Samuel Whiting

Rev. Samuel Whiting, first minister of Billerica. Born at Skirbeck, Lincolnshire, England, March 25, 1633, eldest child of Rev. Samuel Whiting of Lynn and Elizabeth St. John; graduated Harvard College 1653. Engaged by the town as its minister in 1658 and ordained pastor when the church was organized, November 11, 1663. His house was the main garrison during King Philip's War. In 1693 he freed Simon, who had been his servant about 31 years. After 1707 he had Samuel Ruggles as colleague; he died February 28, 1712-13, two weeks after his wife, Dorcas (Chester), after a ministry of more than fifty years.