Month: September 1738

1738 September 1 (Friday).  Mr. Witherby finish’d and put up my Gate, and although he Set the price of his work to be 20 Shillings, yet considering he frequently came to Meeting here, he gave in Ten thereof.  He made an End and went off Sometime before Night.  Mr. Pannell and his son came to my Rye-Thrashing.  They went home at Night.  Moss fetch’d home the Cyder from Mr. Hows and Cut Stalks a.m.; work’d at Brother Hicks’s p.m.

1738 September 2 (Saturday).  Mr. Panel and his son came again to Thrashing and finish’d the Rye, Moss gathering up and pikeing the Stalks.

1738 September 3 (Sunday).  On Coloss. 4.1. Heb. 10.39.  N.B. Mrs. Leeds of Groton in Connecticut (sister of old Mr. John Greaves) and Mr. Livermore din’d with us.  N.B. I acquainted the Congregation that I know not but that I should be absent on the next Lords Day, and therefore desir’d that all such as could would wait upon the Christian Assembly where they could go the most Conveniently to, and hop’d that those who could not go to other meetings would, as Gods people meet together and worship him here, and if they should do so I wish’d them the Divine Presence among them and Blessing upon them.

1738 September 4 (Monday).  N.B. A very great Drought. Great Trouble about getting Corn Ground.  A burning Day.  N.B. Moss in a great Fret after Dinner.  He gathered the little piece of Corn of the South side.

1738 September 5 (Tuesday).  I [was] interrupted greatly in my purpose and Endeavours of this Day by the kindly intended visits of Mr. John Barrett and Mr. Benjamin Gerrish[1] of Boston on their journey to Middleton in Connecticut, and of Mr. Cushing and his Wife.  Vid. Natal.[2]

[1]He later moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and became a prosperous merchant.

[2]Despite Parkman’s reference to the Natalitia there is no entry in it for this date.

1738 September 6 (Wednesday).  At about 9 a.m. My Wife and I set out upon our Journey to Springfield and New Haven, on my Own and Cousen Winchester’s Horses.  Mr. Tainter bore us Company to Mr. Cushings at Shrewsbury.  N.B. I bought a Foot Wheel at Mr. Cushings which Mr. Tainter was So kind as to bring home.  Din’d seasonably and agreeably at Colonel Chandlers[1] at Worcester.  P.M. rode to Richardsons at Brookfield by about l/4 after 5.  N.B. These Richardsons were heretofore Malden Milk Folks to our Family at Boston.  They were very obliging and would receive no pay but for our Oats.  We got to Mr. Cheneys[2] a little before Candle Light, but were so unhappy as to find neither Mr. Cheney nor Madame at Home.  Mr. Cheney was gone to wait upon a number of Gentlemen who were upon the Road, Scil. Colonel Wendell,[3] Mr. President Holyoke,[4] Mr. Appleton,[5] etc.  We tarried with and were entertain’d decently by Mrs. Dolly Hanley expecting Mr. Cheneys Return, but he came not.  Dr. Pyncheon[6] of Springfield came in and tarried over night likewise.

[1]John Chandler, a very prominent citizen, who at one time or another held virtually all the offices in the town.  Lincoln, Worcester, pp. 296-298.

[2]Reverend Thomas Cheney (Harvard 1711), first minister of Brookfield, Mass.  Sibley, V, 561-563.

[3]‘ Jacob Wendell, merchant of Boston, member of the Council of the province after 1737 and commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery.

[4]Edward Holyoke (Harvard 1705), President of Harvard College.  Sibley, V, 265-278.

[5]Reverend Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge, Mass.

[6]Joseph Pynchon (Harvard 1726), physician of Springfield, Mass.  Sibley, VIII, 90-92.

1738 September 7 (Thursday).  In the Morning, just as we were mounting Mr. Cheney (who had lodg’d with Mr. Bridgham[1] at Brimfield) came, and stay’d us whilst we made a visit to Colonel Dwight.[2]  N.B. Colonel engage’d in building a new House.  About 3/4 after 8 we set out with Dr. Pyncheons Company.  Light at Ashleys.[3]  Left Ashleys between 10 and 11.  At 1/2 after one arriv’d weary and tir’d at Scots in Kingston.  Din’d there.  Left Scotts 1/2 after 2.  One Mr. Ball of Springfield and an Irishman bound to Glascow added to the Company.  At Lambs in Springfield 1/2 after 3.  N.B. Norwich Indians at Lambs.  Left Lambs 20 minutes after 4.  Mr. Breck came out to meet us a little before we got up to the Town.  We arriv’d by Day Light — and not so tir’d as last night, nor as I was at Scotts in Kingstown.

[1]Reverend James Bridgham (Harvard 1726), minister of Brimfield, Mass.  Sibley, VIII, 7-10.

[2]Timothy Dwight of Northampton, Mass.

[3]The Ashley family kept a tavern in Westfield, Mass., for many years.

1738 September 8 (Friday).  Rainy Day.  The Heavy Showers were a great Blessing, it having been a Time when there has been an unusual Drought.  Mr. President Holyoke remains in Town — takes up his Lodging at Colonel William Pyncheon.[1]  Colonel Pyncheon din’d with us.  The President with us p.m.

[1]Of Springfield.

1738 September 9 (Saturday).  Fair, bright Day.  I waited upon Colonel William Pyncheon after I have view’d the River, the burying Place, etc.  N.B. Some remarkable Inscriptions.  N.B. Whilst we were at Colonel Pyncheon’s with the President, Mr. Williams[1] of Longmeadow came and after him Mr. Hopkins of the other Parish.  They shap’d a Scheme for my assisting Mr. Williams by Mr. Hopkins[2] preaching there and my preaching on the west Side, which I consented to after we had all din’d together at Mr. Brecks.  N.B. Mr. Breck and I paid our Regards to old Colonel Pyncheon and his son Captain William, And p.m. Mr. President, Mr. Breck and I waited upon old Madame Brewer.[3]

[1]Reverend Stephen Williams (Harvard 1713), minister of the First Congregational Church of Longmeadow, Mass., 1714-1782.  Sibley, VI, 25-35.

[2]Reverend Samuel Hopkins (Yale 1718), minister at West Springfield, Mass., 1720- 1755.  Dexter, 184-187.

[3]Widow of Reverend Daniel Brewer (Harvard 1687) of Springfield, Mass.

1738 September 10 (Sunday).  In the morning I cross’d the River and went up to Mr. Hopkins.  N.B. The first and Second Drum beating to give Notice to the People.  Preach’d on Luk. 16.23.  N.B. The Women all sat upon the wrong side of the Meeting House.  Deacon Parsons[1] very Courteous to me, and walk’d with me to the Ferry at Eve.  At Mr. Brecks Mr. Hopkins in his return from Longmeadow.  Cold Night.

[1]Ebenezer Parsons of West Springfield.

1738 September 11 (Monday).  Mr. Holyoke and Some Number besides were going up to Mt. Tom (call’d So as Tradition has it from one Rowland Thomas) and to Mt. Holyoke, (call’d so from one of the Presidents ancestors) and from thence they purpos’d to Mr. Rands[1] at Sunderland. But we rode to Long Meadow, when the Frost of this Morning which was very great was in great Degree gone, met Mr. Allis[2] hastening to join the foresaid Company.  Mr. Williams set out with us, so far as to guide us to the way to Enfield.  We cross’d the Ferry and rode (with one Kebby in Company) to Mr. Devotions[3] at Suffield.  N.B. A fine prospect on the North of Suffield Meeting House.  After kind Entertainment, dining, etc. we set out from thence in the middle of the Afternoon, rode to Windsor and Hartford and were kindly entertain’d at Mr. Austins.[4]  N.B. His Honor Governor Law,[5] Captain Wadsworth,[6] etc. at Mr. Austins.  N.B. 500 Hogsheads of Tobacco ship’d off last year from Connecticut River to the West Indies and chiefly from Windsor.

[1]Reverend William Rand (Harvard 1721), second minister of Sunderland, Mass., and one of Parkman’s classmates.  Sibley, VI, 549-553.

[2]William Allis of Sunderland.

[3]Reverend Ebenezer Devotion (Harvard 1707), third minister of Suffield, Mass. (now Connecticut).  Sibley, V, 329-331.

[4]John Austin of Hartford, a merchant of that town.

[5]Jonathan Law (Harvard 1695), Governor of Connecticut.  Sibley, IV, 237-242.

[6]Joseph Wadsworth of Windsor, Conn.

1738 September 12 (Tuesday).  Mr. Austin persuaded me to go up on the State House to take a View of the Town, the River, etc.  We visited Mr. Secretary Willis.[1]  There was Mr. Woodbridge[2] of Symsbury and Mr. Case,[3] who were going to New Haven.  This therefore was our Company. Stopp’d at Beckleys[4] — at Aspinwalls[5] in Kensington.  N.B. In Wallingford or North Haven, a vessel building some Miles from the Water.  N.B. Corn field 5 miles Long.  N.B. A Late sorrowful occurrence by Thunder; the steeple shiver’d and a man thrown down from it and kill’d.  N.B. 4 Persons buryed in the highway for suicide.  N.B. Pleasant Fields appear’d at an agreeable Distance on the North East side of the Mountain.  We stopp’d again at Hammerstones[6] in North Haven.  There Mr. Wheelock[7] who had been Some time with us on the Road left us.  N.B. College illuminated, seen Two Miles off.  Call’d first at old Madame Pierponts[8] where was Mr. Russells wife,[9] of Middleton, Mr. Pierponts sister.  Found Dear Mrs. Pierpont Well and our meeting was with reciprocal Joy.  Mr. Pierpont[10] was Still at Boston.

[1]George Wyllys (Yale 1729), Secretary of the Colony of Connecticut.  Dexter, 399-400.

[2]Reverend Timothy Woodbridge (Yale 1706), minister of Simsbury, Conn., 1710-1742.  Dexter, pp. 57-58.

[3]Benajah Case (Yale 1733), later minister of New Fairfield, Conn., 1742-1753.  Dexter, pp. 475-476.

[4]Lieutenant Joseph Beckley of Wethersfield, Conn., was the proprietor of an important tavern on the road between Hartford and New Haven.

[5]Eleazer Aspinwall of Farmington (Kensington Parish).

[6]John Hamaston, Jr. (1685-1767).

[7]Reverend Eleazer Wheelock (Yale 1733), minister of the third church of Lebanon (Columbia), Conn., 1735-1770; later the founder and first president of Dartmouth College.

[8]Mary (Hooker) Pierpont, the widow of the Reverend James Pierpont (d. 1714), survived until Nov. I, 1738.  She was the granddaughter of the Reverend Thomas Hooker, the first minister of Hartford, Conn.  Her daughter, Sarah, married Jonathan Edwards, D.D., the president of Princeton College.

[9]Mary Pierpont was the wife of the Reverend William Russell (Yale 1709), minister of Middletown, Conn., 1715-1761.  Dexter,90-91.

[10]James Pierpont, Jr. (Yale 1718), son of the Reverend James Pierpont of New Haven.  Dexter, 189-190.

1738 September 13 (Wednesday).  Being the Day of their Commencement I attended at College and at the Meeting House.  Mr. Gay[1] of Hingham, Mr. Storer[2] of Waterton, Mr. Pemberton[3] of New York, Mr. Smith[4] of Weymouth, and Mr. John Hunt[5] preacher, were there.  N.B. Mr. Dickerson[6] of Elizabeth Town — divers Clergymen of the Church of England, especially Mr. Johnson[7] and Wetmore.[8]  N.B. Mr. Elmer[9] of Cohanzy.  N.B. Mr. John Barrett and Mr. Benjamin Gerrish, Merchants of Boston, there.  I din’d in the Hall.  The Exercises and Entertainments handsome and agreeable, and especially the Valedictory Oration.  The Company was not very numerous.  The Custom of giving Diploma at the time of giving the Degree is most fit and proper in my Eye and what I could wish our College would come into.

[1]Reverend Ebenezer Gay (Harvard 1714), minister of Hingham, Mass., 1717-1787.  Sibley, VI, 59-66.

[2]Reverend Seth Storer (Harvard 1720), minister of Watertown, Mass., 1724-1774.  Sibley, VI, 412-414.

[3]Reverend Ebenezer Pemberton (Harvard 1721), minister of the Presbyterian Church, New York City, 1727-1753.  Sibley, VI, 535-546.

[4]Reverend William Smith (Harvard 1725), minister of the First Congregational Church of Weymouth, Mass., 1734-1783.  Reverend Smith’s daughter, Abigail, became the wife of President John Adams.  Sibley, VII, 588-591.

[5](Harvard 1734), of Watertown, Mass.  He preached at Dedham and at Bellington, but in 1740 became a merchant at Watertown.  Sibley, IX, 414-418.

[6]Reverend Jonathan Dickinson (Yale 1706), minister of Elizabethtown (Union), New Jersey,1709-1747, and later President of Princeton College.  Dexter, 45-52.

[7]Reverend Samuel Johnson (Yale 1714), minister of Christ Church, Episcopal, Stratford, Conn.,1723-1754 and 1764-1772.  He was the first President of King’s (now Columbia) College, 1754-1763.  Dexter, 123-128.

[8]Reverend James Wetmore (Yale 1714), minister of Christ Church, Rye, New York, 1726-1760.  Dexter, pp. 133-138.

[9]Daniel Elmer (Yale 1713).  Formerly of Westborough, Mass., and at this time minister of the church of Christ of Cohansey, Fairfield, New Jersey, 1727-1755.  Dexter, pp. 110-111.

1738 September 14 (Thursday).  Went up to College a.m.  In returning I carry’d down with me to Mrs. Pierponts, to Dinner Mr. Bliss, Mr. Case and Mr. Hunt.  P.M. Mr. Elmer and Mr. Pemberton came to us.  N.B. Sarah Cunnabel, Mrs. Pierponts Maid in a Fit.

1738 September 15 (Friday).  We (Scil. Mrs. Pierpont, my wife and I) din’d at Mr. Noyes’s.[1]  N.B. Mr. Edwards[2] of North Hampton with us.  P.M. Mr. Noyes, Mr. Edwards and I visited Mr. Isaac Dickerman,[3] a middle Batchelour, who was in a Languishment.  Visited Mr. Daniel Edwards[4] — the Rector — and went into the Library — still with Mr. Jonathan Edwards.  Mr. Woodbridge accompany’d us home to Mrs. Pierpoints.  I was much indispos’d although I kept about, and was in Variety of Company, but especially I was very uncomfortable in the Evening and through the Night.

[1]Reverend Joseph Noyes (Yale 1709), minister at New Haven, 1715-1761.  Dexter pp. 85-89.

[2]Reverend Jonathan Edwards (Yale 1720), the great divine of Northampton, Mass., and later President of Princeton College.

[3](Yale 1736).  Dexter, p. 558.

[4](Yale 1720).  Dexter, pp. 216-217.

1738 September 16 (Saturday).  Mr. Edwards of North Hampton came to see me and walk with me to College, which I attempted although I was not well.  Mr. Woodbridge[1] conducted us into the Library and I Spent Several Hours diligently in viewing the Books.  A most Curious and Costly Collection.  Din’d at Old Madame Pierponts.  P.M. I return’d to the Library again.  At Mr. Noyes’s.  I was very feeble, and my stomach deprav’d.  Return’d to my Lodging before Night.  N.B. Sarah Cunnabel another Fit.

[1]Probably Timothy Woodbridge, Jr., tutor at Yale College.

1738 September 17 (Sunday).  Too much indispos’d still for my public Service, yet was oblig’d to try.  Mr. Hunt preach’d a.m. on Tit. 3.2.  I din’d at Mr. Noyes’s.  N.B. I left my Bible at Home when I went to meeting p.m.  I hastily fetch’d it.  Mr. Noyes pray’d.  I preach’d on Job 19.25. Supp’d at Mr. Noyes’s.  N.B. Old Mr. Warham Mather,[1] the Rector and Mr. Daniel Edwards there after Supper.  Walk’d to Mr. Prouts[2] where we were very kindly receiv’d.  From thence we retir’d home.  Several very Cool Nights.

[1](Harvard 1685), sometime preacher and teacher, and Judge of the Probate Court at New Haven, 1716-1727.  Sibley, III, 319-320.

[2]John Prout (Yale 1708), a merchant of New Haven and Treasurer of Yale College.  Dexter, pp. 76-77.

1738 September 18 (Monday).  Mr. Prout, his Lady and Daughter, Mr. Hunt and Sister, and Mr. Pomroy, all came in to see us at going off.  Mr. Hezekiah Pierpont[1] came and waited upon Mrs. Pierpont Some Miles with us.  I rode up to College and to the Rectors for Mr. Woodbridge who had appointed to go with us, but he did not go.  Mr. Daniel Edwards and Mr. Belden of Norwalk were our Company.  Sorrowful Leave-taking of our Friends.  Mr. Pierpont and Madame his Sister rode as far as Hamesdens and there parted.  We set out from thence at almost noon.  We din’t at Halls[2] in Merrydan, a Corner of Farmington (as I remember) at 3/4 after one.  Set out again just an Hour after.  Stopp’d at Beckleys.  Mr. Thomas Goodwin,[3] late of Boston, now of Weathersfield, in Company.  We halted at Mr. Goodwins at Weathersfield, and then though weary’d and tir’d we stood it out to Mr. Secretary Wyllys’s in Hartford, and there were friendly receiv’d and lodg’d that Night.  N.B. The Ancient Pedigree of Wyllys.

[1]The youngest son of the Reverend James Pierpont of New Haven.

[2]Reverend Theophilus Hall (Yale 1727), first minister of Meriden, Conn., 1728-1767.  Dexter, pp. 352-353.

[3](Harvard 1725).  Sibley, VII, 517-S18.

1738 September 19 (Tuesday).  In great Doubt in the Morning about prosecuting our Journey being it was so lowery — but Mr. Edwards being waiting, we mounted from Mr. Austins in order to go to Windham; but the rain prevail’d so much that we bid farewell to Mr. Edwards, who being Clerk of the Court was oblig’d to go, and we return’d to Mr. Austins  and spent the Day.  P.M. Mr. Ellery’s[1] Musick.  At Eve Mr. Ellery and I visited Mr. Whitman and Mr. Wyllys.  We Lodg’d at Mr. Austins.

[1]John Ellery (Harvard 1732), originally of Boston, was a prominent merchant of Hartford.  Sibley, IX, 148-150

1738 September 20 (Wednesday).  In the Morning Mr. Ellerys little sons was Scall’d with hot Chocolat, which as it put every one into great affliction it much retarded us and prevent’d our journeying Early.  Mr. Wyllys and Mr. Ellery were so good as to ride with us.  N.B. One of our Horses blunder’d overboard of the Ferry Boat, wet the Sidesaddle etc., but we receiv’d not much more Damage than the Hindrance to our Journey thereby.  N.B. Our Great Suspence whether we Should ride Springfield Road again or to Windham.  One Mr. Stebbins was going to Springfield.  Many Arguments were us’d against Bolton and Ashford Road, but most of all my Wife’s Circumstances prevail’d to go Springfield way.  Mr. Willys and Mr. Ellery accompany’d us as far as Grants[1] Tavern, where we din’d, oated etc. and all at their Expence.  At almost 3 p.m. we took leave of those Gentlemen, mounted from Grants.  Call’d at Mr. Reynolds’s[2] in Enfield.  Continued on to Long Meadow where we overtook Dr. Pyncheon.  Arriv’d at Mr. Brecks a little before Day Light down, nor were we so overtir’d as at some other Times.

[1]Ebenezer Grant (Yale 1726), a leading merchant and inn-keeper in the East parish of Windsor (now East Windsor).  Dexter, p. 328.

[2]Reverend Peter Reynolds (Harvard 1720), minister of Enfield, Conn., 1724-1768.  Sibley, VI, 396-399.

1738 September 21 (Thursday).  Mr. Breck rode with us Two or Three miles.  Stopp’d a little at Lambs but din’d at Scotts.  Lost our way before we got to Ashleys and wander’d some but found our Road so seasonably as to get to Mr. Cheneys in the first of the Evening.  Were cheerfully received and handsomely lodg’d.

1738 September 22 (Friday).  We set out early from Brookfield.  Saw nothing of Mr. Bliss at Richardsons as was appointed though we tarried some while there.  Din’d at Mr. Goddards’s[1] at Leicester (whose wife had lately been deliver’d of a son).  He set out with us for Worcester.  Met Mr. Abijah Bruce of Westborough on the Road.  Call’d at Mr. Burrs[2] and at Mr. Cushings.  Got home in Safety and found all Things well and in Prosperity.  Moss[3] went off the Monday morning after we departed.  Blessed be the Lord who hath smil’d on our going out and returning Home, who hath been our Shade upon our Right Hand and preserved us and ours from all Evil.  To His Name be Glory from henceforth and forever!

[1]Reverend David Goddard (Harvard 1731), second minister of Leicester, Mass., 1716- I754. Sibley, IX, 40-43.

[2]Reverend Isaac Burr of Worcester.

[3]Abraham Moss, Parkman’s hired man.

1738 September 23 (Saturday).  I had agreed with Mr. Brown[1] of Lexington to preach last Sabbath but he came not by which means our people were without preaching Two Sabbaths.

[1]Josiah Brown (Harvard 1735), sometime preacher and schoolmaster of Lancaster and Sterling, Mass.  Sibley, IX, 476-478.

1738 September 24 (Sunday).  Repeated Sermon on Matt. 26.41.  Rainy.

1738 September 25 (Monday).  Rainy.  Town Meeting upon my Support and to See what is best to be done about a Meeting House.  I put in a Memorial to the Town and they made my sallery and support 200£.  The other Affair was adjourn’d for a Fortnight.

1738 September 26 (Tuesday).  Abraham Moss came here, acknowledg’d his unfit Conduct and Language in his Passionate Heat on the 4th Instant.  P.M. I rode out to Several near neighbours.  Mrs. Byles,[1] etc.  Raw Cold.  Perplex’d concerning a well, my Pump and Well being altogether dry.

[1]Mrs. Joseph Byles.

1738 September 27 (Wednesday).  Rainy again, and continued all Day very Wett.  Arbitrators of the Affair between old Mr. Maynard[1] and Brother Hicks met today.  Scil. Colonel Wards[2] of Southborough, Captain Williams[3] of Marlborough, and Captain Eager[4] of Westborough.

[1]David Maynard.

[2]William Ward, justice of the peace and holder of several town offices,

[3]Abraham Williams, Parkman’s brother-in-law.

[4]James Eager.

1738 September 28 (Thursday).  Rainy Still.  Old Mr. Maynard came and requested me to go over to his son in laws, Nathaniel Oakes[1] to see their Young Child.  P.M. It held up.  I went over with him.  The Child was thought to be in great Danger of Death.  They requested that I would baptize it.  They sent about to the Neighbours to come in.  There came upward of 20 persons, and I baptiz’d it by the name of Ebenezer.  After that Exercise I rode up to Lieutenant Holloways,[2] visited Silas and Timothy Fay, and call’d at Captain Eagers at Evening.

[1]Nathaniel Oak married Keziah Maynard, June 7, 1736.

[2]William Holloway of Westborough.

1738 September 29 (Friday).  Silas and Timothy Fay came and began a New Well for me.

1738 September 30 (Saturday).  Stormy Day again.