A graduate of Cambridge in 1623, and acknowledged by many as the founder of Presbyterianism in America, Rev. Richard Denton came to New England in 1635. Before coming he was a preacher in Halifax England.
From England, the Cambridge University listing for Richard Denton says: "Sizar of St. Catherine's Easter, 1621, b. 1603 in Yorks, B.A. 1622-3, priest 8 June 1623. Deacon at Peterborough 9 March 1622-3. Curate of Coleys Chapel, Halifax, for some years." ("Sizar" is defined as an undergraduate student.)
From New England Genealogical Reg. 11/241: Rev. Richard Denton came to American from the Parish of Owram, North England on the ship "James." He lived in Wetheresfield and Stamford, Connecticut. The J.S. Denton papers show baptismal records of Nathaniel and Timothy sons of Rev. Richard Denton "in Parish Church of Bolton, England."
Rev. Richard worked first with the famous preacher, Cotton Mather. Rev. Mather speaks of Rev. Denton in his early memoirs: "Rev. Denton was a highly religious man with strong Presbyterian beliefs. He was a small man with only one eye, but in the pulpit he could sway a congregation like he was nine feet tall."
In his book, "The History of the Clergy in the Middle Colonies" author Weiss makes reference to the religious conflict of early Connecticut which resulted in Rev. Richard Denton moving on to Hempstead, Long Island, NY in 1644. He settled there in the midst of a large Dutch colony. However, there were also many English settlers living in the area without benefit of religious guidance. With these scattered members for a beginning, Rev. Denton established the first Presbyterian Church in America. This church was so successful that soon the Dutch neighbors were attending services there. History shows some controversy developed when Rev. Denton began to baptize some of the younger children of the Dutch who did not agree with all the Presbyterian beliefs.
The history of Hempstead, Long Island makes many references to the Dentons and their marriages and big families. The men were active in the local militias fighting the Indians and they developed excellent military experience that prepared them for officer commissions when they moved on to the Virginia frontier.
From "Narratives of New Netherland, 1609-1664" a letter to the Classis of Amsterdam from Johannes Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius dated August 5, 1657: "At Hempstead, about seven leagues from here, there live some Independents. There are also many of our own church, and some Presbyterians. They have a Presbyterian preacher, Richard Denton, a pious, godly and learned man, who is in agreement with our church in everything. The Independents of the place listen attentively to his sermons; but when he began to baptize the children of parents who are not members of the church, they rushed out of the church." From another letter dated Oct. 22, 1659 the same writers continue: "Mr. Richard Denton, who is sound in faith, of a friendly disposition, and beloved by all, cannot be induced by us to remain, although we have earnestly tried to do this in various ways. He first went to Virginia to seek a situation, complaining of lack of salary, and that he was getting in debt, but he has returned thence. He is now fully resolved to go to old England, because of his wife who is sickly will not go without him, and there is need of their going there on account of a legacy of four hundred pounds sterling lately left by a deceased friend, and which they cannot obtain except by their personal presence."
His tombstone bears the following inscription in Latin: "Here lies the dust of Richard Denton. O'er his low peaceful grave bends the perennial cypress, fit emblem of his unfading fame. On earth his bright example, religious light, shown forth o'er multitudes. In heaven his pure rob'd spirit shines like an effulgent star."
More About Richard Denton: Christening: April 19, 1603, Halifax, Yorkshire, England.36
Children of Richard Denton are:
+Samuel Denton, b. May 29, 1631, Halifax, Yorkshire, England36, d. March 20, 1712/13, Hempstead, Long Island, New York36.
II Richard Denton (b. 1603, d. 1663)
Notes for Richard Denton: