Timothy Dwight, IV

Timothy Dwight (son of Pres. Timothy Dwight and Mary Woolsey), b. at Stratford, Ct., March 29, 1778, was a clerk in New York for 7 years (1791-1801) and a hardware merchant afterwards in New Haven, Ct. (1801-44), for more than 40 years. His features were of a superior cast, and bad in them a fine intellectual and moral expression. His figure was broad and full, but not of as much height and majesty as his father's. His gait, from his great nearsightedness, came to be less graceful than one who bore so handsome a face might naturally be expected to possess.

He was a great reader of standard books of all kinds, and, in his maturer years, of those especially abounding in high moral truths, on which he feasted with special delight. To the continual and careful study of the Bible, and of all helps to a thorough understanding of its great truths, he was particularly addicted. His reading and study in these directions he pursued as regularly with pen in hand, as the soldier walks about in camp, and on the battle-field, with his sword by his side. He was a man of clear views, strong convictions, positive purposes, direct speech, and independent, decided, frank and wholehearted, in saying and doing whatever his sense of justice and of duty demanded.

That place, which household song has in many families, as a strong educating influence upon the heart, was filled in his home beyond any other known to the author with frequent repetitions of sacred poetry by each and all in the family to one another, and often for hours together, especially on Sunday evening.

He m. May 24, 1809, Clarissa Strong, b. June 14, 1783 (dau. of Gov. Caleb Strong of Northampton, Mass., and Sarah Hooker). It was not until 1816, when 38 years of age, that he first publicly confessed Christ, and but shortly before his father's death. The manifestations of early piety in his children did not gladden the home of Pres. Dwight. The religious philosophy of that day, concerning the duty of continual self-questioning, was far below the high range of spiritual peace and pleasure authorized by the promises of God's word, and even required by its precepts.

In the great revivals in New Haven (1820-1, 1827-8, and 1842-3) he was zealously active. "The Conference Meetings " of that day were a heaven on earth to him.

To "The Dwight Professorship of Didactic Theology," named after him, in Yale College, ho subscribed $5,000 and pledged himself to make up any deficiencies to twice that amount if needful. The first incumbent of it, Dr. Nathaniel W. Taylor, he ever held in high and loving estimation.

He was a man of vigorous health and seldom if ever sick. He d. June 13, 1844, aet. 66.

Mrs. Clarissa Dwight was a lady of great personal excellence, and of a temperament quite the opposite of his own—being habitually placid, and abounding in continual peace of heart, especially in the things of Christ. She d. Feb. 25, 1855, aet. 72.

[For full account of Gov. Caleb Strong's lineage, see Hist. of Strong Family by the author.]

[Eighth Generation.] Children:

126. i. Timothy Dwight, b. April 1, 1811.

127. ii. Caleb Strong Dwight, b. Sept 1812, d. July 7, 1814.

128. iii. Mary Woolsey Dwight, b. Sept. 27, 1814, m. Jan. 2, 1855, as his 2d wife, Jonathan Huntington Lyman, M.D. of Northampton. No issue. His first wife was her sister Julia.

129. iv. Edward Strong Dwight, b. and d. in 1816, aet. 2 months.

130. v. John William Dwight, b. Dec. 31, 1817.

131. vi. Rev. Edward Strong Dwight, b. April 30, 1820.

132. vii. Sarah Hooker Dwight, b. July 20, 1822, d. May 8, 1838, a young lady remaikable for her Christian loveliness.

133. viii. Julia Strong Dwight, b. Aug. 6, 1824, m. J. Huntington Lyman, M.D. She d. Dec. 4,1853, aet. 29.

134. ix. Clarissa Dwight, b. Sept. 22, 1826, d. Jany. 1828.

Source: The History of the Descendants of John Dwight, of Dedham, Mass, Volume 1, by Benjamin Woodbridge Dwight, 1874, pp 171-72. Downloaded 2011 from Google Books.