James Chidester

Migrated c.1658 to Huntington, New York (Long Island). In June 1652, he was appointed to a committee to pass judgment on the "desirability of new arrivals into the community." Also nominated to keep the "Ordinary" -- an inn for travelers and residents. It was the practice to select the most prestigious dwelling on the principal highway to provide this service, in order to give visitors the best impression of the community, so it was regarded as an honor to be selected. The family had to be genteel and able to impress outsiders. James added to and improved his home over the next 30 years and named it "The Peace and the Plenty." It was still in service during the Revolution and was the home of the "Widow Chichester," who found it necessary to be hospitable to the occupying British officers.

In February 1663, he described himself as "James, son of James of Taunton and Salem." He was chosen to be a deputy of the "Corte of election helld at Hartford [Connecticut] next May being in the year 1663." In 1668 he was elected Constable of Huntington.

James is our forefather of the Chichester / Chitester / Chidester/ Chittester family.

Body lost or destroyed, Specifically: It is believed that James body is buried in the old Chichester Burial Grounds, approximately 100 yards behind the Peace and Plenty Inn, Huntington, Suffolk County, NY

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Feb 10 2020, 12:31:04 UTC

https://wc.rootsweb.com/trees/358392/I674488292/james-chichesterjr/...