In the midst of his career of usefulness as a physician, he turned his attention to the study of botany, mineralogy and geology, and soon became one of the most noted men of his day in these sciences. His great delight in these studies led him, at the age of 37, to relinquish the practice of medicine and devote himself wholly to these sciences, and had he lived a few days longer, he would have published a large work on these subjects. The Doctor was also fond of archæological lore, and he was the first to attempt a genealogical history of the descendants of our old progenitor, Barnabas, of 1640. The old Horton roll of names and lineage which he got up some 60 years ago, was kindly furnished me by his son, Dr. William Horton, of Craigville, N. Y., and has rendered me valuable assistance in compiling the "Chronicles."
Dr. Horton was always rigidly moral, and never sacrificed principle to expediency. He had early been taught to respect the teachings of the Bible, and towards the close of his life he was led, with a child-like faith, to believe the doctrine of salvation by grace, and to publicly give himself to the Saviour, wondering and regretting that he had so long remained ignorant of the beauty, simplicity and sublimity of the Gospel scheme of salvation. Thus he died, in hope of a glorious immortality.
IV. Barnabas Bailey, son of Dea. [Jonathan Horton and Bethia Hallock] (Capt. Barnabas, Dea. James, Jonathan I.), born in Southold, 2 June, 1797; married 22 January, 1824, by Rev. Lathrop Thompson, to Hannah Reeves, daughter of Benjamin Reeves and Anna Corey, and born in Southold, 4 Dec., 1799. They reside in Cutchogue, L. I., are very pious, intelligent, worthy people—esteemed members of the Presbyterian Church of Southold—and he has given much valuable information in regard to his branch of the family.
Children, all born in Cutchogue:
1. Jonathan Edwards, born 25 Dec., 1824; dedicated in baptism 30 Dec., 1824, and died 31st of same month. 2. Susan Evangelia, born 26 Feb., 1826; married Henry E. Wells, of Greenport. 3. Andrew Philo, born 21 Sept., 1827; resides at Mattituck, L. I. 4. Isabella Graham, born 19 Sept., 1831; married Henry Egbert Horton.
I. Benjamin Hull, son of Col. [Benjamin Horton and Mehetabel Osborn] (Capt. Barnabas, Dea. James, Jonathan I.), born 10 July, 1782; married 14 Oct., 1802, Abigail Booth, born in Southold, in 1784. He was drowned in Plumb Creek, 16 Dec., 1810.
Children, all born in Southold:
1. Philander, born 9 Aug., 1803; died young. 2. Helen, born 18 June, 1805; married Cartwright. 3. Benjamin, born 2 March, 1807; died young. 4. Orange Hull, born 9 June, 1808; married Elmira Houston. 5. Benjamin Hull, born 28 July, 1810; married Phebe West.
III. Osborn, son of Col. [Benjamin Horton and Mehetabel Osborn], born in Southold, 5 Oct., 1787; married in 1812, Sally Philips.
Children: