Prudden to settle in the ministry, and such other suitable inhabitants with him as may promote the settlement of said town of Rye and the ministry therein ; and if they shall find any averseness or dillculfy with the inhabitants or proprietors in so just and necessary publique good of the town, they are empowered to doe what they see meet for the end aforesaid, and make reports to the court in October next, for approbation ; and for the encouragement of the ministry at Rye, tliis court, for this year,

Hart. Col. Rpo. vol. iii. 12. ^ jj^,., Cn\. T?f>f. vol. iii. 53.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 53

grants them a penny of the pound upon all the ratable estate of their town, to be payd out of their country rate, and shall be ready as need requires to continue such necessary encouragement as they shall judge suitable. »•

Upon the 27th May, 1675, the town orders that the home lot of Peter Disbrow, adjoining Timothy Knapp, be taken by the town in exchange for the land by the Blind brook, south of .Tacob Bridge's. The above lot to be for Mr. Peter Prudden for a parsonage lot ; if not thus disposed of, this agreement to be void.

February 26, 1676. The town released Peter Disbrow's lot, and cancels the above agreement.

February 26lh, 1677. John Brundige and John Purdy are empowered to sell the frame intended for a parsonage house.

The same year the Rev. Thomas Denhara appears to have been minister here, for, June 15, a house lot is ordered for Mr. Thomas Denham, and on November the 22d, we find the same individual admitted an inhabitant of the town of Rye. June 21 1G78, Mr. Thomas Denham is to have all the grass on the highway at the old town, besides an equal share with the proprietors of Poningoe neck.