Arnold, Seth Shaler

Arnold, Seth Shaler a Congregational minister, was born at Westminster, Vt., Feb. 22,1788. Mostly under the instruction of his pastor, Rev. Sylvester Sage, he prepared for Middlebury College, from which he graduated in 1812. He began the study of theology with the Rev. J. Breckenridge, of Washington,. D. C. Returning to: Westminster in 1814, he continued his studies, and was licensed to preach in September of that year. During the winter, he was engaged in preaching in Massachusetts; and in June, 1816, was ordained pastor of the Church in Alstead, N. H., after having served them from May, 1815, as a supply. Here he remained eighteen years, experiencing three great revivals of religion in the years 1816, 1819, and 1826. During this period, he was one of the directors of the Home Missionary Society, and interested in all the benevolent and religious movements in the state. Leaving Alstead, he spent two years as a supply for the Church in Gilson, N. H. In 1836 he removed to Westminster, partly to relieve his aged father of the care of the farm, and partly on account of impaired health. For two years he supplied the Church in Walpole, N.'H., and also, about the same length of time, the Church in Westminster. He was employed as a minister in Halifax, Vt., from October, 1852, to March, 1856; in Roxbury, N. H., for two years; and in West Townshend for six years. In 1864 he retired from the ministry and resided in Ascutneyville, but was still active in the Sabbath-school, etc. He died there, April 3, 1871. He was erect and dignified in his carriage, and of a noble presence. As a preacher, he was instructive rather than sensational. See Cong. Quarterly, 1872, p. 83.