Symmes, Thomas, 1678-1725

Thomas Symmes (1677/78-1725) was a 1698 Harvard graduate, minister in Boxford, Mass., from 1700/01 to 1708, and minister in Bradford, Mass., from 1708 until his death. There were three generations of clergymen in the family before Symmes. He evidently felt frustrated by his financial limitations, being unable to send any of his sons to college. He is remembered for his leadership of the movement to introduce congregational singing by note in place of the traditional chanting practice.

From the description of Notebook, 1696-1774. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 218562684