USA > Massachusetts > History of the Military company of the Massachusetts, now called the Ancient and honorable artillery company of Massachusetts. 1637-1888, Vol. I > Part 50
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John Foster (1679), judge of the Court of Common Pleas, died Feb. 9, 1710-1. The Governor nominated for the vacancy, March 23, 1710-1, Thomas Brattle (1675), but he was rejected by the council. The Governor, April 2, 1711, nominated Samuel Lynde (1691), but he, too, was rejected ; but June 11, 1711, Thomas Palmer (1702) was nominated and confirmed as judge of the inferior Court of Common Pleas. He held that office until his decease, Oct. 8, 1740, and on the 28th of the same month the vacancy was filled by the appointment of Col. Edward Hutchinson (1702).
In 1733, he was elected by the town one of a committee "to think of and assign three suitable places for erecting markets," etc. With this movement Mr. Palmer (1702) was prominently identified. The last time his name appears on the town records is in connection with the meeting July 14, 1740, when he presented a petition, signed by three hundred and forty citizens, asking for a special town meeting to consider the generous offer of Peter Faneuil in regard to building at his own cost a complete edifice for a market. The proposal was finally accepted by a vote of three hundred and sixty-seven yeas and three hundred and sixty nays.
Feb. 27, 1720, the selectmen voted "That Tanners Lane be graveled for the con- veniency of foot Passengers, Provided that Thomas Palmer Esq. [1702] (according to his proposall) be at the charge of keeping up posts to defend the Same from Carts." His warehouse was on Corn Market, which ran " From the Sun Tavern in Dock Square, East, to Merchants Row" in 1732. He was one of the founders of Brattle Street Church, 1699.
Lovet Sanders (1702).
Benjamin Simpson (1702), barber, of Boston, son of John and Abigail Simpson, of Charlestown, was born April 9, 1678, and settled in Boston. He was twice married, to (r) Elizabeth -, and (2) Hannah -. In 1707, he bought of the heirs his deceased father's house, and in 1714 sold the same to P. Cutler. Administration on his estate was granted to his widow, Hannah, in 1738.
He was clerk of the markets in 1710 and 1725, and a tithing-man in 1716 and 1717. At a meeting of the selectmen, March 29, 1714, "Liberty is granted to Mr Benj Simpson [1702] to Sett the windows of his Barbers Shop Ten inches into the Townes H. way on ye two Sides of that his Shop wch he Hires of Mr. Sam'll Bill. abutting on corn hill & on King Street in Boston." He united with the Old South Church, June 21, 1719, and was third sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1709.
Benjamin Simpson (1702). AUTHORITIES: Boston Records; Wyman's Charlestown Genealogies and Estates.
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Thomas Smith (1702), merchant, of Boston, son of Thomas (1678) and Rebecca Smith, of Boston, was born May 13, 1678, and married, (1) May 9, 1701, Mary Corwin, who died July 29, 1716, and, (2) April 30, 1717, Sarah Oliver, sister of Nathaniel (1701).
He was elected scavenger in 1711 and 1712, and overseer of the poor in 1712, and thereafter until 1719. March 11, 1717-8, he was chosen with Col. Thomas Fitch (1700), Elisha Cooke (1699), Major Habijah Savage (1699), and Lieut .- Col. Minot, to " Consider and make report of Some Expedient for Securing the Marsh at the Lower end of the Comon." From 1713 to 1718, he is designated as "Capt." Thomas Smith (1702) was first sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1705; ensign in 1713; lieutenant in 1715, and captain in 1722. He joined the Old South Church, April 28, 1717, and was a benefactor of Harvard College.
Administration on his estate, which inventoried five thousand seven hundred and forty-three pounds, was granted to his widow, Sarah, and son, March 23, 1742.
John Soames (1702), of Boston, son of John and Hannah Soames, was born Jan. 14, 1680. His mother was a daughter of Samuel Shattuck, of Salem, " the happy mes- senger of Charles II.," says Mr. Savage, "who brought the order to stop the execrable policy of persecuting the Quakers."
John (1702) was of Quaker ancestry. The Society of Friends held meetings in Boston as early as May 4, 1664, when those present were to be arrested by a warrant from Edward Rawson, but the meeting was closed before the officers arrived. Edward Wharton, the minister, was arrested at the house of Nicholas Upshall (1637), and was whipped the next day. Their meetings, however, were held, and in 1694 a lot of land was purchased on Brattle Street, and a meeting-house was built of brick. This property was held for the society by six persons, one of whom was John Soames, Sr.
Isaac Spencer (1702), of Boston, son of Abraham and Abigail Spencer, was born March 17, 1678. His mother was Abigail (Atkinson) Spencer, daughter of Theodore Atkinson (1644). He was fourth sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1707. He was chosen a constable of Boston, March 14, 1708-9, but refused to serve.
Simeon Stoddard, Jr. (1702), shopkeeper, of Boston, son of Ensign Simeon Stoddard (1675), was born in Boston, Aug. 20, 1682. Administration on the estate of Simeon, Jr. (1702), was granted to Simeon, Sr. (1675), Sept. 26, 1706, "his son dying near London." 1
He became a member of the Old South Church, Jan. 25, 1701-2.
Oliver Williams (1702), of Boston, son of Capt. Nathaniel (1667) and Mary Williams, and grandson of Lieut. Nathaniel (1644), was born in Boston, Aug. 21, 1679. He was fourth sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1706.
Thomas Smith (1702). AUTHORITIES: Bos- ton Records; Descendants of Thomas Brattle, p. 55. John Soames (1702). AUTHORITY : Drake's Hist. of Boston.
Isaac Spencer (1702). AUTHORITY : Boston Records.
Simeon Stoddard, Jr. (1702.) AUTHORITY: Stoddard Genealogy.
' In the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society there is a sermon with the following title-
page : "The Just Man's Prerogative, a sermon preached privately Sept. 27, 1706, on a Solemn Occasion; for the Consolation of a Sorrowful Fam- ily, mourning over the Immature Death of a Pious Son, viz, Mr Simcon Stoddard, who was found Barbarously Murdered, in Chelsea-Fields, near Lon- don, May 14, 1706. By S. Willard. . . . Boston N. E. Printed by B. Green. Sold by Nicholas Boone at his Shop, 1706." 10 mo., pp. 28.
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The record of the Artillery Company for 1702 is as follows : -
"April 6, 1702. The Artillery Company met and chose the Rev. Mr. Benjamin Colman to preach the Election sermon the Commission Officers were desired to request him. Accepted by him.
" May 4, 1702. At a meeting of the Artillery Company Mr. Elisha Cook Junr. [1699] at his request was dismissed.
"June 1, 1702. Col. Elisha Hutchinson [1670], Capt Samuel Sewall [1679], Major Charles Hobby [1702], Lieut Zechariah Tuttle [1697], and Ensign Adam Win- throp [1694] were chosen a committee to look after the 1000 acres of land laid out to this Company and find a Tenant for it, if they can, and enquire where the other 500 acres may be found and make report of the whole the next Training day.
" Voted, That the former Captain, Samuel Sewall, Esq [1679], and the new Captain, Maj. Charles Hobby [1702], return thanks to the Rev'd Benjamin Colman for his Sermon this day preached, and to desire a copy of it. The text preached from was Hebrews xi. 33.
"There is belonging to the Artillery Company - I Leading Staff ; I half pike, Tipt with Silver at both ends, presented by Captain Samuel Sewall, with this Inscription, viz : Agmen Massachusetense est in Tutelam Sponsae Agui Uxoris, 1701. I flight of Colours bought of Mr. William Clarke. Four Halberts, for which the Company paid £4. 16. 0."
Rev. Benjamin Colman delivered the Artillery election sermon in 1702.1 He was born at Boston, Oct. 16, 1673, being the son of William and Elizabeth Colman, who came from London. Mr. Colman received his education at Harvard College, where he graduated in 1692. He was a studious youth, but of a very infirm constitution. Immediately after graduation he commenced preaching, but did not incline to settle over a parish until he had gained wisdom by age and experience. Two years after graduation he visited Europe, and it was supposed by his friends he would settle there.
" He suffered during the passage, the voyage being perilous, and the vessel being attacked by an enemy, a French privateer, which captured them after a severe engage- ment. Mr. Colman was on the vessel's deck during the fight, and received unkind usage from the enemy, on account of being a 'Protestant priest.' When he was in France, it was a satisfaction to the grinning multitude to insult a man who was an heretic, and preached against the Pope of Rome. But in every place there are humane people, who look with pity upon people in distress, and, among Christian nations, those who visit the prisoner. They resist the spirit of bigotry, and oppose the demon of persecution, whether clothed in the garb of a saint, or raging with the sword of violence. From having a wisp of straw to lie upon in the gloomy vaults of a prison, Mr. Colman received kindness from persons he never knew, and who only considered that he was a stranger. When there was an exchange of prisoners, he went to London." 2
He remained in England a few years. He was invited, while residing in England, to become the first pastor of the Brattle Street Church. He accepted, arrived home Nov. 1, 1699, and preached the first sermon in the new meeting-house, Dec. 24 of that
' " June I. 1702. Artillery election-Day. Mr.
Colman preaches from Heb. II. 33. Sermon is well liked of. Had much adoe to persuade Mr. Willard to dine with me. Said Ministers were dis- gusted because the Representatives went first at the Proclaiming the Queen; and that by order of our Ilouse. But at last he came; I went for him, leav-
ing my Guests. No Mather, Allen, Adams there, But there were Mr. Torrey, Willard, Simes, Thacher, Belchar and many more. No Mr. Myles, Bridge, No Capt of Frigat. Tho the last were invited."- Sewall Papers, Vol. II., p. 57.
2 Biography of Rev. Benjamin Colman, D. D., by Mr. Turell.
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year. The covenant of that church, being objected to and "protested " against by Congregational churches in Massachusetts, gave the Brattle Street Church the name " Manifesto Church." Dr. Colman continued as pastor of that church from Aug. 4, 1699, to Aug. 29, 1747, when he died, aged seventy-three years.
Dr. Colman married, Oct. 26, 1731, Jane Clark, of Boston ; and on the 6th of May, 1732, he married Sarah Clark, widow of Hon. John Clark, and previously of Hon. John Leverett (1704), president of Harvard College. She died April 24, 1744, and he married Mary Frost, of Newcastle, N. H. The family is now extinct.
He received the degree of doctor of divinity from Glasgow University in 1731. He was a warm friend of Harvard College, and, upon the death of Hon. John Leverett ( 1704), he was invited to the presidency, but his society opposed his acceptance, and he was too much attached to them to leave them without their consent.
To an edition of Dr. Benjamin Colman's sermons, printed in London in 1728, is prefixed his portrait, made in 1703, when he was thirty years of age.
He also delivered the sermon before the Artillery Company in 1738, Rev. John Cotton, of Newton, and Rev. Ebenezer Turell, of Mystic, having declined the invitation of the Company.
The officers elected were : John Ballentine (1682), captain ; Thomas 1703-4. Savage (1693), lieutenant; Thomas Fitch (1700), ensign. Edward Martyn (1702) was first sergeant; Jonathan Pollard (1700), second sergeant ; William Clarke (1699), third sergeant; Nathaniel Oliver, Jr. (1701), fourth sergeant, and Edward Oakes (1700), clerk.
In the year 1703, Boston was menaced by two dangers. One was the small-pox, which caused the death of three hundred persons in the town; the other was the war between the French and English. The Indians were an important factor in the period- ical conflicts between those powers. To conciliate the Indians, and enlist their sympathy with the English, a committee, with Gov. Dudley (1677) at its head, proceeded eastward, to meet the Indians and formulate and ratify a treaty. Among the gentlemen who accompanied the Governor were : Col. Elisha Hutchinson (1670), Col. Penn Townsend (1674), Col. Thomas Savage (1693), and Capt. Timothy Clarke (1702).
The members recruited in 1703 were : John Baker, Thomas Baker, Henry Bridg- ham, Joseph Briscoe, Joseph Callender, William Clarke, William Frary, William Hutchin- son, William Ivory, Thomas Leverett, Henry Lloyd, Thomas Newton, Isaac Quecnoicault, Ambrose Vincent.
John Baker (1703), brazier, of Boston, was born Feb. 14, 1681. He was a tithing- man in 1703 and 1712 ; constable in 1704; clerk of the market in 1711, and selectman from 1715 to 1718 (declining in 1719), and from 1726 to 1728 inclusive. He was also moderator of the town meeting, Dec. 27, 1727, and, March 29, 1728, was elected a trustee of the town's funds.
When Hon. Thomas Fitch (1700) presented the town with two hundred and fifty firelocks, with bayonets fitted to them, March 10, 1728-9, a committee, consisting of
John Baker (1703). AUTHORITY: Boston Records.
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Hon. Elisha Cooke (1699), Adam Winthrop, Esq. (1694), and Mr. John Baker (1703), was appointed to wait on Hon. and Col. Thomas Fitch (1700), with their thanks and a copy of the votes passed by the town.
Thomas Baker (1703), of Boston, was born March 22, 1683.1 He was clerk of the market in 1709 and 1719. July 10, 1722, he was approved and recommended by the selectmen to keep a retail shop on Linn Street. In July, 1733, he petitioned for a license as a " taverner," but was refused by the selectmen.
Mr. Whitman (1810) designates him as "Capt."
Henry Bridgham (1703), tanner, of Boston, son of Lieut. Jonathan (1673) and Elizabeth Bridgham, grandson of Capt. Henry Bridgham (1644), and cousin of Henry Bridgham (1699), was born in Boston, Nov. 2, 1677. In the Boston Records, March 10, 1711-2, he is called "Tanner "; March 12, 1715-6, "late Curier," and July 5, 1715, the selectmen disallowed his petition to sell strong drink as an innholder. The following August he was licensed to sell coffee, beer, ale, and cider, at a tenement near the town-house (next to Mr. Gerrish's building), which he hired of Capt. Nathaniel Oliver (1701). Aug. 10, 1714, Mr. Henry Bridgham (1703), currier, was appointed to enforce the town by-laws in regard to the keeping of ladders, swabs, and tubs of water for the speedy extinguishing of fires, and was allowed four pounds five shillings per month for that service.
He was a constable of Boston in 1712, .and, July 2, 1717, the selectmen approved his petition as an innholder, at his house in King Street. July 8, 1718, he was licensed to keep an ale-house on Newbury, now Washington, Street, and July 28 the license was enlarged so he could " sell strong drink as an Innholder." In 1719, he was licensed as an innholder on Milk Street.
It is probable that the following sentence from the selectmen's minutes of May 3, 1734, does not refer to Henry Bridgham (1703) : "Mr. Moulin informing [the select- men] that the Watch men at the Powder House in the Common are very deficient in their Duty, and particularly the last Night, He found only Bridgham there -- And he also asleep."
Henry Bridgham (1703) was surveyor of highways in 1709; assessor in 1712 and 1713, and sealer of leather in 1716 and 1723-5 inclusive.
Joseph Briscoe (1703), baker, of Boston, son of Joseph (1692) and Rebecca Briscoe, was born in Boston, Jan. 8, 1682. Both the father and son are called " bakers" in the Boston Records. On the arrival in Boston of four hundred bushels of wheat, Dec. 10, 1713, the selectmen ordered fifty bushels to be delivered to Joseph Briscoe, Sr., and twenty to Joseph Briscoe, Jr., " to bake the same into bread." The father was a constable in 1694, and one of them was a measurer of grain from 1706 to 1710. July 7, 1727, Joseph Briscoe, Jr. (1703), in Marlborough, now Washington, Street, petitioned the selectmen for permission to sell strong drink. He was a tithing-man in 1711 and 1718, and was a member of the Boston militia.
Thomas Baker (1703). AUTHORITY : Boston Records. Joseph Briscoe (1703). AUTHORITY: Bos- ton Records.
1 It is impossible to distinguish the Bakers. There were several at this time in Boston whose given name was Thomas. Whether the John Bakers and Thomas Bakers are related does not appear.
·
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Joseph Callender (1703) was a constable of Boston in 1710. June 30, 1712, the selectmen ordered certain "Free Negroes &c" to work on the highway, and among them was " Cubit a free Indian at Jos. Callenders [1703]."
Oct. 6, 1712, the selectmen "agreed with Mr. Joseph Callender [1703] and let to him the Little Old House on Fort Hill, where John Wilkie lately dwelt, to be improved as a Granary, and a piece of land on said Hill, of about sixty feet square, for setting a windmill, for the term of seven years at forty shillings per annum."
William Clarke (1703), merchant, of Boston, son of William (1699) and Rebecca Clarke, was born in Boston, March 31, 1681. He was tithing-man from 1713 to 1715 inclusive ; selectman from 1719 to 1723, and representative from 1719 to 1722, 1724, and 1725. In 1718-9, March 10, Mr. William Clarke (1703) was one of a committee " to consider and debate what can be done to relieve the town from its present dis- tresses."
Nov. 3, 1713, the charges and assessment for a sewer locate Mr. Clarke (1703) in Wood's Lane, later Proctor's Lane, between Middle and Fish streets, now that part of Richmond Street between Hanover and North streets. In 1711, there were living upon that lane, John Bucanan (1695) and Joseph Prout, son of Joseph (1674) ; and William Clarke (1703) moved there before 1713. He became a member of the Old South Church, May 14, 1704. July 2, 1711, Francis Clarke (1701) and William Clarke (1703) were named by the Governor to "search for provisions" to supply men under Gen. Hill and Admiral Walker, temporarily encamped on Noddles Island, who were on their way to reduce Canada to British authority.
There were several William Clarks, or Clarkes, in Boston at this time, and even Mr. Savage calls them " confusion." One Dr. Clarke lived on Wing's Lane; a second William Clarke on Common Street, and a third, as above, on Proctor's Lane.
William Frary (1703).
William Hutchinson (1703), of Boston, son of Eliakim and Sarah (Shrimpton) Hutchinson, and brother-in-law of Thomas Palmer (1702), was born in 1683. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Brinley (1681).
William (1703) graduated at Harvard College in 1702. Mr. Hutchinson, the historian, to whom he was nearly related, says of him, "He was a gentleman of a very fair character, sensible, virtuous, discreet, and of an independent fortune. He began his political life at a time when persons thus qualified were wanted for the service of their country, to moderate the passions of those who were less temperate and who had the lead in the House. In general, he adhered to the popular party. Longer experience might have convinced him that he would have shown his gratitude to his constituents more by endeavoring to convince them that they were running to an extreme, than by encouraging the same extremities himself."
He was second sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1706. He died of small-pox
Joseph Callender (1703). AUTHORITY : Bos- ton Records. William Clarke (1703). AUTHORITY : Bos- ton Records. William Hutchinson (1703). AUTHORITIES : Boston Records; King's Chapel Burial-Ground, by Bridgman, p. 221.
" [1721] Nov. 30. . . . William Hutchinson esqr, dying at Cambridge, of the Small Pox, is brought to Town in Stedman's Calash. Decr 2. Buried, had a great Funeral." - Sewall Papers, Vol. III., p. 296.
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in 1721, while a representative in the General Court. His will, dated Nov. 20, 1721, was proved Dec. 23, 1721.
The father, Eliakim, in his will of Feb. 3, 1716, names only his son William (1703), and his grandchildren, who were a son of Thomas Palmer (1702) and children of Elizabeth Phips.
William Ivory (1703), carpenter, of Lynn and Boston, son of Thomas and Mary (Davis) Ivory, was born in Lynn, June 10, 1674. His name does not appear on the Records of the Town of Boston. He married, Jan. 6, 1701, Sarah Thornton.
Thomas Leverett (1703), of Boston, son of Hudson Leverett (1658), and grandson of Major-Gen. John Leverett (1639), Governor, was baptized June 7, 1674. Thomas Leverett (1703) was a brother of Hon. Lieut. John Leverett (1704), the eighth president of Harvard College. Nothing has been discovered bearing upon his fame and fortunes, except a probate court record. He married, Dec. 11, 1701, Rebecca Winsor. By occupation, he was a barber. He died in 1706, "a little beyond thirty years of age." Administration on his estate was granted June 21, 1706.
Henry Lloyd (1703), merchant, of Boston, son of James and Griselda (Sylvester) Lloyd, was born in Boston, Nov. 28, 1685, and died March 18, 1763.
James came from Bristol, arrived at Newport about 1670, and settled in Boston in 1673. By marriage he received an estate at Long Island from his father-in-law, Nathaniel Sylvester, of Shelter Island. His first wife, Griselda, having died, he married for his second wife, Nov. 3, 1691, Rebecca, daughter of Major-Gen. John Leverett (1639), Governor.
Henry Lloyd (1703) married (1) Rebecca Nelson, - who was born Nov. 15, 1688, and died July 27, 1728, - a daughter of Capt. John Nelson ( 1680) ; and (2) Mary -, who died Nov. 10, 1749. The eldest son of Henry Lloyd (1703) was Dr. James Lloyd, of Boston, who died in 1810, aged eighty-two years, whose son, James, a graduate of Harvard College in 1787, an eminent merchant, was a United States senator from Massachusetts, and died in 1831.
Henry Lloyd (1703) was bred a merchant in Boston, but in 1711, by inheritance and purchase, located himself at Lloyd's Neck, and resided there until his decease. He left his property at the Neck to his four sons.1
Thomas Newton (1703).
Isaac Queenoicault (1703).
Ambrose Vincent (1703) married, Jan. 6, 1703, Sarah Barber. He held office in Boston in 1706, and in 1709 was clerk of the market. Jan. 17, 1709, the selectmen accepted him as security for Jane Buck, a new inhabitant, and July 8, 1712, he was security for Daniel Stevens.
William Ivory (1703). AUTHORITY : Savage's Gen. Dict.
Thomas Leverett ( 1703). AUTIIORITY : New Eng. Hist. and Gen. Reg., 1879.
Ambrose Vincent (1703). AUTHORITY : Bos- ton Records.
1 See Genealogy of Lloyds, of Lloyd's Neck, and King's Chapel Burial-Ground, by Bridgman.
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Aug. 25, 1712, he subscribed six pounds to assist in enlarging the Church of Eng- land in Boston, and in 1713-4 was a communicant of that church. He also contributed two pounds for repairing King's Chapel in 1718. He was fourth sergeant of the Artillery Company in 1709. In 1715, he resided on Wing's Lane, now Elm Street, Boston.
Under date of March 30, 1725, Mr. Drake says, in the History of Boston, p. 572 : " Early this spring died Mr. Ambrose Vincent [1703], a gentleman of note and much respected. He was for many years ' A Waiter of the Customs' and at his decease was ' Marshal of Admiralty.'"
He died at the age of forty-seven years, leaving a wife, Sarah, who died very suddenly, March 14, 1728 : "As she was walking home from making a visit, she dropped dead in the street."
The record of the Artillery Company for 1703 is as follows : -
" April 5th 1703. The Rev'd Mr. Grindall Rawson was chosen to preach the next Election sermon and the Commission officers were desired to request him to preach. Accepted by him.
"Voted, that Colo. Hutchinson [1670], Colo. Hobby [1702], Capt Samuel Sewall [1679], Colo. Townsend Esqr [1674], and Mr. Samuel Keeling [1699], merchant, should be a committee to lease out the land for a term of years, which was given by the General Court to the Artillery Company, and that what the major part of the Committee doth in that affair shall be as effectual as if there were a full Concurrence."
Rev. Grindall Rawson, the preacher of the Artillery election sermon for 1703, son of Edward Rawson, for many years registrar of deeds and secretary of the colony, was born in Boston, Jan. 23, 1659-60. He was named Grindall for Edmund Grindall, Arch- bishop of Canterbury, " between whom and his father," according to Mr. Drake's History of Boston, p. 553, " there was a relationship."
Rev. Grindall Rawson graduated at Harvard College in 1678, and in 1683 married Susanna, daughter of Rev. John Wilson, of Medfield, who was a nephew of Capt. Robert Keayne (1637), the founder of the Artillery Company. Mr. Rawson was ordained about the year 1680, and became the second settled minister in Mendon. He died Feb. 6, 1715. He was very perfectly versed in the Indian language, and labored with the Indians for nearly thirty years. Rev. Cotton Mather preached a sermon on the death of Mr. Rawson, which he dedicated to Judge Sewall (1679).
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