"Charles Atwater, the youngest son of Jeremiah and Lois (Hurd) Atwater, of New Haven, and a brother of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Atwater (Yale 1793), was born in New Haven on August 18, 1786. He united with the College Church in July of his Freshman year, during which year he had entered College.
After graduation he studied theology with President Dwight, and was licensed to preach by the New Haven West Association of Ministers on September 30, 1806.
On March 1, 1809, he was ordained and installed by the New Haven East Association as pastor of the Congregational Church in North Branford; and on October 4, 1809, he was married by the Rev. Bezaleel Pinneo to Mary, daughter of Miles Merwin, of Milford, and sister of the Rev. Samuel Merwin (Yale 1802).
Mr. Atwater was a man of sincere piety, devoted to his work, and acceptable and successful as a preacher. He was erect and portly in figure, with a clear, powerful voice. Ninety-six persons were added to the church under his ministry.
He died in office, in North Branford, on February 21, 1825, in his 39th year, and is buried among his people.
He had four sons, the eldest of whom died in childhood. The third son was graduated at Yale in 1839.
His widow married, on June 22, 1827, Abijah Fisher, of New York City, and died on October 13, 1879, in her 95th year.
AUTHORITIES.
Atwater Family, 150, 204. Wood, History of Congregational Church, North Branford, 18."
