independent in expressing his sentiments, and pursuing the line of conduct he chose to follow. In physical conformation, Dr. T. was of medium size, well-made and muscular. In early life he possessed great bodily strength and agility, and delighted in all those exercises which called them into action. Dr. Todd was twice married, but left no children. No biographical notice of Dr. Todd should be concluded without some reference to his religious character. Though born of pious parents, yet, till late in life, the Bible and the Christian religion are believed to have occupied little of his attention; and he was generally reputed a skeptic or Universalist. In 1825, his first wife died in the triumphs of faith, and on her death-bed urged and entreated him to attend to, and investigate the subject of religion, expressing her undoubting conviction that if he would do so in the same thorough and impartial manner in which he examined other topics, the result would be most happy. In compliance with her dying request, he commenced the study of the Bible; and by the blessing of God the effect proved as Mrs. T. had anticipated. All the donbts, difficulties and prejudices which had so long stood in the way of his embracing the Christian faith, were dissipated; and Dr. T. became a firm believer in the great doctrines of revelation, and a sincere and ardent disciple of Christ; and through the remainder of his life, and particularly during his last long and distressing illness, enjoyed in a high degree the peculiar supports and consolations of the gospel. SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF ELNATHAN GRIDLEY. (Prepared by Rev. Noah Porter, D. D.) Elnathan Gridley was the oldest son of Elijah and Hannah Gridley, of this town; was graduated at Yale College in the year 1820, and received his theological education at the Seminary in Andover, Massachusetts. Near the close of his preparatory studies in theology, he offered himself to the American Board, and was received as a missionary to the heathen. Having left the Seminary, he performed an active and successful agency, in organizing committees and associations in his native State, auxiliary to the Board. After completing this service, he entered upon the study of medicine, to enlarge his usefulness as a missionary. In vigor of constitution, ardor of pursuit, inflexibility of purpose, and daring heroism of enterprize, he had been distinguished from his early years. These endowments, directed as they were by a sound and well furnished mind, and chastened by Christian humility, meekness and zeal, marked him as one designed of God for distinguished usefulness. He was ordained on the 25th of August, 1825, in Boston; embarked from the same place on the 16th of August, 1826, with his face towards Jerusalem; and after two months arrived at Malta. There it was decided by the missionaries present, that on account of the unsettled state of things at Jerusalem, he should delay the prosecution of his mission in Palestine, and take up his residence, at least for a few months, at Smyrna; for the special purpose of co-operating with the missionaries at Malta, in the pre paration and distribution of tracts, and in other evangelical labors, among the Greeks. To this work he accordingly devoted himself with his characteristic ardor, and in three months was not only able to converse with the citizens of Smyrna, in their own language, but began to preach to them in the public assembly. In June he went on a journey of thirty days, in prosecution of the objects of his mission, into the interior of the country, with the view of taking up his summer's residence at Cesarea, in Cappadocia; where he was seized with a bilious fever; of which, on the fifteenth day after the attack, and on the 27th of September, 1827, unattended by any Christian acquaintance, but amidst every kindness which friendship could afford, he died; and there, not far from the spot where the ashes of Henry Martyn repose, the monumental stone, with his name and office inscribed, marks his grave. By the affectionate care of Abraham, a native Greek, of interesting character, and Mr. Gridley's faithful teacher and attendant, his grave is covered with a block of stone in which is inserted a marble slab, with appropriate inscriptions, in English, Greek and Turkish; of which a copy is subjoined. The Greek and the Turkish inscriptions are in the poetical form, in lines of fifteen syllables, of which the last rhyme with each other. The Inscription in English. REV. ELNATHAN GRIDLEY, AMER ICAN MISSIONARY FROM THE UNITED STATES, BORN IN FARMINGTON OF CON NECTICUT, 31 YEARS AND 55 DAYS OLD 27 SEPT. 1827. Translation of the Greek, made by Abraham. Here lies Elnathan Gridley, full of every virtue, A shining star of the new world, which, with a great speed, Translation of the Turkish, by the same. Perfect, wise, well instructed Physician, and meek Herald of the Gospel In this tomb they confined me, the stranger called Gridley, Farewell, then, hereafter, all frivolous care. ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE SETTLEMENT OF FARMINGTON. NOVEMBER 4, 1840. I. READING OF SCRIPTURES AND PRAYER.-BY REV. E. SCRANTON. II. HYMN.-BY DR. E. P. TERRY. O'ER a wild and stormy ocean, Driven by oppression's rod, Firm of heart and strong of purpose, Trusting in a righteous God; Calm, though sad-depress'd, yet hoping- Distant from their native land, 'Mid stern rocks and gloomy forests, On they press through toil and danger, Naught can daunt their fearless zeal; Heaven has blessed their holy purpose, III. PRAYER.-BY REV. DR. PORTER. IV. SINGING.-"HAPPY THE LAND." HAPPY the land where lives and reigns Happy the land where virtue dwells, And industry her stores of wealth. Happy the land where from above The rays of heavenly truth descend; V. HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.-BY REV. NOAH PORTer, Jr. VI. HYMN.-BY REV. ROYAL ROBBINS. O'ER these fair plains the years have rolled, Since first our sires, Heaven's favored race, The day and scene, in history's page, The ages pass, but God remains,- Four score and four* our fathers were- The ages pass, but God remains, Our fathers' God, o'er heaven he reigns. The number of original proprietors in Farmington. |