USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > Sutton > The history of Sutton, New Hampshire : consisting of the historical collections of Erastus Wadleigh, Esq., and A. H. Worthen, part 1 > Part 26
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1842. Elder Peaslee, Pastor. Revival, additions. Old, young, and middle-aged converted. Whole number in 1843, 105.
1843. Trials and dark clouds in latter part of the year.
1844. Low state of interest, present number, 81.
EXTRACTS FROM SUTTON CHURCH RECORDS.
Feb. 10. 1844. Met at brother Nicholas Rowell's for church business.
First, chose Elder Isaac Peaslee, Moderator. Second. chose
408
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Elder Isaac Peaslee, Amos Felch, Asa Nelson, Jonathan Bohon- nan, and H. W. Savary as a committee to draft and report a new church covenant.
[No copy of this covenant found on the Record.]
From July 24, 1844, to May 14, 1845, there were dropped from the Church Roll the names of thirty-four persons, of whom twenty-three were seceders, having accepted the Second Advent belief.
The total number borne on the Roll July 25, 1843, was one hun- dred and nine, 109.
May 14, 1845, the total number was seventy-eight, 78.
The church, however, in time recovered from this great loss; and its course since then has been marked by a good degree of prosperity, as is shown by the following copies of the church rolls, indicat- ing its increase in membership at different periods. Another reason for entering them here is that they contain dates and other items of interest concerning some of the members individually, which will be convenient for reference. This church has been for many years the predominant one in town.
PASTORS SINCE 1842.
The Sutton Free-Will Baptist church records, which commence in 1842, show that the following named persons have served as pastors since that date:
Elder Isaac Peaslee in 1842 (and previously). Discharged by his own request, April 26, 1851.
May 25, 1851. Voted that Elder David Moody be pastor.
April 26, 1862. Made choice of Rev. J. Rowe, pastor.
May 23, 1863. Chose Rev. David Moody, pastor.
May 30, 1866. Rev. David Moody resigned pastorate.
June 23, 1866. Voted unanimously to receive as pastor the Rev. Henry S. Kimball. Mr. Kimball was dismissed by his own request, May 20, 1871, to Alton, N. H.
409
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
May 20, 1871. Voted to install, as pastor, Rev. Edwin Smith. Mr. Smith was dismissed March 24, 1874.
May 24, 1874. Voted John D. Waldron be pastor. Mr. Wald- ron was dismissed May 24, 1879, to Amesbury, Mass.
Rev. A. B. Drew was ordained at Sutton Centre, June 17, 1879. He was dismissed to Topsham, Me., May 24, 1883.
Rev. Elmore C. Clark, from Wentworth, N. H., became pastor of this church, June 21, 1884, and continued to serve till 1889.
Present pastor, Rev. H. G. Hoisington.
DEACONS.
The following named persons are found on the church resords as deacons of this church since 1842:
Asa Nelson, dismissed by his own request, May 9, 1847. Died Aug., 1853.
Jonathan Bohonnan, dismissed by his own request, Feb. 12, 1845. Died Feb., 1861.
Nicholas Rowell, chosen, but declined, Sept. 25, 1847.
Amos Felch, chosen Nov. 11, 1848. Discharged by his own request, June 21, 1851. Died April 30, 1876.
Nicholas Rowell and Levi Cheney, chosen deacons Dec. 30, 1854. Mr. Cheney discharged by his own request, April 21, 1860. Died Nov. 6, 1874. Nicholas Rowell died Aug. 1883.
Benjamin P. Sargent consented to serve as deacon June 23, 1860. Died March 8, 1875.
Henry L. Peaslee, Sept. 27, 1875. Removed to Bedford, N. H.
Charles D. Sargent, chosen Jan., 1878 ; chose James S. Bohon- nan assistant deacon.
James S. Bohonnan and James B. Sargent were elected deacons Feb., 1884.
Andrew J. Bohonnan, elected in place of James S. Bohonnan, resigned, Jan. 23, 1886.
James H. Merrill, appointed assistant deacon, May, 1888.
CHURCH CLERKS.
Amos Felch, chosen in 1842 and dismissed by his own request, May 22, 1843.
Joseph Pillsbury, Jr., chosen in 1843.
Leonard H. Wheeler, chosen Dec. 27, 1845, and dismissed by
410
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
his own request, July 3, 1846; and same day Nicholas Rowell chosen.
Benjamin P. Sargent, chosen Dec. 30, 1857.
Chase Putney, chosen Aug. 1860. [Removed to Canaan, N. H.]
Ira F. Rowell, chosen May 25, 1867. and resigned Jan., 1883. [Removed to Claremont, N. H.]
Lawrence E. Bailey, chosen Feb. 24, 1883, and continues to serve.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
The following are the names borne on the roll May 22, 1842:
Isaac Peasley.
Elizabeth Andrew.
Amos Felch.
Polly Russell.
Asa Nelson.
Polly Goodwin.
Perley Andrew.
Martha Jehonnet.
Isaac Mastin, Jr.
Sophia Carleton.
Ichabod Hazen.
Mary Ann Goodwin.
Thomas Morgan.
Samuel Rowell, Jr.
Chase Sanborn.
Willard Burbank.
Lyman Fisher.
Abner Brown.
Nicholas Rowell.
Alden Whittier.
Aaron Russell.
George Fowler.
Jacob Bean.
James Wheeler.
John M. Andrew.
Stephen Woodward.
George J. Bean.
Cyrus Whittier.
Israel Andrew, Jr.
Sylvester Felch.
John Eaton.
Hannah Rowell.
Jon. Bohonnan, died Feb., 1861. Dolly Johnson.
Nathan Champlin.
Dolly Bohonnan.
Joseph Goodwin.
Anna Johnson.
Sewall Burbank.
Seba Ring.
Hiram W. Savary. Asa Bean. Joseph Pillsbury, Jr. Mary Andrew. Sally Andrew.
Polly Rowell.
Elizabeth Andrew.
Betsey Felch.
Hannah Nelson.
Jane Adams.
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RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Lydia N. Andrew. Minerva T. Andrew.
Nancy Morgan. Sally Russell. Alice Stevens.
Elizabeth Nelson.
Jane Johnson.
Lucy Cambridge. Betsey Andrew. Jane Johnson. Hannah Greeley.
Dolly Felch. Lucy Fisher.
Polly Ring. Wells. Theodate Bean, d. Sept. 20, 1874. Sally Wheeler, died Aug., 1868. Judith Cheney.
Thomas Jefferson Chadwick.
Olive Reddington. Sarah Pillsbury.
Pressey.
Angeline Brown.
Roby.
Ann Brown.
Belinda Savary. Roswell Haddock.
Harriet Champlin. Ruth Burbank.
Jonathan Palmer.
Nancy Peaslee.
B. Perry Sargent. Samuel Rowell.
Joseph Johnson. Daniel Hazen.
Henry Towle. James B. McAllister.
George Kezar. Leonard H. Wheeler.
Sally Champlin.
Mrs. C. Abbott.
Phineas Whittier.
Ruth Chadwick.
Timothy Bean.
Caroline E. Russell.
Fanny Bean.
NAMES OF MEMBERS OF FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH, 1847.
Isaac Peaslee. Amos Felch. Asa Nelson, died Aug., 1853. Isaac Mastin, Jr. Nicholas Rowell.
Thomas Morgan.
Ephraim Fisk, d. Oct. 27, 1864. Chase Sanborn, died Apr .. 1858.
Aaron Russell. John M. Andrew. John Eaton. Jonathan Bohonnan, d. Feb., '61.
Esther Whittier.
Ruth Kezar. Hannah Harvey. Lydia A. Woodward. Ann Hazen. Harriet M. Bean. Elsie G. Bean.
Louisa Peaslee. Caroline Champlin. John L. Abbott. Jonathan Harvey Whittier. Stephen Felch. Harmon Hazen. Jesse Williams. Josiah S. Morgan.
412
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Asa Bean.
John Muzzy.
Roswell Haddock.
Jonathan Palmer. Stephen Felch.
Minerva T. Andrew. Elizabeth (or Alice) Stevens, died April, 1861. Lucy Cambridge. Jane Johnson.
Jesse Williams. Joseph Johnson, Jr.
Hannah Greeley, d. Dec. 11, 1847.
Hannah Rowell.
Leonard Wheeler.
Hannah Sanborn.
Josiah L. Morgan.
Lucy Fisher.
George Keyser, d. Aug. 25, '65. Polly Ring.
James M. Palmer.
Wells.
Stephen Woodward.
Theodate Bean.
Sylvester Felch.
Sally Wheeler.
George Fowler.
- Pressey.
B. Perry Sargent.
~ Roby.
Henry Towle.
Rachel Fisk.
Timothy Bean.
Abigail Muzzy.
Abraham Peaslee.
Nancy Peaslee, died July, 1860.
Jacob Bean.
Mary Andrew.
Dustin Seavy, died Jan., 1854.
David Moody. Levi Cheney.
Louisa Peaslee, died.
Edmund Blood.
Angeline Brown.
Thomas Roby. Ira F. Rowell.
Ruth Keyser.
Henry D. Stevens, d. Mar. '58.
Sarah Pillsbury, d. Mar. 20, 1855. Lydia A. Woodward.
John Roby, Jr.
Fanny Bean.
Sarah Peaslee, died June, 1856.
James G. Bohonnan.
Polly Mastin. Elizabethı Nelson.
Dolly Bohonnan, died 1855.
Anna Johnson, d. Sept. 26, 1865. Mary P. Felch, dis. by letter. Harriet M. Bean.
Seba Ring.
Elizabeth Andrew, d. Jan. 5, '63. Harriet Roby. Betsey Felch. Sally Moody. Hannah N. Mastin, d.Jan. 14, '67. Lorinda Gove, d. Aug. 8, 1861. Jane Adams.
Ann Brown.
William H. Coburn.
Chase Putney.
Elizabeth Andrew.
Sarah J. Johnson.
413
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
REVISION OF RECORD OF NAMES, AUGUST 18, 1867.
Rev. Isaac Peaslee. Amos Felch, died April 30, 1876. Nicholas Rowell. Aaron Russell. John Eaton, died May 20, 1873. Asa Bean, dis. by letter to Cong. Ch. in Chester, N. H., Sept., '84. Roswell Haddock.
L. H. Wheeler, died August 14, 1877. B. P. Sargent, died March 8, 1875. Timothy Bean. Levi Cheney. Thomas Roby. I. F. Rowell. John Roby, Jr. William W. Coburn.
Chase Putney, dismissed by letter August 21, 1869, to Canaan. James S. Bohonnan. George Putney. Henry S. Kimball, dismissed by letter to Alton. Daniel Couch. James H. Merrill. M. V. B. Shattuck. Edmund D. Couch. David M. Fisher. Edward B. Moody, died March, 1873.
James B. Sawyer. James D. Prescott. Francis M. Richards. Betsey Felch, died October, 1868. Hannah M. Rowell. Hannah Sanborn. Seba Ring. Theodate Bean, died September 20, 1874. Sally Wheeler, died August, 1868. Rachel Fisk, died December, 1879. Ruth Coburn. Lydia A. Putney, died March 2, 1875. Annie Bean.
414
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Elizabeth Nelson, died June 1, 1874. Almira Cheney.
Lucinda Blaisdell, died October, 1868.
Betsey J. Whittier.
Mary A. Rowell. Adeline C. Sargent. Clementine B. Reed. Lavina L. Gove.
Emily Keyser. Antoinetta Knight.
Fanny A. Bohonnan.
Mary J. Putney, dismissed to Canaan, August 21, 1869.
Mary F. Sargent.
Maria Greeley. Judith Walker.
Lucy B. Peaslee.
Phebe A. Titcomb.
Sally Ring.
Carrie L. Kimball, dismissed by letter to Alton, June, 1871. Eliza J. Merrill.
Mary E. Bailey.
Susan M. Walker.
D. Lizzie Shattuck, died November, 1877.
Laura A. Couch.
Hannah Davis.
Lucy A. Sawyer.
Diantha M. Moody.
Emma J. Ferrin.
Abby M. Todd. Jennie F. French.
Betsey A. Roby.
Mary J. Roby, died June 15, 1877. Ida E. Dresser.
Philinda H. Davis.
Esther Pierce, died October 25, 1867.
Mary Richards. Marilla Richards.
Harriet Prescott.
Abby J. Blood. Sarah J. Keyser.
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RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Elizabeth Andrew.
R. Annie Rowell, received by letter, 1868. Lois Fisher, baptized October, 1868. Mary Russell, baptized October, 1868. Lucy Wheeler, baptized September 25, 1870.
Abby A. Peaslee, baptized September 25, 1870.
Mary Titcomb, baptized September 25, 1870.
Mrs. Mary Cheney, baptized September 25, 1870.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH ROLL, 1880, JANUARY 1.
Rev. Isaac Peaslee, died May 10, 1884.
Dea. Nicholas Rowell, died August, 1883.
Aaron Russell, died May 26, 1883.
Roswell Haddock, died June 20, 1884.
Timothy Bean, died June 14, 1884.
Thomas Roby.
Ira F. Rowell, dismissed by letter March 1, 1884.
John Roby, Jr. William W. Coburn.
James S. Bohonnan.
George Putney.
James H. Merrill, received by letter August, 1866.
M. V. B. Shattuck, received by baptism June, 1866.
James B. Sawyer, received by letter June, 1867.
James D. Prescott, received by letter September, 1867 ; dismissed by letter 1884, to New London.
F. M. Richards, dismissed by letter to Warner, August 3, 1887. Lawrence E. Bailey, received by baptism July 23, 1871.
Rev. David Moody.
Fred. H. Keyser, received by baptism May 25, 1874.
Orison L. Gile, received by baptism May 25, 1874, and dismissed by letter to Lewiston, Me., April 22, 1882.
Willis H. Howe, received by baptism May 25, 1874.
Henry L. Peaslee, received by baptism May 25, 1874.
Cyrus H. Little, received by baptism June 26, 1875.
Arthur H. Roby, received by baptism June 26, 1875, and died April 10, 1887.
Newton Clough, received by letter September 27, 1875, and dis- missed by letter to Brownfield, Me., December 26, 1885.
416
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Charles D. Sargent, received by letter September 27, 1875. Charles W. Sargent, received by letter November 27, 1875. James H. Peaslee, received by baptism November 27, 1876; died November 30, 1886.
David Bohonnan, received by baptism May 27, 1877; died March 24, 1888.
Andrew J. Bohonnan, received by baptism May 27, 1877.
Isaac H. Mastin, received by baptism May 27, 1877.
Albert D. Couch, received by baptism May 27, 1877. Charles H. McAllister, received by baptism June 10, 1877.
Mark J. Felch, received by baptism June 10. 1877.
Andrew C. French, received by baptism June, 1877.
Elmer Hall, received by baptism November 8, 1878.
Rev. A. B. Drew, dismissed by letter to Topsham, Me., March 24, 1883.
Fred H. Cheney, received by letter August, 1881; died July 22, 1884.
Miles S. Roby, received by baptism November 12, 1882. Elmore C. Clark, ordained August 28, 1884.
Addison W. Merrill, received by baptism May 24, 1885. Wallace G. Sawyer, received by baptism May 24, 1885. George S. Bohonnan, received by baptism May 24. 1885, Elisha P. Davis, received by baptism May 24, 1885,
Frank B. Roby, received by baptism, August 1, 1886.
George W. Russell, received by baptism May 22, 1887. Chester J. Moody, received by baptism July 22, 1888. Hannah M. Rowell, died September 4, 1880.
Hannah Sanborn.
Seba Ring.
Ruth Coburn, died March, 1885. Fanny Bean, died February, 1882.
Almira Cheney.
Betsey J. Whittier. Mary A. Roby. Adeline C. Sargent. Clementine B. Reed, died August, 1882. Lovina L. Gove, died February 3, 1888. Emily Keyser. Fanny Bohonnan. L. Maria Greeley.
417
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Lucy B. Peaslee. 1
Phebe A. Titcomb.
Sally Ring, died May 20, 1883.
Alice J. Merrill, received by baptism 1866.
Mary E. Bailey, received by baptism May. 1866.
Laura A. Mastin, received by baptism July, 1866 ; died April 14, 1888.
Hannah Davis, received by baptism July. 1866.
Lucy A. Sawyer, received by baptism June, 1867.
Diantha M. Moody, received by baptism June, 1867.
Abby M. Todd, received by baptism June, 1867.
Jennie F. Emmons, received by baptism June, 1867.
Mary E. Richards, received by baptism September, 1867, and dis- missed to Warner, August, 1887.
Harriett Prescott, received by baptism September, 1867, and dis- missed to New London by letter September, 1884.
Sarah J. Colby, received by baptism September, 1867.
Rachel Annie Rowell, received by letter February 6, 1868, and dis- missed by letter March, 1884.
Lois Fisher, received by baptism October, 1868.
Mary Russell, received by baptism October, 1868.
Sarah J. Baker, received by baptism October, 1868.
Lucy B. Wheeler, received by baptism September 25, 1870. Abby A. Peaslee, received by baptism September 25, 1870. Mary Titcomb, received by baptism September 25, 1870. Mrs. Mary Cheney, received by baptism September 25, 1870.
Mary F. Sargent, received by baptism May 26, 1872.
Nancy Hope, received by baptism May 26, 1872.
Minnie Smith (Davis), received by baptism August, 1862. Mrs. M. J. Davis.
Sally Moody, received by letter March 24, 1874.
Carrie S. Putney, received by baptism, May 23, 1874.
Emma L. Wells, received by baptism May 23, 1874.
Emma Pierce, received by baptism June 21, 1874.
Lydia A. Wells, received by baptism June 21, 1874 ; dismissed to Lowell.
Abby J. Wells, received by letter June 21, 1872; dismissed to Lowell.
Nellie G. Hart, received by baptism August 22, 1874.
Carrie Fellows, received by baptism August 22, 1874: dismissed to Nashua.
27
418
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
Mary L. Cheney (Felch), received by baptism October 24, 1874. Sarah W. Peaslee, received by baptism October 24, 1874.
Linda E. Nelson, received by baptism June 26, 1875.
Lizzie French, received by baptism June 26, 1875.
Sarah E. Clough, received by letter September 27, 1875; dismissed December 26, 1883, to Brownfield, Me.
Isabel A. Colby, received by letter October 23, 1875.
Louisa A. Philbrick, received by letter October 23, 1875.
Keziah Sargent, received by letter September, 1875.
Lucy L. Peaslee, received by baptism May 27, 1876; dismissed to Bedford.
Emma M. Harwood, received by baptism, July 29, 1876.
Plebe M. Sargent, received by baptism July 29, 1876.
Josie Roby, received by letter August 26, 1876.
Mary J. Bohonnan, received by letter May 26, 1877.
Fidelia McAllister, received by baptism 1877; died November 8, 1884.
Nellie M. Phelps, received by baptism 1877 ; died October, 1887. Adelaide McAllister, received by baptism June 10, 1877; died October 7, 1882.
Hattie E. Keyser, received by baptism May 26, 1877.
Sally Clough, received by letter June, 1877 ; dismissed to Brown- field, Me., December 26, 1885.
Laura P. Drew, received by letter ; dismissed March 24, 1883, to Topsham, Me.
Abby J. Eastman, received by letter October 25, 1879.
Grace M. Shattuck, received by baptism August 27, 1882.
Mary E. Merrill, received by baptism August 27, 1882. Effie J. Merrill, received by baptism August 27, 1882.
Lydia C. Bailey, received by baptism November 12, 1882. Mary W. Wiley, received by baptism August 25, 1883. Mary A. Fellows, received by baptism October, 1883. Nettie E. Clark, received by letter June 21, 1884. Sarah L. Colby, received by baptism May 24, 1885. Ada M. Follansbee, received by baptism May 24, 1885. Cora E. Couch, received by baptism May 24, 1885. Louisa A. Bullard, received by letter July 24, 1886. Myra Bullard, received by letter July 24, 1886. Nellie E. Wells, received by profession July 24, 1886. Minnie L. Wells, received by baptism August 1, 1886.
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RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
Lizzie B. Andrews, received by baptism August 1, 1886. Eva B. Roby, received by baptism August 1, 1886. Effie M. Hart, received by baptism August 1, 1886. Meribah A. Johnson, received by baptism August 1, 1886. Ella M. Sawyer, received by baptism May 22, 1887.
COVENANT OF THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH IN SUTTON.
Believing that the union of Christians in a visible church is sanc- tioned by the teachings of Christ and the practice of his apostles, Therefore we covenant and agree we will constantly strive to main- tain true piety in our own hearts, to keep ourselves in vital com- munion with God, and recommend religion to others, not only in words but by devoted lives, and always be careful of each others' reputation and usefulness.
That we will watch over each other in the spirit of true charity, seeking to bear each others' burdens, assist the needy, strengthen the weak, reprove the erring, cheerfully submit to the will of the constituted majority.
That we will contribute to our ability to support a faithful minis- try, maintain secret and family prayer, and aid by our presence and otherwise public and social worship.
That we will give an active and consistent support to the great causes that aim to promote morality and Christian virtue, including Temperance and Missions, and that we will conduct ourselves in such a manner that none of the great moral causes will be injured by us.
That we will everywhere hold Christian principle sacred and Christian objects supreme, counting it our chief business to spread Christian knowledge and diffuse Christian spirit in society, con- stantly praying that God's will may be done on earth as it is done in heaven.
And may he who has promised to help those who ask enable us to keep this covenant, and grant us his grace to be faithful in all things until he shall gathier us to himself and crown us with the final victory.
[At the December session of the Monthly Conference, 1880, voted to adopt the above Covenant, as reported by I. F. Rowell, F. M. Richards, and Rev. A. B. Drew.]
420
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
RECENT DELEGATES TO QUARTERLY MEETING.
In the appointment of delegates to represent the Sutton church in Quarterly Meeting, only male members were chosen up to 1880, at which date some female names were added.
Aug. 27, 1880. Chose for delegates to Q. M., James B. Sawyer and wife, F. M. Richards and wife, and Ira F. Rowell.
Oct. 24, 1880. Chose F. M. Richards and wife, Ira F. Rowell, and Lawrence E. Bailey.
Jan. 22, 1881. Chose Lawrence E. Bailey, Fred H. Keyser, Ira F. Rowell, and James B. Sawyer.
May 21, 1881. Chose Dea. N. Rowell, Dea. Charles D. Sar- gent, James B. Sawyer, Arthur H. Roby, and F. M. Richards.
Aug., 1881. Chose James B. Sawyer and wife, F. M. Richards and wife, and Cyrus H. Little.
Oct. 22, 1881. Chose Cyrus H. Little, A. H. Roby, Thomas Roby, Lawrence E. Bailey, and James B. Sawyer, delegates.
Jan. 22, 1882. Chose James B. Sawyer and wife, James D. Prescott and wife, and sister Mary E. Richards.
May 26, 1883. Chose James B. Sawyer and wife, James D. Prescott and wife, and sister Mary E. Richards.
Aug. 25, 1883. Chose Lawrence E. Bailey, James B. Sawyer and wife, and James S. Bohonnan and wife.
May 24, 1884. Chose as delegates to Q. M., James B. Sawyer and wife, Thomas Roby and wife, and Dea. Charles D. Sargent.
Aug. 23, 1884. Chose James B. Sawyer and wife, Newton Clough and wife, and James S. Bohonnan.
Jan. 24, 1885. Chose James B. Sawyer and wife, Thomas Roby and wife, and sister Josie Roby.
May 23, 1885. Chose James B. Sawyer and wife, Dea. Charles Sargent, and Elisha P. Davis and wife.
Aug. 22, 1885. James B. Sawyer and wife, James M. Peaslee, sister Abbie A. Peaslee, and Fred H. Keyser.
Oct. 24, 1885. Sisters Mary E. Bailey, Josie Roby, Carrie S. Putney, Lavina L. Gove, and James M. Peaslee.
Aug. 21, 1886. Lawrence E. Bailey, Fred H. Keyser and wife, Thomas Roby, and Miss Nellie E. Wells.
421
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
May 26, 1887. Thomas Roby and wife, Fred H. Keyser and wife.
Jan. 21, 1888. Fred H. Keyser and wife, Lawrence E. Bailey and wife, and Mrs. Jennie Davis.
May, 1888. Sister Mary E. Bailey, Thomas Roby and wife, sister A. C. Coburn, and Hattie E. Keyser.
ELDER DAVID MOODY
was born in Gilmanton, N. H., Dec. 3, 1804, mar- ried Sally Bean, of Gilmanton, March 19, 1827. Their only daughter, Deborah E., was born Jan. 10, 1838.
Mr. Moody commenced preaching in November, 1823. Was ordained in May, 1826. He served the following churches as pastor: Bethlehem, Sand- wich, Meredith, Gilmanton, Sanbornton.
Supplied Pittsfield, Gilford, Northfield; then moved to Hopkinton, was pastor of that church four years; then to Weare, remaining three years; thence to Sutton two years; thence to Belmont, 1st church, four years; thence to South Weare two years; thence back to Belmont, Ist church, four years; then back to Sutton ten years; supplied at different times Newbury and Wilmot; then moved to East Weare one year; then moved back to Sut- ton and remained four years; then moved to Plain- field, and was pastor of the church in Enfield two years; moved back to Sutton, and then to North Weare, and there was pastor of the church three years; moved back to Sutton and then to Plain- field, preaching at West Enfield two years; then moved back to Sutton, and thence to Sunapee, preaching there two years.
Mr. Moody moved back to Sutton in October,
422
HISTORY OF SUTTON.
1876, since which time he has had his home here continuously, and supplied other churches as he has been able.
The foregoing facts were communicated by Elder Moody, with permission to abridge the account according to judgment, but it seems best to give them in full. To relate all those changes just as they occurred gives a more faithful picture of his life-work during the long years that have rolled away, showing plainly enough that he has not been one of those Christians who expect to " be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease," but that what- ever his hand has found to do he has done it. And this is true of him not only figuratively but literally, for he has not disdained to labor with his hands whenever convenient or necessary. To this judi- cious intermingling of mental and physical labor is probably to be attributed the wonderfully vigorous old age he enjoys. So well in hand has he kept all his mental and physical powers, that, as yet, not one of them has ventured to be otherwise than faithfully responsive to duty when called on.
In answer to inquiry made to him in 1885 con- cerning his life-work, Elder Moody said,-" I have married one hundred and ninety couples; I have baptized one hundred and sixty-three persons; I have preached five hundred and thirteen funeral sermons." To these figures several additions must by this time (1889) be made. Being allowed the privilege of overlooking Mr. Moody's book of rec- ords a few months since, the present writer found thereon some two hundred names of persons in Sutton whose funerals he had attended.
423
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The people of this town feel that they can with justice claim him as almost a life-long resident and citizen, because that notwithstanding the many changes he has made when called to preach else- where, this town has really been his permanent home. He has owned three or four different estates here at different times, and here he remains with his descendants.
Mr. Moody is now considered one of the most honored fathers in the faith he has upheld so long, and the people of Sutton are quite proud of the distinction and respect that are sure to be accorded him when he meets his ministering brethren abroad officially. He has always been esteemed a good sermonizer, and he has, in addition, one great nat- ural advantage which very few clergymen possess to an equal degree, and that is a most excellent and sonorous voice, which increasing years seem to have no power to weaken or mar.
And just here the writer is reminded of a conver- sation listened to more than forty years ago, when, as was not unusual in those days, the subject under discussion was as to whether preachers were especially called to their work by the grace of God.
Those who took the adverse side to this question brought up the names of several preachers, who, it must be confessed, were not the loftiest examples of what a man might do and be in the pulpit, and, at length, some one on the other side suggested Elder Moody-what did we think of him? Was he especially called by the grace of God to be a preacher? And here spoke one who had as yet
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