title: The Nicholas White family : 1643-1900
text: -0^ ss''.,<^ : %<^' p ^^^ii''%>.^\^ri''\. v\>-°.,V°'^ v\^.-o/ u n K \v Olj u o \ ^^o^ ^ ^. V -^. V y. % ^^^ ^^ ^^0^ «5 o^ 0^ ^^^0,% ■f «? 5t » y-* J^ ,i^ ^^ ,.^ "^. P^ G^-O ^A0< / <6 o^ %<^' "^..^^ °' ^"^ A^ 93, ^0, v-^ <^^ 9p, k^\„.# ''/iSiA^'\.K^^' ''^<^..A^ *: ^..'^^ ^..'^^ 7^^ fl^ COPYRIGHTED 1902 BY T. J. LOTHBOP. PRINTED BY C. A. HACK & SON, TAUNTON, MASS. PREFACE. On the 31st of August 1898, a meeting of the descendants of Nicholas White was held at Historical Hall, in Taunton, under the auspices of the Old Colony Historical Society. At this meeting, an association was formed called the Nicholas White Genealogical and Historical Association. Rev. Nehemiah White, D.D., of Galesburg, Ill., was chosen president, Mrs. Clara Isabel Hubbard of Taunton, secretary; and Thomas J. Lothrop, historian. Mrs. Fanny M. Leonard of Taunton, contributed a poem which was well received. She also contributed a poem for each of the three subsequent meetings held in the years 1899, 1900, and 1901. At the first meeting in 1898, after remarks had been made by several of the descendants, it was voted unanimously that a genealogy of the descendants of Nicholas White should be compiled, and the historian soon entered upon the work. For the compilation, the records of many towns and the land and probate records of several counties in Massachusetts were examined. Local histories and printed genealogies of allied families were searched and considerable material taken from these sources. Frequent use has been made of Clark's History of Norton, Chaffin's History of Easton, and Mitchell's Bridgewater, The "Halls of New England" the Read Genealogy by J. W. Read, the Eddy, Guild, Drake, Hodges and Pratt genealogies have furnished much information and some items have been supplied by Austin's One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families. In all cases, however, where a discrepancy appeared between the printed book and the town records, the latter has been followed. After the work was well under way the compiler learned that a Nicholas White genealogy had been begun by the late William R. Deane and that his manuscript had been placed in the files of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. This manuscript was borrowed and compared with the results of the compiler's investigations; no important discrepancy was found. Mr. Deane's manuscript, however, included only the male lines of the first four generations and did not claim to give a full record of them. Besides the sources of information already named individual members of the family were applied to. Prompt responses were usually made to these applications and in this way much valuable assistance has been given. In obtaining the numerous descendants of Mary White, who married Nathaniel Wetherell, material aid has been furnished by Mrs. Lucinda L. Lincoln, Miss Catherine L. Bassett both of Taunton and Mrs. Eliza J. Osborne of Middleboro, all descendants of said Mary S, Miss Sarah W. Copeland of Mansfield contributed the valuable record of the descendants of Martha S. White who married William Copeland. J. E. Seaver, Esq., secretary of the Old Colony Historical Society furnished the extensive record of the descendants of Mary White who married William Presbrey and from whom are descended nearly all and perhaps all of the Presbreyys now living in Taunton. For the descendants of Nicholas White, I am indebted to Mr. H. Clure White of Gaines, N.Y. The important and extended record of the descendants of Philip White is the work of his grandson Rev. Nehemiah White, D.D., of Galesburg, Ill., who has been president of Lombard University and is now at the head of its Theological Department. In the early part of the work, the compilation was much encouraged and assisted by Mrs. Henrietta E.V. Hayes who died in Sept. 1901. She took a deep interest in the matter and to her is due the credit of originating the movement which has resulted in this compilation. Besides those already mentioned, the following should be named as important aiders and abettors in the work: Miss Josephine L. Hall of Boston, Miss Clara A. Avery of Detroit, Mich., Mr. A.J. Turner, of Portage, Wis., Miss Elizabeth Crafts, of Abington, Mr. William P. Wetherell of Washington, D.C., Miss Elizabeth H. Leonard and Mrs. Alice B. Leonard both of Mansfield. To each and all of them, and to all who have in any way contributed to the compilation, I here acknowledge my obligations and extend my thanks. Very few abbreviations are used in the book, the letter "b" is used to indicate born in the list of names of children. When the name of a town situated in Massachusetts is used, there is no abbreviation to indicate the state, but when the town is in another state the common abbreviations are used. In giving the names of children, the surname is omitted when it is White, and the child is descended in a male line from the pioneer. In other cases the surname is given in full. The compiler hopes his work will afford a basis for further and more complete ancestral investigations. Much additional material has been collected and may be used for another volume to include the eighth and subsequent generations. NICHOLAS WHITE OF DORCHESTER AND TAWN— PIONEER. We have no knowledge of the birth and ancestry of Nicholas White, but that he belonged to the yeomanry of England we have no doubt. When, and how he came to New England, we do not know. He was a freeman in Dorchester in 1643, and about the same time married Susanna, a daughter of Jonas and Frances Humphrey, who had also settled in Dorchester. At this time he was probably about 25 years of age, and had won the confidence and respect of the early settlers. In 1657, the first book of the Dorchester records was destroyed by fire. This book is said to have contained the records of the early births, marriages, and deaths, the assignment of lots to the settlers, and the transfers of property. We have reason to believe that it contained the record of his marriage and the births of his children, as well as many facts relating to his life and doings while in Dorchester. Many interesting and important facts were undoubtedly lost with the book. The knowledge we have obtained relating to Nicholas White has come from Massachusetts State Archives, Plymouth Colony Records, Suffolk probate, and land offices, and various other sources. In 1647, he bought from Henry Woolcot a tract of land in that part of Dorchester which was then called Uncaty, and is now the town of Milton. He cleared a part of it and built a house, but before he was able to enjoy the benefit of his labor, he was sued by a Mr. Hutchinson, who claimed a prior title. Hutchinson obtained judgment and ousted him from the premises. He then sued Woolcot on his warranty and obtained judgment against him. An execution was issued and Woolcot gave bills to satisfy it, but without the knowledge of White petitioned the General Court for a stay of proceedings and the annulment of the bills. The petition was granted. Nicholas White then presented to the General Court a petition in which he set forth the facts in the case and From which we can obtain some knowledge of his family and the condition of his estate. The papers in the case may be found in the Massachusetts State Archives. Below is a copy of the order of the Court, adopted on Woolcot's petition; also a copy of the petition of White and order thereon. The petition of Woolcot was not found in the archives. Answer to Petition of Henry Woolcot. In answer to the petition of Henry Woolcot of Winsor on Connecticut it is ordered that all proceedings about the thirty pounds seven shillings mentioned in the petition be suspended, and that it remain in statu quo prusus as before the execution levied, until the petitioner may have opportunity either jointly with Nicholas White or in the name and right of the said White, though his consent should be wanting, that the petitioner, either by himself or his attorney, may have the opportunity to review or try an action as aforesaid, for the clearing of the title of the land sold by the petitioner unto the said White, in the County Court to be held at Boston in the 6th or 8th month next. And if the land shall be recovered of Mr. Hutchinson for the said White, then the bills for the thirty pounds seven shillings to be null without more impleading of White; and also that the Magistrates then shall determine all damages respecting Mr. Woolcot and Nicholas White, in reference to all former proceedings by their impleading each of other. Adopted May 29, 1666. Petition of Nicholas White and Order Thereon. To the Right Hon. Governor, the Deputy Governor and Magistrates, with the Worthy Deputies of this Honored Court: Humbly Showeth that your petitioner in August, 1647, purchased a piece of land at the hand of Mr. Henry Woolcot, containing about 20 acres, situated in Dorchester, with assurance under hand, for a firm conveyance to be made in due time, & in the meantime was put in peaceable possession of the said land, built upon, broke, and fenced much of it; yet before any crop had thereon was molested, sued, overcome & ousted of his lawful purchase by Mr. Hutchinson, of whom he was forced to hire his own again and with it compelled to rent his farm, which being so great an undertaking for your petitioner occasioned his sudden poverty, and thereupon forced to forsake his own with his wife and five small children, to seek subsistence far remote; and in his absence the house burned, fence razed, the ground broken up, is grown up again and all ruined and brought to naught. The petitioner sued Mr. Henry Woolcot, recovered damages to the value of forty pounds, irrevocable, he received bills of Mr. Woolcot for payment and expects to pay the same in time and kind. Mr. Woolcot, unknown to your petitioner, hath received a grant from this Honored Court to make his said bills void, whereby your petitioner is now left naked and destitute, his wife and children having neither his land nor his due damages paid, nor opportunity to find his family with bread, by this trouble, and charge hath accrued hereupon; wherefore your petitioner humbly requests this Honored Court to compassionate his sad condition and vouchsafe to grant that his case may be heard and rightly understood so as that with all possible speed he be repossessed of his said land, and that such damages he hath sustained by means of default as above said may be paid him by Mr. Woolcot, and your petitioner put in capacity to relieve his family, for which he is willing to refer himself to this Honored Court and to take the land as prized in part payment, so shall he as in duty bound praying your happiness & remain your humble servant. NICHOLAS WHITE. In answer to this petition the Committee doth apprehend that Nicholas White hath had much wrong and damage in being ousted of his land by Mr. Hutchinson, whereof he was possessed and whereunto (as it does appear) he had just title. Therefore he ought to seek reparation legally at the hands of his disturbers, and that the General Court order dated 24 May, 1665, respecting this case. Be and remain in full force. DANIEL GOOKINS. JOHN WISWALL. May 21, 1656. JOSEPH HILLS. 5 PIONEER. The deputies approve of the return of the committee in answer to this petition and desire the consent of the Honorable Magistrates thereunto. WILLIAM TORREY, Clerk. Consented to by the Magistrates. EDWARD RAWSON, Recorder. It will be seen that the order in answer to Woolcot's petition was adopted in May, 1656. The petition was probably presented at the same session of the Court. White's petition was presented and the order adopted thereon in May, 1656. White had then moved to Taunton. Whether or not suit was brought against Hutchinson by either Woolcot or White, as recommended by the Court, does not appear. There seems to be no record of any further proceedings in either the County or General Court. It is probable that the property was in some way restored to White. September 12, 1659, the Selectmen of Dorchester (to use the language of the record) "desired William Robinson to inquire how long Thomas Trott hath lived at Uncaty in Nicholas White's house." In June, 1663, an inventory was taken of the estate of Thomas Gatlive, deceased, which included the following item: "Land at Milton bought of Goodman White £140." In October, 1664, Jonathan, a son of Thomas Gatlive, sold this property to David Holmes, and the deed given by him contains a description of the premises, from which it appears that it was situated in the easterly part of Milton, near the Braintree line. When did Nicholas White move to Taunton? This question cannot be answered definitely. In 1652 he mortgaged a part of his real estate to John Gill, of Dorchester. In the mortgage he is described as a resident of Dorchester. The record of a lawsuit at Plymouth between Jonathan Briggs and William Hailstone shows that in October, 1655, he was a resident of Taunton. His removal must have been between 1652 and Oct., 1655; probably in the spring of 1655, when he had obtained judgment against Woolcot, and supposed the controversy settled. His petition presented to the General Court in 1656 states that he was obliged "to seek subsistence far remote." What he meant by "far remote" is not clear, but it is probable that Taunton was intended. At that time there was no settlement between Dorchester and Taunton, and neither roads nor bridges. Although the distance between the two settlements was only about 30 miles the wilderness intervening, made it seem much more. In 1657 he was included in the list of the inhabitants of Taunton, who had taken the " oath of fidelity." He was very early an owner in the Taunton Iron Works and was prominently connected with them for many years. Among the entries in the books of the Iron Works Company is one which reads as follows, viz.: "delivered to Nicholas White, Sr., to carry through the wilderness, 32 miles to Major E, Tyng, 7c. of iron; also to Madame Leverett, of Boston, 7c. of iron, and for Samuel Capen, 3c. 2 qr. for Dorchester Church, due for 1683-4." Besides his interest in the Iron Works he soon became the owner of a quarter of a saw mill situated on Mill river; the exact location is not definitely known. The saw mill gave the people of Taunton some annoyance by stopping the run of the fish up the stream, to the ponds above. (October 31, 1666, George Watson, Gyles Gilbert and William Wetherell (all of whom resided or owned property near Watson's and Winnecunnet ponds) complained at the Plymouth Court against James Walker, Robert Grossman, John Macomber and Nicholas White, in an action of trespass on the case, to the damage of an hundred pounds for hindering the fish for having a convenient passage up and down Mill River at Taunton by the work about the saw mill, contrary to the promise of said James Walker, all of which hath been great damage to the complainants and others." The jury found for the plaintiffs "that a sufficient passage be made by the defendants with the expense of time and costs of suit." The mill owners in accordance with this Verdict made a passage way and the herrings resumed their accustomed visits to the ponds. This is one of the first — perhaps the first of the many contests that have been waged over the Taunton Herring in the courts and the Legislature of the State. In or about 1661, Block Island, or New Shoreham, was bought by John Alcock, acting in behalf of sixteen residents of Dorchester, Braintree and neighboring towns. In April, 1661, a shallop sailed from Braintree for Block Island. It stopped at Taunton, where fifteen of the sixteen purchasers went on board as passengers. They were Thomas Terry, Samuel Deering, Simon Ray, William Tash, Thormut Rose, William Barker, David Kimball, William Cahoone, Duncan Williamson, John Rathbone, Edward Vorse, Nicholas White, William Billings, Trustaram Dodge, John Ackers. The other purchaser, Thomas Faxon, had preceded with the surveyor. Nicholas White probably sold his right very soon, as his name does not appear in the first division of land made in September, 1661. 10 PIONEER. In 1668, Nicholas White, his son Nicholas and his son-in-law, Samuel Hall, were members of a company which purchased a large tract of land lying north of Taunton and extending to the boundary line between the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies. It was called the Taunton North Purchase, and embraced the present town of Easton, nearly all of Mansfield and a large part of Norton. In 1672, Nicholas White, his son Nicholas, and son-in-law, Samuel Hall, were among the associates who bought a large tract of land lying south of Taunton, and comprising the town of Dighton and part of Berkeley. This was called the Taunton South Purchase. Nicholas White was not a prominent figure in church, nor in public affairs, but an industrious and enterprising citizen, who in a quiet way did his full share in converting the forests and wild lands into fertile fields and laying the foundations of a city in the wilderness. He was an active participant in promoting the prosperity of Taunton, and a large owner in its industries. By energy, industry, and frugality he acquired a large property amounting to about £300 cash value as appears from the inventory of his estate, taken at a time when money was scarce and property held at a low valuation. He died in 1697 and in 1698 his estate was divided between his three sons, Nicholas, John, and Joseph and his daughter, Elizabeth. It will be remembered that in 1666 in his petition to the General Court he stated that he had "five small children"; probably one of the five died early, leaving no issue to inherit property. Other items relating to him and his transactions appear on the records of Dorchester and of Plymouth Colony, but as they would not add materially to the interest of the sketch they have been omitted. It is probable that when Nicholas White moved to Taunton he located and lived a few years at or near Scaddings Pond, for we find in the will of John Dean of Taunton, made in 1660, mention of "a parcel of land between Nicholas White's house and Mistress Gilbert's farm at Scaddings." An Inventory of the Estate of Nicholas White of Taunton, Deceased; in Lands. Item the home lot with the house and barn and two acres of land below the way 49-00-00 120 acres of land behind Prospect Hill at 6s. per acre, 36-00-00 12 acres of land at Joseph White's house at 5s. per acre, 3-00-00 3 acres of land at the home lot 2-14-00 6 acres of land and 3 acres of swamp, near widow Eddy's 1-15-00 8 acres of land on the east side of Hart's brook at 3s. 9d. per acre 1-10-00 20 acres of land at Hart's brook at 6s. per acre 6-00-00 20 acres of land at Rumford at 5s. per acre 6-00-00 10 acres of land at Joseph White's 8-00-00 4 acres of meadow at Scaddings 6-00-00 One South Purchase (one share) 10-00-00 3 acres of meadow at Broad Cove 7-10-00 2 acres of meadow at Rumford 3-00-00 6 acres of meadow at Hart's brook 10-00-00 8 acres of land called the Great Lot 12-00-00 20 acres of land now joining to the home lot 12-00-00 2 acres of Meadow at Babbitt's brook 1-10-00 37 acres of land at the Neck plain 10-00-00 One share in the old iron works 14-00-00 One-fourth part of the old saw mill 2-00-00 Three-quarters of a North Purchase 9-00-00 242-19-00 The above written particulars were appraised by us, the subscribers hereof, 10th day of June, 1699. INCREASE ROBINSON. THOMAS X HARVEY. MARK. EZRA DEAN. His personal property appraised July 13, 1697, by Thomas Harvey and Ezra Dean amounted to $52.02-06, making the total inventory $295.06 returned to court by Nicholas White, administrator on the estate, as appears from the following record. Memorandum, that on the fourteenth day of October, 1699, then in Bristol appeared Nicholas White of Taunton, in the County of Bristol (before John Saffin, Esq., Judge of Probate of Wills &c., within the County aforesaid), being administrator to the estate left by his late father, Nicholas White, late of Taunton, aforesaid, deceased, and made oath to the inventory both of lands and movables above and within written, are true and just to the best of his knowledge, & when he knoweth of more he will reveal it that it may be herewith recorded. JOHN SAFFIN. JOHN GARY, Register. Entered and engrossed Dec. 15, 1699, by JOHN GARY, Register. The following agreement was made by John White and Joseph White with their brother, Nicholas White, administrator of the estate of their father, Nicholas White, deceased. Know all men by these presents, that we, John White and Joseph White of Taunton, in the County of Bristol and Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England, sons of Nicholas White of said Taunton, deceased, have fully agreed with Nicholas White, our brother and administrator to the estate of our father, deceased, as by letter of administration may appear, bearing date the 14th day of July last past (that is to say), said John and Joseph White do agree with said administrator that each of them shall be fully satisfied, contented and paid their full proportion of what of right belonged to us, said John and Joseph, as our full shares of the estate of said father, deceased, as by schedule or account annexed to this agreement, appeareth that is to say fifty-five pounds fifteen shillings as inserted and the remaining part of our proportion of our share of said estate to pay the debts due from said estate we leave in the hands of the administrator, and if by overplus or credit to said estate there shall be anything to divide we expect and are to have our proportion thereof that belongeth to us of right. Further, we, said Nicholas White, administrator to said Nicholas White, deceased, and John and Joseph White, do acknowledge that these presents is our absolute contract and agreement and a final issue of anything pertaining to our deceased father's estate. And we, said John and Joseph White, do hereby forever quit claim to any other part of the said estate than what is here, in said schedule inserted. In witness hereof we have set our hands and seals this 28th day of October, 1698, in the tenth year of his Majesty's reign, William, the third king over England, &c. Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us. Increase Robinson, Nicholas White, Adm'r. Joseph Hall, John White, and Joseph White appeared and acknowledged the above written instrument to be their own free act and deed. Before me, Thomas Leonard, Justice. Memorandum, that on the 14th day of October, 1699, Nicholas White, administrator, above named, personally appeared before me, John Saffin, esq., Judge of Probate of Wills and granting of administrations within the County of Bristol, and acknowledged this instrument to be his free act and deed, to which his said brothers John White and Joseph White have set their hands and seals also in full satisfaction on their parts respectively. JOHN SAFFIN. JOHN CARY, Register. John White of Taunton, in Bristol County, his part of his deceased father's estate by agreement with his brother Nicholas, administrator to said estate. Item, sixty acres of land at his home and at Hart's meadow 18-00-00 Eight acres of land on the east side of Hart's brook, 1-10-00 Three-fourths of a North Purchase share 9-00-00 Half a town share 3_00-00 Four acres of his father's home lot 12-00-00 A third of Hart's meadow 3_06-08 Movables, including a fifth part of a share in the old iron works 8-18-04 Joseph White's proportion as follows: Imprimis 25 acres of land behind Prospect Hill.... 7-10-00 22 acres of land at Joseph White's house 11-00-00 22 acres of land and meadow at Rumford 8-00-00 14 PIONEER. Eight pounds in movables, including a fifth part of a whole share in the iron works therein 8-00-00 Two acres of meadow at Babbitt's brook 1-10-00 Three-fourths of a share in the North Purchase.... 9-00-00 Half a share of a town purchase right 3-00-00 Four acres of meadow at Scaddings 6-00-00 Six acres of land and three acres of swamp near widow Eddy's 1-15-00 Elizabeth Pratt had 38-04-00 according to the account rendered by the administrator Oct. 14, 1699. FIRST GENERATION. Children of Nicholas and Susanna (Humphrey) White all born in Dorchester. The dates of birth are not known, but the order of birth is probably as given below: 2. i. Elizabeth. 3. ii. Nicholas. 4. iii. John b. 1649. 5. iv. Joseph. SECOND GENERATION. Elizabeth 2 White married 1st in 1663-4 Samuel, son of George and Mary Hall. They resided (it is said) near the bloomerie, in Taunton. He was born in 1644; held several town offices; was a member of the original church, and died in or before 1689. She married 2d, March 3, 1689-90 Jonathan Pratt, and died about 1707. Children all born in Taunton: Samuel 2 Hall, b. Dec. 11, 1664. John Hall, b. Oct. 19, 1666; died in The Phips expedition against Canada, in 1690; unmarried. His wages for services in the expedition were paid to his brothers, Samuel and John. Elizabeth Hall, b. Oct. 28, 1670. Mary Hall, b. Oct. 3, 1672. Sarah Hall, b. Oct. 14, 1674; died May 28, 1677. Ebenezer Hall, b. March 19, 1677. 13. viii. Sarah Hall, b. March 2, 1679; married John 3 sons of Jonah and Esther Austin; he was born in Taunton July 1, 1671. 14. x. George Hall, b. Jan. 25, 1680-81. 16. x. Hannah Hall, b. 1682-3, married William 3 Wetherell, of Taunton, and had several children whose names are not known to the writer. Nicholas 2 resided in Taunton, probably on Dean Street. He was one of the Selectmen of Taunton four years and held other positions of trust and responsibility. Like his father he was engaged in business and a large landholder. He died in Norton, probably, at the residence of his oldest son, Jan. 18, 1727-8. His will was dated September 15, 1724, and proved May 28, 1728. The inventory of his estate amounted to £1653-1 9s.-3d. He married December 9, 1673 Ursula, daughter of William and Ursula Macomber, of Marshfield. Children all born in Taunton: Nicholas, b. Feb. 3, 1674-5. Matthew, b. Oct. 25, 1676. Ephraim, b. Feb. 8, 1678; died without issue. Dorcas, b. Dec. 24, 1680. Benjamin, b.; died without issue. John, b. Jan. 10, 1685; died young. Thomas, b. John 2 White resided in that part of Taunton which became Raynham in 1731; died September 3, 1726, aged 77 years. He was a surveyor, clerk of the military company, one of the Selectmen of Taunton and a large owner of real estate. In 1704, he represented Taunton on a committee to settle the boundary line between Dorchester on the one side and Taunton and Bridgewater on the other. He married February 24, 1679-80 Hannah, daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Reed) Smith, of Taunton. Children all born in Taunton: 23. i. John, b. Aug. 16, 1681. 24. ii. Hannah, b. April 19, 1683. 25. iii. Josiah, b. April 19, 1685. 26. iv. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 11, 1687. 26. iv. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 11, 1687. Among the articles inventoried were a sword at Thomas White's and a gun at widow Mary Hall's. Estate of Nicholas was divided and the division entered in Court December 15, 1730. In the Executor's account is the following item: "Two days in going to Marshfield to pay debt due to Thomas Macomber." 17. 17. 18. 19. 20. V. 21. 21. vii. 22. vii. \ SECOND GENERATION. 17 27. V. Samuel, b. Aug. 3, 1691. 28. vi. Abigail, b. April 17, 1694. 29. vii. Susanna, b. Sept. 27, 1696. 30. viii. Mehitable, b. April 12, 1699; married Nov. 8, 1739 Shadrach Wilbur, Jr., of Raynham, (his 2nd wife.) She died Feb. 15, 1783. She had no children. X. Margaret, b. Oct. 2, 1702; died April 15, 1775; unmarried. Will proved April 26, 1775. X. Esther, born July 4, 1704; died Jan. 16, 1774; unmarried. Joseph White resided in Taunton on the westerly side of Scaddings pond. He was a soldier in King Philip's war and was wounded in the "Swamp Fight." He is mentioned in the Plymouth Colony records as one of those who were paid for killing wolves; was a large owner of real estate in the vicinity of Scaddings and Watson's ponds. He married Mary; died in 1724. Oldest son, Joseph, appointed administrator of his estate Nov. 16, 1682. Children all born in Taunton: Lydia, born Aug. 17, 1682; married Samuel, son of Daniel and Hannah (Hill) Fisher. He was born Feb. 3, 1669, and died at Taunton in 1724. Joseph, born Feb. 13, 1683-4. Edward, born March 27, 1686. Mary, born July 19, 1688. Susanna, born Aug. 8, 1690; prob. died young. William, born Oct. 28, 1692. Nathaniel, born April 25, 1695; died young. Ebenezer, born Sept. 13, 1697. Ephriam, born April 25, 1695; died young. Ebenezer, born Sept. 13, 1697. Ephraim, born April 25, 1695; died young. Elizabeth, born; married Nov. 7, 1727, Thomas Story, of Norton. An agreement of his heirs was made July 7, 1725, and was signed as follows: Joseph White, Nathaniel Wetherell, Edward White, Mary Wetherell, William White, Elizabeth White, Ebenezer White, Elizabeth White, Lydia Fisher, Sarah. Joseph, Edward, and Ephraim were then living in Taunton. William and Ebenezer in Norton. Lydia Fisher and Nathaniel, and Mary Wetherell, in Norton, and Elizabeth White in Taunton. Lydia Fisher was then a widow. 33. ii. 34. ii. 36. iii. 36. iv. 37. vii. 39. vii. 40. viii. 41. ix. 42. X. THIRD GENERATION. Samuel Hall resided on the road from Taunton to the Iron Works; married January 3, 1683, Abigail, daughter of Jonathan and Abigail Pratt, of Plymouth. She was born November 2, 1665, and died July 6, 1734. He died in 1716. Children all born in Taunton: 43. i. Jonathan 4 Hall, b. Aug. 22, 1686. 44. ii. Samuel Hall, b.; married Samuel Blake. 46. iv. Hannah Hall, b.; married Silas King. John 3 Hall resided in that part of Taunton which is now Mansfield, near Cobbler's Corner; married December 14, 1692, Esther, daughter of James Bell, born August 15, 1672. Children all except the last born in Taunton: Sarah Hall, b. Jan. 17, 1695. Susanna Hall, b. Nov. 1, 1696; married July 10, 1711, Matthew White (No. 17); they had no children. Seth Hall, b. Sept. 7, 1698. Hezekiah Hall, b. Oct. 20, 1700. Josiah Hall, b. Aug. 21, 1702. Charity Hall, b. July 21, 1704. Zipporah Hall, b. Aug. 4, 1706. Elizabeth Hall, b. April 2, 1708. Hannah Hall, b. in Norton, Oct. 2, 1711. Elizabeth Hall, resided in that part of Taunton which became Norton in 1711; married, March 16, 1689, John, son of Thomas Caswell. Born in Taunton July 1, 1656. His estate was appraised March 20, 1713-14. After his death, she married 2d, November. 47. ii. 49. iii. 50. iv. 51. vii. 54. viii. 54. viii. 55. ix. 66. i. 57. ii. 58. iii. 59. iv. 60. V. THIRD GENERATION. 19 27, 1716, Benjamin, son of Jeremiah and Katherine Newlaud, born Oct. 1, 1673. Children all by first husband and all born in Taunton: John Caswell, born July 17, 1690. Elizabeth Caswell, born June 16, 1691. Samuel Caswell, born Oct. 6, 1695. Josiah Caswell, born Jan. 1, 1697. Jemima (on Taunton records Jedidiah) Caswell, born Nov. 7, 1700. John Wetherell, born June 14, 1705; married by Rev. Joseph Avery January 12, 1726-7, to Henry, son of John Wetherell of Norton, born January 26, 1703. After her death he married Dinah Wetherell, born July 5, 1723. (No. 162.) Mary Hall, resided in Taunton (now Norton) ; married, 1st, July, 27, 1692, Samuel Briggs, who died in 1703. She married 2d, March 17, 1706-7, Benjamin, son of Thomas Caswell, Jr., and nephew of John, the husband of her sister Elizabeth. He was born November 16, 1675. The children by her 1st husband: Thomas Briggs. Elida Briggs. Hannah Briggs. Elizabeth Briggs. Mary Briggs. By 2d husband, Benjamin Caswell, she also had five children whose names have not been learned by the writer. Ebenezer Hall, was a farmer, residing in that part of Taunton which is now Mansfield; married, June 22, 1704, Jane Bumpus. Moved to Falmouth, Me., where he was living in 1735. George Hall, resided in that part of Taunton which became Easton, in 1725; married Lydia, daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Stephens) Dean. She was Born in 1679 and died in Easton, August 22, 1726. After her death, he was appointed guardian for her children, who were minors and inherited property from their grandmother, Katherine Dean, and their aunt, Hannah Dean. Children all born in Taunton: 63. Lydia Hall, born Feb. 4, 1706. 68. Deborah Hall, born Feb. 15, 1708; married Seth, son of Uriah and Elizabeth (Caswell) Leonard of Taunton. They sold their estate in Easton and moved to Lyme, Conn., where Seth lived but a few years. She was a widow in 1751. George Hall, born Oct. 22, 1710. Thomas Hall, born Oct. 8, 1712. Isaac Hall, born Jan. 12, 1714-15. Keziah Hall, born Feb. 2, 1716-17. Abiel Hall, born April 20, 1719. Nathan Hall, born May 19, 1721. Abijah Hall, born Dec. 19, 1723. Nicholas White, resided near Cobbler's Corner in the North Precinct of Norton (now Mansfield). The house in which he lived is now (1901) standing. He was one of the earliest settlers in that neighborhood and a leader in all movements for the comfort and welfare of the people. With George Leonard, who had also settled in another part of the territory, that is now Norton, he led the movement to set off the town of Norton from Taunton. He also took a leading part in setting off the North Precinct of Norton and establishing a church within its limits. This was done in 1731, and in 1737 Rev. Ebenezer White of Brookline, a graduate of Harvard in the class of 1733, was ordained as "gospel minister of the church in the North Precinct of Norton." Nicholas White had been a deacon of the first church in Norton for many years, and was the first deacon of the church in the North Precinct. He was also one of the selectmen of Norton, a representative to the General Court, and conspicuous in all public affairs. A large boulder was erected by his descendant, Walter L. White, on the farm where he lived, commemorative of his services as a founder of the town. His will, dated August 8, 1743, was proved October 3, 1743. The executors were his sons, Nicholas and Jacob. He died September 2, 1743, leaving a large estate. June 2, 1743, he married Experience, daughter of Philip and Judith (Whitman) King, who died in May, 1752, in the 74th year of her age. Children probably all born within the limits of the present town of Mansfield: 76. i. Nicholas 4, b. 1704. 77. ii. Philip, b. 1706. THIED G'^NERATION. 21 78. iii. Ursula, b.. 1708; married Dr. Samuel Caswell, (No. 68.) 79. iv. Jonathan, b. Nov. 10, 1710; died Nov. 11, 1750, unmarried. 80. v. Jacob, b. May 26, 1713. 81. vii. Judith, b. Dec. 30, 1718; probably died unmarried before 1743. She is not mentioned in the division of the estate of her brother Jonathan, April 24, 1751, nor in the will of her father, made in 1743. 83. viii. Isaac, b. Nov. 25, 1720. 84. ix. Mary, b. July 7, 1723. Matthew 3 White, resided in the North Precinct of Norton; died before 1731; married, 1st, July 10, 1711, Susanna Hall, (No. 48) ; married, 2d, in 1715, Damaris, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Williams) Dean, born Sept. 4, 1689. Children all born in Norton and all by 2d wife: 85. i. Seth4, b. June 26, 1716. 86. ii. Mary, b. Dec. 5, 1720. 87. iii. Benjamin, b. Dec. 6, 1722. 88. iv. Damaris, b. Jan. 21, 1724-5. The widow Damaris married April 29, 1731, Benjamin Tree, and had a daughter, Mary Tree, b. Sept. 22, 1732. Dorcas White, resided in Raynham, where she died in 1758; married, Dec. 12, 1712, Seth, son of James and Lydia (Gulliver) Leonard. About 1755 Seth Leonard, in company with others, established iron works on Two-Mile river about half a mile above the first Taunton iron works, established by his grandfather and others about one hundred years earlier. Sept. 10, 1761, he sold his homestead, with dwelling house, saw mill and grist mill in Raynham, to his son Edmund. During the latter part of his life he was insane and under the guardianship of Robert Brettun. He died in Providence, R. I., in 1770. Children all born in the part of Taunton which became Raynham: 89. i. Rebecca Leonard, born in 1714, died July 21, 1738. 90. ii. Nicholas Leonard, married, Nov. 1, 1743, Hannah Stimson, of Taunton, and moved away. 91. iii. Edmund Leonard, b. 1722, died Dec. 31, 1803, aged 81 years. 92. iv. Ebenezer Leonard, b. May 21, 17H; died May 15, 1725. Probably others, names not found. Thomas White, resided in Taunton on the northerly side of Prospect Hill; died near the end of the year 1730; married Abigail, daughter of John and Joanna (Thayer) Grossman. She was born Oct. 7, 1690, and died Jan. 22, 1767. Sept. 21, 1731, she was appointed guardian for their nine children, of whom three, Thomas, John and Sarah, were more than 14 years of age. I have not been able to find the dates of their births or the order in which they were born. John died Jan. 26, 1806, in his 94th year, and Abraham died Feb. 20, 1801, aged 84 years. These items are taken from their gravestones, and indicate that John was born in 1712 or 1713, and Abraham in 1717. The probable order of is to be as follows: Thomas. John. Sarah. Abraham, b. 1717. Nathaniel. Abigail; married, February 10, 1739-40, Geo. Cottrell, and lived in South Kingston, R. I. Mary; was 21 years of age before Jan. 10, 1745. Ursula. Joanna; married June 20, 1751, Nicholas Smith, Jr., of Taunton, and died Oct. 1, 1776. Of their children, nothing is known. Timothy Smith, who moved to New York about 1789, and a Nicholas Smith, Jr., may have been their sons. John 3 White resided in the part of Taunton which became Raynham; was a carpenter, surveyor and millwright. He was one of the selectmen of Raynham, an assessor and town treasurer. He built the first meeting house in Raynham, which was begun Sept. 12, 1728, and dedicated June 15, 1729. He died about 1758. Married, Dec. 28, 1709, Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Bell) Grossman, born October 31, 1691. Children all born in Taunton except the last: 102. i. Solomon. 103. ii. George. 103. iv. 95. iv. 97. V. 98. vi. 99. vii. 101. ix. THIRD GENERATION. 23 104. iii. Naomi, married Feb. 18, 1742-3, Seth, son of Matthew and Daraaris (Dean) White (No. 85.) 105. iv. Phebe, born 1726. 106. v. John, born 1726, twin with Phebe; died Oct. 31, 1739. 107. vi. David, born in Raynham June 27, 1731. 24 Hannah White resided in Norton, married. May 22, 1710, Joseph, son of Thomas and Jane Eliot of Rehoboth; he was born March 2, 1684, and died in March or April, 1752. His son, Nehemiah, was appointed administrator on his estate May 15, 1752, and in April, 1753, Hannah, the widow, Ebenezer and wife, Hannah Turner, Abiel and wife, Abiel Leonard, gave receipts for their several shares in the estate. Widow Hannah Eliot died in Mansfield March 6, 1775. Children probably all born in Norton: Joseph Elisha Eliot, b. April 29, 1711; died Aug. 15, 1726. John Eliot, b. March 23, 1713; died March 2, 1750, leaving no heirs. Hannah Eliot, b. Feb. 8, 1715; married Ebenezer Turner, and lived in Norton. Samuel Eliot, b. March 23, 1717; died in 1752, unmarried. Nehemiah Eliot, b. March 8, 1719; married Mary White; (see No. 84.) Abigail Eliot, b. Jan. 9, 1722. Ebenezer Eliot, b. Nov. 20, 1724; died Jan. 27, 1740. 25 Josiah 3 White resided in the northwesterly part of Norton (now West Mansfield). He owned and occupied a large tract of land on Cowesit (now Wading) river; was a representative from Norton to the General Court in 1749 and 1750. He married Nov. 20, 1712, Margaret, daughter of Uriah and Elizabeth (Caswell) Leonard. Children all born in Norton: Josiah, b. Aug. 26, 1713. Margaret, b. April 18, 1715. Jonathan, b. June 17, 1717. Abigail, b. Oct. 27, 1719. Jacob, b. Feb. 1, 1721-2. Sarah, b., married Martin, who died before 1791. 121. vii. Elizabeth, married, July 12, 1769, Thomas Wilson, and moved to Greenwich. 109. i. 109. ii. 111. iii. 111. vii. 113. vi. 114. vii. lib. 1. 116. ii. 117. iii 118. iv. John. 123. ix. Nathan. The dates of birth of the last four are not known, and their names may not be given in correct order. Samuel 3 White resided near the meeting house in Raynham and was the owner of a mill situated near his home. He died in Raynham Dec. 23, 1769. His will, made May 9, 1755, probated Feb. 26, 1770, mentions wife Susanna and children, Sophia, Hannah, Susanna and Samuel. He married May 14, 1719, Susanna Goodspeed, who was born Nov. 7, 1689, and died July 16, 1782. Children all except the last born in Taunton, before Raynham was set off and incorporated: 124. i. Susanna, b. April 15, 1720; died April 13, 1722. 125. ii. Sophia, b. April 16, 1722. 126. iii. Hannah, b. June 10, 1724; married Amariah, son of Dr. Samuel and Mary (Willis) Hall. (No. 208.) 127. iv. Susanna, b. March 10, 1728; married in 1753 (pub. Nov. 19, 1753) James Fillebrown, of Norton. She died Aug. 22, 1764. 128. v. Samuel, b. June 3, 1730. 129. vi. Lydia, b. in Raynham, Nov. 10, 1732; died April 19, 1736. 28 Abigail White resided in Taunton and after 1731 in Raynham, where she died March 3, 1751; married Dec. 12, 1712, Thomas Baker of Taunton. Children all except the last born in Taunton: 130. i. Samuel Baker, b. Dec. 10, 1713. 131. ii. Abigail Baker, b. March 19, 1716; married Jan. 18, 1742-3, Ebenezer Mayo, who was then a resident of Raynham. 132. iii. Elijah Baker, b. Jan. 25, 1721-2. 133. iv. Mary Baker, b. June 1, 1727; married Nov. 21, 1745, Joseph Presbrey, of Taunton. 134. v. Thomas Baker, b. Feb. 28, 1729-80; married June 27, 1751, Hannah Crossman, of Middleboro. 135. vi. Simeon Baker, b. in Raynham, Nov. 24, 1735. 29 Susanna White resided in Bridgewater; married in 1719 John, son of John and Alice Le Ach; he was born in Bridgewater, in 1695. He died in 1744. Children born in Bridgewater: 136. i. Alice Leach: married in 1738, David Perkins. 137. iii. Abiah Leach. 138. iii. Stephen Leach. 