Chambers, Joseph, ca 1745-ca 1801, Minister of Castledawson Presbyterian Church.

[AussieLad]

Joseph Chambers was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to David Chambers, stonecutter/mason and his wife, Edith Claypoole.

David Chambers is said to have emigrated from Co. Antrim, Ireland to New Jersey ca 1730. David's will, dated 27 Nov 1757, proved 8 Mar 1759, mentioned his wife Edith, his six children, Mary, David, Easter, William, Joseph and Rebecca. Also his brother, Alexander Chambers.

In her will dated 19 Aug 1797, proved 3 Mar 1800, Edith Ruston (nee McCrea, Chambers and Claypoole), City of Philadelphia, Widow, mentions:
Son: Joseph Chambers, Minister of the Gospel at Castle Dawson (sic) and Martha Felt (County Derry, Ireland).

If possible, I'd would like learn more of Joseph's tenure at Castledawson, whether he married Martha Felt or someone else, had children and where and when he died?

All responses to my request would be highly appreciated!

Barry
 

[hallmark]

CASTLEDAWSON.

The first minister of this congregation of whom we have any account was Mr. John Tomb, who was ordained here about the year 1696. Prior to this time Maghera and Castledawson were united. Mr. Tomb continued in this charge till his death in February, 1718.

He was succeeded by Mr. Hugh Wallace, who was installed here September 7, 1720. He had
previously been minister of Loughgall, and the congregation of Castledawson now included Magherafelt. The latter place was erected into a separate congregation in 1738, and Mr. Wallace became the minister.

Castledawson was thus left vacant, and it then obtained as minister Mr. Robert Henry, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Route, June 7, 1743. He resigned this charge through age and infirmity
October 28, 1798 ; and died November 1, 1802, leaving a family.

He was succeeded by Mr. Solomon Brown, brother to the Rev. John Brown, D.D., of Aghadoey, who was ordained on the 1st Tuesday of December, 1802. On the 24th of December, 1833, Mr. Brown resigned the charge through infirmity, and died November, 20, 1834.

The next minister was Mr. James Glasgow, who was ordained here by the Presbytery of Magherafelt, October 6, 1835.

[aghadowey]

"Martha Felt" is indeed Magherafelt (a place not a person).

Joseph Chambers isn't mentioned in A History of Congregations of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

[scotmum]

Mmm, this suggests Joseph was buried in the church graveyard at Castledawson:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=101681929

I wonder where the info was sourced or if it was just assumed.

[aghadowey]

Interesting find but suspect it's made up assumptions as he was never minister of Castledawson Presbyterian Church!

[aghadowey]

Rev. Joseph Chambers A.M. Magherafelt 'subscriber' listed here

This looks like it might be him- died 1802 buried Bridewell Old Graveyard Magherafelt-
http://www.discovereverafter.com/plot/9555

[scotmum]

A meeting of the inhabitants of the Parish
of Magherafelt was held in Magherafelt on
Monday, the 5th day of May, 1782, pursuant
to publick notice. Mr. Henry Patterson (
presided, when the following resolutions were
passed (they are taken from the Belfast News
Letter of May 14, to May 17, 1782.)

Resolved—

...

...

That tho following gentlemen :— Major
Paterson, Rev. Mr. Downing, Rev- Mr.
Chambers, Rev. Mr- Henry, Rev. Mr. Wilson,
Mr. Henry Paterson ...  ...appointed a Committee to convene the in-
habitants of this Parish when they shall think
it necessary, and to correspond with the Com-
mittees of the other parishes, who may
associate for similar purposes.

so he was active in the area.

[scotmum]

In Magherafelt 1824

Attorneys— Chambers, David, Broad Street

Possibly had links with the Old Parish Church, Magherafelt.

[scotmum]

In 1817, David Chambers is listed as having an office at 21 (or some articles have 27) Grenville Street, Dublin, as well as at Magherafelt.