USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Chester > History of Chester, New Hampshire, including Auburn : a supplement to the History of old Chester, published in 1869 > Part 11
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Auburn > History of Chester, New Hampshire, including Auburn : a supplement to the History of old Chester, published in 1869 > Part 11
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 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
Since 1862, when the later records begin, the following persons have served as deacons: Thomas J. Melvin, Benjamin Fitz, Jr., William Tenney, Parker Morse, George W. Wilcomb, Charles H. Knowles, Augustus P. Morse, Charles F. True, Robert H. Hazelton and Walter P. Tenney.
Robert H. Hazelton has been the faithful sexton of the church for over forty years. For most of these years he has served as Collector, and since the decease of John W. Noyes has filled the office of Treasurer.
The church has from the beginning made use of the musical talent of its members to enrich its services. In the early days the Psalms written in metre were used in the Sunday services. In 1806 a bass viol and clarionet accompanied the singers. An organ was used for the first time about 1850. Choir leaders from 1859 have been Abel Reed, Francis Hazelton, who also conducted singing schools as did Edward I. Martin and his son Walter. Other choir leaders have been Thomas J. Melvin, Newton Hazelton, John E. Kimball, Nathan W. Goldsmith, Mrs. Clara Russell, W. I. Martin, Mrs. Grace Young and Leon I. Richardson. The organists have been Mary Addie Mitchell, Warren Sargent, Carrie F. Robinson, Alice Noyes, Vinie Richardson, Lucy E. Learnard, Mrs. Clara Russell, Mrs. Bonney, Ruth Blood, Helen Melvin, Duraxa W. Crawford, Mrs. Grace Young and Mrs. Ella A. Allen.
Dating from 1832 there has been an efficient woman's organization connected with the church. It was the custom for the "Sewing Circle" to meet at private houses for work, and to remain "to take tea." In the evening the men were invited to attend. In the early days many garments were made for the poor. When this service became no longer necessary the name of the society was changed to The Ladies' Social Circle, and much has been done to promote the social life of the church and community by means of entertainments held under their auspices.
Here we close. For practically 200 years the Congregational church has co-operated with the home and school in the building of a civilization which, though far from perfect, compares favorably with that of other lands. Here men trained for the purpose have come to tell "the glad good news" to hungry souls, and the people have in countless ways re-echoed the message. Very much of the history of Chester is bound up with the history of this religious society. There have been lean years, and years blessed with incoming tides of joy and power. During two centuries the sick have been visited, the mourners comforted and according to the measure of faith, or consecration, on the part of preacher and people, the seed, which is the Word of God, has been sown, some of which has fallen into good and honest hearts, and brought forth fruit. No mention has been made of benevolences nor of missionaries and ministers and teachers and Christian workers who here enlisted in the Master's service. Suffice it to say that in-
82
HISTORY OF CHESTER
fluences beyond our power to measure have gone forth from the staid old church on the hill, which like the leaves of the tree of life have been for the healing of the nations.
PASTORS.
Moses Hale, 20 Oct., 1731 to 13 Aug. 1735.
Ebenezer Flagg, Sept., 1736 to 14 Nov. 1796. Nathan Bradstreet, 30 Oct., 1793 to 7 Oct., 1817. Joel R. Arnold, 8 Mar., 1820 to 31 Mar., 1831. Jonathan Clement, 13 Oct., 1831 to 10 Sept., 1845.
Lauren Armsby, 27 May, 1846 to 28 Sept., 1856. Harrison O. Howland, 12 Aug., 1857 to 10 July, 1862. Johnson L. Tomlinson, I Oct., 1863 to 18 Jan., 1870.
Charles Tenney, 2 Aug., 1871 to Nov., 1888.
James G. Robertson, July Ist, 1889 to Apr. Ist, 1915. Silas N. Adams, Dec. 15, 1915 - -.
Additional historical matter may be found in the church address delivered by Rev. Mr. Robertson, which appears in the Celebration proceedings.
CHAPTER III. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
In 1734 the Scotch Irish, having been brought up in the Kirk of Scotland, invited Rev. John Wilson to be their minister. He was born in Ireland in 1709 and was a graduate of the University of Edinburgh. He began his work in Chester when 25 years of age, and continued in the ministry there till he died in 1779.
Two large flat stones, moved from the first cemetery to the new one, bear mute testimony to his and his wife's character-one is of common stone chiseled with various symbols, the other is of slate and well preserved. It is said his sermons showed much study and in- genuity in their construction. He was a peculiarly quiet man and took no part in town affairs.
The first Presbyterian Church was built in 1749, they having worshipped at private houses previously ; the land was given by Mr. Wilson and a part of it was used as a buying place and is still to be found in 1922. The church was built near the parsonage on Parsonage Lane or Haverhill Road. It took its name from a wood lot further on from which was cut the wood for the parsonage and that name has continued to the present time, though the lane is no longer a public highway.
There was trouble between the Orthodox and Presbyterian brethren, the latter objected to being taxed for the Orthodox ministry while having their own to support. The controversy was finally settled in court, and they were released from the tax.
The parish extended from Walnut Hill to Massabesick, a distance of nine miles; so after a time Mr. Wilson preached at Longmeadow a part of the time, and it was voted that they would have as much preach- ing as they paid for. The Longmeadow people built a church which was paid for by subscriptions and it was called the Little Meeting House. It was placed where the Rev. Mr. Holmes' house stands.
In 1793, the first Presbyterian church built in 1739 and the Little Meeting House were taken down and the materials built into the Long- meadow meeting house which stood by the Longmeadow Cemetery. It was dedicated Jan. I, 1794. Quite a number of Presbyterian families from the lower parish, and many English families attended the Long- meadow church. In a short while the church was not big enough, so they cut it in two parts and put in fifteen feet. This disarranged the sittings, and was not liked by some. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was observed only twice a year. They began a personal preparation the Thursday before and fasted and had sermons. A long table was placed from the pulpit to the door of the center aisle which was covered with fine linen and large pewter platters of unleavened bread, and wine. One of the platters is in the Historical room at Auburn in 1923. There are many curious customs which may be read in Benjamin Chase's History.
For some forty years they had had many ministers and short
83
84
HISTORY OF CHESTER
pastorates. The two burning questions of Abolition and Intemperance had disrupted the church.
The Second Congregational Church had been built and the last Presbyterian pastor became its pastor, and it was voted if any one wished to join the Congregational Church he or she could do so and sixteen did join. The Presbyterian meeting house and lot and parson- age was deeded to the newly formed church, and thus the Presbyterian Church became extinct in Chester.
TRANSCRIPTION OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH RECORDS 1738-1842.
At a meeting held at Lt. Thomas Smith's of Mr. Wilson's Con- gregation June 19, 1738.
Voted their meeting house to be set on Mr. Wilson's lot over against William Powell's house. Voted that sd meeting house shall be built 38 foot long, 33 foot wide with a 20 foot post. Voted Capt. Samuel Ingals, John Tolford, William Wilson, Lt. Thomas Smith and John Kar be ye committee to oversee ye building of sd meeting house.
Jan. 3, 1738/9. Voted Capt. Samuel Ingals, James Campbell and John Akin to assess Mr. Wilson's salary and to assess the money for building the meeting house. Voted John Moor, John Shirley, John Smith, Robert Mills, and Andrew Crage a committee to chuse a work- man with the undertakers of the work of sd meeting house.
Sept. 17, 1740. Voted, James Wilson Jr. collector, he to have 6d per fi for gathering the rates. John Moor and John Akin a committee to see the parish officers do justice.
Mar. 2, 1740/41, Samuel Ingals and John Shirley wardens called the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Congregation in Chester to meet at their meeting house on the 10th inst at three o'clock in the afternoon.
Mar. 10, 1740/41. Capt. Samuel Ingals, Lt. Thomas Smith and John Tolford committee to see that the officers do justice. Voted £100 salary to Rev. John Wilson.
Nov. 16, 1741. Rev. John Wilson to have fiIo for this year. John Moor, John Tolford and James Quenton a committee to examine the collector's accounts.
Mar. 10, 1741/2. Rev. Mr. Wilson shall have £120. John Tolford and John Kar to provide 1000 of Joices and 1000 of boards and put them into the galleries.
Mar. 10, 1743. Robert Mills, Robert Graham Jr. and Samuel [blank] committee to examine the collector's accounts.
Second Tuesday of Mar. 1743/4. Rev. John Wilson to have £120 salary. John Tolford to do the work of the gallery. William Tolford, Andrew Crage and Samuel Akin committee to examine the collector's lists.
Sept. 18, 1744. John Moor, Capt. John Tolford and Andrew Crage committee to take a deed from Rev. John Wilson of the land where ye meeting house stands of half an acre for a burying place for sd congregation. Robert Mills, Samuel Akin and Archabald Dunlap a committee to treat with Rev. John Wilson about his salary.
Second Tuesday Mar. 1745. Samuel Akin, William Tolford and John Akin committee to examine the collector's accounts. Rev. John Wilson to have £120. William Craford, John Akin and Paul McPerson committee to see that the warders do justice and to see the work of the gallaries be done. Capt. John Tolford, John Moor and Thomas Crage
85
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
committee and trustees to take a deed of the land the Presbyterian Parish has purchased from Rev. John Wilson.
Second Tuesday of Mar. 1745/6. William Crawford, William Tolford and John Akin committee to examine the collector's accounts. Andrew Crage to have pay for his trouble. James Shirley, James Quenton and Robert Mills to make up the difference between Andrew Crage and the Parish.
Second Tuesday of Mar. 1746/7. Rev. John Wilson to have £140 salary. Voted to build a "seshon" house 18 foot in length, 16 in width and 7 foot post. John Moor and John Akin committee to see which way will be most proper to build sd house. Voted that the people at the Long Meadows are not to have any sermon up there till further orders.
Mar. 8, 1748. William Tolford, John Tolford and John Aken Sr. committee to examine the collector's accounts. Rev. John Wilson to have £200 salary. Voted that the Parish will stand the law with Squire McMurphy concerning his mills only John Akin, Capt. John Tolford, William Tolford and James Quenton enter their protests against the vote.
Dec. 5, 1746, James Campbell and Capt. John Tolford received all demands from the Presbyterian Parish and Congregation in Chester.
Feb. 9, 1746/7, Rev. John Wilson acknowledged that he had received from William Leatch his full salary from his ordination to Sept. 16, 1745.
June 29, 1748. Voted that the Long Meadow people shall have their proportionable share of preaching the Gospel. Voted the preach- ing to be held at Andrew Crage's house. Rev. John Wilson to have £200 yearly as long as he dispenses the duty of a Presbyterian minister amongst us.
Voted that the meeting house is to be built at the crotch of the road between Andrew McFarlands and Penycook road on Peneycook road.
Lt. Thomas Crage, John Shirley, William Kilcrist and Adam Dickey each enters a protest against Mr. Wilson's preaching at Long Meadow and likewise against settling £200 salary upon him.
Mar. 14, 1749, Samuel Akin, Robert Mills, William Crawford committee to examine John Mills, Archabald Dunlap and William Kilcrist, their accounts. John Akin, John Tolford and William Tolford committee to examine William Wilson's account. Samuel Akin, Robert Mills and William Crawford to proceed according to law.
Mar. 13, 1750, Capt. John Tolford, William Tolford and James Quenton enter their protest against Andrew Crag's being Warden, Capt. John Tolford, Hugh Cromby and John Akin committee to examine the warden's and collector's accounts. Capt. John Tolford, William Tolford and James Quenton enter their protest against raising money to defray law charges as the case between the Parish and John McMurphy is already prosecuted to final judgment. Voted £60 added to Rev. John Wilson's salary.
Mar. 12, 1751, Capt. John Tolford, Hugh Cromby, Thomas Crag, William Leatch and James Quenton a committee to find a convenient place to move the meeting house to.
June 27, 1751, Voted ye meeting house is to be moved to a proper center. Voted that Mr. Wilson is not to preach any more at ye Long Meadow.
Mar. 10, 1751/2, Dea. William Leatch, Allent [Alexander] Crag, Dea. William Willson and William Crawford committee to examine the warden's and collector's accounts.
86
HISTORY OF CHESTER
Mar. 13, 1753, William Wilson, Dea. Leatch, William Crawford committee to examine accounts. Voted that Long Meadow people shall have their equal part of the preaching.
Sept. 14, 1753, Voted £100 more salary settled on Rev. Mr. Wilson. William Tolford, Andrew Jack and Samuel Akin committee to see dissatisfaction of some people in the Parish.
Mar. 12, 1754, John Shirley, James Quenton and Samuel McPerson committee to examine accounts. Voted to add £40 to Rev. John Wilson's salary.
Mar. II, 1755, Voted £20 for repairing the meeting house. James Shirley, Samuel Akin and William Tolford committee to examine accounts.
Mar. 9, 1756, William Crawford, Capt. James Shirley and Hugh Cromby committee to examine accounts.
Mar. 8, 1757, Voted £140 to be added to Rev. John Wilson's salary. Voted £100 to be raised to build a pulpit in their old meeting house.
Mar. 14, 1758, Voted £40 to be continued to Rev. John Wilson's salary. Voted £100 to repair the Long Meadow meeting house. An- drew Crage, Andrew McFarland and Hugh Cromby committee to lay out sd money to the best advvantage. Voted £20 to Jabez Hoit for building the pulpit.
Mar. 13, 1759, Voted Rev. John Wilson should have £600 calary. Voted £50 for the Long Meadow meeting house.
Mar. II, 1760 met in their Old meeting house. Voted to raise £300 for finishing the two meeting houses.
Mar. 31, 1760. Voted to Major John Tolford 6 foot in length 5 foot and a half in width of ground in the old meeting house on the right hand of the south door. Voted the meeting house to be seated with long seats.
Mar. 9, 1762, William Crawford, Dea. William Leatch, Hugh Cromby, Capt. James Shirley [sic] Robert Graym committee to divide the seats in their old meeting house.
Mar. 8, 1763, James Quenton, John Akin and John Patton com- mittee to examine accounts.
Mar. 13, 1764. Voted £800 to Rev. John Wilson salary.
Mar. 12, 1765. Voted to fence the grave yard at their old meeting house. William Grims [Graham] entered his protest against this vote.
Mar. 11, 1766. Voted Rev. John Willson to preach at the Long Meadow as formerly. William White Jr., John Moor, James Mills, Robert Mills, Thomas White, James Grayham, Mark Karr, Hugh Shirley, James Grims at the Long Meadow, Josiah Forsyth, John MacFarland, Moses MacFarland, Daniel Witherspoon, Alexander Witherspoon, Joshua Moor, Jonathan Moor, David Willson, Joseph Dunlap, James Dunlap, Charles Moor, Robert Forsyth, John Willson, William Shirley, John Frain to have liberty to build seats or pews in the Gallery, at the north corner and from thence all along the west end next the wall across the south west corner and along the south side next to the wall as far as the post that goes up from the southeast corner of Major Tolford's pew.
Andrew Jack, John Patton and Capt. James Shirley committee to examine accounts.
Mar. 10, 1767, met at their first built meeting house. Voted £800 to Rev. John Wilson.
March 8, 1768, met in the old meeting house.
Mar. 22, 1768. Dea. Matthew Forsyth, William White, John Patton committee to examine accounts.
87
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Mar. 14. 1769, Nathaniel Presbery quited of his rates for the last year.
Apr. 10, 1770, met at the old meeting house. Matthew Forsaith, Charles Moor, Robert Wilson committee.
Mar. 12, 1771. Matthew Forsaith, Robert Wilson, John Akin committee.
Mar. 10, 1772. Charles Moor, William White, Capt. Robert Wil- son committee.
Apr. 16, 1772, met in their old meeting house. Voted to choose five men to settle that the Parish be one as formerly, viz: Capt. Henry Moor, Capt. Robert Wilson, Thomas McMaster, Joseph Linn, and Dea. Matthew Forsaith committee to settle the division. Capt. Henry Moor, Capt. Robert Wilson and Capt. Andrew Jack be a committee in case the five do not agree.
May 10, 1772. Voted that the agreement of the committee made between Long Meadow and the Lower end of the town is accepted.
Mathew Forsaith, Thomas McMaster, Robert Wilson, Henry Moor and Joseph Lin, committee for the Parish reported that the Long Meadow part is to have one half of the preaching for nine months from first of March to the first of December during the time Rev. John Wilson is able to preach and the remainder to the Lower End of the town and that Long Meadow Party to pay £20 yearly and the Lower End to pay £25 each to collect and pay Rev. John Wilson during his ministry.
Mar. 9, 1773. Capt. Robert Wilson, William White, Lt. David Witherspoon committee.
May 3, 1773. Voted Major John Tolford be an agent for the Presbyterian Parish to go to the General Court to keep the Parish connected as it was formerly.
Mar. 8, 1774. John Patton, Dea. Mathew Forsaith and Capt. Henry Moor committee.
Mar. 14, 1775. Voted that Thomas McMasters account of Ios. 5d. which he says he never got be allowed. Lt. David Witherspoon, William White, John Grames committee.
Mar. 12, 1776. Samuel McPherson, William Shirley, Mathew Templeton committee.
Mar. II, 1777. Voted that the repairing of the Meeting House be left to the discretion of the wardens. Robert Wilson, Esq., James Grimes, Charles Moor Sr., committee.
Mar. 10, 1778. John Patton, James Craford, John Grimes committee.
Dec. 8, 1778. Voted to add £40 to Rev. John Wilson's salary as all necessaries of life are gone to such extremes and money so little value.
Mar. 9, 1779. Dea. Adam Wilson, Antony Stickney, Maj. John Tolford committee to hire preaching. Hugh Shirley, John Grimes, John Patton committee to examine accounts.
Aug. 19, 1779. Antony Stickney, Robert Grimes, Joseph Lin committee to hire suplies of preaching.
Dec. 7, 1779, Dea. Matthew Forsaith, Maj. William White, Capt. David Witherspoon, Hugh Crombie committee to hire preaching with the subscription money.
Mar. 14, 1780, Joseph Linn, Capt. Henry Moor, Capt. David Witherspoon committee to examine the warden's accounts. Voted $2000 be raised to hire preaching. Deacons Tolford, Wilson and Forsith committee to supply the pulpit. Voted that ministers shall have $50 per day for preaching.
88
HISTORY OF CHESTER
Mar. 13, 178I. Voted Anthony Stickney, Dea. Forsaith, and Esq. Wilson committee to hire preaching this year.
Mar. 29, 1781. Voted $4000 be raised to hire preaching for the present year.
We, Hugh Cromby, Hugh McDuffee, James Shirley, David Witherspoon and Daniel Witherspoon enter our descent against the proceedings of sd meeting as not legal in general and in particular in chosing Anthony Sumerby Stickney a commissioner to supply the pulpit he belonging to no church of any denomination.
Dec. 10, 1781, Anthony Stickney moderator. Voted $4000 voted at the former meeting shall be collected in hard money-one hard dollar for seventy five old omitions.
Mar. 12, 1782. Voted $150 to be raised for preaching this year. Peter Aiken and Dea. Forsaith committee to hire preaching. Voted the graveyard fence to be repaired by the wardens.
Mar. II, 1783, Capt. David Witherspoon, Anthony Stickney, Dea. Matthew Forsaith committee to hire preaching.
Mar. 9, 1784. Dea. Forsaith, Hugh Crombie, Esq. Wilson com- mittee to supply the pulpit.
June I, 1784. Voted $100 to be raised to hire preaching for this year.
Apr. 29, 1784. Voted the money to be collected in the year 1783 shall not be raised. Maj. William White, Dea. Matthew Forsaith, Capt. David Witherspoon committee to examine all the past accounts in the parish.
Mar. 8, 1785. Voted £30 to be raised to hire preaching. Dea. Forsaith, Thomas McMaster, John Grimes committee to supply the pulpit.
Apr. 19, 1785. Voted to chuse a committee to fix a place that would best accomodate the parish to set the Meeting House on. John Crawford, John Grimes, Capt. Henry Moore, Benjamin Melvin, Col. William White, Capt. David Witherspoon, Robert Grimes shall be the committee.
June 7, 1785, the Committee agree to set the Meeting House in about Esq. Chase's Brook. The parish not satisfied adjourns till June 21.
June 21, 1785. The Committee brings this agreement: We the majority of the committee have agreed to set the Meeting House on Capt. John Underhill's land on the south side of the road as near his old house as we can conveniently set it as the ground will allow. Signed Robert Grames, Henry Moor, David Witherspoon, John Grimes. Voted that the Meeting House shall be set there.
Mar. 14, 1786. Voted £30 to hire preaching for this year. An- thony Stickney, Dea. Forsaith, Hugh Shirley a committee to supply the pulpit.
Mar. 28, 1786. Voted to build a meeting house on that place appointed by the former committee. Maj. John Tolford enters his protest against sd vote and likewise against the proceedings. Mr. Moor, Hugh Tolford, Thomas McMasters, Col. White. Samuel Shirley, Anthony Stickney, William Bell, John Grimes and Peter Aiken com- mittee to consider the bigness of the house and draw a draft of the Pews and make return as soon as may be.
Mar. 13, 1787. Voted to raise £30 to hire preaching this year. Dea. Forsaith, Hugh Crombie, William Beel [Bell] committee to supply the pulpit.
Mar. II, 1788. Voted $100 to hire preaching this year. Dea. Forsaith, William Bell, John Grimes committee to supply the pulpit.
=
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 1773
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
89
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Voted William Varnum rates be forgiven the year that John Patten was collector. Voted James McForten and his mother's two years rates shall be forgiven.
Mar. 10, 1789. Voted Dea. Forsaith, Robert Mckinley, Joseph Blanchard, Esq. committee to supply the pulpit.
Mar. 9, 1790. Voted Samuel Jack collector for this lower end of the town and Robert McCinley [Mckinley] for the Long Meadows.
Apr. 13, 1790. Voted to raise £30 to hire preaching for this year. Maj. Moor, Dea. Forsaith, Esq. Blanchard committee to supply the pulpit.
Mar. 8, 1791. Hugh Shirley collector for this lower end of the town and Samuel Aiken for the Long Meadows. Voted $100 to be raised to hire preaching. William Bell, Dea. Forsaith, John Grimes committee to supply the pulpit.
Mar. 13, 1792. James Wilson collector for the lower end of this town and Robert Dinsmore for Long Meadows. Voted to raise no money to hire preaching this year. Voted David Carr, William Bell, John Grimes committee to supply the pulpit.
Mar. 12, 1793, William Wilson Jr., James Crawford, William Bell committee to supply the pulpit. Ensign Shirley, Esq. White, Samuel Shirley, Esq. Blanchard, William Bell, a committee to consult with the Congregational parish concerning the propriety of settling two Ministers in sd town to be paid by the town. Allowed Mr. Stickney's rates.
May 6, 1793, Voted that the old Meeting House shall be taken down and set on the ground that Capt. Underhill proposes to them near Joseph Caleph's. Voted William Bell, William Wilson, John Grimes, Hugh Tolford, and Joseph Linn is impowered to take down these old Meeting Houses and build a new one or cause it to be done. "The New Meeting House was raised July 4, 1793."
Mar. II, 1794, Voted £30 for parish taxes. Voted Alexander Campbell's rates abated. James Miller's rates abated. Voted William Wilson, Benjamin Melvin, John Grimes committee to hire preaching.
Mar. 10, 1795, Voted £30 to hire preaching. Dea. William Wilson, Capt. David Witherspoon, Dea. John Grimes committee.
Apr. 15, 1795, Voted to divide the money that has become due to the town from the sale of the parsonage lots, wood and timber, in two equal parts between the two corporations, provided nevertheless if the Congregational parish will not agree to such a division the above vote shall be void.
Nov. 19, 1795, Voted to hire Rev. David Annen two thirds of each year for the term of four years. Voted him $200 for the two thirds of each year. Voted Joseph Blanchard, William White, Esq. Thomas McMaster committee to wait on Mr. Annen.
Mar. 8, 1796, Voted £40 for parish taxes. "Whereas the Presby- terian Society of the Town of Chester did on 19 Nov. 1795, vote to invite David Annan of Peterborough, clerk, to be their minister for four years he giving two thirds of each summer and two thirds of each winter and in compensation therefor did vote $200 annually and did vote Joseph Blanchard, William White, Esqrs. and Thomas Mac- Master, husbandman, to carry the votes of old parish into effect with sd David Annan, clerk, and whereas sd Annan did on 22 Feb. 1796 give his answer that he would accecpt of the sd $200 for two thirds of his labor each year for four years on condition that sd parish provide a parsonage at their own expense during the four years and whereas mention has been made of the farm of the heirs of James Grimes dec'd as a parsonage and of preparing the house as soon as possible at the
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.