STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
HON. THEODORE DWIGHT ESQ.
Esquire Dwight was the grand-son of President Edwards, and the brother of President Dwight.
He was born in Northampton in 1762, and after his graduation came to Stockbridge, where he resided a "long time," for some months during the period, teaching the select school on the hill.
He was afterwards one of the first lawyers in Haddam, Ct., became active, and distinguished in public affairs, and noted as a writer.
During the administration of Jackson, he was engaged with his son in editing and publishing the "New York Daily," and to them were committed the letters of his friend Charles A. Davis, published over the signature of "Jack Downing."
From this circumstance, and from the known genius of Esquire Dwight, he was supposed to be the author of the letters; though his son has so promptly and honorably disclaimed it, that no charge of fame-seeking can rest upon his character.
Esquire Dwight married Miss Abby Alsop of Middletown, and died in New York at the house of his son in 1846.
An outline of his life and writings was published by the New York Historical Society soon after his death, and a farther notice of him, particularly as a New York editor, has since been prepared by Dr. Francis under the auspices of the same institution.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
THEODORE SEDGWICK ESQ.
Was born at Hartford, West District, May, 1746.
He graduated at Yale, and commenced the practice of law in Great Barrington in 1776.
The same year he went to Canada as aid to General Thomas.
He afterwards removed to Sheffield, from which place he was sent as representative to the General Court; and it was perhaps while living there that he so successfully advocated the cause of freedom, though it appears not.
In 1785 he came to Stockbridge; in 1787 met the band of insurgents in the Shays Rebellion at West Stockbridge, and instantly defeated them.
In 1788 he was a leading advocate for the adoption of the Constitution in the State Convention, and also a member of the Legislature, and Speaker of the House of Representatives; and from that time until his death at Boston, January 24, 1813, at the age of 66, he was, with little interruption, Representative, Senator, or Judge.
He has, under the present excitement, been accused of procuring the old fugitive slave law.
Certain it is that he was often said to "govern Congress," and doubtless his influence in that case was very great.
But his principles and practice upon the question of slavery are so well known, that such assertions only prove that the perpetuity of the institution was not the design of those who framed our Constitution.
In 1810, his opinion was very clearly given on the case of Greenwood and Curtis.
He argued that "the law of nature should be the law of the land; that one man could not have a legitimate property in the person of another man; and that therefore a contract made at Rio Pangos, on the coast of Africa, for a cargo of slaves, was malum in se, and void as against the law of God."
"Accordingly no action upon such a contract could be sustained at common law in Massachusetts."
If the traffic be illegal, he averred that no rights can be acquired by it, and consequently, none transferred.
The first wife of Judge Sedgwick was Elizabeth Mason; his second, Pamela Dwight, daughter of Brigadier General Dwight, and grand-daughter of Colonel Ephraira Williams, and the third, Penelope Russell of Boston.
His children, all children of the second wife, are well known; particularly Thodore as a lawyer and author, Henry and Robert as lawyers, Charles as lawyer and clerk of the Berkshire Court, and Miss C. M. Sedgwick as an author.
Among the students of Judge Sedgwick are remembered: Ephraim Williams, of Stockbridge; Henry Hopkins, who died young; Ashbel Strong, of Pittsfield; Judge Howe, of Northampton; George Herbert; William Hunt, who died young, and Daniel Dewey, of Williamstown.
There were many others who studied with Judge Sedgwick, and among them his own sons, Theodore, Hany, Robert and Charles; but no other names of strangers can now be obtained, all the older members of the family being dead.
Judge Sedgwick was descended from Robert Sedgwick, an early settler, and distinguished military officer of Cambridge.
His father was Benjamin Sedgwick, who, on leaving mercantile business, settled in Cornwall, and there left his widow and six children, of whom Theodore was the youngest.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
THEODORE SEDGWICK ESQ.
Was born at Hartford, West District, May, 1746.
He graduated at Yale, and commenced the practice of law in Great Barrington in 1776.
The same year he went to Canada as aid to General Thomas.
He afterwards removed to Sheffield, from which place he was sent as representative to the General Court; and it was perhaps while living there that he so successfully advocated the cause of freedom, though it appears not.
In 1785 he came to Stockbridge; in 1787 met the band of insurgents in the Shays Rebellion at West Stockbridge, and instantly defeated them.
In 1788 he was a leading advocate for the adoption of the Constitution in the State Convention, and also a member of the Legislature, and Speaker of the House of Representatives; and from that time until his death at Boston, January 24, 1813, at the age of 66, he was, with little interruption, Representative, Senator, or Judge.
He has, under the present excitement, been accused of procuring the old fugitive slave law.
Certain it is that he was often said to "govern Congress," and doubtless his influence in that case was very great.
But his principles and practice upon the question of slavery are so well known, that such assertions only prove that the perpetuity of the institution was not the design of those who framed our Constitution.
In 1810, his opinion was very clearly given on the case of Greenwood and Curtis.
He argued that "the law of nature should be the law of the land; that one man could not have a legitimate property in the person of another man; and that therefore a contract made at Rio Pangos, on the coast of Africa, for a cargo of slaves, was malum in se, and void as against the law of God."
"Accordingly no action upon such a contract could be sustained at common law in Massachusetts."
If the traffic be illegal, he averred that no rights can be acquired by it, and consequently, none transferred.
The first wife of Judge Sedgwick was Elizabeth Mason; his second, Pamela Dwight, daughter of Brigadier General Dwight, and grand-daughter of Colonel Ephraira Williams, and the third, Penelope Russell of Boston.
His children, all children of the second wife, are well known; particularly Thodore as a lawyer and author, Henry and Robert as lawyers, Charles as lawyer and clerk of the Berkshire Court, and Miss C. M. Sedgwick as an author.
Among the students of Judge Sedgwick are remembered: Ephraim Williams, of Stockbridge; Henry Hopkins, who died young; Ashbel Strong, of Pittsfield; Judge Howe, of Northampton; George Herbert; William Hunt, who died young, and Daniel Dewey, of Williamstown.
There were many others who studied with Judge Sedgwick, and among them his own sons, Theodore, Hany, Robert and Charles; but no other names of strangers can now be obtained, all the older members of the family being dead.
Judge Sedgwick was descended from Robert Sedgwick, an early settler, and distinguished military officer of Cambridge.
His father was Benjamin Sedgwick, who, on leaving mercantile business, settled in Cornwall, and there left his widow and six children, of whom Theodore was the youngest.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
KENRY W. DWIGHT ESQ.
Esquire Dwight was born at Great Barrington, September 15, 1757, very soon after the removal of his father, Brigadier Dwight, to that place.
At a very early age he embarked in the Revolutionary struggle, and continued in the service until our independence was achieved.
He then received the appointment of County Clerk, which office he held until ill health induced him to abandon it, near the close of his life.
He came to Stockbridge soon after the close of the war, and married Miss Abigail Wells, a teacher here.
His children were Hon. Henry W. Dwight, Rev. Edwin Dwight, and Rev. Louis Dwight.
Esquire Dwight died September 15, 1804, and was buried, at the same time with his aunt, the first wife of Dr. West.
The funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Hyde of Lee.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
KENRY W. DWIGHT ESQ.
Esquire Dwight was born at Great Barrington, September 15, 1757, very soon after the removal of his father, Brigadier Dwight, to that place.
At a very early age he embarked in the Revolutionary struggle, and continued in the service until our independence was achieved.
He then received the appointment of County Clerk, which office he held until ill health induced him to abandon it, near the close of his life.
He came to Stockbridge soon after the close of the war, and married Miss Abigail Wells, a teacher here.
His children were Hon. Henry W. Dwight, Rev. Edwin Dwight, and Rev. Louis Dwight.
Esquire Dwight died September 15, 1804, and was buried, at the same time with his aunt, the first wife of Dr. West.
The funeral sermon was preached by Dr. Hyde of Lee.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
REV. SAMUEL KIRKLAND.
For more than forty years Missionary to the Oneida Indians, was the son of Rev. Daniel Kirkland of Norwich, and was born about 1744; educated at the Lebanon school and at Princeton, where he graduated in 1765, and was ordained as a missionary, at Lebanon, June 19, 1766.
In school he had learned the Mohawk, and he had spent a year and a half with the Senecas for the purpose of acquiring their tongue.
He married Miss Jerusha Bingham, a teacher, and in 1769, took her to Oneida Castle.
In the spring of that year, he went to the house of his friend General Herkimer, at German Flats, and there his eldest children, John, (President Kirkland,) and George, mentioned in the story of Shays' Rebellion, were born, Aug. 17, 1770.
About 1772 he removed to Connecticut, but soon came to Stockbridge, and took up his residence in the house built by Mr. Sergeant in the village, now Mr. Carter's.*
From there he removed to what is known as the Kirkland Place, west of the village, an Indian house of two rooms, and purchased the Indian meeting house, which he moved, and changed into a barn.
On this place Mrs. Kirkland died, together with an infant, January 23, 1788.
The children not mentioned, were probably born in the village.
Two other children were buried here.
From Stockbridge, Mr. Kirkland removed to Paris, or Clinton, N. Y., several years after the death of his wife.
His second wife was also a teacher, Miss Mary Donelly of this town.
He died March 28, 1808, aged 64.
Mr. Kirkland's practice was to spend six months with the Indians, and then six months with his family.
This occasioned many journeys, which in the unbroken state of the country, were very tedious.
He had also trials with the Pagan Indians.
January 1, 1789, in particular, the Christian Indians having refused to join the revelry, and their dance being thus broken up for want of dancers, a plot was laid to murder Mr. Kirkland.
But the design was discovered, and the affair being taken up by the Chief, the conspirators came and asked forgiveness.
The Christians, on the other hand, were strongly attached to Mr. Kirkland and his family.
Old Scenondou, a Chief who lived to a great age, 106 or 110, came often to Clinton, when indisposed, in the hope of dying there, and being buried beside his pastor that he might rise with him.
His wish was gratified in so far that the dust of both sleeps in the missionary's garden.
Scenondou was buried with honors.
President Backus delivered the sermon, and Judge Dean interpreted, March 13, 1810.
Mr. Kirkland translated the Gospel of Mark, and some Psalms which he had selected.
His efforts in the cause of temperance were blessed.
At one time no Indian was seen intoxicated in the village for many months.
"Good Peter," catechist and teacher, and the most eloquent man among the Six Nations, was his assistant.
Under these circumstances. Mr. Kirkland was cheerful, and even joyous.
He was often heard singing hymns before he rose in the morning.
One anecdote hitherto preserved of Mr. Kirkland, being an illustration of Revolutionary life, should not be lost.
The action of the County Congress upon the subject of British manufactures and importations, has been mentioned.
In Stockbridge, where that Congress met, a dissent was considered peculiarly unpatriotic.
No stories are extant of Stockbridge ladies drinking tea in the garrets, an act perpetrated in some places, and a cup of the exhilarating decoction was scarcely allowed to the sick.
But Dr. West received one day an invitation to take tea with Mr. Kirkland.
Supposing it to be an invitation to Sage Tea, he accepted, and was not undeceived until the genuine perfume, which met him as he took his seat at the table, revealed the truth.
The missionary was to commence one of his fatiguing journeys on the morrow, and felt the necessity of a stimulant, which he had generously resolved to share with his clerical friend.
But their pleasure was short-lived; for no sooner had grace been said, than a rap was heard at the door!
Trembling for their reputation, for the influence of their example, and perhaps for their safety too, Mr. K. sprang to hide the Urn; but the handle of the other urn caught in the loose sleeve of his gown, and the tea was "poured out," not into the cups, but entirely into his lap.
His knit "small clothes" and tight stockings were but slight protection, and he danced in quick step for pain.
The "knocker" proved to be no adept in the discernment of ethereal bodies, and the ministers were not detected; but the mission to the Indians was delayed for weeks, for the missionary's limbs to heal, and then, it is believed, commenced without even the innocent stimulant of a cup of tea.
* Mr. Asa Bement occupied this house after President Edwards, but left it on account of the Fever and Ague.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
REV. SAMUEL KIRKLAND.
For more than forty years Missionary to the Oneida Indians, was the son of Rev. Daniel Kirkland of Norwich, and was born about 1744; educated at the Lebanon school and at Princeton, where he graduated in 1765, and was ordained as a missionary, at Lebanon, June 19, 1766.
In school he had learned the Mohawk, and he had spent a year and a half with the Senecas for the purpose of acquiring their tongue.
He married Miss Jerusha Bingham, a teacher, and in 1769, took her to Oneida Castle.
In the spring of that year, he went to the house of his friend General Herkimer, at German Flats, and there his eldest children, John, (President Kirkland,) and George, mentioned in the story of Shays' Rebellion, were born, Aug. 17, 1770.
About 1772 he removed to Connecticut, but soon came to Stockbridge, and took up his residence in the house built by Mr. Sergeant in the village, now Mr. Carter's.*
From there he removed to what is known as the Kirkland Place, west of the village, an Indian house of two rooms, and purchased the Indian meeting house, which he moved, and changed into a barn.
On this place Mrs. Kirkland died, together with an infant, January 23, 1788.
The children not mentioned, were probably born in the village.
Two other children were buried here.
From Stockbridge, Mr. Kirkland removed to Paris, or Clinton, N. Y., several years after the death of his wife.
His second wife was also a teacher, Miss Mary Donelly of this town.
He died March 28, 1808, aged 64.
Mr. Kirkland's practice was to spend six months with the Indians, and then six months with his family.
This occasioned many journeys, which in the unbroken state of the country, were very tedious.
He had also trials with the Pagan Indians.
January 1, 1789, in particular, the Christian Indians having refused to join the revelry, and their dance being thus broken up for want of dancers, a plot was laid to murder Mr. Kirkland.
But the design was discovered, and the affair being taken up by the Chief, the conspirators came and asked forgiveness.
The Christians, on the other hand, were strongly attached to Mr. Kirkland and his family.
Old Scenondou, a Chief who lived to a great age, 106 or 110, came often to Clinton, when indisposed, in the hope of dying there, and being buried beside his pastor that he might rise with him.
His wish was gratified in so far that the dust of both sleeps in the missionary's garden.
Scenondou was buried with honors.
President Backus delivered the sermon, and Judge Dean interpreted, March 13, 1810.
Mr. Kirkland translated the Gospel of Mark, and some Psalms which he had selected.
His efforts in the cause of temperance were blessed.
At one time no Indian was seen intoxicated in the village for many months.
"Good Peter," catechist and teacher, and the most eloquent man among the Six Nations, was his assistant.
Under these circumstances. Mr. Kirkland was cheerful, and even joyous.
He was often heard singing hymns before he rose in the morning.
One anecdote hitherto preserved of Mr. Kirkland, being an illustration of Revolutionary life, should not be lost.
The action of the County Congress upon the subject of British manufactures and importations, has been mentioned.
In Stockbridge, where that Congress met, a dissent was considered peculiarly unpatriotic.
No stories are extant of Stockbridge ladies drinking tea in the garrets, an act perpetrated in some places, and a cup of the exhilarating decoction was scarcely allowed to the sick.
But Dr. West received one day an invitation to take tea with Mr. Kirkland.
Supposing it to be an invitation to Sage Tea, he accepted, and was not undeceived until the genuine perfume, which met him as he took his seat at the table, revealed the truth.
The missionary was to commence one of his fatiguing journeys on the morrow, and felt the necessity of a stimulant, which he had generously resolved to share with his clerical friend.
But their pleasure was short-lived; for no sooner had grace been said, than a rap was heard at the door!
Trembling for their reputation, for the influence of their example, and perhaps for their safety too, Mr. K. sprang to hide the Urn; but the handle of the other urn caught in the loose sleeve of his gown, and the tea was "poured out," not into the cups, but entirely into his lap.
His knit "small clothes" and tight stockings were but slight protection, and he danced in quick step for pain.
The "knocker" proved to be no adept in the discernment of ethereal bodies, and the ministers were not detected; but the mission to the Indians was delayed for weeks, for the missionary's limbs to heal, and then, it is believed, commenced without even the innocent stimulant of a cup of tea.
* Mr. Asa Bement occupied this house after President Edwards, but left it on account of the Fever and Ague.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
REV. SAMUEL WHELPLEY.
Mr. Whelpley was born in Stockbridge about 1766, and was the son of Deacon Whelpley, who resided in the east part of the town.
The family were Baptists; and Samuel retained his connection with that church for several years after he entered the ministry.
His first field of labor was West Stockbridge, from which place he removed to Morristown, N. J., where he became a Presbyterian.
From Morristown he went to Newark, and thence to New York, where he died, July 15th, 1817, aged 51.
His disposition to employ his pen was early shown, and Mrs. West always preserved a manuscript romance which he gave her while the student of her husband.
He never received a public education; but his "Compend of Ancient and Modern History," and his "Triangle," so highly and so justly celebrated, show an original, talented, and cultivated mind.
He also published "Letters on Capital Punishment and War."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
REV. SAMUEL WHELPLEY.
Mr. Whelpley was born in Stockbridge about 1766, and was the son of Deacon Whelpley, who resided in the east part of the town.
The family were Baptists; and Samuel retained his connection with that church for several years after he entered the ministry.
His first field of labor was West Stockbridge, from which place he removed to Morristown, N. J., where he became a Presbyterian.
From Morristown he went to Newark, and thence to New York, where he died, July 15th, 1817, aged 51.
His disposition to employ his pen was early shown, and Mrs. West always preserved a manuscript romance which he gave her while the student of her husband.
He never received a public education; but his "Compend of Ancient and Modern History," and his "Triangle," so highly and so justly celebrated, show an original, talented, and cultivated mind.
He also published "Letters on Capital Punishment and War."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
TIMOTHY EDWARDS, ESQ.
Esquire Edwards was born in Northampton, July 25th, 1738, and graduated at Princeton in 1757, the year previous to his father's death.
September 25th, 1760, he married Miss Elioda Ogden, and settled in Elizabethtown as a merchant.
In June, 1771, he came to Stockbridge, and established the first store in the County.
The county was very productive in wheat, which he received in payment for goods, and with which he made his purchases in New York.
In 1772, he purchased the ground of an Indian woman, hired workmen from Hatfield, and erected the house now owned by Major Owen.
It was one and a half stories high, except the wing, which was of one story.
All the east part was used as a store.
In 1775 Esquire Edwards became a member of the State Council, and continued in that ofiice until 1780, through the difficulties of our National emancipation.
From 1778 to 1787, he was Judge of Probate; in 1779, declined the nomination of member of Congress; for many years sustained the office of church deacon.
During the war he was often chosen on committees at home, and was employed by General Washington to supply the soldiers at West Point.
He died in the house now occupied by Colonel Goodrich, his residence during the later years of his life, October 27th, 1813, at the age of 75.
Mrs. Edwards died in Litchfield, November 22d, 1822, and was brought here for interment.
Her age was 80.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
TIMOTHY EDWARDS, ESQ.
Esquire Edwards was born in Northampton, July 25th, 1738, and graduated at Princeton in 1757, the year previous to his father's death.
September 25th, 1760, he married Miss Elioda Ogden, and settled in Elizabethtown as a merchant.
In June, 1771, he came to Stockbridge, and established the first store in the County.
The county was very productive in wheat, which he received in payment for goods, and with which he made his purchases in New York.
In 1772, he purchased the ground of an Indian woman, hired workmen from Hatfield, and erected the house now owned by Major Owen.
It was one and a half stories high, except the wing, which was of one story.
All the east part was used as a store.
In 1775 Esquire Edwards became a member of the State Council, and continued in that ofiice until 1780, through the difficulties of our National emancipation.
From 1778 to 1787, he was Judge of Probate; in 1779, declined the nomination of member of Congress; for many years sustained the office of church deacon.
During the war he was often chosen on committees at home, and was employed by General Washington to supply the soldiers at West Point.
He died in the house now occupied by Colonel Goodrich, his residence during the later years of his life, October 27th, 1813, at the age of 75.
Mrs. Edwards died in Litchfield, November 22d, 1822, and was brought here for interment.
Her age was 80.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
MRS. ABIGAIL DWIGHT.
It is often said that the Church has no heart, though it is very common for professors to wait for a revival in the heart of the Church before they wake their own spirits to action.
But the church is built up "a holy house," a living temple, and its various altars are composed of individual hearts, in all of which there is the element of heat, but not always flame.
It will not answer, however, for the fire to become extinct, lest he who dwelt in the Shekinah break forth and raze it to the ground.
So he ever keeps a living, ascending flame in some bosoms; and one of these favored ones, may we not say, was Mrs. Dwight.
She was sometimes thought too charitable, but her's was the charity of a large heart, and not of a loose faith.
She never believed that the unsaved in life were saved at death; but she always hoped for the best while life lasted; and where there was no evidence of piety, she yet trusted to electing grace, and overleaping the months or years which might intervene, embraced the wanderer now, in the anticipation of doing so in God's good time.
Mrs. Dwight was born in West Hartford, came here to assist Miss Pynchon in teaching, married H. W. Dwight, Esq., and died May 31, 1840, aged 77.
Rev. Edwin Dwight, her son, for several years pastor of the church in Richmond, died a resident of Stockbridge Feb. 25, 1841, and his wife October 11, 1838, both much beloved here, and by their former parishioners.
Mr. Dwight's age was 51, and that of Mrs. Dwight, 37.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., continued ...
MRS. ABIGAIL DWIGHT.
It is often said that the Church has no heart, though it is very common for professors to wait for a revival in the heart of the Church before they wake their own spirits to action.
But the church is built up "a holy house," a living temple, and its various altars are composed of individual hearts, in all of which there is the element of heat, but not always flame.
It will not answer, however, for the fire to become extinct, lest he who dwelt in the Shekinah break forth and raze it to the ground.
So he ever keeps a living, ascending flame in some bosoms; and one of these favored ones, may we not say, was Mrs. Dwight.
She was sometimes thought too charitable, but her's was the charity of a large heart, and not of a loose faith.
She never believed that the unsaved in life were saved at death; but she always hoped for the best while life lasted; and where there was no evidence of piety, she yet trusted to electing grace, and overleaping the months or years which might intervene, embraced the wanderer now, in the anticipation of doing so in God's good time.
Mrs. Dwight was born in West Hartford, came here to assist Miss Pynchon in teaching, married H. W. Dwight, Esq., and died May 31, 1840, aged 77.
Rev. Edwin Dwight, her son, for several years pastor of the church in Richmond, died a resident of Stockbridge Feb. 25, 1841, and his wife October 11, 1838, both much beloved here, and by their former parishioners.
Mr. Dwight's age was 51, and that of Mrs. Dwight, 37.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., concluded ...
ABEL BUELL
Was born in Killingworth, Ct.
He learned the trade of Silver-Smith of Mr. Chittendon of that town, and was married at the age of 19.
The next year he was suspected of altering five shilling colony notes to five pounds, though the work was so perfectly executed, that great sagacity was necessary in detecting them.
When the counterfeit was fully known, and the suspicion rested upon him, a ladder was placed against his house, and he was detected in the act.
The arrest being made, Mathew Griswold acted as King's Attorney.
The youth and previous good conduct of Buell, won the compassion of Griswold, and all possible favor was shown him.
His sentence was branding; (the brand being held on until he could say "God save the King.") — cropping and imprisonment.
But the brand, denoting the nature of his crime, was made as high on his forehead as the hair would permit, and no more than the tips of his ears were taken off.
These were kept warm upon his tongue, until they could be replaced, and adhered firmly.
At first he was removed for imprisonment; but after a time, at the request of his friends, be was permitted to be confined in Killingworth.
About the time of his removal, he constructed the first lapidary machine ever made in the country, and with this he perfected a beautiful ring, which he presented to Mr. Griswold, the Attorney, afterwards Governor Griswold, and Mr. Griswold procured his pardon.
The next unusual event of his life, was his employment by Bernard Romans, to survey the southern coast of North America, Mr. R. being engaged in the publication of a new map of this part of the continent.
While at Pensacola, engaged in this work, an individual came to him, and under pretence of mere curiosity, though it was afterwards believed, employed by the Governor, asked if he could break the King's Seal, and again unite it so as entirely to conceal the fracture.
Buell innocently did it, and was in consequence arrested, and detained as prisoner on an island, probably Santa Rosa, though not in close custody.
His genius again saved him.
He built a small boat, in which he put to sea, taking with him a little boy who wished to leave the island.
After three day's exposure in this frail bark upon the broad ocean, he reached one of our southern ports, and from thence returned to Killingworth.
The map was engraved by him, believed to have been the first done in this country.
At the opening of the Revolution, a difficulty arose in procuring types.
None but French types could be obtained.
Buell constructed a type foundry, and made a large quantity during the war.
He lived at that time in New Haven, and worked in the Sandemonian church.
When the war was over, he was engaged by the State to coin coppers; and, having made his own implements, he brought the art to such perfection, that he could produce one hundred and twenty coppers a minute.
He next went to England, ostensibly to obtain a new supply of metal, but really to obtain information in the manufacture of cloths.
While there, he one day, in travelling, came upon a company of men who were constructing an iron bridge, and who, for want of mechanical skill, had so shaped their materials that they saw no way of bringing them together.
Mr. Buell's ingenuity suggested a plan, and the whole was soon fitted, for which he received one hundred guineas.
But here another feature in his character must be exposed, else the grace of God will not be glorified as it should.
Mr. Buell was an open infidel; and his evenings in London were spent with Thomas Paine in ridiculing the Word of God.
In this work, it is sad to say, they were joined by a clergyman; but he was not a minister of the Gospel.
He professed to be a Unitarian — probably had no creed at all.
His name it is not necessary to publish.
When Mr. Buell returned to America, he established a cotton factory in New Haven, one of the first founded in the country.
From New Haven, he removed to Hartford, and thence to Stockbridge, where he established himself as a goldsmith.
Soon after the revival of 1813 commenced, he was taken, apparently, very ill; but his physician could discover no physical derangement; and being himself a good humored unbeliever, predicted that Mr. Buell would pass himself off as a convert, and deceive the pastor.
Mr. Swift visited him, and found him tossing in agony, as on a bed of embers, yet unwilling to reveal the cause of his distress.
Ten or twelve days were spent in this state; his flesh wasted away, and he seemed about to drop into that scouted eternity, when He who is rich in mercy stretched out the hand for his deliverance.
As the pastor entered his room, soon after the change took place, he looked up from the open volume which lay upon his knees, and exclaimed with great animation — "They have been altering the Bible!"
"This is not the same book which Tom Paine and I used to ridicule!"
"They have altered it; they have altered the Bible."
"This is beautiful!"
"Oh, how beautiful!"
"All beautiful! beautiful, beautiful," — and he turned its leaves back and forth, his countenance beaming with delight.
The scales had fallen from his eyes, and he saw things spiritual, spiritually.
From that time, the Lord seemed to be his chosen companion.
"I am not alone," he said, "I have the best of company."
His Bible was with him, and he realized delightfully the all-pervading presence of Deity.
Mr. Buell united with the church in Stockbridge soon after, being upwards of 70 years of age; and, though subject in after life to great privations, he ever sustained the character of a christian.
He returned to New Haven — it is said, in 1825 — where he soon died in the alms-house.
Besides these, whose characters have been sketched, many others might be added who have adorned the stations allotted them by Providence, and gone down to their graves in peace; but a notice of all such would swell this volume to an undue size; and it is better to give too few than too many.
"Better far," says an old writer, "that the question be asked why a monument was not raised, than why one was erected."
Taking this venerable counsel then, we check feeling, and yield to prudence.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
SECTION XLVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
LITERARY, CIVIL, MILITARY, INGENIOUS, &c., &c., concluded ...
ABEL BUELL
Was born in Killingworth, Ct.
He learned the trade of Silver-Smith of Mr. Chittendon of that town, and was married at the age of 19.
The next year he was suspected of altering five shilling colony notes to five pounds, though the work was so perfectly executed, that great sagacity was necessary in detecting them.
When the counterfeit was fully known, and the suspicion rested upon him, a ladder was placed against his house, and he was detected in the act.
The arrest being made, Mathew Griswold acted as King's Attorney.
The youth and previous good conduct of Buell, won the compassion of Griswold, and all possible favor was shown him.
His sentence was branding; (the brand being held on until he could say "God save the King.") — cropping and imprisonment.
But the brand, denoting the nature of his crime, was made as high on his forehead as the hair would permit, and no more than the tips of his ears were taken off.
These were kept warm upon his tongue, until they could be replaced, and adhered firmly.
At first he was removed for imprisonment; but after a time, at the request of his friends, be was permitted to be confined in Killingworth.
About the time of his removal, he constructed the first lapidary machine ever made in the country, and with this he perfected a beautiful ring, which he presented to Mr. Griswold, the Attorney, afterwards Governor Griswold, and Mr. Griswold procured his pardon.
The next unusual event of his life, was his employment by Bernard Romans, to survey the southern coast of North America, Mr. R. being engaged in the publication of a new map of this part of the continent.
While at Pensacola, engaged in this work, an individual came to him, and under pretence of mere curiosity, though it was afterwards believed, employed by the Governor, asked if he could break the King's Seal, and again unite it so as entirely to conceal the fracture.
Buell innocently did it, and was in consequence arrested, and detained as prisoner on an island, probably Santa Rosa, though not in close custody.
His genius again saved him.
He built a small boat, in which he put to sea, taking with him a little boy who wished to leave the island.
After three day's exposure in this frail bark upon the broad ocean, he reached one of our southern ports, and from thence returned to Killingworth.
The map was engraved by him, believed to have been the first done in this country.
At the opening of the Revolution, a difficulty arose in procuring types.
None but French types could be obtained.
Buell constructed a type foundry, and made a large quantity during the war.
He lived at that time in New Haven, and worked in the Sandemonian church.
When the war was over, he was engaged by the State to coin coppers; and, having made his own implements, he brought the art to such perfection, that he could produce one hundred and twenty coppers a minute.
He next went to England, ostensibly to obtain a new supply of metal, but really to obtain information in the manufacture of cloths.
While there, he one day, in travelling, came upon a company of men who were constructing an iron bridge, and who, for want of mechanical skill, had so shaped their materials that they saw no way of bringing them together.
Mr. Buell's ingenuity suggested a plan, and the whole was soon fitted, for which he received one hundred guineas.
But here another feature in his character must be exposed, else the grace of God will not be glorified as it should.
Mr. Buell was an open infidel; and his evenings in London were spent with Thomas Paine in ridiculing the Word of God.
In this work, it is sad to say, they were joined by a clergyman; but he was not a minister of the Gospel.
He professed to be a Unitarian — probably had no creed at all.
His name it is not necessary to publish.
When Mr. Buell returned to America, he established a cotton factory in New Haven, one of the first founded in the country.
From New Haven, he removed to Hartford, and thence to Stockbridge, where he established himself as a goldsmith.
Soon after the revival of 1813 commenced, he was taken, apparently, very ill; but his physician could discover no physical derangement; and being himself a good humored unbeliever, predicted that Mr. Buell would pass himself off as a convert, and deceive the pastor.
Mr. Swift visited him, and found him tossing in agony, as on a bed of embers, yet unwilling to reveal the cause of his distress.
Ten or twelve days were spent in this state; his flesh wasted away, and he seemed about to drop into that scouted eternity, when He who is rich in mercy stretched out the hand for his deliverance.
As the pastor entered his room, soon after the change took place, he looked up from the open volume which lay upon his knees, and exclaimed with great animation — "They have been altering the Bible!"
"This is not the same book which Tom Paine and I used to ridicule!"
"They have altered it; they have altered the Bible."
"This is beautiful!"
"Oh, how beautiful!"
"All beautiful! beautiful, beautiful," — and he turned its leaves back and forth, his countenance beaming with delight.
The scales had fallen from his eyes, and he saw things spiritual, spiritually.
From that time, the Lord seemed to be his chosen companion.
"I am not alone," he said, "I have the best of company."
His Bible was with him, and he realized delightfully the all-pervading presence of Deity.
Mr. Buell united with the church in Stockbridge soon after, being upwards of 70 years of age; and, though subject in after life to great privations, he ever sustained the character of a christian.
He returned to New Haven — it is said, in 1825 — where he soon died in the alms-house.
Besides these, whose characters have been sketched, many others might be added who have adorned the stations allotted them by Providence, and gone down to their graves in peace; but a notice of all such would swell this volume to an undue size; and it is better to give too few than too many.
"Better far," says an old writer, "that the question be asked why a monument was not raised, than why one was erected."
Taking this venerable counsel then, we check feeling, and yield to prudence.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
APPENDIX.
Heckewelder says of the Shawanoes that they were a restless people, delighting in wars, in which they were constantly engaged with the surrounding nations.
At last their neighbors, tired of being harassed by them, formed a league for their destruction.
The Shawanoes, finding themselves thus dangerously situated asked to be permitted to leave the country, which request was granted; and they immediately moved to the Ohio, (from the South.)
Here their main body settled, and then sent messengers to their elder brother, the Mohicans, (by which name the Stockbridge Indians are frequently called, and even by Dr. Edwards,) requesting them to intercede for them with their grandfather, the Leni, or Lenape, to take them under his protection.
This the Mohicans willingly did, and even sent a body of their own people to conduct their younger brother into the country of the Delawares.
The Shawanoes, finding themselves safe under the protection of their grandfather, did not choose to proceed to the eastward, but many of them remained on the Ohio, some of whom settled as far up as Pittsburgh.
Those who proceeded farther were accompanied by their Chief, Gach-ga-wats-chi-qua, and settled principally at and about the Forks of the Delaware, between that and the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill; and some on the spot where Philadelphia now stands; others were conducted by the Mohicans into their own country, where they inter-married with them, and became one people.
(This, if correct, explains the name ''Shawanoe Purchase," in Alford.)
When those settled near the Delaware had multiplied, they returned to Wyoming, on the Susquehannah, where they resided for a great number of years.
Chapman, in his History of Wyoming, gives another account of their removal; but Heckewelder's recital accords so well with the hints given by the Stockbridge Historian, that he seems best entitled to credit.
"Brothers, you sometimes sorry to see the deplorable situation of your Indian brethren, for which you have given us many good counsels, though we feel ourselves willing to follow your counsel, but it has made no effect as yet."
"Our situation is still miserable."
"Our ancestors were conquered immediately after you came over this island by the strong Hero, who does still reign among Indian tribes with tyranny; who has robbed us of every thing that was precious on our eyes."
"By the power of our enemy, our eyes have been blinded, our young men seems become willing slaves to this despotic hero."
"In looking back we see nothing but desolation of our mighty men; in looking forward, we foresee the desolation of our tribes."
"Our Chiefs has used their endeavors to reform their respective people; but having see no success, they seem discouraged, and hang down their heads."
"Before you cover your council Fire, we unite our cries for your help."
"Perhaps you are ready to think what man that must be that has abused so much our brethren"
"Never was such hero or tyrant heard that ever meddled with Indians."
"But in literally, he is your own begotten son, and his name you call Rum."
"And the names of his officers are Brandy, Wine and Gin, and we know you have power to control him; and as we desire to live in peace, and to become civilized nations, we earnestly entreat you to use your power and wisdom to prevent, &c."
Signed by several "Chiefs and Warriors," March, 1796, and addressed to "the Legislature."
There is much reason for ascribing this to the New York Indians.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
APPENDIX.
Heckewelder says of the Shawanoes that they were a restless people, delighting in wars, in which they were constantly engaged with the surrounding nations.
At last their neighbors, tired of being harassed by them, formed a league for their destruction.
The Shawanoes, finding themselves thus dangerously situated asked to be permitted to leave the country, which request was granted; and they immediately moved to the Ohio, (from the South.)
Here their main body settled, and then sent messengers to their elder brother, the Mohicans, (by which name the Stockbridge Indians are frequently called, and even by Dr. Edwards,) requesting them to intercede for them with their grandfather, the Leni, or Lenape, to take them under his protection.
This the Mohicans willingly did, and even sent a body of their own people to conduct their younger brother into the country of the Delawares.
The Shawanoes, finding themselves safe under the protection of their grandfather, did not choose to proceed to the eastward, but many of them remained on the Ohio, some of whom settled as far up as Pittsburgh.
Those who proceeded farther were accompanied by their Chief, Gach-ga-wats-chi-qua, and settled principally at and about the Forks of the Delaware, between that and the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill; and some on the spot where Philadelphia now stands; others were conducted by the Mohicans into their own country, where they inter-married with them, and became one people.
(This, if correct, explains the name ''Shawanoe Purchase," in Alford.)
When those settled near the Delaware had multiplied, they returned to Wyoming, on the Susquehannah, where they resided for a great number of years.
Chapman, in his History of Wyoming, gives another account of their removal; but Heckewelder's recital accords so well with the hints given by the Stockbridge Historian, that he seems best entitled to credit.
"Brothers, you sometimes sorry to see the deplorable situation of your Indian brethren, for which you have given us many good counsels, though we feel ourselves willing to follow your counsel, but it has made no effect as yet."
"Our situation is still miserable."
"Our ancestors were conquered immediately after you came over this island by the strong Hero, who does still reign among Indian tribes with tyranny; who has robbed us of every thing that was precious on our eyes."
"By the power of our enemy, our eyes have been blinded, our young men seems become willing slaves to this despotic hero."
"In looking back we see nothing but desolation of our mighty men; in looking forward, we foresee the desolation of our tribes."
"Our Chiefs has used their endeavors to reform their respective people; but having see no success, they seem discouraged, and hang down their heads."
"Before you cover your council Fire, we unite our cries for your help."
"Perhaps you are ready to think what man that must be that has abused so much our brethren"
"Never was such hero or tyrant heard that ever meddled with Indians."
"But in literally, he is your own begotten son, and his name you call Rum."
"And the names of his officers are Brandy, Wine and Gin, and we know you have power to control him; and as we desire to live in peace, and to become civilized nations, we earnestly entreat you to use your power and wisdom to prevent, &c."
Signed by several "Chiefs and Warriors," March, 1796, and addressed to "the Legislature."
There is much reason for ascribing this to the New York Indians.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
STOCKBRIDGE, PAST AND PRESENT; OR, RECORDS OF AN OLD MISSION STATION., continued ...
APPENDIX., continued ...
Dr. Lykins has recently obtained from Pa-teg-we, a Pottawatomie, residing on the reservation of that Tribe on the Kansas river, a similar curiosity, which has been exhibited in Washington by Colonel Lea, though not with great publicity.
It was only lent to Dr. Lykins, the Indians being unwilling to part with it upon any consideration whatever.
It consists of four small rolls or strips of parchment, closely packed in the small compartments of a little box or locket, of about an inch cubical content.
On these parchments are written in a style of unsurpassed elegance, and far more beautiful than print, portions of the Penteteuch, to be worn as frontlets, and intended as stimulants of the memory and moral sense.
The Indian from whom it was obtained, had it from his aged grandmother, and it had been in the possession of this particular family about fifty years.
Originally, there were two lockets; but one had been lost in crossing a rapid stream at the north.
That was supposed by the Indians to contain an account of the creation.
Hitherto these curiosities had been kept from the whites, and only the influence of Dr. Lykins with the Chief, has induced Pa-teg-we to expose them to the gaze of a "pale face."
He had them many years in his possession before he ventured to cut the stitches of the cover, and look, himself, upon the holy charm; and he was then advised, by one of the Chiefs, to keep the whole a profound secret.
A half breed revealed the secret to Dr. Lykins.
When asked how long they had possessed this amulet, the Indians reply that they have no knowledge of a time when they did not possess it.
It has always been kept from exposure, ''for a very long period in the medicine bag," and its age must certainly be reckoned by centuries.
To this may be added the testimony of the Delawares, that their ancestors, (divided into ten tribes), besides the spirit of prophecy, possessed the Scriptures when they lived upon the other side of the water; that then they prospered, but having sold this gift of the Great Spirit, they sorely offended him, and, as a punishment, were subjected to oppression from their neighbors.
After a time, however, he compassionated their distress, and led them across a great river to this country, drying up the waters before them.
Only nine tribes, they say, consented to emigrate, and from these nine the Delawares separated at a still later period.
Traditions were also found among different tribes of Indians in early times, of the murder of Abel by his brother, of the Deluge, the confusion of Babel, and of the practice among their ancestors of the rite of circumcision.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
APPENDIX., continued ...
Dr. Lykins has recently obtained from Pa-teg-we, a Pottawatomie, residing on the reservation of that Tribe on the Kansas river, a similar curiosity, which has been exhibited in Washington by Colonel Lea, though not with great publicity.
It was only lent to Dr. Lykins, the Indians being unwilling to part with it upon any consideration whatever.
It consists of four small rolls or strips of parchment, closely packed in the small compartments of a little box or locket, of about an inch cubical content.
On these parchments are written in a style of unsurpassed elegance, and far more beautiful than print, portions of the Penteteuch, to be worn as frontlets, and intended as stimulants of the memory and moral sense.
The Indian from whom it was obtained, had it from his aged grandmother, and it had been in the possession of this particular family about fifty years.
Originally, there were two lockets; but one had been lost in crossing a rapid stream at the north.
That was supposed by the Indians to contain an account of the creation.
Hitherto these curiosities had been kept from the whites, and only the influence of Dr. Lykins with the Chief, has induced Pa-teg-we to expose them to the gaze of a "pale face."
He had them many years in his possession before he ventured to cut the stitches of the cover, and look, himself, upon the holy charm; and he was then advised, by one of the Chiefs, to keep the whole a profound secret.
A half breed revealed the secret to Dr. Lykins.
When asked how long they had possessed this amulet, the Indians reply that they have no knowledge of a time when they did not possess it.
It has always been kept from exposure, ''for a very long period in the medicine bag," and its age must certainly be reckoned by centuries.
To this may be added the testimony of the Delawares, that their ancestors, (divided into ten tribes), besides the spirit of prophecy, possessed the Scriptures when they lived upon the other side of the water; that then they prospered, but having sold this gift of the Great Spirit, they sorely offended him, and, as a punishment, were subjected to oppression from their neighbors.
After a time, however, he compassionated their distress, and led them across a great river to this country, drying up the waters before them.
Only nine tribes, they say, consented to emigrate, and from these nine the Delawares separated at a still later period.
Traditions were also found among different tribes of Indians in early times, of the murder of Abel by his brother, of the Deluge, the confusion of Babel, and of the practice among their ancestors of the rite of circumcision.
TO BE CONTINUED ...