Person:Samuel Messer (2)

Member of First Church of Methuen before moving to New London.

He was in the 1st Co. from Methuen in 1774 and became a Lieutenant.

“On Jan. 22 1779, a petition asking for improvements of New London, Samuel headed the list. He was authorized to call a meeting of the inhabitants of New London. In compliance with this warrent, thirteen qualified voters met at “Squaire” Messer’s dwelling house on Messer’s Hill, tuesday, August 3, 1779. Squire Messer, by virture of the power conferred on him by the general court, was considered the proper moderator.” (copied from A History of the Town of New London, 1779-1899) This was the first town meeting of New London and Samuel Messer was chosen one of their selectmen. He was selectman from 1779-1789 and from 1800-1805 he held the office of coroner. Though familiarly addresed as “Squire” he was never-the-less held in great respect by all the country around. People living across Lake Sunapee used to cross in a boat and then walk to the meeting house in New London to church. The children making the trip, went barefoot until they nearly reached “Squire” Messer’s house, then they would put on their shoes and stockings and carefully brush and adjust their clothing, because it would not do to pass his house barefooted and untidy.

1. ↑ Methuen, Essex, Massachusetts, United States. Vital Records of Methuen, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849. (Topsfield, Massachusetts: Topsfield Historical Society, 1909)
   88.

   MESSER, Samuell, s. Richard and Meheteball, [born] June 30, 1736.

2. ↑ [1], in National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970.