USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > History of Coos County, New Hampshire > Part 92
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Methodist Episcopal Church .- This was the pioneer in religious move-
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TOWN OF STRATFORD.
ments. James Brown, alluded to above, not only welcomed the itinerants, who travelled the rough ways on horseback, to the hospitality of his home, but became a member of this church, and a strong tower of the faith. The "quarterly meetings" brought the people sometimes thirty or forty miles. and were marked periods of social intercourse and religious mani- festations. The strong sermons of the often unlettered preachers were full of practical admonitions, warnings, and good advice; and the doc- trines of "glad tidings " which they brought were received by eager lis- teners and brought forth good fruit. Sometimes the preacher was of more than ordinary power. Jason Lee, Lorenzo Dow, and other kindred souls, brought their eloquence and gifts to the service of God in the wilder- ness, and Methodism became a living force in the community.
A Methodist society was formed in the first of this century. The first church was erected about 1808 on "Meeting-House Hill," on the road that led from Bog brook mills to Stratford Hollow. It was never finished; the seats were formed by placing sections of logs on the floor and laying
rough boards across them. It was raised quite a distance from the ground, and furnished a refuge from the heat of the sun for the sheep which ranged at will through the unfenced wilds. Their noise often inter- fered with the services, and Elder Marshall once called to them in the mid- dle of his sermon, "Bleat away, we can make as much noise as you." The house was evidently not well taken care of; the door was left open, and the sheep found entrance, causing such disorder that Elder Lord vehemently declaimed against making or allowing the house of God to be made a "sheep-pen." The location was not a central one, and Elder Lord labored earnestly to have the house taken down and rebuilt in a better location. Much opposition was shown to this movement, but he carried his point, and the material was used in the construction of the church now used as a town-house, which is thirty-six feet square, and was erected about 1820 on the river road, about midway between North Strat- ford and Stratford Hollow. The trustees in 1829 were Antipas Marshall, Benjamin Brown, Elisha Johnson, Joshua Marshall, Rufus Lamkin. Rev. Antipas Marshall was the first preacher of whom we learn anything. He was born in Ipswich, Mass., about 1754, and came to Northumberland as a settler in 1796. He was a local preacher, deacon, and elder: preached for many years, and attended many funerals. He was one of the old- fashioned preachers, proclaiming the Law as well as the Gospel. He lived to be eighty-four, and was active to the last. Being invited to ride to church the Sabbath before his death, he declined, saying. "Let old folks ride, and young ones go on foot."
Rev. Benjamin Brown, a travelling Methodist preacher, a native of Wellfleet, Mass., who in early life had been a sailor, and had risen to the command of a merchantman trading in foreign countries, settled in Bruns-
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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
wick, Vt., where he purchased the Cargill farm and mills. Here he lived until 1854, preaching very frequently in the neighboring towns. Elders Branch, Sabin, Plumley, Alden, Latham, Putnam, and Cowing were also here. Elder Plumley's services were blessed with a great revival; the con- verts were baptized by Elder McGregor, who came from Northumberland for this purpose. Isaac Brown, son of James, was the first one baptized.
List of Members in 1843 .- Class No. 1. J. W. Johnson, leader; Mary Johnson, Elisha Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Marcus D. Johnson. Maria Johnson, Jonathan Rolfe, Lydia Rolfe, Victory Gamsby, Elmira Gamsby, Joshua Marshall, Betsey Marshall, George Kimball, Polly Kimball, Alfred Martin, Cynthia Martin, Sarah Stephens, Emeline Gamsby, Sarah J. Johnson, Polly Gamsby, Susanna Day, Lucinda Baldwin, Mary Gamsby, Priscilla Johnson, Mary A. Johnson, Emily J. Johnson, Albino Kimball, Susan Schoff, Mary Ross, Susan Gam-by, Nathaniel Baker, John McCollister, Edward V. Kimball, Bernice Kimball, Ann Curtis, Delpha A. Gamsby, Betsey A. Mahurin. Lucretia A. Johnson.
A second class of thirty-six members, comprising the Waters, Merriam, Byron, and Marshall families, included some residents of Northumberland.
There was quite a revival in 1853, and a new church was determined upon at the " Hollow." William McIntyre, Marcus D. Johnson, and Noah B. Waters were the building committee. Hon. N. D. Day was one of the active promoters of its erection. This church has a seating capacity of 200. and cost $1,000. It was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1854, and in 1866 a bell costing about $175 was purchased by subscription.
The early clergy had a hard life; meager salaries (often unpaid), large circuits, many sermons was the rule; and only those who looked above earthly rewards and emoluments were fitted to undergo the privations and hardships encountered. Sometimes the circuit reached from Northumber- land to Pittsburg; again from Stratford to Milan; again a smaller field would be given-Stratford and Columbia, or Stratford and Northumber- land-as civilization advanced and settlers multiplied. The saddle-bags and saddle-horse have gone. The "circuit riders" have, in many cases, passed over the last river whose bridgeless stream they had to cross; and comfortable homes and fewer privations fall to the lot of their successors. For several years Northumberland has been united with Stratford, the pastor residing in the parsonage at Groveton, with afternoon and alter- nate Sunday evening services at Stratford. We cannot give a list of pas- tors. They remain but a short time, and are not permanently connected with the town. Rev. L. W. Prescott, a former pastor, is perhaps the most so of any on the long list. He is now preparing what is intended to be a full and comprehensive history of Stratford and its old families. Rev. Leslie R. Danforth closed a three-years' pastorate of great usefulness in 1887. The church record has borne about eighty-two names during the last thirty-five years.
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765
TOWN OF STRATFORD.
CHAPTER XCI.
Civil List: Clerks, Selectmen, Treasurers, Representatives.
6
IVIL List .- 1800. Joseph Holbrook, clerk: Benjamin Strong, Richard Holbrook. Joseph Dyer (till June 27), William Johnson (from June 27), seleetmen; Joseph Holbrook, treasurer.
1801. Joseph Holbrook, clerk; Isaae Johnson, Benjamin Strong, Richard Holbrook, selectmen; Joseph Holbrook, treasurer.
1802. Isaac Johnson, Benjamin Strong, Richard Holbrook, selectmen.
1803. E. H. Mahurin, Benjamin Strong, Nathan Baldwin, seleetmen.
1804. Isaac Johnson, clerk; Benjamin Strong, E. H. Mahurin, Nathan Baldwin, selectmen.
1805. Nathan Barlow, clerk; Thomas G. French, James Brown, Agur Platt, selectmen; James Brown,
treasurer.
1806. Nathan Baldwin, elerk; Nathan Carr, Thomas G. French, Agur Platt, selectmen.
1807. Benjamin Strong, elerk; Isaae Stevens, Thomas G. French, Asa Hall, selectmen; James Brown, treasurer.
1908. Benjamin Strong, clerk: Agur Platt, Joseph Daniels, Asa Hall, selectmen; James Brown, treasurer. 1909. Asa Hall, clerk; E. H. Mahurin, Paletiah Nichols, Isaac Johnson, Jr., seleetmen; Nathan Baldwin, treasurer; James Lucas, representative.
1810. Asa Hall, elerk; E. H. Mahurin, Peletiah Nichols, Thomas G. French, seleetmen; Joseph Daniels, treasurer.
1811. Agur Platt. elerk; E. H. Mahurin, Peletiah Nichols, Thomas G. French, selectmen.
1812. Agur Platt, clerk; E. H. Mahurin, Feletiah Nichols, Noah Hatch, selectmen.
1813. Agur Platt (until September 13), E. H. Mahurin (after September 13), elerk; Nathan Baldwin, Elisha Johnson, Aaron Curtis, selectmen.
1814. Joshua Marshall, clerk; David Platt, Nathan Baldwin, Noah Hatch, selectmen.
1815. Joshua Marshall, elerk; Nathan Baldwin, David Platt, Noah Hateh, selectmen.
1816. Joshua Marshall, elerk; Nathan Baldwin, E. H. Mahurin, Joseph Daniels, selectmen; Nathan Baldwin, representative.
1817. Joshua Marshall, clerk: Nathan Baldwin, Elisha Johnson, David Platt, selectmen.
1818. Joshua Marshall, clerk; Nathan Baldwin, John French, Samuel F. Brown, selectmen.
1819. Joshua Marshall, clerk; Nathan Baldwin, John French, Samuel F. Brown, selectmen; Nathan Baldwin, representative.
1820. Joshua Marshall, elerk; Nathan Baldwin, Elisha A. Barlow, Abner Day, selectmen; Nathan Bald- win, treasurer.
[We have been unable to procure the town officers from 1820 to 1835.]
1831. Joshua Marshall, representative.
1832. Nathan Baldwin.
1835. Roberson S. Marshall, clerk; Joshua Marshall, Samuel F. Brown, Robert Bond, selectmen; Joshua Marshall, treasurer; Samuel F. Brown, representative. The town classed with Northumberland.
1836. Leonard Hateh, clerk; Nathan Baldwin, Marcus D. Johnson, Abijah S. French, seleetmen; Asa B. Porter, treasurer.
1837. George F. Barlow, clerk; David Ross, Abijah S. French, Branch Brown, seleetmen: David Ross, treasurer; Hiram Lucas, representative.
1838. George F. Barlow, elerk; Abijah S. French, Mareus D. Johnson, Branch Brown, seleetmen; Joshua Marshall, treasurer.
1839. George F. Barlow, clerk: Marens D. Johnson, James B. Brown, Roberson S. Marshall, selectmen; Elisha Baldwin, treasurer; Abijah S. French, representative.
1840. George F. Barlow, elerk; James B. Brown. Mareus D. Johnson, Seneca A. Shoff, selcetmen; David Ross, treasurer.
1841. Samuel W. Johnson, clerk: Marcus D. Johnson, Levi Colby, Roberson S. Marshall, selectmen; David Ross, treasurer; Nahum D. Day, representative.
1842. Samnel W. Johnson, elerk; Marcus D. Johnson, Jabez Baldwin, Elisha A. Barlow, selectmen; Elisha Baldwin, treasurer.
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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
1843. Edward Spraigue, clerk; Mareus D. Johnson; Joseph Johnson, George F. Barlow, selectmen; David Ross, representative.
1844. Edward Spraigne, clerk; Abijah S. French, Joseph Johnson, Seneca A. Shoff, selectmen; Joshua Marshall, treasurer.
1845. Edward Spraigne, elerk; Joseph Johnson, David Ross, Mareus D. Johnson, selectmen; Joshua Marshall, treasurer; James B. Brown, representative.
1846. Joseph Johnson, elerk; Nathan Baldwin, Branch Brown, Charles H. Lucas, selectmen; Joshna Marshall, treasurer.
1847. Joseph Johnson, elerk; Nathan Baldwin, Elisha Baldwin, Jr., John B. Crown, seleetmen: Joshua Marshall, treasurer; Russell Gamsby, representative.
1848. Joseph Johnson. elerk; John B. Crown, Elisha Johnson, Jr., Elbridge G. Gaskill, seleetmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer.
1849. Joseph Johnson, clerk; Mareus D. Johnson, Roberson S. Marshall, Branch Brown, seleetmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer; Charles Bellows, representative.
1850. Joseph Johnson, clerk; Marcus D. Johnson, Roberson S. Marshall, Abijah S. French, seleetmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer.
1851. Joseph Johnson, clerk; Marens D. Johnson, Abijah S. French, Branch Brown, selectmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer; Roberson S. Marshall, representative.
1852. Joseph Johnson, clerk; Hiram Lucas, Joshua Marshall, William G. Fuller, selectmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer.
1853. Joseph Johnson, clerk; Marcus D. Johnson, John M. Lucas, Thomas Connary, selectmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer; Branch Brown, representative.
1854. Joseph Johnson, clerk; Seneca A. Shoff, Abijah S. French, John M. Lucas, selectmen; Joseph Johnson, treasurer; Branch Brown, representative.
1855. William G. Fuller, elerk; Roberson S. Marshall, Samuel C. Brown, Charles Mahurin, selectmen : Roberson S. Marshall, treasurer; John B. Crown, representative.
1856. William G. Fuller, elcrk; Abijah S. French, Henry Baldwin, Henry O. White, selectmen; John F. Lock, treasurer; John B. Crown, representative.
1857. William G. Fuller, elerk; Thomas Connary, William K. Richey, Darius W. Blodgett, selectmen; Thomas Connary, treasurer: Albe Holmes, representative.
1858. William G. Fuller, elerk; Mareus D. Johnson, Irenus K. Waters, Dennis R. McIntire, selectmen; Mareus D. Jolison, treasurer; Albe Holmes, representative.
1859. William G. Fuller, clerk: Thomas Connary, Samuel C. Brown, Nathan B. Shoff, selectmen; Thomas Connary, treasurer; Harvey Hinman, representative.
1860. William G. Fuller, elerk; Albe Holmes, Charles Mahurin, Darins W. Blodgett, selectmen; Albe Holmes, treasurer; Harvey Hinman, representative.
1861. William G. Fuller, clerk; Thomas Connary, Abner Norcott, Branch Brown, selectmen; Thomas Connary, treasurer; Ephraim M. Swett, representative.
1862. William G. Fuller, clerk; Albe Holmes, Melvin Marshall, Abner Noreott, seleetmen; William G. Fuller, representative.
1863. Willianı G. Fuller, clerk; Thomas Connary, Melvin Marshall, Richard S. Oekington, seleetmen; Thomas Connary, treasurer; William G. Fuller, representative.
1864. William G. Fuller, clerk; Melvin Marshall, Charles H. Lucas, Moses B. Clough, selectmen; Melvin Marshall, treasurer; Melvin Marshall, representative.
1865. William G. Fuller, clerk; Thomas Connary, Joseph H. Danforth, Lowell Simonds, selectmen; Thomas Connary, treasurer; Melvin Marshall, representative.
1866. William G. Fuller, clerk; Charles Mahurin. Lowell Simonds, John I. Crown, selectmen; Lowell Simonds, treasurer; Jefferson V. Wright, representative.
1867. William G. Fuller, clerk; Mareus D. Johnson, Melvin Marshall, Samuel Brown, selectmen; Melvin Marshall, treasurer; Jefferson V. Wright, representative.
1868. William G. Fuller, clerk; Melvin Marshall, Lowell Simonds, George C. Kimball, selectmen; Melvin Marshall, treasurer; Samuel C. Brown, representative.
1869. William G. Fuller, clerk; Mareus D. Johnson, Charles P. Shoff, William C. Fisk, selectmen; Isaac Johnson, treasurer; Samuel C. Brown, representative.
1870. William G. Fuller, clerk: Roberson S. Marshall, Frederick A. Blodgett, John C. Stone, selectmen; Isaac Johnson, treasurer; Samuel Brown, representative.
1871. William G. Fuller. clerk; Lowell Simonds, Seth R. Chase, Arthur H. Carpenter, seleetmen; Isaac Johnson, treasurer; Samuel Brown, representative.
1872. William G. Fuller, clerk; Roberson S. Marshall, Brooks B. Ockington, Hiram H. Wright, select- men: Isaac Johnson, treasurer; Abner Norcott, representative.
767
TOWN OF STRATFORD.
1873. William G. Fuller, elerk: Melvin Marshall, William R. Brown, Samuel W. Johnson, selectmen; Abner Noreott, representative.
1874. William G. Fuller, clerk; Melvin Marshall, William R. Brown, Havilah B. Hinman, seleetmen; Isaac Johnson, treasurer; Fred N. Day, representative.
1875. William G. Fuller, elerk; William R. Brown, Havilah B. Ilinman, Guy W. Johnson, selectmen; Isaac Johnson, treasurer; George C. Kimball, representative.
1876. William G. Fuller, elerk; Havilah B. Hinman, Henry Saunders. William R. Danforth, selectmen; Isaac Johnson, treasurer; George C. Kimball. representative.
1877. William G. Fuller, elerk; George R. Eaton, Fred N. Day, William II. Kimball, seleetmen: B. Brooks Ockington, treasurer; William R. Brown, representative.
1878. William G. Fuller, elerk: Fred N. Day, William H. Kimball, William R. Danforth, selectmen; B. Brooks Oekington, treasurer; William R. Brown, representative.
1879. William G. Fuller, clerk; William R. Danforth, Guy W. Johnson, William R. Brown, selectmen; B. Brooks Ockington, treasurer.
1880. William G. Fuller, elerk; William R. Brown, Guy W. Johnson, Havilah B. Hinman, selcetmen; B. Brooks Oekington, treasurer; John C. Pattee, representative.
1881. William G. Fuller, elerk; William R. Brown, Guy W. Johnson, Havilah B. Hinman, seleetmen; Benjamin B. Ockington, treasurer.
1882. William G. Fuller, elerk; William R. Brown, Clark Stevens, Joseph T. Connary, seleetmen; Benjamin B. Ockington, treasurer; Hiram H. Wright, representative.
1883. William G. Fuller, elerk; Clark Stevens, Joseph T. Connary, Fred N. Day, seleetmen; William R. Danforth, treasurer.
1884. William G. Fuller, clerk: Clark Stevens, Joseph T. Connary, William H. Kimball, selectmen; Will- iam R. Danforth, treasurer; Clark Stevens, representative.
1885. William G. Fuller, elerk; Joseph T. Connary, William H. Kimball, Charles E. Clark, selectmen; William R. Danforth, treasurer.
1886. William G. Fuller, clerk; William H. Kimball, William R. Brown, Guy W. Johnson, seleetmen; William R. Danforth, treasurer; John I. Crown, representative.
1887. William G. Fuller, elerk; Charles E. Clark, W. R. Brown, Fred L. Kinney, selectmen; William R. Danforth, treasurer.
CHAPTER XCII.
North Stratford: Business Interests, Railroad, Postoffice-Hinman's Island-Baptist Church- Education-Hotels-Societies-Granite State Stock - Farm-Mills-Physicians -Lawyers-Brief Personal Sketches.
ORTH Stratford .- Very little had been done in improvement or busi- ness in this now lively and important business center prior to the advent of the Atlantic & St. Lawrence (now Grand Trunk) R. R., in
1852. The "Baldwin Brothers " had built mills in Bloomfield, Vt .. on the Nulhegan river where now stand those of the "Nulhegan Lumber Co." These gave employment to numerous persons, and caused various business enterprises to be established. The " Baldwin Bridge Co." incorporated in July, 1850, composed of E. A., William L. and J. M. Baldwin, afforded means of ready communication between Vermont and New Hampshire, by constructing the bridge across the river which was opened for travel in
768
HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
June, 1>52. The railroad was the direct cause of the growth of the village. It was the nearest shipping-point of the upper Connecticut valley, and soon became a great center of trade. Hotel accomodations were demanded; livery teams were called for; freighting to the towns above assumed large proportions; starch came in great quantities from the numerous factories up north, and buildings were constructed with great rapidity to meet the demand.
Col. Hazen Bedel, of Colebrook, in company with Alba Holmes in 1852, put up the first store, known now as the Marshall building, and put in a stock of goods. This they conducted as "Bedel & Holmes," until 1862, when they relinquished trade. E. H. Folsom and Melvin Marshall formed a partnership as general merchants as "Folsom & Marshall" in 1864 and occupied this building. Two years later Mr. Folsom retired, and, after some time, Mr. Marshall admitted E. B. Merriam as a partner, the firm becoming Marshall & Merriam. This house was succeeded three years later by M. Marshall & Co., Mr. Merriam retiring. The new firm was in trade some years. In 1882 Carpenter Brothers, (who established the first drug and jewelry store at this point, in 1877, in the Barrett building south of the railroad,) removed to the Marshall store. They sold their goods to J. C. Hutchins in 1886. Mr. Hutchins added a furniture depart- ment, and is now in trade as a pharmacist, jeweler, and dealer in station- ery, wall paper, and furniture. Clark P. True built the store now occu- pied by Danforth, Pattee & Clark in 1852, and in the fall of that year opened the first stock of goods for sale in the place. In 1853 William R. and Joseph H. Danforth became his partners under the name of True, Danforth & Co. Mr. True, in connection with A. C. Denison, of Norway, Me., the Danforths and the Gilkeys, was largely engaged in supplying con- tractors on the Atlantic & St. Lawrence R. R., and, as the railroad was completed, established stores at South Paris and Bethel, Me., and Gorham, Northumberland Falls, and North Stratford, which was the last of the chain and closed Mr. True's merchandising here. In two years the firm became W. R. & F. A. Danforth, the latter selling in one year to J. H. Danforth. W. R. & J. H. Danforth did business until 1871, when J. H. Danforth became the owner, and conducted trade alone until 1881. He then formed the firm of Danforth & Pattee by taking J. C. Pattee as a partner. The same year W. R. Danforth took the place of his brother in the firm. In 1854 Danforth, Pattee & Clark succeeded to the business, Charles E. Clark receiving an interest. This house is the largest mercantile estab- lishment of this section, and carries a diversified stock of merchandise and clothing, and does an annual business of $40,000 or $45,000. There was a small building put up early on the site of the store of E. B. Merriam & Co., and some small trading adventures were here conducted. It was burned about 1863. E. H. Folsom put up the present building shortly
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TOWN OF STRATFORD.
after, and used it as a wholesale flour and feed store for some years. It was then purchased by J. H. Danforth, who leased it to William L. Bald- win and Carlton Fuller. They, as Baldwin & Fuller, carried on merchan- dising for some years. Mr. Danforth then sold the store to the Holyoke Lumber Co., which traded there for one year, when, in 1872, George R. Eaton bought their stock. He, after ten years of successful trade, admit- ted E. B. Merriam as partner in 1882. the firm title becoming E. B. Mer- riam & Co. This house is now in trade, doing an annual business of from $35,000 to $40,000.
James Ogle came here in 1868 as a blacksmith, and located near the bridge on the south side of the railroad. In 1884, forming a partnership with C. W. Clough, they built a large two-story building on the same site, which they fitted up with a steam-engine and the necessary machinery for a well-equipped wagon, carriage, and blacksmith shop. This furnishes employment to from four to six men.
James Twohey put up Twohey's building (30x60, three stories and a basement,) in 1884. The upper story is a hall for society meetings, the second is a skating-rink, and the first was occupied as a clothing-store by Jacobs & Kugleman in 1885. Levi Jacobs is now the proprietor. Mr. Kugleman established another clothing store in 1887 near the bridge.
Clark Stevens and W. H. Lovejoy keep meat-markets; H. B. Hinman deals in groceries. There are also millinery stores, harness-shops, a bowl- ing-alley, a billiard-saloon, and other minor establishments.
J. H. Danforth began the manufacture of last blocks shortly after the close of the great civil war. This has been carried on ever since, Danforth, Pattee & Clark making about 100,000 during the winter of 1886-87.
The Atlantic & St. Lawrence R. R. was. shortly after its arrival at North Stratford, leased to the Grand Trunk railway, which now conducts it. The business done at this station has increased rapidly. The first year there were 500 passengers purchasing tickets, and about $9,000 of freights. In 1886 there were 8, 721 passengers, the freight amounted to $81.267.35, and the earnings of the road at this point $9,460. The money handled at this station during the first year did not exceed 84,000, while in 1886 it reached about $70,000. James Twohey, the present courteous and efficient agent, has been stationed here since 1871. The first station agent was a quaint old sea-captain from Yarmouth, Me., Captain Porter. He remained but a few months. L. W. Alger succeeded him for three years. Since then have been here Charles D. Waterhouse, Thomas Waterhouse, Hiram Berry, Henry Adams, James Twohey.
"North Stratford " postoffice was established in 1850 with a tri-weekly mail; William L. Baldwin, postmaster. It was kept at the store of Mr. Baldwin on the Elisha Baldwin homestead. In 1853 Alba Holmes was made postmaster, and moved the office to the store of Bedel & Holmes. It
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HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
remained there until 1861, the name during this time being changed to "Coös." Joseph H. Danforth was appointed postmaster in July, 1861, and held the office for twenty-four years. He removed it to its present location, where it has since remained. John C. Pattee has been post- master since 1885. The receipts of the office have increased commen- surately with the advance of business. In 1861 the office paid about $100; in 1886 about $800.
Hinman's Island in the Connecticut was the first unsurveyed island in that stream, all below being surveyed. It was purchased by Harvey Hin- man in April, 1854, of J. S. Lyman for $30, and consisted of about six acres, covered with a fine growth of butternut trees. No natural growth of this wood was ever found above this island, most of such trees being from slips from this island. Only about three acres more remain.
Baptist Church .- The oldest Baptist church in America is in Provi- dence, R. I., and was formed in 1639 by Roger Williams. The stern old Puritan, Rev. Cotton Mather, of the Massachusetts Colony, says "that many of the earliest European settlers of that colony were Baptists, and they were as holy, watchful, and fruithful, and heavenly people, as, per- haps, any in the whole world." The few earnest adherents of this faith in Stratford were mostly located in the north of the town, and were not of sufficient numbers to form a church until 1843, when they deemed the proper time for organization had come, and, June 27. 1843, a society was formed with thirteen members, viz .: Elisha Baldwin, Huldah Baldwin, E. A. Baldwin, Jedediah M. Baldwin, Ann Thomas, Lucretia Beach, Samuel Thomas, William L. Baldwin, Edmund Baldwin, Mary R. Blake, J. M. Forbes, Phobe Forbes, Sarah Marshall. There is now a membership of thirty three.
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