North Family - Ourfolk

'There are a few aged people now living who remember him. They describe his person to have been of a stature rather above mediocrity, of broad chest and muscular proportions, remarkably erect, somewhat corpulent in his late years, of dark complexion, with large black eyes and brows and of general manners rather dignified and commanding, than sprightly and pleasing. He had an influence and authority amongst his people that none of his successors have exercised, and which may have been in some measure a peculiarity of earlier times than these. . . .

His people were delighted to see him at their doors, as he rode up on horseback to inquire after their health and to hand his pipe to be lighted. We mean no satire by recording this trifle; for he was a venerable man, and so beloved, that every parishioner would take pleasure in performing such an office for him. He was also a leader amongst the neighboring clergy--well acquainted with the constitution and usages of the churches, weighty in counsel, and often called to distant parts of the state and to other states on ecclesiastical councils.

As a preacher, there is reason to believe that he did not so much excel as in his dignity of character and soundness of understanding. We have seen a volume in manuscript of nearly a hundred sermons, which he used to carry with him when he travelled abroad. They embrace a considerable variety of subjects, and enabled him to preach at any time and on any occasion. They begin with his own ordination sermon which he himself preached, according to ancient custom, and include the sermons which he composed during the first few years of his ministry. (This book and the Bible of his son, Rev. Edward , are now owned by Rev. Edward Eells , of Worcester ). . . .

On the whole, we believe there has rarely been known a ministry of forty-six years, which so many circumstances conspired to render successful and happy. There are a few now living that remember the solemn day of fasting and prayer, kept by his people, on account of his death. Mr. Eells prepared his own sons and several other young men for college and also for the ministry; amongst whom we can name President Clap of Yale College, Rev. David Turner of Rehoboth and Rev. Thomas Clap of Taunton , afterwards Judge Clap. . . .

We have no doubt that Mr. Eells had disciplined himself into an extraordinary self-command. His less placid partner (whose name had been North ) did not so well endure the disagreeable events of life, and when chafed with family vexations, she would say, 'It is wonderful that so good a man as my husband should have such wayward children.' He would pleasantly reply, 'True, and you seem to be sensible that the mischief lies in the North side of the family.''