Litchfield County CT Archives History - Books .....The Quakers *********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ct/ctfiles.htm *********************************************** ************************************************************************ The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification. ************************************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com Wed, 18 May 2005 15:09:28 -0700 CHAPTER VII. THE QUAKERS. FAITHFULNESS as well as impartiality in history is of great value, and when ascertained is generally appreciated by the upright citizen. When truth is loved because it is truth, and not because it is on our side, then is there profit in searching everything under the sun, for the end thereof is life. The most difficult place, as is proved in the experience of the world, to write historically, is upon religious topics, and hence the extreme meagerness of religious historical writings, and their almost universal onesidedness. What writer of such history in all the past can be fully trusted? The want of faithfulness or the exercise of partiality in the history of a small town, might seem to be a trivial matter to the world at large, but for the fact that that world is made up of exceeding small portions when compared with the whole. How frequently the use of a word in a sentence, which otherwise would be impartial, gives the bent of the author's mind, and we read the whole statement with suspicion or satisfaction, according as our prejudices or interests are effected. An illustration is at hand in the following account of the Friends or Quakers, as given by the Rev. Daniel Boardman, in one sentence, and in two words of that sentence. He says, "Sundry Church Members fell away to Quakerism." If they "fell away" then they went to something lower than that from which they fell, in the opinion of the author, who was, as a whole, a liberal, and for his day, a large-hearted minister. The following record was made by Rev. Daniel Boardman on the church book without the figures: "Sundry Church Members fell away to Quakerism in the year 1731 and 1732. 1 Samuel Prindle, Sen., and 2 Dorothy Prindle his wife 3 Sarah Ferriss, wife of Zachariah, 4 Obadiah Weller, 5 John Prindle, 6 Samuel Prindle, Jr., 7 Nathan Talcott, 8 Thomas Weller, 9 David Ferriss, 10 Benjamin Ferriss, 11 Nathan Gaylord, 12 Joseph Weller, 13 Sarah Prindle, 14 Elizabeth Prindle, 15 Phebe Beecher, afterwards Phebe Ferriss, 16 Dorothy Prindle, 17 Hannah Ferriss, afterwards Hannah Talcott, 18 Hannah Bostwick, afterwards Hannah Weller, 19 Daniel Prindle, in 1734." The above is all the record found in the Congregational Church or Society in regard to the Quakers, or the occasion of their separation from the first Church, except the record of the return of some of these persons to the same church, and a resolution passed that any others might return without making confession before the public congregation. These were all members of the families then resident in the town except Nathan Talcott, who had been a member of the first Church since Nov., 1726. There may have been others in the town not members of the first Church, who were Quakers, but of such supposition there has been found no evidence, except as to David Ferriss, who had been away for three or four years at Yale College, and had become a Quaker, (1) nor were there any of that denomination, so far as appears, who had just settled in the town, who might have persuaded these persons to become members of the society of Friends. The whole movement seems to have been a desire for a little more freedom in methods of worship, than had been the custom in Congregational, or what was then called the Presbyterian, Churches in the Colony. (1) See his Biography. The only information obtained as to this question is found in the Memoir of John Woolman, a native of the west part of New Jersey, born in 1720, who became a Quaker minister, and traveled extensively. In his Journal, printed in 1845, there is a brief account of a visit he made to New Milford, in 1747, as follows: "Besides going to the settled meeting of Friends, we were at a general meeting at Setawket, chiefly made up of other Societies; we had also a meeting at Oyster Bay, in a dwelling-house, at which were many people; at the former there was not much said by way of testimony, but it was, I believe, a good meeting; at the latter, through the springing up of living waters, it was a day to be thankfully remembered. Having visited the island, we went over to the main, taking meetings in our way, to Oblong, Ninepartners, and New Milford. In these back settlements, we met with several people who, through the immediate workings of the spirit of Christ on their minds, were drawn from the vanities of the world to aft inward acquaintance with him. They were educated in the way of the Presbyterians. A considerable number of the youth, members of that society, used often to spend their time together in merriment, but some of the principal young men of the company, being visited by the powerful workings of the Spirit of Christ, and thereby led humbly to take up their cross, could no longer join in those vanities. As these stood steadfast to that inward convincement, they were made a blessing to some of their former companions; so that through the power of truth, several were brought into a closer exercise concerning the eternal well-being of their souls. These young people continued for a time to frequent their public worship; and besides that, had meetings of their own; which meetings were awhile allowed by their preacher, who sometimes met with them; but in time their judgment in matters of religion, disagreeing with some of the articles of the Presbyterians, their meetings were disapproved by the society, and such of them as stood firm to their duty, as it was inwardly manifested, had many difficulties to go through. In a while their meetings were dropped; some of them returned to the Presbyterians, and others joined to our religious society. I had conversation with some of the latter, to my help and edification; and believe several of them are acquainted with the nature of that worship, which is performed in spirit and in truth. Amos Powell, a Friend from Long Island, accompanied me through Connecticut, which is chiefly inhabited by Presbyterians, who were generally civil to us." From this extract it appears that some considerable unusual religious interest arose in the first Church in 1725 and 6; and this indication is strengthened by the fact that during the year 1726, and the first part of 1727, up to April, thirty-six persons united with this Church, a much larger number than during the same extent of time, while Mr. Boardman was pastor, and indeed larger than at any period before 1800. Most of these, as the record shows, were young people, as Mr. Woolman says, and it is very probable that they held young people's meetings, as he says, although such meetings were very unusual in the customs of the churches of that day, and it is very probable, also, that the older members of the church disapproved of that kind of meetings, and so much so-as to cause them to be discontinued. They were probably just such meetings as nearly all Congregational churches would now encourage, and in the continuance of which they would rejoice. The history of the public lives of these persons, as indicated in the records now accessible, is of some interest and may be instructive. 1. Samuel Prindle, Sen.., was one of the first twelve settlers in the town, and united with the first church in 1720, and returned to it eight years after he left it. He was a successful farmer, living in the south part of the village. He died Sept. 20, 1750. He had a family of nine children, who married into good families, and were active citizens. 2. Dorothy Prindle, wife of Samuel, united with the First Church at the same time with her husband, 1720, and returned to it in 1736. 3. Sarah Ferriss was the wife of Zachariah, one of the most prominent men in the town at the time. He was one of the eight men who united with five women in the organization of the First Church; but she did not unite with that church. Although he remained in the Congregational Church, yet his wife and three children having joined the Friends, he favored that organization very materially, and especially by giving them ground for a burying-place, as stated by Rev. Mr. Griswold. 4. Obadiah Weller, born in 1699, the son of John, who was one of the first twelve settlers of the plantation, united with the First Church in 1726. He was quite a substantial land holder and citizen. 5. John Prindle was the third child of Samuel Prindle, and may have been born in New Milford, but it is not certain. He united with the First Church in 1726, and of him Rev. Daniel Boardman made the following record: "October, 1729. John Prindle a member of ye church, was suspended from communion by a general voice of ye church at a meeting of ye Brethren, for scandalously and schurrilously abusing Daniel Boardman, his pastor." When he became a Quaker, he doubtless changed his previous use of his tongue, for the Quakers were very celebrated for speaking no harm of any. It was a good place for him to go if he must go from home, but he did not stay with the Quakers, since he is found in the society of the Church of England in 1743. He appears to have been a good farmer and citizen, but not prominent in the town. His residence was on the west side of the plain, south or southwest from the Indian Field, near what was frequently called, in deeds, the "Goose Pond." 6. Samuel Prindle, Jr., brother to John, united with the First Church in November, 1726; was about forty years of age; residing near his brother John on the west side of the plain. He also joined the Episcopal Church organization in 1743, with whom he remained, so far as known, until his decease. He was, apparently, an ordinarily successful farmer, but not prominent in public matters. 7. Nathan Talcott, son of Joseph (afterwards Governor of Conn.), came into the town a young man, and united with the First Church in November, 1726; and, being a spirited or enterprising young man, may have been a kind of leader among the young people, and, like the others, had some idea of a little greater freedom of religious worship than was common then in Connecticut, but quite common at the present day; and, therefore, led off to the Quakers as the only resort practicable under the circumstances, and not because he had any particular knowledge of or affinity for that denomination. He afterwards married Hannah Ferriss, who at this same time became a Friend, and who belonged to one of the first families of the place. Nathan Talcott was the son of Joseph, of Hartford, who married the daughter of George Clark, of Milford, and this grandfather Clark gave to Nathan a Right of land in New Milford. The Right was to descend to Nathan, but if he should die before he became twenty-one, then it was to descend to his brother Joseph, and if he should die before he became twenty-one, it was to descend to his brother John. Nathan became the possessor, and died young. 8. Thomas Weller, born in 1702, a brother to Obadiah, married Hannah, daughter of Benjamin Bostwick. She was of one of the best families of New Milford, as was also her mother of one of the most prominent and substantial Woodbury families, and hence the changing of these young people from the First Church to another denomination made no small sensation in New Milford and far away into New Jersey; and therefore the Quaker minister, John Woolman of New Jersey, made his faraway journey into "these back settlements," as he termed them, to see what a wonder was here, that so many young people should become Quakers, or Friends, apparently of their own monitions. This "back settlement" term sounds about the same as the habit of the New York people in calling New Haven citizens "country people" at the present day. But possibly Mr. Woolman designed to return compliments for the favor done by the Connecticut and New York people in the special attention paid to his state in the phrase "a backwoods Jerseyman." Thomas Weller, son of John, was not prominent in public matters, although his name frequently occurs in town offices. He united with the First Church in 1726, and appears to have been a prominent citizen, although not a leading one. 9. David, Ferriss, son of Zachariah, born in 1707, united with the First Church in 1726, when nineteen years of age. It was near his dwelling that the first Quaker meeting-house was erected, on the plain in what is now the ground of the old cemetery, on the west side of the Housatonic, about half a mile below the old toll-bridge. His father deeded the homestead to him in the village in 1748, and in 1752 he, David, was residing in Newcastle, State of Delaware, with his brother Zachariah Ferriss. He became a Quaker preacher after some years. (See Biog.) 10. Benjamin Ferriss, son of Zachariah, born in 1708, married Phebe Beecher of Milford, in 1728. She may have been sister to Eleazer Beecher, who settled in what was then denominated the north part of the town of New Milford. He united with the First Church in November, 1726, with seventeen others at the same time; nine of them were young men. In 1741, when residing in Dutchess County, N. Y., in deeding a piece of land in New Milford, he reserved a certain portion for the Friends' burying-place, where the first Quaker meeting-house was built the same year. 11. Nathan Gaylord, son of William, who settled at Gaylordsville, resided on what is still known as the Richmond Place. He united in 1753 with the Strict Congregationalists, in which church he became a deacon, and continued a well-known and much esteemed citizen. 12. Joseph Weller, youngest son of John Weller, one of the first twelve settlers, was born in 1711, and hence was only twenty years of age; not married, and probably residing with his father on Aspetuck Hill, east side of the street. He owned considerable land, given him by his father. He united with the First Church in 1727, and returned to it in 1736. 13. Sarah Prindle, daughter of Samuel, one of the first twelve settlers, was born in 1707. She united with the First Church in 1726, married Job Gould in June, 1731, and returned to the First Church in 1736. 14. Elizabeth Prindle, daughter of Samuel, sen., and sister of Sarah, was born about 1700; married William Hutchings, who was one of the first twelve in the organization of the Church of England in 1743. 15. Phebe Beecher, said to have been of Milford, and was probably sister to Eleazer, an early settler in the north part of the town; married Benjamin Ferriss, who also had become a Quaker. They removed before 1752 to Dutchess Co., N. Y. 16. Dorothy Prindle, daughter of Samuel, and a twin sister to Sarah Prindle, born in 1707, married not long after, Elnathan Botsford, and this having been the first Quaker wedding recorded as celebrated in New Milford, is here inserted; the record being, however, a little incomplete, because the edge of the leaf of the book is considerably worn away by use during one hundred and fifty years. Elnathan Botsford, son of Samuel and Hannah Botsford of New Milford, in the county of New Haven and Colony of Connecticut in New England, and Dorothy Prindle, daughter of Samuel and Dorothy Prindle of New Milford in the county and Colony aforesaid, having publicly declared their constant intention of taking each other in marriage in several meetings of the people called Quakers in the house of Josiah Quimby at Mamarroneck in ye county of Westchester and province of New York, and enquiry having been made by order of said ____ into both their clearness from all other persons in relation to marriage, and no one appearing to hinder their intended marriage, they also having their parents' consent—therefore the meeting left them to their liberty to accomplish marriage according to the good order of truth amongst the aforesaid people. These are to certify that upon the eighteenth day of the first month called March, in the year according to Christian account 1733-4, in a meeting of the aforesaid people at the house of Samuel Prindle, in New Milford aforesaid, Elnathan Botsford and Dorothy Prindle taking each other by the hand, and in said assembly did then and there in solemn manner declare that they took each other for husband and wife, and promised each other that by the Lord's assistance they will be loving husband and wife to each other until they be separated by death. As for further confirmation of their said marriage and promise to each other in manner and form as above expressed, they have both of them set their hands to these presents ye day and time above mentioned, she assuming her husband's name according to the custom of marriage;and those whose names are hereunto subscribed being present amongst others at the solemnizing of said marirage, are witnesses to the same. ELNATHAN BOTSFORD, her DOROTHY X BOTSFORD. mark. WITNESSES. Samuel Bowne, Richard Wallett, • Benjamin Ferriss, Nathan Talcott, _______ Ferriss, Nathan Gaylord, Jonathan Buck, Joshua Cornwell, Richard Cornwell, Samuel Bolls, Nathan _________ Jonathan Pierce, Sarah Gould, her mark, Abigail Prindle, her mark, ______ Ferris, her mark, Hannah Gaylord, her mark, Dorothy Prindle, her mark (the mother of the bride). Samuel Prindel, ______ Prindle, Daniel Prindle, Abraham Gillett, Job Goold. 17. Hannah Ferris, daughter of Zachariah, born in 1712, married Nathan Talcott, who lived but a few years, and after his death she married Dobson Wheeler, and removed to Oblong, Dutchess Co., N. Y. 18. Hannah Bostwick, daughter of Benjamin, who was nephew to the first John Bostwick in New Milford. Her mother, was Zeruiah, daughter of Moses Johnson, of Woodbury, a woman of so much reliability that her husband made her sole executrix of his will. Hannah married Thomas Weller, who also became a Quaker. 19. Daniel Prindle, son of Samuel, one of the first twelve settlers, born about 1709, was a single man when he became a Quaker, but afterwards married, first, Abigail Oviatt, second, Phebe Fed, and had a family of six children. He was not prominent in the offices of the town, but was a successful farmer. In 1743 he united with the Church of England enterprise that began at that time. It would be vain to attempt to make the defection of these persons a trivial matter. It was anything but trivial to the Rev. Daniel Boardman, although he could bear it as well as any because of his royal good will towards everybody, but his great desire for the oneness and success of the cause of religion in the church he was laboring to support made the matter a very serious one to him. Besides, a large proportion of these persons had grown up almost from childhood under his pastoral care, and the}' were to him as children going astray, however good Shepherd care they might find elsewhere. Eight of these persons belonged to the Prindle family, four of them belonged to the Ferriss family, three to the Weller family; one was a Talcott, one a Bostwick, and one a Beecher—all good, substantial citizens. But the matter did not end at this point of separation; it went on accumulating strength and public influence, while its growth was but the weakening of the first vine planted. The membership of Mr. Boardman's church did not exceed one hundred, and hence one-fifth withdrew. None should be envious at the increase in any truly Christian denomination, but when division threatens the continuance of any regular religious services, it is difficult to hold- any view .but that of regret. The first society had struggled in a most heroic manner to sustain the preaching of the Gospel, and the minister had supported himself on the smallest possible salary, receiving about one hundred and twenty-five dollars a year, in grain, and flax, and the like; and the parish had just completed the meeting-house, and began to hope for comfortable days, when this new movement and division took place. But the magnanimity and unselfishness of the Congregational people are seen in the following record: "Dec. 8, 1735, Voted that Nathan Talcott, Nathan Gaylord, Thomas Weller, John Ferriss, John Prindle, Joseph Ferriss, Daniel Prindie, and Samuel Prindle, Jr., shall be freed from paying the minister's rate assessed on them, provided the next General Court will give liberty therefor." This, when at the same meeting, seeing no other way to maintain their minister, they voted to send a prayer to the General Assembly to try to obtain a tax on the non-resident proprietors for the maintenance of the ministry. If this was not magnanimous generosity toward another denomination, and in favor of the highest religious freedom, then the exhibition of these characteristics is seldom, if ever, seen. In this extract are seen two names not included in the list of nineteen, and these persons, desiring to be freed from paying ministerial tax in connection with the others, must be regarded as having united with the Quakers. Joseph Ferriss, son of Zachariah, born in 1703, married Hannah Welch, of Milford, in 1725, and had a family of four children. His father, Zachariah, gave him in 1725 five acres lying south of Mallery's land, "bounded west with Town street, south with a highway, and east with a highway, . . . with a dwelling house on said land." This house stood near the present parsonage house of the Congregational society, on Elm street. John Ferriss, born in New Milford in 1714, a younger brother of Joseph Ferris, was a young man twenty-one years of age, having taxable property. He was the son of Zachariah Ferriss, and he married in 1738 Abigail Tryon, which marriage, being probably the second one celebrated after the Quaker forms, and recorded in full, with many witnesses, is here given as an interesting item of history, the wording of it being varied considerably from the preceding one. Whereas John Ferris of New Milford in the county of New Haven, son of Zachariah Ferris and Sarah his wife, and Abigail Tryon of New Milford having declared their intention of marriage with each other before the monthly meeting of the people called Quakers at Mamaroneck according to the good order used amongst them, whose proceedings therein, after deliberate consideration thereof, and having consent of parents, and nothing appearing to hinder: These may therefore certify all whom it may concern that for the accomplishing their said intention, this fifteenth day of ye third month in the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight, the said John Ferriss and Abigail Tryon presented themselves in a public meeting of the said people and others at the house of Joseph Ferris in New Milford and then and there the said John Ferris taking the said Abigail Tryon by the hand and did in a solemn manner declare that he did take her to be his wife, promising to be unto her a true and loving husband till death shall make a separation, and then and there in the same assembly ye said Abigail Tryon did in like manner declare that she did take the said John Ferriss to be her husband, promising to be to him a true and loving wife until death shall separate them; and moreover ye said John Ferris and Abigail Tryon there, according to the custom of marriage, she assuming the name of her husband, as a further consideration thereof did then and there to these presents set their hands, and we whose names are hereunder subscribed being amongst others at the solemnizing of the said marriage and subscription as above said, have also as witnesses set our hands to these presents. JOHN FERRISS. her ABIGAIL— FERRISS. mark Witnesses: Jane Tryon, Richard Cornwell, Nathan Gaylord, Peter Thatcher, Samuel Bolls, Daniel Prindle, Daniel Farrand, her Martha | Prindle, mark Joseph Rodman, Thomas Weller, Richard Hallet, Joseph Rennels, her Hannah H Talcott, mark John Prindle, Daniel Prindle, Ziba Tryon, Sarah Ferriss, Joseph Ferriss, Benja. Ferriss, Zachariah Ferriss, James Tryon, Oliver Tryon, Nathan Talcott, her Sarah )-( Noble, . mark Samuel Prindle. —25. Several other Quaker weddings are recorded in this same manner, with the witnesses; one as late as 1822. This record indicates the relation of the Quaker Church in Mamaroneck, N. Y., to the Quaker movement in New Milford. In the former place this people long held a large, salutary, and commanding, influence, some of them becoming celebrated as the opponents of slavery and successful advocates of freedom in its purest forms within the last generation. In April, 1755, the proprietors Voted that those of the Quakers in New Milford who are proprietors in the common and undivided land in said New Milford shall have liberty to give land to be laid out in such land as shall be taken off the highways, and shall receive of the money that shall be obtained by the sale of such lands in proportion to their interest in said common land, provided they will give land out of their divisions to lay out in such proportion, or if such Quakers shall choose to have their proportion of such lands set off to them in land toward their respective divisions last granted, they may have the same laid out to them by the committee appointed to lay out said lands according to quality and quantity. Voted in affirmative. This was a vote, the same in principle as was passed one month previous in regard to "the professors of the Congregational Order and the professors of the Church of England," and shows the disposition of the people of that date to treat all denominations alike. Rev. Mr. Griswold informs us that the Quakers built their first meeting-house about 1741, and afterwards removed it to what is now Lanesville. In 1762 a piece of land between the Quaker meeting-house and the river was deeded to several persons in behalf of the interests of the Quaker people. The two first persons named are said to be of New Milford, the others of New York Government (Oblong). Dobson Wheeler, Gaius Talcott, Benjamin Ferriss, David Akins, Jerry Chase, Timothy Dakins, George Soule, Abraham Wing, Read Ferriss, Zebulon Ferriss. Law against Quaker and other Books. May, 1668. Whereas by a former order heretical books, viz.: such books or manuscripts as contain the errors of the Quakers, Ranters, Adamites or such like Notorious Heretiques should not be kept, under the penalty expressed in the said law,— This Court orders for the future that all such books when and wheresoever they are found they shall by the Constable be seized and delivered to the Commissioner or Assistant of the town, to be kept by him until the next County Court. And then the said County Court shall take care and full order that all such books as aforesaid be utterly suppressed. July, 1675. This Court being moved to consider of the law respecting the Quakers, do see cause at present to suspend the penalty for absence from our public assemblies, or imprisonment of those of that persuasion, provided they do not gather into assemblies in this Colony nor make any disturbance. According to this latter quotation, all the Quaker meetings held in New Milford up to that date had been illegal, but the law was treated as dead. It has been stated often that the Connecticut people never persecuted for religious opinions, but this is a great error, for the records show that several Quakers were imprisoned and whipped severely under the New Haven Colony in its early history. One such was arrested at Southold, L. I., and sent to New Haven, where he was required to debate with Rev. Mr. Davenport, who after such debate declared that he delivered this Quaker to the secular power for punishment; and Mr. Lambert in the History of Milford declares that the civil power whipped him (the Quaker) severely and banished him from the jurisdiction. One such Quaker when banished settled at "Quaker's Farm," in what is now the town of Oxford, Conn., where he resided several years and then left, but the locality has been called ever since "Quaker's Farm." (1) (1) See New Haven Col. Rec. and Hist, of Derby, Conn. Inscriptions in the Old Quaker Burying-place. This ground is located about half a mile below the Town Bridge on the west side of the Housatonic river. (1) The perpendicular marks indicate the end of each line of inscription on the stone. In memory of CORNELIUS B BALDWIN who died Apr 2/1857 aged 72 years. EUNICE wife of Cornelius B Baldwin died Sept 4, 1864 aged 71 years. In memory of LEWIS BRONSON who died Jan 15, 1856 ae 4 yrs. Wrapt in the shades of death No more that friendly face I see Empty oh ! empty every place Once rilled so well by thee. LUTHER LEWIS BRONSON Died Nov 17, 1858 aged 16 yrs 1 mo & 15 ds. DENNIS BUCKINGHAM died March 17, 1862 ae 37. ELECTA MARSH wife of C O Copley died June 2, 1876 aged 77. JULIA M wife of Ansona Eggleston Died March 5, 1861. LUTHER son of Ansona & Julia M Eggleston Died Feb 3, 1860 AE 4 mos & 7 ds. In memory of CAPT AMASA FERRISS died April 26, 1811 in the 51 year of his age. In memory of ANNA wife of Joseph Ferriss who died Oct 15, 1850 aged 72 years. In memory of ANNIS wife of Daniel H Ferriss who died Feb 19, 1852 AE 81 yrs & 8 mo. CONSTANTINE W FERRISS Born Nov 19, 1809 died July 27, 1879. EUNICE CORDELIA daughter of Zechariah & Hannah Ferriss, died Oct 10, 1829 aged 3 years 8 mo 20 days. The once loved form now cold and dead Each mournful thought employs And nature weeps her comforts fled And withered all her joys. In memory of MRS ABIGAIL FERRISS Consort of Mr David Ferriss who departed this life Sept 11, 1797 aged 66 years. MR DAVID FERRISS was born Sept 18, 1726 and deceased July 20, 1800 in the 74th year of his age. To whose memory this stone is erected. In memory of DANIEL H FERRISS who died Apr 2, 1843 aged 72 years. DAVID son of Daniel H & Annis Ferriss died Jan 2, 1799 aged 4 mo. EUNICE FERRISS died July 28,1869 AE. 63. MR JOSEPH FERRISS died Feb 14, 1814 aged 82 years. In memory of JOANNA wife of Joseph Ferriss who died Dec 7, 1823 aged 89 years. In memory of JULIA ANN FERRISS who departed this life July 13, A D 1817 aged 16 years. In memory of PHEBE FERRISS wife of Zachariah Ferriss who died May 14, 1811 aged 68 years 4 mo & 5 days. RACHEL G wife of Constantine W Ferriss died Oct 23, 1854 aet 43. Mother of Benjamin & Arthur Ferriss. In memory of MRS REUMAH FERRISS Consort of Mr Daniel H Ferriss & the daughter of Mr John Hull & Mrs Eunice Hull who departed this life on the 3d day of Nov. 1793 in the 29th year of her age and also of HENRY FERRISS son of Daniel H Ferriss & Reumah Ferriss who died Oct 1st, A D 1794 aged 11 months. Not virtue's charms nor innocence can save Nor death's cold arms permit a wish'd return But Youth's fair smiles must find an early grave Tho' Nature shudder and tho' Friendship mourn. In memory of ZACHARIAH FERRISS who died Feby 19, 1804 aged 65 years. HANNAH wife of Zachariah Ferriss died Aug 1, 1861 aged 82 yrs 7 mo & 22 Ds. ZACHARIAH FERRISS died Aug 30,1860 Aged 82 yrs 1 mo & 19 Ds. In memory of NATHANIEL GALUTIA who died March 6,1822 aged 40 years. POLLY HILL wife of Silas Hill died Sept 26, 1854 Aged 63 years. SILAS HILL died Get 7, 1874 Aged 85 yrs 5 mos & 21 days. The strong must die. SILAS BYRON son of Silas & Polly Hill died J June 13, 1860 Aged 25 yrs 9 mo & 22 ds. MOODY HOWES Died Nov 19, 1866 ae 62 ys & 6 mo. MASORHAM HOWES Died July 9, 1854 AE 22 yrs 11 mo & 15 ds. My body 'neath the sod now lies My spirit dwells in yonder skies Whatever may have been my lot Since you've been spared to see me die And 'neath the mouldering grave to lie One friendly tear I pray you shed Upon my low and humble bed. In memory MARANDA E daughter of Dr B B & Hopestill Hull who died Jan 9, 1855 aged 7 years. JANE O wife of Henry W Mallett died June 11, 1866 aged 43 yrs. AMOS H MARSH died Oct 1, 1860 AEt 75 yrs. ANN wife of Amos H Marsh died Mar 22, 1877 AEt 90 yrs. ARTHUR P son of Orman B & Amy M Marsh died Mar 16, 1850 aged 4 y'rs & 9 mo. In memory of BETSEY E widow of Elihu Marsh 2d who died Oct 23,1851 Aged 85. In memory of BRADLEY MARSH who died April 25, 1834 aged 54 years. CORNELIA A wife of Decater D Marsh died Nov 11, 1866 AE 29. Asleep in Jesus blessed sleep From which none ever wake to Weep. In memory of ELIHU MARSH 2D who died Dec 1, 1830 aet 54. In memory of JOHN MARSH who died Mar 31, 1849 aet 53 yrs 8 mo & 12 days. In memory of MIRIAM MARSH who died Oct 1, 1818 aged 65. ORMAN B MARSH Died May 18, 1877 JE 74. In memory of— SALLY wife of Bradley Marsh & daughter of Philip & Elizabeth Wells who died Dec 8, 1827 AE 44. In memory of SAMUEL MARSH who died May 14, 1822 aged 70 years. SAMUEL D MARSH died May 6, 1856 aet 64. POLLY wife of Samuel D Marsh died May 24, 1863 AEt 74. In memory of SUSAN M daughter of John & Teressa Marsh died Oct 5, 1818 aged 1 year & 7 months. In memory of TERESSA MARSH wife of John Marsh who died Nov 16, 1831 Aged 33. MARIA wife of John Marsh died Aug 17, 1868 AE 54 yrs 7 mo & 3 ds. Two infant daughters of Walter & Arabella Marsh. CATHARINE M daughter of John & Sophia McMahon Died Nov 9, 1870 AE 33. CORNELIUS MCMAHON son of John & Sophia McMahon died May 11, 1853 AE 31 yrs & 4 ds. ELIZABETH E daughter of John & Sophia McMahon died June 23,1855 aged 30 yrs. JOHN MCMAHON died Oct 12, 1853 aged 66 yrs. NETTIE daughter of Andrew J & Phebe W McMahon died July 24, 1872 AE 3 weeks. MARCUS W son of John & Sophia McMahon died Sept 4,1861 AE 20. CHARLES E son of Samuel C & Julia M Millington died June 9, 1871 ae 11. BETSEY ANN MOREHOUSE wife of Minor Morehouse Died June 20, 1852 aged 51 yrs & 8 mo. ELECTRA MOREHOUSE died Feb 6, 1878 aged 83 yrs. Well done good and faithful servant. In memory of JOHN MOREHOUSE who died Oct 17, 1828 aged 66 years. In memory of LEMUEL MOREHOUSE who died Dec 16, 1839 aged 73. LYMAN B. MOREHOUSE Born Jan 8, 1801 Died Aug 31, 1871. In memory of MABLE wife of John Morehouse who died May 25,1847 aged 82 yrs. In memory of MEHETABLE wife of Lemuel Morehouse who died Sept 21,1860 aged 96 yrs 7 mo & 2 ds. MORTIMER B MOREHOUSE died May 5, 1849 aged 24 yrs 7 mo & 7 ds. CAROLINE M daughter of Edward M & Polly Ann Noble died June 25, 1851 AE 1 y'r & 10 mo. CHAUNCY NOBLE Died Oct 24 1857 aged 62 y'rs. EDWARD M NOBLE Died March 30, 1853 aged 32. SALLY wife of Chauncy Noble Died Dec 31, 1863 aged 64 y'rs. CLARK A son of Stephen & Mary Osborn died May 13, 1857 AE. 2 ys & 11 mo. MARY wife of Stephen Osborn died April 23, 1862 ae 37. OLIVER J OSBORN died June 11, 1857 aged 30. In the midst of life we are in death. WALTER son of James & Caroline Osborn died Sept 18,1854 ae 6 mo. WATSON D OSBORN Died July 21, 1875 Aged 21 yrs & 11 mos. The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. CHARLES G PECK Died July 2,1875 ae 50. Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh. In memory of Two Infant children of Charles G & Amelia A Peck Died June 9, 1860. Then why murmer parents with sad discontent The message received from your bountiful Lord Remember the beauteous Jewels was lent Nor bewail the dear gems to its owner restored. MRS P PECK In memory of PRISCILLA wife of Joseph Peck daughter of Tho Starr is preserved by This Monument She died Nov 20th 1788 in the 23 year of her age. ELLEN S wife of Rufus B Pike Died March 31, 1869 AE 28. OLIVER W PICKET died Feb 18, 1846 aged 48 years. DANIEL A PICKETT died Jan 16, 1844 aged 76 years. ANNA PICKETT wife of Daniel A Pickett died March 18, 1812 aged 42 years. Erected to the memory of EPHRAIM PLATT who departed this life Sep 26, 1798 in the 5Oth year of his age. Erected to the memory of HOPESTILL relict of Ephraim Platt who died Oct 29, 1808, in the 6oth year of her age. LUCY wife of Jacob B Platt died Mar 17, 1852 AE 73. Peace to thy dust affection's lay Proclaim how well thy worth was known And tears which friends thy memory pay Can teach us more than sculptured stone. Erected to perpetuate the Memory of ZALMON PLATT who departed this life Decr 12th 1802 in the 24th year of his age. JACOB B PLATT died July 16, 1845 AE 71. SERGEANT HENRY RUBY of the U S Regular Army died Nov 11, 1863 ae 27 ORRIN J RUBY died March 20,1864 ae 29. JARED WAY, died April 6, 1865 AE 89. MABEL his wife died March 11, 1866 AE 88. JANE wife of Jerome Way Died Sept 26, 1866 AE 49. POLLY wife of Jerome Way died July 26, 1856 AEt 53 years. CHARLOTTE M daughter of Hezekiah & Eunice A Wells died Nov 5 1853 AE 28. Died Sept 10, 1828 EDGAR C son of Hezekiah & Eunice A Wells aged 1 yr & 6 mo. EUNICE ANN wife of Hezekiah Wells died Aug 2, 1846 AE 52. HEZEKIAH WELLS died July 7,1861 AE 82 Benjamin Bostwick’s Will In the name of God, Amen. I Benjamin Bostwick of ye Town of New Milford in ye county of New Haven and Colony of Connecticut in New England, Being weak and very sick but through the goodness and mercy of God of a sound mind and memory, considering the mortality of man and that I must shortly put off this mortal body, Do make and ordain this my last will and testament and desire it may be reconed of all as such: and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hands of God through Jesus Christ my glorious Redeemer, and my body I recommend to ye earth to be buried after a decent Christian manner at ye direction of my Executrix hereafter named not doubting but that my soul and body shall be received at ye glorious resurrection of ye Just. And as touching what worldly goods or estate it hath pleased God to bless me with, all I give bequeath and dispose of in ye following manner: and first of all, my will is that all my just debts and funeral charges be first paid and satisfied by my executrix. Item. I demise, give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Zeruiah all my house hold linin cloth, also ye one half of ye remainder of personal estate to her and her heirs for ever, also ye improvement of third part of my lands during her natural life. Item. I demise, give and bequeath unto my very dutiful and well beloved son Benjamin, my dwelling house, barn and all my lands, my real estate, also ye one half of my personal estate except the legacies to my daughters, linin cloth which I have given unto my above said wife, and two guns which may hereafter be given unto my grandsons, to him, to his heirs to have and to hold forever. Item. I give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Hannah ten pound money to be paid by my son Benjamin out of what I have given him when he shall be of ye age of twenty-one years. Item. I do give and bequeath unto my beloved daughter Betty ten pounds money to be paid by my son Benjamin when he shall be of ye age of twenty and one years out of what estate that I have given him. Item. I give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Jerusha eighteen pounds money to be paid by my son Benjamin when [he] shall be of ye age of twenty and one years out of what estate I have given him. Item. I give and bequeath unto my grand son Joseph Canfield my Trumpet musled gun. Item. I give and bequeath unto my grand son Benjamin Benedict my gun that I bought at______. Item my will is that for and in consideration that I have given unto my son Benjamin aforesaid all my lands that the aforesaid Benjamin shall provide for and maintain my well beloved daughter Jemima with suitable apparrel, meat, drink and other necessaries for ye comfort of her life during her natural life. And I do hereby nominate, appoint and ordain my well beloved wife Zeruiah to be sole executrix of this my last will and testament, in witness whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal this ifth day of May anno D. 1739. Signed, sealed, pronounced, published and delivered by ye above said Benjamin Bostwick to be ye last will and testament in the presence of His BENJAMIN ^ BOSTWICK. mark ROGER BROWNSON, EBENR. FISK, JOHN S. BRADSHAW. An inventory of the Estate of Benjamin Bostwick of New Milford in New Haven county, deceased, taken June 8, 1739: WEARING CLOATHS lb. s. d. One Broadcloth Coat & Jacket & one pair of Leather Britches 15 5 0 two woolen shirts 15s: a great coat lib 15s: flannel Coat & Jacket 5 10 0 two pair of Linen Britches 8s 6d: two old Jackets 1 lb 1 8 6 one pair of Leather Britches 6s: Hat 10s: one pr of shoes 16s 1 12 0 two pr of shoes 18s: stockings 5s 1 3 0 one Bed bolster & 2 pillows 5 lb: one Bed and bolster 4 lb 9 0 0 one Bed 1 lb 10s: one bolster 10s: four coverleds 4lb 10s 6 10 0 one Rugg 2 lb 10s 2 10 0 all ye Household Linnen 13 lb 13s 06d 13 13 6 two woolen Sheets 3 0 0 four pounds & a quarter of wosted yarn 2 2 6 to 24 Runn of Linnen yarn 2lb 8s: one gun 12lb 14 8 0 one gun 3lb 10s: one gun 3lb 6 10 0 one pound of combed wool 6s: half a pound of Cotton Wool 2s 6d 0 8 6 nine pounds & 3/4 of flannel 6lb: two Cushions 12s 6 12 0 Woolen yarn 4s: Brass Kettle 12lb: one brass Kettle 8lb: old brass 3s 20 7 0 Iron Skillet 14s: Iron Pot 1lb 3s 1 17 0 Three puter Platters 1lb 10s: one bason 12s: one bason 6s: one bason 4s 2 12 0 six plates 15s: old puter 4s 6d: a quart pot 8s: 3 spoons 2s: 7 spoons 2s 6d 1 12 0 5 Doz & half of puter buttons 5s 6: 2 doz & 1/2 of brass buttons 12s 6d 0 18 0 A fine Hatchel 1lb 2s 6d: a coarse Hatchel 6s: a Copper pot 2s 1 10 6 two glass bottles 3s: 2 pails 7s: Wooden dishes 7s: trenchers (2) 1s 6d 0 18 6 two pails 3s: four bowls 9s 6d: a stone jugg 15s 1 7 6 A great Bible 2lb 15s: a Testament 5s: other small books 7s 3 10 0 A Peal (3) 18s: Tongs 12s: hand Irons 1lb 4s: 2 trammels (4) 1lb 4s: a grid-iron 10s 4 8 0 A melting Ladle & a hook 5s: lamp 1s: a Box & Heaters 14s 1 0 0 six pound of Lead 9s: one pound of Powder 7s: powder horns 3s 0 19 0 Stillyards 15s: a Dutch Wheel 1lb 16s: a great Wheel 7s 2 18 0 a Chest 1lb 4s: a box 12s: old chest 3s: wool combs 1lb 10s 3 9 0 a great chair 12s: four small chairs 16s: 9 barrills 2lb 5s 3 13 0 a tin tunnel 3s: three double casks 1lb 4s: two small casks 6s 1 13 0 meat 15lb: a brewing tub 8s: one barrill 3s: a churn 5s 15 19 0 three small tubs 6s: a Tunnel 5s: fatt 14s: 2 dishes 2s: bread tray 3s 1 10 0 A Tub 2s: a meat tub 5s: four bedstids 2lb 16s 3 3 0 an old half bushel 1s 6d: by 31 pound of wool 6lb 4s 6 5 6 flax 1lb 11s 6d: 3 deerskins 2lb 14s: 15 bushels of Wheat meal 6lb 15 11 0 6 Tow 7s 6d ; Buck Wheat 1lb 10s: meat 3lb 3s: Wheat 9lb 18s 14 18 6 three baggs 5s: four bushels and half of Rye 1lb 7s: two meal troughs 2lb 3 12 0 two small troughs 10s: one meal trough 3s: two busls of Indian corn 10s 1 3 0 twelve small tubs 1lb 4s: a steel trap 2lb 10s: a Table 1lb 5s 4 19 0 A Reed & Geers 12s: old Reed and Geers 3s: a looking Glass 1lb 1 15 0 four knives 3s: Joiners tools 2lb 10s: Turning tools 13s 3 6 0 A hand saw 16s: a small saw 6s: a bow saw 12s: two broad chissils 8s 2 2 0 two augers 9s: two Hoes 14s: Cart boxes 1lb 13s 40d: Cart Wheels 6lb 8 16 4 A plow with plates 2lb 8s: a table 3s: Grindstone 2s 6d: a plow Clevis and pin 5s 2 18 6 A Wheat Riddle 3s: oat Riddle 2s: one Draught Chain 1lb 5s 1 10 0 Draught Chain 1lb 10s: three yokes with ye Irons 1lb 12s 3 2 0 two horse Collars 19s: two pair of Horse Chains 1lb 1 19 0 four oxen 52lb: two steers 17lb: three cows 30lb: one Heifer 3lb 10s 102 10 0 A Hammer 5s: two forks 12s: Beetlerings 4s: Scythe & tackling 1lb 2 1 0 three bells with straps 1lb 6s; Rakes 2s 6d: two wedges 6s: horse shoes 3s 4d 1 17 10 old iron 3s 6d: two axes 18s: a Saddle 7lb: Saddle 3lb: two bridles 15s 11 16 6 three halters 3s: two yearling steers 6lb: 2 calves 3 lb: Sheep 15lb 10s 24 13 0 old Horse 4lb: Young Horse 50lb: a mare and two year old colt 18lb 72 0 0 two sows 16lb: eight Hoggs 16lb: five small swine 4lb 36 0 0 Six Piggs 3lb 12s: three small piggs 15s 4 7 0 A sled 12s: two flails 3s: Cash 12lb 13s 11d: a note 5lb 18 5 11 Leather 3lb 8s 3 8 0 Indian Corn on the land 16 0 0 Wheat at 2nd Hill 37lb 16s: Wheat at Poplar Swamp 2 14s 40 10 0 Oats on ye Land 5lb 11s: Rye on ye Land 2lb 14s: two pair of fellers 1lb 4s 9 9 0 A Timber chain 1lb 5s: a branding Iron 5s; three pounds of steel 5s 1 18 0 to 31 pound of Iron 1lb 5s 10d: a Harrow 3lb 18s 5 3 0 one ax 6s: a plow plate & bolt 3d 6d 0 9 6 Redwood 2s: old Iron 4s 9d: Wooden bottle 4s 0 10 9 flax crackle 12s: a sheep skin 5d: Barly on the land 2lb 14s 3 11 0 a scouring Rod 2s: Brass buttons 3s 6d 0 5 6 The foregoing Estate apprised by us. JOHN BOSTWICK, THOMAS PEEKET, Apprisers, sworn to that work according to law. Added before oath was made— two Razors—one at 6s: ye other at 1s 0 7 0 Carefully extracted from ye Original on ye files of ye Probate in Woodbury July 3, A.D. 1739.