USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Chelsea > Documentary history of Chelsea : including the Boston precincts of Winnisimmet, Rumney Marsh, and Pullen Point, 1624-1824, vol 1 > Part 45
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
' Pages 119, 126. The judges present were John Leverett, Deputy Governor; Edw. Ting and Wm. Stoughton, Assistants. For Lieutenant John Smith, see supra, pp. 296. 319.
? 1
439
APPENDIX 3
CHAP. IX]
SMITH US. OXENBRIDGE et al.
Copy of Court Record 2
At a Court of Assistants held at Boston 2ª September, 1673.
Lt John Smith Plt against ME John Oxenbridge, ME James Allen and Mr Anthony Stoddard Executors to the Last Will of Richard Bellingham Esq! In an Action of Appeal from the Judgment of the last County Court in Boston. After the Attach- ment Courts Judgment Reasons of Appcal & Evidences in the Case produced were Read Committed to the Jury & remain on file with the Records of this Court The Jury brought in their verdict that is a Special Verdict. If he that is an Executor to a part of an Estate disposed of by Will be a legal Executor to the whole of that Estate tho' never disposed of by Will then the Jury find for the Defendants Confirmation of the former Judgment & Cost of Courts, otherwise for the plt Revertion of the former Judgment & Cost of Courts. The Magistrates find for the Defendts Confirmation of the former Judgment & Costs of Courts fifty seven shillings.
A true Copy as Appears of Record Examd @ Elisha Cooke , Cler : 3
OXENBRIDGE ET AL. COMPLAINT
Extract from Court Record 4
At a County Court held at Boston Aprill : 28th 1674 . .. MẸ John Oxenbridge m! James Allen & m" Anthony Stoddard Exeeuto!'s to the last will & Testament of Richard Bellingham Esq! Late Govr deceased, making theire complaint to this Court that m! Richard Wharton had unjustly molested & disquieted William Eustas tenant to the sª Executors in his possession of one of the Farmes Late the s! Governors lying at Winnisimet for- merly occupied by Nicholas Rice 5 as tenant to the sd Govern! & turned the s! Eustas his goods out of dores without colour of Law or Lawfull Authority the saide Eustas affirming upon Oath in
2 Attested copy. Suff. Early Court Files, No. 1220.
8 Endorsed. " Judgment of the Court of Assistants 2d Septr 1673. Smith v. Oxenbridge."
4 MSS. Records of Suff. Co. Court, 1670-1681, p. 228. Judges present : Governor John Leverett, Simon Bradstreet, Edw. Tyng, Wm. Stoughton, Major Tho. Clarke.
5 Tenant on a farm at Winnisimmet. Supra, p. 427 ; infra, pp. 451-458.
440
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
ICHAP. IX
Court that m! Wharton had dispossessed him & turned out his goods which the s! Wharton also Own! The Court Orders that warrant issue out forthwith to the Marshall of Suffolke to deliver to the sd Eustas quiet & peaccable possession of the saide Farme house & Land thereunto belonging.]
·
-
441
BEFORE THE GENERAL COURT
CHAP. X]
CHAPTER X
GOVERNOR BELLINGHAM'S WILL BEFORE THE GENERAL COURT
At the General Court of May 27, 1674:
" Mr Richard Wharton hauing presented a petition to this Court,1 relating to the late Gounor Bellinghams will, the Court appointed a hearing of the case on 29th instant, the partjes con- cerned appearing; the peticon & will was read. Mr John Oxen- bridge, Mr James Allin, & Mr Anthony Stoddard, & Mr Humphry Dauy,2 the trustees executors, objected against the legallity of the letter of atturney. The Court, on consideration of what hath bin alleadged pro et con, by their voat declared that the letter of atturney produced was not legally prooved,3 & so no procedure." 4
June 3, 1674, Richard Wharton with others having fallen under the displeasure of the Court for reasons not disclosed,5
1 This petition does not appear, but its nature may be inferred from the action of the Court thereon in October.
2 [See infra, p. 458.]
[See infra, pp. 461-463, the power of attorney.]
4 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 6.
'[October 24, 1673, Richard Wharton, Joseph Dudson, and others, petitioned for letters of reprisal against the Dutch. The magistrates refused. England and Holland were at war, but Boston wished peace with the Dutch who had regained New York. Joseph Dudson obtained through John Anderson of Salem a commission from the Governor of the Leeward Islands, and seized the Dutch ship Expectation at Nantucket. Captain Dudson's prize needed repairs, and he petitioned to bring her in, with a permit to carry her away to his commission port for adjudication. November 11, 1673, the Assistants gave this permission, reserving the ques- tion of jurisdiction. Complaints were entered; Dudson, Wharton, etc., made a protest which offended the magistrates. Its character may be in- ferred from the following disclaimer: " Wee nor none of us had any inten- tion to reflect uppon his Maiesties Authority here established, And that the said protest neither is nor ought to bee interpreted as Confronting the Goverment and lawes of this colonie, and in pticular the Jnfringmt of the Jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty here established." (Mass. Archives, lxi. 11-55.) A second paper signed by them, and owned in court June 3, 1674, led to their censure. (Ibid., 52.) Later English ships were cap- tured. When Commissioners were sent from Boston to New York to pro- test, the Dutch answered that aggressions did not begin with them, but
442
IIISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. X
it was ordered that he should " be solemnly admonisht, and be disabled for pleading any cause but his oune, except that of M' Samuell Bellingham, if legally impowred therevnto, and that he also pay the suine of thirty pounds in money towards the great expences occasioned thereby to this Court." 6
At the second session of the General Court, October 7, 1674 :
"In ansr to the peticon of Mr Richard Wharton, atturney to Samuell Bellingham, Esq, the Court judgeth it meet to grant a hearing of the case mentioned in his petitions, and that all partjes concerned be summoned to attend the same next after the colledg busines now on foote is heard. Sumons issued out accordingly. The sajd Richard Wharton at the time appeared; so also did Mr Jnº Oxenbridge, Mr James Alljn, Mr Anthony Stoddard, & ME Humphry Davy, executors & trustees of & to the late will of Richard Bellingham, late Esq & Gouerner of this colony. The Court, hauing considered the matter relating to the will of the last Goiner, Richard Bellingham, Esq, and finding by the testimonys of considerable persons (vnto whom the Goûner declared his minde) at the time of making his will, that he intended to haue made a codicill or additions to his will, had not Gods hand dis- inabled him by weakenes of body; also, the Court being informed that there are some parts of the estate of the late Goûtner not dis- posed of by will, & some other matters of aequity to be considered in that matter wth respect to Mr Samuell Bellingham his onely son & child liuing, & to his relict, vpon consideration of the whole matter, this Court doe refferr it to the County Court of Suffolke to consider the case, & draw vp something for the full setlement of that estate, according to right & aequity, & for the honour of the deceased, and for such a suiteable releife vnto his son and widdow, according as the law of God & this country doeth provide; and what the sajd County Court shall doe in the premisses, they are to present it vnto the next Court of Election for their consider- ation ; moreouer, it is refferred to the sajd County Court to vse their best endeavour that the execcuto's & trustees of the late Goiner doe deliuer vnto Mr Samuell Bellinghams atturney,
with the capture of the ship at Nantucket, and difficulties on Long Island. This affair was calculated to prejudice the authorities against Richard Wharton. See MSS. Records of Suff. County Court, 1671-1680, p. 407, October, 1676, for two cases in which Wharton was nonsuited because he could plead no cause save his own and that of Samuel Bellingham.]
6 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 13. [In the margin is the record, -" They all submitted to ye sentence except Mr Wharton, J.A." See also ibid., 153, 397, 426; Suff. Early Court Files, No. 1353; Mass. Archives, iii. 352.]
?
443
BEFORE THE GENERAL COURT
CHAP. X]
Richard Wharton, one hundred pounds in mony, to be trans- mitted vnto M' Bellingham as soone as may be, for his support & necessary releife." 7
The records of the County Court under the foregoing order are imperfect. But during the pendency of the Will before the General Court the rights of the parties to the Governor's estate were litigated in the Court of Assistants. 8
At the General Court of May 12, 1675 :
"In ans" to the peticon of Mrs Penellope Bellinghamn, humbly desiring the favour of this Court to grant hir liberty to wthdrawe her peticon, the Court judgeth it meete to grant hir request, and accordingly it was withdrawn." 9
" In ansr to the peticon of Richard Wharton, in relation to his complaints in behalfe of Samuel Bellingham, Esq, his peticon, wth some other papers presented wth it, being lajd aside, and the Court ready to break vp, that they cannot now stay to issue it, which they are desirous of, and doe therefore order, that the secre- tary give notice to the trustees of the late Gounor Bellinghams will, as also to Mr Richard Wharton, that the case is to be heard & determined the next sessions, the second day of the sd Court, that they giue their attendance accordingly." 1º
Indian affairs were in a critical condition at this time, and therefore the following order of the Court:
At the second session of the General Court, October 13, 1675:
" The case depending between the ouerseers of the late honored Gounor Bellinghams will & Mr Richard Wharton, the Court judg-
" Mass. Col. Rec., v. 24, 25. [At the term of the County Court beginning October 27, 1674, is the following (p. 281) : " Jn pursuance of an Order of the Generall Court respecting the will of the Late Goveurr. Richd. Bellingham Esgr. The Court Orders the Clarke to summons the Execrs. of sd. will & mt; Richd. Wharton to attend on thursday. 12. Novembr. in- stant, after Lecture with reference to the sd. Order." There is no further reference to the subject in the Court record. From Richard Wharton's ac- count in February, 1681/2, it is probable that the £100 was paid. Also after this the rents of the Ferry farm were paid to Wharton; they were not ap- parently before this. Infra, p. 464. Governor Bellingham's will gave his son a life lease of the Ferry farm. £100 was two years' rent. ]
8 [This note has been placed as an appendix to this chapter.]
9 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 35. This petition does not appear.
10 Ibid., 36.
.
444
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. X
eth it meete the hearing thereof be waved this sessions, & referred to the next Court of Election, (the publieke affayres of the country being at present more necessary to be attended,) and the same to be heard the 3d day of the second weeke of the sajd sessions, & the partjes convened to haue legall warning for their appearance accordingly." 11
[Letter from the King to the Governor and Council of Massachusetts 12
Charles R.
Trusty and Welbeloved Wee greet you well, Whereas Our Loving Subject Samuel Bellingham hath presented - Us a Petition Set- ting forth That Richard Bellingham his Father late Governour of the Massachusetts Colony in New England died about two year's since possessed of a considerable reall and personal Estate, and notwithstanding his several Declaracons before credible Witnesses of his Intencon to give his whole Estate to his said Son (being his onely Son and Heire) some short time before his death, yet by the contrivance of some persons about him, takeing advantage of the Petitioners absence (who was then in Germany by his fathers consent to emprove himselfe in the Study of Physick) and of his
11 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 56.
12 [ Copy attested by the Secretary of the Colony. Suff. Early Court Files, No. 6949. Judge Chamberlain knew of this document, but was un- able to find it; the court files have been recently put in order. December 18, 1675, Governor Leverett wrote to Sir Joseph Williamson: "Received in November the King's commands of Aug. last referring to Mr. Belling- ham's business, which was under consideration before and had been heard but deferred until May court by reason of the present troubles." (Calendar of Eng. State Papers, Colonial Series, ix., - Amer. & West Indies, 1675- 1676, No. 745.)
"At a County Court held at Boston by adjournment of the General Court. Novembr. 230. 1675 . . . Richd. Wharton - Attourny to Samll. Bellingham the onely Sonn & heire of Richd. Bellingham Esqr. decd. plaint: agt. Jeremiah Belcher Defendt, according to attachmt. dat: Octobr. 180. 1675. The plaint. was non Suted upon non appearance." (MSS. Records of Suff. Co. Court, 349.) Presumably before October 18, 1675, Wharton received news that the application to the King had been successful, and instituted this suit; but when the Court met, dropped it, awaiting the action of the General Court, the following May. To have disturbed Jeremiah Belcher as Rice was disturbed would have been a severe hardship, as Belcher had paid a fine to reduce the rent of his farm, and held a lease of it for the lives of his wife and his stepson, John Center (still a minor). See infra, p. 464, a reference to this letter from the King in the account rendered by Richard Wharton, February, 1681/2.]
t
445
BEFORE THE GENERAL COURT
CHAP. X.]
said father not being Compos mentis, with other indirect praetises a Will was signed by his said father not onely contrary to his forc- said Declaracon but almost to his utter ruine; Informing Us also That whereas Considering the agedness of his said father and his own absence in his Travells he had by Letter of Attourney Author- ized and appointed Richard Wharton a Merchant Resident in Bos- ton at the time of his said Fathers Decease to Enter in his Name upon his said fathers Estate, as not Imagening that it could be so disposed from him, and the rather because his said Father Sold and Engaged several Lands in this Our Kingdom which were entayled upon the Petr.13 for the better Settling of him in his possession there; That although his said Attourney had entred several caveats against the Probate of the said Will, yet contrary to Law through the Combination and Interest of the persons named Executors and Trustees a Probacon of the said will hath been Obtained; But forasmuch as the same hath not yet passed the General Assembly he conceives he is not to be concluded by it; being contrary to the Established Laws of that our Colony.
And hath therefore humbly besought Us to Interpose with you that he may be Reheard.
Wee haveing taken the circumstances of his case into Our Con- sideracon, and finding his Request so reasonable, That Wec ques- tion not but you will comply with the same, have thought fit accordingly to Recommend it unto you in very especial and Effectual manner that you allow the said Samuel Bellingham a Speedy Rehearing of his cause according to the Laws of that Our Colony; And although Wee promise Our Selfe from your pru- dence and Integrity that you will proceed thercin with that in- difference that becomes the dispensing of Justice; Yet at the instance of Our said Subject Wee could not Refuse to add Our recommendation likewise - that you will not suffer the Interest or Credit of any persons who may be party's in the Case either to Obstruct a Rehearing or to prevayle above the Merits of the Cause; but that the Same may be Determined Impartially and without favour or Affection to cither Side. And of your proceedings herein our Pleasure is that an Account be returned unto Us under the Seale of your Judicature by the hands of Our Secretary of State.
And whereas Wee are Informed that some Injuries have been heretofore Offered to the Attourney of the said Samuel Belling-
13 [Richard Bellingham was the eldest son and heir of William Belling- ham Esq., Lord of the Manor of Brombye Woode, Lincolnshire. He was recorder of Boston, England, from 1625 until his resignation, November 8, 1633. See N. E. Hist, and Gen. Reg., xxxvi. 381-386 for his line of descent, and his sale of lands in England.]
446
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. X
ham in acting for him, Wee do further Recommend it unto you that you take care that the said Attourney or who else the said Samuel Bellingham shall employ, be protected from all Attempts or injurious praetiees for the future in the prosecuting of the said cause. And so Wee bid you farewell. Given at Our Court at Windsor the last day of August 1675. In the Seven and Twen- tieth year of Our Reign. -
By his Matys. Command H Coventry -
Superseribed To Our Trusty and Welbeloved the Governour and Couneell of the Massachusetts Colony in New-England now and for the time being. - Sealed with the Privy Seal./.
Upper Offiee in the Court Chamber./.
A true Copy of the Original Letter on file in the See- retary's Office in Boston, with other Letters from his Majesty examind. therewth. + Isª. Addington Seery]
[At the General Court of May 3, 1676, the date in the margin of record being] May 20, 1676:
" The ease of Dr Bellingham, referring to his fathers will, hau- ing been often ordered an hearing, but, through other vrgent pub- liek oeeasions, hitherto delayed, and Mr Wharton, his agent, being shortly to goe for England, it is ordered, that all partjes eoneerned be warned to attend to morrow by eight of the clock in ye morning, and that then this Court will giue them an hearing to an issue." 1ª
" Att a speciall Generall Court, called and assembled together by Order of the Council," August 9, 1676 : 15
" It is ordered, that the case of Mr Samuel Bellingham, depend- ing, be heard at the next meeting of this Court on the eighth day
14 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 98.
15 [This Court was called to consider the King's letter regarding the complaints of Gorges and Mason. Dated March 10, 1675/6, it had been brought over in the summer of 1676 by Edward Randolph. The Colony was ordered to send over agents within six months to make answer. Hutchinson, Hist. of Mass. (ed. 1795), i. 281.]
447
BEFORE THE GENERAL COURT
CHAP. X]
of September next, at nine of the clock in the morning, and that all persons concerned haue notice by the secretary accordingly.16
[" The case of Dr Samuel Bellingham, referring to his fathers will, hauing bin often ordered on hearing, but, through other vrgent publicke occasions, hitherto delayed, and Mr Wharton, his agent, being shortly to goe for England, it is ordered, that all partjes concerned be warned to attend tomorrow by eight of the clocke in the morning, and that then this Court will give them an hearing to an issue.]
" Mr Richard Wharton, atturney, in behalfe of Mr Samuel Bel- lingham, p'tiff, against the executors of his honnord ffather, Richard Bellingham, Esq, deceased, as also the sajd execcutors appearing before the Generall Court, the sajd plantiff being called to declare his complaint, sajd that he could not well proceed, by reason of sundry of his wittnesses were absent; and at his request both partjes are dismissed." 17
[" Att the Sessions of the Generall Court, specially called, sitting in Boston,"] September 6, 1676.18 " This Court, hauing fully heard and duely considered the case refferring to the instrument called the will of Richard Bellingham, Esq, late Gounor, deceased, to- gether with the seuerall pleas and allegations of Mr Richard Wharton, atturney to M' Samuel Bellingham, plaintiffe, against the legallity of the sajd will, and of Mr James Allin & Mr Anthony Stoddard, appointed ffeoffees in trust, and executors to the sajd will, deffendants, doe give their judgment in the case, that is to say, that the sajd will is illegall, & so null and voyd in law, and orders the chardg of hearing this case to be tenn pounds, as costs, to be payd out of the estate of the deceased." 19
Richard Wharton's Petition
" To the Honoble the General Court
The humble Petition of Richard Wharton Attorny to M' Samuel Bellingham/. Sheweth, That sd Mr Bellingham having now
16 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 101.
17 Ibid., 101, 102.
18 [At this Court William Stoughton and Peter Bulkley, Speaker of the House of Delegates, were chosen agents to carry the reply to the King's letter (Supra, note 15.) "The mission was important, perplex- ing, and delicate. Not only were the complaints of Mason and Gorges to be met, but likewise the representations of the 'odious and rapacious ' Edward Randolph respecting the opposition to the navigation laws, be- sides the complaints in relation to the persecution of the Quakers." Sibley, Harvard Graduates, i. 196, 197.]
19 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 105.
448
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. X
for near four years been kept from his estate & so exposed to great Sufferings & unreasonable Charge in prosecution of his Right against the pretended Executors to his ffathers will the Jllegality of which Jnstrument God hath given you Wisdome to discerne & determin and so far honoured you as his Jnstruments in Relieving the oppressed. That the full and final determination of this Case being by his Majesty Recommended 20 to this Honoble Court and the bleeding Condition of the Estate craving Speedy Administra- tion thereupon.
Your Petitioner in sd Mr Bellinghams behalf humbly prays that Letters of Administration may be granted him by this honourd Court: And that a Committee of Uninterested & Expert persons may be Appointed to Receive & Examine the pretended Executors Accounts and make Report of the same to this hond Court at their next Session, that so all matters of future Controversie may Ccase and his Majestys Recommendation may be fully Complyed with, and your Petitioner obliged to make Report of your Justice.
And as in duty bound to pray. Richard Wharton.21
Jn Answer to the Petition the Deputies Judge Mect that Adminis- tration to the Estate of Richard Bellingham Esqr deced be granted unto Mr Sam]] Bellingham Son to the sª deced & in his absence to his Lawfull Attorney by the Secretary and that there be a Com- mittee Appointed to Examine the Accounts of the feoffees and Executors so Called to the pretended Will of sd Richard Belling- ham Esqr who are to make Report of what they shall do in pur- suance hereof to the Session of the General Court in October next
20 Infra, p. 465, note 6 [also supra, p. 444.]
21 The people of Winnisimmet doubtless entertained no good wishes towards Samuel Bellingham's attorney, Richard Wharton. He was the man who upset the Governor's will which gave them a fine estate of four large farms, inventoried at £1920; and, moreover, he fell under the displeasure of the Great and General Court for some alleged offence. [Supra, note 5.] But it seems that he was unjustly dealt with, for on June 1, 1677, the Court, "In answer to the peticon of Mr Richard Wharton, humbly desiring that the sentanc of this Court in May, 1674, laying a restreint vpon him from pleading any cause but his owne & M Bellinghams, thro a misrepresentation of matters then chardged on him, that he maybe released therefrom, &c, the Court judgeth it meet to grant his request therein." (Mass. Col. Rec., v. 153.) And six years later Wharton representing that he had suffered greatly in consequence of the first judgment against him, the Court, March 30, 1683, gave him a thousand acres of land in Maine, as a compensation. (Ibid., 397.) For more about Richard Wharton and his family, see 6 Mass. Hist. Soc. Coll., v. 9 note, 25, 56, 86, 93, 187, 228, 377. He died in London, May 14, 1689; but see " Gleaner," in Boston Rec. Com. Rep., v. [Supra, p. 400.]
449
BEFORE THE GENERAL COURT
CHAP. X ]
& do Nominate and appoint Capt Laurence Hammond & Capt John Wayt to be of said Committee in Conjnction with such as our honoured Magistrates shall appoint desiring their Concur- rence herein Wm Torrey Cleric
13 September 1676. Consented to by the Magistrates who also appoint Mr Edward Tyng to join with mentioned Gent" as the Committee.
Edward Rawson Secrety 22
At the second session of the General Court, October 11, 1676:
" Whereas this Court hath declared that the will of the late Goin', Richd Bellingham, Esq, was voyd in law, & the law pro- uiding that due care be taken for the widdow or relict of the deceased, it is therefore ordered, that this matter be issued & deter- mined by this Court, and that the money resting due from the late trustees remajne in their hands vntill the sajd setlement be made." 23
At the General Court, June 1, 1677:
" In answer to the motion of Mrs Penelope Bellingham,24 the relict widdow of the late honorable Gounour, Richard Bellingham, Esq, deceased, this Court doth order, that she shall haue his
22 Chamberlain MSS., i. 39. [Endorsed : " A true Copy Examd with the Original on file p Jsaac Addington Secry. A true Copy Examd p Elisha Cooke Clr." The vote of the Court is recorded in] Mass. Col. Rec., v. 105, 106.
23 Mass. Col. Rec., v. 131. The date in the margin is October 25.
24 Penelope Bellingham, second wife of Governor Bellingham, was mar- ried under peculiar circumstances. Winthrop, November 9, 1641, says: - "The young gentlewoman [Penelope Pelham] was ready to be contracted to a friend of his [the governor], who lodged in his house, and by his consent had proceeded so far with her, when on the sudden the governour treated with her, and obtained her for himself. He excused it by the strength of his affection, and that she was not absolutely promised to the other gentleman. Two errors more he committed upon it. 1. That he would not have his contract published where he dwelt, contrary to an order of court. 2. That he married himself contrary to the constant practice of the country." (Savage, Winthrop, ii. 43.) This caused scandal, which the Court took notice of; but nothing followed. They had two sons and two daughters, all of whom died before the father. The governor died December 7, 1672; his widow May 28, 1702. Sewall says: "At 5 p.m., Madam Bellingham dies, a vertuous Gentlewoman, antiquis Mori- bus, prisca fide, who has liv'd a widow just about 30 years." Diary, ii. 56. He was a pall bearer at her funeral. Ibid., i. 469.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.