Reverand Samuel Torrey

     Samuel was born in 1632 in Combe St. Nicholas, Somersetshire, England. On 24 April 1634, his grandmother left him a book of Mr. Perkin's work. He was the son of William Torrey and Jane Haviland. Around the year 1650, he attended Harvard College and would have graduated with an A.B. degree, but Harvard changed its requirements at that time, requiring four years of study. Samuel as well as others in his class chose to leave the school.¹ Samuel married Mary Rawson on 15 May 1657 in Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. After leaving Harvard, he was offered a position at Hull as their minister and then in 1664 he took the position of pastor of the Congregational Church at Weymouth where he was ordained on 14 February 1666. He remained at this church until his death. In 1681 and again in 1684, he was asked to take the honored position of president of Harvard College, which he declined. He & Mary had no children.¹ Samuel's wife, Mary, died on 10 September 1692 in Weymouth leaving him a widower.² Samuel married 2nd Mary Chickering, daughter of Francis Chickering and Ann Fiske, on 30 July 1695 in Braintree, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.³ Samuel made his will in 1706 at Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Samuel states that he has long since disposed of his real estate to two kinsman, John and Michael Torrey. He gave 50 pounds to his brother, Angel; 10 pounds to his sister, Mary Downs; 10 pounds to kinsman Jonathan and 10 pounds to his sister, Mary Humphrey. Also, 5 pounds to Ebenezer Lowell [son of his sister, Naomi]; 5 pounds to John Hunt, son of his deceased sister, Judith Hunt; 10 pounds to Micajah Torrey, his daughters Margaret, Mary, Silence & Susannah. Other legacies where given as well. He appointed his wife as sole executrix of his will.⁴ Samuel departed this life on Thursday, 21 April 1707 in Weymouth at age 75 years.⁵ He was buried there in North Weymouth Cemetery. The inscription on his stone reads: Here Lyes interred ye body of the Reverend Mr. Samuel Torrey pastor of the Church of Christ in Weymouth aged 75 years died April 21 1707.⁶ His will was probated on 15 May 1707.