Mayflower Pilgrims - Session Book

Memorial of the three hundredth anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, 1620-1920; a record of the Pilgrim descendants who early in its history settled in Cape May County, and some of their children throughout the several states of the union at the present time (1921)

Copyright, 1921; ALBERT R. HAND, Publisher Cape May, N. J. May 7, 1921 Printed and Published by: ALBERT R. HAND, Cape May, N. J.

Extracted by: Laverne Tornow

THE SESSION BOOK OF THE COLD SPRING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1804 to 1815

On the occasion of the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the origin and founding of the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, Cape May County, New Jersey, on September 26th, 1889, the Rev. Daniel Lawrence Hughes, who delivered the historical address said: - *' Unfortunately we cannot tell exactly the date of the origin or founding of the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. It is greatly to be regretted that no church or sessional records can be found for over one-third of a century from its be- ginning until the installation there of the Rev. Daniel Law- rence in 1754. "We are told that the first records of the church available date from this period and that after 1808, the church records were preserved; but where they are with others that have been misplaced or consumed, I know not. ' ' The historical address was afterwards published with "A Chronological List of Persons Buried at Cold Spring Cemetery'', and in a footnote on the sixth page we read: "On May 12th, 1804, under the pastorate of Rev. David Edwards, he having accepted a call presented to him from the Cape May Church in 1804. The session was composed of Rev. David Edwards and Messrs. Matthew Whilldin, James Whilldin, Robert Edmunds, John Stites, and John Yates, Elders. "The minutes in this small 'copy book' closed with some baptisms on May 19th, 1804, and the session unanimously agreed to procure another book, better fitted for the purpose, which was done, said to be 'quarto bound with parchment'. Signed by David Edwards. 41 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY ' * There has been no knowledge of this * quarto bound with parchment/ since the death of Mr. Edwards in 1813, but that it was faithfully kept is now known, for in the winter of 1903 the workmen who were moving the house formerly occupied by the Rev. IMoses Williamson, for forty-four years a beloved pastor of the church, found the book with others, under the eaves where it had lain many years. ''It was my privilege to see this book in February 1904, and recognizing at once its value to the Presbyterian Church, and also to all descended from the people mentioned therein, I made a literal copy of the entire book so it could be pub- lished and reach a larger number of those interested. "Mr. Edwards wrote in a clear flowing hand, no blots nor erasures marring the entire book. "The entry of marriages and his own signature vary but little until the year 1812, when there is so much variety that one may suspect that the warlike times affected even Session Books. "He recorded three deaths in December, 1813, including his wife's on December seventh: and his own death on Decem- ber thirtieth of the same year, was recorded by another hand. ' ' The Rev. Dr. Daniel LaMTcnce Hughes failed in his evident purpose of publishing this valuable genealogical record and did not suspect that the material contained therein was largely a record of Pilgrim descendants in the County, but the importance of the Session Book was recognized by the ^Massachusetts Society of Maj-flower Descendants, and in 1906 published at Boston in the oflScial quarterly magazine of that Society, having been contributed by Mrs. Annie Crowell Rand. It is now for the first time printed in this State. 42 The Record of Marriages David Edwards, Pastor. The record of marriages solemnized by David Edwards in the Lower Township of Cape May. And this record has peculiar reference to those belonging to his own congre- gation - directly or indirectly, that is to say, that one or the other of the parties belonging to, and resided within the bounds of the congregation, 11 Married by D, E. Febry 2nd 1804 Stephen Pierson Jun to Elizabeth Reeve, 12 March 15th Married Robert Hanley to Ella Bradford - D. E. 13 May 16th IMarried Zacheus Ray to Ann Pierson - D. E. 14 May 17th Married Joseph Smith to Ronami Shaw - D. E. 15 July 30th Married Robert Corgee to Phebe Schellenger - D. E. 16 August 17th Married George Cresse to Judith Swain -iD. E. 17 Nov 4th Thos Hand (Married) to Laviza Hand- D. E. 18 Nov 12th Married Dr. Dl. Hughes to Charlotte Bennet - D. E. 19 Nov 20th IVllarried Reuben Foster to Nancy Edmunds - D. E. 20 Nov 21st Married Samuel Thomas to Sarah Swain - D. E. 21 Febry 9th, 1805, Married Enoch Eldridge to Elizabeth Eldridge- D. E. 22 Feb 24th Married Elisha Hand to Phebe Willis- D. E. 23 March 18th Married George Hand to Experience Smith - D. E. 24 April 9th Married John Marcay (sic) to Hannah Eldredge- D. E. 25 July 3rd 1805 Married Ezra Hand to Mary White- D. E. 43 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY 26 Nov 30th Married Phillip Beimet to Susannah Weithman - D. E. 27 Dec 24th Married Elijah Hays to Hannah Foster- D. E. 28 Janry 29th Married John Church to Elizabeth Hughes - D. E. 29 Febry 1st 1806 Married Glasco Wms to Emy Frederick - D. E.- Colored People. 30 Ditto Married Wm Coachman to Bina Aimer - D. E. 31 Feb 8th Married Nathl Hand to Rachel Hughes- D. E. 32 May 15th Married Caleb Woolson to Nancy Reeve - D. E. 33 Jan 28th 1807 Married Dd Russel to Sarah Robinson - D. E. 34 Feb 13th Married John Shaw to Hannah Wicks^D. E. 35 March 10th Married Dd Yates to Elizabeth Hughes - D. E. 36 Oct 9th Married George Taylor to Naomi Hughes - D. E. 37 Nov 28th Married Wm Hughes to Elizabeth Buck- D. E. 38 Jan 14th 1808 Married Isaac Vanmeter to Sarah Buck - D. E. 39 Feb 17th Married Jacob Hand to Laviza Clark- D. E. 40 March 22nd Married James Schellinger to Lydia Whill- din- D. E. 41 April 13th Married Thos. Pierson to Sarah Reeve- D. E. 42 April 22nd Married Jacob Epler to Mary Clark- D. E. 43 April 26th Married Downs Edmunds to Elizabeth Stil- well- D. E. 44 June 10th 1808 Married Joseph Ware to Harriet Whill- din- D. E. 45 Aug 24th Married John Ames to Sarah Council - D. E. 46 Oct 20th Married Dd Reyons to Nancy Aimer- D. E. 47 Jan 16th 1809 Married Gideon Palmer to Ruth Hand - D. E. 48 Feb 2nd Married Harvey Teal to Sarah Bacon- D. E. 49 March 7th Married Isaac Whilldin to Miahala Edmunds - D. Edwards 44 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY 50 May 14th Married Stephen Stimpson to Sophia Corgee 51 June 18th Married James Thompson to Mary Swain - D- Edwards 52 Ditto Married David Swain to Elizabeth Corson - D. E. 53 Aug 5th Married Saml Richardson to Elizabeth Eldridge - D. E. 54 Dee 5th Married Lieutenant Joshua Townshend to Sarah Sehellenger - 55 Dec 12th Married by D. Edwards James Townshend to Elizabeth Schellenger. 56 Dec 17th 1809 Married Jonathan Crawford to Hannah Crowell- D. E. 57 Feb 10th 1810 Married Capn James Swain to Elizabeth Swain - D. E. 58 March 10th 1810 Married Enos Schellenger to Eliza Mills - D. E. 59 April 1st, 1810 Married Peter Humphreys to Marriah Cox - ^people of colour 60 May 15th 1810 Married John Ross to Rachel Hand- D. E. 61 June 21st 1810 Married Stevens Stimpson to Phebe Cor- gee - D. E. 62 July 11th 1810 Married Harvey Hand to Catherine Swain - D. E. 63 Aug 20th 1810 Married Evin Edmonds to Anna Hand - D. E. 64 Nov 13th 1810 Married Thos Pierson to Nancy Bancroft - D. E. 65 Nov 20th 1810 Married John Steward to Harriet Hand - D. E. 66 Dec 18th 1810 Married Robert Parsons to Elizabeth Ed- munds - D. E. 67 April 8th 1811 Married Thomas Buck to Luzinda Gilbert - D. E. 68 Sept 24th, 1811, Married Reuben Swain to Sarah Reeds (sic)- i). E. 45 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY 69 March 16th 1812 Married Isaac Smith Esq to Miss Judith Hand- D. E. TO April 8th 1812 Married John Bancroft, Junr to Deborah Kent- D. E. 71 May 6th 1812 Married Jacob Corson to Lois Yates- D. E. 72 May 18th 1812 Married Jesse Crammer to Sarah Kankins - D. E. 73 June 25th Married John Church to Mary Taylor- D. E. 74 Married Ezekiel Stevens on Monday the 15th of June 1812 to Lois Higgins - D. E. 75 Married IMatthew Hand on the 21st of July 1812 to Rhodda Hughes, - D. E. 76 Married by the subscriber Rd Schellenger to Hannah Buck on the 24th of Oct 1812. 77 :\rarried on the 24th of Dec 1812 Stephen Pierson to Christiana High- D. E. 78 Dec 25th 1812 :\rarried John Shaw to Martha Clark- by me David Edwards. 79 ^larried Dec 31st 1812 Richard Edmonds to Lydia Hughes - ^by me D. E. 80 Jan 8th 1813 Married Virgil Davis to Elizabeth Crowell - by me D. E. 81 Jan 19th 1813 Married Bat to Emy - people of colour - by me D. E. 82 Married Black Abraham to Susan - people of colour - D. E. 83 July 11th 1813 Married Thos J. Curtis to Philomela Shaw - D. E. 84 Oct 9th 1813 Married John Shaw to Mary Swain- D. E. 85 Oct 16th 1813 I\rarried Ellis Hughes Junr to Sarah Hig- gins^ - D. E. Quartx) 2nd. [A continuance of quarto 1st] The Records of marriages are to be found at the close of this Quarto. 46 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY The asterisk mark is for the dead. * The obelisk for dismissed by certificate. $ [PI] September 24th 1808. The session of the Presby- terian church of Cape May met at the Parsonage house, ac- cording to appointment and constituted with prayer. ]\Ienibers present Messr Matthew "Whilldin, John Stites Jr, Robert Edmunds, Elders. David Edwards, minister. John Bencroft, Mary Buck, $Ann Ways, Elizabeth Ed- munds, Martha Thomas, and Abigail Schellenger applied for admission into the church [who being examined were admitted to the sealing Ordinances of the church of Christ. Concluded with prayer. [P 2] Martha Thomas and Mary Buck having not been baptized in their infancy were baptized the 1st of October, the day preceding the Sacrament. At different Sessions appointed on Nov 12th 1808. March 24th 1809- May 5th 1809- And met at the Parsonage house. Members present, Matthew "Whilldin, John Stites, Robert Edmunds, Elders. David Edwards. Constituted with prayer. 47 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY The following persons applied for admission to the sealing ordinances of the church. [P 3] Thomas Stillwell Lavisa Bennet Judith Hughes Abigail Bencroft $ Ester Rankins Rachel Crawford Amelia Eldridge Henry Stevens [to be restored] Abigail Hughes Tryphena Edmunds George Baker Martha Baker Uriah Hand Edmund Ireland Mary Bennet Samuel Eldridge Jane Eldridge $ Levi Eldridge Elizabeth Eldridge John Clark Patience Clark * Laviza Schellenger Sarah Ames Philomela Stevens Charlotte Stites James Smith % Tabitha Whilldin $ Abigail Stites Harriet Beyers % Stephen Stimptson Samuel "Watson reed by Catherine Watson letter [P 4] Who being examined were considered as worthy objects of admission and accordingly were admitted. Concluded with prayer. Thomas Stilwell, Laviza Bennet, Judith Hughes, Abigail Bencroft, Esther Rankins, Rachel Crawford, Uriah Hand, George Baker, Edmund Ireland, Laviza Schellenger, Sarah Ames, Philomela Stevens, James Smith, Charlotte Stites, Abi- gail Stites, Stephen Stimptson, having not been baptized in their infancy were introduced into the church by the Ordin- ance of Baptism - 16. 48 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P 5] November 20th 1808 were baptized 1 John Edwards 2 Alexander Edwards 3 Elizabeth Bencroft 4 Phebe Bencroft 5 Roberts Edmunds Bent 6 Thos Hand Bencroft T Miller Bencroft 8 Abigail Bencroft 9 Joseph Ways 10 William Wajs 11 Harriet Ways 12 John Ways 13 Hetty Schellenger 14 Washington Schellenger 15 Samuel Schellenger 16 Daniel Schellenger [P6] 17 William Buck 18 Daniel Bencroft Until April Presbytery 1809. May 7th 1809, Baptized- 1 John Beyers 2 Joseph Beyers Children of Dl & Jane Edwards Children of Miller & Abigal Bencroft. Children of Joseph & Ann Ways. Children of Dl & Abigal Schellenger Son of Wm & Mary Buck. A child of John and Elizabeth Bencroft. Children of and Harriet Beyers May 14th 1809, The sacrament of the Lord's supper waa administered and the above name Thos Stilwell, Laviza Ben- net were received into the full communion of the Church. Total 32. 49 3IAYFL0WER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 7.] June 4t'h 1809. Were baptized the following: children. 3 Elizabeth Eldridge 4 Levi Eldridge 5 Ester Eldridge 6 Jeremiah Edmunds Ege 7 'George Schellenger 8 Jonathan Whilldin 9 George Bennet 10 William Bennet 11 Mary Ann Bennet The children of Levi & Elizabeth Eldridge A child of James & L. Schellenger. A child of Jon & Tabitha Whilldin. The children of John and Mary Bennet. 12 Hannah Stites 13 Rachel Stites 14 Wm Stites 15 Lois Stites The children of Nathan & Charlotte Stites [P. 8.] Baptized Sept 10th 1809 16 Richard Smith 17 Martha Smith 18 Judith Smith The children of James Smith. 19 Anna Foster 20 Joseph Hays 21 Hannah Hays 22 Elizabeth Schellenger A child of Dd Foster & his wife. The children of Elijah & Hannah Hays A child of Jn Schellenger At the different Sessions held on August 4th, October 8 & 13 1809. The followdng persons applied for admission into the cliurch thro its sealing ordinances. 50 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN €APE MAY €OVNTY - who being examined were received and admitted into full communion Octr 15tli, Viz; IP 9] 1 Hannah Foster * 2 Sarah Schellenger 3 Tabitha Buck 4 Mary Miller 5 John Ames * 6 Judith Hand 7 Hannah Hays t 8 Mary Hughes 9 Harriet Ware 10 Ester Edmunds 11 Richd Edmunds 12 Sarah Leaming * 13 Phebe Hand 14 Daniel Crowell 15 Daniel Andrew 16 Hannah Andrew 17 Frederick Buck 18 Rebecca Weithman 19 Zereviah Schenck 20 Judith Cresse 21 Jane Edwards 22 Stiiwell Shaw 23 Sarah Crowell 24 Sarah Smith * 25 Sarah Hand 26 Sarah Vanmeter 27 Rebecca Merret 28 Elizabeth Hand 29 Hannah Eldridge 30 Martha Stites * 31 Aaron Schellenger 32 Isaac Vanmeter 33 John Crowell 34 Fany Schellenger 35 Ann Hand 36 Johanna Bencroft 37 Emi Williams [P. 10] The following of the above named persons (adults) were baptized, October 14th 1809. 1 Hannah Foster 13 Elizabeth Hand 2 Ester Edmunds 14 Martha Stites 3 Richard Edmunds 15 Hannah Eldredge 4 Tabitha Buck 16 Isaac Vanmeter 5 Daniel Croweli 17 John Crowell 6 Hannah Andrew 18 Stiiwell Shaw 7 Phebe Hand 19 Sarah Smith 8 Zereviah Schenck 20 Sarah Crowell 9 Judith Cresse 21 Sarah Vanmeter 10 Hannah Hays 22 Fany Schellenger 11 Mary Hughes 23 Ann Hand 12 Harriet Ware 24 Johanna Bencroft 51 MATFLOWEB DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAf COtlNT'St On the same day October 14th the following children were dedicated unto the Lord by baptism. [P. 11.] 23 Hannah Stevens 24 Wm Stevens 25 Rebecca Stevens 26 Henry Stevens 27 Daniel Stevens 28 Stilwell Stevens 29 Margaret Buck 30 Isaac Buck 31 Frederick Buck 32 Hannah Buck 33 Mary Buck 34 Art Hughes 35 Mary Ann Hughes 36 Tryphene Edmunds 87 David Edwards 38 Richard Crawford 39 Joseph Crawford The children of Dl & Philomela Stevens. The children of Frederick Buck. The children of Israel & Mary Hughes, A child of Downs & Elizath Es. A child of Dd & Jane Edwards. The children of Richd & Rachel Crawford^ [P 12] On the aforesaid day, October 14th, three ruling elders were also set apart to said office having been chosen and propounded at a suitable season before hand - Namely Stephen Pierson Samuel Watson and Ephriam Kent. On October the l5th, 1809 the Sacrament of the Lord's supper was admin- istered to upwards of 100 communicants. 52 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 13] Novr 5th 1809 were baptized 40 Aaron Eldredge 41 Eliza Eldredge 42 Joseph Eldredge 43 Wm Eldredge 44 Stilwell Eldredge 45 Sarah Schellenger 46 Mary Schellenger 47 Judith Schellenger 48 Aaron Schellenger 49 John Vanmeter 50 Anna Merret 51 Elizabeth Merret 52 Zabitha Hand^ 53 Zabbiah Hand^ 54 Jacob Stites Hand^ The children of Aaron & Hannah Eldredge The children of Aaron Schellenger. A child of Isaac & S. Vanmeter. The children of John & Rebecca Merret. The children of Thos & Sarrah Hand. [P. 14] Novr 12th 1809 Were baptized 55 Catherine Hughes Andrew 56 Jesse Hughes Andrews 57 Lois Andrews 58 Mary Ann Taylor 59 Saml Fithian "Ware 60 Deborah W. Ware 61 James Whilldin Ware 62 Joseph Ware 63 Nathan Moestander 53 The children of Dl & Hannah Andrew Under the care of H. Ware The children of Joseph & Deborah Ware. of Joseph & Harriet Ware. Under the care of Dl & Lydia Crowell. MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAT COtJNTl Novr 19th 1809 64 Franklin Williams 65 Oeorge W. Williams The children of Glasco & Emi Williams, [P. 15] Dec 12th 1809 Baptized. The children of Thos & Martha Stites. A child of John & Abigal Crowell, The children of John & Patience Clark. 66 Charlotte Stites 67 Mary Stites 68 Smith Stites Deer 17th 1809 69 John Crowell ]\Iarch 16th 1810 70 Thomas Clark 71 James B. Clark Ending April 1810 Dismissed by letters 5 of those adults received into the communion of the church between April 1809 & 1810 - Namely, Harriet Beyers, James Smith, Samuel Eldredge, Jane Eldredge and Tabitha Whilldin, April 1810. [P. 16] IMarch 30th 1810. The Session met according to appointment at the parsonage-house and was constituted with prayers. Members present Messrs Matthew Whilldin, John Stites, Robert Edmunds, Stephen Pierson, Samuel Watson, Ephriam Kent, Elders. David Edwards, Pastor. The following applied for admission into the church, thro ' its sealing ordinances, Viz, Lydia Corgee, Drusilla Schel- lenger, Prj^ssilla Sehellenger, Hannah Leamingv 54 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 17] Rhoda Teal, Silas Matthias, Eleanor Matthias, Sarah Woolson, Abigal Crowell, Gyls Cox^ Rheum (the two last people of color) - All the above were baptized by adult baptism, except Eleanor Matthews & Abigal Crowell who had been baptized in their infancy. And all were returned as above described at the last stated meeting of Presbytery April 1810. Concluded with prayer. May 3rd 1810. Baptized. 1 Robert Corgee Children of 2 Anna Sophia Corgee George Corgee & his wife. [P. 18] May 15th 1810. Baptized. 3 Weithman The children of 4 Weithman Mrs. Weithman. 5 Bennet Weithman 6 Sarah Williams A child of Glasco & Emi Williams. ]\Iay 16th the session met according to appointment and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Messrs ]\Iiatthew Whilldin, John Stites, Robert Edmunds, Stephen Piersons, Samuel Watson, Ephriam Kent, Elders. David Edwards, Pastor. [P.19] The following persons applied for admission into the church ; Viz, Pena Shaw, Mercy Foster, Debro Isard, Sarah Teal, Lazinda Gilbert, Deborah Bomey, Sarah Brown, Richd Crof- ford*, Joel Brown, Jeremiah Ewing, Joan (a woman of colour) - 11. Wiho were after examination received. Conclud- ed with prayer. 9 of the above were baptized on Saturday, 26, 55 Mayflower descendants in cape MAt county Viz^ Deborah Barney, Deborah Isard, Pena Shaw, Lazinda Gilbert, Sarah Brown, Richd Crawford, Joel Brown, Jeremiah Evving, Joan. In all 9. The sacrament of the Lord's supper was [P. 20] admin- istered unto the church. The number of communicants in all, 131. Between April 1809 & 1810, 5 were dismissed by certi- ficates; Viz, Herriet Beyers, James Smith, Samuel and Jane Eldredge & Tabitha Whilldin. Hannah Hays an absentee ! ! ! [P. 21] Baptized, May 20th. 7 Ann Eliza Ways 8 Mary Mills Baptized, June 17th, 9 Jane White Eldridge 10 Wm Bacon Teal 11 Charlotte Swain 12 George Cresse 13 John Hand Cresse 14 Art Bencroft 15 Samuel Swain Bencroft A child of Joseph & Ann Ways. A child of Ephriam & Mary Mills. A child of Levi & Elizth Eldredge. A child of Harvey & Sarah Teal. of Samuel & Judith Swairt of George & Judith Cresse* The children of Miller Bencroft, 5S MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 22] 16 AVm IVfetthews 17 Eleanore Matthews 18 Hannah Matthews 19 Thos Matthews 20 Swain Shaw 21 Mary S. Shaw 22 Parsons E. Shaw 23 William Shawe 24 Jacob Teal 25 Clarissa Teal 26 Jeremiah Teal 27 David Teal 28 Levi Teal 29 James Hand October 1, 1810. 30 Isaac Vanmeter [P. 23] 31 James Hand 32 Martha Hand 33 Charlotte Bennet The children of Silas & Eleanr Matthews. The children of Stillwell and Phena Shaw. The children of Eli and Rhodda Teal. A child of Abi Bencroft A child of Isaac & Sarah Vanmeter. The children of George & Elith Hand. A child of John & Mary Bennet. October 12, 1810. The session met according to appoint- tnent. Members present ]\ijatthew Whilldin John Stites, Robert Edmunds, Stephen Pierson, Ephriam Kent, Samuel Watson, Elders. David Edwards, Minister, constituted with prayer. The following persons applied for [P.24] admission into the churchy Viz, Miller Bencroft, Elizabeth Church (Daniel Church's wife), Elizabeth Church (John Church's wife, a pilot), and Theti, a black woman, the wife of James Lively. Who after being examined and the session having obtained satisfaction of their experience, knowledge and motives were admitted into full communion of the church on the 21st of ?57 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY October, being the day appointed for the celebration of the Lord's supper. The Rev. Nathl Irvin assisted on said day. [P. 25] Theti Lively, having not been baptized in her in- fancy, was introduced into the church privileges thro' the ordinances of baptism on Oct 20th the day preceeding the administration of the Lord's supper. Novr 13th 1810. Died. Richard Crawford a communi- cating member of this church. March 15th 1811, The session of this church met according to appointment and constituted with prayer. Members present, Matthew Whilldin, John Stites, Robert Edmunds, Stephen Pierson, Ephriam Kent, David Edwards. [P. 26] Priscilla Ireland and Thomas Hand applied for admission to the full communion of the church, who after be- ing examined, were accordingly admitted. Concluded with prayer. Baptized on Sunday March 17'th 1811, the following children. 34 Priscilla 35 Daniel Crowell 36 Memucan 37 George 38 Thomas 39 40 Samuel 41 Seth 42 Constant 43 Mary A child of Thos & Sarah Hand. A child of Joseph & Harriet Ware. A child of Israel & Mary Hughes. A child of Aaron & Hannah Eldredge A child of Thos & Martha Stites. A child of Frederick & Tabitha Buck. The children of Aaron and Mary Miller. 58 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 27] 44 Sarah 45 Aaron 46 Henry 47 Elizabeth 48 Sarah 49 Miary 50 Isaac 51 o The children of Aaron & Mary Miller. The children of Henry & Deborah Isard. IMarch 24th 1811. Baptized Thos Hand and Pricilla Ireland, adults; and also the following infants Susie Bennet* Phebe Smith Sarah 52 Mason [P. 28] 53 Elizabeth 54 George 55 Rachel 56 Lucy Bennet 57 Phebe Smith 58 Sarah The children of Jerh & Martha Thomas. A child of John & Abigal Crowell. Children of Jacob & Nancy Foster. Children of Jeremiah & Martha Thos. Regularly returned and recorded in the minutes of Pres- bytery. April 17th 1811. May 10th 1811. The Session met according to appoint- ment and constituted with Prayer. Members present, Robert Edmunds, Stephen Pierson, Samuel Watson, Elders, & D. Edwards, Minister. Absent Matthew Whilldin, John Stites & Ephriam Kent. [P. 29] The following named persons applied for ad- mission into the church, namely, Naomi Taylor, Mary Hand, 59 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY and Hannah Learning, the last one named although having been examined & received about a year past, Did not come forward to the Lord 's supper now applied de Novo and is ad- mitted as well as the other two to the ordinances of God's house. Concluded with prayer. Adjourned to meet the 18th of May, at the Parsonage- house, at 10 'Clock, A. M. [P. 30] May 18th 1811. Met according to adjournment. Present, Messrs. John Stites, Robert Edwards, Stephen Pier- sons, Ephrim Kent & Samuel Watson, Elders and David Ed- wards, pastor. Rachel Hughes and Elizabeth Hughes, applied for ad- mission into the church which was granted. May 19th 1812. Were baptized, Mary Hand & Eliza- beth Hughes. 2 were baptized and also^ 1 Alfred The children of 2 Ruth Henry Pierson & wife. [P. 31] 3 ^ Children of 4 Dnl and Elizabeth Church. 5 . 6 Abigal Stites A child of Downs & Elizth Edmunds, 7 Charlotte A child of Nathn & Charlotte Stites. July 21st Baptized by Revd James K. Birch. 8 Anna Robertson Edwards A child of E. D. & Jane Edwards. 9 Rhodda Corgee Children of St Stimpson & 10 Robert Corgee Stimpson Phebe, his wife. 11 Nancy Children of 12 Joanna James & Theter Lively. 60 MAYPLOWiJR DESCENDANT'S IN CAPE MAT COtlNTl [P. 32] Patience Clark, a memlber of this church died. Lios Higgins, a member of a long standing in this church died triumpant in the Lord on the 5th of Sept 1811. John Ames also a member of this church was removed from time into eternity on the 15th of Sept 1811. iWent to bed as well as usual, and in one hour after any indisposition was per- ceived, was a breathless corpse ! ! ! Baptized the same fall John Macray and Mrs. Lydia Hughes. [P. 33] Sept 25th 1811. Died Sarah Smith, the consort of Isaac Smith, Esqr. a member of this church. Be ye there- fore ready for the hour ye know not, the Son of man cometh. May the memory of this worthy woman be perserved. Andrew Higgins, the husband of Lois Higgins whose de- cease is noticed on the opposite page, died the 26th of Dec 1811, and left after him 3 protectless daughters. A member in full eommiinioli. Sarah Learning, died a member of this church. [P. 34] October 29th 1811. The Session of this church met according to appointment. Members present, Matthew Whilldin, Robert Edmunds, Stephen Pierson and John Stites, Elders & David Edwards, pastor. The following persons applied for admission into the priv- ileges of the church, which upon an examination was granted, namely, Judith Eldredge, Hannah Macray, Nancy Foster. April 5th 1812. Baptized. 13 Franklin Lively A child of James & Hety Lively. 13 children, 5 adults - 18. Reported to Presbytery. 61 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 35] May 8th 1812 The Session met according to ap- pointment. Members present Matthew Whilldin, Rbt Ed- munds, Stephen Pierson and E. D. Edwards. The following persons applied for admission into the full communion of the church. Mrss Jeremiah Ewing Senr and Clarissa Foster, May 17th Baptized, Clarissa Foster. 1 adult, Clarissa Foster. Infants, 1 Jeremiah Eldredge Foster Children of 2 James Macray John & Hannah Macray. [P. 36] 3 Children of 4 . - John & Elizth Church. 5 10 O'clock A. M. May 23rd 1812. The Session met at the Parsonage-house agreeably to adjournment when and where Mrs. Jacob Foster applied for admission into the church, which was granted. On the ensuing day, May 24th the Sacrament at the Lord's supper was administered to about a hundred & fifty communicants in the presence of a numerous assembly, [P. 37] Died June the 10th 1812. Mary Pierson the consort of Stephen Pierson, Senr. The Session of the church met agreeably to appointment, the 30th of October 1812. The following persons applied for admission into the full communion of the church, Viz; Lydia Hughes, Eliza Richardson, and Rhodda Hand, to be readmit- ted after being a wandering Methodist. In the month of October 1812, Martha Stites, a eomanuni- cating member of this church, departed this life. Also Han- nah Foster, 71 years old, died on the 29th October, 1812. 62 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 38] Adjourned to meet at the Parsonage house on the 6th of Novr 1812, 10 o'clock when and where Elijah El- dredge, ]\Iartha Hand applied for admission into the church, which request was granted. Elizabeth Richardson and Mrs, Hand were baptized on the date above written and also 6th, Isaac Merret, a child of Jn & Rebecca Merret. Elijah Eldredge, departed this life on the 11th of Novr 1812, after a standing of only 5 days in the fellowship of the church. [P. 39] Departed this life Henry Stephens, a member of this church in full communion, a sensible and worthy man. May 13th 1813. Died Major Joseph Hughes, who altho' not a member of this church, was a useful member of the congregation having been a member of the corporation for a great many years, and a clerk and treasurer for seven years past, which office he discharged with fidelity and satisfaction to the church and congregation. Dd Edwards. [P. 40] May 14th 1813. The Session of this church met according to appointment. Members present, Matthew Whill- din, John Stites, Robert Edmunds, Ephraim Kent, Stephen Pierson, Elders, Dd Edwards, Pastor. May 14th, 1813. Applied for admission into the full communion of the church the following persons, Vi/; Isaac Whilldin, Mahalla Whilldin, Amelia Ewing, Elizath Parsons, Catherine Schenck, and Judith Eldredge. [P. 41] May 22nd 1813. The Session met agreeably to adjournment at the Parsonage house ; members present as be- fore. The following persons applied for church privileges, namely, David Hughes, Phebe Stimpson, William Hughes, Elizath Eldredge, ]\Iiary Bennet. In all 16. Mary Bennet, 63 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY By certificate 6 - 22. Sarah Mulford, Hannah Thos. Last fall 5 - 27. Ruenni Foster, Hannah Crawford. [P. 42] May 22nd 1813. Baptized the following, Named adults. Infants on the same day. Amelia Ewing 7 Albert Henry, Cap Huhges. Elizabeth Parsons 8 Johanna Edmunds Wm Hughes 9 Sarah Hand Mary Bennet 10 Jane Edmunds Nancy Bennet 11 Silas Matthews Sarah Mulford 12 Caroline Hughes Catherine Schenck 14 Ester Wms Hughes Reuemmi Foster 15 Aaron Teal Hannah Thos 16 Judith Eldridge [P. 43] December 7th 1813. Died, Jane Edwards the consort of David Edwards, the pastor of the church to which this session book belongs, aged 34, abruptly taken from time into eternity, leaving behind her a disconsolate huslband and 4 helpless children ! ! ! A communicating member - 102. December 10th died David Whilldin a promising young man, (the son of Matthew Whilldin, Esqr. a ruling elder of this church for many years) indisposed. Alas! the brittle thread of life. [P. 44] Died on the 17th Charlotte Hughes, the consort of Dr Daniel Hughes, in the bloom of life, aged 33. Received into full communion since the Death of Rev. David Edwards, Sarah Edmunds, October 1814. Jesse Hughes Hannah Hughes May 19th Day, 1815. Sarah Hughes Aaron Teal, Senr Children Bin Baptized. Lot Buck, sun of Th Buck. Thomas Stites, sun of T. Hand. Elizabeth Edmunds, Dautor of T. Hand. Elizabeth Parsons. The above was baptized by the Rev. ]\It Reeves. 64 MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN CAPE MAY COUNTY [P. 45] Thursday, Au^st 24th 1815. The Session met agreeably to appointment at the house of Daniel Crowell and constituted with prayer by George W. Janvier, Pastor of the church in Pitts Grove, who being appointed to supply the church here on the ensuing Sabbath moderated the meeting of session. Thomas Ross, Jonathan Crawford & Aaron Shaw, applied for admission into the full communion of the church & the two last for Baptism. And on Saturday Aug 26th 1815, the said Jonathan Crawford & Aaron Shaw were upon profession of the Faith baptized by the said George W. Janvier, after devine service. At the same time the following children were baptized. Viz ; [P. 46] Jonathan, William and Elizabeth the three in- fant children of Jonathan Crawford above named and Hannah his wife. Also John Schellinger infant child of John Schellinger and Catharine his wife. [P. 47] The sessional Records. 65

Cape May County

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Mayflower Pilgrims - Session Book

THE SESSION BOOK OF THE COLD SPRING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1804 to 1815

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