Reverend Smith and Brother Montgomery

On 21 March 1793, readers of the Day Book are introduced to the town minister, Reverend Ethan Smith, when he visits the Montgomery Store to purchase "1 chamber pot" and "1 sugar bowle."  On this day, as in subsequent visits, Smith's purchases are, not surprisingly, modest.  He acquires items important to his ministry – paper and ink powder – on Monday 1 April, along with an ivory comb, for the sum of 2 shillings. 

Rev. Smith was installed as pastor on 25 January 1792 and his requested "dimission" was in 1799. While gathering many new families to the Church, Rev. Smith's tenure was not without its troubles. Indeed, he was considered to be relatively strict and unyielding in 
his expectations. ¹  Church records observed that even the General came under close scrutiny: "Brother John Montgomery sent in a confession to be read in public for his transgression in riding on two occasions on the Lord's day, with humble acknowledgement of his sin which was accepted. "

The townspeople were taxed £40 for Rev. Smith’s ministry and some would not pay this tax, citing the fact that the church was catering to the Piermont side of the town, among other reasons.

General Montgomery’s 1825 Grafton County probate inventory records that he held one pew (No.4) in the South Meeting House, lower floor, valued at $30.00 and also one in the gallery (No. 25) valued at $4.00.

1. WILLIAM F. WHITCHER, HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF HAVERHILL, NEW HAMPSHIRE, 1919. 102