SARAH VERRINDER [CAPENER]
(The following is a history of Jane Capener, who was the daughter of William Capener and Sarah Verrinder Capener. She was the sister of Elizabeth Ann Capener Hardy who married Augustus Poore Hardy. This history can give some insight into a few of the activities of Sarah Verrinder, before she was married and a little history of the marriage of Sarah and William Capener.)
Story of the Life of Jane Capener Hanks Taylor Giles
San Diego, California, February 21, 1921
written by herself
This is a brief sketch of my travels through life written from memory, in my eighty-first year.
I am the daughter of William Capener and Sarah Verrinder Capener. My father was born in London, England July 31, 1806. My mother was born in Painswick, Glouchester County, England, September 2, 1804; she later, about the age of 18, went to London to act as ladies’ maid in the home of some nobility family where she attended St. George Church, Hanover Square. It was there at a church festival that she first met father and where she and father were married on the twenty-fifth of October 1828.
My parents came to America in 1834, Father came first and liked it so well he sent for Mother and her three children, William, George, and Louise. She came in 1835. They landed at Poughkeepsie County, New York, where sister Elizabeth was born, also Charles Henry, who only lived two hours. I was born, the 16th of October, 1840, at Brooke town of Sherdaken, Ulster County, New York. My parents later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1848 by Thomas Wilson, then president of the Cleveland Branch of the L. D. S. Church. Father was ordained an Elder in the Kirtland Temple on 24 January 1844. My parents and my two sisters, Louise Rebecca and Elizabeth came to Utah in 1852 in the Isaac Bullock Company landing in Salt Lake Valley the 2nd of October 1852. I was re-baptized in City Creek by Isaac Decker some time in November 1852. William and George, my brothers refused to join the Church and come to Utah so they remained in Cleveland where William was a physician. I lived in Salt Lake City with my parents and attended school there until March 27, 1856, when I was married in plural marriage to Ephraim Knowlton Hanks, Brigham Young performing the ceremony, afterwards going to the endowment house and receiving my endowments.
We went south with the Saints in the general move south in the year 1858, where we camped at Spring Creek, south of Provo, Utah returned the same year in August and went to live between the Little and Big Mountains which Mr. Hanks named Mountain Dell. I lived there until the year 1863, then moved to Provo Valley.
We first landed at Midway, then called Snake Creek. We arrived there in July where our daughter, Elizabeth was born in March 10, 1863. From there we moved to the McAffee ranch then called the Bill Wall ranch. Ephraim Hanks bought the ranch from William Ball and later sold it to brother McAffee. My son, Ephraim was born at this place. When he was three months old there was Indian trouble and we moved back to Salt Lake City, from the McAffee ranch, stayed there until the next spring then we moved to Thaynes Canyon, Park City District. I was very unhappy there for there was no church activities and my husband was not doing well but my sons, George Augustus and David Capener were born there. George became very ill while we were there and we nearly lost him. I think it was then that I decided to leave that place so far from anybody, where there was no church to go to, to help keep up ones spirit. But I lived there about six years. So I picked up and left and went to Heber City. Three months later, on the 27 of June, Louise Rebecca was born.
Ephraim Hanks took his wife, Thisby, and her family and went south to Wayne County where he died on the 19 of June 1896. President Brigham Young gave me a church divorce from Ephraim Hanks. He said that, “Because of his neglect of his family he has forfeited all claim on his wife and family.” (no temple divorce recorded in the Salt Lake Office of the Church Historian)
I lived in Heber City four years. Here is where I commenced laboring in the Lord’s vineyard. I was first set apart as a teacher in the Sunday School, taught there for two years and also furnished the bread for the sacrament for one year and helped to comfort the sick and afflicted and helped to prepare the dead for burial. Then I was again married to Joseph Edward Taylor, the 9 of July, 1876, again in plural marriage. His first wife is my older sister, Louise Rebecca. She gave her consent and went with us to the Salt Lake Endowment House and placed my hand in his to be his wife for time and eternity. We left the next day for Charleston, Utah where Mr. Taylor bought a thirty acre ranch and built me a small home. I did not want to raise my family in the city. I had a family of seven children, William Albert, Ephraim K., George Agustus, David Capener, Alice and Elizabeth and Louise Rebecca, children of Ephraim Hanks.
I was very active in church work while I lived in Charleston where my two daughters were born, Jane Ann, the 23 of December 1878, and Margaret Wicks, the 10 of February, 1883.
My first call was First Counselor in Relief Society. Melissa Murdock being the President. I worked in that capacity until Sister Eliza R. snow came to visit the Charleston ward and chose me for local President of the Primary Association of the Charleston Ward. I worked in that organization for a number of years. In 1883 I want on a visit to St. George to my sister Elizabeth Hardy’s and while there I did temple work at the St. George Temple, for the dead. Years later, 1903, I went to the Manti Temple with my daughter, Margaret, where she was married to Hyrum Fredric Cluff the 15th day of July, 1903 and at that time I was sealed to my parents.
After returning from St. George I found conditions unsatisfactory and left Charleston and moved to Heber City. I was later divorced from Mr. Taylor and my father, William Capener, built a very nice home for me. He did all the carpenter work. Mr. Taylor was generous in providing for me and my family. On the 12 of November, 1890, I married Thomas H. Giles in the Logan Temple. Mr. M. W. Morril officiating. Mr. Giles died in June, 1903. He was first counselor to Abraham Hatch in the Wasatch Stake, Henry Alexander was the second counselor. Shortly after I married Brother Giles I was set apart as Stake President of the Primary of Wasatch Stake of Zion with Mary duke and Jane Shelton as my counselors. I worked a number of years in that capacity and my health became poor, being afflicted with asthma, and I was advised to move to a lower altitude so I bought a home in Provo, and lived there until 1919, when my health forced me to seek a warmer climate. Two of my children were living in San Diego, California, so I left Provo and went to San Diego, the land of sunshine and flowers. When I go to my last resting place I wish to be laid in the city of the dead at Heber City, Utah where lies those who have passed on before me and where many of the associates of my younger days, also those that I loved and hope to meet in a fairer land than this. They are gone but not forgotten. My posterity at this date is nine children, seven living, two passed on: William Albert Capener and Alice Hanks McAffee. I have sixty-three grand children and sixty-five great grand children.
Sarah Verrinder Capener
Birth: September 2, 1804
Born at Painswick, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Death: May 27, 1863
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake County, Utah, USA
Married:
William Capener -- 26 Oct 1828,
Saint George Church,
Hanover Square, England
Children –
George Capener,
William Henry Capener,
Louisa Rebecca Capener,
Charles Henry Capener,
Elizabeth Ann Capener,
Jane Maria Capener
Burial:
Salt Lake City Cemetery
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake County
Utah, USA
Plot: E_11_7_2_W
Record added: May 28, 2007
Find A Grave Memorial
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
GATES, Stephen and other early Gates'
THE STEPHEN GATES FAMILY GENERATIONS
STEPHEN GATES
Stephen Gates, said to have been born in Norfolk, England, about 1599; died in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, September 1662; married in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 5 May 1628, to Anne Veare, born in Norfolk about 1603; died in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 5 February 1683. She m (2) Richard Woodward (contract, 18 April 1663).
Stephen came to Plymouth Colony in 1638 in the Diligent of Ipswich, with his wife and two children, and probably in company with Robert and Joseph Peck [See Cushing's record, NEHGR 15:26 and Savage, 2:235]. He settled in Hingham, where he received a grant of three acres for a house lot, twelve acres for a "great lot" and a three-acre planting lot. His house was on Town (now North) Street and was bounded on the north by the street, on the east by William Buckland's land, and on the west by the town swamp. In 1647, he received a grant of half an acre of salt marsh. Stephen and his wife probably did not become members of the Hingham church until about 3 May 1646, when their children, Simon, Thomas, Isaac, and Rebecca were baptized (Birth dates of the children are not found in the town records). He sold his house lot and other property to William Hersey, 26 June 1648, after which he may have removed for a time to Cambridge. However, by 1653, he had moved to Nashaway (Lancaster), where he became one of the town's largest proprietors; one of the petitioners for its incorporation (3 April 1654); freeman (1656); and constable (1657). His house lot was "on the neck lying north to the house lot of John Whitcomb, Jr., bounded by the lot of said John Whitcomb south by the house lot of Nathaniel Joslin north by a range of lots easterly which lyeth on west side of Penicock River and westwardly a piece of entervail ... nigh adjoining to the North River, the said house lot being twenty acres more or less." Stephen also had two intervale lots, one of thirteen acres; the other of seven, and 314 acres of the upland division.
In 1657, Stephen was fined £10 because, as Constable, he failed to notify the voters about a town meeting. The court remitted the fine, when Stephen attributed his lapse to illness, but may have on that account relieved him of his constable's staff. In 1658, the sons of John Whitcomb killed three of Stephen's pigs. Whitcomb agreed to pay for them, but then sought to be released from the obligation being "aged and weak and mean in estate." The court decided in Gates’ favor. [See Henry S. Nourse, The Early Records of Lancaster (1884), p.63]. By then, Stephen was living in Sudbury. He subsequently removed to Cambridge, where he rented a farm, made his will (9 June 1662), and died sometime before the end of September, when his estate was inventoried.
The will, proved 7 October 1662, reads: My will is that my wife and my son Simon continue in the place where God have now set me during the time I have in it, and to keep the stock in their hands till the term is out and to pay the rent according to my agreement; and that my son Thomas to continue with them as long as he please. I give to my wife a third of my lands and all the rest of my estate during her life. I give to my son Stephen my house and my house lot of twenty acres in Nashaway and twenty acres of intervale lands and all my land at Hemp Swamp and all my meadow at Postepolekin. The third of these lands being excepted as above to my wife during her life. I give 314 acres of land within the bounds of Nashaway and a parcel of meadow at Still River to be divided equally between Simon and Thomas. My mind is that my wife shall give a colt of a year old unto my daughter Elizabeth when the lease of the farm is out. My wife to give to my daughter, Mary Maynar, a heifer of two years old when the lease of the farm is out. I give power to my wife to dispose of all the stock and my moveables when she die amongst my children according to her discretion. My will is that Elizabeth Bradshaw abide with my wife her Service Ship and that when her time is out my wife shall put her in a double suit of apparel and give her a heifer a year old...
The estate at Cambridge was all personal property. The inventory at Lancaster, taken Sept. 29, 1662, showed property valued at £130.15.08. Administration was granted to Simon Gates of Marlboro and Nathaniel Sparhawk of Cambridge. Sparhawk was the husband of Abigail, a grand-daughter.
The report of the Cambridge committee for seating the meeting house, 19 Jan 1663, assigned "Goodie Gates" a place at the end of the Deacons seats. Despite her marriage to Woodward in 1663, Ann called herself "Gates" in her will, which was proved 9 April 1683. She explained in a footnote: "My last husband's name was Woodward, but I generally went by the name of Gates notwithstanding." Her estate, by inventory taken 4 April 1683, had a value of £14. 6d. There is some conflicting information about the date of her death. According to Stow records, Anne Woodward died 19 Feb 1683; Marlborough records state that Widow Hannah [sic] Gates died 5 Feb 1683.
Children of Stephen GATES and Anne VEARE:
Elizabeth Gates, born in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 1629; died in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 3 August 1704; married John Lazell in Hingham, November 1649. [See NEHGR, 2:252; Hobart's Journal, NEHGR 121:22. For descendants, see NEHGR 88:257ff.]
Stephen Gates, married Sarah Woodward.
Mary Gates, christened in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 15 October 1636, died about 1678; married John Maynard, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, 5 April 1658, [NEHGR, 17:256]. Following Mary's death, Maynard married Sarah (Blanding) Keyes, widow of Elias Keyes. In January 1657, during a church service, Mary disputed some statements made by the Rev. Joseph Rowlandson, minister in Lancaster. Upon evidence of John Prescott and others, the court convicted her of " bold and unbecoming speeches used in the public assemblies, and especially against Mr. Rowlandson." She acknowledged the offense and was discharged upon paying fees for the attendance of the witnesses. [See Marvin, History of the Town of Lancaster and Nourse, The Early Records of Lancaster, Massachusetts, pp. 46-48.]
Thomas Gates, born in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 1642; christened in Hingham, 3 May 1646; died in Preston, New London, Connecticut, 10 August 1726; married (1) Elizabeth Freeman of Sudbury, 6 July 1670, and (2) Susan Freeman. By Elizabeth, had had Elizabeth (1671), Sarah (1673), John (9 April 1678), Joseph (16 March 1680), Josiah (8 March 1682), Deborah (22 February 1684), Ann (18 July 1686), and Abigail (18 February 1689). Resided in Stow, Charlestown, Marlborough, and Sudbury before moving to Preston (Norwich) in 1703.
Simon Gates, christened in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 3 May 1646; died in the state in Muddy River (now Brookline), Massachusetts, 26 August 1692; married Margaret Barstow before 1671. Was a soldier in King Philip's War, for which service his son, Jonathan Gates, received land in Narragansett township. Simon Gates was sued, 9 November 1670 by John Woods of Marlborough for breaking a marriage contract with his daughter Frances.
Ann Gates, married John Chew before 1663. Torrey does not name her among the children of Stephen and Anne (Veare) Gates. [See NEHGR 120:163.]
Isaac Gates, christened in Hingham, 3 May 1646, died in Hingham, 3 September 1651. [See: Hobart's Journal, NEHGR 121:24.]
Rebecca Gates, christened in Hingham, 3 May 1646, died in Hingham, January 1651. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:163; Hobart's Journal, NEHGR 121:22.]
Of Stephen's ancestry, the Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia (Vol. 2, biography of Jacob F. Gates) says the following: "Genealogically speaking the Gates family line is one of the most unique and wonderful in the Church. Jacob F. goes back in direct attested line on the Gates side to 1250 A. D., and on the last Clapdow line to William the Conqueror's time, 1066. They are a sturdy, intelligent stock; no kings and rakes are noted therein, nor paupers and rogues; just that splendid yeoman strain which has produced the leaders of the Latter-day Saints from New England, Old England, Scandinavia, Germany, Holland and Switzerland. It is the blood of Israel."
With respect to the Gates pedigree, if not also in other respects, these assertions do not withstand scholarly scrutiny. Though Stephen was probably born in Norfolk in or near Hingham, no record of his birth has been found, and the names of his parents are not known. One source, Charles Otis Gates [Gates Genealogy, 1898] states that Stephen was son of Thomas Gates of Norwich. But this, as Donald Lines Jacobus said in 1933, "has yet to be proved." Jacobus did, however, supply us with a few leads [The American Genealogist, Vol. 10, pp. 199-200]:
The parish register from Hingham does ... give some clue as to Stephen's family in Old England. Thomas Gates and Margaret Mylnye were married there June 24, 1622 and William Gates and Alice Foulesam were married Sept. 18, 1627. These men were likely brothers of Stephen. A Rose Gates, widow, was buried in Hingham July 25, 1635. She may have been Stephen's mother. The marriage of Stephen Gates and Ann Veare is recorded May 5, 1628, but there is no other person bearing the family name of Veare mentioned in the parish books. Her family must have lived elsewhere. Mary Gates is the only child of Stephen and Ann's recorded in the register, being baptized in 1636. Since there were at least two children older than Mary, it is likely the family resided in another town between the time of marriage of the parents and the record of the baptism of Mary.
The lineage to which the Biographical Encyclopedia refers relies on C. O. Gates’ assertion that Stephen was grandson of Peter and Mary (Josselyn) Gates.
On this issue, we have the testimony of Frances Sage of Endicott, New York, saying [NEHGR 137:146] that the error had been perpetuated in published works because her grandfather "gave the information to C. O. Gates, who incorporated it into the preface of his book [N. Y., 1898]." Having later discovered his error, Mrs. Sage's grandfather published a "correction" in the Boston Transcript (16 September 1925):
"There is Gates genealogy, frequently quoted, and apparently generally accepted, which gives Stephen Gates, the immigrant, as son of Thomas Gates of Norwich, Norfolk, England, and grandson of Peter and Mary (Josselyn) Gates of London. Mr. Charles Otis Gates in his book ... gives this line and seems to be satisfied with the evidence, although he gives no proofs. Within the past twelve months I have seen a visitation of Suffolk made in 1612 and delivered in 1621 which includes further data, that shows that Stephen could not possibly have been a grandson of Peter and Mary Gates. Peter Gates was twenty-nine years old in 1612, and had one "son and heir, Josselyn, aged 3, and two daughters." Stephen's birth date is not known, but he was married and had five children, all born in England, when he came to America in 1634 or 1642. I have seen both dates given, but incline to the later one. Obviously, Peter could not have had a son Thomas born after 1612 who would be a grandfather in 1642. The Hon. Benjamin A. G. Fuller of Boston stated in the New England Genealogical and Historical Register [sic] in 1877: 'it seems that Stephen Gates, second son of Thomas Gates of Norwich...' There has never been any reason to question this statement, but the later claim that Thomas was the son of Peter seems now disproved."
Mrs. Sage further noted that Peter Gates married Marian Jocelyn in the parish of High Roding, Essex, 6 October 1605, and their son Jocelyn was baptised at the London church of St. Mary Woolchurch Haugh in February 1607.
At the risk of perpetuating another error, Chris Moore [soc.genealogy.medieval, 29 April 1998] hazarded a guess of his own: "Personally, I tend to believe that Stephen was either the son or grandson of Sir Thomas Gates, who was the first governor of the settlement at Jamestowne, Virginia 1611-1614. I am searching for proof of that connection now."
STEPHEN GATES
Stephen Gates, son of Stephen and Anne (Veare) Gates, born in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 1634; died in Acton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 23 October 1706; married in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, about 1664, Sarah Woodward, daughter of George and Mary (Gibson) Woodward, born in Watertown, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 3 February 1643; died in Stow after 1707.
Ratables in Stow in 1688 show Stephen Gates Sr. (2 persons, 9s 3d), Stephen Jr, (one person, 4s 1d), Thomas (one person, 7s 1d), and Simon (one person, 2s 4d). [See NEHGR, 32:81.]
Torrey [NEHGR 120:163] shows Stephen dying in Stow, 9 July 1707. Says he came to New England with his parents in 1638; after maturity resided in Lancaster, Cambridge, Boston, Marlborough, and Stow. Will is dated in Stow, 5 September 1701; proved 15 September 1707. [See also, Savage Genealogical Dictionary, 2:236.]
Children of Stephen GATES and Sarah WOODWARD:
Stephen Gates, born in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts, 17 July 1665; died in Preston, New London, Connecticut, 4 November 1732. He married in Stow, 8 November 1686, Jemima Benjamin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Clark) Benjamin, born in Connecticut, 1664; died in Preston. Stephen removed from Stow to Preston before 6 June 1694, when he sold land to brother Simon. By terms of his will, proved 30 November 1732, each of his five daughters were to receive £100. "In 1711 the town of Preston granted to Stephen Gates 14 acres and water power running through it on condition that he build and operate a saw and grist mill. The land is now in the town of Griswold at Hopeville. In 1742, his son Stephen Gates, Jr., set apart one acre for a burying place. The Gates family used it for many years. There are about 250 graves, 41 with inscriptions." [Torrey, NEHGR 120:165, citing Homer W. Brainard].
Simon Gates, married Hannah Benjamin.
Thomas Gates (Ensign), born in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, 31 December 1669; died in Preston, 1752; married (1) Elizabeth Freeman and (2) Margaret Geer (1695). Lived in Marlborough, Stow, and Preston.
Isaac Gates (Ensign), born in Boston, 1673; died in Stow, 22 November 1748; married (1), 2 July 1696, Mercy Benjamin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Clark) Benjamin, born in Yarmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts, 12 March 1675; died about 1709; married (2) Elizabeth (Merriam) Farrar, widow of John Farrar who was killed in battle with Indians in 1707. Daughter, Hannah, married Simon (4) Davis, great grandson of Dolor via Simon (3) and Samuel (2). [See Burke's Landed Gentry, 2650, and NEHGR 107:152.]
Nathaniel Gates, born in Marlboro, Middlesex, Massachusetts, about 1675; died intestate in Stow, 1731; married Mary B. Gibson. Administration of his estate was granted to his son Stephen, 6 December 1731. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:168.]
Sarah Gates, born in Marlboro, 27 April 1679; died in Stow, 27 January 1724, unmarried.
Rebecca Gates, born in Marlboro, 23 July 1682; died in Stow, 21 January 1754; married Deacon Timothy Gibson (His niece, Mary, married Rebecca's brother, Nathaniel. [See NEHGR, 37:389])
Daniel Gates (Lieutenant), born in Stow, 25 April 1685; died in Stow, 22 March 1759; said to have married (1) Anna Eleveth and (2) Anna Gates. [Torrey, NEHGR 120:169 says only that he married Anna (---).] Daniel lived on farm at Spindle Hill, Stow, which was part of the farm owned by his father. By deed made 25 March 1741 and recorded 20 May 1757, he conveyed the farm to his son, Silas. He served as selectman in 1724, 1738, 1747, 1751, and 1752; also served on town committees and as tithing-man and fence viewer.
SIMON GATES
Simon Gates, son of Stephen and Sarah (Woodward) Gates, born in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 5 June 1667; died before 22 June 1752; married in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 4 May 1688 (the Rev. William Brinsmead of Marlborough officiating), Hannah Benjamin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Clark) Benjamin, born February 1668 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts; died after 1752.
Simon's will, dated in Stow 22 July 1743 with codicil added 25 May 1747, was lodged for probate by his son Amos, 9 March 1752, and proved 22 Jun 1752. He mentioned his wife Hannah, his "two eldest sons Joseph and Benjamin," sons Elisha and Amos, all of whom had received land by deeds of gift. Hannah Heald, Mary Haines, and Susannah Fitch are mentioned as surviving daughters [Susannah died before settlement], and daughter Elizabeth Wheeler was deceased. Mentions cash, bonds, and bills, from which it appears that he was something of a capitalist. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166.]
Children of Simon GATES and Hannah BENJAMIN:
Hannah Gates, born 13 Feb 1689; married Oliver Heald of Stow about 1710; executed husband's will, 1755.
Joseph Gates, born in Stow about 1691; died in Stow before 4 April 1748; married Prudence Hamlin of Barnstable, 1728. Described as a glazier in Middlesex probate records. Widow, Prudence adjudged of unsound mind, 14 February 1757. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166; 120:267.]
Mary Gates, born about 1696; married Joseph Haynes in Sudbury, 20 December 1720; removed to Brimfield before 1775.
Simon Gates, born in Stow about 1700; died 21 July 1736, testate, but unmarried.
Elizabeth Gates, born in Stow, 1701; married Thomas Wheeler.
Benjamin Gates, born in Stow, 24 March 1704; died in Barre, Worcester, Massachusetts, before 12 May 1758; married Bethulia Rice, daughter of Jonathan and Anne (Derby) Rice, 5 April 1727. Served, in place of his son William, probably in 1748, from 8 to 26 August, under Maj. Daniel Heywood. The company marched on an alarm to the defense of the western frontiers by order of Col. J. Chandler. In 1757, he was in service as a soldier in Col. Frye's regiment. After his death, his widow petitioned for an allowance on account of his sickness while serving as a soldier. An order was passed 17 Oct 1759, allowing her the sum of £2 14s 10d. Son Israel (born 1728) was a soldier in the War of Revolution; son William (born 1730) apparently served as Sergeant in Captain Abel Dinsmore's company in 1777. Son Thomas (born 1732) was slain in 1755 in the Crown Point Expedition. Son Captain Benjamin marched in August 1757 to the relief of Fort William Henry; served as lieutenant, and afterward captain, in the American Revolution. Sons Jonathan (born 1742) and Aaron (born 1744) also served in the Revolution. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166 and 120:267.]
Elisha Gates, born in Stow about 1706; died in Stow about 1762. Had military service as sentinel under Captain Jonathan Whitney. The company was "sent into the woods" by Col. Samuel Willard in search of Indians. Married about 1735 Mary, daughter of John and Mary (Bowker) Gates. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166; 120:269.] Torrey does not indicate the family connection, if any, between Elisha and his wife.
Israel Gates, born in Stow about 1708; died 31 July 1726, unmarried.
Amos Gates, married Mary Hubbard.
Susannah Gates, born in Stow, 1711; died 24 December 1748; married John Fitch (died 1795) in about 1733. John and Susannah and their five children were captured by the Indians in July 1748 and taken to Canada. Susannah died on the homeward journey, 24 December 1748. [For further particulars, see Henry S. Nourse, The Military Annals of Lancaster, Mass. (1889), pp. 24-25. See also NEHGR 55:402 and Torrey, NEHGR 120:167.]
AMOS GATES
Amos Gates, son of Simon and Hannah (Benjamin) Gates, born in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, October 1709; died before 12 March 1783. He married in Stow, 7 November 1732, Mary Hubbard, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Clark) Hubbard, born in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, 4 May 1712; died about December 1754.
Torrey [NEHGR 120:269] says that he was probably born in Stow about 1706 and that he married (2) Deborah Thayer Rockwood, widow of John Rockwood of Mendon, Massachusetts, to whom was granted administration of his estate (apparently insolvent). Children of the second marriage were Lois (1761-1822), wife of William Taylor; Deborah (1762-1836), who married her mother's stepson, Stephen Parmenter; Susannah (1765), wife of Isaac Whitman; Jacob (1767-1792); Aseph (1769); and Bethia (1773), wife of Daniel Wood.
Children of Amos GATES and Mary HUBBARD:
Oliver Gates, born in Stow about 1733; died in Stow, 6 October 1813; married his cousin Lucy, daughter of Elisha Gates (intention 2 October 1758). A Private in the Crown Point Expedition from 14 August to 12 December 1755; re-enlisted 17 December 1755 and served until 24 Mar 1756. Re-enlisted again 24 March 1756 and served until 10 October 1756. His name appears in a list of soldiers at Fort William Henry, 9 August 1756.
Amos Gates, born in Stow, 15 April 1735; died in Westminster, Worcester, Massachusetts, 6 December 1804; married in Littleton, Middlesex, Mass, 28 October 1771, Elizabeth (Tuttle) (Wood) Law, widow of John Law and previously widow of Jeremiah Wood. Constable in 1777; surveyor of highways in 1782. Appears to have been the Amos Gates who served under Captain Israel Williams from 22 May 1755 to 27 June 1756. Service was at the western frontier with a detachment in Colrain, Massachusetts. He also served under Captain Silas Brown from 4 March to 2 December 1760 in the campaign for the reduction of Canada, and was a soldier in the American Revolution.
Simon Gates, born in Stow, 1739; died in Gardner, Worcester, Massachusetts, 11 March 1803; married Susannah Reed in Marlborough, 27 May 1766. His land was in the part of Westminster included in Gardner when that town was established. Served in the Crown Point Expedition under Capt. Abijah Hall, 15 May to 13 December 1759; he was again in service the following year from 4 March to 27 November under Captain Silas Brown in the campaign for the reduction of Canada. In his enlistment, 26 February 1760, he was described as 21 years of age.
Abraham Gates (Sergeant), born in Stow, August 1741; died in Ashby, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 7 March 1806; married (1) Susannah Whittemore of Dunstable, 17 November 1766, in Townsend, Massachusetts, and (2) Lucy Rumrill of Townsend, 25 November 1783. Served as a Private under Captain Silas Brown from 4 March to 2 December 1760 in the campaign against Canada. In his enlistment, he is described as son of Amos Gates and 18 years of age. He served also in the American Revolution. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, Vol. II, shows him buried in the Village Cemetery in Ashby. [DAR record posted in 1955.]
Asa Gates, born in Stow about 1743.
Jacob Gates, born in Stow about 1745.
Isaac Gates, married Mary Wheeler.
ISAAC GATES
Isaac Gates, son of Amos and Mary (Hubbard) Gates, born in Acworth, Sullivan, New Hampshire, 22 October 1746; died in Acworth, 17 February 1831. He married, 15 December 1769, Mary Wheeler, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Daby) Wheeler, born in Acworth, 4 June 1754; died in Ackworth, 18 October 1819. Soldier in the American Revolution. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:270.]
Children of Isaac GATES and Mary WHEELER:
Polly Gates, born in Acworth, abt. 1770; m. Aaron Brown.
Thomas Gates, married Patty Plumly.
Isaac Gates, born in Henniker, Merrimack, New Hampshire, 14 September 1773; died 2 April 1843; married (1) Sally Evans and (2) Hannah Kendall.
Benjamin Gates, born in Henniker, 13 August 1778; married Patty Stevens.
Jacob Gates, born in Ashburnham, Worcester, Massachusetts, 22 August 1781; died 24 August 1806; married Polly Foster.
Betsy Gates, born in Acworth, 28 July 1784 Sullivan; married Isaac Gates (born about 1780).
Sally Gates, born in Acworth, 19 February 1788; died 15 September 1798.
Reuben Gates, born in Acworth, 12 March 1790; married (1) Rebecca Grout and (2) Hannah Hall.
Willis Gates, born in Acworth, 11 October 1793; died 6 November 1873; married Elmira Hulet.
Mary Gates, born in Henniker, 14 April 1795.
STEPHEN GATES
Stephen Gates, said to have been born in Norfolk, England, about 1599; died in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, September 1662; married in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 5 May 1628, to Anne Veare, born in Norfolk about 1603; died in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 5 February 1683. She m (2) Richard Woodward (contract, 18 April 1663).
Stephen came to Plymouth Colony in 1638 in the Diligent of Ipswich, with his wife and two children, and probably in company with Robert and Joseph Peck [See Cushing's record, NEHGR 15:26 and Savage, 2:235]. He settled in Hingham, where he received a grant of three acres for a house lot, twelve acres for a "great lot" and a three-acre planting lot. His house was on Town (now North) Street and was bounded on the north by the street, on the east by William Buckland's land, and on the west by the town swamp. In 1647, he received a grant of half an acre of salt marsh. Stephen and his wife probably did not become members of the Hingham church until about 3 May 1646, when their children, Simon, Thomas, Isaac, and Rebecca were baptized (Birth dates of the children are not found in the town records). He sold his house lot and other property to William Hersey, 26 June 1648, after which he may have removed for a time to Cambridge. However, by 1653, he had moved to Nashaway (Lancaster), where he became one of the town's largest proprietors; one of the petitioners for its incorporation (3 April 1654); freeman (1656); and constable (1657). His house lot was "on the neck lying north to the house lot of John Whitcomb, Jr., bounded by the lot of said John Whitcomb south by the house lot of Nathaniel Joslin north by a range of lots easterly which lyeth on west side of Penicock River and westwardly a piece of entervail ... nigh adjoining to the North River, the said house lot being twenty acres more or less." Stephen also had two intervale lots, one of thirteen acres; the other of seven, and 314 acres of the upland division.
In 1657, Stephen was fined £10 because, as Constable, he failed to notify the voters about a town meeting. The court remitted the fine, when Stephen attributed his lapse to illness, but may have on that account relieved him of his constable's staff. In 1658, the sons of John Whitcomb killed three of Stephen's pigs. Whitcomb agreed to pay for them, but then sought to be released from the obligation being "aged and weak and mean in estate." The court decided in Gates’ favor. [See Henry S. Nourse, The Early Records of Lancaster (1884), p.63]. By then, Stephen was living in Sudbury. He subsequently removed to Cambridge, where he rented a farm, made his will (9 June 1662), and died sometime before the end of September, when his estate was inventoried.
The will, proved 7 October 1662, reads: My will is that my wife and my son Simon continue in the place where God have now set me during the time I have in it, and to keep the stock in their hands till the term is out and to pay the rent according to my agreement; and that my son Thomas to continue with them as long as he please. I give to my wife a third of my lands and all the rest of my estate during her life. I give to my son Stephen my house and my house lot of twenty acres in Nashaway and twenty acres of intervale lands and all my land at Hemp Swamp and all my meadow at Postepolekin. The third of these lands being excepted as above to my wife during her life. I give 314 acres of land within the bounds of Nashaway and a parcel of meadow at Still River to be divided equally between Simon and Thomas. My mind is that my wife shall give a colt of a year old unto my daughter Elizabeth when the lease of the farm is out. My wife to give to my daughter, Mary Maynar, a heifer of two years old when the lease of the farm is out. I give power to my wife to dispose of all the stock and my moveables when she die amongst my children according to her discretion. My will is that Elizabeth Bradshaw abide with my wife her Service Ship and that when her time is out my wife shall put her in a double suit of apparel and give her a heifer a year old...
The estate at Cambridge was all personal property. The inventory at Lancaster, taken Sept. 29, 1662, showed property valued at £130.15.08. Administration was granted to Simon Gates of Marlboro and Nathaniel Sparhawk of Cambridge. Sparhawk was the husband of Abigail, a grand-daughter.
The report of the Cambridge committee for seating the meeting house, 19 Jan 1663, assigned "Goodie Gates" a place at the end of the Deacons seats. Despite her marriage to Woodward in 1663, Ann called herself "Gates" in her will, which was proved 9 April 1683. She explained in a footnote: "My last husband's name was Woodward, but I generally went by the name of Gates notwithstanding." Her estate, by inventory taken 4 April 1683, had a value of £14. 6d. There is some conflicting information about the date of her death. According to Stow records, Anne Woodward died 19 Feb 1683; Marlborough records state that Widow Hannah [sic] Gates died 5 Feb 1683.
Children of Stephen GATES and Anne VEARE:
Elizabeth Gates, born in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 1629; died in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 3 August 1704; married John Lazell in Hingham, November 1649. [See NEHGR, 2:252; Hobart's Journal, NEHGR 121:22. For descendants, see NEHGR 88:257ff.]
Stephen Gates, married Sarah Woodward.
Mary Gates, christened in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 15 October 1636, died about 1678; married John Maynard, in Sudbury, Massachusetts, 5 April 1658, [NEHGR, 17:256]. Following Mary's death, Maynard married Sarah (Blanding) Keyes, widow of Elias Keyes. In January 1657, during a church service, Mary disputed some statements made by the Rev. Joseph Rowlandson, minister in Lancaster. Upon evidence of John Prescott and others, the court convicted her of " bold and unbecoming speeches used in the public assemblies, and especially against Mr. Rowlandson." She acknowledged the offense and was discharged upon paying fees for the attendance of the witnesses. [See Marvin, History of the Town of Lancaster and Nourse, The Early Records of Lancaster, Massachusetts, pp. 46-48.]
Thomas Gates, born in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 1642; christened in Hingham, 3 May 1646; died in Preston, New London, Connecticut, 10 August 1726; married (1) Elizabeth Freeman of Sudbury, 6 July 1670, and (2) Susan Freeman. By Elizabeth, had had Elizabeth (1671), Sarah (1673), John (9 April 1678), Joseph (16 March 1680), Josiah (8 March 1682), Deborah (22 February 1684), Ann (18 July 1686), and Abigail (18 February 1689). Resided in Stow, Charlestown, Marlborough, and Sudbury before moving to Preston (Norwich) in 1703.
Simon Gates, christened in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, 3 May 1646; died in the state in Muddy River (now Brookline), Massachusetts, 26 August 1692; married Margaret Barstow before 1671. Was a soldier in King Philip's War, for which service his son, Jonathan Gates, received land in Narragansett township. Simon Gates was sued, 9 November 1670 by John Woods of Marlborough for breaking a marriage contract with his daughter Frances.
Ann Gates, married John Chew before 1663. Torrey does not name her among the children of Stephen and Anne (Veare) Gates. [See NEHGR 120:163.]
Isaac Gates, christened in Hingham, 3 May 1646, died in Hingham, 3 September 1651. [See: Hobart's Journal, NEHGR 121:24.]
Rebecca Gates, christened in Hingham, 3 May 1646, died in Hingham, January 1651. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:163; Hobart's Journal, NEHGR 121:22.]
Of Stephen's ancestry, the Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia (Vol. 2, biography of Jacob F. Gates) says the following: "Genealogically speaking the Gates family line is one of the most unique and wonderful in the Church. Jacob F. goes back in direct attested line on the Gates side to 1250 A. D., and on the last Clapdow line to William the Conqueror's time, 1066. They are a sturdy, intelligent stock; no kings and rakes are noted therein, nor paupers and rogues; just that splendid yeoman strain which has produced the leaders of the Latter-day Saints from New England, Old England, Scandinavia, Germany, Holland and Switzerland. It is the blood of Israel."
With respect to the Gates pedigree, if not also in other respects, these assertions do not withstand scholarly scrutiny. Though Stephen was probably born in Norfolk in or near Hingham, no record of his birth has been found, and the names of his parents are not known. One source, Charles Otis Gates [Gates Genealogy, 1898] states that Stephen was son of Thomas Gates of Norwich. But this, as Donald Lines Jacobus said in 1933, "has yet to be proved." Jacobus did, however, supply us with a few leads [The American Genealogist, Vol. 10, pp. 199-200]:
The parish register from Hingham does ... give some clue as to Stephen's family in Old England. Thomas Gates and Margaret Mylnye were married there June 24, 1622 and William Gates and Alice Foulesam were married Sept. 18, 1627. These men were likely brothers of Stephen. A Rose Gates, widow, was buried in Hingham July 25, 1635. She may have been Stephen's mother. The marriage of Stephen Gates and Ann Veare is recorded May 5, 1628, but there is no other person bearing the family name of Veare mentioned in the parish books. Her family must have lived elsewhere. Mary Gates is the only child of Stephen and Ann's recorded in the register, being baptized in 1636. Since there were at least two children older than Mary, it is likely the family resided in another town between the time of marriage of the parents and the record of the baptism of Mary.
The lineage to which the Biographical Encyclopedia refers relies on C. O. Gates’ assertion that Stephen was grandson of Peter and Mary (Josselyn) Gates.
On this issue, we have the testimony of Frances Sage of Endicott, New York, saying [NEHGR 137:146] that the error had been perpetuated in published works because her grandfather "gave the information to C. O. Gates, who incorporated it into the preface of his book [N. Y., 1898]." Having later discovered his error, Mrs. Sage's grandfather published a "correction" in the Boston Transcript (16 September 1925):
"There is Gates genealogy, frequently quoted, and apparently generally accepted, which gives Stephen Gates, the immigrant, as son of Thomas Gates of Norwich, Norfolk, England, and grandson of Peter and Mary (Josselyn) Gates of London. Mr. Charles Otis Gates in his book ... gives this line and seems to be satisfied with the evidence, although he gives no proofs. Within the past twelve months I have seen a visitation of Suffolk made in 1612 and delivered in 1621 which includes further data, that shows that Stephen could not possibly have been a grandson of Peter and Mary Gates. Peter Gates was twenty-nine years old in 1612, and had one "son and heir, Josselyn, aged 3, and two daughters." Stephen's birth date is not known, but he was married and had five children, all born in England, when he came to America in 1634 or 1642. I have seen both dates given, but incline to the later one. Obviously, Peter could not have had a son Thomas born after 1612 who would be a grandfather in 1642. The Hon. Benjamin A. G. Fuller of Boston stated in the New England Genealogical and Historical Register [sic] in 1877: 'it seems that Stephen Gates, second son of Thomas Gates of Norwich...' There has never been any reason to question this statement, but the later claim that Thomas was the son of Peter seems now disproved."
Mrs. Sage further noted that Peter Gates married Marian Jocelyn in the parish of High Roding, Essex, 6 October 1605, and their son Jocelyn was baptised at the London church of St. Mary Woolchurch Haugh in February 1607.
At the risk of perpetuating another error, Chris Moore [soc.genealogy.medieval, 29 April 1998] hazarded a guess of his own: "Personally, I tend to believe that Stephen was either the son or grandson of Sir Thomas Gates, who was the first governor of the settlement at Jamestowne, Virginia 1611-1614. I am searching for proof of that connection now."
STEPHEN GATES
Stephen Gates, son of Stephen and Anne (Veare) Gates, born in Hingham, Norfolk, England, 1634; died in Acton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 23 October 1706; married in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, about 1664, Sarah Woodward, daughter of George and Mary (Gibson) Woodward, born in Watertown, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 3 February 1643; died in Stow after 1707.
Ratables in Stow in 1688 show Stephen Gates Sr. (2 persons, 9s 3d), Stephen Jr, (one person, 4s 1d), Thomas (one person, 7s 1d), and Simon (one person, 2s 4d). [See NEHGR, 32:81.]
Torrey [NEHGR 120:163] shows Stephen dying in Stow, 9 July 1707. Says he came to New England with his parents in 1638; after maturity resided in Lancaster, Cambridge, Boston, Marlborough, and Stow. Will is dated in Stow, 5 September 1701; proved 15 September 1707. [See also, Savage Genealogical Dictionary, 2:236.]
Children of Stephen GATES and Sarah WOODWARD:
Stephen Gates, born in Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts, 17 July 1665; died in Preston, New London, Connecticut, 4 November 1732. He married in Stow, 8 November 1686, Jemima Benjamin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Clark) Benjamin, born in Connecticut, 1664; died in Preston. Stephen removed from Stow to Preston before 6 June 1694, when he sold land to brother Simon. By terms of his will, proved 30 November 1732, each of his five daughters were to receive £100. "In 1711 the town of Preston granted to Stephen Gates 14 acres and water power running through it on condition that he build and operate a saw and grist mill. The land is now in the town of Griswold at Hopeville. In 1742, his son Stephen Gates, Jr., set apart one acre for a burying place. The Gates family used it for many years. There are about 250 graves, 41 with inscriptions." [Torrey, NEHGR 120:165, citing Homer W. Brainard].
Simon Gates, married Hannah Benjamin.
Thomas Gates (Ensign), born in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, 31 December 1669; died in Preston, 1752; married (1) Elizabeth Freeman and (2) Margaret Geer (1695). Lived in Marlborough, Stow, and Preston.
Isaac Gates (Ensign), born in Boston, 1673; died in Stow, 22 November 1748; married (1), 2 July 1696, Mercy Benjamin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Clark) Benjamin, born in Yarmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts, 12 March 1675; died about 1709; married (2) Elizabeth (Merriam) Farrar, widow of John Farrar who was killed in battle with Indians in 1707. Daughter, Hannah, married Simon (4) Davis, great grandson of Dolor via Simon (3) and Samuel (2). [See Burke's Landed Gentry, 2650, and NEHGR 107:152.]
Nathaniel Gates, born in Marlboro, Middlesex, Massachusetts, about 1675; died intestate in Stow, 1731; married Mary B. Gibson. Administration of his estate was granted to his son Stephen, 6 December 1731. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:168.]
Sarah Gates, born in Marlboro, 27 April 1679; died in Stow, 27 January 1724, unmarried.
Rebecca Gates, born in Marlboro, 23 July 1682; died in Stow, 21 January 1754; married Deacon Timothy Gibson (His niece, Mary, married Rebecca's brother, Nathaniel. [See NEHGR, 37:389])
Daniel Gates (Lieutenant), born in Stow, 25 April 1685; died in Stow, 22 March 1759; said to have married (1) Anna Eleveth and (2) Anna Gates. [Torrey, NEHGR 120:169 says only that he married Anna (---).] Daniel lived on farm at Spindle Hill, Stow, which was part of the farm owned by his father. By deed made 25 March 1741 and recorded 20 May 1757, he conveyed the farm to his son, Silas. He served as selectman in 1724, 1738, 1747, 1751, and 1752; also served on town committees and as tithing-man and fence viewer.
SIMON GATES
Simon Gates, son of Stephen and Sarah (Woodward) Gates, born in Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 5 June 1667; died before 22 June 1752; married in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 4 May 1688 (the Rev. William Brinsmead of Marlborough officiating), Hannah Benjamin, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Clark) Benjamin, born February 1668 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts; died after 1752.
Simon's will, dated in Stow 22 July 1743 with codicil added 25 May 1747, was lodged for probate by his son Amos, 9 March 1752, and proved 22 Jun 1752. He mentioned his wife Hannah, his "two eldest sons Joseph and Benjamin," sons Elisha and Amos, all of whom had received land by deeds of gift. Hannah Heald, Mary Haines, and Susannah Fitch are mentioned as surviving daughters [Susannah died before settlement], and daughter Elizabeth Wheeler was deceased. Mentions cash, bonds, and bills, from which it appears that he was something of a capitalist. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166.]
Children of Simon GATES and Hannah BENJAMIN:
Hannah Gates, born 13 Feb 1689; married Oliver Heald of Stow about 1710; executed husband's will, 1755.
Joseph Gates, born in Stow about 1691; died in Stow before 4 April 1748; married Prudence Hamlin of Barnstable, 1728. Described as a glazier in Middlesex probate records. Widow, Prudence adjudged of unsound mind, 14 February 1757. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166; 120:267.]
Mary Gates, born about 1696; married Joseph Haynes in Sudbury, 20 December 1720; removed to Brimfield before 1775.
Simon Gates, born in Stow about 1700; died 21 July 1736, testate, but unmarried.
Elizabeth Gates, born in Stow, 1701; married Thomas Wheeler.
Benjamin Gates, born in Stow, 24 March 1704; died in Barre, Worcester, Massachusetts, before 12 May 1758; married Bethulia Rice, daughter of Jonathan and Anne (Derby) Rice, 5 April 1727. Served, in place of his son William, probably in 1748, from 8 to 26 August, under Maj. Daniel Heywood. The company marched on an alarm to the defense of the western frontiers by order of Col. J. Chandler. In 1757, he was in service as a soldier in Col. Frye's regiment. After his death, his widow petitioned for an allowance on account of his sickness while serving as a soldier. An order was passed 17 Oct 1759, allowing her the sum of £2 14s 10d. Son Israel (born 1728) was a soldier in the War of Revolution; son William (born 1730) apparently served as Sergeant in Captain Abel Dinsmore's company in 1777. Son Thomas (born 1732) was slain in 1755 in the Crown Point Expedition. Son Captain Benjamin marched in August 1757 to the relief of Fort William Henry; served as lieutenant, and afterward captain, in the American Revolution. Sons Jonathan (born 1742) and Aaron (born 1744) also served in the Revolution. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166 and 120:267.]
Elisha Gates, born in Stow about 1706; died in Stow about 1762. Had military service as sentinel under Captain Jonathan Whitney. The company was "sent into the woods" by Col. Samuel Willard in search of Indians. Married about 1735 Mary, daughter of John and Mary (Bowker) Gates. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:166; 120:269.] Torrey does not indicate the family connection, if any, between Elisha and his wife.
Israel Gates, born in Stow about 1708; died 31 July 1726, unmarried.
Amos Gates, married Mary Hubbard.
Susannah Gates, born in Stow, 1711; died 24 December 1748; married John Fitch (died 1795) in about 1733. John and Susannah and their five children were captured by the Indians in July 1748 and taken to Canada. Susannah died on the homeward journey, 24 December 1748. [For further particulars, see Henry S. Nourse, The Military Annals of Lancaster, Mass. (1889), pp. 24-25. See also NEHGR 55:402 and Torrey, NEHGR 120:167.]
AMOS GATES
Amos Gates, son of Simon and Hannah (Benjamin) Gates, born in Stow, Middlesex, Massachusetts, October 1709; died before 12 March 1783. He married in Stow, 7 November 1732, Mary Hubbard, daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Clark) Hubbard, born in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, 4 May 1712; died about December 1754.
Torrey [NEHGR 120:269] says that he was probably born in Stow about 1706 and that he married (2) Deborah Thayer Rockwood, widow of John Rockwood of Mendon, Massachusetts, to whom was granted administration of his estate (apparently insolvent). Children of the second marriage were Lois (1761-1822), wife of William Taylor; Deborah (1762-1836), who married her mother's stepson, Stephen Parmenter; Susannah (1765), wife of Isaac Whitman; Jacob (1767-1792); Aseph (1769); and Bethia (1773), wife of Daniel Wood.
Children of Amos GATES and Mary HUBBARD:
Oliver Gates, born in Stow about 1733; died in Stow, 6 October 1813; married his cousin Lucy, daughter of Elisha Gates (intention 2 October 1758). A Private in the Crown Point Expedition from 14 August to 12 December 1755; re-enlisted 17 December 1755 and served until 24 Mar 1756. Re-enlisted again 24 March 1756 and served until 10 October 1756. His name appears in a list of soldiers at Fort William Henry, 9 August 1756.
Amos Gates, born in Stow, 15 April 1735; died in Westminster, Worcester, Massachusetts, 6 December 1804; married in Littleton, Middlesex, Mass, 28 October 1771, Elizabeth (Tuttle) (Wood) Law, widow of John Law and previously widow of Jeremiah Wood. Constable in 1777; surveyor of highways in 1782. Appears to have been the Amos Gates who served under Captain Israel Williams from 22 May 1755 to 27 June 1756. Service was at the western frontier with a detachment in Colrain, Massachusetts. He also served under Captain Silas Brown from 4 March to 2 December 1760 in the campaign for the reduction of Canada, and was a soldier in the American Revolution.
Simon Gates, born in Stow, 1739; died in Gardner, Worcester, Massachusetts, 11 March 1803; married Susannah Reed in Marlborough, 27 May 1766. His land was in the part of Westminster included in Gardner when that town was established. Served in the Crown Point Expedition under Capt. Abijah Hall, 15 May to 13 December 1759; he was again in service the following year from 4 March to 27 November under Captain Silas Brown in the campaign for the reduction of Canada. In his enlistment, 26 February 1760, he was described as 21 years of age.
Abraham Gates (Sergeant), born in Stow, August 1741; died in Ashby, Middlesex, Massachusetts, 7 March 1806; married (1) Susannah Whittemore of Dunstable, 17 November 1766, in Townsend, Massachusetts, and (2) Lucy Rumrill of Townsend, 25 November 1783. Served as a Private under Captain Silas Brown from 4 March to 2 December 1760 in the campaign against Canada. In his enlistment, he is described as son of Amos Gates and 18 years of age. He served also in the American Revolution. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, Vol. II, shows him buried in the Village Cemetery in Ashby. [DAR record posted in 1955.]
Asa Gates, born in Stow about 1743.
Jacob Gates, born in Stow about 1745.
Isaac Gates, married Mary Wheeler.
ISAAC GATES
Isaac Gates, son of Amos and Mary (Hubbard) Gates, born in Acworth, Sullivan, New Hampshire, 22 October 1746; died in Acworth, 17 February 1831. He married, 15 December 1769, Mary Wheeler, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Daby) Wheeler, born in Acworth, 4 June 1754; died in Ackworth, 18 October 1819. Soldier in the American Revolution. [See Torrey, NEHGR 120:270.]
Children of Isaac GATES and Mary WHEELER:
Polly Gates, born in Acworth, abt. 1770; m. Aaron Brown.
Thomas Gates, married Patty Plumly.
Isaac Gates, born in Henniker, Merrimack, New Hampshire, 14 September 1773; died 2 April 1843; married (1) Sally Evans and (2) Hannah Kendall.
Benjamin Gates, born in Henniker, 13 August 1778; married Patty Stevens.
Jacob Gates, born in Ashburnham, Worcester, Massachusetts, 22 August 1781; died 24 August 1806; married Polly Foster.
Betsy Gates, born in Acworth, 28 July 1784 Sullivan; married Isaac Gates (born about 1780).
Sally Gates, born in Acworth, 19 February 1788; died 15 September 1798.
Reuben Gates, born in Acworth, 12 March 1790; married (1) Rebecca Grout and (2) Hannah Hall.
Willis Gates, born in Acworth, 11 October 1793; died 6 November 1873; married Elmira Hulet.
Mary Gates, born in Henniker, 14 April 1795.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Hardy, Thomas and other early Hardy's
THE THOMAS HARDY FAMILY GENERATIONS
THOMAS HARDY
Thomas Hardy, born in England, 1605; died at Bradford Mass., 4 Jan. 1677; married first Lydia ____; married second, Ann (or Annah), who died 1 May 1689.
Practically all writers of Hardy history are agreed that Thomas Hardy came to America with Governor Winthrop in 1630. This is the common tradition held by different branches of the family. By a process of elimination the proof seems conclusive. It is known positively that on 12 March 1632-3 Thomas Hardy and his wife were members of the company of thirteen families who joined in the settlement of Agawam, later called Ipswich, in Massachusetts. It is further known that the members of the party were carefully chosen some time previous to 17 Jan. 1632-3 by the Board of Assistants of the Bay State. It is, therefore, clear that he could not have come to this country in 1633 or late in 1632, as immigrants did not attempt to cross the ocean during the winter months. During the years 1631 and 1632 only about 340 persons came over from England. There were 90 in 1632, and 250 in 1632, nearly all of whom are accounted for. Unfortunately, the list of those who come with Winthrop was lost. At the same time there are other evidences which lead to the same conclusion—that Thomas Hardy came to America in 1630 with Governor Winthrop’s expedition, which numbered 17 ships and more than 1500 passengers. It is known that some of his most intimate friends, such as John Gage, came over at that time, and the families of Gage and Hardy frequently intermarried.
Again practically all of the historians of the Hardy family are agreed that there were at least two brothers, Thomas and John; the former settling at Ipswich, Mass., and the latter at Salem, Mass., while those who have made the most careful study of the family history are convinced that there was a third brother (a Richard, a James or a Samuel). Moreover, there is a tradition among certain members of the Hardy Family that a third brother “went South.” This suggests a possible relationship to the Hardys of Isle of Wight County, Va., although no proof an any relationship between the two families has yet been established. However, it is known that John Hardy of Isle of Wight County, Va., belonged to the landed gentry of England, or the Yeomen class, sometimes referred to as “statesmen”, a term which formerly meant persons living upon small “states” (or estates) that were cultivated by the same family from generation to generation, and were held by the peculiar tenure known as Border Tenant-right. It is believed that Thomas Hardy, subject of this sketch, belonged to the yeomen class. The suggestion has been made by certain investigators that Thomas Hardy came from Westmorland County in England, and this is plausible, since it is a fact that at least nine contemporary Hardys, heads of families, were living in that county between 1538 and 1600. Their names were Peter, Leonard, Stephen, Roland, John, Edmund, Thomas, Richard and James. Then, too, the suggestion has been made that Thomas Hardy was born in Dorset County, England, since there were Hardys, presumably of the yeomen class, residing in that county prior to 1600. Among those Hardys were: Thomas, John, James, and Robert. The John Hardy of Isle of Wight County, Va., could not have been a brother of Thomas Hardy of Ipswich Mass., but might have been a cousin.
There can be no reasonable doubt that Thomas Hardy was married when he arrived here. The early settlers of Agawam were married men in 1633, and there is rapidly accumulating evidence that his wife’s name was Lydia and that she was the mother of all of his children. Reference to this is made in the New Hampshire Genealogical and Family History as follows:
His first wife Lydia who probably accompanied him from England was the mother of all his children. His second wife Ann or Annah survived him more than eleven years.
There is evidence that Lydia, the first wife of Thomas, died and was buried at Haverhill, Mass. That Lydia was his first wife and the mother of his children is now generally accepted by the best research students of genealogy.
Milton C. Hardy, deceased, one of the best of the early authorities on Hardy history, was convinced that he had found evidence that Thomas Hardy, as well as his brother John, lived in Salem. In the New England Family History it is stated that he lived in Boston. Some students of the Hardy Family believe that he lived in Dorchester, Mass., and support their positions with suggestive evidence. That there are these various traditions strengthens the conclusion that Thomas Hardy came to this country in Governor Winthrop’s party.
Reference has already been made to the fact that Thomas Hardy was one of twelve men chosen to join the settlement of Agawam, Mass. The Rev. T. Frank Waters in Ipswich, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, has given such an excellent account of the purpose and character of the settlement of Agawam, now Ipswich, Mass., that we quote:
John Winthrop, Jr., was selected (1633) as the leader of the expedition—the settlement of Agawam. There was a great fear that the French who were more and more encroaching on the settlements of the Bay Colony might take possession of this most desirable district, consequently the Governor and Council (Court of Assistants) determined to get in ahead of the French and the Indians. He (John Winthrop, Jr.) was but 27 years of age, yet a man of large practical sagacity and undoubted gifts of leadership. Twelve were assigned with him (by choice of the Court of 17 Assistants) with the promise of more when the ships arrived, but of these twelve the names of only nine have been preserved, Mr. Clerk, Robert Coles, Thomas Howlett, John Briggs, John Gage, Thomas Hardy, Mr. Thorndike and William Sargeant. The settlement was begun in March 1633. There were no roads, and the journey was undoubtedly in a shallop skirting the coast. They probably did not take their wives until later. All the twelve were picked or chosen men. They were all young men and married, moreover they were friends not only one with another but evidently friends of the Governor’s son. The establishment of a settlement at Agawam was of the utmost importance and it is obvious that only young men prominent in the affairs of the colony, of courage and high standing, would be selected to accompany John Winthrop, Jr. in an undertaking so difficult and dangerous.
Agawam was not a wilderness settlement. The Indians had cleared the forests, burned the brush and tilled the fields; the river and the bay provided excellent fishing. For many years the Indians because of the attractive location, the fertile soil and the fishing, had established there a permanent encampment. Because of its strategic position the Indians, the Fench and the English were each eager to control the settlement. It appears that the Indians had been driven out by the incoming of nondescript French and English adventurers. Late in 1630 (Sept. 7) the Court of Assistants voted: “A warrant shall be presently sent to Agawam for those planted there to come away.” The Court of Assistants orders, 17 Jan. 1633, “that a plantation be commenced at Agawam (being the best place in the land for tillage and cattle) lest an enemy finding it should possess and take it from us. Governor Winthrop’s son John is to undertake this settlement and to have no more out of the colony than twelve men, the rest to be supplied at the coming of the next ships.” Action of the Court of Assistants 1 April 1633: “It is ordered that no person whatsoever shall go to plant or inhabit at Agawam without leave of the Court, except those who have already gone.” (Then follows the nine names.) We note that the expedition had already gone before 1 April 1633, and that the members had been selected in January. It is safe to presume that when the party reached Agawam the latter part of March they found there huts or log cabins which would shelter them temporarily until they could build for themselves.
Almost immediately on the arrival of the settlers there was an allotment of “house lots.” Thomas Hardy’s house lot is now well known, and its boundaries defined. The well, which he dug, was in constant use until recently, and is now easily recognized by the efforts of the artist Mr. Carl H. Nordstrom of Ipswich, who lives near by. The foundation outlines of the original house are clearly distinguished. The Maine Historical and Genealogical Recorder states:
The first frame house in Ispwich was erected by Thomas Hardee, one of the twelve who came with John Winthrop, Jr. It was near the shipyard of Mr. Edward Choate. The trace of the cellar was discernable within the recollection of people now living (1898) and the old well is still used.
This must have been in 1634, as there are records of a house being built in 1634-5. Records have been recently found which show that there were saw-pits, and probably a sawmill was built the second year of the settlement, viz, 1634. Thomas Hardy and his wife were charter members of the village church. Unfortunately, all the records of the town and church were destroyed by fire many years ago.
The house was built substantially on a solid foundation with a stone doorstep. The house was, of course, very small. An ample fireplace provided means for heating and cooking. Around the house was probably at first a stockade of poles driven into the ground. Within the stockade were beds of old-time flowers and herbs which would be dear to both as a reminder of old England. The Agawam settlers carried with them garden seed and sapling fruit trees, for they were enjoying apples, pears and plums within a few years. For the first year they had no church. In 1634, a year and a few months after their arrival, a large body of immigrants arrived, and on 4 August 1634, by order of the Court of Assistants, the name of Agawam was changed to Ipswich in honor of the newcomers.
The authors of this book, with a somewhat wide acquaintance with the character of the early New England settlements, have no hesitation in asserting that the settlers of Ipswich in mentality and character were unexcelled. The pastors of the church were always listed as among the most eminent scholars and distinguished preachers of the Bay Colony, and we may hazard the guess that in proportion to the population more of the distinguished families of America trace their ancestry back to Essex east coast of the old Bay State than to any other part of our country.
A quotation from D. Waters, the Ipswich historian is of interest:
The little colony of a town of a dozen souls became at once a conspicuous center of light and influence. The leader, John Winthrop, Jr., eldest son of Governor John Winthrop gave great prestige. He had been a student of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and after a course of legal study had been admitted a barrister by the Inner Court 28 Feb 1624-5. A few years later he enlisted in the navy with the fleet under the Duke of Buckingham for the relief of French Protestants at La Rochelle. He spent more than a year in foreign travel. Cultured and companionable, he drew about him by the force of his personality that group of eminent men, which made Ipswich a town of rare quality. An air of dignity attached to the new settlement. Three of the little company were gentlemen as the title “Mister” prefixed to their names proclaimed.
Cotton Mather, writing of the ordination of Mr. Rogers at the Ipswich Church, 1638, has this to say:
Here was a renowned church consisting mostly of such illuminated Christians that their pastors in the exercise of their ministry might in the language of Jerome perceive that they had not disciples as much as judges.
Numerous similar quotations might be cited did space permit. It is sufficient to note that Thomas Hardy was a prominent citizen in such a settlement. The meager town records of that period indicate that he was honored by positions of trust and responsibility. On 21 June 1637 he was one of the signers of the Petition of Remonstrance against the departure of John Winthrop, Jr., from Ipswich. The petition was sent to the Governor and to the Court of Assistants. John Winthrop withdrew, however, and later became the governor of Connecticut. This action on his part was, not doubt, due to the death of his wife at Ipswich and the breaking up of his home.
In 1653 Thomas Hardy removed to Rowley, Mass., and then years later to Bradford, where he became the owner of one thousand acres of land in the most beautiful section of that district. Here he built a house and dug a deep well. The house has long since disappeared, but the well has been located on a tract of land now owned by Dr. J. Hazen Hardy of New York City who plans to have it restored for use. Bancroft, the historian, in his History of the United States of America, has written of the men who came over with Governor Winthrop. Most of those who came to this country with Governor Winthrop in 1630 were personas of high standing, of substantial means, and of good education, according to Bancroft, as indicted in his own words as follows;
Many of them men of high endowment and large fortune; scholars, well versed in the learning of the times; clergymen, who ranked among the best educated and most pious in the realm.
In an address at the unveiling of the Memorial Tablets on South Common 29 Jul. 1896, the Rev. T. Frank Waters, the Ipswich Historian, said:
Here some of the finest men of this age or of any age, built their homes, thought and wrought, trained their children, entertained their friends, and their names and the work they did are known and felt and honored of all who knew the story of New England in the first eventful century.
In the old records we read: “There was great distress when it was learned in 1637 that John Winthrop, Jr., was likely to withdraw from the Ipswich Colony. A Petition of Remonstrance was sent to the Governor and the Councilors. It was drawn and signed by the pastors and fifty of the leading citizens, and Thomas Hardy was one of the signers. It should be noted that the settlement had made rapid growth since 1634.
One of the references in the Remonstrance is especially interesting and is as follows:
It was for his sake that many of us came to this place and without him we should not have come. His abode with us hath made our abode here much more comfortable than otherwise it could have been. . . . Some of us that were members of the Church in Boston are bold to claim this promise from Mr. Winthrop for whom we write, that if we would come hither with him he would not forsake us but live and die with us. Upon these promises we came with him to begin this plantation.
This old manuscript was found among the Winthrop papers, and first published in 1887. Special reference is called to the signature of Thomas Hardy, shown on this page, because a few writers have drawn the hasty conclusion that he could not write, since due to an infirmity, he failed to sign his name to his will in his old age.
In the Memorial History of Bradford, page 94, we read that in 1676 Thomas Hardy, Sr., and his two sons, Thomas and John, gave two acres of land for the village church, which was soon to organize. The church was incorporated in 1682. Annah, widow of Thomas Hardy, was a charter member, joining on confession.
The village names of the district where the Hardys early settled are a bit confusing. As we have already stated, very soon after the settlement of Agawam, later Ipswich, in fact the very next year, there was a large accession to the population. In 1638 Reverent Ezekiel Rogers and about sixty industrious families made a new settlement near Ipswich which for a brief time was called Rogers Plantation, but in 1639 was incorporated under the name of Rowley, so named because the pastor and many of the families came from Rowley, England. Rowley then included the whole district now divided into Georgetown, Groveland, Bradford, Rowley and Boxford. Until 1672 the district including Bradford and Groveland was first called Rowley village and later Merrimack, and became incorporated in 1673, under the name Bradford. In 1726 a portion was set off as East Bradford. References are often made to Thomas Hardy of Bradford or Merrimack or Groveland.
Thomas Hardy made his will 4 March 1671-2 and added a codicil 12 December 1677, at which time he declared that he was about 72 years of age. He was therefore, born in 1605. He died 4 Jan 1677-8. His will reads as follows: His wife to have sole use of the house and buildings, etc., during her life; Thomas Hardy, his eldest son to have 200 acres of land that had been laid out to him lately. John, Joseph and Jacob each to have 100 acres with meadow; Mary and her children and her husband, Samuel Currier; Sarah whose husband was William Hutchins; William Hardy to have the residue when he came of age. The will was proved 26 May 1678. In it he mentioned his wife, but not by name. However, we know that her name was Ann or Annah, and that she was his second wife. She survived him eleven years, and died 1 May 1689. His residence in his will is described as Merrimack, near Haverhill, but as indicated already, that section has been incorporated as Bradford in 1637. His will was witnessed by Jona Danforth and James Riggs. The codicil was witnessed by John Neromarck, Sr., Samuel Worcester and Jonathan Danforth, Sr.
Children, all probably born at Ipswich:
Thomas b. abt. 1635; m. at Rowley, Mass., 22 Sept or 22 Nov 1664 Mercy Tenny.
Sarah b. _______ m. at Haverhill, Mass., 1 July 1661, William Hutchins of Bradford, Mass. Several children on Haverhill and Bradford records between 1662 and 1681. She d. 19 Sept 1664 at Bradford, Mass.
Mary b. _______ m. abt. 1665, Samuel Currier of Haverhill, Mass., son of Richard Currier, an early settle of Salisbury, Mass.
Joseph b. abt. 1642. He was called “Corporal”; d. 11 Jan 1726-27. There is no record of his wife or children. He willed his property in 1723 to the children of his brother Jacob, especially mentioning his nephew Joseph, but he reserved the use of it for himself until his death. He probably was the Joseph Hardy admitted to the Bradford Church 26 June 1721.
William b. abt. 1644. m. 1st at Bradford 3 May 1678 Ruth Tenny; m. 2nd Sarah Savony.
John b. abt 1645. m. 1st at Bradford 2 April 1667 Mary Jackman; m. 2nd at Bradford, 3 July 1695 Martha Burbank.
Jacob b about 1649; m. Lydia Eaton (pgs. 363-373)
JOHN HARDY
John Hardy (son of Thomas Hardy), born probably at Ipswich, Mass., about 1646. He married, first at Rowley, Mass., 2 April 1667, Mary Jackman, who died at Bradford 2 December 1689, and second, a widow, Martha Burbank, née Smith, at Bradford, 3 July 1695. The latter was daughter of Hugh Smith. She died at Bradford in 1716.
John Hardy and wife Mary were original members of the Bradford Church as recorded in 1682. His second wife, Martha, was a member of the Bradford Church 21 August 1698. After 1695 he was known as John, Sr. He died at Bradford 4 February 1714-15. He made a will 1 February 1714-15, which was witnessed by Francis Wooster, Jns. Hutchins and Samuel Tenny and which was proved 17 February 1714-15.
Children, all born at Bradford:
John, Jr. b. 11 February 1668; d. young
Mary b. 2 April 1671; m. at Haverhill, Mass., 22 may 1695, Daniel, Tenny, son of Thomas Tenny. She evidently died before 1715 since she was not mentioned in her father’s will.
Sarah b. 25 March 1672-3; m. at Bradford, 20 June 1693, Francis Jewett of Bradford. She d. at Bradford, 3 February 1744. Ten children born at Bradford.
Joseph (twin), b. 3 February 1674; m. at Bradford, 6 April 1698, Mary Burbank.
John, Jr. (twin) b. 3 February 1674; m. 8 July 1701, Anne Savony.
Hannah b. 20 June 1677; m. 5 July 1700 at Bradford, Samuel Hardy.(cousin)
Richard b 24 April 1679; m. 25 January 1723, Sarah Hardy (cousin).
Esther b. 17 February 1680; d. at Bradford, 6 Dec 1689.
Nathaniel b. 10 March 1683; m. Prudence__________
Zechariah b. 20 February 1685; m 1st 23 February 1715-6, Hephzibah Wallingford; m. 2nd Prudence Stevens, Tewksbury, 21 February 1751.
Thomas b. 17 Mar. 1689; m 1st Rose _______; m. 2nd 14 May 1719, Deborah Wallingford. (pg. 374)
JOSEPH HARDY
Joseph Hardy (son of John Hardy –grandson of Thomas Hardy) born at Bradford, Mass, 3 February 1674, twin borth of John. He married at Bradford, 6 April 1689, Mary Burbank, daughter of Cabel and Martha (Smith) Burbank. She was born 26 November 1675. He died “very suddenly being abroad the greater part of the day.” At Bradford, 24 January 1747.
Joseph Hardy was called “Joseph, Jr.” until after the death of Joseph (his uncle), 11 January 1726-7, when he was known as Joseph, Sr. A widow, Mary Hardy, “ancient”, died 3 September 1762. He was a soldier in 1710-11.
Mary Hardy, wife of Joseph, was received by the same church 24 April 1720. He was also one of the first 101 members of the new church organized at Groveland, Mass., 7 June 1727.
Joseph has been referred to by some authorities as “Corp” and by others as “Cooper.” The latter is probably more correct, indicating his occupation. He owned the oldest house now standing in Groveland, on King St., built in 1676.
Children all born at Bradford, Mass.
James b. 14 April 1699; m. at Bradford, 4 July 1727, Hannah Bailey.
Martha b. 17 February 1700-1; m. at Bradford, 4 January 1721-2, Thomas Hardy (cousin).
Mary b. 21 January 1702-3.
Timothy b. 24 August or 26 August 1705; m. 1st at Rye, N. H., 27 September 1733, Mary Marden; 2nd 22 May 1775, widow Mary Ames.
Ebenezer b. 14 November 1707; m. at Bradford, 8 November 1731 Martha Palmer.
David b. 3 October 1709; m. at Bradford, 6 December 1732 Dorcas Gage.
Jemima b. 13 May 1711; m. at Bradford, 6 December 1732, Andrew Palmer, Their daughter Jemima m. James Hardy, son of the brother, James Hardy.
Stephen b 29 August 1731; m. at Rowley, Mass., 20 August 1740, Mary or Sarah Holmes.
Amos b 30 December 1715; baptized at Bradford, 15 July 1716; d. at Bradford, 30 December 1717.
Mehitable b. 20 March 1718; m. at Bradford, 6 September 1739, Seth Jewett (“Jwet”); d. 29 September 1759. (pg. 384)
STEPHEN HARDY
Stephen Hardy (son of Joseph, grandson of John, Thomas), born at Bradford, Mass., 29 August 1713. He married at Rowley, Mass., 20 August 1740, to Mary Holmes of Rowley, Mass. He died at Bradford, Mass., 22 December 1793, “age 81 years”. He probably was the Stephen Hardy referred to by David W. Hoyt, genealogist, as living in Rowley, Mass., 1772-87. She probably died 22 May 1767.
Children, born at Rowley, Mass.
Stephen, Jr. b. 10 October 1743, m. 12 July 1769 Hannah Thurston.
Simon b. _______ ; m. at Bradford 27 November 1792, Rhoda Hardy (cousin). [dates on this might indicate misplaced generation—could be a grandson—the son of the Stephen born in 1743 above]
David b. 1746; m. 1st at Rowley, Mass., 6 August 1772 Joanna Palmer; m. 2nd at Bradford, Mass., 2 December 1785, “Betsey” Hardy.
(pg. 416)
DAVID HARDY
David Hardy (son of Stephen, grandson of Joseph, John, Thomas), born at Rowley, Mass., probably in 1746. He married, first at Rowley, Mass., 6 August 1772 Joanna Palmer. She died at Bradford Mass., 3 May 1784. He married, second, at Bradford, Mass., 2 December 1785, Betsey Hardy, daughter of _______.
He was known as David Hardy, “Yeoman”. He died at Bradford, Mass., 2 October 1842. His second wife died 7 December 1827.
Children, all born at Bradford, Mass.:
Sally b. 19 Decebmer 1775; d. ________.
Jemima (by first wife) b. 28 February 1779; d. _______.
Benjamin b 17 June 1773; m. Hannah Brocklebank, 4 March 17955. at Rowley, Mass.
Irene (by second wife) b. 19 May 1789; m. 29 July 1834 Benjamin Nelson.
Lucy b. 11 July 1797; d. _______. (pg 498)
BENJAMIN HARDY
Benjamin Hardy (son of David, grandson of Stephen, Joseph, John, Thomas) born at Bradford, Mass., 17 June 1773; died at Georgetown, Mass., married at Rowley, Mass., 4 March 1795, Hannah Brocklebank, daughter of John and Sarah (Fowler) Brocklebank. She died 20 March 1868. Hannah was born at Rowley, Mass., 18 February 1772.
Children:
David born at Bradford, Essex Co., Mass., 29 August 1795; m. Hannah.
John Brocklebank b. at Bradford, Mass., 11 may 1797; m. Lavina Harriman; d. 28 September 1887.
Stephen b. at Bradford, Mass., 11 September 1799; d. young.
Joana Palmer b. at Bradford, 10 December 1801; d. young.
Samuel Brocklebank b. at Bradford, Mass., 21 September 1804; m. at Bradford, 19 June 1826 Caroline Bacon Rogers.
Eliza b 21 September 1804; m. Aron W. Nelson
Ebenezer Jewett (twin) b. 10 July 1809; m. Hannah Pecker; d. 16 September 1901
Gilbert P. (twin) b. 10 July 1809; m. Mary A. Knap.
Sarah b. _______; m. Darius Hull. (pg. 594)
THOMAS HARDY
Thomas Hardy, born in England, 1605; died at Bradford Mass., 4 Jan. 1677; married first Lydia ____; married second, Ann (or Annah), who died 1 May 1689.
Practically all writers of Hardy history are agreed that Thomas Hardy came to America with Governor Winthrop in 1630. This is the common tradition held by different branches of the family. By a process of elimination the proof seems conclusive. It is known positively that on 12 March 1632-3 Thomas Hardy and his wife were members of the company of thirteen families who joined in the settlement of Agawam, later called Ipswich, in Massachusetts. It is further known that the members of the party were carefully chosen some time previous to 17 Jan. 1632-3 by the Board of Assistants of the Bay State. It is, therefore, clear that he could not have come to this country in 1633 or late in 1632, as immigrants did not attempt to cross the ocean during the winter months. During the years 1631 and 1632 only about 340 persons came over from England. There were 90 in 1632, and 250 in 1632, nearly all of whom are accounted for. Unfortunately, the list of those who come with Winthrop was lost. At the same time there are other evidences which lead to the same conclusion—that Thomas Hardy came to America in 1630 with Governor Winthrop’s expedition, which numbered 17 ships and more than 1500 passengers. It is known that some of his most intimate friends, such as John Gage, came over at that time, and the families of Gage and Hardy frequently intermarried.
Again practically all of the historians of the Hardy family are agreed that there were at least two brothers, Thomas and John; the former settling at Ipswich, Mass., and the latter at Salem, Mass., while those who have made the most careful study of the family history are convinced that there was a third brother (a Richard, a James or a Samuel). Moreover, there is a tradition among certain members of the Hardy Family that a third brother “went South.” This suggests a possible relationship to the Hardys of Isle of Wight County, Va., although no proof an any relationship between the two families has yet been established. However, it is known that John Hardy of Isle of Wight County, Va., belonged to the landed gentry of England, or the Yeomen class, sometimes referred to as “statesmen”, a term which formerly meant persons living upon small “states” (or estates) that were cultivated by the same family from generation to generation, and were held by the peculiar tenure known as Border Tenant-right. It is believed that Thomas Hardy, subject of this sketch, belonged to the yeomen class. The suggestion has been made by certain investigators that Thomas Hardy came from Westmorland County in England, and this is plausible, since it is a fact that at least nine contemporary Hardys, heads of families, were living in that county between 1538 and 1600. Their names were Peter, Leonard, Stephen, Roland, John, Edmund, Thomas, Richard and James. Then, too, the suggestion has been made that Thomas Hardy was born in Dorset County, England, since there were Hardys, presumably of the yeomen class, residing in that county prior to 1600. Among those Hardys were: Thomas, John, James, and Robert. The John Hardy of Isle of Wight County, Va., could not have been a brother of Thomas Hardy of Ipswich Mass., but might have been a cousin.
There can be no reasonable doubt that Thomas Hardy was married when he arrived here. The early settlers of Agawam were married men in 1633, and there is rapidly accumulating evidence that his wife’s name was Lydia and that she was the mother of all of his children. Reference to this is made in the New Hampshire Genealogical and Family History as follows:
His first wife Lydia who probably accompanied him from England was the mother of all his children. His second wife Ann or Annah survived him more than eleven years.
There is evidence that Lydia, the first wife of Thomas, died and was buried at Haverhill, Mass. That Lydia was his first wife and the mother of his children is now generally accepted by the best research students of genealogy.
Milton C. Hardy, deceased, one of the best of the early authorities on Hardy history, was convinced that he had found evidence that Thomas Hardy, as well as his brother John, lived in Salem. In the New England Family History it is stated that he lived in Boston. Some students of the Hardy Family believe that he lived in Dorchester, Mass., and support their positions with suggestive evidence. That there are these various traditions strengthens the conclusion that Thomas Hardy came to this country in Governor Winthrop’s party.
Reference has already been made to the fact that Thomas Hardy was one of twelve men chosen to join the settlement of Agawam, Mass. The Rev. T. Frank Waters in Ipswich, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, has given such an excellent account of the purpose and character of the settlement of Agawam, now Ipswich, Mass., that we quote:
John Winthrop, Jr., was selected (1633) as the leader of the expedition—the settlement of Agawam. There was a great fear that the French who were more and more encroaching on the settlements of the Bay Colony might take possession of this most desirable district, consequently the Governor and Council (Court of Assistants) determined to get in ahead of the French and the Indians. He (John Winthrop, Jr.) was but 27 years of age, yet a man of large practical sagacity and undoubted gifts of leadership. Twelve were assigned with him (by choice of the Court of 17 Assistants) with the promise of more when the ships arrived, but of these twelve the names of only nine have been preserved, Mr. Clerk, Robert Coles, Thomas Howlett, John Briggs, John Gage, Thomas Hardy, Mr. Thorndike and William Sargeant. The settlement was begun in March 1633. There were no roads, and the journey was undoubtedly in a shallop skirting the coast. They probably did not take their wives until later. All the twelve were picked or chosen men. They were all young men and married, moreover they were friends not only one with another but evidently friends of the Governor’s son. The establishment of a settlement at Agawam was of the utmost importance and it is obvious that only young men prominent in the affairs of the colony, of courage and high standing, would be selected to accompany John Winthrop, Jr. in an undertaking so difficult and dangerous.
Agawam was not a wilderness settlement. The Indians had cleared the forests, burned the brush and tilled the fields; the river and the bay provided excellent fishing. For many years the Indians because of the attractive location, the fertile soil and the fishing, had established there a permanent encampment. Because of its strategic position the Indians, the Fench and the English were each eager to control the settlement. It appears that the Indians had been driven out by the incoming of nondescript French and English adventurers. Late in 1630 (Sept. 7) the Court of Assistants voted: “A warrant shall be presently sent to Agawam for those planted there to come away.” The Court of Assistants orders, 17 Jan. 1633, “that a plantation be commenced at Agawam (being the best place in the land for tillage and cattle) lest an enemy finding it should possess and take it from us. Governor Winthrop’s son John is to undertake this settlement and to have no more out of the colony than twelve men, the rest to be supplied at the coming of the next ships.” Action of the Court of Assistants 1 April 1633: “It is ordered that no person whatsoever shall go to plant or inhabit at Agawam without leave of the Court, except those who have already gone.” (Then follows the nine names.) We note that the expedition had already gone before 1 April 1633, and that the members had been selected in January. It is safe to presume that when the party reached Agawam the latter part of March they found there huts or log cabins which would shelter them temporarily until they could build for themselves.
Almost immediately on the arrival of the settlers there was an allotment of “house lots.” Thomas Hardy’s house lot is now well known, and its boundaries defined. The well, which he dug, was in constant use until recently, and is now easily recognized by the efforts of the artist Mr. Carl H. Nordstrom of Ipswich, who lives near by. The foundation outlines of the original house are clearly distinguished. The Maine Historical and Genealogical Recorder states:
The first frame house in Ispwich was erected by Thomas Hardee, one of the twelve who came with John Winthrop, Jr. It was near the shipyard of Mr. Edward Choate. The trace of the cellar was discernable within the recollection of people now living (1898) and the old well is still used.
This must have been in 1634, as there are records of a house being built in 1634-5. Records have been recently found which show that there were saw-pits, and probably a sawmill was built the second year of the settlement, viz, 1634. Thomas Hardy and his wife were charter members of the village church. Unfortunately, all the records of the town and church were destroyed by fire many years ago.
The house was built substantially on a solid foundation with a stone doorstep. The house was, of course, very small. An ample fireplace provided means for heating and cooking. Around the house was probably at first a stockade of poles driven into the ground. Within the stockade were beds of old-time flowers and herbs which would be dear to both as a reminder of old England. The Agawam settlers carried with them garden seed and sapling fruit trees, for they were enjoying apples, pears and plums within a few years. For the first year they had no church. In 1634, a year and a few months after their arrival, a large body of immigrants arrived, and on 4 August 1634, by order of the Court of Assistants, the name of Agawam was changed to Ipswich in honor of the newcomers.
The authors of this book, with a somewhat wide acquaintance with the character of the early New England settlements, have no hesitation in asserting that the settlers of Ipswich in mentality and character were unexcelled. The pastors of the church were always listed as among the most eminent scholars and distinguished preachers of the Bay Colony, and we may hazard the guess that in proportion to the population more of the distinguished families of America trace their ancestry back to Essex east coast of the old Bay State than to any other part of our country.
A quotation from D. Waters, the Ipswich historian is of interest:
The little colony of a town of a dozen souls became at once a conspicuous center of light and influence. The leader, John Winthrop, Jr., eldest son of Governor John Winthrop gave great prestige. He had been a student of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and after a course of legal study had been admitted a barrister by the Inner Court 28 Feb 1624-5. A few years later he enlisted in the navy with the fleet under the Duke of Buckingham for the relief of French Protestants at La Rochelle. He spent more than a year in foreign travel. Cultured and companionable, he drew about him by the force of his personality that group of eminent men, which made Ipswich a town of rare quality. An air of dignity attached to the new settlement. Three of the little company were gentlemen as the title “Mister” prefixed to their names proclaimed.
Cotton Mather, writing of the ordination of Mr. Rogers at the Ipswich Church, 1638, has this to say:
Here was a renowned church consisting mostly of such illuminated Christians that their pastors in the exercise of their ministry might in the language of Jerome perceive that they had not disciples as much as judges.
Numerous similar quotations might be cited did space permit. It is sufficient to note that Thomas Hardy was a prominent citizen in such a settlement. The meager town records of that period indicate that he was honored by positions of trust and responsibility. On 21 June 1637 he was one of the signers of the Petition of Remonstrance against the departure of John Winthrop, Jr., from Ipswich. The petition was sent to the Governor and to the Court of Assistants. John Winthrop withdrew, however, and later became the governor of Connecticut. This action on his part was, not doubt, due to the death of his wife at Ipswich and the breaking up of his home.
In 1653 Thomas Hardy removed to Rowley, Mass., and then years later to Bradford, where he became the owner of one thousand acres of land in the most beautiful section of that district. Here he built a house and dug a deep well. The house has long since disappeared, but the well has been located on a tract of land now owned by Dr. J. Hazen Hardy of New York City who plans to have it restored for use. Bancroft, the historian, in his History of the United States of America, has written of the men who came over with Governor Winthrop. Most of those who came to this country with Governor Winthrop in 1630 were personas of high standing, of substantial means, and of good education, according to Bancroft, as indicted in his own words as follows;
Many of them men of high endowment and large fortune; scholars, well versed in the learning of the times; clergymen, who ranked among the best educated and most pious in the realm.
In an address at the unveiling of the Memorial Tablets on South Common 29 Jul. 1896, the Rev. T. Frank Waters, the Ipswich Historian, said:
Here some of the finest men of this age or of any age, built their homes, thought and wrought, trained their children, entertained their friends, and their names and the work they did are known and felt and honored of all who knew the story of New England in the first eventful century.
In the old records we read: “There was great distress when it was learned in 1637 that John Winthrop, Jr., was likely to withdraw from the Ipswich Colony. A Petition of Remonstrance was sent to the Governor and the Councilors. It was drawn and signed by the pastors and fifty of the leading citizens, and Thomas Hardy was one of the signers. It should be noted that the settlement had made rapid growth since 1634.
One of the references in the Remonstrance is especially interesting and is as follows:
It was for his sake that many of us came to this place and without him we should not have come. His abode with us hath made our abode here much more comfortable than otherwise it could have been. . . . Some of us that were members of the Church in Boston are bold to claim this promise from Mr. Winthrop for whom we write, that if we would come hither with him he would not forsake us but live and die with us. Upon these promises we came with him to begin this plantation.
This old manuscript was found among the Winthrop papers, and first published in 1887. Special reference is called to the signature of Thomas Hardy, shown on this page, because a few writers have drawn the hasty conclusion that he could not write, since due to an infirmity, he failed to sign his name to his will in his old age.
In the Memorial History of Bradford, page 94, we read that in 1676 Thomas Hardy, Sr., and his two sons, Thomas and John, gave two acres of land for the village church, which was soon to organize. The church was incorporated in 1682. Annah, widow of Thomas Hardy, was a charter member, joining on confession.
The village names of the district where the Hardys early settled are a bit confusing. As we have already stated, very soon after the settlement of Agawam, later Ipswich, in fact the very next year, there was a large accession to the population. In 1638 Reverent Ezekiel Rogers and about sixty industrious families made a new settlement near Ipswich which for a brief time was called Rogers Plantation, but in 1639 was incorporated under the name of Rowley, so named because the pastor and many of the families came from Rowley, England. Rowley then included the whole district now divided into Georgetown, Groveland, Bradford, Rowley and Boxford. Until 1672 the district including Bradford and Groveland was first called Rowley village and later Merrimack, and became incorporated in 1673, under the name Bradford. In 1726 a portion was set off as East Bradford. References are often made to Thomas Hardy of Bradford or Merrimack or Groveland.
Thomas Hardy made his will 4 March 1671-2 and added a codicil 12 December 1677, at which time he declared that he was about 72 years of age. He was therefore, born in 1605. He died 4 Jan 1677-8. His will reads as follows: His wife to have sole use of the house and buildings, etc., during her life; Thomas Hardy, his eldest son to have 200 acres of land that had been laid out to him lately. John, Joseph and Jacob each to have 100 acres with meadow; Mary and her children and her husband, Samuel Currier; Sarah whose husband was William Hutchins; William Hardy to have the residue when he came of age. The will was proved 26 May 1678. In it he mentioned his wife, but not by name. However, we know that her name was Ann or Annah, and that she was his second wife. She survived him eleven years, and died 1 May 1689. His residence in his will is described as Merrimack, near Haverhill, but as indicated already, that section has been incorporated as Bradford in 1637. His will was witnessed by Jona Danforth and James Riggs. The codicil was witnessed by John Neromarck, Sr., Samuel Worcester and Jonathan Danforth, Sr.
Children, all probably born at Ipswich:
Thomas b. abt. 1635; m. at Rowley, Mass., 22 Sept or 22 Nov 1664 Mercy Tenny.
Sarah b. _______ m. at Haverhill, Mass., 1 July 1661, William Hutchins of Bradford, Mass. Several children on Haverhill and Bradford records between 1662 and 1681. She d. 19 Sept 1664 at Bradford, Mass.
Mary b. _______ m. abt. 1665, Samuel Currier of Haverhill, Mass., son of Richard Currier, an early settle of Salisbury, Mass.
Joseph b. abt. 1642. He was called “Corporal”; d. 11 Jan 1726-27. There is no record of his wife or children. He willed his property in 1723 to the children of his brother Jacob, especially mentioning his nephew Joseph, but he reserved the use of it for himself until his death. He probably was the Joseph Hardy admitted to the Bradford Church 26 June 1721.
William b. abt. 1644. m. 1st at Bradford 3 May 1678 Ruth Tenny; m. 2nd Sarah Savony.
John b. abt 1645. m. 1st at Bradford 2 April 1667 Mary Jackman; m. 2nd at Bradford, 3 July 1695 Martha Burbank.
Jacob b about 1649; m. Lydia Eaton (pgs. 363-373)
JOHN HARDY
John Hardy (son of Thomas Hardy), born probably at Ipswich, Mass., about 1646. He married, first at Rowley, Mass., 2 April 1667, Mary Jackman, who died at Bradford 2 December 1689, and second, a widow, Martha Burbank, née Smith, at Bradford, 3 July 1695. The latter was daughter of Hugh Smith. She died at Bradford in 1716.
John Hardy and wife Mary were original members of the Bradford Church as recorded in 1682. His second wife, Martha, was a member of the Bradford Church 21 August 1698. After 1695 he was known as John, Sr. He died at Bradford 4 February 1714-15. He made a will 1 February 1714-15, which was witnessed by Francis Wooster, Jns. Hutchins and Samuel Tenny and which was proved 17 February 1714-15.
Children, all born at Bradford:
John, Jr. b. 11 February 1668; d. young
Mary b. 2 April 1671; m. at Haverhill, Mass., 22 may 1695, Daniel, Tenny, son of Thomas Tenny. She evidently died before 1715 since she was not mentioned in her father’s will.
Sarah b. 25 March 1672-3; m. at Bradford, 20 June 1693, Francis Jewett of Bradford. She d. at Bradford, 3 February 1744. Ten children born at Bradford.
Joseph (twin), b. 3 February 1674; m. at Bradford, 6 April 1698, Mary Burbank.
John, Jr. (twin) b. 3 February 1674; m. 8 July 1701, Anne Savony.
Hannah b. 20 June 1677; m. 5 July 1700 at Bradford, Samuel Hardy.(cousin)
Richard b 24 April 1679; m. 25 January 1723, Sarah Hardy (cousin).
Esther b. 17 February 1680; d. at Bradford, 6 Dec 1689.
Nathaniel b. 10 March 1683; m. Prudence__________
Zechariah b. 20 February 1685; m 1st 23 February 1715-6, Hephzibah Wallingford; m. 2nd Prudence Stevens, Tewksbury, 21 February 1751.
Thomas b. 17 Mar. 1689; m 1st Rose _______; m. 2nd 14 May 1719, Deborah Wallingford. (pg. 374)
JOSEPH HARDY
Joseph Hardy (son of John Hardy –grandson of Thomas Hardy) born at Bradford, Mass, 3 February 1674, twin borth of John. He married at Bradford, 6 April 1689, Mary Burbank, daughter of Cabel and Martha (Smith) Burbank. She was born 26 November 1675. He died “very suddenly being abroad the greater part of the day.” At Bradford, 24 January 1747.
Joseph Hardy was called “Joseph, Jr.” until after the death of Joseph (his uncle), 11 January 1726-7, when he was known as Joseph, Sr. A widow, Mary Hardy, “ancient”, died 3 September 1762. He was a soldier in 1710-11.
Mary Hardy, wife of Joseph, was received by the same church 24 April 1720. He was also one of the first 101 members of the new church organized at Groveland, Mass., 7 June 1727.
Joseph has been referred to by some authorities as “Corp” and by others as “Cooper.” The latter is probably more correct, indicating his occupation. He owned the oldest house now standing in Groveland, on King St., built in 1676.
Children all born at Bradford, Mass.
James b. 14 April 1699; m. at Bradford, 4 July 1727, Hannah Bailey.
Martha b. 17 February 1700-1; m. at Bradford, 4 January 1721-2, Thomas Hardy (cousin).
Mary b. 21 January 1702-3.
Timothy b. 24 August or 26 August 1705; m. 1st at Rye, N. H., 27 September 1733, Mary Marden; 2nd 22 May 1775, widow Mary Ames.
Ebenezer b. 14 November 1707; m. at Bradford, 8 November 1731 Martha Palmer.
David b. 3 October 1709; m. at Bradford, 6 December 1732 Dorcas Gage.
Jemima b. 13 May 1711; m. at Bradford, 6 December 1732, Andrew Palmer, Their daughter Jemima m. James Hardy, son of the brother, James Hardy.
Stephen b 29 August 1731; m. at Rowley, Mass., 20 August 1740, Mary or Sarah Holmes.
Amos b 30 December 1715; baptized at Bradford, 15 July 1716; d. at Bradford, 30 December 1717.
Mehitable b. 20 March 1718; m. at Bradford, 6 September 1739, Seth Jewett (“Jwet”); d. 29 September 1759. (pg. 384)
STEPHEN HARDY
Stephen Hardy (son of Joseph, grandson of John, Thomas), born at Bradford, Mass., 29 August 1713. He married at Rowley, Mass., 20 August 1740, to Mary Holmes of Rowley, Mass. He died at Bradford, Mass., 22 December 1793, “age 81 years”. He probably was the Stephen Hardy referred to by David W. Hoyt, genealogist, as living in Rowley, Mass., 1772-87. She probably died 22 May 1767.
Children, born at Rowley, Mass.
Stephen, Jr. b. 10 October 1743, m. 12 July 1769 Hannah Thurston.
Simon b. _______ ; m. at Bradford 27 November 1792, Rhoda Hardy (cousin). [dates on this might indicate misplaced generation—could be a grandson—the son of the Stephen born in 1743 above]
David b. 1746; m. 1st at Rowley, Mass., 6 August 1772 Joanna Palmer; m. 2nd at Bradford, Mass., 2 December 1785, “Betsey” Hardy.
(pg. 416)
DAVID HARDY
David Hardy (son of Stephen, grandson of Joseph, John, Thomas), born at Rowley, Mass., probably in 1746. He married, first at Rowley, Mass., 6 August 1772 Joanna Palmer. She died at Bradford Mass., 3 May 1784. He married, second, at Bradford, Mass., 2 December 1785, Betsey Hardy, daughter of _______.
He was known as David Hardy, “Yeoman”. He died at Bradford, Mass., 2 October 1842. His second wife died 7 December 1827.
Children, all born at Bradford, Mass.:
Sally b. 19 Decebmer 1775; d. ________.
Jemima (by first wife) b. 28 February 1779; d. _______.
Benjamin b 17 June 1773; m. Hannah Brocklebank, 4 March 17955. at Rowley, Mass.
Irene (by second wife) b. 19 May 1789; m. 29 July 1834 Benjamin Nelson.
Lucy b. 11 July 1797; d. _______. (pg 498)
BENJAMIN HARDY
Benjamin Hardy (son of David, grandson of Stephen, Joseph, John, Thomas) born at Bradford, Mass., 17 June 1773; died at Georgetown, Mass., married at Rowley, Mass., 4 March 1795, Hannah Brocklebank, daughter of John and Sarah (Fowler) Brocklebank. She died 20 March 1868. Hannah was born at Rowley, Mass., 18 February 1772.
Children:
David born at Bradford, Essex Co., Mass., 29 August 1795; m. Hannah.
John Brocklebank b. at Bradford, Mass., 11 may 1797; m. Lavina Harriman; d. 28 September 1887.
Stephen b. at Bradford, Mass., 11 September 1799; d. young.
Joana Palmer b. at Bradford, 10 December 1801; d. young.
Samuel Brocklebank b. at Bradford, Mass., 21 September 1804; m. at Bradford, 19 June 1826 Caroline Bacon Rogers.
Eliza b 21 September 1804; m. Aron W. Nelson
Ebenezer Jewett (twin) b. 10 July 1809; m. Hannah Pecker; d. 16 September 1901
Gilbert P. (twin) b. 10 July 1809; m. Mary A. Knap.
Sarah b. _______; m. Darius Hull. (pg. 594)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)