Diary of Ebenezer Parkman, 1744
1744 January 1 (Sunday). If I have heretofore taken Some Notice of the wondrous Patience and Longsuffering of God towards me in Time past, what far more increas’d Reason to now! O that Since God is vouchsafing and protecting His rich Mercys to me, it might please Him to add This Great Mercy to all the other Grace to enable me to make a right Improvement thereof! The Thoughts and Conversation of People Seem to be very much engross’d by the Appearing and Continuance of the Comet in the West. I think it the largest that I have ever Seen, and that it comes Nearer and Nearer to the Earth. I desire it may put me in Mind of the Greatness, Glory and Power, and the wisdom and So great Dominion of the infinite God whose works these are; And that I may bring to remembrance and have an abiding sense of that Day that Shall burn as an Oven, when this Earth also shall be sett on Fire and, all the wicked shall be Consumed. Mal. 4.1. 2 Epistle of Pet. 3.7. I preach’d on Col. 1.21. Mr. Coolidge though in town yet not well nor at meeting.
1744 January 2 (Monday). Mr. Garfield of Shrewsbury here. Conversation mainly of the State of Religion in these Times.
1744 January 3 (Tuesday). Was to have assisted Mr. Cushing in keeping a Fast at the House of one Samuel Brown in Shrewsbury, who is in a distress’d if not distracted Frame and has been so for Several Years without Relief. But it was Such a storm of Snow that I was prevented. Short of Wood but Nathan Maynard kindly helpfull in Splitting what was at the Door, etc.
1744 January 4 (Wednesday). Nathan Maynard, Daniel Bellows,
1744 January 5 (Thursday). Preach’d at the private Meeting at Deacon Forbush’s on Matt. 11.26. N.B. Lieutenant Tainter sick. N.B. after Meeting relating the Story of Mercy Wheeler
1744 January 6 (Friday). I have been acquainting myself somewhat with that Excellent Man’s Life and writings Mr. Robert Bolton.
1744 January 7 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 January 8 (Sunday). Col. 1.21, a. and p.m. Mr. Coollidge
1744 January 9 (Monday). Another fruitless Town Meeting, concerning My Support and Dividing the Town. This Meeting was oversatt by the plan that several Men were not Warned. Brother Hicks here and lodged. I had Some perplexity by Means of Neighbour John Rogers his having promis’d me money and continually Disappointed me.
1744 January 10 (Tuesday). Dr. Smith here and din’d with us. P.M. I visited the Wife of Mr. Samuel Fay junior who has been long confin’d.
1744 January 11 (Wednesday). Pleasant Day again.
1744 January 12 (Thursday). A Lecture to young People on Prov. 7.7, and by my Closeness upon them with respect to Unclean Practices, and the [illegible] of Behaviour among Youth which lead thereto.
1744 January 13 (Friday). We kill’d a second Hogg, Weight 265, by Neighbour Ebenezer Maynard and Thomas Winchester.
1744 January 14 (Saturday). Thomas Winchester cutts Wood for me in Neighbour Chamberlains Name Gratis.
1744 January 15 (Sunday). On Coloss. 1.21, a.m. On Prov. 7.7, p.m. Mr. Coollidge here.
1744 January 16 (Monday). Cold, Windy. Neighbour Wheeler here, he brought 2 Bushels of Rie at 16 shillings per Bushel. John Roberts
1744 January 17 (Tuesday). Thomas Winchester Came and Elijah Rice to dress Flax, but it was So very Cold that they could not Stand it, they broke off and got Wood for me a spurt and went off.
1744 January 18 (Wednesday). [No entry.]
1744 January 19 (Thursday). Mr. Cushing here. Troubles in Shrewsbury increase. Zebediah Johnson,
1744 January 20 (Friday). Nine Men came and got Wood. Neighbour Hezekiah Pratt, James Bradish, Eleazer Williams, Noah How, Paul Newton,
1744 January 21 (Saturday). Thomas and Elijah at the Flax—but I was not well myself one Day after another.
1744 January 22 (Sunday). Coloss. 1.21, a.m. 2 Pet. 3.9. Mr. Coollidge constantly dines with me on Lords Day, but it is grievous to me either to ask him to say Grace, or cast the Shame upon him at refusing him. My Heart akes exceedingly for him.
1744 January 23 (Monday). Reverend Mr. Smith of Marlborough made a Visit. We don’t meet without some Contests about the Times. He Thinks that there are as many and as deeply heart searching sermons among those term’d opposers as any others whosoever etc. He din’d with me but it was at a Time when a Number of my Neighbours were here getting Wood. Viz. Mr. Grout,
1744 January 24 (Tuesday). At Dinner at Captain Maynards, both my wife and I with Captain Tyler who with a Considerable Number and Mr. Frost
1744 January 25 (Wednesday). I went out with Design to go to see Lieutenant Tainter who continues sick, but the Rain prevented my going any further than Captain Bakers. N.B. There was Mr. Marshal Baker and his wife.
1744 January 26 (Thursday). Went to Lieutenant Tainters who is weak and feeble yet. Was also at Stephen Fays. His Brother James there. He acquaints me with Mr. Halls going to Framingham shortly to preach there. Desir’d me to let him preach at his House. I chose he should at the Meeting House and wrote a Letter to Mr. Hall for that End, which he took the Care to Convey.
1744 January 27 (Friday). Letter from Brother Samuel Parkman. N.B. his wife destracted about the Comet. Moderate weather.
1744 January 28 (Saturday). Cold. Storm of Snow.
1744 January 29 (Sunday). On 2 Cor. 5.20. Mr. Coollidge, Mrs. Chamberlain. At Eve Deacon Miles
1744 January 30 (Monday). Another Town Meeting upon my support etc. They voted but £200—Old Tenor. The North Side very Resolute. They urg’d that the Town gave me last year more than I needed or desir’d, that provisions were cheaper, etc., whereas I never gave so much as for both my Beef and my Rie—and also for Labour. The Moderator Mr. Livermore
1744 January 31 (Tuesday). Not willing to perplex myself any longer about Mr. Rogers’s Small Debt, at his Request, made known to me by Mr. Chamberlain,
1744 February 1 (Wednesday). Mr. Hall came and preach’d my Lecture on Luke 21.36, which Lecture I was the more willing to appoint both because of our Standing so much in need of Quickening and Awakening—and because it happen’d to be the first Wednesday of the Month, according to the manner of our beginning the Lectures last Year. Reverend Mr. Cushing here. Mr. Coollidge also din’d with us. N.B. After Lecture Captain Hazeltine
1744 February 2 (Thursday). I gave Mr. Coollidge what Serious and affectionate Admonitions I could. The Lord add his Blessing! My wife and I rode over to Mrs. McAllisters to visit her in great Trouble and near her time. N.B. Mrs. Thankful Rice
1744 February 3 (Friday). David Crossby
1744 February 4 (Saturday). Somewhat Rainy. Expected Mr. Brown,
1744 February 5 (Sunday). On Ps. 110.3 former part. Mr. Coollidge here. O might it please God to make it the Day of his power with our Souls! At Eve Mr. Pierce
1744 February 6 (Monday). Mr. Cunnable of Boston, and his son, in their Return from Deerfield, here and din’d with me. Sent by him Monsieur Missons
1744 February 7 (Tuesday). At Mr. Rogers
1744 February 8 (Wednesday). Moderate Weather. The Comet large yet.
1744 February 9 (Thursday). Old Mrs. Wheeler, aged 95, dy’d.
1744 February 10 (Friday). [No entry.]
1744 February 11 (Saturday). A Smart Snow Storm, but clear’d off p.m. The Time appointed for Mrs. Wheelers buryal is the forenoon, so that I could not attend it. But in the afternoon I borrow’d an Horse and went to meet them at the Grave; but meeting the young man (who return’d the buryal Cloth) a little beyond Captain Maynards, I return’d. Have the trouble of daily dressing my Mares Legg ever since my ride to Mr. McAllisters.
1744 February 12 (Sunday). On Ps. 110.3, former part. Mr. Coollidge. Mrs. Grow.
1744 February 13 (Monday). The Comet almost disappears in the Evening but I expect it may be Visible in the Morning. Mr. Francis Whipple brought his Brother Lambson to see me at Evening—as was also Captain Warrin. Religious Affairs more steddily manag’d at Ipswich than in Time past.
1744 February 14 (Tuesday). In my riding to Upton I call’d at Mr. Thurstons
1744 February 15 (Wednesday). By Day we wake with the Silent sight of a Young Fellow in the room getting up from his Girl in the t’other Bed in the Same Room with us. Astonishing Boldness and Impudence! nor could we let the Girl go off without a brief Lecture. But we kept the matter for the Parents for the Time. We all broke Fast at Mr. Nelsons. Mr. Peabody preach’d an Excellent sermon on Col. 1.27, latter part, and after sermon left us. I din’d in quiet at Deacon Nelsons with Mr. Weld, Mr. Dorr and his Daughter, for I had obtain’d leave to do as I would about the Afternoon Exercise, and I saw so much of the extra fervency of many of the people to have Mr. Prentice preach that I gave way. He din’d at Mr. Sadlers—and he preach’d p.m. on Exod. 5.10 latter part, and 11.12. At Eve I rode up to Captain Hazzletines and thence (accompany’d by Mr. Fisk
1744 February 16 (Thursday). Dr. Smith here with Mr. Bucknams sermons.
1744 February 17 (Friday). A Considerable Snow Storm.
1744 February 18 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 February 19 (Sunday). On Job 36.24.25. Jer. 8.5. I Stopp’d the Church to read Upton Church Letter. Voted to Comply with their Request But insisted for Two Delegates—and Two Brethren insisted for the Choices to be by written Votes. Deacon Forbush had the most votes the first Time, and Mr. Nathaniel Whitney the second but neither of them the majority of the whole. Some Debate arose and I was very uneasy to have this Interruption on the Lords Day; I therefore adjourn’d to next Tuesday one o’Clock. I inadvertently Said those persons were chose—designing no other than to let the Church know how the Votes stood—and that the Majority of the Church was not for them and I actually Said I know this is not the Mind of the Church, And it being the Sabbath I conceiv’d they would either confirm them that had the most Votes or take some other short Method. But Captain Baker in Heat Said it was Collusion etc. Upon which I meekly pray’d him to be satisfy’d and overlook it, for it was verily my own Inadvertence that I did not expect such a choice, was willing the Church Should have their own Choice. Mr. Coollidge here at noon.
1744 February 20 (Monday). I rode to Neighbour Thurstons and visited Neighbour Eliezer Rice under his Lameness. Was at James Fays and Winchesters. Richard Roberts gone to my House.
1744 February 21 (Tuesday). Jedidiah Rice
1744 February 22 (Wednesday). Mrs. Bacon of Needham and her Daughter Rice of Worcester here, brought me a Letter from Reverend Mr. Townsend
1744 February 23 (Thursday). [No entry.]
1744 February 24 (Friday). [No entry.]
1744 February 25 (Saturday). Snow Storm.
1744 February 26 (Sunday). On Job 36.24.25 on occasion of the Comet. Mr. Coollidge and Mr. Thurston din’d with me. Letter from Mr. Hobby of Reading, that he Cannot come up into our parts of the Country though he has desir’d it.
1744 February 27 (Monday). Mrs. Hannah Forbush (the Deacon’s wife) and Mrs. Mary Steward make us a Visit.
1744 February 28 (Tuesday). Fine Weather.
1744 February 29 (Wednesday). Heard that Roxbury new, handsome Meeting House was burnt down last sabbath by means of a stove in Judge Dudleys Pew.
1744 March 1 (Thursday). Preach’d my Lecture my Self. Repeated on Jude 10.21. Stop’d the Church to See what their minds were respecting Grafton Members communicating with us—having been ask’d Several Times by John Bradish to grant this Privilege, and they (Several of them, viz. Mr. Miller,
1744 March 2 (Friday). I understand the Comet has not been Seen for Some Dayes.
1744 March 3 (Saturday). There arose a great Storm of Snow.
1744 March 4 (Sunday). The Storm so great that but few came to Meeting. Deacon Forbush
1744 March 5 (Monday). Town Meeting. I pray’d with them. Sent in a Letter to the Town concerning their making so Slender a provision for my Support this Year, and sent a writing to the Moderator praying him in my name to notifie the people of the Communion next Lords Day, and a Sermon to be tomorrow to young people on the north side of the Town. N.B. I Sent another Letter (which I prepar’d last week) to Reverend Mr. Prentice of Grafton per Mr. Benjamin Winchester. Mr. Jonathan Burnap here and din’d with us. N.B. Reckon’d with Captain Maynard—fell in his Debt £9 old Tenor. N.B. The Middle of the Town so much the Lead at this Meeting as that the Select Men were Captain Warrin,
1744 March 6 (Tuesday). My Wife rode with Me to Mr. Nathaniel Oakes where I preach’d to Young people from Rom. 8.7. After Meeting at Captain Eagers. May God grant Success.
1744 March 7 (Wednesday). Surpriz’d with an unaccountable Letter from Mr. Prentice of Grafton, who tells me that he read my Letter complaining that they did not call Wheeler to account in presence of People of their Church and that they were all of the Mind to prosecute the Affair and he was so desir’d to write to me to Come up to their Church meeting tomorrow and produce my Witnesses, etc. To which I return’d an Answer manifesting my Astonishment that he had Expos’d my Private Letter and friendly Communication with him as my Brother and that I Should not attend Said meeting. The Bearer of Each Letter was Thomas Winchester. P.M. Deacon Newton here, reckon’d with him and paid all except for his line. Mr. Richard Salter
1744 March 8 (Thursday). Mr. Matthew Rice here acquainting me with the Good Effect of the Sermon at Nathaniel Oakes the Day before Yesterday; and that they earnestly desire the Copy of it for the press, and will Satisfie me for my pains in preparing it for them. P.M. I rode over to Neighbour Seth Rice’s to discourse with him about his sister Thankfulls Confession and what success he had had in his Endeavours with her. Thence I rode up to Colonel Nahum Wards
1744 March 9 (Friday). A.M. Aaron Hardy and Simon Tainter of Grafton both here, concerned lest I had brought myself into a snare by sending such a Letter to Mr. Prentice for that it was much fear’d that the witnesses which I depended upon to Support my Charge, would fail me. They Staid and din’d with me. P.M. Mrs. Thankfull Rice here—and had no Difficulty with her about Altering her Confession. I was exceeding uneasy at Evening what might be the Event of my Letter to Mr. Prentice—because if I should escape Trouble in the Law, yet Should fall under much Blame and reproach for my Credulousness and Abounding charity towards the New Lights, who in many Instances have (Its said commonly) been found too forgetfull where they ought to remember both words and Facts. N.B. The proposals of a Council at Grafton thrown up for the present and a Fast is now appointed instead thereof but the aggriev’d resolve to have a Council.
1744 March 10 (Saturday). I rose very Early and Committing my Case to God I went (as I was able) in his Fear and trusting in his goodness to Phinehas Hardys of Grafton and thence to Deacon Miriams,
1744 March 11 (Sunday). Lieutenant Tainter came to me in the Morning before Exercises and Spake to me of Mr. Coollidges
1744 March 12 (Monday). I rode down to Colonel Wards
1744 March 13 (Tuesday). Deacon Newton, Brother Whipple and I rode to Upton. Arriv’d at Mr. Welds
1744 March 14 (Wednesday). See the Minutes of the Council. N.B. Justice Taft
1744 March 15 (Thursday). Often weary and despairing to bring any Thing to issue—but We attended publickly both a. and p.m., to hear etc. See the minutes. Three Things dampt the opposing Brethren. One, the confusion they were thrown into in trying to pick up their Reasons for Separating from 3 different papers—and the Immethodicalness of their paper of Complaints. 2. They were disappointed much in what they expected from Mrs. Matchetts Testimony—as they were in some others. 3. The great Acceptance that Mr. Welds Sermons met with in the Council and assembly instead of being condemn’d and despis’d, as they who had separated from him pretended they had reason to. In the Evening offers again made respecting accommodations but to little purpose—though the adverse Brethren were much more dispos’d to it than heretofore. They were now heartily sorrowful for the Wheeler witness. The Council were to draw up something against the Morning for the Brethren them [sic] to Consider on.
1744 March 16 (Friday). Mr. Peabody, Bucknam and I had partly drawn up Something which when Mr. Hall
1744 March 17 (Saturday). Clear and Comfortable. We return’d home but on our way visited Deacon Newtons Daughter Warrin
1744 March 18 (Sunday). I preach’d on the North Side, at the House of Mr. Nathaniel Oake, on Col. 1.21. Din’d at Captain Eagers. Baptiz’d Mr. McAllisters Child; and Mr. John Caruths, which was born today. Return’d home at Evening. Mr. Brown preach’d on Ps. 32.11 and on Prov. 8.36.
1744 March 19 (Monday). Mr. Brown left us. But Mr. Stone
1744 March 20 (Tuesday). My Wife and I rode to Grafton Fast. Mr. Prentice pray’d and Mr. Haven
1744 March 21 (Wednesday). Sent my Horse by Captain Maynard to Boston for Thomme. Sent by him also to Mrs. Catherine Foster, Clothier. Captain Forbush here, and told me that Considering the Town had not granted sufficiency for my Support he would send me a Bushel of English Grain, Wheat and Rye.
1744 March 22 (Thursday). Snow Storm. We were anxious about Thomme on his Journey.
1744 March 23 (Friday). Thomme under the kind Care of Captain Maynard by the Favour of God came home Safe, they having lodg’d last night at Baldwins at Sudbury.
1744 March 24 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 March 25 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.17 to 21. Mr. Coollidge, Mrs. Grow, and Thomas Winchester din’d.
1744 March 26 (Monday). Capt. Fay here. Mr. Mede. P.M. Jonas Child.
1744 March 27 (Tuesday). The Catechetical Exercises to young Women. I made use of my sermon on Exod. 33.18. It being rainy I had but about 16 Hearers. At Evening Came James Bradish and with him Paul Newton, Elijah Warrin, and Jonas Brigham.
1744 March 28 (Wednesday). My Wife and I rode to Marlborough. P.M. visited old Mrs. Beeman under her Cancer. Visited Colonel Williams
1744 March 29 (Thursday). A.M. at Mr. Tainters to hasten his making up the Cloths he had in Hand for Me and for Ebenezer, viz. Leather Breeches for Each of us and a Coat of light grey Broad Cloth for him. We din’d at Mr. Smiths and p.m. rode to Southborough and made a visit to Mr. Stones. At night return’d through God’s Mercy in safety.
1744 March 30 (Friday). A great Storm of Rain in the Morning. Mr. John Mathis of Southborough dropt down dead in the highway. An Awful Warning.
1744 March 31 (Saturday). Mr. Ebenzer Wheeler of Grafton here. Treated him with kindness. Discover’d to him what Testimony I was able to give Concerning him and how it was Strengthen’d by Three others—but I did not perceive that he was inclin’d to make acknowledgement to the Church except he was forc’d to it, yet left me in a friendly manner.
1744 April 1 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.22, a.m. On Matt. 3.10. Repeated with some Additions on occasion of the Death of Mr. John Mathis of Southorough in so sudden and awful a Manner.
1744 April 2 (Monday). Rode through Southborough to Cambridge. Call’d at the house of the late Mr. Mathis to Sympathize with the Widow and Children, and to obtain a particular and distinct account of the Deceas’d and the manner of his leaving the World. Was also at Mr. Stones and din’d there, where was also the Coroner, viz. Lieutenant Hezekiah Ward. From Horns had Colonel Nathum Wards Company down. We call’d to pay our Regards to the good and aged Mr. Swift. Rainy before I got to Father Champneys, where I lodg’d.
1744 April 3 (Tuesday). To Boston. My Kinsman confin’d for Months past. I think ever since the 22d of last October and not able to go out of his Chamber yet. My aged Mother there with him to be Company for him. Pito carry’d back my Horse to Cambridge. N.B. Cousen Proctor
1744 April 4 (Wednesday). Rain. Din’d at Brother Samuels—sister not in Health. P.M. at Mr. John Brecks. In the Evening at Mr. Simeon Skilling’s Carver. Endeavouring to obtain a good place to bind my son Thomme out a’Prentice.
1744 April 5 (Thursday). Mr. Checkly
1744 April 6 (Friday). Had Some serious Discourse with Brother Champney concerning their Domestic Contests. Return’d to Westborough. D.G. No Thomas Winchester yet. Little Sarah from Lameness in her left Arm, which we can’t well account for.
1744 April 7 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 April 8 (Sunday). On Matt. 12.27. P.M. on Ps. 65.2 preparatory to the Fast in the Ensuing Weeks.
1744 April 9 (Monday). Mr. Dunlop was So kind as to come and give me a Days Work. Thomas Winchester came again for another six Months (by Gods Leave) but insist’d for £40 old Tenor for it. P.M. my wife and I rode to the Burial of Silas Fays dead born Infant. N.B. at the Grave some Such Questions were ask’d me by Mr. Fay by which I came to understand that his Brother Timothy held the odd opinion that an unborn Child had not a rational immortal soul and that he had been thus minded several Year. At Eve Brother Hicks and his wife here from Cambridge.
1744 April 10 (Tuesday). Thomas (who mended Fence Stone wall etc. yesterday) ploughing Hills.
1744 April 11 (Wednesday). Thomas Sowing Rie in the lower Field.
1744 April 12 (Thursday). Publick Fast. On Isa. 66.2. P.M. much Spent by that Time I began my afternoon sermon which was a carrying on the Same subject, but I improv’d part of my sermon on Zech. 12.10, viz. from page 43 and on. After Exercises Thankful Rice’s
1744 April 13 (Friday). A.M. Thomas broke up the Grass Ground in the lower Orchard South side. I was at Deacon Newtons and Captain Bakers. P.M. Rain—ploughing and all work abroad thrown up. At Eve Captain Maynard. Also Cornelius Cook and James Bradish were here upon Mr. Cooks Confession.
1744 April 14 (Saturday). Fine pleasant Day. Thomas ploughing up Stubble of the South side. Mr. Hezekiah Hows Oxen yesterday and to Day. Ebenezer to Marlborough. P.M. I rode over to Upton and Mr. Weld came here. I lodg’d at Captain Hazzletines.
1744 April 15 (Sunday). Captain Hazzeltine was in doubt what would become of me at Noon, but Mr. Fisk who liv’d nigher the Meeting House was so good as to ask me to Dinner as did also Captain Sadler
1744 April 16 (Monday). A.M. Mr. Weld preach’d to great good Acceptance of those of our people who went to hear him, and especially commended each his last Prayers, but Mr. James Fay and his Brother Stephen hearing he was to preach went to Grafton. I ask’d Mr. Weld whether he would drop his Action against Mr. Ebenezer Wheeler and his Wife if they made an humble Submission? Or, why he would go on to prosecute them if they would? He reply’d he did not know what he might do in that matter if they Should, but no one person had been to him in such a way as yet. Neither had he any Reason to expect they would, for they had rather done all within their power to Stand by what had been done. Ex. gr. her taking her oath before Justice Taft, etc. He set out for Worcester. P.M. at Mr. E. Nurse’s. At Eve Captain Mainard and Mr. Abner Newton here. Rainy Evening.
1744 April 17 (Tuesday). Thomme who had left me last night to go down to Boston in Company with Jonathan Rogers, went not away till the morning. I wrote by him to Mr. Joshua Emms of Boston, Goldsmith, with whom he was going to live. I had Mr. Williams’s Mare to ride over to the Association at Lancaster. Mr. Loring absent by reason of the late Death of his oldest son, Dr. John Loring
1744 April 18 (Wednesday). Mr. Barrett
1744 April 20 (Friday). I return’d to Westborough as early as I could. Call’d to See the North Inhabitants on the Hill, but made what haste I could because of the Lecture I was to preach to Day. Preach’d from Ps. 24.3. N.B. After Lecture Brother James and Stephen Fay, being dissatisfy’d with my changing with Mr. Weld, were here to discourse with me about it. To whom I have the Reasons of my Conduct in that Matter.
1744 April 21 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 April 22 (Sunday). I administered the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. The Fays were present. Preach’d on 1 Cor. 11.26, and Ps. 24.4.
1744 April 23 (Monday). I receiv’d a note from Mr. Prentice of Grafton acquainting me that they had appoint’d a Church meeting to be on next Friday, praying that if I knew of any Evidences in the Affair of Mr. Wheeler I would help them to them.
1744 April 24 (Tuesday). Held a Catechetical Exercise at the Meeting House, but it was somewhat Thin. Deliver’d my Ninth Exercise on the Catechism, viz. on God is a Spirit.
1744 April 25 (Wednesday). Catechiz’d at the Meeting House a. and p.m.
1744 April 26 (Thursday). My wife and I rode over with Captain Fay to Lieutenant Holloways where the Captain was marry’d to the widow Mary Rice, and we had an handsome Entertainment. N.B. the Bride’s Grandson Jonathan Oake, who was before Lame and one-eyed has lately met with another Maim, his Uncle George having accidentally Splitt his Hand from the Finger to the wrist. I carry’d my wife to Bezaleel Eagers and left her there, that I might go up into Shrewsbury and Discourse with Colonel Nahum Ward upon the Wheeler Affair. I went as far as Mr. Cushings (though it was when their Lecture was done) but made no Stay. Was very friendly receiv’d by the Colonel, who as he advis’d me to go to Grafton tomorrow So at my request was willing to go over also. N.B. Several Northampton men at Eagers in the Eve. When we return’d home we found Lieutenant Holloway and Mr. Wheeler with their wives, who had been waiting upon the Bridegroom and Bride to the Lodgings at Young Mr. David Maynards.
1744 April 27 (Friday). I rode to Grafton—Call’d at Mr. James Harringtons and at Ensign Jonathan Halls, but went up to Mr. Wheelers to See whether upon his Seeing what Testimonys I had to prove that he had acknowledg’d his Fornication with Lydia Pratt he would not humble himself, but he was for having me go on and prove what I could. I was mov’d with Pity towards him especially Considering he was under great Trouble already by Means of Mr. Weld of Uptons prosecuting him in the Law in an action of £1000 for his wife’s Defamation, but my Discourse avail’d Nothing, though I stay’d with him and din’d also and strove every Way to gain him. I rode to Mr. Prentice’s and after some Time came Colonel Nahum Ward as I had requested. I told Mr. Prentice how much rather I chose to have Wheeler labour’d with in private and that he would prevent public Ecclesiastical process. The Pastor and Brethren repair’d to the Meeting House, open’d their meeting and then adjourn’d for 1/4 hour that such Brethren as were so inclin’d might come with Wheeler to me. Several came. Essays were made to bring him to acknowledgement but in Vain. They return’d to Meeting and being requested by the Church to go to them I accordingly went, read and gave in a Written Testimony of what I heard Mr. Wheeler Say. Then gave them what I had receiv’d from Deacon Miriam. After those Two Evidences Jason Whitney and James Harrington being sworn before Colonel Ward, gave in theirs. After various Questions put as the Brethren Saw Cause, and Conference with Wheeler and us who were Witnesses the meeting was adjourh’d to Thursday next 4 p.m. At Mr. Prentice’s request I pray’d at breaking up. Colonel Ward went home but it having been rainy, and now very damp, cold and Late I ventur’d not but lodg’d at Mr. Prentice’s. Thomas Winchester broke yesterday and this morning by going to look of Land nigh his Fathers.
1744 April 28 (Saturday). Return’d as Early as I could, having much yet to do in my preparations for the Lords Day.
1744 April 29 (Sunday). On John 4.24 and p.m. repeated on 1 Pet. 3.7. Mr. Coollidge in Town again (keeping School at the South East part of the Town) and din’d here.
1744 April 30 (Monday). Brother Breck went to Marlborough. Brother Hicks here. Captain Maynard rais’d another Large Barn. My Wife and I were there. N.B. One Goodhew, a Young Man from Boston residing among us, had a fall from the Frame and was led into the House much hurt, but afterwards recover’d. At Supper there were So many to be entertain’d that we were kept till 10 o’Clock. I manifested so much uneasiness that we were so detain’d that I concluded everybody would retire home as Soon as they might, but it prov’d otherwise. Many tarried long after I was got home and the Time run off; among the rest 3 of my own Family. After 12 I walk’d away towards the House again. Ebenezer and Thomas Needham were returning home—upon which I went to my Bed—but understanding that there were many yet behind and among them Some Heads of Family, I rose very uneasy and went down to the House, and having acquainted Captain Maynard with what Time of Night it was, I ask’d him whether he did not Consent to my going in among the Company that were Still diverting themselves at this unseasonable Time. I went in and admonish’d them, and sent them home. N.B. George Smith (the Taylor) and Robert Bradish made the Chief Stand—but Smith I Sent off and Bradish took up his Lodging there. This Exerting my Authority gave me great uneasiness, but I was resolute to Shew Impartiality and not be partaker of other Mens Sins, as likewise to discharge my own Duty as Watchman in this Place and as having the Care of their Souls. N.B. Thomas Winchester last 1/2 Day.
1744 May 1 (Tuesday). Robert Bradish and George Smith here in the Morning. I renewed my admonition. Bradish Submitted—but Smith was refractory and went off so. Thomas Winchester planting Corn south side. Dr. Gott and Brother Samuel Breck came up from Marlborough and din’d with Me. My Wife walk’d with her Brethren to visit Captain Maynard.
1744 May 2 (Wednesday). [No entry.]
1744 May 3 (Thursday). Preach’d at the Private Meeting at Mr. Grouts,
1744 May 4 (Friday). I was at the Funeral of Mr. Stone (of Southborough) his youngest Child.
1744 May 5 (Saturday). Great Storm of Rain.
1744 May 6 (Sunday). Rainy. On John 4.24, a. and p.m. The widow of Thomas Bruce heretofore of this Town and Mrs. Ruth Fay (wife of Mr. Stephen) din’d here.
1744 May 7 (Monday). Visited Several Sick, viz. Amos Whitney,
1744 May 8 (Tuesday). Pleasant Weather. Read the Conversion of Mr. Benjamin Dutton, a dissenting Minister in England. At Evening old Mr. Maynard and Mr. Francis Whipple here. Thomas picking up etc.
1744 May 9 (Wednesday). Heard that Ezekiel Cole’s Case was try’d yesterday at our County Court at Worcester, and that he was fin’d etc. And inform’d likewise that to Day Reverend Mr. Welds against Rachel Wheeler of Grafton, comes on. Mr. Weld recover’d of Wheeler £400 old Tenor for Defamation—but both he and Wheeler appeal’d from the Judgement.
1744 May 10 (Thursday). At Deacon Tomlins and visited Jonathan Tainter.
1744 May 11 (Friday). Brother Samuel Parkman came at Evening from Dunstable.
1744 May 12 (Saturday). Brother visited Captain Maynard and Captain return’d with him here, which I was glad of. See April 30 at night.
1744 May 13 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.28 and Ps. 47.7. Mr. Coollidge din’d.
1744 May 14 (Monday). I accompany’d my Brother to the Borders of Hopkinton, and in returning I visited old Mr. Rice who lyes very weak and low. Town Meeting to see whether the Town will choose a Committee to make Reply to the Petition lately put in to the General Court to divide the Town. The Town voted to do so and chose Captain Warrin, Captain Maynard and Mr. Francis Whipple their Committee for that purpose. Reverend Mr. Warham Williams of Waltham here, with Delegates going up to a Council at Grafton chose by agriev’d Brethren there—viz. Aaron Hardy, Simon Tainter, etc. At Eve Simon Tainter here to desire me to go up tomorrow, or draw up what I had to say about Wheeler, and about Mr. Prentice’s being dismiss’d from the Association. But I could not gratify them with either, for 1.) my wife designs to go to Boston tomorrow. 2.) There is no Time to apprize Mr. Prentice of it. 3.) I have not time to look up my papers and prepare.
1744 May 15 (Tuesday). My Wife undertook her Journey to Boston.
1744 May 16 (Wednesday). [No entry.]
1744 May 17 (Thursday). Mr. Barrett came from Grafton and acquainted me with what the Council had done there. N.B. but 3 Churches met—and they adjourn’d to August next, advising the aggrieved Brethren there to make fresh application to the Church to join with them in calling a Council mutually, which if they would not do, to add six churchs more to themselves to form another Council. Mr. Barrett din’d with me and Spent several Hours afternoon—walk’d to the great Pond etc. He tells me the separations in Hopkinton increase, and now both the Ruling Elders there are in Separation.
1744 May 18 (Friday). Mr. Buckminster of Rutland
1744 May 19 (Saturday). My Wife return’d from Boston, informs me that my Honored Mother is not so well as heretofore. Mother Champney also very weak and languishing. My son Thomme much out of Health and Mr. Emms discourag’d about him and would have me send for him home.
1744 May 20 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.29, and p.m. repeat’d Sermon on 1 Cor. 14.15, from Ps. 47.7. Mr. Coollidge here at Dinner.
1744 May 21 (Monday). N.B. A Meeting of those Inhabitants who were against the Northside’s petition; and they met at Captain Forbush’s. Captain Maynard here. N.B. a Visit from Captain Eager and Mr. Livermore.
1744 May 22 (Tuesday). I rode to Marlborough to Mr. Tainters
1744 May 23 (Wednesday). Rainy Day, but old Mr. Rice lys in so low a state and sending for me I ventur’d to go and See him. Visited also Jonathan Tainter in his Waste. When I return’d home Mr. Breck from Springfield was here, but much indispos’d by a Sore Throat. At Eve Dr. Breck came. N.B. The Doctor has bought at Worcester and begins to build there.
1744 May 24 (Thursday). Elijah Rice and Sarah Shattuck were married in the Morning. Mr. Breck and his Brother went to Marlborough.
1744 May 25 (Friday). I rode to Worcester to See the Prisoner Richard Fitz Patrick Committed for the Murther of Daniel Campbell of Rutland. I din’d at Mr. Cushings at Shrewsbury, had Colonel Ward
1744 May 26 (Saturday). Mr. Hopkins etc. went off for Boston. Captain Baker
1744 May 27 (Sunday). Repeated on 1 Cor. 6.18, a. and p.m. N.B. in the Close I gave Warning with respect to ‘Lection Diversions. Mr. Coollidge, Mr. Kendal
1744 May 28 (Monday). Din’d with Captain Baker and the other Officers at Captain Fays. N.B. Mr. Coollidge there. N.B. Mr. James and Stephen Fay oppose my sermon Yesterday because of my allowing Recreations of any kind. I visited Amos Whitney and old Mr. Rice who lies exceeding low. At my returning home a little before night Mr. Coollidge and Lieutenant Forbush
1744 May 29 (Tuesday). Brother Hicks here—but I set out for Boston: call’d at Mr. Matthias Rice’s to borrow money. Din’d there and then he went with me to his Brother Ephraim Hows and got me 50 Shillings new tenor. Proceeded to Mr. Joseph Tainters where I was very long detain’d for my Coat which was not done. Could get no farther than Saltmarshes
1744 May 30 (Wednesday). Early to Father Champneys. Mother poor and low and Consumptive. Proceeded to Boston, my mother weak and faint, and dejected in soul, yet (through Divine Goodness) not so sick nor distress’d as in Time past. My Niece Elizabeth
1744 May 31 (Thursday). At Convention Sermon but went in late, for it began at 9 a.m. Dr. Chauncey
1744 June 1 (Friday). The Morning and most of the Forenoon I Spent with Mr. Thomas Stoddard who was very full of Experiences of the Lords work upon his Soul—accompany’d me to my mothers who lyes weak and cast down, yet hoping in God. I was full of Concern about my Son Thomme, my hopes all blasted respecting his living with Mr. Emms, who is discourag’d and throws up. I sought to Mr. Skelling the Carver, but in vain—to Mr. Samuel Jarvis, but not direct Success. I was also otherwise variously taken up—partly to make Some Interest in Court lest the Petition of our Coram side of the Town should be granted, which would be (Should it happen) to my inexpressible Detriment. Din’d at Brother Alexanders—waited on Dr. Delhonde
1744 June 2 (Saturday). Thomme rode behind me and we got home about 2 p.m., while my Family were at Dinner. N.B. I had Mr. Hall and his Wife’s Company from Wards Tavern. Blessed be God I find my Family in Health and peace.
1744 June 3 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.30, and p.m. Repeated sermon on Ps. 99.5.9 from Exod. 15.11, with Some alterations. N.B. A Packet came from England into Boston yesterday and War was to be proclaim’d in the afternoon and was so about 5 o’clock between England and France. N.B. This proclamation of war immediately follow’d by a terrible Shock of an Earthquake about 10 o’Clock this Morning. N.B. Mr. James Fays wife cry’d out very much as Soon as I was come from the meeting House at Noon—and there was great crying out in the woods where a Number were retir’d at Noon. I Stop’d the Church at Eve at the request of Lieutenant Thomas Forbush to See if the Church would put in another Member to supply the place of Brother Whipple
1744 June 4 (Monday). Variety of Company all Day. Mr. Whipple is again induced to go to Boston. Mr. Beaman
1744 June 5 (Tuesday). Old Mr. Rice yet living. Made him the last Visit and pray’d with him in my way to Upton. It is this Day 20 Years Since I gave my Answer to Settle in this Town. Mr. Rice lives to See it, but dyes this very Day. Did not overtake Deacon Newton till I got to Mr. Fisks
1744 June 6 (Wednesday). But when we came to propose the Hearing of the Case relating to Rachel Wheeler, we had great Struggle. It was plain that Mr. Wheeler would never submitt it, nor yield to any Thing that could be done about it. The Vote was put and there appear’d 8 for it and 7 against it, without the Moderator—but there was great Stir and noise on the Yea Side and Mr. Hall and Prentice threaten’d that they would forthwith go home if it was to be kept out, and in short the Moderator upon Considering all the State of Things condescended to give his Vote for hearing it, insisting at the Same Time upon the Liberty to Enter his Dissent in the Result. How much we might then wish for the help of Brother Whipple who was gone to Boston! But at length even he came, whilst in the hearing of the Wheeler Case. See the Minutes of the Council for the rest of the Proceedings. Lieutenant Tainter came to me at Upton to request me to go to Old Mr. Thomas Rice’s Funeral who deceas’d Yesterday, this Month 90 years old, a principal Instrument in obtaining the Grant and Settling of This Town.
1744 June 7 (Thursday). Spent the Day in Debating, and passing Votes of Judgment upon what we had heard. I would have nothing to do with the Wheeler Case—and was Sorry to See Such a reigning Disposition in that part of the Council we were chose by the Dissatisfy’d to carry every thing they could to its height against Mr. Weld. It being very Hot and my Business in the Council Such as requir’d close Attention and continual Application I was very much worried and faint, and a bad Cold also Seiz’d upon me and kept me down.
1744 June 8 (Friday). Exceeding poor and weak, Sweating and fainting Last Night and very little sleep. But in the Morning when I got up and Stirr’d about I revived and was Better. We who were the Committee for drawing up a Result, could not be wholly alone without great Inconvenience. Mr. Hall who had drawn up the most of the Votes which had pass’d in the Council, undertook to draw up the rough Draught for the Result—of that part which was most Critical and difficult. N.B. the church were call’d in (inadvertently) to hear it read, before the Committee themselves could have time to weigh and recommend it, But it was read. Upon my mentioning it to the Moderator how unfit till we had Scann’d and finish’d the Preparation of it—we had the privilege to be alone—and the Draughting the Result took us til late in the Afternoon. Not without many Strivings if not deep mutual Dissatisfactions. But at length it was finish’d, and pass’d in Council though to my great Dislike in many respects. Just before sundown the people were summon’d, Mr. Prentice, at the Moderators desire Read the Result (in Captain Sadlers Entry, for we never went to the meeting House at all) and the Moderator concluded with prayer. Captain Hazzletine and others earnestly requested me to tarry over Night but I was determin’d Home if possible—and Home we came though it was nigh Midnight first. N.B. there had been a press for Soldiers to go up and keep guard in Frontier Towns. Silas Pratt,
1744 June 9 (Saturday). Greatly disquieted with both the Actual Miscarriages and the Defects of the Council at Upton, and made some Remarks thereon. Prepar’d what I could of my sermon for the Communion tomorrow—and O that my own Soul were suitably prepar’d there for! Bekky
1744 June 10 (Sunday). Relations of those who stood Candidates for Admission into the church not brought till just before I went out to Meeting. Preach’d on 1 Cor. 11.16. P.M. (as last Sabbath p.m.) on the Holiness of God. Mr. Coollidge having mov’d his Lodgings nigher meeting, viz. to Mr. Samuel Williams’s, din’d at home. Captain Fay, Mrs. Adams [blank] din’d with us. O might it please God to Sanctifie both his Word and Sacraments to our highest Benefit!
1744 June 11 (Monday). Mr. Coollidge
1744 June 12 (Tuesday). Mr. Frost
1744 June 13 (Wednesday). Very hot again. Thomas and the Boys with him half-hilling.
1744 June 14 (Thursday). I had appoint’d a Catechetical Exercise for young Women today but a great Storm arose just at the Hour appointed which prevented their Coming.
1744 June 15 (Friday). [No entry.]
1744 June 16 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 June 17 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.31.32. A very awful Subject! O that we might have a right understanding of it and Suitably improve it!
1744 June 18 (Monday). [No entry.]
1744 June 19 (Tuesday). Rode to the Association at Shrewsbury. See the Association Records. N.B. was at Smith Allens Shop to get my Horse Shod before I went up to Mr. Cushings. Was also at Dr. Smiths
1744 June 20 (Wednesday). Mr. Loring preach’d an Excellent sermon on Heb. 6.11. After Dinner I rode to Worcester (accompany’d by Reverend Mr. Davis
1744 June 21 (Thursday). Mr. Dorr
1744 June 22 (Friday). Richard Roberts here a.m. David Marble (from old Mr. Prentice’s of Lancaster). Sent by those Young Men a Return to Mr. Halls request of the Result. P.M. Sudden Storms arose—of Thunder, Wind and Rain. Thomas got in part of a Load of Hay only: and that considerably wet before he could house it. N.B. Mrs. Rebecca Hayward
1744 June 23 (Saturday). I rode up to Deacon Cyprian Keyes’s
1744 June 24 (Sunday). Morning—preach’d at North Shrewsbury on Rom. 8.7, a. and p.m. Din’d at Lieutenant Taylors.
1744 June 25 (Monday). Mr. Morse went home. Mr. Coollidge din’d here. Sarah Tainter
1744 June 26 (Tuesday). [No entry.]
1744 June 27 (Wednesday). Mr. Chamberlin from Leicester here. We had some disquietment about his delaying to pay Rogers’s Debt which Should have been paid last February or rather (as it was due) last December 25, but I prevented much Contest and dismiss’d it for the present.
1744 June 28 (Thursday). Publick Fast on account of the War and the Earthquake. I preach’d a.m. on Ps. 46.6, p.m. on Isa. 1.4.
1744 June 29 (Friday). Major Jones
1744 June 30 (Saturday). Have heard that there are 4 Indians gone down to Boston with the Commissioners that lately went to Albany to treat with them. Six Nations. One of the Said Indians is look’d upon as a Chief of the Whole Six Nations: and that they design to proceed to the Eastward.
1744 July 1 (Sunday). On Isa. 66.2. N.B. p.m. there arose a great Storm of Rain and Thunder, just as we broke off our public Exercises which detain’d the Assembly in the Meeting House. I led them to Sing part of Ps. 147. N.B. Mr. Stephen Fays Wife cry’d out very much at the Time of a loud Clap of Thunder. I discours’d with her at my House afterwards before She went home, and She said the Spirit of God struck here at the Same Time with that Clap, and (having been in great Distress for some Time before) she was fill’d with much Terror by reason of her sins.
1744 July 2 (Monday). Mr. Livermore here to pay me some Money—not a little Discourse concerning the State of the Town—Dividing—Military Affairs etc. Mr. Morse of Shrewsbury and Master Timothy Pain with him on their Journey to Medfield in order to attend upon Commencement, and Mr. Timothy to be Examin’d for Entrance into College. Brother Hicks here.
1744 July 3 (Tuesday). Brother Hicks and I to Cambridge. On the Road Mr. Cushing of Shrewsbury and Two of his Neighbours in Company. Mr. Fortunatus Woods
1744 July 4 (Wednesday). At Meeting the Gratulatory oration was delay’d till the Governor and the Mohawk Chiefs came. I din’d in the Hall. The Mohawks din’d there also. N.B. Great Disorder (we hear) were lately at Ipswich by means of one Woodberry
1744 July 5 (Thursday). Early in the Morning I rode to Boston. At Breakfast at Mr. Josiah Quincys
Mr. Barnard
1744 July 6 (Friday). Brother Hicks to Boston but Cousin Winchester and I rode together to Westborough. I call’d at Mr. Cooks
1744 July 7 (Saturday). Close engag’d in my Preparations. Thomas Winchester has carry’d on the Business and conducted the Boys in the Hilling and Haying. Nor any Evil befallen my Family in my absence. Blessed be God. Brother Hicks came up from Boston last night and lodged here, and to Day he went home.
1744 July 8 (Sunday). I preach’d on Isa. 66.2 and p.m. repeated my Exposition on Mat. 7.22.23. The Lord grant us Grace savingly to profit by the Means thereof.
1744 July 9 (Monday). John Rogers work’d with Thomas. A.M. They mow’d Barley. P.M. they went to the Meadow. I rode to some Number of Houses—old Mr. Whipples, Stephen Fays. Din’d at Captain Fays. Talked’d with Mr. Benjamin Fays wife concerning her Emotions and crying out on the Training Day at their House. Was at Mr. Grouts and made a Business of Visiting and discoursing with Mr. James Fay and his wife, Mr. Fay having been absent now four Days running from the public Assemblys. He told that he had not been so disgusted as to leave us, be [but?] we were Crowded at our Meeting House, and he liv’d almost as near and handy to Grafton. Besides that he intimated to me that the Grand Jury man (Mr. Miller) threatned to present them for Disorderly Behaviour because his wife cry’d out on the Day of the Earthquake. I could not find that our Conversation together would be serviceable towards a Reconcilement let me do or say even ever so much either Spiritually or Condescendingly and endearingly. I also Sometimes reprov’d—nor did I soon come away but tarry’d till the sun was not very high—but after all came away with Grief. He, in the Course of the Talk told me my conversation was but a little of Spiritual Things—that Mr. Prentices Sermons were lively, profitable and Excellent—that as for me I very much affected such ministers as were opposite—but especially I was Sett against those whom he could not bear to hear a word against: Such as Mr. Bliss and Mr. Prentice. After visiting Mr. Fay I went to Mr. Whitneys where I found far Different Dispositions—and to Lieutenant Tainters. N.B. Jonathan I think wears away.
1744 July 10 (Tuesday). Thomas and Neighbour Rogers to the Meadow a.m. Thomas at home p.m. Neighbour Rogers p.m. work’d for Neighbour Maynard. No Barley [?] to reap though much was expected. N.B. I visited William Clarks two Children that were sick. Met Mr. Lawrence who rode with me to Mr. Caruths.
1744 July 11 (Wednesday). Thomas and Rogers at the Meadow but Rogers not till 10 o’Clock. A.M. showery. Mrs. Sibyl Child
1744 July 12 (Thursday). The Meadow waited on by all Hands, viz. Thomas, Neighbour Rogers and the Two Boys. My Wife not well. Last night we began to Wean Sarah. My wife to Marlborough. Ensign Bruce here in the Morning. Some time before noon he Sent me his son Jonathan who reap’d down my Winter Rye, 6 Shock, and we got it into the Barn at Evening. Held the Catechetical Exercise and preach’d on Ps. 27.7.
1744 July 13 (Friday). Mr. Chamberlain here in the Morning. He hinder’d Neighbour Rogers part of the Morning. Rogers and Thomas at the Meadow. They Carted home 3 Load and finish’d Mowing the Meadow, for they Left a part which was so thin and Dead that they Concluded was not worth Cutting. N.B. That being late in the morning they work’d late at Evening for it. My wife return’d from Marlborough. N.B. The Child weans without Trouble.
1744 July 14 (Saturday). Thomas and Rogers and the Boys at Work at the Meadow. Rak’d up all and brought home 2 Load. Have suffer’d myself to be hinder’d very litte by these hurrys.
1744 July 15 (Sunday). A. and p.m. on Joel 3.13, former part. N.B. A very fervent Address to old People. N.B. Mr. Coollidge comes in commonly after the public Exercises and this Evening seems somewhat affected and awaken’d. The Lord grant these awakening Things may be a quickening to us all to improve our Golden Opportunity and Advantages!
1744 July 16 (Monday). Thomas with the Boys got home one Load of Meadow Hay before the Rain.
1744 July 17 (Tuesday). [No entry.]
1744 July 18 (Wednesday). I went to Mr. Francis Whipples to take him with me to Mendon but he could not go. I proceeded to Lieutenant Tainters to see poor Jonathan who is very low in his Wasting and Consumption and not like to continue, yet Say, but little only that he is pritty much in the Dark, yet would hope in the Mercy of God. After prayer and Some Instructions I rode to Mendon. Mr. Webb
1744 July 19 (Thursday). Very heavy Rains early in the Morning but clear’d off so afterwards that I return’d home. Captain Tyler being so good as to accompany me part of the way as far as Mr. Matthew Tafts. N.B. I call’d also at Mr. Freelands
1744 July 20 (Friday). Thomas Carted home the last Load of the Meadow Hay. P.M. a very Considerable Thunder Storm but we and ours mercifully preserv’d. D.G. May we have, and ever Maintain the true, holy filial Fear of God and be Cur’d of a slavish Dread which keeps us in Bondage and gives Torment! For Blessed is the man that (truely) feareth alwayes!
1744 July 21 (Saturday). Brother Hicks and his son Samuel going to Cambridge. N.B. Samme is going to mow there. Brother Champney being ill and Father Champney too aged, so that their English Grass Stands from Week to Week uncutt, in great Part.
1744 July 22 (Sunday). Sacrament. I preach’d a.m. on 1 Cor. 11.26, p.m. on Joel 3.13. Captain Fay and Mr. Coollidge at Dinner. At Eve Mr. William Williams of Mansfield
1744 July 23 (Monday). Thomas mow’d at Lieutenant Tainters for Mr. Dunlops reaping Rye this Same Day for me. My Wife rode with me to see Mr. Samuel Fay, junior, his Wife who has lain confin’d for nigh 11 months, and Jonathan Tainter who is in a deep Consumption. We were also at Mr. Charles Rice’s.
1744 July 24 (Tuesday). The last of our Home Cutt Hay got into the Barn. Thomas Reap’d Rye the rest of the Day. I Catechiz’d a. and p.m. Very Faint and weak. Brother Hicks return’d from Cambridge. Read Dr. Peter Kings Biographic Ecclesiastica.
1744 July 25 (Wednesday). [No entry.]
1744 July 26 (Thursday). Chiefly on my Preparations from Day to Day, having been for Some time greatly troubled at the Scantiness of them.
1744 July 27 (Friday). [No entry.]
1744 July 28 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 July 29 (Sunday). On Matt. 13.39, a. and p.m. Deacon Forbush,
1744 July 30 (Monday). In the Morning I rode down to Mr. Beemans and Matthias Rice’s. Thomas help’d Levi Brigham p.m.
1744 July 31 (Tuesday). Thomas work’d at Mr. Beemans. P.M. Mr. Jonathan Forbush came suddenly to call me to see his poor Brother Jonathan Tainter. I found him very low, but had his reason and could Speak a few words at a Time softly yet somewhat Audibly. He had no such direct Evidence as to give him much Comfort, but yet he hop’d and desir’d; and Hopes and Desires were the Chief of what I could get from him. Many were gather’d there. I pray’d with him, after what moving and Instructing Exhortations I could give both to him and the by-Standers. About sun setting I left him. N.B. Mrs. Dunlop rode with me part of the way back and she was under much Spiritual Trouble. N.B. Hannah Forbush (the Deacons youngest Daughter) in distressing Concern. I call’d in at Mr. Williams to see Mr. Coollidge as I return’d. My wife inform’d me that Mr. Andrew Boardman
1744 August 1 (Wednesday). Thomas did not come here from Mr. Beemans till 11 o’Clock. Neighbour How
1744 August 2 (Thursday). Mr. Matthias Rice informs me that the Mohawks on their Journey home came to Marlborough last night, and that several Canada Indians are expected down. I preach’d at Lieutenant Tainters on Isa. 40.6.7.8, and may the Lord give it his peculiar Blessing! N.B. Among others Mrs. Stevens of Grafton there.
1744 August 3 (Friday). Thomas at Mr. Beeman’s. I was devoted to my Business, in some Measure as I was able, but I was much indispos’d in Body, and could not make Dispatch.
1744 August 4 (Saturday). Thomas at Mr. Beemans. Mr. John Sparhawk Schoolmaster at Shrewsbury came at Evening and lodg’d here. N.B. The School in the Middle of the Town over.
1744 August 5 (Sunday). Mr. Sparhawk kept Sabbath here. I preach’d on Mat. 12.33.34.35. P.M. on James 5.9. Mr. Coollidge and Mr. Sparhawk Supp’d and Lodg’d there.
1744 August 6 (Monday). Mr. Sparhawk return’d to Shrewsbury in the Morning. Mr. Coollidge Stay’d and din’d. He seems to be in great Horrors and Despairs. N.B. Eli Forbush with me in the Morning very much engag’d in the Business of his Soul and appears to have experienc’d some Remarkable Convictions. Mrs. Stevens (wife of Israel) of Grafton having experienc’d wonderful awakenings, was here with me. She assures me she is not able to admitt many things which she finds among her Nei[gh]bours—regard to Dreams, and holding the most sensible Communion with God in sleep, etc. She and her sister Rice din’d with me. P.M. Mrs. Thankful Maynard
1744 August 7 (Tuesday). I visited Mr. John Caruth’s wife who languishes in Body and is very much distress’d in Mind. As I was riding over upon this visit Captain Forbush met me and acquaint’d me that a man was kill’d last night by his Cart near Ensign Bruce’s in this Town. At my Return home I was requested to attend the Funeral of the Said poor Man, at 4 p.m. I had appointed with myself that this Afternoon I would visit in that Corner and my Wife and I accordingly rode down to Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlains and by means thereof we were till somewhat past 5 when I got to Ensign Bruce’s, the people being very much gather’d and long waiting. It was a very sorrowful Time! The providence very awfull indeed. The man was of Sutton, one Mr. Samuel March of about 29 or 30 Years, originally from Newbury. His poor mournfull widow, the Daughter of Captain Sibley
1744 August 8 (Wednesday). Rainy Day. Thomas came home from Mr. Beemans.
1744 August 9 (Thursday). My Kinsman Needham
1744 August 10 (Friday). [No entry.]
1744 August 11 (Saturday). Mr. Matthew Bridge
1744 August 12 (Sunday). On Eccl. 9.12, on occasion of the Sudden Death of Mr. Samuel March on the 6th Instant. May the Lord Sanctifie both his Word and Providence to us that we may be Quicken’d and O that we may be found ready how suddenly so ever we Should be Summon’d! Mr. Coollidge din’d with me.
1744 August 13 (Monday). The Towns Committee went down to the General Court to reply to the Petition of the North side. I wrote to Mr. Danforth by Ensign Rice. P.M. I was at Captain Bakers
1744 August 14 (Tuesday). They rode with me to Sudbury to Ministers Meeting. We went first to Mr. Smiths
1744 August 15 (Wednesday). There was more Business done by the Association than usual—more Collections, etc. Mr. Swift
1744 August 16 (Thursday). Mr. Weld left us—but not before Ensign Wood of Upton also, came, both of them on Account of Council papers. Mr. Weld to return Some and Ensign Wood to take off a Copy of his Daughters Oath. N.B. Two Exercises yesterday and the like to Day at Grafton but I could not go up, having so newly come Home, and much Business lyes behind. At Eve Mr. Cornelius Cook here, and was partly Examin’d in order to his joining with the Church.
1744 August 17 (Friday). Captain Maynard and Mr. Francis Whipple return’d from Boston and inform’d that having laid their Reply to the North side’s Petition, before a Committee of the Honorable Board, viz. Judge Wilder,
1744 August 18 (Saturday). [No entry.]
1744 August 19 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.36. P.M. repeat’d on Mat. 7.24 to 27. Mr. Coollidge
1744 August 20 (Monday). Ebenezer Wheeler brought me a summons to answer in Court tomorrow at Worcester Court in the Case depending between Reverend Mr. Weld of Upton and Rachel Wheeler of Grafton. N.B. Samuel Baker here to be examin’d in order to his joining with the Church. P.M. Mr. Cook with me on the Same Errand. At Eve Captain Maynard and Mr. Whipple here.
1744 August 21 (Tuesday). I early rode to Colonel Wards
1744 August 22 (Wednesday). I rode up to Worcester Court—from Mr. Cushings had Dr. Stanton Prentice’s
1744 August 23 (Thursday). In the Morning after the Rain I went to the Jayl and Spent Some Time with the prisoner who is as Yet unhumbled—has talk’d of late in a Strain of denyal of the Fact, and grumbles at his Windows being Shutt up (though at That tis thought he receiv’d ill Counsel) and Complains of the Room he is confin’d in etc.—as if he was treated hardly because he was a Stranger. Mr. Campbell
1744 August 24 (Friday). Mrs. Hephzibath Maynard
1744 August 25 (Saturday). Thomas Cutt Stalks. I was (according to my Custom) confin’d closely in my Study as I was yesterday also, yet having met with So many hindrances all the fore part of the Week I was too much behind in my preparations.
1744 August 26 (Sunday). A.M. on Matt. 12.36.37. P.M. on 10.38.39. Mr. Coollidge din’d with me. He appears very gloomy, very Despairing of his Eternal State. At Eve James Bradish, junior deliver’d me a Letter from the Separate Church in New Haven, praying assistance in Council on the 13th of September next.
1744 August 27 (Monday). Mr. Ebenezer Rice came about noon to get my Team to go to Boston. I rode to Mr. Winchester
1744 August 28 (Tuesday). Visited Captain Forbush who is sick of a Fever. A Council of Five Churches sat at Grafton, The Churches of Lancaster, Oxford, East Sudbury, Waltham and Southborough, being call’d by the agrieved only. I Hear that the North and south side of this Town have employ’d Major Jones
1744 August 29 (Wednesday). Major Jones with his Chain Men accompany’d by Mr. Miller,
1744 August 30 (Thursday). A.M. Major Hicks
1744 August 31 (Friday). Thomas return’d in safety from Boston in the Night; and it was the greater Favour as it prov’d a very rainy morning, which follow’d.
1744 September 1 (Saturday). Have understood that the prisoner FitzPatrick had made his Escape out of Worcester Jayl—But is taken again. Brother Hicks here who brought me a Letter from Reverend Mr. Webb
1744 September 2 (Sunday). Sacrament day. Mr. Coolldge, Captain Fay
1744 September 3 (Monday). I visited Ensign Josiah Rice’s Child, ill of the Cankers; and Captain Forbush who Still lyes sick of a Fever. The Lord look upon him and be gracious to him. N.B. Mr. Batchellour and his partner, Mr. Goodhew, flourish in their Coopering at Captain Maynards
1744 September 4 (Tuesday). The Gentlemen whom the General Court has Sent as their Committee to View this Town and Judge of the Circumstances hereof, and make Report accordingly—viz. The Honorable Samuel Watts Esq. of Chelsey, Major Jones of Hopkinton and Mr. Dodge
1744 September 5 (Wednesday). The Rain prevail’d greatly and continued all Day. So that neither did the Courts Committee come to us to Day. An Exceeding Rainy Time. Jejun. priv. vide Natal. The Lord enable me to take due Notice of his adorable patience and long suffering towards me! I now enter upon my 42nd Year. The Rain so heavy that if I would ever So fain I could not go to Southborough to Day, as requested by Mr. Stone
[In the Natalitia is recorded the following under date of September 5.]
September 5. I endeavour’d to humble my Soul with Fasting, and I Spent the Day chiefly in acts of Religion and Devotion.
I first Consider’d and then endeavour’d to praise God for, His astonishing Patience and rich Goodness towards Me.
I reflected with some seriousness upon my ungratefull Returns to God—recollecting my past conduct, and especially my youthfull; my Soul was fill’d with much both Shame and Grief. My late Transgression also testifie against me, and ought deeply to humble me: the Defects of my Ministry and my own unprofitableness and unfaithfulness under my Christian Obligations.
I sought the Lord in prayer and supplication for Pardoning Mercy and sanctifying Grace. I sought for myself—for my Family—for my Flock. I carry’d their present state to God as they are now engag’d in the great Affair of Dividing the Town, and the General Courts Committee now here among us. I carry’d to God also, as I was able, the state of the Churches of this Land, as circumstanc’d at this Day. I renewed my Solemn Engagements before the Lord and my Resolutions to walk before Him (by his Grace assisting me) in Integrity all the Days of Life.
1744 September 6 (Thursday). But gratify’d Mr. Cushing (as far as I was able) by preaching to Day for him. Text John 1.11. Very few at Meeting there. Mr. Samuel Biglo’s wife with Me, in her soul Distresses still. Return’d at Evening. N.B. The Courts Committee view’d the south part of the Town. I was with them at Eve at Captain Maynards. N.B. Mr. Ebenezer Baker of Marlborough a great Interruption of our Conversation there.
1744 September 7 (Friday). So grievously broke in upon by the Various Matters of the View of the Town etc., that I could not attend to My Studys. Din’d with the Committee at Captain Eagers.
1744 September 8 (Saturday). I had many close Reflections upon myself, Chastizing myself for my Pusillanimity that I did not boldly bear my Testimony against the slender Provisions in the Most Towns throughout the Country for the Maintenance of ministers, which withholding more than is Meet tendeth to Poverty and is one of the Principal Causes of the many Dissentions in the Land—but know not what the Event would be if I had Zealously appear’d in it since it might soon have involv’d me in what the Committee had so much advis’d me against. However my mind was Somewhat Eas’d when Major Jones and Mr. Dodge came along by my House in the forenoon in their return home (Captain Watts going down the Road from Captain Eagers), for though I could not have Opportunity to declare my mind last night yet I did to the fore-named Gentlemen to Day. Lieutenant Holloway and Mr. Jacob Rice being in Company with them. In which I expressly declar’d especialy that I could not by any means Countenance Such Divisions of Towns or Parishes as incapacitated them for bearing the necessary Public Charge etc., and that notwithstanding all the Love which the Town express’d to Me yet I intimated that they certainly did not provide for me as was necessary to enable me to answer their Expectations from me. Captain Maynard at my House afterwards, and at noon Lieutenant Holloway and Rice—but would not stay to dine. P.M. Mr. Coollidge returns from the North side and keeps School no more, being far gone in Despairs, Sordidness and viciousness (viz. Idleness and sloth, Smoaking and Drinking)—But he seem’d so much to Desire to remain with me over the Sabbath that I even told him he should be welcome.
1744 September 9 (Sunday). Great Frost last night. On Consideration of the State of Things in the Town I repeated sermon on Ps. 103.19 latter part. Mr. Coollidge and Mr. James Balls wife din’d with us. Mr. Coollidge says he is utterly without Hope.
1744 September 10 (Monday). My forenoon taken up in various necessary Things—fixing a Well—Buckett to the Pole etc. Mr. Coollidge went to Captain Maynards and din’d there, but return’d home. P.M. Spent mostly with him. At Eve I visited Captain Forbush. Thomas Winchester at his Fathers. Mr. Coollidge lodg’d here.
1744 September 11 (Tuesday). Mr. Coollidge went away to Lieutenant Tainters. I walk’d, though not with Mr. Coollidge to Lieutenants and din’d there. At Eve Mr. Coollidge with Lieutenant for Watertown. At Eve Eli Forbush here at my House having wrote the Dealings of God with his soul, he gave it to me. Mr. Cook was here after him and gave account of his Experiences and what he thought to be his Conversion; but when we were upon the most serious Concerns, and without any Sign of Provocation that I know if, except that I made no Difference between persons of our Country or another, he bitterly told me that he had been more abus’d by me, and by my wife and Children than ever he had been abus’d in All his Life, which with other Things I remember he Said to me nigh about those Times which he says he Experienc’d made me fear whether he who brought forth so Contrary Fruits to the Spirit had that glorious Spirit. After I had administered some Reproof and Reason’d with him and told him I Should made a minute of this he left me, and O that God would please to shew him his Errors and forgive them! N.B. Bekky Hicks to Day to Cambridge on my mare. Thomas at his Fathers.
1744 September 12 (Wednesday). Visited Captain Forbush
1744 September 13 (Thursday). Captain Forbush grows worse. Sent for me. I went immediately—found him very low. I dealt very plainly and as thorowly as I could with him. O that I had Sooner and Continually, both with him and all others!
1744 September 14 (Friday). Visited Captain Forbush. Find him with but little hopes respecting his Spiritual State—but begging the Mercy of God. We could make no New Cyder. Neighbour Pratt
1744 September 15 (Saturday). Unusual Great Frosts from Night to Night.
1744 September 16 (Sunday). Matt. 16.26. Repeat’d sermon on Rev. 20.12 from 2 Cor. 5.10. O that the Lord would make His Sabbaths Days of true Spiritual Rest and Joy to my Soul!
1744 September 17 (Monday). Thomas Clearing. Mrs. Patty Ward
1744 September 18 (Tuesday). Thomas thrash’d rye. Samuel Baker here to be examin’d a.m. I visited Mr. Gibson of Hopkinton who lyes very bad, and Mr. Barrett gone to Boston to his Brother Mr. Thornton Barretts Funeral. In my way I was at Mr. Bowmans.
1744 September 19 (Wednesday). Rode up to Worcester. Mr. Welds Case against Rachel Wheeler was try’d at Superior Court; but only as to the Libel, and did not go into the proof of the Facts—and was committed to a Jury—but they could not agree. So that it was put off to another Year. I din’d at Colonel Chandlers.
1744 September 20 (Thursday). The Trial of Edward Fitz Patrick, for Murthering Daniel Campbel of Rutland in March last. Mr. Campbel of Oxford pray’d at the opening the Court. The Trial began at 11 a.m. and lasted till 4 or 5 p.m. The ministers din’d with the Court at Captain Haywards. At Eve the Jury brought in their Verdict, Guilty. After Spending some Time in the Eve at Colonel Chandlers with the Judges etc., Mr. Campbell and I were Conducted by Mr. Sheriff Curtis to the high sheriffs, Captain Flaggs,
1744 September 21 (Friday). We understand that the Prisoner took on much last Night when he had his Irons put on again. Mr. Campbell and I visited him before his Sentence. I receiv’d the Judges Request to pray with the Court. Judge Dudley
1744 September 22 (Saturday). Mr. Gibson of Hopkinton I hear is Dead. I rode to Shrewsbury and Mr. Cushing to Westborough. N.B. Major Keys acquaints me that the Flagg of Truce from Cape Breton is detain’d by the Governour and that we are short of Ammunition.
1744 September 23 (Sunday). I preach’d at Shrewsbury on Rom. 8.7. Mr. Cushing at Westborough on Rom. 6.23 and on Ps. 76.7. I return’d home at Eve, as did Mr. Cushing also.
1744 September 24 (Monday). Visited Mr. Thurston a.m. and found him very bad. Mr. Gamel p.m. who is very ill likewise.
1744 September 25 (Tuesday). Visited old Mr. Samuel Fay. Was at Mr. Grouts and Winchesters. P.M. Catechized young Women. Exercise on Ps. 25.7.
1744 September 26 (Wednesday). Sent for to visit Mr. Thurston again who grows worse, and is very Delirious. Yet it was Evident his soul was much engag’d in deep self Abasements. Cry’d out Ashes and Muck—rottenness etc.
1744 September 27 (Thursday). Thomas made Cyder yesterday and to Day.
1744 September 28 (Friday). Thomas fetch’d 3 Barrells of Cyder from Mr. Grout and one from Mr. Miller. P.M. gathering Corn. Mr. Patteshall here in his way to Sutton. He lodg’d here.
1744 September 29 (Saturday). Old Mr. Thurston came and acquaint’d Me that his son Joseph dy’d last night.
1744 September 30 (Sunday). On 2 Cor. 5.10. Repeated several parts of Sermon on Rev. 20.12. Old Mr. Thurston din’d with me. N.B. Mrs. Beeman sick and pray’d for.
1744 October 1 (Monday). The Funeral of Mr. Joseph Thurston, a man well spoken of for his Seriousness and Graciousness. He leaves a Widow and six Children among us. Help Lord! the Godly man ceaseth etc. Deacon Whipple of Ipswich Hamlet here. At Eve Mr. Patteshall again; Mr. Turell and Two Messengers going to the Council at Grafton, viz. Captain Brooks and Mr. Tufts
1744 October 2 (Tuesday). A.M. Mr. Emmerson of Malden and his Messengers, viz. Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Shute.
1744 October 3 (Wednesday). I rode to Grafton Council (as an Auditor). Thomas Winchester at Grafton. Mr. Patteshall came into Captain Fays while I was there and was my Company up. We were at the Forenoon public Hearing but not at the Reading over Articles of Complaint. They heard but 11 of 23 Articles to Day and in the Evening. I lodg’d at Captain Willards.
1744 October 4 (Thursday). I rode to Worcester and din’d with Mr. Burr, where also din’d Captain Flagg. Mr. Burr asked Me to Change with him next Sabbath, but I freely told him it would Stir up great uneasiness among my people. He ask’d me to Preach the Execution sermon but I was oblig’d to deny him because of my design’d Journey to Boston. I visited the Prisoner, found him in a bad frame—dwelling upon his deplorable Condition but taking no Care to help himself, nor suitably betaking himself to God for Help. Unforgiving, Sour, very Sparing of Speech—not Confessing his Sin—refusing to say anything about it, but that We might think as we would—reflecting on his Trial. But I most solemnly Call’d him to Repentence and Confession, reprov’d, Charg’d him, pray’d with him and left him. Justice Brigham my Company to Grafton and to Westborough. Thomas at his Fathers.
1744 October 5 (Friday). George Reed came with a Message from Grafton from Drury and Hardy to go up. I rode up and p.m. the Council took under Consideration the aggrieved Brethrens Complaint of Reverend Mr. Prentice’s Disgust at my sermon on their Fast in September 1743, and I was Desir’d to produce my Notes. At their request I read the disquieting Prayer—and after a Short Debate withdrew. At Eve Mr. Hall preach’d a Lecture (while the Council were in their Debates in private) on Job 22.21, a very savoury and usefull sermon. The Lord graciously bless it to my Spiritual Profit! Return’d home Mr. James Fay and wife being in Company.
1744 October 6 (Saturday). The good and Learned Moderator of the Council, Reverend Mr. Wigglesworth came to me with Mr. Francis Whipple who waited on him—to preach for me tomorrow.
1744 October 7 (Sunday). Mr. Wigglesworth a.m. on Jer. 8.20. The Very Text and the Very Day on which I purpos’d myself to preach, that I might follow my summer sermons with the most solemn and awakening Warnings. But the Lord in his Providence has order’d wisest and best, that these should be dispers’d [dispens’d?] by So Superiour a messenger. P.M. on Mat. 11.12. O that God would follow both sermons with an efficacious Blessing!
1744 October 8 (Monday). Mr. Wigglesworth return’d to the Council. Training Day, but I was overlook’d, and it suited me very well, not to be disturb’d, being in my Preparations for my Journey. Ebenezer went to Grafton and brought Madam Sartels Chaise. Mr. Millen
1744 October 9 (Tuesday). My Wife and I with our little son William rode to Sudbury in Madam Sartels Chaise. We got down about 12. It was the Time of the Ministers Meeting at Mr. Cooks.
1744 October 10 (Wednesday). We rode to Mr. Foxcrofts
1744 October 11 (Thursday). Mr. Byles Lecture on Tit. 2.13, middle Sentence. Din’d at Brother Alexanders. P.M. at Mrs. Bennetts, where was Mr. Mather.
1744 October 12 (Friday). We purpos’d to have gone to Cambridge but the rainy Weather prevented. I attempted to go over the Ferry, but the Rain increasing I prevail’d with the Ferryman to sett me ashore, as also Colonel Minot of Concord.
1744 October 13 (Saturday). The Morning was So bright (tho windy) that I hasten’d to Mr. Gees to dissolve the above Obligation of preaching for him and tripp’d to Cambridge to my Horse (our Chaise having been left at Charlestown) and endeavour’d to Come up to my own Flock; but by loosing one pair of Gold Buttons out of my Sleave, and other Impediments I made it sundown before I got to David Hows
1744 October 14 (Sunday). Lords Day Morning, rose early and was more Comfortable. Rode up Home and preach’d all Day, repeating (with alterations and additions) Sermon on Mat. 26.41. This I was prevail’d with to do though I had preach’d ‘em once or Twice before, because they were so seasonable after Grafton Council—and suitable for us likewise seeing Such a Trying Time is before us, next week, when the General Courts Report on our Northside People’s Petition is propos’d to be made. A Thin Congregation many having thought I would not return from Boston so soon.
1744 October 15 (Monday). Rode to Cambridge, partly in Company with Mr. Smith of Marlborough. We din’d at Mr. Woolsons at Weston. No Buttons found. I set up Notifications. So Early at Cambridge that I walk’d from thence to Boston, in Company with one Mr. Shaw shingler, of Boston South end. Lodg’d at Brother Samuels.
1744 October 16 (Tuesday). Din’d at Brother Parkman’s. Our Conversations turn very much upon the Melancholly and afflicted Circumstances of my poor, Miserable Kinsman. But as to the Affair of Westborough Petitioners, there is little room for me to Say any Thing because our People are grown so jealous that there is my Design in being at Boston so much at this Time, viz. that I may undermine them
1744 October 17 (Wednesday). Din’d at Alexanders. Refus’d to apply to any Gentlemen of the Court about our Westborough Affair. Saw divers of the Committees on both Sides. Lieutenant Holloway very hot. We rode to Cambridge. Our Mare in the Chaise got away from Sister Barretts and ran over to Father Champneys. Broke one of the Thills and clear’d herself of her Tackling. But I found her again, and Deacon Whittemore
1744 October 18 (Thursday). Rainy. John and Samuel Hicks helpfull to get over my broken Chaise to Mr. Edward Mannings to be mended. Din’d at Mr. Whittemore. P.M. Mr. Manning and Mr. Moss (the Smith) prepar’d and fitted every Thing for the mended Shaft to be put on again. And in the Eve I visited Mr. Goff, Mr. Appleton
1744 October 19 (Friday). So rainy that we were confin’d at Father Champneys all Day.
1744 October 20 (Saturday). Though the weather was thick and Sometimes Misty, yet being Saturday we Set out upon our Journey. Were at Baldwins by Twelve, at Hows before 2 p.m. Din’d at Mr. Darlings, and got home by Day Light, in Safety. The praise to God, who has protected both us and our Family in our Absence.
1744 October 21 (Sunday). I preach’d on Heb. 10.22, being mainly from what I had deliver’d in Time past though with much alteration and addition. Eli Forbush
1744 October 22 (Monday). Had the Chaise to mend at Mr. Williams Shop before it was carry’d home. Ebenezer went up with it to Grafton. N.B. Captain Baker at Mr. Williams Shop. Hear that the Petition of the North side was last week granted by the General Court. N.B. Captain Baker and I a great Deal of Talk of the Manner of my first Settlement in Westborough. Thomas Winchester work’d for Mr. Samuel Fay, junior. I visited Captain Forbush who is very weak yet.
1744 October 23 (Tuesday). At Mr. Beemans in the Morning. Catechiz’d a. and p.m. N.B. Mrs. Kelley present at the Catechizing. N.B. Mr. Cornelius Cook here and as violent as ever. Thomas Winchester carting out Dung from the Cow Yard.
1744 October 24 (Wednesday). Thomas Winchester carting Dung and clear’d up Rye. I preach’d at Southborough on John 1.11. Few at Meeting. When I return’d home Thomas was gone, and now changes his Home.
1744 October 25 (Thursday). Mr. Smith having desir’d me to preach for him, but not hearing any Thing from him Since he went to Cape Ann, I rode as far as Mr. Matthias Rice’s with whom I had some Business, that I might be more certain—but could not find from them or from there Nei[gh]bours that any Lecture was appointed—so that I return’d home.
1744 October 26 (Friday). I preach’d at Mr. James Fays on Eph. 1.4, and hope that through the Grace of God there was Some good Effect. Wish it may have Suitable Impression upon my own Heart. A number of hearers immediately requested me to print the Sermon. N.B Captain John Tainter of Watertown there, with his Wife.
1744 October 27 (Saturday). Many Reflections on God’s wonderful Patience towards me and his people in this Place.
1744 October 28 (Sunday). The Lord’s name be prais’d and magnify’d for his adorable Patience and Longsuffering towards Me and towards the Dear Flock in this place, that now we see the 20th Year Completed since our Founding and Ordination. Alas! My Barrenness and unprofitableness! How little good have I done in all these years, and how many Things are amiss also among the people! O that God would Pardon us through the Greatness of his Mercy! And Grant us his almighty Grace, to enable us to Repeat, and bring forth the Fruits meet for Repentence. I preach’d a.m. on Gen. 31.38 and p.m. on 2 Cor. 13.9, Repeating part of Sermon on Heb. 13.20.21.
1744 October 29 (Monday). Mr. Weld of Upton here. He Still thinks himself under grievous Oppression. Want another Copy of our late Result, which I transcrib’d for him and let him have Copys of Several papers. He din’d here, and p.m. being somewhat rainy he lodg’d here also. In the Eve Captain Maynard here, and John Oake in order to owning the Covenant. A.M. visited Mr. Jonathan Forbush’s Sick Child.
1744 October 30 (Tuesday). A.M. Mr. Weld left us. P.M. came Mr. Peabody,
1744 October 31 (Wednesday). I went to Mr. Whipples
1744 November 1 (Thursday). Mr. John Sparhawk,
1744 November 2 (Friday). Mrs. Martha Warrin here to be examin’d again in order to her joining with the Church. At Evening came Captain Trowbridge
1744 November 3 (Saturday). Captain Trowbridge left us. Benjamin Forbush
1744 November 4 (Sunday). Preach’d at Southborough on Rom. 8.7, a. and p.m. N.B. No preacher at Framingham—many of them at Southborough. Captain Goddard and Wife etc. I return’d home at Eve, as did Mr. Stone.
1744 November 5 (Monday). Benjamin Forbush finish’d ploughing my Stubble. P.M. Mr. Cotton
1744 November 6 (Tuesday). Transcrib’d the Worcester Result and rode with Mr. Cotton to Mr. Ebenezer Chamberlains where we din’d. I spent the Afternoon in visiting that Corner of the Town.
1744 November 7 (Wednesday). We ty’d up our Cattle in the Barn. Grows Cold.
1744 November 8 (Thursday). Mr. Belknap who has been baptiz’d, here with me for 5 Hours.
1744 November 9 (Friday). N.B. My Young Cattle, viz. Three young Heiffers, which Lieutenant Tainter drove up to Cold Spring for summering, in the forepart of the Year, were all missing when the Drovers came in. But Lieutenant undertook a Journey after them on the sixth instant, and this Evening brought in Two of them, the Third as tis judg’d dy’d in the Woods Some time agoe; the Carcase was found but was greatly corrupted etc. Lieutenant has been out 27 Shilling, and there remained 10 shilling for the Herdsman; in all the Charge amounted to 37 shilling. N.B. Thomas Winchester and Ebenezer Maynard kill’d two Shotes for me—the Weight about 100 apiece—the Markit so low we salted them up.
1744 November 10 (Saturday). Cold.
1744 November 11 (Sunday). On Mat. 16.26. O that these Sermons might not be in Vain! My own Soul (I thank God) was somewhat warm’d thereby. I was earnestly desirous that there might be Some success. Mrs. Chamberlain, that lately liv’d near us, was here and din’d with us. P.M. We had a Contribution for Mr. Jedidiah Biglo of Grafton whose House was burnt down October 9. I read the proclamation for the Thanksgiving, and appointed an Assembly next Thursday for Young People.
1744 November 12 (Monday). Mr. Lull was here and inform’d me that Mr. Farrar of Concord would be here to Day. I rode to Mr. Beemans and hir’d £30 of him (old Tenor). Mr. Farrar accordingly came and I paid him the whole of my Bond to him and took it up. Captain Maynard train’d his Company. I pray’d with them both at the Beginning and Concluding their Exercises. Din’d at his House (Mr. Farrar with me). N.B. At Eve Mr. Wheeler very full of bitter Complaints that the Captain kept his Boys So late (and it was by this Time sundown), as also that they were abus’d etc. N.B. The Committee for the School, viz. Lieutenant Holloway, and Messrs. James Bowman and Seth Rice confer with me about Mr. Sharhawk for a Schoolmaster. N.B. Lieutenant Holloway and Mr. Livermore
1744 November 13 (Tuesday). Rose before Day a great while and Sent Thomme by break of Day with a [blotted] to Lieutenant Holloway and Mr. Livermore to prevent their Notifying the People and to Certifie them that I cannot preach, as propos’d last Night. N.B. Mrs. Chamberlin and her Twin Boys lodg’d here last Night.
1744 November 14 (Wednesday). Mr. Richard Barns
1744 November 15 (Thursday). I had a Lecture to Young People at the Request of the Society in the Middle of the Town. I preach’d on Prov. 14.14, Repeating chiefly my Sermon of Heb. 10.38. At Evening Deacon Forbush
1744 November 16 (Friday). Mrs. Thankfull Rice
1744 November 18 (Sunday). On Matt. 12.40. Isa. 26.20.21, Repeat’d. Mrs. Grow
1744 November 19 (Monday). Visited Mr. Benjamin Fays wife who is very ill in her lying in. N.B. Mr. Joseph Woods here with a message from Gideon Rice who lyes in Boston Jayl.
1744 November 20 (Tuesday). [No entry.]
1744 November 21 (Wednesday). [No entry.]
1744 November 22 (Thursday). Thanksgiving. The first Very Cold Day. Preach’d on 1 Sam. 7.12. Old Mr. Green
1744 November 23 (Friday). Mrs. Abigail Maynard
1744 November 24 (Saturday). A.M. Cloudy. P.M. Rain and Something of Snow but not to lie. At Eve came Mr. Cotton of Newton and Mr. Isaac Williams. They acquaint’d me that Captain Trowbridge who was with them in their other Journey to Worcester and lodg’d here, was lately bury’d. O that God would Shew us our End and make us know the Measure of our Days—how frail!
1744 November 25 (Sunday). Mr. Cotton preach’d Two very awakening Sermons. A.M. from Luke 19.14. P.M. on Ps. 119.155. Mrs. Whitney
1744 November 26 (Monday). Mr. Cotton to Worcester. P.M. Mr. Peabody and Deacon Felch—but left me, to prosecute their Journey to Worcester.
1744 November 27 (Tuesday). Rain. I had appointed the Young Womens Catechizing but the Weather prevented their coming. Thomas Winchester here and lodg’d here.
1744 November 28 (Wednesday). Thomas consenting to carry a Calf for us to Boston, Neighbour Hezekiah How came and kill’d it, but by Reason of the bad weather Thomas deferr’d his going.
1744 November 29 (Thursday). Preach’d my Lecture myself, on Rom. 16.20 first part. Repeated from Heb. 13.20. Little Sarah greatly Exercis’d with Vomiting and purging. My wife detain’d from Lecture. Thomas to Boston with the Calf.
1744 November 30 (Friday). Brother Samuel Parkman having been at Hopkinton and rais’d his House there, at Eve came here, and lodg’d with us. A Cold Season.
1744 December 1 (Saturday). Brother Samuel return’d to Boston. At Eve Thomas Winchester return’d from there. Mr. Whitefield preaching at Boston. I was rather more afore hand with my preparations for the Sabbath than was Common with me and had somewhat more freeness and Ease of Mind. But yet alas too unprepar’d.
1744 December 2 (Sunday). Sacrament. A pritty Cold Day. A. and p.m. on Mat. 12.41. Deacons Fay
1744 December 3 (Monday). Mr. Samuel Williams and Mr. Charles Rice kill’d 2 Hoggs between 10 and 11 Score apiece. P.M. pray’d with Captain Maynards Company at their Training, and din’d with the Officers. N.B. Mr. Boynes met me who was Still uneasy about the Affair of the Well. I told him to come to my House and I would Settle with him, though he had been very abusive to me.
1744 December 4 (Tuesday). Deacon Newton, Mr. Whipple and I rode over (in the Cold) to Upton. The Council Sat; but Mr. Goddard
1744 December 5 (Wednesday). Methods improving for Accommodations without going into further hearing. Mr. Hall of Sutton greatly Sensible of Wrong done by the former Result. He endeavours to compose a New Plan, the main of which was afterwards Accepted.
1744 December 6 (Thursday). We accomplish’d the Arduous and Sorrowful Affair of Mr. Welds Separation and Dismission from his people. Mr. Hall went away Home before the Solemn reading of the Result. Mr. Peabody, Bucknam
1744 December 7 (Friday). Mr. Peabody (our late Moderator) preached on Isaiah. After Dinner we took Leave. Mr. Bucknam to preach p.m. In my Journey home Mr. Whipple was my Company. We came by Solomon and Elijah Rice’s where we call’d and at Neighbour Eleazers also.
1744 December 8 (Saturday). May the Frowns of Heaven on the Ministry be duely Improv’d by Me! Ebenezers Lessons a great Hindrance to me.
1744 December 9 (Sunday). I preach’d on the Occasion of the Dismission of Mr. Weld, and of Mr. Burr
1744 December 10 (Monday). Sixteen came to get me Wood. Solomon Woods with a Team, Mr. Grow, Miller,
1744 December 11 (Tuesday). Four Persons came to get the rest of the wood which was cut yesterday, to the Door. Mr. Dunlop (who was the Means of the rest), Mr. Jonah Warrin, Mr. Hezekiah Pratt with his Oxen and Sled and Moses Nurse with his Oxen and Sled likewise. They improv’d my Team and got down a good Pile. The Young Women Catechizing. They Said the 3 last Answers. I deliver’d another Discourse on Ps. 25.7, chiefly against Company keeping and Unchastity. At Eve Mr. Peter Bent
1744 December 12 (Wednesday). My Wife and I rode to Marlborough. Call’d at Neighbour Matthias Rice’s, where was Mr. Thomas Ward. My wife was blooded by Dr. Gott, and we din’d with him. P.M. at Mr. Smiths
1744 December 13 (Thursday). Rain. Mr. John Pratt
1744 December 14 (Friday). Mr. Beeman and Mr. Bowman, Captain Warrin and Captain Maynard here p.m. at Evening.
1744 December 15 (Saturday). At the Funeral of Mr. James Maynards Daughter Olive, who dy’d the Night before last, having been ill but a Day or Two, but I hasten’d home without going to the Grave. She was nigh 11 Years old.
1744 December 16 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.42. Deacon Fay and Mr. Solomon Woods’s wife din’d here. P.M. Repeated on Ps. 146.4.
1744 December 17 (Monday). Dr. Gott here. Mr. John Mead at Evening.
1744 December 18 (Tuesday). Mr. Mead and Mr. Jeduthan Fay din’d here.
1744 December 19 (Wednesday). [No entry.]
1744 December 20 (Thursday). Visited Mr. Samuel Fay junior’s Wife who lies in a very low Condition—has not been at public worship these 16 months. At Eve Mrs. Baker (wife of Captain) here to be examin’d in order to joining with the Church. Mr. Jenison came from Lunenberg with his Cloths etc., in order to his keeping School in this Town again, but was now immediately going to Watertown first; he lodg’d here. One of my Oxen ill. Captain Maynard very kind and Friendly according to his Wont in my Difficultys. He blooded the Ox.
1744 December 21 (Friday). My Ox very ill—a Fever—bound up. Captain Maynard here administering to him. Lieutenant Tainter here. He rak’d the Ox. At Eve he was somewhat better. Mr. Jonas Warrin here from Upton. Sent word by him that Next Wednesday come sennight (by Divine Leave) I would preach at Upton. N.B. I had told Captain Hazzleton
1744 December 22 (Saturday). Great Snow Storm last night and to Day. N.B. Mr. Samuel Mower
1744 December 23 (Sunday). On Mat. 12.43.44.45. P.M. Repeat’d Sermon on Heb. 13.21, from 2 Cor. 13.9. Thin Congregation but 2 or 3 Men from the Northside—bad Travelling.
1744 December 24 (Monday). At Mr. Cornelius Cooks and at Lieutenant Thomas Forbush’s
1744 December 25 (Tuesday). [No entry.]
1744 December 26 (Wednesday). The Rain abated and the Shining Sun about 11 a.m. induc’d me to ride to Marlborough to preach Mr. Smiths Lecture. Bad travelling and Clouds and rain return’d—but I had reason to think that he depended upon me. But when I through all my Difficultys got there he told me he had not appointed it. It was Such bad weather that he had not appointed the Sacrament. Neither did he expect me to come—Whereas he ought to have Sent me Word that he had put the Exercises aforesaid by—and as to my Coming he could not know that it would not be good Weather by that Time. This is the Second Time of Disappointment about his Lecture of Late. I din’d with him, and then rode to Mr. John Stows on the Business of Thomas Winchester. At Dr. Gotts at Eve but lodg’d at Mr. Smiths.
1744 December 27 (Thursday). I return’d home by Neighbour Matthias Rice’s. Mr. Benjamin Burnap there. Hopkinton Troubles continue nor prospect of Issue. P.M. Lecture to the Ladds, on Hos. 11.7. Repeat’d chiefly my Sermon on Heb. 10.38. Brother Hicks here. He brought me a packet from Reverend Mr. Hall containing the Christian History No. 74
1744 December 28 (Friday). Mr. Thomas Rice
1744 December 29 (Saturday). I rode up to Worcester, calling at Mr. Cushings. One Brown from Reading, going to work at Mr. Eatons,
1744 December 30 (Sunday). Mr. Brown
1744 December 31 (Monday). In the Morning I Sent a Messenger to Mr. Burrs to see if he was at home Who return’d that he was not in Town. In my return home Mr. John Chandler was my Company as far as Eager’s. We met Dr. Smith, his wife and others going to Worcester upon an action of the Doctor’s against the wife of Mr. Caleb Johnson for Depriving him of a Note given to the Doctor by her Husband. N.B. My Off Ox ill again. But through the tender Mercy of God My Wife, Children etc. enjoy much Comfort and Health hitherto of the Winter. I desire to mark it with hearty Thanks for it. Thus has pass’d another Year of God’s Longsuffering! N.B. Mr. William Jenison began to keep School at Captain Maynards and Eli Forbush came to board at my House.
1 Son of Eleazer Bellows.
2 Son of Francis Whipple.
3 Of Shrewsbury.
4 Son of Sergeant Simon Maynard, one of the founders of the Shrewsbury church.
5 See Benjamin Lord, God Glorified in His Works, of Providence and Grace. A Remarkable Instance of it, in the Various and Signal Deliverances, that Evidently Appears to be Wrought for Mrs. Mercy Wheeler, in Plainfield (Boston, 1743). See also Thomas S. Kidd, “The Healing of Mercy Wheeler: Illness and Miracles among Early American Evangelicals,” William and Mary Quarterly 3d ser. 63:1 (Jan. 2006), 149–70. Kidd quotes Parkman, p. 149.
6 The Works of the Reverend . . . Robert Bolton . . . as They were Finished by Himselfe in his Life time. The Life and Death of the Author, by E. B[aghaw].
7 Samuel Coolidge, sometime schoolmaster and preacher.
8 Roberts did not pursue his interest. Later in 1746 he married Elizabeth Fay of Westborough. Pierce, Grafton, 559.
9 Ward, Shrewsbury, 334.
10 Isaac Stone, one of the first selectmen of Shrewsbury.
11 Stephen Maynard of Westborough.
12 Son of Deacon Josiah Newton.
13 Son of Edward Baker.
14 Joseph Grout.
15 James Bowman.
16 Rev. Amariah Frost (HC 1740), minister of Milford, Mass., 1742–1792. SHG, 10:494–496.
17 Mary, daughter of John Cloyes of Framingham.
18 Samuel Miles.
19 Jonathan Livermore.
20 Samuel Forbush of Westborough.
21 Ebenezer Chamberlain of Westborough.
22 John Hazeltine, a prominent resident of Upton.
23 Rev. Oliver Peabody of Natick.
24 Rev. Thomas Weld of Upton.
25 Of Hopkinton.
26 See SHG, 6:430, and Manual of the First Congregational Church in Hopkinton, Mass. (Boston, 1881), 27–28.
27 David Goddard, a New-Light minister at Leicester. Additional note: Goddard (1706–1754), Harvard 1731, was minister of Leicester, 1736–1754.
28 Daniel Denny of Leicester. Emory Washburn, Historical Sketches of the Town of Leicester (Boston, 1860), 354–55.
29 Wife of Josiah Rice.
30 Shoemaker of Shrewsbury.
31 Rev. Jonathan Townsend (HC 1716), minister at Needham, 1720–1762. SHG 6:150–153.
32 Probably Josiah Brown, sometime preacher and schoolmaster at Sterling.
33 William Pierce of Westborough.
34 Rev. William Hobby.
35 Francois M. Misson, A New Voyage to Italy (2 vols.; London, 1695).
36 John Rogers of Westborough.
37 “On the ninth Instant died at Westborough, Mrs.—- Wheeler, a Woman of singular Piety and Charity, aged 95 Years.” Boston Gazette, Mar. 20, 1744. p. 2.
38 John McAllister of the north part of Westborough.
39 Joseph Thurston of Westborough.
40 Deacon John Fay of Westborough.
41 Capt. John Sadler of Upton.
42 Ebenezer Fisk.
43 Rev. Nathan Bucknam of Medway published Ability to, and Fidelity in the Ministry . . . Preach’d at Shrewsbury . . . October 26, 1743 (Boston, 1743).
44 Capt. John Fay.
45 Son of Perez Rice.
46 Cook was guilty of “profane swearing.” In January, 1743, when Cook’s confession of this offense was read to the church, not one member voted to accept it.
47 Rev. Jonathan Townsend of Needham.
48 Laurence Echard (1670?-1730), the English historian, published A General Ecclesiastical History from the Nativity of our Blessed Saviour to the First Establishment of Christianity by Humane Laws under Emperour Constantine the Great (London, 1702).
49 Paul Dudley, Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature. Walter E. Thwing, History of the First Church in Roxbury (Boston, 1908), 142.
50 James Miller.
51 Josiah Newton.
52 Jonathan Forbush.
53 Daniel Warrin, an original settler.
54 Edward Baker, an original settler.
55 John Maynard.
56 Thomas Forbush, Jr.
57 Richard Salter (HC 1739) was ordained minister at Mansfield, Conn., June 27, 1744. SHG 10:404–409.
58 The prominent citizen of Shrewsbury.
59 Joseph Miriam, a pioneer of Grafton, who served as deacon for fifty-five years. Pierce, Grafton, 532–533.
60 Samuel Coolidge.
61 The son of Gershom Fay of the north part of Westborough. Orlin P. Fay, Fay Genealogy (Cleveland, 1898), 331–333.
62 John McAllister or McCollister.
63 William Ward, a justice of the peace.
64 A work of Michael Dalton (1584–1648?), the English lawyer. Perhaps The Countrey Justice, Conteyning the Practice of the Justices of the Peace out of Their Sessions (London, 1618). It also appeared in later editions.
65 Rev. Thomas Weld.
66 Rev. Nathan Bucknam of East Medway.
67 No Sheriff Bruce is recorded by William H. Whitmore, The Massachusetts Civil List (Albany, 1870).
68 Daniel Taft, justice of the peace.
69 Rev. David Hall of Sutton.
70 Elizabeth, daughter of Josiah Newton, had married Sials (Silas?) Warrin, Dec. 6, 1742.
71 “On Friday Night last, one Daniel Campbell of Rutland, was found barbarously murder’d in his own Land, at a small Distance from his House: it appear’d by all probable Circumstances that he was strangled. A Person who liv’d in the House with him is committed to Goal on a strong suspicion of his perpetrating the Murder.” Boston Gazette, Mar. 20, 1744, p. 2.
72 Rev. Nathan Stone.
73 Rev. Elias Haven of Franklin.
74 Rev. David Goddard of Leicester.
75 James Whipple of Grafton.
76 Thomas Drury of Grafton.
77 Abraham Williams, Parkman’s brother-in-law.
78 Rev. Aaron Smith.
79 Parkman’s niece, Hannah, married Samuel Proctor.
80 Sarah, sister of Hannah Proctor, married John Bradshaw.
81 Rev. Andrew Eliot, minister of the New North Church, Boston.
82 Rev. Oliver Peabody.
83 Rev. Samuel Checkley.
84 Parkman must have referred to the following incident reported in The Boston Gazette, or Weekly Journal, March 27, 1744. “Early on Wednesday Morning last, one John Martin, Journeyman to Mr. Perkins, Chairmaker, hanged himself in the Chamber over the Shop, with a Piece of rotten Line that neither had Knot or Noose at either End, and he was found with one Foot on the Ground, and the other Knee on a Block. The Jury of Inquest having declared him a Felo de se, his Corps was carried in a Cart and buried near the Gallows.”
85 The following appeared in The Boston Evening-Post, March 19, 1744. “The famous Tom Bell, upon an Indictment of the Grand Jury for the County of Middlesex, was last Thursday convicted of Theft, and on Saturday had the following Sentence passed upon him, viz. That he next Wednesday, between the Hours of Two and Three in the Afternoon, be whip’d at the publick Market at Charlestown, Twenty Stripes upon his naked Back; that he pay 75 Pounds Lawfull Money, being Trebel Damage, and cost of Prosecution, and stand committed till Sentence be performed; and that in Case he complies not with the Sentence, that he be sold for Three Years.” See SHG 9:375–386.
86 Wife of Josiah Rice. The Westborough church records reveal that Mrs. Rice “offer’d an humble and voluntary Confession of her sin of Drinking to Excess.”
87 The Westborough blacksmith got into various troubles. At this time he was charged with “profane swearing.”
88 John Hazeltine was a prominent citizen of Upton.
89 John Sadler of Upton.
90 Edward Tyler of Harvard, Mass.
91 Josiah Pease.
92 Jonathan Wood.
93 (HC 1729). SHG 8:598–599.
94 Rev. John Gardner of Stow.
95 Rev. Daniel Emerson (HC 1739), first minister of Hollis, N.H., 1743–1793. SHG 10:359–364. See The Boston Gazette, or, Weekly Journal, April 24, 1744.
96 Nissitisset was the West Parish of Dunstable, Mass., later incorporated in 1746 as Hollis, N.H.
97 Rev. Samuel Barrett of Hopkinton.
98 Rev. John Prentice of Lancaster.
99 Rev. Benjamin Bowers (HC 1733), minister of Haddam, Conn., 1740–1761. SHG 9:278–279.
100 Deacon David Whitcomb.
101 Daniel Taylor. See Ithamar B. Sawtelle, History of the Town of Townsend (Fitchburg, 1878), 154.
102 John Maynard.
103 Joseph Grout.
104 Daughter of John Hicks.
105 John Fay.
106 Son of Nathaniel Whitney.
107 Eli Forbes (HC 1751), later minister of Brookfield and Gloucester.
108 Rev. Joseph Buckminster (HC 1739) had settled in Rutland, September 1742. SHG10:348–354.
109 Deacon Joseph Tainter.
110 Widow of Benjamin Woods.
111 Rev. Thomas Foxcroft of Boston.
112 Nathan Hale was a physician of Newbury.
113 Nahum Ward of Shrewsbury.
114 Benjamin Flagg, Jr.
115 Rev. Isaac Burr of Worcester.
116 John Chandler, Jr.
117 Rev. Samuel Hopkins.
118 Edward Baker of Westborough.
119 Thomas Kendall.
120 Ebenezer Harrington, a selectman of Framingham. Temple, Framingham, 576.
121 Samuel Forbush.
122 Thomas Saltmarsh kept an inn for many years. Bond, Watertown, 414.
123 Rev. John Ballantine (HC 1735), minister of Westfield, Mass., 1741–1776. SHG 9:468–472.
124 Daughter of Elias Parkman of Boston.
125 Rev. James Allin.
126 Rev. Joseph Sewall.
127 Rev. Nathaniel Eels of Norwell.
128 Rev. Charles Chauncey.
129 Rev. Andrew Eliot (HC 1737), minister of the New North Church. SHG 10:128–161.
130 Rev. Benjamin Bass (HC 1715), minister of Hanover, Mass., 1728–1756. SHG 6:72–74.
131 Rev. Samuel Dexter (HC 1720), minister of Dedham, Mass., 1724–1755. SHG 6:376–380.
132 Rev. Joseph Champney of Beverly.
133 Rev. Andrew Tyler (HC 1738), minister of Westwood, Mass., 1743–1772. SHG 10:329–334.
134 Rev. Samuel Mather.
135 Rev. Joseph Parsons.
136 Rev. Thomas Barnard (HC 1732), minister of West Newbury, 1739–1752. SHG 9:120–129.
137 Rev. William Balch of Groveland (Second church in Bradford).
138 Rev. Nathaniel Walter (HC 1729), minister of West Roxbury, 1734–1776. SHG 8:630–634.
139 Rev. John Webb.
140 Rev. Joshua Gee.
141 Rev. William Hobby.
142 Rev. Jeremiah Condy, Baptist minister of Boston.
143 Louis Delhonde, the physician of Boston.
144 Francis Whipple.
145 Eleazer Beamon.
146 Ebenezer Fiske.
147 Rev. Thomas Weld.
148 Probably Elias Paine, an itinerant Baptist preacher.
149 Son of John Pratt.
150 Rebecca Hicks, Parkman’s niece.
151 Parkman’s daughter, who was 10 years old.
152 Samuel Coolidge.
153 Rev. Amariah Frost (HC 1740), minister of the Second Church of Mendon (later the First Church of Milford, Mass.), 1742–1792. SHG 10:494–496.
154 Rev. Richard Salter of Mansfield, Conn.
155 Abraham Williams of Marlborough.
156 James Eager of Westborough.
157 William Holloway of Westborough.
158 Joshua Smith, physician of Shrewsbury.
159 Rev. Joseph Davis (HC 1740), first minister of Holden, 1742–1773. SHG 10:478–481.
160 Edward Fitzpatrick.
161 Rev. Joseph Dorr.
162 Mrs. Simon Hayward.
163 Mrs. Joshua Townsend.
164 In Shrewsbury. Ward, Shrewsbury, 342.
165 Rev. Ebenezer Morse (HC 1737), minister of the North Parish in Shrewsbury, which later became the separate town of Boylston.
166 Eleazer Taylor.
167 John Sparhawk (HC 1723), formerly a schoolmaster and lawyer at Plymouth, Mass. SHG 7:258–259.
168 Daughter of Simon Tainter.
169 John Jones.
170 Son of Benjamin Woods of Marlborough. SHG 11:336.
171 Rev. Henry Messenger (HC 1717), minister of Wrentham, 1719–1751. SHG 6:197–199.
172 (HC 1744), son of the Parkman’s brother-in-law, Colonel Abraham Williams of Marlborough. Abraham, Jr., later became minister of Sandwich, Mass. SHG 11:498–502.
173 Richard Woodbury was associated with the Rev. Gilman of Durham, who ordained him in a ceremony that produced numerous protests. See The Boston Gazette, July 24, 1744, and The Boston Evening Post, July 30, August 6, 1744.
174 The Rev. Nicholas Gilman (HC 1724), minister at Durham, N.H., 1742–1748, was “the wildest of the New-Lights.” SHG7:338–344.
175 John Newman (HC 1740), later minister at Edgartown, Mass., 1747–1758. SHG 10:528–531.
176 Mrs. John Wainwright.
177 Wife of Justice Paul Dudley.
178 Col. Josiah Quincy (HC 1728) was a well-known merchant of Boston. SHG 8:463–475.
179 Rev. John Barnard.
180 Rev. Ebenezer Turell of Medford.
181 (HC 1722), minister of Providence, R.I.SHG 7:50–56.
182 Rev. Mather Byles of Boston.
183 Stephen Cook, Jr., of Watertown. Bond, Watertown, 163.
184 Samuel Clarke, A Generall Martyrologie, Containing a Collection of all the Greatest Persecutions which have Befallen the Church of Christ from the Creation to our Present Times (London, 1651).
185 Thomas Darling of Framingham.
186 Mrs. John Sherman.
187 John Caruth lived in the north part of Westborough.
188 Cibel was wife of Jonas Child.
189 Rev. Nathan Webb (HC 1725), minister of Uxbridge, 1731–1772. SHG 7:617–619.
190 Rev. Joshua Prentice (HC 1738). SHG 10:312–314.
191 Thomas Freeland.
192 In Connecticut.
193 One of the original settlers of Westborough.
194 Lord King (1669–1733) was a nephew of John Locke.
195 Jonathan Forbush.
196 Simon Tainter.
197 The schoolmaster of Hopkinton.
198 Mrs. Abraham Williams of Marlborough.
199 Hezekiah How.
200 Mrs. Stephen Maynard.
201 Joseph Sibley.
202 Parkman’s eldest sister, Mary, had married Daniel Needham.
203 (HC 1741), later minister of the First Congregational Church of Framingham, 1746–1775. SHG 11:8–11.
204 (HC 1741), later minister of Cohasset, 1747–1791. SHG 11:12–17.
205 Edward Baker.
206 Rev. Aaron Smith.
207 Rev. John Gardner of Stow.
208 Rev. William Cooke of Wayland.
209 Rev. John Swift, Jr., of Acton.
210 Ephraim Wood. Lemuel Shattuck, History of the Town of Concord (Boston, 1835), 388.
211 Samuel Miles.
212 Rev. Daniel Bliss.
213 Rev. Ebenezer Morse of the North Parish of Shrewsbury.
214 Rev. Thomas Weld of Upton.
215 Joseph Wilder was a Special Justice of the Superior Court.
216 Thomas Berry was a Special Justice of the Superior Court.
217 Samuel Watts was late Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in Suffolk County.
218 John James of Medford.
219 Samuel Coolidge of Westborough.
220 Nahum Ward of Shrewsbury.
221 Daughter of Thomas Forbush.
222 Physician of Lancaster.
223 Samuel Breck, physician of Worcester.
224 Jonathan Loring, a lawyer.
225 Cornelius Waldo, Jr., son of the prominent merchant of the same name in Boston. See Waldo Lincoln, Genealogy of the Waldo Family (Worcester, 1902), 1:71–72.
226 The son of Obadiah Ward, an early settler of Worcester. See Andrew H. Ward, Ward Family, Descendants of William Ward (Boston, 1851), 23.
227 Rev. John Campbell.
228 Joshua Eaton (HC 1735) was the first lawyer to settle in Worcester. He fell under the spell of George Whitefield, became a New Light preacher, and the minister of the first church of Spencer, Mass., 1744–1772. SHG 9:533–538.
229 Richard Dana (HC 1718) served various towns before settling in Boston, where he later became a prominent Son of Liberty. SHG 6:236–239.
230 Mrs. John Maynard.
231 David Brigham.
232 Parkman’s brother-in-law had moved from Westborough to Sutton about 1740.
233 Percival Hall. Benedict and Tracy, Sutton, 654.
234 John Jones.
235 James Miller of Westborough.
236 Jonathan Forbush.
237 Son of Edmund Rice, an original settler.
238 Joshua Hicks.
239 Samuel Whittemore was a deacon of the Cambridge church for over forty years. Paige, Cambridge, 688.
240 Rev. Benjamin Prescott (HC 1709), first minister of Peabody, Mass., 1713–1756. SHG 5:485–491.
241 Rev. Samuel Wigglesworth (HC 1707), first minister of Hamilton, Mass., 1714–1768. SHG 5:406–412.
242 Rev. Joseph Emerson.
243 Rev. Ebenezer Turell.
244 Rev. William Hobby.
245 Rev. John Webb.
246 John Fay.
247 Dinah Fay had married David Goodenow of Marlborough. He later moved to Shrewsbury. Hudson, Marlborough, 373.
248 Rev. Joseph Noyes.
249 James Pierpont, Jr., son of the Rev. James Pierpont, Noyes’s predecessor at New Haven, was a leader in the movement to establish a second church. Dexter, 189–190.
250 John Maynard.
251 Numerous persons of this name, several of them prominent, were living in Wenham. See Myron O. Allen, The History of Wenham (Boston, 1860), 141–142.
252 Rev. Nathan Stone.
253 James Eager of Westborough.
254 Samuel Forbush.
255 William Holloway of the north side of Westborough.
256 John Pratt.
257 Of Shrewsbury.
258 James Bowman of Westborough.
259 John Chandler, Jr., of Worcester.
260 Daniel Johonnot, a Huguenot refugee, was a distiller and merchant in Boston. See NEHGR 6 (1852): 357–360.
261 Benjamin Flagg of Worcester.
262 Paul Dudley of the Superior Court of Judicature.
263 Edward Fitzpatrick was sentenced to be executed Oct. 18, 1744. He was the first to be executed for murder in Worcester County. Jonas Reed, A History of Rutland (Worcester, 1836), 183–184.
264 John Tufts (HC 1708) of Amesbury, formerly the minister at West Newbury. SHG 5:457–461.
265 Daniel Shute (HC 1743) of Malden, later minister of the Second Congregational Church of Hingham, 1746–1802. SHG 11:304–309.
266 Richard Saltonstall, justice of the Superior Court of Judicature.
267 Stephen Sewall (HC 1721), justice of the Superior Court of Judicature. SHG 6:561–567.
268 Benjamin Willard.
269 Rev. John Mellen of Sterling.
270 Rev. William Cooke of Wayland.
271 Deacon Samuel Farrar. See Shattuck, Concord, 370.
272 Rev. Thomas Foxcroft.
273 SHG 10:223–224.
274 Rev. Samuel Mather.
275 Rev. John Webb.
276 Rev. Andrew Eliot (HC 1737), minister of the New North Church in Boston, 1741–1772. SHG 10:128–161.
277 James Minott was Concord’s representative in the General Court. Shattuck, Concord, 380.
278 Josiah Willard, Secretary of the Province.
279 Rev. Joshua Gee of Boston.
280 Rev. William Welsteed (HC 1716), minister of the New Brick Church, 1728–1753. SHG 6:153–158.
281 Proprietor of the Wayside Inn.
282 The north precinct of Westborough was created by the legislature, Oct. 20, 1744. Distance from the meeting house was one of the important factors motivating the northside people. See Josiah C. Kent, Northborough History (Newton, 1921), 14.
283 Rev. Samuel Buell (YC 1741), an itinerant preacher and later minister at East Hampton, Long Island, 1746–1798. Dexter, 664–669.
284 Rev. Benjamin Pomeroy of Hebron, Conn.
285 Rev. Jonathan Parsons (YC 1729), minister at Old Lyme, Conn., 1729–1745, and later at Newburyport, 1746–1776. Dexter, 389–393.
286 Samuel Whittemore.
287 Rev. Nathaniel Appleton of Cambridge.
288 Edward Wigglesworth, Hollis Professor of Divinity at Harvard College.
289 Eli Forbes. SHG 13.
290 Mrs. Stephen Maynard.
291 This sermon has been preserved and is printed in large part in DeForest and Bates, Westborough, 126–129. It is regrettable that Parkman did not take this opportunity to give an historical summary of the previous period.
292 Rev. Oliver Peabody of Natick.
293 Ebenezer Felch of Natick.
294 Rev. David Goddard of Leicester.
295 Francis Whipple of Westborough.
296 Josiah Newton.
297 A selectman of Upton.
298 Jonas Warren was a deacon of the Upton church.
299 Son of Parkman’s neighbor, Hezekiah How.
300 (HC 1723). Sparhawk, who had been barred from the practice of law at Plymouth because of intemperance, kept school at Shrewsbury for a time. SHG 7:258–259.
301 William Trowbridge was a selectman, slave owner, and deacon. He died later this month, Nov. 19, 1744. Francis B. Trowbridge, The Trowbridge Genealogy (New Haven, 1908), 507–508.
302 Sometime selectman of Newton. Francis Jackson, History of the Early Settlement of Newton (Boston, 1854), 441–442.
303 Son of Aaron Forbush of Westborough.
304 Joanna Forbush died Nov. 1, 1744.
305 Rev. John Cotton (HC 1710), minister at Newton, 1714–1757. SHG 5:517–524.
306 Jonathan Livermore.
307 One of Parkman’s neighbors.
308 Nathan Tyler, a prominent citizen.
309 Jonathan Forbush.
310 Mrs. Josiah Rice.
311 Benjamin Burnap, Sr., Manual of the First Congregational Church in Hopkinton (Boston, 1881), 42.
312 Mrs. Samuel Grow of Westborough.
313 John Green, a neighbor.
314 Daughter of James Maynard of Westborough.
315 Mrs. Nathaniel Whitney.
316 Capt. John Fay.
317 Rev. David Goddard.
318 Edward Clark. E.O. Jameson, Biographical Sketches. . . . of Prominent Persons . . . in Medway, Mass. (Millis, 1886), 131.
319 Rev. Nathan Bucknam of East Medway (now Millis).
320 Rev. Isaac Burr of Worcester.
321 James Miller.
322 Samuel Harrington.
323 Sons of Deacon Jonathan Forbush.
324 Dec. 9, 1744, the north precinct had appointed a committee “to Treate with the Reverend Ebenezer Parkman to see if he will tack up with the offer of the precinct as it is sett forth in the act of Courte which has divided the Town into Two Precincts and come to be our Minister, or whether he will stay in the first Precinct and Tack the Twelve pounds, Ten Shillings ordered the petitioners to pay and to give security for said money agreeable to said act.” Kent, Northborough History, 20.
325 Prominent citizen who later represented Marlborough in the General Court. Hudson, Marlborough, 324.
326 Rev. Aaron Smith of Marlborough.
327 Formerly of Westborough. Sometime after 1737 he moved to Lambstown plantation, which became the town of Hardwick, Mass., in 1739. Lucius R. Paige, History of Hardwick, Mass. (Boston, 1883), 456.
328 John Hazeltine.
329 See Caleb A. Wall, Reminiscences of Worcester (Worcester, 1877), 351.
330 Deacon, town clerk, and selectman of Westborough. Pierce, Forbes and Forbush Genealogy, 27.
331 [Thomas Prince], The Christian History, Containing Accounts of the Revival and Propagation of Religion in Great Britain, America, etc., No. 74 [Boston], July 28, 1744. This issue contained the Reverend David Hall’s account of the revival in Sutton, Mass.
332 Son of Ephraim Rice, an original proprietor of Worcester. Wall, Reminiscences of Worcester, 43.
333 Rev. Nathan Stone of Southborough.
334 Rev. Joshua Eaton of Spencer.
335 Josiah Brown (HC 1735), sometime preacher, was the schoolmaster of the West Parish of Lancaster which became the town of Sterling. Parkman used a shorthand version of the Indian name for Sterling, Woonksechocksett. SHG 9:476–478.