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A minister. Father of Stephen (6) of Cattaraugus Co., N.Y.

The data on Rev. William Waite has been secured from the New York State Library at Albany(History of Washington County---Town of White Creek, p. 456); from N.Y. State DAR Lineage Books Nos. 6, 15, 19 and 76; from John Cassan Wait's book; from Mr. Clarence K. Waite of Eagle Bridge, N.Y.; and at the Waite's Corners cemetery.

Moved to Washington County, New York State in 1772. He was a Revolutionary War soldier.

Reverend William was a Baptist minister and a goldsmith. Roger Williams had founded the first Baptist Church in America in his Rhode Island colony; and we find Rev. William a capable exponent of the faith of his ancesters. This quotation from the Washington County History, which quotes from Benedict: "In Cambridge, a church was planted in 1772 by Elder William Waite from R.I. It was called "White Creek" at first, and was situated near the Vermont line. Within one-half mile of Elder Waite's house, the battle of Bennington terminated. Benedict further states that some of this church, the night before the battle, went over to the enemy and they were obliged on Aug 16, 1777, to fight against brethren and neighbors and thus threw the church into confusion and entirely broke it up. The next year Elder Waite collected three members beside himself and commenced a revival in November, 1778. In 1779, he "organized the church with Elders John Gano and Peter Worden. In 1780 he had 140 members. He continued as paster until 1793."

This first church, built of logs, was in the southeast corner of White Creek township; and we are told (Lineage Book No. 15, p. 217, Lineage No. 14582) that after the battle of Bennington "the Hessians were confined in Waite's Meeting House and as the building was too small, there was much suffering."

Rev. William fought in the battle of Bennington and helped to secure supplies for Col. Stark. His second son, John was also a Revolutionary soldier. A Benjamin Waite was also in the Revolution but I do not know whether or not he was Rev. William's oldest son. In Roberts' "New York in the revolution" we find listed on page 128, Albany County Militia, 14 regiment under Col. John Knickerbocker and Col. Peter Yates, the following: "Enlisted man, Benjamin Waite " " John Waite " " William Waite" Elsewhere I find them under Captain James Hadlock.

In 1786, Rev. William moved to a place just south of Cambridge, since called Waite's Corners. (NOTE: General Baum encamped at Waite's Corners on his way to Bennington.) Here Rev. William Waite gave the site for his new church and a burial ground. In the year 1932, when this was written, this was still a flourishing, picturesque church with its spacious yard and beautiful old shade trees; while across the road is the old cemetery where Rev. William, some of his children and many of their descendents, are buried. By the side of the church stands the house he built for his yougest son, Zera. Many frail old records of Rev. William's church still existed and were in the possession of a dscendant of his, Clarence K. Waite of Eagle Bridge, N.Y., when visited by this author in the ear 1932.

Alternate birth place: North Kinston, Washington, Rhode Island

Husband aged 21 years at marriage. Wife aged 19 years at marriage.

Alternate marriage place. Cambridge, Washington, New York.