USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Dover > Manual of the First Church, Dover, N.H., organized December 1638 > Part 2
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While this church requires no doctrinal test of membership, other than that set forth in its confession and covenant, it accords substantially with the following statement of Doc- trine.
THE CREED OF 1883.
I. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible ;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who is of one substance with the Father ; by whom all things were made ;
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who is sent from the Father and Son, and who together with the Father and Son is worshiped and glorified.
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FIRST CHURCHI MANUAL.
II. We believe that the Providence of God, by which he executes His eternal purposes in the government of the world, is in and over all events; yet so that freedom and responsibility of man are not impaired, and sin is the act of the creature alone.
III. We believe that man was made in the image of God, that he might know, love and obey God, and enjoy Him forever ; that our first parents by disobedience fell under the righteous condemnation of God; and that all men are so alienated from God that there is no salvation from the guilt and power of sin except through God's redeeming grace. .
IV. We believe that God would have all men return to Ilim ; that to this end He has made Himself known, not only through the works of nature, the course of His providence, and the consciences of men, but also through supernatural revelations made especially to a chosen people, and above all, when the fullness of time was come, through Jesus Christ His Son.
V. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the record of God's revelation of Himself in the work of redemption; that they were written by men under the special guidance of the Holy Spirit ; that they are able to make wise unto salvation ; and that they constitute the authoritative standard by which religious teaching and human conduct are to be regulated and judged.
VI. We believe that the love of God to sinful men has found its highest expression in the redemptive work of Ilis Son; who became min, uniting His divine nature with our human nature in one person ; who was tempted like other men, yet without sin; who, by His humiliation, His holy obedience, His sufferings, His death on the cross, and Ilis resurrection, became a perfect Redeemer ; whose sacrifice of Himself for the sins of the world declares the righteousness
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FIRST CIIURCH MANUAL.
of God, and is the sole and sufficient ground of forgiveness and of reconciliation with Him.
VII. We believe that Jesus Christ, after He had risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, as the one Med- iator between God and man, He carries forward His work of saving men ; that Ile sends the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, and to lead them to repentance and faith ; and that those who through renewing grace turn to righteousness, and trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer, receive for Ilis sake the forgiveness of their sins, and are made the children of God.
VIII. We believe that those who are thus regenerated and justified, grow in sanctified character through fellowship with Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and obedience to the truth ; that a holy life is the fruit and evidence of saving faith ; and that the believer's hope of continuance in such a life is in the preserving grace of God.
IX. We believe that Jesus Christ came to establish among men the kingdom of God, the reigh of truth and love, right- eousness and peace ; that to Jesus Christ, the Head of this kingdom, Christians are directly responsible in faith and conduct ; and that to Him all have immediate access without mediatorial or priestly intervention.
X. We believe that the Church of Christ, invisible and spiritual, comprises all true believers, whose duty it is to associate themselves in churches, for the maintenance of worship, for the promotion of spiritual growth and fellowship, and for the conversion of men; that these churches, under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and in fellowship with one another, may determine-each for itself-their organiza- tion, statements of belief, and forms of worship, may appoint and set apart their own ministers, and should co-operate in the work which Christ has committed to them for the fur- therance of the gospel throughout the world.
XI. We believe in the observance of the Lord's day, as a
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FIRST CHURCH MANUAL.
day of holy rest and worship; in the ministry of the Word ; and in the two sacraments, which Christ has appointed for His church : Baptism, to be administered to believers and their children, as the sign of cleansing from sin, of union to Christ, and of the impartation of the Holy Spirit; and the Lord's Supper as a symbol of his atoning death, a seal of its efficacy, and a means whereby He confirms and strengthens the spiritual union and communion of believers with himself.
XII. We believe in the ultimate prevalence of the king- dom of Christ over all the earth ; in the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; in the resurrec- tion of the dead ; and in a final judgment, the issues of which are everlasting punishment and everlasting life.
FORM OF ADMISSION.
[ Those who are to make confession of faith will stand before the table and the Minister will say: ]
What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his peo- ple .- Ps. cxvi : 12-1.4.
Whosoever, therefore, shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father, which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before My Father, which is in heaven .- Matt. x: 32, 33.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation .- Rom x : 10.
Dearly beloved, called of God to be His children through Jesus Christ our Lord, you are here that, in the presence of God and His people, you may enter into the fellowship and communion of His Church. You do truly repent of your sins; you heartily receive Jesus Christ as your crucified Saviour and risen Lord ; you consecrate yourselves unto God and your life to His service; you accept His Word as your law, and His Spirit as your Comforter and Guide ; and, trust- ing in His grace to confirm and strengthen you in all good- ness, you promise to do God's holy will, and to walk with this church in the truth and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accepting, according to the measure of your understanding of it, the system of Christian truth held by the churches of our faith and order, and by this church into whose fellowship you now enter ; you join with ancient saints, with the church throughout the world, and with us, your fellow-believers, in humbly and heartily confessing your faith in the gospel, say- ing :
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FIRST CIIRH MANUAL.
[ The members of the church rising und joining.]
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven ; and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church ; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins ; ' the resurrection of the dead ; and the life everlasting. Amen. The members of the church will be seated. Then should baptism be admistered to those who have not been baptized. Then should those also rise who would undte with the Church by letter. To them the minister should say: )
Confessing the Lord whom we unitedly worship, you do now renew your self-consecration, and join with us cordially in this, our Christian faith and covenant.
[ The members of the Church present should rise. ]
We welcome you into our fellowship. We promise to watch over you with Christian love. God grant that, loving and being loved, serving and being served, blessing and being blessed, we may be prepared, while we dwell together on earth, for the perfect communion of the saints in heaven.
[ Then shall one of the following benedictions be gicen. ]
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. - Heb. 13 : 20, 21.
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present yon faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 24,25.
.
STANDING RULES.
I. MEMBERSHIP.
I. Persons wishing to unite with this church on confession may be examined by the Standing Committee. If approved, the candidates, except in cases where this is impracticable, shall be propounded from the pulpit at least one week before the Communion Sabbath ; and when the church shall have voted to receive them, they may be admitted by publicly assenting to our confession and entering into covenant.
II. Members of other Christian churches will be received to membership by vote of the church on presenting letters of dismission and recommendation, and by entering into cove- nant with us.
11[. Members of this church making a change of resi- dence, or place of worship, ought to request letters of dismis- sion and recommendation to some other Christian church. If they neglect to do so for one year, they shall be reminded by the clerk, or some other officer of the church, of the obliga- tion imposed by this rule. If, after five years of absence, they shall not have removed their church relation, and no satisfactory reason appears, they may be separated from the church on the ground of such neglect.
II. OFFICERS.
There shall be the following officers :
I. A Pastor,-who shall have control of the pulpit and the exercises of public and social worship, shall preach the Word, administer the sacraments, preside in the meetings of the church, and take a spiritual oversight of the flock.
-
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FIRST CHURCH MANUAL.
II. Four or more deacons,-who shall provide for and aid the Pastor in the administration of the Lord's Supper, take the oversight of poor members needing relief, assist the Pastor in the spiritual care of the congregation, and in his absence preside at business meetings of the church in the order of seniority.
III. A Clerk,-who shall make a faithful record of all the business transactions of the church; keep a register of the church members, with the date and manner of their reception and removal : the names of all persons baptized, whether infants or adults ; issue letters of dismission when voted by the church ; and, at the annual meeting, submit a written statement of the whole number of members, resident and non-resident, the admissions (separately specifying the num- ber by profession and letter), deaths and removals (specifying the number by death, dismissal and discipline) during the year past, and also the names of such members as, having been absent for more than a year, and having been reminded of our rules, have neglected to take letters of dismission. The Clerk shall record all the reports submitted at the annual meeting, and call special business meetings of the church when directed so to do by the pastor, or a majority of the Standing Committee, or on a request in writing signed by ten members of the church.
IV. A Standing Committee, -consisting of the pastor and deacons, with such other members as may be annually chosen, to consult and advise in regard to church work; examine candidates for membership, and recommend those whom they approve to the church ; inquire into all cases of scandal or public offense by members of the church which may come to their knowledge by complaint or otherwise, and seek, by all means in their power, to promote the purity, growth and efficiency of the church. In especially authorizing a Stand- ing Committee to perform these duties, it is not intended to
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FIRST CHURCHI MANUAL.
absolve the other members from their obligations to work for Christ, or to advise, watch over, and, if need be, admonish each other.
V. A Treasurer,-who shall see that the public collec- tions, authorized by the church for benevolent objects, are taken up at the right time. He shall receive and properly forward the sums so collected, and shall also receive and apply the collections taken at the Communion seasons, and submit a written statement, at the annual meeting, of the amount collected and the disposition made of it.
VI. A Superintendent of the Sabbath school,-who shall have a general oversight of the school ;. secure proper teachers for the classes, and, with the teachers, labor for the increase and profitableness of the school, and appoint such other officers as he may deem necessary to record the number of classes, the attendance of teachers and pupils, the collections in money taken ; and submit a written report at the annual meeting of the condition and needs of the school.
Il. MEETINGS.
1. Meetings for public worship shall be held on the Sab- bath, the number and order of these services to be arranged as the church may direct.
II. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper shall usually be administered on the first Sabbath of January, March, May, July, September, and November. The preparatory service shall be held on the Friday preceding, unless otherwise ordered.
III. The weekly church, prayer, and conference meeting shall be on Tuesday evening of each week. At this meeting, any ordinary business may be transacted.
IV. There shall be an annual business meeting of the church on the first Tuesday evening in January, which shall take the place of the church prayer-meeting on that evening.
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FIRST CHURCHI MANUAL.
V. The order of business at this annual meeting shall be :
I. Prayer.
2. Report of Deacons.
3. Report of Treasurer.
Report of Clerk.
5. Report of Standing Committee.
6. Report of Superintendent of Sabbath School.
7. Election of Treasurer .*
8. Election of Clerk .*
9. Election of Standing Committee.
10. Election of Superintendent of Sabbath school .*
II. Determining the objects for which collections shall be taken during the ensuing year.
12. Any other business.
VI. Special business meetings may be called, as specified in the duties of the clerk ; but public notice of all such meetings shall be read by the pastor or clerk on a preceding Sabbath.
VII. All meetings of the Standing Committee for the examination of candidates, shall be announced from the pulpit on a preceding Sabbath. Any member of the church who desires may be present.
IV. COLLECTIONS.
I. A collection shall be taken, at each communion season, to be expended, by the treasurer, under the direction of the pastor and deacons.
II. Other collections in the church shall be taken for such objects as by vote of the church at its annual meeting shall be adopted for the year ensuing. Special collections may be taken at the discretion of the pastor and deacons for any object of Christian benevolence.
V. DISCIPLINE.
1. Church discipline, like church polity, is left in the New Testament to the guidance of general principles rather than
*This officer shall serve until his successor is elected.
1
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FIRST CHURCH MANUAL.
specific precepts. No formal process of church discipline is anywhere laid down in the New Testament; that is left, rather, to the judgment and experience of individual churches. The rule of proceeding, laid down in Matthew 18, is obliga- tory as a rule only in cases of personal offense. A breach of church covenant is not a personal wrong to any particular member of the church, or to the members of the church as individuals, in any such sense as would bring it within the scope of the instructions of Christ for the healing of personal offenses. But, while the rule given in Matthew IS is not in such cases obligatory as a rule, it is, nevertheless, desirable that the principle and the spirit of the instructions there given should be applied also to offenses of a public nature when this is practicable.
II. The form of exclusion may not be in all cases the some. In some, it may be excommunication ; in others, a suspension from church privileges; and in others, simple withdrawal of watch and care, according to 2 Thess. 3 : 6, 14, 15, adapting the form of the vote to the circumstances of the case.
III. In all cases of public offense and scandal, as when members are living so as to bring reproach on the Christian name, it shall be the duty of the Standing Committee, when possible, by private conference to reclaim the offender ; but if they fail of this, they shall, if in their opinion the purity of the church and the honor of Christ require it, report the facts to the church with the measures which in their judgment should be adopted.
IV. Should any member be brought before the church, by the Standing Committee or any person, for an alleged offense, he shall previously and seasonably be furnished with a written statement of the charges preferred against him, and of the time and place of hearing.
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FIRST CHURCH MANUAL.
V. No vote of suspension, censure or withdrawal of fel- lowship shall be valid except it be approved by two thirds of the members present at a stated or properly called meeting.
VI. In all cases of discipline it is to be understood that the spiritual reformation of the offender is the end in view, and so, on evidence of repentance, and a satisfactory confes- sion, such person shall be restored to good standing by vote of the church.
VI. VOTING.
All members of this church in good standing are entitled to an equal right in voting upon any measure that may come before the church.
VII. AMENDMENTS.
The foregoing rules may be altered or amended at any annual meeting of the church by a majority of the members present.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
MARCH 10, 1893.
REV. GEORGE E. HALL, Pastor. Installed January 2, 1884.
Deacons .- ALVAH MOULTON, JOHN R. HAM, ELISHA R. BROWN, BENJAMIN BRIERLEY, WILLIAM W. HAYES.
Standing Committee for the Year 1893. - The Pastor and Deacons, exofficio, and the following by election : MRS. CHARLES H. SAWYER, MRS. CHARLES C. HARDY, MRS. JOHN R. VARNEY, MRS. GEORGE E. HALL AND MISS HANNAN E. WYATT.
Clerk .- JOHN R. HAM. Tresurer .- ELISHA R. BROWN.
1
OFFICERS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL,*
FOR THE YEAR, IS93.
Superintendent .- ELISHA R. BROWN. Assistant Superintendent .- GEORGE S. HODSDON. Supt. Primary Department .- SARAH F. WYATT, Secretary and Treasurer-FRANK E. GARSIDE. Librarian .- ABBY F. LANE. Assistant Librarian .- MRS. ANNA F. RICHARDS.
*The Sunday-school was organized, Ang. 16, 1818, and was held in the Court House, opposite the church, and in the morning before the services in the church. The average attendance for the first three months was one hundred and ten scholars .- Doter San, Aug. 11, and Nov., 1318.
LIST OF MEMBERS
OF THE
FIRST CHURCH, DOVER, N. H.,
FROM THE ORDINATION OF THE REV. JONATHAN CUSIHING, SEPT. 18, 1717, TO THE PRESENT TIME, MARCH, 1893, ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE DATE OF THEIR ADMISSION. THERE IS NO LIST OF MEM- BERS PRIOR TO HIS PASTORATE.
Names of husband and wife who were admitted at the same time are united by a brace. Marriage subsequent to union with the church is put in parenthesis, with letter m.
1718
Mar. 30.
William Waldron.
Abra, w. Panl Wentworth.
Eliza, w. Jonathan Cushing,
Pastor.
May 25, Panl Gerrish.
Ang. 31, Gershom Downs.
Oct. 19, Abigail Hayes.
1719.
Sept. 20, Martha Wentworth.
1720.
Oct. - , Gershom Wentworth. Nov .- , Ann Evans. 1721.
Sept .- , Tristram Collin. Mrs. Coffin. 1722.
June 3,
Maturin Rieker.
Joseph Twombly.
Elizabeth Twombly.
1723.
Mar. 3, Mary, w. Win. Chamberlain.
Nov. 24, Col. James Davis and Elizabeth, his wife. Thomas Starboard. Edward Peavey. 1725.
May 9,
Jane Heard, wid.
Oct.
3,
Benjamin Fanst.
Mary, w. Paul Gerrish.
Ilannah, w. Job Clements.
1726.
Mar, 20, Thomas Nock.
Elizabeth Hanson.
1727.
May 21. James Davis, Jr.
1728.
Mar. 10,
James Cushing.
Daniel Titcomb.
Aug. 11, James Heard and
Deborah, his wife.
Mary, w. Edward Peavey.
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FIRST CHURCH MANUAL.
1729.
Mar. 23, Tamson, w. John Huyes. Ruth, w. James Davis.
June 22, Elizabeth Wentworth, wid. Sept. 14, Abigail, w. Joseph Richards
1730.
Mar. 22, Joseph Ricker and
Elizabeth, his wife.
Aug. 9, Surah, w. Gershom Went- worth Mary, w. William Went- worth.
Sept. 5, Surah, w. Peter Hayes.
1731.
July 2, Joseph Hall and Peniel, his wite. Nov. 5, Mary, w. Daniel Horne.
1733.
Apr. 1, Rebecca Hanson. Sept. 2, Elizabeth, w. John Horn. Abigail Hayes.
1735.
May 11, John Gerrish and Margery, his wite. Christina Baker, Det. 26, Elizabeth Gerrish, (m. John Wood.) 1736.
April 4, Dorothy Perkins, w. Joshua. Nov. 14, Dorothy Pitman, w. Derry Pitman. Christian, w. Dudley Wat- SO1.
1738.
June 25, Ruth Hanson, (m. George Hern.) Aug. 6, Elizabeth, w. Joseph Biek. ford.)
1740.
Aug. 24, Ephraim Wentworth and Martha, his wife. Oct. 5, John Wood.
1741.
Apr. 26, Mary Tebbets. July 19, Sammel Halo. Aug. 30, Mary, w. Dr. Moses Carr. Oct. IL, Kezia, w. Spencer Went. worth.
1742.
Mar. 28, John Wingate. William Hanson. Daniel Hayes.
Hezekiah Hayes.
Benjamin Hayes. Mehitable Hayes. Daniel Ham and Sarah, his wife. Clement than. Elizabeth, Twombly, (m. Benj. Pearl.) Hannah Perkins. Sarah Roberts, w. John.
May 9, Shadrach Hodgdon.
Esther Horn. Hannah, w. Thomas Huyes.
Mary Weymouth.
June 20, Ichabod Hayes and Elizabeth, his wife.
Reuben Hayes. Esther Bickford.
Clarity Heard.
Elizabeth Mills, w. John.
Hannah Leighton. Mercy Watson, (mn. Bonju- min Hanson.)
Ang. 1, Patrick Manning. George Horn and Mary, his wife. Ursilla, w. Richard Jones.
Joseph Evans, 3d
Abra Hayes, (m. John Mont. gomery.) Mary, w. John Waldron, Sr.
Sept. 12, Judith Horn, on. Henry Buzzell.) Margaret Horn. Oct. 21, Stephen Evans.
1743.
Apr. 17, Joseph Hayes. George Hern. Bridget Horsum. Elizabeth Hubbard.
Nov. 13,
May 29, Ehzabeth Heard. Deborah, w. Jaseph Bick. ford. Samuel Heard. Lois, w. Vincent Tarr.
1714.
Mar. IS, Mary Wentworth. Sept. 9, Elizabeth Bickford, (m. Eben Young.) Oct. 21, Mary Titcomb, (m. Edward Woodman.) 1745.
Apr. 11, Willam Demeritt. kunice Smith. May 26, Joanna Gerrish.
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FIRST CHURCHI MANUAL.
1746.
June 29, Ezekiel Wenthworth and Elizabeth. his wife. Oct. 5, Deborah Ham.
1748.
Oct. 9, William Fans.
1719.
Sept. 24, Luey, w. Samuel Gerrish. 1753
The following were from the Dur- ham church.
Apr. 22, Hubbard Stevens. Joseph Bickford.
June 17, Jonathan Thompson and Sarah, his wife. Joseph Atkinson. Benjamin Bickford.
1755.
July 13, Joanna Watson.
1756.
June 13, Abigail Hayes, (m. N. Coop- (r ) July 25, Judith, w. Elijah Bunker. Oct. 21, Otis Baker.
1757.
July 31, Elizabeth Nalhersell, (mar. Samuel Heard, Jr.) Hannah, w. Ebenezer De- meritt.
1761.
Apr. 19, Susanna Wood.
1762.
May 2, Joanna, w. Nathaniel Balch. 1763.
Oct. 16, Elizabeth, w. Benj. Libbey, Sen.
1764.
Apr. 22, Elizabeth Wood, JJr. July 15, John Woodman.
1767.
Feb. 16, Jeremy Belknap, , Samt iel Hodge.
176%.
June 12, John Wallron, 3d und Joanna, bls wito. Sarah Brown. Nov. 20, Deborah, w. James Kielle.
1769.
Mar. 12, Thomas Hayes.
May 10, Nehemiah Kimball. Benjamin Evan,. Jonathan Bickford. Lydia, w. Daquiel Horn, Jr. Elizabeth, w. Joseph Rob. Sarah, w. Jonathan Bick. ford.
June Is, Moses Emerson. Sarah Wingate. Ephraim Kimball and Sarah, his wife.
Sept 10, Mary Young, widow. Oct. 8, Dorcas, w. Eleazer Hodg- don. Elizabeth, w. Isane Mason. Sarah Elliot. Dec. 31, Peter, servant of Thomas Ilanson.
1770.
Oct. 7, Mary, w. Nehemiah Kimball.
1771.
Dec. 29, Margaret, w. John Went- Worth. Mary Hog. 1773.
May 9, Dorothy, w. Sam'l Emerson.
1775. June 25, Elizabeth Ham. July 2, Hannah, w. Nathaniel flam. 1776.
Feb. 1, Lydia, w. Timothy White. July 14, Abigail Belknap. Oct. 13, Mary, w. Benjamin Peirce. 1777.
Apr. 6, Ezra Grecu. Muy 25, Lydia Cook. 1780
Mar. 5, Benjamin Pierco. July 30,
Mary Hanson. Ang. 2. Nathaniel Horn, Jr. and Merey, his wife.
1829608
FIRST CHURCH MANUAL.
35
Oct. 1, Anna, w. Richard Kimball. Elizabeth, w. George Wat. SO1. Dec. 3, Joseph Whitehouse and Susanna, his wite. 1781.
Sept. 30, Deborah, w. Aaron Hayes. 1782.
Nov. 24, Lydia. w. Dodavah Ham. 1786.
July 2, Hannah Gage, (m. Jonathan Rawson.)
1787.
June 3, Jonathan Calf of Chester.
July 4, Susanna, w. Ezra Green.
Sep. 2, Theophilus Dame. 1790.
Sarah Hanson.
1791.
Oct. 2. Anna, w. Samuel Shackford.
Nov. 1, Phineas Wentworth,
Dec. 1. Henry Mellen.
1792.
Jan. 22, Nathaniel Cooper.
Jan. 29, Sarah, w. William J. Fiske. Ezra Young and Elizabeth, his wife. . Aug. 5, Molly, w. Renben Ricker.
1793.
May 4, Lydia, w. Ephraim Ham.
1791.
May 1, Abigail, w. John Kelley.
May 19, John Wheeler, and Rebecca, his wife. Oct. 1, Mary, w. Ezra Kimball.
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