On the 30th of November, 1670, Samuel Hooton married Elizabeth Smedley, both of Skegby, at the home of the bridegroom’s mother. There were two children born at Skegby, Oliver[155] in 1671 and Elizabeth in 1673.
Of his religious service we have found nothing before his departure for New England early in 1666, as related ante, and the next reference is dated two years later, May, 1668: “one Samuel, son of old Elizabeth Hooten,” is mentioned among “those that labour in the work of the ministry.”[156]
Towards the close of 1670, among signatories to An Appeal from Nottinghamshire, occurs the name Samuel Hooton.
In the Minute Book of Nottinghamshire Quarterly Meeting, at the date, 26 x. (Dec.) 1670, the same date on which his mother wrote the letter given ante, the word “backslider” is written beside the name of Samuel Hooton (see photo. facsimile, p. 75). This was probably done a few years later in connection with the passing of the following minutes by the Nottinghamshire Q.M.:
Nine & Twentith Meeting
At the Quarterly Meeting at Maunsfeild the 29ᵗʰ day of first month 1675.
Exhortation the 1ˢᵗ time
Robert Grace & Thomas ffarnsworth Exhorted Sammuell Hooten for paing of Tyths, as to that he would giue noe Answer but was found very scornefull.
Exhortation the 2ⁿᵈ time.
Georg Cockram, & Mathias Brackney Exhorted Sammuell Hooten for paing of Tyths, his answer was, he was neuer conuienced in his conscience but that they ought to be payed, it was spoken to him as that he did beare his testimoney against them and suffered the spoyling of his goods for his Testimony he said that he did it out of the strength of his owne will.