[91] to other churches. I boarded the first year in the family of Mr. Joseph Adams, at 10s. per week—silver being then 26s. per ounce. On May 12, 1740, I bought one acre of ground of Mr. Jason Russell for house, which was raised July 17, at the expense of the people —The frame being given, and the cellar and well dug and stoned gratis, and the boards and shingles carted from Sudbury and Billerica free of charge to me. I married Oct. 2, 1740, Miss Sarah Porter, daughter of Mr. Samuel and Mrs. Anne Porter, of Hadley, and on Oct. 16, I brought her to my house.1 On Aug. 2, 1741, a son was born to us, and on the 9th he was baptized Samuel, and on the 14th inst. Samuel died. On the 22d the mother died, both dying of the throat distemper. My sister Miriam (now Pierce) kindly came and kept my house. I married September 23, 1742, Anna Cotton, daughter of the Rev. Mr. John and Mrs. Mary Cotton, of Newtown. On the 30th she came home. On July 10, 1743, a daughter was born, and on the same day was baptized Anna.2 On the 14 July, 1745, twins were born, and baptized the same day Samuel3 and Elizabeth. On May 15, 1747, a daughter born and was baptized the 17th, Mary. On Aug. 9, 1750, another daughter was born, who was baptized the 12th, Sarah.4 A son was born 29 March, 1752, who the same day was baptized Samuel.5 (N. B. The foregoing in Old Style.) 1754, April 17, a daughter born, baptized Hannah Gibbs.6 1755, Oct. 17, a daughter born, lived one hour. 1756, November 30, a daughter still born. On Dec. 29, 1758, a daughter was born, and was baptized on the 30th, Rebecca. (N. B. She was heard some weeks before her birth by the whole family and others, distinctly to cry for some minutes without possibility of mistake.) 1761, Jan. 16, a daughter still—born. February 12, my wife Anna died, aged 38, after having been mother of eleven children; seven survived her, but must follow.
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1 ‘Cambridge, 27th Sept. 1740. These may certify whom it may concern that the purpose of marriage between the Rev. Mr. Samuel Cooke of Cambridge, and Mrs. Sarah Porter of Hadley has been entered and published in Cambridge as the law directs. ANDr Bordman, jun. Town Clerk.
’ ‘Hadley, Oct. 2, 1740. These may certifie that the within certified persons were joined in marriage. Grindall Rawson, Clerk.’2 ‘1765, Oct. 24, joined in marriage by Rev. Samuel Cooke, Ezekiel Hall, of Medford, and Anna Cooke, of Cambridge. 1766, July 17, Medford, born Ezekiel Hall.’
3 Died Aug. 21, 1745, after a ‘distressing sore mouth of 30 days.’
4 Married Rev. Jonathan Burr, July 19, 1787. Died March 9, 1788.
5 The following acrostic probably refers to him:
Save, Lord, this tender son of ours,A son whom thou didst give,
May he not die in tender hours,
Unto thy praise still live.
Each day commended to thy care,
Let him thy tender mercies share.
Christ in his arms did infants take,
Of saving grace may this partake.
O earthly blessings needful, shine,
Keep from every hurtful snare,
Ever guided by thy watchful care.
6 Married Henry Bradshaw, of Watertown, June 3, 1781.
Boston: David Clapp and son. 564 Washington Street, 1880.
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