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 INCORPORATED dULY 9, 1894. 
 
 Vol. 2 
 
 Bulletin No. i, 
 
 yMantucket Lands and 
 
 Land Owners 
 
 .BY. 
 
 HENRY BARMARD WORTH. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 Nantucket Historical association, 
 
 1901. 
 
 4754r>{ 
 
 'Allertf.d Sii» 
 
Vol. 2. 
 
 Bulletin No. 
 
 yxantuckel Lands and 
 
 Land Owners 
 
 .BY. 
 
 HENRY BARNARD WORTH. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 Nantucket Histohical Association, 
 1901. 
 

INTRODUCTION. 
 
 This work will comprise a series of chapters which 
 will treat in topical form the history of Nantucket as found 
 in the public records. Fortunately the recorded transac- 
 tions of the first settlers have been well preserved, the 
 only book that is missing being that which Peter Folger 
 was accused of concealing. In Books i, 2 and 3 in the 
 Registry of Deeds are contained records of deeds, court 
 proceedings, set-offs of land, elections, and settlements of 
 estates of deceased persons. As soon as the different de- 
 partments of public service became distinct from the Land 
 Office, these records were kept in separate books. The 
 records of the town were begun in 1699 ; the probate 
 records in 1706; the proprietors in 1716, and the court in 
 1720; and after these dates the records of these depart- 
 ments were kept in separate books. The historical matter 
 found in these three books is the basis of this work. Ma- 
 terial has also been obtained from the State House in Al- 
 bany and Boston and the Registry of Deeds in Edgartown. 
 
 The plan adopted at first was to insert copies of all docu- 
 ments, but as these would be of value to only a few and 
 as they are being printed, it was decided to give the sub- 
 stance only and file the copies in the rooms of the His- 
 torical Association at Nantucket, 
 
 From 1660 to 1692 Nantucket was a part of New York 
 colony, and all public documents were recorded in New 
 York city, and in 1795 transferred to the new capital at 
 Albany. These papers are being printed by the State 
 Historian, the last volume including the year 1675. 
 
 After 1692 all such papers were sent to Boston. The 
 State of Massachusetts has taken no steps toward the pub- 
 lication of the early documents. 
 
There has never been any History of Nantucket based 
 on its records. Macy's History was written in 1835, and 
 it is clear that he was ignorant of the rich mass of histori- 
 cal data within his reach at Nantucket and Edgartown. 
 He stated that "greatly to his mortitication, there is very 
 litde on record and few documents relating to much of the 
 time embraced within the limits of this book," and that the 
 early setders "were so illiterate that the little of their 
 writings that have come down to us is hardly legible or 
 mtelligible." Thus he dismissed the records bec'ause he 
 could not read them, although they were as easy to read 
 as Gov. Winthrop's Diary or William Bradford's History 
 of Plymouth, when the system of penmanship is under- 
 stood. 
 
 It is proposed to print chapters of this work as fast as 
 expedient, in such form that they may be finally bound in 
 one volume with an index. Three chapters are printed in 
 this section. The next will be a history of the Nantucket 
 Indians, which will describe the relations of the White 
 and Red men, and the efforts of the latter to recover their 
 lands. A chapter will be devoted to the early courts and 
 an index of the cases that were decided. The first settlers 
 and their families will be described and an attempt will 
 be made to indicate in which part of the island they re- 
 sided. 
 
 Obed Mac}^ says "they did not require much formality 
 in their government." This is far from the fact, and the 
 early government will be shown. 
 
 The land tenure of Nantucket will be explained and the 
 famous Sheep Commons. 
 
 Thus the substance of the early records will be made 
 accessible. 
 
 HENRY B. WORTH. 
 New Bedford, Aug. ig, igoi. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 Securing the Title of the English King. 
 
 The historian states that Thomas Ma3'he\v became the 
 first Colonial purchaser of the islands south of Cape Cod 
 in October of 1641 ; his deed, as will hereafter appear, 
 was based upon a grant from the King of England. 
 
 At that time the occupants of these islands were tribes 
 of North American Indians. Some arrangement had to 
 be made with them by purchase before he could occupy 
 their territory ; thus at the outset he found two sources of 
 title. 
 
 1. From the English government, that claimed these 
 islands by right of discovery. 
 
 2. From the Indians, whose right was in possession. 
 The right by discover}'-, which was the foundation of 
 
 the English claim, was based on the vo3^age of Cabot, who 
 in 1497 sailed along the Atlantic coast from Florida to 
 Labrador ; but mere discovery carries no right unless the 
 new territory is settled and occupied ; if the nation claim- 
 ing this right, after a reasonable time fails to take posses- 
 sion, the right lapses and any other nation has a right to 
 settle the newly discovered land. 
 
 For some reason there was no activity in England in 
 taking possession of the new world ; over a century after 
 Cabot's voyage England made no permanent settlement ; 
 other nations were taking advantage of the opportunity. 
 Spain occupied Florida in 1525 ; a few years later France 
 had established the colony of New France along the St. 
 
Lawrence ; and in 1607 Holland had a colony along the 
 Hudson River. Something had to be done at once ; men 
 must be induced to procure homes across the Adantic. ly 
 1607, John Smith with a band of adventurers located at 
 Jamestown, Va., and the same year Mason and Georges 
 took possession of the country near the Kennebec River. 
 But there was still no disposition to go to America in 
 large numbers. It became necessary to make some ar- 
 rangement that suitable numbers might be induced to form 
 a colony in America. For this purpose the King 
 created a corporation called "The Council for New Eng^ 
 land." It was established in Plymouth, in Devonshire, 
 and was usually called the Plymouth Company. Its char- 
 ter was dated November 23, 1621, and immediately the 
 King granted to this company all territory in x\merica not 
 already settled between the parallels of 40 and 50 of north 
 latitude. This grant included the islands south of Cane 
 Cod. ^ 
 
 The officers and agents of this company could now pro- 
 ceed to sell sections of the new country and could lit out 
 vessels for transportation, and could more readily secure 
 the formation of Colonial settlements than when the title 
 was in the King. The charter for the Colony of Plymouth 
 came from this compan}-. 
 
 But instead of w^orking satisfactorily, the Plymouth 
 Company failed of success, and in 1635 Charles the First 
 terminated its existence by dissolution. The last act of 
 the corporation, taken at the King's request, was a grant 
 to William, Earl of Sterling, of that portion of Maine 
 lying east of the Kennebec River, and also Long Island 
 and the islands adjacent. It is not clear whether Uiis last 
 phrase was intended to include Block Island alone or all 
 the islands to the eastward ; maps of that day gave only 
 imperfect information, and no accurate idea of any locality 
 could be obtained ; but frequently the subsequent acts of 
 
the parties explained the intention. Judged by this test, 
 there is no doubt that the islands south of Cape Cod were 
 included in this grant. 
 
 Lord Sterling appointed James Forrett as his agent for 
 the purpose of selling and disposing of the islands between 
 Cape Cod and the Hudson River. Forrett came to New York 
 in April, 1637. His efforts were tirst directed to procuring 
 purchasers for different sections of Long Island, and it was 
 four years after his arrival before he found a customer for 
 Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. 
 
 It October, 1641, he conveyed all the islands south of 
 Cape Cod to Thomas Mayhew of Watertown in Massa- 
 chusetts Bay. 
 
 The deed of Nantucket and adjacent islands is dated 
 October 13th, while that of Marthas Vineyard and Eliza- 
 beth Islands is dated ten days later. 
 
 This conveyance, however, granted only the right to 
 use the surface of the land. This was because in those 
 days no grants were made of rights under the surface, 
 the King reserved to himself all mines. 
 
 Shortly after Mayhew had taken the Forrett deed he 
 learned that Sir Ferdinand Georges, the Governor of 
 Maine, claimed jurisdiction over these islands. This 
 authority was contained in a commission from Charles the 
 First, dated July 23, 1637, in which Georges was 
 appointed Governor of Maine. The provision seems to 
 have been intended merely as giving Georges the au- 
 thority to settle controversies between colonists who might 
 set up conflicting claims to land. It never could have 
 meant that Georges had the right to sell, but when the 
 formidable document was shown to Mayhew he became 
 convinced that the authority claimed by Georges was well 
 founded and concluded to recognize the same so far as to 
 obtain a deed. 
 
 This deed does not mention Nantucket. Whether this 
 
8 
 
 was an omission or intentional cannot be understood. 
 There was never any deed of Nantucket from Georges. 
 
 Under the Forrett deed Mayhew was to pay an annual 
 tax, to be determined by Governor Winthrop of Massa- 
 chusetts Bay. In the second deed he agreed to pay an 
 annual tax to Georges. This was the foundation of seri- 
 ous annoyance to Mayhew, which was not settled until 
 the issuing of the Lovelace patents in 167 1. The follow- 
 ing is the authority of Georges : 
 
 "It is our will and pleasure that none be 
 permitted to go into any of those parts to plant or inhabit 
 but that they acquaint our said Governor thereunto or 
 such other as shall be deputed for that purpose durino- his 
 abode here in England, and who are to receive from'him 
 or them allowance to pass with his or their further direc- 
 tion where to sit down most for their particular commodi- 
 ties and public gaol of our service. 
 
 "Hereby strictly charging and commanding all our offi- 
 cers and others to whom it shall or may appertain to take 
 notice of this our pleasure and to be careful the same be 
 firmly observed as they or any of them shall answer the 
 same at their uttermost peril." 
 
 But in this situation Mayhew had a title not clear even to 
 himself. He had agreed to pay taxes, therein called an 
 acknowledgment, both to Stirling and Georges. The 
 question was whether these islands belonged to New York 
 or Maine. When Lovelace became Governor of New 
 York, Mayhew exhibited his title deeds and the Governor 
 "stumbled much." 
 
 Mayhew's deed to the first twenty purchasers was dated 
 July 2, 1659, and after that the Nantucket owners seem to 
 have repudiated the claim of Georges and paid their ac- 
 knowledgment to the New York Governor. 
 
In 1664 the English took New Netherlands and changed 
 the name to New York. The English King made a grant 
 of considerable territory in the New World to his brother, 
 the Duke of York, in which were included "The several 
 small islands called or known by the name of Nantukes or 
 Nantucket." 
 
 The Duke of York then appointed Francis Lovelace 
 Governor of New York and its dependencies. Lovelace 
 reached New York in May, 1670, and at once set about 
 investi<ratin<»: the claims of the different English colonists. 
 Much controversy had arisen in different parts of Long 
 Island over deeds given by Forrett, and it was also known 
 that Georges had set up a claim to some parts of New 
 England. It was consequently decided that the best 
 method would be to notify the principal men of all New 
 England settlements concerning which there was any 
 question to produce their title deeds and prove their claims 
 to the land which they occupied. Notice was issued that 
 all persons claiming land on Nantucket appear before 
 the Governor at New York within four months from jNIay 
 16, 1670, and prove their titles. Although the notice was 
 received by the Nantucket inhabitants, they seem to 
 have paid no attention to it until May, 167 1, when Trist- 
 ram Coffin and Thomas Macy were appointed to act for 
 the Nantucket owners. They proceeded to New York 
 and their mission resulted in a new patent from Lovelace 
 of both Nantucket and Tuckannuckett, dated June 28, 
 167 1, confirming what had already been done by Forrett. 
 
 This conveyance was to Tristram Cotlin and Thomas 
 Macy as patentees for and on behalf of themselves and 
 their associates, inhabitants of Nantucket. Under this 
 Nantucket was created an enfranchised township, manor, 
 and place, independent of every other town. The consid- 
 eration was four barrels of merchantable codfish, to be de- 
 livered in Nev/ York annually. This conveyance ex- 
 
lO 
 
 pressly provided that only so much was granted as the 
 inhabitants had purchased from the Indians. The order 
 of procedure must be — 
 
 1. The English should purchase certain lands from 
 the Indians. 
 
 2. Then the English crown would ratify and contirm 
 the purchases. 
 
 The town was named Sherburne. 
 
 Thus were the rights of the Indians protected by the 
 representative of the English government. 
 
 With the Lovelace patent came instructions as to courts 
 both for the English and the Indians. They will be im- 
 portant in the controversy that took place a few years 
 later between half-share and whole-share men, called the 
 Insurrection. 
 
 In July, 1673, the Dutch took possession of New York 
 and held it until October, 1674, when it was surrendered 
 to the English. 
 
 The King was advised that the Dutch capture of New 
 York divested the title from the Duke of York, and that a 
 new grant would be necessary. This was made in July, 
 1674. 
 
 After the surrender of New York to the English, Nan- 
 tucket became a part of that province. For some reason 
 it was considered desirable to obtain a new patent ; prob- 
 ably this was thought necessary as the Nantucket land 
 owners desired to have confirmed purchases which they 
 had made from the Indians after the date of the Lovelace 
 patent. 
 
 Then followed the Dongan patent of 1684. In this 
 patent appears what was the policy of England in those 
 da3's, to except from the grant royal mines, drift whales 
 and wrecks. It granted only the territory of which they 
 had made purchase from the Indians. 
 
 When John Swain in August, 1686, had bought out 
 
II 
 
 all of the Indian claim to Qiiaise Point, he had to obtain a 
 grant of confirmation. He had to pay annually one 
 bushel of wheat. 
 
 On account of the inconvenience of obtaininsx a confir- 
 mation of purchases made from the Indians, it was con- 
 cluded best to obtain a general grant of the entire island, 
 which was the Dongan patent, dated June 27, 1687. This 
 patent is very elaborate and lengthy, and as it can be 
 found at the Registry of Deeds at Nantucket and in the 
 Genealogy of the Macy family, it is omitted from this 
 book. 
 
 It established John Gardner, James Coffin, William 
 Gayer, Peter Coffin, Nathaniel Barnard, Stephen Hussey 
 and John Macy a body corporate called the Trustees of 
 the Freeholders of the Town of Sherburne. This corpora- 
 tion was granted liberty to purchase land from the Indian 
 proprietors and confirm unto all persons having land on 
 the island their title thereto. The annual tax was one 
 lamb or two shillings, to be paid INIarch 20 at New York. 
 This corporation is the modern proprietory that has had a 
 continued existence ever since that date. 
 
 An act of Parliament in 1692 transferred all the islands 
 which Thomas Mayhew purchased in 1641 to the province 
 of Massachusetts Province. 
 
 This transfer was objected to by the Mayhews, but the 
 Nantucket inhabitants seem to have favored it. 
 
 Matthew Mayhew with his sheriff visited Nantucket 
 and threatened dire calamities on the Nantucket inhabi- 
 tants, and particularly on Captain John Gardner, on ac- 
 count of the transfer. But when Matthew Mayhew went to 
 New York in August he received little satisfaction, for the 
 New York Governor could not abrogate an act of Parlia- 
 ment. 
 
 The General Court of the Province of Massachusetts, 
 May 31, 1693, enacted a law confirming all titles on Nan- 
 
12 
 
 tucket that were based on grants from the Governors of 
 New York Colony. 
 
 Thus it required over half a century to settle and estab- 
 lish the lilies from the English crown. 
 
 Dongan's 1687 patent is the basis of all titles on Nan- 
 tucket. It is the only original Document from an English 
 Governor that has been preserved and is in the Registry 
 of Deeds at Nantucket. " 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 ' The Nantucket Insurrection. 
 
 This title is given by the Historian of the State of New 
 York to a controversy that took place among the inhabi- 
 tants of Nantucket between 1673 and 1680. The two 
 factions were nearly equal. One was under the leader- 
 ship of Tristram Coffin and the other of Captain John 
 Gardner. On account of intermarriage between the 
 early settlers the hostility was substantially between the 
 Coffin and Gardner families. The animosity that was the 
 origin of the strife cannot be determined, but unquestion- 
 ably the source lay in the temperaments of the two leaders. 
 
 Tristram Coffin exhibited great enterprise in gathering 
 together the company of settlers, and his family of 
 five sons and two daughters, with their hus- 
 bands and wives, formed a considerable part of 
 the first twenty purchasers. He was naturally a 
 leader, and during the first ten years of the island's 
 history was prominent in aflfairs. It cannot be said that 
 he was popular. He governed by force rather than by 
 persuasion. About the year 1672 he showed irritability 
 of temper by objecting to the voice of the majority and 
 dissenting therefrom, and not satisfied with this dissent, he 
 required that it be entered on the record, "Mr. Coffin en- 
 ters his decent." He preferred to rule rather than serve, 
 and when Captain John Gardner was gaining in popu- 
 larity it was a source of consternation to the old Puritan, 
 and in his efforts to retain control of the government he 
 resorted to extreme and revengeful measures. 
 
14 
 
 Captain John Gardner was a mariner and lived in Sa- 
 lem, Massachusetts Bay. His brother Richard was in 
 Nantucket in 1665 and was given a house lot. In 1672 the 
 inhabitants invited Captain Gardner to settle on the island 
 ♦'to set up the trade of fishing for the taking of codfish." 
 and that he should stay on the island at least three years. 
 For this he was granted half a share of land. Then he 
 purchased the half share of Nathaniel Holland on which 
 the latter had built a house. 
 
 If this was the house in which Gardner afterwards lived, 
 it was located at North shore near the house of the late 
 Charles O'Connor. 
 
 Richard Gardner came to Nantucket in 1665 as a 
 seaman and became a landowner. In 1673 a ^rant of ir- 
 regular shape was made to him comprising the land sur- 
 rounding the Lily Pond, then called Wesco Pond. His 
 house was on Sunset Hill, just west from the Coffin house. 
 Peter Folger was the son of John Folger, and came to 
 this country with Rev. Hugh Peters and afterward mar- 
 ried Mary Morrill, a servant in Peters' family. Peter Fol- 
 ger settled at Marthas Vineyard and became very profi- 
 cient in the Indian language and also learned the arts of 
 miller and blacksmith. When Thomas Mayhew trans- 
 ferred Nantucket to the first twenty inhabitants, it was ar- 
 ranged that Peter Folger should accompany them and as- 
 sist in managing the Indians. A half share of land was 
 granted him providing he would assist the inhabitants as 
 interpreter, miller and blacksmith. His son Eleazer was 
 given a half share of land providing he would pursue the 
 industries of blacksmith and shoemaker. Folger's mother 
 having died about 1663, he sold his lands at Marthas 
 Vineyard and removed to Nantucket. 
 
 Peter Folger was a surveyor and a preacher. His 
 grandson, Benjamin Franklin, thought that Folger came 
 from Holland. 
 
IS 
 
 The natural abilities of the Gardner brothers and Peter 
 Folger and their acquirements very soon enabled them to 
 become persons of great importance. It was true they 
 were tradesmen and possessed only one half as great a 
 share of land as the first twenty purchasers, yet there was 
 great demand for the service which they could render. In 
 managing the Indians Peter Folger seems to have been 
 without an equal. John Gardner, also, was held in high 
 esteem among them, and as long as he and Folger were 
 able to advise the Englishmen there was no conflict. 
 Richard Gardner appears to have been a man of con- 
 siderable education and was many times Chief Magistrate 
 and Assistant. 
 
 The Gardner brothers and Folger had qualities that 
 made them popular. Captain John had evidently not re- 
 ceived much school education, but he seems to have been 
 a man of physical courage and rugged honesty that gained 
 for him public confidence. After the death of Peter Fol- 
 ger he was the protector of the Indians. During the thirt}' 
 years of his residence at Nantucket for only a few years 
 was he out of office. He was Chief Magistrate, Select- 
 man, Treasurer, and Deputy to New York. Twice trav- 
 elling Quaker preachers visited Nantucket, once in i6So 
 and again in 1704. He forcibly objected to the new sect 
 and protested against their establishment on the island. 
 
 These three men seemed to affiliate naturally, being of 
 democratic views, while Tristram Coffin was inclined to 
 be despotic. 
 
 Under such circumstances it was inevitable that men of 
 strong personality like Tristram Coffin and John Gardner 
 should ultimately come in conflict. Coffin w^ould not 
 tamel}' submit to the increase of popularity of John Gard- 
 ner, and it was not likely that Gardner would retire in or- 
 der that Coffin might retain the power and authority that 
 were first accorded to him. 
 
i6 
 
 It was an annoyance to Coffin to see the favor shown to 
 Captain Gardner. The town granted him twenty acres 
 from his house toward the cliff and widened the road that 
 passed by his warehouse to the hmding place. Under the 
 new system of courts the people elected two men, one of 
 whom the Governor of New York appointed Chief Mag- 
 istrate. The first election took place in the spring of 
 1673 and Richard Gardner and Edward Starbuck were 
 elected. The Governor selected the former and at the 
 same time appointed John Gardner chief military officer. 
 
 The Gardners decided to engage in the fishing business 
 and for some reason concluded to procure a license from 
 the Colonial Governor. They were authorized to conduct 
 the fishing business and to buy land on the shore from the 
 Indians. In the same letter came the commissions of Rich- 
 ard Gardner as Chief Magistrate and John Gardner as 
 Captain of the Foot Company then within the islands of 
 Nantucket and Tuckannuckett. This was in April, 1673. 
 
 In July, 1673, the Dutch captured New York, and for 
 several months matters of crovernment were in confu- 
 sion. In October, 1674, New York was surrendered to 
 the English. 
 
 The following transactions at meetings of the inhabi- 
 tants are copied from the records : 
 
 March 8, 1674-75. 
 
 The town did vote that the letter drawn up to be 
 sent to the Governour of New York, shall be forth- 
 with sent. 
 To this vote 
 
 John Swayn enters his decent. 
 
 Mr. Tristram Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard enters his decent. 
 
 John Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 Richard Swayne enters his decent. 
 
 Steven Coflln enters his decent. 
 
17 
 
 March 13, 74-75. 
 
 The town did vote that Peter ffoulger should go to 
 New York with Captine Gariider to assist him in any 
 business that he is sent about b}^ the Town, to the 
 Governour. 
 
 To this, vote of the town 
 
 John Swayn enters his decent. 
 
 Mr. Tristram Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 Steven Cothn enters his decent. 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard enters his decent. 
 
 Richard Swayn enters his decent. 
 
 John Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 August 4, 1674. 
 
 The Town did vote to send a man to the Gover- 
 nour of new- York with the next Convenant season, to 
 petition the Governour about what may Infring the 
 Liberty s of the Chartar. 
 
 Capt. John Gardner is Clioson by the Town to go 
 new-Yorke about the aforesayd busines. 
 
 Mr. Tristram Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 John Swayn enters his descent. 
 
 Nathaniel Starbuck enters his decent. 
 
 Richard Swayn enters his decent. 
 
 John Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard enters his decent. 
 
 Steven Coffin enters his decent. 
 
 Nathaniel Wier enters his decent. 
 
 The above were the first indications of the conflict. The 
 attack of the Coffin party was against John Gardner. Ap- 
 parently Coffin was afraid that Gardner might secure 
 some advantage while the government was in the dis- 
 turbed condition at New York. 
 
 The Lovelace patent was dated in June, 1671, and ran 
 to Gardner and Coflin and their associates. 
 
i8 
 
 The Gardner party asserted that all men who owned 
 land on Nantucket were to be considered equal in own- 
 ership, and that in dehberations and votes all men should 
 have the same voice whether their ownership were small 
 or large and that a man who owned a whole share should 
 have no larger vote than one who owned less. This was 
 in direct antagonism to the view held by the Coffin 
 party. They claimed that the landowner who owned 
 one share should have two votes while a man owning half 
 a share should have but one, and that votes should depend 
 upon the amount of ownership. 
 
 Owing to the way in which the land-owners or free- 
 holders were divided, the adherents of the Gardner view 
 were slightly in majority. As near as can be ascer- 
 tained the following lists indicate substantially the follow- 
 ers of both parties : 
 
 Gardner Party. 
 
 John Gardner, 
 Richard Gardner, 
 Peter Folger, 
 Edward Starbuck, 
 Thomas Macy, 
 WilHam Worth, 
 William Bunker, 
 Thomas Coleman, 
 Joseph Coleman, 
 Joseph Gardner, 
 Samuel Streeter, 
 John Rolf, 
 John Coleman, 
 Nathaniel Wyer, 
 Eleazur Foliier. 
 
 Coffiti Party. 
 
 Thomas May hew, 
 Tristram Coffin, 
 Robert Pike, 
 Tristram Coffin, Jr., 
 Richard Swaine, 
 Stephen Greenleaf, 
 Christopher Hussey, 
 James Coffin, 
 Nathaniel Starbuck, 
 John Swaine, 
 John Coffin, 
 John Bishop, 
 Nathaniel Barnard. 
 
 Peter Folger's son Eleazur had married Richard Gard- 
 ner's dauiiiiter Sarah. 
 
19 
 
 Edward Starbuck might have been expected to affiliate 
 with Tristram Coffin, for his son Nathaniel married jNIary 
 the daughter of Tristram. It is not clear why Thomas 
 Macy should associate with John Gardner rather than Coffin, 
 but William Worth married his daughter Sarah ; William 
 Bunker his daughter Mary, and Joseph Gardner, son of 
 Richard, his daughter Bethiah. His affiliation may be 
 explained by the intermarriage of these families. At the 
 same time this will not explain all associations for Peter 
 Coffin married Edward Starbuck's daughter. 
 
 The others of the Gardner party being half-share men, 
 might be expected to stand together. Macy and Starbuck 
 alone owned an entire share of land. 
 
 Thomas Mayhew lived at Edgartown and was called 
 "Governor," for he was appointed to that office for life. 
 It is said that his motive in buying these islands was to 
 Christianize the Indians. But this will hardly explain his 
 actions. The fact probably is that primarily he wanted a 
 place where he could rule and govern and establish a 
 manor. He was a born aristocrat and hated anybody 
 who advocated rule by the people. The only practical 
 aristocracy was that connected with land ownership. 
 Tristram Coffin held exactly the same view. Tristram, 
 James and John Coffin were sons of Tristram, and 
 Stephen Greenleaf married his daughter Elizabeth and 
 Nathaniel Starbuck his daughter Mary. 
 
 Robert Pike never lived at Nantucket, but remained in 
 Salisbury. Christopher Hussey lived and died in Hamp- 
 ton, N. H. 
 
 There seems to be no reason why the Swains should 
 act with one party instead of the other. 
 
 John Bishop afterwards sold his land to Peter Coffin and 
 moved to Woodbride, N. J. The Coffin party were all 
 full share men. 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard inherited the two shares of land 
 
owned by his father Robert and uncle Thomas and was 
 the weahhiest man on the island when he died, his estate 
 being valved at over £3000. He was Hkely to move with 
 the aristocratic party. The weaUh, tone and influence 
 were with the Coffin faction. The others represented the 
 poorer, working class, composed mostly of mechanics. 
 
 Before proceeding with the events of the controversy it 
 will be well to examine the merits of the case. John Gard- 
 ner thus states his argument. 
 
 Governor Lovelace ordered all persons at Nantucket 
 in May, 1670, to appear before him within four months 
 and exhibit the evidence of their title or else their claims 
 to land should be thereafter void. The landowners 
 at Nantucket received notice, but about a year after- 
 ward presented their evidence. No recognition was ex- 
 pi-essed by the Governor of the old deeds from Lord Stir- 
 ling. But Lovelace issued a new patent dated June 21, 
 1 67 1, to Coffin and Macy for a confirmation unto the in- 
 habitants, freeholders and purchasers in their possession 
 and enjo3'ment. April, 1673, the same Governor in some 
 instructions given the inhabitants, stated "that all an- 
 cient and obsolete deeds, grants, writings or conveyances 
 upon said island shall be esteemed' of noe force or valid- 
 ity, but the records of every one's claim or interest shall 
 bear date from the first dilvulging of the patent granted to 
 the inhabitants by authority of His Royoll Highness, and 
 not before the date thereof." 
 
 Hence, argued Gardner, if all former deeds are void 
 and in the patent of June, 167 1, the grant is to all the in- 
 habitants, it follows that all are equal in ownership. This 
 argument would have been without foundation except for 
 the instructions. Consequently it was vital to the conten- 
 tion of Captain Gardner that this provision in the instruc- 
 tions should be held valid. For if it were modified or ex- 
 plained his only ground was gone. His hope hung by a 
 
21 
 
 slender thread. It was not possible that a confirmation 
 grant could be made and two years later the Grantor de- 
 clare the early deeds were void which the grant sought to 
 confirm. Yet this was Gardner's argument, and he had 
 the instructions as a basis if they were valid. 
 
 The Coffin party took the ground that the Lovelace 
 patent was merely a confirmation of previous grants, which 
 might have lacked some formal provision or were given 
 by officials of doubtful authority. The former things were 
 not void but confirmed. The Governor must certainly so 
 decide when his attention was called to the situation. And 
 the Governor did render this decision. 
 
 But before the decision was announced, the Gardner 
 party being in control of the government had passed a 
 number of votes that created great bitterness in the minds 
 of the Coffin party. 
 
 On the question of the proper construction to be given 
 to the Lovelace patent, Gardner was wrong. But a new 
 question had arisen — "Was the island to be governed by 
 a landowners' aristocracy, or by the people themselves?" 
 Gardner's democratic views were clearly sound, and Cofi- 
 in's adherence to the other theory demonstrates that he 
 was in error. This question was of greater importance 
 than the construction of the Lovelace deed. 
 
 It may seem strange that such a fierce quarrel should 
 take place over the instruction of the Governor and that it 
 should continue with such increasing vigor when the ques- 
 tion was settled. The cause of disagreement must have 
 had its origin further back. Whoever studies the strifes 
 of these early settlers will probably reach the conclusion 
 that the struggle was largely the same that has always ex- 
 isted. The landowner wanted to be the aristocrat and 
 have the tradesmen his subjects. 
 
 When Coffin and his relatives attempted to found a land- 
 owners' aristocracy, a vigorous protest was offered by 
 
2i 
 
 Captain John Gardner. It was the old contest in which 
 the few sought to rule the many. There could be only 
 one outcome in such a controversy. 
 
 In the correspondence which Tristram Coffin carried on 
 with the Governor either Thomas Ma3'hew or his grand- 
 son Matthew usually joined. In November, 1674, May- 
 hew and Coffin represented that the first purchasers feared 
 a disturbance in the quiet and peaceable possession of 
 Nantucket from those who were admitted among them as 
 tradesmen, because the latter claimed an equal interest 
 with the first purchasers, and disputed the right to vote on 
 the shares of those who were living away from the island. 
 Thus, Tristram Coffin had two sons not on the island and 
 he claimed the right to vote on their shares. This the 
 Gardners contested. 
 
 Andros gave an interpretation to the language of Love- 
 lace as follows : 
 
 "As to that clause in the additional instructions and di- 
 rections for the government of the Island of Nantucket, 
 ■ wherein it is said that all ancient and obsolete deeds, etc. 
 shall be esteemed of no force or validity, but the records 
 of every one's claim or interest shall bear date from the 
 first divulging of the patent, etc. 
 
 "It is to be understood that all that were at that time 
 equally possessed of any land, houses, etc., in that island 
 were confirmed in their said possession by their patent, 
 but obliged to record their said titles to avoid all future 
 litigious suits upon account of their uncertainty, the which 
 (if not yet due) the Chief Magistrates are hereby required 
 to enjoin the same according to the custom of a manner, 
 as is granted them in their patent." 
 
 At the same time, Nov. 7, 1674, Governor Andros gave 
 an order as follows, which was intended to reduce the 
 Gardner party to a condition of obedience : 
 
23 
 
 "Whereas I have been given to understand that several 
 disorders have happened to the Islands Martin's Vineyard 
 and Nantucket (or one of them) since the time of the 
 Dutch coming into these parts in July, 1673, I have with 
 the advice of my Council thought best to order and ap- 
 point that the Governor or Governors and assistants of 
 both the islands aforementioned be hereby authorized and 
 empowered to call to account and punish according to Law 
 ail such persons as have been ringleaders or capital of- 
 fenders and transgressors against the established govern- 
 ment under his Royal Highness, the crime not extending 
 to life, limb or banishment. But in case of such high 
 crimes which may deserve these punishments, to secure 
 the offenders and send them hither prisoners by the first 
 conveyance." 
 
 Tristram Coffin sent the following to the Governor : 
 
 "The original right of Nantucket was obtained by 
 Thomas Mayhew, and Thomas Mayhew his son, of James 
 forrett, Agent to William Earl of Sterling, the 30th day of 
 October, 1641, and granted by them to the ten first pur- 
 chasers Feb. 5, 1659, and the right of the Indian sachems 
 May 10, 1660, before which time the said Mayhew could 
 not obtain any land of the sachems upon said island. 
 
 " At a meeting of the owners and purchasers the first 
 original proprietors of Nantucket, June 8, 1674, 
 
 "First : Forasmuch as there appeared several grounds of 
 suspicion of an endeavor by some lately admitted to the Is- 
 land and severally that formerly had been admitted, and 
 stated thereby the aforesaid proprietors to supplant the said 
 first proprietors of their rights by the defective recording 
 and uncertain keeping of said records, and also by passing 
 two several sorts of laws, the one against the other, and 
 both overthrowing and taking away the former right ; and, 
 whereas, we applied ourselves to the General Court of 
 
24 
 
 said Island at the season thereof for their assistance by 
 their advice or otherwise, as it should belong to their cog- 
 nizance in the startincr of our said manor or interest for 
 the future. They returned us answer that they were 
 not in capacity of a court to answer by reason that the 
 magistrates of Nantucket were not there, namely : Thomas 
 Macy, Mr. Richard and John Gardner, with whom we 
 had several times endeavored to understand their reasons, 
 and in an amicable way to compose the matter, but all in 
 vain. And whereas there have been several alienations 
 from the ten first purchasers unto others and also some of 
 the associates and partners of the said ten purchasers are 
 not named in the first records at Salisbury whereby it may 
 appear who are now the owners of the said lands ; we the 
 aforesaid purchasers, owners and freeholders of the said 
 Island of Nantucket, have mutually agreed, voted and 
 subscribed, being all present on the said Island, that an 
 account shall presently be taken and recorded of those 
 that are now the present owners of said land, whether of 
 the ten first purchasers or of their ten associates and part- 
 ners who are now on record called the twenty purchasers 
 and owners, to whom the sole, proper and equal right 
 doth belong of the said Island and appurtenances and of 
 the order of all transactions that have passed for the con- 
 veyance of any of said rights until this time ; and also that 
 the like order shall be observed from time to time for the 
 recording of such alienations as shall be made for tlie fu- 
 ture, that every man's right may be orderly known and 
 distinguished for time to come by perpetual succession. 
 
 "Thomas Mayhew, Robert Pike, Tristram Coffin, Sr., 
 the mark of Richard Swaine, Sr., Stephen Greenleaf, 
 Stephen Hussey, James Coffin, Tristram Coffin, Jr., Na- 
 thaniel Starbuck, John Swaine, John Coffin, John Bishop, 
 Nathaniel Barnard. 
 
 "Accordingly at the same meeting it did appear by the 
 
25 
 
 perusing the original records of Salisbury of 1659 and 
 1661, that these ten persons, viz. : Thomas Mayhevv, 
 Tristram Coflin, Christopher Hussey, Richard Svvaine, 
 Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, John 
 Swaine, Thomas Macy and William Pile were the first 
 ten to whom the said Island and appurtenances did belong 
 solely. 
 
 "Secondly, That at the said meeting in the same rec- 
 ords it did appear that Robert Pike was owned by Chris- 
 topher Hussey to be his partner ; Robert Barnard to be 
 Thomas Barnard's partner; Edward Starbuck to be 
 Thomas Macy's partner; Tristram Coffin, Jr., to be 
 Stephen Greenleaf s partner, and James Coffin to be Peter 
 Coffin's partner. 
 
 "It is further declared and owned that these are also 
 associates of the rest of the ten purchasers, viz. : Thomas 
 Coleman was partner to John Swaine, as by deed ; Na- 
 thaniel Starbuck was partner to Tristram Coffin, Sr. ; 
 John Smith with Thomas Mayhew ; Thomas Look part- 
 ner with Richard Swain as by deed ; the right of William 
 Pile was sold to Richard Swaine, who conveyed the one half 
 thereof to Nathaniel Boulter and the other half to his son- 
 in-law and daughters-in-law, William Bunker, Mary 
 Bunker, Ann and Martha Bunker, as by deed, 1667. 
 
 Nathaniel Boulter sold his right to John Bishop, Sr. ; 
 Capt. Christopher Hussey sold his own part unto his sons 
 Stephen Hussey and John Hussey. John Smith, deceased, 
 left his right to his two sons John Smith and Samuel 
 Smith, by equal division, Feb. 14, 1670. Tristram Cof- 
 fin, Sr., has conveyed one-half of his own proper right unto 
 his son Stephen Coffin ; Thomas Barnard conveyed one-half 
 of his proper right to his son Nathaniel Barnard ; Thomas 
 Coleman conveyed one-half of his right purchased from 
 John Swaine unto his son John Coleman. 
 
 "It is to be taken notice that this list of twenty first pur- 
 
26 
 
 chasers should have been inserted before these alienations 
 were made, namely : Thomas Mayhew, Tristram Coffin, 
 Sr., Richard Swaine, Christopher Hussey, Thomas Bar- 
 nard, Nathaniel Starbuck, John Bishop, Sr., Peter Coffin, 
 Stephen Greenleaf, John Swain, Thomas Macy, John 
 Smith, Robert Pike, Robert Barnard, Edward Starbuck, 
 Tristram Coffin, Jr., James Coffin, Thomas Coleman, 
 Thomas Look, William, Mary, Ann and Martha Bunker 
 in the one-half right of William Pile. 
 
 "These are the twenty first purchasers who are called 
 the first purchasers and their associates to whom the right 
 was sold by Mr. Mayhew and which also bought the Ind- 
 ian right and the alienations above said, and all other 
 alienations whatsoever have been derived from them when 
 it is general or one of them when it is particular. 
 
 "At the same meeting Tristram Coffin acknowledged 
 the one-half of his right to be conveyed to his son, Stephen 
 Coffin, as by deed bearing date May 29, 1674. 
 
 "It is also acknowledged at the said meeting that the 
 Neck called Mascatuk upon Nantucket, which was by Mr. 
 Thomas Mayhew reserved to himself when he sold the 
 patent right of Nantucket to the twenty purchasers, is no 
 part of the sale, but do remain to him the said Mayhew 
 according to the right that he obtained of the Indians ac- 
 cording as it does appear in the deeds that we had of said 
 Mr. Ma^^hew bearing date Feb. 5, 1659. 
 
 "It does also appear by a writing in the manner of a 
 mortgage under the hand of Thomas Macy unto Tristram 
 Coffin of that part or so much of it belonging to Thomas 
 Mac}'' being his twentieth part, as will pay the said Tris- 
 tram Coffin for such sums as the said Coffin was to pay for 
 the said Macy as by the said writing may appear, bearing 
 date July 27, 1660, but no further proceedings did then 
 appear about it." 
 
27 
 
 Then complaint was made that the records were held 
 without being open to the public, and Andros gave this 
 order : 
 
 "Whereas I am informed that a search or view and 
 copies of the Public Records are denied to the Inhabitants 
 others concerned in Nantucket, 
 
 These are therefore in His Majesty's name to require 3'ou 
 forthwith to take order therein and that for future all per- 
 sons may have a legal and free recourse thereunto as in 
 others His Majesty's colonies in paying reasonable fee for 
 the same ; of which you are not to fail or you will answer 
 the contrary at your uttermost peril." 
 
 So each party proceeded to send communications to 
 New York. The Coffin faction complaining that their 
 rights were infringed by the half-share men, and then the 
 other party while asserting the greatest loyalty to the gov- 
 ernment would claim that under the Lovelace patent they 
 were justified. And the Gardners held the reins of gov- 
 ernment. In one letter Coffin and Mayhew wrote : 
 
 "But our interest and property is ordered and disposed 
 of principally by said tradesmen and seamen who with 
 some of the purchasers being the major part of said Island 
 in persons though not in property have elected unto 
 authority some of themselves whereby they have pre- 
 sumed to dispose of our purchase, dividing it among one 
 another. Neither can we have any redress, they afiirm- 
 ing that every card they play is an ace and every ace a 
 trump and that we have no remedy in law." 
 
 On Dec. 28, 1675, Stephen Hussey was fined for con- 
 tempt of authority in saying to Capt. John Gardner "Med- 
 dle with your own business. I gave Edward Cartwright 
 authority to let his hogs run on the common." 
 
 As late as that date the Gardner party seem to be in the 
 ascendant. 
 
28 
 
 It is not clear with such a small majority why they pro- 
 ceeded willi such confidence. They appeared to fear no 
 change in the island politics. But the parties were too 
 evenly balanced for either to expect uninterrupted control. 
 A change of two from the Gardner party would give their 
 opponents a working majority. This is exactly what took 
 place. 
 
 During the next two months a singular change accurred. 
 Thomas Macy and his son-in-law, William Worth, aban- 
 doned their party and joined the Coffin faction. The only 
 documents dealing with this episode which took place in 
 the early winter of 1676, are letters written by Peter Fol- 
 ger and John Gardner, and they offer no explanation. It 
 seems that the commission of Thomas Macy had expired 
 and he called the town together to learn if the town would 
 stand by him in acting as Chief Magistrate although the 
 time of his appointment had gone by. Evidently some of 
 them agreed to uphold him in this usurpation of power, 
 and the Coffin party gave him their support. For this 
 reason he left the Gardner party. William Worth was a 
 young man and would naturally follow the lead of Macy, 
 particularly as they promised to make him Clerk of the 
 Courts. 
 
 At the-meeting held Feb. 13, 1676, the new order was 
 instituted. 
 
 Thomas Macy and Peter Coffin had a grant of a fish- 
 ing privilege, and they were appointed to examine the 
 town book that had been recovered from Peter Folger to 
 see if it had been altered. 
 
 Then William Worth was chosen Town Clerk and 
 Clerk of the Court, and John Gardner and Peter Folger 
 were forbidden to participate thereafter in any of the 
 town's concerns. 
 
 So far the Coflln party did no more than their oppo- 
 nents. The latter removed all their enemies from office. 
 
29 
 
 and now the same was visited upon them. But Tristram 
 Coffin was in no mood to stop at this point. For over a 
 a year and a half he had been out of office and seen his 
 chief enemy gaining in authority. Now he thirsted for 
 revenge. 
 
 Peter Folger was arrested and put in jail Feb. lo, 1676, 
 without beincT able to see the warrant orderiufr his arrest. 
 He was sent to jail Feb. 19 because he could not furnish 
 bail. The jail was a place "where never any English- 
 man was put." 
 
 Here he was confined for over a year and a half, al- 
 though the keeper allowed him sometimes to visit his 
 family. 
 
 x\t this time he was over si?:ty years old and had been 
 an interpreter of the Indian language on these islands for 
 thirty years. 
 
 At a court of adjournment held in Sherburne on Nan- 
 tucket the 14th of April, 1676, 
 
 William Worth is chosen Recorder and Clarke of the 
 Writs of this Court ; 
 
 "Peter foulger inditted for contempt of his Majesty's au- 
 thority in not appearing before the Court according to a 
 summons served on hem and being apprehended by spe- 
 ciel warrant and being brou^^ht to court to answer for his 
 contemtious carrag and being demanded wh}^ he did so 
 act gave no answer though the court waited on hem a 
 while and urged hem to speak, 
 
 The sentence of the Court is to remist the cause to the 
 Court of Assize at New York as the law directs, and to 
 give 20 pounds bond for his appearance and to abide the 
 order of the Court and to stand committed till the bond be 
 given." 
 
 Whatever else may be said of the rule of John Gardner 
 and his associates, it is a fact that they never imprisoned or 
 
30 
 
 disfranchised their enemies. But when Thomas Macy be- 
 came a pliant tool in the hands of Tristram Coffin, with 
 congenial assistants, it was easy for Coffin to w^reak his 
 vengeance upon the members of the other party. Peter 
 Folger was in jail, but more severe measures were neces- 
 sary to satisfy his desire for revenge. Then began a se- 
 ries of court proceedings against John Gardner and his 
 relatives and friends. In these events Coffin had tierce 
 coadjutors in the Mayhews at Edgartown, who seem to 
 have had a grudge against Captain Gardner, The follow- 
 ing are copies from the court records : 
 
 Peter Folger's son Eleazur had married Sarah Gardner, 
 the daughter of Richard ; they all expressed themselves 
 with indignation at Peter Folger's imprisonment. Conse- 
 quently they were all arrested. 
 
 *'At a court held the 22nd of April, 1677, 
 "Mr. Richard Gardner, Eleazur Folger, and Sarah 
 Gardner were summoned to appear at the Court to answer 
 for their speaking in derogation of the sentence ot the 
 Court, but neither of them appeared." 
 
 At the next court they appeared, with the following re- 
 sult : 
 
 "Sarah, wife of Mr. Richard Gardner, being legally con- 
 victed of speaking very opprobriously and uttering many 
 slanderous words concerning the imprisonment of Peter 
 Folger who was imprisoned by order of the Court, upon 
 her good demeaning herself and civilly being to the good 
 satisfaction and likeness of the Court, the Court think lit 
 to remit all other fines provided by law in such case, but 
 she shall be reproved and admonished to have care for the 
 future of evil words tending to defaming His Majesty's 
 Court." 
 
 "Mr. Richard Gardner being legally convicted of non- 
 appearance at Court, according to summons, the Court 
 
31 
 
 perceiving that it was occasioned by his mistake, do 
 acquit him." 
 
 There is no record of any dealing with Richard Gard- 
 ner concerning the merits of his offence. 
 
 Tobias Coleman was a sympathizer of Peter Folger's 
 and he was also arrested. 
 
 "Tobias Coleman, being legall}' convicted of speaking 
 evil of authority and many vile and slanderous words oft- 
 entimes, is adjudged to pay fine of twent3'-iive shillings, 
 and shall be bound to his good behaviour twelve months in 
 a bond of live pounds, and to pay the fees of the Court." 
 
 "Eleazur Folger, being legally convicted of speaking 
 to the defamation of the Court, acknowledging that he 
 said, it was his judgment it was cruelty to put his father in 
 prison," he is adjudged to pay fine of five pounds, or 
 twenty shillings and a public acknowledgement to the sat- 
 isfaction of this Court, the fine to be paid in money or 
 equivalent." 
 
 There was another book called "The Small Book of 
 Records," in which were probably kept records similar in 
 character to those found in Book No. 2 in the Registry of 
 Deeds. It is a fact that the earliest Court Records extant 
 begin in July, 1672 ; there must have been court transac- 
 tions before that time, and there are two or three indica- 
 tions in Book No. i that there were convictions in 1666. 
 No book of that kind is now in existence. This book 
 must have contained all the transactions before 1672 by the 
 court, and possibly transactions of other sorts. Whether 
 this book was ever recovered from Peter Folser cannot be 
 known ; there is certainly no record of it after the follow- 
 ing : 
 
 June 6, 1677. 
 To the Marshall of Nantucket, Greeting : 
 
 You are in His Majesty's name required to bring forth- 
 
32 
 
 with Peter Folger before the Court to answer for his neg- 
 lecting and upon his request refusing to attend the Court, 
 for officiating his office therein. 
 
 Thomas Mayiiew, 
 
 President. 
 
 "Before the Marshall went with the warrant the Court 
 upon Peter Folger's non-attendance at the Court accord- 
 ing to his dut}' and place, sent the Marshall to request his 
 appearance, and to bring the book and writing with him 
 which relates to the Court. Said Folger returned this 
 answer in writing : 
 
 " 'I do certainly know that I have been a prisoner since 
 the fourteenth of February, last past, and do as certainly 
 know the cause why I was put in prison.' 
 
 "Peter Folger being brought before the Court, refusing 
 absolutely to bring the small book of records and writings 
 relating to the Court, as appeared by his refusing to 
 speak, by the Court instructed and urged thereto with 
 telling him the great danger might insue for want of said 
 records, it being the Court's present concern to settle the 
 spirits of the enraged heathen. 
 
 "Said Peter persisting in his stubbornness, the Court 
 adjudged him to be committed close prisoner until further 
 order." 
 
 In the meantime matters were reaching a serious atti- 
 tude. No man had as much influence with the Indians as 
 John Gardner and Peter Folger. It was reported to them 
 tliat Gardner and Folger were overthrown, the latter in 
 jail and the former soon to be imprisoned, and tumult was 
 in the air. They were also informed that if matters pro- 
 gressed this way with Gardner and Folger removed from 
 all influence the Indians would soon be at the mercy of 
 the whites. While King Philip had not been able to 
 arouse them yet, the treatment of Folger and Gardner 
 
33 
 
 incited them to rebellion. Coffin and his associates were 
 filled with apprehension. 
 
 In this extremity the Coffin party seemed to consider 
 that still further severity was necessary to compel obedi- 
 ence, not only of Gardner and Folger but of their sympa- 
 thizers. 
 
 "At a Court held June, 1677, 
 
 "The Court having used all means for procuring of the 
 book in the hands of Peter Folger, and finding there are 
 none of the records for settling of Indian affairs, whereof 
 they were in great measure stilled from their rage with the 
 promise thereof, the Court told said Peter Folger that 
 as they had the authority of the Court, and he seemed to 
 question the same, if it was in that respect desired him to 
 allege anything to detriment of the Court if he could ob- 
 ject anything they could and would hear him, and the 
 Court would give him bail and save him harmless. The 
 said Peter remained obstinate. 
 
 "The Court have resolved and do order that a fine of 
 five pounds be levied on the estate of Peter Folger, and 
 that he remain close prisoner without bail, until he deliver 
 the said book with writings relating to the Court officers, 
 or cause the delivery thereof unto this Court or the au- 
 thority of Nantucket, and do likewise disfranchise the said 
 Peter Folger. 
 
 "The Court ordered that Peter Folger be brought before 
 the Court. Having come the Court declared the present 
 necessity they stand in of the book of records. He said 
 he was willing to deliver it if he could according to his 
 sentence ; the Court signified to him that if at any time he 
 would deliver it the Marshall should attend him, but he 
 would give no other answer ; he is again committed to 
 prison." 
 
 This condition did not suit Tristram Coffin. Folcfer 
 
34 
 
 would not yield. Some further coercive measures must be 
 put in operation, so Coffin ordered John Gardner's arrest 
 for "burnintr a deed of sale." Possibly this was some 
 original Mayhew or Indian deed. 
 
 "Complaint is made unto this Court by Mr. Tristram 
 Coffin and John Swaine against Captain John Gardner for 
 burning a deed of sale wherein the right of the English 
 inhabitants upon the Island of Nantucket was contained. 
 With words spoken to the disquieting of the English in- 
 habitants, His Majesty's good subjects there, if not their 
 subversion, as likewise his Royal Highness' interests in 
 settling the plantation. 
 
 "Bailed 50 Pounds. 
 
 "Whereas the Court taking into consideration how they 
 might better maintain His Majesty's authority in this 
 Court, especially with relation to the heathen among 
 whom it was vaguely rumored that there was no govern- 
 ment on Nantucket, and having good cause to suspect the 
 same to proceed originally from some English instigating 
 them, or by their practice encouraging them in the same, 
 to the great damage of causing insurrection. 
 
 "This Court respecting the same saw good to send for 
 Capt. John Gardner, who at the Quarter Court refused to 
 appear, being summoned, and had refused to assist the 
 constable upon his command in the execution of his office 
 to make his appearance to answer to the same. 
 
 "In pursuance whereof this Court, sending the Marshall 
 twice for him with a warrant, refused to come, the Mar- 
 shall afterwards fetching him by force. 
 
 "When he came to the Court demeaned himself most 
 irreverently, sitting down with his hat on, taking no no- 
 tice of the Court ; behaving himself so both in words and 
 gesture as declared his great contempt of authority of this 
 Court, tending to the dishonor of His Majest^^'s authority 
 
35 
 
 and the encouragement of others, and especially the 
 the heathen who being before by some evil spirit per- 
 suaded that there was no authority, were hardly persuaded 
 from using violence ; the composing whereof was the 
 principal cause of this Court's present sitting. 
 
 "The Court hath therefore thought good for the uphold- 
 ing and maintaining the peace and tranquillity of this 
 place, which is so greatly endangered by a precedent of 
 such note and at such a time and by such a practice, to 
 discountenance such practices and deterring others from 
 the like have resolved and do therefore order ; that Cap- 
 tain John Gardner shall pay a fine often pounds in money 
 or something equivalent thereunto into the treasury, and 
 is disfranchised. 
 
 "Capt. John Gardner being legally convicted of speak- 
 ing words tending to contempt of authority ordered that 
 he receive a sharp admonition." 
 
 June 6, 1677, the Marshall saith he served his warrant 
 on Capt. Gardner, whose answer was, 'That he did not 
 disown the King's authority but I will not act.'" 
 
 Another warrant was issued to apprehend Capt. Gard- 
 ner, and placed in the hands of William Bunker, Mar- 
 shall. Having fined and disfranchised Capt. Gardner, 
 they next ordered him to be arrested, and the testimony is 
 recorded and the record is as follows : 
 
 June 17, 1677. 
 To the Marshall of Nantucket, Greeting : 
 
 Whereas the Court have good cause to suspect Capt. 
 John Gardner to have an especial hand in obstructing the 
 proceedings of this Court by joining himself to Peter 
 Folger in keeping back, with-holding and concealing the 
 public records and writings relating to this Court, as 
 also for giving out threatening speeches or words with 
 tendency to the Court, or some member thereof, on Mon- 
 day last, being the sixth of this instant June. 
 
36 
 
 You are therefore in His Majesty's name forthwith to 
 appear with Capt. John Gardner and him bring before the 
 Court to make answer to the premises and take sufficient 
 assistance with you as you see need and occasion, and if 
 need require you may draw latch, break open doors, and 
 all things else remove that may obstruct your lawful pro- 
 ceedings herein. 
 
 ISIatthew Mayhew, 
 
 Secretary. 
 
 TESTIMONY. 
 
 The deposition of Thomas Look, aged about 31 years. 
 
 That yesterday the Constable, treating with Capt. John 
 Gardner about the Court book and papers, and telling 
 him that it may be he could help him to them, for he was 
 going to look for them. This deponent remembereth not 
 said Captain's answer, but as soon as the Constable was 
 gone Capt. Gardner saith : "I know what the}'^ would 
 have, but they shall not have it if I can help it, till it comes 
 to New York ; they shall be seen there first." And fur- 
 ther saith not. 
 
 Attested in Court June 7, 1677. 
 
 Deposition of Thomas West, aged 31 years : 
 That the Constable coming to Capt. Gardner's asked 
 him for the court book and those writings that belonged to 
 it, and Capt. Gardner said to me "They are resolved to 
 have those things which we are resolved they shall not 
 have before they come to New York, if we can, but let 
 them take their course." 
 Attested June 7, 1677. 
 
 Testimony of Tristram Coffin, aged 67 years : 
 That on the 6th day of June, 1677, the General Court 
 being sit in the town of Sherburne, and Capt. John Gard- 
 ner being brought into court, and sot down on a chest 
 
37 
 
 where I sat, there being of the members of the Court that 
 spake to him concerning his contemptuous carriages in 
 regard of the King's authority then and there present, and 
 he accused and brought as a delinquent. 
 
 I spake to him and told him that I was very sorry that 
 he did behave himself. The aforesaid Capt. John Gardner 
 replied and said : 
 
 "I know my business and it may be that some of those 
 that have meddled with me had better have eaten tier." 
 
 Witness my hand to the verity of this, 
 
 Tristram Coffin. 
 
 "At a legal meeting in the Town of Sherburne, 
 April 15, 1677, ^^''* Thomas Macy chosen Moderator and 
 the laws now enacted by the General Court were pub- 
 lished." 
 
 "At a legal town meeting the 20th of the 4th month, 
 1677, 
 
 "Voted by the town that Mr. Peter Coffin is chosen and 
 desired to go to the Vineyard, and the town doth empower 
 him to agree with Mr. Matthew Mayhevv to go to New 
 York about the Town's concerns, and if he see cause he 
 may go himself, or to act any other way according to his 
 discretion for the sending there, according to the instruc- 
 tions given, and the town doth engage to satisfy Mr. Cof- 
 fin and own his proceedings. 
 
 "Voted by the town that Mr. Cofiin, Mr. Macy, Stephen 
 Hussey and William Worth are chosen to draw up instruc- 
 tions for him or them that go to New York." 
 
 This was intended to meet the effect of letters that had 
 just before been sent by Folger and Gardner. 
 
 When the constable called to collect the fine Capt. John 
 refused to pay it and the official took "a haluef a barrel of 
 Rom," and would not furnish the Captain with a copy of 
 the warrant. At another time the constable took eiirht cattle 
 
38 
 
 and a fat sheep. But being disfranchised exceeded the 
 Captain's patience, and he appealed to the Colonial Gov- 
 ernor Andros, and alleged that the court which disfran- 
 chised and fined him was not a legal tribunal. 
 
 1. Thomas Macy, Chief Magistrate had been without 
 a commission since October, 1676. 
 
 2. Nathaniel Barnard was not chosen an assistant by 
 a majority of vote. 
 
 3. And Peter Coffin was an inhabitant and oflicer in 
 the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 
 
 In due time the decision of the Governor came and was 
 based on the ground that the court had exceeded its power. 
 
 By the Governor. 
 
 "Whereas I did by advice of my council the third of Au- 
 gust last suspend any further proceedings against Capt. 
 John Gardner complained of by the Constable and Mr. 
 Tristram Cofiin, Senior, and till further order, which the 
 year being so far spent is not Hke to be till next summer, 
 this is further by advice of my council to signify an order 
 any or all proceedings in said matters for his disfranchise- 
 ment or fine upon said account void and non, as being ille- 
 gal beyond your authority and only peculiar to if in the 
 power of the highest judicature in these parts, and if 
 Peter Foulger's case which is by you admitted to the Court 
 of Assize come not afore next Court I do order the remit- 
 ting the proceedings of both causes to the Governor and 
 and Council by the first good convenience for further or- 
 der therein ; binding the parties over to answer when 
 called. And if in the meantime they or any of them 
 should wise behave themselves may further proceed 
 against them according to law. 
 
 Given under my hand and seal in New York this 20th 
 of September, 1677. 
 
 E. Andros. 
 
39 
 
 To the Magistrate of the Particular and 
 
 General Court at Nantucket. 
 
 This is to signify that Capt. John Gardner's fine and 
 disfranchisement is void and null according to the Gov- 
 ernor's order and Peter foulger's also." 
 
 It is said that the Anglo-Saxons, more than any other 
 race, have respect for the law either statutory or by Court 
 decision. It follows that the man who proves that he has 
 the law on his side is likely to gain respect. 
 
 This decision had two results. It made the prime mov- 
 ers of the persecution, Mayhew and Tristram Coffin, more 
 bitter and determined. For nearly two years they had 
 ruled with an iron hand. Now to see their authority 
 snatched from their grasp by one stroke of the pen was 
 more than the}'' could endure. They declared in a great 
 passion that they would make his fine and disfranchise- 
 ment valid ; that they were resolved to show that the 
 Court of Assize was above the Governor and that his decis- 
 ion would not stand, that they should disregard the decis- 
 ion. Then the}^ sent the constable and took two of Cap- 
 tain Gardner's cattle. 
 
 But before the people Capt. John Gardner had won a 
 signal victor3\ 
 
 As soon as the Governor's decision was announced it 
 restored him to the favor of the people notwithstanding 
 the efforts of Tristram Coffin to the contrary. 
 
 In Dec, 1677, Capt. John Gardner was selected for cer- 
 tain town business. Then the town apologized for what 
 had been done two years before. 
 
 "At a meeting of the town the 6th da}'' of Jan. 1678, 
 voted, that whereas Capt. Gardner and Peter foulger were 
 by an order of the town bearing date ist mo., 16, 1676, 
 prohibiting them to act in the public concerns of the Island 
 at New York or elsewhere either by word or writing, this 
 
40 
 
 is to manifest and declare that the intent of the town in 
 that order was not to seclude either the persons aforemen- 
 tioned or any other from town meetings nor to act therein 
 as townsmen, and this hath appeared ever since in that 
 they have been warned to town meetings as other men, 
 and this is further to declare that if any sentence or clause 
 in the said order may be strained by interpreters to such a 
 sense, namely, to seclude or prohibit them or either, from 
 coming to town meetings or to act therein as townsmen, 
 contrary to the intent of the town tis hereby made utterly 
 void and null." 
 
 The next year the town continued to show their confi- 
 dence in the Gardners. 
 
 "At a legal meeting the 9th of January 1679, 
 
 "Voted by the town that if any man here legally chosen 
 to be an assistant and refuses to serve in that place he 
 shall pay three pounds in mone\', or equivalent, to be im- 
 proved for public use of the town. 
 
 "William Worth was chosen to be an assistant, having 
 seventeen votes. 
 
 "Capt. Gardner was chosen to be an assistant, having 
 fourteen votes. 
 
 "William Gayer was chosen to be an assistant, having 
 sixteen votes. 
 
 "To the choosing of Captain Gardner Mr. Coffin dis- 
 senteth. 
 
 "At a Court held at Nantucket February 29th, 1679, 
 
 "On the complaint of Tristram Coffin, Chief Magistrate 
 on Nantucket, ordered : 
 
 "That whereas they have received information against 
 the Town of Sherburne for electing Capt. John Gardner 
 for an assistant in government, that a warrant be issued 
 forth to call the town to answer for their contempt of au- 
 thority therein ; he being under sentence of court rendered 
 incapable of such office of trust." 
 
41 
 
 But a change had now taken place in favor of Captain 
 Gardner. On account of bad management of a vessel 
 which was wrecked at the east end of Nantucket, more 
 through his carelessness than avarice, Tristram Coffin 
 and his family had lost esteem in the community. No 
 matter how much the old man might protest, the ability 
 and honesty of John Gardner were realized, and he was 
 made agent of the Governor and appointed Chief Magis- 
 trate. 
 
 "First Month, 30, 1680. 
 
 "Capt. John Gardner had been appointed an assistant 
 magistrate for the year and presented his acceptance called 
 an 'engagement' signed by him. As soon as presented ob- 
 jection was made as follows : — 
 
 "Mr. Tristram Coffin, chief Magistrate on Nantuckett, 
 doe declare against the entry of Capt. John Gardner's en- 
 gagement as giving him power to sit as an assistant, he 
 being under disfranchisement by the General Court's ac- 
 count. 
 
 "At a legal meeting the 25th day of June, 16S0, Mr. 
 Richard Gardner was chosen that his name might be sent 
 to the Governor, and Capt. John Gardner at the same time 
 was chosen that his name might be sent also to know his 
 pleasure as to choice respecting a chief magistrate for the 
 year ensuing. 
 
 "Tristram Coffin enters his decent against the choosing 
 of Capt. John Gardner." 
 
 Nov. 10, 16S0, Capt. John Gardner was appointed 
 Chief Magistrate, the highest office that a Nantucketer 
 could hold. 
 
 "At a town meeting, the 20th of August, 1680, 
 "Voted by the town that they would send a man to the 
 Governor ; the town did choose Capt. John Gardner to go to 
 the Governor to answer him in the Town's behalf, as also 
 
42 
 
 to do other things respecting a defect laid to our charge, 
 as also to treat with His Honor according to further in- 
 structions given him. 
 
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAPT. GARDNER. 
 
 '''•Imprimis : 
 
 We desire our trusty friend, Capt. Gardner, to go to 
 New-York and to answer in our bahalf unto our Honored 
 Governor respecting a defect which is amongst us in not 
 sending returns according to order. 
 
 "We desire him to petition His Excellency to grant us 
 the privilege that at the time of the General Court, being 
 at our island, that our Chief Magistrate may preside and 
 have a casting vote, we having by long experience felt 
 and seen the inconveniences of the contrary. 
 
 "We earnestly desire our friend in our behalf to petition 
 His Honor's assistance against any that shall anyway, by 
 way of molestation or alteration, infringe the liberty of 
 our shares, and whatsoever our trusty friend shall judge 
 to be good for our plantation to desire His Honor's favor in 
 it. 
 
 "The town did choose Mr. Richard Gardner, Mr. James 
 Coffin, Mr. William Gayer and Mr. William Worth to 
 treat with Capt. Gardner about his going to New York, 
 and to arjree with him." 
 
 The confidence of the town had become established in 
 Peter Folger and Capt. John Gardner ; one other matter 
 remained to be adjusted ; these men had been unjustly 
 fined and deprived of their property ; this was ordered re- 
 turned to them as follows : 
 
 "At a Council held in New York on the lOth day of 
 October, 1680, upon the petition of Capt. John Gardner of 
 the Island of Nantucket setting forth that at a general 
 court holden on the said Island the fifth of June, 1677, 
 
43 
 
 he was fined lo pounds and disfranchised also as by the 
 records appear, and not judging himself to deserve such 
 censure, on his application to His Honor the Governor and 
 Council the 3rd of August following obtained an order to 
 suspend all further proceedings thereon till further order, 
 but before said order came to hand execution for the fine was 
 levied and after receipt of the order the disfranchisement 
 maintained, and on further application the 21st of Septem- 
 ber, 1677, obtained another order in Council which de- 
 clared the said sentence void and null, and be bound to 
 answer in said matter before the Governor and Council or 
 Court of Assize as by said order notwithstanding, which 
 the fine and disfranchisement was maintained. And no 
 complaint or prosecution made and prayed to be dis- 
 charged and acquitted of said fine disfranchisement or 
 further attendance. Mr. Matthew Mayhew and Mr. 
 Richard Sasson, two of the members of said Court, 
 deputed from thence, present. 
 
 *'The proceedings of said Court were read, and they 
 fully heard or they could allege on that behalf. The said 
 proceedings and judgment appearing to be extra judicial 
 and no prosecution in the Superior Court, ordered, and 
 the said judgment of Court against Capt. John Gardner of 
 Nantucket is hereby declared void and null, and he restored 
 to his full freedom and liberty as if no such judgment or sen- 
 tence had been given, and if anything hath been taken 
 from him by virtue thereof to be restored him again or full 
 satisfaction made by such as have taken and enjoyed the 
 same, which the present magistrates are forthwith to see 
 performed. E. Andross." 
 
 "At a council held the 25th of November, 1680: 
 
 "By order of the Court. 
 
 "Peter Coffin; You are forthwith to deliver unto Peter 
 Folger that beast which was killed at Poatpes, there to 
 deliver it to him, it being the beast that was formerly 
 
44 
 
 taken from him for a fine. You havintij liberty to way the 
 quarters, hide and tallow, and to take a receipt accord- 
 ingly." 
 
 It was in June, 1680, that Tristram Coffin dissented for 
 the last time. The reason is as follows : 
 
 The wreck of a French ship loaded with hides took place 
 at the east end of Nantucket September, 167S ; Tristram 
 Cofiin, as Chief Magistrate, took charge of the wreck and 
 his agent sold the property. The proceeds amounted to 
 £477. Coffin made no report of the case, and Governor 
 Andross sent Commissioners to Nantucket to investigate. 
 After allowing Coflin for charges they ordered that 
 he should pay the Governor £343 and they decided 
 that he had acted contrary to law. Coflin applied to the 
 Governor for an abatement on the ground that he had not 
 gained anything from the proceeds, but had paid out most 
 in expenses. The Governor finally reduced the claim to 
 £150. 
 
 In this aflair John Gardner, who was agent of the Gov- 
 ernor, greatly befriended Coflin, and it was through his 
 influence that the abatement was allowed. Coffin's son 
 James probably paid the demand. John Gardner re- 
 ceived the money for the Governor December 4, 1680. 
 
 Tristram Coffin died in October, 1681, and within the 
 next decade Richard Gardner, Thomas Macy, Peter Fol- 
 ger and Thomas Ma3'hew had passed away. 
 
 Thus ended the Nantucket Insurrection. In 1686 a few 
 rods east of the homestead of Richard Gardner was built 
 a house, for those days pretentious and elegant. In the 
 chimney was a device in later days called a horse shoe. 
 Tradition says the land was donated by Capt. John Gard- 
 ner, and the house built from lumber sawed in the mill of 
 Peter Cofiin. In this house lived Jethro Coflin, grandson 
 of Tristram, the great dissenter, and his wife Mary, the 
 daughter of Capt. John Gardner. 
 
CHAPTER 
 
 The Nantucket Group and Their I^arly Names. 
 
 This group comprises Nantucket, whose area is about 
 30,000 acres; Tuckannuck, 1260, and Muskeget, 300 
 acres ; together with some small islets between the two 
 latter called Gravelly Islands. 
 
 The longest line east and west that can be drawn on 
 Nantucket is twelve miles, from Madaket to Siascon- 
 set ; and the longest north and south is six miles, from 
 Tom Nevers Head to Wauwinet. The outline of the 
 island is very irregular, its coast line being eighty-eight 
 miles in length. The highest point is ninety-one feet 
 above the sea level, and is located in Sauls Hills. There 
 are over twenty fresh water ponds, of which the following 
 exceed twenty acres in area : 
 
 Hummuck, called Waquittaquay by Indians, . . 320 
 Sachacha, called Sesagasha by Indians, . . . .310 
 
 Long 215 
 
 Myacornet, 45 
 
 Gibbs, 31 
 
 Capaum [once a harbor], 23 
 
 The name "Nantucket" appears for the first time in 1641 
 in the deed from Forrett to May hew. It is spelled difler- 
 ently before and since. On the map of De Laet, 1630, it 
 is spelled "Natocks." Tuckannuck is given Pentockynock 
 and Muskeget as Kotget. On a French map in 1650 is 
 given "Isle de Nantockyte." On Janssen's map, published 
 
46 
 
 in 1644 in Amsterdam, the names are spelled the same as 
 by De Laet. On the map of Lamb Fengr, 1665, is given 
 "Nantock" and the other names as given by Janssen. 
 On a map published in New Amsterdam in 1673, while 
 the same names of the small islands are retained, the larger 
 island is named "Vlielant-at-Natocke." It is clear that 
 these maps were based on that of 1630. In 1697 Cotton 
 Mather gave the name Nantoket. Since which time it has 
 remained without change as conveyed to Mayhew. 
 
 Tuckannuck and Adjacent Islands. 
 
 In the deed of Nantucket to Mayhew are named "the 
 two small islands adjacent." But there can be no doubt 
 that Gravelly Islands were intended to be included. 
 
 Tuckannuck comprises about 1260 acres, and was con- 
 veyed by Mayhew October 10, 1659, to Tristram Coffin, 
 Peter Coffin, Tristram Coffin, Jr., and James Coffin for 
 the sum of £6. This title was confirmed by the patent 
 from Lovelace June 29, 1671, in which the island is called 
 Tuckanucket. The Indian Sachem of Tuckannuck was 
 Pottacohannett and he had a reputed son called Lame 
 Joseph, from whom a deed was obtained of his interest in 
 Tuckannuck by giving him twenty acres on the Island of 
 Nantucket. This Sachem had two other sons, Jacob and 
 Ackeawong, from whom a deed was procured covering 
 their interest in Tuckannuck, March 6, 1681, for fort}'^ 
 acres of land on Nantucket and £5 in money. 
 
 When counties in Massachusetts were first established 
 the single Island of Nantucket constituted Nantucket 
 County, while all the other islands south of Cape Cod 
 were included in Dukes County. It would have seemed 
 to be more natural to include Muskeget and Tuckannuck 
 with Nantucket. 
 
47 
 
 In 1713 Tuckanucket was transferred to Nantucket 
 County and was called Tuckanug. 
 
 In 1678 Tristram Coflin conveyed to each of his grand- 
 children, nearly seventy in number, ten acres of land on 
 Tuckannuck. It will be seen that his quarter interest of 
 the island was not sufficient. For over a century this 
 island was held in common largely by the Coffin descend- 
 ants. In 1780 the owners of the island were ascertained 
 for purposes of partition. They estimated the island at 
 an area of 1257 acres and they considered each acre one 
 common or share. The following were then the owners 
 and their shares. The fractions of shares are omitted. 
 
48 
 
 John Coffin, 
 
 132 
 
 Hope Barnard, 
 
 24 
 
 Joseph Coffin, 
 
 33 
 
 Cromwell Coffin, 
 
 23 
 
 Love Coffin, 
 
 26 
 
 Benjamin Coffin, 3d, 
 
 36 
 
 Dinah Folger, 
 
 36 
 
 Josiah Coffin, 
 
 104 
 
 Hepsah Barnard, 
 
 12 
 
 Nathan Macy, 
 
 52 
 
 Peter Coffin, 
 
 26 
 
 Hepsabeth Coffin, 
 
 2 
 
 Daniel Coffin, 
 
 60 
 
 Robert Coffin, 
 
 23 
 
 James Coffin, ^ 
 Benjamin Coffin, 5 
 
 38 
 
 Grafton Gardner, 
 
 13 
 
 Judith Gardner, 
 
 15 
 
 Zacheus Macy, 
 
 103 
 
 Caleb Macy, 
 
 33 
 
 Peter Coffin, 
 
 156 
 
 Jacob Alley, 
 
 103 
 
 Paul Gardner, 
 
 6 
 
 Caleb Bunker heirs 
 
 24 
 
 John Coffin, ' 
 
 16 
 
 Josiah Barker, ' 
 
 ' ' 43 
 
 P. Coleman, ' 
 
 6 
 
 Mary Gardner, ' 
 
 6 
 
 Abigail Fitch, ' 
 
 7 
 
 Peter Jenkins, ' 
 
 ' 2 
 
 Uriah Gardner, * 
 
 ' 2 
 
 Hepsey Hathaway, ' 
 
 6 
 
 Mary Thurston, ' 
 
 13 
 
 Jethro Starbuck, ' 
 
 6 
 
 Richard Coffin, ' 
 
 46 
 
 shares. 
 
49 
 
 A partition was obtained according to a plan that was 
 duly recorded. In 1822 the owners had become much 
 changed and a new division of the island was desired. 
 James Norton had purchased nearly one third. The own- 
 ers at that time were : 
 
 Ebenezer Coffin, 
 James Barker, 
 Benjamin Gardner, 
 Thomas Brock, 
 Robert Coffin, 
 John Cartwright, 
 Joseph Fisher, 
 Richard Mitchell, 
 Daniel Bunham, 
 William Brooks, 
 Abel Coffin, 
 Daniel Barney, 
 Ebenezer Dunham, 
 Tristram Jenkins, 
 Samuel Dunham, 
 Daniel Allen, 
 Robert King, 
 Andrew Brock, 
 James Norton. 
 
 This island has always been used for sheep grazing. 
 In 1891 there were thirteen owners, of whom John B. 
 Brooks, William S. Bigelow, George B. Coffin, James G. 
 Smith and the Dunhams owned all but three acres. 
 
so 
 Gravelly Islands, 
 
 On some of the old maps two are deliniated, and on 
 others three. On Dr. Ewer's map, published 1S69, there 
 are marked two islands, and nearby are several ver3' small 
 islets that are scarcely more than shoals. The first men- 
 tion of these islands was in 1771, when Dr. Samuel Gel- 
 ston, a physician residing in Nantucket, introduced a 
 novel cure for small pox, by which it was claimed that 
 men could secure immunity from the dread disease when 
 travelling in other countries where it prevailed. It was 
 by inoculation, which was a process by which the patient 
 was infected with the disease at some locality remote from 
 any settlement and there treated in a hospital until 
 recover}-. Dr. Gelston selected Gravelly Islands for the 
 purpose and there erected his hospital. This method of 
 treatment met with positive and vigorous opposition from 
 the Q^uakers, and by their influence in 1778 the town ar- 
 ranged with Dr. Gelston to purchase his hospital buildings 
 for £1000. It is said they were then destroyed, being the 
 only buildings ever erected on these islands. 
 
 In the only deed covering this section, dated June, 1838, 
 William Mayhew conveyed his interest as heir of the first 
 purchaser to a relative named Thomas Mayhew. These 
 islands belonged to the descendants of the first Thomas 
 Mayhew. 
 
 Muskeget. 
 
 This island is the westernmost of the Nantucket group. 
 It has no value except for fishing and hunting. Its title is 
 very obscure because of the error in the record of deeds. 
 Until 1887 this island belonged to Dukes County, and 
 consequently the proper registry was in Edgartown. But 
 many of the deeds were recorded in Nantucket. This 
 
51 
 
 probably made them invalid. Like Tuckannuck, this 
 Island was first conveyed to Tristram Coffin and certain 
 members of his family. Only a few transfers b}^ deed can 
 be found, and the only known interests in 1895 aggre- 
 gated only one undivided seventh of the island. 
 
 The William Mayhew above mentioned, July i, 1839, 
 conveyed his interest as an heir of the original Thomas 
 Ma3^hew to the same person to whom he sold his interest 
 in Gravelly Islands. No claim was ever made under 
 either of these deeds. 
 
 Muskeget was resorted to for fishing and hunting by 
 sportsmen as though it was public property until in the 
 8o's the Muskeget Club was incorporated. Having pur- 
 chased all ascertainable interests, a club house was built 
 on the east end of the island. This act was resented by 
 persons who had always had free use of the island. They 
 interpreted the methods and proceedings of the club as be- 
 ing undertaken with a purpose to acquire exclusive control 
 of the island and prevent its use by any persons except club 
 members. An application was consequently made to the 
 Legislature that so much of Muskeget as was not held by 
 individuals that could be known and ascertained should 
 be set oft' and held as a public park. Such an act was 
 passed in 1895. Under this act, Nov. 25, 1895, the Se- 
 lectmen of Nantucket divided the island by a north and 
 south line beginning at Jenkins Point, so called, and took 
 possession of the section west of this line and laid out the 
 same as a public park or reservation, which is used by 
 the public and on which is maintained the life saving 
 station. The Muskeget Club controls the section east of 
 said line. Except as above mentioned the only buildings 
 on Muskeget have been small houses used in hunting 
 and fishing. 
 
Wistori ca] 
 
 INCORPORATED d 
 
 Vol. 2. 
 
 Bulletin No. 
 
 /Slantucket Lands and 
 
 l^and Owners 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY BARNARD WORTH. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 Nantucket Historical Association, 
 1002. 
 
 4754^'' 
 
 rnllected set. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Settlers and Their Homes. 
 
 Richard Gardner built his house on the west side of 
 Sunset hill in 1665, and it was the easternmost of that 
 date. To the west, dotted over the landscape were the 
 homes of the other settlers. 
 
 The deed from Mayhew to the first purchasers was dated 
 July 2, 1659. The consideration to be paid was £30 in 
 money and two beaver hats which, for convenience, may 
 be valued at £5 each. Then the twenty purchasers would 
 have to pay £2 each, for 1,500 acres at the rate of slightly 
 over a farthing per acre. 
 
 It will be observed that the date is July 2nd, 1659. But 
 in February of that year three purchasers were holding 
 meetings in Salisbury and enacting regulations about their 
 island purchase. 
 
 "At Salisbury, February, '59. 
 
 At a meeting of the sd purchasers or the major pt of 
 them appved and alowed by the rest together with some 
 others that were owned for associates as will hereafter 
 appe, it was agreed and determined and app'ved as fol- 
 loweth ; that these ten owners will amitt of ten more 
 ptners who shall have equal power and interest with them- 
 selves : And that either of the purchasers forementioned 
 shall have liberty to take a ptner whom he please not 
 being justly excepted against by the rest : At that meet- 
 ing Robbert Pyke was owned ptner with Christopher Hus- 
 sey ; Robert Bernard was owned ptner with Thomas Ber- 
 
54 
 
 nard ; Tristram Coffin Jun. ptner with Stephen Greenleafe 
 and James Coffin ptner with Peter Coffin. 
 
 At the same meeting it was mutually and unanimously 
 agreed upon determined and concluded that no man what- 
 soever shall purchase any land of any of the Indians 
 upon the sd island for his owne or other private or parti- 
 cular use ; But what whatsoever purchase shall be made 
 shall be for the generall accompt of the twenty owners or 
 purchasers ; And whatsoever P'son shall purchase any 
 land upon any other accompt it shall be accompted voyd 
 and null except what is done by licence from the said 
 owners or purchasers. 
 
 At the same meeting it was ordered and determined that 
 there be ten other Inhabitants admitted into the plantation 
 who shall have such accomodations as the owners or pur- 
 chasers shall judge meet : as namely necessary tradesmen 
 and seamen. 
 
 At a meeting of the owners of the Island of Nantukket 
 Salisbury it was debated and after debate determined and 
 concluded that as ther had bin a former meeting in Salis- 
 bury at the house of Benjamen Kemball in Feb. 6:59 in 
 which meeting an order was made for ye p'hibitting of any 
 p'son from the purchaseing of any land from any of the 
 Indians upon the He of Nantukket except for the use of 
 the twenty owners or purchasers : the order shall stand 
 inviolable and unalterable, as that which is also lately 
 necessary to ye continuance of the well-being of the place 
 and the contrary that which tends to ye confusion and 
 ruine of the whole and the subverting of the rule and order 
 already agreed upon and the depriveing of ye sd owners 
 of their just rights and interests. Also it was ordered at 
 the same meeting that all the lands that is fit for Areable 
 land convenient tor houselots shall be forthwith measured 
 that the quantity thereof may be known, which being done 
 shall be divided by equal pportion ; that is to say foure 
 
is 
 
 fifths pts to ye owners or purchasers and ye other fifth pt 
 unto the ten other Inhabitants, where of John Bishop shall 
 have two pt or shares that is to say of that fifth pt belong- 
 ing to ye ten Inhabitants. 
 
 Also at the same meeting it was ordered that Tristram 
 Coffin, Thomas Macy, Edward Starbuck, Thomas Ber- 
 nard and Peter Ffoulger of Martha's vineyard shall have 
 power to measure and lay out the sd land according to ye 
 above sd order and whatsoever shall be done and con- 
 cluded in ye sd case by them or any three of them Peter 
 Ffoulger being one shall be accompted legall and valid." 
 
 The only explanation of these proceedings is that Macy 
 and Coffin made a contract in 1658 to buy Nantucket from 
 Mayhew, but refused to accept the deed until the latter 
 had obtained a conveyance from the Indians. Mayhew 
 succeeded in procuring a grant from the sachems, June 
 21, 1659, ^"^ within two weeks, the English purchasers 
 had their deed. 
 
 An inquiry always arises why did Macy, Coffin, Star- 
 buck and their associates purchase Nantucket ? The 
 fanciful story about Macy escaping from the banks of the 
 Merrimac in an open boat and drifting to Nantucket is 
 without basis of fact. 
 
 The records indicate that the three men above named, 
 found their environment in Massachusetts Bay, far from 
 congenial. Starbuck was an elder in a church in Dover, 
 where he had trouble on account of his views concerning 
 baptism. Macy had been arrested and charged with vio- 
 lating town regulations in Salisbury, and so had Coffin's 
 wife. It is likely therefore, that they were ready to 
 remove to a more liberal neighborhood. Mayhew had all 
 the land he needed at the Vineyard and was ready to sell 
 Nantucket, where he had occasionally tarried to preach 
 to the Indians. This was likely the moving cause that 
 suggested the purchase of Nantucket. 
 
56 
 
 When it was discovered that sheep raising could be con- 
 ducted profitably, the Colemans were asked to join the com- 
 pany on account of their experience with sheep. The 
 records give no intimation why the Swains and Barnards 
 were invited. But all the others were related to one or 
 more of the leading six. Macy was a cousin of Mayhew 
 and may thus have learned of Nantucket. 
 
 When the first Indian deed was given, Macy and 
 Edward Starbuck were on the Island, and the latter was 
 there the next winter. 
 
 Some errors have been allowed to pass for fact in rela- 
 tion to the locality where the English established their 
 houses. Dr. Ewer's maps states that the Town was first 
 settled at Maddaket. The records clearly indicate that 
 the facts were otherwise. There are two references to an 
 old cellar of Edward Starbuck near Long pond, one in 
 1670 and the other in 1674. This cellar was located 
 just where Dr. Ewer designates the site of the first 
 town. The reader will agree from what will immediately 
 be shown, that in the early summer of 1661, the settlers 
 left Massachusetts Bay and selected houselots along the 
 chain of ponds from Cappam Harbor to the sea They 
 never selected houselots nor built houses at Maddaket. 
 The fact undoubtedly is, that the old cellar had a house 
 over it where Starbuck and other settlers lived when they 
 were on the Island until the arrival of the "company." 
 
 The names of the first ten purchasers are given in the 
 following record : 
 
 "Towne ordered 
 
 The 2d of July, 1659. 
 
 These ptyes after mentioned did buy all right and 
 
 Interest of the lies of Nantukket that did belono- to 
 
 Sir Fferdinand Georges, and the Lord Sterling. Mr. 
 

 V. 
 
 eorges ; 
 J, which 
 Martha's 
 of Mr. 
 •nt right 
 e peel of 
 iians, at 
 raunt or 
 viledges 
 rchasers 
 Swaine, 
 Hussey, 
 r*ile, the 
 I Twen- 
 is May- 
 Richard 
 •istopher 
 William 
 wer and 
 reof." 
 invite a 
 interest, 
 cer chil- 
 When 
 
 "i ^ ere- \^ ere 
 
 .Jr., 
 
 lUck, 
 
 
When 
 ducted p 
 pany on 
 records ^ 
 were m\ 
 more of 1 
 and may 
 
 When 
 Edward 
 there the 
 
 Some 
 tion to t 
 houses, 
 settled a 
 the facts 
 old cella 
 1670 ani 
 just whe 
 town. ^ 
 be showr 
 left Mas: 
 chain of 
 never se 
 The fact 
 over it w 
 were on 
 
 The ns 
 followina 
 
 r 
 
 "Towi 
 
 These 
 Interest- 
 Sir Fferc 
 
57 
 
 Richard Vines steward gen: to Sir Fferdinando Georges ; 
 and James Fforrett Steward to the Lord Sterling, which 
 was by them sold unto Mr. Thomas Mayhew of Martha's 
 vinyard ; these aftermentioned did purchase of Mr. 
 Thomas Mayhew these rights : namely the pattent right 
 belonging to the Gendeman aforesaid and also the peel of 
 land which Mr. Mayhew did purchase of the Indians, at 
 the west end of the lie of Nantukket, as by their graunt or 
 bill of sale will largely appear : with all the priviledges 
 and appurtenances thereof: the aforementioned purchasers 
 are Tristram Coffin Sen : Thomas Macy, Richard Swaine, 
 Thomas Bernard, Peter Coffin, Christopher Hussey, 
 Stephen Greenleafe, John Sawine and William Pile, the 
 said Mr. Thomas Mayhew himself also became a Twen- 
 tieth pt purchaser : so that they viz : Mr. Thomas May- 
 hew, Tristram Coffin Sen. Thomas Macy, Richard 
 Swaine, Thomas Bernard, Peter Coffin, Christopher 
 Hussey, Stephen Greenleafe, John Sawine and William 
 Pile had the whole and sole interest, disposal, power and 
 priviledge of the sd island and appurtenances thereof." 
 
 The first ten purchasers were allowed, each to invite a 
 partner in the enterprise. William Pile sold his interest, 
 one-half to John Bishop and the other to the Bunker chil- 
 dren, whose mother had married Richard Swain. When 
 this arrangement was completed the twenty owner.- \^ere 
 as follows : 
 
 Tristram Coffin, Tristram Coffin, Jr., 
 
 Thomas Macy, Edward Starbuck, 
 
 Richard Swain, John Smith, 
 
 Thomas Barnard, Robert Barnard, 
 
 Peter Coffin, Nathaniel Starbuck, 
 
 Christopher Hussey, Robert Pike, 
 
 Stephen Greanleafe, James Coffin, 
 
 John Swain, Thomas Coleman, 
 
 John Bishop, Bunker children, 
 
 Thomas Mayhew, Thomas Look. 
 
58 
 
 The folJowing records indicate that the removal to Nan- 
 tucket took place between May lo and July 15, 1661. 
 
 "May 10, 1661. 
 
 At a meeting at Salisbury it was ordered and concluded 
 that the fore mentioned ptyes : viz. Tristram Coffin Sen. : 
 Thomas Macy, Edward Starbuck, Thomas Bernard and 
 Peter Ffoulger shall all measure and lay out all the rest of 
 the lands both meadow wood and upland that is conven- 
 ient to be appropriated within the bounds of the first plan- 
 tation or township : also it is determined that ye above 
 mentioned psons together with Mr. Mayhew, Richard 
 Swaine, John Bishop or whatever other of the owners or 
 purchasers that are there pr sent shall have power to 
 determine what land is convenient to be imp'priated and 
 lay'd out and what shall remaine common ; and also to lay 
 out the bounds of the town and record it p'vided always 
 that the land being measured : they shall first lay out a 
 convenient quantity of land with suiteable accomodations 
 ot all sorts which shall be p'etually reserved for publique 
 use of the Town. 
 
 At the same meeting it was ordered that for ye Pticular 
 appointing which lot every man shall have it shall be 
 done by cutting lots excepting only these psons that have 
 already taken up their lots : as namely Thomas Macy, 
 Tristram Coffin Sen: Edward Starbuck and Richard 
 Swaine. 
 
 At the same meeting Robert Pyke was appointed to 
 keep ye records concerning the He of Nantukket at 
 Salisbury and Thomas Macy to keepe the records at the 
 yland as in the above sd order expressed : at pr sent until! 
 farther order be taken by the owners or purchasers. 
 
 July 15, 1661 : 
 
 At a meeting on Nantukket of the owners purchasers 
 inhabiting Mr. Thomas Mayhew being pr sent and Peter 
 
59 
 
 Ffoulger it was agreed and concluded that each man of 
 the owners or purchasers shall have liberty to chuse his 
 house lot on any place within ye limits not formerly taken 
 up and that each house lot shall contain sixty rod square 
 to a whole accomodation or share or the value of it." 
 
 These house lots comprised over 20 acres. 
 
 When the English settled on Nantucket they had the 
 Mayhew deed and Indian deeds, that gave them the sec- 
 tion west of Hummock Pond and north of a tract drawn 
 from the north head of this pond to Monomoy. The sec- 
 tion they selected for their house lots was near and on both 
 sides of the chain of ponds from sea to sea. 
 
 At three periods in the early history of Nantucket it is 
 possible to decide quite closely who were the inhabitants. 
 
 1. In July, 1661, when the settlers were drawing lots 
 
 for house lots. 
 
 2. June 23, 1665, when all the sheep owners were 
 ordered to select ear-marks for purposes of identifying 
 
 sheep. 
 
 3. In August, 1678, when most of the inhabitants 
 worked on the wreck of the F.rench ship. 
 
 List of June 23, 1665. 
 
 Richard Swain, Peter Folger, 
 
 John Swain, Jr., Stephen Coffin, 
 
 John Swaine, Joseph Coleman, 
 
 Robert Barnard, Richard Gardner, 
 
 Nathaniel Starbuck, Eleazur Folger, 
 
 Captain Pyke, Joseph Gardner, 
 
 Thomas Coleman, Thomas Barnard, 
 
 Tristram Coffin, Sr., Nathaniel Barnard, 
 
 Peter Coffin, Thomas Look, 
 
 Tristram Coffin, Jr., William Bunker, 
 
 James Coffin, Samuel Bickford, 
 
6o 
 
 John Bishop, John Coffin, 
 
 Thomas Carr, Edward Cotter, (Cottle?) 
 
 Edward Starbuck, Richard Pinkham, 
 
 Christopher Hussey, John Trott, 
 Thomas Macy, William Vaughn, 
 
 John Rolfe, William Gayer. 
 
 William Worth, 
 A list of sheep owners dated Sept. 3d, 1672, in addition 
 to the above contains the names of John Hussey and 
 Nathaniel Holland. 
 
 The list of those that worked on the French wreck in 
 addition to names already mentioned are the following : 
 Stephen Hussey, Tobias Coleman, 
 
 John Gardner, William Rogers, 
 
 John Folger, John Challenge, 
 
 Moses Knapp. 
 When the purchasers were making arrangements to 
 remove to Nantucket, they recognized the necessity of 
 having the assistance of tradesmen who were skilled in 
 the arts of weaving, building, milling and other pursuits. 
 They secured the following : 
 
 Peter Folger, joiner, miller, interpreter. 
 Eleazer Folger, shoemaker and blacksmith. 
 Thomas Macy weaver ; Joseph Gardner, shoemaker, 
 Samuel Streeter, tailor; William Worth, Joseph Cole- 
 man, John Gardner, Richard Gardner, and Nathaniel 
 Holland, seamen. To each of these was granted a half 
 share of land, providing they would reside at Nantucket 
 and carry on the trade for not less than three years. 
 
 In the beginning, it should be understood that in giving 
 the locality of the house lots of the early settlers, no more 
 can be done than indicate a section more or less indefinite 
 of dimensions over 1000 feet square, somewhere in which 
 was located the homestead house. The difficulty in 
 defining the limits is due to the fact that the bounds given 
 
6i 
 
 in the early layouts cannot be identified. Where the 
 bounds are "swamp," "house," "fence," "rock," "hill," 
 it is impossible to get a starting point. Frequently the 
 relations of the lots to each other when examination of 
 the map is had may suggest the location. This is the 
 only way that the first house lots can be grouped 
 around the swamp west of Hummock Pond. The fact 
 should be kept in mind that the ownership of a house lot 
 is no guarantee that there was always a house thereon. 
 Houses were built almost anywhere by men who owned 
 no land. And a man like Mayhew or Greenleaf who 
 did not live on the Island had no use for one. 
 
 Barnard. 
 
 Robert Barna7'd went from Amesbury. His wife was 
 Joan Harvey. He never held any office ; in 1668, he sold 
 his Nantucket interest to his son John. He died in 1682 
 leaving two sons and three daughters. 
 
 Thomas Barnard was brother of Robert. His wife's 
 first name was Eleanor. In 1675, he sold his Nantucket 
 lands to his son Nathaniel. He died probably in Salis- 
 bury in 1677, sixty-five years old. While he was a resi- 
 dent of Nantucket for some years, he never held office and 
 is not mentioned as being present at any of its meetings. 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard^ son of Thomas, married Mary, 
 the daughter of Robert. He died in 1719, leaving eleven 
 children and the largest estate that had been reported, 
 being over £3000. He was very prominent in town 
 and public affairs, having been chosen many times to 
 serve in all the important offices. 
 
 He was a trader, and the court records show that he 
 was fined in 1709 for selling liquor to the Indians. 
 
62 
 
 East of the Elihu Coleman house is the Mill-Brook, 
 and a short distance further east, on the south side of the 
 road near a cluster of Willow trees, was once a house 
 which was the homestead of Thomas Barnard. Directly 
 across the road lived Nathaniel Barnard. The present 
 road was merely a path for many years later. The house 
 lot of Thomas Barnard on which the house of Nathaniel 
 was located was ahout looo feet square, and southwest of 
 it was the lot of Robert Barnard. These lots extended 
 northeast and southwest, and comprised 20 acres each. 
 The house of Robert cannot be exactly located, neither 
 can the bounds of the lots be identified. But the high 
 land between the mill-brook swamp and the Indian 
 Boundary line was substantially comprised within the two 
 Barnard lots. 
 
 BiCKFORD. 
 
 Samuel BicJcford is mentioned in the court records as 
 keeping a disorderly house. He was a land owner by 
 purchase in 1676, in the region near No Bottom Pond. 
 He was a field driver in 1676. 
 
 In 1678 he was fined for leaving his house first day and 
 going off in company "adrinking." 
 
 He sold his land in 1679 to Tobias Coleman and his 
 name is not again found in the records. 
 
 Bishop. 
 
 yohn Bishop was a carpenter and went to Nantucket 
 from Newbury. In 1677 he sold his house lot and share 
 of land to Peter Cofiin, and moved to Woodbridge, N. J. 
 This first house lot was near the Lily Pond, but this he 
 sold to Richard Gardner. Then he had a house lot con- 
 taining about 20 acres on the west side of Reed Pond, and 
 west of the house lot of Thomas Macy. He was one of 
 
63 
 
 the first twenty purchasers, and was probably associated 
 with them on account of his trade. He never held any 
 town office. 
 
 Bunker. 
 
 George Bunker and his wife Jane were of French 
 origin and lived in Dover, N. H. He died May i6, 1658, 
 leaving five children, and his widow, the next year, mar- 
 ried Richard Swain, and the entire family moved to Nan- 
 tucket. 
 
 William married Mary, daughter of Thomas Macy. 
 'Elizabeth married Thomas Look. 
 
 Mary married Stephen Coffin, son of Tristram. 
 
 Ann, married Joseph Coleman, son of Thomas. 
 
 Martha, married Stephen Hussey. 
 
 William Bunker was born 1648 and died in Nantucket 
 in 17 1 2, leaving eleven children. In the first layout of 
 house lots, being a minor, his part was included in the por- 
 tion allotted to Richard Swain ; but a few years later he 
 was given ten acres north from No Bottom Pond. It was 
 bounded on the north by the road which is West Chester 
 street extended, and was the first road established, and on 
 the west by land of William Worth. After William Bun- 
 ker died, the proprietors gave his heirs land in place of 
 that taken for a town house. This indicates that the loca- 
 lities marked for church, town house and jail, were cor- 
 rect. These three public buildings were placed on the 
 hill north from No Bottom Pond. At the west end of this 
 hill was erected the first schoolhouse mentioned in the 
 records. In 1686, William Bunker was appointed to keep 
 the jail. He was a selectman twice and was given the 
 work of building a mill in which he failed, and the job was 
 finished by Tristram Coffin. 
 
64 
 
 Carr. 
 
 Thomas Cm-?- came from Salisbury but was not a land 
 owner. His name does not appear in any subsequent 
 proceeding. Over sixty years later a man of the same 
 name died at Nantucket, but the records do not indicate 
 whether they were related. 
 
 Cartwright. 
 
 Edward Cartw7-ight came from New Hampshire and 
 settled at Nantucket about 1673, when he purchased the 
 interest of William Worth on Pacomo, which was after- 
 wards confirmed by an Indian deed. He married Ruth 
 and died 1705, leaving five children. 
 
 He never held any office and was often fined for drunk- 
 enness, assault, disturbing the peace, selling rum, and for 
 controversies with his Indian neighbors. Cartwright lived 
 in 1680 on the harbor southwest of John Swain's. 
 
 Coffin. 
 
 Reference may be had for the history of this family to 
 the excellent work of Allen Coffin, Esq. 
 
 Tristra7n Coffin s house lot was a tract of the usual 
 dimensions, bounded on the north by Cappam Harbor. 
 He called this region Northam or Cappamet. The spot 
 where his house was placed is marked by a stone monu- 
 ment. 
 
 Tristi-am Coffin, ^r., was not connected with the his- 
 tory of Nantucket, but lived and died in Newbury. His 
 house lot was directly west of his father's. 
 
 Peter Coffin, son of Tristram, by original grant and by 
 purchase from John Bishop, finally owned the tract 
 bounded by Thomas Macy's lot on the east and Tristram 
 
65 
 
 Coffin's on the west and extending to the sea. In 1664, 
 by a vote of the inhabitants, he was licensed to carry on 
 trading with the islanders, and all others but "Nick 
 Davis," who lived near the Atheneum were prohibited. 
 
 Lieut. John Coffin, son of Tristram, in 1677, was 
 given, by his father, an interest in Nantucket. While at 
 Nantucket he lived on his father's lot and at the death of 
 the latter he removed to Marthas Vineyard where he died. 
 
 James Coffin was a man of high order of intellect, as 
 is shown by the fact that he was over a dozen times 
 elected selectman, was an assistant Magistrate, Judge of 
 Probate and twice elected assessor, and was representa- 
 tive to the General Court. He had a warehouse east of 
 the present Federal street. His house lot was on the hill to 
 the westward of the Maxey's Pond. His house could be 
 seen from the Parliament House about north. On the 
 south of his house lot was that of Nathaniel Starbuck ; 
 according to the custome of those days, several of his 
 children lived in houses near his own. 
 
 Stephen Coffin was a selectman over ten years, and 
 received from his father in 1677 a deed of half of Tris- 
 tram's land. He finally owned the whole of his father's 
 house lot at Cappam Harbor. He was Pound Keeper 
 probable because he lived near by. He was to have 2d 
 each time he turned the key to lock or unlock the gate. 
 His house was one of the two built by his father. 
 
 Coleman. 
 
 The following is from the records in Newbury in 
 November, 1635. "Whereas Thomas Coleman was con- 
 nected with Richard Saltonstall and other gentlemen in 
 England and here for the keeping of horses and sheep in 
 a general place for the space of three years, and now 
 
66 
 
 since his coming thither has been negligent in discharging 
 the trust committed to him, absenting himself for a long 
 time from the said cattle and neglecting to provide for 
 them by reason whereof many of said cattle are already 
 dead and more damage likely to come to said gentlemen, 
 it is therefore ordered that it shall be lawful for the said gen- 
 tlemen to decide the oats and hay provided, among said 
 cattle among themselves, and every one take care of their 
 own during the winter." 
 
 Coleman moved from Newbury to Hampton, New 
 Hampshire and afterward to Amesbury. He was probably 
 invited to go to Nantucket because of his knowledge of 
 sheep raising. Neither he nor his sons ever held any 
 town office, but they were frequently directed by the town 
 to take in charge matters relating to sheep and cattle. 
 
 His wife was Susanah. He died 1687, 85 years old, 
 and left Tobias, Benjamin, Joseph, John, Isaac, Johanna, 
 and Mary. 
 
 His house lot was 1000 feet square, bounded on the 
 north by the lot of Christopher Hussey, on the east by 
 the Long Woods and on the south by the lot of Capt. 
 Pyke. Upon his decease, this house and lot descended 
 to his son Tobias. This house lot was about half a mile 
 southwest from the north head of the Hummock Pond, 
 "Long Woods" nearest Trotts Swamp. 
 
 Joseph Coleman, son of Thomas was born 1642 and 
 died 1690, leaving a daughter Ann who married Edward 
 Allen of Piscataqua. Coleman married Ann Bunker, 
 daughter of George. His house lot was located at the 
 "High CliftV' which probably meant the section to the 
 westward of the house of Charles O'Connor. 
 
 Tobias Coleman, son of Thomas, married Lydia, 
 daughter of Margery Osborne. Upon the death of his 
 
67 
 
 father he returned to Newbury, where he died. While at 
 Nantucket he occupied his father's house lot. 
 
 John Coleman^ another son of Thomas, married Joanna, 
 daughter of Peter Folger and died 1715, at the age of 71, 
 leaving eight children. His house lot was a little west of 
 Elihu Coleman's house and extended southeast to Robert 
 Barnard's, and comprised ten acres. 
 
 Edzvard Cottle came from Salisbury but was not 
 included among the land owners. 
 
 John Challenge was frequently before the court for 
 fighting in 1678. He bought part of a house lot of Tobias 
 Coleman in 1685 and died shortly afterward. His wife 
 was Jane, daughter of William Bunker. 
 
 Folger. 
 
 Reference may be had to the chapter on the Insurrec- 
 tion for much about the Folger family. Peter always 
 wrote his name Peter ifolger. He died 1690, about 73 
 years old, leaving nine children. 
 
 He had a share of land granted to him in 1663, as a 
 tradesman. His house lot is identified by a fountain erected 
 to the honor of his daughter Bethia, the mother of Ben- 
 jamin Franklin. It is on the extension of Main street, 
 nearly two miles west from the bank. He was interpreter 
 of the Indian language, miller, joiner and preacher. 
 
 Eleazer Eolgcr was well versed in the Indian language. 
 Several documents are on record in his handwriting in the 
 language of the Indians. He married Sarah, the daughter 
 of Richard Gardner. He died 1716, 68 years old, leaving 
 seven children. 
 
 His house was located a few yards east of the Jethro 
 Coffin house and was built not far from 1699. Jan. 3, 
 
68 
 
 16995 he had a part of some swamps north of his house 
 lot, set off to him. 
 
 'John Folgcr was a son of Peter, and married Mar}^ 
 daughter of Nathaniel Barnard. He was born on Marthas 
 Vineyard, and died at Nantucket, 1732, leaving nine chil- 
 dren. His home was at Polpis on the FulHng Mill Brook. 
 
 Gardner. 
 
 Thomas Gardner ^it\.\\&^ at Salem, Massachusetts, about 
 1624. 
 
 His sons Richard and John became famous in the early 
 history of Nantucket. 
 
 Richard Gardner^ married Sarah Shattuck and died 
 1688, leaving nine children. His house lot was around 
 Wesco now called Lily Pond, so irregular in form as to 
 be called the "Crooked Record." His house was on the 
 west end of Sunset Hill, where is now the residence of 
 Eben W. Francis. He was chief magistrate in 1673 and 
 held other town offices. None of the old records are in his 
 handwriting, from which it may be inferred that he was 
 not educated. His signature is that of an unskilled person. 
 He came to Nantucket as a seaman in 1665, and his house 
 was probably the easternmost of that day. 
 
 Joseph Gardner had a half share of land as a shoe- 
 maker, and settled in Nantucket in 1667. He was con- 
 stable, assessor and selectman each once. He was a son 
 of Richard and died 1701, leaving seven children. His 
 wife was Bethia, daughter of Thomas Macy. He proba- 
 bly lived within the limits of the "Crooked Record." 
 
 John Gardner, called Capt. Gardner, married Priscilla 
 Grafton. He died 1706, 82 years old, and left a widow 
 and 12 children. 
 
69 
 
 His house lot was on the north side of the road which is 
 now called North street, and included 30 acres, and ex- 
 tended from the road to the clift^ It was west of the 
 Hamblin house. The characteristics of Capt. John are 
 described in the chapter on the Insurrection. 
 
 William Gayer was a master mariner and married 
 Dorcas, daughter of Edward Starbuck. He died in 1710, 
 leaving two daughters, Dorcas who married Jethro Star- 
 buck, and Damaris, wife of Nathaniel Coffin. His will 
 mentions a son by a former marriage. Gayer was many 
 times selectman, magistrate and assessor. His penman- 
 ship is a model. He came from the nobility of England. 
 His first house was at the north head of Hummock Pond, 
 where his father-in-law had conveyed him a lot. In 1683, 
 he bought the tract bounded by Ash, Center, Chester 
 streets and the bank, and built a house near Chapman 
 avenue. 
 
 Stephen Greenleaf married Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Tristram Coffin, and lived in Newbury. In 1683 he sold 
 half his interest to John Rolfe and the other half to 
 Nathaniel Starbuck. The house lot drawn by him was 
 north of Trott's Swamp. 
 
 Nathaniel Holland went to Nantucket in 1670 as a 
 tailor. After staying there two years, he sold his estate 
 to Capt. John Gardner and removed to Watertown. 
 
 HUSSEY. 
 
 Christopher Hussey lived and died in Hampton, N. H. 
 Although one of the first purchasers, he never lived at 
 Nantucket, and about 167 1 he sold his lands to his sons 
 John and Stephen. 
 
70 
 
 John Hussey lived and died in Hampton in 1711, he 
 sold his Nantucket lands to his brother Stephen. 
 
 Stephe7i Hussey was born in 1632 and died at Nan- 
 tucket in 1718, leavin,£r seven children. His wife was 
 Martha, daughter of William Bunker. He received a 
 good education and naturally took to law. Although it 
 is not known that he was an admitted attorney. From 
 the date when the Court records begin to his death 
 there was seldom a session when he was not party or 
 attorney. He lived in continual turmoil, although, singu- 
 lar to relate, he was one of the petitioners for a Friends 
 Meeting, but he engaged in litigation with some of the 
 members and was disowned in 1717. He was a master 
 mariner, and sailed between Nantucket, Boston and 
 New York. He was three times a constable and once 
 selectman and assessor. He was convicted of smuo-crling 
 ten gallons of rum, and his ten reasons of appeal show a 
 very ingenious mind. He never failed to assert that 
 justice could not be had on Nantucket because neither 
 Judge nor Jury were entirely impartial. 
 
 He acquired the interest of his father, Robert Pike and 
 others, and was the largest land owner of his day The 
 house lots assigned to Christopher Hussey and 
 Robert Pike were on the west side of Trott's Swamp, but 
 Stephen Hussey built three houses for himself and family 
 one on Federal street near Chestnut, another at Monomov 
 and a third at Shimmoo. 
 
 Look. 
 
 Thomas Look married Elizabeth, daughter of George 
 Bunker. In 1677, Richard Swain sold to him his house 
 and lot to take care of him. 
 
 Look never held any town office. About 1681 he sold 
 all his lands at Nantucket and settled on Marthas Vineyard. 
 
71 
 Macy. 
 
 Thomas Macy selected his house lot on the east side of 
 the Reed Pond, which was then a creek, and extended 
 from the north shore south to the road. At his death this 
 lot was occupied by his son John. Eastman Johnson is 
 now the owner of this section. 
 
 Macy left an estate worth £71 but claims against it were 
 established so that it was insolvent. 
 
 The genealogy of the Macy family contains further 
 information. 
 
 Mayhew. 
 
 Thomas Mayhew was born in 1591, and died at Edgar- 
 town 1681. He had one son Thomas who was lost on a 
 voyage on his way to England in 1657. All his lands 
 were sold to his daughter Bethia Way, who sold the same 
 to William Vaughn. Although Governor Mayhew 
 exerted a powerful influence on the early history of 
 Nantucket, he never lived there and had no habitation on 
 the island. The house lot assigned him was north west 
 of Trott's Swamp. 
 
 William Pile was the name of one of the original 
 purchasers, and he is described as living in Dover, N. H. 
 Shortly after the organization of the Nantucket settlers he 
 conveyed his interest to Nathaniel Boulter, who at once 
 deeded the same, one half to John Bishop and the other 
 half to the children of George Bunker. The name "Pile" 
 cannot be found in the Dover records or elsewhere, and 
 it may be that he was a Frenchman and the name as 
 above given was not correctly spelled. 
 
 Richard Pinkham came from Dover, N. H. He died 
 in 1718. He married Mary, daughter of James Coffin, 
 
72 
 
 and lived on land owned by his wife's father. His house 
 was near Maxey's Pond and later on Federal street, near 
 Pearl. He left nine children, of whom eight were sons. 
 
 Pike. 
 
 Major Robert Pike who was a strong man in the History 
 of Salisbury, was one of the first twenty owners of Nan- 
 tucket but he never resided on the island. The house lot 
 assigned to him was on the west side of Hummock Pond. 
 
 After an unsatisfactory experience with Tristram 
 Coffin and Christopher Hussey in 1703, he sold his 
 interest in Nantucket to Stephen Hussey. 
 
 Robert Pike. 
 
 "In the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England ; 
 
 To whom these presents may come, Robert pike of 
 Salsbury as above sendeth greeting; know ye that 
 whereas there hath some differanse arissen betwixt 
 Stephen Hussey of Nantucket and myself concerning a 
 Share of land upon nantucket which I formerly contracted 
 with his father Christopher Hussey of hampton about 
 When the first proceeding about the settling of the Hand 
 nantucket were carrying on, Capt. Christopher Hussey at 
 that time being about the year 1659 or 1660 or 61, did 
 admit and take me in as partner whh him in what then 
 claime he had of the island of nantucket and the condition 
 
 of our agreement. made betwixt us was that if I the 
 
 sd Robert pike should well and truly pay or discharge the 
 sd Capt. Christopher hussey eight pounds being the 
 charge which the sd hussey was out for one share or half 
 what claime in nantucket he then made which was two 
 shares or the tenth or leaveneth part of sd iland that then 
 I should have hold posess occupy and for ever peaceably 
 enjoy as of my demesne in fee or share of lands as above 
 
73 
 
 in order to the payment of which eight pounds I payed 
 three pounds to the company's order and I did think that 
 I had answered the other five pounds howbeit Trustion 
 Coffin, Senr, of Nantucket, as I came lately by Stephen 
 Hussey to understand did sometime within three or four 
 year after the English were settled upon the sd Hand of 
 Nantucket take by way of distress from Capt. Christopher 
 Hussey's Estate the sum of five pounds and did never so 
 much as inform either my self or Capt. Hussey in his life 
 time, whereby I had no opportunity so much as to dis- 
 trest Capt. Hussey before he had conveighed his land out 
 of his hand ; Trustrora Coffin then declairing that he took 
 the sd five pounds from Capt. Hussey for my debt, as I 
 was partner with him the sd Hussey ; So that as I never 
 payed five pound of the eight so neither did Capt. hussey 
 know anything but that I had payed the money, whereby 
 I was made to forfit my condition made about the sd 
 share of land above sd and neither Capt. hussey nor 
 myself know of it and I can claime no more neither inlaw 
 or equity then the proposition of what I payd and in 
 Capt. Stephen hussey who I understand hath brought his 
 father's right will acquit his claime in halfe a share and 
 suffer my assigns quietly to possess and enjoy it : I shall 
 set down there with content demissing, releasing and 
 acquiting any claime made by me, my heirs, executors, 
 administrators and assigns to anything relating to Nan- 
 tucket or anything that hath bin depending betwixt his 
 father and myself as touching any bargains covenants 
 conditions alinations or partnershipp what so ever, to the 
 day of the date of these presents relating to what is above 
 written ; to all which that is above written. I have set to 
 my hand and affixed my Seal in the Second year of her 
 Majestie's Reigne and in the year of our Lord 1703 or the 
 28th day of august one thousand Seaven hundred and three 
 
 as before. 
 
 Robert Pike. (Seal)" 
 
74 
 
 Savage. 
 
 "John Savage was granted half a share of land as a 
 cooper in 1672. He sold his land to Wm. Worth and 
 moved away in 1674. His house lot was between No 
 Bottom Pond and Crooked Lane. 
 
 Rogers. 
 
 William Rogers married Martha, daughter of Robert 
 Barnard who conveyed to him 10 acres of land in 1678. 
 
 He never held any office, and about 1678 sold his lands 
 on Nantucket and his name does not again appear on the 
 records. 
 
 ROLFE. 
 
 yohn Rolfe came from Salisbury and owned half a 
 share of land from Stephen Greenleaf. 
 
 In 1678 he sold his land to James Coffin and left the 
 island. 
 
 His house lot was adjoining Thomas Macy's on the 
 east. 
 
 Smith. 
 
 'John Smith had a house lot between that of Tristram 
 Coffin, Jr. and the North Cranberry Swamp. In 1674 he 
 sold half his land to Stephen Hussey and half to John 
 Coffin and moved away to Taunton, He was a brother 
 in law to Stephen Hussey. 
 
 Starbuck. 
 
 Edward Starbuck came from Dover, N. H. He was 
 an elder of the local church and was disciplined on 
 account of his views on the subject of baptism. Thomas 
 Macy who was also in discord with the local church took 
 Starbuck as a partner. The latter was at Nantucket 
 
75 
 
 during June and July 1659, and assisted in procuring the 
 first Indian deed. He was on the island at times during 
 the next two years and occupied a house which he had 
 built at Maddaket. This gave rise to the story that the 
 first site of the town was at the west end. He was a man 
 of considerable influence, and was once candidate for 
 Chief Magistrate. He was born in 1604 and died in 1690. 
 His wife was Catharine Reynolds. He left four children 
 only one of whom was a son. Edward Starbuck's house 
 lot was about 1000 feet square, extending northward from 
 the head of Hummock Pond to Maxey's Pond. His 
 other children were : 
 
 Dorcas married Wm. Gayer, 
 Sarah married Benjamin Austin, 
 Abigail married Peter Coffin. 
 He seems to have been held in great esteem among the 
 inhabitants. 
 
 In 1685 he conveyed half his lands to his son Nathaniel 
 and the other half to his son in law, Wm. Gayer. 
 
 Nathaniel Starbtick, only son of Edward, was born 
 1634 and died at Nantucket 1719, leaving ten children. 
 He married Mary, daughter of Tristram Coffin. 
 
 He was one of the strong men among the settlers and 
 would have received more credit but for the superior 
 intellect of his wife, — the great Mary Starbuck, who was 
 certainly the founder of the Friends Meeting on Nantucket. 
 Although her husband was "a man of no mean parts, she 
 far exceeded him in soundness of judgment, clearness of 
 understanding and in an elegant and natural way of 
 expressing herself." 
 
 There is no character in the early history of Nantucket 
 that so appeals to the imagination. But little remains 
 except a single letter and the testimony of the pioneer 
 Friends Ministers. 
 
76 
 
 She died in 1717, having beheld the formation of the 
 Nantucket monthly meeting of Friends. 
 
 The house of Nathaniel and Mary Starbuck was erected 
 near his house lot but on a spot a short distance south east 
 which was afterwards set off to him. It was a large 
 house of capacity sufficient for meetings, both religious 
 and municipal, and was called the "Parliament House." 
 It was located a few feet west of the present Cornish Barn 
 and was placed near the spring. The house lot of Natha- 
 niel Starbuck was on the north west of the swamp, 
 bounded north by that of James Coffin and south by the 
 swamp and south west by the lot of Thomas Mayhew. 
 By purchase from Greenleaf and others and by set off, 
 Nathaniel Starbuck acquired a large tract around the 
 north head of Hummock Pond. It is now comprised in 
 the Cambridge farm. 
 
 Streeter. 
 
 Samuel Streeter come from Gloucester as a tailor. He 
 was appointed in 1669 to transact some business with the 
 Indians. A man by this name was drowned shortly after- 
 ward at the Vineyard and his name disappears from the 
 records. His house lot which was granted to him was 
 probably forfeited as he did not reside three years on the 
 island. 
 
 Swain. 
 
 Richard Szvain come from Dover, N. H., where he had 
 married Jane Bunker, widow of George. He was born 
 1601 and died 1682. He was not an educated man and 
 his signatures are by mark. 
 
 His house lot was on both sides of the cove formed by the 
 north westerly extension of Hummock Pond. He never 
 held any town office but performed labor for the town in 
 
77 
 
 relation to sheep and cattle. He was married before 
 coming to America and had four children b}' that mar- 
 riage. The wife Jane, had two children, John and 
 Richard. The latter it is said moved to New Jersey but 
 he was administrator of his father's estate. 
 
 'John Swatn, son of Richard, was born 1633 and died 
 1717, His wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel 
 Wyer. He was once highway surveyor, four times 
 assessor and once assistant magistrate. His house lot was 
 on the north of his father and he probably lived there 
 until his father's death, although he had a house at 
 Polpis in 1677. 
 
 In 1680 he had bought land of the Indians at Poatpes, 
 now called Polpis which was confirmed by the Governor 
 at New York in 1684. He sold all his land near Hum- 
 mock Pond including his house in 1687. His children 
 were : 
 
 Mary married Joseph Nason who had built a house on 
 Swain's west share in 1682. 
 
 Stephen married Experience, daughter of Peter Folger. 
 
 Sarah married Joseph Norton. 
 
 Joseph married Mary Sibley. 
 
 Elizabeth married Joseph Saville, also spelled Chevalier. 
 
 Benjamin married Mary Taylor. 
 
 Hannah married James Tallman. 
 
 Patience married Samuel Gardner, son of James. 
 
 John Swain was licensed by the town in Oct. 1677 to 
 operate a Filling Mill near his house at Poatpes. 
 
 Trott. 
 
 yohn Trott bought land at Nantucket in 1682. He 
 owned land in the Long Woods. He died 1728, leaving 
 Tabitha, Joseph, Rachel, John, Benjamin, James, Mary, 
 Abigail, and Priscilla. He never held any town office. 
 
78 
 
 Vaughn. 
 
 William Vaughn was always called Major. He took 
 no active part at Nantucket and never lived there. He 
 belonged at Portsmouth, N. H., and was in the Indian 
 war with Capt. Pike. He retained his Nantucket lands 
 until his death in 1720, when they were sold by his heirs. 
 His house lot was bounded east by that of Nathaniel 
 Starbuck and was that which he bought from Thomas 
 Mayhew. 
 
 Worth. 
 
 The usual tradition about three brothers coming over is 
 true of this family. Lionel and William went to Salis- 
 bury and the other to that part of New Jersey along the 
 Raritan River. William was born about 1640 and went 
 to Nantucket where he married Sarah, daughter of 
 Thomas Macy. They had one child John. After her 
 death, William Worth married twice, but had no other 
 children. He died 1724, having been five times select- 
 man, three times assistant magistrate, four times assessor 
 and many years Clerk of the Court. 
 
 yohn Worth, born 1666, married Miriam Gardner, 
 daughter of Richard, and from this marriage came the 
 Nantucket Worths. After her death he married two 
 Vineyard women and from them came the other branch. 
 He died in Edgartown, 1731. 
 
 He came to Nantucket as a sailor and received a half 
 share of land as a tradesman in 1662. He had a fair 
 education as will appear from the early records, much of 
 which is in his w^riting. There were no clergymen 
 at Nantucket during the first half century after it was 
 settled and marriages were solemnized by Justices of the 
 Peace. William Worth is reported to have been the 
 magistrate at most of the marriages for many years before 
 
79 
 
 his death. Thomas Macy sold him 1-4 of 1-2 a share of 
 land in 1676. 
 
 His house lot was in the No Bottom Pond section, and 
 bounded north by the Old Road, west by Crooked Lane. 
 This lot extended from the Old Road south to the Main 
 street extension. Grove Lane was cut through later. 
 
 Wyer. 
 
 Nathaniel Wyer who was called Goodman Wyer 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Swain. He 
 never took any part in the affairs at Nantucket. He died 
 March i, 1681, fifty years old, leaving an estate which 
 was the first ever inventoried on the island. Sarah Wyer 
 was appointed administrator. The inventory of the estate 
 was £35, and among the articles were i Bible and 5 other 
 books. His real estate was valued at £5. 
 
 His land was five acres in extent on the west side of 
 Goodman Wyer's Pond, which is probably the present 
 Maxey's Pond. Also five acres on west side of John 
 Swain's lot, west of Hummock Pond. His daughter 
 Mary married John Swain. This name was spelled in a 
 variety of forms : Wyer, Wire, Waer, Ware, Weare, 
 Weir, being the same name. 
 
 If a north and south line be drawn through Wesco, 
 now called Lily Pond, the section east was divided into 
 three sections, known to the early settlers as follows : 
 The part north of West Chester street was called North 
 Shore, that further south to the present location of the 
 Town House was known as Wesco and the section still 
 further south was named Monomoy. The meadows 
 between Union street and the Asylum were called 
 Quausue. 
 
 The locality near Thomas Macy's place was called 
 Wannacomet. Tristram Coffin named his locality Cap- 
 
8o 
 
 pam or Northam, and the Starbuck farm was called 
 Waquittaquage. 
 
 It is an interesting and difficult question to decide when 
 a majority of the land owners moved from the Pond 
 Country to Wesco. Richard Gardner and his family 
 always lived around Wesco Pond. 
 
 The records indicate that while in 1682 Cappam Harbor 
 was open and the account of a Quaker visiting the island 
 intimates that this condition was existing in 1701, yet 
 in 1720 a plan of the Tristram Coffin house lot shows that 
 it was then Cappam Pond. During the interim the 
 harbor has been separated from the sea. As the leading 
 motive in settling at Cappamet was to be near a harbor, 
 when this ceased to exist there would be a strong induce- 
 ment to remove to the other harbor. About 17 17 there 
 was considerable activity in land transfers around the west 
 end of the harbor, indicating the commencement of the 
 change. 
 
 In 1678 Wesco Acre lots were set off. This section 
 comprised 20 acres bounded by Federal, Liberty, Quince, 
 Gay and Broad streets. This section was divided east 
 and west into twenty strips, 80 rods long and 2 rods wide. 
 This gave each strip an end on the harbor. 
 
 Center street was laid out when the division was made. 
 The streets Quince, Hussey, Pearl and Rose Lane were 
 laid out many years later. When this division was 
 made Stephen Hussey had a house between Federal and 
 Center streets near Chestnut and Nic. Davis had a house 
 on Federal street farther south. The water extended to 
 Federal and North Water streets. 
 
 When Wesco Acre lots were divided the section 
 bounded by Broad, Center, Chester and North Water 
 streets were allotted south to Thomas Macy : then next 
 north William Worth : then John Gardner to Chester 
 street. 
 
In 1683 the William Worth and John Gardner interests 
 were deeded to William Gayer and the latter built near 
 the location of the Veranda House. 
 
 From this date until 1717, there is no indication of pur- 
 chases in this section. But about this time and during- 
 the next few years, all the land included in the present 
 town limits was divided, and this is probably the time when 
 the great number of inhabitants settled around the harbor. 
 The Fish lot section, bounded by Union, Main, and Pine 
 streets was laid out in 1722 and Monomoy, next south, 
 was laid out in 1726. 
 
 Owing to the fact that there was a change from Cap- 
 pamet to Wesco about 1720, there are in the latter 
 locality few houses built before that time except such as 
 might have been erected on the land of Richard or John 
 Gardner. 
 
 The Jethro Coffin house built in 1686 was on land that 
 belonged to Capt. John Gardner. The Eleazer Folger 
 house near by was built not far from 1699 : and the house 
 of Richard Gardner 3d now owned by Peter Brock about 
 
 1725- 
 
 The Drew house on Hussey street was built by Abel 
 Gardner about 1733. 
 
 The Nye house on Liberty street was built about 1743 
 by Silvanus Allen a son in law of Jethro Starbuck. 
 
 The Josiah Coffin house at North shore was erected in 
 1724 by Capt. Josiah, and has remained in the family 
 since. 
 
 Wesco, Fish-lots and Monomoy were rapidly built up 
 subsequent to 1720. The houses in the locality first 
 selected were destroyed or removed before 1800. A map 
 drawn and filed in the Registry of Deeds, in 182 1 deline- 
 ates the roads laid out in that section directly west of the 
 present town. Toward the west where the purchasers of 
 of Nantucket established their houses were only four, 
 
82 
 
 three of which, Jethro Folger's, Daniel Allen's and the 
 Newbegin's, have since disappeared, the one remaining 
 being that of Elihu Coleman's, and possibly none of 
 which were ever seen by the first settlers. Houses are 
 destroyed or removed and there is no trace left on the 
 records. 
 
 Tradition says that material from Thomas Macy's house 
 at Wannacomet is in the house which was erected on the 
 corner of Liberty street and Walnut Lane and that of 
 the Parliament House, the house of Mary and Nathaniel 
 Starbuck was moved down to the corner of Pine and 
 School streets and was owned by the late James Dustin. 
 The sand storm and the rain have destroyed all marks of 
 these houses and except occasional relics of brick or 
 glass or chance excavation disclosing an old foundation, 
 all identifications have been lost. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 Their Government. 
 
 The first settlers went to a land where no form of gov- 
 ernment had been established. The island was under 
 some nominal control of New York, but little attention 
 was paid to it. Consequently when the English purchased 
 Nantucket, they carried with them the English common 
 law, and as far as applicable, it was not difficult of enforce- 
 ment. Crimes were punished by Mayhew and his asso- 
 ciate judges, but there was a large class of offenses 
 growing out of the presence of the Indians, that were not 
 mentioned in any legal code. The attempt to found a 
 grazing community where rights of pasturage were to be 
 held in common in large tracts of land, developed a phase 
 of relations, that had existed previously in England, but 
 on a less extensive scale. These new conditions soon 
 required regulations. There was no colonial government 
 to enact the necessary laws, and so the land owners were 
 their own legislature and court. 
 
 When they arrived at Nantucket, the adult male popu- 
 lation was confined to the first purchasers. At once 
 arrangements were necessary in relation to house lots, 
 Indians, mills, and local affairs. There was no town or 
 municipality — and no provision concerning the qualifica- 
 tion of voters. As long as the land owners comprised the 
 male population, no regulation was demanded. But this 
 question was certain to arise, and in 1663, there was a 
 meeting "of the inhabitants and freeholders, and it was 
 determined and concluded that all orders that concern the 
 prudential affairs on ye iland shall be enacted and con- 
 
84 
 
 eluded so as to stand authentick by the voice of all the pres- 
 ent inhabitants, being freeholders, that either are or shall 
 be dwelling here, provided, that if any person being 
 legally warned shall not by his absence nullify or hinder 
 the proceeding." Here was stated the qualification. The 
 voter must be an inhabitant and land owner. This provi- 
 sion was never repealed. Nantucket was annexed to the 
 Province of Massachusetts in 1692. The records indicate 
 that the "land qualification" was in force until that date, 
 and for many years later the town meetings are called 
 meetings of the "Freeholders," and the town continued to 
 deal with land until 17 16, when the town as a Corporate 
 Body and the land owners as a Proprietory were sepa- 
 rated. The admission of residents to town meetings, 
 regardless of the foregoing qualification, was gradual and 
 probably not complete until about 17 16. 
 
 During these years when the government was in the 
 control of the land owners, only such persons could hold 
 office. 
 
 No religious qualification was ever required, and until 
 1716 any mention of religion appears only twice in the 
 records. In 1680, Capt. John Gardner was accused of 
 forbidding some Quakers holding a meeting on the island. 
 In 1678 some men were fined for going out in company on 
 the Lord's Day. No mention of any kindred subject is 
 found until 1716, when the Meeting House is designated 
 as one of the places for posting notice of town meetings. 
 Appropriations for support of the Minister, so common in 
 records of Massachusetts towns, are lacking at Nantucket. 
 
 Only occasionally do the records indicate where town 
 meetings were held ; no doubt at first the houses of the 
 land owners were occupied. 
 
 In 1667 there is mention of a meeting in the "Parlia- 
 ment House," which was the residence of Nathaniel and 
 Mary Starbuck. Meetings were also held at the houses of 
 
85 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard and Geo. Bunker, and at Wesco in the 
 house of Richard Gardner. The town voted in April, 
 1707, to have the town house repaired, and Jan., 1716, the 
 town voted to build a town house 34x24 on the hill 
 between William Stratton's and George Bunker's, near 
 the house of the former and notifications of meeting were 
 to be posted on the Town House and Meeting House. 
 This location was between No Bottom Pond and the road 
 called West Chester street. The location of the first 
 town house cannot be identified. Possibly the facts that 
 about this time a larger house was needed and the land 
 owners had separated from the town in managing their 
 affairs, may indicate that near this date the Freeholders 
 ceased to control town affairs and others were admitted 
 according to the laws of the Province. Thus from the date 
 of the settlement, the Nantucket land owners continued 
 what was in fact, a town government until they obtained 
 the Lovelace Patent, dated June 28, 1671. This was not 
 only a grant of the island to Coffin and Macy and their 
 associates, but it constituted them "an entire enfranchised 
 township, with like and equal privileges with any town, 
 but in all matters to be ruled, ordered and directed accord- 
 ing to instructions allready as to be hereafter given." 
 
 According to order dated April 18, 1673, the town was 
 named Sherborne. 
 
 The instructions for the government of Nantucket 
 followed a petition of the inhabitants and were supple- 
 mented by others two years later. 
 
 PROPOSALS TO YE GOVERNOR FROM YE INHABITANTS OF 
 NANTUCKETT ABOUT SETTLING THAT GOVERNMENT. 
 
 hnprimis^ Wee humbly propose Liberty for ye Inhabi- 
 tants to chuse annually a Man or Men to be Chiefe in ye 
 Goverment, and chosen or appointed by his Honor to 
 
86 
 
 Stand in place, constantly invested with Power of Con- 
 firmacion by Oath or Engagement, or otherwise as his 
 Honor shall appoint, one to be Chiefe in ye Cort and to 
 have Magistraticall Power at all times with regard to ye 
 Peace and other necessary Consideracions. 
 
 2ly. Wee take for granted yt ye Lawes of England are 
 Standard of Government, soe farre as wee know them, 
 and are suitable to our Condicion ; yet wee humbly pro- 
 pose that ye Inhabitants may have Power to Constitute 
 such Law or Orders as are necessary and suitable to or 
 Condicon not repugnant to ye Lawes of England. 
 
 3ly. In point of carrying on ye Government from Time 
 to Time, wee are willing to joyne with or Neighbor 
 Island ye Vineyard, to keep together one Cort every 
 Yeare, one Yeare at or Island, ye next with them, and 
 Power at Home to End all Cases not exceeding 20 lb ; 
 And in all cases Liberty of Appeal to ye Generall 
 Court in all Actions above 40 lb ; And in all Actions 
 amounting to ye vallue of 100 lb. Liberty of Appeale to 
 his Highness his Court at ye City of New York ; And in 
 Capital Cases, or such Matters as concerne Life, Limbe, or 
 Banishment. All such cases to be tryed at New Yorke. 
 
 4. And feeling ye Indyans are numerous among us, 
 Wee propose that our Government may Extend to them, 
 and Power to Summon them to our Courts with respect to 
 Matters of Trespass, Debt, and other Miscarriages, and 
 to Try and Judge them according to Lawes, when pub- 
 lished amongst them. 
 
 And lastly, some Military power committed to us, 
 respecting our Defence, either in respect of Indyans or 
 Strangers invading etc. 
 
 THE ANSWER TO YE NANTUCKET PROPOSALS. 
 
 At a Councell held at Forte James in New York, ye 
 28th day of June in ye 23rd years of his Ma'ties Reigne, 
 Annoq Dom. 1671. 
 
87 
 
 In Answer to ye Proposalls Delivered in by Mr. Coffin 
 and Mr. Macy on ye behalf of themselves and ye rest 
 of ye Inhabitants upon ye Island Nantuckett : The 
 Governor and Councell doe give their Resolutions as 
 followeth, vizt : 
 
 Imprimis, As to ye first Branch in their Proposalls, It 
 is thought fitt yt ye Inhabitants doe annually recomend 
 two persons to the Governor, out of ye whch hee will 
 Nominate one to be ye Chiefe Magistrate upon that Island, 
 and ye Island of Tuckanuckett near adjacent for ye Yeare 
 ensueing ; who shall by Commission bee Invested with 
 Power accordingly. 
 
 That ye Time when such a Magistrate shall Enter into 
 his Employment after ye Expiracion of this first Yeare, 
 shall Commence upon ye 13th day of October, being his 
 Royall Highness his Birthday, to continue for ye Space 
 of one whole Yeare, and that they Return ye Names of ye 
 two Persons they shall recommend three months before- 
 that Time to ye Governor. 
 
 That ye Inhabitants have Power by a Major Vote 
 annually lo Elect and Chuse their inferior officers, both 
 Civil and Military ; That is to say, ye Assistants, Con- 
 stables, and other Inferior Officers for ye Civil Govern- 
 ment, and such inferiour Officers for ye Military as shall 
 be thought needful. 
 
 2ly. The second Proposal is allowed of; That they 
 shall have Liberty to make peculiar Lawes and Orders at 
 their General Court for the well Government of ye 
 Inhabitants ye wch shall bee in force amongst them for 
 one whole Yeare ; Dureing wch Time if noe Inconven- 
 ience doe appeare therein, They are to Transmitt the said 
 Lawes or Orders to ye Governor for his Confirmacion. 
 However, they are (as neare as may bee) to conforme 
 themselves to ye Lawes of England, and to be very 
 cautious they doe not Act in any way repugnant to them. 
 
3ly. To ye 3d, It is Granted, That they joyne with 
 their Neighbors of Martin's Vineyard in keeping a Generall 
 Court between them once a Yeare, ye said Court to be 
 held one Yeare in one Island, and ye next in ye other, 
 which ye Chiefe Magistrate in each Island where the 
 Court shall be held, is to preside, and to Sitt in their 
 respective Courts as Presid't but withall That upon all 
 occasions hee Consuel and Advize with ye Chiefe Magis- 
 trate of ye other Island. 
 
 That ye said Generall Court shall consist of ye two 
 Chiefe Magistrates of both Islands, and ye foure Assist- 
 ants, where ye Presid't shall have a Casting voyce : for ye 
 Time of their Meeting, That it bee left to themselves to 
 Agree upon ye most convenient Season of ye Yeare. 
 
 That in their Private Courts at Home, wch are to be 
 held by ye Chiefe Magistrate and two Assistants where 
 ye Chiefe Magistrate shall have but a single Voyce, They 
 shall have Power finally to determine and decide all Cases 
 not exceeding ye Valluue of 5 lb. without Appeale, but in 
 any Summe above that Valine, They have Liberty of 
 Appeale to their Generall Court who may determine 
 absolutely any Case under 50 lb. without Appeale, but if 
 it shall exceed that Sume, ye Party aggrieved may have 
 Recourse by way of Appeale to ye Generall Court of 
 Assizes, held in New Yorke. 
 
 And as to Criminal Cases, That they have Power both 
 at their Private Courts at Home, as well as at ye Generall 
 Court, to inflict punishment on Offenders soe farre as 
 Whipping, Stocks and Pilloring, or other Publick Shame. 
 But if ye Crime happen to bee of a higher nature, where 
 Life, Limbe or Banishment are concerned. That such 
 Matters be Transmitted to ye Generall Court of Assizes 
 likewise. 
 
 4. In Answer to ye 4th, It is left to themselves to Order 
 those Affayres about ye Indyans, and to Act therein 
 
89 
 
 according to their best discretions, soe farr as Life is not 
 concerned ; Wherein they are also to have Recourse to 
 New Yorke, but that they bee carefull to use such moder- 
 acon amongst them, That they bee not exasperated, but 
 by Degrees may be brought to be comformable to ye 
 Lawes ; To wch End, They are to Nominate and appoint 
 Constables amongst them who may have staves with ye 
 King's Armes upon them, the better to keep their People 
 in Awe and good Order, as is practized with good success 
 amongst ye Indyans at ye East end of Long Island. 
 
 To ye Last, That they return a Lyst of ye Inhabitants, 
 as also ye Names of two Persons amongst them ; out of 
 whom ye Governor will appoint one to bee their Chiefe 
 Military Officer. That they may be in ye better capacity 
 to Defend themselves against their Enemys, whether 
 Indyans or others. 
 
 NANTUCKET AFFAYRES. 
 
 Additional Instructions and Directions for the Govern- 
 ment of the Island Nantuckelt, sent by Mr. Richard and 
 Capt. Jno. Gardner, April ye i8, 1673. 
 
 Imprimis^ That in regard ye Towne upon ye Island of 
 Nantuckttt is not known by any peculiar or particular 
 Name. It shall from henceforth bee called and distin- 
 guished in all Deeds, Records and Writings by the Name 
 of the Town of Sherborne upon the Island Nantuckett. 
 
 That all Ancient and Obsolete Deeds, Grants, Writings, 
 or Conveyances of Lands upon the said Island, shall bee 
 esteemed of noe ftbrce or Vilidity, but the Records of 
 everyones Clayme or Interest shall beare Date tVom the 
 first Divulging of the Patent granted to the Inhabitants by 
 Authority of his Roy all Highness and soe forward, but 
 not before the Date thereof. 
 
 That the Time of Election of the Chiefe Magistrate, and 
 other Civil Officers, bee and continue according to the 
 
90 
 
 Directions and Instructions already given, but in regard of 
 the Distance of the Place, and ye uncertainty of Convey- 
 ance betwixt that and this Place, ye Chiefe Magistrate, 
 and all the Civil Officers shall continue in their Employ- 
 ments untill the Returne of the Governor's Choice and 
 Approbacon of a new Magistrate bee sent unto them, 
 which is to be with the first convenient Opportunity. 
 
 That in case of Mortality, if it shall please God, the 
 Chiefe Magistrate shall dye before ye Expiration of his 
 Employment, the Assistants for the Time being shall 
 manage and carry on ye Affayres of the Public until the 
 Time of the new Election, and ye Governor's Returne and 
 Approbation of a new Magistrate in his Stead. 
 
 That the Chiefe Military Officer shall continue in his 
 Employment during the Governor's pleasure, and that he 
 have Power to appoint such Persons for inferior Officers 
 as he shall judge most fitt and capable. 
 
 That in case of the Death of the Chiefe Military Officer 
 during the Time of his Employment, that then the Inhabi- 
 tants doe forthwith make Choice of two Persons, and 
 return their Names unto the Governour, who will appoint 
 one of them to bee the Officer in his Stead. 
 
 That in regard to yc Generall Court to bee held in ye 
 Island Nantuckett or Martin's Vineyard is but once in ye 
 Yeare, where all Causes or Actions are tryable without 
 Appeale to ye Sume of fifty Pounds. Liberty bee granted 
 to try all Actions of Debt or Trespass at their ordinary 
 Courts to the value often Pounds without Appeale, unless 
 upon Occasion of Error in ye Proceedings there bee cause 
 of Complaint from ye ordinary Court unto the Generall 
 Court, or from the Generall Court to the Court of Assizes. 
 
 That what is granted in the Generall Patent to the 
 Inhabitants, ffreeholders, of the Island Nantuckett is to 
 bee understood, unto them alone who live upon the Place 
 
and make improvement thereof, or such others who hav- 
 ing Pretences of Interest shall come to Inhabitt there. 
 
 Given under my hand at Fort James, in New York, the 
 Day and Yeare afore written ; in ye 25th yeare of his 
 Majesty's Reigne. 
 
 The records show that the purchasers reached Nan- 
 tucket between May 10, 1661 and the 15th of the follow- 
 ing July. 
 
 The first business was that of drawing lots for houses. 
 
 Sept. 1662 it was ordered that the land which had been 
 sold to the Indians should pay 5 shillings per week. 
 
 12-1663. 
 
 It was agreed and concluded that all men that have 
 Cattell or any other estate on the yland shall be lyable to 
 pay all necessary publike charges ; as well those that 
 Inhabit not on ye yland as those that Inhabit. 
 
 At the same meeting an order was made that no man 
 shall fell or make use of any timber on Cowatu except it 
 be for building houses upon the penalty often shillings for 
 every tree impred to any other use. It is farther ordered 
 that if any inhabitant have any other necessary occasion 
 for timber there he shall not make use of any but by 
 liberty from the town. 
 
 Feb 12, 1663. 
 
 At a meeting of the inhabitants of the yland it was 
 ordered and concluded that a rate of fourty shillings shall 
 be pay'd with respect to ye Constable in corn or goods 
 within one week. 
 
 The same day it was ordered and concluded that warn- 
 ing shall be given to all the Indians to kill all the dogs 
 among them ; and it is hereby concluded that if any dog 
 or dogs be found alive after 10 days that the owner of such 
 dog or dogs shall pay to ye English 20-s. every dog. 
 
92 
 
 March i, 1663 : 
 
 The same day it was agreed that John Coleman shall 
 have land layd out on the north side of the lot of Robbert 
 Bernard for ye use of th^ sd John Coleman his ffather 
 Thomas Coleman haveing given halfe his accommoda- 
 tions on ye yland half the house lot to be layd out in the 
 place before mentioned for John Coleman the aforesd 
 Thomas Coleman doth lay downe one-halfe of his lot 
 already layd out, 
 
 Thomas Macy doth engage himself as one of the num- 
 ber of tradesmen as namely to supply the occasions of the 
 yland in the trade of weaveing for ye benefit of the 
 Inhabitants as well as of himselfe and hath a tradesman's 
 share of accommodation graunted to him in consideration 
 thereof; answerable to William Worth and ye rest. 
 
 Also it is hereby graunted liberty to any Inhabitant to 
 make use of timber there to make folds for sheepe or 
 goats. 
 
 Sept. 1664. 
 
 At a meeting of the Inhabitants Richard Svvaine and 
 Thomas Coleman were chosen surveyors of the highways 
 for ye yeere insuing : — the aforesaid surveighors are em- 
 powered to give legall warning to all the Inhabitants to 
 appr on such day or days as the}'^ sd occasion and to fine 
 any man not apping on the day they appointt 2s 6d, 
 except lawfull excuse be made. 
 
 September 
 2, 1664. 
 
 At a meetincT of the Inhabitants an order was ai^reed on 
 to allow Peter Coflin libert}^ to trade on this yland at pres- 
 ent, and to phibit all others except Nic. Davis, to trade 
 one hundred bushels of corne when he comes or sends to 
 gather in his debts. 
 
93 
 
 Sept. '64. 
 
 At a meeting of the town at wesquo it was agreed that 
 the clerk shall have for his wages twenty shillings p Ann. 
 beginning at ye yeere 62. 
 
 Sept. 7, 1664. 
 
 At a meeting of the Inhabitants it was agreed and 
 concluded that the lot layers shall be payd four pence p 
 acre for their laying out the lots at wesquo. 
 
 October, 1664. 
 
 At a town meeting It was agreed and concluded that of 
 any land or any pt of this yland be fired by the Indians so 
 that the land or grasse be burnt to any considerable value 
 as to a quarter of a mile or more, the Indians in what 
 jurisdiction soever it be, shall be fined 20 pounds, except 
 it be in the moneth of April. 
 
 October, 1665. 
 
 At a legall meeting on Nantukket agreed and concluded 
 to build a horse mill on the yland with all convenient 
 space and to this end to levie the summe of 50 lbs. on the 
 estates of the purchasers and Inhabitants to be payd in 
 wheat or barley at price currant or neat cattle prised by 
 indifferent men, or such other pay as shall sute the occa- 
 sion, to be payd at or before the first of October next to be 
 raised by an equal rate : And if any of the purchasers or 
 owners not at present inhabiting here shall refuse to pay 
 their pportion according to ye rate the Inhabitants do 
 agree and conclude that no man inhabitting on the yland 
 shall from thenceforth take any charge of the cattel of the 
 pson or psons so refusing under the penalty of ten pounds. 
 And for ye carrying on of this worke John Bishop is 
 appointed undertaker and overseer and to take the worke 
 
94 
 
 of such men of the Inhabitants as he shall think meet 
 and the Inhabitants are hereby engaged to attend the 
 worke according to his appointment John Rolfe and 
 Thomas Macy are appointed to gather thaforsd rate for ye 
 end aforementioned. The pportion is fourty shillings to a 
 whole share. 
 
 At a meeting of Nantukket the Inhabitants agreed to 
 dig a trench to drain the Long pond both with regard to a 
 weare for taking fish and also for making meadow, the 
 worke is to be carryed on thus the one halfe of the worke 
 to be done by the Indians and the other halfe by the 
 English Inhabitants or owners, the Indians to have half 
 the fish so long as they attend the weare carefully and 
 honestly. 
 
 March, 1666. 
 
 Upon further consideration it was decided to build a tide 
 mill instead of a horse mill. 
 
 Feb. 15, 1667. Every Indian to kill his dogs before 
 March 10, or be fined ; and Nathaniel 
 Barnard and Isaac Coleman were chosen 
 with the Indians Obadiah and Washaman 
 to carry this order into efiect. 
 
 1668. William Bunker engaged to maintain a 
 mill and to have two quarts for every 
 bushel he grinds. 
 
 At the same meeting, no more green 
 wood shall be fallen in the Lonor Woods 
 except what was taken for rails and fence. 
 
 An order was made that henceforth no 
 timber shall be fallen for building except 
 in the first two weeks of June. 
 
95 
 
 July 13, 1668. The comraons shall be "stinted" at the 
 rate of 40 head of neat cattle to a share, 
 and one horse to be equal to two cows. 
 
 The Clerk was to receive from each free- 
 holder 12 pence per year. 
 
 Aug. 14, 1668. All who have an interest on the Island, 
 whether residents or not, to pay their 
 share of the public expenses. 
 
 Nov. II, 1668. The inhabitants who have upland shall 
 pay their taxes for the mill or their land 
 shall be taken. 
 
 Jan. 16, 1668. The Indians living on Pawquomok Neck 
 shall pay 5-s up to the present date, and 
 shall pay 5-s a week as long as they stay 
 on said Neck. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1668. Nathaniel Starbuck and Nathaniel Bar- 
 nard were to travel over the commons, 
 and if any man were pasturing more 
 cattle than his proportion allowed they 
 were to enforce the fine. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1668. Thomas Tray was fined 30-s for the tres- 
 pass of his horse on the commons. At his 
 request it was reduced to 15-s on con- 
 dition that he pay at once. He was in 
 default, and Thomas Macy was ordered 
 to collect the 30-s by taking Tray's 
 horse. 
 
 1669. The Inhabitants were ordered to keep a 
 smaller number of animals on the com- 
 mon, as it was found by experience that 
 
96 
 
 "horses are like to be the mine of the 
 neat cattle, and the multitude of goats 
 very hurtful." 
 
 May lo, 1669. If any Indians hurt and disturb cattle to 
 be fined 5-s and "for proof hereof either 
 Indian or English testimony shall suffice." 
 
 June 29, 1669. The Island to be cleared of horses, and 
 the same be taken off the Island before 
 the last of November next. 
 
 No horse shall be sold to any Indian. 
 
 40 sheep or goats were allowed to be kept 
 on the commons for one share. 
 
 July 23, 1669. Each owner of a whole share shall sow a 
 bushel of grass seed on the common each 
 year. 
 
 No Indian to carry off wood from any 
 part of the land purchased by the English. 
 
 Sept. i7» 1669. Persons pasturing horses on the commons 
 to prove their right. 
 
 Oct. 17, 1669. Wreck goods found on the shore to be 
 carefully held for the Owners, and shall 
 be kept a year and a day before being 
 disposed of. And Indians and English- 
 men shall give notice to the prudential 
 men of all wrecks. 
 
 Oct. 17, 1669. William Bunker was to receive the first 
 payment for keeping the mill, which was 
 to be three pounds, before the middle of 
 April. 
 
97 
 
 Nov. 20, 1669. The prudential men were authorized to 
 lay out highways. 
 
 A bargain was made with Nathaniel 
 Barnard and John Coffin to build a pound 
 before the end of next June, to be paid 
 for from the taxes. It was to be built 
 near Cuppamet and to be four rods square. 
 (A pound is an enclosure provided for 
 imprisoning animals that are straying 
 away from the owner. It is usual that a 
 fine shall be paid before the animals are 
 returned to the owner.) 
 
 John Rolfe and John Swaine were chosen 
 "surveighers of the fences" and to examine 
 all fences and order them to be repaired 
 when insufficient. 
 
 Three prudential men are to be chosen to 
 manage the government of both English 
 and Indians. 
 
 Thomas Coleman and John Rolfe to view 
 the sheep and rams and order the owners 
 to dispose of such as are not fit to be 
 kept. 
 
 Joseph Gardner and the clerk to examine 
 all cattle carried oflf the Island. 
 
 Stephen Coffin to keep the pound "when 
 once there is a lock to it, and he is to have 
 two pence a time for turning the key to 
 lock or unlock the pound." 
 
98 
 
 If any man alters the ear-mark in a 
 sheep, although it be his own, without 
 notice to the prudential men, he shall be 
 fined. 
 
 Jan. 23, 1670. Edward Starbuck, John Swaine, Nathan- 
 iel Starbuck and William Worth to make 
 a pair of mill-stones and bring them to 
 the mill ; they to be paid in corn at harvest 
 at the rate of two shillings and sixpence 
 a day for each. 
 
 Mch 20, 1671. Nathaniel Starbuck, John Swaine, Na- 
 thaniel Barnard and John Coffin to report 
 on the number of cattle pasturing on the 
 common. 
 
 Land owners to be responsible for the 
 maintenance of any persons they invite 
 to live on Nantucket. 
 
 Mch 6, 1670. A wild dog seen about the town for several 
 years if killed within a week 30-s to be 
 paid ; if after two weeks 25 -s. 
 
 Mch 6, 1670. Edward Starbuck and Thomas Macy, 
 with Tristram Coffin as an associate, 
 under objection of Richard Swaine, were 
 given license to maintain a fishing weir 
 in Long Pond. 
 
 June 24, 1670. The taxes should be levied one-half on 
 land and the other half on stock without 
 consideration of sheep or goats. 
 
 July 18, 1670. Regulation about goats and lambs being 
 carried to Tuckanuck and Coatue. 
 
99 
 
 July 28, 1670. The prices for the year were to be 
 Wheat, 4-s per bushel ; 
 Barley, 3-s 6-pence per bushel. 
 Rye, 3-s " 
 
 Indian corn, 2-s 8-pence " 
 Any man fined for selling over or under 
 these prices. 
 
 Aug. 1670. Inhabitants fined for not attending meet- 
 ings. 
 
 No Indian servant to be brought to any 
 English on the Island. 
 
 1670. No horse or colt to be landed on Nan- 
 tucket under penalty of ten pounds. 
 
 A half share of land was to be granted 
 to any man who would build a mill, and 
 William Bunker undertook to do the same 
 against the objection of Tristram Coffin. 
 
 Nov. 30, 1670. No hogs to be placed upon any land be- 
 longing to any Indiarid. 
 
 Apr. 7, 167 1. Thomas Macy, Edward Starbuck, John 
 Rolfe and Peter Folger were chosen to 
 complete the assessment of taxes. 
 
 Oct. 16, 167 1. Thomas Macy was to have five pounds for 
 going to New York. 
 
 June 8, 1671. John Swaine, Nathaniel Starbuck and 
 Eleazer Folger were to go among the 
 Indians and arrange with them for the 
 damage done their Indian corn by the 
 Enp-lish cattle. 
 
ioo 
 
 July 9, 167 1, Goats to be brought to the pound to be 
 counted. 
 
 Jan. I, 1672. All house-lots between Cuppame harbor 
 and Richard Swaine's To be fenced. 
 
 Jan. I, 1672. Arrangements to be made with some 
 person to superintend the cattle at Cup- 
 pame beach at South Shore. 
 
 Wauwinnet, son of Nickanoose, hath 
 liberty to buy a horse. 
 
 April 4, 1672. Nathaniel Barnard and William Bunker 
 to carry all steers to Cotuit next Tuesda}'. 
 
 Dec. 6, 1672. A town meeting to be called if any two 
 freeholders shall request the same. 
 
 Aug. 3, 1672. Sheep and rams to be marked before the 
 15th of November. 
 
 No cattle to be transported from the 
 Island before examination of the pruden- 
 tial men. 
 
 No more goats to be kept upon the Island, 
 and 20 sheep to be apportioned to each 
 share. 
 
 Jeptha hath liberty to buy a horse. 
 
 Mch. 23, 1672. Thomas Coleman to keep cattle upon the 
 plain at the rate of eighteenpence a day. 
 
 Nathaniel Starbuck and John Coffin to 
 arrange with Indians or Englishmen what 
 is needful about keeping the cattle at the 
 end of Thomas Coleman's time. 
 
lOI 
 
 Mch. 9, 1672. Each sheep owner was given a wool mark, 
 which was in addition to the ear-mark. 
 
 1675. The following prudential orders were 
 adopted. 
 
 1. Every inhabitant to be fined eighteen 
 pence for non attendance at town meeting. 
 
 2. Turbulent and disorderly behaviour 
 in town meeting punished by fine. 
 
 3. Thirteen persons to be a quorum. 
 
 4. All dogs more than four months old 
 shall be muzzled, or his owner could be 
 fined. 
 
 5. No pig or hogs should be left with- 
 out guard of some sufficient fence. 
 
 Three of the Selectmen or two of them 
 and one Freeholder could call a Meeting 
 of the town. 
 
 1675. Any person "leagally warned," come not 
 to meeting within one hour after the time 
 appointed, shall pay 18 pence "if wel 
 and on the iland." Turbulent and disor- 
 derly persons at town meetings may be 
 fined for first offence 5s : for 2nd los. and 
 20s. for third. 
 
 That no person or member of the town 
 shal directly or indirectly entertayn any 
 person Except as a stranger or way faring 
 man or woman, without leave, had and 
 obtayned from the town that so the town 
 may secure themselves from charg, but if 
 any shal notwithstanding intertayn any 
 
I02 
 
 except as aforesayd they shal pay for 
 every days intertaynment so Given 20-s 
 to be improved for publike Use. 
 
 * That no person shall Receive any person 
 
 into the town as a Tenant in house or 
 land, but he shal give security to the 
 town to free the town from publike charg 
 with such Tenant. Under the penalty of 
 40-s for every Weeke's neglect, to be 
 improved to publike use. 
 
 All hogs to be marked with the owner's 
 name. 
 
 No inhabitant to entertain any person 
 except as a stranger or wayfaring man, 
 without leave, so that the town may 
 secure themselves from charge. 
 
 No inhabitant shall receive any person 
 into the town as a tenant in his house or 
 land before he shall give security to the 
 town for the charge of such person. 
 Aug. 2, 1680. Any man cutting grass on the common to 
 pay two shillings per load. 
 
 June 17, 1778. John Gardner, John Coffin and Nathaniel 
 Barnard elected prudential men. They 
 were to make rates, see that the commons 
 were fenced, the pound repaired, and 
 that all rams be carried off and brought 
 on in season, and to superintend the 
 grazing. 
 
 Jan. 9, 1679. ^^ ^^y ni^n legally chosen refuses to be 
 an assistant, to be fined three pounds. 
 
I03 
 
 Joseph Coleman engaged to warn the 
 town for one year, for i6-s to be paid 
 from the taxes. 
 
 Jan 19, 1679. The town meeting was held at the house 
 of Nathaniel Barnard. 
 
 Nov. 10, 1679. The new mill-stones to be paid out of the 
 public taxes, and the dam to be repaired 
 at the charge of the town. 
 
 Nov. 10, 1679. Voted that the scow shall be mended at 
 the charge of the town. 
 
 At the same meeting Sarah Needfeld was 
 ordered to be sent to her home in 
 Plymouth County unless somebody would 
 be responsible for her maintenance. 
 
 Aug. 2, 1680. Any unmarked sheep may be killed or 
 the finder shall have them. 
 
CHAPTER Vl. 
 
 The Courts. 
 
 Book No. 2 in the Register of Deeds contains the 
 earliest records of a Court on Nantucket. The first case 
 is dated Sept. 21, 1672, in which John Savage sues Jeptha 
 the Indian for a debt. This was ten years after the settlers 
 had reached the Island. It cannot be assumed that during 
 this decade the inhabitants needed no Court, that sailors 
 coming in trading vessels and the Indians unfamiliar with 
 the Anglo Saxon legal code should exhibit conduct 
 which never required punishment. Indeed a stray item 
 appears in Book No. i to the effect that Feb. 12, 1668, 
 Thomas Tray had been fined thirty pounds for allowing 
 his horse to go on the Commons. Consequently it may 
 be inferred that there was some sort of a Court before 
 1672. But if such Courts had records, they are either lost 
 or destroyed. 
 
 When Peter Folger was imprisoned, as described in the 
 Chapter on the Insurrection, Tristram Coffin complained 
 that Folger had the Small Book of the Courts, and from 
 this it is clear that there was a large Record Book which 
 must have been Book No. 2, but that there was a Small 
 Book containing Court Records. Quite likely it may 
 have recorded proceedings before 1672. This book 
 would be of inestimable value for investigating the rela- 
 tions of the early settlers among themselves, but no 
 mention of the book is found since the time when Peter 
 Folger was in jail for concealing it. So it may never be 
 known how the first Court was constituted ; who was the 
 Judge and Clerk. But this much is certain, that in 1671 
 
io6 
 
 the administration of the law which had been observed for 
 ten years was found inadequate to the requirements of the 
 Island population and a communication dated June 28, 
 
 167 1, was forwarded to the Authorities in New York for a 
 change, and a reply was received, in which a system of 
 Courts was arranged which continued in force until Nan- 
 tucket was annexed to the Province of Massachusetts. It 
 was essentially an elective Judiciary with a term of office 
 of one year. Reference may be had to the Lovelace 
 Instructions. 
 
 The first election for Magistrates was held April 15, 
 
 1672, and the names of Edward Starbuck and Richard 
 Gardner were submitted to the Gov. at New York, and 
 Richard Gardner was chosen by the Governor. 
 
 Thomas Macy was the next Chief Magistrate. 
 
 Tristram Coffin the third and Capt. John Gardner the 
 fourth. 
 
 Assistant Justices were: Peter Coffin, Lieutenant; 
 John Coffin, Nathaniel Barnard, John Swain, William 
 Gayer, Eleazer Folger, William Worth, Capt. John 
 Gardner and James Coffin. 
 
 Peter Folger was appointed Clerk 1673, and after the 
 Insurrection William Worth. 
 
 It is impossible to determine where the Courts were con- 
 vened, but a few of the references state that they were 
 held in the house of the Chief Magistrate, but probably 
 when it was in repair, they used the Town House. 
 
 A careful observer of the Court Records will notice that 
 in nearly nine tenths of the cases either Stephen Hussey 
 or some Indian was a party, and if these were omitted 
 from the calculation, the Court w^ould not have had an 
 average of one case per year. 
 
 A discussion of the Indian cases will be given in the 
 chapter on the Indians. A large proportion of the cases 
 
I07 
 
 in which Stephen Hussey appears as a party were 
 against Indians in action of debt. 
 
 The Court exercised jurisdiction over all matters civil, 
 criminal, probate and appeal from Indian Courts in which 
 the penalty did not involve forfeiture of life. It is recorded 
 that in the history of Nantucket several Indians were exe- 
 cuted for murder, but no white man. In the early days 
 the crimes of Englishmen were mostly confined to cases of 
 drunkenness and breaches of the peace. The penalties 
 were fines, imprisonments, whipping and the stocks. 
 
 In Dec. 1673, a company of sailors were convicted of 
 "contemning of the kings Authority in drawing other men 
 to deliver a man by force out of the hands of authority,'* 
 and were punished by fine and whipping. They were 
 John Glover, Richard Goodridge, Edward Case, Philip 
 Tucker, William Peprill, William Pierce, Edward Bennett, 
 Nicholas Payn, Andrew Samson and Edward Cowles. 
 
 Stephen Hussey charged with "contempt and pre- 
 sumption" in saying to Captain Gardner "meddle with 
 your own business, I gave hiki leave for his hogs to do 
 so." At the trial Stephen was convicted not only of this 
 offence but in "disorderly speaking in Court, charging 
 the Court presumptiously." He had accused the Magis- 
 trate who took some depositions in neglecting to write 
 down all the witness said. He was fined thirty shillings 
 for the offence and forty for contempt of Court. 
 
 Thomas Look was a field driver and had impounded 
 some of Nathaniel Starbuck's cattle which the latter 
 removed unlawfully. The owner was fined thirty shill- 
 ings and fees of Look who was called a "hey ward." 
 
 Edward Cartwright's first experience in Court occurred 
 in Dec. 1676, when he was accused of "speaking con- 
 temptuous words against authority. He was admonished 
 and ordered to pay the fees of the Clerk." 
 
 Nov. 16, 1676 the Court hired William Bunker to keep 
 
io8 
 
 the prison for one year and agreed to pay him " foeur 
 pounds halfe in wheat the other in other graine." 
 
 The location of the prison or jail can be approximately 
 determined. There is a tradition that it was located on 
 rising ground near the roadside northeast of No Bottom 
 Pond in the same locality with the Town House and 
 Meeting House. It is known that William Bunker lived 
 very near this place, and that the public buildings were 
 on land afterwards owned by one Bunker. The location 
 fixed by the Historical Association is correct. 
 
 John Challenge was found guilty of fighting March, 
 1678, and later w^as admonished. 
 
 The first appointment of an administrator took place in 
 May, 1678, when Stephen Hussey administered on the 
 estate of Peter Rolfe. 
 
 In 1678 Edward Cartwright was convicted of being 
 drunk and paid a fine often shillings. 
 
 Samuel Bickford was admonished "for being from his 
 home in company adrinckinge on the first day." 
 
 June 1679 James Skiffe and Edward Cartwright were 
 convicted of fighting near the house of Thomas Look and 
 at the house of James Coffin and were fined ten shillings 
 each, although the next month Skiffe was chosen marshall. 
 
 September 1679, Dennis Manning was fined five shill- 
 ings and ordered "in the stocks on our trayning day," "for 
 being drunck or inordinate drincking." 
 
 December 1679, Stephen Hussey was accused of cutting 
 down and carrying away timber from "Maskotuck." John 
 Swaine, Eleazer Folger, Joseph Gardner and John Macy 
 refused to serve on the Jury. The result is not recorded. 
 
 The first inventory was that of the estate of Nathaniel 
 Wier in which appeared "an old bibell and five other 
 books." 
 
 Steven Hussey was fined 20 shillings for reproachful 
 words spoken of the constable and overseers, when the 
 
I op 
 
 officers seized liquor that he was attempting to smuggle. 
 Later he was fined £io for contempt of Court. 
 
 John Swaine had been arrested for striking Nathaniel 
 
 Gardner and he appeared and "ingeniously acknowledged 
 
 the offence and was sorry and the Court took satisfaction." 
 
 Edward Cartwright was fined £5 in August, 1682, for 
 
 "Retayling strong drinck to the Indians." 
 
 During the year 1683 the Court had plenty of business. 
 Stephen Hussey sued Joseph Gardner the constable for 
 unlawfully seizing ten gallons of rum. Gardner's defence 
 was that Hussey was attempting to land it without paying 
 duty. Later Hussey lost his case. 
 
 A man named "Mr. Robert Guttridge" was fined for 
 selling rum several times. 
 
 Joseph Coleman had spoken* " contemtious " words 
 against authority and had to pay a fine. 
 
 Mary Nason had stollen some goods from a warehouse, 
 consisting of some "linning" cloth according to her con- 
 fession, she was fined £3 or be "whipt." Later the fine 
 was reduced. 
 
 Sept. 1686 Ralph Earl was fined £25 for carrying away 
 "Racked goods," such as pork and "dear seines." 
 
 The town was ordered to build a prison within three 
 months. 
 
 In Oct. 1694, Edward Allen was fined "for selling rum 
 to the Ingions." 
 
 May 1695, there was some arrangement about alarming 
 the inhabitants at the approach of enemies, possibly the 
 French. 
 
 Stephen Hussey did not appear at an alarm and the 
 sentence of the Court was that he "would procuer on 
 good fier lock goon for his Majestis servis for the town. 
 It being the first time Stephen Hussey desired time to 
 consider, and it was granted." He neglected to procure 
 
no 
 
 the gun and was fined £5 or imprisonment for three 
 months. 
 
 In March, 1697, Mary Mason paid "ten shilens" for 
 breach of the Peace, and Edward Cartwright recovered 
 ten shillings against Stephen Pease "about a mare." 
 
 The last session at which any Englishmen appeared 
 before the establishment of the Court of Common Please 
 in 1720, was in Oct. 1717. 
 
 Nathan Folger and Jeremiah Gardner were licensed "to 
 retail strong drink and they gave bonds in the sum of £5.'' 
 
 Jonathan Pinkham was constable and his duty led him 
 to search the house of Stephen Pease for strong drink, 
 but "Pease took an ax in his hands and swore he would 
 cleave him down if he came to search his house, and 
 uttered many profane oaths." Pease was fined 10 shill- 
 ings and placed under bonds "for his good behavior." 
 
 The last case of Stephen Hussey was decided at this 
 term. 
 
 It was brought against James Coffin, Stephen Coffin 
 and James Gardner because they impounded 95 of Hus- 
 sey's sheep which he claimed he had a right to pasture 
 where they were arrested. The defendants raised some 
 technical objections and the case was dismissed. 
 
 Stephen Hussey died the next spring and was buried in 
 the cemetery controlled by the Friends whose views he 
 and John Swain his brother in law seem to have adopted 
 as early as April, 1682, when they refused to qualify as 
 selectmen by "swearing," and as there was no law for 
 affirmation, the town chose Nathaniel Barnard and 
 Stephen Coffin in their places. Like the stormy petrel, 
 Hussey was always the harbinger of strife and commotion. 
 In his will he specifically bequeathed his law library to 
 his son Bachilor for the use of his son Stephen when he 
 should become of age. 
 
-2^ 
 
 NGORPORATED dULY 9, 1894. 
 
 Vol. 2. Bulletin No. 3. 
 
 /Slantucket Lands and 
 
 l^and Owner;B 
 
 BY 
 
 HEMRY BARMARD WORTH, 
 
 I'UBLISHKD BY 
 Xantuckkt H18TOKICAL Association, 
 
 \ ■■> 
 
 N *. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The Nantucket Indians. 
 
 The North American Indians had no written language 
 and consequently no land titles that were based on docu- 
 ments. They had no inheritance, and property did not 
 pass from parents to child. Whatever interest they had in 
 land depended on occupation and it was difficult to under- 
 stand just in what this tide consisted, for they had no 
 permanent location but roamed about at will unless 
 checked by a hostile tribe. The English undoubtedly 
 found trouble in determining who were the owners of the 
 
 land. 
 
 Among the tribes on Nantucket two seemed to hold the 
 dominant position ; their sachems were Nickanoose and 
 Wanackmamack. On account, of their control over the 
 rest of the Nantucket Indians these two men were con- 
 sidered head sachems ; they were analagous to Kings and 
 as the English King claimed the first title to land, so the 
 English recognized a similar right in these sachems. 
 From them, deeds were sought and they conveyed what 
 was called "a sachem right." Just what this amounted 
 to is now hard to decide, but at most was equivalent to 
 this : that these sachems would guarantee that no Indian 
 would ever afterwards claim the land trom the English ; 
 it was not a title from a recognized owner, but a title that 
 the sachems would not allow to be disturbed. 
 
 Mayhew had sold Nantucket to the first settlers previ- 
 ous to February, 1659, but the deed was not delivered 
 until the next July. No explanation has ever been given 
 of this fact, but it may have been the agreement that 
 
112 
 
 before the deed should be delivered Mayhew should 
 acquire some right from the Indian sachems. Previous to 
 this time he had never succeeded in obtaining any Indian 
 deed of Nantucket. 
 
 In May, 1659, certain of the Englishmen visited Nan- 
 tucket for the purpose of obtaining a deed or deeds from 
 the Indians. At this time success crowned their efforts. 
 They obtained a deed dated June 20th, 1659, from the 
 sachems Nickanoose and Nanahuma of a tract comprising 
 the section of Nantucket west of Hummock Pond. George 
 Nanahuma was the sachem of the Indians that lived in 
 this section, but Nickanoose held some sway over him and 
 joined in the conveyance. The first deed is as follows : 
 
 THE FIRST INDIAN DEED. 
 
 Nantucket Registry Book 4, page 93. 
 
 This doth witness that we Nickanoose of Nantucket, 
 sachem, and Nanahuma, of Nantucket, sachem, have sold 
 unto Thomas Mayhew of the Vineyard, the plain at the 
 west end of Nantucket that is according to the figure 
 under written, to him and his heirs and assigns forever. 
 In consideration whereof we have received by earnest of 
 the said Thomas Mayhew the sum of twelve pounds. 
 Also the said sachems have sold the said Mayhew of the 
 Vineyard the use of the meadow and to take wood for 
 the use of him the said Mayhew his heirs and assigns 
 forever. 
 
 In witness hereof, we the sachems aforesaid have here- 
 unto set our hands this 20th of June, 1659. 
 
 The said Acamy lyeth north and by east and south by 
 west or near it. 
 
 Nickanoose, -\- his 
 mark. 
 
 Nanahuma, <3> his 
 mark. 
 
113 
 
 Witness hereunto : 
 
 Mr. Harry, 
 
 ^^--^ 
 
 his mark. 
 John Coleman, 
 Thomas Macy, 
 Tristram Coffin. 
 
 It appears that at this date Thomas Macy, Tristram 
 Coffin and John Coleman were at Nantucket. 
 
 In 167 1 it became necessary to procure a new patent 
 from Governor Lovelace. But this he would not issue 
 unless a new deed was obtained from the sachems and a 
 receipt showing that the consideration was paid. 
 
 Received of Tristram Coffin, of Nantucket, the just 
 sum or five poun, which is part of the seven pound that 
 was unpaid of the twenty pound purchase of land, that 
 was purchased of Wanackmanack and Neckanoose, that 
 is to say, from Monomoy to Waquettaquage pond, Nana- 
 humack neck, and all from Wesco westward to the west 
 end of Nantucket, I say, received by me, Wanackmamak, 
 of Tristram Coffin, five pounds Sterling, the i8th, 11 
 
 ^^•'^^71- The X Mark of 
 
 Wanackmamak. 
 
 Witness hereunto : 
 Richard Gardner, 
 Elezer Folger. 
 
 INDIAN DEED OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 These presents witness, that L Wanackmamck, Head 
 Sachem of the Island of Nantucket, have bargained and 
 sold, and do by these presents bargain and sell unto 
 Tristram Coffin, Thomas Macy, Richard Swayne, Thomas 
 Bernard, John Swayne, Mr. Thomas Mayhew, Edward 
 
"4 
 
 Starbuck, Peter Coffin, James Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, 
 Tristram Coffin, Junior, Thomas Coleman, Robert Ber- 
 nard, Christopher Hussey, Robert Pike, John Smith and 
 John Bishop, these Islands of Nantucket, namely, all the 
 west end of the aforesaid Island unto the pond commonly 
 called Waquittaquay, and from the head of that pond to 
 the north side of the Island Manamoy ; bounded by a path 
 from the head of the pond aforesaid to Manamoy ; as also 
 a Neck at the east end of the Island called Poquomock, 
 with the property thereof, and all the royalties, privileges 
 and immunities thereto belonging, or whatsoever right I, 
 the aforesaid Wanackmak, have or have had in the same. 
 That is, all the lands afore mentioned, and likewise the 
 winter seed of the whole Island from the end of an Indian 
 harvest until planting time, or the first of May, from year 
 to year forever; as likewise liberty to make use of wood 
 and timber on all parts of the Island ; and likewise half of 
 the meadows and marshes on all parts of the Island, with- 
 out or beside the aforesaid tracts of land purchased ; and 
 likewise the use of the other half of the meadows and 
 marshes, as long as the aforesaid English, their heirs or 
 assigns live on the Island ; and likewise I, the aforesaid 
 Wanackmamack, do sell unto the English aforementioned 
 the property of the rest of the Island belonging unto me, for 
 and in consideration of forty pounds already received by 
 me or other by my consent or order. 
 
 To have and to hold the aforesaid tracts of land with 
 the proprietary, royalties, immunities, privileges and all 
 appurtenances thereunto belonging to them the aforesaid 
 purchasers, their heirs and assigns forever. 
 
 In Witness Whereof, I the aforesaid Wanackmamack 
 have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year 
 above written. 
 
 The sign of Wanack-mamack. 
 
"5 
 
 Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 
 Peter Foulger, 
 Eleazer Foulger, 
 Dorcas Starbuck. 
 
 After the English had bought the Island from Mayhew 
 they purchased, as fast as possible, whatever rights 
 the Indians were willing to sell. Sometimes these were 
 sachem rights and at other times were rights leased on 
 possession. The next deed to the Enghsh was dated 
 May lo, 1660, and is signed by Nickanoose and Wanack- 
 mamack, and their tide seems to be as Head sachems. It 
 conveyed their right to all the Island west of Waquittaquay 
 [Hummock] Pond and all north of a line drawn from the 
 head of that Pond, eastward to Wheeler's Creek which is 
 now called the Creek ; also the right to pasture all over 
 the island from Harvest time to May ist. For this the 
 English paid £26. Peter Folger and Edward Starbuck 
 were present. 
 
 deed of wanackmamack. 
 
 This Witnesseth, that I, Wanochmamack, chief sachem 
 of Nantucket, hath sold unto Mr. Tristram Coffin and 
 Thomas Macy, their heirs and assigns, that whole nack 
 of land called by the Indians, Pacummohquah, being at 
 the east end of Nantucket, for and in consideration of five 
 pounds to be paid to me in English goods or otherwise to 
 my content by the said Tristram Coffin aforesaid at con- 
 venient time as shall be demanded. 
 
 Witness my hand or mark this 22 of June, 1662. 
 
 W ANACKM AMAK . 
 
 Witness hereto : 
 
 Peter Folger, 
 And Wawinnesit whose English name is Amos. 
 
 By these deeds the English acquired from the Indians 
 about one-third of the Island. 
 
ii6 
 
 In order that the deeds hereafter mentioned may be 
 better understood reference may be had to the map com- 
 piled by Dr. F. C. Ewer. He states that the territory of 
 Potcomet, alias Pottacohannet, extended not only to the 
 small islands west of Nantucket, but also as far east as 
 Capaum pond. There is doubt whether the sachem ex- 
 ercised any control outside of the islands. The deed of 
 Nanahuma indicates that at that time he was sachem over 
 the west end of Nantucket, and no other Indian deed has 
 ever been found covering this section. 
 
 The three sachems who controlled the remainder of the 
 Island were, 
 
 Attapehat, died before 1689. 
 Nicornoose died between 1677 '^"d 1684. 
 Wanackmamack died before 1684. 
 
 For further use in comprehending the Indian deeds the 
 pedigrees will be stated of each of these three sachems : 
 Their descendants are as follows : 
 
 Attapehat, alias Autopcat and Autopscot, had a son 
 Masauquet, who had a son Harry Poritan, alias Beretan, 
 who had a son Isaac Masauquet. 
 
 Nickornoose had four sons, Isaac Wauwinet, Wat 
 Noose, Paul Noose and Joshua Jethro, and a daughter, 
 who married Spotso. 
 
 Wanack-mamack had son Saucoauso, alias Jeptha, 
 who had two sons, Cain and Abel, and the former had 
 Jemima, wife of James Shea, and the latter two sons, Ben 
 Abel and Eben Abel. 
 
 Before giving the abstract of the Indian deeds the 
 statement should be made that in all probability Nicka- 
 noose died previous to 1677, as that is the date of the 
 earliest deed of his son Isaac, and no deed appears sio-ned 
 by him after that date. It should further be noticed that 
 Nickanoose signed deeds only of territory belonging to 
 some other sachem ; the fact is true of Wanackmamack. 
 
117 
 
 Neither signed a deed of any portion of the territory under 
 his direct control. The sachem Attapehat as far as has 
 been found, never signed any deed. 
 
 July 7, 1664. Pakapessa Jonas Harry and Lemmo sell 
 to the English company all the fields 
 beloninncT to the Neck called Nanahuma's 
 Neck, for 25 pounds. 
 
 These Indians were probably residents of the region 
 which lies directly west of Hummock Pond. 
 
 Aug. 11,1664. Tequamomany and Mekowakim sell to 
 the English for fifteen pounds all the 
 broken land lying between Wanacomet 
 and Waquitaquay, and from thence to 
 Monomoy, all within the English bounds. 
 
 They were residents of the section be- 
 tween Capaum Pond and the harbor. 
 
 June 5, 1667. Whereas Peteson Mr. Larry Ahkeramo 
 with Obadiah and George Nanahuma 
 have made complaint to this Court that 
 whereas the sachems had sold the land 
 they formerly lived on to the English the 
 said sachems would not entertain them on 
 the land unsold. 
 
 The Court do now order that the sachems 
 ^ Wanackmamack and Nickanoose shall 
 
 allow to the said gentlemen as follows : 
 
 Peteson and George Nanahumo 20 acres 
 apiece in the bounds of Nickanoose, and 
 to Mr. Larry, Ahkeramo, and Obadiah 
 
ii8 
 
 shall have 20 acres apiece in the bounds 
 of Wenackmamack without paying any 
 tribute to the said sachems. But wood 
 they shall have anywhere not generally 
 prohibited. 
 
 The parties declare themselves well satis- 
 fied and contented therewith. 
 
 All the other Indians who formerly 
 inhabited the west end of the Island 
 the sachems shall entertain to live in the 
 land unsold as the Indians and common 
 people do within their precincts. 
 
 June 20, 1672. Ordered by the Court that in relation and 
 answer, to the petition of Mr. Larry in 
 respect of himself and other Indians form- 
 erly inhabiting the west end of the Island 
 of Nantucket, that the said Indians shall 
 have convenient places for habitation 
 upon the land yet unsold which they 
 shall hold with such rights and privi- 
 leges as they held their former lands, and 
 for the present year ensuing they shall 
 live under the government of the sachems 
 without paying any tribute and likewise 
 hereafter unless at the next general 
 Court the sachems shall show and prove 
 that they were accustomed heretofore, 
 when the English came and had such 
 right of receiving custom and tribute and 
 such lands as aforesaid shall be taken 
 reputed and be so properly their own as 
 
119 
 
 never to be sold from them nor their 
 heirs forever unless by their own and the 
 sachem's consent. 
 
 1673. Wequakesuk, sachem, to John and Rich- 
 ard Gardner, upland and meadow east of 
 the creek called Shawkemo, and on the 
 south by the Reed Spring. 
 
 1674. Wauwinnet, son of Nickanoose, one-half 
 creek stuff west of Masquatuck, to Stephen 
 Hussey. 
 
 1674. Wauwinnet, to William Worth for Inhabi- 
 tants four acres at Coatue. 
 
 April 21, 1674. 
 
 Obadiah the Indian complains against Spotso that he 
 will neither divide nor set off that land that is in partner- 
 ship between them. The sentence of the Court is for the 
 plaintiff, that he hath right to a quarter-part; that 
 Spotso hath three weeks liberty given him to set out to 
 Obadiah his part, and if he doth not thent the Court will 
 appoint it out. 
 
 The Court sitting the 12th of May, Obadiah complains 
 that Spotso will not divide him any part of land. 
 
 The Court hath therefore ordered a division and 
 bounded it ; the bounds is thus ;— Bounded at the east 
 with the spring at Shimmo ; from thence unto the cart- 
 way at the south end at Monomoy that lies in a little valley 
 there ; and on the north and west with the harbor ; and 
 from the cartway at Monomoy aforesaid unto Wakataa- 
 quage Pond, that part of it as is halfe way between the 
 brook running into said pond a little to the southward 
 of the house of Edward Starbuck and the beach at the 
 
I20 
 
 south sea ; and so joining on the north unto the English 
 bounds. 
 
 It is further agreed that Spotso has still liberty to divide 
 the aforesaid land that was in partnership between them 
 within one month into four equal parts, and Obadiah hath 
 liberty to choose which of them four parts he will. 
 Obadiah sold his part to the town. 
 
 Jan. 15, 1678. Sossockque or Jeptha to the town, the 
 tract bounded on the north by the Great 
 Harbor, on the east a line drawn from a 
 tree now the bounds of Pocomak, and 
 from thence to the old bounds of Pocomak 
 lying by the Great Harbor. 
 
 1686. Soccoch or Jeptha to Stephen Hussey, 
 the island in Gibb's Pond between the 
 house of James Cowkeeper and the house 
 of John Dequaine. 
 
 June 5, 1677. Nickanoose to his two brothers, Heatto- 
 hanen and Wohwaninwot all his lands 
 and drift whales. 
 
 June 1678. At a General Court. 
 
 Ordered that whereas at the last General 
 Court holden at Nantucket June 5, 1677, 
 certain of the lands unsold by the Indian 
 sachems was to be partly occupied and 
 partly put into the possession of sundry 
 Indians in said order expressed, and if 
 said Indians with the sachems can come 
 to no agreement therein, then Mr. Tris- 
 tram Coffin, Mr. Thomas Macy, Mr. 
 William Worth and Mr. John Coffin have 
 full power and authority to view and lay 
 
121 
 
 out convenient tracts of land and deliver 
 the same to the persons interested therein 
 respectively according to said order. 
 
 Ordered that Moosaquit shall have the 
 like privilege of government within his 
 precincts as the other sachems have in 
 theirs yet so far as to be subject to the 
 English government. 
 
 Dec. 1678. Wauvvinnet to Edward Cartwright one- 
 
 half an acre near the Cartwright house. 
 
 June 24, 1678. George Nanahuma alias Cowpohanet to 
 the English all his interest in the west 
 plains and to the Neck or long woods. 
 
 Dec. 28, 1678. Wat Noose to Edward Cartwright one- 
 half acre of marsh. 
 
 Oct. 14, 1676. Wat Noose to Edward Cartwright one 
 acre near the Run. 
 
 April 6, 1679. Wauwinnet to Edward Cartwright a piece 
 of swampy land to the southward of Cart- 
 wright's house, lying in a straight line 
 from John Swain's bridge to the corner of 
 the ditch at Pompasson's land as may 
 appear by the marks and from the said 
 corner of the ditch on a straight line to 
 the run of water in the swamp to the 
 northward. 
 
 1682. The sachems granted one acre of land to 
 Richard Gardner "Where his stage now 
 standeth at Sisickechar, at John Swain's 
 stage." 
 
122 
 
 1684. Jeptha and Wauwinnet were the two 
 sachems ruling the territories at the east 
 end of the Island ; they entered into an 
 agreement with the English as to what 
 should constitute the bounds of the Eng- 
 lish lands. This was done for the pur- 
 pose of exhibiting the same to Thomas 
 Dongan who was then Gov. of New 
 York, in order that he might understand 
 what lands were to be covered by the 
 patent which he issued at that time. The 
 following are the bounds. 
 Soosoah and Wauwinnet, Sachems, acknowledge that 
 the English owned as follows, and the deed was witnessed 
 by John Gardner, WilHam Worth, William Bunker, John 
 Macy, Eleazur Folger and Matthew Mayhew. 
 
 The bounds of the lands should be as aforesaid, and 
 First: From the head of Wauquittaquage Pond or Mr. 
 Starbuck's Pond, and from there by a pond to Monomay 
 or Mr. Macy's meadow : with all the woods to the west- 
 ward of said Pond and north and then northward to the 
 English's aforesaid. 
 
 Secondly : From the head or spring of Shawkimo and 
 from thence by a straight line or by a path unto Shawke- 
 nes or the snake place all the lands to the northward and 
 eastward to the river and to the English's. 
 
 Thirdly: All the neck of land called Poncammooncoe, 
 being bounded from the head of the creek at Poatpos or at 
 Watt's bounds ; and by a straight line to the bounds on the 
 north side by the river as 'tis now bounded with all the 
 land to the southward and westward. 
 
 Fourthly: All the neck of land called Coatuet, being 
 the north-east point of Nantucket and bounded on the 
 south at the nearest distance from the sea unto the head of 
 the great harbor and the great harbor on the west and 
 
123 
 
 south and the sea on the north and east and inclusively 
 according to the bounds we Soawcoe and Wauwinet do 
 acknowledge to belong unto the English aforesaid except 
 what dead whales shall be cast on shore, that to beloncr to 
 the Indians according to former custom. 
 
 Further we do acknowledge to one half of all the rest of 
 the meadows on the Island to have been sold and do 
 belong to the English on any part of the Island belonging 
 unto us as also further that there is liberty for the winter 
 feeding on the whole Island for all sorts of cattle from the 
 end of the Indian Harvest unto planting time or the first of 
 May. 
 
 1687. Spotso to Stephen Hussey, a certain tract 
 of land called by the Indians Aquidnose 
 and is bounded by a hill all along from 
 the head of the westernmost branch of 
 the creek that goeth in or towards 
 Shim mo over to the shore which faces the 
 harbor, and so down to low water mark, 
 which said hill fronting the harbor cometh 
 a little to the southward of a vallev called 
 by the Indians Cocyeania, having on said 
 hills several holes dug from the head of 
 said creek to the water side over the neck 
 against the harbor. It contained 18 
 acres. 
 
 1687. Sasapana Will to Stephen Hussey. Land 
 on the south side of the Run as you go 
 through Pocomo toward coatu called by 
 the Indians Masquopeck at the water side 
 or south of said creek, and goeth up said 
 Creek to the cart path and so up to a 
 swamp. 1560 acres. 
 May 1690. Spotso to the town, a tract of land on the 
 
124 
 
 south by the sea on the west with hind of 
 Mosawqiiet, that is to say, from the 
 middle of the south end of Weeweder 
 Pond on a straight line to a pit in the 
 ground about eight paces from the town 
 gate ; on the north by the harbor except 
 20 acres of Coddude at Mamre. 
 
 This is a strip between south shore 
 and the harbor south-east of the 
 town. 
 
 Feb. 1692. Spotso to the town. — A tract the first 
 bound at Monomoy a hole 20 rods from 
 the bank westward on the English line 
 and from said hole on a straight line unto 
 the well on Mana and from thence on a 
 straight line to the westward side of 
 Mattaquitchame Pond to the sea, and on 
 the east by Jeptha's bounds ; on the south 
 and north by the sea. 
 
 This tract will be recognized, as 
 the section from the harbor to the 
 south shore west of Saul's Hills. 
 
 Apr. 29, 1 701. Henr}' Britten, Sachem, to the Inhabi- 
 tants : a tract on the east by Myacomet 
 Pond from the sea or beech to the wading 
 place ; from thence by a swamp lying 
 north-easterly 80 poles to a ditch, and 
 from thence to Mycomet bars, and Irom 
 ihence by the town fence until you come 
 to the English bounds near the town 
 gate ; on the south by the sea and on 
 the west and north-west by the English. 
 
 Apr. 1702. Henry Britten sells to the town other land 
 at Mj-acomet. 
 
125 
 
 July I, 1690. Jeplha to the town ; A tract on the west 
 by the land of Spotso, being from the 
 spring at Shimmo unto the bounds 
 agreed on by Jeptha and Spotso, near 
 unto Maltaquatcham on the south by the 
 sea, on the east from the westward end 
 of the great valley at Chappapemeset 
 called Pasocha and from thence on a 
 straight line unto a swampy slew or pond 
 by the highway near Masquatuck. 
 
 Nov. 3, 1691. Jeptha alias Saucauoco ; A tract to the 
 town on the south and south-west to a 
 great stone lying and being at old Sias- 
 consett and 20 rods from the clift and 
 north to Sanckotuck. 
 
 Jan. 20, 1708. Askommopoo widow of Spotso to her son 
 Josiah, all interest in the Island. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1709. Eastor, an Indian woman, wife of Jeptha 
 to Stephen Hussey for the Freeholders 
 all interest in lands of her husband. 
 
 1709. Spotso to Eleazur Folger one horse com- 
 mons. 
 
 March i , 1 709. Askammopoo, sister and heir of Wauwin- 
 net to her natural son Josiah Spotso, 
 three-quarters of all the land which came 
 from Wauwinnet. 
 
 1715. Daniel Spotso to Inhabitants; The first 
 bound a spring to the northward of Joseph 
 Meeder's house by the meadow ; thence 
 on a straight line to Sasapana Will's old 
 cellar ; from thence straight to Keslokas 
 
126 
 
 field ; from thence to John Swain's gate 
 by the creek and so along by the creek 
 to the first bound. 
 
 This must have been a tract near 
 
 Polpis. 
 
 1717. Spotso to Samuel Coffin, pasturage. 
 
 1722. Spotso to the Freeholders; this tract 
 near the east end of the island ; from a 
 rock at the English bounds at a place j 
 
 called Kestokas field on a straijiht line to j 
 
 I 
 
 a place called Aquitnet Point where the j 
 
 fishing house of William Worth now I 
 
 stands ; on the west by the English , 
 
 bounds and by Pocomo, on the north by 
 the harbor, and east by the sea. 
 
 1723. Daniel Spotso to the Inhabitants; a tract 
 in the section now called Squam. 
 
 Silas an Indian to Thomas Macy, 16 I 
 acres of land near Squam Pond. 
 
 1726. Spotso to the trustees: A strip of land 
 from Potpis to the sea near Aquitnet. 
 
 1739- James Shay to Ebenezer Gardner for the 
 Town. 
 
 Whereas, I was married to Jemima, 
 the daughter and heir of Cain, a sachem, 
 and she having died, I hereby sell all 
 interest in her land. 
 
 1741. Daniel Spotso had died and his son Bar- 
 ney sells to the proprietors all his interest 
 in land of his father. 
 
127 
 
 1741- Ben Abel a sachem sells to the proprie- 
 tors 2-3 of all land in the territory of 
 Wanackmamack. 
 
 In consequence of this deed the Indians 
 in his tribe repudiated him as their 
 sachem, and a revolt took place which 
 will be hereafter described. 
 
 1742. Esau Cook an Indian to Samuel Coffin, 
 for the proprietors, land at South Shore. 
 
 March 2, 1744. Isaac Musaquat to proprietors, land 
 between Weeweder Pond and Myacomet 
 Pond, 240 rods north and south. 
 
 Oct. 9, 1744. Mussaquat had died and his wife had 
 married James Robbin. They sell to 
 proprietors all interest in Isaac's land. 
 
 1744. James Shay to proprietors one horse 
 common. 
 
 1745. Isaac Woosco to Paul Pease; land near 
 Sasagachah Pond. 
 
 1747. Samuel Chegin to Chapman Swaine 
 "My English built dwelling house at 
 Squam where my father lived." 
 
 1748. Eben Abel to proprietors : certain land at 
 the east end of the island. 
 
 March8,i758. Eben Cain to proprietors: All land that 
 he had inherited from Ezeky. 
 
 July 14, 1762. Titus Zekey to proprietors : Ten acres at 
 Squam. 
 
128 
 
 July 20, 1730. Joshua Jethro to the proprietors: All his 
 interest in land inherited from his father 
 Nickanoose. He made claim to this 
 land, much of which had been purchased 
 by the town from the Spotsos and other 
 descendants of Nickanoose. His absence 
 from the Island for over 50 years led to 
 the inference that he had died, and when 
 he appeared the land owners consulted 
 their old men and they found that there 
 had been such an Indian mentioned in 
 the records March 25, 1674, in which he 
 complained against Nickanoose for deny- 
 ing his title or interest in his land, and 
 Nickanoose in open Court owned Jethro's 
 title after the death of Nickanoose equally 
 with Wauwinnet. 
 
 Between August 1763 and the following Februar}', the 
 Indians at Nantucket were smitten by a very singular 
 plague which failed to affect the whites although they 
 were nursing the sick Indians. At this time near Mya- 
 comet and towards the east end of the Island the Indian 
 residents numbered nearly three hundred, and in this 
 period of six months 222 died, and on the records appear 
 only three more Indian deeds. 
 
 1771. Benjamin Abel sells to the proprietors all 
 his interest in Nantucket. 
 
 1772. Abigail Jethro to proprietors : Part of a 
 horse common. 
 
 1774. John Jethro to proprietors one sheep's 
 common. 
 
129 
 
 Metacomet, also called King Philip, visited Nantucket 
 and failed to induce the Indians to join him in his famous 
 war. In his presence they declared themselves at peace 
 with the whites. 
 
 The liquor problem was always hard to solve. The 
 Indians were certain to drink to excess and were willing 
 to pay enormous prices for liquor that made it very profit- 
 able trading. 
 
 Stephen Hussey was found guilty of smuggling it, and 
 Nathaniel Barnard and Stephen Pease selling it to the 
 Indians. Legislation failed to remedy the trouble. They 
 would buy or steal liquor and become infuriated to commit 
 all kinds of crime. 
 
 LETTER FROM THOMAS MACY TO THE GOVERNOR. 
 
 Nantucket, May 9, 1676. 
 
 May it please your Honor, where your Goodness have 
 been such as to send so after us to know how 'tis with us 
 in these troublesome and dangerous Times, wherein our 
 neighbors have so greatly suffered and we as yet through 
 the Goodnesse of God are free, these are to returne Thanks 
 the same of your Vigilancy we doubt not, hath conduced 
 to our Peace, these rude lines are to give your Honor an 
 Accompt how Things are and have been with us ; a con- 
 siderable Company of Indians have formerly owned them- 
 selves Philip's Men, but since the wars began they have 
 seemingly we hope declared themselves against him. We 
 have carried ourselves towards them manifesting no Dis- 
 trust and Things have been orderly carried among them ; 
 
 only we have heard now and then a Word 
 
 which we have not liked but have overlooked the same. 
 And I doubt not we may enjoy Peace (if our sins hinder 
 not) so long as we can keep strong Liquor from them. 
 Your Honor may understand that some that dwell else- 
 
I30 
 
 where have some Yeares past sent Goods to trade with the 
 Indians upon the accompt of Fishing, and otherwise and 
 great quantities of strong Liquor have been sent and 
 notwithstanding all orders and care about it to p'hibit it 
 had ben one way or other disposed to the Indians which 
 hath occasioned great Abuse and Disorder, but since the 
 Warrs began the}- have not had much ; the last Fall the 
 Court tooke into their Possession all on the Island and 
 disposed of it by small quantities as the Owners and the 
 English Neighbors had need, and because of the late 
 Scarcity little hath lately come. 
 
 The agent here that carried on the Trade for the Gen- 
 tlemen hath bargained with the Indians to give each man 
 a dram before they go out fishing in the Morning, but 
 under that p'tence much abuse have been, but respecting 
 that p'sent Voyage a small Qiiantity came, about i6 
 Gallons which was carried by ye Indians. It so came to 
 pass that a Sloop came to my Hon'd Cousin, Mr. Mayhew, 
 from the Hon'ble Councill, and Mr. Mayhew sent to me 
 the order that prohibited strong Drink being carried to any 
 Indian plantation, which Order came to my Hand the 6 
 day of the Week, and I presently went to ye House of him 
 that had carried the Liquor aforementioned to ye Indians, 
 and carryed the Order with me, but finding him not at 
 Home left a Warrant at the House requireing him in his 
 Majesty's (name) to fetch away the Liquor carried to ye 
 Indians ; but slighted and not at all obeyed, but the Liquor 
 spent there as I understand. The Monday following I 
 caused the Order to be read in the Town Meeting, which 
 some greatly disliked, as I understood. 
 
 My Humble request is, a Word or two from your Hon. : 
 about it. Sir, concerning the Peace we hitherto enjoy I 
 cannot imagine it could have been if strong Liquor had 
 bin among the Indians, as formerly ; for my owne yt I 
 have been to ye utmost an opposed of the Trade these 38 
 
131 
 
 Yeares, and I verily believe (respecting the Indians) 'tis 
 the only ground of the miserable p'sent Ruine to both 
 Nations ; 'tis that hath kept them from Civility, they have 
 been by the drunken Trade kept all the while like wild 
 Beares and Wolves in the Wilderness. 
 
 Concerning my understanding in the matter I have now 
 sent to Governor, ye which I hope may come to publicke 
 View, &c. But respecting the p'sent Times and State of 
 Things, I humbly entreat if in yo'r Wisdom you shall see 
 meet to make a strict Law or Order respecting our Island 
 to p'hibit any Vessel whatsoever that shall come in ye 
 Harbor to sell or give any strong Drink more or less to 
 any Indian under a penalty, and to Command or Order 
 the Governour here to search all Vessels for strong Drink 
 and either to cause the Master or Merchant to carry away 
 or take into custody so much as they judge may be needfull 
 for the moderate use of the English here, or for Indians in 
 case of distress, &c., and according to ye discretion of the 
 Court to put it in the Hands of some Man or Men that 
 may be judged faithfull, by small quantities, dispose as be 
 needed, for tho ye Traders it may be do not dispose of 
 much to ye Indians, yet many of the Inhabitants do fre- 
 quently purchase it p'tending for their own use and sell it 
 to ye Indians. An Order from your Hon. will be of 
 greater Force than any we can make tho left to Liberty 
 herein : and whereas in your Letter to Mr. Mayhew you 
 give liberty to dispose of Powder to trusty Indians for 
 their necessary use, we judge it were better for us wholly 
 to p'hibit for tho some here we aprehend may be confided 
 in, yet so to distinguish will give great Offence, yet by 
 private Instructions your Honor may referre something to 
 ye discretion of the Governor, respecting contingent 
 
 accidents in reference to and Peace, not further 
 
 Trouble at p'sent I commend you ye weighty 
 
132 
 
 Affaires committed to your management to ye 
 
 of the only wise God and remaine, 
 
 Your Servant at Command, 
 
 Tho. Macy. 
 
 The General Court passed this vote in the same line : 
 
 Oct, 3, 1696. 
 
 In the House of Representatives, — 
 
 Voted : that the Honorable the Lt-Governor and Coun- 
 cil would please to take some speedy course about the 
 Indians at Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to prevent 
 the inconvenience caused by the great quamtity of sider 
 and other strong drink that is brought among them and 
 sold unto them thare. 
 
 It plainly appears that every tract of land on Nantucket 
 was covered by some conveyance from the Indians, gen- 
 erally from a sachem, though sometimes from the occu- 
 pant. No deed was ever alleged by the Indians to be 
 forged or that they were induced to sign when intoxicated. 
 They claimed that they had been treated unjustly by 
 their white neighbors but never that any advantage was 
 taken to procure conveyance. There can be no doubt 
 that the rights of the Indians were fully protected so far 
 as their land was concerned. But there were two legal 
 results that were perplexing to them. 
 
 1. Seizure of property to pay fines imposed upon 
 guilty persons. 
 
 2. The Anglo Saxon theory of real estate conveyan- 
 ces. 
 
 If any Indian while intoxicated or in passion, assaulted 
 a human being it was all right to find him guilty, and 
 when brought before the Court they usually admitted the 
 act ; but to be fined £10 and have a house or land taken 
 
133 
 
 to pay the fine was a novelty. The Indian notion of 
 punishment was to visit on him the same suffering that he 
 caused the other. Taking away his horse because he 
 assauhed a man with a knife was an unheard of proceed- 
 ing. And they never ceased writing of the great injustice 
 they had sustained. But according to the theory followed 
 by the English there was nothing unjust about it. The law 
 of England prescribed fines as a mode of punishment. 
 The English could not allow disorders to pass without 
 notice, neither could they torture Indian criminals and 
 allow white to be fined. The only safe rule was to 
 punish both in the same manner. The Indian com- 
 plaints recited how different articles had been taken 
 from them, but when the fact was ascertained there was 
 always a criminal complaint and verdict of guilty, and then 
 the officers collected the fine. The Indians charged that 
 they were not permitted an impartial trial but if there had 
 been any serious wrong there was the right of appeal 
 to Courts of higher jurisdiction in New York and Boston, 
 which would have corrected any injustice. 
 
 It is also evident that the Indians were not skilled in 
 understanding the numerous crimes of the Englishmen. 
 Trespass on real estate was unknown and very few acts 
 of Indians were ever punished and then only as revenge 
 by the person injured. Drunkenness was not an offence 
 so it seemed singular that the English sold the Indians 
 liquor at satisfactory profit and then punished them for 
 beincr drunk. Yet this claim was never made. The 
 complaint was based entirely on the punishment. 
 
 But the greatest source of perplexity was the force and 
 effect of the English deed of conveyance. The idea that 
 one man could so become entitled to real estate as to 
 prevent others from using it never entered into the notion 
 of the Indian. Land was to him as free as the water or 
 the air. Nobody could have exclusive right to it. So 
 
134 
 
 when the white men came and obtained deeds from the 
 sachems, it was merely the admission of the new settlers 
 on equal terms with themselves. It was not that the 
 Indian had ceased to have the right to enjoy the land 
 but that another had become his co-occupant. Hence the 
 idea that an Indian could be guilty of trespass was a 
 strange innovation. Having the same right as the white 
 man he supposed he could use any land, house or building 
 of the Englishman, or even his property without being 
 guilty of crime. When this use was denied and he was 
 held to be guilty of trespass or theft, it was beyond his 
 comprehension. 
 
 The whites desired the land and were willing to pay 
 for it. The Indians used it for no special purpose. Hav- 
 ing paid for it and taken the deed, the Englishman could 
 not permit the Indian to interfere with his exclusive use. 
 For if he did then the Indian could use any property of 
 the white man, real or personal, without restraint. Such a 
 condition was not to be thought of by the English. They 
 applied the same law to the Indian as to the white and it 
 is hard to see how they could have done differently. 
 
 The further fact cannot be doubted that for planting, 
 houselots and other usual purposes the Indians have all 
 the land that they required. They were not ejected or 
 removed from their homes. 
 
 This is not the place to discuss whether it was fair to 
 the aborigines thus to apply to them the European idea 
 of land tenure and compel them to obey the laws and 
 regulations brought from England, or whether these rules 
 and regulations were the best that could be devised. The 
 question is whether by fraud, artifice or over reaching 
 the white settlers took advantage of the Red men. There 
 was never a complaint by the Indian that he was cheated 
 but that he was fined for offences that were not punished 
 before the white men came, and that when the sachems 
 
135 
 
 gave deeds to the English, then the Indians were forbidden 
 to use the same land thereafter. It was purely a question 
 whether the whites should stay on the Island or move 
 away. For to allow the Indians to follow the customs of 
 their wild life would render inhabitancy of the white 
 man impossible. 
 
 If the Indians once allowed the same liberties with the 
 whites that were permitted among themselves, the property 
 of the English would not be safe, and their only alternative 
 would be'to abandon the Island to the natives. It is not 
 the purpose of this book to discuss the question, whether 
 the English should have settled the new continent or left 
 it to its' wild inhabitants. This concerns every country 
 where there are savages, but it must be clear that there 
 were no tricks practiced on the natives and no different 
 treatment extended to them than to the whites and that 
 they were used honestly and suffered only because they 
 were not accustomed to the laws and regulations enforced 
 by the English. Assuming that the English were right- 
 fully on the Island, it must follow that they took no 
 advantage of the Red man but treated him exactly as 
 they did their own countrymen. 
 
 The acts complained of by the Indians were due to the 
 laws which the Englishmen brought with them across the 
 Atlantic and not because of any purpose to wrong, cheat 
 or defraud the Indians. 
 
 During the controversy described hereafter in which 
 the Indians attempted to recover their lands from the 
 English, they alleged that although the latter had sachem 
 deeds yet these could not take away the rights of the indi- 
 vidual to land. 
 
 If it be said that much if not all the friction between the 
 two races was due to the liquor which the English sold to 
 the Indians, the answer is that there is no evidence of the 
 fact and the Indians never made any such claim. If in 
 
136 
 
 any way this proposition can be established, then the 
 English were responsible for a great wrong. But there is 
 absolutely no evidence that any property was obtained or 
 any liberty restricted by the English while the Red men 
 were under the effect of liquor. If such had been the 
 case, their white friends would have been sure to uro-e it 
 in their petitions. At the same time the English did their 
 best through fines and punishment to change the life of 
 their neighbors. It is said that some religious teaching 
 was provided and by the Lovelace instructions in 1671 a 
 particular arrangement was advised to conciliate rather 
 than antagonize, and to be careful to use such moderation 
 that they may by degrees, be brought conformable to the 
 laws and that they be allowed some self government based 
 on the English model. 
 
 But the most vigorous effort was made to reform the 
 Indian by Court procedure. The only obligation which 
 the Indian recognized was to superior force. He felt no 
 duty towards his neighbor. The duty to pay a debt was 
 an unknown idea. Hence the first case which opened to 
 the Court in September, 1672, was an action of debt which 
 John Savage brought against the Sachem Jeptha. Then 
 for nearly forty years the almost entire business of the 
 Court was devoted to cases in which one or both parties 
 were Indians. Courts were established in each sachem- 
 ship, and Indian judges and officers were appointed to deal 
 with misdemeanors. It was hoped that in this way the 
 savage might be educated to an apprehension of rights 
 and wrongs as understood by civilized nations. But the 
 attempt failed because a race that owed allegiance only 
 to brute force could not easily understand moral duties 
 and obligations. 
 
 In the Registry of Deeds appear references to whaling 
 and fishing. The bodies of whales drifted ashore and 
 were highly prized by the natives although to what use they 
 
137 
 
 put these bodies it is not now possible to decide. It seems, 
 however, that they found some advantage in securing 
 "drift whales," and soon after the settlement of Nantucket 
 the Englishmen found it to be necessary to make regula- 
 tions about their disposal. 
 
 7, 13, 1668. "Edward Starbuck and Peter Folger 
 were empowered to make a bargain with 
 the Indians concerning all whales that 
 shall come to any shore on the Island, on 
 the Town's behalf." 
 
 June 20, 1672. " Ahkeiman laying claim to part of Tucka- 
 nuck his claim thereto is found no other 
 but as he was a duke or principal man 
 upon Nantucket ; the Nantucket Sachems, 
 together with his father, having sold 
 Tuckanuck it is ordered that he shall 
 have such a part or portion of land for his 
 use at Nantucket of the present Sachems 
 as will become one of such quality, and 
 a portion of the whales." 
 
 July 21, 1673. "Ordered by the Court that the Alwife 
 Creek of tishing at Coatue and all the 
 whale fish or other drift fish belong to the 
 Indian sachems, and liberty to gather 
 flags and other beech grass to make 
 mats." 
 
 March 29, 1676. "At a Court held at Sherburne it was 
 concluded that Washaman is to have the 
 head of drift whales for his share, and 
 Desire is to have half along with him, 
 and when Washamati is here at this 
 
138 
 
 Island then he is to go Master of the 
 share ; but when he is absent then Desire 
 is to go master of the share." 
 
 June 27, 1676. "It is ordered that no rack whale that 
 comes ashore in any sachem's bounds 
 shall be cut up until all the masters of 
 the shares that belong to that whale do 
 come together upon the penalty of 20 s 
 fine to any that shall cut up and dispose 
 of any part contrary to the order afore- 
 said, and also if any master be off the 
 Island and have no man to act for him 
 he is lose his share whale for that time." 
 This was done in consequence of a 
 complaint by Mr. Harry against Spotso 
 for so doing. 
 
 June 5, 1677. "Between Spotso and Moosoquet concern- 
 ing the land whose certain boundaries 
 form a point called Astimmoost and so 
 over to the beach and westward by the 
 English land. The Court having resolved 
 and the parties contended that the land 
 shall be equally divided between them 
 and likewise the beach and what whales 
 come ashore shall belong to him on whose 
 right it falleth, likewise the people living 
 on the whole tract are to be divided 
 equally to live on either of the lands." 
 
 April 24, 1678. "At a Court of Sessions it was ordered 
 that Waquaheso Nickanoose, Spotso and 
 Massaquot shall have full power to choose 
 ten men as a committee for the finding 
 
139 
 
 out the particular rights in whales of all 
 men, and having so done then this com- 
 mittee to give an account to the Court 
 and from thence it shall be transmitted to 
 the General Court for confirmation, and 
 if in any case a particular man shall be 
 wronged by the committee they have their 
 liberty by petition to the General Court 
 where they may be heard." 
 
 June 1678. "Wakeikman is ordered to have such a 
 
 part of Massaquats whales as he can 
 make appear that he used to take by Ses- 
 sanuquins order while said whales were 
 in the possession of Wienakisoo." 
 
 June 1678. "Ordered that Mequash shall have such 
 a part of the whales of the Nantucket 
 lands as did belong to his ancestors inas- 
 much that it appears that he obtained the 
 right thereof from the Sachems." 
 
 June 1678. "Ordered that George Nanahumo, Nan- 
 takagin and Obadiah with their compan- 
 ions shall have the whales from Goodman 
 Swaine's Pond to Smith's Point accord- 
 ino- to their former custom and to be 
 divided." 
 
 2, 24, 1679. "Massaquet complained against Eleazur 
 Folger for taking away his whale the 
 Court found for the defendant and 
 Massaquet appealed to the General 
 Court. The trial of the case was heard 
 before the following jurors : 
 
140 
 
 Philip Watson, 
 William Weeks, 
 Thomas Trappe, 
 Richard Arey, 
 Peter Jenkins, 
 
 Mose 
 
 *'The jury find for the plaintiff' and cost of 
 Court. 
 
 The Court do adjudge the said defendant 
 to pay for the whale the sum of 4 pounds 
 in goods at the usual price of trading, 
 and do allow his bill of charge 6 s." It 
 is significant that this jury was composed 
 of Vineyard men. 
 
 "Mr. William Worth and William Gayer 
 said that Eleazur Folger did own at the 
 trial of the case at Nantucket that he did 
 dispose of the whale in controversy." 
 
 July 19, 1679. "The Court ordered that the rack or drift 
 whale in that bound on the beach upon 
 the plains from the pond of Richard 
 Swaine to Smith's Point shall be divided 
 into eight shares." 
 
 It would not be profitable to rehearse all the short- 
 comings of the Indians that are recorded. But a few 
 will be given to illustrate the method of the Court. March 
 1677, Qiiench sued for "a disvourse," which was granted 
 and the woman that was his wife was fined 20 shillings "in 
 regard to his trobell " 
 
 Stephen Hussey complained that Debdekcoat would not 
 pay for some fish. The Indian admitted the debt and he 
 was ordered to deliver to Hussey the same quantity of fish. 
 
141 
 
 Machoogen was convicted of "Burglary" and was fined 
 5 shillings and severely whipt. 
 
 Shaakerune had sold liquor : When interrogated where 
 he procured it he answered that he found it. For this 
 trifling with authority he was fined 5 shillings and ordered 
 to be whipt ten stripes, for "imbaseling," Usually the 
 culprit confessed the fact. 
 
 And so proceeds the record, page after page. It is all 
 explained when one remembers how crude were the 
 Indian's conception of human rights. Liberty so unre- 
 strained as to become wild license was his only rule 
 and he was ready to commit any crime to procure liquor 
 or chattels belonging to the English. The penalties which 
 were imposed seem to be lenient. Here are some samples : 
 Stealing beef from storehouse, Court fees. 
 Hindering an arrest, £5 and whipped. 
 Breaking into a house, whipped. 
 Stealing sheep, whipping and branding. 
 Assault, 20 shiUings. 
 Stealing a canoe, 20 shillings. 
 Being drunk, 20 shillings. 
 Breach of promise, man to be whipped. 
 The death penalty was never ordered except in case of 
 murder. 
 
 The traits of the Indians will be exhibited in the follow- 
 ing chapter. 
 
I 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Indians Attempt to Regain Tbeir I,and. 
 
 There was another feature of the English conveyance 
 that was a puzzle to the Indian. He could not compre- 
 hend how he could be deprived of use of land after he 
 had given a deed of the same, but he held to the idea that 
 even if he were ousted yet his children certainly had right 
 to occupy as though the white men had no deed. i!\.bout 
 the year 1700 the old sachems that were there when the 
 English came had passed away and the red men felt 
 apprehension at the increase of the whites. 
 
 How soon after the settlers reached Nantucket misun- 
 derstandings arose there is no way of determining ; the 
 earliest Court records that have been preserved were 
 begun in September, 1672. There is no question that 
 before that time there were Courts in Nantucket, in which 
 violations of English law were punished. Probably these 
 proceedings were kept in a small book which was 
 demanded of Peter Folger while he was in jail. There 
 were constables both Indian and English, and previous to 
 1672 there were rules and regulations for the conduct of 
 Indians both personally and in relation to his property. 
 These orders and regulations are briefly indicated in the 
 chapter on that subject. 
 
 The first record of any controversy is July 19, 1673, 
 when a complaint is made against Nickanoose and his son 
 Isaac Wauwinnet for "defaming the title of the English 
 Neck called Pokamquoh." Witnesses and deeds were 
 examined, and the Court decided that the title was good. 
 
144 
 
 The difficulty in April 21, 1674, when Obadiah com- 
 plained against Spotso that he would neither divide nor 
 set off land, has already been described. 
 
 The discontent that was natural at observing the pros- 
 perity and increase of the English. The English were 
 too numerous for the Indians to attempt war. In some 
 way they had discovered that petitions to the General 
 Court were respected by that tribunal. They accordingly 
 obtained the services of some Englishmen to draft a 
 petition which was presented to the Governor probably in 
 the spring of 1700. Although the petition has no date 
 Lord Bellamont was Governor of Massachusetts Province 
 between May 26, 1699 and July, 1700, and it must have 
 been during this period that the petition was presented. 
 
 The petition was signed by Seikinnou and Daniel 
 Spotso. Although the latter was selling land to the Eng- 
 lish both after and before this date. 
 
 "To His Excellency Richard Earl of Bellamont, Baron of 
 Colony, Governor and Commander-in-Cliief of the 
 Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England, and 
 the Honorable Council and Representatives in Gen- 
 eral Court Assembled : 
 
 The humble petition of Seiknow and Daniel Spotso, 
 Indian inhabitants of the Island called Nantucket, within 
 the said Province, humbly sheweth : 
 
 That whereas your poor petitioners, being Indians of 
 Nantucket Island within this Province, said Island being 
 peopled in part with the English who making divers 
 purchases on said Island have claimed such interest in the 
 herbage of the whole that they have on pretense of 
 trespass done them by our cattle taken divers of them sold 
 them and converted them to their own use notwithstanding 
 our pretense of right there to feed and pasture, in doing 
 whereof they pretend law and to have done the same by 
 
145 
 
 authority thereof. If it please your Lordship and your 
 Honors we humbly pray that in respect to the said English 
 inhabitants and such as are their judges or concerned or 
 that have been concerned in taking away our cattle and 
 forcing us to pay for using our own lands and pasturing 
 our own rights become therein judges of their own cause, 
 judge and execute what they call a trespass to themselves 
 which cannot be avoided since they all claim a common 
 right or share lying in common ; every Englishman's case, 
 as to such cases, is the pretended interest of both judges 
 and people and ourselves being low in parts and poor in 
 estate, not versed in English law yet taught our wrong by 
 the light of nature, humbly pray that your Lordship and 
 Honors would please in honor to justice and pity to our 
 distress to afford such relief as to your Lordship and to 
 your Honors in wisdom may seem meet to your petition- 
 ers. Shall always pray as in duty bound. 
 
 Whereas we Daniel Spotso and Seikinow in our humble 
 petition herewith presented have in general showed our 
 grievance respecting the present state of things relating to 
 our liberties, properties and rights on the Island of Nan- 
 tucket we would humbly presume to speak more particu- 
 larly of late injuries, as we humbly conceive we have 
 lately sustained, and seem remediless for the reasons in 
 our petition contained, viz : 
 
 Some time this spring John Coleman, constable, did 
 take two cows from me Seikinow, alleging he did it by 
 order from Capt. John Gardner, Esquire, Justice of the 
 Peace, for that my cattle were trespassers by feeding on 
 lands which belonged to himself and purchasers or town 
 myself putting them on my own right, but being ignorant 
 of English law and poor in estate for the reasons in our 
 humble petition contained rely wholly on your Lordship 
 and Honors that what of right belongeth may be done. 
 
 And I Daniel Spotso Sachem having right to pasture 
 
146 
 
 and feeding of cattle and as I humbly conceive on certain 
 lands on Nantucket, finding the great disturbance and 
 grief of Indians challenging like liberty being fearful of a 
 like suffering with those that have been fined or paid for 
 using the liberty, under ours and my ancestors, and being 
 threatened with the like except he would agree, viz : 
 with said Capt. John Gardner and Town, and being both 
 poor and not acquainted with English law and customs 
 would humbly pray I might know whether the taking of 
 money from those that have claimed liberty for such feeding 
 from him be equal and right by English law, that so he 
 may regulate himself accordingly and that the same may 
 be by persons not interested or claiming said right. 
 (Signed,) 
 
 Seikinnow. 
 
 Daniel Spotso." 
 
 The allegation in the petition that the judges were not 
 impartial is very similar to an allegation in a petition 
 about the same time presented to the General Court by 
 Stephen Hussey. 
 
 This first petition was skillfully drawn, and it is not 
 strange that Lord Bellamont was much impressed with 
 the wrongs which it delineated. During his term of 
 office Mr. James Coffin, then Judge of Probate from Nan- 
 tucket County, called upon the Governor in reference to 
 the petition, and this is the Governor's account of the 
 interview : 
 
 "The Representative that served for Nantucket (one 
 Mr. Cotfin) came to solicit me and the Council to pass an 
 act to restrain the Indians on that Island from trading 
 with Rhode Island ; the Indians had complained to me 
 how hardly they were used by the English, and Mr. 
 Coffin owned the whole matter there that the English had 
 
147 
 
 bargained with the Indians that half of the Island should 
 be for the use of the Indians to sow Indian wheat on, but 
 that while the crop is off the land the grass on that land is 
 to belong wholly to the English ; so that these Indians 
 now that they would keep cattle are not suffered to do so. 
 This is such a circumvention and fraud as ou<rht not to be 
 suffered, and so I told Mr. Coffin before the Council and I 
 declared I would not give a cent to any bill that should 
 put a further hardship on those Indians." 
 
 It would seem from this account that there must have 
 been a misunderstanding on the part of the Governor of 
 the statements made by Mr. Coffm, for it is not possible 
 that he could have made the admissions stated b}' Lord 
 Bellamont. 
 
 As nothing resulted from the Bellamont petition except 
 some discomfiture to the English, the Indians shortly 
 afterwards petitioned to Gov. Dudley and made the same 
 statements in substance as contained in the first petition. 
 There is no date to the petition, but it may be fixed 
 approximately between June ii, 1702, and Aug. 27, 1703, 
 for the following reasons : From the archives in Boston 
 it appears that the committee to w^hom this petition was 
 referred made a report thereon, dated Aug. 27, 1703, and 
 this period of service of Joseph Dudley as Governor com- 
 menced June II, 1702. The petition must therefore have 
 been presented during the period between these dates. 
 
 The similarity of the phraseology of this petition with 
 the one presented by Stephen Hussey almost proves that 
 he was the composer of both. For comparison Hussey 's 
 petition is presented. Later Cain and Abel gave Stephen 
 Hussey a conve3'ance of all their lands for 99 years. 
 
148 
 
 "To ye Honored Counsell and Representatives now set- 
 ting and assembled in a Great and General Court att 
 Boston, &c., &c. 
 
 The Humble Petition of Stephen Hussey, of Nantuckett, 
 showeth : 
 
 How that your Petitioner having occasion to bring 
 severall actions and pleas against ye Inhabitants of our 
 town of Sherborn upon Nantuckett considers himself 
 under a great disadvantage in yt ye law of ye province 
 give the subject the advantage of three tryals and 3-our 
 petitioner without your speciall release must be contented 
 with only two in as much as ye petitioner in a Royall 
 action which is his case, must being his said action in ye 
 county and place where ye land lieth which will be where 
 ye judges and Major part of ye jury will be the principal 
 psons yt petitioner brings his action against ; ye premises 
 considered, your petitioner's prayer is that you would 
 please in some measure to make it your owne case in that 
 your petitioner may rationally conclude he shall lose his 
 case on the first tryall and soe can have the benefit of but 
 two tryalls. 
 
 Wherefore upon the reasons above laid down, your 
 petitioner's earnest prayer is that your Honors will allow 
 him ye favor of a speciall Court to begin or bring his first 
 action or order yt he ma}^ proceed or bring such action at 
 3'e Inferior Court att Boston or at any Court in Plymouth 
 Colony as in your wisdom shall be thought consistent for 
 yr petitioner dreads a tryall upon Nantucket for yt he 
 cannot sometimes obtain copies of the clerk, under a 
 legall test, and sometimes no copies at all, and sometimes 
 cannot have ye evidences relating to his case read in 
 Court, and so itt hath been sometimes yt in his case that 
 although the jury have come into Court and desiered the 
 papers relating to ye case, they weren't upon hand been 
 
149 
 
 denied them by the Court, as also hearing of them read 
 and soe compelled to bring in a speciall verdict or none at 
 all for want of the evidence and papers. This being ye 
 petitioners complaint, Humbly craves yr Honors' help. 
 And ye petitioner shall ever pray, etc." 
 
 June I, 1702. 
 
 The General Court resented the alle<iations of the 
 petition and administered a sharp rebuke. 
 
 Petition sent by Indians, probably after 1702 : 
 
 ''To His Excellency, Joseph Dudley, Esq., Captain- 
 General and Governor-in-Chief in and over her 
 Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay, and to the 
 honorable Her Majesty's Council for the said Province. 
 
 The humble petition of Daniel Spotso, Abel Cain, and 
 Peter Massaquet, all Sachems belonging to the Island of 
 Nantucket, shevveth — 
 
 That whereas your petitioners are very much wronged 
 and oppressed by several of the English inhabitants of 
 the Island aforesaid, who did very much overreach your 
 petitioners' forefathers, in the purchase of lands and 
 hedges. And also, in carrying away all their wood that 
 grew both upon and under ground, to the great grief and 
 damage of your petitioners, and who will be forced in a 
 short time to leave their habitations, and be utterly ruined, 
 unless some remedy be applied for their relief. And 
 whereas your petitioners are utterly without remedy, and 
 cannot possibly recover their right by law at home, both 
 Judges and Jurors being all parties in the cause, for which 
 reason your petitioners have been feign several times to 
 address the authority of this Province, but as yet without 
 redress. 
 
I50 
 
 Your petitioners therefore humbly pray, that a special 
 Court of Oyer and Terminer may be constituted and com- 
 missioned to set, at the charge of your petitioners, in 
 Boston, with full power to hear and determine all causes 
 that shall be brought before them in behalf of your 
 Petitioners according to law. 
 
 And your petitioners shall pray, etc. 
 
 Signum, 
 Daniel Spoospotswa, 
 Peter R. Massaquet, 
 Abel i. 2 Cain." 
 
 The report of the Committee to whom this petition was 
 referred is incorporated in a report in relation to Indians on 
 Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard as well as Nantucket. 
 
 After the report had been made nothing further was 
 done until June 14, 1708, when James Coffin, appointed 
 agent by the Town for that purpose, petitioned the General 
 Court for a confirmation of the Committee's report. The 
 purpose of this petition was to fix the status of the English 
 titles by an act of the Legislature. 
 
 The report and petition are as follows ; 
 "To His Excellency, Joseph Dudley, Esq., Capt. -General 
 and Governor-in-Chief in and over our Mejastie's 
 Provinces of the Massachusetts Bay. 
 The humble petition of James Coffin, Esq., in behalfe 
 of the English Inhabitants, proprietors of the Island of 
 Nantucket, — 
 
 SHEWETH 
 
 That whereas by an order of the Great and General 
 Court now about five years since, viz: 1703, there was a 
 Committee appointed to hear the several claims of sundry 
 Indians to land upon Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, etc., 
 and upon hearing the pleas and allegations of both Eng- 
 lish and Indians concerned they made tiieir report as more 
 
151 
 
 at large will appear by a copy thereof hereto annexed, 
 and (among other things) reported that assuming the 
 contest between the Sachems and English on Nantucket 
 about feed of cattle. 
 
 It appears to us by deeds that the English have pur- 
 chased the herbage of Jepth , Spotso and Manumet, 
 sachems share, and that the will or writing produced 
 by the Indians to prove the former conveyance of it to them 
 ^„ l^^g there inquired into, the truth of it and found 
 
 by the confession of the scribe that wrote it, and by other 
 there interested that they do not agree neither to the time 
 nor place where it was written (together with other of 
 their papers) which gives us cause to believe that they 
 were not true, but false and forged. 
 
 But forasmuch as the said report altho' returned in to 
 the General Court hath never yet had the approbation or 
 confirmation of the said Court. 
 
 (Prayer for confirmation) 
 
 James Coffin. 
 
 14th June, 1708. 
 
 The Committee's Report, 31 - 17 » 
 dated Aug. 27, 1703. 
 
 Barnabas Lathrop, 
 John Thatcher, 
 Stephen Skooffe, 
 John Otis, 
 William Bassett." 
 The report was adopted by the General Court the same 
 
 month. 
 
 The deed or will referred to in the Committee's report 
 cannot be positively identified, but in all probability it is 
 the will of Nickanoose, written in the Indian language, 
 and dated 1668, which years afterwards was recorded at 
 Martha's Vineyard and produced as evidence in the later 
 stage of the controversy before the General Court. 
 
152 
 
 By reference to the deeds given by the Indians who 
 signed these two petitions, which deeds were given after 
 1703, it must appear evident that the decision of the Gen- 
 eral Court made very little impression on the Indians ; 
 every one of them gave deeds to the English, and some 
 covering large tracts. 
 
 The second stage of the Indian controversy began in 
 the summer of 1741, when the sachem Ben Abel had 
 given a deed to the English of two-thirds of the territory 
 of Nickanoose. Immediately there was an uproar among 
 the Indians of that locality. In the following petition it 
 will appear that they described themselves as Lakedown 
 or Lakedon Indians. 
 
 Among the names of the petitioners will appear Joshua 
 Mamock and Titus Mamack, which lends some plausi- 
 bility to the theory that the sachem Wanackmamack 
 should have had his name spelled Wanack Mamack. 
 
 This petition is not drafted with the care and skill of 
 those from Stephen Hussey's hands, and as a result seems 
 to have made but little impression upon the General 
 Court. 
 
 It was the same old story that the Indians could not 
 comprehend how by a deed a man could so become vested 
 with a title as to exclude all others from occupation. 
 
 Notice of the petition was given to the town of Nan- 
 tucket, and John Coffin and Abaisha Folger made answer 
 to said petition about two years after. 
 
 It was a case where the proof did not sustain the 
 allegation ; whoever drafted the petition for the Indians 
 alleged more than could be proved. The petitions and 
 the answer are as follows : — 
 
 "In the year 1741, 2 of the 11 mo. 
 
 "Then we, the Indians of Lakedon, Nantucket, com- 
 plained with the English for taking our cattle from us, 
 
153 
 
 and also from our fathers. But we now speak for our- 
 selves, for we know what they have took away from us in 
 times past. 
 
 John Jouab had horse taken from him which cost him 
 eight pounds. 
 
 Jonathan had horse taken from him which he had 
 nothing for. 
 
 James Asab had horse taken from him out of his own 
 pasture which cost him four pounds, and he took nothing 
 for his horse. 
 
 John Tashime had horse taken from him which cost 
 him live pounds ; had another horse took from him which 
 cost ten pounds. 
 
 John Jethro had three horses took from him whicii cost 
 him 27 pounds. 
 
 John Mamack had horse took from him which cost him 
 12 pounds. 
 
 His father had horse took from him. 
 
 Paul Jouab had two horses took from him which cost 
 25 pounds. 
 
 Esau Cook's father had horse taken from him which 
 cost 12 pounds. 
 
 Richard Napanah had a heifer took from him. 
 
 Solomon Zachariah's father had horse taken from him 
 which cost him 3 Pds. 
 
 Naubgrachas had a horse taken from him. 
 
 Abel Nanahoo had a horse taken from him which cost 
 him 6 pounds. 
 
 James Asab and John Asab make complaint against the 
 Englishmen of Nantucket or their father Asa, for taking 
 from him twelve cows and oxen in his day. This was 
 done more than forty years ago, and we Indians of 
 Lakedon, some of us have horses, and we been pastur- 
 ing for ourselves of Englishmen ; they ask us three 
 pounds first, then four pounds, and now they ask five 
 
154 
 
 pounds. In the year 1741 Englishmen's creatures eat our 
 corn most all up and now they eat all of it. 
 
 John Jouab had an acre of corn almost half eat up by 
 Englishmen's cattle, and he had not near half as much 
 as he expected he would have from this acre- 
 Solomon Zachariah had one acre of corn all eat up b}' 
 Englishmen's cattle. 
 
 John Jethro had half an acre of corn all eat up by 
 Englishmen's cattle, and had wigwam house broke down, 
 and Englishman gave him nothing for it. 
 
 John Tashima had half an acre of corn all eat up b}^ 
 Englishmen's cattle, and had nothing for it. 
 
 Esau Cook had two acres all eat up, and had nothing 
 for it. 
 
 The said Englishmen taken our cattle away from us 
 make other town Indians come in upon us, take away our 
 wood from our land. These Indians said no English- 
 man went to prison ; those Lakedon town Indians they 
 cared not what to do unto us. Chief of those Indians is 
 Barnabas Spotso and James Papamoo, his son. 
 
 And those Englishmen of Nantucket they never take 
 their sheep early in the spring of the year but let them 
 late this month of May come in, and then after their sheep 
 have done some hurt to our plantations then they take 
 their sheep from our lands, and after they will let go their 
 sheep ; they let them go to our lands sometimes last of 
 August ; then they let them go up to our lands to eat up 
 our corn, and if they let go their creatures to eat up our 
 corn and they would pay us for hurt but they never did 
 and their creatures hurt us for eight years." 
 
 iimo. 1741. 
 
 "Then came to pass that we Lakedown Indians at Nan- 
 tucket met with great trouble by the Benjamin Abel for 
 selling our land from us to Englishmen which we all 
 
155 
 
 had share equal that we Town Indians at our place 
 consulted together and we all agreed as one to put down 
 the aforesaid Benjamin Abel not to be Sachem over us any 
 more, and after we had so agreed together then we Town 
 Indians appointed to pray to our God to put us in a way 
 which we should take. The church people and the town 
 people were together that day and after this all our elders 
 in our town tell us we may put down Benjamin Abel from 
 being sachem in our place and we may choose another 
 man to be sachem over us, and we went to New York and 
 Boston to ask these two governments and they tell us that 
 we may put Benjamin Abel down from being sachem over 
 us from doing that she should not done, may chose 
 another man which fear God because this Benjamin Abel 
 had no other povv'er but what he had from us, and we 
 town Indians as to do anything in our town. And then 
 we had liberty to choose another man which should stand 
 for us in our town and for our land. 
 
 This was done at Nantucket Lakedower Indian Town. 
 In the fourth month, 1741, this year, and we the Lake- 
 dow Town Indians chose this man John Quass to be for 
 our help and sachem in our town and place over us. We 
 chose htm because our fathers and good old men, in our 
 place tell us, if ever we chose another sachem in our 
 town, we should choose this man, and now we look to 
 this man which serve God for what he did to help the 
 town people in our place. 
 
 Concerning of our land before he was chose so to do and 
 after he was desired to help the town people in what he 
 seeth it is good for town people and will defend us from 
 our enemies, from the English and Indians as they are 
 our enemies in all they do, to teach us and some Indians 
 in our town to do take our land away from us, and in all 
 manner to bother us but this man has been our help and 
 
156 
 
 we find no fault in him and we hope he is a man that has 
 fear of God. 
 
 And now you John Qiiass you are the man which we 
 chose to be for our sachem Lakedon Town Indians, and to 
 be our help where you see we need of it. 
 
 Concerning of our land and as shall be for your 
 I John Quass are a poor man ; I have nothing. If 
 please God to spare my life and give me wisdom and 
 knowledge, you shall have your land of me the Lake- 
 down Town Indians." 
 
 Mch 24, 1741. The Committee to whom was referred 
 the complaint of John Jouab et al, Indi- 
 ans at Nantucket, having heard the com- 
 plainants and considered therein, are of 
 the opinion that inasmuch as John Macy 
 and Tristram Starbuck have purchased 
 of Benjamin Abel, sachem, the land 
 mentioned in said complaint at Secatan 
 and a full understanding of the matters 
 complained of cannot be had without 
 hearing the complaints of the Sachems 
 and the said John and Tristram, which 
 with little charge may be done at Fal- 
 mouth in the County of Barnstable. 
 
 That therefore some suitable persons 
 be appointed by this Court to hear all 
 parties concerned at Falmouth aforesaid, 
 giving proper notice thereof and make 
 report what they think fit for this Court 
 to do thereon. 
 
 Mch 24, 1741. Read and accepted and Sylvanus Barron, 
 David Crocker and John Sumner, or any 
 two of them, are appointed for the pur- 
 pose aforesaid. 
 
157 
 
 "To his Excellency, etc., — 
 
 May ye 25, 1743. May it please your Excellency and 
 Honors, we having received a copy from the Secretary of 
 your order and petition sent out unto the Great and Gen- 
 eral Court March 31, 1743, by Paul Jouab, John Jouab 
 and Abram Tashame for themselves and the rest of the 
 Indians of Nantucket. 
 
 Said petitioners see fault that when said Indians sue for 
 their just debts of the English people on Nantucket they 
 cannot collect them in the law. Also their lands are 
 taken from them by the said English people ; so that 
 they will not be able to raise corn this year for their sub- 
 sistence. This seems to be the complaint of the Indians. 
 
 In obedience to your orders and desire we have 
 diligently inquired into the grounds and accusations of 
 said Indian complaint. 
 
 Touching the first article in their complaint, that they 
 cannot recover their just debts of the English people, 
 
 Upon a diligent inquiry we could not find one single 
 instance of the same, upon which we went to John Jouab 
 and read the copy of said petition and order thereon, (said 
 Jouab being the man that prepared said petition to said 
 Court) and desired him to mention an instance wherein 
 they were not able to recover their just debts of the 
 English, upon which said John Jouab answered that thev 
 never put in any such complaint unto the said Court 
 against the English on Nantucket. 
 
 And touching their lands being taken from them, etc., 
 being the other article in said petition that they complained 
 of; ' 
 
 We have diligently inquired into and we find that John 
 Jouab who is the head complainant and John Tashime 
 (who is father to Abram Tashime, said Abram represent- 
 ing his father) and a great part of the rest of the Indians 
 
158 
 
 have this year let out a great many acres of pasturing 
 land to the English people and do the same yearly. 
 
 We find that said Indians have one tract of land at 
 Nantucket that contains more than i,ooo acres on which 
 there live not above twenty eight or thirty families, which 
 they have the sole planting of without the least molestation 
 from the English. 
 
 Beside said tract the Indians plant their fields where 
 they live throughout Nantucket, unmolested by the Eng- 
 lish people, from which we cannot find that said Indians 
 have any ground at all for said complaint, but on the 
 contrary they have more land than they want to plant 
 yearly. 
 
 John Coffin, 
 Abishai Folger." 
 
 The General Court appears to have taken no action 
 upon this petition and answer, possibly because no ques- 
 tions in it were different from those decided forty years 
 before. 
 
 Paul Jouab was not satisfied at the delay. 
 
 "The Honored Governor at Boston and to the Council 
 and House of Representatives : 
 
 This Paul Jouab is come from New York and he is set 
 back to come to this Honorable General Court in Boston 
 to pray the Honorable Court to tell him whatever this 
 Honorable Court intends to do any more for him concern- 
 ing their lands, or not ; and if not, they pray to the 
 Honorable Court that the said Paul Jouab may be dis- 
 missed from the said Court with his business, that he may 
 go home to New York again, for his business has been in 
 this Court a long time, and that Paul Jouab has been 
 under great charges and time spent, and now I am un- 
 done ; my money is spent and the English at Nantucket 
 say there is no help for those Indians ; now they take all 
 
- 159 
 
 the best of our land away from us, and so they will 
 always do. 
 
 Complaint is come to the Honorable General Court as 
 to what English do to Indians at Nantucket ; they let 
 them have money and goods and Indians are sent whaling 
 and fishing, and when Indians are at home then they 
 must work for their masters, and they will not give In- 
 dians account of what they get at such times whaling or 
 fishing, and let Indians live as long as he will, and when 
 he dies English will take all what may be found to his 
 estate, and English will leave nothing for Indian's wife or 
 children, and so they become poor, and the poor Indians 
 at Nantucket desire this from you ; that the Indians may 
 have an account made up to him to see what he is in- 
 debted to his said masters. 
 
 We pray that this may be granted by you "chintelmen" 
 on General Court to your poor Indians at Nantucket. 
 
 Dated June i, 1749. Paul Jouab." 
 
 The Guardians were ordered to inquire into the com- 
 plaint. 
 
 The Guardians were Jonathan Coffin, Richard Coffin 
 and Abisha Folger. They were appointed in Decem- 
 ber, 1749. 
 
 In the early part of 1751 another attempt was made by 
 a new company of Indians who petitioned the Legislature 
 and accompanied their petition with several remarkable 
 documents ; — First in importance was a copy of the will 
 of Nickanoose, which had lately been recorded at 
 Martha's Vineyard, then followed the will of Wauwinnet, 
 also translated by Experience Mayhew. With this was a 
 petition from John and Ben Jouab, stating the situation at 
 Nantucket, at a place called Wannasquam, which has 
 probably continued to this day in the abbreviated form of 
 Squam. Then followed the affidavit of certain Indians 
 
i6o 
 
 concerning a brother who was a sachem, of the section 
 called Orkawa. 
 
 Notice of this petition was served upon the parties in- 
 terested at Nantucket. 
 
 In the meantime a petition signed by thirty Indians, 
 dated December 2, 1751, had been presented to the Gen- 
 eral Court, accompanied by a copy from the records, 
 which had been made years before in relation to four 
 Indians. The order of notice was dated Dec. 31, 1751. 
 The following are the petitions and exhibits, and the 
 order of notice issued by the General Court. 
 
 "Waunashqua on Nantucket, Feb. 26, 1751. 
 
 We poor Indians at Nantucket do apply ourselves to 
 you our kind Sachem Governor at Boston. 
 
 We entreat you effectually to help us with the help of 
 God that we may have the use of our lands for the English 
 will not suffer us to use it. For as for us Indians our 
 Forefathers or fathers have not sould the land the claim 
 we have nor have we ourselves sould it. And we find 
 the Lame Sachem was the first born, whose Indian name, 
 Nakottootanit whose brothers name was Wunnanche- 
 momog, and Desiah Spotsoo, do say that this is true in 
 the presence of God, Feb. 27, 1752. 
 
 I aldsoey do say this is true Nakattootamit was the 
 eldest and the chief sachem at Onkawaem. I desiah 
 Spotso my hand and old Hannah have heard this. This 
 is my hand or mark. 
 
 The English at two Indians paper brought to me by 
 Memfopooh translated by me. Experience Mayhew. 
 
 This Bejn Joab sues (says) he is grandson to the above 
 Pompason. 
 
 The Indians claimed under some old wills of the 
 sachems which are as follows : These documents were 
 
i6i 
 
 first produced at Edgartown and translated by Experience 
 May hew, and were recorded in 1745. It seems strange 
 that such important documents did not appear at Nan- 
 tucket when the makers died. 
 
 "I, Wauwinnett do leave or will to my children my 
 sachemship and all my land. 
 
 But unto thee, Askaneapoo I commit the guardianship 
 of my children to take care of them, of all which they 
 have until they have understanding to improve the same. 
 
 I, Wauwinnet this is my writing and my hand. 
 
 I, Oowamassen am witness to this. 
 
 March 3, 1670. 
 
 I, Sanchimaish am witness. 
 
 Know all ye people that this is true. 
 
 The land does belong to the sons of Nicanoose and the 
 children of Wauwinnet. This is true, to the knowledge 
 of me, Joshua, of Chappoquiddick, June 27, 1706. 
 
 The said Benjamin Jonah showed me another Indian 
 writing dated Feb. 16, 1686, containing an agreement 
 betwixt Masquoit and a number of his people that no part 
 of the land should be sold to the English. 
 The same have my name on it. 
 
 E. Mayhew." 
 
 "I Nekanucussor, Sachem of Nantucket have now con- 
 sidered about my sons which are four, first the eldest is 
 Pottupantamin, Nooso, the second What Nooso, the next 
 James Nooso, the next Paul Nooso. 
 
 Now I give unto them lands I have divided unto them 
 lands, the first bounds is Mashquttoohk or Reod River 
 and so far as Aqunoonogqutut, or the hole where a stone 
 
l62 
 
 stands, and then as far as Hashkinnit chaopket, westward 
 of ye hill and from thence as far as Mashquaponilib quite 
 to ye River of Neckanoosoo Sachem at Wonnashquoom 
 have divided to my four sons so much land viz : to Puttu- 
 pamim Noosoo and What Messr James Noose and Paul 
 Noosoo these are the Proprietors of sd lands verily and 
 forever. If anyone sell any land he shall loose his inter- 
 est among the rest. I Neckooeo have made a share for 
 my four sons. They shall certainly have it and all their 
 race or offspring. I fully or freely say this for God or 
 in God's name, Because this is right. 
 
 I Neckanucusoo, Sachem, do confirm this forever. 
 
 My hand O." 
 
 "January 9, 1668. 
 
 I Wauwenit am witness this is my hand. 
 
 I Tatagamomos, my hand 6. 
 
 I Keostahhan, my hand 6. 
 
 I Wumoanohquin, my hand 3 (Seal.) 
 
 I Quaquahchoonit my hand. 
 
 I Ben Job Pompashom do say I have a real! or firm 
 right to ye land which did belong to Puttupantam 
 Nooso because never sold his land in all his lifetime nor 
 have any of his offspring sold the same, and I Peter Tup- 
 house and I Peleg Tuphouse and I Benj. Job Pompasham 
 do freely affirm we have rights to ye land which did 
 belong to Puttupantam Noosoo. 
 
 Benj. Joab Pampushom, 
 Peter Tuphouse, x, 
 Peleg Tuphouse. 
 
 Entered July 23, 1745. 
 
 Translated by me Experience May hew from an Indian. 
 
 I was Thomas Mayhew, 
 
 This is my land. 
 
i63 
 
 '♦July 6, 1751. 
 
 The case is thus at Nantucket at a place Wannasquam 
 the place where I Benjamin till land. The Englishmen 
 deal thus with us, not with me only but all in our place. 
 
 We plow our ground and they take it from us and grow 
 oats on it. Some of our plowed land they turn over again 
 and when some of us mow our grass English take the 
 same from us. 
 
 Therefore we poor Indians pray you gentlemen merci- 
 fully send for us beginning at Nope and as far as Boston. 
 
 They deal too hardly by us and they fear there is danger 
 still of greater evil. 
 
 It may be they will slay the Indians for land that 
 belonged to them and what they had a judgment for at 
 Boston. 
 
 It is now need that peace be made, so the English say 
 also, that when we have our land divided off" they will 
 trouble us no more. 
 
 When we plant they let their cattle go into our corn and 
 eat it up. 
 
 I John Jouab say this is so, as true as the English do 
 this and the poor Indians are afflicted and troubled. 
 
 And we pray you, ma}' here consider 
 
 our case and help us that we may use our land. 
 
 I Ben Jouab and John Jouab am agreed in the matter 
 for the Indians at Wannisquam and those of Lakeutta." 
 
 The depositions of several Indians were similar. 
 
 "This is concerning land at Orkawa : 
 
 There were certainly two sachems I David Pompasson 
 do say Lame Sachem and Wunnonehumoong were the 
 Sachems at Orkawan and these were both children of one 
 man and one woman. They were brothers. 
 
164 
 
 Wheretore one had one-half and the other had the 
 other half of the land of Okawa. 
 
 I David Pompasson do say that Nocodcotoonnit was the 
 first born after him was born Wunnonshumanog. 
 
 W had a son called laoosoohquikbot. 
 
 I David Pompasson had for my grandfather Nakonooso 
 who was owner of the land which I said Pompasson do 
 own. I first sought it at the hands of Abel Soosoohqualui 
 
 and Kate Soosoohquab, but and before this great 
 
 I say I found and obtained it from their hands who all 
 said David Pompasson did speak true, that there was but 
 two sachems at Orkawa. 
 
 And David Pompasson spoke true that Nak, etc., was 
 his grandfather and Wun — etc., who were brothers. Nak. 
 etc., or Lame Sachem was the first born, after him was 
 born Nun .... etc. 
 
 Therefore I say I David Pompasson am the owner of 
 Arkowain because Nak .... etc., was my grandfather 
 and he did not sell land as long as he lived. 
 
 I Sasopona Will do say that David Pompasson speaks 
 true. 
 
 (Other Indians to same purport.) 
 March 4, 1719. 
 
 "To the Honorable Spencer Phipp, Lieut-Governor of the 
 
 Province of ye Massachusetts Bay and ye Honorable 
 
 Councill and House of Representatives in Generall 
 
 Court assembled : 
 
 The humble petition of us ye subscribers, Indians of 
 
 Nantucket, humbly sheweth that we are under great 
 
 difficulty and oppression by ye English Inhabitants of ye 
 
 sd Nantucket and have been so for a long time for about 
 
 forty years past ; they took away all our horses and cattle 
 
 of all sorts and practiced ye same ever time adjudging we 
 
 have no right to keep any and of latter years have taken 
 
i65 
 
 away our planting land not suffering us to plant any in 
 peace and we can have no remedy, by reason yt it is all ' 
 done by ye proprietors in Common and ye justice and 
 juriours are all concerned and no longer since ye October 
 last while one of us was gone to Boston to complain of 
 wrong done to us in our planting land yt English people 
 got to making fence to inclose a great part of our Land, 
 we therefore pray that all controverseys between English 
 and Indians relating to real estate may be tryed in some 
 other Courts or other wayes releaved as your Honors in 
 your wisdom may think fit and your petitioners ever pray, 
 
 Nantucket, Dec. 2, 1751. 
 
 (Signed by thirty Indians.)" 
 
 This petition was read in the Council and House of 
 Representatives and Committees appointed to attend to 
 the matter as soon as possible. 
 
 "The Committee appointed to consider the petition of a 
 number of Indians, Inhabitants of Nantucket, have met 
 and heard two of said Indians thereupon who further 
 alledge that they are owners of one-half of said Island 
 although the English set up a greater proportion in con- 
 sequence of a late Indian deed. 
 
 The committee are therefore humbly of opinion that 
 the Guardians of said Indians be served with copies of 
 their petition and of the evidence brought to support it 
 and that the said Guardian notifie the English Inhabitants 
 who may be affected therby that so they may make 
 answer thereto as soon as may be. 
 
 And that the said Guardians be directed likewise to 
 make a representation of facts relating to this affair at 
 the same time that so the Court may give the necessary 
 orders about it. And in the same mean time that the 
 said Guardians be directed to take effectual care that the 
 
i66 
 
 Indians be supported and protected in the enjoyment of 
 their wonted privileges and improvements. 
 
 Jacob Mendell, 
 
 By order." 
 
 "In Council December 31, 1751. Read and accepted 
 ^nd ordered that the English Inhabitants of Nantucket 
 concerned in the affair within mentioned give in their 
 answer to the Indians' complaint and the Guardians of 
 the Indians their Representation of the facts on the first 
 Fry day of the next sitting of this Court." 
 
 The following is a curious production addressed to the 
 Colonial Governor : 
 
 "Our great Sachem to Boston if all ye will pies consider 
 for us in this few words a bouth many things for we are 
 all poor Indians and we all pray unto thee give us amendes 
 and we all wish all ye may heare as in this our sd case. 
 
 First thing, abouth our Lands, next thing for our 
 woods ; this white people som are neighbors ; they have 
 take our land and cut of our woods and our marsh taken 
 agains our wills and tha seat therein houses upon our lands 
 against, and we have river get fish but we have no com- 
 ford get fish ; this nothing but truth it this not lie and was 
 all so. 
 
 Suffer for need for plant corn and wand buy for our 
 cattle ; our Gardienes tha take away our lands and marsh 
 and that Indian money for our lands and marsh for school 
 masters and Indian ministers ; this gardienes tha will not 
 gave to poor of Indian school masters and poor of Indian 
 minister and now poor Indians fast go sea for deds for 
 them no money for them close and then meets or lands or 
 marsh for plant and we all think this not done for take 
 away theire bread out theire mouths. We do not 
 
 no laws so humble servants pray Indians unto thee Great 
 
167 
 
 Honors we pray not made as suffer for you by law if you 
 all will be cause we hear you made new laws which we 
 are all not understand as laws and we cannot read and we 
 cannot help ourselves for we no money if ever so much 
 good our case in law." 
 
 The answers of the English are as follows : 
 
 proprietary's answer. 
 
 "Sherburne on Nantucket, June 5, 1752. 
 
 To the Honorable Spencer Phipps, etc., etc. 
 
 The proprietory of tlYe Town of Sherburne in the County 
 of Nantuckett at a meeting legally warned and met 
 together on the 19th day of February, 1752, made choice 
 of us a Committee to draw up an answer to a petition of 
 sundry Indians of Nantucket, preferred to your Honors in 
 December last past. And we having weighed the matter 
 fully are humbly of the opinion that the said petition is 
 alltogether ground less, their complaint being exhibited 
 against the said proprietors for greatly oppressing them 
 under sundry heads, viz. : about forty years ago the said 
 Proprietors took away all their horses and have continued 
 so to do ever since which assertion we find to be false for 
 the said proprietors do not appear by any record to have 
 impounded any horses or other beasts belonging to the 
 Indians for many years last past, and we find in fact that 
 the complainants forty years past and down to this day 
 ever since did peaceably enjoy the pasturing of many 
 horses and cattle and even Benjamin Jouab your pet'r the 
 very head of the Faction doth at the time and hath for 
 divers years past quietly enjoyed the pasturage of two 
 horses being a right derived from the Onkawoom sachem 
 by deed and so do all others of the Indians who by any 
 means have obtained liberty from either of the sachems for 
 
1 68 
 
 Pasturage of horses or cattle. All others tis true the said 
 Proprietors have from time to time impounded and the 
 Indians have often complained thereof to the Great and 
 General Court unto whom the Proprietors have as often 
 shown the justice of their proceedings and defended their 
 course to the satisfaction of that August Assembly, and in 
 no ways despair of doing the same again. By reason 
 that all the rights they hold they purchase of the sachems 
 who then subsisted (when the English first settled this 
 Island of Nantucket in the years 1660 and 1661) and were 
 by the Indian Inhabitants unanimously owned and 
 acknowledged to be such, who were then in number, viz. : 
 Necownoosoo, 
 Wannuuchmanmog , 
 Attapehot, 
 of whom and their decendants by virtue of a grant from 
 the Government of New York to whom we were then 
 subject and since upon our being annexed to this Province 
 was ratified by this Court, they purchased all the lands 
 and patronage they enjoy or claim and no other sachem 
 was then known or acknowledged although Benjamin 
 Jouab your p't'n'r claims half the Onkawoom sachemship 
 under his great-grandfather Nekadotoounet, an elder 
 brother as he saith to Wannuuchmanmog, neither man, 
 name or claim ever heard of, as we can find, before now 
 even by the oldest people here, divers of whom exceed 
 four-score years. 
 
 It is a very ancient claim for Wannuuchmanmog, if he 
 had till this time lived would have been 150 years old and 
 upwards for he was a man in years when the Island was 
 first settled and dyid beyond the memory of Man. 
 
 And as their planting land where any one hath obtained 
 from the sachem any particular tract of land the said pro- 
 prietor hath in no wise interrupted them in the peacable 
 enjoyment thereof and it hath ever been and still is their 
 
169 
 
 practice to Indulge them in the choice of any piece or 
 parcel of land throughout a very large part of sd Island 
 containing many hundreds of acres to plant in and the 
 quantity without control or limitation and a great part of 
 that which they plant they never hoe to effect but destroy 
 our interest and their own too. 
 
 And as to others (who desired it) the Propriety have 
 allotted certain tracts of land by metes and bounds more 
 than a sufficiency for their own plantations and even more 
 than they have occasion or desire to make use of, that 
 though it was assigned to their use only they nevertheless 
 often hire it out to the now proprietors for the sake of rum 
 of which their desires are insatiate ; and for which if not 
 restrained they would hire out the whole Island, which 
 would fall far short of sufficing them. 
 
 And as to the land inclosed in the absence of the com- 
 plainant, we find that they had no design of the advantage 
 of his absence for the setting up (of) that fence was many 
 months before determined by the Proprietors legally 
 warned and met on that occasion. And furthermore com- 
 plainants have planted no land in that tract for many years 
 past under any pretect of a planting right whatsoever. 
 But the Proprietors have made use of it for meadow land 
 which for lack of summer tending (feeding) is over run 
 with Briars and other Rubbish which render it less profit- 
 able to the Owners to suppress which the Proprietors by a 
 vote legally passed in the Proprietary have determined to 
 pasture and feed the same with sheep, cattle, and horses 
 without the least design of prejudice to the Indians. And 
 we humbly conceive it can be no damage to the com- 
 plainants. 
 
 And as to the complainants petition for the removal of 
 tryals in real estate to some other County for that both 
 judge and jurors are all interested, we answer — Tis fact 
 as to the justices but not as to the jurors, for we have a 
 
lyo 
 
 sufficiency of disinterested persons to compleat divers 
 juries if occasion offers, nor hath it been the practice of 
 our Courts to proceed otherwise ; And since our Court is 
 not fully Decicive, but on appeals in all civil cases are to 
 the County of Suffolk, we humbly conceive your Honors 
 will not deprive us of the Privilejres granted to us by the 
 aforesaid Government of New York and since confirmed 
 to us by the Great and General Court of this Province, 
 since we have done nothing to render us unworthy of the 
 same. 
 
 May it Please Your Honors — 
 
 We are humbly of the opinion that the complaints 
 are not grounded on any injustice offered by the said 
 Proprietors to the complainants, but rather sprang from 
 the instability of the Nation easily influenced by the in- 
 stigation of evil-minded persons, who for some sinister 
 ends stir them up to mischief even to perjuries and fre- 
 quent forgeries, sundry of which have been self evident 
 so others b}' clear evidence have been proved to be so. 
 
 And the deed that accompanies this complaint doubtless 
 is one of that sort, and unquestionably will so appear to 
 your Honors when your Honors reflect on Mr. Thomas 
 Mayhew's fashion of witnessing the same, who was a 
 Merchant and President of the Court of Dukes' 
 
 County. But he appears in said deed to sign (Mr. 
 Thomas Mayhew this my hand) which deed is said to 
 be given by Niconnoosoo in the year 1668, written in the 
 Indian tongue long before any Indian on this Island of 
 Nantucket knew one letter in the alphabet, and pretended 
 to be granted to Petepontum Noosoo, Wat Noosoo, James 
 Noosoo, Paul Noosoo, the four sons of the said Necow- 
 noosoo, and the mark of Wauwinnet (among others) is set 
 thereto as a witness who was son and heir to the said 
 Necownoosoo, and in the year 1686 conveyed by deed the 
 same lands beginning at the same bound to one of the 
 
171 
 
 English Proprietors on sd Island, which deed was there 
 recorded, and a great parts of the lands granted was there 
 entered into and fenced by the Proprietors even in the 
 lifetime of the said Pettepontum Noosoo, Wat Noosoo, 
 James Noosoo and Paul Noosoo, who never claimed, chal- 
 lenged or demanded the same or any part thereof, nor 
 their successors after their decease by virtue of any title 
 by their pretended deed, notwithstanding it was held 
 eighteen years after that was pretended to be given by 
 their said father Necownoosoo's deed which deed was 
 never recorded till the year 1745, at which time it jumpt 
 into the records of Duke's County, knight-errant like, or 
 rather stole in there when it lay concealed till about two 
 years past and then it appeared privately abroad and now 
 in publick, but from whence it come or by whom made 
 we know not ; and finally we knowing the assertions to 
 be true which we have herein represented are humbly of 
 the opinion that your Honors will see cause to dismiss sd 
 petition." 
 
 Jeremiah Gardner, 
 JosiAH Coffin. 
 
 guardians' report. 
 
 "To His Honor Spencer Phipps, Esq., Lieut-Governor, 
 etc., etc. 
 
 May it please your Honor, we the subscribers. Guar- 
 dians of the Indians at Nantucket, having been served 
 with copys of a petition and other papers put into the 
 Great and General Court in December last by Ben Jouab 
 and other Indians of Nantucket, and with a copy of the 
 order of your Honors thereon and pursuant to the order 
 of your Honors we have notified the English proprietors 
 of Nantucket with copy of said petition the Indians Testi- 
 mony and said order of Court thereon ; 
 
172 
 
 ( 
 And as to the abuse of the English towards the Indians 
 as the Indians set forth in said petition, the first is that 
 the English people for fourty years past have taken away 
 all their horses and cattle which is false and a groundless 
 complaint, for every Indian on Nantucket that have right 
 to keep them enjoy that Priviledge now unmolested which 
 is many and the principall complaint, Ben-Jouab, hath a 
 right for to keep two horses which he had of the Occowan 
 Sachem, which he had always enjoyed without the least 
 molestation by the English, and in the deeds of purchase 
 which the English had of several sachems originally 
 they received a considerable of rights for keeping 
 horses for themselves and other Indians which they 
 peaceably enjoy and always have except what they have 
 since sold. 
 
 And as to their planting land which they say the Eng- 
 lish people have taken away, not suffering them to plant 
 any in peace, is as manifestly false as their other com- 
 plaints. For there is many of them that had considerable 
 tracts of land given them and bounded heretofore by 
 the several sachem which they have always enjoyed clear 
 from molestation by the English, and those Indians that 
 had no particular tracts of land allotted them by the 
 sachems are all of them allowed to plant 3'early as much as 
 they want, and have large tracts to chose out of and yearly 
 plant more than they hoe after it is planted, and they have 
 hundreds of acres to choose out of for planting, so that 
 they are not confined to poor land, and not withstanding 
 the Good and wholesome law of the Province they fre- 
 quently for the sake of strong drink let some of the ill- 
 minded English plant the best of this land and plant 
 poorest themselves, and if they own the whole Island we 
 are humbly of the (opinion) theyd waste and destroy 
 most of the profits of same notwithstanding all the laws 
 that are in favour of them they are so universally given to 
 
173 
 
 strong drink to such a great degree, which we think 
 together with the advice of some ilhninded persons for 
 interest sake is the only motive of their uneasiness and 
 pretended complaint. 
 
 And as farther touching their plantations notwithstand- 
 ing the miserable care that they take of their corn, after 
 it is planted, so that they have not above half a crop of 
 corn in a general way, yet they have so little regard to 
 their own welfare that as soon as their corn is ripe the 
 greater part of them for the sake of rum begin to make 
 sales of it so that they are out of corn before the winter is 
 past, and by the spring of year that the English are 
 obliged to supply them with corn on credit or they would 
 go nigh to perish with hunger. 
 
 And the said Benjamin Jouab claims a tract of land by 
 vertue of a writing said to be given by Nickanoosoo bear- 
 ing date 1668. 
 
 We have taken considerable pains in searching into that 
 writing and it seems to be self evident to be a forgery for 
 it appeared originally writ in Indian translated into Eng- 
 lish by Mr. Experience Mayhew whereas the year that 
 said writing bears date there was not an Indian on 
 Nantucket that understood one letter in the alphabet, 
 neither did there ever appear to be such a writing until 
 about the time it crept on the records of Martha's Vineyard 
 which was in the year 1745, they nor their fathers before 
 all their lifetime never pretended or laid any claim to any 
 such right neither doth said pretended deed carry any 
 evidence with it to prove its validity so but that any 
 Indian at any time may forge a number of such papers 
 and date them far enough back and if they must be held 
 valid and of any force they will destroy all the most 
 authentick deeds that have been upon record for sixty years 
 or more past. If they do but mind to date them far enough 
 back from which no man can be sure of his property or 
 
174 
 
 safe in that case, whereas John Swain late of Nantucket 
 obtained a deed of purchase in 1680 of Wauwinnet the then 
 avowed sachem, and son and heir unto the said Nickanoo- 
 soo for the larger part of the same tract of land at the 
 same bound specified in the Indian writing and running on 
 the same course untill it comprised the greater part of sd 
 Indian tract mentioned in their writing. And said John 
 Swain under conveyance of said purchase unto the pro- 
 prietors of Nantucket who immediately built sundry 
 Houses thereon and improved the whole for above sixty 
 year peaceably in the lives of the now claimers' ancestors 
 who never demurred with them or laid any claim of any 
 such right knowing the same to be honestly and legally 
 sold as seems to appear. 
 
 And further the said Benjamin Jouab complains of a fence 
 being lately set up which is prejudicial to them in their 
 planting. The English have a large tract of land there of 
 some thousands of acres which was so over-run rubage 
 and bryers that it was almost destroyed as to its profits, 
 and the motive that induced the English to be at such a 
 great expense was that the stock or creatures might 
 destroy the rubbage and make the ground fitter for other 
 improvements again and for no other reason ; sd fence 
 takes in a small part of the land that Ben. Jouab claims by 
 said writing which makes him mention that there is some 
 few Indians that have some planting fields within said fence 
 in the room of which the English have allowed them what 
 land they want without the fence which they have planted 
 to their satisfaction. 
 
 And Ben Jouab farther intimates that he owns half 
 Occowa sachemship by virtue some former Indian sachem 
 there he calls a lame sachem and by all that we can find 
 out there never was any such lame sachem at Occowa or 
 ever such pretence before for neither the oldest English- 
 man now nor Indian on Nantucket never heard of any such 
 
175 
 
 sachem there and that the tribe Indian that lives there 
 are ready to destroy him for making such pretence. 
 
 The English people when they first came on Nantucket 
 found that Wannuckmoymok was the avowed sachem and 
 lord of the said Occowa sachemship, and it has remained 
 in the hands of him and his successors unto to this day, 
 without the least demur and also the English always pur- 
 chased of and sold Wannuckmoy was always the allowed 
 sachem. The other Indians yearly paid their acknowl- 
 edgments for their planting which as soon as the English 
 purchased the sachems lost their profits that way which 
 was some benefit to the Common Indians. 
 
 The English have always in favour to the Indians ftnced 
 their plantation land for them otherwise they would have 
 had no corn which the English people were not obliged to 
 do ; the above as to us the subscribers seem the real facts 
 as they now stand." 
 
 Richard Coffin, 
 Abishai Folger, 
 Guardians unto the Indians 
 June 5, 1752. of Nantucket. 
 
 Then John Jouab and his friends further petitioned. 
 
 "Please Your Excellency : 
 
 The Humble Petition unto you, Gentlemen, in Boston, 
 To be pleased to consider for us and help us in the Gen- 
 eral Court, because we have great deal trouble by reason 
 the English at Nantucket they have taken away our 
 English hay from us what the Indians have always mowed 
 ten "clash" loads, and some of the Indians take it out 
 clash and more for they say the English mowed great 
 deal of English hay near about our houses besides what 
 they have taken from the Indians ; but they have mowed 
 themselves. 
 
 These wrongs began in the tenth day of July 1752 ; now 
 
176 
 
 we poor Indians we humbly pray you Gentlemen be pleased 
 to consider how the English dealt with these Poor Indians 
 at Nantucket, and English having their own cattle on our 
 land which land belongs to all the town Indians. 
 
 And another trouble we have because the English take 
 away our reeds and oak brush and swamp brush so we 
 think this contrary to justice ; byt that reason we humbly 
 pray you, Gentlemen, be pleased to consider for us and 
 help us in the Honorable General Court. We are desire 
 your help cause we want. 
 
 If you can find the Indians should have any land do be 
 make haste, let us have it or receive in our hand to make 
 use of among ourselves because the English are too hard 
 for us. 
 
 Another trouble we have ; the English at Nantucket 
 they own great many sheep and they never keep them 
 well in the summer time. Now in the year 1752 sheep 
 eat up great many acres of corn from Indians. 
 
 Now I John Jouab I say the English cattle eat up my 
 two acres of corn in the year i74i> and English never 
 pay me nothing I took for my two acres. 
 
 Now this year English cattle eat up my one acre of corn 
 from me, and Englishman made no recompense for us for 
 corn to this day. All which we desire this Honorable 
 Court to do for us justice in this case. 
 
 Again another thing ; we Indians we went whaling for 
 the English said our masters, so we kept again in for our 
 masters great many years we went fishing and we may 
 pay what we took for our master's houses and one thing 
 and another ; but when Indian was dead then English 
 master come to widow and take away things again, makes 
 as if he did only lend it away these things ; then poor 
 widow and fatherless children may have nothing. 
 
 Looks exceeding hard for poor Indians ; some time one 
 Indian worth great deal ; then when he dead great many 
 
177 
 
 English folks come and sacrifice all things, then after 
 they done they carry away things sometime nothing left, 
 sometime little left. 
 
 Another trouble we have ; about the great men in town. 
 Englishmen there they say "we look after the poor Indi- 
 ans," and we poor Indians care not for any help from 
 these chief men only we found there our folks come to our 
 Indian town, take away our Indian hay near about our 
 houses, and English folks following them owned cattle 
 on our own land, which belongs to the town Indians 
 altogether, and there was one great man in the English 
 town named Abaisha Folger and then they say "We 
 look after the poor Indians" another named Rochard 
 Coffin, and we Indians cannot see any help only we 
 found trouble which belongs to those men which say 
 "We look after the poor Indian." 
 
 I am John Jouab, poor man, and fear of God; I am 
 afraid speak falsely before the great and small, and will 
 not speak no other but which is true before the great men, 
 and before God. I will not lie if my friend desire me to 
 tell lie." 
 
 Witness, Ebenezer Cain, His Mark. 
 
 Witness, Samuel Humbrey, His Mark. 
 
 Witness, Benjamin Jouab, His Mark. 
 
 Witness, John Jouab, His Mark. 
 
 , I am John Jouab ; I have draw this writing with my 
 hand September the eleventh, 1752. 
 
 The General Court finally passed an order June 13, 
 1753- 
 
 ON THE PETITION OF THE INDIANS OF NANTUCKET. 
 
 "The Committee appointed to consider the petition of a 
 number of Indians of Nantucket have met and heard the 
 said Indians report as in their opinion that Roland Cotton 
 
178 
 
 and David Crocker, Esqs., with such as the Honorable 
 Board shall join, be a committee appointed and em- 
 powered to repair to the Island of Nantucket as soon as 
 may be and make inquiry into the grievances suggested 
 and complained of by the Indians in their petition and 
 other papers accompanying the same, and all other 
 matters of complaint now existing. 
 
 That the Committee have power to send for persons 
 and papers as occasion may be that they endeavor an 
 accommodation of their differences between the English 
 and Indians and make report to this Court of their doings 
 therein and of what they shall judge proper for this Court 
 to do further therein." 
 
 But there is no record that the committee ever went. 
 
 A PETITION OCTOBER, 1754. 
 
 "Humbly shew we (the) subscribers, Indians native 
 and Inhabitants of the Island of Nantucket that we must 
 once more beg your Excellencys and Honors to hear our 
 distressed circumstances and that you will be pleased to 
 take some effectual measures that we be releaved and 
 extricated out of our difficulties, which are as followeth, 
 viz. : 
 
 We are at this day rightful owners of a considerable 
 part of the valuable lands on the said Island of Nantucket. 
 But as we are there on said Island and none to take our 
 part the English Proprietors there have taken our lands 
 from us and improve them and allow us no more privilege 
 than only enough to sett our house upon and a small 
 garden. We can't keep a cow, horse or sheep unless we 
 will submit to hire the privilege of the English and when 
 we offer to keep any creatures other ways may impound 
 them and put us to near as much costs as the creatures 
 are worth. One or two instances we beg leave to mention. 
 
 John Toshama in January, 1753, who as he supposed 
 
179 
 
 has a privilege right to keep a cow and one horse to run 
 and feed on the Island had his cow taken up at that time. 
 In the year by Zephaniah Coffin and Able Gardener and 
 impounded, and he was obliged to pay two pounds twelve 
 shillings lawful money afore he could have his cow out of 
 pound or go to law with them which he was in no capa- 
 city to do and has ever since been obliged to keep his cow 
 tied up to prevent a second opportunity. 
 
 2ndly. Some of our said lands particularly at the west 
 end of said Island by the Court held at Edgartown June 
 20, 1672, were settled upon our predecessors and their 
 heirs none to be sold or alienated from them without the 
 consent of them or heirs and the sachem. Which said 
 settlement remains undisturbed till this day and our. 
 
 To have these very lands improved by the English and 
 ourselves forcibly kept out of the improvement of any of 
 them. 
 
 Many more instances to say of hard usage from 
 
 the English to the Indians might be mentioned but as 
 sundry of them have been heretofore told of in the several 
 petitions that were lately preferred to your Excellency and 
 Honors therefore we would not be further tedious or 
 troublesome. 
 
 But only once more to beg your Excellency and Hon- 
 ors to take our distressed circumstances into your wise 
 consideration to receive our former petitions and take 
 some effectual measures that we may have at least the 
 same justice done us as other of His Majesty's good 
 subjects have reason always to expect under your Excell- 
 ency's and Honors wise protectors, and that you will be 
 pleased to appoint some gentlemen that stand indifferent, 
 to make a particular inquiry into our titles and the usage 
 we have received from the English on said Island from 
 time to time and report the same to your Excellency and 
 Honors so that we may be extricated out of our pressing 
 
i8o 
 
 difficulties or otherwise to relieve us as you in your great 
 wisdom shall see meet and in duty bound shall ever pray, 
 etc." 
 
 His 
 John X Tashama, 
 Mark. 
 
 Another Committee was ordered to Nantucket in Sept., 
 1755, but it never went. 
 
 Aug. 29, 1757. The Committee with Mr. Foster and Mr. 
 Barron with such as the Board shall ap- 
 point shall go to Nantucket to investigate 
 complaints of some years' standing, hear 
 the parties, and report what they judge 
 proper for the Court to do therein ; the 
 several committees formerly appointed for 
 that purpose not having been able to 
 attend to that service. 
 
 This committee probably went to Nantucket, because 
 the account given by Obed Macy seems to confirm this 
 inference. But they never made any report that has been 
 preserved. 
 
 With the order that the Committee visit Nantucket the 
 record in the State House ends. No report of the Com- 
 mittee can be found, and how the matter was decided is 
 left to conjecture. 
 
 In Macy's History of Nantucket, on pages 59 to 61, is 
 an account of the controversy which has been heretofore 
 described. He states that the petition was pending in the 
 Supreme Courts and that a judge went to Nantucket and 
 that the case was heard and argued and a decision rendered 
 in favor of the English. In this account Macy relates 
 what probably contained some truth, but also considerable 
 error. 
 
1. It is undoubtedly true that the tribunal, whatever it 
 may have been, went to Nantucket and found the Town 
 House too small for the purpose, and used the meeting- 
 house for the trial. 
 
 2. There was no Supreme Court in those days, and 
 the petition which is quoted by Macy could not have been 
 tried in a court of law ; the fact probably was that instead 
 of the Supreme Court the General Court was intended by 
 the person who informed Macy. 
 
 3. He says the petition of 1702 continued before the 
 Court for many years, and was finally decided in i753' 
 but it has been shown that this matter was settled by a 
 committee in 1703, and that the controversy subsequent to 
 1741 took place long after Spotso had died. 
 
 4. He says that the petition of 1702 was brought about 
 by the English, as they desired to have the complaint 
 settled, and it is to be inferred from his account that this 
 was the only petition brought by the Indians. This is a 
 mistake, for there were many other petitions brought by 
 the Indians and were settled as convenience allowed. It 
 is incredible that having obtained a decision in 1703 the 
 English should invite other attacks accompanied by forged 
 wills and encourage a controversy that continued over fifty 
 years. It may have been possible, but not probable, that 
 the 1702 petition was not objected toby the English, but 
 it cannot be admitted that they took kindly to the later 
 disputes ; having obtained one favorable decision, they 
 would not permit their title to be disturbed. 
 
 5. Macy says that a Judge came in 1753, and a 
 description of the proceedings is given. Probably this 
 date is incorrect, and the fact probably is that the com- 
 mittee of the Legislature with two of Boston's ablest 
 attorneys went to Nantucket in 1757 or 1758, instead of 
 1753, and that a hearing was had in some public place, 
 according to the usage in such cases, and witnesses were 
 
I«2 
 
 heard and quite likely some members of the committee 
 argued the two sides of the case. Then the chairman, 
 quite likel\' one of the lawyers — who in those days were 
 usually called judges — gave the decision of the committee, 
 and the Indians retired as Macy describes. 
 
 But as no record was kept of the proceedings Macy 
 must have received the material for his description from 
 tradition, and many of the details became obscured and 
 changed. 
 
 It is to be regretted that no report of the committee can 
 be found. 
 
 No further attempt by the Indians was ever made to 
 regain their lands. It is stated that the last of the Indian 
 race died in 1822. 
 
mr^'^^V'- 
 
 ^\\\stonca/4 
 
 I IN GO IS' t'^u K n I c L' d i^ u I y. I H V"-, 
 
 Vol. 2. Bulletin Nu. 4. 
 
 /Slantucket Lands and 
 
 Land Owners^ 
 
 HENRY BARNARH WORTH, 
 
 injHLisni:i> i.^ 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Sheep Commons and the Proprietary. 
 
 In the History of Land Titles of Massachusetts, written 
 by James Sullivan in 1807, is the statement that Nantucket 
 titles were obtained by purchase from the Indians, thereby 
 suggesting that there was nothing else worthy of mention. 
 Macy dismisses the subject with the remark that a descrip- 
 tion of the land system would interest only a few, and so 
 he passes to more edifying matters. What, therefore, no 
 person has attempted to accomplish is the object of this 
 work ; and it will be discovered that this curious system 
 and its development in the Island community are full of 
 historical interest. 
 
 In the early period of our colonial history large tracts of 
 land, in various parts of the Province, were from time to 
 time granted by the Government to individuals, who or- 
 ganized themselves under the law into a Proprietary ; kept 
 records of their proceedings, managed and divided the 
 land, and disposed of the same by a majority vote duly 
 recorded in their books of record. When the locality had 
 become sufficiently settled it was incorporated into a town. 
 Such was the origin of all towns in this Commonwealth. 
 
 So it appears that a Proprietary is a collection of indi- 
 viduals who own and propose to hold in common some 
 tract of land or wharf, organized under the law, having 
 officers and by-laws. Their proceedings were conducted 
 like corporation meetings, yet Proprietaries were never 
 incorporated. Their business was transacted veiy similar 
 to the New England town meeting, to which they were 
 
184 
 
 closely related. The presiding officer was the " mod- 
 erator" and the secretary was "clerk," and he was usually, 
 if convenient, the local Register of Deeds, and in his 
 office the Books of Record were generally kept. 
 
 It is an interesting story to read how this custom of our 
 Teutonic ancestors in the German forests crossed two 
 oceans and is found with its constant companion — the 
 Town Meeting, in New England, exhibiting the same fea- 
 tures described by Tacitus as being in full development 
 twenty centuries ago in the wilds of Germany. Every 
 town started as a Proprietary, and the settlers of Nan- 
 tucket, who had lived several years in Massachusetts 
 Bay Colony, were well acquainted with its details and ob- 
 jects. 
 
 According to the usual plan when a Proprietary was 
 formed, the first step was to provide house lots or home- 
 steads. These were of such extent as the situation per- 
 mitted, but were clustered together to form a village. In 
 this the Proprietary differed widely from the Plantations 
 of the southern colonies, where there were no towns or 
 grouping of house lots. The village section at Nantucket 
 has been already shown to have originated about Capaum 
 harbor and southward. As land was abundant and cheap, 
 the settlers decided to allow tracts one thousand feet square 
 to each full share owner, and to half share men a tract 
 half as large. The large tracts comprised about twenty 
 acres. 
 
 Having the house lots or homesteads in one locality, it 
 was possible to hold, control and manage the remaining 
 land for agriculture or grazing. In two respects this was 
 an advantage. The early settlers were not wealthy and 
 could not own large tracts of land separate from each 
 other. Grazing required much room for herds to wander 
 about. Then, if the land were owned by single individu- 
 als, each could compel his neighbor to maintain fences. 
 
i85 
 
 This would be a hardship and expense, and would inter- 
 rupt the free movement of sheep where there was food 
 and water. Separate ownership might not only obstruct 
 but prevent successful sheep raising. But holding the 
 land undivided and in common exactly accomplished the 
 desired result. 
 
 Membership in a Proprietary consisted only in owning 
 an interest in the common land. Hence, if one sold his 
 interest he ceased to be, and his grantee thereby became, 
 a Proprietor. The Nantucket Proprietary started m fact 
 when the purchasers received the deed from May hew, 
 July 2d, 1659, but the contract for purchase must have 
 been made some months earlier. In the Record Book is 
 an account of a meeting of the Purchasers in Salisbury at 
 the house of Benjamin Kimball, in February, 1659. The 
 first association comprised ten men, and at this meeting an 
 order was adopted allowing each of the ten to select a part- 
 ner who should be admitted into the company, making the 
 whole number twenty. They then "determined and con- 
 cluded that no man whatsoever shall purchase any land of 
 any of the Indians upon the sd yland for his own or other 
 private or pticular use. but whatsoever purchase shall 
 be made shall be for ye generall accompt of ye twenty 
 owners or purchasers. And whatsoever pson shall pur- 
 chase any land upon any other accompt it shall be ac- 
 compted voyd and null except what is done by licence 
 from ye sd owners or purchasers." 
 
 This precautionary measure had two purposes. Already 
 it had been discovered that the red men were eager to sign 
 deeds of land for some trifling consideration as long as a 
 part consisted of liquor. The order was intended to pre- 
 vent any such advantage being taken by enterprising 
 speculators. 
 
 About twenty years before a Salem minister named 
 Roger Williams promulgated the dangerous doctrine that 
 
i86 
 
 land tenure in New England based on grants from the 
 English crown were unsound and void ; that the right of 
 discovery was not equal to the right of possession which 
 rested in the Indians. He claimed, therefore, that no title 
 was valid which was not founded on an Indian deed. The 
 subject was then and always has been full of perplexity. 
 Mayhew's title was from the English government. If 
 some other person should acquire title from the Sachems 
 there would arise a conflict as to which had the best claim. 
 The only way to avoid this confusion was to forbid any 
 purchase from the Indians except tor the whole body of 
 owners. At a later meeting in Salisbury they declared 
 that this order "shall stand inviolable and unalterable as 
 necessary to the well being of the place and the contrary 
 tends to ye confusion and ruine of the whole and the sub- 
 verting of the rule and orders already agreed upon and the 
 depriving of the owners of their just rights and interests." 
 This policy was strictly followed by the English until every 
 foot of land on the island had been conveyed b}?^ the red 
 men to the Proprietary. 
 
 The third vote related to securing tradesmen and me- 
 chanics already mentioned. 
 
 At the second meeting Tristram Coffin, Thomas Mac}^, 
 Edward Starbuck, Thomas Barnard and Peter ffoulger of 
 Marthas Vineyard were empowered to measure and lay 
 out convenient house lots, and "whatsoever shall be done 
 by them or any three of them, Peter ftbulger being one, 
 shall be accompted legal and valid." 
 
 The reason for selecting these men was that they had 
 been to Nantucket and were acquainted with the locality. 
 
 Then followed over two years during which no action 
 has been recorded. There is evidence that some of the 
 purchasers had revisited the island and it may be inferred 
 that some kind of building was in progress preparatory to 
 the arrival of the settlers. A record of a meeting at Salis- 
 
i87 
 
 bury, May lo, 1661, indicates that the same five men were 
 to measure and lay out all the rest of the lands on the 
 island ; to determine what lands shall remain common ; 
 and Mayhew, Richard Swain and John Bishop or what 
 other owners that may be on Nantucket to lay out the 
 town. They provided that Coffin, Starbuck, Macy and 
 Swain should have the house lots already chosen and the 
 rest should select by casting lots. 
 
 Two sets of records were to be kept, those in Salisbury 
 by Robert Pyke and at Nantucket by Thomas Macy. 
 
 July 15, 1661, the record begins, "at a meeting on Nan- 
 tucket" it was agreed that each house lot "shall contain 
 sixty rods square to a whole share." 
 
 Although a technical proprietary existed as soon as the 
 Mayhew deed of July 2, 1659, was delivered, yet the own- 
 ers were always designated as "purchasers" or "freehold- 
 ers." This name was retained until the issuance of the 
 Dongan Patent in 1687, ^^^ then for some years they 
 were styled "freeholders and comonalty of the town of 
 Sherborn."* The title "Proprietors of the common and 
 undivided lands of the Island of Nantucket" was adopted 
 after 1700. 
 
 As elsewhere in New England, the term "Proprietors" 
 seems to have been very popular at Nantucket. The 
 name of the Orthodox church is the Proprietors of the 
 the First Congregational Meeting House, and the Unita- 
 rians have the same name except theirs is the Second. 
 Members of the Atheneum Corporation are Proprietors. 
 
 To understand the records of the land owners the pecu- 
 liar situation must be kept in mind. Until 1692 Nantucket 
 was part of New York Colony. When the island was 
 settled the Proprietors decreed that only land owners could 
 be citizens. So the only persons who could vote in town 
 
 *Copies of the Lovelace and Dongan Patents may be found in the Introduction of the 
 Genealogy of the Macy Family. 
 
i88 
 
 meeting were the same individuals that constituted the Pro- 
 prietary, and in the meetings and records the distinction be- 
 tween the town as a municipal body and the Proprietors as 
 a private association was often overlooked. Thus at meet- 
 ings of the Freeholders business of a municipal character 
 was transacted, and at meetings of the town votes were 
 passed relating to common land : and in some meetings 
 both were considered. As long as the original definition 
 of citizenship continued no harm resulted. But when 
 Nantucket was annexed to Massachusetts in 1692 the law 
 of the Province respecting citizenship became operative on 
 the island, and as a result some men who were not free- 
 holders became voters. So the body known as Proprietors 
 was no longer identical with the voters of the town. For 
 a few years the records of both were kept in the same 
 books, but in 1716 the situation required a departure from 
 the ancient method. From December of that year the 
 Proprietary and the town held their meetings and kept 
 their records separate from each other. 
 
 In all business of the Nantucket Proprietors there has 
 been exhibited an equitable method of dealing with each 
 other which might be traced to a spirit of benevolence 
 among the land owners which did not appear in other re- 
 lations. It was probably found to be the only safe rule in 
 such a democratic body to treat all members alike and 
 fairly, and allow none to obtain any advantage not shared 
 by an. 
 
 The Proprietors exercised a wide jurisdiction over af- 
 fairs on the island, and controlled in some matters now 
 managed only by the town or state. In 1676 Thomas 
 Macy and Peter Coffin were licensed to take fish with nets 
 in Mattaket creek. Joseph Coffin was granted permission 
 to build Straight wharf in 1716. In 1758 they paid a 
 bounty of eight pence for crows. At the same period the}' 
 ordered that no tent or booth be erected near the shearincr 
 
189 
 
 pens under penalty of thirty shillings. They refused to 
 build a public market near the wharf or allow any one to 
 do so. In 1754 th^y voted to allow John Coffin and his 
 associates, for one year, to dig on Siasconset Beach, and 
 have what they found. 
 
 As soon as they settled the island the land owners had 
 to adopt names for localities. Only a few are of English 
 derivation. Northam, where Tristram Coffin lived, Up- 
 pertovvn and Middletown never became permanent. New- 
 town still applies to an indefinite region south of Main 
 street. Wheeler's Creek is near the Asylum, but why thus 
 named cannot be discovered. Most of the names are of 
 Indian origin, but many have been changed from the first 
 form recorded and some beyond recognition. Muskeikat, 
 Mattaket, Tuckernucket, Sasagacha, Nopadea, Mattaque- 
 cham, Sauckatuck, Myoakes, Aquitnet suggest the forms 
 now in use. Monomoy, Shimmo, Squam, and Siascon- 
 set remain unchanged. Coittu and Cowatue indicate an 
 attempt to encompass an Indian sound by English letters. 
 Wesquo or Wescoe meant "White Rock," and denoted 
 the location of the present town. It is said that the quartz 
 bowlder which gave the name was situated near the Ma- 
 sonic building. Paquomoquat, Pawqumok, and several 
 other similar forms were in use before 1700. The mod- 
 ern Consue was first Quansue. The most singular de- 
 parture from the original is the modern Polpis. The first 
 name was Poatpes or Portpace, both of which were in use 
 as late as the Revolutionary war. Subsequently the de- 
 rivative Podpis was adopted. Ewer's map in 1869 uses 
 this form. Polpis cannot be justified on any ground. 
 
 Bochochico denotes the region near the Atheneum. Pro- 
 fessor Henry Mitchell suggested that this name, possibly 
 Spanish, was applied to that locality because it meant 
 "little river," and there was a creek that extended up into 
 what is now Pearl street. 
 
190 
 
 Only three streams on the island provided power enough 
 to turn a water wheel ; the outlet from the Lily, then called 
 Wescoe Pond, which extended along Chester street to the 
 harbor ; the Mill Brook, which flows from the swamp to 
 the north, near the Hosier farm to Hummock Pond ; and 
 the stream which was called Stony Brook and empties 
 into Podpis Harbor. Neither of these furnished any ex- 
 tensive power, because there were no rapids or falls. But 
 the settlers were obliged to utilize these or resort to horse 
 or wind power. 
 
 The first necessity was a grist mill. Fulling and carding 
 mills were introduced later. No saw mill is mentioned in 
 the records, probably because there was no timber to de- 
 mand such an enterprise. 
 
 In the first years after settling on the island the brook 
 from Wesco Pond was considered. In October, 1665, the 
 Proprietary voted to build a horse mill and John Bishop 
 was to be the builder. The next spring this plan was 
 abandoned and a water mill was to be constructed at 
 Wesco Pond. This stream in modern times has scarcely 
 enough fall to carry oflf the water of the pond and during 
 many months is dry. Even if the pond were raised by a 
 dam to the highest level, the strength of the head of water 
 would be of limited value. The tradition and description 
 in the records indicate that the mill was between Center 
 and North Water streets on Chester. 
 
 June 10, 1667, Peter Folger was employed to keep the 
 mill and receive as toll two quarts to the bushel and an 
 extra quart from strangers. 
 
 William Bunker agreed in 1672 to build a new mill and 
 to receive forty pounds and half a share of land. For 
 some reason he neglected or failed to carry out the con- 
 tract, and Tristram Coffin undertook the job. But Coffin 
 in September, 1673, had not done anything, and the town 
 appointed Richard and John Gardner and Thomas Macy 
 
191 
 
 to build a tide mill upon the creek " behither Wesco," 
 somewhere near the old mill. The cost was to be fifty 
 pounds in money and half a share of land. They placed 
 the mill on the brook, probably near the corner of Center 
 street, and 1676 the town granted the old mill to John 
 Gardner and John Swain that they might equip it as a fulling 
 mill. The new mill was paid from a public tax. This was 
 the last enterprise undertaken by the town or Proprietors. 
 
 The stream at Poatpes was never used by the Proprietary 
 but for some years they exercised a control over it. It was 
 granted in 1708 to Benjamin Wyers and later to Benjamin 
 Swain to set up a fulling mill, but he failed to supply the 
 town's needs, and in 1717 it was granted for the same pur- 
 pose to Silvanus Hussey and Stephen Coffin, Jr. In 1721 
 it was granted to Hussey alone "as long as he shall main- 
 tain a dam and supply the town needs." Two years later 
 it was again granted to Benjamin Swain. In 1746 the 
 Proprietors granted the same stream at Poatpes to John 
 Swain, "England," and Samuel Moxey, "to full, press, 
 shear and dye cloth." 
 
 The Wescoe brook in 1722 was granted to Eleazer Fol- 
 ger "to damm and set up a fulling mill." 
 
 It was probably found that the power furnished by the 
 two brooks was strong enough only for a weaving mill, 
 and so they were abandoned for grist mill purposes, and 
 wind mills thereafter did the grinding. In 1717, near 
 Daniel Russell's, was a wind mill and others are men- 
 tioned later. 
 
 For many years no reference appears to have been 
 made to a fulling mill. In 1768 a committee of the Pro- 
 prietors was appointed to make an arrangement about 
 some clothier carrying on a fulling mill. Later the com- 
 mittee was ordered to see what agreement could be made 
 with James Skiff' to full cloth and the cost of fitting up the 
 mill. 
 
192 
 
 Later a committee was directed to erect a fulling mill at 
 Poatpes. It seems doubtful if any action was taken, be- 
 cause in 1770 the Proprietors voted to see if a mill could 
 be operated by a stream at Showaukemo, which is some 
 distance nearer town. Some complaint was made about 
 flowing land in the latter locality, and so the owners who 
 suffered damage were given the same amount of land 
 where used to be the old pond at Poatpes. 1772 John 
 Jessop was the miller and operated more than one mill. 
 William Nichol was the miller. 1741, Tristram Star- 
 buck and Zaccheus Macy were authorized to set up a full- 
 inir mill on the Mill Brook near Hummock Pond. 
 
 Wind mills were in existence, probably on Mill Hill, in 
 in 1747. The present mill is said to have been built in 
 1746. 
 
 In 1776 there were three wind mills, the westernmost 
 beincr Samuel Bunker's. 
 
 Quite likely the old Indian trails were adopted as roads. 
 Thomas Coleman and Richard Swain were chosen in 
 1664 surveyors of highways. At a meeting of the inhabi- 
 tants Nov. 20, 1669, the Selectmen or Prudential Men 
 were empowered to lay out highways according to their 
 discretion. If under this authority any ways were laid out 
 no record was preserved, and the only information must 
 be gathered from contemporary deeds. 
 
 The earliest way is that now called Chester street, which 
 extended from the Homestead section east to the Great 
 Harbor. In 1667 this road was used from Cappamet to 
 the mill, William Gayer built his house between Center 
 and North Water street in 1683, and the present Center 
 street was then a cart way. In 1665 Crooked or Long 
 Lane, which now passes the farm of William H. H. Smith, 
 was in use. Other ways will be mentioned in the descrip- 
 tions of land divisions. Many streets were opened by 
 owners and adopted by the public by actual use. The 
 
193 
 
 unfenced tracts on the island were crossed by travellers at 
 will, and roads to outlying points were changing from 
 year to year. Recorded layouts were not frequent before 
 1846. 
 
 The difficulty in determining how to apportion pastur- 
 age among the land owners led to much perplexity. 
 
 In September, 1672, each whole share man was allowed 
 to pasture 23 sheep. In 1689, when more land had been 
 purchased from the Indians, each share was entitled to 
 two horses, forty cows or one hundred sheep. In 1706 the 
 proportion was one horse, two cows or sixteen sheep. There 
 was continual controversy about the number of sheep pas- 
 tured. The Proprietors asserted that the island was over- 
 stocked and that men owning no land were pasturing sheep 
 on the corqmons. Some men were determined to obtain 
 all pasturage possible. As a result the Proprietors issued 
 orders and mandates to counteract this infringement. The 
 end of the contest will be described hereafter in the "Sheep 
 War." 
 
 An incident to the pasturage business was the necessity 
 of fences to keep the cattle and sheep of the English from 
 lands not yet sold by the Indians. The first boundaries 
 were the Hummock Pond and a line drawn from the mouth 
 of the Mill Brook to the creek at the Nantucket Harbor. 
 For keeping cattle from trespassing a ditch was dug from 
 Hummock Pond to the ocean ; but on the long line be- 
 tween the pond and Wheeler's Creek at Monomoy a fence 
 had to be built. Later, when the English bought from the 
 Indians land south and east of the town, gates were cut 
 through the fence where roads extended. On Orancre 
 street was the Newton gate and further west were other 
 gates or bars. This fence was maintained after 1800, in 
 order that sheep on the commons could be kept from the 
 town. 
 
 Whether Nantucket was heavily wooded when the Eng- 
 
194 
 
 lish came is no concern of this work. Frequent references 
 to wood and trees appear in the records, but how large 
 they were can only be inferred from collateral facts. In 
 1663 an order was passed that "no man shall cut any tim- 
 ber on Cowatu except for building houses." In 1676 they 
 forbid cutting green trees for post rails or for the bark. In 
 1685 any owner could cut pines for whale boats. The wood 
 question was confined to Coatue, and orders and decrees 
 were frequent about '*sedars and pines." 
 
 Whatever wood there may have been on this point, no 
 saw mill was ever established on the island in early times. 
 
 Each owner at first had a homestead of over twenty 
 acres. Then the grass meadows under the cliff from the 
 Great Spring around to Monomoy were assigned to the 
 Proprietors, one acre to each. In like manner the Pocomo 
 meadows were divided. As the number of families in- 
 creased, sons married and built houses on the ancestral 
 home lot, but the demand for more land soon became ap- 
 parent. There were scattered over the island numerous 
 small areas of fertile land, too small to divide and yet 
 capable of yielding an advantageous crop. In 1663 Tris- 
 tram Coffin, John Bishop, Robert Barnard and Peter 
 Folger were directed to lay out corn fields. In 1669 each 
 owner was directed to sow on the common land a bushel 
 of grass seed. In 1672 a harrow was purchased for the 
 public use. The Proprietors' committee each year desig- 
 nated where the planting land was to be used. These 
 were selected in localities where the land was fertile and 
 well watered. No record was made of the localities used 
 in this transient way. 
 
 In measuring and defining lots of land a surveyor was 
 needed. This was one of the accomplishments of Peter 
 Folger, and when he died in 16S0 William Worth and 
 William Gayer engaged in this pursuit. It is easy to infer 
 that these men were mariners and that navigation was the 
 
195 
 
 basis of their knowledge of surveying. When a course is 
 stated "south southwest i west," it is clear that a mariner's 
 compass was the instrument used. It would be erroneous 
 to say that these men were successful in this occupation. 
 They referred tracts of land to such fleeting boundaries as 
 "a house," "a tree," "a swamp," and as will hereafter ap- 
 pear in sixty )'ears their poor work had caused great trou- 
 ble and confusion. It is not possible to identify, except 
 approximately, any layouts before 1700, and not everyone 
 before 1800. 
 
 Most of the recorded plans refer to no fixed object with 
 which to connect them. Many of the plans will not "close 
 up," there being errors in courses or distances. 
 
 As fast as deeds were received from the Indians the 
 Proprietors arranged for extending the house lots. The 
 shore from Pocomo to Wheeler's Creek was among the 
 early purchases from the Sachems, and Stephen Hussey 
 built a house a Monomoy. John Swain's confirmation 
 grant of the neck at Podpis was dated 1684, but he may 
 have built there earlier. Ben Abel gave a deed of South- 
 east Quarter in 1742. Siasconset Path is mentioned in 
 1725, and the section was used for pasture. The first 
 grant at Siasconset was made to Abel Gardner in i747' 
 The land north of the GuUey was laid out in strips eigh- 
 teen rods east and west and three rods wide in 175'"^) and 
 at this date Siasconset became a fishing village. A few 
 houses were built by the English at Quidnet for fishing 
 purposes before 1700. 
 
 The first mention of a wharf is dated 1716, when Joseph 
 Coffin is allowed to build a "wharf at ye old landing forty 
 feet wide, and it shall be his privilege so long as he keeps 
 it in good repair." Presumably he complied with this re- 
 quirement, because the grant seems to have been perma- 
 nent. Only by inference is it possible to determine when 
 the other wharves were built. The next recorded refer- 
 
196 
 
 ence is in November, 1774, when land is granted on each 
 side of the South, Old or Straight, North, and New North 
 wharves. What few facts were recorded lead to the infer- 
 ence that while the Old wharf might have been built be- 
 fore 1720, the other three were built not much before i774' 
 The Commercial wharf, now the southernmost, was built 
 after 1800. 
 
 The owners of these four wharves will serve to indicate 
 the persons who were prominent in business affairs in 
 1774. Their names and shares were as follows : 
 
 
 South Wharf. 
 
 
 Joseph Rotch 
 
 45 
 
 Seth Macy 
 
 97 
 
 Zaccheus Macy 
 
 602 
 
 Reuben Swain 
 
 78 
 
 Paul Bunker 
 
 25 
 
 Josiah Barker 
 
 301 
 
 Richard Chadwick 
 
 94 
 
 Jonathan Burnell 
 
 216 
 
 Tristram Starbuck 
 
 255 
 
 Johh Way's heirs 
 
 40 
 
 Natliauiel Macy 
 
 Gl 
 
 Ebenezer Calef, Esq. 
 
 327 
 
 John CofBu 
 
 371 
 
 Zehaneah Coffin 
 
 98 
 
 Richard Mitchell 
 
 405 
 
 Josiah Coffin 
 
 327 
 
 
 3,050 shares. 
 
 
 
 Straight 
 
 Wharf. 
 
 
 At 
 
 the foot of 
 
 Main Street. 
 
 
 Nathaniel Macy 
 
 79 
 
 Caleb Bunker 
 
 99 
 
 Jethro Coleman 
 
 45 
 
 George Hussey 
 
 24 
 
 Zephaniah Coffin 
 
 396 
 
 Reuben Gardner & Co. 
 
 82 
 
 Selh Macy 
 
 97 
 
 William Swain, 2d 
 
 18 
 
 Josiah Barker 
 
 452 
 
 Fdward Starbuck 
 
 123 
 
 Thomas Starbuck 
 
 247 
 
 Obed Hussey 
 
 70 
 
 William Starbuck hei 
 
 rs 114 
 
 Daniel Gardner 
 
 180 
 
 Thomas Gardner 
 
 112 
 
 Jetliro Gardner heirs 
 
 105 
 
 Grafton Gardner 
 
 128 
 
 William Gardner & Co. 
 
 135 
 
 Samuel Starbuck 
 
 47 
 
 Robert Gardner 
 
 55 
 
197 
 
 Robert Barnard heirs 
 
 47 
 
 Enoch Gardner 
 
 135 
 
 Caleb Macy 
 
 189 
 
 David Coffin 
 
 142 
 
 Tristram Swuiu 
 
 9 
 
 Christopher Starbuck 
 
 12 
 
 Abishai Folger 
 
 18 
 
 Benjamin Barney 
 
 100 
 
 Richard Macy 
 
 187 
 
 Seth Swain heirs 
 
 19 
 
 Reuben Swain 
 
 127 
 
 John Macy 
 
 170 
 
 Joseph Macy heirs 
 
 90 
 
 Francis Macy 
 
 98 
 
 Francis Brown & Co. 
 
 198 
 
 Jonathan Macy 
 
 124 
 
 Thomas Jeulcins & Co. 
 
 9 
 
 William Rotch 
 
 549 
 
 
 4,831 
 
 shares. 
 
 
 Old 
 
 North Wharf. 
 
 
 Reuben Swain 
 
 21 
 
 Zephaniah Cotliu 
 
 226 
 
 Jonathan Burnell 
 
 142 
 
 Thomas Starbuck 
 
 111 
 
 John Ways heirs 
 
 98 
 
 William Starbuck heirs 
 
 50 
 
 Thomas Gardner 
 
 194 
 
 Grafton Gardner 
 
 224 
 
 Seth Macy 
 
 48 
 
 Samuel Starbuck 
 
 18 
 
 Wilb'am Hussey 
 
 84 
 
 William Coffin 
 
 120 
 
 Robert Barnard heirs 
 
 43 
 
 Margaret Bunker 
 
 99 
 
 Timothy Folger 
 
 9 
 
 George Bunker 
 
 84 
 
 Bethuel Gardner 
 
 222 
 
 Caleb Macy 
 
 161 
 
 Tristram Swain 
 
 9 
 
 Abishai Folger 
 
 82 
 
 Timothy Coleman & Co. 
 
 25 
 
 Caleb Bunker 
 
 82 
 
 Jonathan «& Joseph Swain 
 
 112 
 
 Joseph Hussey 
 
 90 
 
 Charles & Timothy Swain 
 
 206 
 
 Christopher Hussey 
 
 60 
 
 George Hussey 
 
 21 
 
 Nathaniel Hussey heirs 
 
 71 
 
 Batchelor Hussey 
 
 62 
 
 Richard Cotliu 
 
 51 
 
 Richard Coffin & Co. 
 
 190 
 
 Reuben Gardner 
 
 87 
 
 Jonathan Coffin heirs 
 
 280 
 
 
 
 3,344 shares. 
 
 Zaccheus Macy 
 Paul Bunker 
 
 New North Wharf. 
 
 Present Steamboat Wharf. 
 
 150 FJjenezer Calef 22 
 
 9 Alexander Gardner 138 
 
36 
 
 William Hussey 
 
 8 
 
 66 
 
 George Hussey 
 
 15 
 
 22 
 
 Ricliard Coffin 
 
 17 
 
 38 
 
 Shubael Barnard 
 
 81 
 
 60 
 
 Barzillai Folger 
 
 60 
 
 60 
 
 David Joy 
 
 22 
 
 8 
 
 Jethro Hussey 
 
 180 
 
 8 
 
 Richard Mitchell, Jr. 
 
 94 
 
 42 
 
 Elheezer Calef 
 
 141 
 
 1,515 
 
 shares. 
 
 
 198 
 
 Reuben Swain 78 Grafton Gardner 160 
 
 Samuel Starbuck 
 
 Caleb Macy 
 
 Batchelor Hussey 
 
 Thomas Jenkins 
 
 Daniel Folger 
 
 Benjamin Folger 
 
 George Folger 
 
 Stephen Paddock 
 
 Benjamin Coffin 
 
 The term "sheep commons" is regarded as importing 
 some technical meaning not readily, understood, while the 
 fact is that it is easily comprehended. During the years 
 from 1720 to 1740 in the deeds occur the expressions "horse 
 commons" and "cow commons." They are merely varia- 
 tions of the "sheep commons" when applied to horses and 
 cows. 
 
 "Sheep's common" is first mentioned about 1716 in a 
 deed from Eleazer Folger. It meant pasturage for one 
 sheep on the common and undivided lands, and was thus 
 frequently described. Thus a person owning that right 
 could turn out one sheep to roam over the commons. This 
 term came ultimately to denote a fractional part of the 
 common land. The Proprietors seem to have estimated 
 that an acre of common land would maintain one sheep. 
 The survey of the land held in common indicated 19,440 
 acres, so that number of sheep could be pastured on the 
 common land. A "sheep's common" meant the right to 
 pasture one sheep, and also it was jq^^-q of the common 
 land. This term therefore indicated how much in the 
 common land a man owned and how many sheep he could 
 pasture. 
 
 The reason for adopting this singular designation is in- 
 
199 
 
 teresting. The Proprietors of common land in Massachu- 
 setts Bay and Plymouth Colony had only one object, 
 which was to divide the land among the owners as speedily 
 as it could conveniently be surveyed and investigated. In 
 most cases the entire land was divided before the year 
 1700. Only a few Proprietaries existed in 1800, and in 
 1900 that in Nantucket was the only one remaining in the 
 state. At Nantucket a widely different purpose animated 
 the settlers. The thousand hills and vales were to remain 
 common and undivided as one vast pasture over which 
 sheep could roam in search of food and water. Grazing 
 w^as to be the permanent use of this extensive area. 
 Ultimate division was never contemplated. 
 
 The original owners comprised twenty Proprietors who 
 owned one share each and fourteen who owned each half 
 a share. The island common land was held in twenty- 
 seven shares. The families were large and these shares 
 in a few generations would be subdivided into very small 
 fractions. Thus a man who owned a share or ^V o^ 
 the common land might have ten children, and each 
 would own ^l-Q. The next generation might own 2yVo 
 each. A division of one share as a unit would in a 
 century produce interests denoted by fractions with 
 large denominators, such a notation was exceedingly 
 cumbrous and the only escape was to adopt a unit much 
 smaller than a share. The " sheep commons " exactly 
 met the requirement. If a man owned y^o of a share, its 
 exact equivalent was 27 sheep commons and the latter be- 
 side being less awkward served the two useful purposes 
 already noticed. 
 
 The term came into general use just before the Revolu- 
 tion and has remained ever since. 
 
 Some owners of common land did not pasture thereon 
 any sheep and others not as many as their sheep com- 
 mons allowed while there were always some who main- 
 
200 
 
 tained more than their interests justified. Attempts were 
 made by the Proprietors to regulate this trespass but with- 
 out success. Finally in 1845 the Proprietors resorted to 
 the law to enforce their rights. They persuaded Thomas 
 B. Field, Elisha M. Hinckley, Joseph Vincent, George 
 and Oliver W. Easton, field drivers to impound sheep 
 illegally at large on the commons. At one time they had 
 impounded 2000 sheep. Eminent lawyers were employed 
 and numerous lawsuits ensued. It was known as the 
 " Sheep War." In some cases the sheep owners and in 
 others the field drivers were successful. But a force was 
 at work which settled the controversy beyond appeal. 
 Nantucket could no longer compete with the grazing dis- 
 tricts of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and the West, 
 and when the lawsuits had closed the sheep industry on 
 the island suddenly ended. Sheep marking and shearing 
 were two interesting incidents of this occupation. 
 
 In June, 1665, the Proprietors ordered that each man 
 should adopt an ear mark, and they were recorded. A 
 severe penalty was named if one of these marks was 
 altered. The process of marking was in charge of a com- 
 mittee. These marks consisted in cutting off certain parts 
 of the ears or making slots or holes therein. The designs 
 were few in number, but by changing their position on one 
 or both ears or by combination an endless variety could 
 be formed. 
 
 The first mention of shearing is dated 1676. The time 
 finally adopted was the Monday nearest the 20th of June. 
 Extensive areas near the ponds were fenced and called 
 shear-pens. The sheep were driven into these enclosures 
 from every part of the island. Here they were washed 
 and identified by the owners. Then came shearing day 
 which resembled the modern county fair. The last shear- 
 ing occurred in 1847, and now only the old men know the 
 location of the pens. 
 
20I 
 
 In all divisions of land before 1800 the plan followed 
 required that each owner should receive at one and the 
 same time his proportion. Thus when the Fish lots were 
 laid out every owner had a part of the same value propor- 
 tionately as every other part. But in the common and un- 
 divided lands outside, each still held his ownership. 
 
 The plan wag modified in 181 5 and reference will be 
 made thereto hereafter. 
 
 Having allotted to each Proprietor a house lot and 
 meadows in 1661 to 1665 no other division was made until 
 1678 when Wesco acre lots were set off. This division 
 was bounded south by Liberty ; east by Federal ; west 
 by North Liberty ; and north by Broad street and its 
 line extended west. The present corner of Federal 
 and Main streets is between twenty and thirty feet 
 north of its original location, and in 1678 was on a 
 line with the north line of Liberty street. But after the 
 1846 fire the town widened the square by setting back the 
 buildings between Center and Federal streets. At the 
 time of this division several streets were laid out : Center 
 street from Liberty to Broad ; Liberty the entire length of 
 the division ; Federal along the east side. Broad street is 
 not mentioned, but was then probably in existence. Cen- 
 ter street further north was only a cart path. Pearl street 
 was established and separated the share of Peter Coffin on 
 the north from the Swain share on the south. The narrow 
 lane which now extends along the north side of the Metho- 
 dist church was a later creation. This lane extended east of 
 Center to Federal. The present engine house is across 
 its location. In order that each owner might have a front- 
 age on the salt water which came up to Federal street, the 
 shares were made two rods wide and eighty rods long in 
 form not unlike a yard stick to which they have been com- 
 pared. The space between Broad and Liberty streets al- 
 lowed twenty such strips and one was allotted to each of 
 
share 
 
 I 
 
 ( ( 
 
 2 
 
 a 
 
 3 
 
 i( 
 
 4 
 
 share 
 
 I 
 
 ( ( 
 
 2 
 
 ( ( 
 
 3 
 
 i i 
 
 4 
 
 share 
 
 I 
 
 ( ( 
 
 2 
 
 a 
 
 3 
 
 ( ( 
 
 4 
 
 202 
 
 the first twenty Proprietors in the following order begin- 
 ing at the north and proceeding south : 
 
 First Squadron — ^John Bishop, 
 Wm. Pille, 
 Steven Greenleaf, 
 Thomas Coleman, 
 
 Second Squadron — Robert Pike, 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard, 
 Christopher Hussey, 
 John Smith, 
 
 Third Squadron — Tristram Coffin, 
 
 Tristram Coffin, Jr., 
 James Coffin, 
 Peter Coffin, 
 
 Fourth Squadron — Four lots to John and Richard Swain. 
 
 Fifth Squadron — Thomas Mayhews share i 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard, " 2 
 
 Nathaniel Starbuck, " 3 
 
 Edward Starbuck, " 4 
 
 The other owners were either given land elsewhere or had 
 already received their proportion. The tract between Cen- 
 ter and North Water streets from Broad to Ash lane was 
 assigned to Thomas Macy, and the lot north to Ash street 
 to William Worth ; the half acre next north to Step lane to 
 John Gardner, and the rest to Chester street was set off to 
 Richard Gardner, Jr. 
 
 Richard Gardner, Senior, was omitted in the Wesco acre 
 division because his grant on Academy Hill included his 
 proportion. The Folgers received their part later on 
 Main street. 
 
203 
 
 No other land was divided for nearly forty years. House 
 lots and meadows had been set offin sufficient amounts for 
 one generation. 
 
 When Wesco lots were divided, the inhabitants sup- 
 posed that the center of the population would be near the 
 No Bottom Pond. Some were expected to settle at 
 Wesco. Edward Cartwright bought land in 1678 at 
 Pocomo. The Swains were preparing to move to Podpis. 
 The Husseys lived at Monomoy. Richard and John 
 Gardner lived at North shore and were the easternmost 
 residents at Wesco. A few moved their homes from 
 Capaum to Wesco, but no important change took place 
 before 1700. Capaum Harbor was the landing place, 
 and town meetings were held in Edward Starbuck's 
 house. But at some date after 1700 an event occurred 
 which caused the Islanders to abandon Capaum for Wes- 
 co as a residential section. Capaum Harbor was open in 
 1698 according to the testimony of a Qiiaker missionary. 
 But in 1722 it had been closed by a storm, and a map de- 
 scribes it as a pond. The land records about 17 17 show a 
 marked activity in buying and selling land at Wesco, and 
 divisions were laid out on the Harbor south of Main street. 
 It seems probable that the closing of Capaum Harbor oc- 
 curred at this time. 
 
 At the south of Main street to the line separating the 
 English from the Indians, the land was common and undi- 
 vided, and as new house lots were needed, the inhabitants 
 turned their attention to this region. 
 
 Two tracts seemed desirable. One on Wesco Hill or 
 Qiianaty Bank, where the Unitarian church stands, and the 
 other across the Harbor at Shimmo, and both were divided 
 simultaneously in August 1717. 
 
 From the fact that Shimmo was never inclosed and oc- 
 cupied, no mark of identification exists whereby this tract 
 can be located. It was situated somewhere east of the 
 
204 
 
 Monomoy ; was rectangular, and 167 rods north and south 
 and 100 rods east and west. It began at a point 21 rods 
 southwest from the southwest corner of a fresh pond 
 which is westward of Thomas Bunker's house. The 27 
 shares were set oft' to the persons according to the sched- 
 ule hereafter inserted. This situation is an excellent il- 
 lustration of the prevailing difficulty concerning land titles 
 at Nantucket which will be described at length hereafter. 
 The owners of the four principal divisions in the present 
 town are given in a schedule hereafter. 
 
 An examination of this schedule shows one significant 
 change which had taken place since the division of Wes- 
 co lots. In the former division each owner had an 
 entire share, and now many of the shares were held by 
 several ; because, only a few had ownership large enough 
 to entitle them to a whole share. 
 
 The Fish Lot division was the most important laid out 
 out on the island and soon became densely populated. It 
 began at a point on the hill back of the Masonic building, 
 on the corner of Union and Main streets, at about where 
 is the house of Mrs. Mary Hussey, and extended west fifty 
 rods which brought the line to the junction of Main street 
 and Rays court. It was bounded east by Qiianaty or 
 Wesco bank ; west by Rays court and Pine street, and 
 southerly by a line from Pine to Union street, drawn east 
 and west along the south end of Fair street. 
 
 The original layout provided for Fair street and a way 
 along the edge of the bank, but two years later this road was 
 changed to the location of an old way and called Orange 
 street. Main and Pine streets were probably in use. 
 Fair street was nearly in the middle of the division. 
 
 The shares extended from Fair street east and west and 
 were not like the Wesco acre yard-stick lots, but averaged 
 116 feet in width north and south. 
 
 As soon as this division was made there were many 
 
205 
 
 deeds relating to this section and it must have been rap- 
 idly settled. But no houses are mentioned except Solo- 
 mon Gardner's, before 17 17, and this must have been near 
 the location of the house of Mrs. Mary Hussey , back of the 
 Masonic Building. 
 
 Although the bounds of this division have long ago dis- 
 appeared, yet the angle in Fair street furnishes a guide 
 for plotting the entire tract. By this it is evident that 
 Plumb lane was at the angle and in share 7, while Mar- 
 tin's lane extended along the north edge of share 6. 
 
 The Fish Lot division did not touch Main street, as will 
 appear by reference to the plans, except at Ray's court. 
 
 The accompanying schedule will show the owners and 
 shares in these two and the Monomoy divisions. 
 
2o6 
 
 OWNERS OF SHIMMO, FISH LOTS, WEST 
 AND SOUTH MONOMOY. 
 
 Stephen Coffin and son Stephen 
 
 Sarah Gardner 
 
 Edward Coffin and Bethia Gardner 
 
 James Coffin 
 
 Jethro Coffin and Stephen Coffin, Jr 
 
 Nathaniel Starbuck and Colemans 
 
 Peter and Samuel Coffin 
 
 James, Ebenezer Gardner and brethren 
 
 Nathaniel Barnard ... • 
 
 Jethro Starbuck and George Gardner 
 
 John Swain and Samuel Gardner 
 
 Nathaniel Starbuck 
 
 Ebenezer and Peter Coffin and William Worth . . . 
 
 Kleazer Folger and brethren 
 
 AVilliam Vaughn 
 
 Joseph and Benjamin Swain and Robert Long . . . 
 
 James CotHn, Jr 
 
 The Bunkers 5, Proprietary i 
 
 Thomas Macy 
 
 Ebenezer Gardner and Jemima Coffin 
 
 James Coffin, Jr., Edmund Allen and Macies . . . . 
 
 Nathaniel Coffin and William Worth 
 
 William Worth, Richard Gardner and Stephen Coffin 
 
 George Gardner 
 
 Stephen Hussey 
 
 Richard Pinkham and Nathaniel Barnard 
 
 Richard Gardner 
 
 1 
 
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/ 
 
207 
 
 A curious procedure took place in December 1722. 
 The record is thus : 
 
 " Whereas the freeholders of Nantucket have for some 
 time labored under inconveniences with respect to the ir- 
 regularity of certain tracts of land called house lots and 
 dividends, some being interlapped, many unintelligible 
 and some by reason of mistakes, others that the former 
 butts and bounds thereof are lost and many grievances 
 thence ensue ; it is therefore ordered to redress the same 
 that every proprietor may lay down every particular tract 
 and may have their just proportions according to their 
 just right and interest, and Nathaniel Starbuck, Eleazer 
 Folger, Thomas Macy, Batchelor Hussey and George 
 Hussey, are appointed to survey and measure the contents 
 of ye house lots and dividend lands." 
 
 If in sixty years after the house lots had been laid out 
 all this trouble was experienced with the descriptions, we 
 may be excused for finding the same difficulties near two 
 centuries later. So they began again, and every Proprie- 
 tor verbally gave back the land which had been set ofi' to 
 him. It might be regarded as a very loose performance if 
 attempted today, but no questions seem to have been 
 raised at the time. It required a dozen pages to record 
 the surrenders and subsequent layouts and they had all- 
 day meetings for several consecutive days until all the 
 the troublesome errors had been corrected. In every case 
 the new layouts followed this formula : 
 
 "Voted and agreed that George Gardner shall have the 
 tract of land on which his house stands, containing 21 
 acres according to the plat thereof as it is laid out, (errors 
 excepted in course, distance or area.)" 
 
 Of these plans which numbered ninety, only two are in 
 existence. So for purposes of investigation, the approxi- 
 mate locality only can be determined by subsequent con- 
 veyances, an exceedingly difficult undertaking, because 
 
208 
 
 exact surveying did not begin with this new start, but the 
 same methods continued as before. 
 
 After the Fish Lots had been assigned there remained 
 two intermediate sections to be allotted, one the triangular 
 tract bounded by Liberty, Main and Gardner streets, and 
 the other along the south side of Main street and next to 
 the Fish Lots, On the lot once occupied by the Hicksite 
 Friends Meeting House, now the residence of Wm. T. 
 Swain, in 1722 was the blacksmith shop of Jethro Gard- 
 ner. At the east end of this lot which is the west end of 
 the John W. Barrett homestead, the Fish Lots were distant 
 from Main street forty-one feet ; at Fair street 66 feet ; at 
 Orange street 76 feet; and at a point 124 feet east of 
 Orange, this division was 83 feet south of Main street. 
 The strip between was assigned, the part east of Orange 
 street to the heirs of William Worth ; and the part west to 
 Jethro Gardner's lot to the heirs of Eleazer Folger. 
 
 The other section was assigned as follows : beginning at 
 the Pacific bank corner and proceeding west. The heirs 
 of Joseph Gardner received a lot measuring 266 feet on 
 Main and Liberty streets from the corner. Next lot was 
 Edward Allen's, which was no feet on both streets; then 
 Richard Gardner's lot had a frontage of 70 feet ; and next 
 west, Thomas Macy had 160 feet on each street and was 
 practically the section between Winter street and Walnut 
 lane. 
 
 Then the Clay Pits included Winter street and about 50 
 feet west. 
 
 At Winter street the distance between Main and Liberty 
 was so great that west of this point the lots extended only 
 half way to the other street. On Liberty west of Winter 
 was the lot of James Gardner with frontage of 120 feet in- 
 cluding the two Wilbur houses. The next 60 feet was as- 
 signed to Wm. Worth and George Gardner. Then 58 feet 
 next west was laid out to Ebenezer Gardner. The remain- 
 
209 
 
 ing space up to and including Gardner street was allotted 
 to Eleazer Folger. On Main street west of Winter was 
 one acre which was set oft' to Jabez Bunker. 
 
 In 1726 the Proprietors divided two more sections called 
 West and South Monomoy. The latter is now largely 
 meadow land and was probably such from the beginning. 
 The Cathcart Farm at Monomoy was in this division. It 
 comprised a strip along the harbor above the marsh nearly 
 a mile east and west and extended south to the Podpis 
 Road. 
 
 Its east line was the east line of the Cathcart farm. 
 No streets were included in the layout. 
 
 West Monomoy, next to Fish Lots, was the most thickly 
 inhabited part of the town. It was bounded north by the 
 Fish Lots, south by the line extending from the Creeks to 
 Humrnock Pond, approximately at the first mile stone. 
 East by the Consue Meadows and the Creeks, and its west 
 line Pleasant street. As the junction of Union and Orange 
 streets is clearly defined on the plan the entire division 
 can be laid down. Union, Orange, and Pleasant streets 
 are delineated. As soon as this division was confirmed, 
 its north section was rapidly settled, and it now contains 
 houses that were erected soon after 1726, but none of an 
 earlier date. 
 
 About the time that houses at Cappaum were moved to 
 Wescoe, the whaling industry had become firmly estab- 
 lished, and as Nantucket was sending out whaling vessels 
 it naturally became a trading port. Oil was brought home 
 and reshipped to the coast cities along the Atlantic, and in 
 return came merchandise of all sorts. At once the shore 
 along the west end of the harbor was valuable for ware- 
 houses. In 1 7 16 the Straight wharft was built and land 
 on each side of Main street east of Union was laid out in 
 1723 as warehouse lots. Their value may be inferred 
 from the fact that they were only 16 by 40 feet. These 
 
2IO 
 
 warehouse lots extended from Pearl to Main street and 
 about the same distance south. They were immediately 
 occupied by buildings for mercantile purposes. 
 
 In 1744 the beach east of Federal street was hilly and 
 uneven and a creek extended into Pearl street. An order 
 was passed by the Proprietors that the tract should be lev- 
 eled and laid out. It was bounded by Main, Federal, 
 Broad and Water streets, and was named Bocochico. 
 
 It is not the purpose of this work to describe further 
 divisions. Those outside of the town limits are delineated 
 on the maps of Dr. Ewer. Some of them included over 
 2000 acres. Those made before 1800, owing to imperfect 
 surveys, cannot be accurately identified. Attention has 
 been called to the fact that before 1800, when divisions 
 were made, each owner had his portion of the same and 
 still retained his interest in the common and undivided 
 lands outside. About 1815, after a bitter lawsuit, a new 
 method was permitted by the Supreme Court. Under that 
 decision, if a man owned 100 sheep commons he could 
 compel the Proprietors to set oft' to him his entire interest 
 in one place, and by that process he ceased to have any 
 more interest in the remaining common land, and his 
 sheep commons were cancelled. It was called "paying " 
 100 sheep commons for the land. As a result of this law- 
 suit Richard Mitchell and ten associates had set off" to 
 them Plainfield, the 2100 acres between Siasconset and 
 Sesachacha Pond and extending from the ocean west be- 
 tween one and two miles. These persons owned 226S 
 sheep commons which were cancelled on the Proprietors 
 books and they had no longer any interest in the common 
 and undivided lands. In this way Coatue, Surfside, and a 
 great number of smaller parcels were set oft' to individuals, 
 and the sheep commons have become reduced from 19,440 
 to less than 1000. The commons and undivided land 
 now controlled and managed by the Proprietary is very 
 
211 
 
 difficult to find. If one were to mark on a sheet of paper 
 as many half dollars as possible and then cut out the cir- 
 cles, what would remain would represent the remaining 
 common land. An attempt has been made to exercise 
 some control over the Great Ponds 6n the ground that this 
 control vested in the Proprietary before Nantucket become 
 a part of Massachusetts and that therefore the Massachu- 
 setts law concerning the Great Ponds and the rights of 
 the public therein, does not apply to Nantucket. Recently 
 Myacomet Pond was set off to an individual to develop 
 as a private fishery. The Supreme Court would probably 
 hold that the Pond was public and could not become 
 private except by an act of the Legislature. 
 
 Much complaint is heard about the obscure titles on 
 Nantucket. The Legislature seemed to recognize this 
 when the town was .authorized to condemn for park pur- 
 poses as much of Muskeget as was "not held b}^ a clear 
 title." If this phrase means anything it is that the owners 
 of the land cannot be asce^'tained. If a map of Nantucket 
 were made and all fenced areas delineated it would be dis- 
 covered that the inclosed locations comprise a very small 
 proportion of the island. Thousands of acres were never 
 inclosed and probably never will be. They have practi- 
 cally been abandoned, and as no bounds of the layouts 
 have been preserved it is impossible to ascertain who owns 
 any particular tract. The difficulty with the titles, and it 
 is serious, consists solely in the fact that the land was not 
 worth inclosing and improving. Such a situation was ad- 
 mirably adapted to sheep raising. As long as there were 
 thousands of sheep to roam over the moors of Nantucket, 
 it was more profitable that the land should remain in this 
 condition of uncertainty. But when sheep raising closed 
 and it was proposed to improve the land, then came per- 
 plexity in securing a title. Then ignorant and unskilful 
 persons have always been ready to advise in difficult cases 
 
212 
 
 of conveyancing and have added much confusion to the 
 complicated condition. Shimmo has been mentioned as 
 an illustration. Here the bounds of the division being a 
 pond, unnamed and unidentified, have been lost beyond 
 recovery. In 1717 it was owned by sixty persons. Be- 
 cause the land was without value, no person ever took the 
 trouble to gather together the interests in one name. 
 Then the descendants of these owners emigrated to every 
 section of the world and the owners are now myriad and 
 unascertainable. These divisions comprise nine-tenths of 
 the island. The Proprietors designated the land in divis- 
 ions as "dividend land" to distinguish it from the common 
 and undivided lands. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 Nantucket I^and Speculations. 
 
 It has been said that the shore line of Nantucket is 87 
 miles in length, and along the entire line is a sand beach. 
 The line of the Harbor alone is 21 miles long. Of the 
 entire shore very few sections have not been the locus of 
 some land speculation. Whenever Nantucket has had a 
 good season and men have been exploring the island for 
 seaside lots, then some keen real estate exploiter has 
 sought to develop some part of the island and place it on a 
 possible market. These projects have been confined to 
 the space within a half mile limit of the shore. Tucker- 
 nuck and Muskeget, not being within regular communi- 
 cation with Nantucket, have not been the object of such 
 moves. 
 
 The residential part of Nantucket has been subject to 
 periodical fluctuations. Its high water mark in population 
 was reached not far from 1830. Speculation in land was 
 was then unknown. But about that time many persons 
 erected the houses at Siasconset that for years were its 
 pride. They extended along the main street. The houses 
 nearer the bank were of earlier construction and were 
 mostly occupied by men who were engaged in cod Ashing. 
 
 But for many years later there were no houses south of 
 the Gully or north of the Plainfield line, which is the 
 south line of Flagg's land. Siasconset in 1870 was about 
 what it had been for half a century before. 
 
 The movements in relation to real estate which are de- 
 fined as speculative did not commence until summer visi- 
 
214 
 
 tors began to visit the island. Previous to 1870 seaside 
 resorts in New England were not common. About this 
 time wealthy families in the middle and southern parts of 
 the country started the custom of spending the summer 
 months on the New England shore. At Nantucket there 
 were two hotels and some boarding houses, one of which 
 was at Siasconset. Three sail boats moored at the steam- 
 boat wharf were ready to pilot a coaster or accommodate 
 a fishing party. In 1872 a new hotel was built and two 
 new sail boats were added. Then commenced the modern 
 "summer visitor" business with all its attending conse- 
 quences and among them many land ventures. 
 
 This method of creating a demand and suppl}' for lots, 
 seemed to consist in procuring a section of land on the 
 shores extensive enough for the purpose and then having it 
 surveyed and a plan made showing division into house 
 lots and embellished in many ways known only to the city 
 real estate broker. Then skilful advertising was resorted 
 to for the purpose of inducing persons to purchase the 
 lots. None of these moves at Nantucket passed beyond 
 the preliminary stages of development. No houses, pa- 
 vilions, streets or landings were built except in one case, 
 a railroad and a hotel. The principal of these exploits 
 will be described. The first was started in 1873 and called 
 the Nantucket Blufls at north shore. At the same time 
 Dr. F. A. Ellis and Charles H. Robinson bought the tract 
 at Siasconset, south of the Gully. These transactions 
 were successful, and although not extensive in area, were 
 popular, and the land was quickly sold and improved by 
 buildings. One success leads others to the same under- 
 taking. Two dismal failures followed : S. B. Tourtel- 
 lotte of Worcester, purchased a large tract at Maddaket, 
 had it surveyed and platted into 2000 lots and placed on 
 the market. Unusually large and beautiful maps were 
 circulated showing drives, parks, and other attractions at 
 
215 
 
 locations known to the natives as swamps. Few lots were 
 sold ; no houses built and for man}^ years this section has 
 been dormant. 
 
 The movements of the Surfside Land Company were 
 the most extensive ever enacted on Nantucket, starting 
 with a section of land a mile wide and three miles long, 
 between Weeamdu Pond and Tom Nevers Head, it per- 
 formed every move characteristic of a land scheme. Sur- 
 veys were made and many plans drawn by civil engineers 
 of note and the land was bonded for $200,000. In 1881 
 only a few lots had been sold and the affair was boomed 
 further by a hotel and a railroad. The Coffin reunion was 
 by a coincidence a contemporary event and the first loco- 
 motive was named Dionis. The hotel was open for a few 
 seasons, but has now dropped to the ground. The rail- 
 road no longer runs to Surfside. Money has been ex- 
 pended by the thousands. A few houses were once to 
 be seen, and today the seagull flying across the entire 
 expanse can discover no other trace of man than the ruins 
 of a few buildings. The Surfside land scheme is as dead 
 as Madaket. 
 
 In 1874 Lete and Wooding of New Haven, Connecticut, 
 bought a tract at Quaise from which a view of the harbor 
 was had, although some distance from the shore. It was 
 divided into 500 lots, sold for taxes and now held by Allen 
 Coffin. No buildings were ever erected. 
 
 W. & J. A. Veazie of Boston in 1875, purchased some 
 land at South Shore between Hummock and Long Ponds, 
 called it "Nauticon" and Smooth Hummocks, divided it 
 into 1700 lots, sold a few, but no improvements were ever 
 made. 
 
 The success of Capt. Charles Moores and others at the 
 Cliff, led others to venture further west. In 1876 Henry 
 Coffin and others opened Shurburn Bluffs in which the 
 O'Connor House stands. These 28 lots have been im- 
 
2l6 
 
 proved. Still further west, near the Hinckle}^ farm, was a 
 tract of 240 lots called Wannacomet Bluffs, which have 
 neither been sold nor improved. 
 
 Land was quiet at Nantucket for several years until in 
 1880 the Island had a prosperous season, and several 
 small tracts were developed, notably among them were 
 Brant Point owned by E. H. Alley, Charles C. Moores, 
 Henry Coleman, and on the hill Clifton Springs by Alfred 
 Swain and Charles H. Robinson. Being near the town 
 these sections were built upon at once. 
 
 Then followed each year speculations in small tracts : 
 
 1882. Wauwinnet. 
 
 1883. Flagg's lots, Siasconset. 
 
 1883. Coatue Land Co., near Wauwinnet, now on an 
 island. 
 
 1884. Thomas Gray and Round, south of Siasconset. 
 
 1885. Sankaty Heights. 
 
 1886. Swift lot, Brant Point. 
 1886. Sassachacha. 
 
 1886. Lincoln Heights at Cliff. 
 
 1887. Aurora Heights, Siasconset. 
 
 1888. Dionis City, west of Capaum Pond. 
 
 1889. Monomoy Heights. 
 
 1895. Low Beach, south of Siasconset. 
 
 1901. Miacomet Park. This shows the latest land 
 scheme development. A New Bedford man, desiring to sell 
 tea, arranged a new plan. He purchased 80 acres on east 
 side of Miacamet Pond, had it surveyed and divided into 
 2300 lots and then advertised to give away a lot with every 
 pound of tea, providing the purchaser would pay $2.00 for 
 the deed. Forty deeds have been recorded at Nantucket. 
 
 In general, the land ventures near the town have been 
 successful, and also those between Wauwinnet and Low 
 Beach. Those along the south side of the harbor on 
 Coatue, Surfside, Hummock Pond and Madaket have 
 been failures. 
 
^^,,.*e^ Wstorica, 4..,^^^ 
 
 INCORPORATED ciULY 9, 1894. 
 
 Vol. 2 Bulletin No. 5. 
 
 /Xantucket Lands and 
 
 Ivand Owners 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY BARNARD WORTH 
 
 published by 
 
 Nantucket Historical Association, 
 
 1906. 
 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Ancient Buildings of Nantucket. 
 
 In June 1661 the settlers of Nantucket left Mass- 
 achusetts Bay for their new Island Home. Enough had 
 arrived for the Proprietors held their first meeting July 
 15. Among their numbers was a house carpenter from 
 Newbury named John Bishop who remained at Nantucket 
 until 1677 when he joined the company to settle Wood- 
 bridge, New Jersey. Some provision had doubtless been 
 made to shelter the inhabitants previous to their arrival, 
 but according to experience elsewhere the flrst structures 
 must have been of rude formation without finish or 
 strength. A lay-out of land at Maddaket in 1670 was 
 described as being ''near the old cellar of Edward Star- 
 buck." 
 
 This meant that during his sojourn at Nantucket during 
 the winter of 1660, Starbuck must have had a habitation 
 at the west end of the Island which ten years later was 
 only a cellar. This was the first house.built on the Island 
 for use of the English. 
 
 It is a principle of quite universal application that 
 permanent dwellings are not erected within twenty years 
 after the settlers reach a new locality. After the 
 business and industries of a place have been developed 
 and established the residents give their attention to the 
 
218 
 
 construction of permanent and commodious houses. 
 According to this rule, there would be a strong presump- 
 tion against any house built at Nantucket before 1680 
 being in existence after 1700. Tristram Coffin in 1676 had 
 two houses on his homestead, an old house under the hill 
 and a new house on the hill. The first had become ''old" 
 in 16 years so that he required another. It may be 
 suggested that Nathaniel and Mary Starbuck in 1067 had 
 a dwelling, called the Parliament House which was located 
 on the hill north-west of the Hummock Pond and that 
 about 1820 it was moved to town and rebuilt by John 
 Folger on the north east corner of Pine and School streets 
 and owned in recent years by James Austin. There is no 
 doubt that in 1665 to 1667 the Starbuck liouse was desig- 
 nated the Parliament House, probably because it had a 
 room large enough to accommodate the meeting of the 
 inhabitants for religious or political purposes. Without a 
 question John Folger was informed that this identical 
 house was the structure which he moved. But the 
 evidence of his informants must have been unsound. In 
 the first place it is unlikely that within five years after 
 the ssttlement a young couple would have a house of such 
 size and durability. In 1722 when the old lay-outs Avere 
 surveyed and established that of the Homestead of Nat 
 haniel Starbuck's heirs was described "by ye old house." 
 This suggests a new house in another location. The 
 probability is that the house which Folger moved was a 
 later house occupied by the Starbuck family and not that 
 originally known as the Parliament House. 
 
 The records furnish very little information as to the 
 location of the first houses. It is possible to identify 
 with approximate accuracy the twenty acre house lots of 
 
219 
 
 the first residents, but wliere in those tracts the dwellings 
 stood is beyond even conjecture. All signs of construc- 
 tion have been obliterated, and unless the presence of a 
 spring suggests a possible house in the vicinity, there is 
 no clue to any location. The spring on the farm north- 
 west of Hummock Pond, known as Cambridge, lo- 
 cates almost exactly the spot occupied by the Parliament 
 House. North of this near the south end of Marey's Pond 
 stood the house of James Coffin. In 1881 the descendants 
 of Tristram Coffin placed a marble or granite post at the 
 south-west end of Capaum Pond to mark the spot which 
 tradition designated as the location of Tristram's first 
 dwelling. But tlie records give no indication except that 
 it was "under the hill." 
 
 Previous to the days of easy transportation mechanics 
 did not travel from one place to another. A builder 
 worked in the place where he lived. A new community 
 was compelled to secure among its inhabitants men of 
 all trades. John Bishop was the first carpenter at Nan- 
 tucket. One of the accomplishments of Peter Folger was 
 that of a joiner. As Bishop and the associates came from 
 the Merrimac Valley, the house construction at Nantuck- 
 et would follow tlie lines in Massachusetts Bay with the 
 modification due to local materials and the condition of 
 the people. In the early days of the settlement the in- 
 hal)itants were not poor. Even if not fertile, they had 
 land in abundance, and the sea was full of fish. Then 
 their expenses were insignificant. There was no church 
 nor minister to maintain, and no public institutions to 
 support by taxation. In 1687 the annual tax paid to New 
 York was only three pounds, and in 1671 four barrels of 
 fish. As a result the Islanders were able to provide for 
 
220 
 
 themselves comfortable homes even though some of the 
 materials were brought from the Bay. 
 
 In Dartmouth, Rochester and Rhode Island stones were 
 used for chimneys before 1700, but at Nantucket, the ma- 
 terial was brick so far as information extends. There 
 were extensive clay beds on the Island that were opened 
 as early as 1720, but how soon bricks were made cannot 
 be determined from any record. It has been a debated 
 question whether the Island produced wood suitable for 
 building. In 1670, Nathaniel Barnard was importing pine 
 boards from the Merrimac, and in 1732 Timotliy White 
 was buying wood from Freetown and Rochester. The 
 opinion is ventured that there may have been trees large 
 enough to furnish lumber for tlie first dwellings but 
 that all houses built after 1(380 required lumber from the 
 main land. 
 
 Two events exerted an important effect on the local 
 buildings. One was the removal of the residences from 
 Wannacomet to Wescoe in 1720, and the other was the 
 great fire of 1846. When it became necessary to rely 
 upon the Great Harbor instead of Capaum which had be- 
 come a pond, two developments took place. New houses 
 were built at Wescoe, and many of the old structures 
 were removed to that section. Some houses had already 
 been built in the new location as early as 1680, but the 
 principal number were erected after 1720. By that time 
 the land lying about the west end of the Harbor had been 
 laid out into house lots. Benjamin Barnard had estab- 
 lished a school near the corner of Main street and Rays 
 Court; and that year the Friends Meeting House was 
 moved from the locality near Hummock Pond to the cor- 
 ner of Main and Saratoga street, consequently it is not 
 
221 
 
 safe to infer that any house in the present town was built 
 before 1717, unless supported by convincing proof. Except 
 in the case of the Horseshoe House and the Hamlin 
 Barn, there is no building in the town limits of earlier 
 construction than the date of the removal. 
 
 The fire of 1846 covered practically the regions laid out 
 as Bocochico and Wescoe Acre lots east of Centre street. 
 Its progress was checked by four brick houses. That on 
 the south-west corner of Main and Orange streets owned 
 by Philip H. Folger; the Pacific Bank; the residence of 
 Jared Coffin now called the Ocean House ; and the house 
 of Aaron Mitchell on North Water street where was the 
 residence of the late George K. Long. Between Centre 
 street and the Harbor and Main and Broad streets every 
 building was destroyed. Some idea of the character of 
 the buildings can be gained from the pictures in the 
 Atheneum Library and Historical Room, representing 
 Main street before the fire. The part of this devastated 
 region between Centre and Federal streets was laid-out 
 in 1678 and about that time in the section along Chestnut 
 street houses were built by Stephen Hussey. A very 
 ancient dwelling was destroyed at the corner of Federal 
 street which may have been built at this period. From 
 these different causes it is evident that the buildings on 
 the Island with few exceptions were constructed sub- 
 sequent to 1717. 
 
 In 1902 liglitning demolished an ancient dwelling in 
 Palpis in the field opposite the School House. The last 
 occupant was Mrs. Love Smith, a descendant of John 
 Swain. 
 
 An examination of the ruin and of the pliotographs that 
 were taken in 1881 indicate these facts : It was built at 
 
222 
 
 three periods, the center section being the ohlest. The 
 original house was a leanto, one story; fronted south, 
 with a brick chimney at the west end. The whole south 
 side was included in a single room. Under the north 
 roof were one or two rooms without a chimney. Over 
 the large south room was a garret under the roof. The 
 south room was 16 or 17 feet square. The house rested 
 on the ground without cellar or wall. The addition on 
 the east side was also a leanto but smaller than the cen- 
 tre. That on the west end was built not far from 1800. 
 The chimney provided a large fire-place with oven for 
 the south room. Two sorts of brick were used, some of 
 modern and others of early colonial size. The latter 
 measured 10 x 4f x 2^ inches, were of irregular shape and 
 imperfect finish. They present all shades of color, from 
 dark blue to light red. Clinging to these large bricks 
 was mortar made from lime that was otained from 
 sea-shells. In the older part of the house between the 
 walls was clay filling. The summer in the south room ex- 
 tended north and south, parallel to the chimney. It was 
 about twelve inches square, mortised into the plates and 
 also supported by side posts; edges were chamfered. 
 The corner posts had bracketed tops. The girt and sum- 
 mer were pine and tlie posts, both oak and pine. The 
 outside measure of the old post was about 10 feet east and 
 west, and 25 feet north and south. The land on which 
 this house stands belonged previous to 1700 to John Swain 
 and remained in the Swain family until the present time. 
 Various dates have been assigned as the age of this house 
 from 1676 to 1714. In the latter year John Swain sold to 
 his daughter Elizabeth Saville the land on which Joshua 
 Saville's house standeth, and so one geneaologist inferred 
 
223 
 
 that the house was built in 1704, when Joshua and Eliza- 
 beth were married. But these differing assumptions 
 must yield to the facts shown by the construction and to 
 the records. 
 
 During the first twenty years after the Island was set- 
 tled Richard and John Swain lived on the west side of 
 Hummock Pond at the south head. As land was pur- 
 chased from the Indians the English extended their pos- 
 sessions from Wescoe eastward along the harbor. Stephen 
 Hussey secured the land near the present Poor House, 
 and to the east. In 1680 John Swain purchased land at 
 Podkis from the Indians and his title was confirmed in 
 1684 and 1686, and he surrendered to the Proprietors his 
 lands on the Plains near Hummock Pond. So this house 
 could not have been built before 1684. The style of con- 
 struction already described belongs to a period previous 
 to 1700, which will be apparent from the description of 
 the Horse-shoe House and the Hamlin Barn which follow. 
 The safe judgment would be that the Swain house was 
 built between 1684 and 1694, with a preference for the 
 first part of that decade. 
 
 The Coffin Horseshoe House on Sunset Hill is standing 
 and in the summer open to inspection. The date of its 
 construction has been fixed at 1686 but upon what 
 authority beside the assertion of Benjamin Franklin 
 Folger in 1858 cannot be understood. In 1708 Jethro and 
 Mary Coffin conveyed land and house to Nathaniel Pad- 
 dock, but no will or deed appears to show how either 
 became owner of the same, nor is there any record of the 
 marriage of these grantors. It is stated in the genealogies 
 that their first child was born in 1687 and from this possi- 
 bly it is inferred that the marriage took place in 1686 and 
 
224 
 
 hence that the house was built at that date. Such is the 
 tradition in the family. 
 
 The house is a story and half high ; faces south ; brick 
 chimney in center ; front door in middle of south side 
 with a large room on each side. The north roof covers 
 the usual small apartments in a leanto. On the second 
 floor were two rooms over those down stairs. Outside, the 
 house measures 39 feet east and west and 30 north and 
 south, and rests on the ground without cellar or wall. 
 
 There is a jog in the leanto where a fire is reputed to 
 have done some damage years ago. Much of the brick 
 work in the chimney is of modern repair, but large sized 
 bricks and shell lime appear as in the Swain House. Be- 
 tween the walls the space Avas filled with clay. On the 
 south face of the chimney above the roof is a design which 
 is in shape the letter U inverted thus |j_. No explanation 
 has ever been suggested for this character, but it has 
 caused the house to be called the "Horseshoe." 
 
 So much repair has been made to keep the structure 
 standing that much of the original frame has disappeared. 
 The corner posts and plates are modern and so is the roof. 
 A single side post in the west chamber indicates that the 
 first uprights were of oak with tops bracketed. Summers 
 in first story above and these extend from chimney to end 
 girt, and are pine, and ten inches square. Girts are 
 eleven inches square and chimney jamb fourteen. Out- 
 side boards vertical and nailed to sills and girts ; no studd- 
 ing ; braces from corner posts to girts. The ships knees now 
 in sight, holding the girts together were adopted when 
 the corner posts had become inferior. The chimney 
 provides a semi-circular fire-place for each south room but 
 none for rooms in leanto. In the second story each room 
 
John S^vain House — Polpis — North Side. 
 
 Jolin Swain House — Polpis— Soutli Side. 
 
225 
 
 has a lire-place. This house continued in the Paddock 
 family until 1840 when George Paddock sold it to George 
 Turner, whose heirs in 1881 conveyed it to Tristram Coffin 
 of Middletown, Connecticut. 
 
 The features in which the Coffin and Swain houses re- 
 semble each other lead to the conclusion that they belong 
 to the same period ; that the former is an example of the 
 larger type, while the Polpis house is an illustration of 
 the smaller structure of the same date. 
 
 A part of the Hamlin Barn at the Cliff was once a house 
 of the leanto style, and so was the carriage house in the 
 rear of the residence of John C. Gardner at the Head of 
 Main street. Unfortunately the chimney of each has been 
 taken down many years, and so one essential mark of the 
 age of the house has been destroyed. But there is in 
 both structures sufficient to deserve a careful descrip- 
 tion. 
 
 The present Hamlin house was built about 1840, and at 
 that time the old house was transformed into a barn ; the 
 chimney was removed and then or since the north leanto 
 and west half were taken down. The south-east portion 
 of the present house, comprising that part east of the 
 door is the remnant of the old house. Some of the cross 
 beams have been taken out to alter the two rooms into a 
 mow for hay. Apparently the house was a double leanto, 
 chimney in middle, facing south. All that remains of 
 the original framing are the upright posts. These are 
 somewhat heavy and bracketed at top, while they are 
 hewn according to a plan not common, on the Island being 
 rounded instead of straight face, they might be located 
 in the period between 1715 and 1730 except for two facts. 
 It is unquestionable that clay was filled in between the 
 
226 
 
 walls the same as appears in the Coffin and Swain houses. 
 Then there is a coarse granite door-stone, on the upper 
 surface of which are roughly cut G. E. 1696. The date is 
 very plain and so is the ''E." There might be a question 
 about the other letter. Then the doubt might be raised 
 whether this stone was not carried there from some other 
 place. Geneaologies of Nantucket state that in 1695 
 George Gardner married Eunice Starbuck. Possibly the 
 door-step is an attempt to clironicle the event. The land 
 was then owned by Capt. John Gardner; the father of 
 George and his own house was only about 150 yards to the 
 west. It has been assumed that this house was built for 
 George in 1696, and certainly it is not outside the range 
 of probability. George Gardner who died 1750, left his 
 property to his son Grafton, who died 1789, leaving a son 
 Silas. 
 
 1800, Silas Gardner sold his house and 12 acres of land 
 to Thomas Brock, and in 1842 Elizabeth Fitzgerald and 
 others, descendants of Brock, conveyed to Thomas 0. 
 Hamblin in whose family it is still owned. Unless fur- 
 ther information is discovered pointing to a different re- 
 sult, this evidence is sufficient to indicate that this house 
 was built by Capt. John Gardner for his son George, who 
 later became a prominent man at Nantucket. 
 
 The structure at the head of Main street is a difficult 
 problem, although more information concerning it has been 
 preserved. In 1760 in the division of land of Joseph Gard- 
 ner the land whereon this house stands was allotted to Caleb 
 Gardner and is described as the lot whereon his house 
 stands. He was married about 1744 and the property in 
 1840 was owned by Asa Coffin who sold it to the late 
 George 0. Gardner. The building was occupied as a 
 
227 
 
 dwelling as late as 1880. The only question is whether it 
 was built for Caleb Gardner about the date of his marriage 
 or was erected earlier by his father Joseph. The land 
 was part of the extension tract known as the "Crooked 
 Record" so named not on account of any complication in 
 the title but because of its irregular slope. Some of it 
 laj north and some east and west of the Lily Pond, and 
 most of it north of Main street and west of Gardner. 
 Joseph Gardner by inheritance came into possession of 
 the tract on which this house and that further east known 
 as the Lovell house stands. The records give no informa- 
 tion whether this house was occupied by Joseph Gardner 
 before the date when his son Caleb was married. The 
 house as it originally stood was a leanto faced the south, 
 was one room wide with the chimney at the east end. On 
 the front it was two stories high and north roof sloped 
 down to one story. It later had an addition on east and 
 west ends enough to provide some small rooms. The 
 original chimney at its base was about nine feet square 
 was taken down many years ago. The bricks were laid in 
 clay, up to the roof where the stock was bound together 
 by clam shell mortar. As the bricks were removed from 
 the lot there is no information to be gained from this 
 source. The space between the walls was filled with clay. 
 The framing is unique and unlike that found elsewhere 
 on the Island. Usually in two story houses the corner 
 posts have bracketed tops in the upper rooms, but not on 
 first floor. Here however the usual heavy brackets are 
 in upper room, but down stairs is a handsome rounded 
 bracket with a shoulder to support the girts and summer. 
 The latter beam runs north and south. The girts and 
 summer are very heavy, nearly a foot square and edges 
 
228 
 
 chamfered. All timber are smoothly finished. This fram- 
 ing is the most elaborate among the early houses on the Is- 
 land. The addition at the west end has corner posts of the 
 same style and finish, showing that it must have been con- 
 structed in the early years of the 18th Century. Cedar 
 shingles on the original west end were worn by the ele- 
 ments to a very thin measure. The old door-stone of red 
 sandstone has been worn deeply by the trampling feet of 
 two centuries. In 1906 timbers are sound and strong as 
 ever. 
 
 The problem of the age of this house is full of difiicul- 
 ties. The condition of door-stone and shingles already 
 noted denote great age, but leave the date undetermined. 
 The clay fiilling in the walls and shell mortar in the chim- 
 ney might indicate an origin before 1700. Whether clay 
 used as mortar in chimneys is indicative of any particu- 
 lar date is yet unsettled. It might be urged in favor of 
 a late date that the frame could not be so firm in a house, 
 two centuries old ; that the two stories were higher than 
 is usual in 1700 houses ; that the chimney being square 
 instead of oblong, and having a fire-place on the north 
 side for one of the leanto rooms, indicated a 1720 style, 
 and not 1700; and that the ornamented double bracketed 
 corner posts were later than those in the Horse-shoe 
 house which was so fashioned only at the tops. In this 
 balance of reasons the framing of the west addition may 
 be taken to decide the question. Such corner posts 
 are not known in Nantucket after 1745. Probably there- 
 fore this addition was built when Caleb Gardner was 
 married, and later he received the whole house. This re- 
 sult leads to the conclusion that Joseph Gardner built the 
 house. He was married about 1700 or shortly before. 
 
229 
 
 These small additions like that on the west end were 
 generally built to furnish another bed-room for a son when 
 he married. It is safe to conclude that the original house 
 was in existance in 1725, and the question is whether it 
 was erected any earlier, or more exactly when between 
 1700 and 1725 was the house built. On the whole the 
 conclusion seems safest to assume that is was built dur- 
 ing the decade following 1715, by Joseph Gardner, and 
 that when he took up his residence in another part of the 
 town this house was occupied by Caleb his son, so that it 
 came to be known as belonging to the latter. 
 
 The foregoing are all the houses, any part of which were 
 standing in 1905, and which anti-dated the removal of the 
 population from Wannacomet to Wescoe. This event took 
 place a few years before and after 1720. It will be well 
 to consider the prevailing type of house at this period, 
 taking as an illustration the Major Josiah Coffin house 
 at the corner of North street and North Liberty. It was 
 built in 1724, faces south, and is of the leanto style, the 
 south side full two stories in height, and the north roof 
 sloping down to one story. The central chimney has been 
 recently repaired, but is still standing in its original 
 form. It is a pilastered structure, and suits the elegance 
 of the house. The interior betokens good taste and 
 wealth. On each side of the central front door is a large 
 room, each of which has a fire-place. In the rear in the 
 leanto portion is a long kitchen across the north side of 
 the chimney, and here is also a large fire-place. The 
 frame of the house is plain but massive. The heavy 
 summers and girders show in every room, and the corner 
 posts in the second story present heavy bracketed tops. 
 No shell mortar. No large bricks appear in tlie chimney. 
 
230 
 
 and there is no clay filling between the walls. The ar- 
 rangement of having a large north room for kitchen and 
 dining room is an advance beyond the Horse-shoe house. 
 In the latter one of the south rooms was kitchen and din- 
 ing room, and no room in the leanto had access 
 to the center chimney. A singular feature is 
 
 the fact that no two windows are of the same size. Al- 
 together the house is the finest specimen of ancient dwel- 
 ling now standing on the Island. It has to a high degree 
 that subtle quality, called "atmosphere," that attracts 
 and satisfies the eye of all. It passed to the son of Major 
 Coffin whose grand-daughter married a man named Benja- 
 min Gardner, known as Squire Ben Gardner and his 
 grand-daughter Mrs. Eunice Coffin Brooks is the owner in 
 1906. 
 
 Such was the style of house which the Nantucketers 
 adopted and to which they tenaciously clung as a model 
 for construction for over half a century and scores of these 
 houses are still standing. In other towns of Massachusetts 
 the gambrel roof at this date became more or less popular, 
 but at Nantucket their advent took place some thirty 
 years later and even then was infrequent. The Major 
 Coffin type of leanto held sway, until modern styles 
 demanded adoption. 
 
 The attachment felt by Nantucket people for this type 
 finds an expression in their reluctance to discard the 
 ancient dwellings. Many of them remain as they have 
 stood for over a century. Otliers have undergone some 
 alteration whereby the low rear roof was raised to two full 
 stories and most of the old structure retained. It is a 
 constant surprise to an observer to notice the large num- 
 ber of strong durable houses still standing, in which the 
 
231 
 
 frame work clearly indicates an origin before the Revo- 
 lutionary War. This deep seated veneration is illustrated 
 by the event that took place as late as 1790 when the 
 house on the north-west corner of Mill and Risdale streets 
 was being built by Job Macy. His father Richard dis- 
 covered that the plan was to erect a house two stories in 
 front and rear without a leanto under the long sloping 
 north roof. He expostulated with Job for the innovation 
 and vowed that if the house was built in the new style 
 as proposed he would never enter it and the tradition is 
 that he never did. 
 
 Most of the leanto houses were originally built a single 
 room in width with the chimney at the end. The Seth 
 Coffin house opposite the South Schoolhouse or Town Hall 
 is a good illustration. Then when the oldest son married, 
 an addition was made to the chimney end of the house, 
 and also another flue to the chimney, and a sort of double 
 house resulted with chimney in center. An excellent il- 
 lustration is the Tobey on the north-east corner of Main 
 and Gardner streets, the west end being at least a genera- 
 tion later than the east part. Another kind of addition 
 made for the accommodation of the newly married couple 
 was a one-story structure like that on the west side of the 
 house on the south-east corner of Main and Pine streets, 
 which provided two extra small rooms. There are two 
 houses on North Liberty street near the Lily Pond owned 
 by John Williams and John Francis that were built within 
 seventy years. These have the long sloping back roof, 
 but lack the large chimney that was one of the distin- 
 guishing marks of the early house. 
 
 The gambrel roofed house never attracted the attention 
 of the Nantucket people. The few that are still standing 
 were erected after 1750. 
 
232 
 
 After the Revolution when prosperity dawned on the 
 Island, the common type of house was the square two- 
 story structure, w^ith large center chimney, numerous ex- 
 amples of which are to be seen on Pearl street, west of 
 Center. The same regard for ancient houses has also 
 led people to retain the large center chimney. While 
 in many towns desire for increased room or for the ap- 
 pearance of a small chimney has led house owners to re- 
 place the old structure with one greatly inferior in size, 
 at Nantucket the disposition has prevailed to keep with- 
 out change this distinguishing mark of the 18th Century 
 construction. 
 
 The investigation of the public buildings of Nantucket 
 presents many difficult problems. Occasional and in- 
 direct references are the only evidence of their existence. 
 The Meeting House, Tow^n House and Jail must have 
 existed before 1716 but where they stood cannot be de- 
 termined with any accuracy. The reason seems to be 
 that these buildings w^ere placed on land not purchased 
 or set off for the purpose, but upon some kind of verbal 
 permission, so that when the building was changed to 
 another location no transfer of land followed. The land 
 records are silent as to the situation of these structures. 
 Probably before 1700, religious meetings, courts and town 
 assemblies were all held in private houses. In 1686 the 
 magistrates ordered the town to build a jail and presum- 
 ably the order was obeyed, but no further mention can be 
 found. In 1707 the town voted to repair the town house, 
 but there is no evidence that one had been built or where 
 it stood. In 1708 John Macy was employed by the town 
 to build a prison as soon as he could, but wiiere he placed 
 it is a mystery. The society of Friends in 1709 decided 
 
aiajor Jiisiah Cotfin Houst 
 
 Elihu Coleman House. 
 
233 
 
 to "go forward and build as fast as we can", but no 
 statement is made on whose land the Meeting House was 
 placed. In 1716 the town voted that notice of its meet- 
 ings should be given by posting the same on the door of 
 the Meeting House and Town House and in 1725 another 
 order was adopted that the notice should be posted on the 
 door of both Meeting Houses. Taken in connection with 
 the foregoing facts it seems evident that in 1716 there 
 was a Town House and a Friends Meeting House and that 
 before 1725 the Presbyterians had built theirs. But the 
 exasperating feature is that not a vestige of evidence ap- 
 pears about the location of either. 
 
 In 1716 the town voted to "build a town house 34 feet 
 long and 24 wide, on the hill between William Stratton's 
 and George Bunker's, near William Stratton's." Then for 
 the first time appears a description definite enough to be 
 identified. West of No. Bottom Pond is a winding pass-way 
 connecting Duke and West Chester streets, and in the 
 early records known as Crooked or Long Lane. At the 
 south-east corner of its junction with West Chester street, 
 stood William Stratton's house. George Bunker's place 
 was about an eighth of a mile further east on the south side 
 of West Chester street. Hence the Town House site was on 
 the south side or West Chester street, nearly north of 
 No. Bottom Pond which in early days was called George 
 Bunker's Pond. It should be noted that no mention in 
 the description is made of Meeting House or Jail. These 
 must have been located elsewhere, although the late 
 Wm. C. Folger asserted that the three institutions were 
 on adjoining lots. In 1773 a movement started to change 
 the location of the Town House nearer the habor. Finally 
 in 1783 a vote was passed to move it for $72 to the lot to 
 
234 
 
 be donated by Zaccheus Macy, or if he declined then to the 
 lot owned by the town, south of John Oartwright's, which 
 was between Pine and Pleasant and Summer and High. 
 John Oartwright's land being at south-east corner of Main 
 and Pleasant streets. The Macy lot was at the junction 
 of Main and Milk streets. Evidently Zaccheus Macy gave 
 the lot, for the town house stood at this fork of the street 
 for the next 60 or 70 years. 
 
 The first attempt to state the location of the Jail 
 appears in the town vote in 1748 to sell "the old prison 
 at "Wescoe to Wm. Swain." In 1768 there was a vote to 
 repair the old prison and build a new one near it. In 
 1799 an old jail stood on High street near Pine, which 
 must have been the site of the same institution in 1768. 
 The town built a work house 30 feet long and 16 wide, on 
 the same lot in 1770. Later the work house and new 
 poor house were on the lot now occupied by the jail. 
 
 The facts about the first Meeting House have been lost 
 probably beyond recovery. According to tradition the 
 Quakers in 1709 built south-east of Maxey's Pond where 
 they had a burial ground. But in 1730 they had moved 
 to the corner of Saratoga street at head of Main street, 
 and all vestige of the original location has been lost. 
 
 Concerning the Presbyterian Meeting House, there is 
 scarcely enough evidence on which to base a conjecture. 
 It is known that the old vestry in 1765 was moved to the 
 spot now occupied by the Congregational Church. In 
 May of that year the town granted permission to store in 
 the town house the "inside work of the North Shore Meet- 
 ing House till it should be built during the coming sum- 
 mer." The frame work of this structure indicates an 
 origin some years before the date of removal. In the 
 
235 
 
 diary of Judge Benjamin Lynde he describes a visit to 
 Nantucket in June, 1732, in which is this item: "Lord's 
 Day, June 11, Mr. White preached very well at the new 
 built Presbyterian Meeting House." 
 
 This must indicate that the old Vestry is meant and 
 that 1730 is about the date of its erection. It is also 
 clear that the Presbyterians had an earlier Meeting 
 House that was standing in 1725, concerning which no 
 information is known to exist. In 1734 the Proprietory 
 laid-out to John Macy a small lot of land westward and 
 near the Meeting House. In the description is a slight 
 indication that the location was on the north side of West 
 Chester street and in the region north of No. Bottom 
 Pond. The only hope of gaining any information about 
 the first Meeting Houses is the possibility that some 
 mention may be found in the published diary of a visitor 
 to Nantucket during the early years of the 18th century. 
 The tradition that the North Vestry was built in 1711 
 must be abandoned. 
 
 WM. ROTOH MARKET. 
 
 At the foot of Main street stands a narrow brick build- 
 ing, erected by Wm. Rotch. In November 1774 the 
 Proprietors appointed a Committee "to agree with Wm. 
 Rotch about building a Market House." 
 
 They reported as follows : 
 
 At a Legal Proprietors Meeting held at the Town House 
 in Sherbourn the 3rd day of the 12tli mo. 1774. 
 
 We the Subscribers being appointed and chosen by the 
 Proprietors of the Island of Nantucket to be a Commit- 
 tee to Treat and agree with Willim. Rotch in respect to 
 his Erecting and linishing a Building for the Use of the 
 Town near & adjoining to the strait wharf in Compensa- 
 
236 
 
 tion for a Piece of Common Land to be granted to him 
 near said Wharf, do make our Reports as follows, viz. : 
 We do hereby for ourselves and for and in behalf of the 
 Proprietors of the Island of Nantucket aforesaid Give & 
 Grant unto Willm. R,otch & to his heirs and Assigns 
 forever a Piece of Common Land in the Still Dock in the 
 Harliour of Nantucket aforesaid bounded on the South by 
 the Water Lots belonging to the Owners of the Strait 
 Wharf; & on the West by the North East Corner 
 of the Beach share No. 2 & by the High Way below the 
 Beach Shares ; and on the North by the High Way that 
 goes down the middle of the still Dock ; and on the East 
 by the shore laid out in the still Dock No. 1 being Thirty 
 feet in Wedth and in Length on the South side about 
 Ninety five feet from the water Lot Share No. 1 to the 
 Beach Share No. 2 & on the North side from tlie aforesaid 
 Water Lot No. 1 to the Highway about Eighty feet; of 
 which Piece of Common the said William Rotch is to leave 
 a Piece at the North East Corner of Nine feet in Breadth 
 & twenty feet in Length for the Use of the Public not to 
 be Improved or built upon higher than a cellar In Con- 
 sideration whereof the said Wm. Rotch at his Own Proper 
 Cost & Charge shall build Erect & finish a Suitable House 
 for the Use of the Publick to stand on the West side of 
 Henry Smiths House adjoining to the Strait Wharf; said 
 House to be Eighteen feet Wide and forty feet in Length ; 
 and the whole of the Lower Room and the North half of 
 the Chamber in said house to be and Remain for Ever 
 hereafter for the Use of the Town and all the rest of Re- 
 maining Part of said House to be and Remain to him the 
 said Wm. Rotch and to his Heirs & Assigns for Ever with- 
 out any other or further Compensation to be paid to him 
 the said Wm. Rotch for building said House or for the 
 Land it Stands upon than what is above Expressed. In 
 Witness whereof we have hereunto set our Hands the 2nd, 
 12th mo. Anno Domini 1774. 
 
 The above Piece of Common Granted to Wm. Rotch is 
 
287 
 
 the same Piece that is donated and Marked No. 10 in the 
 Plat of the Water Lots lately laid out in the Still Dock 
 as by Record may appear. 
 
 A Piece Granted to William Rotch for Building the 
 Market & the Land it Stands on. 
 
 Frederick Folger 
 Barzillai Folger 
 Stephen Paddock 
 Shubael Barnard 
 Stephen Hussey 
 
 RiCHD. MiTCHEL JUNR. 
 
 Grafton Gardner. 
 
 At a Proprietors meeting held at the Town House in 
 Sherbourn the 13th 5m. 1775. 
 
 Voted that the Propriety will Exchange some Land that 
 they have on the west side of the Market House now 
 building being 8 feet w^ide & 20 feet Long with William 
 Rotch he building 2d House 60 feet Long instead of 40. 
 
 This property was owned and occupied many years by 
 Insurance Companies and in 1861 was purchased by James 
 Codd and Samuel 0. Wyer Trustees for an association of 
 Whaling Masters called the Pacific Club or Captains 
 Room. In the Great Fire the interior of this building 
 and its contents were destroyed, but the walls were 
 uninjured. For many years the ofiice of tlie Custom 
 House has been in this building. 
 
 Previous to the building of St. Paul's Church the only 
 material beside wood from which Nantucket buildings 
 were constructed has been brick. After the fire of 1846 
 brick blocks were erected along the line of the square, 
 but only a limited number of brick dwellings were ever 
 built and these generally by the wealthy whaling mer- 
 chants. 
 
238 
 
 On the south-east corner of North Water and Sea street 
 was the dwelling of Aaron Mitchell which was destroyed 
 by the Great Fire. It was probably built about 1800. 
 
 There were erected between 1830 and 1845 nine brick 
 mansions of considerable elegance and cost. 
 
 Jared Coffin built the house on the corner of Pleasant 
 and Mill streets. Then later in 1845 he built the Broad 
 street section of the Ocean House. In the spring of 1846 
 he moved to Boston. 
 
 Philip H. Folger built the house on the south-west 
 corner of Orange and Main streets, and for years owned 
 and occupied by Lieut. Thomas M. Gardner. 
 
 The other six are on Main street. On the south side at 
 the corner of Ray's Court is that built by Charles G. 
 Coffin about 1832, and in 1906 is owned by his descendants. 
 On the north side of Main street a few houses west of the 
 Pacific Bank is the house built by Frederic Mitchell. 
 Nearly opposite the Charles G. Coffin estate is that of his 
 brother Henry built a few years later and still owned by 
 his heirs. 
 
 On the north side of Main at the head of Pleasant stand 
 the three Starbuck houses which have a unique history. 
 Joseph Starbuck, in early life a butcher, developed into, a 
 whaling merchant of unusual success. His house was on 
 the east side of Risdale street next south of Milk. He 
 had five children, George, Matthew and William and two 
 daughters ; Eunice who married William Hadwen, and 
 Eliza the wife of Nathaniel Barney. In 1837 Joseph Star- 
 buck purchased several estates on Main street and built the 
 three brick houses and installed one of his sons in each, as- 
 signing to George the oldest that farthest west ; to Matthew 
 the center house, and the eastermost to the youngest son 
 
239 
 
 William. These were not immediatly placed in the control 
 of the sons, but the transfer was made in 1850. The house 
 of William Starbuck is now owned by G. J. Kingman of 
 Brockton. The others are still owned by the descendants 
 of the Starbucks. 
 
 William Hadwen built the house on the south-east 
 corner of Main street and Pleasant, owned in 1905 by 
 Joseph S. Barney. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Ancient Buildings of Nantucket Continued. 
 
 In 1799, during the administration of John Adams, a 
 direct tax was levied on the people of the United States, 
 and under the required procedure it became necessary to 
 name the streets. In Nantucket this work was under the 
 supervision of Isaac Coffin, Esq. His list of streets was 
 recorded in the Registry of Deeds, and is of the highest 
 value for historical purposes, as it not only delineates and 
 names all existing ways, but designates the owners of 
 three hundred houses and localities. 
 
 This list will be given entire with notes and explana" 
 tions, the Coffin schedule in heavy type. The houses 
 marked * are not standing in 1906. 
 
 Academy Lane. North-east corner of house" of Enoch Coffin 
 then in a zig-zag course, west, north and west by house''' of 
 George Clark to the Academy.* 
 
 Coffin's house stood on the west side of Center street; 
 the Clark house on the north side of the Lane directly 
 south from the old Vestry on land owned by Miss Made- 
 line Mixter. 
 
 The Academy was located a few yards north of the pres- 
 ent High School Building on the south side at the west 
 end of Academy Lane. A writer to the Massachusetts 
 Historical Society in 1807 stated that it was not in use, 
 
Timothy Swain House. 
 
 David Swain Jiout 
 
 Alx'l GanhuT House 
 
241 
 
 but was "employed as a private school." In 1800 the land 
 whereon the Academy stood was sold by George Clark to 
 Shubael Coffin, Rowdand Gelston, Jonathan Myricks, Jr., 
 and Joshua Coffin as a committee for the owners and pro- 
 prietors of the Academy. In 1818 they conveyed the 
 property to the First Congregational Church. 
 
 Angola Street. South Mill street westward on south side of 
 houses" of Joseph Painter, Peter Boston and west to 
 house* of Benjamin Paddock. 
 
 In another place New Guiney is described as the Negro 
 town or village south and east of the wind mills near 
 house of Hezekiah Russell. Angola street is in this 
 region. Boston and Painter were colored families. 
 
 Ash Lane. North-west corner land Jedidah Fitch, near his 
 house* on Centre street, east near house* of Paul Gardner, 
 Jr. 
 
 This is the narrow street extending from Center to 
 North Water north of the Ocean House. The Fitch 
 House stood on the land connected with the Ocean House 
 and Gardner's House was on the corner of Center and 
 Broad. The Ocean House was built in the early part ht 
 1845 by Jared Coffin. The brick annex was erected by 
 the late Eben W.. Allen, when he was conducting the 
 property as a hotel. 
 
 Ash Street. At house of Levi Joy, Centre street, east by 
 house* of Jethro Mitchell. 
 
 The Joy house was on the north-east corner and was 
 probably built about 1765 by David Joy for his son Levi 
 who later moved to Hudson and sold the house to Thomas 
 Smith in 1799, and the house is owned in 1906, the north 
 half by Mrs. E. B. Coffin and the south by the heirs of 
 Barzillai Pinkham. The Mitchell house stood on the 
 north-west corner of North Water street and Ash. 
 
242 
 
 Back Street. North-east corner Tristram Swain, Jr., on 
 Orange street, west by house of Sylvanus Russell to 
 Pleasant street. 
 
 In the south part of the town Union street joins Orange. 
 Back street is the first street north of the junction, which 
 extends west. 
 
 Barnard's Court. Pleasant street at house* of Jonathan 
 Gardner, west to house" of Andrew Barnard. 
 
 This is about half way between Main and Mill streets, 
 and leads west to the premises owned in 1905 by Josex)h 
 S. Barney. At the west end of this land stood the house 
 of Andrew Barnard. 
 
 Barton's Lane. Pleasant street, south side house heirs Seth 
 Coffin to Pine street, near house''' Francis Coleman. 
 
 This is the second street south of Farmer. At Pine 
 street this lane would appear like a continuation of Lyon 
 street west. 
 
 The Coffin house was that in 1905 owned by Sylvanus 
 Mo wry. 
 
 Beach Street. Richard Mitchell's house*, north to foot of 
 the cliff. 
 
 No such street is now known. It was probably a short 
 passway that once existed west of the land whereon the 
 Point Breeze Hotel now stands. 
 
 Bear Street. North-west Peltiah Swain 's house* on Pleasant 
 street, east to Orange street, south side Tristram Bunker 
 house*. 
 
 This street joins Orange at the Railroad crossing. 
 
243 
 
 Beaver Lane. South-east James Clark's house on Union 
 Street by south side house='= of William Wyer, west to 
 Orange street. 
 
 This is the second street north of junction of Orange 
 with Union street. 
 
 The Clark House is now owned by Charles B. Cathcart 
 and is one of the oldest houses in that section. The original 
 house was a small leanto with very large chimney. 
 Several additions have been made, all probably previous 
 to 1800. 
 
 Black Horse Lane. South-west Barnabas Coleman house*, 
 east to Water street by house of Laban Mitchell.* 
 
 This has been closed since the fire. It was a narrow 
 passway from Federal street east a few yards south of 
 Broad. 
 
 Brennan 's Lane. Mill street near Brewer 's Corner, north by 
 house* built by Francis Coleman, to New Mill street. 
 
 This road was north of Mill Hill but has been closed 
 for many years. 
 
 Broad Street. North-west comer of Ebenezer Calef's 
 house* on Center street, east to New North Wharf. 
 
 The house of Ebenezer Caleb stood on the south-east 
 corner opposite the Ocean House on land which was the 
 northernmost Wescoe Acre lot and owned in 1726 by 
 Jedediah Fitch and later conveyed to his son-in-law 
 Ebenezar Caleb. The new North Wharf is now owned 
 and used by the Steamboat Company. 
 
244 
 
 Beach Court. North-west corner house* of Ichabod Al- 
 dridge, west by house- of Andrew Brock and house* of 
 Nathan Barker. 
 
 This is now called Brock Court, and extends to houses 
 of Oapt. Barzillai Burdett and the late Henry C. Pink- 
 ham. 
 
 Ichabod Aldridge had two houses, one at each 
 corner of the Court at the junction with Liberty. 
 That on the north-west corner was purchased in part by 
 the late Thomas B. Field, and an attempt was made to 
 transform the building into a Wind Mill. 
 
 Brewer's Lane. North-east corner house* of Joseph Swain 
 on Federal street, west by south side of house* of Obed 
 Barnard to Center street. 
 
 Before the great fire a passway existed between Cen- 
 tre and Federal street, which was a continuation easterly 
 of Hussey street, and on the 1830 map it was call Brown's 
 Lane, but it was closed after 1846. 
 
 Bunker's Court. North-west corner of Liberty and Pearl 
 street to north-east by Grindall Gardner's house and house 
 of heirs of Caleb Bunker in Egypt. 
 
 This was opened by the heirs of Caleb Gardner in 1799. 
 To understand this description, the present course of 
 Hussey street from Centre to Liberty should be kept in 
 mind. In 1799 Hussey's Court extended from Centre 
 west a few feet beyond the corner of Westminster street. 
 The other end of Hussey street was Bunker's Court, and 
 it reached a point a few rods distant from the west end of 
 Hussey's Court. Later the intervening space was crossed 
 by a lay-out, and the whole named Hussey street. 
 
245 
 
 Grindall Gardner's house is the gambrel roofed cottage 
 on the east side near Liberty street, and was built for 
 him about 1772 on land that was part of the Homestead 
 of Caleb Gardner. It is an unusual type, being gambrel 
 roof on the front side only. In 1803, Elizabeth, widow of 
 Grindall Gardner, sold it to Abraham Coffin and Emeline 
 Coffin in 1868 conveyed it to Henry G. Brown. In re- 
 cent years it was occupied by Capt. Benjamin F. Brown. 
 
 The house of the heirs of Caleb Bunker was the Caleb 
 Gardner mansion on the north side of the street as it 
 curves to the eastward. It was built by Caleb Gardner in 
 1733, and is an example of the house of that period. In 
 1906 it belongs to the descendants of Alex E. Drew. 
 
 Candle Street, North-west corner warehouse" or store of 
 Peleg Coffin on Main street, south by Benjamin Baker's* 
 house to Washington street near Lydia Giles'*. 
 
 This is the street along which the Railroad extends from 
 Main street south to Washington. 
 
 Center Street. South-east corner house* William Hammett, 
 north by Thomas Gardner's gate to Chester street. 
 
 The land at the junction of Main and Liberty streets 
 was set off in 1723 to the heirs of Joseph Gardner and in 
 1799 was conveyed by Matthew Jenkins to Hammett. 
 It was purchased by Dr. Oliver C. Bartlett in 1810 and 
 transferred by him to the Pacific Bank in 1818 and the 
 present brick building was then erected. During the 
 fourteen years of its existence before that date the Bank 
 had occupied a building on the land now the location of 
 the Roman Catholic Church. 
 
 A few yards north of Lily street at the junction of 
 
246 
 
 Center and West Chester is the entrance to the houses in 
 the region called Gull Island which in 1799 was owned 
 by Thomas Gardner and later by his son Oapt. Charles 
 Gardner. In recent years the section has been owned by 
 Joseph and Benjamin Sheffield and Mrs. Harriet Riddell. 
 By ancient usage the term '^Island" imparted not only a 
 tract surrounded by water but upland surrounded by 
 swamp. Possibly the Lily Pond may sometime have 
 encircled Gull Island but the other definition seems more 
 appropriate according to modern conditions. 
 
 Center street was laid out in 1678 when the Wescoe 
 Acre lots were divided and so was one of the first to be 
 opened within the present limits of the town. It was 
 always popular as a residential locality, but south of 
 Broad street most of the houses were destroyed in the 
 Great Fire. 
 
 The Methodist Church, by many called ''The Chapel," 
 occupied land which in 1733 Jethro Starbuck gave to his 
 son-in-law Richard Mitchell and where the latter built a 
 house. His son Peleg in 1822 sold the property to the 
 leading Methodist of Nantucket, Dr. Oliver 0. Bartlett 
 and then the i)resent church was built. The property in 
 1823 was transferred to Trustees John Jenkins, Perez 
 Jenkins, Solomon Folger, Nathaniel Rand, Jonathan 
 Smith, Walter Cure, Frederic Worth, and William Jen- 
 kins, most of whom had belonged to the Teaser meeting 
 on Fair street. These two congregations united about 
 1853. According to the recollection of persons who had 
 an opportunity to make the comparison there was a wide 
 difference between the methods pursued by these two 
 societies. Tlie early Methodists favored a vigorous style 
 of worship and hence attracted people of certain tem- 
 
247 
 
 peraments. But this developed to such an extent at the 
 Teaser, that some of the members felt the necessity of 
 establishing a more subdued form and so they built the 
 Chapel. 
 
 On the east side of Center, and north of Step Lane, is 
 a three-story house owned by F, WillettFolger, On this 
 site in 1684 William Gayer built his house. His land lay 
 between Center street and the bank, and extended from 
 Step Lane north to Chester street. At his death in 1711 
 this estate passed to his daughter Damaris Coffin, the 
 wife of Nathaniel. 
 
 William Gayer had received a good education and was 
 a useful man in the early history of Nantucket. In some 
 works on Heraldry he is said to be one of the few English- 
 men in America who were entitled to Coats of Arms. 
 He married the daughter of Edward Starbuck before 1674. 
 In his will is a reference to a son, William wdio had left 
 the Island. 
 
 His property was left to Damaris Coffin and Dorcas 
 Starbuck the wife of Jethro. From these two women 
 have descended many famous and prominent persons. 
 
 Charter Street. South-west corner house of Micajah Coffin, 
 Pine street, east by Benjamin Whippey's house'''- to Fair 
 street, near house* of Charles Chase. 
 
 This street was opened, one rod wide, in 1747, through 
 the middle of Fish Lot No. 22. The land on the north 
 side of the street was owned by Damaris Coffin, who in 
 1760 sold the lot at the west end to her son Micajah. This 
 house which is still standing. 
 
 The Benjamin Whippey house was taken down about 
 1885 by Wm. H. Chadwick, and in the cellar^ was dug up 
 an iron pot containing a considerable amount of silver 
 and copper coins. 
 
248 
 
 Cherry Lane. North-east house* Elisha Ellis, west by 
 house* of Charles Swain to Pleasant street. 
 
 This extended west from Orange street near the Asylum. 
 
 Chestnut Street. South-west corner house* of Bachelor 
 Hussey on Center Street, east by house* of Caleb Macy on 
 south side to Water street. 
 
 This was laid out in 1719. At the south-west corner of 
 Federal and Chestnut, before 1700, stood a house owned 
 by Stephen Hussey. In the great fire an ancient house 
 on this spot was destroyed, and may have been the Hus- 
 sey dwelling. 
 
 Coffin Court. South-east of house of Joshua Coffin, west 
 from Center street fifty rods. 
 
 This is now called Gay street, and Coffin's house was 
 on the corner of Center where later lived George Cobb. 
 
 Chester Street. Francis Joy house*, west by houses of 
 Tristram Pinkham*, Valentine Pease* and John Brock. 
 
 Trobably the oldest street on the Island. It extended 
 from Capaum to the Great Harbor and is mentioned as 
 early as 1671. Along its line ran the ditch that drained 
 the Lily or Wescoe Pond. Water power on Nantucket 
 was never of much value but the settlers had to use it 
 however weak, so on this ditch between Center and North 
 Water streets they built a mill, that appears to have 
 been a failure no doubt because of the feeble power of the 
 brook. But being the road that connected the two har- 
 bors it inevitably became the most important of the early 
 thoroughfares of the Island and for the first half century 
 of Nantucket under the English was the principal line of 
 communication between Wannacomet and Wescoe. It 
 
I'ad.lcnk Hulls. Sun S.'t llil 
 
 PadtliM-k IJdus.- Pt-arl Street. 
 
249 
 
 was on this way that the Meeting House and Town 
 House were built, and near it were erected many of the 
 dwellings occupied by the first settlers. 
 
 The Francis Joy House, demolished within a few years 
 stood on the north-east corner of Chester and North streets 
 on the lot now occupied by the house of Dr. J. S. 
 Ganard, and directly across the line of North Water street. 
 
 The John Brock house is still standing on the south side 
 of the road opposite the Horseshoe House and is owned 
 by Peter Brock his grandson. It is a leanto built about 
 1724 for Capt. Richard Gardner. It closely resembles the 
 Major Coffin house. Owing to its position the best view 
 must be obtained from some point on the west edge of 
 the Pond. 
 
 The Paddock house stands a few yards south-east from 
 the Horseshoe house. It is a very ancient looking structure, 
 although it was probably built between 1720 and 1725 by 
 Nathaniel Paddock, the owner of the Coffin house. It re- 
 mained in the Paddock family until 1763, when Paul Pad- 
 dock sold to Christopher Hussey ; 1777, John Fosdick ; 
 1810, David Brown; 1812, Joseph Earle; 1818, Robert 
 Callaway, by whose descendants it is still owned. 
 
 On the west side of the Lily Pond, North Liberty street 
 extends to Chester. On the south-west corner of these 
 streets stood the house of Valentine Pease. 
 
 The Pinkham house stood next west to the house of 
 Joseph C. Chase which in 1906 was purchased for a par- 
 sonage for the North Congregational Church. 
 
 The part of Chester street west of Center has been re- 
 named West Center street. 
 
250 
 
 Cambridge Street. Federal street at the south-west corner 
 of house of Josiah Barker*, east by house='' of Peggy Wyer 
 on north side and on north side of house* of Wilson Raw- 
 son, to Old Wharf. 
 
 The Kawson house stood on the south-west corner of 
 Cambridge street and Coal Lane. 
 
 The Josiah Barker house stood next north of the Roman 
 Catholic church on the lot occupied by the house of the 
 late Joseph B. Macy. 
 
 Coal or Cod Lane. Main street by south-west corner house* 
 of heirs of George Gardner: North by east side, house* of 
 Wilson Rawson, and house* of Ruth Coffin to Pearl street, 
 near house* of Jethro Coffin. 
 
 This lane extends by the Brick Building occupied as an 
 auction and furniture room at the lower end of the square. 
 
 Copper Street. Milk, near Zebdial Gwinn's house*, south 
 through Allentown by Edward Allen's house*, south and 
 east by Wind Mills to the Cow Bars near James Johnson's 
 Pond in Newtown. 
 
 This Pond was opposite the Asylum on the west side of 
 Orange street. 
 
 Edward Allen was a contractor and built several houses 
 on Copper street. 
 
 On the east side of Copper near Milk is an old leanto 
 which was owned by Elias Ceeley and later by Capt. 
 David Cartwright. It was moved there about 1800 from 
 the Matthew Myrick land at junction of Mill and Milk 
 streets. 
 
 Crown Court. Center street at south-east corner house of 
 William Brock: west by houses of David Hussey and 
 Jonathan Myrick, Jr. 
 
 This is now Quince street, and was opened in 1719. The 
 
251 
 
 William Brock house stands on the corner opposite the 
 Engine House, and in 1906 is owned by Timothy P. Pit- 
 man. 
 
 The Myrick house was built about 1795 by Mrs. Ann 
 Gelston, and she sold it to Myrick in 1797. It is standing 
 on the north-east corner of Quince and Westminister 
 streets. 
 
 Darling Street. South-east corner James Cartwright 
 house: west by Job Thurston's house" and house'' of 
 Jonathan Marvin to Pine street. 
 
 The Oartwright house is still standing on the north- 
 west corner of Fair street. 
 
 The Thurston house stood on the south side, on the site 
 of the house owned by Oapt. James Henry Barnard, and 
 later owned by Mrs. Susan 0. Williams. 
 
 This street is said to have been named from a man by 
 that name who came from Boston and married the sister 
 of Charles Folger. 
 
 Dover Street. Obed Luce house-'=, west by house" of Mary 
 Butler and house" of Jeffrey Simmons to Pleasant street. 
 
 It is the street next north of York and extended from 
 Pleasant to Union, the Obed Luce house being on the 
 latter street. 
 
 The Mary Butler house was on the corner of Orange 
 street. 
 
 Duke Street. Main street east of Joseph Marshall's house", 
 west and south by south side E. Heath's house" and houses 
 of William Clark's James Newbegin='=, heirs William Cole- 
 man north and west to Shearpen. 
 
 This was one of the early roads from the original loca- 
 tion of the town east to the Great Harbor, and previous 
 
252 
 
 to the removal to Wescoe had many houses on both sides, 
 particularly in the part west of Crooked Lane. It 
 branches from Main street a short distance west of Sara- 
 toga street. 
 
 The Shearpen occupied a tract near Maxey's Pond. 
 
 Elihu Coleman was a carpenter, and in 1722 built his 
 homestead where he lived over sixty years. It is located 
 a short distance east of Hummock Pond. In 1862 the 
 property was purchased by the late Wm. Hosier, and by 
 him given to the town. The house closely resembles the 
 Josiali Coffin and Richard Gardner houses, and is an in- 
 teresting example of that period. How well the young 
 mechanic built can be judged by the firm and sturdy ap- 
 pearance of the structure, not a line or timber of which 
 seems to have yielded to the intluences of two centuries. 
 At his death the homestead passed to his son William. 
 
 A few rods east of the Coleman house is a ditch that 
 drains a small swamp, and flows into the Hummock Pond. 
 An attempt was made to utilize the water for a mill, and 
 the stream was called Mill Brook. On the north side of 
 the road is a lot surrounded by thorn trees, and is known 
 as the Thorn Lot. Just east of this tract was the land 
 which in 1727 George Newbegin purchased from William 
 and Abiel Clasby, and there built the house which was 
 occupied by this eccentric family for nearly a century and 
 a half. 
 
 The name Duke street met with no favor, and was soon 
 discontinued. 
 
 Of the many dwellings that lined the street a century 
 ago, with the exception of the Elihu Coleman house, not 
 a vestige remains. 
 
253 
 
 Eagle Lane. Pine street near house* of Patience Black, east 
 on south side of Job Swain's house* to Fair street, east- 
 ward of Seth Russell's house*. 
 
 At the south end of Fair street, this Lane extends west 
 to Pine street. 
 
 Essex Street. Pleasant street, north-east corner pasture of 
 Silas Jones in Newtown, north and west by Sarah Tash- 
 emy's house, to west of Negro houses in New Guiney, 
 west toward the Rope Walks by Charles Bunker's pas- 
 ture, south of the Mills, by south side of the Rope Walks 
 and to the west. 
 
 In some of its course tliis is merely a cart patli and not 
 a clearly defined way. Where now appears only one mill, 
 in 1799 stood three. Several references are made of the 
 Rope Walks. They stood on the hill occupied by the 
 Prospect Hill Cemetery. 
 
 Fair Street. North-east corner house* Paul Gardner, senior; 
 south by house* of Jonathan Macy house of George Bunk- 
 er, south to West Monomoy shores. 
 
 In 1717 when the Fish Lot Division was laid out Fair 
 street was opened across the shares. The Gardner house 
 stood at the south-west corner of Main and Fair streets 
 and was taken down nearly fifty years ago. The George 
 Bunker house stands at the south-west corner of Fair 
 street and Killer's Lane. This house and that of James 
 Oartwright filled the space between Darling street and 
 Killer's Lane. Fair street ends abruptly at a house. 
 This is the line between the Fish Lots and West Mono- 
 moy shares, the house being in the latter division. 
 
 The house taken down recently next to the corner of 
 Main street was in part an older structure than appeared. 
 The south-east corner including the pilastered chimney 
 was built by Benjamin Gardner shortly after 1727. 
 
254 
 
 On the south-west corner of Fair and Lyon streets for 
 half a century after 1799 stood the First Methodist Church 
 usually called "The Teaser Meeting House." When the 
 land was purchased from Nathaniel and Anne Bunker the 
 Trustees were Samuel Barrett, Ebenezer Rand, Elijah 
 Pease, Grindall Gardner, John Sherman, Samuel Bigelow 
 and Dr. Oliver 0. Bartlett. Later Simeon and Berez 
 Jenkins were Trustees. Several of these if not all had 
 been previously connected with the Congregational 
 Church. 
 
 The first Meeting House was built in 1799, and shortly 
 before 1840 was taken down and another built on the same 
 lot. When the latter was dedicated flags were used to deco- 
 rate the building, and in a prominent place was displayed 
 the large flag with a huge T painted on it, which belonged 
 to the sloop Teaser. From this circumstance the place 
 was afterwards known as the "Teaser Meeting House." 
 
 The original Coffin school stood on the east side of Fair 
 street about 100 feet north of Lyon street, on the lot in 
 recent years owned by Thomas S. Ames. The building 
 was erected as a private institution about 1823 on land 
 conveyed by John, Perez and William Jenkins to the Trus- 
 tees of the Nantucket Lancasteriau School. After the en- 
 dowment by Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, a special act of the 
 Legislature was passed incorporating the Admiral Sir 
 Isaac Coffin Lancasteriau School, and the property 
 conveyed to the new Corporation. 
 
 Farmer Street. North-east corner house of Jethro Pinkham 
 on Fair street, west by Christopher Swain's house to Pine 
 street. 
 
 This street is the next south of Darling, not counting 
 Macy's Court. The Pinkham house is still standing on 
 
255 
 
 the south-west corner of Fair and Farmer. The Christo- 
 pher Swain house is the ganibrel roof dwelling on the 
 north side near Pleasant. In 1768 Thomas Bunker sold to 
 Swain "where the house of Swain now stands. " Between 
 1755 and 1756, Thomas Bunker married Anna, the sister 
 of Swain, and the house was built during that period. It 
 was later owned by Abishai and Owen Swain, and in 
 1906 by Albert Clark. 
 
 Federal Street. South-east corner of house''= of William 
 Macy on Main street ; north by house* of William Hussey, 
 Jr., to Broad street by house* of Jonathan Jenkins. 
 
 When the Wescoe Acre Lots were laid-out the water of 
 the harbor reached its east edge along the line of this 
 street. All to the east has been filled in by leveling sand 
 dunes just before the section east to water was laid out as 
 Bocochico in 1743. 
 
 William Macy's house stood on the north-west corner 
 of Main and Federal streets where is now the Nickerson 
 Brick Store. 
 
 Fish Street. Orange street at north-east corner of house* 
 of Timothy Swain, senior ; east by the south side of house* 
 of Jethro Starbuck to Union street. 
 
 This is the extension of Back street east of Orange. 
 
 Gardner's Court. South-west corner house* of Valentine 
 Swain, 2nd, on Orange street, by Nathaniel Gardner's 
 house to house* of Solomon Coleman, Jr. 
 
 This is the passway that extends east from Orange street 
 a few rods south of Main at the corner of the house of the 
 late James Easton which occupies the same lot as the 
 Swain house above mentioned. 
 
256 
 
 At the east end of the Court and on south side is the 
 old house owned by Stephen Easton from 1847 and by his 
 heirs in 1899 conveyed to Hattie E. Andrews. Previous 
 to 1832 the east part was the residence of John W. Barrett 
 and the west end of Thomas Smith. Stone Alley form- 
 erly called Gunter's Alley was opened after 1800. The 
 Solomon Coleman and the Stephen Easton house were 
 probably the same building. 
 
 Gardner Lane. South-east corner house of Samuel Riddell 
 on Fair street, west to Pine on side of house of Alexander 
 Gardner. 
 
 niddell's house was on the west side of Fair street 
 between Moose and Garden Lane, and was conveyed to 
 him in 1781 by Shubael Pinkham. In some of the old 
 deeds this is called Gardner's Lane, l)ecause the land on 
 both sides was owned by George Gardner and his descen- 
 dants. 
 
 Gardner's Lane. Pleasant street, near house* of Prince 
 Gardner, Jr., west by his cooper shop to house* of Ben- 
 jamin Paddock, Jr. 
 
 The Brick House on the south-west corner of Pleasant 
 and Mill streets is now owned by H. B. Williams. The 
 premises of Prince Gardner were just south of this 
 house. This passage way has been closed for years. 
 
 Gardner Street. South-west corner house of Christopher 
 Starbuck, north to Liberty street, near house of widow 
 Eunice Gardner. 
 
 In a deed from Ebenezer Gardner to Zaccheus Macy, 
 dated 1763, this right-of-way was conveyed, and it has 
 been opened since. At that time the house of Christopher 
 

 it III 
 
 ZLicchfiis Macy House. 
 Nathaniel Macy House. 
 
 Christopher Starbuek House. 
 Stephen Chase House. 
 
257 
 
 Starbuck, in 1906 owned by Mrs. Benjamin G. Tobey, 
 was in its present location. This house belongs to the 
 period after 1720, and was placed on the lot about 1756. 
 
 On the corner of Gardner street and Howard is a house 
 for several years owned by Patrick Cox. Henry Mitchell 
 said the house stood on Duke street near Crooked or Long 
 Lane, and was sold by Jonathan Coleman in 1771 to his 
 son-in-law Samuel Riddell, and later it was moved to its 
 13 resent location. 
 
 This illustrates a source of perplexity that is constant- 
 ly appearing in the investigation of the old houses of 
 Nantucket. Buildings are found in which the construc- 
 tion seems to ante-date the period when the land could 
 have been occupied. The only explanation is that the 
 houses were first erected elsewhere, and then removed to 
 the present position. This is probably true concerning 
 the Christopher Starbuck house. 
 Grave Street. Milk street, near Zebdial Gwinn's house''', 
 
 north and east of Friends Burial Ground to Main street. 
 
 In recent years this is named Saratoga street. One of 
 the famous buildings on this street was the "Big Shop" 
 where George and Reuben Ooflfin carried on boat building, 
 and which was used as a club room evenings. Here were 
 held anti-slavery meetings when other halls were refused. 
 It was located about one hundred yards north of Milk 
 street on the west side, and was taken down some years 
 ago. 
 Green Street. Reuben Starbuck 's house', west by Simeon 
 
 Starbuck 's house='= to Grave street, near Friends Burying 
 
 Ground. 
 
 On the north side of Milk street at its junction with 
 New Mill is the house of Thomas Starbuck. This was 
 
258 
 
 once a Starbuck neighborhood. Next west of this house 
 is a small dwelling owned by Charles H. Macy. Between 
 these two houses is a street that extends a few yards 
 north and then west where it united with Vestal. Accord- 
 ing to the modern condition it does not reach Saratoga 
 street. 
 
 Reuben Starbuck's houte stood at the first angle north 
 of Milk. On the lot now occupied by Macy was the house 
 of Jethro Starbuck and in the vacant lot next west was 
 the house of Simeon Starbuck. 
 
 High Street. Pleasant street at south-west corner of the 
 old Poor House*, east to Pine street, between house* of 
 Reuben Coffin and land of the Town of Nantucket, where 
 the old Jail* and the old Poor House* stand. 
 
 This street is next south of Summer. In the descrip- 
 tion of Prison Lane the New Poor House is mentioned. 
 How early the town established a poor house and jail on 
 High street cannot be determined. They were probably 
 there as early as 1761, and soon after 1800 they were 
 taken down. 
 
 Hiller's Lane. North-east corner house of George Bunker, 
 west by south side of house* of Jonathan Long, the 
 barber, to Pine street, by school house*, of Elisha Macy. 
 
 This is the first street north of Darling. 
 
 Hussey Court. Centre street, north-east corner, house* of 
 Stephen Hussey, west by Mary Bernard's house. 
 
 This is now the east part of Hussey street, and was 
 opened in 1758. The Barnard house is still standing on 
 the north-west corner of Hussey and Westminster streets, 
 and is owned by Josiah F. Murphy. It belongs to the 
 
259 
 
 leanto style of single house, and has the typical one 
 story addition to west side. It was probably erected in 
 its present location about 1758 by Timothy Barnard, the 
 father of Libni, who left it to his widow Mary. It has 
 some indications of belonging to an earlier style of con- 
 struction, and may have been removed from some other 
 situation. Bunker's and Hussey's Courts now form Hus- 
 sey street. 
 
 Independence Lane, Federal street, south-east corner, John 
 Cartwright's house", west by house'^ of Ebenezer Coleman 
 to Center street. 
 
 On the north side of Main street between Center and 
 Federal, is a continuous row of brick blocks. The line of 
 the street is very different from what existed before the 
 Great Fire. Then the corner of Federal street reached a 
 point so far south of its present position, that it coincided 
 with the north line of Liberty street. After the Fire the 
 town widened the street by taking a strip of land and 
 placing the street line in its present location. Before 
 that change in the rear of the buildings on Main street 
 and exactly following the line of Rose Lane which extends 
 west of Center, was a narrow passage way from Federal 
 to Center. This was Independence Lane. The engine 
 house on Center street covers its end. The house of John 
 Cartwright occupied the same land now owned by H. S. 
 Wyer. 
 
 Jefferson Lane. Fair street, south-east corner house" of 
 Bartlett Coffin, west by north side of house"'' of Abishai 
 Hayden to Pine street by house" of Francis Coleman. 
 
 Next north of Eagle Lane. 
 
260 
 
 Liberty Street. South-east corner of Peleg Mitchell's 
 house", west by house''= of Benjamin Fosdick, Silvanus 
 Starbuck='S Ichabod Aldridge*, Solomon Coleman" and 
 Seth Ray, north to Chester street by house* of Valentine 
 Pease. 
 
 This street was laid out in 1678 with the Wescoe Acre 
 Lots but there is no evidence of any houses being built 
 thereon before 1720. After the removal of the residences 
 to Wescoe this street was soon occupied. 
 
 The Peleg Mitchell house stood on the corner now cov- 
 ered by the M. E. Church. 
 
 The house designated as that of Benjamin Fosdick is 
 the double leanto on the north side a few yards west of 
 Winter street. In 1801 he devised the west half to his 
 son Benjamin and the east part to his son Keuben. Ten 
 years before he had conveyed to his son Peter "where he 
 lived." This was the house at the head of Winter street 
 owned by Josiah F. Barrett, sherilf . 
 
 The west half of tlie Homestead was conveyed to 
 Edwin H. Swain and then to Jesse Baker and in 1906 is 
 owned by Mrs. Hodges. The east half was transferred by 
 Reuben Fosdick to Oapt. Wm. Oalder and is now owned 
 by Mrs. Emily Coffin. This house belongs to the style in 
 vogue in 1720 and later and was probably built by Benja- 
 min Fosdick between 1740 and 1750. 
 
 On the west edge of the Lily Pond is a curious weather 
 beaten two-story gambrel that was built by Seth Ray 
 about 1798 and in 1802 sold by him to Nathaniel Barrett 
 and since known as the Barrett house. 
 
 Few persons realize the curious course of the series of 
 roads included under the name of Liberty street. Start- 
 ing at Center street, its first direction was west, but after 
 
261 
 
 reaching Gardner street it follows a snake-like track 
 through Egypt around the Lily Pond, and finally joining 
 Chester street. Valentine Pease's house stood on the 
 south-west corner of Chester and Liberty. 
 
 Next west of the Chapel is the house built by Jonathan 
 Barney about 1756. His wife Lydia was the daughter of 
 Jethro Starbuck. 
 
 Next west is the house that was built by Barnabas 
 Pinkhani in 1748; sold in 1791 to Uriah Swain, and in 1815 
 to Paul West. Under his charge it became considerably 
 improved, and is marked by unusual elegance and good 
 taste. The frame was heavy, and the timbers though 
 encased, indicates its early construction. It is probably 
 one of the first houses on the Island built with both front 
 and rear two stories in height. 
 
 Further west on the same side and near the head of 
 Walnut Lane is the Nye House, an old leanto built about 
 1740 by Thomas and William Starbuck, and in 1743 con- 
 veyed to their sister Jemima Allen, the wife of Silvanus. 
 
 On the south-west corner of Liberty and Walnut Lane 
 is a house which though certainly very old has been the 
 subject of much error and conjecture. It has been 
 asserted that it was the first house built on the Island and 
 was named from Maddaket where it had been erected in 
 1665. It belongs to the regular 1720 type of leanto house 
 and might be expected to date about that period except 
 for the fact that it fronts to the north. 
 
 The land was set off by the Proprietors in 1723 to 
 Thomas Macy and the house could not have been there 
 before that date. In 1745 he conveys the land on both 
 sides of the Lane between Main and Liberty streets to his 
 three sons and provided that each should have the house 
 
262 
 
 where he lived. This gave all on the east side of Walnut 
 Lane to his son Francis, and on the west side the Main 
 street end went to Robert, and the Liberty street land and 
 house to Nathaniel. The house was there at that date 
 and the only inquiry is how much earlier. The records 
 indicate that Thomas Macy did not live in that locality. 
 Nathaniel Macy was married about 1741. These facts 
 would lead to the conclusion that the house was built on 
 this land about that date. There is a possibility that the 
 house was moved to its present location and that it was 
 first constructed elsewhere. If this were established it 
 would probably also appear tliat it was first built near 
 Capaum and not later than 1720 because it belongs to that 
 period and could not have been planned at a previous 
 date. 
 
 Lily Street. South-east corner, cooper shop" of Peter 
 Folger on Center street, south-west by Amos Wood's 
 house.* 
 
 The shop stood on the lot now occupied by the house of 
 the late Joseph B. Swain. 
 
 Lyon Street. North-east corner shop* of Thomas Coffin near 
 his house* on Orange street, west by George Swain and 
 James Swain's house* to Pine street. 
 
 The Swain houses were on Fair street, and the Teaser 
 Meeting House was later Imilt on the south-west corner 
 of Lyon and Fair. 
 
 Long Lane. South-east corner house of Benjamin Mer- 
 chant, north and west by house of William Gardner, 2nd, 
 north to north shore, or Wannacomet lot or pasture. 
 
 This lane is west of No Bottom Pond, and begins at 
 Duke street where the Merchant house was on the north- 
 west corner. 
 
263 
 
 At the south-east corner of Long Lane and West Ches- 
 ter street was the house of William Stratton, and south, 
 that of Dennis Manning. 
 
 This was also called Crooked Lane. 
 
 Macy Court. Gardner street at house='' of Richard Macy, 
 west by south side house of Thomas Snow by north side 
 house of Zaccheus Macy, Jr., and westward. 
 
 This is the first passway north of Main street, now called 
 Howard street. The Macys owned the land between it 
 and Main street. The Zaccheus Macy, Jr., house is stand- 
 ing and is owned by the Austin sisters. It is on the 
 south side of the street. It was a leanto, fronted south 
 back to street. In 1866 the sloping north roof was 
 raised to two stories in height. It was probably built by 
 Zaccheus Macy, Jr., who married about 1790, but the 
 house was probably moved from some location where it 
 had been erected years before, as it belongs to a style in 
 vogue about 1720 to 1750. 
 
 The house of Zaccheus Macy stands on the north-west 
 corner of Main and Gardner streets. 
 
 Macy Lane. Fair street, north-east corner Benjamin Coffin 
 house*, west by Shubael Macy and Jabez Macy houses to 
 Pine street by house='= of Josiah Calder. 
 
 South of Darling street west from Fair is a court extend- 
 ing to an old house formerly owned by the family of Reu- 
 ben Allen. This is all that remains of the lane opened in 
 1758. The west part was once called Pump Lane, and 
 has been closed. The Allen house was once the residence 
 of Stephen Macy, and is in 1906 used by Benjamin Robin- 
 son as a carpenter shop. It was a leanto, facing south, 
 with a large chimney at east end. The brick were of full 
 
264 
 
 standard size, laid in clay that was used in place of 
 mortar. The frame shows bracketed corner posts and 
 beams of oak. It may have been moved there from some 
 other part of the Island, but could not have been located in 
 its present position before 1717 when the Fish Lots were laid 
 out. It is one of the very few houses that face south and 
 stand end to the street, the only street in 1717 being Fair. 
 If built in 1717 small sized brick might have been ex- 
 pected instead of the modern standard style. On the 
 other hand the use of clay instead of mortar seems to be 
 ancient. There was no clay filling between the walls. 
 The frame is remarkably sound for a house of such age. 
 
 There is a tradition that the house in which the first 
 Thomas Macy lived at North shore was moved to town 
 after 1780 and rebuilt near this Reuben Allen house. 
 
 Madison Lane. Union street, north-east corner store or ware- 
 house* of Joseph Rotch, then William Rotch ; west to Fed- 
 eral street near house* of John Cartwright, which is 
 bounded on Federal street and Independence lane. 
 Madison Lane was a continuation of Independence Lane 
 
 east of Federal street. 
 
 Maiden Lane. Union street, north-east corner house James 
 Whippey, west to Orange street by land of Silvanus Coffin, 
 deceased. 
 This street is nearly opposite the junction of York with 
 
 Orange and for many years has been called Lower York 
 
 street. 
 
 Main Street. Straight wharf west by houses of William 
 Macy*, Peleg Coffin*, Zaccheus Macy, Timothy Coffin*, 
 Timothy Gardner*, Joseph Marshall*, Frederick Folger* 
 and Jethro Folger* to west Shearpen and to Cambridge. 
 This was probably an open way before 1700, but the 
 
 first mention in the records is 1726. 
 
-r' C 
 
 
 - c 
 
265 
 
 "William Macy's house stood on the north-west corner of 
 Federal and is probably the same building showii in the 
 view of this street in the Atheneuni Library Room. 
 
 Zaccheus Macy's house is still standing at the north- 
 west corner of Main and Gardner streets. It is a leanto 
 after the style in vogue between 1730 and 1750. Macy 
 bought land of Barnabas Gardner in 1748 and the house 
 may have been built about that time. 
 
 Joseph Marshall's house stood near the junction of Duke 
 street, west of Saratoga. 
 
 Cambridge was the name applied to the farm north and 
 west of the north head of Hummock Pond, which was 
 owned before 1700 by Nathaniel Starbuck. For over half 
 a century before 1905 it has been owned by Bailey Cor- 
 nish and his descendants. 
 
 At the Head of Main street on the north side is the 
 residence of the late George 0. Gardner. East of it 
 stands the house known as the Lowell house, and the sec- 
 ond west is the time-looking leanto owned by Hiram Fol- 
 ger and his father. Both wx»re Iniilt by Gardners, and 
 have a long history. The land on which they stand was 
 part of Judge Richard Gardner's farm called "Crooked 
 Record," 
 
 The Lowell house is first mentioned in 1760 w hen the 
 heirs of Joseph Gardner devide his real estate. This 
 house and land was assigned to the son Charles, who in 
 1778 sold it to David Rand in whose family it remained 
 until 1856 and by several deeds it passed to Judith P. 
 Lowell the owner in 1906. It is reasonably certain that 
 Joseph Gardner never lived here and in the division it is 
 designated as "the land whereon the house of Charles 
 stands." Charles was married about 1740 and this would 
 
266 
 
 correspond with the style of construction found in the 
 house. It belongs to the same style as tlie Paul West 
 house having the frame of a 1720 leanto but is full two 
 story front and rear. This style prevailed from 1745 to 
 the date of the Revolution. This was probably built 
 between 1740 and 1750 by Charles Gardner. 
 
 The Folger house was owned and occupied by Barnabas 
 Gardner who was married in 1718. This house in 1789 
 passed to Laban Gardner who sold it in 1804 to Benjamin 
 Whippey and in 1821 he conveyed it to Alfred Folger. In 
 1905 the owner is John E. Backus. Barnabas Gardner 
 died in this house in 1768 and it is a question how much 
 earlier the house was built. It belongs to the same period 
 and style as the Major Coffin and Elihu Coleman houses 
 that were built in 1724. James Gardner the father of 
 Barnabas died in 1723 leaving this land. It would be 
 safe to infer that the house was built from 1725 to 1735. 
 
 Peleg Coffin's house stood on the south-west corner of 
 Main street and Ray's Court. See "Turner's Alley." 
 
 The house of Timothy Coffin stood on the lot now occu- 
 pied by the house of Edward H. Perry, on the corner of 
 Howard street. 
 
 East of the Lowell house is an open lot where in 1799 
 stood the house of Timothy Gardner. 
 
 The residence of the late Capt. William Baxter on the 
 north side of Main street and next west of the house of 
 Edward H. Perry is unique in being the only example of 
 the Dutch Cap roof on the Island. The land was part of the 
 Gardner Crooked Record, and in 1770 was conveyed to 
 Edward Cory. According to the period when such houses 
 were common in New Bedford and vicinity, it would be 
 expected that this house was built about 1800. Probably 
 
267 
 
 it was not many years before or after that date. In 1815 
 Robert Cory sold the property to Reuben Baxter. As 
 Edward Cory's own Mansion stood on the south-west cor- 
 ner of Main and Orange streets, it seems probable that 
 the Baxter house was built for the son Robert. 
 
 Martin's Lane. South-west corner house" Jonathan Gorham 
 Fitch on Fair street east to Orange by Joseph Coffin's 
 house.* 
 
 Joseph Coffin's house stood on the north west corner of 
 Orange street and this lane, where Josiah Macy built the 
 house now on the lot and in 1906 owned by Mary F. Ham- 
 mond. 
 
 Milk Street. Main street at Town House*, south-west 
 by houses of Thomas Starbuck, William Starbuck*, Zeb- 
 dirJ Gwinn*, to south of Abraham Hoeg's house to the 
 north of the Ropewalk, to William Ellis in Uppertown. 
 
 The facts concerning the removal of the Town House to 
 the junction of Main and Milk streets have already been 
 presented; also the location of Thomas Starbuck's house 
 at liead of New Mill street. 
 
 The Hoeg house was sold to him in 1798 by William 
 Rotch, and had been there some years and occupied by 
 Hoeg. In 1810 it was sold to John Adlington in whose 
 family it remained until recently. It stands on the north 
 side of the street opposite the east end of the burial 
 ground. 
 
 The Roi3e walks were on the hill at the higliest eleva- 
 tion in the cemetery. 
 
 The Ellis house stood south-easterly from the Elihu 
 Coleman house. Uppertown was an indefinite region in 
 the vicinity of the Hummock Pond. 
 
268 
 
 On the south-east corner of Milk and New Mill streets 
 stands the house owned recently by James B. Coffin. It was 
 built by Matthew Myrick shortly after the Revolution, 
 and is an excellent specimen of the popular Nantucket 
 House of that date. 
 
 The William Starbuck house stood on the south side of 
 Milk, west of New Mill in a lot between the houses of 
 William Allen and that of Isaiah Folger. 
 
 Mill Street, Pleasant street near the boat builders' shop" 
 of Sylvanus Macy, west by Alexander Ray's house to 
 Charles Bunker's mill" and west to the Rope Walks. 
 
 This street extends on north side of the Jared Coffin 
 brick house. The Ray house is still standing about half 
 way between Pleasant street and Risdale on the north 
 side of New Mill. 
 
 At tlie time this list was prepared by Isaac Coffin, there 
 were three wind mills on the Mill Hills. And three were 
 standing as late as 1830 when William Coffin made a 
 map of the town. The present mill belonged to Charles 
 or Timothy Swain, and was the easternmost. 
 
 The Charles Bunker Mill stood near the spot where 
 Mill and New Mill streets would meet and there was one 
 Mill between these. 
 
 Moose Lane. North-east corner land of Samuel Riddell by 
 his house* on Fair street, west by George Russell's house 
 to Pine street by house* of Alexander Gardner. 
 
 This is the first street south of the Building of the 
 Historical Society. Intentionally or by mistake it has 
 recently been called Moore's Lane. 
 
 Riddell's house stood on the south-west corner of this 
 lane and Fair street. 
 
269 
 
 Mulberry Lane. Orange street by the north-west corner of 
 Enoch Ray's house, east by David Harris to Union street 
 under Quanaty Bank. 
 
 This street is next south of Flora. Quanaty Bank is 
 the hill that is east of Orange street and extends from 
 Main street nearly to the junction with Union street. 
 
 New Lane. North-east corner house='' of Charles Folger, 
 north through the Gardner Burying Ground by pasture 
 of Albert Gardner north to Chester street, which leads 
 westward of house-' of Stephen Barnard and house of John 
 Brock. 
 
 This lane leads north from the head of Main street to 
 Chester. 
 
 Newtown is the south part of the town of Nantucket. 
 
 New Guiney. Negro town or village south and east of the 
 Wind Mills, near house='= of Hezekiah Russell. 
 
 The Russell house was on Pleasant street near the head 
 of York, where lived the family of Samsom Pompey. 
 
 New Dollar Lane. South-east corner house of Job Macy, 
 north to Milk street, between house'^ of Samuel Coleman 
 and house* of Ruth Barnard. 
 
 This is now Risdale street. 
 
 The Job Macy house is still standing on the north-west 
 corner of Mill street. 
 
 At Milk street the Barnard house was on the east cor- 
 ner, and the Coleman on the west. 
 
 New Mill Street. George Myrick's house* south-west by 
 house of Tristram Folger, 2nd, on south side to Wind 
 Mill* of Charles Bunker and westward. 
 
 The Folger house is the first on the west side south of 
 Milk, and is owned in 1905 by Thomas Caley, and pre- 
 viously by Wm. Rivers. 
 
270 
 
 The George My rick house stood in the garden between 
 the houses of Thomas Mack and James B. Coffin, 
 
 North Street. South-west corner Francis Joy house''=, north 
 by Barzillai Folger house* and house* of Ebenezer Coffin, 
 west by house* of Robert Clasby and house* of Matthew 
 Worth and so to western Shearpen. 
 
 The Joy house was on the corner of Chester and North 
 streets and was taken down within a few years by Dr. J. 
 S. Gruard. 
 
 The Folger house stood on the liill on the east side of 
 the street in the yard of Miss Nevins and was taken down 
 by her in 1908. 
 
 The western Shearpen was located near Maxey's Pond. 
 
 On the south-west corner of Center and North streets is 
 the ancient house owned by Mrs. Jane L. Turner. From 
 1800 to 1850 it was the Homestead of Thaddeus Folger. 
 It was probably built between 1740 and 1750. 
 
 North Beach Street. New North wharf south-east corner, 
 Francis Joy's store or warehouse* to corner of cliff. 
 
 This is the usual road to the Cliff Bathing Beach. Tlie 
 Joy warehouse stood where the brick store of Hadwen and 
 Barney is located. 
 
 North New Lane. North street by north-east corner Josiah 
 Coffin's house, south by Francis Folger 's house to Chester 
 street, by house* of Francis Gardner. 
 
 The Josiah Coffin house has already been described. 
 
 The Francis Gardner house stood on the east side of the 
 Lane where now is located the house of Eben W. Francis. 
 When the cellar of the present house was being excavated 
 a silver tablespoon w^as found marked 1665 and the initials 
 
271 
 
 R. G., thus marking the spot as the residence of Judge 
 Richard Gardner. It had been erroneously supposed 
 
 that his house was below the hill and nearer the Lily 
 
 Pond. 
 
 Orange Street. Main street by Thomas Delano's house* 
 south by houses of Seth Coffin, Joseph Coffin, Thomas 
 Coffin", Mary Butler's Jona than Upham=', Solomon Folger 
 to Newtown gate by house* of William Cash. 
 
 The Thomas Delano house stood on the south-west cor- 
 ner of Main and Orange, and was taken down by Philip 
 H. Folger to build the present brick building. 
 
 Joseph Coffin's house stood on tlie corner of Martin's 
 Lane ; the Upham house on the south-west corner of Wil- 
 liam's Lane, and the Butler house on the corner of Daves 
 street. 
 
 The Newtown Gate was a barrier across the street near 
 the first mile stone. In the days when sheep grazing was 
 largely followed, and in the years before 1821 when 
 thousands of sheep roamed from one end of the Island to 
 the other, convenience required that some arrangement 
 be devised to keep them from the town. Gates were es- 
 tablished at the roads that gave access to the residential 
 section. There were several others, but the Newtown 
 Gate being passed by all who sought Polpis or Siasconsett 
 was more famous and was in use as late as 1840. 
 
 While Orange street w^as opened in 1726, yet for some 
 reason not apparent, the old houses were removed more 
 generally than in any other street in the town. In the 
 space betw'een Main street and the Asylum, just one mile 
 long, the ancient dwellings have given place to modern 
 structures. 
 
272 
 
 Opposite the South school is the house of Seth Coffiu, 
 which was built probably between 1740 and 1750. 
 
 South of York street on the east side are some houses 
 of delapidated exterior which may not be as old as the 
 Revolution. On the side streets, east and west of Orange 
 still remain many structures of the olden time, but the 
 nuiin thoroughfare to Scon set with these exceptions is a 
 street of modern houses. 
 
 Possibly some of the well preserved houses with center 
 chimneys may be ancient buildings transformed. Thus 
 the dwelling of the late Capt. Charles Smalley next north 
 of the Mansion of Wm. Barnes was built about 1769, and 
 shows some old framing. The house of Col. Brayton 
 opposite the Block was built about the same time. 
 
 At the Railroad Crossing on the east side of Orange 
 street is an old appearing house of the leanto style, placed 
 in that location about 175G by Christopher Baxter. It 
 remained in the Baxter family for over half a century 
 and was then owned successively by Benjamin and Peter 
 Raymond and Alexander Bunker and in 1895 was pur- 
 chased by Wm. Modley. Its form suggests an earlier 
 construction than 1756 and there is a possibility that it 
 was erected here by Jabez Macy or moved from a prior 
 situation but the records are silent as to either fact. 
 
 Oak Street. Water street by house* of John Pinkham, west 
 to Federal street, south side house* of Ebenezer Davis. 
 
 This street extends along the north side of the Athe- 
 neum. 
 
William Baxter Uouso. 
 (iundall Gardner House. 
 
 James Austin House. 
 Seth Ray House. 
 
273 
 
 Pearl Street. Water street at south-east corner house'' of 
 Jethro Eussey, west by houses of Benjamin Walcutt, Na- 
 thaniel Coleman, Ebenezer Rand, Uriah Bunker, 2nd, to 
 Liberty street, near house''- of Ichabod Aldridge. 
 It was provided for in the layout of Wescoe Acre Lots 
 in 1678. 
 
 Jethro Hussey owned the land east of the Atheneuni. 
 In the attic of his house the Union Lodge of Free Masons 
 met before 1792. In the west section are several inter- 
 esting houses. On the south side a short distance west 
 of Center is the gambrel which was built by Silas Pad- 
 dock about 1767. From 1791 to 1829 it was owmed by 
 Wm. Barnard, and it was then conveyed to George Pad- 
 dock whose descendants have since owned it. 
 
 East of this, standing at an angle with the street, is a 
 late leanto ow^ned recently ])y Mrs. Judith Mitchell, and 
 placed on that lot by John Morris before 1762. The tra- 
 dition that it was moved there is supported by the posi- 
 tion of the house, the lot being too small to allow it to be 
 placed squarely on the street. According to a writer in 
 the Port-folio in 1811 this street was also called India 
 Row from the number of residents 'Svho reside there in 
 ease and affluence." It was a better name than "Pearl." 
 Ichabod Aldridge owned and occupied two houses at the 
 head of Pearl, both removed. On the north side of Brock's 
 Court was a double house which the late Thomas B. Field 
 attempted to transform in a wind mill. On the south- 
 west corner of the Court and Liberty street was the other 
 which was his later residence. 
 
 Pine Street. Main street at north-west corner of house of 
 Joseph Swain, south by Fish lots, west side house Mica j ah 
 Coffin, William Ramsdeir'S James Swain''' and Francis 
 Coleman •' to West Monomoy shores, near Pompeys. 
 
274 
 
 The Joseph Swain house stands across the end of Winter 
 street and was owned in recent years by the hite Wm. 
 Hussey Macy. It was built as a leanto the south roof 
 sloping down to one story, but this has been raised and 
 made two stories. The house was erected about 1740 to 
 1750 by John Barnard and by him sold to Swain 1762. 
 
 The west line of the Fish Lot division was along Pine 
 street. 
 
 The Micajah Coffin house is standing on the north-east 
 corner of Charter street. 
 
 Francis Coleman's house was on the east side between 
 Lyon and Jefferson. 
 
 The Kamsdell house stood on the west side at the head 
 of Darling street where is now the house of John Appleton. 
 
 The Pompey's were colored people who lived near the 
 junction of York and Pleasant streets. 
 
 Pleasant Street. North-east corner Friends Meeting House* 
 south by houses of Walter Folger, Reuben Hussey*, Heze- 
 kiah Russell, Molly Quinn, Nathaniel Whippey, south and 
 east to Nev/town Gate by house* of William Cash. 
 
 From 1790 to 1834 the south-west corner of Main and 
 Pleasant streets was occupied by the Meeting House. 
 
 This street north of Mill street for many years has been 
 a favorite section for residences, but the houses now stand- 
 ing are mostly modern structures built after the Revolu- 
 tion. Several have the large center chimneys and were 
 built about 1800. On the west side next north of the cor- 
 ner of Mill is the Obed Macy house built at this period, 
 and 1905 owned by Mrs. Emily W. Hollister. 
 
 The large brick house was built by Jared Coffin between 
 ■ 1835 and 1840. 
 
275 
 
 On the east side, south of Summer, is the Folger house, 
 the residence of the late Capt. James Wyer. 
 
 The Reuben Hussey house stood on the east side oppo- 
 site the brick house of H. B. Williams. 
 
 Plumb Lane. Orange street at south-east corner house" of 
 Benjamin Glover, west between houses of David Upham 
 Giles''-, by Timothy Jackson to Fair street near house" of 
 Ebenezer Barnard. 
 
 A family lived in the vicinity named Plumb for whom 
 this street was named. 
 
 Prison Lane. Milk street north-east corner of Elihu Coffin 
 house", west on the south side new Poor House to Grave 
 street, near Friends Burying Ground. 
 
 This is now named Vestal street. The Jail occupies the 
 land whereon the new poor house stood and the building 
 above mentioned may be one of those standing on the lot 
 in 1905. 
 
 The Elihu Coffin house stood on the north-west corner 
 of Milk street. 
 
 On the east side near Milk street stands the house 
 where Maria Mitchell was born. The house was built in 
 1790. 
 
 Ray's Court. North-east corner Uriah Pinkham's house", 
 west by house of Daniel Black to house of John Ray. 
 
 The Pinkham house stood on the same site as the build- 
 ing of the Historical Society. 
 
 The house of John Ray stood on land on the south side 
 of the Court owned in 1905 by Sidney Chase. The Court 
 as above described did not extend to Main street, the 
 Main street end being named Turner's Alley. The two 
 were joined before 1830. 
 
276 
 
 Rose Lane. Center street at south-east corner Henry- 
 Clark's house*, west by house* of Tristram Coffin, painter, 
 to Tristram Gardner's land. 
 
 This Lane extends along the north side of the Methodist 
 Chapel. 
 
 The Clark house was taken down in 1004 by Henry M. 
 Upham, and a new building placed on the lot. 
 
 Salem Street. East side Old South Wharf west by the north 
 side brick store of Shubael Barnard and north side house* 
 of Abner Briggs to Joseph Barker's land. 
 
 Sea Street. Water street between house* of Aaron Mitchell 
 and house of Robert Brayton to the sea shore, Brant Point 
 near the Lighthouse. 
 
 This street is the continuation of Step Lane or Chapman 
 Avenue, east of North Water, In the above description 
 and also in that of Water street no distinction is made l)e- 
 tween Water and North Water, although the two are not 
 continuous. In later years the section north of Broad is 
 named North Water, and the other South Water street. 
 
 The house of Robert Brayton is on the north-east corner 
 of Sea and North Water streets, and in recent years was 
 owned l^y Albert Easton. 
 
 Silver Street. Grave street at the south side of house* of 
 Sarah Clasby and continuing east. 
 
 The street above described in recent years began on 
 Milk street and extended north between house of Alex- 
 ander Macy on the east and Stephen Gibbs on the west, 
 then west to Saratoga street on north side of Lot Fisher's 
 house. For many years the name "silver" has been 
 applied to a street between Orange and Pleasant next 
 south of the lower end of Fair street and the name has 
 not been used in relation to the former way. 
 
277 
 
 School Street. Fair street, at south-east corner Thomas 
 Coffin, Jr., house to Pine street, on north side of Zenas 
 Coffin's house. 
 
 The Thomas Coffin house in 1905 is owned by Hon. 
 Thaddeus C. Defriez. 
 
 Zenas Coffin was son of Micajah and left the largest for- 
 tune ever accumulated on Nantucket. He was the father 
 of the late Charles G. and Henry Coffin. His house stands 
 next north of his father's on Pine street. 
 
 South Street. James Johnson's pond, near the cow bars 
 east to Newtown Gate, near William Cash house. ='• 
 
 James Johnson's Pond was on the west side of Orange 
 street opposite the Asylum and crossed by the Railroad. 
 
 Wm. Cash's house was on a hill to the north and near 
 the first Milestone. 
 
 South Mill Street. House of Crispus Gardner, west and 
 south to mill of Charles or Timothy Swain, it being the 
 Mill road. 
 
 The house of Crispus Gardner or more properly Gard- 
 iner, stands on the west side of Pleasant street, about one- 
 eighth of a mile south of Mill street. It is a leanto, faces 
 south and was in that location in 1745 and possibly earlier. 
 That year it was conveyed by Jonathan Folger to his son- 
 in-law Stephen Chase and has been owned by his descen- 
 dants to the present date. Crispus Gardiner, a descedant 
 of Lyon Gardiner of Long Island married Margaret Chase 
 tlie daughter of Stephen. It was later owned by their 
 daughter Lydia the wife of Cyrus Hussey and by the 
 latter conveyed to their daughter Margaret Cary. 
 
278 
 
 Margaret Chase's brother Reuben was the original of 
 Cooper's Long Tom Coffin in the Pilot. Among the 
 descendants of Crispus and Margaret Gardiner were men 
 and women of great physical stature. 
 
 Spring Street. Washington street, north-west corner of 
 store* of Samuel Riddell, east by the north side of Bar- 
 zillai Stetson's house,* north by Paul Gardner and Son's 
 candle factory to Whale street. 
 
 Spruce Street. Orange street east by south side house* of 
 Freeman Ellis, Uriah Bunker and Obed Bunker on Carr's 
 Point in Newtown, and so to the Meadows. 
 
 Tliis street was between the Asylum and the Railroad 
 crossing. 
 
 Summer Street. Pleasant street, north-west corner of 
 house* of Simeon Russell, east by house* of Joseph Chase 
 and house of Barnabas Paddock to Pine street. 
 
 Joseph Chase lived where is now the Baptist church. 
 
 Tillet Street. Washington street, north-west corner house* 
 of Benjamin Mitchell, east by north side house* of old 
 Samuel Barker, east to Harbor. 
 
 Trader's Lane. Main street, north-east corner house of 
 Samuel Barrett, south by house of Peleg Bunker to Sum- 
 mer street. 
 
 This is the first street east of Pleasant leading south 
 and passes by the side of the Baptist Church. 
 
 Turner's Alley. Main street, north-west corner house* of 
 Peleg Coffin, Esq., south by west side house* of John 
 Howes. 
 
 This was the part of Ray's Court extending south from 
 Main street, nearly opposite Walnut Lane. The Peleg 
 Cofiin house stood where is now the brick house of Charles 
 
279 
 
 G. CoflEin. Peleg Coffin was Treasurer of the Common- 
 wealth of Massachusetts 1797 to 1801. The house was 
 devised by Josiah Barker to Peleg Coffin's wife Eunice, 
 who was Barker's daughter, and in 1805 she sold it to Dr. 
 Rowland Gelston, whose heirs sold it in 1831 to Charles 
 G. Coffin, the builder of the brick house. 
 
 The small house south of Main street on the east side 
 of Ray's Court, which has been recently taken down by 
 Sidney Chase, in 1798 was sold by Baker Turner to John 
 Howes, From Turner the Alley was named. Apparently 
 in 1799 it had not been extended to Ray's Court. 
 
 Union Street. North-east corner land of Josiah Barker, Jr., 
 near his house, south by west side house of Ruth 
 Coffin, Joseph Wyer, Christopher Mitchell, David Chad- 
 wick, ='= Wm. Ray, Jr., to Newtown Bridge, where it falls 
 into Orange street. 
 
 Josiah Barker owned the land where the Masonic Build- 
 ing stands in 1906. 
 
 Next south of the Masonic Building is the house owned 
 by Dr. King. Christopher Mitchell's house stood on the lot 
 next south. The house next south now owned by Mrs. 
 Avis Enos was owned by Seth Mitchell. 
 
 On the east side of Union is the house of Andrew M. 
 Myrick and his father married a daughter of Christopher 
 Mitchell. 
 
 John W. Barrett married another daughter of Mitchell 
 and his house stands on Main street next west of Fair 
 street. 
 
 David Chadwick's house stood at the foot of Flora street 
 on the east side of Union. 
 
280 
 
 Oil the west side of Union in front of Wm. Barnes 
 Terrace is a gambrel once owned by Joseph Haniblin. 
 It was built probably a few years before 1800. 
 
 On the east side of Union further south is another gam- 
 brel for many years owned by Isaac Austin. It was built 
 by William Coffin soon after the Revolution. On tlie 
 shore south east, Coffin built and conducted a Rope Walk 
 tluit was there in 1830. The Austin house in 190() is 
 occupied by Wm. C. Dunham. 
 
 Walnut Lane. Liberty street, north-west corner old house" 
 of Francis Macy south to Main street, between houses" of 
 Francis Macy, where he lives, and of Judith Worth. 
 
 In 1745 Thomas Macy, who owned the land on both 
 sides of Walnut Lane, conveyed the same as follows : 
 That on east side to son Francis ; that on the north-west 
 corner of Main and Walnut Lane to son Robert ; and that 
 north with the old house to son Nathaniel. 
 
 Thomas Macy's land included the land on which stood 
 the Burdick house on Main street and the Ewer house on 
 Liberty. 
 
 The Robert Macy lot was sold in 1774 to Andrew Worth 
 whose widow was Judith. 
 
 Francis Macy must have had two dwellings, the old one 
 on Liberty street since demolished and a newer house on 
 Main street, the whole or a part of which is said to be the 
 ell of the house now on the lot owned by the late Charles 
 Henry Webb. 
 
 Warren Street. Orange street, south-east corner house" of 
 George Worth, west by house='= of Naomi Stratton, south 
 of house" of Jeremiah Coleman to Pleasant street. 
 
 This is the first street south of York connecting Fleas- 
 ant and Orange. 
 
Seth Coffin House. 
 George Bunker House. 
 
 Christopher Baxter House. 
 Lowell House. 
 
281 
 
 Water Street. South-west corner brick store of William 
 Rotch, north in a crooked direction by house of Richard 
 Mitchell/:= John Elkins,* Jethro Mitchell,* George Hussey,* 
 Richard Swain, to Chester street and North street by 
 house* of Francis Joy. 
 
 It is to be noted that the two streets in recent years 
 known as South Water and North Water are here de- 
 scribed as one continuous way, although there was a 
 decided jog at Broad street. 
 
 The store of William Rotch is the building at the foot 
 of Main street already described. 
 
 Jethro Mitchell's house stood at the corner of North 
 Water and Ash streets. 
 
 In 1811 according to the Port-folio this was called Mit- 
 chell street because it was inhabited by so many people 
 
 of that name. 
 John Elkin's house stood on the north-east corner of 
 
 North Water and Broad where for many years Mrs. Judith 
 
 J. Fish has conducted a boarding house. 
 
 George Hussey's house stood at the north-west corner 
 
 of Step Lane, directly east of the Veranda House. 
 
 The Swain House stands next south of Davis Hall's 
 
 house on the west side, the second house south of the 
 
 corner of Chester street. It was built by Richard Swain 
 
 about 1765. 
 The Hall house belonged formerly to Oapt. Obed Fitch 
 
 and was built about the same date as the Swain house. 
 
 Washington. Main street, north-east corner store or ware- 
 house of Jonathan Burnell, south by stores or warehouses 
 of Paul Mitchell, Christopher Mitchell, by west side store 
 of Samuel Riddell and houses* of Lydia Giles, Benjamin 
 Glover, and so to Newtown Creek. 
 The Railroad location south of Candle street is along 
 
 Washington. 
 
282 
 
 Whale Street. Main street, north-west corner store or ware- 
 house of Walter Folger, south by east end house* of Abner 
 Briggs and south by house* of Thaddeus Waterman. 
 
 William's Lane. Orange street, north-east corner house* of 
 Jonathan Upham, west by land of Benjamin Jones, 
 Ebenezer Swain, George Brown to Pleasant street, near lot 
 of Nathaniel Russell in Newtown. 
 
 This is the first street west from Orange south of junc- 
 tion with Union street. 
 
 The Upham house stood on the south-west corner. The 
 lane was opened in 1789. 
 
 Weymouth Lane. Orange street, between houses* of Prince 
 Coleman and Joseph Weeks, east by south side house of 
 Thomas Varney McCleave to Union street, under the bank. 
 
 This is the first street north of Dover. The Oolesworthy 
 house in 1906 owned by S. F. Hosmer is reputed to have 
 been built in 1755. The McCleave house was next 
 east. 
 
 Wharf Lane. West end old south wharf, south-west corner 
 Gideon and Albert Gardner's candle works, near Abner 
 Briggs house,* east by south side old wharf and south side 
 of all the stores, warehouses and blacksmith shops, by the 
 store of Peter Folger, on the old south wharf, and so down 
 old south wharf to Salem street. 
 
 Winter Street. South-east corner house* of Prince Gardner, 
 north to Liberty street, by house* of Walter Folger. 
 
 This street opened in 1738 and the lots on the east side 
 comprised a region at that date called the Clay Pits, 
 which extended nearly to Walnut Lane. 
 
 The Prince Gardner house stood on north side of Main 
 street and the property is now owned by his descendants. 
 
283 
 
 Walter Folger's house stood on the south-east corner of 
 Winter and Liberty. 
 
 York Street. South-east corner house* of Ephraim Coffin, 
 west by house* of Armstrong Smith to Pleasant street, 
 southward of house* of Joseph Allen. 
 
 This street began at Orange and extended to Pleasant. 
 
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. 
 
 During a visit to Nantucket in 1881, Mr. Henry S. Wyer 
 took photographs of a number of old houses, several of 
 which have now disappeared. To his courtesy and zeal 
 is due the fact that it has been possible to present in this 
 work pictures of the John Swain, Paddock, Abel Gardner 
 and Coffin ''Horseshoe" houses, the latter by photographic 
 ingenuity showing as restored the north-east corner which 
 many years ago was destroyed by fire. 
 
^^,,.det Historical Asso,,,,^^ 
 
 INGORPORATED dULY 9, 1894. 
 
 Vol. 2 Bulletin No. 6. 
 
 /Nantucket Lands and 
 
 Land Owner; 
 
 aA 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY BARNARD WORTH 
 
 published by 
 Nantucket Historical Association, 
 1910. 
 


 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Indian Names. 
 
 The names of places on the New England coast adopted 
 by the Indians were not single Algonquin words according 
 to the system of the Europeans, but were compiled according 
 to a widely different method. The Redmen selected some 
 prominent feature in the locality as the principal element 
 in a descriptive phrase and this became the name of that 
 place. If the distinguishing object was a sharp rock, the 
 phrase name would be "At the place of the sharp-pointed 
 rock." Therefore these names were highly descriptive and 
 furnish a guide to their derivation. 
 
 To reach the meaning it is necessary to ascertain all the 
 words that entered into the composition of the original 
 phrase and several serious obstacles are encountered. In 
 the first place the chirography of the seventeenth century is 
 obscure and there is absolutely no assistance to be obtained 
 from the context. Comparisons must be made between the 
 forms of the same name written at dift'erent dates and by 
 several men. From this it nuiy be possible to ascertain 
 what was the name which was used by the Indians. 
 
 Then there was at that period no uniform system of 
 orthography. Each man spelled as he talked without regard 
 to any standard. If the scribes were men of limited educa- 
 tion, there was additional difficulty. If. however, the actual 
 name as spoken by the Indians was finally recovered, the 
 labor of analyzing it into its components comes next in 
 order. In forming the phrase name the Redmen did not use 
 
286 
 
 the whole of each eoiistitueut part but only what is called 
 the "Root." Ill the analysis the highest degree of linguistic 
 skill is demanded. Often only a small fraction of the word 
 is used and from the fragment the whole word must be 
 inferred. Then frequently there may be several ways ways 
 in Avhieh a word may be divided. Thus the name Nantucket 
 may be analyzed Xant-uck-et or Nan-tuck-et and widely 
 different results would be reached. Only by trial can the 
 correct di\'ision be proved. It is at this point that the 
 descriptive feature in the name becomes a guide to its mean- 
 ing. When the student has made all possible divisions of 
 the Avord and obtained the meanings of each, then must 
 be applied the final test to discover which finds a response 
 in the local situation. If there is nothing in the place that 
 confirms the meaning then one of two things is true : Either 
 the supposed meaning is wrong or the name is in the wrong 
 place by which is meant that it has been transferred from 
 some other locality. If the supposed meaning of the name 
 involves the idea of "rock" and none can be found, one of 
 these two conclusions must follow, and generally it is the 
 first because there is something in the records to reveal the 
 fact of a transfer if there has been any. If as sometimes 
 occurs there is not only one appropriate meaning but two 
 or more, it is very difficult to prove which Avas intended by 
 the Indians. 
 
 This brief outline Avill suggest only a faint idea of the 
 extent and difficulty of these obstacles. If there were only 
 some final resort to Avhich to appeal for a settlement, the 
 case of difficult problems might at least be solved. But 
 no help can be obtained from native sources because the 
 language heard by the Pilgrim and Puritan has ceased to 
 be spoken for over a century and the Redmen had no way 
 to preserve any written language. 
 
 Then there is no college of experts who can agree on the 
 etymology or meanings of Indian names. In this depart- 
 ment of historical research students differ widely in their 
 vieAvs and opinions and those most learned are often farthest 
 
287 
 
 apart in their coiielusioiis. Oi-casionally there is one like 
 Dr. Trumbull who comniands universal respect. At the 
 present time there is none whose standing makes him an 
 authority. 
 
 When any student pursues the subject beyond the surface, 
 he finds that there were numerous dialects even in New 
 England, and tliat they differed in essential particulars. 
 Experience Mayhew of Edgartown, one of the most proficient 
 Indian scholars of his day. travelled in Connecticut and had 
 to carry an interpreter with him. as he could not converse 
 in the dialects west of Rhode Island. The only printed 
 Dictionarj^ is based on the dialect of Indians at Natick. and 
 this must be used in the investigation of Nantucket names 
 because no other is availal)le. 
 
 When Thomas MayheAV in 1659 sold Nantucket to the men 
 from Massachusetts Bay. none of them were acquainted with 
 the Indian language. For more than a decade the Mayhews 
 had been giving the subject close attention and had acquired 
 familiarity with the Redmen and their customs and manners. 
 The younger Mayhew had become a skillful preacher to the 
 Indians, and some of his descendants, notably the one named 
 "Experience." became famous as a missionary at the Vine- 
 yard. During a part of this ])eriod before 1659 Peter Folger 
 was a resident at Edgartown and had acquired such knowl- 
 edge of the Indian tongue that he was qualified as an in- 
 terpreter. It was arranged that he should become one of 
 the Nantucket company to assist them in their relations with 
 the Redmen. Reference has heretofore been made to his 
 skill in dealing with the natives. During the first twenty 
 years after the settlement Folger was the strong man -who 
 controlled and managed the Nantucket Indians. He had a 
 son and grandson, each named Elea/er. who succeeded him in 
 the same line. These three men kept a great portion of the 
 early records, and all that has been preserved Avas written 
 by them. While the chirography is not always clear and the 
 orthography not uniform, yet as far as they committed to 
 writing any fragment of the Algonquin language, it can be 
 
288 
 
 uiidei'stood with as great certainty as elsewhere in New 
 Euglaiid. Beside the place names appearing in land trans- 
 fers there are several deeds written in the Indian language, 
 and some of them accompanied by translations. Then a few 
 ntimes are gi^en in the documents to be found in chapters 
 7 and 8 of this work. 
 
 The last resident of Nantucket who was acquainted with 
 the Indian language was Zaccheus Macy who died before 
 1800. lie prepared a valuable paper on the Natives of Nan- 
 tucket for the Massachusetts Historical Society and this 
 contained some names with meanings. 
 
 From all these sources, the place names have been collected 
 and are included in the following list. 
 
 It is not expected that the derivations and meanings given 
 lierein. Avill be accepted without dispute nor that different 
 i-esults may not finally be established. Owing to the interest 
 in Indian names and the study that is now directed towards 
 this branch of liistory, some considerable advance is likely to 
 be accomplished in the future and in that state of infor- 
 mation, changes are likely to occur Avhich will conform to 
 the requirements of critical analysis. 
 
 The name "Nantucket" has been the subject of consider- 
 able discussion and conjecture, and it has not escaped the 
 iisnal efforts of the humorist. The folk-lore of New Eng- 
 la?id includes the story of the man who had two daughters, 
 ^lartlui and Nancy and to one he gave the largest of the 
 Islands which was named "Marthas Vineyard" and as to the 
 other "Nancy took it." This highly pleasing romance has 
 been current for generations and by a considerable portion 
 of the people has been accepted as actual History. In the 
 mean time there have been attempts to explain the name and 
 some have suggested that it Avas of Norse origin, but the 
 form clearly marks it as Algonquin. The first explorers, 
 omitted to chronicle nnich about the Island and did not 
 record its name. About 1616. Capt. Adrion Block explored 
 the coast eastward from New Amsterdam to the end of Cape 
 Cod and a m;^]) was prepared known as DaLact's and dated 
 
•^89 
 
 1630. Here is given the earliest known name of the Island 
 as Natoeke or Natocks, in reality the same name. In a 
 confirming grant signed by Ferdinand Georges, the name is 
 given Nantican which some have suspected was a latinized 
 variation of Natoeke. In the Royal grant to Mayhew in 
 ]6-tl, the modern name of Nantucket for the first time ap- 
 pears. All other forms of the name are various methods 
 of spelling one of these three, which all scholars now agree 
 to be derived from the same Indian place name. Divested 
 of unessential letters and terminations these three early 
 forms are thus presented : Natock, Nautic and Natuck. The 
 first and third are identical and the second will be of value 
 for purposes of comparison. It is possible to analyze this 
 name into two sets of Roots thus: "Na-tuck" or "Nat-uck" 
 and two widely different meanings will result. It has also 
 oecured that each part has been derived from a different 
 Algonquin word and this has given rise to a variety of ex- 
 planations. In 1881 Alexander Starbuck wrote that he had 
 submitted the name to a great scholar in this branch of 
 History who had stated that the name might have the 
 same meaning as Natick. "the place of hills." Concern- 
 ing this derivation there are several objections. In the first 
 place the meaning is not apt. This Island is not hilly to 
 the extent of Marthas Vineyard or any part of the Mainland. 
 It is no more "the place of hills," than the place of 
 "Rivers." Every section of coast in New England has 
 an uneven surface but this does not entitle them to such 
 designation. But the chief ol)stacle is that the name 
 "Natick" may not mean "a place of hills." Since the 
 death of that eminent Algonquin scholar. Dr. J. H. Trum- 
 bull, the leading authority in Indian place names in the 
 North Atlantic states has been Dr. W. W. Tooker of Sag 
 Harbor. Long Island. In an essay on the name "Natick." 
 Dr. Tooker reviews all other explanations, rejects the "Hill" 
 interpretation and concludes the meaning to be "the place 
 of our search." a derivation wliich can havc^ no liistorical 
 application to Nantucket. 
 
290 
 
 Another student suggested that the word might be allied 
 to Pawtucket, "the place of the falls," refering to the 
 surf thundering on the shore. This however is merely 
 fanciful. 
 
 Dr. Tooker himself has recently written ' ' that the analysis 
 might be "Na-tuck," meaning **a neck of trees." But this 
 t-annot be considered descriptive of the Island. Aside from 
 the "tree" idea, which may be a fact, there can be no 
 significance in calling this Island a "Neck"; nor is the 
 derivation fortified by suggesting that "Great Point" was 
 originally a Avooded neck and this circumstance may have 
 given the name to the whole Island. A simpler and more 
 direct meaning must have been intended. 
 
 The salient feature about Nantucket is that it is an island 
 a great way or far ofi; at sea, and if the etymology would 
 give that derivation, it would meet local and linguistic re- 
 (liiirements. Nocidt and Nauwot. have exactly that signi- 
 fication. Nawatick, meaning "far off at sea," is singularly 
 close in form to both Xatoke and Nautic. Unless therefore 
 it is established that there is some insuperable objection to 
 the derivation, it seems to be natural and according to the 
 Indian method to derive the name Nat-ock-et — "at the land 
 far away or far oft' at sea." 
 
 Acemy or Acomat, accompanying the first deed from the 
 Sachems to the English. June 20. 1659. was a plan showing 
 this name ms applying to the Neck extending south from 
 the Swamp and partly enclosed by the hook formation of 
 Hummock Pond. The name Avas later applied to the pond. 
 It was derived from Ongkomae, meaning "on the other 
 side" or "over the Avater. " 
 
 Aqunoonogqiitut. One of the bounds of the territory of 
 Xieonoose. mentioned in his will, on page 161 of this AA'^ork. 
 and translated by Experience ^layhcAv "the hole Avhere ;i 
 stone stands." 
 
 Ahapahant or Ahapachonsett. The land on the Avest side 
 of Squam Pond, mentioned in a deed from Nicanoose in 
 1667. In this region Avas one of the principal villages of 
 the Indians. 
 
291 
 
 Aquidness. In 1687 Stephen Hussey purchased "a Neck 
 called Aquidness." It was located east of Shimmoo and in 
 modern times has been called Abraham's Point. While the 
 form of the name closely resembles Aquidneck ; which is 
 said to mean "at the Island," its signification must be very 
 different. The al)ove name is closely allied to Aquitnet or 
 its abbreviated form Quidnet and means "at the extremity 
 of" or "at the point." 
 
 Bocochico. In 1744 the proprietors laid out the section 
 adjoining the harbor, bounded by ]Main, Federal and Broad 
 Streets. Its derivation may be "Po-kutche-co, " meaning 
 ' ' next to the harbor. ' ' 
 
 Bogue. The end of Coatue Peninsula, across the liarbor 
 entrance from Brant Point. 
 
 Cupaum. Before 1700, the Pond north-west of the water 
 works was open to the sea and called Cuppaum Harbor. 
 The name means "an inclosed place." 
 
 Chappanacoy. An unidentified region near the meadows 
 at Ashimmo. 
 
 Chapomis and Chappapemiset. It was near South Shore 
 and between Surfside and Tom Never 's Head. 1691 the 
 Sachem to the town land bounded by "the great valley at 
 Choppapemisset. ' ' 
 
 Coatue or Coweig-htuet. In 1660 conveyed by the Sachem 
 to Edward Starbuck. In 1688 an order was adopted by the 
 proprietors "that no pines should be cut down and carried 
 away from Coatue." The name is derived from "Cowa- 
 tuck" meaning "at the pine woods." This point was also 
 designated as Nauma, which Z. Macy said meant "Long 
 Point." 
 
 Consue. The meadows at the south end of Union Street. 
 In 1721. Negro Africa, a slave of Wm. Gayer, lived in this 
 locality. Owing to the fact that this name is identical in 
 form with the Indian word meaning "pickerel," some ex- 
 planation is required why this is not the meaning. It is 
 a principle that if the name of an animal is used, there must 
 also be something in tlie place name to show the relation of 
 
2i)2 
 
 the animal to that loc'ality ; also the name must sho\v 
 whether it relates to water, laud, or some other object. 
 This name does neither. Nor is there any "pickerel" in the 
 region. The name may be derived from "Quau-Saupe,'' 
 meaning' "a long miry place," referring to the extensive 
 bogs. 
 
 Coskata. The section of Great Point north of Wauwiunet, 
 near the pond of the same name, where ^lacy said "are 
 some woods." The word may be derived from "Coshkag- 
 tuck."" meaning "at the broad woods." 
 
 Cotackta. A section southwest from Wauwisset where 
 tliere is a large rock. 
 
 Hash Kinnet-chaopket. A liound of the territory of 
 Xicanoose east of Polpis. 
 
 Hummock. The great Pond two miles west from the 
 town, at first called Acomat. The neck partly inclosed 
 by the south end was called Nauuahumake. Probably the 
 modern name of the Pond came from this. 
 
 Kachkesset. A region near the south shore bordering 
 on the west side of Hummock Pond, where the homesteads 
 of Richard and John Swain were first located. The name 
 is derived from Kutcliessik and means "at the beginning." 
 
 Maddaket or Mattaket. The region at the west end of 
 the Island. ElscAvhere in several instances this name means 
 "Bad land," but why this should be applied here is not 
 clear, as there are other places where Nantucket lands are 
 equally as valuless. 
 
 Mardadpoquehy. A swamjtN- slow or pond by the road 
 ne-Av Mascofuck at Polpis. 
 
 Mashquaponitib. Stated in 1668 in the will of Niconoose 
 to l)e one of the bouiuls of liis territory. 
 
 Masquetuck or Mascotuck. A neck of land retained by 
 Tlioujas IMayhew when he sold the Island of Nantucket. It 
 is on the west side of Polpis Harbor. The name originally 
 referred to the brook which flows into the Harbor at this 
 point and means "Reed River." The Reeds or Rushes were 
 much prized hy the Indians for Aveaviug into mats. Th(> 
 
298 
 
 word meaning "Reed" is used in many forms in place 
 names. 
 
 Masquopack. A ereelv that runs through Pocomo 
 ^leadoAvs. The name is derived from "]\Iasqu-avcup-aek" 
 and means ''Reed Creek Land." 
 
 Mattaquitcham. A pond at south shore, east from Surf 
 Side. In 1692 the Saehem conveyed to the Town "land at 
 west side of Mattaquitcham Pond." 
 
 Mekinnoowake. In the will of Wauwinet given as one 
 of the l)()unds of his lands. 
 
 Miacomet. The Pond at south shore, west from Surf Side. 
 Derived from "Maayeakomuk," meaning "the fleeting 
 House." 
 
 Mioxes. Two small ponds west from Surf Side. The 
 name has the same derivation as Miacomet, and means "at 
 the small ileeting Place." 
 
 Mona. The region on the Sconset Road south of the 
 second milestone. 1692 the Saehem to the Town, land one 
 bound of w^hich was "the well on Mona." The name is 
 derived from a word meaning "deep" and may refer to 
 said well. 
 
 Monomoy. As originally applied, it meant the region 
 around the creeks northward from the asylum. The name 
 may be derived from tAvo words meaning "deep-black" or 
 "black soil" and refer to the black, miry soil in the locality. 
 
 Muskeget, on DaLaet's Map, Kotget. The westernmost 
 island of the Nantucket group. It is also spelled Moskeiket. 
 
 Nanahumacke. The Neck partly inclosed by the south 
 end of Hummock Pond, and from Avhich the pond was 
 named. 
 
 Nashawomank. A neck of upland extending into a swamp 
 near Nobottom Pond. Derived from "Nashau-komuck," 
 and means "an inclosed place in the midst of the swamp." 
 
 Nashayte. Name of Swain's Neck at Polpis, and derived 
 from "Nashua-tuck," and means the "tract betM'een two 
 tidal streams," and refers to the land between the two 
 l)ranches of Polpis Ilarlior. 
 
294 
 
 Nauma. Another name of Coatue, and according to Z. 
 Alacy means "the Long Point." 
 
 Nebadier or Napaneah. A pond east of Surf Side and a 
 hound in 1668 between the territories of the Sachems. 
 
 Nopque. Smiths Point at the west end of the Island. It 
 means "the point farthest away." The word "Noapogs, " 
 meaning the "far off people," was applied to residents of 
 the Vineyard and the term was abbreviated to Noapx. At 
 one time there were four men named Peter Coffin, one of 
 whom lived at Edgartown. In the records he is named 
 Peter Nope. 
 
 Orkawa. The section west from Sankaty and the location 
 of tlie largest Indian Village on the Island and of one of 
 their jVIeeting Houses. In other parts of New England the 
 name appears as Agawam. 
 
 Ougquahquam. A flaggy marsh near some rocks in the 
 meadows at Shimmoo. 
 
 Pasocha. At the west edge of the great Valley at Chop- 
 papemeset. It means "a place separated." 
 
 Penetahpah. The next great creek above Ashimmo. 
 
 Popsquatchet. Maey says "the Hills where our three 
 mills now stand." The name seems to mean "Rocky Hill." 
 
 Pochick. So far as known, first applied to the shoal a 
 mile distant from the shore at Siaseonset ; later it refers to 
 the bluff south of the village. See Sankaty. 
 
 Pocomo. The land forming the east side of Polpis Harbor. 
 The same name in Connecticut translated "a clear fishing 
 place or a round fishing place." 
 
 Pocoy. The region near south shore, east of Hummock 
 Pond. Derived from "Poliki," meaning "clear, open." 
 
 Polpis. The village midway between the Town and 
 Wauwinet. Originally the name was spelled "Poatpes" 
 and then "Podpis." The name means "a branching harbor 
 or cove." 
 
 Pquaopuackus. An open tract or island in Gibbs Swamp. 
 
 Quaise. Z. Macy writes, "the famous neck of land called 
 Quaise or Masquotnek which in English signifies Reed 
 
295 
 
 Laud." This meaning applies to the second name. Quaise 
 probabl}' comes from "Uhquae. " and means "at the end or 
 extremity of," and refers to the point. 
 
 Quanata. The hill that extends from Alain Street, on the 
 east side of Orange, southerly to Newtown. It means "the 
 long hill." 
 
 Quidnet or Aquitnet. The region south of Wauwinet 
 "where the fishing stages" are located. See Aquidness. 
 
 Sacacha. In 1682 in a deed to Richard Gardner "where 
 his stage stands at Sisackachat. " Later the name was ap- 
 plied to the Pond. If the name is derived from "Seseck- 
 adchu, " it may mean Rattlesnake Hill. There was a hill 
 with that name at Polpis. If this derivation is correct, it 
 refers to a situation different from the present for there are 
 no rattlesnakes on the Island and none of any variety at 
 Sacacha. 
 
 Sankaty. The hill north of Siasconset on which is the 
 lighthouse. In 1691 the Sachem sold to the Town, land 
 "between old Siasconset and Sanckatank." The name 
 Sankata may be derived from "Sanquiadene, " meaning 
 "cool hill." 
 
 Z. Macy writes this region was also named Xaphcheeay 
 which signifies "round the Head." This name is derived 
 from " Neppi-check-oy, " and means "on the other side of 
 Pochick." This becomes important in the discussion of 
 Pochick. 
 
 Seanakonkonet. In 1668 a bound of Sachems near 
 Toupche I'ond at south shore. 
 
 Shawkemo. 1673 John Gardner purchased meadoAv east 
 of the creek called ' ' Shawkemo. ' ' Macy wrote ' ' Showau- 
 camor" signifies the "middle field of land." 
 
 Shimmoo or Ashimmo. In 1668 one bound between the 
 Sachems was "the spring at Shimmo." In the Proprietors 
 Records in 1772 if is "Ashimmo." The name means "a 
 spring." 
 
 Siasconsett. In the Sachem deed in 1691 the land began 
 "at a great stone near the bank at (31d Siasconset. tlien 
 
296 
 
 north to Saiiekatank. " lu 1755 "Siasconset Roots" were 
 laid out. In the swampy lands southwest, there grew a 
 species of ground nuts which were pulled up and eaten by 
 the Indians. These were the Roots. The locality of 
 Siasconset was near the bank at the site of the present 
 village. Macy in his essay refers to different localities in 
 this region but does not give any meaning to this name. 
 The object described has the unusual word "old" preceding 
 it which must have considerable significance because it is 
 rare to find an English adjective modifying an Indian place 
 name. The termination "set," meaning "near" prevents 
 the word being the name of a person. The object had 
 grown "old" since it had first become the feature marking 
 the spot. The problem is to ascertain that distinguishing 
 mark. There is nothing in the name that could denote a 
 house or other structure or a tree. Probably the first 
 syllable "Si" is derived from the word "Missi" meaning 
 "great," the first syllable having been dropped "askon" is 
 a word meaning "horn or bone." It is no unusual sight 
 along th(! shores of southern New England to observe the 
 massive bones of whales. That there were frequently bodies 
 of whales cast on shore at Nantucket is apparent from the 
 regulations on page 137. The word "old" as applied to 
 such an object would be appropriate. So unless a different 
 auaylsis can be established, the derivation would be. "Missi- 
 askon-sett." meaning "near the great bone." 
 
 Squam. It is an abbreviated form of Wunnisquam which 
 was used in 1668 in the description of the lands of Nicanoose, 
 and in 1690 in the deed to Wm. Bunker. The name denotes 
 "at the top of the Rock." 
 
 Squotesit. A locality not identified, where in 1674 was 
 one of the three Indian Meeting Houses. 
 
 Stirvakenishoos. In 1678 one of the bounds of "Mas- 
 quetuck was the spring under the Rattlesnake Hill, com- 
 monly called Stirvakenishoos." 
 
 Taiitemeo. The name given to the south end of Hummock 
 Pond. Z. Macy Avrites "the West Sea called Tautemeo 
 which we call Hummock Pond." 
 
297 
 
 Tawnatpeinse. A locality near Washaman's Island in the 
 vicinity of Xo Bottom Pond. 
 
 Tetaukimmo. A place north of the second milestone on 
 the Siascoiiset Road. Derived from "Toh-ke-kom, " mean- 
 ing "a si)rino'. " 
 
 Toupche. A small pond three miles west from Tom 
 Nevens Head, near the south shore. 
 
 Tuckanuck. The island next west of Nantucket. In 
 1G30 the name is given on DaLaet's Map as Petockenock, 
 Avhich means "a round cake of Bread." I\Iacy translates 
 it "a loaf of Bread." 
 
 Wamasquid. An nnidentified locality. Avhere in 1674 there 
 was an Indian fleeting" House. 
 
 Wannacomet. The region on the north siile of the Island, 
 east of the water works, conveyed by this name by the 
 Indians in 1664. Macy used the form " Watercomet." which 
 he translated ''Pond Field," but the original name was 
 derived from a different Root and meant "fine or beautiful 
 field." 
 
 Wauwinet. The name given in modern times to the place 
 at the head of the Harbor. It w-as never used by the Indians 
 as a place name. Wauwinet Avas one of the early Sachems 
 whose territory included this locality. The name means 
 "I testif}^" or in deeds where it is always used "Witness 
 my hand." 
 
 Weequodnoy. The strip of land between Sacacha Pond 
 and the ocean. 
 
 Weeweder. A pond near Surf Side at south shore. 
 Translated by Macy "a pair of horns," alluding to the 
 shape of the pond. 
 
 Wequitaquage. Region at head of Hummock Pond; 
 a l)ouud in 1660 in the Sachem deed to the settlers. A 
 similar name in Connecticut has been translated "at the 
 head of a tidal River." How this can find any local cor- 
 roboration is not clear unless it relates to a period when 
 Hummock Pond was an arm of the sea. 
 
 Wesqno. The section iu Ihc |)r'esent town north of ^lain 
 
298 
 
 Street. In 16G4 Lily Poud was i-alled Wesquo Pond. Z. 
 Macy translates it "White Rock," the tradition being that 
 there was somewhere in the region a prominent quartz 
 boulder. In 1710. in deeds to Samuel Gardner, the laud 
 was at a place called "the AVhite Rock" and in 1722 a l)ouiul 
 was '"at a rock in the side of a hill commonly called the 
 White Rock." The name is derived fi'oni " Wohsumoc- 
 qussuk," and means "a bright stone." 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Wills and Estates. 
 
 The records in the Probate Office commence in 1706, when 
 James Coffin was appointed Judge and Eleazer Folger, 
 Register of Probate. Bnt there are earlier transactions 
 recorded in the books in the Registry of Deeds. As ex- 
 plained in chapter on the Courts of Nantucket, there must 
 have been some crude judicial system before 1671, but if so 
 no records have been preserved. When the Decree of Love- 
 lace established a method of electing judges, Richard 
 Gardner was chosen, and then in 1671 begins the earliest 
 record that has been preserved, and this is in Book 2 in the 
 Registry of Deeds. It contains all transactions down to 
 1706. when, at the death of Captain John Gardner, the 
 Probate Department was sei)arated from the others and its 
 proceedings kept in distinct books. But no probate records 
 under the old system appear before 1680. Captain John 
 Gardner was commissioned by Governor Andros, November 
 10, 16S0, as Chief Justice, and be held the office until his 
 death in 1706. 
 
 Scattered through Book 2 in the Registry of Deeds are 
 fragmentary items relating to estates of deceased ])ersons, 
 but considering the number of inhabitants and the amount 
 of property they had. it seems certain that all proceedings 
 were not recorded. There Avas no register and some of the 
 records are in the illegible chirography of Captain Gardner. 
 In one case where a release was given by Jedediah and 
 Abigail Fitch, there is reference to a will that it not re- 
 corded. The following is a list of what appears in these 
 records : 
 
800 
 
 IMarch 3, 1680-81. Iiiveutory ol" estate of Nathaniel 
 Wyer, showing an estate of £36, ineluding a house and ten 
 acres of laud valued at £5. "an old bibell and 5 other 
 books." His widow, Sarah, was appointed administratrix. 
 
 August, 1681. Administration on estate of Benjamin 
 Austin, valued at £21, and ordered distributed to Brothers 
 Thomas aiul Nathaniel and Sisters Deborah Coffin and .Mary 
 Gardner. 
 
 November 29, 1681. Administration on estate of Tristram 
 Coffin granted to sons. James. John and Stephen. Estate 
 later given to widow, Dionis. 
 
 August 1. 1682. Administration on estate of Thomas 
 i\laey granted to his son John. The estate was valued at 
 £71, of wliieh about one-half was land and the rest cattle. 
 
 At the same date. Richard Swain was appointed admin- 
 istrator of the estate of his father Richard, and Tohiah 
 Coleman of the estate of his father Thomas. 
 
 December 5, 1682. Probated will of Robert Barnard, of 
 which his widow Joan was probably executrix, but there 
 is no record of the contents of the will. 
 
 Scrupulous attention was given to the selection in these 
 cases of four appraisers. Nathaniel Barnard, Stephen 
 Coffin. Thonms Look and Riehard Swain seemed to l)e in 
 favor with the ct)urt, but the inventories were not recorded. 
 
 August 23, 1683. Sarah Wyer had become incai)able of 
 administering, so John Swain, her son-in-law, was appointed 
 in her ])eha1f, but of what estate the record is silent, luit 
 probably of Nathaniel Wyer. 
 
 I\Iarch 18, 1688-89. Sarah Gardner, widow of Rie-hard 
 Gardner, Sr., administratrix on liis estate. 
 
 August 12, 1690. Administration on estate of Joseph 
 Coleman granted to AVilliam Buidvcr and Stephen Coffin. 
 
 ]May, 1692. Administration on estate of John Walch 
 granted to Nathaniel Starbuck. 
 
 The foregoing comprise all known records of Probate 
 Proceedings liefore 1706, which indicates that there must 
 have been others not preserved. At that period there must 
 
801 
 
 have been more than eight estates settled in court in twenty- 
 six years. 
 
 From 1706 to tlie date of tlie Revolution the Judges of 
 Probate were James Coffin. Richard Gardner, George Bunker, 
 George Gardner. Jeremiah Gardner, Grafton Gardner, 
 Jethro Hussey. 
 
 Elea;^er Folger was Register, 17U6-1754, and his successor 
 was Frederick Folger. 
 
 After the establishment of a District Court of Probate, 
 with judge and register, the records are well kept and com- 
 plete, but no original papers have been preserved before 
 the Revolution. 
 
 A descriptive index of the Probate Records down to the 
 Revolutionary War will now be presented, but these items 
 are not in any sense copies. The purpose of the schedule 
 being to furnish materials in constructing genealogies, it 
 was intended to include the names and relations of all 
 persons interested and such dates as the records contain, 
 but practically the Avhole substance of wills and inventories 
 has been omitted. It will, however, indicate the general 
 subjects to be found in the Probate Office, but for full and 
 complete details, reference must be had to the original 
 records. 
 
 September 27, 3706. Hannah Coffin, widow of Tristram 
 Coffin, administratrix of his estate. His heirs were Stephen 
 Coffin. Jr. brother; Jedidah Fitch, sister. In the inventory 
 were mentioned whalebone, sheep and a silver cup. 
 
 October 4. 1706. Nathaniel Starbuck, Jr.. blacksmith, and 
 Nathaniel Barnard. Jr.. administrators of the estate of Peter 
 Coffin. 
 
 October 11. 1706. Jedidiah Fitch of New London, mari- 
 ner. Jethro Coffin and George Gardner, appointed adminis- 
 trators of the estate of Peter Coffin. 
 
 1706. Will of Edward Cartwright was probated and the 
 witnesses were William Gayer. Richard Gardner and Ann 
 Bunker. To his wife Elizabeth he devised oncJialf of his 
 house for life, and his daughters. Susannah and Mary, were 
 
302 
 
 to have forty shillings the day each was married. His lands 
 at Pocomo, where his house stood, was given equally to his 
 three sons, Nicholas, Sampson and Edward. Will dated 
 August 28, 1705. 
 
 October 2, 1706. The will of Captain John Gardner pro- 
 bated. He signed by his mark, being probably in feeble health, 
 in the presence of William Gayer, James Coffin, William 
 Worth and Eleazer Folger. To his daughters, Priscilla 
 Arthur. Rachel Gardner, Ann Coffin, Mehitable Dawes, 
 pecuniary legacies. To daughters Mary Coffin and Ruth 
 Coffin, land at Marthas Vineyard. To grandsons, Jeremiah 
 and Nathaniel Gardner, legacies of money. His house, 
 lands and one-eighth of the water mill in Salem to his 
 grandson George. To wife Priscilla, a life estate in all his 
 lands, and at her death all lands and "housing" on Nan- 
 tucket to son George. His widow was named as executrix, 
 and after her his son George, and he provided that James 
 Coffin and his cousin Samuel Gardner and Richard Gardner 
 should be assistants. Will dated December 2, 1705. 
 
 June 19, 1707. Probated will of Peter Folger, the wit- 
 nesses being Richard Gardner, George Bunker, George 
 Gardner and Joseph Marshall. The use of the entire estate 
 was given to his widow^ Judith for her life, and then, after 
 pecuniary legacies to daughters Anna Keziah, Eunice and 
 ]\lary. on the day of their marriage, all the real estate to 
 son Daniel. The widow was appointed executrix, with the 
 assistance of "my unkle Nathaniel Gardner and brother-in- 
 law Stephen Coffin, Jr." Will was dated February 24, 1707. 
 
 September 27, 3706. Stephen Coffin, Jr., was appointed 
 guardian of Eunice Coffin, orphan daughter of Peter Coffin, 
 and Jethro Starbuck was appointed guardian of Jemima, 
 the daughter of Peter Coffin. 
 
 A release given by Abigail Fitch and her husband Jedidiah 
 to Nathaniel Barnard, dated February 3, 1708, recited, that 
 Peter Coffin died November, 1699, leaving considerable 
 estate to his wife Elizabeth and her four children, Tristram, 
 Abigail, Eunice and Jemima. But the will was disallowed 
 
303 
 
 by Jolin Gardner. Esq.. then Judge of Probate, and the 
 widow was appointed administratrix. She married Na- 
 thaniel Barnard December 2, 1702, before any settlement 
 had been made of the estate of her first husband, "which 
 by the deatli of John Gardner. Esq.. was rendered impos- 
 sible."; .«he, the said Elizabeth, dying before any other 
 person could be appointed Judge of Probate, and four days 
 after the death of Tristram Coffin, only son of Peter, who 
 a little before his death had married Hannah Brown of 
 Nantucket, which made the settlement still more difficult; 
 before the decease of Elizabeth, Jedidiah Fitch had married 
 Abigail, the oldest daughter of Peter Coffin. Hannah, the 
 widow of the brother Tristram, is now wife of Jonathan 
 Pinkham. 
 
 October 2-1. 1710. Will of William Gayer admitted to 
 probate on the testimony of Richard Gardner, Eleazer 
 Folger. Jr.. Jabez Bunker, Eunice Gardner and Judith 
 Gardner. To his house-keeper. Patience Foot, a house and 
 lot for life, and ''to Africa, a negro once my servant," the 
 east chamber of my now dwelling house and one-half of the 
 leanto for life. To my son William, if he shall ever come 
 hither again, one whole shore of Nantucket. To my daugh- 
 ters, Damaris Coffin and Dorcas Starbuck. land I had from 
 my father-in-law, Edward Starbuck. Dated September 21. 
 1710. 
 
 I Note. The son never appeared and the rest of the prop- 
 erty was treated as their own by the tAvo daughters.] His 
 tryhouse mentioned. 
 
 August 5. 1712. Probated the will of William Bunker, 
 the witnesses being Joseph and Benjamin Swain and Nathan 
 and Eleazer Folger. Jr. "My sons George and Jonathan 
 being by me already advanced," received only small 
 legacies. To his wife Mary the "west end of my house she 
 lives in for life." To son Benjamin "my house and lot." 
 To daughters Jane Bunker. Ann Paddock. Abigail and ^Mary 
 Bunker, small legacies. Rest of property to sons Jabez. 
 Thomas and Peleg. Dated June 22, 1712. 
 
304 
 
 May 15, 1713. Will of Nathaniel Gardner was probated 
 by the testimony of John Coleman, Jr., Jethro and Dorcas 
 Starbnek and Priscilla Coleman. Only persons named were 
 son Ebenezer and his oldest daughter, Hannah Bunker, and 
 there was mentioned a younger daughter who had been 
 brought up by Hannah Bunker. Dated November 18, 1710. 
 Personal estate valued at £484, which was distributed to 
 children Ebenezer, Peleg. Nathaniel. Andrew, Abel, Hannah 
 Bunker. Judith Barnard, Margaret Gardner and Susannah 
 Gardner. Inventory mentioned great Bible, linen, needles 
 and knives from London, quadrant and Gunter's scale, 
 shoemaker's tools, books, silver spoons and silver cup and 
 money scales. 
 
 January 27, 1717-18. The will of John Swain was pro- 
 bated. The witnesses were AVilliam Worth, John Folger, 
 Robert Long and Moses Giles. Pecuniary legacies were 
 given to Mary Mason, daughters Sarah, Hannah, Patience 
 and son Stephen, and the balance of his estate to sons John. 
 Joseph, Benjamin, and daughter Elizabeth Sevalle. Dated 
 February 9, 1714-15. His estate, £310, included a silver 
 tankard, Bible, chiney platter, and a fashionable table. 
 
 August 20, 1715. Joanna Coleman, widow of John, ap- 
 pointed administratrix of his estate. The heirs were Thomas, 
 Isaac. Jeremiah, Solomon, John, Bejamin, Phebe Cathcart 
 and Abigail Tisdale. 
 
 March 26, 1716. John ]\Iacy had died intestate and his 
 children divided his real estate. Thomas Macy had the 
 dwelling house and the others were Richard Jabez, Sarah 
 Barnard, Deborah Russell, Bethia Coffin. A daughter. Mary 
 Coleman, had died, and her daughter Abigail took her part. 
 
 May 13, 1718. Will of Stephen Hussey probated. "To 
 avoid contests and janglings, I have made many wills here- 
 to fore which I hereby declare null and void, and this is 
 my last will." To my wife Martha my property for life; 
 and a negro woman named Sarah, and after her to my sons 
 George and Sylvanus. To my son Sylvanus, a negro boy 
 named Mark, and to my daughter Teodate. a negro girl 
 
305 
 
 Dorothy. "My law books to my son Bachelor for the use 
 of his son Stephen." To daughters Mary Worth, Puella 
 Gorham, and Abigail Howes, pecuniary legacies. Dated 5 
 mo. 17, 1716. The witnesses were Barnabas Gardner, Rich- 
 ard Swain, Richard ]Macy, William AVorth and Ruth 
 Gardner. 
 
 May 13, 1718. Will of Deborah Coffin of Edgartown pro- 
 bated, on testimony of Stephen, John and Jonathan Coffin 
 and Eleazer Folger. To son Tristram, lands in New Hamp- 
 shire. To daughter Hannah Gardner, a brass kettle. To 
 daughter Deborah Macy, my looking glass, two pairs of gold 
 buttons and a silver bodkin. Dated March 4, 1718. 
 
 June 11, 1718. Will of Nathaniel Barnard probated. 
 Witnesses were Joseph Coffin. Edward Allen, Bejamin Trott 
 and Eleazer Folger. To my grandson Nathaniel Barnard, 
 the land at Wesco that I had from my father-in-law, Robert 
 Barnard. To sons Jobn and Stephen, land at Wesco and 
 other estate to children Nathaniel, Bejamin, Ebenezer, ]\Iary 
 Folger. Sarah Currier, Eleanor Coffin, Abigail Chase, and 
 granddaughter Experience Ellis. Dated April 7. 1718. 
 
 July 11, 1718. Property of Eleazer Folger, deceased, 
 divided between Eleazer, Nathan, Sarah Odar, Mary Arthur. 
 
 September 11, 1718. Judith Barnard, widow of Nathaniel 
 Barnard, appointed administratrix of his estate, valued at 
 £405, including a chafing dish, lanthorn. dryping pan, one 
 Beacor and book. 
 
 January 22, 1719. Will of Richard Pinkham probated. 
 Witnesses Hannah Bunker, Abigail Fitch, Lydia Long. To 
 wife Mary, his estate for life. Daughter Deborah Macy, 
 only child named. Dated April 28, 1718. 
 
 December 7, 1728. Nathaniel Chase appointed guardian 
 of Peter Barnard, fifteen years old. 
 
 December 27, 1718. Nathaniel Barnard had left real 
 estate worth £2,460. and the same Avent to widow Judith, 
 who had married a AVilcox. and four children, Peter Barnard, 
 Dorcas Barney, wife of Jacol). Elizabeth, and Nathaniel 
 Barnard. 
 
306 
 
 August 29, 171!). Will of Nathaniel Starbuck probated. 
 Witnesses Thomas Macy, Thomas Clark, William Stratton, 
 John Maey. Will dated 4 mo. 14. 1716, when his wife Mary 
 was alive, and a codicil dated 9 mo. 20, 1717, after her 
 decease. Pecuniary legacies given to daughters Eunice 
 Gardner, Priscilla Coleman, Hepsibah Hathaway, and the 
 children of two deceased daughters. Mary Gardner and 
 Elizabeth Barnard. His real estate was given to his sons, 
 Barnabas, Nathaniel and Jethro. 
 
 October 18, 1719. Administration on estate of Joseph 
 Coffin to his widow Bethia, and to Thomas Macy. Estate 
 valued at £654. and in 1726 had become £1,237, and was 
 then distributed to seven children, of whom three were sons. 
 Guardians were ap])ointed for Micah Coffin, 16; Hezekiah, 
 14; Miriam. Jedidah and Mary Coffin. The estate included 
 a silver porringer, watch, chaf en-dish and a negro boy. 
 
 December 11. 1719. Will of Jonathan Worth probated 
 on testimony of W^illiam Stratton, George Brown, Edward 
 Cartwright and Eleazer Polger. To wife Mary, the house 
 for life and then to son John. Other lands to sons Ezekiel 
 and Christopher. 
 
 August 12, 1720. Will of James Coffin probated. Wit- 
 nesses Thomas, John and Richard IMacy. Negro servant 
 Hagar to Daughter i\Iary Gardner, and after her to son 
 John ; also great silver tankard. Pecuniary legacies to sons 
 Nathaniel, John, Ebenezer and children of his deceased son 
 Joseph. Real estate on Nantucket and Tuckanuck to sons 
 James, Jonathan and grandsons Zaccheus, Hezekiali and 
 Micah. Ills lands at Salisbnry and Dover to daughters Marv 
 Gardner. Dinah Starbuck . Deborah Bunker, Elizabeth 
 Bunker. Ruth Gardner and the children of my daughter 
 Abigail Gardner. 
 
 October 12. 1720. Nathan Folger appointed administra- 
 tor of the estate of John Arthur Cardwainer. 
 
 September 13. 1721. Will of Jonathan Bunker probated. 
 W^itnessed by George Ilussey, Jabez Bunker, Shubael Pink- 
 ham. To wife IVfarv. house for life and then to son James. 
 
807 
 
 Monev legacies to daughters Lydia Coffin, Ruth Coffin, 
 Patience, Abigail and Judith. Other estate to sons Zacha- 
 riah, Simeon, George and James. 
 
 September 23, 1721. Administration was granted on 
 estate of Thomas Bunker, to George, Peleg and Jabez 
 Blinker It was valued at £1,000. It was divided between 
 Mary Bunker, mother of deceased, George Bunker, Peleg 
 Bunker, Jabez Bunker, Ann Paddock, Jane Wodson, Abigai 
 Pinkham Mary Coffin and the children of Jonathan and 
 Benjamin Bunker, both deceased. In this estate were men- 
 tioned an Indian boy and girl, book of curiosities, old Bible, 
 nine leafed table, quarles emblems, shoe buckles, brass 
 
 chafing dish. . 
 
 November 16 1722. Elizabeth Bunker was appointed 
 guardian of her vounger children and Deborah Bunker of 
 her children, none of whom were named on account of prop- 
 erty which had come from estate of Thomas Bunker. 
 
 December 12, 1722. Nathan Folger was appointed 
 cmardian of Thomas Arthur and Persis Arthur, under 14, and 
 Tn July, 1728, of Stephen, and May, 1728, of Priscilla, all 
 children of John Arthur. 
 
 July 6 1723 Jonathan Coffin administrator of estate ot 
 Nathan Skiff, valued at £188. The estate went to his mother. 
 Sarah Skiff, and five sisters, Sarah Long,' Patience Swain, 
 Hannah Daggett, Mary Joyes. Beulah Bartholomew. 
 
 August 24 1723. Damaris Coffin, widow of Nathaniel, 
 appointed administratrix of his estate. In the schedule of 
 property were great Bible, a dictionary, a great oval table, 
 clock, great looking glass, 81 ounces of plate, negro George 
 £50 Philis £42, and Sabina £15. Entire real estate £800. 
 The estate in 1729 was distributed to children Charles, 
 Benjamin, William, Dorcas Solcy, Christian, Lydia and 
 
 November 14, 1723. Will of James Gardner probated. 
 To wife Mary,' house for life, and pecuniary legacies to 
 daughters Elizabeth Gorham and Mehitable Gardner. The 
 son Samuel "was sufficiently advanced." Residue of estate 
 
308 
 
 to sous Jethro, Barnabas, Jonathau aud James. The wit- 
 nesses were Nathan Pease, William Smith, Shubael and 
 Eleazer Folger. 
 
 January 28, 1723. Matthew Jenkins was appointed 
 guardian of Eleazer, miiu)r child of John Arthur. 
 
 July 10, 1724. Will of Mary Coffin probated. Witnesses, 
 Nathaniel Starbuck, Eliphalet Smith, Jedidiah and Peter 
 Fitch. Her son Stephen was executor. To daughters Dinah 
 Norton, Judith Wilcox, Susannah Bunker, Anna Gardner 
 and grandson Daniel Coffin, land that Avas given to me by 
 my father-in-law Richard Swain. The father and grand- 
 father of these daughters were still living. 
 
 November 11, 1724. Will of William Worth probated on 
 testimony of witnesses Nathan Folger, George. Deborah and 
 Priscilla Bunker. To wife Damaris, house for life ; also 
 silver cup. great iron pot and middle brass kettle. Residue 
 to son John. 
 
 December 28, 1724. Dinah Coffin, widow of Elisha, ap- 
 pointed administrator of his estate. She later married a 
 Williams. 
 
 May 12, 1725. Will of Stephen Coffin probated. Wit- 
 nesses, Nathaniel Starbuck, Eleazer Folger, Joseph Meader, 
 Martha Hussey and Jabez Macy. To wife Experience, one 
 half of estate for life, including fishing and whaling voyages 
 on Nantucket shoals. To son Shubael, land that I bought 
 of my father-in-law Thomas Look, and other lands to son 
 Zephaniah. To daughters Hephzibali and Dinah, laud at 
 Quaise. 
 
 July 10, 1727- '28. Wll of Matthew Hanlin. seafaring man, 
 probated. To Lydia Coffin, my Avateh. To Hannah Covill 
 of Chatham. Humphrey Ellis and Jonathan Galley, rest of 
 his property. 
 
 July 17. 1728. Will of John Trott. weaver, probated. 
 Estate for life to wife Ann. It was uncertain whether sons 
 James and Joseph were living. Pecuniary legacies to 
 daughters Tabitha, Elizabeth, Rachel Mary. Abigail and 
 Priscilla, lands in New Hampshire. To son John and to son 
 Benjamin, lands at Nantucket. 
 
July 17, 1728. Will of Richard Gardner probated. To 
 daughters Miriam and Lydia Coffin and granddaughter Ruth 
 Gardner, £150 each. Residue to sons Joseph, Solomon, 
 Benjamin and Peter. 
 
 Oct. 8, 1728. Ruth Coffin widow of George, appointed 
 administratrix of his estate valued at 1230£. Before Feb. 
 1729 the widow had married an Upham. The estate went 
 to widow and three minor daughters of the deceased un- 
 der 1-1 not named. The inventory scheduled Coles diction- 
 ary, clock, silver tankard, cups and spoons, oxenbrigs, sheets, 
 napkins and table cloths, a clock reel, i/4 of sloop Ruby 170£, 
 and cash 236£, gold buttons and Bible. 
 
 Dec. 7, 1728. Ebenezer Gardner appointed administrator 
 of estate of Africa a free negro, valued at 102£. In his 
 estate was a Bible and other books and a compass. 
 
 Mar. 14, 1728. Hepsibah Smith, widow of Eliphalet, ad- 
 ministratrix of his estate. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1729. Keturah Arthur administratrix of estate 
 of Eunice Arthur, single woman. Estate to go to her 
 brothers and sisters. 
 
 Dec. 18. 1729. Mercy Coffin, widow of Prince, adminis- 
 tratrix of his estate, valued at 420£. Only children were 
 two minor daughters who were placed under guardianship 
 Feb. 7, 1746, and they were Hannah and Mary. 
 
 Oct. 13, 1729. ^lary Gardner, widow of Nathaniel, admin- 
 istratrix of his estate. She later married a Coleman. In- 
 ventory included 7 pewter porringers, silver cup, spoons, 
 buckles, snuff box. part of Sloop Kingfisher, and a Negro 
 boy. The estate went to widow and tAvo children, Nathaniel 
 and Mary, both under 14. 
 
 July 6. 1730. Will of Peleg Bunker probated. To wife 
 Susaunah. house for life and then to son William. Other 
 real estate to sons Uriah and Johnathan. Legacies to 
 daughters Priscilla, Mary, Elizabeth, Christiau. Juditli 
 Coffin, Dinah Williams and Hepsabeth Smith. 
 
 Jan. 13. 1730. Will of Ebenezer Coffin probated. To 
 wnfe Eleanor all estate for life. His real estate according 
 
310 
 
 to his own statement was worth as ^follows : Nantucket 
 1200£; Tuckanuek 500£ and Boston 300£. This he devises 
 to his children Cromwell, Alexander, Valentine, Joseph. 
 Benjamin, Love, Jane and the children of son Prince, de- 
 ceased. The division of the estate was made in 1746 and it 
 was distributed to Cromwell Coffin, Abel Gardner, guardian ; 
 Elias Coffin, Jane Bunker, Joseph Coffin, Benjamin Coffin 
 and Uriah Gardner, guardian. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1730. Hannah Manning, widow of William, 
 administratrix of his estate which included an old and a 
 new house. Only children were two minors, David and 
 Phebe. C^a. v. 
 
 Jan. 7, 1732. Will of Charles Crosby proved witnesses 
 Samuel Gardner, Samuel Stanton, David Gardner and 
 Joseph Jenkins. A small legacy to sister Martha and resi- 
 due to brother William. 
 
 Nov. 1, 1734. Will of Ebenezer Coleman probated, one 
 of the witnesses being Benjamin Frost. After a legacy to 
 Brother Joseph, the balance to wife Sarah. 
 
 Jan. 3, 1734. George Hussey administrator, estate of 
 Paul Coffin, valued at 4876£, including i/o share of Nan- 
 tucket 3200£; 1-24 of Tuckanuek 550£ and 1-12 of Quaise 
 300£. The estate passed to widow Mary Coffin, who had 
 married a Pierce [probably Clothier] and to children. 
 
 Peter, aged 17, of whom George Hussey was guardian, 
 Mary and Paul under 14 of whom Clothier Pierce was 
 guardian. 
 
 Feb. 7. 1734. Judith Barnard, widow of Benjamin, ap- 
 pointed administratrix of his estate, appraised at 2610£. 
 The following were some of the items in the inventory, 
 share of Old Wharf ; 5-12 of sloop Ranger ; 14 of miH ; silver 
 cup and spoons; 1-12 of woman's school house and 1-18 of 
 man's school house; a whole boat, oars, craft to the boat; 
 house at Weweder. [An outfit for shore whaling.] El- 
 wood's Sacred History. He left seven children, Abigail 
 who had married and Timothy who were of age : Francis 
 17; John 15 and Abishai, Nathaniel and Mary, all under 14. 
 In the division the house went to Timothy. 
 
811 
 
 Sept. 5, 1735. Probated will of Stephen Coffin "aged 
 and infirm," witnesses Samuel Coffin, AVilliam Gardner, 
 Lydia Barney, Elizabeth Moores. His children Stephen, 
 Peter, Paul, Daniel, Dinah Norton and Mehitable Smith, had 
 died. Most of estate given to daughter Susannah Bunker, 
 Anna Gardner. Judith Wilcox and grand daughters Keziah 
 Gardner, Anna Starbuck and Mary Coleman. 
 
 Jan. 17, 1735. John Pinkham son of Jonathan, adminis- 
 trator of his father's estate amounting to SSlf. The 
 deceased had daughters Lydia and Elizabeth, of whom An- 
 drew ]Myrick was guardian and Jonathan, aged 13, Hannah 
 and Zephaniah of Avhom John Pinkham was guardian, and 
 there were Solomon and Job, who were of age. There was 
 a great number of persons paid from this estate which 
 suggests that the deceased owed some of them as employees. 
 Their names are given in the following list : 
 
 John Pinkham, Solomon Pinkham, Shuball Pinkham, 
 Theophilus Pinkham. Andrew Myrick, Isaac Myrick, Ebazer 
 Folger. Anna Folger, Jonathan Folger, Daniel Folger, John 
 Coffin. Jouiithan Coffin, Richard Coffin, Nathaniel Coffin, 
 James Coffin, Ebenezer Barnard, Judith Barnard, Rachel 
 Chase. Leah Paddock, Nathaniel Paddock, Andrew Gardner, 
 Mary Gardner, Benjamin Gardner, Keziah Gardner, Jere- 
 miah Gardner, Ebenezer Gardner, Jeremiah Gardner, George 
 Gardner, Jonathan Gardner, Reuben Gardner, John Gardner, 
 Solomon Coleman, Jonathan Coleman, Nathan Coleman, 
 Jethro Coleman. Thomas Clark, Hannah Daggett, Elihu 
 Lumber. Richard Swain, John Swain, Jonathan Moores, 
 Jethro Starbuck, Paul Starbuck, Samuel Barker, Silvanus 
 Allen, Matthew Jenkins, Selvaus Hussey, Thomas Brock, 
 John Beard. John Sadler. Jedidiah Fitch, Peter Fitch, Ed- 
 ward Bennett. Wm. Stratton, Richard Macy, Daniel Bunker, 
 Joseph Worth. Richard Worth, INEicah Gundy, Benjamin 
 Trott, Samuel Maxey. 
 
 Feb. 20. 1735. The estate of Joshua Sevelle, laborer, 
 amounting to 200£, as there were no children or kindred, 
 was ordered ])aid to his wndow, Elizabeth. 
 
312 
 
 Dec. 9, 1737. Nathan Coffin, guardian of Judith Coffin, 
 15 years old and daughter oh' Elisha Coffin. 
 
 Sept. 2, 1737. Will of Shubael Coffin probated, one of 
 the witnesses being Thomas Carver. Widow was Priscilla, 
 brother Zephaniah and sisters llephzibah Barnard and 
 Dinah Folger. Servant Bristol to be free at the age of 
 thirty. 
 
 Dec. 2, 1737. Keziah Gardner, widow of Jethro, adminis- 
 tratrix of his estate. 
 
 At the same date Abigail Pinkham, widow of John, admin- 
 istratrix of his estate worth 670£. Silver buckles, spoons 
 and buttons, scheduled. 
 
 Dec. 12, 1737. Nathan Folger, administrator of estate of 
 John Arthur, valued at 1350£. The persons to whom it was 
 distributed were Eunice, Thomas, Keturah, Stephen, Elea/er 
 and Priscilla Arthur and Persis Black. 
 
 Oct. 30, 1728. John Coffin administrator of the estate of 
 Francis Coffin who left three minor children, one daughter 
 and two sons. Estate 825£, including one Indian boy 
 Joseph. 
 
 March 2, 1739. Will of John Swain, probated. His house 
 and furniture to wife Experience for life and after her the 
 furniture to daughters Ruth Upham, Katherine Wyer, 
 Hannah Gardner, and the children of a deceased daughter, 
 Priscilla Bunker. The real estate went to sons William, 
 John. P]liokim, Stephen and George. Dated June 22, 1728. 
 Ojie of the witnesses was Moses Giles. His personal estate 
 was 222£, including silver tankard, cup and spoons. Daniel 
 Bunker was the husband of Priscilla who had died and she 
 had left three minor children. 
 
 Sept. 7, 1739. Will of Wm. Gardner, cooper, probated, 
 one witness being Ebenezer Calef. He left a wife, Hepsibali, 
 and three sons and two daughters, not named. 
 
 Dec. 31, 1739. Probated will of Samuel Barker, described 
 as of Falmouth. Witnesses were Joseph Marshall, Stephen 
 Harper and James Hinckley. To daughter Deborah, the 
 property Avhich came to me from my former wife, who was 
 
313 
 
 her mother. The income of the rest of my estate to my 
 widow, Bethia and after her to children Robert, Samuel, 
 Josiah and Judith. He left 1490£. The inventory included 
 four slaves: I\Ian Primas 60£, Woman Zubuiah 80£, Child 
 Boston 5£, Mulatto Pero 30£, and a punch bowl. In the 
 account is an item "lost Negro woman Zubinah." 
 
 The children under age were Robert 18, Samuel 16. and 
 Josiali 14. Judith died before March 1743. 
 
 May 29, 1740. Probated will of Manuel Gabriel, dated at 
 sea. Witnesses Joseph Worth and Matthew Pate. Property 
 given to wife and children. 
 
 Dec. 19, 1740. David Clark, administrator estate of 
 Thomas Clark, valued at 820£. It went to Elizabeth Clark, 
 widoAv and to children David, Jonathan, Peter, Josiah, 
 Simeon, Amos, Abigail and Jerusha, wife of Shubael Folger. 
 
 i\Iarch 6, 1741. Probated wnll of Sarah Odar, single wo- 
 man. Her estate was given to her sister Lois Stratton, wife 
 of Caleb. 
 
 Sept. 15, 1741. Simeon Bunker, administrator estate of 
 George Bunker. 
 
 At same date probated will of James Coffin, who gave 
 property to wife. Ruth and to his eight children, three 
 daughters not named, and sons Nathan, James and Benja- 
 min, and children of deceased children George and Sarah 
 Gardner. 
 
 May 6, 1743. Sarah Wortli, widow of Richard Worth, 
 cordwainer. administratrix of his estate. 
 
 July 2, 1744. Probated will of John Swain, mariner. In- 
 come to wife, Mary, and the estate to children Elijah 
 Francis. Tristram. Seth. Christian Folger, Ruth, Priscilla. 
 Ainia, Eunice and Jemima. P]state 1007£, including a large 
 and small porringer, a cup, tankard, book by Geo. Fox and 
 Sacred History and Life of David. 
 
 Juiy 25. 1743. Sarah Stanton, widow of Samuel, adminis- 
 tratrix of his estate, amounting to 900£. She soon after 
 married a Pinkham. 
 
 i\Iarch 27. 1744. Peter Barnard, carpenter, administrator 
 
314 
 
 estate of Nathaniel Barnard, mariner, valued at 690£. 
 Estate given to Judith Wilcox, mother of deceased. It 
 appeared that Peter was brother of Nathaniel and they had 
 a sister Elizabeth (Joleman, who had died leaving a sou 
 Nathaniel. In the inventory was included an epitome, gold 
 buttons, watch and chainy punch bowl. 
 
 Feb. 1, 1744. Probated will of George Bunker, Esq., 
 former Judge of Probate, dated May 1743. Part of his 
 house to his widow Deborah for life and then with other 
 estate to three sons, Daniel, John and Caleb. 
 
 Aug. 1, 1745. Nathaniel Coleman, son of Barnabas, was 
 16 years old and placed under guardianship. 
 
 Oct. 4, 1744. Inventory of John Swain filed by ]\Iary 
 Swain, executrix, amounting to 1007£. It included 2 large 
 silver porringers and 2 small, a silver spout cup, 1 clock, 1 
 large tankard. 1 large looking glass, 11 silver buttons, V^ 
 share Old Wharf and 1-3 sloop Humburd. This estate went 
 to four sons Elijah, Francis, Tristram and Seth. 
 
 December, 1744. Ben Abel, Indian Sachem, left estate £89. 
 
 February 7. 1746. Caleb Stratton administrator estate of 
 William Stratton. chairmaker. amounting to £220. 
 
 February, 1746. Alexander Coffin, Ebenezer Coffin, sons 
 of Alexander, were minors and placed under guardianship. 
 
 November, 1746. John Kenutf had died leaving a widow 
 Sarah and his only child l^li/abeth. wife of William Abra- 
 hams, Jr. 
 
 February 6, 1747. Uriah Gardner admin, estate Daniel 
 Bunker, which amounted to £2,214, and included one-third 
 of a whale sloop and two-thirds share new wharf. He left a 
 son Joseph, 19, and Tristram, who was under 14. Estate 
 included law books, dictionary, silver tankard, porringer, 
 cup, spoons and buttons. 
 
 February, 1746. Ruth Gardner, daughter of Uriah, was 
 a minor and a guardian was appointed. 
 
 The will of Stephen Arthur, dated April, 1737, was pro- 
 l)ated July 8, 1747. Three-quarters of his estate given for 
 life to sister Priscilla. and residue to "my friend Thomas 
 Brock." 
 
315 
 
 Will of Nathan Folger, dated June, 1745, and probated 
 September, 1747. Personal estate given to children Timothy. 
 Leah Paddock, Esther, Judith Jenkins ; and house and lands 
 devised to sons Abishai, Peter and Barzillai. 
 
 Will of Joseph Gardner, dated April, 1743, and probated 
 October, 1747. To son Bethuel, my clock and the house at 
 Wesco, formerly my father's dwelling. Specific devises to 
 children Patience Brock, Margaret Chase, and to grand 
 children, Timothy Gardner, Mary Gardner, Obed Gardner, 
 and residue to sons Bethuel, Charles, Shubael and Caleb. 
 When the estate was divided in December, 1748, it is stated 
 that the son Shubael had died at sea. He gave income of 
 certain estate to wife Ruth. 
 
 November, 1747. The children of John Coffin, who left 
 no will, agree on a division, Richard for himself and as 
 guardian of his brother, Elias, Judith Gardner and Ebenezer, 
 her husband ; and Abigail Folger and her husband Zaccheus. 
 
 Will of James Gardner, haberdasher, dated 1747, and pro- 
 bated May, 1748. To wife Judith, one-half of his house, and 
 to sister Judith and his brothers, the rest of his lands, and 
 to his brethren, silver buckles, kalender, quadrant, great 
 chest and desk. 
 
 1748. Inventory of estate of James Cadode, £88. 
 
 Will of John Barnard, dated December, 1736, and pro- 
 bated June 8. 1748. To wife Sarah, life estate; personal 
 property to children Matthew, Samuel, Hannah and 
 Jemima Coleman. Real estate to sons Samuel, Robert and 
 ■Matthew. 
 
 Will of William Swan probated August. 1748, by which 
 he gave all to his friend Thomas Carr. 
 
 Will of Joseph Marshall, eordwainer, dated 1743, and pro- 
 bated August 5, 1748. To wife Abigail, income of certain 
 estate; to son Benjamin, his house and great church Bible. 
 Pecuniary legacies to children Hawkins, Mary Folger, Mar- 
 garet Wadsworth. Ruth Clark, and to grand children 
 Charles, Cornelius, Abigail and Rebecca Chase. To son 
 Joseph, residue, including books, fish house, flakes and boat 
 craft. 
 
316 
 
 August 5, 1748. Abigail Folger. widow of Daniel, admin- 
 istratrix of his estate, valued at £1.521 and including a 
 silver tankard, clock, part of the windmill and Indian ser 
 vant. 
 
 SeptenilKT, ]748. Probated will of Timothy Barnard that 
 left estate to wife Mary and children not named, but by 
 appointment of guardians it appeared that there were chil- 
 dren. Judith, 17, Susannah, Mary, William and Timothy. 
 10. Estate £1,500. including a Dutch Bible. 
 
 October. 1748. Hannah Jones, widow of Thomas, admin- 
 istratrix of his estate, amounting to £217. 
 
 October, 1737. Inventory of estate of Jethro Gardner in 
 old tenor amounted to £3.536, and included three-eighths of 
 a sloop. Spanish iron, smith's tools, horse shoes, one-half 
 share old wharf, a calash, and money, £489. 1748 his chil- 
 dren Micah. Peter. .Matthew and Jethro, all over 14, chose 
 as their guardian "our honored father Paul Starbuck." 
 The list of his heirs is elsewhere given. Peleg, Hezekiah, 
 Peter, Matthew, Jethro. Judith, and heirs of son James, 
 deceased. 
 
 May, 1749. The heirs of Daniel Folger were five children, 
 Keziah Coffin. Daniel. Abigail and Mary, the last three being 
 minors. 
 
 Will of John Swain, weaver, probated December. 1749. 
 His legatees were wife Patience, daughter Hannah, sons 
 Oliver and Chapman, grandsons John and Joseph Swain, 
 daughters Dinah Cathcart, wife of Hugh, Deborah Chad- 
 wick, wife of Richard, and Ann Cartwright, wife of Samuel. 
 
 Will of Thomas Brock probated May 9. 1750. To his wife 
 Patience, his great Bible. Negro man Robin to be free at 
 the age of 30. His estate to widow and nine children,. John. 
 Joseph. Andrew. Thomas, Walter, Margaret, James, Ann 
 and P]lizabeth. His estate was appraised in old tenor at 
 £16,192 and in modem currency was worth about one-sixth. 
 The inventory covered a great quantity of silver and house- 
 hold articles. There were included a negro woman, still 
 house, one-third try house and interests in nine sloops. 
 
317 
 
 Jemima. Nantucket. Tryall. Siisauua, Content, Hannah, 
 Pearl, Fortune, Fame. 
 
 The division of the estate of Thomas Brock, made in April, 
 1771. was between John. William, Andrew and Walter 
 Brock. ]\largaret Bunker, wife of Joshua, Janet Townsend, 
 wife of James. Elizabeth Chase, wife of Benjamin, and Anna 
 Brock. 
 
 Will of George Gardner, dated 1733, and probated May, 
 1750. After a life estate to wife Eunice and legacies to 
 daughters Ilephzebah Gardner and Priscilla Pinkham he 
 gives his house to son Grafton, and to son Thomas, clock, 
 try-house and kettles and silver tankard, and the residue to 
 the same two sons. 
 
 Will of Jabez Bunker probated May 25, 1750. Legacies 
 to daughters Hannah and Naomi Paddock. To sons Samuel 
 and Benjamin, where Sarauel's house stands; my house to 
 sons Peter and Peleg and residue to sons Samuel, Paul. 
 Benjamin. F'eter. Abner and Peleg. 
 
 May. 1750. A guardian appointed for the minor children 
 of Grindall Gardner. Timothy. 17. and Mary, 16. 
 
 August. 1750. Samuel ^Maxey. administrator estate of 
 Robert Leach, amounting to £141. 
 
 Old tenor and lawful money. About 1750 throughout 
 New England values were estimated in two standards of 
 currency having the above names. Old tenor had become 
 seriously debased. The fact is here mentioned without ex- 
 plaining the economic causes. The Register of Probate at 
 Nantucket took some i)ains to record the relation between 
 the two standards. Old tenor in one case was 177 — 11 — 8. 
 and lawful money is stated as the e(|uivalent 23 — 13 — 6. or 
 nearly eight to one. 
 
 In 1756 old tenor in one case was £1.981, and lawful money 
 its equivalent £264. In numerous cases where both methods 
 are exhibited the same proportion is shown for several 
 years. So at this period old tenor should be divided by 7.7 
 to obtain the appraisal according to the modern value of 
 an English pound. 
 
318 
 
 Will of Jonathan ITpham, carpenter, probated August, 
 1750. To wife Ruth, an estate for life; a legacy to daughter 
 Judith Deland ; to son-in-law Henry Fitzgerald, one-fourth 
 of my sloop ; rest of estate to children, Mary, Susannah. 
 Elizabeth Williams, Anna, Deborah Fitzgerald, Jonathan 
 and grandson David Upham. Estate valued at £360. 
 
 Will of Eliakim Swain probated August, 1750. To daugh- 
 ters Priscilla, Rachel, Lydia and Hannah, cows commons 
 To son Charles, one-fourth of sloop Dove and one-third of 
 mill I own with John Macy. To son Timothy, 16 years old. 
 one-third of mill, my homestead. To wife Abigail, income 
 from certain property. Balance to son Charles. His estate 
 amounted to £1,018. and included a clock, two silver por- 
 ringers, a tankard and sloops Dove and Ranger. 
 
 August 18, 1750. Hannah Chadwick, widow of Daniel, 
 administratrix of his estate. 
 
 October. 1750. Elizabeth Phillips, widow of Micah. ad- 
 ministratrix his estate, valued at £467. He left children, 
 Sam, aged 14; Abraham. 16, and Daniel, 19. 
 
 October, 1752. Jonathan Pinkham, son of John. 17 years. 
 
 Will of Daniel Hussey probated December 31, 1750. 
 Mentions father Silvanus and brother-in-law Barnabas Cole- 
 man. His estate to five children, Stephen, 19 ; Elizabeth ; 
 Daniel, 15 ; Rachel, 13, and Eunice, 10. Inventory £6369, 
 including interests in sloops Mary, Hephzibah and Two 
 brothers. Indian Boy and two shares in schoolhouse. 
 
 fJanuary 23, 1750. Richard Worth administrator estate 
 of Benjamin Worth and guardian of Benjamin, Francis, 
 minor sons of deceased. 
 
 March 23, 1750. Nathan Coffin administrator estate of 
 Simeon Bunker, deceased, valued at £579. It was dis- 
 tributed to widow Huldah, who in 1753 had married a 
 Barney, and to sons Bachelor and Simeon, the latter in 1754 
 being 16 and the former still a minor. Inventory included 
 book on navigation, Seneca's Morals, Penn's IMaxims and 
 No Cross, No Crown. 
 
 Januarv, 1752. Estate of Peter Coffin divided between 
 
319 
 
 children Bartlett, Abner, Peter, Lydia Long. ^largaret 
 Bunker, Jerusha Matthews, Hannah Barnard. Bartlett 
 Coffin was appointed administrator December, 1749. and the 
 estate was valued at £5,076. 
 
 Will of John Macy probated February, 1752. To wife 
 Judith, one-third estate for life. Sons Seth and William to 
 have house. Land in Dartmouth devised to daughters, Ann 
 Jenkins. Judith !Macy, Sarah Gardner, Abigail, and the 
 children of deceased daughter ^Tiriam. Residue to sons 
 Seth, John. David. Jonathan and William. The inventory 
 amounted to £2.366 and included one-sixth of the Friend- 
 ship, one-half try-house and kettles, great house, one-half 
 sloop Kingfisher and one-fourth sloop Hannah. 
 
 Will of Eleazer Folger probated October 1. 1752. To 
 widoAv ^lary. income for life and then to children, Deborah 
 Frost, Bethiah Margaret, Sophia, Mary, Urian, Charles, 
 Stephen Eliphaz, Frederick and Peleg. 
 
 Will of Nathaniel Starbuck. dated 1742. and probated 
 November, 1758. To wife Dinah, use of shipping, fishing 
 and whaling vessels. House to son Tristram. Other real 
 estate to son Paul. Rest of estate to six daughters, Eliza- 
 beth, Hepizbah. Abigail Way, Ruth Russell, Anna, Mary, 
 and grandson Benjamin Starbuck. Abigail had a son 
 Zaccheus Howes. 
 
 Will of William Macy probated November. 1753. Estate 
 to widow Mary and two children, Lydia. 7, and William. 5. 
 Inventory included interest in brig Friendship and tan vats 
 
 Will of Benjamin Trott. dated 1739, and probated August. 
 1754. Estate £1.517 given to wife Elizabeth and to children 
 John. Benjamin. ^lary, Rachel, Ann and Priscilla, Elizabeth. 
 14; Dinah. 11, and Abigail, 8. 
 
 September, 1754. Christian Allen, widow of Ebenezer. 
 administratrix of his estate, valued at £190, and the same 
 went to widow and children, Edward, 14; Ann. 12; Tristram 
 10; Judith, 7; Ebenezer, 5. and Abigail. 3 years. 
 
 Will Isaac Coleman probated November. 1754. To wife 
 Jane, furniture. To kinsman Daniel Coleman, his house. 
 
320 
 
 To kinsman Eliliu Coleman, land at Mill Brook. To kins- 
 man George Coleman, an oval table. To kinsman Peter 
 Coleman, bed. To kinsman John Coleman, Bible. 
 
 February. 1755. Elizabeth Swain, widow of Joseph, ad- 
 ministratrix of his estate. 
 
 1755. Estate of Richard Swain, valued at £719, included 
 an interest in a schooner and an old brig, and was distributed 
 to widow Elizabeth and to children, Joseph, Anna Bunker, 
 Jonathan, David, Richard. Christopher, 20; Lydia, 17; Eliza- 
 beth, li; liepzibah, 12, and Mary, 10. 
 
 May, 1756. Abigail Starbuck, widow of John Starbuck. 
 administratrix of his estate, valued at £1,98-4. Child Ann. 
 2 years old. 
 
 Will of Thomas Carr, probated October 1, 1756. Estate 
 given to wife ]Mary and daughter Mary, and to sons-in-law' 
 Uriah, Obed and John Bunker. Inventory £6,900. included 
 five-sixteenths sloop Desire. 
 
 Will of Josei)li Coleman probated December, 1756. To 
 wife Rachel and son Ebenezer. his house. Legacies to chil- 
 dren Lydia. Abigail and Deborah. "If my son Joseph 
 should return, he to have my quadrant and seafaring books." 
 Residue to Ebenezer, Timothy, 14, and Joseph, 17. 
 
 Will Jedediah Fitch probated March, 1754. His wife 
 Abigail was not mentioned. Estate to children Elizabeth 
 Calef, Peter, Mary Bailey, widow, and Beriah. 
 
 Will of Jethro Gardner probated August, 1757. Estate 
 given to wife Dinah and daughter Hephzibah. 
 
 Will Benjamin Swain probated September 5, 1757. To 
 wife Mary, one-half of my house and to son Jethro other 
 half. To children Patience Russell. Peleg, Christopher, 
 Lydia Wortli, and to children of my son Nathaniel, Abigail. 
 18, and Lydia, 16. 
 
 Will of Robert Coffin, dated 1750, and probated 1757. 
 Estate £3,200 given to wife Susannah and to children Hepzi- 
 bah, Catharine, Mary, Joanna, Susannah and Margaret. 
 
 November, 1757. Desire Bunker, widow of Zacchariah. 
 administratrix of his estate. 
 
321 
 
 Will of Judith Bunker i)robated October, 1758. She was 
 sister of Hezekiah Gardner. Her estate was given to chil- 
 dren Peter and Keziah. 
 
 October, 1758. Hannah Wyer, widow of Timothy, fell- 
 mongre, administratrix of his estate, amounting to £1,462. 
 His children were EdAvard, John, Sarah, Mary and Lydia, 16. 
 
 AVill of Matthew Jenkins probated December, 1758. Men- 
 tions share in schoolhouse. To wife Mary, one-half of my 
 house and rest of estate to children Peter, Sarah Hussey, 
 Mary Butler, Joseph, and the children of his son Thomas 
 and daughter Bethia Bunker, both deceased. 
 
 Januar5% 1758. Estate John Ellis administered. He had 
 two children, May, 1759, were placed under guardianship. 
 Robert, 13, and Sarah, 9. 
 
 Will Paul Starbuck, June, 1759. Estate given to wife Eliza- 
 beth, children Edward, Joseph, Samuel, Hepzibah Hussey, 
 Abigail Hussey, Mary Coffin, Anna Pinkham, Dinah Star- 
 buck, a minor, Elizabeth Coffin. 
 
 May, 1759. Samuel Coffin of Edgartown, administrator 
 estate Jonathan Coffin. 
 
 July, 1759. Robert Coffin left 10 children, not named, one 
 of whom was Robert, a minor. 
 
 October 6, 1759. Jemima Coffin, widow of James, admin- 
 istratrix of his estate. 
 
 Will of ]\Iatthew Gardner, probated December. 1759, gave 
 estate to wife Susannah and daughters Judith, 5, and Ann. 
 
 December 10, 1759. Jonathan Myrick, administrator 
 estate of Isaac Myrick, distributed to children Isaac, Mary 
 Gardner, Hannah. Lydia Coffin, Rebecca, John, Timoth.y, 
 William. Elizabeth. 10, the last four being minors. 
 
 Will of Hugh McCoy, probated January, 1760, gave estate 
 to brothers and sisters, Robert, James, William, Margaret, 
 Elizabeth, Jane and Ann. 
 
 April. 1760. Hannah Daggett, administratrix of the 
 estate of her husband, Jacob Daggett. It went to their 
 children Hepzibah Butler, Huldah Daggett, Joseph Daggett, 
 and to the children of a deceased son Nathan, who were 
 Stephen, 17; Hepzibah, 13; Timothy, 10, and Lydia. 
 
322 
 
 May, 1760. Probated John Way's will. To widow Abi- 
 gail and sons John. Paul and Setli the estate, amounting to 
 £976, including one-third of mill and three-quarters of sloop 
 Abigail. 
 
 Will Solomon Gardner, dated 1753 and probated July, 
 1761, gave estate to children, Elizabeth Swain, Sarah Joy, 
 Mary Worth, Dinah INIacy. Reuben, Stephen. David, Richard, 
 Solomon and Paul. 
 
 Will of Joseph Starbuck probated November, 1760. He 
 had a brother Samuel. Estate given to three minor children, 
 Nathaniel, Hephzibah and Phebe. Estate £5,080 old tenor. 
 
 November, 1760. Probated will William Starbuck ; 
 gave estate to wife Lydia and to children, Anna, 7; Jethro, 
 Judith Worth. Mary ^Nlacy ; to grand children Jethro and 
 Ebenezer Barnard, children of Jethro Barnard and deceased 
 daughter, Eunice Barnard. Estate valued at £4,252. 
 
 January. 1761. Christopher and Joshua Bunker, admin- 
 istrators estate of John Bunker, amounting to £3,692, in- 
 cluding one-quarter sloop Ruby. He left two children, 
 Elisha. aged 18. and Mary, also a minor. 
 
 Will of Judith Wilcox, dated 1756 and probated January, 
 1761. To son Peter Barnard, a great Bible. To son John 
 Wilcox, the real estate from my mother, Mary Coffin. To 
 grandson Nathaniel Barnard, what belonged to my son Na- 
 thaniel Barnard, whose father was Peter. Legacies to 
 grandson Nathaniel Coleman, to children of my son Daniel 
 Folger, deceased, to my daughter Mary Coleman. Rest to 
 heirs of my daughters Keziah Starbuck and Anna Starbuck. 
 both deceased. 
 
 February. 1761. From guardianship decrees it appeared 
 that Tristram Bunker son of Daniel. 18; Peter Bunker, son 
 of Peter. 6; Keziah Bunker, daughter of Peter, was over 21. 
 
 Will Mary Jenkins, probated May, 1761, gave estate to 
 children Peter, Sarah Hussey, Mary Butler, Joseph, to grand 
 child Ruth Bunker and to children of her daughter Bethia 
 Bunker and son Thomas. 
 
 1761. James Bunker had left children, Elisha, 3, and 
 William, 16. 
 
Will of Robert Wyer, probated July, 1761, gave estate to 
 wife Katherine and to (children, William, Robert, Zaehery, 
 Ruth, Mary, Elizabeth, Phebe, Hepzibah. 
 
 September, 1761. Mary Storer, widow of Samuel, ad- 
 ministratrix of his estate. 
 
 Will Peleg Gardner, probated October, 1761, gave estate 
 to wife Eunice and to eliildren, Barzillai, Keziah, Rachel, 
 Sarah, Elizabeth. 
 
 February, 1762. Ilephzibah Bunker, widow of Abishai, ad- 
 ministratrix of his estate. Deceased left children, Abishai, 
 8; Miriam, 7: Thaddeus, 3; Hephzibah, 1. 
 
 Will of Hannah Wyer, probated April, 1762. The bene- 
 ficiaries were Edward Wyer, son-in-law John Wyer, brother- 
 in-law Richard Chadwick, brother Chapman and his children 
 Patience, Judith, Deborah, Sarah ; to Isaac and Mary Chase, 
 my Indian girl, my grand children, Hannah, Mary and 
 Dinah AVyer, kinswoman Susannah Moores, wife of Thomas, 
 daughter-in-law Lydia Wyer, my sister Ann Cartwright. 
 cousin Elizabeth Swain, wife of Peleg, cousin Phebe Cart- 
 wright, daughter of Samuel Cartwright, daughter-in-laAv 
 Sarah Swain, wife, and Rhoda, daughter of Peter. 
 
 Will of Richard Worth, probated July 2, 1762, gave estate 
 to wife Lydia grand children Francis and Benjamin Worth, 
 both minors, and Mary and David Upham ; daughters Pris- 
 cilla Coleman, Eunice Gardner, Mary Baxter. Estate per- 
 sonal £818, included a Bible, silver tankard and interests in 
 sloop Kit Baxter, Newcastle and Mary. 
 
 Will of Bartlett Coffin, probated August, 1762, gave estate 
 to children, Rebecca, Christian Barker, Judith, Uriah. Enoch, 
 Peleg. 
 
 Will of Jerusha Matthews, probated January, 1763, de- 
 vised her estate to daughter Catherine Heath and to Abigail 
 Jackson. 
 
 Will of Tristram Coffin, probated February. 1763, gave 
 one cow commons to Nathaniel Macy, and rest of estate to 
 children Abishai. Lydia, 13 years old, Jemima, ^Miriam, IIul- 
 dah. all minors, and Phebe, who Avas probably of age. 
 
824 
 
 Will of Peter Folger. probated ^larch, 1763, gave estate 
 to wife Christian and children Anna, Mary, Owen, Peter. 
 Rnth. Lydia. Rachel. Eunice, Reuben. 
 
 Will Abigail Marshall, dated 1753 and probated May, 
 1763. She is described as a spinster. She gave her estate 
 as follows: To granchild Zaccheus Howes, land on Sheep- 
 scot River. To grandchild Mary Starbuck. land on Sheep- 
 scot River. To grandchild Abigail Marshall, furniture. To 
 grandchild Mary ^Marshall, gold necklace and silver cup. 
 To grandchild Jemima Marshall, silver porringer. To 
 grandchild Iluldah ^Marshall, silver spout cup. To grand- 
 child Thomas ^larshall. silver spoons marked A. H. To 
 grandchildren Obed and Elihu Marshall, money. To son 
 Joseph, the residue. 
 
 December, 1763. ^lercy Chase, widow of Isaac, adminis- 
 tratrix, his estate amounting to £350. 
 
 Will of Benjamin Gardner, probated February. 1764. 
 Estate given to wife Hannah, son Robert, son-in-law Ben 
 jamin Russell and Rebecca his wife, grandsons Silvanus 
 Gardner. Obadiah Gardner, son Benjamin. Mentions grand- 
 son Solomon Folger. 
 
 Will of Urian Folger. probated February, 1764. After 
 devises to brother Eliphaz and son-in-law Benjamin Pitts, 
 the residue to wife Judith. 
 
 February. 1764. T"^riah Gardner, administrator estate of 
 Ebenezer Gardner. 
 
 Will of Sanniel Coffin, probated March, 1764. Estate 
 given to children John. William, David. Deborah Starbuck, 
 Miriam Pinkham, Mary Barnard, Priscilla Coleman and the 
 heirs of a deceased daughter, Sarah Pinkham. 
 
 April. 1764. William Rotch, administrator estate Samuel 
 Gorham. 
 
 Will of Damaris Coffin, dated 1754 and probated October 
 5, 1764. Her estate amounted to £912, included silver tank- 
 ard, cup and spoons, and was given to children William, 
 Benjamin. Gayer, Nathaniel, Dorcas Soley, Lydia Chase. 
 Christian Edwards, Katherine Gardner and children of de- 
 
825 
 
 ceased sou Charles. When the division was made in 1765, 
 children Gayer, Charles and Lydia had died. 
 
 Will of Philip Pollard, probated February, 1765, gave a 
 life estate to his widow Mehitable and his sister Elizabeth. 
 Legacies were provided for daughters Elizabeth and Mary 
 Gardner, wife of Solomon Gardner, and the rest to son 
 George, who received specifically "my house, clock, silver 
 tankard, large oval table, largo looking glass and one-half 
 of my printed books. 
 
 Will of Robert Barnard, probated October, 1765. Son 
 Nathaniel received land in the Barnard Fish lot on Wesco 
 Hill; son Matthew had land where Stephen Hussey's black- 
 smith shop stood; son Robert, land in Newtown, where my 
 daughter Eunice Ray's house stands; sons Abishai and 
 Shubael, land in Newtown ; and to son Jonathan, other land. 
 To wife Hepsibah, estate for life, and then to six sons. Per- 
 sonal estate given to daughters Eunice, Elizabeth, Hepsibah, 
 Sarah and Anna. 
 
 Administration granted October, 1766, on estate of 
 Alexander Gardner. 
 
 October, 1766. John Rand, administrator estate of Caleb 
 Rand, and Rachel Clark, administratrix of estate of James 
 Clark. 
 
 October. 1766. Elisha Pinkham, aged 11, and Nathaniel 
 Pinkham, 5, both sons of Nathaniel, placed under guardian- 
 ship. 
 
 December, 1766. Administration on estate of Joseph 
 Daws. 
 
 March, 1767. Shubael Gardner, 16, son of Joseph, placed 
 under guardianship; also Thomas Arthur was appointed 
 guardian of Rhoda Arthur, 14. child of John; also Eunice 
 Gardner, widow of .loseph, guardian of her younger children. 
 
 ^larch, 1767. The estate of Ebenezer Gardner included 
 lands and houses valued at £4,000. His first wife was named 
 Eunice and the second Judith, who was living at tlie date 
 of tlie division. There had been ten children, to whom the 
 estate was distributed : Uriah, Samuel, Ebenezer, Lydia 
 
326 
 
 Hawes, Joseph, Peleg. Margaret Mayo, Anna Chase, the 
 children of the wife of Shubael Barnard, deceased, and 
 Rhoda Arthur, daughter of John Arthur. 
 
 Will of Sylvanus Hussey, probated March, 1767, is long 
 and indicates that he was a wealthy man. To each of ten 
 of his descendants he devised the house and land where he 
 lived. His own old house going to son Joseph. No inventory 
 is on record, but he owned considerable shipping. No 
 widow is mentioned, but the estate was given to his children, 
 Obed, Jonathan. Christopher, William, Bachelor, Nathaniel. 
 Silvanus, George, Joseph, Rachel Coleman, Hepzibah Cole- 
 man, grand children Benjamin, Obed, Stephen and Daniel 
 Hussey, Elizabeth Coffin, Rachel Mitchell. Eunice Worth, 
 Seth Hussey, and daughter-in-law Sarah Hussey. 
 
 Will of Elijah Pitts, probated February, 1767. Bible and 
 shoe buckles went to his mother, Jedidah Folger, and the 
 rest of his estate to wife Thankful for life, and after them 
 to Elijah Pitts, son of my brother Benjamin. 
 
 Will of Ebenezer Barnard, probated June 5, 1767. His 
 house was given to his Avife and son Stephen and the rest 
 to his children William, Lydia and Jemima Coffin. 
 
 Will Peter Gardner, probated July, 1767, mentions land 
 between the mill and schoolhouse, near house of Stephen 
 Chase. The estate passed to wife Elizabeth and children 
 Enoch, Deborah, Elizabeth, Lydia Hammond, Love Coffin 
 and Beulah Coffin. 
 
 Will of Joseph Swain, probated October, 1767, gave an 
 estate valued at £957 to wife Elizabeth, to daughters Eliza- 
 beth and Eunice, and his house and lands to son Joseph, 
 the same being near Benjamin Posdick's, and he mentions 
 his brother, Jonathan Swain. 
 
 Will of Shubael Pinkham, probated November. 1767, gave 
 his estate to widow Abigail for life and then to children, 
 Richard, Benjamin, Shubael, Daniel, Mary Coffin, Ruth 
 Coleman, Anna Gardner, Abigail Macy, and Phebe Bunker. 
 To son Benjamin, "all my Looms." 
 
 January. 1768, Margaret Chase, widoAV, appointed ad- 
 ministratrix of the estate of her husband Stephen. 
 
827 
 
 Will of Richard Coffin, probated April, 1768, gave estate 
 to widow Ruth and to children, Barnabas, Richard, Francis, 
 Silvanus, Lydia Anthony wife of Joseph, Judith Macy, 
 Abigail Worth, Ruth Folger. and to children of my deceased 
 daughter Phebe Swain. 
 
 November, 1767. A guardian appointed for Barnabas 
 Gardner, insane. 
 
 Will of John Coffin, probated May, 1768, transfered his 
 estate to wife Lydia and children Peter, Jethro, John, 
 Richard, Keziah Gardner, Deborah Myrick, Lydia Fosdick, 
 Parnal Brock, and to granddaughters Mary and Parnal 
 Paddock, children of my daughter Parnal Brock. In his 
 estate were enumerated a silver Tankard, spoons and a 
 "Clash." 
 
 June, 1768. A guardian appointed for Silas Rand, son 
 of Caleb, aged 14. 
 
 May, 1768. Inventory of estate Benjamin Chase included 
 a Desk, large looking glass, silver tankard, and spoons. 
 
 June, 1768. Elisha Gardner, blacksmith, and George 
 Gardner, Gentleman, were appointed administrators of the 
 estate of Jeremiah Gardner. 
 
 On same date, probated will of Francis Coffin, which gave 
 an estate for life to wife Ann and then to children, of which 
 only Hepsibah is named. 
 
 Will of John Ellis, probated August. 1768, gave estate to 
 Avife Dinah and then to children William, Abigail, Dinah 
 Gardner, Hepzibah, Susannah and Deborah. 
 
 October, 1768. Probated will of Barnabas Gardner. His 
 wife was Mary and children were Mary Worth wife of 
 Francis. Hannah, Susannah Russell, Jedediah, Abigail, 
 Hepzibah, Jethro, Zaccheus, Jonathan. 
 
 Will of Nathan Coffin, probated January, 1768, gave estate 
 to wife Lydia and children Nathan. Charles and others not 
 named. 
 
 November. 1760. Will of Hezekiah Coffin probated and 
 gave estate to wife Lydia and then to children Mary. Elijah. 
 Elizabeth, Uriah, Abihu. P^liel, Lebbeus and Laban. Le])l)eus 
 was "a poor decrepid child." 
 
328 
 
 January, 1769. Benjamin Clark, administrator of estate 
 of John Clark. 
 
 April, 1769. Phebe Meatier, administrator estate of her 
 husband Nason Header. 
 
 June, 1769. Eunice Ray, administratrix estate Samuel 
 Ray, and at the same date guardians were appointed for his 
 children Barnabas and Elizabeth, Miio were over 14, and 
 Christopher, Daniel, Samuel, Mary and Jonathan, who were 
 under that age. 
 
 Will Nathaniel Hussey, probated July, 1769, gave to wife 
 Judith, estate for life and then to children Francis. David. 
 Peleg, Abraham, Nathaniel, Phebe and Rachel. 
 
 March, 1770. Nathaniel Coffin was appointed guardian 
 for his sisters-in-law Miriam and Huldah Coffin, children of 
 Tristram. 
 
 April, 1770. Will of David Baschard, a native of London, 
 Tavern Keeper, was probated. Besides a legacy to his sister 
 Mary, his estate was given to his wife Elizabeth, and in- 
 cluded a negro girl slave and a pew in the Congregational 
 Meeting House. His estate valued at £1000. 
 
 At the same date, a guardian was appointed for Francis 
 and Hepzibah Coffin, children of Francis, deceased. 
 
 Will of Daniel Pinkham. probated July. 1770, gave estate 
 to wife Abigail, brother Theophilus and to Peleg. son of 
 my brother Peleg. 
 
 Will of Abishai Gardner, j^robated October, 1770, mentions 
 the fact of a former marriage "before I married last," and 
 that his father was Robert, and Christopher Starbuck was 
 his brother-in-law. His estate was given to his wife Mary 
 and daughters Phebe and Lydia. 
 
 November. 1770. Reuben Gardner was appointed ad- 
 ministrator of estate of Thaddeus Gardner, in whose estate 
 was a mulatto Boy. 
 
 Will of Priscilla Trott, probated January, 1771, gives 
 estate to Kinsman Benjamin Trott and Kinswoman Ann 
 Trott. 
 
 Will of ]\rary Barnard, probated February, 1771, gave 
 
329 
 
 estate to children Lydia Folger. Miriam Clark, John Worth, 
 Christopher Worth, Jonathan Worth, Stephen and Win. 
 Barnard and to grandchildren Abishai, Phebe, Lydia, Je- 
 mima. Miriam and Ilnldah Coffin. She had a son-in-law 
 Jonathan Folger. 
 
 May, 1771. Daniel Piukham, cooper, and Hepzibah 
 Pinkham, widow, admrs. of estate of Benjamin Pinkham. 
 
 On the same date Parnel Coffin, widow of Edward, ad- 
 ministratrix of his estate. 
 
 June. 1771. Paul Paddock, administrator estate of Na- 
 thaniel Paddock. 
 
 At same date, administration on estate of Elijah Daggett. 
 
 Will of Wm. Barnard, probated August, 1771, gave estate 
 to wife Mary and to children. In 1777 when the Division 
 was made the children were Mary, Tristram, Miriam IMaey, 
 Obed, Paul. Eunice Swain. Lydia Coffin and Phebe. 
 
 September. 1771. Hezekiah Gardner, Cordwainer. ad- 
 ministrator estate of Peter Gardner. 
 
 Will of Abel Gardner, probated October. 1771, transferred 
 estate to wife Priscilla and children Priscilla Russell, Sarah 
 Gardner, Phebe Rawson, Elizabeth Aldridge, Eunice Bunker, 
 Nathan, Ephraim, Shubael, James, Joshua, Abel, Heirs of 
 my children Abigail and Joshua, both deceased. 
 
 January, 1772. Guardian appointed for children of 
 Edward Coffin, deceased, Christopher above 14. Peter, 
 Edward and Sarah. 
 
 Will of Robert Macy, probated January, 1772, gave estate 
 to children Nathaniel, Robert, John, pJudith Stratton, Eliza- 
 beth Moores, John, Abigail, Mary Eunice ; grandchildren 
 Deborah Cartwright. Phebe and Lydia Gardner, and to his 
 widow Abigail Macy. 
 
 At the same date, administration on estate of Samuel 
 ^laxey. 
 
 Will of Solomon Coleman, probated February, 1772, gave 
 to wife Deliverance a life estate, and the rest to children 
 Hepzibah, Christopher, Abigail Coffin, Elizabeth Gwiini 
 Hepzibah, Daniel, Peleg, George, Francis, Solomon. 
 
330 
 
 At the same date, will of James Proctor gave all estate 
 to wife L.ydia. 
 
 April. 1772. Will of Lemuel Barnard gave his estate, 
 one half to his brother Matthew and the other half to the 
 children of his brother Robert, who were Jonathan, Matthew, 
 Nathaniel, Robert. Abishai and Shubael. 
 
 Will of John Jackson. ]jrobated April, 1772, gave estate 
 to wife Abigail. 
 
 May. 1772. Richard Chadwick, administrator estate of 
 Patience Swain. 
 
 At the same date, probated the will of Elias Coffin, which 
 gave estate to Avife Love. sons-inJaw John Woodbury and 
 Jeremy Prior, and to children Anna Pinkham. Jane. Dinah. 
 Elias. Prince, John, Merab and Love. The silver Tankard 
 went to Anna. 
 
 June, 1772. Probated will of Jethro Folger. which trans- 
 ferred his estate to children John, Tristram, Jethro, Anna 
 Mitchell, Lydia Coffin. Eunice Coleman, the heirs of my 
 deceased daughter Jedidah Gardner, and my grandson Paul 
 Swain. 
 
 At the same date. Judith Barnard, widow, appointed 
 administratrix estate of her husband Christopher, which 
 was valued at £1322. 
 
 July, 1772. Guardian appointed for children of Chris- 
 topher Barnard, namely Christopher and two daughters not 
 named. 
 
 July 28. 1772. Will of Joseph ]Macy probated. It trans- 
 ferred estate to wife Hannah and to children Mary. Bertha 
 Swain, Joseph. Henry, Paul and Enoch. 
 
 August, 1772. Administration on estate of Wm. Bunker. 
 
 January, 1773. Elizabeth Moores. administratrix of 
 estate of her husband Alexander. 
 
 At the same date, administration on estate of Daniel 
 Husse.y. valued at £3300. and included one-fourth sloops 
 Harlequin and Mayflower, and a Silver Tankard. 
 
 Will of Jonathan Coffin, probated March. 1773, gave estate 
 to wife Hepzibah and children Jonathan. Joshua. Susannah. 
 
331 
 
 Anna Paddock, Mary Hussey, Heirs of son Henry, and of 
 daughter Hepzibah, and James Coffin, son of my son James, 
 deceased. 
 
 Will of Eliphalet Paddock, probated April, 1773, gave 
 estate to wife, Naomi, children Jonathan, Benjamin, Silas, 
 Eliphalet, David, Hannah, children of my son Joseph, of 
 my deceased daughter Abigail, and to my granddaughters 
 Mary and Parnel Paddock. 
 
 May, 1773. Elizabeth Moores, widow of Alexander, ap- 
 pointed guardian of Reuben and four other children of 
 herself and Alexander. 
 
 June. 1773. The settlement of the estate of Benjamin 
 Pinkham Avas approved, his four youngest children not 
 named placed under guardianship. It appears that his 
 widow Hepzibah had married a Coffin, that Charles was the 
 oldest child and there were seven others not named. 
 
 December, 1773. Administration on estate of George 
 Macy. He left widow Margaret and son George, 3 years 
 old. 
 
 January 7, 1774. Administration on estate of Zaccheus 
 and Lydia Howes. 
 
 Will of Richard Coffin, probated Feb.. 1774, gave estate 
 to daughter Lydia and named as executor his brother-in-law 
 Benjamin Fosdick. 
 
 February, 1774. Tristram Swain appointed guardian of 
 his nephew James Coffin, son of James, over 14. 
 
 February, 1774. Samuel Gardner appointed guardian 
 of his niece Anna Howes, daughter of Zaccheus, aged 15. 
 
 March 4, 1774. Ruth Meader. widow of Nicholas, ad- 
 ministratrix estate of her husband. 
 
 April. 1774. Hannah Lambert, widow of Zaccheus. ad- 
 ministratrix of his estate. 
 
 At same date, Benjamin Chase, son of Isaac, deceased, 
 aged 14, placed under guardianship. 
 
 May. 1774. The widow of Daniel Hussey, Hepzibah. had 
 become insane and was placed under guardianship, and so 
 were his children Joseph, Timothy and Alpheus. 
 
332 
 
 September, 1774. Administration on estate of John Hall. 
 
 September, 1774. Benjamin and Hepzibali Barnard were 
 appointed administrators of estate of Stephen Barnard. 
 
 Will of William Aldrich probated November 4, 1774, and 
 gave all estate to his wife Abigail. 
 
 November 4, 1774, Lydia Folger, widow of Shubael, was 
 appointed administratrix of his estate. 
 
 Will of Peleg Pinkham. probated January, 1775, gave 
 estate to wife Susannah and to children Peleg and Judith 
 Coffin. 
 
 January, 1775. Mary Pinkham, daughter of James Coffin 
 and granddaughter of Jonathan Coffin, was not named in 
 the will of the latter, l)ut her t-laim on that account was not 
 allowed. 
 
 Will of Zephaniah Coffin, probated January, 1775, and 
 gave estate to Avife Abigail and children Solomon. Mary 
 Bunker, Miriam Macy. Abigail Bunker, Shubael, Paul, Zepha- 
 niah and Stephen and heirs of my two deceased daughters, 
 Hepzibah Coffin and Dinah Bunker. 
 
 W^ill of Ruth Upham. probated INIarch, 1775, and estate 
 went to children, Abigail Smith. Eunice Brown, Priscilla 
 Ramsdell, granddaughter Anna Williams, son-in-law James 
 Williams and grandson Jetliro Starbuck. 
 
 Will of William Long, probated May, 1775, gave all estate 
 to wife Lois. 
 
 May, 1775. Will of Nathaniel Folger was probated and 
 gave estate to children Elizabeth Pease. Rebecca Merchant. 
 Judith Heath and Paul. 
 
 Will of Peter Barnard, probated June, 1775, transferred 
 estate to kinsman, Nathaniel Coleman, wife Anna, and chil- 
 dren Nathaniel. Peter. Daniel, Elisha, Elizabeth Ray. Judith 
 Barnard, grand children, Christopher Barnard, children of 
 my deceased son Christopher, two children of my deceased 
 daughter, Eunice Starbuck. and my granddaughter, Lucinda 
 Barnard. 
 
 Will of George Brown, probated July, 1775. gave estate 
 to Avife Abigail and to children Elizabeth, Mary. Priscilla 
 Briant, Abigail Macy, Francis, James and Joseph. 
 
August, 1775. Administration on estate of John Osborne 
 to widow Sarah. 
 
 August, 1775. Admiuistration on estate of Francis Hig- 
 gins. whose only heir was a sister. Hope Breton. 
 
 November, 1775. Estate of Robert Russell dividetl be- 
 tween the widow Jemima and Benjamin Russell. 
 
 December, 1775. Estate of Peter Bunker divided between 
 Peter Bunker and Jonathan Bunker. 
 
 December, 1775. Lucy .Alorton. widow of Taber ^lorton, 
 administratrix of his estate, valued at £1,850. 
 
 December, 1775. Sarah Hussey. widow of Seth. adminis- 
 tratrix of his estate. 
 
 Will of Ebenezer Calef. probated Jiuie, 1776, gave estate 
 to wife Elizabeth and to children Robert, Kbenezer. Mary 
 Hussey, wife of Obed. Elizabeth Brock, wife of William, 
 Margaret Coggeshall. wife of Paul. 
 
 July 5, 1776. Moses Giles, administrator estate of John 
 Way, \alued at £1,500 ;iiul included share in windmill. 
 
 Will of Benjamin Trott, probated August, 1776. gave 
 estate to mother Elizabeth and to sisters Ann and Priseilla. 
 
 August. 1776. Estate of Patience Swain divided between 
 Cha})man Swain, Dinah Cathcart, Ann Cartwright, Deborah 
 Chfulwick and Oliver Swain. 
 
 Will of Jal)ez ^lacy, probated Sej>tember, 1776, gave estate 
 to wife Sarah and to children Eunice Beard, Lydia Jenkins. 
 Sarah Macy, Jethro, dnughter-in-law Rachel Macy, sons 
 Daniel and Matthew. 
 
 December. 1776. Th(^ settlement of the estate of Peter 
 Gardner required the appointment of guardians for children 
 Matthew, JNlargaret. wlio chose their uncle Hezekiah Gardner, 
 and two others not ujuncd. The widow Deborah had mar- 
 ried a Coleman. 
 
 ]May, 1777. Division of estate of Jeremiah Gardner be- 
 tween children George, Elisha and Ruth Spooner. 
 
 AVill Samuel Ray. probated October. 1776. gave estate to 
 children ]\rary, William. John. David. Alexander. Enoch. 
 Benjamin, Sarah Gardner. ;md children of my deceased 
 son Samuel. 
 
334 
 
 February. 1776. Administration on estate of Robert 
 Barnard granted to widow Margaret. 
 
 March, 1777. Administration on estate of Peter Bunker. 
 
 Will of Thomas Starbuck, probated March, 1777, and 
 transferred his estate to wife Rachel and to children Sil- 
 vanus, William, Thomas, Gayer, Hezekiah, Elizabeth Folger, 
 and the children of deceased daughter Rachel Gardner, viz. : 
 Paul, Libni, George, Zenas, Lydia, Rachel and Dorcas. 
 
 April, 1777. Administration on estate of Andrew Myriek. 
 
 May, 1777. Administration on estate of Mary Ray granted 
 to David Ray. 
 
 Will of Caleb Bunker, probated July. 1777, gave estate 
 to wife Priscilla, son Caleb, John Brock, son of my deceased 
 daughter, Anna Brock, Benjamin Bunker, son of my deceased 
 son William, and the other children of William, Anna 
 Gardner, William, Samuel, George, Mary and Priscilla, and 
 other children of my deceased daughter Anna Brock, namely, 
 Thomas, Margaret Coffin, John, Thaddeus and Lydia Brock. 
 * Will of Elizabeth Caleb, probated July, 1777, gave her 
 estate to children Robert, Ebenezer, Mary Hussey. Elizabeth 
 Brock and Margaret Coggeshall. 
 
 Will Jonathan Gardner, probated August, 1777, gave 
 estate to wife Patience and children Elizabeth Coffin, Eunice 
 Ray, Keziah Paddock, Ruth Crosby, Dinah Paddock, IMary 
 Clark, Seth, Simeon, Elihu and Barnabas. 
 
 Will of Mary Barnard probated September, 1777. men- 
 tions the fact that her father was Samuel Coffin and that 
 her children were Tristram, Paul, Miriam ]\Iacy, Eunice 
 Swain, Lydia Coffin. Obed, Phebe and Mary, the last three 
 being minors. 
 
 Will of Jonathan Pitts, probated September, 1777, gave 
 estate to wife Huldah and four children not named. 
 
 September, 1777, administration on estate of Noah Pease 
 granted to widow Anna. 
 
 October, 1777. John Worth appointed administrator estate 
 to Mary Crosby. 
 
 January. 1778, Charles Pinkham guardian of his brother 
 Obed, both being sons of Benjamin. 
 
 * Should read, will of Elizabeth Calef. 
 
335 
 
 February, 1778, will of Abishai Folger probated and prop- 
 ert3' passed to wife Diuah and cbildren. William. George. 
 Timothy, Abishai, -John. Robert. Reuben. Sarah. Hepzibah 
 and Dinah. 
 
 Will of Abigail Way probated February. 1778, gave 
 estate to daughter. Mary Starbuck, and to grandchildren. 
 Abigail Swain and Anna Howes. 
 
 Will John Worth probated June. 1778. and gave estate 
 to wife Abigail and childrc^n. Deborah, George. Eliakim. 
 Hannah. Elizabeth. David. Edmund. He had a l)rother-in- 
 law, Edmund Heath. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Abrahams, William, 314. 
 Academy, 241. 
 
 Aldrich, Abigail and William, 332. 
 Aldridge, Elizabeth. 329. 
 
 Ichabod. 244. 
 Allen, Abigail, Ann, Christian, 319. 
 
 Danief, 49. 82. 
 
 Edward, 109, 206, 305, 319. 
 
 Ebenezer and Judith, 319. 
 
 Sylvanus, 81, 311. 
 
 Tristram, 319. 
 Alley, Jacob. 48. 
 
 Anthony, Joseph and Lydia. 327. 
 Area, 45. 
 
 Arey, Richard, 140. 
 Arthur, Ebenezer, 308, 312. 
 
 Eunice. 309. 312. 
 
 John, 306. 307, 312, 325, 326. 
 
 Keturah, 309, 312. 
 
 Mary, 305. 
 
 Persis, 307. 
 
 Priseilla. 302. 307. 312. 314. 
 
 Rhoda. 325. 326. 
 
 Stephen, 307, 312, 314. 
 
 Thomas. 307, 312. 
 Assistants, 40. 
 Austin, Benjamin. 75. 300. 
 
 Nathaniel. 300. 
 
 Thomas. 300. 
 Bailey, Mary. 320. 
 Barker, Bethia, 313. 
 
 Christian, 323. 
 
 Deborah, 312. 
 
 James, 49. 
 
ii INDEX. 
 
 Josiah, 48, 250. 313. 
 Judith, 313. 
 Robert, 313. 
 Samuel, 311, 312, 313. 
 Barnard, Abigail, 310. 
 
 Abishai. 310. 325. 330. 
 
 Anna, 325. 
 
 Benjamin. 305, 310. 332. 
 
 Christopher. 330. 332. 
 
 Daniel, 332. 
 
 Ebenezer, 305, 322. 
 
 Elisha, 332. 
 
 Elizabeth, 305, 306. 325. 
 
 Eunice, 322, 325. 
 
 Francis, 310. 
 
 Hannah. 315, 319- 
 
 Hepsabeth, 312, 325. 332. 
 
 Hope, 48. 
 
 Jethro, 322. 
 
 Joan, 300. 
 
 John, 305, 310, 315. 
 
 Jonathan, 325, 330. 
 
 Judith, 305, 310, 316, 330. 332. 
 
 Lemuel, 330. 
 
 Lucinda, 332. 
 
 Ijydia, 326. 
 
 Margaret, 334. 
 
 Mary, 310, 316, 324, 328. 329. 334. 
 
 Matthew, 315, 325, 330. 
 
 Nathaniel, 11, 16, 18, 59, 61, 94, 95. 106, 129, 206, 300-5, 
 
 310. 314, 322, 325, 330. 332. 
 Obed and Paul. 329. 334. 
 Peter. 305, 313, 314. 322. 332. 
 Phebe, 329, 334. 
 
 Robert. 53. 59. 61. 197. 300. 305, 315. 325, 330, 334. 
 Samuel, 315. 
 Sarah. 304. 315, 325. 
 Shubael, 198, 325, 326, 330. 
 Stephen, 305, 326, 329, 332. 
 Susannah, 316. 
 Thomas. 53, 58, 59, 61. 
 Timothv. 310. 316. 
 Tristram, 329, 334. 
 William. 316, 326. 329. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Barney, Daniol, 49. 
 
 Doreas, 305. 
 
 Huldah, 318. 
 
 Jacob, 305. 
 Barrett, John W., 208. 2:)(;. 
 
 Sainnel, 254. 
 Baschard, David, Elizabeth jiikI Mai-y. 328. 
 Bartholomew, Bnelah. 307. 
 Bartlett, Oliver C, 245. 
 Baxter, Christopher, 272. 
 
 Mary, 323. 
 Beard, John, 311. 
 Bennett, Edward, 107, 311. 
 Bickford, Samuel, 59. 62, 108. 
 Bigelow, Wm. S., 49. 
 Bishop, John, 18, 59, 60. 62, 219. 
 Black, Persis, 312. 
 Bocochico, 210, 291. 
 Boulter, Nathaniel, 25. 
 Breton, Hope, 333. 
 Brock, Anna, 316. 334. 
 
 AndreAV, 49, 316. 
 
 Elizabeth, 316, 333. 
 
 James, 316. 
 
 John, 249, 316, 334. 
 
 Joseph, 316. 
 
 Lydia, 334. 
 
 Margaret, 316. 
 
 Parnal, 327. 
 
 Patience. 316. 
 
 Thaddeus, 334. 
 
 Thomas. 49, 311, 314. 316. 334. 
 
 Walter, 316. 
 
 William, 333. 
 Brooks, John B., 49. 
 
 William, 49. 250. 
 Brown, Abigail and Ennice, 332. 
 
 Francis, 197, 332. 
 
 George, 306, 332. 
 
 Hannah. 303. 
 
 James, Joseph and Mary, 332. 
 Bryant, Priscilla. 332. 
 Bunker, Abigail. 303. 307. 332. 
 
 Abishai, 323. 
 
 Abner, 317. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Ann, 301. 
 
 Bachelor, 318. 
 
 Bethia. 321, 322. 
 
 Benjamin. 303. 307, 317, 334. 
 
 Caleb, 48. 196. 197. 314. 334. 
 
 Charles. 268. 
 
 Christian, 309. 
 
 Christopher, 323. 
 
 Daniel. 312. 314. 322. 
 
 Deborah, 306, 307. 314. 
 
 Desire. 320. 
 
 Dinah, 332. 
 
 Elisha. 322. 
 
 Eunice. 329. 
 
 Elijcabeth, 306, 307, 309. 
 
 George, 63, 197. 233, 301-3. 307. 313, 314 334. 
 
 Hannah, 304. 305, 317. 
 
 Hepsabeth, 323. 
 
 Huldah, 318. 
 
 Jabez, 209, 303. 307. 317. 
 
 James, 306. 307. 322. 
 
 Jane. 303. 310. 
 
 John. 314. 320, 322. 
 
 Jonathan, 303, 306, 307, 309. 333. 
 
 Joseph. 314. 
 
 Joshua. 317. 322. 
 
 Judith, 307, 321. 
 
 Keziah, 321, 322. 
 
 Margaret, 197. 317, 319. 
 
 Mary, 303, 306, 307. 309. 322. 332, 334. 
 
 Miriam, 323. 
 
 Obed, 320. 
 
 Patience, 307. 
 
 Paul, 196. 317. 
 
 Peleg, 303. 307. 309, 317. 
 
 Peter, 317. 321. 322. 333. 334. 
 
 Phebe, 326. 
 
 Priscilla. 309. 312, 334. 
 
 Ruth. 322. 
 
 Samuel, 308, 317. 334. 
 
 Simeon, 307, 313, 318. 
 
 Susannah, 309, 311. 
 
 Thaddeus. 323. 
 
 Thomas. 303. 307, 322. 
 
 Tristram, 314. 322. 
 
INDEX. V 
 
 Uriah, 309, 320. 
 
 William, 18, 63, 94, 90, 99, 107, 300, 303, 309, 322, 334. 
 
 Zaecliariah, 307, 320. 
 Burnell, Jonathan, 197. 
 
 Joseph, 196. 
 Butler, Ilepsibah and Mary, 321. 322. 
 Calder, Josiah, 263. 
 Calef, Ebenezer, 198, 243, 312. 333. 
 
 Elizabeth, 320. 333. 
 
 Robert, 333. 
 Carr, Mary, 320. 
 
 Thomas, 60, 64, 315, 320. 
 Cartwright, Ann, 316, 323, 333. 
 
 Deborah, 329. 
 
 Edward, 27, 60, 64. 107-110, 121, 301, 302, 306. 
 
 James, 251. 
 
 John, 49. 
 
 Mary, 301. 
 
 Nicholas, 302. 
 
 Phebe, 323. 
 
 Samson, 302. 
 
 Samuel, 323. 
 
 Susannah, 301, 316. 
 Carver, Thomas. 312. 
 Gary, Edward. 266. 
 Case, Edward, 107. 
 Cash, Wm., 271. 
 Cathcart, David, 316. 
 
 Dinah. 333. 
 
 Hugh, 316. 
 
 Phebe, 304. 
 Chadwick, Daniel. 318. 
 
 Deborah. 316. 333. 
 
 Hannah. 318. 
 
 Riehard, 196. 316, 323, 330. 
 Challenge, John. 60, 67, 108. 
 Chase, Abigail, 305, 315. 
 
 Anna, 326. 
 
 Benjamin, 317, 327, 331. 
 
 Charles and Cornelius, 315. 
 
 j:iizabeth, 317. 
 
 Isaac, 323, 324, 331. 
 
 Lvdia, 324. 
 
 ]\iargaret, 315. 326. 
 
 i\[ercv, 323. 324. 
 
vi INDEX. 
 
 Nathaniel, 305. 
 Rachel, 311. 
 Rebecca, 315. 
 Stephen, 326. 
 Churches, 63, 85, 246. 254. 
 Citizenship, 84. 
 
 Clark, Abigail, Amos and David, 313. 
 Benjamin. 328. 
 George, 241. 
 James, 334. 
 John, 328. 
 
 Jonathan and Josiah, 313. 
 Mary, 334. 
 Miriam, 329. 
 Peter, 313. 
 Rachel. 325. 
 Ruth. 315. 
 Simeon. 315. 
 Thomas, 306. 311. 313. 
 Clay-pits, 208, 220. 
 Coatiie, 91. 
 Coffin, Abel, 49. 
 
 Abner, 319. 
 
 Abigail. 302. 329, 332. 
 
 Abihn. 327. 
 
 Abishai. 323. 329. 
 Alexander. 310, 314. 
 
 Ann, 302, 327. 
 
 Barnabas ,327. 
 
 Bartlett, 319, 323. 
 
 Benjamin. 48. 198. 307. 310, 313. 324. 
 
 Bethia. 304, 306. 
 
 Beulah, 326. 
 
 Catherine, 320. 
 
 Charles. 307, 325, 327. 
 
 Christian, 307. 329. 
 
 Cromwell, 48, 310. 
 
 Damaris, 247, 303, 307. 324. 
 
 Daniel. 48, 308. 311. 
 
 David. 197, 324. 
 
 Deborah, 300, 305. 
 
 Dinah, 308, 330. 
 
 Dionis, 300. 
 
 Eleanor, 305, 309. 
 
 Edward. 206, 329. 
 
INDEX. vii 
 
 Ebenezer, 49, 206, 306, 309, 314. 
 
 Elias, 310, 315, 330. 
 
 Eliel, 327. 
 
 Elisha. 308, 312. 
 
 Elijah, 327. 
 
 Elizabeth, 302, 321, 326, 327. 334. 
 
 Enoch, 323. 
 
 Eunice, 302. 
 
 Experience, 308. 
 
 Francis. 312, 327, 328. 
 
 Gayer, 307, 324. 
 
 George, 49, 309, 313. 
 
 Hannah, 301. 309. 
 
 Henrv, 331. 
 
 Hepsabeth, 48, 308, 320. 327. 328. 330-332. 
 
 Hezekiah, 306, 327. 
 
 Huldah, 323, 328. 329. 
 
 Isaac, 240. 
 
 James, 11, 18, 48. 54, 59, 65, 106, 206, 299-302, 306, 313. 
 
 321, 331, 332. 
 Jane, 310, 330. 
 Jared, 238. 
 Jedidah, 306. 
 
 Jemima, 206, 302. 321, 323, 326. 329. 
 Jethro, 81, 206. 223. 301. 327. 
 Joanna. 320. 
 John, 16. 18, 48. 60, 65, 196. 300. 305, 306. 312. 315, 324, 
 
 327, 330. 
 Jonathan, 197. 305, 306, 321, 330. 332. 
 •Joshua, 241, 330. 
 Josiah, 48, 171, 196. 229. 
 Joseph, 48. 306, 310. 
 Judith, 309, 312. 323, 332. 
 Keziah, 316. 
 
 Laban and Lebbeus, 327. 
 Love, 48, 310. 326, 330. 
 
 Lydia. 307, 308. 323. 327. 329. 330, 331, 334. 
 Margaret, 320, 334. 
 Marv, 302. 306-310. 320, 321, 326. 327. 
 :\Ierab, 330. 
 Mercy, 309. 
 Mieah. 306. 
 Micajah, 274. 
 
 Miriam, 306, 309, 323, 328, 329. 
 Nathan, 312. 313, 327. 
 
viii INDEX. 
 
 Nathauiel. 206, 306. 307. 324, 328. 
 
 Parnall, 329. 
 
 Paul, 310, 311, 332. 
 
 Peleg. 278, 323. 
 
 Peter, 11, 37, 48, 64, 75, 92, 106, 206, 301, 302, 310, 311, 
 
 318, 319, 327, 329. 
 Phebe, 329. 
 Prince, 309, 310, 330. 
 Priseilla, 312. 
 Rebecca, 323. 
 
 Richard, 48, 175, 197, 198, 315, 327, 331. 
 Robert, 48, 49, 320, 321. 
 Ruth, 302, 307, 309, 313, 327. 
 Samuel, 206, 311, 321. 324, 334. 
 Shubael. 241, 308, 312, 332. 
 Silvanus, 327. 
 Solomon, 332. 
 
 Stephen, 16, 59, 63, 65, 97. 206, 300-302, 305, 308, 332. 
 Susannah, 320, 330. 
 Tristram, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 36, 54. 58, 59, 64, 106, 219, 
 
 300-303, 305, 323, 328. 
 Uriah, 323. 327. 
 Valentine, 310. 
 William, 197, 307. 324. 
 Zaccheus, 306. 
 Zenas, 277. 
 
 Zephaniah, 196, 197, 308, 312, 332. 
 Coggeshall, Margaret and Paul, 333. 
 Coleman, Abigail, 304, 320. 
 
 Barnabas, 314, 318. 
 
 Benjamin, 304. 
 
 Christopher, 329. 
 
 Daniel. 319, 329. 
 
 Deborah, 320. 
 
 Deliverance, 329. 
 
 Ebenezer, 310, 320. 
 
 Elizal)eth, 320, 322, 323. 326. 
 
 Elihu, 62, 82, 252. 320. 
 
 Eunice, 330. 
 
 Francis, 329. 
 
 George, 320, 329. 
 
 Hepsabeth, 326. 329. 
 
 Isaac, 94, 304, 319. 
 
 Jane, 319. 
 
 Jemima. 315. 
 
INDEX. ix 
 
 Jeremiah, 805. 
 
 Jethro, 196, 804. 
 
 Joanna, 304. 
 
 John. 18, 67, 92. 118, 804, 820. 
 
 Joseph, 18, 59, 60, 68, 66, 102. 810, 820. 
 
 Josiah 800. 
 
 Lydia, 820. 
 
 .Marv, 804. 811. 822. 
 
 Nathaniel, 814. 822, 882. 
 
 PeleG', 329. 
 
 Peter, 320. 
 
 Priseilla, 804. 306. 323. 324. 
 
 Ptachel, 320, 326. 
 
 Ruth. 826. 
 
 Sarah. 310. 
 
 Solomon, 305, 329. 
 
 Thomas. 18. 56. 59, 65. 92, 800, 304. 
 
 Timothy, 197, 820. 
 
 Tobias, 81. 60, 66, 300. 
 Courts, 86. 105, 143. 
 Covin, Hannah. 308. 
 Cowles, Edward, 107. 
 Crooked, Record, 68. 
 2-^S?^j GK«rby, Charles. Martha and William. 810. 
 
 Mary and Ruth, 884. 
 Ciippam, 79. • 
 Currier, Sarah. 305. 
 Daggett, Eliiah, 829. 
 
 Hannah. 807. 811. 821. 
 
 Hepsabeth, Huldah. Jaeol), Joseph. Lydia, Nathan. 
 Stephen, Timothy. 321. 
 Davis, Nick, 92. 
 Dawes, Joseph. 325. 
 Deland, Judith. 318. 
 Delano, Thomas. 271. 
 Dogs, 91. 94. 
 
 Dougan, Patents, 10. 11, 12. 
 Dunham, Daniel, Ebenezer and Samuel, 49. 
 Earl, Raljih, 109. 
 Edwards, Christian. 324. 
 Ellis, Abigail. Dinah. Deboraii. TT('])sab('th. Susamiali and 
 
 William, 327. 
 
 Experience. 305. 
 
 Humphrev. 308. 
 
 John, 321. 327. 
 
 Robert and Sarah. 821. 
 
X INDEX. 
 
 Fire of 1846, 221. 
 
 Fish, 188. 
 
 Fish Lots, 81, 201. 
 
 Fisher, Joseph. 19. 
 
 Fitch, Abigail, 48. 299, 302. 305, 320. 
 
 Beriah. 320. 
 
 Jededah, 301. 320. 
 
 Jedediah, 243, 299. 301, 302, 308. 
 
 Obed, 281. 
 
 Peter, 308, 320. 
 Fitzgerald, Deborah and Henry, 318. 
 Folger, Abigail, 315. 316. 
 
 Abishai. 175, 197. 315. 335. 
 
 Anna, 302. 324. 
 
 Barzillai and Ben.janiin, 198. 
 
 Bethia and Charles. 319. 
 
 Christian. 313. 324. 
 
 Daniel. 302. 316. 322. 
 
 Dinah, 48, 312, 335. 
 
 Eleazer. 14. 18. 30. 59. 60. 66. 106. 206, 287, 299, 301, 
 302, 305 319. 
 
 Eliphaz 319, 324. 
 
 Elizabeth, 334. 
 
 Esther, 315. 
 
 Eunice. 302, 324. 
 
 Frederick. 301. 
 
 George. 198. 335. 
 
 Hepsabeth. 335. 
 
 Jerusha. 313. 
 
 Jethro. 330. 
 
 John. 60, 68, 330. 335. 
 
 Judith. 302, 324. 
 
 Keziah, 302. 
 
 Lydia. 324. 329, 332. 
 
 Margaret, 319. 
 
 Marv, 302, 305. 316. 319. 324. 
 
 Nathan. 110. 305. 307. 312. 315. 
 
 Nathaniel. 332. 
 
 Owen. 324. 
 
 Paul, 332. 
 
 Peleg, 319. 
 
 Peter. 14. 18. 32. 55. 58. 59. 67. 106. 115. 137. 186. 287. 
 302, 324. 
 
 Philip H., 221. 
 
 Eachel. 324. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Reuben. 324, 335. 
 
 Robert, 335. 
 
 Ruth, 324. 327. 
 
 Shubael, 332. 
 
 Solomon, 324. 
 
 Sophia and Stephen, 319. 
 
 Timothy, 197, 315, 335. 
 
 Tristram, 330. 
 
 Urian, 319, 324. 
 
 Walter. 274, 282. 
 
 William, 335. 
 
 Zaeeheus, 315. 
 Foot, Patience, 303. 
 Fosdick, Benjamin. 260. 326. 331. 
 
 Lydia. 327. 
 Francis, Eben W.. 68. 
 Franklin, Benjamin. 14. 67, 
 Freemasons, 273. 
 Frost, Benjamin. 310. 
 
 Deborah, 319. 
 Galley, Jonathan, 308. 
 Gardiner, Lvon, 277. 
 Gardner, Abel. 304. 329. 
 
 Abigail. 306, 327. 329. 
 
 Abishai, 328. 
 
 Alexander. 197, 325. 
 
 Andrcnv, 304. 
 
 Anna, 308. 311. 321. 326, 334. 
 
 Barnabas, 308, 327, 334. 
 
 Benjamin, 49, 230. 309. 324. 
 
 Bethia. 206. 
 
 Bethuel. 197, 315. 
 
 Caleb, 245. 315. 
 
 Charles, 315. 
 
 Daniel, 196. 
 
 David, 310, 322. 
 
 Deborah. 326. 333. 
 
 Dinah. 327. 
 
 Dorcas. 334. 
 
 Ebenezer. 206, 304, 309, 315. 324. 325. 
 
 Elisha, 327, 333. 
 
 Elihu, 334. 
 
 Elizabeth, 323. 326. 
 
 Enoch. 197, 326. 
 
 Ephraim, 329. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Eimiee, 3U2. 306, 317, 323, 325. 
 
 George. 226, 301. 302. 317, 327, 333, 334. 
 
 Grafton. 196. 198, 301, 317. 
 
 Grendall, 245, 317. 
 
 Ilaiiiiah, 305. 312, 324, 327. 
 
 IIepsal)eth, 312, 317. 327. 
 
 Hezekiah. 316, 329. 333. 
 
 James, 206. 208. 307, 315, 316, 329. 
 
 Jeremiah. 110, 171, 301, 302, 333. 
 
 JededJah. 327. 330. 
 
 Jethro. 196, 308, 312, 316, 320, 327. 
 
 John. 11. 13, 14, 15, 18. 34, 43. 60. 68, 106. 299, 302. 
 
 Jonathan. 308. 327, 334. 
 
 Joshua, 329. / 
 
 Joseph. 18. 59, 60. 68. 97. 309, 315, 325, 326- 
 
 Judith, 48, 303, 315, 316, 321, 325. 
 
 Keziah, 311, 312. 321, 323, 327. 
 
 Libni. 334. 
 
 Lydia, 328. 329. 334. 
 
 ]\iargaret. 304, 333. 
 
 Marv. 48. 300, 306. 307, 309, 315, ;il7, 325, 327, 328. 
 
 Matthew. 316. 321, 333. 
 
 Mehitable, 307. 
 
 Nathan, 329. 
 
 Nathaniel. 302. 304. 309. 
 
 Obadiah, 315, 324. 
 
 Patience, 334. 
 
 Paul, 48. 241, 253. 322. 334. 
 
 Peleg. 304. 316. 323, 326. 
 
 P('tpr, 309. 316, 326, 329, 333. 
 
 Phel)e. 328. 
 
 Priseilla. 302, 329. 
 
 Rachel. 302. 323, 334. 
 
 Reuben. 196. 197. 322, 328. 
 
 Richard. 14. 18, 30, 53, 59, GO. 6S. 106, 121. 206, 271, 
 
 299. 300. 302. 309. 322. 
 Robert. 196. 197. 324. 328. 
 Ruth, 306. 309. 314, 315. 
 Samuel, 77. 206, 298, 302, 307. 325. 331. 
 Sarah, 206, 300, 313, 319, 323. 329, 333. 
 Seth, 334. 
 
 Shubael, 315. 325. 329. 
 Silvanus, 324. 
 Simeon, 334. 
 Solomon, 309, 322, 325. 
 
INDEX. X 
 
 Stephen, 322. 
 
 Susannah, 304, 321. 
 
 Thaddeus, 328. 
 
 Thomas, 196, 197. 246. 317, 68. 
 
 Timothy, 315, 317. 
 
 Uriah, 48, 314. 325. 
 
 William, 196, 312. 
 
 Zaecheus, 327. 
 
 Zenas, 334. 
 Gayer, William. 11, 69, 75, 81, 106. 247. 140, 291, 301, 303. 
 Gelston, Roland, 241. 
 
 Samuel, 50. 
 Giles, IMoses, 304, 312. 
 Glover, John, 107. 
 Goodridge, Eiehard, 107. 
 Gorham, Elizabeth, 307. 
 
 Puella. 305. 
 
 Samuel. 324. 
 Gravelly, Islands, 50. 
 Greenleaf, Stephen, 18, 54, 69. 
 Guiney, 241. 
 Gundy, :\licah, 311. 
 Guttridge, Robert, 109. 
 Gwinn, Elizabeth, 329. 
 
 Zebdial, 250. 
 Hall, John, 332. 
 Hammond,, Lydia, 326. 
 Hammet, William, 245. 
 Hanlin, IMatthew, 308. 
 Harper, Stephen, 312. 
 Hathaway, Hepsabeth, 48, 306. 
 Heath, Catherine. 323. 
 
 Edmund, 335. 
 Higgins, Prances, 333. 
 Hinckley, James, 312. 
 Hoey, Abraham. 267. 
 Holland, Nathaniel. 60, 69. 
 Houses, 80-82, 218. 240. 
 House Lots, 56. 59. 
 Howes, Abigail. 305. 
 
 Anna. 331, 335. 
 
 Lvdia. 326, 331. 
 
 Zacehens, 319, 324, 331. 
 Hummock Pond, 290, 292. 
 
xiv INDEX. 
 
 Hussey, Abigail. 321. 
 
 Abraham, 328. 
 
 Alpheus, 331. 
 
 Bachelor, 197, 198, 305, 326. 
 
 Benjamin, 326. 
 
 Christopher, 53. 60. 69, 197, 326. 
 
 Daniel, 318. 326, 330, 331. 
 
 David, 328. 
 
 Elizabeth and Eunice, 318. 
 
 Francis, 328. 
 
 George, 196-198, 304, 326. 
 
 Hepsabeth, 321, 331. 
 
 Jethro, 198, 273. 301. 
 
 John, 25, 60, 70. 
 
 Jonathan, 326. 
 
 Joseph, 197, 326, 331. 
 
 Judith. 328. 
 
 Martha, 304. 
 
 Marv, 331, 333. 
 
 Nathaniel. 197. 326, 328. 
 
 Obed, 196, 326, 333. 
 
 Peleg and Phebe. 328. 
 
 Rachel, 318, 328. 
 
 Sarah, 321. 322. 326, 333. 
 
 Seth. 326. 333. 
 
 Stephen, 11, 25, 60, 6S, 70, 106, 107 110, 123, 129, 147, 
 206, 304, 318, 326. 
 
 Sylvanus, 304, 318, 326. 
 
 Theodate, 304. 
 
 Timothy, 331. 
 
 William. 197. 198, 326. 
 India street, 273. 
 Indians, 111-182. 
 
 Deeds, 54, 112. 
 
 Names, 285. 
 Inhabitants, 59. 
 Insurrection, 13. 
 Jackson, Abigail, 323, 338. 
 
 John, 330. 
 
 Timothy. 275. 
 Jail, 63, 108, 109. 232, 234, 254, 275. 
 Jenkins, 254. 
 
 Ann, 319. 
 
 Jonathan. 255. 
 
 Joseph, 310, 321, 322. 
 
INDEX. XV 
 
 Judith, 315. 
 
 Mary, 321. 
 
 Matthew, 308, 311, 321. 
 
 Peter, 48, 110, 321. 322. 
 
 Thomas, 197, 198, 321. 
 
 Trestiam, 49. 
 Jessiip, John. 192. 
 Jones, Hannah and Thomas, 316. 
 Joy, David, 198, 241. 
 
 Francis, 249. 
 
 Levi. 241. 
 Joyes, Mary. 307. 
 Kimball, Benjamin, 54. 
 King, Robert, 49. 
 Knapp, 60. 
 
 Lambert, Hannah and Zaeehens, 331. 
 Land Speculations, 213. 
 Laws, 86. 
 
 Leach, Robert, 317. 
 Liquors, 109. 110. 
 Long, Lydia, 305, 319. 
 
 Robert. 206, 304. 
 
 Sarah, 307. 
 
 William, 332. 
 Long Pond, 94, 98. 
 
 Look, Thomas, 25, 36, 59, 63, 70, 107, 300, 308. 
 Macoy, Ann, Elizabeth, Hugh, James, Jane, Margaret, Rob- 
 ert and William, 321. 
 Macy, Abigail. 310, 326, 329, 332. 
 
 Caleb, 48, 198. 
 
 Daniel. 333. 
 
 David, 319. 
 
 Dinah, 322. 
 
 Deborah, 305. 
 
 Enoch, 330. 
 
 Eunice, 329. 
 
 Francis, 197. 
 
 George, 331. 
 
 Hannah and Henrv. 330. 
 
 Jabez, 304, 333. 
 
 Jethro, 333. 
 
 Job, 231. 
 
 John, 11, 197, 300, 304, 319, 329. 
 
 Jonathan, 197, 319. 
 
 Joseph, 197, 330. 
 
xvi INDEX. 
 
 Judith, 319, 327. 
 
 Lydia, 319. 
 
 Margaret, 331. 
 
 Mary, 319, 322, 329, 330. 
 
 Matthew, 333. 
 
 Miriam, 319, 329, 332. 
 
 Nathan, 48. 
 
 Nathaniel, 196, 323, 329. 
 
 Obed, 4. 
 
 Paul, 330. 
 
 Phebe, 329. 
 
 Rachel, 333. 
 
 Richard, 197, 231. 304. 
 
 Robert, 329. 
 
 Sarah, 333. 
 
 Seth, 196, 197, 319. 
 
 Thomas. 9, 18, 28, 58, 92, 94. 106, 261, 60. 71, 82, 113, 
 129, 206, 300. 304. 
 
 William, 319. 
 
 Zaccheus, 48, 196, 197, 234, 288. 
 Maddoket, 56. 
 Magistrates, 87, 88, 106. 
 Manning, Dennis, 108. 
 
 David. Hannah, Phebe and William, 310. 
 Maps, 56, 206. 
 Marshall, Abigail and Benjamin, 315. 
 
 Elihu, 324. 
 
 Hawkins, 315. 
 
 Huldah and Jemima, 324. 
 
 Joseph, 302, 312, 315, 324. 
 
 Marv and Obed, 324. 
 
 Thomas, 324. 
 Mason, Mary, UO. 
 Mascotuck, 26. 
 Matthews, Jerusha. 319, 323. 
 Maxey, Samuel, 311. 317, 329. 
 Mayhew, Experience. 287. 
 
 Matthew, 11. 
 
 Thomas. 5, 7, 8, 18, 23, 53, 58, 71, 111. 
 
 William, 50. 
 Mayo, Margaret, 326. 
 Meader, Joseph, 308. 
 
 Nason, 328. 
 
 Nicholas, 331. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Phebe, 328. 
 
 Ruth, 331. 
 Meeting House, 233, 234. 
 Mill, 1)3. 94, 95, 98, 99, 103, 190, 244, 268. 
 Mill-Brook, 190. 
 Mitchell, Aaron, 238. 
 
 Anna, 330. 
 
 Jethro, 241. 
 
 Maria, 275. 
 
 Rachel, 326. 
 
 Richard, 49, 196, 198, 242. 
 Monomoy, 79, 81, 209. 
 Moores, Alexander, 330. 
 
 Elizabeth, 311, 329, 330. 
 
 Jonathan. 311. 
 
 Reuben, 333. 
 
 Susannah and Thomas, 323. 
 Morton, Lucy and Taber, 333. 
 Muskeget, 45. 
 Myrick, Andrew, 311, 334. 
 
 Deborah, 327. 
 
 Elizabeth, 321. 
 
 Isaac, 311, 321. 
 
 John, 321. 
 
 Jonathan, 241. 
 
 Rebecca, Timothy and William, 321. 
 Nantucket, Meaning of, 288. 
 Nason, Joseph, 77. 
 
 IVIary, 109. 
 Negroes, 241. 
 Newbegins, 82, 252. 
 Newtown, Gate, 271. 
 Norton, Dinah, 308, 311. 
 
 James. 49. 
 
 Joseph, 77. 
 Odar, Sarah, 305, 313. 
 Osborne, John and Sarah, 333. 
 Pacific Club, 237. 
 Paddock, Alexander. 331. 
 
 Ann. 303. 307, 331. 
 
 Benjamin and David, 331. 
 
 Dinah. 334. 
 
 Eliphalet and Jonathan. 331. 
 
 Joseph, 331. 
 
 Keziah, 334. 
 
xviii INDEX. 
 
 Leah, 311, 815. 
 
 Mary, 331. 
 
 Naomi, 317. 
 
 Nathaniel, 311, 329. 
 
 Parnal, 327, 331. 
 
 Paul, 329. 
 
 Silas, 331. 
 
 Stephen, 198. 
 Parliament House, 75, 84, 218. 
 Payne, Nicholas. 107. 
 Pease, Anna, 334. 
 
 Nathan, 308. 
 
 Noah, 334. 
 
 Stephen, 110. 129. 
 Phillips, Abraham, David, Elizabeth, Micah, Sam, 318. 
 Pierce, Clothier. 310. 
 
 William, 107. 
 Pike, Robert, 18, 53, 58. 59, 72. 
 Pile, William, 25, 71. 
 Pinkham, Abigail. 307, 312, 326. 328. 
 
 Anna, 311. 
 
 Benjamin. 326, 329, 331, 334. 
 
 Charles, 331. 334. 
 
 Daniel, 326, 328. 329. 
 
 Elisha, 325. 
 
 Elizabeth and Hannah, 311. 
 
 Hepsibeth, 331. 
 
 Hezekiah, 329. 
 
 Jethro, 254. 
 
 Job, 311. 
 
 John, 311, 312. 
 
 Jonathan, 110. 303. 311. 318. 
 
 Lydia, 31. 
 
 Mary, 305, 332. 
 
 Miriam, 324. 
 
 Nathaniel, 325. 
 
 Obed, 334. 
 
 Peleg. 328, 332. 
 
 Priscilla. 317. 
 
 Richard, 60, 71. 206, 305, 326. 
 
 Sarah, 313, 324. 
 
 Shubael, 256. 306. 326. 
 
 Solomon, 311. 
 
 Susannah. 332. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Theophilus. 328. 
 Zephaniah. 311. 
 Pitts, Benjamin, 324. 
 
 Elijah, 326. 
 
 Huldah and Jonathan. 334. 
 
 Thankful, 326. 
 Pocomo, 95, 115. 
 
 Pollard, Elizabeth, George. ]\Tehitable, Philip, 325. 
 Polpis, 195. 
 Poor House, 258. 
 Ponds, 94. 98, 190, 211, 45. 
 Pound, 97. 
 Prices, 99. 
 Prior, Jeremy, 330. 
 Proctor, James and Lydia, 330. 
 Proprietors, 183. 
 Purchasers, 24, 25. 53, 57. 
 Quaise, 11. 
 
 Quakers, 75, 208, 220, 232. 
 Quanaty, 269. 
 Rand, Caleb, 325, 327. 
 
 John, 325. 
 
 Silas. 327. 
 Ramsdell, Priseilla, 332. 
 Rawson, Phebe. 329. 
 
 Wilson, 250. 
 Ray, Alexander, 333. 
 
 Barnabas and Christopher, 328. 
 
 David, 333, 334. 
 
 Daniel, 328. 
 
 Elizabeth, 328, 332. 
 
 Enniee. 325, 328, 334. 
 
 John, 333. 
 
 Jonathan, 329. 
 
 Marv. 328, 333, 334. 
 
 Samuel, 328. 333. 
 
 William, 333. 
 Renuff, Elizabeth, John and Sarah. 314. 
 Riddell, Samuel, 256. 
 Roads, 192. 
 
 Rogers, William, 60, 74. 
 Rolf, J.)hn, 18, 60. 74, 94, 97. 
 Rope Walks, 253. 267. 280. 
 Rotch, Joseph, 196. 
 
 William. 197, 235. 
 
XX INDEX. 
 
 Russell, Benjamin, 324, 333. 
 
 Deborah, 304. 
 
 Hezekiah, 241. 
 
 Jemima. 333. 
 
 Patience. 320. 
 
 Priscilla, 329. 
 
 Robert, 333. 
 
 Ruth, 319. 
 
 Susannah. 327. 
 Sacacha, 295. 
 Sadler, John, 311. 
 Samson, AndreAv. 107. 
 Sankaty, 295. 
 Sarson, Richard, 43. 
 Saville, Elizabeth. 304, 311. 
 
 Joshua, 77, 311. 
 Schools, 220, 254. 
 Shearing, 188, 200. 270. 
 Sheep Commons, 183. 198. 
 Sherburne, 9, 10. 11. 89. 
 Shimmo, 295. 
 Siasconsett, 195, 213, 295. 
 Skiff, James, 108, 191. 
 
 Nathan and Sarah. 307. 
 Small-pox, 50. 
 Smith, Abigail, 332. 
 
 Eliphalet and Hepsabah, 309. 
 
 John, 25. 74. 
 
 Mehitable. 311. 
 
 Samuel, 25. 
 
 William, 308. 
 Soley, Dorcas, 307, 324. 
 Spooner, Ruth, 333. 
 Stanton, Samuel, 310, 313. 
 
 Sarah, 313. 
 Starbuck, Ann. 311. 319, 320, 322. 
 
 Abigail. 320. 
 
 Barnabas, 306. 
 
 Benjamin. 319. 
 
 Christopher. 197, 256, 328. 
 
 Dinah, 306. 319, 321. 
 
 Dorcas. 303, 304. 
 
 EdAvard, 16. 18. 56. 58, 60, 74. 106. 115, 137, 196, 321. 
 
 Elizabeth 319. 321. 
 
INDEX. xxi 
 
 Gayer, 334. 
 
 Hepsabeth, 319, 322. 
 
 Hezekiah, 334. 
 
 Jethro, 48, 206, 302, 306, 332. 
 
 John, 320. 
 
 Joseph, 238, 321, 322. 
 
 Mary, 75, 306, 319, 324, 335. 
 
 Nathaniel, 17, 18, 59, 75, 95, 206, 300, 306, 319, 322. 
 
 Paul, 319, 321. 
 
 Rachel, 334. 
 
 Reuben, 257. 
 
 Samuel, 196-198, 321, 322. 
 
 Silvanus, 334. 
 
 Simeon, 257. 
 
 Thomas, 196, 197, 334. 
 
 Tristram, 196, 319. 
 
 William, 196, 197, 322, 334. 
 Storer, Mary and Samuel, 323. 
 Stratton, Caleb, 313, 314. 
 
 Judith, 329. 
 
 Lois, 313. 
 
 William, 306, 311, 314, 233. 
 Streeter, Samuel, 18, 60, 76. 
 Streets, SO, 192, 201, 204, 208, 209, 240. 
 Surveyors, 194. 
 Swain, Abigail, 318, 320, 335. 
 
 Anna, 313. 
 
 Benjamin, 206, 304, 320. 
 
 Bethia, 330. 
 
 Chapman, 316, 323, 333. 
 
 Charles, 197, 318. 
 
 Christopher and David, 320. 
 
 Deborah, 323. 
 
 Eliakim, 312, 318. 
 
 Elijah, 313. 
 
 Eunice, 313, 326, 329, 334. 
 
 Experience, 312. 
 
 Francis, 313. 
 
 George, 312. 
 
 Hannah, 304, 315, 316. 
 
 Hepsabeth, 320. 
 
 Jemima, 313. 
 
 Jethro, 320. 
 
 John, 10. 16, 18, 74, 105, 59, 77, 206, 97, 106, 121, 126, 
 174, 300, 304, 312-314, 316. 
 
xxii INDEX. 
 
 Jonathan, 197, 320, 326. 
 
 Joseph, 197, 206, 304, 316, 320, 326. 
 
 Judith, 323. 
 
 Lydia, 318, 320. 
 
 Mary, 313, 320. 
 
 Nathaniel, 320. 
 
 Oliver, 316, 333. 
 
 Patience, 304. 307, 316, 323, 330, 333. 
 
 Paul, 330. 
 
 Peleg, 320, 323. 
 
 Peter, 323. 
 
 Phebe, 327. 
 
 Priscilla, 313. 318. 
 
 Rachel, 318. 
 
 Reuben, 197, 198. 
 
 Rhoda, 323. 
 
 Richard, 16, 18. 58, 59, 63, 76, 92, 139, 140, 300, 308, 320. 
 
 Ruth, 313. 
 
 Sarah 304. 323. 
 
 Seth, 197, 313. 
 
 Stephen, 304, 312. 
 
 Timothy, 197, 313, 318. 
 
 Tristram, 197, 331. 
 
 William, 196, 312. 
 Swan, William, 315. 
 Tallman, James, 77. 
 Tenor, Old. 317. 
 Thurston, Job, 251. 
 
 Mary, 48. 
 Tisdale, Abigail, 304 
 
 Town House, 63, 84, 85, 103, 108, 232, 233. 
 Townsend, James and Janet, 317. 
 Trappe, Thomas, 140. 
 Tray, Thomas, 95. 
 Trott, Abigail, 308, 319. 
 
 Ann, 308, 319, 328, 333. 
 
 Benjamin, 305, 308, 319, 328, 333. 
 
 Dinah, 319. 
 
 Elizabeth, 308, 319, 333. 
 
 James. 308. 
 
 John, 60, 72, 308, 319. 
 
 Joseph. 308. 
 
 Mary, 308, 319. 
 
 Priscilla, 308, 319, 328, 333. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Rachel, 308, 319. 
 
 Tabitha, 308. 
 Tuckanuck, 45, 137, 297. 
 Tucker, Philip, 107. 
 Upham, Ann. 318. 
 
 David, 318, 323. 
 
 Jonathan, 318. 
 
 Mary, 318, 323. 
 
 Ruth. 309, 312, 318, 332. 
 
 Susannah, 318. 
 Vaughn, William, 60, 78, 206. 
 Vestry, 235. 
 
 Wadsworth, Margaret, 315. 
 Warehouses, 209. 
 Walch, John, 299. 
 Watson, Philip, 140. 
 Way, Abioail. 319, 322, 335. 
 
 John. 196. 197. 322, 333. 
 
 Paul, 322. 
 
 Seth. 322. 
 Weeks, William, 140. 
 Wesco, 79. 80, 93, 202-208. 297. 
 West, Thomas, 36. 
 Whales, 120, 137. 
 Wharves, 188, 395, 196. 
 Whippey, Benjamin, 247. 
 Wilcox, John, 322. 
 
 Judith. 305, 308, 311, 314, 322. 
 Williams, Anna, 332. 
 
 Dinah, 308, 309. 
 
 Elizabeth, 318. 
 
 James, 332. 
 Wodson, Jane, 307. 
 Woodbury, John, 330. 
 Worth, Abigail, 327, 335. 
 
 Benjamin, 318, 323. 
 
 Christopher, 306, 329. 
 
 Damaris, 308. 
 
 David and Edmund, 335. 
 
 Eliakim and Elizabeth, 335. 
 
 Eunice, 326. 
 
 Ezekiel, 306. 
 
 Francis, 318, 323, 327. 
 
 George, 335. 
 
 Hannah, 335. 
 
xxiv INDEX. 
 
 John, 78, 306, 308, 329, 335. 
 
 Jonathan, 306, 329. 
 
 Judith, 322. 
 
 Lydia, 320, 323. 
 
 Mary, 305, 306, 322, 327. 
 
 Richard, 313, 318, 323. 
 
 Sarah, 313. 
 
 William, 18, 28, 60, 78, 106, 126, 140, 206, 302, 308. 
 Wrecks, 41, 96. 
 Wyer, Dinah, 323. 
 
 Edmund, 321, 323. 
 
 Elizabeth, 323. 
 
 Hannah, 321, 323. 
 
 Hepsabah, 323. 
 
 John, 321, 323. 
 
 Katherine, 312, 323. 
 
 Lydia and Marv, 321, 323. 
 
 Nathaniel, 17, 18, 79, 108, 300. 
 
 Phebe and Robert, 323. 
 
 Ruth, 323. 
 
 Sarah, 300, 321. 
 
 Timothy, 321. 
 
 William and Zacchery, 323. 
 
„,videt Historical Assoc/,,. 
 
 INCORPORATED JULY 9, 1894. 
 
 Vol. 2 Bulletin No. 7. 
 
 /Nantucket Lands and 
 
 Lvand Owners 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY BARNARD WORTH 
 
 published by 
 
 Nantucket Historical Association, 
 
 1913 
 

CHAPTER XV. 
 
 f I 
 
 Wills and Estates— continued. 
 
 1778. "Will of Benjamin Pitts probated. Wife, Mercy; 
 children, Obed, Elijah, Mary, David, Benjamin and brother- 
 in-laAV James Williams. 
 
 1778. Probated will of James Gardner. Wife, Susanna; 
 children, Eliphalet, Benjamin, Deborah, Mehitable Coleman, 
 Susanna and James. Bequeathed a silver tankard. 
 
 1778, Administration on estate of Barzillai Swain, in- 
 ventorized at 227 pounds, insolvent. 
 
 1777. Inventory of estate of Robert Barnard, £238. 
 1776. Inventory of estate of Seth Hussey, £537. 
 
 1778. Probate of will of Jonathan Bunker. Wife, Judith ; 
 children, Peleg, William, Jonathan, Susannah Coffin, wife of 
 Paul ; Deborah Bunker, wife of Silas ; Hepsobeth Coffin, wife 
 of Zephaniah ; Lydia, and Judith. 
 
 1778. Heirs of Robert Coffin were: Jonathan, Ephraim, 
 and Margaret Coffin, Susannah Whippey, Katherine Folger, 
 Paul Folger. 
 
 1779. Guardians appointed for children of Benjamin 
 Gardner. 
 
 1779. Administration on estate of Uriah Gardner, 
 amounting to £810. 
 
 Inventory of estate of Peter Bunker, £207. 
 
 1779. Guardian for Keziah and Josiah Bunker, children of 
 Peleg Bunker. 
 
 1779. Probate of will of Shubael Chase. Wife, Sarah; 
 children, George and Parnal Brown. 
 
338 
 
 1779. Will Richard Burton. Legatees, Gideon Baty and 
 father and mother, Philip and Mrs. Mary Burton of Castle 
 Island, Ireland. 
 
 1769. Marriage settlement between Richard Macy and 
 Alice Paddock. 
 
 1780. Will of Richard Macy. Wife, Alice; children. 
 Caleb, Benjamin, Zaccheus, Judith and three who were 
 dead, Mary Marshall, Abraham, and Ruth Starbuck. Estate 
 £823. 
 
 1780. Probate of will of Josiah Coffin. Children, Pris- 
 cilla, wife of Jonathan Coffin ; Mary Gardner, wife of John ; 
 Ruth Calder, Anna Clark, wife of Joseph ; Sarah Calef, wife 
 of Robert ; Elizabeth Woodbury, wife of Nathaniel ; Abigail 
 Coffin, wife of Elias ; Janet Coffin, Avife of James, Jr. ; 
 Josiah; deceased daughter Margaret Whitney; deceased 
 son Edward, who left children, Peter, Christopher, Edward 
 and Sarah. The will also mentions grandchildren John 
 Coffin Whitney and Margaret Barnard. 
 
 1780. Margaret Barnard, widow of Robert, guardian of 
 her four minor children. 
 
 1780. Administration on estate of Stephen Kidder, 
 amounting to £457. Wife, Eunice. 
 
 1780. Will of Benjamin Macy. Wife, Abigail. 
 
 1780. Probate of will of Elizabeth Trott. Children, John. 
 Mary Folger, Rachel Clock, Dinah Starbuck, Abigail Allen, 
 Elizabeth Ellis, Priscilla, Ann. 
 
 1780. Will of Jonathan Paddock. Wife Keziah was 
 blind ; children not named. 
 
 1780. Administration on estate of Hezekiah Coffin. 
 
 1780. Probated will of William Worth. Children. 
 Jemima Gardner, Sarah. Damaris Starbuck, Miriam Worth, 
 Hephzebah Macy, Hannah SAvain, Jonathan, Jonah, 
 Matthew. 
 
 1780. Probate will of Benjamin Coffin. Wife, Deborah; 
 youngest daughter, Deborah ; grandson, Matthew Macy. 
 
 1781. Administration on estate of Daniel Gardner, 
 amounting to £971. 
 
 I 
 
339 
 
 1781. Judith Worth, administratrix of Andrew Worth, 
 amounting to £268. 
 
 1781. Guardian appointed for children of Andrew Worth, 
 who were Lydia and Obed and five not named. 
 
 1781. Benjamin Allen, administrator estate of Nathaniel 
 Allen. 
 
 1781. Thomas Chase, administrator estate Nathan Chase, 
 
 1781. Guardianship of Elizabeth Gardner, daughter of 
 Hannah and James Gardner. 
 
 1781. Will Barnabas Coleman. Wife, Rachel; brothers, 
 Jethro, Nathaniel and Joseph ; children, Nathaniel, Seth, 
 Silvanus, William, Barnabas, Obed, Abiel Folger, Judith 
 Worth, Elizabeth Folger, Hephzibah Russell, two daughters 
 deceased, Sarah Folger, Rebecca Coffin. 
 
 1781. Division of estate of Tabor Morton made between 
 William. Reuben, Mary and Ruth Morton, Abigail Sinclair. 
 Judith Burnell. 
 
 1781. Lydia Heath, spinster, administratrix estates of 
 Joseph and Katherine Heath. 
 
 - 1782. Will Josiah Clark. Wife, Ruth ; children, Reuben 
 and Abigail Gardner. 
 
 1782. Jedidah Coffin, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Benjamin Coffin, mariner. 
 
 1782. Jemima Myrick, administratrix estate Isaac 
 Myriek. 
 
 1782. Will Abner Coffin. Wife, Desire ; son, Jonathan. 
 
 1782. Probate will of George Hussey, dated 1764. Wife, 
 Elizabeth ; children, Jethro, Paul, Deborah, Lydia, Elizabeth, 
 Ruth, Martha Swain, wife of David; Dinah Folger, wife of 
 Reuben, who had moved to Nova Scotia. 
 
 1782. Will of Abigail Swain. Children, John. Nathaniel 
 W., Mary Baxter, Priscilla Coffin and Elizabeth Hawley. 
 
 1782. Probate of will of William Russell, who was "aged 
 and infirm." Children, Timothy, Mary Barnard, wife of 
 John; and Ruth Beard, wife of John. 
 
 1782. Ann and Roland Gelston, administrators on estate 
 of Samuel Gelston, insolvent. 
 
340 
 
 17S2. Will of Baruabas Long. Wife, Priseilla. 
 17S2. Elizabeth Hussey. daughter of Seth, was a minor 
 above the age of fourteen. 
 
 1782. Baeiielor Ilussey was guardian of Seth Jenkins 
 Hussey. 
 
 1783. Richard Coffin was an absentee. 
 
 1782. Probate of will of Andrew Gardner, ''aged and 
 infirm." Childi-en, Elizabeth Green, Stephen. Zaehariah. and 
 children who were deceased, Nathaniel, Mary Coleman Solo- 
 mon. Granddaughter, Lydia Coffin. 
 
 1783. Will of Thophilus Pinkham. Wife, Lydia ; 
 daughter-in-law, Anna Paddock ; granddaughter. Rose 
 Macy; children, Paul. Jethro, Theophilus, David and Mary 
 Clark. 
 
 1783. Will of David Swain. Wife. Martha; children, 
 Merab. Lydia, Phebe, Elizabeth, Thaddeus, Valentine, Gil- 
 bert, Libni. 
 
 1783. Will jNIary Nezer. an Indian ■\voman. 
 
 1783. Hannah Myriek, administratrix of the estate t^f her 
 husband, Andrew Myriek, store keeper. £2780. 
 
 1783. Jedidah Coffin, Avidow of Benjamin, was guardian 
 of eight young children. 
 
 1783. Probate will of Benjamin Barney. Wife. Huldah ; 
 children, Jonathan, Phebe Swain. Brother Jacob and Dorcas, 
 his wife. 
 
 1783. Jethro Starbuek, father-in-law of Francis Cotfin, 
 guardian of Francis Coffin, son of Francis, deceased. 
 
 1783. Thomas Coffin, administrator estate of Mieah 
 Coffin. 
 
 1783. Beulah Coffin, administratrix on estate of her 
 husband. Joshua. 
 
 1783. Will of Nathaniel ilacy. Wife. Abigail ; children. 
 Eunice Coffin, Phebe Barnard, Elizabeth. Shubael, Tristram, 
 George, Nathaniel. Peter, Abishai, Barzillai. 
 
 1783. Miriam Macy. widow of Tristram, guardian of four 
 young children. 
 
 1783. Will Experience Parker, widow, formerly of Fal- 
 
341 
 
 mouth, descendants: Granddaughters, Hephzibah Parker, 
 Abigail Parker; children, Jerusha Landers, Mary Lake. 
 William Silas and three deceased sons, Jesse, Thomas and 
 Nathaniel. 
 
 1783. Jonathan Barnard, Matthew Barnard and Reuben 
 Macy, administrators estate of Ilephzibah Barnard. 
 
 1783. Administration on estate of Priscilla Long. 
 
 1784. Probate will of Francis Swain. Children, Francis, 
 liarnabas, Samuel, Mary, Ruth ; grandchildren, Barzillai and 
 Lydia Worth. 
 
 1784. Miriam Rand, administratrix of estate of her hus- 
 band, David Rand. 
 
 1784. Will Charles Folger. Sister, Mary Black; kins- 
 woman, Mary Folger; brother-in-law, Jonathan Swain. 
 
 1784. Will Richard Chadwick. Wife, Deborah; sons, 
 Richard, Wiskcliffe, Nathaniel, David; daughter-in-law, 
 Rebecca Chadwick. He owned a schooner. 
 
 1784. John Pinkham, administrator estate of Solomon 
 Pinkham. 
 
 1784. Will of James Coffin. Wife, Priscilla; children, 
 James, Joshua, Susannah, wife of John Pinkham ; Margaret, 
 wife of Jethro Hussey; grandchild, Rebecca, daughter of 
 deceased son Abel. 
 
 1784. Thomas and Alexander Gardner, administrators 
 estate of Thomas Gardner. 
 
 1784. Will Hannah Barnard, spinster. Kinsman, William 
 Coleman. 
 
 1784. Will John Morris, "aged and infirm." Wife. 
 Mary; children, Jacob, Sarah Durland; children of son 
 Jacob, Jonathan, Jacob and John ; children of son John, 
 John, Nicholas, Abishai. 
 
 1784. Elizabeth Coffin, widow of Silvanus. administratrix 
 of his estate. 
 
 1784. Ruth Fish, administratrix of estate of her husband, 
 Stephen Fish. 
 
 1784. Will George Gardner. Wife, Elizabeth ; children, 
 Jeremiah, George, Elisha, Elizabeth Coffin, Richard Mayo. 
 
342 
 
 1784. Will of John Long. Wife,. Joan ; children, Jona- 
 than, John, Hannah, wife of Church Clark ; Jemima Myrick, 
 Judith, wife of Nathaniel Russell; Elizabeth, Sarah Coffin, 
 wife of Abraham; Robert. 
 
 1785. Probate will of Reuben Gardner. Children, Naomi 
 Chase, Shubael, "deceased;" Thaddeus and Reuben; grand- 
 children, Thaddeus and Reuben Gardner. A legacy to son 
 Shubael "if he should come home again." 
 
 1785. Administration on estate of Peleg Gardner, in- 
 solvent. 
 
 1785. Will Matthew Barnard. Wife, Avis; children, 
 Elizabeth, Patty. 
 
 1785. Will Daniel Macy. Wife, Abigail; children, Syl- 
 vanus, Lydia, Abigail, Margaret, Uriah. 
 
 1785. Will Josiah Gardner. Wife, Eunice. 
 
 1785. Will Hephzibah Pinkham, widow, dated 1771. 
 Children, Charles, Benjamin, Abishai, Jephtha, Obed, Abiel, 
 Mary, Shubael, who was 19 and placed under guardianship. 
 
 1785. Katherine Pinkham, widow of Benjamin, was ap- 
 pointed guardian of three young children. 
 
 1785. Deborah Myrick, widow of Abraham, guardian of 
 her daughter Elizabeth. 
 
 1785. Administration on estate of Samuel Calder, 
 peruke maker. 
 
 1785. Will of Christopher Hussey. To wife Mary, silver 
 tankard; to daughter Hephzibah, black walnut, leather 
 bottom chairs, silver porringer, looking glass. Other chil- 
 dren, Susannah, Lydia, Christopher, Reuben, Margaret, 
 Albert, James, Henry. 
 
 1785. Administrator estate Thomas Bunker ; administra- 
 tor estate Zacchariah Gardner. 
 
 1785. Will Caleb Swain. Wife, Margaret; children, 
 Margaret Barnard, wife of Nathaniel ; Susanna, Anna, 
 Nathaniel, Abigail Macy, Mary Coffin, Sarah Macy, Deborah 
 Folger, two deceased, Silvanus and Judith Worth. 
 
 1785. Will Beriah Fitch. Wife, Deborah; children, 
 Jonathan Gorham, Reuben, Eunice Barnard, Lydia Glover, 
 
343 
 
 Parnol Whipply, Phebe Barnes, Lucinda Squires, Deborah 
 Torrey, Puellla Neweomb, Jedediah. 
 
 1785. Will George Gardner. Wife, Rebecca; children, 
 Rebecca, Lurana, Grafton, George, Barzillai. 
 
 1786. Estate Priscilla Long divided between brothers and 
 sisters, Charles Swain, Timothy Swain, Rachel Ramsdell, 
 Hannah Swain, heirs. Lydia Coleman deceased. 
 
 1784. Estate of Thomas Gardner, amounting to £1860, 
 went to children, Thomas, Alexander, Zephaniah, Abraham, 
 Anna Fitch, Priscilla Coffin, Eunice Pinkham, deceased, who 
 left four children. 
 
 1786. Administration on estate of Mary Carr, widow. 
 
 1786. Will Tristram Folger. Wife, Mary; children, 
 Hephzibah, Joseph, Elijah, Jared, Lebbeuns, Amy, Tristram. 
 Mentions a Bible and a will. Three children were under age. 
 
 1786. Abigail Coffin, administratrix of estate of her 
 husband Barnabas. 
 
 1786. Administration on estate of Jethro Macy. 
 
 1786. Will David Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth. 
 
 1786. Will Jonathan Barnard. Wife, Mary; children. 
 Hephzibah, William, Jonathan, Libni, Andrew, Cromwell. 
 Tristram, Thomas. 
 
 1786. Margaret Bunker, administratrix estate of her 
 husband, Joshua. 
 
 1786. Will Samuel Bunker. Wife, Priscilla ; children, 
 Mary Coffin, Abigail Coleman, Priscilla Macy, Rachel Swain, 
 Charles, Barnabas, Silas, Elihu, Abishai, deceased. 
 
 1786. Will Abraham Pease. Wife, Mary; father, Mel- 
 atiah; nephew, Abraham; brothers, Melatiah, Joseph, Obed, 
 Barzillai. Inventory, £1620. 
 
 1787. Administration on estate of Nathaniel Gardner. 
 His widow, Anna, later married a Fairweather. 
 
 1787. Rachel Ramsdell, administratrix estate of her 
 husband, John Ramsdell. 
 
 1787. Reuben Gardner had died leaving children, Wini- 
 i'red, over 14, and Reuben and Sarah, under 14. Their 
 mother, Elizabeth, appointed guardian. 
 
344 
 
 1787. Margaret Coffin, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Bartlett Coffin. 
 
 1787. Will Burton Hathaway. Wife, Mary; brother, 
 Woolsey Hathaway. Owned school Friendship. 
 
 1787. Andrew Myriek left a son Andrew, over 14 ; daugh- 
 ters Mary and Hannah ; a son Abraham, who died leaving a 
 daughter, Elizabeth. 
 
 1787. Will Abigail Coffin, widow of Zephaniah. Children, 
 Paul, Zephaniah, Solomon, Mary, wife of Charles Bunker; 
 Miriam, wife of Richard Macy; Abigail, wife of Solomon 
 Bunker. 
 
 1787. Administration on estate Benjamin Barnard to 
 widow, Judith. Inventory £320. 
 
 1787. Zacchariah Gardner had died leaving two children. 
 Andrew and Mary, who were minors, and a widew, Phebe, 
 who later married a Coffin. 
 
 1787. Will of David Jay, carpenter. To daughter-in-law, 
 Anna Jay, the south end of the house she now occupies. 
 They are to make no demand on my son Francis for work 
 that his brother Reuben did for him. To daughter Sarah 
 Barnard the north end of my house ; to daughter Mary 
 Coffin all demands for building her a house; to son David 
 south end of my house. Rest and residue to sons Francis 
 and David. Mentions a granddaughter, Anna Folger. 
 
 1787. Will of Elizabeth Spencer. Sons, Gideon, Free- 
 born and George; grandsons, Thomas Freeborn and Paul 
 Starbuck; son-in-law, Daniel Starbuck. 
 
 1787. Will Richard Mitchell. Estate £2600. Had a sail- 
 loft at South wharf. Wife, Sarah ; son-in-law, Shubael 
 Coffin ; grandson, Mark Coffin ; children, James, Richard, 
 Jethro, Joseph, William. Peleg, Eunice Bunker, wife of 
 Richard. 
 
 1787. Will Bethuel Gardner. Wife, Katherine; children, 
 Bethuel, Katharine, Anna, Deborah, William, Shubael, Gaj^er, 
 Charles, Ruth Ramsdell. 
 
 1787. Estate of Hephzibah Coffin divided between Charles, 
 Obed, Abishai, Shubael, Benjamin, Mary Pinkham and Abiel 
 
345 
 
 Baker. Hephzibah Coffin was the last wife of Peleg Coffin 
 and mother of said distributees. 
 
 1787. Division of estate of Hephzibah Barnard between 
 Matthew, Abishai, Shubael and Elizabeth Barnard, Eunice 
 Gardner, Sarah Ellis, Hepsobeth Mitchell, and the heirs of 
 Jonathan Barnard, Robert Barnard and of Anna Macy. 
 
 1787. Will of Abigail Pinkham. Children, Keziah Coffin, 
 Judith Macy, wife of Caleb ; Abigail Coffin, J^Iary Starbuck, 
 wife of William ; Daniel Folger. 
 
 1788. Administration of estate of Christopher Barnard; 
 administration of estate of Thomas Bunker; administration 
 of estate of Richard Bunker. 
 
 1788. Guardian of Laban Bunker, son of Thomas. 
 
 1788. Will Daniel Allen. Wife, Elizabeth; children, 
 Daniel and Hephzibah. 
 
 1788. Deborah Worth placed under guardianship. 
 
 1788. Administration on estate of Robert Barker. 
 
 1788. Administration on estate of James Burrage. 
 Widow, Rebecca. 
 
 1788. George Macy, son of George, placed under guard- 
 ianship. 
 
 1788. Y/ill Peter Coleman. Brother, Jeremiah. 
 
 1788. Will Stephen Chase. Children, Charles, Joseph, 
 Reuben, Zimri, Rebecca, Margaret, Deborah, Miriam, Mary. 
 Abigail Dow, deceared. 
 
 1788. Will Matthew Barnard. Children, Ann Nichols, 
 Rose Hussey, Mary Jenkins, Elizabeth Coffin, Hephzibah 
 Paddock, Shubael, Joseph, John, and three deceased, Abigail, 
 Benjamin, Matthew. 
 
 1788. Administration on estate of Paul Nye ; administra- 
 tion on estate of Mary Smith. 
 
 1788. Will of Dinah Jenkins, widow. Children, Paul, 
 Abigail and William. She left three porringers. 
 
 1788. Administration on estate of Uriah Gardner. 
 
 1788. Seth Hussey had died leaving a son, Seth Jenkins 
 Hussey, 18 years old, and he nominated his brother-in-law, 
 Peter Pollard, guardian. 
 
346 
 
 1789. Dower set off to Judith Barnard, widow of Benja- 
 min. 
 
 1789. Will of Peleg Folger. Sisters, Bertha Pinkham and 
 Mary Black; kinswoman, Mary Parker, and kinsman, Silas 
 Folger. 
 
 1789. Will of Grafton Gardner. Wife, Abigail ; children, 
 George, deceased; Francis, Silas, Eunice Barrett, deceased; 
 Hephzibah Gardner, Jemima Pinkham. He left five daagh- 
 ters and others also not named. 
 
 1789. Will of Jonathan Coffin. Wife, Priscilla ; children, 
 Daniel, Elizabeth Brockwidow, Hephzibah Waterman, 
 Susanna Folger, Joshua, deceased. Grandchildren, Sally 
 and Gilbert Coffin. 
 
 1789. Administration of estate of Peleg Swain. 
 
 1790. Will of Stephen Folger. Wife, Jane; brothers, 
 Frederic and Peleg. 
 
 1889. Will of Huldah Pitts. Children, William Pitts, 
 Lovey, Silvanus, Elizabeth. 
 
 1789. Will of Tristram Starbuck. Wife, Deborah; 
 daughter, Lydia Gardner; grandchildren, Abial Crosby, 
 Caleb Coggeshall, Sarah Coggeshall, Tristram Coggeshall, 
 Job, Peter, Deborah and Christopher Coggeshall. 
 
 1789. Administration on estate of Peleg Swain; £560. 
 
 1789. Will of Elihu Coleman. Children, Mary Pinkham, 
 William, Abigail Coffin, Phebe Folger; grandson, John 
 Coffin. 
 
 1789. Will of Sarah Macy. Children, Jethro, Daniel, 
 Matthew, Eunice Beard, Lydia Jenkins, Sarah Macy. 
 
 1790. Simeon and John Russell, administrators of estate 
 of John Russell. 
 
 1790. Administration on estate of William Jenkins. 
 
 1790. Will of Reuben Giles. Children, Upham, Lurana, 
 Deborah, Abigail, Polly; wife, Lydia. 
 
 1790. Will of Barzillai Folger. Wife, Phebe; children, 
 Barzillai, Tristram, Obadiah, Gilbert, Elizabeth, Walter, 
 Nathan, Judith, Barnard, Phebe Jay, Elizabeth, Christopher, 
 deceased. 
 
847 
 
 1790. Estate Thomas Bunker. Children, Richard, de- 
 ceased ; Thomas, Loten, Elizabeth West, Deborah Smith, 
 1790. Administration on estate of Eliphalet Smith. 
 
 1790. Will of Seth Macy. Sister, Judith Clasby ; cousins, 
 William, Stephen, Samuel, Jonathan, Barnabas, Peleg and 
 Lydia Macy. 
 
 1791. Will of Abigail Gardner. Sisters, Phebe, wife of 
 Obed Coffin ; Pegga, wife of Elisha Bunker ; brother, Elisha 
 Bunker. 
 
 1791. William Jenkins left widow, Dinah, school mistress, 
 and she was appointed guardian of their children, William, 
 Paul and Abigail. 
 
 1791. Deborah Clark, administratrix on estate of her 
 husband, Reuben. 
 
 1791. Will William Butler. Estate £1460. Wife, Mary. 
 Estate to brothers and sisters not named. 
 
 1791. Will of Caleb Gardner. Wife, Thankful ; children, 
 Ruel, Margaret Bunker, Deborah, Grindall, Caleb, Phebe 
 Coffin, Ursula Rawson, Rhuhamah Fosdick, Mary Folger. 
 
 1790. Hannah Barnard, administratrix of estate of her 
 husband, Abishai. 
 
 1791. Eunice Coleman, administratrix estate of her lius- 
 mand, Joseph Coleman. 
 
 1791. Peter Jenkins had died leaving as heirs Paul, 
 William and Abigail Jenkins. William was a minor. 
 
 1790. Elizabeth Butler, administratrix of estate of her 
 husband, Zebulon. 
 
 1790. Administration on estate of William Gardner. 
 
 1792. Will Jedidah Folger. Grandson, Obed Pitts. 
 Daughter, Rachel Dodge; daughter Margaret Perry had 
 died leaving five children, Jedidah, William, Miriam, Reuben 
 and Jonathan Perry; grandchildren, Daniel, Cromwell, 
 Abraham, Susannah and Tamer Folger; son Benjamin had 
 died leaving David, Benjamin and Mary Pitts; grandchil- 
 dren, William and Silvanus Pitts, Love Coffin, Elizabeth 
 Pitts. 
 
 1791. Reuben Swain, administrator estate Jethro Swain. 
 
348 
 
 1791. Richard Archand, who came from Chatham, Conn., 
 nominates Thomas Varney McClove as his guardian. 
 
 1792. Mary Folger, widow of Frederic, guardian of their 
 son Isaac. 
 
 1792. Will John Waterman. Wife, Mary; children, 
 John, Sarah Jenkins, wife of Jonathan. His estate 
 amounted to £455 and included l^ of sloop Brilliant and 
 paper money of New York, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina and 
 New Hampshire, the latter said to be counterfeit. 
 
 1790. Administration on estate of Rachel Ramsdell. 
 
 1792. Division of estate of John and Rachel Ramsdell to 
 their children, James, William, John, Sarah Myrick and 
 Eunice Clark. 
 
 1792. Abel Gardner had a son Shubael, who had two 
 children, Lydia and Elizabeth, the latter 12. Both placed 
 under guardianship. 
 
 1792. Will of Henry Clark. Estate £320. Wife, Mary; 
 children, Henry, Mary Dunham, Elizabeth Willis, Desire 
 Pinkham, Merebah Gardner. 
 
 1792. Will of Nathaniel Cory. Mother, Mary; niece, 
 Abigail Russell, daughter Richard and Mary Russell; 
 nephews, James Cory, son of Edward, Samuel, Nathaniel, 
 Edward and Robert Cory; brother, Edward; sister, Sarah 
 Barnard. A large silver tankard given to Samuel. 
 
 1792. Will Reuben Swain, 2nd. Wife, Thankful; chil- 
 dren not named. 
 
 1792. Administration on estate of Barzillai Mary, who 
 left a minor child, Judith. 
 
 1793. Venus Peters, a plebean, had died leaving a child, 
 Henrietta. 
 
 1792. Administration on estate of Daniel Roy. 
 
 1792. Administration on estate of Cromwell Bunker. 
 
 1793. Will Mary Perse. Children, Margaret Wyer, 
 Elizabeth Swain, Lovey Gelston; grandchildren, Michael 
 M. Pinkham, Betsey M. Pinkham, Nancy, Peggy and Polly 
 Coffin. 
 
 1793. Will of James Williams. Children, Laban and 
 Anna. 
 
349 
 
 1793. Administration to Phineas Fanning on estate of 
 John Coffin. 
 
 1793. Will of Francis Macy. Wife, Judith; children, 
 Francis, Love Cartwright, Phebe Hussey, Judith Coffin, Anna 
 Jenkins, Ruth Folger, Deborah, Lydia, Reuben Macy. 
 
 1793. Will Barney Spotso, an Indian. Grandfather was 
 Barney Spotso. 
 
 1793. Will Zaccheus Gardner. Wife, Jemima; children 
 not named. 
 
 1793. Will of Christopher Stratton. Wife, Abigail; 
 daughter, Hepsabah had died leaving a son, Edward F. 
 Stratton ; son-in-law, Thomas B. Harris, had died leaving 
 a son by same name. 
 
 1793. Anna Burrell, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band James. 
 
 1794. Will William Closhy. Wife, Judith; brother, 
 Jonathan Macy. 
 
 1793. Will John Foster. Wife, Mary ; father and mother, 
 Christopher and Mary Foster, in Ireland. 
 
 1793. Will of Oliver Spencer. Wife, Judith; children 
 not named. Inventory, £1,562, indicates that he was a store 
 keeper and owned in ships Hero, brig Maria and sloop Sally. 
 
 1794. Tristram Clock had left a will not witnessed. The 
 subject was referred to Zaccheus Macy, who gave his word 
 which is recorded — decided that the estate should be divided 
 between the widow, Deborah, who had married Francis 
 Brown, and the children, Daniel, George, Reuben, who had 
 died leaving heirs, Lydia, Deborah Myrick and Priscilla 
 Paddock. 
 
 1794. Will of Benjamin Coffin. Wife, Hannah ; children, 
 Elisha, Benjamin, Seth, Bartlett, Eliakim, Rebecca Gardner, 
 Lurana Coffin, Susannah Pinkham, Ruth Coffin. Invertory, 
 £793. 
 
 1794. Will of Bartlett Coffin. Father was Benjamin; 
 mother, Hannah; children, Merah, Avis, Christopher, all 
 minors. 
 
 1794. Eliakim Coffin had died, leaving widow, Judith, 
 and minor child, Clarissa. 
 
350 
 
 Estate of Richard Bunker, £486, went to widow Eunice, 
 and children, Richard, Lydia Glazier, Jethro, Josiah, Laban, 
 Daniel and Eunice. 
 
 1794. Timothy Swain, administrator estate of his son 
 Zaceheus. 
 
 1794. Will of David Green. Sisters, Anna and Mary; 
 brothers, Jonathan and Joseph, Jr. ; father-in-law, Wm. 
 Hussey. 
 
 Estate of Barzillai Macy included the following vessel 
 property: One-sixth schooner Sherborne, ]37; one-twelfth 
 sloop Lydia, £25 ; one-twelfth sloop Warren, £66 ; one-fourth 
 brig Polly, £87. Distributed to wife, Elizabeth, and 
 daughter, Judith. 
 
 1794. Will Aaron Gardner. Wife, Naomi. 
 
 1794. Guardian of Tristram and Love Clark, children 
 of Reuben Clark, deceased. 
 
 1793. Abigail Bunker, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Silvanus. 
 
 1794. Parnell Whippey, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Samuel. 
 
 Estate of Bartlett Coffin, £340, included charts, Moore's 
 Navigator, and 1/16 ship Alliance, valued at £87. 
 
 1793. Hannah Swain, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, David. 
 
 1794. Ruth Fish, guardian of her son, Stephen. 
 
 1794. Phebe Williams, daughter of George, placed under 
 guardianship. 
 
 1794. Will of Reuben Pollard. Brothers, Jonathan and 
 Peter. 
 
 1794. Will Ebenezer Coleman. Wife, Lydia; children, 
 Rachel, Joseph, Christopher, John, Mary. 
 
 1794. Will of Elizabeth Gardner. Her father was Oba- 
 diah Gardner, and her uncle was John Hall, whose wife 
 was Hepsabah. 
 
 1794. James Tupper of Dresden, Lincoln Co., physician, 
 appointed administrator of estate of Dr. Benjamin Tupper. 
 His estate, which was insolvent, included a library of 53 
 
351 
 
 books and land on the Kennebec and at the Cape, which 
 came to him from his father, Eldad. 
 
 1794. Abishai Swain, administrator estate of his son, 
 Abishai. 
 
 1794. Peter Pollard, administrator estate of his father, 
 George. 
 
 1795. Will Capt. Caleb Gardner. Friend, Mary Furlong. 
 1795. Eliah Hussey, administrator estate Robert Hussey. 
 1795. Jeremiah Gardner had died leaving Janet, Cath- 
 erine, Sarah, Ichabod, all minors. 
 
 1795, Love Bunker, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Absalom. 
 
 1795. Will Jonathan Jenkins. Wife, Leah, and son, 
 Jonathan. 
 
 1795. Division of estate of Peleg Swain between Jedidah 
 Gardner, wife of John, Martha Baker's heirs, Batehelor, 
 Paul, Micajah, Benjamin and Peleg Swain. 
 
 1795. Will of Christopher Coleman. Wife, Priscilla; 
 children, Lubin, Miriam, Stephen, David, Phebe, Christo- 
 pher, Thaddeus, Bethuel. 
 
 1795. Will Timothy Coleman. Wife, Mary. 
 
 1795. Administration on estate Asa Gardner to widow, 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 1795. Paul Folger, administrator estate of his father, 
 Eliphaz. 
 
 1795. Will Judith Closhy. Brother, Jonathan Macy; 
 cousin, Lydia Macy. 
 
 1795. Will of Paul Bunker. Children, Phebe Hussey, 
 wife of Reuben ; Hepzibah Homis, wife of Joseph ; Dinah 
 Macy, Eunice, Seth and Hezekiah Bunker. 
 
 1795. Will of Hannah Bunker, wife of Paul. Legatees 
 same as in his will. 
 
 1795. Administration on estate of Justin Starbuck, Jr. 
 Left two minor children, William and Elizabeth. His estate 
 included one-fourth sloop Sally. 
 
 1796. Administration on estate of Mary Clark, widow. 
 1795. Joshua CofSn, administrator on estate of his 
 
 brother, Laban. 
 
352 
 
 1796. Administration on estate of Timothy Coffin Folger. 
 
 1796. Will of Nathaniel Gardner. Wife, Ruth. "Onr 
 father, George Hussey. " Children, Mary, Nathaniel, Eliza- 
 beth, heirs ; Judith, Albert, Lydia, Eunice. 
 
 1796. Administration on estate of Benjamin Alley. 
 
 1796. Will of Oliver Prince. Mother, Hannah Barlow, 
 wife of Cato. 
 
 1796. Will of Tristram Swain. Children, Phebe Barnard, 
 Lydia, Barnard, Tristram, Margaret Jenkins, heirs. 
 
 1796. Administration on estate of Levi Whitney. 
 
 1796. Will of Jethro Folger. Wife, Anna; children, 
 p]lihu, Aaron Gardner, Lydia Clark. Mary Folger. 
 
 1796. Administration on estate of Rev. Bezabel Shaw. 
 
 1796. Silas Gardner, guardian of his sister, Hepsibah. 
 insane. 
 
 1796. Will of Rachel Bunker, widow of Paul. Children, 
 Silvanus. William, Barnabas and Obed Coleman, sons of 
 Barnabas ; Sarah Folger, deceased, who had left a daughter, 
 Rebecca Bunker; Abiel Folger, Rebecca Coffin, who had died 
 leaving two daughters, Abiel Hussey and Rachel Coffin; 
 Judith Worth, Elizabeth Folger, Hepsibah Russell, Avife of 
 John. 
 
 1796. Ruth Coffin, administratrix estate of her husband, 
 Elijah. 
 
 1796. Elizabeth Gardner, daughter of James, was 17. 
 
 1796. Will of Tristram Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth ; children, 
 Tristram, Reuben. Jonathan and Hepzibah. 
 
 1796. John Wyer, administrator estate of his son, 
 Shubael. 
 
 1797. Administration on estate of Thomas Fox. 
 Administration on estate of Charles Coffin. 
 Administration on estate of Elisha Bunker, to brothers 
 
 Christopher and George. 
 
 Administration on estate of Alexander Hussey, to brother 
 Nathaniel. 
 
 1797. Will John Meoder. Wife, Hannah; children, 
 Nason had died leaving children, George, Phebe, Swain and 
 John; John, Jonathan, Francis, Thomas, Nicholas, William, 
 
353 
 
 Hannah Coleman, Charity Cleaveland ; Abigail Russell. 
 
 1797. Francis Brown, administrator estate of Father 
 Francis. 
 
 1797. Estate of Eliphaz Folger, divided between Paul 
 Folger, Eunice Alley, Stephen, Rachel and Gorham Folger. 
 
 1797. Will of Robert Gardner. Wife, Jedidah ; children, 
 Lydia Folger, Anna Swain, Rebecca Paddock, Eunice Macy, 
 Miriam Bunker, Abishai, deceased ; Elizabeth Hall, deceased ; 
 Robert, Jethro, Prince, Christopher. 
 
 1797. Administration on estate of Stephen Rice to his 
 widow, Anna. 
 
 1797. Administration on estate of Capt. Brown Folger 
 to his widow, Mary. 
 
 1797. Will Daniel Swain. Wife, Nancy ; children, James, 
 George, Love Handy. 
 
 1797. Will Zaccheus Coffin. Grandchild, Susannah 
 Swain, widow ; children, Hezekiah, Zaccheus, Anna Russell, 
 all three deceased; Eunice Paddick, Shubael, Bethia Bunker, 
 Mary, Abraham. 
 
 1797. Simeon Macy, son of Latham, was 18. 
 
 1797. Will of Zaccheus Macy. Children, Mary Ray, de- 
 ceased ; Hannah Swain, Phebe Stanton, Hephzibah, Priscilla 
 Ray, Ruth Barnard, Deborah Ray, who had died leaving sons 
 Thomas and Charles; Richard, Simeon; grandchildren, Sim- 
 eon and Deborah Macy; daughter-in-law Lydia, mother of 
 Simeon and Deborah and widow of a deceased son. Latham. 
 
 1797. Will of Robert Coffin. Son, Robert, had died leav- 
 ing widow, Lydia. Mentions grandchildren, Reuben, Jesse, 
 Robert, Rachel, Lydia and Elizabeth Coffin. 
 
 1797. Will John Hall. Wife, Hephzibah; children, 
 David, Elizabeth, Jedidah, all minors. 
 
 1798. George Swain left children. Phebe Barnard, who 
 had died leaving Eunice, Giles and Henry Barnard; Love 
 Barnard; grandchildren. Love Handy, James and George 
 Swain. 
 
 1798. Will of Peleg Swain. Wife, Elizabeth; children, 
 Grafton, Alexander, Mary, Micajah and Peleg. 
 
354 
 
 1798. Will Mary Morton. Niece, Deborah Morton. 
 
 1798. Will of Jonathan Macy. Wife, Lois; children, 
 Elizabeth Coleman, Jonathan, Barnabas, Peleg, Samuel, 
 Judith. 
 
 1778. Will Caleb Macy. Wife, Judith. Estate $18,000. 
 including "the grain mill that Barnabas Bunker tends." 
 Children, Elisha, Silvanus, Obed, Caleb, Ruth, Barzellai had 
 died leaving a daughter, Judith. He owned a share in the 
 three mills, Charles Bunker's, Seth Coffin's, and Elisha 
 Gardner's. 
 
 1798. Will of John Gardner. Wife, Keziah ; children, 
 John, Antipas, Peleg, Micajah, Amaziah, Hepzibah Cole, 
 wife of Jonathan ; Lydia Comstock. 
 
 1798. Administration on estate of Keziah Coffin, widow 
 to Phineas Fanning. 
 
 [Note. In the story of Miriam Coffin, Grimshaw, the 
 lawyer, is supposed to be taken from Fanning, and Miriam 
 to represent Keziah Coffin.] 
 
 1798. Will of Alexander Gardner. Wife, Anna ; chil- 
 dren, Latham, Alexander and Asa. 
 
 1798. Abiel Grew, administratrix of estate of her hus- 
 band, Silas. 
 
 1799. Will of Edward Starbuck. Wife, Deborah; chil- 
 dren, Paul, William, Mary Cartwright, Matthew, Edward, 
 daughter-in-law Mary Starbuck. 
 
 1799. Administration on estate of Catherine Gardner. 
 
 1799. Phiueas Fanning had died and his wife, Keziah, 
 was appointed administratrix of the estate of her mother, 
 Keziah Coffin. 
 
 1799. Elizabeth Starbuck, daughter of Jethro, placed 
 under guardianship. 
 
 1799. Will Eliphalct Gardner. Wife, Lydia; children, 
 Owen and Anna; brother, Christopher Gardner. 
 
 1799. Administration of estate of Peter Coffin to son-in- 
 law, Tristram Pinkham. 
 
 1799. Will of Jonathan Burnell. Children, Sarah Hussey, 
 Judith Folger, wife of Peter; Deborah Jenkins; Susannah 
 Marshall, wife of Obed; Eunice Ramsdell; grandchildren. 
 
355 
 
 Jonathan Burnell, Samuel Burnell, Barker Burnell, sons of 
 Jonathan deceased; Lydia Baxter, Susannah and Deborah 
 Burnell; Alexander and Cyrus Jenkins; Ammiel, Daniel 
 and Laban Hussey; Elizabeth Starbuek and Sarah Hussey. 
 Estate $34,000. i 
 
 1799. Judith Macy, a minor, and granddaughter of Caleb 
 Macy, under guardianship. 
 
 1799. Will of John Waterman, Jr. Wife, Sarah; chil- 
 dren, William, Charles, James and John. 
 
 1799. John Starbuek, 16, son of Reuben and Deborah, 
 placed under guardianship. 
 
 1799. Tristram Coffin's will. Wife, Mary; children, 
 Thaddeus, Hephzibah and Tristram. 
 
 1799. Will Mary Folger. Children, Miriam, Charles, 
 Francis, Isaac, Silas, Mary, Dinah Bunker, Keziah Darling; 
 grandchildren, Isabel Folger and Frederick Folger and 
 Sophia Folger, children of son Frederick. 
 
 1799. Will Anna Pinkham. Brothers and sisters. Prince 
 and Elias Coffin, deceased; Micah Woodbury, Love Prior, 
 John Coffin. 
 
 1800, Eunice Coleman, 17, George Coleman, Frederick 
 Coleman, son of George, were placed under guardianship. 
 
 1800. Will of George Coleman. Grandchildren, Eunice 
 and Frederick Coleman; daughter-in-law, Hephzibah Smith, 
 wife of John. 
 
 1800. Will of Reuben Worth. Children, Lydia Worth 
 and Elizabeth Gardner; granddaughters, Mary Mitchell and 
 Lydia Worth. 
 
 1800. Benjamin Bunker, administrator estate of his 
 mother, Mary Bunker. 
 
 1800. Hepsobeth Gardner, insane. 
 
 1800. Will Seth Bunker. Owned one-sixteenth ship 
 Beaver. Brothers and sisters, Eunice Fitch, Hephzibah 
 Harris; Dinah Macy had died leaving five children, Dinah, 
 Daniel, Hezekiah, Jethro, William ; Phebe Hussey ; Hezekiah 
 Bunker ; nephew, Charles Hussey, and niece, Hannah Hussey. 
 Seth Bunker owned a rope walk. 
 
356 
 
 1800. Division of estate of Caleb Maey made between 
 Elisha Macy, Silvanus Macy, Obed Macy, Caleb Macy, Ruth 
 Chase, Judith and Elizabeth. Judith Macy was widow of 
 Caleb. 
 
 1799. Elizabeth Delano, administratrix of estate of her 
 husband, Thomas. Owned one-sixteenth ship Hercules. 
 
 1799. Thaddeus Gardner, insane. 
 
 1800. Will of Wm. Long. Wife, Elizabeth. 
 
 1800. Will Peter Coffin. Wife, Anna ; son-in-law, George 
 Law^rence ; grandchildren, Elizabeth Hayden, Lydia Myrick, 
 Peter Coffin Mj^rick, David and George Myrick. 
 
 1800. Administration on estate of Nathaniel Folger. 
 
 1804. Eunice Perry, administratrix of estate of her hus- 
 band, Reuben. 
 
 1800. Will Anna Jenkins. Mother, Lydia Jenkins. 
 
 Will Sarah Macy. Sister, Lydia Jenkins, and daughter, 
 Anna Jenkins. 
 
 1800. Administration on estate of Benjamin Baxter. 
 
 1801. Will Priscilla Coleman. Father, Samuel Coffin; 
 l)rother, Peter Coffin; children, Stephen, Miriam Rand, 
 Phebe Coffin, William ; granddaughter, Lydia Rand. 
 
 1801. Christopher Folger, administrator estate of his 
 mother, Susannah Folger. 
 
 1801. Administration on estate of Henry Clark to Han- 
 nah Swain, his mother-in-law. 
 
 1801. Will of William Coleman. Wife, Eunice ; children, 
 Elihu, Mary, Jemima Paddock, Ruth Paddock, Anna. 
 
 1801. Elizabeth Gardner, administratrix estate of her 
 husband, Grindall. 
 
 1801. Christopher Hussey had an estate of $4,300, in- 
 cluding one-fourth mill kept by Barnabas Bunker. 
 
 1801. Will Abigail Smith. Children, Eunice Folger, 
 Mehitable Hussey, Anna Folger, George Smith, Daniel, 
 Elisha. Eliphalet had died leaving Benjamin, Reuben, Eli- 
 phalet, Lydia Smith. 
 
 1801. Mary Cox, an insane person. 
 
 1801. Rhoda Russell, administratrix on estate of her hus- 
 band, Joseph. 
 
357 
 
 1801. Ephraiin Coffin, administrator estate of his son, 
 Robert. 
 
 1801. Elihu Marshall, administrator estate of his brother, 
 Thomas. 
 
 1801. Will Ruth Coffin. Children, Abigail Gardner, 
 Eunice Coleman, Mary Fosdick, Obed, Timothy; grandchil- 
 dren, Salome Amerman, Hannah Coffin, Fanny June, Caleb 
 Coffin. 
 
 1801. Administration on estate of Joseph Bunker. 
 
 1801. Eunice Coffin, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Asa. 
 
 1802. Essex Boston, administrator estate of his son, 
 Peter. 
 
 1801. Will Benjamin Fosdick. Wife, Lydia; children, 
 Bejamin, Peter, James, Lydia Coffin, wife of Henry; Sarah 
 Coffin, wife of Jonathan; Mary Rathbon; Priscilla, Anna. 
 
 1802. Will Simeon Hussey. Wife, Abigail; children, 
 Obed, Priscilla, Thomas, Peter, Benjamin. 
 
 1802. Administration on estate of Jonathan Barney. 
 
 1802. George Franklin, son of Benjamin, under guardian- 
 ship. 
 
 1802. Will Benjamin Coffin. Brother, Joseph; sisters. 
 Love, deceased; Jane Ramsdell; cousins, Obed, Timothy, 
 Ebenezer and Alexander Cobb ; Abigail Gardner, widow of 
 James; Eunice Coleman, widow; Mary Fosdick, widow of 
 Benjamin, 
 
 1802. Barnabas and Abiel Macy had four children, 
 Joseph, 17 ; George, Lydia, Mary. 
 
 1802. Administration on estate of Barnabas Macy. 
 
 1802. Administration on estate of William Moores. 
 
 Administration on estate of Obed Marshall. 
 
 Administration on estate of Ebenezer Raymond. 
 
 Inventory of estate of Jonathan Barney included one- 
 eighth ship Union, $800; one-fourth ship Hero, $500. 
 
 1802. Betsey Coffin, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Joseph. 
 
 1802. Administration on estate of Benjamin Jones. 
 
358 
 
 1802. Alexander and Lucretia Clark, children of Isaiah, 
 placed under guardianship. 
 
 Inventory of estate of Ebenezer Raymond included three- 
 eighths sloop Success, $390 ; one-half brig Eliza, $2,000 ; one- 
 half share in Academy; pew No. 48 in Meeting House. 
 
 1802. Henry Dow had died, leaving wife Mary ; children, 
 Sally, Samuel, Elizabeth Grogins, Reuben. 
 
 1802. Division of estate of CromweU and Ruth Coffin 
 among James Gardner, Obed Coffin, Benjamin Fosdick, 
 Eunice Coleman. 
 
 1803. Estate of Christopher Hussey, distributed between 
 Susanna Folger, Edmund Cory, Reuben Hussey, Jethro 
 Hussey, Albert Hussey, James Hussey, George Athearn. 
 
 1803. Administration on estate of George Harris. 
 
 1788. Division of estate of Samuel Bunker. To Charles 
 Bunker, one eighth of mill; to Barnabas, Silas and Elihu, 
 two-eighths middle mill ; to Abishai Bunker, one-eighth west 
 mill. 
 
 1803. Barnabas Swain, administrator estate of his son, 
 Frederick. 
 
 Division of estate of Jonathan Barney between Griffin 
 Barney, Jonathan J. Barney, Judith, Mary, Abigail and 
 William Barney. 
 
 1803. Anna Moores, daughter Wm. and Lucinda Moores, 
 placed under guardianship. 
 
 1803. Will Charles Swain. Wife, Elizabeth; children, 
 Phebe Coffin, Zaccheus. Charles, Elizabeth Ray, Priseilla 
 Brown ; heirs of Walter Swain, deceased. 
 
 1803. Jacob Alley declared insane. 
 
 1803. Paul Worth, administrator estate of his father, 
 John. 
 
 1803. Jethro Mitchell, brother of Moses, whose will was 
 probated. 
 
 1803. Sally Dow, 15. daughter of Henry Dow, deceased, 
 under guardianship. 
 
 1803. Nathan Nye declared insane. 
 
 1803. Will of James Gardner. Wife, Abigail; brothers, 
 Thaddeus and Nathan. 
 
359 
 
 1803. Will of William Pinkham. Children, Sarah, 
 Phebe ; grandchildren, Nancy, Betsy and George Pinkham. 
 
 1803. Will Benjamin Barney. Wife, Lois; children, 
 Eunice, Lydia, Peter, Matthew, Daniel. 
 
 1803. Will Josiah Barker. Children, Josiah, Samuel, 
 Eunice Coffin, wife of Peleg; Elizabeth Rotch, Hepsibah 
 Hammet, wife of William. Mentions Dr. Peter Easton. 
 
 1803. Mary Brown, administratrix estate of her husband, 
 Frederick. 
 
 1803. Administration on estate of John Barnard. 
 
 1803. Anna Hussey, administratrix of estate of her hus- 
 band, Daniel. 
 
 1803. Zilpha Wright, administratrix of estate of her 
 husband, Thomas T. 
 
 1804. George G., Edward, William F., Mary and Phebe 
 Hussey, children of Uriel and Phebe Hussey, placed under 
 guardianship. Uriel had died. 
 
 1804. Administration on estate of William Brock. 
 
 1804. Administration on estate of Raymond Ellis. 
 
 1804. Estate of Caleb Gardner made to Obed Coffin, Wil- 
 son Rawson, Deborah Gardner, Peter Fosdiek, and heirs of 
 Grindall Gardner. 
 
 1804. Lucretia, Charles, Lydia, Nancy, Eliza and Sally 
 Gardner, children of Elizabeth Gardner and her husband, 
 Alexander, deceased, placed under guardianship. 
 
 1804. Will of Nathaniel Coleman. Wife, Hephzibah; 
 children, Sarah Barney, Lydia Macy, Abraham; grandson, 
 Robert Gardner Coleman. 
 
 1804. Will of Priscilla Gardner. To Abigail Fitch, wife 
 of Ebenezer, one-half pew 19 in Congregational Meeting 
 House, given me by my father, John Gardner. 
 
 Brother John Gardner had three daughters, Mary Gard- 
 ner, wife of Shubael; Abigail Fitch, wife of Ebenezer, and 
 Priscilla. 
 
 1804. Will Deborah Starbuck. Children, Isaac Coffin, 
 Thomas Coffin, Jr., and Deborah Coffin. 
 
 1804. Administration on estate of Elijah Williams. 
 
360 
 
 Administration on estate of Timothy Wyer. 
 
 1804. George, over 14, Alexander and Lucretia Clark, 
 children of Isaiah, deceased, minors, placed under guardian- 
 ship. 
 
 1804. Will Enoch Eay. Wife, Priscilla; nephews, 
 Charles and Thomas. 
 
 1804. Will of Sarah Clark. Children, William, Hepso- 
 bah Grew and Lucinda Marshall. 
 
 1804. Polly Aldridge, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Obed. 
 
 1804. Abiel Hussey, administratrix estate of her husband, 
 Christopher. 
 
 1804. Will Eben Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth. 
 
 1804. Will Benjamin Swift. Wife Elizabeth; children 
 not named. 
 
 1804. Will David Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth; children, 
 Phebe Toy, deceased ; Miriam Ilobbs ; Jemima Morton ; Ruth, 
 Elihu, Gideon, daughter-in-law Susannah Coffin, widow of 
 son Seth; grandchildren, who were children of son Seth, 
 David, Obadiah, Zimri, Gideon, Mary Starbuck, Phebe Gif- 
 ford, Elizabeth Drummond, Miriam Hussey. 
 
 1804. Estate of Jonathan Macy included tan yard vats 
 and mill. 
 
 1804. Administration on estate of Silvanus Smith. 
 
 1804. Will of Shubael Pinkham. Wife, Mary; children, 
 Abigail, Eunice, Ruth, Anna, Shubael, David, Phebe, Meroh. 
 
 1804. Will Mary Swain, widow of Daniel Swain. Chil- 
 dren, Mary Polger, wife of Elihu; Jonathan Chase, Isaac 
 Chase ; grandaughter, Anna Bunker ; son-in-law James Swain 
 and his brother George Swain, and his sister. Love Handy; 
 father-in-law George Swain; kinsman Grafton Swain. 
 
 1804. Benjamin Gardner, son of Levi, 20 years old, 
 placed under guardianship. 
 
 1804. Administration on estate of Reuben Coffin. 
 
 1804. Will of William Folger. Wife, Susan; children, 
 Maria Ann, William A. and Betsey Folger, "whom I call 
 and acknowledge as my daughter." 
 
361 
 
 1804. Will of George Hussey. Wife, Deborah; son-in- 
 law, Tristram Folger. Children, Rhoda Folger had died, 
 leaving Deborah, Phebe, Lucretia and Lydia ; Eunice Easton ; 
 George G. Hussey; Uriel had died leaving George Gardner, 
 Edward, William, Mary and Phebe; Silvanus; Susannah 
 Gardner, Deborah Brayton ; Rachel Hussey. 
 
 "All debts against my children to be balanced by a dash 
 of the pen. ' ' He owned in ship Mary Ann, and had land at 
 Cambridge. 
 
 1804. Will Barnabas Paddack. Wife, Abigail. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Joseph Clasby. 
 
 1805. Will Paul Folger. Sisters, Eunice Alley, Rachel; 
 brother, Stephen. 
 
 1803. Paul Worth, administrator estate of Joseph Worth. 
 
 1805. Will John Coleman. Wife, Ann; brother, Barna- 
 bas, had died leaving children, Silvanus, William, Barnabas, 
 John; son, Obed, had died leaving child, Joseph Gorham. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Francis Baxter. 
 
 Administration on estate of Abigail Aldridge. 
 
 Administration on estate of Peter Pinkham to his widow, 
 Desire. 
 
 1805. Rachel Folger, sister of Paul, deceased, declared 
 insane. 
 
 1805. Will Jonathan Swain. Wife, Margaret; children 
 Jonathan, Hezekiah, Albertus, Frederick; grandsons, Ruel 
 Swain and Paul Swain. 
 
 1805. Will of Charles Barnard. Wife, Susanna. 
 
 1805. Will of William Hussey. Wife, Abigail; children, 
 William, Paul, Seth, deceased; Elizabeth Coffin had died 
 leaving Katherine Clark, Sarah Jones and Silvanus Coffin; 
 Katherine Coleman, Ruth Swain, Ann Hussey; grandchild, 
 Elizabeth Starbuck. 
 
 1805. Will James Fosdick. Sisters, Priscilla and Anna. 
 
 1805. Heirs of Joseph Brown were Joseph Brown, Sil- 
 vanus Coleman, Francis Macy, Phebe Coleman, Elizabeth 
 Macy, Joseph Cartwright. 
 
 1805. Will of Batchelor Hussey. Wife, Ann; children, 
 
362 
 
 Tristram, Zaccheus, Peter, Lydia Coffin, Elizabeth Chase. 
 
 Owned candleworks. 
 
 1805. Seth Hussey had died leaving Abraham and Sally, 
 
 minor children, 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Nathaniel Coffin, 
 Administration on estate of William Barnard. 
 
 1804. Asa Gardner and Elizabeth had three children, 
 George G., 8; Susanna, 16; Obed, 14. 
 
 1805. Will of Elizabeth Swain, widow of Charles. Chil- 
 dren, Charles, Zaccheus, Nathan and Elisha, both deceasetl ; 
 Elizabeth Ray, Priscilla Brown, Phebe Coffin, 
 
 Elizabeth, George and Eunice Raymond were minor chil- 
 dren of Ebenezer Raymond, deceased, and his wife, Eliza- 
 beth. 
 
 1805. Lucretia Swain, daughter of Howes Swain, de- 
 ceased, placed under guardianship. 
 
 1805. Will of Samuel Long. Wife, Sarah; child, Obed, 
 had died leaving child, Lydia. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Seth Gardner. 
 
 1805. Elizabeth Coleman, administratrix estate of her 
 husband, Davis Coleman. 
 
 1805. Sarah Closhy, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, John Closhy, Jr. 
 
 1805, Will Judith Barker. Sisters, Phebe Wheeler, 
 Elizabeth Baley, Deborah Barker. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Samuel Barker. 
 
 1805. Anna Bunker, a minor over 14. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Jacob Carr. 
 
 Administration on estate of Albro Longden. 
 
 Administration on estate of Daniel Black. 
 
 1805. Will of Joseph Coffin. Wife, Judith; children, 
 Zephaniah, Matilda, Merab, Myrick. 
 
 1805. Thomas Marshall had four minor children, Polly, 
 Susanna, Lydia and Thomas. 
 
 1805. Lovey Coffin placed under guardianship. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of Stephen Hussey, 
 valued at $7,000. 
 
363 
 
 1806. Will of Elisha Macy. Niece, Judith Coffin. 
 
 1806. Will of Jethro Starbuck. Wife, Ann; children, 
 Ann, Paul, Phebe. Jethro had died, leaving William and 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 1806. Will Stephen Coffin. Wife, Mary; children, 
 Stephen, Job, Noah, Alpheus, Elizabeth Closhy, Phebe Ray; 
 granddaughters, Lydia and Mary Closhy. 
 
 1805. Administration on estate of William Morton. 
 
 1806. Lydia Bunker, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Peleg. 
 
 1806. John Brock, barber, administrator estate of John 
 Brock. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of Reuben Luce. 
 
 1806. Winifred Tupper, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Benjamin. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of James Sprywood, 
 colored. 
 
 1806. Will Job Swain, laborer. Children, Lydia Harris, 
 Job, Love, Wealthy, David, Rowland. Lydia, Lovey and 
 Wealthy were minors. 
 
 1806. Abigail Atkins's will. Children, James and Sally. 
 
 1806. Will David Giles. Wife, Love; children, David, 
 George, Eunice. 
 
 1806. Will Jonathan Gardner. Children, Phebe, Huldah 
 and Miriam. 
 
 1806. Will of Jethro Dunham, son of Jethro and Lydia. 
 Sister, Elizabeth. David Coffin, schoolmaster, trustee. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of George Pitman. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of Jonathan Ramsdell. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of Priscilla Ramsdell. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of Elizabeth Green. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of John Barnfield. 
 
 1806. Administration on estate of Moses Bunker. 
 
 1807. Administration on estate of Nathaniel Whippey. 
 1807. Administration on estate of John H. Swain. 
 1807. Will William Ray. Wife, Elizabeth; children not 
 
 named. 
 
364 
 
 1807. Elizabeth Coleman, administratrix estate of her 
 husband, Davis Coleman. 
 
 1807. Administration on estate of Thomas Nicholson. 
 
 1807. Rebecca Cottle, administratrix of her husband, 
 Obed. 
 
 1807. John Swift, Jr., administrator estate of Jonathan 
 Swift. 
 
 1807. WiU Nathaniel Wyer. Wife, Sally. 
 
 Will Nathan Nye. Wife, Phebe. 
 
 1807. Will William Starbuck. Sister Elizabeth. 
 
 1807. Will of Eeuben Swain. Wife, Hannah; children, 
 Deborah Coleman, Rebecca Coleman, James, Shubael, Mar- 
 garet, Hepsibah Coffin, Jemima, Franklin, Hannah Ellis, 
 Ruth Swain, John, Daniel ; grandchildren, Elizabeth Mott, 
 George Swain, Henry Swain. 
 
 1807. Administration on estate of Waldo Colesworthy. 
 
 1807. Solomon Smith declared insane. 
 
 1807. Hugh Wyer declared a spendthrift. 
 
 1807. Will Moses Starbuck, son of Silvanus. Wife, 
 Bethia; children, Henry, Mary H. and Moses, all minors. 
 
 1807. Will Richard Swain. Wife, Anna; children, 
 Elizabeth Jones, wife of Benjamin, deceased ; Richard Gard- 
 ner Swain, Hephzibah Freeman, iVnna Starbuck. 
 
 1807. Lydia Bunker, widow of Peleg, applied for dower. 
 
 1807. Susannah Folger, administratrix of estate of her 
 husband, Francis. 
 
 1807. Abigail Rawson, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Stephen. 
 
 1807. William Swain, administrator estate of his father, 
 Samuel. 
 
 1807. Will Ann Gelston. Children, Roland, Thomas, 
 William, Oliver, Elizabeth Bunker, wife of John. Mother 
 Grissel Cotton. She owned the house and lot formerly of 
 Bezabel Shaw. 
 
 1807. Will Nathan Waldron. Wife, Patience; children, 
 Jemima, Lydia, Eunice, Deborah, Winslow, Robert, Roland, 
 Reuben. 
 
365 
 
 1807. Will of John Ray. Wife, Judith; children, Paul, 
 Heplizibah Clark, George, who had died leaving daughter 
 Lydia; Daniel, Samuel, Charles, Alexander, John, deceased; 
 Silvanus. 
 
 "I have given in my lifetime what I desired, to the chil- 
 dren of my first wife." 
 
 1807. Will George Ray. Wife. Deborah ; child, Lydia. 
 
 1807. Will Seth Folger. Children, Shubael, Seth, 
 Thomas, deceased; Phebe Allen; Jemima Mitchell; grand- 
 children, Judith Folger, Elizabeth Clark. 
 
 1807. Elizabeth Calef, administratrix estate of her hus- 
 band, Ebenezer, valued at $11,600, which included one-half 
 a pew in the Meeting House valued at $40. His children 
 were Love, Uriah, John, Elizabeth, all minors. 
 
 1807. Will Edward Tillett Emmett, schoolmaster. Chil- 
 dren, John, Hannah and Elizabeth. 
 
 1806. Will Christopher Bunker. Wife, Abigail; chil- 
 dren, Christopher, Jesse, Merab and Persis. 
 
 1808. Will Sarah Barney. Sister, Phebe Swain ; brother, 
 Jonathan Barney; nephews, Jacob, Albert and Griffin, 
 Robert and William Coffin, Benjamin and Isaac Barker; 
 nieces, Elizabeth Rodman, Lydia and Eunice Macy ; nephews, 
 William Macy, Matthew Barney, Daniel and Samuel Star- 
 buck; sisters, Lois Barney, Dorcas Brown and Elizabeth 
 Rotch. 
 
 1808. Dower claimed by Abial Hussey, widow of Chris- 
 topher. 
 
 1804. George Pinkham, son of George, under guardian- 
 ship. 
 
 1808. Will of Susanna Whippey. Daughter, Lovey. 
 
 1808. Will Jethro Hussey. Widow, Margaret; children. 
 Josiah, Susanna Plumb, Betsey Riddell, wife of William ; 
 Peggy Wyer, wife of William. 
 
 1808. Rachel Paddock, widow of Jonathan, administra- 
 trix of his estate. 
 
 1808. Will Jonathan Perry. Wife, Mehitable; children, 
 Sophronia and Samuel R. 
 
366 
 
 1808. Daniel and George Giles, sons of Daniel, placed 
 under guardianship. 
 
 1808. Administration on estate of Thomas Barnard. 
 
 1808. Will of Jacob Chandler. Wife, Anna, who had a 
 son-in-law, Elijah Baldwin; children, Stockbridge, Ruth 
 Allen, Medbury, Samuel Vial Chandler, Sally, Bathsheba, 
 Benjamin and Abigail. 
 
 1808. Will Jesse Bunker. Wife, Eunice; children not 
 named. 
 
 1808. Elizabeth Gardner, widow of Barzillai, administra- 
 trix of his estate. 
 
 1808. Lydia Gardner, widow of Francis, administratrix 
 of his estate. 
 
 1808. Will of Albert Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth. 
 
 1808. Administration on estate of Elial Coffin. 
 
 Administration on estate of Reuben Folger. 
 
 1808. Pamelia Gardner, widow of Eliakim, administra- 
 trix of his estate. 
 
 1808. Will of Peter Folger, merchant. Wife, Patience; 
 children. Uriah, Peter, Charles, Sally, Deborah, Susanna; 
 grandchildren, Lucretia Swain, Josiah Starbuck, Peter Emer. 
 Estate $33,000. 
 
 1808. Will Francis Worth. Children, Richard, Benja- 
 min, Lydia, Tamar ; grandsons, Reuben and Thomas. 
 
 1808. Administration on estate of Anna Hunter, maiden. 
 
 1808. Ann Hotch, widow of Charles, administratrix of his 
 estate. 
 
 1808. Administration on estate of Thomas Nicholson. 
 
 Administration on estate of Nathaniel Whiffly. 
 
 Administration on estate of James Mills. 
 
 1808. Elizabeth Swain, daughter of Peleg, under guard- 
 ianship. 
 
 1808. Alexander and Rachel Swain, children of Alexan- 
 der and Rachel Swain, under guardianship. 
 
 1808. Thaddeus Parker, a minor, placed under guard- 
 ianship. 
 
 1808. Administration on estate of Peleg Bunker. 
 
367 
 
 1807. Heirs of Davis Coleman were Kcziah Overtore, 
 Lovey Whipply, wives of Samuel Riddell, Benjamin Slade, 
 Charles Chase and John Eldred. and the heirs of Huldah 
 Dow, who were Silvanus and William Pitts, and the wives 
 of Matthew Barney, Alphens Coffin and Israel Brightman. 
 
 The inventory of the estate of Benjamin Swift included 
 three-thirty-seeonds of ship Fame, $656. 
 
 1809. Administration on estate of Joseph Gardner. 
 
 1809. Lettice Summons, colored, under guardianship. 
 
 1809. Lydia Gardner, widow of Samuel, administratrix 
 of his estate. 
 
 1809. Guardianship over David and Rowland Swain, 
 sons of Job, who were minors; and over daughters, Lydia 
 Harris and Love Swain, who were spendthrifts. 
 
 1809. David Cottle was administrator estate of Obed 
 Cottle. Nancy Cottle was a minor child of Obed. 
 
 1809. Administration estate of Enoch Coffin. 
 Administration estate of Thomas Coffin. 
 Administration estate of William Butler. 
 
 1810. In the estate of Wickcliffe Chadwick was schooner 
 Lively. Widow Priscilla. Nathaniel Chadwick, gentleman, 
 administrator. 
 
 1809. Will of George Folger. Wife. Rebecca; chil- 
 dren, Philip Howland, Samuel Brown, Peleg Slocum, Susanna 
 Pell, George Gill; Sarah Chase, who had died leaving chil- 
 dren, Eliza Brown and Sarah Folger Chase. 
 
 1809. Guardians of minor children of Jonathan Burnell, 
 Jr., who were Jonathan and Barker. 
 
 1809. Will of Senaca Boston. Wife, Thankful ; children, 
 Joseph, Hannah and Freeborn. 
 
 1809. Eunice Fitch, widow of George, administratrix of 
 his estate; $24,000, including one-fourth ship Fame. 
 
 1809. Administration estate of Renalds Austin. 
 
 Administration estate of Gersham Drew. 
 
 Administration estate of Peter Folger. 
 
 Administration estate of Quack Te, colored. 
 
 Administration estate of John Wyer. 
 
 Administration estate of Philip Fosdick. 
 
368 
 
 1809. Deborah Folger, daughter of Peter, was insane. 
 
 1809. Will of Jonathan Myrick. Wife, Deborah. 
 
 1809. Administration on estates of Ebenezer and Eliza- 
 beth Colef, whose children were Eliza, Love, Uriah and John. 
 Including one-half pew in First Congregational Meeting 
 House, $40. 
 
 1809. Will of John Fosdick. Wife, Elizabeth ; children, 
 William, David, Mary Chadwiek, Elizabeth Coffin, Sally 
 Pease ; son Philip had died leaving children, Frederic, Lu- 
 cretia, Elizabeth, Philip, Anna, Hepsoheth; daughter Kath- 
 erine Alley had died leaving Alfred, Obed, George and 
 Katherine. 
 
 1809. Guardian of Jacob Alley, a spendthrift. 
 
 Guardian of Phebe and Anna Bunker, minors. 
 
 1809. Estate Freeman Ellis, administration. 
 
 1809. Children of Jonathan Perry, Jr., placed under 
 guardianship, Sophronia, Samuel, William, Benjamin B. 
 
 1810. Administration estate of Thomas Barnard. 
 Administration estate of Jethro Hussey. 
 Administration estate of Job Swain. 
 
 1810. Will of Abishai Macy. Wife, Phebe; children, 
 Frederick, Henry, Mary and others not named. 
 
 1810. Betsey Bunker, widow of John, administratrix of 
 his estate. 
 
 1810. Administration on estate of Jonathan Swain. 
 
 1810. Administration on estate of Charles Bunker. 
 
 In the estate of George Folger, valued at $8,000, was one- 
 eighth of ship Rebecca, $750; one-fourth brig Ocean; and 
 five-sixteenths schooner Happy Couple, $1,560. 
 
 1810. Guardian of children of Simeon Hussey, Thomas, 
 Alfred, Peter and Benjamin Russell Hussey. 
 
 1810. Hepsobeth Gardner, widow of Peleg, administra- 
 trix of his estate. 
 
 1810. Susan Nichols, widow of Edward, administratrix 
 of his estate. 
 
 Estate of Gersham Dreiv was valued at $16,000, and in- 
 cluded one-eighth of ships Perceveranda and Fame. 
 
369 
 
 1810. Administration estate of Jethro Coffin Brock, 
 
 Administration estate of Allen Howland, 
 
 Administration estate of Jonathan Swain. 
 
 1810. Will of Lydia Pinkham, widow of Thuel. Chil- 
 dren, George Ramsdell Pinkham and Thomas Pinkham. 
 
 1810. Estate of Thomas Barnard included one-eighth 
 ship Elias, $250; one-eighth ship Rebecca, $750; seven- 
 fortieths ship Industry, $875. 
 
 1810. Administration estate of Thankful Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate of Samuel Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate of John Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of Richard Chadwick. 
 
 1810. Guardian of Mary and Elizabeth Paddock, chil- 
 dren of Francis and Mary Paddock. 
 
 1810. Will Mary Mitchell, widow. Brothers, Jethro 
 and Peleg Mitchell. Brother Elias Calendar had died, leav- 
 ing a daughter, Mary Olney. Sister Elizabeth English had 
 died, leaving daughters Jane Park, Eliza Turner and Pris- 
 cilla Cooper who had died. Nephews, Obed, Laban, Benja- 
 min and David Mitchell. Mentions Dorcas BroAvn, wife of 
 William ; Sarah Robinson, wife of Thomas, and Mary 
 Williams, wife of David. 
 
 1810. Administration estate of Francis Paddock. 
 
 1810. Administration estate of Thomas Delano. 
 
 1810. Administration estate of James Sprywood. 
 
 1810. Administration estate of Ephraim Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate of Tobias Simmons, colored. 
 
 1810. Will of Thomas Clark. Daughter Elizabeth, but 
 other children not named. 
 
 1810. Will of Caleb Bunker. Wife, Eunice, and chil- 
 dren, Uriah and Eunice. 
 
 1808. Guardian for minor children of Jonathan Pad- 
 dock, Mary, Eunice and Henry. 
 
 1810. Susanna Macy, administratrix of the estate of her 
 husband, Edmund. 
 
 1810. Will Uriah Swain. Wife, Elizabeth; children, 
 Betsy Carey, John, Alexander, Lydia, Edward, Winifred, 
 Charles, Estate $10,000 included one-half sloop Lively. 
 
370 
 
 Guardian for William Hussey, son of Silvanus. 
 
 Lydia Smith, widow of John, administratrix his estate. 
 
 1810. Will Abigail Macy, widow of Nathaniel. Children, 
 Shubael, Tristram, Abishai, Phebe Worth, Elizabeth ; 
 grandchildren, Solomon Coffin, George. Coffin, Abigail Allen, 
 Eunice Gardner. 
 
 Eunice Gardner, widow of Josiah, administratrix his 
 estate. 
 
 Guardian for Anna and Charles H. Fitch, children of 
 George. 
 
 Estate of Freeman Ellis divided between the wives of 
 John Sherman, James Stubbs, Stephen Innis, Thomas 
 Davenport, Zilpha Wright, Elizabeth Gardner and Deborah 
 Brown. 
 
 1811. Will of George Gorham Hussey. Wife, Lydia; but 
 children not named. Estate included one-third schooner 
 Maria, ^800. 
 
 1811. Peggy Coffin, widow of Alfred, administratrix his 
 estate. 
 
 1811. Will of Andrew Brock. Wife, Eunice. To kins- 
 man John Brock the family Bible that came from my father, 
 Thomas Brock. 
 
 1811. Will Reuben Alley. Wife, Susanna; daughter, 
 Catherine; other children not named. 
 
 1811. Administration estate of Richard Gardner. Ad- 
 ministration estate of Obed Hussey. Wife, Abiel. Guardian 
 for Susanna, minor daughter of Elizabeth Swain and her 
 deceased husband, Uriah. 
 
 1811. Will of Abigail Gardner, widow of James. Sisters, 
 Eunice Coleman and Mary Fosdick. 
 
 1810. The heirs of Abigail Macy were daughters Eliza- 
 beth, Elizabeth Worth ; Abigail Allen, and granddaughters 
 Mary Ramsdell and Eunice Gardner. 
 
 1811. Division of estate of Wicklitfe Chadwick among 
 Seth, Timothy, Sally, Benjamin and George Chadwick, 
 Deborah Coffin, wife of Andrew; Mary Hilborn, Avife of 
 Charles, Jr., and heirs of Priseilla Hilborn. 
 
371 
 
 1811. Susanna Brown and Edward Brown, administra- 
 tors estate of Joseph Brown, $12,000, included one-sixteenth 
 ship Rebecca, $800; colck, $40. 
 
 1811. WiU of John Clasby. Wife, Ruth; children, 
 Joseph, Phebe, John, Lot, Rhoda, Charles, Reuben, Ruth; 
 granddaughter, Elizabeth Clasby. 
 
 1811. Administration estate of John Clasby. 
 
 1811. Administration estate of Prince Stafford, colored. 
 
 1811. Administration estate of Nathan Chase. Admin- 
 istration estate of George Whippey. 
 
 1811. Will of Jonathan Barney. Wife Abiel; father-in- 
 law, Barnabas Coffin ; children, David, Benjamin, Nathaniel, 
 Samuel, Obed, Eunice. 
 
 1811. Will of William Ramsdell. Wife, Mary ; daughter, 
 Phebe; other children not named. 
 
 1811. Will of Josiah Coffin, gentleman. Wife, Elizabeth ; 
 children, James, Josiah, Judith Brock, and granddaughter, 
 Judith Gardner. 
 
 1811. Division of estate of Gershom Drew among 
 Gershom, Ebenezer, Alexander, Charles, William, Polly 
 Coffin, wife of Job ; Sally Hussey, wife of Peter. 
 
 Eunice Whippey, widow of George, guardian of their 
 children, Mary and Ann. 
 
 1811. Will of Timothy Chadwick. Mother was Pris- 
 cilla. 
 
 1811. Administration estate of Paul Littlefield. 
 
 1811. Will of Patience Waldron. Children, Winslow, 
 Roland, Reuben, Deborah Cathcart; sister, Ann Coleman, 
 wife of Jeremiah ; grandchildren, who were children of 
 Winslow, Ann, Elizabeth, Charles, Reuben, Nathan; and 
 daughter of Roland, Eunice; kinsman of said Patience, 
 Lucinda Swain, wife of Palatiah; Nabby Russell, wife of 
 Elihu; Lydia Taber, wife of Francis; Nabby Russell, wife 
 of William, -who is my nephew. 
 
 1811. Will of Christopher Folger. Wife, Rachel; sister. 
 Peggy Gardner, had a daughter Rebecca. 
 
 1811. Will David Ray. Wife, Eunice. 
 
372 
 
 1811. Guardian of sons of Simeon Hussey and grandsons 
 of Obed Hussey, Peter Hussey and Benjamin Russell 
 Hussey. 
 
 1811. Will Marj^ Butler. Kinsman, Jonathan Jenkins, 
 and nieces, Bethia Worth, wife of Shubael, and Eunice 
 Macy, wife of Uriah. 
 
 1811. Will Peleg Easton. Wife, Eunice; children not 
 named, 
 
 1811. Administration estate of Grafton Baker. Admin- 
 istration estate of Israel Brayton. Administration estate of 
 John Hazelton Baley. 
 
 1811. Division of estate Thomas Delano. Widow, Eliza- 
 beth ; children, Henry, Thomas, Abishai, William, Elizabeth 
 Howland, wife of Humphrey ; Deborah Swift, wife of Foster, 
 and Sally Fitch, wife of Beriah. 
 
 1811. Administration estate George Fitch, $16,000. 
 
 1811. Will of James Stubbs. Wife, Rebecca ; children, 
 Benjamin, Charles, Rebecca McCleave, Peggy Raymond, 
 Betsey Ellis, Avis Arthur, Nancy Coffin, Mille Jenkins, Sally 
 Macy. 
 
 1812. Will of Silas Jones. Wife, Judith ; daughter Judith 
 and other children not named. 
 
 1812. Will Benjamin Cartwright. Wife, Abigail; 
 daughter Lois Bunker. His house was built by Wm. Coffin. 
 
 1812. Will of Richard Cary. Wife, Margaret; brother 
 Edward had sons, Charles Russell and William Stevens 
 Cory, and brother Samuel had sons Samuel and Nathaniel 
 Coffin Cory. 
 
 1810. Will Matthew Worth. Children Abigail, William, 
 Matthew, Hepsobah. Wife of Nathaniel Sherman. 
 
 1812. Will of John Gardner, sheriff. Wife, Jedidah; 
 children, Priscilla, John, Abigail, Fitch and Mary. 
 
 1812. Estate John Gardner passed to heirs of Peleg 
 Gardner. Hepsabeth Gardner, administratrix Hepsabeth 
 Colesworth, wife of Jonathan ; Lydia Comstock, Antipas, 
 Micajah and Amaziah Gardner, Keziah, wife of Josiah Shef- 
 field ; Sally Coffin, wife of Frederick ; Sophia Swain, wife of 
 David, Jr., Betsey Winslow. 
 
373 
 
 1812. Administration estate Timothy Horsefield, store- 
 keeper. 
 
 1812. Administration estate Thomas Harrex. 
 
 1812. Administration estate Charles Harrex. 
 
 1812. Administration estate Matthew Barnard. 
 
 1812. Guardian for Israel Horsefield. 
 
 1812. Will Judith Coffin. Children, Zaechariah, Matilda, 
 Merah Myrick; grandsons, Abraham and Matthew CotHn. 
 
 1812. Will of Sylvanus Coleman. Wife, Phebe ; children, 
 Frederick W., Benjamin F., Richard Lake, Sarah Coffin. 
 
 1812. Jonathan Folger. Children, Peregrine, Obed, 
 Hezekiah, Lydia Coleman, wife of Andrew; Mary Chase, 
 wife of Gilbert. 
 
 1812. Will Zephaniah Gardner. Wife, Thankful; broth- 
 ers and sisters, Thomas, Abraham, Alexander, deceased; 
 Eunice Pinkham, deceased; Anna Fitch, Priscilla Coffin. 
 
 1812. Administration of estate of Timothy Chadwiek. 
 
 1812. Administration of estate of Nathaniel Starbuek. 
 
 1812. Administration of estate of Joseph Wyer. 
 
 1812. Administration of estate of Robert Closby. 
 
 1812. Will of William Chadwiek. Wife, Mary ; children, 
 Obed, William, Mary Bunker; grandsons, Frederick Chad- 
 wiek, Nancy Chadwiek, and children of deceased son 
 Reuben. 
 
 1812. Abigail Swain, widow of Valentine, administratrix 
 of his estate. 
 
 1812. Administration estate Edward C. Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate Obed Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate Edward Cory. 
 
 1812. Will Abigail Macy, widow of Benjamin. Nephew, 
 Benjamin Brown. Brother, Joseph Brown, deceased, had 
 left children, Phebe Coleman, wife of Silvanus; Elizabeth 
 Macy, wife of Francis ; Priscilla Cartwright, wife of Joseph ; 
 Joseph had deceased. 
 
 1812. Elizabeth Folger, widow of Henry, administratrix 
 of his estate. 
 
 Elizabeth Mitchell, widow of Laban, administratrix of his 
 estate. 
 
374 
 
 Deborah Barker, widow of Francis, administratrix of his 
 estate. 
 
 1812. Will Ann Coleman. Sister, Abigail Allen, widow 
 of Benjamin ; niece, Elizabeth Randall, wife of Constant. 
 
 Estate of Edward Cory, valued at $66,000, and included 
 silver tankards, pew in North church, rope walk, ship 
 "Samuel" that cost $8800, and mansion valued at $6200. 
 
 1813. Administration estate Lydia Baxter. 
 
 1813. Will David Ray. Wife, Anna ; children not named 
 but were Anna, Peleg, Barzillai, Mary, Frederic, Sarah, 
 Lydia. 
 
 1813. Will Isaiah Coffin. Wife, Sarah; children, Moses, 
 Reuben, Jared, Benjamin, Eliza, Christopher F. and Frank- 
 lin. 
 
 1811. Guardian for Eunice Bunker, child of Peleg. 
 
 1811. Hepsabah Fosdick, widow Philip, administratrix 
 his estate, 
 
 1811. Pamelia Gardner, guardian of her children, 
 Timothy Myrick and Nathan Bunker Gardner. 
 
 1813. Will Peleg Coggeshall. Children, Peleg, Anna Ray ; 
 grandchildren, Lydia Ray, Rhoda Coggeshall. 
 
 1813. Betsy Cory, guardian of her children, Betsey and 
 James. 
 
 1813. Administration on estate of Ann Coleman, widow 
 of John. 
 
 1813. Lydia Hinckley, widow of John, administratrix of 
 estate of Daniel Macy. 
 
 1813. Judith Coffin, widow of Benjamin, administratrix 
 his estate. 
 
 1813. Susanna Barnard, widow of Obed, administratrix 
 his estate. 
 
 1813. Will of Silvanus Starbuck. Wife, Mary ; children, 
 David, Hepsabah Barnard, Mary Matilda, Uriah ; son Moses 
 had died, leaving Henry, Moses and Mary ; daughter Abigail 
 Barnard had died, leaving Obed; daughter Lydia Barnard 
 had died, leaving Elisha, Jr., Paul, Lydia; granddaughter, 
 Phebe Coffin. 
 
 1813, Administration estate Eunice Gardner. 
 
375 
 
 Administration estate John Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate Zaeehariah Coffin, 
 
 1813. Guardian for Mary and Moses Dame. 
 
 1813. Guardianship of Elizabeth Swain over William, 
 Charles G .and Peleg Swain, children of Grafton, and Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Peelg, Jr. 
 
 Estate of Zaeehariah Coffin passed to Avis Netsher and 
 Waterman Coffin. 
 
 1813. Guardian of David Giles, son of David. 
 
 1813. Will Obed Bunker. Wife, Phebe; children, Absa- 
 lom, Abigail, alias Nabby; Polly, Cromwell, Jesse, Caleb, 
 Asa, Valentine, Tamar. 
 
 1813. Will Timothy Swain. Wife, Eunice; children, 
 Hepsibah Chase, Nancy Swain, Gardner Swain. 
 
 1813. Solomon Macy, guardian of his children, George, 
 Edward, Lydia. 
 
 1814. Will George Folger. Wife, Rebecca; children, 
 Dinah, George, deceased; Barnabas, Clement, Alexander, 
 Rebecca Bunker. 
 
 1814. Will John Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth; child Eliza- 
 beth deceased, others not named. 
 
 1814. Estate Isaiah Coffin included one-fifth ship John 
 Jay, and one-tenth ship Lydia. 
 
 1814. Estate George Whippey passed to widow Eunice 
 and children Mary Ann and Sally. 
 
 1813. Estate Edward Cory distributed to wife Lydia and 
 children Edward, Samuel, James, Robert, Thomas, Charles, 
 Martin T. Morton and James Athearn. 
 
 1814. Will Jonathan Gorham Fitch. Wife, Eunice ; chil- 
 dren, Elizabeth, Jonathan G., Daniel, Beriah, Lydia Gorham, 
 deceased. 
 
 1814. Judith Coffin, widow of Silvanus, administratrix 
 his estate. 
 
 Administration estate Simeon Clark. 
 1814. Administration estate John Closby. 
 Administration estate Ruth Clark. 
 Administration estate Andrew Gardner. 
 
376 
 
 1814. Guardian Charles Worth, son of Obed and Janet. 
 
 1814. Guardian Charles Cary, son of Edward. 
 
 1814. Guardian William, Benjamin and Lydia Closby, 
 children of Abraham Closby. 
 
 1814. Guardian Reuben, Eliza and Christopher F. Coffin, 
 children of Isaiah Coffin, deceased, and wife Sarah. 
 
 1814. Administration estate Ljaiia Corey. 
 
 1814. Administration estate David Pinkham. 
 
 1814. Administration estate Robert Barney. 
 
 1814. Administration estate Eunice Easton. 
 
 1814. Will Richard Macy. Children, Zephaniah Coffin, 
 Phebe, Zaccheus, deceased; Job, Miriam Prince, wife of 
 George ; Priscilla Ray, wife of Paul, deceased. Estate, $10,- 
 000. 
 
 1814. Will Catherine Coffin gave all to her friend and 
 companion, Merebah Gardner. 
 
 Will Ebenezer Skinner. Wife, Mary. 
 
 1814. Will William Macy. Daughter, Sarah, Names of 
 other children not given. Estate, $15,000. He was a store- 
 keeper. Widow, Jedidah. 
 
 1814. Will Zaccheus Macy. Wife, Judith; children, 
 Sarah Hussey, Mary, Richard, Judith, Zaccheus, Lydia. 
 
 1814. Will of Isaac Chase. Wife, Eunice; children not 
 named. 
 
 1814. Will of James Gary. Wife, Betsey; brothers and 
 sisters, Edward, Samuel, Richard, Robert, Polly, Lydia, 
 Thomas, Charles. 
 
 Guardian of children of Peleg Easton, Lydia, Peters, 
 Elizabeth, Alice. 
 
 1814. Guardian of children of Paul Roy, Mary, Deborah, 
 Edward, Shubael, Albert, Sarah. 
 
 1814. Mary Hilborn, widow of Charles J., administratrix 
 of his estate. [He was fatally wounded in the battle on the 
 south side of Nantucket when on board the privateer Prince 
 do Neufchatel.] 
 
 1814. Will of Peter Rangue, of Charbury, France, one of 
 the crew of the privateer Prince of Neufchatel, gave his prize 
 
377 
 
 money to friend, John Green, of Nantucket, and the rest of 
 his estate to his son, Louis. 
 
 1814. Will Francis Swain. Wife, Lydia ; children, Mar- 
 garet Coffin, Jedidah Lawrence, Robert, Seth, Sally Coleman, 
 wife Charles; granddaughter, Mary Russell, daughter of 
 Barnabas. 
 
 1814. Lydia Baxter's estate descended to Jemima Bur- 
 nell, widow of Jonathan Samuel Burnell. 
 
 Susanna Elkins, wife of Ammiel. 
 
 Deborah Meoder, wife of Thomas. 
 
 Jonathan Burnell had died, leaving sons, Jonathan and 
 Barker. 
 
 1814. Estate Lydia Cory went to Lucinda Gardner, Ed- 
 ward, Samuel, James, Robert, Charles Thomas Cory, Martin 
 T. Morton and James Athearn. 
 
 1815. Administration estate Stephen Barnard. 
 Administration estate Reuben Hussey. 
 Administration estate Elizabeth Peckham. 
 Administration estate William M. Beard. 
 Administration estate Joseph Brown. 
 
 1815. Will of Francis Gardner. Wife, Lucretia ; children, 
 Hephzibah Fosdick, Anna Smith, Francis Gardner, Love 
 Whippey, Isaac, Uriah. 
 
 1815. Will Tristram Gardner. Wife, Avis; children, 
 Tristram, William, John. Avis, Sally. 
 
 1815. Will of Walter Brock. Wife, Judith; son-in-law, 
 Linzey Riddell. 
 
 1815. Abigail Pinkham, administratrix of her husband, 
 Uriah. 
 
 1815. Mary Hussey, widow of Peter, administratrix of 
 his estate. $14,000. 
 
 1815. Mary Fisher, widow of Freeman, administratrix of 
 his estate. He left minor children Hannah, Mary Ann, Eli- 
 zabeth H. 
 
 1815. Guardian of Alexander Brayton and Julia E. Bray- 
 ton, children of Israel, deceased. 
 
 1815. Will of William Folger. Children, William had 
 died, leaving daughter Maria, and William A. 
 
378 
 
 1815. Judith Bunker, Elizabeth Barker, Phebe Hussey, 
 Anna Coffin, Mayhew Folger, Sarah Hussey and Lydia Hus- 
 sey, wives of Tristram and Zaccheus Hussey. 
 
 1815. Will Ebenezer Drew. Wife, Hannah. 
 
 1815. Susanna Turner, widow of Baker, administratrix 
 his estate. 
 
 1815. Rebecca Swain, widow of Wyer, administratrix of 
 his estate. 
 
 1815. Will of Merah Myrick, widow. Sister, Matilda 
 Coffin, widow of Matthew. Brother, Zacchariah Coffin, had 
 died, leaving children, Avis and Waterman. 
 
 Estate Abigail Macy divided between heirs of Joseph 
 Brown, Phebe Coleman, widow, and wives of Francis Macy 
 and Joseph Cartwright. 
 
 1815. Guardian of children of Josiah Barnard, William 
 Henry, Emeline, James. 
 
 1815. Guardian of children of William and Susanna Fol- 
 ger, Maria, William, Andrew. 
 
 1815. Will of Christopher Starbuek. Wife, Mary ; chil- 
 dren, Miriam, Judith Macy, Tristram, Nathaniel. 
 
 1815. Will Joseph Macy. Mother, Abiel; brother, 
 George; sister, hydia. 
 
 1815. Guardian of children of Benjamin Swift, Alexan- 
 der S., Ann, Eliza Ann. 
 
 1815. Will of Henry Foy. Wife, Ruth. 
 
 1815. Will of Laban Coffin. Wife, Jemima. 
 
 1815. In estate of Wyer Swain were three shares of 
 Academy and 2i/2 pews in the new Meeting House. 
 
 Will of Phebe Gardner, maiden. Cousins, Judith Jones. 
 Hepsabah Gardner, Elizabeth Coffin, Christian Gardner, 
 Henry Bunker, son of Barnabas ; and Lydia Bunker, wife of 
 Barnabas. 
 
 1815. Will of John Folger. Wife, Lydia; son, Obed; 
 grandson, Uriah Coffin, son of Abilen. A daughter married 
 Josiah Calder, and had Josiah, Samuel, Love, Sally. 
 
 In estate of Israel Brayton was seven-sixteenths of brig 
 Eliza Ames. 
 
379 
 
 1815. Second will of Phebe Gardner. Legatees, Josiah 
 Hussey, Sally Jones, widow of Barzillai; Elizabeth Folger, 
 wife of Walter ; Matthew Jones, Henry Bureker, Charles W. 
 Cartwrigbt, Ruth Paddock, Anna Coleman, Susan Hussey, 
 wife of Daniel; Judith Jones, Elizabeth Dow, wife of Reu- 
 ben ; Sarah Bureker, wife of Samuel ; Elizabeth Chase, wife 
 of Obed ; Avis Gardner, Sally Gardner and Sally Fosdick. 
 
 Estate of Peleg and Eunice Easton went to Peter, George, 
 David, Mary, Eunice, Anna, Lydia, Elizabeth and Alice. 
 
 1816. Will of William Starbuck. Wife, Mary; children, 
 Kimball, Elisha, Clarinda Boardman, Keziah Jenkins ; grand- 
 daughter, Eliazbeth Mayo. 
 
 1816. Nuncupative will of Thankful Gardner. 
 
 Estate of William M. Beard included one-eighth of ship 
 Weymouth, $1600. 
 
 1816. Will Anna Ray, widow of David. Same children 
 as mentioned in relation to his estate. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Abraham Closby. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Deborah Hussey, 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Prince Gardner, $16,000. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Benjamin Coffin. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of George G. Hussey. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Deborah Folger. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Daniel Wliitney. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Deborah Myrick. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Hezekiah Coffin. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Timothy Coffin. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of James Dyer. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Reuben Chadwick. 
 
 1816. Estate Obed Hussey passed to Abiel Pinkham, 
 Thaddeus Hussey, heirs Simeon Hussey. 
 
 1816. Guardian of Silas Grew. 
 
 1816. Guardian of children of William Hosier, deceased, 
 and wife, Elizabeth, Mary, Giles, Lucretia, Eliza, Judith. 
 
 1816. Deborah Gardner, widow of Isaac, administratrix 
 of his estate. He left a minor child, Phebe. 
 
 1816. Guardian of Reuben Hussey, son of Reuben and 
 Phebe. 
 
380 
 
 1816. Will of Simeon Coffin. Children, Simeon, Sally 
 Briggs, Deborah Willis [wife probably of Eliakim] had chil- 
 dren, Mary ONeal, Betsey Pinkham and George Pinkham. 
 
 1816. Will Edward Brayton. Left all to friend, Paul 
 Coffin. 
 
 1816. Will Jonathan Morris. Wife, Mary ; children, Wil- 
 liam, Jonathan, Sally West. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Lydia Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of John Hodges. 
 
 1816. Administration estate of Lydia Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of Benjamin Coffin. 
 
 Will John Jenkins. Wife, Sarah ; children, Sarah Hussey. 
 wife of Charles F. Silvanus ; Elizabeth Leggett, wife of Jo- 
 seph; Mary Seaman, wife of Willett; Avis, Nancy, Thomas 
 W. 
 
 Estate of Ebenezer Raymond passed to widow, Elizabeth, 
 and children, George, Eunice and Elizabeth Way. 
 
 Will Ann Coleman. Sister, Miriam Rand, had a daughter, 
 Lydia. 
 
 Rose Macy, widow of Jonathan, administratrix of his es- 
 tate. 
 
 Desire Nichols, widow of William, administratrix his es- 
 tate. 
 
 1816. Will of Abigail Hussey. Seth had died, leaving 
 children, Abraham and Sarah. 
 
 Elizabeth Coffin had died, leaving children, Katherine 
 Clark, Sally Jones, Silvanus Coffin. 
 
 Katherine Coleman had died, leaving Laban, William and 
 Charles, Ruth Swain, Anna Barney, Willione. 
 
 Administration estate of Seth Folger. 
 
 Administration estate of Jonathan Swain. 
 
 Guardian of Joseph Wyer and William Wyer, sons of Wil- 
 liam, deceased, and Peggy. 
 
 Guardian of children of Thomas Allen Haskell, late of 
 Middleboro ; Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Allen. 
 
 Guardian of Robert Swain, son of Obed. 
 
 1817. Elizabeth Folger, widow of Seth, guardian of their 
 children, Frederic W. and Louisa. 
 
381 
 
 Will John Llarena. 
 
 Administration estate of Abiel Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate of Silvanus Coleman. 
 
 Administration estate of Francis Boggs. 
 
 Guardian of Abraham Hussey. 
 
 Guardian of Robert Cory, spendthrift. 
 
 Will of Jethro Mitchell. Housekeeper, Mary Clisby ; sons, 
 Obed, Aaron, Jethro ; granddaughter, Lydia Gardner, daugh- 
 ter of Paul. 
 
 Administration estate of Oliver C. Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate of William Riddell to Eliza, his 
 widow. 
 
 Will of Obed Marshal]. Children, Margaret, had child 
 Mary; Susanna Bunker, Obed, Elihu. Thomas had died, 
 leaving Sally Easton, Susanna, Lydia, Thomas. 
 
 1817. Rachel Austin, widow of Joseph, administratrix 
 his estate. 
 
 Obed Marshall, administrator estate of Susanna Marshall. 
 
 Will Peter Easton. physician. Sister, Content Warren; 
 children, Isaac Senter Easton, Alexander Coffin Easton, 
 George Walter Easton, Josiah Barker Easton, Mary Ann 
 Easton. 
 
 Will John Pinkham. Wife, Mary ; daughter, Susanna 
 Coffin ; granddaughter, Lucy Drew. 
 
 Administration on estate of Joseph Folger. 
 
 Administration on estate of Moses Bunker. 
 
 Guardian of Peter Easton, insane. 
 
 Will of James Gwinn. Wife, Polly. 
 
 1818. Guardian of George W. Chase, son of Nathan, de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Drusilla and William Stubbs. 
 
 Administration estate of Samuel Stubbs. 
 
 Lydia Burdick. administratrix estate Henry Burdick. 
 
 Will of Francis Macy. Wife, Elizabeth ; children, Han- 
 nah M. Gardner, wife of Abner; Samuel, Francis, Thomas, 
 John, 
 
 Administration estate Stephen Hussey. 
 
382 
 
 Will Sylvanus Crosby. Wife, Hiildah; children, Ilulda 
 Whippey, wife of Benjamin; Molly Wyer, wife of Owen; 
 Matthew, Betsey Clisby, Avidow. 
 
 Will of George Newhegin. Wife, Charlotte ; children, 
 Sally Jones, Hepsibah, Eliza. 
 
 Will Josiah Barker, in order to prevent the taking of an 
 inventory gave all to his wife, Elizabeth. He left children 
 Josiah, Eliza, Sarah, Mary Ann, Martha E. 
 
 Will Charles Folger. Wife, Lydia; children, Charles, 
 Frederick, Hiram, John William, Lydia Bunker, widow of 
 Thaddeiis ; Peleg, Charlotte Coffin, wife of Edward ; Alfred. 
 Lucretia. Mark, Edward. 
 
 Will of Desire Nichols. Children, Mary Fisher, Sally G. 
 Morris, Betsey Cowel, Charles, William. Joseph, deceased, 
 had sons, Henry, Jared. 
 
 Will Stephen Coleman. Wife, Susanna. 
 
 Will Obed Chase. Wife, Elizabeth. 
 
 Will of Timothy Swain. Wife, Dinah; children, Mary 
 Moores, Elizabeth Swift, Eliakim, Hepsabeth Coffin; grand- 
 children, Phebe Swain, Hepsabeth Chase, Mary Colder^ 
 Gardner Swain. 
 
 Will Nathaniel Barnard. Children, Hezekiah; daughters- 
 in-law, Mary and Elizabeth Barnard; grandchildren, Ann 
 Macy, Samuel B., Susan, Edward H. and Martha Swain. 
 
 1819. Will Richard Mitchell. Children, Paul, Christo- 
 pher, Benjamin, David, Elizabeth Emmet and Laban, de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Will of Elizabeth Hosier. Children, Giles, Eliza, Lucre- 
 tia, Judith. 
 
 Will George Russell. Children, Eunice Mitchell, George; 
 granddaugliter, Elizabeth West. 
 
 Will William Ramsdel. Wife, Ruth; daughter, Eizabeth 
 Starbuck, wife of Levi; grandchildren, Charles Ramsdell 
 Starbuck, Susan S. Folger, Obed Starbuck, Henry William 
 Ramsdell, and Phebe Ramsdell. 
 
 Will Anna Ray. Sisters, Mary and Sarah. 
 
 Judith Clark, widow of Uriah, administratrix of his es- 
 tate. 
 
383 
 
 Will of Nathaniel Chadwick. Wife, Margaret; children. 
 Mary Worth, Eunice Harps, Lydia Paddock, Ann Chadwick, 
 Hepsobah Hilborn, ]\Iargaret Hussey, Rebecca Beebe, wife of 
 John. 
 
 Will of John Sherman. Wife, Margaret; and daughter 
 Deborah. 
 
 Will Simeon Russell. Wife, Priscilla; sister, Jedidah; 
 brother, John ; nephew, George. 
 
 Will of Robert Swain. Wife, Lucy; father, Francis; sister, 
 Jedidah Lawrence. 
 
 1820. Will Ebenezer Fitch. Wife, Abigail; children, 
 Coffin, Joseph, deceased ; Betsey Pease, John, Peggy, Fosdick, 
 Nancy. 
 
 1819. Will Thaddeus Coffin. Wife, Jennima. 
 
 Will Judith Maey. Children, Sylvanus, Obed,- Caleb, Ruth 
 Chase, guardian ; daughter, Judith Coffin ; widow of Sjdvanus. 
 
 Will of Robert Gardner. Wife, Elizabeth ; children, 
 Miriam Fitch, wife of Obed oRbert, Hepsobeth Roy, wife of 
 Reuben. 
 
 Administration estate of Elizabeth Hillman. 
 
 1820. Will of Joseph Kelley. Wife, Sarah; mother, 
 Abigail: sisters, Susan Covel, and Nabby Kelley. 
 
 Will James Whippey. Wife, Martha; Ann Coffin, widow 
 of Thaddeus, administratrix of his estate. 
 
 1821. Will Bartlett Jenkins. Wife, Mary; brother-in- 
 law, William Jenkins. 
 
 1821. Will of Sally Barrett, daughter, Sally Maey, wife 
 of Peleg, guardian; daughter, Rebecca Gardner, widow of 
 Hezekiah ; daughters, Margaret, Judith Tuck, Eunice Hewes, 
 deceased ; Sally Jones, widow of Barzillai ; Mary Meiggs, 
 guardian of children Caleb and Amelia. 
 
 Will Uriah Bunker. Wife, Margaret: children, Ann 
 Swain, wife of Abishai; Andrew, Priscilla DrcAV, deceased; 
 Thomas and Obed. 
 
 1819. Administration estate of Nathan Ulford. Wife, 
 Leah, dr. Richard Hamilton of Barnstable. 
 
 1820. Will Benjamin Swain. Wife, Phebe; children not 
 named; grandson, George Swain. 
 
384 
 
 1820. Inventory of estate of Obed Mitchell, $112,000. 
 
 1821. Will of Jedediah Fitch. Wife, Lydia. 
 Will of Isaiah Folger. Wife, Rachel. 
 
 1820. Will of Miriam Folger. Brother, Silas Folger; sis- 
 ters, Mary, Keziah and Dinah, deceased; cousins, Jonathan 
 Swain and Elizabeth Black. 
 
 1820. Will of Simeon Coleman. Children, Simeon. 
 Charles H., John, Eunice. 
 
 Will of Stephen Arthur. Neither wife nor children named. 
 Will Elisha Barnard. Children, Paul, Elisha, Lydia. 
 
 1821. Will Mary Waterman. Daughters-in-law, Sarah 
 Waterman and Sarah Jenkins ; other legatees, Sylvanus and 
 Nancy Jenkins and TIepsibah King. 
 
 1821. Will Hezekiah Bunker. Wife, Lydia; son, William ; 
 grandchildren, William B., Thomas F., and Charles Mitchell 
 and Lydia B. Gardner. 
 
 1820. Will of James Coffin. Wife, Janet; children, Pris- 
 cilla, Albert, Elizabeth Long, Abel Coffin, Susanna Coffin. 
 
 1822. Shubael Russell and wife Betsey agreed to live 
 apart. 
 
 1823. Will of Edmund Fanning. Wife, Nabby ; children, 
 Berkley and Edmund Frederick Augustus, who has already 
 been provided for by the late General Edmund Fanning. 
 
 1822. Will of William Giles Hosier. Sisters, Eliza, Judith 
 and Lucretia Coffin. 
 
 1822. Will of Judith Gardner. Sisters, Margaret Jenkins, 
 Lydia Swain; Jedidah Lawrence had died leaving James. 
 Mary and Francis; son-in-law, Thomas Pitman; brothers, 
 James Barker, Francis Barker who had died leaving Sarah; 
 sister-in-law Deborah Barker, who had a son, Jared. 
 
 1822. Will of Francis Joy. Wife, Elizabeth; children, 
 Phebe Easton, wife of Thaddeus, deceased; Hepsobeth Gard- 
 ner, wife of Gideon ; Mary Folger, wife of Mayhew ; Sarah 
 Folger, wife of Timothy; Judith Gardner, deceased; grand- 
 children, Eliza Ann Gardner, Hepsobeth Mitchell, wife of 
 Samuel, and Francis Joy. 
 
 1822. Will of Obadiah Folger. Wife, Ruth; son-in-law, 
 Peleg Easton ; granddaughter, Eliza Ann Easton. 
 
385 
 
 Will of Shubael Coffin. Wife, Priscilla; children, Peggy 
 Pinkham Coffin, Mary Bunker Coffin and Lydia Gardner 
 Coffin. . .-, 
 
 1820. Will Keziah Fanning. Children, William, Hetty 
 Wells Wood, Caroline Matilda Wood; Thomas, Edmund, 
 Robert Barclay; John Coffin had died leaving Adeline; 
 Phineas Wing Fanning. 
 
 1821. Will of Margaret Cory. Widow of Richard ; sisters, 
 Betsey Chase. Polly had died leaving Mary Harris, Ann 
 Austin, Charlotte Chase and Betsey Chase. 
 
 Will of Elizabeth Bunker. Daughter, Hepsabeth Crocker ; 
 grandchildren, Eliza and Nathaniel Bunker. 
 
 1821. Will of Abel Coffin. Wife, Anna. 
 
 1822. Will Barnabas Coleman. Wife, Sally; children, 
 Lucretia, Merab Brayton, Alexander, Frederic Brown, John, 
 Roland, Peggy, Sandford. 
 
 1820. Will Samuel Crosby. Wife, Sarah; children, not 
 named. 
 
 1822. Will of Shubael Barnard. Wife, Ruth; children, 
 Susanna Bewker, Mary Swain, wife of Valentine; James, 
 Shubael Thomas had died leaving Lotty, George, Susanna, 
 Matthew, Thomas; Lydia Hussey, wife of Valentine, who had 
 a son Henry Barnard; grandchildren, Ruben Starbuck, 
 George Russell; Susanna Williams had died, leaving Eliza- 
 beth West. 
 
 1821. Will of Nancy Cottle, daughter of David and 
 Rebecca; brother, Obed. 
 
 Will Susanna Barnard, daughter of Bochiler Hussey; 
 children, Delia M., Charles H., George F., Alexander C. 
 
 1823. Will of Ruth Gardner, daughter of John ; children, 
 Silvanus, Ebenezer; John had died leaving Love; Judith, 
 Elizabeth Collins, Ruth. 
 
 1821. Will Jonathan Chase. Wife, Mary; children, Ben- 
 jamin, Reuben, Phebe Swain. 
 
 1823. Administration estates of Samuel Swain, Rufus 
 Coffin, Alexander G. Myrick, Valentine Swain, Elijah Nicholr 
 son and James Norton. 
 
386 
 
 1820. Will of Stephen Arthur. Wife, Sarah; children, 
 Andrew E., Eliza, Mary; grandchildren, William Hoeg and 
 William Arthur. 
 
 1823. Will of Peter F. Coffin. Wife, Peggy; children, 
 Charlotte, Henry, Jannett, Lydia. 
 
 Will of Benjamin Baker. Wife, Elizabeth. 
 
 Will of Rebecca Folger. Son, William; sisters and broth- 
 ers, Elizabeth Worth, wife of Richard; Lydia Mary, wife of 
 Samuel; Phebe Coleman, wife of Samuel; Walter Chase, 
 whose wife was Anna ; Aaron Chase, whose wife was Mary ; 
 and Gideon Chase, whose wife was Eunice. 
 
 1823. Will of Lot Cottle. Wife, Ruth; children, David. 
 Barzillai Laban, Henry, Shubael, Mary Joy, and three who 
 have died, Elizabeth Clark, Owen, John. 
 
 1823. Will Andrew AVorth. Sisters, Lydia and Sally. 
 Will of Paul Coggeshall. Wife, Margaret ; children, Robert, 
 
 Joseph C, granddaughter, Nancy Coggeshall. 
 
 1824. Will of Edmund Gale. Wife, Christina; children, 
 Samuel Stubbs; Sarah, James. 
 
 1823. Will of Lydia Jenkins, widow, 
 children, Merab Pinkham. Valentine, who died had children, 
 Snsan, Eunice and Judith. 
 
 1818. Administration granted on the estate of the fol- 
 lowing named deceased persons : Uriah Clark, to his widow, 
 Judith ; Christopher Coffin ; Daniel B. Hussey, to his widow. 
 Susan; William House, to his widow, Janet; Isaiah Folger, 
 to widow, Rachel ; David Joy, to Moses Joy ; John Gardner ; 
 Polly Forting; Hezekiah Coffin, to widow, Nancy; Rufus 
 Coffin, to Timothy G. Coffin; Alexander Macy; Roland Wal- 
 drow, to widow, Betsey ; William Nichols, gentleman, to Ed- 
 ward Covel ; Richard Hosier, to Lydia Hosier. 
 
 1819. Silvanus Russell, to widow, Abigail ; Samuel Bailey ; 
 Hezekiah Bunker, 2d; Silvanus Macy; Windsor Turner; 
 Elizabeth Hillman ; Stephen Skinner, to Jonathan Perry and 
 Benjamin Lehommedieu; John Gardner, Jr., to Ebenezer 
 Fitch ; Joseph N. Davies ; Christopher Bunker ; Jesse Read : 
 Thomas Hussey; Nathan Ufford; John Pinkham; Caleb 
 Macy ; Gardner Ellis ; Isaiah Crocker ; Silvanus Gushing. 
 
387 
 
 1820. Francis Coffin; Ealph Kilburn; Elizabeth Coleman, 
 widow of Davis; Anthony Loper; Uriah Coffin; William 
 Chase, to Joseph Chase ; David Myriek, to widow, Peggy ; 
 Thaddeus Coffin, to widow, Ann. 
 
 1821. James Swain; Albert Folger, to widow, Susannah; 
 Peter Easton ; Henry James ; Hezekiah Gardner ; James 
 Whitens, to Ambrose Wliiteus; Obed Mitchell, to Samuel 
 Mitchell; estate, $112,000; Charles H. Coleman, to widow, 
 Mary; Joseph Mingo; Libni Gardner, to widow, Martha; 
 Robert Bunker ; Nathaniel Burrell ; Thomas Mitchell ; Charles 
 Davis; Francis Hussey; James Swain, 2d; Charles West, to 
 Paul West. 
 
 1822. Avis Swain ; James Norton ; Benjamin Swain ; Ben- 
 jamin Chase; Jethro Dunham; Samuel Crosby, to Marshall 
 Crosby; Silvanus Burrell; William Ellis; George Paddock; 
 Jacob Williams; Henry Albert; Jonathan Mitchell; Sarah 
 Gardner ; Sally Jones ; William Allen ; Alexander Coffin ; 
 Ichabod Aldridge, to David Elkins; Silas West, to Paul 
 West; Reuben Dow, to widow, Elizabeth; Stephen Fish, to 
 widow, Lydia; George Barrett, to widow, Sophia; William 
 P. Coffin; Elijah Luce; Roland Young; Thaddeus Joy, to 
 widow, Judith ; Henry Smith ; Joseph Painter ; Charles G. 
 Cathcart, to Jonathan Cathcart; Shubael BroAvn, to widow, 
 Avis ; Davis Cleavland ; Mary Aldridge ; Jeremiah Austin, to 
 Isaac Austin. 
 
 1823. John C. Bunker; Jonathan Upham; Stephen Hus- 
 sey ; John Emils ; Horatio Knapp ; Shubael Gardner ; Thomas 
 Starbusk, 2d; Francis Joy; Cromwell Coffin; Peter Easton, 
 physician, to Alexander E. Easton; Samuel G. Trafton, to 
 widow, Hannah G. 
 
 1824. John Pompey; Owen Coffin, to widow, Judith; 
 Caleb Allen; Elizabeth Coffin; Ensign Rogers, to Henry 
 Rogers; William Drew; Robert Dixon, to Phebe Dixon; John 
 Pinkham ; John Coffin ; Samuel Gelston ; Zephaniah Wood, to 
 widow, Martha; Christopher Bunker; James Dyer; Reuben 
 Chase, to widow, Judith; Charles Calder; Frederick W. 
 Griffith ; Gilbert Joy. 
 
388 
 
 1825. John Lumbert; Silas Butler; Edward LaFord; 
 Stephen Briggs, to Jonathan C. Briggs; Valentine Swain; 
 Benjamin Fosdick, Sr. ; Susan Starbuek, widow ; Obed Wyer, 
 to widow, Anna. 
 
 1819. John Hedge, to widow, Clarissa. 
 
 1825. William Jenkins Bunker; Anna Wyer; Rebecca 
 Bruff ; George Bruff. 
 
 1826. Mary Ray ; Eliphalet Paddock ; Theodore Saywood : 
 James Norton, widow Mary ; Timothy Horsfield ; Mary Star- 
 buck, to Kimball Starbuck ; John Jenkins, to Perez Jenkins ; 
 Alexander Coleman; Elizabeth Emmett; Jonathan Upham, 
 to David Upham ; John House ; John R. Caswell. 
 
 1827. Joseph Swain ; Charles Barnard Worth, to Susan 
 Worth. 
 
 1823. Phebe Worth ; Laban Swain. 
 
 1823. Allowance to Charlotte Myrick, widow of Reuben. 
 
 Guardians were appointed in the following cases : 
 
 1818. Benjamin Franklin Haskell and Thomas Allen 
 Haskell. 
 
 Children of Christopher Coffin, Sarah P., Edward W., 
 Nancy, Betsey, John B.. Lydia, Mercy G. 
 
 Grandchildren of Nathaniel Barnard, Samuel B., Susanna, 
 Edward H. and Martha Swain. 
 
 Child of William Nichols, Desire Nichols. 
 
 Absolom Forting, child of Absolom. 
 
 1819. Susanna. Samuel and Mary Skinner, children of 
 Stephen. 
 
 Elizabeth Emmett, widow, daughter of Richard Mithcell. 
 
 Caleb Macy, son of Caleb and Judith. 
 
 Mary S. and Lydia Coffin, children of Thaddeus, 2d. 
 
 1820. Elizabeth C, William M.. Ann C. Charles E., Susan 
 B. and Frederic A. Hussey, children of Peter. 
 
 Nancy Moores, daughter of William. 
 
 Emeline Coffin, daughter of Hon. Thaddeus. 
 
 Mary C. Gelston, granddaughter of Hon. Thaddeus. 
 
 Louisa Macy, daughter of Clarissa. 
 
 Sally F. Barrett, daughter of Deacon Nathaniel Barrett. 
 
 J 
 
389 
 
 1821. Caroline Louisa Livermore and Sarah Maria Bliss, 
 children of Joseph Bliss. 
 
 Phebe, Edward, Franklin F. Macy and Charles Joy, chil- 
 dren of Thaddeus. 
 
 Thomas S., James and Lydia Mitchell, children of Thomas. 
 
 James Cook Hussey. 
 
 Charles B. and Edward Pitts, children of William. 
 
 Francis B., Joseph, Frederick W., Charles A. and Hannah 
 M. Gardner, hcildren of Hezekiah B. 
 
 Mary Ann and William Whittelus, children of William 
 and grandchildren of James. 
 
 Alexander Cathcart. 
 
 1822. John P. Drew. 
 Obed Mitchell, son of Obed. 
 
 Mary and Moses Dame, children of Moses. 
 Mary, Anna and Lydia Macy, children of Jethro. 
 Charles A. Bradford, grandchild of Ebenezer Hinckley, 
 late of Barnstable. 
 
 1823. William Folger, son of Alexander. 
 
 1824. John Allen. 
 
 Susan, William and Charlotte Harps, Charles and Mary 
 Kilburn, grandchildren of Nathaniel Chadwick. 
 William Horsfield. 
 John Clark, son of Israel. 
 James Archer, son of William. 
 Timothy Jones. 
 
 1825. Reuben Maxey. 
 
 1826. George Swain, son of George. 
 
 1827. Susan Rebecca Worth, daughter of Charles B. 
 Worth. 
 
 1826. James Freeman and Isaac Young Swain. 
 
 Abstracts of wills : 
 
 1823. Abigail Paddock, who had a sister, Anna Folger, 
 and niece, Eliza Myrick, child of Peter Coffm. 
 
 Paul Hussey. Wife, Judith; children, Alexander G.. 
 Nancy, William S. and Charles, the last of Avhom had died, 
 leaving children, William, Alexander, Lydia, Eliza, Eunice 
 and Mary Ann. 
 
390 
 
 1825. Francis Brown. Children, Sally Ilalsey, Mary 
 Coffin, Ruth Baker; grandchildren, Asa Coffin and George 
 Franklin Halsey. 
 
 Tristram Swain. Wife, Rachel. 
 
 Stephen Chase. Wife, Peggy or Margaret, and children 
 not named. 
 
 Reuben Starbuck. Wife, Deborah ; father-in-law, William 
 Hussey ; children, Lydia Eaton, wife of Frederick ; Sally, Ed- 
 ward H., Elizabeth and George C. Starbuck. 
 
 Phebe Macy. Brother, Zephaniah Coffin Macy; sister, 
 Priscilla Ray, who had daughter, Deborah. 
 
 1823. Paul Coggeshall. Wife, Margaret; children, Rob- 
 ert and Joseph C. 
 
 1823. Matthew Ross, colored. 
 
 1813. Abigail Worth. Brother, Matthew Worth ; sister, 
 Hepsibah Sherman; niece, Sophia Folger Sherman; nephew, 
 Alexander Worth Sherman. 
 
 1813. Ebenezer Swain. Wife, Lydia; children, Ebenezer 
 and Phebe ; grandchildren, Stephen and Mary West. 
 
 1791. William Butler. Wife, Mary. 
 
 1825. John Thomas. Wife, Hannah ; daughter, Eliza. 
 
 Daniel Coleman. Wife, Elizabeth; children, George, Su- 
 sannah, wife of Joseph Barney ; Mary Barney, who had chil- 
 dren, Charles and Mary. 
 
 Margaret Coggeshall. Son, Robert; daughter, Polly 
 Swain, wife of Samuel; had died leaving Eliza Baxter, 
 Hannah, Margaret, Mary, Sarah, Anne, Susanna, Caroline, 
 Mahala. 
 
 Elizabeth Folger. Sister-in-law, Ruth Folger; nephew, 
 Benjamin Franklin Folger ; and nieces, Phebe Easton, Phebe 
 Doane, Elizabeth Joy, PoUy Barney, Mary Folger, wife of 
 Mayhew; Judith Joy and Phebe Fosdick. 
 
 1826. Ebenezer Rand. Wife, Hannah; children, Hannah 
 Folger, Fanny Beauehamp, Susan Russell, Ebenezer, Nathan- 
 iel, Polly Fisher, Charles and Nancy Rand. 
 
 Robert Inott. Wife, Judith ; daughter, Eliza Macy. 
 
 John Swain. Children, Reuben, Elizabeth Russell, Del)o- 
 
391 
 
 rah Coffin, wife of William B. ; Ann Chase. Three had died, 
 leaving heirs, Thomas, Moses and John Howland Swain, 
 wife, Mary. 
 
 Elizabeth Coffin. Father, Peleg Gardner; children, Gor- 
 ham, Elizabeth Chase; grandchildren, Roland and Betsey 
 Cofan. 
 
 David Ewer. Wife, Mary; children, Phebe Case, Eliza 
 Ann, Prince W. and Abraham P. 
 
 Abishai Swain, 2d. Wife, Anna; son, Ammiel. 
 
 Walter Folger. Children, Walter, Gideon, Aaron, Lydia 
 Macy, Elizabeth Worth, Phebe Coleman ; grandson, William. 
 
 1827. Timothy Gardner. Childi-en, Timothy; Andrew 
 had died, leaving heirs; Abijah; grandheildren, William and 
 Eliza Gardner. 
 
 1823. Barzillai Luee. Wife, Charlotte. 
 
 1821. Estate of Christopher Bunker, distributed to Chris- 
 topher, Merah Gardner, Persis Worth, wife of Henry ; Eunice 
 Bunker, widow of Jesse, and as guardian of her children, 
 Eliza Gruney and Alexander Bunker. 
 
 1822. Division of estate of William Perkins between 
 widow, Betsey, and heirs, Polly Chadwick, wife of Anthony ; 
 Love Dawson, wife of William; Amy Raymond, wife of 
 Charles ; William Perkins. 
 
 Distribution of estate of Francis Macy, to Sarah H., Fran- 
 cis G., Hannah M. Gardner, wife of Oliver C; Thomas ]\I. 
 and John B. Macy. 
 
 1825. Division of estate of Francis Joy, $32,000, 
 to widow, Elizabeth; children, Hepzibah Gardner, wife of 
 Gideon ; Phebe Eastern, wife of William ; Hepzibah Mitchell, 
 wife of Samuel ; Judith Gardner, wife of Albert ; Mary Fol- 
 ger, wife of Mayhew ; Thaddeus Joy, Sarah Folger, Francis. 
 
 • The last three and Judith had died leaving heirs. 
 
 In division of estate of Benjamin Fosdick, the children of 
 Peter F. Fosdic were heirs, namely: Charlotte G. Coffin, 
 Henry F .Coffin, Janet G. and Lydia F. Coffin. 
 
 1826. Estate of Abishai Hayden passed to widow, Merab ; 
 heirs, Laban and Mark Russell ; Samuel and Rebecca Moores ; 
 William and Lucretia Cobb. 
 
892 
 
 Heirs of Robert Folger were Priseilla Briggs, Hepzibah 
 Coffin ; Judith Inott, Mary Coffin, wife of Absolom. 
 1822. Polly Russell was widow of James. 
 
 1825. Anna Folger was widow of Robert. 
 
 1826. Benjamin Mitchell had moved from the state, and 
 upon the petition of Peter F. Ewer he was removed from 
 office of executor of will of Peter Folger. 
 
 1827. Will Jethro Pinkham. Wife, Susan; children, An- 
 drew, Seth, Mary Perry, Ruth, Love, Folger, Deborah 
 Eldredge. 
 
 Will Libni Gardner. Wife, Elizabeth; brother, Zeuos, a 
 relative James Delano. 
 
 Administration estate Charles Gardner. 
 
 Frederic Arthur, guardian of Andrew E., Eliza, Mercy, 
 children of Stephen Arthur. 
 
 Guardian of Caroline Jane, Charles C. and Charles Hussy, 
 children of Charles Gardner, 2d. 
 
 Will of Rebecca Gardner, widow of George. Children, 
 Grafton, George, Rebecca Brock, Abigail Drew; Barzillai 
 had died, leaving Joseph L., Malen M. and Lurany M. 
 
 Will Rebecca B. Gardner, widow of Hezekiah B. Grand- 
 father, Samuel Barrett ; children, Hannah, Maria, Francis B., 
 Joseph B., Frederic W., Charles A. 
 
 Administration estate of Thomas Nickerson. 
 
 Administration estate of Franklin Chase. 
 
 Administration estate of John Narbath. 
 
 Administration estate of Joseph W. Plaskett, to widow 
 Persis. 
 
 Guardian children of Joseph Bliss. Caroline Louisa Liv- 
 ermore Bliss and Sarah Maria Bliss. 
 
 Guardian of Tristram Ellis. 
 
 Guardian of Lucretia, Elizabeth and Mary J. Paddock, 
 children of George and Lydia Paddock. 
 
 Will of Sarah Folger. Children, Sarah, Silvanus, Fred- 
 eric W., Mary Ann, Edward J., Charles A., Lydia, Robert 
 Mayhew, Eliza, Phebe ; brothers-in-law, Gideon Gardner and 
 William Easton. 
 
393 
 
 Guardian of Elnathan Gibbs, son of Elnathan and Judith. 
 
 Will of Rachel Paddock. Sisters, Dinah Bunker and 
 Merah Ray; daughter-in-law, Lydia Paddock; children, 
 Mary Header, Eunice Starbuck, Mary and Henry. 
 
 Administration estate John P. Morris. 
 
 Administration estate Ruth Gardner. 
 
 "Will Tristram Pinkham. Children, Lydia, Susan Turner, 
 Hezekiah, Judith Swain, Betsey Morris, John. 
 
 Will Southward Jenkins. Wife, Anna B. ; children, Sally, 
 Maria; brothers, Joseph, Lemuel; sisters, Abigail Stewart, 
 Mercy Hinckley, 
 
 Will Nathaniel Barrett. Wife, Margaret; daughter, 
 Anna Coffin. 
 
 Will Naomi Chase. Son-in-law, Alexander Swain ; grand- 
 children, Obed Chase and Elizabeth Gardner; children, 
 Lydia Hussey, Naomi, Miriam Coffin, Judith Swain, Francis, 
 Paul, Eunice Swain, Phebe Mitchell had died leaving heirs. 
 
 Administration estate Paul Bunker. 
 
 Administration estate Jonathan Pitts. 
 
 Administration estate Samuel S. Riddell to widow Judith. 
 
 Administration estate John Jenkins. 
 
 1828. Administration estate Simeon Russell to George 
 Russell, David Starbuck, 2nd. 
 
 Will Priscilla Russell. No relatives mentioned. 
 
 Will Enoch Gardner. Wife, Jemima. 
 
 Will Jeremiah Lawrence. Wife, Eunice; children, 
 Charles, William, Eliza. 
 
 Will Obed Cash. Wife, Judith. 
 
 Will Susan Alley. Children, Susan, Reuben and Edward. 
 
 Guardians appointed for William Coffin, son of Gorham; 
 Jonathan W. Colesworthy; Aimer and Lydia Turner, chil- 
 dren of Baker Turner; James F., Frederic C. and Priscilla 
 M. Chase, children of Franklin ; Edward Alley, son of Susan ; 
 Reuben Maxey, son of Reuben; Joseph, Mary, Benjamin, 
 David, Elizabeth and James Mitchell, children of George; 
 James Archer, son of William. 
 
 Administration estate Joseph Macy to widow, Susan H. 
 
394 
 
 Will Joseph Florus. Brother, Silvester. 
 
 Will of Prince Baker. Wife, Mary ; children, Eliza, Deb- 
 orah, David, Judith, Henry, Charles; brother, James. 
 
 Will Elijah Pease, apothecary. Wife, Mary; children, 
 Mary, Anna Smith, Deborah Gorham, Abraham, Matthew 
 and Prince ; the last two had died. 
 
 Administration on estate of Zenas Coffin to his sons, 
 Henry and Charles G. Coffin, and sons-in-law Thomas Macy, 
 Matthew Crosby and Henry Swift. The total estate was 
 $434,000, the largest left by any person residing on the 
 island. In the distribution each branch received a whole 
 ship. The widow Abial received ship Zenos Coffin; Charles 
 G. received ship Constitution; Henry received ship Lydia; 
 Eunice Macy, wife of Thomas, received ship Phenix; Mat- 
 thew Crosby, guardian, received ship Washington; Henry 
 Swift, guardian, received ship Independence. Allowances 
 to Persis Piaskett, widow of Joseph W. ; Abigail Swain, 
 widow of Laban ; Nancy Chase, widow of Franklin. 
 
 Administration estate of David Elkins to widow, Emeline. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles Alley. 
 
 Administration estate of John R. Mitchell. 
 
 Administration estate of Arden White to Joseph White, 
 of Worcester. 
 
 Guardian of Sarah J. Allen, child of Caleb. 
 
 Guardian of William Whippey, child of Zebulon. 
 
 Guardian of Mary C. and Sarah B. Swift, children of 
 Henry. 
 
 Guardian of William H., Mary, Ann and Lydia C. Crosby, 
 children of Matthew. 
 
 Will of David Hussey. Wife, Lydia; children, Phebe 
 Dickson, Susan Coleman, Lydia H. Eldred ; Francis had died, 
 leaving James C. and Mary W. ; David had died, leaving 
 Frederic W., Charles H., Susan and David G. 
 
 Will Margaret Chadwick. Son Reuben had died, leaving 
 daughter, Ann; grandchildren, Emeline Kilburn, Susan and 
 Charlotte Harps, Mary Hussey. Others mentioned : Rebecca 
 Chase, wife of George B. ; Mary Worth, daughter of David ; 
 Susan, Emeline, Sarah and Lydia Paddock. 
 
395 
 
 Will Anna Hussey, daughter of William Hussey. Brothers 
 and sisters, William, Paul, Katharine Coleman, Ruth Swain, 
 Elizabeth Coffin. Seth had died, leaving Abraham and 
 Sally. 
 
 Guardian of James C. and Mary Hussey, children of 
 Francis and Peggy. 
 
 Guardian of Rebecca Worth, daughter of Charles Barnard 
 Worth. 
 
 Guardian of Daniel Webb Jenkins, son of John. 
 
 1829. Guardian of Charles G., Peter and Roland B. Chase, 
 children of Peter G. 
 
 Guardian of James H. and Mary B. Calder, children of 
 Samuel. 
 
 Guardian of Albert C. Bunker, son of Paul. 
 
 Will of Anna Fitch, widow of Peter. Sons, Obed and 
 George. 
 
 Administration estate Samuel Calder, to widow, Desire. 
 
 Administration estate Philip D. DeCosta. 
 
 Administration estate Jonathan Barney. 
 
 Administration estate Alexander Perry, to widow, Valina. 
 
 Administration estate William Rice, to widow, Valnea. 
 
 Administration estate Charles Drew. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas Clock. 
 
 Administration estate Peter Jenkins. 
 
 Guardian of Mary C. Worth, daughter of David, and 
 granddaughter, Nathaniel Chadwick. 
 
 Guardian of George F. Barney, son of Jonathan, Jr. 
 
 Guardian of Emeline, Sarah and Lydia Paddock, children 
 of Seth, and grandchildren of Nathaniel Chadwick. 
 
 Guardian of Susan and Charlotte Harps, children of John. 
 
 Guardian of Alexander, Susan F. and Margaret G. Perry, 
 children of Alexander. 
 
 Guardian of Robert F. Gurney, son of Ephraim. 
 
 Guardian of David Baker, son of Prince. 
 
 Guardian of William Keen Gookins, son of Alexander and 
 Phebe S. 
 
 Will of John W. Mallard. Brother, William. 
 
 Will of Joseph Fernandez. 
 
396 
 
 Will of Zebulon Coleman. Wife, Eliza. 
 
 Will Joseph Earl. Wife, Susannah; children, Nathaniel, 
 Joseph, Hannah Read, Mary Carr, Sally Brock, Lydia Pease. 
 
 Will Roland Gelston. Wife, Susan; daughter, Mary G. 
 Coffin ; grandchildren, Sarah, Ann C. and Mary C. Gelston. 
 
 Will of Barzillai Hussey, son of Benjamin and Phebe. 
 Wife, Eunice. 
 
 Will Susanna Pinkham. Children, Andrew, Mary, Percy, 
 Ruth, Deborah Eldredge; grandchild, Susan P. Eldredge. 
 
 Administration estate Joseph Winslow to Betsey and Sam- 
 uel H. Winslow. 
 
 Administration estate Eunice Chase, widow Charles. 
 
 Administration estate Zebulon Whippey. 
 
 Guardian of Oliver Apply, son of John, 
 
 Guardian of Frederic and Rebecca Pinkham, children of 
 John. 
 
 Guardian of Mary C. Gelston, daughter of Samuel. 
 
 Guardian of Susan C. Harps. 
 
 1830. Administration estate Clark Jackson. 
 
 Administration estate William Dunham. 
 
 Administration estate Zebulon Coleman. 
 
 Administration estate Nicholas Easton. 
 
 Administration estate Thaddeus Hussey. 
 
 Administration Nahum Gurney to widow, Eliza Ann. 
 
 Administration estate Andrew F. Swain to widow, Anna B. 
 
 Administration estate Henry Pinkham to widow, Avis. 
 
 Guardian of Lydia S., Elizabeth, Sarah and Charles H. 
 Alley, children of Charles. 
 
 Guardian of Marj- F. Hussey, daughter of Thaddeus. 
 
 Guardian of Charlotte Harps. 
 
 Will Seth Coffin. Children, Deborah, Hannah Swain, 
 Lydia Bartlett, Eliakim, Seth, Benjamin F. 
 
 Will Henry Coleman. ' 
 
 Will John Thurston. Wife, Ruth ; cousin, Job Thomas. 
 
 Allowance to Betsey Winslow, widow of Joseph. 
 
 Will Nathaniel Ray. Wife, Merib ; children, Thomas B.. 
 Marv B., William B. 
 
397 
 
 Will Archelaus Hammond. Wife, Priscilla; sisters, Ruth 
 S. Hammond, Lydia Twiug. 
 
 Will Prince Coleman, daughter of Priscilla. 
 
 Guardian of Eliza G. Clapp, daughter of Henry Reuben 
 Clock, son of William, Jr. 
 
 Administration estate Zaccheus Crocker, to widow, Lucy. 
 
 Administration estate William Clark, Jr. 
 
 Albert Mitchell to Thomas A. Green. 
 
 Estate Zebulon Coleman distributed to Deborah Creasy, 
 Emeline Creasy, wife of Reuben ; Charlotte Keen, wife of 
 William ; Nancy Creasy, wife of George ; Susan Austin, wife 
 of George ; Robert Coleman. 
 
 Heirs of Nathaniel Chadwick, Rebecca Chase, and children 
 of Seth Paddock, Peggy Hussey, Hepsa Kilburn, Eunice 
 Harps and Nancy Worth. 
 
 1831. Will Thomas Starbuck. Children, Simeon, Levi, Jo- 
 seph, Benjamin, Rachel Swain, Dinah Ceeby, Elizabeth Hus- 
 sey; daughters-in-law, Ann, wife of Reuben, deceased; 
 Mary, wife of Kimball ; grandchildren, William, Elizabeth 
 and Mary Ceeby, Henry. John, Lydia, Eunice, Susanna and 
 Rachel Starbusk, Mary Gardner, wife of George. 
 
 Guardian of Lucy J. and George W. Macy, children of 
 John W. 
 
 Guardian of Andrew and Mary Ann Montgomery, chil- 
 dren of James. 
 
 Guardian of George and Charlotte Gardner, children of 
 John. 
 
 Guardian of Micajah Swain, son of Lewis. 
 
 Will of Lettice Summons, colored. 
 
 Will of John W. Macy, all estate to Deborah C. and 
 William C. Swain. 
 
 Will Ann Pinkham, widow. Sons, Alexander, William 
 Henry Bunker; grandson, David Bunker. 
 
 Will of Ruth Pinkham. Brothers and sisters, Nancy 
 Perry, Seth, David, Deborah Eldredge. Mentions Amos 
 Eldredge. 
 
 Administration estate Isaac W. Whitman. 
 
 Administration estate Alexander P. Morris. 
 
398 
 
 Administration estate Matthew Pinkham. 
 
 Administration estate Deborah Folger. 
 
 Administration estate Obed Clark. 
 
 Administration estate Gardner Coleman to widow Sally C. 
 
 Administration estate John Gurrell. 
 
 Administration estate Elias Leonard. 
 
 Administration estate Jesse Whiat. 
 
 Administration estate Daniel Brown. 
 
 Administration estate William Brown. 
 
 "Will of Samuel Robbins, wife Lucy. 
 
 "Will of John Gordon, son George. 
 
 Will of Jonathan Coffin. Wife, Abigail; children, Anna 
 Swain, Mary, David and Sally. 
 
 Will Gersham Cathcart. Children, Jonathan, Robert, 
 Zimri, Ariel, Hepsobeth Coffin, wife of William, Susan San- 
 ford ; Anna Barnard wife of Obed ; William had died leaving 
 heirs. 
 
 Guardian John F. Gurrell, son of John. 
 
 1832. Guardian Job Macy. 
 
 Guardian Isaac and Philip Macy, sons of Thomas. 
 
 Will of Charles Robbins. Wife, Abba G. 
 
 1832. Administration estate William Morse to widow 
 Rosanna. 
 
 Will Jedidah Macy. Son-in-law. James Macy; nephew, 
 Jared Gardner; brother, Jacob Barker; sisters, Mary B. 
 Allen and Deborah Barker. 
 
 Will of Mary Perry. Brothers and sisters, Seth Perry, 
 Love Folger, Deborah Eldredge. 
 
 Will Je^rey Summers. 
 
 Will of Perez Jenkins. Wife, Sally; children, Perez, Ed- 
 ward, Simeon, Lydia. 
 
 Will Gideon Gardner. Wife, Hephzebah: children, 
 William Henry, Phebe Fish, George Logan. Hezekiah B. 
 Gardner and Sarah G. Macy had both died leaving heirs. 
 Estate $35,000. 
 
 Will of John Enos, son of John. 
 
 Will Gideon Worth. Widow not named. Children, Solon, 
 Amelia, aDvid, Joseph F., Charles A., Velina. 
 
399 
 
 Guardian Walter Mitchell, son of John R. 
 Guardian Sarah, Catherine, Samuel, Elizabeth Austin, 
 children of Joseph. 
 
 1832. Administration estate of Ira M. W. West. 
 Administration estate of Benjamin F. Coffin. 
 Administration estate of John G. Coffin. 
 Administration estate of Thomas Header. 
 Administration estate of James Thompson. 
 Administration estate of Thomas Clasby. 
 Administration estate of Tristram Gardner. 
 Administration estate of James Barker. 
 Administration estate of Manuel Enos. 
 Administration estate of Frederick W. Ramsdell. 
 Administration estate of John Pravader. 
 Administration estate of William Langton to widow, Mary. 
 Administration estate of Robert Hussey. 
 Administration estate of Silvanus Gardner. 
 Administration estate of Abishai Paddock. 
 Administration estate of Elihu Marshall. 
 Administration estate of Stephen Innis to widow, Eliza- 
 beth. 
 
 Administration estate of John R. Mitchell, $50,000. 
 
 Administration estate of Thomas S. Worth. 
 
 Guardian Hannah Maria Gardner, daughter Hezekiah B. 
 
 Guardian Charles E., Delia, Benjamin, Ann, children of 
 Charles Starbuck. 
 
 Guardian James Nichols, son of Charles. 
 
 Guardian Barzillai, Reuben C. and Alma C. Hussey, chil- 
 dren of Benjamin. 
 
 Will of Robert Coleman. Wife, Deborah. 
 
 Will of Job Coffin. Wife, Sarah ; children, Lydia Riddell. 
 wife of Franklin ; Charles, Alexander, George D. 
 
 Will of John B. Orpin. Wife, Susanna; grandsons, John 
 B., Edward G.. Elizabeth, Lydia. 
 
 1833. Will Thomas Cory. Wife, Eliza; father, Joshua 
 Coffin. 
 
 Will of Peleg Mitchell. Wife, Lydia ; sons, Peleg, William ; 
 other children not named. 
 
400 
 
 Will Mary Worth, wife of Paul. Brother, William Bar- 
 ney; niece, Mary Swain. 
 
 Will Silvamis Macy. Wife, Anna ; brother, Obed ; chil- 
 dren, Eunice Folger, wife of Gideon; John, Rachel Hussey, 
 wnfe of Roland ; Barzillai, Lydia, wife of Frederick C. Macy ; 
 Paul, who had children Franklin, Mary Ann, Charlotte, 
 Roland, Martha, Jared, Caroline. 
 
 Will Tristram Folger. Wife, Mary; children, Deborah 
 Coggeshall, Phebe Done, Lucretia Macy, Lydia Jenkins. 
 
 Guardian of Jane F. and Ann M. Russell, children of 
 Charles. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles A. Worth. 
 
 Administration estate of Samuel Sanford. 
 
 Administration estate of Christopher Burdick. 
 
 Administration estate of David Chadwick. 
 
 Administration estate of George Adlington. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles F. Barton. 
 
 Administration estate of Samuel Brown. 
 
 Administration estate of Benjamin Glover to widow, 
 Peggy. 
 
 Administration estate of William C. Briggs to widow. 
 Mary C. 
 
 Administration estate of Nicholas Coffin Codd to Margaret 
 Codd. 
 
 Administration estate of Levi Calendar. 
 
 1834. Administration estate of Joseph M. Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate of Aaron Snow to widow, Nancy. 
 
 Administration estate of Isaac Young Swain. 
 
 Administration estate of Alexander Whippey. 
 
 Administration estate of William S. Hackett. 
 
 Administration estate of George Burton. 
 
 Administration estate of Silvanus P. Cotton to widow, 
 Lydia. 
 
 1833. Guardian of Judith, Henry and Charles Barker, 
 children of Prince and Mary. 
 
 Guardian of Sarah F. Hussey, daughter of Alexander. 
 
 Will of Joseph Veader. All to Manuel Enos. 
 
401 
 
 1834. Will Joseph Davis. Wife, Thankful ; two children 
 not named. 
 
 1833. Will Joseph Chase. Wife, Rebecca; children, 
 George H., Joseph, Charles F., William F., Edward, Peggy- 
 Coffin, Charlotte. 
 
 1834. Will Solomon Coffin. Children, Abigail Allen, -wife 
 of Joseph : Eunice Gardner, wife of Jared ; Prince, William 
 Henry. Solomon died, leaving Eliza. George died, leaving 
 John Comstock Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate of Henry Paddock. 
 
 Administration estate of Alexander S. Hussey to Polly C. 
 
 Administration estate of Eben Weld Tallant. 
 
 Administration estate of Abner Tjummus. 
 
 Administration estate of William Quirck. 
 
 Administration estate of Zebediah Fisher to widow, 
 Hannah. 
 
 Administration estate of John Smith, (colored). 
 
 Administration estate of Jonathan Jenkins. 
 
 Administration estate Charles J. Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate of Tristram Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of Anna Conant. 
 
 Guardian of Elizabeth Barnard Ray, daughter of Alex- 
 ander. 
 
 Will Samuel C. Harris. Wife. Patience; children, Samuel 
 and Frederic. 
 
 Will Lydia L. Cornell. Mother, Abigail Cornell, and 
 sisters in Providence. 
 
 Will Joshua Coffin. Estate $25,000. Daughter, Betsey 
 Corey, wife of Thomas; uncle, Enoch Gardner. Brother, 
 Gardner Coffin, had died leaving son, William Gardner 
 Coffin, daughter, Peggy. Grandchildren, Charlotte G. 
 Swain, Henry F. Coffin, Janet G. Morton, Lydia F. Coffin. 
 Contested and a compromise. 
 
 Will Caleb Macy. Brothers, Silvanus and Obed; sister, 
 Ruth Chase. 
 
 Will Charlotte Tyler, widow. 
 
 Will Rebecca Brock. Sister, Hannah Gardner. 
 
 1835. Administration estate Charles Hall. 
 
402 
 
 Administration estate Judith Jones, widow. 
 
 Administration estate George Pierce. 
 
 Administration estate Eben Drew. 
 
 Administration estate Charles H. Coleman. 
 
 Administration estate Anna Spooner. 
 
 Administration estate Owen S. Cottle. 
 
 Administration estate Lydia Worth to Sally Worth. 
 
 Administration estate James Gibson to widow, Bethia. 
 
 Administration estate Philip Tyler. 
 
 Administration estate Constant Randall to widow, Eliza- 
 beth. 
 
 Administration estate George W. Osgood. 
 
 Administration estate William Slade. 
 
 Administration estate John Lewis. 
 
 Guardian of George W. Pierce, son of George and Phebe. 
 
 Guardian of Ellen Munroe Weeks, daughter of Susan 
 Twede Costen. 
 
 Will Seth Clark. Wife, Nancy; child. Job C, grand- 
 children. Anna Clark and James L. 
 
 Will of Susan F. Pell, widow. Children, Susan Rebecca 
 and Edward Rowland Pell. 
 
 Will Lydia Worth. Brother, Henry; sister Sally's chil- 
 dren, Sally and Nancy. 
 
 Will Mary Barney. Children, Edward G., Abby J. Chase, 
 Judith B. Burnell, George F. 
 
 Will William Coffin. Children, Betsey had died leaving 
 William C, Edward F.. Lucy C. Starbuck, Fanny H. Cross, 
 Winifred Starbuck, Lucy Swain, Rebecca Clapp ; Harriet 
 Pierce, Martha W. Jenks, wife of Samuel H. ; Nancy Tallant, 
 William. 
 
 Will Ammiel Joy. Wife, Sarah. 
 
 Will Abigail Wilson. Son Elihu had daughter Lydia; 
 grandchildren, Hannah Coffin, Valentine Coffin, John Wil- 
 son, who had a son John; Susan Folger; children of Fred- 
 eric Swain. 
 
 Will Jonathan Moores. Wife, Hannah; children, Susan 
 Gardner, Hannah Gardner, wife of Henry; granddaughter, 
 Betsey M. Coffin. 
 
403 
 
 Administration estate of Thomas Hussey to widow, 
 Phebe. 
 
 Administration estate of Dinah Dillingham. 
 
 Administration estate of Priam Brock to widow, Ann. 
 
 Guardian of Charles S. Hussey, son of Thomas and Phebe. 
 
 Guardian of Elizabeth B. Chadwick, daughter of John and 
 Lydia. 
 
 Administration estate of Daniel McDaniel. 
 
 Administration estate of Stephen Coleman. 
 
 Administration estate of Obed Morselander. 
 
 Administration estate Love Delano. 
 
 Will John Francis gives all to Manuel Enos. 
 
 Will George Gardner. Wife, Deborah, daughter of Dinah 
 Spooner. 
 
 Will Priscilla Coffin, daughter of Mary Bunker and wife 
 of Shubael Coffin. Children, Lydia G. Swain, Mary B. Macy. 
 Her husband had left daughter, Peggy Pinkham. 
 
 Will of Joseph Enos, brother of Manuel. 
 
 Will of Solomon Smith. Wife, Anna ; children, Moses, 
 Merebah Barnard, wife of George; Charles, Peter, Obed, 
 Hiram and Isaac. 
 
 Will of James Ramsdell. Sons and daughters, John, 
 Reuben, Alexander, Judith, Joseph, George, Frederick, 
 Jedediah. 
 
 Will Sally Worth. Brother, Henry; sister, Janet; 
 nephews, James F., Charles, Alexander C, Edward S., Obed, 
 Francis M. Worth. 
 
 Will James Gwinn. Wife, Susan. 
 
 Will George Antonio, a Portuguese. 
 
 Heirs of David Chadwick were David, John, Benjamin, 
 and Elizabeth Pinkham. 
 
 Administration estate of Paul Gardner to widow, Lydia. 
 
 Administration estate of Zacchariah Macy. 
 
 Administration estate of Obed Alley to widow, Susan. 
 
 Administration estate of Benjamin Baker. 
 
 Allowance to Lydia Burdick, widow of Christopher. 
 
 1836. Will Daniel Barney. Wife, Lydia ; children, Sarah 
 
404 
 
 Hazard, wife of James; Charles, Thomas, Mary, Hilburn, 
 wife of Thomas ; George C, L^^dia Smith, wife of William P. 
 
 Will of Abishai Bunker. Wife, Merab ; nephew, William 
 A. Bunker of Hudson; kinsfolk, IMoses. Priscilla and Miriam 
 Coleman. • Residue to Nantucket Meeting. 
 
 (ruardian of Thomas Mitchell, son of George. 
 
 Administration estate William Bartlett to Emeline P. 
 Bartlett. 
 
 Administration estate Gideon Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate George Mitchell. 
 
 Administration estate George Watson Summons, negro. 
 
 Administration estate Silvanus Ewer to Peter F. Ewer, 
 $120,000. 
 
 Administration estate Margaret Chase. 
 
 Administration estate Lydia Worth. 
 
 Administration estate Prince Coffin, 2nd. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas Brock to widow, Sarah. 
 
 Administration estate Charles E. Phillips to widow, Sarah. 
 
 Administration estate William H. Barnard to widow, 
 Josiah Barnard. 
 
 Administration estate William Swain. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas Hilburn. 
 
 Guardian George H. Chase of his children, Joseph B. and 
 Rowland C. 
 
 Guardian of Mary C. and Lydia C. Rawson, children of 
 Ruel. 
 
 Will Uriah Folger. Estate $73,000. Wife, Anna; chil- 
 dren, Anna Swain, wife of Samuel B. ; Sally Mitchell, wife of 
 Joseph ; Susan, Peter, Frederic, Judith Bunker, wife of 
 Charles. 
 
 Guardian of Robert B. Hussey. son of Robert. 
 
 Guardian of Charles C, Barzillai and Henry Clay Ray, 
 sons of Peleg and grandsons of Stephen Chase. 
 
 Guardian of James H. Coffin, son of Prince. 
 
 Guardian of Priscilla C. and Louisa J. Hilburn, children 
 of Thomas. 
 
 Heirs of Hezekiah Bunker: Lydia B. Mitchell, William 
 
405 
 
 Bunker, Sarah G. Huntington, Elizabeth E. Coffin, Eliza C. 
 Bunker, Mary R. Folger, Susan M. Ilussey, William B. 
 Mitchell, Thomas F. Mitchell, Charles B. Mitchell, Charles 
 C. Morris. 
 
 Guardian of Jeremiah Watson. 
 
 Guardian of Ann Calder, daughter of Charles. 
 
 Guardian of William Rice Worth, son of Charles. 
 
 Guardian of Emeline E., Ann C. and Leonora B. Bartlett, 
 children of William. 
 
 Administration estate Alexander H. Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate Reuben Russell to Phebe Russell. 
 
 Administration estate John M. Russell to Susan P. 
 Russell, and he left heirs Albert P. and Eliza B. 
 
 Administration estate William H. Cathcart to Avis R. 
 Cathcart. 
 
 Administration Lydia Gardner, widow Paul. 
 
 Administration estate Sylvester Stout. 
 
 Administration estate John Waterman to Alice Waterman. 
 
 Will George Custis (Portuguese). 
 
 Will Benjamin Chadwick. Brother, David; sister Eliza- 
 beth Pinkham; Brother John had three children, Louisa 
 Mitchell, Charles B. and Elizabeth Chadwick. 
 
 Will Benjamin Raymond. Wife, Abigail; children, 
 Stephen, Frederic, Peter, Obed, Sophia Brown. 
 
 Will Ann Coffin, widow Thaddeus. Children, Nancy 
 Folger, Elizabeth Defriez, who had died ; Charlotte Myriek, 
 Emeline P. Bartlett; grandchildren, Mary Coffin Gelston. 
 Adeline Fanning. 
 
 1836. Administration estate of Antonio Caton to Sally 
 Caton. 
 
 1837. Administration estate of John Wiederholt to Isaac 
 Wiederholt. 
 
 1837. Administration estate of Latham Bunker. 
 
 1837. Administration estate of William Matthias. 
 
 1836. Will Benjamin Whippey. Wife, Eunice. Only 
 child named was Sally. 
 
 1836. Heirs of Thomas Mitchell were James, Lydia G. 
 and Thomas S. Mitchell. 
 
406 
 
 1837. Will Joseph Weeks. Wife, Mary. Only child 
 named was Hephzebah. 
 
 Will Benjamin Whippey. Wife, Huldah, who had a sister, 
 Betsey Clisby. 
 
 Will Nicholas Header. Wife, Rachel ; children, Mary 
 Waldo Colesworthy, wife of John ; Anna Hussey, wife of 
 Henry; Nathan, Samuel, Reuben, John. George had died, 
 leaving George, Phebe, wife of Ward Prindal; Sarah, Har- 
 riet, Eliza L., Adeline. Thomas had died, leaving Edward, 
 Nancy, Charlotte, Thomas, Samuel, Jonathan, Andrew, 
 Caroline, Alexander. The widow Rachel had a sister, Betsey 
 Allen. 
 
 Guardian of Susan and Frederick Folger, childreL of 
 Uriah. 
 
 Guardian of John W. Bennett (colored). 
 
 Guardian of David Worth, son of Solon. 
 
 Administration estate of Barzillai Stetson. 
 
 Administration estate of James H. Barnard. 
 
 Administration estate of Elisha T. Davis. 
 
 Administration estate of Sarah Pinkham. 
 
 Administration estate of Alexander Russell. 
 
 Administration estate of Joseph Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate of Seth Coleman. 
 
 Will Ruth Thurston. Brothers and sisters, Joseph Cart- 
 wright, who had a son Joseph ; Love Barnard, Lydia Mitchell, 
 Phebe Starbuck; nephews, James H. Barnard, Frederick 
 Starbuck and George Mitchell. Each of the last two Ijad a 
 son James. 
 
 Will David Allen. Hepsabeth Allen, "with whom I now live 
 and call my wife." Children, David, Shubael, Tristram, 
 Susanna Worth, Eliza Starbuck, Phebe B. Chase; grand- 
 daughter, Ann Maria Allen. 
 
 Will Thomas Smith. Daughter, Phebe Andrews; daugh- 
 ter-in-law, Clarincla Swain. 
 
 Will of John Cartwright. Wife, Mary; children, Ann, 
 Mary Emer, Eliza Coffin, George B., Charles W., Sarah 
 Hussey, Eliza Coffin; grandchildren, Mary A. Clark, Sarah 
 
407 
 
 Gelston, Ann C. Gelston, George A. Emer, Mary Hussey, 
 Lydia B. Hussey, Elizabeth Hussey, 
 
 Administration estate Jonathan Moores. 
 
 Administration estate Isaac Richardson. 
 
 Administration estate Zopher Hayden. 
 
 Administration estate Charles Hayden. 
 
 Administration estate David Coleman. 
 
 Administration estate Latham Paddock and Alexander C. 
 Paddock. 
 
 Guardian of Henry W. Coleman. 
 
 Guardian of Benjamin J., Keziah and Mary Abby Coffin, 
 children of John G. 
 
 Will of Thomas V. McCleave. Wife, Hope ; children, Sally 
 Cathcart, Benjamin had died, leaving Thomas, Benjamin, 
 George, William and Josiah ; Lucretia Taber had died, leav- 
 ing George Swain, William Taber, Charles, Benjamin, Ed- 
 ward and Emeline C. Taber ; Polly Coffin had died, leaving 
 Benjamin, Nancy, John C. and James B. 
 
 Will of Obed Holmes. Wife, Eliza B. 
 
 Estate of Thaddeus Coffin went to Henry, Thaddeus, 
 William and George Defriez, children Henry I. ; Charlotte 
 Myrick, Emeline P. Bartlett, Nancy Folger, wife of Philip S. ; 
 Thaddeus Coffin and Mary C. Whittemore. 
 
 Will Phebe Pinkham. All to Betsy Cory. 
 
 Guardian of Albert F. and Eliza B. Russell, children of 
 John M. 
 
 1838. Administration estate George Pinkham to Betsey 
 Cory. 
 
 Administration estate George G. Mitchell, $40,000. 
 
 Administration estate Barnabas Swain to widow. Avis. 
 
 Administration estate Abraham Hanson. 
 
 Administration estate Peter Barrett. 
 
 Administration estate William H. Wilson. 
 
 Administration estate William S. Ellis to Reuben Ellis. 
 
 Guardian William B. Ray, son of Nathaniel. 
 
 Guardian Maria, William C, Caroline, Henry P. Tallent, 
 children of Eben W. Tallent. 
 
408 
 
 Guardian George G., Charles E. and Alfred, Frederic H., 
 Mary H., Elizabeth C. Mitchell, children of George G. 
 Mitchell. 
 
 Will Reuben G. Worth. Wife, Mary. 
 
 Will of George W. Gardner. Wife, Sarah ; children, Polly 
 C. Hussey, George W. Gardner, Phebe Macy, wife of Silas; 
 William H. Gardner. 
 
 Will Samuel Macy. Wife, Mary. Only child named 
 Abraham. 
 
 Administration estate Elizabeth Coffin to Barna Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate Joseph R. Fisher. 
 
 Administration estate William B. Folger. 
 
 Will of Elizabeth Closby, widow of Lot. Sons, George 
 and Alexander; granddaughter. Avis Macy. 
 
 Will Eben Sowle. Wife, Susan P. 
 
 Will Naomi Bigelow. Sisters, Winifred Cory, Elizabeth 
 Folger; grandfather, Reuben Gardner. 
 
 Allowance to Deborah S. Folger, widow of William B. 
 
 Will of William Coffin. Wife, Elizabeth ; children not 
 named. 
 
 Will Priscilla Hammond. Niece, Peggy Fosdick, wife of 
 Reuben. 
 
 Will of Job C. Clark. Wife, Lydia. Three children, only 
 one named, Henry. 
 
 Guardian of Elizabeth Jane Clark, child of Obed. 
 
 Guardian of Ann Barney, child of Jacob. 
 
 Administration estate Archelaus Hammond. 
 
 Administration estate Miriam Jameson. 
 
 Administration estate Timothy R. Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate Phebe Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate Patrick Welch. 
 
 Administration estate Barnabas Seymour. 
 
 Administration estate William H. Gardner, $52,000. 
 
 Administration estate Francis Worth. 
 
 Administration estate Edward F. Pinkham to widow, 
 Eunice. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas Barney to widow, Sarah. 
 
409 
 
 Guardian of Sarah F. Hussey, child of Alexander G. 
 
 Will of Peleg Macy. Wife, Sarah; children, Eunice 
 Brewer, Peleg, Sarah Easton, John W., Gorham, Edward, 
 Rebecca Knowles, Mary Watson, Seth, Charles, Josiah. 
 
 Will Latham Paddock. Wife, Sarah ; children, Alexander 
 C, Albert, Mary Hussey, wife of Samuel B. 
 
 Will David Coffin, 2nd. Wife, Meriab. 
 
 Will Mary Ewer. Children, Eliza Ann, Morselander, 
 Abraham, Prince W. Ewer; grandchildren, David E., Eliza 
 W., George W., Harriet G., Mary E. Case, Eliza Ann and 
 Mary Morselander. 
 
 1839. Guardian of Edward Boden, son of Edward and 
 Abigail. 
 
 Administration estate James Fitzgerald. 
 
 Administration estate William P. Harris to widow, Lydia 
 E. 
 
 Administration estate Ira Brown. 
 
 Administration estate Sally Montcalm. 
 
 Administration estate Zaecheus Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate Abner Coffin to widow, Esther. 
 
 Administration estate Samuel Christian to widow, Lu- 
 cretia. 
 
 Administration estate Charles G. Andrews to widow, 
 Eunice. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas Hiller. 
 
 Administration estate John G. Closby. 
 
 Administration estate George W. Ewer to widow, Martha 
 D. 
 
 Will Alexander Closby. Brother, George; aunt, Ruth 
 Palmer; nieces, Avis and Emeline Macy, children of Wil- 
 liam G. 
 
 Guardian of Emeline, Benjamin and Edward Taber, sons 
 of John. 
 
 Will of Grafton Gardner. Wife, Abigail; children, John 
 M., Edward, Charles, Lurany Coffin, Rebecca Folger, Wini- 
 fred Bunker, wife of Thomas ; Mary Folger, wife of Robert ; 
 Ann Standest [Standish?]. 
 
410 
 
 Will Elizabeth Gardner. Sister, Lydia Worth; nieces, 
 Lydia Fish and Mary Mitchell; kinsman, James Delano. 
 
 Will Mary Cartwright. Children, Sally Hussey, Eliza 
 Coffin, Ann, Mary Ewer, Charles W., George B. ; grand- 
 children, Margaret F. Ewer, Ann Eliza Coffin, Ferdinand 
 C. Ewer. 
 
 Guardian of William Henry Ewer. 
 
 Guardian of Hepzibah Weeks, son of Joseph. 
 
 Guardian of William R. Worth, son of Charles A. 
 
 Will Daniel Coffin. Wife, Huldah ; children, Mary, Barna- 
 bas, Eunice Hoeg, wife of Frederick; grandchildren, Lydia 
 and James A. Hoeg, Adeline S. and Cromwell C. Coffin. 
 "And I do enjoin it upon my children and grandchildren to 
 live in peace." 
 
 Will of Matthew Barney. Wife not named. Son-in-law, 
 Francis F. Hussey; children, Lydia and Abigail. 
 
 Will of Ann Chandler, widow Jacob. Children, Stock- 
 bridge and Samuel, Bathsheba Baldwin, widow of Elijah. 
 Other legatees, Ruth A. Medbury, Sally S. Salisbury, Abby 
 Justin, Benjamin Chandler. 
 
 Will Shubael Moores. Legatees were Phebe Coffin, widow 
 of Clement ; Shubael M. Winslow, Phebe Winslow, wife of 
 Benjamin, had sons Benjamin, Shubael M., Charles F. ; 
 Elizabeth Coleman, wife of Benjamin. 
 
 Will of James Swain. Wife, Rebecca ; children, Thomas, 
 Samuel. James had died, leaving Charlotte, Andrew O., 
 Susan, Edward. Rebecca B., James. 
 
 Will Mary Weeks. Children, Barzillai R., Charles, Jona- 
 than R., Lydia Brown, Mary Sayer, Hephsibah. 
 
 1840. Guardianship Josiah Gardner. 
 
 Guardianship Lydia G. Mitchell, daughter of Thomas. 
 
 Guardianship Tristram, Lydia M. and Elizabeth Allen, 
 children of David. 
 
 Guardianship Charles F., Gorham G. and David B. 
 Andrews, sons of Charles G. and Eunice. 
 
 Guardianship Benjamin B. and Francis B. Smith, sons of 
 Francis B. 
 
 Administration estate of Gideon Gardner. 
 
411 
 
 Administration estate of Charles C. Morris. 
 
 Administration estate of David Allen to widow, Mary. 
 
 Administration estate of John W. Robinson to widow, 
 Celia W. 
 
 Administration estate of Reuben R. Pinkham to widow, 
 Lydia G. 
 
 Administration estate of Jacob Elisha. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles M. Folger. 
 
 Administration estate Libni Barnard to William F. 
 Barnard. 
 
 Administration estate of Nathaniel Nason. 
 
 Administration estate Charles Abrahams to Elizabeth 
 Abrahams. 
 
 Administration estate of Jara B. Wood to Caroline M. 
 Wood. 
 
 Administration estate of Caleb Cushman. 
 
 Administration estate of Loring Averill, wife Betsey. 
 
 Administration estate of Seth S. Gibbs to widow, Keziah. 
 
 Administration estate of Judith Macy. 
 
 Administration estate of Hiram Smith, wife Hannah E. 
 
 Administration estate of Henry Riddell to widow, Peggy. 
 
 Will George Russell. Wife, Elizabeth; children not 
 named. 
 
 Will of Barzillai Swain. Wife, Eunice. 
 
 Will Gideon Snow. Children, Lucinda A. Pease, William 
 F., Seth G., George F., Henry, Pardon F., Angeline. 
 
 Will Gilbert Swain. Wife, Sarah H. ; children, Samuel B., 
 Edward H., Martha, Thomas, Sarah, Lydia, Francis, George 
 H., Albert. 
 
 Will George Washington Gardner, colored. 
 
 Will Elizabeth Williams, widow. Daughter, Rosamond P. 
 Seabury, wife of John; granddaughter, Theodtia Ann 
 Degrass. 
 
 Will Barzillai Morselander. Wife, Eliza Ann. 
 
 Will Alexander Pollard. Wife, Eliza; father, George; 
 mother, Tamar. 
 
 Will John B. Davis. Wife, Mary. 
 
412 
 
 Will William Watson. Wife, Mary; mother, Elizabeth 
 Ennis; children, Elizabeth M., Sarah, James, William, Mary 
 Jane, Rebecca. 
 
 Will Tristram M. Coffin. Wife, Mary F. 
 
 Will George Jay. Legatee, Sally F. Jay, wife of Captain 
 Robert M. Jay. 
 
 Will of Daniel Chadwick. Wife, Lydia; children not 
 named. 
 
 Will Samuel Burnell. Wife, Polly. 
 
 1841. Guardian Thomas 0. Simpson, son of George R. 
 
 Guardian Eunice Jane Cottle, child of Laban and Jane B. 
 
 Guardian Ann C. and James L. Clark, children of Job C, 
 deceased. 
 
 Guardian Frances C. Kelley, daughter of George. 
 
 Guardian John M. Silvia, son of John. 
 
 Administration estate Theodate Swain. 
 
 Administration estate Henry W. Coleman. 
 
 Administration estate Frederick Swain to Frederick C. 
 Swain. ^ , f \ 
 
 Administration estate Charles G. Barney. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas James. 
 
 Administration estate Samuel Swain to Joseph C. Swain. 
 
 Administration estate Abigail Swain, widow of Nathan. 
 
 Administration estate Laban Cottle to Shubael Cottle. 
 
 Administration estate Mary Abrahams. 
 
 Administration estate Jabez Cushman to Cynthia Cush- 
 man. 
 
 Administration estate Gurdon Pitcher. 
 
 Administration estate Benjamin W. Russell. 
 
 Administration estate Amiel S. Russell. 
 
 Administration estate James 0. Osgood. 
 
 Administration estate Stephen Lawrence. 
 
 Administration estate George Kelley. 
 
 Administration estate Amaziah Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate David Swain to widow, Eliza M. 
 
 Administration estate John Middlehost. 
 
 Will Henry Barnard. Wife, Love. 
 
413 
 
 Will Joseph McCleave. Wii'e, Sally; children, Robert, 
 Joseph, Edward, Charles, William, Emeline. 
 
 Will Linzey Riddell. Wife, Peggy, 
 
 Will Abishai Paddock, Wife's sister, Juidth Swain; 
 children, Thomas, Seth, Laban, John, Hezekiah; Aaron had 
 died, leaving wife, Deborah, and children, Eliza Ann Hussey, 
 David, Mary and Eunice Paddock, 
 
 Will Abel Norcross. 
 
 Will Job Coleman. Wife, Susan; brother, Roland; sister, 
 Anna Swain, wife of Abraham, Other legatees, John W. 
 Coleman, Harriet E, Lawrence, wife of Joseph B. ; Oliver P. 
 Winslow and his children, Roland, Judith and Oliver. 
 
 Will of Jonathan Swain, Wife, Margaret; children, Mary 
 P,, Sarah B,, Polly Coffin, -wife of Reuben ; Charles B. 
 
 Will of Martin T. Morton, Wife, Mary ; children, Charles 
 C, Edward H., Mary Ann Starbuck, Lydia H, Allen, Andrew 
 T,, Charlotte F,, Emiy A, 
 
 1842, Administration estate David Swain to Christopher 
 Wyer. 
 
 Administration estate William M, Boston, 
 
 Administration estate Timothy G, Clapp to widow, Eliza 
 W. 
 
 Administration estate Joseph King. 
 
 Administration estate Frederick H. Quoin, 
 
 Administration estate Cyrus F, Crosby to widow, Harriet 
 C. 
 
 Administration estate Josiah Dies. 
 
 Administration estate Coffin Pinkham, 
 
 Administration estate William S, Hussey to Reuben 
 Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate John Hussey to Roland Hussey. 
 
 Administration estate Silas Coleman, 
 
 Administration estate Jared Gardiner, 
 
 Administration estate Reuben M, Swain, 
 
 Administration estate John Crimblish. 
 
 Administration estate Lawrence Marshall, 
 
 Guardian of Thomas Holmes, son of Robert. 
 
 Guardian of James F., George C. and Caroline Swain. 
 
414 
 
 Guardian of Ann Maria, Adeline B., Davis M., Phebe E. 
 and Henry H. Swain, children of David and Eliza Swain. 
 
 Guardian of John G. Green, son of Charles of Providence. 
 
 Will of Merab Bunker. Brother. Valentine Swain; sister, 
 Lydia Hussey, widow of David; niece, Lydia Munroe, wife 
 of John. 
 
 Will of Thomas Davenport. Wife, Hannah. 
 
 Will of Isaac Coffin. Wife, Margaret; children not 
 named; grandchild, Isaac Coffin Jenks. 
 
 Will of Thaddeus Folger. Wife, Anna ; children, William 
 H., Lucy, Rebecca Upham, Betsey Jenkins, Lydia, Sally, 
 Benjamin F. 
 
 Will Thaddeus Coleman. Legatees, George Coleman, son 
 of David ; Susan Barney, wife of Joseph ; Lydia Rand, 
 Moses Coleman, wife of Francis. 
 
 Will of Priscilla Coffin. Sister, Susan Coffin. 
 
 Will of Jeremiah Brown, colored. Wife, Charlotte D. ; 
 mother, Sarah Tasker. 
 
 Will Isaac M. Wiedenhold. Wife. Phebe T. ; children, 
 Francis, Lydia B. 
 
 Will Elizabeth Jay. To Monthly Meeting $200. 
 
 Will George Worth. Brother, David; children, Maria, 
 Barzillai, Sarah Harlow, Elizabeth Worth, wife of David G. 
 
 1843. Will Paul Worth. Grandchildren, Mary, Phebe W., 
 Elizabeth W., Paul W. and John W. Clisby. 
 
 AVill Hannah Davenport, widow. Brother, Benjamin Rob- 
 inson; niece, Phebe Ann Edwards. 
 
 Will Daniel Allen. Children, Eliza Calder, George, Phebe 
 Macy. 
 
 Will of Samuel Jay. Wife, Betsey; children, Samuel C, 
 Susan C. and Elizabeth B. 
 
 Will of Gilbert Coffin. Wife, Phebe; children, Mary B. 
 Macy, wife of Thomas M. ; Paul, Thomas, Obed. Estate 
 $76,000. 
 
 Administration estate Jemima Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate Peter Chase to Fred A. Chase. 
 
 Administration estate Eliza Bailey. 
 
 Administration estate Janet Brock. 
 
415 
 
 Administration estate Eliza Ann Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate Philander Coffin to widow, Mary. 
 
 Administration estate James H. Fassett, Avhose wife was 
 Susan. , . 
 
 Administration estate Alexander Perry. 
 
 Administration estate Henry Bunker. 
 
 Administration estate James Thompson. 
 
 Administration estate Obed Ray. 
 
 Administration estate Barker Burnell. 
 
 Administration estate Joshua Gruber. 
 
 Administration estate Peter Myriek. 
 
 Administration estate Henry Wilson. 
 
 Administration estate Daniel Chase. 
 
 Administration estate Mary Myriek. 
 
 Administration estate William Brown. 
 
 Administration estate Thomas M. Coffin. 
 
 Guardian of Sarah H. Gardner, daughter of Albert C. 
 
 Guardian of Margaret C. Perry, daughter of Alexander. 
 
 Guardian of Stella L. Hiller, daughter of Thomas. 
 
 Guardian of John A. and Frederick Howland Smith, chil- 
 dren of Casandra and Thomas. 
 
 Allowance to Nancy Folger, widow of Peleg S. 
 
 Allowance to Nancy Pitman, widow of Joshua. 
 
 Allowance to Dinah Thompson, widow of James. 
 
 1844. Administration estate of William Coffin. 
 
 Administration estate of Mary Coleman, widow of 
 Simeon. 
 
 Administration estate of William M. Russell to B. Frank 
 Russell. 
 
 Administration estate of Roland Pollard to widow, Char- 
 lotte. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles Carson to wife, Susan W. 
 
 Administration estate of Phebe Easton. 
 
 Administration estate of Elizabeth Chase. 
 
 Administration estate of Alexander Swain to widow, 
 Elizabeth C. 
 
 Administration estate of Theodore L. Doughty. 
 
416 
 
 Administration estate of Samuel H. Pitman to Rebecca B. 
 Pitman. 
 
 Administration estate of Frederick W. Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of Micajah Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of Richard Ennis. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles H. Gardner. 
 
 Administration estate of Daniel Jones. 
 
 Administration estate of Thomas Cross to widow, Fran- 
 ces H. 
 
 Guardian of Ellen H., Francis, Rebecca C, Charles R., 
 Louisia A., William Henry, James A., children of Joshua 
 Gruber. 
 
 Will of Seth Coffin. Wife, Lydia; children not named. 
 
 Will of Seth Pinkham. Wife, Mary A. ; children. Harriet 
 B., Helen M.. Seth, Rebecca C, Mitchell, Mary B., Elizabeth 
 C. Crosby, Malvina F. 
 
 Guardian of Harriet G., Charles D., Judith B. Pinkham, 
 children of Reuben R. and Lydia G. 
 
 Will Lydia C. Macy. Brothers, Nathaniel A. and William 
 A. Borden. 
 
 Will William H. Brock. Wife, Lydia C. ; mother, Watey 
 Brock ; nephew, Peter Brock, son of Priam. 
 
 Will Valina Holmes. Daughter, Lydia Sylvia; grandson. 
 William Parsons. 
 
 Guardian of Elizabeth Ann, Mary S., George F.. Merah J., 
 Hepsabeth C. and Albert Ray, children of Obed Ray, Jr. 
 
 Will Susan Coffin. Sister, Elizabeth Long, wife of Abra- 
 ham. 
 
 Will of Manuel Valendown. 
 
 Guardian of Mary Ellen and Nancy Wardwell Stoddard, 
 children of George. 
 
 Will of Obed Macy. Sons, Thomas, Reuben and Peter-, 
 son-in-law. David Mitchell. Son Daniel had died leaving 
 widow, Alice. Grandchildren. Albert C, Charles E., Mary 
 P., Melvin B., Eliza, Harriet M., Mary Barnard, Lydia, Wil- 
 liam C. 
 
 Will of Mary Fisher. Children, Mary Ann Swain, wife of 
 Seth M, ; Elisha, Hannah Goodrich, wife of James T. 
 
417 
 
 1845. Guardian of Benjamin F., Cliarles F., Lydia M., 
 Hannah M., William B., Alice E., children of Seth and Lydia 
 Coffin. 
 
 Guardian of Tristram C., Lydia M., Elizabeth Allen, chil- 
 dren of David. 
 
 Guardian of William C. Paddock. 
 
 Administration estate of Charles F. Pinkham. 
 
 Administration estate of Benjamin McCleave to wife, 
 Rebecca A. 
 
 Administration estate of William Gurrell. 
 
 Administration estate of Joseph Warren. 
 
 Administration estate of Benjamin R. Hussey to widow, 
 Rebecca S. 
 
 Administration estate of Albert W. Starbuek to widow, 
 Mary Ann. 
 
 Administration estate of Hepsabeth Allen. 
 
 Administration estate of Paul Folger to widow, Susan. 
 
 Administration estate of Mary Swain, widow Noah. 
 
 Administration estate of Francis Furtado. 
 
 Administration estate of Ruel Rawson, to Mercy Rawson. 
 
 Administration estate of Thomas Macklin. 
 
 Administration estate of Jack Hinckley. 
 
 Will of Sarah A. Coffin. Sisters, Susan W. Archibald, 
 Jemima Coffin; brother, John Archibald. 
 
 Will Nathaniel Atwood. Children, George, Mary G. 
 Perry and Eliza. 
 
 Will of Obed Russell. Wife, Judith ; son, William H. 
 
 Will Silvanus Coffin. Daughter, Eliza Nicholson, wife of 
 John B. 
 
 Will Absolom Coffin. Wife, Mary; children, Emeline and 
 Nathaniel F. 
 
 Will Reuben Ray. Children, Alexander, Reuben and 
 George C. 
 
 Will J. D. Snow. Mother, Elizabeth ; wife, Dorotha G. 
 
418 
 
 CORRECTIONS. 
 
 Bethuel Pinkham for Thuel, page 369. 
 
 Mary Nason for Mason, page 304. 
 
 Elizabeth Bunker for Mary, page 306. 
 
 Thomas Carr for Carver, page 312. 
 
 Janet Brock for James, page 316. 
 
 Job Bunker for John, page 320. 
 
 Jedidah Folger for Judith, page 824. 
 
 Alexander Gordon for Gardner, page 325. 
 
 James Coffin for Joseph, page 327. 
 
 Bethia Swain for Bertha, page 330. 
 
 David Barnard for Daniel, page 332. 
 
 Peleg Bunker for Peter, page 333. 
 
 Clasby for Crosby, pages 310, 334. 
 
 Clasby for Closhy, pages 349, 351, 362, 363, 409. 
 
 Schooner for School, page 344. 
 
 Shubael Swain for Samuel, page 341. 
 
 Gary for Cory, pages 358, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 381. 385. 
 
 407, 408. 
 Hepsabeth Pinkham for Jephtha, page 342. 
 Amelia Jenkins for Mille, page 372. 
 Colesworthy for Colesworth. page 372. 
 Merab Myrick for Merah, pages 373, 378. 
 Bunker for Burker. pages 379, 385. 
 Newbegin for Newhegin, page 382. 
 Covel for Cow^el, page 382. 
 Waldron for Waldrow, page 386. 
 Abner Turner for Abmer, page 393. 
 Clark for Clock, pages 349, 395, 397. 
 Joy for Jay, pages 412, 414. 
 Daniel Calder for Samuel, page 342. 
 Phebe Burns for Barnes, page 343. 
 Isaiah Bunker for Josiah, page 350. 
 David Bunker for Daniel, page 350. 
 Libni Coleman for Lubin, page 351. 
 
419 
 
 Harris for Homis, page 351. 
 
 Jethro Starbuck for Justin, page 351. 
 
 Merab Pinkham for Merab, page 360. 
 
 Whippey, for Whiffly, pages 366, 367. 
 
 Moores for Morris, page 382. 
 
 Jemima Coffin for Jenina, page 383. 
 
 Mary Pease once Pinkham for Perse, page 348. 
 
 Overton for Overtore, page 367. 
 
 Googins for Grogins, page 358. 
 
 Ray for Roy, pages 348, 376. 
 
 Ufford for Ulford. page 383. 
 
 Howes for Hawes, page 326. 
 
 Ewer for Emer, pages 366, 407. 
 
 Oliver C. Hussey for Alma, page 399. 
 
 Ceely for Ceeby, page 397. 
 
 Charles Henry Gardner for Charles Hussey, page 392. 
 
 Mary Russell for Mark, page 391. 
 
 Gurney for Gruney, page 391. 
 
 Hon, Thaddeus Coffin, page 388. 
 
 Lydia Easton for Eaton, page 390. 
 
 Lydia Eldredge for Eldred, page 394. 
 
 ADDITIONS. 
 
 1758. Joseph Marshall, schoolmaster, administrator 
 estate Paul Pease. 
 
 Hannah and Abigail, children of George Gardner, page 
 343. 
 
 After first paragraph add words "children of William 
 Folger, " page 378. 
 
 Anna Joy mentioned in will of John Way, page 322. 
 
 1770. Will John Mooney. 
 
 1759. Will Thomas Macy. Wife. Deborah; children. 
 Joseph, Robert, Francis. Nathaniel. Deborah. Love Rotch. 
 Lydia Coleman, Elizabeth Barnard, Anna Worth, Ilepsabeth 
 Davis. 
 
I 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Abrahams, 411, 412. 
 
 Adlington, 400. 
 
 Aldridge, 360, 361, 387. 
 
 Albert, 387. 
 
 Allen, 338, 339, 345, 365. 370, 374, 387, 389, 394, 398, 401, 
 
 406. 410, 411, 414. 417. 
 Alley, 352, 353, 358, 361, 368, 370, 393, 394, 396, 403. 
 Amerman, 357. 
 Andrews, 406, 409, 410.' 
 Antonio, 403. 
 Apply, 396. 
 Archand, 348. 
 Archer, 389, 393. 
 Archibald, 417. 
 Arthur, 372, 384, 386, 392. 
 Athearn, 358, 375, 377. 
 Atkins, 363. 
 Atwood, 417. 
 
 Austin, 367, 381. 385, 387, 397, 399. 
 Averill, 411. 
 Bailey, 386, 414. 
 
 Baker, 345, 351, 372. 386, 390, 394, 395, 403. 
 Baldwin, 366, 410. 
 Ealey, 362, 372. 
 
 Barker, 345, 359, 362, 365, 374, 378, 382, 384, 398, 399. 
 Barlow, 352. 
 Barnard, 337, 338, 339, 340. 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 
 
 348, 352, 353, 359, 361, 362, 366, 368, 369, 373, 374, 377, 
 
 378^ 382, 384, 385, 388, 398, 403, 404, 406, 411, 412, 416, 
 
 418, 419. 
 
ii INDEX. 
 
 Barnes, 343. 
 
 Barney, 340, 357, 358, 359, 365, 367, 371. 376, 380, 390, 395, 
 
 400, 402, 403, 408, 410, 412, 414. 
 Barnfield, 363. 
 
 Barrett, 346, 383, 387, 388, 392, 393, 404, 407. 
 Bartlett, 396, 405. 
 Barton, 400. 
 Baty, 338, 
 
 Baxter, 339, 355. 356. 361, 374. 377, 390. 
 Beard, 339, 346, 377, 379. 
 Beauchamp, 390. 
 Beebe, 383. 
 Bennett, 406. 
 Bigelow, 408. 
 Black, 341, 346, 362, 384. 
 Bliss, 389, 392. 
 Boardman, 379. 
 Boden, 409. 
 Boggs, 381, 
 Borden, 416. 
 Boston, 357, 367, 413. 
 Bradford, 389. 
 
 Brayton, 361, 372, 377, 378, 380, 385. 
 Brewer, 409. 
 Brightman, 367. 
 Briggs, 380, 388, 392. 400. 
 Brock, 346. 359, 363, 369, 370. 371, 377, 392, 396, 401, 403. 
 
 404. 414, 416, 318. 
 Brown, 337, 349, 353, 358, 359, 361, 362, 365, 367, 369, 370. 
 
 371, 373, 377, 378. 385, 387, 390. 398, 400, 409, 410. 
 
 414. 415. 
 Bruff, 388. 
 
 Bunker, 337, 342, 343, 344, 345, 347, 348, 350, 351, 352, 353. 
 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 360. 362. 363, 364, 365, 366, 368. 
 369, 372, 373, 374, 375, 378, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386. 
 387, 388, 391, 393, 395, 397, 400, 403, 404, 405, 409, 414, 
 
 415, 418. 
 
INDEX. iii 
 
 Burdick, 381, 400, 403. 
 
 Burnell, 339, 354, 355, 367, 377, 402. 412, 414. 
 
 Burns, 418. 
 
 Burrage, 345. 
 
 Burrell, 349, 387. 
 
 Burton, 338, 400. 
 
 Butler, 347, 367, 372. 390. 
 
 Calder, 338, 342, 378, 382. 387, 395, 395, 405, 414, 418. 
 
 Calef, 338, 365, 368. 
 
 Calender, 369, 400. 
 
 Carr, 343, 362, 396, 318. 
 
 Carson, 415. 
 
 Cartwright, 349, 354. 361, 372, 373, 378, 379, 406, 410. 
 
 Carey, 348, 358, 372, 373. 374, 375, 376, 377, 381. 385, 399, 
 
 401, 407, 418. 
 Case, 391. 
 
 Cash, 393. 
 
 Caswell, 388. 
 
 Cathcart, 371. 387, 389, 398, 405, 406. 
 
 Caton, 405. 
 
 Ceeley, 397, 419. 
 
 Chadwick, 341, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 373, 379, 383, 389. 
 
 391. 393, 395, 397, 400, 403, 405, 412. 
 Chandler, 366, 410. 
 Chase, 337, 339, 345, 360. 362. 367, 371, 373, 374, 376, 379, 
 
 381, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 
 
 396. 397, 401, 402, 404, 406, 414, 415. 
 Christian, 409. 
 Clapp, 397, 402, 413. 
 Clark, 338, 339, 340. 342, 347, 348. 349, 350, 351, 356, 358. 
 
 360, 361, 365, 369, 375, 380, 382, 386, 389. 395, 397, 398. 
 
 402, 406, 408, 412. 418. 
 
 Clasby, 347, 349, 351, 361, 362, 363, 371. 373, 375, 376, 379, 
 
 399, 408, 409, 418. 
 Cleaveland, 353, 387. 
 Clisby, 381. 382. 406. 414. 
 Cobb, 357, 391. 
 
Jv INDEX. 
 
 Godd, 400. 
 
 Coffin, 337 to 419, both inclusive. 
 Coggesshall, 346, 374, 386, 390, 400. 
 Cole, 354. 
 Collins, 385. 
 
 Coleman, 337, 339, 340, 341, 343, 345, 346, 347, 350, 351, 352, 
 353, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 361, 362, 363, 364, 367^ 370, 
 371, 373, 374, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 384, 385, 386' 
 387, 388, 390, 391, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 402, 403 404 
 406, 407, 410, 412, 413 414, 415, 418, 419. 
 Colesworthy, 364, 372, 406, 418. 
 Comstock, 354, 372. 
 Conant, 401. 
 Cooper, 369. 
 Cornell, 401. 
 
 Cottle, 364, 367, 385, 386, 402, 412. 
 Cotton, 364, 400. 
 Covel, 382, 383, 386, 418. 
 Cox, 356. 
 Oreasey, 397. 
 Crimblish, 413. 
 Crocker, 385, 386, 397. 
 Crosby, 346, 382, 385, 387, 394, 413, 416. 
 Cross, 402, 416. 
 Gushing, 386. 
 Cushman, 411, 412. 
 Custis, 405. 
 Dame, 375, 388. 
 Darling, 355. 
 Davenport, 370, 414. 
 Davis, 386, 387, 401, 406, 411, 419. 
 Dav/son, 391. 
 Decosta, 395. 
 Defriez, 405. 407. 
 Degras, 411. 
 
 Delano, 356, 369, 372, 392, 403, 410. 
 Dies, 413. 
 
INDEX. -v 
 
 Dillingham, 403. 
 
 Dixon, 387. 
 
 Doane, 400. 
 
 Dodge, 347. 
 
 Doughty, 415. 
 
 Dow, 358, 367, 379, 387. 
 
 Drew, 367. 368, 371. 378. 381, 383, 387. 388, 392, 395. 402. 
 
 Drummond, 360. 
 
 Dunham, 348, 363, 387. 396. 
 
 Durland, 341. 
 
 Dyer, 379, 387. 
 
 Earle, 396. 
 
 Easton, 359, 361, 372. 376, 379, 381, 384, 387, 391. 392. 396. 
 
 409, 415, 419. 
 Edwards, 414. 
 Eldred, 394. 
 
 Eldredge, 392, 396, 397, 398, 419. 
 Elkins, 377, 387, 394. 
 
 Ellis, 338, 345, 359, 364, 368, 370, 372, 386, 387, 392. 407. 
 Emils, 389. 
 
 Emmett, 365, 382, 388. 
 English, 369. 
 Ennis, 412, 416. 
 Enos, 398, 399, 400, 403. 
 
 Ewer, 366, 391, 392. 404, 406, 407, 409, 410, 419. 
 Fair weather, 343. 
 Fanning, 349, 354, 384, 385, 405. 
 Fassett, 415. 
 Fernandes, 395. 
 Fish, 341, 350, 387, 398, 410. 
 Fisher, 377, 382, 390, 401, 408, 416, 417. 
 Fitch, 342, 343, 355, 359, 367, 370, 372, 373, 375. 383, 384, 
 
 386. 395. 
 Fitzgerald, 409. 
 Flours, 394. 
 
vi INDEX. 
 
 Folger, 337, 338, 339, 341, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 
 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 358, 360, 361, 364, 365, 366, 
 367, 368, 371, 373, 375. 377. 378, 379. 380, 381, 382, 384. 
 386, 387, 389, 390, 391, 392, 398, 400, 402, 404, 405, 406, 
 407, 408, 409, 411, 414, 415, 417, 418, 419. 
 
 Forting, 386, 388. 
 
 Fosdick, 347. 357, 358, 359. 361, 367, 368, 370, 374, 377, 379. 
 383, 388, 390, 391, 408. 
 
 Foster, 349. 
 
 Fox, 352. 
 
 Foy, 378. 
 
 Francis, 403. 
 
 Franklin, 357. 
 
 Freeborn, 344. 
 
 Furlong, 351. 
 
 Freeman, 364, 389. 
 
 Furtado, 417. 
 
 Gale, 386. 
 
 Gardner, 337, 338, ^39, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347. 
 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 
 362, 363, 366, 367, 368, 369. 370. 371, 372, 373. 374. 375, 
 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381. 383. 384, 385, 386, 387, 389. 
 391, 392, 393, 397, 398, 399, 401, 402, 403, 405, 408, 409, 
 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415. 416. 419. 
 
 Gelston, 339. 348. 364, 387, 388, 396, 405, 406. 
 
 Gibbs, 392. 402. 411. 
 
 Gibson, 402. 
 
 Gifford, 360. 
 
 Giles, 346, 363, 366. 375. 
 
 Glazier, 350. 
 
 Glover, 342, 400. 
 
 Goodrich, 416. 417. 
 
 Googins, 358, 419. 
 
 Gookins, 395. 
 
 Gordon, 398, 418. 
 
 Gorham, 361, 394. 
 
 Green, 350, 363, 377, 397, 414. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Grew, 354, 360, 379. 
 
 Griffeth, 387. 
 
 Gruber, 415, 416. 
 
 Gurney, 391, 395. 396, 419. 
 
 Gurrell, 398, 417. 
 
 Gwinn, 381, 403. 
 
 Hackett, 400. 
 
 Hall, 350. 353, 401. 
 
 Halsey, 390. 
 
 Hamilton, 383. 
 
 Hammett, 359. 
 
 Hammond, 397, 408. 
 
 Handy, 353, 360. 
 
 Hanson, 407. 
 
 Harlow, 414. 
 
 Harps, 382, 394, 395, 396, 397. 
 
 Harrex, 373. 
 
 Harris, 349, 351, 355, 358, 363, 367, 385, 401, 409, 419. 
 
 Haskell, 380, 388. 
 
 Hatch, 366. 
 
 Hathaway, 344. 
 
 Hawley, 339. 
 
 Hayden, 356, 391, 406. 
 
 Hazard, 404. 
 
 Heath, 339. 
 
 Hedge, 388. 
 
 Hewes, 383. 
 
 Hilborn, 370, 376, 383, 404. 
 
 Hiller, 409, 414. 
 
 Hillman, 383, 386. 
 
 Hinckley, 374, 388, 393, 417. 
 
 Hobbs, 360. 
 
 Hodges, 380. 
 
 Hoeg, 386. 410. 
 
 Holmes, 407, 413, 416. 
 
 Horsfield, 373, 388, 389. 
 
 Hosier, 379, 382, 384, 386. 
 
viii INDEX. 
 
 House, 386, 388. 
 
 Howes, 419. 
 
 Howland, 369, 372. 
 
 Hunter, 366. 
 
 Huntington, 405. 
 
 Hussey, 337, 339, 340, 341. 342, 345, 349, 350, 351, 352, 354, 
 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 365, 368, 370. 371, 
 372, 373, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 383, 385, 386, 387, 
 388, 89, 390, 393, 394, 395, 396. 397, 399, 400, 401, 402, 
 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 413, 414, 417, 418. 
 
 Innis, 370, 399. 
 
 Inott, 390, 392. 
 
 Jackson, 396. 
 
 James, 387, 412. 
 
 Jameson, 408. 
 
 Jenkins, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 351, 352, 354, 355, 356, 372, 
 379, 380, 383, 384, 386, 388, 393, 394, 395, 398, 400, 401, 
 414, 418. 
 
 Jenlis, 402, 414. 
 
 Jones, 357, 361, 364, 372, 378, 379, 380, 382, 383, 387, 389. 
 402, 416. 
 
 Joy, 344, 346, 384. 386, 387, 389, 390. 391, 402, 412, 414, 418. 
 419. 
 
 June, 357. 
 
 Justin, 410. 
 
 Keen, 397. 
 
 Kelley, 383, 412. 
 
 Kidder, 338. 
 
 Kilburn, 387, 389, 394, 397. 
 
 King, 384, 413. 
 
 Knapp, 387. 
 
 Knowles, 409. 
 
 Laford, 388. 
 
 Lake, 341. 
 
 Landers, 341. 
 
 Langdon, 362. 
 
 Langton, 399. 
 
 I 
 
INDEX. ix 
 
 Lawrence, 356, 377, 383, 384, 393, 412, 413. 
 
 Larena, 381. 
 
 Leggett, 380. 
 
 Lewis, 402. 
 
 Leonard, 398. 
 
 L 'Hommedieu, 386. 
 
 Littlefield, 371. 
 
 Logan, 398. 
 
 Long, 340, 341, 342, 343, 356, 362, 384, 416. 
 
 Loper, 387. 
 
 Luce, 363, 387. 391. 
 
 Lumbert, 388. - 
 
 Lummiis, 401. 
 
 McDaniel, 403. 
 
 Macklin, 417. 
 
 McCleave, 348, 372, 407, 413, 417. 
 
 Macy, 338. 340. 341, 342. 343, 345. 346. 347, 348, 349. 350, 
 351, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 359, 360, 361, 363, 365, 368, 
 369, 370, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 378, 380, 381, 382, 383, 
 386, 388, 389. 390, 391. 393, 394. 397, 398, 400, 401, 403. 
 408, 409, 411, 414, 416. 419. 
 
 Mallard, 395. 
 
 Marshall, 338, 354, 357, 360. 362, 380. 399, 413. 419. 
 
 Matthias, 405. 
 
 Maxey, 389, 393. 
 
 Mayo, 341, 379. 
 
 Meader, 352, 377, 393, 399, 406. 
 
 Medbury, 410. 
 
 Meiggs, 383. 
 
 Middlehost, 412. 
 
 Mills, 366. 
 
 Mingo, 387. 
 
 Mitchell, 344, 345, 355, 358, 365, 369, 373, 381. 382, 384, 387, 
 388, 389, 391, 392, 393, 394, 396, 399, 404, 405, 406, 407, 
 408. 410, 415 416. 
 
 Montcalm, 409. 
 
 Montgomery, 397. 
 
X INDEX. 
 
 Mooney, 419. 
 
 Moores, 357, 358, 382, 388, 391, 402, 406, 410, 419. 
 
 Morris, 341, 380, 393, 397, 405, 411. 
 
 Morse, 398. 
 
 Morselander, 403. 409, 411. 
 
 Morton, 339, 354, 360, 363, 375, 377, 401. 413. 
 
 Mott, 364. 
 
 Munroe, 414. 
 
 Myricks, 339, 340, 342, 344, 348, 349, 356, 368. 373. 374, 378. 
 
 379. 385. 387, 388, 389, 405. 415, 418. 
 Narbeth, 392. 
 Nason, 411. 418. 
 Newbegin, 382, 418. 
 Newcomb, 343. 
 Neufchatel, 376. 
 Nezer, 340. 375. 
 
 Nichols, 345, 368, 380, 382, 386, 388. 399. 
 Nicholson, 364. 366, 385, 417. 
 Nickerson, 392. 
 Norcross, 413. 
 Norton, 385, 387, 388. 
 Nye, 345. 358, 364. 
 O'Neal, 380. 
 Olney, 369. 
 Orchard. 
 Orpin, 399. 
 Osgood, 402, 412. 
 Overton, 367, 419. 
 Paddack, 338, 340, 345, 349, 353, 356. 361, 365. 369, 379, 383. 
 
 387, 388, 389, 392, 393, 394, 395, 397, 399, 401, 407, 409. 
 
 413, 417. 
 Painter, 387. 
 Palmer, 409. 
 Park, 369. 
 
 Parker, 340, 341. 346, 366. 
 Parsons, 416. 
 Pease, 343, 368, 394, 396, 411. 419. 
 
 I 
 
INDEX. xi 
 
 Peckham, 377. 
 
 Pell, 402. 
 
 Perkins, 391. 
 
 Perry, 347. 356. 365, 368. 386, 395, 398, 415. 
 
 Peters, 348. 
 
 Phillips, 404. 
 
 Pierce, 402. 
 
 Pinkham, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 348. 349, 354, 355. 
 
 359, 360, 361, 365, 369, 373, 376, 377. 379, 380, 381. 386, 
 
 387, 392. 396. 397, 398, 403, 405, 406, 407, 408. 411. 413. 
 
 416, 417, 418, 419. 
 Pitcher, 412. 
 
 Pitman, 363. 384. 415. 416. 
 Pitts, 337, 346. 347, 367, 389, 393. 
 Plaskett, 392, 394. 
 Plumb, 365. 
 
 Pollard, 345, 350, 351, 411, 415. 
 Pompey, 387. 
 Provader, 399. 
 Prince, 352, 376. 
 Prior, 355. 
 Quack, 367. 
 Quirck, 401. 
 Quoin, 413. 
 
 Eamsdell, 343, 344, 348, 354. 357, 363, 370, 371, 382, 399, 403. 
 Rand, 341. 356, 380, 390, 414. 
 Randall, 374, 402. 
 Rangue, 376. 
 Rathbon, 357. 
 
 Rawson, 347, 359, 364. 404, 417. 
 Ray, 348. 353, 358. 360, 362, 363, 365, 371, 374, 376. 379. 382. 
 
 383. 388, 390, 393, 396, 401. 404, 407, 415, 416, 417, 419. 
 Raymond, 357, 358, 362. 372. 380, 391, 405. 
 Read, 386. 396. 
 Rice, 353. 395. 
 Richardson, 406. 
 Riddell, 365, 367, 377, 381. 393, 399. 411, 413. 
 
xii INDEX. 
 
 Eobbins, 398. 
 
 Robinson, 369, 411, 414. 
 
 Rodman, 365. 
 
 Rogers, 387. 
 
 Ross, 390. 
 
 Rotch, 359. 365, 366, 419. 
 
 Russell, 339, 342, 346, 348, 352, 353, 356, 371, 372, 377, 382, 
 
 383, 384. 385, 386, 390, 391, 392, 393, 400, 405, 406, 407, 
 
 411, 412, 415, 417. 
 Salisbury, 410. 
 Sanford, 398, 400. 
 Sayer, 410. 
 Saywood, 388. 
 Seabury, 411. 
 Seaman, 380. 
 Seymour, 408. 
 Shaw, 352. 
 Sheffield, 372. 
 
 Sherman, 370, 372, 383, 390. 
 Silvia, 412. 
 Simpson, 412. 
 Simmons, 369. 
 Sinclair, 339. 
 Skinner, 376. 386, 388. 
 Slade, 367. 402. 
 Smith, 345, 347. 355, 356, 360, 364, 370. 377, 387, 394, 401. 
 
 403, 404, 406, 410, 411, 415. 
 Snow, 400, 411, 417. 
 Sowle, 408. 
 Spencer, 344, 349. 
 Spooner, 403. 
 Spotso, 349. 
 Spry wood, 363. 
 Squires, 343. 
 Stafford, 371. 
 Standest, 409. 
 Stanton, 353. 
 
INDEX. xiii 
 
 Starbuck, 338, 340, 344, 345, 346, 351, 354, 355, 359, 360, 361, 
 363, 364, 365, 366, 373, 374, 378, 379, 382, 385, 387, 388, 
 390, 393, 397. 399, 402, 406, 413, 417, 419. 
 
 Stetson, 406. 
 
 Stewart, 393. 
 
 Stoddard, 416. 
 
 Stout, 405. 
 
 Stratton, 349, 
 
 Stubbs, 370, 372, 381, 386. 
 
 Summons, 367, 397, 404. 
 
 Summers, 398. 
 
 Swain, 337, 338. 339, 340, 341, 342. 343, 346. 347. 348. 350, 
 351, 352, 353, 356, 358, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 366, 367, 
 368, 369, 370. 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 377, 378. 380. 382, 
 383. 384. 385, 386, 387. 388. 389. 390. 391, 393, 394. 395, 
 396, 397, 398. 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 410, 411, 
 412, 413, 414, 415, 416. 417, 418. 
 
 Swift, 360. 364. 367, 372, 378, 382, 394. 
 
 Taber, 371, 407, 409. 
 
 Tallant, 401, 402, 407. 
 
 Taskar, 414. 
 
 Te, 367. 
 
 Thomas, 390. 
 
 Thompson, 399. 415. 
 
 Thurston, 396, 406. 
 
 Torrey, 343. 
 
 Toy. 360. 
 
 Trafton, 387. 
 
 Trott, 338. 
 
 Tuck, 383. 
 
 Tupper, 350, 363. 
 
 Tumer, 378. 
 
 Turner, 369, 386, 393, 418. 
 
 Twing, 397. 
 
 Tyler, 401. 402. 
 
 UflFord, 383. 386, 419. 
 
 Upham, 387, 388, 414. 
 
xiv INDEX. 
 
 Valendown, 416. 
 
 Veader, 400. 
 
 Waldron, 364, 371, 386, 418. 
 
 Warren, 380, 417. 
 
 Waterman, 346. 348, 355, 378. 384, 405. 
 
 Watson. 405, 409, 412. 
 
 Way. 380. 419. 
 
 Weeks, 402. 406, 410. " 
 
 Weiderholt, 405, 414. 
 
 Welch, 408. 
 
 West, 347, 380, 382, 385, 387, 390, 399. 
 
 Wheeler, 362. 
 
 Whiatt, 398. 
 
 Whippey, 337, 343. 350, 363, 365, 366, 367, 371, 375, 377, 382, 
 383, 394, 396, 400, 405, 406, 419. 
 
 White, 394. 
 
 Whitman, 397. 
 
 Whitney, 338, 352, 379. 
 
 Whitteus, 387, 389. 
 
 Whittemore, 407. 
 
 Williams, 337, 348, 350, 359, 369, 385, 387, 411. 
 
 Willis, 348, 380. 
 
 Wilson, 402, 407. 
 
 Winslow, 372, 396, 410, 413. 
 
 Wood, 385, 387, 411. 
 
 Woodbury, 338. 355. 
 
 Worth, 338, 339, 341, 342, 345, 352, 355, 358, 361, 366, 370, 
 372, 376, 383, 386, 388, 389, 390, 391, 394, 395, 397, 398, 
 399, 400, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 408, 410, 414, 419. 
 
 Wright, 359, 370. 
 
 Wyer, 348. 352, 360, 364, 365, 367, 373, 380, 382, 388, 413. 
 
 Young, 387. 
 

 
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