The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Vol. 1, No. 2, April 1847

Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

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"After conferring together, and being mutually satisfied in each other, we drew up a confession of faith, and the terms of the covenant, which we all signed, the sabbath before ordination. And having sent for the Rev. Mr. J. Hale, (who preached the ordination sermon,) Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. Pike, Mr. Rolfe, Mr. Cotton, and Mr. Toppan, who accordingly came; and on the twenty-first of September, 1698, Mr. Hale, Woodbridge, Pike, and Cotton, laid on hands, Mr. Pike praying before the imposition of hands; Mr. Woodbridge gave the charge; Mr. Cotton gave the right hand of fellowship; and we were, by the elders, and messengers, of the several churches, _owned as a Church of Christ_, and John Clark declared to be a minister of Christ Jesus." No doubt Mr. John Hale, of Beverly, was the preacher. He had recently married the widowed mother of Mr. Clark. The other ministers mentioned were undoubtedly Rev. Messrs. Benjamin Woodbridge, minister first at Bristol, R. I., who preached at Kittery in 1688, and, as early as 1699, in Medford; John Pike of Dover; Benjamin Rolfe of Haverhill, Ms., who was killed by the Indians; John Cotton of Hampton; and Christopher Toppan of Newbury. The father of Rev. John Clark of Exeter was Nathaniel Clark, a merchant of Newbury, and one of the early settlers of that town, who married, Nov. 25, 1663, Elisabeth Somerby, daughter of Henry Somerby, one of the grantees of Newbury. Nathaniel Clark was in the expedition to Canada in 1690, and died there, Aug. 25, aged 46, having been wounded on board the ship "Six Friends." His widow, Elisabeth Clark, married Rev. John Hale of Beverly, Aug. 8, 1698. Mr. Hale was chaplain in the expedition in which Nathaniel Clark was mortally wounded. A particular account of Mr. Hale does not belong to this article. Of his views and influence in the affairs of the "Salem Witchcraft" see Amer. Quar. Reg. Vol. X. pp. 247, 248. In that account there is, however, doubtless a mistake as to the original name of the widow of Nathaniel Clark. See also Magnalia, II. 408, and Coffin's Newbury, p. 298. Rev. Mr. Clark of Exeter was born at Newbury, June 24, 1670, gr. H. C. 1690, and ordained at Exeter, Sept. 21, 1698; "married Elisabeth Woodbridge, a daughter of the Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, already mentioned, and granddaughter of Rev. John Woodbridge, first minister of Andover, and also of Rev. John Ward, first minister of Haverhill, June 19, 1694,--Rev. John Clark died July 25, 1705," aged 35. His children were Benjamin, Nathaniel, Deborah, and Ward, who was the first minister of Kingston. The mother of Elisabeth Woodbridge was Mary, daughter of John Ward.

The Woodbridge family has furnished a number of ministers distinguished for talents, learning, piety, and an excellent spirit. Were the notices of them collected, which are scattered in various publications, they would form an interesting memoir.

_Rev. John Odlin_, the fourth minister of Exeter, and the second minister of the present First Church, was son of Elisha, and grandson of John Odlin, one of the first settlers of Boston. Rev. John Odlin was born in Boston, Nov. 18, 1681, gr. H. C. 1702, ordained at Exeter, Nov. 11, 1706. He married, Oct. 21, 1709, Mrs. Elisabeth Woodbridge Clark, widow of his predecessor. Mr. Odlin was one of the proprietors of Gilmanton. His son, Capt. John Odlin, was one of the settlers of that town. Another of his sons, Dudley, was a physician. Elisha gr. H. C. 1731, and settled in the ministry in Amesbury; Woodbridge was his father's colleague and successor in Exeter. Mrs. Odlin, wife of Rev. John Odlin, d. Dec. 6, 1729. His second marriage was Oct. 22, 1730, with Elisabeth Briscoe, widow of Robert Briscoe, and formerly wife of Lieut. James Dudley, and daughter of Samuel Leavitt. Mr. Odlin d. Nov. 20, 1754, aged about 73, nearly eleven years after his son became his colleague. [_Farmer's Reg._; _Lancaster's Gilmanton_; _Exeter Church Cov._] In 1743, May 18, the church "voted to concur with the vote of the town in choosing Mr. Woodbridge Odlin to settle as a colleague with his hon'd father the Rev. John Odlin." During the same month "there were a number of the church separated from their communion." The circumstances will be noticed in the account of the formation of another church.

_Rev. Woodbridge Odlin_ was ordained colleague pastor Sept. 28, 1743. The exercises were, Prayer by Rev. Wm. Allen of Greenland; Sermon by Rev. Mr. Odlin from Col. i: 28; Charge by Rev. Caleb Cushing of Salisbury; Right Hand by Rev. Mr. Rust of Stratham; and Prayer by Rev. Joseph Adams of Newington. Rev. W. Odlin was born at Exeter, April 28, 1718; gr. H. C. 1738, m. Oct. 23, 1755, Mrs. Abigail Strong, widow of Rev. Job Strong of Portsmouth, and daughter of Col. Peter Gilman. Mr. W. Odlin d. March 10, 1776, aged 57. His children were Dudley, Woodbridge, Peter, Elisabeth, Abigail, who was the first wife of Hon. Nathaniel Gilman of Exeter, John, Mary Ann, who was wife of Thomas Stickney of Concord, and Charlotte, wife of Jeremiah Stickney of Dover. [_Lancaster's Gilmanton_; _Exeter Church Records_.] Rev. W. Odlin, during his ministry of more than thirty-two years, baptized 1,276, and admitted 36 persons to the church. [_Chh. Records._] The "Half-way covenant," as it was often called, was then in use, and this accounts for the great disproportion between the admissions to full communion and the baptisms. "It provided that all persons of sober life and correct sentiments without being examined as to a change of heart might profess religion or become members of the church and have their children baptized though they did not come to the Lord's table." [_Dr. Hawes' Lectures_, p. 149.]

_Rev. Isaac Mansfield_ succeeded Rev. W. Odlin, and was ord. Oct. 9, 1776. The exercises were Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Tucker of Newbury; Sermon by Rev. Mr. Thayer of Hampton, from Ezek. xxxiii: 7-9; Charge by Rev. Mr. Fogg of Kensington; Right Hand by Rev. Mr. Webster of Salisbury, 2nd chh.; Prayer by Rev. Edmund Noyes of Salisbury, 1st chh. There were also invited on the ordaining council the churches in Brentwood, Dover, Epping, Greenland, 1st in Cambridge, 2nd in Scituate, and 2nd in Amesbury. Mr. Mansfield was born at Marblehead, Ms., in 1750, gr. H. C. 1767, also M. A. at D. C., 1770; married Mary, daughter of Nathaniel Clap of Scituate, Ms. Mr. Mansfield, "according to his agreement with the parish," was dismissed Aug. 22, 1787, by a council of three churches, of which Messrs. Fogg, Langdon, then of Hampton Falls, and Macclintock were pastors. The result is in the church records. It does not state the circumstances which produced "such a crisis as to render a separation eligible on both parts;" but the council say, "We feel ourselves constrained by duty and love to testify the sense we have of the valuable ministerial gifts and qualifications with which God hath furnished Mr. Mansfield, and which have been well approved not only among his own people, but by the churches in this vicinity." During Mr. Mansfield's ministry of nearly eleven years, 245 were baptized, and 12 admitted to the church. Mr. Mansfield removed to Marblehead. He became a magistrate, and was afterwards known as Isaac Mansfield, Esq. His sons, Theodore and Isaac, were born in Exeter. Mrs. Mansfield died in Marblehead, Feb. 11, 1806, aged 59. He d. in Boston, Sept., 1826, aged 76. His father was also Isaac Mansfield, Esq., of Marblehead: "a gentleman of handsome literary acquirements, and spent his days in piety and usefulness." He died April 12, 1792, aged 72. He is supposed to be the same who graduated at H. C., 1742. [_Alden's Col._]

_Rev. William Frederick Rowland_ was born in Plainfield, Ct., in 1761, gr. D. C. 1784, also M. A. at Yale, 1787. He was ordained in Exeter, June 2, 1790. The churches invited were Hampton Falls, North Hampton, Hampton, 2nd Salisbury, 1st Newbury, 1st Newburyport, Greenland, Stratham, 2nd Exeter, Brattle Street, Boston, Charlestown, 2nd Portland. The exercises were, Prayer by Dr. Macclintock; Sermon by Dr. Thacher of Boston; Ordaining Prayer by Dr. Langdon; Charge by Dr. Webster; Right Hand by Dr. Macclintock; Prayer by Dr. Morse. Mr. Rowland m. Sally, daughter of Col. Eliphalet Ladd of Portsmouth. She died Oct. 12, 1798, at the early age of 24. Extracts from the sermon of Dr. Buckminster of Portsmouth at her funeral, may be found in Alden's Collection, Vol. II., p. 66. Mr. Rowland's 2nd marriage was with Ann, daughter of Col. Eliphalet Giddings of Exeter. She died June 13, 1811, aged 31. Her infant was buried with her. After a ministry of thirty-eight years, Mr. Rowland asked and received a dismission. It took place Dec. 5, 1828. The ministers of the council, whose result is in the church records, were Rev. Messrs. Hurd of Exeter, Sanford of Newmarket, Spofford of Brentwood, and Cummings of Stratham. Mr. Rowland deceased June 10, 1843, aged 82, leaving four children, Sarah Ann, Mary Elisabeth, William Frederick, and Theresa Orne. Mary Elisabeth died in 1845. The sermon at the funeral of Mr. Rowland was preached by the Rev. Mr. Hurd. Mr. Rowland's father was Rev. David S. Rowland, gr. Yale, 1743; settled first at Plainfield, Ct., and afterwards at Windsor, Ct.; where his son, Henry A. Rowland, was ordained his successor, in 1790. During Mr. Rowland's ministry at Exeter, there were 128 admissions to the church, and 295 baptisms. He possessed good talents, was very respectable as a preacher, and gifted in prayer.

_Rev. John Smith_ was born in Wethersfield, Ct.; gr. Y. C., 1821; ordained at Trenton, N. J., March 7, 1826; dismissed Aug., 1828. Inst. in Exeter, March 12, 1829. Exercises on the occasion: Prayer by Rev. Abraham Burnham of Pembroke, N. H.; Sermon by Rev. N. Bouton of Concord; Prayer, Rev. Mr. Miltimore of Newbury; Charge, Rev. Dr. Dana, Newburyport; Right Hand, Rev. Mr. Hurd of Exeter; Address, Rev. Mr. Withington of Newbury; Prayer by Rev. Mr. Winslow, then of Dover, now of Boston. Mr. Smith's "relation to the people of his charge in Exeter, continued nearly nine years with mutual harmony and affection and with much advantage to the cause of religion." [_Result of Council._] At his own request, he was dismissed Feb. 14, 1838, and accepted an appointment from the Amer. Tract Society, to superintend their operations in New Jersey, and in Southern New York and vicinity. He was afterwards installed in Wilton, Ct. During Mr. Smith's ministry in Exeter, the number of admissions to the church was 170, and the number of baptisms 139. The number of church members reported to the General Association in 1836, was 226. Of the children of the Rev. John and Mrs. Esther Smith, there were baptized at Exeter, James Dickinson, Jan. 7, 1830; Esther Mary, June 9, 1833; a second Esther Mary, Oct. 5, 1835; and Walter Mitchell, June 4, 1837.

_Rev. William Williams_ was born in Wethersfield, Ct., Oct. 2, 1797, grad. Y. C., 1816; studied theology at Andov. Sem., and with Pres. Timothy Dwight. Settled in Salem over the Branch, since the Howard St. Church, July 5, 1821; dismissed Feb. 17, 1832; settled over the Crombie St. Church, which had separated from the Howard St. Nov. 22, 1832. [_Amer. Quar. Reg._, Vol. VII., p. 260.] He was installed at Exeter, May 31, 1838. Exercises on the occasion: Prayer by Rev. S. T. Abbott of Seabrook; Sermon by Rev. Milton P. Bramin of Danvers; Prayer by Rev. S. W. Clark of Greenland; Charge by Rev. J. French of North Hampton; Right Hand, Rev. J. Hurd of Exeter; Address by Rev. Edwin Holt of Portsmouth; Prayer by Rev. Mr. Gunnison of Brentwood. Mr. Williams resigned his ministry, Oct. 1, 1842, on account of the state of his health, taken in connection with existing difficulties. Mr. Williams returned to Salem, Ms., where he engaged in the study, and has been since in the practice of medicine. The number of members of Mr. Williams's church, as reported in 1841, was 217.

_Rev. Joy Hamlet Fairchild_ was born in Guilford. Ct., April 24, 1789, and was the youngest of sixteen children. His father was Lewis Fairchild. His mother before marriage was Mehetabel Waterhouse of Saybrook, Ct. Rev. Mr. Fairchild grad. Y. C. 1813, studied theology with Dr. Ely of Monson, Ms., and settled in the ministry in East Hartford, Ct., June, 1816; in South Boston, Phillips Church, Nov., 1827. He was installed in Exeter, Sept. 20, 1843. Exercises on the occasion were: Reading of the Scriptures, Rev. S. W. Clark of Greenland; Prayer, Rev. R. W. Clark, Portsmouth; Sermon, Rev. N. Adams, Boston; Prayer, Rev. J. French; Charge, Rev. Dr. Codman; Right Hand, Rev. Mr. Hurd; Address, Rev. H. Winslow of Boston; Prayer, Rev. E. D. Eldredge of Hampton. Mr. Fairchild resigned his office June 18, 1844. His reasons are thus assigned in his letter to the church. "I am accused of a crime which I never committed, but which it is not in my power to disprove. I do not wish to preach the gospel any longer than I can be useful. And as my usefulness must now be ended, I hereby resign my office as Pastor of this church." His pastoral relation was formally dissolved by a Council, called at his own request, July 30, 1844. The doings of the ecclesiastical and civil tribunals in his case are in the hands of the public. After removing from Exeter he was installed over the Payson Church, South Boston, Nov. 19. 1845.

Mr. Fairchild m. 1st, Cynthia Waterhouse of Saybrook, Ct., Oct., 1814. Their children are Harriet Elisabeth, b. Sept. 2, 1815, m. Anthony Ten Eyck, Esq., of Detroit, Mich., U. S. Commissioner at the Sandwich Islands, where she d. Nov. 5, 1846; Lucius Hamlet, b. Jan. 26, 1819. Mr. Fairchild m. 2nd, Mary Bradford, daughter of William Bradford, Esq., of Philadelphia, July 18, 1825. Their children are William Bradford, b. Nov. 2, 1828; Thomas Robbins, b. April 9, 1834, d. May 2, 1835; Florina Tomlin, b. March 13, 1838; Mary Joy, b. May 25, 1843, d. July 10, 1843; Harriet Ten Eyck, b. Dec. 29, 1846.

_Rev. Roswell Dwight Hitchcock_, the present pastor, was born in East Machias, Me., Aug. 15, 1817, gr. A. C. 1836, Tutor from 1839 to 1842, theological education at Andov. Sem., before and after his tutorship; stated supply at Waterville, Me., one year; ord. at Exeter Nov. 19, 1845. Exercises on the occasion were, Reading the Scriptures, Rev. J. W. Newman of Stratham; Prayer, Rev. Homer Barrows of Dover; Sermon, Rev. Orin Fowler of Fall River; Ordaining Prayer, Rev. J. Hurd; Charge, Rev. O. Fowler; Right Hand, Rev. B. R. Allen of South Berwick, Me.; Address, Rev. S. S. N. Greely of Newmarket; Prayer, Rev. James T. McCollom, Somersworth. The father of Mr. Hitchcock, whose name was also Roswell, was born in Hawley, Ms.; _his_ father removed from Springfield, Ms. His mother's surname was, before marriage, Longfellow. She was of Machias. Mr. Hitchcock m. Elisabeth Anthony Brayton, her mother being of the Anthony family, which was ancient in Bristol Co., Ms.

(To be continued.)

THE NAMES OF THE PROPRIETORS OF NEW HAVEN, CT., IN THE YEAR 1685.

[This article has been kindly furnished us by Charles William Bradley, Esq., the present Secretary of the State of Connecticut.]

James Bishop, Esqr.
William Jones, Esqr.
Major John Nash,
Mr. James Pierpont,
Serjt. John Alling,
Mr. James Alling,
Phillip Alcock,
John Alling Senr.
Samuell Alling,
Joseph Alsup, Senr.
Joseph Alsup,[S] Junior,
Serjt Nathan Andrews,
David Atwater, Senr.
David Atwater, Junr.
John Atwater,
Jonathan Atwater,
Robert Augar,
Nathan Andrews, Junr.
John Austin,
John Ball,
Hannah Ball,
John Barnes,
Thomas Barnes,
Daniell Barnes,
John Bassett,
Samuell Bassett,
Isaac Beecher, Senr.
Isaac Beecher, Junr.
John Beecher,
Eleazar Beecher,
John Benham, Senr.
John Benham, Junr.
John Bishop,
John Blackly,
Samuell Blackly,
Ebenezer Blackly,
Benjamin Bouden,
Nathanael Boykin,
William Bradly,
Joseph Bradly,
Abraham Bradly,
Isaac Bradly,
Benjamin Bradly,
Henry Bristoll,
John Brockett,
John Brockett, Junr.
John Brooks,
Henry Brooks,
Eleazer Brown,
Samuell Brown,
Ebenezer Brown,
Benjamin Bunnill,
Samuell Burwell,
Zacheus Cande,
William Chatterton,
John Chidsey,
James Clark,
John Clark,
Samuell Clark,
William Collins,
John Cooper, Senr.
John Cooper, Junr.
Mrs. ---- Coster,
Mr. John Davenports, heirs,
Mr. James Dixwell,
John Davids, or Dixwell,
Robert Dauson,
James Denison,
Lt. Abraham Dickerman,
Edmund Dorman,
John Downs,
Nicholas Elsey,
Symon Egears,
Samuell Ferns,
Benjamin Fenns, heirs,
Samuell Ford,
Mathew Ford,
Mark Fowler,
John Frost,
Mr. ---- Gibberts, heirs,
Timothy Gibberts, heirs,
John Gibbs,
Henry Gibbons,
William Gibbons,
Mathew Gilbert's, heirs,
Mathew Gilbert,
Henry Glover,
Mr. John Goodyear,
John Hancock,
Mr. John Harriman,
James Heaton,
Nathanael Heaton,
Samuel Hemingway,
Mrs. Hope Herbert,
Eliakim Hitchcock,
Nathanael Hitchcock,
Richard Hingambottom,
John Hill,
Ebenezer Hill,
Mr. John Hodson,
John Holt,
Eleazar Holt,
Samuell Hotchkis,
John Hotchkis,
Joshua Hotchkis,
Thomas Hotchkis,
Daniell Hotchkis,
Jerremiah How,
Ephraim How's, heirs,
Jerremiah Hull,
Samuell Humerston,
John Humerston,
Thomas Humerston,
Bartholomew Jacobs,
Thomas Johnson,
John Johnson, Senr.
John Johnson, Junr.
William Johnson,
Samuell Johnson,
Nathanael Jones,
Joseph Ives,
Edward Keely,
Nathanael Kimberly,
Thomas Kimberly,
Jonathan Lamson,
Thomas Leck,
Richard Little,
Ralph Loines, Senr.
Samuell Loines,
Ralph Loines, Junr.
Joseph Loines,
Benjamin Loines,
Thomas Luddington,
John Luddington,
William Luddington,
Peter Mallery, Senr.
Peter Mallery, Junr.
Thomas Mallery,
Daniell Mallery,
John Mallery,
Joseph Mansfield,
Capt. Moses Mansfield,
Lt. Nathaniel Marriman,
Ellis Mew's, heirs,
Ens: John Miles,
Thomas Mix,
John Mix,
Nathanael Mix,
Daniell Mix,
Caleb Mix,
John Morris,
Eleazer Morris,
Joseph Morris,
Mr. John Moss,
Joseph Moss,
Mercy Moss's, heirs,
Mathew Multrop,
Ens: Samuell Munson,
Richard Newman,
John Newman,
Mr. Jerr: Osbourn's, heirs,
Mrs. Mary Osbourn,
Mr. Jerr: Osborn, Junr.
Mr. John Prout,
William Pains, heirs,
John Pain,
George Pardee, Senr.
George Pardee, Junr.
Mr. William Peck,
Joseph Peck,
Benjamin Peck,
Edward Perkins,
John Perkins,
Jonathan Perkins,
David Perkins,
John Perry,
Thomas Pimore,
John Ponderson,
John Potter,
Nathanael Potter,
Edward Preston,
Joseph Preston,
William Pringle,
Joseph Pringle,
Ely Robberts,
William Robberts,
Mr. Richd Rosewell,
John Roe,
John Sacket's heirs,
John Sacket, Junr.
Thomas Sandford,
Ens: Danl Shermon,
Thomas Smith,
John Smith,
Samuell Smith,
Joseph Smith,
Ebenezer Smith,
Nathan Smith,
Richard Sperry, Senr.
John Sperry,
Richard Sperry, Junr.
Nathanael Sperry,
Thomas Sperry,
John Steevens,
Henry Steevens,
Robert Talmage's heirs,
Serjt Thos. Talmage,
Enos Talmage,
John Talmage,
James Taylor,
William Thorps, heirs,
Nathanael Thorp,
John Thomson's heirs,
John Thomson, marriner,
John Thomson, farmer,
John Thomson, Junr.
Mr. William Thomson,
John Thomas,
Daniell Thomas,
Samuell Thomas,
Joseph Thomas,
John Thomas, Junr.
Christopher Todd,
John Todd,
Samuell Todd,
Mr. Thomas Trowbridge,
John Trowbridge,
Mr. William Trowbridge,
William Trowbridge, Junr.
Thomas Trowbridge, Junr.
James Trowbridge,
Isaac Tumor,
Thomas Tuttle,
Jonathan Tuttle,
Joseph Tuttle,
David Tuttle,
Nathanael Tuttle,
John Tuttle,
Samuell Tuttle,
John Umphervile,
John Watson,
Samuell Whitehead,
William Wilmott,
Serjt John Winston,
John Winston, Junr.
William Wooden's heirs,
Jerremiah Wooden,
John Woolcott,
Mr. John Yale,
Mr. Nathanael Yale,
The Trustees of the School Estate.

This List of names Compared with the List of 1685, and is a true Coppy, attested by uss.

NATHAN ANDREWS, } _Select men_
WILLIAM THOMSON, } _of New Haven._
JONATHAN ATWATER, }

This List of the Proprietors of the Lands in the Township of Newhaven, was Exhibited in the Generall Assembly on the Twentieth day of October, in the third year of her Majesties reigne, Annoq. Dom: 1704, at the Same time when a release of all the Lands in said Township to the said proprietors was read and approved and ordered to be signed in the name of the Gouernor and Company of her Majesties Colony of Connecticutt.

Test. ELEAZER KIMBERLY, _Secry._

The aboue written, with what is Contained in the two next aforegoing pages, relating thereunto, is a true Coppie of the Origenall, being therewith Examin'd and Compared, and here recorded, May 20th, 1707. Pr me ELEAZER KIMBERLY, _Secry._

[The foregoing is recorded in the Connecticut "Colony Records of Deeds," Vol. III. fol. 397-399.]

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, SS., }
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE. }

I hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of record in this Office. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this sixth day of March, A. D. 1847, and in the 71st year of the Independence of the United States of America.

CHARLES WM. BRADLEY,
_Secretary of State._

FOOTNOTES:

[S] The present orthography of such names as have materially changed their forms is here given: Alsop for Alsup; Blakeslee or Blakeley, Blackly; Bradley, Bradly; Bristol, Bristoll; Brackett, Brockett; Bunnel, Bunnill; Candee, Cande; Dawson, Dauson; Gilbert, Gibberts; Eaton, Heaton; Higgins?, contraction of Higginbottom, Hingambottom; Hotchkiss, Hotchkis; Humaston, Humerston; Lines and Lynde, Loines; Mallory, Mallery; Merriman, Marriman; Morse, Moss; Molthrop, Multrop; Monson, Munson; Osborn, Osbourn; Payne, Pain; Punderson, Ponderson; Prindle, Pringle; Thompson, Thomson; Turner, Turnor; Umberfield?, Umphervile; Woodin, Wooden.

En: Parsons

Æ 76]

MEMOIR OF ENOCH PARSONS, ESQ., OF HARTFORD, CT.

The name of PARSONS is found among the earliest emigrants to New England, and it designated a family of high respectability in the parent country. As early as 1481, John Parsons was Mayor of Hereford in the county of Herefordshire, and Sir Thomas Parsons of Great Milton, from one branch of the family, received the honor of knighthood from Charles I., about the year 1634, and his descendants are still found at Great Milton and in the city of London. The Coat of Arms granted to Sir Thomas is thus described: "He beareth gules, two chevrons ermine, between three eagles displayed, or;" Crest: "an eagle's leg erased at the thigh, or, standing on a leopard's head, gules."

These armorial bearings are retained in the Parsons Family in the United States, and by the descendants of Sir Thomas in London, among whom were Sir John and Sir Humphrey Parsons, the former Lord Mayor of London in 1704, and the latter in 1731 and 1740; also by the branch of the family that settled in Barbadoes, of which Rev. John Parsons, M. A., of Beybrook House in the county of Gloucester, Vicar of Marden, county of Wilts, is a descendant, being the son of Daniel Parsons, M. D., of Barbadoes.

ENOCH PARSONS, ESQ., of Hartford, Ct., the particular subject of this memoir, was born at Lyme, Ct., Nov. 5, 1769. He was the third son of Samuel Holden Parsons, an Aid to General Washington, a Major-General in the Revolutionary army, and subsequently, Chief-Justice of the North Western Territory. Mr. Parsons was also grandson of the Rev. Jonathan Parsons, a distinguished clergyman first of Lyme, Ct., and secondly of Newburyport, Ms. His mother, who was a daughter of Richard Mather of Lyme, was lineally descended from the Rev. Richard Mather, the first clergyman of Dorchester, Ms., ancestor of the Rev. Messrs. Increase and Cotton Mather of Boston. His grandmother was sister to the Hon. Matthew Griswold of Lyme, formerly Governor of the State, and was lineally descended from Henry Wolcott, 1st, of Windsor, the progenitor of all who bear that name in Connecticut.[T]

Mr. Parsons was distinguished in youth for mental vigor and accurate discrimination, and for his devotedness to the more abstruse and severe sciences, particularly the mathematics. This laid the foundation of his future eminence as a financier. He did not receive a collegiate education, but his academical course pursued at the Institutions at Pomfret and Plainfield, was extensive and thorough. His favorite studies naturally inclined him to commercial pursuits; and to qualify himself for these, he engaged in the year 1785 and 1786, in the service of Messrs. Broome and Platt, who, at that time, owned a great commercial house in New Haven, where he acquired a complete mercantile education. His proficiency and accuracy as an accountant soon brought him into notice, and in the year 1787 he was employed by the late Gov. Oliver Wolcott, Jun., who was at that time State Auditor of accounts, to arrange and prepare for adjustment the Revolutionary claims of Connecticut upon the United States. This was an arduous task for a young man, requiring great methodical accuracy and precision, and it was performed with ability and acceptance.

But Mr. Parsons was not confined to his favorite pursuits; he had a thirst for knowledge generally, and improved every opportunity for research in the various departments of science and the arts with a proportionate zeal and accuracy. Evidences of this are furnished in a Journal[U] which he, at the age of only nineteen, kept while on a tour to the North Western Territory during the spring and summer of 1788, in company with his father, who was about that time appointed by President Washington Chief-Judge in and over the Territory, which included the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan. The geology of the country, the customs, manners, and language of the native sons of the forest, are described and commented upon with a minuteness and vivacity interesting alike to the geologist, the antiquary, and the philosopher.

He was, we believe, one of the original investigators of the tumuli at Marietta, the first and at that time the only settlement of importance in that region of country. A description of one of these remarkable mounds, excavated and explored by him, he communicated in 1789 to President Stiles of Yale College, and is preserved among his manuscripts in the College Library.

May 14, 1789, Mr. Parsons was appointed by Gov. Arthur St. Clair, Register and Clerk of the first Probate Record Office, established in the county of Washington, which was the first county erected north-west of the river Ohio. He there remained, faithfully discharging the duties of this appointment, until April, 1790, when he resigned and returned to Middletown, Ct., his family residence, and was appointed by the General Assembly of the State at their ensuing session, in May, High Sheriff of Middlesex County. This office he accepted, being then only twenty-one years of age; and he continued to perform its duties with fidelity and public acceptance, till he attained the age of 49, a period of _twenty-eight_ years; when he was compelled by ill health and various imperative avocations, to relinquish its fatigues and solicitude.

During the period of his official duties as Sheriff, Mr. Parsons was also actively engaged in various other public avocations, and in mercantile business. He was called to preside over different local institutions and organizations in the place where he resided; acted a while as Secretary to an Insurance Company, and was repeatedly elected an Alderman of the city of Middletown, and Representative in the General Assembly of the State. He was also presented by his Congressional friends as a rival candidate of the late President Harrison in the year 1791 for the office of Secretary and ex-officio Lieut. Governor of the N. W. Territory, but he declined the nomination. He likewise declined the honor, though repeatedly solicited, to represent his fellow-citizens in the councils of the nation. His own private affairs too much required his attention to permit him to engage in this high trust.

In the year 1816, when the late Bank of the United States was incorporated, Mr. Parsons, believing that the establishment of a Branch in Connecticut, (by many deemed impracticable,) would materially promote the commercial interests of its citizens, visited Philadelphia in company with other gentlemen, with a view to this object. By the most persevering efforts, and through his active and efficient influence and exertion, a Branch was located in Connecticut at Middletown. He was chosen a Director of the institution immediately upon its organization, and continued in the direction during the existence of the Charter.

In 1818 he was elected President of the Connecticut Branch, on the resignation of the Hon. Samuel W. Dana, then a Senator in Congress; and was annually elected, until it was transferred from Middletown to Hartford, in the spring of 1824. Having removed thither himself about the same time, he was re-elected, and continued to preside over the institution with acknowledged impartiality, ability, and firmness, and the most unflinching integrity, during the operations of the Branch in Connecticut, and until the expiration of the Charter.

Though educated a merchant and eminent as a financier, Mr. Parsons was also a sound _lawyer_; not by profession or practice, but by the acquisition of the requisite legal knowledge. The office of Sheriff, when he was called to fill it, was one of honor as well as profit. Its incumbent was the companion of the Judges. He attended at their "chambers" as well as in the "court-room." He listened to, and participated in, their deliberations and discussions. Thus Mr. Parsons breathed a legal atmosphere. Being by his official duties, through a period of _twenty-eight_ years, in familiar intercourse with the _Bench_ and the _Bar_, and having read the best elementary writers, endowed, as he was, with a remarkably retentive memory and a logical and inquisitive mind, it is not surprising that he retained to the close of life the principles and maxims of jurisprudence thus deeply implanted. Though not a member of the Bar, his opinions on elementary points were seldom questioned.

Mr. Parsons wrote some, but reflected more. His published writings are few and chiefly _political_. His unpublished manuscripts are numerous and mostly in an _epistolary_ form, relating principally to the subject of _finance_.

In all the relations of domestic and social life, Mr. Parsons was beloved and respected. He was twice married, and left three children by the first marriage, and one by the second; two only of whom survive him; namely, one residing in Hartford, Ct., Samuel H. Parsons, Esq., and one in the State of Ohio. In these relations, he was ever the generous and affectionate husband, and the kind and faithful parent. His habits and feelings were social and communicative; and in his intercourse with his fellow-men, dignity was seen blended with the utmost courtesy and kindness. He was a true gentleman of the olden school, and every son of New England will understand what this means.

His personal appearance was dignified and commanding. His stature large and well-proportioned; high forehead and bald, with dark blue eye, and a countenance indicative of his mental characteristics of thought, deliberation and energy, blended with mildness.

Mr. Parsons was a firm believer in the Christian religion. He adopted the principles of the gospel as the standard of human action; and frequently remarked, that through life he had made it an invariable rule never to close his eyes in sleep without first communing with his God.

About a year previous to the close of his interesting life, his system became generally debilitated, and during the last three or four months he was unable to leave the house. He expressed himself perfectly resigned to the will of Heaven, and gradually sunk into a lethargy, which continued until the morning of July 9, 1846, when he slept in death, in the 77th year of his age.

FOOTNOTES:

[T] A more extended genealogical account of the Parsons Family may be expected in some future No. of the Register.

[U] In his Journal, Mr. Parsons gives the following statistics of the Aborigines, at that time inhabiting the Territory, which may not be uninteresting to compare with their present condition. We present the extract entire:

"The _Delawares_ live at Sandusky, in a N. W. course and about 180
miles from this place, (Marietta.) Their number is 400.

"The _Wyandots_, living partly in the same region and partly at
Detroit, 300 miles from Marietta, are about 260 in number.

"The _Munsees_ live on the Alleghany river, about 310 miles N. E.
from M. and number 100.

"The _Miami_ tribe live at Miami town, W. S. W. 250 miles, and are
about 100 in number.

"The _Shawanoes_ live on the Miami river, S. W. 250 miles, and
number 150.

"The _Cherokees_, or _Chickewagas_, live on Paint Creek, S. S. W.
250 miles, and are about 100 in number.

"The _Wiahtanoes_ live on the Wabash river, W. S. W. 500 miles, and
number 600.

"The _Kickapoes_ live also upon the Wabash, S. S. W. 500 miles, and
number 1100.

"The _Piankishaws_ live upon the same river, S. and S. W. 600
miles--number 400.

"The _Kaskaskias_ live on the Mississippi, S. S. W. 800 miles.
Their number is 150.

"The _Peorees_ live upon the Illinois river, W. S. W. 900 miles.
Number 150.

"The _Meadow Indians_ live also upon the Illinois, about 900 miles
W. by S. Number 500.

"The _Iowas_ live upon the Illinois, S. W. 900 miles, numbering 300.

"The _Foxes_ live on the S. side of Lake Superior, W. N. W. 900
miles--number 1000.

"The _Chippewas_ live W. of Lake Michigan, W. N. W. 800 miles from
M. Number 4000.

"The _Potowatomies_ live E. of Lake Michigan, W. N. W. about 450
miles. Number 4000.

"The _Ottawas_ live N. E. of Lake Michigan, N. W. 400 miles. Number
1000.

"The _Sieux_ live N. W. of Lake Superior. N. W. from Marietta 950
miles. Number 6000."

In his Journal we have also a specimen of the fertility of the soil, and the rapidity of the vegetation of the Territory, in the following extracts:

"June 7. Rode out with my father to his three-acre lot, which was
sowed with rye in December last. About twenty days ago, it was four
inches high. Ten days since, when we visited it, it was three and
a half feet high; and to-day we found it seven and a half feet in
height.

"June 13. Measured a spear of flax growing on my city lot, and find
that in six days it has grown seven inches. Mr. Converse informs
me that about three weeks ago, he planted corn, which is at the
present time four feet high."

On subsequent pages of the Journal, Mr. P. has extended remarks on the philosophy of vegetation.

We have further space only for the following curious extract:

"June 15. Last night the dogs made a most hideous clamor, and
seemed to be exceedingly excited. Mr.----, who lives about forty
rods N. of the Stockade, was about getting up to see what disturbed
them, but did not; and in the morning, on opening the outer door to
let in his dog, he found in his mouth a _purse filled with Brooches
and Rings_."

THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE.

My Muse has oft slumbered in life's busy day,
And seldom I've sought her, as having no leisure;
At the moment, however, while time glides away
In the quiet of age, let me yield to the pleasure.

And oh! in the scenes on my fancy that burst,
And on which with delight or with sadness I linger,
Say, what shall arrest my attention the first?
Where, where shall I place me--where point the fixed finger?

Shall I dwell upon childhood, or press on to youth,
Or look only on manhood, or Death's lessons ponder?
Shall I mourn, or rejoice, or administer truth,
Or most at man's folly or GOD'S mercy wonder?

I gaze on the palace, contemplate the cot,
Mark the tower, see the ocean, view landscapes wide-spreading;
And I feel, while I think on man's changeable lot,
Compassion its influence o'er my heart shedding:

And I cry, 'O ye triflers, ye murmurers, say,
'Could your wishes be realized, what were the blessing
'Most anxiously sought, to make happy your day
'Of existence, and crown you with bliss worth possessing?'

'I'd have power,' says the statesman; 'broad empire,' the king;
'More lands,' shouts the rich; and 'no labor,' the peasant;
And so through the catalogue! Hope seeks to bring
Enjoyment from change, and depreciates the present:

While yet, would we weigh our condition with care,
And be just to that Wisdom our follies which chastens,
We should see many blessings that fall to our share,
Though the crown of our wishes its advent ne'er hastens.

GOD denies in His love, and withholds what we seek,
In tender compassion, well knowing our blindness.
Let us yield, be submissive, and patient, and meek,
Adoring His mercy, and trusting His kindness.

This, this is our wisdom. Alone it deserves
The name of philosophy; nor can the science
Man proudly may boast, while as yet he but serves
His passions, afford for his woes an appliance.

This life is a trial. Our world cannot fill
The void of the heart, which too surely is boundless.
GOD will discipline, rectify, govern man's will,
And eternity show our complaining is groundless:

There, we may, when we _know_ what we see here in part,
Life's philosophy prize, as we find it resulting
In bliss springing forth from a purified heart,
Without ceasing, in love, joy, and wonder exulting.

Why should we not, then, as life hurries away,
Submit us to GOD, and fall in with the measures
His Wisdom employs, from His paths lest we stray,
And fail to inherit His blood-purchased treasures?

_January 30, 1847._ BASIL.

GENEALOGIES.

THE COTTON FAMILY.

BY JOHN WINGATE THORNTON, ESQ., LL.B.

+-- Rev. JOHN COTTON,
| b. May 8, 1658, +-- Mary, b. Nov. 5, 1689,
| gr. Har. Col. 1678: | d. May 29, 1731;
| ord. at Hampton, N. H. | left six children.
| Nov. 19, 1696; d. | =
| March 27, 1710. | Rev. John Whiting
| = | of Concord, Mass.
| = ----------------------+
| = |
| Anne. dau. of Captain +-- John, b. Sept. 5, 1687,
| Thos. Lake, of Boston, | d. Sept. 8, 1689.
| an eminent merchant, |
| b. Oct. 12, 1663. |
| Was 2nd wife of Rev. +-- Dorothy, b. July 16,
| Incr. Mather, D. D.; | 1693; m. Dec. 21,
| d. at Brookline, | 1710 d. May 20, 1748,
| March 29, 1737. Mr. | at Kingston, N. H.
| Lake was descended | =
| from Hugh de Caley, | = [_For the
| who d. 1286, and whose | = descendants of
| wife was Agnes, dau. | = ------ this Grand-
| of Hamo de Hamsted.-- | = granddaughter,
| _Betham's Baronetage_, | = see the
| Vol. 3, p. 153. | = following._]
| | =
| | Rev. Nathl. Gookin, of |
+-- Dorothy, b. Novem. 11, | Hampton, b. April 15,
| 1656, d. Dec. 20, 1706. | 1687; d. Aug. 25, 1734;
| No issue. | gr. H. C. 1708; ord.
| = | Nov. 15, 1710.
| Col. Joseph Smith, of |
| Hampton, N. H. He was |
| counsellor of N. H. +-- Thomas b. Oct. 28, 1695,
| in 1698. | settled at Brookline.
| |
| |
+-- Sarah d. young, +-- Anna, b. Nov. 13, 1697.
| April 1, 1660. |
| |
| +-- Simon, b. Dec. 21, 1701.
[DESCENDANTS +-- Anna, b. Aug. 22, 1661, |
OF REV. | d. Dec. 6-7, 1702, |
SEABORN COTTON, ---+ in Boston. +-- Samuel, } d.
THE SON OF REV. | = Lydia, } young.
JOHN COTTON.] | Carr. 2nd, Johnson.
|
|
+-- Sarah, b. July 2, 1663.
| d. Aug. 2, 1690,
| =
| Richard Pierce, of
| of Boston, Aug. 27,
| 1680.
|
|
+-- Elisabeth, b. Aug. 13,
| 1665; d. 1698.
| =
| Rev. Wm. Williams
| of Hatfield, Mass.
|
|
+-- Mercy, born Nov. 2, 1666,
| d. June 18, 1715.
| = Rev. John Tufts
| = ------------------------- of Newbury;
| = Har. Col. 1708.
| Capt. Tufts
| of Medford.
|
|
+-- Maria, b. April 22, 1670,
d. 1729.
=
Atwater. 2nd.
Partridge.

+-- Rev. Jno. Brown of
| Cohasset, gr. H. C. 1741
|
|
+-- Rev. Colton Brown of
| Brookline, ord. Oct. 26,
| 1746; died April 13, 1751.
|
|
+-- Ward Brown, gr. H. C.,
| 1748; d. 1748.
|
|
+-- Rev. Thomas Browne, H. C.,
| 1752; d. 1797;
| min. of Stroudwater.
[DESCENDANTS ------+ +-- Cotton Brown,
OF JOANNA.] | | =
+-- A dau. | Jane Williams.
| = |
| John Chipman. |
| +-- Hon. Peter Chardon
| | of Boston,
+-- A dau. | =
| = + Anne Gorham.
| Dana of Brookline. |
| |
| +-- Mary,
+-- A dau. | =
= | Samuel Gray of Salem.
= -----------------------|
= |
Rev. Edw. Brooks +-- Joanna Cotton,
of North Yarmouth, Me. =
Nath'l Hall of Medford.

+-- Rev. Ward Cotton of
| Boylston, d. there
| Nov. 15, 1843, a. 74;
| gr. H. C. 1793.
| =
| Rebecca, da. of T. Jackson
| of Plymouth.
|
|
+-- Elisabeth,
| =
| Lot Haskell of Rochester.
|
|
+-- Lucy +-- Lydia,
| = | =
| Chas. Jackson of Plymouth. | Pope of Sandwich.
| |
| |
| Lydia Parker +-- Josiah,
| of Falmouth. | =
| = | ----, at Nantucket.
| = -----------------------+
| =
+-- Rev. Josiah of Wareham,
| d. April, 1819, a. 71
| =
| = -----------------------+
| = +-- Hon. John, M. D., grad.
| 2nd, Rachel, da. of Rev. | H. C. 1810, d. at
| Dr. Barnes of | Marietta, O.,
| Scituate. | April 2, 1947,
| | =
| | ----.
| |
+-- Hannah, |
| = +-- Son, d. young.
| Nye of Falmouth. |
| |
| +-- Mary Ann,
| =
| Isaac Hedge of Plymouth.
+-- John, lost at sea, in 1800.
| =
| = -----------------------+
| = +-- Experience.
[DESCENDANTS OF ---+ Experience Jackson |
JOHN AND HANNAH.] | of Plym. |
| +-- Son. d. young.
| |
+-- Mary, |
| = +-- Hannah,
| J. Jennings of Plym. =
| Haskel.
|
+-- Dr. Rossiter. Rg. of
| Deeds, d. Aug. 1837. +--Thomas
| = | =
| = -----------------------+ Stevens.
| = |
| Priscilla, dau. of Thos. |
| Jackson of Plymouth. +-- several d. young.
| |
| |
| +-- Dr. Chas. Har. Col. 1808.
| | =
+-- Sophia, | ----, at Newport.
| = |
| S. Parker, of Falmouth. |
| +-- Edwin, Reg. of Deeds.
| | =
| | 1. Watson.
+-- Joanna. | 2. ....
| | 3. Hammond.
| |
| |
| +-- Rossiter.
+-- Sally, |
= |
Capt. J. Harlow +-- Sophia,
of Plymouth =
Gordon.

[In a future number of the Register, the pedigree of Roland Cotton, in England, may be given, with the Emblazonry of the Armorial Bearings.]

THE BUTLER FAMILY.

PREPARED BY PROFESSOR JAMES DAVIE BUTLER OF NORWICH, VT.

[V][(1)]STEPHEN BUTLER, = Jane ----.
d. in Boston. |
|
+---------------+---+--------------+
| | |
[(2)]Benjamin, Isaac, [(3)]James, = Grace ----.
Aug. 2, 1653; Oct. 9, 1661; Aug. 2, d.|
Feb. 10, 1658. May 29, 1664; 1665; |
Aug. 10, 1667. Boston. |
|
+------------+----------+----------------+------------------+
| | | |
Mary, [(6)]Grace, Elisabeth, [(5)]James, Aug. 21, = [(4)]Abigail Eustice,
Feb. 21, May 2, Dec. 23, 1688; d. Boston. | d. Dec. 15, 1713.
1683. 1685. 1686. |
|
+----------------+--------------+-------------------+
| | |
Abigail, [(7)]Eliza, [(8)]James, = [(9)]Elisabeth Davie.
Jan. 26, March 3, Dec. 4, | = ---- Wakefield.
1710-11. 1711-12. 1713; | |
d. Boston.| |
| |
+--------------------------+ +---------+
| |
[(10)]James, = [(11)]Mary Sigourney. Sarah.
Feb. 15, |
1739; |
d. at |
Oxford, Ms. |
|
+-----+------+-----+----+----------+-------+------+-------+-------+
| | | | | | | | |
Mary. | Anthony. Elisabeth. Hannah. John. Peter. Sarah. Celia.
|
[(12)] James Davie. = Rachel Harris.
|
+----------------+--+------------+--------------+
| | | |
Mary Sigourney. Sophia Gedney. Chloe Harris. James Davie,
Jan. 6, 1814;
March 15, 1815. = Anna Bates.
|
[(13)]James Davie, June 25, 1846.

REMARKS.

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The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Vol. 1, No. 2, April 1847Chapter IV: Front Matter (4)

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