THE LIBRARY
OF
THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA
LOS ANGELES
Ex Libris
Katharine F, Richmond
and
Henry C. Fall
0^67,
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'fjj>
RELIGIOUS HISTORY
South Hampton, N. H.
AN APPENDIX.
EXETER, N. H.:
the news-letter steam job print.
i88f.
INDEX.
3R .
PAGE
History of Congregational Church 5
Ancient Boundaries 5
Rocky Hill Church 6
Division of Parsonage Land 7
First Meeting House 9
Rev. Wm. Parson's Settlement 9
Parsonage House 12
Rev. Wm. Parson's Dismissal 16
Settlement of Rev. Nath'l Noyes 19
Sale of North Parsonage . . . 21
Dismissal of Rev. Nath'l Noyes 34
History of Baptist Church 27
Letter of Abigail Carter 27
Organization of Brentv*fOod Branch Church 29
Records of Branch Church 30
Records of Brentwood Church 31
Baptist Church Constituted 38
Meeting-House Built 41
Ordination of Samuel C. Gilbert 43
Ordination of Samuel Ladd 46
Ordination of E. A. Edwards 49
Death of Rev. S. E. Brown 51
Death of Rev. P. W. Tolman 54
History of Free- Will Baptist Church 58
Church Organized 58
Ordination of Rev. P. Hanscom 59
Removal of Church to Amcslmry 60
Other Religious History 62
Sale of Parsonage 63
Universalist History 63
Methodi.st History 65
Lay Services 65
APPENDIX.
Charter, Town of South Hampton, 1742 70
Petition of tweuty-cight persons, not to join South Hampton 0!)
Petition of eiglit persons to be set off to Hampton Falls 72
Act of 1742, polling sundry persons from South Hampton to Hampton Falls . . 73
Seabrook granted, 1768 74
Agreement as to taxation between South Hampton and Seabrook, 1795 75
Act of 1822, establishing line between South Hampton and Seabrook 75
South Hampton'.s i)ublic property in Seabrook exempt from taxation 76
Agreement with Salisbury, dividing parsonage lands, 1743-4 76
(Quitclaim Deed, North Parsonage, by Rev. Nathaniel Noyes, 1763 77
South Hampton's vote, 1748, liberty to join the New Town 78
Act of 1749, Thirty men to join Newtown 79
Petition, 1770, to establish line with Newtown — 81
Act of 1772, establishing line between South Hampton and Newtown 82
Names of those who signed Association Test, 1776 83
1066158
INTRODUCTION.
By invitation of the Baptist Church in South Hampton,
the Portsmouth Baptist Association held its fifty-second
annual session at South Hampton, on Wednesday and
Thursday, September 15 and 16, 1880.
The Baptist Church was constituted September 29, 1830,
and the semi-centennial services were held on Tuesday, Sep-
tember 14, 1880, at the Baptist Church. Rev. S. S. White,
Rev. John K. Chase, Rev. Otis Wing, Rev. E. A. Edwards,
former pastors, and others, participating. On Tuesday
evening, September 14, Mr. B. R. Jewell delivered a histori-
cal address upon the religious history of the town other than
that of the Baptist Church. On Wednesday evening, Sep-
tember 15, 1880, the history of the Baptist Church was given
by Mr. Jewell, before a large audience. These addresses
attracted the attention of several of the public spirit-
ed citizens, who desired to have them published in pamphlet
form, and it was also thought desirable to have an appendix
added, giving historical facts not especially connected with
the religious histor3^ and a committee consisting of F. B.
French, Esq., Mr. P. P. Whitehouse and Mr. Jonathan
Pressey was chosen to prepare the same. At the Town
Meeting held November 2, 1880, the town voted to appropri-
ate $25.00 for the purpose of furnishing each resident tax
pa3^cr with a copy of the pamphlet when printed ; and the
following named citizens have generously contributed the
sum necessary to secure its publication : Joseph T. Merrill,
Jacob Eaton, Frederick B. French, Jonathan Pressey,
Phineas P. Whitehouse, Moses J. Eaton, James M. Jewell,
Samuel Eastman, Isaiah F. Purinton, Rev. S. S. White,
Barnard Jewell, and the author, Benjamin R. Jewell.
THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY
SOUTH HAMPTON, N.H
In presenting the religious history of our town, a prevail-
ing error should be corrected. The New Hampshire Gazeteer,
in giving the early history of the town, sa^'s it was formed
from i^arts of Hampton and Kingston. And in the Court
Records, case of South Hampton vs. Fowler, we find, De-
cember, 1872, N. H. Reports, Vol. 52, Page 229, by Chief
Justice Bellows :
"The town of Wiunieumett, soon changed to Hampton, em-
braced what is now Nortli Hampton, South Hanii)ton, Hampton
Falls, Kensington, Seabrook, and j^erhaps other territory, all
taken at ditlerent times from Hami)ton, Avhich is now a small
town." "If the title is held to rest in the new town where the
land happens to fall, then it would bo fatal to the plaintiff's claim
to recover, as the lands lie within the incorporate town of
.Seal)rook."
Page 2oO : "We have thus i-eferred to the existence of these
ancient towns, and the fact that llie towns of Seabrook and South
Hampton were formed out of Hampton."
Prior to 1741, the boundary line of New IIani[)sliire and
IMassachusetts was what is called the Shapley line, the pres-
ent northern boundary of South Hampton being the stat(^
line, lience the town was wholly a i)!irt of Amesbury and
Salisbury-, extending from the Atlantic on the east to the
town of Kingston on the north-Avest, thence south two and a
quarter miles to the Mitchcl line, so-called, embracing the
2
present town ul' South Hampton, nearly two-thirds of the area
of Seahrook, and the easterly portion of the town of Newton.
The t(jwn was chartered May 25, 1742, by Benning Went-
Avorth, Governor of the Province of New Hampshire in the
reign of George II. The first meeting was authorized to l>e
warned and called liy Joseph Jewell. John Flanders and
Henry Currier, on June 7, 1742.
Previous to this tune the people at Loggin Plain (South
Hampton Hill) Avorshipped with the Second Church in Salis-
1)ury, now known as the Rocky Hill Church. Rev. Jose[)h
I'arsous was the pastor. The meeting-house was then located
about one mile north of the present cliurch and near the
residence of the hite Aaron O. Morrill in Salisbury. A move-
ment was made as early as 1735 to have the meeting-house
moved to some other location, but it was not voted till 1784,
Avhen it was removed to tlie present location.
The Rock}' Hill Church was gathered November 17, 171H,
and Rev. Joseph Parsons was called to the pastorate. He
died March 13, 173!), in the sixty-ninth year of his age, and
the twenty-first of his ministry. The church received three
hundred members during his pastorate. In August, 1742,
Rev. Sanuiel Webster, D. I)., accepted the call of the church,
and died in 171)G. in tlie liftN'-lifth year of his ministry. Up-
wards of three hundred people -joinetl the church during his
ministry, fifty-three on January 4, 1756, and seventy-nine
during that year. Rev. Andrew Beatie was pastor from
June 28, 1797, to March 16, 1801. His successor was Rev.
William Pialch, who was pastor from 1802 to 1816. From
IS 16 to 1830 there was no settled pastor. At that time Re\-.
Benjamin SawA'cr was called to the pastorate and continued
in charge of the churcli until his death, in Marcli 1S71.
In November, 1735, the town of Salisbury voted that they
would not hire a minister to i)rcach a third of the time above
Powow Hill, at Loggin Plain, althougii land ibr the sup[»ort
of the ministry had ))een set olf in this division. In Decem-
ber, 1738, the town of Salisbury voted that the meeting-
house should uot be moved to Stillsou Allen's, nor anything
be allowed for the support of preaehing to those inhabitants
living above Powow Hill.
Upon the death of Rev. Joseph Parsons, in 1739, Henry
French and sixty-six others at Loggin Plain, above Powow
Hill, remonstrated against the settlement of another pastor
of the AVest Church in KSalisl)ury, unless the meeting-house
was moved to better accommodate them. March 10, 1740,
ten persons are named in the records as excused from pa^'ing
minister rates in Salisbiuy, if it would l)etter accommodate
them to attend and sup[)ort the meeting at the East Parish
of Kingston.
The pslrsonagc land of Salisbury-, in what is now South
Hampton, at that time was divided into six divisions, and is
thus recorded : ''The tirst jjiece is from the north-east end of
Hampton line running south-westerl}' about 32 rods to a pop-
ple tree, marked, near iMr. Townsend's fence, from wdiich it
runs north-westerly to a pretty large hemlock tree standing
on high land near a fence which Thomas Flanders erected.
The second piece is from the above said popple tree along by
Mr. Townsend's line till it conies square with an ash stump
in a swamp, which stump is twelve rods from IMr. Townsend's
line, (A small hemlock is standing by it, and both are mark-
ed with the letter p.) from which it runs north-westerly to a
dry hemlock tree standing in the same swamp and marked
with the letter p, and is the bounds between Flanders' lot
and 3'e parsonage land. The third piece is from said ash
stump south-westerly about seventy rods to a pretty large
beech tree, marked, near Flanders' line, thence across to a
small Ijcech tree, marked, by INIr. Townsend's fence. The
fourth piece is from the l)ounds last mentioned soutli-Avester-
ly to a stake and stone by Flanders' line, a little north-cast-
ward of the swamp called ye loggin swamp, and so across to
Townsend feucc The lifth piece is from the above said
stake and stones up to the Loggin Plain highway. The sixth
piece is that \Vhole tract of land lying on the south-westerly
side of Loggiu Plain highway, Avhero the Iron Works now
stand." The several divisions of land were the outside
pieces set apart for religious purposes, and were equally di-
vided between Rev. Caleb Cushing and Rev. Samuel Web-
ster. The first division is on the present Kensington line,
and with divisions second, third and fourth extended to the
northern boundary- of the North Parsonage , and included the
land now known as the Badger farm and French land, owned
by residents of Kensington and by the heirs of Thomas J.
Goodwin, Amos Merrill, Abel Brown and others, of South
Hampton. What was known as Loggin Swamp is probably
that now called the New Meadows. The fifth and sixth
divisions were afterwards known as the North and South
Parsonages in South Hampton.
The North Parsonage, containing eighteen acres, was situ-
ated on the west side of the Peak road and probably cover-
ing the location of the residences of John W. Downing,
Joseph W. Follansbee, perhaps that of Phillips White, and
extending to the foot of Indian Ground Hill. The South
Parsonage contained about twent3'-eight acres and extended
from Mill Road Corner to a point nearly opposite the present
pound, and thence running to Powow river, and from thence
to the Mill Road. The border upon the river was very nar-
row. The present owners of the land are Barnard Jewell,
James M. Jewell, Nathan Peters, Joseph Follansbee, Nathan
Paige, Jacob C. Noyes. Jonathan Pressey, L. O. Hatch and
W. H. Fitts. The public buildings upon the same are Town
House, Barnard School-house, Baptist Meeting-house, and
the school-house. District No. 1. The new burying ground
is also on the South Parsonage lot.
At the first town meeting, held June 7. 1742, it was
voted that the selectmen should make the minister's rates for
the year ensuing, and it was also voted that the selectmen
emplo}' the Rev. William Parsons to sui)ply the pulpit, until
further orders. Jul}' 26, 1742, the following vote was
passed : "Whereas, we, the subscribers, have done consid-
9
erable toward Imilding a meeting-lionse at a place called
Loggin Plain, in Sonth Hampton, wo will give up the said
meeting-house to the town for said town's use, except one
set of pews round the meeting-liouse which we have already
sold and laid the mone}' out toward building the meeting-
house, and -we do refuse pay for the same on condition that
the meeting-house remains in the place it now stands."
Signed by Thomas Merrill, John Flanders, Joseph JcAvell,
Joseph Chandler, Samuel Barnard, James Morrill, Paul Mor-
rill, Reuben Currier, Joseph Morrill, Lawrence Stearns,
Samuel Currier, David French, Ebenezer French, Nathan
Gould, Joseph Gould, Abncr Gould, Joseph French, Nathan-
iel Morrill, Henr}' French, John Morrill, Richard Collins,
Joseph Morrill, Henry Currier, Ezekiel Morrill, Reuben Di-
mond and Richard Fitts. September 2, 1742, the following
action was taken in reference to settling a minister. The
seventh day of September was set apart as a da}- of fasting
and prayer, and a committee of three appointed to discuss
with the ministers after the fast, how to proceed in an order-
ly manner to settle a minister.
September 29, 1742, the town chose a committee to divide
the parsonage land with Salisbury. October 13, the com-
mittee reported, " The Salisbury committee did not come to
us and we would not go to them."
November 2G, 1742, the following vote was> passed:
''Whereas we, the inhabitants of this town, being in present
want of a pious, learned and orthodox minister of a good con-
versation, to dispense the word and administer the ordi-
nances of our Lord Jesus among us, and it ])eing our duty
to look up to Heaven for divine assistance to guide us in all
our atfairs, therefore, voted, that Thursda}', the second day of
December next, ))e appointed a day of fasting and prayer,
in order for the calling and settling a gospel minister among
us." At the same meeting a committee was chosen "to call in
the assistance of neighboring ministers to celebrate the day
of fasting and prayer among us."
10
At a legal meeting held Deeemlier 27, 1742, it was voted
to give Rev. William Parsons a call "'to settle in tlie work of
the gospel ministry among ns," and a committee was chosen
to carr}' the town's offer to him and to receive his answer, on
Jannary 3, 1743. It was voted that we build a convenient
house and barn for tlie use of Rev. Mr. Parsons. His salary
was "the income of the South Parsonage, witli pi'ivilege to
cut wood for fire on Xortli Parsonage, and forty-five pounds
in bills of credit on either province, at silver at six shillings
and eight pence per ounce." The following is a copy of Mr.
Parson's letter of acceptance :
"South HAMrxox, January 19, 1742-3.
"It liaving pleased God to direct and incline you to make
choice of me to be emploj'ed in tlie work of the ministry among
3'ou, and you liaving taken those metliods Avhicli you liave
thouglit proper, in a solemn and important affair, and therefore
trust tliat God liath been witii you in it. I do now look upon my-
self obliged in duty to (iod and to you his people to accept of the
call you have given me, and in an humble sense of my own im-
worthiness of so holy and honorable an affair as that of minister
of the gospel of Jesus Clirist, I do hereby signify my disposition
and purpose, Cod willing, to take tliis among you upon me, and
Ijeing sensible of my own insnilieiency for so worthy an under-
taking, for wdio is sulbcient for these things, I do rely upon the
grace whicli tlie great and glorious head of the church hath said
is sufficient for me, and liope tliat according to His gracious
promise He will ever be present witli me. Earnestly requesting
an interest in your jjrayers for tlie. same, tliat I may be therelty
an ornament to Religion and the J^vangelical ministry, and a rich
blessing in the Church of Christ and to that i)art of it in this par-
ticular place, and in a particular manner ; and at tlie same time
I do faithfully acknowledge the good disposition that hath ap-
peared in 3'ou toward my worldly support and maintenance among
you, which you have voted and recorded, and which I hope has
been as freely and heartily as voluntarily offered by you, and be-
lieving the same Christian-like disijosition that has been already
discovered in j'ou, is still in you and will be in you, I encourage
mj'self, if that should be found to be not sufficient for my comfort-
able and honorable subsistence, that you wdll not be backward in
doing that shall appear further necessai-y toward it. ITpon Avhich
I trust, under Cod, we sliall be enabled faithfully to discharge
the mutual di;ties we owe to one another, and that we maj" now
and ever pursue the Apostle rani's exhortation, and walk agree-
ably thereto, in riiillipians 2 : 14. So do all things without mur-
muring and disputing, that we maj' reap the benefits and rewards
in verses fifteen and sixteen ; that we mav be blameless and
11
liarmloss, the son>; ol'dod williniU rohuko, lioldinp,' forth tiie word
ol'Lith that I may rojoico in the day orciirisl, lliat I liave not run
in vain neitlier laborod in vain.
"WILLIAM rARSONS."
The ehureli was oi'o-anizcd February 22, 1743, The ser-
vices were as follows: "The Rev. Mr. Secomb, of Kino-ston,
began with prayer; the Rev. Mr. Whipple, of IIani[)t()u
Falls, preached from the text, 'Where there is no vision, the
people perish.' The Rev. Mr. Coffin, of East Kingston, eon-
eluded with pra3'er." The council consisted of the elders
and delegates from the two churches in Salisbury, First
Church in Exeter, Second Church in Hampton, First Cluirch
in Bradford, the church in Kensington, the church in the
parish of North Hampton, and the Second Clnirch in Kings-
ton. 'Rev. Caleb Cushing, of Salisbury, was moderator.
The council having heard and considered the objections
against the organization of the church, voted to proceed.
Pra3'er was offered by Rev. Mr. Parsons, of Bradford ; the
covenant was read by Rev. Mr. Odlin, of Exeter, to the
members, and upon their united assent to it, incorporated
them into a church by themsevles, according to the rules and
order of the Gospel, ivcommending them to tlie grace of
God, and then Mr. Odlin preached a sermon to them upon
tlie text, "Let us therefore follow after the things that make
for peace and things whereby we may edify another," and
concluded with prayer, and the council adjourned to meet the
next day. The council met according to adjourniuont, and
proceeded to the ordination of Rev. William Parsons to the
work of the gospel ministry. Rev. Mr. Coffin, of Kingston,
offered praj'er ; Rev. Mr. Parsons, of Bradford, preached
from John 21:1."), 10. Rev. Mr. Cushing, of Salisl)ury,
gave the charge, Rev. Mr. Whii)ple, of Hampton Falls, the
right hand of fellowsliip, the Rev. iVIr. \Vel)ster, of Salishiu-y,
made the last prayer, tlie one hundred and twenty-second
Psalm was sung and the assembly dismissed.
Rev. William Pai'sons, Tiionias Merrill ami twelve others
constituted the lirst Congregational ehmcli. One month
12
later, on Lord's day, March 20, 1743, thirty-nine were ad-
mitted by letter from the Rocky Hill Church, and three new
members. From this date to the resignation of Mr. Parsons,
in 17G2, sixty-one were admitted to the clmreh b^- letter, and
one hundred and fourteen new members. In January, 1743,
the town voted to build a parsonage house on the south lot,
thirt3'-eight feet long, twenty-eight feet wide, studding six-
teen feet, to be finished within two years, at a cost of five-
hundred and thirty-eight pounds, old tenor. In December,
1743, the town voted to build a })arsonage barn, to be finished
within eighteen months, its dimensions l)eiug tliirty-two
feet length, twenty-four feet width, posts twelve feet. Tlie
cost fifty pounds, old tenor.
Very early in the history of the town the inhabitants of
that part which is now in tlie town of Newton were dissatis-
fied with their accommodations for religions worship, and on
September 29, 1742, the following vote was passed:
"Whereas, there are a number of inhabitants of the town that
live at considerable distance from meeting, and the}' have
thought in time to be better accommodated than constantly
to assemble with us, and we being desirous to exercise all
Christian regard and kindness to them, vote, first, that all
those persons that live above or to the westward of Captain
Jonathan Currier's, that have a mind to go off and be a
parish shall have their extraordinar}' charges that they are
now at, among us, paid back again to them ; that is, all their
part of the extraordinary charges that shall arise to them by
finishing the meeting-house, settling a minister and building
for him, when the}' shall be thought capable by lawful author-
ity to maintain the gospel of Christ among them, provided
they do not molest or hinder us at the other part in our
speedy settling a gospel minister among us, and that they
pay toward his support while they are of us and belong to us,
hoping at the same time they will of their own free wills be
assisting to us. Secondly, voted, that we will make no
opposition to tlieni in their endeavors to be a regular town
13
or parish, whenever they shall he thought capahle l\y lawful
authority."
What is now known as the Mill road was laid out thi'ough
the parsonage land in 1745.
On March 7, 1748, the town, after five years of contention
with Salislnuy, agreed upon a division of the parsonage lands
of the two towns upon the following basis : "Whereas, Capt.
John Morrill, Capt. Elias Pike and I)ea. John Morrill were
legallj" chosen a committee hy the town of Salisbury, and
Reuben Dimond, Joseph French, Jr., and Ephraim Brown
were legall}' chosen a committee hy the town of South Hamp-
ton, to agi'ee and set-off to the town of South Hampton their
proportion of the parsonage lands that were formerly laid
out within the ancient boundaries of Salisbury', and it was
agreed upon by both committees that that part of South
Hampton which was Salisbur}- shonld have that part of the
parsonage lands lying in South Hampton in the Mill division,
l^'ing on the south side of the highway and butting on Powow
river, and eighteen acres of the addition of the parsonage
land on the north side of the highway for their proportion,
reserving to Salisbury' a driftwaj' ; therefore, voted, that the
agreement made by said committee shall be recorded on each
town book of records and there remain for a perpetual
agreement and a final determination of the premises."
Three months later the town voted, "That whereas there
are a number of persons, that live at the west end of the
town, that think they can better accommodate themselves l)y
joining with their neighbors for a meeting-house, than con-
stantly' to assemble with us, and w(! being willing to show
them all Christian regard and kindness, vote that all those
persons that live at the west end of this town that have a
mind to go off, shall Iiave the liberty' to i)oll off themselves
and theii" estates and join with their neighbors in the district
for a parish in all affairs, provided the}' poll off or file a list
of their names with His Excellency the Governor, within
thirty days Ihnw the day of the dntc thereof." Soon
14
after it was chartered, South Hampton lost several ol'
its inhabitants hy their polling oft" to other parishes. In
Noveniher, 1742, John Collins and seven others were
polled oft' to Hampton Falls, heeanse they were more
than six miles from the meeting-honsc in South Hamp-
ton. Tlie same year John Page and Benjamin Baker desircMl
to 1)e polled otf to Hampton Falls f(jr the convenience of the
privilege of public worship, but the town remonstrated to the
(ieneral Assembly, and their selectmen said, "Every man
cannot have an equal privilege in going to public worship,"
but the}- have laid out a highwa}' to Dr. Page's house
(probabl}- the Peak road), and they further claim that the
meeting-house is nearer than the one at Hampton Falls, and
that they would not attend worship there, but at Salisbury,
"as their practice now is, and now thirteen families from
Salisbury attend here." The petition was dismissed.
The agitation for a new town was l)egun at the west part
of the town as earh' as 1742, by Jonathan Farmer and twen-
ty-six others. They protested against the settlement of
William Parsons and the organization of the church ; they
desired the new town to be bounded on the east In- the
Powow river, and South Hampton, through its selectmen, re-
monstrated. The remonstrants said if the line for the
boundar}' proposed l\v the said Farmer and others was adopt-
ed, it would come within a mile of the South Hampton meet-
ing-house, and the}' would take all h'ing Avest of the meeting-
house save four houses, and it would make them that live far
from the meeting-house on the east side dissatisfied, and if
their prayer was granted we asked to be joined to the Ken-
sington parish. Thomas Fowler and Joseph Fowler remon-
strated against a new parish and recommended a removal of
the meeting-house in this town.
The ))oun(lar3- line of Newton, or the Amesbur}' district,
was from a point near the residence of Dr. J. G. Gale to
Country Pond. Thus the part of Newton now in the pre-
cincts of the parish of the Christian Church was in Soutli
15
Hampton. In accordance with the vote of South Hampton,
in June, 1748, thirty famihes polled oft' and made a part of
Newton, whieli was chartered December G, 1749. There
were other famiUes in the portion of South Hampton tliat is
now Newton, tliat did not poll oft". Thus neighl)ors, side by
side on the same street, were residents of ditferent towns.
In 17G8, Jonathan Currier and others desired to l)e polled off
to Newton on account of convenience, claiming they were
but half a mile from the Newton meeting-house and four
miles from that in South Hampton, but the General Assem-
bly dismissed the petition. In 1770 the selectmen of South
Hampton petitioned for a settlement of the boundary line
between this town and Newton. Daniel Pierce, Capt. John
Giddings and Dr. Ebenezer Tucker were the committee ap-
pointed, and the present boundary line snbstantially was
agreed upon.
The discipline of the First Church in 1743 and 1744 was
rigid. Tlie rules required that persons seeking membership
should be propounded two weeks, and for "owning the cov-
enant" and having their children baptized, one week ; that
the}' should observe the sacrament ten times in the year ;
that every communicant should pay towards the support of
the Lord's table. If any person absented himself three Sun-
da3's from public worship he was considered an offender. If
any church member should invite any minister to preach in
his house without the consent of both pastor and church, he
should be counted an offender. This last vote was annulled
in 175G. A committee was appointed to suppress "any dis-
orders and views held among them." Cases of discipline
were constantly coming before the church,' and public ad-
monitions were not uncommon. In 1747, the church voted,
if "any persons lay their heads down in an indecent manner
to sleep in the house of God in the time of public; worship
they shall be looked upon as offenders ;" and voted, also,
that the deacons be the persons to take notice of such as do
thus and In inform fhc chiircli of them. In 1718, it was
16
voted that a number of persons be cliosen to tari'y and read
in tile nieelin2:-]ionse Iietween meetings in tlie summer sea-
son.
Jul}' 3, 1755, Samuel Currier was chosed deacon.
Rev. IMr. Parsons made complaint in regard to his salar}'
being inadequate to his support, and the town voted, in 17G0,
a gift of two hundred pounds, old tenor, to him, and in 1762
the}' voted two hundred and fift}' pounds to him. At a
church meeting, held July 29, 17G2, the following communi-
cation was read :
"South IIamptox, July 29, 17G2.
"To THE Church OFCiirasT in this Place. — My Brethren : 1
trust j-ou cannot but l)e sensible that I have for a considerable
time l)een laboring under difficulties. I was loth to lay tliem be-
fore you, but they have for so long a time pressed me so hard
that 1 am quite overcome and can no longer refrain from opening
myself to you and requesting that of you which I now believe to
be the only remed3^ For some time after I settled with j'ou, as
my heart was with you, so jon gave me no reason to doubt but
your hearts were Avith me, and in such a situation I was and still
should be ready to live and die with you. But though I can truly
say I have made it my endeavor, iaithfully to serve you in the
(iospel of Christ according to the capacity which God hath given
me (while my temporal supj^ort has been so small as not by any
means to make me comfortable in life), yet I have not of late
years met with that acceptance of my labors among you which I
had reason to hope for ; l)ut such frequent comiDlaints from a con-
siderable number as have at length quite dispirited me, very
much impaired my health and made me very incaisable of pro-
ceeding in any very great work among you, and therefore I judge
I have a call of Providence to seek a dismission from my pastoral
relation to you. And though Avith some reluctancy (as I have
reason to believe myself still dear to some of you), I do hereby
request in the first place, that you will signify j'our minds that 1
should be honoraljly dismissed from the pastoral relation to jow
which I sustain, and secondly that you will join with me in call-
ing a council to confirm the same. So praying that jow may be
directed in this important concern to that which shall be most for
the interest of religion in this place, the peace and prosperity of
the church and my own present comfort and future felicity, I sub-
scribe,
"Your Pastor,
"WILLIA^M PARSONS."
The church appointed a day of fasting and prayer, and the
deacons were instructed to invite the Rev. Mr. Coffin, of
17
East Kingston, and Rev. Mr. Hibbard, of Amcsbury, to
come and assist in tlic solemnities of the da}'. September 9,
1762, tlie cliurcli voted tliat the request of tlie pastor be
granted, out of consideration of tlie great and insupportable
discouragements which we lind him laboring under, and out
of a tender regard for his life, liealth and comfort, and we
join with him in calling a council. October 6, 17G2, the
town, at a legal meeting, invited Rev. Mr. Parsons to api)ear
before them and give his reasons wh}' he desired to be dis-
missed from the pastorate. He complied with their request,
and said that he could "give no other reasons than those he
had given to the church before, and that is by reason of
some persons being uneasy with my doctrine and dissenting
with me from time to time, and I could give them no satis-
faction, although I have endeavored to deliver the word to
my people in the clearest light according to the capacity that
it has pleased God to bestow upon mc. You are sensible
that nn- salar}- is very low, and I feel incapable of carrying
on the work of the ministry, therefore I desire that you will
vote my dismission from my ministerial care over yon
in this place." At first the town voted not to dismiss him,
but after fiulher consideration and advice of the council,
which was that day convened at the parsonage house, the
vote was reconsidered and the following substituted :
"Whereas, our pastor. Rev. William Parsons, has signilii'd
to the church and people of this place that ])}• reason ol'
many and great discouragements he is disabled both as to
body and mind to carry on the work of tiie ministry, allliough
we earnestly desire all his dilliculties might be removed and
he continued in the work of the ministry among us, and are
willing on our part to supi)ort and encourage him in it; yet
the town being now met, vote that the mattcu- be left to
the council called l)y Rev. William Parsons and tlu' chnrcii
on this occasion, and now met; and if thry jiidgr tliiit iir, is
not al)le to carry on the work of the ministry and lln-y tiiink
it nc(M]fnl. we consent to his dismissal, otherwise we cannot
18
be willing." The decision of the cluirrh was as fol-
lows :
"We, the Elders ;unl Messengers ut' the tirst church uf Christ
in Hampton, the first and second chnrches in Salisbury, the
church in Xorthanipton and the first church in Exeter, being met
in Council, upon mature Deliberation come to the following Re-
sult :
"1. That it appears to the Council to be the earnest and steady
Desire of the llev. William Parsons to be dismissed from his
Pastoral Relation to this people.
"2. It appears from the vote of the church, whk-h they .still
abide by, to be their desire also, that he be dismissed, and that
they are sensible his discouragements are insupportalde.
"3. That by the vote of the town, it appears that though they
are very desirous of his continuance witii them if he could go on
contented!}' and cheerfully in his work, and are willing to give
him all due encouragement, yet if this Council judge him so dis-
couraged as to be unalde to go on with his work, they consent he
should be dismissed.
"4. Voted that though the church appears to have been quite
too hasty in transacting so great and important an affair as the
absolutely dismissing their Pastor, without an J^cclesiastieal
Council, contrary to the usual custom of churches of CUirist in this
Land, and therefore we cannot in form confirm their vote accord-
ing to their desire, yet
"5. It appearing to us that the Rev. ]\Ir. Parsons" Discourage-
ments are such as in a great measure, to our grief, disable him
for going on with his ministr}' in this place, we cannot but judge
it advisable that both his pastoral and ministerial Relation to this
people be dissolved. And now Ave cannot but heartily mourn
with the many that are mourning in this place at our loosing so
good a neighbor in the ministry and the}', so worthy and excel-
lent a pas|.or, so sound in the faith, of so exemplary conversation
and so generally esteemed and valued in all the neighboring
churches where he hath ministered. And we heartily reconmiend
him and his family to the grace of God, the care of his Providence
and to the Eellowship of the churches wherever their Ivott shall
be cast, and shall rejoice if a Door may be opened for his yet
again ministering to the Saints.
"Finally. We heartily reconmiend the people in this place to
the Grace and Mere}- of God and the care of the great Head of the
church, the Princ^e of Peace. Earnestly entreating them to re-
flect seriously upon the great and heavy Frown of Divine Provi-
dence which is now upon them and so to humble themselves
under the Hand of God, as that he may exalt them in his due
time, and we earnestly pray you. Brethren, with the holy Apostle
to mark them who cause divisions and offences contrary to the
Doctrine ye have learned and to avoid them, & to study the
things that make for i'eace, & whereby we may edify one another.
Let nothing, we beseech you, as in the bowels of Jesus Christ,
19
be done through strife and vain glory, but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem other better than himself. Let all your things be
done with charity and Endeavour to the utmost as becometh
Saints to unite in love in all things which concern the House of
(iod and the Interest of the lledeemer's Kingdom among you, so
shall we still hope that (iod hath yet rich mercy in store for you,
and that he will give you another Pastor after his own Heart that
will feed you with knowledge and understanding, and make you
that happy people whose God is the Lord."'
[mes.sexgkks.]
WAKL) COTTON, Moderator.
])anh:l s.vnboun.
samuel batchelder.
[ministeus.] john odlix.
samuel brooks,
nat'l (k)()kin. john buswell.
sa^hiel webster. jonathan stlvens.
W0()I)BRH:)0E ODLIN. RUEBEN MORRILL.
EDMUND NOYES. NATHANH<:L FITTS.
Tlii« closed the pastorate of Rev. William Parsons. For
nearly twenty years he had been laboring with the [)eople,
and the records show that he had baptised three hundred
and fort3'-four children and solenniizcd one hundred and
lifty-five marriages. It was during his ministry that the
great revival in New England was enjoyed, lie was a native
of Boston, a graduate of Harvard College, class of 1785, and
died in 1797, aged eighty-two years. After his tlisniissal at
South llam[)ton, he removed to Gilmanton, N. II., where he
continued preaching, and also engaged in teaching.
Noveml)cr i. 1762, the town voted that a connnittee l»e
appointed to call in some pious, learned, orthodox candidate
of a good conversation, to the word among us at the i)rcscnt.
Dcccmlicr 10, the church voted to appoint a day ol' fasting
and prayer, and six clergymen from tlie adjoining towns
were invited to assist in the exercises and solenniitit's of the
<i;iy. December 21), 17()2, the church and congregiilioii met
at the meeting-house at 10 a. m., and listened to a prayer by
Rev. Mv. Hall, of Newbury ; Rev, Mr. Ciuindler, of liowley,
l)r<_'aclu'd from Kpli. 1:11, and in the after pMi't of llic d;iy
Rev. JNIr. Odlin, of Kxeter, led in the lii'st [>rayer, and Rev.
Mr. Parsons [)reachcd from Matt. U : o8. The same day, the
20
town voted to call Mr. Natlmuiel No3'es as a candidate upon
probation in order for settleraout in the gospel ministry
among us.
At a meeting of the cliureli held January 24, 1763, a pas-
toral call was formally extended to Mr. Nathaniel No^es.
On the same da^- the town assembled, being legally- warned,
and voted unanimousl}' to give Mr. Nathaniel No3'es a call
to settle, and also that Mr. No3-es should have the use of the
parsonage house and barn, and to keep them in repair for
him, and the use of the parsonage land, and the town will
keep the south [)arsonage fence in repair till they fence it in
with a good stone wall, and the salary shall be eighty- pounds
lawful money of Massachusetts Bay, or its equivalent in
Hampshire mone}'. Mr. Xo3-es accepted the church's call
and invitation, and gave his answer as follows :
"BhETHKEX of the C'lILKClI OF ClIKIST IN SoUTlI HAMPTON.
— I received by ye hands of your committee your invitation and
call to ye work of ye gospel ministrj^ among j'ou, wdierein I see
3'ou have proceeded agreeable to ye order of ye gospel, and it is
with jileasure I observe }-our nnitv of alt'ection toward me, con-
sidering ve strategeras which have been made to divide j^ou ;
therefore 1 cannot denv but ve concurring Providence of God
with your mianinious invitation is ye voice of God for me to ac-
cept 3'onr call : therefore I now accept and am free to take ye
Pastoi'al care of this church, trusting you will walk in unit}' and
love and walk as becomes ^e people of (jod, ever bearing me
upon your minds before ye throne of Grace, that I may be a rich
and increasing blessing to 3'ou and approve myself a wise, meek
and faithful minister of je New Testament. And may the King
of Zion own and bless us with liis kind presence and delight to
make us a hoi}- Soeiet\% sanctified by his Spirit, enriched with
every Christian grace and in time made meet to join the church
triumphant in (ilorj-.
"XATIFL XOYES."
"January 21, 1763. "
In Fel3rnar3- of the same year, Mr. Noyes, agreeable to
the vote of the church submitted to them a confession of
faith, and on February 23 (just twent3' years from the ordi-
nation of Mr. Parsons), he was ordained. Prayer b3' Kev.
Moses Parsons, of Newbur3- Byfield ; right hand of fellow-
ship by Rev. Moses Hall, of Newbury ; charge to the church
21
1)V Rev. Jedidiali Jewett. of Rowley- ; sermon b}- Rev. James
Chandler, of Rowley, Rom. 15 : 29. "And I am sure
when I foiiu' among you 1 shall come in the fullness of
the blessing" of the (iospel of Christ." Concluding prayer
by Rev. Thomas llibbard, of Amcsbury. and after singing
the \'.)'2d Psalm the assembly was dismissed. In March
following, the church voted to introduce Watts' Ilynms, and
the pastor was directed to instruct tlie chihlren in the Assem-
bly's Shorter Catechism.
April 14. 17()o. the town voted to sell the N(jrtli Parsonage
lot. and .rames Boswell subsequently purchased it. This
was the beginning <^f wrong doing in the disposal of proper-
ty, the income of which was designed to be kept forever for
the supjKjrt of the ministi-y of the word. Mr. Boswell did
not pay as agreed iii)on, and foi- years it was a subject of
controversy at the town meetings. The interest of the
money was faithfully rendered and paid to Rev. Mr. Noyes,
as a part of his salary. About tliis time the town voted to
Rev. William Parscms the sum of nine hundred pounds, old
tenor, lor liual settlement in regard to imi)rovements in
fences, etc.. on i)arsonage lot and l)uildings.
March "21. 1701, Eliphalet CiU'riei- and Benjamin liai-nard
were chosen deacons.
From the early [)art of the ministry of Mr. Noyes to its
close, the church had cases of ilisci[)line lliat must have
sorely tried the Chiistian faith of the good man. Even the
oftlce bearei-s ol" the church were guilty of a disorderly walk
and practically cast contempt upon the church. Letters of
admonition were written l)y the jjastor' and most persistent
elforts made to liarmoni/e tlie atfaii's of the church. October
30, 17()((, ;i complaint was made against two sisters of the
chnrch foi- stri\ing and (jnarreiling on the Lord's day, and
the chnrcli met to consick-r tlu' complaint. Both otfending
sistei's were pi'csent and aibnitteil tlie chai-ge to be true.
They were debarred from comnmnion and directed to make
humble acknowledgment to each (jtlier. They did so, ac-
3
22
knowU'diiing tlu'ir sin ;i;>:un.st God and the churcli, and in
tlio language of penitents desired forgiveness. Tlie}" vTere
reeei\('d again to tlie fellowsliip of the cluireli and a service
I'ollowfd. in wliicli religions exhortation was ad<lressed to the
sisters. In 177'J a charge was ln'ought against one of the
nienilxM's for profanity. intenii)ei'ance and indecent behavior,
and the church xoted that the otlendcr l»v his profane swear-
ing. intenii)erate drinking and contemptuous treatment of the
chuivh had rendered himself unfit for communion with the
church in spiritual church ordinances, and onght to be ad-
monished. The pastor. Deact)n Merrill and Deacon Barnard
were chosen to draw up the admonition. From the year
1772 there was a great falling off in interest in the preaching
of aVFr. Xoyes : the people were engrossed in the stirring
events pre})aratory to the l)reaking out of the War for Inde-
pendence, and many were chafing under the regular ministe-
lial tax. whiU- they dissented from tlu' doctrine tauglit. For
many reasons, the salaiy prmnised Mr. Xo3-es was not full}'
paid. In 17-SO he asked for only two-thirds of the sum he
had f(.)rmerly received. In 1787 the mone}' for which the
North Parsonage was sold was taken from the hands of a
special connnittee and put into the hands of the selectmen,
and by them accounted for. In 1701 the town asked Rev.
Mr. Xoyes to abate some part of his salary, in consideration
of the minister tax being so high and so manj' refusing to
pay the same, and jNIr. Xoyes generousl}- acceded to their
request, and the following minute is upon the records : "To
return the Kev. Xathaniel Xo>es thanks for the gift he made
the town in times past, and to return the same by a commit-
tee consisting of Ensign Isaiah Dole, Lieutenant Reuben
Currier, Capt. Benjamin Barnard, Deacon Eliphalet Merrill,
Abel Brown and Jacob Collins.
On the 20th of October, 1800, in a warrant for a town
meeting of the supporters or taxpa3'ers to Rev. Xathaniel
Xoyes, the following article was inserted : "To see if those
of the inhabitants of said town afore mentioned will choose a
23
committee to go to Hev. Mr. Xoyes, as he is desirous of
making some proposals, liow lie will leave the town, as he
liath requested a meeting for that purpose, and that the com-
mittee sliall malv'e a report of tlie proposals that he shall
make to them, and to act therc^ou as they shall think proi)er."
The meeting was held, and the following committee chosen
to receive the pro[)osals of Mr. Xoyes : Capt. John Currier,
Maj. Benjamin Bainard. Jacob Collins. Esq.. AVilliam (iraves
and Ensign Isaiah Dole. The following are the pioposals of
Mr. Xoyes :
•■Gi:Nri,i;Mi.N oi iiik Town oi Soiiii llvMriuN. — Vuii mu^^t.
be sensible i)flhe mehuiclioly state of religiou, and of the sad di-
visions among us, with tlie increasing number of those who are
unwilling to continue tlieir assistance for the regular support of
the publK- Avorsliip of (ioil. wliieh renders the life of your minister
uncomfortable and iiis l;il)ors foi- the l)enelit of tlie jieople unsuc-
cessful.
"That vour minister is willing (qjon the following conditions to
tlissolve his connection with you. That \'ou give him a recom-
mendation as an upriiiht niiiiistei- of the (iospcl of Christ.
"Thf town shall pay his full salary till the first of March, 180].
•'He shall retain the use of the house, barn and parsonage
until the last of.Viiril. bsnl.
"For his woo<l lioiise. chaise house, tlui stone wall and inside
fence made by him the town shall p'ay him what indifferent men
shall judge jiroper, or as he and the town shall agree.
"That your minister may have leisure and time to provide a
house for himself and family, and also to dispose of what may
not be eonvenient toi' him to move.
"'I'lie town shall relieve him b-oni his puiilie lu'c^aching the
mouths of .lamiary and February.
"(Jentlcmeii, if you call to mind your minister's constancy in
supplying the pulpit, his liberality to the town and also the difii-
culties and expense of renio\'ing. every noble spirited man Avill
confess the above conditions are reasonable and mild.
"When the town shall ae(|uiesce to all the aliove and their luiu-
ister hath receipted for the present year's salary, with the coni-
jiensatioii nientioiuMl. the connection between him and the town
will l)e considered as dissolved and not before.
"X.\'i'ir[. xovK.s.
••Soiilh Ibmijiloii, N'o\-. ."). ISUl."
On the same day a council convened at the call of the
church and the town ol' Soulii Ilami^ton, that Ihey might
take cognizance ol idl mattci-'^ rcsi)ecting the (own and (heir
24
ministcM's duty cither to continue with the people upon what
their committee may propose or dissolve their relation in the
manner the cuuucil may advise. Pastors and delegates from
tlie churches in Plaistow, Kingston, and the First Presbyterian
Church in Newburyport, composed the council. Rev. G3'le8
Merrill, of Plaistow. was moderator, and Rev. David Dana,
of Newburyport. scribe. The council, after praj'er and
mature deliberation, agreed to the following :
••'J'hat it is our upiuion that such are the difficulties and divis-
ions wliick have long existed and still exist among the people of
South Hampton, and so small the prospect which their minister
has at present either of comfort or usefulness, that unless some im-
portant change for the better should si>eetlily take place his pastoral
relation with the people ought to be dissolved. Still it is our earn-
est desire that the melancholy separatiim may, if possible, be pre-
vented, nor are we willing to abandon the hope that through the
gracious interposition and blessing of God this peo[)le may yet be
laiited and happy under their present pastor and reap important
benefit from his ministerial labors. This object we recommend
to their serious attention and entreat them to endeavor its accom-
plishment by every method in their power. Should this not be
speedily eftected, we recommend that the dissolution of the con-
nection take place in as peaceable a manner as maj- be, and we
give as our oi)inion that the conditions of separation proposed by
]\lr. Noyes are moderate and reasonable and we recommend them
to the people in confidence of their ready and cheerful acquies-
cence in them. Finally, we feel ourselves constrained to express,
on this occasion, the high sense we entertain of ^Ir. Noyes" exem-
})lary integrity as a citizen, and of his long-tried hdelity and zeal
as a gospel minister. And now brethren of this Church and Con-
gregation, we are constrained from a regard to our own feelings
and your best interests to entreat you solemnly to consider the
probable consequences both to yourselves and your children of
your being left destitttte of (iod's ordinances : it must be depress-
ing to you, and will })robably prove fatal to them. (Jospel priv-
ileges are justh' considered as the best, the greatest privileges
enjoj^ed in the world. Your real interest depends more, infinitely
more, upon the enjoyment of these than upon houses and lands,
(.'hrist has heon willing to do much, to suffer much, that yon and
your children might enjoy the privileges of the stated worship
and ordinances of the Gospel, whereby 30U and they may become
wise unto salvation. And will not you be willing to make the
necessary sacrifice of your temporal interests to secure and con-
tinue so great a blessing ? Can yoix without horror realize the
idea of exposing yourselves and your families to the temptations
to which a people destitute of the stated means of grace must be
exposed ? Should a separation between you and your Pastor take
25
place, can you look for a resettlement of the (iospel snoii, if ever ?
Can you expect to be more united in another? or tliat greater
exertions and sacrifices will not Ije necessary for the settlement
and support of another, than are necossarv to continne tlie cdii-
nection alread\' lormed ?
"We pray you think of these thing's and may (lod give you
wisdom and irrace to direct vou to that which l)e for His "iorv
GYLES MERRILL. ELLSTLV THAYER. DAVID DANA.
JACOB HOOK. WH.LAM COOMBS. SLMEOX KELLEY.
This closes the I'ceord of the Congregational church in
South Hampton.
At a legal town meeting held December 8, 1800, the fol-
lowing motion was adopted : ''That by reason of divi.sions
and difliculties in the said town, we, the inhabitants thereof,
have consented to accept the proposals the Rev. Mr. Noyes
has laid before the town to dissolve the connection between
them and him. Whereas, we esteem Mr. Noyes for his affec-
tionate regard for the sick among us, his strict exemplary
morals and plain and faithful preaching of the Gospel, and
therefore recommend him as an honest man unto all with
W'hom he may be concerned." At an adjourned town meet-
ing, held one week later, the town voted to comply with all
the conditions of Mr. Noyes' proposals, and the rtdntion be-
tween pastor and people was officially severed. During the
ministiy of Mr. Noyes sixty-one were addc(l to tlie cimrcli
by letter, one hundred and fourteen on prol'ession ; one
hundred and eighty-nine childrcfi wcix' baptized, and three
hundred and ten marriages solemnized. Hev. Nathaniel
Noyes was l)orii in Newbury, Massachusetts. August 1l\
1735,' graduated at Yale College in IT")'.*. slutlic<l tiieology
with President Davis, was pastoral South Ilami)ton nearly
fort}' years, and die(l at Newbury[)oi't in bslO. ;iged Toyeais,
For several years a ftei']\rr. Noyes' jjastorate at South Ibinip-
ton closed, tlu' Congregaliomdists licM meetings in the (own a
portion of the time: IJev. l'".li;is Hull, of Senlnook. Kes . Mi'.
Hoitt, of Ij)swich. ••ind Rev. I'x'uJ.MUiiu Sawyer fr(<|Uenlly
preached. March I'O. bs27. Ruth l-"l.'in<lers. the last
26
member of the cluin-h died, and Rev. Mv. Sawvei' otticiated
at the funeral. Hv vote of tlie town, in 182S, tlie com-
munion service was placed in tlie hands of Isaiah Palmer.
Esq., and it was linally |)iit in the care of Hev. Leander
Thompson, of "West Ainesbury (now ]^^errimac). The
records of the ehnrch are in the ])()ssessiou of one of the
heirs of the late Thomas T. ^Icrrill. of ^ferriniac. As I
review the eighty-tbni' years of iiistory. 1 am led to the eon-
elusion that the greatest displays of di\ine favor to this town
were durino; tlie ministi'v of IJcv. ^Vil!itlIn Parsons.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH
In IToo, "Walter Powers wus ordained pastor of the Baptist
Church in Newton, and for some years that ehureh. the first
of our denomination north of IJoston. prospered \nider liis
ministry. It is not surprising that in the hitter part of the
pastorate of Mr. Parsons, in South Hampton, and tlie early
part of that of Mr. Noyes, disagreements arose in regard to
the government and ordinances of the church. J^ess than
two miles from our border was an established J5a[)tist mept-
ing, and the discussions that nnist have arisen could not fail
to reach this place.
In 1760 the Congregational Church received the following
complaint :
"South IlAMrTox, Oct. 10. 17G0.
"Revered and Beloved. — Whereas, 1 think that our sister.
Abigail, the wife of Ephraim Carter, doth not walk orderly
among us, in that she absents herself from the sacrament of tlie
Lord's supjjer among us ; and whereas, 1 have taken the steps the
gospel retpiires to obtain satisfaction, but am not satisliud with
her behavior, I desire the church to take the matter into considi'i-
ation, and until then I shall be uUeasy.
"DAMKL FUKXCH."
Deceml^er 10, 1700, the church received the following
letter :
'•SoiTII llA.NriToN, Dec. .'). 17t',il.
"To the ClILltCll OE (lIltlST, IX S(H"TH Ha.MI'TON.
"■Revered, Honored and Beloved. — AV'hereas. you hav(! sent to
me for reasons of my withdrawing from the ordinance of the
l^ord's Su)j))er in tliis ])lace, 1 do therefore now, as in ( 'hristian
duty bound, pi-esent them unto you, which are as followeth :
]\ry reason for withdrawing from the word and ordinances in this
place, is not because of anger or prejudice against any })artieular
member of the church, tuit because I lind moir advantage anct
nourishment to mv soul than 1 do h<M't'. and finding n)vs«'lf en-
28
gaged to this i)ai-t of ( lirist's Clmroli, I ilcsircd a disniisiiuii IVoiu
the church that I might leave in tlie regular way. hut the church
ilid not see tlieir way clear to dismiss lue ; but 1 was hound in
conscience to go without, it Iteing a barr in my way to receive
the ordinance here, and to go and hear the word preached else-
Avhere, and until that barr is removed I cannot do it. For my
part 1 am of the Congregational profession, and desire to come
up to it in doctrine and discipline, and now if the church can see
their way clear and come ujj to wliat they profess tiiemselves, I
will Join Avith you with all my heart and soul.
••AiiKiAli, {Airi'KK."
After uuu-li (Icliberatioii the cliiirch voted. March ll'.
1761 : '"^Ve will drop the complaint against Abigail Carter,
and commit her to Ciod and leave the nuittei- with Ilim and
her own conscience."
In 1765, a Baptist church was organized at Haverhill,
twelve miles away, and Dr. Hezekinh Smith was t-alled to
the pastorate. At Brentwood. Stratham. Deertield, Notting-
ham, Salishnry and South Hampton was the good seed sown.
As early as 1720, one Scannnon. of Stratham, married
Rachel Thnrber, of Kehoboth, Mass. She was a liaptist,
and lal)ored earnestly to maintain and disseminate her doc-
trines. She purchased a large number of cojdes of "Nar-
eott's Treatise on Baptism,"" and distributed them among
her friends and neighbors. By reading this tract. Dr.
Samuel Shepherd, of Nottingham, was led to investigate the
subject, and finally decided the' argument for infj^nt baptism
was groundless. He declared his willingiu'ss to become a
member of the despised sect, eveiT where spoken against,
and others having" reached the same decision, Dr. Smith was
sent for from Haverliill. and at Deerfiehl. on June 14. 1770,
he baptized fourteen persons. During the next seven days
twent^'-four residents of Nottingham, Brentwood. Stratham
and vicinity, weie baptized. Among this number were Dr.
Shepherd, a Congregational minister, and two deacons. Dr.
Shepherd was born at East Salisbury, Mass., in 1739, con-
verted in earh" life, and united with the Congregational
Church July 4, 175C. He began to preach July, 1770, and
29
was ordained at Stratliam, Sept. 25, 1771. A Baptist church
had been formed at Stratham fourteen months earlier. The
influence of Mrs. Scammon's life had been manifested, and
her prayers answered.
May 2, 1771, the Brentwood church was constituted, with
thirteen members, and the day following another was or-
ganized at Nottingham. After Dr. Shepherd's ordination
he was called to the pastorate of these two churches with
that of Stratham. Abigail Carter and Mar}' Flanders, of
South Hampton, were baptized and imited with the Brent-
wood church May 31, 1772. Ephraim Carter and Jeremiah
Flanders imited with the same church March 21, 1773.
Ma}' 31, 1774, the following vote was passed at Brentwood,
and entered upon the records of the church, page 22.
'•That Elder Shepherd should improve at Brentwood, Strat-
ham and Epping, as heretofore, for the year 1774, excepting
as man}' Sabbaths as he shall judge duty for him to improve
at South Hampton." Thus early did Ephraim and Abigail
Carter, Jeremiah and Mary Flanders, all of South Hampton,
look to this region for the extension of their church work.
Among those who heard Dr. Shepherd preach in this town,
was a lad having a retentive memory and love for the Holy
Scriptures, who embraced the truth, was baptized and united
with the Brentwood church in 1779, at the age of sixteen.
His name was Thomas Flanders. Tradition says that the
lad would ride to Brentwood, horseback, on the Sabbath, such
was his eagerness for Dr. Shepherd's instructions. The first
person baptized in this town ]>}■ Dr. Shepherd, was Anna
Merrill, wife of John IVIerrill, in 1779. In 1780, was or-
ganized the Brancli churcli, known at first as the Soutli
Hampton Churcli, afterward as the Salisbury and South
Hampton Church, then as the Salisbury Church, and now, an
independent body, tiie Salisl)urv and Aiiu'sbury Baptist
Church, To the record of its work in South Hampton, I
call your attention. September 27, 1780, one hundred years
ago, Ephraim Carter. .Jeremiah Flanders. William Bagley,
30
John Morse, Isaac Morrill, Thomas Flanders, David Cnrrier,
Moses Chase, Barnard Cnrrier, Abigail Carter, Mary Flan-
ders, Sarah Ring, Hannah AVoodman, Rhoda Ring, Snsannah
_Fitts. Eunice (iove, Abigail Currier, Olive Clough, Anna
Clough, Mar}' Brown, Mehitable Flanders, nine men and
fifteen women, several of them residents of South Hampton,
Avere organized as a branch of the Brentwood Church. On
September 11, 1780, sixteen days before the organization of
the Branch Church, the following votes were passed at Brent-
wood. (Church Record, Page 35.) "Agreed that Elder
Shepherd should improve at South Hampton, one-quarter of
the time." "Agreed that Brother Barnard Currier improve
another gift." The Brentwood Church and its branches held
two regular business meetings each year, one in the Spring
and one in Autumn, and at these meetings the general busi-
ness of the parent church and all its branches was transact-
ed. The larger number of these business meetings were
held at Brentwood, but occasionall}* the}' were held at Ep-
ping, Stratham, South Hampton, Hawk (now Danville) and
Salisbury, Mass., after the year 1790.
I give the following extracts fi-oni the records of the
Branch Church :
"South Hampton, Sept, 27, 1780.
"Chose Brother Barnard Currier deacon; chose Brother jNIoses
Chase as an elder in this branch of the church, then parted in
peace."
"South IIamptox, Sejit. 21, 1781.
"A number of the brethren met at Bro. Flanders', and agreed
to have Elder Tlovey improve his gift among us, as occasion
otFers.'"
Brother Jeremiah Flanders' residence was that now occu-
pied b}' Mr. P. P. AVliitehonse.
November 7, 1781, the church met at Brother Barnard
Currier's and agreed to contribute a httle money as a stock
for needy brethren and sisters, and Deacon Barnard Currier
was intrusted with the same. Barnard Currier, son of
31
Richard and Sarah Currier, was bom in South Hampton,
January- 23, 1752. Ho lived in tlie liouse now occupied by
iVfr. Andrew J. Ciu'rier.
"JiREXTAVOOD, Oct. 'J'*, 1781.
"Tiie bretlu'en of the Baptist C'hurch belonging at Epping.
Stratham, South Hampton and Brentwood, agreed that the ordi-
nance of the Lord's Snpper be administered eight months of the
year at the four several branches; the first in April, at Brent-
wood; the second in ^lay, at Epping; the third in June, at
Stratham ; the fourth in Jidy, at South Hampton, and so on rounil
for eight months." — lirenticood Church Becords, Page 07.
March 1.'), 1782, the church met at lirothcr Flanders'
house, and voted that any brother or sister that is needy, is
desired, with freedom, to ask the church to relieve them.
"SoLTir Hami'TON, July 20, 1782.
"The I'eason of their hopes given, and baptized and taken into
the church, namely : David Graves, Kuth Graves, Thomas Cur-
rier, Josiah Tukesbur}', Samuel Kimball, Micajah rillsbury. Jon-
athan Clough's wife, Jacob Eastman, "William Quimby, Annah
Emerson, ]~)ate Bagley ; Brother AVilliam Xoyes joined to our
church."'
"South IIami'Tox, August 20, 1782.
"Dr. Shepherd and Brother Barnai'd Currier were sent to
Meredith, to help ordain Brother Folsom."''
The following entry is of interest :
"Dec. 16, 1782. — Met at Brother Jeremiah Flanders' to con-
tribute to Dr. Shepherd's support tlie income and money to the
value often bushels of corn, and to remember the otlier poor and
needy brethren and sisters."
March 21, 1783, the cluirch met at Brother David Currier's
and gave permission to Deacon Barnard Courier "to speak in
a general way." David Currier's residence was tlic house
until recently occupied by the family of the late John C.
Forsaith.
The following record of a general chuicli meeting of the
Brentwood Church explains itself:
"TF/ierea.s, at a general church meeting held Ijy agreement of
the Baptist ChurcTi of Christ belonging to F.rentwood, Stratham
and South Hampton, April ;!(), 178;;, at IJrotlicr David (iraves'.
''First. Chose Elder Eastman moderator.
"'Second. Elder Sheperd made a complaint to said churcli that
there was a neglect in perfonning their brotherly care of support-
32
ing his necessities ; therefoi'e it was agreed and voted that Elder
Shepherd's necessities should be supplied, and in order for the
same, the church chose Elder Chase and Bro. David Graves to
receive the communications of the brethren and friends in that
part. Deacon Clark in Stratham, and Brother Cheney and Elder
Eastman in Brentwood, and to stand till others were chosen.
Third. Agreed that Bro. Barnard Currier should improve his
gift with the several branches of the church, as he shall think fit,
either in doctrine or exhortation, in order for further satisfaction."
Brother David Graves lived on the old East Kingston
road, opposite the house occupied by Mr. Samuel Eastman.
November 6, 1783, at the meeting at Jeremiah Flanders', a
committee was chosen to draw up articles of our Christian
faith, and Elder Chase, Deacon Barnard Currier, and Brother
AVilliam Bagle^' were the committee.
Church difficulties were many, and public and private ad-
monitions were given by officers of the church.
"Brentwood, May 3, 178-t.
"Agreed that Elder Shephei'd improve at Japping, South
Hampton and Hamjsstead one-third of the time.
"Agreed that Bro. Barnard Currier and Elder Chase improve
at Brentwood, Stratham and Epping, as occasion shall call, till
next October." — Church Records, Page 38.
Dec. 29, 1784, the following action was taken: "At a
meeting of the Anti-Pedobaptist Church in South Hampton,
chose Elder Samuel Shepherd, Jeremiah Flanders and Dea.
Barnard Currier, a committee to exhibit the list, or lists, of
the names of those who require certificates that the}' do
belong to our church. The following is the form of cer-
tificate :
"We, the subscribers, Ijeing chosen a committee by the society
of people called Anti-Pedobaptists, who meet together for
religious worship on the Lord's day in South Hampton, to exhibit
a list or lists of the names of such persons as belong to said
society and congregation, do certify that A. B., C. D. and E. F.,
of Salisbury, and inhabitants of the same parish in said town, do
belong to said society and congregation, and that they do fre-
quently and usually attend with us in our meetings for religious
33
worship on the Lord's day, and, we do verily believe, are with
respect to the ordinance of baptism, of the same religious belief
with us.
ELDER SAMUEL SHEPHERD.
DEA. BARNARD CURRIER.
JEREMIAH FLANDERS.
[signed.]
A. B.
C. D.
E. F.
Dated at South Hampton, this day of 178 .
"Brentwood, May 16, 178o.
"Agreed that Elder Shepherd improve at South Hampton and
Hampstead, equally alike one-third part of the time, till Novem-
ber next." — Church Record, Page 31).
"Bkentwood, Nov. 21, 1785.
"Agreed that Bro. Baniard Currier should be collector for the
j-ear ensuing in the South Hampton Branch, to gather the com-
munications of the friends and the equality of the brethren to the
amount of twenty pounds in that branch.
"Agreed for the ensuing year that Elder Shepherd improve at
South Hampton one-third 2''H"t of the time.''" — Church Record,
Page 40.
In 1786, Elder Sliei)lierd was employed )>y South IIami)ton
a third of the time, and was to be paid £20.
April 5, 1787, at a meeting held at Jeremiah Flanders', it
was "voted to have the meeting two-thirds of the time at
Jonathan Clough's and one-third of the time at Thomas
Currier's, and it is to he understood that there is to be a
meeting at Bro. David Graves' for the convenience of the peo-
ple in that part w^hen it is at Jonathan Clough's." Jonathan
Clough's house, where the meetings were held two-thirds of
the time, was about a mile and a half from Salisbury Mills,
on the road to Seabrook. Thomas Currier's house was at
Currier Corner, near the residence of the late (iihnan !>.
Currier, in South Hampton.
At this date, and forward for some time, tiie Branch
Church held services all the time at South Hampton, and
two-thirds of the time at Salisbur}'.
34
"Maj" ye 7, 17«7, the brethren fnnii ye .several branches of ye
church met at Bro. Ephi-aim Carter's, at South Hampton, and
agreed to administer the ordinance of the supper twelve times in
the year, live times at Brentwood, three times at South Hampton,
three times at Stratham, once at Hawk." — Brentwood Chvrch
Record, Pai/r 42.
"Bhentw«>oi), May 3, 1788.
"Agreed to administer the Lord's Supper at South Hampton
the last Lord's day in June." — Church Record, Fage 4:i.
"Oct. 27, 1788. The ciuircli met at South Hampton, at Bn.).
Ephraim Carter's, and agreed that Bro. Tukesbury may impi'ove
his gift as duty may call." — Brenncood Church Rrrord, Page 44.
"Nov. '28, 1788. The Baptist Church of Brentwood met at Bro.
David Graves' (Soutli Hampton) by api)ointment, and proceeded
with cases of church discipline." — Brcnfu-ooil Church Bccnrd,
Page 44.
"Hawk, .May 4, 1789.
"Agreed to admininisler the ordinance of the Supper, ye last
Lord's dav in June at South Hamilton." — Church Record,
Page 3<!. '
In 1790 is the first record of tlie Brentwood church of the
Lord's Supper being administered in Salisbury.
"]May 28, 179;'). Agreed that Elder Chase and Deacon Currier
attend the association from South Hampton and Salisbury." —
Church Record, Page ."i'J.
The I'ecords of the Branch Churcli in 1787 are all dated
at Soutli Hampton. In 1788 half the meetings were held at
Salisbury, and half in this town. For the three following
3-ears all the church meetings were in Salisbury. In 1793,
the church was known as the South Hampton church, as the
following letter shows :
"To Messers. Jeke.miaii Persox, Jacok Board5[an and
Enoch Titcomb, members of the session of the Presbyte-
rian Church of Christ in XEAvr.uitvroRT : These are to inform
you that Mr. Moses Pierce of jour church has made known to
the Ba])tist Cliurcli of Christ at South Hampton, that he is con-
scious from the Holy Scriptures, that he ought to be baptized
upon profession of his own laith. He has given a scriptural ac-
count of the hope that is in him as a true believer in Jesus Christ.
He has, by writings and words, that he is ready to make appear,
cleared up several reports that have been spread to the disadvau-
35
tage of his character; nevertheless we judged it proper to inform
you of the matter Ijefore we receive hiui, that if 30U have any
charge tliat is provable against him, of any act or acts that are
immoral, and contrar}' to the express laws of New Testament, we
pray j'ou to inform us by the bearer hereof, as you regard the
common cause of Religion in all denominations, and if not we
shall judge our way clear to I'eceive him into our fellowship.
"DAVID CURKrp:K, Clerk.
"Fn behalf of the Church.
"South Hampton, Sept. 2(i, 17!)r)."
At a church meeting at Brother Jeremiah Handcrs. May
16, 1794, it was "voted, that the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper be administered monthly, on the last Lord's day,
altei'nating between Salisbury and Soutli IIam[)ton, until
further notice, and the church conference be held Friday
afternoon previous to the communion, one-half of the time at
South Hampton, and one-half at Salisbury." At the same
meeting, Jabez True and Thomas ^'landers were chosen
deacons.
For how long a time tlu' meetings of the church were held
alternately between Salisbury and South Hampton. 1 have
not been able to ascertain. The last record in the Branch
Church Book l)egins as follows :
"Salisbuky, jNIarch 11, 1812.
"At a church and society nie(!ting of the Baptist Church of
Salisbury, Amesbury and South Hampton, voted, that Jabez
True improve his gift one-half of tlie time, and Bro. Thomas
Cheswell one-fourtli of tlie time in 1S12."
From the records of this Branch Church, also from the
records of the Brentwood Church and the town records of
South Hampton, the following facts are incontrovertible.
Pvlder Shepherd commenced his work in this town in 1771;
that here in 1780 was organized the Branch Church; that
till 17H7 the meetings of the Branch Churcli were all, or
nearly all held in this town ; from 1787 to 1793, the Sunday
services were held all the time at South Hampton, and two-
thirds of the time at Salisbury ; that no reference is made on
the Brentwood Church IJocords till 1790, of meetings in
36
Salisbury. In 1793. and furward i)roliabh" till 1801, the Sun-
day scrvit-es were held one-half the time at South Hampton,
and one-half at Salisbury; after 1801 at Salisbury all the
time, at what was known as the "Shoe String Meeting-
Ilouse," and the Baptists of this town had the use of the old
meeting-house from 1801 to 1833, when the Baptist meeting-
house w'as built, an average of one-third part of the time,
Elder True supplying the Baptists here most of the time.
Thus there have been more or less, each year. Baptist meet-
ings held in this town, on the Sabbath, from 1774 to the
present date.
The Baptists of this town as eurlv as 171)1. demanded that
the}" should not l)e taxed for the support of a ministr}- not in
accordance with their views, and the number of freeholders
was by no means small who claimed to be Baptists.
A town meeting was called Juh' 1, 1791, "To act what
the town* shall think proper relating to the Minister's tax of
those persons who profess to be Baptists, agreeable to a re-
quest of a numljer of those persons." It was voted not to
abate the taxes of Ephraim Carter, Jeremiah Flanders, Ben-
jamin Clough, Moses Flanders, Barnard Flanders, Jacob
Barnard, Samuel Kimball, Henry French, Humphrey Pierce,
Susannah Fitts, David Graves, John H. Pillsbury, Benjamin
Farmer, Page Ring, Ezekiel Clough, Joseph Jones and
Ephraim Fitts. About this time a pair of ox-cart wheels
belonging to Jacob Barnard, were sold at vendue, under the
willow near the old meeting-house, to pay his minister tax.
In the warrant for a town meeting in 1801, one article
read as follows: "To see if the town shall vote that the
people called Baptists, and all other denominations, shall
have their proportion of the money that is raised for the
support of preaching the gospel, according to what they pay,
and likewise their proportion of the income of the Parsonage
and their proportion of all other privileges of the town.
March 16, 1801, the following vote was passed : "That all
denominations in town shall have their equal proportion of
37
the income of the Parsonage, and interest monej- the North
Parsonage was sold for, for one year, to be laid out for the
support of tlie Gospel in the meeting-house in said town, b}-
a committee cliosen for the purpose provided tliey will agree
to raise one Inmdred dollars to be expended with it to be
laid out in the same way and manner as the income of the
parsonage and interest, and each individual in town be taxed
their equal proportion of said sum, that are liable by law to
pay State and County taxes, granting to each individual or
member, liberty if he or they are not suited with such preach-
ing as the committee provides, if lie or the^^ pay to the value
of one day's preaching, to bring forward such a minister as
he or they like, to preach out his or their proportion of said
money." The committee chosen were Dea. Thomas Currier,
Sanuiel Barnard. Thomas Flanders, Parker Merrill and John
H. Pillsbury. From 1801 onward. Baptists received their
share of the Parsonage income ; in 1810 they had two-fifths ;
in 181o and 1820 about one-fourth, and from 1832 to 1842,
when the Parsonage money was distributed, about one-third.
Our last reference to the Branch Church was in 1812.
Thi-ee years later the Chui'ch at Brentwood was called to
mourn tlie loss of Dr. Sheplieid. IIi- died in November, 1
]8ir), aged 1)7 years. 1 think it inay be truly said that he
did more than any other man to build up the Baptists in
New Hampshire.
At the first nieetiiig of the Branch Church in .South Hamp-
ton, Sept. 27, 17.S(), Elder Moses Chase was licensed to
preach, and the services of urdinalioii were held at Hawk,
I)eceml)er 2. 17.s;). Elder Moses Chase was born August
20, 17;)(), and ilicd ;it AmesbiuT Fei'ry, February ;"), 1797.
aged CI years, lie was greatly beloved hy the clinrcii and his
loss was nuich lamented by the citizens of the place. Deacon
liarnard Cnrriei- was a niau of conunanding ])reseuce. not
liberally ediK-itcd. l)ut of more than onlinary ability. lb-
was fervent in exhortation, hut not a seriiKjuizei-. He was a
man of great energy of chai'acler, but had peculiarities which
4
38
rendered his intliieuce less than that of Deaeon Fkmders.
The children of this town who attended the Branch Chnrch
at Salisbnry, from 1805 to 1815, Avere accnstonied to receive
petty annoyances from the children of the village, as they
went to the Shoestring Meeting-honse. near Mr. Timothy
Osgood's, on Congress street.
In 1813, at a meeting at ^Ir. Natlianiel Flanders', a gen-
tleman from Kensington was present. Some young men
attached a rope to his saddle and secured it in such a way
that when the gentleman mounted his horse to depart and the
animal started, saddle and rider were l>rought to the ground.
Tlie good man arose, adjusted his saddle, and said to those
standing hy who liad insulted him, "do thyself no harm."
Such was tlie spirit of intolerance manifested in tliis town at
tliat time.
•lames Woodman was a young man of great promise in
religious circles. On one occasion he Avas engaged in prayer
for more than an hour, and one who listened to that prayer
said to me, ''T have never heard so impressive a prayer
since."
September 14, 1821, tlie First Ba})tist C'hurcli of Salisl)ury
was regularly constituted an independent liody. Fourteen
men and twenty-three women formed this church, and quite
a number of the tliirty-seven members were residents of
South Hampton.
In 1830. the brethren at Soutli Hampton connected with
the Amesbury and Salistiury Churcli, felt that the establish-
ment of a church here Avould better serve the interests of
Zion ; hence Deacon Thomas Flanders. Avith six brethren
and sisters, presented a request for letters of dismissal from
the Amesbvny and Salisbury Church, for the purpose of
forming a new church in this toAvn. Deacon P'landers Avas
then sixty-seven years of age, but his eyes Avere not dimmed,
nor his steps faltering, nor his zeal for the Master's cause
abated : to the success of Baptist principles he gave the
ardor of his vouth and the Avisdom of his age.
39
It was ))iit a littk' baiul oi' workers who planted tlie church,
and as I look hack over the record of the fifty years, I can
but exclaim. "The Lord is a tower and strengtli to tliem who
put tlieir trust in Him."
September 2'J, 1830, the Baptist Church was organized.
It was. constituted with ten members, two brothers and eight
sisters. Only one of the number now survives, sister L3'dia
Jewell.* Sister Jewell was a daughter of Brother Samuel
Flanders. Both were members of the Amesbur^' and Salis-
bur}- Church, and took letters of dismissal.
An Ecclesiastical Council convened at Soutli Hampton,
September 29, 18o0, by the request of several Baptist
brethren in the vicinity desirous of receiving fellowship as a
church of Clu'ist in gospel order. The council was organized
1)}' choosing Rev. Sann;el Cook, moderator. The meeting
opened with [irayer by Rev. Jabez True. The council then
proceeded to incjuirc into tlie principles of faith and order
adopted by the brethren in South Hampton, and into the cir-
cumstances which led tiienj to think it their duty to be
embodied as a church of Clu'ist in this town. Whereupon,
after due deliberation, it was voted, unanimously, to give fel-
lowship to the following brethren and sisters in South Hamp-
ton, as a distinct and independent church of Christ in gospel
order: Thomas Flandeis, Samuel Flanders, Priscilla Flan-
ders, Elizabetli Flanders, Elizabeth Dow, L3'dia Jewell,
Sarah Barnard, Sarah Uainard 2d, llannaii Sawyer and
Betsey Flanders. Then followed:
"1, llynni; 2, rraver, by Kuv. .1. True; ."J, Hynm ; 4, Sermon,
by llev. Samuel Cook, text, Romans 4:20-21; 5, The right hand
of fellowship was then given to Brother Thomas Flanders in be-
half of the chureli, by Rev. J. Newton Rrown on behalf of the
council, accompanied b}' ai)[)ropriatc remarks, during which the
brethren and sisters stood up and wore recognized as a church of
*Siiicc dcci-ast'd.
40
our Lord Jesus Christ: fi, Closing prayer, by Rev. Benjamin
Harris ; 7, Voted, that the Ecclesiastical Council be now dis-
solved.
"South Hampton, Se})tember 29, 18.jO.
••S A:\IUEL cook, .Moderator.
"JOHN X. BROWN, Clerk."
"Where two or three are i^-athercd toj^ether in my name there
am I in the midstf of them.'' "Amen and Amen."
One of the lirst items of business of the new cliurch was
the choice of Brotlier Thomas Flaudcrs as deacon..
Of the live new members admitted to tlie church in 1830,
two were afterwards excluded, and one oidy survives, Louisa
Flanders, now Mrs. Grecnleaf Kelley. In 1881, Charles
Jewell and wife and the Rev. Jabez True and wife were ad-
)nitte(L During' this year a i)rotr;icted meeting was held,
which quickened the church, and indications of divine ap-
proval were not wanting. 'Jliere was detei'mined opposition
to the organization of the church on the part of a portion of
the community, and a spirit of bitter intolerance was shown
towards what we regard as legitimate Christian work. 1
give, as an illustration, this extract, copied verbatim from a
letter published in a Boston weekly noAvspaper :
'•Surrii ]L\MVToN, N. IL
"We have received the following letter from South namj)-
ton, N. LL As man^' falsehoods will unquestionably be
told about this four days meeting, as about others, we give
the following true account. It comes to iis certified by two
of the most respectable citizens of that town.
"Sori'ii IIamftox, Xov. It, 1S:\1.
"Mn. Eorjoi; : There has been for the week past one of those
ridiculous farces played upon the people of this town, which the
orthodox style as protracted or four days meeting. It commenc-
ed last Tuesday morning and ended Saturday afternoon. There
were ten or twelve different priests attended the meeting. I am
happy to learn, however, that they met with little or no success
in making proselytes to their sect. After preaching some fifteen
or twenty discourses or harrangues in which they were liberal in
damning souls to hell ; after reading a host of notes desiring
prayers for ungodly fatiiers or mothers, unconverted sisters or
41
profligate brothers; afte'r prayers and exliortations almost with-
out number ; after many hypocritical sighs, sobs and tears ; after
denouncing all who believe in God's goodness to all His crea-
tures as Infidels and Atheists ; after calling them immoral, irre-
ligious, and ill-bred who would not stay to their inquiry meetings
and hear the character of a demon ascribed to the giver of everv
good and perfect gift; in short, after laboring day and night
from Tuesday to Saturday, what was the result P Not one single
person comes forward to tell the wonderful things tiuit have been
done for his poor soul. On the fourth day of this farcial four
days meeting, the wily priests who conducted it did, by using all
the art and .management they Avere masters of, prevail upon six
young and timid females, and two males to come forward and be
prayed for, but no one, to my knowledge, has come out a perfect
convert to the sect. No, Mr. Editor, people in this place are too
enlightened to be duped by crafty and designing priests who ai-e
now going through the country to make proselytes, and when
they have such they are two-fold more the children of hell than
themselves. 1 would to (Jod they might not meet with any better
.success in any place than they have had here, and if they shouhl
not I am much mistaken if they do not soon stop their unhallowed
course.
••THEO riliLANTl!l!()l'IS'i\'-
Tlic cinircli in their letter to the Association speaks of this
meeting as having heen very useful. Of the twelve who
were added to the ehureli in 1-S;>1, ten were tipoii profession
of faitli. Not one of the number was ever excluded or tiie
subject of church discipline. Two of the number. Mi's. 1{.
C. Palmer and Mrs. Eliza V. Cm-rier, are yet spared {o
active service in the Mastei-'s kiiigdoni.
The old m(H'ting-house was oceu|)ie(l when it could be ob-
tained, but other denominations had the right to occupy it a
l>ortion of the time, and when it was not to b(> secured, the
eonunodious dwelling-house of ^Foses Tuxbur\' was IVeeh'
ottered, and was occupied by this church. It was the former
H'sidence of Hon. iienjamin l>ariuird. and the present home
of Mr. and Mrs. A. .T. AViggin. INIrs. Wiggin is the daugh-
ter of Moses Tuxbury.
Jn the summer of l.s;!:>, the frame of the building for the
new church was i'aise(|, and the coi'ucr stone laid. ()ctol)er.
18o2, tlie Church was formally admitted to the Association
by letter and delegate. The church was in a singularly Imp-
42
P3' state, the meetings well attended, and much serious feel-
ing manifested. In September. 1S32. another four days
meeting was held, productive of much good. Plight mem-
bers were admitted in lHo2. six 1iy letter, and two on pro-
fession of faith. Of this nuniliei'. oidy ]\rrs. A. .T. AViggin
survives.
Jan. IG, l<s;>;^), the present house of worship was (U'dieated.
The sermon upon that oeeasion was by Rev. Elijah Foster, of
Salisbury. Tlie enter})rise of building the meeting-house was
accomplished by six bretliren : ]\Ioses Tuxbuiy. Thomas
Flanders, Samuel Flanders, Joseph .Stockman. ]>enjamin
Currier, and Charles Jewell. The satisfaction and joy of
the little church cannot be described as they gathered here
in their own house of worship. They could most appropri-
ateh' apply the words of the Psalmist, 'T was glad when
the}' said unto }ne, let us go into the House of the Lord.''
Within these consecrated walls for more than fort3'-seveii
years has this churcli held its solemn feasts : here new
members have been gladly welcomed, and here we have
gathered to weep beside those whose work on earth is done.
Here we have welcomed Association and Sunday School
Convention, and to this church the observance of the anni-
versaries of these two Christian gatherings has given a pleas-
ure akin to that of the pious Jew, when he went up to Jeru-
salem to observe the instituted solemnities of his religion
previous to the coming of Christ. Deacon True had labored
faithfully with this people, but now, 1833, another servant of
the Lord w-as to be called to the care of the Yiuej'ard.
At a church meeting held Jan. 7, 1833, Brother Samuel C.
Gilbert related his Christian experience and call to the Cios-
pel Ministr}-, and the church voted to license him to the
holy woi'k wherever God in His providence should call him
to labor. At the same meeting Brother Samuel Flanders
was unanimously chosen deacon, which office he declined to
accept, and lirother Charles Jewell, was selected. On
Wednesdav. Jan. IH, an Kcclesiastical Council convened.
43
fousistiiig of pastors and delegates from the eluircli in Me-
thuen, First Baptist, Haverhill, East Haverhill, Salisbnrv
and Amesbury, Newbnryport, Seabrook, Exeter, Brentwood,
Newton and Chester, and after due examination and deliber-
ation, voted to proceed to the ordination of Brother Samuel
C. Gilbert, to the work of the gospel ministry-. First, prayer
by Rev. Mr. Harris, sermon, Rev. Mr. Baron, prayer. Rev.
Mr. Foster, charge, Rev. Mr. Williams, right hand of fellow-
ship, Rev. Mr. Fletcher, concluding pra^^er. Ilex. Mr.
Burden. The first case of discipline was in 1833, when a
member was excluded for immoral conduct. A temperance
society was formed in the church this year, and the consti-
tution presented to each member for signature.
In 1834 five new members were admitted, all of whom
have gone to their reward. The j'ear following, five were
admitted, of whom Deacon John Currier and wife, and Rev.
Joel Wheeler are now living. During this year the church
was called to part with Rev. Jabez True. Jabez True was
born at East Salisbury, Jan. 23, 17G4. His mother desired
him to become a clergyman, and hoped to educate him for
the ministry, but did not live to see her wishes consummated.
While teaching music at the Mills village, his attention was
arrested and turned to the subject of personal religion, and
in 1793 or '94 he was baptized and united witli tlie Branch
Church. His father was much displeased, but after a time
received him again cordially to his home. j\Iay IG, 1794, he
was elected deacon ; three years later was invited by the
church to improve his gift and in 1801 li(> was licensed as a
preacher. In 1812 he [was invited to l)ecome pastor of tlu^
Salisbury' and South Hampton Church, and was ordained
November 5, of tliat ycai'. From 1821 to 18.')1. lie labored
as an Evangelist, and with success. In 1831 he was en-
rolled as a member of tlie South Hampton Churcli. He i-e-
mained witli the people of liis choice till his death, which
took i)lacc in 18;'.."), when he had completed his thi'ce score
and ten.
u
The letter to the Assoeiation in t83.j snys : •• A year of
changes. In jNfavch, Brother (iiU>ert removed to Beverly,
and for a time we depended npon supplies. In May. Eev.
.Joel AVheeler visited the town, and soon after lieeame pastor.
AVe lament tlie loss of two i^raying menibei-s. especially onr
nnich esteemed brother. Jabez Trne. an elder whose praise is
in all the churches, and whose symi)athy is missed more and
more. Some precious souls embi-aced the truth, among
Avhom are tw(( teachers and three scholars Irom the Sunday
school."
Rev. S. C. (iilbert was born in Boston, converted at
eighteen, and was soon after strongly imi)elled to give him-
self to the gospel ministry. Me was ordained here in 183;>.
and ])ecame tlie first regular pastor of the clnn-ch. He re-
moved to Beverly, ilass. and afterwards to Kennebunk. and
during his tlu'ee \'ears' service in Maine, not less than two
hundred were hopefully converted. He died at Rockport,
Jamiary 27. 1850. aged ")() years. Kev. B. Knight says of
him: '-As a man he was kind, patient, laborious and cheer-
ful ; as a minister, earnest and indefatigable. When in the
pulpit he stood up boldly as a defendcn- of the faith, a
preacher of righteousness."
Kev. Joel and Sister Julia A. AVheeler were received into
the fellowship of the church, September o, 183."). During
their two years' residence, Brother AMieeler's ministry- of the
word was most acceptable. He removed to Illinois in 1837,
and while there was bereaved by the death of his wife.
After nearly thirty years" absence he returned to this town,
and supplied the pulpit for a few montlis. He had lost none
of his earnestness and zeal, but judgment and discretion
were sometimes at fault. He afterwards retui'ued to Illinois,
but we are unable to give his present residence.
Rev. Otis Wing, who had, from its organization, been
deeph' interested in the success of this church, was called to
the pastorate in 1837, and remained with the people one
year, when Hampton Falls, with its more promising field of
45
usefulness, called hiin away. Brother Wing was born in
Dennis, April 10, 179f». Ho was converted at Smyrna,
New York, in IHIG, and ordained at II\-annis in 1824. His
first pastorates were in Chatham, Brewster and Orleans.
He has been pastor of twenty different churclies. In P^ast
Haverhill, he baptized a hundred persons.
In 1838, the Association letter says : "Our prospects have
somewhat brightened. We enjoy the stated ministry of the
word, and liave been unitedly laboring to sow the good seed
of the kingdom of God, and hope to reap in due season if we
faint not. The weekly prayer meeting is well sustained,
and a largei- congregation on the Sabbath than at any former
period."
Rev. Samuel Cook was called to the pastorate this year.
He was ordained at Efflngham, in 1822, and was settled in
Brentwood and Hampton Falls before his pastorate in this
town. He afterwards served the churches in Hopkinton,
Meredith Village, Dunbarton and Newton. During his stay
with us he preached the aiuiual sermon at the Association.
He w^as Financial Agent of the Board of the State Conven-
tion for nearly three years. He died at Concord, at the home
of his son, December, 1871.
In 1839 the church was somewhat disheartened. Brother
Cook had resigned, the sanctuarj' was deserted b^' some who
had been accustomed to attend. The Sunday school sus-
pended, and the pulpit was only occasional!}' supplied. The
Association met witli us for the first time in this 3'ear. Rev.
Isaac Sawyer preached the introductory sermon, and Rev.
J. Aldrich preached in the afternoon.
In 1839, two were added to the church, one of whom is
still a member, Deacon A. J. Wiggin. In 1840, three were
added, one of whom. Sister Eliza Ashb}-, is now a member
of the church at East Northwood. Of the six added in 1841
and 1842, four are living, Mrs. Charles Fuller, Mr. Green-
leaf Kelley, and Deacon Steplien AVoodman and wife of Salis-
bury. The pastor was Rev. George Aslihy, who graduated
46
from New Hampton, 1831, was ordained at East Northwood,
September, 1833, and was pastor there for seven j'ears,
came to this town in 1840, remained two 3'ears, then returned
to Northwood, where he hved until his death, May 4. 1873.
Rev. Mr. Taylor sa3'S of him : '"He was held in high estima-
tion in the community in which lie lived, was greatly be-
loved by a large circle of friends and relatives. He was re-
garded as a sound preacher, a good pastor and a most
worthy citizen."
June 1, 1842, a council was convened for the purpose of
ordaining Rev. Samuel Ladd. Mr. Ladd gave his Christian
experience, his call to the ministry', and acceptance of the
call of this church, and the council voted to proceed with his
ordination. The order of services was as follows : Reading
of Scripture and prayer. Rev. Abel Philbrook, Brentwood ;
sermon, Rev. Noah Hooper, Exeter ; ordaining prayer, Rev.
0.0. Stearns, Hampton Falls ; charge to the candidate.
Rev. J. F. AVilcox, Salisbury ; right hand of fellowship.
Rev. Benjamin AVheeler, Plaistow ; address to the church,
Rev. J. A. Boswell, Newton ; concluding prayer. Rev. C.
W. Bradbmy, Salisbury ; benediction, Rev. Samuel Ladd.
The church was united in Brother Ladd, and bright hopes
were entertained for the future ; but in four brief months
their joy was changed to sorrow. The letter of resignation,
dated October, 1842, says: "I have become full}' convinced
that the air of this place iiiaterially affects m}- health. J
have already suffered much in consequence of it ; for this
reason and no other, I ask you to dismiss me from my pas-
toral duties."
August, 1842, on account of the infirmities of the senior
deacon, Thomas Flanders, Brother Stephen Woodman was
chosen deacon.
After the dismissal of Brother Ladd, Rev. Otis Wing sup-
plied the pulpit till the settlement of Rev. Palmer C. Himes.
During his ministr}' of nearly four years, eight members
united with the churcli, five of whom are still living, and one,
47
an earnest worker i'or- Clirist at the present time, INIiss
Rebecca M. Sawyer.
In October, 184."), Deacon Woodman removed to Salisbnry,
and nnited witli the chnreh there. He was born at P^ast
Kingston, April IT), 1812 ; was converted at .Salisbnry under
the labors of Rev. J. F. AYilcox, united with the Baptist
churcli in 1837, was chosen deacon here in 1842, and was
chosen to the same office in the Amesbur}' and Salisbury
Church in 184G, and is now their senior deacon. Since he
left this church he has been one of its most beniflcent friends,
and is held in high esteem by all its members. On the
removal of Deacon Woodman from this place, George J.
Veasey was chosen deacon.
Rev. Mr. Himes closed his pastorate with us in 1847. He
was born in Clarendon, Vermont, April, 1804, converted at
the age of fifteen, and united with the Berkshire Baptist
Church. He was licensed to preach b}' that church, and
labored at Sheldon, Berkshire and Franklin, Vermont, with
marked success. He was set apart to the work of the minis-
try at Enosburg Falls, March, 1833. He was settled in Ver-
net, Wilraot, and in this town, afterward in Wells, Maine.
In all he preached more than fort3' years, and died at Enos-
burgh, March, 1872, aged G8 years. He was an original and
vigorous thinker, an earnest and faithful laborer. Brother
Himes was succeeded b}' Rev. John K. Chase, in 1847 ; dur-
ing his pastorate two new members wei'c admitted to the
church.
August 3, 1849, the mother of Deacon Charles Jewell,
then seventy-five years of age, related her Clu-istian experi-
ence, and the following Sabbath tlie pastor, Rev. Mr. Chase,
buried in baptism this aged disciple, it being the first time he
had ever administered the ordinance. Brother Chase was
born at Exeter, N. H., converted at seventeen, baptized by
Rev. Benjamin Wheeler, and united with the Baptist Clunx'h
in Plaistow. He commenced preaching at the age of
eighteen. After resigning at Soutli Ham[)t()n, he was settled
48
at Pittsfield, Rumiie}', Rockland, Holden, and is now pastor
of the Baptist Cliurch in Rowley. His ministry has been
blest with nine precious revivals. At Rumne}-, one hundred
and thirty persons were baptized by him, nearly one^
tenth of the population of the town.
In 1850, Rev. Samuel Ladd was again called to the pas-
torate of this church. He was not in the enjoyment of good
health, but was a faithful minister. His widow, Mrs. H. A.
Ingraham, is now an active worker in the Green street Bap-
tist Church, Newburyport. Samuel Ladd was born at Brent-
wood, July, 1817. He indulged hope in Jesus Christ while
teaching in Plaistow, in 1837, and was baptized by Rev. Ben-
jamin Wheeler. He was ordained at South Hampton, June
1, 1842. He was pastor here at two difterent periods, and
was settled in Lyman, Me., Ottawa and Fremont, Illinois, and
Lyme, N. H. He died in 1854, at his father's home at
Brentwood, peacefully, hopefully, triumphantly, confident
that to die was gain.
In 1852, Rev. C. H. Pierson came to this field of labor.
His sermons were excellently prepared, and his earnest man-
ner won hiiu many friends. Mrs. Pierson was the author of
"Cousin Frank's Household," and several other interesting
books. Their daughter, Mrs. Helen C. Barnard, is also a
writer of some note.
In 1852, the church was called to mourn the death of
Deacon Thomas Flanders. He was born at South Hampton,
Sept. 12, 17G3. He experienced a new hope at an early
age, and at sixteen united with the Brentwood Baptist
Church. When seventeen years old, he became one of the
constituent members of the Branch Baptist Church located
in this town. May, 17G4, he was elected deacon, and from
that time till the organization of the new church in Salisbury,
Deacon Flanders was one of the most active and devoted
members; he had the confidence and esteem of the church,
and when the Branch Church requested an independent
organization, Deacon Flanders was one of the messengers.
49
He was chosen committee to receive the proportion of the
parsonage rent clue the Baptists, and from 1821 to 1830,
while one of the most active members at SaUshury, he never
lost sight of the interests of the Baptists in South Hampton,
hence we find him in 1830, tlie acknowledged leader of the
new church. I can almost see hini now, as I saw him in my
boyhood, standing, bowed with age, making his earnest ap-
peal to the brethren to be faithful, and warning the young
and thoughtless, pointing them to the Lamb of God. From
his early years he was a constant and devoted student of the
Bible, of more than ordinary natural endowments, and a safe
counsellor and a devoted friend. He rested from his labors
September 8, 1852, aged 89 years.
October 30, 1853, the church invited Brother E. A. Ed-
wards to become its pastor, and November 27, the invitation
was accepted. A council was called for the purpose of or-
daining Brother Edwards. The churches invited to send
delegates were Marblehead, Salisbury, Amesbury, Stratham,
Plaistow and Exeter. Brother Edwards gave an interesting
account of his Christian experience, his call to the ministry,
and views of Bible doctrine, and the council voted to ordain
him. The order of service was as follows : Reading the
Scriptures and prayer. Rev. P. R. Russell, Exeter ; sermon
and hand of fellowship. Rev. G. AV. Patten, Marblehead ;
ordaining prayer. Rev. P. B. Byram, Salisbury ; charge to
candidate. Rev. Benjamin Knight, Stratham ; address to the
church and concluding prayer, Rev. J. M. Chick, Plaistow ;
benediction. Rev. E. A. Edwards.
During his ministry with us of two and a half years, thir-
teen members were added to the church. Six of these are
still with us, and three have passed on before. The spiritual
seed that had been sown in former j'ears and watered with
many tears, had at length sprung up, and a rich harvest was
enjo3'ed. No help from abroad was received in 1854, but in
1855 and 1856 Rev. John Peacock labored for a few weeks.
50
Between thirty and forty persons expressed hoi)e in God's
goodness and mercy.
For man}' years there liad been ditliculty in seenring a
comfortable residence for the pastor near the house of wor-
ship. In 1842, when the parsonage money was divided,
one man refused to accept his proportion, except as a trust.
and Nathaniel Tracj, all honor to his name, did his part
towards I'ighting the great wrong, by leaving two hundred
dollars to the Baptist Cliurch and society to lielp build a
parsonage. In 1854, a piece of land was purchased, a build-
ing moved thereon, finished, and made a convenient home
for the pastors of the Baptist Church. The house was com-
pleted in 1855, and the same year the Ladies' Sewing Circle
painted the meeting-house and provided blinds for it. In
1854, Brotlier Jolni Currier was unanimously chosen deacon.
Deacon George J. 'N'easey, who had been a faithful ofiice
bearer in the church, had removed to Haverhill, Mass. He
was born at Kensington, N. H., March 14, 1814, was con-
verted at East Kingston, in 1841, and united with this church
in 1844. We may regard the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Ed-
wards, as a most successful one, and it must have been a
source of great gladness to him in his early ministry', to wit-
ness such tokens of divine fiivor. Rev. E. A. Edwards was
born at Beverly, Januar}-, 1824 ; converted in 1842. He
was ordained to the gospel ministry, December, 1853. Since
leaving us he has had pastorates in Wilton, N. H., Gay
Head and Mashpee, Mass., and Cape Neddick, Me. At
the last named place the church was greatly revived and
large additions were made to it. Brother Edwards' present
residence is Beverlv, Mass.
In June, 185G, Rev. S. E. Brown received and accei)ted a
call to the pastorate,^ and from that time till his death in
June, 1862, he was our loving and beloved pastor. He en-
deared himself greatly to the people, and his memory is still
tenderly cherished. He was born at P^ast Kingston, convert-
ed when twenty 3'ears of age, and entered upon his life work
51
at twenty- four. As an educator of 30uth he was devoted,
earnest and effective ; as a preacher he was correct without
coldness, and unaffectedly fervent in appeal ; as a pastor he
was affectionate in his intercourse, and faithful in his coun-
sels ; as a Christian companion, in the relation of husband,
he offered a bright example ; as a father, he loved with fidel-
ity, and guided with discretion. When the political rights
of the ministr}' were assailed he uttered his protest, and in
1857, he offered the following preamble and resolution to the
Association, and it was adopted :
Whereas, a disposition has of late been displayed in this State
to deprive ministers of the gospel the right of suffrage in civil
questions, therefore
Resolved, That we look Avith alarm upon such an encroachment
upon the spirit of liberty — that it is wortJiy of onl}' tyrants to
make it, and that as Baptists we are bound firmly and steadily to
resist it to the last, even amid suffering and persecution.
Resolved, That in demanding for ministers of the gospel the
right of suffrage in civil questions, we utterly disclaim all Intent
or purpose to direct how or for whom they shall vote, but we
leave them as other men are left to follow in this matter the dic-
tates of their own consciences."
At the same session of the Association, Brother Brown
preached the annual sermon ; subject, "Christian Consecra-
tion." Sweet are the memories that cluster round the clos-
ing days of his life. On June 2Q^ 1862, a sorrowing group
was called to his bedside to witness the falling asleep of
the devoted friend of the church of Christ. He magnified
Christ in life and in death, and died with the gospel armor
on. He was ready for the crown of righteousness, ripe for
the plucking of death and the blessedness of immortality.
In 18(30 the church welcomed the Association for the
second time. It convened September 5. Rev. W. H.
Jones, of Brentwood, preached the annual sermon, and other
sermons were preached by Rev. W. B. Clapp, Dover, Rev.
W. II. Dalrymple, Stratham, Rev. J. J. Peck, Exeter. The
circular letter was read by its author, Rev. S. A. Collins,
Great Falls.
52
In June, 1863, the church received into its fellowship, Rev.
Erastus Willard and wife. The}^ came to this people from
the Baptist church in Washburn, Illinois. At this time our
condition was apparently a prosperous onp. The church
was free from dissensions, with good attendance and atten-
tion on the Sahliath. In April, 1864, Brother Willard and
family asked for letters of dismissal. It would have been
difficult for an}' pastor succeeding the beloved and lamented
Brown to have been pre-eminently successful among this
people, and when we add that Brother Willard had little in-
terest in the groat national struggle then going on, while
church and people were intensh' patriotic, it is not surpris-
ing that differences arose between pastor and people. Rev.
Erastus Willard was born at Lancaster, Mass., July 1, 1800.
In his twentieth year he was baptized and united with the
church at Saxtons River, Vermont. In 1833, October 30.
he was ordained at Grafton, Vermont, where he was called
as pastor. In 1835 he entered upon missionary' work in
France. November, 1844, he returned to the United States,
having been called to the discipline of affliction by the loss
of a son in 1840, and the death of his wife in 1844. In Ma}',
1846, he again set sail for France, and labored there for ten
years amid great discouragements, but 'Svith steadfi^st and
courageous faith, that ranked liim among the first of the men
the Missionary ITnion sent out." After his return to this
country he received an appointment to the mission among
the Ottawas in Kansas, but health failed, and he was obhged
to return. He came to this place in the evening of his days,
but with intellectual power undimmed. Ilis last pastorate
was in Salem, New York. He closed his public labors in
1871, and on December 9. 1871. .it Newport, R. I., he
quietly fell asleep in Jesus.
Rev. Joel Wheeler succeeded as a supph- to our church.
and June, 1865, Rev. S. S. White was invited to become the
pastor, and for two 3'ears he ministered to the people.
TNTiile here he had the happiness of baptizing his only sou,
5:3
Closes P. Wliitf. now of Cam1)riclge. Brother WIiHl' was
l)ora in ruhuyra, Elaine, Janiuuy, 1<S16; ordauK'd to lln'
work ol' UiL' Cliristian ministry in the Christian denomination
in l<Sol), and twenty years hiter, after a change in ehureii
Older and doctrine, lie entered the Baptist ministry at Effing-
liani. N. II. ll<j has been pastor at Sanhornton, North-
wood and Lyme, N. II., and Jamaica, Newfane and
Vershire, Vi. His present resilience is at Soutli Hampton.
In 18G7 and 18GS. Rev. E. A. f:dwards ami Rev. J. E.
P>rown wei'e the stated supplies for some months. From
July 4, l.Sd'j. until May G, 1877, Rev. James W. SeaiU was
the pastor (jf this clmrch. During his pastorate thirteen
memliers were added to the church. In 187(1. the church
^vas called to nnjurn the loss of one who hail been an olliee
licarer for many years. Charles Jewell was l>orn in South
IIani[)ton, July .J, 1802. His youth was spent in this town, l)ut
in I'arly manho(jd ln' removed to XcAvton. N. II., and a few
years later to Amesbury. In b'^.ji he returned to the (jld
homestead to spend his declining years. In 18oU, he one
day left a lad in charge of the old saw mill at Tuxbiuy's,
(so called) anil went to the little school-house near by to
lidicule the preaching of a young man, who was afterwards
his l)elo\eil [)astor, Samuel Phnmons Brown. He left the
meeting, not to scolf. but to pray. The inlinite Father
heanl and answered his [)rayers. and in the Ibllowing sum-
mer he united with the church at South Hampton. In iNo-'J
he was chosen Deacon, and continued in that ollice till his
death, a term of thiily-eight years. He was one of the six
who erected the meeting-house. Twenty-nine years he was
superintendent ol" the Sunday school, and for thirty-three
years clerk of the chuich. In 18;_i.3he was called t(.» part IVoiii
his wife, an estimaljle Christian woman, who left him Ibiii'
motherless children, in l8;j(; he married a daughter of Deacon
Benjamin Rowell. ol' Newton. She cared for him lcndcrl\
through the [jrotracted ph}sieal sulferings of his last days,
and two and a half years later followe(l him beyond the ri\er.
54
In 1874, Ihe Association met with us lor the third time.
The annual sermon was preached by Rev. H. H. Beaman,
tlie doctrinal sermon by Rev. B. H. Lane, of Newton, other
sermons b^' Rev. G. W. Gardiner, D. D., and Rev. D. H.
.Stoddard. In 1876, the convention letter says: "Thrice
have we l>ecn called to the baptismal waters, four members
having- Ik^cu added to our church." Unusual religious inter-
est [)revailed in 1877, and our numbers were increased by
the addition of rejoicing converts, but in May of that year
we were called to part with our pastor. Rev. J. W.- Searll.
Brother Searll was born at Providence, R. I., February,
18:^5. He experienced hope in Christ in February, 1852,
and was ordained at Richmond, N. II., in February, 1858.
He remained at that church eighteen months. He was
[)astor at Swanze}', for eight years, at East Weare, seventeen
months. At the close of his pastorate Avith us he accepted
the call of the church at Leicester, Mass., which church he
now acceptably- serves.
On June o, l'S77, the chuich extentled a call to Rev.
Frank AV. Tolman, of Dexter, Me., to become their })astor.
The c-all was accepted, and June 21 named as the date when
he would assume the duties of the new relation. We copy
from the church record for July 15 : "On June 28, Rev. F.
AV. Tolman, the pastor elect, arrived from IMaine, weary and
sick. He was unable to preach, and on July U, his disease
culminated in a fever of the typhoid form, and on July 14,
he })assed away, aged thirty-four years and eleven months.
He was a man of intellectual power and deep piety." He
was born at "Worcester, August, 1842, graduated at Colhj-
Universily, Maine, in 1866, and was ordained at Farmington,
May, 1870. He was afterward pastor at Campton, N. H.,
and Dexter, INIaine. Brother Tolman had man}' excellent
qualities, both as })astor and preacher. Rev. E. L. Scott, of
Brentwood, accepted the call of the church October, 1877.
Brother Scott soon won friends, who enjoyed his finished
written discourses, and who co-operated with him in his
etlurts to labur in and lor tlu- elmix'li. lie resigned the pas-
torate April, 1880, and lias sinee aceei)ted a call from the
church at Osterville, Mass. Rev. E. L. Scott was born at
Stoughton, Mass., in 18oU. In 18G0, he experienced a rad-
ical change in purpose of life. He graduated at Tufts Col-
lege, June, 1874. He taught school for nearly three 3'ears.
In 187(3, was baptized, and soon after left his profession for
the ministry. In September, 187G, he became a licentiate of
the Baptist church in Shirley, Mass., and in December,
cntereil upon his new work in Brentwood, and in March
following was ordained. Brother Scott was in earh* life
connected with the Universalist denomination, but changed
his doctrinal views in 187G.
In August, 1880, the church extended a unanimous call to
Rev. S. P. f!)verett. of Coleraine, and it Avas accepted.
Brother P^verett Avas born at Milford, N. H., in 1826.
Converted at seventeen, he united with the church at North
Leverett, Mass. He was ordained at AVhitingham, Vermont,
in 1861), and was pastor there three years. He settled at
Coleraine, in 1872, and resigned his pastorate there August
22, 1880, to become the.pustor of this church.
The deacons of the church have been :
Thomas Flanders, from I80O to lSo2.
Charles Jewell, from 1833 to 1870.
Stephen AVoodman, from 1842 to 1845.
George J. Veasey, from 1845 to 1851.
John Currier, from 1854 to 1880.
Abner J. Wiggin. from 1870 to 18-sO.
John Currier was born in South Hampton. bS02 ; was con-
verted in 1834. under the mini^liy of Rev. S. C. Clilbert,
united with tlie church iji 1835, and in 1851 w;is chosen Dea-
con, which otlict' he now holds. .Mmcr J. Wiggin was liorn
in Stralham, 1.S13. aiul elates his coinersion, 1827, I'cmovcd
to South Hampton in 1838, united with the church the Ibllo\\-
ing year, and in bS70 was chosen Deacon of the church. I
jiave not lieen al»le to ascertain who was clerk of tiie chiin li
56
iVum 1830 to LSoG. At the last iiaiiiod date, Charles Jewell
appears as church clerk, and he held the ollice till his death,
lie was succeeded hy his sou, who resigned in 1878, and
Brother P. V. Whitehouse was chosen. Phineas P. White-
house was horn at Ilampstead, N. 11., August, 1842, converted
at South Hampton, during the series of meetings conducted
l)y Rev. John Peacock ; was baptized at Muirkirk, Mary-
land in 18G8, admitted to this church, hy letter, September,
1877, and chosen clerk of the church January ol, 187'J.
The Sunday school connected with the church was organ-
ized in 1831, soon after tlie formation of the church. In
1833 it had seven teachers and lifty pu[)ils. In 183D, the
school was suspended for a tijue, l)ut re-organized in 1840.
In 1853, we find it one of the five scliools represented at the
lirst meeting of the Sunday School Convention. In 1854,
the school was largely attended and very interesting. The
largest attendance ever reported was in 1857; thirty-seven
new scholars Avere added that year. In 1850, we welcomed
the Sunday School Convention and it was full^' attended. In
1S71, the Convention againmet in this town, and held a ver}*
interesting session. A concert exci'cise. entitled the Monu-
ment of Faith, was gi\en l»y the South Hampton Sunday
school.
In 1873, Rev. J. W. Searll, our pastor, read the essay be-
fore the Sunday School Convention at Newton. The Superin-
tendent of this school read a i»;ii)er before the same body in
1879, and gave the "historical sketch" in 1880.
Charles Jewell was President of the Portsmouth Baptist
Sunday School Convention in 1867, and the present superin-
tendent was chosen president in 1870, and has held the [)Osi-
tion till the present time.
The following Invlhren ha\e served the Sunday school as
superintendents: Rev. Geo. AV. Ashl)y, John Currier, A. J.
AViggin, George J. A^'eazey, Stephen AVoodman, Charles
Jewell, P. P. AA'^hitehouse, and the present incumbent.
During the fifty years, one hundred and thirty-nine persons
have been connected with this church, fifty-two haxo been dis-
missed to the fellowship of other Baptist clmrclies, and
nine have been excluded from membershij).
We have at present twenty-seven resident, and eight non-
resident, members. There lias always been a determination
on the pait of tlie members to maintain the principles of the
Baptist denomination. The church has. been assisted in its
efforts to sustain public worship by many citizens of the
town ; those of other denominations, constantly worshipping
with us, contributino- to the support of the ministry, assisting
in devotional meetings, and in everyway co-operating with us.
Without this help, and the aid of tlie convention, this churcli
would probalily long ago have ceased to exist.
Surrounded as wearetliis evening by those interested in
our welfare, may we not in this presence utter tlie benediction
of Solomon :
^'The Lord our God be witli us, as He was with our fathers :
let Him not leave us, nor forsake us : tliat He may incline our
hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His
commandments, and His statutes, and His judgments, wherein
He commanded our fathers."
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
On tlip funrtppnth of Auonst. A. D. 1S;30. Ilic first Free
Will Baptist clmroh in South Iliunpton wns oi-onnized. with
spvpn ponstitupnt nipnilipTs : James Woodman. Eunicp "Wood-
man, Ezra Flandprs. "William C'arr. Mary C'arr and Dorothy
Goodwin. The first meeting was held in the house oF Bi'oth-
er James "Woodman. (His house was on the same site as
that now owned liy ^Nlrs. Sanmel J. "Woodman, of this town.)
They held that every lu'other and sister in oood standing
should have tlie privilege to improve the gift that God has
given them, in all meetings, aecording to the word and spirit
of God. The spcond meeting of the ehnrch was held at
Brother ReuVien Flanders" ; Elder Asa Merrill preached, and
baptized Nancy and Hannah Pierce. Reuben Flanders'
house was on the road to Tuxbin-y's ]Mills, and is now
occui)ied by John H. Flanders and sister. Jonathan Ring
and wife were baptized )iv Elder Henry Pottle, October 2').
The first monthlv church meeting was held at Levi B.
Pierce's, Octol)er IH. December 1(1, Ezra Flanders and
Levi B. Pierce were chosen deacons, and James AVoodman.
clerk. June 14, LSOl, Brother Asa Merrill preached at the
house of Brother ]\roses Tuxbnrv. and on the same day
Peter Colby, Hannah Hoit, Moses M. Tuxbury, and ]Marv.
his wife, were baptized. Peter Coll\y afterwards became a
prominent member of the Christian church, in Newton, and
Moses M. Tuxbury and wife, of the Baptist church in this
place. Elder Bean, Elder Knowles and Elder James Mer-
rill frequently preached at this time. The first record of the
breaking of bread was on Nov. 20, 1831, at the house of
59
Reuben Flanders. On May 15, 1833, the church united with
the New Durham Quartei'ly Meeting, afterwards was dismissed
from that, and united with the Rockingliam Quarterly Meet-
ing, October 7, ISo.k On July 7, 183;5, tlicir meeting was
held at the old meeting-liouse, and on Ai)ril G, 1S34, at llic
school-house. District number 2, and later the same year at
the town house, June 22. Elder Samuel P^nnnons lb-own
preached at the town house ; nearly all the meetings of the
church were held at the town house at that time. Brother
Charles Stevens, Elder John Kimball and Elder D. II. Lord
were among the preachers who supplied the pnlpil :il tliis
time.
From 183G there were freriuent cases of clnu'cli disciiilinc.
One of the members was guilty of intoxication, and linally
expelled for that sin. In 1837, we find the diuicli rrci.id
dated Sahsbury for the first time. In 1838, meetings were
frequently held at Allan's Corner school-lionse. February,
1839, Brother Pelatiah Hanscom attended the nionlhly meet-
ing at Jonathan Ring's. Apiil 20, Levi B. Pierce was chos-
en to consult the church in Stratham, in reference to the
ordination of Bi'other Hanscom ; in May, Mr. Hanscom re-
moved from Exeter to tiiis town. July L IS 10, INIr.
Hanscom was ordained to the work of the gospel minis! ry.
and became the first regulai- pastor of the church.
A general nde was establislie(L that at chnrcli meetings
each member present should mak(! a verbal statement ol"
God's dealing with him for the month past, arud those who
did not attend were i'ef|uii'ed to send a written excuse.
February 10, 1841, Elder Hanscom i'e(|nested the church
to express their feelings in regard to his laboring with them
longer, and it was nnanimousl}' agreed ]>y :dl iJrcscnl, that
he should tari'v longer if he felt that thus sailli the Loid. :ind
we should gladly retain him. Elder Hanscom conchidcd lo
tarrv till his call was greater IVom the Lord (o nnolhcr phicc.
In 1841, the services were neai'ly all held .-il Ihc lowu
house and the school-house in District nnnihcr 2.
(iO
March 2(1. 1.S41. Klilci- ITan^com liooanip tlie sulijoct of
eluiroli discipline, and the records say that he has had re-
peated personal entreaties, and lie has also lieen kindly ad-
monished Ity two or three, and wc hope the trial will lie set-
tled without entering into chnrdi lalior. ]May 2. 1S42. the
tbllowino- certificate appears :
"This certilies that Bi'other Pclatiali llan>eoni exjji'psses Id us,
the undersio-iipil, iJial lie lias no trial with the First Free Will
Baptist Church of Christ, in this town, from which he is dismissed
this dav.
•'CHARLES W. HOir.
"JAINIES WOODMAN.
"AZOH C. WOOl):\IAX."
The Rockingham (^}iiarterly Conference was hehl in the
town house. May 24. 1842. The church meetings this
year and afterward, were frequently hehl at Dorothy "Wood-
man's, at Ameshury. and at Allen's Corner school-house,
Salisbury. In 1844, services were held at the Ameslniry
Academy. Elder Asa Merrill, frequently preaching. In
1845, the meetings were held at Allen's Corner and the
Mills Village, with an occasional sermon at South Hampton.
In 184 7, the church is spoken of as being in a hike warm
state. In 1848. Elder Benjamin II. McMnrphy was dis-
missed from the church in Raymond, and became the sec-
ond pastor of this church. In 1848 and 1849, the meetings
were nearly all held at Allan's Corner school-hcnse. and
Amesbury Academy.
Septembei* 20, 1840, the Free Will Baptist meeting-house
was dedicated. It was situated near the residence of Mr.
James Quimby, in Salisliurv. Tlie dedication sermon was
preached by Elder Elias Ilutchins. !• will give the last rec-
ord of the South Hampton Free AVill Baptist Church. October
20, 1849. '-Elder W. P. Merrill preached in the meeting-
house, had a full house, many went back for want of room,
had a good meeting, communion ; our (|uarterly letter
forw.arded by Elder Merrill."
During the nineteen vears" history of this church, foi'tv'
61
eight persons were admitted to its inemliership. Botli of its
deaeons are still livino-. Deacon Ezra Flanders, son of Dea-
con Thomas Flanders, in this town, and Mr. Levi B. Pierce,
at Havci'hill, iNIass. The clnircli is still <'()iitiiined at Ames-
bury, it beinii' considered advisable to change its location to
that thriving and prosperous town.
OTHER RELIGIOUS HISTORY.
Tlie population of South Hampton in 177'>, was 498 ; in
1790, 448; in 18:);'), 472, and in 1880 it is 383. Tiie in-
come of tlip ]iarsonage from 1800 to 1833 averaged between
seventy and eiglity dollars, and the town nsnally raised a
sum not exoeeding one hundred and fifty dollars a year for
preaching ; this, together with the interest on the North
Parsonage money, $23G.33j was expended by a committee,
consisting of two or more persons with the Selectmen, and
was divided among the different religious denomination propor-
tionately to their tax. In 1810, the Congregationalists had
about three-tenths of the income, the Methodists two-tenths,
and the Universalists one-tenth. In 1820, the Methodists had
about one-fourth, the Congregationalists one-fifth, the Univer-
salists a little less than one-third. In 1830, the Unitarians
had one-twelfth, the Methodists one-ninth, the Congregation-
alists one-seventh, and the Universalists one-third. From
1825 to 1830, the Universalists employed as preachers. Rev.
Messrs. Case, Farnsworth, King, Adams and others : the
Congi'egationalists, Rev. Messrs. Barrett, Sawyer, Cook, Mil-
ton, C4rovenor, Babbitt, Walsh and others: the Methodists^
Rev. Messrs. Brooks, Peasle^', Bnlfinch and others ; the
Unitarians, Rev. Mr. Turner ; the Christians, Rev. Elijah
Sliaw ; the Baptists, Rev. Jabez True, Rev. James Barnal»y,
Rev. Benjamin Harris and others ; the Free AVill Baptists,
Miss Nancy Towle, and Rev. Messrs. Boothby, Ambrose,
Marsh and others.
In 1830, the subject of selling the parsonage began to be
agitated. Alreadv the barn had been sold for a small sum.
G:3
rin'd two acres of land leased for nine hnndred years. In
1832, the present town honse was located ; the next year the
standing wood was sold, the site for the Barnard sehool-honse
granted, and tliat of the Baptist chnrch, and in 1834, the
Burying Oronnd was laid out, and the remainder of the prop-
erty sold in 184'2. The anioinit put to interest for religious
purposes was $2,585.97. The income of this money in 1834
and 1835 was divided among the following societies : Deists,
Naturalists, Second Universalists, Congregationalists, Qua-
kers, Unitarians, Episcopals, Baptists, Free Baptists,
Methodists, Bhilanllu'opists, Free Thinkers and Universal-
ists.
The Second Univorsalist Society was simply an accommo-
dation for some who had little or no religious l)elier, to seciu'e
a part of the income of the parsonage fund. The regular
Universalist society was at this time at the lieiglit of its [)ros-
perity. It is probable that when Rev. George Richards was
settled in Portsmouth, from 1793 to 1809, the seeds of that
faith were sown in this town, and when, later, Hosea Ballon
was settled in the same place, his biographer says : "He did
not hesitate somestimes to leave the dear people of his
charge and journey to other places. He went into other
parts of New Hampshire, and sometimes extended his visits
in Massachusetts." Among the Universalist ministers who
A'isited the town was Rev. Sebastian Streeter, and a society
was formed as early as 1815, with Joseph Jones as clerk.
The prominent citizens who embraced U^niversalism were
Benjamin Barnard, founder of the Barnard Sdiool, Colonel
Abel Brown, Nathan Brown, Richard Wiiitc and Jacol) .lew-
ell. In 1828, at a meeting of the Rockingiiam Universalist
Association, hehl at Kingston, Mrs. Richai'd "While was the
only lady present. In 1830, the Universalist society at
South Hampton, was re[)orted in a nourishing condition ; the
old society had been iv-organize«l, and Benjamin C'Hllord was
clerk. The Rockingham Association met in this town for
the lirst lime in 1n;»2. Among the speakers present we can
64
name Rev. Messrs. Farnsworth, Thomas King, Hosea Ballon,
Tliomas Wliittemore and Sebastian Streeter. The disoonrse
ol'thc lallcv was esiiecially a fleet ing, and as liespf)kc of those
who had I'eeently passed away, Benjamin Barnard, Tvicliard
White and Jaeo1) Jewell, the andienee was melted to tfars.
Ill l.sr)S the Bockingham Assoeiation again mot in this town.
Rev. Messrs. Sehastian Streeter, Daniel Smith and Thomas
AVhittemore preaehed. Of this meeting Mr. AVhittemore
said: '"We know tliat if we deseribed this meeting as we
viewed it nui} felf it, we shonld l)e regai'ded as too entliusi-
astie ; nevertheless we mnst say that taken all together il was
one of the most piveious meetings we ever attended. The
eonference and praise meetings were peenliai'ly interesting ; all
the addresses were marked by sonnd wisdom and deep evan-
gelical feeling." InlSal, the Rockingham Association again
met at Sonth Hampton. Sermons were delivered b}' Rev.
AYilliam Bell, Rev. S. S. Fletcher, Rev. N. Goldsmith, Rev.
T. J. Greenw^ood and Rev. L. B. Mason. At this meeting
Rev. Sanmel Ladd, pastor of the Baptist chnrch, was an
attentive listener. In ISr)^, a new impetns was given to the
Universalist society throngh the activities of the Ladies Sew-
ing Circle.
Rev. A. .1. Paterson and Rev. G. V. Maxham came to this
town under the direction of the United States Convention,
and regnlar meetings were established at the town house.
Messrs. B. F. Eaton and J. J. Woodman read sermons with
occasional preaching in the smnmer months l»y Rev.
Messrs. Greenwood, Patterson, Spanlding, CLiambre and
others. A Sunday School was organized, with J. AV. Eaton
as superintendent, and a hbrary of more than two hundred
volumes secured.
The summer cf 1859 closed these lay services. The Rock-
ingham Association met in this town in 18G4. The preachers
were Rev. Messrs. William Bell, S. S. Fletcher, A. St. John
Chambre and T. J. Borden. AVhile at Poi'tsmouth, Rev.
Mr. Patterson was much interested in the peojJeof this town.
65
A large niuiihc-r urUu' iiiliahUauls still liuld llic iloclriiios of
llic rnherwulist church. No services have l)eeii held here
lor ,se\eral years excei)t on funeral occasions. Since the re-
nio\al ol" the i»e\vs IVoni the town house, the Baptist meet-
ing-house has been freeh' otlered to any who desired it, for
funeral services, for the nieniljers of any religous denomina-
tion. There Avere quite a number of Methodists in the town
between 1810 and l-Soo, and Rev. John Brodhead freciuently
preached here. lie was stationed at diflbrent times in nearly-
all the surrounding towns of the county. He was a very
prominent iiian. chai)lain to the Legislature, member of the
State Senate, and for four years memljer of Congress. In
whatever situation Mr. Brodhead was placed, he considered
it liis chief honor to be a faithful minister of Jesus Christ.
II J s[)jnt tw.'uly-eight years of his ministerial life in this
iunnediate vicinity, and died at Newmarket. April 7, 1838.
He had a commanding personal ap[)earance and eyes l»eam-
ing with intelligence and benevolence.
Another prominent Methodist divine, who preached in this
town, was lvi'\-. Martin Kuter ; he was stationed at Salisbury
in 181,'). He was born at Charlton, Worcester County, INIass.,
and was thii'ly years old when he preached here. The de-
gree of Doctoi- of Divinity was coiderred u[)on him five years
later. His [)reaching was ailapted at once to please, to
instruct and to awaken.
Uev. lolias Smith, a member of the Christian church, and
llic futhei' of IMatthew Hale Smith, occsionally [jreached here.
in 18(;7, the Young Men's Christian Association of Ames-
burv, Mass., liy a delegation, the leaders of which were Mr.
Thomas (^iiimby, INIr. Joseph (). Hutchins and Mr. Carpentei',
established a lay meetiug at tlu; school-house in District No.
2. A SiiMtalh school was (jrganize<l, and a very good
Sabbnih school liln'ary secured. The meetings were well
attended, and tin; Sabl)ath school concerts attractt'd atlt'iition.
These services continued about two years.
In 1871, St. Paul's Cluiruh, Newburyport, (Episcopal) or-
66
ganized a mission niccling' at llir residL'iicc of Mr. E. P.
Downing, Avliicli was for a lew nionlli.s well sustained. Mr.
C. T. Bruce, a layman, and a select choir from that church
assisting. Tlieir meetings were held on Sabbath afternoons.
Sabbath afternoon services are frequently held during the
summer months at the school-house in District No. 3, by
pastors of tlie churches at Amesbury, Salisbury and this
town, and also by the resident clergyman, Kev. S. S. White.
The distrHjution of the parsonage money, which occurred in
1842, was a blow to all denominations, excejjt the Baj)tist.
Our fathers set apart certain property for the maintenance of
religious worship, and we cannot but regard the disposal x»f
the property- and the distril)ution of the proceeds among the
inhal)itants of the town, was a great wrong.
In jircscnting this sketch of the religious history of the
town, I have endeavored in the lirief space allowed me to
bring forward such facts as would [)rove most interesting to
the citizens.
As we re\iew the religious hislor\- of one hundred and
forty 3'ears can we discern any progress ? Has light come to
the people ?
There has at least one great problem l)ecn settled — the
question of reli[/iuus ioleratioit.
The germ of all the trouble in regard to religious liberty is
found in that compact made in the Mayflower Ijcfore the
Pilgrim Fathers had stei)ped upon the rock in Plymouth harbor.
'J'he question was raised how shall the ministers of the new
country be sup[)orted ^ It was ordered that houses lie built
for them at the public charge, and their salaries were estab-
lished. Those people who had fled from persecution them-
selves, did not fully comprehend the principles of religious
lilierty or })0ssess its spirit. In this compact of the Pilgrims,
was the union of church and state, and immediately follow-
ing this was a law for the suppression of anti-church and state
sects, and banishments from the colony was the penalty for
not sustaining this unjust law.
67
People were eoiii[)elled in those days to pay for elmrelics
they never entered, for teaching they never heard, and cleri-
cal services they did not desire. The Quaker, the Bai)tist,
the Methodist and the Universalist was taxed for the
sui)i)ort of a religion he did not believe.
Barstow, in his history of New nam})shire says, ''That all
ministers not of the standing order were viewed as thieves
and robl)ers, as wolves in sheep's clothing, who had gained a
dishonest entrance into the fold, and whom it was the duty
of the standing order to drive out."
Persecutions were frequent, and the parish collectors might
be often seen taking from the home of poverty the
chairs, tables and andirons, or selling at auction the corn of
some poor laborer. Humorous incidents were sometimes
connected with these trials. In one case the plaintitl' had
seciued the scr\ici!S of Mr. Smith and Jeremiah Mason, and
the defense John Sullivan and lclial)od Bartlett, as counsel.
jMason contended that the defendant, whose defense was
(hat he was a Baptist, could not avoid the payment of his
tax, because "he could not prove that he had ever been
dipped ;" thereupon Bartlett retorteil "neither is he a Con-
gregationalist, for he has not [)roved he that has ever been
sprinkled."
The law of ITUl, recognized only one religious sect, and
the agitation for its repeal shook New ]Iami)sliire from sea-
board to mountain.
AVhen the toleraticju bill was pending, in 181!), INIr. IIul)-
bard said: "I'ass this bill, and tlie temi)les now consecrated to
the worshi[t of (he Saviour of the world will soon be deserted
and I'orsakcu."
lclial)o<l Barllctt, a young an<I talented lawyer of I'orts-
moulli, cs[tuused the cause of toleration, and linally the bill
liecanie a law, and all religious denominations in the State
were possessed of etjual rights and [)rivileges.
Let us rejoice that we beholil this day. Nearly one hun-
dred and forty years ago, on this consecrated land our fathers
68
lifted the slanlurd ol' tlii' Cru.ss urCluist. "NVc livr in the
past thruugli the knowledge of this earl^- history. We come
into the assoeiations of our ancestors by reviewing their Uves,
b}' sharing their sentiments and l»y partaking of their spirit.
We look around and behold the hills and valleys where the
eyes of our fathers and mothers lirst beheld the light of day.
Tliey liave left us a goodly heritage. Shall we be worthy of
the trust? In the language of New Hampshire's most distin-
guished son. "Our fathers were brought hither l)y their
high \eneration for tlie Christian religion. Tliey journeyed
by its light and labored in its hope. They sought to iucor-
}»orate its principles with the elements of their society, and to
ditluse its influence through all its institutions, civil, political
and literary. Let us cherish these sentiments, and extend
this influence still more widely, in the full conviction that
that is the hapi)iest society which partakes in the highest
degree of the mild and peaceable spirit of Christianity."
To our successors we say : ''Advance ye future generations !
AVe bid you welcome to the verdant hillsides and the fertile
valleys, where our ancestors planted the germs of Christianity.
We welcome you to the blessings of good government and
religious lil)erty. We welcome you to the immeasurable
blessings of rational existence, the inunortal hope of Christi-
anity and the light of everlasting Truth."
APPENDIX.
TIk^ Ibllowing petition, IuuikI in Provincial Papers of New
Hampshire, Vol. IX, page 358, Avas made January, 1742, or
near that date :
rctUio)!, of pcrso)ix fonucrli/ of Micsmu^liioscUt^ to be aiuicxcd to
JIaniptoit Falls.
To his P^xceleney Bening Wint\vorthPls(|. Governor and Com-
mander in eheif In and over his Majesties Province of New
IIamj)shire and the Honorable the Counsel now setting in
said Province.
The Humble address and Petition of His Majesties Legal
and deutil'ull Subjects Avhose names are hereunto Subscribed
Avliich did belong to the Esterly part of Salisbery but now by
the Settlement of the Province Lines Fall into Ncav Ilami)-
sliire most llumljl}- sheweth that your petitioners are Inform-
ed that those which did Ijelong to the westerly Part of Salis-
bury and some of Almsbery which by said Lino falls into
New Hampshire Intends to Petition that all those Persons
that did belong to Salisbery and Almsbery & uoav taken Into
New Hampshire might Ije made in to a twoAvn ship or Parish
b}' themselves & not annexed to any other, and have Prt;-
sumed so lar as to set up a frame lor A Meeting House in
the Westerly Part which if it should be granted would be
very I'regeditial to your Petitioners who live most of us al)ove
six miles from said meeting house so y' those of us that frt;-
quent y' way of Worsliip Could n(jt attend the worshi}) of God
with our wives and families as we out to doo and for all
()ther allairs belonging tc; a town or Parish of all tilings that
are notilied at said meeting house we shall have no knowledge
of them Avliich may be greatly to our Damage and a great
Dificulty iS: Ti'olde to select men and Constables and all such
alfocirs.
We Therefore Humbly Pray that we may not lie joyned to
tliem but may l)e Annexed to Hampton Falls or some other
t;
70
■way as in A'our "n'isclom y
tioners as in duty boiuid
Sam'^ Eaton
Joseph Page
-Jabcz Eaton
Jaeob Erencli
Ephraim Eaton
John True
}>enianiin Baker
John Paige
Josepli Tucker
Kieliard Smith.
Josepli Todd
Thomas Selly
David Fowler
Trustrim Collins
ou may think meet and your Peti-
shall ever Pray.
Samuell Fowler
Samuel Walton
Jeremiah Wheeler
Beniamin Iloyt
James Jackman
Elihu Dow
John Eaton
Noah Dow
Beniamin Collins
Bildad Dow
Judah Dow
Benony Selle^'
Samuel Selly
John Eaton, Jr
The following is a copy of the Charter granted to the town
of South Hampton, N. H., soon after the time it was set off
from Salisbury and Amesbur^', INIassachusetts, in 1741 :
[from the OKKilNAL IN THE TOWN CLERK's OFFICE.]
Froviucc of Ncio Hampshire, George the Second, bij the Grace
of God of Great Britain, France & Ireland, Defender of tlie
Faith.
To all to whom these Presents shall come.
Greeting-
\Z:. ,
^ ^— , — ' ^ Know yee, That we at the Humble Suit and Peti-
tion of Sundry of our Leidg Subjects Inhabiting a Tract of
Land within our Province of New hampshire in New Eng-
land as hereinafter described. Butted & Bounded, Bordering
on the Northern boundary Curve Line of the Province of the
Massachusetts Bay, to be incorporated into a Distinct Par-
rish, have for divers good causes & considerations us moving.
Granted & conlirm'd to the said Inhalntants & their succes-
sors. And by these Presents of our Special Grace, certain
knowledge & nicer Motion for the well ordering & Regulating
the atfairs of the said Parrish Do Grant & confirm unto the
Said Inhabitants & their Successors to be a Town or Parrish
Incorporate by the name of South-Hampton within the
71
bonuds rullowing, viz Bcgining at the Atlantiek Soa or
Ocean on tlie East, at the distance of three miles North of
the nioiitli of the River Merriniacl^:, & from thence to ran
Northerly to the bonnds of that part of the Town of Hampton
called liam[)ton Falls, & thence Westerly pursning the
Bonnds of the -Said Tarrish of Hampton Falls to the I'arrislies
of Kensinton & Kingstown as has been reputed to have been
heretofore agreed upon between the said Towns & Salsljiiry
& Amsbury & Kingstown, till it meets a White Pine Stamp
in a Line (;omonly called Shapleys line, & from P. White
Pine Stump due South two miles & one Quarter of a mile till
it meets a Stake in Mitchells Line that Stands in a hollow or
vale, at the North end of a Road & on the Easterly Side of
the Said Road that leads from Amsbury across the Childrens
Land (so called) Said Stake Stands three miles & a half
South .Seventy Seven degrees & half AVest from the South-
west corner of the New Meeting House in Said Parrish, In-
cluding all the inhabitants- & their Estates from the Said
three Miles North of the Ri\'er Merrimac Ijcgining at the
Atlantic Sea or AVestern Ocean on the East, tt running
Northerly from Mitchels Line (as determined b}' his Majtie
in Council) to the bounds of Hampton Falls Parrish & then
AVesterly on the Boiuids of Kensington & Kingstown afore-
said untill it meets with the Said AVhite Pine Stump in Sha[)-
leys line So called, & from Said Stump due South two miles
and one Qaarter of a mile to the Stake aforesaid in Said
Mitchels Line neare the Childrens land (Excepting the Lands
Estates & Poles of Jacob French, John True, Jona. Hoit,
.Iose[)h Tucker, Joseph Page, Samuel Eaton, Flphraim Eaton,
Kicliai'd Smith, Joseph Todd, Thomas Selly, David Fowler.
'I'ristam Collins, Samuel Fowler, Samuel AVatson, Jeremiah
AVheeler, Benj. lloit^ James Jackman, Elihu Dow, John
Eaton, Noah Dow, Benj. Collins, Bildad Dow, Jiida Deny,
B(!nony Sell}', Samuel Selly, John P^aton Jun
who are hereljy annexed to tiie Parrish
of IIani[)l()n Falls & in all Res[)ects incor[)orated intcj the
I'ai-i-ish of Hanii)ton Falls, for their well ordering & being
Regulated for Pairish alfairs,) To have and To hold all tlie
Privelidges tfc Inuuiities of a Town Corporate & to be ruled
& Governed in all Respects for the Said Town alfairs, b\' the
laws of the Pr(nince of Newhampshire as other Towns are.
The lirst Town Meeting Shall ))e called l)y Joseph Jewell,
John Flanders, & Henry Cui'rier, the .Seventh da}' of June,
Next l)y Notification in Writing Ijy thein Signed & allixed to
the Meeting H(M|sc Dore Seven day's at least belbre the
72
hokliiiij,' of .Sucli Meeting & afterwards the Town Meetings
Sliall be called at Such times as the affairs of Said Town may
Require in Such Manner as the Laws of the Province of
Ncwhampshire hath prescribed for Towns. And We do
further by these Presents for us our Heirs & Successors,
Grant, Establish & Ordaine, That 3'early once in a Year &
forever hereafter namely the first Monday in March Yearely
there shall be held and kei)t l)y the Freeholders and Inhabi-
tants of Said Town a Town Meeting at their Publick Meeting
Place in Said Town, & there b}' a Majority of the Freeholders
& Inhabitants presents Legally Qualified to Vote, to make
Choice of all Town Ollicers lor the Ensuing Years, and to
transact any other alfairs of the Town as other Towns &
l*arishe.s, according to the Laws of the Said Pro^•ince do . . .
In Testimony whereof we have caused the Pulilick Scale of
our Said Province to be hereunto affixed. Witness
Benning Wentworth Esq., Governour and Commander in
Chief in and over our Said Province of Newhampshire the
twenty fifth day of May in the fifteenth 3'eare of our Reign,
Aunoqr Dom, 1742.
B. WENTWORTH.
Province of ] ^^^ , -,,,, 1-, >
^T TT V JNovember 24th, 1 /42.
New Hampse j '
By his Excelencys Comand
With the advice of the Council
TiiEODOKE Atkinson Secy
[fKOM provincial papers, vol. IX, PAGE 763.]
Petition of sundnj inhabitants at the ca^t end of the town to be
set off to Ilmupton Falls.
To his Excell-^ Bening Wentworth Es(f Capt" Gen" and Gov-
ern"^ in Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New
Hampshire in N. England and to the Hon''''' his Majesties
Council and Representatives in Gen' Court assembled "Sep-
tem'" 14"' 1742.
The Petition of sundry of y" Inhabitants of the Est part of
Salisbury Avhich by the riming the new Line fall into the
Province of New Hampshire and (as we are informed) are
included in the late charter granted for y'= Township of South
Hampton, Humbly JSheivcth: — That we the subscribers being
73
•
comprehended in the afores'' Charter and by reason thereof
exposed to greater hardships and nnreasonable diMieuhies as
to all Parish and Town art'airs, l)eing six miles or more dis-
tant from their Meeting honse, Ave cannot with onr families
attend y'' pubUck worship there, neither can we have y'" priv-
ilidge of voteing in their pnl)lick allairs respecting Town or
Parish, for if their meetings are warned in the nsual
Method we shall have no knoAvledge of them, or if l\y chance
we hear of any of them, sneli is the distance that we can't
attend them ; and therefore it will be very prejudicial to us to
stand in such relation to them with whom we can neither do
our duty nor injoy our just Rights and Privileges ; — We
therefore pra}" that (as the rest of onr Neighbours) we may
be set otf as to our persons & P^states from the said Town of
South Hampton and annexed to Hampton Falls there to do
duty and injo}' y*^ privilidges of Townsmen, so shall y'' Peti-
tion" ever pray, &c.
John Collins Jonathan Wnlton
Sam' Collins Joseph Norten
Samuel Smith Jacob Smith
DaA'id Norten Eliphaz Dow
[from records in office of secretary of state.]
Act of December 4th 1742, iwllimj sundrti persons from Soiit//
Hmnptem to Hemijjton Falls.
Province of New Hampshire.
N-7 :32 J- <~^— N , Anno Jiee/ui regis Georejii, /Seoiiidi Maepxt
\\..ii.V B>-ittania Frcmcla et Hihernia Dec! mo
'- ^— , — ' ' jSexto.
AN ACT for Taking off part of the Town of South ir.'iinploii
in s'' Province & annexing of the same to Ilain[)toii Palls.
Whereas Sundry of tlie Inhabitants of SouUi Hamilton
afores'' have Petitioned the General Assembly Sitting forth
that by reason of their Distance from the meeting House it
was very Dilllcult for them to attend the Publick AVorship
And other atfaii-s of the Town usually Ti-ansacted th(>re cV:
thereu[)on Praying they might be Set" oil to the Parish of
Hampton falls to which they were neai-er which ha\iug been
considered & api)earing reasonable —
Be it therefore Pnacted bv his PxcelcncN the ( iovernour
74
Council it representatives in Oenerul Assembly Convened &
by the Authority of the Same That a line shall be Extended
& is hereby Determined to run from the Dividing Line
between the Parish of Hampton Falls afores'' & the Parish of
Kinsington to the Province Line or Boundary between this
Province & the Province of the IVIassaclmsptts bay being
South Four Degrees West and all the Inhabitants & tiieir
Estates Lying to the East wanl of s'' Line within the s'' |)art
of South Hampton shall be annexed to Hampton Falls
Parish afores'' & are herein' Determined & declared to I )e-
long unto the Same to all Intents and Purposes whatsoever
Excepting only with respect to the Duty of mending &
repairing of highways below or to the Eastward of s'' Line
which shall be done by the s'' Inhabitants (which shall Ex-
cuse & Exempt them from that duty Else were) & paying
of the Province Tax which they are to pay as usual until a new
Proportion or further order of the General Assembly and that
ihey pay their Tax for th(^ Present Year where they are
allready assessed.
In the House of Representatives Decemb' P'' 1742.
The within Bill read three times & passed to be Enacted.
Axi)'- WioGix, Speaker.
In Council December the 4"' 1742.
Read Three times & past to be enacted.
TlIEODORF. AtKIXSoX. Seclv.
Eodem Die
I assent to the Enacting the I'oregoing liill.
Bxo. "Wf.xtwouth.
Recorded according to the original Act under the Province
Seal. •
Y'" TnF.()i)()RE Atkixsox. Sec''-^'
SEABROOK GRANTED.
[XATIIAXIEL BOUTOX, D.D., IX AOL. IX. PA(;E 821). PKoVlX-
CIAL PAPERS.]
Seabrook was formerly a part of Hampton Falls. It was
granted June 3. 1768. to Jonathan Weare. John Moultou
and others.
75
[from sortH iiAMPTOX ^o^YN records.]
Agreement as to taxation between South Hampton and Sea/>rook.
We the subscribers and Committees of the towns of South
Hampton and Seabrook have mutuall3' agreed this 14lh day
of May 1795 to settle tlie following line for taxation of lands
belonging to non-residents, viz :
Beginning at the south easterl}' corner bounds of Kensing-
ton then running a straight line eastwardly to Batcheller's
bound (so called) near Levi Gove's house then taking the
post road and running southerly as said road runs initil it
comes to Cain's brook (so called) then running as said
brook runs initil it strikes Shapley's line (so called) then
running eastwardly as said Shapley's line runs to the bound
rock (so calUed) at Hampton river's mouth.
Elisha Brown )
John Smith
Josiah Dow Selectmen and
Abraham Dow Committee for
Samuel George }■ Seabrook
Jacob Collins
Joseph Merrill
Joseph Jones jr
John H. Pillsiuny J
and
South Hampton.
[from new HAMPSHIRE PAMPHLET LAWS 1822.]
AN ACT to eonfinn and estahlish the westerly hofindery line of
the town of Seabrook.
Sect. 1. Be it enacted b}- the Senate and House of Ive[)-
resentatives in General Court convened, That the line be-
tween the towns of Kensington and Seabrook, and the line
as determined and extended b}^ an act of the Legislature,
passed December 4, 1742, for taking off part of the town of
South-Hampton and annexing the same to Hampton falls ;
and the same line extended in the same direction, l)eing south
four degrees west, to the present line between this state and
the connnonwealth of Massachusetts, shall luM'eafter be the
westerly l)Oundary of the town of Seabrook, and all the lands,
non-resident as well as resident, and tlie waters lying easter-
ly thereof to the sea, shall belong to the town of Seabrook
for the purpose of taxation and jurisdiction, and to all other
legal and constitutional intents and purposes whatevei".
T6
Provided hmveim\ that any part tlioreof, which is now the
pubhek property- of the town of Sonth-Hampton shall lio ex-
empt from taxation so long as the same shall Itelong to tliat
corporation. ^
Sect. 2. And be it further enacted, That thirty cents
shall be taken from the jjroportion of public taxes established
for the town of Soutli-Hampton and be added to the propor-
tion of the town of Seabrook, ami that the Treasurer shall is-
sue his warrants accordingly until a new proportion of taxes
be estalilished.
Approved June 2G, 1S22.
[from SALISnUUY TOWN RECORDS.]
Agrennrrit showuig the carl// //is/uri/ of Uic pii>'^'Jna(jc huuh.
this agreement made y'' tenth Day of Jan-^ 1743-4 Betwen
ns whose names are here after written being a Com'"' for y"
Town of Salisbury and south Hampton that is to say we
John Morrill Elias Pike John Merrill being Leaguall}' Chosen
and Impower'd by ye" Town of Salislinry in y'' Connty of Es-
sex and Province of j-*" Massachusetts Bay : and we Reuben
Dimond P^phraim Brown Joseph tfrench Jun. Leagually Chos-
en and impowerd l\y y'' Town of south Hampton in y*" pro-
\Mnce of new hainpshire as b_Y each of y" t(nvn Book of sd
Salisliury and south hampton may appear to agree upon
Divid and sett off to sd south hamton tliere share and part
of all y'' Lands formerly C4rantcd and Laid out by y*" town
of of Salisbury within y" ancient P>ound there of for y*" use of
the Ministry and we do here by agree that the town of south
hamton shall have hold and Injoy for the use of their minis-
try as followeth viz that tract of Land in y" mill Division so
called Lying on ye*" southerly side of y*" highway which Leads
from SalislMuy to Kinston y*" northerly part or end of which
butts on the sd way and southerly on Powows river it being
y'' 11th Lot in sd Division and Contains about twenty seven
acres be it more or Less and also eighteen acres of y'' addi-
tion which a former Com"' of y'' Town of Salisbury Laid out
to y*" sd 1 1th Lot which sd addition Lj'cth on y*' Northerly
side of y*^ above sd way y*" said eighteen acres to liegin at y''
sd way and to extend Northerly till y'' sd eighteen acres be
Compleated saveing a Drift- way from y'' sd way in y" most
Conveint place through y'' sd eighteen acres to y^ remainder
of 3'^ sd addition for y'' ministers of Salisbury to pass and re-
77
[)ass with teams and to Diite Cattle &e and wc Do finlher
more agree that y'' remaining; part of y*^^ sd addition to^etlier
with all other Lands marsh or meadow Gh-ound formerly
Granted and Laid out for _y'' use of y'' ministry of y^' ancient
town of 8alis1niry shall for ever be and remain to y'
nse of y"" ministers of y- town of Salisbury without any
Let Cla'rae or Mollestation liy y'' Town of south ham[)-
ton and further more we Do agree that whereas there
has been an action Commenced l)y one of y'' Ministers
f)f Salisbnr3' against y" Inhabitants of south hamton for
a trespass upon part of y*^^ Land above mentioned and
hereby much money has been spent we Do agree that each
Town shall pay their own cost and that sd minister with Draw
sd action further more we do agree the Profits if any be of
ye fei-iy hctween Salisliury and Newlnny shall forever lie and
remain to y'" Town of Salislnny witlK)ut any Lett or Claime
Mollestation by y" Town of south hamton wc do agree that
y"" Drift way above mentioned shall be on that of y'' above
sd eighteen acres next timothy Townsends Land and
also that those people that were taken off from Salisbury by
y"" Late province Line shall Injoy y'' sd twenty seven acres
and y" sd eighteen acres above mentioned without any Lett
or Mollestations by y'^ Town of Salisbury — and in Confirma-
tion of y*' agi-eement we the said Com*'" in Itehalf of y'' Town
of Salisbury and south hamton have Interchanealily set too
our hands the Day and year iirst al)ove writen.
Elias l^ike | Com''' for
John Men-ill j Salisbury.
Reuben Dimond | Com*'' for
Ephriam Brown j South hamton.
[copy from ORKilNAL IN SKLECTMEN's OFFICE.]
Qidlchiim Deed, of the Nor/A Fan^onrKje, Inj Ixcv. Ndilniniil
Noycft.
Know all men liy tliesc presence. That Nath" Noyes
Pastor of the Church of Christ in South liampton in tiie Pro-
vince of New hampshire in New England & Minister of y''
Gospel in y'' Said South hampton, for divers good causes &
considerations moving viz for tlie greater benelit & y*" better
enal)ling of y*^^ town to Suppoi't y'' charges of the Gospel hath
remised, released & forever quit claimed & 1)y these presents
for him self and his heirs dotli fully clearly & absolutely re-
mise, release & forever (juit claim unto Rich'' Collins Inliolder
78
and unto Abel French & unto Abel BroTvn botli Husband
men in Soutli hampton — being Selectmen & appointed bv
y" town in their name to receive as is now quit claimed to
tliem & tlieir Successors forever, all such right estate Title, In-
terest & demand whatsoever, as he the sd Natli" Noyes had or
ought to have in or to Sixteen Acres of Parsonage land lying
& being in South liamplon aforesaid & bounded Soutlierly on y""
lligliway, Easterly on a two rod higliway & Townsanil's farm
so called, Xortlierly on y"^ Salisbury Ptu'sonage land & west-
erly on John Flanders with all tlie prvilegcs & appurtenances
unto ye" Land to have and to hold unto y"' Said Kich'' Collins
Aliel French & Abel Brown & their succesors in the name of
y'' Town of tlie Afores'^ .Soutli hampton to the only use benefit
& profit of the afores'' Select Men & Successors for ever for
to be expended towards y*" Support of y*" Gospel in South
hampton agreealile to the original grant of y'' Sd Land to the
Sd town of South hampton so that neither Said Nath" Noyes
nor his heirs nor an}' other person or persons for him or them
sliall or will by any way or means hereafter done, chalange
or demand any right, Tile [title] in any part or Parcel of the
Said land — which is now remised I'cleascd & forever cpiit
claimed to y*^ aftoresaid Select Men in behalf of y'' s*^ town &
tlieir Successor to be used & improve y'" benefit of the Sd
laud only for y^ aforesaid purpose.
In witness whereof the Said Nath" Noyes hath hereuto Set
his hand & Seal this eighteen day of May Anno Domini One
thousand Seven hundred & Sixty three & in the third year
of the Reign of George, the third. King of great Britain &c.
Nath" Noyes.
Signed Sealed & delivered , ---— ^
in Presence of us — \ l. s. [
Nath" JMorrill. ^ ^^ ^
Joseph Merrill, Jun.
[from office of secretary of state.]
Record of a vote 2ift-^sed hi/ the Town of South Eamjdon. allmv-
ing certain inhaldtants (f the Wcf^t End to 2ioIl off, with (i list
of their mimes.
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of the town of South
Hampton July 7th 1748. John Page Esq. was chosen mod-
erator. At the same meeting it was considered that whereas
there was a number of persons that live at the west end of
this town that thinlc the}' can better accomodate themselves
79
by joining with their neiglibors for a meeting honse than con-
stantly to asseml)le with ns and being wilhng to shew them
all Chi'istain regard and kindness (vote that all those persons
that lives at the west end of the town that have a mind to go
(ttf shall have the Liberty to poll of themselves & their estates
which thcv now have & join with their neighbors in the
District for a Parish in all affairs provided thev i)oll olf or file
a list of their names withiiis I^lxcellencv the (ioNcrnor within
tliirtv days from the day of date hereof.
\'()ted in the allirmative.
A trne copy attest.
Ruben Diamond, Town C'lok.
Jonatlian Farren Roliert Martin
jNIichacl lloit James George
'Thcf Tux])iny David Colby
Tho' Carter Zachens C()ll)y
Benja Carter Jonathan Kimball
Orland Carter Aaron Cnrrier
Benj" Kimball Tho*' Jewell
. 'John Carter Phillip Cliallis
Sam' Carter Daniel Goodwin
Jacob Colby Tho'^ Greenfield
Rogles Colby Nathanel Ash
Nathan' Colliy Aliraham Meri'ill
Jonathan Watson David Goodwin
Roger Easman Zebnlon Farren
Sam' Goodwin John Eliot
Province of New Hampshire
There certif}^ that the List of the names above mentioned
were Entered with his P^xcellency the Governonrand Lodged
in the Sect3's office the Seconday of August 1748.
Attest Theodore Atkinson Secv.
[from office of SECRETAllY OF STATE.]
.Ir/ o/' March 22nd, 1740, pnlHncj Un'rhi Han/// Uiniip/nH iiuni
to NcK! Toivn..
New IIami)shire | George the Second by the Gi-nce of God of
l'i()\inc(' f)f j Great Lrittain Frances & L'cl;iiid King
Defender of the faith &c
,. — ' — > , To all Peoi)le to whom the Presents Shall come
\ 1,. s. ^ Greeting.
^ ■^. — ' •' AVhereas The Town of South Hampton within our
l^r()vince of New Hampshire aforesaid for Divi-rsc <>;ood &
80
Lnu(lal)le motives «fe Considerations theveunto movino- Did
Voluntnril}' at a Town meetino- held in Said Town by Inlial)i-
tants tliereof on the 7"' Day of Jnly Anno Domini 1748 Pass
a Vote in the following words viz : "That all those Persons
that Live at the AVesfEnd of this Town that have a mind to
goe oft" Shall have the Liberty to Poll of themselves & their
Estates whieli they now have & joyn Avitli their Neighbours in
the District for a Parish in all affairs Provided they Poll off"
or file a List of their names with his Excelenc}' the Gover-
nonr within thirty Days from the Date hereof. And for as
nnu'h as Jonathan Farren, Michael Hoit Tho' Tnxbnry
Thomas Carter, Benj'' Carter Orlando Carter Benj" Kimball
John Carter, Sam' Carter, Jacob Coleby, Rnggles Coll\y
Nath' Coleliy, Jon'' "Watson, Roger Eastman, Sam' Goodwin,
Robert Martin, James George, David Colli}' Zacheus Coll\v,
Jonathan Kimball, Aaron Currier, Tho'^ Jewell, Phillip
Challis, Daniel Goodwin Tlieo Greenfield Nathaniel Asli
Al)raliam INIerrill, DaA'id Goodwin, Zebulon Farren, & John
Eliot all Inhalntants in the West End of Said Town of
South Hampton, Did file a List of their names with B.
Wentwoi'th, Esq. our Governor of our said Province & the
same was filed in the Secy's office of onr afores*^ Province on
the Second Da}" of August 1748 within the thirty days in the
above recited Vote of the aforesaid Town of South Hampton
meantioned, and agreeable to the Intent & tenor thereof.
Now know ye that for and in Consideration of the alcove
mentioned vote & at the request of the Several Parties there-
in Concerned We have tho't fit by further the advice of our
Trusty & well beloved Benning AVentworth P2sq'' our Gover-
nour & of our Council of our s'' Province of N. Hamps. to
order and ordain that the aforesaid Jonathan Farren Michael
&c. with theirs & each of their Estates the}' now have in said
Town of South Hampton be & liereb}' are order'd Declared &
ordained to be Polled & set off" from acting or A'oting with
the Town of South Hampton afores'^ in an}' of their Town
aft"airs excepting what does or may relate to the repairing or
mending the high ways within the Limits of the said Town of
South Hampton afores'' with respect to which aftaii's they are
to act & be governed as tho no A-^otc.or order had Past there-
on and are hereby together with the Instates they have in
South Hampton as also all Persons that shall succeed them
in any or either of them in the improving of said estates
Declared to be Polled off & annexed to Newtown witliin our
Province afores'' there to vote and act with s'' Newtown in all
their Town aftairs as fully to all Intents & Purposes as any
81
other the Inhabitants of said Town can or may do excepting
what dos or may relate to the mending or repairing the High-
ways witliin the Limits of Newtown which they and Each of
them are hereby Exempt from they having tlie Liberty of
Voteing witli & are Subject to the Legal Directions of the
Town of South hampton aforcs'S of all which all Persons con-
cerned are to take Due notice hereof & Govern themselves
accordingly.
Li TesUmony whereof we have Caused the Seal of our Said
Province to be hereunto alfixed. AVitness B. AVentworth
I-Cs(j'' our Governour & Connnander in CliietF of our Prov. of
N. Ilamp afores'' this '22'' Day of March 174'J & in the 23"
year of our reign,
B. WENT WORTH.
r.y his Excellencys com" with advice of Council.
TiiEODOKi: AxKiNsiON Sectv.
[f1!0M rKOVICIAL I'AI'KKS VOL. IX, rAOK 775.]
PiliLioii fur sctllm;/ fh< Hue hclivcrn Hok/Ii Hatii])lun and Neiv-
lotrii.
Province of \ To his Excellency John Wentworth, Esq''
New llamps'" j Captain General, Governor and Command-
er in Chief in and over the Province of
New Haini)shire, the Honourable his IMaJesty's Council and
house of Representatives in General Assembly conveni'd.
The Petition of us the Subscril)ers being a Committee chosen
for the Town of South Hampton, Most humbly shoiueth : —
That the said Town of South Hampton sulfer great incon-
veniences for want of a Line settled and estabhshed, between
the said Town of South Hami)ton and the Town of New Town,
there lacing more than Twenty persons in said South Hamp-
ton, wliich claim to ))elong to Newtown, part of whom might
be as well acconnnodated by being joyned to South Hami)tou,
:uid a numljer more of South Ham|)ton that might )je as Avell
accommodated by being joyned to Newtown. Your petition-
ers therefore pray a Line may be settled between the said
Towns in such a nianuer as not to enlai-ge the one at the
82
expense of the olher lint to make buQi e(|ual lo which they
now are, and that a Conunittee may be appointed to inquire
into the eireumstanees of the case and Report such a Line as
may etlect tlie purposes aforesaid : and yoiu- Tetitioners as
tliey are in duly bound will ever [)ray, &c.
Phihi)s White
Aljel Brown
Moses Freucli
Soulli IIani[)lon. Decern''
I'J'" 1770.
[from OI-l'ICE OF SKCRETAKY OF STATk]
A''f nf 1772, Es/iifilts/>i)/.(/ the Line br/irrn) Su///// Hnmpfni)
uml Ncicton.
Anno Ileipd Rei/is Geovijii 7\'rtu Miiijtur BrUaniti'i
Fraticiui Hibenum Duo decimo.
AX ACT to establisli a deviding' line l)etwcen the Town (jT
Southampton and the ToAvn of Newtown,
"Whereas, pursuant to a petition of a Committee chosen by
the Town of Southampton in behalf of said Town, a Comtee
of the General Assembly hath been appointed to settle the
line between the said Town of Southampton and the said
Town of Newtown, & the said Comtee after reviewdug the
premises and hearing both parties, have reported that liic
tlividing" line between the said Towns should begin at
the Province Line at a place called Pond Brook, and
from thence should rini westerly by the highway that leads to
Pliilip Currier's Dwelling House until it comes to land of saiil
Currier, and from thence Northerly on the line between the
land of said Phil'' Currier & the land of Challis Currier to
tlie Highway that leads towards said Challis Currier's House,
thence Northerly on the Westerly side of the said Highway
luitil it comes to land belonging to Lieut. Thomas Tewks-
bur^', thence Southerly and Westerly b}- said TewksburA's
laud & land of the Widow Judith Currier until it comes to
the Highway near Charles Collins House, thence Nortli
Easterh' on the East side of the Highwin- that leads to
Bugsmore Hill, so called, until it comes opposite to the Nortli
Easterly corner of Jonathan Kimball's land, thence across
said Road AVesterly between said Kimball's Land & Land of
the aforesaid Liout Thomas Tewksbmy, & 1)etweonsaid Kiin-
liall's land & land belonging to the heirs of Timothy Bagley,
deceased, nntil it comes to the lload that leads to Aspen Hill,
so called, thence Northerly on the Easterly side of said Koad
nntil it comes opposite to the North Easterly corner of
Aaron Cnrrier's land, thence across said Road & running
Northwesterly by said Aaron Currier's Land until it comes
to Kingstown Line, which report being read & appearing to
)>e reasonable and just & no opposition being made thereto.
lie it therefore enacted by the Governor, Council & Assem-
1)ly That the Line before descriljcd between the said Towns
be and hereby is estaljlished to be the dividing line between
llie said Towns of Southampton and Newtown. And all the
land & Inhaljitants now belonging to either of said Towns
that are situated to the Eastward of said Line shall hereafter
be deemed to all intents and purposes as belonging to and
part of the Town of Soutliami)ton. And all that are situated
to the westward of said line shall hereafter 1)c deemed to all
intents and [)urposes as belonging to and part of the Town
of Newtown.
Troviuce of ) In the House of RcpresenLatives Jan'y 3d
New Ham[)shirc j 1772.
This Act having been read a Ihird lime. Voted that it
pass to 1k' enacted.
J. Wentworlh, Speaker.
In Council January 4th 1772. This l)ill was read a 3d
time and [)assed to be enacted.
Tiieodore Atkinson, Secretary.
Conseuled
J. Wentw(jrth.
Recorded acccjrding to the original act under the Provinc^e
Seal.
Attest :
Theodore Ati\inson Sect'v.
[li;OM PKOVINf lAl, I-APICKS VOK. VIII, PACK 284.]
Nd.iiics of Iho.sc ill tionlh //(Uiijilon iclio sijiiiid llu: A-'<wci(i/io/i
Test.
We the Subscribers, do hei-e1)y solenuily engage and i)ro-
niise that we will to the utmost of our I'ower, at the Ris(pie
84
of our Lives and Fortunes, with Arms, oi^pose tlie Hostile
Proceedings of the Britisli Fleets and Annies against the
United American Colonies.
r. AVhitc
Henry Freneh
Hemy Freneh, Jr.
James French
( )bcdiah French
Daniel French
]']lihu French
Isaac Brown
Reuben Currier
Rob' Long
Thnothy HuntuigLon
Nathaniel Flantlers
William (craves
Jos i ah Rogers
l>avid Graves
Stephen Rogers
Samuel Peiree
William Cooper
numphrey Pierce
]\[oses Pierce
Humphrey Peiree Jr
Tho- Shepherd
Richard Fitts
Nathan Fitts
Eliphelet INIerrill
James lledlock
Plnlip Flanders
Jacolj Jones
Josiah Sawyer
Richard Sawyer
Israel Sawyer
Ezekiel Clough Mr
Nathan Ciu'rier
Cliallis Currier
J(jlm Currier
Richard Currier
Louis Hadlock
Jaeolj Barnard
Joh Pilsbcry
Enos George
Parker Flanders
Er Colby
Ezekiel Flanders
Timothy Flanders
Daniel Jones
Nieiiolas Currier
Nathaniel Rowell
Isaiah Dole
Jonthan Dow
Timothy Ikuitinton (?
Moses Flanders, I
sui)scribe Provided
that the act or ad-
vice of the said
Contiuential Con-
gress be complied
with Respecting
minute men.
Ednuuul Pilsbury
Barnard Currier
E|)liraim Carter
Aljcl French
Benjamin Clough
Abel Brown
N. Noyes
Thomas Tuxbury
Merrill Flanders
Onesipliorus Page
Richard Currier Flan-
Rich'' Collins [ders
Philip Osgood
Ezekiel French
Josejjh Jones, Jr
Joseph Jones
Joseph ]\[errill
Barnard Flanders
Philip Flanders
Thomas Currier
Jona Prasa
Benjamin Brown
) Enoch Page
Richard Greele
Moses French
Jacob Dole
Daniel Page
Ebenezer French, Jr
Ilenery Tuells P
Benjm" Barnard
Josiali Flanders
Elijdielct IMcrrill Jr
Daniel Colby
William Clough
85.
Colony of New Hampshire —
South Hampton June 24"' 177G.
Agreable to tlu' within, we have Desired the males in sd
Town to sign the Declaration on this pa[)er & It hath been
complied with by all so desired excepting those whose names
are hereafter mentioned.
Jeremiah Flanders
Isaiah Fhmders
Jeremiah Flanders Jr
CIrrislopher Flanders — 4.
Abel French
Joseph Merrill
1^
Selectmen
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
Los Angeles
This book is DUE on the last date stamped below.
bW
jewexx -
S6^J^ Religious his-
tory of South
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BR
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S65J5
a o^^cdi^M urorary
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