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Subject: DICKINSON, Rufus - Ancestors of
Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 10:01:07 +0000

First Generation
1. Rufus (Charles) DICKINSON was born on 15 Feb 1800 in Whately,
Franklin, Massachusetts. He died on 18 Mar 1863. He was buried in
River Bend Cemetery, Westerly, Washington, New Jersey. Descendents of
Nathaniel Dickinson, Compiled by Addie M. Dickinson and The Dickinson
Association with Merton F. Dickson, President, Private Printing, 1955.
p. 250.
Called Charles in some family records. Resided a number of years in
Bozrah, Conn., where his children are recored. Removed to Clayville,
Oneida Co., N.Y. where he was a vestryman in St. John's Episcopal
Church in 1849.

Second Generation
2. Charles DICKINSON was born on 10 May 1774 in Sunderland, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He was baptized on 2 Jun 1776. He died on 29 Jan 1838
in Stephentown, Renssalaer, New York. The History of the Town
Whately, Mass. 1661 - 1899, by James M. Crafts, published by D.L.
Crandall, Mann's Bloch, Orange, Mass. 1899. p. 450.
Resided at Whately and built the Oliver Graves house in Christian
lane and opened it as a hotel. He sold and removed to Heath.

Vital Records of Ashfield, Massachusetts, to the Year 1850. Published
by the New England Historic Genealogical Socieity, Boston, Mass. 1942.
p. 152.
of Whately, Mass. Charles DICKINSON and Sarah WELLS were married on
30 Oct 1798 in Whately, Franklin, Massachusetts.

3. Sarah WELLS was born on 6 Oct 1777 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts. Descendents of Nathaniel Dickinson, Compiled by Addie
M. Dickinson and The Dickinson Association with Merton F. Dickson,
President, Private Printing, 1955. p. 250.
Birth date listed as: Oct. 6, 1779. She died on 22 Feb 1838 in
Stephentown, Renssalaer, New York. Vital Records of Ashfield,
Massachusetts, to the Year 1850. Published by the New England Historic
Genealogical Socieity, Boston, Mass. 1942. p. 152
of Whately, Mass. Charles DICKINSON and Sarah WELLS had the
following children:
1i.Rufus (Charles) DICKINSON.
ii.Joseph Ashley DICKINSON was born on 4 Feb 1803. He died on 17
Sep 1825 in Middletown, Middlesex, Connecticut. Descendents of
Nathaniel Dickinson, Compiled by Addie M. Dickinson and The Dickinson
Association with Merton F. Dickson, President, Private Printing, 1955.
p. 250.
Res. Lebanon, N.Y.
iii.Charles DICKINSON was born on 22 Dec 1811 in Heath, Franklin,
Massachusetts.
iv.Nehemiah Porter DICKINSON was born on 8 Feb 1816 in New Lebanon,
Columbia, New York.

Third Generation
4. Dr. Benjamin DICKINSON was born on 22 Jul 1749 in Sunderland,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. He died on 10 Sep 1882 in Hudson, Columbia,
New York. He was buried in Hudson City Cemetery, Hudson, Columbia, New
York. History of The Town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, by John
Montague Smith, prepared by Henry W. Taft & Abbie T. Montague. Press of
E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, Mass., 1899. p. 319.
Settled in Sunderland; lived apparently, on lot No. 13, West side, in
1777; removed to Whately about 1787, and afterwards to Hudson, N.Y.

The History of the Town Whately, Mass. 1661 - 1899, by James M.
Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall, Mann's Bloch, Orange, Mass. 1899.
p. 449.
He removed from Sunderland to Whately, Mass. and bought of Abial
Bragg the farm where Calvin S. Loomis now resides and practiced his
profession in Whately, Mass.

Genealogies of Hadley Families, Embracing the Early Settlers of the
Towns of Hatfield, South Hadley, Amherst and Granby, Compiled Sylvester
Judd, published in 1905. p. 37.
Was a physician in Sunderland and Whately,, but died in Hudson, N.Y.

Descendents of Nathaniel Dickinson, Compiled by Addie M. Dickinson and
The Dickinson Association with Merton F. Dickson, President, Private
Printing, 1955. p. 250.
A physician. Res. Sunderland and Whately, Mass., Hudson, N.Y. and
Readsboro, Vt. Dr. Benjamin DICKINSON and Sarah ASHLEY were married on
21 Oct 1773.

5. Sarah ASHLEY was born on 13 Sep 1750 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts. She died on 11 Sep 1838 in Bennington, Bennington,
Vermont. Dr. Benjamin DICKINSON and Sarah ASHLEY had the following
children:
2i.Charles DICKINSON.
ii.Justin DICKINSON was born on 8 Jan 1780 in Sunderland, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He was Baptized on 16 Jan 1780. He died in Bennington,
Bennington, Vermont.
iii.Sarah DICKINSON was born on 22 Aug 1788 in Sunderland,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. She was baptized on 31 Aug 1788 in Whately,
Hampshire, Massachusetts.
iv.Levinus DICKINSON was born on 10 Sep 1792 in Sunderland,
Franklin, Massachusetts. He died on 16 Aug 1819. He was buried in
Hudson City Cemetery, Hudson, Columbia, New York. Descendents of
Nathaniel Dickinson, Compiled by Addie M. Dickinson and The Dickinson
Association with Merton F. Dickson, President, Private Printing, 1955.
p. 250.
Buried beside his father in Hudson, N.Y.

6. Rev. Rufus WELLS was born on 29 Sep 1743 in Deerfield, Franklin,
Massachusetts. He died on 8 Nov 1834 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts. Genealogies of Hadley Families, Embracing the Early
Settlers of the Towns of Hatfield, South Hadley, Amherst and Granby,
Compiled Sylvester Judd, published in 1905. p. 151.
Graduated Harvard College, 1764, was ord. Sept. 25, 1771, pastor of
(Cong.) church in Whately, Mass.

History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George Sheldon, Published by E. A.
Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 361
Graduated Harvard College, 1764; ordained pastor at Whately, Sept.
25, 1771. Rev. Rufus WELLS and Sarah PORTER were married on 16 Dec
1776 in Deerfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts.

7. Sarah PORTER was born on 17 Aug 1755 in Ashfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. She died on 27 Apr 1796 in Ashfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. Vital Records of Ashfield, Massachusetts, to the Year
1850. Published by the New England Historic Genealogical Socieity,
Boston, Mass. 1942. p. 216.
of Ashfield, Mass. - 1776 Rev. Rufus WELLS and Sarah PORTER had the
following children:
3i.Sarah WELLS.
ii.Rebecca WELLS was born on 27 Nov 1778 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts.
iii.Son WELLS was born on 5 Jul 1780 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts. He died. The History of the Town Whately, Mass. 1661
- 1899, by James M. Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall, Mann's Bloch,
Orange, Mass. 1899. p. 613.
Died soon.
iv.Thomas WELLS was born on 12 Dec 1781 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts. He died on 25 Sep 1849 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts.
v.Luke WELLS was born on 28 May 1783 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts. He died. The History of the Town Whately, Mass. 1661
- 1899, by James M. Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall, Mann's Bloch,
Orange, Mass. 1899. p. 613.
Died soon
vi.Luke WELLS was born on 4 Jul 1784 in Whately, Franklin, Massachusetts.
vii.Elizabeth WELLS was born on 25 Mar 1786 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts.
viii.Sophia WELLS was born on 30 Sep 1787 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts. She died. The History of Buckland 1779 - 1935 by
Fannie Shaw Kendrick & Lucy Cutler Kellogg. Published by The Town of
Buckland, Buckland, Mass. 1937. p. 613.
Died young.
ix.Daughter WELLS was born on 26 Nov 1789 in Whately, Franklin,
Massachusetts.

Fourth Generation
8. Benjamin DICKINSON was born on 11 Sep 1702 in Hatfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died on 18 May 1778 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts. History of The Town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, by
John Montague Smith, prepared by Henry W. Taft & Abbie T. Montague.
Press of E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, Mass., 1899. p. 319.
Probably did not live here many years; only the second and third of
the children named are recorded here. He graduated at Harvard, 1723;
was a teacher, and occasionally preached.

The History of the Town Whately, Mass. 1661 - 1899, by James M.
Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall, Mann's Bloch, Orange, Mass. 1899.
p. 448.
Resided at Sunderland, Mass., He was a teacher and preacher.

History of the Town of Northfield, Massachusetts, by J. H. Temple and
George Sheldon, published by Joel Munsell, 82 State St., Albany, N.Y.,
1875 p. 145 & 430.
Graduated from Harvard College, 1723, preacher and teacher.

Genealogies of Hadley Families, Embracing the Early Settlers of the
Towns of Hatfield, South Hadley, Amherst and Granby, Compiled Sylvester
Judd, published in 1905. p. 37.
Was a teacher and occasionally preached.

Descendents of Nathaniel Dickinson, Compiled by Addie M. Dickinson and
The Dickinson Association with Merton F. Dickson, President, Private
Printing, 1955. p. 249.
Harvard, 1723. Teacher and preacher. Res. Hatfield, Sunderland and
Hadley, Mass. Benjamin DICKINSON and Sarah SCOTT were married.

9. Sarah SCOTT was born on 12 Jun 1707. She died on 28 Jun 1799.
Benjamin DICKINSON and Sarah SCOTT had the following children:
i.Azairah DICKINSON was born on 18 Sep 1735 in , Hampshire,
Massachusetts. Marriage intention was recorded on 24 Dec 1763 in
Leicester, Worcester, Massachusetts He was buried in Old Hadley
Cemetery, Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts.
ii.John DICKINSON was born about 1737 in Sunderland, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.
iii.Asenth DICKINSON was born on 9 Jun 1739 in Sunderland,
Hampshire, Massachusetts.
4iv.Dr. Benjamin DICKINSON.
v.William DICKINSON was born on 4 Feb 1746 in Whately, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died in 1749 in Whately, Franklin, Massachusetts.

10. Rev. Joseph ASHLEY was born on 11 Oct 1709 in Westfield, Hampden,
Massachusetts. He died on 8 Feb 1797 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts. History of The Town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, by
John Montague Smith, prepared by Henry W. Taft & Abbie T. Montague.
Press of E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, Mass., 1899. p. 255.
Graduated at Yale, 1730; was settled over the church in Winchester,
N.H., Nov. 12, 1736. He became third pastor of the sunderland church
in 1747. His original homestead was the "minister lot." No. 10, West
side, which he ultimatley exchanged for No. 17, East side. He had
trouble with the church and town in relation to his salary in the years
which followed the Revolution, but continued pastor emeritus until his
death. His eldest three children and perhaps the fourth, were born
before he came to Sunderland.

History of Deerfield, by George Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co.,
Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 48
Graduated Yale College, 1730; settled pastor at Winchester, N.H.,
Nov. 12, 1736; this town was broken up in the Indian wars and he was
installed in Sunderland in 1747; dismissed in 1784, on account of
trouble with his people, doubtless a Troy; he was a cousin and
classmate of Parson Ashley of Deerfield. Rev. Joseph ASHLEY and Anna
DEWEY were married on 16 Feb 1737 in Westfield, Hampden, Massachusetts.

11. Anna DEWEY was born in 1709. She died on 15 Jul 1791 in
Sunderland, Franklin, Massachusetts. History of Deerfield, Volume II,
by George Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896.
p. 48
of Westfield, Mass. Rev. Joseph ASHLEY and Anna DEWEY had the
following children:
i.Joseph ASHLEY was born on 26 Apr 1738 in Winchester, Cheshire, New
Hampshire. He died in , , New York. History of Deerfield, Volume II,
by George Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896.
p. 48
Died in New York during the Revolutionary war. History of The
Town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, by John Montague Smith, prepared by
Henry W. Taft & Abbie T. Montague. Press of E. A. Hall & Co.,
Greenfield, Mass., 1899. p. 255.
He was a tory in the Revolution; was proscribed and is believed to
have removed to Nova Scotia.. Deputy sheriff, 1774.
History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George Sheldon, Published by E.
A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 48
Dep. Sheriff, 1774, was a Tory.
ii.Stephen ASHLEY was born on 27 Nov 1740 in Winchester, Cheshire,
New Hampshire. He died on 20 Feb 1815 in Leverett, Franklin,
Massachusetts. History of The Town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, by
John Montague Smith, prepared by Henry W. Taft & Abbie T. Montague.
Press of E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, Mass., 1899. p. 256.
Resided in Leverett, Mass.; soldier 1757 - 60.
iii.Gideon ASHLEY was born on 15 May 1743 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts. He died on 9 Mar 1813 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts. History of The Town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, by
John Montague Smith, prepared by Henry W. Taft & Abbie T. Montague.
Press of E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, Mass., 1899. p. 255.
Lived and died on his father's homestead.
iv.Anna ASHLEY was born about 1746 in Sunderland, Franklin,
Massachusetts. She died on 6 Nov 1822 in Deerfield, Franklin,
Massachusetts. She was buried in Old Cemetery, South Deerfield,
Franklin, Massachusetts.
5v.Sarah ASHLEY.

12. Dr. Thomas WELLS was born on 25 Sep 1693 in Hatfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died on 7 Mar 1743 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He was buried in Old Burying Ground, Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. Epitaphs in the Old Burying-Ground at
Deerfield, Mass. Copied by C. Alice Baker and Emma L. Coleman,
published by The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield,
Massachusetts, 1924. p. 39.
Wells, 1743
Here lyes Buried the Body
of Doct'r Thomas Wells
who Departed this Life
March the 7th Anno Dom
1743 in ye 51st Year
of His age. The History of the Town Whately, Mass. 1661 - 1899, by
James M. Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall, Mann's Bloch, Orange,
Mass. 1899. p. 613.

He was a cordwainer or shoemaker and later a doctor. At the time of
his wife's death she was at residence of her son, Rev. Rufus Wells.

History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George Sheldon, Published by E. A.
Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 358
Bought a house in Northfield, 1721; bought No. 14, 1724, where he
lived; cordwainer; in 1727 was doctor. Dr. Thomas WELLS and Sarah
HAWKS were married on 22 Nov 1726 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.

13. Sarah HAWKS was born on 26 Jul 1701 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. She died on 10 Oct 1783 in Whately, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. She was buried in Old Burying Ground, Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. Epitaphs in the Old Burying-Ground at
Deerfield, Mass. Copied by C. Alice Baker and Emma L. Coleman,
published by The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield,
Massachusetts, 1924. p. 41.
Wells, 1783
In Memory
of Mrs. Sarah Wells Relict
of
Thomas Wells Physician
who died Oct'r ye 10th 1783
In ye 83d Year of her Age

Blessed are the dead which
die in the Lord. Rev. 14th 13th. The History of the Town Whately,
Mass. 1661 - 1899, by James M. Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall,
Mann's Bloch, Orange, Mass. 1899. p. 613.

"An oak chest and drawers, part of her (Sarah) outfit are preserved
in Memorial Hall at Deerfield," Sheldon.

History of Deerfield, by George Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co.,
Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 189.
An oak "chest and draws," part of her outfit is in Memorial Hall.
Dr. Thomas WELLS and Sarah HAWKS had the following children:
i.Eleazer WELLS was born on 23 Sep 1728 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died on 15 Jun 1805 in Greenfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.
ii.Ebenezer WELLS was born on 24 Mar 1729/30 in Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. He died on 23 Jul 1783 in Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. He was buried in Old Burying Ground,
Deerfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts. Epitaphs in the Old
Burying-Ground at Deerfield, Mass. Copied by C. Alice Baker and Emma L.
Coleman, published by The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association,
Deerfield, Massachusetts, 1924. p. 41.
Wells, 1783
In Memory of
Mr. Ebenezer Wells
who died July 23rd
1783 in the 53rd
Year of his Age. History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George
Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 360
Settled in Deerfield; inherited the bulk of the estate of his
uncle Ebenezer Wells.
iii.Joseph WELLS was born on 8 Oct 1731 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died on 22 Dec 1804 in Greenfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. History of Deerfield, Volume II, by George Sheldon,
Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA, 1896. p. 361
Settled in Greenfield, Mass.

History of the Town of Bernardston, Franklin County, Massachusetts.
1736 - 1900. by Lucy Cutler Kellogg. Greenfield, Mass, Press of E. A.
Hall & Co., 1902. p 386.
of Greenfield, Mass.
iv.Benjamin WELLS was born on 8 Oct 1731 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died on 28 Mar 1746 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He was buried in Old Burying Ground, Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. Epitaphs in the Old Burying-Ground at
Deerfield, Mass. Copied by C. Alice Baker and Emma L. Coleman,
published by The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield,
Massachusetts, 1924. p. 39.
Wells, 1746
In Memory of Benjamin,
Son of Doct'r Thomas &
Mrs. Sarah Wells, he
Died March ye 28th 1746
in the 16th Year
of his Age.

Behold my grave as you Pass by,
for as you are so once was I.
Death Suddeny took hold on me,
and so the case with you may be.
v.Thomas WELLS was born on 7 Mar 1732/33 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. He died on 23 Mar 1746 in Northampton, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. Genealogies of Hadley Families, Embracing the Early
Settlers of the Towns of Hatfield, South Hadley, Amherst and Granby,
Compiled Sylvester Judd, published in 1905. p. 151.
An apprentice of Dea. Ebenezer Hunt.
vi.Dr. Augustus WELLS was born on 16 Oct 1734 in Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. He died on 16 Jul 1786 in Deerfield,
Hampshire, Massachusetts. He was buried in Old Burying Ground,
Deerfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts. Epitaphs in the Old
Burying-Ground at Deerfield, Mass. Copied by C. Alice Baker and Emma L.
Coleman, published by The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association,
Deerfield, Massachusetts, 1924. p. 41.
Wells, 1786
In Memory of
Mr. Augustus Wells
Son of Doct'r Thomas
& Mrs. Sarah Wells
who deceased July ye
16th 1786 in the 53rd
Year of his (Earth line).
vii.Sarah WELLS was born on 30 May 1736 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.
viii.Capt. Agrippa (Grip) WELLS was born on 27 Nov 1738 in
Deerfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts. He died on 24 Mar 1809 in
Greenfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts. History of Deerfield, Volume II,
by George Sheldon, Published by E. A. Hall & Co., Greenfield, MA,
1896. p. 361
Known as "Capt. Grip;" blacksmith; lived in 1774 on the site of
the Franklin County Bank building, with his shop on the site of
Sanborn's block; he was a man of work and worth; in the last French and
Indian war was a Ranger under Capt. Burke and cap. by Indians while on
at Sabbath Day Point, June 25, 1758, taken to Canada; ran the gauntlet
and came out with applause because of a furious kick which he gave an
old squaw at its close; this was considered evidence of a true spirit,
and brought him into favor; he was exchanged and reached home via
France and England; settled in Shelburne; was selectman 1770-71; was
Capt. of a co. of minute men, with Ezekiel Foster of Bernardston as
lieut., and marched on the Lexington alarm; the co. was made up of men
from Greenfield, Shelburne and Bernardston; May 1, the co. was
reorganized under Capt. Wells, Lieut. Jonathan Poole of Shelburne and
Lieut. Ezekiel Foster and served in the siege of Boston; was out on the
lakes the nest year and assisted in the capture of Burgoyne; he removed
to Bernardston after the war; was member of the Constitutional
Convention, 1788; lived in that part now Leyden; was selectman at its
organization as a dist., 1784, and in 1785-8 and 91; he led a co. from
Leyden, Colrain and Bernardston, in Shays Rebellion; removed to
Greenfield, 1793, where he died.
ix.Mary WELLS was born on 6 Aug 1741 in Deerfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. She died on 2 Jul 1776 in Conway, Hampshire,
Massachusetts. She was buried in South Centre Cemetery (Pumpkin
Hollow), Conway, Hampshire, Massachusetts.
6x.Rev. Rufus WELLS.

14. Rev. Nehemiah PORTER was born on 22 Mar 1720 in Ipswich, Essex,
Massachusetts. He died on 29 Feb 1820 in Ashfield, Franklin,
Massachusetts. He was buried in Hill Cemetery, Ashfield, Franklin,
Massachusetts. The History of Buckland 1779 - 1935 by Fannie Shaw
Kendrick & Lucy Cutler Kellogg. Published by The Town of Buckland,
Buckland, Mass. 1937. p. 613.
of Ashfield, Mass.

A History of the Churches & Ministers and of Franklin Association,
Franklin County, Mass. by Rev. Theophilus Packard, Jr., Published by
S.K. Whipple and Company, 100 Washington Street, Boston, Mass. 1854. p.
12 - 15.
Rev. Nehemiah Porter was installed Dec. 21, 1774. On the first day
of the council only two ministers were present; messengers were
dispatched for the absent members. Mr. Hubbard, of Shelburne, arrived
the next day and the council proceeded. Mr. Porter preached his own
installation sermon. He was born in Ipswich, March 22, 1720; graduated
in Cambridge in 1745; ordained in Ipswich, Chebacco Parish, now Essex,
Jan. 3, 1750; dismissed in June, 1766, and then preached several years
at Cape Canso, Nova Scotia. He lived to have two pastors successively
settled as colleagues with him in Ashfield. Being in his one hundredth
year at the settlement of his last colleague, he ascended the pulpit on
that occasion, and, blind by age, and tottering in step, with a
tremulous voice affectionately exhorted the people to live at peace
among themselves.
The following obituary notice, by Rev. Thomas Shepard, was published
in the Boston Record, Volume 5, No. 33:
"Rev. Nehemiah Porter was born at Ipswich, in the County of Essex,
State of Mass., March 22, 1720, O.S. of honest and respectable parents,
who early dedicated this son to the Lord, and brought him up in his
fear. Nehemiah, when a child, was put under the instruction of the
Rev. Mr. Wigglesworth, the faithful and pious minister of the parish
where he lived. Here he became the subject of deep religious
impressions, which issued in a hopeful conversion to God, the evidence
of which he exhibited by a public profession of his faith in the Lord
Jesus, and by a life and conversation which adorned his profession. At
length a strong desire was excited in his mind to become a minister of
Christ, and to preach and recommend that religion to others, the
excellency of which and the power of which, he had seen and felt in his
own soul. This being communicated to his father, with whom he then
lived and labored, he was again sent to Mr. Wigglesworth to attend to
his preparatory studies.
Soon after his settlement at Chebacco, he married his first wife, the
daughter of Rev. Mr. Chipman of Beverly, by whom he had teen children.
With this amiable and pious woman, the companion of his youth, he was
called to part in the meridian of her life. In 1778, Mr. Porter
married his second wife.
He occasionally exhorted and prayed in public, with edification to
his hearers, until he reached his one hundredth year. in June, 1819,
the Rev. Thomas Shepard was ordained the second colleague with Mr.
Porter. Hundreds, if not thousands, will remember to the day of their
death, the novel and melting scene of the ordination day. They will
remember the venerable appearance of their senior pastor, bending under
the weight of about one hundred years, as he passed along the broad
aisle, leaning on his two staffs; they will remember the firm and
steady step with which he engaged in the consecrating prayer, with his
apostolical hand on the head of his young colleague, and the distinct,
audible, and affectionate manner in which he addressed a few dying
words to his beloved flock, in the form of a charge. With his second
colleague he lived in great harmony and christian affection until his
death.
"As a preacher Mr. Porter sustained a very respectable character; if
not a star of the first magnitude, yet he shone with a clearness and
degree of lustre, which rendered him an ornament to the church. His
sermons were always plain and simple, well calculated to instruct and
impress the mind, and delivered with remarkalbe animation, pungency,
and holy fervor. His ministerial labors were blessed to the awakening
and converting of many sinners, and to the enlightening, comforting,
and edifying of many christians.
For several years, previous to his death, religion was the constant
theme of his conversation. It may be truly said, that he preached
daily to those who visited him in his own house. He devoted many
hours, every day, to secret prayer. He trusted solely in the merits of
Christ for salvation. When told that he had labored a long time in the
ministry, and had been instrumental of doing much good, he would reply,
"I have been very unfaithful. I hope I shall obtain mercy through
Christ." He expressed great confidence in God and spake of death with
much composure. At 9 o'clock, p.m., (Feb. 29, 1820,) he calmly fell
asleep in peace."
The following incidents, communicated to the author, will still
further illustrate the character of Mr. Porter. He was a chaplain in
the American army, at the surrender of Burgoyne. He used to say, with
a great deal of animation, "I conquered him. The decisive blow was
struck and the battle decided, while I was holding a season of special
prayer in a retired place, with a few pious soldiers." He has great
firmness and decision of character. Once, when preaching on politics,
a gentleman of the opposite party rose in his pew and said, "Mr.
Porter, you had better let that subject alone." Upon which, with a
stamp of the foot, and great energy, he exclaimed, "Silence," and
proceeded with his discourse. He was a strict observer of the Sabbath.
He would frequently go into his field, where his men were at work, on
Saturday afternoon, to urge them to finish their labor by the going
down of the sun.
At Mr. Porter's request, Rev. John Emerson of Conway preached his
funeral sermon. He lacked but twenty-two days of completing one
hundred years. On his gravestone, near the Congregational church, is
the following epitaph:
"Mr. Porter was a faithful minister of Christ; with long life he
was satisfied; he fell asleep in Jesus, in hope of a joyful
resurrection and a blessed immortality." "The righteous shall be in
everlasting remembrance."
He held the pastoral office in Ashfield, about forty-five years.
Rev. Nehemiah PORTER and Rebeckah CHIPMAN were married on 14 Feb 1749.

15. Rebeckah CHIPMAN was born on 25 Jul 1728 in Beverly, Essex,
Massachusetts. She died on 28 Oct 1763 in Ipswich, Essex,
Massachusetts. Rev. Nehemiah PORTER and Rebeckah CHIPMAN had the
following children:
i.Rebecca PORTER was born on 28 Jan 1750.
ii.Hannah PORTER was born on 26 Dec 1751.
iii.Nehemiah PORTER was born on 12 Jan 1753.
iv.John Chipman PORTER was born on 11 May 1754 in Ipswich, Essex,
Massachusetts. He died in New Lebanon, Columbia, New York.
7v.Sarah PORTER.
vi.Samuel PORTER was born on 6 May 1757 in Ashfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.
vii.Ebenezer PORTER was born on 18 Oct 1758 in Ashfield, Hampshire,
Massachusetts.
viii.Joseph PORTER was born on 7 Jan 1760 in Ipswich, Essex,
Massachusetts. The History of the Town Whately, Mass. 1661 - 1899, by
James M. Crafts, published by D.L. Crandall, Mann's Bloch, Orange,
Mass. 1899. p. 479.
of Ashfield, Mass., 1784.

Soldiers and Sailors in the Revolutionary War - Volume 12, page 599
Porter, Joseph (also given Joseph, 2d).Charlemont. Private, Capt.
Abel Dinsmor's co., Col. Elisha Porter's (Hampshire Co.) regt.;
enlisted July 24, 1779; discharged Aug. 31, 1779; service, 1 mo. 13
days, at New London, Conn., including 5 days (108 miles) travel home;
also, descriptive list of men raised to reinforce the Continental Army
for the term of 6 months, agreeable to resolve of June 5, 1780,
returned as received of Justin Ely, Commissioner, by [p.599] Brig. Gen.
John Glover, at Springfield, July 15, 1780; age, 18 yrs.; stature, 5
ft. 9 in.; complexion, light; engaged for town of Charlemont; marched
to camp July 15, 1780, under command of Capt. James Cooper; also, list
of men raised for the 6 months service and returned by Brig. Gen,
Paterson as having passed muster in a return dated Camp Totoway, Oct.
25, 1780; also, pay roll for 6 months men raised by the town of
Charlemont for service in the Continental Army during 1780; marched
June 26, 1780; discharged Jan. 1, 1781; service, 6 mos. 15 days,
including travel (160 miles) home; also, receipt certified by the
Selectmen at Conway, April 19, 1781, for bounties paid said Porter and
others by the town of Conway to serve in the Continental Army for the
term of 3 years, agreeable to resolve of Dec. 2, 1780; engaged March
27, 1781; also, descriptive list of men raised in Hampshire Co. to
serve in the Continental Army, as returned by Noah Goodman,
Superintendent; age, 19 yrs.; stature, 5 ft. 10 in.; complexion, light;
hair, light; occupation, farmer; engaged for town of Conway; engaged
April 17, 1781; term, 3 years; also, Private, Capt. Sylvanus Smith's
co., Col. Rufus Putnam's (5th) regt.; muster roll for May, 1781, dated
West Point; enlisted March 17, 1781; also, muster rolls for June and
July, 1781, dated Camp near Dobbs's Ferry; reported sick in hospital;
also, muster roll for Aug., 1781, dated Camp Peekskill; also, muster
rolls for Sept., 1781-Feb., 1782, dated Garrison at West Point;
reported on duty at New Windsor in Feb., 1782; also, Capt. Smith's
(1st) co., Col. Putnam's (5th) regt.; muster rolls for March-Nov.,
1782; reported sick in general hospital at New Windsor, March, April,
and May, 1782; also, Capt. Smith's co., 5th Mass. regt.; muster roll
for Dec., 1782; also, Capt. Smith's co., 5th Mass. regt. commanded by
Lieut. Col. David Cobb; muster rolls for Jan. and Feb., 1783.

ix.Elizabeth PORTER was born on 9 Oct 1761.

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