Jean M. Roberts's Blog, page 26
November 9, 2020
William Pillsbury and his wife Dorothy Crosby of Dorchester and Newbury
English Origins
William Pillsbury, name spelled variously, is possibly from Leek, Staffordshire. Two genealogies published in the late 19th/ early 20th centuries on the family offered two wills, one for a Thomas Pillsbury of Leek who died in 1622 and a William of Heaton whose will was probated in 1640. Both of these men had sons named William that were born about 1605. Heaton and Leek are only 5 miles apart and it's possible that the two were related. One nod in William's favor is that he was a husbandman and Thomas a blacksmith. As William the immigrant was also a husbandman seems to fit more closely.
That being said, neither Mary Lovering Holman, noted genealogist of the Pillsbury Family, nor Robert Charles Anderson, confirm any ancestry for William. There is nothing, other than the rarity of the name, to tie William to either man.
William's possible mother, is dependent on the father. If William Pilsbury of Heaton was the father then his mother was Agnes (Stodderd) Pilsbury. If Thomas Pilsburie of Leek was the father his mother was Elizabeth (Unknown) Pilsburie. If the father of this profile is neither William Pilsberie of Heaton nor Thomas Pilsburie of Leek, then his mother is unknown.
William's age is based on a 1676 deposition in which he said he was about 71 years old.
William's name is first found in the records of New England when he and Dorothy Crosby appeared before the Quarterly Court in Boston on 1 June 1641. Both were bound for their good behavior. He was'enjoined to work with Goodman Wisswell two days of the week and Goodman one day in the week for five years. Their bond was set at £10.00.
They next appeared in court on 29 July 1641, this time a married couple. He was censured to be whipped for defiling his masters house as was she. Clearly, both William and Dorothy were indentured servants, in separate houses, and have gotten themselves into a romantic relationship. Their marriage was not recorded, so where exactly they were living is unknown. Their daughter, Dorothy, was born in Dorchester, so it is possible that that is where they resided at the time.
Children
Deborah, b. April 16, 1642 in Dorchester, m. _______ Ewens
Job, b. October 16, 1643 in Dorchester, m. April 5, 1677 Katherine Gavett in Newbury d. September 10, 1716 in Newbury
Moses, b. about 1645, m. March 1668 Susanna Worth, d. before November 3, 1701 (probate of will)
Abel, b. 1652 in Newbury, m. about 1675 Mary _______, d. before 1697
Caleb, b. January 28, 1653/4 in Newbury, never married, d. July 4, 1680 in Newbury
William, b. July 27, 1656 in Newbury, m. December 13, 1677 Mary Kenny, d. October 28, 1734 in Salisbury.
Experience, b. April 10, 1658 in Newbury, d. August 4, 1708 in Newbury
Increase, b. October 10, 1660 in Newbury, d. 1690 (drowned off Cape Breton, N.S. in Sir William Phips' expedition)
Thankful, b. April 22, 1662 in Newbury, living and unmarried in 1686
It is not know for who or for how long William was indentured, but he seems to have been a free man when next he is mentioned in the Dorchester town records in 1648. In 1651 William purchased the home lot of Edward Rawson of Newbury. From 1653 onward, William's name appears in the Newbury records where he bought and sold land. He was a yeoman/husbandman or planter. In otherwords, he was a farmer.
William became a freeman of the Massachusetts Colony in 1668.
William Pillsbury of Newbury wrote his will on 22 April 1686. He named in his will, wife Dorothy, children: Job, Moses, Abel, William, Increase, married daughter Deborah Ewens, Experience and Thankful. William died on 19 June 1686 and buried the next day. His death was noted by diarist Samuel Sewall.
Sabbath-day Morn. Goodman Pilsbury was buried just after the ringing of the second Bell. Grave dugg over night. Mr. Richardson Preached from I Cor. 3, 21.22, going something out of 's Order by reason of the occasion, and singling out those Words Or Death.
The inventory of William's estate was taken on July 7, 1686 by his son Job and was appraised at over £317, including £190 in land, £45 in livestock, and £12 for a man servant.
His will was probated on September 10, 1686.
Dorothy Crosby was born about 1622 in England. Nothing is known about her ancestry. Her death, after that of her husband, was not recorded.
My ancestor is their son William who married Mary Kinne, daughter of Henry and Ann Kinne.
September 5, 2020
John Robie of Haverhill 1648-1691 and Ann Corliss
John, the last of my Robie line, was born in Hampton, New Hampshire in 1648, son of Henry Robie and Ruth Moore. John settled just over the Massachusetts line in a town called Haverhill. John married Anne Corliss, daughter of George Corliss on 1 November 1677. Little is known about the couple and their daily lives, but we do know that they ended in tragedy.
children: all recorded in Haverhill
Ruth: b. 14 October 1678 m. 10 Dec 1701, d. 19 April 1753 Hampton, NHIcabod: b. 15 Jan 1679 Henry: b. 12 Mar 1680/1 d. 17 Mar 1680/1Johanna: b. 5 Mar 1681/2Sarah: b. 6 Mar 1683/4Deliverance: b. 17 Feb 1685John 25 Mar 1688From the Haverhill records we know that John Robie built a house there between 1675 and 1677. He had been a soldier during the 1675 King Philip's War, a brutal bloody fight between the Native Americans and the English colonist. The English narrowly defeated the Natives who all but pushed them into the ocean.
Once married, John's family rapidly expanded. Ann gave birth every year or two. They lost their infant son Henry in March of 1680. In 1679 John requested additional land from the town and in 1680 he was granted 5 or 6 acres more. He also purchased meadow land from a neighbor Thomas Davis.
Despite winning King Philip's war, the colonies were not at peace with the Native Americans. With French Canadian allies raiding parties swept across the land with lightening quick strikes. 1690 saw the beginning of what is known as King William's War. New Hampshire suffered multiple attacks including the 1689 attack on Cocheco Falls, 1690 attack on Salmon Falls, the 1691 massacre at Brackett Lane, near Sandy Beach. Massachusetts was not spared from these attacks. My ancestor Phillip Rowell was killed in July 1690 in Amesbury. In 1694 the residents of Oyster River were wiped out, including my ancestors John and Remembrance Rand.
In the midst of these tense times, Anne Corliss Robie died on 1 June 1691, leaving six children, the eldest was thirteen the youngest three. Word reached John of a threat of impending danger of attack. he packed up his children and took them to a 'house of refuge', possibly a garrison house, for protection. Leaving them, he was returning to his house with his eldest son Icabod when he was killed by a musket ball. His son was taken captive by the attackers, but he later escaped.
John's estate and his children were given over to his brother Thomas Robie. An inventory was taken of his possessions which valued about £309.00. It included all the accouterments typical of a farm life including cows, pigs, horses and oxen.
Many ancestor, his daughter Ruth Robie, was taken to Hampton, where she later married and raised her family.
In my upcoming novel, The Heron, I explore the experience of living under the constant threat of attack and include many of my own ancestors and minor characters, bringing their world to life. Look for it April 2021. See The Book's Delight for details.
Readers please note that I cannot reply to comments. Feel free to contact me using the form at the top left.
August 23, 2020
Henry Robie of Castle Donington and Hampton, New Hampshire
English OriginsHenry Robie is believed to the son of Thomas and Mary Coxon Robie of Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England. If so, he was baptized on 12 February 1618. His family ancestry can be reliable traced for several generations and the family name is found in local records for centuries.
Coming to AmericaThe ship and date of sailing are unknown, but Henry's name is found in the Dorchester records by 1639. He didn't stay long in Massachusetts and by 1640 he was in Exeter, New Hampshire and later by 1650, he removed to Hampton, where he spent the remainder of his life. Like all upstanding citizens, Henry performed his civic duties, he acted as constable for the year 1661 and was chosen to be a selectman in 1656. He served as a justice of the peace for many years as well as that of judge of the court of sessions.
Exeter was known as a lumber town and while there, Henry joined in the building of a sawmill. Later in life he was an innkeeper.
FamilyHenry married three times. [1] Ruth Moore who died 5 May 1673 [2] Elizabeth (Philbrick)(Chase) Garland who died 11 Feb 1677 [3] Sarah (Unknown) who died 23 Jan 1703
Children: Mary, b. abt. 1644, m. 1663, Samuel Folsom, named in fathers will Thomas b. 1 March 1645/6, d. 1689 Falmouth John b. 2 Feb 1648 my ancestor Judith had an illegitimate child, named in fathers will Ruth b. 3 March 1654, named in father's will Deliverance b. 22 March 1657, m. Nathaniel Haseltine, not in father's will Samuel b. 4 August 1659 Icabod b. 26 November 1664 Sarah b. 19 April 1679, not named in father's will
Life in Exeter and HamptonMuch of what we know about Henry Roby comes from the records of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County of which Exeter and Hampton were a part. I'm not sure when I last saw a name mentioned quite so many times as our Henry. Beginning in 1643 his name is found year in year out. He took the oath of fidelity in 1648. The following year he was made Clerk of the Market, and in 1650 he was a sworn commissioner for Exeter.
Henry was sued by his neighbor and sued them in return. He once sued the very contentious Edward Colcord for suing him too much. Henry was also in court representing clients as their attorney. He was the town attorney for Hampton for several years.
Henry seems to have been something of a hot head and was admonished in court in 1664 for reproaching the minister in reviling speeches concerning the ordinance of baptism. At the time there was huge dissent over the act of baptism, which caused hard feelings on both sides. Henry's wife, Elizabeth was ordered to be sent to jail in Boston for her 'contemptuous carriages' in court. She apologized and avoid prison.
In 1647 in Exeter, Henry was fined for 'drawing wine and beer without a license'. In 1670 in Hampton he was granted a license, which was renew for many years. The court ruled he could keep an Ordinary but was bound not to let the town's children and servants 'lie tippling in his house'. This order was reinforced in 1679 when the court reminded him that the Ordinary was for travelers only, no townfolk could be served. Henry apparently like to serve himself. He was excommunicated from the church of Hampton by Rev. Moody for being a common drunkard.
Henry's daughter Judith found her way into the court records when she had a child out of wedlock. The court ordered John Young, the father, to pay maintenance for the child. Apparently the couple never married and the Robys were often in court seeking payment.
Henry died in 1688. The Reverend Cotton said of him, 'he would not have so honorable a burial as an ass'. This seems to be the case and it is said that 'when dead, his body was taken and thrown in a hole near the great rock in the rear of the old meeting house sometime in the night'. This was to avoid his creditors putting a lien on the body.
Henry left a lengthy will and codicil. The inventory was extensive and include a 'looking glass that was bought in England'. He was evidently a successful businessman, despite his drinking.
Sources:
https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20170119/life-of-early-hampton-settler-henry-roby
http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/church/congregational/churchmanual/congo_1.htm
August 16, 2020
Ancestry of Henry Robie of Castle Donington and Hampton, New Hampshire
Henry Roby/Robie was an English immigrant who came to New England by the year 1639 making him part of the Great Puritan Migration. It is said that he was the Henry Roby baptized in Castle Donington, Leicestershire on 12 February 1618, the son of Thomas and Mary (Coxen) Robie. His ancestry has been traced back to the 15th century. The name Robie can be found in local records as far back as the 13th century, but there is not enough to trace his lineage that far.
*John b. about 1455 d. about 1515, wife unknown
*Thomas b. about 1500, m. Elizabeth Swaine abt. 1530, bur. 5 December 1552
*Thomas b. 12 April 1536, styled a yeoman, m. 25 Nov. 1569 Joanne Cowley, d/o George Cowley (she d. 10 Oct. 1579), m. (2) 20 Feb 1582/3 Mary Gatley, he d. 12 Sep. 1588
*Thomas b. 20 April 1576, m. 29 Nov 1606 Mary Coxen b. 20 April 1586 she d. 26 April 1641, he died 27 March 1653.
Castle Donington is a small market town in the midlands. It was awarded it's market by King Edward I in the 13th century. The parish church is St. Edward King and Marytr, this ancient structure was begun in the 12th century and added to over the years.
**Photos from Geograph.org The house is called the Key Roby house and was built by a Thomas Roby in 1636.
August 10, 2020
George Corliss: Immigrant to New England
english originsGeorge Corliss is said to hail from Devonshire. There is no proof to confirm his origins, his parents are unknown. He is supposed to have been born about 1617. His arrival in New England cannot be pinpointed.
haverhillGeorge is first recorded in Massachusetts in 1639 in the town of Newbury. He gave his age as 22. On 26 October 1645, George Corliss married Joanna Davis, daughter of Thomas and Christian Bellshire Davis of Haverhill. They settled in the West Parish of Haverhill on a farm called Poplar Lawn. He was also made a freeman of the colony in 1645.
Like all men of good standing he did his civic duties. George served as constable in 1650 and as Selectman in 1653, 1657, 1669 and 1679.
childrenMary 1646, married William NeffJohn 1648Joanna 1650, married Joseph HutchinsMartha 1652, married Samuel LaddDeborah 1655, married Thomas Eastman, Thomas KingsburyAnn born 8 November 1657, married John RobieHuldah 1661, married Samuel KingsburySarah 1663, married Joseph Ayer
ripGeorge died in Haverhill on 19 Oct 1686. Joanna died 17 April 1688. George left a substantial estate, and bequeathed land of some sort to most of his children.
See Thomas Davis and Christian Bellshire
August 9, 2020
Thomas Davis and Christian Bellshire; Immigrants to New England
English Origins
Thomas Davis is believed on strong circumstantial evidence to be the son of John and Agnes Unknown Davis of Acton Turville, Gloucestershire a parish of Chipping Sodbury. Agnes was not Agnes Chandler. This was a different couple. Thomas and Agnes had the following children, known from his will. Samuel, Thomas, James, and a daughter Sarah. James had two sons, James and John, also named. At the time of its writing, John Davis was married to a Sarah Reede. The date of death of Agnes is unknown.
Summary of the will of John Davis:- my son Samuel...- my son Thomas...- James and John Davis, sons of my son James...- Sarah, daughter of my son James...- Sarah my now wife...- remainder of estate to son James who is to be excecutor.
Abstract of will of JOHN DAVIS, Acton Turville, 1626:In the name of God Amen, I, John Davis of Acton Turville in the countye of Glouc., yeoma', sycke in bodye but of good and p'fect memory, do make thys my laste will and Testament in manner and form following. My bodye to be buryed in ye Churchyarde of Acton Turville aforesaide. It' I gyve unto my sonne Samyll in regard of one cowe whych . . . Item I gyve unto my sonne Thomas twelve pence. Item I guve unto . . . sonne twelve pence. Item I geve unto James Davys and John Davis my sonne James his sonness...shillings a peece. I gyve unto Sara my sonne James his daugher (ten shillings?). Item I gyve unto Sara my nowe wyfe on coffer. ffurther my will is that I...which I gyve unto my Sonn Samyll in regard of his...him bymy executor when he have served his apprentis...not then to remayne to my sonne James his children. It'l al the est of my goods moveable and unmoveable andye executorsyeare of my lease...my sonne James Davys whome I make my executor of this my last will and testament. Also I do Intreate and Apoynt will p'formed...Apryll 1626.The marke of John x Davis. Wytness to this will John Sloper"
James Davis of Haverhill, Massachusetts in a known son of John Davis of Acton Turville. This seems to cement the relationship between Thomas and the Davis' of Acton Turville.
marriageThomas is believed to have been born about 1603 and married Christian Bellshire in Chipping Sodbury, Gloucestershire, England on 14 November 1622. This would put Thomas at age nineteen, a bit on the young side for marriage but it seems to check out.
childrenJoanna b. about 1625, married Oct. 1645 George Corliss, 4 Oct. 1687 James OrdwayJoseph b. about 1627, d. 15 Nov. 1671, unmarried and childless.Mary bp. 29 March 1629 Chipping Sodbury, nothing further
coming to new englandThomas Davies, Sawyer, of Marlborough, sailed on the James in 1635 out of Southampton. He had two children; Joanna and Joseph. He first settled in Newbury before removing to Haverhill where he was known to be by 1641 where he became a freeman on 2 June. He was not only a sawyer but also a mason, and was known as a yeoman. Although he owned books, he made his mark on various documents.
Like most men of the time, Thomas performed his civic duties, serving on juries, both petit and grand, commission to end small causes and once served as constable. He would have served with thl local militia until he was dismissed in 1662. This was usual for men when they reached about age 60 or so.
He owned and sold various properties and in 1661 he deeded land to his son Joseph adjoining his in Haverhill. When he died on 27 July 1683, the majority of the value of his estate was in property.
ripChristian died in Haverhill on 7 April 1668. Thomas lived a good long life and died at about age 80 on 27 July 1683.
Sources:
Chase, George Wingate, 1826-1867. The History of Haverhill, Massachusetts: From Its First Settlement In 1640 to the Year 1860. Haverhill [Mass.]: Published by the author, 1861.
Great Migration 1634-1635, C-F. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: The Great Migration, Immigrants to New England, 1634-1635, Volume II, C-F, by Robert Charles Anderson, George F. Sanborn, Jr., and Melinde Lutz Sanborn. Boston: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001.
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB1...
August 6, 2020
Henry Ambrose of Salisbury Massachusetts b. 1649 d. 1724
Here is the fourth Henry Ambrose of his line. He was born probably in Salisbury where his father was known to have lived at the time. His father moved about in his later years, living in Hampton, Charlestown, Salisbury, and Boston where he died. His son, Henry was only ten at the time of his father's death. His mother, Susanna, remarried in 1663 and lived with her husband, John Serverence in Salisbury.
Henry spent his entire life in Salisbury. He worked as a weaver. In 1672 he married Susanna Unknown Worcester, widow of Timothy. Surprisingly, they had only three children, one of which died as an infant or small child. Not much else is known about this couple. He took the oath of fidelity in 1677 and they both became full members of their church in 1715. Susanna died on 22 December 1730, a widow, Henry's death is unknown, but according to an article in the Essex Antiquarian, he died before 1724.
Their first child, Dorothy married Samuel Colby in 1693.
Sources:
[1] Hoyt, David Webster, 1833-1921. The Old Families of Salisbury And Amesbury, Massachusetts: With Some Related Families of Newbury, Haverhill, Ipswich And Hampton. Providence, R.I.: [Snow & Farnham, printers], 18971917.
[2] The Essex Antiquarian. Salem, MA: The Essex Antiquarian, 13 vols. 1897-1909. (Online database: AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2006.)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB9...
Photo by Johannes Plenio
July 31, 2020
Henry Ambrose of Kersey, Suffolk; Immigrant to New England
English OriginsAccording to a 1992 article in the New Hampshire Genealogical Record. Henry Ambrose, immigrant to New England hailed from Kersey, Suffolk. Kersey is a scant 10 or so miles from Groton, home of John Winthrop, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Coincidence? I think not. Kersey is a sleepy little village, once famous for its Kersey woollen cloth. Today, its famous for the houses that Henry Ambrose saw on a daily basis.
Henry was born in 1613, baptised in the ancient church of St Marys.
New EnglandIt is not known when he sailed for America but he was recorded in Hampton, New Hampshire in 1640. A carpenter by trade, Henry went where there was business. At some point, either before or after sailing, he married a woman named Susanna. In 1647 Henry sold his house and house lot to the Reverend Wheelwright, but it is believed he purchased another home as he remained in Hampton until 1649.
In 1650 Henry is recorded as living in Salisbury. In 1654 he was in Boston. 1656 Charlestown and finally back to Boston, where he died in 1658.
Henry served on the Gran Jury as well as the Jury of Trial at various Quarterly Courts.
FamilyHenry and Susanna had a relatively small family with large gaps between some of the children. Were there miscarriages in between?
Ebenezer b. about 1640 probably in HamptonSamuel bapt. 25 July 1641 HamptonHenry b. June 1649Abigail bp. 28 Dec 1654
Henry died in Boston. His inventory reveals his home to be typical of the time. Two stories with two rooms on each floor, plus a cellar. In the Great Chamber was found a long table with six stools and three chairs, a chest and sideboard and a second small table. The Great Lower Room was filled with a bed, a trundle bed, a table, kettle, cupboard with books and pewter. The Kitchen had yet another table and chairs plus all the accouterments you'd need to prepare food. The rooms upstairs appear to have been used for storage. All in all his estate was valued at 337£.
SusannaSusanna remained a widow for several years after Henry's death. She married in Salisbury on 2 October 1663 to John Severence. His wife, Abigail, died in 1658, same year as Henry, giving birth to her eleventh child. John ran several ordinarys (taverns) and was likely in need of a wife and mother for his children. He died in 1682, leaving Susanna a widow for the second time. She was still alive in 1692.
My AncestryI am descended from his son Henry who also married a woman, a widow, named Susanna.
July 29, 2020
Henry Ambrose of Kersey, Suffolk, England
Henry Ambrose, immigrant to New England is the third of that name who can be found in the parish records of a small Suffolk village. His grandfather Henry, b. about 1555 married Johane Hills on 23 May 1580 at his parish church. The church was St. Mary's, the oldest parts date to the 12th century and it was once an important pilgrimage site. He would have walked past if not into The Bell Inn of Kersey, a 14th century Inn. Kersey cloth, a woolen cloth was made in and named for the village. Kersey is only about 11 miles from another Suffolk village, Groton. As you know, Groton was the home of John Winthrop.
Henry and Johane had at least four children:
Mary 1581-1582Henry 1584-1631William 1587-?Edward 1590-1622
Not much is known about the family. Henry died before 4 Oct. 1618 and Johane died by 22 June 1622.
Henry Ambrose .b. 1584 married a woman known only as Mary. The couple had at least four children.
Johane b. 1611Henry 'the immigrant' baptized in St. Mary's 15 June 1613Katherine b. 1618Elizabeth b, 1621
I wonder how many of these houses, Henry would recognize.
April 28, 2020
John Smith and Deborah Parkhurst: Great Migration Immigrants to Watertown, Hampton and Martha's Vineyard
Apologies to all the John Smith's in the world, but dang, this is a hard name to research, it's just too common. The English origins of John Smith, who married Deborah Parkhurst are uncertain but noted Great Migration genealogist Robert Charles Anderson wrote an article in 1985 laying out his research and conclusion and difficult to trace without a serious clue. So, here is what I know about John Smith.The Norcross ConnectionOn 1 December 1640 the General Court of Massachusetts handed down an order in a case involving one John Smith Jr. and 'his father' Jeremy Norcross. It is clear from their surnames that Norcross must be the step-father and not the biological father of John. Anderson believes that this John Smith is the man who received land in Watertown in 1636, 1637, and 1638. His grants were small indicating that he was single.
On 14 September 1611 at St. Luke, Chelsea, Middlesex, Jeremy Norcross married Audrie Smithe, widow. They had children baptized at All Hallows, Bread Street, London. This couple and their children immigrated to Massachusetts and lived in Watertown. Anderson believes that she is the mother of immigrant John Smith. If so, he is birth is before the 1611 marriage and would fit with him being a young man in his twenties during the early Watertown grants. If true, then Smith was likely born in London, but his parental ancestry remains unknown as does his mother's maiden name.
HamptonIn 1642 Watertown audited all the grant lands to ascertain who remained in town and held their original land. John Smith Jr. is not on the list. He had removed to Hampton, New Hampshire. A list of first-comers, includes a Goodman Smith how arrived in the second summer (1639). He and his wife, Goodwife Smith, were assigned seats in the meetinghouse in 1650. Sadly, no first names were recorded.
Goody Smith was Deborah Parkhurst, daughter of George and Phebe Leete Parkhurst of Watertown. Her mother died in Watertown in about 1644 and her father returned to England in 1655.
Martha's VineyardIn 1653 a John Smith is found in the records of Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard. He appears in the records for doing various civic duties such as Magistrate Assistant and for land grants. In 1659 he became one of the 10 associate proprietors of Nantucket. In 1662 he was part of the train band for Martha's Vineyard. This would indicate that he was not yet above 60 years old, when most men were relieved of duty. He is last recorded in Martha's Vineyard in 1664.
NantucketIn 1670, John Smith, of sound body and mind, wrote his will on the island of Nantucket. He says he was in perfect health. In his will he names his wife Deborah and children Phillip, John, Samuel, Deborah and Abigail. John and Samuel split the Nantucket property and Phillip got Martha's Vineyard.
It is not know when John died, but his son John sold the Nantucket land in 1674 and moved to Hampton, New Hampshire. So his father was dead prior to 1674. His mother may have died about 1686 when Phillip sold the family homestead to his brother Samuel.
QuakersMany of the early settlers of Nantucket were Quakers and quiet a few folk left Hampton when they were being persecuted. I wonder if John was a Quaker?
Deborah Smith BatchelderI descend from daughter Deborah. She was born about 1640, probably in Hampton. She married Nathaniel Batchelder, grandson of the Reverend Stephen Batchelder. She died quite young in 1676 in Hampton.
Sources:
[1]The American Genealogist. New Haven, CT: D. L. Jacobus, 1937-. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2009 - .)
https://www.americanancestors.org/DB2...
[2]http://history.vineyard.net/jsmith.htm (Early settlers of Edgartown - online)


