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BOOK
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST,
IN MIDDLEBOEOUGII,
PLYMOUTH COUNTY. MASS.
WITH NOTICES OP OTHER CHURCHES IN THAT TOWN.
BOSTON:
C. C. P. MOODY, PRINTER, 52 WASHINGTON STREET.
1852.
y y
•T,
L'
PRErACE.
Tlie Church took some action in the }'e;ir 1838, on tlie subject of a
reprint of tlie catalogue of its members from the beginning, in connection
with such historical matter as might be deemed useful and of general
interest. A committee of three was then chosen for this business, and
was increased in 1841 by the addition of three other brethren. Little
was done, however, for several years.
In 184;3 the pastor favored his people with two discourses on "The
Faithfulness of God to this Church," during the one hundred and fifty
years of its existence, which period closed with the Sabbath on which
the discourses were preached.
The interest on this subject was revived, and the church soon after
voted that these Century and Half Discourses should be printed with the
contemplated catalogue and history.
One of the original members having died, the vacancy was filled in
1846, and still another brother added in 1847. But time passed on
without the matter being taken up in earnest till 1851, when only three
of the eight, who had been chosen for this work, remained here to
accomplish it.
The historical part was put to press early in 1852, and the discourses
soon followed'; — but on account of the incompleteness of records, and
the labor of getting the necessary information from other sources, the
Descriptive Catalogue could not be prepared at that time.
Much effort has since been made to gather facts, to procure as full an
account of each member as is attainable at this distance of time. This
delay, however, has brought to light new facts, making necessar}' the
addition of Notes and a more extended Errata.
The committee in concluding a work, which, on account of the peculiar
difficulties attending it, has been long protracted, cheiish the hope that
what they have imperfectly done may lead the living members of the
church to ponder well on the various relations they sustain to those who
have died in the Lord, to one another, and to all who, by their prayers
and efforts, may yet be brought into spiritual communion with them-
selves on earth and in heaven.
To the favor of God we now commend the result of our labors, pray-
ing that His blessing may make it useful to the present and future
generations of this church and this people.
MlDDLEBOROUGH, ./za/^, 1854.
CON T E N T S
Ahbrcviations, table of, . . •
Admissions under each pastor 2"^ in
old age G2, table of annual and hy
pastorates, Disc* 53, candidates
for,
Anecdotes of Mr. Palmer 8, 28 ; Dea.
Thomas,
Articles of Faith, original 15, revised
49, remarks on, . . . .
Backas, ]\ev. Isaac 05, 70, and notes at
Baptist Societies 70, others,
Catalogues, of this church 81 — 115,e.\-
planation of, 79, of C. C. Church,
68, addenda, . . , .
Cemetarics, Hill, 33, Green,
Charities,
Chronological Notices, Disc.
Confession, mutual, . , . .
Covenant, original, 18, renewal of, 19,
. present, or revised, 48, halfway,
79, and members of, .
Church, first organizations, 13, 14,
Halifax, 64, West Precinct, 63,
Titicut, C5, North Rochester, 66,
Four Corners, 68 ; notice of some
members 55, additions by revivals
26, 10, it is a legal body, 11, order
of and rights, 28, 51, during divine
service,
Deacons, table of, 117, 52, induction
of, 31,
Deaths, additional, of members, 121,
by small pox, ....
Events, list of, Disc.
E))itaphs, 33, 35, 07-8, 72,
Fund, Parish, . . . , .
Green, upper, 44, lower,
Indian missions, &c., 3, 4,
Law-suits, Palmer vs. Parish, 7, Par-
ish vs. Parish, 9, Weld vs. Parish,
80
30
61
47
end.
71
118
45
30
54
24
118
13
34
121
117
54
124
71
46
123
40
lie
Letters by Mr. Thachcr, 23, 121, Mr.
Bosworth,
Meeting Houses, 5, 41, 44 ; sales of, 5,
41, present 72, Disc. .
Member's church, males in 1744,39;
total in 1744, 123; under each
pastor 27, and Disc. 55 ; on remov-
ing to take letters 31, who became
pastors, 54 : notice of some, 55.
Luke Short, 59, voters who, 12,
resident brethren in 1854, 116;
non-residents, ....
Ministers, members who became, 54,
others v/ho became, 124, who
preached as candidates, 8, 41,
Monody, by Rev. S. Conant,
Parishes, West, 63, North, 65, Halifax
JB4, North Rochester, 66, Four
Corners, 68, Baptists, 70, Metho-
dists, .,,...
Pastors, notices of. Fuller, 32 ; 4, 5, 6 :
, Palmer, 34 ; 6, 7, 8 : Thachcr, 35,
7, 8, 123 : Conant, 36 ; 5, 8, 9, 10,
123: Weld, 39, 5, 9, 124: Barker,
41 ; Painc,43 : Eaton,44 : Putnam,
44: table of, 117, imposition of
Iiands, 31, also members.
Proprietors, twenty-six men, 4, origi-
nal, 12 3; Hill Cemetary, 33;
Green Cemetary, 45; Meeting
house lot, 44
Records, Lost, . . . . . J24
Revivals, 26, 10, Disc. 29, 37, 40, . 41
Sacrament of the Supper, 30, table
furniture, 72
Singing 27
Towns incorporated, Middleboro', 03,
Halifax, 64, Carver, . . -88
32
NOTi:.— Z)(5c. refers to the Discourses which are paged independftntly.^ An account of the
nrst orjanization, fhe successive pastors, lerival^. &c , will also be foiuid in them.
HISTORICAL NOTICE.
" Considerable exertions were made by some of the
early settlers to Christianize the natives. In Middlebor-
ough and many other places, these efforts were atten-
ded with a good degree of success. At the commence-
ment of the Indian war, in 1675, there were three
churches in this town, one at Namasket, one at Titicut,
and one at 'Sowampset, the last of which, contained 35
members ; all of them, 90 members." (S. Eddy's Com.
PI. Book of Hist. Reading.)
"In the year 1685, Governor Hinkley, of Plymouth,
sent to the corporation in England, an account of the
praying Indians of that colony; they amounted to 1439,
besides boys and girls, which were supposed to be three
times that number; at Namasket and Titicut 70, at
Namatakeeset 40." (Hutch. His. Mass., vol. 1, p. 313.)
Namasket was a mile from the present meeting-house
of the first precinct, south-easterly, an Indian village of
that name on a river of the same name ; Titicut was an
Indian village six miles westerly, on the Cohannet, or
Taunton river, and Namatakeeset is supposed to be the
same as 'Sowampset, a village upon the Great Pond in
the south part of the town, and probably this was the
name of the "Long Pond," although the Indian name of
that pond is not certainly known. There is no subse-
quent account of these churches. No doubt, the "Nam-
aschucks," worshipped with the first settlers, and before
the organization of our church in 1694, had become
extinct or had migrated.
That part of Middleborough, which is now the fir?
precinct, was purchased of the Indian sachem, Wampa
tuck, in March 1662, by " twenty-six men," and con-
firmed by the government of the Plymouth colony,
January, 1663, with some other purchases made of the
" Black Sachem," Tispaquin, sachem of Namasket. The
town was incorporated by its present boundaries, July
1st, 1669, and afterwards fully confirmed by the court
at Plymouth. From 1669 to 1675 the town sent depu-
ties to the court. But in 1675 the Indian war broke
up the settlement, and the purchasers returned to Plym-
outh. In 1679 they returned to Middleborough with
their minister. Rev. Samuel Fuller, and made a perma-
nent settlement. In their re-organization they mention
the loss of their records, when their houses were burnt
by the Indians.
The following are the names of the " twenty-six pur_
chasers '* who were here when the war broke out, and
who probably returned after the war. Their minister
was with them in 1675; and as he was one of the origi-
nal purchasers, he was probably with them in their first
settlement in 1669, as otherwise they would not proba-
bly have been allowed to remove from Plymouth. The
town is about 14 miles on its South line, about the same
distance from that line to its north, — contains more than
100 square miles, and is, in extent of territory, the
largest town in the Commonwealth.
JOHN THOMPSON, MOSES SIMMONS,
ISAAC HOWLAND, SAMUEL BARROWS,
FRANCIS COOMBS, SAMUEL EATON,
SAMUEL FULLER, FRANCIS BILLINGTON.
JOHN MORTON, GEORGE SOULE,
NATHANIEL SOUTHWORTH, SAMUEL EDDY,
EPHRAIM TINKIIAM, SAMUEL PRATT,
HENRY WOOD, GEORGE VAUGHAN,
WILLIAM NELSON, JOHN SHAW,
DAVID THOMAS, JACOB THOMPSON.
JOHN COBB, FRANCIS MILLER,
JABEZ WARREN, JOHN HOWLAD,
EDWARD BUMP, JOHN ALDEN.
In 1680, the town provided a house lot, and twelve
acres of land for Mr. Fuller, and it seems he then lived
in a house upon it, which they call his. His salary was
" c£20, to be paid one quarter in silver and the rest in
produce, corn at two shillings, and wheat at four per
bushel." The tradition is, that he lived in a house a
little east of Dr. Sturtevant's. The town agreed " to turn
out and fence his field, and every one that did not, was
to pay a bushel of corn." The first meeting-house was
between his house and '-the Green," and in August,
1701, was sold at auction for £h 2s., the town having,
the year before, built a meeting-house on the " Lower
Green," nearly opposite the present school-house," thirty-
six feet by thirty, and sixteen stud," as by vote of
November, 1690. It had two ridge poles and four gable
ends. In 1745 the roof was taken oiF, and a " pitched
roof" put on. The meeting-house on the "Upper
Green," was built the same year ; the parish having
separated into two meetings ; one held by the " old lights,"
or " standing party," and the other by the " new lights,"
or " revival men." Of the " old lights," Rev. Thomas
Weld, was pastor ; of the " new lights," Rev. Sylvanus
Conant. The "old lights" broke up in the year 1754:
or 1755, and soon after the old house was sold, and of
the materials a dwelling-house was built wliere tlie pas-
torage house now stands. The parish were again united
and Mr. Conant was the acknowledged pastor of both
" old lights" and " new lights." The site of the old house
is now plainly to be seen just below the school-house.
The house on the Upper Green was built by proprietors,
and was sold in 1828, and the materials removed, but
not until the dedication of the present meeting-house,
January 1st, 1829.
The church was organized, and Mr. Fuller ordained
pastor, Dec. 26th, 1694. On Mr. Fuller's death, August
17, 1695, Mr. Cushman, afterwards minister of Plympton,
Mr. Clap and Mr. Cutting were successivly invited to
supply the pulpit. In August, 1696, Mr. Thomas Palmer
was applied to, and engaged to preach a quarter of a
year, for which he was paid £13. In October, the town
voted him £35 for a salary." In November, 1698, the
town voted " that his goods shall be brought from Plym-
outh at the town's charge," and he was probably ordained.
May 2nd, 1702, (though possibly a year or two sooner,)
not without strenuous opposition on the part of a num-
ber of the members of the church. Committees were
soon chosen by the town and by the church " to devise
means of a regular, comfortable, and peaceable settle-
ment." He was charged with misbehavior in the church
and with intemperance. The first council was convened
by the church exparte, and it condemned him ; the sec-
ond, called by the town and the church, advised that,
"as the town earnestly desired, both old and young to
enjoy his ministry, he should continue his ministry until
the council should meet more fully ;" and finally, twelve
churches were convened, and advised the church to
depose him. In 1705, his salary was £40. In 1706, the
same, " provided he continue in the work of the minis-
try the whole year ; if removed, to pay him proportion-
ally." In November 1706, they voted ^'to seek out a
man for the supply of the ministry." The records of the
church are not extant, but the town voted, June 3d
1707, to provide for the ministers and messengers that
are to sit in council." December 12th, 1707, the select-
men were authorized to agree with Mr. Peter Thacher for
the work of the ministry for a quarter of a year. It
would seem that Mr. Palmer had then stopped preach-
ing, and that the council then advised his deposition.
But the records of the church give the proceedings of
the council precisely one year later. Mr. Thacher was
ordained, November 2d, 1709, and his ministry contin-
ued from this time until his death, in 1744. Mr. Palmer
lived on the " Mory Place," which he owned, and prac-
ticed physic, in town, until his death in 1743.
It appears from the records, that although he did not
preach through the year 1706, yet that he sued the parish
for his salary, and recovered judgment for it up to the
time when the council advised his dismission, to the
amount of £62, but on settlement with the parish, con-
sented to release £15 of the judgment. "Mr. Palmer
preached a considerable time (after being rejected by
the church,) in his own house, where he had a few hear-
ers." [Mr. Baker's century sermon.]
Extracts from the Church Records, June 2d, 1707 (1708?J
" Voted, by the church of Middleborough, that, in pursuance of the
advice of twelve churches, in council here convened, which have de-
clared that Mr. Thomas Palmer, the former minister and pastor, ought
to be removed from the work of the Gospel ministry, and suspended
from communion at the Lord's table for his scandalous immoralities, —
therefore, in conformity to said advice of said council, as also upon the
advice of a convention of reverend ministers at Boston, the church doth
now declare that they now look on Mr. Thomas Palmer as no longer
their pastor, but as deposed from the work of the ministry, and also
suspended from the table of the Lord ; and we withdraw from the said
8
Mr. Palmer, and unite in our endeavors to settle the ordinances of the
Gospel among us."
"November 13th, 1737. This day Mr. Thomas Palmer, the
former pastor of this church, had the censure of the church taken off,
and was restored to communion by unanimous vote of the church, after
hearing his confession."*
After the decease of Rev Mr. Thacher, the church again
had " troublous times." The great revival had brought
large numbers into the church. The resident male
members were considerably above one hundred, and they
desired to settle a minister who favored the revival. A
respectable portion of the people, and deacon Barrows,
with sixteen or seventeen male members of the church?
wished to settle a different man. The church at first
called the old pastor's son, Peter Thacher, but for reas-
ons unknown, (said to be in order not to break with
the minority,) they withdrew the call, and sent for Mr.
Conant. He came in September, 1744, but the parish
also sent for a candidate, and one preached in the fore-
noon and the other in the afternoon ; after which the
parish refused to permit Mr. Conant to preach in the
meeting-house, and he preached in the Mansion house,
by invitation of Madame Thacher, for several months.
Although he was called in October, he was not ordained
until March, and this took place in the yard or court in
front of Madame Thacher's house. His friends then
* An aged lady gives the following anecdote as illustrative of the character
of the deposed pastor : — " Mr. Palmer, after his deposition, practiced physic, but kept
no horse. His distant patients had to furnish him ; and when, one day, he returned
from the west precinct, on his patient's horse, (that he might not be impounded on
his way back) he tied up the bridle with these lines attached to it : —
Don't take me up, but let me pass
For I'm my master's faithful ass ;
He Doctor Palmer lent me.
Who rode me to his house.
And gave me a pottle of oats,
And home again he sent me."
9
went resolutely at work in building a meeting-house on
the "Upper Green." It was raised July 17th, 1745, and
was soon put into a condition to accommodate the meet-
ings. In the meantime the parish had called a Mr. Weld
to be their minister, and he was ordained in the old
meeting-house, October 2d, of the same year. The
church by their committee, Ezra Clap, Edmund Weston,
and Samuel Eddy, sent into the council a strenuous pro-
test against the proceeding. The parish and church had
now a " hard business." A new meeting-house to build,
the old meeting house to repair, and two ministers and
two churches to sustain, and more than all, " crimina-
tions and recriminations," and alienations among breth-
ren — "old lights, and new lights" — "the church and
the standing party." ^Ye have two printed pamphlets
in which hard names and words are dealt freely against
each other. A tax made by the parish against the
new society, as well as the old, well nigh brought on
open war, and add to these, a lawsuit about the records
and the furniture of the Lord's table. This was finally
adjusted, and the church chose Ebenezer Clap, Seth
Tinkham, and Samuel Eddy to present a petition to
the General Court for relief. This was April 22d, 1746.
It seems they succeeded in getting a law passed, by
which those who chose to worship in the new meeting
house migrht file their names with the clerk of the
old society, and so become members of the new ; and
more than two hundred names were filed in 1748. In
1754, another law was passed, by which both societies
were again united under their former name, and that
union has continued to the present time.
The reputation of Mr. Conant, the pastor, has been
very good. He was distinguished for his urbanity and
10
concilatory manners, and succeeded in a few years, in
uniting the people in his favor. He was a lively, anima-
ted preacher, and seems to have done all that any man
could do in such times — times of war, French and revo-
lutionary, stamp act, tea tax, Boston massacre, — every-
thing to agitate the public mind. He was requested to
accept the chaplaincy of a regiment, and the patriotism,
not the tvill of his people, consented. He three times
married, but left no children. It may well be asked
what would have been the condition of our churches
after the war, if they had not been prepared, by the
great reformation, to meet the shock? The "sacra-
mental host" were not all wasted by these wars and
trials. Their venerable countenances and gray hairs are
still remembered by some of us now living.
Our church has since seen days of affliction ; but we
cannot say with the patriarch, " few and evil have been
our days." It is almost two centuries since the " seed
of the kingdom" began to be sown here, and more than
a century and a half since the visible kingdom was first
established here — "a church built on a rock," as we
trust. The "glorious things spoken" of this kingdom,
have been many times seen here. The records of 1728
and 1741-42, in what may be called ancient times, and
those of 1808 and 1823, in our own time, are not soon
to be forgotten ; nor are we to forget the other showers
of divine grace in 1818, and in our present pastor's time.
" Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in
the morning." "The days of darkness are many," and in
them we are to be humble and prayerful ; the days of light
to the church are not a few, and we may well " rejoice
and be glad in them," and remember them with cheerful-
ness. If we are wise, we shall rise by repentance from
11
our baitings and backslidings, and get improvment and
strength to " run the race set before us," with a more
perfect heart, setting up our memorials as we advance,
and girding up the loins of our minds to run with pa-
tience the race which is yet before us. This church was
very dear to the hearts of our brethren who have left
us, and may it still be dear to us in all its interests ;
may the worship and the ordinances here be maintained
"as long as as the sun and the moon shall endure."
<' Forgetting the things which are behind," may we " press
forward to those things which are before" us, till we
shall " attain to the measure of the stature of perfect men
in Christ Jesus."
THE CHURCH IS A LEGAL BODY.
This church considers that it is under the protection of
the laiv, in its proper action and its religous worship ; and
not only so, but that it has legal rights, and that it is de-
sirable that the members should know what its legal
rights are.
L " The people of God have a legal right to gather
themselves into church state." Ancient Charters 100.
n. They have free election of all their ofiicers. Id.
101. '^' The churches shall be allowed to exercise and
enjoy all their accustomed privileges, and those respect-
ing church order, divine worship and discipline, and are
to be encouraged therein. Id. 245. Const. 20. Rev.
Statutes 201.
HI. "Those who disturb them in their ivorship are
guilty of a misdemeanor, and punishable by fine and im-
prisonment." Anc. Ch. 104. Rev. Statutes. 741. So
also disturbances in their church action — their elections.
Anc. Charters 104.
12
IV. "Every church has free liberty of administration,
recommendation, dismission, expulsion, and disposal of
their officers and members, with free exercise of the dis-
cipline and censurers of Christ, according to the tiiles
of His loord. Anc. Charters, 101.
V. " By the church, is meant those who are in full
communion." Id. 114.
Under this law, every member of a church, in full
communion, old or young, male or female, has the right
of voting in the church. But John Robinson, our eccle-
siastical father, says the churches do not admit the sisters
to take a part in the husiness matters of the church, as it
is against the spirit of the directions of St. Paul in re-
spect to them. But undoubtedly if a male of any age
be admitted to full communion, he should be allowed to
vote. Rev. Mr. Camp was a candidate here, after the
decease of Mr. Conant, and a majority of the church
voted for him. He insisted upon the sisters being called
out and voting, and many of them did so, much to the
offence of some of the brethren. He did not accept the
call. They have been called once only since, but more
than half refused, and no good came of the measure.
It is to be hoped that we shall not again act against the
advice of " the author of Congregationalism."
The church, by their deacons, are a body politic, and
may even bring actions. See Revised Statutes 202-
"The deacons of the churches are a body corporate,
authorized to hold the property of the church, to re-
ceive all donations of land and personal estate, and to
sue and defend in every case relating to such property."
Anc. Charters 206. " The deacons are corporate bodies,
for the purpose of taking and holding in succession, all
grants and donations, whether of real or personal estate
13
made to them and successors, or to the poor of the
churches." Id. 205.
" The churches may call the deacons to account, and
sue them." Id. 206.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH, 1694, [O.S.]
The church records from the organization to the
coming of the Rev. Peter Thacher, in 1708, are not
known to be in existence, and are supposed to have
been early lost to the church. Mr. Noah Bosworth, of
Halifax, Mass., a descendent of the first pastor, in the
sixth generation, providentially reading our present
Articles of Faith and list of members printed in 1826,
inferred that this church had no record of its first organi-
zation. With a commendable thought and generosity he
presented to this church an ancient copy made from the
lost records. His letter ^ enclosing it, shows that great
reliance may be placed upon it, as a true copy by
Ebenezer Fuller, who commenced it with the following
date and remark :
" MiddleborougJi^ March 8, 1734. — A copy of the record of the
First Church of Christ in Middleborough, which was written by
Mr. Samuel Fuller, first pastor of that church."
* " Looking over the records of the First Church in Middleborough, made out and
printed for the information of its members into the history of said church, I noticed
that there was no account of the formation of said church, or of the names of the first
members of it ; and, having among the writings of my great grandfather, Ebenezer
Fuller, a copy of the record of the first formation of said church and the Covenant they
entered into, and the Articles of Faith, &c. ; and thinking, if that record was lost it
would be gratifying to the present pastor and church to have so ancient a copy of said
record, transcribed March 8, 1734, by one, with his own hand, who was a member of
said church. 1 with pleasure forward the said copy to the said First Church in Middle-
boro', with confidence that it is an authentic copy of the original record j as my great
grandfather, Ebenezer Fuller, who copied and preserved it, doubtless for his own use,
was the grandson of Rev. Samuel Fuller, the first pastor of said church.
" Halifax, Sept. 5, 1826. "NOAH BOSWORTH."
Note. — Mr. Bosworth died March 7, 1837, in advanced age. It is by his just view
lof the appropriate disposition of such papers, that this church and community are in
possession of an account of this transaction, and a knowledge of the original members
of this church.
u
THE COPY OF EBENEZER FULLER, IN 1734.
" I. Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God
hath led thee these forty years. — Deut. 8 : 2.
" December 26, 1794, [0. S.] — A church of Christ was gathered
at Middleborough, formerly called by the heathen Namassacut, a
fishing place, as some say.
" The persons and their names that entered into church fellow-
ship, some of them members of Plymouth church before, being dis-
missed from Plymouth for that intent ; some of them members of
other churches dwelling here then, and some that were never in
church fellowship before that time, whose names are as followeth :
" SAMUEL FULLER and his wife, JOHN BENNET and his wife,
'• JONATHAN MORSE and his wife, ABIEL WOOD and his wife,
" SAMUEL WOOD, ISAAC BILLINGTON,
" SAMUEL EATON, SAMUEL CUTBURT,
" JACOB TOMSON and his wife, JOHN COB, Jun.,
" HESTER TINKAM, The Widow DEBORAH BARDEN,
"WEIBRAH BUMPAS, EBENEZER TINKHAM,— ^75 WIFE,
" Not being present by reason of sickness in their family,
yet after owning the covenant of the rest, being in the esteem
of the rest, it is as well as if she were there present at that
assembly.*
"Ebenezer Tinkham, Isaac Billington, Jacob Tomson; these
then baptized.
" Soon after were baptized the children of John Cob in their
infancy ; John, Martha. Patience. Also, Lidia Bumpas, the
daughter of Weibra Bumpas.
" II. In order to the gathering of a church, it pleased God,
who hath the hearts of all men in his hands, to move upon the
hearts of sundry of those to desire a church may be gathered in
this place, — to desire and seek it of God ; and Divine Providence
made way for it.
" Letters were sent for ministers and brethren to assist in the
work, namely : to Plymouth, Sandwich and Barnstable : and the
Elders sent Mr. John Cotton, Mr. Rouland Cotton, Mr. Jonathan
Russell, and brethren to assist them. Mr. Samuel Fuller, then
• For names and other particulars of the original members see Descriptive Catalogue.
15
ordained to be a Teacher to that church ; who had lived there and
preached the word amongst them, whose preaching God had made
beneficial to divers of them, and made choice of by mutual consent.
God can, and oft doth, out of the mouth of babes and sucklings
ordain praise.
" John Bennet, Sen., our brother, ordained Deacon, — Deacon
in the church of Middleborough, March 10, being the second Sab-
bath in that month, and chosen by a full consent to that office some
considerable time before ; who formerly dwelt at Beverly ; whom
God in the way of his providence sent to dwell in Middleborough to
be serviceable there in church and town."
" ARTICLES OF OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH,*
" Then also read, owned and acknowledged by us at the church
gathering.
" We do believe with our hearts and confess with our mouths :
" I. That the Holy Scriptures, contained in the Old and New
Testaments, are the word of God, and are given by inspiration of
God, to be the rule of faith and life.
" 11. That there is but one only living and true God, and that in
the unity of the Godhead there be three persons of one substance,
power and eternity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Ghost.
" III. That this one God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, made the
whole world and all things therein, in the space of six days, very
good.
" IV. That God made man after his own image in knowledge,
righteousness, and true holiness.
" V. That our first parents being seduced by the subtilty of
Satan, eating the forbidden fruit, sinned against God, and fell from
the estate wherein they were created ; and that all mankind de-
scending from them by ordinary generation, sinned in and fell with
them in their first transgression, and so were brought into a state ot
sin and misery, losing communion with God, and faUing under his
wrath and curse.
* These Articles were printed in 1722, and reprinted in 1771 ; and are also in the
Fuller copy of 1734, but are not on the existing Church Records.
16
" VI. That God, in his eternal purpose, chose and ordained the
Lord Jesus, his only begotten Son, to be the one and only mediator
between God and man, the Prophet, Priest and King, the head and
Savior of his church.
" VII. That Jesus Christ, the second person in the Trinity, is
the very and eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the
Father ; and that when the fulness of time was come, the Son of
God, the second person in the Trinity, took upon him man's nature,
being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of
the Virgin Mary, of her substance, so that the Godhead and man-
hood were joined together in one person, which is very God and
very man, yet one Christ, the only mediator between God and man.
"VIII. The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and sacrifice of
himself upon the cross, hath fully satisfied the justice of his Father,
and purchased, not only a reconciliation with God, but an everlasting
inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father
hath given to him.
" IX. That the elect of God are made partakers of the redemp-
tion purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to their
souls by his word and Spirit.
" X. That justification is an act of God's free grace unto sinners,
in which he pardoneth all their sins, accepteth and accounteth their
persons righteous in his sight, not for any thing wrought in them or
done by them ; but only for the perfect obedience and full satisfac-
tion of Christ imputed to them by God, and received by faith alone.
" XI. That sanctification is a work of God's grace, whereby the
elect are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are
enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness.
" XII. That whomsoever God hath accepted in Jesus Christ,
effectually called and sanctified by his Spirit, can neither totally
nor finally fall away from the state of grace, but shall certainly per.
severe to the end, and be eternally saved.
" XIII. That the grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to
believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ
in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the
word, by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments
BXid prai/er, it is increased and strengthened.
17
" XIV. That the visible church under the Gospel is not confined
to one nation, as it was under the law, but consists of all those
throughout the world that profess the true religion according to the
Gospel order, and their children ; and is the kingdom of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the house and family of God ; and that unto this church
Christ hath given the ministry, grace and ordinances of God, for
the gathering and perfecting of saints to the end of the world ; and
doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make
them effectual thereunto.
" XV. That prayer, singing of psalms and reading of the Scrip-
tures, the sound preaching and conscionable hearing of the word,
as also the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacra-
ments instituted by Christ, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper,
and all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God, besides solemn
fastings and thanksgiving, upon special occasions, which are in their
several times and seasons, to be used in a holy and religious manner.
" XVI. That the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the alone head of his
church, hath appointed officers in his house for the regular carrying
on of the affairs of his kingdom ; and that each particular church
hath power from Christ regularly to administer censures to offending
members, and to carry on the affairs of his visible kingdom accord-
ing to his word.
" XVII. That the bodies of men, after death, turn to dust and
see corruption, but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having
an immortal substance, immediately return to God who gave them ;
the souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are
received into heaven, and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell.
" XVIII. That the bodies of the just and unjust shall be raised
at the last day.
" XIX. That God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the
world in righteousness by Jesus Christ ; in which day, all persons
that have lived upon earth shall appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, to give account of their thoughts, words and deeds, and to
receive according to what they have done in the body, whether it
be good or evil."
18
"THE CHURCH COVENANT,
That was read and consented to at the church gather-
ing:—
" Forasmuch as it hath pleased God, who hath commanded us to
pray daily, that his kingdom may come and be advanced, and hath
given direction, in his holy word, and manifold encouragements to
his poor servants to seek and set forward his worship and the con-
cernments of his glory ; we do, therefore, personally present our-
selves this day in the holy presence of God, to transact with Him
this great affair of His kingdom and glory, and of our own salva-
tion ; and humbling ourselves before the Lord for all our sins, and
the sins of ours, earnestly praying for pardoning mercy and recon-
ciliation with God through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
for the gracious presence and assistance of his Holy Spirit, under
a deep sense of our own weakness and unworthiness, and with an
humble confidence of his favorable acceptation ; each of us for our-
selves, and all of us jointly together, enter into a holy covenant with
God and one with another, that is to say^ — We do, according to the
terms and tenor of the everlasting covenant, first, give up ourselves
and our off'spring unto the Lord God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
as the one only true and living God, All-sufficient, and our God, in
covenant ; and unto our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour,
our Prophet, Priest, and King ; the only mediator of the covenant
of grace ; promising and covenanting, through the help of His
grace, to cleave to God and to our Lord Jesus by faith, in a way
of Gospel obedience, with full purpose of heart, as his covenant
people, forever : And we do also, by this act of confederation, give
up ourselves, one unto another in the Lord, according to the will of
God, promising and engaging to cleave and walk together in holy
union and communion as members of the same mystical body, and
as an instituted church of Christ, rightly instituted and established
in the true faith and order of the Gospel ; further, obliging our-
selves, by this our holy covenant, to keep and maintain the holy
word and worship of God committed to us, and endeavor faithfully
to transmit it to our posterity, to cleave unto and uphold the true
Gospel ministry as it is established by Jesus Christ in his church,
to have it in due honor and esteem for the work's sake ; to subject
19
ourselves fully and sincerely unto the ministerial exercise of the
power of Christ in the dispensation of the word, the administration
of the sacraments, — the Lord's Supper to members in full communion
and without offence, and Baptism to visible church members and their
infant seed, — as also for the due application of the holy discipline,
with love, care and faithfulness ; watching one over another, and
over the children of the covenant growing up with us ; and all in
obedience to the blessed rule and government of our Lord Jesus
Christy the alone head of his church : and withal we further engage
ourselves to walk orderly in a way of fellowship and communion
with all neighbor churches, according to the rules of the Gospel,
that the name of our Lord Jesus may be one throughout all the
churches, to the glory of God the Father. This, our holy church
covenant, we do, in most solemn manner, take upon our souls, in all
the parts of it, with full purpose of heart, as the Lord shall help us,
and according to the measure of grace received, we will walk before
and with God fully, steadfastly and constantly in the discharge
of all covenant duties, each to other ; and the Lord keep this forever
in the thoughts and imagination of the hearts of us, his poor
servants, to establish our hearts unto Him ; and the good Lord
pardon every one of us that prepareth his heart to seek the Lord
God of his fathers. Amen."
RENEWAL OF COVENANT, 1713.
At a church meeting early in January, 1713, (N. S.,)
the members expressed a mutual forgiveness toward one
another, and friendship for their pastor ; and, having
decided on a solemn Renewal of Covenant, agreed to
observe a day of fasting and prayer. At another meet-
ing in the same month at Mr. Thacher's dwelling, his
record says : " On the forenoon I preached from Jer. 50 :
5. The afternoon began with prayer, and then I read
the Covenant and expounded it to them in particular."
" The children of the church were called on to come and
own and to improve their privilege in God's covenant."
" April 3, 1713, (he records.) was the day appointed for
20
public fasting and Renewal of Covenant by entering
into new engagements to the Lord and one another.
My father Thacher, [Rev. Peter Thacher, of Milton
Mass.,] was present and began with prayer. I preached
from Rev. 2:10. In the afternoon, after prayer, the
church gave their renewed assent to the following holy
covenant."
The Covenant here referred to, was the original one
of 1694 ; and the following Achiowlcdgments, called an
"explication of the Covenant," and doubtless prepared
for the occasion, were adopted at this time and entered
on the church records in connection with the Covenant.
'■'■ April 3, 1713. — We, that through God's goodness have been
gathered, and are still continued a church of His, having here-
tofore consented to the covenant of grace, according to the gracious
terras thereof; having made choice of the Lord Jehovah, Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit, as our God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, as
the glorious mediator, upon whose fulness of merit and power we
rely, as well to be strengthened to the duties, as to enjoy the bless-
ings of that well ordered covenant ; having according to his will,
incorporated ourselves into that evangelical church-state, wherein
our desires after the mercies of that covenant are to be expressed
and answered ; being sensible that our justification by faith in the
righteousness of Christ, as of our only surety, doth oblige us to keep
all God's commands, as holy, just and good : being also awakened
by the heavy judgments impending over our nation and country ;
would search our hearts after what might be in us provoking to
God ; acknowledging it to be our duty, not only to walk circum-
spectly, respecting gross sins and miscarriages, but would also guard
ao^ainst prevailing corruptions that often prevail among the people
of God ; especially, to renew our engagements which are laid on us
by the covenant of God, which hath been not only accepted, but
renewed, and is hereby renewed and expressed.
"WE THEN ACKNOWLEDGE,
" I. TJtat it loould he a great evil in us, If eur love to the world
should make us abate of our love to communion with God, or abate
21
of that zeal and watchfulness which we slioiihl always keep alive in
our souls, or hinder us from the most affectionate reading of his
■word, and seeking his face every day in our houses, or from daily
use of closet supplication and meditation.
" II. It tvould be a cp'eat evil in us, If we should [not], on the one
hand, protest against any thing in the worship and service of God
for which we have not a divine institution, and against the use of
all pagan, papal superstitions : if we should not on the other side,
to the best of our capacities, attend and support the institutions of
God in the midst of us, with endeavors that there be nothing want-
ing thereto.
" III. It would be a great evil in us, If when we draw near
to God in his ordinances, we should allow ourselves to be formal,
carnal or sleepy in what we do ; or if we should come to tlie Lord's
table without due examinations and humiliations and supplications
preparatory thereto ; or, if in managing church discipline, we should
vent our own passions or serve our own humors.
" IV. It would be a great evil in us. If we should abuse the
good creatures of God by sensualities, in eating or drinking, or
recreations, or by extravagancy in apparel, or in the irreverend use
of God's names, titles, attributes, word or ordinances.
" V. It ivould be a great evil in ms, If we should not keep a
strict guard over our thoughts, as well as words and works on the
Sabbath ; and also, on all under our influence, to restrain them from
violations of that sacred rest.
" VI. It would be a great evil in us, If we should not study to
have our families well instructed and governed, and in such a con-
dition as is agreeable to the fear of God,
*' VII. It would be a great evil in us, If by the prevalency of
a private spirit we should be backward to any public service where-
by God might call us with our persons or estates to serve our gen-
erations^ or if we should by unjust neglect or censure, ill requite
such as have been serviceable to us, which are the ministers of God
to us for good.
" VIII. It would be a great evil in us, If we should fail of a pa-
tient, peaceable, forgiving temper, towards our neighbors, or if we
should not with meekness of wisdom smother all causes of contention.
" IX. It would be a great evil in us, If we should spend our days
22
in idleness^ and not be diligent in such employments as may adorti
the doctrine of God, by rendering us useful to our neighbors.
" X. It v)ould he a great evil in us, If our carriage or discourse!
should any ways savour of a lascivious disposition in our souls.
"XL It ivould he a great evil in us, If we should use dishonesty
in our dealings, by fraud, force, or unreasonable exactions.
" XII. It Would be a great evil in us, If we shouldjgo maliciously
to make, or injuriously to spread any false reports, or too easily re-
ceive slanders against the innocent, or countenance the broachers of
them.
" XIII. It would he a great evil in us, If we should not consci^
entiously observe and fulfil what promises we lawfully give one
another.
" XIV. It would he a great evil in us, If we should be discon-^
tented with others' prosperity, or our own adversity, wherein we are
confined.
" XV. It would he a great evil in us, If we should not be ready
charitably and liberally to relieve the necessities of the poor that call
for our bounties."
" XVI. It ivould he a great et)il in us, If we should not with a
brotherly affection, either give or take reproofs where there is cause
for them^ or if we should withhold our testimony against whatever
might fall out among ourselves displeasing to God.
" Wherefore, we do, by solemn vote, declare against all these
evils as abominable things, utterly dispairing of any strength in our^
selves to keep clear thereof ; we do most humbly ask the all-suffi-
cient grace of God in Christ, that neither these, nor any other in-
iquities may have any dominion over us, but that we watch against
them all, both in ourselves and in one another.^'
" 31archl2, 1713. — The above written explication of our holy
church Covenant was read privately in the church, and assented to
by vote. April 3, 1713, it was also read in pubUc, and assented to
expressedly. "PETER THACHER, Paseor."
23
PASTORAL FIDELITY.
The following original letter of Mr. Thacher, to a
(church member who had abruptly turned away from
the Lord's table, is characteristic equally of the writer
and of the times : —
" MiDDLEBORO', Feb. 4, 1740-41.
" Brother Smith :
" Such hath been my infirmitys, and such the season, as hath
diverted my loving purposes and sincere desires to visit you, and if
possible be so happy as to recover you to a sense of your sin, in
turning away from Wisdom's furnished Table and bidden Guests i
Alas my brother, why have you done this ? This action is highly
and greatly aggravated. I know of no Gospel ru]e that gives any
countenance to such a breach of order, and breach of covenant with
God, and with the church. Is it not practically to say that
there was nothing in that holy Institution worth staying for ? That
you were at your liberty to come to it, or stay from, as you pleased 'i
" How could you pour more open and high contempt upon one of
Christ's most solemn and soul-endearing, and strengthening institu-
tions ? Had you then, or now, assurance of having [even] one more
such an heart-melting and quickening opportunity ? Have they
been such empty and fruitless opportunities to your soul, as induced
you to turn away so lightly ? I hope not. What could be the rea-
son ? W-as it offence with myself or any other communicant ?
Matt. 18th, directly your duty in that case. But surely, every one's
most important concern is with his own heart. If it was your offence
with the church in general, or any act of theirs, will you withdraw
communion from them, censure yourself, and break covenant with
themj before you in writing remonstrated to them their error and
your own doubt ? Ought you not to have done this before you
had, in such a manner, disquieted every one that stayed ? Is this
to eat the Lord's Supper, to pay suitable and thankful reverence to
that which was purchased with Christ's blood, yea, and shows forth
his death too ? Dear brother, you must have wrong notions of the
terms of communion, if you are not heartily and deeply humbled for
this inadvertent act of yours, that so deeply wounds your own soul,
24
your pastor's, and the whole church, and greatly dishonours God
and tends to bring the church of Christ and that ordinance of
Christ into the greatest contempt in the eyes of them without. Dear
brother, do I thus speak because I love you not ? Godknoweth, —
but that I may be found faithful to Christ, my office, and your dear
precious soul. I beseech you by the kindness and gentleness of
Christ, that you would be moved, be persuaded, be overcome by
one who you know loves you, and hath your salvation at heart, to be
sensible of your fault, to acknowledge it to God, and to condemn it
before your brethren. Why will you be instrumental to bring down
my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave, and hasten a period to that
ministry you have been many years delighted in ?
" I am yet your loving, though grieved pastor,
" PETER TEACHER."
MUTUAL CONFESSION.
The following document is found in the hand writing
of Rev. Mr. Thacher, and signed by the members of the
church : —
" We, the subscribers, members of the First Church of
Christ in Middleborough, at a meeting, this 10th day of
April, 1738, to enquire and resolve to our Rev. Pastor,
and one another, whether we are in suitable frames to
communicate at the Lord's table together, and whether
we advise it proper for our Rev. Pastor to administer
to us under the general and visible decay of brotherly
love among us ; do freely and humbly acknowledge, and
have reason to do it with trembling, grief, and fear, that
there is too evident tokens of our want of love, and want
of peace, not only in this precinct, but also, even among
the members of this church. We desire to mourn for these
our sensible divisions. We acknowledge our want of
zeal for the interests of Christ, and the discipline
of Christ among us ; that we have been no more united
25
to discountenance vice in ourselves and others, as by
covenant we have expressly obliged ourselves to do;
and also, that we have been too much estranged our-
selves, one from another ; our want of zeal for the honor
of God's house and worship ; do, by these presents,
severally, each one for himself, judge and condemn our-
selves herein, and sincerely ask the forgiveness of God
and our brethren, and declare by our hands hereto
affixed, our sincere forgiveness of each other, and our
hearty reconciliation and re-union in all the affairs of
Christ's interest, worship, discipline and glory, earnestly
begging grace from God to walk together from this time
more as becomes the disciples and followers of the God
of love than ever before we have done, desiring to be
mutual helpers of each other, and especially comforts to
our pastor ; and that, for time to come, we will pray
and labor for such a unity, as may render us terrible as
an army with banners, united to pull down, and in all
suitable ways to bear testimony against all sin and
wickedness, and to watch against all occasions and
temptations to contention, and to mark them who would
estrange us one from another, and to have no fellowship
with them.
Under a sense of these obligations we desire to come
to the table of our Lord, and into his presence at his
table, and there to seal before his immediate presence
what we hereunto set our hands, humbly imploring the
grace of Christ to be there abundantly shed forth on
ourselves and each other, and desire that our pastor
would lead us thither.
HENRY THOMAS, NATHAN CLARK, JAMES RAYMOND,
LEMUEL DUNHAM, BENJAMIN TUCKER, SAM'L BARROWS, JR.,
SAMUEL BARROWS, FRANCIS EATON, EDMUND WESTON,
OBADIAH SAMPSON, HEZK'A PURKINGTON, BARN'BAS CROSSMAN
SETH TINKHAM, COOMBS BARROWS, SAMUEL EDDY,
4
26
EBENEZER REDDING,
EPHRAIM WOOD,
ICHABOD PADDOCK,
SAMUEL WARREN,
NEHEMIAH BENNET,
THOMAS TUPPER,
SAMUEL EDDY, JR.,
SAMUEL WOOD,
EBENEZER FINNEY,
BENJAMIN WHITE,
JONATHAN SMITH,
JOHN CA VENDER,
JAMES SMITH,
EZRA CLAP,
DAVID ALDEN,
JOSEPH BATES,
NOAH THOMAS,
THOMAS WOOD,
SAMUEL SAMPSON,
JOHN RAYMOND,
DAVID DELANO,
JOHN VAUGHAN,
ICHABOD TUPPER,
NATHAN BASSETT,
MOSES STURTEVANT.
ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCH.
There have been, during our history, several consider-
able revivals in our church and parish, and the records
show corresponding additions to the church. In 1729,
June 13, Mr. Thacher notes on the records " one hun-
dred and seven or eight communicated at the sacrament
this day," the additions having been chiefly the preceed-
ing year. In 1740-42, being the time of the "great
awakening" throughout New England, after a revival
here, very deep and powerful, an account of which has
been given and distributed among our people, one
hundred and fifty or more were added to the church.
Also, in 1807, 1808, the preaching of the Rev. James
Davis, in the absence of Mr. Barker at Washington,
appeared to be blessed. A great religious attention was
realized, and about one hundred hopeful converts were
admitted into the church. In 1818 and 1823 also, the
records then show additions to the church, after special
seasons of revival in those years. There was also a con-
siderable revival revival in 1830, and also in 1840, some
of the fruits of which appear in the list of members for
these and subsequent years.
27
The additions to the church during the ministry of
our respective pastors, have been as follows :
Original Members, 20
In Rev. Mr. Thacher's ministry about . . . , 466
« Mr. Conant's « 86
" Mr. Barker's '' 247
« Mr. Paine's to settlement of Mr. Eaton, 72
« Mr. Eaton's, 61
« Mr. Putnam's, 128
Uncertain, 7
1087
We have no record of the additions in the ministry of
Mr. Palmer, or Mr. Fuller.
SINGING.
It appears from the records of the parish and of the
church, that the choristers were chosen by the church,
and that their choice was usually concurred in by the
parish. Here is one of their votes : — " The easterly
precinct of Middleborough, Sept. 18, 1732, voted, in
reference to the singing of psalms in the congregation,
that the precinct concur with the church so far as to
appoint their pastor, Mr. Thacher, to set the tunes of the
psalms in the time of public worship, so long as he shall
find it for the peace and satisfaction of the church and
congregation." Since in our day the singers, as a choir,
have managed the singing themselves and chosen their
own choristers. Once the parish and church voted
against the introduction of musical instruments, but of
late years no order has been taken in the church or
society on the subject, and the singers bring in such
instruments as they think proper, and appoint their own
choristers.
28
PASTORAL POWER.
As a specimen of manners, one hundred and fifty
years ago, it may be mentioned that Dr. Palmer was
much and late at the tavern ; and when he left for home
quite late on one occasion, some person met him near
the door and " drubbed him soundly with a cane." It
was soon generally known, and considered to be well
deserved, and that such a mode of correction was very
proper, and Mr. Thacher was much commended as an
energetic corrector of morals. It seems to have been
taken for granted that he administered the correction,
and that he was the proper person to administer it.
THE ORDER OF THE CHURCH.
The order of the church from its beginning has been,
and continues to be, strictly Congregational, in accord-
ance with the platform of John Robinson, and the
practice and discipline of the churches of the Pilgrims ;
the prominent features of which are, self-government,
independence, open communion and free toleration.
We choose our own ofl&cers, and depose them when
there is just cause, receive, dismiss, and excommunicate
members by vote of the whole church, yet not without
advice of neighbor churches when it is desired by the
pastor and brethren ; never, however, regarding such
advice as authoritative. We esteem the government of
the church to be wholly of a moral and not of a
coercive character. No pastor or elder has ever inter-
posed to control or embarrass the action of this church.
29
We have had no hostility against other churches. We
have never, as a church, refused occasional communion
with members of other churches of good standing, nor
have we refused to dismiss a member to another church
when such member has desired it for better edification.
We do not censure for mere opinion; advocacy of
heresy and immorality are subjects for disciplinary
action, but the first and second private interviews are to
be had before the offence is told to the church. We
claim to be built upon the testimonies of the prophets
and the apostles, Jesus Christ being the chief corner
stone. Our articles of faith are instruments used to
ascertain that the members all agree, but delinquents
are to be tried by the Bible and its truths ; and although
every body is allowed to read the Scripturs and inter-
pret them for himself, yet in trials for heresy, the inter-
pretation of the church must prevail.
We have never had any Ruling Elders in this church.
There is not much in a name. We have a standing com-
mittee to advise and act in all cases in which such
offices were, by the platform, authorised to act. It was
a decided principle of Robinson that the Elders should
advise, but not rule without the consent of the church,
and this principle is, that in which Congregationalism
chiefly differs from Presbyterianism.
The church has an annual meeting for business on the
last Friday of every returning January, when the Stand-
ing Committee and Treasurer are to be chosen, and also
committees to advise in respect to the public charities,
and who also are to take the responsibility of the
religious meeting in their districts. But any matters
relating to the duty or welfare of the church are also
attended to at that meeting.
30
Although the deacons, by law and usage, are the
treasurers of the church, we have a special treasurer to
receive the small contributions which the exigencies of
church state require ; but the treasurer makes no dis-
bursment without the direction of the church or the
advice of the deacons or pastor or both.
The church considers it to be the duty of every
several member of the church to ^'lay by," as God
prospers him, and according to his ability, (of which he
is expected to judge carefully and conscienciously,) for
church purposes, the support of the pastor and the
Lord's table, and also for such objects of general benev-
olence as the church shall, from time to time advise, the
manner of the collections all to be under the advice of
the committees.
Contributions to the Board of Foreign Missions have
always, since its establishment, been taken up in this
church, either by collections in the meeting-house, or by
collectors appointed to visit the people, and also at the
district meetings as monthly concerts.
The concerts are to be held on the first Monday of
every month, but may be held a day before or after
when notice to that effect shall be given from the pulpit,
and collections are always taken at these meetings.
The sacrament of the Supper is administered on the
first Sabbath of every second month, beginning in
January ; and at the close of the communion service a
collection is taken for the support of the table, and such
other calls as may be responded to by the church as a
body. The standing committee will, as far as practica-
ble, visit such persons among us as have religious hopes,
with a view of their becoming candidates for admission
to the church, but more especially they will be present
31
at the parsonage house on Friday, two weeks preceding
the sacrament, to converse with those who are candidates
for admission. If approved, the candidates are to be
propounded two weeks before reception to the com-
munion. The lecture preparatory to the sacrament is
preached in the vestry on Friday before the sacrament.
Members who change their residence and settle in dis-
tant places are to take letters testimonial and unite with
some church where they reside ; and members of other
churches coming to reside with us are expected to bring
letters testimonial from their churches, with a view of
uniting with this church ; and on presenting such letters
they are to be admitted as members by vote, and a copy
"of the Book of the Church" is to be given them for
their information before admission. By Congregational
usage, letters testimonial are discredited, in case of
change of residence, if not presented within a year from
the time of such change. This church admits the right
of every church member of good standing to claim such
letters when he conscienciously believes that he can be
better edified in another church j and good standing is
to be implied if nothing appears on the records of the
church to the contrary.
It appears by the records of the church that, after
the early deacons were chosen, there was a solemn in-
duction of them into the office by ordination. Such has
not been the modern practice ; and this church con-
siders that ordination, or the laying on of hands with
prayer, though a very proper, and sometimes a very im-
pressive ceremony, and of apostolic example, is yet not a
divine institution, not commanded, and may lose its
solemnity by being made too common. In the case of
the choice of pastor, the church thinks it should not be
32
dispensed with, not only the primitive example, but the
manifest solemnity and good effects should cause it to
have a place in the order of Christ's house.
This church considers that our order requires that the
pastors, on becoming such respectively, are to be subject
to the discipline and watch of the church, and before
ordination are to be admitted into full communion ; and
such has been the usage of this church, although the
records do not always show that it was done. Mr.
Fuller's admission is recorded, and the restoration of
Mr. Palmer shows that he had before been a member ;
that Mr. Thacher was also a member is clear from the
baptism of his children before his wife became a member.
It is recollected, if not recorded, that all our ministers,
for seventy years past, were so admitted, and all the ten
ministers who belonged to this church, on their settle-
ment, had recommendations to become members of the
church over which they were ordained pastors. John
Cotton writes that he was present at the ordination of
Mr. Conant, and that he was received into the church
before he was ordained.
PASTORS.
1. Samuel Fuller. — Mr. Fuller "was educated for
the ministry, and came in with the first settlers of the
town as a religious teacher, as well as one of the twenty-
six purchasers." The Plymouth church did not permit
its members to remove unless provision was made for
their religious instruction. Having had his house burnt
by the Indians, as the other settlers had, he returned to
Plymouth with them till the war ended, and then re-
turned with them to Middleborongh, and continued his
ministry till a church was gathered, and soon after died.
His whole ministry must have exceeded twenty years.
The tradition is, that he was a sober, grave, industrious,
enlightened, and self-denying minister. He was buried
on " the Hill," the burial ground provided by the pro-
prietors at the first location of the proprietary, and the
legal title to the land is still in them. But the town and
proprietary were so nearly identical that their proceed-
ings are recorded in the same book. The following
inscription is on the stone set at his grave : —
" Here lyes buried y body of y^ Rev. Samuel Fuller,
who departed this life Aug. y^ 17% 1694, in y^ 71" year
of his age. He was y^ 1'' minister of y* Church of
Christ in Middleborough."
Mr. Fuller was the son of the pilgrim, Samuel Fuller,
a celebrated surgeon and physician, to whom both the
Pilgrims and Planters of Massachusetts were much
indebted for his success in treating the diseases of the
new settlements. He died in 1633, and his will is
recorded with the " Old Colony Records," and printed in
the Genealogical Register, Vol, 4, p. 33. In this he
orders certain of his estates to be sold and the proceeds
to be applied to the education of his two children,
Samuel and Mercy, and another portion he devises to
Roger Williams, " if he would accept the same, having
heretofore once declined to accept it." The New England
Memorial says, " He was deacon of the church, and for-
ward to do good in his place, and much missed after God
removed him out of the world."
5
34
The children of Rev. Mr. Fuller were Samuel, b. 1659^
Mercy, Experience, Elizabeth, Hannah, John, and Isaac.
Samuel settled on a paternal estate in Rocky Nook,
Kingston, where are still some of his descendants. Mercy
married Daniel Cole ; Experience, James W ood ; Eliza-
beth, Samuel Eaton, and Hannah, Eleazer Lewis. John
and Isaac settled in what is now Halifax, then Middle-
borough, where there are numerous descendants.
THOMAS PALMER.
He is supposed to have been a native of Plymouth,
and brother of William Palmer of that place, as the town
voted to pay for the removal of his goods from Ply-
mouth to Middleborough. There was much opposition
to his settlement, and at last, they of the opposition,
seem to have been taken by surprise, when, after several
years preaching, he was ordained in May 2, 1 702. The
opposition continued, and council after council was held,
until his deposition was advised as has been stated. He
seems to have been a rash, headstrong man, and the
charges of intemperance made against him seem to have
been well sustained. Having been restored to the
church, as has been mentioned, it is pleasing to have
ground for hope that he died a good man. He had a
numerous family, the most of whom died young. " The
Morey estate " descended from him to the daughter who
married a Cheney, and from her to Mrs. Morey. He
lived upon it all his life. The house was a kind of gar-
rison, and built like the old meeting-house with " two
ridge poles and four gable ends."
His children were Thomas, who died, aged 24 ; Zuri-
35
shadai, died aged 18, 1719 ; Sarai, died at 2 ; Job, died at
25 ; John, died 1709. Samuel was pastor of the church
in Falmouth. Elizabeth married Cheney. James in-
herited a large estate south of Plymouth road, near W.
S. Eddy's, which he greatly embarrassed by his negli-
gence as collector in the time of the troubles, when the
" Old Lights " asspssed a great tax and compelled James
to pay it, though he could not collect it. His two sons,
James and Zurishadai, sold the old estate and removed
to Vermont.
There is a stone at his grave in the parish burial
ground, and another loose one in the wall. That in the
wall has this inscription :
" All ye that pass along this way,
Kemember still your dying day,
Here's human bodies out of sight,
Whose souls to have took their flight,
And shall again united be
In their doomed eternity."
It is not known why there were two. The memento
is the same on each. " Dr. Thomas Palmer who died,
June 17, 1743, aged 70." His wife Elizabeth, died April
17, 1740, aged 64.
REV. PETER THACHER.
A tract has been printed by the church, and distribu-
ted in the parish, which gives a very full account of this
venerable "man of God." He was born, October 6,
1688, in Milton; his father, of the same name, being the
pastor of the church there, and his grandfather, Thomas,
minister in the Old South Church in Boston, and his
36
great grandfather, Peter, a Puritan minister in Salisbury,
England. He graduated at Harvard College in 1706.
He began his ministry here in September, 1707, and was
chosen pastor, June 30, 1708, before he was 20 years of
age, and after arriving to 21, was ordained, Nov. 2, 1709.
January 25, 1711, he married Mary, daughter of
Samuel Prince, Esq., then of Kochester, and sister of the
Rev. Mr. Prince, of the Old South Church, Boston, and
by her had ten children, nearly all of whom became
members of the Church. One of his daughters, Mary,
married Nathaniel Foster, and some of her descendants
are settled here ; two of the children died here, and the
others all removed. Mr. Thacher had an excellent
library, was a hard student, a laborious pastor, and a
sound preacher. He died April 22, 1744, and was
entombed, as was afterwards Madam Thacher and
Samuel Thacher, his son, in a family tomb in the parish
burial ground. The house in which Mr. Thacher lived
was burnt February 3, 1780. The names of his children
were Peter, Oxenbridge, Samuel, John, Thomas, Mary,
Susannah, Mercy, Thedora, and Moses. Peter was forty
years pastor of the church in Attleborough, useful and
beloved. Mary married Nathaniel Foster, and Susan-
nah married Samuel Tucker, of Milton ; Mary married
Rev. Mr. Shore, of Southbridge. Madam Thacher was a
grave, intelligent, and exemplary matron, for many
years a great help to the church, and lived to a good
old age. She died 1771, aged 84.
REV. SYLVANUS CONANT.
He was a descendant of the celebrated Roger Conant,
who was with the Plymouth Pilgrims in 1623, and
37
removed to Salem. lie was born in 1720, and gradua-
ted in 1740 at Harvard College. He was the son of Lot
Conant, the son of Nathaniel, who came from Beverly
and settled in Bridgewater before 1690. He began his
ministry here September 9, 1744, was called to be pas-
tor October 1, of the same year, and was ordained
March 28, 1745. He continued his ministry, at first, at
the house of Madam Thacher, and after the new meet-
ing-house was built, (which was the same year,) in that
house till his death, which was of the small pox, Decem-
ber 8, 1777. He was buried with eight of his parishion-
ers in a field of one of them, Mr. John Smith, by the
road side, near Otis Soule's. The following are their
names : Zechariah Eddy, Widow Rhoda Smith, Joseph
Smith, Bethia Smith, William Soule, Sarah Reading,
Hannah Love, all between 5 and 18, December, 1777.
The following is the inscription on the stone set at the
head of his grave : —
. " Memento Mori.
IN MEMORY OF
REV. SYLVANUS CONANT,
MINISTER OP THE FIRST CHURCH IN MIDDLEBOROUGH,
WHO DIED OF SMALL POX, DEC. 8, 1777,
IN THE 58th TEAR OF HIS AGE,
AND 33d of HIS jnNISTRY.
So sleep the souls, and leave to groan,
When sin and death have done their "worst,
Christ hath a glory like his own,
Which waits to clothe their wasting dust."
The character of Mr. Conant has before been noticed,
both as a preacher, an exemplary Christian, and a pri-
38
vate gentleman, and his great success in conciliating and
uniting the church and people. He was successively the
husband of three wives, who were much esteemed, but
left no children. His memory is still dear to some of
our people.
One of his wives united to this church in 1758 by
letter from the church in Norwich, Connecticut, and
died in 1759, aged 28 years, and was interred in the
parish burying ground. There is a stone also in the
parish burying ground commemorative of his death.
EXTARCT OF A MONODY BY REV. S. CONANT ON THE
DEATH OF HIS WIFE.
" 1 What voice is this I hear from yonder grave
That charms my listening ear — awakes my love ?
Sure 'tis some heavenly guest, inviting me to rest
On my Redeemer's breast, — come from above.
2. My willing soul attend without delay,
And th' heavenly dove descend to point the way
To soft retire and shade, amidst some silent grade,
And be my light and aid, lest I should stray.
3. Welcome sweet solitude, now I 'm alone.
Let nothing here intrude, bo damp be thrown
To quench the heavenly fire of love that doth inspire
My heart with warm desire : Lord hear my groan.
4. To see thy lovely form is all my aim,
And meditate thy grace and charming name.
Oh ! bless my longing eyes from yonder lofty skies
With light, that I may rise and sing thy fame.
6. My heart with sweet surprise is drawn away,
A captive to the skies, when I array
My ardent thanks to bring, unto my heavenly king.
Whose praise I long to sing in endless day.
6. One thing the muse implores before she goes
From those delightful bowers of soft repose ;
Lord, guide me in the way through life to yonder day.
Where joy without decay, and pleasure flows.
39
When Rev. George Whitfield preached among us, he
met Mr. Conant near the meeting-house not long after
his ordination and asked him how the work prospered
on his hands; Mr. Conant was desponding and said,
" who is sufficient for these things." On entering tlie
pulpit, Mr. Whitfield announced his text, "I am this day
weak, though crowned king," and preached with great
power.
All the successive wives of Mr. Conant were greatly
esteemed and beloved by his people, and of exemplary
piety.
Mr. Conant preached a sermon at Plymouth in com-
memoration of the landing of the Pilgrims, Dec. 22,
1620, which has been printed, as was also a sermon on
the death of his wife. These attest the excellency of
his preaching, as have also those who sat under the
" droppings of the sanctuary" when he preached.
REV. THOMAS WELD.
This minister is sometimes numbered among the
pastors of our church, but is scarcely entitled to that
honor. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1723,
and his residence seems to have been in Boston. On the
death of Mr. Thacher in the spring of 1 744, there were
one hundred and fifteen male members in the church.
Ninety-nine of them invited Mr. Conant to preach to
them on probation, but the parish only permitted him
to preach in their house one half day, and he preached
for several months at the house of Madam Thacher.
But his friends " built him a house." He was called by
40
the church to settle among them, but the parish peremp-
torily refused to concur in the call. In the meantime,
the parish had applied to Mr. Weld, and he had
preached to them and the sixteen members of the
church f the minority had given him a call to settle,
and the parish concurred in the call. The church
protested against his installation, but he was in-
stalled October 2, 1745, Mr. Conant having been
ordained the March before. He continued to minister
to them in the old meeting-house till January 8, 1749,
when the question was put in parish meeting, " whether
they would dismiss Rev. Thomas Weld from the
pastoral office, and he was then dismissed by a
great majority of votes." The church was requested
to join in the measure, and the meeting-house doors
ordered to be shut against him. The reason of this
abrupt proceeding does not appear. The church having
passed a similar vote, March 18, the parish again passed
the same vote, and agreed to join the church in calling
a council to complete his dismission, giving leave to
Mr. Weld to join them in the call. No doubt the
council judged his dismission advisable. He, however,
brought his action in Boston for his salary and put his
people to much trouble and expense in defending it.
He lost his case, and " brought his petition of review."
Something must have been recovered, for March 26,
1759 the precinct " voted to pay to the parishioners who
had discharged the execution of the administrators of
Mr. Weld against the parish ; to Jacob Thompson £38
6s. 2d, to Seth Sampson and John Miller £16 2s. lid,
and to William Harlow and John Miller £8 6s. 6 id.,
besides £5 8s. paid to Ignatius Elms." There was great
embarrassment in paying the parish expenses, and the
41
same year the parish, " by vote, sokl unto David Sim-
mons the old meeting-house for the sum of £13 6s. 8d,
exclusive of the pews and the pulpit."
ELIJAH PACKARD,*
May 1, 1753, a Harvard graduate of 1760, was called
to settle with this church (the minority) and parish. It
does not appear that he responded to the call. He
preached twenty-one Sabbaths for which they paid him
£16 16s., and this is the last account of that meeting,
although many parish meetings were afterwards held to
wind up their affairs. After about two years negocia-
tion, the parish, which had been divided into two
societies by law of , 1747, was re-united by law of
1754, and settled down peaceably under the ministry of
Mr. Conant, having just before petitioned general court,
" that no presentment might be made against them for
being destitute of a minister until the precinct is in a
better condition to settle one."
REV. JOSEPH BARKER.
After the death of Rev. Mr. Conant, the church and
people became greatly interested in the preaching of
Mr. Abraham Camp, a graduate of Yale, 1773. In 1778
they invited him " to spend the winter with them," and
in December, " Voted to give him a call on probation,"
* He was settled in the ministry at Plymouth, and afterwards went to
Marlborough. His native place was Bridgewater.
6
42
and in February following, imanimously invited him to
the pastoral office. He answered doubtfully, and
requested that the votes of the sisters might be taken.
In November, 1780, the church again called him to the
pastorate by vote of twenty-two to five. It was said
that his high favor of "woman's rights" caused the
opposing votes. Mr. Barker was recommended by Eev.
Dr. Emmons, and was then sent for to Blanford where
he was preaching. He was a graduate of Yale, 1771>
and was admitted as master at that and several other
colleges ; was unanimously called to the pastorate,
August 9, 1781, and ordained December 5, of the same
year. His ministry continued till his death, July 5,
1816, except while he was in Congress, he having been
a member of that body in 1805, 1806, 1807, and 1808.
In his absence the pulpit was supplied by Eev. Azel
Washburn, Rev. Simeon Doggett, and Rev. Mr. Robin-
son, of Westborough. Rev. James Davis was with us in
1807.
Mr. Barker preached a century sermon one hundred
years after the organization of the church, in which
many of the historical records are taken notice of,
and the character of our pastors given, which was
printed at the time ; also, a sermon on the death of Dea.
B.Thomas, in which his life and character are very
graphically drawn. He was buried in the parish burial
ground.
Mr. Barker was considered an able, sound and ortho-
dox preacher of the Hopkinsion school, and much
respected by his people. Those who had lived under
the ministry of Mr. Conant, thought there was in Mr.
Barker a strong contrast between the two in pastoral
43
visitations, and cheerfulness, and condescention out of the
pulpit ; but there was very little complaint. His
studies were unremitted, and he brought " beaten oil "
into the sanctuary. He was an able sermonizer, of
which a volume of his sermons in print give decisive
evidence. He was twice married; his first wife was
Eunice Stebbins, of Longmeadow ; a lady of great
cheerfulness, economy, and piety, and much esteemed
by all the people. She died October 6, 1809, aged 49,
much lamented. He had by her seven children :
William, a graduate of Brown in 1808, James, also a
graduate there in 1814; William died at Andover
Seminary in 1809 ; Joseph, who has a family and lives
in. the parish ; Stephen ; Eunice, who married Elkanah
Doggett, and lived in Chicago, and has recently dej
ceased ; Elizabeth, unmarried, and lived with her sister,
and Mary, who died in childhood.
His second wife, (who survived him,) was Anna
Huntington, the widow of a clergyman in Connecticut.
REV. EMERSON PAINE.
He was a graduate of Brown university, 1813; was
ordained February 14th, 1816, not without much oppo-
sition ; and after a laborious ministry, (the opposition con-
tinuing,) he was dismissed on his own request, by advice
of an ecclesiastial council, July 4, 1822. He was after-
wards for a number of years, pastor of the church in
Little Compton, R. I., and afterwards preached in Halifax
where he died, April 2G, 1851, aged 65 — and where his
widow and several cliildren now reside.
44
EEV. AVILLTAM EATON.
He was installed March 10, 1824, having been previ-
ously, for ten years, pastor of the church in Fitchburgh ;
was a graduate of Williams College in 1810, and at Ando-
ver Theological Seminary in 1813. He was dismissed
by his own request March 3, 1834 by a council, and was
settled in Charlotte, Vermont, and afterwards in Hard-
wicke, in this State. He died in West Brookfield, April
12, 1840. His wife also has recently deceased.
REV. ISRAEL WARBURTON PUTNAM.
Mr. Putnam is a native of Danvers in this State, a
graduate of Dartmouth College in 1809, and at Andover
in 1814. He was pastor of the North Church, in Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire, from March 15, 1815, to March
15, 1835; was installed pastor over this church, October
28, 1835, and still continues in that office.
THE UPPER GREEN— PROPPJETOK'S MEETING-HOUSE,
February 17, 1745. — About forty men of the church
and parish agreed with each other to build a new meet-
ing-house, and on the ninth day of June, that year,
purchased of Col. Ebenezer Sproat two acres of land for
that purpose, by deed of that date, and describe it as
bounded, beginning at Mr. Lazell's corner, by the road,
(corner of James Sparrow's garden.) and thence by the
45
road south, 40 degrees, west, 30 rods, thence north, 38
degrees, west, 14 rods, thence north, 48 i degrees, east,
28| rods, thence in Lazell's hne to the road. Deed
recorded, book 29, folio 12-13. Sproat reserves one
share and conveys the residue to thirty-nine others:
Jabez Vaughan, Jonathan Smith, James Smith, Gershara
Cobb, Seth Tinkham, Ebenezer Finney, Noah Thomas,
AVilliam Cushman, Benjamin Tucker, Edward Thomas,
Samuel Eddy, Jr., Zachariah Eddy, John Cox, John
Cobb, Ezra Clapp, William Thomas, Jas. Tinkham, John
Smith, Edmund Weston, John Soule, Henry Thomas,
Jeremiah Tinkham, Oxenbridge Thacher, Joseph Bates,
Jr., Thomas Darling, Jonathan Smith, Jr., Joseph
Thomas, Samuel Thomas, Samuel Smith, Benjamin
Thomas, William Short, Hezekiah Purrington, John
Thompson, Samuel Wood, Eph'm. Wood, Enen'r. Wood,
and Caleb Thompson. The house to be 55 by 45 in the
walls. This was done, and we have the records of the
proprietary to recent times. Mr. Conant and his people
worshiped in this house, and after the union of the two
societies in the year 1767, the house was made about
twenty feet longer, by inserting that width in the middle
of it. The proprietary continues. It once voted to
give it to the parish for a burial ground, but the parish
refused to take it on that condition. If they are now
otherwise minded, no doubt they can have it.
THE PARISH BURYING GROUND.
This contains about two acres, and was purchased by
about iifty persons of James Soule, in 1717, March 30;
46
acknowledged before Josiah Edon, Esq., March 7, 1717,
and witnessed by Obadiali Eddy and his daughter Ben-
nett. Recorded book 23, foUo 203, 204. Here are
the names of the proprietors : Peter Thache r, Jacob
Thomson, Isaac Howland, John Morton, John Thomson,
Thomas Thomson, Jeremiah Thomas, WiUiara Thomas,
Jonathan Cobb, Sen'r., Jonathan Cobb, Jr., John Cobb,
Sen'r., John Cobb, Jr., Rodulphus Elms, Ichabod King,
Shubael Thomson, William Nelson, Daniel Vaughan,
Ephraim Wood, John Soul, Aaron Simmins, John Fuller,
Edward Thomas, Elisha Vaughan, Jabez Vaughan,
George Vaughan, John Vaughan, John Hascol, William
Hascol, Henry Wood, Samuel Barrows, Benjamin
Eddy, Samuel Eddy, Jonathan Morse, Jr., Isaac Fuller,
Ebenezer Redding, Jonathan Smith, Joseph Barden,
John Miller, Jr., Jonathan Fuller, Samuel Tinkham,
Seth Howland, Joseph Bennet, Samuel Cobb, Peter
Bennet, J oel Ellis, Samuel Sampson, Benjamin Stuart,
Thomas Bicknell, Josiah Conant, John Tinkham, Isaac
Tinkham, Joseph Cobb, Ebenezer Fuller, John Bennett,
Samuel Bennett, John Raymond, Jr., Samuel Bennet, Jr.,
Samuel Parlour, and Nemiah Holmes, said Soul reserving
one share.
The first person buried in the burying ground was
Lidea Thomas, July, 1717.
"THE LOWER GREEN."
It does not appear of whom the ground was purchased
on which the old meeting-house stood, near the school-
house ; but the "Green" round about it extending north
47
to the burial ground Avas given by deed acknowledged
and recorded, book 12, folio 196, by James Sonic, who
sold the burying ground as above, '' to the proper use,
benefit and behoof of the military company of Middle-
borough forever successively." The deed conveys two
acres, and is dated the June 20, 1717. Mr. Jacob Soule
held the originial deed, but left it with the parish.
REVISED COYENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH.
The Covenant and Articles adopted when the church
was gathered were printed in 1722, and again in 1771,
for the use of the church, and for the information of
those who proposed to become members. When the
Eev. Mr. Barker became pastor, the Covenant was
revised and modernized, preserving the substance. It
was intended to express the implied Covenant, which,
by fair implication, those who professed to be believers
in the Apostolic age, entered into, and which, not being
written, was probably explained to the new converts.
A written Covenant was adopted by the New England
churches from the first, in John Cotton s time. Hooker
says, " The Covenant is that which makes a church
what it is, and gives the special nature thereto. It is
called a ' house,' the body of Christ. It is in the house
of God as in other houses ; we must become covenanting
servants, if we have any interest there." The substance
of the Covenant is in 11 Cor. : 18, — "They first gave
their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of
God." The usual form is given in Punchard, 313. The
substance, as declared by the New England ministers,
is '-'■ giving ourselves up to the Lord to be guided by
48
liim, and to the cliiirch according to God to be directed
by it." Our revised Covenant fully accords with these
views.
Our Articles of Faith are intended to embody the
substance of the Savoy Confession, agreed upon by the
Congregationalists in Synod in 1658, not materially
different from the Presbyterian confession by the
Westminster Assembly in the catechism. Our brethren
in England have no other. A particular confession, how-
ever, may be useful to those who propose to join a
church, and to the church also, in order that none may
join but such as are agreed in the fundamental doctrines.
It is usual in some churches for the candidate to sign
the articles. But during the ministry of Mr. Bai^ker and
Mr. Paine, no more was required but to assent to them
before the pastor or committee. The articles were
revised in the early part of the ministry of Mr. Eaton,
and it has been usual to read them to the candidates for
admission in presence of all the church. This is done in
some other churches, but the practice is not general.
The Savoy Confession was adopted by the Synod which
framed the platform, and is published with it.
THE COVENANT.
You do now, in the most solemn manner, in the
presence of the heart searching God, of angels and men,
avouch the Lord Jehovah to be your God.
You give up yourself, your time, talents, and all you
have to the Lord. You resolve, by the help of Divine
grace, to cleave to God and the Lord Jesus Christ in a
49
way of Gospel obedience. You propose to make the
Holy Scriptures, at all times, the rule of your faith and
practice, so far as, by the grace of God, you shall be
enabled to understand them.
You do also, by a solemn Covenant, give up yourself
to this church according to the will of God, promis-
ing to walk with us in the holy communion, and ordi-
nances of the Gospel, willingly subjecting yourself to the
watch and discipline of this church, and engaging to
watch over your fellow members with love, care, and
jfjiith fulness, for our mutual edification. To this do you
consent ?
We do then, cheerfully receive you into full com-
munion with us, and promise, by the grace of God, to
treat you as a member of Christ's body, faithfully and
affectionately to watch over you, and always to be
ready, by our council and prayers, to promote your
spiritual interest.
And we depend on your prayers for us, that we 'may
have grace to perform with fidelity this engagement,
and that all of us may be found faithful even unto
death, and then join the church triumphant in glory,
and be in the immediate presence of our Lord forever
and ever. Amen.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
I We believe there is only one living and true God,
the creator of all things, and that in the Godhead there
are three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and
that these three are one true, eternal God, the same in
7
50
substance, equal in power and glory, although dis-
tinguished by their personal properties.
II. We believe the Holy Scriptures contained in the
Old and New Testaments, were given by inspiration of
God to be the rule of faith and practice.
III. We believe God made all things for himself;
that known unto him are all his works from the begin-
ing ; that he worketh all things after the counsel of his-
own will, and that his laws and the principles and
administration of his government are perfectly holy^,
just and good.
IV. We believe God created man in his own image,
holy and without sin, and that he fell from that happy
state by transgressing the divine command, and in con-
sequence of the first apostacy, all men, previous to
regeneration, are destitute of holiness, unreconciled to
God, and under condemnation.
Y. We believe the Son of God has, by his obedience,
sufierings and death, made an adequate atonement for
sin, and that all who are saved will be wholly indebted
to the sovereign grace of God through his atonement.
VI. We believe that such provision is made in the
Gospel, that whoever will may take of the water of life
freely ; yet, that sinners will not come to Jesus Christ
except they are made willing by the special regenerating
influences of the Spirit of God.
VII. We believe that for those who are ordained to
eternal life, who alone will believe in Jesus Christ, there
is no condemnation ; but they will be kept by the
power of God, through faith, unto salvation.
VIII. We believe the qualification for admission into
.^1
the church of Christ is, in the sight of God, real piety,
and in the sight of man apparent piety, and that all
who are in regular standing in the church have a right
to all the ordinances of his house, and baptism for their
children.
IX. We believe that every church has authority
from the Great Head of the church to administer
censures upon members who walk disorderly, and that
it is not required to refer their decisions to any other
earthly tribunal.
X. We believe secret and family prayer, reading of
the Scriptures, a religious observance of the Sabbath, a
punctual attendance on the public worship of God, and
such appointments of the church for prayer and confer-
ence meetings, as are in accordance with the Scriptures,
are important privileges and duties of professed
Christians, and that a holy life is the best evidence we
can give of piety.
XI. We believe that, at the second coming of Christ,
there will be a resurrection of the bodies, both of
the just and unjust ; when all mankind will stand before
the judgment seat of Christ, to receive a just and final
retribution, according to the deeds done in the body ;
and that the wicked will then go away into everlasting
punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.
ORDER OF THE MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH.
Meetings are called at the pleasure of the pastor or
of the committee, or on the request of any three of the
52
brethren, and are to be notified from the pulpit, the
special business of the meetings to be made known at
the same time if desired.
The pastor is the moderator and the clerk, but the
church may, at any time, choose any of the brethren to
these offices, or a minister of a neighboring church for
their moderator. Everything is to be done in the
church in an orderly manner, according to the establish-
ed rules of civil and ecclesiastical bodies.
The brethren are to speak their sentiments freely, but
in order, one speaking at a time, and the majority of
votes is to decide all matters acted on by the church.
Every member rises and addresses the moderator, and,
on making a motion, has it reduced to writing, if desired
by the moderator or brethren, and when seconded, it is
read by the moderator, and submitted to the considera-
tion of the church.
The moderator decides all questions of order, but
there may be an appeal from his decision to the church.
When a report of a committee is presented, a vote to
accept and adopt it is an expression of concurrence
with the views of the committee.
The church consider it to be the duty of the members
to attend the meetings, and their attendance is expected
when not prevented by necessity or great inconvenience.
DEACONS.
John Bennett, chosen deacon at the organization of the
church; having served for sometime, was or-
dained under the election of the church, March
8, 1695.
53
Ebenezer Finney : the records do not show when he was
chosen. These first deacons and their wives
died in March, 1738, and were buried in one
grave.
Samuel Barrows, ) Ordained deacons July 25, 1725.
ErnRAiM Wood : j No church record of their deaths.
c TTT 1 Chosen January 30, 1735, ordained
Samued Wood, March 5, 1737. Deacon Finney died
^''™^^''^™^^ J in March, 1745.
-r» rn 1 Choscu in Nov., 1745. Dea. Tucker
Benjamin Tucker, 1,;^^ July 9, 1781, aged 76; Dea.
(jtershom Cobb: /-i 1 1 "^ j x tt • i
J Cobb removed to Harwick.
Benjamin Thomas, chosen May 23, 1776, died July 9,
1800, aged 78.
IcHABOD Morton, chosen January 3, 1782, died May 10,
1809.
Abner Bourne, chosen June 8, 1796, died May 25, 1806.
Joshua Eddy, chosen Oct. 10, 1805, died May 1, 1833.
Perez Thomas, chosen May 4, 1803, died May 21, 1828.
Calvin Tillson, chosen August 13, 1819.
Samuel Sampson, chosen June 30, 1826, died July 30,
1850.
James Sproat, chosen October 26, 1834, died April 15,
1837, aged 63.
John Freeman, chosen October 26, 1834, died Feb. 20,
1847, aged 59.
Horatio G. Wood, chosen Dec. 2, 1842. He was dis-
missed in order to become a member of the
central Congregational church, March 25, 1849.
Nathan Bassett : he was deacon of the church which
worshipped at the old meeting-house, 1746, Mr.
Weld, minister; but we have no record of his
election.
54
Ephraim Wood, also, who was received in 1715, served
many years as deacon, but there is no record
of his election or ordination.
Jonathan Cobb : his name is set to the instrument of
"Mutual Confession" in 1738, as deacon; he
early belonged to the church, but the time of
his admission does not appear. Died Aug. 5,
1728, aged 68 years.
MEMBERS WHO BECAI^IE MINISTERS OP THE GOSPEL.
Peter Teacher, Jr., graduate at Harvard College 1737;
settled at Attleborough.
Samuel Palmer, graduated at Harvard 1727 ; settled at
Falmouth.
Nathan Prince, graduated at Harvard 1718; settled at
Rattan, Honduras. (See subsequent notice.)
AzEL Washburn, graduated at Dartmouth College 1786 ;
settled at Rutland, Vermont.
Isaih Weston, graduated at Brown University 1793 ;
settled in Fairhaven.
Otis Thompson, graduated at Brown 1798; settled in
Rehoboth.
James Sproat, graduated at Yale College 1741; settled
at Guilford, Conn., 25 years, and afterwards at
Philadelphia, 25 years, and died 1793. S.T.D.
Nor. Car. and Philadelphia: — "Dr. Sproat
was a respectable divine and loved to dwell
on the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel. He
was held in high esteem, and evinced great
piety and submission under the heaviest afliic-
55
tions. In the midst of the yellow fever, when
but two or three usually attended a funeral,
more than fifty attended his ; and some relig-
ious Africans volunteered to carry his bier.
He was converted under the ministry of Mr.
Tenant, and was settled in his church after his
death." — Allen's Bio., Die.
Benaiah Pratt, was not a graduate, but preached in
Maine in the new settlements.
Daniel 0. Morton : he graduated at Middleberry College
1813 ; settled in New Shoreham, Ver. ; Win-
chendon, Mass., and died, 1852, in Bristol, N. H.
Noah Alden : he was not a graduate, but was a man of
distinction, and a useful preacher. He settled
first at Stafford and afterwards at Bellingham ;
was a member of the convention which formed
the Constitution in 1780, and also of that
which adopted the Constitution of the U. S. A.
HiLYARD Bryant : he graduated at Amherst College in
1831 ; settled at Wallingford, Conn., as an
Episcopalian.
Charles W. Wood -, graduated at Brown University
1834, at Andover Seminary 1837; settled in
Ashby, Mass.
William Barker, died while pursuing his theological
studies in Andover Seminary.
NOTICE OF SOME OF THE MEMBERS.
Although it may seem invidious, the committee feel
constrained to notice some of the members of the church
who have gone before us, with some particularity : —
56
JACOB THOMPSON, ESQ.
An original member of the church, a man of distinc-
tion as a surveyor and magistrate ; he surveyed the
*^ twenty-six men's purchase," and divided it among the
proprietors in lots, and also the proprietaries of several
neighboring towns. He was a man of great weight of
character, and took the lead in the deposition of Mr.
Palmer. Several of his letters to neighboring ministers
on that subject are still extant. He was considered a
man of sound piety, and a pillar in the church, and
greatly respected.
1724 — SAMUEL PRINCE, ESQ.
A print in Boston, called the " New England Weekly
Journal," of July 15, 1728 says, "He was one of his
Majesty's Justices of the Peace ; and five of the Justices
of the county, and an ancient captain of the town, (July
5,) were bearers at his funeral. He at first lived in
Sandwich, then at Rochester, of which he was princi-
pal proprietor, and was successively representative of
each of these towns. He was religious from his youth,
and much improved in Scriptural knowledge; of a
public spirit and an open heart. In 1723 he came to
Middleborough with his wife and resided with Rev. Mr.
Thacher, who married his daughter. Mrs. Prince was
the daughter of Gov. Hinkley, of Plymouth Colony, by
whom he had seven sons and three daughters. He was
father of Rev. Mr. Prince, of the Old South Church,
Boston, the author of the Chronology. He was buried,
57
by his own request, under the shade of two oaks at the
west end of the new burying ground, (the oaks are still
standing,) and afterwards removed to a family tomb in
the same yard.
1723. — NATHAN PRINCE,
Son of the above, was educated at Harvard College,
where he was fourteen years tutor and five years a
fellow, and afterwards an Episcopal missionary in the
Island of Rattan, Bay of Honduras, where he died, July
25, 1748, aged 50 years. He was author of a book on
the resurrection of our Lord, and of another on the
government of the college, both of which were in great
estimation. "He is ranked among the great men of this
country." — Allen! s Bio. Dictionary/.
1725. — MERCY PRINCE, ALICE PRINCE,
Daughters of said Samuel, and Elizabeth Ames, (1742)
their cousin, were very important helpers in the church,
and the tradition is that they promoted the presentation
of the silver cup ; they may well be called a family of
Princes. Elizabeth married Joshua Lazell, and lived in
the house where James Sparrow now lives. Alice mar-
ried Samuel Gray, of Harwich.
1712, 1725 — MADAM THACHER AND
MADAM MORTON
"Were grandmothers to many parishioners, and mothers
in Israel, ready with every good device and every good
work ; the pilgrim spirit was in their hearts, and the
pilgrim blood was in their veins, and for nearly forty
8
58
years the clmrcli had no better helpers; both our
records and tradition bear testimony to their active
labors and charity.
1735. — SAMUEL EDDY, JR.
He was among the best hopes of the church. His
wife Lydia, was sister to John Alden, the centenarian,
whom some of us remember. They joined the church
at an early age, and we find his name in every impor-
tant committee, and especially in the troublous times
which followed Mr. Thacher's death, he was relied on as
well qualified to meet the crisis. The committee of the
General Court said, "We could not understand these
difficulties till Samuel Eddy came before us." The old
people have told us, '^ we had no member of so much intel-
ligence, firm and constant piety, and sound discretion in
the things of the kingdom." His early death was much
lamented. His two sons, Samuel and Nathan, were also
members. They removed to the State of New York,
and were fathers and grandfathers of a number of
eminent ministers of the Gospel.
1729. — MERCY BENNETT.
She was the wife of Nehemiah Bennett, a man of
good report in the church. She was a centenarian, and
said " Peregrine White had been in her house." The
great snow of 1717 was five or six feet deep. She said
that " she was then eighteen years of age, and that she
and two other girls of her age walked to Plymouth in
that snow to meeting on the Lord's day, thirteen miles,
and returned the same day." She was firm and consis-
tant, and persevering in her piety to the end.
59
1736. — JOANNA PADDOCK.
She was wife of Ichabod Paddock, and daughter of
Thomas Faunce, the last " Ruling Elder " in the Plym-
outh Church, the son of a pilgrim, and died in 1745,
aged 99 years; a man known in all the churches as
*' mighty in the Scriptures, strong in the faith, of great
discretion, and deep and exemplary piety. A letter
from Rev. Mr. Thacher to him, on the subject of the
great revival, is extant, and soon to be published. In his
last sickness, he showed the rock on which the pilgrims
landed ; spoke much of the life to come, and to one, who
mentioned to him the good he had done, said, " tell
me not of that, if I am saved it will be through free,
sovereign grace, abounding in Christ Jesus." The
daughter was a Christian worthy of such a sire.
1708-20. — ISAAC FULLER.
He was son of the pastor, and a distinguished phy-
sician; he lived in the "Fuller neighborhood," and
practiced in the neighboring towns, and was often
caUed to distant places. He was honored by the name
" Mountebank," which was only vouchsafed to those who
were able to prescribe an infallible remedy for all kinds
of diseases, or supposed to be so.
1731 — LUKE SHORT.
The record b}^ Mr. Thacher is, " I suppose him near
one hundred years old." The following account is from
a magazine printed some thirty years since, and which
agrees with the reminiscences of him by the old people
whom we knew. " He was born in Dartmouth, England,
60
where he lived till he was sixteen years of age. He
recollected to have seen Oliver Cromwell, and to have
been present when Charles I. was beheaded in 1649.
He led a seafaring life, and settled in Marblehead, and
thence removed to Middleborough, and had a family of
children. At one hundred years of age he worked on
his farmland his mental faculties were but little impaired.
He was sitting one day in his field at this advanced age,
when his memory was fixed on his early life, and he
called to mind the fact of his having heard the celebrated
John Flavel preach, and his text, " If any man love not
the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema marenatha."
He also recollected much of the sermon, and also that
he said, in the blessing, 'how shall I bless this whole
assembly, when every person in it who lovetli not the
Lord Jesus Christ is anathema maranatha.' Whereupon
a Baronet fell to the floor with solemn conviction.
These recollections called his attention to the subject of
religion, and he obtained mercy and joined the First
Church in Middleborough, and gave pleasing evidence
of piety imtil his death in 1746, aged 116." His house
where he lived and died was on the rising ground about
one hundred rods southwest of Deacon Tilson's.
Among the aged survivors of the great awakening
and the wars, and troublous times, whom some of us
remember, we would mention Dea. Benjamin Thomas,
Barzillai Thomas and John Alden. Dea. Thomas,
though not of a cultivated mind in other things, was
well versed in the Scriptures, of inflexible virtue, sound
and clear orthodoxy, and conscientious in the perform-
ance of known duty, holding on upon the old landmarks
and not letting them go. " He appeared to have a
61
and discerning mind, and active in duty. He was
humbling sense of the depravity of his own heart and
his own unworthiness of any favor from God, and said all
his dependence was on the free grace of God." — Mr.
Bar Jeer s fun. sermon.
In 1782, he was a representative, and in 1788, a mem-
bef of the convention which adopted the Federal Con-
stitution. A bill was nnder discussion for repealing the
law of primogeniture. The deacon declared his doubts,
as the Scriptures showed special favors for the first horn-
A Boston gentleman said, " the Deacon mistook the
Scriptures, for they said that Jacob, though the j'ounger
brother, inherited the birthright." The deacon said,
" the gentleman had forgotten to tell us how he obtained
it, how Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, and
how Jacob deceived his father, pretending to be Esau, and
how his mother helped on the deception — he had for-
goiton all thaV.' The laugh was at first against the deacon,
but at last turned against the gentleman from Boston.
1742. — BARZILLAI THOMAS.
He was 70 years a member of this church, having
been admitted at the age of twelve years. He was con-
sidered as the most faultless and quiet person who ever
lived among us. He appeared to have great religious
enjoyment, and that constantly, conversing on nothing
but "the things of the kingdom;" of a placid and hum-
ble spirit, and well read in the divine word.
1742.— JOHN ALDEN
Was grandson of the pilgrim of that name, and lived to
the advanced age of 102 years. He was of a clear, sound
62
always at his post on Lord's day, and at meetings of the
church, although he lived four or five miles from the
place of meeting. The Bible and the doctrines of grace
were his "household words" and his firm reliance in
hoping for salvation. At the age of ninety-eight he
gave an important deposition with great clearness and
promptness. He was asked if his life seemed long ? His
answer was, " No ; short ; but important things depend
upon this short life." His mind and body seemed
unimpaired, when he was visited with an accute disease
of which he died. His example and promptness in
decision were of great benefit to the church.
1786. — ISAAC THOMPSON, ESQ.
"Was a man of great usefulness in the church and Com-
monwealth. He was thirty-three years a member, and for
twenty or thirty years a Representative or a Senator,
and for a long time a Selectman ; was esteemed an
honest man, and well approved ; was prompt and
punctual at meeting, and an intelligent and active
Christian.
1812. — JOHN WESTON.
He had, as was supposed, embraced religion forty
years before, but had fallen into infidelity on reading
the book of Thomas Paine ; at the age of eighty he was
raised from his fall and died in peace.
Among others admitted in old age were, in 1823,
Josiah Clarke, 79, and Mercy Freeman, 77 ; in 1742,
Elizabeth Lewis, 88 ; in 1786, Hannah Tinkham, 94.
1807. — CALVIN TILLSON, JR.
Made a credible profession ; was admitted at the age
63
of thirteen, and died at twenty-four. The whole eleven
years of his religious life was active and warm hearted.
He was intelligent and familiar with the Scriptures.
He was much esteeemd by the church, and his early
death much lamented.
1742 — WOOD WAKD TUCKER.
Was admitted at the age of nine years, and died aged
28, leaving a good report in the church.
NEW SOCIETIES AND CHURCHES.
The town of Middleborough, with its present bound-
aries, was incorporated by Plymouth Colonial Govern-
ment, June 1, 1669, about which time the settlers came
in. By law, the whole town was one parish, and con-
tinued to be one about fifty years.
THE WEST PRECINCT.
This was incorporated 1719, July 19, and included all
the southwest part of the town northerly to a line drawn
from near the mouth of Fall Brook, westerly by Trout
Brook to the Taunton line, including also a part of the
town of Taunton. The church there was organized
October 12, 1725. Our records do not show the names
of the persons dismissed in order to become members of
that church. Two, Ebenezer Richmond and William
Strowbridge, and probably theirwives, were among the
original members ; and March 24, 1727, Elizabeth
Hacket was dismissed to join that church.
64
The first minister was the Rev. Benjamin Ruggles, a
graduate of Yale, in 1721, after him Rev. Caleb Tm^ner,
a graduate at Yale in 1758, after him Thomas Crafts,
a graduated at Harvard in 1783, after him Rev. John
Shaw, a graduate of Brown in 1806, then Rev. Homer
Barrows, a graduate of Amherst in 1831, then Rev. Mr.
Bragg, a graduate of Amherst in 1838. A new meeting-
house was built by that church and parish in 1835.
The present pastor is the Rev. Calvin Chapman, a
graduate of Bowdoin College in 1839.
HALIFAX.
In 1735 the present town of Halifax was incorporated,
and included within its lines a portion of what had been
before Middleborough, our lines having before extended
to Winnatuxet River. The following named members
of our church were dismissed with letters testimonial,
with a view of becoming original members of the church
to be gathered in that town, which forthwith took place :
Hannah Fuller, Phebe Standish, Ichabod Standish, Abi-
gail Tinkham, Elizabeth Fuller, Mary Wood, Elizabeth
Thompson, Mary Thompson, Sen'r., Mary Thompson,
Lidea Cobb, Sarah Drew, Elizabeth Drew, Isaac Tink-
ham, Ebenezer Fuller, John Fuller, Timothy Wood,
Thomas Thompson, Ebenezer Cobb, and John Drew, Jr.
The record adds, " Their dismissions and recommenda-
tions are to be signed by the pastor, the deacons and
Justice White." This was October 13, 1734. A Congre-
gational church and the worship have always since been
sustained in that town. John Cotton, the first pastor,
was a man of considerable distinction, after him
Rev. Ephrahim Briggs, and then Rev. Abel Richmond,
05
exercised each a long pastorate.* They have had no settled
Minister since Mr. Rowland's dismission in 1835, but
have recently invited Mr. Kimball to become their
pastor, and are erecting a new meeting-house.
TITICUT PARISH.
There was a revival in Titicut under the preach-
ing of Mr. Byram, in 1741, and a parish incorpo-
rated February 4, 1743. But as the churches of
Bridgewater and Middleborough refused to dismiss their
members, no church was organized until February 16,
1748 ; and even then, no dismissions were granted under
the mutual jealousy of Rev. Mr. Shaw's church and Rev.
Mr. Conant's, that they would not get the right minis-
ter ; the one being for an " old light " and the other for a
^* new light." Rev. Isaac Bachus says, " they resolved to
be restrained by such tyranny no longer." " The church
increased to three score members in ten months." The
meeting-house had been raised and covered in 1747, but
in 1748 a tax was laid upon the whole parish for com-
pleting it, much to the ofi'ence of the " new lights," who,
it seems, did not worship in it. Mr. Bachus preached
two months in it, but was turned over to the " new
lights," and taxed and distrained for it, which he says
was " all he got for his two months' preaching." He,
however, preached among them as a Congregationalist,
until a Baptist church was gathered there January 26,
1756, of which he was ordained its pastor.
A dissention about baptism took the place of the " old
light and new light " controversy, which put all the
* Note. — Rev. Wm. Patten was the second pastor, and was settled there in 1757.
Rev. p]lbridge G. Howe, and Rev. Freeman P. Howland, succeeded Mr. Richmond, each
in a short pastorate ; since which time there has been a stated supply successively by
Rev. E. P.iinp, and Rev. E. Sanford,
Q
66
churches of New England in commotion. Several
councils were called, one of them represented thirty-
seven churches. Some contended that there should be
no communion with such as did not baptize their
children ; some contended for inmiersion, and that there
should be no communion with such as were not im-
mersed. Mr. Bachus was at first very liberal, and
though he would not baptize infants, he allowed it to
be done by other ministers, and he was willing to com-
mune with such as were baptized only by sprinkling ;
but he says he found John Bunyan's reasons for open
communion were unsatisfiictory to him, and he thought
best to take the separate stand.
The Titicut Parish extends to the west precinct line,
and to Purchade Brook, with the exception of certain
estates which yet belonged to the old parish ; it also
includes a part of Bridgewater to the " four mile line."
Mr. Solomon Reed, a graduate of Harvard College in
1739, was settled in 1756, and continued pastor till his
death in 1785 ; he was succeeded by Rev. David
Gurney, who was a graduate there in 1785, and was
pastor till his death 1815. He was succeeded by Rev.
Phillip Colby, ordained Jan. 1, 1817, and who cent:' nued
to be their pastor till his death, Feb. 27, 1851. Ihey
built a new meeting-house in 1808, and it had recently
been remodelled and finished, when on Feb. 29, 1852, it
was entirely burned down, four days before the time set
for the ordination of their pastor elect, Mr. Thomas E.
Bliss, and the ordination was postponed. A new Meet-
ing-house has since been erected, and Mr. Bliss was or-
dained in it June 2, 1852.
NORTH ROCHESTER.
In 1793, the southeasterly part of the town was
67
incorporated with a part of the towns of Rochester and
Freetown, and constituted a parish, now known by the
name of North Rochester. In 1794 the north line was
perambulated, and was run from Pocksha Pond, by the
north line of the farms of Nehemiah Bennet, Esq. and
Martin Keith, Esq., and thence due east to the line of
the town of Carver. It seems a church had been
gathered there previously to the act of incorporation.
Jacob Bennett and his wife, Hope Bennett, whose
maiden name was Nelson, and Elijah Perry and his wife,
Sarah Perry, were members, and said to have come from
our church. It is not improbable that they joined it
under the ministry of Rev. T. Weld, as Mr. Bennett
belonged to Mr. Weld's meeting, and we have no records
of what the church under Mr. Weld did, or of its
members. Mr. Bennett returned here in 1785, and his
wife communed with our church, but it is not remem-
bered that Mr. Bennett did. A meeting-house was
built soon after the act of incorporation, and the ordi-
nances were administered to the church, Rev. Calvin
Chaddock being the first pastor. He was a graduate of
Dartmouth College in. 1791 ; and since his death a new
meeting-house has been built, and their present pastor
is Rev. Isaac Briggs, a graduate of Brown University
in 1795. It seems that a Mr. West preached a number
of years at 'Sowampset, and that the people on the east
side of the pond attended his meeting, usually passing
over in boats ; that the church was organized under his
ministry, and that this church became connected with
the North Rochester precinct. We have no records of
that church, but have a diary of Mr. Bennett, from which
it appears that such was the fact, and that he was a
member, and that several of oLir church who joined
68
under the ministry of Mr. AVelcl became connected
with that church.
CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The organization of this church took place in the
meeting-house of the first .precinct, March 25, 1847.
Rev. E. N. Kirk, of Boston, preached, and Rev. I. W,
Putnam, pastor of the first church, gave the right hand
of fellowship. The transaction took place under the
advice of an ecclesiastical council. The establishment
of a society connected with the church took place about
the same time, in pursuance of the provisions of the
Revised Statutes ; first, by a voluntary agreement of
members, and then by a warrant from a Justice of the
Peace, issued upon the petition of the members, autho-
rising the first meeting. The society is not by lines, but
expects its members from the first precinct, on the
westerly side of the Nemasket River. They built their
present elegant house of worship at the " Four Corners,"
finished in 1849. Their first and present pastor, Rev,
Isaiah C. Thacher, a graduate of Union College, 1841, was
installed August 16, 1849, having before been settled in
Mattapoiset, (Rochester.) Their covenant and articles of
faith are identical with those of this church. The
deacons are Hratoio G. Wood, Ebenezer Pickens, and
James D. Wilder. The Central Church, at its organiza-
tion, consisted of thirty-three members, who, at their
request, were dismissed from the First Church, and cor-
dially recommended for the enterprise.
The following are their names : —
Cornelius Burgess, Mrs. Abigail W. Wood,
Mrs. Melissa Burgess, Miss Emily T. Wood,
Mrs. Betsey T. Burgess, Adoniram J. Cushman,
Horatio G. Wood, Mrs, Ann S. Cushman,
», i.»J.XO, XX11J.X K,-, V^ LlClJlllCtlJ,
69
Consider Robbins,
Mrs. Ruth Reed,
James D. Wilder,
Mrs. Bathsheba Wilder,
James Warren,
Mrs. Margaret Warren,
Nathan Perkins, Jr.,
John Perkins,
Mrs. Ann S. Perkins,
Ebenezer Pickens,
Mrs. Mary B. Pickens,
Mrs. Abigail S. Pickens,
Miss Caroline M. Pickens,
Nathan King,
Mrs. Eliz'bth H. Washburn,
" Olivia A. Hitchcock,
" Freelove P.Rounseville,
" Betsey Thomas,
« EUzabeth Wood,
Miss Eleanor B. Wood,
Mrs. Almira Goddard,
Miss Sarah Jackson,
Mrs. Zilpha M. Clark,
Miss Hope Writhington,
Mrs. Mary Dunham.
Admissions since the organization.
1847.
Mrs. Lucy C. Wood,
" Ellen Wood,
" Elisabeth Whitmore,
1848.
Mrs. Lucy Bourne,
Joseph Sampson,
Mrs. Harriet Eaton,
" Maria L. Harlow,
1849.
Branch Harlow.
Andrew J. Pickens,
James M. Pickens,
Perry A. Wilbur,
Henry D. Bassett,
Edward Burt,
Mrs. Elizabeth Burt,
Henry Arnold,
Mrs. Elizabeth Arnold,
Miss Sarah Lane,
1850.
John McCloud.
Nathan Dunbar,
Mrs. Betsey Dunbar,
Miss Eveline H. Wilder,
Miss Harriet Rounseville,
Mrs. Mary C. Thacher,
Miss Lauretta W. Wing,
Elijah Burgess,
Isaac D. Bump,
Mrs. Juliana Bump,
Miss Elizabeth Cushman,
" Emily F. Perkins,
Mrs. Almira E. Perkins,
" Sarah Tucker,
George Back,
George Washburn,
George H. Shaw,
Mrs. Ann Maria A. Shaw,
« Lydia E. Shaw,
Foster A. Harlow,
Rufus K. Harlow
Mrs. Lurany Harlow,
Miss Elisabeth S. Harlow,
" Harriet W. Burgess,
Noah C. Perkins,
Mrs. Mary Allen Perkins,
John Sidwell,
Mrs. Ziplia Ann Rich,
Miss Eliza Ann S. Morton,
70
Mrs. Maria Adelina Davis,
" Harriet N. Deane.
Francis F. Eaton,
Mrs. Augusta S. Eaton,
" Bulah Ann S. Cole,
Fanny D. Lane,
Mrs. Susan F. Shaw,
Miss Bathsheba L. Wilder,
George L. Soule,
Preston Soule,
Amos Thomas,
Henry Dunham,
Ann Fitzpatrick,
Ebenezer T. Soule,
Mrs. Clarissa R. Soule,
" Patia S. Doane,
1851.
Miss AbisJ-ail Washburn.
Mrs. Sarah A. Jenney,
" Ann M. Oilman,
" Louisa Jane Dunham,
" Betsey Harlow,
Joshua C. Jenney,
Ralph Copeland,
Mrs. Nancy C. Copeland,
Miss Elisabeth Bryant,
Mrs. Lucy M. Pickens
1852.
Mrs. A. N. Tisdale,
" Hannah Goss,
Miss Mary M. Southworth,
Abiel Wood,
Mrs. Matilda Wood.
BAPTIST SOCIETIES AND CHURCHES.
There are " poll parishes," not such by lines, but by
the vicinity of members, such as are within convenient
distances, for united worship. The first in all this
region, for fifty miles or more, was formed in Titicut
June 16, 1756, under the influences of Rev. Isaac Backus,
its first pastor ; the second was gathered in the west
precinct, (Beach Woods,) Nov. 16, 1757 ; the third in
South Middleborough August 4, 1761, and has its mem-
bers both in the first precinct and North Rochester
precinct, the lines of which are near their meeting-
house, called Tue Bock. The Central Baptist Church at
the Four Corners, was formed August 13, 1828, and has
its members chiefly within the lines of the first precinct.
Rev. Mr. Medbury was its first pastor, ordained Nov. 12,
1828, dismissed July 5, 1832; Rev. Harvey Fitz wns
settled August 1, 1832, dismissed May 15. 1836; Rev.
E. Nelson was ordained Dec. 19, 1836, and dismissed
March 16, 1851; Eev. J. Aldrich settled April 7, 1851.
The meeting-house was built in 1828, by Levi Peirce,
Esq., and presented to the church.
OTHER SOCIETIES AND CHURCHES.
There are two Free Communion Baptist Churches in
town. One in " Beech Woods" and one near 'Sowampset
pond, both within the west precinct. There are also in
town two Methodist churches, one in Fall Brook Village,
and one in South Middleborough, at a place called The
Spruce. There is also a Christian Baptist meeting.
All the churches in town have always been in jDcace
with each other, and rejoice in each others prosperity.
THE FUND.
The house now owned and occupied by Mr. James
Sparrow, was built by Rev. Sylvanus Conant, whose heirs
sold it with its premises to the parish. Rev. Mr. Barker de-
sired to purchase it of the parish, and it was sold to him,
and the sale money was funded. Afterwards the late Mr,
Samuel Tinkham devised his whole farm in " the Little
Precinct " to the parish, the income of which was to be
for the support of the minister for the time being. This
was sold and the proceeds also funded. The fund was
soon sufficient, by its income, to pay the salary of the
pastor, and was so appropriated until the dismissal of Rev,
Mr. Eaton. By a process, yet not wholly understood, and
by the erection of a parsonage, this fund was diminished
from $9,000 to less than $3,000, so that the greater part
of the salary is now raised by subscription.
Mr. Tinkham and his wife were exemplary members
of the church. The following is the inscription on their
monument on " The Hill " where they are buried : — =.
72
" Erected by the direction of the First Precinct in Middleborough to the me-
mory of Mr Samuel Tinkham, who died March 28, 1 796, aged 72 and four days.
When in life he was benevolent to the poor, and in his last will gave all his real
estate for the support of the public worship of God in this precinct. Patience,
wid. of said Samuel, died Nov. 3, 1814, aged 92."
THE NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
The lot on which it stands, (about four acres,) was
purchased of Zenas Cushman in 1827, and the House
was built in 1828, at an outlay of $12 or $13,000, and
chiefly paid by the sale of the pews. Nearly three
acres of the land is turned out in common. The vestry
was built the year following. The lot on which the
parsonage stands was purchased of Hercules Cushman,
in 1832, when the parsonage was built. The architect
of the new meeting-house was Brother James Sproat ; it
is a monument of his professional skill, and of his zeal for
the decent and orderly worship of God.
TABLE FURNITURE.
The first set of communion ware used by the church was given
by them to a Mr. Scott, for the use of a CongregationBl church in
Nova Scotia, of which he was chosen pastor, and over which he was
ordained pastor in our meeting-house, in or about 1780 — a church
which greatl}'- prospered under his long and faithful ministry. Ano-
ther set was purchased by the church, (of pewter or block tin,)
which, when the present meeting-house was built, was sold in sepa-
rate pieces to different members, and with the proceeds and dona-
tions of members, the present set was purchased for about $135.
The small silver cup, the gift of the sisters in 1734, has always been
set on the table. A large fancy silver cup, presented by the wife
of Governor Bowdoin, while he resided in town, (as we are inform-
ed,) is not now set on the table, but preserved as a keepsake. The
following is the inscription on the small cup : —
" GIVEN BY THE SISTERS OF THE
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MIDDLEBOROUGH,
1734."
CATALOGUE
MEMBERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH,
MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASS.
The saints on earth, and all the dead,
But one communion make ;
All join in Christ, their liTing head,
And of his grace partake-
INDEX
TO THE NAMES OF MEMBERS.
ALDEN
32 John
33 Hannah
222 David
223 Judith
334 Noah
401 Solomon
427 John
617 Elijah
618 Mary
619 Elihu
ALLEN
65 Mary
76 Nathaniel
305 Mary
326 David
AMES
301 Elizabeth
ANTONY
315 Else
AT«'OOD
720 John
721 Rhoda
840 Francis
841 Shadrack
962 Mary R.
1004 Joanna
1069 Sarah A.
BARDEN
20 Deborah
85 Abigail
88 Stephen sr.
170 Abraham sr.
181 Mary
203 Elizabeth
204 Esther
229 Abraham, jr.
BARKER
545 Joseph Eev.
579 Eunice
714 William
760 Anna
788 Elizabeth
BARROWS
30 Mercy
69 Samuel
132 Samuel, jr.
133 Susanna
208 Coombs
248 Fear
274 Ruth
562 Ruth
914 Freeman
BASSETT
125 Nathan
294 Nathan
302 Thankful
BATES
86 Joseph sr.
144 Joanna
310 Joseph jr.
474 Mary
677 Susanna
678 Joseph
BENNET
3 John
4 Deborah
147 Samuel sr.
179 Nehemiah
180 Mercy
207 Mary
215 Eleanor
216 Ruth jr.
221 Ruth sr.
273 Thankful
238 Bachelor
763 Mercy
775 Mercy
780 Jacob 2d
794 Rebecca
BENSON
477 Samuel
BENT
671 Experience
BILLINGTON
14 Isaac
186 Mary
499 Ichabod
518 Elenor
BOOTH
472 Priscilla
BOURNE
563 Abner
568 Mary
675 Abigail
587 Newcomb
588 Abigail
607 Lydia
755 Abigail
765 Joseph
766 Sophia
815 Louisa
895 Lucy
BRAND
1044 Joanna
BRANNACK
520 Consider
BBIGGS
490 John
491 Remember
522 Ebenezer
523 Abigail
708 George
709 Patience
1034 Mary
BROWN
561 Elizabeth
BUMPAS
18 Weibra
111 Mary
405 Nathaniel
BUMP
596 Mercy
BRYANT
540 Margaret
580 Hannah
6-36 Jesse
637 Mercy
816 Hillyard
1055 Mercy E.
BURGESS
287 Jacob
782 Temperence
1041 Cornelius
1042 Melissa
BUSS
842 Martin
843 Eliza
CALIMINCO, 463
CANEDY
189 Anibal
432 Elizabeth
CARVER
611 Josiah
612 Jerusha
GARY
536 Ichabod
637 Hannah
CASWELL
56 Mary
171 Daniel
192 Mary
277 Else
899 Polly W.
1065 Susan H.
CAVENDER
126 Ann
266 John
CHAMBERLAIN
844 Joseph
CHAMMUCK
383 Martha
CLAPP
138 Ezra
139 Waitstill
362 Elijah
375 Hope
437 Manasseh
CLARKE
77 Nathan
CLARKE
807 Josiah
808 Mary
809 Deborah P.
845 Elizabeth
1015 Zilpha
CLEAVES
51 Eleanor
COADE
774 Hannah
COBB
17 John
22 Jonathan
23 Hope
57 Rachel
70 Lydia
119 Joanna
219 Thankful
236 Ebenezer
237 Lydia
272 Gershom
419 John jr.
421 John sr.
422 Mary
434 Patience
436 Hope
455 Meletiah
469 Ebenezer
470 Mary
418 Abijah
425 Mercy
628 Ebenezer
629 Lydia
644 Binney
645 Azubah
684 Mary
707 Jacob
764 Priscilla
846 Otis T.
847 Adeline
903 Olive T.
COLE
473 Thomas
COLWELL
966 Mary Ann
COMSTOCK
1067 Saba A.
CONANT
101 Elizabeth
468 Sylvanus, ReT.
492 AbigaU
CORNISH
593 William
1056 Louisa
COX
397 Hannah
75
cox
398 John sr.
410 John jr.
430 Hannah
431 Mary
CROCKER
290 Lydia
CROSSMAN
209 Barnabas
253 Hannah
CURTIS
759 Sally
CUSHMAN
368 William
869 Susanna
445 Ichabod
497 Deborah
548 Susanna
565 Mercy
741 Sylvia
930 Susanna
1012 Adoniram J.
1013 Ann S.
CUTBART1
16 Samuel
DARLING
42 Joanna
, 149 Thomas
265 Rebecca
365 John
423 Elizabeth
' 715 Daniel
716 Polly
848 Alanson
849 Hannah H.
850 AuriUa
DEAN
964 Eliab
986 Lydia
987 Lois
1047 Ruth E.
DELANO
89 David sr.
168 Meribah
169 Ann
438 David jr.
DEXTER
1060 EUjahRev.
DOANE
1031 Calvin
DOGGETT
803 Eliphalet
DOTY
615 Isaac
DREW
78 John
99 Sarah
173 EU2abeth
DUNHAM
162 Ephraim
211 Lemuel
260 Elizabeth
288 Joshua
289 Ketura
404 Ephraim
433 Mercy
983 Henry
EARLB
1021 Halford
1022 EUzabeth
EASTMAN
932 Mary Jane
EATON
15 Samuel
226 Francis
886 William, ReT.
890 Lydia
EDDY
60 Malatiah
61 Samuel
100 Abigail
234 Jabez sr.
243 Samuel jr.
244 Lydia
263 Jedidah
341 Zachariah
342 Mercy
450 Jabez jr.
451 Patience
516 Nathan
' 535 Samuel
543 Susanna
633 Joshua
634 Lydia
665 Seth
666 Jerusha
681 Silvanus
682 Nathaniel
683 Lydia
718 Zechariah
719 Sarah
761 Anna
797 ALby
851 ThaUa
852 Anne Juliet
898 Lydia
915 Betsey
916 Betsey M.
944 Joshua
955 Jane Ellen
967 Charles E.
968 Eliza
969 Susan M.
970 Ann Elizabeth
988 Charlotte E.
1009 Lucy Ann
1010 Mary Jane
1059 Melinda B.
1068 Elira Jane
EDSON
853 Charlotte
ELLIS
190 Elizabeth
384 Elizabeth jr.
623 Lucia
677 Deborah
680 South-worth
971 Susanna M.
984 Lucia C.
ELMES
172 Sarah
524 Elkanah
792 Leonard
804 Eliphalet jr.
817 Eliphalet sr.
818 Chloe
854 Lavinia
855 Louisa
FAUNCE
476 Abigail
FELIX
324 Thomas jr.
FINNEY
240 Ebenezer
246 Jane
364 Nelson
FINNEY
586 Sarah
609 Martha
657 Margaret
819 Jane
FOLEY
1035 James
FREEMAN
486 Bethiah
676 John
820 Hannah
856 Mercy
893 Mary
972 Jane
1061 Virtue M.
FULLER
1 Samuel, Rev.
2 Elizabeth
28 John sr.
29 Mercy
41 Mary
91 Isaac
94 Ebenezer
95 Elizabeth
97 Hannah
103 Elizabeth
146 Silence
151 Lydia
155 Mercy
156 John
247 Jabez
276 Mary
304 Timothy
370 Mary
647 Betty
673 Lucy
674 Sally
685 Sophia
799 Sylvia
857 Lauretta Ann
878 Jabez
879 Sally
881 Susan B.
1050 Consider
GIBBS
167 Elizabeth
GISBY
773 William
928 Thomas
GODDARD
1045 Almira
GRIFFETH
251 Elizabeth
283 Mary
GUMEB
220 Sarah
HACKET
48 Elizabeth
150 Lydia
HALL
453 Mercy
HARLOW
632 Betsey
767 Mercy
769 Hepzibah
936 David
989 Stephen jr.
990 Jonathan
991 Sarah
992 Betsey B.
993 Mary L.
1029 Bethiah 0.
HARRINGTON
956 Lucy
HARRIS
420 Seth
HASKELL
49 Mary
594 Abigail
598 Zebulon
HASKINS
973 Jerusha
HATHAWAY
331 Mary
HAYFORD
225 Mary
239 Beujamin sr.
HILL
945 Harriet
HITCHCOCK
1038 Henry D.
1039 Olivia
HOLMES
625 'Ihanliful
858 Rufus
859 George L.
860 Eunice
HOWLAND
382 Joseph
HUBBARD
728 Serena
JACKSON
278 Joanna
335 John jr.
462 i^arah
909 Sarah
JENNY 416
KIDDER
687 Sally
KING
79 Ichabod
83 Judith
279 Mary
787 Mercy
925 Nathan
KNOWLTON
185 Martha
188 Thomas
388 Prudence
LAWRENCE
965 Sarah
LAZELL
312 Joshua
LEACH
316 Abiel
361 Susanna
4-35 Sarah
.504 John
505 Betty
517 Phebe
704 Susanna
1048 George M.
1049 Betsey E.
LEONARD
66 Charity
443 Margery
446 John sr.
603a-ucy
686 Betsey
888 Elizabeth
951 Sally
76
LEWIS
26 Elizabeth
34 Mar3-
285 Shubael
286 Hazadiah
381 EUzabeth
LING
658 Jane
LITTLEJOHN
8C5 Deliverence
821 Miriam
861 Haiinali
1062 Elizabeth
LOVELL
31 Mary
367 John jr.
408 Lydia
413 Thankful
449 Joseph
758 Jerusha
LUCAS
599 Elijah
600 Sarah
822 Job
LYON
201 Samuel
202 Joanna
228 Bethiah
293 William
329 Jedediah
389 Martha
390 Sarah
391 Phebe
589 Mary
MACIIAAN
152 Patience
McDOWALL
641 John
McGLATHLIN
1070 Freeman T.
1077 Harriet
MANSFIELD
l(i9 Andrew
110 Sarah
MAKGAllET 36
MAXFIELD
521 Catherine
MILLER
157 Lydia
264 VVaitstill
409 John jr.
560 Sarah
882 Susanna
MORSE
5 Jonathan
6 Mary
50 Mary jr.
284 Martha
498 Desire
549 Isaac
574 Thankful
626 Desire
712 Sage
889 Lucy W.
891 Kuth
1016 Marston S.
1053 Charles S.
1082 Mary M.
MORTON
80 Hannah
127 Mercy
495 Ichabod
MORTON
496 Deborah
662 Daniel 0.
789 Hepzibah
862 Lendall P.
904 Eliza S.
910 Hannah D.
MUXHAM
533 Edmund
NICHOLS
974 Lucia Maria
NORCUTT
622 Mary
905 Mary
NYE
73 Elizabeth
OLIVER
528 Peter jr.
531 Sarah
ORCUTT
975 Harriett
ORRINGTON
954 Mary Ann
OSGOOD
942 AdeUne H.
PADDOCK
210 Ichabod
261 Joanna
699 Lydia
798 Julia
PAINE
791 Emerson, Rev.
PALMER
21 Thomas, Rev.
142 Samuel
158 Elizabeth
184 Elizabeth jr.
296 Job
PARKER
461 Joseph
PARLOW
153 Hannah
448 Hannah
PERKINS
749 Lothrop
750 Mercy
790 John
863 Nathan jr..
1023 Eunice
1043 Ann
PEGGY 303
PERU 444
PIERCE
642 Experience
PICKENS
896 Kbenezer
897 Mary B.
943 Caroline M.
1033 AbigaU S.
POMROY
475 Hannah
485 Francis jr.
POOL
906 Samuel
907 Lydia
PORTER
620 Mercy
729 SibU
776 Sarah
POWERS
500 Stephen
501 Lydia
PRATT
27 Thomas
191 Hannah
200 Phebe
227 Jane
270 John
394 Eleazersr.
396 Joanna
406 Samuel 3d
407 Hannah sr.
440 Samuel jr.
441 Jerusha
466 Elizabeth
604 Sarah
610 Margaret
621 Benaiah
624 Lucy
646 Benjamin
772 Thomas
823 Lydia
824 Phebe
864 Olive
963 Betsey
976 William
1024 Benjamin F.
1025 Abby B.
1026 Mahala S.
1032 Thomas A.
PRINCE
117 Nathan
120 Samuei
121 Mercy
128 Mercy
129 Alice
PRINCE 314
PURRINGTON
256 Hezekiah
257 Mercy
507 Mercy
PUTNAM
939 Israel W. Rev.
941 Julia Ann
1006 Harriot 0.
1036 William F.
1057 Julia Maria
RANSOM
130 Sarah
RAYMOND
52
87 James
104 John sr.
187 Elizabeth
213 John jr.
254 Mercy
255 Alice
291 Christiana
325 Barnabas
330 Patience
373 Elizabeth jr.
393 Ebenezer
457 Thomas
458 Mary
459 Amos
460 Peter
REDDING
62 Ebenezer
123 Mercy
245 Bennet
353 Deborah
426 John
REDDING
439 William
467 Thomas
478 Joanna
494 Thankful
508 Sarah jr.
513 Fear
597 Luther
REED
937 Ruth
RICHMOND
58 Ebenezer
RICKARD
205 Elkanah
233 Bethiah
374 Japheth
RIDER
756 Jael
RIPLEY
676 Tilson
688 Hezekiah
689 Priscilla
BOBBINS
1030 Consider
ROGERS
108 Sarah
ROUNSEVILLE
931 Freelove G.
SAMBO 415
SAMPSON
67 Samuel
193 Obadiah
206 Mary
224 Bethiah
562 Thankful
732 Samuel
733 Lydia
SAVERY
479 Mary
667 Daniel
668 Huldah
1063 Thomas
1064 Penelope
1084 Rhoda J.
SEARS
333 David
399 Phebe
703 Abiah
SHAW
483 Elkanah
527 Elizabeth
529 Thomas
530 Mary
557 William
558 Lydia
572 James
573 Lois
648 Isaac
651 Samuel
654 Mark
1076 Lydia
1078 Francis M.
1079 Benjamin
1080 Rethiah
SHORT
197 Luke sr.
SHURTLIFP
1081 Zilpha
SIMMONS
447 Martha
77
SMITH
63 Jonathan
90 AbigaU
154 Sarah
161 James
309 Kachel
313 Deborah
318 Jonathan jr.
360 Samuel
392 Sarah
417 E xperience
564 ^iwanna
679 Levi
690 James
691 Patience
885 Lydia
977 Mahala
1046 Susanna B.
1054 Elizabeth S.
SNOW-
SI? Jonathan
SOULE
55 Martha
442 John jr.
464 Rebecca
465 Kachel
471 Esther
654 Sarah
555 Lydia
664 James 2d
710 John
711 Joanna
866 James
867 Kuth
952 Irene
978 Isaac 3d
979 Priscilla
980 Kebecca
1011 Alfred B.
1051 Hannah W.
1052 Mareia
SOCTHWORTH
69 Esther
135 Nathaniel
137 Jael
308 Kebecca
SPARROW
643 Rhoda
734 Josiah
735 Minerva
825 Bathsheba
SPROAT
136 Experience
143 Abigail
292 James
323 Ebenezer
793 James
827 Lucy
868 Thomas
883 Mary
STANDISH
194 Ichabod
198 Phebe
740 Irene
826 Josiah 0.
900 Jane
STAPLES
929 Sfimeon
STROWBRIDQE
106 William
107 Margaret
STURTEVANT
195 Moses
196 Klizabeth
627 Sarah
731 Abigail
764 Priscilla
779 Eunice
795 Fanny
SWIFT
786 Lucy
828 Josephjr.
829 Mercy
830 Lucy jr.
THACHER
35 Peter, Kev.
47 Mary
183 Mary
262 Peter jr.
275 Samuel
299 Thomas
306 John
352 Susanna
454 Oxenbndge
THAYER
321 Abigail
THOMAS
43 Mary
44 David
45 Susanna
64 Lydia
81 Jeremiah St.
96 Elizabeth
98 Mary
105 Elizabeth jr.
115 Hannah
163 Miriam
218 Susanna
238 Henry
249 Abigail
250 Annah
258 Noah
271 Abigail
281 Mary
282 Mary
298 Israel
322 Mary
328 Kenoni
850 Eleazer
385 Fhebe
386 Sarah
387 Abigail
402 Sarah
403 Asa
424 William
425 Benjamin
452 Karzillai
484 Elizabeth
506 Elizabeth
609 Lucy
510 Lemuel
532 Keziah
544 Daniel
546 David
547 Churchill
550 Deborah
556 Mercy
566 Thankful
602 Abigail
608 Nathan sr.
638 Zilpah
649 Perez
650 Sarah
669 Zenas
670 Mary
692 WUliaui
THOMAS
700 Edward
701 Lydia
702 Betsey
736 Jacob
737 Lucy
738 Hope
743 Silvanus
744 Susanna
785 Serena —
869 Daniel
884 Silas
885 Eleazer
887 Azel
892 Phebe
894 Betsey
917 Hannah
918 Seneca
919 Hope
920 Eunice
921 Anna
922 Lucia Ann
923 Winslow
924 Huldah
95T Lothrop jr.
958 Louisa F.
959 Saba S.
960 Mary Ann
961 Mary H.
1017 Phebe
1071 Seneca R.
1072 Zilpha B,
1073 Melinda
1074 Clarissa Jane
THOMPSON
9 Jacob
10 Abigail
134 Mary
159 Mary
235 Thomas sr.
268 Caleb
269 Abigail
376 John
418 Lydia
669 Caleb jr.
670 Mary
581 William
582 Deborah
583 Isaac
584 Lucy
585 Freelove
640 Otis
655 Weltha
656 Lydia
705 Keuel
706 Nathaniel
722 Lydia
723 Lucy
724 Mary
725 Irene
730 Ezra
770 Arad
871 Marietta T.
872 Cordelia
926 Charles F.
927 Florantha
935 Cephas
981 AnnaT,
994 Venus
995 Jane
996 Benjamin
1007 Sarah T.
1027 Mary H.
TILSON
480 Ann
TILSON
515 Silence
652 Calvin
653 Joanna
693 Calvin jr.
739 Hannah
796 Joanna
873 Judith
TINKHAM
11 Ebenezer
12 Elizabeth
19 Hester
24 Patience
25 Priscilla .
37 Mary
40 Ephraim jr.
46 Ephraim sr.
72 Joanna
74 Mary
93 Isaac sr.
112 Hannah
145 Mary
148 Seth
214 Abijah
267 Mary
33f) Peter sr.
337 Samuel 3d.
338 Susanna
345 Joseph
346 John jr. •
347 Hannah
348 Priscilla
349 Patience
357 Martha
358 Agnes
359 Esther
397 Hannah
428 Ebenezer
482 Ipaac
519 Hannah
526 Sarah
651 Chloe
577 Lucy
578 Kuth
692 Jeremiah
695 Hannah
601 Mary
614 Elizabeth
631 Sarah
660 Squire
661 Anna
663 Silas
771 John
781 Orin
806 Susanna
831 Elizabeth
901 Barbara
933 Betsey
938 Harvey
985 Jane
997 Oliver G.
1058 Sarah Jane
TISDALE
605 Jacob
694 Hannah
TORRY
690 Samuel
691 Mary
717 Lydia
TOTIVTAN
602 Experience
TRIBOU
695 Bathsheba
TUCKER
164 Benjamin
165 Sarah
327 Woodward
489 Sarah jr.
541 Benjamin jr.
635 Samuel
746 Jedidah
757 Hannah
912 Susanna
933 Mandana
TXIPPER
176 Ichahod
259 Thomas
411 Rebecca
TURNER
456 Elizabeth
616 PriscUla
TYNER
1075 Sarah
VALLER
606 Mercy
VINICA
998 Rachel
999 DorliscaN.
1000 Lydia
VAUGHAN
38 Joseph
39 Joanna sr.
92 Deborah
113 John
114 Jerusha
131 Joanna
166 Faithful
230 Desire
241 Hinksman
297 Jabez
319 John jr.
320 Jerusha jr.
351 Elisha
363 Daniel
364 Joseph
371 Joanna
372 Sarah
396 Mercy
503 Abraham
567 Lucy
1083 Salome
WARREN
174 Samuel
175 Eleanor
182 Priscilla
343 Benjamin
344 Jedidah
511 Joseph
512 Mercy
659 Keziah
696 John
832 James
833 Margaret
908 Betsey
1019 George
WASHBURN
' 539 Huldah
559 Azel
810 Abiel
811 Elizabeth
812 Abigail
813 Caroline
814 Louisa Jane
946 Elizabeth H.
982 Eunice
I WESTON
231 Edmund sr.
232 Susanna
300 Ehzabeth
493 Hannah
571 Priscilla
613 Isaiah
745 Priscilla jr.
762 John
777 Hannah
778 Salome
834 Thomas
835 Abigail
836 AbigaU jr.
837 Bethania
838 Lavmia
839 Thomas jr.
1066 Thomas jr.
I WHITE
160 Benjamin sr
199 Ann
1 WILBUR
1018 Perry A.
1 WILDER
639 Ebenezer
726 Mary
WILDER
727 Mary
753 Susanna
875 James D.
1001 BathshebaL.
WILLIAMS
339 John
340 Elizabeth
481 Thomas
770 Jabez
I AVILLIAMSON
412 Fear
1 WILLIS
487 Ebenezer
488 Mary
802 Ebenezer
876 Jane
940 Sabina
I WING
874 Betsey L.
880 Lura
902 Lauretta
WINSLOW
53 Nathaniel
54 Elizabeth
366 Susanna
1 WOOD
7 Abiel
8 Abijah
13 Samuel
68 Ephraim
71 Rebecca
75 Jam^ .
82 S^amuel jr.
84 ^ijerience
102 Sarah
116 Elnathan
118 Patience
122 Mercy
124 Elizabeth
140 Timothy
141 Mary
177 David
178 Joanna
212 Thomas
217 Jemima
242 Sarah
252 Hannah
280 Sarah
1 WOOD
295 John jr.
311 Ephraim jr.
332 Bathsheba
355 Ephraim
356 Edmund
377 Joanna
378 Nathaniel -
379 Ichabod
380 Patience
400 Samuel
414 Lydia
429 Lydia
542 Elizabeth
553 Rebecca
672 Sarah
697 Lydia
698 Lucy
713 Maria
742 Abigail
747 Israel
748 Ichabod
751 Elizabeth sr.
762 Theodate
768 Betsey
783 Ichabod 2d
784 Mary
800 Elizabeth jr.
801 Horatio G.
877 Lydia
911 Lucy C.
934 Matilda
947 Wilkes
948 Charles W.
949 Emily Louisa
960 Mary T.
953 William H.
1002 Abigail T.
1003 Mercy L. ^
1005 Mary C
1008 Alfred jr.
1014 Abiel
1020 Mary
1028 Eleanor B.
1037 PhebeH.
WRTGHTINGTON
1040 Hope
WRIGHT
534 Cuffee
630 Anna
EXPLANATORY NOTICE.
The Descriptive Catalogue contains the names of all persons who have
been or are members of the First Church in Middleboro', including the
successive pastors (p. 32), so far as records and other documents which
the committee have been able to examine will show.
The half-warj covenant, which was in practice from the earliest
records until about 1760, has in some cases made it difficult to deter-
mine the question of full membership. The existing church records
do not give the admissions of all, as is evident from other proceedings
of the church ; and the absence of all records (except the Fuller copy
of the organization, p. 13) until 1708, makes it almost certain that a
portion of the admissions of that period of thirteen years have not been
ascertained. Much care has been taken to enrol none but members in
full communion ; atod the committee are not sure but a few others, ex-
cluded for want of fuller evidence, were not also members.
It will be seen that the Catalogue is columnar in three respects,
namely ; — the regular numbering of the whole church ; the dates of
admission ; and the names of the members, followed by a particular
notice of each ; — the whole occupying but one line when practicable.
The order of the particular notices is as follows : —
1. A reference to ancestry or kindred, or both, by abbreviations and
the regular numbers if in the church, or by the christian name if not.
2. Reference to the wife or wives by their regular numbers in par-
enthesis, if members, or by their whole original name, if not.
3. The year of marriage.
4. Time of death and the age.
This order varies only in the case of married women, where the
name of the husband, or reference to his number, is placed next after
her name, and the reference to kindred after her original surname. In
a few instances, where nothing else is known of a member, one or more
of their children has been entered in the hne. Members whose time
of admission is unknown have been inserted near the time when they
were found to have been such.
The fourteen members, from Nos. 21 to 34 inclusive, were probably
nearly all admitted during the time of which there are no records.
The double dating of the years before Sept. 1752, is made to agree
with New Style, but the day of the mouth conforms to the records. To
bring these to New Style, add ten days to dates prior to the year 1700,
and eleven days to dates occurring between 1700 and Sept. 2, 1752,
when the New Style was first established in England.
The reference to kindred used in this Catalogue of church members
is extended to the Addenda at the end ; and the abbreviation ad. indi-
cates such reference.
ABBREVIATIONS.
MONTHS.
Ja.
Ap. Jy. Oc.
Fe.
Ma. An. No.
Mh.
Ju. Se. De.
KINDEED.
/a.
father
gr.fa. .
grandfather
gr.gr. /a
great grandfather
mo.
mother
br.
. brother
eis.
sister
s.
son
dau.
. daughter
eki.
child or children
h.
. husband
to.
wife
wid.
widow
m.
. married
sr.
senior
jr-
junior
COUNTRIES.
Eng.
England
Ir.
Ireland or Irish
TOWNS.
Barnst.
Barnstable
Bridg'r.
. Bridgewater
Carv.
Carver
EaTx.
. Halifax
Plym.
Plymt.
Plymouth
. Plymton
Sandw.
Sandwich
Scitu.
. Scituate
War'm.
. Wareham
CHURCHES.
C. C. C. Central Congregational Church
of Middleboro'
N. P. . North Parish, Middleboro'
W. P. . West Parish, Middleboro'
MISCELLANEOUS.
abt. about
ad. addenda
oe. ... age*
Afr. ..... African
hap baptised
bef. before
h. bom
chh church
d. died
dis. . dismissed to another church
dea. deacon
ex. excluded
fr. from
Ind. . . . . . Indian
0. . original or maiden name
p. ..... page
re. removed from town, and no record
of dismission
re. in, resides in the town or State
specified
re-ad. readmitted to this church after
dismission to another
Rev Reverend
M.F.. . . the May-Flower
unc uncertain
unm unmarried
Figures in parentheses thus (2) refer to the regular number of the husband or
wife ; when separated by a comma thus (2, 12) they indicate successive husbands
or wives, and refer to them. Figures not in parentheses, and preceded by abbre-
viations, refer to the ancestors or kindred indicated, thus fa. 20 shows the father
may be found at No. 20. Remarks or references in brackets apply to the person
preceding, and who is not a member of this church.
The names of members admitted by letters of recommendation from other
churches are followed, without the comma, by fr. and the name of the town or
place. Names of churches are not usually given.
* When either th., St., or d. follows the figures for 'the age, the person is suposed to have
attained to within six months of the age stated ; without these additions, the exact a^e may exceed
the figures six months,
DESCRIPTIVE CATALOGUE,
FROM THE ORGANIZATION IN 1695 TO 1853,
A careful attention to the Explanatory Notice, p. 79, and to the table of abbrevia-
tions, including the note respecting th. st, and d., on the opposite page, -will facilitate
the understanding of this catalogue.
11
( REV. SAMUEL FULLER fr. Plym., ord. 1st Pastor.
J (2) d. Au. 17, 1695, M. 71st. (p. 6, 32.)
) Elizabeth Fuller, (1) o. Brewster, d. at Plymt. No. 4,1713.
" The aged relict of Rev. Samuel."
(John Bennet sr., (4) Bea. 1695, d. Mh. 21, 1718, x. 76.
■} s. of Peter, of Bristol Eng.,arr. in Va. 1665; here, 1 692,
/^ Deborah Bennet, (3) o. Grover, m. in Beverley, 1671,
came here in 1692, d. Mh. 22, 1718, £e. 70.
j Jonathan Morse, (6?) d. Jy. 9, 1709, je. 70th.
I Mary Morse, (5), chi. 50.
( Abiel Wood, s.of Henry, fr. Eng., (8) d.oc.lO,l7l9,£e.61st.
I Abijah Wood, (7) o.Bowen, m.l683, d.Ma.21,1746, ag.83d.
( Jacob Tomson, s.Jn. [fr.Eng.l623],(lO) d.Se.1,'26, as 64.
(Abigail Tomson, (9) m. 1693, o. Wadsworth, dau. John
and Abigail, d. Ja. 15, 1745, te. 74.
C Ehenezer Tinkham sr., s. of Eph'ra, fr. Eng., (12) m. bef.
] 1679, Dea. 1695, d. Ap. 8, 1718, «;. 7.3d.
<• Elizabeth Tinkham, (11), o. Liscom, d. Ap.8, 1718, iE.64.
Samuel Wood sr., br. 7, (71) d. Fe. 3. 1718, se. 70th.
Isaac Billington, d. De. 11, 1709, se. 66th.
Samuel Eaton; 4 chi. b. fr, 1695, d. Mh. 18, 1724, se. 61st.
Samuel Cutbart, d. Ap. 17, 1699, se. 42.
John Cobb Jr., (57), d. Oct. 8, 1727, se. 68th.
Weibrah Bumpas, w. Joseph bef. 1670, d. Dec. 27, 1711.
Hester Tinkham, (46), o. Wright? d. Ma. 28, 1717,*. 68tb.
Deborah Barden, wid.
82
21
22
23
24
25
being foun*
the existini
1 bef. 170^
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
These fourteen persons,
have been members, by
coi-ds, doubtless admitte(
34
S f^
1709.
35
Nov. 2.
1710.
36
Ja.22.
37
Ma. 7.
38
" 9.
39
Au. 20.
40
" 20.
41
« 20.
42
« 20.
43
« 20.
44
« 27.
45
Se. 9.
46
Oc. 28.
1712.
47
De. 7.
1713.
48
Fe. 15.
49
unc.
50
11
51
u
52
(C
53
Mh. 15.
54
" 15.
55
Au. 4.
56
Oc. 11.
REV. THOMAS PALMER, 2d Pastor,(158) m.bef. 1699,
chi. 142, 184, 296, d. Ju. 17, 1743, x. 78th. (pp. 6, 34,)
(Jonathan Cobb, (23), Dea. d. Aug. 15, 1728, «. abt. 68.
( Hope Cobb, (22), d. Jy. 26, 1728, se. abt. 76.
Patience Tinkham,w.Eben'r, jr.,m.'03,o.Pratt, d.bef.Ju.5,'20.
Priscilla Tinkham, w. Shubael, m. 1718, o. Childs, chi. 345,
348. d. Jy. 11, 1739, tc. 45th.
Elizabeth Lewis, wid. of James, d. Mh. 1744, ?e. 90th.
Thomas Pratt, chi. Abigail, b. 1701, Hepzibah, b. 1705. .
( John Fuller sr., fa. 1, br. 91, (29), chi.94. d.abt.l710, a}42.
( Mercy Fuller, (28) m. 1686 ? o. Nelson, 2d m. Wm.Eaton.
Mercy Barrows, (59), o. Coombs, sis.157, d.Mh.4,1718, «.44.
Mary Lovell, w. of John bef. 1702, chi. 367, 413, 449.
( John Alden, s. of Joseph & gr.s. of John of the M.F., (33)
J m. bef, 1702, d. Se. 29, 1730, aj. 56th.
/ Hannah Alden, (32) o. White, dau. Eben'r of Weymouth,
d. Oct. 5. 1732, £E. 52d.
Mary Lewis, w. of Eliezer, chi. Keziah bap. 1713.
REV. PETER THACHER Jr., 3d Pastor, (47), chi. 183,
262, 275, 299, 306, 352, 454, d. Ap. 22, 1744,.^. 56th. (pp. 35,7.)
Margaret, (Afr.) servant of Jn. Alden, 32.
Mary Tinkham.
f Joseph Vaughan, s. of Geo. fr. Eng.,? (39) m. 1680, 2d m.
•< 1720, to Mercy ruller,wid.ofJabez,o.Wood,d.Mh.2,'34,Ee.81st.
^Joanna Vaughan sr., (38), br. 44, d. Ap. 11, 1718, aj. 61st.
Ephraim Tinkham jr., fa. 46, br. 93, (447), m. 1708, d. Jy.
11, 1713, ffi. 31st.
Mary Fuller, (91), m. bef. 1710, o. Eddy, br. 61.
Joanna Darling, w. Thomas sr., chi. Thomas b. 1704.
Mary Thomas, w. Jona., m. 1703, o. Steward ; 4 chi. bap.
David Thomas, " abt. 60 yrs. old," s. David, sis. 39, 1st w.
Abigail bef. 1669, (96).
Susanna Thomas, w. Wm. 2d., m. bef. 1711.
Ephraim Tinkham sr., (19) m. 1678 ? d. Oc. 13, 1714, a3.66th.
Mary Thacher, (35), o.Prince, fa.l20,d.Oc.l, '71,se.84.(p.36.)
Elizabeth Hacket, w. John bef. 1712, [Bea. at W. P.] dis.
1726 to W. P., d. Apr. 17, 1728, se. 42.
Mary Haskell, w. John Jr., m. 1699, o. Squier, dis. 1727,
to Killingly Ct.
Mary Morse, mo. 6, m. Francis Moro, 1723.
Eleanor Cleaves. A gr. chi. bap. 1721, bro't by her.
Mrs. Raymond, styled "goodwiie" in 1709, and with No's.
50, 51 and 6, "yielded grievances."
( Nathaniel Winslow fr. Rochester, (54).
( Elizabeth Winslow fr. Rochester, (53).
Martha Soul, w. Jn.m. '01, o. Tinkham, d. Fe. 16, '58, ae. 80.
Mary Caswell fr. Taunton.
83
1714.
57Mh.28.
|l715.
58;Fe. 13.
59 « 20.
eolMa. 20.
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
Ju. 12.
Jy. 10.
" 17.
17,
Au.
Au. 22,
Oc. —
1716.
Ma. 27
Au. —
Rachel Cobb, (17), m. 1G88, o. Soul, d. Se. 18, 1727, x. 65th.
Ebenezer Richmond, m. bef. 1701, Re. to W. P.
Samuel Barroios, (30), 1st m. bef. 1702 ; 2d w. Joanna,Z)ea.
1725, d. De. 30, 1755, si. 83d.
(Melatiah Eddy, (61) m. 1703, o. Pratt, d. 1769, ai. 92.
\ Samuel Eddy sr., s. of Obadiah, sis. 41, (60), d.l752, te. 77.
Ebenezer Redding, (123, 131), d. May 5, 1751, a?, ab't 72.
Jonathan Smith, m. Susanna Thomas 1713, (154), chi. 318,
360, d. Se. 6, 1767, te. 79th.
Lydia Thomas, (81) m. 1684, o. Rowland, dau. Isaac, sis. 595,
d. Jy. 6, 1717, se. 52d. Ist burial in The Green Cemetery.
Mary Allen, (76) m. bef. 1708 in Bridgwater.
Charity Leonard, wid. ; m. J. Perkins of Norwich 1722.
Samuel Sampson, d. Sep. 10, 1744, se. 75th. [w. Mercy, o.
Eddy, br. 61, d. 1743, se. 77th.]
Ephraim Wood, fa. 13, br. 82, m. Susanna bef. 1710, (2d
w. 118), Dea. 1725, d. Jy. 9, 1744, aj. 65th. (p. 53.)
Esther Southworth, w. of Ichabod bef. 1713. \_he d. Se. 13,
1757, se. 79th.]
Lydia Cobb.
Rebecca Wood, (13) m. bef. 1679, d. Fe. 10, 1718, je. 67th.
Joanna Tinkham, wid. Jeremiah Jr. bef. 1711, [his fa. 11.]
2d. m. 1720, (ad. 31.)
26. Elizabeth Nye, w. Ichabod bef. 1713 ; chi. Sam'l b. 1715.
Oc. 7. Mary Tinkham ; m. Henry Wood 1717 ; chi. Moses, &c.
Nov. 4. James Wood, br ? 7. (84?); chi. bap., Benj., Barna., Abel^Ich.
25. Nathaniel Allen, s. of Sam'l of Bridg'r, (65), 1st w. Bethiah
Conant, m. 1696 ; chi. 228, 305, 326.
Nathan Clark, ra. Jemima ; chi. Ichabod b. 1716.
" 25
Dec. 2
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
89
90
1717.
Jan. 2.
1718.
Ma. 4.
4
June 1.
Jy. 20
Au. 10.
" 10.
« 10.
1719
Mh.l9.
June 9.
No. 15
John Drew sr., (99), chi., ad. 32, 33 ; dis. 1734 to Hal'x.
Ichabod King fr. Scitu., 2d m. 1716, (83), 1st w. Hannah,
[d. 1716, 33. 36 yrs.] dis. 1733 to Rochester.
Hannah Morton, dau. Jn., sis. 131, 134, (125?).
.leremiah Thomas sr., (64, 98), d. Fe. 2, 1736, a?. 77th.
Samnel Wood Jr., fa. 13, br. 68, (124, 242), Dea. 1737, b.
1684, d. bef. 1754.
Judith King, (79), wid. Gibbs bef., dis. 1733 to Rochester.
Expe rience Wood . (75?) o. Fuller, fa. 1, brs. 28, 91. --M£ 7.
Abigail Barden, (88), chi. Sarah b. 1695, Abigail, &c.
Joseph Bates, (144, 474), 2dm.l743, d.Au.31,1778, a3.86th.
James Raymond, m. Mercy Tinkham, 1716, 2d w. (187), dis.
1753, with w. and dau. 373, to Pomfret, Conn.
Stephen Barden sr., (85), chi. Wm. b. 1697, &c. (ex.1727.)
David Delano sr., m. 1706 Elizabeth Eddy.
Abigail Smith, m. Eb. Dunham '19, dis. bef. 1731 to Plym.
84
91
92
1720.
Mh. 6.
Dec. 4.
93
1721.
Mh. 12.
94
« 12.
95
*' 12.
96
97
98
" 12.
Ma. 14.
" 14.
99
Oc. 15.
100
1722.
Mh.ll.
101
102
103
Apr. 8.
" 16.
« 29.
104
105
" 29.
Ju. 14.
lOG
Sept. 9.
107
« 9.
108
Oc. 17.
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
1723.
July 1.
" 1
" 1.
" 1
" 1
" 21.
De. 15.
117
118
119
1724.
Mh. —
May 3.
Ju. 30.
120
Oc. 25.
121
" 25.
122
Nov. 8.
Isaac Fuller, fa. 1, (41), chi. Isaac b. 1712. d. 1727, ge.abt.50.
Deborah Vaughan, (297), m. 1711, o. Bennet, fa. 3, br. 147,
d.Ap. 26, 1761, £e. 79th.
Isaac Tinkham sr., fa. 46, br. 40, 595, ad. 60, (214), dis. 1734
to Hal'x ; Deacon in Hatx. d. Ap. 7, 1750, le. 65th.
( Ebenezer Fuller, fa. 28, br. 156, sis.151, (95), m.bef.l716.
) copyist,(pp.l.3,14),he & w. dis. '34 to Hal'x., d.'85'? as 98th,
I Elizabeth Fuller, (94), o. Short, b. 1693 in Weymouth,
dau. of Luke jr., gr. fa. 197.
Elizabeth Thomas sr. fr. Plymt. (44), m. 1718, o. Canedy.
Hannah Fuller, (156), o. Thomas, dis. 1734 to Halifax.
Mary Thomas fr. Taunton, (81) m. 1720, bef., wid. Durfee,
d. Nov. 15, 1749, se. 85th.
Sarah Drew, (78), chi. Abigail b. 1721, dis. 1734 to Hal'x.
Abigail Eddy, w. Benj'n, [br. 61, 234] m.bef. 1717; 2d m.
1747 to Elisha Hayward. 3d m. 1752. (161).
Elizabeth Conant, w. Josiah, m. 1701, o. Washburn.
Sarah Wood, w. John sr., chi. Stephen b. 1712, David, &c.
Elizabeth Fuller, gr. fa. or fa. 1, m. John Eaton 1729, dis.
1731 to Kingston.
John Raymond sr., " in 74th yr."; d. Ju. 5. 1725, a?. 77th.
Elizabeth Thomas, fa. 8 1, sis. 219,242, m. John Tomson '23.
dis. 1734 to Hal'x. d. Aug. 1776, je. 86th.
r William Strowbridge fr. Donaugh Ir. (107), Re. 1725
^ to W. P., d No. 14, 1777, a;. 87,
J Margaret Strowbridge fr. Donaugh Ir., (106), dis. 1726
•^ to W. P., d. De. 8, 1776, se. 83.
Sarah Rogers ; probably m. Samuel Ford in Marshfield.
(Andrew Mansfield fr. 1st ch. in Lynn, (110).
( Sarah Mansfield fr. 1st ch. in Lynn, (109).
Mary Bumpas, w. Joseph,[b.l674.]m. bef. 1713.[fa.d.l705.]
Hannah Tinkbam fr. Scitu., (176), d. Ap. 13, 1771, a?. 91st.
( John Vaughan, fa.38, (114),m.l718, d.Ma.8,1770, £e.78th.
\ Jerusha Vaughan, (113), o. Wood, fa. 7, b. 1695, d., «. 90?
Hannah Thomas, (ad.23.) m. 1721, o. Turner, chi.,2 s., 7 dau.
Elnathan Wood, fa. 7, m. Mary Billington 1712, 2d. w.
1735 (380), d. Ap. 20, 1752, x. 66.
Nathan Prince, fa. 120, sis. 128, d.Jy.25, '48,8e.50. (p.57.)
Patience Wood, (68), m. bef. 1724, chi. 332, & Manassah.
Joanna Cobb, " on her bed at her house," (421 ), m. bef. 1714,
o. Thomas, dau. Wm. sr.,br. ad. 23, d. No. 1 1 , 1 724, a;. 32d.
f Samuel Prince Esq. fr. Sandwich, (2d w. 121), d. Jy. 3,
^ 1728, se. 80, (p. 56.)
I Mercy Prince fr. Sandw. (120), dau. Gov. Hinckley, m.
^ bef. 1687, d. Ap. 25, 1736, a. 73. chi. 47, 117, 128, 129.
Mercy Wood, w. of Abiel Jr., o. Hacket, m. 1718.
85
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
1724.
No. 29.
1725.
Ma. 30.
Jy. 4.
" 29.
" 29.
Se. 5.
« 5.
Oc. 3,
1726.
Ma. 1.
« 1.
Jy. 17.
No. 27.
1727.
136 Jan. 8,
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
Ja. 22.
22.
22.
Jy. 30.
" 30.
De. —
De. —
1728.
Ja. 28,
28,
28,
Mh.lO
10,
10.
10,
10.
17.
24.
Mercy Redding, (62) m. 1706, o.Miller, d. Mh.31, '28,ae.43d.
Elizabeth Wood, (82) m. bef. 1717, chi. Joshua, Ann, &c.
Nathan Bassett fr. Sand'h, (80?) ; Dea. in Mr. Weld's chh.
Ann Cavender, (266) m. bef. 1731, chi. Catharine, b. 1731.
Mercy Morton, (ad. 58), m. bef. 1722, o. Foster, d. Ap. 4,
1782, £6. 84th. (p. 57).
Mercy Prince, fa. 120, sis. 47, 129, d. Au. 9, 1748, ae. 48th.
Alice Prince, fa. 120, sis. 128, m. Samuel Gray of Harwich,
d. July 4, 1733, as. 31st (p. 57.)
Sarah Ransom, w. Robert ; chi. Wm., Robert, &c. bap. '29.
Joanna Vaughan, wid. Elisha, o. Morton, sis. 80. 2d m. (62).
Samuel Barrows Jr., fa. 59, br. 208, (133). He & w. dis.
I 1740 to Killingly Ct. ; 6 sons and 2 daughters.
( Susannah Barrows, (132), chi.fr.l724, Sarah,Geo,Sam.&c.
Mary Tomson, (235), m. 1715, o. Morton, dau. John, sis. 80,
dis. 1734 to Hal'x, d. Mb. 20, 1781, se. 91st.
Nathaniel Southworth, (137), m. bef. 1710, d. Ap. 8,
1757, 36. 72.
Experience Sproat, " wid. of Lt. Ebenezer who with her was
propounded in July last." [Hed. Sep. 28, 1726, ae. 52d.]
"I was, (says Mr. Thacher,) by an illness of 11 weeks,
disenabled to proceed with them." Her 2d, m. 1731 to
Francis Miller, d. JMov. 19, 1758, ae. 74th.
Jael Southworth, (135), o. Bennet, d. No. 9, 1745, ae. 67th.
Ezra Clap fr. Milton, (139). d. Se. 20, 1761, se. 68th.
Waitstill Clapfr.Milton.(138),o.Tucker,d.Jy.31,'68 ae.73d.
Timothy Wood, fa. 7, (141). Both dis. 1734 to Hal'x. d.
Au. 22, 1756, aj. 63.
Mary Wood, (140) m. bef. 1726, d. May 12, 1756, ae.
Samuel Palmer, fa. 21, mo. 158, sis. 184, br. 296, dis. 1731
as Pastor at Falmouth, Mass.
Abigail Sproat, mo? 136, m. Rev. John Wadsworth, of Can-
terbury, Ct., 1729, d. 1778, se. 71. (pp. 35, 54.)
Joanna Bates, (86) m. '17, o. Tinkham, d. Ju.28,1738, ae.42d.
Mary Tinkham, (148) m. bef. 1726, d.Ju. 16,1745, «. 43d.
Silence Fuller, w. of Samuel, m. 1726, o. Short, b. 1704,
dau. of Luke jr., gr. fa. 197.
Samuel Bennet sr., fa. 3, sis. 92, (221) chi. Samuel, b. 1710.
Seth Tinkham, s. Peter & Mercy,(145),d.Fe.9,1751, «.47th.
Thomas Darling, mo. 42, br.365, (265), d.No.2.1792, ae.88th.
Lydia Hackett, w. Geo. m. 1724, o. Thomas, b. 1694. fa. 81.
Lydia Fuller, fa. 28, (226) m. 1733.
Patience Mechaan, wid. of Duncan, dau. 291, bap.
Hannah Par^ow, wid. of Thomas, m. 1722, o. King.; 2d m.
1740 (161), d. Ap. 5, 1750, se. 48.
86
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
1728.
Ma. 12.
12.
June 6.
Jy. 14.
14.
Oc. 13.
No. 17.
" 17.
1729.
Mh.24.
24.
24.
24.
Apr. 6.
" 6.
« 6.
« 6.
« 20.
" 20.
" 27.
« 27.
July 6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
6.
Au. 10.
« 10.
" 10,
1730.
Ja. 18,
Sarah Smith, (63) m, '25, o. Churchill, d. Ju. 5, 1744, ^. 48.
Mercy Fuller, m. — Ford, " dis. 1761 to clih. in Paquague."
John Fuller, fa. 28, (97, 244), 1st m. 1719, dis. 1734 to
Hal'x. d. 1766, se. 74.
Lydia Miller, w. John, m. 1702, o. Coombs, dau. Francis,
[who d. 1683.] d. Mh. 6, 1735, x. 56th.
EhzabethPalmer, (21) d. Ap. 17, 1740, a?. 64th.
Mary Tomson, fa. 9, br. 268, sis. 180. m. Reuben Tomson,
dis. 1734 to Hal'x. d. Jy. 19, 1769, x. 58.
Benjamin White sr. Esq., (199), d. De. 10, 1750, vc. 67th.
James Smith, (153) 2dm.'52 (100),d.Se.9,'63,cB.72d (p.23.)
Ephraim Dunham, m. Annas Smith 1725, s. Jona. b. 1726.
Miriam Thomas, w. Jer'h, jr., o. Thomas, d.Ja.lO, '68, 8e.73d.
( Benjamin TucJcer, (165) Dea. 1745, d. Jy. 9, '81, m. 76th.
i Sarah Tucker, (164) o. Woodward, d. Mh. 13, '79, se.67th.
Faithful Vaughan, (ad. 34), m. 1720 ? d. Ap. 5, '53, ss. 66th.
Elizabeth Gibbs. chi. Jabez, bap.
Meriba Delano, b. 1709, dau. Nathan, m. C. Dexter, 1731.
Ann Delano, sis. 168 probably.
Abraham Barden sr., (181), chi. 229, Joseph, Isaac.
Daniel Caswell, (192), chi. Mary, Deborah, Jael ; bap.
Sarah Elmes, w. Ignatius, m. 1728, o. Bennet, dau. Eben'r.
gr.fa. 3. d. Jy. 1789. x. 82.
Elizabeth Drew, dis. 1734 to Hal'x., d. No. 14, 1779.
( Samuel Warren, (175) m. 1704. chi. 182, Samuel, James.
I Eleanor Warren, (174), o. Billington. chi. Nathan, &c.
Ichabod Tupper, (112 ?) m. 1729.
David Wood, s. David, (178) m. 1720, d. Jy. 29, '38, se.50.
Joanna Wood, (177) o. Tilson, chi. Edmund, David, &c.
f Nehemiah Bennet, s. John jr., gr. fa. 3, (180) m. 1721, d.
Au. 15, 1769, re. 74th.
185
186
187
188
189
190
18.
18,
Jy. 19,
" 19,
Aug. 7,
No. 22
! Mercy Bennet, (179) o. Tomson, fa. 9,d. Se. 4, 1799,36. 99
I yrs. 10 mo. 11 days. (p. 58.)
Mary Barden, (170) m. bef. 1698, chi. Mary, 203. Sarah.
Priscilla Warren, b. De. 12, 1704, fa. 174, br. 343, 511.
Mary Thacher, b. 1711, fa. 35, m. Rev. Nathan Stone, 1751,
dis. 1753 to Southboro'. (p. 36.)
Elizabeth Palmer, b. 1704, fa. 21, m. Eben'r Cheney, d. bef.
1780. Their dau. Afary m. Jn. Morey & d. here, 1821.
Martha Knowlton, (188), 1st chi. at Ipswich, b. 1712.
Mary Billington, w. Isaac, [Hisfa.l4.] m. 1730, o. Dunham,
d. Ju. 24, 1777, ffi. 72d.
Elizabeth Raymond, (87) bef. 1724, dis. 1753 to Ct.
Thomas Knowlton, (185) d. Ju. 22, 1755, re. 69th.
Anibal Canedy, chi. Hopestill & Sarah bap.; 2d m. bef. 1739
to Paine.
Elizabeth Ellis, (ad. 53), m. 1715 ? d. Ap. 3, 1753, se. 66th.
87
1731
191
Ma. 23
192
Ju. 20
193
« 20
194
Aug. 8
195
' 8
196
" 8
197
Se. 23
198
Oc. 10
199
« 10
200
" 10
1732.
201
Ja. 23.
202
« 23.
203
Apr. 1.
1733.
204
Mh.l9.
205
Ap. 29.
206
« 29.
207
" 29.
208
unc.
209
u
210
»
211
u
212
u
213
(C
214
ii
215
July 1.
216
« 1.
217
« 1.
218
" 1.
219
" 1.
220
« 1.
221
Aug. 5.
222
" 5.
223
« 5.
224
" 5.
225
« 5.
226
Se. 30.
1734.
227
Mh.l7.
228
Ap. 28.
Hannah Pratt jr., w. Eleazer jr., o. Short, dau. Luke jr., gr.
fa. 197, d. Se. 4, 179.3, ve. 82.
Marj Caswell, (171) m. bef. 1732.
Obadiah Sampson fr. Marshfield, fa. 67, (206), chi. fr. 1737.
Ichabod Standish, (198), dis. 1734 to Hal'x, d. Fe. 29,1772.
( Moses Sturtevant fr. Plymt., (196), s; Consider, b. 1733.
\ Elizabeth Sturtevant fr. Plymt., (195) s. Jos. b. 1734.
Luke Short sr., chi. Luke. here. d. 1746, ve. 116, (p. 59).
Phebe Standish fr. Plymt., (194) m. 1719, o. King, dis.
1734 to Hal'x.
Ann White, (160), m. bef. 1727, d. Se. 13, 1778, se. 81st.
Phebe Pratt, w. Benaiah bef. 1737, d. Mh. 5, 1800, sd. 88,
( Samuel Lyon, (202), chi. 329, d. Fe. 22, 1756, je. 76th.
( Joanna Lyon, (201), o. Bates ? No chi. recorded here.
Elizabeth Barden, mo. 181., b. Oc. 1, 1702. m. Sampson?
Esther Barden, (229), m. '26, o. Sampson, fa. 67, dis. '37.
Elkanah Rickard, 1st w. Ketura bef. 1730 ; chi. Nath'l, '30,
Elkanah 1732, (2d w. 233), re. to Bridgewater.
Mary Sampson, (193) m. 1731, o. Soul, d. 1743.
Mary Bennet, w. Isaac, m. 1732, o. Drew; 4 sons & 2 daus.
Coombs Barrows, fa. 59, m. '29 & '32, d. No. 30, '75, se. 71st.
Barnabas Grossman, (253) m. bef. 1729 ; 5 sons & 2 daus. ;
d. Oc. 1, 1744, £6. 44th.
Ichabod Paddock, (261), m. bef '23, d. Au.26, '50, se. 64th.
Lemuel Donham, (260), m. 1735 ; 6 sons & 3 dau's.
Thomas Wood, fa. 7, m. Hannah Alden, 1729. [Her fa. 32.]
d. Ja. 27,1745, sa. 42d.
John Raymond jr., fa. 104, 1st. m. bef. 1703, 2d m. 1726.
Abijah Tinkham, (93), o. Wood, fa. 7, dis. 1734 to Hal'x.
d. De. 25, 1777, x. 88th.
Eleaner Bennet, b. 1711, fa. 147, sis. 216, m. Z. Whitman,
of Bridg'r, 1733, d. No. 10, 1777, se. 66.
Ruth Bennet jr., b. 1714, fa. 147, m. Jona. Snow, 1746.
Jemima Wood, b. 1712, fa. 116, br. 355, sis. 263, 414.
Susanna Thomas.
Thankful Cobb, w. James, m. 1718, o. Thomas, fa. 81, sis.
242, 105, d. Ap. 17, 1743, ce. 48th.
Sarah Gumee ; or Gurnee ; perhaps Gurney.
Ruth Bennet sr., (147) ra. bef. 1710, o. Perry ; chi. 215, 216.
( David Alden, fa.32, (223) m.bef 1728, d.Au.24,1763, se.Ql.
\ Judith Alden, (222) o. Paddleford, d. 1802, a;. 94th.
Bethiah Sampson, (ad. 44) m. 1727, o. Clark.
Mary Hayford, (239) m. bef. 1728.
Francis Eaton, (ad. 38) m. 1727, 2d w. (151).
Jane Pratt.
Bethiah Lyon, w. Eleazer, m. 1732, o. Allen, b. 1708, fa. 76.
88
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
248
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
1734.
Ju. 10,
Au. 11.
" 11.
" 11.
Se. 29.
" 29.
Oc. 10.
10.
10.
10.
10.
Nov. 3.
« 21.
1735.
Ap. 20.
Ju. 12.
" 12.
« 12.
Se. 28.
1736.
Ja. 11.
Ap. 11.
Ju. 13.
13.
13.
July —
>«
Se.
Abraham Barden jr., b. 1698, (204), 1st ra. Priscilla Alden
1722, dis. to Stafford, Ct. 1737.
Desire Vaughan, (241) m. bef. 1733, d. Se. 10, '84, se. 89tb,
( Edmund Weston sr.fr.Plymt.,(232,300),d.Ap.29, '73,^.76.
< Susanna Weston fr. Plymt., (231) m. bef. 1723, o. Jackson,
( d. No. 4 1734, re. 28th.
Betbiah Rickard, (205) m. 1733, o. Conant, dau. Nath'l.
Jabez Eddy sr. fr. Carv.,*br. 61, cbi. 450, Moses 263. "dis.
Se. 6. 1749 to unite with members of Rev. Mr. Shaw's
chh. at Titicut."
Thomas Tomson sr., s. John fr. Eng., br. 9, (134), dis. '34
to Hal'x. d. Oc. 26, 1742, sn. 78.
( Ebenezer Cobb, (237), dis. 1734 to Hal'x.
1 Lydia Cobb, (236), m. bef. 1731, dis. 1734 to Hal'x.
Henry Thomas, m. Ruth Nelson 1726, chi. 452.
Benjamin Heyford Sr., (225), sons Benjamin, John, Jacob.
Ebenezer Finnea fr. Norton, (246), Dea. 1737, d. Sept. 21,
1745, ffi. 47th.
Hinksman Vaughan, b. 1708, mo. 131, (230). 3 sisters b.
July 1, 1711 ; also 3 sons b. June 1, 1735.
Sarah Wood, (82) m. '30, 1st h. Isaac Howland, o. Thomas,
sis. 105,219. d. Ap.3, 1756, se. 68.
( Samuel Eddy jr., fa. 61, (244) m. '33, d. '46, a. 36. (p. 58.)
] Lydia Eddy, (243) o. Alden, fa. 32, br. 334, 223, sis. 271,
( (2d h. 156,) d. Mh. 1, 1803. je. 92.
Bennet Redding, (439) m. 1734, o. Eddy, fa. 61, br. 243,
341, sis. 412. d. Jy. 15, 1797; se. 83?
Jane Finnea fr. Norton, (240) ; chi. 354, Lewis, &c.
Jabez Fuller, b. 1717, s. Jona. m. Hannah Pratt 1744, gr.
fa. 1 ; Re. to Medfield ; himself & 3 chi. Tho., Jabez &
Jona., Physicians.
Fear Barrows, (ad 57) m.'36, o.Thomas,d.No.2,'61,ae.40th.
Abigail Thomas, w. Edward jr., m. 1720, o. Parlow, d. Oct.
13, 1756, se. 62d.
Anna Thomas, w. Eben'r, m.l731, o. Ransom, d. 1763,ae.52d.
Elizabeth Griffith, w. Jesse, m. 1723, o. Bent; dis. 1742 to
Plymt, d. 1743, se. 37?
Hannah Wood, 2d. w. John sr., m. 1731, o. Chiles.
Hannah Crossman, (209) m. bef. 1729.
Mercy Raymond, (393) m. bef. 1732.
Alice Raymond, (325) m. 1729, o. Bent, dau. Experience?
( Hezekiah Purringlon, (257) ; chi. Joshua, Sam'l, Jn.
\ Mercy Purrington, (256) m. 1735, o. Bates, b. '19, fa. 86.
Noah Thomas, s. Edw'd sr.,br.608, (281) d.De.20, '58, a;.49.
Thomas Tupper, (411) m. 1735, re. to Munson, Ms. 1797?
EHzabeth Donham, (211), o. Tinkham, br. 337, sis. 357,
433, d. se. 63.
Then and until 1792 called " The second Church in Plymton."
89
261
262
1736,
Oc. 21,
1737.
Ap. 24.
263 Jy. 17
264
Se. 24.
265
No. 6.
1738
266
Ap. 16
267
Oc. 12
1739
268
Fe. 17
269
'■ 17
270
Ma, 13.
271
" 13.
272
Jy. 1.
273
" 1.
274
" 1.
275
" 1.
1739.
276
Au. 19.
277
Se. 16.
278
Oc. 14.
279
" 28.
1740.
280
Mh.il.
281
Ju. 15.
282
" 15.
1741.
283
Ma. 7.
284
" 7.
2.>-'5
" 10.
286
" 10.
287
" 10.
288
Ju. 21.
289
" 21.
290
(I 21.
291
Au. "2.
Joanna Paddock, (210), 0. Faunce, d. May 4, 1758, se. 68.
(p. 59.)
Peter Thacher Jr., fa. 35, dis. 1748 to Attleboro, Pastor
there; m. 1749 Bethiah Carpenter, d. Se. 13, 1783, oe.
70th, (p. 36.)
Jedidah Eddy, w. Moses [fa. 234], m. 1735, 0. Wood, fa.
116, d. Mh. 9, 1788, ae 73.
Waitstill Miller, (409), o. Clap, d. Au. 27, 1754, ae. 38th.
Rebecca Darling, (149) m. bef. 1725.
John Cavender, (126) ; dau. Catherine b. 1731.
Mary Tinkham.
( Caleb Tomson, fa. 9, (269), d. Ja. 10, 1787, as. 75.
j Abigail Tomson, (268) ra. bef. 1737, 0. Crossman, d. No.
( 23, 1791. je. 77th.
John Pratt, s. Sam'I, m. H. Turner, 1725, 2d. w. 1729,
(466?)
Abigail Thomas, w. Nathan (608) m. 1735, o. Alden, fa.
3-2, d. Ja. 1744, a;. 29.
Gersham Cobb,h. 1714, fa. 421, br. 419, sis. 377, (455) Dea.
1745, Re., & d. in old ag:e, in Hardwick, Mass.
Thankful Benhet, (ad. 50) m. 1724, 2d. m. Seth Samson
1758, o. Sproat.
Ruth Barrows, w. Sylvanus bef. 1738 at Barnst., dis. to
"Wendham," 1755.
Samuel Thacher fr. Plym., fa. 35, m. Debo'h Bennet 1747,
2d. w. Sarah bef. 1759,3d. m. 1779 Catherine Stephens,
d. Mh. 21, 1795, ffi. 78th.
Mary Fuller.
Else Caswell, m. Benj'n. Heyford ? 1752.
Joanna Jackson, (335) m. 1735, o. Bates, b. 1718, fa. 86.
Mary King, (ad.61)m.l732,o.Green,dis.l747 to Turkey ,N.J.
Sarah Wood, (295) m. bef. 1739, dis. 1744 to Berkley.
Mary Thomas, (258) m. 1733, o. Alden, fa. 32, br. 222, 334,
427, sis. 271, 244, d. Au. 1, 1787, se. 75th.
Mary Thomas, (424) m. bef. 1733, d. Au. 4, 1768, si. 58th.
Mary Griffeth fr. Rochester.
JMartha Morse fr. Carver, w, Jona. d. 1805, x. 95.
( Shubael Lewis fr. Carv. (286); cbi. vSamuel b. 1739, &c.
\ Plazadiah Lewis fr. Carv. (285), 0. Eddy, b. 1712, fa. 234.
Jacob Burges fr. Yarmouth 2d. chh., m. bef. 1741. '
( Joshua Donham fi\ Carv. (289.)
\ Keturah Donham fr. Sandw., (288) m. 1740, o. Barlow.
Lydia Crocker fr. Carv., w. Theopholus bef. 1731.
Christiana Raymond fr. Bridg'r.,(460), 0. Machaan, mo. 152,
12
90
1741.
292
Au
16
293
Dec. 6
294
u
6
295
a
6
296
ii
6
1742
297
Jan
. 3
298
((
3
299
«
3
300
((
3
301
(C
3
302
((
3
303
ii
3.
304
Ja.
10
305
ii
10
306
ii
10
307
ii
10
308
'a
10
309
a
16
310
a
24
311
a
24
312
a
24
313
a
24
314
ii
24
315
a
24
316
a
24
317
ii
24
318
Fe.
14
319
((
14
320
a
14.
321
a
14.
322
a
14.
323
a
14.
324
a
14.
325
a
14.
326
a
14.
James Sproat, mo. 136, br. 323, Pastor (p. 54), d. 1793,
33. 71.
William Lyon, (389); s. Elisha b. 1744, Daniel b. 1761.
Nathan Bassett Jr., fti. 125, 1st. av. bef. 1730, 2d. w. (302.)
John Wood Jr.,b. 1716, (280), dis. 1744 to Berkley.
Job Palmer, fo. 21, br. 142, sis. 184, d. Ja. 1, 1746, ss. 26th.
Jabez Vaughan,fa. 38, br. 113, (92) d. Ap. 13, 1773, ge. 91st.
Israel Thomas, mo. 402, sis. 119, (391), d. Ju. 29, 1778, aj. 65.
Thomas Thatcher, fa. 35, unm., d. De. 10, 1744, se. 24th.
Elizabeth AVeston, (231) m. 1735, o. Smith?
Elizabeth Ames, wid. of Seth, 2d. m. 1742 (312), o. Prince
dau. of John, gr. fa. 120, d. 1753.
Thankful Basset, (294) 2d. w. bef. 1740.
Peggy, (Ind.) m. Tom (Afr.) 1741, servants of E. Leonard.
Timothy Fuller, b. 1721, br. 247, dis. 1766 to Attleboro'.
Mary Allen, b. Mch. 4, 1715, fa. 76, br. 326.
John Thacher, b. Ap. 27, 1723, fa. 35, brs. 262, 275, 299.
Hannah Cox, (398)m. 1721, o. Smith, d. De. 18, 1777, aj. 78?
Rebecca Southworth, (ad. 82) m. 1741, o. Ellis, mo. 190, br.
John 384, d. Ju. 19, 1781, £e. 60th.
Rachel Smith, (360) m. 1738, o. Cobb, mo. 219, sis. 379, d.
Mh. 2, 1767, ffi. 47.
Joseph Bates Jr., b. 1722, fa. 86, sis. 257, 278, m. Eunice
Tinkham 1749, dis. 1787 to Hartland, Vt.
Ephraim Wood Jr., fa. 68, br. 400, sis. 332, m. Mary Lazell
1742, 2d. w. (442) m. 1752, d. De. 14, 1781, aj. 66th.
Joshua Lazell, (301), s. Prince b. 1745, dau's Elizabeth
and Mary; d. in Bridg'r, 1749.
Deborah Smith, (ad.65), o. Barden, d. Ja. 9, 1801, te. 93d.
Prince, (Afr.), (416) m. 1747, serv't of Eben'r Morton.
Else Antony, (Ind.) d. about 1790.
Abiel Leach fr. Hal'x, (435) m. bef. 1739, d. Oc. 2, 1787,
ffi. 87tb.
Jonathan Snow fr. Bridg'r, m. Sarah Soul 1728, 2d. m.
1746 to Ruth Bennet ; gr. fa. of Aaron, d. 1783. a-. 81.
Jonathan Smith Jr., b. Fe. 14, 1716, (417) m. 1737, fa. 63,
br. 360, dis. 1753 to Boulton.
John Vaughan Jr., b. Ap. 5, 1720, fa. 113, br. 364, 351,
sis. 320, 478, 395, 405.
Jerusha Vaughan, fa. 113, (346) m. 1743, d. No. 25, 1787,
s&. 66.
Abigail Thayer, b. 1718, dau. of Isaac, m. L. Kitts, 1754.
Mary Thomas, m. James Willis 1759,
Ebenezer Sproat, mo. 136, br. 292, (332), d. Ja. 23, 1786,
se. 69th.
Thomas Felix Jr., (Indian.)
Barnabas Raymond, b. Ma. 21, 1710, fa. 213, br. 393, (255).
David Allen, b. 1713, fa. 76, sis. 305, m. Fear,— bef. 1745,
[who d. 1753, se. 53d ]
91
1742
Mi
1. 7
((
7
u
7
u
7
u
7.
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7.
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7.
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7.
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7.
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7.
u
7.
u
7.
u
7
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14
u
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14
u
14.
li
14.
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14.
a
14.
a
14.
a
14.
u
14.
u
14.
u
14.
(C
14.
(k
14.
ii
28.
ii
28.
a
28.
ii
28.
ii
28.
ii
28.
ii
28.
Woodward Tucker, "aged 9 yrs." fa. 1G4, br. 541, 635, sis.
489, m. Mercv Tinkham 1756, d. Ap. 12, 1761, a. 28th,
(p. 63.)
Benoni Thomas, unra. d. about 1750 ?
Jedediah Lyon, fa. 201,(-589)m. 1743, d.Fe, 9, 1807, se. 86th.
Patience Raymond, b. No. 11, 1724, fa. 87.
Mary Hathaway , dis. 1745 to Berkley.
Bathsheba Wood, fa. 68, (323) m. 1749, d. Ju. 28, 1798,
se. 74.
David Sears, (399, 347) m. 1734 & 1781, chi. Zebedee,&;c.
Noah Alden, fa. 32, br. 222, 427, (371); dis. 1749 to
Stafford, Pastor at Bellingham, d. 1797, re. 71st, (p.5.5)
John Jackson Jr., (278) Re. to St. of Maine, d. 1811, re. 95.
Peter Tinkham sr., mo. 24, gr. fa. 11, (ad.40) m. 1730, d.
Oc. 10,1745, ffi. 36.
Samuel Tinkham 3d., gr. gr. fa. 46 sis. 357, 260, 433, (436)
m. Patience Simmons 1760, d. Mh. 28,l796,£e. 72,(p.71).
Susanna Tinkham, mo. 595, br. 346, sis. 359, 347, m. Jas.
Cobb 1749, d. Ju. 21, 1813, aj. 88.
John Williams. No early records of this name.
Elizabeth AVilliams, m. Jabez Eaton 1759 ?
( Zachariah Eddy, fa.61,br. 243,(342) d. De. 6, 1777, re. 66.
j Mercy Eddy, (341) m. 1737, o. Morton, mo. 127, d. Au.
' 25, 1802, ce. 80.
( Benjamin Warren, fa. 174, (344) m. '41, d. Ja. 1802, re. 81.
I Jedidah Warren, (343) o. Tupper, d. Oc. 20, 1807, re. 83d.
Joseph Tinkham, mo.25, (358) m. 1740, d. Ap. 28,1767,re.45.
John Tinkham Jr., mo. 595, (320) d. Au. 22, 1793, re. 74.
Hannah Tinkham Jr., mo. 595,br. 346, sis. 338, (364, 333),
Ist.m. 1742. 2d. m. (ad.63),3d.ra. 1781, d. Ap. 14, 1802,^.79.
Priscilla Tmkham, mo. 25, br. 345, (419, 368) m. 1743,1751,
d. Ap. 5, 1769, aj. 43d.
Patience Tinkham, (356) m. 1744, d. Ap. 9, 1791, re. 74th.
Eleazer Thomas,mo.45, br.425,424, m. Mary Shaw Jr.,1746,
d. Se. 23, 1808, ce. 83.
Elisha Vaughan, fa. 113, br. 364, (359) m. 1746, b. De.l723.
Susanna Thacher, b. 1719, fa. 35, br. 262, 275, 299, 306, sis.
183, m. Samuel Tucker of Milton, 1742.
Deborah Redding, b. 1722, fa. 62, br. 426, 439, 467, sis. 410.
Nelson Finney, fa. 240? m. Martha Simmons 1749, Rosa-
mond Thomas 1755 ; d. Ju. 22, 1781, x. 53d.
Ephraim Wood, fti. 116, (448) m. 1743, d. No. 8, 1783, re. 68.
Edmund Wood, fix. 177, (349) m. 1744, d. De. 29, 1805,re.84.
Martha Tinkham, br. 337, (878) m. 1742, d. Mh.20, 1744,
va. 24th.
Agnes Tinkham, b. 1721, mo. 72, br. 428, (345, 477) m.
1740, 1769 ; a 3d. m ? o. Mackfun, alias Maxwell.
Esther Tinkham, b. 1721, mo. 595, br. 346, sis. 338, (351).
Samuel Smith, fa. 63, br. 318, (309), d. De. 16, 1781, re. 67.
Susanna Leach, re. 9 yrs. fa. 316, d. Mh. 22, 1751, re. 18.
92
1742.
362
Mh. 28.
363
u
28.
364
il
28.
365
a
28.
366
a
28.
367
u
28.
368
<(
28.
369
Ap
370
"
371
a
372
«
373
((
374
((
375
((
376
«
377
((
378
a
11
379
380
15.
" 15.
381 « 15
382 Ma. —
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
Ma. 27
Elijah Clap, fa. 138? br. 437 ? (375) m. 1741, d. 1790.
Daniel Vaughan, fa. 297, sis. 371, (372), d. Ja. 8, 1812,!e.99^
Joseph Vaughan, fa. 113, br. 319, (347) m. 1742, b. eTa. 26,
1719, d. abt. 1746.
John Darling,mo. 42, br, 149 ?(423)m.l721; liad 8 ss.&odaus.
Susanna Winslow, wid. James m. 1732, 2d. ra. 1744, to Jesse
Bryant, o.Conant, rao. 101, sis. 422,(1. Ap. 17, 1801, a3.90th.
-John Lovell Jr., b. 1702, mo. 31, br. 449, (408) m.bef.l729.
MVilliam Cushraan, (369, 348) m. '35, '51, d. Au. 27,
) 1768, se. 53d.
( Susanna Cushman, (368) o. Sampson, d. Se.l3,1749,a5.33.
Mary Fuller, dau. Jonathan and Elinor, b. 1725, br. 217.
Joanna Vaughan, fa. 113, br. 319, 351, 364, sis. 320, 395,
(334) m. 1744, b. 1725, dis. 1749 to Stafford.
Sai'ah Vaughan, (363) m. 1735, o. Cushraan, d. Fe. 1, 1791.
Elizabeth Raymond Jr., b. 1728, fa. 87, sis. 330, m. 1745
Silas Rickard, dis. 1749, to Pomfret, Ct.
Japheth Rickard, m. Martha bef. '55, re. d. No. 25, 1798.
Hope Clap, (362) o. Thomas, dis. 1792 to Brookfield.
John Tomson, s. of Shubael, (418)? d. Ju. 22,1766, od. 49.
Joanna Wood, (400) m. 1737, o. Cobb, b. 1715, fa. 421, br.
272, 419, Re. to Hadlej, Mass. and died in old age.
Nathaniel Wood, fa. 82, br. 379, (357), 2d. m. 1744 Mary
Winslow, dis. 1783 to Woodstock, Vt., d. 1803, ve. 78.
Ichabod Wood, fa. 82, br. 378, m. 1743 Thankful Cobb, mo.
219, 2d. m. 1777 Priscilla Thomas, mo. 250, d. Au. 8,
1787,03.68.
Patience Wood (116) ra, 1735; 1st. h. Ichabod Cushman sr.,
d. Se. 8, 1755, a^, 65th.
Elizabeth Lewis, wid. (prob.) of Jas. m. 1716, o. Parlow.
Joseph Rowland.
Martha Chummuck, (Afr.) chi. James bap'd. (415) m. 1748.
Elizabeth Ellis Jr., w. John, o. Coomer, 8 chi. b. fr. 1742,
to 1759, d. Mh. 3, 1781, ce. 60th.
Phebe Thomas, w. Jabez, bef 1737, d. Fe. 12 1772, se. 58.
Sarah Thomas, w. Eph'm. bef. 1740,d. Fe. 20, !810,jE.89th.
Abigail Thomas, prob. w. Nath'l. sr., m. bef. 1722.
Prudence Knowlton, w. John, m. 1742, o. Thomas, b. 1722,
mo. 387.
Martha Lyon, (293) m. 1740, o. Knowlton, b. 1718, fa. 188.
Sarah Lyon, br. 293 ? sis. 391 ?
Phebe Lyon, (298) m. 1742, br. 293? d. Ma. 27, 1795,ai.72d.
Sarah Smith, fa. 63, (467?) m. 1747, d. De. 8, 1777, an. 50th.
Ebenezer Raymond, b. 1703, fa. 213, (254) m. bef. 1732.
Eleazer Pratt Sr., (407) chi. Eleazer b. 1705.
Mercy Vaughan, b. 1727, fa. 113, m. Jos. Barden Jr. 1747.
•Joanna Pratt, wid.
Hannah Tinkham, (428) m. bef 1739, o. Shaw,d. Se.5,1794.
X, 79th.
93
1742
398
Ma. 27
399
ik
27
400
n
27
401
((
27
402
u
27
403
i(
27
404
Ju.
13
4U5
((
20
406
((
20
407
((
20
408
a
20.
409
a
20.
410
li
20.
411
a
20.
412
Jy.
4.
413
u
4.
414
((
4.
415
ii
4.
416
ii
4.
417
ii
4.
418
ii
4.
419
ii
4.
420
ii
4.
421
ii
7.
422
a
7.
423
ii
7.
424
Au
19
425
it
19
426
ii
19.
427
a
19
428
a
19
429
a
19
430
a
19
431
ii
19
432
a
19
433
a
19
434
ii
19
435
ii
19
436
Oc.
8.
John Cox Sr., (307) ra, 1721, d. Ju. 5, 1761, re-. 6Ctk
Phebe Sears, (333) m. bef. 1734, d. Oc.9, 1779, te. 67th.
Samuel Wood, fa. 68, br. 311, sis. 332, (377) m. 1737, a.
Jy. 12, 1750, se. 37.
Solomon Alden, b. 1728, fa. 222, d. abt. 1813, x. 84?
Sarah Thomas, 2d. w. and wid. of Wm. sr., m. 1705, o. Bar-
den, d. Ma 9, 174.5, ». 62d.
Asa Thomas, b. 1721, mo. 249, brs. Hushai. Zadock, Sec.
Ephraira Donham Jr., fa. 162, (433) ra. 1741, d. abt. 1750.
Nathaniel Bnmpas, b. 1717, mo. Ill, m. Abiah Vaughan
[her fa. 113] 17.52.
Samuel Pratt 3d. m. Wilberce Bumpas 1741, (ex. 1783.)
Hannah Pratt Sr., (394.)
Lydia Lovell, (307) m. bef. 1729, chi. Peter, Jam^s, &c.
John Miller Jr., (264) m. 1732. d. Ma. 27, 1759, a;. 47th.
John Cox Jr., m. Lydia Redding '46, d. Jy. 6, 1770, te. 47th.
Rebecca Tupper, (259) m. 1735, o. Bumpas, b.l713,rao.l 11.
Fear Williamson, w. Geo. Jr., m. '38, o. Eddy, fa. 61, Re.
to N. J.
Thankful Lovell, bap. 1723. mo. 31, br. 367.
Lydia Wood, b. 1722, fa. 116 ? m. Benj'n. Shelley ? 1745.
Sambo, (Afr.), (383) m. 1748, serv't. of the Pastor.
Jenny, (Afr.), (314) m. 1747, serv't. of Peter Bennet.
Experience Smith, (318) m. 1737, o. Cushman.
Lydia Tomson, (376?) m. bef. 1742, d. Ja. 28, 1761,a3.39th.
John Cobb Jr., br. 272, sis. 377, (348) d. Ju. 22, 1750, fe. 28.
Seth Harris, m. Abiah Alden, dau. Samuel, dis. 1759 to
Bridg'r., d. in Abington, 1797, se. 74?
( John Cobb Sr., fa. 17, br. 219, sis. 447, (119, 422) m. bef.
< 1714, and 1725, d. Jy. &, 1750, x. 61.
( Mary Cobb, (421). o. Conant, mo. 101,d.Au.l6,1795,£e.92d.
Elizabeth Darling, (365) o. Bennet, d. Ja. 22, 1774, ae, 73.
William. Thomas Jr., mo. 45, br. 425, (282) d. Ju.7,'64,te 53d.
Benjamin J^iomas fr. Carv., mo. 45, br. 424, 350, (484), Dea,
1776, d. Ja. 18, 1800, ae. 78, (p. 60 )
John Redding, fa. 62, br. 439, 467, sis. 353, m. Sarah— bef.
1748, d. Au. 14, 1750, ss. 31st.
John Alden, fa. 32, br. 222, 334, m. Lydia, bef. 1740, m.
Rebecca Weston 1750, d. Mh 27, 1821, re. 102, (p. 61.)
Ebenezer Tinkham, mo. 72, (397) d. No. 17, 1801, je. 87th.
Lydia Wood, (ad.45) ra. 1728, o. Lovell, d. Oc. 3,1789,?e.83.
Hannah Cox, fa. 398, br. 410, sis. 431, 506, m. Benj. PhiHps,
1749, dis. 1776 to Ashfiekl.
Mary Cox, b. 1725, fa. 398, m. Joseph Thomas 1746.
I^Uzabeth Canada, (ad.48) m. '27, o. Eaton, b. 1701, fa. 15.
Mercy Dunham, (404), 2d. m. to Joseph Besse 1756, o.
Tinkham, dau. SamnelJr., br.337,d. Fe. 16,I811,aB 85th.
Patience Cobb, m. Wm. AVinslow, '47, dis. 1784 to War'm.
Sarah Leach fr. Bridg'r., (316), d. Ma. 21, 1795, a3. 87th.
Hope Cobb. fa. 272, (337) m. 1745, d. Ju. 3. 1760, ». 33d.
94
1742.
437
Oc. 8.
438
« 8.
43y
Oc. 16.
440
De. 5.
441
" 5.
442
« 5.
443
« 5.
444
" 5.
445
unc.
446
unc.
1743.
447
Mh. 13.
448
" 13.
449
'• 13.
450
« 13.
451
" 13.
452
Ma. 5.
453
'' 5.
454
" 5.
455
Ju. 16.
456
" 16.
457
Jy. 28.
458
" 28.
459
" 28.
460
Se. 8.
461
" 8.
462
" 8.
463
" 8.
1744.
464
Fe. 5.
465
" 5.
466
« 5.
467
" 5.
1745.
468
Mh. 28.
1746.
469
Mh. 2
470
2
Manasseh Clap, br. 362, ra. Rebecca Cusbmaa 1744, d.Mh.
17, 1757, fe. 32(1.
David Delano Jr., fa. 89, m. Deborah Holmes 1745.
William Redding, fa, 62, br. 426, (245), d. Oc. 6, 1791, ge. 85.
j Samuel Pratt Jr., b. Ma. 15, 1697, (441,604), 2d.m.l751.
I Jerusha Pratt, (440) m. bef. 1726, d. bef. 1751.
John Soul Jr., mo. 55, sis. 465, 471, m. Mary Leach 1750,
[2d. h (311)1 d. Fe. 19, 1751, as. 46th.
Margery Leonard, m. Eben'r. Briggs of Taunton, '46.
Peru, (African).
Ichabod Cushman, mo. 380, sis. 589? m. Patience McFunn,
alias Maxwell 1751, d. 1768, te 52.
John Leonard Sr., m. Abigail — bef. 1735, d. abt. 1775.
Martha Simmons, w. Aaron m. 1716, (1st. h. 40) o, Cobb,
fa. 17, br. 421, d. Au. 8, 1775, a;. 84.
Hannah Parlovv, b. 1725, mo. 153, (355) m. 1743.
Joseph Lovell, mo. 31, m. Patience Barrows 1751? d. Fe. 11,
1796, an. 79.
( Jabez Eddy Jr. fr. Carv., b. Ap. 14, 1700, fa. 234, (451).
( Patience Eddy fr. Carv., (450) o. Pratt.
Barzillai Thomas, fa. 238, (506) ra. 1757, only chi., Bar-
zillai, d. No. 5, 1813, ve. 82, (p. 61.)
Mercy Hall, dis. 1750 to Raynham.
Oxenbridge Thacher, b. July 11, 1725, fa. 35, removed.
Meletiah Cobb, (272) m. 1727, o. Smith, b. 1705, dau. J'n.
sr. & Mary; re. to Hard wick. Both d. in old age.
Elizabeth Turner, w. Japheth, m. 1725, o. Morse,
j Thomas Raymond Sr., (458).
(^Mary Raymond, (457) m. bef. 1708; 9 sons & 4 dau's.
Amos Raymond, b. 1710, fa. 457, m. Susanna bef. 1733, 6
chi.; re. to Matha's Vineyard.
Peter Raymond, b. 1718, fa. 87, (291) m. 1739.
Joseph Parker. He was here in 1749.
Sarah Jackson, br. 335, m, Jacob Green 1746; 5 s., 3 dau's.
Calliminco, (Afr.,) m. Anna; serv't of the Pastor.
Rebecca Soul, mo. 55, d. Ja. 24, 1759, vd. 46 ; or dau. James
and Lydia, d. Ju. 22, 1747, se. 47.
Rachel Soul, mo. 55, m. Eb. Vaughan '44,d.Se. 4, 1778,05.59.
Elizabeth Pratt, wid. (270 ?) m. bef. 1729.
Thomas Redding, b. 1727, fa. 62, (392), dis. 1784 to Keene.
REV. SYLVANUS CONANTfr.? 4th Pastor, (3d.w.492),
d. De. 8, 1777, x. 58th, (p. 36.) Tradition says, 1st. w.
Bethan '^ of Boston ; 2d. w. Williams of Koxbury. ( See
Notes at end.)
( Ebenezer Cobb fr. Falmouth, (470).
(Mary Cobb fr. Falmouth, (469).
95
471
472
1746.
Ju. 22.
1747.
Au. 16.
1748.
473 Fe. 14.
474De. 25.
475 " 25.
476
1749,
Ja. 15,
1750,
477 Ju. 3
478 Se. 2,
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
No. 18.
1751.
Mh. 24.
Oc. 6.
1754.
Mh.31.
1755.
Au. 24.
1756.
Ap. 11.
1757.
Jy. 3.
Oc. 16.
1758.
Ju. 25.
" 25.
« 25.
Au. 13.
« 13.
" 13,
Oc. 1.
1759.
Au. 12.
1760.
Ma. 11
" 11
Jy. 20
Esther Soul fr. Ilal'x., br. 442, unm., d. Ma. 15, 1703, aj. 86.
Priscilla Booth, w. John sr., bef. 1721, s. John &c.
Thomas Cole Sr., d. Ma. 16, 1759, ve. 57th, s. Thomas &c.
Mary Bates fr. Barnst., (86), o. BJossom.d.De 30,1750,aj.42.
Hannah Pumroy fr. Hal'x., br. 485, m. Jn. Eddy 1760 ; 2d.
m. to Jn. Bradford 1765, d. in old age.
Abigail Faunce fr. Bridg'r., w. James m. 1747, 2d. m. Jn.
Jacobs 1766, o. Rickard, d. Mh. 29, 1777, ss. .54th.
Samuel Benson fr.War'm.,m. Keziahbef '30,2d.ni.'69(3o8).
Joanna Redding, w. Moses m. 1745, o. Vaughan, fa. 297, br.
363, d. Ap. 1805, ffi. 85^.
Mary Savery, w. Thomas m. 1738, o. Williams, dis. 1758 to
to Andover, Ct.
Ann Tilson fr. Barnst., w. John (ad.89?) gr., s. 652, o. Ham-
blin, resided in Carver, and d. in old age.
Thomas Williams.
Isaac Tinkham fr. Hal'x., fa. 93, (519) d. Oc. 28, 1779, ^.59.
Elkanah Shaw, s. of George, (527), d. De. 31, 1805, je. 81.
Elizabeth Thomas fr. Carv., (425) m. bef. 1743, o. Church-
hill, sis. 629, d. De. 26, 1804, se. 80th.
Francis Pumroy Jr., m. Sarah Nye of Plymt. 1763, sis. 475,
chi., Dr. John d. in Vt., 1844 JE. 80 ; Hannah b. 1766.
Bethiah Freeman fr. Sandw., w. Josiah bef. 1725, o. Hall,
dau. of Elisha, d. Mh. 4, 1812, as. 90th.
( Ebenezer Willis Sr., (488) m. 1753, re. to Hardwick.
(Mary Willis, (487) o. Jackson, dis. to Hardwick, 1801.
Sarah Tucker, fa. 164, br. 327^ unm. d.Ap. 11, 1773, a?. 42.
John Briggs fr. Hal'x., (491), m. Ab. Morse 1703,d.l8l0?
re. 99.
Remember Briggs fr. Hal'x., (490) m.l740,b.l719,fa.213.
Abigail Conant fr. Norwich, (468) o. Huntington, dau. Col.
Hczekiah of Ct. d. Ja. 3, 1759. ae. 28.
Hannah Weston.
Thankful Redding, fa. 439, unm. d. Ja. 11, 1810, te. 74.
( Ichabod Morton (496), Dea. 1782, d. Ma.l6,1809,£e.85th.
\ Deborah Morton, mo.l27,(495) m.'49, d.No.l7,1789,ffi.59.
Deborah Cushman, wid. John Jr., ra. 1746, b. 1729, fa. 325.
96
11761.1
498 Ju. 14. Desire Morse, mo. 284, sis. 574, bap. 1743.
1762.
499 Ap. 4. IcliabocI Billington, b. 1737, mo. 186, m. Bette Peck, 1758.
500
50]
502
505
506
507
508
509
511
512
513
July 4
'' 4
Oc. 3.
1763.
Mh.27.
( Stephen Powers, (501) re.toVt. ( cW., Susanna, Mary, Stephen,
i Lydia Powers (500), o. Drew. } L""! •""'"' •^"""'' "-^ "" '''"'^-
Experience Totman, w. Samuel ? chi. Samuel, bap.
503 Mh.27. Abraham Vaughan, f\i. 241, m. Ann Russell 17 G4, d. Se. 14,
1811, se. 76. A tri-hirth with Ebcn'r. (JbEUsha, b. 1735.
504 Ju. 19. ( John Leach, (505) m. 1759, 2d. m. 1785 Rebecca Sturte-
vant-,, d. No. 9, 1822, a3. 85, (ex. 1803.)
19. t Betty Leach, (504), o. Vaughan, fa. 363, d.Ap. 21, '73,ai.36.
Jy. 10. Elizabeth Thomas, (452) m. 1757, o. Cox, fa. 398, br. 410,
sis. 430, 431, d. 1814, a. 82.
10. Mercy Purrington, b. 1737, fa. 256, br. Joshua, Jn. &c.
Auof. 7. Sarah Redding Jr., " age 10 yrs," fa. 467, m. Jas. Tinkham
1770 [liis fa. 592], d. Ap. 2, 1774, x.. 22d.
28. Lucy Thomas, w. Hushai ra. 1756, o. Vaughan, dau. of
David, d. Oc. 31, 1822, £e. 84.
5l0|Oc. 30.|Lemuel Thomas, mo. 163, m. 1750 Mehitable Weston, d.
Ja. 26, 1776, sd. 53d.
30. ( Joseph Warren, b. 1715, fa. 174, (512) m. bef. 1757.
30. \ Mercy Warren, (511). Both dis. 1771 to Ashfield.
De. 25. Fear Redding, fa. 439, m. Nehemiah Holmes 1771, dis. 1773
to Plymt. d. here Mh. 6, 1816, se. 69.
514
515
516
517
518
1764.
Ap. 22.
" 22.
1765.
Ja. —
Au. 18
Se. 29
519
520 Ju
1766.
Mh.20.
521
522
523
524
525
8.
Au. 17.
1767.
Ju. 17.
17.
No. 1.
1768.
Ap. 3.
Elenor Billington, w. Nath'l. m. 1756, o. Warren, dis. 1789
to Ashfield.
Silence Tilson, w. Timo. o. Whitting; chi. Timothy bap.
Nathan Eddy, fa. 243, m. Eunice Sampson 1757, [sis. 538],
d. in N. Y. State, 1813, m. 80.
Phebe Leach, wid. of Samuel m. 1750, o. Rickard, 2d. m.
1766 to Joshua Willis.
Abijah Cobb, w. Nathan m. 1753, o. Tinkham, fa. 93, br.482,
d. Fe. 5, 1776, sd. 48th.
Hannah Tinkham, (482) m. bef. 1754. o. Robbins, mo. ad.
35, d. Jii. 11, 1780, £6. 51st.
Consider Brannack, m. Desire Simmons, [b. 1744, dau. of
David sr.] 1764, re. to Vt. 1789.
Catharine Maxfleld fr. Carv., wid.,d.after 1790? in old age.
( Ebenezer Briggs fr. Hal'x. (523), d. Fe. 18, 1795, as. 68th,
\ Abigail Briggs fr. Harx,(522) o. Bryant, d. 1808, a;. 8.S.
Elkanah Elmes, b. '29, mo. 172, m. Sarah Lazell '50.
(Ex. 1803.)
Mercy Cobb fr. Barnst., wid. of Silvanus of Barnst., chi.628,
644, d. Mh. 4,1781, £e. 75th.
97
11770.1
526 Ja. 14.|Sarah Tinkham, wid. Eph'm. m. bef. 1758, o. Standisli, 2d.-
m. Adam Wright of Plymt.
Elizabeth Shaw, (483) m. bef. '50, d. Au. 19, 1786, ss. 61st.
527
528
529
530
531
532
533
534
535
536
537
538
539
540
541
542
543
544
545
546
547
548
549
550
551
Se. 2
1771.
Ja. 13.
20.
20.
Fe. 24.
Ju.
1773.
Fe. 24,
Mh.28
Au. 8
Se. 18
« 18
" 26
1774.
Au. 7
1776.
Ju. 30
Se. 8.
Oc. 6.
1777.
Ap.l6.
1780.
Jy. 30.
1781.
De. 5.
Au. 21.
21
« 21
1782.
Ap. 28,
" 28,
" 28
Peter Oliver Jr., son of Judge O., (531) chi. Margaret H. b.
1771, Thomas H. b. 1772, Peter b. 1774; Re. 1775, d.
in Eng. in 1822, £e. 81.
j Thomas Shaw, (530) m. bef. '71, d. in the army,1778,iB.40.
(Mary Shaw, (529) o. Atwood, d. Ja. 10, 1808, ss. 71st.
Sarah Oliver, (528) o. Hutchinson, dau. Gov. H., Re. 1775.
Keziah Thomas, w. Jedediah Jr., m. 1749, o. Churchill, sis.
484, 629, d. Ju. 21, 1800, £E. 67th.
Edmund Maxham, m. Rebecca Faunce 1771, 3 sons b.
Cuffee Wright, (Afr.), (630), d. Fe. 22, 1796, se. 44th.
Samuel Eddy, fa. 243, br. 516, m. Re. to N. Y. State, d.
1821, se. 79th.
( Ichabod Carey fr. Bridg'r., (537), Re. to Chesterfield ?
I Hannah Carey fr. Bridg'r., (536), m. 1741, o. Gannett?
Bachelor Bennet, m. Mary Sampson 1764, Re. to Vt.
Huldah Washburn, w. Jonah m. 1756, o. Sears, b. Au. 10,
1737, fa. 333, dis. 1787 to Randolph, Vt.
Margaret Bryant, w. Micah m.'70,o. Paddock ; Re. to St. Me.
Benjamin Tucker Jr., b. 1738, fa. 164, m. Mary Thomas
1760, dis. 1786 to Randolph, Vt., d. x. 77 1
Elizabeth Wood, w. Nathan m. 1757, o. Shaw ; Re. to Vt.
Susanna Eddy, fa. 243, br. 535, unm. d. Jy. 29, '17, se. 81st.
Daniel Thomas, fa. 258, m.Thankful— bef. 1778, 2d. m. Mary
Jakok bef. 1781, d. Ma. 14, 1789, £e. 46th. -
REV. JOSEPH BARKER, 5th Pastor, (579, 760), s. of
Joseph, of Branford,Ct,b. Oc. 19, 1751, chi. 714, 788, d.
Jy 25, 1815, a;. 64th. (p. 41.)
David Thomas, b. 1742, fa. 424, br. 743, m. Deborah How-
land 1764, 2d. m. Mary Thomas, wid. (544), dis. 1793 to
Woodstock, Vt.
Churchill Thomas, mo. 532, m. Hannah Cushman, dau.
Joseph, d. De. 31, 1809, 33. 48.
Susanna Cushman, w. Zenas, o. Wild, d. Mh. 18, 1830, se. 86.
Isaac Morse, s. Jonathan Jr., mo. 284, gr. gr. fa. 5, m. Je-
mima Pratt bef. 1769, d. Se. 22, 1832, sa. 91st.
Deborah Thomas, w. Joseph Jr., m. 1770, o. Thomas, b.
1736, mo. 386 ; Re. to Vt.
Chloe Tinkham, w. James m. 1777, o. Rickard, dau. Sam'l.
or. and Sarah, d. De. 29, 1822. se. 68.
13
98
552
1782.
Ap. 28.
553
Ju. 2.
554
" 30.
555
" 30.
556
Jy. 7.
557
558
« 7.
" 7.
559
" 21.
560
No. 17.
561
562
" 17.
" 17.
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575
576
57 7
De. 1.
1783.
Ja. 5.
« 26.
Jy. 27.
Au. 3.
" 10.
1784.
Ja. 18.
16.
18.
Fe. 22.
22.
Ma. 16.
Au. 29.
1785.
Ma. 22.
Au.21
578 " 28
Ruth Barrows, mo. 274, m. James McFarland 1793, d. Fe.
20. 1808, te. 51.
Rebecca Wood, w. Lemuel m. 1765, o. Tuppei*, b. 1743, fa.
259; Re. to N. Y. State.
Sarah Soule, wid. Wm. m. 17G2, o. Briggs, br. 490, 522, 2d.
m. to Timothy Cobb, d. No. 4, 1820, ce. 80th.
Lydia Soule, b. 1763, mo. 554, m. Alvin Robinson 1792,
dis. 1803 to Sumner, Me.
Mercy Thomas, w. John m. 1752, o. Shaw, sis. 645 ; dis.
1803 to Woodstock, Vt., wid.
f William Shaw, (558), br. 572, d. Mh. 7, 1807, se. 68.
< Lydia Shaw, (557), o. Soule, dau. Jacob sr., d. Ju. 10,
( 1826, se. 84.
AzEL Washburn, b. 1764, mo. 539, dis. 1789 to Royalton,
Vt., d. 1841, X. 77, (p. 54.)
Sarah Miller, wid. of Elias m. 1732, o. Holmes, d. Se. 28,
1800, te. 89th.
Elizabeth Brown fr. Eastham, w. Thomas, Re. to Vt. St.
Thankful Sampson fr. Eastham, w. Israel, m. 1780, o. Mar-
tin, d. Se. 24, 1831, te. 82.
Abner Bourne, mo. 575, br. 587, (568), m. bef. 1770, Dea.
1796, d.Ma. 25, 1806, te. 59th.
Susannah Smith Jr., fa. 360, (747), d. Ju. 24, 1824, te. 72.
Mercy Cushman, w. Noah, m. 1769, o. Soule, dau. Jabez, d.
Mh. 24, 1788, x. 40th.
Thankful Thomas, mo. ad. 85, (648) m. bef. 1792, d. Fe. 27,
1847, te. 95th.
Lucy Vaughanfr. Bridg'r., w. Eben'r,o. Pratt, d. Ja. 1, 1822,
£6.74'?
Mary Bourne, (563) o. Torry, d. Ma. 9, 1837, te. 88th.
Caleb Thompson Jr., fa. 268, (570); He and w. dis. 1810
to Windsor, Vt., d. Fe. 9, 1821, te. 68.
Mary Thompson, (569), o. Perkins, dau. of Eben'r., sis.
711, d. De. 9, 1816, x. 60.
Priscilla Weston, (762) m. 1776, o. Sturtevant dau. Dr.
Josiah of Hal'x., chi. 777, d. Mh. 16, 1834, te. 83d.
James Shaw fr. Duxbury, (573), br. 557 ; He and w. dis.
1791 to Bakertown, Pa.
Lois Shaw fr. Duxb'y, (572) m. 1749, o. Thomas.
Thankful Morse, b. 1745, mo. 284; Re., m. Gannet?
Abigail Bourne fr. Pembroke, wid. Eben'r. o. Newcomb, d.
De. 10, 1821, te. 98th.
Tilson Ripley, " on a bed of sickness," w. Rebecca, 9 chi. b.
fr. 1749, to '67, d. Ju. 16, 1785, aj. 67th.
Lucy Tinkham, fa. 428, gr. mo. 72, gr. gr. fa. 11, m. Issachar
Fuller 1785. Her memory of early families and facts
was remarkable. D. Ap. 30, 1847, x.. 95.
Ruth Tinkham, fa. 428, sis. 577, unm., d. Oc. 9, 1805, se. 51.
99
579
1785.
Oc. IG.
580
« 30.
581
582
1786.
Ja. 22.
" 22.
583
Ma. 14.
584
585
" 14.
Jy. 2.
586
" 9.
587
1787.
Ap. 8.
588
589
590
591
592
" 8.
Au. 12.
Se. 2.
« 2.
« 23.
593
No. 4.
1788.
594
595
Jy. 20.
No. 6.
596
De. 7.
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
1789.
Ja. 25
Mh. 15
Ap. 5
Eunice Barker fr. Longmeadow, (545) m. 1785, o. Stebbins,
dau. Wm. and Eunice, d. Oc. 6, 1809, x. 49th, (p. 41.)
Hannah Bryant, w. Nehemiah, m. 1757, o. Totman, d. Fe.
16, 1814, x. 83d.
Wm. Thompson, fo. 268, (582) m. '70, d. Mh.14,181 6,93.69.
Deborah Thompson, (581) o. Sturtevant, dau. Lemuel of
Hal'x., sis. 584, d.De. 25, 1842, te. 96th.
Isaac Thompson, fa. 376, sis. 744, (584) m. 1775, d. De.
21, 1819, fe. 74th.
Lucy Thompson, (583) o. Sturtevant, d. No. 6, '34, se. 81st.
Freelove Thompson, w. Jacob m. 1761, o. Finney, dau. of
Pelatiah, d. No. 7, 1826, £e. 87th.
Sarah Phinney, wid. John, 2d. m. 1799 to Ezra Holmes, o.
Thompson b. 1762, dau Nathan, dis. 1808 to Norton.
( Newcomb Bourne fr. Hal'x., mo. 575, i ^^^ 1802 to
) br. 563, (588.) (q- fl l/l -Vf
( Abigail Bourne, (587) o. Cushman. ) ^Pi'i'igtieicl, vt.
Mary Lyon, (329) m. 1743, o. Cushman,d.Ju.8,1796,8e.73d.
( Samuel Torry sr., b. 1753, s. of Wm. (591); 8 chi.bef.1793.
■[Mary Torry, (590), o, Finney, b. 1757, fa. 354, Re. West.
Jeremiah Tinkham, mo. 72, gr. fa. 11, m. Naomi Warren
1740, d. Ju. 7, 1790, £E. 76.
William Cornish sr., sis. 677, m. Mercy Swift bef. 1786, 2d.
w. Mehitable Bates, d. Te. 24, 1836, is. 79th.
Abigail Haskell, (598) o. Tabor, d. Jy. 26, 1811, jb. 54.
Hannah Tinkham, wid. John sr., m. 1716, o. Howland, dau.
of Isaac, and gr. gr. dau. of John of the M. F., sis. 64'? d.
Mh. 25, 1792, je. 97.
Mercy Bump, w. Joseph m. 1775, o. Barden, sis. 666, d. Ju.
5, 1811, X, 57th.
Luther Redding, b. 1748, mo. 478, m.; Re. to Taunton & d.
Zebulon Haskell, (594) m. bef. 1785, d. Oc. 27, 1820.
( Elijah Lucas, (600), Re. to Freetown, d. Ju. 8, 1806.
5. I Sarah Lucas, (599) m. abt. 1780, o. Shaw, fa. 529, br. 651.
Jy. 19. Mary Tinkham, w. Peter Jr., [fa. 336,] m. 1764, o. Thomp-
son, fa. 268, br. 581, d. Ma. 30, 1815, is. 70th.
Au. 2. Abigail Thomas, w. Israel, o. Finney, fa. 354, sis. 609, d.
Fe.e. 1829, se77th.
23. Lucy Leonard, w. Henry, 1st. m. 1762 to Samuel Turner,
3d. m. to Mr. Doty, o. Pratt, mo. 191, d. May— 1835,
SB 93 d.
604
605
606
Sarah Pratt, (440) o. Fuller, mo. 146, d. No. 1794, je 64?
1790.
Oc. 3
1791.
Ju, 26- Jacob Tisdell, (694), dis. 1795 to N. P., d.in N. Y. City.
Au. 14-|Mercy Valler fr. Carv., w. Silas, Re. to Freetown.
L.oFC.
100
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
1791.
Oc. 9.
1792.
Ap. 1.
Se. 30.
1793.
Ma. 26.
Oc. 6
1794.
Ja. 19.
Fe. 2.
2.
9.
Mh. 2.
2.
2.
2.
9.
Au. 24.
No. 2.
« 2.
« 23.
1795.
Ap. 29.
Au. 23.
No. 15.
« 15.
1796.
Ju. 5.
Au. 14.
1797.
Mh.26.
Lydia Bourne, w. Eben'r. m. 1788, o. Leach, b. 1766, dau.
of Abiel Jr., gr. fa. 316. Ke. to Milton.
Nathan Thomas sr., b. 1707, s. of Edward sr., br. 258, (271)
2d. m. 1751 to Abigail Sturtevant, d. in old age.
Martha Finney, fa. 354, sis. 602, unm. d. Mh. 11. 1833,
se. 69.
Margaret Pratt, br. 772, unm. d. Se. 8, 1800, ss 42d.
f Josiah Carver fr. War'm., (612), d. Ap. 5, 1799, ss. 74.
J Jerusha Carverfr. War'm., (611), 1st m. 1744 to Edw'd
I Sparrow, O.Bradford, dau. Wm. & Elizabeth of Plym., d. Apr. 23.
I 1820, ae. 97.
Isaiah Weston, b. 1770, s. Zach'h, dis. 1794 to N. Bedford,
m. Sarah Dean of Kaynham, (p. 54.) d.
Elizabeth Tinkham, w. Cyrus, m. 1788, o. Turner, b. 1764,
mo. 603, sis. 716, d. at Colraine, abt. 1843.
Isaac Doty, m. — Nimlet '89, dis. '03 to Brookfield Vt.
Priscilla Turner, w. David, m. '86, o. Pratt ; Re. to Me.
(Elijah Alden, fa. 427, (618) m. 1779, d. Ju. 26, '26, a;. 72.
J Mary Alden, (617) o. Alden, fa. 401? d. Se. 22, 1839,
( se. 84th.
Elihu Alden, b. 1775, fa. 427, dis. 1808 to Dixmont, Me.
Mercy Porter, w. Jonathan, m. 1761, o. Redding, fa. 439,
sis. 513, 494, d. Jy. 22, 1833 aj. 93.
Benaiah Pratt, s. of Paul, gr. mo. 407, m. Louisa Warren
1792, Re. to Me., a 2nd. & 3d. m., (p. 55.)
Mary Norcutt, w. Eph'm. m. 1782, o. Kitts, mo. 321, d. Fe.
3, 1842, 93. 83 d.
Lucia Ellis, wid. of Matthias, m. 1743, o. Bennet, mo. 273,
d. Oc. 3, 1804, oe. 79.
Lucy Pratt, dau. Eben'r., br. 772, unm. d. Au. 19, 1844, a; 80
Thankful Holmes, w. Ezra, o. Clark, d. Apr. 2, '99, se. 50th.
Desire Morse, fa. 549, dis. 1819 to Hal'x., (re-ad. 1833.)
Sarah Sturtevant, w. Dr. Thomas m. 1777, o. Soule, dau.
Zach'h & Sarah, d. Mh. 11, 1839, se. 83.
f Ebenezer Cobb, mo. 525, br. 644, (629), d. Au. 22, 1811,
I se. 80.
] Lydia Cobb, (628), m. '54, o. Churchill, d. Ja. 10, 1822,
l_ X. 80.
Anna Wright, (Afr.), (534), 2d. m. to Swansey Hart, d.
Sarah Tinkham, wid. of Amos, [mo. 595], m. 1752, o. Tink-
ham, dau. Peter, gr. mo. 24, d. Fe. 13, 1820, se. 85th.
Betsey Harlow fr. Plym., w. Jonathan sr., o. Blackmar, dau.
of John & Mercy, d. Se. 9, 1833, se. 87th.
101
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641
642
643
644
645
646
647
648
649
650
651
652
653
654
655
1797.
Ap. 9,
" 9.
Ma. 21.
« 21.
« 21.
1798.
All. 5.
1799
Ap. 7.
Ma. 12.
De. 29.
1800.
Ma. 18.
Ju. 29.
Au. 24.
" 24.
1801.
Ju. 20.
Au. 16.
1802^.
Ju. 13.
" 13.
" 13.
1803.
Ap. 24.
Ma. 22.
1804.
Ap. 8.
1805.
Ma. 19.
1806.
Ju. 8.
656 Au. 10,
657
658
Se
[Joshua Eddy, fa. 341, br. 665, sis. 673, 856, (634) Dea.
J 1806, d. Ma. 1, 183.3, SB. 85.
1 Lydia Eddy, (633), o. Paddock, dau. Zachariah, gr. fa.
[ 210, d. Fe. 13, 1838, a;. 82.
Samuel Tucker, fa. 164, (757), d. Oc. 29, 1820, gs. 75ta.
(Jesse Bryant, mo. 366, (637), d. Oc. 26, 1828, ie. 82.
I Mercy Bryant, (636), o. Shaw, d. Ja. — 1819, x. 73.
Zilpah Thomas, w. Jeremiah Jr. m. 1786, o. Wood, dau. of
Amos, sis. 794, d. Mh. 15, 1825, se. 61.
Ebenezer Wilder fr. Chelsea, s. of Nathan'l, sis. 727, (726)
m. 1800, d. Se.2l, 1848, se. 76ih.
Otis Thompson, fa. 706, sis 684 ; Pastor in Rehoboth, 1st.
\v. Eachael Chandler [d. 1827, x. 48th.l ; a 2nd. m.; Ke.
in Abington. (p. 54.)
John McDowall fr. Scotland Eu. ; s. bap. ; Re. to St. of Me?
Experience Peirce, dau. Wm., unm. d. Jy. 14, 1845 £e. 70 ?
Rhoda Sparrow fr. War'm ; w. of Edward, [his mo. 612]
m. 1765, o. Bump, daa. Phillip, d. Ja. 10, 1816, se. 68th.
f Binney Cobb, mo. 525, br. 628, (645) > Re. to
( Azubah Cobb,(644)m.l762,o.Shaw,sis.556, j Woods'k Vt.
Benjamin Pratt, s. Noah of Plymt., sis. 713, m. Jemima
Bryant 1785, d. Oc. 18, 1838, x. 75th.
Betty Fuller, w. John, o. Smith, dau. of John, gr. fa. 63,
164, chi. 685, 799, 1050, d. Se. 23, 1832, se. 75th.
Isaac Shaw, (566), chi. 1079, d. Fe. 2, 1824, a;. 75th.
{Perez Thomas, fa. 425, (650), Dea. 1803, d. Ju. 21, 1828,
J ffi. 77.
1 Sarah Thomas, (649) m. 1774, o. Wood, fa. 378, d. Apr.
[ 3, 1829, se. 76th.
Samuel Shaw, fa. 529, m. Lydia Cobb 1791, [fa. 628.]
r Calvin Tilson, s. of Isaiah, gr. mo. 480, (653, 882), 2d.
! m. 1824, Dea. 1819. d. Jy. 3, 1852, «;. 83d.
1 Joanna Tilson, (652), o. Cobb, dau. Wm., d. Oc. 16,
[ 1822, se. 56.
Mark Shaw, fa. 483, m. Elizabeth Sampson 1785, [gr. fa.
193, br.732, 2nd. h. (664)], d. Se. 5, 1806, se. 47.
Weltha Thompson, w. Thomas, o. Whitmore, sis. of Rev.
Benj'n., d. Apr. 16, 1 848, se. 76.
Lydia Thompson, w. Solomon, m. '86, o. Murdock, dau. Jn.
Margaret Finney, w. Lewis, o. Barden, d. Se. 11, '29, je. 55.
Jane Ling, w. Sylvanus, m. 1796, o. Cushman, b. 1776, mo.
701, dis. 1839 to Lisbon Me. & Re. there.
102
1806.
659
Se.
9.
1807.
660
Ju.
28.
661
((
28.
662
11
28.
,^63
Jy.
12.
664
((
12.
665
ti
12.
666
i(
12.
667
u
12.
668
u
12.
669
li
12.
670
ii
12.
671
a
12.
672
a
12.
673
ii
12.
674
a
12.
675
a
12.
676
u
12.
677
a
12.
678
(I
12.
679
((
26.
680
Au
23.
681
(I
23.
682
(I
23.
683
li
23
684
((
23
685
i(
23.
686
(1
23.
687
ii
23.
Keziah Warren, w. Nathan m. 1786, o. Weston, 2d. m. to
Wm. White, d. Au. 17, 1830, oe. 66th.
( Squire Tinkham, mo. 631, sis. 672, (661), ra. 1797, Both
J dis. 1823 to Hartland Vt. d. Oc. 17, 1851, se. 79.
I Anna Tinkham, (000) o. Wood, fa. 747, d. Se. 1849, fe. 76th.
Daniel Oliver Morton, fa. ad. 10, br. 862, sis. 910, d.
Mh. 25, 1852, re. 62. (p. 55.)
Silas Tinkham, s. Samuel, br. 526, gr. fa. 46? m. Lydia Smith
[wid. of Jabez, o. Savery, br. 667], d. Ja. 22, 1816, x. 77th.
James Soule 2d., mo. 554, m. Eunice Thompson, dau. of
Eben'r: 2d. m. 1813, (654), d. Fe. 2, 1845, x. 83.
' Seth Eddy, fa. 341, br. 633, (666), d. Au. 17, 1837, se 83,
Jerusha Eddy, (665), o. Barden, sis. 596, d. Oc. 29, '35,
sd. 76.
Daniel Savery, mo. ad. 62, sis. 663, gr. gr. mo. 43, (668) m.
1794, d. Se. 21, 1836, aj. 72.
i Huldah Savery, (067) o. Soule, mo. 554, br. 664, d. Oc.
17, 1853, 33. 78.
Zenas Thomas, fa. 425, br. 649, (670), d. Ma. 12,1821,
te. 59.
Mary Thomas, (669) m. 1783, o. Vaughan, dau. of Jesse,
gr. fa. 319, d. Fe. 24, 1828, fe. 64.
Experience Bent, s. John, m. Salome Cusliing of Hal'x, d.
Jy. 13, 1849, aj. 85th. (ex. 1826)
Sarah Wood,(748) o.Tinkliam, mo. 631, d. Se. 20, 1846, « 89.
Lucy Fuller, wid. of Di\ Jonathan, m. 1775, o. Eddy, fa.
341, dis. 1834, toFairhaven. (Re-ad 1839.)
Sally Fuller, mo. 673, m. Jenny, dis. 1829 to Fairhaven
and Re. tliere.
Deborah Ellis, (680) m. 1792, o. Hall, dau. Jabez and Deb-
orah, d. Se. 6, 1826, x. 59th.
John Freeman, s. of Elisha, (893), Dea. 1833, dis. 1846 to
Carver, d. Fe. 10, 1847, x. 60th.
Susanna Bates, w. Thomas, [fa. 86], o. Cornish, br. 593, d.
Ju. 13, 1823, ffi. 69.
Joseph Bates, mo. 677, unm. d. Ju. 19, 1846, 9B. 62d.
Levi Smith, s. Israel, gr. mo. 313, m. Charity Bryant.
Southworth Ellis sr., s. of Thomas & Ruth, gr. mo. 190,
(675, 971,), d. Dec. 15, 1840, x. 72d.
Sylvanus Eddy, s. of Sam'l. gr. fa. 341, m. — Fuller, dau.
Sam'l of Hal'x., d. 1852 in Vt.
Nathaniel Eddy, i'n. 633, br. 718, 944, sis. 683, (761, 797,
10.59), Z)ea. 18.52.
Lydia Eddy Jr., fa. 633, br. 718, 944, m. Barzillai Crane
1810, dis. 1811 to Berkley, d. Fe. 10, 1842, re. 55th.
Mary Cobb, w. Crocker, o. Thompson, fa. 706, br. 640.
Sophia Fuller, mo. 647, sis. 799, br. 1050, (696) m. 1813.
Betsey Leonard, w. Nathan'l. m. 1788, o. Bryant, fa. 636, d.
Sally Kidder, w. Nathan, o. Chaddickof Sandw.,Re. to Fox-
boro', d. Fe. 28, 1840, £e. 61.
103
688
689
6yo
691
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
700
701
702
703
704
705
706
707
708
709
710
711
712
713
714
715
71G
717
1807.
Au. 23,
" 23,
« 23.
" 23.
" 23.
« 23.
« 23.
" 23.
« 23.
Se. 13.
" 27.
Oc. 11.
" 11.
" 11.
" 11.
" 11.
" 11.
No. 29.
" 29.
" 29.
" 29.
" 29.
" 29.
" 29.
" 29.
1808.
Fe. 21
Mb. 13.
" 13
" 13,
f Hezekiah Ripley, (689), Both dis. '09 to Middlebiiiy Vt.
( Priscilla Ripley, (G88) in. '92, o. Wood, b. '76, dau. Eph'm,
I f James Smith, mo. 313, (691), m. 1760, d. Se. 29, 1815.
I ;' X. 78th.
; "^ Patience Smith, (690), o. Wood, fa. 356. d. Ma. 12, 1822,
[ ffi. 76.
William Thomas, fa. 649; Re. to St. of Me. m. d. 1821, aj. 34.
Calvin Tilson Jr., fa. 652, unm. d. Ju. 19, 1817, £b. 24th.
Hannah Tisdale, (605) o. Shaw, dau. Elijah sr., sis. 740, dis.
1826 toN. Y. City.
Bathsheba Tribou, w. JMelzar, m. 1789, o. Thomas, dau.
David and Rebecca, d. Fe. 1.3, 1837, re. 71sl.
John Warren, mo. 659, br. 832, (685) m. 1813, chi. 1019.
Lydia Wood, w. Jacob, m. 1784, o. Miller, dau. John &
Zilpha, sis. 735, d.Fe. 13, 1849, a;. 83d,
Lucy Wood, w. Abner Jr. m. 1797, o. Thompson, fa. 581,
br. 770 sis. 725, dis. 1831 lo No. Rochester.
Lydia Paddock, w. John, [gr. fa. 210], o. Gushing, dau. Col.
Cashing, d. Ma. 30, 1826, se. 60.
C Edward Thomas, mo. 509, (701), d. Ja. 16, 1844, te. 85th.
-| Lydia Thomas, (700), 1st. m. 1774? to Sam'l Cushman,
(^ dau. 658, o. Gano, dau. Jas? d. Ju. 8, 1839, ss. 87th.
Betsey Thomas, w. Daniel m. 1793, o. Alden, fa. 427, dis.
1847 to C. C. C, d. Au. 26, 1849, a>. 76*.'
Abiah Sears, w. of Leonard, Isth. Sebra Simmons, o. Leon-
ard, dau. Joseph, d. 1828, as. ab't 55.
Susanna Leach, w. Joseph, o. Sturtevant of Hal'x.
Reuel Thompson, s. Fi-ancis, m. Thankful Wood 1802, [d.
1843, re. 66th, fa. 747j, d. Oc.3, 1851, ce. 75th.
Nathaniel Thompson, fa. 268, 569, m. Hannah Thomas
1775, dis. 1819 to Rehoboth, d. Ja. 31, 1833, se. 82i.
Jacob Cobb, b. 1782, s. of James, gr. fa. 628, m. Patience
Barrows 1804. Re. in Hartford Me.
( George Briggs, s. of Eben'r, gr.fa. 522, (709), He. & W.
) dis. 1818 to Hartford & Sumner Me.
) Patience Brigggs, (708), 1st. h. — Holmes, o. Clarke.
r John Soule, s. of James, (711), d. Ja. 29, 1815, ». 66.
-| Joanna Soule, (710), o. Perkins, dau. of Eben'r, sis. 570,
i 2d. m. Nathan Alden of Bridg'r, 1818.
Sage Morse, w. Wm., o. Staples, d. May 21, 1834, se. 89,
Maria Wood, w. Joshua, 1st. h. Hacket, o. Pratt, br. 646.
William Barker, fa. 545, unm. d. No. 9, 1809, a;. 22. (p. 43.)
f Daniel Darling, s. of Benj., gr. fa. 149, (716), d. No. 14,
; '14, X. 42.
1 Polly Darling, (715) m. 1795, o. Turner, mo. 603, sis.
[ 614, chi. 848, 849. 850, d. Ju. 17, 1843, x 69.
Lydia Torry, w. Caleb, m. 1789, o. Darling, b. 1771, br.
715, (ex. 1824.) d. Ja. 5, 1848, se. 77th.
104
718
719
1808.
Mh. 13.
" 13.
720
721
722
723
((
Ap.
<>
20.
20.
3.
3.
724
725
726
(I
3.
3.
3.
727
(I
3.
728
U
3.
729
11
3.
730
Ma
15.
731
732
Au.
15.
14.
733
u
14.
734
Se.
11.
735
a
11.
736
a
11.
737
u
11.
738
u
11.
739
((
11
740
Oc.
16
741
11
23
742
u
23
743
744
1809.
Ap. 9
" 9
745
Ju.
4
746
Jy.
23
( Zechariah Eddy , fa. 633, br. 682, 944, sis. 683, (719.)
] Sarah Eddj, (718), o. Edson, sis. 853, gr. gr. fa. 226, &
( gr. gr. gr. fa. 32, d. Se. 7, 1850, se 69th.
J John Atwood, (721), d. Ju. 17, 1839, fe. 63.
( Rhoda Atwood, (720), o. Johnson, d. Oc. 11, 1814, ae. 39.
Lydia Thompson, fa. 583, br. 730, (1060), dis. to Plymt.
Lucy Thompson, fa. 583, (935), m. 1819, d. Oc. 13, 1852.
se. 66.
Mary Thompson, fa. 583, m. Dr. R. Capen, Re. in Boston.
Irene Thompson, fa. 581, br. 870, 935, m. Daniel Warren.
Mary Wilder, (639), o. Bump, mo. 596, d. Mh. 30, 1848,
£6. 71.
Mary Wilder, br. 639, m. Henry Holmes 1813, dis 1815 to
Alfred Me. d. there No. 14. 1847, se. 63d.
Serena Hubbard, w. Ahira, o. Tucker, mo. 746, dis.
1810 to "Windsor, Vt. (Re-ad 1824.)
Sybil Porter, dau. of Isaac of Hal'x, m. — Noyes, dis.
1838 to Plainfield.
Ezra Thompson, fa. 583, sis. 722, m. Cynthia Gifford, Re.
ia New Bedford.
Abigail Sturtevant, mo. 627, d. Dc. 30, 1834, aj. 51st.
Samuel Sampson, s. John, gr, fa. 193, sis. 654, (733), Dea.
1826, d.Jy. 30, 1850, se. 86.
Lydia Sampson, (732), o. Holmes, d. Se. 13, 1828, se. 57tli.
Josiab Sparrow, mo. 643, (735) m. 1800, dis. 1827 to
Rochester, 2d. m. wid. Clarissa Hayward, 3d m. wid*
Alice Gushing, d. Ja. 25, 1851, se 76.
' Minerva Sparrow, (734) o. Miller, sis. 697, d. Au. 15,
1839, se. 60.
Jacob Thomas, s. of Jeremiah, br. 884, (737) m. 1799,
2d. w. Cynthia Thomas, [fa. 743]. d. Mh. 22, 1851, se. 77.
Lucy Thomas, (736) o. Thomas, mo. 550, d. Jy. 10, 1815,
se. 40th.
Hope Thomas, b. 1787, mo. 550, sis. 737, Re. to Hartford
Me, m. Phillip Ellis, d. before 1840.
Hannab Tilson, w. Sylvanus, o. Southworth, mo. 308, gr. fa.
135, d. No. 30, 1821, a;. 66.
Irene Standish, w. Jonathan, o. Shaw, sis. 694, br. Elijah
sr., d. Fe. 28, 1822, a;. 44.
Sylvia Cushman, w. Jacob, m. 1796, o. Thompson, fa, 569,
sis. 742, dis. 1829 to Bristol R. L, d. Oc. 13, 1845, se. 67.
Abigail Wood, w. Nelson, [br 782, gr. mo, 429,] o. Thompson,
fa. 569, sis. 741, d. Mh. 31, 1843, a. 60.
Sylvanus Thomas, fa. 424, (744), d. Au. 30, 1814,36.74.
Susanna Thomas, (743) m. 1761, o. Thompson, br. 583,
d. Se. 4, 1822, a;. 79.
Priscilla Weston Jr., fa. 762, sis. 777, 778, m. Joseph Tink-
ham, dis. 1850 to Hali'x.
Jedidah Tucker, wid. of Nathaniel, [fa. 164] m. 1767, o.
Warren, fa. 343, chi. 728, d. Mh. 25, 1819, se. 71.
105
74^
748
749
750
751
752
753
754
755
756
757
758
759
760
761
762
7G3
764
765
766
767
768
769
770
771
772
1809.
Oc. 22,
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
22.
" 22.
18l6i
Fe. 25.
Ap. S
Jy. 8.
" 8-
" 15.
Oc. 14.
1811.
De. 22
1812,
Se. 6,
1813.
Jy. 4.
4.
Au. 15.
" 15.
Se. 26.
" 26.
" 26.
« 26,
No. 14.
14.
Israel Wood, fa. 379, m. Priscilla Vauglian, 1772, [d. 1808,
SK. 59tli. fa. .351], 2(1. m. 1810 (504), d. Ma. 12ili, 1829,
K. 85th.
Ichabod Wood,fa. 379, (672) m. '75, d. Dc. 30, 1825, re. 741.
f Lothrop Perkins, fa. ad. 5, br. 790, (750), dis. 1831 to N.
' Rochester ; a 2tl. m.
] Mercy Perkins, (749), o. Cusliman, mo. 565, d. Ap. 30,
[ 1815 X 34.
Elizabeth Wood, w. Gorham, m. 1799, o. Sparrow, mo. 643,
sis. 8S2, 758, br. 7.34, dis 1847, to C C. C.
Theodate Wood, br. 947,. (792), d. Jy. 31, 1828, re. 49.
Susanna Wilder, w. Benaiah, [be d. Ma. 15, 1818, re. 43,
hr. G.'39], o Bryant, ia. 636, d. Ja. 1, 1818. x. 39 ?
Priscilla Cobb, b. 1770,' mo. 338, unm., d. in Vt. 1851.
Abigail Bourne, w. Abner, o. Williams of Taunton ?, d.
Ju. 15, 1845, aj. G4.
Jael Rider, w. Jesse m. 1804, o. Elmes, b. 1772, dau. John,
gr. mo. 172, dis. 1825 to Plym., d.
Hannah Tucker, (635), o. Dunbar, d. No. 1, 1838, re. 83.
Jerusha Lovell, w. Joseph m. 1783, o. Sparrow, mo. 643,
sis. 751, 882, br. 7.34, 2d. m. (771), d. Au. 6, 1843, a. 77.
Sally Curtis fi'. Plym., w. David, o. Clarke.
Anna Barker fr. Branford Ct., (545), 1st. h. Rev. Jason
Atwater, 2d. h. Kev. Lynde Huntington, o. Williams,
dau- of Eev. Warham, dis. 1816 to Branford.
Anna Eddy fr. Plainfield Ct., (682), o. Andros, dau. of Dea.
Abel of P., sis. 797, d. Jy. 13. 1812, x. 28.
John AVeston, s. John & Content, mo. ad. 63, m. Elizabeth
Leonard 1757, 2d. m. 1776 (571), d. No. 15, 1815, se.
82. (p. 62.)
Mercy Bennet, wid. John, ra. 1791, o. Morton, dau. Seth,
gr. mo. 127, d. Mh. 2, 1826, x. 57.
Priscilla Sturtevant, mo. 627, m. Robert Blair '13. [d.]
f Joseph Bourne, fa. 563, (766), He & w. dis. 1816 to N.
j Bedford, d. there Ju. 17, 1829, x. 41st.
] Sophia Bourne fr. Fairhaven, (765), o. Bates, dau. Dea.
[ Joseph of F., Re. in Newton Ms.
Mercy Harlow, mo. 632, sis. 768, d. Mh. 30, '54, re. 84th.
Betsey Wood, w. Eliab m. 1808, [he d. Oc. 12, 1852, re.
71st., fa. 747], o. Harlow, mo. 632, sis. 737.
Hepzibah Harlow fr. Sandw., w. Samuel, o. Burgess ; Re.
Jabez Williams, (785) m. 1815, (ex. 1827)., Re. to Penn.
John Tinkham, fa. 346, m. Mary Wood 1778, 2d m. Lydia
Wood, wid. of Thomas 1810, 3d. m. (758), d. Ap 5,
1829,33. 75.
Thomas Pratt, b. 1775, s. of Eben'r. sis. 610, 621, (823).
14
100
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
1813.
No. 14,
" 14
De. 19,
" 19.
" 19.
' 19.
" 19.
1814.
Ja. 2
« 23.
" 23
" 23
Ap. 10.
" 10.
« 10.
No. 20.
« 27.
1815.
Ma. 21.
Se. 17.
1816.
Fe. 14.
Oc. 6.
No. 17.
1819.
Ap. 4.
Ma. 16.
16.
Ju. 27.
" 27.
" 27.
William Gisby, s. of EdwYl. br. 928, gr.gr. mo. 172, m. Euth
T. Bennett [dau. of Thomas & Euth, gr. fa. ad. 4 & 6].
Hannah Coade, dau. of Joseph & Sarah of Plymouth, dis.
1837 to Dunkirk N. Y. (Ec-ad. 1840).
Mercy Bennet, av. .Jacob, [fa.ad.G.], m. 1780, o. Porter, mo.
620, sis. 825, d Jy. 6, 1847, sd. 85.
Sarah Porter, dau. Zacha'h., gr. mo. 620, Re., m. Di*. — ■
Brown of Pa.; now a wid.
Hannah Weston, fa. 762, sis. 745, unm., d. Ja. 6. 1840, se. 49.
Salome Weston, fa. 762, mo. 571, sis, 745, 777, (802).
Eunice Sturtevant, mo. 627, unm.,d. Ma. 14, 1815, aj. 22.
Jacob Bennet 2d., s. Eben'r. Livy, (794), d. Au. 20, '50,
se. 76.
Orin Tipkham, fa. 771, m. Achsa Townsend, Ee. in Me.
Temperance Burgess, m. Levi Wood 1814, [s. of Levi, gr.
mo. 429], dis. 1837 to Fall River.
Ichabod Wood 2d., fa. 747, sis. 661; Re. to Ind. ra. bef.
1823, Left 4 chi.; d. Oc. 31, 1830, se. 42.
Mary Wood, (SOI), o. W^eston, dau. Abner and Huldah,
gr. mo. 539, gr. gr. fa. 231, d. Se. 30, 1827, le. 40.
Serena Thomas, dau. Seth, sis. 738, gr. mo. ad. 85, (770),
m. 1815, dis. 1833 to Pittsburg Pa.
Lucy Swift, w. Joseph sr., o. Cornish, fa. 593, sis. 985.
Mercy King, dau. John & Elizabeth, gr. mo. 384, m. Jo-
sephus Bump 1814, d. Se. 19, 1818, jc. 29?
Elizabeth Barker, fa. 545, mo. 579, br. 714, dis. 1827 to
Freetown ; d. in Chicago, 111. Ap. 5, 1854, ic. 63d.
Hepzibah Morton fr. Salsbury Vt., dau. Seth jr., gr. gr. mo.
127, sis. 1061, dis. 1840 to N. Bedford, d. Ma. 16, 1848?
se. 50?
John Perkins, fa. ad. 5, br. 749, m. Sarah Snow, 2 m.
(1043), dis. 1825 to N. Rochester. (Ke-ad. 1845).
REV. EMERSON PAINE, 6th Pastor, m. Lydia Pendle-
ton, Re. 1822, d. Ap. 26, 1851, re. 65, (p. 43.)
Leonard Elmes fr. Abbeville S. C, fa. 817, (752), (ex. 1827),
Re. in Dighton, 2d. m. Stephens.
James Sprout, s. Robert jr., gr. gr. fa. 135, (827) m. 1800,
Dea. 1833, d. Ap. 15, 1837. a;. 63d. (p. 72).
Rebecca Bennet, (780) m. 1802, o. Wood dau. Amos, sis.
638, dis. 1828 to No. Rochester, d. Ma. 24, 1846, te. 67th,
Fanny D. Sturtevant, mo. 627, unm., d. De. 22, 1845, «. 48.
Joanna Tilson, fa. 652, mo. 653, br. 693, sis. 873.
Abby Eddy, (682), o. Andros, sis. 761, d. Oc. 28, 1848,
£e. 55th.
Julia Paddock, mo. 699, unm., d. Ju. 6, 1849, se. 50lh.
Sylvea Fuller, mo. 647, sis. 68-5, br. 1050.
107
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815
81C
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
1819.
Ju. 27
Au. 15.
15.
15.
Oc. — .
1820.
Ja. 11.
1823.
Se. — .
Elizabeth Wood, mo. 751, m. Collester Wood [d. 1850].
Horatio G. Wood, s. of Eben'r., br. 947, sis. 752, gr. mo.
4:>9, (784, 83G), Dea. 1842, dis. 1847 to C. C. C. with 32
others.
Ebenezer Willis, sis. 87G, (778), d. Ja. 20, 1840, jb. 49.
Eliphalet Doggett, s. of Mark, m. Sybil Peabody, dis. 1828
to E. Brid'r., 2d. m. — Keith, Re. in N. Bedford.
Eliphalet Elmes Jr., fa. 817, (854), Re. in Taunton.
Deliverance Littlejuhn, w. AVm. m. '94, o. Muxham, dau.
Jn., Admitted at her house, d. Ja. 11, 1820, ae. 51st.
Susanna Tinkham, fa. 663, Admitted at her house, unm.
d. Dc.30, 1823, ffi.
Oc. lO.eJosiah Clarke, m. Hannah Harlow, d. Ma. 3, 1839, se. 95
19. Mary Clarke, mo, 845, sis 809, ra. Edward Stetson 1827
dis. 1828 to N. Bedford, d. Oc. 13, 1836, ae. 37th.
19. Deborah P. Clarke, mo. 845, sis. 808, gr. fa. 807, ra. Geo
Thompson 1826, [his fa, 583], d. Mh. 23. 1853, a;. 55.
19. ( Abiel Washburn, s. Edward, (811), d. Ju. 17, 1843, a3. 80^
19. - Elizabeth Washburn, (810) m. 1788, o. Pierce, dau. Job
i sis. 895, d. Mh. 23, 1850, £6. 84.
19. Abigail Washburn, f\i. 810, dis. 1851 to C. C. C.
19. Caroline Washburn, fa. 810, m. Rev. Francis Horton, dis.
1833 to Brookfield Ms., d. at W.Cambr'ge Se.20,1849,a3.42^.
19. Louisa Jane Washburn, fa. 810, m. Rev. Elam Smalley,
dis. 1832 to Franklin Ms., Re in Worcester, Ms.
19. Louisa Bourne, mo. 895, sis. 870, m. Alexander Wood 1824,
[fa. 748], Re. in Hanover, Ms.
19. HiLLiARD Bryant, s. of Seth, gr. mo. 673, dis. 1827 to
A m Vi p r s t T\T s (w S 5 ^
19. C Eliphalet Elmes sr.,'fa.'524, (818), d. Au. 4, '30, aj. 77th.
1 9. I Chloe Elmes, (817) m. '77, o. Leonard, d. Jy. 5,'43,a;.86th.
19. Jane Finney, mo. 657, m. Eber Beal, d. Jy. 7, 1825, a. 26th.
19. Hannah Freeman, mo. 856, unm., d. Se. 22, 1842, «. 59.
19. Miriam Littlejohn, mo. 805, sis. 861, gr. gr. mo. 163.
19. Job Lucas, s. of Samuel, m. Mary Morse.
19. Lydia Pratt, (772), o. Macomber, dau. Simeon, sis. 854.
19. Phebe Pratt, w. Zerubbabel, o. Stone, d. Mh. 4, '45, se. 49.
19. Bathsheba Sparrow, av. Edward, [d. No. 18, '53, «. 86th,]
m. 1798, o. Porter, mo. 620, sis. 775, d. Mh 27, 1853, se. 80th.
19. Josiah O. Standish, s. Joshua sr.. Re., m., Re. in Plymouth.
19. Lucy Sproat, (793) o. Clarke, dau. Dr. Joseph & Rebecca,
[sis. 544] gr. gr. mo. 127, d. De. 7, 1849, ». 69.
19. Joseph Swift jr., mo. 786, unm., d. Oc. 9, 1829, ge. 20.
19. Mercy Swift, mo. 786, m. Ich. Shurtliff, dis. '43 to Carv.
19. Lucy Swift jr., mo. 786, m. W. Taylor of Pembroke, Re.
19. Elizabeth Tinkham, fa. 663, unm., d. Mh. 28, 1846, a;. 74.
19. ( James Warren, br. 696, (833), He & W. dis. '47 to C.C.C.
19. I Margaret Warren, (832) o. Finney, mo. 657, sis. 819.
108
834
1823
Oc. 19
835
((
19
836
u
19
837
li
19
838
u
19
839
C(
10
840
No
23
841
842
843
844
845
a
23
23
23
23
23
846
847
" 23,
" 23,
848
11
23.
849
u
23
850
((
23
851
ii
23
852
((
23
853
((
23
854
ii
23
855
li
23
856
u
23
857
il
23
858
ii
23
859
(I
23
860
(I
23
861
a
23
862
a
23
863
ii
23
864
li
23
865
11
23
866
u
23
867
a
23
868
H
23.
Thomas Weston pr., s. Edmund jr., gr. fa. 231, (835), d.
Ja. 17, 1834, cc. 64.
Abigail Weston, (834), o. Dag.^^ett, d. Au. 11, 1830, te. 55.
Abigail Weston Jr., fn. 834, (801) m. 1830, dis. 1847 lo C
C. C, d. Ja. 7, 1854,113. 53d.
Bethania Weston, fa. 834, m. Earl Sproat, [fa. 868].
Lavinia Weston, fa. 834, m. Keland Tinkham [d.Ma. 2, '54,
K .56.]; his and her gr. gr. mo. 595 ; d. Oc. 15, 1849, x. 41st.
Thomas Weston Jr., fa. 834, gr. gr. fa. 231, (851).
Francis At wood, s. Wm., m. Elizabeth Ward, dau. Benj'n.,
2d. m. Abigail Shurtliff, d. Ja 22, 1853, x. 79.
Shadrach Atwcod, fa. 840, Re., m.. Re. in Franklin, Ms.
( Martin Buss, (843), Re.
( Eliza Buss, (842), Re.
Joseph Chamberlain, d. in Plymt. Oc. 6, 1825.
Elizabeth Clarke, w. Joseph, m. 1791, o. Morton, dau. of
John, gr. mo. 127, d. Mh. 19, 1840, re. 70.
Otis T. Cobb, mo. 684, dis. 1831 to Amherst, Ms., m. Maria
Cady, dau. of Squire of Ct. Re. in Plainfield, Ct.
Adaline Cobb, mo. 684, br. 846, m. Heman Cobb, dis. 1840
to Plym. Ee. ad. 1853.
Alanson Darling, fa. 715, sis. 849, 850, (857).
Hannah H. Darling, fa. 715, m. — Spaulding, dis. 1837 to
Lempster, N. H.
Aurilla Darhng, fa. 715, m. Hiram Fletcher, dis. 1832 to
Lempster, N. H.
Thalia Eddy, fa. 944, br. 967, sis. 955, 968, 969, (839).
Ann Juliett Eddy, fa. 718, sis, 988, m. Samuel Barrett,
dis. 1833, to Cambridge, Re. in Newton, Ms.
Charlotte Edson, sis. 719, Re. in Titicut.
Lavinia Elmes, (804), o. Macomber, sis. 823, d. Oc. 29 ?
1836, re. 29?
Louisa Elmes, fa. 817, m. Samuel G. Drake of Boston.
Mercy Freeman, w. Elisha, o. Eddy, fa. 341, d. Au. 19,
1828, re 82.
Lauretta Ann Fuller, gr. mo. 647, (848).
Rufus Holmes, s. of Zaccheus, (861) dis. 1828 to War'm., d.
Mh. 20, 1839, re. 35.
George L. Holmes, mo. 800, Re., m., Re. in Tenn.
Eunice Holmes, w. Peleg, o. Wood, dis. 1840 to N. Bridg'r.
Hannah Littlejohn, mo. 805, (858), dis. 1828 to War'm.
Lendall P. Morton, br. 662, (904), d. Ja. 11, 1843, 03. 46th.
Nathan Perkins Jr., gr. gr. mo. 172, (1023) 2d. m. Mrs.
Sias, o. Dean, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Olive Pratt, fa. 772, br. 1032, m. Darius Wentworth, dis.
1835 to Bridg'r. lie d., she Re. there.
Lydia Smith, dau. Jabez, sis. 1051, gr. gr. fa. 161.
James Soule 4th, aged 12 yrs., s. Wra., gr. fa. 664, (1052)
Ruth Soule, w. Isaac o. Fuller, d. Se. 30, 1849, te. 69th.
Thomas Sproat, fa. 323, (883) d. Fe. 3, 1833, vs. 75.
109
869
870
1823
No. 23
" 23
871
872
" 23
" 23
873
874
875
" 23.
" 23.
" 23.
876
877
« 23.
" 23.
878
1824.
Ja. 7.
879
u 7
880
" 7.
881
Ap. 4.
(V2S)
" 4
882
" 4
883
884
« 4.
« 4.
885
886
" 4.
Mh.lO.
887
Jy. 4.
888
1825
Se. 9.
889
890
891
892
893
894
1826.
Ja. 22,
Jy. 2,
Se. 21,
1827.
De. 2,
1829.
Jy. 5.
Daniel Thomas, mo. 702, ra. Pliebe Thomas, '25, Ro. in Pa.
Arad Thompson, fa. 581, br. 935, sis. 698, 725, m. Mercy
liouruc, [her mo. 895, si-;. 815], d. Ap. 22, 184.3, te. 5G.
Marietta T. Tliompson, fa. 935, br. 926, sis. 872, 927.
Cordelia Thompson, fa. 935, sis. 871, m. Benj'n. Bryant,
lie. in Philadelphia.
Judith Tilson, fa. 652, br. 693, unm. d. Ja. 22, 1836, x. 30},.
Betsey L. Wing, mo. 880, m. Ehj. Burgess, dis. '47 to C. C C.
James D. Wilder, a3. 15th year, ia. 639, (1001), dis. 1847
to C. C. C. : Dea. there, d. Fe. 7, 1854, x. 45th.
Jane Wilhs, dau. Eben'r and Joanna of Bridgwater, br. 802.
Lydia Wood, dau. Timothy, br. 1014, gr. gr. mo. 429, gr.
gr. gr. fii. 135, m. Caleb Bassett, Ke. iu W. P.
Jabez Fuller fr. Wrenthara, mo. 673, sis. 074, (879),
he and W. dis. 1 82C to Berkley. They Ke. in Yer.
Sally Fuller fr. Plymt., (878), o. Churchill.
Lura Wing fr. Wai''m., Avid. of Ansel, o. Leonard, dau. of
Archippus, gr. mo. 3.38, d De. 15, 1851, a?. 71.
Susan B. Fuller fr. Plainfield Ct., w. Zachariah, [his mo.
673, br. 878], o. Barstow, d. in Plainfield, Ct.
Serena Hubbard fr. Windsor, Vt., o. Tucker, gr. fa. 164,
dis. 1838 to Chicago, 111. and He. there ; wid.of Ahira.
Susanna Miller, wid. John [d. Jy. 16, '18 se. 47th,] m. '92,
(652), o. Sparrow b. 1772. mo. 643, br. 734, sis, 751.
Mary Sproat, (868), o Briggs, d. Sep. 3, 1834, a*. 73.
Silas Thomas, s. of Jer'h, gr. mo. 387, 484, br. 736, m. Mary
Shurtliff, d. Au. 10. 1834, x. 69th.
Eleazer Thomas, s. of Eleazer, gr. fa. 350, (920).
REV. WILLIAM EATON fr. Fitchburg, 7th Pastor,
(890), dis. 1834, d. April 15, 1840, a3 56 ; (p. 44.)
Azel Thomas, mo. 892, sis, 894, gr. gr. fa. 428, 298, m.
Harriet Thompson 1837, d. Mh. 31, 1844, x. 47th.
Elizabeth Leonard fr. Plym., w. of Eph'm., 1st h. Geo.
Churchill, o. Harlow, dau. of Seth and Sarah Wairen,*'
J>ea. Natlil? Benfnj- Ilidiard of the M. F., d. De. 28
1846, X. 78.' '
Lucy W. Morse fr. Nor. Bridg'r., dau. of Sam'l, br. 1016,
1053, gr. fa. 549, m. Edw'd. Adams.
Lydia Eaton fr. Fitchburg, (886), o. Sanford, dis. 1834,
d. in Worcester Ms., Mh. 25, 1850, a\ 55.
Ruth Morse, w. of Levi, o. Savery, dis. 1839 to Carv.
Phebe Thomas, w. Azel, m. 1796, o. Ellis, dau. of Geo., gr.
mo. 623, d. in the St. of Me. Feb. 3, 1851, x. 76.
Mary Freeman, (676), o. Cole, dau. of Job, sis. 917, 1081
dis. 1846, to Carv., d. Ju. 13. 1852, ai. 65th.
Betsey Thomas, mo. 892, m. Sam'l Ellis, dis. 'oo to War'm.
110
1829.
895
Se.
27.
890
u
27.
897
u
27
898
(I
27.
899
((
27.
900
u
27.
901
u
27.
902
a
27.
903
No.
8.
904
a
8.
905
ii
8.
906
11
8.
907
»
8.
90S
11
8.
1830.
909
Ja.
20.
910
Ap.
2.
911
Au.
1.
912
De.
5.
913
((
5.
1831.
914
Ju.
5.
915
u
5.
91G
a
5.
917
(C
5.
918
a
5.
919
a
5.
920
11
5.
921
u
5.
922
u
5.
923
il
5.
924
Ju.
5.
925
a
5.
926
i(
5.
Lucy Bourne, w. Wm., o. Pierce, dau. Job, dis. '48 to C C. C.
f Ebenezer Pickens, son of Sam'l, (897), he and w. dis.'47 to
) C. C. C.
! Mary B. Pickens, (896,) o. Thompson, dau. Benj'n. sis.
[ 931, 947, gr. fa. 563, gr. gr. ta. ad. 4.
Lydia M. Eddy, (944), o. Morton, dau. Joshua, sis. 971.
Polly W. Caswell, w. Eleazer, o. Cobb, dau. of Lemuel, gr.
gr. fa , 3G3.
Jane Standisli, w. John, o. Churchill dau. Elias ; Ee.
Barbara Tinkham, dau. Eben'r. gr. fa. 592.
Lauretta Wing, mo. 880, m. Wm. T. Estes, dis. 1843, to
Taunton, d. in Sandwich, De. 24, 1852, Oi. 43.
Olive T. Cobb, dau. Levi, gr. fa. 628, gr. mo. 550, m.
Philander Hacket, d. Au. 12, 1850, a;. 40.
Eliza S. Morton, (862), m. 1824, o. Hacket, dau. George,
sis. 924, hr. 903, d. Ja. 12, 1843, as. 38.
Mary Norcutt, mo. 622, m. Dan'l Dunham, dis. '47 to C.C.C.
j Samuel Pool, (907) ; they Ee. in South Abington.
I Lyd.a Pool, (906), o. Cox.
Betsey Warren, w. Galen, [he d. Ju. 19, 1853, se. 55 ; br.
G9G], o. Tribou, mo. 695, gr. gr. fa 298.
Sarah Jackson fr. Windsor Vt., dau. of Joseph sr., gr. fa.
335, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Hannah D. Morton fr. Shoreham Vt., fa. ad. 10, br. 662,
862, m. Horatio N. Wilbur, d. Jy. 26, 1846, sz. 37th.
Lucy C. Wood fr. Scitu., (947,) m. '27 1st. m. — Gushing,
o. Nichols, dis. 1847 to C. C. C, d. Se. 26, 1848, x. 61st.
Susanna Tucker, w. Daniel [fa. 327], o. Thompson, dau.
Nathan, gr. mo. ad. 64, 16 chi. fr. '83, d. Fe. 25, '50, a;.86th.
Mandana Tucker, mo. 912, gr. gr. mo. ad, 64.
Freeman Barrows, mo. 971, dis. 1832 to N. Bedford, Re.
in Mo. ; m.
Betsey Eddy, w. Eben'r, [fa. 633], o. Stetson, dau. Caleb,
Betsey M. Eddy, mo. 915, gr. fa. 633, m. Amasa Thompson
[gr. gr. gr. fa. 9], d. No. 17, 1851, x. 38.
Hannah Thomas, wid. of Ezra, [gr. fa. 425], o. Cole,
dau. of Job, sis. 893, d. Jy. 5 ? 1 853, x. 63.
( Seneca Thomas,\\\. 649, br. 923, sis. 921, (919) Lea., 1852.
\ Hope Thomas, (9 1 8), o. Faunce, dau. Ansel, gr. mo. 433.
Eunice Thomas, (885), o. Shurtliff, dau. Gideon.
Anna Thomas, w. Andrew, [d. 1853, a3. 75th. mo. 550], o.
Thomas, fa. 649. br. 918, d. Ap. 12, 1833, x. 49.
Lucia Ann Thomas, fa. 885, unm., d. No. 30, 1836, ?e. 20.
Winslow Thomas, fa. 649, br. 918, m. Charity Thomas,
[dau. of Isaiah, sis. 1077J, d. No. 14, 1843, re. 52.
Huldah Thomas, w. of Benj'n, o. Hacket, dau. of Geo. sis.
904, d. Se. 25, 1852, aj. 60th.
Nathan King, m. Ellen Thompson, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Charles F. Tliompson, fa. 935, sis. 927, d. Se. 3, '39, je. 23.
Ill
927
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
(626)
937
938
939
940
941
942
1831.
Ju. 5
Au.
1832.
Ap. 1.
Oc. 17.
1833.
Ma. 5.
Ju. 2.
1835
Oc. 28.
1836.
Ja. 3.
Mh. 6.
" 6.
943No. 6
|l837.
944Mh. 5
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
« 5,
" 5,
Ma. 7,
Ma. 7
« 7
« 7,
'• 7,
Ju. 2
Floranlha Thompson, fa. 935, br. 926, sis. 871, 872, m.
Granville T. Sproat, dis. '39 to La Pointe, L. S.
Thomas Gisby, br. 773, m. Mehetabel Daniels.
Simeon Staples, s. of Eben'r of Taunton, m. Lydia Sarapsonj
[her. fa. 732], d. Ja. 17, 1833, ce. 37^.
Susanna Cushraan, w. Adoniram, o. Bump, mo. 596.
Freelove G. Rounseville, w. Gamaliel, o. Thompson dau.
of Benj'n, sis. 897, gr. mo. 585, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Mary Jane Eastman fr. Brunswick Me., m. Kev. Sam'l
Utley, dis. 1838 to So. New Marlboro'
Betsey Tinkham fr. Wrentham, w. of Geo. W., o. Cole.
Matilda Wood, (1014), o. Thompson, dau. of Samuel and
Clara, br. 916 ; dis. 1852 to C. C. C.
Cephas Thompson, fa. 581, m. Olivia Leonard, (2d. w. 723).
David Harlow fr. Brookfield, s. Jesse, m. — Finney, Re.
in Plymouth.
Desire Morse from Halil'x., unm., d. De. 29, 1851, x. 80.
Ruth Reed, w. Sam'l., o. Sampson, dau. Icho. dis. '47 to
C. C. C.
Harvey Tinkham, s. of Hazael, gr. gr. fa. 148, (985) ; 2d.
m. — Rarasdell.
REV. ISRAEL W. PUTNAM fr. Portsmouth, N. H.,
8th Pastor, s. of Eleazer of Danvers, 1st m. Harriot
Osgood, 2nd. m. (941), chi. 1006, 1036, 1057; (p. 44).
Sabina Willis fr. Hal'x., w. Martin, o. Thompson, dau.
Isaac sr., br. 981, gr. gr. gr. fa. 9, dis. 1849 to Hal'x.
Julia Ann Putnam fr. Portsm'h. N.H., (939), o. Osgood, dau.
of Sam'l and Maria of N. Y., 1st. h. S. Osgood jr., chi. 942.
Adeline H. Osgood fr. Portsmouth N. H., mo 941, m. Wm.
C. Eddy, [s. of Wra. S., gr. fa 633.]
Caroline M. Pickens, fa. 896, mo. 897, dis. '47 to C. C. C,
m. John McCIoud ; two brs. and h. on. p. 69.
Joshua Eddy, fa. 633, br. 682, 718, sis. 683, (898).
Harriet Hill, came fr. and returned to Boston.
Elizabeth H. Washburn, w. Philander, o. Homes, dau. of
Henry and Dorcas of Boston, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Wilkes Wood, s. Eben'r., br. 801, m. Betsey Tinkham
1798, [gr. fa. 345]; 2d. w. Betsey Thompson, 3d. w.
(911), d. Oc. 1, 1843, re. 73.
Chaki.es W. Wood, fa. 947, dis, 1839 to Ashby (p.55), m.
Eliza Ann Bigelow, 2d. m. Catharine Lemist, o. Clarke.
Emily Louisa Wood, fa. 947, br. 948, 953, sis. 950, 951, "t.
gr. gr. fa. ad 4, dis. 1847, to C. C. C. °
Mary T. Wood, fa. 947, m. Russell L. Hathaway ; Re. in Ind.
Sally Leonard, w. Jas., o. Wood, fa. 947, d. Ja. 1846, je. 43d.
Irene Soule, w. Otis, o. Cushman, dau. Jacob, of Plymt.
112
11837
95.3
Se.
o
1838
954
Jy.
1
955
Se.
2
95 G
a
2.
957
(I
2.
958
a
2.
959
(C
2.
9 GO
u
2.
9G1
a
2.
902
No.
4.
1839.
963
Jcl.
4.
(673)
Jy.
6.
1840.
964
Jy.
5-
(774)
u
5.
965
a
5.
966
Se.
6.
967
a
6.
968
li
6.
909
«
6.
970
a
6.
971
a
6.
972
(I
6.
973
ii
6.
974
i(
6.
975
u
6.
976
a
6.
977
u
6.
978
((
G.
979
li
6.
980
((
6.
981
IC
6.
982
?5
6
983
No.
1.
984
William Henry Wood, fa. 947, br. 948, sis. 949, 950.
Mary Ann Orringlon, came from and returned to Boston.
Jane Ellen Eddy, fa. 944, br. 967, sis. 851, 969, m. Timothy
Cobb, dis. 1842 to Carv , Kc. in Fall River.
Lucy Harrington, w. Isaac, o. Raymond, dau. Joshua.
j Lothrop Thomas Jr., mo. 1073, gr. gr. fa. 350, (958).
( Louisa Faunce Thomas, (957), o. Thomas,fa. 918,br.l071.
Saba S. Thomas, fa. 885, unm., d. De. 18, 1845, a3. 25.
Mary Ann Thomas, mo. 921, m. Soranus Wrightington.
Mary H. Thomas, w. Albert, o. Churchill, dau. Edmund.
Mary Reed Atwood, w. Daniel, o. Whitmarsh, dau. Wm.
Betsey L. Pratt fr. Bridgwater, w. Simeon o. Leach, dati.
of Levi, of Bridg'r, br. 1048, d. Ap. 19, 1839, a;. 27.
Lucy Fuller from Fairhaven, d. Se. 13, 1839, s&. 81^.
Eliab Dean, s. of Seth of Raynham, (986), chi. 987.
Hannah Coade fr. Dunkirk N. Y.
Sarah Lawrence, w. Dan'l, o. Custens, dau of Thomas.
Mary Ann Colwell, dau. Eben'r., m. Eben'r. Fuller, Hal'x.
Charles E. Eddy fr. N. Bedford, fa. 944, dis. 1847 to Provi-
dence, m. Elizabeth Simmons of Prov.
Eliza Eddy, fa. 944, mo. 898, br. 967, sis. 851, 955, 969.
Susan M. Eddy, fa. 944, mo. 898, br. 967, sis. 851, 968, 955.
Ann Elizabeth Eddy, fa. 082, mo. 797, sis. 1010, (976),
dis. 1844 to Bahimore, Md.
Susanna M. Ellis, (680), 1st h. Freeman Barrows, o.
Morton, sis. 898, s.914, dis. 1844 to N. Bedford.
Jane Freeman, mo. 1061, sis. 1055, 1056, gr. mo. 856, (997),
Re. in No. Bridgewater.
Jerusha Haskins, w. Job, o. Raymond.
Lucia Maria Nichols, w. James G., o. Cole, dau. Lemuel,
gr. fa. 665.
Harriet Orcutt, w. Alpheus, o. Soule, mo. 867 ; Re. in. W. P.
William Pratt, s. of, Simeon, (970), dis. '42 to Bait. Md.
Mahala Smith, w. Earl, 1st h. Alfred Soule, o. Shaw, fa. 654,
dis. 1845 to Manchester N. H.
Isaac Soule, 8d, mo. 867, m. Polly Fuller, dau. of Sam'l.
Priscilla Soule, mo. 867, ra. S. M. Stephens, Re. in Boston.
Rebecca Soule, mo. 867, br. 978, sis. 975, 979.
Anna T. Thompson, fa. 705, br. 996, gr. fa. 747, m. Isaac
Thompson Jr., d. in. Hal'x. Ma. 11. 1852, a;. 38th.
Eunice Washburn, w. Lewis, o. Leonard, dau. Jonathan.
Henry Dunham fr. Carv., s. of Israel of Carv., m. Louisa
Jane Tratt, [fa. 772, sis. 864] ; dis. 1850 to C. C. C.
Lucia C. Ellis, w. Southworth Jr., o. Thomas, dau. Noah,
cr. fa. 350.
1840.
985
No.
1.
i841.
986
la.
4.
987
>(
4.
988
a
4.
989
a
4.
990
ii
4.
991
ii
4.
992
a
4.
993
a
4.
994
li
4
995
ii
4.
996
ii
4.
997
a
4.
998
ii
4.
999
ii
4.
1000
a
4.
1001
ii
4.
1002
ii
4.
1003
Ma.
7.
1004
ii
7.
1005
a
7.
1006
Se.
12.
1007
a
12.
1008
a
12.
1009
No.
7.
1010
a
7.
1011
a
7.
1842.
1012
Ja.
2.
1013
ii
2.
1014
a
2.
1015
Ju.
26.
1016
((
26.
1017
ii
26.
1018
ii
26.
1019
ii
26.
1020
<(
26.
1021
Se.
4.
1022
4.
113
Jane Tinkham, (938), o.Cornisli, fa. 593, d. Se. 16, '48 se. '54.
Lydia Dean, (964), o. Paddleford, dau. Solomon.
Lois Dean, fa. 964, mo. 986.
Charlotte Elizabeth Eddy, fa. 718, sis. 852, m. Rev. F. G.
Pratt Pastor Winthrop Church. So. Maiden.
Stephen Harlow Jr., gr. mo. 632, br. 990, sis. 991, (1029).
Jonathan E. Harlow, s. Stephen sr., br. 989, Physician in
Hingliam. m
Sarah Harlow, br. 989, sis. 992, m. John A. Williams.
Betsey B. Harlow, br. 989, sis. 993, m. John M. Soule.
Mary L. Harlow, gr. mo. 632, sis. 992, 991, br. 989, 990.
j Venus Thompson, mo.655. gr gr. mo. 372 and ad. 64,(995).
( Jane Thompson, (994),o. Southworth, dau. Selh and Hope.
Benjamin F. Thompson, fa. 705, sis. 981, ra. Sarah A.
Wood, [dau. David, gr. gr. fa. 356, d. Ja. 10, 185J,ae.35].
Oliver G. Tinkham, fa. 938, (972), Re. in N. Bridg'r.
Rachel Vineca, w. David, o. Vaughan, mo. 567.
Dorlisca N. Vineca, mo. 998, ni. Francis Thompson.
Lydia Vineca, mo. 998, m. Martin Wood of Hal'x.
Bathsheba L. Wilder, (875), o. Murdock, dis. '47 to C. C. C.
Abigail T. Wood, mo. 742, sis. 1003, gr. fa. 569.
Mercy L. Wood, mo. 768, gr. fa. 747.
Joanna Atwood, w. of Jacob, o. Wood, mo. 742, sis. 1002.
Mary C. Wood, w. of Eliab Jr., o. Freeman, fa. 676, mo. <"^93.
Harriet O. Putnam, fa. 939, br. 1036, sis. 1057, m. Charles
F. Pierce, [s. Peter H., gr. fa. 868].
Sarah T. Thompson, w. of Reuel Jr. [fa. 705], o. Wood,
dau. Alfred sr. and Rhoda, br. 1008. gr. mo 67?, 643.
Alfred Woodiv. fr. Woodstock Ct, sis. 1007, Dea. '52.
Lucy Ann Eddy, dau. Wm. S., gr. fa. 633, m. Dr. Geo. King.
Mary Jane Plddy, fa. 682, sis. 970, m. Charles F. Thayer;
Re. in Ogdensburg, N. Y.
Alfred B. Soule, mo. 977, gr. fa. 664, 654, dis. 1845 to
Manchester, N. H.
( Adoniram J. Cushman, 930, (1013), dis. 1847 to C C. C.
(Ann S. Cushman, (1012), o. Reed, dau. of Dean H., dis.
'47 to C. C. C.
Abiel Wood, s. of Timothy, sis. 877, (934), dis. '52 to CCC.
Zilpha m. Clarke, w. Joseph 3d., o. Miller, dau. of John,
mo. 882, gr. gr. mo. ad. 51 , dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Marston S. Morse, s. Sam'l, br. 1053, sis. 889, gr. fa. 549.
Phebe Thomas, wid. of Israel, o. Thompson, dau. of Dan'l.
Perry A. Wilbur, s, Jas.,m. Betsey B. Wilder, dis.'49 CCC.
George Warren, fa. 696, mo. 685, unm. d. Ap. 21, 1848 ie.29.
Mary Wood, w. Thomas J., o. Tinkham, dau. Levi, gr.fa.346.
( Halford Earle fr. Brunswick Me., s. Frederic, (1022),
J he and W. dis. 1847 to E. Thomaston Me.
( Elizabeth Earle fr. N. Bedf'd., o. Barker, dau. Joshua.
1023
1024
1025
1026
1027
1028
1029
1030
1031
1032
1033
1034
1035
1036
1037
1038
1039
1040
1041
1042
(790)
1043
1044
1045
1842.
Se.
« 4.
« 4.
" 4,
« 4,
« 4.
" 4,
1843.
Ja. 1
Ma. 7
Ju.
1844.
Ja. 7.
7.
Ma.
Jy.
No.
5
7.
7.
7,
3
« 3.
1845.
Ja. 5
" 5.
Ma. 4.
1846.
Se. 6.
114
Eunice Perkins, (863), o. Bisbee, dau. of Joseph, gr. gr.
gr, fa. 68, d. Se, 16, 1844, cc. 40.
[Benj. F. Pratt, s. Benj. Jr., gr. ia. G46, (1025), Ee. to
J Plymo. ; 2d. m. Bravley, d. Ja. 21, 1853, fe. 34th.
] Abby B. Pratt, (1024), o. Morse, br. 1016, d. Jy. 14,
[ '44, ffi. 25.
Mahala S. Pratt, gr. fa. 646, br. 1024, m. Sam'l Morse Jr.
Mary H. Thompson fr. Plymt., w. Edw'd, o. Bryant, da.
of Micah.
Eleanor B. Wood, mo. 751, sis. 800, dis. 1847 to C. C C.
Bethiali O. Harlow fr. E. Bridg'r, (989), o. Keith, dau. Geo.
Consider Eobbins fr. Carv., s. of Consider, m. Martha
Richardson, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
Calvin Doane, m. Huldah Willis, [mo. 940], Re.
Tliomas A. Pratt, fa. 772, sis. 864, m. Ruth C. Bradford.
Abigail S. Pickens fr. Rochester, w. of Andrew J., o.
Snow, dau. Linus of Eochester, dis. 1847 to C C. C.
Mary Briggs fr. W. P., w. of Eben'r Jr., o. Dean, dau.
Rev. Joshua Dean, d. No. 1, 1846, x 28.
James Foley, s. Laurens and Catharine of Ireland, m. Sylvia
Standish. ■\vid. Jn. C, o. Perkins, dau. Gideon.
William F. Putnam, fa. 939, sis. 1006, dis. '49 to Brooklyn
N. Y., d. in Middleboro', Feb. 11, 1853, ae. 25.
Phebe H. Wood fr. Pawtucket, w. of Ansel, o. Hamilton.
[ dau. Rev. Seth S., dis. '47 to C. C. C. ; a 2 d. m. in Vt.
Hope Wrightington, dau. of David, dis. 1847 to C. C. C,
unm., d. Ja 4, 1850, x. 43d.
( JDea. Cornelius S. Burgess fr.New Bedf 'd,dis.'47 to C.C.C.
( Melissa Burgess fr. N.B., (1041), o. Cobb, dau. Nehemiah.
( Dr. John Perkins fr.No. Roch'r, (1043), dis. '47 to C.C.C.
} Ann S. Perkins fr. N. Y. city, (790), o. Nelson, dau of
/ Dr. Thomas [a native of Middleboro'], dis. '47 to C C.C.
Joanna Brand fr. N. P., (Ind.) unm. d. Jy. 31, 1851, £e. 82 ?
Almira Goddard fr. Roxbury, w. John H., o. Porter, dau.
Aaron and Pauline, dis. 1847 to C. C. C.
1850.
1046!Ja. 6. Susanna B. Smith, w. Harvey, o. Robbins, dau. Manas'h.
1047 Mh, 3. Ruth E. Dean, w. Wm., o. Baker, dau. Benoni and Hannah,
1048 " 3. ( George M. Leach fr.Sandw.N.H.,s.ofLevi,sis.963,( 1049).
1049 " 3. I Betsey E. Leach, (1048), o. Edson, dau. Ezra and Eliza.
1050,Ma. 5. Consider Fuller, mo. 647, sis. 685, 799, gr. fa. 577, m.
Mercy Thompson, dau. of Moses, [his gr. fa. 235.]
105l| " 5.|Hannah W. Soule, w. Lewis, o. Smith, dau. Jabez, sis. 865.
1850.
10521 " 5.
1053
1054
Jy. 7,
No. 3,
1851
1055
Ja.
5.
1056
a
5.
1057
ii
5.
1058
a
5.
1059
Ap.
6.
1060
Jy.
6.
(722)
<(
6.
1061
li
6.
1062
li
6.
1063
u
6.
1064
Jy.
6.
1852.
1065
No.
7.
1853.
1066
Ja.
2.
(847)
<(
2.
1067
11
2.
1068
Mh.
6.
1069
Ma.
1070
u
1071
u
1072
ii
1,
1073
li
1074
((
1,
1075
u
1076
ii
1077
Jy.
3!
1078
ii
3.
1079
ii
3.
1080
li
3.
1081
11
3.
1082
11
3.
1083
No.
6.
1084
"
6.
115
Marcia Soule, (866), 0. Soule, dau. Thomas, gr. fa. 663, d.
Oc. 20, 1853, ffi. 40th.
Charles S. Morse, s. Samuel, br. 1016, m. Nancy W. Pratt.
Elisabeth S. Smith fr. Hal'x, w. of Moses T., [gr. fa. 690,
gr. gr. fa. 356], 0. Bourne, dau. Isaac of Hal'x.
Mercy E. Bryant, w. of Ira, o. Freeman, mo. 1061, sis. 972
1056, gr. mo. 866, gr. gr. mo. 486.
Louisa Cornish, w. Josiah T., [gr. fa. 593, 664], 0. Freeman,
mo. 1061, sis. 972, 1055.
Julia Maria Putnam, fa. 939, br. 1036, sis. 1006, m. Alfred
S. Thayer, Re. in Exeter, N. H.
Sarah Jane Tinkham, dau of Enoch, gr. mo. 551, gr. gr. fa.
592, Re. in Boston.
Melinda B. Eddy fr. Fall River, (682), 0. Bordon, 1st m.
to Rev Augustus B. Reed.
( Rev. Elijah Dextkr fr. Plymt., s. of Elijah, late Pastor
) there, (722), d. Oc. 10. 1851, as. 65.
I Lydia Dexter fr. Plymt., (1060.)
Virtue M. Freeman, w. of Josiah, 0. Morton, dau. Seth Jr.,
sis 789, gr. fa. 354, gr. gr. mo. 127.
Elisabeth Littlejohn, w. Orsamus, o. Swift, dau. Jn.
j Thomas Savery, s. of Neremiah, gr. gr. gr. mo. 43, (1064).
(Penelope Savery, (1063,) 0. Swift, dau. John, sis. 1062.
Susan H. Caswell, fr. Bridg'r, w. of Eleazer R., o. Caswell.
Thomas Weston Jr., fa. 839, gr. fa. 834, 944.
Adeline Cobb fr. Plym., w. of Heman, o. Cobb, mo. 684.
Saba Adams Comstock fr. Dedham, w. of Dr. Wm. W., o.
Sturtevant dau. of Thomas, gr. rao. 627.
Elira Jane Eddy fr. Providence, w. of Joshua M. [fa. 944],
o. Carpenter, dau of Hosea of Prov.
Sarah A. Atwood, w. of Josiah, o. Bonney, dau. Ezekiel.
Freeman T. Mc.Glathlin, s. of Tho., gr. gr. mo. ad. 85,(1077).
( Seneca R. Thomas, fa. 918, sis. 958, gr. gr. mo. 443,(1072).
( Zilpha B. Thomas, (1071), 0. Shurtliff, mo. 1081.
Melinda Tlioma?, wid. of Lothrop, 0. Shurtliff, sis. 920.
Clarissa Jane Thomas, mo. 1073, br. 957.
Sarah Tyner, dau. of Michael and Susan of Ireland.
Lydia Shaw fr. Plymt., wid. of Wm., o. Sampson, sis. 1080.
Harriet Mc.Glathlin,(1070), 0. Thomas, dau. Isaiah, sis. 923,
gr. fa. 350.
Francis M. Shaw, mo. 1076.
( Benjamin Shaw, fa. 648, mo. 566, gr. mo. ad. 85.
( Bethiah Shaw, (1079) 0. Sampson, dau. Peleg, sis. 1076.
Zilpha Shurtliff, wid. of Barnabas, o. Cole, sis. 893, 917.
Mary M. Morse, w. Oliver, o. Goodwin.
Salome Vaughan, w. of Wm. H., o. Willis, fa. 802, gr. fa. 762.
Rhoda J. Savery, w. of Geo. S. [ia. 667, gr mo. 555], o.
Churchill, dau. of Asaph and Rhoda, gr. fa. 720.
11 G
RESIDENT BRETHREN
Admitted.
Admitted.
Darling,
Savery.
848, Alanson,
1823.
1063, Thomas,
1852.
Dean,
Shaw,
964. Eliab,
1840.
651, Samuel,
1803.
Eddy,
1078, Francis M.
1853
682; Nathaniel,
1807.
1079, Benjamin,
1853.
718, Zechariah,
1808.
Smith,
944, Joshua,
1837.
679, Levi,
1807.
Foley,
Soule,
1035, James,
1844.
863, James,
1823
Fuller,
978, Isaac, Jr.,
1840
1050, Consider,
1850.
Thomas,
Gisby.
885, Eleazer,
1824
773, William,
1813.
918, Seneca,
1831.
928, Thomas,
1831.
957, Lothrop,
1838
Harlow,
1071, Seneca R.,
1850.
989, Stephen,
1841.
Thompson.
Leach,
935, Cephas,
1832
1048, George M.,
1850.
994, Venus,
1841.
Lucas,
996, Benjamin F.,
1841.
822, Job,
1823.
Tinkham,
Mc.Glathlin,
938, Harvey,
1833
1070, Freeman T.,
1853.
Warren,
Morse,
696, John,
1807.
1016, Marston S.,
1841.
Weston,
1053, Charles S.,
1850.
839, Thomas, sr.,
1823
Pratt,
1066, Thomas, Jr.,
1853
772, Thomas,
1813.
Wood,
1032, Thomas A.,
1843.
953, William H.,
1837
Putnam,
1008, Alfred, Jr.,
1841
939, Israel W., Eev.
1835.
NON-
■RES1DE:^
VT MEMBERS.
841, Atwood, Dr. Shadrach.
877, Bassett, Mrs. Lydia.
776, Brown, wid. Sarah.
872, Bryant, Mrs. Cordelia.
842, ( Buss, Martin.
843, I " Mrs. Eliza.
707, Cobb, Jacob.
759, Curtis, Mrs. Sally.
1031, Doane, Calvin.
855, Drake, Mrs. Louisa.
804. Elmes, Eliphalet.
966. Fuller, Mrs. Mary Ann,
769. Harlow, wid. Hepzibah.
990. Harlow, Dr. Jona. Edwards.
950, Hathaway, Mrs. Mary T.
945, Hill, Miss Harriet.
859, Holmes, Geo. L.
954, Orrington, Miss Mary Ann.
906, 5 Pool, Samuel.
907, 1 Pool, Mrs. Lydia.
826, Standish, Josiah O.
900, Standish, wid. Jane.
979, Stephens, Mrs. Priscilla.
830, Taylor, Mrs. Lucy.
1010. Thayer, Mrs. Mary Jane.
1057. Thayer, Mrs. Julia Maria.
869, Thomas, Daniel.
640, Thompson, Rev. Otis.
730, Thompson, Ezra.
999, Thompson, Mrs. Dorliska N.
997, (Tinkham, Oliver 6.
972, ) Tinkham, Mrs. Jane.
815, Wood, Mrs. Louisa.
1000, Wood, Mrs. Lydia.
117
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ADDENDA.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
l^' A portion of the first twelve of this addenda list appear by
the transactions of the church to have been members ; others of
them are known lo: g to have worshipped and communed here, and
must have been members here or elsewhere.
Pegge Rowland; dis. 1753 to 4th Church, Bridgwater.
Anna Kalton, w. of ? ( Afr.), servant of No. 35, chi. bap fr. 1733.
Nannie, (Afr.), serv't of Nos. 35, 47 ; d. Ju. 28, 1787, a?. 91st.
Jacob Tomson, fa. 9, br. 2G8, sis. 180, 159, (ad. 3G),m. 1731, d. Mh.
10, 1789, JB 94th.
Isaac Perkins, of chii. in Carv., s. of Zephaniah, m. Mary Shurtliff,
chi. 749, 790, d. Jy. 1839, aj. 95th.
( Jacob Bennet, fa. 179, (ad. 7), m. 1751, d. No. 6, 1799, ss. 74.
( Hope Bennet, (ad. 6), o. Nelson, d. Fe. 5, 1816, se. 84.
( Elijah Perry, (ad. 9), d. Ja. 28, 1812. iE. 86th.
"i Sarah Perry, (ad. 8), d. Jy. 25, 1813, as. 84th.
Livy Morton, s, Eben'r, gr. mo. 127, (1 1), m. bef. 1790, 2d. m.
Catharine Richmond dau. Stephen, d. Jy. 19, 1838, x. 78|^.
Hannah Morton, (10), o. Dailey, dau. Abiel, d. Se. 4, 18u7, se. 47th.
Rebecca ScoUay, dau. Benj'n of Mystic ; resident in Rev. S. Conani's
fam. from 1759, unm., d. No. 15, 1801, se. 68th.
l^' The following persons were in such covenant connection with
the church as to be under its watch and care, and to enjoy the right
of baptism for their cliildren. Some of them may have been in full
membership with this or other churches.
Samuel Chard ; ch, Joseph b. 1705, Wm. 1708, and bap. 1710.
Samuel Cobb ; (w. Abigail) ; 5 ch. bap. fr. 1710 to 1718.
" Shubael and Elisabeth Lewis 1709."
Ann Winslow ; " bap. at Rochester June 1710."
John Smith and Melatiah ; chi. bap. 1710.
"James Coomes, Oc. 1710."
Hannah Vaughan ; ) Bap., made conf. of faith in
Mary Vaughan ; (prob. b. 1694. fa. 38,) S Christ and admit'dintoCov't.
Jane Hall" chi. Tabatha bap. 1713; Charity, 1715.
Lt. Elkanah Leonard; chi. Timothy bap. 1713.
119
23
24
25
2G
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
64
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
1
Wm. Thoma?, Jr., b. 1700,
sis. 119, br. 298, (115). { These four were ' bap., made conf. of
Joseph Thomas ; )■ faith in Christ and admitted into cove-
Josiah Thomas ; nant, 1713.'
Betty Cobb ; J
Jerusha Conant, b. 1702, mo. 101 ; ) Made their relations, and
Prudence Conant, b. 1707, mo. 101 ; f were bap. 1721.
Elisabeth Thomas, b. 1698, br. ad. 23 ? made rel. and bap. 1715.
Abiah Caswell ; made a relation and bap. 1722.
Robert Mackfun ; (w. 72) ; ' Bap. in Scotland ; restored to cov't.'
.John Drew Jr. ; fa. 78, m. Susanna Bennet, 1728. ) Made conf. and
Thomas Drew ; fa. 78 ; d. Ju. 14, 1770 ? j bap. 1724.
Geo. Vaughan, fa. 38, and w. (166), owned the covenant and he was
bap. 1728, 1st w. Rebecca, d. 1718; he d. Ap. 11, 1766, se. 83d.
Elisabeth Bobbins, w. Jn., her chi. bap. fr. 1727 to '38.
Elisabeth Holmes, w. Jn. bef. 1724, o. Tilson, 2d. m. (ad. 4), d. Au.
8, 1773, se. 74th.
Samuel Fuller, fa. 28, br. 94, 156, (146) ; 6 clii. bap. fr. 1729.
Thankful Eaton, (226), o. Alden, fa. 32, d. Oc. 29, 1732, se. 26.
Mary Thomas, br. ad. 23, m. Jacob Soule 1731, d. Mh. 1, 1749, ge. 49.
Eunice Thomas, br. ad. 23, (336), d. Ap. 8, 1778, ge. 69.
Betty Thomas, b. 1716, br. ad. 23, m. Jona. Wood, Bridg'r, 1737.
Sarah Holmes; her chi. Hannah bap. 1733.
Mary Holmes, w. Thomas m. 1731, o. Sproat.
Gers'hom Sampson, br. 193 ? (224) ; chi. bap. fr. 1729.
Eben'r Wood, fa. 7, (429), chi. bap. fr. 1729, d. De. 5, 1768, se. 71.
Samuel Warren Jr. ; fa. 174, m. Rebecca Dunham, 1734.
Cornelius Warren, b. 1710, fa. 174, chi. bap. fr. 1736.
Wm. Canedy, (432) ; ' Wm. Esq., of Taunton, d. Ja. 23, 1774.'
Susanna Miller, w. David, m. 1728, o. Holmes ; removed.
Lt. Joseph Bennet, s. of Peter, (273), d. Ja. 1742, ae. 38th.
Priscilla Bennet, br. ad. 50, m. Jn. Miller 1735, d. Oc. 7, 1754, se. 44th.
Wm. Nelson, " of a chh. in Ireland ; " 3 chi. bap. fr., 1730.
Joel Ellis, (190), 6 chi. bap. 1730, d. Ju. 21, 1763, se. 85th.
J Barna. Eaton, fa. 15, w. Mehita'l, 2 w. (ad. 55), d. No. 1790, a3.90th.
( Elisabeth Eaton, (ad. 54) m. 1743, o. Clemens ?
Jabez Wood, b. 1686, fa. 13, m. Mercy Fuller 1716 ; 7 chi. bap. 1732.
Robert Barrows, b. 1709, fa, 59, (248), d. bef. 1761.
Eben'r Morton, sis. 80, 131, 134, (127), d. Ma. 12, 1750, ae. 64th.
Mary Palmer, b. 1715, fa. 21 ; relation read and bap. 1732.
Samuel Tinkham sr., fa. 46 ? m. 1718, 1730, d. Mh. 16, 1775, te. 87.
Thomas King, (279) ; his chi. bap. fr. 1733.
Mary Savery, w. Jn. jr., m. 1729, o. Thomas, d. Jy. 20, 1778, se. 71st.
Content Weston, w. Jn., [his 2 w. (347) ; he d. Au. 18, 1768, a?. 73.]
Martha Tomson, w. of Thomas 2d. m. 1732, o. Soul, mo. 55, d. Mh.
18, 1772, 3d. 70th.
John Smith, s. of Jn., (313). m. 1736, d. De. 13, 1748, a3. 46th.
Mary Shaw ; chi. bap. 1737. A wid. Mary d. Ma. 18, 1793, se. 89.
Ichabod Barden, b. 1705, s. of Jn., m. Bethia Elmes, chi. bap. 1737
120
68' Jedldali Wood ; chi. bap. 1737. Que? 263.-
69 Mrs. Sampson, w. Peleg; ; chi. bap. 1739.
70 Amos Bates and w. Jemima; their chi. bap. 1730.
71 Esther Bennet, w. Eben'r Jr., owned cov't, and chi. bap. 1739, d.
Jy 5, 1776, X. 70th.
72 Jane Brown; her chi. bap. 1739.
73 f James Warren, b. 1711, fa. 174, (ad. 74), | Made relations and them-
74 ( Mary Warren, (ad. 73), \ selves and chi. bap. 1739.
75 Joanna Barlow, w. AVm. ; her chi. bap. fr. 1738 to '52.
76 Elisabeth Whaley, w. Alexander ; her chi. bap. 1740.
77 j Gershom Cobb Jr., b. 1714, l"a. 272, (ad. 78), their chi. bap. 1740.
78 j Miriam Cobb, (ad.77), m. 1739, o. Thomas, mo. 136, d. Ja. 31,
1748, ffi. 27.
79 .Joseph Harris, (w. Hannah), " His chi. bap. 1741."
80 Mrs. Clarke, w. of John, " Her chi. bap. 1741."
81 Jn. Montgomery ; m. Mary Strowbridge, 1735 ; chi. bap. 1742.
82 Gideon Southworth, fa. 135, (308), d. Oc. 25, 1788, ve. 70th.
83 Lemuel Harlow sr., (w. Joanna), " His chi. bap. 1745."
84 Benjamin Pratt sr., (w. Lydia), 6 chi. bap. fr. 1745.
85 Mehitabel Thomas, w. Sam'l 2d., 10 chi. bap.fr.l746 to '64.o.Barrows ?
86 Jonathan Shaw Jr.; 5 chi. bap. fr. 1746-56.
87:Sarah Morse, w. David, chi. bap. 1748 " on her account."
88'joanna Reed, w. of Beth, 4 ch. bap. fr. 1750 to '60.
89'john Tilson, (480?) chi. Patience bap. 1750.
90 Elisabeth Ellis, w. of Wm., o. Lazell, 1st. chi. bap. 1753.
91 Nathan Tinkham of Hal'x., b. 1725, fa. 93, chi. bap. 1756.
92 Joseph Waterman, (w. Joanna), chi. bap. 1756.
93 Abigail Hacket, w. Eben'r, m. 1757, o. Thomas, chi. bap. 1760.
94 Mary Willis, w. Jas. m. '59 o. Thomas, chi. bap. 1762; d. Ja. 5,
1795,86. 69.
95 Deborah Billington, w. Seth, o. Smith, mo. 313, 2 chi. bap. 1763.
96 John Phinney, sis. 585, (586), chi. bap. fr.l781,d. Ap. 2, 1785, ae. 24^.
ADDITIONAL DEATHS OF MEMBERS.
Since the decease of Miss Elizabeth Barker, (D. C. No. 788) in
Chicago, her friends there have forwarded to this church, from among her
papers, " A Bill of Mortality kept in the First Precinct in Middleboro'
from and after December 5, 1781, by Joseph Barker." This MS. book
of her father appears to be a careful record of 827 deaths, specifying the
"occasion," or disease, up to the time of his decease, "July 25, 1815,
aged 62 years and nine months." From it are gathered the following
deaths of church members, which we had not found from other sources.
The number will show their place in the Descriptive Catalogue :
315 Alice Anthony d. De. 2, 1786, 33. 80.
207 Mary Bennet, wid. d. Ap. 2, 1785, ce.
79th.
265 Eebecca Darling d. Se. 16,l782,se.9.3.
289 Wid. Dunham d. Mh. 27, 1801,
X. 97th.
524 ElkanahElmesd.Nov.l9, 1809,fe.82.
146 Wid. Silence Fuller d. Jy. 23,1786,8e.
83i.
406 Samuel Pratt d. Ap. 20, 1794, se. 78-
374 Japhet Rickard d. Nov. 25,1798,88.74.
206 Wid. Sampson d. De. 7,l794,se.
86th.
333 David Sears d. Au. 20, 1788, a2.78.
216 Wid. of Jona. Snow d. Ap. 20, 1783,
oe. 69th.
322 Wife of Jas. Willis d. Ja. 5,l795,£e.69.
218 Susanna Thomas, mo. 45,br.424,425,
521 Wid. Maxfield d. Mh. 11, 1787, i 350, unm. d. Ma. 15, 1785, cc. 75.
re. 88th. | 372 Wife of Dan'IVanghand.Fe. 1,1791,
485 Francis Pomeroy d. Ja. 23, 1807, se.? | se. 73.
ORDER DURING WORSHIP.
" Thy WAT, God ! is in the sanctuary ;
Who is so geeat a God as our God V — Psalm Ixxvii : 12.
To show the views of the Rev. Peter Thacher — our much venerated
pastor, more than a century since — we give below his letter on this
subject from the church records, under his hand, in accordance with
another on page 23 : —
LETTER.
''My letter to some who loould run out from the public worship at the last
singing, before the public blessing, Sept. 18, 1737.
To Mr. AND HIS Wife.
Dear Friends : — As long as [it was proper in] charity to suggest a
cover for your abruptly breaking from the public worship, I was silent.
But your manner of leaving it of late obliges me, as your friend and
122
watchman, to beav solemn testimony against such a practice, if not
forced to it by bodily indisposition. I solemnly beseech, and in the
name of God, charge you to consider what you do when you pour such
contempt upon the institutions of the Lord Christ, whom you have taken
for your King, and promised subjection to Him in all His institutions.
God hath appointed His ministers to bless His worshiping assemblies
in His name. What do you, if you needlessly turn your backs on this
blessing, but say, " 'tis comtemptible," and so are in danger to carry
away a curse instead of a blessing ? If all should do as you do, where
would the order of God's house be ? What a sad and sinful example
do you set before vain persons, to whom you ought to be exemplary ?
How do you grieve the hearts of them which you ought not to make
sad ? Every time you do so, you break the covenant of God with your
brethren with whom you have promised to walk orderly. If you, with-
out the pressing necessities of the body, do so for time to come — which
I hope God will, in His mercy to your souls, keep you from — this will
be a witness against you, and the guilt of so evil, so God-dishonoring a
practice, must lie at your door and not mine, who am your grieved and
affectionate friend and pastor,
" Peter Thacher."
As it is a material order of the house of God, that at the close of the
service the minister should pronounce the benediction upon the congre-
gation, it is obviously important that they should give a most reverential
attention while the Divine blessing is thus implored.
The early seating also of the congregation before the service com-
mences, adds much to the solemnity and good order of public worship.
These orderly attentions are well approved by the church and people
in this place, and in general may be observed. Late arrivals at the
meeting-house in the morning may cause some irregularity, but prompt-
ness in joining the assembly in the afternoon is expected of alL Those
also who have the care of children should instruct them in these things.
" Those that be planted in the house op the Lord,
" Shall flourish in the courts of our God."
NOTES.
Page 3. Indian Churches. In 1098, Rev. Grlndal Rawson, of Mendon, and
Rev. Samuel Danforth, of Taunton, were commissioned by the Society for
propagating the Gospel among the Indians, to visit, and did visit, the several
plantations in the Old Colony, and made their report; 10 Hist. Col. 129 — 134.
Extract : " There are at Assowampsit and Quittaub twenty houses and eighty
persons. John Hiacoomes, preacher and constant schoolmaster. Mr. Jocelyn
preached at Assowampsit. At Kehtehticut are forty adults, to whom Charles
Aham preached." All these places are in Middleborough. Kehtehticut, Co-
tuticut, and Tetiquid are different spellings of Titicut. Quittaub might be an-
other name for Nemasket, or it might be " Betty's Neck."
Titicut is mentioned as a place "of praying Indians. Rev. Mr. Backus says
in his account of Middlcboro', (1 Hist. Col. 150), " ABaptist church was formed
among them [at Titicut], and Nehemiah Abel, Thos. Sekins, Thos. Felix [see Des.
Cat. 324], and John Symons are teachers among them. When I came here
[1747] John Symons was the minister of that church, and continued so for
near ten years, and then he removed to the southward. He assisted in ordain-
ing Silas Paul on Martha's Vineyard in 1763. One Indian gave five acres,
and two others fifteen acres of land for the ministry in Titicut.
Nehemiah Bennet, Esq., gr. fa. D. C. 179, wrote an account of Middleboro,'
(1 Hist. Col. 3), and respecting the Indians in town, says, " There^is a settle-
ment of them descended from the ancients, on ' Betty's Neck,' [perhaps the
same as Quittaub], eight houses and eight families ; the general number is ft'om
30 to 40."
This was in 1793. He says, " they raise good crops which they sell for rum,
and live afterwards by making baskets and brooms. They are subject to hec-
tics, and half that are born are carried off by consumptions."
Page 34. Rev. Samuel Fuller had also a son Jahez, who died June, 1712,
and whose widow, Mercy, married Joseph Vaughan, No. 38.
Page 3, at foot. The Indian name of the " Long Pond " is " Pontaquahot."
Page 4. It was not intended to give a list of the twenty-six purchasers, but
such of them and their representatives as were in town in 1675, when the
settlement was attacked by the Indians. The names of the purchasers were :
" Francis Sprague, John Adams, George Partridge, Francis Cooke, Thomas
Bordman, William Pontus, Samuel Fuller, Edward Bumpus, Francis Bil-
lington, William Brewster, John Shaw, Edward Gray, (two shares.) Resolved
White, William Hodskins, Andrew Ring, Moses Simmons, William Nelson,
John Howland, George Soul, Phillip Delano, William Mullens, Peter Brown,
Samuel Eddy, Matthew Fuller, William Twining." It should be mentioned
that the Indian churches referred to on the third page, were gathered by the
instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Bourne, of Sandwich, and Rev. Mr. Treat, of
Eastham (son of Gov. Treat, of Connecticut) whose labors for the conversion
of Indians were not surpassed by the apostle Elliot himself, there being at that
time fifteen hundred of them formed into churches in the Old Colony.
Page 36. Rev. Mr. Tkacher. Backus, in his Church History, says : " He
was much engaged in and after the glorious revival of 1741, and his success
was so great that there were above 340 communicants in the church when he
died." "
Page 38. iteu. S. Conant, No. 468, married, about a year after his ordina-
tion, a lady of Boston whose name was called Bethan or Betell, (perhaps it was
Bethune). She died in about a year after marriage. His second wife was
Williams of Roxbury, (perhaps daughter of Dr. AVilliams,) who lived a num-
ber of veavs and was the mother of a daughter named Hannah, who died in
121
infancy. His third wife was admmitted to this church in 1758 by a letter from
the church in " Norwich,"and — as appears by a letter written by Mr. Conant,
expressive of his deep affliction, to her father, and which was printed at New
London by her friends in the ranie year of her death, 1759, — was the daughter
of Col Hezekiah Huntington. A son, Hezekiah, was born Nov. 7, 1758, bap-
tized Nov. 12th, and died in infancy, leaving Mr. C. childless. A friend, Miss
Scollay, (ad. 12J, became a permanent resident in his family at or soon after his
third marriage, and conducted his household aflliirs until his death in 1777;
in which period she acted as guardian of two young orphan neiccs. One of
them became the wife of the late Dr. Joseph Clarke, and the other, succes-
sively, the second wife of Daniel Thomas, and Capt. David Thomas, (Nos. 544
and 546). After Mr. Conant's decease, Miss Scollay tenanted the Dr. Peter
Oliver house, (now Capt. Earl Sprout's) and Rev. Abraham Camp (p. 41)
boarded with her. She was esteemed a person of much excellence of charac-
ter. The inscription on her grave-stone in " the Green " Cemetery is as follows :
" Great peace have they who love God."
In memory of Miss Rebecca Scollay.
■RTio died Nov. 15th, 1801 in her 68th year,
" The ways of God were her delight ;
Her faith was strong, her hope was hright."
In 1 760 Mr. Conant adopted Deborah Conant then five years of age and the
daughter of his brother. Deborah married the late Nathan Lazell of Bridge-
water. The above in part has been furnished us by descendents. There is no
record or monument in town of the first and second wives of Mr. Conant.
Rev. Isaac Backus says : " Mr. Conant ministered to good purpose until his
decease."
Page 39. In respect to Mr. Weld he says, when a law was passed, " giving
liberty to the people to attend which meeting they pleased, the friends of Mr.
Weld grew sick of him, and used violence against him, until _^they got him
away, and obtained a dissolution of their Society."
P. P. 52, 54. Deacons. — Lost Records. The table of deacons on p. 117
corrects some errors on these pages. The following extracts from the church
records Indicate two deacons at least, acting In 1721 and 1722, while this table
shows but one from 1718 to 1724.
" Feb. 16, 1720-21. The deacons together with brother Isaac Fuller, [Desc.
Cat. 91] were desired to take the most proper aud speedy methods for recover-
ing the ancient and original records of the affairs of this church to the time of
their present settlement." [I. e. to 1708].
" Dec. 19, 1721. Brother Isaac Fuller brought a remnant of the ancient rec-
ords and delivered to P. Thacher."
This " remnant " we know nothing' farther of; but the copy, p. 13, by Eben-
czer Fuller, the nephew of Isaac, may have been made from it.
"May 13. 1722. Voted that the two deacons br. King and Sam'l Wood do
meet," &c.
P. 55. Three of our people became ministers of the Gospel, and joined
other churches: — Daniel Thomas, minister in South Abington, Al van Cobb
in West Taunton, and Stetson Raymond in Assonet and Scotland [Bridge-
water]. Of the members, eleven were ministers of the Gospel, and about the
same number phyicians, or counsellors-at law.
P. 63. — The west precinct was incorporated as a town in the year 1853, by
the name of Lakevllle.
Parish Reco7-ds. The book of records commencing with the separation and
ordination of Rev. S. Conant has not been in possession of the parish Clerk for
some years ; and the committee have thus been deprived of access to it. The
course pursued by Mr. Bosworth, p. 13, Is commended to all who possess docu-
ments of historic value to this church and parish.
TWO DISCOURSES
ON
THE DIVINE FAITHFULNESS,
AS ILLUSTRATED IN THE HISTORY OF THE
FIRST CHURCH IN MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS.
By ISRAEL W. PUTNAM,
EiaHTH FASIOB.
PREACHED JANUARY 5, 1845.
, FIRST DISCOURSE.
Psalm CXIX, 90. Thy Faithfdlkess is unto all Generations.
This day, my hearers, completes the period of one hun-
dred and fifty years from the foundation of the First
Church in Middleborough, — the Church of Christ, which
was then gathered on this ground, and with which we
are variously connected.
When we reflect on the length of this period, on the
four or five generations which have passed away with it,
on the number of ministers who have here preached the
gospel of Jesus Christ, on the many hundreds of mem-
bers, of whom the church has at different times been
composed, and on the several sanctuaries, in which the
church and the people have worshiped: — when we
reflect that this beloved church still survives the period
of a century and half, and that it is looking forward with
the prospect of living for centuries yet to come : — and
when, moreover, we consider that all the blessings it has
experienced, and all it hopes for, are to be attributed to
the grace of its covenant-keeping God, we may well
adopt the language of the text, and say unto Him,
" Thy faithfulness is unto all generations."
From the records which have been preserved, it ap-
pears that this church was organized on the 26th day of
December, A. D. 1694, old style, which corresponds with
the 6th day of January, according to the present mode
of computing time ; so that the hundred and fiftieth
anniversary actually comes to-morrow ; still, this day
closes the period under consideration, and for all practi-
cal purposes may be regarded as the anniversary day.
The general sentiment of the text appears to be the
faithfulness of God to his church on earth. But the subject
to which I shall specially call your attention to-day, is
The faithfulness of God to this particular Church
DURING ITS existence FOR ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS.
My plan is
I. To consider the attribute of the Divine Faithful-
ness ; and
II. To show how it has been illustrated in the his-
tory of this church.
Let us, then, in the first place,
I. Meditate on the glorious attribute of God's faith-
fulness. This divine attribute is intimately connected
with another, which is denominated Truth. They may,
however, be considered separately. By the truth of God
is intended that disposition in him, by which he always
speaks of things as they are in reality ; so that we know,
that whatever he speaks or in any way declares, is essen-
tiall/j true.
T\\Q faithfulness of God refers to his disposition and his
power always to perform his promises and fulfil his cov-
enant engagements. It assures all the subjects of his
moral kingdom, that they will never be disappointed in
any of the expectations, justly raised in theirminds by the
declarations of his word, or the dealings of his hand.
This attribute of God has its foundation in the other
essential properties of his nature ; — or, we may say, it
necessarily belongs to the character of Him, who in his
knowledge, power and goodness, is " infinite, eternal
and unchangeable." As the most perfect conception we
can have oNruih, is that which we know essentially be-
loDffs to the character of God, so without the attribute of
faithfulness, that same character would appear essentially
defective. That Being who is absolutely infinite in his
knowledge, power and goodness, must necessarily be
true to all the engagements he enters into with his crea-
tures. He has no possible inducement to make promises
which he has not power to perform, or whose perform-
ance is not d^asirable in itself. He foresees with absolute
certainty, the circumstances in which his engagements
are to be fulfilled, and what also will be the consequence
of their fulfilment. His infinite goodness inclines him
to make promises to his creatures of all that his infinite
knowledg-e foresees w^ill be desirable for them and that
his infinite power is capable of accomplishing.
Thus you see, my hearers, that the argument from the
other known and perfect attributes of God, for his faitli-
fidness, is entirely conclusive ; and what our reason
teaches us on this subject, is confirmed by the plainest
declarations of scripture, and is illustrated by God's cov-
enant dealings with his people, in all ages. The lan-
guage of scripture is very explicit, — " The Lord thy
God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth cove-
nant and mercy with them that love him and keep his
commandments, to a thousand generations." " Ye know
in all your hearts and in all your souls," said Joshua to
the people of Israel, " that not one thing hath failed, of
all the good things which the Lord your God spake con-
cerning you." " Thy faithfulness," says the Psalmist,
" shalt thou establish in the very heavens." And the
apostle says to the Thessalonians, " Faithful is he that
hath called you, who will also do it ; " and to the Hebrew
Christians, " Let us hold fast the profession of our fiiith
without wavering; for he is faithful that promised,"
But it is very important for us to consider that the
promises of good which God makes to his people, are con-
ditional. He stipulates what he will positively do for
them on the condition they will " love him and keep his
commandments." When, therefore, any of his true peo-
ple enter into covenant engagements with the Lord,
whether as individuals or in the capacity of a church,
if they fail of strictly performing the conditions made on
their part, they must consider that by thus breaking cov-
enant with God, they release him from doing what he
had conditionally promised, and that their appeal'can then
be onlf/ to his mercy. It is in the relation which his people
thus come to sustain toward him, that God manifests that
patience and forbearance toward them, which so effect-
ually illustrate hisfaithfidness. For although they are
guilty of a breach of covenant with him, yet so great is
his love for them, and so much does he desire to remind
them of the blessings which he was willing to bestow,
that, actuated by his long-suffering goodness, he actually
confers upon them many of those favors which were
promised in his covenant, — not to their original extent,
but so far, and in so sovereign a manner, as to show that
he never ceases to remember the gracious provisions
and promises of that covenant. This is most expressly
and beautifully illustrated in what God says of the seed
of the righteous, in the 89th Psalm. " If his children
forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments ; if they
break my statutes and keep not my commandments ;
then will I visit their transgressions with the rod, and
their iniquity with stripes ; nevertheless, my loving kind-
ness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my
faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break,
nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."
This general principle of the divine faithfulness, this
constant regard for the provisions, perpetuity and honor
of the everlasting covenant, is seen to display itself in
the dealings of God with the whole body of his church
on earth, and with all the different portions of it.
It is by taking this view of the adorable attributes of
the Divine character, and of the covenant faithfulness
of God to his people, that we can come to a satisfactory
explanation of all his dealings with individual believers
or with any portion of his church. They are often guilty
of breaking covenant with him, and thus they forfeit all
claim to those blessings which had been promised them
on condition of strict obedience. Then they suffer for
their sins by God's withholding those tokens of his love,
which he would otherwise have manifested.
This accounts for what individual helievers often suflfer.
They violate their covenant vows, and God does not
then bestow on them what they might otherwise have
enjoyed ; and he sometimes proceeds to chasten them
for their sins. He visits them with temporal trials, and
not unfrequently with spiritual afflictions. The light of
his countenance is withdrawn, and they walk in dark-
nesss ; and sometimes he judicially leaves them to grea/t
coldness in his service, to much wandering from the path
of christian duty, and even to the commission of open
sin, which brings reproach upon their own characters,
and scandal upon the christian name.
But it is to be remembered that in thus chastening indi-
vidual believers for breaches of his covenant, and in after-
wards mercifully appearing for their relief, by bringing
them to repentance and recovery from their wandering
state, God acts eiitireli/ as a sovereign. He suffers some to go
on farther than others, in their backsliding course ; and
8
the strokes of his chastening rod are heavier on some
than on others, even when their sins are no greater.
So also he appears for the restoration of some sooner
than for that of others ; and all this because he is a sov-
ereign and deals with his offending people, now in a
chastening and now in a pardoning way, for reasons
which he does not mean that either they or others shall
be able fully to comprehend.
So it is with his church on earth, considered collec-
tively. So it is with different portions of it, and with each
individual church. Believers, in their collective capacity,
from time to time fail more or less in strict obedience
to their covenant engagements with God. The sins of
individual believers become the sins of the church, espe-
cially if they are open sins and not protested against and
properly censured.
The departure of a church from the strict terms of
their covenant with God, is generally much more grad-
ual than that of individuals. This is seen in their falling
away from sound christian doctrine. It has sometimes
taken not only years, but generations, for a church to
give up " the faith once delivered to the saints," and to
come fully to embrace an unscriptural one in its stead.
The same is true of the ordinances belonging to the
covenant of God, under the christian dispensation ; which
are. Public Worship, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.
Loose and erroneous views of these ordinances are gen-
erally found to prevail in a church, if at all, in a very
gradual manner, till at length the departure is open to
the view of the world and offensive to God.
So also it is with the tone of moral conduct in a
church. Sometimes it is such as becomes the gospel of
Christ ; at other times more or less of its members leave
thelf first love ; they cast off fear and restrain pra3''er.
Like the heathen " they become vaiu in theif imag-
inations, and their foolish heart is clatkened." They
yield to the " lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the
pride of life," till their sins of commission or of omission
are so open and reproachfid as to call for the reprehen-
sion of the church.
But, as has been observed, such a downward course of
any considerable number of the members of a church is
generally very gradual ; and in this connection it may
be remarked, that very gradual also is the conduct of a
church in coming to neglect that discipline which Christ
has appointed, and which is so essential to its welfare.
If 013 public sin is tolerated in a church, and if, on ac-
count of fear or favor, or from any other cause, a flagrant
oflender is suffered to go on unrebuked and uncensured,
others will yield to temptation, and fall into the same
or other sins, till at last there is left in the church scarcely
streno;th enouo'h to undertake and sustain the neces-
sary and saving work of scriptural discipline.
These remarks on the religious declension of individ-
ual christians and churches, I have made, my hearers,
to meet the difficulty which is sometimes felt in vindi-
cating the divine faithfulness, a difficulty which I do not
wish to avoid. For if the inquiry is made, how it comes
to pass that individual christians do sometimes so lament-
ably decline in their spiritual interests, conduct, and
whole character, even after they have entered into cov-
enant with God, who has made such " exceeding great
and precious promises " to them, and wdio is a faithful
God ? — And if the further inquiry should be made, why
it is that churches, established at first in the true faith
of the gospel, and whose members are members of
2
10
Christ's own body, should after a while cease to hold
fast that faith, and should become cold in their religious
affections, worldly in their conduct, and lax in their dis-
cipline, even when they had the covenant promises and
faithfulness of God pledged to them ? The answer to
all this is easy. The faithfulness of God to his covenant
engagements does not obligate him to keep his people
in either their individual or their church capacity from
committing sin. They remain free moral agents, and
are put upon trial as such. All needed good, God prom-'
ises them on condition of strict obedience to him. But
if they fail of this, if they break covenant with God, he
is released from all obligation to confer on them what
they might otherwise have received. And if the inquiry
is now made, whether they are not still his people ?
the answer is, yes ; and he will still deal with them as a
faithful God. His dispensations toward them will, in
one view, be in the nature of just punishment for their
sins, but in another they will be the fatherly corrections
of loving kindness and faithfulness. In the disciplinary
course which he pursues with them on account of the
violation of their own vows and engagements, he pro-
ceeds, as has already been remarked, in an entirely sov-
ereign manner. He has infinitely wise reasons for cor-
recting and restoring them at one time mmediatelf/, and
for suffering them at anoilier to go great lengths in
disobedience, and even to accumulate a heavyweight of
guilt, before he corrects them, and causes them to return
from their evil ways, by repentance and vows of new
obedience.
But there is a very noticeable difference in the ulti-'
mate dealings of God with individual believers and with
churches respectively. Those who are his chosen people^^
11
renewed by his spirit, and sanctified by his grace, will cer-
tainly, according to the gracious provisions of his cove-
nant, be finally saved. They may forsake his law, they
may break his statutes, so that Grod will visit their trans-
gressions with the rod ; nevertheless he will not utterly
take his loving-kindness from them, nor suffer his faithful-
ness to fail. Such is the teaching of the New Testament,
as well as of the Old. ' He who begins a good work in the
heart of any sinful child of Adam, will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ.' Thus the tenor of God's gra-
cious covenant secures the final salvation of every true
believer, while none but God himself knows who are of
this character.
But such is not the tenor of God's covenant dealings
\N\.\h. dbWj particular church. All true believers in such a
church, as I have already stated, will be finally saved,
because the promise of God secures their salvation. But
the church itself may so decline from its primitive purity
in doctrine, conduct and discipline, that God will finally
forsake it. Its individual members, if they are true mem-
bers of Christ's body, he will save, whether they live and
die in connection with such a church, or elsewhere.
But the church itself, if it persevere in its departure
from christian faith and christian obedience, beyond the
point of divine endurance, will inevitably come to nought.
Its light will be extinguished, its name will die. Such
we know is the history of some churches planted in apos-
tolic times, and in subsequent ages of the world.
But I would by no means be understood here to say
that Q.YQVJ local church which, after a lapse of time
ceases to exist, comes to its end in consequence of its
departure from the gospel ; for in many instances it is
for the welfare of the church at large, that individual
12
portions of it should cease to have a separate existence,
and become united with some other portions. Thus
also, sometimes, are larger portions of the church seen
gradually diminishing, till they become united with other
christiiin connections, and appear under a new name.
It requires, my hearers, much careful study of the
word of God, and much observation on his dealings with
his church on earth, duly to understand the import of
those promises, on whose due fulfilment rests his charac-
ter for covenant faithfulness. Against the church, consid-
ered in its largest sense, as the great body of believers
in all ages of the w^orld, bought with Christ's own blood,
we know that the gates of hell will never prevail. And
in its most exact sense are the words of my text true,
when applied to the church in this respect ; " The faith-
fulness of God is unto all generations " of his chosen, cov-
enant people, in every age, and in whatever part of
the world they dwell ; whatever name they bear, or
whatever be their rank or condition in life ; and by a
very observable analogy in the dealings of God with
his people, we may see that his faithfulness endures to
any large portion of his church or to any one particular
church, very much in proportion to its own faithfulness
in adherino; to its covenant vows and en^ao-ements. If
it is at first established in the truth ; if it is " built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone ; " if it adheres to
the doctrines, if it shows forth the graces, if it practices
the virtues of the gospel, and if it seeks the glory of its
divine author, — we may observe, as a general thing, that
its divine head is pleased with its character, and that in
his covenant faithfulness he will w^atch over its interests,
and continue its existence for along period. True, per-
13
seciition may arise against it, and other inscrutable dis-
pensations of providence may affect its prosperity and
even its existence. But so well defined in his word are
the principles on which God governs his church on
earth, and so uniform are his dealings with the various
portions of it, that his faithfulness is very gloriously
illustrated in the favor which he shows any individual
church that fears his name and w^alks in his statutes.
The word spoken by the prophet Azariah to God's an-
cient people, has a strict 'fulfilment in the history of his
dealino-s with his church in all aofes. '• The Lord is with
you, while ye be with him ; if you seek him, he w^ill be
found of you; but if you forsake him, he will forsake
you."
Let us now, my hearers, as was proposed, proceed to
consider
11. How the divine faithfulness has been illustrated
in the history of this Church, during the period of one
hundred and fifty years.
You perceive, at once, that the field of inquiry and
remark on which I am now entering is very wide. I
shall be obliged, as I proceed, very much to limit myself
in selecting from the facts of our history, and in the rea-
soning which is founded on them. But it relieves my
mind on this point, to know that a committee of the
church are preparing for publication such a particular
account of its history, as I might otherwise deem it im-
portant to furnish on this occasion. Still, I trust that,
with divine aid, I shall be able to exhibit such brief views
of the subject, as may lead you, my friends, and all the
present generation of this people, to see that the God
of your fathers is " a faithful God, keeping covenant and
mercy with them that love him and keep his command-
ments, to a thousand generations."
14
1. The first proof of God's faithfulness to this churcli
is found in the consideration that he has graciously sus-
tained it, in adhering to the great gospel principles on
which it was originally established.
That we may clearly see the truth of this remark, it will
be necessary to dwell somewhat particularly on the cir-
cumstances of the formation of the church. As I have
already remarked, it was organized in the winter of
1G94-5, bearing the date of December 26th, old style.
The present day, Jan. 5th, closes the hundred and fif-
tieth year of its existence.
The gathering of the church in Middleborough, at that
early period of the history of New England, was an in-
teresting event. The town was very large in its territo-
rial dimensions, and its population had even then
become very considerable ; for it is stated that at the
breaking out of king Philip's war, so called, in 1675, the
number of English families that had settled here was
sixteen ; and although they were then driven from the
place, yet at the close of the war the population must
have rapidly increased, as Mr. Fuller, a deacon of the
church at Plymouth, and one of the proprietors in 1669
began early to preach here and continued his labors with
occasional intermissions till 1694, w^hen, at the gathering
of the church, he was regularly ordained to the work
of the christian ministry.
All the original records of the church from its organ-
ization to the close of the ministry of Mr. Palmer, the
second pastor, are, no doubt, irrecoverably lost; and, as
has generally been supposed, through his neglect, or his
other more censurable conduct. But recently an an-
cient manuscript has come to us from Halifax, which
proves to be a copy of an important part of those original
15
i'ecords, made in March, 1734, by Ebenezer Fuller, a
grandson of the pastor. This copy of the records, togeth-
er with a pamphlet printed in 1722, containing the
Confession of Faith and Covenant, and specific acknowl-
edgments of the obligations of the covenant, enable us
now very clearl}^ to understand the interesting and sol-
emn character of the ororanization of the church.
Several members of the church of Plymouth, and
other neighboring churches were then residing here.
There were others also, who had become hopefully con-
verted under the preaching of Mr. Fuller. These per-
sons, being very distant from any churches with which
they could hold constant christian communion, naturally
had the desire and conceived the design of being them-
selves formed into a distinct church. In accordance,
therefore, with the usages of the pilgrim churches, they
sent letters for ministers and brethren in the colony, to
come and perform the requisite ecclesiastical services.
The Rev. Messrs. John Cotton, Roland Cotton, and Jona-
than Russel, with lay brethren, were sent from Plymouth,
Sandwich, and Barnstable, to assist on the occasion.
As it may be gratifying to this audience to hear the
names of those who at first composed the church of
Middleborough, I will here repeat them : — Rev. Samuel
Fuller, and Elisabeth his wife ; John Bennett, and Deb-
orah his wife ; Jonathan Morse, and Mary his wife ;
Abiel Wood, and Abigail his wife ; Jacob Thompson,
and Abigail his wife ; Ebenezer Tinkham, and Elisabeth
his wife ; Samuel Wood, Isaac Billington, Samuel Eaton,
Samuel Cuthbert, John Cobb, Jr., Weibrah Bumpas,
Hester Tinkham, and widow Deborah Barden.
The services were of a very solemn character, as you
would readily see, my hearers, if there were time for me to
16
read to you the articles of faith which they adopted, the
covenant which they entered into, and the partictdar
obhgations which they considered to be imposed on
them by that covenant.
Respecting the confession of faith, I would only say
now that it was very full and explicit on all those doctrines
which our pilgrim fathers considered as clearly revealed
in the scripture, viz : — the inspired authority of the Old
and New Testaments, as a sufficient and the only rule of
faith and practice, in opposition to all opinions of indi-
vidual men, and all decisions of ecclesiastical councils ;
a trinity of persons in the God-head ; the supreme divin-
ity of the son Jesus Christ ; the personality and divinity
of the Holy Spirit ; the total depravity of the human
heart in its natural state, and its renewal by the sove-
reign operation of the Holy Spirit ; atonement for sin
by the blood of Christ, and justification by his righteous-
ness alone ; election and perseverance of the saints ;
resurrection of the dead and final judgment of the world,
Avhen the righteous will be received into heaven and
the wicked be cast into hell.
As to Positive Institutions, they held to the com-
mon belief of the sacredness of the Sabbath, and the
sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper; the for-
mer to be administered to believers and their infant off-
spring, and the latter to all who are regular members of
the church of Christ. On the subject of Church Consti-
tution and Government, they held that a Christian
church was a company of christian believers, voluntarily
associated for their own religious improvement, with
rules of conduct agreeing with the scriptures, and them-
selves having authority to administer censures on mem-
bers who walk disorderly, and not being required to
17
refer their decisions to any other earthly tribunal ; all
which, considered in connection with their views of the
two sacraments, and of the respective offices of pastor
and deacon, gave, as they believed, the true idea of a
congregational church.
The covenant which they entered into, and which is
very particular in its stipulations, bound them in the
most solemn manner to the love and service of God, to
great respect for and subjection to the christian ministry,
and to all true christian deportment and duty to one
another.
I regret that it is not practicable for me here to recite
to you the whole of the confession of faith and covenant
in the very words used on the occasion, as they were
very well selected and convey a very clear meaning to
every mind, while they show a spirit of deep and heav-
enly piety on the part of those, who adopted them. But
I trust you will yet have an opportunity to read it all
in another form, which shall be preserved for your chil-
dren and your children's children, as evidence of the
exalted christian character of their ancestors.
After the church was duly constituted, in accordance
with the confession and covenant already named, Mr.
Samuel Fuller, then at the advanced age of seventy years,
was duly ordained as its first pastor.
Such, my hearers, was the gathering, one hundred
and fifty years ago, of this beloved church, which yet
lives. Such were those christian men and women, who
at that time were here engaged in the solemn transac-
tions which so deeply concerned their own salvation
and that of their posterity for generations to come. I
shall, with divine leave, in the afternoon consider more
particularly than I have here done, how God, in his cov-
18
enant faithfulness, has sustained this church during all its
generations, in adhering to the principles on which it was
originally founded.
And now I beg you to pause a little and reflect on
the scene exhibited here on this ground, in the winter
of that far distant year of the foundation of this church.
You will remember that Middleborough was not then
what it now is. These cultivated fields, these convenient
roads, these comfortable dwellings, this goodly sanctuary,
and these numerous conveniences for coming to it, were
all unknown to your pilgrim fathers and mothers, who
assembled here on that cold day of January, 1695, and
stood up in simplicity and Godly sincerity, as well as
with holy reverence, to avouch the Lord Jehovah to be
their God, while He avouched them to be his people.
No, they knew nothing of the favored condition in
which we are placed, for attending on the worship of
God ; nor did they need it ; for they were christians of
the generations that are gone. Theirs was the early
pilgrim character, strong in faith, devoted in purpose,
self-denying in practice, and fearless in conscientious
obedience.
From what particular parts of the Plymouth colony
most of them came, is now unknown. Some were from
the original place of landing, being children of the very
people who came over in the May-flower and first plant-
ed their feet on the Plymouth Rock. Others probably
came from England in subsequent years. But here they
sought a dwelling place, here they fixed their home ;
and although these grounds were not then so ^ waste
and howling ' as were the shores of Plymouth in 1620,
yet they were little better than a " wilderness," compared
with what they now are. But such was the character
19
of the early settlers of this town, so much were they like
the generation, who went before them, such lovers of
religious and civil liberty, that they little heeded the
humble circumstances in which they were necessitated
to worship that God, whom they loved and served.
They believed they were here founding a church, in
which they were to hold communion with their Saviour,
and which they were to leave to their children for gene-
rations to come. They rejoiced, therefore, to give them-
selves up first to the great Jehovah, Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost, and then to one another in him. They were
heartily wiUing to bind themselves to his service by the
most solemn promises and vows. They believed that he
was a faithful God, and would fulfil all his covenant
engagements. They trembled only for themselves.
They knew their own weakness. They felt the danger
they were in, by reason of their sinfulness, of violating
their covenant vows. Could you hear the solemn pro-
testations which they made against the evil of departing
from God, by failing in any way to live a truly christian
life, you would be convinced how great was the tender-
ness of their conscience, and what abhorrence they felt
in view of all sin.
As you, my christian friends, who are their successors,
are now going to observe the same holy ordinance which
was administered to them upon their being constituted
a church of Christ, let me say to you, come with adoring
gratitude to a faithful and covenant-keeping God, to the
same table, which was spread here in 1695, for those
primitive christians of Middleborough ; and come too,
under the influence of the same holy dread of sinning
against God, and with the same entire consecration of
yourselves to the service of the Kedeemer, which you
20
have seen manifested in their example. They are gone,
long since, to sit down at the " marriage-supper of the
Lamb ; " and to that heavenly feast you also will finally
be admitted, if you are found clothed with the wedding
garment which the Saviour hath purchased for you, at
the price of his own blood. Amen.
SECOND DISCOURSE.
Psalm CXIX, 90. Tht Faithfulness is unto all Generations.
A considerable part of my morning discourse was
occupied, as you will recollect, my hxcarers, in consider-
ing the general attribute of the Divine Faithfulness. I
proceeded, however, a little way, in *showing what was
proposed in tJie second place : —
II. How the Faithfulness of God has been illustrated
in the history of this church.
1. The first consideration, which I presented to show
the truth of this sentiment, was, that God has graciously
sustained the church in adhering to the great gospel
principles on which it was originally established.
I have already stated, that these principles were a
belief in the doctrines commonly called The Doctrines
of the Reformation, an exercise of the Graces, and a
careful practice of the Virtues enjoined in the gospel, —
together with a due observance of its Positive Institutions,
— such as the Holy Sabbath, Baptism for penitent believ-
ers and their infant oflspring, and the sacrament of the
Lord's Supper to be administered to all who make a
credible profession of the gospel, and maintain an orderly
walk as members of the church.
From what I have said respecting the formation of
this Church, at the distant period of one hundred and
fifty years, you have been able to see how strong was
the attachment of its original members to the great
christian principles here enumerated. We have the
most satisfactory reason to believe also, that God smiled
22
upon the church at its organization. Then did the High
and Holy One here enter into solemn covenant with his
chosen, devoted people. He pledged his everlasting
faithfulness to them as a church ; nor has that faithful-
ness ever failed. Trials he has, at different times, sent
upon them. Early afflictions, and severe ones they had,
soon after they were organized, as we shall presently see,
when we look at the sudden departure of their first pas-
tor, and the character of his successor. But at no period
of the history of the church has there been a professed,
or a real abandonment of any of the great principles, on
which it was at first established.
Other churches, formed at that time, and in this part
of New England, have forsaken " the faith once deliv-
ered to the saints," the faith of their Pilgrim Fathers^
and have gone over to the side of religious error. But
it has been otherwise with this church. During the
period of a century and half, it has steadily adhered to
a firm belief in the great Doctrines of the Cross. It has
been willing to settle no minister, who was known to
reject these doctrines.
It has, at different times, varied the form of its Eeligious
Creed ; but under no form, which it has ever adopted,
so far as I can discover, has it given up any one essential
christian truth, which was in its original confession of
faith ; and it may be well doubted, whether, with the
exception of some slight phraseology, it has ever had a
better one than it had at the beginning.
The same may be said, as a general truth, respecting
the prevailing sentiment of the church on the subject of
practical religion. It is very obvious, that our fathers of
the first generation of this church regarded a life of prac-
tical piety as an indispensable part of christian character,
23
and as a uniform condition of church membership. Their
confession of faith, their covenant engagements, their sol-
emn protestations against sin in all its forms, show in a
most convincing manner, what stress they laid upon true
Holy Living. Nor has the church, at any time, varied its
belief, if it has, in any degree, its practice, on this subject :
and that would be a day of ill omen to its future prosper-
ity, that should show a willingness, on the part of its
members, to regard anything, short of a life of vital god-
liness, as evidence of real christian character, or that
would dispense with it as a necessary qualification for
admission to their communion.
As intimately connected with this subject may also be
considered that of Church Discipline. The original cove-
nant of the church fully provided for this ; and in accord-
ance with it, a strict discipline was maintained. But it
was a church discipline for the benefit of ofienders, as
well as for the honor of the Saviour's name. It consisted
in a kind and faithful watch over one another for mutual
good ; and the measures adopted to reclaim any who
had gone astray, were those of gentleness and love,
remonstrating with an offender on the folly and ingrati-
tude, as well as wickedness of his conduct ; in a word,
it was to gain a wandering brother, and bring him back
to christian obedience, and not to denounce him as an
evil doer, or by any imposing measures of church author-
ity, to aim at holding him up before the world as a rep-
robate. Still, it was their practice to withdraw from an
ofiending member who would not hear the voice of the
church, and henceforth to regard him according to the
Saviour's direction, " as an heathen man and a publican."
Such have been the views of this church on the sub-
ject of discipline. Not that we can say it has been as
24
well understood, and as strictly and carefully enforced, at
all times, as it was with the first generations. But the
church has ever professed its belief that its prosperity
could never be hoped for, unless in the preservation of
the purity of its members.
But I would remark once more under this head, that
the church has been sustained in adhering, to a com-
mendable extent, to a practical regard for the Positive
Institutions of the'gospel, as it found them acknowl-
edged and observed by those of the first generation.
The Sabbath was kept very strictly by the Puritans of
New England ; and this church has ever regarded it as
a day of holy rest. Our Fathers also attached great
importance to the ordinance of Christian Baptism.
They held, not only in common with all christian
denominations, that those, who had never been baptiz-
ed, should receive that ordinance on their admission to
the church ; but that it was also to be administered to
the infant children of God's covenant people. The
church was strictly a Pedobaptist church. All its
ministers have been of that sentiment, as were its other
officers, and its several members for many generations.
Great harmony has generally prevailed in the church
on this subject, and great spiritual blessings, it is believ-
ed, have come not only to the church, but to the souls
of this people in consequence of the early consecration
of the children of believers to God in the holy ordinance
of baptism. I am aware that, very recently, some change
of sentiment and practice has obtained in the church.
They have, in their charity, cordially admitted to their
communion some, who have differed from them on this
point, — always, however, I believe, with the understand-
ing, that such practice should not, in its ultimate influ-
25
ence, have the 6ffect of changing the character of the
church from what it had been from the beginning in a
Peclobaptist respect, or in any way prejudice the
rights and privileges of those, who hold that the bles-
sings of God's gracious covenant extends to the seed of
believers. This is not the time for discussing that
point ; if it were, much could I say in support of the
scriptural character of the practice in question.
The other ordinance, — that of the Lord's Supper,^!
hardly need say has ever been sacredly observed by the
church ; and, as connected with it, I would add, that
it has been an invariable principle with the church to
receive none into their communion, who did not give
credible evidence of being subjects of a gracious re-
newal by the Holy Spirit, and of saving faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ. Invitations also for occasional commun-
ion they always cheerfully extend to " all members of
other churches, who are in regular standing in their own
connection."
But I am dwelling long upon the first topic : and, yet
I have not seen how I could say less than I have done.
Will you now, my friends, turn your minds, and see how
God's faithfulness to this beloved church has been man-
ifested in the gracious aid he has given them to adhere,
for so long a period, to the great gospel principles in
which it was established by the fathers of the first gen-
eration, — principles, which they had received as a spirit-
ual legacy from their fathers of many preceding gener-
ations. Long since have the pious founders of this
church gone to their heavenly rest,— while through the
covenant mercy and faithfidness of God, the church,
Avhicli they loved, has continued to walk in the faith
mid order in which, with strong confidence in Hirji and
many prayers, they left it at their departure.
26
2, The faithfulness of God has been illustrated in the
history of this church, in the enjoyment of an evangeli-
cal ministry which, from time to time, He has bestowed
upon it.
Many churches in the christian world, and some in
our beloved New England have declined from the
simplicity and truth of the gospel by reason of the
defective or erroneous teaching of those, who were
placed over them in the ministry. But so great has
been the loving kindness and faithfulness of God to this
church from the beginning, that it has been saved from
such unhappy influences.
The whole number of ministers, settled over this
church is eight; six of wh'om are deceased.
The first of these was the Rev. Samuel Fuller, who
was a son of Dr. Samuel Fuller, one of the first company
who landed upon the Plymouth Eock, A. D., 1620. The
distinguished talents, and eminent piety of the father
proved a rich blessing to the son.' For several years
the latter was a deacon in the church at Plymouth; and
under the advantages which he enjoyed in that place,
he made such progress in general knowledge, and par-
ticularly in Christian Theology, that he was licensed to
preach the gospel in the colony, and labored in that
employment in this town about sixteen years previously
to his ordination, which, as I have already stated, took
place immediately after the organization of the church.
It is impracticable now to come at much knowledge of
the peculiar character of his preaching. That he was
eminently pious, and devoted to the ministerial work, —
that he preached the plain great truths of the gospel,
and faithrnlly did the work of an Evangelist, is evident
from the success which attended his ministry, from the
27
highly evangelical character of the confession of faith
and covenant, originally adopted by the church, of
which he was undoubtedly the author, and from the
affectionate rememberance, with which his name has
ever been cherished by all succeeding generations.
But his ministry, after his ordination, was very brief,
lasting for only seven months and twenty-one days. He
died in the seventy-first year of his age, and was interred
in the first burying-place, commonly called the Hill.
The second pastor of this church was Rev. Thomas
Palmer, a man of memory unblessed in his connection
with the ministerial office here. Whence he came is not
known. I cannot find that he had ever received a public
education. Nor, in consequence of the loss of all the
records during his ministry, does it appear when he was
ordained. That the character of his preaching was de-
cidedly evangelical, we have strong reason to conclude
from the circumstance of hisbeingr settled over a church,
recently organized on such strictly evangelical principles,
and having long enjoyed the spiritual ministrations of
such a man as the lamented Mr. Fuller.
But the painful discovery was made, (how soon after
his settlement it does not appear,) that his moral charac-
ter was defective, — a discovery, which, as we might well
suppose, produced a strong sensation of dissatisfaction
and alienation in the church. In accordance, therefore,
with the advice of a Council of twelve churches, and
also of the anniversary convention of ministers in Bos-
ton, he was, by the Church here, on June 30, 1708,
deposed from the ministry, and excluded from their com-
munion at the sacramental table. There are some con-
soling reflections, however, which we are happy to make
on his subsequent history. He remained in the place,
28
and so far retrieved his character, as to be employed for
many years as a practising physician among the people ;
and, near the close of his life, was restored to the com-
munion of the church. He was interred in the burying
ground on the Green.
But we are now comino; to a better and briijhter
period in the history of the christian ministry in this
place.
The third pastor was the Eev. Peter Tpiacher, whose
praise was in his own day, and long will be, in the
churches of this community. He was son of Eev.
Peter Thacher of Milton, and grandson of Rev. Thomas
Thacher of Weymouth, who was subsequently first min-
ister of the Old South Church, Boston. Mr. Thacher,
the pastor of this church, was graduated at Harvard
College in 1706, at the age of seventeen. In about a
year from that time, he began to preach to this church
and people, in circumstances of great difficulty, inas-
much as Mr. Palmer continued, for some time, to preach
in a private house to a portion of the people, who adher-
ed to him, notwithstanding the course which had been
pursued with him by the church.* But Mr. Thacher came
to thjs place in the spirit of his master. His aim was to
preach the gospel, and so highly did he commend himself
in that character that on June 30th 1708, he was chosen
by the church as their pastor, before he was twenty
years old. His ordination, however, did not take place
till Nov. 2, 1709.
Mr Thacher brought to the work of the ministry here
a mind of strong native powers and highly cultivated
by fhe uncommon advantages he enjoyed under the
instruction of his reverend father, whose library is said to
*Rev. Mr. Barker's Century Sermon.
29
have been richly furnished with the works of the learned
and pious puritan authors, and whose house was a great re-
sort of the most eminent ministers of the day. But, beside
a mind thus well disciplined for his work, he had a heart
to love it. His soul was deeply imbued with the spirit
the gospel ; and from inclination, as well as from a sense
of duty, he gave himself wholly to his work 5 and truly
may it be said of him, that " his profiting appeared to
all." His knowledge of the scriptures was deep ; his
manner of presenting divine truth to the minds of his peo-
ple was clear, persuasive, and convincing ; his addresses
at the throne of grace w^ere humble, solemn and ardent ;
his life was circumspect, and eminently christian. As we
might expect, God blessed the labors of such a man.
Under his ministry the church constantly increased for
many years in numbers and in strength. But toward
the close of his life he became much discouraged by
what he considered a growing indifference to spiritual
things in the.church and among the people. He serious-
ly contemplated preaching a farewell sermon, and leaving
his charge ; and declared to his biographer that he
should have done it, had he not been embarrassed in
findino; a suitable text.
But this season of discouragement was not long j for
in 1741 he saw among the people of his own charge the
beginning of that reviving work of God which continued
for more than two years. The out-pouring of the spirit
here was sudden, powerful, extensive, and long-contin-
ued. With all the powers of his body, mind and heart,
he engaged, at home and abroad, in the work of that
memorable revival of religion. He labored in gather-
ing in its glorious fruits, till his strength was finally
exhausted. His death occurred April 22, 1744, in the
30
fifty-sixth year of his age, in the thirty-fifth of his minis-
try, and just before the expiration of the first half
century of the church's existence. He was interred in
his own tomb, then and till recently the only one in the
burying ground near this house. How great a loss was
such a man to the people of his charge, and how deeply
lamented by them was his death, I need not, my hearers
attempt to tell you. A very full account of this emi-
nent minister of Christ by his brother-in-law, the late
Rev. Thomas Prince of Boston, was given in the
pamphlet published and circulated among you two years
ago. But less than I have now said of him could not
be omitted, while I was endeavoring to show you, that
God had graciously bestowed on this church a truly evan-
gelical ministry. And now, my hearers, bear in mind,
that the gift of such a minister was continued evidence
of the faithfulness of God.
The death of Mr. Thacher was succeeded by some se-
vere trials for the church. A revival of religion like
that, which was experienced in the three last years of
his life, could hardly be expected to take place without
exciting some feelings of hostility on the part of those,
who did not sympathise with its character and spirit,
and who failed to come under its sanctifying and saving
influences.
Such persons, therefore, a few of whom were mem-
bers of the church, became active in inducing the Par-
ish to take an unprecedented course in the choice and
settlement of another minister. This innovation the
church resisted, and as the event showed successfully^
But the occurrence was a disastrous one for the time.
It occasioned a division in the Parish, a majority of
w^hom, with a small minority of the church, kept the
31
control of the Meeting House, and procured preaching
for themselves. In the meantime the church with the
other part of the people, proceeded in the common
course for the settlement of the christian ministry.
Leaving, in a peaceable manner, the House where they
had long assembled, they withdrew and worshipped
for a time in a private dwelling.
The Rev. Sylvanus Conant, of Bridgewater, became
the fourth Pastor of the church, and was ordained over,
it on March 28, 1745, less than one year after Mr.
Thacher's death. Mr. Conant was graduated at Harvard
College, in 1740. He was a man of good talents, of
deep piety, and of great circumspection in his personal
and official deportment. Being of an uncommonly
amiable temper of mind, he was well calculated to be a
peace-maker in the midst of a people, who had unhap-
pily fallen into much religious strife as well as actual
division. As a preacher, Mr. Conant was plain, evan-
gelical and forcible. Like his predecessor, his great aim
was to do good. He well understood the design and
the spirit of the gospel, and he was faithful in feeding
the sheep and the lambs of his Master's flock in this
place.
As a proof of the truth of these statements, it may
be considered that the church under his care proceeded
to erect a new and separate Meeting House, leaving the
old one to the majority of the Parish, who, with the small
number of the church that adhered to them, in a few
months after Mr. Conant's ordination, procured the settle-
ment over themselves of Rev. Thomas Weld ; who, in
the lan2;uao:e of Mr. Barker, " continued with them for a
few years, his party gradually leaving him, and going to
the other meeting, till, at length, he was dismissed :
32
and then the church and society which had been rent
asnnder were again happily united."
A very clear statement and able defence of the course
pursued by the church at this critical period of their
history, was given in a printed pamphlet in 1746, by
Kev. John Cotton, pastor of the church in Halifax.
Mr. Conant's ministerial course was brought to a sud-
den close by the pestilence of the smallpox, of which he
died, Dec. 8th, 1777, in the fifty-eighth year of his age,
and the thirty-third of his ministry. " He was called
from his labors," Mr. Barker remarks. " in the midst of
his usefulness, and in the full possession of the love and
esteem of his large flock." He was interred in the
Eastern part of the parish, in a separate burying place,
with several other persons, who died at the same time
and of the same disease. Mr. Conant's memory has
been cherished with deep interest by the two genera-
tions of this people, who have followed him. It is one
of the pleasant things of my own ministry, occasionally
to hear the few aged ones, who personally knew him,
and who are still surviving here, speak of the excellen-
cies of his character. I would only add that his whole
history, as a minister of the gospel, is one more evi-
dence of the faithfulness of God to this church.
The Fifth Pastor of the church was Rev^. Joseph Bar-
ker of Branford, Conn. He was graduated at Yale
College in 1771, and was ordained to the pastoral office
here Dec. 5, 1781. Four years had passed away from
the death of Mr. Conant, while the church and the peo-
ple were without the stated ministry of any one man.
These were years of great trial to the church of Christ
in this land, occurring as they did in the midst of the
Revolutionary War. Mr. Barker, of course, entered
B3
upon his labors here at a very difficult period. He was a
man of acknowledged abilities, sound in the faith, clear,
forcible, and fearless in preaching the great doctrines of
the gospel. He was abundant in labors ; and his ministry
was attended with a good degree of success, especially in
the first part of it, when his mind and time were less
devoted to the public interests of the country than was the
case in subsequent years. His death occurred on July
25th, 1815, at the age of sixty-three, and when he was
in the thirty-fourth year of his ministry. He was inter-
red in the burying ground at this place. Thus, in the
fifth pastor, the faithfulness of Grod secured to the church
an evangelical ministry.
The Rev. Emerson Paine, still living, was the Sixth
Pastor of the church. He was graduated at Brown Uni-
versity in 1813. His ordination here took place Feb.
14, 1816. Mr. Paine was justly considered a man of
distinguished talents and piety. His preaching was of
the same character as that of his predecessor. It' was
highly evangelical, and such as strongly commended it-
self to the church. He was settled here in peculiarly
trying circumstances, and with reluctance on his
own part. After repeated requests to the church to
unite with him in calling a council for his dismission,
they finally yielded, and it took place on the 4th of
June 1822, and in the seventh year of his ministry.
The 'Rev. William Eaton became the Seventh Pastor
of the church March 10, 1824. He was graduated at
Williams College in 1810, and settled in the ministry in
Fitchburg, previously to his installation here. His
ministry, which lasted ten years, maintained the same
evangelical character with that of his several predeces-
sors. At his own request he was dismissed, April 1,
5
34
1834. He was afterwards settled, successively, in Char-
lotte, Vermont, and Hardwick in this State. His health
failing him at the latter place, he sought a dismission
from his charge, gave up the ministerial work, and died
soon afterwards at West Brookfield, in 1840, aged fifty-
six.
It is now only to be added that the present Pastor,
who is the Eighth, was installed here Oct. 28, 1835, after
a previous settlement of twenty years over the First
Church and Parish in Portsmouth, N. H. Of the char-
acter of his own ministry, he can of course, say nothing.
But he trusts that from the view he has given of the
character and labors of his predecessors, he has made it
appear^) that in them, God gave to this church a truly
evangelical ministry in token of his faithfulness to the
covenant, which he entered into with its founders.
3. The third proof of the same truth, is found in the
consideration that God has in his Providence, from time
to tirne, given to the church, in connection with the
people, suitable places for his worship, for the preach-
ing of the gospel, and for the administration of its ordin-
ances.
The First Meeting House was situated near the
dwelling of the late Dr. Sturtevant. It was prob-
ably standing there at the organization of the church,
and was occupied during the ministry of Mr. Fuller^
and remained till the year 1700.
The Second House was erected on what is now called
the Green, and near the location of the present school
house. That house was occupied during the whole of the
ministry of Rev. Mr. Thacher, and was the scene of the
powerful work of the Holy Spirit on tlio mincls of tins
people in the years 1741, '42 and '43.
35
The Third House was built on a site a few Tods
north-east of that where we now worship ; and is recollec-
ted by many of the present generation. It was in that
house, that the Rev. Messrs. Conant, Barker and Paine
preached during the whole of their respective minis-
tries.
Our present House of worship was erected in the year
1829, and is by far, the largest, most costly, and most
convenient of the whole number.
Let no one say that Houses, well adapted to the public
worship of God and to the administration of the ordin-
ances of the gospel, are not proof of the divine favor*
We might well ask what was the first temple at Jerusa-
lem, built under the direction of Jehovah, with such
great preparation, and at such vast cost, during the
reigns of David and Solomon ? True, there is an impor-
tant sense, in which " The Most High dwelleth not in
temples made with hands." He is a spirit. His habi-
tation is in "the heavens." He is the omnipresent
Jehovah, not confined to space. But he condescends to
the children of men ; and, in an important sense also, he
does dwell in these Houses, which he suffers us to build
for his worship. And of every such place, it may be
said now, as it was by the prophet Habakkuk, " The Lord
is in His holy temple."
The thought of the divine presence in our houses of wor-
ship ought to make every one of them a solemn place ;
and the goodness and faithfulness of God to this church
and people are to be acknowledged in all those earthly
temples, which they in their different generations, have
been permitted to erect for the honor of his name.
4. But I come in the fourth place to call your atten-
tion, my hearers, to a still more interesting consideration
36
in proof of the faithfulness of God to this church. He
has attended the various means of salvation, which I
have enumerated, with the gracious operations of his
Spirit, on the hearts of the church and people during
these one hundred and fifty years.
The merciful design of the gospel is the conversion
and salvation of sinners; and the object of the outward
institution of the christian church is to receive convert-
ed sinners into a covenant relation to God and one
another, for their sanctification and growth in grace ; so
that the influence of the church, and especially the ordi-
nance of the ministry, may bring the power of the gos-
pel to bear on the minds and hearts of the unconverted
part of the world.
But the whole power of the gospel, through the min-
istry, which God has connected with the church for such
infinitely important ends, is to be traced to the effica-
cious workings of the Holy Spirit.
Here we see that all church organization, all creeds,
covenants, and ordinances, all houses of worship, all
preaching of the word, are nothing and accomplish noth-
ing in sanctifying and saving souls, without the accom-
panying energies of God's gracious Spirit; so that, after
all, the bestowment of this divine influenc<5 is the great-
est gift of God to man, and the crowning blessing of
the gospel of his grace to a dying world.
"We are prepared then, my brethren, to see how great
has been the loving kindness and faithfulness of God to
this church in bestowing such measures of divine
influence upon their own minds, and upon the minds of
this people for these many generations.
- The ministry of Mr. Fuller, after his ordination, was
very short; and on account of the loss of the records
37
which has been mentioned, little can be known how
much it was instrumental of accomplishing.
The same may be said of the ministry of Mr. Palmer,
which lasted about ten years. Little, indeed, could be
hoped from the preaching of even evangelical truth,
where the life of the preacher was a contradiction to his
doctrine. Still, God as a sovereign, sometimes uses very
unworthy instruments to accomplish his holy purposes ;
and, as the records now show that some were members
of the church at the time when Mr. Palmer's ministry
closed and Mr. Thacher's began in 1709, who were not
among the original founders, we must conclude, that
there were some additions to the church during that
dark, short period of its history ; but how many, and
when made, and the names of them all, can probably
never be known.
After the settlement of Mr. Thacher, the Holy Spirit
seemed to return, and his gracious influences were given
to attend the ministry of that faithful preacher and
godly pastor with very encouraging, though with differ-
ent degrees of success at different times, till the com-
mencement of the Great Eevival, which was in 1741 ; a
period long to be remembered in the christian history of
this country, Scotland, and some other parts of Protest-
ant Europe. The number admitted to the church during
Mr. Thacher's ministry was Sihoui four hundred and tliirty ;
of whom one hundred and tiDenty-five were received in the
year 1742, as the principal fruits of the revival.
Is it not always safe for us to estimate the fiiithfulness
of a minister, or any other servant of God, by the appar-
ent success which attends his labors, at any given time :
and equally erroneous is it for us to calculate the
amount of good, of which any man is the instrument, by
38
considering the results of his influence as they appear
during even his whole life ; for the works of 6very one
who has died in the Lord, do follow him ; and it is
sometimes the sovereign appointment of God, that his
servants should be instrumental in preventing sin rather
than in promoting holiness^ These remarks apply with
much force to the ministry of Mr. Conant, who succeeded
Mr. Thacher. These two men died at nearly the same
age, and after a ministry of nearly the same length.
They pi cached the same great christian doctrines and
duties ; they appeared to be influenced by the same
spirit ; they were alike laborious in their work ; they
seemed to aim equally at the glory of their divine mas-
ter. But very different were the apparent results of
the ministry of the latter from those of the former. Mr.
Thacher was permited to see during his ministry the
addition of about four hundred and thirty to the
church ; while Mr. Conant was allowed to see that of
about seventy only.
It is indeed true that God is a sovereign, and that he
has mercy where he will have mercy ; yet there is such a
general uniformity in his manner of accompanying the
right use of the means of salvation with the efficacious
influence of his grace, that wherever the results in one
case differ materially from what they are in another, we
may often discover some of the reasons of the difference.
And so it is, I apprehend, in the cases before us. There
are two important reasons, why the ministry of Mr.
Conant should be instrumental of accomplishing less
immediate or apparent good than that of Mr. Thacher.
One is, that the religious susceptibilities of the people
were greatly exhausted when his labors began. The
out-pouring of the Holy Spirit had been very copious.
39
The revival had taken deep hold of the minds of chris-
tians and taxed their spirtual energies to an uncommon
degree. Great numbers of sinners, old and young,
had been converted. A sealing influence was set in
that revival upon the labors and prayers and covenant
faithfulness of the minister and the church for a long
antecedent period. Before the revival they had been
sowing in tears ; when it came, for three years they
reaped in joy. When Mr. Conant came among the peo-
ple, he found and had to administer upon just such a
state of things as we have often seen exist in New England,
after a powerful revival of religion. The human mind
is so constituted that intense religious excitement ex-
hausts its powers of feeling and acting. It is so with
individuals, it is so with churches and with larger commu-
nities. The Revival of a century ago was uncommon-
ly powerful, and it took the minds of those, who came
under its greatest influence, as was the case here, many
years to come back to the same susceptibility which
existed at its commencement.
But there was another cause which operated power-
fully in preventing the success of Mr, Conant's ministry.
A few years after his settlement the public mind began
to be uncommonly occupied with political subjects. The
difficulties which the colonies had with the mother
country, were of a serious character. The excitement
soon became intense, and it continued and increased till
the breaking out of the Revolutionary War, in the third
year of which Mr. Conant died. It is easy to see that
political subjects must have greatly absorbed other
interests. The public mind was turned away from the
subject of religion, and even christians and chri.e'-
tian churches suflered greatly in their spiritual interests.
40
In the two considerations now mentioned, we may see
some obvious reasons, why Mr. Conant's ministry should
not have yielded as much apparent fruit as that of other
men, who preached the same truths, and labored in the
same spirit of evangelical fidelity. Indeed, it would
have been a great achievement of his ministry if it had
barely saved the church from going over to moral and
religious errors, in such a day of trial and darkness as
he lived in. But it accomplished more than this. It
kept the church and people on the Lord's side ; and his
labors were such as his successor might well rejoice to
enter into.
Mr. Barker commenced his ministry a little before the
close of the Revolutionary War. When that event took
place, the public mind soon sought and found the rest
it had been many years deprived of. True, the revolu-
tionary times had had the effect of corrupting the pub-
lic morals, as well as the public religious sentiment. But
when peace came, the people had time to rest, time
to think. It became more practicable to gain their
attention to religious truth. Ministers found more encour-
agement in preaching the gospel. Accordingly, in the
first thirteen years of Mr. Barker's ministry, there were
as many admitted to the church as in all the thirty-two
of that of Mr Conant. It was different, however, in the
years which followed, and which brought the history of
the church down to 1806 : during those twelve years
there was an addition to it oi only t}iirUj41iree.
But God was about to remember mercy again for
this ancient church, and to show that he had not forgot-
ten his faithfuhiess to its many generations. In the
years 1807 and '8, a new and powerful revival was enjoyed.
As the fruits of it, there were gathered into the
41
cliurcli in those two years, and in 1809 the number of
ninety -five. Tlie whole number admitted to the church
during Mr. Barker's ministry was tivo hundred and forifj-f our.
The number admitted during the short ministry of
Mr. Paine, which was a little more than six years, was
twelve.
In 1823, while there was no settled minister, another
precious out-pouring of the Spirit was granted ; and
seventif-tivo were added to the church in that year.
Mr. Eaton's ministry commenced in 1824, and ended
in 1834 ; during which time there were some seasons of
special revival. In the three years of 1829, '30, and '31,
forty-one persons were added to _ the church ; and the
whole number admitted during his ministry was sixty-
one.
Some special effusions of the Holy Spirit were enjoy,
ed by us here in 1840 and '41 ; and there were added
to the church in those two years, the number o^ fifty.
The whole number added duringt he present ministry, —
that is, from 1835 to 1845, — is one hundred and seven, nine
of whom were added the past year.
In consequence of the loss of the early records of the
church, it is impossible to state with accuracy the whole
number of admissions. The names of about ten hun-
dred and fifty, however, have been ascertained, which
would make the average of annual admission seven
members for the whole period. Such, my hearers, are
the general results experienced from the organization of
this church one hundred and fifty years ago, and from the
preaching of the gospel here during that period. More
than one thousand persons have, by these means of grace,
been brought to make a public profession of the name of
Christ, and to take the vows of God upon them. Hoav
6
42
many ol them will, in the great clay appear to have been
real converts, the books then to be opened will show.
And those books will show also, how many other persons,
of the different generations here, during this century
and a half, who, although they never confessed Christ
before men, have actually accepted the salvation offered
them by his ministers. Nor can I fail here to add that
other reflection, still more affecting, — which is, that those
books will show how many of these generations, who
had the offer of eternal life thus made to them, rejected
it and perished !
If it should be asked where such of these church
members, as have departed this life, actually closed their
mortal course, — the answer would be that most of them
lived and died in this place. Their bodies have returned
to the dust, and are mouldering in the several burying
grounds of the parish. But some of them were dismiss-
ed at different times to aid in forming the churches in
the west and north precincts of the town, and in Halifax.
Others also have been dismissed to join other churches
in this and other States ; and others again have died in
near or distant places, while they retained their mem-
bership here. How many of the whole number are now
living it is impossible to say. Two hundred and fifty -
seven of them are still actual members of this church.
But you see what a great proportion have passed away
from all mortal scenes, and are " fixed in an eternal
state."
If time did not fail me, and if there were not, as I
have already mentioned, in a course of preparation, such
a historical notice as will give you the fullest details
concerning the church, its ministers, its deacons, its
houses of worship, and other things of like interest.
43
together with a complete list of its members^ I should love
to dwell on such particulars, — as I am persuaded they
will go still further to illustrate the very precious truth,
which it has been my object this day to present to
your minds ; which is The faithfulness of God to this church
during the century and half which is now Just expiring. But
I have already trespassed much on your patience, and
must hasten to a close with such reflections as the sub-
ject and occassion obviously suggest. Let me, however,
here remark; that in the statements already made,
especially as to dates and numbers, I have endeavored
to be exact ; but I cannot hope to have attained to per-
fect accuracy in this respect. That could hardly be
expected in consulting so many accounts, especially as
they are sometimes not a little contradictory.
REFLECTIONS.
1. Our first reflection is on the offering of gratitude, which
is due from us this day to God for his condescending,
patient and faithful care of our beloved church.
One hundred and fifty years have now passed away
since eleven men and nine zvomen, having hope in the Lord
Jesus, and dwelling in this town, stood up near this spot,
to engage in all those covenant transactions, by which
was laid the foundation of one of the many thousand
churches of Christ on earth. And oh, my christian
friends, what a Faithful God has this church found its
great covenant Head to be ! How condescending to it in
its low estate ; how patient and forgiving toward it in all
its backslidings ; how gracious in giving it such meas-
ures of the Holy Spirit ; how faithful in keeping it to
44
this day, built, as v>^e trust it is, on the sure foundation
which God hath laid in Zion.
Let us, then, joyfully present the offering of thanks-
giving and praise to our adorable and " faithful God,
which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love
him and keep his commandments, to a thousand gener-
ations." Such a grateful tribute is his just due. Let it
be offered by every heart.
2. A second reflection is on the humiliation, which
becomes us, at this time, in view of any departures from
the purity and simplicity of our fathers, either in doctrine,
.spirit, discipline, order or manner of living, of which we
are consciously guilty.
It is a serious thing, my brethren, for us to belong to
a church, Avhose founders and members of former gener*
tions were such as we know ours to have been. The
guilt of any who have gone before us is not chargeable
upon ourselves. We have nothing to answer for except
our own defects and our own sins. But is there not
occaion for us to be humble, when we reflect how little
we love "the church of God which he hath purchased with
his own blood," and how few sacrifices we make for its
welfare? For the orthodoxy of its faith, for the purity
of its practice, for the faithfulness of its discipline, we
are responsible. Now are we not sensible, that we have
some low views of christian truth, order, discipline,
and practical living ? Do we feel that, as a church, and
as individuals, all is right with us ? Are we what our
fathers were ? Have we the same zeal for the honor of our
Saviour, which they manifested ? Are we as conscien-
tious in '-' walking in the commandments and ordinances
Q^ the Lord, blameless," as they were ? Surely we see
45
great occasion to be humble, when we address ourselves
with such questions as these. How strict were they in
observinjjc the Sabbath ! How constant in their attend-
ance at the sanctuary ! How faithful in maintaining
family prayer, and in giving daily instruction from the
Scriptures to their households, as well as in all the other
duties of family religion ! What a high privilege did
they regard it to consecrate their children to God, in the
holy ordinance of baptism, therein following the exam-
ple of believers under the ancient dispensation, and
thereby binding themselves with the welcome obliga-
tions of bringing them up in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord! The present generation may imagine, that
they have advantageously gotten rid of what they call
the austerity of their Pilgrim Fathers, and that they
better understand the philosophy of religion, and the
liberality as well as the liberty of the gospel. But the
signs of the times and the evils in the churches, give
strono; intimation that their imaorinations are vain. Let
us, who belong to this church, search our hearts, and
try our ways by that holy standard which God has ap-^
j)ointed. Let us humble ourselves for all our backslid-
ings and failures of duty, penitently confessing them^
and seeking forgiveness of Him " whose mercy endureth
forever.'*
3. We ought to listen to the call there is for more zeal
and dcvotedness to the service of our covenant-keeping
God. When we first avouched the Lord to be our God,
my friends, we then entered into engagements, which
can never be broken ; we made vows, from which we
can never go back. When we finally entered this
church, whether it was at our first profession of the name
of Christ, or by the removal of our relation from some
46
other church, we solemnly consecrated onrselves to t
service of Christ here. We promised the brethren and
Bisters who then consituted the church, that we would
walk with them in the truth of the gospel, that we
would labor with them in the spirit of Christ, and that
if it should be God's will, we would die with them in
the hope of a future eternal union in his kingdom. We
knew what this church was, and something of what it
had been ; certainly we knew for what purposes it pro-
fessed to live. Many of those with whom we thus en-
tered into solemn covenant, are removed from the
church below, as are also the hundreds of those who
were members here before themselves. But the church
remains ; the confession of faith remains ; the covenant
remains ; the glorious objects for which it was instituted
remain 5 our own vows remain. Yes, my Christian
friends, we here came into one branch of the family of
Christ ; we deliberately chose this church as our earthly
home. We promised to serve Him who has made it^
hitherto, such a pleasant home for our weary souls ; a
home, which is a delightful emblem of that eternal rest
where we hope to see his glory more, and love and serve
and enjoy him better. I come, then, my beloved breth-
ren and sisters in the Lordj to call upon you this day, — as
I would call upon myself, — while the church is now enter*
ing on the second hundred and fifty years of its exist-
ence, to wake up to the claims which the Saviour has
upon your love and your service. Those pious men and
women, who first started this church into existence, a
century and a half ago, then gave it a Christian charac-
ter, which a faithful God has enabled it ever since to
sustain ; and you, my friends, are now going to start
the church again on the course of another similar period.
47
Oh, where will you be, when those hundred and fifty
years are ended ? Where ? In glory, I hope and pray,
with all the members of the church, who in the whole
three hundred years, shall be found to have been " faith-
ful." But, be faithful yourselves, or that glory will not
be yours. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ ! Oh,
can there be a higher, nobler, holier object, for which to
live ; or any better service, in which to labor and even
to die ?
I appeal to you, all. Ye aged ones, your day is fast
declining. The shades of night will soon be upon you.
Yours is the privilege to see the church enter upon
another, and as we trust, long course of its existence.
Be thankful that you have lived to see this day, and now
whatever you would do to help in giving a right direc-
tion to its Christian energies, let me entreat you to do
quickly. If you have any more time, or prayer, or
property, or labor, or influence, to give to the church of
the Lord Jesus, give it now ; for your day of giving and
of serving will soon be over.
I call upon the members of the church in middle life.
Your danger, my friends, is that you will be like one,
whom the Saviour rebuked for worldly-mindedness,
"careful about many things." Be exhorted to "seek
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all
these things shall be added unto you." Be faithful to
your covenant vows and your Saviour. Love and serve
Us church, and he will let your names appear at last, writ-
ten in bright letters in the Book of Life.
My dear young friends, members of the church, I
delight to turn to you. Oh, what is there, that I may
not say to those whom I so tenderly love ? • What Avord
of ministerial exhortation shall I keep back from those,
48
whom it lias been my lot more particularly to be instru-
mental of bringing to the hope of the gospel, and even
into the bosom of the church of Christ. To you I
would affectionately appeal. Shall I not have your
youthful days, your youthful prayers, your youthful en-
ergies, for the service of Him, whose I am, and whom I
aim to serve ? Oh, will you not go with me to the la-
bors, and toils, and sacrifices, necessary to follow a self-
denying and crucified Saviour? Is there any mere
earthly pleasure or enjoyment or object, which you will
not freely give up, if necessary, that you may be fi)und
among the holy, devoted disciples of Jesus ? Be faith-
ful, my dear young friends, to that sacred name which
you have taken upon you. Serve this church of Christ
with a pure mind, and with a holy zeal ; and in the
great day he will say of you, as he did of some in Sar-
dis, " these shall walk with me in white, for they are
worthy." Yes, through the golden streets of the New
Jerusalem, even you shall walk with that Saviour, being
made worthy through the infinite merit of his death.
Brethren and sisters of the church, of every age and
every condition, " Suffer the word of exhortation." So
far as you are concerned, let the church begin the second
era of a century and half, as it began the first, with an
entire consecration of all there is in its members to
Christ. Are you conscious of backslidings ? Then look
to Him, who alone can heal them. Is there less of
prayer in your closets and in your families than there
should be? Then return to those neglected duties.
Resolve, as did Joshua, and as did the pious founders of
this church, and say, each one of you, " as for me and
my house, we will serve the Lord." Are there any of
you who feel that you have neglected a duty you owe to
49
your beloved children, in consecrating them, as well as
yourselves, to the Lord ? Then bring them forth with-
out delay, and let the seal of the everlasting covenant
be set upon them. Let them be baptized in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Let
this be done, on your part, with true faith in God, and
then you will have his promise that he will pour his
Spirit upon your seed, and his blessing upon your off-
spring. Do your consciences tell you that you neglect
the public and social means of grace? Then come to
the house of the Lord on his Holy Day, and be present
when his word is preached and his ordinances are admin-
istered. Attend the private meetings of prayer and
religious conference. Speak often to one another, as did
the pious Jews in the time of Malachi, and the Lord
will hearken and hear it, if you fear Him and think upon
his name ; and he will pronounce you His, in the day
when he makes up his jewels. Do you feel condemned
for not walking more worthily of your Christian voca-
tion? Then think of him "who was holy, harmless,
undefiled, and separate from sinners."
You know, my Christian friends, what is needed to
make this generation among whom you dwell, a truly
Christian people, and to impart to their character a piety,
which shall send its influence down far into the era
which we are now commencing. You have feeling
enough to wish for the divine interposition ; and some-
times you exclaim, " Oh, that the work of the Lord were
revived! " I have therefore but one more question to ask
you. Do you not know it is written, that your heavenly
Father is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them
that ask him, than you yourselves are to give good gifts
to your children ? As you value your own hopes of
7
50
eternal life, and your growth in grace ; as you wish to
see the Saviour honored, in the conversion and salvation
of the generation to which you belong; as you desire to
be instrumental of accomplishing something that shall
tell upon all the generations of this people, down to the
end of another century and half, (A. D. 1995,) then
come to what you well know is your duty. That is all
that God requires of you, the rest is His.
And this brings me to my
4. Final reflection, which is, that all our hope for the
preservation of this church, and for the salvation of this
people in coming time, ^> in God alone.
His hand enabled the feeble band of twenty to estab-
lish it at first ; his hand has sustained it hitherto ; his
hand, and his alone, can keep it to the end. It consists
now, and as long as it has a being, will consist, of sinful
and erring mortals. If left to themselves, they will make
shipwreck of the faith, they will tread under foot the
Son of God, they will count the blood of the covenant
an unholy thing, and will do despite unto the Spirit of
grace. If forsaken of God, they will " wax worse and
worse," and will be judicially given up, and their name
will be forever blotted out. Such, I say, will be the
course and end of the church, if it be not God's merci-
ful purpose to keep it and save it. "We come, then to
give up an interest so dear to us into the hands of a
sovereign God, rejoicing in Him, and humbly believing
that, for his own name's sake, he will manifest his faith-
fulness unto all the coming generations of this beloved
church and people.
He can, with infinite ease, prepare for them those
future pastors and teachers, whom they will need. With
him is the residue of the Spirit, and he can, from time
51
to time, add to the communion of the church glorious
numbers of such as shall be saved. His word is truth,
and through that word he can sanctify and fit them for
his heavenly kingdom. Here we leave the church, and
trust its keeping to its Almighty Saviour's care.
But shall I close without adding a word to those who
are not members of the church ? No ; I would not, —
for surely they have a deep interest in all I have said
this day. There are two classes of this description
among my hearers. Some of you, my friends, are
hoping that although you are not members of the visi-
ble church, you are yet real Christians, and in the way
of being saved. It may be so ; but if it is, there is one
serious and difficult question for you to answer at the
beginning of this year. It is this : "Why, with such a
hope, however feeble and trembling it may be, you can
go on in disobedience to the will of Him who requires
you to confess him before men, and in remembrance of
his dying love, to sit with his followers at his table ? I
do not put this question to reproach you, but to bring
you to the performance of a neglected duty. Under
the covenant protection of God, there is not only safety
for your souls, but comfort and strength also. Seek
those spiritual blessings, then, which you need, in the
covenant favor of Him who is willing to avouch himself
to be your God, if you will avouch yourselves to be his
people.
But I would speak also to those of you, my friends,
who have not this Christian hope. You have this day
heard me say much concerning the favor of God toward
those Avho become his true people ; and I think you will
admit that their hopes and prospects are of infinitely
greater value than all that the world can bestow upon
52
them. You are now, in common with all here, who are
real Christians, beginning that period which I have often
named. You do not expect to see its end. Your reason
tells you that with the first of the generations of that
time, you will pass away from the scenes of this proba-
tionary state, and will dwell in eternity. And where,
let me ask you, will you be, at the end of one hundred
and fifty years from this day ? Where will your immor-
tal spirits then dwell? WilTit be in the world of glory,
or in the world of woe ? If you become the people of
God, you will dwell in his kingdom. If you fail of that,
you will " be cast into outer darkness." You will allow
me, my friends, to speak thus plainly to you, for I am
seeking your good. I beg you to give these thoughts a
place in your minds. Let them sink deep within you.
Think how quickly one generation, the average term of
your life, passes away. Fifty years ago. Rev. Mr. Barker
stood almost on this very spot, and preached a century
sermon, on an occasion similar to the present. Even that
appears to be a long period. But those fifty years are
gone, and with them are gone the preacher and almost
the whole of that assembly who heard him. How few
are in this house to-day, who were present then ! An-
other fifty years, and yet another will pass equally soon.
One generation of this people will follow another.
These older burying grounds will be filled with the dead,
and the living will seek new places where to lay their
own bodies when they shall follow in their turn. Thus
will come round the year 1995, which will show a gene-
ration here, who will know little or nothing of us, and
who will walk unconsciously over our graves. But where
then shall zve be? Where the immortal spirits of this
assembly ? To have been in heaven, during what we
53
here call a hundred and fifty years, will be but the begin,
ning of bliss. To have been in hell, that same duration
will be but the beginning of wo !
But I must cease : Let me, then, only add that now
the church on earth is open, and all may enter, who will
seek admission through the door which the Saviour has
appointed. Open also is the entrance to the church
above : will you, my hearers, seek admission there ?
You have your free choice. You can take your lot
either with the people of God, or with those who slight
the promised rest. Oh, make the wise choice. Secure
the favor of your final Judge ; and then, when centuries
and ages shall have rolled away, your happiness will be
secure, and you will look forward to scenes of increas-
ing bliss and glory throughout an unending eternity.
Amen.
CHRONOLOGICAL NOTICES.
1694, 0. S., Dec. 26. The First Church of Mlddleborough, was or-
ganized, and Rev. Samuel Fuller ordained.
1695, Aug. 17. Mr. Fuller died, aged 70.
1700, May 29. Second Meeting House erected.
1702, May 2. Rev. Thomas Palmer ordained.
1708, June 30. Mr. Palmer deposed.
1709, Nov. 2. Rev. Peter Thacher ordained.
1725, Oct. 12. West Px-ecinct Church organized.
1734, Oct. 13. Nineteen members dismissed to form a church in
Halifax.
1737, Nov. 13. Dr. Thomas Palmer, formerly Pastor, restored to the
fellowship of the church.
1742, The great Revival ; 148 added to the church.
1744, April 22. Mr. Thacher died, aged 55.
1745, Mar. 7. Rev. Sylvanus Conant ordained.
1745, Third Meeting House erected.
1748, Feb. 4. Church in North Mlddleborough organized.
1777, Dec 8. Mr. Conant died, aged 55.
1781, Dec. 5. Rev. Joseph Barker ordained.
1807 & 1808, Revival ; 95 added to the church.
1815, July 25. Mr. Barker died, aged 64.
1816, Feb. 14. Rev. Emerson Paine ordained.
1822, June 4. Mr. Paine dismissed.
1823, Revival; 72 added to the church.
1824, Mar. 10. Rev. William Eaton installed.
1828, The present Meeting House erected.
1829 & 1831, Revival ; 36 added to the church.
1834, Mar. 5. Mr. Eaton dismissed.
1835, Oct. 28. Rev. Israel W. Putnam installed.
1840, '41, & '42, Revival ; 68 added to the church.
1843, The Chapel at Four Corners Village erected.
1847, Mar. 12. Thirty-three members dismissed and organized as the
Central Congregational Church.
1849, Aug. 16. The Meeting House of the Central Church dedicated,
Rev. Isaiah C. Thacher installed.
A TABLE,
Showing the annual admission of Members, the number Baptized when admitted
and the total Baptisms, in the Fikst Chukch of Middleboro', Mass.
a
5
■a
3
g1
i;f 1
u
a
1
i
(.1
s
C3 s 1
S
^'0'^
K
C
■3
PASTORS.
C3
§
1
n
PASTORS.
1
3 is 5
PASTORS.
s
^
.a
^
a
■a
i
o
H
■2 •= 1
1 S.i^
1
.a
1
•<
l'^'
<
c:
" —
~~
—
—
_^^
^
Rev. S. Fuller.
1694 20
3
7
Rev. S. Conant.
1773
6
2'l7!
Rev. J. Barker.
1814
9
5
13
E«v. T Palmer.
' —
—
1
1774
1
016'
1815
2
6
Records lost to
1708 15
1775
1
—
—
—
1776
3
8
Rev. E. Paine.
1816
3
2
ReT. P. Thacher.
1709
1
%
1777
1
10
1817
16
1710
11
1
19
1818
5
1711
5,
Vacancy.
1778
2
1819
11
6
9
1712
1
8'
1779
3'
1820
1
1
1713
9
6
13;
1780
1
5j
1821
1714
1
1
8
—
1822
1715
13
3 23|
Rev. J. Barker.
1781
4
o\
1716
9
2
25
1782 15' 4
34'
Vacancy.
1823
72
44
44
1717
1
9i
1783
5
18
1718
7
1
28
1784
7
1
10
Rev. y^'va. Eaton.
1824
11
2
9
1719
3
1
13!
1785
5
1
4
1825
2
2
1720
2
Hi
1786
6
1
25
1826
3
2
8
1721
7
2
35
1787
7
3
16
1827
1
4
1722
9
2
20|
1788
3
112
1828
1
1723
8
1
18|
1789
7
0,35
1829
15
12
18
1724
7
1
19
1790
1
0!5
1830
5
2
4
1725
8
1
25
1791
3
110
1831
21
17
17
1726 4
1
26,
1792
2
1 7
1832
2
1
1727! 8
1
^^1
1793 3
1 5
1833
3
2
2
1728 18
1
30'
1794
13! 613:
1834
1729, 22
7
i°i
1795
4
3
1730l 7
34I
1796
2
el
Rev. I. W. Putnam.
18.35
1
1731; 10
25;
1797
6
oil!
1836
4
2
1732' 3
1
36;
1798
1
nil
1837
10
7
11
1733 22
4.33:
1799
3
1838
9
9
15
1734 15
5;3?
1800
4
2
6
1839
2
3
1735 "
5
1
28
1801
2
2
2
1840
23
15
17
1736
15
5
46
1802
3
1
8
1841
26
15
18
1737
4
41
1803
2
4!
1842
19
11
11
1738
2
27|
1804
1
1843
4
1
1
1739 12
2
37:
1805
1
2
1844
9
2
2
1740 3
1
.32!
1806
5
4
4
1845
3
17411 14
1
:34i
1807
.543351!
1846
1
1742,148
34
95
18(:8 2913 351
1847
4
1743
17
1
37]
18(9 121 4:10l
1848
1
1744
4
20!
1810
6; 2251
1849
— —
—
— '
1811
1! 0! 6|
1850
9
5
6
BeT. S. Conant.
1745
1
.36
1812
11 012
1851
11
7
7
1746
1747
1748
1749
1750
3
J
{)
31 i
28
18131 I7I 61 7l
8
1
3
1
41
24
36
SUMMARY.
1 P 1
1751
2
1
21
. „
S .
1 V 1
1752
28
«
.3 l
*
3.1'
1753
18
S 2
si
t;.-S
1754
1755
1
1
25
19
NAMES C
)F PASTORS,
32
al
sa
n
1756
1
24
P4
-«)^
rt^
1757
1758
1759
1760
1761
1762
2
15
26!
10
25
14
20
n
7
1
3
1
4
Mr. Fuller, -
1 1 20 1 3| 7
Mr. Palmer, no re
cords, - - . - - 1 13 1 15 1 |
Mr. Thacher, -
1 35 1 430 1 87 1 985
Mr. Conant,
i 33| 76 1 6| b55
1763
1764
11
2
0il4
Vacancy, - - -
i 3| 11 0| 10
1766
1766
1767
1768
1769
1770
1771
1772
3
025
Mr. Barker,
1 34 1 246 1 93 1 418
3 111'
Q 1 Ofi!
Mr Paine, - -
------- 1 7 1 15 1 6 1 33
o
1
2
5
010!
010
on
015
oio!
Vacancy, - -
----.--- 1 1 1 72 1 44 1 44
Mr. Eaton,
------- 1 10 1 63 1 37 1 66
Mr. Putnam, -
1 16 1 131 1 72 1 98
_106'
)_L3
48_|
23
16
ERRATA.
LINES FROM TOP.
P. 0, 1. 7 for Howlad read Rowland.
P. 6, 1. 6 for 1st r. 6th.
P. 36, 1. 5 for Nov. 2 r. Nov. 1.
1. 10 and 23 for Mary r. Mercy.
P. 37, 1. 15 after Soule, add, and child.
1. IG for Hannah Love r. wid. Hannah Cox.
P. 42, 1. 8 for Blanford r. Branford.
1. 13 for 5 r. 25 ; p. 44, 1. 9 for 12 r. 15.
P. 45, 1. 10 for Tinkham r. Raymond.
1. 17, add, Henry Thomas and Joseph Tinkham.
P. 50, 1. 13, for holy and without sin r. perfectly holy.
P. 53, 1. 1 for Finney r. Tinkham.
1'. 54, Is. 2, 3 omit all after deacon.
Is, 4, 5 after Cobb omit the two lines.
P. Gl, 1. 1 after and r. was ; for was r. had a.
P. G8, for 25 r. 12.
V. 74, Cobb, for 418, 425 r. 518, 525.
LINKS FUOM BOTTOM.
P. 3, line 9, for easterly read westerly.
P. 5, 1. 13, for 1690 r. 1G98.
P. 34, 1. 1, for 24 r. 19 >, p. 35, 1. 9, for 70 r. 78th.
P. 36, 1. 7, for Shore, &c., r. Stone of Southboro'.
P. 37, 1. 6, r. so sleep the saints and cease, &c.
P. 38, 1. 18, for grade r. glade.
P. 43, 1. 5, for July r. June.
P. 45, 1. 1, for fifty r. sixty.
1*. 49, 1. 11, after on r. having.
P. 51, 1. 7, r. a sentence of just.
P. 53, 1. 5, for 25, 1849, r. 12, 1847.
P. 54, 1. 13, for Rutland r. Royalton.
P. 60, 1. 1, after a, add, sound.
P. 64, 1. 13, for Abigail r. Abijah.
P. 70, 1. 16, for There r. These.
J)esc. Cat. No. 172, r. d. Jy. 30.
No. 480, admitted 1750, not 1751,
No. 640, was dismissed, when ordained.
No. 948. is still a member here.
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
014 078 782 6 #