Preface.
it was the aim of the late
Dr. Benjamin Cutter to preserve the decaying memorials of his native precinct, and much historical and genealogical matter was accordingly collected by him, and left unpublished at his death.
It has been the design of his son to present this to the public in a convenient shape and durable form, with such additions as he has been able to collect.
It is trusted that the work will prove valuable as a book of reference, notwithstanding that inaccuracies may occasionally be found.
It is remarkable that the great-grandfather of
Dr. Cutter was the first Precinct Clerk, or recording officer—an office which he held for thirty-two consecutive years.
The paternal grandfather of
Dr. Cutter (
Ammi Cutter), and his maternal grandfather (
Samuel Locke), were also Precinct Clerks at different periods, the former holding the office five years, and the latter sixteen years.
The authorities which have been consulted in obtaining dates and facts are specified in various portions of the work.
The precinct and town records have, of course, been much relied upon, and information from them, as well as from gravestones, is given, as far as practicable, in the phraseology originally used.
The church records have been found invaluable.
Rev. Mr. Cooke, first minister of the Precinct (1739-1783), was an admirable recorder, whose specialty was the church records, and the Precinct births, baptisms, marriages and deaths.
The records by
Rev. Dr. Fiske cover forty years (1788-1828). Care has been taken to make proper reference in the text to two valuable recent publications—those of
Rev. Dr. Paige and
