I N T R 0 D U C T I 0 N

by

Charles Shepard II

The records given in the following pages were copied from the originals at Attleboro, in the latter part of 1923, by Marion Williams (Pierce) Carter, (Mrs. Miles L. Carter). They constitute a valuable contribution to genealogical source material in Massachusetts, especially since the vital records of this town have never been published.

The town of Attleboro (originally called Attleborough) was organized in 1694 from the "North Purchase" of Rehoboth. In 1830 part of the town was annexed to Wrentham. in 1887 the town was divided and the northern part thereof was established. as the town of North Attleborough. In 1914 Attleborough was incorporated as a city, at which time the name was changed to its present form, Attleboro. The town is in Bristol county.

For a history of the town, see:- A sketch of the history f Attleborough from its settlement to the division, by John Daggett. Edited and completed by his daughter. Boston, 1894.

A sketch of the Second Congregational Church may be found on pages 243-270 of this hook. Another account of the church is: A historical sketch of the Second Congregational Church in

Attleborough: delivered at its centennial meeting, December 7, 1848. By Jonathan Crane. pastor of’ the church. Boston, Damrell & Moore printers. 1849.

The Second Congregational Church was sot off from the First Church on April 7, 1743, being called originally the East Parish or East Precinct of Attleborough. Rev. Peter Thacher preached there from August 20, 1743, but was not finally settled and ordained until Nov. 30, 1743. He continued as pastor until October 26, 1784. The other early pastors of the church were as given in the list below. During the interims between successive pastors, various ministers preached for longer or shorter periods.

Ebenezer Lazell,

Nathan Holnan,

John Ferguson,

Jonathan Crane,

Charles D. Lothrop,