My 10th Great Grand Father on my Father’s side of the family is Reverend Samuel Skelton, who was the first Minister of the Salem, Ma, church and the first church of the Mass Bay. 

In one of my previous writings, we explored the Salem Witchcraft trials and how one of my relatives signed a petition that the accused witch was not a witch.  This story takes place almost 60 years before the witch trials.

Samuel would be born in England and would come to the new world to become part of the historic “puritan” movement by starting a church and ministering to the people.  He was requested to come to the new world by the Governor who would give Samuel a reward of land for coming to this part of the colonies.

As his reward for coming to the new world, he would be given 200 acres of land plus an additional 11 acres to build and live on.

Rev. Skelton would continue to preach for just a few years before the teaching in New England would change and the few churches in Massachusetts would become one “puritan” group.

For those who are in the Vest, Ray, and Baker Family, the line of ancestors are as follows:

1. Rev. Samuel Skelton

2. Samuel Skelton

3. Joseph Skelton

4. Mary Skelton

5. Elizabeth Ray married to John Valentine Vest

6. John Daniel Vest

7. William Tom Vest

8. Clovis Vest married to Alma Mae Baker

9. My Dad

10. Me

Below is a picture borrowed to show Samuel’s achievement

Courtesy of Ancestry website and one of my ancestors

For more information about Samuel Skelton, check out the wiki link below or try my ancestry link where there is over 62 pictures and bits about Samuel Skelton

Wiki Information Surrounding Samuel

My ancestry page

Originally posted 2018-08-06 19:57:33.