Family-histories and genealogies : containing a series of ...

" hereditary legislators," and such by their continued acts they constituted
for themselves. From the time of the founding of the Colony there had
been a " privileged class," not intentionally seeking this pre-eminence for
themselves, but accepting it as the natural result of their conditions. From
the first there had been a few leading families, of whom were the Wolcotts,
Pitkins, Trumbulls, Griswolds—all in one family-connection—to whose
wisdom and public spirit the government of the Colony and State had
been chiefly intrusted. These became hereditary legislators here, almost as
much as if, living in England, they had had a hereditary right to exalted
places. Bringing with them from England a sense of the highest respect
for " persons in authority over them," the colonists extended it to their
own high officers. It was their delight to surround them with all the
pomp, pride and pageantry within their power. No public occasion could
now be so impressive to us as the Governor's inauguration, in its solemnity,
its stateliness, its gorgeous attire, its military and civic display, was to them.
A prestige followed the governing families, and they and those nearly con-
nected with them were treated with a deference which is little seen in
modern society. These families on their part received this respect, and
these tributes, with calmness and dignity ; they were not elated by dis-
tinction, but, with a deep sense that "the powers that be" are of divine
institution, they discharged their duties in the fear of God, seeking wisdom
and strength from Him. All the leading men of the families we describe
" served God in their generation," and left high examples to their descend-
ants and to the people whom they guided.