Occu: Medical Doctor and Minister
Father: Hezekiah Betts (1760 – 1837)
Mother: Grace Hanford (1765 – 1840)
Spouse: Sarah {Sally} Harris
Married 1809 Fairfield CT
History of Lorain County, Ohio: With Illustrations & Biographical Sketches .
REV. ALFRED H. BETTS.
Rev. Alfred H. Betts took up his residence in Brownhelm in January, 1821. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, September 2, 1786. November 2, 1809, he was united in marriage to Sally Harris, daughter of Captain Luther Harris, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In early life, he adopted the profession of medicine, and practiced for ten years in Daubury. In the fall of 1816, he and his father-in-law came to Ohio, and selected a-place for settlement in Florence, Erie county. After the erection of a cabin, Captain Harris returned east for their families, with whom he Dr. Betts spent the‘ first two or three Sabbaths with Deacon Beardslee and family, who, a short time before, settled in Vermillion. They had a few religious exercises, such as singing, prayer, and a sermon, read by Dr. Betts. He was soon invited by others in their neighborhood to come to their dwellings, and hold similar meetings, at which a few families would be invited to attend. And thus began his “ reading meetings.”
In a short time, Dr. Betts had regular appointments at Birmingham, Florence, Vermillion, and other places. In consequence of the detention of his freight at Buffalo, until the next spring after his arrival, Dr. Betts had but one suit of clothes, which, having to wear in the woods through the week, was hardly suitable for the pulpit on the Sabbath. Long‘
before the arrival of his goods, his old coat needed repairing, and Deacon Beardslee’s wife would mend it as best she could, with the means she had. Some rents were drawn up, and some covered with patches of such cloth as she had, which was not always of the same color. In the spring his boots were gone, and a neighbor made him a pair of moccasins. The condition of his apparel greatly disturbed him, and he began to question whether he had better continue in his old clothes, or suspend the meetings until the arrival of his goods. He consulted a few of his friends in regard to the matter, who told him that, as he had gone on so long, it was hardly worth while at this stage to be proud.
After his stock of printed sermons was exhausted he prepared discourses of his own; yet he did not call them sermons. and he was always careful to assure his auditors that he was not actually a minister. A missionary hearing of Dr. Betts’ labors called upon him for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the denomination to which he belonged. “I came to Vermillion,” he said, ‘and asked a young man if they had any preaching?’ He said ‘no.’ ‘Have you any meetings?’ ‘Yes, a man comes from the Ridge and holds meetings on the Sabbath.’ ‘What is he?’ ‘Don’t know; guess a Methodist?’ Of another I made the same inquiries who guessed you was a Baptist. Another still, thought you was a Universalist. “And now,” said he, “I want to know from you, yourself, what you are?’ ” Dr. Betts was able to satisfy him and he departed.
In the summer of 1819, Dr. Betts went to Hudson, Portage county, to prepare himself for the ministry. He remained until April, 1820, when he was licensed by the Presbytery. He returned to Florence, where his family had remained, and continued the meetings formerly held by him. In the winter of 1820-’21, he received a call from the Congregational church in Brownhelm, which he accepted and was ordained and installed April 5, 1821. He continued pastor of the church twelve years, when he was dismissed at his own request. Dr. Bette was one of the busiest and best known men in the country. For years he traveled all over this region, having visited every township on the fire lands, assisting in organizing churches and performing the duties of colporteur and Bible distributor. On the occasion of a donation visit at a late period in his life, by his friends from many of the towns comprising the field of his early labors, it was remarked by one of the visitors that a great many people had assembled. “Yes,” said Dr. Betts, after a moment’s reflection, “and there is not a family represented that I have not lodged with.”
His busy and useful life came to a close September 8, 1860. Of his thirteen children ten lived to mature years. Six are now living; two of them in Brownhelm.
Father: Hezekiah Betts (1760 – 1837)
Mother: Grace Hanford (1765 – 1840)
Spouse: Sarah {Sally} Harris
Married 1809 Fairfield CT
History of Lorain County, Ohio: With Illustrations & Biographical Sketches .
REV. ALFRED H. BETTS.
Rev. Alfred H. Betts took up his residence in Brownhelm in January, 1821. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, September 2, 1786. November 2, 1809, he was united in marriage to Sally Harris, daughter of Captain Luther Harris, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In early life, he adopted the profession of medicine, and practiced for ten years in Daubury. In the fall of 1816, he and his father-in-law came to Ohio, and selected a-place for settlement in Florence, Erie county. After the erection of a cabin, Captain Harris returned east for their families, with whom he Dr. Betts spent the‘ first two or three Sabbaths with Deacon Beardslee and family, who, a short time before, settled in Vermillion. They had a few religious exercises, such as singing, prayer, and a sermon, read by Dr. Betts. He was soon invited by others in their neighborhood to come to their dwellings, and hold similar meetings, at which a few families would be invited to attend. And thus began his “ reading meetings.”
In a short time, Dr. Betts had regular appointments at Birmingham, Florence, Vermillion, and other places. In consequence of the detention of his freight at Buffalo, until the next spring after his arrival, Dr. Betts had but one suit of clothes, which, having to wear in the woods through the week, was hardly suitable for the pulpit on the Sabbath. Long‘
before the arrival of his goods, his old coat needed repairing, and Deacon Beardslee’s wife would mend it as best she could, with the means she had. Some rents were drawn up, and some covered with patches of such cloth as she had, which was not always of the same color. In the spring his boots were gone, and a neighbor made him a pair of moccasins. The condition of his apparel greatly disturbed him, and he began to question whether he had better continue in his old clothes, or suspend the meetings until the arrival of his goods. He consulted a few of his friends in regard to the matter, who told him that, as he had gone on so long, it was hardly worth while at this stage to be proud.
After his stock of printed sermons was exhausted he prepared discourses of his own; yet he did not call them sermons. and he was always careful to assure his auditors that he was not actually a minister. A missionary hearing of Dr. Betts’ labors called upon him for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the denomination to which he belonged. “I came to Vermillion,” he said, ‘and asked a young man if they had any preaching?’ He said ‘no.’ ‘Have you any meetings?’ ‘Yes, a man comes from the Ridge and holds meetings on the Sabbath.’ ‘What is he?’ ‘Don’t know; guess a Methodist?’ Of another I made the same inquiries who guessed you was a Baptist. Another still, thought you was a Universalist. “And now,” said he, “I want to know from you, yourself, what you are?’ ” Dr. Betts was able to satisfy him and he departed.
In the summer of 1819, Dr. Betts went to Hudson, Portage county, to prepare himself for the ministry. He remained until April, 1820, when he was licensed by the Presbytery. He returned to Florence, where his family had remained, and continued the meetings formerly held by him. In the winter of 1820-’21, he received a call from the Congregational church in Brownhelm, which he accepted and was ordained and installed April 5, 1821. He continued pastor of the church twelve years, when he was dismissed at his own request. Dr. Bette was one of the busiest and best known men in the country. For years he traveled all over this region, having visited every township on the fire lands, assisting in organizing churches and performing the duties of colporteur and Bible distributor. On the occasion of a donation visit at a late period in his life, by his friends from many of the towns comprising the field of his early labors, it was remarked by one of the visitors that a great many people had assembled. “Yes,” said Dr. Betts, after a moment’s reflection, “and there is not a family represented that I have not lodged with.”
His busy and useful life came to a close September 8, 1860. Of his thirteen children ten lived to mature years. Six are now living; two of them in Brownhelm.
Occu: Medical Doctor and Minister
Father: Hezekiah Betts (1760 – 1837)
Mother: Grace Hanford (1765 – 1840)
Spouse: Sarah {Sally} Harris
Married 1809 Fairfield CT
History of Lorain County, Ohio: With Illustrations & Biographical Sketches .
REV. ALFRED H. BETTS.
Rev. Alfred H. Betts took up his residence in Brownhelm in January, 1821. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, September 2, 1786. November 2, 1809, he was united in marriage to Sally Harris, daughter of Captain Luther Harris, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In early life, he adopted the profession of medicine, and practiced for ten years in Daubury. In the fall of 1816, he and his father-in-law came to Ohio, and selected a-place for settlement in Florence, Erie county. After the erection of a cabin, Captain Harris returned east for their families, with whom he Dr. Betts spent the‘ first two or three Sabbaths with Deacon Beardslee and family, who, a short time before, settled in Vermillion. They had a few religious exercises, such as singing, prayer, and a sermon, read by Dr. Betts. He was soon invited by others in their neighborhood to come to their dwellings, and hold similar meetings, at which a few families would be invited to attend. And thus began his “ reading meetings.”
In a short time, Dr. Betts had regular appointments at Birmingham, Florence, Vermillion, and other places. In consequence of the detention of his freight at Buffalo, until the next spring after his arrival, Dr. Betts had but one suit of clothes, which, having to wear in the woods through the week, was hardly suitable for the pulpit on the Sabbath. Long‘
before the arrival of his goods, his old coat needed repairing, and Deacon Beardslee’s wife would mend it as best she could, with the means she had. Some rents were drawn up, and some covered with patches of such cloth as she had, which was not always of the same color. In the spring his boots were gone, and a neighbor made him a pair of moccasins. The condition of his apparel greatly disturbed him, and he began to question whether he had better continue in his old clothes, or suspend the meetings until the arrival of his goods. He consulted a few of his friends in regard to the matter, who told him that, as he had gone on so long, it was hardly worth while at this stage to be proud.
After his stock of printed sermons was exhausted he prepared discourses of his own; yet he did not call them sermons. and he was always careful to assure his auditors that he was not actually a minister. A missionary hearing of Dr. Betts’ labors called upon him for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the denomination to which he belonged. “I came to Vermillion,” he said, ‘and asked a young man if they had any preaching?’ He said ‘no.’ ‘Have you any meetings?’ ‘Yes, a man comes from the Ridge and holds meetings on the Sabbath.’ ‘What is he?’ ‘Don’t know; guess a Methodist?’ Of another I made the same inquiries who guessed you was a Baptist. Another still, thought you was a Universalist. “And now,” said he, “I want to know from you, yourself, what you are?’ ” Dr. Betts was able to satisfy him and he departed.
In the summer of 1819, Dr. Betts went to Hudson, Portage county, to prepare himself for the ministry. He remained until April, 1820, when he was licensed by the Presbytery. He returned to Florence, where his family had remained, and continued the meetings formerly held by him. In the winter of 1820-’21, he received a call from the Congregational church in Brownhelm, which he accepted and was ordained and installed April 5, 1821. He continued pastor of the church twelve years, when he was dismissed at his own request. Dr. Bette was one of the busiest and best known men in the country. For years he traveled all over this region, having visited every township on the fire lands, assisting in organizing churches and performing the duties of colporteur and Bible distributor. On the occasion of a donation visit at a late period in his life, by his friends from many of the towns comprising the field of his early labors, it was remarked by one of the visitors that a great many people had assembled. “Yes,” said Dr. Betts, after a moment’s reflection, “and there is not a family represented that I have not lodged with.”
His busy and useful life came to a close September 8, 1860. Of his thirteen children ten lived to mature years. Six are now living; two of them in Brownhelm.
Father: Hezekiah Betts (1760 – 1837)
Mother: Grace Hanford (1765 – 1840)
Spouse: Sarah {Sally} Harris
Married 1809 Fairfield CT
History of Lorain County, Ohio: With Illustrations & Biographical Sketches .
REV. ALFRED H. BETTS.
Rev. Alfred H. Betts took up his residence in Brownhelm in January, 1821. He was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, September 2, 1786. November 2, 1809, he was united in marriage to Sally Harris, daughter of Captain Luther Harris, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In early life, he adopted the profession of medicine, and practiced for ten years in Daubury. In the fall of 1816, he and his father-in-law came to Ohio, and selected a-place for settlement in Florence, Erie county. After the erection of a cabin, Captain Harris returned east for their families, with whom he Dr. Betts spent the‘ first two or three Sabbaths with Deacon Beardslee and family, who, a short time before, settled in Vermillion. They had a few religious exercises, such as singing, prayer, and a sermon, read by Dr. Betts. He was soon invited by others in their neighborhood to come to their dwellings, and hold similar meetings, at which a few families would be invited to attend. And thus began his “ reading meetings.”
In a short time, Dr. Betts had regular appointments at Birmingham, Florence, Vermillion, and other places. In consequence of the detention of his freight at Buffalo, until the next spring after his arrival, Dr. Betts had but one suit of clothes, which, having to wear in the woods through the week, was hardly suitable for the pulpit on the Sabbath. Long‘
before the arrival of his goods, his old coat needed repairing, and Deacon Beardslee’s wife would mend it as best she could, with the means she had. Some rents were drawn up, and some covered with patches of such cloth as she had, which was not always of the same color. In the spring his boots were gone, and a neighbor made him a pair of moccasins. The condition of his apparel greatly disturbed him, and he began to question whether he had better continue in his old clothes, or suspend the meetings until the arrival of his goods. He consulted a few of his friends in regard to the matter, who told him that, as he had gone on so long, it was hardly worth while at this stage to be proud.
After his stock of printed sermons was exhausted he prepared discourses of his own; yet he did not call them sermons. and he was always careful to assure his auditors that he was not actually a minister. A missionary hearing of Dr. Betts’ labors called upon him for the purpose of satisfying himself as to the denomination to which he belonged. “I came to Vermillion,” he said, ‘and asked a young man if they had any preaching?’ He said ‘no.’ ‘Have you any meetings?’ ‘Yes, a man comes from the Ridge and holds meetings on the Sabbath.’ ‘What is he?’ ‘Don’t know; guess a Methodist?’ Of another I made the same inquiries who guessed you was a Baptist. Another still, thought you was a Universalist. “And now,” said he, “I want to know from you, yourself, what you are?’ ” Dr. Betts was able to satisfy him and he departed.
In the summer of 1819, Dr. Betts went to Hudson, Portage county, to prepare himself for the ministry. He remained until April, 1820, when he was licensed by the Presbytery. He returned to Florence, where his family had remained, and continued the meetings formerly held by him. In the winter of 1820-’21, he received a call from the Congregational church in Brownhelm, which he accepted and was ordained and installed April 5, 1821. He continued pastor of the church twelve years, when he was dismissed at his own request. Dr. Bette was one of the busiest and best known men in the country. For years he traveled all over this region, having visited every township on the fire lands, assisting in organizing churches and performing the duties of colporteur and Bible distributor. On the occasion of a donation visit at a late period in his life, by his friends from many of the towns comprising the field of his early labors, it was remarked by one of the visitors that a great many people had assembled. “Yes,” said Dr. Betts, after a moment’s reflection, “and there is not a family represented that I have not lodged with.”
His busy and useful life came to a close September 8, 1860. Of his thirteen children ten lived to mature years. Six are now living; two of them in Brownhelm.
Family Members
Siblings
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