In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, and in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Chuck Grassie, Rochester Colonial Moments, a historical series highlighting notable moments from Rochester’s past, is brought to you by Patrick O. Connelly, Rochester, New Hampshire, historian.
Monday, August 31, 2026
“The Continental Congress, in March of 1776, attempted to determine the level of support for the path chosen by provinces for the colonies in their relationship with England. In March, a resolution was passed to circulate the Association Test, and determine those inhabitants of towns in the provinces that supported, opposed or recused participation in the war effort. At the time, Rochester had a male population of 699 over 16 years of age. The results of the test included:
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- 204 persons supporting the effort
- 22 persons were against
- 22 Quakers recused from swearing an oath
It continued to be clear that the Town of Rochester firmly supported the effort to redress prior wrongs and by this time, the throw off British rule in this province.”
Patrick O. Connelly is a historian, researcher, and author whose work focuses extensively on the colonial history and development of Rochester, New Hampshire. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with degrees in History and French, Connelly has spent decades researching Rochester’s earliest records, maps, land divisions, and settlement history.
Connelly is the author of two comprehensive works on Rochester’s colonial history: Rochester, New Hampshire: Territory to Township, 1620–1799 and In Their Own Words: Transcription and Research of the Original Records of Colonial Rochester, New Hampshire, 1722–1799. Both books are available through his website at RNHCC.com.
