USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Sherborn > History of Sherburne, Mass., from its incorporation, MDCLXXIV, to the end of the year MDCCCXXX : including that of Framingham and Holliston, so far as they were constituent parts of that town > Part 4
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your decision. 'And we beseech the Allwise Governor of the world to take the Convention under his holy influence, that so the result may be the best good of the people of the United States of America."
This truly honorable member was one of the majority, 1. who voted in favour of this invaluable instrument.
1793 .--- Dec. 2d. A vote was asked whether the town will accept of the bell, on the terms proposed by the sub- seribers, viz. That the town shall hang the said bell handsomely, and cause it to be rung, as usual in towns ; then said bell to remain for the use of the town, so long as they shall'remain a religious society. Passed in the affirmative.
1797 .--- Nov. G. Voted to make up the wages of the militia, that shall'be detached from this town, according to a resolve of Congress, ten dollars a month, provided they march, and also one dollar bounty, whether they march or not, for non-commissioned officers and privates. Also to give them two dollars more bounty, if they march out of the Commonwealth. 1
1807 .--- Voted to give the officers and soldiers, that ar c or may be detached, as onr proportion of one hundred thousand militia, ordered by the President of the United States, to be detached and held in readiness to march at a moment's warning, at the rate of twelve dollars per month, including the pay allowed them by the U. S. pro- vided they are called into actual service.
1808 .--- Dec. 11. Voted to allow and pay to the of- ficers and soldiers, that were detached, in the course of the present month, as our proportion of one: hundred thousand militia, &c. such sums, as shall, together with the pay allowed them by the U. States, be equal to twelve
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dollars per month, during the time they shall be in actu- al service.
1814 .--- Voted to allow and pay to the soldiers that are or may be detached from this town, previous to the first Monday of March next, to serve in the armies of the U. S. such sums as shall, together with the pay allowed them by the State and General government, be equal to $15 per month, during the time they shall be in actual service. Also voted to pay the commissioned and non-commission- ed officers, the same som granted to the soldiers, in ad- 'dition to the pay allowed them by the State and General government. .
1820 .--- Hon. Calvin Sanger was chosen a delegate to meet in convention for the purpose of revising the Con- stitution of this Commonwealth.
N. B. The compiler has been much more particular in making copious extracts from the ancient records, which are now scarcely legible, and ere long must be wholly obliterated, than from those of more modern date, which bid fair to last fer centuries, and to enable some historian, yet unborn, to glean from them such facts, as shall be interesting, when they shall have become an- cient.
.. ECLESIASTICAL HISTORY .- There are no Church Rec- ords found, separate from those of the town, previous to the settlement of Rev. Mr .. Porter, their third minister. These commence October 27, 1734. At what time a · church was formed here does not appear in any document, which I have examined. Some have supposed, on per- using the town records, that the church and congrega- tion formerly voted in convention, in ministerial matters.
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However this may have been, the church members sccm not to have considered themselves as " chosen out of the world," as the primitive disciples were, but acknowledged themselves to be a part of the world ; and did not con- fine the congregation merely to hearing, believing and paying the pastor ; but permitted all, who contributed to his support, to have a voice in his election. I have ex- tracted most of the votes, relative to the settlement and maintenance of the several ministers, which have come into my possession, and here present them to the reader in chronological order.
1677-8th. Month 26th day. Then was consultation and consideration in way of preparation for a Minister &c.
Voted to raise thirty pounds per year by the present Inhabitants, one third part to be paid in moncy, and two thirds to be paid in current country pay as may be raised by us. N. B. Only 15 persons were present at the meet- ing when the above vote passed. .
1779 .- 13th. mo. In reference to the settleing a Minister ; Voted, that we shall pay to the Maintainance of the Minister £40 per year by the Inhabitants ; £20 in money & £20 in good country pay as is most suitable to the Minister and to build a suitable house.
Voted, that Daniel Morse, sen. Thomas Eames, Henry Lealand, and Edward West be chosen as a committee to act as the town for the settlcing the Minister amongst us, Mr. Gooking or sonic other Minister as God shall direct.
Voted, to Ewd. West that in case he do stay in Sher- burn one year from the date hereof then he shall have that land and meadow formerly granted to him by the Town, in the same state as the Petitioners land is; if 7
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the Town have not a Minister settled. If there be a Minister settled, then to be in the same state and con- dition with other Inhabitants.
July 18th .- At a meeting g.e. to choose a Committee to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Gookings to settle amongst us. Then was chosen this Committee, Danich Morse; sen. George Fairbanks; Thomas Eames, Ensign Bulleny to act representing the Town to engage & settle a Min- ister amongst us.
7 mo. 18th .- Voted, That this Committee Capt. Pren- tice, Deacon John Stone, & Mr. William Bond which are chosen by the Councell 12th present monthi to aet accord- ing to the Law published since the last session, in 19th this present month this Committee conserning the place they have determined for the settled place for the Meeting housc. For their satisfaction desiring should be voted by the Inhabitants of the towir, the place voted was and thereby determined on a hill. Mr. the Committee and the Inhabitants made a second stand to look about on that account near Edwards Plain.
8 mo. 29 .- Then was chosen four Men to be under- takers for ourselves in building a suitable House for a Minister, viz. Edward West, Thomas Eames, Joseph Morse & John Hill, these 4 to call others to assist in that work as they shall see meet, and as Men are capable to help. Also, that all shall bear equal charges on their house Lots according to their proportion of Aeres.
And concerning the Ministers House that is to be built it is voted and concluded that it shall be built according as is agreed with the 4 Men chosen as undertakers to see it done. The length 38 feet thie breadth 20 feet.
It was also concluded that the undertakers shall ses:
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that this House be covered and inclosed by the last of May next ; and that this House be thoroughly finished by the last of September next.
Also, that the place concluded upon by the Committee' for the Meetinghouse near Edwards plain be reserved for. the accommodation thereof to the quantity of 20 rods square as may suit.
1680 .- 9th mo. 15. The Committee that formerly was chosen and impowered to act as the town for the settling Mr. Gookin or some other Minister as God should direct, making their return to the town that except the Inhabitants do agree to what was donc by that Com- mittec in '79, 7 mo. they sce no likelyhood of obtaining Mr. Daniel Gookin to settle among us.
Voted, that Jolin Hill, Thomas Holbrook & George Fairbanks is desired to assist a Committee to settle a gos- pel Orthodox Minister on the place obtained for a Min- ister according to what is voted by the town for Minis- ters maintenance &c. Edward West chosen Town Clerk.
1681 .- Voted, that Daniel Morse, senr. Joseph Morso and Edward West are chosen to treat with Mr. Cusheon or some other Minister to settle in Sherburne. And Thomas Holbrook was chosen to go to speak to Mr. Cushcon for an answer from him in reference to his set- tleing in Sherburne.
1681 .- April 29. Whereas we the Inhabitants of Sherborn having formerly applied ourselves to the Rev. Daniel Gookin to be our set- tled Minister of Sherborn, he was pleased to give us his mind and word and writing to be willing to come amongst us, provided that we could agree to have the Meetinghouse on that place appointed by Capt. Prentice, but some not willing for it, did put us upon further trouble and the impeding thiat work amongst us wherefore having a meeting
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of the Inhabitants & proposals being made if would adhere to the settling a Minister on that place commonly amongst us called the Lot place, we, being desireous of not only the settleing a Minister amongst us, but also peace and concord, did yield to the motion, and made choice of some of those (that did oppose our former proceeding) to act accordingly : but now we perceiving their fruitless endeavors in that respect, and being desireous, if God permit to have one amongst us to break the bread of life to us and ours, and especially the Rev. Mr. Daniel Gookin, do if authority permit of it, bind ourselves to these particulars under written in the full sum of Ten pounds Sterling to be paid by us upon every wilful neglect or refusal.
Ist, That application be made to the Rev. Mr. Daniel Gookin, to be the settled Minister of Sherborn, by those three Men the town have lately made choice of to Settle a Minister in Sherboru viz. Daniel Morse, senr. Joseph Morse & Edward West, with as much speed as may be.
2d, That in case Mr. Gookin do agree to come amongst us, we do engage to pay to him annually as the Town in general have voted viz. twenty pounds in money, and twenty pounds in country pay, such as we raise among ourselves, and such as the Minister wants, at such prises as go from man to man amongst ourselves : as also when the Minister hath a family or the people increase in the Town by the ad- dition of new Families considerably, then to augment his allowance and this to continue with the help of such as may by Law be brought in to pay, during our abode in Sherborn.
3d, That the house for the Minister, in the place where it now stands, be fitted and finished conveniently to dwell in, and one Acre of Land to be broken up and fenced in a town charge; and this House and Land as it is now in part lotted out shall be given to him the said Mr. Gookin, and his heirs forever, provided he do engage himself to us to be our settled constant Minister together with his in- terest in common Lands as other inhabitants.
4th, We do agree that when we do build our Meetinghouse it shall stand where it was ordered and agreed, near Edwards Plain.
. Finally, We do agree that all those above written charges shall be raised according to the Town vote viz. by heads & estates ratable in the country Invoice, and do also agree that all forfeitures that shall be made as above said shall be paid to the Minister towards his yearly
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maintenance. To these above said partienlars we do bind us and our leirs in the sum above said firmly and do make of the Men above written to see to the execution of this agreement of ours according to the true intent thereof. In witness whereof we have putt to our hands, dated 29th April 1681.
Daniel Morse, Jr.
Thos. Gleason
John Hill
Edward West
Thos. Holbrook
Joseph Morse
Moses Adams
Benoni Learned
Ephraim Bullen
Nathl. Morse Ir.
John Death
Daniel Morse, Jr.
Thos. Sawin
Ebenezer Lealand
John Eames
Jonathan Morse
Isaac Lealand
Jolın Perry
Zachari Padleford
Jonathan Whitney
Obadiah Morse
Ebenezer Fairbanks.
Benj. Bullard objeeted to the 4th Artiele.
I whose name is here subseribed do freely and fully engage to re- main in the work of the Ministry at Sherborn so long as I ean live in said place so as to attend my work without distraction.
DANIEL GOOKIN, Jr.
No datc. Probably 1683 or 1684.
1707 .- May 29. At a meeting of the Selectmen it was orderd, that cach person in town, for the Pool or Pools he or she is rated for shall cut and carry to the house of the Rev. Mr. Gookin, one half Cord of wood per poll ; and each and every person who neglect to perform as afore- said shall pay a Fine of 2 Shillings per poll to the use of said Minister.
Oct. 23 .- Voted to hire a minister while March next and that Mr. Baker be the man to supply Mr. Gookings Pulpit, now in the time of his restraint, if he may be ob- taincd.
1710 .- Dec. 11th. At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Sherborn Capt. Joseph Morse, & Deacon Benoni Lear- ned, Moderators.
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Then it was put to the Inhabitants by the said Moderators that in- asmuch as the work of the Ministery is apparently two hard for our Rev. and worthey Pastor Mr. Daniel Gooking, he being a Crazie and infirm man and well stricken in years, whither they were willing to. give the Rev. Mr Baker a call or invitation to settle with us in this- Town in the work of Gospel Service as an assistant to our Rev. Pastor aforesaid; and after some debate on the matter it being put to try the minds of the Inhabitants, it was votod verry fully on the affirmative to give the Rev. Mr. Daniel Baker a call to settle in Gospel Service as an assistant to our Rev. Pastor aforcsaid. Voted on the affirmative.
Also it was voted at said meeting To give the said Mr. Baker a yearly salary of 50 pounds money during the life of our Rev. Pastor and after his deccase to augment Mr. Baker's Salary if need be .- Voted in the affirmative.
Attest, Jos. Morse, Benoni Learned Moderators.
At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of Sherborn April 2d, 1711. Then the Rev. Mr. Daniel Gookin was pleased to exhibit the following.
" I have formerly as is well known, and several of the leading Men. of the Town can testifie, yielded to sink ten Pounds of the country part of my Salary for the encourageing of the Town to proceed in yt. weighty design that they have been lately upon, and are not yet come to a full conclusion about-But it hath been significd to me that what I did (and that freely) would not be accepted of by those to whom the offer was made, or at least it would not be accepted by the Town : but if I thought it would not be imagined that I had a mind to force the Town to an acceptance of it, I would say that I do freely give back to the Town ten pounds of the country part of my yearly Salary, which they may improve for the encouragement of the Rev .. Gentleman whom they are treating withall with reference to a settle- ment : in case they can obtain him, otherwise if I must still carry on . the whole work, as formerly, I do desire, and it is best meet that it: should return to me and be paid to me as formerly-thus wishing: Heaven to guide you in what is this day before you, I take Icave and' rest your assured friend.
DANIEL GOOKIN."
This being publickly read at the said meeting it was gratefully accepted of by the Town.
Attest, WM. RIDER, Town Clerk ...
1711 -- Sept. 17th. At a meeting. to consider upon some proposals that the Rev. Mr. Baker hath made to.
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said Town about the advancement of his sallary after the Rev. Daniel Gookins decease. Voted to advance Rev. Daniel Bakers Sallary to the sum of seventy Pounds per Ammm immediately after the decease of our Rev. Pastor.
These with other inducements as Ist. the sincere con- currance of ye Rev. Daniel Gookin with the church & Town in ye above mentioned affair ; as also the gen- crosity of the good People of said Sherburne in subscrib- ing liberally towards building and settleing of the Rer. Daniel Baker aforesaid together with the land yt is offered to him for a settlement and the good Council and advice of several of the Rev. Elders our common Friends and well- wishers) hath prevailed with the Rev. Gentleman to give the following Answer to the Invitation given him to settle in the Gospel service in said town.
To the Committees of the Church and Town of Sherborn, To be communicated to the Church and Town, Reverend and dearly be- loved in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is now a considerable time since you have given me an invitation to settle with yow in the glorious Gos- pel of peace, and it is with no small importunity that you have for some time pressed for an Answer to your desires. The weightiness of the work you have asked me to engage in, with some other things I hate had under consideration, will ntone for my delaying an answer so fong. I hope I have not been backward in seeking direction from the AH- wise Counsellor, nor have I been wanting in asking the advicc of seve- ral of the Rev. Elders, our common Friends and wellwishers, whose Counsel I highly esteem. I am at length, (though not without a deep sense of the weightiness of the work you have called me unto, and my own utter insufficiency therefor and to answer what possibly you may cxpeet, for who is sufficient for these things !) persuaded to ex- cept of and embrace your Invitation, acknowledging the encourage- ment you have proposcd. And do signify to you iny resolution (in convenient time) to come and abide with you in Gospel service so long as you shall afford me gospel Encouragement, which, as you will doubtless conelnde I should charitably believe you will not fail to do, so you will not take it amiss, that I assure you that I expect it.
'This promising myself that you will not fail to ask for inc at thie throne of Grace all suitable and seasonable enlargements of the holy Spirit of Grace, that I may come to you in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel, and that all my ministrations amongst you may be con-
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tinually accompanied with the allpowerfull influences of God's Spuit as a means to the conversion and edification of Souls. To the gra- cious guidance of the same holy Spirit I commend you, and rest yours in Gospel service.
DANIEL BAKER.
Dedham, Dec. 29th 1711.
1711-12 .- Jan. 14th. At a meeting, Voted that Rev. Daniel Baker's Answer be verry gratefully excepted and the Town renders thanks to him for his good intentions towards them, and do freely concur and take up with his said Answer.
At the same meeting a committee was chosen to take care about what is subscribed towards the Building for Rev. Daniel Baker, that it be regularly and orderly performed.
1731 .- June 16. A committee of three viz. Deacon Greenwood, William Lealand and John Holbrook to take Care for the Supply of the pulpit imtill ye Town Com in to Sum other methord; Then was granted the sum of Fifty pounds for the Supply of ye Pulpit.
Sept. 27 .- It was put to vote which of the Gentlemen .who had of late supplyed the pulpit, they wold here further in ye Supply of ye Pulpit, if they might be ob- tạined, And Mr. Uarney had the majority of votes.
Dec. 10 .- Granted the sum of Sixty Pounds for the Support, and to pay those ministers which supply the Pulpit with preaching.
1731 .- 2 .- Jan. 26. It being tryed by a vote wheth- er ye Town inclined to hire som other Gentleman in the pulpit and it passed fully in the affirmative.
1732 -- April 25. The Churches Choice of Rev. John Warren to be their Gospil minister was presented to the Town for their Concurrance. And the Town by
-
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a full Vote Excepted of the Churches Choice ; And Lt. Joseph Ware, Dea. Greenwood and Samuel Holbrook ware Chosen a Committee to Treat with Mr. John Warren and report what the Town has dun, 8.e At this meeting twenty six voters entred their dissent to the above pro- ceedings, said meeting being accounted irregular and Not Legal. And they observe ; Further more We do not Concur with the Choice the Churches this Day.
Oct. 12 .- Then it was put to the town to know their minds whither they would accept of the Churches Choice of ye Rev. Mr. Ward Cotton to be their Gospel Minister, and the town unanimously manifested their acceptance of the Churches choice of the Reverend gentleman aforesaid by written votes. The town made choice of a committee to join with that of the church to treat with Mr. Cotton 8.c. Nothing further appears respecting Mr. Cotton on the records. At this meeting the town voted one hundred and twenty pounds, to supply the town with preaching, &c
1733 .- June 14. At said meeting Mr. Nathanich Walter was chosen the Gospel minister of said Church and town by a majority of votes-Also a committee was chosen to treet with Mr. Walter, &c. Nothing further respecting Mr. W. on record.
Sept. 28th-At a meeting of. the Church in Sherborn with the rest of the frechiolders and other Inhabitants of said Town Duly qualified to Vote in Town affairs And to joyn Ishuc or Concur With the Church in the elioice of a Gospel minister-The Church and Town Unani- mously voted and made choice of Ebenezer Hancock to be their Gospel minister, and a committee was chosen to Give him an Invitation or call to settle with us in the Work and service, 8.c. Nothing further on record re- specting Mr. Ilancock. 8
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1734 .- April 25. The Church and Town by a Unan- imous Vote made Choice of Mr. Samuel Porter to be their Gospel Minister. And voted three hundred pounds in Bills of Publick credit towards his Settlement. Also voted one hundred and thirty pounds per annum for his Salary in Bills of credit on this province according to their present value : and to rise and fall as Silver money doth With the Marchants of this province-Provided he Settle with us, in the Gospel ministry and so long as he Continues in the Same.
Mr. John Holbrook, Capt. John Death, Lieut. Isaac Coolidge, Mr. James Whitney & Ensign Eleazer Fair- banks were Chosen a Committee to joyn with the Church- es Committee To Treet with the Reverd. Gentlm. Clio- sen as afore sd. And to give him an Invitation, or call to Settle in Said Town in the Work and Service of the Gospel Ministry.
July 16-Voted that the Revd. Mr. Samuel Porter's Yearly Salary Shall be one hundred and Thirty ounces of Silver, or the amount thereof in Bills of Public Credit And the Salary Annually to Rise and fall according to the Standard of Silver money at Twenty Shillings per ounce.
August 20 -- The Church and Town Voted that the fourth Wednesday in October next Shall be the Day ap- pointed to ordain the Revd. Mr. Samuel Porter, and granted Twenty five pounds to be Levied on Polls and Estats by „ Way of vote, according to the rules prescribed in the Law for the Support of the Ministers and Messin- gers at the ordination, &.c.
1746 .- Nov 12. Then ye town Voted to pay Mr. Wilson, for Preaching (in the time of ye Revd. Mr. Por-
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er's sickness) out of money returned to ye Town for not sending a representative.
1749 .- Octr. 31. Then the town voted that the Revd. Mr, Porter's Sallary for this present year Shall be four hundred Pounds Old tenor. - Then a vote was asked whither the women should sit with their chairs in the alleys of the meeting house and it passed in the Negative.
1759 .- Septr. 9. A certificate was sent from the Bap- tist Church of Christ in Boston, declaring Mr. Jonathan; Partridge of said Shurburne to be a member of said Church, under the care of Mr. Ephraim Bounde, Elder of. sd. Church.
Septr. 10 .- Then the town voted that Mr. Porter's Sallary should be this present year 66 pound 13 shillings and 4 pence.
1758 .- Oct. 2d. Granted twenty seven pounds and fifteen shillings to fulfil and Complete what remained due from the town for the Sallary of the Revd: Mr. Samuel; Porter Late Deced. At the said meeting the town gran- ted £66 13s. 4d. to supply the town with Preaching for- time to Come. At the above said meeting the town made Choice of Deacon James Whitney, Deacon Jona- than Russell and Mr. Arthur Clark a Committee to sup- pły the Pulpit in sd. town.
Deer. 18 .- Voted that the committee Which Ware ap- pointed to supply the Pulpit be Desird to Ingage Mr. Minot for 1 or 2 months Longer to preach in sd. town.
1758-9 .- Jan. 29. The Church and town unitedly made Choice of Mr. Steven Minot to be their Gospel minister by a Unanemos Vote, and offered £133 6s. 8d. towards his settlement ; and £66 13s. 4d. for his Sallary.
June 29 .- The town Voted that the Committee allrea-
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dy Chosen are desired to Ingage Mr. Lock to Supply the town with Preaching, or Som other gentleman or gen- tlemen Until there shall be another meeting on that af- fair.
August 15 .- The town Concurred with the act of the Church of Christ in Sherburne in Choosing Revd. Samuel Lock for their Gospel minister, by a majority of Votes, and voted £133 6s. 8d. for his encourgement to settle with us ; also £73 6s. 8d. per annum for his salary, provided he settle with us, in the Gospel ministry, and so Long as he continues in the same. At the aforesaid meeting the town chose as a committee to join with the churches com- mittee Dr. Bela Lincoln and John Morse to treet with Revd. Samuel Lock.
Revd. Samnel Lock by his answer in ye affirmitine, on September 23d 1759 manifested his Exceptence of the choice above mentioned.
Octr. 11 .- In town meeting voted that Wednesday the 7th day of November next be the day for the Ordenation of Revd. Samuel Lock into the office and service of the Gospel ministry in Shurburne by a majority of Votes. Also at ye said meeting the town chose Capt. Edward Learned, Capt. Amos Coollidge & Mr. Samuel Sanger a committee to provide entertainment for the Revd. coun- cel at ye sd ordenation. and voted that the selectmen are desired to draw money out of the town treasury so much as they Judge needfull for ye sd. Entertainment.
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