John Belding

The following was taken from the Hatfield Town Becords:

"Elizabeth, wife to Daniel Beldenye head of the family, together with Daniel Belden, John Belden and Thankful Belden, their chidren, were all of them slaine by the enemie September 16, 1696."

"Sept. 16, 1696. The Indians came along from up Green River to the town, and assaulted Mr. Daniel Belden's house; took Mr. Belden, his son Nathaniel and daughter Eather captive, killed his wife and three children, and wounded Samuel and Abigail, but they recovered, althol Samuel had a hatchet stuck in his head, and some of his brains came out at his wound. Samuel .was born Apr. 10, 1687.

From Mather 's Magnalia: "The Indians making an assult upon Deerfield, in this Present War, they struck a Hatchet some Inches into the Skull of a Boy there, even so deep that the Boy felt the force of a Wrench used by 'em to get it out. There he lay a long while Weltering in his Blood; they found him, they Dressld him; considerable Quantitiea of his Brain came out from time to time when they opened the Wound; yet the Lad recovered, and is now a Living Monument of the Power - and Goodness of God."