Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/285

 KEV. SOLOMON TOWNSEND. 225 who was born in Boston in 1716, graduated at Harvard College with the degree of A. M., in 1735, commenced his ministry among this people in 1743, and died December 25, 1796, in the eighty-first year of his age, and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. As " Father Townsend,'' as he was called, is remembered by one who well knew him, he was over five feet and six inches in height, of a spare frame, plain in dress, and scrupulously economical in habits, as the times and salary demanded. He wore long, grey hair, was baldheaded, and possessed the proud distinction of a large nose. He wore in summer a gay colored chintz morning gown and a cocked hat and short breeches with knee buckles. In winter he wore green small clothes and a long coat, and at his death was laid out in a black broadcloth suit, purchased by the people. Soon after his settlement, the town of Bar- rington, with the whole 'of Bristol County, was set off to Rhode Island Colony, and the town system of Church support and tithing was given up, and the minister was supported by free contributions of the people. Silver and gold they had but little to give, and the products of the farm were annually sent to replenish his oft-times empty stores and larder. His wife, Rebecca, died when young, and Mr. Townsend never married again. His house was kept by Miss Betty Renuff. One day, towards noon, as Betty was cooking a kettle of clams for dinner, she saw old Dr. Stiles of Newport, riding up, on horseback, to the front door. " What shall we do .-^ What shall we get for dinner } " said Betty, as she thought of the frugal repast of clams, bread and butter for so distinguished a guest. "Dr. Stiles has come to dine with us." " Never, mind, Betty," said Father Solomon, "clams that are good enough for vie are good enough for Dr. Stiles." Without apology, Mr. Townsend invited the Doctor to sit down to a Barrington dish, which was not only a rarity, but a luxury to his Newport friend. They visited the grave of Willett together, and Mr. Town- send was about to rub the moss from the stones. "Don't rub it off," said the good Doctor, "that's sacred moss." 15