"7. Jabez Whittelsey (John1), b. Mar. 14, 1675, in Saybrook, Conn., at the old homestead. He married on the 6th of December, 1705; Lydia Way. In April, 1704, he removed to Wethersfield and was prominent in church and political life. In 1716 Mr. Whittelsey was one of a committee 'to order the affairs of the society.' In 1731, appointed agent to go to the Grand Court with petition as to the improvement of the society, and to manage it according to the best of his discretion. Was a very active member of the school committee in 1723, and reappointed for several terms, serving with great interest in the advancement of education. The year of 1726, one of the committee to confer with the minister 'about staying with us'; also one of the committee concerning the minister's salary. In the church in Newington, at the meeting held Apr. 15, 1726, Mr. Jabez Whittelsey first received the title of Deacon, and he continued to act as such until he removed from the place in 1745. [Welles, 'Annals of Newington.'] In 1736 Deacon Jabez Whittelsey was one of the committee to confer with the minister about fencing the parsonage. On the 1st of December, 1740, he was 'moderator' of the parish meeting. In 1744 he was received into the church at Bethlehem by letter from Newington. Mr. Whittelsey's name appears on many important committees appointed by the 'General Court,' and he was entrusted with large sums of the Colony's moneys, which were used by him in settlement of the claims on the government, and to purchase food and clothing for the colonial troops. He made several trips to New York and Albany to purchase food and clothing for the troops, and the means of travel were very limited and perilous at the time. His name appears as auditor of the Colony accounts, and other appointments significant of his esteem in public service. His occupation was that of a farmer. Records frequently mention him as Jabezeth. Deacon Whittelsey died in Bethlehem, Conn., on the 20th of February, 1756."
