Plymouth County, Massachusetts - Chapter 26, 1884

Rev. James Tho.mpson was the son of Archibald Thompson, who came from Ireland to America in 1724 ; graduated at the New Jersey College, Princeton, N. J., in 1761 ; became a clergyman; preached only a short time ; was a preceptor of an academy at Charleston, S. C.

Rev. John Porter, Jr., was the sou of Rev. John and Mary (Huutiugton) Porter; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Feb. 27, 1752 ; graduated at Y.ale College, New Haven, Conn., in 1770 ; studied divinity, and became a minister. Soon after the war broke out between England and America, in 1775, he received a captain's commission and went into the army, where he is said to have been a superior otEeer. From captain he was promoted to major; left the army but a short time before peace was declared. He afterward went to the AVest Indies, and there died.

Jolin and Mary (Huntington) Porter; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brotktonj, March 27, 1755; graduated at Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., in 1777 ; married Susannah Sargent, of Haverhill, Mass. ; commenced preaching at Rye, N. II., in Augu.st, 1784, supplying the pulpit till Dec. 29, 1784 ; he was ordained a colleague pastor with Rev. Samuel Parsons. He continued to preach in that place for upwards of fifty years. The people of this society were for a long series of yeai> remarkable for their unanimity in their religious as well as civil concerns, and for more than thirty years there was no division. All attended his church ; union and peace was the prevailing sentiment among the people. After that time other denominations sprang up ; still he continued to labor until 182S, when the civil contract between him and his society was dissolved. He continued to preach occasionally for several j'ears after that time, till near the close of his life.

Rev. Eliphalet Porter, D.D., was boru in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), June 11, 1758; was son of Rev. John and Mary (Huntington) Porter ; graduated at Harvard College, 1777; was settled as pastor of the " First Church" in Roxbury, Mass., Oct. 2, 1782. He was called to supply a vacancy caused by the death of Rev. Amos Adams, who died in 1775. Of his pastoral labors, we may say they were well suited to the times in which he lived. Freciuent visits for social intercourse were not expected, and for these he had neither taste nor fitness ; his manners were grave and did not encourage familiarity, nur had he that easy flow of language so essential to sustain a conversation on the familiar topics of the day. But in the chamber of the sick, or wherever there was affliction which the sympathies of a pa.^tor could alleviate, he was a constant and welcome visitor. Says one who knew him well, " Few men ever spoke with more meaning or to so good a purpose. He did not dazzle, but he enlightened ; and the weight of his influence and character, and the remarkable purity and uprightness of his life, gave an influence and interest to whatever he said, and impressed his sententious remarks deeply on the mind." As a citizen, his influence was widely and beneficially felt ; he had frequent calls for a.-isistance and counsel in the secular aflairs of the town. In the various oUices of trust to which he was often called, whether for objects of charity or for the promotion of education or religion, they were fulfilled with a characteristic caution, prudence, and fidelity, which obtained and justified unlimited confidence. In 1818 he was elected Fellow of Harvard College. The period of his connection with this institution was one of great difliculty, yet he took his full share of tiie labors and respousibilitiea iDcIdcnt to his official position. He was a wariu, constant friend of the college, and the notices of his death on the records of the corporation manifest the strong sense of " the great loss our literary and religious coniinunity have sustained by the death of this learned divine and exemplary Christian, whose intelligence, fidelity, and zeal in support of the interests of literature, and especially of those connected with the prosperity of Harvard University, they have had uniform occasion to witness during the many years he has been one of tlie members of this board."' As a preacher. Dr. Porter exhibited few, if any, of the characteristics of a po]iular preacher of the present day, although few modern preachers of to-day are listened to more attentively or regarded with more reverence than he was. He was not excitable ; therefore he was not likely to produce excitement in others. There was a calmness and solemnity in his manner which gave to his discourses a peculiar impressiveness. He never was dogmatical or bigoted ; he had clear and settled opinions on the controverted points of theology, and was always ready to sustain them ; but he liad no taste for controversy, and therefore rarely preached on subjects which occasioned it. He regarded the religious opinions of others without prejudice, and never allowed a difference of opinion to interrupt Christian fellowship. Dr. Porter died at Roxbury, Dec. 7, 1833, aged seventy-six years. The funeral was hold in his church Dec. 11, 1833, Rev. Dr. Lowell offering the funeral prayer. Rev. George Putnam, D.D., preached the funeral sermon from Genesis xxv. 8 : " He died in a good old age, au old man, and full of years ; and was gathered to his people." llev. John Pierce, D.D., of Brookline, made the concluding prayer.

Rev. TnoMAS Crafts was the son of Dr. John Staples Crafts (from Newton) ; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton) ; graduated at Harvard College, 1783 ; married Polly, daughter of Rev. John Porter, Dec. 28, 1786 ; settled at Princeton, Mass., 1786, and dismissed in 1791, and settled at Middleboro'. After remaining at Princeton several years, his physicians decided that his life depended on his leaving the ministry and engaging in more active or some out-of door pursuit. He consequently removed to Weymouth, Mass., where he entered into commercial business, and was quite successful. After his health had become somewhat improved he received a call to preach from the Middleboro' and Taunton Precinct, and was installed in 1802, where he enjoyed a happy ministry for many years, and there died, Feb. 27, 1819, aged sixty years. His family then removed to North Bridgewater.

Rev. Asa Packahd was the sou of Jacob and Dorothy (Perkins) Packard ; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Jlay 3, 1758. His life was a very eventful one. At the age of sixteen he entered the Revolutionary service as a fifer. In an engagement near Harlem Heights, in 1776, a companion who had made great boasts of his bravery seized Mr. Packard's tife, and, handing him his mu.sket in return, fled to a place of safety, preferring, it would seem, the music he could make with a stolen fife to that made by the balls of the enemy. Mr. Packard, thus armed, engaged in the conflict, but soon received a wound which nearly proved fatal. The ball entered his back just above the hip, and though an attempt was made to extract it, yet so severe was the operation that the surgeon feared he would die in his hands, and so was induced to desist. A severe illness followed in consequence, and when sufficiently recovered he left the army and returned home, and commenced a course of studies preparatory to entering college. The ball he received was never extracted, but reiuained in his back during his life. Mr. Packard was a man of great facetiousness, and often alluded in pleasantry to the circumstance of his having fought and bled for his country. Once in a merry circle he said, " I bear about in my body a weighty testimonial of my bravery." To which a jovial companion replied, " I think from the position of the wound our hero must have been playing a retreat."

" I think," rejoined the other, " our friend must have been skilled in the motion ' to the right about face !' and must have performed it well when he received his wound."

The joke was appreciated by Mr. Packard and the rest of the company. Mr. Packard graduated at Harvard University in 1783; received a call, and settled in Marlboro', March 23, 1785, - a day long to be remembered, from the fact that the snow was so deep as to cover the tops of the fences, notwithstanding there had been a thaw which settled the snow, so that, in freezing, it became sufficiently solid to bear up a team. The people went to the ordination in their sleighs upon the crust across lots, over the tops of fences and walls without difticulty. The depth of snow was so remarkable that it became and continued for a long time a standard of comparison. He was settled on a salary of one hundred pounds "and twenty cords of good marketable oak wood, cut and brought to the door annually, so long as he re- mains our minister." They also voted liim a settlement of three hundred pounds, - one half to be paid in one year, the other half in two years from his ordination. Mr. Packard was a man of sprightly talent, and was noted for his readiness rather than fur his profundity. He had great conversational powers, and was remarkable for his eccentricity. His sermons were practical rather than doctrinal, and more distin;;uished for happy descriptions of life and manners than for connected views of gospel truths. He Was liberal in his theolo;.;ical opinions, belonging to what is denominated the Arniinian school. As Unitariauism developed itself in Massachusetts, he was cunsidcred as coinciding with that class of his brethren, though later in life his sentiments are supposed to have undergone some change. " Perhaps it will be more conect to say that he never formed for himself any definite system of doctrinal belief; his mind was more distinguished for its readiness than for its method, and seemed to have held opinions in regard to ditl'eretit doctrines which were not consistent with each other, and which could not have been blended into a logical system. Dift'creut persons who knew him well have, for this reason, claimed him with different denominations, since on some points his views seemed to coincide with Unitarians, and ou others with the Orthodox standard of doctrine." These are the views entertained by one of the most distinguished preachers of New England on his theological opinions. Sir. Packard remained pastor of the first and the only parish in Marlboro' for about twenty years, and the people were happy under his ministry. In the year 1805 an unpleasant controversy arose in regard to the subject of locating a meeting-house, which ended in the erection of two houses, and ultimately in two parishes. During this controversy he remained neutral, both parties anxious to retain him ; but he continued to remain in the old church, and being unwilling to take part in the dedication of the new house, and realizing that a majority had a right to commaud his Services while he remained their pastor, he wisely ankcd a dismission from the church and society as the best way of avoiding a public approval of the removal of the mceting-houso, which was the sole cause of the unhappy feeling. On March U, ISOU, the matter was brought before the Marlboro' Association, and alter due consideration it was decided by them that the town had a claim to Mr. Packard in the new house. " The association, while they lament the occasion for it, both ou their own and the people's account, cannot but aci(uiesce in his determination to be dismissed." After much opposition, the West Parish in Marlboro' received an act of incorporation, Feb.

23, 1808, by the name of the Second Parish in Marlboro' ; on the 23d of March, the same year, Pvev. Asa Packard, who had labored with the society since his dismission from the town, was installed over the West Parish, and retained his pastoral relation until May 12, 1319, when he took a dismission and removed to Lancaster, where he resided till his death, which took place March 20, 1843, in the eighty-lil'th year of his ase. He was in his usual health in the niornins, and on coming into the house, he s:it down to listen to a letter from a distant brother; while it was being read he sunk back, and immediately expired.

Rev. Hezekiah P.\ckard, D.D., was bum in North Bridgewator ( iiow Brockton), Ma.ss., Dee. tl, 1761, son of Jacob and Dorothy (Perkinsj Packard, and was the youngest of ten children ; and of his parents and their influence he used to speak with pleasure, affection, and respect. Being the youngest of the family, he, no doubt, experienced the indulgence common to the youngest of a largo family. The humble circumstances of his father's ianiily accustomed him to habits of active industry, rigid economy, and self-reliance. Their narrow means, tuuLther with their discretion, restrained him from asaociating with other lads. One amusement his parents indulged him in had au influence they little thought of He says, " At what precise period I procured a fife I do not distinctly remember ; but the acqui.sition was to me very gratifying and delightful. Martial music was very animating to me, and I soon learned several martial aiis. The tunes sung and played during the incipient state of the Revolution had a wonderful influence. The exciting remarks made in favor of the Revolution had a thrilling effect upon my mind. I became anxious to attend musters and meetings for enlisting soldiers. The battle of Bunker Hill had an exciting influence. It seemed to electrify the whole community. On that memorable day I was in a ueighbor'.s field, hoeing corn, and heard the roaring of the cannon. I was then in my fourteenth year. The captain of the militia lived near my father's, and as he knew the family were high A\'higs, ami that I had some skill with the fife, he ap|)uinted me a tJfer in the company under his command. Soon al'ior this he was drafted for five months, and solicited me to go with him as fifer, promising to use mo as a son, which promise he always kept. Although young and fund of home, I never had any scruples or hesitation about enlisting, nor do I recollect that my parents opened their lips in the way of discouragement.

" Distinctly do I remember when my mother took my hand, and said, ' Hezekiah, remember, praying will make thee leave sinning, and sinning will make thee leave praying.' Tlicse words were to me full of meaning and of practical truth. Indeed, the devout desires and earnest prayers of ray affectionate and pious parents were, as it appeared to me, preserved as memorials before God on my behalf ; for, though I neglected prayer wheu a soldier, my moral habits were in other respects correct. I was averse to vices in the army to which youth are exposed ; no profane word escaped uiy lips from the time I left my father's house till I returned to it again. I was more and more disgusted at the profaneness common anions the soldiers, and even the officere, of the Revolution. My brother (the late llev. Asa Packard, of Marlboro', Mass.) had already become a soldier in the eight months' service, and was stationed at Roxbury. The regiment to which I belonged was ordered to Cambridge, and we dwelt iu tents near Cambridgeport. Soon after we pitched our tents and drew our provisions from College Hall, where beef, pork, etc., wore kept for our army, and other arrangements were made for a campaign, and I felt myself a soldier in camp, I had a furlough for a day or two to visit my brother at Roxbury. From the time we marched into Boston, late in autumn, until the following June, Col. Sargent's regiment, in which luy name was enrolled, was destined to occupy several stations. After being in Boston a few weeks we were ordered to Bunker Hill. In the spring of 1776 we were stationed at Castle William (now Fort Independence). Here we remained till June, when orders were given for us to march to New York. We went to New London by land, and from thence by water to New York. The regiment was stationed near Hurlgate.

" Six miles below the city, upon the banks of East River, opposite to our fort, on the other side of the river, the enemy built a fort to annoy ils, the distance between the two forts being a little over a mile. A soldier, soon after the balls and bombs began to fly into our camp, walking proudly upon the parapet, boastfully exclaimed that the ball had not been made that was to kill him. Not many minutes after a ball caoie and almost cut him asunder, thus warning others not to expose themselves needlessly. This cannonading and bombarding continued for several weeks, killing some and wounding some. I remember an old man belonging to our camp who, seeing a bomb fall and bury itself in the ground a few rods from him. started hastily toward the spot hoping to save the powder, for which he would get a dollar ; but just before he reached the place there was a tremendous explosion, and he was covered with dirt and nearly suffocated. He received, however, no serious injury, and was for a time the subject of facetious remark.

About the same time two young men belonging to the same mess found a bomb, the fuse of which hud been somehow extinguished, and thoughtlessly attempted to open the vent with a pickaxe. This rash and inconsiderate attempt was fatal to both. A spark from the axe reached the powder, and these young men were awfully mangled by the explosion. One expired immediately, the other survived a few days. Soon after this there was a general excitement. Intelligence reached us that troops were leaving Long Island, and that the British were pressing upon them, orders being given for retreat, and New York was evacuated. It was the Sabbath, in the last of August or the first of September. The heat was extreme, the roads were crowded with troops, with men, women, and children, together with cattle, goods, and chattels, overspread with thick clouds of dust. The night following was dark and rainy. I slept under a blanket with my captain, who had always treated me like a son, according to the promise he made when I enlisted.

" The next morning, while the cooks were preparing breakfast and the soldiers were adjusting their packs and cleaning their guns, etc., after the rain, alarmguns were heard ; our army was aroused ; the enemy were at hand. A detachment of one hundred and thirty-six in number, among them my brother, was sent out to check the enemy, and in a few hours he was on his way to the hospital at West Chester. On the same day was the battle of Harlaem Heights. Our regiment was near the centre of the line, extending from Hudson to East River. The line of battle was not far from King's bridge. The number of killed and wounded I do not remember. The sick and wounded were taken to the hospital. I visited my brother several times. His wound became alarming, and his surgeons gave no encouragement. We both nearly despaired of his restoration. At the second or third visit I took charge of a letter to our parents, in which he took leave of them and of the family, and we took leave of each other. I afterward went to the hospital, not knowing whetiier he was among the living, and found him somewhat relieved. His body was less swollen; his hopes of recovery revived. After this, as far as my memory serves, we did not see each other till we met at home in our father's house. In the autumn of that year I was sick, aud destined to breathe the polluting, infectious air of the hospital, and suffered much for want of things comfortable. Having the itch shockingly. without the means of getting rid of that loathsome disease, and being reduced by other complaints with out the medical aid I required, I thought much of home and a mother's cares ; but I was a stranger in a strange land. The hospital was extremely filthy, its atmosphere pestilential. My case was so much neglected and my whole frame so diseased and shattered that I had serious apprehensions I should not long survive. My term of service expired at the end of the year; I was no longer a soldier.

" Finding myself somewhat better, although still feeble, I set my face and directed my tottering steps towards home. The first day I traveled about three or four miles towards the object of uiy aflfection. About the third day on my homeward marcii I reached the great ruad from White Plains to my native home, and was providentially overtaken by my captain's elder brother and his waiter. He had purchased a cheap liorse before he left camp, and was homeward bound ; but finding me feeble, unprotected, and solitary, he readily dismounted, and allowed me the privilege of riding. I rode nearly the whole distance of two hundred miles. I have no remembrance of my friend's riding five miles till we reached Easton, Mass., his native town, and where my oldest brother then lived. We often received many a good bit on our way, in consequence of the piteous and oft-repeated story my friend told of the poor, destitute, and suflfering fifer upon the horse, so that people were kind to us, cheered, and comforted us on our way homeward. My parents had not beard a word from me after the battle at Harlaem Heights, except that I was there, but in doubt what to expect. My brother's letter not reaching home, the same doubt existed in regard to him. After my return from the army I was so reduced in strength, my whole frame so diseased and wrecked, that for a long time I was unfit for business. I was long exposed to suffering, and unable to labor. I was, however, afterwards induced to enlist for sis months. That I should have again entered the army was a mystery. I was stationed at Providence, and afterwards at Newport. Gen. Sullivan, who had command, intended to gain possession of Newport, then in the hands of the British. After quitting the service I made up my mind to live at home and become a farmer. But changes and events occurred in our domestic circle which greatly atfecled my condition and (My father died Feb. 2, 17T7, aped fifty-six.) My bruther, as before mentioned, being wounded, was probably led by that circumstance to change his purpose of life. He accordingly fitted lor college, and entered Harvard in the summer of 1779. In the course of the revival of 1780 did I first receive my religious impressions. At a meeting called by my brother my mind was deeply and solemnly impresaed. I did feel I had some encouraging evidence that God in Christ did appeal for me in mercy. The burden of sin which had borne with oppressive weight upon my soul was removed, and I think I found peace in believing. Calmness, peace, and serenity prevailed in my own mind. Availing myself as I had opportunity of the advice and experience of neighbors, I had the reputation of taking good care of the farm and rendering it productive. I labored to the extent of my strength, and made some improvements by subduing rough parts of the land and building walls. Meeting the approbation of my neighbors and family, and seeing the good effect of my labors, I acquired a fondnu.ss for husbandry, and readily devoted myself to it.

"I was well satisfied with my condition and sphere of life, and had no idea of relinqui.shing the pursuits of agriculture until tlie spring of 17S2. At that time I was afflicted and discouraged by an injury dune my arm in making wall. Being young and ambitious, I strained my arm at the elbow. The injury was such that it disqualified me from pursuing my favorite occupation. I showed my arm to several physicians, but received no encouragement. I then made arrangements for acquiring an education, and soon left home and placed myself under the instruction of Kuv. Dr. John Reed, minister of the West Parish. I pur.iued my studies with great diligence, deducting the time I was obliged to suspend my studies on accuunt of weak eyes. I was not more than a year fitting for college. When fitting I often visited the home of my childhood and early youth, and reluctantly denied myself its endearments. The distance nut being more than five or six miles, I could easily walk homo Saturday night and return on Monday niuniirig. In July, 1783, that being Cambridge commencement, I entered college with rather gloomy prospects, - my small patrimony, in consci|uencc of bad debts and fraudulent men, was reduced from five or six hundred dollars to a mere trifle; I had no patron to whom I could go for advice, encouragement, and help ; I had no place I could properly call home ; I had nu place to call my home through my college studies ; I had to make my way through many difficulties. I sj>enc most of my vacatiuns at college, where I had good opportunity for study, and I defrayed the expenses of board by keeping a morning school fur misses, by the care of college buildings, etc. I kept school nine or ten weeks winters. I wailed in Common Hull more than three years during college life. In justice (o myself, and for the benefit of uthers, I can state with all the confidence of truth that I [las.sed through cullege without fine or censure, and with a respectable literary character. The first year after leaving college I kept a grammar school in Cambiidge. The year passed pleasnnilj-, and I found myself in llie way t of iniprovcnieut. The next year I took charge of the [ library as assistant; was one of the three who in the course of the year prepared the first printed catalogue ' of the college librarj'. The other two were Rev. I Isaac Smith, the librarian, and Professor Sewall. At ; the commencement of 1789 I entered the tutorship in the Mathematical Department as successor of Mr. (afterwards Professor and subsequently President) Webber. I continued as tutor four years, enjoying enlightened society in college and in the town and vicinity of Cambridge."

In October, 1793, Mr. Packard was ordained over the cliurch in Chelmsford, with the prospect of a comfortable and useful ministry, where he labored with conscientious diligence in the work of the ministry eight years, when, receiving an invitation to settle at Wiscasset, Me., be asked his dismission, and it was granted by a mutual council called July 29, 1802. He was installed at Wiscasset, Mc, Sept. 8, 1802, Professor Toppan, of Cambridge College, preaching the sermon. He entered upon his new field of labor with a fair prospect of comfort and usefulness. When he had been in Wiscasset three or four years he was invited to take charge of a private school. The school was full, and succeeded so well that in the course of the year a plan for an academy was in train. A brick building was erected, costing four thousand dollars. He kept this academy several years, and his labors in it, and his pastoral and ministerial duties, were too much for his constitution, and brought on infirmities which have been at times troublesome companions. His labors at this place were terminated by a mutual council in the spring of 1830. Again Providence opened for him a smaller field of labor and usefulness at Middlesex village, a remote part of his former parish in Chelmsford, where were living many of those who, as parents or children, had been under his preaching thirty years before. It was while residing at this place his son, William, then a student of Bowdoin College, died, January, 1834. He exercised his ministry at Middlesex six years, and in the fall of 1830 dissolved his connection with that church. He moved to Saco, Me., Nov. 11, 1836. During the remaining years of Mr. Packard's life he resided at Saco, Me., Salem, Mass., and Brunswick, Me., making occasional visits to each and all of his children. He took a lively interest in passing events and social life, and to the last had a cheerful temperament and strong social affections. He never secluded himself, nor seemed to feel too old to meet and fulfill the claims of society upon him. In his eighty-fifth year he took the principal charge of a garden, and in winter he used the axe and saw. He participated in all schemes for good, mourned with those that mourned, rojiiiccd with those that rejoiced. The passer-by ever met him with a kind word or bow. He possessed great dignity of bearing and character, combined with case and elegance of manners which adorn the most cultivated society, and an ever-playful, genial humor. For nearly fitly years he was connected with various literary institutions, much of the time being engaged in training the youth. For .seventeen years he was a trustee of Bowdoin College, and ten years vice-president of the same, and from the day of his admission to the university he was a college man to the close of his days, always glowing in college scenes, reminiscences, and attachments. He was the originator of the Bible Society in Lincoln County, Me. He died April 25, 1849. Agreeable to his own request, his remains were conveyed to Wiscasset for interment, the place where he had labored twenty years before. The funeral took the place of the afternoon service, Rev. Dr. Adams, of Brunswick, preaching the sermon.

" The lust long journey of his life now o'er; His gentle voice and cheerful uruile uo more Shall tell the tule of life's uncurtain drcaut ; For he is now in heaven, - a higher theme."

Rev. Josuda Cushman was bom 1758 or 1759, and resided in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Mass. ; graduated at Harvard College in 1787. In the early part of the Revolutionary war, at the age of seventeen or eighteen, he entered the military service of the United States. A paper found among his papers and books contains the following account of his services in that war in his own handwriting:

"I enlisted on the 1st day of April, 1777, under Caleb King, then in Bridgewater, Mass., and served in the Ninth Regiment of the Massachusetts line. The field-oflBcers were Col. Wesson, Lieut,- Col. Mellon, and Maj. Badlam. I was in Capt. Bartlett's company. My first rendezvous was at Cambridge, near Boston ; then proceeded to Albany ; thence up the Mohawk to the German Flats ; joined Arnold's attachment from Gates's army for the relief of Fort Stanvix. After the dispersion of the enemy we joined the Northern army, near Stillwater, on the Hudson ; thence took ground and encamped on Bemia Heights ; was in the decisive battle which led to the capture of the British forces in that quarter. After the surrender of Burgoyne we moved down the Hudson to Albany, and thence across the country to White Marsh, in Pennsylvania. After facing the enemy for a day or two, we went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. After the enemy evacuated Philadelphia we moved with the main army under Gates, first to Daubury, then to Hartford, Conn., thenuo to Fiblikill. Tliere, and in the viciuitj' of ^Vest Point, N. Y., I was stationed with tlie regiment daring the rest of my term of service. I was discharged the hitter part of Jlarch, 1780, having completed the term of my engagement laelcing a few days, an indulgence obtained througli the courtesy of the colonel." After leaving the military service, he fitted for college, graduated in the same class with Hon. John Quiiicy Adams, studied theology with llev. Eplnaim Briggs, and was ordained as paator of the Congiegiitioual Church in Winslow, Me., on June 10, 1705, at the age of thirty-six, where he remained nearly twenty years. At a little later period after his settlement, he adopted the views of that branch of Congregational ists called Unitarians. His ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Whitman, of Pembroke, and the other services of the occasion were performed by Rev. Jlr. Porter, of Roxbury, Rev. Mr. Porter, of Rye, N. H., Rev. Mr. Winthrop, of Woolwich, Me., Rev. Mr. Ellis, of Topsliam, Me., and Rev. Mr. Calef, of Canaan, Me. The cliurch where his ordination tool; place not being large enough to contain the audience, a bower was made, covered with green boughs and supported by twenty pillars, interwoven at the sides, and, when filled with people, presented quite a unique and picturesque appearance. After his dismissal from tlie ministry, which was not from any disagreement between him and the pariah, but from inability to support a minister, he continued to preach in that vicinity for a while, but never was installed over any society. He soon became an eminent political man, commencing by representing the county of Kennebec in the Senate of Massachusetts (of which Maine was then a part) in the political year 1810; represented the town of Winslow in the House of Representatives in 1811 and 1812 ; was elected on the Executive Council of Massachusetts, but declined the office; in ISl'J was elected as representative to Congress from the Kennebec District, and after Maine was separated from Massachusetts, in 18-0, he continued in Congress for six cousecutive years. In 1828 he was again elected from his district to the Senate, and in 1834 again represented his adopted town of Winslow in the House, and this was the last of his public services. " His course was run, bis days were numbered." Beiug the senior member at the opening of the Legislature in January, 1834, it became his duty to call the House to order at its organization ; but his health being feeble, he never took his scat again in that body. He died at his boarding-house Monday morning, Jan. 27, 1834, aged seventy-five years. Immediately upon the opening of the two branches of the Legislature, the House voted to adjourn, and the members to wear black crape during the remainder of the session as a mark of respect to the memory of Hon. Joshua Cushniau. And the Senate also adjourned from a regard to his services and worth. His funeral was attended by the members of both branches of the Legislature ; and, although the snow was extremely deep at the time, there was a large gathering, and the duty of following his remains was consequently fatiguing. He was interred at Augusta, Me., and a plain marble slab erected to his memory, bearing this simple in.scription : " Our fathers, where are they ?'' The Legislature of Maine afterwards, however, removed his remain.s to the tomb erected for the burial of those who died in the service of the government, and his name was engraved on the top of the tomb among those who iiad gone before him. He was a good scholar, was imbued with Christian and statesmanlike principles, and was a respectable speaker. Progress and reform were among the leading traits of his mind. The tot of time and the judgment of men which truly tries the character and acts of all has pronounced its verdict, - " A good and faithful servant."

Rev. NaPHTALI Shaw was the son uf William and Hannah (West) Shaw, born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), June 20, 17(34. His ancestors, as far back as he had any knowledge of them, were pious people. When a lad he had but little time for reading, excepting on the Sabbath, then he read the Bible and religious books. He was religiously educated, and from such works as he had he early received religious impressions which proved of the greatest value to him. Of the divine authority of the Scriptures he uever had a doubt, and at an early period of his life he had determined to make them the rule of his faith and practice. At ilie age of fifteen he enlisted in the service as a soldier uf the Revolutionary war, for a special service at Rhode Island, and again the next year, with his two older brothers, marched to the call of his country to aid in suppressing Shay's rebellion and a threatened assault ou one of our maritime places. In all this he did nut have to engage in battle. He was, however, always through life patriotic. When he came back from military service the last time, being then seventeen years of age, he prevailed upon others in his native town to unite with him in purchasing a social library, and the first book he selected was " Mason on Self-

KnowleJije," which lie always thought was of great value to him, and one that uo person could study without profit. After preparatioo for college, under the eare of Dr. Crane, a physician of Titieut Parish, and Rev, Dr. John Reed, of West Bridgewater, in 178G, at the as^e of twenty-two, he entered Dartmouth College, Hanover, N. H., where, after applying hiiuself closely to his studies, and after a hard struggle with difficulties arising from limited means and a new state of things iu the vicinity of the college, he graduated with honor in 1790, receiving the bachelor's degree. After tliis he taught school in Easton, Mass., and Boston, as an as.sistaut of Mr. C.ileb Brigham, an iii.structor of great celebrity. After studying theology seven months, he was approbated (as it wa.s then called) by the Plymouth A.ssociation of Ministers Aug. 1, 1792. He pui-sued the study of theology under the care of Rev. Zedekiah Sanger, D.D., of Bridgewater, wlio w;is in the habit of instructing young men for the ministry. Immediately after he was licensed to preach, he received a call to preach at Kensington, N. H., where they had already heard more than twenty candidates. He was ordained at that place Jan. l-iO, 1793, as pastor of the Congregational Clmrch, then at the age of twenty-nine years. He remained in that place till Jan. 13, 1813, when, his health failing him, he had to ask his resignation. His ministry wa.s pacific and useful, peace and harmony were restored, and the caitse of education, morals, and religion was promoted. Upon his resigning his pastoral labors, his health continued such that he devoted him- .self to agricultural pursuits. He purchased a farm in Bradford, Vt., where he continued during the remaining forty years of his life, giving up preaching entirely. In due time he united with the Congregational Church in Bradford, Vt., and to the day of his death continued a most worthy and exemplary member, highly respected by all who knew him. Although an educated man, he was far from being dictatorial or overbearing or fault-finding, but habitually exhibited that meek, humble, and quiet spirit that manifested itself in all his actions, and which, in the sight of God, is of great price.

Rev. Theophilus Packard, D.D., was the son of Abel and Esther (Porter) Packard, and was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Mass., March 4, 1769. When he was five years old he removed with his father's family to Cummington, Miiss., the western part of the State, where he lived until he entered Dartmouth College. His early years were spent iu working upon his fixther's farm. At the age of twenty-one he began to fit up a farm for himself; but, by overtasking his bodily powers, he disabled him.self in a great degree for that kind of labor. Shortly after this his mind became deeply exercised on the subject of religion ; and at length so fir settled that he became a member of the church. He be'.ian now to meditate the purpose of devoting himself to tlie Christian ministry; and, with a view to this, commenced his preparation for college under the instruction of his pastor, the Rev. James Briggs. He entered college in 1792, and graduated in 179(i. Immediately after his graduation he commenced tlie study of theology under the Rev. Dr. liurton, of Thetford, Vt., and at the end of six months was licensed to preach by the Orange Association, to which his theological teacher belonged. His first labors as a minister were among the churches in the region in which he was licensed. He went to Slielburne, Mass., to preach as a candidate, early in the autumn of 1798. He waa ordained on the 20th of February, 1799, the sermon being preached by the Rev. John Emerson, of Conway, Mass. The honorary degree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by Dartmouth College in 182-4. Dr. Packard continued in sole charge of the church at Shelburne until March 12, 1828, when his son Theophilus was ordained as his colleague. The charge was given to the young pastor by the Rev. Jonathan Grout, of Hawley, who had performed the same service iu connection with his father's ordination twenty-nine years before. From this time the father and son continued to supply the pulpit alternately till Feb. 20, 1842, when Dr. Packard gave notice to his people that he should relinquish all pastoral service, and from that time he never received from them any compensation. He Wiis, however, not dismissed, but retained tlio pastoral relation till his death. During the fourteen years in which the two were associated in supplying the Shelburne pulpit, they both labored extensively in destitute parishes in the neighborhood, and were instrumental, in several instances, in preparing the way for a stated ministry. Dr. Packard, having reached the age of seventy-three, and finding the infirmities of age were rapidly increasing upon him, went, in the spring of 184G, to live with a widowed daughter in South Deerfield. Here he remained four years, but returned to Shelburne in the summer of 185-1. His last .sermon was preached in Deerfield in November, 1847. He suffered severe injury from a fall upon the ice in the early part of January, 1855, and from that time was confined to his house, and mostly to hia bed. He was afflicted by a complication of maladies, from which, during the last few weeks of his life particularly, he experienced intense sutfering. He died on the 17th of September, 1855. The

Fiariklin County Cliurch Conference and Benevolent Anniveisaries having been appointed to be held on the ISth and 19th, his fuQeral took the place of the conference exercises on the aftern<jon of the 19th, a very large number of uiiui-.ters being in attendance. His funeral sermon was preached by tlie Rev. Dr. Hitchcock, late president of Amherst College. He was married to Mary, daughter of Isaac Tirrill, of Abington, Mass., Feb. 9, 1800. He had eight children, one of whom, Theophilua, w.is graduated at Amherst College in lS2o, and, as has been already noticed, was associated with his father in the ministry. MiA. Packard was living in 1S5C. Dr. Packard, in the course of his ministry, instructed tliirty-one students in theology, all of whom became preachers of the gospel.

Rbv. Jon.\s Perkins was the oldest son of Josiah and Anna (Reynolds) Pertins; was born in the North Parish of Brid'.iewater (now Brockton) Oct. 15, 1790. At the age of seventeen he commenced fitting for college at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., having from the time of his conversion, at the age of ten, a strong desire to devote himself to the ministry of the gospel. He enjoyed the instruction of Rev. Mark Newman and John Adams at the academy, and when esamined for admission to Brown University, offered himself as a candidate for advanced standing, and was received as a member of the Sophomore class. He graduated at this institution with distinguished honor in 1813. He immediately commenced a course of theolegical studies under the instruction of Rev. Otis Thompson, of Rehoboth, Ma.ss., Was licensed by the Mendon Association Oct. 11, 1814, and was invited to preach as a candidate for the Uuioa Society of Weymouth and Braintree, at the age of twenty-four. After preaching a short time, he received a unanimous call to become their pxstor, which call he accepted, and was ordained June 14, 1815. With this society he has labored for forty-six years, prosperou.s, united, and happy, and the church under his care has been constantly increasing in numbers. At the annual meeting of the society, in 1801, he gave them notice that he should resign his p;istoral charge at his seventieth birthday, the 15th of the following October. Accorningly, iio preached his farewell sermon on the Sabbath following that day, and by the mutual consent of pastor and people and approved of a council, his ofiBcial conaeclion with them Wiis dissolved. At a meeting of the church and parish which was held soon after, the following resolutions were passed, showing the estimation in which his labors were held by them :

" lUtoUed^ That we recognize with devout jjraticuile the Sooilne33 of God to thid society in preserving the life and continuing the labora of our pastor, Rev. Jonas I'eikias, so many yeari.

" Jieaolccd, That the union anil prosperity of this ctiurcU anj people during liis pastorate testify to his fnU-lity and saccess as a minister of Jesus Christ. j *' /Uitnlved, That we tender our heartfelt thank- to liiin as I the shepherd of this doelc, for his constancy and his un^vearied j ellorts to promote our spiritual and temporal good. j Ri^HiUacd, That while the dissolution of this relation awakens many tender ami painful emotions, we are eoniforttil and cheered by the thought that ho and his beloved companion are to spend the evening of their life with us, an.l that we .-hall still enjoy their counsels, the light of their ev.uuplo, :iud their prayers,

** Uetn/vfl, That we assure hiiu and liis firuily of our continued respect and love, and that we fully reciprocate the wish ctpresseJ in his farewell tUscourse. for a mutual and truly Christian remembrance until death."

Rev. Eliphalet P. Crafts is the son of Rev. Thomas and Polly (Porter) Crafts ; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton) Nov. 23, ISUO. At an early age he, with the rest of the family, removed to Middleboro', where he received his early education ; fitted for college with his father ; graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 182 1 ; studied theology at the theological school of Cambridge, where he graduated for the ministry. He was first settled at East Bridgewater in 1828, where he enjoj'cd a happy ministry for seven years, and was dismissed at his own request. After regaining his heilth, he was installed over the First Congregational Church and Society at Sandwich, Ma.ss., in 1839, ministering to a harmonious and affectionate people for about fifteen years. Receiving a dismission, at liis reijuest, he removed to Lexington, Mass., where he has been engaged in educating young Spanish gentlemen, also supplying vacant pulpits in Lexington and vicinity.

Rev. Levi PaCICAUU was the son of Levi and llutli (Snow) Packard, born in North Bridgewater ( now Brockton), Mass., Feb. 4, 1703. His early days were spent under the parental roof in the discharge of filial and fraternal duty. At the age of fourteen he became the hopeful subject of renewing grace, and was received into the cotumuuion of the church in his native town. Here ho gave himself up to God, it is believed, with a " purpose of heart to cleave unto him," which was never relin([uishcd. His thoughts were early turned towards the Christian uiinistry, and ho longed to devote himself to the work of preaching that gospel which he had found so precious ; but his circumstances were unfavorable, and for several years he endured a painful mental conflict on the subject. Still he urged the anxious inquiry, -' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" cherishing the hope from year to year that the Saviour whom he loved woulJ yet permit him, as an under shepherd, to feed his lambs. Having at length attained liis majority, lie felt at liberty to devote the avails of his personal labor to tiie object which lay nearest his heart, and which years of doubt and difficulty had but rendered Wore and more dear to him. His preparation for college was retarded by the expedients which he was constrained to adopt for defraying its expenses ; but at length, at the ago of twenty-eight, his etforta and saciifices were rewarded, and he graduated with the highest honors at Brown University. He then continued his theological studies under private instructors, and alter having preached temporarily in several places, he was ordained at Spencer, Mass., the 14th day of June, 1826. A ministry of twenty-seven yeai-s in that place leaves but little need of any testimony to his personal or official character. He had learned the truths of the gospel experimentally, and he preached them in a corresponding manner. He preached plainly, directly, affectionately, unreservedly, practically. Though he sought not literary distinction, or the gratification of intellectual pride, he was not wanting in originality of thought; he was not a retailer of other men's ideas ; his sermons were his own, - the fruits of his own inquiry, solemn meditation, and earnest prayer. He shunned no subject on account of its difficulty or its unpopularity, but aimed to declare the whole counsel of God. The cross was ever prominent in the religious instruction which he gave ; yet, while determined not to know anything among his people save Jesus Christ and him crucified, he ever remembered that the object of the Lord's coining was to destroy the works of the devil, and that the gospel develops and enforces principles and rules of action applicable to all the relations, obligations, and interests of social life. While desirous that every sermon should have a Saviour io it, he endeavored to give each doctrine and precept of revealed religion its place and proportion in the Christian system.

Not constitutionally inclined to controversy, he opposed error, not so much by direct attack as by giving his hearers an opportunity to detect it for themselves iu the light of the truth which shone upon it. Against every violation of divine law, whether in the private walks of lil'e or in the high places of public authority, by individuals or communities, lie bore his honest and fearless testimony, esteeming it comparatively a light thing to be judged of man's judgment, and mainly anxious to be free from " the blood of all men," even should his faithfulness as a reprover provoke the displeasure of those who=e friendship he most highly valued, and whom

I he was most reluctant to offend. At length he - I having received the impression that he could no I longer be useful as a pastor - resolved that for their I good he would seek employment in .some other vineyard. His pastoral attachment, however, still survived, making a request " that his last sermon to them should be from his silent lips, and that his dust might lie among those with whom he had taken sweet counsel, and with whom he hoped to meet in the sanctuary above." Mr. Packard was not long allowed to remain idle. He was dismissed from his people in Spencer iu September, 1853, and was settled over the Congregational Church in Woonsocket, E.. I., in December of the same year. Here he labored about one year. From that time he gradually failed, through the withering power of pulmonary disease, until his death, which took place at Staftbrd Springs, Conn., Jan. 11, 1857. The most remarkable characteristic of Mr. Packard may be designated as honesty. In whatever he said or did he was sincere, frank, and guileless. No one could hear him preach without coming to the conclusion that he felt what he said. There was no room for suspicion, and for simplicity of character he may be considered as a model ; and during all his last long sickness, says one who was seldom absent from his bed of languishing, " he has given us a bright pattern of patience and quiet submission to his heavenly Father's will."'

Rev. Austin Gary was the son of James and Hannah (Wales) Gary ; born in North Bridgcwater (now Brockton), Oct. 1, 1S09. His early life was marked with amiableness and morality, and as is usual with children of pious parents, he was from his early years the subject of serious impressions. The first he distinctly remembered was when he was about seven years old ; but, as he advanced in youth, he left the Sabbath-school, as is the dangerous custom of many lads when they begin to approach manhood. From that time, though extremely fond of reading, he neglected the Bible and lost all relish for it. He also, for the pleasure of showing what he could say, and of provoking discussion, allowed himself to advance objections against its divine origin. As the result, he became skeptical, and ultimately an atheist, entirely callous to religious impressions. His recovery from this state was peculiar and striking. Returning home late at night, he had fallen asleep in the wagon, as he was wont to do when thus kept abroad by business. His thoughts had not been turned to the subject of

God's existence, or any kindred subject, eitlier then or for some time before. Tlie niglit was cloudy. As he awoke and looked on the dim objects about liiiii, a strong and instantaneous impression was on his mind, - "There is a God. He keeps myself and everything in being ; he is here, he is everywhere." This sudden and abiding conviction he ascribed to the Spirit of God. From that time he became the subject of fre- Huent religious impressions. He re-entered the Sabbathschool now as a teacher; but the employment only made him wretched by conscious unfitness. These occasional impressions and periods even of wretchedness he concealed. In this state he continued about two years; at the end of this time, and near the close of a protracted meeting, he finally and forever gave his heart to Christ, and openly avowed himself his disciple. Soon after this, in the spring of 1832 and in the twenty-third year of his age, he began fitting for college with the hope of entering the ministry. In 1833 he entered Waterville College, Me., from which, in the Sophomore year, he removed to Amherst, where he graduated with honor in 1837. The same year he entered the Theological Seminary at E;ist Windsor, Conn., where he completed his theological course in 1840. He soon after received calls from three churches. He accepted that from Sunderland, where he was ordained Nov. 11, 1840. Here he labored with great fidelity and success. He enjoyed two special revivals in 1843 and 1849, and one hundred and thirty-six were added to the church during his ministry.

In the autumn of 1849 it pleased God to send distressing sickness on all the members of liis family, which interrupted his public labors. The last time he preached, he went from the bedside of his wife, then scarcely expected to recover, and preached extemporaneously from tliese words : " We all do fade as a leaf." His last public act was on a Sabbath subsequent to his last sermon, when he left his sick family long enough to baptize six children. As his family became slightly better, worn out himself with fatigue and anxiety, he was attacked by hemorrhage from the lungs, followed by three similar attacks. He became, however, more comfortable, and his physician entertained the hope that, after a few months, he might be restored to a measure of comfortable health ; but a typhoid fever set iu, and he died soon after, on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 1849, at ten o'clock P..M., aged forty years, after a ministry of nine years. He Was remarkably winning in his manners, speedil}' securing the interest of a stranger, which was usually increased and consolidated into friendship by further acquaintance. He was always modest and unassum-

I ing ; he was ardent in his feelings, firm and trustworthy in his friendships ; he was social, frank, and generous above all shadow of meanness ; he was cmij nently manly, and remarkably unselfisb. Before experiencing religion, he was becoming more and more

! ab.^orbed in the love of money ; he was bent upon being rich, but grace had effected a complete triumjih over this; his heart was not set on property ; money flowed from him freely for every good ubject. He was firm in his decisions, and in the least as well as the greatest matter, where principle was at stake, absolutely inflexible, and yet he maintained his ciinvietions and carried through his purpo.-es with suuh suavity that they who yielded to his decision seeniiMl almost to suppose that he had yieldtJ to them. Mo possessed sound judgment and strong common ^en^^e. With all his warmth of feeling, he had great selfcontrol ; and few, if any, have seen him thrown otf his guard by even a momentary passion. He had immense energy, and what he undertook he would at all hazards accomjilish, and this, wiih his scrupulous fidelity, caused any matters pertaining to the interests of the church which were intrusted to him to be done seasonably and thoroughly, and in whatever he undertook he was almost recklessly unsparing of himself. His own convenience, interests, time, and health seemed literally the last thing he ever thoui;ht of. Hence he was led unquestionably to an unjustifiable excess of labor, which the remonstrances of friends were inadequate to restrain, and which brought him to an untimely end. As a preacher and writer he had ability, as his prize tract on dancing, and his report on the desecration of the Sabbath show. His peculiar characteristic was unction ; he was a son of consolation rather than a Boanergi.'s ; a John rather than a Peter. He spoke to the heart, and the [loculiar warmth of his soul glowed in his sermons and melted the hearts of his hearers. As a Christian, he was unusually spiritual. He spoke of " tiee and loiifiding intimacy with God in Christ, and comparing the Christian to a little child flinging his anus arouml his parent's ucck, and afl'ectionately whispering liis wants in his ear."

As a pastor, he felt an absorbing interest in his people. In his last hours any reference to the interests of the church seemed to arouse him when nothing else would. lie was one of the must active in forming and executing plans to promote the general interests of the churches in the county ; and few men of nine years' standing in the ministry had been called on so many councils, or had so great an influence in them. The following epitaph is on his "fravestone :

Hev. Zaciiariaii Howard was tlieson of Robert and Abigail (S(ieli) Howard ; born ia North Bridgewater (now Brockton), May 21, 1758. For a short time ho was a =oldicr in tlie Revolutionary aruiy ; graduated at Harvard College in 1784 ; settled iu the ministry as successor of Rev. Samuel Dunbar, over the First Church in Stoughton,' 1787, where he died in ISOG, leaving no children. Uis widow died at Canton, March 11, 1856, aged ninety-five years.

Rev. Nathaniel Wales was the son of Thomas and Polly (Hobart) Wales; born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), April 2, 1793 ; studied theology at Bangor Theological Seminary ; settled in the ministry at Belfast, Me., Sept. 26, 1827. At the time of his entering the ministry the church over which he was settled was supported partly by missionary aid, and was iu a neighborhood where he met with an unusual opposition from those who differed from him in their belief. They were unusually hostile to the faith his church professed. The wealth, fashion, and influence of the place were arrayed against its young men, who were early taught not to frequent their house of woi-ship. Seldom has a churcli sprung up witii .such a strong opposition as the one over which he was placed. To breast this influence and make progress against it they needed a man of strength of mind and moral courage. In Mr. Wales the church found such a man. He, having entered the ministry late in life, had the advantage of mature years. He had no fear of man ; for, having been called of God to preach the everlasting gospel, he shunned not to declare the counsel of God, however received by men. He warmly embraced the " faith once delivered to the saints," - the faith of the Pilgrim fathers, - not 'doubting that its faithful exposition and enforcement were God's appointed means of spiritual profit. His was no time-serving policy ; he had not learned that to win souls tlie offensive features of divine truth must be ignored or kept out of sight.

As a speaker, Mr. Wales was bold, emphatic, and impressive. He grasped the truth with a strong hand, and sent it forth on its mission all glowing with the ardor of his own intense feeling. His honest purposes, his ardent desire to do good savingly, to bless those to whom he ministered, could not be doubted. He sought to make his influence tell upon the eternal

I wcdlbeing of his people. He was abundant in labor, I preaching much in the surrounding towns, striving to j win and save wherever he went. He was an earnest student, an able preacher, a faithful pastor, cheerfully j spending and being spent, that he might enlarge tlie j boundaries of the Redeemer's kingdom, and bring I glory to Him on whom all his own hopes rcpo.-sed ; ! nor did he labor in vain. While his ministry was too brief to reap large results, he still made an impression on the community in favor of the true gospel and a faithful ministry, whose influence is felt tu this day; so that the once feeble church has, under his and his successors' instrumentality, gathered courage and strength till it has grown to be one of the able churches of that vicinity. In stature Mr. Wales was above the medium ; he had a manly countenance and dignified bearing ; the sight of him inspired respect. In the warm season of 1828, while returning home from a public meeting, he took a severe cold, which fastened upon his lungs and brought on consumption. His disease baffled medical skill and the most assiduous care. He gradually declined till, on the 20th day of January, 1829, he sunk peacefully to rest, and a rising light was thus early quenched. His early death was one of those mysterious providences that try the faith, and one which was sincerely mourned by the people of his charge and by numerous friends. " Blessed are the dead wlio die in the Lord." " The memory of the just is blessed." Says one who was an intimate friend, -

" My recollections of Mr. Wales are very pleasant, and I cherish great respect for his memory, and as being a man of more than ordinary power."

Rev. M.\ttue\v Kingman is the son of Eliphalet and Zilpha (Edson) Kingman; born in Brockton, Feb. 24, 1807. He was engaged in early life in teaching school ; studied theology at Giliuanion, N. H.; was afterward agent of that institution for one year; was ordained in the ministry June 26, 1845, at Bethel, Vt. ; dismissed from there April 19, 1854 ; was installed pastor of the First Congregational Church in Charlemont, Mass., June C, 1854. While preaching at Bethel, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him.

TaoMAs Jefferson Snow was the son of Jonathan and Huldah Snow; born Feb. 21, 1802, in that part of North Bridgewater (now Brockton) called Northwest Bridgewater, or West Shares (now Brockton Heights). He had early iu life acquired a fondness for books, and his parents, discovering that he had more than ordinary thinking powers and a desire for learning, decided to give him a collegiate education ; he fitted for college under the tuition of Dr.

Caleb Swan, of Eoston, Mass., auJ Thoiuas Tolman, E-ij., of CaotOQ, Mass.; he eutercd Brown University, Providenue, R. I., a year in advance, and graduated in 1825, with the usual honors. His natural inclinations were of a literary order. He never published works of any kind, but was frequently employed to deliver lectures. The most of his life was spent in teaching, with the exception of three years. He was a Very successful teacher. He was first principal of Hiiigham Academy ; afterwards principal of Franklin Higli School, ia Nantucket, Mass. ; he then accepted the principalship of the Milton Academy, Milton, Mass., where he taught six years, and was elected honorary member of Harvard College. This po.-^ition he resigned lur the purpose of removing West, which was in 1835, when he moved to Michigan City, in the northern part of Indiana ; from thence he removed to Kentucky, where he resided twelve years, teaching and educating his sons ; but fearing to have his sons brought up and coming under the influence of slavery, he removed to Illinois in 1851. He opened a school the same year in Peoria, where he taught till his death, Oct. 6, 1851, aged forty-nine years. He was buried in the Masonic Cemetery with the honors of that order. He held the oflice of Royal Arch JIason. He left a wife and seven children to mourn his loss as a kind friend, a good teacher, and good counselor ; he was a warm receiver and linn advocate of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem Church. His eldest son. Hector 0. Snow, was formerly professor in Shelby ville College; alao professor in the commercial colleges, Chicago, and is now principal of the Tazewell High School, Tazewell County, 111. ; his second son, Oriu T. Snow, is principal of Batavia High School, Kane County, III. ; Croyden P. Snow is principal of the Second District Grammar School, Peoria, 111. ; Hermau W. Snow was a teacher in the last-named school for seven years, when he resigned to enter upon the profession of law, and is now settled in Peoria, 111., attorney-atlaw, member of Peoria bar.

Rkv. Samukl FuLLEii Dike is the son of Samuel and Betsey (Burrill) Dike; was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), March 17, 1815 ; fitted for college under the instruction of Rev. Daniel Huntington, and at the Weymouth and Braintree Academy, Samuel T. Worcester instructor, and the Bridgewatcr Academy, Hon. John Shaw instructor; entered Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1834; graduated in ISllS; was a preceptor of Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth Port, Mass., one and a half years; studied theology with Rev. Thomas Worcester, of Boston ; completed his studies for the ministry in 1840 ; was ordained as minister of the New Jerusalem Church at the session of the General Convention of New Jerusalem Churches, at Philadelphia, June 7, 1840, by Rev. Thomas Worcester, of Boston ; commenced preaching as a candidate in Bath, Me , June 14, 1840. At the end of the same year he received a call to settle with the society where he now labors; this call he accepted, and was duly installed Sunday, Oct. 10, 1841. He has continued his labors of love to that church and society to the present time. On the Sabbath, June 13, 1847, he was made an ordaining minister of the New Jerusalem Churches by the General Convention holden in the city of New York. He has been president of the Maine and New Ilamp.ihire Association of the New Jerusalem Churches fur nearly twenty years; also superintendent of the public s(!liools of Bath for over twenty years, from 1847.

Frederick Crafts, A.M , was the son of Rev. Thomas and Polly (Porter; Crafts, born June 5, 1797. In early life he resided in the West Parish of JMiddleboro', Mass., of which his father was pastor ; he fitted for college at Pierce Academy, Middleboro' ; graduated at Brown University, Providence, R. I., in 1816; studied law, and was admitted to the bar of Plymouth County. He soon left the practice of law, and after teaching at Boston, Taunton, and other places was appointed principal of the Bridgewatcr Academy, where he remained till 1861, when he resigned. He was a resident of Bridgewatcr at the time of his death.

Deacon Hejian P.\.ckard, born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton j about 1800; was the sou of Levi and Ruth (Snow) Packard; resided in that town teaching school for many years ; at length, his health being such that he could not reside in the northern climate, he engaged in traveling as colporteur ; for four years he distributed tracts up and down the Jli.ssissippi amouir the flatboat- and rafts-men coming down the river. In the year 1842 he was appointed colporteur for the American Bible Society in the city of New Orleans, afterwards receiving the agency of the Southwest Bible Society and American Sunday-School Union, also of the Presbyteriau Board of Publieatiou. He was a warm-hearted, devoted Christian man, whose whole aim and purpose seemed to be devoted to doing good, cheerfully giving of his time and substance to that object. He left his native town about the year 1838 or 1840, having spent about twenty years in his labor of love. He died Jan. 12, 1858, at New Orleans. At a meeting of the Bible Society, lield at New Orleans on the day of his death, resolutions were passed expressive of the sorrow for the friends of the departed, also, " that in his death the society has lost one of its beat und truest fiieuds and servants. So long as he lived we always folt that it had tiie earnest, I'aitht'ul, effectual, and fervent prayers of a righteous man ascending to the throne of God's grace in its behalf."

Rkv. Auel Kingman Pack.\rd is the son of Deacon Simeon and Harmony (Kingman) Packard; was born in North Bridgewater(uow Brockton) March 19, ISlio ; became a member of the First Congregational Church in Brockton, Nov. G, I80G ; graduated at Phillips Academy, Andover, August, 1841 ; entered Amherst College the same year, and graduated Aug. 14, 1845 ; became principal of an academy at Millbury, Mass., where lie remained two years ; graduated at Andover Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass., Sept. 4, 1850 ; was a resident-licentiate and student one year ; was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church at Yarmouth, Mass., Dec. 16, 1851 ; was dismisMcd, at his own request, Oct. 17, 1859, and removed immediately to Minnesota ; supplied the Congregational Church at St. Anthony six mouths, during the absence of their pastor, and waa installed pastor of the chui'ch at Anoka, Minn., June 14, 18G0, where he now resides.

Rev. Lysander Dickehman is the son of Lyman and Vienna (Sproat) Dickerman ; born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), June 8, 1825; began a preparatory course of study with the Rev. Paul Couch, of that town ; entered Pliillips Academy, Andover, Ma.ss., uuder the care of Samuel H. Taylor, LL.D. In the autumn of 1847 he entered the Fresiimau Class of Brown University, Providence, R. I., and graduated in 1851 ; was principal of Rockingiiam Academy, Hampton Falls, N. H., two years; entered tiie Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass., in 1853, and graduated in IS5G. And on leaving the seminary, his health being poor, he was not settled till April 29, 1858, when he was ordained and installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Gloucester, Mass. ; was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council from the pastorate of that church Jan. 19, 1860, and Was installed as pastor over the Congregational Church and Society in Weymouth, where Rev. Jonas Pcikiiis had preached for forty-six years, Jan. 17, ISlll.

Rev. Zenas P. Wild was bom in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), Oct. 16, 1818; united with the church under the care of Rev. John Dwight, at Campello, Mass., 1837; fitted for college at Pierce Academy, Middleboro' ; became a member of the Baptist Church at North Randolph, Mass., and was there licensed to preach ; afterwards studied theology at Thomaston and Waterville, Me., also with Rev. E. B. Smith, D.D., of New Hampton, N. H., and Rev.

John Newton Brown, D.D., graduating in 1844. He then received an invitation to preach at Union ville (now Ashland), Mass., where he was ordained in March, 1845. With this people he remained two years, laboring with great success, large numbers being added to the list of church members. He next became pastor of the Baptist Church in Marblehead, Mass., remaining there two years. Receiving a call to settle with the Baptist Church in Rowley, Mass., he remained with them three years, with satisfactory results; was pastor of the Bapti-it Churcii in Billerica, Mass., two years ; since then settled at West Buyl.iton, Mass. ; from thence he removed to New York, where he labored as pastor for four years, when, his health failing, he resigned the oflSce of pastor and received an appointment from the City Tract Society as city missionary April, 1860, where he now resides.

Rev. Azariah B. Wiieelee is the son of Beriah and Lucy Wheeler, of East Haddam, Conn. ; born March 23, 1817. He pursued his academic studies at the East Haddam Academy ; was ordained in the ministry in 1840. After preaching in various places, he was stationed at Brockton as pastor of the Second Methodist Episcopal Church in April, 1851. He has held several public offices ; at one time was president of the North Bridgewater Loan Fund Association. In 1855 he was a representative to the General Court from North Bridgewater. In 1856 was senator from Plymouth County, also a member of the Fremont Electoral College.

Rev. Adelbert Franklin Keith is the son of Franklin and Betsy (Bailey) Keith, born in Campello Aug. 2, 1841. After usual studies in the schools of his native village, Mr. Keith fitted for college in the North Bridgewater Academy, and became a clerk for three years in the Treasury Department at Washington ; afterward studied theology in the seminary at Hartford, Conn., graduating in 1870 ; settled in Windham, Conn., from 1870-1375 ; in Danielsonville, Conn., 1875-1877 ; in North Providence, 1877-1884.

Professor Henry Bradford Nason. son of Elias and Susanna (Keith) Nason, of Campello, was born June 22, 1831 ; fitted for college at Adelphian Academy at Brockton and Williston Seminary, l<]ast Hampton, Mass. ; graduated at Amherst College in 1855, and Giittingcn in 1857; and, after extensive study in this and foreign countries, became manager of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N. Y. He is also a skillful chemist, as well as author.

man, engaged in the manufacture of iron castings anJ foundry business. He lias been selectman of Fo.xboro' for several years, and represented tliat town in the Legislature in 18U0 auJ IStil ; senator from Norfolk County in 1.'5G.j-G4, justice of the peace since 1852, president of Savings-Bank in Foxboro', also of the Loan Fund A.s.sociation, and vice-president of the Norfolk County Agricultural Soeieiy.

Augustus T. Jones, A.iM., was bom in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), JLiy 21, 1832 ; fined for college at Adelphian Academy and at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. ; entered Amherst College September, 1854, where he remained two years ; entered junior class at Yale College, New Haven, Conn., September, 185G, and graduated in July, 1858; had the degree of Master of Arts conferred upon him in 1862 ; was principal of high school at Williamsburgh, Mass., from 18G0 to 1862 ; began to publish the North Biidgewuter Gazette in September, 1863, of which he was publisher and editor till Sept. 1, 1884. He has also been postmaster of Brockton.

Hem AN Packard De Foiiest' is the son of Isaac aud Jane Baker ( Packard) Packard, born Aug. 20, 1839. After receiving the usual commou-school education in his native school district, at the age of fifteen he entered the North Bridgewater Academy, whicii had then been in existence but a sliort time; commenced fitting for college in the fall of 185G ; graduated at Yale College in July, 1862; entered Yale Theological Seminary in September, 1863. Mr. I>e Forest is now an Orthodox clergyman ; was installed at Westboro', Mass., Aug. 10, 1871.

S. D. Hunt was born in Sudbury, Ma.ss., June 8, 1823; son of Sewall Hunt; received his education at the academies in Derry, N. H., and Fniminghara, Mass. ; taught high school at Concord, Mass., eight years, ending 1854; removed to North Bridgewater (now Brockton), and established the North Bridgewater Academy in 1855.