NATIVE MINISTERS. BY FRANCIS II. LINCOLN. THE following biographical sketches are of those natives of Hingham who became ministers and were settled in other placcs. The list is as complete as our records have enabled the writer to make it, and it is hoped no important omissions ha%o been made. There are also sketches of a few who, though not born here, are sit fliciently identified with the town to entitle them to no- tice. Ministers who have been settled here are noticed, in con- nection with their parishes, in the chapter on Ecclesiastical History. JEDIDIAff ANDREWS [11. U], son of Thomas Andrews, was born in Ilimrhani, July 7, 1674, and was graduated at Harvard Colleg in 1699. Ile tau-lit school in Ilingliani in 1697, and w T3 M as or- dained in Philadelphia in the autumn of 1701. Ile appears to have performed a good deal of missionary labor in other places, as his record of baptisms shows that Ito ministered it) Hopewell, Gloucester, Burlington, Amboy, and Staten Island. Ife was the ~ccording Clerk of the Presbytery and of the ~yiiod as long as lie lived. Ile conducted most of their correspondence, especially with New England, and was considered to be particularly gifted in bringing to a successful termination any disputes, both in con- gregations and among individuals. Ile died, after a long ministry, in 1747. Benjamin Franklin speaks of him thus: - "Though I seldom attended any- public worsbip, I had still an opinion of its propriety, and of its utility when rightly conducted, and I regularly paid my annual subscription for the support of the only Presbyterian minis- terortneetitw we had in Philadelphia. He uw,(l to visit me RometimeR as a fi itaid, and a4monish me to attend his admini8trations; and I was now alel then prevailed on to do so, -once for five Sunda ' vs successively. Ilad lie been in my opinion a good preacher, perliqps I might have continued, notwilli- Aanding the occasion I had fQr the Sunday's leisure in my course of study: but his discourses were chiefly either polemic arguments or explicitime; oi tho peculiar doctrines of our sect, an(] were all to me very dry, uninterest. inz. and unedifying; since not a single. moral principle Was inCUICated 01 kllforced, - their aini seeming to be rather to make us Preskyterians thar 342 History of Hingham. good citizens. At length be took for his text that verse of the fourth chapter to the Philippians : I Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, if there be any virtue, or any praise, think on these things,' and I imagined, in a surnum On such a text, we could not miss of having some morality. BUt 110 COldined hiel- self to five points only, as meant by the apostle : 1. Keeping holy the Sabbath Day ; 2. Being diligent in reading the holy, Scriptures ; 3. At- tending duly the public worship ; 4. Partaking of the Sacrament; 5. Pay- ing a due respect to God's ministers. These might be all good things ; but as they were not the kind of good things that I expected from that text, I despaired of ever meeting with them front any other, wits disgusted, and attended his preaching no more." I JOHN ANDREWS [11. 13] was the soft of Joseph and Hannah (Richmond) Andrews, and was born in Hingham, March 3, 1764. When quite a lad lie was apprenticed to a Mr. Fleet, a printer in Boston ; but his earnest desire to obtain .9 liberal education induced his father to consent to his leaving Mr. Fleet at the end of the sec- ond year of his apprenticeship. He was fitted for college with Dr. Howard, afterwards of Springfield, but at that time a teacber in Hinglumn. He was graduated front Harvard College in 1786, studied theology at Cambridge, and resided for two years in the family of Chief Justice Dana. He soon accepted a call to settle as colleague with the Rev. Thomas Cary over the First Church in Newburyport, and was ordained Dec. 10, 1788. Mr. Cary died Nov. 24, 1808, and Mr. Andrews retained the sole charge of the parish until May 1, 1830, when lie resigned his office. After his resignation lie preached occasionally to one or two societies in the vicinity of Newburyport. His death took place Aug. 17, 1845, in his eiglity-second year. In 1824 he received the degree of S. T. D. from Harvard University. Dr. Andrews, in his opinions, would be classed among those known as Unitarians. He abhorred all exclusiveness, and owned no creed but the Bible. Until the close of his professional life be freely exchanged pulpit Services with all the Congregational ministers in Newburyport and its vicinity. He seldom touched upon controverted subjects, preferring to confine himself to those of a more practical nature. He preached the Dudleian Lecture, and several of his occasional discourses were published. For fifty years he was a trustee of Puninner Academy and for half that time its faithful treasurer. He wits one of the delegates in the convention for revising the constitution of Massachusetts. NicHOLAs BAKER [11. 17] came to Hingham in 1685, and v%as one of those who had grants of house-lots in that year. Ile nn, a delegate to the General Court in 1636 and in 1688. 1]( left Hingliarn at an early date, and after living in Hull for several years, was ordained as pastor of the church in Scituate, it, l(;I;o. Ile died Aug. 22, 1678. Cotton Mather, in his 11 Magnalia," spenlis of him as " honest Nicholas Baker; who, though he bad lad :1 private education, yet being a pious and zealous man, or, 'is P". Native Ministers. 343 ArrowBmitli expresses it, so good a logician that lie could offer up to God a reasonable service ; so good an arithmetician that lie could wisely number his days; and so good an orator that lie per- suaded himself to be a good Christian, Zulu Ming MoSU UILU Ut gUOU natural parts, especially of a strong memory, was chosen pastor of the church there ; and in the pastoral charge of that church lie continued about eighteen years." SAMUEL M. REAL [11 . 75], the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Souther) Beal, was born in Hingham Oct. 28, 1889. His educa- tion. was obtained in the public schools of Bingham, Wilbraham Academy, and the theological department of Boston University. lie became a Methodist minister, and has been stationed as 0- lows: - 1870-72. North Bridgewater, West Church. 1873-74. Fall River, Quarry Street. 1875. Somerset. 1876-78. Edgartown. 1879-80. West Dennis. 1881-82. Wellflect. 1883. Ilebronville and Dodgeville. 1884-86. Sandwich. 1887. Westerly. 1888-89. Natittieket. 1890. Vineyard Haven. 1891-92. Centralville, R. T. JOHN A. CROWE [11. 148] was born in Hingham, Nov. 17, 1860. His early education was in the public schools of Hingham. Ile entered Boston College, an educational institution under the direction of the Fathers of the Society of Jesus, in February, 1878, and was graduated therefrom in June, 1880. In the fol- lowing September lie begrui his immediate preparation for the priesthood at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Aid., wbere, after completing the course of proscribed study, lie received the degree of Bachelor of Theology. He was ordained to the orders of deaconship and priesthood at St. Michael's Cathedral, Springfeld, Mass., by the Rt. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, Dec. 22, 1883. His first appointment was in connection with St. Jerome's Church, Dolyoke, Mass., where lie remained one year. In June, 1885, he was trans- ferred to Concord, Mass., where, in addition to assisting in paro- chial work,be is the Ronnan Catholic chaplain to the Massachusetts Reformatory. JEREMIAH CUSHING [11. 151], son of Daniel Cushing, was boin in llingliani July 3, t654, and was graduated at Harvard College ill 1676. Ile was educated for the ministry, under Rev. Mr. Norton, of Ilingbarn, but did not settle immediately over any parish. He received an invitation to settle in flaverbill in 1682, which lie de- clined, but afterwards was invited to become the pastor of the First Church in Scituate, which invitation lie accepted. Ile was or. lained ',M 27 1691. All the church records of his time are 344 11istory (f Hingham. lost, and there is little material from which to form all estimate of his ministry. He was the pastor of the church in Scituate until his death, which occurred March 22, 1705. JOB CUSHING [11. 153], son of Matthew Cushing, was born in Hingham July 19, 1694, and graduated at Harvard College in 1714. Ile was the first ininister of Shrewsbury, Mass., where be was ordained Dec. 4, 1723. In 1731 a question arose respecting the expediency in church government of bavin,r ruling elders in the church. this and matters growing out of it engaged the at- tention of the church for tell years or more. Church meetings were frequent, and there was much correspondence between this church and that of Framingham. This disclosed a controversy between the churches of Frainingliarn and Hopkinton. Ill all this Mr. CushinlIg necessarily took a prominent part. He died Aug. 6, 1760. JONATHAN CUSHING [11. 1521, the son of Peter and flannah (Hawke) Cushing, was born in Hingham Dec. 20, 1689. Ile was graduated at Harvard College in 1712. He afterwards taught school in Hingham, and was ordained as minister of the First Parish in Dover, N. IT., Sept. 18, 1717. He 11 sustained the char- acter of a grave and sound preacher, a kind, peaceable, prudent and judicious pastor, a wise and faithful friend." Ile died March 25,1769. Rev. Jeremy Belknap was ordained as colleague pastor with Mr. Cushing Feb. 18, 1767. SAMUEL DUNBAR [11. 197] was the son of Peter and Sarah (Thaxter) Dunbar, and was born in Hingham May 11, 1704. Ile was graduated at Harvard College in 1723, and was ordained pas- tor of the First Parish of Stoughton in 1727, where he remained in faithful service for fifty-five years, until his death, June 15, 1783. There was no other religious society ill all the territory of the First Parish of Stoughton, lichu, that territory now included in and forming the town of Canton. Paul Revere, at the age of twenty-one, accompanied Col. Grid- ley to Crown Point in 1755-56, and assisted in the struggle then going on. Rev. Mr. Dunbar accompanied them oil this distant and perilous journey, returning to his parochial duties in Docein- ber, 1755. NATHANIEL EELLS [11. 210] was born in 1678, and was the Poll of Samuel Eells, who removed to Hingham from Connecticut about 1689, when Nathaniel was eleven years old. His father's residence was ill Hingham until his death, in 1709. Nathaniel was graduated from Harvard College in 1699. The first mention of him in Scituate, according to Mr. Deane, is Jan. 12, 1702-3, when 11 the church and society chose a committee to discourse with Mr. Eolls concerning his settling wit li us in the work of the ministry." Again, in 1703, 11 The agents before chosen are directed to apply themselves to Mr. Eells, ,it his return to Hingham, concerning 1,;. -f41--f ;,, 0'. --.1, ~T +b~ .,;,;.f~v " W~ in jVative Ministers. 345 Scituate June 14, 1704. Ile was a leader among the neighboring clergy,-well acquainted with the constitution and usages of the churches, weighty in counsel, and often called to distant parts of the State and to other Staces on ecclesiastical councils. tic as- sis,ted in the embodiment of the church in the South Parish in 11ingbam, Nov. 20, 1746. As a preacher there is reason to be- lieve that be did not so much excel as in his dignity of character and soundness of understanding. Ile preached the election Rer- inon in 1743. His sentiments were the moderate Calvinism of that day, closely bordering oil Arminianism, though in the latter part of his life lie continued to speak of Arminian free-will as all error, but with no asperity. He died August 25, 1750. SAMUEL FRENCH [11. 235], son of Samuel and Bathsheba (Beal) French, was born in Hingham, July 18, 1729. Ile was graduated it Harvard College in 1748, and stiidied divinity. lie is repre- sented as an excellent scholar and an amiable man. He died Mav 21, 1752, in the twenty-tbird year of his ap. &LVIN GARDNER [11. 251] was the son of Samuel and Chloc (Whiten) Gardner, and was born in llinghalii~ Aug. 29, 174K Ile did not receive a college education, but was a good scholar, and esteenied for ability and integrity. Ile was first settled in the ministry over the Universalist church in Charlestown, Mass., in June, 1825, and lie remained there until December, 1826. After two short settlements in other places Ile became the pastor of the Universalist church in Waterville, Me., in 1833, and for Nenty ~ cars, until 1853, lie, held that position. He was twice married, -- first, to Mary Whiting [111. 301], of Hingham, Dec. 26, 1825. She died Sept. 2, 1832. lie married for his second wife Julia Ann Ifasty, of Waterville, Me., June 30, 1834. Air. Gardner was a until of fine character, who will always be affectionately remembered ill Waterville. lie died there March 22, 1865. HENRY HERSEY [11. 313] was the son of Capt. Laban and Celia (Barnes) Hersey, and was born in Hingliam, Aug. 16, 1796. His early education was obtained in the public schools of Hingham and in Derby Academy. He fitted for college under the tuition of Rev. Joseph Richardson of this town, and was graduated at Brown University in 1820. He pursued his theological studies at the Harvard Divinity School, where he spent the usual term of three years to qualify himself for the ministry, receiving his do- gree in 1823. In 1824 Mr. Hersey received a call to settle as pastor of the Con.gregational Church and Society ill the East Pro- vinet of Barnstable, which be accepted, and was ordained Oct. 6, 1824. There he remained in the faithful discharge of his duty for nearly eleven years, when the state of his health conipellea him to ask for his dismissal, which was granted. Ile left Barn- stable in May, 1835. On leaving the ministry, which lie did not again resume, be retired to his home in this town, where he spent the remainder of his days. Ile served as chairman of the school cullinlittee here for several years, with a warm interest ill the 846 History qf lIingham. prosperity of the schools and in the character of his native town. His reports were well written, judicious, and practical. Ile was a delegate to the convention in 1853 for revising the constitution of Massachusetts. Of his ministry at Barnstable it has been said: 11 It was marked by sobriety and ail earnest desire to do good. He was a good preacher and pastor, and had many deeply attached friends. Ile was a fluent and easy writer, and his sermons were such as to commend themselves to his hearers." Mr. Horsey died in Ilingliani Sept. 23, 1877. GERSHOM HOBART [11. 335], son of Rev. Peter Hobart, was born in lling-hain, Deceniber,1645. Ile was graduated at Harvard Col- lege in 1667, in thesame class with his brotherg Japliet and Nehe-' miah. After graduation he lived for awhile in Hingham. "Hobart, accompaniQd, or soon followed, the settlers who, after the destrue, tion of Groton for the Indians in 1676, returned in the spring of 1678," and lie wil% ordained minister there Nov. 26, 1679, as suc- cessor to Rev. Samuel Willard. His ministry was not harmonious. About the year 1689 he appears to have left the town, the dissen- sions having become go great. Although calls had been made to others, lie was, in 1690, and again in 1693, asked to return, and lie did so before 1694. When the Indians attacked Groton in 1694, Mr. Hobart was preserved from falling into their hands, although they took two of his children, killing one of them. He preached in Groton until 1705, and resided there till his death, Dec. 19, 1707. JEREMIAH HOBART [11. 335], the second son of Rev. Peter Ho- bart, was born in England in 1631. Ile was graduated at Har- vard College in 1650, in the class with his brother Joshim. After preaching at Bags River, now Bev6ly, and at other places, lie was ordained at Topsfield, Mass., Oct. 9-1 16 12. His ministry there 11 was far from being a smooth one," and he was dismissed Sept. 21, 1680. In 1683 lie was called to Hempstead, Long Island, and was installed Oct. 17, 1683. His labors were satisfactory, but finding it difficult to collect his salary of X70, lie settl'ed in Had- dain, Conn., in 1691. Here again he found himself in the midst of dilliculties and controversies, arising from various causes, and his ministry seeing to have been far from 11 smooth." In 1714 Mr. Phineas Fish was settled as his colleague, and 11 Nov. 6,1715, being, the Lord's Day, be attended public worship in the forenoon, an(] received the sacrament; and during the intermission expired, sit- tink in his chair." JOSHUA 11013ART [11. 335] was the eldestson of Rev. Peter Hobart, the first minister of llingliarn, and came to Hinglianiv.,ith his father in 1635. He was born in England in 1628, and was graduated it Harvard College in 1660. His brother Jeremiah was of the saine class. The two brothers probably continued at the college till December, 1651. They were employed successively as preachers at Bass River, now Beverly, Mass. July 16, 1655, Joshna, sailed III]- 1~arhndoes whence. having married, lie went to London. ]h' Arative 11hiisfers. 347 subsequentiv iTturnpd to Boston, and 11 in 167 2, after the death of Rev. John Youngs, the first minister of Southold, Long Island, pro- viously minister at Hingham in England, the inhabitants seat ,in a,ent to Boston lop 6 ail honest and I., I- I I I goAl Josliua Hobart went to tbein,and was ordained Oct. 7, 1674." lie died at Southold Feb. 28, 1716-17, 11 Bear ninety years of age, and Yet preached publickly within a few months before his decease." 11 Ile wasan eminent physician, civilian, and divine, and every way a great, learned, pious man." NEHEMIAH HOBART [11. 325], son of Rev. Peter Hobart, was bap- tized in Hingliarn Nov. 20, 1648. lie was graduated at Harvard College in 1667, in the class with his brothers Gershoin and Japhet. lie began to preach at Newton in June, 1672, and was ordained there Dec. 23, 1674, having given 11 this bereaved flock a rich blessing," in healing, even before his ordination, the dissensions which followed the death of the former iinnister,John Eliot. Ile W~ls It Fellow of Harvard College. Leverett's Diary states that 1~ Ile was a great blessing and ail Ornain' to the Society. Upwards of 40 years God blessed Newton with his Ministry. A few days before his death, ill his Last Sickness lie observed to Mr Brattle & the Presi& who made him a visit, that upon his Return from the Last CoFneiieciii! he Remark'd that lie had hill at 49 Cofiiencra*5 never having mi8s'd one from the very first tinie lie had waited on that Solemnity, and that God onely knew whether heslilattaintothc50'" Ile died Aug. 25, 1712. Ile is spoken of as 11 an excellent scholar, in the Latin, Gr&&, and Ifibreto, some- time a vice-president of the college, a most pious, humble, prudent, and benevolent mail." NOAH HOBART [11. 8,38] was the son of David, and brother of Nolicinkth flobart, (lie first minister of Coliasset. lie was born ill Hingham, Jan. 2, 1705-6, and was graduated at Harvard Collep in 1724. He was ordained pastor of the First Church in Fair- field, Conn., Feb. 7, 1782-3. There lie continued ill the able and faithful discharge of the duties of his office for over fort~, years. The Sabbath immediately preceding his death lie preached twice, laid with more than his accustomed animation. Ile continued in his usual health until the evening of file Tuesday following, when lie was attacked with a disease which, before the next Sabbath, closed his earthly existence. He died Dec. 6, 1773. " Ile possessed high intellectual and moral distinction. Ile had a mind of great acuteness and discernment; was a laborious stil- dent; was extremely learned, especially in History and Theology; advanced the doctrine which lie professed by an exemplary life; and was holden in high veneration for his wisdom Bud virtuc." I)ANIELK[MBALL [11. 406] was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (;rvinty) Kimball, and was born in Bradford, Alass., JulY 3, 1718. I (, worked on his father's farm in summer and attended the dis- trict school in winter to the ago of sixteen. Ile fitted for coll".0 %~ ith Mr. John Voso, for many years preceptor of Atkinson Acad- 348 11i8fory of 11inghani. emy. Mr. Kimball was graduated at Harvard College in 1800. After graduation he taught in the Sandwich Academy I for a year, and in Bradford for six months, when fie returned to Cambridge as a theological student, lie wag approbated and conuilenced, preaellin,,, in 1803, and in the same year was appointed tutor in Latin, which office he held for two years. fie then spent some time in preaching, writing, and study. Ile was preceptor of Der- by Academy from 1808 to 1826, and was ordained in Hingham as ,in evangelist, Dec. IT, 181T. After leaving the Academy, fie removed to Needham, Mass., where he kept a boarding-schoil for both sexes until 1848. Mr. Kimball died in Needham, Jon. 17, 1862. DANjEL LEWIS [11. 4411, the son of John and Harmah (Lincoln) Lewis, was born in Hingham Sept. 29, 1685. fie was graduated at Harvard College in 1707, taught school in Hingliam from 1708 to 1712, and was ordained the first minister of the First Parish in Pembroke, Dec. 3, 1712. His peaceful ministry continued tbere for nearly forty years. He died June 29, 1753, his wife haViall died two weeks before him, both of a fever of less than a fori` night's duration. I ISAIAu LEWIS [11. 441], file son of John and Hannah (Lincoln) Lewis, wag born in Hingham, June 10, 1703, and was gradoat(A at flarvard College ill IT23. He was ordained in IT30 as minister of that part of Eastham, Mass., which was soon afterwards Wulf- fleet. Up to the time of his ordination the church over which lie was settled had not been organized, and the council which wqs called for the ordination organized it. Ile continued in the faith- ful discharge of his duty for many years. In 1779 AIr. Lewis be- came old and feeble, and was unable to performall the labors of I& ministrv, -end it was voted that be should be dismissed; but after a consu~ltatiou with him it was agreed that lie Fhould relinqui.0i his claim upon the town for IAB salary, and continue his pastoial connection. Twenty pounds were ailowed for his maintenance, and a committee appointed to procure a minister. Ile continued in the ministry at Wellficet fifty-five years. ,lie possessed a strong mind, and a heart devoted to the work of the gospel, ill Which lie labored diligently and with success." He died in 1786. GEORGE LINCOLN [11. 467j, the son of George and Sarall (French) Lincoln, was born in Hingham, June 9, 1797. At the age of fourteen he went to Boston to learn the sail-maker's trade, and was Boon after converted in the Bennet-Street Church. fie returned to Hingham and continued in the occupation of sail- making, having also other business interests. He was one of the seven members of the first Methodist class formed in Hingbain in 1818, and spared no labor to promote its welfare. He spent much of the time which he could spare from his business in educat- ing himself for the work of the ministry. He was licemsed and ordained a local preacher, and for fifty years or more preached a of ~crvjcc were at North A'alive Ninisters. 849 Cobasset, South Hin.-bam, and EaBt Abington. He felt speciall ' v called to go out into the by-ways and hedges, mal there Nvas no neighborhood, however isolated, within many miles of his home in which lie laid not preaefied ill., 11 -Ord, of life", Ile died in Hingham, Jan. 2, 1868, in the seventy-first year of his age. HENRY LINCOLN [11. 4671, the son of William and Mary (Otis) Lincoln, was born in Hingham, Nov. 3, 1765. Hit fitted for col- lege with Eleazer James, teacher of a school ill D inlubam; and had some assistance from Dr. Joshua Barker. lie was graduated at Harvard College in 1786. Ile studied theology Nvith Air. Shaw, of Marshfield, and was ordained pastor of the jhurch at Falmouth, Mass., Feb. A, 179(. This was hir, only settlement in the ministrY. 'pho pastoral connection between Air. Lincoln mid his parish was dissolved by mutual consent Nov. 26, 1823. He then removed to Nantucket, and file remainder of ))is life was spent there in the home of his daughter, who was the wife (if Dr. Elislia 1). Fearing. He died in Nantucket, May 28, 1851, and was buried in Fall- mouth. PERFz LINCOLN [11. 478j, son of David Lincoln, was born Jan. 21, 1777, and graduated at Harvard College in I 198. Ile stud ied divinity with Dr. Barnes of Scituate, and was settled in the minis- try at Gloucester, Mass., Aug. 3, 1805. Ile was a talented and j)romisinal divine, but his constitution was feeble, and after a few years of devoted labor lie died in Hingham, June 13, IS11. WILLIANi G. MARSH [111. 631, son of Samuel W. Alarsh, was born in Hingham, Feb. 28, 1841. He received his education in the schools of HiDgliam and was for a time engaged in business in (lie employ of the Woonsocket (R. 1.) Print Works. In December 1868, lie went to Melbourne, Australia, and in 1873 lie was ap- pointed secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in that city. 111 1885 lie resigned his position as; secretary, and since that time lie has been engaged in missionary service in _Atistialia~ Ile is an Episcopal clergyman. ANDREws NORTON [111. 941, the youngest child of Samuel and Jane (Andrews) Norton, was born in Hingham, Dec. 31, 1786. Ile was a lineal descendant of Rev. John Norton, the second minister of the First Parish. lie was fitted for college at Derby j%cadenly under Preceptor Abner Lincoln, and iii 1801 entere4 the Sophomore class in Harvard College. Ile was graduated in 1801. He was grave and studious from his childhood, and in college he held a high character for scholarship and moral worth. After graduation he spent four years in theolo'gical study. For a short tinic, in 1806, lie was preceptor of Derby Aca(feili.y. Ill 1809 be accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit in Aumista, Ale.; but, qfter preaching there a few Sundays lie accepted the 1)(sition of Tutor ill Bowdoin Colle'"o and enb:rcd iiiiiiiediatelv oil its duties. [lore lie remained a year and then removed to Cain- bjdge. 360 History of Hingham. 12, 1811 he was appointed tutor in mathematics in Harvard College and remained in this position for a year. In 1812 he es- ta4lislied the publication, 41 The General Repository and Roview", whicli continuctl for ttwo veaj s. it true very carnest in defence of Unitarianism, and was co~odutdted %vith great ability. In 1813 lie was appointed librarian of Harvard College Library and held the office for eight years. In the Pame year, 1813, lie was also all- pointed lecturer on the Criticism and Interpretation of the Scrip. tures in the college. 111 1819 lie was elected Dexter rrofessor of Sacred Literature in tile Harvard Divinity School. In 1830 be resigned his professorship, but still continued to devote himself to literary and theological pursuits. 111 1849 lie suffered from a severe illness, from which be never fully recovered. Ile passed the surrimer of 1850 in New-port, bv the advice of his physician, and his sojourn there was attended with such beneficial results that lie made it his subsequent resi- dence. In the summer of 1853 it was apparent that his strength wag. declining, and he died Sept, 18, 1853. Professor Norton was a Iearn~d writer on theolo,,ical questions. Ile was a fre- quent coDti-ibutor to periodicals, and many of his essays and discourses were published. Of his more elaborate works, that oil 11 The Evidences of the Genuineness of the Gospels" is regarded as 11 one of the most important contributions which this countr ' I- has made to theological literature ... .. . I`o him also with Mr.' Buckminster, Professor Stuart, and a few other-,, we are indebted for that impulse given to Biblical study in Now England enrly fit the prerent century, which lots been of incalculable benefit all denominations." DAVID SPRAGUE [Ill. 166], son of David Sprague ' wus born in Hingliam, April 12, 1707. The follou-inl- is taken from a 11 His- tory of the Exeter (R. 1.) Baptist Church," by T. A~ Hall. "Elder David Sprague, who was the founder and first pastor of the Exeter Baptist Church, was a native of Ilingham, Mass., from whence lie removed to Scituate, R. I., where he was converted and received as a inena- her of the Six Principle Baptist Church in that town, then under the min- istry of Rev. Samuel Fiske. flere lie commenced preaching with great acceptance, but~ not holding Arminian views, wag seen a little unpopular. He next removed to North Kingstown, united with the church in that town, and was ordained in 1737 as colleague W Rev. Richard Sweet, but finally left that church on account of its free-will notions, as lie was Calvin- istic in his views, and went to South Kingstown and preached to the church in that place, but soon left them and for the same reason, and re- moved to Exeter, where in tile fltlot~n of 1750 he founded.the church made up largely of what were then termed New Lights. 11 There were two large gatherings of the New Light Churches of New England with the Exeter Church. The first, representing tweray-five churche%, wag on the 23d of Alay, 1753; the second, repl-egentiDg twelve eburcheg, was on the second Tuesday in September, 1754, to settle termi of fellowship and communion at the Lord's table. Native Ministers. 0051 ,,Of this last meeting, David Spr:cnie wns ~-hoscli Moderator, and Isloic Backus, Clerk. At the first meeting Elder Sprague was chosen in com- pany with Elders Weeden, Lee, and Beck, to visit lilid4leborou'di, M193., and sit in council on the troubles there, in the church of Mr. Backus. The decisions of these two councils in FIxeter were in favor of open conimunion. Elder Sprague, being a strict Baptist in his views, shortly after left not only the New Lights, but the pastorate of tile Exeter church. "The first record which we have been able to find is of a inectin g Sept. 17, 17,57, at the meeting-bouse, to hear from their pastor, EI(Ici* Spragi e, the reasons for his long absence ; lie not being present, the charch R(Ijour:ied to Oct. 1, 1757. `Xt this meeting ' at the desire of Elder Sprague, the proceedings of a council, held at tile Ineeting'lloalie July 15, 1757, were read, after which lie I read an epistle in which lie laid (town many reasons for big not meeting with us for a lot), time, and also enjoined macy things for the church to remove, confess, and retract before lie could walk with us.' Deacon Joseph Rogers attempted some reply, which FlIder Sprague would not hear, and abruptly left the house. On the 19th of November following the church next met, and after readitu, the result of a council lield on the 3d of November, which advised and entreated them to withdraw from their paxtor, they proceeded 0 read a letter of with- drawal, which Deacons Joseph Rogers and Philip Jenkins had previously prepared, which was adopted, and messengers appointed to carry it to him. 11 Soon after, Deacon Philip Jenkins felt it to be his duty to preach the gospel and take the watebeare of the church, but tile church not being agreed on this matter, lie left it, together with a number of those who were attached to him. Deacon Joseph Roger,, about the loinie time bad a grievous difficulty with another brother, in consequence of which Rogers also left tile church. Final this time, 1759, until 1763, it appears that no business meetings of the church were held. ,,The records again commence, May 21, 17 63, with Solomon Sprague for Moderator. Soon after this the Atirch unanimously voted that they felt that be was the, matt to lead them on and take the watcheare of the church; but his mind as yet was not clear oil that point. In July, 1766, David Sprague, their former pastor, returned, and was cordially received to their membership. lie also in the same meeting offered himself and his gifts to the church to lead them on as a pastor; but they declined the offered service as evidently showing that their minds were fixed upon the son as their choice for a leader. During his absence from the church lie had preached for a season at New London, Conti., and oil Block Island. After his return the church were evidently in accord with their former pastor on those points which once divided them, they having adopted his views, viz., that scriptural baptism was preiequisite to communion. Ile died in Exeter, in 1777, after a ministry of forty years. He was a mail of pure character, superior abilities, happy address, and winning spirit." JOSEPa TIIAXTER [111. 233) was the son of Deacon Joseph Thaxter, nnd was borit in Hingliani, April 23, 1714. lie iva8 "raduated at Harvard College in 1768, after which lie tawdit I - school for some time in lliiigluon. When the Revolutionary War In oko out, iti 177.5, lie was preachingas It candidate for the Ininistry id Westford,but oil the advance of the British ton-ni-ds Lexington lie mounted a horse and rode to Concord, arined i~ illi a brave Of 352 History of Hingham. pistols, and was present at the engagement at Concord Bridge. Ile was afterwards appointed a chaplain in the army, attached to Colonel Prescott's regiment, and was present at the Battle of 13._1 --- Mil TI-;- tl,- - hn _- ~ ~UUKUL ~Llll. ~11o..8 1.~ 11.L .~l 1'.. to the General Court, but resigned to assume more active duties in the army. After independence was acknowledged he settled in the ministry at Edgartown, where he lived a long, uneventful, and devoted life, living July 18, 1827. Ile was present at the laying of the corne~ stone of the B miker Hill Monument, June 17, 1825, being at that time the only surviving chaplain of the Revo- bitionary Army, and offered ail impressive priver on that occa. sion, havin then passed his eightieth year. WILLIAM WALTON [111. 214] came to Hingham in 1635, and lind a grant of land in the first distribution of lots. Ile was educated at Emanuel College, Cambridge, England, where lie took his do- grees in 1621 and 1625. Ile remained but a short time in Hill,,,- liam. 11 Mr. Walton " had a grant of land in Marblehead, Oct. 14, 1688. This was Rev. William Walton, who was then preaching there. This is the first mention of his name in the records, and it is probable that lie belgaii the work of his ministry there in that year. Through his endeavors, with the assistance of others. a inecting-bouse was erected, and regular Sunday service-, were established. Mr. Roads, in his 11 History and Traditions of Marblehead," says: - 11 In October, 1668, William Walton, the faithful and zealous missionar ' v. died, after baring served his Master and tbe poor people of Marblehead for a period of thirty years. Coming to them as a missionary to preach the g~pel, lie became, without ordination as a clergyman, a loving pastor, a faithful friend, and a wise and prudero counsellor. His advice was sought on all matters of public or private importance, and when obtained was usually followed without question. That his loss was felt as a public be- reavement by the entire community, there can be little doubt." HENRY WARE, JR. [111. 277], the soil of Rev. Heiirv Ware, the fourth minister of the First Parish, was born in Hingham, April 21, 1794. His early education was obtained partly at home and partly in the public mid private schools of his iiati%c town. He fitted for college with Rev. Dr. Allvn, of Duxbui-.k,, Mr. Ashur Ware, his cousin, Mr. Samuel Merrill, and finally at Phillips Academy, Andover. Ile entered Harvard Colle.p if) 1808and was graauated in 1812. Immediately oil leaving college lie became assistant-tencher in Phillips Academy, Exeter, which position lie occupied for two years, studying theology at the sauu, time. His theological stud~ics were ~ompleted in CainbridgV. lie received a certificate of approbation as a preacher July 31, 1815. Ile wag ordained and installed as pastor of the '~,colld Church in Boston, Jan. 1, 1817, the ordination sermon beinLL. preached by his father. His health became somewhat impaired Native Alinisters. 353 in 1828, and he was desirous of beine relieved from the arduous labors demanded by a pastoral chargo' At the same time a pro- fessorsbip in the Divinity School at Cambridge was offered him. find lie resigned his pastorate. His P',16SIL refused to RCCOpt his resignation, bill proposed that, lie should retain his pastoral con- nection with the assistance of Mr. l1alph Waldo Emerson as a colleague, who was ordained March 11, 1829. Mr. Ware bad by this time accepted the profcssorship at Cambridge, but before entering upon his duties lie made an extended v it to Europe, is hoping for an improvement in health and strength ' Ile returned home in August, 1830,and awain requested his dismissal from his parish, which was granted, and lie soon afterwards entered upon the duties of the professorship of Pulpit Eloquence and the Pas- toral Care, in the Divinity School, at Cambrid-we. Ile receiied the degree of S.T.D. from lhirvard University in 1834. Dr. Ware's health was so essentially impaired in 1841 that he found great difficulty in performing his duties, and he resigned his professor- ship early in 1842. During that year be removed to Framingham, Mass., where lie died Sept. 22, 1843. Dr. Ware was a Unitarian. He was a voluminous writer and author of numerous publications. His faitic is too well known to call for extended comitient oil his abilities as a scholar, writer, or preacher. WILLIAM WARE [111. 27T], soil of Rev. Henry Ware, was born in Ilinoliam, Aug. 3, 1797. He was graduated at Harvard Col- logo in 1816, and at the Harvard Divinity School in 1819. Ile began preaching in 1820, his first public service being at Northborough, Mass.. ail(] for some time was engaged ill preach- ing in Various places, principally ill Brooklyn, Burlington, Vt., and the city of New York. He was ordained pastor of the First Congregational Church in the City of New York, which was the first Unitarian Church established in that city, Dec. 18, 1821. His Inbors in New York were very arduous, as there was no Uni- tariati clergyman in the city or in the immediate neighborhood from whom lie could receive assistance. III June, 1837, lie re- moved to Wattlinin, Mass., having accepted an invitation front the Second Congregational Church ill that place to supply their pulpit. Here lie continued until April, 1838, when the church was united with the elder church in that place. Mr. Ware then removed to Jamaica Plain, and about the same time became proprietor and editor of the 11 Christian Exquiiiier," which temained in his hands until 1844. In January, 1844, he terminated his connection with the 11 Christian Examiner " and accepted ail invitation to become the pastor of the Unitarian Church in West Cambridge. Ile was soon after taken ill and resigned in July, t845. III November, 1845, lie removed to C anibridge, and after this, his health having improved considerabl%, in 1847 lie eupped in the ministry it large, in Boston, and continued in th'Is'cinploynient for about 11 ill I yore To IA4,R bo h, Vm-, 354 History of Ilingham. . 31pally in Italy, and on his return he delivered a than a year, prin, I He published under the ,ture8 On VIUTO can Trave . , course of lee a - vivid representations f , Zenobia, or the ;all Of Pal"Y'd"previOUsly appeared in of ancient life and manners, which ba' nd pub- magazines as 11 Letters from palmyra." He also wrote a lished many otber Works- Imbrid-ol Feb. 19, 1852. As a preacher he was He died it, Clt ical effect, and distrustful of somewhat dry and lacking 'it Ora 01 be distant hs Own pow~rs, so that Ile was sometimes thought to far i . writings show a force and ability Very slid reserved,but is above the average.1291 was the son of William and Cath SABJUFL WILI~ARD [Ill- 'urn in Peter8ham, Mass., April crino (Wilder) Willard~ and was b- cipally by, Rev. Nathaniel IS 1776.He was fitted for college prin Is gi~aduated at Harvard If I;av er, D.D., of Lancaster, Mass., and wi was a teacher in Phill.1ps Coll,egeililsos. After leaving eollcgelic College, preparing AeadcmY, and a tintor in Bowdoill eanwhile. In IS05 Ile returned to for the ministry in Ile was licensed to himself Cambridge to Imish his theological studies. lge Association and preached Ills first sev- preach by the Cambr" 8 :yjareh 1,5, 1807. Ile was invited to mon in Deerfield, Mas -, iv first ap- settle there and accepted- Aug~ 12, 1807, was the di ~cojnposed pointed for his brilinatil)"I and a council assembled principally Of those entertaining the Calvinistic belief. It was about the time when a Separation of the Calvinistic churches f rol" the Armilliall was taking Pblc,~ and after a rigid examinatioll in a session Of two days duration, the council refused to ordain 30". - Willard. Another Council was called, and 110 was ordained SePt From that time Mr. Willard became a pioneer in the 23 197. " His ministry W219 'faithful and ca", Of liberal Christianity." Unusipjar. slid the author of the , Deerfield acceptable. He was a I i, , o very muXIl it, 1819 his sight becam Collection of Sacred INNS -Ile resigned his pastoral charge. impaired, and 1 n September, 1829 1 UP Ile Was blind. After the loss Yor the last forty years of his I commit to memory the of his sight, be accustomed himself to him, Seriptures, his hymns, aild other writings which were read to er which Ile could accurately repeat was and the amount of inatt Academy Of He was a membell 01 the American prodigious- 3 the degree of 9-T D- was cim Arts and Sciences, and in 182,tb'e founder of k him by Harvard College. Ile was made in the ferred upor ademy in Hiligbam, of which tylcntiOu 'a Willard AP is History. chapter on 4~Edueafinn" Of ill Dr. Willard died in Deerfiell17 Oct. 8, 1859.