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James Chidester, Jr
b.18 Feb 1620 Widworthy Parish, Devonshire, England
d.29 Jan 1696 Huntington, Suffolk County, New York
Family tree▼ (edit)
m. Bef 1635
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Facts and Events
Elected Constable Described himself as "James, son of James of Taunton and Salem." Chosen to be a deputy of the "Corte of election helld at Hartford [Connecticut] next May being in the year 1663." Appointed to a committee to pass judgment on "desirability of new arrivals into the community." Also nominated to keep the "Ordinary" -- an inn for travelers and residents. It was the practice to select the most prestigious dwelling on the principal highway to provide this service, in order to give visitors the best impression of the community, so it was regarded as an honor to be selected. The family had to be genteel and able to impress outsiders. James added to and improved his home over the next 30 years and named it "The Peace and the Plenty." It was still in service during the Revolution and was the home of the "Widow Chichester," who found it necessary to be hospitable to the occupying British officers. (from "Chichester Heritage") References
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