Essex Town (part 5 of 26)

firft I give my howfe and Lot ||in Len|| w*^ ale my march and ale other the apurtenances tharevnto belonging to wilyam wenter tel his fon Jofias fhale atayen the age of twenty one yeares and then to his fon Jofias und his Ayeres for ever : w*^ this Condicon that he fhale paye to his fifter hanna winter ten poundes w*^ in one hole year after the aforfayed Jofias winter fhale atayen the age of twenty one yeares and if he fhale Refeufe to paye to his fifter hana winter ten poundes of Corant money then my will is that hanna winter fhale have the howfe and lot w"* ale and fingeler the apurtenances to her and her ayeres for ever and fhe fhall paye to her brother Jofias ten poundes : and my will is that if the aforefaid Jofias fhale dy before he fhale atayen the age of twenty & one yeares that then the aforfayed hanna fhale have it w^ut paying aney thing out of it : and my will is further that if the aforfayed Jofias and hanna fhale booth dy before that theye fhale atayen the age of twenty one yeres that then wilyam winter or his now wif or the longer liver of them fhale have it to them and thar Ayeres for ever : I do give to the widow Androes that thre fhilinges that fhe oethe me and further I do giv her one buchel of Jngen Coren to be payed w'^in one month after my death : I do give gorge far one buchel ale fo to be payed at the fame tyem : I do ale fo give to edward burt ten fhilinges to be payed w*^in one hole yer after after my death : I ale fo give to m^ whiten and m"" Cobet : five fhilinges apece to be payed w'^in one hole year after my death : ale the Reft of my goodes or Chateles vnbequeaved I give to wilyam winter whom I do macke fole exeter to this my will : in witnefe whar of I have hervnto put my hand the fourth daye of the fourth mounth in the fixtenth year of the Rayen of ower foveran lord Charles by the grace of god Kyng of Ingland fcotland france and Irland &c 1640

Tristram Coffyn, s'r, of Newbury, planter, with consent of my wife Dionis, for jQiSi conveyed to Richard Ormsby of Salisbury, husbandman, a dwelling house with a frame standing at the end of it, and one-half of the house lot whereon it stands ; also, 6^ acres in the plain, between lands of Theophilus Satchwelle asterly and James Davis, jr., westerly, south by Merrimack river, and north by town common ; also, 5 acres meadow ; all being in Haverhill, 24 : 9 : 1649. Wit: Tho. Bradbury and Josiah Cobham. Ack. by grantor and his wife Dionis before Tho : Bradbury and Josiah Cobham, commissioners of Salisbury, 15 : 9 : 1654.

ffrancis Swaine of Hampton, for £61, conveyed to Henry Green of Hampton, land in Hampton : - 2 7 acres of upland between land of Robert Tucke and M"^. Stanian ; 4 acres of fresh meadow between good : Merriam and Robert Tucke ; 1 7 acres of marsh adjoining m'^. Hussi's land ; JO acres of salt marsh adjoining farm of m*". Hussie and land of goodman Marian ;

3 acres of salt marsh allowed me by town of Hampton ; ox, steers, cow, calf, yearling, and all commonages. May 2, 1655. Wit : Christopher Hussey and Anthony Ssanyan. Ack. before Anthony Stanyan and Chrissopher Hussey, commissioners of Hampton, 2 : 3 mo : 1655.

Henry Green of Hampton acknowledged indebtedness of ;^6i to ffrancis Swaine May 2, 1955. Ack. before Tho : Bradbury, commissioner of Salisbury, May 2, 1655.

James Wall of Hampton, millwrite, conveyed to " m"^. Jofeph Mafon of y^ River of Pafcattoquack gent," 1-4 of saw-mill " uppon y^ River of Exiter & y® firft faw mill built there all being w*^ in y® River of Pafcattoquack," and land " on my point ag*. my own dwelling houfe there," for him to build a dwelling house, etc., on ; also, 20 acres of meadow on fresh river ; 20 acres on little fresh river granted to Nicolas Liscen, from whom I purchased it ; 100 timber trees fit for sawing I bought of Tho : King in 1652 ; and commons granted to m''. Edward Gillman by Exeter. Jn° Robinson has a lease of the mill from the grantor for two years longer. Dated May n, 1654. Wit : Richard Tucker and Henry Sherburne. Ack. before Tho. Bradbury, commissioner of SaHsbury, 7 : 3mo: 1655.

Tristram Coffin, aged about 46 years, deposed that from five to seven years before, at Nuberie, he heard m^ Cutting, as attorney for her husband, John Cutting, who had gone to sea, bargain with Josiah Cobham and Richard Currier for two lots of meadow in Salisbury, one cow being the consideration. Sworn to in court at Sahsbury 12:2 mo : 1655.

Sam : Winsley, sen., deposed that Andrew Greely told him that if M^ Cutting so requested him he would make assurance of above named meadow unto Josiah Cobham, and the deponent went to Charlestown and saw Mr. Cutting and his wife. Sworn to in court at Salisbury 12: 2 mo :

Salisbury, weaver, 6 acres of meadow in Salisbury, bounded on an island, the great river, by the ferry, Jn°. Bayley, jr., Willi : Barns, Willi : Sargent, m''. Sam : Winsley, and great creek leading to the town, m"". Jn^. Hodges and Enoch Greenleif, 1:2 mo: 1644. Wit: Tho : Bradbury and Tristram Coffyn. Ack. before Tristram Coffyn and Rich: Wells, commissioners of Salisbury, 12:2 mo. : 1655.

Will of John Wedgwood of Hampton, husbandman, dated Nov. 24, 1654; proved in court at Salisbury 10 : 2 mo.; 1655, by Willi: ffifeild and Henry Moulton. He was "of whole minde." Bequeaths to my eldest son, John, after the decease of his grandmother, my house and 1 6 acres of land at Exeter, meadow at Puscasicke, 150 acres of upland adjoining m^". Edward Hilton's. To my wife Mary, my sons Jonathan and David (both minors). To my daughters Mary (unmarried) and Abigail. My wife Mary, ex'x, and WilU : ffifeild and Henry Moulton, overseers. Wit : Seth ffletcher, WilU: ffifeild and Henry Moulton.

John Severans conveyed to Richard North, both of Salisbury, planters, i-acre house lot in Salisbury, between house lots of grantee and Willi : Barnes, and bounded by the green, Sept. 29, 1642. Wit : Tho. Bradbury and Andrew Greely. Ack. in court at Salisbury 10 : 2 mo :i655.

John Sanders of Nubery, yeoman, for 1 3 acres of land in Salisbury, on west side of pawwaus river, bounded by highway, Jarrett Haddon, and a street, conveyed to Anthony Colebie of Salisbury, planter, 6 acres of meadow in Salisbury, formerly of m'^. Thomas Dumer, bounded on great river, the ferry, John Bayly, jr., Willi : Barnes, WilH : Sargent, m^ Sam : Winsley's island, great creek leading to the town, m"^. John Hodges, and Enoch Greenleif, 1:1: 1644. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Tristram Coffyn. Ack. before Tristram Coffyn and Richard Wells, 'commissioners of Salisbury, 12 : 2 mo: 1655.

bounded by the town creek, Thomas Rowell, Richard Currier and Josiah Cobham, 30 : 4 : 1650. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Richard Currier. Sworn to by witnesses to be act and deed of John Bayly, sen., in court at SaUsbury, 10:2 mo :

Anthony Stanian of Hampton, having bought of Joseph Merrie of Hainpton a house, 25 acres of land and two cows, leases the property from him March 13, 1655. Wit: Robert Pike and Thomas Macy. Ack. in court at Salisbury 10:2 mo : 1655.

Edward Gilman of Exiler deeds to his loving wife Mary Gyllman and his two sons John Gyllman and Moses Gyllman ;£$o, houses, lands, goods, etc., 14 : 11 : 1654. Wit: Jn^. Ted and Mary Pettitt, her O mark.

Valentine Hill of Boston, merchant, Oct. 20, 1653, sold to Thomas Kemble one-fourth of a saw-mill in Oyster river ; and in this deed Kemble conveys it, for ;£30o, to RandaU NicoUs of Charlestown, baker, Feb. 20, 1653. Wit : Giles Kembell and James Miller, his I mark. Ack. before Increase Nowell 17 : i : 1654.

Luke Heard of Salisbury, weaver, conveys to George Browne of Salisbury my now dwelling house with the house lot and planting lot Sept. 19, 1645. Sarah Bigsbie, late wife of Luke Heard, consents before Daniel Denison Feb. 23, 1654.

Nov. 25, 1646, John Eaton, s'r, of HaverhiU conveys to George Browne of HaverhiU one-half of the 20-acre lot I bought of Mr. NathanieU Warde of Ipswich. Also signed by grantor's wife Anne Eaton (her X mark). Wit : Rich : Littlehale, Sam : Gilde and Jn°. Chinarde. Ack. by both before Robert Clements and Joseph Peasly, commissioners for HaverhiU.

Willi : Barnes (his V mark) of Salisbury, carpenter, conveys to Willi : Allin of SaUsbury, carpenter, six acres of meadow in Salisbury, bounded by Mr. ffrancis Doue, Mr. Tho : Bradbury, John Ralfe, Mr. Batt and Henry Blesdale, Sept. 29, 1650. Wit : Tho. Bradbury and Mary

Salisbury court, 10 : 2 mo : 1655, Mary Gillman, widow of Edward Gillman, sen., late of Exiter, deceased, appointed administratrix of his estate. Moses Gillman, son of the deceased, consents, referring to deed of his father to him dated 14 : 11 : 1654. Wit: Sam: Dudley and Tho: Bradbury. Jn°. ffulsham, Daniell Cushin, Jn**. Leavitt and John Gillman, the sons of the deceased, consent. Ack. by J. F., J. L. and J. G., before Ri : Bellingham, deputy governor, 29 : 7 : 1655.

Inventory of above estate, filed 2 : 8 mo : 1655. Had house and lands at Exiter ; property in my son Jn°. Leavit's hands at Hingham ; also in the hands of my sons Daniell Cushin and Moses Gillman. Total, j[^2 1 1 .

ffrancis Swaine of Hampton conveys to Willi : Swaine of Hampton 4 acres of meadow, bounded by Rodger Shaw, Willi : Maston, Robert Tuck ; 4 acres of salt marsh ; 5)^ acres of salt marsh on south side of ffalls river, bounded by John Marian; and 17 acres of land, bounded by highway to the mill, land of Robert Tucke and Richard Swaine, 6:8 mo: 1652. Wit : Sam : Dalton and Humphrey Willson. Ack. before Tho : Wiggin 6 : 8 mo : 1652.

Brian Pendleton and John Pickrime (his A mark) for Portsmouth, and William Fifield and Thomas Marston for Hampton, agree upon a division line between the two towns beginning " att y® Cawfway lijng Eaftward from y® fd towne towards Pafcataqua, ten Rod diftant from y® fd Cawfway there begin & Runn fine miles uppon as direct a line as may be keeping neare vnto y® Comon way. The w** Line being runn ended on y® edg of Joflins Neck on y® North fide, the faid Neck is y® next to y® northward of y® Longe ftony beach."

Josiah Cobham of Salisbury, planter, conveys to Lionell Worth of Salisbury, husbandman, 6 acres of meadow in Salisbury, an island, and part of meadow of

Jn° Bayly, sometime Luke Heard's, Nov. 24, 1653. Wit: Tho: Bradbury and Wymond Bradbury. Ack. and grantor's wife consented before Tho : Bradbury and Richard Wells, commissioners of Salisbury, 23 : 3 : 1655.

Henry Green of Hampton, millwright, conveys to William Swaine of Hampton, 4 acres of fresh meadow (sometime ffrancis Swaine's), bounded by Robert Tuck, Tho : Coleman and Jn° Marian, and 3 acres of salt marsh lying below Gouges wiggwa, all in Hampton, 10 : 5 mo : 1655. Wit : Christopher Hussie and Richard Swaine. Ack. before Christopher Hussey and Anthony Stanian, commissioners of Hampton.

John Sanders of Newbury, yeoman, conveys to Willi : Barnes and William Osgood, both of Salisbury, carpenters, 10 acres of meadow in Salisbury, bounded by meadow late of Robert ffitts and John Hoyt, 12: 8 mo: 1653. Wit: Tho: Bradbury and Steven fflanders. Ack. before Tho : Bradbury and Richard Wells, commissioners of SaHsbury, 4 : 6 mo : conveys to Lt. Robert Pike of Salisbury, 13^ acres of meadow, and a 12- acre planting lot on hoghouse neck in Salisbury, formerly Mr. Thomas Dumer's, bounded by Robert Ring, Mr. Hook's farm, and land formerly Ralfe Blesdale's, with right to a highway through Mr. Doue's neck of upland, Aug. 4, 1651. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Rich : Wells. Ack. and grantor's wife consented before Tho : Bradbury and Rich : Wells, commissioners of Salisbury.

John Sanders of Newbury, yeoman, for money and boards, conveys to Andrew Greely of Salisbury, shoemaker, 40 acres of upland southside of Batt's hill, and a meadow lot, bounded by the great neck, Mr. Doue, Mr. Willi : Worcester, and Robert Pike, all in Salisbury, Aug. 4,

The Ancient Putnam Sideboard

"We hear the Hon. Board of Commiffioners have appointed John Nutting, Efq ; of this Town to be Collector of his Majefty's Cuftoms for this Port." - Essex Gazette (Salejn), Oct. ii, iy68.

In the " Military and Naval Annals " of Danvers, published in 1895, Daniel Needham was omitted. He was made " sargent " July 3, 1778, Capt. John Bodwell, Col. Jacob Gerrish, when not eighteen years old. He was married in 1783, and soon after removed to Lynnfield Centre, where he lived until 1844, respected by all. He married Ede, daughter of Capt. Samuel Flint, the only commissioned officer from Danvers killed in the Revolution. - Jennie Hood Bosson, Reading,

" We hear the Churches and Congregations in the Towns of Newbury and Rowley, (agreable to a Vote of defire by faid Towns) obferved Thurfday the 6th Inftant, as a day of Fafting and Prayer, on account of the perplexed, diftreffed ftate of our public Affairs. - One of the Minifters (upon the forrowful Occafion) chofe for his Text thofe Words in the Prophefy of Jeremiah, 2 Chap. 14 ver. Is Ifrael a Servant ? Is he a home born Slave ? Why is he fpoiled ? " - Essex Gazette, Oct. 18, 1768.

The Anqent Putnam Sideboard

The frontispiece of this number of the Antiquarian is an engraving of the ancient Putnam sideboard, which is believed to be nearly if not quite three hundred years old. It is now in the possession of the Essex Institute at Salem, having been placed there by Miss Harriet P. Fowler, of Danvers, who is a member of the Putnam family. It is an elaborate piece o ' furniture, made of the dark English oak, and shows every sign of its antiquity. No nails were driven in its construction, wooden pegs being used instead.

Ii, 1709. Albert H. Hinds

112. Information wanted regarding ancestors of John Blethin (or, Blevin), a Quaker, living at Lynn, Mass., 1659, at Salem, 1674 ; also, information of James Blevin and Edward Blevin, living at Oyster Bay, L. L, about 1685, and at Westerly, R. I., about 1 69 1, believed to have been brothers of John Blethin. Address

William W. Bliven

113. Wanted, 'name of wife of Rich- ard) Keyes of Marlborough. Prudence ard King (born, 1667), son of Daniel married, July 7, 1725, in Lancaster. I King. E. A. H. find her name. Prudence Wilder, in her

115. Wanted, ancestry of Elizabeth, ^son house in Lancaster Feb. 10, 1675- wife of Richard King of Littleton (mar- 5^ and her father and older brothers died ried, 1720-26). E. A. H. in captivity or were killed. Hannah

81. Sarah4, wife of John Wilder, jr., born in Concord 15 : 9 : 1678, and marwas not Sarah Sawyer, but Sarah, daugh- ^jed Elizabeth Priest in 1704. Thev had ter of Josiah3 and Mary (Rice) White, a son, Reuben Rugg,3 who was baptized born in Lancaster Oct. 21, 1680. They jn Lancaster Aug. 26, 1716 (being probwere married about 1699. John White^ ably about eleven years old). He marand wife Joanna came from the west of ried Lydia Ross of Lancaster March 10, England to Salem, Mass., m 1638, and 1 730-1. and they became the parents of settled in that part of the town which is Lydia Rugg, who was born in Lancaster now Wenham. His wife Joanna died in March 23, 1732-3 ; and married Asa Wil- Lancaster 18 : 4 : 1654 ; and his will was ^er Dec. 12, 1754. - J/.Z. W.,HaverhilL made in 1673. Their youngest son, Josiah White,^ baptized in Salem Tune 4,

Sept. 4, 1656. Her father, Thomas Rice, Calvin Parsons, president of the Wyomdied in Sudbury, his will being proved in ing Commemorative Association, and of zine Rice, who came from England. I Nova Britannia : offering most Excelprove Sarah (White) Wilder's parentage lent Fruits by Planting in Virginia ; Exby an agreement made by John Wilder citing all such as be well affected to

82. Prudence Keyes was daughter of tracts are reprints of early pamphlets re- James and Hannah (Divoll) Keyes. Her lating to America, and are issued monthly father was son of Elias and Sarah (Blanch- at $3 per year.

Methods Of Heating In The Olden Time

The first settlers of Essex county found here a climate even colder and more rigorous that that of their old home. In the construction of their habitations arrangements had to be made for heating the living room, at least, and also for purposes of cookery. They were compelled to resort to the quickest and readiest, and, in many instances, the cheapest method of its accomplishment. In the mother land open fireplaces supplied all these needs. These could readily be made by piling stones at the end of the house, wall fashion, in the form of three sides of a square, opening into the house. When a height of about six feet was reached, a hewn timber was laid across the ends, the front being utilized for a mantle-piece and the rest for the support of the front part of the chimney, which was then carried up on all sides as high as the house, being made somewhat smaller at the top, thus forming a large flue. The construction was made as tight as possible, though chinks soon appeared in the earliest chimneys. The later ones were better constructed.

The hearth was also built of stone and" extended not only over the fireplace but several feet into the room, the long heavy logs were piled, being raised a few inches above the hearth, for the purpose of draught, by firedogs, and later by andirons. Those early scenes

But these logs had just been felled, and being perfectly unseasoned could not be readily kindled. Dead boughs of pine and other trees were gathered and piled beneath the logs. Then the jackknife of our fathers was used to make shavings from the dry sticks with which to kindle them. And then the flint and steel and tinder-box must be patiently used until the shavings were on fire. Once kindled, the fire was rarely allowed to become extinct in the winter season, being constantly supplied with logs, or continued by living coals of peat buried in the ashes.

. Though the fire was usually a hot one, most of the heat passed up the chimney, and in cold frosty nights the flames sometimes rose above the chimney top, endangering the safety of the dweUing. In the large living rooms of our ancestors the hearth-fire did not comfortably warm the entire space; so settles with high tight board backs,* some five feet in height and several feet in length, were placed in front and on either side of the fireplace, that back and face might be equally warm. And the light from the flames was generally so bright that no candles were required for the ordinary work of the household.

This hearth-fire was not only used for heating, but for cooking, by placing the food to be cooked on the hearth in front of the fire, or in the great kettle that hung over it ; or, later, when better chimneys were built with baking ovens in them, the food was placed in the oven and slowly and deliciously cooked, to the enjoyment of the family on Sunday morning, unless the door of the oven was outside of the house, and some lover of a good breakfast purloined its contents, leaving the family without their customary Indian pudding, brown bread and beans.

If persons were working in a comer of the room far from the fire-place, they would heat stones and keep their feet upon them while they worked. In later years an improvement was made in the use of portable heat. A tin box was placed within a wooden frame, which was sometimes square and sometimes round or oblong, and within the box, which was more or less perforated at the sides and top, live coals from the hearth-fire were placed on ashes. The coals kept alive for several hours. These foot stoves, as they were called, were very comfortable.

In some early meeting-houses, fireplaces were built in one corner, as, for instance, in the first church in Salem. Foot stoves were also carried to meeting in later times, and they lessened the coldness of the place. In many towns a small house was erected near the meetinghouse, having a fireplace and a chimney in it, and in such houses the people comfortably passed the intermission between services. Here, also, the foot stoves could be replenished with coals from the hearth-fire.

In 1745, the inventive mind of Benjamin Franklin added another star to his famous constellation by the Franklin stove, which is still in use, though somewhat changed. It was made of cast-iron as now, and was in its appearance a modified fire-place. It varied principally from the modern stove of that name in having an open space at its back, which is still deemed by many to be an advantage. Toward the close of the last century the Franklin stove, of the style] shown in the following engraving, was in common use in Essex county.

Foot Stove The Early Franklin Stove

In 1796, Dea. Eleazer Spofford of Jaffrey, N. H., invented a novel stove made of brick. Deacon Spofford was born in what is now Georgetown, on Spofford's hill, Aug. 12, 1739. He moved to Jaffrey in 1778 and built some valuable mills on the Contoocook river, being an ingenious mechanic. Late in life, he removed to the East parish of Bradford, now Groveland, Mass., where he died in 1828.

The Salem Gazette of Feb. 2, 1796, contained a description of this stove. Captain Saunderson of Salem read the article, and thought he would have one built. He engaged Capt. John Dodge, a brick mason, to construct one. The principles upon which it was made were similar to the Franklin iron stove. It was found that brick retained heat better than iron, thus making the temperature more equable and consuming less fuel. It was so successful in its use that Mr. Dodge was employed to build several others in the fall of that year, as well as in the next year.

Methods Of Heating In The Olden Time

Mr. Dodge added it to the stoves he was making, apparently without knowing of Mr. Pollock's patent. The following copy of an advertisement which Mr. Dodge inserted in the Salem Gazette of Dec. 1 8, 1810, shows that he and Mr. Pollock came to an agreement : -

THE Subscriber last winter invented a BRICK STOVE for the purpose of warming dwelling-houses, churches, compting rooms, &c. which proved very beneficial for that purpose ; but finding that it participated of the principle of Mr. Pollock's patent, he has obtained authority of that Patentee to continue to erect the same, and has invented a new-constructed and durable air vessel, which will give full effect to the principle, by which rooms may be warmed at a reduced expence of fuel, and a great increase of comfort. He will now erect said Stoves, with the improved air vessel, for any who may wish, or empower others to set them up. Air Vessels, Doors, &c. may be had of Newhall (Sr» Leivis, tin-plate workers, near the Salem Hotel. Salem, Dec. 18. JOHN DODGE.

This kind of a stove was soon supplanted J)y a brick stove that was in use in Russia and had been for two centuries. Capt. Solomon Towne,* of Salem, commander of the ship Galatea^ spent the winter of 1810-11 in Russia, where he, with other Americans, were attracted by the efficiency of the brick stoves in use there. With much difficulty he found a person who could make him a model. This was an ingenious German potter, residing near Revel (the port where Captain Towne's vessellay), who made tiles for stoves. At considerable expense to Captain Towne, the German made him two neat porcelain models, one square and the other circular. Captain Towne sailed from Revel to St. Petersburg, and mentioned the matter of the models to John Quincy Adams,t the American ambassador, who expressed great pleasure at his success, observing that he had himself been desirous of obtaining a model to send home, but had never been able to do so. The directions accompanying

On Captain Towne's return to Salem, he exhibited the models to Mr. Dodge, who was eager to seize on any improvement. With Captain Towne's consent, Mr. Dodge erected one in his own house, which proved satisfactory.

The principle of the stove was that the heat should pass through various compartments, so as to heat a large surface of brick in a small space. The directions for using the stove stated that "the wood should be light and dry, so as quickly to burn down to a coal, when, all the smoke having passed off, the damper is immediately closed, by which means the heat is retained." It saved one-half of the fuel that was needed for the old manner of heating, and diffused a moderate and uniform heat. The stove could be constructed in various shapes, and was susceptible of a neat appearance.

Russian Stove

and, in order to ascertain its merits, set one up in his own house, has found by experiment that he can warm a common room for 24 hours with ten sticks of wood, each 3 inches diameter and 2 feet long, keeping the room at about 60 degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer on an average for the 24 hours. The Russian stove would be excellent for large public rooms, and especially for meeting-houses, by which three-fourths of the fuel commonly used may be saved; and, being of brick, the expense is not great. The Stove he has constructed may be seen in operation at his house in Barton Square; and he will attend to any calls for putting up Stoves of this or his own construction. Salem, Jan. 7, 1812. JOHN DODGE.

This was the only Russian stove that Captain Dodge ever made. He had nearly completed one for the office of Hon. Samuel Putnam, and was finishing it when he was seized with a pain in his breast. He sat down in a chair, and instantly expired without a groan. This was on January 13th, and he was fortyfive years of age.

THE subscriber, who was an apprentice to the late Capt. John Dodge, proposes to continue to work for the family at his trade. He offers to construct RUSSIAN STOVES for any persons who may apply. He assisted Mr. Dodge in building that for S. Putnam Esq. in his office - which has exceeded the most sanguine expectations. He will be assisted by Mr. William Roberts.

An ornamental stove of this kind was built in the Essex Bank, two in the then new South meeting-house, and others in private dwellings within the next two weeks, all of which fulfilled the highest expectations.

THE saving of fuel, and at the same time the promoting of warmth and comfort, has long been a desirable attainment in this country ; and much time has been spent, and great expense incurred upon this object. Many new methods have been invented, and patent rights secured ; but all have fallen short of the purpose, until the was introduced by Capt. Solomon Towne, who with much difficulty and at great expense obtained a correct model of it, with directions for erecting and using it. From this model from 20 to 30 Stoves have already been erected, the experience of which have proved it to be superior to anything of the kind ever offered to the public, whether for the saving of fuel, or introducing a pleasant warmth into the room, free from the disagreeable air which generally arises from stoves hitherto in use. The experience of the country from whence it comes, for 200 years, affords the most ample proof of its utility in tempering the severity of winter. This Stove may be built at a small expense, and at the same time be made as handsome as any piece of furniture whatever, and it may be so placed as to warm several rooms with the same fire. The Subscribers having purchased of Capt. Towne the model of this Stove, with the directions for building and using it, they are now ready to attend to any calls upon them from any place, either to erect Stoves, or to sell the model, &c. upon reasonable terms. f

THE public are respectfully informed that the Subscribers have purchased with others the model of the RUSSIAN STOVE, introduced by Capt. Solomon Towne. The real utility of this Stove has been completely proved by experiment. Independent of the fact that in Russia it is in ordinary use among all classes of persons - it has been here subject to repeated trials, and under all the disadvantages attending first experiments, has obtained universal success and approbation. It saves more than one half of the ordinary consumption of fuel; diffuses a moderate, uniform and agreeable heat, and is perfectly safe from accident. Care however must be taken in the construction, otherwise the beneficial effects will be impaired. The Stove admits of a variety of forms, and is not only susceptible of neatness, but even^of elegance, and can be accommodated to every shape of room. The subscribers have the full benefit of the Russian model and directions, and are ready to warrant that Stoves erected by them shall equal any which can be constructed. The Subscribers are also authorized to sell models, &c. to any persons who wish to engage in this business.

in the erection of the first one, published in the Salem Gazette of July 21, 181 2, a notice addressed to " his friends and the public of this and the neighboring towns, that he continues to erect the Russian stove according to the real earthen model brought from Russia." He further said that; it could be ornamented with marble or freestone ; and that orders would be received at his lodgings, directly opposite Tay's Sadler's shop near North bridge.

Early in this century iron fire-frames, as they were called, being a sort of fireplace with sides and top, but no back or front, were in use in some houses. They were made to be set against the chimney so that the chimney would form the back of the frame, an aperture being in the chimney at the upper part of the frame. It stood on a hearth of brick, on which the fire was built, the wood being raised above the hearth by andirons. The fireplace, thus formed, was used as such. These fire-frames were often quite ornamental ; and may yet be seen in old houses in Essex county.

A Fire-Frame

Immediatelv after this time the idea'of making the stoves of iron became prevalent, and soon manifested itself by the manufacture of stoves made of both sheet and cast iron. The following are some of the earliest styles of iron stoves that the writer has foimd, with the excep-

Will Of Joanna Cummings

The will of Joanna Cummings of Salem was written May 11, 1644, and proved in the Salem quarterly court July 11, 1644. The following copy is taken from the original instrument on file in the ofiice of the clerk of courts at Salem, book i, leaf 22.

[I dow give Ijallil my beft Apparil & Bcding & bed to my Gran Child Johanah to by a heafer of tow yere ould to bee put forth for hir good & that wich ken a parte of that to my fonn John to Buery mee with all*]

I will have my debtes to bee payed out of the pipe ftaves & that wich Remaynes to bee giuen the one halfe to my granchild mary borne & the other halfe to Johanah borne my gran Child.

I defire That ||the|| Tow deacons m*^ Gotr.& goodman home : that they fhall haue the ordring & defpofing of thefe things in my .will to Improve for the Childrens good : y* it may not bee bangled away

Abbot Notes

William Abbot married Martha White, both of Ipswich, May 9, 1758. He lived in Beverly, and was a mariner. He was living in 1765, and died before Dec. 8, 1768, when his widow Martha was appointed administratrix of his estate. She was living in Beverly, his widow, in 1783. Their children were born in Beverly, as follows: I. William^ born April 20, 1761 ; was a mariner; died at Guadaloupe in 1 794 ; married EHzabeth ,

The Frigate Constitution The Frigate Constitution

The centennial anniversary of the launching of the old United States frigate Constitution has just been celebrated in Boston, the gallant ship having been repaired and put in order for formal service.

Some of the original timbers were cut in the woods in that part of Rowley which is now Georgetown, and teamed, by the Brocklebanks and Nelsons, to Charlestown navy-yard, where the ship was launched Oct. 21, 1797.

Her first active service was in the maritime troubles before Tripoli in 1 804 ; and she served all through the war of 181 2-1 5, being always fortunate, probably from the fact that she was well commanded and manned. In the war of 1812-15, Capt. Isaac Hull had her in command until toward the end of the year 181 2, when he transferred her to Commodore Bainbridge.

Aug. 19, 181 2, she engaged the Guerriere^ a thirty-eight-gun ship under the command of Captain Dacres. The English-vessel finally surrendered, after being so badly injured that she was set on fire and abandoned. The Gue^-riere lost one hundred and one men killed, wounded and missing. The Constitution had seven killed and seven wounded. Up to this time, the British navy had had a charm of invincibility upon the sea, which was now broken, and the dismay in England was only paralleled by the joy in America. The enthusiasm in Marblehead upon the result of this engagement was unbounded.

Dec. 29, 1 81 2, she so successfully encountered the British frigate Java^ of thirty-eight guns, off San Salvador, in the West Indies, that after a desperate action of three hours' duration \kit Java was reduced to a complete wreck, not a spar being left standing. Her commander and one hundred and sixty of her crew were either killed or wounded. The Constitution was slightly injured, and but thirtyfour of her men were killed or wounded. Among the killed were the two sons of a poor widow, named Cheever, of Marblehead.

The Co?istitution came north to be repaired, and again recourse was had to old Baldpate, in Georgetown, for the timber, out of which its new knees, plonks and stanchions were formed. The timber was hauled to Charlestown by Capt. Eliphalet Chaplin.

On Sunday forenoon, April 3, 1814, the people of Marblehead were alarmed by the sudden appearance of three great ships of war sailing as fast as wind could carry them with their prows pointed toward the harbor. The ship in advance was recognized as the Constitution, the two in the rear being the English frigates Tenedos and Endymion. The Constitution was escaping from her pursuers, and with the assistance of the seamen, who knew every rock and shoal of the locality, she sailed swiftly and majestically into the harbor, as cheer followed cheer from the crowded headlands and housetops. The British commanders had no such assistants and they dared not come very near the rocky coast. At about five o'clock, she weighed anchor, and sailed into Salem harbor, where she was more protected. The Constitution was commanded at this time by Captain Stewart.

To protect the frigate and the town a number of heavy cannon were sent from Salem, and the Marblehead artillery assembled, but no further sally of the British was made.

She was in active service all through the war, and was never dismasted or stranded. She was in three actions, and was twice closely chased. She captured five vessels of war, two of which were frigates, and a third frigate-built.

At the breaking out of the Rebellion, in April, 1 86 If the Constitution was stationed, as a school ship, off Annapolis, Md., and it was feared that the Confederates would seize her. On their way to Washington, by water, the Salem Zouaves and the " sappers and miners " corps of the Eighth regiment discovered her imminent danger and they went aboard and by lightening her got her over the bar and out to sea, sailing her to New York. Many of these men were sailors, and belonged in Georgetown, Gloucester, Lynn, Marblehead, Newburyport, and Salem. The old frigate was saved just in time from being transformed into a rebel ram.

William Acie^ was living in Rowley, and had a grant of land there as early as 1643. He bought land in Topsfield in 1664, but continued to live in Rowley. His autograph herewith given, as follows :

John Acie*, born about 1638. He lived in Rowley, where he first appears in 1665. He died in 1690; administration being granted on his estate 25 : i: 1690-1. Mr. Acie married Hannah Green of Hampton, N. H., June 5, 1676. She survived him, and married John Shepard of Rowley before 1694. She died March 30, 1718.

Aged

was written in i66i. He was a constable in 1654, and also held other town offices. Being "very aged," he made his will April 22, 1689; and it was proved Sept. 20, 1690.

Mr. Acie married Margaret before 1664, and she died in February, 1674-5, being buried on the twelfth. He then conveyed his estate to his children,

To Home I Wish All Good Who Am Dead & Gone

TO HOME I WISH ALL GOOD THE GOD OF HOSt BE YOUR SUP TILL WE DO MEET AGAIN (ORt farewell my CHILDREN DEAR TO HOME MY BOWELS ARN (OHt LEt LOVE & TRUTH BE YOUr DELI WHO AM DEAD & GONE

*There may have been a son Thomas, who was of Rowley in 1676-7. Savage says that there was a son Joseph baptized in Boston in 1657. But William was living in Rowley in 1657. - Ed.

Here Lies Interrd CAP*. WILLIAM OSGOOD Who Died of The Small pox NOV^ the 26*^ 1758 AGED 43 Year : i mo : 12 Days Depart My Friends Dry up Your Teers I Must Lie here Till Christ Apears

He Was Born Oct

HERE LIES THE BODY OF 10 HN PARSONS LATE D STUDENT OF HARUAR COLLEGE SON OF THE REV. lOSEPH AND ELISABETH PARSONS HE WAS BORN OCT 15 1725 DECEASED OCT 28"' 1740 ^TAT. 16

And Successful

OF THE REU : lOSEPH PARSONS A. M. INSTALLED PASTOR OF THE 2^ CHURCH IN SALISBURY, ANNO 17 18: HE DECEASED MAR. I3*^ 1739. ETAT: 69: HE WAS AN EMINENT CHRISTIAN AiJd WELL ACCOMPLISHED MINISTER : ABLE FAITHFUL, LABORIOUS, AND SUCCESSFUL.

Here Lies v^' Remains M" SARAH WEBSTER D^ of The Rev^ Samuel Webster Who calmly Resign** her Breath april 17"* 1770 In the 2 2** Year of her age

Joseph Alley of Lynn ; priv., Capt. Ezra Newhall's co., which marched on alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 17 dys., also, Capt. Newhall's co.. Col. Israel Mansfield's (later Hutchinson's) 19th reg.; order for advance pay dated Cambridge, June 8, 1775; also muster roll dated Aug. i, 1775; enl. May 3, 1775^ service, 3 mos., 5 dys., also, co. return dated Oct. 6, 1775 ; also, order for bounty coat dated Camp at Winter Hill, Nov. 4, 1775; also, matross, Capt. John W. Edes' (4th) co., Col. Thomas Crafts' (artillery) reg., enl. May 20, 1776; roll made up to Nov. i, 1776.

Joseph Alley of Lynn ; sailor, brigantine " Rover," commtnded by Capt. Adam Wellman ; descriptive list of officers and crew, dated June 30, 1780; age, 22 yrs. ; stature, 5 ft., 6 in., complexion, dark.

Nathan Alley of Lynn; list of men who served as pirates at Concord battle and elsewhere, belonging to Lynn ; also, matross, Capt. Jonathan W. Edes' co.. Col. Thomas Crafts' (artillery) reg. ; abstract for advance pay dated July 23, 1776; also, gunner, Capt. Edes' (4th) co.. Col. Crafts' reg.; enl. May 20, 1776; roll made up to Nov. i, 1776.

Davis Allin of Beverly; return on men enl. in Continental Army from 3rd Beverly co., Essex co. reg., dated Feb. ^3> 1778; joined Capt. Fairchild's co.. Col. Wigglesworth reg. ; enl., 3 yrs.

Jacob Allin of Manchester; ist It., ship "Pilgrim," commanded by Capt. Joseph Robijison; descriptive list of officers and crew, dated Aug., 2, 1780; age, 28 yrs.; stature, 5 ft., 6 in.; complexion, light.

John Allin of Marblehead; seaman, ship " Pilgrim," commanded by Capt. Joseph Robinson ; descriptive list of officers and crew, dated Aug. 2, 1780; age, 29 yrs. ; stature, 5 ft., 8 in. ; complexion, light.

Richard Allin of Beverly ; seaman, ship ''Pilgrim," commanded by Capt. Joseph Robinson ; discriptive list of officers and crew, dated Aug. 2, 1780 ; age, 26 years ; stature, 5 ft., 2 in. ; complexion, light.

Ephraim Ally of Ipswich; list of men enl. from Essex co. for 9 mos. from the time of their arrival at Fishkill, July 31, 1778; returned by Brig.-gen. Jonathan Warner.

Christopher Alsworth of Salem; boy, brig "Prospect," commanded by Capt. Joseph Vesey; descriptive list of officers and crew, dated June 20, 1781 ; age, 14 yrs.; stature, 4 ft., 4 in.; complexion, dark ; occupation, cooper.

marched on alarm of April 19, 1775; service, 7 dys. ; also^ list of officers dated Cambridge, May 20, 1775 ; commissioned May 20, 1775 ; clIso, return of men in battle at Charlestown, dated Cambridge, June 19, 1775 ; also, co. return dated Oct. 6, 1775.

Burpee Ames of Rowley; priv., Lt. James Todd's co. ; service, 3 dys. ; marched to guard Gloucester Harbor and the brig "Nancy," brought in by Capt. Manley ; roll sworn to at Ipswich, Dec. 16, 1775 ; ^^^^1 Capt. Silas Adam's CO., Col. Titcomb's reg, ; service, 2 mos. ; roll dated June 29, 1777.

Joseph Ames of Newbury; priv., Capt. Thomas Noyes' co., which marched April 20, 1775, in response to alarm of April 19, 1 775, to Cambridge; service, 4 dys.

Prince Ames of Andover ; priv., Capt. Stephen Abbott's co., Col. Benjamin Tupper's (5th) reg. ; Continental Army pay accounts for service from Feb. 19, 1777, to Dec. 31, 1779; enl., 3 yrs. or during war ; also, Capt. Benjamin Farnum's CO., Col. Ebenezer Francis' reg. ; pay abstract for 49 dys.' rations from date of enl., Feb. 19, 1777, to time of arrival at Bennington; also, muster return dated Jan. 24, 1778; reported, on command with Col. Hay, at Albany ; also, Capt. Abbot's co. ; muster roll for March, 1779, dated West Point; reported, on command at the Lines ; also, Continental Army pay accounts for service from Jan. i, 1780, to Dec. 31, 1780; also, list of men in Capt. Emerson's co., loth reg. [year not given] ; also, Col. Tupper's (loth) reg. ; pay rolls made up for service from Jan. i, 1781, to Jan, i, alarm of April 19, 1775, to Cambridge; service, 3^ dys.; also, Capt. Benjamin Farnum's co., Col. James Frye's reg. ; co. return dated Cambridge, Oct. 6, 1775^ «/^^, order for bounty coat dated Cambridge, Nov. 13, 1775;^/$'^, list of men who received money from public treasury for losses in the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill; allowed by council June 13, 1776 ; also, Capt. Samuel Johnson's co., Col. Johnson's reg. ; enl. Aug. 14, i777,dis. Nov. 30, 1777 ; service, 4 mos., with Northern Army. Roll sworn to at Andover.

David Amory of Marblehead ; return of men enl. into Continental Army from Col. Jonathan Glover's (5th Essex co.) reg., dated Nov. 7, 1777 ; enl., 3 yrs.

Joseph Anabel of Wenham: priv., Capt. Richard Dodge's co., Col. Gerrish's (later Baldwin's) 26th reg. ; muster roll dated Aug. i, 1775; enl. June 24, 1775 ; service, 5 wks., 2 dys. ; also, return of men in camp at Chelsea, Sept. i, 1775 ; also, pay abstract for April, 1776.

Jacob Anable of Ipswich Hamlet; Capt. Richard Dodge's co.. Col. Loammi Baldwin's reg. ; return of men sick and absent Aug. 11, 1775 ; also, priv., Capt. Dodge's CO., Col. Gerrish's (later Baldwin's) 38th reg. ; co. return, dated Camp at Chelsea, Oct. 2, 1775 ; also, return for advance pay, etc., for Jan., 1776; also, pay abstracts for Feb. - June, 1776.

Joseph Anable of Ipswich ; priv., Capt. Richard Dodge's co.. Col. Loammi Baldwin's (38th) reg. ; return of men in service in Aug., 1775, dated Camp at Chel- sea ; also, Capt. Dodge's co., Col. Gerrish's (later Baldwin's) reg. ; co. return dated Camp at Chelsea, Oct. 2, 1775 ; also, list of men enl. by Capt. Dodge to serve in the new army, dated Chelsea, Dec. 16, 1775; also, pay abstracts for Jan. - June, 1776.

Joseph Anable of Amesbury ; priv., Capt. Moses Nowell's co., Col. Titcomb's reg.; enl. May 4, 1777; dis.July 4, 1777; service, 2 mos., 9 dys., on an alarm at Rhode Island ; marched to Providence, R. I.

Robert Anable, Jr., of Ipswich Hamlet; priv., Capt. Elisha Whitney's co., which marched May i, 1775, to Cambridge; service, 12 dys.; also, corp., Capt. Richard Dodge's co., Col. Loammi Baldwin's (26th) reg.; pay abstracts for Jan. - June, 1776; also, order for wages dated Wenham, March 12, 1777.

John Anderson of Cape Ann; master's mate, ship " Franklin," commanded by Capt. Allen Hallett ; descriptive list of officers and crew, dated Boston, June 20, 1781 ; age, 25 yrs. ; complexion, dark.

Jonathan Anderson of Salem ; seaman, ship " Pilgrim," commanded by Capt. Joseph Robinson; descriptive list of officers and crew, dated Aug. 2, 1780; age, 20 yrs. ; stature, 5 ft., i in, ; complexion, Hght.

on sentry duty ; also, corp., Capt. Dodge's CO., Col. Baldwin's reg.; pay abstracts for Feb. and April, 1776; also, pay abstracts for May and June, 1776, dated New York; also, Capt. Dodge's co., commanded by Lt. Cheever; return for mileage in 1776.

Robert Andress of Boxford; list of men raised for 6 mos. service and returned by Brig.-gen. Paterson as having passed muster, in a return dated Camp Totoway, Oct. 25, 1780.

117. Wanted, information of John Waldo, who came from Newfoundland to Salem, Mass., where he lost his life by falling into a well in November, 1762. Also, of his family. w. l.

118. Wanted, ancestry and place of birth of Samuel Bradford, who married Mary Taylor in Middleton, Mass., in 1743, and lived and died in Hillsborough, N. H.

119. Ipswich Soldiers, King Williams' and Queen Anne's Wars! Wanted, the military record, with captain's name and particulars of service, of " Sergeant " John Foster,3 (Reginald,^ Reginald'), 1664-1736, of Chebacco village, Ipswich, Mass., styled " sergeant " in inventory of estate, Essex records. Joseph foster.

37. Noah West married Abigail Blay, both of Newbury, Oct. 16, 1745. On the record of births in Newbury is recorded : "William Blay, son of Noah Blay and Abigail his wife, born January 21, 1746 " (probably 1746-7). This William Blay is undoubtedly WilHam Blay West, son of Noah West and Abigail Blay. Not being accustomed to writing middle names the town clerk wrote, inadvertantly probably, as the father's name, Blay instead of West. This is probably the William Blay West who lived in New Gloucester, Me. - Ed.

87. May 8, 1648, James Smith bought a large tract of land in Woolwich, Me., of Robin Hood, the Indian chief. He died in Woolwich about 1660. His widow Elizabeth married again, and in an Indian raid, in August, 1676, this second husband was killed, together with her son Samuel Smith, and the rest of the family were made prisioners. When liberated, two of the sons, James and Hazadiah, fled to Massachusetts, James settling in Salem Village and Hazadiah in Beverly. Hazadiah married Hannah Grover in 1684. She died in 175 1. Hazadiah is said to have been one of the early settlers of Falmouth, now Portland, Me., and that he came to Beverly in 1690. - Mary A. Parsons, Lynnfield Centre.

[Hazadiah Smith was bom about 1657. His mother's second husband was Richard Hammond, who was killed by the Indians in 1676 ; and she married again, to Capt. John Rawdon of the Sagadahoc militia. Hazadiah married Hannah, daughter of John and Sarah (Barney) Grover May 27, \(i%a,. - Ed.

Editorial

This number completes volume one of The Essex Antiquarian. There have been published the wills proved in Essex county before 1644; the gravestone inscriptions in the present town of Amesbury before 1800; the genealogies of families from Abbe to Acie, inclusive ; the record of the Essex county Revolutionary soldiers and sailors from Abaaham to Andrews; and abstracts of the old Norfolk county records to 1655. The publishers are gratified at the support given them in their endeavor to present a magazine of Essex county history and genealogy with some degree of completeness. They expect that the new year will produce even better results.

A Genealogical Account of the Spof- FORTH OR Spofford Family. By Ashworth P. Burke, Editor of the " Landed Gentry/' etc. London, 1897. This is a reprint from Burke's Family Records, and shows the English ancestry of the American Spoffords.

A Moses of the Mormons. Strang's City of Refuge and Island Kingdom. By Henry E. Legler. Milwaukee, 1897. This is one of the publications of the Parkman Club, whose purpose is the study of the history of the Northwest. This number contains 67 pages, and five illustrations.

The New Life of Virginia : Declaring the Former Success and Present Estate of that Plantation, being the Second Part of Nova Britannia. London, 161 2. This is the November number of the American Colonial Tracts. Pages, 20.

Chipmans in Maine. A Genealogy. By Alberto Lee Chipman. Sabbathday Lake, Me., 1897. Cloth; 12 mo.; pages, 44 ; with colored coat-of-arms. In this little book, Mr. Chipman gives the history and genealogy of the Chipmans that were identified with the early settlement of Bakerstown, now Poland, Me.

Contents

128, 141, 188. Abolitionists, The, 125. Aborn Genealogy, 161. Abraham Family, 174. Abram Family, 174. AciE Genealogy, 190. Amesbury Inscriptions:

Smock, 57. Muzzey, Robert, Will of, 159. Mysterious Land, The, 173. Nevill, William, Will of, 112. New England's Dead, 7. Nichols Homestead, Old, 53. Non-Importation Agreement, 149. Norfolk County, Old, Records of, 19, 49,

Present Church, 157. Merchantmen, The Last of The Old, i, Nichols Homestead, 53. Norfolk County, Old, Map of, 19. Peabody Grist-Mill, Topsfield, 103. Porter, Hathorne, i 19. Reel, Clock, 91.

Errata

Page 149, In "Non-Importation Agreement," seventh line, importers should read importation; and in third line from bottom impoiing should read imposing.

Essex county is the most historic coats-of-arms, gravestones, ancient furnicounty in America, and hundreds of ture, articles of domestic use, apparel, the United States and British Provinces The complete genealogies of the counhave been founded by its emigrants. Its ty are being published in full and in alsettlement began in 1623, and all the phabetical order down to the year 1800.

towns and cities were settled in that cen- This forms a complete genealogical dictury. The county comprises Amesbury, tionary of the county, and includes

Gloucester, Groveland, Hamilton, Haver- Dictionary, the probate records and orighill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, inal papers on file, the records of deeds, county and to render accessible records original records, with this end in view, which are unindexed and in private The early wills of the county are also to and dismissions from the churches, in the order of their probate, baptisms, births, marriages, deaths, in- The full official record of the service records and tax lists, town-meeting The records of old Norfolk county, records and tax lists, probate records and which existed from 1643 to 1679, ^"^ original wills and other papers on file, included all towns north of the Merrimac deeds^ civil and criminal court records, river at that period, are being published, proprietors' records, colonial, provincial The records consist of births, marriages, and state records. Revolutionary and deaths, deeds, wills, inventories, etc., and other soldiers' muster rolls, etc., Bible have been almost inaccessible and their records, account books, old letters, com- existence known but to few. The conmissions, interleaved almanacs, diaries, veyances are of lands in the present journals, etc. Seven-eighths of the public towns of Atkinson, Brentwood, Danrecords are not indexed, and none of ville. East Kingston, Epping, Exeter, them have complete indexes of names. Fremont, Hampstead, Hampton, Hamp- A vast amount of hidden historical and ton Falls, Kensington, Kingston, Newgenealogical material is thus brought into market, Newton, North Hampton, Plaisready use. tow. Rye, Salem, Seabrook, South tory, churches and old homesteads, of of Salem in Essex county, Massachusetts, early commerce, education and Indus- The gravestone inscriptions in the

The Well-Known Genealogist

Estey Family Notes, 14; 4to. ; Ms. i.oo Downing Family Notes, 21 ; 4to. ; Ms. ^i Tyler, Gardner, Trask, Clark, Osborn, Read, Dorman and Trumbull Families, 48, 4to., Ms. 5.00

Cross, Treadwell, Sears, Clark, Robie, Corliss, Perkins, Emery, Marston, Dennis, Batchelder, Sleeper, Elkins, Bracket, Langley, Boardman, Simmons, Greenleaf, Devereux, Norman, Maverick, Shaw, Sanborn, Hussey, Bodwell, Carr, Gerrish, Coffin and other Families, 125, 4to., Ms. 10.00 Putnam Family Notes, 15, 4to., Ms. i.oo Judd and other Family Notes, 20,

166, 150; 178,200. Bancroft Immigrants, 94. Bartholomew, Richard, Will of, 80. Beverages in the Old Days, 33. Bradstreet, Gov. Simon, 159. Burials, Our Fathers', 39. Byfield Parish Baptisms, i 709-1743, 51. Carthrick, Michael, Will of, 160. Cellar, The Old, 61. Chute, Lionell, Will of, 66. Comet, The, 75. Comets, Early, 75. Cooking, Early Methods of, 183. Fairfield, John, Will of, 175. Fountain Inn, Marblehead, 125. Georgetown, Centre of, in the Year 1800, 103. Goffe, John, Will of, 30. Gowing-Wellman Homestead, Lynnfield, 141. Hawes, Frances, Will of, 45. Home, The Old, 141.

One of the most interesting cases in criminal proceedings that ever occurred in Essex county is that of the Ames murder in the West parish of Boxford in the year 1769. The story of the murder and the trial of the accused is as follows.

On a knoll on the east side of a little brook running past the barn of Mr. A. S. Howe in Linebrook parish, Ipswich, and on the northerly side of the highway, are the remains of an ancient cellar. The house that stood there was probably gone before this century opened. A part of the cellar wall remains, and there yet survive some shrubs that grew in the yard. Here lived widow Ruth Perley with her family late in the year 1768. Her eldest child, Samuel, was then pastor of the church in Seabrook, N. H., and the rest of the six children were at home. Ruth, the elder daughter was twenty-one Oct. 29th. The family had lived there for many years.

Ruth was pretty and refined; and though her home was in the extreme western portion of the town of Ipswich, and in a sparsely settled region, she was early sought in marriage by Jonathan Ames of Boxford, a young man of affluent parents. They were married Dec. 19, 1768, by her brother, Rev. Samuel Perley.

Mr. Ames took his bride to the house of his parents in West Boxford, and lived there. The Ames house stood on the westerly side of the road running from " Captain Wood's corner " to the " peg factory," on a knoll by the edge of the present woods. The site is shown in the frontispiece, at its top, the bars being located in the cellar hole.

As has been the case in some instances since that early time, the mother-in-law was not in full sympathy with the young bride dwelling under her roof. The reason of this is probably as inexplicable as it has been in many similar cases.

Spring had hardly come when Mrs. Ames, senior, began to speak of Ruth as her son's housekeeper. Eventually, about the latter part of May a child was born to the newly-wedded couple.

On the morning of the fifth of June, one of the neighbors, Mrs. Kimball, called to see the young mother. She was met at the door by Mrs. Ames, senior, who, in reply to the request of Mrs. Kimball to see Ruth, objected, intimating that she was very ill, and had vomited and purged so much that it was disagreeable to enter the chamber. Notwithstanding, Mrs. Kimball entered the house and went into the sick chamber. She found that the room was clean and agreeable, and there appeared no signs of vomiting or purging. But Ruth was in deathly agony, with froth or phlegm exuding from her mouth. She was taken sick in that manner at about seven o'clock in the morning and died between eleven and twelve o'clock before noon. Mrs. Ames said she knew that Ruth would die as it was the same disorder that a certain Mrs. Chandler died with some years before, and that it "was as mortal as the plague ;" and that there would be another death soon, having reference to the baby. On laying out the body, livid spots, indicating poison, appeared on one of the arms of the deceased.

The Essex Antiquarian

The writer was informed many years ago by an aged lady, who was born and had always lived her almost centenary of years within a few rods of the Ames homestead, and personally knew many of the people who took a prominent part in the events that followed, that the funeral occurred soon after Ruth's death, that none of the neighbors were invited to it and that a clergyman from a neighboring town performed the burial service instead of Rev. John Gushing, pastor of the church, who was their nearest neighbor. The burial occurred in the old village cemetery, which is shown as it now appears in the middle section of the frontispiece.

Mrs. Kimball was suspicious that Ruth had been poisoned to death. She repeatedly told of what she had experienced at the Ames house and in the sick room. The peculiar attitude which Mrs. Ames assumed toward the deceased seemed to confirm the suspicion of poisoning, and that Mrs. Ames was at least cognizant of the crime. The matter of an accusation was not at first conceived, but about a month afterward the feeling against Mrs. Ames became so strong that a complaint signed by twenty-nine men, and consented to by the relatives of the deceased, was preferred to Henry Ingalls, Moses Dole and Abraham Choate, three coroners, for an inquisition upon the body, which had lain in the ground all that length of time.

The coroners thereupon summoned a jury of twenty-five (whose names are affixed to their report hereinafter given, Joseph Osgood being foreman), thirteen of whom were physicians ; and four other physicians were engaged to perform the autopsy.

'f' The inquest was opened on Monday, July loth, " when there assembled a promiscuous multitude of people." The court was held in the meeting-house, which stood on the easterly side of the "Sandy road" in the pasture in the rear of the old cemetery, a road, which can still be traced running from the meeting-house up the present wooded declivity to the cemetery, and from thence as it now exists to the parsonage on the ancient Andover road. The site of the meetinghouse, as it now appears, is shown in the frontispiece, at the bottom.

Rarely, if ever, has such a mass of people been seen in the parish, the meetinghouse being, as the current newspaper* said, " much thronged."

The court was opened with prayer. The coroners then gave the jury " their solemn charge." During these exercises the same newspaper account says, "there appeared not the least irregularity or disorder, but a solemn, silent sadness seemed to be fixed on the face of the gayest youth."

After the charge, the coroners, the jury and the spectators proceeded " with decency and good order," over the winding roadway up the hill to the old buryingground, where for five weeks had lain the body of the murdered girl.

The exhumation of the body was begun; and as it progressed the human mass surged around the grave so eagerly to see the whole of the operation that they were only kept from causing harm by being told that all should have an opportunity of seeing the remains.

An autopsy was made by the physicians; the jury heard their report and other testimony, and two days later the coroners and the jury made report of their inquisition as follows : -

"An Inquisition. Indented & taken at Boxford within the. s*^. County of Efsex, the Twelfth Day of July, in the Ninth year of our Sovereign Lord George, the third, by y« Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, defender of y® Faith, &c., before Henry Ingalls, Mofes Dole, & Abraham Choate, Gentlemen, Coroners for our S'^. Lord the King, with- in the County of Efsex afores^ upon the View of the Body of Ruth Earns Wife of Jon^ Ames Jur. then and there being Dead by the Oaths of Joseph Osgood, || Foreman, || Nehemiah Abbot, Amos Putnam, Enoch Sawyer Jun. Micajah Sawyer, James Brickett, Hale, Silas Miriam, Thomas Kitredge, Wallace Rust, Ephraim Davis, Simons Baker, Benj^ Muzzy, Ephraim Wales, Peter Osgood, Dan^ Spafford, Afa Perly, Benj". Berry, Nathan Wood, John Hale, Ephraim Fuller, Moody Bridges, Nathaniel Pearly, Oliver Peabody, Rich**. Peabody, Good and Lawful Men of the County of Efsex afores^, who being Charged and Sworn to enquire for our Lord the King, when, by what means, and how, the s**. Ruth Eames came to her Death, upon their Oaths do say, the s^. Ruth Eames on the fifth Day of June last in the morning Died of Felony (that is to say by Poison) given to her by l|al| Person or Persons to us unknown || which murder is against the Peace of our s^. Lord the King, his Crown and Dignity. In Witnefs whereof We the s**. Coroners, as well as the s**. Jurors to this Inquisition, have interchangeably put our Hands and Seals the Day and year abovesaid.

"Joseph Osgood [seal] Nehemiah Abbot [seal] Amos Putnam [seal] Enoch Sawyer jun*". [seal] Micajah Sawyer [seal] James Brickett [seal] William Hale [seal] Silas Merriam [seal] Tho^. Kittredge [seal] Wallis Ruft [seal] Symonds Baker [seal] Benj^. Muzzy [seal] Ephraim Davis [seal] Wales [seal] Peter Osgood [seal] Daniel Spaffard [seal] Asa Perley [seal] Benj*. Berry [seal] Nathan Wood [seal] John Hale [seal] Moody Bridges [seal] Ephraim Fuller [seal]

When it was found that no sufficient evidence could be adduced to connect either the husband of the murdered girl, or his mother, with the murder, then was demanded an exhibition of that almost forgotten "ordeal of touch," which has rarely been known in England in modem centuries, and, as the writer believes, never in New England, except in this instance.

The body being laid upon a table with a sheet over it, Jonathan and his mother were invited to prove their innocence by this gruesome test. The ancient practice was similar. The body was laid at length, covered only with a sheet of the purest white, in the dim and weird church, and the suspected party was invited to touch the neck of the deceased with the index-finger of the left hand, the superstition being that when the guilty hand touched the remains blood would issue, the whiteness of the sheet making it plainly visible, "pleading trumpet-tongued against the deep-damnation of her taking off."

These scenes were always awful, being rendered more so by the environment and the nervous tension of every one of the multitude that gazed with strained eyes and breathless upon the accused as he dared to either advance toward or retreat from the remains, either direction tending to confirm his guilt in the minds of the spectators until he finally passed the ordeal, which but few persons ever did.

In this instance, from fear, probably, not that they believed in the superstition, but were afraid that by some chance blood might flow, both refused.

The " examination gave great occasion to conclude that they were concerned in the poisoning," and on Tuesday, July 1 8, they were arrested and taken to Salem, where they were confined in the ancient jail where the persons accused of witchcraft were imprisoned many years before.

When the grand jury sat, Mrs. Ames was duly indicted as the principal, and Jonathan as accessory in the crime. Mrs. Ames' indictment was as follows : -

" The Jurors for the said Lord the King upon their Oath presented that Elizabeth Earns the wife of Jonathan Eams of Boxford in the said county of Efsex yeoman, on the fourth day of June last past, at Boxford aforesaid, in the county aforesaid, not having the fear of God in her heart, but feloniously, wickedly and of her malice aforethought intending and contriving with Poison to kill and murder one Ruth Eams, then and there being in the peace of God, and of the said Lord the King, did then & there with force and arms feloniously willfully and of her malice aforethought, mix and mingle a great quantity of white arfenic, being a deadly poison, in a certain quantity of Spermaceti fhe the said Elizabeth Eams, then and there well knowing the said white arsenic to be a deadly poison ; And that fhe the said Elizabeth Eams, there afterwards, to wit, on the same day, the poison aforesaid so mixed and mingled as aforesaid ; with force and arms feloniously willfully and of her malice aforethought, did offer and give to her the said Ruth Eams, to take, eat and Swallow down ; and that the s^. Ruth Eams, not knowing the poison aforesaid, to have been mixed and mingled as aforesaid, in the Spermaceti aforesaid, there afterward on the same day, by the procurement and persuasion of the said Elizabeth Eams, did take, eat and swallow down the said Poison, so mixed and mingled as aforesaid ; and thereupon the said Ruth Eams by the said poison, so, as aforesaid taken eaten & Swallowed down, then and there became sick and distempered in her body; and the said Ruth Eams of the poison aforesaid, and of the sicknefs and Distemper thereby occasioned, did languifh and languifhing did live from the said fourth day of June last, untill the fifth day of the same June, at Boxford aforesaid in the county aforesaid ; on which same fifth day of June, at

Boxford aforesaid in the county aforesaid, the said Ruth Eams died of the poison aforesaid and of the Sicknefs and distemper thereby occasioned as aforesaid ; and so the Jurors aforesaid upon their I|said|| Oath do say that the said Elizabeth Eams, in manner and form and by the means aforesaid, feloniously, willfully and of her malice aforethought, did poison kill and murder the said Ruth Eams against the peace of the s^. Lord the King his crown and dignity.

The superior court, in which the case would be tried, being about to sit in Salem, Jonathan's sister Elizabeth was arrested as an accessory to the murder, by Amos Mulliken, deputy sheriif, on November 9th, and lodged in the jail at Salem on the same day.

The court convened on the morning of Tuesday, the 14th, in the old court house that then stood in the middle of Washington street, opposite the Tabernacle church. The judges upon the bench were Benjamin Lynde, John Gushing, Peter Oliver and Edmund Trowbridge, and during the session they boarded with William Goodhue.

The jury impanelled to try the case consisted of Jonathan Orne of Salem, foreman, and John Gardner of Salem, William Bowden of Marblehead, Daniel Jacobs of Danvers, Thorndike Procter, jr., of Salem, William Becket of Salem, Richard Manning of Salem, Stephen Phillips of Marblehead, Thomas Grant of Marblehead, Theophilus Breed of Lynn, Mascol Williams of Salem, and Samuel Holton of Danvers.

The Ames Murder

years of age. In the trial of this case we can imagine the dignity and deliberation of his procedure, and the beaming of his intelligent face, which attracted so much attention when a few years later he became the man second in America to none but Washington.

The witnesses were summoned to present themselves at eight o'clock in the morning, and there was a host of them. There were Dr. Nathaniel Perkins and Dr. James Lloyd, both of Boston, Dr. Isaac Rand ofCharlestown, David George and Josiah George, both of Newburyport,* Rev. Samuel Pearley of Seabrook,t John Fowler of Ipswich, yeoman, Enoch Kimball, yeoman, John Chadwick, gentleman, and his wife Susannah, Prudence Tyler, singlewoman, Mehitable Tyler, wife of Gideon Tyler, Benjamin Porter, jr., yeoman, John Tyler and Jonathan Tyler (sons of Gideon Tyler), William Eiles, yeoman, Oliver Foster, yeoman, Jonathan Foster, gentleman, George Farnam, laborer, all of Boxford, Miriam Dole of Rowley, Joseph Manning, John Calfe, Ephraim Chadwick, Dr. Thomas Kittredge, Dr. Francis Hodgskins, Dr. John Manning, jr., Abraham How, yeoman, all of Ipswich, Elizabeth, wife of Richard Kimball, Dr. Moses Barker, Solomon Cole, yeoman, Daniel Long, yeoman, all of Andover, Sarah Estey of Middleton, spinster, Nathan Browne, gentleman, and Jonathan Cook, fisherman, both -of Salem, Aaron Wood, esq., and Amos Kimball, yeoman, both of Boxford, Dr. William Hale of Boxford, Dr. Macajah Sawyer and Dr. Enoch Sawyer, jr., both of Newburyport, Dr. Nehemiah Abbot of Andover, Lucy, wife of Abraham How, Ezekiel Potter, yeoman, and Martha Pearley, spinster, both of Ipswich, Dr. Ward Noyce of Andover, Moses Dole, yeoman, Daniel Spafford, gentleman, and Robert Cregg, yeoman, all of Rowley, Moses George of Newburyport, shipwright, Mary, wife of Isaac Blunt of Andover,

Sarah Porter, widow, and Dea. Thomas Chadwick, both of Boxford, John Barker of Andover, Dr. Henry Dow Banks of Haverhill, and Richard Dole and his wife Miriam of Boxford.

Mrs. Ames "was thereupon brought and set to the bar and arraigned and upon her arraignment pleaded not guilty and for trial put herself upon God and the country," - so runs the official record. The jury were then sworn to try the issue.

The trial began at nine o'clock ; and the substance of the evidence, according to the report of the case in the then current Essex Gazette^ was as follows : -

" That on a violent Sufpicion that the faid Ruth Fames, who died the Beginning of laft May, was poifoned, her Body, five Weeks after the Burial, was taken up; and a Number of Phyficians, fummoned on the Jury of Inqueft, on opening the fame, and finding a Subftance, which they believed to be Arfenick or Ratf bane, adhering to the Coats of the Stomach, were unanimoufly of Opinion, that fhe loft her Life by Poifon : That, to corroborate this Opinion, it appeared that one Mrs. Kimball went to fee the Deceafed the Morning before her Death, and on fignifying her Desire of going up Chamber, the Prifoner (who was Mother in Law to the faid Deceafed, and refided in the fame Houfe with her) made an Objection to it, intimating that her Daughter was very ill, and had vomited and purged fo much as to render it very difagreeable to enter the Chamber ; notwithftanding which, Mrs. Kimball went up, found (the Reverfe of what had been told her by the Prifoner) the Chamber clean and agreeable, and no Signs of vomiting or purging, but found the Deceafed almoft or quite in the Agonies of Death, with Froth or Phlegm iffuing out of her Mouth, and expired foon after, viz. between 1 1 and 12 o'Clock in the Forenoon, having been ill from about feven in the Morning : That before her Death, the Prifoner faid, fhe would certainly die, for her Diforder was the fame that one Mrs. Chandler died of fome

Years before, and was as mortal as the Plague ; and that there would be another Death in the Family foon (meaning an Infant which the Deceafed, its Mother, had lately fuckled) : That on laying out the Body, livid Spots, an Indication of Poifon, appeared on one of her Arms : That the Prifoner, when fhe was affured the Body would be dug up, expreffed much Concern, and faid fhe fhould not live a Month : That fince her Imprisonment, fhe has faid, fhe beUeved her Daughter was poifoned, and that her Son Jonathan (Hufband to the Deceafed) did it ; and afked whether fhe could not turn King's Evidence."

" By his Teftimony, it appeared, that, five or fix Days before his Wife died, his Mother told him, that fhe would deprive him of his Houfekeeper (as fhe called his Wife) if fhe did it by a Portion of Ratf bane ; and the Night before her Death, he faw his Mother give his Wife a Piece of Bread and Butter, with Ratlbane on it, as near as he could tell ; and faid that fince he has heard the Doctors tell what Ratfbane is, he is certain that it was that ; and that he cautioned his Wife againft taking it."

The trial continued through the short November day, and the dusk of evening found the court in session. Candles were lighted, and dimly dispelled the darkness of the ancient court room. Gloom must have settled on the prisoners, who knew not what the result of the trial might be, and the jury, too, could not have escaped from the feeling of awe that their duty that night must give or take a human life.

John Adams spoke first. With all the solemnity of the hour and the occasion, he urged the jury to give release to the prisoner. As the substance of his argument, he said that by the evidence it did not appear that Mrs*. Ames had been guilty of any ill behavior toward the deceased during their residence together in the same house ; that it was the opinion of physicians that it was very improbable, if not impossible, that arsenic should lie so long in the body, as it was said it did in that of the deceased, that is, from some time in the evening till seven o'clock in the morning, before it operated ; that the body, when taken up, was not putrefied in such a manner as it must have been had the deceased been poisoned ; and that the evidence of the prisoner's son, Jonathan Ames, was not to be relied on, as he had sworn before the coroner, at the time the body was taken up, that he had no knowledge of any one's poisoning his wife ; and now, in order to get clear himself, was so base as to give testimony which not only rendered him guilty of perjury, but had a direct tendency to take away the life of his own mother. In reply Jonathan Sewall said, in substance, that the deceased on the same day that she ate the bread and butter dined on a fish called shad, and in the evening following ate a hearty supper of the same kind of fish; which, together with the quantity of butter on the bread, with which, it was said the arsenic was mixed, and some Spermaceti which she took soon after, might very probably tend to delay the operation of the arsenic ; or, that which the prisoner gave the deceased, on the bread and butter, might have been salt, and that Jonathan was made to believe that it was ratsbane, as an artifice to render a discovery more difficult and perplexing, and that she in fact administered the arsenic the next morning ; that as to the body's not being putrefied as much as might be expected it was the opinion of physicians that so large a quantity of arsenic might be received into the stomach as to cause violent convulsions and contractions of the large and small orifices, which might bring on death before the poison had mixed with the blood, and therefore a speedy putrefaction, as in cases wherein the body swells, might not take place ; that the prisoner's son, Jonathan Ames, was a legal witness ; and that it could not be supposed that he would come into court, and, in a most solemn manner, swear to that which was false, when he must be convinced that his evidence would probably be the means of taking away the life of her who bore him.

Three of the judges, in summing up the evidence, were clear and explicit in declaring their opinion that the circumstances proved amounted to " a violent presumption " that the prisoner was guilty. The other judge was not so clear in his opinion and said that a doubt might arise concerning the prisoner's guilt from the judgment of the physicians in her favor. The case was then committed to the jury, and the court adjourned at two o'clock in the morning until nine o'clock.

At nine o'clock the court came in, the prisoner was placed at the bar, and the jury rendered their verdict which cleared the prisoner from the bands of the law at least. The record continues, " It is therefore considered by the court that the said Elizabeth Eames go without day."

"Upon the motion of John Adams Esq^ attorney to Jonathan Eams jun^. and Elizabeth Eams Jun^ who stand committed to his majesty's Goal in this county, viz The said Jonathan for the murder, and the said EHzabeth as being accessory to the murder of One Ruth Eams, be discharged the King's attorney not objecting -

The next spring, Jonathan Ames, senior, sold the farm, and the family removed to some place unknown to the people of the parish, being virtually exiled from all their old associations and homeland.

By George W. Pierce

" On the 7 th of October the American army was posted, their right wing resting on North river, and left extending on to Bemis Heights, Generals Nixon and Glover commanding right, Lincoln centre, and Morgan and Earned the left.

"The British army, with its left resting on the river, commanded by Phillips, their centre by Gen. Reidesel, and extreme right extending to the Heights, was commanded by Lord Balcarras, where he was strongly fortified. Their Hght troops were under the command of Gen. Eraser and Lord Auckland (Ackland) .

"About one o'clock of this day two signal guns were fired on the left of the British army, which indicated a movement. Our troops were immediately put under arms and the lines manned. At this juncture Generals Lincoln and Arnold rode with great speed towards the enemy's lines.

"While they were absent the picket guards on both sides were engaged near the river. In about half an hour Generals Lincoln and Arnold returned to headquarters, where many of the officers collected to hear the report. Gen. Gates standing at the door.

"Gen. Lincoln says, 'Gen. Gates, the firing at the river is merely a feint ; their object is your left; a strong force of 1500 men are marching, circuitously, to plant themselves on yonder height. That point must be defended, or your camp is in danger.' Gates repHed, '\ will send Morgan with his riflemen and Dearborn's infantry.' Arnold says, ' That is nothing ; you must send a strong force.' Gates replied, ' Gen. Arnold, I have nothing for you to do, you have no business here.' Arnold's reply was reproachful and severe. Gen. Lincoln says, *You must send a strong force to support Morgan and Dearborn, at least three regiments.'

"Two regiments from Gen. Larned's brigade and one from Gen. Nixon's were then ordered to that station, and to defend it at all hazards. Generals Lincoln and Arnold immediately left the encampment and proceeded to the enemy's lines. In a few minutes Capt. Furnival's company of artillery, in which I was a lieutenant, was ordered to march towards the fire, which had now opened upon our picket in front, the picket consisting of about 300 men. While we were marching, the whole line, up to our picket or front, was engaged. We advanced to a height of ground which brought the enemy in view, and opened our fire. But the enemy's guns, eight in number, and much heavier than ours, rendered our position untenable. We then advanced into the line of infantry. Here Lieut. McLane joined me. In our front there was a field of corn, in which the Hessians were secreted. On our advancing towards the cornfield a number of men rose and fired upon us. McLane was severely wounded. While I was removing him from the field the firing still continued without abatement.

" During this time a tremendous firing was heard on our left. We poured in on them our canister shot as fast as possible, and the whole line, from left to right, became engaged. The smoke was very dense, and no movements could be seen ; but as it arose our infantry appeared to be slowly retreating, and the Hessians slowly advancing, their officers urging them on with their hangers. * * *

" The troops continuing warmly engaged. Col. Johnson's regiment, coming up, threw in a heavy fire, and compelled the Hessians to retreat. Upon this we advanced with a shout of victory ; at the same time Auckland's corps gave way.

" We proceeded but a short distance before we came upon four pieces of brass cannon, closely surrounded by dead and dying; at a few yards further we came upon two more ; advancing a little further we were met by a fire from the British infantry, which proved very fatal to one

" The enemy advanced with a quick step, firing as they came on. In a short time they ceased firing and advanced upon us with trailed arms. At this juncture Arnold came up with Brooks' regiment and gave them a most deadly fire, which soon caused them to face about and retreat with a quicker step than they advanced."*

Walter Aaron was brought out of Ireland about 1680 and sold (aged seventeen years) for six years. - Essex County Court Files ^ Volume ^7, leaf 3'/.

Joseph Abbott of Marblehead, mariner, died before Feb. 7, 1791, when widow Elizabeth Abbot of Marblehead was appointed administratrix of his estate. - Probate records.

Isaac Allen, born at Manchester, Mass., Feb. 6, 1758; died there Sept. 26, 1841. He applied for a pension Aug. 14, 1832, when he was seventy- four years of age, residing at Manchester, and his pension was allowed for seventeen months' actual service as a private in the Massachusetts troops, Revolutionary war, and eight months' actual service as a seaman on the transport schooner " Endeavor," Revolutionary war. While in the Massachusetts troops he served a part of the time under Capt. Moses Hart and Col. Sargent.

*Colonel Samuel Johnson, born in North Andover, 1713; married Elizabeth Gage of Bradford ; was commissioned colonel of the 4th Regiment, Essex county militia, Feb. 14, 1776; in command of expedition against Mt. Independence and Ticonderoga, September, 1777, and in the action on Bemis Heights, Oct. 7th, 1777; present at Burgoyne's surrender; and representative to general court, 1777, 1778, and 1780. His eldest son, Capt. Samuel Johnson, and four other sons were also in service in the Revolution.

Acres Genealogy

Henry Acres^, the ancestor of the family in New England, was born about 1652. He lived in Newbury, Mass., where he married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Silver of Newbury, March 13, 1674. He died in 1705 ; and his wife in 1706.

Nathaniel Abbott married Mary, daughter of Manassah Trask, and widow of Solomon Cole, Oct. 17, 1780. She died May 25, 1840, aged eighty-seven. Children, born in Beverly : Nathaniel, born March 17, 1782; died Oct. 12, 1840; Ruth, born June 8, 1790. - Beverly town records.

Will Of Thomas Payne

The will of Thomas Payne of Salem, dated lo : 2 mo. : 1638, was proved in the Salem quarterly court - : 5 mo: 1644. The following copy is taken from the original instrument on file in the office of the clerk of courts at Salem, book I, leaf 23.

Touching the outward eftate & goods of this life god hath ben pleafed to lend me, I Thomas Payne doe in this my laft will & teftam^ thus bequeath them as followeth : ffirft unto my wife, I give my houfe I now live in, gardens & houcefitting with my two acre lotte with the pfitts accrewing therefrom during her life ; commending unto my Son Thomas the care of his mother, & the diligent improvem* ' of the fayd ground, to his mothers ufe ; during her life, in confideration whereof, he to have his dwelling with his mother, & II the II forth pte of the pfitts of the lott,& the third pte of the pfitts of the garden fo improued by him during the fayd terme of time. It, I give unto my wife the bedftead Beding & there appurtenances as they now ftand in the hall. Item I bequeath my pte of the Ship Mary- Anne of Salem, to be fold, & my debts to be payd, And the refidue of the monies with the reft of my goods to be devided as foUoweth. Item I giue Thomas my Son my Loomes & Slaies with there appurtenances concerning his trade of a weaver. Item I give the (^ Thomas one Coffer wch was his grandfathers. Item I give unto my three Sons my ten Acre lott & my one Acre of meddow to be equally fhared amongft them. Item concerning the refidue of the monies arifing from my pte in the Shipp, & the reft of my goods I bequeath them to be valued reafonably, & equaley devided to my wife & my Children, my wife to haue the choife of the firft pte excepted : & my Children to fhare in the reft as their ptes fall, pvided alwaies & referved out of the fayd goods one fetherbed lying on the trundle bed with coverlett & blankett, one bolfter & pillow, w^^ I give & bequeath unto mary my daughter Item I giue my houfe wherein my wife fhould live, with the goods remaining of hers, to be fold after her deceafe, & the monies to be equally divided amongft my children. It my mill left in the hands of Henery Blomfeild my kinfman, I bequeath to be fold, & the monies thereof returned into my executor's hand, & so to be equally divided to my wife & children. Item I Constitute & appoynt Thomas my Son executo^. to this my will & m^. John fiske of Salem Suprevifor, in witnes wherof I have heereunto fett my hand&feale the 10*^ of this p^^fent 2^ month in the yeere 1638.

Union Cemetery

The word " Daee," in the inscription of Rev. Elisha OdUn, on the same page, should be "Space." The footstone reads : " The Rev*^. M^ Elisha Odlin. Gift to the memory of the Deceased."

For most people these rough stones have Httle of interest. They may pause in momentary curiosity as they pass by and vainly attempt to decipher a mosscovered legend here and there. But to those who have eyes to see, and can "read between the lines," these old fields are fine indeed to roam in fancy-free. - -^oAn Howard Harvey , Amesbury.

Joseph Merry (his I mark) of Hampton, carpenter, for staves, etc., to be paid to Thomas Macy at £xeter, conveys to Jn°. Robison his dwelling house and 25 acres of land near the falls river, bounded by Mr. Stanian and Robert Tuck, 4 : 3 mo: 1655. Wit: Christopher Hussie and Willi : Swain, his W mark. Ack. before Christopher Hussie and Anthony Stanian, commissioners of Hampton, 4 : 3 mo: 1655.

Mr. Samuell Dudley and Lt. Robert Pike, being chosen by Jfi^. Severans and william ffuller to arbitrate between them about a meadow, make an award 5 : 8 mo : 1655. Jn°. Severans is to procure a bill of sale of the meadow from Henry Ambross.

Henry Mondey gave a deed of gift of his house, land, etc., Aug. 3, 1655, in which he omitted to add his right of commonage in Salisbury, which he now adds, to his nephew Phillip Wollidg, Aug. 27, 1655. Wit: Daniell Peirce and Robert Pike. Execution proved by oath of the witnesses before Tho : Bradbury and Richard Wells, commissioners of Salisbury, 17:11 mo: 1655.

Mr. Henry Monday of Salisbury, gent, conveys to his nephew Phillip Wollidg of Salisbury, planter, all my housing and lands in Salisbury, viz : one dwelling house ; one great barn ; 4 acres of land, bounded by John Sanders, John Ralfe and the green; 16 acres on highway to hoghouse meadows ; 6 acres in said meadows; 10 acres of meadow, bounded by Mr. Tho : Dummer, Lt. Robert Pike and Mr. Winsley; 60 acres of upland, bounded by the great pond, west of Pawwaus river ; 40 acres of upland on the plain by Mr. Batt's hill, bounded by Mr. Willi: Worcester and Mr. Batt; 10 acres of upland on the neck ; 5 acres of meadow by the pond ; 5 acres of salt marsh next the beach, bounded by Mr. Sam : Hall and Jn^. Bayly; 5 acres in the great meadow; my salt marsh in y® comon division towards Hampton, bounded by Jn°. Hoyt and Willi : Partridg ; 2 acres of salt marsh near foxes island in y® hoghouse marshes ; my sweepage on the beach comon, being 9 acres and 24 rods, lying between the sweepage of Andrew Grelie and Tho : Carter ; upland I bought of Jn^. Sanders ; meadow bought of Georg Goldwier by the great pond ; and my cattle, etc., Aug. 23, 1655. Wit: Samuell Hall, Tho : Bradbury and Danill Pierce. Ack. before Tho : Bradbury, commissioner of Salisbury, Aug. 24, 1655.

Jarrett Haddon (his h mark) of Salisbury, planter, conveys to Sam : ffelloes of Salisbury, planter, my dwelling house and 8 acres of land in Salisbury, bounded by Anthony Coleby, Josiah Cobham, the street, highway to the ferry, Enoch Greenleiff, John Ayers, sen., highway to the mill, and great swamp, April 5, 1644. Wit: Tho: Bradbury and Jn^. Severans. Ack. before Robert Pike and Josiah Cobham, commissioners of Salisbury, 28 : 4 : 1652.

George Martyn (his M mark) of Salisbury, blacksmith, bought of John Severans the right of commonage belonging to John Coles of Salisbury, in 1643, and conveyed it to Jn^. Maxfeild2 2 : i : 1654. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Mary Bradbury

Richard Currrier of Salisbury, planter, conveyed to Willi : Osgood of Salisbury, millwright, two acres of meadow in Salisbury, bounded by Mr. Willi : Hooke, etc., 2 : imo : 1653. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Tristram Coifyn, sen. Ack. by Richard Currier and his wife Ann before Tho : Bradbury and Tristram Coffyn, sen., commissioners of Salisbury.

Willi: Osgood (his W O mark) of Salisbury, millwright, conveyed to Tristram Coffyn, jun., of Newbury, tailor, two acres of meadow in Salisbury in a meadow belonging to Andrew Greely, bounded by Willi: Hook's farm, etc., 18: 11 : 1655. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Will : Sargent. Ack. by Willi : Osgood and his wife Elizabeth before Tho : Bradbury and Trist Coffyn, sen., commissioners of Salisbury, 18 : II : 1655.

Robert Ring of Salisbury, planter, conveyed to Tristram Coffyn, jun., of Newbury, tailor, 6 acres of meadow sometime of Mr. ffrancis Doue in Salisbury in Mr. Hooke's range of y® hoghouse farm, Dec. I, 1655. Wit: Tho: Bradbury and William Browne. Ack. by Robert Ring and his wife Elizabeth Ring before Tho : Bradbury and Tristram Coffyn, sen., commissioners of Salisbury, 18 : 11 :

;^ 14, conveyed to Tristram Coffyn, jun., of Newbury, tailor, four acres of meadow in Salisbury, which I bought of John ffuUer sometime inhabitant of Salisbury, *'Dec. I, 1655. Wit : Tho : Bradbury and Willi : Browne. Ack. by Robert Ring and his wife Elizabeth before Tho : Bradbury and Tristram Coffyn, sen., commissioners of Salisbury.

Samuell Winsley of Salisbury discharged Willi : ffifeild of Hampton of all indebtedness April 10, 1656. Wit : Tho : Whelewrite and Jn** Redman. Ack. in court at Salisbury April 10, 1656.

utrix. He devises land, house, etc., he bought in Haverhill to his eldest son John Dow (under age), who is to pay his (John's) brothers Thomas (the second son) and Steven, and his two sisters Mary and Martha. All the children are

Inventory of estate of Tho : Done. Phebe Dow, ex'x. Real, ;£ 52 loi-. ; personal, £ 43 Q)S.; total, £ 95 19^. Appraised by John I Eaton, James ^. Davis, sen., and Theo : Shatswell.

Henry Ambross of Boston, house-carpenter, conveyed to Mr. Thomas Bradbury and John Stevens, both of Salisbury, planters, with the consent of my wife Susanah, ten acres of meadow, bounded by Mr. WilU : Worcester and Richard Wells, great neck, and little river; and six acres of salt marsh in Salisbury, bounded by Mr. Worcester, Jn^. Ilsley and Jn^. Eaton, both lots in Salisbury, Jan. 15, 1654. Wit: The marke of I Tho : Jones and Richard Ormsbey. Ack. before Tho Wiggin 23 : 3 : 1656.

Sam : Winsley of Salisbury, sen., discharged ffifeild of Hampton from debt April 10, 1656. Wit : Tho : Wheelwrite and Jn*^. Redman. Ack. in court at Salisbury April 10, 1656.

Will of WilHam Estow of Hampton, dated 16 : 8 : 1655. Bequeaths to my son-in-law morris Hobbs and my daughter Sarah " my houle wherin hee dwelleth and the Lott " with two shares of cowcommons and one of the ox-common ; also, one acre of salt marsh. To my two daughters a lot of land. Sarah to have the south side toward Christopher Palmer's. To my daughter Mary one share of the cow-common. To my two daughters, twelve acres of meadow ; also, twelve acres of upland in the mill field and swamp at its end, Sarah's to He on the west side. To my daughter Mary, eight acres of salt marsh. To my daughter Sarah nine acres. To my daughter Sarah Hobbs four oxen and two cows (" w^^ is old gentle & blackifh"). To my grandson John Hobbs, who has a sister Sarah. To my daughter MaryMarston. To the children of Willi : Moulton. To my son-in-law Tho : Marston. Wit : Abraha : Pirkins and Willi : Moulton. Proved in court at SaHsbury 8 : 2 mo : 1656.

Inventory of estate of Willi Estow, late dec'd, given to his daughter Mary Marston, real and personal. £ 60 7^. ; to his daughter Sarah Hobbs, real and personal,