Sketch of an anniversary festival of the Mitchell family ... : with an historical notice of the life and character of Dea. Eleazar Mitchell

Go

929.2

M69218

1950161

M.L.

REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 01417 1398

8 K E T 0 II

y OF AN ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL

OF TUB

J , MI TO HELL FAMILY:

\ UKL.D AT

SOUTH BRITAIN, NKW HAVEN €07TtT
I

October 5th, 1S3S,

AN mSTOKICAL~KOTICE

OF THK LIFE AKD CUAIUCTKR OF

J3EA. ELEAZAR MITCHELL.

|inblrsbcb foe $Jribnfc Wse bg Ijig gfscenbjinfg.

NKW YORK !

HENDERSON <fc STOOTIIOKF, HOOK AND JOB rilTNTEIUS,

No. 01 Dn/nm Nlnol.

929. 2

Mitqhall family *88: 300.9. 16

Sketch of nn nnnivers-Vry festival
of tho""\!itohall family. . . with -an hi3-
twioHl notice or l*iw life and ohwaofc'
of Dea.Sleazar Mitchell. H. Y. 1859.
Henderson, zzp

-52923 '5^

1950161

V

Mi

'

V

SKETCH.

THE 5th of October, 1853, being the hundredth nnuiver
wry of the marriage of D«a. Eleasar Mitchell, of South Brit-
tin, with Olive Hickook, of Southbury, their doswndanV
ninl those connected with them by marriage; held a festival
nt the family mansion in commemoration of that event.
At the time of the marriage the house was new, and in'
: ^ the midst of the jPootatook tribe of Indians, half a mile
from the Houaatonio river, and \ mile ar\wo from' any
dwelling of white peoplo. Although not at present inhabit-'
/ qd, it is in a tolerable state of preservation, and was fitted
up and furnished for this occasion, with artlcloj of old furni-
ture, and relics that have descended as hqlr-!ooms In the
family.

On entering, a beautiful design met the eye— an ever-
green representing the family treo, bo arranged that each
member of the family could at once bo traced to the branch
to w hieh it belonged. The walls, also, u ore decorated wjt)j
overgroena and floworsj encircling inottooi and toatluionlaja
ofrespeel to departed woilh. Tho relic's,4 many of them
thanksgiving and birthday presents from thirty to sixty

years ago, were tastefully arranged In the corner'cupboaid/
or LcuiiJU, with moss and flowers, and awakened many rem.
InUoncea of past scenes of festivity, in which tbeir grand-
father mingled, contributing to the yt\ of the occasion by

his gift* and hospitality,

'" ',l arm chair standing irihsrtcbiuti.iiicdcornrj'r.wltii1

Mli» Well-I einlieied wlher In ailed nine |.r»ldit ||, wart FO

strongly associated with its former occupauts, as to Beera
almost a part of themselves.

The window-curtains of embroidered linen, of home
manufacture, displayed the skill, taste, and industry, of our
grandmothers, a hundred years ago.

The family Bible and n copy of Flavel's sermons, bear-
ing date of 17C1, were known to be the chosen books read
and meditated on more than any other.

The wedding shoes, of blue brocaded satin, the same ma-
terial a3 the dress, were among -the curiosities exhibited;
also, a brocaded silk blanket used at the baptism of tbo
children, which could bo traced back to the your 1710. The.
children of three or four generations, not less than thirty in
number, had all been wrapt in it when the sacred rite was
performed.

Another article that claimed attention was a curiously
carved oak chest, that has never been removed from the
house, and had the dato 1700 carved on it, with the initials
M. N. It originally belonged to Mary Noble, of New Mil-
ford, the grandmother of Dea. Mitchell's second wife.

These, and many other relics contributed much to the
interest of the occasion, as affording somo idea of the cus-
toms, habits, dress, etc., of former times.

Tho company assembled at an early hour. At half-past
ten A. M , tho meeting was called to order by tho chair-.
man. After a prayer by Kev. Amos Lawrence, pastor of
tho South Britain Congregational Church, Mr. Cyrus Mitch-
ell, grandson and oldest male descendant living, gave an-
interesting historical sketch of Dea. Mitchell's life, intcr-
eporsed with anasdotes, illustrative of his character, which
was listened to with undivided attention. At tho close, an
affecting allusion was made to the arm chair, where tho
grand moth or iaI as sho nuried her children, and taught
them the first principles of obedience and faith ; by which ;
the gnindiafhnr always mIoo.1 ns lie led tho dorotlonn of the

itli sighs,

family; whore, in later yonr&>of his life, ho Rat much of his
time, reading his B'.ldo or Fhivel's Sermons, mid from whioh,
hie soul at lust ascended to Heaven. Pausing a moment, as
if for reflection, several of the great-grandchildren roso up
and sang, to the time of " Bonny Doon," the well known
song of

THE OLD ARM CHAIR.

I LOVE It, I loTff it, and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old arm chair?
I've treasured it long as «i holy prize,
I've be lowed it with tours, and embalm'd it ^
*Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart ;
Not a tie would break, not a link will start;
Would ye learn tho np»111 a father sat there,
And a sacred thing is that old arm chair.

I sat and watched him many a day,

When hia eye grew dim, and his locks were gray ;

And I almost worshipped him when he smiled,

And turned from bis Bible to bless his child.

Years rolled on— the last one Bped, —

My idol was shattered, my earth star fled;

I learned how much the heart can bear,

When I saw hlra die, in that old arm chair.

"Tis past, 'tis past, but I gaze on it now,
"With quivering lip and throbbing brow ;
"fwas there he dandled me — there he died, —
And rnom'ry ilows with lava tide.
Say it is folly and deem mo weak,
While tho scalding drops start down my cheek;
Bui I love it, I love it, and cannot teas
My soul from my father's old arm chair.

All present, old enough to appreciate the song end tho
cirouinstanceB to winch they were applied, fell that indeed
a sacred thing was that old arm-chair.

After the King, lome account was given of Doa. Mitch*
ell's immediate descendants, two of whom were present;
one in her ninety-seventh year, tho oilier in her eighty-fifth
year— their mental faculties and physical powers hut little
impaired. They could relate, much pertaining to the
CUitomu oftho paternal dwelling, nml by this itionni eon-
trihiited to th" unjoymenl ufUio festival,

8

An entertainment had been' prepared in keeping with
tho known hospitality of the original proprietor of the old
mansion, of whose feasts many of those present had often
partaken. As they gathered round the table, the ancient
custom was observed of standing while a blessing was in»
voked, and of seating the men on one bide of the table and
women on the other, according to their ages— placing the
oldest at the head— and at the close of the repast, rising
before thanks wero returned.

About Olio hundred guest*, were present— fifty-eight
were lineal descendants— from four di He rent States, Con-
necticut, New York, Ohio ami Iowa. Tho Six children of
Dea. Mitchell who lived to adult years, were till settled
within a few miles of the old homestead. Same of the third
and fourth generation had emigrated to tho West, and had
now returned to the place of their nativity, at this gathering
of their relatives, for an interchange of social greetings.
It was a pleasing sight to behold, on this bright and bcauti-
j-ul day — tlio groups of young people and children, on the hill
and in the orchard, calling up reminircencee of the past,
and examining curiosities and relics of olden time.

While thus engaged, there suddenly appeared in the
midst ol the company several of the younger females, so
completely disguised in the costumes of former times as
scarcely to be recognized. One in the veritable garments
other grandmother, the first mistress of the mansion, acted
tho part of hostess at tho table.

. Ah BOOH as practicable, after dinner, the company ru-as-
eombleil.in the front, (or outer room, as it used to be
termed,) and about the. open doors and wimluwH, 1o liit'en
to addresses, renin rks, wit, sentiment, etc

It'ev, Geo. Pj Prudd.'ii wiin flrnt called u'pull, and after
apologising for appearing ihqruaa a descendant of him whOM
memory tllP,V had met to Inline, being, an he Wild, one by

imputation only, as the relationship had come to him from,
the children rather Ihnn the parents, spoke at some length
of the change and improvements that had taken plaeo in the
century since that home was built and first inhabited, the
progress made in science and mechanical arts, steamboats,
railroads and telegraph-wires, and of the great achievement
of the age in this last j*ear of the century, the ocean telegraph.
" In our ancestor's time it took three weeks to communicate
with New-York ; what would he have said, if ho had been
told that some of his children would see daily communica-
tion.' What would he i have said if he had been told that
in their days the citizens of New-York would hear news
iVom London earlier in the day than it occurred in the lat-
ter eity / Undoubtedly he would have said « I farm it, (his
own abbreviation for 1 affirm,) I don't believe a wprd of it.''

" There were those present,*1 ho said, " who could look
over parts of a century] Bomo one-fourth, others, one-third,
one half, two-thirds, 6omo three-fourths j and in each sec-
tion of time we could see changes and improvements made,
could contrast the privileges; political social, and religous,
which we thin day enjoyed, with those that had gone before,
and which, lor the most part, had been secured to us by the
untiring perseverance, through hardship and toil, ofour fore-
fathers, How much it. becomes us," he continued, " to hon-
or and reverence their memory ; how much moro to glad-"'
den the hearts of those that remain with us, whoso sunset
ray long lingers on life's horizon, by our sympathetic atten-
tions, and endeavors to promote their happiness.

"The fathers should always he the glory of tho chil-
dren, whatever Improvements were made by each suc-
ceeding generation, and though they might not keep pace
with tho times, and might feel that the former customs wore
better ihnn the proi nt( might worn ohUiu.hloiicd, and
to have outlived Iholr iiwftilnei8«~lhc present generation

should remember that they, tOO, Would he old -I'mhlouod to

10

the next; and no want of modern refinement, no abatement
of physical energy, or loss of mental faculties, should ever
deprive age of that respect and sympathy, that deferenco
to their opinions due from the young "

On Mr. Prudden resuming his seat, Rev. Mr. Lawrenco
was called, lie remarked the waning sun, if nothing else?
would admonish him to bo brief, if he added anything to
what had already been said ; but it occurred to him to in-
quire if brother Prudden was there by imputation only, pray
how camo he there/ He could not tell, unless it was in
consideration of his having been instrumental lately, of in-
troducing one into the family, who, as ho looked over the
company, he saw was there also as a descendant by impu-
tation. If it was for that, that he had been invited, ho was
ready and should be most happy to strengthen his ties to
the family, by further offices of this nature. He should bo
very glad to add new members at any time, even then, if
any present wished it, and in that case they would be a
wedding party as well as that of a hundred years ago, which
they were now commemorating.

Mr. Prudden had spoken of what would have been the
impressions of our ancestor*, if they had been foretold of J
the improvements of the age. Let us bring it home. Sup-
pose the good Deacon could walk in now and see tills good-
ly company, and be told that they were his children, and
children's children. Would ho not exclaim in wonder and
amazement, " Where on nirlh did they all come from 7" In
retrospect, a century, or eo much of it as wo could look
back upon, seemed short ; but a great deal could be accom-
plished in that time by a single family, as we could see by f'
looking over the history of this one, who took up their abode j
hero alone, in the midst of a tribe of uncivilized men, and
established a home around which had clustered ho many
other homes, with bright hopes and happy prospects,

He hoped fie old house might be permitted to stand

11

another century. He thought very probable it might, i
caro wero taken and a lew repairs made.

]fo hoped, also, that other celebrations of this kind woul<
bo held hero by tho descendants of those present. Sue!
gatherings, he thought, should be more frequent. They wer<
but just testimonials to departed worth, and grateful recog
uitions of our Heavenly I ather's preserving care, and serve
also to cement in stronger bonds the ties of relationsbij
among those who were separated, in pursuit of their ow
personal interests.

No notes were taken of either Address at the time, r<
during it impossible to give any adcojiato idea of their im
port. They were spoutanoous, and pertinent to the occasion

^fr. Lawrence was followed by Win. H. Crane, fron
Ohio, who wished merely to express his gratitude that h<
was permitted to be present on this occasion, and vvouh
take that opportunity to tender his cordial thanks to th<
committee who had seut an imitation to his distant home
Ho considered it an honor to have descended from such ;
man as Deacon Mitchell, and was very glad to, havo ha<
this opportunity of learning more of his history and charac-
ter, He would not occupy much time, except to read ;
little poem ho held in his hand, which was written for thii

occasion by one of I lie descendants.

A IIUNDUKI') YEAKS AGO,

A hundred years npo

Thin dear old house wan now,
It* liaarthntoda'a cheofful glow

CtftVfl nil n \v c ■ 1 1 • c 1 1 1 m • Him ;

Iih i\iii]'l" roof a Hlicllcr K|irrad~

I in well llllpil Inrdpr llinunnndi M i

And in I'd wtt* ifiocil tli ' anr»<Minl Irow
Of iOltiHMMr'i faintly i

A ircc wlinxii IniuiilicM now run eliow
I'i iiIIh t ( n liundivil vi'iiih nuui

J 2

A hundred years ago
Our grandslre's bridal train,

As .Mitchell annals show,
Crossed rock, and hill, and plain —
Escorting hero, with pomp and pride,
His Olive tree — a new made bride.
The gallant horsemen, two abreast,
Brought each a lady gaily dress'd.
On pillion placed. Thus, to and fro
They rode, a hundred years ago.

A hundred years ago
Our grandslre's bridal feast

(A banquet sumptuous too,)
AY as spread for many a guest
Just hero, within this opened door,
And on this well-worn oaken lloor ;
Then these old walls with echoes rung,
To tunes the bridal party snug,
In gleeful mirth ; nor moved they slow
In dance, a hundred years ngo.

A hundred years ago,
When morrow morn had come,

And guests, both high and low,
Had left the new-made homo,
This family troe a sapling stood
Where dwelt the wild men of the wood,
Who came in bands, in eager basto
To share the remnants of the feast ;
For "altho1 last they were not least."
But stood erect, in stately row, <

As guests, a hundred years ago'.

As years are numbered up
Tim iron Is found a gem —

And branches full of sap
Adorn the parent stem i
They grow and i proud, and till each nook
Around the hills of I'ootntook.
'J he red in in's wigwam disappeared,
And stately mansions now are reared
Where llousatonie's waters flow
The same, as hundred years ago.

A hundred years roll on

Along tho stream of time ;

The branches, pita by mm,
Are gathered lit ibulr puma ;
Not nil, for soma may mill bo seen ■
Hearing life's storms will: quiet mien |
Near li . verge Uh-v stand, culm, serene,
Ah stands the graceful ovprgraon,

'Jhr.ij tell I18«- What they well Colli I know
AlnioM n bundled vein? UgO,

13

A hundred ytars arc gone,
The- younger branches, nil

With scions grafted on,
Wake at the herald's c 11—
And proud that wo some kin can trace
To honored Eleazar'.s race,
Have hither eomo to celebrate
Ilia centennial marriage fete ;
And list to learn what others know,
Of scenes a hundred years ago.

A hundred years ago
To-day Is all our theme ;

Tho social springs o'erflow
As of tho past we dream,
And search through each recorded line,
And delvo in mem'ry's deepest mine,
For laurels froth, to grace tho brow
Of hoary locks, long static laid low,
"With glory crowned, a^ meet to do,
Tor deeds A hundred years ago.

A hundred years to come I
None can divine the thought

Of change that will have been —
What wonders will bo wrought ;
This dear old house may crumble down
From roof-tree to "foundation-stone;"
Tho Mitchell name may be unknown,
Except on record it Is shown;
Not e'en a vestige may remain
Of Pootatook, save hill and plain j
And Housatonlo's stately stream,
Whose waters roll now Bwift, now slow,
Tho samo as centuries ago.

A hundred years to come !
A vista yet unseen j

Of branches there'll be none-
All gathered dry or green j
Stilt, germs perchance, of this same tree,
May traco their honored ancestry
'Along ancient books of heraldry,
And find their coat of arms to bo
The lovely Olive-branch of peace,
And Bloazar head and priest,
Who planted here, for weal or woo,
His tree a hundred years ago.

Other short but appropriate remarka woro made, Bonio
}>loftnintf imrcdoii'N n i.'iiul, wilh Hiilllcmif wit, and tmpromp*

tu rliynii'H.

As the last rays of the setting sun gleamed through the
casements of the old mansion, hallowed by so many sacred
memories, Mr. Lawrence, the pastor, seated in tho old arm
chair, read from the family Bible tho 00th Psalm. 'Prayer
was offered by Mr. Prudden. At the close, the Lord's Prayer
waB repeated in concert. The following hymn was thon
sung to_tho tune of "St. Thomas :" —

HYMN.

Our fathers ! whore are they,

"With all they called their own?

Their joys and griefs, and hopes and cares,

Their wealth and honor gone.

There, where the fathers lie,
Must all tho children dwell;
Nor other heritage possess
Than 6iich a gloomy cell.

God of our fathers! hear,
Thou everlasting friend I
While we, on life's utmost verge,
Our souls to Thee commend.

Of all tho pious dead,

May WO their footsteps trace,

'Tiil with them, in the land of light.

"Wo dwell before- Thy face.

The Chairman, trusting that the house would bo permit-
ted to stand that time, then adjourned tho meeting to one
hundred years from that day.

Before tho company separated, they again repaired to
the refreshment room, whero u table was spread with cakes,
fruits, confectionery, etc., in tanto and stylo befitting a
modern wedding.

At tho table, a vote was taken that a copy of Mr. 0,
Mitchell's historical sketch should bo solicited for publica-
tion ; also, that a Committed be appointed to prepare n,
sketch of this meeting, to Im- published with Hie history.

15

Reluctantly tho company then began to disperse, re-
minded that earth's purest pleasures are but transitory, and
breathing many an earnest prayer for a re-union, where tho
day ne'er declines, where the Sun of Righteousness never JiiJes
Ilia beams.

Tho Committee, on consulting Mr. C. Mitchell, found
him unwilling to submit hia sketch lor publication 5 they
have therefore drawn up the following short account as a
substitute : —

Dea. Eleazar Mitchell, the subject of this memorial,
was the son of Jonathan and Hannah .Tenners Mitchell,
who resided in tho Transylvania district of Southbury. Ho
w:is born Nov, 87th, l?;:o, and was the youngest of thir-
toon children, Ilia mother dying when he was but nine
days old, commended him to the care of her neighbors, Mr.
and Mrs. Bronson, remarking tnat she could die in peace if
they would take her baby. They accepted the trust, and hav-
ingbut one child, i daughter, who soon after married, they
adopted him as a son, alter the death of his own fath< r, which .
took place when he was about twelve years old.

But little is known of his foster parents, though they
seem to have been good, kind peoplo, and lie over spoke of
them with ivv.-ivnre ami affection, calling them father and
mother, and their grand-daughters, sisters. They trained
him to habits of industry, economy, honesty, and self-reli-
ance, but without much aid from books or schools— -three *
days being tho extent of the time of his school-days. He grow
up, therefore, without learning, and his mental culture,
whatever it was, was entirely his own; yot, in his d«y,
among hii .cmnpoeri ho ivbi not considered on unedu.
Oft ted man.

From his own mother ho inhoritod an ardent liupulalvo
temperament, and quick angaeity, which, under thu training
of his fostor-motherj n nltod in a diameter of much foro*
cast and discriminating Judglm-nt, United to energy xeldom

1(3

t

surpassed He was noted fur strict integrity ami trust-
worthiness, generosity to the poor and liberality to all.-'
His love of truth was remarkable ; never violating; his
word. If he made a child a promise, however slight, that
he could not at the moment perform, he was sure toremem.
bei it afterwards. Many u penny promised to his grand-
children, for some slight service rendered, or as a token of
his approbation, was paid long after, but was never forgot-
ten. In his own childhood ho was encouraged to carry to his
mother all his pennies for safe keeping. When ho was
twenty-one, (the age she judged amancnpable of taking care '
of his money), she handed him more than three pounds (Eng-
lish currency) the result of his penny saving. This, in our
day, would seem like parsimony, or a disposition to hoard,
but the reverse was his character. Jlis gifts wero abund-
ant, Ins hospitality unlimited. For the poor, he not only
supplied their immediate wants, but endeavored to put them
in a way to help themselves.

In disposing of the surplus produce of his farm, lie al-
ways had an eve to the necessities of those about him, as
well as to his own interests. Having at one time some grain
to sell, when it was particularly scarce, and being offered a
good price for it in money, ho replied : — " No, there are many
all about me who have no money, and can't get grain unless
Met them have it for work; I will sell to them." Good
wages and prompt pay, was a maxim with him with re. '
gard to his work-people. His advice to his sous, on leaving
their paternal roof, was always io hiro their help so that
they (the help) could live hy their labor, Ifo wn* quick
III deciding what lie would or would not do, and was prompt
in executing. The things of importance ho used to eay "he
must sloop upon," or, in other words, take time to consider.
His customary expression of "I farm It " (abbreviation
of I affirm), I will, or T won't do ho and no, was always nc«
oompnnlcd with, "tin- mlndl'm In." Thidqualifylugolaugfl

17

shows ho felt his liability to orr, mid if he found himself in
error, ho was ever ready to retract it.

Ji' his children provoked him to anger he would say, " I
Khali punish you, but not now, for I am angry, but I shall
surely punish you— the mind I am in ;" and they know well
they would not escape unless justice was on their side.

Ho was small in stature, light complexion, with a quick,
nervous manner. In early lifo ho lost one of his eyes by
some accident ; he was twice struck by lightning, just es-
caping death ; once came very near being drowned, and in
consequence of taking cold when recovering from <ho small-
pox, was made permanently lame, so as ever afterwards to
bu obliged hvwalk with a cane; This however, did not seem
in the least to abate his activity, even down to old age. It
is stated of him, that once in a harvest held he was ambi-
tious to do as much as his best workman, The held was a
long, sandy plain, on the banks of the Housntonic. They
commenced at one end, returning at each bout, instead of
cradling back. Though bowed with ago and inlirmity, ho
could keep up cradling, but not in walking, In order not to
be behind, he fastened his horse Snip so as to follow in his
tracks, and when ho had finished his bout, ho would mount
him with his cradle on his shoulder, and ride at full gallop,
and be at work forty or fifty rods ahead.

It is not known that he ever inherited property from his *
own or his foster-parents; probably not much, if* any ; yet
at twenty-five years of age, he is in possession of a farm on
which he has built a good commodious house, furnished
with whatever was necessary for respectability and comfort,
in those days of primitive simplicity.

His farm was situated in the midst of the Pootatook
tribe of Indians, near the Housatonie rivor, and ho added
to it from time to time, until almost al! the surrounding hills
and valleys were in his possession.

18

Although the Indians wore tho principal inhabitants of
that part of tho town, their village still standing, and wig-
wams all about the surrounding forests, and more than
a hundred of their sachems and chief meu residing thorc
for fifty years after tho first settling of tho town, * their
land sec ins to have been previously conveyed away, as
shown by title-deeds on record; none of the deeds of con-
veyance were directly from the Indians or their agent to
Dea. Mitchell.

His first wife and mother of his children, was Olive, ol-
dest daughter of Dea. Benjamin lliekock, Jr., of Southbury.
Sho was twenty-two years old at the time of their marriage,
and lived with liim twenty-eight years, dying suddenly at tho
age of fifty, leaving six children, the youngest twelve years
old. They were married in the morning at her father's, and
attended by numerous guests on horseback, took possession
of their new homo the same day.

It was then universally the custom for ladies to rido bo-
hind tho saddle on a pillion, sometimes performing quite
long journeys in that way. On this occasion thero was a
long train of horses, two abreast, a gentleman and lady on
each, reaching nearly half a mile. They took a circuitous
route, fording tho Pomperaug river three times. On arriv-
ing at tho house, where everything was in readiness, they
passed tho afternoon and evening in joyous hilarity, feasting
ami dancing.

The day after tho wedding, when their white guests had
departed, tho Indians and squaws of tho neighborhood came
to pay their respects to tho "new woman." They were cor-
dially received and welcomed as guests, and treated with rum,
their favorite beverage, thus establishing amicable rclutlouH
Which Ittfttod iih long as there remained one of tho trlbo.

Nnti Cotlircn'fl Idetory of Woodbury,

10

Those were uot temperance days, and no entertainment was
considered complete without ardent spirits.

The story of his second courtship, is thus told. When
he had been a widower a few months, ho one day rode up
in front of a house where resided Abigal, widow of Dea.
David Hickock, with whom he had some acqunintance, and
enquired for her, On her coining to flu? door, lie asked her
if she would receive a visit from him on a certain evening,
which he named. .She replied yes, and ho rode away,' In
about a month after they were married. In temperament
she was much like himBolfj was a faithful, good wife, and a
, kind mother to his children. She had one child, a daughter,
Whom he j received as one of his own, and this daughter's
children regard him as their ancestor. She outlived him
thirteen years, residing after his death with her daughter
Widow Zephania Smith, of Glastonbury, and died at the ad-
vanced age of ninety-two.

It has been asserted by some, that Dea. Mitchell was
a Tory in politics during the revolutionary struggles of our
country. This however, seems to be disproven by facts on
record. In J 857 the year before his marriage, wo find his name
among the list of volunteers who marched to the relief of
Fort William Henry, and he was absent on that expedition
about three weeks. And in tho list of names of thoso that
marched from Woodbury and adjoining towns to New York,
by order of General Washington, we find that of Captain
Eloazar Mitchell. How long ho was absent at that time Is
not known, but it is certain that lie was captain of ft military
company at that period ; and three times, while ho held com-
maud, ho gave a dinner to his company at his own house.
It is also known that ho furnished provision to tho Ameri-
cans, and refused it to tho llrltlsh.

He was told on one occasion, very privately, that ho

might oxpoet company on a certain night named, re for ring

to tho custom of tho Tories receiving tliolr Hrltish friend*

lJO

at night, in order to supply them with provisions, llo un*
dcrstond their meaning, and replied emphatically that ho
would shoot tho first man that oamo on such an errand, They
never came,

Before he received his discharge from tho armyj on ;i
company being drafted, two men were sent for him. They
found him at work on the east sjdo of tho Houeatoiiiu river.
He refused to go, oil the plea that ho was unfit for active
service, and that his family was sick at home. They insist-
ed, and would take him by force, llo told them that if they
could got him across the river, ho would go with them. This
they attempted, placing him <m a horse to ford tho river.
Ho fell off several times, and swain ashore. At last they
fastened him bet weon them,1 the three on tho same horse,
and succeeded in reaching the opposite shore, when he told
them they had conquered, and that he would go with them,
but that ho must first go home and change his clothes, and
make some provision for his family in his absence.

Ho did so, and was soon on his way to join the army,
but on arriving at Danbury he obtained a certificate of dis-
ability from tho physician and Burgeon of that place, which,
with one ho had previously obtained of Doctor Perry, of
Woodbury, testified to his unfitness for service, and ho was
discharged and returned home.

Although Doa. Mitchell was a man diligent in business,'
and over on the alert to accumulate property, adding con-
stantly to his estate, he iflOlill to have been equally " fervent
in spirit, serving tho Lord."

It is not known when he first made a profession of reli-
gion. II is own, und hia wifo's name, are on the list of names
that composed the first Congregational Church of South
Britain, Tim names of the four uldoit children uro found
on the record of I ho Houthbury Chun! . they having been
baptized llioretand it lu well known Lhfcj, the family attend-

ed church regularly iu Southhury, previous to the &outn
Britain Church being organized

The second child, Mrs. Eunice Flinraan, now living at
the advanced age of ninety-seven, remembers well often
riding to Southbury to meeting in her mother's hip on apil-
. lion, with her father and oldest brother in tho saddle ; all
on one horse. Tho distance was four miles. This proves
that in early life, as well as in later years, of which all who
remember him can testify, that lie was a church-going man.

In his old age, when his hearing failed to sumo extent,
lie was accustomed to climb the pulpit stairs, that he might
more readily understand tho word preached. This was no
easy task a:; the pulpits were built in those days, for one
who was habitually lame and enfeebled by agei

He gave liberally of his substance to sustain the gospel,
and was ever active in promoting the welfare of the Church
of which he was a member. lie was elected Deacon in 176C,
and acted in that capacity as long as ho lived. Jt was his
custom to rise early, call all his family together, and have
family worship before any labor for the day was performed.
' Their Sabbath was commenced at Rundown Saturday
evening, when every occupation of a worldly liaturo was
laid aside, and the Sabbath books brought out, that by read-
ing and meditation their minds might bo better prepared
for the public worship of God in tho great congregation.
The closing hours of tho Sabbath were devoted to teach-
ing the children the Catechism and other religious instruc-
tion, as long as there were children iu tho family.

His lovo and acquaintance with the Blblo was more than
ordinary— much of his time, when the infirmities of age had
unfitted him for active life, was spent in reading its hu-
cred paged, and Ifluvel'fl sermons. It was not easy to mis-
quote Scripture In his proseooo; or omit any part of it
when reading tO him, without being corrected,

A low months before his death, his granddaughters by
2"

22

marriage, canie to pay him a visit J'roni Glastenbury. The
morning of their departure for homo, he requested one of
them to road in the Bible. She read the seventy-second
Psalm, ami hesitating a moment before reading the last verse
ho remarked, you have not finished, and immediately repeat-
ed it. " Tho prayers of David the son of Jesso are ended,"
and in his prayer which followed, made such allusion to it
as to show that he felt his own days to be numbered — his
prayers almost ended.

His Last sickness was Bhort, apparently nothing more than
a hard cold. Ho did not think it necessary that anything
should bo done for him — felt that he could wait on himself
The night before his death, one of his sons and daughters,
in-law, went to see him, and believing him to be sicker than
he supposed, insisted on remaining with him through the
night. He was unwilling, especially that his son's wife
Should remain up for., him, .but finally consented, saying sh-o
should have his new little book to read. This was tho me-
moir of Henry Obookiah, then recently published.

But though death came to him suddenly, in an hour that
he looked not for it, we have no reason to suppose that lie
was an unwelcome mpssengejr, or found him unprepared for
his summons. Ho remarked during the night that tho Lord
.Jesus Christ was his friend — thai; he put all his trust in him
for salvation Ho went frequently from his bed to tho fire,
during tho night to warm his feet, as ho said, and when his
attendants wished to place something hot to his feet in bed, he ,
said "No; 1 shan't indulge myself as much as that." Just as the
faint glimmering of morning light was visible, on the 3d of
February, 1819, he got up from his bed, walked to tho fire,
sat down In his chair and died, aged eighty-six years two
months and seven days,1

This sketch has lieen prepared for the benefit of his do-
•oblldnili'N, that they limy rovoin Ida memory, and imitate his
vlrtlli*!, and that the yOlingOlfc generality of his do>ice|id-
mitn may hnowNoinothiiig of their nnee'dor,

2a

P O E M

Sweet river of my native valo,
Cliff, grove, and mead adorning ;

The flowers along thy hanks exhale
Their fragrance to the morning,

Within thy sunny dells grow wild,

Blue hyacinths and roses ;
finch as expand in climates mild,

And Etna's base discloses.

Thy tributary stream, * that winds
Through hill and dale, dispenses

Those beauteous scone* of trees and vines
Enchanting to the senses,

Hazel and honeysuckle bowers,

Wild plums and wild choko-chorrics ;
With curious sorts of fruits and flowers,

And most delicious beiries.

And there in childhood's mirth and glee
Through forest dale and meadow;

Wo oft imagined we could See
Some fairy or Dryad's figure.

And hoard, when daylight nearly closed,

The gambols of the Fairy ;
Ami traced her reels, as wo supposed,

With steps as light and airy.

The beauties on thy bank* would charm

When in their sylvan glory,
When Hummer suns were m lid and warm,

Like an Arabian story.

No tree that climbs t ho mountain height
But at thy side has flourished ;

No shrub that blooms wltlt bloAsoms. bright,
But llilno own waters nourished,

On oaken bianchon o'er the wave,

tiling many a purple pluetor |
In vain our longing oyt n would crave

Their tempting glossy lustro,

runi|ieiBug.

24

LIST OF DESCENDANTS

OK

DEA. ELEAZAR MITCHELL,

B 0 R n N 0 v E M it i: n 2 7, 17 3 2.
CHILDREN. 7.

8IMK0N, born Sept. 5, 1?.*)!), died Juno 1), 1; 11 ; EUN'ICE, born Mny
2p, LTii-i ; WaUUKN bora Jan. 1"), 177(i, died Jan. J), I H-|*_* ; ANNA, born
.April 3D, 1708, illo«l Nov. 13, 1807 ; HENJaMIN, burn Juno 30, 1770,
died August 13, 1771 ; OLIVE, bom April 1), l?74.j Uknjamin, born
April 22, 1777, died Sept. 3, 1842.

SIMEON married tint, Hannah Johnson of South Hrltaln, April
16, ]7.-:i ; she whs born Fob. 10, 1707, died Jan. 88, I700| married j
Boeonil, Ansa sikono of Southhtiry, Doc. 25, 1701. Anna win bom
Oct. 17, 1703, died April 10, 1828, Ohlldreu 3.

POLLY, born Deo 7, 1783 ; OLtVK, born DOO 3, 17r'.*>, dlftd Sept. 21,
ltt.r)7 ; BETSEY, burn August 30, 17tv<, diod Juno 25, 1810.

EUNICE married. Wait HlNMAN of Sonthbury, J.in. 2!), 1784. He
>va« bpruAugaat 8, 1761, died April B, 1811; Ohlldreu2.

Josmi, born May 23, I78G, dlod June J, 1858 ;Oj.ivk fcJ.,boru Sept,
28, 1707, married Glover Laiud J'm. M, 183-1,

WAUREN married MuJ.v Kimiikhly, of Southbury, Nov. 10, 178*.
flho ivaa bom Fob. 10, 1771, died March 17, 1853. Children 1.

(Jvuum, bom July 11. 17U0| S.\LLY, born March I2,1703| Anna,
born May il, 1700, raarriod ANaofl Uuaulk* Oet. 0. Hi!), diod July
ii'J, 1821 ; Ni.scv, born March 2fl, 181 3,

AMOM married, flrBt, widow TIuthOokti*. dan gh tor of Doa, .ToaIa.1i '
Minor, of Woodbury, Ifob, 10,1705, Shu died Oct. 1, 1H01| nmrrind, »oo-
mid, Ruth JUU80.V. 1803, who Btill Hiirvlvoa. Ho wan klllod by full-
ing from a bridge, that crbH«op the l'omperaug, at ibo Juuctio'n wlih
the HouHfttoDio, Children 3,

i:i i azoh Hrvi.i'M, born Juno 10. I i>"-K dieil Ifob, ", 1800 t If auuilt,

bora AtlffUMt in, 1800, dlod SOOt, 21, IH0I j IlKTMKY JlAHItlKT, burn
Auk. 5, 1807, illoil Nov. II, 1820,

OLIVE married 8 ETH N, "\VHEELER, of Soulhbury, Fob. 19, 17W.
Ho was born Jan. S8, 1772, dljd Dec. 31, JH 1 L. Childrou 4.

BF.T.SkY. born Oct. 22, 1798, married Pk ri.it E. OAKLKY, died April
13, 1831 ; Eunice M, born May 15, 1803. dlod Jan, 14 1838 j Sarah

Maria, born May H, 1807. died Feb. 2?. lblS : ANN, born Aug. 1812

died Jan. 1, 1827,

BENJAMIN roarrlod Hannah PrEiica of South Britain, March l,
1801. Sho was born Oct. 24, 1780, died lice. 31, 1847. Children 8.

ERASTUS, born Ropt, 11, I8C2; ELKAZOR, born Oct 6, 1804 ; Amos
P. born Aii^ 5, 1807 ; 1'ni-nr ANN, born Juno 28, 1800, died Fob, 12,
1938 ; <>u\ , n, horn Sept. 5, L813 | LAURA, bom April IB, 1817, died
June 11, 1834 j JULUA., born Juno I", 1829, dlod March ('-, 1850;
11BKNKT, bornMtiy 14, 1829, died Juue 3, 1829.

1950161

THIRD GENERATION.

POLLY MITCHELL, marriod Burton Oankikli>, of NewMillbrd,
April 1, 1802, Ho was born Feb. 22, 1778, died Jan. 10, 184a Chil-
dron 3,

HARRIET, born Dec. 27, 1802 ; MITCHELL M., born March 29, J80J ;
LEMUEL MUNSON, born April 19, 1820, died Sept 5, 1854.

OLIVE MITCHELL married Joel Crank, of Newark, N. J., June
20, 1804, lived in Soulhbury till May 1818, when they removed to Ver-
million, Erie Co. Ohio, lie was born Jan. 20, 1779, died Aug. 3, 1814.
Children .">.

SIMEON M., born March 24, 1805 ;• MART Anna, born Oct. 21, 1807 ;
William, born April 20, 1810, died Aug. 29, 1810,; WM. 11oi!aut,
born May 11, 1813 ; Chas. EDWARD, born June u0, 1815, died Oct. 2,
1827,

BETSEY MITCHELL married LEMUEL Canfikld; of Now Milford,

1WJ7. Ho was born March 20, 1787, died March 15, 1817. Children I.
Jerome Canfield, born March 26, mw.

JOSIAH HINMAN married first, Sally Basskt, May 1808, She
was born May 1, 1780, died April 17, 1850 ; married second, widow
Eliza CHURCH, April 24, 1850, Children 10.

Charles, born Fob. 14, 1809 j Va# Victor, born Sept. 0, ihiq,
died Oct, 7, 1839 i Flora, bom Doc. 16, 1814 1 John Henry, born
April 26, 1816] DELIA, horn April '2, 1818] UOBART, born July 38,
1820; Boss, born Attff. II, 1823, married Mary Thomas, Now
Haven i OEOROE, horn Sept. 14, 1824 | l'RK.-M'ON, horn April II, 1827;
MARY Ann, born May 17, 1832, , ,

OYltUS MITCHELL married Charloite Pierce Dec. 23,1812.
Reiddence, South Britain. Children f>.

ANN J., horn Doe. 20, \? I I , llKIMKY, horn S. pt. 23, 1HI7| MARY

0., bora Fob. 17,1 830 1 Hkuoh \\'., bom Hay 2', 1*2.".; cyri1* L,
born Sept. *, 1638,

■20

SALLY MITCHELL married Kiiknk/ku Johnson, of Southbury,
Oct. 'J-J, 1813. He was bora March 3, I7'J1. Residence, Southbury.
Children 'J.

HENRY JUSTUS, bom Nov. 8, 1814 ; ELIZA Ann, born March 29,
1619.

EUNICE M. WHEELER married MATTHEW E. Mitchell, ■ of
Washington, in 1823. Children 2.

Sarah Maria,. born April 11, 1824; "Betsey Ann, bom April 10,
1827,

ERASTUS MITCHELL married Judith A. Downs, Jan. G, 1829.
Residence, Sonth Britain. Children 2.

ANN Ei.iza, born March 13, 1830, died Oct. 12, 1848 ; Lauka A.,
born April 12, 1835,

BLEAZOR MITCHELL married Corniclia Mkkwtn, of Bridge-
water, Jan, 18, 1829. Reaidenco, South Britain. Children 7.

An infanUon died Nov. 32, I829j LAWRENCE, born Feb. 97,' 1833}
BbnjamiS BRUCE, born July 21. 1830, died May 11, 1843; David M.,
h.na Jan; 8, 1837, died March 34, 1838; MAKY.born J uly 6, 1839, died
Feb 2,1842; MARY, boru Sept. 3, 1844; BENJAMIN B., boru Dec. 5,
1840, drowned Sept. 4, 1854 ; DaVID Mkkwin, boru Oct. 1G, 1811.

AMOS P. MITCH ELL married first, Thalia PAINTKH, of Roxbury,
who died Aug. 14, 1849, ago 41. He married second, Mama TYLER,
of Middlebury, May 3l), 18 JO. Residence, South Britain. Children G.
• Josephine, bom April 23, 133!); William, born May 3D, 1841, died
Aug. 15,1841; IIesuy B., born Jan. 25, 1842; Gkokge, born March
12, 1846; William, born March 13, 1849; Julia Tylkk, bom'May 11,
1853.

OLIVER MITCHELL married Mahy GniKPUr, 0f Hampdftn, Feb.
22,1837. Residence, South Britain. Children 1.
Benjamin QRIFFIN, born Jan- 4, 1838.

JULIA A. MITCHELL married MERWIN WALLEit.of New Milford,
Oct. l.">, mi. Children 1.
Edwin Mitchell Waller,

FOURTH GENERATION,

HARRIET CAN FIELD married ASSON BRADLEY, Fob. 1, 1821
He wan born May 10, 1700, Kotfdoneu, South Itrllaln. Children ft.

LK.MUKi, 0„ horn Doc. l, 1820, dlod Oct. L0, Ib3i»i Buiuon 0„ born
Jan, !i, LetfJO, married: An.s'a, born Fob, 10, 1832 | BaRAH. born Dec.

(I, 1833; Ei. r/.A, bom Sept. til, 1839.

MITCHELL MONROE OANFIELD married Eli/a J. AVKRll.L,
Nov. 24, 1830. Sho was born Juno 38, lrtll. Residence Sonth Brit-
ftlu, Children 3,

Avi.iiiii, IJUUTOK, horn Nov. H\ im:ii ; llKKur MoNUOK, born
Aug. IB, 1841,

27

LEMUEL MUNSON CANFIELD married Kmki.inf. Nouthruf,
of Seymour, Ct., March 16, 184.1. Sho was born March— 1845, Rest.
donee, South Britain. Children 2.

Harriet Elizabeth, bom March 15, 1850; Sarah Elkan'oii,
born April 89, 1852.

SIMEON MITCHELL CRANE married first. Eliza A.Ingham,
Sept. 5, 1820. bhowaaborn Julv 17, 1612, died July 7. 1630, He
married second, Olive Rockwell, Sept. :t, 1636. She was born
Sept. 29, ihvjO. Rcsideuco, Florence, Erie Co., Ohio, Children 10,

CiiAitLPfl Edward, born Nov. 27, 1827, residence Green Bey;
Samuel Ingham, born Doc, 20, 1832; Gkorgk Mitchell, born,
July 1, 183J; Anna Louisa, born Feb. 6, la-it), married Henry
"W. Hyde, April 30. 1857; MARY Minerva, born July 3, 1812, died
Dec. 20, 1850 ; Joel ROCKWELL, born Dec 1, 1 H 15 ; Ol.lvr. A . LAURA
A. born Aug. 6, 1851 ; MARY ELIZA, bora Oct. 22, 1854 ; BURTON DK-
LOS, born April 7, 1858.

MARY ANNA CRANE married Dr. (J. G.BaKFk. Nov. 05, 1621.
1K< was born Doe. 19, 1798. Residence, Norwalk, Huron Co., Ohio.
Children 1.

Sarah Louisa, born Dec. 26, 1827, died Aug. 16*, 1849,

W1I. IIOBART CRANE married HARRIET CHAKDLt'n Oct. 27, 1841.
Sho was born July 17, 1819, Residence, Vermillion, Krio Co., Ohio,
Children 2.

HENRY Herbert, born June 5, 1843: ELI.ES Eliza, born Sent 1.
184G. , . . i .

JEROME OANFIELD married H LHHAH Smith of Hanover. N. II.
Residence, Brookklyn, N. Y. Children 6.

LEMUEL Smith, married Emily Johnson, June 1857; MITCHELL
Jerome, deceased; Cornelia C., j Edward Jerome, deceased1;
Chandler p. ; Emma Gertrude, deceased.

CHARLES HINMAN marriod Rachel Russki, Residence, Ox-
ford, Ct. Children 2.
MARTHA R, married Sponcer Bray ; Sarah.

FLORA IIINMAN, married llURR DlCKERMAN, Nov. 25, 1835.
Resldenco, Armenia, Now York. Children 0.

Harriet, born Doc. 2, i«30 ; Sarah, born May 5, 1839; Skth

born Jan. 1U. 1842, died March 25, 1845; MlLO, bom March 20, J844 ;
Skth, born Jan 2, 1847, died Dec. 2, 1849 , ALICE, born Oct. 3, 1852.

JOHNW. HINMAN mnrrled MARY ICKLSET, ot Mllford. Children 1.
Harry GARWOOD. Vj

i DELIA HINMAN mnrrled W.M. Wallace. Residence, Anamoiitt
JonusUo. Iowa. Children 2.
LOUISA ; Jsarella.

QISOnOK HINMAN married Luciuru Hewitt Roildouoo,
Now iluvou ct. Children u.

QHOtldl ; MAIir.

213

RRR3T0N IIINMAN married Harriet Needier. Residence, Now
Haven. Ct. Children 1.
Frank.

MARY ANN HINMAN married John Downs. Residence New
Haven, Ct. Children 1. '

MlNor.

MARY C. MIT CHELL married CURTIS B. Dowsj Oct 22 183'K
Residence South Britain. Children 2. '

Elizabeth A.j Catherine m.

NELSON WARREN MITCH F-LL married Edna E. Platt Fob
28, 18-19, Residence, South Britain. Children 2. ' '

Edward LsroY, born Sept. 29, 1851 ; Akha Charlotte, born Feb
:;, 185C.

HENRY J. JOHNSON married LUCIXDA Clark, Sept; 1839 Rosi.'
dcni-c, Southbuiy. Children 2,

Charles, born and died, Jan 5, 1841; Emily Mitchell; bom
April 28, 1842, died Sopt. 5, 1843.

r.UZA A. JOHNSON married Rev. Cko. 1\ I»RUDDBif, Oct. 4.
1839, Itotldouco, Watertown, Ot, OhUdjren 5,

EuWARD PAY30N, born June 8, 1841, died April 14, 1H43; Hus-
ky JOHXSOX, born March 10, 1843; Theodore, born March 14, 1847
Theophil Mitchell, born July 7, 1849; Uliak Eliza, born Dec. 3,
i 852,

SARAH MARIA MITCHELL married Dr. N. 0. Baldwin, Oct.
31, 1841. Residence, South Britain. Children 2.

Mary, born Dec. 1847; WlLBBR, deceased.

BETSEY ANN MITCHELL married first, David C. Hi.vman,
of New Haven. Bccond, Charles Cothubh, Ang., lt:A. Residence,
Ocean Port, New Jersey. Children -i.

EDWARD C. Hivuan, bom Dec. 4, 1848; three daughters, all

deceased.

LAWRENCE MITCHELL married ESTHER HOL»R0O«>Jan

24, lbj"). Residence, Newtown, Ct. Children 1.
Fka.nk JIoi.liitoOK, born Feu. 4, 1850,

FIFTH GENERATION

AVERILL D. CANF1ELD, married Auck fl. anuevixb, Sept.
P, 1K57. Alice was horn Sept, 0, 1835, Residence, South Britain,
Children 1,

OORNHLXi ELIZADMTH, horn Doe, 18, Itf.'iB,

SAMUELS! CRANK married Soniu CllAiiLOTTK BUCK, April ¥
2fi, 18f»4. lWWdence, Now York, Children U.

OflAKLMB HEROKBT, boin April 1, 1»-Mj ; QkOROE lilJAV'AHD, born

Sept. «J, 1858.

HANNAJI HTCKOCK, daughter of Doa. Mitchell's socond wlfa,
tn>*rj^l "R\'r7>»4'a/ a N i > SMITH, Umiduiico, (Hft»tt>ubiiry (Jl. Ulill-

vj '/i-niANU i l,i»(<ii/il1Vi<AUHii.r.A) doceasod |.TULM K.| AuioailII.
' *'A

7 70 072 2 20 6