Ancestry of
Harry Stillman Pratt
– An Ahnentafel Book -
Including Pratt, Brown, Gilson, Aldrich, Newcomb, Eaton,
Richardson, Maynard and many other families
of Massachusetts and Vermont
Harry S. Pratt
by A. H. Gilbertson
11 December 2016
(draft) version 0.131
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Table of Contents
...........................................................................................................................................................
Preface............................................................................................................................................. 6
Harry Stillman Pratt (1) .................................................................................................................. 7
Francis Lowell Pratt (2) and Mary Ann Brown (3) ...................................................................... 11
William Pratt (4) and Harriet Gilson (5) ....................................................................................... 14
James R. Brown (6) and Eliza Ann Aldrich (7) ............................................................................ 17
James Pratt (8) and Sarah Newcomb (9)....................................................................................... 21
Nathaniel Gilson (10) and Mary Eaton (11) ................................................................................. 23
Elisha Brown (12) and Hannah Richardson (13) .......................................................................... 25
Richard Aldrich (14) and Anna Maynard (15) ............................................................................. 27
Thomas Pratt (16) and Mary Green (17)....................................................................................... 31
Samuel Newcomb (18) and Mary Bent (19) ................................................................................. 33
Nehemiah Gilson (20) and Abigail Lawrence (21)....................................................................... 34
Jonas Eaton (22) and Mary Wyer (23) .......................................................................................... 36
James Richardson (26) and (probably) Mary Crisfield (27) ......................................................... 37
Silas Aldrich (28) and Alice Collins (29) ..................................................................................... 39
Levi Maynard (30) and Esther Savage (31) .................................................................................. 41
Samuel Pratt (32) and Betty Bicknell (33) .................................................................................... 43
John Green (34) and Mary Humphrey (35) .................................................................................. 45
Ebenezer Newcomb (36) and Sarah Wild (37) ............................................................................. 46
Ebenezer Bent (38) and Deborah Fairbanks (39) ......................................................................... 48
Isaac Gilson (40) and Dorothy Kemp (41) ................................................................................... 49
Nathaniel Lawrence (42) and Dorothy Chamberlain (43) ............................................................ 50
Jonas Eaton (44) and Mary Emerson (45) .................................................................................... 51
Nathaniel Wyer (46) and Elizabeth Boylston (47) ....................................................................... 52
Perhaps: James Richardson Sr. (52) and Sarah Leathe (53) ......................................................... 53
(Possibly) Edward Aldrich (56) and Dinah Aldrich (57).............................................................. 54
Ephraim Collins (58) and Abigail Dow (59) ................................................................................ 56
David Maynard (60) and Anne Oak (61) ...................................................................................... 58
John Savage (62) and Hannah Mason (63) ................................................................................... 59
Ebenezer Pratt (64) and Martha ----- (65) ..................................................................................... 61
Benjamin Bicknell (66) and Susannah Humphrey (67) ................................................................ 62
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John Green (68) and Patience ----- (69) ........................................................................................ 63
Jonas Humphrey (70) and Mary Neale (71) ................................................................................. 64
John Newcomb (72) and Elizabeth Everett (73) ........................................................................... 65
John Wild (74) and Sarah Hayden (75) ........................................................................................ 66
Joseph Bent (76) and Rachel Fuller (77) ...................................................................................... 68
Jonathan Fairbanks (78) and Deborah Guild (79)......................................................................... 69
Joseph Gilson (80) and Elizabeth Lawrence (81) ......................................................................... 70
Zerubbabel Kemp (82) and Mary Lacey (83) ............................................................................... 72
Nathaniel Lawrence (84) and Anna Scripture (85) ....................................................................... 74
Thomas Chamberlain (86) and Abigail Nutting (87) .................................................................... 76
Jonas Eaton (88) and Mehitable Gould (89) ................................................................................. 78
Peter Emerson (90) and Anna Brown (91) ................................................................................... 79
Robert Wyer (92) and Ruth Johnson (93) ..................................................................................... 81
Richard Boylston (94) and Mary Smith (95) ................................................................................ 83
(Possibly) David Aldrich (112) and Hannah Capron (113) .......................................................... 85
(Possibly) Seth Aldrich (114) and Mary ----- (115)...................................................................... 87
Ephraim Collins (116) and Esther Shortridge (117) ..................................................................... 89
John Dow (118) and Dinah Severance (119) ................................................................................ 90
David Maynard (120) and Hannah Wait (121) ............................................................................. 91
①Nathaniel Oak (122) and Mary Holloway (123) ...................................................................... 95
Daniel Mason (126) and Experience Newcomb (127) ................................................................. 97
Samuel Pratt (128) and Hannah Rogers (129) .............................................................................. 99
John Bicknell (132) and Sarah ----- (133)................................................................................... 101
Nathaniel Humphrey (134) and Elizabeth ----- (135) ................................................................. 102
①Joseph Green (136) and Elizabeth Whitman (137) ................................................................ 103
Jonas Humphrey (140) and Mary Phillips (141)......................................................................... 104
Joseph Neale (142) and Mary ----- (143) .................................................................................... 105
John Newcomb (144) and Ruth Marshall (145) ......................................................................... 106
John Everett (146) and Elizabeth Pepper (147) .......................................................................... 107
Samuel Hayden (150) and Hannah Thayer (151) ....................................................................... 108
Joseph Bent (152) and Elizabeth Bourne (153) .......................................................................... 109
Jonathan Fuller (154) and Mary ----- (155) ................................................................................ 110
Jonathan Fairbanks (156) and Deborah Shepard (157)............................................................... 111
Samuel Guild (158) and Mary Woodcock (159) ........................................................................ 112
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Gilson (160) and Mary Cooper (161) ............................................................................. 114
Peleg Lawrence (162) and Elizabeth Morse (163) ..................................................................... 115
Samuel Kemp (164) and Sarah Foster (165)............................................................................... 117
①Lawrence Lacey (166) and Mary Foster (167) ...................................................................... 119
Enoch Lawrence (168) and Ruth Whitney (169) ........................................................................ 120
①Samuel Scripture (170) and Elizabeth Knapp (171) .............................................................. 122
Thomas Chamberlain (172) and Sarah Proctor (173) ................................................................. 124
John Nutting (174) and Mary Lakin (175) .................................................................................. 125
John Eaton (176) and Dorcas Pearson (177)............................................................................... 126
John Gould (178) and Abigail Belcher (179) ............................................................................. 127
Joseph Emerson (180) and Elizabeth Bulkeley (181) ................................................................. 129
John Brown (182) and Anna Fiske (183) .................................................................................... 131
①Edward Wyer (184) and Elizabeth Johnson (185) ................................................................. 133
John Johnson (186) and Elizabeth Maverick (187) .................................................................... 134
Thomas Boylston (188) and Mary Gardner (189) ...................................................................... 137
James Smith (190) and Mary Foster (191) ................................................................................. 139
Benjamin Collins (232) and Martha Eaton (233) ....................................................................... 140
Richard Shortridge (234) and Alice Creber (235) ...................................................................... 141
Joseph Dow (236) and Mary Watson Challis (237).................................................................... 142
Ephraim Severance (238) and Lydia Morrill (239) .................................................................... 144
John Maynard (240) and Mary Gates (241) ................................................................................ 145
Joseph Waite (242) and Ruhamah Hagar (243) .......................................................................... 147
①Adam Holloway (246) and Hannah Hayward (247) .............................................................. 148
John Mason (252) and Elizabeth Hammond (253) ..................................................................... 149
Samuel Newcomb (254) and Sarah Sheffield (255) ................................................................... 150
Ninth Generation ......................................................................................................................... 151
Tenth Generation ........................................................................................................................ 180
Eleventh Generation.................................................................................................................... 196
Here Lies: A Graveyard Guide ................................................................................................... 197
First Arrivals ............................................................................................................................... 199
Miscellaneous Facts and Superlatives ........................................................................................ 201
What’s in a Name? ...................................................................................................................... 203
Military Service .......................................................................................................................... 204
1850 Census Information ............................................................................................................ 206
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
1860 Census Information ............................................................................................................ 208
1870 Census Information ............................................................................................................ 210
1880 Census Information ............................................................................................................ 212
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Preface
I have been doing genealogy for around 30 years, and have recently embarked on the task of
updating work that I’d started many years ago. I had written a book, mostly for my immediate
family and siblings, Ancestors of Lowell Clark Pratt. One major flaw in that book is that
although general sources were cited, it not include footnotes for each fact. In this edition, I
have striven to provide the source for every fact.
The internet is both a blessing and a curse for those seeking to understand their family roots.
The amount of information available online is astounding and provides a very convenient way
to do research. However, there is a lot of misinformation as well. The ease of copying
information has also meant that errors have been copied over and over. One of the reasons for
wanting to publish my research is to dispel misinformation, which has persisted for many years.
A genealogist must be something of a detective. There are several mysteries in this Pratt
genealogy, which I hope someday to solve. The first of these is the parentage of Elisha Brown.
Although it seems quite plausible that he was Elisha Gatchell Brown, whose ancestry has been
documented, this idea is only based on guesswork. Another likely but unproven idea involves
Elisha’s wife Hannah Richardson. Was her mother Mary (Polly) Crisfield? And if so, were her
grandparents James and Sarah (Leathe) Richardson?
I have decided to organize this book in “Ahnentafel” format. This means that, rather than
including chapters on various surnames, each “chapter” is about one family (husband and wife
with a list of their children), with links forward and backward in time. The numbering system is
explained at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahnentafel
The book begins with my great-grandfather, Lowell Pratt’s father Harry Stillman Pratt, with
successive sections going backwards in time. I have also written a draft of a book on his
maternal ancestors, The Ancestry of Alice Maud Clark.
I consider this book to be a work in progress. I encourage people who may have corrections or
additional information to contact me, and I will incorporate changes in future editions.
However, please realize that I will need reliable sources for every fact.
This book is copyrighted and intended for personal use only. You may download a copy for
your own use, but you may not publish or redistribute this book or portions of it. If you are not
sure about appropriate use of the material, please contact me.
Also, please contact me at [email protected] with any suggestions, corrections and
questions. --A.H. Gilbertson
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Harry Stillman Pratt (1)
Harry Stillman Pratt was born 22 Aug 1867, in Cambridge, Mass. He was the son of Francis
Lowell Pratt and Mary Ann Brown. After attending the Cambridge public schools and a business
college, he was employed by the piano manufacturing firm of Ivers and Pond. There he learned
the piano tuner's trade and familiarized himself with the manufacturing of pianos.1
In 1887, at the age of 20, he went to California because of ill health.2 On the train he met Alice
Maud Clark, whom he married in Pomona on 5 May 1892.3 She was born 4 Sep 1863, in
Weston, Mass., the daughter of John Richardson Clark and Caroline Maria Derby.
Harry S. Pratt, August 1887
Harry S. Pratt worked for three years for Bartlett Brothers, of Los Angeles. In 1890 he moved to
Pomona and went into business for himself, tuning and repairing pianos and organs. For ten
years he was in charge of the pianos at Pomona College.4 “In Nov 1899, he bought out the
piano business of W. B. Ross, formerly the Bassett Music House, the first to start in Pomona…”
1
“Harry S. Pratt Dies At Home At Age of 77", Pomona Progress-Bulletin, Dec. 29, 1944.
Ibid.
3
According to typewritten notes by Lowell C. Pratt, they were married at the Orange Ave. House where Lowell C.
Pratt was born.
4
“Pomona and her Environs", a souvenir edition published Feb. 1898, by the Pomona Progress, p. 39. According
to History of Pomona Valley, California, p. 548, by Francis P. Brackett, Pratt moved to Pomona on April 30, 1890.
2
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
He sold the “Pratt Music House” in about 1914.5 Beginning in 1918, he also owned and
supervised a productive orange ranch on the Kingsley tract.
His marriage to Alice Maud Clark ended in divorce in 1917.6 On 27 Apr 1918, he married
Virginia (Broadwell) Embree. She was the daughter of Norman Broadwell.7 She had a
daughter, Elinore, by her first marriage. Elinore later became the wife of Howard Taylor.
According to his obituary in the Pomona Progress Bulletin, "During the years he was a retail
merchant here Mr. Pratt built up a large business and was widely known in this part of the
state. He was a pioneer automobile owner, being one of the first residents of Pomona to own a
car. He made a round trip by automobile to the Atlantic coast about twenty years ago (1924).
He was an enthusiastic fisherman, and for many years owned a cabin at Big Bear Lake, where
he annually entertained a group of his friends."8 In the summer of 1922 he and his wife and
step-daughter took a cross-country trip, traveling 10,000 miles in three months. They visited
the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York and New England.9
By 1933 he had begun to suffer from Parkinson's disease.10 In 1936 financial difficulties forced
him to sell his ranch.11 In those days there was little that could be done for Parkinson's. His
wife, Virginia, cared for him devotedly12 until his death 28 Dec 1944.13 He is buried in the
Pomona Cemetery.14
His step-daughter Elinore Taylor wrote, “Dad used to talk about his father often. They were
very close, and Dad accompanied him on the piano when he sang in concert. In addition to
5
History of Pomona Valley, California (1920), p. 548, by Francis Parkhurst Brackett.
Obituary in Pomona Progress-Bulletin, Dec. 29, 1944.
7
A letter from Elinore Taylor, December 6, 1986. See also http://sangamon.ilgenweb.net/1904/broadwell.htm He
was “A student of law with Abraham Lincoln…” “Judge Broadwell died February 28, 1893, at his home in
Springfield, and his wife passed away July 2, 1897.”
8
Obituary in Pomona Progress-Bulletin, Dec. 29, 1944.
9
“Pomonans Travel 10,000 Miles in Three Months on Cross-Country Tour," Pomona Progress Bulletin, Sept. 22,
1922.
10
Lowell C. Pratt, letter to Alice Clark Pratt, dated April 30, 1933. "I am greatly disturbed about Dad's situation." He
adds that he had received a letter written by Virginia as Harry was unable to write. His obituary (Pomona ProgressBulletin, Dec. 29, 1944), merely states that he had "an illness which resulted in his complete invalidism." However,
a letter from Elinore Taylor dated December 6, 1986, states that "He became ill with Parkinson's disease."
11
Lowell C. Pratt, letter to Alice Clark Pratt, dated June 11, 1936. "You will be interested to know that Dad has sold
the grove." "The buyer is a buyer for May Co. and lives in Japan and is leaving tomorrow for Japan, where his wife
and three children are." "They are coming back to this country next year and want Dad and Virginia to remain on
the place for a year. Dad is to pay $25 a month rent."
12
Letter from Lowell C. Pratt to Alice Clark Pratt, dated November 26, 1933. "Dad is failing fast and is really a pitiful
figure. He is hardly able to walk now and shakes very badly. He can hardly feed himself and it is going to be terrible
when he is completely helpless. Virginia waits on him most faithfully and hardly lets him out of her sight. His
condition is all the worse because he has nothing to occupy his mind but his own infirmities and his financial
troubles."
13
“Harry S. Pratt, 77, Father of Enterprise Editor, Dies Dec. 28", Selma Enterprise.
14
Visit to cemetery in 2007 with photo of gravestone. findagrave.com: Harry S. Pratt
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
tuning and repairing pianos and organs he also had a large music store which did well. He had
such a congenial personality and was a wonderful stepfather to me."15
Virginia Pratt died 1 Jun 1960.16 Elinore Taylor died 8 Jan 1994, in Los Angeles.17
Child:
1. Lowell Clark Pratt, b. 31 Dec 1894; d. 6 Jun 1979; bur. Oak Park Cem., Claremont,
Calif.;18 m. Dorothy Louise Neely. Lowell Pratt was a journalist, teacher, and in 1947,
became the first public relations director at what was then San Jose State College
(now University). After graduation from high school in 1913 he was hired to cover
local news for the Pomona Progress, and he continued working there while
attending Pomona College. In the fall of 1915 he entered the Columbia University
School of Journalism.
His education was interrupted by World War I. During the war, he served 18
months in the army, including seven months of non-combat duty in France. He was a
corporal and clerk of company B, 160th infantry. Later he was promoted to first
sergeant.
After the war, he continued his studies at Columbia, graduating in June 1920. He
worked for two months on the Springfield (Mass.) Republican before returning to
California to accept a position as city editor of the Pomona Progress. In 1923 he
joined the staff of the Pasadena Star-News.
In 1926 he bought The Selma (Calif.) Enterprise. With a young man named
Ernest Rapley, he plunged into the life of a small town and had to learn facets of
newspaper publishing which were new to him, such as job printing, advertising,
circulation and promotion. In February 1929 The Enterprise was consolidated with
the other Selma paper, The Irrigator, and Pratt was co-owner. In June 1929 the
partners bought the Parlier Progress, and the Fowler Ensign was purchased in the
early 30's. The commercial printing operation was christened the "Triangle Press."
In August 1931 a fight broke out between a group of white youths and Filipino
grape pickers. Although the whites admitted to starting the fight, only the Filipinos
were charged and fined. In an editorial called "Dollar Justice," Pratt criticized the
judge's handling of the case. The judge cited him for contempt of court; the charge
however was dropped a few days later. Because of his stance that a judge is a public
servant and should not be immune from public criticism, he was placed on the allAmerican journalism "team" of John H. Casey of the University of Oklahoma as
editorial writer of the year in 1932. The newspaper also gained recognition in 1936
when it won a front page contest for weeklies, sponsored by the California
Newspaper Publishers' Association.
15
Letter from Elinore Taylor dated December 6, 1986.
Diary of Lowell Clark Pratt. Virginia is buried in Pomona Cemetery.
17
Social Security Death Index. Lowell and Dorothy Pratt were very closely in touch with Elinore.
18
findagrave.com: Lowell C. Pratt
16
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
He was appointed Selma's postmaster in May 1934. On Christmas mornings he
volunteered to deliver packages. He resigned as postmaster in October 1939.
During World War II, Pratt opposed the relocation of Japanese-Americans to
internment camps. He also spoke out for their safe return after the war had ended.
The Enterprise was one of the few newspapers in the west that stood up for the
rights of Japanese-Americans. Pratt emphasized that Americans of Japanese
ancestry were law-abiding U.S. citizens and, as such, had constitutional rights. His
editorials were a voice of reason during a time of anti-Japanese hysteria. In August
1943 Pratt testified before a committee appointed by the California State Senate.
Pratt felt anti-Japanese sentiment was racially motivated and emphasized that the
vast majority of Japanese-Americans were loyal. Because of Pratt's editorials on
Japanese-Americans, Dr. Hubert Phillips, a teacher at Fresno State College,
nominated him for a Pulitzer prize in journalism in 1943.
In March 1947, with his partner wanting to retire, the Enterprise was sold. In
September 1947 Pratt became the first director of public relations at San Jose State
College. He also taught journalism classes there, until 1956. He retired from San Jose
State College in 1965.
In 1968 he moved to Wheaton, Md., where they could be near their daughter.
He died in 1979.
Lowell Pratt was an honest, hardworking man who had high ideals and put them
into practice. He was outgoing, always friendly and interested in people and wellliked by others. At his memorial service a telegram from a former student was read.
It said, in part: "Probably no single person has influenced my professional life more
than a journalism professor named Lowell Pratt, whom I met in 1947... Lowell Pratt
was the kind of teacher you never forget: intellectually quiet, patient, disciplined,
thoroughly professional... As a teacher of writing, Mr. Pratt tried to teach us to be
factual, accurate, interesting, and concise…"19
19
Peggy Major, telegram to Lucia Gilbertson, dated June 7, 1979. Peggy was Public Relations director at Santa Clara
University
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Francis Lowell Pratt (2) and Mary Ann Brown (3)
Francis Lowell Pratt was born 25 Oct 1840, in Quincy, Mass. He was the son of William Pratt
and Harriet Gilson. He received his education in the public schools of Quincy. As a child, he
recalled, he walked by the homes of former Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams on
the way to school. His father told him "You live in a favored spot, my boy, this is sacred ground
you walk on, and here independence was born." When eight years old, his father held him on
his shoulders to see the funeral procession of John Quincy Adams -- an experience he never
forgot. He later wrote, "The Adams home I always so much admired, and Charles Francis
Adams I knew."20
Mary Ann Brown Pratt
Francis L. Pratt painting
On 21 Sep 1862, he married Mary Ann Brown in Boston. 21 She was the daughter of James R.
Brown and Eliza Ann Aldrich22, and was born 29 Dec 1832, in Haverhill, N.H.23 When she was six
years old her mother died and she went to live with her grandparents, Richard and Anna
Aldrich. She lived in St. Johnsbury and Bradford, Vt., before going to Boston.
20
“Memorial Service: Prominent Citizens Pay Tribute to the Memory of Former City Messenger Francis L. Pratt,"
Cambridge Tribune, Mar. 30, 1907.
21
Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915
22
“Mrs. Pratt Died Monday Evening," obituary of Mary Ann Brown Pratt, in an unknown Pomona (?), Calif.,
newspaper, April 1915.
23
“Mrs. Pratt Died Monday Evening”, obituary in unknown newspaper (probably Pomona Progress). This source
gives both the date and place of her birth as well as her parents’ names. This same information is contained in a
typescript document written by her grandson, Lowell Clark Pratt.
11
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Mary Ann Brown Pratt was an amateur painter. Her teacher was George A. Frost24 -- a wellrespected artist who once traveled to Siberia. Several of Mary Ann Pratt's paintings have been
handed down to family members: a harbor scene (probably Venice), a still life of fruit, and a
pasture with three cows. (Lowell Pratt remembered watching her paint the cows.). They also
have a painting of Newcastle, N.H., painted in 1892 by Mr. Frost. 25
During the Civil War Francis Lowell Pratt served in the 43rd Massachusetts regiment and was
stationed in North Carolina.26 He enlisted 20 Sep 1862, at the Old South Church in Boston. He
served until 30 Jul 1863.27
In 1864 he came to Cambridge where he was engaged in the hardware business on Harvard
Square.28 Earlier he had been a bookbinder.29 In 1875 he was elected city messenger by the
City Council and the Board of Aldermen. The winning margin in the first election was only two
votes; for 25 successive years Pratt was elected unanimously.
One of his first duties, on 19 Apr 1875, was to escort the City Council to Lexington where the
Centennial exercises, attended by President Grant, were being held. According to a newspaper
article written at the time of his retirement, "He has been continually in the whirl of public life.
Almost every public celebration finds Frank in its midst, and his experience and natural wit and
ingenuity have assisted many a down-hearted committee of the City Council or of the
citizens."30
He arranged most civic celebrations and on such times as inauguration day he was "generally
the busiest man in the city." In 1880, Longfellow wrote to him accepting an invitation to appear
at a public occasion.
Frank Pratt had a rich baritone voice and appeared frequently as a public singer, specializing in
quartets. He sang in the choir of the Prospect Street Congregational Church. 31 He also sang at
"fully 2000 funerals.”32
He was an extremely popular man, as evidenced in many newspaper articles about him.
According to one article, "Whether in the committee meetings, sessions of the city council, or
the daily round of his duties, he carries the buoyant, happy spirit with him and makes everyone
24
Lowell Gilbertson owned a painting of the Inner Harbor, New Castle, N.H., which was painted by Frost.
The quality of Mary Ann Brown's work suggests that more of her paintings must exist somewhere. Unfortunately
she didn't sign her work. Her obituaries never mention that she was a painter -- perhaps it was considered an
unimportant hobby.
26
“Mr. Pratt Honored" article in an unknown Cambridge newspaper, Jan. 1, 1901.
27
Invalid pension application on file at National Archives.
28
“Mr. Pratt Honored".
29
1860 Census.
30
“Unanimous Vote," article in a Cambridge newspaper, 1901.
31
“Will Be Missed By A Host," Boston Daily Globe, Apr. 3, 1902.
32
“Unanimous Vote," 1901.
25
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
happy wherever he goes.”33 He retired in January 1901. A banquet was held in his honor, and a
silver loving cup, filled with $600 in gold coins, was given to him.34
In May 1902, he and his wife moved to Pomona, California, to be with their son, Harry S.
Pratt.35 He had first visited California in 1891.36 Mary Ann had first visited California in 1887
with her son Harry. He died in Pomona on 14 Mar 1907, and is buried in the Pomona
Cemetery.37 He died while taking part in a Longfellow celebration at the Academy of Holy
Names. According to his obituary in the Los Angeles Examiner, "It was about 4 o'clock when he
began singing a familiar composition by Longfellow. In the middle of the solo he stopped to
explain for the benefit of the children something in regard to the song. As he parted his lips to
sing again, he gasped and fell over backwards and expired a few minutes later.38
At a memorial service in Cambridge, the mayor and two ex-mayors spoke. Major General
William A. Bancroft said: "Frank Pratt is dead. Patriotic soldier, useful citizen, faithful public
servant, 'that gallant spirit hath aspired the clouds which too untimely here did scorn the earth,'
that tuneful voice which thrilled alike the Orient and the Occident of our country, has joined the
melody of the Celestial Choir.39 For many years a large portrait of Francis Lowell Pratt hung in
the Cambridge City Hall.
According to her obituary Mary Ann Brown Pratt had a "kindly disposition" and a "large circle of
friends."40 She died in Pomona on 5 Apr 1915, of pneumonia.41 She is buried in the Pomona
Cemetery.42
Children:
1. Harry Stillman Pratt, b. 22 Aug 1867; d. 28 Dec 1944; m. (1st) Alice Maud Clark; m.
(2nd) Virginia (Broadwell) Embree
2. Grace Anna Pratt, b. 29 May 1869; d. 11 Oct 1873
3. Ernest Lawrence Pratt, b. 5 Mar 1872; d. 12 May 1893; bur. Pomona Cem.;43 unm;
electrocuted in a freak accident
33
“Mr. Pratt Honored" Jan. 26, 1901.
Ibid.
35
“From Ocean to Ocean," an article in a Cambridge newspaper, containing a letter dated Aug. 28, 1902, "It has
been our desire and purpose, ever since leaving 'home' in May, to write a letter to your readers." He states that
the new home is "temporary," but there is no evidence he lived in Massachusetts after that time.
36
“Mr. Pratt Honored" Jan. 26, 1901. "In 1891 Mr. Pratt visited Mr. Ringe in California."
37
Death certificate, which is included in his invalid pension file at the National Archives. The cause of was "Valvular
Heart Disease," with "Chronic Nephritis" as a contributing cause. Also, findagrave.com: Francis L. Pratt
38
“Death Called As He Tried To Sing," Los Angeles Examiner, Mar. 14, 1907.
39
“Memorial Service," Cambridge Tribune, Mar. 30, 1907.
40
“Mrs. Mary A. Pratt Dies at Home of Son Harry Pratt". See also: "Mrs. Pratt Died Monday Evening."
41
Ibid.
42
findagrave.com: Mary Ann Pratt
34
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
William Pratt (4) and Harriet Gilson (5)
William Pratt was born 31 Mar 1812, in Quincy, Mass.44 He was the son of James Pratt and
Sarah Newcomb. According to census records he was a bootmaker45 In August 1832, William
was one of five adult males who were charter members of the Evangelical Congregational
Church in Quincy. The births of his children are recorded there. In the church records he and
his wife Harriet are referred to as "Brother William" and "Sister Harriet."46
Harriet Gilson Pratt
William Pratt
On 4 Sep 1834, he married Harriet Gilson.47 The ceremony was performed by Dr. Wisner in
Boston. Harriet Gilson was born 9 Dec 1807, and was the daughter of Nathaniel Gilson and
Mary Eaton, of Groton. A portrait of her survives and has been handed down to a descendant.
Also surviving are several letters William wrote to Harriet before they were married. The
letters show him to have been very concerned with religion. Also evident in his letters is a
strong love of family.
43
findagrave.com: Ernest L. Pratt
Vital Records of Quincy, Massachusetts to 1875 (Online database: NewEnglandAncestors.org, New England
Historic Genealogical Society, 2005), (Unpublished transcription by Waldo C. Sprague from original records held at
the Randolph Town Hall, donated from the estate of Mr. Sprague to NEHGS in 1962)
45
1850 and 1860 (p. 162) census.
46
Church records at the DAR Library. Note, there is a record of a Harriet (Gilson) Pratt being a member of the Old
South Church in Boston, joining in 1829 – but this could not be the same Harriet, as she would not have been
married yet, and was only 17. However Quincy Church records of 1827 show a Harriet Pratt admitted from the Old
South Church in Boston.
47
A marriage intention was also recorded in Quincy Vital Records. Harriet is called “of Boston.”
44
14
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Harriet Gilson Pratt died 27 Apr 1866, at age 59, in Quincy. The cause of death was
"erysipilus."48 William died 18 Feb 1867, at the age of 54, in Quincy. The cause of his death is
listed as "bowels, congestion."49 Harriet and William are buried in the Mt. Wollaston Cemetery
in Quincy. A single obelisk style tombstone reads:
MRS. HARRIET
wife of
WILLIAM PRATT
Died Apr. 28,1866
aged
59 yrs. 4 mos.
Behold, he taketh away, Who
can hinder him? Who will
say unto him, what doest
thou? Job IX, 10
Dea. WILLIAM PRATT
Died
Feb. 18, 1867.
Aged 55 years.
I shall be satisfied when I
awake with thy likeness
50
Ps. 17, V. 15
Children:
1. Harriet Newell Pratt, b. 6 Jun 1835; d. 22 Apr 1844, Quincy, Mass.51
2. Elizabeth Coolidge Pratt, b. 4 Apr 1837; d. 10 May 1908, Quincy, Mass.;52 bur. Mt.
Wollaston Cem.;53 m. 2 Feb 1868, Henry Walter Gray, who was City Treasurer of Quincy
Children:
54
(1) Arthur Church Gray, b. 27 Jul 1870, Quincy, Mass.; d. 14 Apr 1886, Quincy
55
(2) Edith Pratt Gray, b. 8 Jul 1874, Quincy, Mass. ; d. 2 Sep 1958, St. Petersburg, Fla.; m. Ernest
Vinton Fitts, 14 Sep 1897, Quincy, Mass.; Ernest was a wholesale grocery manager
3. Maria Beecher Pratt, b. 18 Nov 1838; d. 20 Sep 1840, Quincy, Mass.
48
Quincy, Mass., death records. According to Wikipedia, Erysipelas is an acute bacterial infection of the skin.
Today, it would be treated by antibiotics, but in the past it could lead to high fever and sometimes death.
49
Ibid.
50
findagrave.com: William Pratt and findagrave.com: Harriet Pratt
51
She died of Scarlet Fever (Quincy death records online via NEHGS).
52
Death certificate. She died of uterine cancer.
53
findagrave.com: Elizabeth Gray
54
Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, ancestry.com…he died of Diptheria at age 15 years, 8 months.
55
Death notice in Boston Herald. She is called “Formerly of Quincy and Braintree.”
15
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
4. Francis Lowell Pratt, b. 25 Oct 1840; d. 14 Mar 1907; m. Mary Ann Brown
5. William Wisner Pratt, b. 27 Jan 1845; d. 14 Jul 1901, Cambridge, Mass.; bur. Mt.
Wollaston Cem.;56 m. 28 Jul 1873, Annie Frances Stanley; he was in the Civil War and
was taken prisoner before being exchanged; he was an upholsterer57
Child:
(1) James Stanley Pratt, b. 24 Jun 1881; d. 14 Dec 1944, Boston, Mass. (suicide); m. Florence Inez
Lucas; his obituary in the New York Times stated that he was the New England manager for
Gilman, Nicoll & Ruthman, newspaper advertisers
6. Harriet Maria Pratt, b. 4 Jul 1847; d. 12 Mar 1913; bur. Mt. Wollaston Cem.;58 unm.
56
findagrave.com: William W. Pratt
1900 census.
58
findagrave.com: Harriet M. Pratt
57
16
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
James R. Brown (6) and Eliza Ann Aldrich (7)
James R. Brown was born 24 Jan 1810, in Danvers, Mass.59 His parents were Elisha Brown and
Hannah Richardson.60 His father must have died by 1814, for his mother Hannah remarried
Gideon Whittemore, of Chelmsford, Mass.
James R. Brown, in Civil War uniform
James R. Brown was a blacksmith. Before he was married he lived in Chelmsford, Mass.61
Descendants inherited a knife and a left-handed yardstick that he made. He married, 21 Mar
1832,62 Eliza Ann Aldrich. She was born 6 Aug 1815,63 in Bradford, Vt.64 She was the daughter
of Richard Aldrich and Anna Maynard. She died 28 Oct 1838,65 at age 23, at Wells River, Vt.66
She is buried with her parents in Bradford. Her gravestone is inscribed:
59
Place of birth from death certificate. Birth date from list of births, deaths and marriages, passed down through
the family. This date also matches his age at death, 86 years, 4 months, 11 days, listed on his death certificate.
60
His death certificate gives his parents’ names, including mother’s maiden name. James’ middle name was
almost certainly Richardson, since he was the grandson of James Richardson.
61
Rev. Silas McKeen, History of Bradford, Vt. (1875), p. 315. "Eliza Ann, in 1833 married James R. Brown, of
Chelmsford, Mass."
62
Alvin J. Aldrich, The George Aldrich Genealogy (1971), Vol. 3, p. 24.
63
Aldrich-Brown Family Record, list of births, marriages and deaths, handed down to family members.
64
Vermont Vital Records gives her birthplace as Bradford.
65
Gravestone.
66
Place of death from McKeen, History of Bradford, Vt., p. 315. James Brown's pension application also says Wells
River, Vt.
17
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Sacred to
the memory of
ELIZA ANN
consort of
James R. Brown
& daughter of
Richard Aldrich
who died October28
67
1838
In a deposition in the pension application of James R. Brown, daughter Mary A. Pratt
remembered the circumstances of her mother's death:
"I was taken into the room to look at her before her burial. I remember that there was a
snow storm at time of funeral, and I remember how afraid I was to go into the room
where my said mother lay in her coffin; and I can remember that at the burial of my said
mother I think in front of grown people and very near the grave, and I remember how
solemn and awful it sounded when they sang, 'Hark from the Tomb a doleful sound.'"68
James Brown married Mabel Sly on 21 Nov 1839, in Newbury, Vt. The ceremony was
performed by Rev. George W. Campbell.69 Mabel was born in 21 Dec 1815 in Ryegate, Vt,70 the
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Abbott) Sly. She died 21 Apr 1898, in Melrose.71
After James' second marriage, the family lived in Newbury and Albany, Vt., before moving to
Craftsbury by 1849. They moved to Charlestown, Mass., in about 1854. James is listed in a city
directory as an "edge tool maker," living at 39 Front St. Three of the children died of dysentery
during July 1855, two on the same day. Within a few years the family moved to Boston, where
they appear on the 1860 census (Ward 1).
James volunteered as a blacksmith in the Civil War. He was injured by a horse kicking him in his
side when he tried to shoe it. In his pension papers, he declared that he “enlisted as a recruit
22 Aug 1862, in the 1st Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry, and was soon after forwarded to
Washington with other recruits, the regiment being sent to Hagerstown, Md. While at
Washington I was engaged in shoeing some Cavalry horses for our regiment, one of the horses
belonged to Lieutenant Parsons of our regiment , and while shoeing him received the injury
described in a previous statement…” He spent some time in hospitals in Washington, D.C., and
67
findagrave.com: Eliza Aldrich Brown
Affidavit of Mary A. Pratt, part of Civil War pension application of James R. Brown, on file at National Archives.
69
Ancestry.com. Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908. The original record says “Brown” but the handwriting is mistranscribed on the ancestry web site, as “Bimn.”
70
Ancestry.com. Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908
71
Death certificate of Mabel Sly Brown.
68
18
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Baltimore. He also caught a fever "at or near" the battle of Chancellorsville, “from laying in cold
rain.”72
James lived in Boston (on Church St.) in1867, and in Cambridge in 1891. James Brown died 4
Jun 1896, in Melrose, Mass.73 According to his widow's pension application, he had no personal
property or real estate at the time of his death. He is buried in the Lakeside Cemetery in
Wakefield.74
Children, by his first wife, Eliza Ann Aldrich:
1. Mary Ann Brown, b. 29 Dec 1832, Haverhill, N.H.; d. 5 Apr 1915; m. Francis Lowell
Pratt
2. Richard Aldrich Brown, b. 15 Aug 1834; lived in Bradford, Vt., with William Aldrich in
1850; m. Mary A. Pillsbury 15 May 1856, in Newbury, Vt.; served in Civil War; two
children75
3. Sarah Wheeler Brown, b. 9 Apr 1837, Craftsbury, Vt.; d. 3 Dec 1875, Waterbury, Vt.;
bur. Green Mount Cem., Montpelier, Vt.;76 m. Jeremiah F. Dow,77 28 Aug 1858; res.
Craftsbury, Vt. (1860). Jeremiah died 22 Jan 1882, of consumption, in New York City
Child:
78
79
(1) Hattie Dow, b. 1 Mar 1860; d. 7 Jun 1898, Waterbury, Vt.; m. ----- Troy
Children, by his second wife, Mabel Sly:
4. Joel Whittemore Brown, b. 8 Oct 1842,80 Newbury, Vt.;81 d. 21 Apr 1914, Boston,
Mass; m. (1st) Mary A. Wilmarth;82 (2nd) Ellen Orpha Young;83 5 Mar 1874; m. (3rd) Mary
Alice Young, 21 Jan 1888, Melrose, Mass.;84 m. (4th) Lizzie S. (Harte) Severance, 6 Jun
1895; res. (1880) Melrose, Mass.; blacksmith85
72
Widow's pension application, on file at National Archives.
Death certificate. The cause of death was old age, with contributing case of cystitis.
74
Visit to cemetery in 1994. The grave is on Oak Ave. findagrave.com: James R. Brown
75
More details TBD.
76
findagrave.com: Sarah W. (Brown) Dow
77
A Jeremiah F. Dow, “formerly of Montpelier”, died 22 Jan 1882, in New York City (Montpelier Argus and Patriot)
78
Ancestry.com. Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908 Listed as 5 months old, in July 1860 (U.S. Census).
79
Vermont Vital Records. She is called Hattie M. Troy, daughter of J. F. Dow and Sarah W. Bruce, which I believe is
an error for Sarah W. Brown. She was 38 years old and died on meningitis.
80
Death certificate: age calculated from age at death, 71 years, 6 months, 13 days.
81
1860 census, ward 1, p. 224.
82
Marriage record of Joel W. Brown gives mother’s name as Mary Wilmarth. 1870 census calls her Mary A. There
is a marriage in Vermont VR for Jacob Brown, son of Jas. R. Brown and M. S. Brown, to Mary A. Wilmarth (dau. of
Leonard) Aug. 15, 1864, in St. Johnsbury. This must be the correct marriage but incorrect groom’s name.
83
She died in 1886 and is buried in Wyoming Cem., Melrose: findagrave.com: Ellen O. Brown
84
Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Marriage Records, 1840-1915. The marriage record calls her “M. Alice Young.”
85
1880 census, E.D. 408, sheet 43. His death certificate also says he was a retired blacksmith
73
19
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Children:
86
(1) James L. Brown, b. 8 Jun 1865, St. Johnsbury, Vt.; d. of dysentery, 9 Sep, 1865, St.
87
Johnsbury, Vt.
(2) Leonard Wilmarth Brown, b. 12 Jul 1868, St. Johnsbury, Vt.; living 1940; m. Annabelle
88
Mosher
st
(3) Mabel Sly Brown, b. 8 May 1875, Melrose, Mass.; d. 14 Nov 1957; m. (1 ) John Cosgrove, 28
nd
Nov 1894, Melrose; lived in Melrose in 1900; m. (2 ) Herbert Joseph Woodbine, 29
89
May1912, Nashua, N.H.
(4) Stephen Milmore Brown, b. 26 Aug 1877, Melrose, Mass.; d. 12 Mar 1944; bur. Wyoming
90
Cem., Melrose, Mass.; m. Minnie Pearl Ray, who d. 1972 and is buried in Wyoming Cem.
91
(5) Louis J. Brown, b. Oct 1879, Mass.; no further record
5. James S. Brown, b. 1843; d. 1846; bur. Lakeside Cem., Wakefield, Mass.
6. Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Jane Brown, b. 9 Feb 1845, Albany, Vt.; d. 23 Jul 1855,
Charlestown, Mass.; she died of dysentery;92 bur. Lakeside Cem.
7. Eliza A. Brown, b. Jan 1849, Craftsbury, Vt.;93 d. 1921; bur. Lakeside Cem.; m. (1st)
Edwin H. Cloudman,94 6 Jan 1870, Boston; m. (2nd) William A. Taylor
Children:
95
(1) Eugene Percy Cloudman, b. 12 Jun 1871, Cambridge, Mass.; d. May 1938, Ilion, N.Y.; m.
96
Emma G. (Baldwin) Sargent, 12 Jun 1898, in Needham, Mass.; he was a machinist; moved
to Herkimer, N.Y.
97
(2) Mabel Inez Cloudman, b. 12 Oct 1881, Bridgeport, Conn.; d. 27 Oct 1974, Braintree, Mass.;
bur. Lakeside Cem., Wakefield, Mass.; m. Albert David Baldwin.
8. Augustus P. Brown, b. 18 Mar 1851, Craftsbury, Vt.; d. 1 Jul 1855, Charlestown, Mass.;
died of dysentery;98 bur. Lakeside Cem.
9. Mabel S. Brown, b. May 1853, Craftsbury, Vt.; d. 23 Jul 1855, Charlestown, Mass.;
died of dysentery;99 bur. Lakeside Cem.
86
Vermont Vital Records.
Vermont Vital Records.
88
Massachusetts Marriages. They were married Feb. 16, 1908, in Malden. The marriage record calls her “Anna B.
Mosher” but on later census records she is styled “Annabelle.”
89
New Hampshire marriage record, American Ancestors.org. The record gives her parents’ names as Joel Brown
and Ellen Young.
90
findagrave.com: Stephen M. Brown
91
Listed with family on the 1880 census as 8 months old. Not found in any further records.
92
Massachusetts Death Records, 1841-1915, on Ancestry.com. The record gives date and place of death, and the
place of birth, as well as the cause of death.
93
1860 census, ward 1, p. 224.
94
Edwin Cloudman died Aug. 27, 1882, and is buried in Lakeside Cem., Wakefield, Mass.
95
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts Mason Membership Cards, 1733-1990
96
Massachusetts Marriages, familysearch.org
97
Ancestry.com. Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003
98
Massachusetts Death Records, 1841-1915, on Ancestry.com. The record gives date and place of death, and the
place of birth, as well as the cause of death.
87
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
James Pratt (8) and Sarah Newcomb (9)
James Pratt was born in about 1776100 probably in Weymouth, Mass. He was the son of
Thomas Pratt and Mary Green. He lived in Quincy, and was a carpenter. He married, on 17 Sep
1797, Sarah Newcomb, of Braintree. She was born 15 Dec 1777, and was the daughter of
Samuel Newcomb and Mary Bent.101
James died 3 Sep 1828, aged 52102. Sarah is listed on the 1850 census, living with her son
William Pratt and his family.103 Sarah died 21 Apr 1860, of typhoid fever.104 They are buried in
the Hancock Cemetery, in Quincy. Their tombstones read as follows:
In Memory of
MR. JAMES PRATT
died Sep. 3, 1828
Aet. 52 Years
Stop here my friends & cast an eye
As you are now so once was I
As I am now so you must be
Prepare for death and follow me.
OUR MOTHER
SARAH
Relict of James Pratt
Born Dec. 15, 1777
Died Apr. 21, 1860
"So he giveth his beloved sleep."
105
Ps. 127, Ver. 2
Children:
1. Cotton Pratt, b. 31 Dec 1797; d. 4 Apr 1798; bur. Hancock Cem., Quincy, Mass.106
2. Cotton Pratt, b. 12 Mar 1799; d. 14 Mar 1887, San Francisco, Calif.;107 m. Mary
Newcomb
99
Ibid.
From age on gravestone.
101
For ancestors of Sarah Newcomb see John Newcomb, Genealogical Memoirs of the Newcomb Family (1874).
102
findagrave.com: James Pratt
103
1850 census.
104
Quincy, Mass., death records, on microfiche at the Library of Congress.
105
findagrave.com: Sarah Pratt
106
findagrave.com: Cotton Pratt
100
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
3. James Pratt, b. 1 Jan 1803; d. 13 Feb 1803; bur. Hancock Cem., Quincy, Mass.108
4. David Pratt, b. Jan 1805; d. 9 Feb 1805109
5. Henry Gardner Pratt, b. 6 Jul 1806; d. 28 Apr 1890, San Francisco, Calif.; m. Elizabeth
G. Gould; he was a carpenter
6. Rev. James Pratt, b. 27 Jul 1809; d. 17 Jan 1874 in Philadelphia (?) ; bur. Common
Burying Ground, Newport, R.I.;110 m. Eliza Northam; he was an Episcopal minister who
preached at Providence, R.I., Portland, Me., Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City
7. William Pratt, b. 31 Mar 1812; d. 18 Feb 1867, Quincy, Mass.; m. Harriet Gilson
8. (infant, died young)
107
Death notice in San Francisco Bulletin, Mar. 15, 1887.
findagrave.com: James Pratt (d. 1803)
109
Jayne Pratt Lovelace, Pratt Directory. However, I can’t find him listed in any Massachusetts VR.
110
findagrave.com: Rev. James Pratt
108
22
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Nathaniel Gilson (10) and Mary Eaton (11)
Nathaniel Gilson was born 24 Mar 1768, in Groton, Mass.111 He was the son of Nehemiah
Gilson and Abigail Lawrence. He married Mary Eaton, 26 Mar 1794, in Groton.112 Mary was
baptized 8 Mar 1772, in Charlestown, Mass., the daughter of Jonas Eaton and Mary Wyer.113
Evidence used to determine that the Mary Eaton who married Nathaniel Gilson was the
daughter of Jonas, is as follows: A death record shows that Mrs. Mary Gilson died 25 Nov 1846,
at age 74 years and 9 months.114 This would put her birth at February 1772, consistent with her
being baptized 8 Mar 1772. Also, although Jonas was no longer living at the time of the 1810
census, his children Jonas Jr. and Daniel were the only Eatons living in Groton. Finally, there is
the fact that Jonas Jr. had a son named Joseph Emerson Eaton (b. 1809) and Mary and
Nathaniel had a son named Joseph Emerson Gilson. Nathaniel Wyer Gilson would also have
been named after Mary Eaton’s grandfather Nathaniel Wyer.
Nathaniel’s death date is not known, however, it is likely that he died prior to 1834. During the
summer of that year, William Pratt wrote several letters to Harriet Gilson, often asking her to
give his regards to her mother. It would seem odd that there would have been no mention of
her father, had he been living.
Children, born in Groton, Mass.:
1. Mary Gilson, b. 6 Feb 1795; d. 17 Nov 1879, Groton, Mass.; unm.115
2. Lucy Gilson, b. 28 Apr 1797;116 d. 21 Dec 1869, Cambridge, Mass.; m. Stephen
White117
3. Capt. Nathaniel Wyer Gilson, b. 25 May 1800;118 d. 7 Dec 1869, bur. Central Cem.,
Dunstable, Mass.;119 m. (1st) Rachel Parkhurst; m. (2nd) Sybil Blanchard
4. Joseph Emerson Gilson, bapt. 6 Jun 1802120
111
Vital records of Groton, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849 (henceforth: Groton VR).
Merriam and Bennet, Joseph Gilson and Descendants, p. 19.
113
Donald Lines Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy (1933), p. 387.
114
Groton VR.
115
Massachusetts Vital Records, via Familysearch.org. Her parents’ names are Nathaniel W. Gilson (born
Dunstable) and Mary (born Charlestown). Her age is given as 84 years, 9 months, 11 days. She died of paralysis.
116
Ancestry.com: Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988. Original record showing the children of
Nathaniel Gilson (however Joseph Emerson Gilson is not listed).
117
Mass. Death Records, ancestry.com. Her death records call her Lucy White, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary
Gilson, and born in Groton…however, her husband’s name is not given. There is a record of a Lucy Gilson marrying
Stephen White, Feb. 15, 1821, in Boston. They are listed on the 1860 census in Cambridge, Mass., both 63 years
old.
118
Gravestone.
119
findagrave.com: Nathaniel W. Gilson
112
23
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
5. George Gilson, b. 18 Feb 1804121
6. Harriet Gilson, b. 9 Dec 1806;122 d. 27 Apr 1866; m. William Pratt
7. Elizabeth Gilson, b. 1 Apr 1808;123 d. 15 Feb 1894, Boston, Mass.;124 unm.
120
Groton VR, p. 95.
Ibid.
122
Groton VR has "Dec. 9, 1805." However, her gravestone states she died April 27, 1866, at age 59 years and 4
months, which would put her birth in December 1806. However, it’s possible that her gravestone is incorrect.
123
Groton VR, p. 94.
124
Mass. VR, familysearch.org. Her parents: Nathanael Gilson & Mary Eaton. Death Notice, Boston Journal: “In
this city, Feb. 15, Elizabeth Gilson, 86 yrs. Interment at Groton, Mass., on Monday.” (genealogybank.com)
121
24
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Elisha Brown (12) and Hannah Richardson (13)
The origins of Elisha Brown, husband of Hannah Richardson and father of James R. Brown, are
unknown. It is possible, but not proven, that he was Elisha Gatchell Brown, who was baptized 7
Jun 1778, in Marblehead, Mass.125 However, the 1880 census lists James R. Brown’s father as
having been born in New Hampshire.
Elisha married Hannah Richardson, 27 Apr 1809, in Danvers.126 Elisha must have died before
December 1814, when Hannah married Gideon Whittemore. A check of Essex Co. probate
records failed to find Elisha Brown's will.
Hannah was born 25 Apr 1784, in Danvers, Mass.127 She was the daughter of James Richardson
Jr. and (probably) Mary Crisfield. (Her birth record states that her mother was Polly,128 but her
death record lists Hannah Chisfield.129)
After the death of Elisha Brown, Hannah married Gideon Whittemore, 29 Dec 1814, in
Danvers.130 Gideon Whittemore was born in 1776, in Danvers, and died 27 Jun 1834, in
Chelmsford, Mass. He was the son of David Whittemore and Betty Gowing.131 He is buried in
the Forefathers Burying Ground, Chelmsford.132
In December 1835, Gideon’s155-acre farm was put up for sale, the proceeds to be divided
among his heirs. Soon after, probably in the spring of 1836,133 Hannah moved to Craftsbury,
Vt., where she is listed on the 1850 and 1860 census. In 1850, she lived with her sister Mary
125
See "Descendants of Elder John Brown of Salem," Essex Antiquarian, Vol. 13, p. 147.
Danvers vital records, Vol. 2, p. 248.
127
Danvers vital records, Vol. 1, p. 312.
128
Ibid.
129
Death certificate. I originally thought that the death record was a mistake, but have since changed my mind.
There is a marriage record in Danvers, on July 17, 1783, of James Richardson and Mary Crisfield. Crisfield is not a
common name in New England, so it seems probable that this information is significant, not a coincidence or
mistake. If that is true, then it remains to be explained why Hannah’s birth record lists Polly as her mother,
especially in the light of another marriage record of James Richardson and Polly Clinton. One explanation is that
Polly was a common nickname for Mary. Perhaps “Mary Crisfield” was also know as Polly Crisfield – and the
“Hannah Chrisfield” on the death certificate could have been an error where “Mary Crisfield” was intended, or else
her name could have been “Mary Hannah” or “Hannah Mary.”
130
Danvers VR, p. 40. She is called “Mrs.” Hannah Brown.
131
Bradford A. Whittemore, "The Whittemore Family in America," New England Historical & Genealogical Record,
Vol. 108 (July 1954), p. 166.
132
findagrave.com: Gideon Whittemore
133
A guardianship record in Middlesex Co. (available online through AmericanAncestors.org) includes a letter by
Joel Adams who stated that Hannah “intends to leave for Vermont this Spring.”
126
25
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Richardson, and her daughter Mary Cochran.134 On the 1870 census she is listed in Newport,
Vt.135 She died 7 Oct 1874, in Newport.136 Her gravestone has not been found.137
Child, by her first husband Elisha Brown:
1. James R. Brown, b. 24 Jan 1810, Danvers, Mass.; d. 4 Jun 1896, Melrose, Mass.; m.
(1st) Eliza Ann Aldrich; m. (2nd) Mabel Sly
Children, by her second husband Gideon Whittemore:
2. Mary Richardson Whittemore, b. 3 Dec 1819;138 d. 13 Aug 1863, Craftsbury, Vt.;139
bur. Craftsbury Common Cem.;140 m. John H. M. Cochran, 7 Mar 1838, in Craftsbury,
Vt.;141 res. (1860) Craftsbury, Vt.
3. William Derby Whittemore, b. 24 Apr 1823, Chelmsford, Mass.; d. 17 Jun 1914; bur.
Albany Village Cem.;142 m. Abigail Garfield
4. Joel Jefferson Whittemore, b. October 1825;143 d. 13 Jan 1842, Bradford, Vt.; bur.
Upper Plain Cem., Bradford, Vt.144
134
1850 census, p. 27.
1870 census, p. 17.: Cochran, John, 58, farmer, b. Vermont
---, Betsey, 28, keeping house
Whittemore, Hannah, 87, living with son-in-law, b. Massachusetts
Richardson, Mary, 83, (living with) nephew, b. "
Amaziah Magoon, 19, farm laborer, b. Canada
136
Death certificate. The cause of death is listed as 'Old age." She was 91 years, 5 months, and 12 days old,
according to the death certificate. Her parents are listed as James Richardson and Hannah Chisfield.
137
There are five different cemeteries in Newport. I visited in 1992, but was not able to make an exhaustive search
of all the cemeteries.
138
Birth date calculated from age at time of death. (See Vermont Vital Records, below).
139
Vermont Vital Records. She is called Mrs. Mary R. Cochran, and her age is given as 43 years, 8 months, 10 days.
She died of diphtheria.
140
findagrave.com: Mary R. Cochran
141
Vermont Vital Records.
142
findagrave.com: William D. Whittemore
143
He was baptized in Chelmsford, Mass., in 1830.
144
Vermont Vital Records. His age is given as 16 years and 3 months. See also findagrave.com: Joel Whittemore
135
26
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Richard Aldrich (14) and Anna Maynard (15)
Richard Aldrich was born 8 Apr 1780, in Bradford, Vt.145 He was the son of Silas Aldrich and
Alice Collins. He married, in Bradford, on 16 Oct 1801, Anna Maynard.146 She was born 10 Oct
1779, in Northboro, Mass., and was the daughter of Levi Maynard and Esther Savage.147
Anna is said to have been left without a mother "at an early age."148 She came to Bradford
when she was 16 years old as a companion for the wife of a Mr. Norcross. Mrs. Norcross
became homesick and left her husband, at which time Mr. Norcross asked Anna to remain and
"keep house." "No, sir, I will see you in the bottomless pit first!" she reportedly replied. She
was taken into the family of Esquire Peters, "where young Richard Aldrich found her and easily
persuaded her to become his wife."149
Richard Aldrich inherited the family homestead in the Goshen district of Bradford. According to
the town history, "His advantages in youth for school education were very limited, but the
lessons of industry, frugality, kindness to the suffering, and of heroic patriotism in which he was
thoroughly drilled, had much to do in forming the character for which he was distinguished in
after life." He was active in local affairs, holding several town offices. He served after 1807 as
Captain of the Second Company of the First Regiment of the State Militia. In 1832 he donated
land adjacent to his residence for construction of what is now known as the Old Goshen
Church.
According to the history of Bradford, Richard and Anna Aldrich "were industrious, hard-working
people, and it is believed that the destitute and hungry never applied to them for relief in vain.
They both became hopefully pious in the maturity of their powers, and united with what was
then styled the Christian church, and so remained during their subsequent lives."150 Richard
died 25 Nov 1856, in Bradford. Anna died 28 Mar 1875, at age 95. They are buried in the
Bradford (Upper Plain) cemetery.151
Their inscriptions are as follows:
145
Vermont Vital Records. His father is given as Silas Aldrich and mother as Alice. His birth date also given by
McKeen, cited below.
146
Vermont Vital Records. She is called Anna “Minard.”
147
Vital records of Northborough, Mass., to the end of the year 1850 (1901).
148
th
Esther (Savage) Maynard’s death date is unknown. In 1792 she gave birth to her 12 child, when Anna was
about 13. If Anna came to Bradford after the death of her mother, that would mean that Esther must have died
between 1792 and 1795.
149
McKeen, History of Bradford, Vt., p. 312- 313.
150
Ibid., p. 314.
151
findagrave.com: Richard Aldrich and findagrave.com: Anna Aldrich
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ANNA MAYNARD
Wife of
Richard Aldrich
152
Born at Marlborough, N.H.
DIED
28 Mar 1875
AE 95 ys 5 ms 18d
CAPT. RICHARD ALDRICH
DIED
NOV. 27, 1856
Aged 77 Years
Richard left a will which is reproduced here in full:
I Richard Aldrich of Bradford in the county of Orange and state of Vermont being in a
very infirm state of health and sensible too of my liableness to sudden death at the
same time being in my own apprehension of sound mind do judge it best to make and
accordingly to hereby make this my last will and testament. It is my will that all my just
debts and the charges of my funeral to be paid and discharged by my Executor herein
after named and appointed out of my Estate as soon as conveniently may be after my
decease and I leave the charges of my funeral to the direction of my said Executor. I
give and dispose of all my Estate real and personal save what shall be necessary for the
payment of my just debts and funeral charges in the following manner I give to my
beloved wife Anna Aldrich for her own to do what she pleaseth with my wearing apparel
and all my household furniture of every kind name or description and also will and
bequeath her one hundred Dollars out of my money or personal property as she may
choose. I also will to her my wife Anna a good and comfortable living and support out of
my monies or other property during her life and all expenses for Doctoring Nursing
Sickness and funeral charges and I also direct my Executor hererin after named to
advance and pay to my wife Anna at any time what money she may call for necessary
for her comfort and support during her natural life. I give to Mary Ann Brown five
dollars, I give to Richard A Brown five dollars, and I give to Sarah W. Brown five dollars
the three last named being heirs of my deceased daughter Eliza Ann Brown meaning the
aforesaid fifteen dollars to be all the said Eliza Ann’s heirs are ? to have out of my Estate
forever the said 15 dollars to be paid in one year after my decease by my Executor
herein after named I will and bequeath to 4 of my sons viz William Aldrich, Richard R.
Aldrich, Edwin R. Aldrich, & John D. Aldrich all the Real Estate that I now own in
Bradford being a house-barn and the land on which the buildings now stand and all the
land round said Buildings situated in Bradford village lying west of the Stage road
leading through Bradford village, south by Cobble alley – westerly by Gates land –
northerly by land owned by Morrison being the same that William Jones of Bradford
deeded to me in November 1855. I give and bequeath to my son Levi M. Aldrich two
hundred Dollars. My son Smith Aldrich I have settled with and paid him off his share –
also Almira Haseltine and Lydia S. Bolton And what property my wife Anna leaves at her
decease that she may have out of my Estate I will shall be Divided equally among my six
sons William Aldrich, Richard R. Aldrich, Smith Aldrich, Edwin R. Aldrich, John D. Aldrich,
and Levi M. Aldrich, but the household furniture I leave to my said wife Anna to dispose
152
Her gravestone states she was born in N.H., but this is not true.
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of as she may see fit . And I further will that the remainder or residue of my property if
any remains at my decease not herein disposed of shall be divided Equally among my six
sons – William Aldrich , Richard R. Aldrich, Smith Aldrich, Edwin R. Aldrich, John D.
Aldrich, and Levi M. Aldrich. And lastly I do hereby appoint my son William Aldrich sole
Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witness thereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal this 18 th day of January A.D. 1856.
[signed by Richard Aldrich and witnessed by S. S. Kimball, Sarah A. Aldrich and Jesse Putnam.]
Children, born in Bradford, Vt.:153
1. Almira Aldrich,154 b. 11 Nov 1802; d. 4 Mar 1863, Lebanon, N.H.;155 m. Levi Haseltine,
10 Oct 1825, Bradford, Vt.
2. Lydia S. Aldrich, b. 29 Apr 1804; d. 7 Jan 1892, Newbury, Vt.; bur. Boltonville Cem.;156
m. (1st) Josiah Rogers; m. (2nd) William Bolton
3. Sally H. Aldrich, b. 5 Feb 1806; d. 24 Apr 1811, bur. Upper Plain Cem., Bradford, Vt.157
4. William Aldrich, b. 6 Jan 1808; d. 7 May 1900, Prairie du Sac, WI; bur. Prairie Du Sac
Cem.158 m. (1st) Rebecca Highlands, who d. 1861; m. (2nd) Anna M. Corliss, 28 May
1862; they lived in Ripon, Wisc., in 1880. One child, Mrs. Ann R. Fletcher.
5. Richard Ransom Aldrich, b. 9 Oct 1810; d. 5 Aug 1887, Bradford, Vt.;159 m. Emma
Heath; served in State Legislature in 1854 as a member of the Know Nothing party.
According to his obituary in the Bradford United Opinion, he was a “natural mechanic,”
who “spent his life in his work shop and in the midst of tools and machinery…. More
than a dozen years ago Mr. Aldrich lost his left hand by a circular saw, but he still kept
up his labors.” His widow Emma died 25 Feb 1901, in Bradford. They had one daughter,
Eliza Ann Aldrich, who m. Norman W. Barrett.
6. Edwin R. Aldrich, b. 28 Apr 1813; d. 20 Jun 1900, Bradford, Vt.;160 m. Harriet
Hazeltine; he was a house carpenter and joiner161
7. Eliza Ann Aldrich, b. 6 Aug 1815; d. 28 Oct 1838, Wells River, Vt.; m. James R. Brown
153
All births found in Vermont Vital Records, and all are at Bradford.
Spelled “Elmira” in birth records of her children, but spelled “Almira” on death record.
155
N.H. death record found through familysearch.org.
156
findagrave.com: Lydia S. Bolton
157
Death record, online at Familysearch.org – the record gives both her birth and death date.
158
findagrave.com: William Aldrich
159
Death record, online at Familysearch. org. The death record does not give the name of the cemetery. He died
of gangrene.
160
Death record, online at Familysearch.org.
161
McKeen, History of Bradford, Vt., p. 317
154
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8. Rev. Smith Aldrich, b. 29 Mar 1818; m. (1st) Elsie Muzzy, who died in 1871; m. (2nd)
Lydia Potter; he moved to Wisconsin and is listed on the 1870, 1880 and 1900 censuses
there162
9. John D. Aldrich, b. 19 Apr 1820; d. 1 Dec 1884, Bradford, Vt.;163 m. (1st) Harriet
Highlands; m. (2nd) Philinda Williams; according to the History of Bradford, “he owns
and occupies the pleasant homestead on Main Street which formerly belonged to Judge
Stebbins.”164
10. Levi M Aldrich, b. 8 Jun 1825; d. 4 Mar 1903, Wilmington, Mass.;165 m. Sarah George;
res. Lowell, Mass.
162
In 1900, he is listed as “S. Aldrich” born March 1818 in Vermont, living with son in law W. Anderson and
daughter C.M. Anderson, in Burns, Wisc.
163
Death record, online at Familysearch.org.
164
McKeen, History of Bradford, Vt., p. 318.
165
Familysearch.org. His parents are given as Richard and “Annie” and parents birthplaces are (assumed to be
incorrect) given as England.
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Thomas Pratt (16) and Mary Green (17)
Thomas Pratt was born in about 1747,166 probably in Weymouth. He was the son of Samuel
Pratt and Betty Bicknell. Francis Pratt’s genealogy incorrectly states that he was the son of
Thomas Pratt Sr. and Mary Vinson. However, a deed dated 12 Sep 1791, conveyed land in
Braintree to Thomas and his brother David from father Samuel Pratt.167
Thomas married, on 12 Oct 1769, Mary Green, in Weymouth.168 She was born in Weymouth on
2 Nov 1747, daughter of John Green and Mary Humphrey.169
Mary Pratt died 13 Feb 1801,170 in Quincy. Thomas I said to have171 married Sarah (Hobart)
Thayer, on 7 Jun 1801. She was the widow of Solomon Thayer, and was born 14 Sep 1769, the
daughter of Joshua Hobart and Sarah Thayer.172
Thomas was said to have been a veteran of the Revolutionary War, but he is not listed in the
DAR Patriot Index.173 He held several local offices. He died 1 Mar 1811, in Quincy. He and
Mary (Green) Pratt are buried in the Hancock Cemetery there.174 Their tombstones read:
Mrs. Mary Pratt
consort of
Mr. Thomas Pratt
died February 13th 1801
Aetat. 53
In Memory of
Mr. THOMAS PRATT
died 1 Mar 1811
Aged 64 years.
Friends nor physicians could not save
My mortal body from the grave
Nor shall the grave confine me here
When Christ commands me to appear.
--E. Rawson.
Children, by his first wife, Mary Green:
166
Based on age given on gravestone.
Jayne Pratt Lovelace, Pratt Directory (1980), p. 595.
168
Massachusetts town records. See ancestry.com.
169
Lovelace, p. 595. For ancestors of Mary Green, see George Chamberlain, Genealogies of the Early Families of
Weymouth (1984), reprint of material presented in 1923 history of Weymouth.
170
Gravestone
171
I do not see it in any of the published Vital Records, however.
172
Lovelace, Pratt Directory, p. 595.
173
Which indicates his service may be unproven.
174
Gravestones: findagrave.com: Thomas Pratt and findagrave.com: Mary Pratt
167
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1. Mary Pratt ("Polly"), b. 6 Aug 1770; m. John R. Newcomb
2? Cotton Pratt, b. about 1772
3. James Pratt, b. about 1776; d. 3 Sep 1828; m. Sarah Newcomb
4. Joanna Pratt, bapt. 21 Mar 1779; d. 13 Oct 1800; m. Benjamin Faxon
5. Esther Pratt, bapt. 19 May 1782; d. 13 May 1811; bur. Hancock Cem., Quincy,
Mass.;175 m. Benjamin Faxon
6. Thomas Pratt, b. 25 Dec 1784; d. 13 Nov 1858; m. Nancy Miller
7. Betsey Pratt, bapt. 16 Dec 1788; d. 5 Nov 1860, Quincy, Mass.; bur. Hancock Cem.;176
m. John Veazie
8. Relief Pratt, bapt. 15 Aug 1790; d. 15 Jan 1876, Boston;177 m. Thomas Reed
Child, by his second wife, Sarah (Hobart) Thayer:
9. Caroline Pratt, b. May 1804; d. 14 Feb 1805
175
findagrave.com: Esther Faxon
findagrave.com: Betsey Veazie
177
Mass. Death records.
176
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Samuel Newcomb (18) and Mary Bent (19)
Samuel Newcomb was baptized in Braintree, Mass., 13 Mar 1745. He was the son Ebenezer
Newcomb and Sarah Wild.178 He married Mary Bent, on Christmas day, 25 Dec 1773, in Milton,
Mass.179 She was born in Milton, 1 Feb 1744,180 and was the daughter of Ebenezer Bent and
Deborah Fairbanks. Samuel and Mary lived in Braintree, what is now Quincy Neck. Samuel died
31 Mar 1819, in Braintree. Mary died 27 Dec 1841, at an age of nearly 97 years. She was blind
for the last 14 years of her life.181
Samuel Newcomb was in the Revolutionary war, in Capt. Billings' Co., Col. Bass's regt. He was
said to have been in the battle of Lexington,182 however is not included in a database of soldiers
who were in that battle. Another source says he was, on 13 Jun 1776, at the siege of Boston,
and also was a private in Capt. Abiel Clapp’s Co., Col. Carpenter’s Regt., 24 Jul 1777, for service
in Rhode Island.183
Children, born in Braintree:
1. Jonathan Newcomb, b. 7 Nov 1774; d. 28 Sep 1865, Quincy; m. Jane Cook, 15 Nov
1795; he was “engaged in furnishing granite for building purposes in Boston.” 184
2. Samuel Newcomb, b. 17 Mar 1776; d. 19 Aug 1777, Braintree
3. Sarah Newcomb, b. 15 Dec 1777; d. 21 Apr 1860; m. James Pratt
4. Elizabeth Newcomb, b. 15 Feb 1780; d. Apr 1826;185 m. Nathaniel C. Cobb
5. Deborah Newcomb, b. 15 Mar 1782; d. 24 May 1807, Boston; bur. Hancock Cem.;
unm.
6. Lily Newcomb, b. 21 Jun 1784; d. 25 Jun 1842;186 m. Benjamin Field
7. Samuel Newcomb, b. 15 Oct 1786; d. 14 Jun 1856, Quincy; bur. Village Cem.,
Weymouth, Mass.;187 granite dealer; m. Charlotte Thayer188
178
Waldo Sprague, Genealogies of the Families of Braintree, Mass..(for both baptism and parents names)
Milton VR: “Samuel Newcomb of Braintree and Mary Bent of Milton.”
180
Milton VR, called daughter of Ebenezer Bent and Deborah.
181
William Pratt, letter to Harriet Gilson.
182
Newcomb, Memoirs of the Newcomb Family, p. 458. “In the Revolutionary War he served at Lexington.”
183
Sons of the American Revolution, Historical Memorabilia (1897), p. 364.
184
Ibid., p. 478.
185
Death date not listed by Sprague.
186
Death date not listed by Sprague.
187
findagrave.com: Samuel Newcomb Jr.
188
Newcomb, Memoirs of the Newcomb Family, p. 481.
179
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Nehemiah Gilson (20) and Abigail Lawrence (21)
Nehemiah Gilson was born in June 1739, in Groton, Mass.189 He was the son of Isaac Gilson
and Dorothy Kemp. In about 1765, he married Abigail Lawrence,190 who was born 21 Jun
1739,191 daughter of Nathaniel Lawrence and Dorothy Chamberlain.192 Nehemiah and Abigail
lived in Groton and Dunstable, Mass. In 1789, a Nehemiah Gilson was among those listed in
Dunstable who were “received from Groton.”193
The administration of the estate of Nehemiah Gilson was recorded in Dunstable 24 Mar 1821.
The family was apparently quite poor: the court record states, “the personal estate of said
deceased will not be sufficient to pay his just debts and funeral charges, or that there will be
little or no surplus left; and that she (the widow, Abigail) is nevertheless entitled to her apparel
and such other of the personal estate of said deceased.”194
Children:195
1. Nehemiah Gilson, b. 10 Jul 1766; m. Mrs. Esther Keyes, 26 Nov 1789, Dunstable;196
Esther d. 3 May 1842, Dunstable197
2. Nathaniel Gilson, b. 24 Mar 1768; m. Mary Eaton
4. Sybil Gilson, b. 9 Jun 1770; d. 2 May 1847, Dunstable;198 m. Joseph Parkhurst
5. Jacob Blanchard Gilson, b. 5 Sep 1772; d. 26 Jul 1841; m. 10 Feb 1795 Jerusha
Williams;199 bur. Gilson Road Cem., Nashua, N.H.200
6. Oliver Gilson (twin), b. 15 Dec 1777; d. April 1785
7. Abigail (“Nabby”) Gilson (twin), b. 15 Dec 1777; d. 18 Dec 1874; bur. Central Cem.,
Dunstable, Mass.;201 m. ----- Blood
189
Elsie Merriam and Ruth Bennet, Joseph Gilson and Descendants (1959), p. 5.
Ibid., p. 11.
191
David Jillson, Gillson and Jillson Family (1876), p. 251.
192
The will of Nathaniel Lawrence mentions daughter Abigail Gilson. See Samuel Green, The Lawrence family of
Groton, Mass (1907), p. 4.
193
Elias Nason, A history of the town of Dunstable, Massachusetts (1877), p. 153.
194
Middlesex Probate #9171.
195
For names and birth dates of children, see Gillson and Jillson Family, p. 252.
196
Dunstable Vital Records, p. 153.
197
Ibid, p. 217.
198
Mass. VR, via Familysearch.org.
199
Dunstable VR
200
Edward Parker, History of the City of Nashua, N.H. p. 184,
201
findagrave.com: Nabby Blood
190
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7. Asahael Gilson, b. 27 Feb 1780; d. 21 Oct 1864; m. Elizabeth ---8. Isaac Gilson, b. 26 Sep 1783
9. Joel Gilson, b. about 1791; d. 18 Mar 1865, Dunstable, Mass.; “town pauper”202
202
Mass. VR, via familysearch.org.
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Jonas Eaton (22) and Mary Wyer (23)
Jonas Eaton Jr. was baptized 8 Feb 1740/1, in Charlestown, Mass., the son of Jonas Eaton Sr.
and Mary Emerson. On 26 Oct 1765, banns (intentions of marriage) were published between
Jonas and Mildred Rand, but this marriage never took place, having been “forbid by the man
himself.”203 He married Mary Wyer, 1 Dec 1767, in Charlestown.204 She was born 21 Apr 1732,
in Charlestown, the daughter of Nathaniel Wyer and Elizabeth Boylston.
Jonas was a currier, a kind of leather worker.205 He served in the Revolutionary War, in Capt.
Jesse Eames' Co., Col. Samuel Bullard's Regt., in 1776, and also in Capt. David Brewer's Co., Col.
Abner Perry's Regt. When Charlestown was burned in 1775, his wife and three children
escaped to Framingham in a row boat. 206
He died intestate before 5 Sep 1787 in Charlestown, when an inventory of his estate was
ordered by the court. Administration was granted to Daniel Eaton, leather draper, of
Westown(?), James Eaton, trader, and Joshua Eaton, auctioneer, of Groton. 207 (These may
have been his brothers).
Children:
1. Jonas Eaton, bapt. 11 Feb 1770; d. 4 Jul 1857, Groton, Mass.;208 m. Mary ("Polly")
Correy
2. Elizabeth Eaton, bapt. 8 Mar 1772
3. Mary Eaton, bapt. 8 Mar 1772; d. 1846; m. Nathaniel Gilson209
4. David Eaton
5. Benjamin Eaton
6. James Eaton
203
Wyman, Thomas B., The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown (1879)., Vol. 1, p. 317.
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, 1620-1688, with original image.
205
According to Wikipeida, a currier “applies techniques of dressing, finishing and colouring the tanned hide to
make it strong, flexible and waterproof. The leather is stretched and burnished to produce a unifo;rm thickness
and suppleness…”
206
Donald Lines Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy (1933), p. 387.
207
Middlesex probate #6757. Charlestown was part of Middlesex County at that time.
208
"Massachusetts, Deaths, 1841-1915," familysearch.org
209
Jacobus does not list this marriage. See under Nathaniel Gilson for the evidence.
204
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James Richardson (26) and (probably) Mary Crisfield (27)
According to her death record, Hannah Richardson was the daughter of James Richardson and
Hannah Crisfield. Her birth record, however, gives her parents as James and Polly Richardson. The
following attempts to make a plausible argument that Hannah was the daughter of James
Richardson and Mary (“Polly”) Crisfield.
Polly was a very common nickname for Mary. In order to reconcile the birth and death records of
Hannah Richardson, I postulate that the death record was mistaken in giving her mother’s first
name as “Hannah” but correct in her mother’s surname as being “Crisfield.” To complicate the
argument, there was a marriage record for James Richardson and Molly Clinton, 23 May 1780, in
Danvers, Mass.210 Molly was another nickname for Mary, and at first I believed these were the
parents of Hannah Richardson, who was born in 1784, the daughter of James and Polly. This James
Richardson was in the Revolutionary War, and received a pension. His pension file has the following
information: he was married to Molly Clinton on 23 May 1780; he died 6 May 1825, having lived in
Salem. He had no other wives. Molly was living in Danvers, and stated she was 81 years old, on 7
Jul 1838. On 30 Jun 1818, when he first applied for a pension, this James Richardson was 66 years
old, making his birthday in about 1752. He had “no real estate or income” and “without his pension
would be obliged to go to the Poor House for support – he has a wife 63, and all his family.”
James Richardson and Mary Crisfield were married 17 Jul 1783, in Danvers.211 It is conjectured that
this was the James Richardson who was the father of Hannah Richardson who married Elisha
Brown. Hannah’s death record lists her mother as “Hannah Chrisfield.” While the first name does
not match, it seems unlikely that this is a mere coincidence. The name “Crisfield” is not a common
one in New England8. In addition, Danvers vital records lists a birth record for “Polly, w. James, 24
May 1749.”212 This could not refer to Polly Clinton, for she was born in 1757. Polly was a common
nickname for Mary – therefore the 1749 birth could refer to Mary Crisfield, recorded later, possibly
because she was not born in the area. It seems likely that she was born in Maryland.213
James was born in 1756 in Woburn, probably the son of James Richardson and Sarah Leathe. There
is a record of the death of James Richardson in 1844 in Danvers,214 this was possibly the same
James.
Children:
1. Hannah Richardson, b. 25 Apr 1784, Danvers; d. 7 Oct 1874, Newport, Vt.; m. (1st) Elisha
Brown; m. (2nd) Gideon Whittemore
2. Asa Richardson, b. 13 Apr 1781;215 d. 25 Aug 1865, Woburn, Mass.216
210
Danvers VR.
Danvers VR, Vol. 2 (marriages and deaths), p. 67.
212
Danvers VR, Vol. 1, p. 314.
213
There is a mention in Boston Evening Transcript, 30 Mar. 1921 which I haven’t seen but is indexed in
Ancestry.com.
214
Danvers VR Vol. 2 (marriages and deaths) p. 449, C.R. 3 (records of the First Baptist Church, Danvers.)
211
37
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3. Mary R.217 Richardson, b. 13 Jan 1789, Danvers, Mass.;218 d. 15 Dec 1875, Newport, Vt.;219
unm.; res. Craftsbury, Vt. (1850)
215
Age calculated from death record.
Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841-1910, online at NewEnglandAncestors.org. His age was given as 84 years, 4
months and 12 days, and he died of “apoplexy.” He was a laborer, born in Danvers, parents listed as “James and
Polly”, who were born in Woburn. Note, there is a birth record of an Asa Richardson, in Danvers, Nov. 18, 1785,
son of James and Polly (Danvers VR Vol. 1 p 312), but this does not match the age at the time of death. That Asa
could have died young, or else may have been the son of James and Polly/Molly Clinton.
217
Her death record give middle initial R.
218
Danvers VR, Vol. 1, p. 313, daughter of “James and Polly.”
219
Vermont Vital Records. Her parents are not given on the death record, but her place of birth is given as
Danvers. She was 88 years, 11 months, and 2 days old.
216
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Silas Aldrich (28) and Alice Collins (29)
Silas Aldrich was born in about 1743.220 According to the George Aldrich genealogy, he was
born 7 Jan 1743, in Douglas, Mass, the son of Edward Aldrich and Dinah Aldrich.221 However,
this genealogy does not cite sources, and there is no birth record. Some have thought that he
was the son of Peter Aldrich and Miriam Ray, who did have a son named Silas. However, that
appears impossible, since guardianship records show that Silas to have been born in about
1748.222
Silas married, about 1774, Alice Collins. She was born in about 1750 and was the daughter of
Ephraim Collins and Abigail Dow. According to family tradition, Silas Aldrich, at age 16, was a
member of Maj. Robert Rogers' Rangers who destroyed a village of the St. Francis Indians in
1759. Silas' first acquaintance with Vermont is said to have been made during the Rangers'
retreat down the Connecticut River. He is said to have been "so impressed by the beauty of the
scenery that he resolved, when the war should be over, he would return and settle in that
locality."223
Silas was an early settler of Moore Town (now Bradford), Vermont.
He first appears in the records there in 1774, when he married
Alice Collins. The Bradford town history, drawing on a manuscript
prepared by Eliza Barrett, Silas' great-granddaughter, characterizes
him as "a man of an even, peaceable disposition, and of strictly
temperate habits, even in those days, when the use of intoxicating
liquors was well-nigh universal."224 His wife Alice "is said to have
been a woman distinguished for decision and energy of character."
Silas Aldrich died 27 Nov 1811, in Bradford. His tombstone, in the
Upper Plain Cemetery, reads: "Death is a debt, to nature due,
which I have paid, and so must you."225 His widow Alice died in
Bradford 4 Sep 1823, at the age of 73.226 She is buried next to Silas
in the Upper Plain Cemetery.227
Gravestone of Silas Aldrich
220
Based on his age, 68, at the time of his death.
Alvin J. Aldrich, The George Aldrich Genealogy (1971), Vol. 3, p. 13.
222
In addition, an email from 1999 from a member of the National Aldrich Association made the claim that Silas
was the son of Jonathan Aldrich and Eunice Peck. While I am open to this theory, I have not seen any proof of it.
223
Rev. Silas McKeen, History of Bradford, Vt. (1875), p. 310.
224
Ibid., p. 311.
225
findagrave.com: Silas Aldrich
226
Vermont Vital Records. Her husband’s name is given as Silas but parents’ names are not mentioned. McKeen
says that she married a Mr. Hunt after Silas’ death, but there is no evidence for this, and it appears very unlikely.
227
findagrave.com: Alice Aldrich
221
39
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Children:
1. Phebe Aldrich, b. 1 Sep 1775; d. 15 Mar 1852, Bradford, Vt.;228 m. James Martin
2. Betsey Aldrich, b. 9 Dec 1777; m. John Muzzey, 18 Jan 1801, Bradford; widowed and
living in Leon, Wisc., in 1860
3. Richard Aldrich, b. 8 Apr 1780; d. 25 Nov 1856; m. Anna Maynard
4. Asa Aldrich, b. 3 Dec 1783; d. 4 Oct 1823, Bradford, Vt.; bur. Upper Plain Cem.,
Bradford, Vt. ;229 m. Lucy Maynard (sister of Anna Maynard)
5. Silas Aldrich, b. 8 Mar 1786; d. 15 Dec 1853, N. Hatley, Quebec, Canada; bur. St. James
Cem., Hatley;230 m. Anna Carter
6. Elsy Aldrich, b. 2 Apr 1789; m. Joshua Barron, 19 Jun 1803, Bradford, Vt.; according to
the History of Bradford, they “went West” and were “lost sight of.”
7. Abigail Aldrich, b. 1 May 1791; d. 17 Jun 1838, Bradford, Vt.; bur. Upper Plain Cem.;231
m. John B. Chase
8. Ephraim Collins Aldrich, b. 26 Nov 1793, Bradford, Vt.; d. 15 Oct 1859, Pittsburg, N.H.;
bur. Pittsburg Hollow Cem.;232 m. (1st) Sarah Hilliard; m. (2nd) Amy Bennett
228
Vermont Vital Records. She was the wife of James Martin, and her age as 76 years, 7 months. Parents’ names
are not given. The cemetery was Goshen, but according to findagrave.com, all headstones were removed to the
Upper Plain Cemetery in the 1930s.
229
Vermont Vital Records. His age is given as 34 years, 6 months. findagrave.com: Asa Aldrich
230
findagrave.com: Silas Aldrich Jr.
231
findagrave.com: Abigail Chase
232
findagrave.com: Ephraim Collins Aldrich
40
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Levi Maynard (30) and Esther Savage (31)
Levi Maynard was born 24 Aug 1745, in Westborough, Mass.233 He was the son of David
Maynard Jr. and Anne Oak. He married Esther Savage. The intention of marriage was recorded
24 Nov 1764, in Westborough.234 She was born 21 Jul 1747, in Concord, Mass., the daughter of
John Savage and Hannah Mason.235
Levi served as private in Capt. Samuel Wood's company of militia, during the Revolutionary
War.236 His first wife Esther died 22 Oct 1792, in Leominster.237 In 1812 he married Phebe
(Wright) Winter, widow of John Winter.238 Levi died 30 Dec 1822, in Ashburnham, Mass.239 His
widow Phebe married Benjamin Hawks, 13 Aug 1829, in Ashburnham.240
Children, by his first wife Esther Savage:241
1. Eli Maynard, b. 27 Aug 1766; d. 23 Apr 1840; bur. Pine Ridge Cem., Hancock, N.H.;242
m. (1st) ----- Merrill; m. (2nd) Esther Keyes
2. Melea (“Milly”) Maynard, b. 30 Jan 1768; d. 15 Aug 1808, Hancock, N.H.; bur. Pine
Ridge Cem.;243 m. Moses Merrill
3. Esther Maynard, b. 29 Jan 1770; d. 8 Jul 1861; bur. Estey Cem., Marlborough, N.H.;244
m. William White Jr.
4. Rachel Maynard, b. 24 Jan 1772; d. 20 Aug 1830; m. Jacob Carter
5. Oliver Maynard, b. 22 Mar 1774; d. 27 Mar 1857, Jamaica, Vt.; m. Anna Allen245
6. Thankful Maynard, b. 16 Nov 1776; d. Abt. 1803-1805; m. David White246
233
Westborough vital records, p. 71.
Ibid., p. 182.
235
Concord Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages, p. 190. Her mother's surname "Mason" is not in the birth
record. That information was from the LDS Ancestral File. Note that DAR #591215 states that Esther was born in
Sherburn, Mass.
236
DAR application #591215, of Theresa Wood (Aug. 17, 1974).
237
Leominster vital records, p. 339. She is listed as Levi's wife, but no first name is given. The cause of death was
"billious fever."
238
Stearns, Ezra, History of Ashburnham, Mass. (1887), p. 813. The marriage intention is recorded Nov. 28, 1812, see Ashburnham VR p. 137.
239
DAR application #591215.
240
Ashburnham VR, p. 125.
241
Northborough vital records.
242
findagrave.com: Eli Maynard
243
findagrave.com: Milly Merrill
244
findagrave.com: Esther White
245
DAR application #591215.
234
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7. Anna Maynard, b. 10 Oct 1779; d. 28 Mar 1875; m. Richard Aldrich
8. Nabby Maynard, b. 18 Feb 1782
9. Levi Maynard, b. 22 Jul 1785; d. 16 Sep 1832, bur. Bacon Cem., West Potsam, N.Y.247
10. Betsey Maynard, b. 13 Aug 1787; d. 29 Mar 1788
11. Elias Maynard, b. 10 Mar 1789; d. 28 Mar 1863; Bloomingdale, Ill.; bur. Saint Paul
Evergreen Cem.; m. Lorena Schellinger
12. Lucy Maynard, b. 6 Oct 1792; m. (1st) Asa Aldrich ; m (2nd) Calvin Cowdry, of
Newbury, Vt.
246
Thomas and Samuel White, Ancestral Chronological Record of the William White Family (1895), p. 69. David was
the brother of William White who married Esther Maynard
247
findagrave.com: Levi Maynard Jr.
42
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Samuel Pratt (32) and Betty Bicknell (33)
Samuel Pratt was born 19 Dec 1712, in Weymouth. Mass. He was the son of Ebenezer and
Martha Pratt. He lived in North Weymouth, on Green Street. He inherited from his father “the
north end of the house, the barn, and half the land.”248 His house, probably built by his father
in about 1700, burned down in 1789.249
He married Betty Bicknell, 17 Feb 1736/7, in Weymouth.250 She was born 16 Jul 1720, the
daughter of Benjamin Bicknell and Susannah Humphrey. She died before 21 May 1772, when
Samuel married Mary Dyer. He died 28 Dec 1793, of fever.251 He did not leave a will; his
property had already been divided among his children by a deed.252
Lora Underhill (1910) wrote, “There is no doubt that Samuel Pratt served as a private in the
early part of the Revolutionary War.”253 She goes on to say, “He joined the company of Minute
Men of Weymouth who, for months, had been quietly drilling for any emergency that might
arise.” After this, he enlisted again, and he was discharged 14 Sep 1775, after a service of over
five months. Older men such as himself (he was 63) may have served as guards at
Cambridge.254 However, the DAR recognizes him for civil service only.
Children, by his first wife, Betty Bicknell:
1. Betty Pratt, b. 15 Apr 1738; d. 24 Oct 1831, Weymouth; m. James Humphrey
2. Asa Pratt, b. 8 Jul 1742; d. 28 Nov 1824, Weymouth; m. Sarah Chase
3. David Pratt (twin), b. 12 Feb 1745; d. 10 Jun 1827; m. Rebecca Chandler; bur. North
Weymouth Cem.;255 served in Revolutionary War
4. Jonathan Pratt (twin), b. 12 Feb 1745; d. 6 Jul 1832, Weymouth; m. Sarah Dyer; bur.
North Weymouth Cem., Weymouth, Mass.256
5. Thomas Pratt, b. ca. 1747; d. 1 Mar 1811; m. (1st) Mary Green; m. (2nd) Sarah
(Hobart) Thayer
248
Lora Underhill, Descendants of Edward Small of New England vol. 2 (1910), p. 764-765.
Ibid., p. 766. His son Jonathan rebuilt on the same spot. In 1905, Jonathan’s house was still in the Pratt family,
owned by Clara Bell Pratt.
250
Weymouth town records ( ancestry.com.): “A purpose of marriage between Samuel Pratt & Betty Bicknell both
th
th
of Weymouth posted August 29 1736. Married by Rev. William Smith February 17 1737.”
251
Vital records of Weymouth, Mass., to the Year 1850, Vol. 2, p. 322. The death record states he was 80 years
old. The death record was based on records of the First Church of Christ, North Precinct.
252
Descendants of Edward Small of New England vol. 2, p. 770.
253
Ibid., p. 767.
254
Ibid., pp. 768-769.
255
findagrave.com: David Pratt
256
findagrave.com: Jonathan Pratt
249
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6. Peter Pratt, bapt. 14 Oct 1750; d. 5 Dec 1833; m. Amy Porter
7. Chloe Pratt, bapt. 7 Jul 1754; d. 19 May 1838; m. Matthew Pratt
8. Benjamin Pratt, b. 20 May 1757; m. Betty Dyer
9. Sylvanus Pratt, b. 8 Jun 1758; d. 26 Nov 1836; m. Hannah Bates; he served in the
Revolutionary War; bur. Old North Cem., Weymouth, Mass.257
257
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25850135@N02/3460788974/
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John Green (34) and Mary Humphrey (35)
John Green was born probably in Weymouth, Mass., the son of John Green and Patience -----258
He married first, Rachel Kingsbury, of Needham, the intention being recorded in Weymouth, 22
Jan 1731/32.259 She died 8 Apr 1733, in Weymouth.260
John married, second, at Weymouth on 25 Mar 1745, Mary Humphrey.261 She was born 25 Feb
1716, in Weymouth, and was the daughter of Jonas Humphrey and Mary Neal.262
Child, by his first wife Rachel Kingsbury:
1. Rachel Green, b. 20 Mar 1733; d. young
Children, by his second wife Mary Humphrey:
2. Rachel Green, b. 13 Feb 1745/6
3. Mary Green, b. Nov 2, 1747; d. Feb 13, 1801; m. Thomas Pratt
4. John Green, b. 10 Jul 1753
258
George W. Chamberlain, Genealogies of the Early Families of Weymouth, Mass. (1984 reprint; originally
published 1923), p. 250. The birth is not listed in Weymouth Vital Records.
259
Weymouth Vital Records (Marriages), p. 79.
260
Weymouth Vital Records (Deaths), p. 274.
261
Weymouth Vital Records (Marriages), p. 79.
262
Chamberlain, Genealogies of the Early Families of Weymouth, Mass., p. 250.
45
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Ebenezer Newcomb (36) and Sarah Wild (37)
Ebenezer Newcomb was born in Braintree, Mass., 3 Jun 1694. He was the son of John
Newcomb and Elizabeth Everett). He married Sarah Wild, 22 Dec 1718, in Boston. She was
born 28 Oct 1700, and was the daughter of John Wild and Sarah Hayden.
Ebenezer was a housewright. He served in the French and Indian War, in 1747, in R. Thayer’s
Company.263 He lived on South St. His death date is unknown, but he was living in 1763.264
Children:
1. Elizabeth Newcomb, bapt. 6 Mar 1720; m. Joseph Owen Jr.
2. Susan Newcomb, d. 31 Jul 1721
3. Sarah Newcomb, b. 8 Jun 1721; m. Samuel Wheeler
4. Abigail Newcomb, b. Nov 11, 1723;265 m. Joseph Field
5. Susannah Newcomb, b. 8 Apr 1725; m. John Field
6. Hannah Newcomb, b. 5 Sep 1726;266 d. young
7. Hannah Newcomb, b. 24 Jun 1728; m. Newton Baxter
8. John Newcomb, b. 8 Jan 1729/30; bur. 2 Jun 1755, Hancock Cem.
9. Ruth Newcomb, bapt. 25 Jun 1732
10. Ebenezer Newcomb, bapt. 27 Oct 1734; d. 27 Jan 1801, Quincy, Mass.; bur. Hancock
Cem.;267 m. Jemima Allen
11. Child, bur. 16 Apr 1743
12. Samuel Newcomb, b. 13 Mar 1745; d. 31 Mar 1819; m. Mary Bent268
263
John B. Newcomb, Genealogical Memoirs of the Newcomb Family (1874), pp. 452-453.
Waldo Sprague, Genealogies of the Families of Braintree, Mass.
265
Braintree Vital Records: “Abigail the Daughter of Ebenezer Newcomb & Sarah his wife was born 11th.
November 1723.”
266
Braintree VR: “Hannah the Daughter of Ebenezer Newcomb & Sarah his wife was born the 5th Day of
September 1726.”
267
findagrave.com: Ebenezer Newcomb
268
Genealogical Memoirs of the Newcomb Family does not list this marriage, or list his birth date.
264
46
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13. Child (son), bur. 25 Sep 1747
47
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Ebenezer Bent (38) and Deborah Fairbanks (39)
Ebenezer Bent was born 12 Apr 1712, in Milton, Mass.269 He was the son of Joseph Bent and
Rachel Fuller. He married Deborah Fairbanks, 9 Jan 1735/6, probably in Dedham.270 She was
born 23 May 1714, in Dedham, and was the daughter of Jonathan Fairbanks and Deborah Guild.
Ebenezer died 15 Feb 1786, in Milton, and his widow Deborah died 17 Aug 1798, in Quincy.271
Deborah is buried in the Hancock Cemetery in Quincy.272
Children:273
1. Eleanor Bent, b. 28 Sep 1735; m. Elijah Underwood, of Braintree
2. Ebenezer Bent, b. 22 Aug 1737; d. 10 Sep 1796; bur. Milton Cem.;274 m. (1st) Hannah
Shepherd; m. (2nd) Ruth (-----) Crouch;. he served in the Rev. War; his sons William and
Adam Bent were among the first piano manufacturers in the United States275
3. Samuel Bent, b. 1 Mar 1739; d. 1827, Granville, Nova Scotia; m. Rachel Ray
4. Nedabiah Bent, b. 21 Jan 1741/42; d. 28 May 1816, Quincy; m. Miriam Ruggles;
moved to Braintree
5. Mary Bent, b. 1 Feb 1744; d. 27 Dec 1841; m. Samuel Newcomb
6. John Bent, b. 10 Jul 1746; d. 12 Jan 1817, Milton; m. Hannah Coller; their son Josiah
Bent was the founder of Bent’s Cracker Bakery, in 1801276
7. Deborah Bent, b. 8 Jul 1748; d. 13 Aug 1833, Dorchester, Mass.; m. Ebenezer Trescott
8. Sarah Bent, b. 24 Mar 1751; d. 18 Jan 1829, Canton; m. Henry Bailey Withington
9. Elizabeth Bent, b. 13 Apr 1754; d. Nov 29, 1840, Quincy; unm.
269
Milton Vital Records (online database via NEHGS). Birth record says: Ebenezer, Son of Joseph and Rachel, April
23,1712.
270
The marriage was recorded in both Milton (where Ebenezer lived) and Dedham (where Deborah lived), without
stating where the event took place. However, they were married by Rev. Samuel Dexter, of Dedham.
271
Allen H. Bent, The Bent Family in America (1900), p. 31, and Lorenzo S. Fairbanks, Fairbanks Family in America
(1897), p. 55.
272
findagrave.com: Deborah Bent
273
See Bent Family In America pp. 31, 47-49, for children.
274
findagrave.com: Eben Bent
275
See Fairbanks Family in America, pp. 55-56, and Bent Family in America pp. 98-99.
276
Bent’s Cookie Factory still exists today: http://www.bentscookiefactory.com/ “His company later sold the
original hardtack crackers used by troops during the American Civil War.”
48
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Isaac Gilson (40) and Dorothy Kemp (41)
Isaac Gilson was baptized 5 Sep 1708, in Groton, Mass., the son of Joseph Gilson and his wife
Elizabeth.277 He married Dorothy Kemp 13 Jan 1729/30, in Groton.278 She was baptized 11 Feb
1711, in Groton, the daughter of Zerubbabel Kemp and Mary Lacey.279 Isaac lived probably in
the east part of Groton which later became Dunstable.280
No death date or probate records have been found for Isaac.
Children:
1. Isaac Gilson, b. 3 Oct 1731
2. Dorothy Gilson, b. 17 Sep 1733; m. Ambrose Lakin, 16 Jan 1751/2, Groton
3. Nehemiah Gilson, b. June 1739; m. Abigail Lawrence
4. Joseph Gilson, b. 6 Apr 1741
277
Groton vital records, p. 95.
Ibid., p. 73. They were married by the Rev. Caleb Trowbridge. See also Groton Historical Series, p. 20.
279
Elsie Merriam and Ruth Bennet, Joseph Gilson of Groton and Descendants (1959), p. 5.
280
David Jillson, Gillson and Jillson Family (1876), p. 244.
278
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Nathaniel Lawrence (42) and Dorothy Chamberlain (43)
Nathaniel Lawrence was born 13 May 1702, in Groton, Mass.281 He was the son of Nathaniel
Lawrence and Anna Scripture. He married Dorothy Chamberlain, 4 Feb 1728/9, in Groton.282
She was born in about 1707 and died in April 1790, in Groton.283 She was the daughter of
Thomas Chamberlain and Abigail Nutting.284
Nathaniel left a will dated 30 Aug 1775, and proved 4 Oct 1775. He mentions wife Dorothy,
daughter Dorothy Hudson, sons Thomas, Isaac, and John (executor), and daughters Abigail
Gilson, Eunice, and Martha.285
Children, born in Groton:
1. Dorothy Lawrence, b. 8 Feb 1729/30; m. Benaiah Hudson
2. Nathaniel Lawrence, b. 24 May 1732; apparently died young
3. Thomas Lawrence, b. 18 Aug 1734; d. 22 Mar 1821; m. Sarah Bailey
4. Isaac Lawrence, b. 8 Jan 1736/7; m. Mary Bailey
5. Abigail Lawrence, b. 21 Jun 1739; d. Nov 19, 1825; m. Nehemiah Gilson
6. John Lawrence, b. Nov 13, 1741; d. Nov 26, 1822;286 m. Abigail Nutting
7. Eunice Lawrence, b. 20 Apr 1748
8. Martha Lawrence, b. 15 Jun 1752
281
Groton Vital records, p. 143.
Samuel Green, The Lawrence Family of Groton, Mass. (1907), p. 3. They were married by Rev. Caleb
Trowbridge.
283
Ibid. See Groton Historical Series for reference to funeral of “Widow Lawrence, ye mother of John Lawrence
aged 83 years” which took place in April 1790.
284
Chamberlain Chain Vol. 14 (May 1993) pp. 8-9. Lineage of Gwen Babcock, based on research by David C.
Chamberlin. See also: George W. Chamberlain, One Branch of the Descendants of Thomas Chamberlain of Woburn
(1897), pp. 8-9.
285
Middlesex Probate #13760.
286
Green, The Lawrence Family of Groton, Mass. , p. 3.
282
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Jonas Eaton (44) and Mary Emerson (45)
Jonas Eaton was born 22 Oct 1714, in Framingham, Mass. He was the son of Jonas Eaton and
Mehitable Gould.287 He married Mary Emerson, 3 Aug 1738, in Reading, Mass. She was born
19 Dec 1713, in Reading, and was the daughter of Peter Emerson and Anna Brown. Jonas was a
tanner, and lived in Charlestown, Mass.288 His death date is not known, and I have not been
able to locate any probate records.
Children:289
1. Jonas Eaton, b. 16 Jun 1739; d. young
2. Jonas Eaton, bapt. 8 Feb 1740/1; d. 1787; m. Mary Wyer
3. Daniel Eaton, bapt. 16 Jan 1743/4; m. (1st) Thankful Kenny; m. (2nd) Dorothy Langdon
4. Ebenezer Eaton, bapt. Nov 4, 1744
5. Benjamin Eaton, d. 26 Jun 1824; m. (1st) Ruth Symmes; m. (2nd) Mary Manning
6. Mary Eaton, bapt. Nov 6, 1748; d. 26 Jun 1809; m. Silas Parker, 3 Dec 1772290
7. James Eaton, bapt. 20 Jan 1751/2; m. Sally ----8. Joseph Eaton, bapt. 22 Jul 1753
9. Joshua Eaton, bapt. 20 Mar 1757; (probably) m. (1st) Elizabeth Williams; m. (2nd)
Mary Rand
287
C. W. Bardeen, History, Genealogical and Biographical, of the Eaton Families (1911), pp. 286-87.
Donald Lines Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy (1933), p. 198.
289
Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy.
290
In Newburyport. Mass. marriages on familysearch.org.
288
51
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Nathaniel Wyer (46) and Elizabeth Boylston (47)
Capt. Nathaniel Wyer was born 14 Dec 1700, in Charlestown, Mass. He was the son of Robert
Wyer and his second wife, Ruth Johnson. He married Elizabeth Boylston, 26 Apr 1724, in
Charlestown.291 Elizabeth was baptized 3 Oct 1702, and was the daughter of Richard Boylston
and Mary Smith.292
Nathaniel was a mariner. 293 He is said to have been “lost at sea” in 1739,294 and definitely had
died before 22 Mar 1741/2, when John Phillips was appointed guardian to his son Nathaniel, in
his 16th year, son of Nathaniel Wyer, deceased. On 12 Dec 1743, Jonathan Call was appointed
guardian to Elizabeth Wyer, in her 20th year, Mary Wyer, in her 11th year, Anne Wyer, in her 8th
year, children of Nathaniel Wyer, mariner.295 His widow must have died sometime before 1769,
when Nathaniel’s widow’s heirs sold ½ house to N. Adams. 296
Children:
1. Elizabeth Wyer, b. 9 Aug 1724; m. ----- Smith
2. Nathaniel Wyer, b. 31 Aug 1726
3. Edward Wyer, b. 18 Sep 1728; d. 8 Feb 1728/9, Charlestown
4. Ruth Wyer, b. 5 Feb 1729/30; m. John Trumbull
5. Mary Wyer, b. 21 Apr 1732; m. Jonas Eaton Jr.
6. Edward Wyer, b. 1 Mar 1733/4; m . Abigail Reed
7. Ann Wyer, b. 11 Mar 1735; m. John Cornell
8. Richard Wyer, bapt. 11 Dec 1737
291
Vital Records of Charlestown, Massachusetts to 1850: “Nathaniel Wyer & Elizabeth Boylestone, both of this
town, m. by Rev. Mr. Hull Abbot, Apr. 26, 1724.”
292
Henry Bond, Watertown Genealogies (1855).
293
Wyman, Thomas B., The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown (1879). See also Bond’s Watertown, p. 703,
which says Elizabeth was a widow by 1753.
294
Wyman, Charlestown.
295
Middlesex Probate Court Record #25793, available online to NEHGS members. Note that Charlestown was part
of Middlesex County at the time.
296
Wyman, Thomas B., The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown (1879). See also Bond’s Watertown, p. 703,
which says Elizabeth was a widow by 1753.
52
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Perhaps: James Richardson Sr. (52) and Sarah Leathe (53)
Capt. James Richardson was born in Woburn, 1 Mar 1723. He was in the French and Indian
War, serving in Louisburg. He first appears in the records of Danvers when he was taxed in
1760, in the New Mills or Danversport section of town. His cousin Joseph, a miller, had come to
Danvers three years before. On 26 Nov 1761, Samuel Clark of Danvers sold to James
Richardson, 1/4 part of two grist mills and one saw mill, commonly called the New Mills on
Crane River. At about the same time, he bought an acre of land, bounded by William Brown on
the west and John Leathe, probably his brother in law on the north. James built a house on this
land which he sold in 1763.
He seems to have left Danvers because his name appears on a list of families who had recently
come into Salem in December 1763, along with his wife Sarah and children Betty, James, Joseph
and Seth, and also Elizabeth Leathe, probably his sister in law. He returned to Danvers in 1766
and was taxed there until 1777.
James married Sarah Leathe. She was born at Rumney Marsh (Chelsea), 6 Mar 1727, the
daughter of John Leathe and Elinor Floyd. John Leathe died in 1775, and when his estate was
settled, it's likely that Sarah was no longer living. According to probate records,
his expenses include, in March 1778, "going to Danvers to site the heirs...and cash paid to
James Richardson." In 1783 James Richardson severed as collector and Surveyor for the "Neck
of Land District", later known as Danversport. When first proposed to form a Baptist Society in
1781, James Richardson was the largest subscriber, and once the church was built, he owned
four pews.297
Children:
1. Betty Richardson, b. 23 Apr 1764, Woburn; d. 20 Jul 1829, Danvers; m. William Hilbert
2. James Richardson, b. 4 Apr 1756; possibly d. 1844; m. Mary (Polly) Crisfield298
3. Joseph Richardson, b. 19 Jan 1758, d. Sep 1773, Danvers
4. Seth Richardson, b. 8 Feb 1759, Stoneham
5. Jedediah Richardson, b. 1 Jan 1768; m. Lydia Crowell
6. Samuel Richardson, b. 30 Jun 1770; m. Hannah Skidmore
297
Elizabeth Radcliffe, “Captain Edward Richardson – A Memorial”, in Danvers Mass. Historical Collectiosn, Vol. 12
(1924), pp. 41-42.
298
Radcliffe, above, has this James Richardson marrying Polly Clinton. However, the James Richardson that
married Polly (or Molly) Clinton stated on a pension application that he was 66 years old in 1818. Assuming he
was telling the truth, this puts his birthday about 1752, too old to be the James Richardson in the above family.
53
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(Possibly) Edward Aldrich (56) and Dinah Aldrich (57)
The George Aldrich genealogy stated, without proof, that Silas Aldrich was the son of Edward
Aldrich and Dinah Aldrich. Due to the lack of evidence I have downgraded this to “possible.” I
include information here on Edward, Dinah and their parents, “FYI,” since it may interest other
researchers.
Edward Aldrich was born Sept 7, 1713, in Mendon, Mass., the son of David Aldrich and Hannah
Capron. He married on 13 Jul 1732, his cousin Dinah Aldrich. She was born 28 Apr 1717, the
daughter of Seth Aldrich and Mary -----. Dinah died about 1760 and Edward then married Ann
Chamberlain. Edward lived in Uxbridge, where the first four of his children were born.
Sometime between 1740 and 1744, he moved to Douglas, Mass.299
He moved to Richmond, N.H., and by about 1785, to Franconia, N.H. He died in 1802 and is
buried in the Willow Cemetery, Franconia.300
Children, by his first wife, Dinah:301
1. Dinah Aldrich, b. 3 May 1734
2. Hannah Aldrich, b. Apr.16, 1736
3. Edward Aldrich, b. 29 Aug 1738
4. (possibly) Jonathan Aldrich,302 d. young
5. Sarah Aldrich, b. 20 Dec 1740; m James Brown
6. (possibly) Silas Aldrich,303 b. 7 Jan 1743; d. Nov 27, 1811; m. Alice Collins
7. Oliver Aldrich, b. 30 May 1744
8. Abner Aldrich, b. 8 Apr 1748
9. Abigail Aldrich, b. 10 Apr 1751
299
Aldrich Vol. 1, p. 57.
findagrave.com: Edward Aldrich.
301
Births of Dinah, Hannah, Edward and Sarah are recorded in Uxbridge VR; and those of Oliver, Abner, Abigail and
Zacheus are recorded in Douglas VR. Jonathan and Silas are not recorded.
302
Listed by Alvin Aldrich, but there is no record in the Uxbridge or Douglas VR.
303
Listed as a child by Aldrich Vol. 3, p. 13. However, there is no proof of this and some researchers have called it
into question.
300
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© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
10. Zacheus Aldrich, b. 13 Mar 1755; d. 26 Mar 1806, Windham Co., Conn.; 304 m. Naomi
Sprague
Children, by Ann Chamberlain, born in Douglas, Mass.305
11. Rue Aldrich, b. 10 Jan 1762
12. Jiry (or Jerry), b. 23 Sep 1762
13. Ann Aldrich, b. 21 Aug 1763; m Seth Richardson
14. John Aldrich, b. 22 Apr 1765
15. Olive Aldrich, b. 15 May 1767
16. Lydia Aldrich, b. 1 Mar 1769
17. David Aldrich, b 25 Sep 1771
304304
305
See findagrave.com
For all births, Douglas VR, pp. 9-11.
55
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Ephraim Collins (58) and Abigail Dow (59)
Ephraim Collins was born 19 Feb 1719/20, in Salisbury, Mass.306 He was the son of Ephraim
Collins and Esther Shortridge. He married Abigail Dow; the marriage intention being recorded
10 Nov 1739 in Salisbury.307 She was the daughter of John Dow and Dinah Severance. Ephraim,
with his brother Benjamin, was among the early settlers of Salisbury, N.H. (then called
Stevenson.) In 1749 the tract of land was granted by the proprietors of the Mason Grant to a
considerable number of men, mostly living in Kinston, N.H. He was active in the new town as
surveyor and as one of a standing committee of grantees.308
According to the History of Salisbury, N.H., Ephraim “settled half a mile west of the river, on the
road leading to Shaw’s Corner. He was a man of considerable importance in town and held
responsible positions. He was the first chosen surveyor of Stevenstown by the grantees at
Kingston, in 1759. “ However this Ephraim is said to have been buried in Salisbury.309 He was
among the first settlers of Bradford, Vt., in 1771.310
Ephraim, with his sons Richard and Levi, were with Gen. Benedict Arnold in Canada. 311
According to the DAR Patriot Index, he died 6 Jan 1776, in Quebec.312 A DAR application form
states, "He had with him in Col. Bedel's Regiment, three sons, John, Richard and Levi. He and his
son Richard (possibly John) were with Arnold on that terrible march to Quebec through the
Maine forests and in the attack on Quebec the following June. He and son Richard died of
smallpox in the camp before Quebec."313
The DAR, however, in their online ancestor search application, now lists Ephraim Collins for
“Civil Service,” only, and states that he died 1 Jun 1776, in “Mooretown, N.Y” What was once
“Moore Town” became Bradford, Vt.314 Vermont Vital Records (a card index to the original
recoreds) states that he was buried in the Upper Plain cemetery in Bradford.
Abigail (Dow) Collins lived with Levi following Ephraim's death. She was blind sometime before
her death. She could quilt quilts and do many things which seemed impossible for a blind
person to do. She died 24 Feb 1796.315
306
Vital records of Salisbury, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849.
Vital records of Salisbury, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849: Marriages, p. 313.
308
Address Delivered by Dr. S. C. (Samuel Collins) Beane at the Collins Family Gathering (1892), p. 20, manuscript
at New Hampshire Historical Society.
309
John Dearborn, The History of Salisbury, N.H. (1884), p. 54.
310
Harold Haskins, A History of Bradford, Vt. (1968), p. 54.
311
Robert Dow, The Book of Dow (1929).
312
DAR Patriot Index.
313
DAR #453490, Application of Martha Powers Bruckner (1957).
314
Ephraim is DAR Ancestor #A024478. See http://services.dar.org/public/dar_research I suggest interested
descendants get a copy of the most recent DAR applications for Ephraim Collins to help resolve these issues.
315
Notes in possession of Glenn Jacobson ([email protected]) , a descendant of Levi, written by Mary
Clementine Collins (a granddaughter of Levi Collilns). DAR #453490 also states that Abigail died 2-1796.
307
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Children:
1? John Collins316
2. Esther Collins, b. 18 Dec 1741, Salisbury, Mass.317
3. Levi Collins, b. 1 Sep 1744, South Hampton, N.H.; apparently d. young
4. Benjamin Collins, b. 9 Aug 1745, South Hampton, N.H.318
5. Abigail Collins, b. 22 Jul 1747, Kingston Twp., N.H.319
6. Alice Collins, b. Abt. 1750; d. 4 Sep 1823, Bradford, Vt.; m. Silas Aldrich
7. Richard Collins, b. 1758; d. 1776, in Canada
8. Levi Collins, b. 1 Jan 1760, Bradford, Vt.; d. 10 Apr 1837, Romeo, Mich.; bur.
McCafferty Cem., Romeo, Mich.;320 m. Abigail Stanton; they had a daughter named
Abigail Dow Collins321
9. John Collins
316
Dow, The Book of Dow; also mentioned on DAR #453490.
Vital records of Salisbury, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849.
318
Index to births, early to 1900, New Hampshire; LDS microfilm #1000378.
319
Vital records of Kingston, New Hampshire, 1681-1823.
320
findagrave.com: Levi Collins
321
For Abigail Dow Collins, see Anna Wildey, Genealogy of the Descendants of William Cheesebrough (1903), p.
468, although this source says that Levi was born in Preston, Conn.
317
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David Maynard (60) and Anne Oak (61)
David Maynard Jr. was born 20 Jan 1704/5, in Marlborough, Mass.322 He was the son of David
Maynard and Hannah Wait. He married Anne Oak, 14 Mar 1737, in Westborough, Mass.323 She
was born 9 Sep 1712, in Marlborough, Mass.,324 the daughter of Nathaniel Oak and Mary
Holloway. David lived in Westborough. Either he, or his son David, was selectman of
Westborough in 1767.325 No death or probate record has been found.
Children:326
1. Solomon Maynard, b. 8 Apr 1739; d. March 1812, in Westborough327
2. David Maynard, b. 23 May 1741; m. Sarah Savage ("of Sherburn"), 11 Jun 1767;
admitted to the church in Ashburnham in 1772 and removed to Chittenden, Vt., in
1804328 He may be the David Maynard found on the census in 1790 and 1800 in
Northborough, Mass.
3. Leviniah Maynard, b. 20 Mar 1742/3; probably the Leviniah Maynard who d. 14 Feb
1840 at age 97
4. Levi Maynard, b. 24 Aug 1745; d. 30 Dec 1822; m. (1st) Esther Savage; m. (2nd) Phebe
(Wright) Winter
5. Ann Maynard, b. 28 Dec 1747
6. Hannah Maynard, b. 27 Nov 1750; d. 24 Mar 1831; m. Benjamin Fisk, 3 Aug 1770
7. Abigail Maynard, b. 5 May 1757
322
Marlborough vital records, p. 125.
Westborough vital records, p. 181.
324
Marlborough vital records, p. 142.
325
Heman P. DeForest, History of Westborough, Mass. (1891), p. 466.
326
Westborough vital records, for all but the first child.
327
Index to Obituaries in the Mass. Centinel and Columbian Centinel.
328
History of Ashburnham, Mass.
323
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John Savage (62) and Hannah Mason (63)
John Savage died of smallpox in the summer of 1760, "while abroad"329 He died in Warren,
Mass. (see below). John’s date of birth, and the names of his parents, have not been
discovered. The marriage intention of John Savage and Hannah Mason was recorded 21 Oct
1744, in Newton.330 In the record, he is said to have been “of Newton.” Hannah was born 4
Feb 1723/4, in Newton, Mass., and was the daughter of Daniel Mason and Experience
Newcomb.331
The administration of his estate was granted, 1 Sep 1760, to Hannah Savage, widow, of
Sherborn; William Mason, housewright, of Newton (?), and John Coggin, of Cambridge.
Payments made from the estate include one to the "Selectmen of Western" for John Savage's
last illness. (Western, in Worcester County, was incorporated in 1741 and later the town's name
was changed to Warren.) A payment made to Dr. Obediah Wood, apparently for treatment for
his last illness, also confirms that Savage died in what is now Warren, because Dr. Wood is
known to have lived in Warren. Another payment was made to Daniel Mason for a journey to
Western. Also mentioned are "effects sold at Western." Other members of the Mason family
mentioned are Samuel Mason and Moses Mason. John Savage is called "late of Watertown."332
On 12 Jan 1761, widow Hannah declared to the court that the Estate of her late husband was
insolvent.333 Hannah married Samuel Hunting, 27 Jun 1764, in Needham.334 They had at least
one child, Phebe Hunting, who was born 7 Sep 1767.335 A “Mr. Samuel Hunting” died in
Needham on 28 May 1799.336
Hannah died 30 Mar 1784, in Needham.337
Children, births recorded in Concord:
1. Esther Savage, b. 21 Jul 1747; d. 22 Oct 1792; m. Levi Maynard
2. Sarah Savage, m. David Maynard,338 11 Jun 1767, in Westborough
329
Concord Births, Marriages and Deaths, p. 416.
Hannah was “of Sudbury.” Newton Vital Records, p. 334. See also Edna Mason, Descendants of Caption Hugh
Mason (1937), p. 76.
331
Vital Records of Newton, Mass., to the Year 1850, p. 134; and Descendants of Capt. Hugh Mason.
332
Middlesex County administration #19919, (LDS microfilm 421513).
333
Ibid. Also see Henry Bond, Watertown Genealogies (1855), p. 931.
334
Sherborn vital records, p. 168. "Savage, Hannah wid. and Samuel Hunting of Needham. In Needham."
335
Phebe married David Smith Jr. She died Nov. 14, 1848, and is buried in the old graveyard in Wellesley (formerly
West Needham). George Clarke, Epitaphs from graveyards in Wellesley (formerly West Needham), North Natick,
and Saint Mary's churchyard in Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts (1900), p. 20.
336
New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 65 (October1911), p. 363.
337
Ancestry.com: Mass. Town and Vital Records: original image of Needham VR, which calls her “Hannah Huntting,
wife of Samuel Huntting.”
330
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3. John Savage, b. 18 May 1750; possibly m. Esther Park, 14 Feb 1773 in Newton, Mass.
(also recorded in Watertown)
4. Hannah Savage, b. 28 Oct 1753; probably the Hannah Savage who m. (1st) Francis
Barnes, and (2ND) Ebenezer Bolton, and d. 4 Jul 1849, Westminster, Mass.
5. Lucy Savage, b. 8 May 1755; d. Nov 4, 1800;339 bur. Wellesley Cong. Church Cem.,
Wellesley, Mass.;340 m. Timothy Hunting, 23 Sep 1774, in Needham; Timothy died 19 Oct
1793, in Needham,341 "accidentally killed in his mill";342 he is also buried in the Wellesley
Cong. Church Cem.343
338
He was Levi's brother; Sarah and David had a son, John Savage Maynard) .
New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 65, p. 364.
340
Epitaphs from graveyards in Wellesley (formerly West Needham), North Natick, and Saint Mary's churchyard in
Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts., p. 48. See also findagrave.com: Lucy Hunting
341
New England Historical and Genealogical Registe, Vol. 65, p. 361.
342
The Hunting, or Huntting Family in America, (1888), p. 17. They had a child named Mason, a son John, and a
daughter Hannah. See also: Epitaphs from graveyards in Wellesley (formerly West Needham), North Natick, and Saint
Mary's churchyard in Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts, p ;47
343
findagrave.com: Timothy Hunting
339
60
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Ebenezer Pratt (64) and Martha ----- (65)
Ebenezer Pratt was born in about 1674, the son of Samuel Pratt and Hannah Rogers. He
married Martha -----,344 in about 1700. She died 18 May 1720, in Weymouth, Mass.345 He
married, second, Waitstill (Sumner) Washburn, at Bridgewater, Mass., 15 Dec 1720. She was
the widow of Israel Washburn, of Bridgewater. He married, third, Hannah -----, who survived
him.
Ebenezer left a will which was proved 11 Feb 1751/2. His will mentions his wife Hannah, sons
Ebenezer and Samuel, and daughters Ann Allen, Mary Pool, and Sarah Pratt346
Children, born in Weymouth, by his first wife Martha:
1. Ebenezer Pratt, b. 6 Aug 1702; d 9 Oct 1760, Weymouth; m. Tabitha Crane
2. Ann Pratt, b. 24 Apr 1704; m. ----- Allen
3. Mary Pratt, b. 23 Aug 1706; m. John Pool
4. Joseph Pratt, b. 1707
5. Sarah Pratt, b. 3 Oct 1708
6. Samuel Pratt, b. 19 Dec 1712; d. 28 Dec 1793 ; m. (1st) Betty Bicknell; m. (2nd) Mary Dyer
7. ---- (son), b. April 1715; d. 2 Jun 1715
344
Some web pages say that her surname was Bayley, however, I do not know if there is any proof of this.
Weymouth VR, Marriages and Deaths, p. 320. The death record was not based on a cemetery record.
346
History of Weymouth, Mass., Vol. 3, pp. 506-507.
345
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Benjamin Bicknell (66) and Susannah Humphrey (67)
Benjamin Bicknell was born 8 Jun 1694, in Weymouth, Mass, the son of John Bicknell and Sarah
-----.347 He married Susannah Humphrey, 6 Jul 1717, in Weymouth.348 She was born 6 Apr
1695, in Weymouth,349 and was the daughter of Nathaniel Humphrey and Elizabeth ----. She
died 13 Jan 1767, in Weymouth, and is buried in the North Weymouth Cemetery.350
Benjamin married, second, widow Bethiah Hunt, the intention being recorded 9 May 1767.351
The date of Benjamin’s death is not known. He left a will dated 9 Aug 1769, mentioning his
“beloved wife” (not named), grandson William Dyar, daughters Susanna Dyar, Betty Pratt, and
Hannah Burrell. To his wife he allowed “the use of my Horse & Chaise to ride to Meeting.”352
Bethiah left a will, dated 9 May 1774, and proved 10 May 1796. In her will she is called
a spinster. Her will mentions her children by her first marriage.353
Children, by his first wife, Susannah:
1. Susanna Bicknell, b. 13 Aug 1718; m. William Dyer Jr.
2. Betty Bicknell, b. 16 Jul 1720; m. Samuel Pratt
3. Hannah Bicknell, b. Nov 25, 1723; d. 15 Jun 1806; m. Joseph Burrell, 17 Jan 1744/45
4. Benjamin Bicknell, b. 24 Jun 1727; d. 14 Mar 1806; m. (1st) Mary Kingman; m. (2nd)
Hannah Gardner; m. (3rd) Temperance (Barber?) Whitmarsh
347
Weymouth Births, p. 41.
Weymouth VR. Date not same as given in: Thomas Bicknell, History and Genealogy of the Bicknell Family
(1913), p. 16.
349
Vital Records of Weymouth Mass., Vol.1 (Births), p. 143.
350
findagrave.com: Susanna Bicknell
351
Vital Records of Weymouth Mass., Vol.2 (Marriages and Deaths), p. 28.
352
Suffolk Co. probate, online at ancestry.com. The date his will was proved is difficult to read, but it appears to be
her 20 Nov 1778. However, this date seems unlikely given that his wife is called a spinster in her will written in
1774 - it possible it was 20 Nov 1773?
353
History and Genealogy of the Bicknell Family, p. 16.
348
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John Green (68) and Patience ----- (69)
John Green was born in Weymouth, Mass., 16 Jul 1661, the son of Joseph Green and Elizabeth
Whitman.354 He married Patience -----.355
John died between 19 May 1730, when he made his will, and 10 Dec 1734, when it was proved.
He probably died in late 1734, soon before his will was proved.
His will mentions “beloved wife Patience,” “eldest son Zacha”, son John, eldest daughter Joanna
Woodcock, second daughter Mary Green, third daughter Sarah Green, and youngest daughter
Deborah Torrey.356
His widow Patience died 24 Sep 1736, in Weymouth.357
Children:
1. Zachariah Green, d. 23 Feb 1743, Weymouth
2. John Green,; m. (1st) Rachel Kingsbury; m. (2nd) Mary Humphrey
3. Joanna Green, m. John Woodcock
4. Mary Green
5. Sarah Green, b. 10 Apr ----6. Deborah Green, b. 16 Sep 1704; m. John Torrey
354
Weumouth VR; also George W. Chamberlain, Genealogies of the Early Families of Weymouth, Mass. (1984
reprint; originally published 1923), p. 250, which says 16 or 22 July, but the printed Weymouth VR says 16 July.
355
A John Green of Charlestown, Mass., m. Patience Davis in 1692, but this does not appear to be the same John
and Patience Green.
356
Suffolk Probate #6661, available via Ancestry.com.
357
Weymouth VR, p. 274.
63
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Jonas Humphrey (70) and Mary Neale (71)
Jonas Humphrey was born in Weymouth, Mass., 3 Sep 1684, the son of Jonas Humphrey and
Mary Phillips.358 He married, first Martha ----, who died 22 Jun 1712, in Weymouth. He
married, second, Mary Neale, the intention of marriage being recorded 26 Nov 1715, in
Weymouth.359 Mary was born 14 Sep 1689, in Braintree, Mass., the daughter of Lt. Joseph
Neale and Mary -----.
Jonas died in 1761, at age 77. His widow Mary died in 1766.
Child, by his first wife, Martha, born in Weymouth:
1. John Humphrey, b. 17 Feb 1710
Children, by his second wife, Mary, born in Weymouth:
2. Mary Humphrey, b. 25 Feb 1715/6; m. John Green
3. Martha Humphrey, b. 5 Apr 1717; m. Matthew Whitman
4. Samuel Humphrey, b. 25 Feb 1718/9; d. 16 May 1725
5. Hannah Humphrey, b. 10 Feb 1720; d. 8 Apr 1725
6. Samuel Humphrey, b. 7 Jun 1728
7. James Humphrey, b. 18 Apr 1732; d. “at about 21 years of age”
358
359
Chamberlain, Genealogies of the Early Families of Weymouth, Mass. p. 304.
Weymouth Marriages, p. 98, “Jonas (Humphrey) and Mary Neal of Braintrey, int. Nov. 26, 1715.”
64
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John Newcomb (72) and Elizabeth Everett (73)
John Newcomb was born 13 Apr 1659, in Braintree, Mass., the son of John Newcomb and Ruth
Marshall.360 He was a husbandman (farmer), and was admitted to the church in 1697. His wife,
Elizabeth Everett, was admitted in 1689.361 She was born 6 Nov 1665, in Dedham, Mass., the
daughter of John Everett and Elizabeth Pepper. John Everett’s will mentions son in law John
Newcomb.362
She may have been the Elizabeth Newcomb who died 14 Feb 1708, in Braintree.363
John married, second, Mary (-----) (Arnold) Copeland, widow of Ephraim Arnold and of Thomas
Copeland. She died 30 Jan 1737/8, in Braintree. John was buried in the Hancock Cemetery, 11
Nov 1740.364
Children:
1. (possibly) John Newcomb,365 m. Mary ----2. Ebenezer Newcomb, d. 30 Jan 1689, “by a burne wth gunpowder”366
3. Elizabeth Newcomb, b. 7 Jan 1689/90
4. Ebenezer Newcomb, b. 3 Jun 1694; m. Sarah Wild
5. Isaac Newcomb, b. 24 Apr 1700; d. 16 May 1761; m. (1st) Thankful White; m. (2nd) Mary
Nash
It is also possible there was a daughter, Ruth, by his second wife, who married Peter Duset.
360
George F. Sanborn, “Rush Marshall, First Wife of John2 Newcomb,” The American Genealogist, Vol. 61, pp. 11114.
361
John Newcomb, Genealogical Record of the Newcomb Family (1874), p. 449.
362
Edwards F. Everett, Descendants of Richard Everett (1902), p. 28. Sprague does not include this information;
however Ancestors of Annis Spear also states she was Elizabeth Everett.
363
Records of the Town of Braintree 1640-1793,, p. 696. However, this record could have been referring to her
daughter Elizabeth.
364
Waldo Sprague, Genealogies of the Families of Braintree, Mass. There is no existing gravestone.
365
Sprague does not list him with this family.
366
Records of the Town of Braintree 1640-1793, p. 666.
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John Wild (74) and Sarah Hayden (75)
John Wild first appears in the records of Braintree, Mass., in 1689 and soon after with the birth
of his first child, in 1691. He may have been related to William Wild, an early settler, but there
is no conclusive proof. His first wife was Sarah Hayden, born 25 Mar 1668, in Braintree, the
daughter of Samuel Hayden and Hannah Thayer. She died 29 Jan 1724/5, in Braintree, and is
buried in the Elm Street Cemetery.367
John married, second, “about” 16 May 1725, Mary (Yardley) Hollis, widow of John Hollis.368
Sprague wrote, noting that she was not mentioned in his will, “it is apparent that she must have
had a premarital contract giving her no rights in his estate which he gave to his children, but it
seems strange that such a contract is not on record. That she was alive and survived him by at
least thirty years is proven by Suffolk Court records (60-253) when on April 9, 1762, Caleb
Hobart was made guardian of Mary Wild, widow, non compos mentis, and was bonded with
Gideon Thayer, gentlemen. They were her sons in law, having married her daughters by John
Hollis.”369
John was buried 24 Oct 1732 in Braintree.
John left a will, dated 28 Jun 1727 and proved 27 Nov 1732.370 His bequests were as follows:
“To my son John Wild ten pounds…”
“To my son Samuel Wild thirty five acres of land adjoining to his homestead…& one
third part of my Cedar Swamp he paying to his sister Sarah Newcomb Thirty Pounds…”
“To my son William Wild two hundred pounds…& one-third part of my cedar swamp &
all my wearing apparel of every sort…”
“To my son Jona Wild all my homestead on both sides of the Way & all the buildings &
fences therein and one third part of my cedar Swamp & all my fifth part of the Saw Mill with all
the buildings belonging to it and al my stock of Cattle of every kind & all my right to the Cart &
Ploughs & Tackling belonging thereto and all my outlands not before mentioned…he paying to
his brother John Wild ten pounds…and his brother William two hundred pounds… and to his
sister Sarah Newcomb thirty pounds.”
“I also give to give to my daughter Sarah Newcomb Sixty pounds.”
His sons Samuel and Jonathan were joint executors. His wife is not mentioned.371
Children, born in Braintree:
367
findagrave.com: Sarah Wild
Waldo Sprague, Genealogies of Families of Braintree, Mass. (NEHGS CD); also Braintree VR which says “John
th
Wild & Mary Hollis about the 16 May 1725.”
369
Besides Sprague, see Zelinda Makepeace Douhan, The Ancestry of Russell Makepeace (2004), pp. 261-264.
370
Although he states he was “very weak & low in body” he lived 5 more years. Perhaps he was an invalid.
371
Will online at Ancestry.com (for paid subscribers).
368
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1. John Wild, b. 30 Oct 1691; d. 7 Mar 1776; bur. Timothy Plain Cem., Norton, Mass.;372
m. (1st) Abigail Bass; m. (2nd) Silence Clapp
2. Lt. Samuel Wild, b. 18 Mar 1692/3; m. (1st) Bethiah Copeland; m. (2nd) Sarah (Hollis)
Lovell
3. William Wild, b. 26 Aug 1696; d. about March 1783; m. (1st) Anna White; m. (2nd) Ruth
Hersey
4. Jonathan Wild, b. 27 Sep 1698; d. 17 Jul 1756, “with an awful protuberance on his back
attended with a cancerous tumor that spread on his body and rose to nigh the bigness
of a half bushel”; m. (1st) Sarah Randall; m. (2nd) Sarah Ludden; Jonathan had 10 children
by his first wife and 5 more by his second wife
5. Sarah Wild, b. 28 Oct 1700; m. Ebenezer Newcomb
372
findagrave.com: John Wild Jr.
67
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Bent (76) and Rachel Fuller (77)
Joseph Bent was born in Sudbury, Mass., 5 Mar 1675, the son of Joseph Bent and Elizabeth
Bourne. Joseph was left an orphan when he was only a few months old, as his father was killed
accidently by a pistol shot by his uncle Peter, in the summer of 1675. He was brought up first
by his maternal grandparents, John and Alice Bourne, and after his Grandmother Alice’s death
in 1686, by his uncle John Man, who lived in Milton, Mass. Man was instructed by the court “to
three or four years hence put him out to a trade and meantime instruct him in reading and
writing.” He was apprenticed, presumably at age 14, to be a blacksmith.
He married Rachel Fuller 27 Oct 1698, in Dedham.373 She was born 3 Dec 1673, in Dedham,
Mass., the daughter of Jonathan Fuller and Mary ----. She died 5 Jul 1725, in Boston. Joseph
died 31 Mar 1728, in Milton, at age 53. They are both buried in the Milton Cemetery. 374
Children:
1. Mary Bent, b. 21 Jan 1700; d. 20 Jul 1768; bur. Canton Corner Cem.;375 m. John
Davenport
2. Joseph Bent, b. 26 Sep 1701; d. 7 Dec 1755, Albany, N.Y.; m. Martha Houghton
3. John Bent, b. 15 Oct 1703; m. Elizabeth Badcock; he was a blacksmith
4. Rachel Bent, b. 21 Aug 1705; d. 6 Jun 1754, Canton Corner Cem.;376 m. Nathaniel Vose
5. Elizabeth Bent, b. 13 Jan 1708; m. David Copeland
6. Sarah Bent, b. 13 Apr 1710; d. 5 Apr 1802; m. Elijah Vose
7. Ebenezer Bent, b. 23 Apr 1712; d. 15 Feb 1786; m. Deborah Fairbanks
8. Experience Bent, b. 1714; d. 1714
9. Thankful Bent, b. 5 Jul 1716; d. Feb 1793; m. Stephen Davenport
373
Dedham VR. The marriage was also recorded in Milton, but I believe it occurred in Dedham.
findagrave.com: Joseph Bent and findagrave.com: Rachel Bent
375
findagrave.com: Mary Davenport
376
findagrave.com: Rachel Vose
374
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Jonathan Fairbanks (78) and Deborah Guild (79)
Jonathan Fairbanks was born in about 1677, in Dedham, Mass., South Parish (now Norwood.)
He was the son of Jonathan Fairbanks and Deborah Shepard. He was the grandson of the
immigrant, Jonathan Fairbanks, whose house is the oldest standing house in New England.
Jonathan married, first, Mary Hartshorn, 3 Feb 1702, in Dedham.377 She died August 1704 or
1705.378 He married, second, Deborah Guild. She was born 16 Jul 1685, and was the daughter
of Capt. Samuel Guild and Mary Woodcock.379 Deborah died 3 Aug 1773, in Dedham.380
Child, by his first wife, born in Dedham:
1. Jonathan Fairbanks, b. 2 Mar 1703/4; d. 26 Oct 1743, Middletown, Conn.; m. Margaret
Gray
Children, by his second marriage, born in Dedham:381
2. Benoni Fairbanks, b. 2 Mar 1708; m. Johannah Lyon, Sept 28, 1733
3. Edward Fairbanks, b. 23 Feb 1711/2; d. bef. 1749; m. Elizabeth -----; res. Sharon, Conn.
4. Deborah Fairbanks, b. 12 May 1714; d. 17 Aug 1798; m. Ebenezer Bent
5. John Fairbanks, b. 7 Mar 1716; m. Elizabeth ----6. Oliver Fairbanks, b. 16 Feb 1718; d. 13 Nov 1802; m. Anna Wight
7. Mary Fairbanks, b. 15 Jun 1720
8. Sarah Fairbanks, b. 19 Jul 1722
9. Abigail Fairbanks, b. 4 Dec 1724; m. Joshua Draper
10. David Fairbanks (twin), b. 27 Jan 1725; probably d. young
11. Samuel Fairbanks (twin), b. 27 Jan 1725; d. young
12. Samuel Fairbanks, b. 16 Oct 1728; d. 28 Mar 1812; m. Hannah Smith
377
Record of Births, Marriages and Deaths, and Intentions of Marriage in the Town of Dedham (henceforth
Dedham VR), p. 33
378
Lorenzo Fairbanks, Genealogy of the Fairbanks Family in America (1897), pp. 55-56. See Dedham VR, p. 28
379
Lorenzo Fairbanks, Genealogy of the Fairbanks Family in America.
380
Dedham VR p. 112.
381
Besides the Fairbanks genealogy, see Dedham VR.
69
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Gilson (80) and Elizabeth Lawrence (81)
Joseph Gilson was born 8 Mar 1666/7, probably in Groton, Mass., the son of Joseph Gilson and
Mary Cooper. His father was one of the original proprietors of the town of Groton.382 He
married Elizabeth Lawrence. She was born 9 Jan 1669, also probably in Groton, the daughter
of Peleg Lawrence and Elizabeth Morse. Proof can be found in the probate papers of Peleg
Lawrence, who died in 1692. In one of the papers, “Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Gilson” is
mentioned.
The Gilson genealogy stated that Joseph Gilson married twice, his first wife being named
Hepsibah. However, based on an examination of the Groton vital records, only Jeremiah’s
mother is listed as “Hibzibuth,” which may be a transcription error for Elizabeth. Significantly,
the first child, Anna, is listed as having mother “Elizabeth.”
He lived on a part of his father’s estate in Groton, Mass. His will was dated 20 Aug 1735, with a
codicil added 18 Oct 1739. It was proved 11 Dec 1739.383
His bequests were:
“To Elizabeth my wife the sum of Sixty pound out of my estate” also “the Use and
improvement of all my Estate, real and personal” … “as long as she shall remain my widow.”
“To my daughter Elizabeth More… in addition to and besides what I have formerly given
her, the sum of Fifty pounds…”
“To my son Jonas Gilson…the sum of Thirty Pounds with what he now owes me by Bond
…as an addition to what I have formerly given him.”
“To my daughter Mary Farwell…the sum of Twenty Pounds besides what I have formerly
given her…”
“To my daughter Unice the wife of Ebenezer Sprague the sum of Ten pounds together
with all that is due to me from the land of Ebenezer Sprague by Bond…”
“to my grandchildren the children of my daughter Anna Chamberlain Deceased the sum
of thirty pounds to be equally divided between them…”
“To my son Isaac Gilson…all my housing, lands common rights and real estate…after my
said Wive’s decease..”
“I do give and dispose of all the rest of my Estate that shall remain after my said Wive’s
decease the [?] whereof is not disposed of before …to my sons Joseph Gilson, Eleazer Gilson,
Jonas Gilson, daughters Elizabeth, Mary & Unice fore named & Children of my daughter Anna
Deceased…to be equally divided between them…”384
His widow Elizabeth was made executor.
382
Samuel Green, Epitaphs from the Old Burying Ground in Groton, Mass. (1878), p. 241.
David Jillson, Gillson and Jillson Family (1876), p. 244.
384
Middlesex Probate #9168, available to subscribers at AmericanAncestors.org (NEHGS).
383
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Children, born in Groton:
1. Anna Gilson, b. 22 Oct 1690;385 m. Samuel Chamberlain; she died before August 1735,
when her father’s will was written
2. Joseph Gilson; m. Sarah -----; he was in Lovell’s fight in 1725 and the only one of the
seven men to escape unhurt
3. Eleazer Gilson; m. Hannah Farwell; he left a will dated 13 Feb 1754
4. Jeremiah Gilson, b. 10 Jan 1696;386 not mentioned in his father’s will
5. Sarah Gilson, said to have been b. 25 Dec 1698 (but not found in VR); not mentioned in
her father’s will.
6. Elizabeth Gilson, m. Abraham Moors
7. Mary Gilson, b. 8 Feb 1703;387 m. Joseph Farwell
8. Isaac Gilson, bapt. 5 Sep 1708;388 m. Dorothy Kemp
9. Jonas Gilson, m. Hannah Goodrich; d. Oct 1739, Lunenburg, Mass.
10. Eunice Gilson, bapt. 12 Jan 1706;389 m. Ebenezer Sprague
385
Groton VR, p. 94: daughter of “Joseph and Elizabeth.”
Groton VR, p. 95, son of “Joseph and Hibzibuth.”
387
Groton VR, p. 93, daughter of “Joseph and Elizebath.”
388
Groton VR, p. 95.
389
Groton VR, p. 94.
386
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Zerubbabel Kemp (82) and Mary Lacey (83)
Zerubabbel Kemp was born 23 May 1677, in Andover, Mass.,390 the son of Samuel Kemp and
Sarah Foster. The name Zerubbabel, the meaning of which implies an exile, may have been
given to indicate that he was born when the family were forced to leave Groton and seek
refuge in Andover.391
Zerubbabel married his cousin, Mary Lacey, 27 Jan 1703/4, in Andover. In the marriage record,
he is called Zorobabel Kemp “of Groton.”392
Mary was born 25 May 1674, in Andover,393 the daughter of Lawrence Lacy and Mary Foster.
Mary, her mother Mary (Foster) Lacy, and her grandmother Ann Foster were all accused of
witchcraft during the famous Salem witchcraft delusion in 1692. Mary (called “Jr.” to
distinguish her from her mother) was interrogated but was never tried. The three women were
arrested when Mrs. Elizabeth Phelps Ballard, of Andover, suffered from a mysterious illness and
died. Witchcraft was thought to be the cause. All three confessed, it being the only way to
save themselves from execution. Mary stated that she had been a witch for “not more than a
week” and that the devil appeared to her in the shape of a horse. She also stated that she
sometimes rode on a stick “above the trees.”394 While in prison, Mary testified against other
accused women. Mary was eventually pardoned.395 Her grandmother, Ann Foster, however,
died in prison.
Zerubbabel is on a list of persons considering leaving Groton, in 1707.396
Children, born in Groton:
1. Ebenezer Kemp, b. 28 Feb 1704397
2. Zerubbabel Kemp, b. 12 Oct 1705;398 d. before 9 Jul 1762; m. (1st) Abigail Lawrence;
m. (2nd) Hannah Colburn; he settled in Hollis, N.H.
3. John Kemp, b. 18 Jan 1707/8;399 d. 9 Aug 1755, Pepperell; m. Sarah Holden
390
Andover births, p. 236: ‘Zerubbabel [Kemp], s. of Samuel and Sarah.”
The Biblical Zerubabel was born while in exile in Babylon.
392
Andover Marriages, p. 205. http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Essex/Andover/Images/Andover_M205.shtml
393
Andover Births, p. 243. http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Essex/Andover/Images/Andover_B243.shtml
394
For details of her interrogation, see: http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/texts/tei/BoySalCombined?div_id=n87
395
See http://ryanwadleigh.blogspot.com/2011/07/witchcraft-runs-in-family.html
396
Samuel Green, Groton During the Indian Wars (1883), p. 104.
397
Groton Births, p. 124: http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Groton/Images/Groton_B124.shtml
398
Groton Births, p. 127: http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Groton/Images/Groton_B127.shtml
399
Groton Births, p. 125: http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Groton/Images/Groton_B125.shtml
391
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4. Dorothy Kemp, bapt. 11 Feb 1711; m. Isaac Gilson
5. Mary Kemp, b. 8 Apr 1713;400 m. Phineas Parker
6. Hezekiah Kemp, bapt. 14 Aug 1715;401 d. 1790; m. (1st) Dorothy Adams; m. (2nd) Rebecca
-----
400
401
Groton Births, p. 122: http://ma-vitalrecords.org/MA/Middlesex/Groton/Images/Groton_B122.shtml
Groton Births, p. 125.
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Nathaniel Lawrence (84) and Anna Scripture (85)
Nathaniel Lawrence was born 21 Feb 1677/78, in Watertown, Mass., the son of Enoch
Lawrence and Ruth Whitney. He married Anna Scripture in about 1701. Anna is said to have
been “of Mason, N.H.”402 She was born 9 Jan 1685, the daughter of Samuel Scripture and
Elizabeth Knapp.
He is called a “sergeant” in the Groton records, and was chosen constable in 1711, and was also
a surveyor of highways and tithingman.403
Anna died 31 Sep 1758, aged 70. Nathaniel died in Groton, 12 Sep 1765. They are both buried
in the Old Cemetery, Groton, Mass. Nathaniel’s inscription says:
Here lyeth
the Body of Mr
Nathaniel Lawrence,
who departed this
Life Sept 12th A.D. 1765
Aged 87 Years, 6 months
and 21 Days.404
And Anna’s reads:
Here lyeth the Body
of Mrs Anna Lawrance
the wife of Mr
Nathaniel Lawrance
who departed this
Life Sept 3rd A.D. 1758
Aged 73 Years 8 months
and 21 Days405
Children:
1. Nathaniel Lawrence, b. 3 May 1702; d. 1775; m. Dorothy Chamberlain
2. Capt. James Lawrence, b. 26 Aug 1705; d. 23 Jan 1800, Pepperell, Mass.; bur. Walton
Cem.;406 m. Mary Martin
402
John Lawrence, In memorium: The family of John Lawrence. The family of Phillip Goss (1881), p. 17.
Robert Lawrence, Historical Sketches of Some Members of the Lawrence Family (1888), p. 39.
404
findagrave.com: Nathaniel Lawrence
405
findagrave.com: Anna Lawrence
406
findagrave.com: James Lawrence
403
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3. Anna Lawrence, b. 3 Jul 1708; d 2 Feb 1795; bur. Walton Cem.;407 m. Samuel Wright
4. Enoch Lawrence, b. 15 Nov 1719; d. 28 Sep 1778, Mason, N.H.; bur. Pleasant View
Cem.;408 m. Sarah Stevens
5. Sarah Lawrence, b. 15 Mar 1713
6. Martha Lawrence, b. 7 Dec 1715; m. William Blood
7. Joseph Lawrence, b. 10 Apr 1718; m. Elizabeth ----8. Benjamin Lawrence b. 6 Nov 1720; d. 5 Jul 1807; bur. Old Burying Ground, Groton,
Mass.;409 m. Rebekah Dodge
9. Rebecca Lawrence b. 17 Apr 1724
10. Lois Lawrence, b. 26 Sep 17??; m. Bazaleel Sawyer
11. Eunice Lawrence; b. 25 Jul 1728; d. 14 Nov 1747; bur. Old Burying Ground, Groton,
Mass.410
407
findagrave.com: Anna Wright
findagrave.com: Enoch Lawrence
409
findagrave.com: Benjamin Lawrence
410
findagrave.com: Eunice Lawrence
408
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Thomas Chamberlain (86) and Abigail Nutting (87)
Thomas Chamberlain was born 30 May 1667, the son of Thomas Chamberlain and Sarah
Proctor. He was a carpenter and miller, settling first in Chelmsford, but later moving to Groton,
Mass. He married, first, Elizabeth Hall, who died 13 Jun 1699, in Groton.411 He married,
second, in Concord, on 16 Aug 1699, Abigail Nutting, of Groton. She was born in about 1680,
and was the daughter of John Nutting and Mary Lakin.
Thomas died in about 1709. His widow sold her portion of the estate and the remainder was
divided in 1712 among 11 surviving children.412
Children, by his first wife Elizabeth:
1. John Chamberlain, b. 22 Mar 1692; m. Abigail Woods; he was in Lovell’s fight
2. Joseph Chamberlain, b. 11 Oct 1693
3. Moses Chamberlain (twin), b. 3 Jul 1695
4. Aaron Chamberlain (twin), b. 3 Jul 1695
5. Gershom Chamberlain, b. 18 Oct 1697; d. 29 Mar 1699413
6. Elizabeth Chamberlain, d. 13 Jun 1699
7. Sarah Chamberlain, b. 23 May 1699; d. October 14 1699
Children, by his second wife Abigail:
8. Elizabeth Chamberlain, b. 26 May 1700; m. Jonathan Shattuck
9. Abigail Chamberlain, b. 21 Jun 1701; m. Thomas Woods, 30 Apr 1723; she was probably
the Abigail Woods, wife of Thomas, who d. 18 Jun 1734 in Charlestown, Mass., “in
childbed.”
10. Thomas Chamberlain, b. 3 Feb 1703
11. Mary Chamberlain, m. John Scott
411
Groton Deaths, p. 209: she is called “Elisabath” wife of Thomas Chamberlin.
Lemuel Shattuck, Memorials of the Descendants of William Shattuck (1855), p. 372, for most of this
information. Elizabeth’s surname (Hall) from Americana, Vol. 27 (1933), p. 257.
413
Groton Deaths, p. 209.
412
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12. Jane Chamberlain, b. 2 Feb 1705/6
13. Dorothy Chamberlain, b. abt. 1707; d. April 1790; m. Nathaniel Lawrence
14. Sarah Chamberlain, b. 4 Aug 1709; m. James Shattuck
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Jonas Eaton (88) and Mehitable Gould (89)
Jonas Eaton was born 18 May 1680, in Reading, Mass.414 He was the son of John Eaton and
Dorcas Pearson.415 He married Mehitable Gould, in 1705. She was probably born in Reading,
and was the daughter of John Gould and Abigail Belcher. Jonas was a carpenter and bricklayer,
and lived in Framingham, Mass. He was a selectman in 1717. He died intestate 13 Aug 1727, at
age 47.416
Administration of his estate was granted to his widow Mehitable. She had died before 13 Jun
1758 when the estate was finally settled. At that time, Joshua had also died and left heirs; all
other children are mentioned except Ebenezer who probably had died without leaving heirs. 417
His widow married Nathan Brigham of Marlborough and lived in Althol.
Children:
1. Mehitable Eaton, b. 12 Feb 1706/7; d. 26 Mar 1777; m. John Trowbridge
2. Noah Eaton, b. 22 Jul 1708; d. 8 Oct 1791;418 m. Hannah Vinton
3. John Eaton, b. 3 Sep 1710; d. Plainfield, Conn.
4. Phebe Eaton, b. 28 Sep 1712
5. Jonas Eaton, d. 22 Oct 1714; m. Mary Emerson
6. Joseph Eaton, b. 12 Mar 1716/7; d. Plainfield, Conn.
7. Mary Eaton, b. 12 Mar 1718/9
8. Joshua Eaton, b. 1 Jul 1721; d. 13 Jul 1755
9. Benjamin Eaton, b. 9 Oct 1723; d. 1775; m. Beulah Stone
10. Ebenezer Eaton, b. 6 May 1727
414
Reading Births, p. 77. He is called the son of John and Dorcas, but a duplicate record calls him the son of Jonas.
Earlier sources incorrectly called her Dorcas Green.
416
William Barry, History of Framingham, Mass. (1847), p. 282; also J. H. Temple’s History of Framingham, p. 536
417
Middlesex Probate #6755.
418
See Vinton Memorial.
415
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Peter Emerson (90) and Anna Brown (91)
Peter Emerson was born about 1673, probably in Mendon, Mass., the son of Rev. Joseph
Emerson and Elizabeth Bulkeley. He came to Reading, Mass., when his mother married John
Brown.
He married his step-sister, Anna Brown, 11 Nov 1696, in Reading.419 She was born in about
1678, and was the daughter of John Brown and Ann Fiske. She died 24 Apr 1740, in Reading.420
Peter died 19 Jan 1750/1 in Reading, Mass. He made a will, dated 10 Feb 1748, and proved 24
Feb 1752, in which he mentions his son Brown (executor), daughters Anna Brown, Sarah Brown,
Jane Brown, Elizabeth Smith, Mary Eaton and Katherine Conant.421
Children, born in Reading, Mass.:
1. Anna Emerson, b. 6 Jul 1697; d. 11 Aug 1697, Reading
2. Elizabeth Emerson, b. 20 Feb 1698/9; d. Hollis, N.H.; m. Elias Smith
3. Anna Emerson, b. 8 Mar 1700/1; d. 15 Feb 1788, Hollis, N.H.; unm.
4. Brown Emerson, b. 16 Feb 1703/4; d. 16 Mar 1774, Reading
5. Lucy Emerson, b. 20 Mar 1706; d. 17 Feb 1734/5
6. Sarah Emerson, b. 8 Nov, 1708; d. after 1752; unm.
7. Jane Emerson, b. 13 Mar 1710/1; d. Hollis, N.H
8. Mary Emerson, b. 19 Dec 1713; m. Jonas Eaton
9. Rev. Daniel Emerson, b. 20 May 1716; d. 30 Sep 1801, Hollis, N.H.; bur.
Congregational Church Cem., Hollis, N.H.;422 m. Hannah Emerson
10. Katherine Emerson, b. 2 Dec 1718; d. 2 Aug 1809, Hollis, N.H.; bur. Congregational
Church Cem.;423 m. (1st) Josiah Conant; m. (2nd) Moses Thurston
419
Reading VR.
Reading VR, also recorded in Wakefield from gravestone record: “Anna, w. of Peter, Apr. 24, 1740, in her 63d
year.”
421
Donald Lines Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy (1933).
422
findagrave.com: Daniel Emerson
423
findagrave.com: Katherine Thurston
420
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Robert Wyer (92) and Ruth Johnson (93)
Robert Wyer was born 10 Feb 1663/4, in Charlestown, Mass., the son of Edward Wyer and
Elizabeth Johnson.424 His name was sometimes spelled “Wier.” He married Elizabeth Fowle, 26
Jun 1688 in Charlestown.425 She was the daughter of John Fowle and Ann Carter. She died 29
Jan 1689, in Charlestown, and is buried in the Phipps St. Burying Ground. He married, second,
his cousin Ruth Johnson, in about 1692. She was born 14 Feb 1669/70, in Haverhill, Mass., the
daughter of John Johnson and Elizabeth Maverick.426
Robert was a tailor and inn-holder. He died 14 Nov 1709, in Charlestown. He is buried in the
Phipps St. Burying Ground in Charlestown. His widow Ruth was named administrator of his
estate. The probate records mention Ruth Wyer, Robert, Nathaniel, Timothy, John, William and
Eleazer Wyer, John Stimpson and his wife Ruth.427
Ruth died 26 Dec 1742, in her 74th year. She is also buried in the Phipps St. Burying Ground.
On 28 Sep 1743, the probate court distributed Ruth’s “widow’s thirds” to the heirs of Robert
Wyer, namely: Robert Wyer, Timothy Wyer, John Wyer, William Wyer Jr., and John Stimpson.
Also mentioned where Thomas Symmes, guardian to the children of Eleazer Wyer and three of
the children of Nathaniel Wyer, and Jonathan Call, guardian to three other children of Nathaniel
Wyer, and John Phillips, guardian of Nathaniel Wyer son of Nathaniel Wyer. 428
Children, by his second wife Ruth:
1. Ruth Wyer, b. 7 Apr 1693; d. the same day
2. Edward Wyer, b. 22 Jun 1694; d. before 1722; m. Abigail Jenner
3. Robert Wyer, b. 28 Feb 1695/6; d. (1761?); m. Katherine Swain; moved to Nantucket;
there is a Robert Wyer house there; descendants were involved in the whaling business.
4. Ruth Wyer, b. 8 Jan 1697/8; d. Jan 1697/8
5. Ruth Wyer, b. 10 Jan 1698/9; m. John Stimpson
6. Nathaniel Wyer, b. 14 Dec 1700; died before 1742; m. Elizabeth Boylston
424
Charlestown VR, p. 46, “Robert, son of Edward & Elizabeth Wyer, b. in Charlestowne, Feb. 10, 1663.” See also
“William Johnson and Descendants,” NEHGR 33:334, which gives his birth date as 10 Feb 1662/3.
425
Charlestown VR, p. 28: “Robert Wier & Elizabeth, dau. of John Fowle, both of Charlestowne, m. by Mr. Charles
Morton, Min. of the same town, June 26, 1688 .”
426
Wyman’s Charlestown Genealogies: John Johnson deeded land to daughter Ruth and husband Robert Wyer.
427
Middlesex Probate #25796.
428
Ibid.
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7. Timothy Wyer, b. 27 Dec 1702; moved to Nantucket; mariner and leather-dresser
8. John Wyer, b. 25 Apr 170--; d. 7 Aug 1787, Billerica; bur. Old Corner Burying
Ground;429 m. Sarah Breed; he was a saddler.
9. William Wyer, b. 2 Jul 170(6?); d. 20 May 1786, in 80th year; m. Anne Newell; he was
a sailmaker
10. Eleazer Wyer, b. 6 Sep 1709; m. Abigail Shepherd, 16 Sep 1732; he probably died
before 1743, when guardianship of his children was granted to Thomas Symmes;
however his estate was not probated until 22 Feb 1747; by that time Abigail had
married John Logan.
429
Findagrave.com
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Richard Boylston (94) and Mary Smith (95)
Richard Boylston was born in about 1670, the son of Thomas Boylston and Mary Gardner. He
was baptized 29 Feb 1670/1 in Roxbury.430 He was a cordwainer (shoemaker), and lived in
Charlestown, Mass. He married Mary Smith. She was born 16 Feb 1677/8, the daughter of
James Smith and Mary Foster.431 Richard and his wife were admitted to full communion, at the
First Church in Charlestown, 7 Jan 1721/22.432
Richard died intestate 25 Apr 1752, at age 82. He is buried in the Phipps Street Burying Ground,
Charlestown, Mass.433 Probate records mention his widow Mary, and children Richard
Boylston, Elizabeth Wyer, Anna Brown, Lydia Boylston, Sarah Call, Abigail Moore, and Martha
Binney (only child of Ann Hall).434
Mary died in Charlestown, 16 Apr 1764, at age 86, and is also buried in the Phipps Street
Burying Ground.435
Children, by his second wife Ruth:
1. Mary Boylston, b. 23 Feb 1698/9; m. John Earle
2. Ann Boylston, b. 12 Jan 1701; d. 4 Jul 1734; m. Stephen Hall
3. Elizabeth Boylston, bapt. 3 Oct 1702; m. Capt. Nathaniel Wyer
4. Sarah Boylston, b. 11 Jun 1706; d. 1796; m. Jonathan Call
5. Dudley Boylston, b. 22 Jul 1708; d. young
6. Anna Boylston, bapt. 1710; m. Benjamin Brown
7. Lydia Boylston, b. 17 May 1713; d. 9 Oct 1713; unmarried; bur. Phipps St. Burying
Ground, Charlestown, Mass.436
8. Abigail Boylston, bapt. 25 Jun 1715; m. Dr. Francis Moore
9. Lydia Boylston, bapt. 31 Jan 1719; d. 31 Mar 1719
430
Wyman, Thomas B., The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown (1879). Vol. 1, p. 105.
John A. Vinton, The Vinton Memorial (1858), p. 309.
432
J. F. Hunnewell (ed.), Records of the First Church in Charlestown, p. 28.
433
findagrave.com: Richard Boylston
434
Middlesex Probate #2394.
435
findagrave.com: Mary Bolyston
436
findagrave.com: Lydia Boylston
431
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10. Richard Boylston, b. 7 Jul 1722; m. (1st) Mary Abraham; m. (2nd) Parnell Foster; he was a
brazier
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(Possibly) David Aldrich (112) and Hannah Capron (113)
David Aldrich was born 23 May 1685, in Mendon, Mass., the son of Jacob Aldrich and Hannah
Thayer. He settled in that part of Mendon which was known as Blackstone. He married
Hannah Capron in about 1710. She was born 2 Jul 1689 in Swansea, Mass., the daughter of
Banfield Capron and Elizabeth Callendar.437 David was a blacksmith.438
Hannah died 20 Feb 1732, in Bellingham, Mass, 15 days after giving birth to her tenth child.
David married, second, Mehitable Mann, daughter of Thomas Mann and Mary Wheaton. David
died 15 Mar 1771, in South Bellingham, Mass. He and Hannah are buried in the Scott
Cemetery, at South Bellingham. They share the same gravestone.439
David left a will dated 18 Mar 1758, summarized as follows:
“David Aldrich of Mendon” .. “Blacksmith, being grone old and weak in Body but of Perfect
Mind…”
“I give and bequeath to Mehitable, my Dearly Beloved wife, Twenty Spanish mil Silver Dollars
to be raise and Levied out of my said Estate, together with one third part of my household
Good debts and moveable effects as the Law directs” “to David Aldrich, my eldest son…one
cow, one silver spoon, one Spanish milld Dollar, Silver” “to Edward Aldrich, my second son, one
Dollar as aforesd” “To Benjamin Aldrich, son of my Eldest daughter Elizabeth, deceased, wife of
Abel Aldrich, one dollar” “To The Children of my 3rd Son Peter Aldrich Deceased, one Shilling
Lawful money apiece…to be paid to them as they come of age.” “To my fourth Son Jonathan
Aldrich one Stake, anvil one vice for a Black Smith and one Spanish mild Dollar as aforesd – the
anvil and vice is in his hands already” “To my second daughter Margrette Smith, wife of George
Smith, one of my best feather Beds and all the beding and furniture thereunto belonging she
paying to my executor Thirty Six Shillings Lawful money” “To my two youngest sons Abner and
Levi Aldrich, to them their heirs and assigns forever….the remainder part of all my estate, either
Real or Personal….“I do make …my fifth son Abner to be my Sole Executor…”
In a Codicil he explains that “by a joynt agreement with my wife Mehitable” he has already
given her 14 silver dollars, so that only six more are due to her.440
Mehitable died 30 Mar 1774, in Bellingham, and is also buried in the Scott Cemetery.
Children:
1. David Aldrich, b. 26 Jul 1711; m. Sarah Benson
437
Alvin Aldrich, The George Aldrich Genealogy, (1971) vol. 1, p. 46.
According to his will.
439
findagrave.com: David Aldrich and findagrave.com: Hannah Aldrich.
440
Worcester Probate #762.
438
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2. Edward Aldrich, b. 7 Sep 1713; d. 1802; m. (1st) Dinah Aldrich; m. (2nd) Ann Chamberlain
3. Elizabeth Aldrich, b. 20 Dec 1715; d. before 1758; m. Abel Aldrich
4. Jonathan Aldrich, b. 21 Apr 1717; d. 28 Aug 1718
5. Peter Aldrich, b. 19 Mar 1719; d. before 1758; m. 20 Dec 1738, Miriam Ray
6. Capt. Jonathan Aldrich, b. 3 Aug 1721; d. 11 Jun 1800, Cumberland, R.I; m. Patience
Gaskill
7. Margaret Aldrich, b. 24 Apr 1723; m. George Smith
8. Abner Aldrich, b. 17 Nov 1727; d. 31 Oct 1815; bur. Aldrich Cem., Richmond, N.H.; m.
Elizabeth Cook; served in Rev. War
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(Possibly) Seth Aldrich (114) and Mary ----- (115)
Seth Aldrich was born 6 Jul 1679 in Braintree, Mass., the son of Jacob Aldrich and Huldah
Thayer. He married, first, Deborah Hayward, 3 Sep 1700. She was born 9 Nov 1682, in
Mendon, Mass., the daughter of Samuel Thayer and Mehitable Thompson. They settled in the
part of Mendon which was set off as Uxbridge in 1727. He was a Quaker. His first wife must
have died about 1715, and he married, second, Mary -----. He died 15 Oct 1737 in Uxbridge.
His wife survived him.441
His will dated 26 Sep 1737, is summarized as follows: “Seth Aldrich Senr of Uxbridge…A Farmer,
being Sick & Weak but of sound mind….” “To Mary my Beloved wife I give one third part of my
moveable Estate, and the one-half of the income of my homestead until my son Samuel Aldrich
Shall arriveto ye age of one & twenty years, and afterward ye one third of ye income during life
if she remains a widow, but if she shall see (?) for to marry, after marriage, but ye one quarter
of ye Income.” “to my Beloved Son William Aldrich I give the sum of One Hundred pounds in
money…” “to my Beloved Son Jonathan Aldrich and to his heirs…I give all that land that I
purchased of Edward Bosworth & all ye land that I have adjoining to ye land Likewise ten acres
of Common and undivided Land for to Lay out, and my young mare colt” “To my Beloved son
Samuel Aldrich I give all my Homestead on which I dwell, and all the Land laid out by me for a
wood lott adjoyning to ye Lands of William Robinson…and that yet one Half of ye Income of Sd
HomeStead ,so much of it is as necessary my will is that it shall be improved in instructing him
in reading & Writing & Cyphering & when he is well Learnt in (?) ye rest to Remain his, he
paying his sister Elizabeth Aldrich ye sum of fifty pound Likewise all my ceder swampe I give
unto my son Samuel Aldrich” “Unto my four daughters, Sarah Richardson and Susanna Willy &
Dinah Aldrich & Abigail Aldrich to them I give all my Land which lyeth adjoyning to ye Lands of
Woodland Tompson & Joseph Tompson Known by ye name of ye Great (Chesnut?) , Each of
them for to have their equal proportion” “To my Beloved daughter Deborah Aldrich I give a
certain piece of land lying by a hill called Rattlesnake hill, and all ye overplus money which is left
my Executor can raise by ye ale of my farm known by ye name of Baiting Pond farm after they
have paid to my son William Aldrich that hundred pounds …and likewise I give her all my
undivided land to (lay out?) not heretofore Disposed of “ “I give two thirds of my moveable
Estate I not heretofore Disposed of to all & each of my children both sons & daughters to be
equally divided…excepting my son William” “I constitute & ordain my Beloved son Abel Aldrich
& my Beloved Friend Moses Farnum to be ye Sole Executors …”
It is not clear why sons Seth and Jacob were left out of the will, but they contested it and it was
agreed to divide the estate equitably.442
Children, by his first wife Deborah:
1. Seth Aldrich, b. 19 Sep 1701; m. Sarah Comstock; “probably no issue”
441
442
Aldrich Genealogy.
Worcester Probate #1008.
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2. Deborah Aldrich, b. 25 Apr 1703; died young
3. Abel Aldrich, b. 15 (16?) Jan 1704/5; possibly d. 1781; m. Elizabeth Aldrich (his cousin)
4. William Aldrich, b. 5 Nov 1706
5. Sarah Aldrich, b. 12 Feb 1707; m. Isaac Richardson
6. Jacob Aldrich, b. 22 Jul 1710; although not mentioned in father’s will, other probate
papers mention him
7. Samuel Aldrich, b. 4 Apr 1712; d. young
8. Noah Aldrich, b. 13 Aug 1713; d. 22 Nov 1713
9. Susannah Aldrich, b. 15 Jan 1715; m. John Willy
Children, by his second wife Mary:
10. Dinah Aldrich, b. 28 Apr 1717; m. Edward Aldrich
11. Jonathan Aldrich, b. 2 Jan 1718
12. Abigail Aldrich, b. 1720; m. Simeon Keith
13. Deborah Aldrich, b. 26 Feb 1722; m. Thomas Jeperson
14. Samuel Aldrich, b. 2 Apr 1726; 5 Jul 1814;443 m. Huldah Hill
15. Elizabeth Aldrich, b. about 1729; d. 13 Jun 1803, Richmond, N.H.; m. Noah Curtis
443
Recorded in Northbridge, Mass., as “Saml, h. of Huldah, July 5, 1814,” and in Uxbridge, Mass., as “Samuel, 5
th
day, 7 mo. 1814” record of Uxbridge Monthly (Quaker) Meeting.
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Ephraim Collins (116) and Esther Shortridge (117)
Ephraim Collins was born 30 Sep 1683, in Salisbury, Mass., the son of Benjamin Collins and
Martha Eaton.444 He married Esther Shortridge in about 1711/12.445 She was the daughter of
Richard Shortridge and Alice Creber.
Ephraim was said to have been a solider for Salisbury in 1703.446 He and his wife moved to
South Hampton, N.H. He died there 20 Oct 1759, at age 75.447 Esther died 26 Feb 1767, in
South Hampton.448
Children, born in Salisbury:
1. Richard Collins, b. 8 Feb 1713; d. 23 Jan 1793; m. Anne Fowler
2. Alice Collins, b. 17 Dec 1715; m. Nathan Jones
3. William Collins, b. 4 Dec 1716
4. Ephraim Collins, b. 19 Feb 1719/20; d. 6 Jan 1776; m. Abigail Dow
5. Benjamin Collins, b. 31 Aug 1722
6. Martha Collins, b. 31 Aug 1722
7. Mary Collins, b. 31 Mar 1725
444
Salisbury Births, p. 56. Martha’s maiden name is not given in the record. His birth, including his mother’s
maiden name, is included in Hoyt, Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury, p. 112.
445
NEHGR 123:147.
446
Salisbury and Amesbury, p. 112.
447
Ancestry.com New Hampshire Death and Disinterment Records, 1754-1947, database with images.
448
Ibid.
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John Dow (118) and Dinah Severance (119)
John Dow was born 16 Dec 1689, in Hampton, N.H., the son of Joseph Dow and Mary Challis.
He bought a farm in Salisbury, Mass., in 1731. He married, first, Dinah Severance (spelled
Severans, in the records), on 6 Jan 1713/4, in Salisbury. She was born 3 Sep 1692, in Salisbury,
and was the daughter of Ephraim Severance and Lydia Morrill. He married, second, Mary
Challis, about 1719/20. She was his second cousin. He married, third, Elizabeth (-----) Simonds,
who was the widow of John Simonds. John and his family were Quakers.449
Children, by his first wife, born in Salisbury:
1. Jemima Dow, b. 16 Apr 1714; d. 6 Oct 1725
2. Nathan Dow, b. 6 Aug 1716; m. Mary Flanders; moved to Maine
3. Abigail Dow, b. 17 Apr 1718; m. Ephraim Collins
Children by his second wife, born in Salisbury:
4. Challis Dow, b. 22 Dec 1721; m. Sarah Colman
5. Lydia Dow, b. 24 Apr 1724; m. Michael Brooks
6. Jemima Dow, b. 30 Mar 1727; d. 13 Jul 1740
7. Mercy Dow, b. 5 Apr 1730; d. 30 Jul 1730
8. Mary Dow, b. 5 Apr 1735; d. 3 Aug 1736, of throat distemper
9. Jonathan Dow, b. 25 Oct 1737; m. Hannah Shaw
10. Johanna Dow, b. 6 Aug 1740; m. Elliot Carr
449
Robert Dow, The Book of Dow (1929), p. 117.
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David Maynard (120) and Hannah Wait (121)
David Maynard was born 21 Dec 1669, in Marlborough. Mass.450 He was the son of John
Maynard Jr. and Mary Gates.451 “He lived westerly part of Marlboro now Westboro and
following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather he was much employed in town affairs
frequently chosen to office.”452
He married, first, Hannah Wait (or Waite) who was born in about 1680, the daughter of Joseph
Waite and Ruhamah Hagar.453 She died 16 Mar 1724/5, in Westborough, Mass.454 He married,
second, Jemima Brigham 6 Feb 1732/3 in Westborough.455
David died 2 Oct 1757, in Westborough.456 He left a will dated 14 Aug 1755 in which he
mentions sons Ebenezer, Nathan, David, Jesse, and Jotham, daughter Keziah (wife of Nathaniel
Oake), daughter Ruhamah, wife of the late Deacon Josiah Newton, daughter Martha (wife of
Daniel Mason), and unmarried daughters Hannah and Mercy.457 The will is transcribed here in
full:
In the name of God Amen, I, David Maynard of Westborough in the County of Worcester in his
Maj’s Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, Husbandman, being of sound mind &
in health of body - blessed be God for both! yet knowing of my Frailty & yt shortly I must depart
out of this World, Do make this my last will & testament in manner, following.
First, I recommend my Soul to my most merciful God and through the Lord Jesus Christ, my only
Savior, my body to the Earth, decently to be buried in Such manner as my Executors hereafter to
be named shall think fit, in hope of Resurrection to eternal life through the same Jesus Christ my
Lord at his glorious Appearing in the Last Day. And as touching the distribution of my worldly
goods and estate which God has been pleased to bless me with, I dispose of the same thus Viz,
in the first place I will that all such Debts as I owe be truly and justly paid, and then I give and
bequeath To my Eldest son David all the westerly part of my Land in Westborough aforesd,
namely where his home & barn now stands, beginning at the Easterly End of his field, and
running where the Fence now is between him and the Lands improve ; southerly to the High
Way; & from there down to the River; running also along by the River to the Swamp, called
Hobamockaw Swamp, including all that which he has been wont to improve ; and the lower end
of said swamp which I have improved myself & is separated by the Fence. I have otherwise
disposed of, as will further appear. This sd. estate with all Appurtenances & Privileges and
450
Marlborough VR, Vol. 1, p. 125.
For more information see Michael Roman's Genealogy Page - John Maynard Jr.
452
Ezra Stearns, History of Ashburnham, Mass. (1887), p. 911.
453
Many books, including Bond’s Watertown, do not list Hannah as a child of Joseph & Ruhamah Wait. However, it
is certain that she was: not only did David and Hannah have a daughter named Ruhamah, but daughter Hannah
“Mainord” is mentioned in Joseph Waite’s will.
454
Westborough VR, Vol. 1, p. 246, recorded as “Hannah Mainard, w. of David.”
455
Westborough Marriages, p. 181. There Is no death record for Jemima. She is not mentioned in David’s will.
456
Westborough VR, Vol. 1, p. 246.
457
Worcester Probate #39457, available online to NEHGS members.
451
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provide I give and bequeath to him & his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son Jesse all my new granted Land lying in the north part of this Town
aforesaid, being that where he now dwells; with all its Appurtenances & Privileges. I give him
also my five acre right in pine meadow. Likewise I give him my Right in Cold Harbour Meadow.
Each of these to him & to his heirs forever.
Item. I give to my son Jotham the sum of Twelve pounds Lawfull Money, or to his heirs; as shall
hereafter be specified.
I give unto to my son Ebenezer the East End of my Dwelling House, that is when my daughters
Hannah & Mercy shall either be deceased or marryd;, this with all the Privileges and
Appurtenances to him & his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son Nathan the West End of my Dwelling House and my Barn with their
appurtenances and privileges to him and his heirs forever.
Furthermore I give to my three sons, David, Ebenezer & Nathan & to their heirs my Right in
Cedar Swamp. I bequeath also to these three sons and their heirs all my Husbandry tools,
implements and Utensils, of what sort forever.
Moreover, I give to my four sons Jesse, Jotham, Ebenezer and Nathan my right in the New
Township commonly called Housatunnock No. 4 to be in common between them. This I give
them and their Heirs forever
And I give unto my two sons Ebenezer & Nathan & to their heirs all my Lands where I now dwell
and improve, to be equally divided between them together with all appurtenances & privileges
thereof: Except the House and Barn & what shall hereafter be specified. I give also unto them
and to their heirs that part of my swamp called Hobamockaw which I have always my self
improved, and which has been already in this instrument excepted from what I have given to my
son David & is separated by the Fence. I further give to them and their heirs all my stock of
cattle and Creatures which shall remain at my Decease, and after the fulfillment of such
bequests and payment of legacies as are or shall be in this my will mentioned. And all this which
I here give to my two sons Ebenezer and Nathan and their heirs as aforesaid is upon this
Condition that they and their errors pay to their brother & sisters the Several sums of money
which I shall appoint and direct for them to pay within the time to be mentioned Namely
To my son Jotham or his heirs the above said sum of twelve pounds lawfull money shall be paid
by my son Ebenezer or his heirs, within two years after my decease.
And to my daughter Kezia the wife of Nathaniel Oake the sum of twelve pounds lawfull money,
shall be paid by my son Nathan or his heirs to her or her heirs within the same term of two years
after my decease.
I give to my daughter Ruhamah, Widow of the late Deacon Josiah Newton or her heirs the sum
of five pounds of lawfull money to be paid to her by my son Ebenezer or his heirs with three
years after my decease.
I give unto my daughter Martha wife of Danl Mason a sum of ten pounds lawfull money to be
paid to her or her heirs by my son Nathan or his heirs within the same term mentioned of three
years.
Item. I give to my daughter Hannah the sum of ten pounds of like money to be paid her or her
heirs by my son Ebenezer or his heirs within the term of four years after my death.
Item. I give to my daughter Mercy the like sum of ten pounds law full money to be paid her or
her heirs by my son Nathan or his heirs within a term of four years as last mentioned
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And I give unto these my two daughters Hannah and Mercy the east end of my dwelling House
from Garett to Cellar with privilege of yard room and the well and sufficient wood of my Lot ,
they shall also have one Cow apiece, delivered to each of them out of my stock at my Decease
by my sons Ebenezer & Nathan who shall also be charged with the suitable keeping of said
Cows for their sisters las named, both Summer & Winter, these whilst they continuing Single,
but if my said daughters shall marry or when they shall decease then the said East End of the
house shall be my son Ebenezer’s & his heirs forever.
My wearing apparel I will to be divided equally among all my sons.
My household goods, Utensils & c I will to be equally divided among my daughters Keziah &
Ruhamah being excepted from the bedding and my three daughters Kezia, Ruhamah & Martha
are excepted from all such household stuff &c as have been provided since Martha's marriage.
Finally I do hereby constitute &appoint my two sons David and Ebenezer to be the Executors of
this my last will and testament. In witness of all which I have hereunto set my hand & seal this
Fourteenth day of August AD 1755 and in the 29th year of the reign of King George the Second,
hereby ratifying and confirming all of the above articles and disannullling all other wills or
Testaments whatsoever, signed sealed and delivered in presence of
Ebenezer Nurse
Thomas Parkman
E. Parkman."
(David signed by a mark).
Children, by his first wife, born in Marlborough:
1. Keziah Maynard, b. 10 Jul 1703; m. Nathaniel Oak Jr.
2. David Maynard, b. 20 Jan 1704/5; m. Anne Oak
3. Ruhamah Maynard, b. 20 Dec 1706, m. Josiah Newton
4. Jonathan Maynard, b. 26 Dec 1708, d. Westborough 26 Apr 1747
5. Martha Maynard, b. 7 Aug 1710, m. (1st) Hezekiah Tomlin; m. (2nd) Daniel Mason (int. 9
Nov 1752)
6. Jesse Maynard, b. 24 Jun 1712, m. Phebe Fisk
7. Jotham Maynard, b. 29 May 1714, m. Abiel Allen
8. Ebenezer Maynard, b. 18 May 1716, d. 8 Oct 1803, Westborough, m(1st) Amy Dodge,
m(2nd) Sarah Knight, m(3rd) Sarah Brigham
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9. Hannah Maynard, perhaps b. 24 Feb 1718; bapt. 6 Jul 1718, Marlborough; d. 23 Aug
1803; bur. Howard St. Cem., Northborough, Mass.; m. Jacob Rice, 27 Oct 1767458
10. Nathan Maynard, b. 2 Jan 1722, Westborough; d. 1811, m. Lucy Pratt (or Whipple)
11. Mercy Maynard, b. 4 Mar 1724/5, Westborough
458
A Genealogical History of the Rice Family (1858), p. 56.
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①Nathaniel Oak (122) and Mary Holloway (123)
Nathaniel Oak was born around 1645, according to the Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register, based
on the age of his first wife. His origin, and the year of his immigration are not known.
According to a story passed down to a great-grandson, he had been a cabin-boy on an English
vessel bound to Boston. “Nine miles from land the vessel floundered. All the ship’s crew,
except the boy whose name was Oaks, were lost. He, being a good swimmer, swam ashore. In
his distress, he solemnly promised the Lord if He would preserve him to get to land he would
never go onto the water again. This promise he sacredly kept. His wife…could never persuade
him even to cross the Charles River in a boat to Boston.”459
He first appears in the records of Massachusetts on 14 Dec 1686, when he married Mehitable
Rediat, in Sudbury.460 She was the daughter of John and Sarah Rediat, and was supposedly
born in about 1645.461 She died 25 Nov 1702, in Marlborough, Mass.462 There were no children
by this marriage.
He married, second, Mary Holloway, 2 Mar 1703, in Concord.463 She was born 25 Feb 1681/2 in
Concord,464 the daughter of Adam Holloway and Hannah Hayward.465
In 1691 Nathaniel served in a garrison, and in 1707 he took part in a fight with the Indians. He
died 17 Feb 1720/1, according to intestate probate records.466 Jonathan Forbush was initially
granted guardianship of his eight children. Later Mary and Anne chose Joseph Wheeler as their
guardian.
His widow Mary married Thomas Rice, 2 Jul 1722, in Westborough.
Children, born in Marlborough:
1. Nathaniel Oak, b. 7 Jun 1704; probably d. 5 Jun 1783; m. (1st) Tabitha Rice; m. (2nd)
Keziah Maynard; lived in Bolton, Mass.
2. William Oak, b. 18 Feb 1706; d. 8 Aug 1723; unm.; died in a fire
459
Oak-Oaks-Oakes Family Register for the continuation of this story.
American Marriages Before 1699. I do not, however, see this marriage listed in the Sudbury VR.
461
This is the basis for the estimate of Nathaniel Oak’s birth date. However, I have not found any birth record for
Mehitable.
462
Marlborough VR, Vol. 1, p. 380. She is called Mehitabel, wife of Nathaniell Oake.
463
Concord VR: “Nathanll Oakes of Marlborough & Mary Haleway of Concord were marryed together by Justice
Minott March ye 2d 1703.”
464
th
Concord VR: “Mary daughter of Adam Holaway born 25. 12. 81.” Note: the 12 month was February.
465
She was not the widow of Jacob Farrar; her mother was the widow of Jacob Farrar who died in 1676.
466
Middlesex Probate #16185.
460
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3. Hannah Oak, b. 27 Dec 1707; d. 3 Mar 1807; m. Gershom Fay, Jr.
4. Mary Oak, b. 31 Mar 1710; d. 4 Apr 1805; m. Daniel Maynard
5. Anne Oak, b. 9 Sep 1712; m. David Maynard
6. John Oak, b. 16 Mar 1715; d. Sep 1752; m. Susanna Allen
7. Capt. Jonathan Oaks, b. 21 Aug 1717; d. 1784/85; m. (1st) Rebecca Barnard; m. (2nd)
Elizabeth Wheeler; m. (3rd) Sarah Wheeler; m. (4th) Abigail Rand
8. George Oak, b. 15 Feb 1720; d. after 1777; m. (1st) Lydia Eager; m. (2nd) Mercy Bartlett;
served in the Revolutionary War as a minute man in the Lexington Alarm
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Daniel Mason (126) and Experience Newcomb (127)
Daniel Mason was the son of Lieut. John Mason and Elizabeth Hammond. According to
Hudson’s History of Lexington, he was born 10 Nov 1698, but his birth is not recorded in
Newton or in the vital records of any other Massachusetts town.
He married, first, Experience Newcomb, 31 Jan 1716, in Newton, Mass. She was born in about
1700, and was the daughter of Samuel Newcomb and Sarah Sheffield, of Braintree. She died 18
Nov 1733, in Charlestown, and is buried in the Phipps. St. Cemetery there (the gravestone calls
her “Experance Mason,” wife of Daniel Mason.)467
Daniel married, second, Anna Allen, who was born in 1707, the daughter of Joseph Allen and
Abigail Mirick. The intention of marriage was recorded in Weston, 14 Mar 1736. Anna died 23
May 1750, in Lincoln, Mass.468
Children, by his first wife, the first seven born in Newton:
1. Daniel Mason, b. 10 Apr 1716
2. Samuel Mason, b. 24 Jul 1719; d. 17 May 1787, Ashburnham, Mass.; m. Esther Mirik; he
was a housewright
3. Abigail Mason, b. 23 Nov 1721; d. 15 Aug 1778, Lexington, Mass.; m. Robert Harrington
Jr.
4. Hannah Mason, b. 4 Feb 1723/4; d. 30 Mar 1784; m. (1st) John Savage; m. (2nd) Samuel
Hunting
5. John Mason, b. 23 Dec 1725; d. 1 May 1784, Barre, Mass.; m. Elizabeth Dunton
6. William Mason, b. 21 Nov 1727; d. 10 Apr 1819, Dedham, Mass.; m. Hannah Child
7. Moses Mason, b. 10 Feb 1729; d. 1 Oct 1775, Dublin, N.H.; m. Lydia Knapp
8. Aaron Mason, bapt. 2 Sep 1733, Charlestown, Mass.; d. 29 Jul 1799, Woburn, Mass.; m.
Abigail Reed
Children, by his second wife:
9. Child, d. 19 Jul 1737, Lexington, Mass.
467
468
findagrave.com: Experience Mason (or “Experance Mason”). See also Wyman, Charlestown.
Edna Mason, Descendants of Capt. Hugh Mason (1937), p. 70.
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10. Child, d. 21 Dec 1738, Lexington, Mass.
11. Sarah Mason, b. 10 Jul 1740, Sudbury, Mass.
12. Experience Mason, b. 24 Nov 1741, Sudbury, Mass.; d. 30 Oct 1826, Barre, Mass.;
m. Benjamin Gates Jr.
13. Mary Mason, d. 2 Jan 1840, Barre, Mass.; m. Joel Bent
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Samuel Pratt (128) and Hannah Rogers (129)
Samuel Pratt was baptized 22 Jan 1636/7, in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England, the son
of Macuth Pratt and Elizabeth Kingham.469 He married Hannah Rogers, 19 Jul 1660, in
Weymouth, Mass.470 She was the daughter of Dea. John Rogers.471
Samuel Pratt was a carpenter. He was a town officer and large land owner in Weymouth.472
Samuel died shortly before 5 Sep 1679 (when an inventory was made of his estate), in
Weymouth. He made his will 12 Apr 1679, and it was proved 16 Oct 1679. He appointed his
wife Hannah Pratt, and his “brother” John Rogers as executors. Also mentioned are sons John,
Samuel, and Ebenezer.473 His will states that he had daughters but they are not mentioned by
name.
A partial transcript of the will is as follows:
“Samuel Pratt of Weymouth being sick & weake & minding his mortality though at the
present of rationall understanding and of disposing minde doth make this to be his last will &
testament…. I do appoint my Loving wife and my brother John Rogers to be my executors…. I do
leave my whole estate in my wife’s hands until my children are of age, as long as she continue
my widdow, and what I do give to my children they shall have it every one of them as soone as
he or she is twenty & one years old and when my wife Hannah Pratt doth marry that then she
shall have twenty pounds Sterling paid to her, and after that she shall not improve any of my
estate but as an Executrix to the fulfilling this my will. Further I do give unto my son John Pratt,
one halfe that land as lyeth between John Pratt’s land & Elder Bates land, the west end of that
land further I do give unto my son Samuel Pratt , halfe that Lott at pen plaine, further I do give
unto my son Ebenezer Pratt one half of all my housing & land adjoining to it one halfe of it.
Further I do give unto all the rest of my children Seven pounds Sterling apiece, every one of
them Seven pounds… Further my will is that my son John Pratt shall have the other halfe of that
Lott …and also that he shall have one acre of fresh meadow, which is in my forty acre Lott neare
Pen plaine & also one acre of my Salt meadow upon Hingham fresh river if it not be spent in my
wife’s widowhood or in bringing up of my children. And my will is that my son Samuel Pratt
shall have after my wife’s decease and if he is of age the remainder of my Lott at pen plaine as
he is to have Eighteen acres when he is of age…also with one acre of Salt meadow at Hingham
fresh river. And further my will is that my Son Ebenezer Pratt shall have the other part or halfe
of my housing and land with one acre of Salt meadow at Hingham fresh river, that land is
adjoining to my house as he was to have the other halfe he shall have afgter my wife is
deceased or married – and when he is of age … And further my will is that my wife Hannah
Pratt shall dispose of all the rest of my estate as she pleaseth with that provisio that she give it
469
Frederick Nicholson, “The English Origin of Macuth (or Matthew) Pratt and Edward Bates of Weymouth, Mass.”,
The American Genealogist, Vol. 65, p. 90.
470
Weymouth Marriages, p. 154.
471
John Rogers had a wife named Judith but she may not have been Hannah’s mother.
472
Laura Underhill, Descendants of Edward Small (1910), p. 915.
473
Chamberlain, History of Weymouth, p. 503.
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to my Children. And further it is my will that my daughters legacies shall be equally taken out
of my three Sons portions if my sons doth not pay them otherwise…Further it is my will that my
brother Joseph Pratt, and John Richards and Samuel White shall be overseers to this my last will
& testament…”474
His widow Hannah died 16 Oct 1715, in Weymouth.475
Children, born in Weymouth:
1. Judith Pratt, b. 25 Jun or 1 Jul 1661; probably died before 1679
2. John Pratt, b. 17 Aug 1663; d. 8 Feb 1743/4; m. (1st) Mary -----; m. (2nd) Elizabeth Swift;
m. (3rd) Sarah (----) Gardner
3. Hannah Pratt, b. 21 Dec 1665
4. Mary Pratt, b. 3 Mar 1668; m. William Dyer
5. Samuel Pratt, b. 15 Nov 1670; d. 11 Aug 1728; m. Patience Chard
6. Experience Pratt, b. 8 Jan 1672
7. Ebenezer Pratt, b. about 1674; d. about 1751; m. (1st) Martha -----; m. (2nd) Waitstill
(Sumner) Washburn; m. (3rd) Hannah -----
474
475
Will found online at Ancesty.com. Note that Weymouth at that time was in Suffolk Co.
Weymouth Deaths, p. 319.
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John Bicknell (132) and Sarah ----- (133)
John Bicknell was born in Weymouth, Mass., in about 1654, the son of John Bicknell Sr. and
Mary -----. He married Sarah ----.
His will, dated 1 Apr 1724, mentions wife Sarah, sons John, Zachariah, Benjamin and Ebenezer,
daughters Sarah Bicknell and Mary Turner.476 He died 4 Aug 1737, in Weymouth, in his 84th
year, and is buried in the North Weymouth Cemetery.477
Children:
1. John Bicknell, b. 24 Nov 1688; d. 8 May 1779, Abington, Mass.; bur. Mt. Zion Cem.,
Whitman, Mass.;478 m. Hannah Humphrey
2. Zachariah Bicknell, b. 8 Oct 1691; d. after 28 Feb 1710 (date of will); m. Bathsheba
Whitmarsh
3. Benjamin Bicknell, b. 8 Jun 1694; d. 27 Oct 1772, Weymouth; m. (1st) Susannah
Humphrey; m (2nd) Bethiah (Adams) Hunt
4. Mary Bicknell, b. 1696; m. John Turner
5. Joseph Bicknell, b. 28 Feb 1698; d. 27 Aug 1719, Weymouth; bur. North
Weymouth Cem.479
6. Ebenezer Bicknell, b. 22 Jan 1700/1; d. 8 Aug 1778, Weymouth; bur. North Weymouth
Cem.; m. Mary Holbrook480
7. Sarah Bicknell, m. int. William Sargent
476
Chamberlain, History of Weymouth, Mass.
findagrave.com: John Bicknell
478
findagrave.com John Bicknell Jr.
479
findagrave.com: Joseph Bicknell]
480
findagrave.com: Ebenezer Bicknell
477
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Nathaniel Humphrey (134) and Elizabeth ----- (135)
Nathaniel Humphrey was born in about 1652, the son of Jonas Humphrey and Martha -----. He
married Elizabeth -----. He died 17 Jan 1700/01 in Weymouth, at age 48.481
Children:
1. Elizabeth Humphrey, b. 5 Aug 1685
2. Ruth Humphrey, 4 Aug 1687; d. 21 May 1762, Weymouth
3. Sarah Humphrey, b. 28 Jan 1690; m. Lt. Ebenezer Porter
4. Hannah Humphrey, b. 6 Jul 1692; m. John Bicknell
5. Susannah Humphrey, b. 6 Apr 1695; m. Benjamin Bicknell
6. Abigail Humphrey, b. 27 Jul 1697 or 1698; m. Samuel Pratt
481
Chamberlain, History of Weymouth, Mass.
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①Joseph Green (136) and Elizabeth Whitman (137)
Joseph Green was in Plymouth, Mass., by 1640. He was named to go on an expedition with
Myles Standish in 1653. By Jan 1657, he moved to Weymouth, Mass. He married Elizabeth
Whitman in Weymouth, in May 1657. She was the daughter of Ensign John Whitman and Ruth
-----, of Weymouth.
John made his will 8 Sep 1691. His will was proved 7 Jun 1700, probably soon after his death.
His will mentions his wife, his sons Joseph, John and Zachary, and daughters Elizabeth Gurney
and Mary Green.482
Elizabeth died 2 Feb 1719/20, in Weymouth.483
Children, born in Weymouth:
1. Joseph Green, b. 2 or 28 Apr 1658; prob. d. 21 Nov 1733, Braintree; m. (1st) Anne -----;
m. (2nd) Ruth (--?---) Richards; m. (3rd) Mary Angove; m. (4th) Elizabeth Spear
2. John Green, b. 16 or 22 Jul 1661; d. 1734; m. Patience ----3. Elizabeth Green, b. 5 Apr 1664; m. John Gurney
4. Mary Green, b. 15 Aug 1667; apparently unm. In 1700
5. Zachary Green, b. 7 Apr 1671
482
483
George W. Chamberlain, Genealogies of the Early Families of Weymouth, Mass. (1923), pp. 248-49.
Ibid.
103
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Jonas Humphrey (140) and Mary Phillips (141)
Jonas Humphrey was born 14 or 24 Feb 1655, in Weymouth, Mass., the son of Jonas Humphrey
and Martha -----. He married Mary Phillips. She was born 24 May 1661 in Weymouth, the
daughter of Richard Philips and Mary Packard. He died 30 Oct 1689 in Weymouth. His widow
married Peter Newcomb, of Braintree.484 Mary died in 1738 in Braintree. She left a will dated
21 Mar 1730 and proved in May 1738, calling herself “Mary Newcomb of Braintrey Widow and
Relict of Peter Newcomb Senr. formerly of Braintrey.” The executors of her will were named as
son Jonas Humphrey and daughter Mary Newcomb. She also mentions Mary’s daughter
Susanna, grandson Peter Newcomb, son Richard Newcomb, grandson Richard Newcomb.485
Children:
1. Jonas Humphrey, b. 3 Sep 1684; d. 1761; m. Mary Neale
2. James Humphrey, about 1686; res. Boston in 1710
3. Mary Humphrey, b. 18 Apr 1688
484
Chamberlain, History of Weymouth, Mass. (1923), p. 303.
Probate record online at Ancestry.com. When she says daughter Mary Newcomb, it is not clear if she means
daughter-in-law. Since Richard Newcomb is called her son, I am assuming Mary was her daughter-in-law, not her
daughter Mary (whose marriage, if any, is not known.)
485
104
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Neale (142) and Mary ----- (143)
Lt. Joseph Neale was born 8 Aug 1660, in Braintree, Mass., the son of Henry Neale and Hannah
Pray. He married Mary -----. They were admitted to the Braintree church, 12 Sep 1697. He was
elected selectman 1699- 1708, 1710-13 and 1715, fenceviewer in 1709, and surveyor of
highways in 1720. He was on a committee to set up a school house in the South Precinct in
1716 and to select the proprietors of New Braintree in1719. He lived on part of his father's
land, on Adams St., in Quincy about opposite Common St.486 He died 23 Dec 1737 in Braintree,
and is buried in the Hancock Cemetery,487 now in Quincy, Mass.488 His will mentioned wife
Mary, son Joseph, daughters Mary Humprey, Lydia Neale, Hannah Neale and Elizabeth Neale,
and granddaughter Mary Humphrey (who was given one cow, at marriage.) 489 His widow Mary
died 18 Apr 1747, at age 83. She is also buried in the Hancock Cemetery.490
Children, born in Braintree:
1. Mary Neale, b. 14 Sep 1689; d. 1766; m. Jonas Humphrey
2. Hannah Neale, b. 6 Dec 1691; single in 1733 and in Oct 1765
3. Elizabeth Neale, b. 12 May 1695; m. Phillip Liscom of Stoughton
4. Lydia Neale, b. 7 Nov 1697; m. Lt. Richard Thayer
5. Dea. Joseph Neale, b. 21 Jun 1701; d. About 1772, unmarried; his will mentioned his
sisters Elizabeth Liscom and Hannah Neale
486
Waldo C. Sprague, Genealogies of Braintree Families (NEHGS CD).
findagrave.com: Joseph Neale
488
Quincy was not set off from Braintree until 1792.
489
Waldo C. Sprague, Genealogies of Braintree Families (NEHGS CD).
490
findagrave.com: Mary Neale
487
105
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John Newcomb (144) and Ruth Marshall (145)
John Newcomb was baptized 8 Aug 1634, in All Saints, Sudbury, Suffolk, England. He was the
son of Francis Newcomb and Rachel Brackett. He came to New England with his parents in
1635 on the ship Planter. He married, first, Ruth Marshall, by 1659.491
John was a farmer. He lived at Newcomb’s Landing, then in Braintree, now in Quincy, Mass. A
British officer who became a friend of his while his ship was stationed in New England gave him
a cane of mangrove wood with an ivory head and a silver band on which was engraved ‘John
Newcomb March 1712.’492
John’s first wife Ruth died in June 1697 in Braintree. He married, second, Elizabeth -----, who
survived him. John died 21 Mar 1722 in Braintree. He left a will mentioning his wife Elizabeth,
son John, grandson Samuel Copeland, grandson Samuel Newcomb (son of his son Samuel
Newcomb, deceased); son-in-law Richard Davenport, ‘little grandaughter’ Abigail Kingman,
daughters Ruth Copeland, Rachel Fenno, Hannah Thayer, Bethiah Kingman, and the children of
daughter Mary (Mercy?) Pratt, deceased.
Children, born in Braintree:
1. John Newcomb, b. 13 Apr 1659; d. 1740; m. Elizabeth Everett
2. Samuel Newcomb, b. 25 Feb 1660/1; d. 1708; m. Sarah Sheffield
3. Ruth Newcomb, m. John Copeland
4. Mercy Newcomb, b. Apr 1665; m. John Pratt
5. Hannah Newcomb, bapt. 13 Oct 1672; m. (1st) William Hayward; m. (2nd) Benjamin
Thayer
6. Bethiah Newcomb, b. 14 Jan 1673/4; m. John Kingman
7. Rachel Newcomb, bapt. 13 Oct 167-; m. John Fenno
8. Abigail Newcomb, bapt. 25 Mar 1677; m. Richard Davenport
9. Isaac Newcomb, bapt. 23 Mar 1678/9; d. young
491
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on Francis Newcomb). See also TAG 55:215 for baptism,
2
and George F. Sanborn, “Rush Marshall, First Wife of John Newcomb,” The American Genealogist (TAG), Vol. 61,
pp. 111-14., for Ruth’s maiden name.
492
The Ancestry of Annis Spear, p. 42.
106
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John Everett (146) and Elizabeth Pepper (147)
Capt. John Everett was born “say” 1636,493 the son of Richard Everett and Mary ----. He
married Elizabeth Pepper 13 May 1662, in Dedham, Mass.494 She was 25 May 1645, in
Roxbury, Mass., the daughter of Robert Pepper and Elizabeth Johnson.
John was first called a Captain in 1693. “During King William’s War he was called into active
service to command a company of men stationed in New Hampshire and Maine, to protect the
inhabitants from the Indians.” This was about 1694-96.
Elizabeth died 1 Apr 1714, at Dedham.495 John died 17 Jun 1715, in Dedham.496
John left a will dated 16 Aug 1710 and proved 7 Jul 1715. He mentioned his son-in-law John
Newcomb, son in law Simon Crosbee, son in law Peter Thorpe, grandsons Isaac Newcomb and
Ebenezer Newcomb, granddaughters Elizabeth Feesie, Abigail Lyon, Hannah Crosbee, and
Rachel Thorpe. A full transcript can be found in the Everett Genealogy.497
Children:
1. Elizabeth Everett, b. 6 Nov 1665; m. John Newcomb
2. Hannah Everett, b. 14 Sep 1670; m. Simon Crosby
3. Bethiah Everett, b. 3 Oct 1673; d. 19 Oct 1694; m. Peter Thorpe
4. Dea. John Everett, b. 9 Jun 1676; d. 20 Mar 1750/1; m. (1st) Mary Browne; m. (2nd) Mary
(-----) Bennett
5. William Everett, b. 20 Jan 1678/9; d. 23 Feb 1765, Dedham; m. (1st) Rachel Newcomb;
m. (2nd) Joanna (Guild) Kingsbury; m. (3rd) Hannah (Bullard) Boyden
6. Israel Everett, b. 8 Apr 1681; d. 6 Feb 1751, Windham, Conn.; m. Sarah Culver
7. Richard Everett, b. 4 Aug 1683; d. 1746, Dedham; m. Mary Fuller
493
Dean Crawford Smith, The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, part four (2000).
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts Town and Vital records: original image: “John Everid & Elizabeth Pepper were
rd
married 13.3.62” (note that May was the 3 month).
495
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts Town and Vital records: original image: “Elizabeth the wife of Capt. John Everit
Deceased April 1st, 1714.”
496
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts Town and Vital records: original image: “Capt. John Everit Deceased June ye 17,
1715.”
497
Edwards Everett, Descendants of Richard Everett of Dedham, Mass. (1902), pp. 22-29.
494
107
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Samuel Hayden (150) and Hannah Thayer (151)
Samuel Hayden was born “say 1638,” probably in Dorchester, Mass., the son of John Hayden
and Susanna -----. He married Hannah Thayer, 28 Oct 1664, in Braintree, Mass. She was the
daughter of Thomas Thayer and Hannah ----.
Samuel probably lived in East Braintree, on Commercial Street south of Elm Street. Samuel was
in King Phillip’s War and was at the Great Swamp Fight, 19 Dec 1675. He died in October 1676,
as an inventory was taken 26 Oct 1676, and Administration of his given to his widow Hannah
Oct. 31, 1676. She married, second, Jonathan Paddleford, and moved to Taunton in 1706.498
Children, born in Braintree:
1. Samuel Hayden, b. 6 Aug 1665; d. 27 Aug 1665
2. Susanna Hayden, b. 28 Sep 1666
3. Sarah Hayden, b. 25 Mar 1668; d. 29 Jan 1724/5; m. John Wild
4. Katherine Hayden, b. 10 Mar 1670/1
5. Hannah Hayden
6. Patience Hayden
498
Waldo Sprague, Braintree Families.
108
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Bent (152) and Elizabeth Bourne (153)
Joseph Bent was born 16 May 1641, in Sudbury, Mass.,499 the son of John Bent and Martha -----.
He married Elizabeth Bourne, 30 Jun 1666, in Marshfield, Mass. She was born 31 May 1646 in
Marshfield, the daughter of John Bourne and Alice Besbeech.
After marriage, John and Elizabeth lived in Marshfield, where he was constable in 1669. They
moved to Sudbury before 1671. In the summer of 1675, he was accidently killed by a pistol
shot by his brother Peter.500 An inventory of his estate is dated 10 Aug 1675.
Children:
1. Joseph Bent, b. 11 Oct 1667; d. young
2. Experience Bent, probably d. 1754, Middleboro; m. Abigail Sampson
3. Elizabeth Bent, b. 1673; m. Thomas Joyce
4. Joseph Bent, b. 5 Mar 1675; d. 31 Mar 1728; m. Rachel Fuller
5. (daughter, birth order uncertain)
6. (daughter, birth order uncertain)
499
500
Sudbury Births, p. 16, which calls him son of John.
Allen H. Bent, “The Bent Family,” New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 48 (1894), p. 290.
109
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Jonathan Fuller (154) and Mary ----- (155)
Jonathan Fuller was born 15 Aug 1643 (6th month) in Dorchester, Mass., the son of Robert
Fuller and Ann -----.501 He died 6 May 1724, in Dedham, Mass.502 His wife Mary died 29 Mar
1701, in Dedham.503
Children:
1. Rachel Fuller, b. 3 Dec 1673; d. 5 Jul 1725; m. Joseph Bent
2. Sarah Fuller, b. 4 May 1676
3. Mary Fuller, b. 20 Apr 1679; d. young
4. Samuel Fuller, b. 15 Feb 1681; d. 28 Mar 1765; m. (1st) Sarah Fisher; m. (2nd) Elizabeth
Crane
5. John Fuller, b. 3 Dec 1684; m. Mary Guild
6. Mary Fuller, b. 21 Feb 1687
7. Joshua Fuller, b. 23 Nov 1689; d. young
8. Joshua Fuller, b. 15 Dec 1691; probably d. 25 Feb 1765
9. Jonathan Fuller, b. 19 Aug 1694
501
Dorchester VR, Vol. 1, p. 59.
Dedham VR, p. 49; he is called “Jonathan Fuller the aged.”
503
Ancestry.com: Massachusetts Town and Vital Records, original image. “Mary the wife of Jonathan Fuller
th
Deceased March 29 1701.”
502
110
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Jonathan Fairbanks (156) and Deborah Shepard (157)
Jonathan Fairbanks was born in England, probably in about 1630, the son of Jonathan Fairbank
Sr. and Grace Smith. He lived in Dedham, where he was admitted as a townsman 1 Jan 1654/5.
He was a soldier in King Phillips War, serving in the Mt. Hope campaign of 1675, and also
several subsequent campaigns.
He married Deborah Shepard, daughter of Edward Shepard and Violet Wolterton. She died 7
Sep 17(05?), in Dedham.504 Jonathan died 28 Jan 1711/12, in Dedham.505 His will mentions
eldest son Edward, sons Jeremiah, Samuel and Jonathan, daughters Deborah, Abigail, Elizabeth,
Rachel, and Mary.506
Children:
1. Jonathan Fairbanks, d. 1677
2. Deborah Fairbanks, b. 3 Jun 1654
3. Grace Fairbanks, b. 16 Oct 1656; d. 28 Dec 1673 or 19 May 1676 (there are two different
death records)
4. Sarah Fairbanks, b. 22 Dec 1658;
5. Edward Fairbanks, b. 10 Jan 1660/1
6. David Fairbanks, b. 28 Jan 1662/3
7. Samuel Fairbanks, b. 2 Jun 1665; m. Christian Chapell; res. New London, Conn.
8. Mary Fairbanks, b. 24 Jul 1667; m. Samuel Whiting
9. Abigail Fairbanks, d. 18 Jan 1711/2
10. Elizabeth Fairbanks
11. Rachel Fairbanks, b. 14 Jul 1673
12. Jeremiah Fairbanks, b. 31 Jan 1674/5; d. 28 Mar 1735; m. Mary Penfield; res. Bristol, R.I.
13. Jonathan Fairbanks, b. about 1677; m. Deborah Guild
504
Dedham VR, p. 29.
Dedham VR, p. 37.
506
Probate.
505
111
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Samuel Guild (158) and Mary Woodcock (159)
Capt. Samuel Guild was born 7 Nov 1647, in Dedham, Mass., the son of John Guild and
Elizabeth Crooke. He married Mary Woodcock 29 Nov 1676, in Dedham.507 She was the
daughter of John Woodcock and Sarah (Curtis?).508
During King Philip’s War, he was credited with service under Capt. Samuel Moseley. He was
selectman for 20 years.509
Samuel died 1 Jan 1730, in Dedham.510 He left a will dated 22 Nov 1729, which is summarized
below:
Samuel Guild of Dedham, yeoman, “being weak in body.” Gives to his beloved wife, “the use
benefit and improvement of my whole estate for her comfortable subsistence during her
natural life.” “Having given to my son Samuel Guild thirty six pounds, I further give and
bequeath unto him…fourteen pounds….and also my right, title, property and interest in a
certain tract of Land lately granted by the Great & General Court to the soldiers that were at
the Narragansett War.” “Having already given to my son Nathaniel Guild fifty pounds, which I
esteem is his proportion of my Estate my will is that he be there with Content.” “Having given
to my son John thirty nine pounds my will and meaning is that he or his heirs have paid out of
my estate Eleven pounds more…” “My son Israel, having already had thirty pounds, I further
will and bequeath to him & his heirs Twenty pounds more…” “My son Ebenezer, having already
received twenty four pounds, I further will and bequeath to him twenty six pounds to Compleat
his part of my estate…” “My daughter Mary Fuller having received Eight pounds fifteen
shillings…I further bequeath twenty one pounds five shillings…” “My daughter Deborah
Fairbanks having received Seven pounds…I give and bequeath to her twenty three pounds….”
“My daughter Elizabeth Stanley having already received ten pounds I further will and give to
her…twenty pounds more..” “To my son Joseph…my houses, barn, garden orchard and all my
land whatsoever…” “And I hereby …make & ordain my sd son Joseph Guild to be the sole
Executor of this my last will & testament.”511
Children:512
507
th
th
th
Dedham VR: “[1676] Samuel Guild & Mary Woodcock married the 29 9 .” (Note that the 9 month was
November.)
508
1
A Line From John Guild of Dedham to Wrentham, Mass., and Beyond. (Online database at
AmericanAncestors.org, 2011.
509
Society of Colonial Wars in Mass. (1898)
510
1
A Line From John Guild of Dedham to Wrentham, Mass., and Beyond. (Online database at
AmericanAncestors.org, 2011
511
Suffolk Probate #6117, retrieved via Ancestry.com.
512
Calvin Guild, Genealogy of the Descendants of John Guild (1867.)
112
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
1. Samuel Guild, b. 12 Oct 1677; m. Sarah Hartshorn
2. Nathaniel Guild, b. 12 Nov 1678; d. 28 Jan 1774; m. Mehitable ----3. Mary Guild, b. 9 Mar 1681; d. 27 May 1768; m. John Fuller
4. John Guild, b. 18 Apr 1683; d. 29 Oct 1684
5. Deborah Guild, b. 16 Jul 1685; d. 3 Aug 1773; m. Jonathan Fairbanks
6. John Guild, b. 2 Oct 1687; d. 15 Jun 1767; m. Abigail Robinson
7. Israel Guild, b. 11 Jun 1690
8. Ebenezer Guild, b. 23 Jul 1692; d. 8 Jun 1744; bur. Woodcock Cem., N. Attleboro,
Mass.;513 m. Abigail Daggett
9. Joseph Guild, b. 19 Sep 1694; d. 24 Oct 1751; m. (1st) Abigail Fisher; m. (2nd) Abigail
Curtis; m. (3rd) Beulah Buck
10. Elizabeth Guild, b. 14 Apr 1697; m. Jacob- Stanley
513
Findagrave.com: Ebenezer Guild
113
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Gilson (160) and Mary Cooper (161)
Joseph Gilson married Mary Cooper 10 Nov 1661, in Chelmsford, Mass.514 His parents and
origin are not known, although some have speculated he was the son of Thomas Gilson.
Mary Cooper was born in about 1641, the daughter of Timothy Cooper and Elizabeth -----.515
Joseph was an original proprietor of Groton, Mass., and received a 9-acre grant of land there.
Joseph died, probably in 1676 in Concord; his widow Mary Gilson was granted administration of
his estate on 3 Oct 1676. He had gone to Concord, probably, when Groton was deserted due to
Indian attacks during King Phillip’s War.
Children:516
1. Mary Gilson, b. 17 Nov 1662, Chelmsford; m. John Mackmillen, 11 Dec 1684, Salem
2. Joseph Gilson, b. 8 Mar 1667/8; d. 1739; m. Elizabeth Lawrence
3. Sarah Gilson, b. 25 Jun 1669, Groton
4. Anna Gilson, b. 22 Feb 1670, Chelmsford
5. John Gilson, b. 23 Apr 1674/5; d. 10 Sep 1707; m. Sarah -----517
514
Groton VR: “Joseph [Gilson] and Mary Cooper, at Chelmsford, Nov. 10, 1661.”
Marilyn Fitzpatrick, "Timothy Cooper of Lynn, Mass.", The Essex Genealogist (TEG) Vol. 11 (1991), p. 212-13.
516
According to the article cited above, there is no evidence for a son named Timothy.
517
It has been stated that she was Sarah Blood, however The Story of The Bloods (1960), argues against this idea.
John Gilson and Sarah were ancestors of Alice Maud Clark, first wife of Harry Stillman Pratt.
515
114
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Peleg Lawrence (162) and Elizabeth Morse (163)
Peleg Lawrence was born 10 Jan 1647/8, in Watertown, Mass., the son of John Lawrence and
Elizabeth-----.518 He married Elizabeth Morse, 22 Dec 1668, in Medfield, Mass. She was born 1
Sep 1647, in Dedham, Mass.,519 the daughter of Joseph Morse and Hannah Phillips.
Peleg was in Groton, Mass., by 1669. He sought a temporary refuge in Concord when his home
was destroyed by Indians in 1676.
Peleg died intestate in 1692 in Groton.520 An inventory of his estate was made on 26 Feb
1692/3. Probate records exist which detail the division of his estate. A summary of the
bequests:
“To ye widow” (elsewhere named as Elizabeth Lawrence) “all ye movables within doars
& without after same debts were payd…”
To Saml Lawrence the house called the Farme to (??) of Stony Brook pond with twentythree acres or thereabouts upland or meadows…”
“To Eliezar Lawrence twenty acres more or less upland…”
“To Daniel …twenty three acres of upland and lowland…”
“To Joseph Lawrence, the one half of fifty seven acres more or less on ye southern side
of stony brook pond…”
“To Elizabeth wife of Joseph Gilson …the house on Towne near ??) meadow …the sayd
Joseph Gilson is to pay & promise to pay twelve pounds ten shillings in current money N.E.
having had as we judge more than their proper share.”
“To Abigail Lawrence one half of the fifty seven acres that Joseph her brother is to
have…also four pounds ten shillings of Joseph Gilson in current money N. E. as part of twelve
pounds ten shillings above mentioned…”
“To Susanna Lawrence, ten acres of upland and swampy lowland...also eight pounds in
current money N.E. wch Joseph Gilson her brother in law is to pay wch makes up his twelve
pounds ten shillings above mentioned…”
“As to ye Indian Purchase of land which sayd Peleg Lawrance & Robart Robbons bought
of ye Indians near or of Nashoby Lands uplands & meadows be it more or lesse, we do agree &
determine to be equally divided betwine sayd Pelegs four sons Saml, Eliezar, Daniell & Joseph
as they may agree among themselves.”521
His widow Elizabeth died 12 Jun 1715 in Medfield.522
518
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration, vol. IV, p. 250 (sketch on father John Lawrence.)
Dedham VR: “Elizabeth, the Daughter of Joseph & Hannah Morse, was born the 1 of 7 mo.”
520
According to Historical Sketches of the Lawrence Family (1888), p. 16, he died 14 Feb 1692. But his death is not
recorded in the Groton vital records, so it’s not clear if this date is valid.
521
Middlesex Probate #13772.
522
Medfield VR: “Elizabeth [Laurance] wid. Peleg (Laurand), June 12, 1715.”
519
115
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Children:523
1. Elizabeth Lawrence, b. 9 Jan 1669; d. after 1735; m. Joseph Gilson
2. Samuel Lawrence, b. 6 Oct 1671; m. Abigail ------; d. Mar 1712, Killingly, Conn.
3. Eleazer Lawrence, b. 28 Feb 1674
4. Jonathan Lawrence, b. 29 Mar 1679; probably m. Abigail -----; not mentioned in probate
records
5. Abigail Lawrence, b. 6 Oct 1681
6. Jeremiah Lawrence, b. 3 Jan 1686; d. 26 Apr 1687
7. Joseph Lawrence, b. 12 Jun 1688, Groton;524 moved to Plainfield, Conn.
8. Daniel Lawrence
9. Susannah Lawrence, m. Joseph Williams, of Plainfield, Conn., 13 Oct 1710
523
An Elizabeth Lawrence died in 1675 in Groton is sometimes included in this family; but the death record does
not give her parents. This Elizabeth was undoubtedly the daughter of Nathaniel Lawrence and Sarah Moss/Morse.
524
Groton births, p. 143.
116
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Samuel Kemp (164) and Sarah Foster (165)
Samuel Kemp was born perhaps about 1637, presumably in England.525 His parents and origin
are unknown, although Edward Kemp called him a “kinsman” in his will. It is possible he was
Edward’s nephew. It is also possible that he was the son of Robert Kemp, an early settler about
whom little is known.526
Samuel is said to have lived briefly in Chelmsford, Mass. In 1658 he received a grant in Billerica,
Mass.527 He married Sarah Foster, 23 May 1662. The marriage was recorded in Billerica, but a
duplicate record says “in Ipswich.”528 She was born 23 May 1642, in Andover, Mass., the
daughter of Andrew Foster and Ann -----.529
Samuel left Billerica in 1667, and moved to Groton, Mass.530 In 1676 Groton was burned during
King Phillip’s War, and the town abandoned. Apparently Samuel went to Andover a that time,
where his wife’s family was from. He returned to Groton after a few years.
The date of Samuel’s death is not known,531 and there are no probate records.
Children:
1. Samuel Kemp Jr., b. 23 Feb 1662/3, Billerica; m. Sarah Lacey, 12 Feb 1713, Andover
2. Abigail Kemp, b. 27 Mar 1665, Billerica; m. James Blood; Abigail had an illegitimate child
in 1695, two years after the death of her husband, who was killed by Indians, 13 Sep
1692532
3. Jonathan Kemp, b. 6 Apr 1668, Groton; m. Mary -----;533 res. Groton
4. Ann Kemp, b. 26 May 1671, Andover534
5. Mehitable Kemp, b. 4 Jun 1673, Groton;535 m. Moses Keyes, 27 Jun 1693, Chelmsford536
525
Unfortunately there has been little if any serious genealogical research on this family. The date of 1637 is not
documented.
526
According to the Kemp Family Association. This organization had an active presence on the web in the late
1990s and had published some information on Samuel Kemp and his family. However, I am not aware of whether
this group is still active, or if there are publications available which would provide more information.
527
Henry Hazen, History of Billerica (1883), p. 80.
528
Billerica VR, p. 278.
529
It has been claimed that she was Ann Alcock. This is not borne out by the facts. See Robert Charles Anderson’s
sketch on the Alcock Family, in The Great Migration.
530
Arthur James Weise, The New England Kemps (1904), p. 48.
531
One web page states he was living in 1711 but this is not documented.
532
Story of the Bloods (1960), p. 166.
533
A web page says she was Mary Gilson, but I see no evidence of this.
534
Andover births.
117
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
6. Zerubbabel Kemp, b. 23 May 1677, Andover; m. Mary Lacey
7. Sarah Kemp, b. 18 Apr 1679 (or 1678), Andover537
8. Bethia Kemp, b 9 Jul 1683, Groton;538 m. John Spencer, 12 Nov 1719, Groton;539 said to
have had a child out of wedlock with Joseph Sanderson
535
Groton Births, p. 126: “Mehettabell, d. Samuel, June 4, 1673.”
Chelmsford marriages.
537
Andover Births.
538
th
Groton births: “Bethiah [Kemp], d. Samuel and Sarah, 9: 5 m. 1683.” (July was counted as the 5 month).
539
Groton marriages, p. 96.
536
118
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
①Lawrence Lacey (166) and Mary Foster (167)
Lawrence Lacey was born in about 1644,540 possibly in England. He married Mary Foster, 5 Aug
1673, in Andover, Mass.541 She was born 9 Jul 1652, and was the daughter of Andrew Foster
and Ann -----.542
During the Salem witch hysteria in 1692, which had spread to Andover, Mary “confessed herself
a witch, and was condemned.”543 She was, however, not executed. More details on her trial
and confession will be added here as time permits.
Mary died 18 Jun 1707, in Andover.544 Lawrence died 28 May 1729, in Andover, at age about
85.545 He died intestate, but probate papers exist, including an inventory of his estate, which
was valued at £730, the most valuable was his homestead including house and about 30 acres
of land consisting of orchards, meadows, and pastures. An additional 70 acres or so was also
included. Estate expenses included £2 to his widow Mary “for nursing of deceased.”546
Children, born in Andover:
1. Mary Lacey, b. 25 May 1674; m. Zerubbabel Kemp
2. Dorothy Lacey, b. 6 Aug 1677; d. 10 Oct 1747; m. Thomas Farnum, 3 Aug 1720
3. Ephraim Lacey, b. ----;547 m. Ann Hardy, int. 17 Jun 1710; d. 30 Aug 1732, Andover
4. Lawrence Lacey Jr., b. 8 May 1683; d. 8 Aug 1733; apparently unmarried; his will
mentioned his sister “Dority Farnum, wife of Thomas Farnum,” sister Ann Lacey, wife of
his brother Ephraim Lacey, deceased.548
5. Sarah Lacey, b. 1 Oct 1686; m. Samuel Kemp Jr., 12 Feb 1712/3
540
His death record in 1729 calls him about 85 years old.
Andover Marriages, p. 214.
542
Foster Genealogy. The statement that Ann was Ann Alcock, daughter of George Alcock, is not based on credible
evidence. Robert Charles Anderson, in The Great Migration, states that George Alcock had no daughters.
543
Foster Genealogy, p. 1037.
544
Andover Deaths, p. 489. She is called wife of Laurence.
545
Ibid.
546
Essex Probate #16106.
547
Birth order is a guess.
548
Although sister Mary Kemp is not mentioned in his will, a receipt signed by Zerubbabel Kemp is included in his
probate papers.
541
119
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Enoch Lawrence (168) and Ruth Whitney (169)
Enoch Lawrence was born 5 Mar 1648, in Watertown, Mass., the son of John Lawrence and
Elizabeth -----.549 He is sometimes called “Enosh” in the records. He married Ruth (Whitney)
Shattuck 6 Mar 1676/7, in Watertown. She was born 16 Apr 1645, in Watertown, the daughter
of John Whitney and Ruth Reynolds. She was the widow of John Shattuck, who drowned 14
Sep 1675. She had four children by her first marriage.550
He may have been the Enoch Lawrence served in King Philip’s War in August 1676.551 He served
in a garrison in Groton in 1691/2.552 He lived in the northerly part of Groton.553
“In the year 1702 the Provincial authorities granted him immunity from taxation and a pension
of three pounds sterling yearly, on account of physical disability contracted in an encounter
with savages during King William’s war.”554 “It was probably during the attack of 1694, that
Enoch Lawrence was wounded.”555 His petition read, in part, “The humble Petition of Enoch
Lawrence Humbly Sheweth that your petitioner is a very poor man and by reason of wounds in
his hand, received in a fight with the Indians in the former indian War, is almost wholly disabled
from following his dayly Labour upon which he depends for Livelyhood both for himself and his
family.”556
Some web pages claim Ruth died in September 1718, but as there is, to my knowledge, no
credible source for this date.
According to Caleb Butler’s History of Groton (1848), Enoch died 28 Sep 1744, in Groton. This
appears to have been copied by Bond, in his Watertown Genealogies.557 However, in the
printed Groton Vital Records, there is only an “Enosh Lawrence” who died 25 September,
between 1725 and 1729, at age 74. Since no other “Enosh” lived at that time in Groton, it
would seem to indicate that either Butler and Bond were incorrect, or the original Groton Vital
records were difficult to read and thus incorrectly transcribed. Unfortunately there is no
gravestone or probate record to prove or disprove either date of death.
Children:
1. Nathaniel Lawrence, b. 21 Feb 1678; d. 12 Sep 1765; m. Anna Scripture
549
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on father John Lawrence.)
Henry Bond, Watertown Genealogies (1855), p. 643.
551
NEHGR 43:274.
552
NEHGR 43:374.
553
Samuel A. Green, Groton During the Indian Wars, (1883) p.62.
554
Robert Lawrence, Historical Sketches of Some Members of the Lawrence Family (1888), pp. 38-39.
555
Samuel A. Green, An Account of the Early Land Grants of Groton, Mass.
556
Samuel A. Green, Groton During the Indian Wars, p. 84.
557
Bond, Watertown Genealogies, p. 822. However, I don’t see this reflected in Groton VR. More research is
needed.
550
120
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2. Daniel Lawrence, b. 7 Mar 1681; m. Sarah ----3. Zachariah Lawrence, b. 16 Jul 1683; d. 18 Jun 1734, Pepperell; m. Abigail ----4. Jeremiah Lawrence, b. 1 May 1686
121
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①Samuel Scripture (170) and Elizabeth Knapp (171)
Samuel Scripture was born probably England, in about 1649. He testified in the court of
Middlesex County, Mass., 19 Nov 1668, that he was 19 years old, and was a servant of Samuel
Davis.558
He first appears in the records of Groton, Mass., in 1673. He married Elizabeth Knapp 11 Sep
1674, recorded in Cambridge, Mass.559 She was born 21 Feb 1655 in Watertown, Mass., the
daughter of James Knapp and Elizabeth Warren.
Elizabeth was thought to have been a victim of witchcraft as a teenager. 560 As a child, she was
“sent to live and work as a servant in various foster households.”561 In Oct 1671, she was a
servant in the household of Samuel Willard, a minister.562 She experienced, “fits,” and
“reported that the Devil had sought to win her allegiance by offering lavish inducements –
‘money, silks, fine clothes, ease from labor, to see the whole world.’”
Samuel was a soldier in King Phillip’s War. He ranked in the lower half of taxpayers in 1681. He
served in some minor town offices and, once, as constable.563
Samuel died, probably at Groton, between 1720-and 1728.
Children:564
1. Samuel Scripture, b. 4 Nov 1675, Groton; d. 1755; m. (1st) Mary (Pierce) Green; m. (2nd)
Elizabeth (Lund) Spaulding; served in Queen Anne’s War
2. Elizabeth Scripture, b. 15 Aug 1677, Concord
3. Mary Scripture, b. 7 Feb 1680, Groton; d. 29 Jun 1761; bur. Old Burying Ground,
Littleton, Mass.; 565m. Eleazer Lawrence
4. Sarah Scripture, b. 8 Feb 1682
5. Anna Scripture, b. 10 Jan 1685; d. 31 Sep 1758; m. Nathaniel Lawrence
558
The Genealogical Magazine (1907), p. 126; available Google books.
Cambridge Marriages, p. 349.
560
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Possession_of_Elizabeth_Knapp also
http://history.hanover.edu/texts/Willard-Knap.html
561
John Putnam Demos, Entertaining Satan: Witchcraft and the Culture of Early New England, p. 127.
562
Demos, p. 105. Samuel Willard was a son of Simon Willard, whom I am descended from via Harry Pratt’s wife,
Alice Maud Clark.
563
Demos, p. 114.
564
William A. Walter, The Descendants of Samuel Scripture of Groton, Mass. (1945).
565
findagrave.com: Mary Lawrence
559
122
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6. Abigail Scripture, b. 28 Jan 1686/7; d. 4 Feb 1720; m. Phineas Parker
7. John Scripture, b. about 1688; m. (1st) Abigail Utley; m. (2nd) Mary (Eaton) Slater
8. Deborah Scripture, b. about 1690; m. Jonathan Whitcomb
9. Ruth Scripture, b. 2 Feb 1696; m. John Frost
10. Lydia Scripture, b. 28 Jul 1700
123
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Thomas Chamberlain (172) and Sarah Proctor (173)
Thomas Chamberlain was apparently born in England, the son of Thomas Chamberlain and
Mary -----. He married Sarah Proctor, 10 Aug 1666, in Chelmsford, Mass. She was born 12 Oct
1646, in Concord, Mass., the daughter of Robert Proctor and Jane Hildreth.
Thomas served in King Philip’s War. In 1675 he was in the garrison at Groton. In 1676 he
enlisted under Capt. Joseph Sill and marched to Ossipee and Pequaket that October. In 1691 he
served with two of his sons at the garrison in Chelmsford. 566
Thomas died 28 Mar 1727, In Chelmsford.567
Children:
1. Thomas Chamberlain, b.30 May 1667; m. (1st) Elizabeth Hall; m. (2nd) Abigail Nutting
2. Samuel Chamberlain, b. 11 Jan 1679
3. Jane Chamberlain, b. 19 Feb 1682/3; m. John Reed
4. Elizabeth Chamberlain, b. 21 July 1685; m. Jonathan Butterfield
5. John Chamberlain, he was a mariner, living in 1705
566
George W. Chamberlain, One Branch of the Descendants of Thomas Chamberlain of Woburn, Mass. (1897), p.p.
8-9.
567
Chelmsford Deaths, p. 377.
124
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John Nutting (174) and Mary Lakin (175)
John Nutting was born 25 Aug 1651, in Woburn, Mass., the son of John Nutting and Sarah
Eggleton.568 He married Mary Lakin, 11 Dec 1674, in Groton, Mass. She was born 16 Feb 1652,
in Reading, Mass., the daughter of William Lakin and Lydia Brown.
The marriage record does not give Mary’s surname. However, “That his wife was Mary Lakin is
proved by the settlement of William Lakin’s estate, wherein John Nutting in 1707 is given as
one of the children and heirs.”
John died in Groton shortly after 2 Dec 1731.569
Children:
1. John Nutting, b. about 1678; d. about 1778 to 1780; m. Mary (Wood) Parker
2. Abigail Nutting, b. about 1680; d.; m. Thomas Chamberlain
3. Lydia Nutting, b. about 1682; m. Gershom Hobart
4. (?) Richard Nutting, b. about 1684; d. before Dec 1737; m. Miriam (Lovejoy) Gray
5. Ebenezer Nutting, b. 20 Nov 1686; m. Ruth Shattuck
6. Jonathan Nutting, b. 7 Jul 1689; d. before May 1740; m. Mary Green
7. Daniel Nutting, b. about 1691; d. after Aug 1756; m. Hannah ----8. Deliverance Nutting, b. about 1693; m. Jonathan Whitcomb
9. Eleazer Nutting, b. about 1698; d. 1740 (?); m. Abigail Davis
568
569
The Nutting genealogy, cited below, gives his full date of birth, but Woburn VR only says he was born in 1651.
Homer Brainard, Genealogy of the First Four Generations of John Nutting (1927), p. 15.
125
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John Eaton (176) and Dorcas Pearson (177)
John Eaton was born 10 Oct 1645, in Reading, Mass.570 He was the son of Jonas Eaton and
Grace -----. He married Dorcas Pearson, 26 Nov 1674, in Reading. She was the daughter of
John Pearson and Dorcas -----.
John Eaton lived, “probably,” on Cowdrey’s Hill, in Reading.571 He died 15 May 1691, in
Reading.572 Administration of his estate was granted to his widow Dorcas Eaton. His estate was
valued at £359. His children are listed as Noah, Jonas, Joseph, Benjamin, Dorcas and Phebe
Eaton, and Grace Boutall. Dorcas is called Dorcas Briant in the later records.573
His widow married Abraham Bryant, 28 Dec 1693, in Reading. She may have been the Mrs.
Bryant who died at Wakefield, 8 Dec 1728, of apoplexy.574
Children, born in Reading:
1. Jonas Eaton, b. 13 Mar 1676/7; d. 28 Mar 1677, at age 15 days
2. Grace Eaton, b. 12 Jan 1676/7; m. John Boutwell
3. Noah Eaton, b. 26 Jan 1677/8
4. Thomas Eaton, b. 22 Jun 1679; not mentioned in probate records
5. Jonas Eaton, b. 18 May 1680; d. 13 Aug 1727; m. Mehitable Gould
6. Joseph Eaton, b. 18 Apr 1681; d. 29 Apr 1681, at age 11 days
7. Benjamin Eaton, b. 16 Jan 1682/3
8. Dorcas Eaton, b. 28 Jul 1688
9. Stephen Eaton, b. 11 Aug 1689; d. 25 Aug 1689, at age 14 days
10. Phebe Eaton, b. 25 Aug 1690;575 m. Jonathan Nichols
570
Reading Births, p. 77. He is called the son of John and Dorcas, but a duplicate record calls him the son of Jonas.
Lilley Eaton, Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass., (1874), p. 63.
572
Reading Deaths, p. 515. He is called “of the playne.”
573
Middlesex Probate #6742,
574
Ann S. Lainhart, “The Descendants of Abraham Bryant of Reading,” New England Historical and Genealogical
Register (NEHGR), vol. 137 (1983), p. 236.
575
Listed as “Feebe” in Reading VR.
571
126
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John Gould (178) and Abigail Belcher (179)
John Gould was born 5 Aug 1648, in Charlestown, Mass.,576 the son of John Gould and Joanna ---- He married Abigail Belcher, by 1671. She was born “say 1654” the daughter of Jeremiah
Belcher and Mary Lockwood.
Abigail died 20 Dec 1687, in Reading, Mass.,577 and John married, second, Martha Redington.578
John died 24 Jan 1711/2, recorded in Charlestown, but buried in what was then Reading, Mass.
He is said to have been buried at the Old Cemetery in what is now Wakefield, Mass., with the
following inscription: “Memento mori. Fugit hora. Here lyes the body of Mr. John Gould, Sen'r
Aged about 69 years, who deceased Jan'y 24, 1712.” It is not known if the gravestone still
stands.579
He left a will, making his wife Martha and son Samuel as executors. Also mentioned are eldest
son John, son Thomas, and other children Abigail, Daniel, Mehitable, Jeremiah, Mary, Abraham
and Isaac. Although his will does not give the married names of his daughters, subsequent
records in the probate file name Mary’s husband as Ebenezer Knight, Abigail’s husband
Benjamin Geary, and Mehitable’s husband as Jonas Eaton.580
Children, by his first wife:
1. John Gould, b. 28 Mar 1670/1, Reading; m. Sarah -----; he was a carpenter
2. Abigail Gould, b. 30 Dec 1672, Reading; m. Capt. Benjamin Geary
3. Jeremiah Gould, b. about 1678; d. 1752; m. Mary Brown
4. Thomas Gould, b. about 1680; m. (1st) Mary Hay; m. (2nd) Priscilla Bateman
5. Daniel Gould, b. 11 Dec 1681, Reading; m. (1st) Sarah Grover; m. (2nd) Abigail
(Johnson) Richardson
6. Mehitable Gould, m. (1st) Jonas Eaton; m. (2nd) Nathan Brigham
7. Mary Gould, b. 8 May 1687, Reading; m. Ebenezer Knight
Children, by his second wife:
576
Charlestown VR.
Wyman, Thomas B., The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown (1879). Vol. 1, p. 426
578
Wyman, The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown,Vol. 1, p. 426. See also Benjamin A. Gould, The Family of
Zaccheus Gould of Topsfield (1895), p. 322.
579
There is a memorial on findagrave.com, but without a photo.
580
Middlesex Probate #9536.
577
127
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8. Samuel Gould, b. 26 Jun 1691, Charlestown; m. Ruth Dunton
9. Abraham Gould, b. 3 Oct 1693, Charlestown; m. Mary ----10. Isaac Gould, b. 1696
128
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Joseph Emerson (180) and Elizabeth Bulkeley (181)
Rev. Joseph Emerson was baptized 25 Jun 1620 at Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England.
He was the son of Thomas Emerson and Elizabeth Brewster.581 He came to Massachusetts in
1638 with his parents.
He married, first, in about 1646, Elizabeth Woodmansey, daughter of Robert and Margaret
Woodmansey. He married, second, Elizabeth Bulkeley, 7 Dec 1655, in Concord, Mass. She was
the daughter of Rev. Edward Bulkeley and Lucian -----.
Joseph was a minister who is said to have been educated in England, although he may have
attended Harvard College. He first settled at Ipswich. In 1648 he preached a York, Me., and
soon became minister at Wells, Me.“ Here, because of political dissensions which disturbed the
church, his ministry was not successful, and he was dismissed about 1664.”582 Another source
states that he “was presented several times for ‘telling of a ly’ or ‘speaking falsely.’” After
leaving Wells, “he became the first minister in Milton. He was dismissed from this church after
asking for an increase in salary because of his approaching marriage.”583
He went to Mendon, Mass., and remained there until the town was destroyed in King Philip’s
War. He then retired to Concord, where he died 3 Jan 1679/80.
His widow Elizabeth married, second, on 29 Mar 1682, Capt. John Brown. Elizabeth died 4 Sep
1693, at Reading.584 Her husband John Brown died at Reading, Mass., 12 Mar 1717.585
Children, by his first wife:586
1. Joseph Emerson, m. Mary ----2. James Emerson, m. Sarah ----Children, by his second wife:587
3. Lucy Ann588 Emerson, b. 2 Oct 1667, Milton; d. 17 Jan 1739/40, Reading; bur. Old
Burying Ground, Wakefield, Mass.;589 m. Thomas Damon
581
Donald Lines Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy (1933), p. 128.
Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy, p. 128.
583
Ed. Alicia Crane Williams, Stone-Gregg Genealogy (1987), p. 109.
584
Elizabeth Brown gravestone
585
Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy, p. 128.
586
Stone-Gregg Genealogy, p. 109.
587
Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy, p. 128.
588
Jacobus calls her “Lucian,” but her gravestone says “Lucy Ann.”
589
Findagrave.com: Lucy Ann Damon
582
129
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4. Dea. Edward Emerson, b. 26 Apr 1670, Mendon; d. 9 May 1743, Malden; bur. Bell
Rock Cem., Malden;590 m. Rebecca Waldo; Edward and Rebecca were great-great
grandparents of Ralph Waldo Emerson
5. Peter Emerson, b. about 1673; d. 19 Jan 1750/1; m. Anna Brown
6. Ebenezer Emerson, b. about 1677; d. Oct 1751; m. (1st) Susanna -----; m. (2nd)
Bethiah Parker; m. (3rd) Mary Boutwell
7. Daniel Emerson, b. say 1680; d. before 1725, Boston; m. Jane Armitage; he was a
shipwright
590
Findagrave.com Edward Emerson
130
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John Brown (182) and Anna Fiske (183)
Capt. John Brown was born in England in about 1634, the son of Nicholas Browne and Elizabeth
-----. He came to New England in 1638 with his parents.
In 1660, he was given power of attorney, and sent by his father to England, “to look after
certain property to which he had become heir.”591
He married, Anna Fiske, 30 May 1677, in Chelmsford, Mass.592 She was born 15 Jan 1646, the
daughter of Rev. John Fiske and Anne Gippes. Anna died 30 May 1681, in Reading, Mass., in her
36th year.593 She is buried in the Old Burying Ground, in what is now Wakefield, Mass., with the
following inscription:
Here lyes the body of Anna Fiske
First wife of Captain John Brown, Esquire
Who dyed May 30, 1681, in her 36th year.594
John married, second, Elizabeth (Bulkeley) Emerson, widow of Rev. Joseph Emerson.
Elizabeth died 4 Sep 1693, at Reading.595 She is buried in the Old Cemetery in what is now
Wakefield, Mass.596
John married, third, Rebecca (Crawford) Sprague, 24 June 1697, in Malden, Mass.597 She was
the widow of Lt. Samuel Sprague of Malden. She died 8 Jul 1710, in her 77th year.598
John was said to have been “a captain, justice of the peace, selectman, and representative.”599
John Brown died at Reading, Mass., 12 Mar 1717, in his 83rd year.600 He is buried in the Old
Cemetery, Wakefield.601 His grave has a rather unique inscription:
To the Memory of Capt John Brown,
Esqr. Who, after He had Served his generation
By the will of God, fell Asleep
591
Lilley Eaton, Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass., (1874), p. 50.
Chelmsford Marriages, p. 193. John is called “of Reading.”
593
Reading Deaths, p. 501; also Fiske Genealogy.
594
NEHGR 7:25, which calls the place of the cemetery South Reading. It is not known if the gravestone still stands,
and there is no photo on findagrave.com.
595
Jacobus, Bulkeley Genealogy.
596
findagrave.com: Elizabeth Brown
597
Malden VR.
598
Malden inscriptions, NEHGR 7:26.
599
Lilley Eaton, Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass., p. 51.
600
Reading Deaths, p. 501. He is called “Capt., Esq”
601
findagrave.com: John Brown
592
131
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
March the 11th, 1717, Aged near 83 Years.
Witty yet wise, grave, good, amonge ye best
Was he (the memory of ye just is Blest),
Prudent, a pattern, Pillar, and more say,
A hearty morner for the Sins of the Day;
Bless’d God, When Dying, That he feard not Death,
His pious Soul Took Wings, gave up her Breath
Dropt here her Mantle in the Silent Dust
Which Waits the Resurrection of the Just.602
He left a will dated 29 Apr 1717 with bequests as follows:
I give unto my brother Josiah Brown's son John Brown my salt marsh meadow in Rumney
Marsh
I give unto my cozen Cornelius Brown one acre of my pine swamp joining to his own swamp
Lott
I give unto my son-in-law Ebenezer Emerson ye lot I bought of my brother Josiah Brown & the
Lott I bought of John Pratt & one half of my second division Lott of common rights viz ye west
end of sd Lott said lands being between [illegible] and bare meadow and also 12 acres upon ye
north side of my bare meadow.
I give to my couzen Mary Gould ye daughter of my brother Cornelius Brown five pounds in
money to be paid within one year after my dissese.
I give to Mrs Peirpoint ye relict of ye reverend Mr Jonathan Pierpoint four shillings to be paid
within a year after my dissesse.
I do give unto my Loving son & daughter Peter & Anna Emerson all the rest of my estate during
their natural Lives and then to depend to ye children of my daughter by my son Emerson viz all
my homestead with ye buildings housing & out housing & my half of ye sawmill & with all my
out lands upland meadow & swamp land & all of my other estate moveable & immovable
within doors & without
My will is [it?] my said son Peter Emerson shall have Liberty to sell or exchange my out lands.
further more I do constitute make & appoint my Loving son Peter Emerson my soull executor of
this my Last Will & testament and for overseers my couzens John Woodward & Nicholas Brown
& for their care & pains herein I give them ten shillings apiece.603
Children, born in Reading, Mass.:
1. Anna Brown, b. about 1678; d. 24 Apr 1740; m. Peter Emerson
2. Sarah Brown, b. 1 Jan 1679; d. 19 Feb 1679, at age 1 month 19 days
602
Jonas Evans, Sketches of the Life and Times of Dea. Jacob Eaton, of South Reading, Mass.(1859), p. 9. However,
transcription there has some errors, which were corrected by examining the photo of the gravestone on
findagrave.com.
603
Middlesex Probate #3066.
132
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①Edward Wyer
(184) and Elizabeth Johnson (185)
Edward Wyer was born in about 1622 in Scotland. He was in Charlestown, Mass., by 1658.604
He married Elizabeth Johnson 5 Jan 1658/9 in Charlestown. She was baptized 17 Mar 1638/9 in
Charlestown, the daughter of William Johnson and Elizabeth Bunker, and the sister of John
Johnson.
Edward died 3 May 1693, in Charlestown, “an aged Scotsman.” He is buried in the Phipps St.
Cemetery in Charlestown.605 His widow married, before 1697, William Munroe. She died 14
Dec 1715, and is buried in the Old Burying Ground in Lexington, Mass.606
Children:
1. Elizabeth Wyer, b. 10 Nov 1659; m. Benjamin Mirick
2. Edward Wyer, b. about 1661; m. Abigail Lawrence
3. Robert Wyer, b. 10 Feb 1664; d. 14 Nov 1709; m. (1st) Elizabeth Fowle; m. (2nd) Ruth
Johnson
4. Hannah Wyer, bapt. 23 Jul 1665; m. Nathan Dunkin/Dunklin
5. Katherine Wyer, b. 5 Dec 1666; m. Jonathan Welsh
6. Nathaniel Wyer, b. 14 Jun 1668; probably d. young
7. Ruhamah Wyer, b. 24 Dec 1670; m. John Hill
8. Eliezer Wyer, b. 12 Dec 1672; m. Catherine----; res. Medford
9. Zachariah Wyer, b. 16 Mar 1676; possibly d. 1717; m. Mary ----10. Sarah Wyer, b. 5 Mar 1678; m. John Fillebrown
11. Capt. William Wyer,607 b. 3 Oct 1680; d. Feb 1749; m. Eleanor Jenner; he was a seacaptain; his estate included several slaves
604
William S. Appleton, “Families of Weir or Wyer in New England, Particularly of Charlestown, Mass.”, New
England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 25 (1871), p. 246-47. See also Wyman’s Charlestown, and
Charlestown VR.
605
findagrave.com: Edward Wyer
606
findagrave.com: Elizabeth Munroe
133
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John Johnson (186) and Elizabeth Maverick (187)
Lt. John Johnson was baptized 5 Sep 1632, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England, the son of
William Johnson and Elizabeth Bunker. He came to Massachusetts with his parents in 1634,
first living in Charlestown, Mass.608 He married Elizabeth Maverick, 15 Oct 1656, in
Charlestown. She was born 2 Jun 1639, in Charlestown, the daughter of Elias Maverick and
Anna Harris.
John and family moved to Haverhill, Mass., in 1658, where he was a proprietor. He was a
“blacksmith, farmer, deacon, tithingman, selectman, juror, lieutenant, moderator, an officer in
King Philip’s War, and a representative to the Provincial legislature.” 609
Regarding his move to Haverhill, according to the History of Haverhill:
It appears that the inhabitants suffered considerably for the want of a blacksmith. To obviate
this difficulty, a contract was signed by Mr.Ward and nineteen others, in which each agree to
pay Mr. Jewett his proportion of twenty pounds, to purchase his house and land, which the
contractors gave to John Johnson, " provided he live here seven years, following the trade of a
blacksmith in doing the town's work ; also, the said John Johnson doth promise to refuse to work
for any that refuse to pay towards this purchase, untill they bring under the Selectmen's hands
that they will pay." This house stood on the ground now occupied by the Exchange building.
Water Street.610
Elizabeth died 22 Mar 1673/4, in Haverhill. John married, second, 3 Mar 1674/5, in Haverhill,
Sarah (Keyser) Gillo, daughter of George Keyser, and widow of John Gillo. She died 24 Jul 1676.
John married, third, Catherine (Skipper) Maverick, 8 Sep 1680, in Haverhill. 611
“In June, 1693, he visited his daughter Ruth in Charlestown, soon after the birth and death of
her first child. Ruth was the wife of his nephew Robert Wyer, a tailor, and son of his sister
Elizabeth, another instance of the intermarriage of first cousins. June 2, he gave Robert, ‘for
love and affection,’ a deed of a house-lot, part of John’s father’s. As his brothers Zachariah and
Isaac witnessed the deed, there was probably a family gathering at Robert’s in his honor. Three
years before his death, while Robert and Ruth were visiting him, May 5, 1705, for ‘the natural
love and affection which he bore and had unto his beloved daughter,’ he gave Robert his woodlot in Charlestown, containing fourteen acres.”612
607
A Capt. William Wyer had an encounter with Blackbeard. I am trying to find out if this was the same William
Wyer.
608
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on his father William Johnson).
609
William P. Greenlaw, “John Maverick and Some of His Descendants,” New England Historical and Genealogical
Register (NEHGR), vol. 96 (1942), pp. 239-40.
610
George W. Chase, History of Haverhill, Mass. (1861), p. 88.
611
NEHGR, vol. 96, pp. 239-40, cited above.
612
G. W. Johnson, “William Johnson and His Descendants,” New England Historical and Genealogical Register
(NEHGR), Vol. 33 (1879), p. 86. See also Wyman, Thomas B., The Genealogies and Estates of Charlestown (1879),
Vol. 1, p. 555.
134
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John Johnson and his third wife Catherine were both killed by Indians 29 Aug 1708, at
Haverhill.613 He and his wife were standing in their doorway, along with their grandson
Thomas’ young wife Ruth who was holding her baby. “The Indians discharged their guns at
once, and shot down old Mr. and Mrs. Johnson where they stood.” Ruth ran through the house
carrying her baby. She was killed by a tomahawk but the baby miraculously survived.614 In all,
16 people, including several children, were killed in the attack that day.
John and Catherine are buried in the Pentucket Cemetery, in Haverhill.615 They share a
common headstone, bearing the following inscription:
“Lieut. | John John | son died August | ye 29, 1708 & in | ye 76 year of | his age.
Catherine | wife of Lieut. | John Johnson | died August ye | 29 , 1708 & in | ye 70 year
of | her age.”616
Children, by his first wife, all but the first born in Haverhill:
1. John Johnson, b. 3 Aug 1657, Charlestown; d. 9 Mar 1724; m. (1st) Mary Mousall; m.
(2nd) Lydia Clement; m. (3rd) Mary Johnson
2. Elizabeth Johnson, b. 16 Nov 1659; m. Thomas Flint
3. Ruhamah Johnson, b. 10 Sep 1661; probably d. young
4. William Johnson, b. 14 Nov 1663; d. 6 Aug 1664
5. Sarah Johnson, b. 2 Aug 1665; m. Henry Franklin
6. Ruth Johnson, b. 4 Oct 1667; d. 15 Dec 1668
7. Ruth Johnson, b. 14 Feb 1669/70; d. 26 Dec 1742; m. Robert Wyer
613
The History of Haverhill, says: “One of the parties proceeded towards the river, and attacked the house
of Lieutenant John Johnson. Mr. Johnson and his wife, with an infant a year old in her arms, were
standing at the door, when the enemy made their appearance. Mr. Johnson was shot, and his wife fled
through the house into the garden,-carrying her babe, where she was overtaken by the foe, and
immediately despatched. But when she fell, she was careful not to injure her child, and it seemed as if
her last thoughts were for its safety. …. After the massacre was over, it was found at the breast of its
dead mother.” However, this account is incorrect regarding the “babe” and her mother. The woman
holding the baby was Ruth (Bradley) Johnson, the young wife of John’s grandson Thomas.
614
Charles Lord, Life and Times of Hopkinton, N.H.(1890), p. 534.The baby, Lydia, married Ebenezer Gile. She died
in Enfield, N.H., in 1781, at the age of 74.
615
findagrave.com: John Johnson
616
NEHGR 33:87.
135
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
8. Timothy Johnson, b. “31” Jun 1672 [sic]; d. 21 Sep 1696; m. Anne Maverick
Children, by his second wife:
9. Mary Johnson, b. 17 Jul 1676; d. 11 Jan 1694/5
10. Rebecca Johnson (twin), b. 17 Jul 1676; d. 21 Feb 1688/9
136
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Thomas Boylston (188) and Mary Gardner (189)
Dr. Thomas Boylston was born 26 Jan 1644/5, in Watertown, Mass, the son of Thomas Boylston
and Sarah -----. He married Mary Gardner, 13 Dec 1665, in Charlestown, Mass. She was born 9
Apr 1648, the daughter of Thomas Gardner and Lucy Smith, of Muddy River (later, Brookline,
Mass.)
Thomas was a chiurgeon (surgeon) in Muddy River (Brookline.) He was the earliest physician in
Brookline. He served as a surgeon in King Philip’s War. His estate was probated 16 Dec
1696.617 His widow Mary died 8 July 1722, in Brookline. She is buried in the Walnut St.
Cemetery in Brookline.618
Children, birth order uncertain:
1. Edward Boylston, m. Mary Dasset
2. Richard Boylston, b. about 1670; d. 25 Apr 1752; m. Mary Smith
3. Abigail Boylston, bapt. 16 Nov 1674; d. 23 May 1756; bur. Salem St. Cem., Medford,
Mass.;619 m. Ebenezer Brooks
4. Peter Boylston, b. about 1678; d. 10 Sep 1743, Brookline;. m. Ann White; they were
grandparents of President John Adams
5. Sarah Boylston, bapt. 26 Dec 1680, Brookline; d. 16 Oct 1736; bur. Salem St. Cem.,
Medford;620 m. Capt. Samuel Brooks
6. Lucy Boylston, bapt. 23 Apr 1682; m. Benjamin Phillips
7. Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, b. about 1679; d. 1 Mar 1766; bur. Walnut St. Cem., Brookline,
Mass.;621 m. Jerusha Minot; he was an “eminent surgeon,” who first introduced the
practice of inoculation in America622
8. Mary Boylston
9. Rebecca Boylston
617
Bond, Watertown; also Vinton Memorial.
findagrave.com: Mary Boylston
619
findagrave.com: Abigail Brooks
620
findagrave.com: Sarah Brooks
621
findagrave.com: Zabdiel Boylston
622
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabdiel_Boylston
618
137
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10. Dudley Boylston,623 bapt. 17 Apr 1688, Roxbury; d. 18 Apr 1748, Brookline, in his 60th
year; bur. Walnut St. Cem., Brookline;624 m. Elizabeth Gardner
11. Joanna Boylston
12. Thomas Boylston, d. 1739; m. Sarah Morecock
623
624
See NEHGR 111:26, for family of Dudley Boylston.
findagrave.com: Dudley Boylston
138
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James Smith (190) and Mary Foster (191)
James Smith was born in about 1650, probably in Charlestown, Mass, the son of John Smith
and Sarah -----. He married Mary Foster, 8 Aug 1676, in Charlestown. She was baptized 6 May
1660, in Charlestown, the daughter of William Foster and Anne Brackenbury. 625
James was a shipwright. He died in Charlestown, 18 Sep 1678, of smallpox, at age 28.626 He is
buried in the Phipps St. Burying Ground.627
His widow Mary married Timothy Phillips, 18 Apr 1681, in Charlestown. She died 30 Apr 1755,
in Charlestown, and is buried in the Phipps St. Burying Ground.628
Child:
1. Mary Smith, b. 16 Feb 1677/8; d. 16 Apr 1764; m. Richard Boylston
625
Edward J. Forster, “Fosters of Charlestown, Mass.,” New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 25
(1871), p. 68. For Anne’s maiden name, see Robert C. Anderson, The Great Migration Begins, sketch on her father
William Brackenbury.
626
Charlestown VR for death date and cause of death. Gravestone says 28 years old, also Wyman.
627
Findagrave.com: James Smith.
628
Findagrave.com: Mary Phillips.
139
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Benjamin Collins (232) and Martha Eaton (233)
Benjamin Collins, of Salisbury, Mass., married Martha Eaton, 5 Nov 1668, in Salisbury. His
ancestry is uncertain.629 Martha was born 12 Aug 1648, in Salisbury,630 the daughter of John
Eaton and Martha Rowlandson.631
Benjamin died intestate, 10 Dec 1683, in Salisbury.632 His widow married Phillip Flanders, 4
Nov 1686, in Salisbury.633 On 23 Sep 1695, John Eaton petitioned the court, to complain that he
had not received his share yet. He stated, in part:
“…my father Benjemin Colons of Sailsbury a fore sayd Deceased about twelve years ago
intestate posest of a house and ten akers of Land and other Estat & (she?) chose a
gardyn hoo toke care of me and bound me out to learn a trad but toke no care of what
my father lef me: and now I am com of age. I cannot undor stand that my mother nor
any body als have not taken out letors of administration …”634
It is not clear from the records when John and the other children finally received their share.
Benjamin’s widow Martha died 19 Apr 1734, in Salisbury.635
Children:
1. Mary Collins, b. 8 Jan 1669
2. John Collins, b. 1673; m. Elizabeth ----3. Samuel Collins, b. 18 Jan 1676; m. Sarah White
4. Anna Collins, b. 1 Apr 1679
5. Benjamin Collins, b. 29 May 1681
6. Ephraim Collins, b. 30 Sep 1683; m. Esther Shortridge
629
Some have claimed, without evidence, that he was the son of Robert Collins and Hester Fowler. It is possible he
was born in England.
630
Salisbury VR.
631
Nellie Molyneux, History Genealogical and Biographical of the Eaton Families (1911), p. 369.
632
Salisbury VR; also Hoyt, cited below. For probate: Essex Probate #6032, available via AmericanAncestors.org.
633
David Hoyt, Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury, part 1, (1897), p. 112.
634
Essex Co. probate records.
635
Salisbury VR. “Martha, wid. Phillip.”
140
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Richard Shortridge (234) and Alice Creber (235)
This section is lacking in sources. Little has been written about this family. One source is The
Ancestry of William Gilman Maguire (1978) but I have do not have a copy and it’s only available
in snippets in Google.books. I will try to add reliable sources as time permits.
Richard Shortridge was born say 1662,636 the son of Richard Shortridge Sr. and Esther
Dearborn. He married Alice Creber, 16 May 1687, in Portsmouth, N. H.637 She was the
daughter of Thomas Creber and ----- Moses.638
Richard was a mariner.639 He died by 1707 when “widow Shortridge” was taxed in
Portsmouth.640 On 19 Dec 1712, when Mark Hunking and George Walker, both of Portsmouth,
were authorized to appraise his estate. Administration was granted to his widow, Alice. His
estate was valued at £114.641 Alice was still living 27 Dec 1725, when she and her son Richard
Shortridge deeded land to James Moses.642
Children:643
1. Elizabeth Shortridge, m. Richard Davis, 11 May 1708644
2. Esther Shortridge, b. say 1688; d. 26 Feb 1767; m. Ephraim Collins
3. Miram Shortridge, b. say 1690; d. m. George Banfield, 1710645
4. Dea. Richard Shortridge, b. say 1693; d. 1756; m. Abigail French, 12 Nov 1719; he was a
cooper646
5. Susanna Shortridge, b. say 1695; possibly d. 6 Aug 1767;647 m. (1st) Reuben Abbot, 9 Oct
1715; possibly m. (2nd) ---- Pitman648
636
This is merely a guess based on the date of his marriage.
NEHGR 7:128. Also Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, p. 170.
638
Granite State Magazine, Vol. 6, calls Alice “Creber’s only daughter.” See also Historical Sketches of John Moses
of Plymouth…John Moses of Windsor and Simsbury…and John Moses of Portsmouth (1890).
639
Based on the administration of his estate, see below.
640
Ancestry of William Gilman Maguire
641
Provincial and State Papers, New Hampshire, pp. 701-702, available via Google books.
642
“Pioneers of Sagamore Creek,” Granite State Magazine, vol. 6, p. 255.
643
One internet family group sheet includes a daughter, Elizabeth, with no sources or further information.
644
Ancestry of William Gilman Maguire
645
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire.
646
NEHGR 123:146.
647
Nettie Nicholson, A Tenth Generation Yankee From Maine
648
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire.
637
141
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Dow (236) and Mary Watson Challis (237)
Joseph Dow was born 20 Oct 1663, in Hampton, N.H., the son of Joseph Dow and Mary
Sanborn.649
He married Mary Watson Challis, 25 May 1687, in Amesbury, Mass.650 She was born 27 Aug
1668 in Salisbury, Mass., the daughter of Phillip Watson-Challis and Mary Sargent.651
According to the Book of Dow, Joseph “was in young manhood sgt of militia and saw
considerable Indian fighting.” He is said to have been a Quaker.652
Mary died 14 May 1697, in Salisbury, three days after giving birth.
He married, second, between 1698 and 1703, Hannah -----. According to the Book of Dow, “The
bride was Hannah, a child taken from her Indian parents with full permission by a Seabrook
Quaker family to be brought up and educated as a Christian.” Unfortunately this book provides
no sources for this information and it is difficult to ascertain whether or not it is reliable.
Mary Lovering Holman calls her Hannah Challis, sister of his first wife Mary Challis. Holman’s
reasoning was stated as follows: “Since Mary’s brother John Challis gives to Joseph’s children by
his wife Hannah, certain land and apparently had arranged with them to care for his brother-inlaw and the second wife, it is probable that Hannah was also his sister, as there seems no
reason for his interest otherwise.”653
It is not possible for me to tell which of the above theories is correct.
Joseph died intestate 6 Feb 1734, in Seabrook, N.H. Administration was granted on his estate
21 Feb 1734/5.
Widow Hannah Dow, she appears on the Hampton Falls tax books, paying on a small piece of
real estate until 1751.
Children, by his first wife, Mary:
1. Joseph Dow, b. 6 Feb 1688; d. 1738; m. Mary -----
649
Robert P. Dow, The Book of Dow (1929), p. 96; also “New Hampshire Births to 1901…” (database at
AmericanAncestors.org, with image), which does not give mother’s maiden name.
650
Amesbury VR, he is called Joseph Jr., and she is called “Mary Challis of Salisbury.”
651
Mary Lovering Holman, Ancestry of Charles Stinson Pillsbury and John Sargent Pillsbury (1938), p. 196.
652
The Book of Dow, pp. 96-97.
653
Holman, Ancestry of Charles Stinson Pillsbury and John Sargent Pillsbury, p. 196.
142
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
2. John Dow, b. 16 Dec 1689; m. (1st) Dinah Severance; m. (2nd) Mary Challis; m. (3rd)
Elizabeth (-----) Simonds
3. James Dow, b. 8 Oct 1693; d. 11 Dec 1773; m. Mary Nichols
4. Phillip Dow, b. 26 Apr 1695; m. (1st) Hannah Griffin, who committed suicide 23 Jul 1753;
m. (2nd) Sarah ----5. Mary Dow, b. 11 May 1697; according to the Book of Dow, she was living in 1715 when
she joined her consent with her four brothers to a deed given by her father to William
Davis and John Cottle
Children, by his second wife, Hannah:
6. Eliphaz Dow, b. 1705; m. Elizabeth Flood; he was a shoemaker; on 8 May 1755 he was executed
by hanging for the murder of Peter Clough; he was the first man654 executed in the state of New
Hampshire; see Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliphas_Dow
7. Noah Dow, b. about 1710; d. about 1770; no wife or children mentioned in his will
8. Bildad Dow, b. before 1714; living 1770; m. Eleanor Selley
9. Judah Dow, b. 1719; d. about 1777; m. Mary Wilber
654
Two women were executed in N.H. in 1739.
143
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Ephraim Severance (238) and Lydia Morrill (239)
Ephraim Severance was born 9 Apr 1656, in Salisbury, Mass., the son of John Severance and
Abigail Kimball.655
He married Lydia Morrill, 9 Nov 1682, in Salisbury.656 She was born 8 Mar 1660[/1?] in
Salisbury, the daughter of Abraham Morrill and Sarah Clement.657
Children:
1. Abigail Severance, b. 28 Aug 1683; m. (1st) Joseph Abbey; m. (2nd) Phillip Greeley
2. Mary Severance, b. 2 Jul 1685; prob. m. Abraham Watson
3. Lydia Severance, b. 15 Jan 1687/8
4. Ephraim Severance, b. 2 Dec 1689
5. Dinah Severance, b. 3 Sep 1692; m. John Dow
6. Ebenezer Severance, b. 29 Nov 1694
7. Sarah Severance, b. 7 Feb 1697/8
8. Jonathan Severance, b. 21 Apr 1700
9. Hannah Severance, b. 15 Dec 1702
655
David Hoyt, Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury. Part 1, (1897), p. 315.
Salisbury VR.
657
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on Abraham Morrill).
656
144
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John Maynard (240) and Mary Gates (241)
For more information on this family, see Michael Roman’s page on John Maynard Jr and Sr.
John Maynard was born in England in about 1630, the son of John Maynard Sr. He came to
Massachusetts in about 1639 with his father. He married Mary Gates 5 Apr 1658, in Sudbury,
Mass. She was baptized 15 Oct 1636 in Hingham, England, the daughter of Stephen Gates and
Ann Neave (not Veare).
According to the History of Marlborough, Mary was, while in Lancaster, publicly “admonished
for bold and unbecoming speeches used in public assembly on the Lord’s day, especially against
Mr. Rowlandson, minister of God’s word there.”658
Mary died in about 1678. John married, second, Sarah (Blandford) Keyes. She was the widow
of Elias Keyes.
John was a selectman in Sudbury. He was one of the petitioners for the grant of Marlborough,
and moved there soon after 1657.659 He died there 22 Dec 1711.660 He left a will, naming his
wife, four sons John, Simon, David and Zachariah; two daughter Hannah Davenport and
Elizabeth Brigham; also his youngest son Joseph “Mainord”, and two youngest daughters Sarah
and Lidiah.
Children, by his first wife Mary:
1. Mary Maynard, b. about 1659; d. 3 Feb 1689; m. Isaac Woods
2. John Maynard, b. 7 Jan 1661; d. 15 Mar 1731; m. Lydia Ward
3. Hannah Maynard, b. about 1662; m. Jonathan Davenport
4. Elizabeth Maynard, b. 2 Apr 1664; m. Nathan Brigham
5. Simon Maynard, b. 15 Jun 1666; d. 19 Jan 1747/8; m. Hannah Newton
6. Zachery Maynard, b. 29 Sep 1668; d. young
7. David Maynard, b. 21 Dec 1669; d. 2 Oct 1757; m. Hannah Waite
8. Zachariah Maynard, b. 27 Oct 1672; d. 1739; m. Mary Geer
658
History of Marlborough Mass., p. 366.
History of Marlborough, p. 413.
660
Marlborough VR.
659
145
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Children, by his second wife Sarah:
9. Sarah Maynard, b. 15 May 1680; d. 4 Feb 1757; m. Joseph Johnson
10. Lydia Maynard, b. 29 Aug 1682; m. Thomas Haggate
11. Joseph Maynard, b. 27 Aug 1685; d. 1721; m. Elizabeth Prince
146
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Joseph Waite (242) and Ruhamah Hagar (243)
Joseph Waite was born say 1650, probably in Watertown, Mass., the son of Richard Waite and
Mary ----. He married Ruhamah Hagar in about 1675. She was the daughter of William Hagar
and Mary Bemis.661
He settled in Marlboro, Mass. He left a will dated 7 Apr 1721. He mentioned “Ruhama my well
beloved wife,” “son William Wait,” “son Joseph Wait,” “daughter Mary the wife of Isaac
Tomblin,” “daughter Hannah the wife of David Mainord,” “daughter Abigail the wife of
Nathaniel Prat,” and “daughter Marcy the wife of Peter Smith.” He died before 21 Mar 1726/7
when his will was proved.662
Children:
1. Mary Waite, b. about 1675; m. Isaac Tomblen, 10 Dec 1696, Marlborough663
2. Ruhamah Waite, b. about 1676; d. 13 Nov 1714, Marlborough, at age 38;664 unm.
3. William Waite, b. 20 Sep 1679, Marlborough;665 m. Abiah----4. Hannah Waite, b. about 1680; d. 16 Mar 1724/25; m. David Maynard Sr.
5. Abigail Waite, m. Nathaniel Pratt, 18 Aug 1712, Marlborough666
6. John Waite, b. 7 Feb 1692, Marlborough;667 d. 25 Feb 1692668
7. Mercy Waite, m. Peter Smith; res. Shrewsbury, Mass.; three known children died in
infancy
8. Joseph Waite, b. 17 Mar 1694/95, Marlborough;669 m. Mary Holland, 1 Jan 1721,
Marlborough670
661
Bond, Watertown.
Middlesex Probate #23475.
663
Marlborough VR.
664
Marlborough VR.
665
Marlborough VR.
666
Marlborough VR
667
Marlborough VR.
668
Marlborough VR.
669
Marlborough VR.
670
Marlborough VR.
662
147
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①Adam
Holloway (246) and Hannah Hayward (247)
Adam Holloway was born in about 1653. His parents are unknown. He married Hannah
(Hayward) Farrar, 5 Mar 1681, in Concord, Mass.671 She was born 20 Apr 1647, in Concord, the
daughter of George Hayward and Mary -----.672 She was the widow of Jacob Farrar, whom she
married 11 Nov 1668, in Lancaster, Mass.673 Jacob was killed in the Indian attack on Lancaster,
Mass., 22 Aug 1675.
Adam died 7 Jun 1733, in Northborough, Mass, and is buried in the First Burying Place there.674
His is one of the oldest gravestones there and is still standing.
Adam left a will in which he mentioned his wife Hannah, eldest daughter Mary Rice, second
daughter Hannah “Farrowbush,” and youngest daughter Elizabeth Wheeler, as well as his son
William who was appointed executor. Besides William, the heirs are listed as Mary Rice,
widow, Elizabeth Wheeler, wife of Joseph Wheeler, and Hannah “Furrowbush,” wife of
Jonathan Furrowbush.675
Some sources claim that Hannah married, third, Jonathan Forbush, but this appears to be
confusion with her daughter Hannah.
Children:
1. Mary Holloway, b. 25 Feb 1681/2, Concord; m. (1st) Nathaniel Oake; m. (2nd) Thomas
Rice
2. Hannah Holloway, b. 5 Nov 1684; m. Jonathan Forbush
3. Lt. William Holloway, b. Jun 1689; d. 6 Jan 1760; bur Howard St. Cemetery,
Northborough676
4. Elizabeth Holloway, b. 1695; m. Joseph Wheeler
671
st
Concord Births, Marriages and Deaths, p. 24. Note that the 1 month was March.
Concord Births, p. 5.
673
Lancaster VR p. 13,
674
findagrave.com: Adam Holloway
675
Mayflower Descendant, Vol. 39 (1989), p. 32.
676
findagrave.com: William Holloway
672
148
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John Mason (252) and Elizabeth Hammond (253)
Lt. John Mason was born 1 Jan 1644[/5?] in Watertown, Mass., the son of Hugh Mason and
Hester Wells.677
He married, by 1676, Elizabeth Hammond. She was born 6 May 1655, the daughter of Lt. John
Hammond and Abigail Salter, of Watertown.
John Mason was a soldier in King Philip’s War, serving in the first Mt. Hope campaign under
Capt. Prentice. He also served under Capt. Thomas Brattle, and at the garrison in Wrentham,
Mass., in November 1675. In 1679 he was constable of Cambridge Village (later Newton), and
was selectman 1689-93. He was a tanner. 678 According to the Descendants of Hugh Mason, he
died 22 Feb 1730 in Newton, and his wife died 14 Oct 1714. However, the published vital
records of Newton do not record either of these events.
Children:
1. John Mason, b. 22 Jan 1676; d. 24 Mar 1738, Lexington; m. Elizabeth Spring
2. Elizabeth Mason, b. 10 Nov 1678; m. Thomas Brown
3. Abigail Mason, b. 16 Dec 1679; died young
4. Daniel Mason, m. Experience Newcomb
5. Samuel Mason, b. 22 Jan 1688; died young
6. Hannah Mason, b. 26 Jan 1694; m. Joseph Sabin
677
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on his father Hugh Mason). His birth also recorded in
Watertown VR.
678
Edna Mason, Descendants of Capt. Hugh Mason (1937), p. 69.
149
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Samuel Newcomb (254) and Sarah Sheffield (255)
Samuel Newcomb was born 25 Feb 1660/1, in Braintree, Mass.,679 the son of John Newcomb
and Ruth Marshall.
He married Sarah Sheffield, 16 Jan 1689, in Braintree. She was born 6 Apr 1660, in Braintree,
the daughter of Edmund Sheffield and Mary Woody.
Samuel died before 8 May 1708 when administration of his estate was granted to his widow
Sarah. “From the account it appears that Samuel Newcomb was bound by agreement to
contribute to the maintenance of his mother-in-law Mrs. Sarah Sheffield. The inventory totaled
£118.”680
Children, born in Braintree:
1. Sarah Newcomb, b. 1690; m. George Newman
2. Samuel Newcomb, b. 9 Jun 1694; mariner
3. Edmund Newcomb, b. 4 Nov 1696; m. Mary Emmons
4. Experience Newcomb, d. 18 Nov 1733; m. Daniel Mason
5. Ruth Newcomb, bapt. 27 Aug 1699; m. Benjamin Wheeler
6. Mary Newcomb, b. 26 Sep 1701; m. John Hawk
7. Ann Newcomb, bapt. 5 Sep 1703; m. William Brown
679
680
th
th
Braintree VR, 15 day 12 month, which was February.
Walter Goodwin Davis, The Ancestry of Annis Spear (1945), p. 43.
150
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Ninth Generation
This section provides abbreviated information. Refer to the sources listed here for further
details.  indicates the first male for a given family surname to immigrate to New England. I
will only include those who lived in New England for at least part of their lives. (This section is in
progress, names will be added as time permits.)
Macuth Pratt (256) and Elizabeth Kingham (257)
Macuth PRATT was born “say” 1595, probably in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England, the
son of Thomas Pratt. He married Elizabeth KINGHAM, 9 Nov 1619, at Aston Clinton. She was
baptized 17 Aug 1600, in Aston Clinton, the daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bate.
Macuth immigrated to New England in 1639, settling in Weymouth, Mass.681
Macuth died 29 Oct 1672, in Weymouth. He made a will dated 25 Mar 1672 and
probated 20 Apr 1673. The inventory of his estate amounted to £257. His wife survived him.
Macuth Pratt and Elizabeth Kingham were the parents of Samuel Pratt.
Sources: Frederick J. Nicholson, “The English Origin of Macuth (or Matthew) Pratt and Edward
Bates of Weymouth, Mass.,” TAG 65 (1990):33-36, 89-90; for his will and inventory, see
Descendants of Edward Small (1934) (caveat: some information in this book is incorrect.)
Comments: Some earlier genealogies mistakenly assumed his name was really “Matthew.” See
Nicholson’s article for arguments why his name was actually Macuth, which is how he signed
his name and how it appears in almost all contemporary records.
John Rogers (258) and Judith ----- (259)
Dea. John ROGERS was born in about 1610. He immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in
Weymouth, Mass.682 He married Judith -----.
John Rogers was a linen weaver. “Despite being a deacon and a literate man, John
Rogers left very little of his personality in the surviving records.” He served as a selectman
“until just prior to his death.” John died 11 Feb 1660/[1], in Weymouth. His wife Judith
survived him. He made a will dated 8 Feb 1660/1, and proved 30 Apr 166[1]. The inventory of
his estate amounted to £275. His estate included “one servant boy that is ye apprentice,”
valued at £10.
John and Judith Rogers were the parents of Hannah Rogers, wife of Samuel Pratt.
Source: Dean Crawford Smith, The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, part 1. (1996).
Comments: In the source cited above, Smith states that it has been suggested that Judith was
Judith French, who came to New England in 1635/6 and was a servant in the family of Joseph
Hull, a minister, but “No independent evidence supports this identification.”
681
682
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
151
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John Bicknell (264) and Mary ----- (265)
John BICKNELL was born in about 1624, the son of Zachary Bicknell and Agnes -----. He came to
New England in 1635 with his parents. He married Mary -----.
A Mary Bicknell is recorded as having died 25 Mar 1658, in Weymouth, but this record
says she was the wife of “Jonathan.” This was probably a mistake, since it seems there was no
one named Jonathan Bicknell living in Weymouth at the time, John being Zachary’s only son.
John married, second, 2 Dec 1658, Mary Porter, daughter of Richard and Ruth Porter.
John Bicknell was a carpenter. John is said tohave died between 6 Nov 1678 and 20 Jan
1678/9, presumably in Weymouth. John and Mary Bicknell were the parents of John Bicknell
Jr.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on his father, Zachary Bicknell);
Chamberlain, Genealogies of Families of Weymouth, Mass. (caveat).
Comments: According to Robert Charles Anderson, there is no evidence that Mary was Mary
Shaw, daughter of Abraham Shaw.
Jonas Humphrey (268) and Martha ----- (269)
Dea. Jonas HUMPHREY was baptized 2 Sep 1621, in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, England, the
son of Jonas Humphrey and Elizabeth (Seamer) Foster. He immigrated to New England with his
parents in 1637, settling in Dorchester, Mass. He married Martha -----, in about 1648, probably
in Dorchester.
Jonas and his family moved to Weymouth, Mass., in about 1653. He was Deacon of the
First Church, and resided on Neck Street. In early records, his name was spelled “Humfrey.”
Jonas died on 9 or 11 Feb 1698/9, aged 79, in Weymouth. He left a will mentioning his
eldest son Samuel, son Nathaniel, and youngest son James; also grandchildren Jonas, James and
Mary Humphrey. His estate was valued at £501.
Jonas and Martha Humphrey were the parents of Nathaniel Humphrey and Jonas
Humphrey.
Sources: Frederick Nicholson, “The Family of Jonas Humfrey of Dorchester, Mass.,” TAG
68(1993):20; probate record available online at ancestry.com; Chamberlain, Genealogy of
Families of Weymouth, Mass.
John Whitman (274) and Ruth ----- (275)
Ens. John WHITMAN immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in Weymouth, Mass.683 He
married Ruth -----. John was chosen in 1645 “to end small controversies in Waymoth.” The
683
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
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same year he was confirmed and Ensign of the military company. He was also a Deacon of the
First Church.
Ruth died 17 Oct 1662, in Weymouth. John died 13 Nov 1692, in Weymouth.
John and Ruth Whitman were the parents of Elizabeth Whitman, wife of Joseph Green.
Sources: Chamberlain, Genealogy of Families of Weymouth, Mass. (1923).
Comments: I am unable to find a probate record for him.
Richard Phillips (282) and Mary Packard (283)
Ens. Richard PHILLIPS was born before 1641, the son of Nicholas Phillips and Elizabeth -----. He
lived in Weymouth, Mass. He married Mary PACKARD, by 1657. She was born in about 1636,
the daughter of Samuel Packard and Elizabeth -----, of Weymouth and Bridgewater, Mass.
He married, second, after 1670, Elizabeth (Edson) Kingman, widow of John Kingman,
and daughter of Dea. Samuel Edson.
He died, probably in Weymouth, between 27 Oct 1695, when he made his will, and 22
Nov 1695, when an inventory of his estate was made. His second wife survived him.
Richard Phillips and Mary Packard were the parents of Mary Phillips, wife of Jonas
Humphrey.
Sources: Chamberlain, Genealogy of Families of Weymouth, Mass. (1923); TAG 12:123 (second
marriage).
Comments: Torrey has his second wife’s maiden name as “Byram?” but I have found no
evidence for this.
Henry Neale (284) and Hannah Pray (285)
Sgt. Henry NEALE was born in about 1617. He immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in
Braintree, Mass.684 It is possible that he was the brother of John Neale of Salem, Mass., but this
is not proven. He married, first, Martha -----. She was buried 23 Jul 1653, in Braintree, at the
birth of her sixth child.
He married, second, on 14 Feb 1655/6, in Braintree, Hannah PRAY. She was the
daughter of Quinton Pray and Joan -----.
Henry was a carpenter. In about 1657, he moved to Providence, R.I. On 23 Nov 1660 he
sold his land in Providence and returned to Braintree. He was a selectman in Braintree in 1678,
and a sergeant in the train band. His land was in the part of Braintree that later became
Quincy, Mass.
He died 16 Oct 1688 in Braintree. His age on his gravestone in Hancock Cemetery is
given as 71. His gravestone also says he was “father of 21.” He made a will dated 11 Aug 1688,
with a codicil dated 12 Sep 1688, the latter being proved 27 Feb 1690/1. The will named 15
684
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
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surviving children, four sons and eleven daughters. His wife Hannah, the mother of 15 children,
survived him. Her date of death is not known, but she was alive in 1716 and dead by 3 Feb
1718/9.
Henry Neale and Hannah Pray were the parents of Lt. Joseph Neale.
Sources: Edith Bartlett Sumner, Ancestry and Descendants of Samuel Bartlett and Lucy Jenkins
(1951); Waldo Sprague, Genealogies of the Families of Braintree, Mass. (manuscript on CD).
Francis Newcomb (288) and Rachel Brackett (289)
Francis NEWCOMB was born in about 1605. He married Rachel BRACKETT, 27 May 1630, at All
Saints, Sudbury, Suffolk, England. She was baptized 28 Apr 1614, in Sudbury, England, the
daughter of Peter Brackett and Rachel -----.685 Francis and his family came to Massachusetts in
1635 on the ship Planter. They first lived in Boston and later moved to Braintree, Mass. The
area in Braintree where they lived later became the town of Quincy. It is likely that they lived in
or near what is called “The Neck.”686 In 1678 Francis served on a trial jury but there is no
evidence that he took any noticeable part in public life.”687
Francis died 27 May 1692, at Braintree. He was buried in Hancock Cemetery, in what is
now Quincy, but the gravestone was no longer standing as early as 1904. His age was most
likely exaggerated, as his tombstone inscription was: “In Memory of Mr. Francis Newcomb, who
Died May 27, 1692, aged 100 years.”688 The town record also states that he was “accounted an
hundred years old.” If the age given on the passenger list was correct, he was actually about 87
years old.
Francis Newcomb and Rachel Brackett were the parents of John Newcomb.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name); also footnotes.
Richard Everett (292) and Mary ----- (293)
Richard EVERETT was baptized 11 Dec 1597, in Holbrook, Suffolk, England, the son of George
Everard and Mary Pearse. He married, first, Sarah Dalton, 24 Sep 1623, in Wolverstone,
Suffolk, England. She was the sister of Rev. Timothy Dalton. He married, second, Mary -----,
probably in England, in about 1636. He immigrated to New England in 1636, settling in
Dedham, Mass.689
685
See Douglas Richardson, “The Brackett-Newcomb –Sanders Connection”, The American Genealogist, Vol. 55, pp.
215-17.
686
Dawes-Gates Ancestral Lines (1943), p. 459.
687
Ibid.
688
According to Quincy Inscriptions, New England Historical and Genealogical Register vol. 9 (1855), p. 154.
689
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
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Richard was a farrier.690 He served as surveyor in 1650/1 and 1654/5. “He was
frequently called to lay out roads or property.” In 1652 and 1653 he served as constable. At
the age of about 70, he was paid 20s for killing two wolves.
Richard died 3 Jul 1682, in Dedham. He made a will dated 12 May 1680 and proved 25
Jul 1682. The inventory of his estate amounted to £277. “Richard’s inventory did not reveal
many cows, but his leanto was full of considerable equipment for milking cows and making
cheese. He was equally well equipped to make beer.”
Richard and Mary Everett were the parents of Capt. John Everett.
Source: Dean Crawford Smith, Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton part four (2000) (this source
includes a transcription of Richard Everett’s will and inventory.)
Comments: There was another Richard Everett who married Mary Winch and lived in
Springfield, Mass. Unfortunately many sources confuse these two men. See Robert Charles
Anderson, The Great Migration, sketch on Mary Winch.
Robert Pepper (294) and Elizabeth Johnson (295)
Robert PEPPER was born in about 1617 in England. He immigrated to New England in 1639,
settling in Roxbury, Mass.691 He married Elizabeth JOHNSON, 14 Mar 1642/3, in Roxbury. She
was baptized 22 Aug 1619 at Ware End, Great Amwell, Hertfordshire, England, the daughter of
John Jonson and Mary Heath.
Elizabeth died in Roxbury, 5 Jan 1683/4. Robert died there “an olde Xtian,” 7 Jul 1684.
He left a will dated 4 Jul 1684 and proved 17 Jul 1684.
Robert Pepper and Elizabeth Johnson were the parents of Elizabeth Pepper, wife of
John Everett.
Sources: Connie Riley, “The DNA Study of Robert Pepper of Roxbury,” New England Ancestors,
vol. 9 (2008), no. 3, pp. 48-49; probate record online at Ancestry.com.
John Hayden (300) and Susanna ----- (301)
John HAYDEN was born by about 1609, based on the estimated date of his marriage. He
immigrated to Massachusetts in 1632, settling first in Dorchester, Mass. By about 1634, he
married Susanna -----, probably in Dorchester. In 1639, they moved to Braintree, Mass.
In 1647 he petitioned the court for help “in regard of his own infirmity & his child
bereaved of his senses.” The court gave him £5 for his “distracted or possessed child” (Joseph).
John died between 31 Oct 1678 (date of his will) and Feb 1681[/2?] (date of inventory of
his estate). The inventory of his estate totaled £125, not a large sum. Susanna’s date of death
is not known, but she had died by 3 Oct 1684.
690
691
A farrier is a person who trims horses’ hooves and fits them with horseshoes.
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
155
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John and Susanna Hayden were the parents of Samuel Hayden.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name).
Thomas Thayer (302) and Hannah ----- (303)
Thomas THAYER was baptized 15 Sep 1622, at St. Mary’s Church, in Thornbury,
Gloucestershire, England, the son of Thomas Thayer Sr. and Margery Wheeler. He immigrated
to Massachusetts in 1637 with his parents, and settled in Braintree, Mass. In about 1643, he
married Hannah -----(or Anna). She was born in about 1625.
Thomas died 9 Aug 1692/3692 in Braintree, “aged near 70 years.” There are no probate
records for him on file, but he deeded land to his son Ebenezer. Hannah died 7 Feb 1697/8 in
Braintree, aged about 73 years.
Thomas and Hannah Thayer were the parents of Hannah Thayer, wife of Samuel
Hayden.
Sources: Waldo Sprague, Braintree Families (manuscript on NEHGS CD); Dean Crawford Smith,
The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, part 3 (where he is only mentioned briefly).
John Bent (304) and Martha ----- (305)
John BENT was baptized 20 Nov 1596 in Penton-Grafton, Hampshire, England, the son of
Robert Bent and Agnes Gosling. He married Martha -----. John, his wife and five children
immigrated to New England sailing from Southampton in 1638 on the ship Confidence, and
settled in Sudbury, Mass., where he was one of the original settlers. John’s home was in the
part of Sudbury that later became Wayland, Mass. In 1641 he was a selectman.
John died 27 Sep 1672, in Sudbury, about 76 years old. John left a will dated 14 Sep
1672 and proved 2 Oct 1672. The inventory of his estate totaled £344. His widow Martha died
in Sudbury 15 May 1679.
John and Martha Bent were the parents of Joseph Bent.
Sources: Allen Bent, The Bent Family in America (1900) (which includes a transcription of his
will and inventory); NEHGR 153:219.
692
This is not a standard “double date” this is written because there are duplicate records, one saying 1692 and
one saying 1693.
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John Bourne (306) and Alice Besbeech (307)
John BOURNE was born in England, the son of Thomas Bourne and Elizabeth -----. He came to
New England in 1636 with his parents, settling in Plymouth and later Marshfield, Mass. He
married Alice BESBEECH 18 Jul 1645 in Marshfield. She was baptized 29 Jun 1624 in Frittendon,
Kent, England, the daughter of Thomas Besbeech and Anne Baseden.
John died 8 Dec 1684 in Marshfield. Alice died in May 1686 in Marshfield.
John and Alice were the parents of Elizabeth Bourne, wife of Joseph Bent.
Sources: Waterman Family, The Great Migration Vol. 1 (sketch on Alice’s father Thomas
Besbeech) for Alice’s baptism and marriage.
Robert Fuller (308) and Ann ----- (307)
Robert FULLER immigrated to New England in 1639, settling in Dorchester, Mass.693
He married, first, Ann -----. They moved to Dedham, Mass., in about 1644, after the birth of
their first child, Jonathan. Ann died 4 Jul 1646, in Dedham, a few weeks after giving birth to her
second child, Benoni. Robert married, second, in about 1646 or 1647, Sarah -----. She was
dismissed from the church in Roxbury, so was probably the daughter of a Roxbury settler.
Sarah died 2 Jun 1686 in Dedham, and Robert died there 14 Dec 1688. He made a will,
which was proved 28 Apr 1690. His son Jonathan was made executor.
Robert and Ann Fuller were the parents of Jonathan Fuller.
Source: TAG 24.
Jonathan Fairbanks (312) and Grace Smith (313)
Jonathan FAIRBANKS was born in about 1595, probably in Sowerby or Halifax, Yorkshire,
England, the son of John Fairbank and (probably) his second wife Isabella Staincliffe. He
married Grace SMITH, 20 May 1617, in Halifax.
Jonathan immigrated to New England in 1636, settling in Dedham, Mass.694 The
Fairbanks house, originally owned by Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks, was built in the late 1630s
or early 1640s, still stands and is open to the public. It was passed down to eight generations of
Fairbanks descendants, until the early 29th century. “It is claimed that it is the oldest standing
timber frame house in America and was considerably larger than neighboring houses.” Abbott
Lowell Cummings wrote, “no other house of the mid-17th century in New England has survived
in such unbelievable unspoiled condition. It is extraordinary that so early a structure should
preserve such a high percentage of original features.”
693
694
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
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Jonathan had some differences with church teachings, but was later reconciled. In
1646, a church record states: “Jonathan Fairbanke notwithstanding he had long stood off fro’ ye
church upon some scruples about publike p’fession of faith & ye covenant yet after diverse
loving conferences with him he made such a declaration of his faith & conv’sion to god . . . he
was readily & gladly received by ye whole church.”
He died 5 Dec 1668 in Dedham. He made a will dated 4 Jun 1668. Grace died 28 Dec
1673, in Dedham.695
Jonathan Fairbanks and Grace Smith were the parents of Jonathan Fairbanks Jr.
Sources: Dean Crawford Smith, The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, part 3 (caveat: his ancestry
given by Smith has been superseded); NEHGR 166 for ancestry; Genealogy of the Fairbanks
Family in America (1897).
Edward Shepard (314) and Violet Wolterton (315)
Edward SHEPARD immigrated to New England by 1642, when he appears in Cambridge, Mass.
He was a mariner. He married, first, Violet WOLTERTON. Her first name was very unusual in
early New England, in fact most other early women by that name were her descendants. She
was (apparently) the sister of Gregory Wolterton. Violet died 9 Jan 1648/9, in Cambridge.
Edward married, second, about 1650, Mary (-----) Pond, widow of Robert Pond, of
Dorchester, Mass.
He died in 1680. He made a will dated 4 Oct 1674 and proved Jun 1680. His second
wife Mary survived him.
Edward Shepard and Violet Wolterton were the parents of Deborah Shepard, wife of
Jonathan Fairbanks Jr.
Source: ed. Donald Lines Jacobus, The Shepard Families of New England, vol. 2 (1972).
Comments: See the source cited above and/or articles by Jacobus in TAG for reasons why Violet
was most likely the sister of Gregory Wolterton.
John Guild (316) and Elizabeth Crooke (317)
John GUILD was born in England in about 1616. He immigrated to New England by 1640,
settling in Dedham, Mass.696 He married Elizabeth CROOKE 24 Jun 1645 in Dedham. They lived
in a house that was passed down to descendants “for more than two hundred years.” His
house was on East Street in Dedham.
John did not hold any town offices. He did sign a petition in Jan 1644[/5] to support a
free school in Dedham.
695
696
th
th
Dedham VR: “Grace Fairebanck, deceased 28 : 10 mo.” (December was the 10 month).
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
158
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Elizabeth died 31 Aug 1669 in Dedham. John died 4 Oct 1682, in Dedham. John left a
will dated 3 Oct 1682.
John Guild and Elizabeth Crooke were the parents of Samuel Guild.
Source: Helen S. Ullmann, "A Line From John Guild of Dedham to Wrentham, Mass., and
Beyond," (2009), available via NEHGS. There is also a recent (2006) book on the Descendants of
John Guild, which I have not seen.
Comments: According to John Charles Gile, John Guild may have been baptized 30 Nov 1609 in
Ilketshall, St. Margaret, Suffolk, England, the son of Richard Gylde and (probably) Margaret
Jorden. According to Leslie Maher, Elizabeth Crooke was probably baptized 19 Jul 1618, the
daughter of Roger and Sarah (-----) Crooke [see NEHGR 15:40]. The idea that John Guild was
from Scotland is apparently false. It is possible that he was the brother of Samuel and Ann
Guild. The three of them are supposed to have come to New England on the ship Hector, but
there is no passenger list.
John Woodcock (318) and Sarah (Curtis?) (319)
John WOODCOCK was born in about 1627. According to the source cited below, he was the
John Woodcock who was baptized 20 Jul 1627 at St. Antholin Parish, London, son of William
Woodcock and Alice Washborn.
John was in Dedham, Mass., by 1642. He married Sarah (CURTIS?), in about 1649.
John was granted land in Rehoboth, Mass., in 1647. In 1668 he lived at Ten-Mile River,
where in 1670, he was licensed to keep an ordinary. He lived in a part of Rehoboth, called the
North Purchase, which was set off as Attleboro. He had a farm there of about 300 acres, which
was expanded to about 600 acres. During King Phillip’s War, his house was used as a garrison.
Sarah was buried 10 May 1676, recorded in Rehoboth, Mass. John married second, Joanna ----,
by 1692. John died intestate 20 Oct 1701 in Attleboro. Administration of his estate was
granted to his son John and his son-in-law Samuel Guild. His personal estate was valued at
£213 and real estate at £128. (He had already given away much of his land to children, prior to
this time.)
John and Sarah Woodcock were the parents of Mary Woodcock, wife of Samuel Guild.
Sources: Edith Bartlett Sumner, Descendants of Thomas Farr of Harpswell, Maine, and ninety
allied families (1989).
Comments: There was a John Woodcock on a 1635 passenger list. Robert Charles Anderson in
The Great Migration, stated that this was probably not the same man as John Woodcock of
Attleboro (although it’s not impossible).
159
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Timothy Cooper (322) and Elizabeth ----- (323)
Timothy COOPER immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in Lynn, Mass.697 He was
probably born about 1615 to 1620, based on the birth of his oldest child in 1641. His married
Elizabeth -----. He was one of the petitioners for the new town of Groton, Mass., but it seems
he never lived there, as he is called Timothy Cooper of Lynn in probate records.
He probably died shortly before 8 Mar 1659, when an inventory was made of his estate.
His estate was valued at £177. On 29 Mar 1659 administration of his estate was granted to his
widow Elizabeth.
Timothy and Elizabeth Cooper were the parents of Mary Cooper, wife of Joseph Gilson.
Source: Marilyn Fitzpatrick, "Timothy Cooper of Lynn, Mass.", The Essex Genealogist (TEG) Vol.
11 (1991), p. 212-13.
Comments: The article cited above says he was probably born at Weston Hall, Warwickshire,
England, the brother of John Cooper of that place. This statement is based on the fact that the
will of John Cooper mentions his brother Timothy, “now in New England.”
John Lawrence (324) and Elizabeth ----- (325)
John LAWRENCE was born “by about 1610.” He immigrated to New England in 1635, settling in
Watertown, Mass., and married Elizabeth ----- in about the same year.
He was a carpenter. In 1658 he was a constable. He moved to Groton, Mass., in 1662.
In Groton, he served as selectman in 1662 and 1666.
John’s wife Elizabeth died 29 Aug 1663, in Groton. He married, second, Susanna
Bachelor, 2 Nov 1664, in Charlestown, Mass. She was the daughter of William Bachelor.
John died 11 Jul 1667, in Groton. He left a will dated 24 Apr 1667. The inventory of his
estate was valued at £278. His widow Susanna died 8 Jul 1668, in Charlestown.
John and Elizabeth Lawrence were the parents of Peleg Lawrence and Enoch Lawrence.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
Comments: Robert Charles Anderson points out that the claim made by Horatio G. Somerby
that John Lawrence was from Wisset, Suffolk, England was “demolished” by George Andrews
Moriarty, in 1933 [see TAG 10]. Unfortunately there are still people who propagate this error.
Joseph Morse (326) and Hannah Phillips (327)
Joseph MORSE was baptized 2 May 1613, in Redgrave, Suffolk, England, the son of Samuel
Morse and Elizabeth Jasper. He immigrated to New England with his parents in 1635. He
married Hannah PHILLIPS 1 Sep 1638, in Dedham. Her ancestry is not known.
697
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
160
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Joseph died intestate prior to 20 Jun 1654, probably in Dorchester, Mass. Hannah
married second, Thomas Boyden, on 3 Nov 1658, in Boston. Hannah died 3 Oct 1676 in
Medfield, Mass. She left a will, mentioning among others Elizabeth Lawrence.
Joseph Morse and Hannah Phillips were the parents of Elizabeth Morse, wife of Peleg
Lawrence.
Sources: Stevens-Miller, vol. 2 (1953).
Andrew Foster (330) and Ann ----- (331)
Andrew FOSTER, if his death record is to be believed, was born in about 1579. However, this
age may have been exaggerated. 698 He may have been Scottish. He married Ann -----. She was
probably born as late as 1620 and may have been his second wife.
Andrew was in Andover, Mass., by 1646.699 He lived in North Andover.700 In 1653 he
was released from the obligation of military training, “in respect of age and other infirmities.”
Andrew died 7 May 1685 in Andover. He made a will dated 18 Apr 1685, which begins “I
Andrew Foster of the town of Andover in the County of Essex in New England Senior – Being
very aged…” He mentions his eldest son Andrew Foster, daughters Sarah, Hannah and Mary,
wife Ann, and son Abraham. His estate amounted to £504,701 a sizeable amount.
In the summer of 1692, the witchcraft hysteria which began in Salem Village, spread to
Andover. On 15 Jul 1692, Ann Foster was accused. It was claimed that her spectre had afflicted
Elizabeth Ballard, daughter of Andover constable Joseph Ballard.
Ann “readily confessed.” She claimed that Martha Carrier had made her a witch, and
“described flying through the air on a pole to witches’ meetings in Salem Village.”702 It was a
known fact that those who confessed to being witches and testified against others would have
their lives spared. Soon Ann’s daughter Mary (Foster) Lacey and granddaughter Mary Lacey
were also accused. Eventually 46 people would be accused of witchcraft in Andover, a greater
number than in Salem and Salem Village. Forty of them confessed. Despite her confession,
Ann Foster remained in jail. A frail 72-year old, Ann died in jail 3 Dec 1692.
Andrew and Ann Foster were the parents of Sarah Foster, wife of Samuel Kemp, and of
Mary Foster, wife of Lawrence Lacey.
Sources: NEHGR 20:227; his will, available on Ancestry.com (which is somewhat difficult to
read); many other sources are available for the trail and confession of Ann (----) Foster.
Comments: It has been claimed that Ann was Ann Alcock, daughter of George Alcock.
However, George had no daughters. See the sketch on George Alcock in Robert Charles
Anderson, The Great Migration. I have found no credible evidence that she was an Alcock.
698
He is said to have died at age 106. However, ages In early New England death records were often exaggerated.
I am skeptical that he was really 106.
699
TEG 21(2001):295.
700
TEG 21:199.
701
According to NEHGR 20:227. However, no probate papers appear to have survived.
702
Benjamin Ray, Satan and Salem: The Witch-Hunt Crisis of 1692 (2015).
161
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Prior to the conviction of Ann Foster for witchcraft, tragedy had struck the family
before. William and Ann’s daughter Hannah was murdered by her husband, Hugh Stone, who
slit her throat in a drunken rage. It was the first murder in Andover. Before his execution,
when asked what “possessed him,” Stone “blamed the family, saying they had been
contentious and that his wife had not obeyed him.” On the gallows, he “visciously rebuked”
Ann Foster. 703
John Whitney (338) and Ruth Reynolds (339)
John WHITNEY Jr. was baptized 14 Sep 1621 in Isleworth, England, the son of John Whitney and
Elinor ----.
John immigrated with his parents to New England in 1635, settling in Watertown, Mass.
He married Ruth REYNOLDS, in about 1643. She was born in about 1623, the daughter of
Robert Reynolds and Mary -----. John was selectman in Watertown in 1673 and for several
years following.
He died 12 Oct 1692 in Watertown. The inventory of his estate included about 210
acres of land. His widow Ruth survived him. John Whitney and Ruth Reynolds were the parents
of Ruth Whitney, wife of Enoch Lawrence.
Sources: For baptism, Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on his father,
John Whitney Sr.); Bond, Watertown; Descendants of John Whitney.
James Knapp (342) and Elizabeth Warren (343)
Sgt. James KNAPP was baptized 30 Apr 1626, in Wormingford, Essex, England. He was the son
of William Knapp and Judith Tue. He came to New England in 1630 with his parents, who
settled in Watertown, Mass.704
James married Elizabeth WARREN in about 1654. She was baptized 21 Jul 1629 in
Nayland, Suffolk, England, the daughter of John Warren and Margaret -----.705
In 1656, James was charged with the crime of adultery. “A Watertown widow named
Mary Davis had recently died in prison while giving birth to a bastard child, she attributed
paternity to Knapp, ‘constantly affirming the same, in her health and right mind, and also to her
death.’”706 It is not certain, but it seems that there was no conviction. The following year he
was in court again for drunkenness.
703
Diane Foulds, Death in Salem: The Private Lives Behind the 1692 Witch Hunt (2013).
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (sketch on his father, William “Knopp”).
705
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on Elizabeth’s father, John Warren).
706
John Putman Demos, Entertaining Satan: Witchcraft and the Culture of Early New England (2004), p. 111-112,
citing Samuel Green The early Records of Groton, Mass
704
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John Putnam Demos speculates that Elizabeth (Warren) Knapp may have been the
woman named Knapp who, in 1658, “pretending to rail, and being troublesome, she was sent
to prison.”707
At any rate, James was able to reform. In about 1662, James moved to Groton, Mass.,
where he became not only respectable, but one of the leaders of the new town. He was
selectman in 1665 and “was re-elected to this office almost every year until 1692.”708 In
Groton, he became sergeant of the train band. “Given the absence of special distinction in his
family line, his checkered past, and his relatively modest wealth, James Knapp must have
earned his honors chiefly by way of energy, talent, and (reformed) character.” 709 He is listed in
a garrison in Groton in 1692.710
He may have returned to Watertown: an inventory the estate of James Knapp was
made on 11 Nov 1700, in Watertown.711 Was Elizabeth (Warren) Knapp the Elizabeth Knapp,
“wife of James Knap” who died in Watertown 12 Jan 1715/6?712
James Knapp and Elizabeth Warren were the parents of Elizabeth Knapp, wife of Samuel
Scripture.
Sources: see footnotes.
Thomas Chamberlain (344) and Mary ----- (345)
Thomas CHAMBERLAIN was in Woburn, Mass., by 1644. He married Mary ----.
In Feb 1651/2 he, James Parker, and Isaac Learned, “all of Woburn,” bought from Gov.
Thomas Dudley, 1500 acres of land in what is now Billerica, Mass. Thomas Chamberlain may
never have occupied this land. By 1658 he was called “of Chelmsford.”
A death record that appeared to be for “Annah, wife of Thomas Chamberlain” was
recorded in Chelmsford, 20 Dec 1669. The author cited below stated, “after a most careful
study of all known records, I conclude that the name should have been written ‘Mary,’ instead
of ‘Annah.’”
On 16 Apr 1684, Thomas married, second, Mary (-----) (Poulter) Parker, widow of John
Poulter and John Parker. She died 7 Feb 1692/3. Thomas’ own death is not recorded, nor is
there any record of a will. But “from a deed it is inferred that he died before 21 Dec 1700.”
Thomas and Mary Chamberlain were the parents of Thomas Chamberlain Jr.
Source: George W. Chamberlain, One Branch of the Descendants of Thomas Chamberlain of
Woburn, Mass. (1897).
707
Demos, Entertaining Satan, p. 113.
Demos, Entertaining Satan, p. 112, citing Samuel Green The early Records of Groton, Mass. (1880).
709
Demos, Entertaining Satan, p. 112.
710
Samuel Green, Groton During the Indian Wars (1883), p. 60.
711
NEHGR 147:327.
712
Watertown VR. Normally she would be called “widow” not “wife” but it could be a clerical mistake.
708
163
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Robert Proctor (346) and Jane Hildreth (347)
Robert PROCTOR came to New England and settled at Concord, Mass., by 1643. Robert
married Jane HILDRETH 31 Dec 1645, in Concord, Mass. She was born in England in about
1628, the daughter of Richard Hildreth and Sarah ------.
In 1654 they moved to the new town of Chelmsford, Mass.
Robert died 28 Apr 1697, in Chelmsford, Mass. He left a will dated 10 Mar 1695/6 and
proved 13 Jul 1697. He mentions wife Jane, sons Gershom, Peter, James, John, Samuel, and
Israel, and daughters Dorothy Barret, Elizabeth Proctor, Sarah Chamberlain and Mary Bourn.
Robert Proctor and Sarah Hildreth were the parents of Sarah Proctor, wife of Thomas
Chamberlain.
Sources: A Genealogy of the Descendants of Robert Proctor of Concord and Chelmsford, Mass.
(1898); Middlesex Probate #18219.
Comments: The following information may be true but I am searching for a reliable source for
it: “Robert was baptized 15 Apr 1624, at St. Albans, Herfortshire, England, the son of Robert
Proctor and Sarah Fletcher.“ Without a good source I consider it speculative.
John Nutting (348) and Sarah Eggleton (349)
John NUTTING was born in about 1622 in England. The date of his arrival in New England is not
known, but there is no record of him prior to his marriage. John married Sarah EGGLETON 28
Aug 1650, in Woburn, Mass. She was the daughter of Jane (-----) Eggleton, and the sister of
Ruth (Eggleton) Blodgett.713
He first moved from Woburn to Chelmsford, Mass. He was in Groton by about 1661. In
1663 he was selectman, and in 1668, constable. In 1672 he was paid by the town for killing two
wolves.
John died 14 May 1676 in Groton, Mass. Tradition is that he was killed by Indians when
defending his house, which was used as a garrison.
John Nutting and Sarah Eggleston were the parents of John Nutting Jr.
Sources: Nutting Genealogy (1908).
William Lakin (350) and Lydia Brown (351)
Lt. William LAKIN was born about 10 Jun 1623, probably in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire,
England, the son of William Lakin and Mary -----. His father died in 1633, and in 1637 his
mother married, second, William Martin. William Lakin came to New England in about 1644,
along with his mother, step-father William Martin, and his brother John Lakin.
713
See Dawes-Gates Ancestral Lines.
164
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
William married, say 1648, Lydia BROWN. She was born 22 Mar 1631/2, in Watertown,
Mass., the daughter of Abraham Brown and Lydia -----, of Watertown.714
The family moved to Groton, Mass., by Jan 1664/5. On 15 Oct 1673, William was
appointed Lieutenant of the military company of Groton. According to Samuel Green, “the
murderous assault made by the Indians on the town, July 27, 1694, was begun at the house of
William Lakin, who lived somewhere in the neighborhood of Chicopee Row.” 715
Lydia Lakin was still living on 25 Jan 1693/4, when she received a portion of her father’s
estate. William died 22 Feb 1700/1, in Groton.716 William did not leave a will, but intestate
probate records exist. An inventory of his estate was taken in Nov 1707.717 According to
Douglas Richardson, Lydia had “perhaps” died by then. Heirs were listed as William, Jonathan
and Abraham Lakin, and Jonathan Boyden and John Nutting.718 William Lakin and Lydia Brown
were the parents of Mary Lakin, wife of John Nutting.
Sources: see footnotes.
Jonas Eaton (352) and Grace ----- (353)
Jonas EATON was born in about 1618, probably in Co. Kent England. He immigrated to New
England in 1637,719 as a servant in the family of William Eaton. (Jonas was definitely not
William’s son, but he could have been a younger brother.) He settled first in Watertown, Mass.
He and William both moved to Reading, Mass., in 1653.
Jonas married Grace ----Jonas died 24 Feb 1673/4, in Reading, Mass. He left a will (Middlesex Probate #6754).
Grace married, second, 18 Nov 1680, Henry Silsbee.
Jonas and Grace Eaton were the parents of John Eaton.
Source: Donald Lines Jacobus, The Granberry Family and Allied Families (1945), p. 212-213.
John Pearson (354) and Dorcas ----- (355)
John PEARSON was born in about 1613 in England. He married Dorcas -----, apparently in
England.
714
Douglas Richardson, “The English Origins of the Lakins of Mass.”, The American Genealogist (TAG), Vol. 70
(1995), pp. 146-147. Also see The Great Migration Begins sketch on Abraham Brown.
715
Epitaphs From the Old Burying Ground in Groton, p.242. This book has an error, however, in stating that
William’s father William Lakin died in Massachusetts in 1672. William Lakin Sr. actually died in England in 1633,
and it was William Jr’s step-father, William Martin, who came to Massachusetts and died there in 1672.
716
TAG 70:147.
717
Middlesex Probate #13501.
718
Ibid; also TAG 70:147, which references NEHGR 63:319.
719
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015
165
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John and his family immigrated to New England by 1643, when he settled in Rowley,
Mass. He may have lived briefly in Ipswich, Mass., prior to that time.
He was a carpenter and a miller. He established a dam on the Mill River in Rowley. He
was chosen by the town to represent them at the General Court in 1678 and later. He also
served as selectman many times. He was ordained as a Deacon of the church in 1686.
John died 22 Dec 1693, in Rowley, Mass., at about 80 years of age. His wife died 12 Jan
1702/3 in Rowley.
John and Dorcas Pearson were the parents of Dorcas Pearson, wife of John Eaton Jr.
Source: Noreen Pramberg, Four Generations of the Descendants of John and Dorcus Pearson of
Rowley, Mass in 1643.
John Gould (356) and Joanna ----- (357)
John GOULD was born in about 1610 in England. He was a carpenter. He immigrated to New
England in 1636, and settled in Charlestown, Mass.720
John married, first, Mary -----, who died 28 Sep 1642. He married, second, Joanna -----.
She was born in about 1618.
John died 21 Mar 1690/91, in Charlestown. Joanna died 27 Aug 1697, presumably in
Charlestown.
John and Joanna Gould were the parents of John Gould Jr.
Sources: Wyman, Charlestown; Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (see comments
below).
Comments: According to Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration, the John Gould who
came over in 1635 on the Defense was a different man. (He had a wife named Grace and was a
husbandman, while John of Charlestown had a wife Mary and was a carpenter.)
Jeremiah Belcher (358) and Mary Lockwood (359)
Sgt. Jeremiah BELCHER was born in about 1614, presumably in England. He immigrated to New
England in 1635 on the ship Susan & Ellen, settling in Ipswich, Mass. He married, first, an
unknown wife, by 1639.721 He married, second, Mary LOCKWOOD, by a marriage contract
dated 30 Sep 1652. She was “perhaps daughter of Edmund Lockwood.”
Jeremiah (sometimes called “Jeremy”) was a merchant. In 1652 he had been sued for
debt. In 1658 he petitioned the court to reduce a fine imposed for “selling strong water,
powder & shot,” calling himself a “poor & an honest man.” He obtained a license for selling
720
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
It has been noted that listed next to him on the passenger list of the Susan & Ellen was “Mary Clifford, 25” and
that Jeremiah had a grandson named Clifford Belcher.
721
166
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
strong water that year. He served as a selectman in Ipswich in 1665, and was a sergeant of the
militia by Jan 1660/1.
The date of Jeremiah’s death is unknown. He was alive 28 Jul 1674 (when he
acknowledged a debt), and had died by 30 Sep 1690. It is likely that he was living at least until
1677. He apparently died intestate, at least no will survives. An inventory of his estate is dated
1693.
Jeremiah Belcher and Mary Lockwood were the parents of Abigail Belcher, wife of John
Gould.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
Thomas Emerson (360) and Elizabeth Brewster (361)
Thomas EMERSON was baptized 26 Jul 1584 in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, England, the
son of Robert Emerson and Susan Crabbe. He immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in
Ipswich, Mass.722 He married Elizabeth BREWSTER, 1 Jul 1611, in Bishop’s Stortford.
He was apparently the Thomas Emerson, baker, who in 1650 sold land granted by the
town. He died in 1 May 1666 in Ipswich. His wife Elizabeth survived him.
Thomas Emerson and Elizabeth Brewster were the parents of Rev. Joseph Emerson.
Source: Barbara Chase Stone & Alicia Crane Williams, The Stone-Gregg Genealogy (1987)
Comment: There is no known connection between Elizabeth Brewster and William Brewster of
the Mayflower.
Edward Bulkeley (362) and Lucian ----- (363)
Rev. Edward BULKELEY was baptized 12 Jun 1614, in Odell, Bedfordshire, England, the son of
Rev. Peter Bulkeley and Jane Allen. He “matriculated pensioner” from St. Catherine’s College,
Cambridge, on Easter, 1629. He immigrated to New England by Mar 1634/5, prior to his father.
(He was admitted to the First Church in Boston 22 Mar 1634/5.) He married Lucian -----, a
widow who was supposedly from Plymouth Colony. She was referred to in some records as
“Lucy Anna.” She had, by her former husband, a daughter named Lucy, who married John Lake.
By 1641 he was in Concord, Mass., and ordained to preach the Gospel in Medfield,
Mass., in 1642/3. When his father died in 1659, he succeeded him as minster of the Church of
Concord. On 5 Mar 1694 the town of Concord voted to give him an annual sum of £30 in lieu of
his regular salary, due to his being “under such infirmities of body by reason of his great age,
that he is not capable of attending the work of the ministry as in time past.”
He died in 2 Jan 1695/6 in Chelmsford, Mass., and is buried in Concord. Jacobus wrote,
“He is represented by tradition as being lame and of a feeble constitution, and was greatly
reputed for his talents, acquirements, irreproachable character, and piety.”
722
Robert Charles Anderson , The Great Migration Directory (2015)
167
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Edward and Lucian Bulkeley were the parents of Elizabeth Bulkeley, wife of Rev. Joseph
Emerson.
Sources: Donald Lines Jacobus, The Bulkeley Family (1933); also Robert Charles Anderson, The
Great Migration (sketch on his father Peter Bulkeley.)
Nicholas Browne (364) and Elizabeth ---- (365)
Nicholas BROWNE was born in about 1610, the son of Edward Browne and Jane (or Joan) Lide,
of Inkburrow, Worcestershire, England.723 He married Elizabeth -----, probably in England. He
immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in Lynn, Mass.724
He lived in the part of Lynn that later became Saugus, Mass, having 210 acres of land
given to him by the town. In 1644 he moved to Lynn Village, which was later called Reading,
Mass. He served as Deputy to the General Court and was also a selectman.
He died 5 Apr 1673, in Reading. He made a will, which is summarized in The Essex
Genealogist (TEG) vol. 8. His estate was valued at £1232. His wife survived him.
Nicholas and Elizabeth Browne were the parents of Capt. John Brown.
Sources: TEG 8 (1988):178; NEHGR 44 (1890):281-282; Middlesex Probate #3154.
John Fiske (366) and Ann Gippes (367)
Rev. John FISKE was baptized 20 Mar 1607/8 in St. James, South Elmhorn, Suffolk, England. He
was the son of John Fiske and Ann Lawter. “He was admitted sizar at Peterhouse College,
Cambridge, 2 Jul 1625, and took the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1628/9.”
He married in Ann GIPPES in 1635. She was “of Frenze, co. Norfolk.”
John and his family immigrated to New England in 1637. Cotton Mather wrote, in
Magnalia Christi Americana:
“He and that excellent man Mr. John Allin came aboard in a disguise, to avoid the fury of
his persecutors; but after they had passed the Land’s End, they entertained the passengers with
two sermons every day, besides other agreeable devotions, which filled the voyage with so
much religion that one of the passengers being examined about his going to divert himself with
an hook and line, on the Lord’s day, he protested , ‘that he did not known when the Lord’s Day
was ; he thought every day was a Sabbath day; for’ he said, ‘they did nothing but pray and
preach all week long.”725
723
His place of origin is proven by a power of attorney he gave to his son John: see Genealogical History of the
Town of Reading (1874), summarized in TEG 8.
724
Robert Charles Anderson , The Great Migration Directory (2015)
725
Cotton Mather, Magnalia Christi Americana, originally published 1702; reprinted 1855; vol. 1, p. 478. Note that
Fiske and Fisk Family (1896), p. 53 quotes this account but with some alterations from Mather’s account, for
example, omitting the reference to John Allin.
168
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Mather continues: “Mr. Fisk arrived in New England in the year 1637, having had
nothing to render the voyage uncomfortable, but only that his aged mother died quickly after
he came aboard , and his only infant quickly after he came ashore. He came well stocked with
servants, and all sorts of tools for husbandry and carpentry…”
After stopping briefly in Cambridge, Mass., he moved in the same year to Salem, Mass.
He was preacher and schoolmaster at Salem for four years. In 1641 he moved to Wenham
where he was pastor from 1644-1656. Then he, and most of his church, moved to Chelmsford,
where he was the first pastor. He was also a physician there.
None of his more than 3,000 estimated sermons survive. However, a catechism he
wrote, “Watering of the Olive Plants in Christ’s Garden,” does survive. In addition, in 1943
several poems written by John Fiske were published.726
Ann died 14 Feb 1671/2 in Chelmsford. He married, second, on 1 Aug 1672 in
Chelmsford, Elizabeth (-----) Hinchman, widow of Edmund Hinchman.
Cotton Mather wrote: “Towards the end of his life, he began to labour especially under
two maladies, either of which were enough to try the most consummate patience of any man
living; these were, first, the stone, and then, the gout; which at last were followed with
convulsions, that brought his laborious life to an end…” During this time he was “carried unto
the church in a chair, and preached….sitting.”
John died 14 Jan 1676/7, probably in Chelmsford. He left a will dated 8 Jun 1676 and
proved 22 Feb 1676/7.
John Fiske and Anne Gippes were the parents of Ann Fiske, wife of Capt. John Brown.
Sources: NEHGR 88:272-273; Frederick Clifton Fiske, Fiske and Fisk Family (1896); also
footnotes.
Comments: John Fiske’s Notebook was published in 1974, but I have not seen it.
William Johnson (370) and Elizabeth Bunker (371)
William JOHNSON was born in about 1605 in England. He married Elizabeth BUNKER 14 Oct
1630 in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England. She was born in about 1607. They immigrated to
New England in 1634, settling in Charlestown, Mass.
He was a brickmaker. He died 9 Dec 1677 in Charlestown. He made a will dated 7 Sep
1677 and proved 2 Apr 1678, which is summarized in The Great Migration. His wife Elizabeth
married, second, Thomas Carter, 24 Oct 1679 in Charlestown. She died 6 Oct 1684 in
Charlestown. William Johnson and Elizabeth Bunker were the parents of John Johnson, and of
Elizabeth Johnson, wife of Edward Wyer.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name); also see StevensMiller.
726
See Harold S. Jantz, First Century of New England Verse (1962) for several of Fiske’s poems and a critical
analysis.
169
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Comments: It is possible that he was the brother of Edward Johnson who immigrated to
Charlestown in 1637, although Edward was not from Dunstable. William had moved there due
to the preaching of Rev. Zachariah Symmes, who immigrated to Charlestown in 1634.
Elias Maverick (374) and Anna Harris (375)
Elias MAVERICK was born in about 1604 in England, the son of Rev. John Maverick and Mary
Gye. He immigrated to New England in 1630 with his parents. He was in Winnisimmett (now
Chelsea), Mass., by 1630. In about 1633, he married Anna HARRIS. She was born in about
1613, the daughter of Thomas Harris and Elizabeth -----.
In 1654, he was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. Although a
member of the Charlestown, Mass., church, he continued to live in Winnisimmett, which is
across the Mystic River from Charlestown, accessible by ferry. He died 8 Sep 1684, and was
buried in Charlestown, Mass. He made a will dated 13 Oct 1681 which was proved 6 Nov 1684.
His (large) estate was appraised at £820, of which£700 was real estate.
In his will, he calls himself “Elias Mavericke Senior of Winnasimmett” being “in a
competent measure of health & understanding, though aged…” He mentioned his “beloved
wife Anna,” sons Elias, Peter, and Paul (who married Jemima Smith, daughter of Lt. John Smith),
grandson Jotham Maverick (son of his son John), grandson James Maverick (son of his son
Peter), and his five daughters: Abigail Clarke, Sarah Walton, Mary Waye, Ruth Smith & Rebecca
Thomas. He also mentions an obligation to his “father in law” William Stitson (his wife’s stepfather). “As for my servant Jonas Holmes I give the remainder of his time unto my dear wife if
she live so long or else to my executors…” Finally, he states “having forgotten to express Ruth
Johnson my granddaughter that now liveth with me, I leave it with her grandmother to do as
she pleaseth…”727 His widow Anna died 7 Sep 1697, in Reading, Mass.
Elias Maverick and Anna Harris were the parents of Elizabeth Maverick, wife of John
Johnson.
Sources: NEHGR 96 (1942); for a full transcription of his will and inventory, see A Documentary
History of Chelsea including the Boston precincts of Winnisimmett, Rumney Marsh, and Pullen
Point (1908).
Thomas Boylston (376) and Sarah ----- (377)
Thomas BOLYSTON was baptized 12 Feb 1614/5, in London England, the son of Edward
Boylston and Anne Bastian. He immigrated to New England in 1635 on the ship Defense. He
married Sarah -----, by 1640.
727
Note that Ruth’s mother, his daughter Elizabeth (Maverick) Johnson, had died.
170
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He died in about 1653, specifically between 26 Jul 1652 and before 12 Mar 1654/5,
probably in Watertown, Mass. There are no probate records. Sarah married, second, John
Chenery, 12 Mar 1654/5. She died 14 Sep 1704, in Watertown.
Thomas and Sarah Boylston were the parents of Thomas Boylston Jr.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
Comment: In 1997, Don C. Stone discovered Thomas Boylston’s baptism and names of his
parents. Stone did not publish his results, but the information is included in Anderson’s The
Great Migration.
Thomas Gardner (378) and Lucy Smith (379)
Thomas GARDNER was born in about 1613-16, the son of Thomas Gardner Sr. and his unknown
wife. He immigrated to New England in 1638 with his parents, settling in Roxbury, Mass.728 He
married Lucy SMITH 4 Jul 1641, in Roxbury. Her parents are not known.
Thomas Gardner lived at Muddy River. He was constable there in 1657.
Lucy died 4 Nov 1687 in Roxbury. Thomas died 15 Jul 1689, recorded in Roxbury. He
left a will dated 12 Jul 1689; proved 13 Aug 1689. Since I have found no published
transcriptions, I include a summary here:
“I Thomas Gardner Senr of Muddy River formerly belonging to Boston…being in perfect
memory and understanding although sick and weak in body…” “I do will and bequeath unto my
son Andrew Gardner all that land wch I formerly possessed him of upon marriage wth his wife to
gether with his mansion house and out housing standing and being upon the same wch wth
cattell and other helps I judge amounts to the sum of four hundred pounds…” “I confirm unto
my son Thomas Gardner the house in which he now dwells to gether wth all such lands which
were formerly my proper Estate and by me given to him upon his marriage with Mary his
wife….” “As I have given unto my son Thomas Boylston upon marriage with my daughter Mary
about thirty acres of Land more or less I do by this my Last Will and Testament Confirm the
same to him…” “I do Confirm unto my son Joshua Gardner all those lands and housing given
unto him upon marriage to Mary his wife wch are also confirmed to him by a deed under my
hand and seale.” “I give and bequeath unto my daughter Abigail Wise forty pounds in
money….” “I give and bequeath unto my daughter Johanna Stanton forty pounds in money…”
“I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lucy Monk my now orchard as it is now fenced in …” “I
give and bequeath unto my mayd servant Elizabeth Child twenty shillings…” “I do appoint my
three sons Andrew Gardner Thomas Gardner and Joshua Gardner to be Executors.”
Thomas Gardner and Lucy Smith were the parents of Mary Gardner, wife of Thomas
Boylston Jr.
Sources: Some of the Ancestors of the Rev. John Selby Frame and his Wife Clara Winchester
Dana (1948); Dawes-Gates v.1 (caveat); Wyman, Charlestown; Suffolk Probate at ancestry.com;
History of Brookline.
728
According to Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015), Thomas Gardner Sr. immigrated in
1638.
171
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
John Smith (380) and Sarah ----- (381)
John SMITH was in Charlestown, Mass., by 1644, his parent s and origin unknown. He was a
ship carpenter. He married Sarah ----- , by 1646.
John died 26 Mar 1673, in Charlestown. He left a will dated 8 Mar 1672 and proved 17
Jul 1673. He mentions sons John and James and Josiah, and daughters Elizabeth, Sarah and
Mary (see below for more details). His estate was appraised at £640, a fairly large amount. His
widow Sarah, “an aged woman,” died 12 Nov 1687, in Charlestown.
John and Sarah Smith were the parents of James Smith.
Sources: Wyman, Charlestown; Middlesex Probate #20655; Charlestown VR.
Comment: Since it does not appear that a transcript of his will has been published, I quote from
it here: “John Smith Senior of Charlestown”…”being at present weak of body but in perfect
memory.” To “my beloved wife and all my children, that parcell of Land containing two
thousand Acres more or less wch was given me by ye Indians, according to a deed confirmed to
me by them now in my hands, lying about three miles west of ye towne of Lancaster, the Said
lands to be equally divided between my wife & Children.” “unto my loving & beloved wife
Sarah one third part of all of ye rest of my Estates…” “unto my son John Smith one Sixth part of
my Estate….” “unto my son James Smith, one Sixth part of my Estate…” “unto my son Josiah
Smith & my daughters Elizabeth, Sarah, & Mary, to each of them one twelfth part of my
Estate…” (the portion to Josiah to be paid out when he reached 21 years of age)…”to my
daughters Elizabeth and Sarah within three months after my Decease, and my daughter Mary
when she shall arrive at ye age of eighteen years or at the day of her marriage, which shall first
happen…”
William Foster (382) and Anne Brackenbury (383)
William FOSTER was born in about 1618. He was in Boston by 1644, and Charlestown, Mass.,
by 1652. He married Anne BRACKENBURY, born in about 1628, daughter of William
Brackenbury and Anne ----.
In 1637, Henry Wood, a seaman, was brought before the constable at Charlestown upon
suspicion of “ravishing Ann Brackerbourne, a child of nine years of age.”729
William Foster was at first a ship carpenter, later a sea captain. In his career as captain
he encountered many hardships and dangers. In 1665 “pestilence” broke out on a return
voyage. When they arrived in Massachusetts, the ship was placed in quarantine. Not only were
those on board “cooped up with contagious and dying sufferers,” the cargo was also at risk of
decay and spoilage.
In 1669 Foster was master of the Dolphin, a “vessel of about 150 tons, valued at £640.”
In May of that year a storm caused costly damage to the ship.
William Foster’s most dangerous ordeal occurred in 1671. He and his eldest son Isaac
sailed for Bilbao, in Northern Spain. Cotton Mather described how Foster and his crew were
729
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins, sketch on William Brackenbury.
172
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
“taken captive by Turkish enemies.” Fortunately for Foster, “the prince which had hitherto held
him, was come to an untimely death…” In November 1673 Foster returned to Charlestown ‘in a
small boat laden with fish.”
In 1694 he was nominated as Deacon of the church in Charlestown, but he declined on
account of age. William died 8 May 1698, in Charlestown. His widow Anne died 22 Sep 1714,
in Charlestown. William Foster and Anne Brackenbury were the parents of Mary Foster wife of
James Smith.
Sources: All quotes and the information on William Foster’s career as a sea caption are from:
Roger Thompson, From Deference to Defiance, Charlestown, Mass. 1629-1692, which contain a
chapter titled: “The Ordeals of William Foster 1658-85”; Wyman, Charlestown; NEHGR 25; for
Anne Brackenberry: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (sketch on Anne’s
father, William Brackenbury.)
John Eaton (466) and Martha Rowlandson (467)
John EATON Jr. was born in about 1619, in England, the son of John Eaton Sr. and Ann -----. He
immigrated to New England in 1639, settling in Salisbury, Mass.730 He married Martha
ROWLANDSON, by about 1645, probably in Salisbury. She was the daughter of Thomas
Rowlandson and his unknown first wife.
John probably moved to Salisbury with his parents in about 1639-40.
John died 1 Nov 1682 in Salisbury. He left a will. His widow died Jul 1712 in Salisbury.
John Eaton and Martha Rowlandson were the parents of Martha Eaton, wife of Benjamin
Collins.
Source: David Hoyt, The Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury (1897).
Richard Shortridge (468) and Esther Dearborn (469)
Richard SHORTRIDGE was born in about 1631.731 His origin and parents are not known. He
settled in Portsmouth, N.H. He was a fisherman and basket maker. 732 He married Esther
DEARBORN by 1661.733 She was the daughter of Godfrey Dearborn and his unknown first
wife.734
By 1670 he lived in Sagamore Creek. In 1688 he was constable for the province. 735 The
date of his death is not known.
730
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
Ancestors of Robert Harry McIntire (1980).
732732
J. M. Moses, “Pioneers of Portsmouth Neck,” in Granite Monthly (1913) calls him a basket maker.
733
Torrey.
734
NEHGR 68:72; also Joseph Dow, History of Hampton, N.H.
735
Nettie Nicholson, A Tenth Generation Yankee from Maine
731
173
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Richard Shortridge and Esther Dearborn were the parents of Richard Shortridge Jr.
Sources: See footnotes.
Comments: Little reliable published information can be found on this family.
Thomas Creber (470) and ----- Moses (471)
Thomas CREBER (or CREBAR) was a seaman and farmer. His date of immigration to New
England is not known, but it is presumed to be after 1640.736 He lived in Sagamore Creek, near
Portsmouth, N.H. He married, first, ----- MOSES, a daughter of John Moses.737
Thomas was styled a Captain, the master of the ketch John and Mary, which was
engaged in coastal trade.738 He probably married, second, Mary (-----) Pease, by 1688, widow
of John Pease.739
Thomas’ death date is not known, but it was before 1695, when his second wife Mary
was a widow again.740
Thomas Creber and ----- Moses were the parents of Alice Creber, wife of Richard
Shortridge Jr.
Sources: See footnotes.
Joseph Dow (472) and Mary Sanborn (473)
Sgt. Joseph DOW was born 20 Mar 1638/9, in Watertown, Mass., the son of Henry Dow and
Joan -----. He married Mary SANBORN 17 Dec 1662, in Hampton, N.H. She was born say 1644,
the daughter of William Sanborn and Mary Moulton.
They were Quakers. Joseph died 4 Apr 1703 in Hampton. He made a will which was
probated 19 Apr 1703. Mary’s death date is not known (see comment below).
Joseph Dow and Mary Sanborn were the parents of Joseph Dow Jr.
Sources: The Book of Dow; NEHGR 142:258; Watertown VR.
Comment: The Book of Dow is incorrect regarding Mary’s death. Mary was not the Mary Dow
who died 21 Jan 1732/3 at age 95. That Mary was Mary (Hussey) (Page) (Green) Dow, daughter
of Christopher Hussey and widow of Henry Dow, as shown in ancestry.com: U.S. Newspaper
Extractions From the Northeast, 1704-1930.
736
He is not listed in Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory.
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (sketch on John Moses).
738
Charles Edward Banks, The History of Martha’s Vineyard (1911).
739
See Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on John Pease).
740
The History of Martha’s Vineyard
737
174
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Phillip Watson Challis (474) and Mary Sargent (475)
Lt. Phillip WATSON CHALLIS741 was born in about 1617 in England, the son of John Challis and
Elizabeth Watson. He immigrated to New England in 1636,742 settling in Ipswich, Mass. In 1639
he received a land grant in Salisbury, Mass., “in the first division.” There he served as
selectman from 1646 to 1680.
He married Mary SARGENT in about 1652. She was born 17 Jun 1634 in Salisbury, the
daughter of William Sargent and Elizabeth Perkins.
In about 1653, Phillip signed the Robert Pike petition, which denounced the law which
stated that it was illegal for anyone to preach in the county without consent of the elders. For
this, the court required him to give bond and answer for his “offense.”
In 1665, the new town of Amesbury was set off from the rest of Salisbury. Phillip was
one of those who signed the agreement separating the two towns. He served many times on
the grand jury for the Essex Quarterly Courts.
“Lt. Phillip Challis served in the foot company at Salisbury, Mass., during the Indian
troubles.” In 1677 he and two others wrote a letter reporting what they had heard about a
certain “Symon Indian.”
Phillip died in 1680 in Amesbury, before 21 Sep 1680 when the inventory of his estate
was taken. His estate was valued at over £540. Mary died 27 Sep 1716, in Amesbury.
Phillip Watson-Challis and Mary Sargent were the parents of Mary Watson Challis, wife
of Joseph Dow Jr.
Sources: Dean Crawford Smith, The Ancestry of Samuel Blanchard Ordway (1990) TAG
79(2004):57 and 82(2007):265 (for ancestry).
John Severance (476) and Abigail Kimball (477)
John SEVERANCE was born in about 1609, presumably in England. He immigrated to New
England in 1636, settling first in Ipswich, Mass.743 He married Abigail KIMBALL, probably in
about 1635 in England. She was born in “say” 1617, the daughter of Richard Kimball and Ursula
Scott. (She immigrated in 1636 with her husband John, not in 1634 with her parents).
John moved to Salisbury as early as 1639. He was styled “planter” as well as “victualler
and vintner.” He was licensed to keep the “ordinary” in Salisbury starting in 1662.
Abigail died 17 Jun 1658 in Salisbury. John married, second, on 2 Oct 1663, Susanna (-----)
Ambrose, widow of Henry Ambrose. John died 9 Apr 1682, in Salisbury. He left a will dated 7
Apr 1682.
John Severance and Abigail Kimball were the parents of Ephraim Severance.
Sources: David Hoyt, The Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury (1897); For Abigail, see
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on her father Richard Kimball).
741
He was sometimes called “Phillip Challis alias Watson-Challis.”
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
743
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
742
175
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Comments: It is “possible” that Abigail was the Abigail Kimball who was baptized 5 Nov 1617 in
Hitcham, Suffolk, England.
Abraham Morrill (478) and Sarah Clement (479)
Abraham MORRILL was born by about 1614 in England. His origin and parents are not known.
He immigrated to New England in 1635, settling first in Cambridge, Mass., and moving to
Salisbury, Mass., by 1640. He married Sarah CLEMENT 10 Jun 1645 in Salisbury. She was the
daughter of Robert Clements and Lydia ----- of Haverhill, Mass.
Abraham has been called a blacksmith, but this has not been proven.
He died 18 Jun 1662, in Roxbury, Mass. As the church record states, “Abraham Morrell
of Salisbury fell sick in this town & died & was buried the 20 th of the 4th [1662].” He may have
been visiting the family of his brother Isaac. He made a will dated 18 Jun 1662 and proved 14
Oct 1663. The inventory of his estate was valued at £507.
Sarah survived him and married Thomas Mudgett, 8 Oct 1665.
Abraham Morrill and Sarah Clement were the parents of Lydia Morrill, wife of Ephraim
Severance.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
John Maynard (480)
John MAYNARD was born in about 1610 in England. He married an unknown first wife, in
England. He immigrated to New England in 1639, settling in Sudbury, Mass.744
He married, second, Mary (-----) Axtell, 16 Jun 1646, in Sudbury, Mass. She was the
widow of Thomas Axtell. John died 10 Dec 1672, in Sudbury.
John Maynard was the father of John Maynard Jr.
Sources: TAG 60(1984):55; other sources TBD.
Comments: Neil D. Thompson, in TAG 60, states without proof that John Maynard was from
Co. Cambridge, England.
Stephen Gates (482) and Ann Neave (483)
Stephen GATES was born in about 1600 in England. He married Ann NEAVE 5 May 1628 in
Hingham, England. She was born in about 1603, based on a deposition.
.
744
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
176
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
They sailed from Hingham, England, to New England in 1638 on the ship Diligent. He
settled first in Hingham, Mass. He may have lived briefly in Cambridge, Mass. By 1654 he
moved to Lancaster, Mass., where he served as constable in 1656. “In 1658 there was trouble
between the Gates and Whitcomb families due to the fact that three sons of John Whitcomb
had killed three swine belonging to Stephen Gates. Whitcomb agreed to pay for the swine but
afterward sought to be released from paying, claiming that he was ‘aged & weak and mean in
estate.’ The court decided that he must pay for the swine.” At this time he was living in
Sudbury, Mass.
Stephen appears in Cambridge by 1662 when he made his will 9 Jun 1662, and died
before 29 Sep 1662, when an inventory of his estate was made. Ann married, second, Richard
Woodward. She died in Feb 1682/3 in Marlborough, Mass. Stephen Gates and Ann Neave
were the parents of Mary Gates, wife of John Maynard Jr.
Sources: Edward Harrison, “Ann Neave, Wife of Stephen Gates, 1638 Immigrant to
Massachusetts,” NEHGR 163 (2009):134-136; Clarence Torrey, “Stephen Gates of Hingham,
Lancaster, and Cambridge, Mass.,” NEHGR 120(1966):161-163.
Comments: Ann’s name was misread as “Veare” in NEHGR 120 and earlier literature.
Richard Waite (484) and Mary ----- (485)
Richard WAITE (or WAIGHT) was born in about 1609. He immigrated to New England in 1638,
settling in Watertown, Mass.745 His wife’s name was Mary. He died intestate 16 Jan 1668/9, in
Watertown, at age 60. Mary died 21 Jan 1678/9 in Watertown.
Richard and Mary Waite were the parents of Joseph Waite.
Sources Bond, Watertown; Middlesex Probate #23497.
William Hagar (486) and Mary Bemis (487)
William HAGAR immigrated to New England after 1640, settling in Watertown, Mass.746 On 20
Mar 1644/5, in Watertown, he married Mary BEMIS, sister of immigrant Joseph Bemis. He died
10 Jan 1683/4. He left a will dated 10 Jan 1683/4 and proved 1 Apr 1684. The inventory of his
estate was valued at £353. His widow Mary died in Dec 1695, “an aged woman.”
William Hagar and Mary Bemis were the parents of Ruhamah Hagar, wife of Joseph
Waite.
Source: Bond, Watertown; Middlesex Probate #10055.
745
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
He probably came after 1640 since he’s not included in Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration
Directory.
746
177
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George Hayward (494) and Mary ----- (495)
George HAYWARD immigrated to New England in 1637.747 He settled in Concord, Mass., where
he was made freeman in 1638. He married Mary -----, in about 1638. He built a saw-mill “as
early as 1664,” and later added a corn mill.
George died 29 Mar 1671, in Concord. He drowned, and there was an inquest after his
death. It was reported that, “He was overthrowne by the strength of the streame, and so
drowned in the river by the iron works as he was returning to goe home after he had bien
healping William Frizzell over the river, in a cannoe.” He died intestate, his estate being divided
between his widow Mary and their seven children. Mary died 12 Mar 1693 in Concord.
George and Mary Hayward were the parents of Hannah Hayward, wife of Adam
Holloway.
Source: Edith B. Sumner, Ancestry of Edward Wales Blake and Clarissa Matilda Glidden (1948).
Hugh Mason (504) and Hester Wells (505)
Capt. Hugh MASON was baptized 23 Mar 1605/6, at Dorking, Surrey, England, the son of
Richard Mason. He married Hester WELLS, 13 Jan 1632/3, at St. Peter, Maldon, Essex, England.
She was baptized 21 Jul 1611 in Maldon, the daughter of Thomas Wells and Helen Pilgrim.
Hugh and his family immigrated to New England in 1634 on the ship Francis. He was a
tanner. He settled in Watertown, Mass., where he remained for the rest of his life. He was
very active in town affairs and was Deputy to the General Court on many occasions. He was
also selectman multiple times from 1638-1677. He was made captain of the Watertown train
band in 1653. He played such a prominent role in the affairs of the town that Roger Thompson
called him “Watertown’s leading citizen.”748
Hugh died 10 Oct 1678, in Watertown. He left a will dated 8 Feb 1677/8 and proved 22
Jan 1678/9. Hester died 21 May 1692 in Watertown.
Hugh Mason and Hester Wells were the parents of Lt. John Mason.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name); TAG 78 (2003):161164; also see Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand, Watertown, Mass., 1630-1680.
John Hammond (506) and Abigail Salter (507)
Lt. John Hammond was baptized 2 Jul 1626, in Lavenham, Suffolk, England. He was the son of
William Hammond and Elizabeth Paine. He immigrated with his parents in 1631.749
747
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand, Watertown, Mass., 1630-1680 (2001), p. 180.
749
Sketch on his father William Hammond in Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins.
748
178
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He married Abigail Salter in about 1652, probably in Watertown. She was baptized 9
Nov 1623, in Rattlesden, England, the daughter of George Salter and Elizabeth Munning. He
married, second, Sarah Nichols, in about 1664. Sarah died 14 Jan 1688, and is buried in the Old
Burying Place, Watertown, Mass.750 He married third, Prudence (Wade) (Crosby) Cotton, who
survived him. She was the daughter of Jonathan Wade of Ipswich, and the widow of Rev.
Seaborn Cotton.
John was a soldier in King Phillip’s War, “in the garrison at Wrentham.”
John died 22 Nov 1709, probably in Watertown. He is buried in the Old Burying Ground,
in Watertown.751 He left a will in which he names his wife Prudence, son John, daughters
Elizabeth Mason, Abigail Hastings, Hannah Poulter, and Hepzibah Shattuck, along with sons-inlaw John Mason, John Hastings, John Poulter, and William Shattuck. His widow Prudence died 1
Sep 1711, and is also buried in the Old Burying Ground.752
John Hammond and Abigail Salter were the parents of Elizabeth Hammond , wife of
John Mason.
Sources: See footnotes.
Edmund Sheffield (510) and Mary Woody (511)
Edmund SHEFFIELD was baptized 16 Aug 1612, at All Saints’, Sudbury, England, the son of
Edmund Sheffield and Thomazine -----. He immigrated to New England, in the early 1640s,753
setting first in Roxbury, Mass. He was a wheelwright.
He moved to Braintree, Mass., by 1644. He married, first, an unknown wife, who had
probably died in England. He married, second, Mary WOODY, 17 Apr 1644 in Braintree. She
was the daughter of Richard Woody and Ann -----. She died 30 Mar 1662, in Braintree.
He married, third, 5 Sep 1662, Sarah (Beal) Marsh, daughter of John Beale and widow of
Thomas Marsh, both of Hingham, Mass.
He was selectman in 1678. He lived in the part of Braintree that later became Quincy,
Mass., on what was later Miller Stile Road.
Edmund died 13 Aug 1705 in Braintree, “being about 90 years.” His third wife Sarah
died 9 Nov 1710 in Braintree. Edmund Sheffield and Mary Woody were the parents of Sarah
Sheffield, wife of Samuel Newcomb.
Sources: NEHGR 77:190-193; Waldo Sprague, Braintree Families.
750
findagrave.com: Sarah Hammond
findagrave.com: John Hammond
752
findagrave.com: Prudence Hammond
753
He is not listed in Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory.
751
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Tenth Generation
This section provides abbreviated information. Refer to the sources listed here for further
details.  indicates the first male for a given family surname to immigrate to New England. I
will only include those who lived in New England for at least part of their lives. (This section is in
progress, names will be added as time permits.)
Zachary Bicknell (528) and Agnes ----- (529)
Zachary BICKNELL was born in about 1590. He married Agnes ------by about 1624. She was
born in about 1608. Zachary, his wife Agnes, son John, and a servant John “Kitchin” immigrated
to New England in 1635, settling in Weymouth, Mass.
He died before 9 Mar 1636/7, presumably in Weymouth. His widow Agnes married,
second, Richard Rocket. She died 9 Jul 1643, in Braintree, Mass.
Zachary and Agnes Bicknell were the parents of John Bicknell.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
Comments: It has been claimed that Zachary was from Barrington, Somerset, England, but this
has not been proven. There is no evidence that Agnes’ surname was Lovell.
Jonas Humphrey (536) and Elizabeth Seamer (537)
Jonas HUMPHREY (or HUMFREY) was born in about 1587. He married first, on 11 Jun 1607 in
Wendover, Buckinghamshire, England, Frances Coley , daughter of James and Elizabeth (-----)
Coley. She was buried there 4 Jan 1617[/8]. He married, second, at Turville, Buckinghamshire,
on 8 Nov 1619, Elizabeth (SEAMER) FOSTER. She was the widow of Thomas Foster. In 1632 he
served as constable in Wendover.
Jonas and his family immigrated to New England in 1637, settling in Dorchester, Mass.754
He married, third, in Dorchester, Jane (Clapp) Weeks, widow of George Weeks.
Jonas died 9 Mar 1661/2 in Dorchester. His widow Jane died 2 Aug 1668 in Dorchester.
Jonas Humphrey and Elizabeth Seamer were the parents of Jonas Humphrey Jr.
Source: Frederick Nicholson, “The Family of Jonas Humfrey of Dorchester, Mass.,” The
American Genealogist (TAG) 68(1993):19; Chamberlain, Families of Weymouth, Mass. (caveat).
754
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
180
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Nicholas Phillips (564) and Elizabeth ----- (565)
Dea. Nicholas PHILLIPS was born in about 1612. He married Elizabeth -----.
Nicholas and his family immigrated to New England in 1636, settling in Dedham,
Mass.755 He was in Weymouth, Mass., by 1663.
Nicholas died probably in 1671, and definitely between 2 Jun 1671, when he made his
will, and 7 Sep 1672, when witnesses testified regarding his estate. His estate was valued at
£257.
Nicholas and Elizabeth Phillips were the parents of Richard Phillips.
Source: Chamberlain, Families of Weymouth, Mass.; New England Ancestry of Dana Converse
Backus (1949)
Comment: Nicholas Phillips of Weymouth should not be confused with Nicholas Phillips of
Boston, who married Hannah Salter.
Samuel Packard (566) and Elizabeth ----- (567)
Samuel PACKARD and his wife Elizabeth --- immigrated to New England in 1638 on the ship
Diligent.756 From ship records they were supposedly from “Wymondham, Norfolk,” although
this may have only been a jumping off place. His name in early records is usually spelled
“Packer.”
They lived for a time in Hingham, Mass., before moving by 1653, to Weymouth, Mass.
He served as selectman in Weymouth. By 1663, they moved again, to Bridgewater, Mass. In
1664 he was constable. In 1670 he was licensed to keep an ordinary (tavern).
He died 7 Nov 1684, in Bridgewater. He made a will dated 29 Oct 1684.
Samuel and Elizabeth Packard were the parents of Mary Packard, wife of Richard
Phillips.
Source: Edith B. Sumner, Ancestry and Descendants of Samuel Bartlett and Lucy Jenkins (1951).
Comments: There is no evidence that his wife was Elizabeth Stream.
Quinton Pray (570) and Joan ----- (571)
Quinton PRAY was born in about 1595. He married Joan -----.757 He may have been from Frant,
Sussex, England, an iron-making town.758 On the other hand, the name Quinton was “not
755
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
757
Waldo Sprague, Braintree Families (NEHGS CD).
758
The Essex Genealogist (TEG), Vol. 20 (2000), p. 70.
756
181
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uncommon in Scotland.” The Praey family is also found in Belgium.759 In some records his first
name is spelled “Quentin.”
He “appears to be one of the ironworkers who came to Lynn [Mass.] in 1643, under the
auspices of the Iron Works Company.”760 He was certainly in Lynn, Mass., by 1646, where he
was employed in the Iron Works as a “fineryman.”761 In 1648 he was fined for swearing, the
witness being Nicholas Pinion.762 In 1649 he was fined “for striking Nicholas Penion with a staff,
with an iron two feet long on the end of it, and breaking his head; and for striking Thomas
Billington; also for swearing.”763 Pray deposed that he met Pinion “ye last Lord’s day coming
out of his corn, and heard him swear, by God, all his pumpions were turned to squashes, and by
God’s blood he had but one pumpion of all.”764
By 1651 he was in Braintree, Mass., where he lived near the forge on the Monatiquot
765
river. At Braintree, he was a skilled forgeman who “ran the forge,” and was also sometimes
at Saugus.766 He remained in Braintree “after the demise of the ironworks.”767
He died intestate 17 Jun 1667 in Braintree. His wife Joan survived him and was
administrator of his estate. The inventory of his estate was amounted to only £74, with no real
estate.768
Quinton and Joan Pray were the parents of Hannah Pray, wife of Henry Neale.
Sources: See footnotes.
Comments: According to The Essex Genealogist, vol. 20 (2000), p. 71, an article on the Pray and
Pinion families by Roger Josyln, FASG, is forthcoming in the New England Historical and
Genealogical Register. However it is not clear whether this article is still being prepared.
John Johnson (590) and Mary Heath (591)
John JOHNSON was born in about 1588. He married, first, Mary HEATH, 21 Sep 1613, in Ware,
Hertfordshire, England. She and John had ten children, all baptized at Ware or Ware End,
Hertfordshire. She was buried at Ware 15 May 1629. John and his family immigrated to New
England in 1630 and settled in Roxbury, Mass.
He married, second, Margery -----, by about 1633. She probably came to New England
that year. She was buried in Roxbury, 9 Jun 1655. He married, third, by 1656, Grace (Negus)
Fawer, widow of Barnabas Fawer.
759
TEG 20:71.
NEHGR 55:280.
761
Sprague.
762
The Essex Antiquarian, vol. 6 (1902), p. 109.
763
The Essex Antiquarian, 6:160.. EG 20:71 states that the Prays and Pinions “are of the same family, although
1
1
obviously there was no love lost between Quinton Pray and Nicholas Pinion.”
764
The Essex Antiquarian, 6:160
765
Sprague.
766
TEG 20:67.
767
TEG 20:76.
768
Sprague.
760
182
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John Johnson served as Quartermaster. He had the task of distributing gunpowder to
the major towns of the colony, to protect against attacks of “the heathen” Indians. He also
made sure that men had sufficient weapons. He became a member of the Ancient and
Honorable Artillery Company in 1638, and became Surveyor General of Arms and Ammunition
in Sep 1642. He took an indentured servant, Samuel Hefford, for three years, in 1640. In March
1645 his house, with a great supply of the colony’s gunpowder in it, caught fire and burned.
“The powder took fire and blew up all about it, and shook the houses in Boston and Cambridge.
He wrote a will dated 30 Sep 1659 and proved 15 Oct 1659. He died 30 Sep 1659, in
Roxbury, the church record saying: “John Johnson, Surveyor General of all the arms, died & was
buried the day following.”
John Johnson and Mary Heath were the parents of Elizabeth Johnson, wife of Robert
Pepper.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name).
Thomas Thayer (604) and Margery Wheeler (605)
Thomas THAYER was baptized 16 Aug 1596, at St. Mary’s Church, Thornbury, Gloucestershire,
England, the son of Richard Thayer and Ann Gibbs.
He married Margery WHEELER 13 Apr 1618, in Thornbury. She was baptized 25 Apr
1600 in Thornbury, the daughter of Abel Wheeler and Jane Shepard.
Thomas and his family immigrated to New England in 1637, settling in Braintree, Mass.
He was a shoemaker.
He died in Braintree, 4 Apr 1665, called “old Thomas Thayer.” He made a will, which is
transcribed in the sourced cited below. His widow Margery died in Braintree either 11 or 13 Feb
1672/[3].
Thomas Thayer and Margery Wheeler were the parents of Thomas Thayer Jr.
Sources: Dean Crawford Smith, The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, part 3.
Thomas Bourne (612) and Elizabeth ----- (613)
Thomas BOURNE was born in about 1581, and was supposedly from Co. Kent, England. He was
in Plymouth, MA, by 1636. The maiden name of his wife Elizabeth, born about 1590, is not
known. Town records call him “Mr. Thomas Bourne,” a sign of respect and social standing. He
had at one time an indentured servant named William Launders, and another named Kathryn
Bradbury. He was buried in Marshfield on 11 May 1664, aged 83. In his will, he is called a
draper. His will mentions four daughters, and one son, John Bourne, whom he gave “all my
lands and housing.” The inventory of his estate amounted to £138. His widow Elizabeth was
buried in Marshfield, 18 July 1660, aged 70.
Sources: Moore and Allied Families (1938); Waterman Family; Snow-Estes Ancestry (1939).
183
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Thomas Besbeech (614) and Anne Baseden (615)
Thomas BESBEECH was baptized at Biddenden, Kent, England, 3 Mar 1589/90. He died in
Sudbury, MA, 9 Mar 1673/4. He married Anne BASEDEN, 14 Jan 1618/9, at Biddenden. She
was buried at Frittenden, Kent, England, on 21 Apr 1634. Thomas arrived in 1635 on the ship
Hercules. He first lived in Cambridge, MA, before moving to Scituate in 1637, Duxbury in 1639
and Sudbury by 1647. He then moved to Marshfield by 1658 before returning to Sudbury by
1672. He left a will, which mentioned (among others) Alice, wife of John Bourne of Marshfield.
Thomas and Anne were the parents of Alice Besbeech, wife of John Bourne.
Source: The Great Migration (featured name).
Samuel Morse (652) and Elizabeth Jasper (653)
Samuel MORSE was baptized 12 Jun 1576 in Boxsted, Essex, England, the son of Rev. Thomas
Morse and Margaret King. He married Elizabeth JASPER 29 Jun 1602, in Redgrave, Suffolk,
England. She was the daughter of Lancelot Jasper and Rose Shepherd. They lived in Burgate,
Suffolk, from 1616 to 1626.
Samuel and his family immigrated to New England in 1635 on the ship Increase, settling
first in Watertown, Mass., and moving to Dedham in 1637 and to Medfield, Mass., by 1652. He
was selectman in Dedham in 1640 and 1641.
He died 5 Dec 1654 in Medfield. He made a will dated 2 Dec 1654 and probated 20 Jan
1654/5. Elizabeth died 20 Jun 1655 in Medfield.
Samuel Morse and Elizabeth Jasper were the parents of Joseph Morse.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name); TAG 62 for ancestors
of Elizabeth Jasper; also Stevens-Miller.
John Whitney (676) and Eleanor ----- (677)
John WHITNEY was baptized 20 Jul 1592, at St. Margaret, Westminster, England, son of Thomas
Whitney and Mary Bray.769 He married Eleanor (or Elinor), by 1619. The family immigrated to
New England in 1635 on the ship Elizabeth & Ann.
Eleanor died 11 May 1659, at Watertown. John married, second, Judah (-----) Clements,
29 Sep 1659, in Watertown. She was the widow of Robert Clements. She apparently died
before him, as she is not mentioned in his will.
John was a tailor. He served as selectman in Watertown, in 1637, 1647, 1650-and 1654.
He was constable in 1641 and 1656.
769
For his ancestry, the most recent article (which supersedes other articles) is : Robert L. Ward and Tim Doyle,
1
“The Whitney Lineage of John Whitney of Watertown, Mass.,” The American Genealogist, Vol. 81, pp. 249-258.
184
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John died 1 Jun 1673, in Watertown. He left a will dated 3 Apr 1673 and proved 17 Jun
1673. In it he mentions his sons John, Richard, Thomas, Jonathan, Joshua and Benjamin. 770
John and Eleanor Whitney were the parents of John Whitney Jr.
Sources: See footnotes, also wiki.whitneygen.org
Robert Reynolds (678) and Mary ----- (679)
Robert REYNOLDS was born about 1598, based on his estimated date of marriage. He married
Mary ----- by about 1623. He immigrated to New England in 1634 and was admitted to the
Boston church 10 Aug 1634. He was a shoemaker.
Robert supported Capt. Robert Keayne in one of his “public disputes,” and Keayne
remembered him in his will “as a token of respect to him…not forgetting a word that he spoke
publicly and seasonably in the time of my distress and other men’s vehement opposition to
me.” Robert Reynolds died 27 Apr 1659, in Boston. He left a will dated 20 Apr 1658 and proved
27 Jul 1659. His wife Mary died 18 Jan 1663[/4?] in Boston.
Robert and Mary Reynolds were the parents of Ruth Reynolds, wife of John Whitney Jr.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
Comments: Robert Charles Anderson, cited above, sees no evidence that Robert Reynolds was
ever in Watertown, Mass., or Wethersfield, Conn.
William Knapp (684) and Judith Tue (685)
William KNAPP was baptized 1 Jan 1580/1 in Bures St. Mary, Suffolk, England, the son of
Thomas Knopp and Alice Howlatt. His name was sometimes spelled “Knopp,” but descendants
use the Knapp spelling. He married Judith TUE, 11 Jan 1606/7, in Wormingford, England. She
was baptized 31 May 1589 in Wormingford, the daughter of John Tue and Cicely -----.
William was a carpenter. He immigrated to Massachusetts in 1630 and settled in
Watertown., Mass. In 1633, he was censured by the court for swearing. In 1641 he was fined
for selling beer without a license. According to Roger Thompson, he was a “foul mouthed
drunkard, despised by his neighbors.” He was once reviled as a “thievish knave” and was a
“patriarch of a brood of helions.”771 In 1650, in his seventies, he paid Phoebe Page five shillings
for a kiss, and “old Knap said that young men would only give a touch but he would give her a
cleaving kisse and old Knap did afterward desire to kisse her again upon that five shillings & she
answered no.”772
770
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration, Vol. 7 (featured name), which contains much more detail,
including a summary of John’s will and several land transactions.
771
Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand: Watertown, Mass., 1630-1680 (2001), p. 110.
772
Roger Thompson, Sex in Middlesex (1989), p. 94. Phoebe Page had a reputation for sexual promiscuity.
185
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His wife Judith had died by 1651. William married, second, Priscilla (-----) Akers, in
about June 1651. In October 1651 he was cited for “scurulus and undecent words” against the
schoolmaster. In 1655, his children refused to provide “necessities” for him, and the selectman
of Watertown took charge of his estate.
William died intestate 30 Aug 1659, in Watertown, Mass. (He had actually written a
short will but it was never proved and would have been challenged in court.) His second wife
Priscilla died before 1 Apr 1662. William Knapp and Judith Tue were the parents of James
Knapp.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name); NEHGR 147
(1993):324-325; Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand: Watertown, Mass., 1630-1680 (2001);
Roger Thompson, Sex in Middlesex (1989).
John Warren (686) and Margaret ----- (687)
John WARREN was baptized 1 Aug 1585, in Nayland, Suffolk, England, the son of John Warren
and Elizabeth Scarlett. He married Margaret -----. In 1629, he and six others were “presented
for refusing to kneel at Communion,” which was a common Puritan offense.
He immigrated to Massachusetts in 1630 and settled in Watertown, where he lived his
entire life. He became a freeman in 1631. He served as selectman in 1636 and 1640, but later
did not play a major role in town affairs, apparently due to his Baptist-leaning beliefs. “His
name appeared in 1651, 1654, and 1661, charged with dissent over the issue of infant
baptism”773 and he was frequently cited for failing to attend public worship. In 1661 his house
was searched for Quakers.774
His wife Margaret died 6 Nov 1662, in Watertown. He died 13 Dec 1667, in Watertown,
at age 82. He left a will dated 30 Nov 1667 and proved 16 Dec 1667. Among the items
mentioned was a then popular book “The plain man’s pathway to heaven,” and his inventory
also included “one musket, one sword and one halberd.” Among the children of John and
Margaret Warren was Elizabeth Warren, wife of James Knapp.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins; Roger Thompson, Divided We
Stand; see also NEHGR 64, for his ancestry. A recent account of his family is included in the
Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton.
Other web sites: Michael Roman’s page on John Warren.
Richard Hildreth (694) and Sarah ----- (695)
Sgt. Richard HILDRETH was born in about 1605. He married Sarah ----773
774
Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand: Watertown, Mass., 1630-1680, p. 71.
Ibid.
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He immigrated to New England by 1643, settling in Cambridge, Mass.775
Sarah died 15 Jun 1644, in Cambridge. Richard married, second, Elizabeth -----, soon
after Sarah’s death. In 1645 he served as “townsman” (equivalent to selectman). In 1651 he
lived at Menotomy Fields, now Arlington, Mass. There his corn was destroyed by hogs
belonging to Samuel Eldred, whom Richard successfully sued for damages. In 1654, “Richard
and Elizabeth testified against Richard French, who was indicted for abusing Jane Evans,
Elizabeth’s maid, French being found guilty and heavily fined.”
In 1653, Richard and 28 others had petitioned for a new town, which was called
Chelmsford. Richard seems to have moved there soon after March 1656. There he served as
selectman, and was also a grand juror. He was also a sergeant in the town’s military company.
In 1658 he was given permission to trade with Indians.
In 1668 he petitioned for a grant of land, noting that he had to support a wife and many
small children but was ‘greatly disadvantaged” due to being deprived of the use of his right
hand such that he was “wholly disabled to labor.” The town agreed to grant him 150 acres of
land.
In 1670 he was warned to appear to answer charges of “reproachful speech” against the
minister. On 20 Jun 1670 Thomas Hinchman and Abraham Parker testified that at a public
meeting, Richard “Made a very large speech to ye whole town then present to ye purpose to
stir ym up to the calling of another minister…” In 1673 he was called to a church meeting after
a quarrel with his son-in-law Robert Proctor, and Richard confessed and said he was sorry.
In 1680 Elizabeth testified that she was the midwife during for her granddaughter
Elizabeth Proctor, who was suing Thomas Marrables who she said was the father of her
illegitimate child.
Richard made a will dated 11 Feb 1686/7, mentioning that, regarding his children, “I
have doone for them all as I could but now my hand is as cut of becuas of inpotency and
infirmity I have been constrained to make use of what I hade for the relief of my self and my
wife so that I have neither house nor lands to bequeath to them…”
He died 23 Feb 1692/3, at age 88, in Chelmsford. He is buried in the Forefathers Burial
Ground, in Chelmsford [gravestone]. His will was proved 26 May 1893, with his estate
amounting to only £17.
Richard and Sarah Hildreth were the parents of Jane Hildreth, wife of Robert Proctor.
Sources: Walter Goodwin Davis, The Ancestry of Sarah Hildreth (1958).
Comments: It has been claimed that Richard’s second wife was Elizabeth Hinchman but I have
seen no credible evidence for this.
Abraham Brown (702) and Lydia ----- (703)
Abraham BROWN (or “Browne”) was baptized 22 Oct 1588 in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire,
England, the son of Edmond Brown and Mary Cramphorne. He married, first, Joan Shelton, 21
Sep 1619, in Sawbridgeworth. He had three children by this marriage. Joan was buried 27 Sep
775
And probably after 1640 since he’s not listed in Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015.)
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1628, in South Weald, Essex, England. He married, second, Lydia ----, “say 1629.” They lived for
a time in Childeritch, England.
Abraham and his family came to New England in 1631, and settled in Watertown, Mass.
He became a freeman there 6 Mar 1631/2. He was a surveyor. He was a selectman in
Watertown from 1635-41. He may have been the brother of John Browne from whom he
purchased land several times.
Court records state, years after the fact, that he died in 1650, however, it is possible
that he died earlier, as he disappears from town records after 1643.
There is a document “purporting to be his will,” but it may have been an account taken
from depositions proving a nuncupative will.
His widow Lydia married, second, Andrew Hodges, 27 Nov 1659, in Ipswich, Mass. She
died 27 Sep 1686, in Watertown. Among the children of Abraham and Lydia Brown was Lydia
Brown who married William Lakin.
Sources: Dean Crawford Smith, Melinde Lutz Sanborn, The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, part
1 (1996); Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name).
Comments: According to Robert Charles Anderson, cited above, there is no evidence that
Abraham Brown was from Hawkedon, England, and there is nothing that connects him with
Richard Brown of Watertown. The information about Abraham’s baptism, parents, and first
marriage is from The Ancestry of Eva Belle Kempton, having been discovered after The Great
Migration Begins was completed.
Peter Bulkeley (724) and Jane Allen (725)
Rev. Peter BULKELEY was born 31 Jan 1582/3 in Odell, Bedfordshire, England, the son of Rev.
Edward Bulkeley and Olive Irby.
Peter Bulkeley was “a most excellent scholar,” having received a B.A. in 1604-5 at St.
John’s College, Cambridge, and an M.A. in 1608. “He was a Bachelor of Divinity and Fellow at
Saint John’s College,” according to Cotton Mather. He married, first, Jane ALLEN, 12 Apr 1613,
in Goldington, England. She was baptized 13 Jan 1587/8 at Goldington, the daughter of Thomas
Allen and Mary (Fairclough) Haselden. She was buried 8 Dec 1626 at Odell. He married,
second, Grace Chetwood, in Apr 1635. She was born in about 1602, and was the daughter of
Sir Richard Chetwood and Dorothy Needham.
Peter immigrated to New England in 1635 on the ship Susan & Ellen. There is a tradition
that on the voyage, his wife Grace “appeared to die.” “Against common practice, but in the
absence of decay, her body was not committed to the deep and on the third day, she showed
signs of life, and survived over thirty years.”
Rev. Peter Bulkeley was minister at Concord, Mass. He was characterized by Cotton
Mather as an exact Sabbath-keeper who “scrupulously avoided all novelties of apparel and cut
his hair exceedingly close.”
He died 9 Mar 1658/9, in Concord, at age 77. His widow Grace died 21 Apr 1669, in New
London, Conn. “She was a woman of great piety and wisdom & died in good old age. Her
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sickness was long and very afflictive. She was sick near 3 months before she died. She had not
the use of her understanding but by fits, the greatest part of her sickness.”
Among the children of Peter Bulkeley and his first wife Jane was Edward Bulkeley.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name). See also Donald Lines
Jacobus, The Bulkeley Genealogy.
John Maverick (748) and Mary Gye (749)
Rev. John MAVERICK was baptized 27 Dec 1578 in Awlsicombe, Devonshire, England. He was
the son of Rev. Peter Maverick and Dorothy Tucke. He matriculated at Oxford from Exeter
College, 24 Oct 1595. He was ordained “as deacon and priest” in 1597, and received his B.A. in
1599.
He married Mary GYE 28 Oct 1600 in Islington, Devonshire. She was born in about 1580
and was the daughter of Robert Gye and Grace Dowrish.
From 1615 to 1629 he was rector a Beaworthy, Devonshire. John and his family
immigrated to New England in 1630 on the ship Mary and John, settling in Dorchester, Mass.
On 19 Mar 1631/2, “in drying a little powder (which took fire by the heat of the fire
pan), fired a small barrel of two or three pounds, yet did no other harm but singed his clothes.
It was in the new meeting house which was thatched, and the thatch only blacked a little.”
In 1633 “as one of two ruling ministers and two deacons, Maverick established the rules
of government for the town of Dorchester.”
John died 3 Feb 1635/6 in Dorchester. John Winthrop wrote that John was a man of “a
very humble spirit and faithful in furthering the work of the Lord here, both in the churches and
civil state.” Mary survived him. She died after 9 Oct 1666.
John Maverick and Mary Gye were the parents of Elias Maverick.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name); NEHGR
122:282; NEHGR 69; NEHGR 96.
Thomas Harris (750) and Elizabeth ---- (751)
Thomas HARRIS was born in about 1590 “in or near” Hatherup, Gloustershire, England, the son
of William Harris and Agnes Mason. His wife’s name was Elizabeth ----. He immigrated in
1630, and lived at Winnissimmmett, near modern-day Chelsea, Mass., where he operated a
ferry. He was sometimes called “Thomas Williams, alias Harris,” for unknown reasons.
His date of death is not known, but it must have been before Sep 1634, when William
Stilson took over the ferry between Boston and Winnisssimmett. Thomas did not leave a will.
His widow Elizabeth married William Stitson, who took over the ferry. She died 16 Feb
1669/70, recorded in Charlestown (?). Although the death record says she was 93, “she was
more likely a decade younger,” according to Robert Charles Anderson.
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On 15 Jun 1680, William Stitson testified, “Thomas Harris lived at Winnisimet, about
forty nine years since & was wont to transport persons over the Rivers, to Charlestown &
Boston, till he died, and after that I married his Widdow, and kept the ferry, as my predecessors
did.” William Stitson died 11 Apr 1691. He left a will in which he mentioned his step-children.
Thomas and Elizabeth Harris were the parents of Anna Harris wife of Elias Maverick.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name); Walter
Goodwin Davis, The Ancestry of Bethia Harris.
Thomas Gardner (756)
Thomas GARDNER came to New England and settled in Roxbury, Mass. According to Robert
Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015), he immigrated to New England in
1638. His son Peter had preceded him to New England in 1635.
The name of his wife is not known. Very little about Thomas is known. According to
Jacobus, “he seems not to have been a church member, for Eliot does not mention him, and the
widow did not join the church until after his death.”
Thomas was buried in Roxbury in Nov 1638. His widow survived him, and was buried 7
Oct 1658, as “our aged sister Gardiner.”
Thomas Gardner and his unknown wife were the parents of Thomas Gardner Jr.
Sources: Donald Lines Jacobus, Granberry Family and Allied Families; Ferris, Dawes-Gates
Ancestral Lines; see also Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (sketch on his son Peter
Gardener).
Comments: Donald Lines Jacobus, in Granberry Family and Allied Families, stated that he was
made freeman 17 May 1637. However, Robert Charles Anderson states that this was a
different Thomas Gardner.
William Brackenbury (766) and Anne ---- (767)
William BRACKENBURY was born in about 1602. He immigrated to New England in 1630,
settling in Charlestown, Mass. He married Anne ----, by about 1632. She died by 1645, about
which time he married, second, Alice ----.
William served as deputy to the General Court in 1636, and was selectman in1634-1638.
By 1656 he had moved to Malden, Mass. He died in Aug 1668, in Malden, aged 66. He made a
will dated 24 Jul 1668 and proved 21 Sep 1668. The inventory of his estate totaled £562.
Among his possessions was one eighth of the mill at Charlestown. His second wife Alice died 28
Dec 1670 at age 70.
William and Anne Brackenbury were the parents of Anne Brackenbury, wife of William
Foster.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name).
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Comments: He was related to Richard Brackenbury of Salem but the precise relationship is not
known.
John Eaton (932) and Anne ----- (933)
John EATON was baptized 26 Dec 1590, in Hatton, Warwickshire, England, the son of Thomas
Eaton and Helen/Ellen -----. He married, first, Anne -----, in about 1620.
John immigrated to Massachusetts in 1639, settling first in Salisbury, Mass., before
moving to Haverhill, Mass. in 1648. He was a cooper. Anne died 5 Feb 1660, in Haverhill. John
married second, 20 Nov 1661 in Haverhill, Phoebe (-----) Dow, widow of Thomas Dow of
Haverhill.
John died 28 Oct 1668, in Haverhill. He left a will, which, besides his wife, mentions
sons John and Thomas, “daughter Browne” [Ann], “daughter Davis” [Elizabeth], daughter Ruth
Ingalls, grandchildren John Davis, John Ingalls, and Thomas Eaton. His widow died 3 Nov 1672.
John and Ann Eaton were the parents of John Eaton Jr.
Sources: TAG 68 (for John’s ancestry); Mary Lovering Holman, Ancestry of Charles Stinson
Pillsbury and John Sargent Pillsbury (1938).
Comment: The claim that his wife was Ann Crossman appears to be without any merit.
Thomas Rowlandson (934)
Thomas ROWLANDSON immigrated to Massachusetts in 1637, settling in Ipswich, Mass.776 His
first wife’s name is not known.
He married, second, Bridget (-----) Mussey, after 1643. She was the widow of Robert
Mussey. He moved to Lancaster, Mass., in 1655. Thomas died 17 Nov 1657, in Lancaster. His
widow Bridget married Wiliam Kerley Sr., 31 May 1659. She died 14 Jun 1662.
Thomas Rowlandson and his unknown first wife were the parents of Martha
Rowlandson, wife of John Eaton Jr.
Source: Hoyt, Salisbury and Amesbury, pp. 306-307, 385.
Comment: That Bridget was his second wife is seen in the corrections section of Salisbury and
Amesbury (p. 385). Also, note that Thomas Rowlandson’s daughter-in-law, Mary (White)
Rowlandson, was famously taken captive by the Indians after the attack on Lancaster in 1675
during King Phillip’s war.
776
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
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Godfrey Dearborn (938)
Godfrey DEARBORN (or DEARBARN) was baptized 24 Sep 1603, in Willoughby, England, the son
of William Dearbarne and Agnes Hay. He immigrated to New England in 1638, settling in
Exeter, N.H.777 He moved to Hampton, N.H., in 1648/9.
The name of his first wife, the mother of his children, is not known. “She was living in
1650, when, as Goody Dearbarn, a seat was allotted to her in the Hampton meeting-house.”
Godfrey married, second, 25 Nov 1662, Dorothy (-----) Dalton, widow of Philemon
Dalton, of Hampton.
He died at Hampton, 4 Feb 1685/6. He left a will dated in 1680, which was not proved
until 1711.
Godfrey Dearborn was the father of Esther Dearborn, wife of Richard Shortridge Sr.
Sources: NEHGR 68:71-72.
John Moses (942) and Alice? ----- (943)
Sgt. John MOSES was born in about 1616. He immigrated to New England in 1631, settling first
in Casco, Me., and moving to Portsmouth, N.H., by 1639. He married Alice -----, at least by
1648, but by 1642 if she was the mother of all his children.
He had an eight-acre lot at Sagamore Creek, by 1638. He married, second, Anne (-----)
Jones, widow of John Jones.
His date of death is not known, but it was after 1693/4.
John Moses was the father of ---- Moses, wife of Thomas Creber.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name).
Henry Dow (944) and Joan ----- (945)
Henry DOW (or DOWE) was baptized 6 Oct 1605 in Runham, Norfolk, England, the son of Henry
Dowe and Elizabeth Marche. He married Joan (-----) NUDD, widow of Roger Nudd, 6 Feb
1630/1, in Ormesby, England. Her name was sometimes spelled “Jone.”
Henry and his family, along with one servant, immigrated to New England in 1637,
settling in Watertown, Mass. Along with him were six other families from Ormesby.
Joan died 20 Jun 1640, in Watertown. Henry married, second, in about 1640 or 1641,
Margaret Cole. She had been an indentured servant, and was also from Ormesby. In about
1644, they moved to Hampton, N.H. In 1651 he was a selectman, and in 1655 and 1656, a
deputy to the General Court.
777
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory.
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Henry died 21 Apr 1659, in Hampton. He left a will dated 16 Apr 1659. His estate was
valued at £193. Margaret survived him and married, second, Richard Kimball, 23 Aug 1661, in
Hampton.
Henry and Joan Dow were the parents of Joseph Dow.
Sources: NEHGR 142:257; Robert P. Dow, The Book of Dow (1929).
William Sanborn (946) and Mary Moulton (947)
William SANBORN was born in about 1622. He immigrated to New England in 1639, settling in
Hampton, N.H.778
He married Mary MOULTON, before Jan 1649. She was baptized 27 Dec 1626 in
Ormesby, Norfolk, England, the daughter of John Moulton and Anne Green.
William was a selectman in Hampton for several years, first in 1651 and lastly in 1683.
He is said to have served in King Phillip’s War. He died 19 Nov 1692, in Hampton. He left a will
but “only a fragment survives.” The inventory of his estate was valued at £409.
William Sanborn and Mary Moulton were the parents of Mary Sanborn, wife of Joseph
Dow.
Sources: Genealogy of the Family of Sambourne or Sanborn (1899); for Mary Moulton see
NEHGR 141:328.
William Sargent (950) and Elizabeth Perkins (951)
William SARGENT was born in about 1611. He immigrated to New England in 1632, settling in
Ipswich, Mass.
He married, in about 1636, Elizabeth PERKINS. She was baptized 25 Mar 1611, in
Hillmorton, Warwickshire, England, the daughter of John Perkins and Judith Gater.
He was a seaman. He moved first to Newbury, Mass., and then Hampton, N.H. (by
1638), and finally to Salisbury/Amesbury, Mass. (by 1644).
On 18 Sep 1670, he married, second, Joanna (Pinder) Rowell, in Amesbury. She was the
daughter of Henry and Mary Pinder, and the widow of Valentine Rowell. He died between 24
Feb 1674/5 and 8 Apr 1675 (date of inventory of his estate) in Amesbury. Joanna survived him
and married, third, Richard Currier. She died Oct 1690 in Amesbury.
William Sargent and Elizabeth Perkins were the parents of Mary Sargent, wife of Phillip
Watson-Challis.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name); also see
Holman, Ancestry of Charles Stinson Pillsbury.
Comments: A different William Sargent lived in Gloucester, Mass.
778
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015).
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Richard Kimball (954) and Ursula Scott (955)
Richard KIMBALL was born in about 1595. He married Ursula SCOTT by 1615, perhaps in
Rattlesden, Suffolk, England. She was the daughter of Henry Scott and Martha Whatlock.
Richard and his family immigrated to New England in 1634 on the ship Elizabeth. They
settled first in Watertown, Mass., moving to Ipswich, Mass., by 1637. He was a wheelwright.
In the early 1650s, “Richard Kimball and Richard Shatswell engaged in a protracted feud,
suing one another for trespass, debt, and slander.”
Ursula died, and Richard married, second, Margaret (Cole) Dow, 23 Oct 1671 in
Hampton, N.H. She was the widow of Henry Dow. Richard died 22 Jun 1675, in Ipswich. He left
a will dated 5 Mar 1674/5 and proved 28 Sep 1675. His estate was valued at £737. Margaret
died She died 1 Mar 1675/6, in Ipswich.
Richard Kimball and Ursula Scott were the parents of Abigail Kimball, wife of John
Severance.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name).
Robert Clements (958) and Lydia ----- (959)
Robert CLEMENTS was baptized 14 Dec 1595 in Cosby, Leicester, England, the son of Richard
Clements. He married, first, Lydia -----, before 1615. She was buried at Ansley, Warwickshire,
England, 12 Mar 1642. Two months after her death he sold his lands at Witherley. Soon
afterwards he and three sons and two daughters sailed for New England. Two other sons and a
daughter remained behind. He settled in Haverhill, Mass., and built a grist mill there. He
served as Deputy to the General Court in 1647 to 1654.
He married, second, Judith ------, by 1657. He died 29 Sep 1658 in Haverhill. Judith
married, second, John Whitney.
Robert and Lydia Clements were the parents of Sarah Clement, wife of Abraham Morrill.
Sources: Ancestors of Charles Stinson Pillsbury (1938).
Comment: Robert Clements is said to be the paternal line ancestor of Mark Twain (Samuel
Clemens.)
William Hammond (1012) and Elizabeth Paine (1013)
William HAMMOND was baptized 30 Oct 1575, in Lavenham, Suffolk, England, the son of
Thomas Hammond and Rose Trippe. He was an orphan at age 14, when his father died. He
married Elizabeth PAINE 9 Jun 1605, in Lavenham, Suffolk. She was baptized there on 11 Sep
1586, the daughter of William Paine and Agnes Neves. On 26 Feb 1629/30, William was
declared bankrupt in England. William sailed for New England in 1631, probably on the ship
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Lyon. He settled in Watertown. His wife and their three youngest children came over in 1634
on the ship Francis. William was a selectman in Watertown in 1647.
Several letters from William Hammond to his “patron” and former landlord Sir Simonds
D’Ewes have been published. Among them is the second letter ever written from Watertown,
in which he reported “as for the eingeines” (Indians) “we have but few amongst us. They are
quiet.”779 In another letter he asserted that “we have good laws here…we have few that are
drunk and there is no swearing for if they be drunk or swear if it be known they are punished.”
In another letter he described seeing “so many pigeons as might have loaded two or three
ships. For two hours we did behold them.”780
Hammond was apparently religiously independent, and may have been a friend of John
Warren. At any rate, on 27 May 1661, the houses of “old Warren and Goodman Hammond”
were searched for Quakers.781
William Hammond was a merchant, and engaged in the export business. The inventory
of his estate included “woven and knitted goods, spices, wine, and money on loan.”782
He died 8 Oct 1662, in Watertown. He left a will, which is summarized in The Great
Migration. The inventory of his estate included 331 acres of land, and totaled £467. Elizabeth
died 27 Sep 1670, also in Watertown. His children included John Hammond.
Source: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration (featured name); Roger Thompson,
Divided We Stand: Watertown 1630-1680.
Richard Woody (1020) and Ann ----- (1021)
Richard WOODY was in Roxbury, Mass., by 1640, with wife Ann -----. He was made freeman in
1642. His wife Ann died 4 Apr 1656, in Roxbury. He died, 6 Dec 1658 (called “ould”), in
Roxbury. He left a will, summarized in NEHGR 7, in which he mentioned his wife (second
wife?), his eldest son Richard, son Isaac, and his daughter Mary Sheffield.
Richard and Ann Woody were the parents of Mary Woody, wife of Edmund Sheffield.
Sources: Roxbury VR for deaths; NEHGR 7 for abstract of will; others TBD.
Comments: Not much has been published about this family. Some sources state he also lived
in Boston but I think this was likely his son Richard Jr.
779
Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand, p. 145.
See Everett Emerson, Letters From New England (1976). I have not seen this source but it is quoted in various
other sources.
781
Frederick Hammond, History and Genealogy of the Hammond Families in America, Vo1. 1 (1902), p. 55-56.
782
Roger Thompson, Divided We Stand, p. 97.
780
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Eleventh Generation
This section provides abbreviated information. Refer to the sources listed here for further
details.  indicates the first male for a given family surname to immigrate to New England. I
will only include those who lived in New England for at least part of their lives. Only two of Hary
Pratt’s ancestors qualify for inclusion.
John Moulton (1894) and Anne Green (1895)
John MOULTON was born in about 1599, the son of Robert Moulton and Mary Smith. He
married Anne GREEN 24 Sep 1623 in Ormesby St. Margaret, Norfolk, England. She was
baptized 6 Sep 1601 at Ormesby, the daughter of Edward Green.
John and his family immigrated to New England in 1637,783 settling first in Newbury,
Mass., and then to Hampton, N.H., by 1639, being an original settler there.
John died, probably in Hampton, between 23 Jan 1649/50 (the date of his will) and 1 Oct
1650 (when his will was proved). Anne died 12 Apr 1688 in Hampton.
John Moulton and Anne Green were the parents of Mary Moulton, wife of William
Sanborn.
Sources: NEHGR 141:327-328 also check 144:259.
John Perkins (1902) and Judith Gater (1903)
John PERKINS was baptized 23 Dec 1583 in Hillmorton, Warwickshire, England, the son of
Henry Perkins and Elizabeth Sawbridge.
He married Judith GATER 8 Oct 1608 in Hillmorton. She was baptized 19 Mar 1588/9, in
Hillmorton, the daughter of Michael Gater.
He and his family immigrated to New England in 1631 on the ship Lyon, settling in
Boston, Mass. They moved to Ipswich, Mass., by 1633. In 1636 he served as Deputy to the
General Court.
He died in Ipswich, between 28 Mar 1654 (date of will) and 26 Sep 1654 (date of
inventory). Judith survived him, being mentioned in his will.
John Perkins and Judith Gater were the parents of Elizabeth Perkins, wife of William
Sargent.
Sources: Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Begins (featured name); also see
Ancestry of Dudley Wildes.
783
Robert Charles Anderson, The Great Migration Directory (2015). They came either on the Rose or on the John &
Dorothy.
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Here Lies: A Graveyard Guide
The following is a list of known ancestors of Harry Stillman Pratt, where a photo of a gravestone
exists. The number in the first column is the Ahnentafel number, relative to Harry S. Pratt. All
towns are in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted.
A# Name
Findagrave Photo
Cemetery
City
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
14
15
16
17
28
29
39
56
67
75
76
77
84
85
94
95
112
113
Harry Stillman Pratt
Francis Lowell Pratt
Mary Ann (Brown) Pratt
William Pratt
Harriet (Gilson) Pratt
James R. Brown
Eliza Ann (Aldrich) Brown
James Pratt
Sarah (Newcomb) Pratt
Richard Aldrich
Anna (Maynard) Aldrich
Thomas Pratt
Mary (Green) Pratt
Silas Aldrich
Alice (Collins) Aldrich
Deborah (Fairbanks) Bent
(probably) Edward Aldrich
Susanna (Humphrey) Bicknell
Sarah (Hayden) Wild
Joseph Bent d 1725
Rachel (Fuller) Bent d. 1725
Nathaniel Lawrence
Anna (Scripture) Lawrence
Richard Boylston
Mary (Smith) Boylston
(probably) David Aldrich
(probably) Hannah (Capron)
Aldrich
John Bicknell
Joseph Neale, d. 1737
Mary Neale, d. 1747
Elizabeth (Bulkeley) (Emerson)
Brown
John Brown, d. 1717
Harry Stillman Pratt gravestone
Francis Lowell Pratt gravestone
Mary Ann Pratt gravestone
William Pratt gravestone
Harriet Pratt gravestone
James R. Brown gravestone
Eliza Brown gravestone
James Pratt gravestone
Sarah Pratt gravestone
Richard Aldrich gravestone
Anna Aldrich gravestone
Thomas Pratt gravestone
Mary Pratt gravestone
Silas Aldrich gravestone
Alice Aldrich gravestone
Deborah Bent gravestone
Edward Aldrich gravestone
Susanna Bicknell gravestone
Sarah Wild gravestone
Joseph Bent gravestone
Rachel Bent gravestone
Nathaniel Lawrence gravestone
Anna Lawrence gravestone
Richard Boylston gravestone
Mary Boylston gravestone
David Aldrich gravestone
Hannah Aldrich gravestone
Pomona
Pomona
Pomona
Mt. Wollaston
Mt. Wollaston
Lakeside
Upper Plain
Hancock
Hancock
Upper Plain
Upper Plain
Hancock
Hancock
Upper Plain
Upper Plain
Hancock
Willow
North Weymouth
Elm St.
Milton
Milton
Old Burying Grd.
Old Burying Grd.
Phipps St.
Phipps St.
Scott
Scott
Pomona, CA
Pomona, CA
Pomona, CA
Quincy
Quincy
Wakefield
Bradford, VT
Quincy
Quincy
Bradford, VT
Bradford, VT
Quincy
Quincy
Bradford, VT
Bradford, VT
Quincy
Franconia, NH
Weymouth
Braintree
Milton
Milton
Groton
Groton
Charlestown
Charlestown
N. Bellingham
N. Bellingham
John Bicknell gravestone
Joseph Neale gravestone
Mary Neale gravestone
Elizabeth Brown gravestone
North Weymouth
Hancock
Hancock
Old Burying Grd
Weymouth
Quincy
Quincy
Wakefield.
John Brown gravestone
Old Burying Grd
Wakefield
Edward Wyer, d. 1693
Elizabeth (Johnson) (Wyer)
Munroe
John Johnson d. 1708
Mary (Gardner) Boylston
James Smith d 1678
Mary (Foster) (Smith) Phillips
Adam Holloway d1733
Edward Wyer gravestone
Elizabeth Munroe gravestone
Phipps St.
Old Burying Grd
Charlestown
Lexington
John Johnson gravestone
Mary Boylston gravestone
James Smith gravestone
Mary Phillips gravestone
Adam Holloway gravestone
Pentucket
Walnut St.
Phipps St.
Phipps St.
First Burying Pl.
Haverhill
Brookline
Charlestown
Charlestown
Northborough
132
142
143
181
182
184
185
186
189
190
191
246
197
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
375
382
383
423
506
Anna (Harris) Maverick
William Foster d. 1698
Anne (Brackenbury) Foster
Esther (Wiswall) Johnson, d 1707
John Hammond d. 1709
Anna Maverick gravestone
William Foster gravestone
Anne Foster gravestone
Esther Johnson gravestone
John Hammond gravestone
Old Burying Grd
Phipps St.
Phipps St.
First Burying Grd
Old Burying Grd
Wakefield
Charlestown
Charlestown
Woburn
Watertown
694
Richard Hildreth, d. 1694
Richard Hildreth gravestone
Chelmsford
766
William Brackenbury d 1668
William Brackenbury gravestone
Forefathers
Burying Grd
Phipps St.
198
Charlestown
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
First Arrivals
The following ancestors of Harry S. Pratt are known to have immigrated to New England by
1635. These ancestors are featured in Robert Charles Anderson’s The Great Migration Begins
(1620-1633 arrivals) and The Great Migration (1634-1635 arrivals).
A#
590
684
686
748
702
942
1012
1902
300
950
370
504
678
954
288
324
358
376
478
528
614
652
676
724
836
Name
John Johnson
William Knapp
John Warren
John Maverick
Abraham Brown
John Moses
William Hammond
John Perkins
John Hayden
William Sargent
William Johnson
Hugh Mason
Robert Reynolds
Richard Kimball
Francis Newcomb
John Lawrence
Jeremiah Belcher
Thomas Boylston
Abraham Morrill
Zachary Bicknell
Thomas Besbeech
Samuel Morse
John Whitney
Peter Bulkeley
(perhaps) Thomas
Blodgett
Date
Ship
Residences
1630
Roxbury
1630
Watertown
1630
Watertown
1630
Mary & John
Dorchester
1631
Watertown
1631
Casco (Maine), Portsmouth (N.H.)
1631
Lyon?
Watertown
1631
Lyon
Boston, Ipswich
1632
Dorchester, Braintree
1632
Ipswich, Hampton (N.H.)
1634
Charlestown
1634
Francis
Watertown
1634
Boston
1634
Elizabeth
Watertown, Ipswich
1635
Planter
Boston, Braintree
1635
Watertown, Groton
1635
Susan & Ellen
Ipswich
1635
Defense
Watertown
1635
Cambridge, Salisbury
1635
Weymouth
1635
Hercules
Cambridge
1635
Increase
Watertown, Dedham, Medfield
1635
Elizabeth & Ann
Watertown
1635
Susan & Ellen
Cambridge, Concord
1635
Increase
Cambridge
With the publication of Robert Charles Anderson’s The Great Migration Directory (2015) it is
possible to also list those who are known to have immigrated during the years 1636-1640.
A# Name
292
312
356
448
474
476
Richard Everett
Jonathan Fairbank(s)
John Gould
(possibly) George Aldrich
Philip Watson-Challis
John Severance
Yea
r
Residences (may be incomplete)
1636
1636
1636
1636
1636
1636
Dedham
Dedham
Charlestown
Dorchester, Mendon
Ipswich
Ipswich, Salisbury
199
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
A# Name
564
612
846
366
494
536
604
934
944
258
274
284
304
360
364
756
482
484
566
938
256
294
308
932
946
480
316
Nicholas Phillips
Thomas Bourne
(possibly) Thomas Wiswall
John Fiske
George Hayward
Jonas Humphrey
Thomas Thayer
Thomas Rowlandson
Henry Dow
John Rogers
John Whitman
Henry Neale
John Bent
Thomas Emerson
Nicholas Browne
Thomas Gardner
Stephen Gates
Richard Waite
Samuel Packard
Godfrey Dearborn
Macuth Pratt
Robert Pepper
Robert Fuller
John Eaton
William Sanborn
John Maynard
John Guild
Yea
r
Residences (may be incomplete)
1636
1636
1636
1637
1637
1637
1637
1637
1637
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1638
1639
1639
1639
1639
1639
1639
1640
Dedham, Weymouth
Plymouth, Marshfield
Dorchester, Cambridge
Salem, Chelmsford
Charlestown, Concord
Dedham, Dorchester
Braintree
Ipswich, Lancaster
Watertown, Hampton (N.H.)
Weymouth
Weymouth
Braintree
Sudbury
Ipswich
Reading
Roxbury
Hingham, Cambridge
Watertown
Hingham
Exeter (N.H.), Hampton (N.H.)
Weymouth
Roxbury
Dorchester, Dedham
Salisbury, Haverhill
Hampton (N.H.)
Sudbury
Dedham
200
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Miscellaneous Facts and Superlatives
Oldest: Andrew Foster was supposedly 106 years old (c1579-1685), however his age may have
been exaggerated. More recently, Mary (Bent) Newcomb (1744-1841) lived to be 97; and Anna
(Maynard) Aldrich (1779-1875) was 95.
Died Youngest: Eliza Ann (Aldrich) Brown (1815-1838), daughter of Anna (Maynard) Aldrich,
died at age 23.
Most Children: Henry Neale (c1617-1688) was the father of 21, as is stated on his gravestone.
15 of the children were by his second wife Hannah Pray. Thomas Chamberlain had 14 children,
and Ebenezer Newcomb and Sarah (Wild) Newcomb had 13 children.
Earliest Marriage: Several women were married at about age 16, including Eliza Ann Aldrich.
Men tended to marry at a somewhat older age, and teenage marriages for men were unusual.
Daniel Mason (b. 1745) married at age 18 ½. His bride, Experience Newcomb, was about 16.
Longest/shortest Marriage: The longest marriage I’ve found is that of Richard Aldrich and
Anna Maynard, who were married 55 years. Marriages lasting over 50 years were rare in
colonial days. Thomas Emerson and Elizabeth Brewster were married for 54 years. James
Smith and Mary Foster were married for just over 2 years, before James died at age 28 of
smallpox.
Where They Lived. Harry Pratt and almost all of his ancestors lived in Massachusetts. Some of
his maternal ancestors had settled in Vermont, and he also had some early New Hampshire
ancestors. Of course Harry and his parents, both born in Massachusetts, moved to California
and died there.
First Born in America: Lydia Brown was born 22 Mar 1631/2, in Watertown, Mass.
Earliest Gravestone Still Standing. Appears to be that of William Brackenbury, died 1668, and
buried in the Phipps St. Burying Ground, Charlestown, Mass.
Gravestone locations. Of the 46 known gravestones, 3 burial locations are in California (Harry
and his parents), 5 are in Vermont, 1 in New Hampshire, and the other 37 are in Massachusetts.
Individual cemeteries with four or more ancestors:
Phipps St.
Hancock
Upper Plains
OId Burying Ground
Charlestown, MA
Quincy, MA
Bradford, VT
Wakefield, MA
201
8
7
5
4
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Slavery. Slavery did exist in New England, but none of Harry Pratt’s ancestors are known to
have owned slaves. Several did have indentured servants and some were servants themselves
in their youth.
Causes of Death. For most of Harry’s ancestors, the cause of death is not known, and probably
many simply died of old age or other mundane causes. Some that died in more unusual ways
and circumstances include Joseph Bent, who in 1675 was accidently shot by his brother; John
Johnson and his second wife, who were both shot by Indians in 1708 when standing in their
doorway in Haverhill, Mass., Ann Foster, who died in a Salem jail as an accused witch in 1692.
Nathaniel Wyer was said to have been lost at sea in 1739.
Occupations. Most of Harry’s ancestors were probably farmers as was the norm in early New
England. Three were ministers, Rev. Joseph Emerson, Rev. Peter Bulkeley and his son, Rev.
Edward Bulkeley. In colonial America, ministers were among the most educated men. Thomas
Boylston (b. 1644/5) was a doctor, the earliest physician in Brookline, Mass. James Smith was a
shipwright in Charlestown, Mass. Nathaniel Wyer, mentioned above, was a mariner, as was
William Foster who was once captured by “the Turkish enemy” in 1671. John Johnson784 was a
quartermaster, responsible for distributing gunpowder to the various towns in Massachusetts
Bay Colony. More recently, Harry S. Pratt was a piano tuner and orange grower, his father
Francis Lowell Pratt was City Messenger of Cambridge, Mass., and his grandfather William Pratt
was a bootmaker. His maternal grandfather James. R. Brown was a blacksmith.
Witches. One of the saddest events of early New England was the Salem Witchcraft hysteria of
1692. Although Harry had no ancestors living in Salem, he did have several in Andover, where
the hysteria had spread. Ann (----) Foster, her daughter Mary (Foster) Lacey, and her
granddaughter Mary (Lacey) Scripture, were all accused of witchcraft . None were executed,
although Ann died in a Salem jail. Earlier, Elizabeth Knapp, who became the wife of Samuel
Scripture, was thought to have been bewitched but she was not accused of witchcraft. More
details will be added about this as time permits.
784
Not the same John Johnson who was killed in 1708 by Indians.
202
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
What’s in a Name?
It is interesting to consider the names of our ancestors, some of them are still common today,
some having gone out of style.
Of the 345 ancestors listed in this book, the most common male names were John (42), Thomas
(16), and Joseph (11), with Richard, Samuel and William tied at 10. Popular female names were
Mary (37), Elizabeth (29), Anne/Ann or Anna (15), and Sarah (14). These are still common today
but some of Harry Pratt’s ancestors had more unusual names.
Harry Stillman Pratt’s own name is a bit of a mystery. Was he named after someone named
Harry Stillman? Or did his parents just like this name? There is no connection to a Stillman
family that we know of. Similarly, why Francis Lowell Pratt? Was there a man named Francis
Lowell that he was named after? Neither Francis nor Lowell appear earlier in his family.
The earliest Pratt ancestor in America had the unusual name of Macuth Pratt. Some other
unusual male names were Nehemiah Gilson, Peleg Lawrence, and Zerubabbel Kemp. Zerubabel
was a Biblical name which had the connotation of an exile. Peleg and Nehemiah are also
Biblical. An unusual surname was that of Samuel Scripture.
An unusual woman’s name was Experience Newcomb (although she is one of several of my
ancestors named Experience.) Although Violet doesn’t seem strange, it was highly unusual in
early New England, and most early Violets were descendants of Harry Pratt’s ancestor Violet
Wolterton.785
785
See Haskell Venard, “When Violets Bloomed in Old Connecticut,” The American Genealogist (TAG) vol. 46
(1970), pp. 206-7.
203
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
Military Service
The following is a list of Harry S. Pratt’s ancestors who fought in some war, or may have done so. (Some
of the Revolutionary War soldiers are not definite, see comments.).
A# Name
War
Comments
2 Francis Lowell Pratt
Civil War
6 James R. Brown
Civil War
Union army. Stationed in North Carolina. No
combat.
Union army; blacksmith. Wounded in Battle of
Chancellorsville when kicked by a horse.
Not listed in DAR Patriot Index
DAR #A082711 but “future applicants must
prove correct service.”
Not listed in DAR Patriot Index
Said to have been a member of Maj. Robert
Rogers’ rangers.
DAR #A076211. Private. Served with Capt.
Samuel Woods, Col. Jonathan Ward.
DAR #A092624 for Civil Service only.
R. Thayer’s Company.
DAR #A024478. Listed for Civil Service only.
16 Thomas Pratt
18 Samuel Newcomb
Revolutionary War
Revolutionary War
22 Jonas Eaton
28 Silas Aldrich
Revolutionary War
French & Indian War
30 Levi Maynard
Revolutionary War
32
36
58
150
156
158
168
506
946
Samuel Pratt
Ebenezer Newcomb
Ephraim Collins
Samuel Hayden
Jonathan Fairbanks
Samuel Guild
Enoch Lawrence
John Hammond
William Sanborn
Revolutionary War
French & Indian War
Revolutionary War
King Phillip’s War
King Phillip’s War
King Phillip’s War
King Phillip’s War
King Phillip’s War
King Phillip’s War
204
Not certain.
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
205
1850 Census Information
This section seeks to list all of Harry S. Pratt’s ancestors who are found on the 1850 census, along with the families they are living with. To save space, the last
two columns are omitted. These columns, which were left blank for all of these records, are: “Whether deaf and dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict ”
and “Persons over 20 yrs of age who cannot Read & Write.” In this section, Harry’s ancestors are highlighted in blue.
39
40
41
42
1
2
3
Dwelling
houses
Families
787
786
372
Name of every person whose usual
place of abode on the first day of
June 1850 was in this family
506 William Pratt
Harriet Pratt
Elizabeth C Pratt
Francis L. Pratt
William W. Pratt
Harriet M. Pratt
Sarah Pratt
38
44
13
9
5
3
72
Sex
Line
#
Age
William Pratt and Harriet (Gilson) Clark and family lived in Quincy Mass. His mother lived with the family.
rd
Page ?? Location: Quincy, Norfolk, Mass. Enumerated on: 3 day of September 1850. They are listed on two separate pages.
M
F
F
M
M
F
F
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
Value of Real
Estate
Owned
Place of Birth naming the
State, Territory, or
Country
Boot Maker
2400
Mass.
“
“
“
Mass.
“
Married
within
the year
In School
within
the year
1
1
1
Richard and Anna (Maynard) Aldrich were living in Bradford, Vt., with son Levi and Levi’s family.
30
31
32
33
34
25
786
787
Dwelling
houses
798
Families
Enumerated on: 16th day of August 1850
Name of every person whose usual
place of abode on the first day of
June 1850 was in this family
864 Richard Aldrich
Ann
Levi
Sarah
Ellen E.
Marietta
70
70
25
23
2
7/12
Sex
Line
#
Age
Page ??. Location: Bradford, Orange, Vt.
M
F
M
F
F
F
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
(Farmer)
The full heading is: “Dwelling houses numbered in the order of visitation”
The full heading is “Families numbered in the order of visitation”
Value of Real
Estate
Owned
Place of Birth naming the
State, Territory, or
Country
3000 Vt
Mass
Vt.
"
"
"
Married
within
the year
In School
within
the year
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
James R. Brown was presumably living in Vermont, but is not found on the 1850 census.
His daughter Mary A. Brown is also not found, at least not with certainty.788
Dwelling
houses
Families
Name of every person whose usual
place of abode on the first day of
June 1850 was in this family
37
38
39
377
377
Mary Richardson
Hannah Whittemore
Mary R. Cochran
Sex
Line
#
Age
James’ mother, Hannah (Richardson) (Brown) Whittemore lived with her sister Mary Richardson, and daughter Mary Cochran, in
Craftsbury, Vt.
Page ? Location: Craftsbury, Orleans, Vt.
Enumerated on: 23rd day of August 1850
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
58 F
68 F
32 F
788
Value of Real
Estate
Owned
Place of Birth naming the
State, Territory, or
Country
600
Mass.
“.
“
Married
within
the year
In School
within
the year
There is a Mary Brown, 18, living with John H. Myers, in West Cambridge, Mass. The census stated she was born in Massachusetts (should have been N.H.)
but this could have been a mistake.
207
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
1860 Census Information
This section seeks to list all of Harry S. Pratt’s ancestors who are found on the 1860 census, along with the families they are living
with. To save space, the last column is omitted. This column, which is left blank for all of these records, are: “Whether deaf and
dumb, blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict.” In this section, Harry’s ancestors are highlighted in blue.
William and Harriet (Gilson) Pratt were living in Quincy, Mass.
23
24
25
26
27
28
1096
1307 William Pratt
Harriet "
Elizabeth C.
Franklin
William "
Hatty N. "
48
53
23
19
15
12
M
F
F
M
M
F
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
Boot Maker
Value
of Real
Estate
2200
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth naming
the State, Territory,
or Country
Persons over
20 yrs of age
who cannot
read & write
Name of every person whose usual
place of abode on the first day of
June 1860 was in this family
Attended
School within
the year
Families
Married
within the
year
Dwelling
houses
Sex
Line
#
Age
Page ? Location: Quincy, Norfolk Co., Mass. Enumerated on: 26th day of June 1860
650 (Mass.)
Book binder
1
1
Having returned to Massachusetts after living in Vermont, James R. Brown and his 2nd wife are in Boston. The enumerator included
the city of birth which is not required.
th
th
20
21
22
23
899
Name of every person whose usual
place of abode on the first day of
June 1860 was in this family
1744 James R. Brown
Mabel S. "
Joel W.
Eliza A.
50
44
19
11
M
F
M
F
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
Blacksmith
Blacksmith
208
Value
of Real
Estate
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth naming
the State, Territory,
or Country
300 Danvers, Mass
Ryegate, Vt.
Newbury, "
Craftsbury, Vt.
Attended
School
within the
year
Persons
over 20 yrs
of age
who
cannot
read &
write
Families
Married
withi the
year
Dwelling
houses
Sex
Line
#
Age
Page6?. Location: Boston (4 Ward), Suffolk, Mass. Enumerated on: 5 day of July 1860
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
James Brown’s mother, widow Hannah (Richardson) (Brown) Whittemore lived in Craftsbury, Vt., with her daughter Mary
(Whittemore) Cochran, and son-in-law John Cochran.
4
5
6
7
1339
1346 John Cochran
Mary "
Hannah Whittemore
Mary Richardson
47
42
78
73
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
M
F
F
F
Value
of Real
Estate
3500
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth naming
the State, Territory,
or Country
525 (Vermont)
Mass.
"
"
Persons over
20 yrs of age
who cannot
read & write
Name of every person whose
usual place of abode on the first
day of June 1860 was in this
family
Attended
School within
the year
Families
Married
within the
year
Dwelling
houses
Sex
Line
#
th
Enumerated on: 30 July 1860
Location: Craftsbury, Orleans Co., Vt.
Age
Page 178
1
1
Mary Ann Brown’s grandmother, widow Anna (Maynard) Aldrich lived in Bradford, Vt., with her son John.
14
15
16
17
18
19
965
964 John B. Aldrich
Philinda "
John A. "
Charles K. "
Langdon Chase
Anna Aldrich
Enumerated on: 17th July 1860
40 M
35 F
2 M
8/12 M
20 M
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each male
person over 15
Farmer
Value
of Real
Estate
2800
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth naming
the State, Territory,
or Country
Persons over
20 yrs of age
who cannot
read & write
Name of every person whose
usual place of abode on the first
day of June 1860 was in this
family
Attended
School within
the year
Families
Married
within the
year
Location: Bradford, Orange, Vt.
Dwelling
houses
Sex
Line
#
Age
Page 121
884 (Vermont)
1
1
Laborer
New
Hampshire
79 F
There was a Mary A. Brown, 30, living in Ward 5, Boston, with birthplace listed as N.H. Although her age was actually 28, this could be Mary Ann
Brown.
209
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
1870 Census Information
This section seeks to list all of Harry Pratt’s ancestors who are found on the 1870 census, along with the families they are living with.
To save space, the last column is omitted. This column, which is left blank for all of these records, are: “Whether deaf and dumb,
blind, insane, idiotic, pauper or convict.” Also to save space, the Column “Color” is omitted. None of Harry’s ancestors had parents
of foreign birth, so that column is skipped as well. In this section, Harry and his ancestors are highlighted in blue.
Francis Lowell Pratt and wife Mary Ann (Brown) Pratt live in Cambridge with Harry and his sister.
M
F
M
F
book keeper
keeping house
at home
at home
4000
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth
naming the State,
Territory of U.S.; or
the country if of
foreign birth.
Attended
School within
the year
29
37
2
1
Value
of Real
Estate
Attended
School within
the year
291 Pratt, Francis L
---, Mary A.
---, Harry S.
---, Grace A.
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each
person, male or
femaile
If born within
the year, state
the month
Name of every person whose
usual place of abode on the
first day of June 1870 was in
this family
If married
within the year,
state the month
296
Families
If married
within the year,
state the month
24
25
26
27
Dwelling
houses
8th of July 1870
Sex
Line
#
Enumerated on:
Age at last
birthday
Page 47 Location: Cambridge (Ward 1), Mass.
500 Mass
N. Hampshire
Mass.
"
Mary Ann’s father, James R. Brown, also lives in Cambridge, with his second wife, his daughter and son-in-law
33
34
35
36
Families
Name of every person whose
usual place of abode on the
first day of June 1870 was in
this family
2159 Brown, James R.
---, Mabel
Cloudman, Edwin H.
---, Elizabeth
60
56
25
21
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each
person, male or female
M
F
M
F
Blacksmith
keeping house
Machinist
No occupation
210
Value
of Real
Estate
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth
naming the State,
Territory of U.S.; or
the country if of
foreign birth.
Mass.
Vermont
Maine
Vermont
If born within
the year, state
the month
Dwelling
houses
21st of July1870
Sex
Line
#
Enumerated o n:
Age at last
birthday
Page ? Location: Cambridge (Ward 2), Mass.
Jan
Jan
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
James Brown’s mother, Hannah Whittemore, lives in Newport, Vt., with her son –in-law John Cochran, whose first wife has died.
20
21
120
123 Cochran, John
---, Betsey
22
23
24
Whittemore, Hannah
Richardson, Mary
Amaziah Magoon
58 M
28 F
87 F
83 F
19 M
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each
person, male or female
Farmer
Keeping house
Living with sonin-law
" nephew
Farm Laborer
Value
of Real
Estate
3000
Value of
Personal
Estate
Place of Birth
naming the State,
Territory of U.S.; or
the country if of
foreign birth.
Attended
School within
the year
Name of every person whose
usual place of abode on the
first day of June 1870 was in
this family
If married
within the year,
state the month
Families
4th of July 1870
If born within
the year, state
the month
Dwelling
houses
Sex
Line
#
Enumerated on:
Age at last
birthday
Page ? Location: Newport, Orleans Co., Vt
1250 Vermont
“
Mass.
“
Canada
Mary Ann (Brown) Pratt’s grandmother, Anna (Maynard) Aldrich lives in Bradford, Vt., with her son John and his family.
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
126
153 Aldrich, John D.
---, Philinda
---, John A.
---, Charles R.
---, Ann
Grey, Henry
Grey, Mary J.
Grey, Ula
50
45
12
10
90
38
26
10/12
Profession, Occupation
or Trade of each
person, male or female
Value of
Real
Estate
M
F
M
M
F
M
F
F
Farmer
11000
Value
of
Person
al
Estate
Place of Birth
naming the State,
Territory of U.S.; or
the country if of
foreign birth.
Attended
School within
the year
Name of every person whose
usual place of abode on the
first day of June 1870 was in
this family
If married
within the year,
state the month
Families
If born within
the year, state
the month
Dwelling
houses
21st of June 1870
Sex
Line
#
Enumerated on:
Age at last
birthday
Page ? Location: Bradford, Orange Co., Vt.
1000 Vermont
1
Mass.
Maine
Mass.
Vermont
211
© copyright A. H. Gilbertson, 2012-2016.
1880 Census Information
To save space, some of the column headings have been removed or abbreviated, without the loss of any important information.
Francis Lowell and Mary Ann (Brown) Pratt live in Cambridge, Mass., where he is now the City Messenger – and has a servant!
2
3
4
5
6
Pratt, Francis L.
---, Mary A.
---, Harry S.
---, Ernest L.
Moody, Ruby L.
Enumerated on:
M
F
M
M
F
39
47
12
8
22
June 1st 1880. Street Address: 5 Hawthorne Street
Wife
Son
Son
Servant
Maimed,
crippled or
bedridden
Widowed
Relationship
Married
Age
Sex
Name of every person
whose usual place of abode
on the first day of June 1880
was in this family
Single
Line#
Location: Cambridge, Middlesex, Mass
1
1
Profession, Occupation or
Trade of each person, male
or female
Sickness or
Disability
City messenger
Keeping house
At school
At school
Servant
1
1
1
Place of Birth
Place of
Birth:
Father
Place of
Birth:
mother
Mass.
N.H.
Mass.
Mass.
N.S.789
Mass.
Mass.
Mass.
Mass.
N.S.
Mass.
Vt.
N.H.
N.H.
N.S.
18
789
Brown, James R.
---, Mabel
M 70
F 64 Wife
1
1
Maimed,
crippled or
bedridden
Widowed
Line #
17
Married
Relationship
Single
Age
Name of every person
whose usual place of abode
on the first day of June 1880
was in this family
Sex
Mary Ann’s father James R. Brown also lived in Cambridge, with his second wife Mabel. Interesting that his father is listed as having
been born in N.H.
Location: Cambridgeport, Middlesex, MA Enumerated on: June 16th 1880; Street Address: 3 North St.
Profession, Occupation or
Trade of each person, male
or female
Blacksmith
Keeps house
Either N.S. for Nova Scotia, or possibly U.S.
212
Sickness or
Disability
Place of Birth
naming the
State,
Territory of
U.S.; or the
country if of
foreign birth.
Place of
Birth:
Father
Place of
Birth:
mother
Mass.
Vt.
N.H.
Vt.
Mass.
N.H.