John Emerson, a Harvard graduate, was called to his church in 1661. He was ordained October 6, 1663 by the church and served there for more than 40 years. His original salary, per annum, was 60 lbs of Indian corn, pense, barley, fish, mackerel, and beef or pork. In 1672, his salary was changed to include 1/8 to be paid in money. In 1678, additional changes to his salary included another 1/8 to be paid in money and firewood. History records that "Mr Emerson's ministry was highly successful, his methods in spiritual as well as secular affairs were energetic, and the congregation had grown at his death to three times the number at his settlement." His death is listed in the Early Vital Records of MA, 1600-1850, page 129, as being in Gloucester. It is not known exactly where John and Ruth lived in this area. The town voted in 1673 to erect a parsonage.
History records that a house, known as the White-Ellery house, was erected for Rev Emerson's successor in 1710 at Town Green. Town Green was an inlet in the marshes, at a bend, in the Annisquam River. This is believed to be where the First Parish Community, The Green, was located.
The forests of this area of Cape Ann, cleared for farm and pasture land by the early inhabitants, have since been reclaimed by growth. Dwellings in parts of this area were little more than shanties - one feature was that under one side of the floor was a cellar hole dug for keeping food. This storage area was supported by a foundation of laid stone, without mortar. It is possible that such a dwelling as this is where John & Ruth raised their family. At the least, these may describe the living conditions of some of their parishioners.