Ernest L. Ferrin, at left, holds Shorty while his grandsons, Darrell, Jerry & Brent Ferrin, sit on the horse's back; their father, Wendel, is at right in the photo. Taken on the Ferrin farm near Wilmore, Comanche County, Ks, 1961.Darrell, Jerry & Brent are 9th generation descendants of Captain Jonathan Farren of Amesbury, Massachusetts, & Newton, New Hampshire (circa 1697 to 5 May 1770.)
The line of descent is as follows: Wendel Gene Ferrin 8, Ernest Leroy Ferrin 7, Loren Ferrin 6, Rueben Ferrin 5, Zebulon Ferrin 4, Zebulon Ferrin 3, Zebulon Farren 2, Jonathan Farren 1.
Also see: Capt. Jonathan Farren's Farms in Massachusetts and New Hampshire
Introduction The following chronology consists of excerpts from a "A Chronology of the Life and Times of Jonathan Farren", which is an expanded version of a chronology researched and compiled by James E. Shaw in 1993 for The Ferrin Family Newsletter . In 1994, George G. Gleason of Hampton, NH, began researching for the FFN in local libraries and archives and found a tremendous amount of information, including a number of original documents signed by Jonathan Farren and many of the Newton and South Hampton town records reproduced here.
The following documents are copied as exactly as possible from the source documents, including the imaginative spelling, the erratic capitalization and punctuation used therein. In some cases, the transcription of a document in this chronology was made from a copy of the original holographic document by James E. Shaw, George Gleason or me. Most often, though, the following documents are copied from a typeset version of the original document by an unknown transcriber. Thus, the documents you see on your screen are at least one or two removes from the original document, and there are bound to be occasional errors in the transcriber's interpretation of the original handwriting as well as in the typography. In general, though, this presentation of these documents will give you an accurate impression of the appearance and content of the original source material.
Don't suppose that the writers of these documents were "poor spellers" or ignorant in any sense of the word; keep in mind that the majority of these documents were written before the first dictionary of the English language, which was published in 1760 and codified spelling for the first time. Instead of focusing on the unconventional spelling, pay attention to the extensive vocabulary used by the writers: these New Hampshire farmers weren't "simple farmers" by any stretch of the imagination.
Writers of the period used a form of abbreviation wherein the first few letters of the word would be written, then the final letter would be appended in superscript. When you're looking at the original holography, it makes sense and is perfectly understandable; though it makes less sense when you see the word reproduced in typescript as it was originally written - this, by way of explanation, is why you'll see words such as Gentleman rendered in the following documents as Gentmn. Another common abbreviation of this sort you'll see in the following documents is the use of Sd to represent Said.
Many of these documents were originally written by people who used the Anglo-Saxon "thorn", which represents the "th" sound and resembles a "Y", in their writing. The thorn was used along with the form of abbreviation where only the last letter or the last few letters were appended to the first part of the word in superscript. Thus, you'll see the rendered as Ye, that as Yt, these as Yese and so on. A reader of the time would have pronounced these words, respectively, as the, that, and these, if reading them aloud.
An understanding of the archaic letter formations and writing conventions in 18th century holography is also important to reading and transcribing documents of the time. However, as it isn't a direct concern for understanding the following chronology, I won't discuss it here but will provide a link at the bottom of this page for those who'd like to learn more about it.
As for how names are written in the following documents, you'll see that the spellings used for any given surname vary a great deal. Apparently, even individuals would use different spellings of their surname at different times. In some cases, the use of a variant spelling can be attributed to the preference of the scribe writing or copying the name. Therefore, if you are looking for references to a particular person or family in these documents, be alert to possible variant spellings of the surname, as you'll probably find at least a few.
You'll also see some signatures on documents written thusly: " Samuel X Goodwin his mark"; what this means is that the person was probably illiterate and had someone else sign his name to a petition and then "made his mark" to indicate that the signature was made for him. This brings up another point about transcription: the person or persons who transcribed the Newton & South Hampton petitions and town records were apparently not consistent in indicating whether a person signed a document with a mark or by actually signing their name. Note that some people who "signed with a mark" in some transcribed documents are not noted as "signing with a mark" on others. Probably that person signed both documents with a mark and the only difference is that the transcriber didn't choose to note it in a particular transcription.
For perspective on the social and political issues of concern in the following documents, I highly recommend Peaceable Kingdoms: New England Towns in the Eighteenth Century by Michael Zuckerman, Vintage Books, 1972. For a fascinating look at intergenerational relations and the social position, obligations and privileges of the elderly in colonial New Hampshire, see Growing Old in America by David Hackett Fischer, Oxford University Press, 1977.
I'm very interested in corresponding with people who have information on Jonathan Farren's life, especially before 1719, or who are researching original records in the Newton, Merrimac or Amesbury area.
However, please DO NOT email me with questions about genealogy for the individuals or families listed in these documents! Instead, consult the primary sources, which are: Joseph Merrill's History of Amesbury and Hoyt's Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury . The land which is today Newton, NH, was originally part of Salisbury, Massachusetts; then it became part of Amesbury, Massachusetts; then part of the West Parish of Amesbury; then part of New Town or South Hampton, Massachusetts. If genealogical information on Newton residents in the time period covered by this chronology is available, you'll most probably find it in Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury .
If you have questions about people or historical information mentioned in this chronology and want to hire an honest, affable, enthusiastic, energetic, erudite and expert researcher with an encyclopedic knowledge of the history and genealogy of the area, I highly recommend George G. Gleason, Gentmn .
Please post your comments or questions about this chronology in the Newton Guest Book.
Thanks to Scott Finley for giving me the opportunity to share these documents with you!
Jerry Ferrin
Email: jdf@theriver.com
History of Newton, New Hampshire Come with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when the area that is today part of Newton, New Hampshire, was part of Amesbury, Massachusetts. We'll begin about 86 years from the eve of the French and Indian Wars, when the English colonists had pushed forth their frontier, and the French fomented war twixt the French Jesuit-led Abenakis and the English colonists as a barrier against the further spead of the English northward into territory claimed or coveted by the French...
Copyright Jerry D. Ferrin 1999
The history of Newton, NH, properly begins in Amesbury, Massachusetts, as it was originally part of that town. From 1724 until 1741, the land that today comprises Newton was part of the West Parish of Amesbury, Massachusetts. In 1727, Jonathan Farren bought a homestead at Cottle's Plain in Amesbury, Essex county, Massachusetts. In 1741, he became a resident of South Hampton, NH. Then, in 1749, he became a resident of New Town, NH. Thus, he was a resident of three different townships in two different states within the space of 22 years although his physical residence never changed!
As we wend our way through the years leading up to the founding of New Town, NH, you'll read contemporary accounts of the events in this frontier area at the limits of English colonial settlement where savage Indian attacks were a fact of life for many years.
We'll follow a sorrowful father to the graves of his wife and four children, all who died in a single day during one of the diptheria epidemics which swept the area.
We'll accompany one of the most well-known heros of colonial America, Capt. John Lovewell, on the successful second of his three expeditions against hostile Indians, and pass with a glance his fateful and fatal third expedition, as no known Newton residents were part of it.
First person accounts will take us to the 1745 assault by English colonists on the French fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, an event which first gave rise in English colonists to what later became known as "American nationalism" and which led to the Revolutionary War against England. You'll see that early residents of Newton, NH, were there, wallowing through the storm in their malodorous fishing boats, landing on Cape Breton through heavy surf, tugging cannons through marshes like mules to take advantage of their enemy's errors in fortification design, and taking the fortress.
Our thread of the story begins in a small cottage as the day breaks in Olde England, an ocean and nearly 120 years away from the heart-pounding birth of American nationalism before the walls of Fort Louisbourg. As sturdy and honest John Gould paces the yard outside his small cottage, the starlings and sparrows are all atwitter above him as the light of morning gilds the twigs and leaves which hide them...1614: About this time, Nathan Gould was born to John and Judith Gould of King's Langley, Co. Herts, England. He was the nephew of Zaccheus Gould of Topsfield . He received land in Amesbury between 1657 and 1667; may have come to Amesbury in 1652. He took the Oath of Allegience in 1677. He married Elizabeth (________?). Their daughter, Elizabeth Gould, was their fourth child of seven, and was born 4 April 1664. She married Thomas Beadle & they gave land in 1726 to "our son Jonathan ffarren". The land deeded to him, as a revocable gift, was the lot of land given by the town of Amesbury to Nathan Gould in The Children's Land Division, land which had been set aside for distribution to the children of early English settlers. Elizabeth inherited it in her father's will, dated 21 Dec 1692 and proven 27 Sept 1693. (OFS, p. 178)
1659: "To encourage settlers (in Amesbury), 500 acres of land beyond the pond was set apart for the children. This section was known as the Children's Land. It was intended for the oldest son in each family; but in case there were no sons, then a daughter took the family share... A committee, consisting of Thomas Barnard, George Martin and Samuel Foot 'these three are appointed to lay out the land upon the river, and are to have two pense and acre for laying it out'. Twenty six lots were laid out, number One commencing at the Buttonwood Road, and extending along the river westwardly towards Haverhill. Probably these lots were not completed and drawn till 1661, as Widow Colby and Widow Peasley received lots." (HEC, p. 1498)
1660: In Amesbury, "...to enjoy all the rights of freemen, grants must be obtained from the commoners who held the territory, granting it to whom they pleased. On the 10th of December ... the following were admitted townsmen, viz: Samuel Foot, Samuel Colby, Nathan Gold (Gould), William Osgood and Robert Quinby. The Children's Land was also divided among the children of the proprieters.
When our ancestors came to this wild territory, wolves were very plenty and troublesome, and bounties were early offered for their heads, but 30 s. was hardly sufficient to destroy them, and this year it was increased to 50 s., if not killed by Indians. The General Court had previously ordered the constables to pay the Indians three quarts of wine and a bushel of corn per head for all they killed." (HEC, p. 1498)1663: "This year the town (of Amesbury) bought one acre of land of Edmund Elliot for a burying ground. It was the eastern part of the ancient cemetery at Bartlett's Corner. Up to this time Golgotha had been the only burying place in town." (HEC, p. 1499.)
This land, which became the "ancient cemetery" mentioned by Joseph Merrill, is today called Union Cemetery and, near a large stone with plaque marking the site of the 1st meeting house in Amesbury, you'll find the gravestones of The Reverend Thomas Wells and Mary Parker Wells, his wife. (GGG) They were the paternal grandparents of Sarah Wells Farren and, thus, ancestors of anyone descended from Sarah's husband, Jonathan Farren.4 April 1664: Birth of Elizabeth Gould, daughter of Nathanial & Elizabeth _____ Gould, (OFS, p 179) She would have been 40 years old when she gave birth to her 3rd child, Thomas Beadle, Jr., in Amesbury in 1703. Old Families of Salisbury & Amesbury notes that she was living in 1692, but this must have been a reference to her mother, Elizabeth, who was living in 1692 when Nathanial Gould made his will. Elizabeth (Gould) Beadle was still living 17 March 1735 when Thomas Beadle, Jr. mentioned her as his wife in his will. (FFN #9, p. 30-31)
1665: "The most important event of this year (in Amesbury) was the building of a meeting house on the acre bought of Edmund Elliott... It was a small house . thirty by twenty-five feet, but large enough to seat the few inhabitants of the town." (HEC, p. 1499)
1667: "At the meeting (of the town of Amesbury), the division of land set apart for the children in 1659 was 'ordered to every child according to his father's estate'." This was called "The Children's Land Division". (HEC, p. 1500)
30 April 1668: Birth of Thomas Beadle in Newbury, Massachusetts, to Robert & Martha Beadle. (Robert was a planter and lived in Newbury first in 1664; in the Amesbury portion of Salisbury a short time about 1666, then in Newbury till 1679, when he settled in Amesbury, where he died in 1683. (ANT, p. 185) Thomas Beadle would have been 35 years old when his 3rd child, Thomas Beadle, Jr. was born, and about 67 years old when he died in Amesbury.
1672: After the town of Amesbury voted "not to ad any more to Mr. Hubbard's maintainance, neither in land nor anything else", this preacher, who had been hired the year before, left town. "...in less than two months an invitation was extended to the Rev. Thomas Wells, a young man of good talent. He had preached at Newbury and the Shoals some, and may have occupied Mr. Hubbard's pulpit on some occasion, when his eloquence had captivated the hearts of the people. He was readily obtained, and his salary fixed at forty pounds per year and the use of the land set apart for the ministry. It was offered, but not carried out, to build him a house "fower and forty foot long or there abouts, and twenty foot wide and thirteen foot and a half stood"... Mr. Wells built to suit himself. The Vane lot (now Bartlett's Corner, was obtained of Abner Jones, and here Mr. Wells lived during his long pastorate of sixty years."
Joseph Merrill, writing about 1887, said "The lilacs and well near the new High School still mark the spot where the 'village preachers modest mansion stood". (HEC, p. 1500) In 1995, George G. Gleason showed Yr FFN Edtr the site where this house once stood on the corner lot across the road from Union Cemetery; today a financial institution occupies the lot.1675: "The business of the town of (Amesbury) at this time was farming, fishing, making staves and building vessels. These occupations required other tradesmen, such as blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, tailors, etc. River and harbor fishing came next to farming in importance, furnishing an important article of food. The raising of cattle and sheep was by no means neglected, if we may be allowed to judge from the old inventories. The small grains were also raised in abundance, and orchards are mentioned... No potatoes are found on ancient inventories till about 1730." (HEC, p. 1501)
1676: "In the early years of the (Amesbury) settlement, little, if any, trouble was occasioned by the Inidans, but having grown more numerous, they grew troublesome, obliging the inhabitants to keep constant watch day and night. For the convenience of the watchmen, the town was divided into wards, each having a watch house for quarters. Each ward was required to furnish wood for the watch house, under a fine of fine shillings for neglect. The garrison houses were to be kept in order, and everything betokened an alarming state of affairs. No one ventured into his field without a gun, and even friendly Indians could hardly be trusted. The forts or garrison-houses were built in different sections of the town, that should an alarm occur all might readily seek safety therein. There was a garrison near the Estes estate, one at Pond Hills, one at 'Jamaco' (today the town of Merrimac), one near Birchy Meadow, and probably one at the HIghlands.
The constables and watches were obliged to keep nights from May to October, and all persons (males) over sixteen years of age were required to take turns or hire a substitute. No persons were allowed out after ten o'clock at night, and lights were to be put out at that hour, and all noises cease in the streets." (HEC, p. 1501)
7 July 1677: In Amesbury, "The much-feared Indian raid occured this year, and several persons were murdered, not withstanding the great precautions taken to prevent a surprise. Secretary Rawson, in a letter to Governor Anderson of New York, says 'As for the damge done us by the eastern Indians, mentioned in our letter dated July 28th, was in taking our fishing catches about Cape Sable, and a notorious murder committed upon some men, women and children at Amesbury about the middle of July, but not known to us or ye Commisioners at Pemaquid until after the peace was concluded between some of the eastern Indians & Captain Brockles.' From the above it would be inferred that the murders here were committed by eastern Indians, but it is a matter of history that there were Indians nearer home quite as treacherous as those further east. There was one Symon, who had lived with the English, and with William Osgood awhile, that was a treacherous fellow. He was without doubt the leader of the murderous assault made July 7th this year when men, women and children were killed.
Robert Quinby is supposed to have been killed, and his wife knocked down and left for dead, but recovered, and stated that Symon was with the party and attempted her life. The names of those killed are not given by the records." (HEC, p. 1501)
(The following autograph letter by Phillip Challis is from Volume 69, page 142, Massachusetts Archives, and a typeset copy was published in 1903 by Hamline E. Robinson, a descendant of Lieut. Philip Challis.
In the Robinson transcription, he faithfully reproduced the holography of the original letter in which the Anglo-Saxon character called a "Thorn", which looked like a captial Y and represented the "th" sound, was used.
Thus, in the following letter, you'll see "the" written as "Ye", "that" written as "Yt". "them" written as "Ym " and "themselves" written as "Ymes".)
Amesbury: 9: 5mo: 1677 Sr: Be pleased wh these to understand yt yestrday being ye Sabbath. There was 5 Indians seen by Jno Hoyt junr follow one another in a strait file upon Thomas Hayne's hill & go into ye bushes & a sixth to follow ye five: & in ye Afternoone one Indian was seen by Sergt Belshers men: & yt last night ye Indians weere about ye garison wher Sergt Belshers men keep: & just now there was an Indian seen under the fence creeping towd ye place where ye men were slaine on friday last: Soe yt wee doe assuredly conclude yt Symon & his party are nott drawn off fro ye town, but ever & anon show ymes by one two or some few of ym to draw out our weake strength unto ym and so cutt us off And ye grounds of this our opinion is further confirmed unto us by ye relation of ye wounded woman which accordin to her desire wee whose names are undr written tooke fro her mouth: viz: That there were about ten yt killed our men, & about twenty yt shee saw in all, & yt shee knew ye most of those yt she saw iff nott all of them to be Indians yt Dwelt formerly here abouts & at Newberry ffalls: although shee did nott know all ye names but some shee knew by name: & named Symon: & Pooky John formerly soe called now named Andrew: and one Jeepsey now called Samuel & one named Joseph as she thinks. And yt it was Symon yt knockt her on ye head. whom when he came to her she desired him nott to kill her: why sd he goodwife Quinby: ( wch was her name) doe you think yt I will kill you? sd shee because you kill all english: sd he I will give Qurtr to never an e nglish dogg off you all, & gave her a blow on ye head whereupon she called him Rogue & threw a stone att him & then he gave her twoo more & setled her for Dead: Wee Asked whither she was sure yt it was Symon & how long it was ere yt she saw him before She Answd yt about 3 years since he was att their house with an ottor: wch time pson & Token Sargt Samll ffoot being there att ye house doth very well remember & Affirms ye same. This considered in conjunction wth Symons's being & living an apprenticed servant with goodwife Quinbles father att ye same time yt her selfe also lived wth her father whose name was Will Osgood seems to confirm unto us her perfect knowledg of Simon Which things Considered wee Doubt nott but yt It is Symon & his party yt layd siege unto or towne neither Do we scruple ye womans certaine Knowledg of Symon Indian further more shee relates yt when Symon was about to kill her & she called to ye garrison: He sayd why doe you call fo ye garrison: I will have that too by and by This is a faithful & true relatn & acct off or present concernmts fro Sryr humble servts Philip Challis Leftt Jeremiah Belsher Samuell foot" Hamline Robinson notes, with his reproduction of this letter: "Samuel Foot, one of the signers of the above letter, was captured by the Indians and tortured to death July 7, 1690, as told in Mather's Magnalla, Book 7, Article 11. And John Hoyt, Jr., who is spoken of in the letter, was killed by the Indians August 13, 1696." (SYM) Following is the letter by Phillip Challis with the spelling modernized, punctuation added and with abbreviated words spelled out:
Amesbury: 9 : 5 mo: 1677 Sir: Be pleased with this to understand that yesterday being the Sabbath, there was 5 Indians seen by Jonathan Hoyt, Junior, following one another in a straight file upon Thomas Haynes' hill and going into bushes and a sixth (Indian was seen) to follow the five. And in the afternoon one Indian was seen by Sargent Belsher's men; and that last night the Indians were about the garrison where Sargent Belsher's men keep (watch); and just now there was an Indian seen under the fence creeping toward Thomas Haynes' toward the place where the men were slain Friday last. So that we do assuredly conclude that Symon and his party are not drawn off from the town, but ever and anon show themselves by one, two or some few of them to draw out our weak (military) strength unto them and so cut us off (from safety). And the grounds of this, our opinion, is futher confirmed unto us by the relation of the wounded woman which, according to her desire, we whose names are underwritten took from her mouth, viz: That there were about twenty (Indians) that killed our men, and about twenty (Indians) that she saw in all, and that she knew the most of those that she saw if not all of them to be Indians that dwelt formerly hereabouts and at Newbury Falls. Although she did not know all the names (of the Indians) but some she knew by name; and named Symon; and Pookey John, so called, now named Andrew; and one Gypsy now called Samuel and one named Joseph as she thinks. And that it was Symon that knocked her on the head, whom when he came to her, she desired him not to kill her. "Why," said he, "Goodwife Quinby (which was her name), do you think that I will kill you?". Said she: "Because you kill all English (inhabitants)". Said he: "I will give quarter to never an English dog of you all", and gave her a blow on the head, whereupon she called him "Rogue" and threw a stone at him. And then he gave her two more (blows) and settled her for dead. We asked whether she was sure it was Symon and how long it was ere that she saw him befo re. She answered that about three years since he was at their house with an otter, at which time "pson" (person?) and token Sargent Samuel Foot being there at the house, doth very well remember and affirms the same. This considered in conjunction with Symon's being and living (as) an apprenticed servant with Goodwife Quinby's father at the same time that (she) herself also lived with her father, whose name was Will Osgood, seems to confirm unto us her perfect knowledge of (the identity of) Symon. Which things considered we doubt not but that it is Symon and his party that laid siege unto our town, neither do we scruple the woman's certain knowledge of Symon Indian
Furthermore, she relates that when Symon was about to kill her and she called (for help) to the garrison (soldiers on duty), he said: "Why do you call for the garrison? I will have that too, by and by".
This is a faithful and true relation and account of our present concernments from, Sir,
Your humble servants, Phillip Challis, Lieutenant Jerimiah Belsher Samuel Foot
The Death of Symon, Indian Increase Mather, in his Remarkable Providences, Library of Old Authors edition, London, 1856, pp. 253-254, gives the following vivid account of the ending of Simon:
"That remarkable judgement hath first or last fallen upon those who have sought the hurt of the people of God in New England, is so notorious as that it has become the observation of every man. This Israel in the wilderness hath eat up the nations his enemies; he hath broke their bones, and pierced them through with his arrrows. Some adversaries have escaped longer unpunished than others; but then their ends have been of all the most woeful and tragical at last. I shall instance only in what hath lately come to pass with respect unto the heathen who rose up against us, thinking to swallow us up quck when their wrath was kindled against us. Blessed be the Lord who has not given us a prey to their teeth! The chieftains amongst them were all cut off, either by sword or sickness, In the war time, excepting those in the eastern parts, whose ringleaders outlived their fellows; but now God hath met with them. There were in special two of those Indians who shed much innocent blood, viz. Simon and Squando. As for bloody Simon, who was wont to boast of the mischiefs he had done, and how he had treacherously shot and killed such and such Englishmen, he died miserably last winter. Another Indian discharging a gun, happened to shoot Simon, so as to break his arm. After which he lived two years, but in extremity of pain, so as that the Indians, when enquired of how Simon did, their usual answer was, "Worse than dead." He used all means that earth and hell (for he betook himself to powaws) could afford him for his recovery, but in vain. Thus was the wickedness of that murtherer at last returned upon his own head." (SYM)
1678: In Amesbury, "Samuel Colby, living at Bartlett's corner, was chosen to keep a public house of entertainment, which is the first tavern mentioned on the records. These were popular resorts much favored by the people." (HEC, p. 1501)
1680: "Mr. Wells' salary was increased to fifty pounds per year during the remaining time which he may be engaged in work of the ministry. His eight years service was no doubt satisfactory. (HEC, p. 1502)
1682: "George Martyn, Robert Jones and John Prowse were appointed to lay out the "Peeke" (Peak) land, which embraced a large tract near Kingston, called "the farmes", on the map of 1715. It probably included all of Newton, NH, and possibly part of South Hampton, NH. These farms were laid out in regular order, having suitable roads located between them, crossing at right angles." (HEC, p. 1502)
1686: The Rev. Mr. Thomas Wells was chosen registrar, and the recording of births, marriages and deaths in Amesbury, of which no previous record is found, commenced at this time. (HEC, p. 1502) Thus, had Jonathan Farren been born in Amesbury, his future grandfather-in-law, would have recorded his birth in the registry, but his birth is not found in these records.
1687: "The Indians were again on the warpath, greatly alarming the people (in Amesbury), but no damage was done. Captain Pike's troop of horse was thought to be insufficient to protect the scattered inhabitants of the two towns (of Amesbury & Salisbury), and assistance was asked of the General Court, but none was given.
Wolves were still troublesome and a bounty of twenty shillings was offered for every one killed." (HEC, p. 1502)1689: "The town's management of religious matters was very singular, especially in regard to the minister. Mr. Wells was settled according to the customs of the time, which was for life, and yet the town annually voted that they were clear of him and he of them. At the annual meeting it was 'voted that we desire to have a minister among us', just as though Mr. Wells must leave unless engaged anew. The next vote was to send to him to know whether he had a mind to stay and 'continue in the work of the ministry among us'. The next was 'that the town was clear from Mr. Wells and Mr. Wells from the town'. Having established the two points of independence, they went to work and voted 'to pay the minister 50 pounds per year' and 'at the same meeting the town made choice of Mr. Wells' to be their minister. They then voted that 'Mr. Wells shall have his firewood brought home to him for this year ensuing' Thus in their own peculiar way they satisfied themselves and gave Mr. Wells a plentiful supply." (HEC, p. 1503)
1690: "Indian wars were almost continually harassing the colony, making it necessary to keep companies of soldiers to guard against surprise. These troops were raised in the towns, the only exception being in "frontier towns" which were excused from contributing to the common safety on account of their exposed situation.
Amesbury petitioned the General court to be considered a frontier town and very likely her request was granted. Merrimac was then called 'Jamaco' and suffered severely from these raids, and this year Capt. Samuel Foot was captured and tortured to death by the Indians. He died July 7th, but the cause of death is not stated on the record. He probably lived on the plain not far from the cemetery (on Church St. in Merrimac today) and kept the garrison there. At the same time three men were killed and three houses burned.
Edward Cottle, one of the first little colony here, lived at 'Jamaco', and a tradition has been handed down that his house was burnt twice, once by accident, and once by Indians. He was discouraged and removed to Duke's Colony. John Hoyt, Jr., suffered by having his house plundered by Indians." (HEC, p. 1503)1692: "The most noted and saddest event of the year (in Amesbury) was the accusation, trial and conviction of Susannah Martin as a witch. She was the widow of George Martin, a prominent man of the first company (of settlers in the area). She was a good, but outspoken, woman and died a martyr to the superstitions of the times. This singular delusion prevailed to an alarming exent at this time, filling the jails with suspected persons of both sexes. The dark stain of (the) Salem witchcraft (trials) can never be blotted from history." (HEC, p. 1503)
1693: "This year 'tything men' were first chosen (in Amesbury), their duties being very much like those of constables of modern times. As an inducement to faithfulness, they were to receive the benefit of informers, which probably meant part of the fines. They were to carefully inspect all licensed houses and inform of all disorders and misdemeanors which they may discover." (HEC, p. 1503)
1694: Rev. Thomas Wells was hired at a salary of twenty pounds to be schoolmaster for the Amesbury area in addition to his responsibilities and salary as the minister of the Amesbury church.
"The Indians were still troubling the settlers by the raids. On September 4th, Joseph Pike, deputy sheriff of Essex, while traveling with one Long between Amesbury and Haverhill, fell into an ambuscade of the enemy on the ridge near Gilman Merrill's, and was murdered. It may have been at this time that one Rowell, a mailcarrier between Newbury and Portsmouth, was killed in Patten's Hollow." (HEC, p. 1503)1695: In an Amesbury Town Meeting, " Voted that all those that are towns men and freemen that have liberty to vote in ye town affires as ye law directs shall attend Town meetings upon legall warning given them at a reasonable time of ye day and for their non appearance shall pay as a fine two shillings a day to be disposed of for the youse of the towne." Merrill notes that the fine was about the same as the pay for a day's work so that nothing was to be gained by staying away. (HOA, p. 139)
A pound, in the United Kingdom, is worth 20 shillings or 240 pence. (WCD, p. 547)
Thus, a working man in MA in 1695, could earn a pound for every 10 days of labor, or about 36 & 1/2 pounds per year, if he worked every day. Reduce this amt. by 1/7th to allow for not laboring on the Sabbath and you should have an estimate of the annual income of a working man in 1795.25 June 1695: Record 2:14 from the 25 June 1695 Massachusetts Court of General Sessions: "John Fearn and 'now wife' Susannah Coats were fined 40 shillings each for fornication" as they had a child, John, born suspiciously soon after their marriage. (LB)
John Fearn's name is written "Fern" in other records, such as in New England Marriages Prior to 1700. They were residents of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts.1696: "Again we find the Indians committing depredations on the towns, and John Hoyt and one Peters were killed in Andover while on the road to Haverhill. It was at this time that the murderous descent (by Indians) was made on Haverhill, where nine persons were killed or carried into captivity, and among the number the plucky Hannah Dustin. (HEC, p. 1504)
25 Sept 1696: "A black frost. Ye ice on ye side of my house as thick as window glass", noted John Higginson of Salem, MA. (TWF, p. 17)
1697: The year Jonathan Farren was born, according to the inscription on his gravestone erected by his son, Aquilla Ferrin, in the Old Town Cemetery in Newtown, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. (FMF, viii.)
1697: "Samuel Gill, then in his 10th year, was captured by the Abenakis at Salisbury in Massachusetts, carried to St. Francis - a French settlement - and converted to Catholicism. Some years later he married a young English girl, said to have been named James and to have been captured at Kennebunk", wrote Francis Parkman, who cited a computation that in 1886, their descendants numbered 952, and gave them as an example of how "... descendants of captives brought into Canada by the mission Indians during the various wars with the English Colonies became a considerable element of the Canadian population." (HCC, pp. 76 & 77)
"The little church at Amesbury built 32 years ago was hardly large enough to hold the people, and Mr. Wells asked leave to build a pew on the outside, between the south door and the southwest corner." (HEC, p. 1504)Winter of 1697-98: The New England and Middle Colonies endured "The terriblest winter for continuance of frost and snow, and extremity of cold, that was ever known", according to a record made at Sudbury, MA. It was considered to be the most severe winter English settlers experienced in the 16th century, it was unequalled until the winter of 1740-41. (TWF, p. 17)
30 July 1698: Sarah Wells, the future wife of Jonathan Farren, was born in Amesbury, MA, to Titus and Joanna (Rowell) Wells. (Her ancestry chart may be seen on pages 18 & 19 of FFN #4.)
1699: In Amesbury, "An appropriation of five pounds was made to build galleries on ye foreside and at each end of the meeting-house. The population increased by slowly during the first half-century of settlement, if we may judge by the fact that galleries were but just needed. It should be considered, however, that their old-style settees seated more people in the same space than modern pews.
Educational matters were not forgotten, and this year it was left to the selectmen 'to procure a School Master or school Dames that may supply the town', and six pounds was allowed toward paying the master. The custom had long prevailed of raising by subscription some portion of the school money." (HEC, p. 1504)19 Feb 1699: Birth of Hannah Beadle, first child of Thomas & Elizabeth (Gould) Beadle. in Amesbury. She was unmarried in 1744. (ANT, p. 183)
25 Sept 1700: Birth of Elizabeth Beadle, 2nd child of Thomas & Elizabeth (Gould) Beadle, in Amesbury. She married Samuel Sargent on 29 Sept 1743. (ANT, p. 183)
1701: "The earliest record of the Society of Friends (Quakers) commences this year (in Amesbury), although a few were living in town at an earlier date. The Hampton Monthly Meeting decided to build a meeting house twenty-six feet square and fourteen 'foot stud', and here the members from Amesbury, Salisbury and Hampton met for some four years. (HEC, p. 1504)
The Quakers were badly treated, as the following extract from the record shows: "Isaac Morrill, Junr and his brother, and John Tompson, came to the the house of Jeremiah Dow of Salisbury the 13th day of the 11th month 1701 the sayd Jeremiah Dow being from home, his wife in Kindness to them, they being neighbors, fetched or caused to be fetched a Pott of Cyder for them to Drink which when they had drunk up the Cyder, the said Isaac Morrill (having bin constable the year before) carryed away the quart pott that the Cyder was in, and a pair of fire-tongs, a tray and a cake of tallo, to satisfy the HIreling Minister Caleb Cushen for preaching. " (HOA, p. 150)
Many small vessels were built at this time on the river for fishing and the West India trade. The name of one has been saved and handed down: the 'Katch Peter" of thirty tons. (HEC, p. 1504)10 March 1701: At an Amesbury town meeting, " ...Thomas Bettall & Rogr Stevens & Orlando Bagley & Moses Morrill were chosen survaiers of ye highways for ye town of Amisbury for this yeare ensuing." (ATR, p.90)
18 Nov 1701: "John Pressey died (in Amesbury). He testified against Susanna Martin in 1692. (HOA, p. 158)
1702: "A stringent law was passed this year, requiring (Massachusetts) towns to maintain schools and employ qualified teachers, other than ministers, under a penalty of twenty pounds. To comply with the law, the (Amesbury) selectmen were authorized to hire a master. Thus the free-school system was permanently established...
The Quakers were taxed for support of preaching (by the Amesbury Congregationalist minister), and this year the constable took two calves from Ezekiel Wathen, valued at thirty shillings, to pay his rate." (HEC, p. 1504)1702: King William of Britian died this year. "Only twice in ...his reign did he enjoy something like popularity with the English Nation: after his wife Mary's death in 1694; and in 1697, when he won peace with France. But otherwise, this brave soldier and masterly statesman was unloved. After Mary's death from smallpox, William cared for little except his single-minded crusade against Louis XIV of France. Physically, he had never been robust. Now he was degenerated alarmingly. At 45 he was already an old man, his lungs tortured by asthma and bronchitis. Little wonder that William began drinking heavily to make life bearable. And when he died in 1702, few Englishmen mourned him." (HOB, p. 215)
Queen Anne, who ascended to the throne when her brother-in-law, William III, died, was 37 years old at the time, "a permanent invalid suffering frequent and agonizing pain." "Anne's great sorrow was her inability to bear living children, and 17 pregnancies in 16 years left her with no heir and a shattered constitution...her devotion to duty was formidable. For 14 years she dragged her sick body to endless council meetings, straining her afflicted eyes over state papers and striving to calm the bitter quarrels between Whig and Tory". As the last Stuart to rule Britian, her last years were dominated by the question of royal succession, though in 1701 her nearest Protestant heir, the House of Hanover, had been chosen to succeed her. In the final days of her life, she was able to put aside her detestation of her Hanoverian cousins and send an emissary to the future George I to assure him of her kind regards, thus helping to assure a peaceful change of dynasty for her kingdom. (HOB, p. 219)7 March 1702: At an Amesbury town meeting, "...Thomas Bettell Rogr Stevens Ensign Bagly and John Blesdell ware chosen servaeirs of ye highways ...for ye yeare insuing (ABT, p. 92)
19 Mar 1702: "...then Thomas Beetell & Rogr Stevens took ye oath of Surverers of ye highways before the Selectmen of Amisbury." (ABT, p. 93)
1703: A small vessel was built (in Amesbury) this year, and registered by the name of "Friend's Adventure. "There was taken from Ezekial Wathen two thousand and one hundred shingles to pay the 'priest's rate' this year." (HEC, p. 1504)
11 Mar 1703: Birth of Thomas Beadle, Jr., 3rd child of Thomas & Elizabeth (Gould) Beadle, in Amesbury. (ANT, p. 183)
1704: Indian attacks upon Almsbury, Haverhill & Exeter, Massachusetts. (PIW, p. 25) "The Indians were very troublesome and a general alarm was given (in the vicinity of Amesbury), causing the people to flee to the garrison houses for safety. Among those who hastily snatched their guns and sought safety in the garrisons was John Collins, of Salisbury, a Quaker. He was afterward sorry that he showed such want of faith in his professed creed, and made confession as follows: "I do acknowlidg that When I take up arms and Run to Garrison ffor safte from the Indians since I was convinced of Gods blessed truth. It brought grate trouble upon me and Gods Rightous Gugments I felt upon mee which brought me to a deepe consideration of the Eviel of my so Dooing but as I was made willing to come out of these things againe I find God is wiling to forgive mee thearefore I desire my breathern to forgive me and Researve me Into unity with them. (signed) John Collins. (HOA, pp. 154-155)
"At this date tanning was an important business, as most of the leather used was of home manufacture. Many old tan-pits were to be seen a half-century since..." and Merrill states that their remains could still be seen in several places in Amesbury in 1888. "A square-stern vessel of about 40 tons was built this year and named the 'Success'. Many others were no doubt built, although no record of them is found." (HEC, p. 1504)4 July 1704: "The saddest event of the year was the death of the Weed Family. Sarah, wife of Nathaniel Weed, and her three children: John, Daniel and Sarah, died in one day... Their death resulted from an epidemic commonly denominated "Throat Distemper" (and known today as diptheria) which appears to have been very fatal at the time. It was a fearful sight: in that house of mourning lay four of the family, the mother beside her darlings, the oldest of whom was less than three years old, all clad in the habiliments of the grave, and all borne away to return no more to that hithertoo happy home", wrote Joseph Merrill. (HOA, p. 157)
"The father returned with a heavy heart; they were his all; he had no more of whom death could rob him. All was gone in a day. The impression on the public mind was such as to cause this terrible affliction to be handed down from generation to generation, until the present time. The record, also, confirms its truth... In 1711, Mr. Weed married Sarah Sawyer and named three of his children born subsequently, for the lost ones." (HOA, p. 158)1704: "The Friends (Quakers) turned out John Ring, John Green, Samuel Norton and Samuel Cass for 'baring arms' and other bad conduct. " (HOA, p. 158)
18 Dec 1704: "John Collins, who offended the Friends in 1704 by defending himself against the Indians, is again at fault, 'having parsistid In preaching contray to the Manefestation of ye spirite of God in us wee desire him as fformerly to take care of his wayes in all so to his doctrin & bee silent till friends have unity therewith'. But, althought several times subsequently warned, he, like Joseph Peaslee, persisted in preaching till, at the monthly meeting, held December 18th, it was voted 'that hee ye sd Collins is denyed by us'. " (HOA, p. 159)
Winter of 1704-05: "Severe winter; series of storms left snow almost 3 feet deep at Philadelphia in late January; great storm on Jan. 26 caused highest tide in 20 years at Salem, MA; hard freeze at Boston as late as April 23rd." (TWF, p. 17)
1705: "The town (of Amesbury) was troubled with Indian depredations to such an extent that the children were in danger on their way to school, and it was unsafe for the 'Jamaco' (West Parish of Amesbury) people to come down to meeting. To obviate the danger, schools were kept in less exposed places, and Mr. Wells preached at Jamaco every third Sabbath. As their numbers increased, the Indians became more agressive, and murders more frequent.
The Friends in Amesbury and Salisbury took measures to build a meeting house, and a committee was appointed to select a location. Thomas Barnard gave a small piece of land, which tradition locates on Friend Street, near #8 Mill. The first marriage recorded on the Friend's book of records took place this year at the house of Thomas Barnard. The groom was John Peasley, grandson of Joseph, the (unsanctioned) preacher, and the bride was Mary Martin, grand-daughter of George and Susanna Martin. The marriage was signed by forty-seven witnesses." (HEC, p. 1505)Winter of 1705-06: "Second severe winter in a row; cold at Christmas 1705 froze Hudson River at New York City, 132 sailors froze to death when ship grounded at Sandy Hook in bitter gale; winter began Nov. 30 and lasted until Feb. 13 at Dover, NH; cold, backward spring followed. (TWF, p. 17)
1706: "The first rate to pay for schooling (in Amesbury) was made this year, placing educational interests on a firm basis.
The Indians who were threatening the settlements last year continued their hostile demonstrations, and several of the inhabitants were killed about the 1st of July. The militia were called out, but the savages had fled beyond reach, and nothing was accomplished." (HEC, p. 1505)25 March 1706: "...Tho Bettell & Rogr Stevens was sworn to ye offices of Servayers of ye highways for ye yeare insuing before the Selectmen of Almisbury Dat. April ye19th 1706. (ABT, p. 106)
1707: "This year the town voted to hire four or five school "Dames" for young scholars, and two masters for two months, to teach young persons to read and write and cipher. Seven schools were thus provided (in Amesbury) during a portion of the year." (HEC, p. 1505)
3rd & 4th July 1707: Indians were on the warpath, following is Penhallow's account: "...270 men were coming upon us. Their first descent was of Dunstable, the third of July, where they fell upon a Garrison that had twenty Troopers posted in it, who by their Negligence and Folly, keeping no watch suffered them to enter, which tended to the destruction of one half of their Number. After that a small Party attack't Daniel Galeucia's House, who held them play for some time, till the old Mans Courage fail'd; when on surrendering himself, he inform'd them of the state of the Garrison; that that one Man was kill'd & only two Men and a Boy left; which caused them to rally anew, and with greater Courage than before. Upon which one with the Boy got out on the back side, leaving only Jacob to fight the Battle, who for some time defended himself with much bravery; but overpower'd with Force; and finding no one to assist him, was oblig'd to quit it, and make his escape as well as he could; but before he got far, the Enemy laid hold of him once and again, and yet by much strugling re rescued himself; Upon this they burnt the House, and next day about forty more fell on Amesbury, where they kill'd eight; two, at the same time, who were at work in a Field, hearing an Out-cry, hastened to their Relief; but being pursued, ran to a deserted house, in which were two Flankers, where each of them found an old Gun, but neither of them fit for service; and if they were, had neither Powder nor Shot to load with; However, each took a Flanker, and made the best appearance they could, by thrusting the Muzzles of their Guns outside the Port-holes, crying aloud, "Here they are, but do not fire till they come nearer"; which put the Enemy into such a fright, that they instantly drew off. From thence they went to Kingstown, where they kill'd and wounded several Cattle". (Penhallow, pp. 35 & 36)
1708: "Benjamin Eastmen petitioned the town (of Amesbury) for leave to build a fulling mill just below the mill bridge, on the Powow River, and also to take the water underground across the road to drive the mill. The request was granted, and thus was put into operation the first fulling-mill of which we have any account." (HEC, p. 1505)
8 March 1708: At an Amesbury town meeting, "...Thomas Bettell Thomas Challis and Orlando Bagley ware chosen viewers of ye fences for ye town of Amisbury for this year insuing." (ABT, p. 114) "...and Ensign Bagley: Thomas Bettell: Rich Currier: Benony Tucker: Charles Sargent took their respective oaths to ye offices they ware chosen unto, before ye Selectmen of Amisbury." (ABT, p. 115)
29 August 1708: Indians were again on the warpath, as Penhallow describes: "About this time eight hundred French and Indians were forming a desperate design against us, but on a division among themselves fell short of the mischief they designed us. However one hundred and fifty on August 29th at break of day fell on Haverhill, and passing by the Garrisons got into the very Center of the Town before they were discovered. They attempted to fire the Meeting-house, and after that did burn several houses near it. Major Turner, Capt. Price & Capt. Gardner were happily there at that time, and ralled together what Forces they could; but most of their Men being posted in remote Garrisons, were unable to assist them. However with such as they could get together, they faced the Enemy with much bravery, and in less than an hour put them all to flight, leaving nine of their dead, and carrying off several that were wounded. But the Slain on our side were thrice as many, by reason of the surprize that they at first were in; among whom was the Reverend Mr. Rolph the worthy Minister of that Town, with Capt. Wainright. A while after James Hays of Amesbury was taken, and one at Brookfield; they also kill'd Robert Reed and David Hutchins of Kittery." (Penhallow, pp. 47 & 48)"JOSEPH BARTLETT, born Nov. 18, 1686; died 1754, aet. 68. In 1707, he was drafted and sent with others to Haverhill, to defend the town against an expected attack of French and Indians from Canada. Aug. 29th, 1708 , about 160 French and 50 Indians attacked the town, and set fire to several buildings. Mr. Bartlett and others were in the chamber of Capt. Wainwrights house, from the windows of which they fired upon the enemy. They were informed that their only safety was in surrender. Mr. B. secreted his gun in the chimney, above the fireplace; went down; asked for quarter; was bound, and carried to Canada, where he remained a prisoner until he was redeemed. On the 5th of October he started on his return to Newbury, where he arrived on the 8th of Nov, 1712, after a captivity of over four years. He afterwards visited Haverhill, found his gun where he had secreted it, and it finally came into the hands of his grand-nephew, Richard Bartlett, then of Amesbury, Mass., who carried it while a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Richard Bartlett subsequently removed to Warner (NH), where he spent the remainder of his life. He frequently exhibited the old musket to visitors, as a rare curiosity. Many years since, on the 4th of July, a number of boys collected at Mr. Bartletts, and, in honor of the day, awakened the echoes of the Warner HIlls by discharges of the old gun. Boy-like, not quite satisfied with reports, and desiring it to "speak a little louder", they loaded it with about 12 inches of powder, and ramming down upon that several inches of soil, they applied a slow-match, when the gun literally "went off", and stock, lock and barrel were torn to splinters. In June 1874, the writer (Levi Bartlett) collected the fragments of this gun of "ye olden time", with rivets and cords restored it to nearly its original shape, and deposited it in the rooms of the New Hampshire Historical Society, where it can be seen by the public in general, and the Bartletts in particular. After Joseph's return from Canada, he settled on a farm in Newton, NH . He was a worthy man, a Justice, and Deacon of the Church. His first wife was Miss Tewksbury, by whom he had no issue. His second wife was a Miss Hoyt. Their children were: four sons - Joseph, GERSHOM, Richard and Matthias; and his daughters - Elizabeth, Mary, Hannah, Sarah, Mercy and Lydia. Of these, MARY became the wife of the late Gov. JOSIAH BARTLETT. Many of the descendants of Joseph are now resident in Newton. One of them, John L. Bartlett, was a member of the N.H. Legislature, 1872; and another, Frank D. Bartlett, in 1873. ( Sketches of the Bartlett Family, by Levi Bartlett; pp. 40 - 41. Amesbury Library call # g929.2 B284 )
14 March 1709: At an Amesbury town meeting, "...Thomas Bettell Thomas Challis and Orlando Bagley senr ware chosen Servaiers of ye highways for ye year insuing." (ABT, p.114)
1710: "Col. John March, John Barnard, Joseph Brown and Jarvis Ring petitioned for leave to build iron-works on the Powow River without being taxed, which was readily assented to by the town (of Amesbury). The works were built, and in operation many years. This was a new branch of business and, in connection with the saw mills, grist-mills, and fulling-mill, was making brisk times in the little village. It is probable that the stock of this company was divided into twenty-four shares, as ancient inventories mention 1/24 part of the iron works and mill privilege. In 1733 these shares were valued at seven pounds each, or 168 pounds for the whole concern. The ore was mostly raked from the bottom of the large ponds in Newton and Kingston, although some bog ore was dug. The stones in and near Powow River show strong indications of iron, and in the northern part of Newton (NH) the road walls are largely composed of iron stones. The fact that most of the ore was obtained in KIngston may account for the removal of the works to Trickling Falls, after some years experience at the Mills.
Captain Harvey petitioned for leave to build vessels at Jamaco (West Parish of Amesbury), and was allowed to do so. The town landings were always free to the business men in town.
The school appropriations were raised to thirty pounds, and schools were ordered to be kept half the time at the meeting house (in Amesbury) and half the time at the house of Roger Stevens, at Jamaco." (HEC, p. 1505)
All the inhabitants of Amesbury were ordered to brand their cattle with the town brand. (HOA, p. 161)9 May 1710: John Kimball, Senior, was chosen representative for the town of Amesbury. (HOA, p. 161)
16 May 1710: Thomas Fowler was chosen representative of the town of Amesbury.
"It is very probable that Mr. John Kimball, Sr., died at this time, as he entirely disappears from the records hereafter. He was a prominent man in town, serving as representative three years and was elected a fourth time, and, also, held many other offices . He lived near the pond's mouth and owned seven lots in that division, which was called the ox pasture, in 1699, embracing all between the pond and pond road, and two lots north of the road, very near the pond's mouth, and there are indications of a former residence there. He was, probably, an extensive farmer, and very active in town affairs, but a firm believer in witchcraft, giving foolish testimony against Susanna Martin at her trial . It should be remembered, however, that he lived in an age of superstition, when clear-headed, sensible persons were much bewildered on this subject." (HOA, p. 162)1711: "The Grammar School was ordered to be kept at the meeting house (in Amesbury) four months, at the Pond Hills fort four months, and at Left. Foot's fort (in Jamaco) or thereabouts the last four months." (HEC, p. 1505)
1712: "Powow River, even in ancient times, failed to supply the mills with water during the dry season of the year, and to supply the deficiency, resort was now had to Kimball's Pond. Capt. John Wadleigh built a dam at the pond's mouth 'to preserve water in a dry time for grinding' . This was the first attempt to use the waters of Kimball's Pond.
Thomas Currier, the third town clerk since 1654, died this year, having served since 1674, when he superseded his father, Richard... Thomas held the office of selectman for seventeen years, besides filling almost every other town office. He was a schoolmaster, and chosen by the town 'to teach to wright and sipher such as shall come to him'...he had, by some means, acquired a good education for those early times, and if through the town schools, it speaks well for their efficiency and his industrious habits." (HEC, p. 1505)16 April 1712: Indians were again raiding English frontier settlements. Encouraged by French Jesuit priests, raiding parties would attack towns for the purpose of taking English captives to carry off to Canada as slaves or for the ransom they could obtain for their captives. Penhallow wrote: "I now return to our Frontier, where at Exeter April 16th, 1712, they kill'd Mr. Cunningham as he was travelling the Road from Mr. HIlton's to Exeter; After that they shot Samuel Webber, between York and Cape Neddick; Others fell on several Teams in Wells, where they slew three & wounded as many more. One of the slain was Lieut. LIttlefield, who a little before was redeemed out of Captivity, and a Person much lamented. Soon after they appeared in the middle of the Town, and carried away two from thence. They went to Spruce Creek, where they kill'd a Boy and took another, and then went to York, but being pursued made their escape. Another Party fell on the upper branch of Oyster River, where they shot Jermiah Cromett, and three Miles higher burnt a Saw-mill with a great many thousand of Boards. Nest day they slew Ensign Tuttle at Tole-End, and wounded a Son of Lieut. Herd's as he stood Sentinel." (Penhallow, pages 72 & 73)
14 May 1712: Indian attacks continue...
"May 14th about thirty French and Indians who had a design on York, surpriz'd a Scout of ours as they were marching to Cape Neddick, where they slew Sergant Nalton, and took seven besides: the remainder fought on a retreat till they got to a Rock, which for some time prov'd a good Barrier to them, and there continued until they were relieved, by the Vigilant Care of Capt. Willard. About this time fifty of our English who went up Merrimack River returned, with the good Account of eight Indians that they had slain, and of considerable Plunder besides which they had taken without the loss of one Man." (Penhallow, p. 72)1 June 1712: Indians raided Spruce Creek, "where they shot John Pickernell as he was locking his door, and going to the Garrison; they also wounded his Wife and knockt a Child on the head, which they scalpt, yet afterwards it recovered." (Penhallow, p. 72)
3 June 1712: Indians were seen at Amesbury, then at Kingstown "where they wounded Ebenezar Stephens, and Stephen Gilman, the latter of which they took alive and inhumanely Murdered." (Penhallow, p. 72)
18 July 1712: Indians "fell on a company at Wells" where they killed one person and took a Negro captive, who later escaped. "The Sabbath after they endeavoured to intercept the People at Dover as they came from Worship; upon which a scout was sent in pursuit, but they made no discovery. Yet in the intermitting time they took two Children from Lieut. Herd's Garrison, and not having time to Scalp them, cut off both their heads and carried them away. (PIW, p. 73)
Soon after, in what Penhallow said was the "last Action that happened (of any moment)" in this war, was "at Mrs. Plaisted's Marriage with Capt. Wheelwright's daughter of Wells, where happened a great concourse of People, who as they were preparing to mount in order to their return, found two of their Horses missing; upon which Mr. Downing with Isaac Cole and others went out to seek them; but before they had gone many Rods, the two former were kill'd and the others taken. The noise of the Guns soon alarm'd the Guests, and Capt. Lane, Capt, Robinson and Capt. Herd, with several others mounted their Horses, ordering twelve soldiers in the mean time to run over the Field, being the nearer way: But before the Horsemen got far, they were ambushed by another Party, who kill'd Capt. Robinson, and dismounted the rest; and yet they all escaped excepting the Bridegroom, who in a few days was redeem'd by the prudent Care of his Father, at the Expence of more than three hundred Pounds. Capt . Lane and Capt. Harmon mustered what Strength they could, and held a little dispute with them some time, but there was little or no Execution done on either side." (PIW, p. 74)
13 Oct 1712: Orlando Bagley, Jr., grandson of the first Orlando Bagley (who was the constable compelled to arrest Susanna Martin for witchcraft in 1692), was chosen Amesbury town clerk, and held the office till 1754. He was also a schoolmaster and chosen to keep a private school by the town. (HEC, p. 1505) A number of facsimile reproductions of documents written by him may be seen in FFN # 9.
1713: "At this time Amesbury extended to Kingston, and the selectmen notified them those of that town to meet them 'at ye pond's mouth, called ye country pond, to perambulate the town line'." (HEC, p. 1505)
11 July 1713: Articles of Pacification were drawn up up Portsmouth for the cessation of hostilities between the French & Indians, on one side, and the English settlers on the other when a "Suspension of Arms" was declared between the French and English Crowns.
ARTICLES OF PACIFICATION Whereas for some Years last past we have made a breach of our Fidelity and Loyalty to the Crown of Great Britain, and have made open Rebellion against her Majesty's Subjects, the English Inhabiting the Massachusets, New Hampshire, and other her Majesty's Territories in New England; and being now sensible of the Miseries which we and our People are reduced unto thereby; We whose names are hereunto subscribed, being Delegates of all the Indians belonging to the Naridgwalk, Narabamegock, Amasecontee, Pigwacket, Pennecook, Rivers of St. Johns and Merrimack, parts of her Majesty's Provinces of the Massachusets Bay, and New Hampshire, within her Majesties Soveraignty, having made Application to his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esq. Captain General and Governour in Chief in and over the said Provinces, that the Troubles which we have unhappily rais'd or occasioned against ther Majesty's Subjects, the English and our selves may cease and have an end; and that we may again enjoy her Majesty's Grace and Favour; And each of us respectively for our selves, and in the Names and with the free Consent of all the Indians belonging to the several Places and Rivers aforesaid, and all other other Indians within the said Provinces of the Massachusetts Bay, and New Hampshire, hereby acknowledging our selves the Lawful Subjects of our Soveraign Lady Queen Anne, and promising our heartly Submission and Obedience to the Crown of Great Britain, so solemly Covenant Promise and Agree with the said Joseph Dudley, Governour, and all such as shall be hereafter in the place of Captain General and Governour in Chief of the said Provinces and Territories on her Majesty's behalf in form following; that is to say, That at all times forever from and after the date of these Presents, we will cease and forbear all acts of Hostility towards all the Subjects of Great Britian, and not offer the least Hurt of Violence to them or any of them in their Persons and Estates; but will henceforth hold and maintain a firm and constant Amity and Friendship wit h all the English, and will never entertain any Treasonable Conspirasy with any other Nation to their disturbance: That her Majesty's Subjects the English shall and may quietly enjoy all and singular the Rights of Land and former Settlements, Properties and Possessions within the Eastern parts of said Provinces of the Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire, together with the Islands, Inlets, Shores, Beaches and Fishery within the same, without any Molestation or Claim by us or any other Indians, and be in no wise Molested or disturbed therein; Saving unto the Indians their own Ground, and free liberty of Hunting, Fishing, Fowling, and all other Lawful Liberties and Privedges, as on the 11th Day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and ninety three: That for Mutual Safety and Benefit, all Trade and Commerce which hereafter may be allowed betwixt the English and the Indians, shall be only in such Places, and under such Management and Regulation, as shall be stated by her Majesty's Government of the said Provinces respectively.
And to prevent Mischiefs and Inconveniences, the Indians shall not be allowed for the present, or until they have liberty from the respective Governments to come near unto any English Plantations or Settlements on this side of the Saco River.
That if any Controversy or Difference happen hereafter, to and betwixt any of the English and the Indians for any real or supposed Wrong or Injury done on the one side or the other, no private Revenge shall be taken by the Indians for the same, but proper Application shall be made to her Majesty's Governments upon the place for remedy thereof in due course of Justice, we hereby submiting our selves to be ruled and governed by her Majesty's Laws, and desire to have the Protection and Benefit of the same.
We confess that we have contrary to all Faith and Justice broken our Articles with Sir William Phips, Governokur in the year of our Lord God 1693; and with the Earl of Bellamont in the year 1699.
And the assurance we give to his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq in the year of our Lord God, 1702, in the Month of August, and 1703, in the Month of July, notwithstanding we have been well treated by the said Governours. But we resolve for the future not to be drawin into any perfidious Treaty or Correspondence to the hurt of any of her Majesty's Subjects of the Crown of Great Britian; and if we know of any such, we will seasonably reveal it to the English.
Wherefore we whose Names are hereunto subscribed, Delegates for the several Tribes of Indians belonging to the River of Kenebeck, Amerafacoggin, St. John's, Saco, Merimack and the parts adjacent, being sensible of our great Offence and Folly in not complying with the aforesaid Submission and Agreements, and also the Sufferings and Mischeifs that we have thereby exosed our selves unto, do in all humble and submissive manner, cast our selves upon her Majesty for Mercy, and Pardon for all our past Rebellions, Hostilities and violations, of our Promises; praying to be received unto her Majesty's Grace and Favour.
And for and on behalf of our selves, and all other the Indians belonging to the several Rivers and Places aforesaid, within the Sovereignty of her Majesty of Great Britain, do again acknowledge, and confess our hearty and sincere Obedience unto the Crown of Great Britain, and do solemnly renew, and confirm all and every of the Articles and Agreements contained in the former and present Submission.
This Treaty to be humbly laid before her Majesty for her Ratificastion and further Order. IN WITTNESS whereof we the Delegates aforesaid, by Name Kizebenuit, Iteansts, and Jackoid for Penebscot, Joseph and Aeneas, for St. John's, Warrueensit, Wadacanequin and Bomazeen for Kenebeck, have hereunto set our hands and Seals this 13th day of July, 1713.
(Signatures) (The facimile reprint of Penhallow's Indians Wars includes facsimile reproductions of both the English and Indian signatures from the original document. PIW, pp. 74-78)Penhallow notes that, within two years, of the signing of this agreement, that the Indians, "being spurred on by the Jesuits, again began to insult the (English) Inhabitants though peaceful conditions generally prevailed until 1720. (PIW, p. 84)
1714: "In 1714 Queen Anne, the last Stuart monarch to rule Britain, died. A new dynasty came to the throne - an obscure family from the far-away Electorate of Hanover in Germany. The following year, George, Elector of Hanover, was crowned king, as George I. He could not even speak English, but he had been chosen by Parliment as the nearest Protestant heir to the childless Anne. His selection marked a turning point in British constitutional history. For the Hanoverians were strangers in a foreign land, and they had to rely on the guidance of their ministers and Parliaments more than any British monarch had ever done before." (HOB, p. 221)
"Throughout his reign, George remained unmistakably a foreigner, happiest when visting his Hanoverian home. He never mastered his new language and had to talk to his ministers in French and Latin. Yet he took his royal duties seriously, especially where foreign policy was concerned. Unpopular as a man, he was an effective figurehead and a magnet for national loyalty against the troublesome background of Jacobite rebellion." (HOB, p. 227)7 Jan 1714: A town meeting was held to consider what should be done in regard to the original Amesbury town meeting house, built in 1665, as it was in need of repair. "...but those present hardly felt like deciding upon what should be done, and so adjourned half an hour, to meet at Samuel Colby's. He was innholder, and when met the meeting felt better spiriits and proceeded to business. Without opposition, it was 'voted that ye selectmen should repair ye ould meeting house'. " (HOA, p. 164)
24 January 1715: At a Amesbury town meeting adjourned from January 7, when it was considered whether to build one or two meeting houses and what the locations should be, it was "...voted to build but one meeting house, and located...on ye parcel of land called ye parsonage near Edward Hunts, which was on the corner of Martin Road. Its dimensions were 45 feet long, 35 feet wide and the walls had 20-feet long posts. The town promised the people at Jamaco to build another meeting house there three years after the completion of this one. (HEC, p. 1506)
Joseph Prechet was chosen Clerk of the Market for Amesbury this year; the duties of the office were defined in an act passed in 1696, as follows:
"Sect. 2d: That the clerks of the market in each town within this Province, or any one of them, shall, and are hereby impowered and required once a week of ofterner, as they shall see cause, to enter into any shop or place where bread is usually sold or baked for sale, and to weigh the same; and all bread which they shall find under the due assize acording to the proportion before mentioned, or not being marked, to make seizure of and deliver two-thirds part thereof to the selectmen or overseers of the poor in such town, for the use of the poor within the same, the officer to have the other third for his pains." (HOA, p. 166)13 July 1715: An Amesbury town meeting was held and 150 pounds raised to "carry on ye work of finishing our Meeting house and likewise to expend ye charge that we have already been out in building'. Mr. Skipper Lunt was the master builder.
At this time the timbers the house were already raised. "It was said to have been very heavily timbered and was, no doubt, a very substantial building, although perfectly plain, without porch or spire. On this gently sloping knoll it stood for two generations or more. It would be an interesting sight if we could be allowed a glimpse of that sedate assembly as they wended their way from all sections of town on each returning Sabbath to this new but unadorned house of worship. They came from the Ferry, the Powow River, the Lyon's Mouth, the Pond, the Pond Hills, the Bear Hill, Jamaco, Nickol's Creek, the (Merrimac) River and the many old roads and fields where they were then located, some on foot, but mostly on horseback, two or three to a horse. Clothed in homespun, the work of their own hands, a few yards woven in a day, and colored and dressed in their own fulling mill, neat and comfortable, they humbly gathered to worship the God of the Pilgrims, who had so graciously protected and blessed them in the wilderness. And with each returning Sabbath the dignified and erect form of the venerable minister, Mr. Wells, was seen on his way to church, riding on his 'blackish mouse coulored horse'. " (HOA, P. 169)
The location of this church is marked today by a bronze plaque on a huge boulder in the oldest part of the Union Cemetery in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Nearby you'll find the gravestones of the Revd Thomas Wells, his wife, and other early residents of the area.1716: "In consequence of depredations by wolves, a bounty of 20 shillings was again offered for 'every Woulf killed by any person belonging to said town' (of Amesbury).
Orlando Bagley, Jr., the town clerk who was also a schoolmaster, gave one quarter of an acre of land to the town for the building of a schoolhouse, as schools had mostly been kept in private homes. Thus began the Pond Hills school house. (HOA, pp. 168-169)28 May 1716: The seizure of property belonging to Quakers to support the Congregational minister continued, as shown by this town record: "Taken from John Challis (by distress) a yearling heifer and proceeded with according to law. Sold for eleven shillings by me Henry Trussel late Constable of Amesbury." (HOA, p. 169)
24 & 25 Oct 1716: "Massachusetts: hurricane swept offshore shipping, dismasting several ships; noticed at Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Boston area; trees and fences blown down." (TWF, p. 17)
1 Nov 1716: "New England: Dark day caused by smoke in atmosphere; half hour darkness during Sabbath services thought to be an omen of God's displeasure". (TWF)
27 Feb 1717 - 7 Mar 1717: "New England: The Great Snow of 1717, the most celebrated snowstorm in colonial history; consisted of two major and two minor snows over a nine-day period; accumulated to 36 inches at Boston, 60 inches to the northward; all travel, even church-going, halted for two weeks (TWF, p. 18)
1717: At Amesbury, "the meeting house was not wholly finished, some persons not having built their pews according to order. These were given twelve months' longer time, and if the pews were not then bulit the privilege was lost. The pulpit, deacons' seats and many of the pews were completed and seats assigned to many persons, and meetings were discontinuted in the old church, which was now given to the faithful pastor, who had occupied it for forty-five years.
Mr. Wells' experience with the town, in a financial point of view, had not been of the most pleasing kind; wars and scarcity of money had often rendered it difficult to raise his salary and caused some friction between the parties. He now proposes a final settlement up to September 29, 1714, the town giving him leave to build a pew in the east meeting-house and also in the one to be built in the west end of the town (at Jamaco), and he to abate ten pounds of his rate made October 23, 1716:
"To ye Moderator of ye present meeting of ye inhabitants of ye town of Almsbury, March ye 15th, 1716: to be communicated to ye town that if they please to grant me ye privilge of a pew in ye new meeting house on ye left hand next ye south door seven foot in length and so wide as present vacant space in ye judgement of ye workmen or Mr. Skipper Lunt or both of them, shall admit of for needful passage to ye adjoining vacant space, an an other in ye upper meeting house, granted to be built for place and dimentions at your own pleasure, provided it may not appear to be a ridiculous mockery, both to be built at ye charge of me my heirs or assigns. I will in addition unto ten pounds, already allowed which was left out of rate dat. Sept 14, 1715, allow ten pounds more out of ye present rate dat. Octobr 23, 1716, or ye next, and sign a general aquittance for ye town, a copy whereof may be seen next underwritten, and I expect my former papers given in to ye town and committee to be returned unto me, and this also if voted on ye negative". (The receipt follows....)"Id acquitt, discharge and absolve ye inhabitants of ye town of Amesbury, considered conjunctively as ye town, of all debts, dues and demands whatsoever relating to my yearly salary for my ministerial maintainance from ye beginning of ye world unto ye twenty-ninth day of September, in ye yeare of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and fourteen.
As witness my hand
Thomas Wells
Minister of Amesbury"The town accepted this proposition and harmony was restored. Ever since the settlement of Mr. Wells there had been more or less trouble in regard to his salary. Hard and troublesome times pinched the people so that they could barely live, and, no doubt, failed to pay their minister. But they seldom refused to grant him any favor he asked of them, and were really unwilling to part with him. (HOA, pp. 171-172)
15 July 1718: "Capt. John Barnard died July 15th. He had held many offices in town and was a man of sterling integrity and greatly respected. He was one of the committee to locate the meeting house in 1714 and on the committee to run the line next to Haverhill in 1714, and the town meeting adjourned to his house in 1709. He was, probably, a son of Capt. John Barnard, who died in 1700, and grandson of 'Robert Barnett'. " (HOA, p. 172)
1719: "In the early years of the town "Lot layers" were important officers; their duties being those of lotting out the new divisions, laying out highways and at stated periods returning all lots in town for record in the town-book. Samuel Weed had served in the capacity from 1694 to the present time, when he was discharged. The town voted him 'ancient and decayed', although but sixty-six years of age." (HEC, 1506)
"Capt. John Foot, Orlando Bagley, Sr., and Thomas Challis were chosen to return the bounds of land 'into ye town book and also to join with ye selectmen concerning ye setting and exchanging highways'." (HOA, p. 172)
A school-house was ordered to be built at Jamaco, which may be the second one in Amesbury. (HEC, p. 1506)13 March 1719: Titus Wells, father of Sarah Wells, registered ownership of a horse in the Amesbury Town Records: "Titus Wells Entered a brown collored Mare with white in her face and on her nose with a slot in ye top of ??? eare with a half crop in ye ??? eare (ABT)
30 Mar 1719: The location of Jonathan Farren's house is described in "The Return of Weed's Lot in The Children's Land Division in Amesbury, MA., as being near the Northwest corner of Bear Hill in what is now Merrimac, MA. (FFN #9, p. 88) However, George Gleason says that the three different hills we see on topographical maps have been collectively referred to since earliest days as simply "Bear Hill", so more research is needed before we can positively identify the location of this lot of land.
==================== "The Return of Weed's Lot" "_____________ 1st lot in number in that division of land called the Chil________ bounded as followeth: at ye Southeast corner with a white oak tree marked SC which is Samuel Colby's bound straight from there to a white oak tree on ye Northwest end of Bear Hill marked FH straight from there to a white oak stump near Jonathan Farren's house: straight from there to a red oak tree standing by the highway near Jacob Hoyt's house and straight from there to ye white oak tree marked SC first mentioned: abutting easterly partly on land in possession of Sam Colby and on a highway; westerly on ye original right of Nathan Gould and south partly on a highway and partly on ye town common - _____d partly on ye original right of Geo. Martin. _____d March ye 30th, 1719."
found for the FFN by
George G. Gleason, Gentmn:
(signed by) Orlando Bagley Thomas Challis John Hoyt ==================== From this record, we now know that Jonathan Farren was living in a house on the "northern" half of Nathan Gould's Children's Land lot at least eight months before his marriage, which was the same parcel of about fifteen acres which Thomas & Elizabeth (Gould) Beadle deeded to "our said son Jonathan Farren" in 1726. The fact that Thomas Beadle was Jonathan's "landlord" from 1719 to 1726 means that he was almost certainly also Jonathan Farren's employer during those years.
See the map section in FFN#9 for a topographical map of this area and a 1952 aerial photograph of this area: this lot of land is located on river bottom land , The parcels of land Jonathan later bought at Cottle's Plain a few miles north of his 1719 house are located in a valley drained by Bugsmore Creek, which is called "Hume Brook" today. This information is critical in understanding the farming conditions with which Jonathan had to contend, as it bears directly on the number, severity and type of "killing frosts" which would have destroyed or damaged his crops if the frost occured late in the spring after crops were sprouting or early in the fall before crops were harvested.
" As I recall", wrote Professor William R. Baron, an authority on colonial agriculture and climatology, "a stream that branches off from the Merrimack River runs through Amesbury and to a stone's throw of the center of Newton. I suspect that your ancestor farmed the rich bottom land in that little valley. If he did, then his farm operation would have been more susceptible to radiational killing frost more often than some surrounding high locales. However, any farmer of the period would have risked the increased possibility of frosts for the use of the fertile river bottom land as much of the upland was/is not nearly as fertile". (WRB)
9 Oct 1719: Marriage intentions of Jonathan Farren & Sarah Wells recorded. (ABT)
10 Dec 1719: Jonathan Farren married Sarah Wells, daughter of Titus Wells, in a ceremony performed by her grandfather, Rev. Thomas Wells, in Amesbury, MA. (ATR)
Winter of 1719 - 1720: "Atlantic seaboard: Severe winter, coldest since 1697-98 at Boston; Hudson River at New York City crossed on foot in mid-January; sheep buried alive in snow in Boston area; said to have been the coldest winter ever know in Virginia." (TWF, p. 18)
1720: "Gideon Lowell petitioned (the town of Amesbury) for leave to fence in the road over Bailey's hill, and offered to give a piece of land at the mouth of Powow river for a landing place. The offer was accepted by the town.
Richard Currier petitioned for leave to build a vessel or vessels on the above landing, and was allowed the privilege. Ship building on the river at this date was a very important branch of business and was fast building up the ferry." (HOA, 173)
In this year, Indians "began to be more insolent, and appear'd in greater Bodies; upon which Colonel Walton was ordered with Capt. Moody, Harman, Penhallow, and Wainwright to send to their chiefs for the late Hostilities which they had done in killing the Cattle, & c. The Indians, fearing the event promis'd to pay two hundred Skins, and for their fidelity to deliver up four of their joung Men as Hostages. After this they became tolerably quiet, but in the Spring grew as insolent as before." (PIW. p. 84)July 1720: Indians came to Kenebeck in ninety canoes to Padishals Island. "...which lies opposite to Arowsick, and sent to speak with Capt. Penhallow, who fearing an intreague, refused. Upon which one hundred and fifty of them went over to him, whith whom he held a Conference; especially with Mounsieur Delachase, and Sebastian Ralle, who were Jesuits; Mounsieur Croizen from Canada, and St. Castenn from Penobscot came also wlong with them, who brought a Letter for Governour Shute in behalf of the several Tribes, importing That if the English did not remove and quit their Land in three weeks, they would burn their Houses and kill them as also their Cattle. Upon this an additional number of Soldiers were sent under the command of Colonel Thaxter and Lieut. Col. Goff; and several Gentlemen of the Council were also appointed to enquire into the ground of these tumults, and if possible to renew the Pacification; who accordingly went and sent Scouts to call the Indians in, but they slighted the message with derision. Hereupon the Soldiers were order'd to continue, and reinforce the Garrisons that Winter." (PIW, p. 85)
17 April 1720: Death of Sarah (Barnes) Rowell in Amesbury, wife of Thomas Rowell and maternal grandmother of Sarah (Wells) Farren. (FFN#4, p. 18)
13 May 1720: Jonathan's first child, Timothy, was born . (FMF)
1721: "Some difficulty haven arisen in regard to hogs running at large, a special meeting was held (in Amesbury) 'concerning of ye taking of ye sharpness relating to swine.' and it was 'Voted that all hoggs should go at large on ye commons in said town for ye year ensuing they being yoaked and ringed as ye law directs'." (HOA, p. 174)
1721: "This year the General court authorized the emission of bills of credit to the amount of 50,000 pounds. There was a great scarcity of money, and it was becoming very difficult to transact the ordinary business of the colony. These bills were loaned to the towns and held by trustees, who loaned them, on good security, to the people. Each town received in proportion to its last province rate, which rule gave Amesbury 373 pounds. Captain Richard Currier, Jonathan Blasdell and Orlando Bagley, Jr., were chosen trustees, to loan the money on time, which should not exceed four years. For their services they were to receive one fourth of the interest.
At this date hogs were allowed to run at large, and it was now 'voted that all hoggs should go at large on ye commons in said towns for ye yeare ensuing, they being youked and ringed as ye law directs'.
The people at Jamaco were growing impatient in regard to their meeting house. Mr. Wells was willing to preach there a portion of the time, but no suitable meeting pace was found. Late in the season (Dec. 11th) a meeting was called to consider the matter and it was decided to proceed in building a meeting house at ye west end of ye town, commonly called Jamaco. Thomas Challis and four others opposed the measure, they being Quakers, but without avail. The meeting decided to locate the house on ye country road, near ye house of Thomas Bettells'. Thomas and Jeremiah Fowler owned land near there and offered to give one-quarter of an acre for the purpose. Captain Richard Currier, Jacob Sargent and Orland Bagley were chosen to proceed with the work. The house was to be the same dimensions as the one at the parsonage." (HEC, p. 1507)
In 1756, a town meeting house was erected on "ye country road, near ye house of Thomas Bettell's", but it was for town meeting house for Newton, New Hampshire, not the West Parish of Amesbury, Massachusetts.1 Aug 1721: Mary, Jonathan's 2nd child, was born. (FMF)
7 Sept 1721: Patrick Farrin (no known relation to Jonathan Farren) married Joanna (or Johana) Tuttle in Boston, Ma; ceremony performed by Thomas Cheever, a Presbyterian minister. (BM)
November 1721: "At the Friend's November monthly meeting in Amesbury, a communication from the quarterly meeting was read, asking the opinion of the meeting in regard to wearing wigs. Some of the order were conforming to the fashions of the world and ornamenting their persons with borrowed hair. This wicked departure from the plain course marked out by the founders of the order received very grave consideration at the next monthly meeting at Hampton, and the following conclusion was reached: 'The matter above mentioned consarning ye wearing of Wigges was Discorsed & It was concluded by this meeting yt ye Wearing of Extravegent superflues Wigges Is all to Gather Contreary to truth'. " (HOA, p. 175)
14 May 1722: "The location of the new church had given such general dissatisfaction that at Jamaco that a meeting was called, May 14th, to further consider the matter. At this meeting a reconsideration of the vote locating the church on the country road was carried but not without strong opposition. An out-of-town committee was chosen...with full power to determine the location. The result was that the house was built on the plain a few rods from the the present Congregational Church and not far from the cemetery." (HEC, p. 1507) See page 20 of FFN # 8 for a photo of the boulder marking the location of this church in present-day Merrimac, MA.
"The Indians were now becoming very troublesome, frequent raids were being made upon the settlements, which kept the people in constant alarm. They suddenly appeared at Jamaco, causing a general flight to the forts for protection...It is probable that near this time a descent was made upon the Pond Hills." (HEC, p 1507) Tradition says that David Currier, the great ancestor of the Curriers there, while at work in his field next the Great Swamp, was aroused to a sense of danger by the growling of his dog, which lay not far off. Being thus put on his guard, he made a hasty survey of the surrounding premises, and presently espied an Indian very quietly picking huckleberries near the woods. Snatching his gun he fired, wounding the Indian slightly under the arm, which so frightened the poor fellow that he called for quarter without firing. 'Lay down your gun and I'll give you quarters!', was the reply, which he did very readily. He was taken to the garrison house....and subsequently eschanged. The gun was kept and is now (in 1880) in the possession of Mr. John Currier, who lives on the premises. He was one of a party of five or six who were on the warpath seeking mischief. Startled by the firing, they were seen running over the hill towards the pond a few minutes later." (HOA, pp. 178-179)
"An effort was made to engage a colleague for Mr. Wells. The eloquent young minister had now grown aged in the service, and it was proposed to lighten his load by employing a young man to assist him. A town-meeting was called to 'make choyce of men to assist our reverent Mr. Wells, Minister, in ye work of ye Ministry'." (HEC, p. 1507)13 June 1722: The Indians renewed the hostilities: "...about sixty of them in twenty Canoos, came and took nine Families in Merry meeting-Ray, most of which they afterwards set at liberty, but sent Mr. Hamilton, Love, Handson, Trescot and Edgar to Canada; who with great difficulty and expence afterwards got clear. Then they made a descent on St. Georges, where they burnt a Sloop, took several Prisoners, and fought the Garrison some time." (PIW, p. 85)
July 1722: Indian hostilities continued, a large group of them from Penobscot, "...killed five and engag'd the Fort twelve Days; being very much enouraged by the influence of the Fryar (Jesuit priest) that was with them. But finding they could make no great impression, endeavoured to undermine it, and had made a considerable progress therein, till upon the falling of much Rain, the Trenches caved in, which caused the seige to break up, with the loss of about twenty of them in the Engagment, as we were afterwards informed. About the same time Capt. Samuel (an Indian) with five others boarded Lieut. Tilton, as he lay at Anchor a fishing near Damaru Cove; They pinion'd him and his Brother, and beat them very sorely; But at last one got clear and released the other; who then fell with great fury upon the Indians, threw one over-board, and mortally wounded two more.
Capt. Savage, Capt. Blin, and Mr. Newton, who at this time were coming from Annapolis and knew nothing of their ravages, went into Passamaquady for Water. They were no sooner ashore, but found themselves hem'd in by a Body of Indians, the French basely standing by and suffering it. They wanted to divide the Cargo of the Sloop among them, and at last sent Capt. Savage on board to procure some Ramsome. But the Wind rising, he was forc'd off, and made the best of his way to Boston: Those that he left (after some Difficulty and Expence) were released.
Capt. Harmon who was now in Kenbeck, went up the River with a Detachment of thirty four Men, and seeing some fires, went ashore in the Night, where he came on eleven Canoos; the Indians were lying round the Fire, and so wearied, by much Dancing the day before upon the Success they had, that they stumbled over them as they lay asleep. Reports were various as to the number of Indians that were then slain, some say eighteen, others not so many; However they brought away fifteen Guns; and a a little distance found the Hand of an Englishman laid on the stump of a Tree, and his Body mangled after a bararous manner; having his Tongue, Nose and private parts cut off: They brought away the Body, and gave it a decent Burial. It was found to be the body of Moses Eaton of Salisbury. In this brave attempt of Capt. Harmon, which was effected in ten minutes, we lost not one Man, yet at the same time a great Body of Indians lay near, who being startled at the Noise that was made, arose and fired several Guns but did no Damage.
The Country at this time was in a surprizing Ferment, and generally disposed to a War; but the Governour and Council could not readily come into it, considering the vast Expence and Effusion of Blood that would unavoidably follow; Besides some were not satisfied with the Lawfulness of it at this time: For altho' they believed the Indians to be very criminal in many respects, yet were of Opinion that the English had not so puntually observed the Promises made to them of Trading Houses for the benefit of Commerce and Traffick, and for the preventing of Frauds and Extortions, too common in the private dealings of the English with them. But the grand abuse to them is the selling of strong Drink to them, which has occasioned much quarreling and Sin and the loss of many Lives, to the great Scandal of Religion, and reproach of the Country. His Excellency was sensible of the Promises made them at the Treaty of Pacification; which he failed not to lay before the General Assembly; but he met with so much opposition that nothing could be effected. The hiring an Armouror at the Publick Charge, was also engaged, but nothing done therein; So that the Indians were full of resentments, and thought themselves wrong'd. Yet all this time they made no application unto the Government for redress, which they ought to have done by the Articles of Agreement, but broke forth into Horrid and cruel Outrages, by burning killing and destroying. At last the Governour by repeated Addresses from the People, was obliged to call the Council together to concert what was proper to be done, who advised, to the proclaiming an open War. But their not consulting before hand with the other Governments, was certainly a great oversight; who probably would have come into it, and thereby have help'd to support the Charge, which now lay wholly on Massachusetts and New Hampshire". (PIW, pp. 86-87)
25 July 1722:
PROCLAMATION BY SAMUEL SHUTE "Whereas the Indians inhabiting the Eastern parts of this Province, notwithstanding their repeated Sumissions to his Majesty's Crown and Government, their publick and solemn Treatys and engagments, entered into with the Government here established, to demean themselves peaceably and amicably towards his Majesty's good Subjects of this Province; and notwithstanding the kind and good Treatment they have received from the Govenment, have for some Years last past appeared in considerable Numbers in a hostile manner, and given disturbance to his Majesty's Subjects, in the Eastern parts of this Province, killing their Cattel and threatning destruction to their Persons and Estates; and in abuse of the Lenity and Forbearance, have lately with the utmost Injustice and Treachery proceeded to plunder, despoil, and take Captive many of his Majesty's good Subjects, to assault, take, burn & destroy Vessels upon the Seacoasts, and Houses and Mill upon the Land; to wound some, and in a most barbarous, and cruel manner to Murder others, of the Inhabitants of this Province; and in a way of open Rebellion and Hostility to make an Audacious and furious assault upon one of his Majesty's Forts when the King's Colours were flying.
I do therefore by and with the advice of his Majesty's Council, hereby declare and proclaim the said Eastern Indians, with their Confederates, to be Robbers, Traitors and Enemies to His Majesty King George, his Crown and Dignity; and that they henceforth be proceeded against as such: Willing and Requiring all his Majesty's good Subjects, as they shall have Opportunity, to do and execute all acts of Hostility against them; Hereby also forbidding all his Majesty's good Subjects to hold any Correspondence with the said Indians, or to give Aid, Comfort, Succor or Relief unto them, on penalty of the Laws in that case made and provided. And whereas there be some of the said Indians who have not been concerned in the perfidious and barbarous Acts beforementioned, and many may be desirous to put themselves under the protection of this Government.
To the intent therefore that utmost Clemency may be shewn to such, I do hereby grant and allow them to come in and render themselves to the commanding Officer of the Forces, or to the respective Officer of any Party or Parties in the Service; provided it may be within forty Days of this Time. And to the intent that none of our Friend Indians may be exposed, or any Rebels or Enemy Indians may escape on pretence of being Friends; I do hereby strictly forbid any of the said Indians to move out of their respective Plantations, or such other places whereto they shall be assigned, or to come into any English Town or District, within the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay or the County of York, without being attended with such Men as I shall apppoint to oversee them, at their peril, and as they tender their own safety. And further, I forbid all the Friend Indians to hold Communion with, harbour or conceal any of the said Rebels, or Enemy Indians, requiring them to seize and secure all such that may come among them, and to deliver them up to Justice.
And all Military Commission Officers are hereby authorized and commanded to put this Declaration and Order into Execution.
Given at the Council Chamber in Boston the twenty fifth of July, 1722.(signed) Samuel Shute GOD Save the King."
23 Feb 1723: "Boston: Severe northeaster during full moon raised greatest tide ever known by twenty inches; streets and cellars near harbor flooded; described by Rev. Cotton Mather in letter to Royal Society and in humorous article by Benjamin Franklin in New England Courant. " (TWF, p. 19)
1724: "The new church at Jamaco was so far completed as to be ready for those having permission to build their pews, and they proceeded with their work. For the privilege of pew-room each proprieter was to pay ten shillings, and if not built before the last of May, the right was lost. Jamaco was now well prepared for religious worship, with the exception of a minister. And here question arose, -- how shall he be hired and paid? To settle this question a town-meeting was called, April 24th, when it was decided that each end of the town would pay their own minister. This was virtually a division of the town line into parishes, which soon followed. The dividing line was Nichols' Creek and up the brook to the country road, thence north to the pond, and across to Back River, thence up the river to Bartlett's Brook to his saw-mill, and thence, as the brook goes, to the country pond.
"Jamaco" was a name used at the time for the West Parish of Amesbury, which then included the land which is today Merrimac, MA, and Newton, NH. The location of "the new church at Jamaco" is marked by a bronze plaque on a large boulder in the Church Street Cemetery in Merrimac, Massachusetts.
Ship building was a permanent branch of business in those days, and did much toward building up the village. (HEC, p. 1508)20 Feb 1724: Jonathan Farren's third child and second daughter, Elizabeth, was born in Amesbury this day . (FMF)
1725: "Captain Currier, Jacob Rowell and Samuel Lowell had leave to build a wharf on the Powow River...this was, no doubt, needed for the accomodation of unloading their vessels which returned from the West Indies and other ports with cargoes of merchandise. Mr. Currier's warehouse stood nearby, according to the record."
In a town meeting, agreement was reached between the East and West parishes of Amesbury for the support of Rev. Wells in his old age. (HEC, p. 1508)
THE SECOND EXPEDITION OF LOVEWELL'S WAR :
Several Accounts Which Appear in Chronological Order According to Their Date of Publication
CAPT. JOHN LOVEWELL'S DAILY JOURNAL
OF THE 2ND EXPEDITION28 Jan 1725: Haverhill & Billerica men (and, presumably, Jonathan Farren from Amesbury) arrived at Dunstable, MA, to join the men from Groton & Lancaster who had arrived the day before to take part in Captain John Lovewell's 2nd expedition against the French-led Indians who had been raiding English settlements along the MA/NH border. (JLJ)
29 Jan 1725: Lovewell and his 87 soldiers "mustered and came over the river", going north from the Merrimac River. (JLJ)
Following is a list of the 62 names given in the 1728 "Report" when a grant of land was made to the snowshoe militiamen who went on Lovewell's Second Expedition:
(Record of Perfons wn ye 10 Indians were killed)
Jacob Ames Moses Hazzen Jos Read Jethro Ames S. Hilton Neh Robinson Benony Boynton Jno Houghton John Sawyer Eben Brown Jer Hunt Sam Sawyer Moses Chandler Joshua Hutchins Wm Shaden Jacob Corey Wm Hutchins Sam Shattock Fra Dogett Saml Johnson Jno Stephens Caleb Dostin Sam Learnerd Sam Stickney Jno Duncan Jno Levingston Sam Tarbol Thomas Farmer Stephen Merrill Sam Trull Ephm Farnsworth Sam Moor Jno Varnum Rueben Farnsworth Ben Parker Ben Walker Jona Ferren Ben Parker (Jr.?) Joshua Webster Saml Fletcher Jona Parks Joseph Whitcomb Robert Ford Jona Parks (Jr.?) Henry Willard Phin Foster Jacob Pearly Jos Wilson Jacob Gates Jere Pearly Jos Wheelock Moses Graves Rob Phelps Jno White Rich Hall Jno Pollard Jos Wright John Hazzen Oliver Pollard According to Kidder, above is "the list of 62 when ye 10 Indians were killed" as given in his book; however, there are only 59 names listed in his book. (JLJ, see FFN #8, pp. 4-8)
30 Jan 1725: Lovewell & his men traveled 5 miles " up to Nantecuck". (JLJ)
31 Jan 1725: : After travelling 10 miles, Lovewell & his men encamped above Cohaffet. (JLJ)
1 Feb 1725: Lovewell and his men "...travelled 10 miles and encamped about 3 miles above Amufkeeg. (JLJ)
2 Feb 1725: Lovewell & his men "...travelled 15 miles and camped at Pennycook." (JLJ)
3 Feb 1725: Lovewell led his men 12 miles further and they camped at Contoocook. (JLJ)
4 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted in his journal that " we lay still and sent out scouts" in search of signs of raiding Indian parties. (JLJ)
5 Feb 1725: Lovewell's expedition "traveled 8 miles towards Winnepefeocket, and encamped". (JLJ)
6 Feb 1725: After traveling 5 miles, the expedition camped at The Lower Pond, below the Winnepefeocket River. (JLJ)
7 Feb 1725: The number of men under Lovewell decreased to 80 this day, as he noted in his journal: " One of our men being cut very bad with an axe, we sent 6 men home with him, and traveled 8 miles that day." (JLJ)
8 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted: "We lay still by reason of a storm of snow". (JLJ)
9 Feb 1725: Lovewell and his men "...traveled 14 miles, & encamped at the N.W. corner of Winnepefeoket". (JLJ)
10 Feb 1725: Lovewell's expedition traveled 16 miles and encamped at the north side of Cufumpe Pond. (JLJ)
11 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted: "We traveled N. & by E. from said pond, & encamped and sent out scouts, and some of our scouts thought they discovered smokes, and others thought they heard guns. (JLJ)
12 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted: "We lay still and sent out scouts, who discovered nothing. (JLJ)
13 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted: "We say still and sent out scouts, and for want of provisions thirty of our men went home. (JLJ)
14 Feb 1725: Lovewell and the 50 men remaining with him "...traveled 10 miles toward the Easterly part of the White Mountians, & encamped upon a branch of Saco River; sent out scouts and killed a Black Moose that day". (JLJ)
15 Feb 1725: Most of Lovewell's expedition "lay still" in camp while scouts were again sent out in search of Indians. (JLJ)
16 Feb 1725: Lovewell and his men "...traveled 6 miles, and came upon the tracks of Indians, and we left 16 men with our packs, and the rest pursued the tracks till dark that night, and stayed there all night. (JLJ)
17 Feb 1725: The next morning, Lovewell and the group of men with him followed the trail of the Indians until about 8 o'clock "...and then we found where the Indians had lain twenty-four hours before, & we having no victuals, returned again to the 16 men we had left our packs with, & refreshed ourselves, & then we all pursued the remaining part of that day, & the night ensuing, 6 miles." (JLJ)
18 Feb 1725: On the trail of the Indians, who were apparently heading south, Lovewell and his men "...traveled about 20 miles and encamped at a Great Pond upon Saco River. (JLJ)
19 Feb 1725: Another day of hard travel: " We traveled 22 miles & encamped at a pond." (JLJ)
20 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted: "We traveled about 5 miles, & came upon a wigwam that the Indians had lately gone from, & then we pursued their tracks 2 miles further, & discovered their smokes (the smoke from their fires), and there tarried till about 2 o'clock in the morning, & then came upon their Wigwams & killed ten Indian men, which were all that were there, and not one escaped alive. (JLJ)
21 Feb 1725: "We came 6 miles", Lovewell noted in his journal. (JLJ)
22 Feb 1725: In order to see if his party was being pursued by Indians, Lovewell kept most of his men in camp for the day and kept scouts "on our back tracks". (JLJ)
23 Feb 1725: It may be that the scouts did find evidence of pursuit the previous day, as Lovewell and his men traveled 30 miles this day before they camped at Cochechea. (JLJ)
24 Feb 1725: Lovewell and his men traveled to Oyster River, 6 miles. (JLJ)
25 Feb 1725: Lovewell and his men rested for the day "...as our men were lame in their feet". (JLJ)
26 Feb 1725: Lovewell noted: "We marched down to Capt. Knight's, at Newington. (JLJ)
27 Feb 1725: Lovewell and his men boarded a sloop, a sailing ship, to return to Boston. (JLJ)
9 Mar 1725: Lovewell notes that the sloop arrived in Boston, Massachusetts.
10 Mar 1725: The date when Capt. John Lovewell wrote the copy of his journal of the 2nd expedition which was submitted to the legislature, dated March 10, 1724/25. (JLJ)
1725:"The Brave Lovewell Lamented"
A sermon by the Rev. Mr. Thomas Symmes:
(The following excerpt from the original sermon, was published in connection with a narrative by Rev. Symmes of Lovewell's War upon the text , 2 Samuel 1:27 - "How are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished!". as quoted in The Original Account of Capt. John Lovewell's 'Great Fight' with the Indians at Pequawket, May 8, 1725 by Rev Thomas Symmes of Bradford, Mass., a new edition with notes by Nathaniel Bouton, Concord, NH; P.B. Cogswell, Printer, 1861)"Let us all religiously lament the fall of the Brave LOVELL, and several of his gallant company, that offered themselves willingly among the people. Let us take up this lamentation over them! How are the mighty fallen! And if we would herein approve ourselves to God, let us consider that these brave men (though I hope we have many left as capable of serving their country) yet they were no inconsiderable part of the beauty and strength of New England: It is evident to the country, they were men formed and raised up by Providence to serve us in pursuing an Enemy, of whom we may say as of the wild ass, The wilderness yieldeth food for them and for their children. Job 24:5.
These our worthy friends could endure hardness as good soldiers, and were well able to encounter the fatigues of long marches, both in winter and in summer. some of them were well acquainted with the woods, and with the customs and lurking places of the enemy, and were mightily spirited to pursue them; and God did graciously preserve and prosper them this last winter in two expeditions; first delivered two Indians into their hands; and then ten stout fellows as you all remember, whom they killed, without recei