Part 10

He was, we believe, one of the original investigators of the tumuli at Marietta, the first and at that time the only settlement of importance in that region of country. A description of one of these remarkable mounds, excavated and explored by him, he communicated in 1789 to President Stiles of Yale College, and is preserved among his manuscripts in the College Library.

May 14, 1789, Mr. Parsons was appointed by Gov. Arthur St. Clair, Register and Clerk of the first Probate Record Office, established in the county of Washington, which was the first county erected north-west of the river Ohio. He there remained, faithfully discharging the duties of this appointment, until April, 1790, when he resigned and returned to Middletown, Ct., his family residence, and was appointed by the General Assembly of the State at their ensuing session, in May, High Sheriff of Middlesex County. This office he accepted, being then only twenty-one years of age; and he continued to perform its duties with fidelity and public acceptance, till he attained the age of 49, a period of _twenty-eight_ years; when he was compelled by ill health and various imperative avocations, to relinquish its fatigues and solicitude.

During the period of his official duties as Sheriff, Mr. Parsons was also actively engaged in various other public avocations, and in mercantile business. He was called to preside over different local institutions and organizations in the place where he resided; acted a while as Secretary to an Insurance Company, and was repeatedly elected an Alderman of the city of Middletown, and Representative in the General Assembly of the State. He was also presented by his Congressional friends as a rival candidate of the late President Harrison in the year 1791 for the office of Secretary and ex-officio Lieut. Governor of the N. W. Territory, but he declined the nomination. He likewise declined the honor, though repeatedly solicited, to represent his fellow-citizens in the councils of the nation. His own private affairs too much required his attention to permit him to engage in this high trust.

In the year 1816, when the late Bank of the United States was incorporated, Mr. Parsons, believing that the establishment of a Branch in Connecticut, (by many deemed impracticable,) would materially promote the commercial interests of its citizens, visited Philadelphia in company with other gentlemen, with a view to this object. By the most persevering efforts, and through his active and efficient influence and exertion, a Branch was located in Connecticut at Middletown. He was chosen a Director of the institution immediately upon its organization, and continued in the direction during the existence of the Charter.

In 1818 he was elected President of the Connecticut Branch, on the resignation of the Hon. Samuel W. Dana, then a Senator in Congress; and was annually elected, until it was transferred from Middletown to Hartford, in the spring of 1824. Having removed thither himself about the same time, he was re-elected, and continued to preside over the institution with acknowledged impartiality, ability, and firmness, and the most unflinching integrity, during the operations of the Branch in Connecticut, and until the expiration of the Charter.

Though educated a merchant and eminent as a financier, Mr. Parsons was also a sound _lawyer_; not by profession or practice, but by the acquisition of the requisite legal knowledge. The office of Sheriff, when he was called to fill it, was one of honor as well as profit. Its incumbent was the companion of the Judges. He attended at their "chambers" as well as in the "court-room." He listened to, and participated in, their deliberations and discussions. Thus Mr. Parsons breathed a legal atmosphere. Being by his official duties, through a period of _twenty-eight_ years, in familiar intercourse with the _Bench_ and the _Bar_, and having read the best elementary writers, endowed, as he was, with a remarkably retentive memory and a logical and inquisitive mind, it is not surprising that he retained to the close of life the principles and maxims of jurisprudence thus deeply implanted. Though not a member of the Bar, his opinions on elementary points were seldom questioned.

Mr. Parsons wrote some, but reflected more. His published writings are few and chiefly _political_. His unpublished manuscripts are numerous and mostly in an _epistolary_ form, relating principally to the subject of _finance_.

In all the relations of domestic and social life, Mr. Parsons was beloved and respected. He was twice married, and left three children by the first marriage, and one by the second; two only of whom survive him; namely, one residing in Hartford, Ct., Samuel H. Parsons, Esq., and one in the State of Ohio. In these relations, he was ever the generous and affectionate husband, and the kind and faithful parent. His habits and feelings were social and communicative; and in his intercourse with his fellow-men, dignity was seen blended with the utmost courtesy and kindness. He was a true gentleman of the olden school, and every son of New England will understand what this means.

His personal appearance was dignified and commanding. His stature large and well-proportioned; high forehead and bald, with dark blue eye, and a countenance indicative of his mental characteristics of thought, deliberation and energy, blended with mildness.

Mr. Parsons was a firm believer in the Christian religion. He adopted the principles of the gospel as the standard of human action; and frequently remarked, that through life he had made it an invariable rule never to close his eyes in sleep without first communing with his God.

About a year previous to the close of his interesting life, his system became generally debilitated, and during the last three or four months he was unable to leave the house. He expressed himself perfectly resigned to the will of Heaven, and gradually sunk into a lethargy, which continued until the morning of July 9, 1846, when he slept in death, in the 77th year of his age.

FOOTNOTES:

[T] A more extended genealogical account of the Parsons Family may be expected in some future No. of the Register.

[U] In his Journal, Mr. Parsons gives the following statistics of the Aborigines, at that time inhabiting the Territory, which may not be uninteresting to compare with their present condition. We present the extract entire:

"The _Delawares_ live at Sandusky, in a N. W. course and about 180 miles from this place, (Marietta.) Their number is 400.

"The _Wyandots_, living partly in the same region and partly at Detroit, 300 miles from Marietta, are about 260 in number.

"The _Munsees_ live on the Alleghany river, about 310 miles N. E. from M. and number 100.

"The _Miami_ tribe live at Miami town, W. S. W. 250 miles, and are about 100 in number.

"The _Shawanoes_ live on the Miami river, S. W. 250 miles, and number 150.

"The _Cherokees_, or _Chickewagas_, live on Paint Creek, S. S. W. 250 miles, and are about 100 in number.

"The _Wiahtanoes_ live on the Wabash river, W. S. W. 500 miles, and number 600.

"The _Kickapoes_ live also upon the Wabash, S. S. W. 500 miles, and number 1100.

"The _Piankishaws_ live upon the same river, S. and S. W. 600 miles--number 400.

"The _Kaskaskias_ live on the Mississippi, S. S. W. 800 miles. Their number is 150.

"The _Peorees_ live upon the Illinois river, W. S. W. 900 miles. Number 150.

"The _Meadow Indians_ live also upon the Illinois, about 900 miles W. by S. Number 500.

"The _Iowas_ live upon the Illinois, S. W. 900 miles, numbering 300.

"The _Foxes_ live on the S. side of Lake Superior, W. N. W. 900 miles--number 1000.

"The _Chippewas_ live W. of Lake Michigan, W. N. W. 800 miles from M. Number 4000.

"The _Potowatomies_ live E. of Lake Michigan, W. N. W. about 450 miles. Number 4000.

"The _Ottawas_ live N. E. of Lake Michigan, N. W. 400 miles. Number 1000.

"The _Sieux_ live N. W. of Lake Superior. N. W. from Marietta 950 miles. Number 6000."

In his Journal we have also a specimen of the fertility of the soil, and the rapidity of the vegetation of the Territory, in the following extracts:

"June 7. Rode out with my father to his three-acre lot, which was sowed with rye in December last. About twenty days ago, it was four inches high. Ten days since, when we visited it, it was three and a half feet high; and to-day we found it seven and a half feet in height.

"June 13. Measured a spear of flax growing on my city lot, and find that in six days it has grown seven inches. Mr. Converse informs me that about three weeks ago, he planted corn, which is at the present time four feet high."

On subsequent pages of the Journal, Mr. P. has extended remarks on the philosophy of vegetation.

We have further space only for the following curious extract:

"June 15. Last night the dogs made a most hideous clamor, and seemed to be exceedingly excited. Mr.----, who lives about forty rods N. of the Stockade, was about getting up to see what disturbed them, but did not; and in the morning, on opening the outer door to let in his dog, he found in his mouth a _purse filled with Brooches and Rings_."

THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE.

My Muse has oft slumbered in life's busy day, And seldom I've sought her, as having no leisure; At the moment, however, while time glides away In the quiet of age, let me yield to the pleasure.

And oh! in the scenes on my fancy that burst, And on which with delight or with sadness I linger, Say, what shall arrest my attention the first? Where, where shall I place me--where point the fixed finger?

Shall I dwell upon childhood, or press on to youth, Or look only on manhood, or Death's lessons ponder? Shall I mourn, or rejoice, or administer truth, Or most at man's folly or GOD'S mercy wonder?

I gaze on the palace, contemplate the cot, Mark the tower, see the ocean, view landscapes wide-spreading; And I feel, while I think on man's changeable lot, Compassion its influence o'er my heart shedding:

And I cry, 'O ye triflers, ye murmurers, say, 'Could your wishes be realized, what were the blessing 'Most anxiously sought, to make happy your day 'Of existence, and crown you with bliss worth possessing?'

'I'd have power,' says the statesman; 'broad empire,' the king; 'More lands,' shouts the rich; and 'no labor,' the peasant; And so through the catalogue! Hope seeks to bring Enjoyment from change, and depreciates the present:

While yet, would we weigh our condition with care, And be just to that Wisdom our follies which chastens, We should see many blessings that fall to our share, Though the crown of our wishes its advent ne'er hastens.

GOD denies in His love, and withholds what we seek, In tender compassion, well knowing our blindness. Let us yield, be submissive, and patient, and meek, Adoring His mercy, and trusting His kindness.

This, this is our wisdom. Alone it deserves The name of philosophy; nor can the science Man proudly may boast, while as yet he but serves His passions, afford for his woes an appliance.

This life is a trial. Our world cannot fill The void of the heart, which too surely is boundless. GOD will discipline, rectify, govern man's will, And eternity show our complaining is groundless:

There, we may, when we _know_ what we see here in part, Life's philosophy prize, as we find it resulting In bliss springing forth from a purified heart, Without ceasing, in love, joy, and wonder exulting.

Why should we not, then, as life hurries away, Submit us to GOD, and fall in with the measures His Wisdom employs, from His paths lest we stray, And fail to inherit His blood-purchased treasures?

_January 30, 1847._ BASIL.

GENEALOGIES.

THE COTTON FAMILY.

BY JOHN WINGATE THORNTON, ESQ., LL.B.

+-- Dau. An infant, | = d.: was she | = --------- "Elisabeth, | = bap. 10, | Egginton, (16) 1637"? | a merchant. | | +-- Roland, | d. Jan. | 29, 1649. | | +-- Sarah, | b. Sept. | 12, 1635 | d. Jan. | 20, 1649. | | | 2nd, Prudence, | widow of Dr. | Anthony Crosby, | dau. of Jonathan | Wade of Ipswich, | July 9, 1673. | = | = | = 1st, Mrs. Elisabeth, +-- Rev. SEABORN COTTON sister of Mr. James | b. at Sea, Aug. 12, Horrocks, famous | 1633; minister of minister of Lancashire; | Wethersfield, Ct. 1655; d. without issue. | ord. at Hampton, N. H., = | 1660: d. April 20, 1686: = | grad. H. C. 1651. = | = Rev. JOHN COTTON, b. at | = [_For the Derby, Dec. 4, 1585. B. D. at | = descendants Cambridge: Fellow, Head | = -------- of this Son, Lecturer and Dean of Emmanuel | = see the College; Minister of Boston, | = following._] in Lincolnshire, for 20 years. | = Arrived at Boston, N. E., | 1st, Dorothy, dau. ROLAND COTTON, Sept.3, 1633. Minister of the | of Gov. Bradstreet; a lawyer of --- 1st Chh., Boston; d. Dec. 23, | m. June 14, 1654; Derby, Eng. 1652, a. 67. Rav. Anthony | d. Feb. 26, 1671. = Tuckney, a distinguished | divine and member of the | Westminster Assembly, of +-- Rev. JOHN COTTON, Boston, B. D., was styled | b. at Boston, "cousin" by Cotton's children. | March 15, 1639-40; = | gr. H. C. 1657; = ---------------------------+ preached at = | Wethersfield, 2nd, Mrs. Sarah Story, | Haddam, Killing- widow. After his death, | worth, at Edgarton, she married the Rev. | a year; ord. at Richard Mather of | Plymouth, June 30, Dorchester, father of | 1669; d. Sept. 18, Rev. Increase Mather, | 1699, at Charleston, D. D.; d. May 27, 1676, | S. C. aged 75 years. | = Gravestone in King's | = [_For the Chapel Burying Ground. | = ----- descendants | = of this Son, | = see p. 165._] | = | Joanna, da. of | Dr. Brian Rossiter, | of Guilford, Ct., | Nov.7, 1660: | born July 1642. | d. at Sandwich, | Oct. 12, 1702. | | +-- Maria Cotton, b. Feb. 15, 1641-42, d. April 4, 1714, at Boston. = = [_For the = ----- descendants of = this Daughter, = see p. 166._] = Rev. Increase Mather, D. D., b. June 21, 1639, gr. Har. Col. 1656; ord. at Boston, May 27, 1669; Pres. of Har. Col. 1685-1701; agent of the colony in England, &c. &c.; d. Aug. 23, 1723. Tomb on Copp's Hill, Boston.

+-- Rev. JOHN COTTON, | b. May 8, 1658, +-- Mary, b. Nov. 5, 1689, | gr. Har. Col. 1678: | d. May 29, 1731; | ord. at Hampton, N. H. | left six children. | Nov. 19, 1696; d. | = | March 27, 1710. | Rev. John Whiting | = | of Concord, Mass. | = ----------------------+ | = | | Anne. dau. of Captain +-- John, b. Sept. 5, 1687, | Thos. Lake, of Boston, | d. Sept. 8, 1689. | an eminent merchant, | | b. Oct. 12, 1663. | | Was 2nd wife of Rev. +-- Dorothy, b. July 16, | Incr. Mather, D. D.; | 1693; m. Dec. 21, | d. at Brookline, | 1710 d. May 20, 1748, | March 29, 1737. Mr. | at Kingston, N. H. | Lake was descended | = | from Hugh de Caley, | = [_For the | who d. 1286, and whose | = descendants of | wife was Agnes, dau. | = ------ this Grand- | of Hamo de Hamsted.-- | = granddaughter, | _Betham's Baronetage_, | = see the | Vol. 3, p. 153. | = following._] | | = | | Rev. Nathl. Gookin, of | +-- Dorothy, b. Novem. 11, | Hampton, b. April 15, | 1656, d. Dec. 20, 1706. | 1687; d. Aug. 25, 1734; | No issue. | gr. H. C. 1708; ord. | = | Nov. 15, 1710. | Col. Joseph Smith, of | | Hampton, N. H. He was | | counsellor of N. H. +-- Thomas b. Oct. 28, 1695, | in 1698. | settled at Brookline. | | | | +-- Sarah d. young, +-- Anna, b. Nov. 13, 1697. | April 1, 1660. | | | | +-- Simon, b. Dec. 21, 1701. [DESCENDANTS +-- Anna, b. Aug. 22, 1661, | OF REV. | d. Dec. 6-7, 1702, | SEABORN COTTON, ---+ in Boston. +-- Samuel, } d. THE SON OF REV. | = Lydia, } young. JOHN COTTON.] | Carr. 2nd, Johnson. | | +-- Sarah, b. July 2, 1663. | d. Aug. 2, 1690, | = | Richard Pierce, of | of Boston, Aug. 27, | 1680. | | +-- Elisabeth, b. Aug. 13, | 1665; d. 1698. | = | Rev. Wm. Williams | of Hatfield, Mass. | | +-- Mercy, born Nov. 2, 1666, | d. June 18, 1715. | = Rev. John Tufts | = ------------------------- of Newbury; | = Har. Col. 1708. | Capt. Tufts | of Medford. | | +-- Maria, b. April 22, 1670, d. 1729. = Atwater. 2nd. Partridge.