But “Parson” MacSparran, as he was lovingly called, was not alone the friend and associate of the well-to-do. His love for the poor and lowly was unbounded, and this sympathy found ample reciprocation in the hearts of the humble. In order to understand the general character of Narragansett society at that period a few words may be necessary. Amos Perry[11] says: “The honor of being, par excellence, the Narragansett country is generally conceded to Charlestown and the original ‘Kings Towne,’ whose united area is 19.8 per cent. of that of the entire state.” To make it plainer, it should be said that the “Narragansett country” comprised that portion of the state of Rhode Island now known as Washington county. It was so called because it was the seat of the Narragansett Indians.[12] In 1654 it was named King’s Province, which in 1729 was changed to King’s county. In 1781 that monarchical designation was dropped and the name Washington substituted. The county now comprises the towns of Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Richmond, and Westerly. The “Narragansett country” had long existed as an independent jurisdiction. Finally, the king in council promulgated his decision uniting the “King’s Province or Narragansett” to Rhode Island. For long years after, the name “Narragansett country” was still affectionately retained in the nomenclature of that district. In Dr. MacSparran’s time there were numbers of wealthy landholders in Narragansett. Many of these owned thousands of acres each and had great herds of cattle and flocks of sheep. Many, too, were slave owners and slave dealers. As late as 1804, Rhode Island had fifty-nine vessels engaged in the slave trade, notwithstanding an act was passed in 1787 forbidding the traffic.[13] For a long period the slaves were practically barred out of the church. They were neither instructed, baptized, nor admitted to the communion. To bestow such favors upon them was considered inconsistent by their masters. But MacSparran, the great-hearted Irishman, combated this error. He emphatically protested against this unchristian exclusion of the slaves and ultimately prevailed in their behalf. The Narragansett landholders and their families lived in princely style on their vast estates. They were a hospitable race, cordial in their welcomes, warm and lasting in their attachments. Fond of horse racing, they raised a breed known as “Narragansett Pacers,” which became famous throughout the country. Fox-hunting was also a favorite sport.