Rev. Jonathan and Submit (TAINTOR) MALTBY
His Parents - Capt. Benjamin and Sarah (HARRINGTON) MALTBY
Spouse's Parents -
Kids - Isaac
, Jonathan
, Abial
, Oliver
, George
, Lucuis
, Amoret
and Harriet
CFH-D. Rev. Jonathan MALTBY, b. April 21, 1759 (Benj. 3, Dan. 2,
Wm. 1). He m. June 17, 1787, Submit TAINTOR, dau. of Nathaniel
and Submit (Tyler) Taintor, who was born Oct. 20, 1763; she d. Dec.
18, 1848, in her 86th year. Of her, Rev. Jonathan wrote: "The
beloved companion of my early days is the only one of her Father's
family left."
The following is a copy of a letter from Jonathan Maltby, to
his bride-to-be, dated:
"My dearest friend---
I depend on being at Northford Sabbath after next
extraordinarius excepted. On the evening of that day I expect to
hear of the Bride and Bridegroom.
It will be the most joyful! The most interesting hour of my
life! I expect on that pertentious moment to surrender myself at
discretion--a voluntary captive to sweet smiling Hymen, a Devotee
to Beauty and to Virtue--to be, not my own; but another--to give my
hand and my heart, and to receive in return, the fair hand and the
affectionate heart of my Other Self:
I will be thine--entirely thine, and thou shalt be mine, en-
tirely mine with all the engaging and unfading charms. Happy!
Happy Union! which harmonizes Two in One!
Has Rev'd--sufficient health to tie the lovely bands? Or will it
be expedient to write my Rev'd. friend Mr. Holmes to ride out with
me, and perform the gentle office?
With the finest sensibilities and the purest emotions I am
waiting to be completely yours.
The copy was sent by Mrs. Frederick E. Foster, who wrote below
the letter: "My sister has the white satin dress the bride wore at
the marriage."
Rev. Jonathan Maltby was the first to attempt writing a Maltby
Family History. His original copy is owned by the compiler. It is
dated "1848" and marked "Correct History." There are nine pages of
closely written material. This MS. was given me by Jonathan's
grandaughter Mrs. Henry J. Stevens, 90 Grand Avenue, Fair Haven,
Conn. (Jane Almira Maltby (6) dau. of Lucius (5)).
When I called on her she was out in the garden and came in
wearing a long red zibelline cloak, which had belonged to Submit
(Taintor) Maltby. The MS is tied with pieces of blue and yellow
silk, which Mrs. Stevens said, were from a dress of Submit's.
A picture from a painting of Jonathan Maltby's home was pub-
lished in the "Maltby-Malbie Family History." Unfortunately, as can
be seen in this picture, the house was situated on the bank of Mill
River. Mr. Horace Day, an old gentleman, told me that when the home
was broken up--an attic full of old papers, letters, etc., were sim-
ply thrown out the windows and the waters of the river were white
with floating documents.
When the contents of the fine old Oliver Ellsworth Maltby resi-
sence on "Maltby Place" Fairhaven, were being sold, I bought two
plates which had belonged to Rev. Jonathan--an old "blue willow
pattern" plate, and a "flowing blue" large soup plate.
Rev. Jonathan graduated from Yale College in the Class of 1779.
The compiler owns his Diploma, with old blue paper seal. It is
*(Rev. Warham William's daughter Abigail mar. Col. Stephen Maltby,
brother of Rev. Jonathan, and ancestor of the compiler).
"Diary of Ezra Stiles, Pres. Yale Coll. Catalogue of Yale at my
installment, July 8, 1778--Juniors: Jonathan Maltbie, Branford."
The original of Rev. Jonathan's account of Rev. War times
which we give below, is owned by the compiler.
"With one or two exceptions, I have out lived all my contemp-
oraries, relatives and friends.
Joseph Darling, Esq. of the class of 1777 and classmate Hon.
Elizur Goodrich, D.D.L., are now living in the city. I am oldest
of the three.
The former Treasurer, of dear Yale, the venerable Deacon Beers,
is several years my senior.
More than three score years ago three Brothers, in good health
were daily looking and expecting to see me sink into the grave. I
was struggling with a violent cough and disordered lungs. But, I
remain a monument of mercy "A wonder to many!" A wonder to myself!
In my 90th year, 63rd of wedded life. Read and write more,
than in any former time, without the aid of glasses.
I an the only survivor of my Father's numerous family. Mrs. M.
is the only one living of her Father's family and is closing her
85th year.
My connection with College was in 1775. In days that "tried
men's souls"--in time of the Revolution.
A war spirit prevailed in all the old 13--Patriotism, warmed
the hearts of free born sons of Yale. Fired with the news of the
death of their countrymen at Lexington, 100 of her sons marshalled
for fight, rush to Boston and I see an old gentleman point his cane
and hear him say: "What do you think Gage will say, when he knows
that a hundred men from Yale college are come to fight him!"
"The upper classes, in the interval of studies, are on the lower
green, with their music practising, marching, meneuvering--- ---
Soon after my acquaintance with Alma Mater, Col. Ira Allen of
Vermont, brought the good news of the capture of the fort of St.
John. A thrill of joy pervades the city and the College. Cannon
are ordered out. 13 thunders, one for each State, tell the heart-
felt joy. At the last fire, the Colonel, soldier-like, leaped on
the cannon--swung his hat and cried aloud: "God save the Continental
Congress--three cheers!" Oh, they were given to the life.
The war occupied too much of the students mind. And such was
exposed state of College, while at New Haven, that it was dispersed
into several towns in the interior of the State for two or three
years, to the great disadvantage of the students. Classes (1776,
1777-78-79) had no public Commencement.
In the summer term of '78--College returned. President Stiles
was inducted into office and took charge of the Seminary.
July, 1779. Tryon and Traitor Arnold with three or four thous-
and British troops enter New Haven.
Night before, at 9 o'clock an alarm was fired; again at 1, which
put the town in the utmost consternation. That night and next day,
exhibited such excruciating distress among the women and children as
I hope and pray I never again witness.
The students request the selectmen of the town to furnish them
with arms to meet the enemy, but are not able. 3 of my class obtain
arms and go out with Capt. Hillhouse and the Guards--David Austin
and Elizur Goodrich are wounded. Austin brings in a prisoner.
After Rev'd D. Austin. Hon. Elizur Goodrich was a Captain and Dr.
Nesbit pronounced his wound mortal.
After being one night in town, they cross next morning to East
Haven. While in town they burn buildings, destroy house furniture,
merchants' goods and groceries and do all the damage that they could
well do. The distress they made I will not attempt to describe.
On Tuesday I was one of a reconortring party on East Haven
heights, where balls were whistling constantly but 'no music for me."
A cannon ball took off all upper part of a Mr. Pardee's head and
several were wounded. We have the pleasure to witness this 16th Aug.
that the wound of the Hon. Elizur Goodrich was not mortal, with
heart felt joy we behold him one of the happy alumni!
If "Long Life" is a Blessing, my Ancestors, Parents and con-
temporaties have been favored.
Martha, my Father's Aunt was twice married, Mr. Stent of Bran-
ford, and Deacon Peck of Wallingford, at his fruneral the bell told
100, as I heard in my boyhood. My great Aunt lacked a month or two
of 100 years. The Great Master called my honrd Father in his 80th
year. My dear Mother in her 93rd, and recently my Sister Sarah
Linly at the close of her 85th.
Mrs. M's mother was in her 86th (See Obit.) "Died in this city,
on Monday morning the 9th (?) ult, at the residence of her son-in-
law, Mr. Jonathan Maltby, Mrs. Submit Taintor, relict of Mr. Nathan-
eil Taintor, of Northford, in the 86th year of her age. In several
of her last years, interlect seemed utterly to fail--she was as one
dead among the living. She had possessed a strong mind, sound judg-
ment and a very retentive memory & justly retained the respect and
confidence of all her acquaintance. She made a professing of her
faith in Christ in early life.
She was very eminent. She sought wool and flax and wrought
willingly with her hands. She looked well to her household, did
not eat the bread of idleness. Many daughters have done virtuously
but she very much excelled.
She was the mother of 6 children, 4 of them died befor her.
Two only remain to bear testimony to her examplary course. Two were
not married. From four daughters proceeded a numerous offspring.
Of her posterity there have been 6 children, 31 grandchildren, 60 of
the fourth and 7 of the fifth generation, all, one hundred and
four. (104)
"Cousin Benjamin Maltby, the Patriarch indeed! of Ohio, whose
descendants are said to be 270, was in his 98th year. (See Obit.)"
(This was included under the record of Deacon Benjamin, in this book.)
"My uncle, Deacon Daniel Maltby of Northford, Ct., the Father
of the Patriarch, had 3 sons and 8 daughters."
We insert an article written by Rev. Jonathan.
"Northford was a Village of true Patriots. Only three Tories.
The Whigs were ardent and forward in the service of their Country
and perservered to obtain their Liberties and Independence. They
fell and bled in the good Couse.
Some of the first young men--the flower of Northford fell in
the Contest, much lamented.
"May, 1775, Capt. William Douglas commanded a warlike band.
Serjant Levi Munson, Corporals Josiah Fowler, Jun., and Benjamin
Henshaw, privates Nathaniel Bunnel, Caleb Cooke, John Elwell,
Samuel Cook, Joseph Hawkins, Abner Thorp, from Northford.
He marched to New York, thence to the Capture of St. John's,
Canada. The Capture of that place occasioned a thrill of joy. A
brother of General Ethan Allen brought the good news to New Haven.
Colonel Fitch ordered out the cannon. Thirteen thunders--one for
each State echoed to the shouts of the warm hearted freemen. The
gallant Allen, soldier like, leaped on a Canon. At the last fire,
swung his hat and cried: "God save the Continental Congress! Three
Cheers!" O, it was done to the life! It was my first term in Yale
College.
Jan. 1776, another detachment under Major Douglas of three
months men was ordered to New York. Ensign Titus Munson (died on
Long Island, Mch. 1776), Joseph Bunel, Solomon Linly and my brother
Thaddeus Maltby were a part. Again in May, 1776, Lieut. Ambrose
Baldwin, Serjeant Benjamin Norton, Corporal Thaddeus Maltby and Dan
Bartholomew, Peter Farnum, Fastor Munro and Dick Negro, seven men
from that little Village march to the Northern army. Four of these
free born sons fell Victims in the Cause of their Country, Thaddeus
Maltby, Dan Bartholomew, Factor Munro and D. Negro, and two of the
Militia to New York, Edwin Foot and Dan Page.
Col. Douglas commanded the Regt. of Leather Caps." (cap of his
invention). "It was said to be the first Regt. of the Connecticut
troops.
In August the Militia were ordered to New York and Col. Douglas
acting as General of Brigade. After his decease, May, 1777, the
Regt. was commanded by Col. Meigs during the War.
The Regiment was always a terror to the enemy.
Sergt. Levi Munson and Sergt. Benjamin Norton, early entered
the Army and retired 1783. Lieutenant Serjeant Munson was captured
with General Allen and was in prison with him two years in England.
On his exchange he was told: "You have seen enough, you will
never fight us again."
"I will fight you the first opportunity." was his reply. Was
appointed Lieutenant and served during the War.
Capt. Isaac Foot was a warm and active officer. Commanded a
detachment of the Troop to New York, 1776.
Jonathan Maltby and Solomon Talmage of the same troops with
others, were dispatched under Capt. Treat of Milford to the Capture
of Burgoyne. Her Sons were in many battles.
Mr. Josiah Fowler and others were with Major Meigs in the ex-
pedition to Long Island when 90 of the enemy were captured. They
were guarded one night in the Episcopal Church in Northford on their
way to Hartford.
Mr. Elhiu Fowler was in the battle at White Plains (was a marks-
man) said he had many fair shots at the enemy as he ever had at a
squirrel.
Jonathan Finch served during and Peter Lyon were at the taking
of Cornwallis and in many other perils of the Revolution.
The whole Mass were engaged in emergencies and Northford left
destitute of male inhabitants.
"When the enemy came to New Haven, some of the dear patriot lad-
ies for fear, fled to the mountains with bed and bedding, assisted
by a faithful colored man." (Emily Maltby Page writes after this:
"My great grandmother Taintor was one of them.")
"Capt. Jonathan Munson, Capt. Solomon Talmage, Mr. Elihu Foot,
Squire John Potter and Mr. James Linly were pensioner.
The war of the Revolution was a time that "tried men's souls,"
and women's too, sometimes. Vile characters would tell frightful
stories that the enemy were coming, to frighten the women and amuse
themselves.
Blessed be the God of Love and peace! We live in time of tran-
quility and in the Land of Freedom.
Northford has furnished a large proportion of Teachers of
Church Music. Rev. Lemuel Tyler of Preston, Conn., taught in Fair-
field and in Fishkill, New York.
Dr. Augustus Williams of Canandaigua, New York, taught in New-
berryport, Mass. General Isaac Maltby and Colonel Stephen Maltby
were eminent teachers--were much employed at home and abroad.
Mr. Solomon Fowler and Mr. Levi Fowler were teachers. Mr. L.
Fowler taught in Pennsylvania and many years in Northford. There has
ever been a little band of vocal and instrumental music. For more
than sixty years Church music has been cultivated. First, by Rev.
Andrew Law. Since then taught by him, and their descendants.
There has been a large proportion of district and high school
teachers. Men and women--at home and abroad have been much employed.
Hence probably the remark--"The Village exhibits a scholastic appear-
ance." New Haven, Oct. 27, 1847. Here it is worthy of remark that
all the Pensioners (with one exception) are laid in the dust, and
every one who taught church music. And of the 31 educated at Yale
College, 22 deceased. Of my Class Hon. Elihul Goodrich and myself
are all that I know of now living.
*Mrs. Page, a Maltby descendant, added a note asking "who was the
Jonathan Maltby, at the Capture of General Burgoyne."
It may well be best to answer that question by quoting from the
last page of Rev. Jonathan Maltby's history of the family: viz---
"Squire Samuel Maltby, Yale College, Class, 1712, was Father to
Samuel who came to Northford. He and my Father were brother's child-
ren, or first cousins. He had one daughter who married Bille Tyler,
son of Paul Tyler; 3 sons, Samuel, James, Jonathan.
Samuel married Rosanna Coe, Durham; 3 sons, John, Timothy,
Morris (died in mid-life).
John married Elizabeth Ives, 4 children, Samuel Chauncey, John,
Selina, Julian.
Samuel Chauncey mar. Ruth Collins, 2 children.
He died in early life. His widow now lives in the ancient
home.
James married Sarah Coe, 2 sons, 2 daus., James, Harry, Sarah,
mar. Augustus Tyler, son Atwater Tyler, Yale Coll., M.D. in
practice near New Haven, Eunice, deceased.
James and Henry have families and are now living in Northford.
Jonathan married a Culver. He and Solomon Talmage were de-
tached from the troop under Capt. Treat of Milford and were with him
at the Capture of Bygoin, went to Lenox, Mass."
Note. In his Genealogy, Jonathan Maltby wrote, "detached from;" in
Mrs. Page's copy of "In Time of the Revolution," it reads: "Col.
Douglas acts as General of Brigade, after May 1777, the Regt. was
commanded by Col. Meigs...Capt. Isaac Foote...and active officer,
commanded a detachment of the troop to New York, 1776. Jonathan
Maltby and Solomon Talmage of the same troop, with others, were dis-
patched under Capt. Treat of Milford to the capture of Burgoyne."
In 1847, Rev. Jonathan wrote: "To my beloved Friend Seth M. Maltby"
"New Haven, 1847. Sixty first year of wedded life. Mrs. M. just
closing her 84th and my 89th with many natural and moral infirmities."
Rev. Jonathan Maltby died 1856. (Ref. Deacon Charles Foote)
New Haven, June 5th, 1787
Tis Hymen lights the torch of love,
And beams benignant as the sun;
The daw, the rook, and gentle dove
Are ne'er content till two are one.
Innocence and Virtue are inseperably allied, emblematical of
their purity in the pure white of this half sheet, which excites
the following allusion:
"Thou art the dear Maiden innocently sweet
Who art fair white paper, an unsullied sheet.
I am the happy man, whom Heaven ordained
To write fair my name and take thee for my pains.
Jonathan Maltby."
signed Ezra Stiles, L.L.D. (?) President
Sol. Lockwood Eliplrt. Williams
Timothy (unreadable) *Warham Williams
Stephanus Johnson
Nathel. Taylor
Ewsar (?) Goodrich.
"Maltby Place. April 21, 1848."
"Birthday, of my 90th Year.
"It was with sin, heart from the full riven world aged and
weary, the soul longs for heaven.
"J. M."
(Jonathan Maltby)
"J. Maltby"
"In Time of the Revolution. 1775"
'Soon will the guardian angel cheer
My exit from this world of care.'
"J. M."
(Seth Murray Maltby, his nephew, son of General Isaac Maltby.)
"Landscape View"
"New Haven! Hail fairest of All,
Choice Medley of Delights!
Landscapes beautiful and sublime,
Hail Land and Water--Art and Nature!
High towering Rooks--East and West,
Majestic Rivers--East, West, and Center.
Long Wharf--Long Bridge--Light House--High Wood.
Smoking--ratling--foaming Steam Boat.
Roped--rumbling Cars and Depot,
Yale College--Chapels and Halls,
For Arts and Sciences an Athens,
For virtue and piety a Bethel.
To Athens resort sprightly youth,
Guided by President Day and Faculty,
Like lights in the wide world they shine,
Statesmen--Farmers--Merchants--Divines.
Look! see! ranged most wisely
The beautiful Houses of Prayer,
Where Pastors--with their People meet,
Where Sacred Truth is wisely enforc'd
Where the Word of God is taut and felt.
Which from some noble deed or thing,
So richly claims our admiration.
Hail Grave yard of fame and story,
Fenc'd with wall and iron gates,
Willows weeping!--walks---shades attractive
And ornaments quite fascinating.
Hail city of Pilgrim Fathers!
City of Elms and fair good deeds,
Of ancient faith and glory.
Hail fond home of Alma Mater!
Where heart and mind expanded.
Where prayer and praise were relished.
Hail, dear--sweet--domestic Home!
Where relatives and friends mingle in bliss!
Hail, dear, the sweetest of All!
That cheers the heart and starts the tear--
That looks to friends and realms above!
To Father--Saviour--Comforter--
Where all is joy! Where All is Love!"
(On the last page is the following.)
("Pilgrim Fathers, met under an Oak.)
"See! Orchards, with their sweet rich fruit,
Fields of corn and golden grain waving,
Meadows, thick set with stacks of hay,
Pastures, bleating flocks and lowing herds,
And beautiful sweet singing birds.
Flower gardens, court the food sight!
With all the colours of delight!
Ships with wide spread sails wafting,
Golden treasures to their destined ports.
Factories with thousand opperatives,
And life like movements of machinery,
Axes--Augers--screws--coaches--carriages,
Looks--blocks, and best eight day clocks.
Hail, Unequalled City! Tontine--State House
And shading trees-- so charming!
Bright and fair, by art and nature,
And every smaller feature.
An' where can vie, a place on earth?
Within our investigation."
(The first Census of Connecticut, 1790)
This mentions: "Head of Family of six persons.
Jonathan Maltby of Branford Town, New Haven County.
1 male over 16
3 males under 16
3 females."
Children of Rev. Jonathan Maltby and Submit Taintor.
CFH-DA. Isaac Taintor Maltby, b. Aug. 29, 1788; d. Hartford, 1841
CFH-DB. Jonathan " b. April 19, 1790;
d. Ashfield, Mass. 1865
CFH-DC. Abial Holmes " b. May 12, 1792; d. New Haven, 1853
CFH-DD. Oliver Ellsworth " b. May 12, 1794;
d. Florida, heart trouble, 1870
CFH-DE. George " b. Oct. 16, 1796; d. New Haven, Nov. 1861
CFH-DF. Lucuis " b. Jan. 26, 1798.
CFH-DG. Amoret Submit " b. Jan. 11, 1801; died unmarried.
CFH-Dh. Harriet Grace " b. Aug. 14, 1804, in Vernon Street,
New York City, died unmar.
CFH-D
Parents