Whately Massachusetts

Biography of Judge Aaron E. Wait

JUDGE AARON E. WAIT. – Judge Wait, who needs no introduction to the people of Oregon, was born in Whately, Massachusetts, on Sunday, December 26, 1813. His father was a soldier in the war of that period, and died in the service. His family name on his mother’s side was Morton, of Scotch descent. His ancestry on his father’s side were English. At fourteen years of age Aaron went to the adjoining town of Hatfield, and learned the “broom trade.” By money earned at that trade, and afterwards by teaching, he was enabled to increase his education. He taught country … Read more

Biography of Edward Newton Frary

EDWARD NEWTON FRARY – One of the pioneers of New England, John Frary came from England and settled in Dedham, Massachusetts, and was one of the founders of the church there. He subsequently moved to Medford and died at an advanced age on June 14, 1685. His wife’s name was Prudence. Their children: Theophilus, Samson, Mary, John, Eleazer, of whom further; Isaac, and Samuel. (II) Eleazer Frary, son of John and Prudence Frary, was born in 1640, settled in Hatfield, Massachusetts, died December 19, 1709. He married, on January 25, 1666, Mary Graves, daughter. of Isaac Graves. They had seven … Read more

Asa Todd of West Chesterfield MA

Asa Todd5, (Gershom4, Gershom3, Michael2, Christopher1) born June 28, 1756, died July 16, 1847, in West Chesterfield Mass., and was buried there. He married May 24, 1778, Abigail, daughter of Amos and Phebe Bishop, of New Haven, Conn. He was a Baptist minister and held pastorates in Whately and West Chesterfield, Mass., for more than thirty years, having been ordained the first pastor of the Baptist Society of Whately, Mass., Sept. 9, 1789. In 1803 he removed to West Chesterfield, Mass., where he was ordained the second pastor of the Baptist Society of that place, and was dismissed Nov. 2, … Read more