pears, that the energy of his mind was supremely directed to practical objects; that he was remarka ble for prudence, and firmness of mind; that he was strongly attached to the manners and institutions of his native state; that he was peculiarly a friend to the religious systems of the first settlers of New England; and that piety was a distinguished trait in his character. Having arrived at a good old age, loaded with honours, beloved and revered, strong in the christian faith and hope, he left the cares of the world to enter on the rewards of grace. transit gloria mundi. STAFFORD, CON. Sic 753. Note-The rev. JOHN WILLARD, a descendant from the rev. Samuel Willard, vice-president of Harvard college and author of a body of divinity founded on the Assembly's catechism, had the usual honours of the same institution in 1751 and 1754, and, a few years before his death, the degree of doctor of divinity. He died amid the tender regrets of his family and the people of his charge, in February, 1807, at the age of 74 years. From the Piscataqua Mag. the following extract is made. "He was an accurate scholar, a sound divine, a prudent minister, a father to his people, and very attentive to lead the young to the knowledge and practice of religion. His discourses were correct and methodical, perspicuous and instructive, write ten with attention, and engaging to the well infor med hearer. He was an example to his flock, par ticularly, in devotion, diligence, prudence, hospitality, and fidelity; but he was especially distinguished for his humility and modesty. "Though settled in retirement, he was a pleasant and instructive companion. Few men had a better knowledge of the characters of the early settlers of this country. In difficulties, of which he had a large share, he was calm and collected, in afflictions, submissive and patient; under injuries, meek and forgiving. In his family, he was a kind husband, an affectionate parent, and a mild and firm governour. A lover of good men, he was candid towards those, who differed in opinion from him. Well versed in the usages of the churches, he was an able counsellor, and an example to his brethren in the ministry. Few men have maintained a character so uniformly unspotted, correct, and worthy imitation." WETHERSFIELD, CON. 754. Here lies the body of LEONARD CHESTER, armiger, of the town of Blaby and several other lordships in Leicestershire, deceased in Wethersfield, 11 December, 1648, aged 39 years. Note. Mr. Chester, the ancestor of a number of distinguished characters, came to this country in 1633, and was one of the early settlers of Wethersfield. His son, John Chester, died, 23 February, 169, in the 62 year of his age. His grandson, John Chester, esq. deceased, 14 December, 1711, at the age of 56 years. His great grandson, colonel John Chester, was born, 30 June, 1703, and departed this life, 11 September, 1771. He was a member of the legislative council and one of the judges of the county court. In 1748, he married Sarah Noyes, a daughter of the rev. James Noyes of New Haven, by whom he had four sons, and two daughters, who survived him. WETHERSFIELD, CON. 755. Note. The hon. JOHN CHESTER, the oldest son of col. John Chester, noticed in the foregoing article, was born, 29 January, 1749, and died, after an active and useful life, on the 4 of November, 1809. In 1778, he married miss Elizabeth Huntington, a daughter of the late hon. Jabez Huntington, of Norwich, by whom he had nine children, who survive him, six daughters and three sons. One of his sons is the rev. John Chester, the amiable and worthy pastor of the Presbyterian church in the city of Hudson. The rev. John Marsh, D. D. delivered a sermon from 2 Cor. 5. 8, at the interment of his distinguishod friend and parishioner, which was published, and from which is extracted the following tribute of respect to his precious memory. "Col. John Chester descended from an ancient and respectable family, which came from England and settled in this town, in the early infaney of it. His father many of you remember, and know in what high estimation he was held, in this society, and town, and the then colony. This his eldest son was educated at Yale College, and received its honours in 1766. He began his career of publick service, in 1772, as a representative of this his native town, in the legislature of the colony. In the spring of 1775, he joined the revolutionary army near Boston, at the head of a distinguished company of volunteers, and signalized himself by his heroick conduct in the battle of Bunker Hill. Promoted to the command of a regiment, he had an opportunity for a more conspicuous display of his military talents, and was respected as an officer of distinguished merit. Inviolably attached to the cause of his country, with reluctance he retired from the army, at the imperious call of his family concerns, in 1777, greatly regretted, particularly by the com. mander in chief, who expressed a solicitous desire to retain him in service. "From this time he was usually an active and influential member, and, for several successive sessions, speaker of the house of representatives in this state, previous to the year 1788, when he was chosen into the council. Here he was continued till 1791, when he was appointed by president Washington, to the office of supervisor of the district of Connecticut, the arduous duties of which he discharged with great punctuality and fidelity. "In 1803, he was re-chosen into the council of this state. He was one of the judges of the county court for the county of Hartford, and also a judge of probate. In these several stations he continued to serve the publick with ability and integrity, until, arrested by a paralytick disorder, he declined all publick business. "Possessed of a mind discerning and active, prudent and decisive, he was formed for great usefulness. Though distinguished for independence and firmness of spirit, yet he was ever modest and unassuming. His dignity and amiableness of manners, his sincerity and candour, benevolence and hospitality, commanded general esteem and respect, and particularly endeared him to those, who were most intimately acquainted and connected with him. But his piety added greatly to the lustre of his other virtues, and was the chief glory of his character. "Not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for which he was taught from his childhood to entertain a high respect, he early made a publick profession of the religion of Jesus, and continued through life to adorn it, by a constant and exemplary regard to institutions, and a conversation becoming it. "Signally qualified by an early cultivation of a fine taste for sacred musick, he did much to encourage and promote a decent performance of one of the most important, animating, and delightful parts of social worship. So much was his heart engaged in this, that he continued to the last day he was able to come to the house of God, though in a feeble |