, Ephraim Smith, jr., Eleazer Finch, Marvin Beckwith.

April, 1804 - Jesse Silkriggs, Richard O. Hopkins, Elihu Moulthrop, Josiah Lane, Elias Welton, Gamaliel Plumb, Nathan Sutliff, Miles H. Richards, Leonard Harrison, David Scarritt, Prince Duplex.

September, 1804-Levi Hall, Miles Hotchkiss, Abiathar Sutliff, Joseph Welton, Jesse Dutton, Aaron Wiard.

April, 1805 - Moses Welton, Eldad Alcox.

September, 1805 - Amos Parsons, Adonijah Moulthrop, Archibald Minor, David Frisbie, Amasa Mix, Titus Brockett, Asahel Bradley, Solomon Wiard, Levi Brown, Truman Sandford, James Bartholomew, Harvey Hopkins.

April, 1806 - Silas Hine, Seth Thomas, William Hotchkiss.

September, 1806 - David Churchill, Lester Scarritt, David M. Beach.

April, 1807 - Zephana Potter, Thomas Upson, Loammi Carter, [[215]] Luther A. Richards, Jared Harrison.

September, 1807 - Isaac Curtiss, Sylvester Beecher, Isaac Frisbie, Asahel Brockitt, Joseph Minor, jr.,

April, 1808 - Orrin Rice, Ira Hough, Nathaniel Barnes, Nathaniel G. Lewis, Bildad Hotchkiss, Aaron' Pond, Clark Bronson.

September, 1808 - Eldad Parker, Miles Harrison, Daniel Byington, jr., John Curtiss, Asa Granniss.

April, 1809 - Lyman Higgins.

September, 1809 - Irad Bronson, Aaron Harrison, jr., Justus L. Peck.

April, 1810 - Archibald Barnes.

September, 1810 - William Bartholomew, Samuel Bartholomew, Allen Upson.

April, 1811 - Jairus Alcox.

September, 1811 -- Uri Carter, Elisha M. Pomeroy, David S. Grillee.

April, 1812 - Mark Upson, Alpheus Pond.

September, 1812 -- William Parker, Irad Wakelee, Orrin Plumb, Amon Bradley.

April, 1813 - Orrin Jackson, Ziba Norton, Levi Parker.

September, 1813 - Simeon N. Norton.

April, 1814 - Hezekiah Bradley, Aaron Finch, Thomas Horton.

September, 1814 - Reuben Carter.

April, 1815 - Stephen Harrison.

September, 1815 - Bartholomew Curtiss, Ransel Brockitt.

April, 1816 - Jerry Todd, Streat Todd, David R. Upson, Levi B. Frost, Abel Truesdell, Thomas H. Welton.

September, 1816 - Eben S. Bartholomew, Seth Horton, Marvin Minor, Harpin Hotchkiss, Marcus Minor.

April, 1817 - Rev. John Keys, Sheldon Frisbie, Jeremiah Sperry.

September, 1817 - Alpheus Bradley, Green Perkins, Harvey Norton, Miles Loveland, Willard Plumb.

April, 1818-Asahel Lewis, Irad Harrison.

July, 1818 - Bela Rose, Samuel Merriman, Milo G. Hotchkiss, Luther Roper, Leveret Kinnea, Jedediah G. Alcox.

September, 1818 - Chauncey Royce, Almond Alcox, John Beecher, jr., William Smith, James Frisbie, Joseph P. Sandford, Anson G. Lane, Osmon Norton.

April, 1819 - Luther W. Plumb, Bazilla Bradley, John A. Potter, Salmon Johnson.

April, 1820 - Amos Bradley, Orrin Hall, Samuel W. Upson, William A. Alcox, William P. Tuttle.[[216]]

April, 1821 -Leonard Horton, Marcus H. Upson, Wells Plumb, Leonard Beecher, John S. Atkins, Jesse Barnes.

April, 1822 -Osee Talmage, Robert A. Hickox, Cyrus C. Upson, Albert R. Potter, Shelden Welton, Garry Atkins, Chester Andrews.

April, 1823 - Jonathan Bement, Jerry Upson, William Munson, Almus Wakelee, Fitch A. Higgins, Anson Upson, Timothy Bradley, 2d, Jonas Hickox.

April, 1824- Edward Lewis, Jacob Talmage, jr.

April, 1825 - Amos B. Alcox, Abraham Norton, Asaph Hotchkiss, Lucius Alcox, Ira Frisbie.

April, 1826 - Mark Tuttle, Ansel H. Plumb, William R. Bradley, Marshall Upson, James Bailey, jr.

April, 1827 - Ephraim Hall, John A. Bradley, Lucius Tuttle, jr.

April, 1828 - Ard Welton, George G. Alcox, Luther Bailey.

April, 1829 - Martin Upson, Wyllis Merrils, Prosper Hull, Erastus Nichols, Erastus Atkins.

April, 1830 - George Griswold, Hezekiah T. Upson, David Beecher, Harley Downs, Alben Alcox, Jesse L. Nichols, Albert Boardman, Orrin Byington, Asa Boardman, Alfred Lewis.

April, 1831 - David Bailey, Addison Alcox, Alfred Churchill, Loman Upson, Orestus Welton, Ezra L. Todd, Henry Minor, Marcus Upson, Northrop Jackson, Kneeland S. Hall, Charles H. Upson, Salmon Upson, James Alcox, jr.

April, 1832 - Jarvis B. Bronson, David Scarritt, jr., Russel Lowe, Levi Moulthrop, Shelden Smith, Isaac Alcox, William Blakeslee, Russel Upson.

April, 1833 - Abraham Tuttle, Rollin Tuttle, Lloyd Lewis, Thomas J. Lewis, Anson H. Smith, Joel Alcox, Sylvester Frost, Henry Harrison, Selah Upson, Henry D. Upson.

April, 1834 - Chester Hotchkiss, Stillman Bronson, Matthew Norton, Ives Lewis, Geo. W. Carter, Geo. Mansfield, Edward Welton, Selim Doolittle, Eri Welton, Chauncey Woodbridge.

April, 1835 - Johnson Alcox, Thomas Alcox, Sylvester Bradley, Isaac Hough, Levi Atkins, jr., Simeon H. Norton, Daniel T. Todd, Lucian E. Hickox, Levant D. Johnson, George Plumb, Martin L. Andrews, Thomas Upson, jr., Jeremiah S. Plumb, Henry Beecher, Newel Minor, Dennis Lewis.[[217]]

April, 1836 - Lucien Upson, Sherman Moulthrop, William Johnson, Ezra S. Hough, Seth Wiard, Upson Higgins, David B. Frisbie, Romeo Upson, Timothy N. Upson.

April, 1837 - Lewis Churchill, Ransom S. Todd, Harvey Thomas, Elihu Moulthrop, jr.

April, 1838 - Stiles L. Hotchkiss, Hendrick Norton, Lucius Upson.

April, 1839 - Edward W. Thomas, Rollin Harrison, Levi Frisbie, Lucius B. Welton, James Scarritt.

April, 1840 - Joel Brown, by certificate; Ira H. Hough, Isaac Hotchkiss, Harvey G. Plumb, John Hummiston, Jason Hotchkiss, Moses Pond, Charles Byington, Rufus Norton, Isaac Pardee; Elias Mix, by certificate; Dagget Barnes, by certificate.

November, 1840 - Hezeklah Brown, by certificate; Mahlon Hotchkiss; Miles B. Ford, by certificate; David Warner, by certificate; Lewis Johnson, by certificate; Lynde Preston, by certificate; Merritt Welton, by certificate; Philip A. Cowles, by certificate; Algernon Newcomb, by certificate; Rufus Hotchkiss, by certificate; Sellock J. Nichols, by certificate.

March, 1841 - Charles Rose, Daniel Holt; Lucius Tuttle, by certificate; Harrison Welton.

April, 1841 - Henry G. Hotchkiss, by certificate; Frederick J. Bunnell.

March, 1842 - Samuel Downs, by certificate.

April, 1842 - Augustus Minor, Miles S. Upson, Eli Alcott, Asaph H. Upson; Francis Wood, by certificate; James Seeley, by certificate.

March, 1843 - John Dorman.

April, 1843 - William Wiard, Andrew J. Plumb, Benjamin F. Finch; Julius A. Sandford, by certificate; Ambrose I. Downs, by certificate; Asahel Lane, by certificate.

October, 1843 - Jabez Hard, by certificate.

April, 1844-joel W. Upson, Hezekiah Todd; Willis Upson, by certificate; Charles Kirk, by certificate; William Welton, by certificate; Norris Clark, by certificate; Elias Brooks, by certificate.

October, 1844 - David F. Welton, Robert C. Todd, George C. Nichols, Samuel Nichols, Lucius Tuttle, by certificate; David Nichols, by certificate; Levi Norton, by certificate; Albert W. Hubbard, by certificate.

March, 1845 - Richard Mansfield, Noble Baldwin; Joseph Guernsey, by certificate; Algernon S. Plumb, by certificate; Hermen Woodin, by certificate.[[218]]

April, 1846 - Uriah S. Tompkins, by certificate; Alva Andrews, by certificate; Levi Barnes, by certificate; Isaac Bates, Leroy O. Phillips, John H. Holt, Marshall Minor, Herrick Payne, by certificate; Isaac B. Baxter, by certificate; Cyrus Barnes, by certificate; Heman W. Hall, Cyrus Beach.

March, 1847 - John L. Beach, James M. Scarritt, Samuel Butler, Robert Headley, John Welton, John M. Beecher, Orlando Plumb, Chauncey P. Welton, David A. Sandford.

April, 1847 - Orrin F. Hotchkiss, Luther M. Pond, William B. Barnes; Daniel Lane, by certificate; Edward J. Hall; Charles Dean, by certificate; Linus Barber, by certificate; Bennett Upson, by certificate; Bennett J. Wakelee.

November, 1848 - James L. Kenea, Samuel Brooks, Willis Bunnell; William Henry, by certificate; Nelson Thorp, by certificate.

April, 1849 - Noah H. Byington, Peter Brockett, Jesse Brockett.

April, 1850 - Slierman E. Welton, Asahel Brockett, Henry Todd, Charles A. Welton; Ira H. Smith, by certificate; Joel Johnson, by certificate; David F. Johnson, by certificate; Smith B. Pritchard, by certificate; Friend C. Eggleston.

April, 1851 - Asahel Brockett, by certificate; Stephen L. Norton, by certificate; Amos Brockett, by certificate; George W. Royce, by certificate; Asa Farrel, by certificate; Zadoc B. Bassett, by certificate; Willis Jerome, John L. Bradley.

April, 1852 - Lyman G. Bradley, by certificate; William Peckham, by certificate; George W. Winchell, Richard A. Lane, Charles W. Beach.

October, 1852 - Sheldon B. Welton, Charles Allen, Albert N. Lane, Chester A. Andrews.

November, 1852 - Erastus W. Warner, by certificate; David S. Smith, by certificate; Silas Pardee, by certificate; Merrit Beach, by certificate; Joseph H. Hull, by certificate; William C. Pluymut, by certificate; Bunville A. Bradley, Henry Lum, David H. Frost, Linus Thorp, Martin L. Hine.

April,1853 - Dwight L. Kenea, by certificate; Daniel Riggs, by certificate; John Hurd.

April, 1854 - Andrew J. Slater, Orimel S. Webber, Albert P. Hitchcock, Samuel E. Davis, Erastus Todd, Roswell Pardee, Jeremiah S. Thomas, by certificate; Horace P. Leonard, by [[219]] certificate; Liberty C. Palmer, Luther W. Plumb.

October, 1854 - Samuel M. Tuttle; Hiram Chipman, by certificate.

April, 1855 - Frederick C. Slade, George F. Gates, Moses Bradley, Henry C. Walker, Ezra A. Pierpont, Burritt W. Beecher, Frederick L. Nichols, Samuel N. Sperry, Wallace H. Lee, Abiram S. Atwood, Aaron C. Beach, by certificate; Samuel M. Bailey, by certificate; Benjamin P. Downs, David H. Nichols, by certificate; Luther Higgins, William Walden, by certificate.

April, 1856 - Darius Hummaston, Hiram Welton, William McNeil, by certificate; Shelton T. Hitchcock, by certificate; Wheaton S. Plumb, by certificate.

October, 1856 - George L. Marks.

November, 1856 - James B. Norton, Martin V. B. Hotchkiss, Frederick M. Upson, Lucien S. White, Henry A. Johnson, Horace R. Roberts, by certificate; Edwin Hough, by certificate; John D. Lane, by certificate; Elmon E. Smith, John J. Gaylord, by certificate; Robert Atkins, by certificate.

April, 1857 - Lucien Alcott.

April, 1858 - Henry D. Todd, Theodore Moulthrop, Daniel S. Rowe, James Foley, Patrick Foley, Joseph N. Millard, by certificate; John D. Pritchard, Levi W. Plumb, George S. Marks, Henry Aldrich, Lyman B. Bronson, Ozias S. Webster.

April, 1859 -- Linas Lane, by certificate; Joseph Fairclough, jr., Adna Andrews, Homer F. Bassett, William B. Rase; Nelson Thorp, by certificate; Henry Chatfield, William Sherwood, Rodney F. Norton, Clark Wright, Sidney W. Alcott, by certificate.

April, 1860 - Anios M. Alcott, Theron Minor, George E. Alcott; Edwin Perkins, by certificate; Henry Rose. Andrew A. Norton, Berlin J. Pritchard, Emerson C. Bradley, John P. Butler, James W. Hough, by certificate.

October, 1860 - David E. Downs, Lucius F. Norton; Philo Andrews, by certificate; Hobart Smith, by certificate.

March, 1861 - Newel Moulthrop; Henry L. Lane, by certificate; Henry B. Carter, Leroy Upson.

March, 1862 - Timothy Root; Arthur Byington, by certificate; William Shipley, by certificate; Ezra E. Bassett, by certificate; Edward Johnson, by certificate.

April, 1862 --John E. Wiard; Elmer W. Hitchcock, by certificate.

March, 1863 -- George Atkins, Rufus A. Sandford, Charles A. [[220]] Plumb; Leverette A. Sandford, by certificate; Seldon S. Norton, by certificate.

April, 1863 - Richard Morrow, Theron S. Johnson Leonard Blakeslee, by certificate; George S. Atwood, George E. Todd.

March, 1864 - Eugene Lane; Lyman C. Bradley, by certificate.

November, 1864 - Lent S. Hough, by certificate; Charles S. Galpin, by certificate; James F. Robbins, by certificate; Leander Norton, by certificate; William F. Wiard, by certificate; Theron A. Sandford, by certificate; Charles F. Robbins.

March, 1865 - George N. Dingwell, by certificate.

March, 1866 - Benjamin F. Chipman; Joseph H. Somers, by certificate; Elijah H. Warner, Mark H. Harrison, Lowry S. Richardson; Jesse Gaylord, by certificate; Edwin A. Welton, by certificate; Julius D. Beecher.

March, 1867 - Frederick W. Carter, John R. S. Todd, Elmer L. Andrews, Calvin B. Brockett, John H. Beecher, William McLaughlin, by certificate; J. Henry Garrigus, by certificate; Joseph Porter, by certificate.

March, 1868 - Chauncey F. Chipman, Joseph Fairclough, by certificate; Corald D. Blakeslee, by certificate; Elmer Hotchkiss, Reuben J. Lewis.

April, 1868 -- George W. Walker, James P. Alcott, Huber Birdsey, Oliver J. Norton.

October, 1868 - Horace Garrigus, Benjamin F. Somers, Oliver L. Baldwin, Thomas Slade, Patrick Walsh.

October, 1868 - Philo B. Lewis.

March, 1869 - Gorge Bridgman, Patrick Donovan, Benjamin A. Pratt, George Sellew, Arthur W. Andrews, Edgar S. Moulthrop, Lester A. Hotchkiss.

March, 1871 - Henry Hall, Henry Tompkins, Rufus J. Lyman, Dewitt Todd, James A. Wakelee, Cornelius F. Munson, Benjamin L. Bronson, Charles E. S. Hall, Ransom Strong, Lavallette Upson, Michael Kelly, by certificate; John I. Ambler, by certificate.

March, 1872 - Fordyce D. Loomis, James Burns, Eri L. Lane, F. Albert Helmischkist, Charles E. Somers, Homer L. Atkins, Samuel L. S. Porter, Martin L. Andrews, jr., Bement D. Wakelee, Michael Kelly.

October, 1872 - Elliot Bronson, Alfred M. Northrop, William H. Brown. [[221]]

March, 1873 - Benjamin F. Brooks.

April, 1873 -- William Farrall.

March, 1874 - Anson O. Sanford, William E. Andrews, Emerson M. Hotchkiss, Ransom B. Hall, Alonzo Hart, Overton Jerome, Frank G. Mansfield. Nathan C. Prince, Horatio B. Strong, John M. Stevens, William Glynn, Evelyn M. Upson, Charles G. Yeomans, Samuel Orcutt.

TOWN OFFICERS.

Moderators -
1796, June: Deacon Aaron Harrison.
1796, December: Charles Upson.
1797-8: Mark Harrison.
1799-1800: Charles Upson.
1801-3: Mark Harrison.
1804: Deacon Joseph Atkins.
1805: Daniel Byington.
1806: Charles Upson.
1807: Daniel Byington.
1808: Nathaniel Lewis.
1809: Streat Richards.
1810-11: Mark Harrison.
1812: Asaph Hotchkiss.
1813-17: Mark Harrison.
1818-26: Ambrose Ives.
1827-8: David Frisbie.
1820-30: Capt. Gates Upson.
1831: Gates Upson.
1832-4: David Frisbie.
1835-8 Gates Upson.
1839: Orrin Plumb.
1840: Gates Upson.
1841 Mark Tuttle.
1842: Noah H. Byington.
1843-44: Gates Upson.
1845: Ira Frisbie.
1846: Orrin Plumb.
1847-48: Noah H. Byington.
1849: Orrin Plumb.
1850: Gates Upson.
1851: Orrin Plumb.
1852-4: Joseph N. Sperry.
1855: Orrin Plumb.
1856: George W. Carter.
1857-63: Orrin Plumb.
1864: George W. Carter.
1865: Orrin Plumb.
1866: Joseph N. Sperry.
1867-8: George W. Carter.
1869-72: Dennis Pritchard.
1873: Elihu Moulthrop.

Town Clerks -
Isaac Bronson, from 1796 to 1814, 17 years.
Archibald Minor, from 18l5 to 1838, 23 years.
1839-40: Levi Moulthrop.
1841: Isaac Hough.
1842: Ezra S. Hough.
1843-44: Joseph N. Sperry.
1845: Elihu Moulthrop.
1846-47: Joseph Sperry.
Henry Minor from 1848 to 1873, 25 years.

Selectmen -
June 13, 1796: Mark Harrison, Streat Richards, Jacob Carter.
December, 1796: Jacob Carter, Charles Upson, Streat Richards.
December, 11, 1797: Streat Richards, Charles Upson, Amos Brockett.
1798: Streat Richards, Amos Brockett, Elijah Perkins.
1799: Streat Richards, Amos Brockett, Samuel Clinton.
1800: Streat Richards, Amos Brocket, Joseph Minor.[[222]]
1801: Streat Richards, Amos Brockett, Stephen Carter.
1802 Streat Richards, Nathaniel Lewis, Joseph Minor.
1803: Isaac Bronson, Stephen Carter, David Harrison.
1804: Isaac Bronson, Stephen Carter, David Harrison, Eliakim Welton, Joseph Atkins.
1805: Nathaniel Lewis, Streat Richards, Joseph Minor, Titus Hotchkiss, Hezekiah Beecher.
1806: Isaac Bronson, Hezekiah Beecher, Asaph Hotchkiss, John Potter, Isaac Upson.
1807: Nathaniel Lewis, Streat Richards, Joseph Minor.
1808: Streat Richards, Joseph Minor, Isaac Upson.
1809: Streat Richards, David Wakelee, Joseph Minor.
1810: Heman Hall, David Frisbie, Daniel Langdon.
1811: Heman Hall, David Frisbie, Erastus Welton.
1812: Heman Hall, David Frisbie, Erastus Welton.
1813: Heman Hall, David Frisbie, Solomon Plumb.
1814: Heman Hall, David Frisbie, Luther Andrews.
1815: Solomon Piumb, Ambrose Ives, Levi Hall.
1816: Levi Hall, Ambrose Ives, Titus Brockett.
1817: Titus Brockett, Luther Andrews, Archibald Minor.
1818: Titus Brockett, Luther Andrews, Luther Hotchkiss.
1819: Luther Andrews, Luther Hotchkiss, Erastus Welton.
1820: Levi Hall, Jerry Todd, Thomas Upson.
1821: Levi Hall, Jerry Todd, Obed Alcox.
1822: Obed Alcox, David Frisbie, Thomas Upson.
1823: Luther Andrews, David Frisbie, Obed Alcox.
1824: Orrin Plumb, William A. Finch, Gates Upson.
1825: Orrin Plumb, Luther Andrews, Obed Alcox.
1826: Orrin Plumb, David Frisbie, Levi Hall.
1827: Heman Hall. Titus Brockett, Luther Hotchkiss.
1828: Luther Hotchkiss, David Frisbie, Orrin Plumb.
1829: Orrin Plumb, Luther Andrews, Levi Hall.
1830: Orrin Plumb, Moses Pond, Ira Hough.
1831: Orrin Plumb, Ira Hough, Moses Pond.
1832: Moses Pond, Luther Andrews, Ephraim Hall.
1833: Moses Pond, Levi Hall, Orrin Hall.
1834: Moses Pond, Orrin Hall, Mark Tuttle.
1835: Orrin Plumb, Seth Horton, Mark Tuttle.
1836: Orrin Plumb, Levi Hall, Leonard Beecher.
1837: Orrin Plumb, Heman Hall, Ira Frisbie.
1838: Ira Frisbie, Isaac Hough, Moses Pond.
1839: Ira Frisbie, Moses Pond, Isaac Hough.
1840: Ira Frisbie, Willard Plumb, Marvin Minor.
1841: Luther Hotchkiss, Levi Hall, Mark Tuttle.
1842: Willard Plumb, Carolus R. Byington, Marvin Minor.
1843: Orrin Plumb, Dennis Pritchard.
1844: Dennis Pritchard, Mark Tuttle, Isaac Hough.
1845: Moses Pond, Carolus R. [[223]] Byington.
1846-47: Dennis Pritchard, Orrin Plumb.
1848-49: Dennis Pritchard, Orrin Plumb, Joseph N., Sperry.
1850: Mark Tuttle, Seth Wiard.
1851-53: Isaac Hough, George G. Alcott.
1854: Isaac Hough, Orrin Plumb.
1855: Dennis Pritchard, James Alcott, jr.
1856: Henry Minor, Erastus W. Warner.
1857-60: Henry Minor, Levi Atkins.
1861-63: Henry Minor, Willis Merrill.
1864-69: Henry Minor, Shelton T. Hitchcock.
1870: Henry Minor, Augustus Minor.
1871-73: Henry Minor, Shelton T. Hitchcock.

Justices of the Peace -
1796-1804: Mark Harrison, Charles Upson.
1805-8: Mark Harrison, Charles Upson, Isaac Bronson.
1809: Mark Harrison, Isaac Bronson, William Durand.
1810-16: Mark Harrison, Isaac Bronson.
18l7-18: Mark Harrison, Isaac Bronson, Ambrose Ives.
1819: Mark Harrison, Ambrose Ives.
1820: Mark Harrison Ambrose Ives, Moses A. Street.
1821-4: Ambrose Ives, Archibald Minor.
1825: Ambrose Ives, Archibald Minor, David Frisbie.
1826: Ambrose Ives, Archibald Minor, Lyman Prindle, Samuel Wise.
1827: Archibald Minor, Levi Hall, Orrin Plumb, William A. Alcott.
1828: Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, William A. Alcott, David Frisbie, T. Upson.
1829-30: Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, David Frisbie.
1831-32: Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, David Frisbie, Luther Pritchard.
1833-34: Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, David Frisbie.
1835: Archibald Minor, David Frisbie, Orrin Plumb, Mark H. Byington.
1836: Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, Noah H. Byington, Levi Hall.
1837: Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, Noah H. Byington, Moses Pond.
1838: Archibald Minor, Mark Tuttle, William Bartholomew, George G. Alcott.
1839: Archibald Minor, Mark Tuttle, William Bartholomew, [[224]] Lucius Tuttle, jr., Carolus R. Byington, Orrin Plumb, Mark H. Byington.
1840: Archibald Minor, William Bartholomew, Carolus R. Byington, Mark Tuttle, Leverett Kinney, Orrin Plumb, George G. Alcott.
1841: Archibald Minor, Mark Tuttle, William Bartholomew, Carolus R. Byington, George G. Alcott, Isaac Hough.
1842: Gates Upson, William Plumb, Carolus R. Byington, Ezra S. Hough, Elihu Moulthrop, jr., Timothy Bradley, Marvin Minor, Mark Tuttle.
1843: Elihu Moulthrop, jr., Timothy Bradley, Carolus R. Byington, Willard Plumb, Leverett Kinney, Orrin Plumb.
1844: Carolus R. Byington, Archibald Minor, Orrin Plumb, William Bartholomew, Mark Tuttle, Gates Upson.
1845: Gates Upson, Carolus R. Byington, Mark Tuttle, G. W. Carter, James Alcott, jr., Orrin Plumb.
1846: Gates Upson, Orrin Plumb, Carolus R. Byington, Willard Plumb, Elihu Moulthrop, jr., Joseph N. Sperry.
1847: Carolus R. Byinaton, Mark Tuttle, Orrin Plumb, George W. Carter, Stiles L. Hotchkiss.
1848: William Bartholomew, Carolus R. Byington, George W. Carter, Henry Minor, Mark Tuttle, Gates Upson.
1849: William Bartholomew, Henry Minor, Orrin Plumb, Willard Plumb, Joseph N. Sperry, Mark Tuttle.
1850: Ansel H. Plumb, Willard Plumb, Dennis Pritchard, Joseph N. Sperry, Mark Tuttle.
1851: George W. Carter, Henry Minor, Orrin Plumb, Willard Plumb, Joseph N. Sperry. Mark Tuttle.
1852-53: Carolus R. Byington, George W. Carter, Willis Merrill, Henry Minor, Dennis Pritchard, Joseph N. Sperry.
1854-55: Henry Minor, Ansel H. Plumb, Orrin Plumb, Willard Plumb, Joseph N. Sperry, Mark Tuttle.
1856-57: George W. Carter, Henry Minor, Orrin Plumb, Dennis Pritchard, Joseph N. Sperry, Erastus W. Warner.
1858-59: Carolus R. Byington, Henry Minor, Orrin Plumb, Dennis Pritchard, Joseph N. Sperry, Erastus W. Warner.
1860-61: James Alcott, jr., Isaac Hough, Henry Minor, Orrin Plumb. Dennis Pritchard, Joseph N. Sperry. [[225]]
1862: Joseph N. Sperry, Dennis Pritchard, Henry Minor, Isaac Hough, Seth Wiard, James L. Kenea.
1863-4: Joseph N. Sperry, Dennis Pritchard, Henry Minor, James L. Kenea.
1865-7: Joseph N. Sperry, Dennis Pritchard, Henry Minor.
1868: Joseph N. Sperry, Dennis Pritchard, Henry Minor, Benjamin F. Finch, Isaac Hough, Seth Wiard.
1869: Joseph N. Sperry, Dennis Pritchard, Henry Minor,
1870-2: Dennis Pritchard, Henry Minor.
1873: Henry Minor, Amos M. Johnson, Dennis Pritchard.
1874: Henry Minor, Dennis Pritchard, Albert N. Lane, Amos M. Johnson, Frederick L. Nichols, Lucien Upson.

Representatives -
October, 1796: Mark Harrison.
May, 1797 Mark Harrison.
October, 1797: Charles Upson.
May, 1798 Charles Upson.
October, 1798: Streat Richards.
May, 1799, Mark Harrison.
October, 1799: Charles Upson.
May, 1800, to October, 1802: Isaac Bronson.
October, 1802: Streat Richards.
May, 1803, to October, 1805: Mark Harrison.
October, 1805, to May, 1806: Streat Richards.
May and October, 1807: Nathaniel Lewis.
May, 1808: Isaac Bronson.
October and May, 1809: Nathaniel Lewis.
October, 1809: Streat Richards.
May, 1810: Nathaniel Lewis.
October, 1810: Joseph Minor.
May, 1811, to May, 1815, including special session in August, 1812, and in January, 1815: Isaac Bronson.
May, 1815: Ambrose Ives.
October, 1815: Isaac Bronson.
May, 1816, to October, 1817: Ambrose Ives.
October, 1817, to May, 1818: Erastus Welton.
May, 1819: Luther Andrews.
1820: Erastus Welton.
1821-2: Heman Hall.
1823: Levi Hall.
1824-5: David Frisbie.
1826-7: Archibald Minor.\*/
1828-9: David Frisbie.
1830: Archibald Minor.
1831: Luther Hotchkiss.
1832: Orrin Plumb.
1833-4: Archibald Minor.
1835: Orrin Plumb.
1836: Daniel Holt.
1837: Moses Pond.
1838: Salmon Upson.
1839: Noah H. Byington.
1840: Ira Hough.
1841: Ira Frisbie.
1842: Levi Moulthrop.
1843-4: Moses Pond.
1845: Sheldon Welton.
1846: Willard Plumb.
1847-8: Henry Minor.
1849: Marvin Minor.
1850: Dennis Pritchard.
1851: [[226]] Willis Merrill.
1852: Isaac Hough.
1853: Joseph N. Sperry.
1854: Lyman Manvill.
1855: Moses Pond.
1856: Erastus W. Warner.
1857: George W. Winchell.
1858: Henry Minor.
1859: Shelton T. Hitchcock.
1860: Erastus W. Warner.
1861: William McNeill.
1862: E. W. Warner.
1863: Seth Wiard.
1864: James Alcott.
1865: Orrin Plumb.
1866: Henry Minor.
1867: Augustus Minor.
1868: Elihu Moulthrop.
1869: Isaac Hough.
1870: Berlin J. Pritchard.
1871-2: Shelton T. Hitchcock.
1873: George W. Carter.
1874: Shelton T. Hitchcock.

\*/ Mr. Minor is still living, and at the time of this writing is in the ninetieth year of his age.

Senators - Orrin Plumb, George W. Carter.

REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIERS.

John B. Alcox,
Samuel Alcox,
Solomon Alcox,
Joseph Atkins, jr.,
Samuel Atkins,
Josiah Atkins,
Deacon Isaac Bronson,
Stephen Carter,
John Dean,
Judah Frisbie,
Benoni Gillet,
John Harrison,
Joel Hotchkiss,
Levi Johnson,
John J. Kenea,
Nathaniel Lane,
Dan Minor
Joseph Minor,
Elijah Royce,
Captain Lucius Tuttle.

SOLDIERS IN THE LATE REBELLION.
The following list is very nearly complete of all Wolcott born citizens, and of all substitutes for such citizens, who entered the army in the "great American conflict:"

James P. Alcott,
Henry Alcott,
Newton Alcott,
Eugene Atwood,
Albert A. Andrews,
Martin L. Andrews,
Philo Andrews,
James B. Bailey,
Samuel M. Bailey,
Pliny Bartholomew,
Moses Bradley,
John P. Butler,
Charles E. Byington,
Dwight Beecher,
Francis Churchill,
Benjamin F. Chipman,
David L. Frisbie,
Frederick Harrison,
Mark H. Harrison,
Orrin Harrison,
Theron S. Johnston,
Elihu Moulthrop,
Evelyn E. Moulthrop,
Sherman Moulthrop, [[227]]
Newell Moulthrop,
David M. Manning,
Samuel A. Merriman,
John Mahon,
John Milligan,
Amon L. Norton,
Luzern T. Norton,
Burritt M. Norton,
Lucius F. Norton,
John Owens,
Charles H. Robbins,
William B. Rose,
Henry Rose,
Joseph H. Somers,
Newell Moulthrop,
David M. Manning,
Samuel A. Merriman,
John Mahon,
John Milligan,
Amon L. Norton,
Luzern T. Norton,
Burritt M. Norton,
Lucius F. Norton,
John Owens,
Charles H. Robbins,
William B. Rose,
Henry Rose,
Joseph H. Somers,
Samuel N. Sperry,
John Smith.
James Sweeney,
Alvah P. Tolman,
Thomas P. Tompkins,
Orrin Taylor,
George E. Todd,
Henry Todd,
Rev. Henry E. F. Upson,
Lucian Upson,
Leroy Upson,
George S. Wiard,
William Wiard,
William Wray.

The following are the names of some of the sons of former residents of Wolcott who were in the army in the late war:

Lucern, son of Simeon H. Norton, of Plantsville, died in battle.
Edgar, son of Jerry Upson, of Cheshire, died of disease contracted in the army.
David Frame, son of Rev. Aaron C. Beach, mortally wounded at Louisville, Kentucky, May 2d, 1862, aged 21 years.
Rev. Joseph H. Twitchell, chaplain, son of Deacon Edward Twitchell, of Plantsville.
Manton D. and Theron, sons of Russell Upson, of New Haven.
Hobart V., son of Luther Bailey.
Charles, son of Lucius Upson, of Plantsville.

====

History of the Town of Wolcott (Connecticut) from 1731 to 1874, with an account of the Centenary Meeting, September 10th and 11th 1873; and with the Genealogies of the Families of the Town

By Rev. Samuel Orcutt

Joseph M. Parker	100	Moses Todd	100
Zephana Parker	1100	Jesse Alcox	100
Isaac Upson	490	Aaron Harris	200
Joseph Minor,	420	Elijah Lane	150
Nathaniel Lewis	600	Ezekiel Upson	1100
Samuel Upson	6180	Richard Welton	100
Obed Upson	100	Nathaniel Lane	100
Jacob Carter	460	Calvin Cowles	300
Wait Hotchkiss	107	Amos Seward	3120
Solomon Alcox	1100	David Norton	1110
Heman Hall	2120	Thomas Upson	8120
Asahel Lane	140	John Kenea	100
David Alcox	200	Isaac Hopkins	310
Mark Barnes	11211	Joseph Smith	100
Nathan Barnes	150	Abel Curtiss	2150
David Norton, Jr.	100	David Harrison	100
Jesse Selkrigg	100	Benoni Gillet	1100
Charles Frisbie	2120	Samuel Byington	5100
Daniel Byington	490	James Bailey	360
Joseph Beecher	400	Joseph Beecher, Jr.	1100
Judah Frisbie	2120	Brainard Lindsley	100
Elnathan Thrasher	1100	Ezra Stevens	100
Farrington Barnes	150	John Alcox	200
Stephen Carter	3100	Amos Beecher	100
Daniel Alcoa	1100	James Thomas	4100
Ephraim Smith, Jr.	400	Aaron Harrison, Jr.	180
Street Richards	700	Benjamin Alcox	100
Moses Pond	1100	Jonah Barnes	150
John Bronson	400	Joseph Freeman	180
Mark Harrison	6120	Jeremiah Scarritt	2100
Charles Upson	13100	Ezra Mallery	100
Simeon Plumb	2100	Timothy Bradley	150
Samuel Plumb	100	Asahel Bradley	100
Salomon Plumb	150	Amass Bradley	160
Justus Peck	200	William Stevens	100
Ashbel Upson,	250	Caleb Miner	100
John Beecher,	200	Heman Byington	100

Joseph Sutliff, Jr.	200	Eli Roberts	100
Noah Neal	1180	Abram Norton	260
John B. Alcox	100	Joseph Atkins	1100
Joseph Twitchel	300	Ozias Norton	180
James Alcox	3120	Jesse Alcox, Jr.	180
Selah Steadman	100	Hezekiah Beecher	180
Jonathan Carter	4180	Noah W. Norton	180
Daniel Johnson, Jr.	180	Nathan Scarritt	100
Nathan Gillet	100	Elisha Horton	180
John Norton	1150	John Wiard	60
Walter Beecher	400	Ebenezer Bailey	60
Barnabas Powers	100	Jerry MouIthrop	120
Levi Johnson	180	Enos Dutton	180
John Talmage	100	James Scaritt	100
John Frisbie	1190	Luther Atkins	180
Daniel Deacon	150	Nathan Stevens	200
John Potter	6100	Ebenezer Johnson	100