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

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testify with what correctness and spirit, with what instructive solidity and elegant
vivacity, she could write.
" Such was her courage and firmness of resolution as you can seldom find in the
delicate sex. . . .
" Her indefatigable industry in the affairs of her family was truly remarkable.
" Her knowledge of Geography and History, especially her critical acquaintance
with Church History, was truly rare.
" Knowledge in Divinity enters deep into her character. Comparatively but few
of her sex, I believe, have had their minds more enriched with that treasure. .
. .
" She was a person of much christian simplicity and integrity ; of an upright,
sincere and conscientious turn of mind ;
and sly deceit. . . .
a bitter enemy to all unchristian craftiness
" Though she was honorably descended, and lived in an honorable station, yet
she could, without the least self-denial, condescend to the meanest of the human
race. . . .
" She was possest of great sensibility of heart, was much acquainted with the
tender and delicate emotions of humanity and sympathy. .
. .""
A son of Rev. Jonathan and Phoebe (Griswold) Parsons was
Colonel, afterwards General, Samuel Holden^ Parsons (b. 1737); who
studied law with his uncle Gov. Matthew Griswold, was made King's
Attorney in 1774, and removed to New London. At the commencement
of the Revolution he entered actively into military service, was at the
battle of Bunker Hill, was made a Brigadier General in 1776, distin-
guished himself in the battle of Long Island, and was appointed Major
General. After the war he removed to Middletown, Conn., resumed the
practice of his profession, and was an active member of the Convention
which ratified the Constitution of the United States in Connecticut, of
which his uncle Gov. Griswold was the President. Under an appointment
as Commissioner of Connecticut, he obtained from the Indians a cession
of their title to the "Western Reserve" of Ohio, and was afterwards
made the first Judge of the Northwestern Territory by Washington, his
confidential friend.®
'* A Funeral Sermon .
Searl. . . . Boston,
. . occasioned
1771, pp. 37-40.
by the death of Mrs. Phebe Parsons .
" From an article by Hon. C. J. M'^Curdy, in the New Haven Register for Dec. 20, 18
50
By John