JEDIDIAH ANDREWS [II. 12], son of Thomas Andrews, was born in Hingham, July 7, 1674, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1695. He taught school in Hingham in 1697, and was ordained in Philadelphia in the autumn of 1701. He appears to have performed a good deal of missionary labor in other places, as his record of baptisms shows that he ministered in Hopewell, Gloucester, Burlington, Amboy, and Staten Island. He was the Recording Clerk of the Presbytery and of the Synod as long as he lived. He conducted most of their correspondence, especially with New England, and was considered to be particularly gifted in bringing to a successful termination any disputes, both in congregations and among individuals. He died, after a long ministry, in 1747. Benjamin Franklin speaks of him thus:----
"Though I seldom attended any public worship, I had still an opinion of its propriety, and of its utility when rightly conducted, and I regularly paid my annual subscription for the support of the only Presbyterian minister or meeting we had in Philadelphia. He used to visit me sometimes as a friend, and admonish me to attend his administrations; and I was now and then prevailed on to do so, -- once for five Sundays successively. Had he been in my opinion a good preacher, perhaps I might have continued, notwithstanding the occasion I had for the Sunday's leisure in my course of study, but his discourses were chiefly either polemic arguments or explications of the peculiar doctrines of our sect, and were all to me very dry, uninteresting, and unedifying; since not a single moral principle was inculcated or enforced, -- their aim seeming to be rather to make us Presbyterians than good citizens. At length he took for his text that verse of the fourth chapter to the Philippians: 'Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, if there be any virtue, or any praise, think on these things,' and I imagined, in a sermon on such a text, we could not miss of having some morality. But he confined himself to five points only, as meant by the apostle: 1. Keeping holy the Sabbath Day; 2. Being diligent in reading the holy Scriptures; 3. Attending duly the public worship; 4. Partaking of the Sacrament; 5. Paying a due respect to God's ministers. These might be all good things; but as they were not the kind of good things that I expected from that text, I despaired of ever meeting with them from any other, was disgusted, and attended his preaching no more."
JOHN ANDREWS [II. 13] was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Richmond) Andrews, and was born in Hingham, March 3, 1764. When quite a lad he was apprenticed to a Mr. Fleet, a printer in Boston; but his earnest desire to obtain a liberal education induced his father to consent to his leaving Mr. Fleet at the end of the second year of his apprenticeship. He was fitted for college with Dr. Howard, afterwards of Springfield, but at that time a teacber in Hingham. He was graduated fro Harvard College in 1786, studied theology at Cambridge, and resided for two years in the family of Chief Justice Dana. He soon accepted a call to settle as colleague with the Rev. Thomas Cary over the First Church in Newburyport, and was ordained Dec. 10, 1788. Mr. Cary died Nov. 24, 1808, and Mr. Andrews retained the sole charge of the parish until May 1, 1830, when he resigned his office.
After his resignation he preached occasionally to one or two societies in the vicinity of Newburyport. His death took place Aug. 17, 1845, in his eighty-second year. In 1824 he received the degree of S. T. D. from Harvard University. Dr. Andrews, in his opinions, would be classed among those known as Unitarians. He abhorred all exclusiveness, and owned no creed but the Bible. Until the close of his professional life he freely exchanged pulpit services with all the Congregational ministers in Newburyport and its vicinity. He seldom touched upon controverted subjects, preferring to confine himself to those of a more practical nature. He preached the Dudleian Lecture, and several of his occasional discourses were published. For fifty years he was a trustee of Dummer Academy and for half that time its faithful treasurer. He was one of the delegates in the convention for revising the constitution of Massachusetts.
NICHOLAS BAKER [II. 17] came to Hingham in 1685, and was one of those who had grants of house-lots in that year. He was a delegate to the General Court in 1636 and in 1638. He left Hingham at an early date, and after living in Hull for several years, was ordained as pastor of the church in Scituate, in l660. He died Aug. 22, 1678. Cotton Mather, in his "Magnalia," speaks of him as "honest Nicholas Baker; who, though he had but a private education, yet being a pious and zealous man, or, as Dr. Arrowsmith expresses it, so good a logician that he could offer up to God a reasonable service; so good an arithmetician that he could wisely number his days; and so good an orator that he persuaded himself to be a good Christian, and being also one of good natural parts, especially of a strong memory, was chosen pastor of the church there; and in the pastoral charge of that church he continued about eighteen years."
SAMUEL M. BEAL [II. 75], the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Souther) Beal, was born in Hingham Oct. 28, 1839. His education was obtained in the public schools of Hingham, Wilbraham Academy, and the theological department of Boston University. He became a Methodist minister, and has been stationed as follows:----
1870-72. North Bridgewater, West Church.
1873-74. Fall River, Quarry Street.
1875. Somerset.
1876-78. Edgartown.
1879-80. West Dennis.
1881-82. Wellflect.
1883. Hebronville and Dodgeville.
1884-86. Sandwich.
1887. Westerly.
1888-89. Nantucket.
1890. Vineyard Haven.
1891-92. Centralville, R. I.
JOHN A. CROWE [II. 148] was born in Hingham, Nov. 17, 1860. His early education was in the public schools of Hingham. He entered Boston College, an educational institution under the direction of the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, in February, 1878, and was graduated therefrom in June, 1880. In the following September he began his immediate preparation for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Md., where, after completing the course of proscribed study, he received the degree of Bachelor of Theology. He was ordained to the orders of deaconship and priesthood at St. Michael's Cathedral, Springfeld, Mass., by the Rt. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, Dec. 22, 1883. His first appointment was in connection with St. Jerome's Church, Holyoke, Mass., where he remained one year. In June, 1885, he was transferred to Concord, Mass., where, in addition to assisting in parochial work, he is the Roman Catholic chaplain to the Massachusetts Reformatory.
JEREMIAH CUSHING [II. 151], son of Daniel Cushing, was born in Hingham July 3, 1654, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1676. He was educated for the ministry, under Rev. Mr. Norton, of Hingham, but did not settle immediately over any parish. He received an invitation to settle in Haverhill in 1682, which he declined, but afterwards was invited to become the pastor of the First Church in Scituate, which invitation he accepted. He was ordained May 27, 1691. All the church records of his time are lost, and there is little material from which to form an estimate of his ministry. He was the pastor of the church in Scituate until his death, which occurred March 22, 1705.
JOB CUSHING [II. 153], son of Matthew Cushing, was born in Hingham July 19, 1694, and graduated at Harvard College in 1714. He was the first minister of Shrewsbury, Mass., where he was ordained Dec. 4, 1723. In 1731 a question arose respecting the expediency in church government of having ruling elders in the church. This and matters growing out of it engaged the attention of the church for ten years or more. Church meetings were frequent, and there was much correspondence between this church and that of Framingham. This disclosed a controversy between the churches of Framingham and Hopkinton. In all this Mr. Cushing necessarily took a prominent part. He died Aug. 6, 1760.
JONATHAN CUSHING [II. 152], the son of Peter and Hannah (Hawke) Cushing, was born in Hingham Dec. 20, 1689. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1712. He afterwards taught school in Hingham, and was ordained as minister of the First Parish in Dover, N. H., Sept. 18, 1717. He "sustained the character of a grave and sound preacher, a kind, peaceable, prudent and judicious pastor, a wise and faithful friend." He died March 25, 1769.
Rev. Jeremy Belknap was ordained as colleague pastor with Mr. Cushing Feb. 18, 1767.
SAMUEL DUNBAR [II. 197] was the son of Peter and Sarah (Thaxter) Dunbar, and was born in Hingham May 11, 1704. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1723, and was ordained pastor of the First Parish of Stoughton in 1727, where he remained in faithful service for fifty-five years, until his death, June 15, 1783. There was no other religious society in all the territory of the First Parish of Stoughton, being that territory now included in and forming the town of Canton.
Paul Revere, at the age of twenty-one, accompanied Col. Gridley to Crown Point in 1755-56, and assisted in the struggle then going on. Rev. Mr. Dunbar accompanied them on this distant and perilous journey, returning to his parochial duties in December, 1755.
NATHANIEL EELLS [II. 210] was born in 1678, and was the son of Samuel Eells, who removed to Hingham from Connecticut about 1689, when Nathaniel was eleven years old. His father's residence was in Hingham until his death, in 1709. Nathaniel was graduated from Harvard College in 1699. The first mention of him in Scituate, according to Mr. Deane, is Jan. 12, 1702-3, when "the church and society chose a committee to discourse with Mr. Eells concerning his settling with us in the work of the ministry." Again, in 1703, "The agents before chosen are directed to apply themselves to Mr. Eells, at his return to Hingham, concerning his settlement in the work of ministry" He was ordained in Scituate June 14, 1704. He was a leader among the neighboring clergy, -- well acquainted with the constitution and usages of the churches, weighty in counsel, and often called to distant parts of the State and to other States on ecclesiastical councils. He assisted in the embodiment of the church in the South Parish in Hingham, Nov. 20, 1746. As a preacher there is reason to believe that he did not so much excel as in his dignity of character and soundness of understanding. He preached the election sermon in 1743. His sentiments were the moderate Calvinism of that day, closely bordering on Arminianism, though in the latter part of his life he continued to speak of Arminian free-will as an error, but with no asperity. He died August 25, 1750.
SAMUEL FRENCH [II. 235], son of Samuel and Bathsheba (Beal) French, was born in Hingham, July 13, 1729. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1748, and studied divinity. He is represented as an excellent scholar and an amiable man. He died May 21, 1752, in the twenty-third year of his age.
CALVIN GARDNER [II. 251] was the son of Samuel and Chloe (Whiton) Gardner, and was born in Hingham Aug. 29, 1798. He did not receive a college education, but was a good scholar, and esteemed for ability and integrity. He was first settled in the ministry over the Universalist church in Charlestown, Mass., in June, 1825, and he remained there until December, 1826. After two short settlements in other places he became the pastor of the Universalist church in Waterville, Me., in 1833, and for twenty years, until 1853, he held that position. He was twice married, -- first, to Mary Whiting [III. 301], of Hingham, Dec. 26, 1825. She died Sept. 2, 1832. He married for his second wife Julia Ann Hasty, of Waterville, Me., June 30, 1834. Mr. Gardner was a man of fine character, who will always be affectionately remembered in Waterville. He died there March 22, 1865.
HENRY HERSEY [II. 313] was the son of Capt. Laban and Celia (Barnes) Hersey, and was born in Hingham, Aug. 16, 1796. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Hingham and in Derby Academy. He fitted for college under the tuition of Rev. Joseph Richardson of this town, and was graduated at Brown University in 1820. He pursued his theological studies at the Harvard Divinity School, where he spent the usual term of three years to qualify himself for the ministry, receiving his degree in 1823. In 1824 Mr. Hersey received a call to settle as pastor of the Congregational Church and Society in the East Precinct of Barnstable, which he accepted, and was ordained Oct. 6, 1824. There he remained in the faithful discharge of his duty for nearly eleven years, when the state of his health compelled him to ask for his dismissal, which was granted. He left Barnstable in May, 1835. On leaving the ministry, which he did not again resume, he retired to his home in this town, where he spent the remainder of his days. He served as chairman of the school committee here for several years, with a warm interest in the prosperity of the schools and in the character of his native town. His reports were well written, judicious, and practical. He was a delegate to the convention in 1853 for revising the constitution of Massachusetts. Of his ministry at Barnstable it has been said: "It was marked by sobriety and an earnest desire to do good. He was a good preacher and pastor, and had many deeply attached friends. He was a fluent and easy writer, and his sermons were such as to commend themselves to his hearers." Mr. Hersey died in Hingham Sept. 23, 1877.
GERSHOM HOBART [II. 335], son of Rev. Peter Hobart, was born in Hingham, December, 1645. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1667, in the same class with his brothers Japhet and Nehemiah. After graduation he lived for awhile in Hingham. "Hobart accompanied, or soon followed, the settlers who, after the destruction of Groton by the Indians in 1676, returned in the spring of 1678," and he was ordained minister there Nov. 26, 1679, as successor to Rev. Samuel Willard. His ministry was not harmonious. About the year 1689 he appears to have left the town, the dissensions having become so great. Although calls had been made to others, he was, in 1690, and again in 1693, asked to return, and he did so before 1694. When the Indians attacked Groton in 1694, Mr. Hobart was preserved from falling into their hands, although they took two of his children, killing one of them. He preached in Groton until 1705, and resided there till his death, Dec. 19, 1707.
JEREMIAH HOBART [II. 335], the second son of Rev. Peter Hobart, was born in England in 1631. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1650, in the class with his brother Joshua. After preaching at Bass River, now Beverly, and at other places, he was ordained at Topsfield, Mass., Oct. 2, 1672. His ministry there "was far from being a smooth one," and he was dismissed Sept. 21, 1680. In 1683 he was called to Hempstead, Long Island, and was installed Oct. 17, 1683. His labors were satisfactory, but finding it difficult to collect his salary of £70, he settled in Haddam, Conn., in 1691. Here again he found himself in the midst of difficulties and controversies, arising from various causes, and his ministry seems to have been far from "smooth." In 1714 Mr. Phineas Fish was settled as his colleague, and "Nov. 6, 1715, being, the Lord's Day, he attended public worship in the forenoon, and received the sacrament; and during the intermission expired, sitting in his chair."
JOSHUA HOBART [II. 335] was the eldest son of Rev. Peter Hobart, the first minister of Hingham, and came to Hingham with his father in 1635. He was born in England in 1628, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1650. His brother Jeremiah was of the same class. The two brothers probably continued at the college till December, 1651. They were employed successively as preachers at Bass River, now Beverly, Mass. July 16, 1655, Joshua, sailed for Barbadoes, whence, having married, he went to London. He subsequently returned to Boston, and "in 1672, after the death of Rev. John Youngs, the first minister of Southold, Long Island, previously minister at Hingham in England, the inhabitants sent an agent to Boston for 'an honest and godly minister;' Joshua Hobart went to them, and was ordained Oct. 7, 1674." He died at Southold Feb. 28, 1716-17, "near ninety years of age, and yet preached publickly within a few months before his decease." "He was an eminent physician, civilian, and divine, and every way a great, learned, pious man."
NEHEMIAH HOBART [II. 325], son of Rev. Peter Hobart, was baptized in Hingham Nov. 20, 1648. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1667, in the class with his brothers Gershom and Japhet. He began to preach at Newton in June, 1672, and was ordained there Dec. 23, 1674, having given "this bereaved flock a rich blessing," in healing, even before his ordination, the dissensions which followed the death of the former minister, John Eliot. He was a Fellow of Harvard College. Leverett's Diary states that "He was a great blessing and an Ornam't to the Society. Upwards of 40 years God blessed Newton with his Ministry. A few days before his death, in his Last Sickness he observed to Mr. Brattle & the Presid't who made him a visit, that upon his Return from the Last Commencm't he Remark'd that he had bin at 49 Commencem'ts never having miss'd one from the very first time he had waited on that Solemnity, and that God onely knew whether he sh'd attain to the 50th" He died Aug. 25, 1712. He is spoken of as "an excellent scholar, in the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, sometime a vice-president of the college, a most pious, humble, prudent, and benevolent man."
NOAH HOBART [II. 338] was the son of David, and brother of Nehemiah Hobart, the first minister of Cohasset. He was born in Hingham, Jan. 2, 1705-6, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1724. He was ordained pastor of the First Church in Fairfield, Conn., Feb. 7, 1732-3. There he continued in the able and faithful discharge of the duties of his office for over forty years. The Sabbath immediately preceding his death he preached twice and with more than his accustomed animation. He continued in his usual health until the evening of the Tuesday following, when he was attacked with a disease which, before the next Sabbath, closed his earthly existence. He died Dec. 6, 1773.
"He possessed high intellectual and moral distinction. He had a mind of great acuteness and discernment; was a laborious student; was extremely learned, especially in History and Theology; advanced the doctrine which he professed by an exemplary life; and was holden in high veneration for his wisdom and virtue."
DANIEL KIMBALL [II. 406] was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Tenny) Kimball, and was born in Bradford, Mass., July 3, 1778. He worked on his father's farm in summer and attended the district school in winter to the age of sixteen. He fitted for college with Mr. John Vose, for many years preceptor of Atkinson Academy. Mr. Kimball was graduated at Harvard College in 1800. After graduation he taught in the Sandwich Academy for a year, and in Bradford for six months, when he returned to Cambridge as a theological student. He was approbated and commenced preaching in 1803, and in the same year was appointed tutor in Latin, which office he held for two years. He then spent some time in preaching, writing, and study. He was preceptor of Derby Academy from 1808 to 1826, and was ordained in Hingham as an evangelist, Dec. 17, 1817. After leaving the Academy, he removed to Needham, Mass., where he kept a boarding-school for both sexes until 1848. Mr. Kimball died in Needham, Jan. 17, 1862.
DANIEL LEWIS [II. 441], the son of John and Hannah (Lincoln) Lewis, was born in Hingham Sept. 29, 1685. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1707, taught school in Hingham from 1708 to 1712, and was ordained the first minister of the First Parish in Pembroke, Dec. 3, 1712. His peaceful ministry continued there for nearly forty years. He died June 29, 1753, his wife having died two weeks before him, both of a fever of less than a fort-night's duration.
ISAIAH LEWIS [II. 441], the son of John and Hannah (Lincoln) Lewis, was born in Hingham, June 10, 1703, and was graduated at Harvard College in 1723. He was ordained in 1730 as minister of that part of Eastham, Mass., which was soon afterwards Wellfleet. Up to the time of his ordination the church over which he was settled had not been organized, and the council which was called for the ordination organized it. He continued in the faithful discharge of his duty for many years. In 1779 Mr. Lewis became old and feeble, and was unable to perform all the labors of his ministry, and it was voted that he should be dismissed; but after a consultation with him it was agreed that he should relinquish his claim upon the town for his salary, and continue his pastoral connection. Twenty pounds were allowed for his maintenance, and a committee appointed to procure a minister. He continued in the ministry at Wellfleet fifty-five years. "He possessed a strong mind, and a heart devoted to the work of the gospel, in which he labored diligently and with success." He died in 1786.
GEORGE LINCOLN [II. 457], the son of George and Sarah (French) Lincoln, was born in Hingham, June 9, 1797. At the age of fourteen he went to Boston to learn the sail-maker's trade, and was soon after converted in the Bennet-Street Church. He returned to Hingham and continued in the occupation of sail-making, having also other business interests. He was one of the seven members of the first Methodist class formed in Hingham in 1818, and spared no labor to promote its welfare. He spent much of the time which he could spare from his business in educating himself for the work of the ministry. He was licensed and ordained a local preacher, and for fifty years or more preached as he had opportunity. His longest terms of service were at North Cohasset, South Hingham, and East Abington. He felt specially called to go out into the by-ways and hedges, and there was no neighborhood, however isolated, within many miles of his home in which he had not preached the "word of life."
He died in Hingham, Jan. 2, 1868, in the seventy-first year of his age.
HENRY LINCOLN [II. 467], the son of William and Mary (Otis) Lincoln, was born in Hingham, Nov. 3, 1765. He fitted for college with Eleazer James, teacher of a school in Hingham; and had some assistance from Dr. Joshua Barker. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1786. He studied theology with Mr. Shaw, of Marshfield, and was ordained pastor of the church at Falmouth, Mass., Feb. 3, 1790. This was his only settlement in the ministry. The pastoral connection between Mr. Lincoln and his parish was dissolved by mutual consent Nov. 26, 1823. He then removed to Nantucket, and the remainder of his life was spent there in the home of his daughter, who was the wife of Dr. Elisha P. Fearing. He died in Nantucket, May 28, 1857, and was buried in Fallmouth.
PEREZ LINCOLN [II. 478], son of David Lincoln, was born Jan. 21, 1777, and graduated at Harvard College in 1798. He studied divinity with Dr. Barnes of Scituate, and was settled in the ministry at Gloucester, Mass., Aug. 3, 1805. He was a talented and promising divine, but his constitution was feeble, and after a few years of devoted labor he died in Hingham, June 13, 1811.
WILLIAM G. MARSH [III. 63], son of Samuel W. Marsh, was born in Hingham, Feb. 28, 1841. He received his education in the schools of Hingham and was for a time engaged in business in the employ of the Woonsocket (R. I.) Print Works. In December 1868, he went to Melbourne, Australia, and in 1873 he was appointed secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in that city. In 1885 he resigned his position as secretary, and since that time he has been engaged in missionary service in Australia. He is an Episcopal clergyman.
ANDREWS NORTON [III. 94], the youngest child of Samuel and Jane (Andrews) Norton, was born in Hingham, Dec. 31, 1786. He was a lineal descendant of Rev. John Norton, the second minister of the First Parish. He was fitted for college at Derby Academy under Preceptor Abner Lincoln, and in 1801 entered the Sophomore class in Harvard College. He was graduated in 1804. He was grave and studious from his childhood, and in college he held a high character for scholarship and moral worth. After graduation he spent four years in theological study. For a short time, in 1806, he was preceptor of Derby Academy. In 1809 he accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit in Augusta, Me.; but, after preaching there a few Sundays he accepted the position of Tutor in Bowdoin College and entered immediately on its duties. Here he remained a year and then removed to Cambridge.
In 1811 he was appointed tutor in mathematics in Harvard College and remained in this position for a year. In 1812 he established the publication, "The General Repository and Review," which continued for two years. It was very earnest in defence of Unitarianism, and was conducted with great ability. In 1813 he was appointed librarian of Harvard College Library and held the office for eight years. In the same year, 1813, he was also appointed lecturer on the Criticism and Interpretation of the Scriptures in the college. In 1819 he was elected Dexter Professor of Sacred Literature in the Harvard Divinity School. In 1830 he resigned his professorship, but still continued to devote himself to literary and theological pursuits.
In 1849 he suffered from a severe illness, from which he never fully recovered. He passed the summer of 1850 in Newport, by the advice of his physician, and his sojourn there was attended with such beneficial results that he made it his subsequent residence. In the summer of 1853 it was apparent that his strength was declining, and he died Sept, 18, 1853. Professor Norton was a learned writer on theological questions. He was a frequent contributor to periodicals, and many of his essays and discourses were published. Of his more elaborate works, that on "The Evidences of the Genuineness of the Gospels" is regarded as "one of the most important contributions which this country has made to theological literature." "To him, also, with Mr. Buckminster, Professor Stuart, and a few others, we are indebted for that impulse given to Biblical study in New England early in the present century, which has been of incalculable benefit to all denominations."
DAVID SPRAGUE [III. 166], son of David Sprague, was born in Hingham, April 12, 1707. The following is taken from a "History of the Exeter (R. I.) Baptist Church," by T. A. Hall.
"Elder David Sprague, who was the founder and first pastor of the Exeter Baptist Church, was a native of Hingham, Mass., from whence he removed to Scituate, R. I., where he was converted and received as a member of the Six Principle Baptist Church in that town, then under the ministry of Rev. Samuel Fiske. Here he commenced preaching with great acceptance, but, not holding Arminian views, was soon a little unpopular. He next removed to North Kingstown, united with the church in that town, and was ordained in 1737 as colleague to Rev. Richard Sweet, but finally left that church on account of its free-will notions, as he was Calvinistic in his views, and went to South Kingstown and preached to the church in that place, but soon left them and for the same reason, and removed to Exeter, where in the autumn of 1750 he founded the church made up largely of what were then termed New Lights."There were two large gatherings of the New Light Churches of New England with the Exeter Church. The first, representing twenty-five churches, was on the 23d of May, 1753; the second, representing twelve churches, was on the second Tuesday in September, 1754, to settle terms of fellowship and communion at the Lord's table.
"Of this last meeting, David Sprague was chosen Moderator, and Isaac Backus, Clerk. At the first meeting Elder Sprague was chosen in company with Elders Weeden, Lee, and Beck, to visit Middleborough, Mass., and sit in council on the troubles there, in the church of Mr. Backus. The decisions of these two councils in Exeter were in favor of open conimunion. Elder Sprague, being a strict Baptist in his views, shortly after left not only the New Lights, but the pastorate of the Exeter church.
"The first record which we have been able to find is of a meeting Sept. 17, 1757, at the meeting-house, to hear from their pastor, Elder Sprague, the reasons for his long absence; he not being present, the church adjourned to Oct. 1, 1757. At this meeting at the desire of Elder Sprague, the proceedings of a council, held at the meeting-house July 15, 1757, were read, after which he 'read an epistle in which he laid down many reasons for his not meeting with us for a long time, and also enjoined many things for the church to remove, confess, and retract before he could walk with us.' Deacon Joseph Rogers attempted some reply, which Elder Sprague would not hear, and abruptly left the house. On the 19th of November following the church next met, and after reading the result of a council held on the 3d of November, which advised and entreated them to withdraw from their pastor, they proceeded to read a letter of withdrawal, which Deacons Joseph Rogers and Philip Jenkins had previously prepared, which was adopted, and messengers appointed to carry it to him.
"Soon after, Deacon Philip Jenkins felt it to be his duty to preach the gospel and take the watchcare of the church, but the church not being agreed on this matter, he left it, together with a number of those who were attached to him. Deacon Joseph Rogers, about the same time had a grievous difficulty with another brother, in consequence of which Rogers also left the church. From this time, 1759, until 1763, it appears that no business meetings of the church were held.
The records again commence, May 21, 1763, with Solomon Sprague for Moderator. Soon after this the church unanimously voted that they felt that he was the man to lead them on and take the watchcare of the church; but his mind as yet was not clear on that point. In July, 1766, David Sprague, their former pastor, returned, and was cordially received to their membership. He also in the same meeting offered himself and his gifts to the church to lead them on as a pastor; but they declined the offered service as evidently showing that their minds were fixed upon the son as their choice for a leader. During his absence from the church he had preached for a season at New London, Conn., and on Block Island. After his return the church were evidently in accord with their former pastor on those points which once divided them, they having adopted his views, viz., that scriptural baptism was prerequisite to communion. He died in Exeter, in 1777, after a ministry of forty years. He was a man of pure character, superior abilities, happy address, and winning spirit."
JOSEPH THAXTER [III. 233) was the son of Deacon Joseph Thaxter, and was born in Hingham, April 23, 1744. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1768, after which he taught school for some time in Hingham. When the Revolutionary War broke out, in 1775, he was preaching as a candidate for the ministry at Westford, but on the advance of the British towards Lexington he mounted a horse and rode to Concord, armed with a brace of pistols, and was present at the engagement at Concord Bridge. He was afterwards appointed a chaplain in the army, attached to Colonel Prescott's regiment, and was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill. During the war he was elected a representative to the General Court, but resigned to assume more active duties in the army. After independence was acknowledged he settled in the ministry at Edgartown, where he lived a long, uneventful, and devoted life, dying July 18, 1827. He was present at the laying of the corner stone of the Bunker Hill Monument, June 17, 1825, being at that time the only surviving chaplain of the Revolutionary Army, and offered an impressive prayer on that occasion, having then passed his eightieth year.
WILLIAM WALTON [III. 274] came to Hingham in 1635, and had a grant of land in the first distribution of lots. He was educated at Emanuel College, Cambridge, England, where he took his degrees in 1621 and 1625. He remained but a short time in Hingham. "Mr. Walton " had a grant of land in Marblehead, Oct. 14, 1638. This was Rev. William Walton, who was then preaching there. This is the first mention of his name in the records, and it is probable that he began the work of his ministry there in that year. Through his endeavors, with the assistance of others, a meeting-house was erected, and regular Sunday services were established.
Mr. Roads, in his "History and Traditions of Marblehead," says:----
"In October, 1668, William Walton, the faithful and zealous missionary, died, after having served his Master and the poor people of Marblehead for a period of thirty years. Coming to them as a missionary to preach the gospel, he became, without ordination as a clergyman, a loving pastor, a faithful friend, and a wise and prudent counsellor. His advice was sought on all matters of public or private importance, and when obtained was usually followed without question. That his loss was felt as a public bereavement by the entire community, there can be little doubt."
HENRY WARE, JR. [III. 277], the son of Rev. Henry Ware, the fourth minister of the First Parish, was born in Hingham, April 21, 1794. His early education was obtained partly at home and partly in the public and private schools of his native town. He fitted for college with Rev. Dr. Allyn, of Duxbury, Mr. Ashur Ware, his cousin, Mr. Samuel Merrill, and finally at Phillips Academy, Andover. He entered Harvard College in 1808 and was graduated in 1812. Immediately on leaving college he became assistant-teacher in Phillips Academy, Exeter, which position he occupied for two years, studying theology at the same time. His theological studies were completed in Cambridge. He received a certificate of approbation as a preacher July 31, 1815. He was ordained and installed as pastor of the Second Church in Boston, Jan. 1, 1817, the ordination sermon being preached by his father. His health became somewhat impaired in 1828, and he was desirous of being relieved from the arduous labors demanded by a pastoral charge. At the same time a professorsbip in the Divinity School at Cambridge was offered him, and he resigned his pastorate. His parish refused to accept his resignation, but proposed that, he should retain his pastoral connection with the assistance of Mr. Ralph Waldo Emerson as a colleague, who was ordained March 11, 1829. Mr. Ware had by this time accepted the professorship at Cambridge, but before entering upon his duties he made an extended visit to Europe, hoping for an improvement in health and strength. He returned home in August, 1830, and again requested his dismissal from his parish, which was granted, and he soon afterwards entered upon the duties of the professorship of Pulpit Eloquence and the Pastoral Care, in the Divinity School, at Cambridge. He received the degree of S.T.D. from Harvard University in 1834. Dr. Ware's health was so essentially impaired in 1841 that he found great difficulty in performing his duties, and he resigned his professorship early in 1842. During that year be removed to Framingham, Mass., where he died Sept. 22, 1843.
Dr. Ware was a Unitarian. He was a voluminous writer and author of numerous publications. His fame is too well known to call for extended comment on his abilities as a scholar, writer, or preacher.
WILLIAM WARE [III. 277], son of Rev. Henry Ware, was born in Hingham, Aug. 3, 1797. He was graduated at Harvard College in 1816, and at the Harvard Divinity School in 1819. He began preaching in 1820, his first public service being at Northborough, Mass., and for some time was engaged in preaching in various places, principally in Brooklyn, Burlington, Vt., and the city of New York. He was ordained pastor of the First Congregational Church in the City of New York, which was the first Unitarian Church established in that city, Dec. 18, 1821. His labors in New York were very arduous, as there was no Unitarian clergyman in the city or in the immediate neighborhood from whom he could receive assistance. In June, 1837, he removed to Waltham, Mass., having accepted an invitation from the Second Congregational Church in that place to supply their pulpit. Here he continued until April, 1838, when the church was united with the elder church in that place. Mr. Ware then removed to Jamaica Plain, and about the same time became proprietor and editor of the "Christian Examiner," which remained in his hands until 1844. In January, 1844, he terminated his connection with the "Christian Examiner" and accepted an invitation to become the pastor of the Unitarian Church in West Cambridge. He was soon after taken ill and resigned in July, 1845. In November, 1845, he removed to Cambridge, and after this, his health having improved considerably, in 1847 he engaged in the ministry at large, in Boston, and continued in this employment for about a year. In 1848 he went to Europe where he remained more than a year in Italy, and on his return he delivered a course of lectures on European Travel. He published under the title of "Zenobia," or the Fall of Palmyra," vivid representations of ancient life and manners, which had previously appeared in magazines as "Letters from Palmyra." He also wrote and published many other works.
He died in Cambridge, Feb. 19, 1852. As a preacher he was somewhat dry and lacking in oratorical effect, and distrustful of his own powers, so that he was sometimes thought to be distant and reserved, but his writings show a force and ability very far above the average.
SAMUEL WILIARD [III. 329] was the son of William and Catherine (Wilder) Willard, and was born in Petersham, Mass., April 18, 1776. He was fitted for college principally by Rev. Nathaniel Thayer, D.D., of Lancaster, Mass. and was graduated at Harvard College in 1803. After leaving college he was a teacher in Phillips (Exeter) Academy, and a tutor in Bowdoin College, preparing for the ministry meanwhile. In 1805 he returned to Cambridge to finish his theological studies. He was licensed to preach by the Cambridge Association and preached his first sermon in Deerfield, Mass., March 15, 1807. He was invited to settle there and accepted. Aug. 12, 1807, was the day first appointed for his ordination, and a council assembled composed principally of those entertaining the Calvinistic belief. It was about the time when a separation of the Calvinistic churches from the Arminian was taking place, and after a rigid examination in a session of two days duration, the council refused to ordain Mr. Willard. Another council was called, and he was ordained Sept. 23, 1807. "From that time Mr. Willard became a pioneer in the cause of liberal Christianity." His ministry was faithful and acceptable. He was a musician and the author of the "Deerfield Collection of Sacred Music." In 1819 his sight became very much impaired, and in September, 1829, he resigned his pastoral charge. For the last forty years of his life he was blind. AFter the loss of his sight, he accustomed himself to commit to memory the Scriptures, his hymns, and other writings which were read to him, and the amount of matter which he could accurately repeat was prodigious. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, in the 1826 the degree of S.T.D. was conferred upon him by Harvard College. He was the found of Willard Academy in Hingham, of which mention is made in the chapter on "Education" of this History.
Dr. Willard died in Deerfield, Oct. 8, 1859.