"Rev. JOEL TYLER, b. Sept. 6, 1772, at Middletown, Ct.; m. Jan. 1, 1795, Currance, dau. Deacon Adin Wheeler of Southbury, Ct., b. July 6, 1772. "He studied law with Thaddeus Benedict, Esq., of Reading, Ct., and was admitted to the bar of Fairfield Co., in 1794. He continued in the practice of law six years, first in Stamford, and then in Branford; and during this period, 1796-1801, was Chaplain 25th Regt., 5th Brig., 3d Div. of the Ct. Militia. His views changing, after preparatory theological studies with his father, he entered the ministry as a Presbyterian clergyman. He preached his first sermon Jan. 15, 1802. His first congregation was that of Blooming Grove, Orange Co., where he was ordained as an Evangelist, Nov. 16, 1803. From that place he was called to an adjoining agricultural parish (Bethlehem), in the township of New Windsor, where he remained four years. He was next settled over the church and congregation in Franklin, Del. Co., where he remained about eight years, when he was called to New Concord (Chatham), Columbia Co., and was pastor of the Presbyterian church there till, having been repeatedly attacked with bleeding at the lungs, he was forced to abandon the continued active duties of his profession, and was employed by the Pennsylvania branch of the American Tract Society in Philadelphia, where he remained till his death, occasioned by the bursting of a blood-vessel, October 21, 1833. He was buried in Laurel Hill cemetery, Philadelphia, Pa. Eager, in his History of Orange Co., says of him: 'Mr. Benedict was a man of ardent piety, untiring zeal and eloquence, which continually drew crowds to listen to his preaching.' He sometimes left his people and preached as a missionary in the counties of Broome and Chenango, and the neighboring ones of Pennsylvania. The same result followed his preaching in those sparse settlements as elsewhere. The inhabitants flocked to hear him, and were deeply affected. He was almost constantly in the midst of religious revivals from the time he entered the ministry till his health failed. He was active and influential in the Northern Associate presbytery, where he was intimate with Rev. David Porter of Catskill, Rev. Seth Williston of New Durham, Rev. David Harrowar of Sydney, who in the beginning of this century, were the great apostles of the region lying west of the Hudson, and about the head waters of the Delaware and the Susquehanna. There was nothing ornate or rhetorical in his language or manner. He was simple, earnest, clear, and persuasive. His sincerity, sympathy and feeling were irresistible. It was said of his preaching 'the word melted hearts like wax before the fire.' His few published sermons fail to exhibit his power over an audience, because they lack the expression of feature, voice and manner. In all the ministrations of his sacred profession, his manner was very solemn and impressive. In social life, and in his family, he was cheerful and humorous, and abounded in anecdote and repartee. The following extract from a newspaper notice of his widow suggests the influence she may have exerted upon her husband and children. 'She was eminent during her long life for her earnest and practical Christian spirit, the brightness and activity of her intellect, and the vivacity and attractiveness of her disposition. In labors of love for the poor, the sick, and the ignorant, she abounded. To the old, the middle-aged, and the young, her society was alike, ever delightful. Her children and all who knew her rose up to call her blessed. The vigor of her mind was not weakened, the warmth of her love was not chilled, nor the benevolence of her hand checked by her advanced years; and to a remarkable extent her bodily strength remained till her last sickness, which was of but few days' continuance.'" She died June 4, 1862, in the 90th year of her age, at Huntington, Pa." [From Henry Marvin Benedict, The Genealogy of the Benedicts in America, (Albany, NY: Joel Munsell, 1870), pp. 139-141]
Sources:
1. Title: The Genealogy of the Benedicts in America
Author: Henry Marvin Benedict
Publication: Albany, NY: Joel Munsell, 1870
Repository:
Note: www.Genealogy Library.com
Media: Book
Page: pg. 139
2. Title: The Genealogy of the Benedicts in America
Author: Henry Marvin Benedict
Publication: Albany, NY: Joel Munsell, 1870
Repository:
Note: www.Genealogy Library.com
Media: Book
Page: pg. 140
3. Title: History of Ancient Woodbury, Connecticut, Vol. III
Author: William Cothren
Publication: Woodbury, CT: 1879
Repository:
Note: Morristown Free Public Library, Morristown, NJ & Google Books
Media: Book
Page: pg. 472