Notes for Richard Denton, II

Notes for Richard Denton, II

A graduate of St. Catherine's Cambridge in 1623, & acknowledged by many as the founder of Presbyterianism in America. In America he worked with the famous Rev. Cotton Mather who described Richard as a small man highly religious, with only one eye, but in the pulpit he could sway a congregation like he was 9 feet tall. He came to America from the Parish of Owram, North England on the Ship the James, ( some say the Arabella) He lived in Weathersfield & Stamford Connecticut.
In the Book The History of the Clergy in Middle Colonies, author Weiss makes reference to the religious conflict of the early CT. which resulted in Rev. Richard Denton moving on to Hempstead, Long Island, New York in 1644. He settled there in the midst of a large Dutch colony. However there was also many English settlers living in the area without benefit of religious guidance. With these scattered members for the church,he established the first Presbyterian Church in America. This Church was so successful that soon the Dutch neighbors began attending services. History shows some controversy developed when Rev. Richard began to baptize some of the younger children of the Dutch who did not agree with all the Presbyterian beliefs.
From "Narratives of The New Netherland" 1609-1664 a letter to the Classis of Amsterdam from Johannes Megapolensis & Samuel Drisius dated 5 Aug. 1657, at Hempstead about 7 leagues from here, there live some independents. There are also many of our own church ,& some Presbyterians. They have a preacher Richard Denton, a pious, godly, & learned man, who is in a agreement with our church in everything. The independents of the place listen attentively to his sermons, but when he began to baptize the children of parents who are not members of the church, they rushed out of the church.
From another letter dated 22 Oct. 1657 the same writers continue, Mr Denton, who is sound in faith, of a friendly disposition, & beloved by all, cannot be induced by us to remain, although we have earnestly tried to do this in various ways. He first went to Virginia to seek a situation, complaining of a lack of salary, & that he was getting in debt, but he has returned thence. He is now fully resolved to go to old England, because of his wife who is sickly will not go without him, & there is a need of their going there on account of a legacy of four hundred pounds sterling, lately left by a deceased friend, & which they cannot obtain except by their personal presence.
His Tombstone bears the following in Latin, Here lies the dust of Richard Denton. O'er his low peaceful grave bends the perennial cypress, fit emblem of his unfading fame. On earth his bright example, religious light, shown forth o'er the multitudes, in heaven his pure rob'd spirit shines like an effulgent star.
The history of Hempstead, Long Island, New York makes many references to the Dentons & their marriages & big families. The men were active in the local militias fighting Indians & they developed excellent military experience that prepared them foe officer commissions when they moved on to the Virginia Frontier. Robert Fordham and John Carman are mentioned in this document, as is Micah Smith. In 1644, Rev. Richard Denton led the migration from Stamford to Hempstead, Long Island, NY.
(Translation of the above)
November 13th, 1643.