The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773, Part 15

Author: Holy Trinity Church (Wilmington, Del.); Burr, Horace, 1817-1899, ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: [Wilmington, Del.] : Historical Society of Delaware
Number of Pages: 784


USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 15


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49


Let no false teacher deceive you. They will feign reasons for speaking ill of our christian doctrines. Remember thy dear brothers. .


J. SWEDBURG.


a. This first letter is in the Bishop's own hand writing and seems to have been retained for some reason and copied by some one, and both the original and copy sent together in April, with the addition of the fol owing which is added to the copy in Dr. Swedberg's own hand.


218


RECORDS OF


A. D., 1715, October 27th. Col. Sir John France related to the pastor that he with some other gentlemen front New Castle on the 10th of the past October, saw a tree in the King's road to Maryland, about twelve miles from here, upon which it had rained for fourteen days, although the heavens were clear and there was no sign of rain elsewhere. The tree is a young black oak, 19 inches in circumference, and so much rain has fallen night and day that anyone standing under it has been wet, as was also the Colonel though there was no appearance of damp- ness on the ground under the tree. In order to be certain whether the rain fell from the branches and leaves or out of a cloud, they sent a young boy into the top who found that the rain came down very copiously from heaven. The well born Colonel stated that this rain was first observed on the 3rd of October and continued until the 17th, when a thoughtless hired man in his ignor- ance cut down the tree and the rain then ceased.


RECORD OF MARRIAGES IN CHRISTINA CONGREGATION 1714.


I. Johan Culen, Miss Christina Pâlsson, married, January 6.


2. Johan Van de Ver, Miss Maria Stalcop, married January 14


3. Paul Gustafsson, Miss Carin Bethiem, married February 4.


4. Henric Garrison, Miss Kerstin Constantin, married April 3.


5. Thomas Johnsson, widow Margareta Samueldotter, married September 7.


6. Johannes Mânsson, Miss Ingeburg Stedham, married Sept- ember 21.


7. Edward Robinson, Miss Margaretta Classon, married Sept- ember 23.


RECORD OF MARRIAGES IN CHRISTINA CONGREGATION 1715.


I. Olof Palsson, widow Elizabeth Colesburg married February.


2. Revererd Abraham Lidenius, Miss Elizabeth Von Neeman married May 25.


3. Timotheus Lylofsson Stedham, Miss Elizabeth Van de Ver married June 7.


-


219


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.


4. John Wright, Sarah Wright, from Maryland wedded with license of of the Governor, married June 24.


5. Lucas Lucasson Stedham, Miss Ingeburg La Quett, married October 26.


6. Enok Canly, widow Catharina Grantiem wedded in their house, married November 7.


7. Robin Peers, Miss Mary Simons, married November 25.


8. William Abraham, Miss Maria Constantin, wedded in the Parsonage, married December I.


RECORD OF BAPTISMS WITH NAMES OF PARENTS AND SPONSORS IN THE YEAR 1714.


I. Richard Enos and wife, Susanna's child Joseph, a few months old, baptized January 17th, Sponsors Johan Von Culen and his wife Christina, Olof Palson and Mariah Pälson.


2. Israel Petersson and wife, Marguretta's child Hans, born February 20th, baptized February 28th, Sponsors Pastor Hessellins Captain Hans Peterson, Mrs. Hellena Petersson, Stafan Tassawas wife Karin, and Miss Ingeborg Stedham.


3. Johan Tassawa and wife Annika's child Elias, born Jan. 21, baptized March 7th, Sponsors Wm. Van de Ver, Timotheus Bengt- sson Stedham, Peter Petersson's wife Hellena and Miss Kiastin Conrad's dotter.


4. Aute Vainans and wife Marguretta's child Andreas, born February 3d, baptized March 21st, Sponsors Eskel Johansson, Miss Ingeberg Stedham and Miss Constantin.


5. Darby Whelan and wife Susa's child Richard, 4 months old, baptized April 18th, Sponsors Jacobus Van de Ver, Matthias Skagen, Olof Tossawa's widow Gertrude and Peter Mayer's wife Sara.


6. Regner Von Culen and wife Ingrid's child Kerstin, five months old, baptized April 25th, Sponsors Johan Von Culen, Peter Pálson, Mrs. Elizabeth Colesberg and Miss Magaretta Classon.


7. Peter Petersson Canpany and wife Hellena's child Johannes born June 3d, baptized June 6th, Sponsors Johannes Mánsson, Henrie Gruken, Mans Gustaf's wife Catharine, Miss Maria Snecker ..


-


220


RECORDS OF


8. Edward Nelson and wife Sara's child Maria, born June 4th, baptized June 13th, Sponsors Peter Canpany, Jonas Stalcop, Samuel Stedham, Margaretta widow of Asmund, Miss Ingeberg La Quett, Miss Mary Skagan.


9. Staffan Cornelius and wife Wilhelmina's child Anders, born June 12; baptized Jnne 20, Sponsors Peter Petersson from Bran- dywine, Conrad Constantine, Gustaf Cock's wife Anna.


Io. Gustaf Gustafsson and wife Kerstin's child Nils, born June 19th, baptized June 27, Sponsors Martin Gustafsson, John Wal- raven, Anders Gustaf's wife Brita, Johan Gustaf's wife Brita.


rI. Martin Gustafsson and wife Brita's child Jonas, born May 23th, baptized August 29th, Sponsors Pastor Hessellius, I Swed- berg, Mrs Sara Hesellius, Mrs. Maria Braun.


12. Christiern Joransson and wife Elizabeth's child Christina born August 27, baptized August 29th, Sponsors Matz Petersson, Peter Canpony, Mrs. Kustin Constantine, Mrs. Brita Stalcop.


13. The young Peter Mansson and wife Annika's child Olof, born August 20th, baptized August 30th, Spons ors Johannes Mânsson, Timotheus Benedictus Stedham, The senior Peter Mânsson's wife Karin and Olof Tossawa's widow Gertrude.


14. Johannes de Foss and wife Johanna's child Matthias, six months old, baptized September 5, Sponsors Conrad Constantin, Mans Gustafsson, Mrs. Kerstin Garrison and Miss Mary Con- stantin.


15. George Wilhelms and wife, Kustin, child, James 6 years old baptised September 7, Sponsors, Peter Mansson, Michael Mayer, Thomas Johnson and his wife Margaretta, Mrs. Helena Van de Ver.


16. Michael Meyers and wife Anna's, child, Christopher two weeks old, baptized September 7, Sponsors, Peter Mansson, Thomas Jamison and his wife Margaretta.


17. Zacharias Bertilson, (over the river) and his wife Sara's child William, baptized September 12, Sponsors, Olof Van Nee- man, Johan Bertilsson, Miss Anna Perssen and Miss Magdalena Von Neeman.


18. Pastor Andreas Hessillius and wife Sara's child Andreas, born September 15, baptized by his father, September 19, Spon, sors, Bishop Swedburg (in his place responded) Charles Springer,


221


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.


Col. John France, Jonas Walraven, Peter Canpany. The late Magister Hessellius' widow Maria Bergia, in Sweden, in whose place was Helena Canpony, Lucas Stedham's wife Karin and Anders Gustafs' wife Brita.


19. Timothens Adamsson Stedham and wife Engilke's child born September 18, baptized September 26, Sponsors Capt. Hans Petersson, Anders Cock, Jacob Van de Ver, Hans Petersson's wife Annika, Anders Cock's wife Sara.


20. Peter Mansson and wife Annika's child Kerstin (from Prince Morris), one year old, baptized September 26, Sponsors Conrad Constantin, Jonas Walraven's wife Annika, Mrs. Kerstin Garrisson.


21. Joran Andersson and wife Maria's child Elizabeth(from St. Georges) 4 weeks old, baptized September 28, Sponsors Peter Andersson, Johan Ivarson's widow Elizabeth Ivarson who just after the birth had privately baptized the child, Peter Andersson's wife Magdalena.


22. Jons Anders Joransson and wife Sara's child Jons, (from St. Georges) 4 weeks old, baptized September 28, Sponsors John Ivarson, Matz Ericsson, Johan Ivarson's wife Maria, Miss Kasin Ivasson.


23. Alberti Volbach and wife Barbro's child Peters, born Sept- ember 25, baptized October 3, Sponsors Peter Canpany in Matz Petersson's place ; Hendric Hendricsson, Anders Gustaf's wife Brita.


24. Johan Stalcop and wife Maria's child Christina, born Oct- ober 20, baptized October 24, Sponsors Matz Petersson, Swen Gustafsson and his wife Catharina, from Wicacoe, Johan Gus- tafsson's wife Brita, Miss Maria Petersson.


25. Mans Gustafsson and wife Catharina's child Maria, born November 4, baptized November 7, Sponsors Martin Gustafsson, Lucus Lucasson Stedham, Mrs. Maria Braun, Mrs. Helena Can- pany.


26. Johan Didrick Elrod and wife Maria Magdalena's child, Agneta, born October 29, baptized November 8, Sponsors, Hans Piettersson, Peter Petersson from Brandywine, Hans Piettersson's wife Annika and Mrs. Brita Dunkin.


222


RECORDS OF


27. Johan Gustafsson and wife Brita's child Maria, born Noven1- ber 24, baptized November 17, Sponsors, Gustaf Gustafsson, Jr. Hindric Orhan, Martin Gustaf's wife Brita, Miss Maria Petersson, Miss Maria Snecker.


28. Johan Johansson's child (over the river) Laurentz, baptized November 21, Sponsors, Olof Von Neeman, Martin Johnsson, Mrs. Anna Petersson, Mrs. Magdelena Von Neeman.


29. Lucas Petersson's child Abrahamn (over the river) baptized November 24, Sponsors Herr Abraham Lidenius, Johan Mink Elizabeth Mink 1715.


I. William Maslander and wife Helena's child Maria, born October 27, 1714 baptized January Ist, Sponsors, Pastor Hesselius Jesper Walraven, Sara Hessellius, Miss Ingeborg Laquette.


2. Hendric Hendricsson and wife Judith's child Peter, born December 31. 1714, baptized January 3rd Sponsors, Pastor Hessellius and his wife Sara.


3. Bertil Johan and wife Maria's child from (Elk River) Maria 5 months old, baptized February 2nd at St. Georges, Sponsors, Matz Johansson, John Ivarsson and wife Maria and Walborg Ivarscotter.


4. Máns Anderson and wife Elizabeth's child Matz (from St. Georges) born December 31, 1714, baptized February 2nd. Spon- sors, Peter Holsten, Johan Anderson, James Anderson's wife Sara John Ivarsson's wife Maria.


5. Paul Gustafson and wife Karin's child Gustaf, 6 weeks old baptized, February 6th, Sponsors, Hendric Stedham, Timotheus Lylofson Stedham, Edward Robinson's wife Margaretta and Johan Tossawa's wife Annika.


6. William Van de Ver's old negro Christian, baptized February 20th, Sponsors, Jonas Stalcop and Miss Judith Van de Ver.


7. Hans Sher and wife Annika's child Isaiah (over the river) baptized April 10th, Sponsors, Rev. Abraham Lideuius, John Van Neemeen, Miss Catharina Stalcop, Miss Carin Guilliamson.


8. Johan Dickman's child, Mariah (over the river) baptized April 10th, Sponsors, Anders Hendricsson, Margaretta Billerback.


9. Samuel Hals and Anna Elizabeth's child George, born 2 weeks before Christmas, baptized April 17th after having been previously baptized from necessity by his mother, Sponsors, Carl Springer and his wife Maria, Miss Judith Van de Ver.


223


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.


10. Simon Johansson and wife Annika's child Olof of Elk River, 5 months old baptized May 15th, Sponsors, Regner Von Culen, Jacob Hendricsson from Cranehook, Olof Pálsson's wife Elizabeth, Eric Ericsson's wife Annika.


II. Joseph Hodges and wife Catharina's child Joshua, born April 14th, baptized May 15th, Sponsors, Pastor Hessellius and his wife Sara, Anders Kock and Johan Henderson's wife Brita.


12. Robin Pickman and wife Sara's child Anna (over the river) baptized May 15th Sponsors, Abraham Savoy, Miss Anna Persson Miss Sara Bertilsson.


13. Cornelius Corneliisson's child Jacob (over the river) bap- tized May 15th, Sponsors, Jacobus Van de Ver Hindric Petterson, Miss Anna Frantssen, Miss Grenilla Bertilsson.


14. Philip Van de Ver and wife Elizabeth's child Peter born May IIth, baptized May 22nd, Sponsors. Timotheus Lylofsson Stedham, Jonas Stalcop, Coruelius Van de Ver, widow Marga- retta, Miss Elizabeth Van de Ver.


15. Mâns Pâlsson and wife Margaretta's child Pal, born May 18th, baptized May 29th, Sponsors, Margaretta Hessellins, Con- stantins Constantin, Hans Pietterson's wife Anna.


16. Johan Classon's child Oney (over the river) baptized June 3rd, Sponsors, Jacobus Van de Ver, Jean Savoy, Miss Karin Guilliamson.


17. Hendric Vainam's child Hans, (over the river,) baptized June 3rd, Sponsors, Johan Hindricson, Martin Johnson, Ana Sher, Catharine Hendricson.


18. Johan Johanson and wife Hanna's child Lydia, (from Elk river,) 7 months old, baptized June 5th, Sponsors, Gustaf Gus- tafsson, Jr., Martin Gustafson, Jonas Walraven's wife Annika, Martin Gustafsson's wife Brita.


19. Jacob Stelle and wife Rebeca's child Maria, born June 22nd, baptized July 3rd, Sponsors, Conrad Constantin, Martin Gustafsson and his wife Brita, Geisee the wife of Peter Palsson, Sen., Martin Gustaf's wife Brita.


20. Hugh Simons and wife Francina's child Christina, 16 years old, baptized July 8th, Sponsors, Carl Springer and his wife Maria.


21. Johan Oins and wife Elizabeth's child Catharine, 6 weeks old, baptized July 17th, Sponsors Peter Mânsson, Anders Stal- cop, Miss Helena Petersson, Miss Sara Mânsson,


224


RECORDS OF


22. Hendric Garrisson and wife Kerstin's child Hendrick, born July 17th, baptized July 24th, Sponsors, Conrad Constantin, Johan Garresson, Peter Palsson's wife Geisie, Maria Con- stantin.


23. Hugh Simmons and wife Francina's daughter Mary, 20 years old, baptized July 31st, Sponsors, Anders Cock Staffen, Cornelius wife Willaminke.


24. Hugh Simmons and wife Francina's son Charles, 27 years old, baptized August 7th, Sponsors, Johan Gustafsson, Mâns Gustaf's wife Catharina.


25. Peter Meyer and wife Sara's child Abraham, born May 7th, baptized May 14th, Sponsors Pastor Hessellins and his wife . Sara, Timothens Lylofson Stedham, Annika the wife of Peter Mnsson, Jr.


26. Ambrosius Loudon and wife Brita's child Jesper, born May 9th, baptized May 14th, Sponsors, Martin Gustafsson, Lucas Stedham, Jr., Mrs. Maria Braun, Miss Sara Jespesdotter Wal- raven.


27. Zackarias Didricsson and wife Helena's child Peter, born July 2Ist, baptized August 14th, Sponsors, Thomas Jansson, Michael Meyer, Thomas Johnson's wife Margareta, Timotheus Stedham's wife Elizabeth.


28. Edward Robinsson and wife Margaretta's child Richard, born August 30th, baptized September IIth, Sponsors, George Whiteside, Peter Classon, Mrs. Maria Braun, Mrs Walborg Classon.


29. Cornelius Walraven and wife Wolborg's child Johannas, (in St. Georges,) 5 weeks old, baptized October 4th, Sponsors, James Joransson Andersson, Mans Andersson, Mrs. Maria Ivars, Miss Catharina Ivars.


30. Staffan Tossawa and wife Catharina's child Catharina, born September 30th, baptized October 9th, Sponsors, Israel Petersson, Timotheus Llyofson Stedham, Mrs. Helena Petersson, John Gustafsson's wife Brita.


31. Johanes Mânsson and wife Ingeborg's child Peter, born October 14th, baptized October 16th, Sponsors, Peter Mânsson, Christiern Brinburg, Lucas Stedham, Jr., Lucas Stedham's wife Carin, John Gustaf's wife Brita, Miss Sara Mânsson.


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH. 225


32. Johan Von Culen and wife Kerstin's child Johan, born October 19th, baptized October 23rd, Sponsors, Eric Erricson from Cranehook, Peter Classon and his wife Wolborg, Miss Mary Pâlsson.


33. Johan Link and wife Anna's child Johan, 2 years old, baptized November 5th, Sponsors, Johan Von Culen, Pal Pâlsson and his wife Elizabeth.


34. Johan Grantrem's widow's children;


Carl, about 12 years old,


35. Helena, 7 years old, 1


36. Ambrosius, 5 years old,


baptized November 7th, Sponsors Enoch Canby, Peter Anderson's wife Magdalena, and Sara Hes- sellius for the youngest, in whose place stood Peter Ander- son's wife Magdalena.


37. Anders Cock and wife Sara's child Brita, 7 weeks old, baptized December IIth, Sponsors, Conrad Constantine, Timo- theus Lylofsson Stedham, Eric Anderson's wife Brita, Miss Magdalena Petersdotter.


38. Jacob Van de Ver and wife Maria's child Jacob, born November 30th, baptized December 12, Sponsors, Pastor Hessel- lius, Peter Petersson, Miss Judith Van de Ver, Miss Magdalena Petersdotter.


39. Janson and wife Susanna's child Johan, 8 weeks old baptized December 8th, (of German birth and Presbyterians) Sponsors, Johan Willian Lerchenzciler, Anders Gustaf's wife Brita. (a)


RECORD OF BURIALS, 1714.


I. Thomas Jonsson's wife Anna, buried April 21st.


2. Staffan Cornelius' son Cornelius, buried January 2nd.


3. Joseph Clayton's wife Ella, buried July Irth.


4. Johan Anderson's wife Catharine, buried September 7th.


5. Johan Gustafsson's child Maria, buried December 5th.


6. Michael Meyer's child Christopher, buried December 22nd.


BURIALS, 1715.


I. Peter Petersson Canpany, buried February 6th.


a. Hereafter the names of sponsors, etc., will be omitted. Also the record of communicants at each celebration of the communion.


15


226


RECORDS OF


2. Staffan Tossawa, buried February 8th.


3. Magdalena Stubby, buried March 6th.


4. Anders Gustafsson's child Johannes, buried March 11th.


5. Richard Mankin, buried March 18th.


6. Anton Vainam's mother Elizabeth, buried March 24th. -


7. Morton Gustafsson's child Jonas, buried March 27th.


8. Peter Cock ¿ buried in their garden at St. Georges.


9. Magnus Cock 1 March 30th.


10. Hindric Johanson Orkan, buried April 3rd.


II. James Davis, buried April 3rd.


12. Albertus Wolback, buried April 4th.


13. Johan Iwarson, buried in his garden at St. George's, April 5th.


14. Edward Wilsson's wife Sara.


15. Wmn. Skagan's widow Elizabeth, buried May


16. Johan the child of Peter Mansson, Jr., buried May 16th.


17. Daniel, the servant of Peter Mansson's son, buried June 29.


18. Johan Robinsson, buried August 3rd.


19. Johan Stalcop's child Christina, buried September 12th.


20. Johan Gustaf's child Swen, buried September 23rd.


21. Johan Oin's wife Elizabeth.


A. D. 1716. Eskel Johanson worked on the well at the parsonage from the 27th of January to the 5th of February, making all the necessary wood work above and around, with a windlass, posts and roofing, &c., and all without any pay, but for the honor and service of the church, and for the love of the glory of God, and the benefit of the Priest folk.


On the 9th of May there was a general meeting of the congregation held at the parsonage, at which ware pres- ent His Highworthiness Herr Provost Anders Sandal and the Pastor Magister Hessellius and the elders of the church and many of the members. When first after calling on the Most High for his blessing on all our present work in hand, we consulted with His High-


227


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH,


worthiness Herr Provost concerning the best means to induce the parishioners to learn, and to have their children instructed in the catechism and works calculated to build them up in christian doctrine. The pastor said that the examination held each Sunday after the Oct. song sermon did not have the desired effect, partly because so few have the courage to answer loudly and plainly as to what they have learned, and partly because many adults will not answer, considering this kind of examination suitable for children only.


Whereupon the Provost exhorted the congregation saying that the older should by their example encourage the younger, and so they all would be able to give ex- pression to their christian belief and understanding of the doctrines.


As regards visiting at their houses, notwithstanding the pastor has promised them that if they would appoint any day in the week he will come to them by the help of God, and instruct them in God's word, very few have signified a willingness to profit by such proposition and opportunity, and he often has taken a long journey in vain, as the children could not be gathered together on account of various engagements without or within the house. The Provost proposed that at such time as can best be spared from work, notice should be given from the pulpit eight days beforehand, that a neighborhood should be assembled at a certain house on such day as the pastor shall please to appoint and can be present.


2nd. The pastor also talked with the Provost about school master Hernbohm, who came over from Sweden about three years ago, for the purpose of instructing the Swedish children by keeping school, being recommended thereto by His Highworthiness Dr. and Bishop Swed-


228


RECORDS OF


berg to both congregations, and if he could not now at a convenient time be spared from the upper congrega- tion, and in some way be able to come down here when some of the people shall find means to encourage hin to teach their children.


Herr Provost answered, it would indeed be possible if only the members of the congregation who had most need of a school master for their children, will pledge themselves to so honorable and satisfactory support for Mr. Hernbohm as has already been afforded in the upper congregation, where he has had his continuous abode since he first came into the country.


Whereupon the pastor promised to obtain each one's assent and subscription for the salary of the school master, who will and can have his children well instructed. Then Mr. Springer arose immediately, and before the whole assembly promised for his part, home and board free, with five pounds to Mr. Hernbohm for a years' salary.


3rd. The meeting united in a free will offering to the church in acknowledgment of the favor shown them by God, by the last sending here of the bibles and psalin books by the High Authorities of Sweden. Each one who had received a bible gave 6 shillings, a psalm book in 8 vo., two shillings, 6 pence; one in long 12 mno., two shillings, and they who had the smallest, only 18 pence.


4th. Complaint was made with regard to the dreary condition of the parsonage house, which was so out of repair that the rain came through and through; the congregation has repeatedly been informed thereof, on several occasions and at parish meetings they had acknowledged the needed reparation, yet nothing has been done. Mr. Hesselius wished them at least to build a kitchen on the west side of the house by which there


229


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.


would be more room for the occupants, and the wall would be protected from the rain.


They all agreed to this and promised to undertake the work this summer.


5th. The pastor presented the yearly accounts (which is set down on the opposite page,) and as no one of the congregation doubted the honesty of the Churchwardens in the case of the money, it was resolved and unani- mously requested that the same wardens, viz., Johan Gustafsson and Philip Van de Ver should continue to serve another year, which they willingly consented to.


6th. As the Church Council on the other side of the river no longer belong to Holy Trinity Church, since they have had liberty to have a separate church and pastor, it was found. necessary to elect some good men in their places to the Church Council from this side, which was accordingly done, the congregation giving their votes for Eric Ericsson at Cranehook, Joran Andersson of St. Georges, Johan Tossawa, Mans Gustafsson and Johan Von Culen, so that the present Church Council of the church at Christina are Mr. Carl Springer, Jonas Wal- raven, Conrad Constantine, Joran Andersson for St. Georges, Lucas Stedham, Mans Gustafsson, Peter Mansson, Matthias Petersson, Jacob Van de Ver, Eric Ericsson on Cranehook, Johan Tossawa, Johan Von Culen.


8th. All those who had not yet obtained seats in the church were informed that they had the privilege of selecting any that suited them of such as were still unoccupied, paying the proper price.


The members of the congregation also considered and discussed what should be done with Edward Robinson's empty pew, but could not arrive at any certain conclu-


2,30


RECORDS OF


sion and so the matter was postponed till some other time, and in meantime wait, hoping for his repentance for forsaking the church. Hereupon His Highworthi- ness, Herr Provost took an affectionate leave of the meeting which then was dissolved.


The 13th of May there was a meeting of the Church Council, when Eric Ericsson on Cranehook presented his long talked of grievance of the cost of the ferriage over the Christina, claiming that a long time ago when the church was built, there was an agreement mnade that this part of the congregation on this side of Christina- Creek should furnish a canoe for the use of those dwell- ing on the other side for free ferriage so long as Chris- tina Church remained, but as nothing of the sort appeared on the church records and no one on this side knows of any such agreement therefore, herewith the controversy must end, and Ericsson enjoined to never say anything more about it. (a)


On the 25th June there was a meeting of the Church Council, when Timothy Lylofson Stedham gave up the bell-ringing, and Samuel Stedhamn undertook it in his place.


The 25th of June Mr. Jonas Walraven finished the work on the well at the priest house with rough casting.


The Ist of July the Church Council were together after Divine service and reminded the Churchwardens of their duty to see to the repairing of the doors of the church, which they promised to attend to.


The 8th of July His Highworthiness Herr Lidenius took over the river with him from Christina church, a copy of the large psalm book and of the hand book.


c. The canoe was for them living on the other side of the Delaware who usually crossed at New Castle and walked up, so that they could come around into the dock and up to church.


231


HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.


The Ioth of July a wonderful and uncommon thing happened a ewe gave birth to a greatly deformed monster two lambs bodies being united without any head, each body having its four legs and each its tail, the tails inclining towards each other. There was in the middle the appearance as if a head might be there though there was no head or sign of one except a cleft ear upon the middle. This occurence is set down here because His Highworthiness Herr Bishop Dr. Swedberg in a letter to the Priests last year, directed that all unusual and · unnatural phenomona should be carefully recorded in the church book for the benefit of posterity.




Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.