The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

VOL. I. JANUARY, 1847. NO. 1.
THE
NEW ENGLAND
𝕳𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑 & 𝕲𝖊𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖌𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖑 𝕽𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗:

Historical & Genealogical Register

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY,

UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE

NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY.

REV. WILLIAM COGSWELL, D. D., EDITOR.

BOSTON:
SAMUEL G. DRAKE, PUBLISHER,
No. 56 Cornhill.
1847.

Coolidge & Wiley. Printers, Water Street.

CONTENTS.

G. L. Brown.

S. Schoff.

LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS AT PLIMOUTH 11^th DEC. 1620.

T. Moore direxit, Boston.

JOHN FARMER, M. A.

Cor. Sec'ry N. H. Historical Society.

From a miniature painted in 1824.

Engraved for the American Quarterly Register.

NEW ENGLAND

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER.

VOL. I. JANUARY, 1847. NO. 1.

MEMOIR OF JOHN FARMER, M. A.,

LATE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

John Farmer, who was the most distinguished Genealogist and Antiquary of this country, was born at Chelmsford, Ms., June 12, 1789.[1] He was the eldest son of John Farmer, who married, January 24, 1788, Lydia Richardson, daughter of Josiah Richardson of Chelmsford, Ms. His father was the son of Oliver Farmer, born July 31, 1728, who was the son of Edward, born at Ansley, Warwickshire, England, who emigrated to this country about the year 1670, and settled at Billerica, Ms.[2]

Mr. Farmer inherited a feeble constitution. From early life till death, his appearance was that of a person in the last stage of a consumption. But notwithstanding his great bodily infirmity, he was enabled by his industry and perseverance to accomplish wonders.

From childhood, he was fond of books and study; ever diligent as a scholar, and excelling most of his school-fellows in his acquisitions of knowledge. Hours which, during recess or vacation, the more hardy and robust would spend in athletic games and youthful sports, he was disposed to employ in poring over books of history, geography and chronology, inquiring after ancient records and papers, looking into the genealogy of families, and copying and treasuring up anecdotes and traditions of Indians and Revolutionary struggles. In his fondness for writing, and for copying antiquarian, civil, ecclesiastical and literary matters, he almost insensibly acquired a beautiful style of penmanship, which gave to all his manuscripts a peculiar air of neatness and grace. A favorite of the clergyman of his native place, he was allowed free access to his books and papers, and thus he imbibed those impressions of filial respect for the ministers of the gospel, which he exhibited on all occasions through life. He regarded, with great reverence, the clerical profession, looking upon the ministers of the cross as indeed "the messengers of God."

At the age of sixteen, he became a clerk in a store at Amherst, N. H. Here he remained five years, giving diligent attention to the business of his employers, and devoting his leisure hours to literary studies and correspondence. In a letter to the Rev. Hezekiah Packard, D. D., who had been his teacher before he went to Amherst, Mr. Farmer spoke with affection and gratitude of his early Instructor; and in a reply, dated Wiscasset, Me., Dec. 4, 1809, the Doctor says, "If any of my friendly and religious counsels, or any books I put into your hands, made deep and lasting impressions upon your tender mind, you will join me in giving praise and glory to God and the Redeemer. I can truly say of my pupils, as St. John did of those he had converted to the Christian faith, 'I have no greater joy than seeing them walking in the truth.' I am much pleased with the account you give of your industry and progress. If you have no idea of a college education, it might appear as useful to you to become more familiar with your favorite branches, geography, history, the constitutions of our State governments and that of our common country, as well as with the origin and progress of wars, and other calamities of the eastern world." No pupil, probably, ever more highly valued an instructor, than did young Farmer; and that he placed a high estimate upon the teachings of Dr. Packard, is sufficiently shown by his affectionate remembrance of him, and by his pursuits in after life, and the results of his many labors.

In the course of the year 1810, finding the labors of his station too arduous for his feeble health, Mr. Farmer left the store, and engaged in teaching school, an employment in which he is said to have greatly excelled. Two or three years previous to this, a literary association for mutual improvement was formed at Amherst, the members of which met weekly for debate, the rehearsal of pieces, and reading original compositions. Of this society, Mr. Farmer was for about eleven years the chief supporter, contributing largely to the interest and usefulness of the meetings by his own performances, and by inviting and attracting to it the young men of promise that were about him. The neighboring clergy were made honorary members of it, and frequently attended its meetings, and participated in the discussions.

While engaged in school-keeping, Mr. Farmer cultivated his natural taste, and pursued, with industry, historical inquiries. In 1813, becoming known to some of the Members of the Massachusetts Historical Society, he was elected a Corresponding Member of it, and immediately became a contributor to its Collections, which have been published. In 1816, he published, in a pamphlet form, his "Historical Sketch of Billerica," and furnished many valuable facts towards the materials for the History of Chelmsford, afterwards published by the Rev. Mr. Allen. In 1820, he published "An Historical Sketch of Amherst from the first settlement of the town," in pamphlet form. In these two publications, the marked peculiarities of his mind are strongly exhibited. He evinced a memory wonderfully tenacious of particular facts, dates, and names, sound judgment in collecting, selecting, and arranging his materials, and an exquisite niceness and exactness in all the details of these histories.

About this time, Mr. Farmer commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Matthias Spalding, an eminent Physician of Amherst; but after a few months, foreseeing that he should be unfitted to discharge the laborious duties of the profession, he relinquished the study; and in 1821, removed to Concord. He there formed a connection in business with Dr. Samuel Morril, and opened an apothecary's store, from which circumstance he received the title of Doctor. His feeble health not allowing any kind of hard manual labor, or exposure to the changes of weather out of doors, he, partly of necessity and partly of choice, adopted a very sedentary mode of life. He was rarely away from his place of residence. He deemed it hazardous for him to leave home. In 1836, however, after a lapse of eighteen years, he visited Boston, where he was treated with marked respect and attention by the literati of the city; but was quite ill, while there, and unable to enjoy very much of what he expected from his visit. He soon returned home, restored to comparative health.

From the time of his removal to Concord, Mr. Farmer devoted himself principally to what had become his favorite studies and pursuits. He gathered together books of ancient date, early records of the towns, and notices of the first settlers of the country; inquired into the names, ages, characters and deaths of distinguished men of every profession; and entered into extensive correspondence with individuals who might be able to furnish him with facts, relating to the subjects of his inquiry. In short, he soon became known as an Antiquary, distinguished beyond any of his fellow-citizens, for exact knowledge of facts and events relative to the history of New Hampshire, and of New England generally. His mind was a wonderful repository of names, and dates, and particular incidents; and so general and well established was his reputation for accuracy of memory, that his authority was relied on as decisive in historical and genealogical facts. And though at times, he might have been inaccurate, it is to be remembered, that, while he was the greatest Genealogist and Antiquary of the country, he was also the Pioneer in this department of knowledge; and while some, who shall follow him, may occasionally discover a mistake, the honor of this is not to be compared to the honor of projecting and executing such works as Mr. Farmer's.

In 1822, Mr. Farmer, in connection with Jacob B. Moore, Esq., commenced a Periodical Miscellany, devoted principally to, "1. Historical Sketches of Indian wars, battles, and exploits; of the adventures and sufferings of the captives: 2. Topographical Descriptions of towns and places in New Hampshire, with their history, civil and ecclesiastical: 3. Biographical Memoirs and Anecdotes of eminent and remarkable persons who lived in New Hampshire, or who have had connection with its settlement and history: 4. Statistical Tables; Tables of Births, Diseases, and Deaths: 5. Meteorological Observations, and facts relating to climate." Three volumes of this work were published.

In the same year he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Dartmouth College; and in the following year he was complimented with the appointment of Justice of the Peace for the newly constituted county of Merrimack, but he did not deem the office of sufficient importance, ever to act under his commission.

The New Hampshire Historical Society was established, May 20, 1823; and, although Mr. Farmer was unable to be present at any of the early meetings of its founders, he took a deep interest in its establishment, and contributed much towards its organization and success. Though he was never more than once or twice present at the meetings of the Society, yet he never failed to communicate with the members, by letter or otherwise, on such occasions. He was Corresponding Secretary of the Society till his death, the duties of which office he discharged with rare ability and fidelity. Of the five volumes of Collections, published by the Society, he was on the Publishing Committee of four. The fifth volume was wholly compiled by him, and all the preceding volumes are enriched by his contributions.

In 1823, Mr. Farmer, with an associate, Jacob B. Moore, Esq., published "A Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire, comprehending, 1. A concise description of the several towns in the State, in relation to their boundaries, divisions, mountains, lakes, ponds: 2. The early history of each town; names of the first settlers, and what were their hardships and adventures; instances of longevity, or of great mortality; and short biographical notices of the most distinguished and useful men: 3. A concise notice of the formation of the first churches in the several towns; the names of those who have been successively ordained as ministers, and the time of their settlement, removal or death: 4. Also, notices of permanent charitable and other institutions, literary societies, &c." This work was one of immense labor.

Mr. Farmer's published works are very numerous; and, considering his infirm state of health during the whole seventeen years of his residence in Concord, those who best knew him were surprised at the extent and variety of his labors. The following is believed to be an accurate list of his productions, with the exception of his occasional contributions to the newspapers, or other ephemeral publications.

1. A Family Register of the Descendants of Edward Farmer, of Billerica, in the youngest branch of his Family. 12mo, pp. 12. Concord, 1813; with an Appendix, 12mo, pp. 7. Concord, 1824. This work, with some additions, was reprinted at Hingham, in 1828.
2. A Sketch of Amherst, N. H., published in 2 Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. ii. Boston, 1814.
3. A Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Hillsborough, N. H., published in 2 Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. vii. Boston, 1818.
4. An Historical Memoir of Billerica, Ms., containing Notices of the principal events in the Civil and Ecclesiastical Affairs of the Town, from its first settlement to 1816. 8vo, pp. 36. Amherst, 1816.
5. An Historical Sketch of Amherst, N. H., from the first settlement to 1820. 8vo, pp. 35. Amherst, 1820. A second edition, much enlarged, was published at Concord, in 1837. 8vo, pp. 52.
6. An Ecclesiastical Register of New Hampshire; containing a succinct account of the different religious denominations; their origin, and progress, and present numbers; with a Catalogue of the Ministers of the several Churches, from 1638 to 1821; the date of their settlement, removal, or death, and the number of communicants in 1821. 18mo, pp. 36. Concord, 1822.
7. The New Military Guide, a compilation of Rules and Regulations for the use of the Militia. 12mo, pp. 144. Concord, 1822.
8. The New Hampshire Annual Register and United States Calendar, published annually at Concord, from 1822 to 1838, inclusive, seventeen numbers, each consisting of 144 pages, 18mo, excepting those for 1823 and 1824, which were in 12mo, pp. 152, 132.
9. A Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire, with a Map, and several Engravings, (in conjunction with Jacob B. Moore, Esq.) 12mo, pp. 276. Concord, 1823.
10. Collections, Historical and Miscellaneous, (in connection with J. B. Moore, Esq.) 3 vols. 8vo, pp. 302, 388, 388. With an Appendix to Vols. II. and III. pp. 110, 97. Concord, 1822, 1823, 1824.
11. Memoir of the Penacook Indians, published in an Appendix to Moore's Annals of Concord, 1824. 8vo, pp. 7.
12. A Genealogical Register of the First Settlers of New England, containing an Alphabetical List of the Governors, Deputy Governors, Assistants or Counsellors, and Ministers of the Gospel, in the several Colonies, from 1620 to 1692; Representatives of the General Court of Massachusetts, from 1634 to 1692; Graduates of Harvard College, to 1662; Members of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, to 1662; Freemen admitted to the Massachusetts Colony, from 1630 to 1662; with many other of the early inhabitants of New England and Long Island, N. Y., from 1620 to the year 1675; to which are added various Genealogical and Biographical Notes, collected from Ancient Records, Manuscripts, and printed Works.
13. A Catechism of the History of New Hampshire, from its first settlement, for Schools and Families. 18mo, pp. 87. Concord, 1829. Second edition, 18mo, pp. 108, in 1830.
14. The Concord Directory. 12mo, pp. 24. Concord, 1830.
15. Pastors, Deacons, and Members of the First Congregational Church in Concord, N. H., from Nov. 18, 1730, to Nov. 18, 1830. 8vo, pp. 21. Concord, 1830.
16. An edition of the Constitution of New Hampshire, with Questions; designed for the use of Academics and District Schools in said State. 18mo, pp. 68. Concord, 1831.
17. A new edition of Belknap; containing various Corrections and Illustrations of the first and second volumes of Dr. Belknap's History of New Hampshire, and additional Facts and Notices of Persons and Events therein mentioned. Published in 1 vol. 8vo, pp. 512. Dover, 1831.
18. Papers in the Second and Third Series of the Massachusetts Historical Collections.
19. Papers in the five published volumes of Collections of the New Hampshire Historical Society.
20. Papers in the American Quarterly Register, viz: Sketches of the First Graduates of Dartmouth College, from 1771 to 1783; List of the Congregational and Presbyterian Ministers of New Hampshire, from its first settlement to 1814; List of the Graduates of all the Colleges of New England, containing about 19,000 names; List of eight hundred and forty deceased Ministers who were graduated at Harvard College, from 1642 to 1826, together with their ages, the time of their graduation and of their decease; and Memoirs of Ministers who have graduated at Harvard College to 1657.

It will be obvious that these works required severe labor and unwearied care in their preparation. Of Mr. Farmer's edition of Belknap's History of New Hampshire it is sufficient to say, that the work is very much improved by the Annotator, who has embodied a great mass of valuable matter in his notes relative to the subjects of which he treated. It was his intention to have prepared a second volume for the press, and he had collected a mass of materials for the work, but did not live to accomplish his design.

The Genealogical Register is a most wonderful exhibition of persevering industry. It may justly be called his great work, both on account of the quantity of matter which it contains and the difficulty of tracing out branches of families, where we have no regular genealogy. It embraces many thousands of names of persons, with dates of birth, death, offices sustained, places of residence, &c., chiefly through the seventeenth century. For one who is fond of genealogical investigations, there is no treasure-house like it. There are but a few surnames found in New England, during the two centuries of our existence, which do not there appear. Had Mr. Farmer published nothing else, this would remain a lasting monument of his patient research and marvellous accuracy. He has left a corrected copy of his Register, greatly enlarged by successive additions, corrections, and illustrations. He has also left several valuable manuscripts, more or less complete, containing Sketches of deceased Lawyers, Physicians, Counsellors, and Senators in New Hampshire; Tables of Mortality and Longevity; Memoirs of more than two thousand early graduates of Harvard College, and also of many graduates of Dartmouth College. Those of Dartmouth College consist only of a few memoranda of those individuals who received their degrees prior to 1799.[3]

A great labor, and the one on which Mr. Farmer had been engaged for a considerable time previous to his death, was the examining and arranging of the State Papers at Concord. Under a resolution of the Legislature of New Hampshire, approved Jan. 3, 1837, he was appointed to "examine, arrange, index, prepare for, and superintend the binding, and otherwise preserving, such of the public papers in the archives of the State, as may be deemed worthy of such care." Of this species of labor, no one knows the extent and difficulty, unless he has either himself been versed in it, or has frequently watched its progress when undertaken by others. Mr. Farmer, in a letter to a distinguished literary friend in Massachusetts, written in August, 1837, says, in reference to it, "that he has had a great burden resting on him for the last four or five months;" and adds, "the records and files were in great confusion, no attempt having been made for arranging and binding a regular series of the former or for properly labelling and classifying the latter. In a few cases, I believe, there were papers of three centuries in the same bundle. This will serve to give you an idea of the confusion in which I found them. I began first with the Province Records, arranged under three different heads: 1. Journals of the House; 2. Journals of the Council and Assembly; 3. Journals of the Council. The Journals of the House received my first attention. These I found to commence in 1711, and from that time to 1775, they existed in twenty different portions, some in leaves, and in mere paper books, of a few sheets each. Only three or four were bound volumes. I arranged the whole so as to make eight volumes; copying about three hundred pages, which would not conform in size. These have been bound in Russia leather, with spring backs, and make a handsome array of folios, containing 3,813 pages. The Council and Assembly Records, beginning 1699 and ending 1774, in five volumes, large folio, and containing 2,260 pages, next were arranged, and are now ready for the binder. The Council records are imperfect, and it will be necessary to copy much from the files before they are ready to bind. Besides these, I have collected the speeches and messages of the Provincial Governors, from 1699 to 1775, arranged them in chronological order, and have had them bound in three handsome volumes of about 1,500 pages. I will not mention the amount of papers in files which I have been over, new folded, and labelled."

Governor Hill, in his annual message to the Legislature, in June, 1837, says: "Under the resolution of the last session, John Farmer, Esq., has for several weeks been engaged in arranging for binding and preservation the shattered records and public papers in the archives of this State. Perhaps a century may occur before another person with his peculiar tact and talent shall appear to undertake this work. Although of extremely feeble health, there is not probably any other person in the State, who can readily perform so much—none so well versed in its history, and who has like him traced from the root upwards, the rise and progress of government in the land of the Pilgrims, and the origin and spread of every considerable family name in New England."

And in his message of June, 1838, Governor Hill thus speaks: "In my last annual communication to the Legislature, the progress made in the examination and arrangement of our public archives, by John Farmer, Esq., was mentioned. Since that time, with a method and perseverance deserving high praise, Mr. Farmer has prosecuted his labors, until the appropriation then made has been exhausted, and a small additional expense incurred. Twenty-three volumes have been bound in a neat and substantial manner. Among these volumes, is one containing the Associated Test Returns, which has the original signatures of 8,199 citizens of this State, above the age of twenty-one years, who 'solemnly engaged and promised that they would to the utmost of their power, at the risk of their lives and fortunes, with arms, oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies against the United American Colonies.' This pledge, it should be remembered, preceded the Declaration of Independence several months. It was, therefore, in the language of a note prefixed by Mr. Farmer, to this volume, 'a bold and hazardous step, in subjects, thus to resist the authority of one of the most powerful sovereigns in the world. Had the cause in which these men pledged their lives and fortunes failed, it would have subjected every individual who signed it, to the pains and penalties of treason; to a cruel and ignominious death.' In my opinion, the cost to the State of this enterprise, by the man of all others best qualified for such an undertaking, bears no comparison to its importance: it is hoped the Legislature will direct Mr. Farmer to persevere until he completes the work. Let every fragment of our history be preserved; let us suffer nothing to be lost."

The Legislature wisely responded to the suggestions of the Governor. Mr. Farmer was continued in the work; and his life was prolonged until he had accomplished the most difficult portion of the task confided to him.

We know that Mr. Farmer placed an humble estimate upon his labors. He well understood the general indifference of the public to pursuits of this nature. The direction of the living and moving crowd is onward; and he who busies himself in gathering up the memorials of the past, will be left behind,—himself and his labors too generally unrewarded and forgotten. Mr. Farmer has done perhaps more than any other individual in collecting and preserving the materials for our local history, and establishing accuracy in its details. He investigated faithfully, took nothing upon trust, and rested on reasonable conclusions only where absolute certainty could not be attained. Many have expressed surprise that Mr. Farmer could have been so indefatigable and painstaking in his pursuits. But the fondness for these investigations grows with indulgence. Success in establishing an old fact is a triumph over time. Facts established are the warp and woof of history; and the diligent antiquary thus gives to history its main materials, veracity and fidelity, when enlightened philosophy steps in and completes the work.

We have already mentioned, that Mr. Farmer was one of the three or four gentlemen only in New Hampshire, who have been elected Corresponding Members of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He was also a Corresponding Member of the Rhode Island and Maine Historical Societies, and of the American Antiquarian Society. He was also elected in August, 1837, a member of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries at Copenhagen.

There was scarcely a lovelier or more prominent trait in Mr. Farmer's character, than the ever fresh and affectionate interest which he took in the intellectual improvement and moral culture of the young. Having no family of his own to engage his kind and generous affections, a chief source of happiness to him seemed to be, to act the part of a father and teacher to all the youth who were about him. He encouraged lyceums and literary associations for mental improvement; often heard recitations in private; examined compositions written at his own suggestion; and directed the studies of such as applied to him. And such was his suavity of manners, his instructive conversation, and inexhaustible store of historical anecdote, that he scarcely ever failed to inspire his pupils and intimate acquaintances with a portion of his taste for literary and historical pursuits. Those who knew him respected him. Those who knew him intimately and were his friends, loved him. He was no dogmatist; never a violent partisan, although decided in his opinions, on whatever subject he expressed them. He possessed native delicacy and refinement of character. No harsh expressions fell from his lips or proceeded from his pen. He was nevertheless quick and sensitive to the distinctions between right and wrong, and steadily threw his influence into the scale of truth. His was a gentle spirit, seeking quiet and affection, like Cowper's, though without his vein of melancholy; and, though instinctively shrinking from vice, he was not disposed harshly to visit the offender. He had zeal, but it was the zeal of a catholic spirit, and of kind affections—the spirit of the Christian and gentleman, which respected the feelings of others, in whatever situation or circumstances of life.

All who were acquainted with Mr. Farmer, will respond to the affectionate and just tribute, which fell from the lips of the Rev. Mr. Bouton, on the occasion of his funeral: "We believe our departed friend and fellow-citizen possessed the spirit of a Christian. Owing to bodily weakness and infirmities, he could not attend public worship on the Sabbath, or be present at any public meeting. But we know he was a firm believer in the doctrines of Christianity; a regular contributor to the support of divine worship; an intelligent and frequent reader of the Holy Scriptures; and that he ever cherished and manifested the profoundest reverence for the institutions and ordinances of religion, and particularly a respect for Christian ministers of every denomination, whose conduct became their profession. His spirit and views were eminently catholic. He loved the good of every name, and cheerfully united with them in all approved efforts and measures for the advancement of truth and righteousness." He annually contributed to the Bible, Missionary, and other Charitable Societies; and no man living, perhaps, felt a deeper interest in the success of the great enterprises of Christian benevolence, than did Mr. Farmer.

His last sickness was short. Few of his friends were aware of his danger, till it was evident that he could not long survive. Many gladly offered their services to wait upon him, and watch around his dying-bed; but the privilege of this was reserved to a few early-chosen friends. He wanted to be still and tranquil. To a dear friend, who stood by him, to watch every motion and meet every wish, he expressed peace of mind, and consolation in the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. On the evening of the Sabbath before his decease, he desired the same friend to sing to him a favorite hymn, which she did. His reason remained unclouded to the last, and he gently fell asleep in death, at a few minutes past 6 o'clock, on Monday morning, the 13th of August, 1838, in the 49th year of his age.

Upon the plain white marble stone, marking the place where the mortal remains of Mr. Farmer lie, is the following inscription:

"John Farmer, born at Chelmsford, Mass., 22 June, 1789; Died in this town, 13 August, 1838; Æt. 49 years.
Honored as a man;
Distinguished as an Antiquarian and Scholar;
Beloved as a friend;
And revered as a Christian Philanthropist;
And a lover of impartial liberty;
His death has occasioned a void in Society,
Which time will fail to supply;
And the reason and fitness of which,
As to time and manner, and attendant circumstances,
Eternity alone can fully unfold."

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Considering the character which the Register is to sustain, we have supposed that this number of the Work could commence with no article more interesting, than a Biographical Notice of Mr. Farmer. The Notice is principally an Abstract from a Memoir of him prepared by Jacob B. Moore, Esq., now residing at Washington, D. C.

[2] We purposely omit a further notice of Mr. Farmer's ancestors, as a full account will appear in the genealogy of the Farmer Family, which he prepared and published, some years before his death. Having been remodelled and improved, it is inserted in this number of the Register.

[3] These Memoirs of graduates at Harvard and Dartmouth Colleges were, agreeably to the desire of Mr. Farmer, placed in the hands of the Rev. Dr. Cogswell of Boston, for his disposal.

GENEALOGICAL MEMOIR OF THE FARMER FAMILY.

Remodelled and Prepared on a New Plan.

BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE, M. A.

[As one of this name has very justly been styled "The Father of Genealogy in New England," and has left behind him an enduring monument of his labors in this department of literature, it is deemed highly proper to commence our Genealogical Series with that of his family. It will be viewed, we doubt not, with great interest, by all lovers of such subjects, and more especially as the Memoir is from his own pen; that is to say, as to facts, it is entirely the same as that, which was published by the distinguished Genealogist himself; but the plan of it here presented, is new, and is probably preferable to any other hitherto adopted. Indeed there does not appear to have been any general fixed plan for the exhibition of Genealogies. The following method, the result of much reflection, is now offered for the consideration of those who may engage in preparing Genealogical Memoirs. Ed.]

Explanation of the Plan.

As the plan laid down may not be apparent at first view, the following explanation may be deemed necessary. The Arabic numbers running through the whole Genealogy, are to show not only the number of every individual descended from the same ancestor, but by the aid of them, the connection of every person is seen at a glance, and the ancestors or descendants may be traced, backward or forward, with the greatest ease and facility. One number set under another, or two numbers set against the same individual, show, in all cases, that such individual has descendants, and the lower number indicates the place in the series where the descendants are to be found; remembering that the Roman numerals are only employed to show the number of children belonging to the same particular family. For example, (18)/(59) VIII. Oliver,³ shows, that this person is No. 18 in the regular Arabic series, and that following (59), onward, his family will be found; the VIII is sufficiently obvious. The ³ at the end of the name, denotes the individual to be of the 3rd generation from the first in the series, and so of all other numbers in a similar situation; i. e., all those placed like an exponent at the end of names, show the generation. All names of persons having descendants, are necessarily repeated, in their order, but are not renumbered. Thus John³ (10) is repeated after 18, the (10) showing his original place in the series.

From what is said above it is thought the plan will be perfectly apparent on the most cursory perusal. The names of persons descended in the female line are printed in the ordinary Roman letter, to distinguish them from those of the male line, always printed in small capitals.

By this system of deducing or displaying descents, any corrections or additions may be made without disfiguring the appearance of the work, as for instance, (63) IV. Sarah,⁴ whose family is indicated to be given at (126); it will appear that other individuals were found belonging to her family after the work was made up, therefore a new entry is made of her at (164), and yet all is perfectly clear.

Although it is highly desirable, that individuals and families should succeed each other in the regular order of their generations, it is not always possible to make a genealogical memoir so; for it is apparent that in numerous instances, especially among the early families, we are obliged to pass over individuals, not knowing whether they had descendants; and when a long memoir is made up it is often found that many so passed over, had children. These therefore cannot have their proper place in the memoir without great labor, requiring a new draft of nearly the whole work. By the plan now presented we avoid the difficulty, in its most objectionable feature, by placing all such at the end of the memoir whenever we find them, with the same numerical references, &c., as employed throughout. Thus, in the following genealogy we have several placed in this manner for illustration; as for example, (110) III. Charlotte⁶ falls into the series, with her descendants at (174), while (83) I. Edward⁵ does not fall in till (176), and so of a few others.

In preparing this memoir the reader must remember, that the author published it in 1828, and hence, that the present tense often used by him, has reference to the date of publication. We make this note to avoid too frequent interpolations in brackets. Mr. Farmer had printed in 1813, sundry Family Records of different branches of the family, and in 1824, he issued an Appendix to it. This with the other part made about 30 pages in 18mo. These contained a good deal not found in his last work. All three are here incorporated into a regular and continuous genealogy. The copies of the first two printed works which I have used, have many manuscript additions and corrections in the author's own hand. The title-page of the Memoir runs thus:

A GENEALOGICAL MEMOIR OF THE FAMILY BY THE NAME OF FARMER, WHO SETTLED AT BILLERICA, Ms. Hingham, Farmer & Brown, Printers, 1828.

[The following Dedication is upon the back of the title-page.]

To Jedidiah Farmer, The following Memoir of our Ancestors, collected from various authentic sources, and with considerable enquiry and investigation, is offered to you as a token of fraternal regard and affection, by your affectionate brother,

John Farmer.
Concord, N. H., January 28, 1828.

MEMOIR.

The surname of Farmer is one of considerable antiquity, and is one of those names derived from occupations or professions, which, next to local names, or those derived from the names of places, are the most numerous.[4] It comes from the Saxon term Fearme or Feorme, which signifies food or provision.[5] But some think it derived from Firma, which signifies a place enclosed or shut in; and some contend for its French etymology from the word Ferme.

The Farmers, so far as my researches will enable me to conjecture, were of Saxon origin, and, in the reign of Edward IV., King of England, were seated in Northamptonshire, where they remain to the present day. They resided at Easton-Neston about 1480. Anne, the daughter of Richard Farmer, Esq., of that place, married, before 1545, William Lucy, and their son, Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlecote, knighted by Queen Elizabeth, in 1565, was the knight and magistrate whose name is associated with some of the early events of the life of Shakspeare. William Farmer, created Lord Leinster in 1692, the ancestor of the present earl of Pomfret, resided at Easton-Neston. Jasper Farmer, one of this family, is said to be the ancestor of the Farmers in the State of Pennsylvania.

From Northamptonshire they seem to have spread over several of the contiguous counties before the middle of the sixteenth century; being found in Leicestershire as early as 1490, in Warwickshire in 1545, and in Shropshire at nearly the same period.

Sir William Dugdale, in his Antiquities of Warwickshire, mentions Richard Farmer and his wife, and John their son, and Maud his wife, to whom, and the heirs male of the said John, the place or parish of Merston-Boteler in that county, was granted by the King's Letters Patent, dated November 23, 1545. He also names Rev. Thomas Farmer, minister of the parish of Austrey in 1542, and Rev. John Farmer, incumbent of the church in Bagington, 1552, and Rev. Richard, of the parish of Ashowe.

R. Farmer, Esq., of Kennington Common, near London, informs me,[6] that his ancestors as far back as he had been able to trace them, belonged to Oldbury, near Bridgenorth, in Shropshire, and that their names were Edward. Thomas Farmer, Esq., one of the Managers of the British and Foreign Bible Society, is of this family. Rev. Hugh Farmer, the learned author of the Dissertation on Miracles, and other theological works, was of Shropshire, and was born at a place called Isle Gate, belonging to a small hamlet almost surrounded by the river Severn, a few miles from Shrewsbury.[7]

The branch of the family traced in the following pages was formerly seated in Leicestershire, on the borders of Warwickshire; and, about 1500, were living in the village of Ratcliffe-Cuiley, near Witherly. Of those who resided there at that period, I am unable to speak with any degree of certainty, having the advantage of no records, or family memorials. The late Rev. Richard Farmer, D. D., of Cambridge, England, made some collections of a genealogical nature, and from these it would seem, that the most remote ancestor, whom he had traced, was Edward, who is mentioned by Anthony Wood in his Athenæ Oxonienses, and in his Fasti Oxonienses, as being the Chancellor of the Cathedral church in Salisbury, in 1531; which office he sustained until his death in 1538.

John Farmer is the next ancestor of whom I have any account, and of whom I have nothing more than the fact found among Rev. Dr. Farmer's MSS., that he was living at Ansley in Warwickshire in 1604. Between him and Edward of Salisbury, there were probably two or three generations, whose names cannot be given with much confidence, although it is presumed from Guillim's Heraldry, that the name of one was Bartholomew.

There has been a considerable number of the name in England, and several of them of the Warwickshire branch of the family, who have been employed in public life, or have been known by their writings. The following list of them has been collected from various sources:

Anthony, who was appointed in 1687, by James II., President of Magdalen College; but, being a papist, and there being other objections against his character, he was superseded by Bishop Parker.[8]

Edward. "In the year 1529, in the beginning of February, Edward Lee became Chancellor of the church of Salisbury by the resignation of Thomas Winter, and was succeeded in that dignity by Edward Farmer, in December, 1531."[9]

George, Esq., who was Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in 1663.[10]

Hatton, who was Major of Prince Charles' regiment, and was killed by Culham Bridge, near Abingdon, Jan. 11, 1645.[11]

Hugh, already mentioned, who was born 1714, died 1787, a. 73. Memoirs of his Life and Writings were published in 1805, by Michael Dodson, Esq., London, in an octavo volume of 160 pages.

Jacob, who published a "True Relation of the State of Ireland," London, 1642, octavo.

James, who was minister of Leire, in Leicestershire, and was ejected in 1660.[12]

John, who was a madrigaler, and who published a work noticed by Dr. Rees, issued in 1591, London, octavo.

John, Esq., who was Governor of the island of Barbadoes.[13]

John, who was a clergyman, and published twenty sermons. London, 1744, octavo.

John, who published the "History of the Town and Abbey of Waltham in Essex, England." London, 1735, octavo.

John, who was a surgeon, and published "Select Cases in Surgery, collected in St. Bartholomew's Hospital." 1757, in quarto.

Priscilla, whose Life was published in 1796, by her grandson, Charles Lloyd.[14]

Richard, who was a Baptist minister, and who is noticed by Neal in his History of the Puritans.

Richard, who published a sermon on Luke xxi: 34. London, 1629, quarto.

Richard, D. D., who published "An Essay on the Learning of Shakspeare." London, 1766.

Ralph, who was minister of St. Nicholas in Somersetshire, and was ejected in 1660. He published the "Mysteries of Godliness and Ungodliness, discovered from the writings of the Quakers." London, 1655, quarto.[15]

S——, Esq., who was a member of Parliament, 1818.[16]

Thomas, who was born August 20, 1771, nephew of Dr. Richard, Rector of Aspley-Guise in Bedfordshire.

Thomas, who was a printer, and published a work called "Plain Truth, &c." London, 1763, quarto.

William, who wrote an Almanac for Ireland, printed at Dublin, 1587, supposed to have been the first printed in that country.[17]

William, of Magdalen College, who was a Baronet, and was created Master of Arts in 1667.[18]

[Thus far we have but the links of a broken chain, which must necessarily be the results usually of attempts of this nature. What follows is without any lost link between those named and a common ancestor.]

APPENDIX.

Extracts of Letters from Rev. Thomas Farmer, Rector of Aspley-Guise, in Bedfordshire, England, to John Farmer of Concord, N. H. Dated July, 1822.

Dear Sir,—Having lately been to visit my relations at Leicester, my native place, I saw for the first time a letter from you, desiring an account of your Genealogy; and, being satisfied of our consanguinity, you will allow me to hope that you may cross the Atlantic, and visit this village, of which I am the Rector, and which is situated but little more than 40 miles from London, and near the Duke of Bedford's magnificent Park and Palace.

I am possessed of the papers which formerly belonged to my uncle, Dr. Richard Farmer, who certainly was a most ingenious and classical scholar, and perhaps the best annotator on England's immortal bard. You may know that he was Master of Emmanuel College in the University of Cambridge. There I was educated, and there I saw him die, after a very long protracted illness, on the 8th of September, 1797. The loose papers, from which I shall send you extracts, are in Dr. Farmer's hand-writing.

My father, Thomas Farmer, is now at Leicester, and is the only male issue of his generation. He was born on the 10th of May, 1744. I was born on the 21st of August, 1771, and am the only issue left, and I am in possession of land in the vicinity of Nuneaton, sharing it equally with Mr. Arnold of Ashley, no great distance from Daventry, in the County of Northampton.

Of the present owner of Ancely, or Astly, I know nothing; but in the old papers, I find John Farmer of Ancely, in the County of Warwick, passes a time, Sept. 1st, 1604, and that a John Farmer, in 1663, [1633?] contracts marriage with Isabel Barbage of Great Packington, in the County of Warwick, and that Isabel, in after marriage articles, is stiled "now of New England;" that John Farmer of Nuneaton married Sarah Daws of Tamworth, and settles the estate at Ancely upon her. Richard F., son of John and Sarah, was baptized at Nuneaton, Sept. 15, 1698, and married Hannah Knibb of Brinklow, in the County of Warwick, Jan. 4, 1732-3. Their eldest son, Richard, born May 4, 1735, was the person whom you have rightly named of such extensive literary fame and acquirements.

I shall seal this with the seal[22] which Dr. Farmer wore and used, and the Arms I read, "He beareth Sable, Chevron between three Lamps Argent, with Fire Proper, by the name of Farmer." This coat was assigned to George Farmer, Esq., 1663, second son of Bartholomew Farmer, Gent.[23] of Radcliffe, near Atherstone, Warwickshire. The patent was to alter the Chevron of the family, though it mentions not what anciently were the Arms of the family.

From the same to the same, dated Aspley-Guise, Dec. 1, 1823.

Sir,—The family of Farmers from which we are descended, were living about the year of our Lord, 1500, at a village called Ratcliffe-Cuiley, which is in Leicestershire, and adjoining the Counties of Warwick and Stafford. One of them was a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas, and you observe by the scrap enclosed, another of them, Chancellor of the Cathedral Church of Salisbury, which scrap is the hand-writing of the author on the learning of Shakspeare. Most of them are buried in a vault belonging to the family, in the church of Witherly, (near Ratcliffe) in the County of Leicester. My grandfather's name was Richard, who married a Miss Knibb, and their family consisted of Richard, [b. May 4, 1735,] the annotator on our immortal bard, Prebendary of Canterbury, then a Canon Residentiary of St. Paul's, London, the Master of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and principal Librarian of that University; John, in holy Orders; Thomas, my father, [b. May 10, 1744,] who married the 3rd dau. of John Andrew, Esq., of Harlestone-Park in the County of Northampton; Joseph, Lieut. Col. of the Royal Leicester volunteers; Hannah, unmarried; Sarah married Allen Brown, Esq., of Cosby, near Leicester, and afterwards Richard Jervis, a surgeon of Latterworth; Mary married [in 1768,] the Hon. Richard Byron, [b. Oct. 28, 1724,] brother of the late Lord [William] Byron.

FOOTNOTES:

[4] See Camden's Remains, 4to, London, 1603.

[5] Skinner's Etymologicon Linguæ Anglicanæ. Spelman's Glossarium Archæologicum.

[6] MS. Letter. See Appendix.

[7] Dodson's Memoirs.

[8] Wood's Athenæ Oxon. ii. 618.—Burnet's Own Times, ii. 699.—Salmon's Geog. Gram.—Hume.—Goldsmith, &c.

[9] Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses.

[10] Guillim's Heraldry, 310.

[11] Guillim's Heraldry, 186.

[12] Calamy, Ejected Ministers, ii. 437.

[13] Douglass' Summary, i. 135.

[14] See Monthly Review.

[15] Calamy, ii. 609.

[16] London Magazine, xli. 268.

[17] Watt's Bibliotheca Britannica.

[18] Wood's Athenæ Oxonienses.

[19] At this place is the Hermitage, in which is the well known inscription written by Thomas Warton, D. D., beginning with,

"Beneath this stony roof reclined,
I soothe to peace my pensive mind."

[20] From a deposition, taken July 21, 1691, before Richard Hopkins, relating to the last will and testament of Mr. John Farmer of Ansley, signed by Edward Farmer, son of the said John, it appears that Edward, the deponent, was an inhabitant of Ansley at that time. It is, however, evident, that within a few years after, he had become settled in New England. The birth of his eldest son, in 1671, is inserted in the Records of Billerica, although it is doubtful whether he settled there before 1673.

[21] The genealogy of the Chelmsford Richardsons has been traced to Capt. Josiah R., living in that place in 1659, supposed to have been son of Samuel of Woburn, who d. March 23, 1658. Josiah, mentioned in the text, was b. May 8, 1734, d. April 15, 1801, a. 66. His father, Capt. Zachariah R., was b. Feb., 1696, d. March 22, 1776, a. 80. Josiah, his father, was b. May 18, 1665, d. Oct. 17, 1711, a. 45. The father of the last Josiah was Capt. Josiah, first mentioned in this note, who d. July 22, 1695.

[22] The impression of this seal is deposited in the cabinet of the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester.

[23] Bartholomew was the son of John Farmer of Leicester, and grandson of Bartholomew of the same place, as appears by the [Herald's] visitation of that county in 1619.

MEMOIRS OF GRADUATES OF HARVARD COLLEGE.

Commencing with the year 1670.

BY THE LATE JOHN FARMER, ESQ.

Note. The year they were graduated is prefixed to the name of each person, in the several Memoirs.

NATHANIEL HIGGINSON.

1670. Nathaniel Higginson, son of Rev. John Higginson, pastor of the first church in Salem, was born at Guilford, Ct., Oct. 11, 1652. After receiving his second degree in 1673, he made preparation to go to England, where an uncle of his had been settled as a clergyman, and where he had a number of relations. He went thither the following year, and was soon introduced to Lord Wharton, with whom he remained about seven years, in the capacity of steward and tutor to his children. He was employed in the mint of the Tower in 1681, and went in 1683 in the East India Company's service to Fort St. George in the East Indies; was a member and secretary of the council, and afterwards governor of the factory at said fort. He married Elizabeth Richards, 1692; returned to England with his wife and four children in 1700, and established himself as a merchant in London, and did considerable business with his New England friends.

In 1706, we find his name, with 19 others, signed to a petition full of invective against Joseph Dudley, then Governor of Massachusetts, and praying for his removal, which was presented and read to Queen Anne in council. Gov. Dudley, in his answer to the charges contained in this petition, notices several of the petitioners, and thus speaks of Mr. H. "Mr. Higginson is a gentleman of good value, born in New England, but has been absent in the East Indies six and twenty years, and so may be presumed to know nothing of the country. To be sure, his father, that has been a minister in the country near sixty years, yet living, and his brother, a member of her Majesty's Council, must know more, his brother having been always assisting the Governor, and consenting in Col. Dudley's justification at this time with the Council, where no man has dissented from the vote sent herewith." The allegations against Gov. Dudley in this petition, were voted by the General Court, or Council and House, to be a "wicked and scandalous accusation;" but some persons of note, considering the high character of Mr. Higginson and his good interest at court, "signified by their letters, that they thought the two Houses impolitic in the severity of their expressions, which, from being their friend, might, at least, cause him to become cool and indifferent." We know not the effect of the language of the General Court on the mind of Mr. Higginson, but we cannot suppose it alienated his affections from his native country. He lived but two years after, to serve the interests of his friends in New England. He died in London of the small pox, in November, 1708, aged 56 years. He had been for several years a member of the Corporation for Propagating the Gospel among the Indians of New England. Judge Sewall says, he had been acquainted with him for forty years, and seems to have had a high opinion of his character and public services. Felt, Annals of Salem, 350. Hutchinson, Hist. Mass. ii. 146, 147. Gov. Dudley's MS. Answer to Mr. H.'s petition (the original, which escaped, in part, the fury of the mob, when they destroyed Gov. Hutchinson's house.)

AMMI RUHAMAH CORLET.

1670. Ammi Ruhamah Corlet was son of the celebrated schoolmaster, Elijah Corlet, of whom an early poet sang,

"'Tis Corlet's pains, and Cheever's, we must own,
That thou, New England, art not Scythia grown."

The father was educated at Lincoln College in the University of Oxford, and the son had all the advantages of early preparation, which could be derived from so distinguished a scholar. Having been graduated, he appears to have followed the business of his father, and in 1672 we find him at Plymouth, as the Master of the principal school in that place. After taking his second degree, or about that time, he was a Fellow of the College, in which office, it is presumed, he continued till his death, which occurred Feb. 1, 1679.

THOMAS CLARK.

1670. Thomas Clark, son of Jonas Clarke, of Cambridge, a surveyor of some note, was born, March 2, 1653. Rev. Mr. Allen, in his History of Chelmsford, says in relation to Mr. Clark, "We have neither church records, manuscript sermons, cotemporary notices, nor any other materials, from which a bare memento can be erected, excepting the following sentence in the 9th volume of the Hist. Coll. of Mass., page 195. 'Dorchester, 1704, Dec. 10. The death of Rev. Thomas Clark of Chelmsford was lamented in a sermon from Acts xx: 25, &c.' A great loss to all our towns, and especially to our frontier towns on that side of the country, who are greatly weakened with the loss of such a man." Besides the above extract from Mr. Allen, we find a fact in Dr. Cotton Mather's "Wonders of the Invisible World," which is creditable to the character of Mr. Clark. In the time of the witchcraft delusion, "there was at Chelmsford an afflicted person, that in her fits cried out against a woman, a neighbor, which Mr. Clark, the minister of the gospel there, could not believe to be guilty of such a crime, [witchcraft.] And it happened while that woman milked her cow, the cow struck her with one horn upon the forehead and fetched blood. And while she was bleeding, a spectre of her likeness appeared to the party afflicted, who pointing at the spectre, one struck at the place, and the afflicted said, You have made her forehead bleed! Hereupon some went to the woman and found her forehead bloody, and acquainted Mr. Clark with it, who forthwith went to the woman and asked her, How her forehead became bloody? and she answered, By a blow of the cow's horn, as abovesaid; whereby he was satisfied that it was a design of Satan to render an innocent person suspected." The conduct of Mr. Clark in this decision, made at the time when the spectral evidence was so generally received, probably prevented the infatuation from extending to Chelmsford. Happy would it have been had all ministers and magistrates exercised a like discrimination in rejecting all evidence against persons whose characters had been previously good. By the magistrates at Salem, the coincidence of the imaginary wound inflicted on the spectre, and the real wound from the cow's horn on the woman, would have been sufficient for the condemnation of the latter.

Mr. Clark was the minister of Chelmsford twenty-seven years, having been ordained, in 1677, as the successor of Rev. John Fiske. His labors were suddenly terminated, being seized, according to Judge Sewall's Diary, with a fever, on Friday the 2nd, which caused his death on the following Wednesday, December 7, 1704, in the 52nd year of his age.

Mr. Clark was twice married. The name of his first wife was Mary, who died Dec. 2, 1700. His second was Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Samuel Whiting, whom he married, Oct. 2, 1702. His children, who lived to mature years, all by his first wife, were Lucy, who married Major John Tyng, father of Judge John Tyng, Sept. 19, 1700. She died April 25, 1708; Elizabeth, who married John Hancock of West Cambridge; Jonas, born Dec. 2, 1684, who resided on the farm, known by the name of the Cragie farm. There he kept a public house and ferry which have ever since borne his name. His house was the general resort for all fashionable people. He was honored with many civil and military offices; was a very popular man, and esteemed as a good Christian. He died April 8, 1770, aged 86. Thomas, the youngest son, was born Sept. 28, 1694.

GEORGE BURROUGH.

1670. George Burrough, or as the name is usually spelt, Burroughs, was, perhaps, a son of Jeremiah Burroughs, an inhabitant of Scituate, Ms., as early as 1647; but we have no certain information of his parentage or the time of his birth. He was admitted a member of the church in Roxbury, April 12, 1674, and his son George was baptized in the church there, Nov. 28, 1675. He became a preacher within a few years after he left College, and, as early as 1675 or 1676, he was the minister at Casco, in Maine, and was there when that town suffered the loss of so many lives by an attack of the Indians. The war which soon followed, drove Mr. Burroughs from Maine, and he returned to Massachusetts. In November, 1680, he was employed to preach at Salem Village, now Salem. He continued there probably until 1683, when, in May, Mr. Lawson was invited to preach to the people. Mr. Burroughs returned to his ministry in Casco the same year. A work entitled "European Settlements in America," in speaking of Mr. Burroughs as a victim of the Salem Witchcraft, says, "that he was a gentleman who had formerly been minister of Salem; but upon some of the religious disputes which divided the country he differed from his flock, and left them." Mather, in his "Wonders of the Invisible World," countenances this idea, saying "he had removed from Salem Village in ill terms some years before." Mr. Willis, in his History of Portland, says, "The first notice of his return to Casco is in June, 1683, when, at the request of the town, he relinquished 150 acres of land, which had been granted to him previous to the war. In their application to him for this purpose, they offered to give him 100 acres 'further off,' for the quantity relinquished, but Burroughs replied, 'as for the land already taken away, we were welcome to it, and, if 20 acres of the 50 above expressed would pleasure us, he freely gave it to us, not desiring any land anywhere else, nor any thing else in consideration thereof.'"

His disinterestedness places the character of Mr. Burroughs in an amiable light, which nothing can be found, during the whole course of his ministry at Casco, to impair. The large quantity of land which he relinquished was situated upon the Neck, which was then daily becoming more valuable, by the location of the town upon it. All this, excepting thirty acres, he freely returned, without accepting the consideration offered by the town.

The unhappy catastrophe which terminated the life and usefulness of Mr. Burroughs, has cast a shade upon many facts relating to him which would be interesting to us to know. We have no means of ascertaining whether he was regularly settled and had gathered a church at Casco or not. There is, however, sufficient authority for asserting, that he preached to the people there a longer period than any Congregational minister prior to Rev. Thomas Smith.

"There has nothing," says Mr. Willis, "survived Mr. Burroughs, either in his living or dying, that casts any reproach upon his character; and, although he died a victim of a fanaticism, as wicked and stupid as any which has been countenanced in civilized society, and which for a time prejudiced his memory, yet his character stands redeemed in a more enlightened age from any blemish."

Mr. Burroughs was driven from Casco by the Indians in 1690, and went to Wells, where he resided when he was accused of the crime of witchcraft. The indictment against him is given in the second volume of Hutchinson. He was examined on May 8, 1692, and committed to prison in Boston until his trial, which took place in August following. He was condemned on testimony, which nothing but the most highly wrought infatuation could for a moment have endured. His great strength and activity, for which he had been remarkable from his youth, were enlisted against him, as having been derived from the Prince of evil. It was in evidence, that he had lifted a barrel of molasses by putting his finger in the bunghole, and carried it round him; that he held a gun more than seven feet long at arm's length with one hand, and performed other surprising feats above the power of humanity. Some evidence was also exhibited against his moral character, in relation to his treatment of his wives and children, but we can attach but very little credit to it considering the great perversion of truth at that time.

He was executed August 19, 1692, on Gallows hill, in Salem. At his execution, he made a most solemn, pertinent, and affecting prayer, which drew the remark from Cotton Mather, who was present, as I was informed by the late Dr. Bentley, "that no man could have made such a prayer unless the devil helped him." He concluded his dying petition with the Lord's prayer, probably to convince some of the spectators of his innocence; for it was the received opinion, that a true witch or wizard could not say the Lord's prayer without blundering.

The age of Mr. Burroughs is represented by Dr. Bentley, in his Hist. of Salem, published in 1 Coll. Mass. Hist. Soc. vi., to have been about fourscore years; but that writer undoubtedly transferred the age of Giles Cory, who wanted only three years of being fourscore, to Mr. Burroughs. It can by no means be admitted, that Mr. B. was nearly 60 years old when he graduated, which must have been the case if he was 80 years old at the time he was executed.

Mr. Burroughs had been three times married. The names of his first and second wives are not known. His last was daughter of Thomas Ruck, and she survived him. His children were George, baptized 1675, who lived in Ipswich; Jeremiah, who was insane; Rebecca, who married a Tolman of Boston; Hannah, who married a Fox, and lived near Barton's Point in Boston; Elizabeth, who married Peter Thomas of Boston, the ancestor of the late Isaiah Thomas, LL. D., of Worcester. George and Thomas Burroughs of Newburyport, the former a tanner, conveyed to N. Winslow, in 1774, the right of George Burroughs in proprietary land in Falmouth. These were probably descendants of the minister.—Hutchinson, Hist. Mass. ii. 57-59. Felt, Annals of Salem. Neal's Hist. N. E. ii. 130-134, 144. Willis, Hist. Portland in Coll. Maine Hist. Soc. i. 144, 174-176. Upham, Lectures on Witchcraft. Allen, Biog. Dict. art. Burroughs.

ISAAC FOSTER.

1671. Isaac Foster, according to the late William Winthrop, Esq., was from Charlestown, and might have been brother of John Foster, who was graduated in 1667; but this is uncertain, as the latter was from Dorchester. [We find him to have been admitted freeman in 1679, about which time, he probably went to Connecticut.] Mr. Winthrop may have considered him as belonging to Charlestown from the circumstance of his being called to preach there. When a committee of the town of Charlestown was about selecting a successor to Rev. Thomas Shepard, in 1678, the opinions of Rev. John Sherman, Rev. Increase Mather, and Rev. President Oakes were requested as to the "fittest person" for their minister, and these gentlemen recommended Mr. Foster as "the fittest and suitablest person" for that place. While remaining at Charlestown he was admitted freeman, in 1679. Soon after this, he went to Connecticut and preached in Hartford, and, from his name being printed in italics, it has been inferred that he was settled there, but this does not clearly appear from Dr. Trumbull.

SAMUEL PHIPPS.

1671. Samuel Phipps, son, it is presumed, of Solomon Phipps of Charlestown, who died in that town, July 25, 1671, was born about the year 1649. The most of his life was passed in civil offices, having been Register of Deeds for the county of Middlesex, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the same county, and representative for the town of Charlestown, where he resided. To the last office he was elected in 1692, being one of the first representatives under the charter of William and Mary. In 1700, he was one of the Commissioners of claims for receiving and examining all titles and claims to land in the eastern province of Maine. Mr. Phipps died in August, 1725, aged 76, and was buried in the tomb of his son-in-law Lemmon. His wife was Mary Danforth, daughter of Dep. Gov. Thomas Danforth. She was born July 28, 1650. [We find the name of Danforth associated with Phipps in the class of 1781.] Thomas Phipps, who graduated in 1695, was his son.

(To be continued.)

COMPLETE LIST OF CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS IN THE EASTERN PART OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, FROM ITS SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME; TOGETHER WITH NOTES ON THE MINISTERS AND CHURCHES.

BY THE REV. JONATHAN FRENCH OF NORTH HAMPTON.

NOTES.

Brentwood. In Dec. 12, 1748, according to Farmer's Statistics of New Hampshire ministers, Rev. Nathaniel Trask was settled in this place.

"Jan. 18, 1756, this church [Hampton church] was sent for to install the Rev. Mr. Trask at Brentwood. They chose Deacons Tuck and Lane, who went. And the affair was completed with love and peace, decency and good order. Mr. Odlin and Flagg prayed. I preached, Col. iv: 17. Mr. Whipple gave the charge. Attest, W. Cotton, Pastor."

Over a church newly organized, Mr. Trask was installed, as stated in the records of Rev. W. Cotton, Jan. 21, 1756.

Mr. Trask retained the pastoral office in Brentwood, 41 years; though he ceased from his pulpit labors, about two years before his death, which occurred Dec. 12, 1789, at the age of 67. He married Parnel Thing, June 15, 1749. Their children were Elizabeth, born July 30, 1750, died in Brentwood, Parnel, born July 2, 1752, died Sept. 8, 1756. Nathaniel, born Sept. 8. 1754, died Sept. 5, 1756; Mary, born Sept. 14, 1756. Parnel, born Aug. 27, 1759, died July 21, 1762. Samuel, born Sept. 10, 1762, settled and died in Brentwood, where his son and daughter now live. Jonathan, born Dec. 12, 1764, settled in Mount Vernon, Me.

From the decease of Mr. Trask, the church was without a pastor eleven years and a half. During that period, more than a hundred individuals were employed as candidates for settlement, or as supplies. Eight or ten, successively, received and declined invitations to settle.

At the ordination of the Rev. Ebenezer Flint, the church had become reduced to six male and thirteen female members. Mr. Flint died suddenly, Oct. 12, 1811, aged 42, leaving a widow, who died at the age of 72 years.

He studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Emmons. He married Mary, daughter of Deacon Kendall of Tewksbury, Ms. Two of his children were Mary K., who married Ebenezer Orne, and Abigail J., who married Jonathan Robinson, 3rd. The youngest son of Mr. Flint, Ezra M., married Louisa P. Haynes of Charlestown, Ms., and now lives there. The eldest, Ebenezer, resides in Brentwood, unmarried.

From the time of Mr. Flint's death, the church was destitute of a pastor more than four years.

Rev. Chester Colton preached at Brentwood, July 21, 1813. He proved to be the Barnabas they needed; and the friends of religious order, being encouraged and strengthened, settled him. Rev. Mr. Rowland of Exeter preached the ordination sermon, from 1 Cor. i: 21, and Rev. Dr. Pearson of Andover, Ms., gave the charge.

The people became ardently attached to Mr. Colton, and his labors were blessed. He was dismissed at his own urgent request, on account of an inflammation of his eyes which forbade application to study. Mr. Colton's vision was, in a few years, so far restored, by rest and medical treatment, that he resumed the labors of a pastor, and was installed at Lyme, Ct., Feb. 12, 1829. Recently he has labored under the direction of the Connecticut Missionary Society, in North Goshen, Ct.

Rev. Luke Ainsworth Spofford was installed in Brentwood, and, after laboring about three years, and not finding his hopes of usefulness realized, he requested and received a dismission. The number of church members reported, June, 1828, was 53. Subsequently to his ministry at Brentwood, Mr. Spofford was installed at Lancaster, N. H., 1829; Atkinson, N. H., 1832; Scituate, Ms., 1835; Chilmark, on Martha's Vineyard, Ms., 1842; from which place he removed to Newburg, N. Y., where his family resides. Mr. Spofford, before he came to Brentwood, had been ordained at Gilmanton, N. H., where he enjoyed a successful ministry of six years; but, on account of the state of his health, and the extent of the field, resigned June 9, 1825. For more particular notices, see Rev. Mr. Lancaster's History of Gilmanton, and Notes respecting the ministers in Gilmanton, in the first number of the New Hampshire Repository, Vol. I.

After Mr. Spofford's resignation, the people in Brentwood enjoyed the labors of Rev. Jonathan Ward about three and a half years.

Mr. Ward studied theology with Rev. Dr. Emmons, and was ordained in New Milford, now Alna, Me., in 1796, and resigned in 1818. Although Mr. Ward has never been installed in New Hampshire, he has, in many respects, performed the services of a pastor to some of the churches in a very acceptable and useful manner. Mr. Ward labored twelve years, most of the time statedly, in Plymouth, his native place, and the place of his father's ministry, for more than thirty-two years.

Mr. Ward's father, Rev. Nathan Ward, was born at Newton, Ms., April 11, 1721, died June 15, 1804, aged 83. He married Tamasin Ireland, who was born Jan. 1, 1722, O. S., and died Aug. 16, 1777. Rev. Nathan Ward, who was hopefully converted under the preaching of Mr. Whitefield, had not a collegiate education, but received an honorary degree of M. A. from Dartmouth College. His children, beside Jonathan the youngest, were Nathan, born Jan. 9, 1748, O. S., died Nov. 3, 1776; Enoch, born July 4, 1749, died July 31, 1825; Abraham, born Feb. 9, 1751, died Dec. 6, 1776; Mary, born Sept. 18, 1752, died Dec. 6, 1776; Abigail, born March 31, 1755, N. S., died Sept. 16, 1841; Samuel, born Aug. 26, 1756, died Nov. 8, 1776; Isaac, born March 16, 1758, died Feb. 27, 1816; Benjamin, born Sept. 21, 1761, died ——; Daniel, born Jan. 30, 1764; Esther, born Aug. 17, 1767, died Dec. 8, 1776. The submission of the parents was painfully tested, by the death of five of their children, with a putrid fever, within five weeks. Enoch, brother of Rev. N. Ward, entered the ministry, but died young. He graduated at Harvard University, 1736. The grandfather of Rev. J. Ward was Joseph, whose father was John, who settled in Newton, Ms., and one of a large family, brought by their father, William Ward, from England, about 1646, who settled in Sudbury, Ms. Rev. Jonathan Ward married Philenia Gay Whitaker of Attleborough, Ms., who was born April 6, 1776, and died April 25, 1825. Their children were Jonathan, born Nov. 30, 1800, graduated at D. C., 1822, studied at the Theological Seminary, Andover, ordained at Biddeford, Me., Oct. 26, 1825, died Feb. 8, 1826, aged 25; James Wilson, born May 21, 1803, graduated at D. C., 1826, studied at the Theological Seminary, Andover, and at New Haven, ordained at Abington, Ms., May 31, 1834; Philenia, born Oct. 16, 1804, married Frederick Robinson of Brentwood; Laura Elizabeth, born May 7, 1807, married Lucius M. Perdy of Sharon, Ct.

Rev. Francis Welch was the fourth settled minister in Brentwood. He has labored since he left that place in Ipswich, Linebrook Parish, Ms.; and in Perry, Washington County, Me.

Rev. John Gunnison, who had been previously ordained at Lyman, Me., May 12, 1831, installed over the Union Society of Salisbury and Amesbury, Ms., Dec 31, 1835, and at Newmarket, Lamprey River, Feb. 22, 1837, was installed at Brentwood. He was, after leaving Brentwood, installed at West Falmouth, Me., in Jan., 1842. He now resides at Portland, but at present supplies the pulpit of the first church in Westbrook. He studied theology with the Rev. Charles Jenkins of Portland, Me., and entered the ministry late in life. He married for his first wife, Joanna Dow of Gilmanton, and for his second, a woman by the name of Starboard.

Rev. James Boutwell, who was born May 14, 1814, graduated at the Theological Seminary, Andover, in 1840. He was an Instructor at Dunkirk, N. Y., one year. Mr. Boutwell has seven brothers and one sister older, and two sisters younger, than himself. His paternal grandfather was of Wilmington, Ms. His maternal grandfather was Dr. Benjamin Jones, of Lyndeborough, a physician of some celebrity, whose native place was Ipswich, Ms. Mr. Boutwell's brother, William Thurston Boutwell, was several years a missionary among the Ojibwa Indians, in Wisconsin. Mr. Boutwell married Mary P., daughter of Dea. Pascal Abbot of Andover, Ms., April 10, 1837. Their children are Mary Lucelia, born at Dunkirk, N. Y., March 8, 1838; James Pascal, born at Andover, Feb. 6, 1840, died Oct. 31, 1844; George Clark, born at Brentwood, Feb. 8, 1842; Charles Hawley, born at Brentwood, Oct. 29, 1843; Hannah Elizabeth, born March 11, 1846.

Deerfield was a part of Nottingham, from which it was separated, and incorporated Jan. 8, 1766. The Congregational Society was formed in Dec., 1772.

Rev. Timothy Upham was the first minister. His first wife, who was the mother of all his children, was Hannah, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Gookin of Northampton. Her twin sister, Elizabeth, married Dr. Edmund Chadwick of Deerfield, father of Peter Chadwick, Esq., of Exeter. The children of Rev. Mr. Upham are Hon. Nathaniel Upham of Rochester; Gen. Timothy Upham of Portsmouth; and Miss Hannah Upham, the celebrated Principal of the Female Institute in Canandaigua, N. Y. Among the grandchildren of Rev. Mr. Upham, are Rev. Thomas Cogswell Upham, D. D., Professor in Bowdoin College, who was previously pastor of the Congregational church in Rochester; Hon. Nathaniel Gookin Upham, a Judge of the Superior Court of N. H.; Mary, widow of Hon. David Barker, Jr., and now wife of Ebenezer Coe, Esq.; Alfred, M. D., of New York; Timothy, M. D., deceased; Joseph Badger Upham, Merchant in Portsmouth; Judith Almira, married to James Bell, Esq.; Hannah Elizabeth, deceased; Ruth Cogswell, married to John Berry, M. D.; Francis William, a member of the Boston Bar; and Albert Gookin, M. D., of Boston.

The New England genealogy of the Rev. Timothy Upham is traced to John Upham, born in England, in 1597, who emigrated to Weymouth, New England, in 1635, and went thence to Malden. He was highly esteemed for his piety, intelligence, and energy of character; filled various civil offices, and was deacon of the church many years. He performed the duties of moderator of a town meeting a few months before his death, which took place Feb. 25, 1681, at the age of 84.

Lieut. Phinehas Upham, son of John Upham, married Ruth Wood. He died in consequence of wounds received in the capture of Narraganset Fort, in 1675. Phinehas, son of Lieut. Phinehas, married Mary Mellins. His son Phinehas married Tamzen Hill, whose son Timothy married Mary Cheever. These last were the parents of Rev. Timothy Upham, whose New England ancestors, from the first, were men of influence in the church, and in the community, and were distinguished for intelligence, firmness of character, and a spirit of enterprise. The first wife of Rev. Timothy Upham died Aug. 4, 1797, aged 44. Mr. Upham died in the 63rd year of his age, and 39th of his ministry. The sermon at his funeral, from Heb. xiii: 8, by Rev. Peter Holt, ascribes to Mr. Upham "many gifts and excellent qualifications for a gospel minister." Mr. Upham's second wife, who was Miss Hephzibah Neal of Stratham, died May 11, 1811. See Family History, by Albert G. Upham, A. M., M. D., 1845.

Rev. Nathaniel Wells was engaged sixteen years in mercantile business before entering the ministry. He studied theology with Rev. Moses Hemmenway, D. D., of Wells, Me., whose daughter he married in 1797. After a diligent and useful ministry of about 30 years, he resigned his pastoral charge. Two of his sons are settled in the ministry. Theodore, ordained in Barrington, June 12, 1845; Moses Hemmenway, ordained in Pittsfield, Nov. 19, 1845. Rev. Nathaniel Wells was son of Dea. Nathaniel Wells, whose father was also Dea. Nathaniel Wells, who removed to Wells, Me., from Ipswich, Ms., and who was a son of Dea. Thomas Wells of Ipswich, who died in that place, Oct. 26, 1666.

Rev. Ephraim Nelson Hidden was Preceptor of Gilmanton Academy, three years; graduated at Gilmanton Theological Seminary, 1840; was married, Aug. 28, 1840, to Mary Elizabeth Parsons, daughter of Josiah Parsons, Esq., of Gilmanton, whose wife was Judith Badger, great-granddaughter of Gen. Joseph Badger, Senior. He was son of Ephraim Hidden, and nephew of Rev. Samuel Hidden of Tamworth, N. H., and grandson of Price Hidden of Rowley, Ms. His first New England ancestor emigrated from England and settled in Rowley.

Epping. Rev. Robert Cutler was the first minister. In 1755, Mr. Cutler, being charged with immoral conduct, was dismissed by a Council. He was installed in Greenwich, Ms., Feb. 13, 1760, where he died, Feb. 24, 1786, aged probably 68.

Rev. Josiah Stearns closed his ministry and life, July 25, 1788. He descended from Isaac Stearns, who came from England, with Gov. Winthrop, in 1630, and settled in Watertown. The line of descent is 1. Isaac and Sarah Stearns. 2. John Stearns, who married Sarah Mixer of Watertown. He settled in Billerica. 3. John Stearns, who married Elizabeth ——. He was the first child born in Billerica, on record. 4. John Stearns, who married Esther Johnson. She was a great-granddaughter of the celebrated Capt. Edward Johnson, author of the History of New England, entitled "Wonder-working Providence of Sion's Saviour in New England." In several publications, she is incorrectly mentioned as the daughter of the historian. Her father was a second Capt. Edward Johnson, her grandfather was William Johnson, Esq. John and Esther Stearns were the parents of Rev. Josiah Stearns of Epping. The following short obituary notice appeared in a public print, Aug. 27, 1788. It is attributed to the pen of the Rev. Dr. Tappan, then of Newbury, afterwards Professor of Divinity in Harvard University.

"For the Essex Journal and New Hampshire Packet.

"Mr. Hoyt,—The Rev. Mr. Stearns, whose death was announced in your last, sustained a character too great and too good to be passed over in silence. The God of Nature endued him with singular abilities, which, by the aid of erudition, fitted him for extensive usefulness. His assiduous application to the work of the ministry was truly worthy of imitation. In him shone an assemblage of virtues and graces which rarely meet in the same person. He had a lively fancy, a penetrating judgment, a correct taste, and a mind expanded as the heavens. His conversation was ever seasonable, grave, pathetic, and instructive. His public discourses were replete with good sense, with important truths in a clear and instructive light, and received the approbation of the best judges. He despised pageantry, without the appearance of affectation. He trusted to nothing mortal; pitied, but envied not, such as had their portion in this life. His advice in Council was often sought, and ever approved. He had a constitutional firmness, and was capable of the most dispassionate reasoning. He repudiated errors ancient and modern, and rejoiced to the last in his faithful adherence to the doctrines of grace. Elevated by the purer sentiments, he ever possessed a mind calm and serene. God, who is all-wise in council, was pleased to try his faith and patience in the furnace of affliction. After a lingering and painful sickness, he died of a cancer, in the 57th year of his age. In him died a friend to justice, liberty, and energetic government; a vigorous watchman, a patient guide, an affectionate pastor, a prudent, kind husband, and an indulgent but truly faithful parent."

Mr. Stearns was a close and thorough student. He studied the Scriptures in their original languages, with unremitting diligence. His limited means would not allow him to possess much of a library, but he was favored with the use of books by friends, who were able to own them. He was accustomed to borrow one volume at a time, and when he had read it through, its contents were his own. The late Rev. Dr. Thayer of Kingston, mentioning this fact, added, "The Bible especially was his Library." So intimate was his knowledge of the Scriptures, that "he could readily cite chapter and verse, where almost any text was to be found." Mr. Stearns was an ardent friend of liberty. "Some of his sons were in the field, during a greater part of the Revolutionary contest; and he sacrificed most of his worldly interest in support of the American cause." [Alden's Epitaphs.] He was a member of a State Convention, in Exeter, in which he regarded himself as fully committed to the risk of his personal safety. Returning from the Convention, he called his children around him, told them of the stand he had taken, and added, "If the cause shall prevail it will be a great blessing to the country, but if it should fail, your poor old father's head will soon be a button for a halter."

Mr. Stearns was tall in person, and interesting in his pulpit performances. He held the untiring attention of his audience, which not unfrequently filled the seats and aisles of his meeting-house, while, in pleasant weather, a number stood abroad around the doors and windows.

Of the printed sermons of Mr. Stearns, two were on 1 John iv: 8,—"God is love." These were preached in Exeter, and printed after his death, at the request, made to him in his last sickness, of Hon. John Phillips, for the use of the members of the Academy. Another was on early piety, with a brief memoir of Samuel Lawrence, preached Sept. 19, 1779. Another was a Fast sermon.

Mr. Stearns married first, Sarah Abbot of Andover. They had three sons and three daughters. One of the sons was John Stearns, Esq., of Deerfield, N. H. Mrs. Stearns died in November, 1766. In September, 1767, he married Sarah Ruggles, daughter of Rev. Samuel Ruggles of Billerica, who was a grandson of Rev. John Woodbridge of Andover, and great-grandson of Gov. Thomas Dudley. By the second marriage, also, Mr. Stearns had three sons and three daughters.

Rev. Samuel Stearns, son of Rev. Josiah Stearns, by his second marriage, was born in Epping, April 8, 1770; graduated at H. U. 1794; studied theology with Rev. Jonathan French of Andover; and was ordained in Bedford, Ms., April 27, 1795, where he died, Dec. 26, 1834, aged 65. He married Abigail, daughter of Rev. Mr. French of Andover. She was a descendant from John Alden, one of the first Pilgrims, who is said by some to have been the first person, who leaped upon the rock at Plymouth, New England, in 1620. Rev. Mr. Stearns of Bedford lived to see three of his sons settled in the ministry. Rev. Samuel Horatio Stearns, ordained over the Old South Church in Boston, Ms., April 16, 1834, died in Paris, France, July 15, 1837. His remains were brought to his native country, and rest in Mount Auburn Cemetery. Rev. William Augustus Stearns, ordained at Cambridgeport, Dec. 14, 1831, married Rebecca Alden Frazer of Duxbury. Rev. Jonathan French Stearns was ordained pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Newburyport, Sept. 16, 1835. He married first, Joanna Chaplin, daughter of Dr. James Prescott Chaplin of Cambridgeport. He married secondly, Anna S. Prentiss of Portland, Me. Sarah Caroline, a daughter of Rev. Mr. Stearns of Bedford, married Rev. Forest Jefferds, who was ordained at Epping, and afterwards installed at Middleton, Ms. Charlotte Esther, a daughter of Rev. Samuel Stearns, married Rev. Jonathan Leavitt. He was ordained at Bedford, and afterwards installed at Providence, R. I. Rev. Josiah Howe Stearns, son of Dea. William Stearns and grandson of Rev. Josiah Stearns of Epping, was ordained at Dennysville, Me., Nov. 6, 1844, and married Eliza Kilby, daughter of John Kilby, Esq., of that place. The mother of Rev. Josiah Howe Stearns, who was, before marriage, Abigail Richards Howe of Templeton, Ms., was a descendant of John Alden of Pilgrim memory.

Rev. Peter Holt, third pastor at Epping, was son of Joshua Holt, Esq., whose brother, Rev. Nathan Holt, was pastor of the second Church in Danvers, Ms. Rev. Peter Holt studied theology with Rev. Mr. French of Andover. He was installed over the Presbyterian church in Peterborough, March 7, 1827; resigned April, 1835; preached in Deering from 1835 to 1841. See notices of Mr. Holt by Rev. Mr. Whiton, in the N. H. Repository, Vol. I. No. 3. Rev. Mr. Holt of Epping married Hannah, daughter of Rev. Nathan Holt. They had seven children. Two survive, Sarah and Mary; the first of these married Samuel Endicott of Beverly. Nathan died at Epping, in his 12th year, of whom there is an obituary in the Piscataqua Evan. Mag. Vol. IV. p. 36. The family of Mr. Holt is traced to Nicholas Holt, who came from England to Newbury, in 1635, removed to Andover, and was one of the ten males who founded the church there in 1645. [Coffin's History of Newbury; Abbot's History of Andover; Farmer's Genealogical Register.]

Rev. Forest Jefferds, who succeeded Mr. Holt, was son of Samuel, who was the son of Samuel, who was the son of Rev. Samuel Jefferds of Wells, Me., whose father emigrated from England to Salem, Ms. Rev. Samuel Jefferds was favored with a revival of religion in Wells, in 1741-2, and was one of the attestors by letter to "the happy revival of religion in many parts of the land." [Tracy's Hist. Great Awak., p. 295.] Rev. Forest Jefferds received his classical and theological education at the Theological Seminary, Bangor, graduated 1825, was installed at Middleton, Ms., May 2, 1832, resigned May 15, 1844. Mr. Jefferds married Sarah Caroline, daughter of Rev. Samuel Stearns of Bedford.

Rev. Calvin Chapman was next ordained in Epping. A new house of worship had been erected, which was dedicated in connection with the services of his ordination. He graduated at Andover Theological Seminary, 1842, married Lucy B. Emerson of Parsonsfield, Me. Mr. Chapman is now settled at Sacarappa, Me.

Rev. Mr. Corser was a son of David Corser of Boscawen, who was a son of John, and grandson of John of Newbury, Ms., who emigrated to this country from Scotland, about the year 1690. John, with David his son, removed from Newbury to Boscawen, in the early settlement of the town, and purchased the whole of that tract of land, which, from their name, is called Corser's Hill. Mr. Corser studied divinity with Rev. Dr. Harris of Dunbarton, and was ordained in Loudon, March 5, 1817. He was dismissed from his charge Sept. 20, 1838. He preached as a supply at Northfield and Plymouth, till 1845. Since then he has supplied at Epping, where he now resides. His son, Samuel B. G. Corser, graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1841.

(To be continued.)

FOREIGN MISSIONARIES FROM NORWICH, CT.

The following is supposed to be a correct list of the Missionaries that have gone out from Norwich. About twenty of them were natives, and the others were for a considerable period residents of the town, before entering upon the duties of the missionary. Two of them, it will be seen, belong to an earlier period than the organization of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. One is attached to a Methodist Mission; one is an Episcopal clergyman in the employ of the Colonization Society, and twenty-four have been in the service of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

"To send an uneducated child into the world," says Paley, "is little better than to turn out a mad dog or a wild beast into the streets."

Mothers and schoolmasters plant the seeds of nearly all the good and evil which exist in our world. Its reformation must, therefore, be begun in nurseries, and schools.—Dr. Rush.

THE PASSENGERS OF THE MAY FLOWER IN 1620.

BY NATHANIEL BRADSTREET SHURTLEFF, M. D.

As early as the year 1602, several religious people residing near the joining borders of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire, together with their pious ministers, being grievously oppressed by courts and canons, resolved to shake off the yoke of antichristian bondage, and, as the Lord's free people, to form themselves by covenant into a church-state, to walk in all his ways according to their best knowledge and endeavors, cost them whatever it might.

In the year 1606, by reason of the distance of their habitations, these people were obliged to assemble in two places and become two distinct churches; over one of which Mr. John Smith was established pastor, and among the others were Mr. Richard Clifton and Mr. John Robinson, two very excellent and worthy preachers.

In the fall of 1607, Mr. Clifton and many of his church, being extremely harassed, removed themselves and families to Holland, where, in the spring of 1608, they were followed by Mr. Robinson and the rest. They settled first at Amsterdam, where they remained a year; but finding that Mr. Smith's church, which was there before them, had fallen into contention with others, they, valuing peace and spiritual comfort above other riches, removed with Mr. Robinson, their pastor, to Leyden, Mr. Clifton remaining in Amsterdam, where he soon died.

Soon after their arrival in Leyden, they chose Mr. William Brewster to assist the pastor, as Elder of the Church. In their new place of abode they lived in love and harmony with each other, and on friendly terms of intercourse with their neighbors, till they removed to America.

By the year 1610, many had come over to them from various parts of England, and they had increased and become a great congregation.

In 1617, Mr. Robinson and his church began to think of emigrating to America; and, as a preparatory step, sent Mr. Robert Cushman and Mr. John Carver from Leyden over to England, to treat with the Virginia Company, and also to see if the King would grant them the liberty of conscience there, which was refused them in the land of their birth. Although the agents were not able to obtain from the King their suit for liberty in religion under the broad seal, as was desired, nevertheless, they prevailed so far as to gain the connivance of the King that he would not molest them, provided they carried themselves peaceably. In 1618, the agents returned to Leyden, to the great discouragement of the people who sent them; who, notwithstanding, resolved, in 1619, to send again two agents to agree with the Virginia Company; and at this time they sent Mr. Cushman a second time, and with him Mr. William Bradford, who, after long attendance, obtained the patent granted by the Company to Mr. John Wincob, which was never used.

Notwithstanding all these troubles, so strong was their resolution to quit Leyden and settle in America, that they entered into an arrangement with Mr. Thomas Weston, a merchant of London, for their transportation, and sent Mr. Carver and Mr. Cushman to England, to receive the money of Mr. Weston, to assist in their transportation, and to provide for the voyage. By direction, Mr. Cushman went to London and Mr. Carver to Southampton, where they finally joined with Mr. William Martin, who had been chosen to assist them.

A vessel of sixty tons, called the Speedwell, was bought and fitted in Holland, to be used in their transportation, and was designed to be kept for use in their new country. Mr. Cushman, in June, 1620, also hired at London the renowned May Flower, a vessel of ninescore tons, and also Mr. Clarke, the pilot.

Mr. Cushman, having procured the May Flower at London, and fitted it for the voyage, proceeded in it to Southampton, where he and Captain Jones, together with the other agents, remained seven days, until the arrival of the Pilgrims who left Leyden in July, embarking from Delft Haven.

On the 5th of August, both vessels, the May Flower, Capt. Jones, and the Speedwell, Capt. Reinolds, set sail from Southampton. The small vessel proving leaky, they both put in to Dartmouth about the 13th of August, where they remained till the 21st, when they set sail again. Both vessels were obliged to return a second time on account of the leakage of the Speedwell; and this time they put back to Plymouth, where they gave up the small vessel and dismissed those who were willing to return to London, Mr. Cushman and his family returning with them.

On the 6th of September, their number then consisting of one hundred persons, they made their final start, and arrived at Cape Cod on the eleventh day of November, when they signed the famous compact, and landed at Plymouth, in America, on the eleventh day of December, Old Style, or on the twenty-first of December, New Style, in the year 1620.

During their passage, one only died, William Butten, a young man, servant to Mr. Samuel Fuller, the physician of the new colony, who was included in Mr. Fuller's family, according to Governor Bradford, although dead at the time of the signing of the compact.

One person was born during the passage, Oceanus Hopkins, a son of Mr. Stephen Hopkins, who did not survive long after the landing.

At the commencement of the voyage, the number of passengers of the May Flower was one hundred, and at the time of the arrival at Cape Cod Harbor it was the same; one having died, and one having been born, thus preserving the integrity of the number. Both of these persons, however, are numbered among the passengers, and hence the number is generally stated as one hundred and one.

Peregrine White, son of Mr. William White, was born in Cape Cod Harbor, in November, after the signing of the compact and before the landing, and is not included with the voyagers. He enjoyed the distinction of being the first born white child in New England, of the Leyden Pilgrims.

The first child born after the landing on the twenty-second day of December, 1620, was a son of Mr. Isaac Allerton, but it did not survive its birth.

The May Flower has already been stated to have been a vessel of about ninescore tons, and was procured at London by Mr. Robert Cushman, who was debarred the privilege of coming over with the infant colonists, as it was necessary that he should remain in England, to keep together those who were left behind, and to provide for their future emigration, as he had done for that of those of the first passage. This he did by procuring the Fortune, and sailing from London in July, 1621, and arriving in New England on the 9th of November of the same year. It is also highly probable that he obtained the other early vessels, as he continued to be the agent of the Pilgrims till his death, which occurred in England, just as he was ready to come to spend the rest of his days in New England. In 1624, when the first division of land for continuance took place, Mr. Cushman, although in England, was placed at the head of the list of those who came in the May Flower; an act of justice alike creditable to our forefathers and honorable to him.

The May Flower not only brought over the first of the Leyden Pilgrims, but also, in the year 1629, with four other vessels, transported Mr. Higginson and his company to Salem; and in 1630, was one of the fleet which conveyed to New England Mr. Winthrop and the early settlers of the Massachusetts Colony.

A vessel bearing this name was owned in England about fifteen years or more before the voyage of our forefathers; but it would be impossible to prove or disprove its identity with the renowned May Flower, however great such a probability might be. It is known, nevertheless, that this identical famous vessel afterwards hailed from various English ports, such as London, Yarmouth, and Southampton, and that it was much used in transporting emigrants to this country. What eventually became of it, and what was the end of its career, are equally unknown to history.

The following list of passengers is made up from various sources. By referring to the list of those who signed the compact at Cape Cod, taken from Governor Bradford's folio manuscript, we know who signed the compact, and the number of persons in the family of each; who of the signers brought wives, and who died the first winter. By the pocket-book of Governor Bradford we know the names and dates of the deaths of sixteen who died the first season, and how many died before the arrival of the Fortune, on the 9th of November, 1621. By an examination of the Old Colony Records, we know to whom land was assigned in 1624, and what families were extinct at that time; and, as the families were arranged according to the vessel in which they came, and an acre was granted to each individual, we know how many were at that time in each family. Smith has also told us that none of the first planters died during the three years preceding the close of the year 1624. By the division of cattle, in the year 1627, a record of which was made at Plymouth, we know every individual who was living at that date, and the relative age of each person in every family. By wills, records, and gravestones, we know the ages of many of the Pilgrims and their children.

From such materials, and with such authorities, the following table has been constructed; and it is believed, that, although there is a possibility of the existence of small errors which can never be proved, the list is entirely or very nearly correct.

In order to save space and unnecessary printing, and to exhibit more readily for reference some of the most important facts, the following distinctive marks are made use of.

Those who signed the compact at Cape Cod, on the 11th of November, 1620, are in capitals.

The number in each family is indicated by the Arabic numeral.

Those who brought their wives have this mark, †.

Those who left them for a time in Holland or England are thus distinguished, ‡.

Those who died before the arrival of the Fortune on the 9th of November, 1621, have an asterisk, *.

Those who died before the division of cattle in 1627, are in italics.

The dates of those who died the first season are given as taken from Bradford's pocket-book.

The number of deaths of the first planters that occurred from the time the May Flower left England, to the year 1625, may be thus enumerated:—

In the division of land in 1624, Henry Samson and Humilitie Cooper had land assigned them among those who came in the May Flower, and for this reason they have been generally believed to have been among the passengers of that vessel. If such is the case they can be placed in the family of Mr. Carver better than that of any other. But, as Mr. Cushman is also placed on that list, it may be reasonably inferred that others were put there for some other reasons, as perhaps Samson and Cooper, who are therefore excluded in this account.

John Goodman is marked in Bradford's manuscript as among those who died the first season. But as his name occurs among those who had garden lots in 1620, and also in the division of land in 1623, it must be inferred that he was marked by mistake, or else Mr. Prince committed an error in taking his copy for the Annals.

Three of the wives of the signers were left in Europe; namely, Bridgett, the wife of Dr. Samuel Fuller, Hester, the wife of Francis Cooke, and Elizabeth, the wife of Richard Warren. These afterwards came over in the Ann, in 1623.

Five lost their wives and married again; namely, William Bradford, who married widow Alice Southworth; Edward Winslow, who married widow Susanna White; Isaac Allerton, who married Fear Brewster, and afterwards, Joanna ——; Miles Standish, who married Barbara ----; and Francis Eaton, who married Christian Penn.

Others were married for the first time; namely, John Howland and Elizabeth Carver; George Soule and Mary; Love Brewster and Sarah Collier; John Alden and Priscilla Mullins; Resolved White and Judith Vassal; Giles Hopkins and Catherine Wheldon; Edward Dotey and Faith Clarke; John Cooke and Sarah Warren; Samuel Eaton and Martha Billington.

Several of the Pilgrims had children born in New England, an account of whom may form another article at some future time.

MAJOR PENDLETON'S LETTER.

Copy of a letter from Major Brian Pendleton to the "Honored Governor and Counsell for the Matacusets at Boston," occasioned by the attack of the Indians on Casco, Me.

"Honored Governor
together with the Counsell,

I am sorry my pen must be the messenger of soe greate a Tragedye. On the 11th of this instant wee heard of many killed of our naybors in falmouth or Casco-Bay: and on the 12th instant Mr. Joslin sent me a briefe letter written from under the hands of Mr. Burras[24] the minister. Hee gives an acct of 32 killed and carried away by the Indians: himselfe escaped to an Island, but I hope Black poynt men have fetched him of by this time. 10 men 6 women and 16 children. Anthony a[n]d Thomas B[r]a[c]ket and Mr. Munjoy his sonne onely are named. I had not time to coppye the letter, persons beinge to goe post to Major Walden; but I hope he hath before this sent the originall to you. How soon it will be our portion wee know not. The Lord in mercy fit us for death and direct the harts and hands to ackt and doe wt is most needfull in such a time of distress as this. Thus in haste I commit you to Pvdounce of our Lord God and desire Your prayers also for us. Yours in all humility to sarve in

"Winter Harbor at night } the Lord,
the 13 of August, 1676." } BRIAN PENDLETON."

FOOTNOTES:

[24] Rev. George Burroughs.

CAPT. MILES STANDISH'S INVENTORY OF BOOKS.

The following books are mentioned in the Inventory of the goods of Capt. Miles Standish, as they were shewn to the Appraisers, John Alden and James Cudworth, Dec. 2, 1656. The account is here given as found in the Inventory.

[NOTICES OF THE COURTS OF JUDICATURE AND OF THE BAR OF THE COUNTY OF MERRIMACK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.]

BY STEPHEN COLBY BADGER, ESQ., OF CONCORD.[25]

The History of the Courts in New Hampshire, including an account of the various systems of Judicature from time to time, has been published in an article contained in the American Quarterly Register, Vol. XII., prepared by Francis Cogswell, Esq., of Dover, and in Articles contained in the New Hampshire Repository, Vols. I. and II., prepared by William Butterfield, Esq., of Gilmanton, Hon. Samuel D. Bell of Manchester, and the Hon. John Kelly of Exeter, N. H. Nothing further need be said on this subject.

The County of Merrimack, by an act of the Legislature, passed in 1823, was formed from the Counties of Hillsborough and Rockingham, with the exception of a part of the town of Franklin, which was taken from Sanbornton, then in Stratford County, now in the County of Belknap. It contains twenty-four towns.

The Counties of Hillsborough and Merrimack compose the Second Judicial District for the transaction of business of the Superior Court, and Courts are held annually at Concord on the second Tuesday of July, and at Amherst on the second Tuesday of December.

The following list of Judges, County Officers and Members of the Bar, include those who resided within the limits of the County of Merrimack before its formation, and also those who have resided within the County since it was formed.