Laban Ainsworth (July 19, 1757 – March 17, 1858) was an American clergyman and pastor. He holds the record for the longest serving pastorate in American history. He served as pastor in Jaffrey, New Hampshire from 1782 to 1858, a period of 76 years.
Biography
Laban Ainsworth was born in Woodstock, Connecticut on July 19, 1757, to Captain William Ainsworth and his wife, Mary Ainsworth. As a result of suffering a severe attack of scarlet fever in childhood, young Laban's right arm became withered and "nearly useless to him for life." In 1787, he married Mary Minot (1761–1845) and had two children with her, Sarah (1789–1857) and William (1792–1842).