and brought them with increased and depressing weight on him; which, however, he sustained with wonderful cheerfulness, and which seemed only to show the tenderness and constancy of his conjugal affection, and the strength of his resolution in prosecuting his professional duties. Their children were three sons and four daughters, of whom four survive. Two daughters died young, both the same year, aged fifteen and thirteen, and one son has died since the death of his parents. The deaths of those daughters inflicted wounds, the latter while the first was yet fresh and bleeding, such as no other providential inflictions had made before. "What should we do," cried out the distressed father to one of his sons, on meet ing him returned home on one of the occasions, "if we had no Saviour?" Domestic life was his greatest earthly delight. How genial were his habits then, may be readily imagined by those who knew the play of his affections in the circle of common friendship. At the table, at the fireside, in the parlor and on the way, his desire and his power to please, made him pre-eminently the light and joy of his house, their attractive center, and uniting bond. In the morning he of all the family, arose first. It was part of his farmer education to make the morning fire. It was at the old glorious fire-place, that his older children used to meet him, morning by morning, as they left their beds. There they first learned grammar, the English and the Latin, at his lips, and there he dramatized for their entertainment and instruction, as none but he could do, the stories of Joseph, and David and Daniel, or talked with them of some incident of the Saviour's life. And there, too, before the children were up, as he once remarked to a friend, (rare instance of selfrevelation for him,) "he had musings in his own heart before God, which were his strength and joy for the day." Dr. Mc Ewen must have been a man of great mental activity and power; and if he was not also a great reader and a profound

theologian, it was not because he had not the taste and the talent, that might have made him both. His range of thought was wide and comprehensive, and whatever subject he took up for consideration and study, he managed with a strong hand; but his position required him to divert his ardent mind to subjects of a practical, ecclesiastical and political, rather than a literary or philosophical learning. His youthful ambition was to distinguish himself as a lawyer and civilian. This, it has been well said, may be viewed as the back-ground of the picture; and it might be a subject of speculation how far, if his early aspirations had been followed, the active and powerful mind, which made him, in college, the successful competitor over the class-mate, who afterwards rose to the second seat of honor in the nation, would have made him also the successful antagonist of that distinguished senator in the political questions of their day. By the grace of God, all this ambition for influence and fame, and this consciousness of power to shine in the higher positions of society were subdued to the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he was content, or rather chose, when invited to other fields, to be an every day working pastor in one place for life. But may we not see the predilections of this worldly minded young man of eighteen, shadowing themselves on the character of this spiritually minded Christian man and Christian minister of eighty years. Said one of his admirers," he was more a man of the world than most ministers are, without being any more worldly than a great many who, through defect of sympathy or knowledge are very simple, or very narrow." His sagacious discernment of men, and his power to adapt his measures to what he saw in them; his strength of purpose and firmness of Christian principle, his superior education and ripe experience, together with his elegance of manners, and great sweetness and nobleness of disposition, formed a rare combination of excellent qualifications, for the place to which

it pleased God so early to call, and in which he so long continued him, not as a preacher only but also a pastor; pastor in a church so central and important, and in circumstances so difficult, and not only the pastor of that church, but the patron and counsellor, and conservator of many churches; " a Builder of the old waste places, a Repairer of the breach, a Restorer of paths to dwell in."

It were hardly necessary to add that as a friend and companion he had few equals. His singular knowledge of men and things, especially his wonderful remembrance of the characters, incidents and scenes connected with his youth, and his power of representing them in living forms, together with his genial humor, made him very much the center of almost whatever circle he might fall into, while to his particular friends he was an object of their ever growing confidence and delight.

It is an impression of some of his acquaintances, as intimated above, that Dr. McEwen as a Christian was not eminently spiritual. Perhaps he was constitutionally intellectual rather than emotional. It is certain that his religion was not particularly demonstrative; on the contrary, as to verbal declarations of his religious feelings he was remarkably reserved. In other ways he expressed feeling, often as deep and tender, in view of spiritual things, as others. It could not be otherwise. His feelings were too strong to lie hid; and there was one subject more than all others that moved them; the sufferings and death of Christ as the atonement provided of God for sin. Always at the Lord's Supper and ordinarily on other occasions; in prayer or in sermon; in formal address or more familiar remark, the tearful eye, the tremulous voice, the choked utterance, at the mention of that sainted name and his sufferings for our sins, showed, unmistakably, how that one thought penetrated and moved the depth of his moral nature. Still he could not be persuaded to talk of his religious feelings, nor of his own spiritual state and

personal hope, not even with his most confidential friends. He did once, soon after the death of his wife, speak of his making no calculations about living here, and of his hope of soon meeting in heaven her with whom he had so often conversed about that world; and there are a few other expressions, gathered up by one and another, that were dropped from his lips, declarations of his religious feelings; but his ordinary reticence on this one subject, freely communicative as he was on all others, was remarkable. It must on his own part have been intentional, and for reasons to himself satisfactory, but what the reasons were is unknown. This, however, is known, that he had no esteem of religious sentimentalism. All affectation of religious feelings; all needless exposure of them; all self-glorifying them, or exhibition of them to the gaze of idle curiosity, were his abhorrence. Still we regard his extreme reserve on this point, whatever the reasons may have been, as an error. There were occasions in which a more free expression in words, of what in his experience was reflected by his life, would have been consolatory to his friends, and would also have brought him into closer sympathy with his people, opened the way for the truth to their hearts, and, through their great respect for his character, might have brought them into nearer union and freer communication with each other.

Dr. McEwen retired from the active duties of the ministry in 1854. The change was a characteristic affair. The proposition was made to him by some of his most respected and confidential friends. It came to him unexpectedly. He loved his work and retained his capacity for it. He felt that he was entirely himself, and knew that he still lived in the hearts of his people. They knew the same, and for that reason had come to the conclusion that, since on account of his great age, a change must be made soon, it should be made without delay. His comfort and their safety required it. But

how shall he be approached on the subject? He had always managed his own affairs, and theirs, so far as they were committed in charge to his hands, in his own way and who should now intrude? And yet he knew their kindness, and came into the arrangement most gracefully. It was his own proposal, his good sense, to resign all pastoral charge into the hands of a colleague, retaining the pastoral relation and consequently his relation to the pastors and churches of the county. The people on their part generously gave him the choice of an annuity, or of a sum of money paid outright and placed at his own disposal. He chose the latter. They gave him five thousand dollars. His outward relations were changed, but the spiritual ties of those relations were unbroken, and his untiring activity both at home and abroad, was scarcely diminished. He had survived the prejudices of the people, and lived his remaining years in the kind regards and admiring reverence of all classes of men and all denominations of Christians in the wide circle around him.

Of the closing scene, a son (Robert McEwen, D.D.) who was present, writes: "His last sickness, with a single exception, was his only one. It came upon him when his relish of life was unbroken, and its strength was apparently undiminished. The day that he was prostrated, he was in all his vigor and buoyancy,

climbing his black-heart cherry-tree, to gather baskets full for his children and neighbors. A slight cold from the exertion, was perhaps, the cause of his illness; but there he was, cast down for nine weeks, into the most heart-sinking, and sometimes distressing helplessness. Yet through it all he was quiet, patient, cheerful; not a murmur, not a sigh of fretfulness or complaint escaped him. Bent on recovery he yet waited submissively, for the event. And here it was that his characteristic reserve, as to his religious feelings, had its climax. His dying was but his way of living to the last. To a beloved relative who ventured a remark assuming what his state of mind must be in view of his condition, his answer, with a piercing gleam, flashing from his eye, was I did not say so.' He would not say what he might have said, because he might have been expected to say it. He would be himself to the end. So he endured until, in the night of Sept. 7, 1860, he suddenly awaked from a deep slumber, and passed away.

“The whole city was moved at his death. Not the parish only, but the entire community rose up to honor him in his burial; assuming the entire care and expense of the occasion; mourning for him, as they had mourned for no other, regarding him 'their man of all men,' a great man, and a Prince among them." "

as

ORLEANS COUNTY is in the central northern part of Vermont. Its population is chiefly agricultural, and a soil of remarkable fertility yields a rich reward to the labors of the husbandman. The recent extension of the Passumpsic railroad through the heart of the county has greatly developed its resources, and it is rapidly increasing in population, wealth, and intelligence. It contains nineteen

towns, in sixteen of which there are seventeen Congregational churches, the other three towns being without a church of any denomination. Seven of the churches maintain worship only on alternate Sabbaths.

There are now living in the county fifteen Congregational ministers, three of whom, however, are quite out of service. Six of these are pastors, (one of them

only nominally so,) and seven are stated supplies. Two are graduates of the University of Vermont, and one each of Middlebury, Yale, Bowdoin, and Amherst colleges. The rest are not graduates. One was theologically educated at the Toronto (C. W.) Theological Institute, two each at Andover and Bangor, one each at Auburn and Gilmanton, and the rest were otherwise educated.

ALBANY.-The church in this town was organized August 16, 1818, with only four members. It had no stated preaching till April, 1826, and received few additions till 1831, when a revival brought in thirtyone persons, most of them heads of families. Difficulties in regard to a place of worship embarrassed the church for many years. In 1842 a house was completed, but it was destoyed by fire Feb. 11, 1846, since which time a house has been occupied jointly with the Baptists, and preaching has been maintained only on alternate Sabbaths. The church has had two pas

tors:

ELIAS W. KELLOGG,.....Ord. Jan. 24, 1827 Dis. May 22, 1833 ELIAS R. KILBY,........Ord. March 4, 1840 *Feb. 15, 1851

Since the death of Mr. Kilby the pulpit has been supplied five years, commencing Dec. 24, 1852, by Rev. Phineas Bailey, and five years, commencing in August, 1858, by Rev. A. R. Gray.

Rev. ELIAS WELLS KELLOGG, son of Enos and Dimas (Wells) Kellogg, was born in Shelburne, Ms., Feb. 3, 1795; and removed in early life to Bakersfield, Vt., where he read theology with Rev.

Elderkin J. Boardman. He was licensed by the North-Western Association at Westford, Jan. 18, 1826, and soon commenced preaching at Albany. After his dismissal from Albany, he preached, in 1834 and 1835, three fourths of the time at East Berkshire, and the other fourth in Montgomery. In May, 1836, he commenced preaching at Jericho Center, and was there installed Jan. 18, 1837; Rev. E. J. Boardman preaching the sermon, as

he also did on occasion of his ordination at Albany. He was dismissed July 7, 1840, and in March, 1841, commenced supplying the churches in Franklin and Highgate, preaching alternately to each, till March, 1844, when he began to preach at Highgate all the time, and was there installed Jan 7, 1846. Rev. Preston Taylor preached the sermon. He was dismissed Jan. 7, 1852, and went immediately to St. Alban's Bay, where he was stated supply three years. In 1855 he removed to Illinois, and preached first at Pecatonica, afterwards at Wayne Center, where he was stated supply at the time of his death, which occurred at Ringwood, Ill., Oct. 6, 1861.

He married, March 7, 1820, Alzada Holbrook, a native of Wardsboro, Vt., and a descendant of Gov. William Bradford; by whom he had Sylvanus Holbrook, born Jan. 5, 1821; Julia Sophia, born Sept. 15, 1822; Edward Young, born August 3, 1827, died Sept. 28, 1828; Calvert Spencer, born Feb. 26, 1829, died Sept. 13, 1833; Edward Payson, born July 17, 1833, died Feb. 14, 1838; Charlotte Alzada, born March 10, 1836; Sarah Eliza, born Aug. 31, 1837, died July 24, 1845; Wealthy Ann, born June 20, 1839, died July 10, 1845.

Rev. ELIAS RUSSELL KILBY, son of Thomas T. and Abigail (Parmalee) Kilby, was born in Guildhall, Vt., Jan. 31, 1803. He married, Oct. 31, 1826, Betsey Washburn of Guildhall, and was engaged in secular pursuits till more than thirty years old. He then read theology with Rev. James Tisdale, of Guildhall, and Rev. Thomas W. Duncan of Burke. His only settlement was at Albany, and his ordination sermon was preached by Rev. T. W. Duncan. During the last two or three years of his life, he was stated supply, half the time, of the Congregational Church in Newport, at which place he died, Feb. 15, 1851.

BARTON.-The church in Barton was organized Sept. 24, 1817, and consisted of sixteen members. Under the ministry

of Rev. Luther Leland, the number was more than doubled within a year. Mainly through the liberality of a single member a house of worship was built, which was dedicated Sept. 6, 1820. This falling into disrepair, another house was built, and by the same means, and was dedicated Dec. 29, 1842. A powerful revival was experienced in 1831, and some awaking in 1833 and 1835. Until in 1850 preaching was maintained only half the time. The church has had four pastors:

THOMAS SIMPSON,........ Inst. Oct. 26, 1825

ORA PEARSON,..

Dis. Sept. 23, 1830 ...Inst. Jan. 1, 1840 Dis. Nov. 19, 1844 CLARK E. FERRIN,.......Ord. Dec. 9, 1851 Dis. Dec. 19, 1854 BENJAMIN W. POND,.....Ord. Jan. 28, 1862

During the interval between the first and second pastors, the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Otis F. Curtis, Rev. Bowman Brown, and Rev. Ora Pearson, and for two or three years before the settlement of Mr. Pearson, there was only occasional preaching. Rev. Levi H. Stone preached four years and two months, commencing July 6, 1845. Rev. William D. Flagg preached a year, commencing in September 1857. Rev. John H. Beckwith was the stated supply during the year 1859, and Rev. Henry A. Hazen during 1860.

Rev. THOMAS SIMPSON, son of John and Mary (Whitney) Simpson; was a native of Deerfield, N. H., and received his theological education at Bangor. His first settlement was at Vershire, Vt., where he was ordained Dec. 10, 1823. Rev. Baxter Perry, of Lyme, N. H., preached the sermon. He was dismissed June 8, 1825. Rev. Jacob N. Loomis of Hardwick, Vt., preached the installation sermon at Barton. Upon leaving Barton, he retired from the ministry, and now lives in Lowell, Ms.

Rev. ORA PEARSON, was born in Chittenden, Vt., Oct. 6, 1797, was graduated at Middlebury in 1820, and at Andover in 1824. After preaching at various places in New York for a year or

more, he went to Kingstown, N. H., where he was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church, March 7, 1827. Rev. Ira Ingraham, of Bradford, Ms., preached the sermon. Under his labors at Kingstown a powerful revival took place, which brought more than sixty persons into the church. He was dismissed Jan. 9, 1834, after which he spent some time in Canada, as a missionary of the New Hampshire Missionary Society. His installation sermon at Barton was by Rev. James Robertson of Sherbrooke, C. E. After his dismissal from Barton he was a colporteur of the American Tract Society for five or six years, and until the loss of his sight compelled him to retire from active life. He died at Peacham, Vt., July 5, 1858. His last sickness was long and severe, but perhaps the best works of his life were done there, he gave such strong proofs of the realtity of his faith and of the power of Christ to support his disciples in the hour of affliction.

He married, June 15, 1827, Mary Kimball of Barton. His only publication was "An Address to professing heads of families on the subject of Family Worship," a pamphlet of twelve pages, prepared by request of the Piscataqua Association, and published in 1831.

Rev. CLARKE ELAM FERRIN, son of Micah and Lucinda (Conant) Ferrin, was born in Holland, Vt., July 20, 1818, was graduated at Burlington in 1845, taught school in Georgia two years, and then entered the Seminary at Andover, where he was graduated in 1850. His ordination sermon at Barton was by Rev. O. T. Lamphear of Derby. The failure of his health disabled him from preaching during the latter part of his pastorate, and at length occasioned his dismissal. Regaining his health, after the lapse of a year, he resumed preaching, and was installed at Hinesburgh, Vt., Feb. 6, 1856, Rev. N. G. Clark preaching the sermon. In this pastorate he still remains. He was the representative of Hinesburgh in the legislatures of 1858 and 1859.