[31] April 20, 1740, Jason Russell was admitted to full communion by this church. He was one of the earliest members thus admitted, and was the same Jason Russell who was killed by the British here on April 19, 1775. Mr. Cooke, the minister, in his autobiography, writes: ‘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.’
‘Probably about 1740, common snakes were so abundant and annoying, that the farmers met, and appointed a day for a general snakehunt and extermination.’—Letter of Mr. John Brooks Russell.1
1741
Some remarks found in Rev. Samuel Cooke's diary for January in this year are interesting:1741, Jan. 17. Preached twice from Gen. 32:26. In the evening to a company of young men at the house of Dea. Cutter from Eccl. 11: 10—present: multis. 1741, Jan. 20.—Vesp. walked to Cambridge and visited Messrs. Marsh and Mayhew and Hon. Pres. and Rev. D. D. Wigglesworth, where I supped and slept with Rev. D. Porter. 21st, walked to Boston and beard Rev. D. D. Colman, from James 2:5; dined with Mr. Allen, visited Mr. Jennings, Thayer, Rev. D. Chauncey and D. Eliot, where I stopt. 22d. Dined with Mr. Allen, visied Mr. Taylor, heard D. D. Sewall ex. Act. 17:30—and slept at Mr. Allen's. 23d, visited Mr. Eliot, Hurd, &c., then to Cambridge, and called on Mr. Marsh and Mayhew, D. D. Wigg, and Rev. Mr. Appleton, where I dined. After, I returned home in company at night with Mr. Edv. Flynt. 24, Mr. Flynt preached twice, ex Philip, 2:12 and 13: and P. M., ex Ps. 19:11. Jan. 31.—The winter has been hitherto moderate, but little snow, the ground now bare; provisions in general are plenty, except grain, which is scarce and dear. Indian corn has been near 20s. per bushel, rie 29; silver at the rate of 29s. per oz. 'Tis now a time of general health. Exiit ut Leo Mensis.
