MacGregor Family Celebrated

A key figure in the history of Derry is Rev. James MacGregor (circa 1677-1729).  He was the leader of the first settlers of Nutfield (the area that eventually became Londonderry, Derry, Windham, and parts of Manchester ). James MacGregor and four  generations o f his descendants are commemorated in one of the stained glass windows of First Parish Congregational Church. 

The MacGregors who are commemorated are: Rev. James MacGregor and his wife Marion Cargill, their son, Rev. David MacGregor  (1710-1777) and his wife Mary Boyd, and his son (James’s grandson), Col.  Robert MacGregor (1749[check]- 1816) and his wife Elizabeth Reid, and Col. Robert’s three daughters.

Robert MacGregor  (the third generation of MacGregors in the Derry area) married into another notable New Hampshire family, the Reids. Robert’s wife, Eiizabeth Reid, was the daughter of the Revolutionary-era General George Reid and his wife, Mary Woodburn.  Mary Woodburn Reid’s nickname was Molly, and she became known for her supportive activities in Londonderry (area that would later be renamed Derry) during the American Revolution when her husband was serving with George Washington.

Colonel Robert MacGregor and Elizabeth Reid had 9 children and their three daughters who are also commemorated in the window were named:  Mary Ann MacGregor (who married Rev. John Ripley Adams), Maria MacGregor Cogswell and Elizabeth MacGregor Hall.