Settlement of Salisbury

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SETTLEMENT OF SALISBURY

From the "Records of Massachusetts," we find that, on petition of "Mr. Bradstreete, Mr. Dudley Jr., Capt. Dennison, Mr. Clarke of Newbury, Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. Battye (Batt), Mr. Batter, Mr. Winsley, Hen: Bilye, Giles Firman, Richard Kent, and John Sanders,"^[1] permission "to begin a plantation at Merrimack" was granted them, Sept. 6, 1638, with power to add to their number. The plantation was named "Colechester," Sept. 4, 1639; name changed to "Salsbury," Oct. 7, 1640.
On the Salisbury records is found the following entry:

"1639, the third month.
"At a meeting at merrimack of Mr Simone Bradstreet, Mr Samuell Dudly, Mr Danniell Dennisonn, Christopher Batt, Samuell Winsley, John Sanders:
"It was ordered that there shall be 2 divisions of Meadow, the one nerrer, the other farther, the nerrest shall haue fower Acres to Each 100h(Ł), the other left to farther Consideration.
"It was further ordered that vpland for planting lotts shall be divided so as he that hath vnder 50h shall haue 4 Acres, and he that hath aboue 50h to 150h shall haue 6 Acres, and all aboue shall haue 4 Acres to Euerie 100h.
"Allso, it was ordered that all lotts granted to singlemen are on Conditon that they shall inhabit here before the 6 of may next, and such as haue families that they shall inhabitt here before the last of october next."

The last clause strictly means October, 1639, though October of the next year may have been intended. The date of the "first division" of land is not given; but there are grants to four persons dated 1639, and many are dated 1640. The "first division" was therefore, in 1639, though some subsequent ones may have been recorded among the "first." The time of recording the grants, in their present form, is indicated by the vote, April 14, 1643, that all grants of land given by the "Towne of Salsbery" shall be recorded in the new book by the last of June next, allowing the clerk a penny for every grant so recorded, and 6d for the copy of every man's particular grants, together.
The following is a copy of a paper found in the Massachusetts archives, Boston, without date, but indexed under 1639. The use of the name "Colchester" places the date of the original record between September, 1639, and October, 1640, unless the new settlement used the name before it was authorized by the General Court. The Salisbury records have the name "Merrimack" in May, 1639. The Boston copy must have been made after October, 1640, as it uses the name "Salisbury":

"The names of those yt have lotts & proportions granted pr the Toune of Colchester in the first division

Mr. Sam: Dudley
Mr Willj Hooke
Mr Willj Worcester
Mr Christopher Batt
Mr Sam: Winsley
Mr Henry Biley
John Sanders
Mr Francis Doue
Jno Rolfe
Mr Tho: Dummer
Mr Henry Monday George Carr
Mr Tho. Bradbury
Jno Harrison
Mr John Hodges
Abra: Morrell
^[2]Jno Fullar
Phili.Challis
Luke Heard
Josiah Cobbet
Jarret Haddon
Anthony Colby
John Bayly Sen John Stephens
John Seuerans
Robert Pike
Robt Ring
Richard Singleterry
Tho Macy
Tho. Hauxwell
Jno Clifford
John Eyres
Roger Eastman
Anthony Sadler
Fittz
Rowell
Widdow Browne

"This is A true copie of the originall list taken out of the old book of Reccords for Salisbury as Attests.²

"Vera copia Atest THO. BRADBURY rec.
EDWARD RAWSON Secrety"

It is difficult to reconcile the above list with the following taken from the Salisbury records. On the Salisbury records, Carr, Morrill, Macy, Fitts, wid. Christian Brown, and perhaps Rowell, are not mentioned as participating in the "first division,"³ though they all received land in 1640, and Macy in 1639. On the other hand, Allen, John Bayly, Jr., Barnard, Barnes, Buswell, Carter, Clough, Dickison,French, Goodale, Greenlead, S. Hall, Hoyt, Ilsley, Ladd, Moyce, North, Parker, Partridge, and Wells are all given on the Salisbury records as receiving land in the "first division." John Clifford appears on the earlier list of thirty-seven, but not on the later list of sixty-nine. Lewis Hulett does not appear on either list, though Merrill assigns him a house lot in 1639, and his name appears later.
There is, perhaps, a geographical significance in the Boston list of thirty-seven. By referring to Merrill's map, History of Amesbury, it will be seen that all these lots were located on the "circular road," except those of Fuller, Macy, Rowell, and Brown. The list looks as if Fitts, Rowell, and Brown were added later, and wid. Brown may have first had the lot of her son Henry Brown on the "circular road." Macy's lot is given on the "road to the neck." This leaves only Fuller's lot on the straight piece of "beach road," and that lot is represented as lying some distance to the north of the road. It seems probable that the first lots laid out were all on the "circular road," except, perhaps, those of Fuller and Macy, and they either located away from others, or afterwards exchanged lots for those represented on the map. Later, in the same year, perhaps, the straight "beach road" connecting the two branches of the "circular road" was laid out, and most of the new comers were located on that road. The exceptions were John Bayly, Jr., who located next to his father, I. Buswell (probably not W. Buswell, as Merrill gives it,), and Ladd on the "circular road;" French, Partridge and Wells on the "road to the neck," with Macy. All the above, over fifty persons, who probably recived lots within a few weeks or months of each other, were placed on the new Salisbury book in 1643 as having part in the "first division."

FIRST SETTLERS OF SALISBURY

The following is an exact copy of the original entries on the first leaf of one of the town's books of ancient records. It is evidently designed for an index to the records of land grants, the numbers referring to the pages where such grants are recorded, one page being originally assigned to each person. The marks of reference and note are added by us.

"1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32	Mr: Sam: Dudly Mr: Willi Worcester Mr: Francis Doue Mr: Henry Bile^[4] John Eaton sen: Edward French Richard Wells John Ralfe John Sanders Isack Buswell John Severance Tho: Bradbvry John Hodges Josiah Cobbitt^[4] Jarrett Haddon John Bayly Sen Henry Browne Anthony Sadler Roger Eastman John Stevens Robert Fitts Mr: Sam: Hall John Hoyt Willi Holdred Robert Ringe Tho: Barnet John Elsly Willi: Allen Willi: Barnes Richard North Abraham Morrell Willi Osgood	Mr: Willi: Hooke Mr: John Hall Mr: Sam: Winslei Mr: Christopher Batt Robert Pike Willi Patridg Mr: Tho: Dumer Mr: Henry Munday George Carr Samuell Fellowes Willi: Sargeant John Harison Phillip Challice Luke Heard Anthony Coleby John Bayly Jun Christian Browne Richard Singletary Tho: Hauxworth John Ayres Sen: Tho: Rowell John Dickison John Clough Daniell: Lad: John Fuller: Tho: Carter Enock Greneleif Richard Goodale Richard Currier Joseph Moyce Andrew Grelei Ralfe Blesdale	33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64
NOTE: Nearly all of these received lots in the "first division," and all owned land in Salisbury previous to 1643. John Clifford and Lewis Hulett should be added, making 71 persons.		Robert Codman John Wheler Tho: Macie Josepth Parker John Coles	65 66 67 68 69

SALISBURY COMMONERS, 1650

The following extract is also copied from the Salisbury records:

"3d (12th) mo
1650 Also att ye same meeting it was ordered yt all whose names are here under written, shalbe accompted townesmen & Comoners, & none butt them, to this prsent, that is to say:

Mr. Willi Worcester
Rob: Pike
Willi Partridg
Rich: Wells
Mr Christopher Batt
Willi Buswell
Jno: Gill
Rich Singletary
Jno: Stevens
Jno: Dickison
Tho: Carter
Richard: Goodale
Richard North
Willi: Huntington
Tho: Rowell
Tho: Macy
Phillip Challice
Josiah Cobham
Mr Francis Doue
Joseph Moyce
Richard Coy^[5] Georg: Goldwyer
Jno: Coles
Jno: Ralfe
Jno Ilsley
Mr Saml: Winsley
Tho: Bradbury
Saml: Getchell
Stephen Flanders
Rob: Fitts
Willi Browne
Rodg: Eastman
Mr Saml: Hall
Abraham: Morrill
Mr Georg Carr
Jarrett Haddon
Jno Weed
Ant: Colebie
Tho: Barnett
Georg Martin
Jno: Sanders^[5]
Rich: Ball
Rich: Goodale Jvn
Mr Saml: Groom Jno: Eaton
Edward French
Mr Henry Monde
Andrew Greely
Isack Buswell
Jno Severance
Saml: Felloes
Mary Hauxworth
Jno Clough
Henry Browne
Willi Allin
Willi Barnes
Mr Willi: Hooke
Jno Bayly Sen
Vallent: Rowell
Rich: Currier
Willi: Sargent
Jno Hoyt
Willi: Osgood
Henry Ambrosse^[5]
Ant: Newland
Widdow Blesdale^[6]"

SALISBURY RATE, 1650.

"Mr Wosters rate for 30ls: the 25: of December 1650

	Ł	s	d	Ś		Ł	s	d
John Bayly		12	6	Ś	Rich: Currier		4	6
Willi: Huntington		3	5	Ś	Georg Martyn		3	6
Jarret Haddon		6	10	Ś	Jno: Hoyt		6	6
Tho: Rowell		6	8	Ś	Antony Colby		13	2
Josiah Cobham		8	5	Ś	Will: Osgood		14	8
Will: Sargent		7	4	Ś	Jno: Clough		9	5
Phillip Challis		7	6	Ś	Rodg: Eastman		8	3
Jno. Weed		4	6	Ś	Jno. Dickison		8	4
Valentine Rowell		4	6	Ś	Henry Brown		7	4
Tho. Barnett		5	10	Ś	Willi: Allin		11	6
Tho. Macy		15	8	Ś	Georg Carr		16	6
Tho. Carter		8	6	Ś	Rich: Wells	0	10	0
Sam: Hall		17	2	Ś	Nathll: Winsley	0	4	11
Robt. Ring		1	11	Ś	Sam: Winsley	0	4	9
Robt. Pike		10	8	Ś	Mr. Tho: Bradbury	0	13	4
Jno: Cole		8	6	Ś	Isaac Buswell	0	10	6
Willi: Partridg		10	0	Ś	Wm. Buswell	0	7	0
Willi: Barnes		12	6	Ś	Sam: Buswell	0	6	0
Georg Golduyer		18	3	Ś	Jno: Severans	0	8	2
Jno. Eaton		7	8	Ś	Jno: Gill	0	06	5
Jno: Rolf	1	00	5	Ś	Sam: Getchell		4	6
Mr. Moodey (Mondey)	1	9	4	Ś	Sam: Felloes		9	0
Abraha Morrill	0	19	2	Ś	Rich Singletary		7	6
Rich: North	0	10	4	Ś	Steven Flanders		3	9
Rich: Goodale	0	14	0	Ś	Bell Willix		4	7
Edward French	1	2	0	Ś	Jno: Stevens		11	5
Joseph Moys	00	4	0	Ś	Rob: Fitts		11	3
Mr. Hooke	0	10	1	Ś	Widdow Sadler		2	8
Jno: Illsley	0	11	10	Ś	Mr. Batt	1	03	0
Andrew Greely	0	6	0	Ś	He(nry) Blasdall		6	10"
Mr. Sam: Winsley	0	11	0	Ś

SALISBURY RATE, 1652

"A rate made 18th 5th mo. 52 for his halfe year due 24:4:mo

	Ł	s	d	Ś		Ł	s	d
Edward French	1	00	04	Ś	Willi: Osgood	0	17	04
Leift: Pike	1	10	00	Ś	Willi: Allin	0	12	03
Georg Goldwyer	0	15	03	Ś	Henry Brown	0	6	09
Jno: Eaton	0	4	7	Ś	Thomas Carter	0	05	10
Wm: Partridg	0	19	8	Ś	Mr. Hall	1	02	02
Jno: Rolfe	0	17	3	Ś	Mr. Hooke	0	03	04
Mr. Monday	1	03	08	Ś	Rich: Goodale Senr	0	10	02
Jno. Ilsly	0	08	05	Ś	Rich: Goodale Jr.	0	03	07
Andrew Greely	0	07	03	Ś	Rich: North	0	07	11
Josiah Cobham	0	12	00	Ś	Rich: Ormsby	0	12	06
Sam: Winsley Senr	0	09	00	Ś	Mr. Carr	0	15	07
Isaac Buswell	0	11	00	Ś	Mr. Coffyn	0	12	01
Willi: Buswell	0	7	08	Ś	Jno: Coles	0	04	10
Mr. Bradbury	0	17	06	Ś	Mr. Rusels	0	01	06
Jno: Severans	0	12	11	Ś	Sam: Winsley Senr (Jr)	0	05	04
Jno: Gill	0	06	06	Ś	Nathll Winsley	0	03	08
Sam: Felloes	0	07	07	Ś	Barnabas Lams(on)	0	02	06
Sam: Buswell	0	06	06	Ś	Joseph French	0	04	04
Rich: Wells	0	07	08	Ś	Robert Ring	0	04	09
Rodg: Eastman	0	06	10	Ś	Tho: Rolenson	0	02	10
Jno: Stevens	0	06	09	Ś	Widow Hawxworth	0	04	06
Robt. Fitts	0	09	07	Ś	Jo: Moys	0	04	06
Jno. Clough	0	12	02	Ś	Edmond Elliot	0	02	06
Jno. Dickson	0	08	07	Ś	Jno: Wheler	0	01	06
Sam: Getchell	0	03	05	Ś	Jno: Bayly	0	01	06
Steven Flanders	0	02	11	Ś	Jno: Maxfeild	0	02	06
Willi: Brown	0	05	00	Ś	Sum	23	01	10"

FIRST SETTLERS OF AMESBURY

On the Amesbury records we find, dated March 19, 1654-5, the following list of the "present inhabitanc and comenors heare in the new towne."

"Richard Currier
George Marting
John Hoyt
Philip Chalice
Thomas Macy
William Huntington
John Bayly
Henry Blasdale
John Colby

William Barnes
Vallentine Rowel
Thomas Barnard
Anthony Colby
John Weed
Jarret Haddon
Edward Cottle
(Orlando Bagly)⁷
William Sargent"

After the above date, but previous to 1663, the following individuals also received grants of land: Joseph Peasly, James George, Nathan Gold, Samuel Foot, Walter Tayler, Robert Quinby, Edmund Elliot, Samuel Colby, William Osgood, and John Hoyt, Jr.
On a petition of the inhabitants of Salisbury new town, May 9, 1658 (Court files, Boston), we find seventeen names, the same that were given in 1654-5, except that John Bayly and Orlando Bagly are omitted, and Nathan Gould is added.

SIGNATURES TO ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT

Between the Inhabitants of the Old Town and those of the New Town MAY 1, 1654⁸

Willi Allin⁹(A),
Thomas Barnard,
William Barnes,⁹
John Bayly
Henry Blasdel,
Tho. Bradbury
Henry Browe,
William Browne,
Isack Buswel,⁹
Tho: Macy,
George Martyn⁹ (M),
Henry Mondey,
Joseph Moyce,⁹
Richard North,⁹

William Busswell,
Tho: Carter⁹ (T),
Phillip Challis,
Ant Collby,
Edward Cottle,⁹
Rich: Courrier,
Rodger Eastman,⁹
John Eaton,
Saml. Fellowes,⁹
Willi: Osgood⁹ (WO),
Jno Ralfe⁹ (R),
Rob Ring,
Vall Rowell⁹,
William Sargent,

Robbert Fits,
Steven Flanders,
Edward French,
Sam Getchel,⁹
Richard Goodale,
Georg Gouldwyer,⁹
Jarrett Hadden,⁹
Jno Hoyt⁹ (H),
Willi: Huntington,⁹
John Severence,
Jno Stevens⁹,
John Weed,
Sam Winsley, Sinyr
(41 names)

DIVISION OF LAND, SALISBURY, 1654

Willi: Allen
Tho: Barnerd
Willi Barnes
Jno: Bayly
Hen: Blesdale
Mr. Tho: Bradbury
Hen: Brown
Willi: Brown
Isaac Buswell
Will: Buswell
Mr: Carr
Tho: Carter
Phill: Challis
Jno: Clough
Josi: Cobham
Ant: Coleby
Jno: Coles
Edward Cottle
Richard Currier
Jno. Dickison
Rodg. Eastman

Jno: Eaton
Edmond Elliott
Sam: Felloes
Abraham Fitts
Rob: Fitts
Steven Flanders
Edward French
John French
Josepth French
Sam: Getchell
Jno Gill
Rich: Goodale Senr
Rich: Goodale Jun
Georg Gouldwyer
An: Greely
Jarrett Haddon
Sam: Hall
Ms. Hooke
Jno: Hoyt
Willi Huntington
Jno: Ilsley

Tho: Macy
George Martyn
Mr: Monde
Abra: Morrill
Jos. Moyce
Rich: North
Willi: Osgood
Will: Partridg
Leift: Pike
Jno: Ralfe
Rob: Ring
Vall: Rowell
Willi: Sargeant
Jno: Severans
Jno: Stevens
Jno: Weed
Rich: Wells
Widdow Willix
Mr: Sam: Winsley
Mr: Worcester
(62 names)

Sixty names, the same as the above, omitting Abraham Fitts and John French, are found when the town divided the mowing of beach lots, March, 1653-4. The above spelling is mainly that of the beach lot list.

ADDITONAL NAMES, SALISBURY, 1659

Seventy-six names appear on the "Contry Rate" in 1659, including, besides most of those previously given, the following:

Sam. Buswell
Mr. Coffyn
John Collby
Corne Conner
Jo: Fletcher
Nathan Gold
Ed. Gove

Jno. Hoyt Jr.
Ben: Kimball
Jno. Maxfield
Rich. Ormsby
Joseph Peasley
Jno. Pressie
Rob. Quenby

Leif. Remington
Sam. Robins
Tho. Rolenson
Morris Tucker
Jno: Woodin
Sam. Worcester

On lists of lots in Salisbury in 1661 are the following names of persons who were then probably dead or non-resident: Henry Ambros, John Ayer Sen., Christopher Batt, Josiah Cobham, Francis Doue, Mr. Dumer, Enoch Greenleaf, Goodman Harrison, John Hodges, Lewis Hulet, Joseph Parker, Daniel Peirce, and perhaps others. The case of Robert Ring against the town of Salisbury, involving the rights of non-resident commoners, was then pending in the courts.

SALISBURY PETITIONS OF 1658

In the Massachusetts archives are found two petitions about church matters, both dated May 19, 1658, on which appear the following names of inhabitants of Salisbury:

Will: Allin
Will: Barnes
Tho: Barnett
Henry Blesdale
Tho: Bradbury^[10]
Henry Browne
Will: Browne
Isack Buswell
Sam. Busswell
Wm. Buswell
Tho: Carter
Phillip Challis
John Clough
Tristram Coffin
John Cole
Anthony Collby
Jno Coleby
Ed: Cottell

Jno Dickison
Roger Eastman^[10]
Jno Eaton
Ed: Elliott
Samuell Fellowes
Robert Fitts
Steven Flanders
Edward French
John French
Samuel French
Sam. Getchell
Joh Gill
Richard Goodale Sen
Ed: Goue
Andrew Greely
Jarett Haddon
Jno Hoyt
John Ilsly
Benjamin Kimball

Tho: Macy
Georg Marten
Jno Maxfeild
Abraham Morrill
Joseph Moyce
Richard North
Will: Osgood
Robert Pike
Robert Ring
Tho: Rolenson
John Rolfe
Valentine Rowell
John Severans
Jno Stevens^[10]
Joseph Stevens
Richard Wells
Sam. Winsley
Jno Woodin

PURCHASE OF MR. HALL'S FARM

Samuel Hall sold to the town of Salisbury, in 1657, his farm of 100 acres, "lying towards Hampton," which he bought of Samuel Dudley. On the Salisbury records, under date of 1665-6, and on the files of the Supreme Court, Boston, under date of 1674, we find lists of

"Names of those that paid ye purchase of Mr. Hall's farm, with
each man's proportion," and "The no. of the lots in
Mr. Hall's farm belonging to each person."

Lot No.			Lot No.
48 20 26 40 11 15 38 12 34 2 47 25 7 22 13 46 8 31 6 21 5 19 36 10 27	Willi: Allin Mr Bradbury Tho: Bradbury Jun^[11] Henry Brown Wm: Brown Isac Buswell Samll: Buswell Wm. Buswell Mr: Carr Tho: Carter Jno: Clough Josiah Cobham Jno: Cole Jno: Dickison Rodger Eastman Jno: Eaton Edmond Elliot Samll Felloes Robert Fitts Steven Flanders Edw: French Joseph French Samll: Getchell Jno: Gill Geo. Goldwyer Rich: Goodale Sen Rich: Goodale jun	01=18= 2 3=01= 6 1=02=11 0=11= 8 2=00=10 0=17= 1 1=13= 5 2=05= 7 1=00=11 2=05=10 0=10= 2 0=04=10 1=10= 0 1=13= 7 1=03= 4 1=06= 8 1=08= 1 0=18= 3 0=08= 7 3=00= 0 0=14=10 0=08= 6 1=00= 0 1=04= 4 1=03= 1 1=19= 8	35 44 16 37 14 24 30 29 28 42 3 32 43 18 17 9 41 45 4 33 23 39 1	Edw: Goue Andrew Grele Phillip Griffin Mr Hooke Jn Ilsly Jno: Lewis Jno: Maxfeild Abraha: Morrill Widow Morrill Joseph Moys Rich: North Rich: Ormsby Wm Osgood Danll: Peirce Sen Lt. Robert Pike Robt: Ring Jno Rolfe Jno: Severans Anthony Stanian Jno: Stevens Jno: Stevens Jun^[11] Henry True Rich: Wells Widdow Willix Mr Winsley Jno: Woodin Mr Worcester	0=16= 4 1=00=10 0=03= 7 1=06= 7 1=07= 6 0=00= 6 0=07=10 1=04= 7 0=03= 8 0=09= 3 0=07= 9 3=19= 4 1=00= 4 3=11= 8 0=08= 0 1=16= 5 0=13=11 0=03= 2 1=18= 3 0=08=10 0=05=10 1=03= 1 0=07= 1 0=16= 2 0=00=10 1=10=03

There are two lists, the first containing 53 names, with the tax of each person; the second, 48 names, with the number of each person's lot. The order of names in the two is entirely different, except that Mr. Worcester heads both lists. The two are here combined, and the arrangement made alphabetic. Where the spelling of the two differs, the first, or tax list is followed. On the second, or lot list, are "John Coles," "old Moys," "Capt. Pike," "Mr. Stanian," and Samll: Winsley." The names "Capt. Pike" and "Widow Morrill" imply that the second list was written at a later date than the first. Abraham Morrill died in 1662, and his widow married Thomas Mudgett in 1665.

SEPARATION OF AMESBURY FROM SALISBURY

According to the agreement of 1654, the new town was to be formally separated from the old when it could secure and maintain a minister. Unsuccessful efforts were made in 1660 to obtain Mr. Shubael Dummer, and in 1665 to obtain Mr. Showell, Mr. Woodbridge, and Capt. Robert Pike, to serve the new town as minister. In 1666 the new town the new town was incorporated by the General Court. The town voted to adopt the name Amesbury in 1667, and the name was confirmed by the General Court in 1668. Mr. Benjamin Woodbridge served as minister for two or three years, 1666-69. Mr. Hubberd,^[12] or Hoberd, of Kittery, was minister, 1669-72. Rev. Thomas Wells, the first settled pastor, began his pastorate of sixty-two years in 1672 or'3.
Between 1654 and the formal separation, the two towns were distinct in matters pertaining to land, and some other town affairs; but the inhabitants of Amesbury were expected to attend divine service in the old town, and support its minister. This they often declined to do, and held meetings of their own, under the lead of Peasley, Macy, and others, for which they were fined.^[13]

AMESBURY COMMONERS IN 1667-8 ^[14]

Feb. 18, 1667-8, four sets of lots, 25 in each set, were drawn by the following persons:

Thomas Barnard, Sen.
Thomas Barnard, Jr.
William Barnes
Henry Blaisdell
Lt. Philip Challis
John Colby
Isaac Colby
Edward Cottell

Richard Currier
Edmund Elliott
Samuel Foot
James George
Nathan Gould
Jerrard Hadden
John Hoyt, Sen
John Hoyt, Jr.
William Huntington

Robert Jones
George Martin
William Osgood
Robert Quenby
Widow Rowell
William Sargent
John Weed
Goody Whitteridge

Salisbury seems to have had about twice as many inhabitants as Amesbury, soon after the formal separation, say in 1670.

Amesbury Meeting-house Seats, July, 1667

All the men in the above list of commoners^[15]:

Joh Barber
Thomas Fowler
James Freese
Edward Goodwin
William Hoyt
John Huntington
Thomas Nichols

John Pressy
Thomas Rowell
Thomas Sargent
Ezekiel Worthen
Goodwife Barnard
Goodwife Barnes
Goodwife Challis

Goodwife Currier
Goodwife Gould
Goodwife Jones
Goodwife Martin
Goodwife Osgood
Goodwife Weed

   Forty-two seats, as given by Merrill, and probably a few more, including all the principal men and a few women.
   The list of thirty-six "voters and commoners" at the incorporation of Amesbury in 1666, as given in Merrill's History, is evidently intended to include all who had been voters from 1654 to 1666. Isaac Colby should perhaps be included, as he had not then removed to Haverhill. Samuel Colby was probably a resident of Haverhill in 1666. Anthony Colby had been dead six years, and his widow was the "Goody Whitteridge" mentioned among the lot-owners. Thomas Macy removed to Nantucket in 1659. Valentine Rowell died in 1662, and his widow is named among the lot-owners. Joseph Peasley Sen. died in 1660. Joseph Peasley Jr. was not of age in 1666. He was granted a "township" in Amesbury in 1660, but lived in Haverhill after he became of age. Thomas Currier was hardly of age, but was granted a "township" in 1666. The name Orlando Bagley does not appear on the list of seats or lots; nor have we seen it, on any original document, save one, as of Amesbury, prior to 1677. Probably Orlando[2] then took the oath of allegiance. John Bailey Sen. died in 1651, and his son John Jr. was a resident of Newbury in 1666. It is doubtful whether George Carr Jr. was a "voter and commoner" in Amesbury in 1666, though he was in 1670, or earlier. Thomas Haynes received grants of land in Amesbury in 1661, '66, and '75, and took the oath there in 1677, but his name is not on Merrill's list of "thirty-sex," nor on the above lists of commoners and meeting-house seats.
   The absence of Walter Taylor's name from the above lists of commoners and meeting-house seats is noticeable. He was made a "commoner" in 1659, received land in Amesbury in that year and in 1662, and was probably of Amesbury in 1680 and at his death, in 1686-7. His name appears somewhat frequently on the court records for "using cursing speeches" and other offences. He may have pursuied his calling as a "shipwright" in various places. Edward Goodwin and William Hackett were granted common rights, and John Nash (Nash) and Thomas Nicholas were made townsmen in Amesbury in 1667, and are properly excluded from Merrill's list of "thirty-six."

SALISBURY PETITION, 1677^[16]

In the Massachusetts archives, Boston, is found a petition of "members of the church and inhabitants of the town of Salisbury," which contains the following names:

"Householders" of Salisbury

William Allen Sen
John Allen
Benj. Allen^[17]
Abra Brown
Ephra. Browne
Nathll Browne
Philip Browne
William Carr
John Clough Sen
John Clough Jr

Benjamin Collens
Cornelius Conner
Benj. Estman
Nathll Estman
Steven Flanders Sen.
Steven Flanders Jur
Joseph Flecher
Andrew Grely
Nathll Griffen

George Hews
Thomas Hoyt
Jacob Morrell
Thomas Mugget
William Osgood Senr
Onesiphorus Page
Robt. Ring
Joseph Treu
Morris Tucker

"Brethren of ye Church."

Philip Chalis
William Barnes
Jaret Hadn
Thomas Barnerd

Richard Currier
William Browne
Henry Browne
Henry Treu

Samell French
Thomas Rolenson
John Eaton
Roger Estman

NOTE. We have made the order of names of householders alphabetic, for convenience of reference. Thomas "Mugget" heads the original. The church members are given in the original order. The first five were old men living in Amesbury; the other seven lived in Salisbury.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, EAMSBERY,^[18]

Dec. 20, 1677. Old Norfolk Co. Records, Salem

John Ash
Orlando Bagly
Jno Barnard
Tho: Barnard
Eben: Blasdall
Hen: Blasdall
John Collby
Samll Collby
Tho: Collby
Francis Davis
Samll Davis
Edmond Elliott
Jno: Elliott
Jno: Foot
Samll: Foot
Tho: Fowler
Tho: Frame
James Freez

James Georg
Josuah Goldsmith
Richd Goodwyn
Nathan Gould
Samll: Hadley
John Harvey
Tho: Harvey
Tho: Heynes
Jno: Hoyt Jvn:
Willi: Hoyt
Edwd: Hunt
Will: Hvntington
Jno Jemson
John Kimball
Jos: Lankaster
Joseph Large
George Martyn
Richard Martyn

Tho: Nicklls
Jno Pressie
Jno Prouse
Willi: Quenby
Robert Rawlins
Phillip Rowell
Tho: Rowell
Tho: Sargent
Wm Sargent
Will: Scammon
Tho: Stevens
Henry Teuxbery
Esekiel Wathen
Georg: Weed
Jno: Weed S:
John Weed: I:
Samll Weed

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE AND FIDELITY, SALISBURY,^[18]

Dec., 1677--May, 1678. Old Norfolk Co. Records, Salem.

Jerimie Allin
John Allin
William Allin jun
Henry Ambross
Jno: Bradbury
Mr William Bradbury
Abraham Brown
Henry Brown jun
Isaac Buswell jun
Mr Georg Carr Jun
James Carr
Richard Carr
John Carter
Cornelius Conner
John Clough Jun
Tho: Clough
John Dickison
Robt Downer

Benjamin Easman
John Easman
Joseph Easman
Nathll: Easman
Samll Easman
Joseph Eaton
Samll: Eaton
Tho: Eaton
Samll: Fellowes Jun
John French Jun
Joseph French J:
Symond French
Moses Gill
Samll: Gill
Richard Goodale
Isaac Green
Andrew Grele Jun
Joseph Grele
Phill: Grele

Jno Griffyn
Mr Willi: Hooke
Tho Hoyt
Abraham Morrill
Jacob: Morrill
Joseph Norton
Abraham Noulton
Jno: Osgood
Willi: Osgood
Onesiphorus Page
Moses Pike
Robt Pike jun
Richd Smith
Benjamin Stevens
Mr Jno: Stockman
Joseph True
Morris Tucker
Nathll: Winsley

NORFOLK COUNTY PETITION OF 1680.

In the Massachusetts archivesis a petition respecting Norfolk County, on which appear the following names:

Salisbury Names

Benjamin Allin
William: Allen: Ser
Henry Ambrose
Tho: Bradbury
Ephram Brown
Henry Browne Senr
Philip Brown
Willm Browne
Will Carr
Samuell Carter
John Clough Senr
John Clough: Jun
Samll Clough:
Thomas Clough
Thomas Clough
Cornelius Connor
Robertt Downer

Nathl: Estman
Roger Estman
John Eaton Senr;
John Eaton Jur
Tho: Eaton
John Flanders
Philip Flanders
Steven Flanders: Senr:
Joseph Flecher
Samll Fowler Senr
Samll Gatchell: Senr:
John (Gemsene?)
Samuell Gill
Phillip Grelee
Nathanell Griffing
William Hackett
Thomas Hoyt

John Ilsley
Richard Long
Isack Morrell
Jacob Morell
John Osgood
Willm Osgood Senr
Moses: Pike
Robertt Pike Junr
Robart Ring
Tho Rowlenson
Richard Smith
Benjamen Steuens
John Steuens Senr
John Stevens J:
John Stockman
Henry True
Joseph True

Amesbury Names.

John Barnard
Thomas Barnrd
Will Barnes
Robrt Beetle
George Carre Juner
John Coleby
Richrd: Currir:
Thomas Currir:
Edmon Elliott
John Foot
Samll: Foot
Thomas Fowler
Thomas Freame
James George

Nathan Gold
Joshua Gouldsmith
Gerhard Hadden
Thomas Harvey
Thomas Haynes
John Hoyt Sen:
John Hoyt Junr
John Huntington
Will: Huntington
Robert Jones
Joseph Lankestr
George Martin
John Martinn

Richrd Martin
Thomas Nicols
Will: Osgood Senr
Phhilip Rowell
Thomas Rowell
Will Sammon
Thomas Sargent
Walter Taylor
Henry Tuxeberry
Ezekiell Wathen
John Weed Senr
Samll: Weed
Domingoe White

Will Osgood Sen. appears on both lists. John Jameson (Gimson) seems to have been living in Amesbury in 1680, but his name here appears to be with Salisbury men.

AMESBURY TRAINING BAND

Petition to the General Court, May, 1680

The Amesbury "Training band," being without "an officer to conduct & instruct them in military exercises," the following persons signed a petition that "our well respected and esteen Friend Samll Foot, our late Sergeant & chieffe officer," "be or Lieftena'tt." They state that they consider him the most suitable person for the place, as they "have experienced or observed his faculty in Military discipline."

"Philip Watson Challis, Freeman
Will Barns, Freeman
Richrd Currier, Freeman
Gerhard Hadden, Freeman
John Hoyt Senr, Freeman
Thos. Wells, Freeman

John Weed Senr
Thomas Nicols
Thomas Sargeant
Thomas Rowell
Thomas Harvey
Richrd Martin
John Coleby
John Prowse
Ezekiel Wathen
Will Jones
Will Martinn
Joseph Lankester
Philip Rowell
Joseph Large
Will Sargentt
Joseph Lovejoy
John Foot
Samll Weed
John Harvey
Henry Blaisdell
Samll Mercer
Orlando Bagley
Robert Rawlins
John Kemball

Henry Tuxeberry
Joshua Gouldsmith
Ebenezer Blaisdell
Will Hoyt
John Weed
Thomas Stevens
Thomas Freame
John Elliott
John Hoyt Junr
Will: Sammon
John Pressee
Samll Hadley
Abell Pilsbury
Edwrd Huntt
John Gimson
Richrd Goodwin
Fraunciss Daviss
George Carr
Thomas Hayns
George Weed
Will. Challis
Will: Quinby
Henry Blaisdell Senr

Apprtaining to the
souldierye of ye
training band

Edmond Elliott

Dat: Amsbury: 10:
3: mo: 1680

"We do empower leftent. Georg. Browne to deliver this to the Cort and to prosecute

William Barnes
Philip Challis
Jaritt Haden

"Selectmen of the towne of Amesbury"

NOTE: The petition, p. 23 [Amesbury Training Band above], is from Hist. Gen. Reg., 1864, p. 76. The spelling has been changed in a few cases, only, where there are evidently errors in copying or printing that might prevent the recognition of the names.
The "Freemen," except Rev. Thomas Wells, were original settlers of both Salisbury and Amesbury, now old men, and doubtless "free" from training. Challis had been Lieutenant of the Salisbury company, and was appointed Lieutenant of the Amesbury company in June, 1680. John Hoyt, Sen., had been Sergeant.

AMESBURY SNOW-SHOE MEN OF 1708

"Almsburey desember ye 23! 1708!

"To:
Colanall Thomas noyes Sir in obedance to your warant baring dat ye 6! of this enstant desembere we have taken a vew of our armes amonison and snow hose (shoes) magsons and find them genralye well fixed sir I am your honars most humbl sarvt.

THO: HARVEY Capt:

"Ye snoshoe men of Almsbury

"Joseph davese
william fowler
Thos Sargnt
John martone
John Challes
william Currier
John bagley
Ephram weed
John Kimball
Tho. Colbey; iunr [junr]
(Benon)ey Tucker
( ) Stevens
(Tristr)am barnard
(Samue)ll gold
Samuell barnard
Samuell Stevens
Charls Sargnt

Robart hoyt
John hunt
gorg wathen
frances gorge
Samuell Colbey
Ephram blasdell
John nickels
henerey Rusell
Joseph Sargnt
henerey blasdell
william harvey
william presey
Tho: Colbey: senr
Isaac Colbey: iunr [junr]
Richard goodwing-1
Joseph busall
Ebenezerr blasdell

Samuell huntenton
Samuell Clough
Samuell goodwing
John Colbey
Richard Currier
nathaniel weed
Thomas weed-2
Joseph Kimball
Thomas Chales
Jeremiah fowler
Jacob Rowell
Thomas hoyt
Samuell Silver-3
Samuell hadley-4
Joseph prechet
John foot
Tho: harvey"

From N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg. 1896, p. 341.

LETTER WRITTEN IN 1706

Relating to Indian Massacre in Amesbury.¹⁹

July 4=1706

"Capt True Salesbury
"Sr about one of the clock the Indions killd natt wees (Weed's) wife and 3 children one of them dead the other 2 mortalley wounded att the same time Robrt Hoyts wife killd a child missing and a boy of thoms hoyts killd John Ash killd. barnes prounce missing we fear killd all att one time as neer as wee Judg

yours
JOHN WADLEIGH Capt

"Sr pray send a party of men I think It a good way to go out this knight we think to be 30 Indions"

The sheet, about 7 1/2 by 6 inches, is folded to 3 by 1 1/2 inches, with this written upon the outside:

"Hast to Cap True"

SALISBURY SOLDIERS IN 1710

"A List of ye men imprest for her majesties seruice July ye 5th 1710 it being one half of ye Company of malitia of Salisbury in the field:

"Corpll Hen True
Judah Hackett
John Steuens Jr
Amoss Page
John Stockman
John merrell
Abram: morrell
John Eaton
Eben Hackett
Jerimy Quinby X
Jacob morrell
Nathll Osgood X
Willm Hackett
Joseph French
Willm Buswell
Willm Clarke X
Abram Watson
John yong X
Hen yong X
John Grely
Ed French Ji
Jacob Hooke
Danll gill X
Ed French Sr
Sefrus Page (Onesiphorus)
Jona Clough
Rubin Whicher
Benone Clough

an order to Lt: Steuens
or to Sergnt Bradbury
to giue notice to ye men
to march forthwith wth
Capt Eaton: by order of Colo
noyes

Juda hackett
John Eaton
Eben Hackett
Jery Quinby
Tim french
Hen Yong
Ben True
Danll gill
Jacob morrell
Caleb Clough

the aboue..to go
with Capt Eaton
by order of Colo noyes
october 17th: 1710

"To Sergnt Tho Bradbury of Salisbury this is to desier & Impouer you to take the Care & Conduct of ye men aboue named & forthwith according to order to march them to Exeter to reli... the distressed who are at this time in danger by ye Enimy & be very Kerfull of your self & men in your march giuen vnder my hand in Salisbury this fifth day of July in ye Eight yere of her miesstes reign Annoque Domini 1710

HENRY TRUE Cap"

Upon the back of the original paper, which as been preserved by the True family, is written:

"The men that went to Exeter 1710 July 5th."

Footnotes

[1] It will be seen that, of the twelve original petitioners and grantees, only five (Dudley, Batt, Winsley, Biley, and Sanders) received land and settled in Salisbury. Four of the twelve, Simon Bradstreet, Rev. Samuel Dudley, Daniel Denison, and Rev. John Woodbridge, belonged to the family of Gov. Thomas Dudley. Three of the others, Christopher Batt, Edmund Batter, and Henry Biley, were closely related, and all three came from Salisbury, Eng. Batter lived in Salem, Mass. Rev. Samuel Dudley afterwards married a sister of Henry Biley. Dr. Johnn Clark, Rev. John Woodbridge, and Richard Kent, lived in Newbury, at that time. Giles Firman was of Boston, Ipswich, and Haverhill, returned to England about 1644, a physician and clergyman. Five or more of the twelve were from Wiltshire, Eng.--(N.E. Hist. Gen. Reg., 1866 and 1871.) Return
[2] It is worthy of note that nearly one-third of the above received the title Mr. A letter or symbol of some kind is prefixed to "Jno Fullar." Return
[3] They all, doubtless, received land in the "first division," but may have failed to pay for recording their grants in the "new book." Return
[4] Written Bylie and Codham on the pages referred to. Return
[5] In the Hist. Gen. Register, Jan., 1849, p. 56, these three were marked as "disallowed for being townsmen and Comoners." The "Rates" for 1650 and 1652 are from that number of the Hist. Gen. Register. Return
[6] This name is added with different ink. Return
[7] The name of Orlando Bagly is on the original "Macy book," but not on the official records, nor on any list of land grants. Return
[8] The date, March 14, 1654, is also given. Return
[9] Those thus designated made their marks, or initial letters. The others are apparently signatures on the original document, in the Masssachusetts archives, Boston. The names are there appended without any attempt at definite arrangement. The name of Tho. Bradbury stands first. We have arranged the names alphabetically. We fail to find among the signatures the names of the following: George Carr, John Clough, Josiah Cobham, John Cole, John Dickison, Edmund Elliot, John Gill, Andrew Greely, John Ilsley, Abraham Morrill, Robert Pike, Thomas Rowlandson, Dea. Richard Wells, Rev. William Worcester, and some younger men, all of whom we suppose to have been residents at that time, though three or four of them may possibly have been residing elsewhere in 1654. Samuel Hall was probably in England at that time. The Amesbury commoners all signed, except Orlando Bagly and John Colby, the latter a young man, whose father signed. Return
[10] Names on both petitions. Return
[11] Tho. Bradbury Jun. and Jno. Stevens Jr. are connected by a brace, with a joint tax of 0=08=10. As Mr. Bradbury immediately precedes them, perhaps the brace should connect the two Bradburys, with, a joint tax of 3=01=6. Return
[12] Perhaps Rev. Jeremiah Hobart, or Hubbard, b. ab. 1630 or '32, who grad. H. C. [Harvard College] 1650, was called from Lynn to Wells in 1667, but remained there only a few months. He was the son of Rev. Peter Hobart of Hingham, and brother of Rev. Joshua Hobart. Rev. Jer. Hobart was ordained and settled in Topsfield, Mass., Oct., 1672; settled in Hempstead, L. I., in 1683, and in Haddam, Ct., in 1691. He d. in 1715. Return
[13] As early as 1642, the town of Salisbury ordered that thirty families should remove to the west side of the Powow river (Amesbury) before May, 1645. In 1649, the inhabitants of the new town were unsuccessful in their petition to the General Court for "exemption from rates to the ministry of the old town," that they might sustain the ministry among themselves; and in 1658 they were again refused when they petitioned that they might be a distinct town. Return
[14] Supreme Court files, Boston, and Amesbury records. There were a few other owners of land in Amesbury at that time, as will appear from the preceding and following paragraphs. John Bailey, Samuel Colby, Thomas Haynes, Thomas Macy, Joseph Peasley, and Walter Taylor had owned land in Amesbury, and some of them probably still retained ownership, even if non-resident. Thomas Currier, John Nash (Ash), William Hackett, and most of the young men named on the list of meeting-house seats, either owned land and town rights in 1667, or acquired them soon after that date.
Persons might own land, obtained by purchase, without being "commoners." The "commoners" were the owners of all common or undivided land, and entitled to shares in any new division of that land. This point seems to have been involved in the suit of Robert Ring against the town of Salisbury. The term "townsman" seems to have meant a legally recognized inhabitant, entitled to participate in town affairs. He was generally a "commoner," also. "Township" was sometimes used in Amesbury to indicate prospective rights. Fathers were granted "townships" for their minor sons, and for their daughters, if they had no sons, thus conferring rights on the future husbands of those daughters. Return
[15] John Colby's name does not appear in Merrill's list of meeting-house seats, History of Amesbury; but he is probably one of the "few more," lost by the defacing of the original record. Return
[16] It must be remembered that the absence of a name in the case of a petition proves nothing, except that the person did not sign. In tax lists the case is different, though errors and omissions are common, even there. Return
[17] Benj. Allen "not a householder, but free and pays rates." Return
[18] The spelling of the names has been retained, but the order has been changed, to make the arragement alphabetic. Return
[19] An imperfect copy of this letter was published by the compiler of this volume in the Amesbury Villager, Jan. 26, 1882. Since that time he has received the original from P. A. True, Salisbury. The only important error in the Villager copy is that Barnes Prowse is there incorrectly printed. Pike's Journal gives a brief account of the same massacre. Return

SOURCE: The Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury, David W. Hoyt, Vol. I, 1897; pages 7-26
Retyped and reformatted by Kathy Leigh, April 15, 2002.

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Settlement of Salisbury, Massachusetts
Created April 15, 2002
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