October, 1732 Ipswich, Essex County, British Colony of Massachusetts
As my life draws to an end, I think of all I was to all of my people. I have been asked to relate how I made my living as a family man, as a citizen of the British Colony, as a citizen of the Kingdom of God. And so, I will share my story.
As a family man, I was faithful husband to Elizabeth and our eight children. One might give my job description as a yeoman. I was a freeholder of my farm land. The hard work of my family took care of the land and fed us. Life was hard…life was unpredictable…life was heavy. We kept our eye on the Lord to steady us.
As a citizen of the British Colony of Massachusetts, I took up arms in King Philip’s War. King Philip was the name we gave to the Native American Wampanoag chief Metacom. This took place in 1675. The chief and his people would not recognize our British authority and would not recognize our intent to claim more lands as our own. So, the fighting began. I was a witness to its violence.
As a citizen of the Kingdom of God, I was a deacon in my church in Chebacco Parish. The parish formed as the community of the Second Church of Ipswich. My duties included caring for widows and orphans, overseeing financial matters, and cooperating with other deacons and the pastor. This church formed the lives of myself and my family.
And so, as I leave this Earthly life, I ask the Almighty to judge me as He may.
Note: Seth Story and Elizabeth are my 7th great grandparents. A section of their home in Ipswich is on display in the Smithsonian in the American History Museum.
Once Upon A Lifetime: Tales And Vignettes Of My Ancestors 