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Nickerson, son of the first
William.36 He was early in- terested in religious affairs and was a special friend of Rev. John Latimer, who remembered him
and his wife in his will.57
When
the church was organized in 1720, he and his wife were among the first to join. He soon, however, found himself at odds with Rev. Joseph Lord, the pastor, on ac- count of the attitude of the latter towards Rev. Samuel Osborn and the church at Pochet (now Or- leans) and was excommunicated, together with Mr. Elisha Mayo. They both were at once received again by the Pochet church, to which they had formerly belonged. Mr. Godfrey was selectman in 1710 and held other offices. He was a substantial citizen and reared a large family, which furnished en-
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
ergetic citizens to the town for nearly two centuries. He died April 16, 1743, aged 75 years, and his wife died seven days later, aged 64. He left a will, dated Feb. 1741-2, proved May 21, 1743, leaving his large property to his seven living sons, Samuel, Moses, David, George, Benjamin, Joshua and Richard, they paying certain legacies. A son Jonathan had died.39
Jonathan Godfrey, son of George and Godfrey of Eastham, born June 24, 1682, married Mercy Mayo, daughter of Thomas and Barbara (Knowles) Mayo of East- ham, October 30, 1707, and settled at Monomoit soon after. The location of his farm is not known. He appears to have been a worthy citizen, but not prominent. He had an interest in the Common land and was one of those who took pew ground in 1742. llis will, dated March 7, 1765, was proved April 23, 1765, and divided his property equally among his children and the heirs of deceased children,40
NOTES.
(34) See deed from William Nickerson and others to Michael Stewart dated Oct. 12, 1702, and deed from Samuel Eldredge to Seth Taylor dated May 15, 1711. M. L. Luce papers.
(35) It is not known whether or not he had any children. (36) See Smith, Hist. of Chat- page 142, note 30.
(37) See Smith, Hist. of Chat- ham, page 166.
(39) Children of Moses and Deb- orah (Cook) Godfrey (from the will, order uncertain) : 1 Jona-
than, b. ; m. Mercy Nicker- son, dau. of Robert, Sept, 2, 1725 (Chat. Rec.). (Admn. on his es- tate March 18, 1729-30. Children, Caleb, Jonathan, Rebecca.) 2 Sam- uel, b. ; m. 3 Moses,
b. ;m. Martha Collins, dau. of Jolin, about 1726. 4 Desire, h. ; m. Nathaniel Ryder, son of John and Esther of Yarmouth, Sept. 26, 1728 (Chat. Rec.). 5 George, b. about 1706; m. 1st Mercy Knowles, dau. of Richard, Nov. 1, 1733 (Chat. Rec.). She died May 14, 1758, and he m. 2nd Jane (Collins) Bearse, widow of Prince Snow, Jr., and Benjamin Bearse, Nov. 9, 1758 (Chat. Rec.). 6 David, b. ; m. Priscilla Baker, dau. of of Yarmouth, Oct. 14, 1731 (Yar. Rec.). 7 Mary, b. Sept. 4. 1711 (old Bible record) ; m. 1st Caleb Nickerson, son of William, about 1732. He died Dec. 18, 1749 (Chat. Rec.), and she m. 2nd Seth Smith, son of John, Nov. 18, 1756 (old Bible record) . 8 Deborah, b. ; m. Thomas Bassett, son of Nathan. 9 Benja- min, b. ; m. Elizabeth Hop- kins, dau. of Elisha, Aug. 23, 1738 (Chat. Rec.). 10 Elizabeth, b. about 1717; m. Benjamin Bearse, son of Benjamin of Barnstable, May 31, 1733 (Chat. Rec.). 11 Joshua. b ; m. Phebe Gould, dau. of Nathaniel of Harwich (Int. Dec. 17, 1712, Har. Rec.). 12 Richard,
h. ; m. Azubah Collins, dau. of Solomon, Jan. 10, 1750-1 (Chat. Rec.). Ile died in 1759, leaving Enoch, b. April 20, 1752. and War- ren, b. April 6, 1757 (Liverpool, N. S. Rec.).
(40) Children of Jonathan and Mercy (Mayo) Godfrey (from the will, order uncertain) : 1 Hannah,
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
b. ; m. James Rogers, Jr., of
Eastham May 21, 1730 (East. Ree.).
2 Mercy, b. ; m. ist Ebenezer
Burgess, son of Thomas, of Yar- month (Int. Feb. 22, 1734-5, Yar. Rec.) ; m. 2nd Elkanah Rogers, son of Joseph, of Eastham (Int. June 25, 1748, East. Rec.). 3 Thomas, b. ; m. 1st Bethiah Eldredge, dau. of Nathaniel, June 7, 1733 (Chat. Rec.); m. 2nd Mrs. Mary Covell of Eastham, March 8, 1753 (East. Rec.). 4 Ruth, b. about 1719; m. 1st John Gould, son of Nathaniel of Harwich (Int. Aug. 18, 1737, East. Rec.) ; m. 2nd
Thomas Myrick of Harwich. 5 Lydia, b. ; m. ist Joseph My-
rick, son of of Eastham (Int. Feb. 5, 1742-3, East. Rec.) ; m. 2nd Samuel Smith, Jr., of Eastham (Int. July 3, 1756, East. Rec.). 6 Jephthah, b. m. Bathsheba Eldredge, dau. of Nathaniel (See deed dated April 12, 1759, Warren J. Nickerson papers). 7 Mehitable, b. ; m. Nathaniel Hamilton,
son
of Thomas, Sept. 7, 1749
(Chat. Rec.). 8 Anna, h. m. 1st Eldredge; m. 2nd James Freeman Dec. 8, 1763 (Chat. Rec.). 9 Barbara, b. ; m. Young; died before her father.
HAMILTON.
Serg. Daniel Hamilton, probably son of Thomas and Lydia Hamil- ton of Rhode Island, Sandwich and Eastham,41 born in 1670, married at Eastham Mary, daughter of Samuel Smith, about 1693 and resided there till after the birth of their second child. By the will of her father, who died in 1697, his wife came into possession of one-half of two farms at Monomoit located at Tom's Neck, and the
family removed thither. His first
wife having died, he married second August 5, 1708, Sarah (Smith) Snow, widow of Joseph Snow of Eastham,42 and daughter of John and Hannah Smith of Eastham. His third wife was Desire Springer, widow of Edward Springer of Newport, R. I., and daughter of James Gorham of Barnstable, whom he married at Barnstable Dec. 15, 1715. His
fourth wife, who survived him, was named Elizabeth, perhaps
daughter of John Taylor. Serg. Hamilton, with his brother Thom- as, served under Capt. John Gor- ham in the expedition to Canada in 1690 and received therefor a share of land at Dunbarton, N. H., in 1735.43 He was active in local affairs, being selectman three years, constable several years and holding other positions. He was styled Sergeant as early as 1710. Through his first wife, he was interested not only in the farm at Tom's Neck, but in the Common lands and the Great Beach. He died December 8, 1738, aged 68 years. His will, written by Rev.
Mr. Lord, dated January 20, 1735-6, was proved March 22, 1738-9. In it he calls Sarah, Eliz- abeth and Thankful his three youngest daughters.44
NOTES.
(41) Note the following entry in the
Sandwich town records:
"Thomas Hambleton, the son of
Thomas Hamblton and lidia his wife was bourne the 17 of Febuary 1671, borne at Rohd Iland." 14 Mayflower Descendant, 170.
(42) "Nathaniel Snow of Lawful Age Testifieth and Saith that on
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
or aboute ye year 1709 I went to Chatham to Live with my Father in Law, Daniel Hambleton, Late of said Chatham, Deceased, and I saw my said Father, John Atkins, Theophilus Mayo, Thomas Mayo, John Smith and Joshua Higgins Mow and Carry of hay from Mon- omoit Great Beach, so called, for seven years together without Mo- lestation. Sworn in Court July 1753. Att. Saml Winthrop Clerk." Files, Superior Court of Judica- ture, No. 71,149.
(43) State Archives, vol. 114, page 116; petition of Shubael Gor- ham June 12, 1735. Acts and Re- solves of Mass.
(44) Children of Daniel Hamil- ton (from the will and Eastham records). 1 Grace, b. Aug. 3, 1694; d. Aug. 20, 1694 (East. Rec.). 2 Thomas, b. Sept. 1, 1695, m. Re- becca Mayo, dau. of Nathaniel of Eastham, May 3, 1716 (East. Rec.). 3 Lydia, b. ; m. Jeremiah El- dredge, son of Joseph, about or before 1720. 4 Mary, b. ; m. Judah Mayo, son of Thomas, of Eastham (Int. Jan. 27, 1721-2, East. Rec.). 5 Samuel, b. ; m. 1st Bethiah Stewart, dau. of Michael, May 25, 1727 (Chat. Rec.); m. 2nd Mrs. Mercy Ellis of Harwich, Oct. 3, 1741 (Har. Rec.). 6 Daniel, b. ; m. 1st, Abigail , about 1729; m. 2nd Mrs Sarah Lewis of Harwich (Int. July 21, 1750, Chat. Rec.). 7 Sarah, b. ; m. Theo- dore Harding, son of Joshua, of Eastham, Jan. 23, 1728-9 (Chat. Rec.). 8 Joseph, b. m. Martha Atkins, dau. of Joseph, of Eastham, Jan. 22, 1731-2 (East. Rec.); lived at Eastham. 9 Eliza- beth, b. ; m. Seth Taylor, son of John, about. 1730. 10 Thankful,
b. ; single in 1736; perhaps m.' Jeremiah Eldredge as 2nd wife after sister's death. The last four children were by wife Sarah.
HARDING.
Capt. Joseph Harding, eldest son of Joseph and Bethiah (Cook) Ilarding of Eastham, born July 8, 1667, married Dinah , probably daughter of Tristram Hedges, and settled at Monomoit prior to 1693 in the southwest quarter of the town. Ile was select man seven years, treasurer two years and held other local offices. He be- came lieutenant of the military company as early as 1702 and cap- tain as early as 1706, holding that position till 1715. He was prob- ably one of the first members of the church. He had interests in with the Common lands and Thomas Atkins, bought of Josephus Quason in 1797 the interest of the latter in the Quason lands in Harwich, later receiving one-six- teenth part in the division of these lands45 In 1721 he took the contract to build a new parsonage for Rev. Mr. Lord, but later, after he had begun, the town cancelled the agreement and controversy en- sued. He lived on the neck south- east of Cockle Cove, then called Ragged Neck, the whole of which he owned at his death. Harding's Beach, which adjoins this neck,
was named for him. His wife Dinah died January 28, 1738, aged 76 years. He died early in 1745, leaving a will dated February 16, 1738-9, proved May 8, 1745. The
homestead at Ragged Neck was given to his son Nehemiah. Ilis son Maziah had a homestead and land on each side of the road
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
leading out of the neck to the highway, bought by the testator of Samuel Taylor in part and of Michael Stewart in part.40
NOTES.
(45) Files, Superior Court of Judicature, No. 7,626.
(46) Children of Joseph and Dinah [Hedges(?)] Harding (from the will, order uncertain) : 1 Jo- seph, b. ; m. 1st Jane Adams, dau. of John of Boston and sister of Rey. Hugh Adams, July 23, 1713 (note 45, page 188, Smith, Hist. of Chatham) ; m. 2nd Mary Stewart, widow of Michael,
betw. 1716 and 1720.
2 Maziah, b.
about 1693; m. Bethiah Hawes, dau. of Isaac, about 1721. 3 Dinalı, b. about 1700; m. 1st, William Baker, Jr., of Yarmouth, who d. soon after marriage; m. 2nd John Young, son of David of Eastham (Int. March 10, 1721, East. Rec.). 4 Bethiah, b. m. William Nickerson, son of Thomas, before Oct. 1725. 5 Priscilla, b. m.
Joseph Howes, son of Thomas, Feb. 2, (Chat. Rec.). 6 Grace, b. ; m. ; d. before her father, leaving dau. Mary. 7 Mary, b. ; m. John Buck, son
of after 1726. 8 Nehe- miah, b. about 1708; m. Priscilla ,
Collins, dau. of Joseph of East-
ham, Jan. 14, 1730-1 (East. Rec.). The Harding Gen. by Rev. Abner Morse mentions a son John who m. a Deborah Nickerson, but the will of Joseph Harding does not mention him or any children of his. Sylvanus Harding, a grand- son of Joseph, had a son John who in. Deborah Nickerson, Jr., Sept. 15, 1767 (Chat. Rec.).
HOWES.
Capt. Thomas Ilowes, son of
Joseph and Howes of Yar- mouth, born about 1680, married at Eastham Dec. 11, 1701, Content Smith, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Young) Smith of Eastham.47 By deed dated April 8, 1703, he purchased of William Griffith, Sen., all the real estate of the latter at Monomoit, consisting of a homestead lot of 26 acres in the Christopher Smith neighborood, one-half of 20 acres on the Great Neck and some meadow land (in all about 40 acres) .48 Two years later by deed dated October 22, 1705, he purchased of Philip Grif- fith a lot of four acres adjoining the homestead, the other half of the 20 acre lot on the Great Neck and another lot of meadow.40
Still later, by deed dated April 6, 1713, he purchased of James El- dredge, the farm inherited by the latter from his father, Nicholas Eldredge, which adjoined a portion of the Howes farm.50 He was selectman two years and treasurer two years. He was ensign of the military company in 1715, later lieutenant and then captain. His
will, dated May 29, 1736, was proved October 19,
1738. His widow survived him. His real es- tate was divided between his three sons.51
NOTES.
(47) The Howes Genealogy by Mr. J. C. Howes is incorrect in giving the wife of Thomas as Rebecca Howes. See the will of said Daniel Smith in Barnstable Probate Records.
(48) "Thirty acres of which Farm or Tenement is yt on which ye dwellinghouse now stands,
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
which hath a highway through it down to ye Inlands so Called, ye land on ye North side of sd way where ye house stands was bought of William Nickerson deceased, with ye priviledge of Comon for Cutting wood feeding or grasing as pr deed expressed under hand of ye sd William Nickerson; and ye land on ye South side of sd
way bought of James Maker, excepting four acres of sd Tract which was formerly disposed of to my son Philip Griffeth x x x and also one half of a twenty acre lot upon ye Great Neck & is Called ye fourth lot, my son Philip Grif- feth owning ye other half-with two acres of salt and fresh meadow, one acre bought of Trus- trum Hedges & one acre bought of Samuel Nickerson, joyning both together & lyeth on ye South side of ye Oyster pond & is on ye Easterly side of ye meadow of Lieut Eldred deceased. With ye Interest in ye Meeting house ae- cording to charge paid in building ye Same by ye said William Grif- feth." Old Barnstable Deeds, book 4, page 87. M. L. Luce papers.
(49) Forty acres more or less, bounded "beginning on ye south side at a stone next ye lands of ye sd Thomas Howes & on ye west side it is bounded by ye sd Howeses land & John Paddock's land, from sd stone to a red oak tree, thence to ye Corner of ye fence, thence to a red oak tree by ye Cart way, thence by a sett off Easterly to a pine tree marked, thence a little Southerly to white oak tree by a swamp side & so through ye Swamp to an- other white oak tree & thence hy
ye swamp to ye Indian bounds, leaving ye highway to ye Jury way, thence by ye sd Jury way Westward to ye first mentioned stone. And also ye one half of a twenty acre lot on ye Stage Neck, ye other half of said lot is now in ye tenure & possession of ye sd Thomas Howes. And also half an acre of meadow, lying in Grigeries Neck adjoining to David Melvels meadow & was formerly William Griffith Junrs meadow." Old Barnstable Deeds, book 5, page 49. M. L. Luce papers.
(50) Sixteen acres, "bounded on ye Southwest by an old ditch & post & rail fence down to ye White Pond so called & then bounded Northwest by sd Pond down to ye land of John Eldredg which was set out to him as a part of his Father's farm to a Beach tree marked, thence Easter- ly to a markt red oak tree near ye head of a swamp & stone set in ye ground & thence upon ye same range straight over a fresh pond to ye other side thereof. And then bounded by sd Pond down to meet with ye other land of ye sd Thomas Howes: Then it is bounded Easterly by ye land of ye sd Thomas Howes up to ye land now in occupation of Lieut. Seth Taylor which he bought of Lient. Eldredge (excepting only ye highway or road throu) And then by ye land of sd Taylor lo ye first mentioned ditch & post & rails (only still allowing to Eliz- abeth, ye mother of ye sd James to gather cherrys & other fruit for her spending in ye summer time & ye sd James lo take off ye timber & old bords of ye old house thereon)." Old Barnstable Deeds,
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
book 6, page 513, Luce papers.
(51) Children of Thomas and Content (Smith) Howes (from the will, order uncertain) : 1 Daniel, h. about 1702; m. Elizabeth Doane, dau. of Thomas, about 1723. 2
Elizabeth, b. ; m. Samuel Stewart, son of Hugh, as his 2nd wife about 1730. 3 Mary, b. ; single in 1736; m. Zachariah Sears of Yarmouth, as 2nd wife, Dec. 14, 1768 (Chat. Rec.) 4 Joseph, b. about 1708; m. Priscilla Harding, dau. of Joseph, Feb. 2, 1726-7 (Chat. Rec.). 5 Thankful, b.
prob. m. Paul Ryder, son of
of Yarmouth (Int. Oct. 1, 1742, Yar. Rec.). 6 Thomas, b. about 1712; m. 1st Rebecca Sears, dau. of Daniel, about 1730. She died of smallpox Dec. 10, 1765, and he m. 2nd Hope (Sears) Doane, widow of Nehemi- ah. 7 Hannah, b. ; prob. m. Joseph Harding, son of Maziah, Sept. 17, 1747 (Chat. Rec.).
LUMBERT.
Caleb Lumbert, son of Caleb and Lumbert of Barnstable and Monomoit, born ; married Sept. 1, 1704, Elizabeth Small, daughter of Edward and Mary (Woodman) Small. By deed dated Feb. 22, 1709-10, he purchased of Joseph and Ephraim Covell all their in- terest in the Common lands at Red River Neck and was the first to settle there.52 In the division of the Common lands in 1713, a considerable tract in this neck was laid out to him, on which he had, no doubt, previously settled. He had trouble with the adjoining owners. In 1722 he was sued by Robert Nickerson, son of William, for cutting wood over the line, but successfully defended himself
on appeal.53 In or about 1733 he was attorney for Katherine, widow of Nathaniel Nickerson, having charge of her property in the town in her absence.54 By deed dated Feb. 14, 1739, he conveyed to Shubael Gorham, Jr., his rights in Narragansett Township No. 7, (Gorham, Me.) derived from his father.55 In 1741 he brought suit against Ebenezer and Barnabas El- dredge on account of the adjoin- ing meadow land of said El- dredge.50 He appears to have moved from town or to have died soon after this date, there being no further mention of him.
NOTES.
(52) "All that our right & In- terest in & to a neck of land called the Red River Neck in said Manamoy, that is, our right in & to the upland in said neck, being two fifths parts of one third of sd neck, the whole of sd neck is bounded viz: at the Northeasterly corner where a spring Issues out into the pond thence running on a straight line to the cartway to a little swamp neer adjoining to said Cart way to the Easterly side of said Swamp, thence running Westerly by said Cartway as [it] runs to the head of the Red River hollow." Old Barnstable Deeds, book 5, page 563. Files, Superior Court of Judicature, No. 8,005.
(53) Records, Superior Court of Judicature, vol. 5, page 171; files of said Court, No. 19,259.
(54) Files, Superior Court of Judicature, Nos. 37,166 and 38,588. (55) York, Me., Deeds, book 27, page 78.
(56) Files, Superior Court of Judicature, No. 55,602.
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
(57) Children of Caleb and Eliz-
abeth (Small) Lumbert (Chat.
Rec.) : 1 Mary, b. June 4, 1705. 2 Deliverance, b. April 4, 1710; m. probably Elnathan Eldredge, son of Jehoshaphat. 3 Elizabeth, b. April 1, 1714; m. Seth Hammond of Dartmouth Aug. 23, 1738 (Chat. Rec.), and lived there. 4 Caleb, h. Sept. 20, 1717; m. . 5 Edward, b. March 11, 1721-2; m. One of these sons m. Nelly Eldredge, dau. of Nathaniel.
NICKERSON.
William Nickerson, son of John and Sarah (Williams) Nickerson, married Hannah He settled on the Great Neck (Stage Neck) probably on the lot conveyed to his father Nickerson in 1674 (see note 83, page 124, Smith, History of Chatham). His house stood on the west side of the road to the wharf near the present Davis place and his land extended west along the south side of Cedar street to and beyond the Cedar Swamp.58 He also had land on the east side of the road near the Joseph Atwood place. He was selectman two years and treasurer one year. He and some of his children signed their names Nich- olson, doubtless through the in- fluence of Rev. Mr. Lord, who evidently considered it the proper spelling. His will, written by Mr. Lord, was dated August 6. 1735, and proved Oct. 19, 1738. His wife Hannah survived him and was living as late as 1,55. He gave the land on the east side of the road to his son David, that on the west side, with the dwelling house and outbuildings, to his son William. He had land at Seaquan-
set, which he gave to Thomas Bea, son of his daughter Martha, de- ceased, also meadow land bought of David Melvil at a place called Melvil's flats. 59
John Nickerson, son of John and Sarah (Williams) Nickerson, mar- ried Mary July 11, 1706. He lived on his father's farm between the White pond and Emery's pond near the centre of the town at that time. He was selectman three years and held other offices. Ilis will, dated May 27. 1762, was proved Sept. 7, 1762. His only son Elisha having removed to Nova Scotia, he gave his farm and other property lo his maiden daughters, Mary and Elizabeth. He had meadow bought of David Melvil and land and meadow adjoining Jolin Buck's."0
Lieut. Thomas Nickerson, eldest SON oľ William and Mercy (Williams) Nickerson, born at
Monomoit about 1670, married Mary, daughter of Jonathan Bangs of Harwich. She was born April 14, 1671. He settled at Cotchpin- icut Neck (Old Harbor) on land lying just west of his father's farm there. He was selectman two years, town clerk twice for short periods and held other of- fices. His wife joined the Har- wich church Nov. 14, 1708, and he and his children were all bap- tized Oet. 9, 1709. His wife was dismissed to the church in Chat- hamn July 7, 1728.61 Ile was lieu- tenant of the military company as early as 1708. By deed daled July 11, 1706, he acquired the interest which his mother had by fore- closure in the land adjoining him on the west and in the possession of Dogamus, Stephen and Morti-
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
quit, Indians. They disputed his title and successfully defended themselves in the courts.º2 There were about 100 aeres in this tract, which bordered on Ryder's cove
and Pleasant bay.83 His will, dated August 4, 1735, was proved August 3, 1736. He devised his dwelling house and land connected with it one-half of Ram
and
Island to his nephew, Samuel Hinckley, who lived with him. His son Nathaniel received the other half of the island. His other sons had already received their por- tions.64
Ensign William Nickerson, second son of William and Mercy (Williams) Nickerson, born about 1675, married first Deliverance, probably daughter of Caleb Lum- bert, Sen., of Monomoit. She died probably about 1716 and he mar- ried second Anna Atwood, daugh- ter of Eldad Atwood of Eastham, October 24, 1717.65 By deed dated March 25, 1697, he purchased of John Quason a lot of land at Cotchpinicut, on which he prob-
ably lived.66
His
father, by deed
dated October 13, 1702, conveyed
to him the land at Monomesset Neck."? He was plaintiff for the "proprietors" in the dispute over the division of the Common lands. He is styled Ensign as early as 1706. He was selectman two years and for many years carried on the business of tanning hides. There was a demand for leather in those days not only for shoes but for making the leathern trousers which nearly everyone wore at his work. About 1740 he bought of the heirs of his brother Nathaniel a part of the real estate of the latter. He took pew ground
in the church in 1742. He died between October 19, 1742, date of the codicil to his will, and No- vember 15, 1742, date of its pro- bate. His wife Anna survived him and married August 25, 1747, Ben- jamin Bearse, Sen., of Barnstable, who died the following year. He gave the tan house and tanning business to his sons Caleb, Na- thaniel and Eldad.68
Nathaniel Nickerson, son of
William and Mercy (Williams) Nickerson, born about 1680, mar- ried Katherine Stewart, daughter of Hugh, May 13, 1702. He settled at Chathamport on the west side of Frostfish 1728 creek. His home- stead is described in as bounded "by Capt. Thomas Howes' land on ye South side and by Elisha Mayou's land on ye west and north side and by a salt creek on ye East side."69 He was town treasurer in 1723 and 1724. Ad- ministration on his estate was granted to his widow Katherine, May 20, 1725. He left, beside the homestead held by deed from his father, a parcel of upland, meadow and woodland held by deed from Ebenezer Stewart, upland at "the Stage" by deed from William Mitchell, and land at Cotchpinicut by deed from his father. Elisha Mayo was appointed guardian of
his daughter Mercy Sept. 8, 1726. His widow leased the homestead in 1728 to Samuel Godfrey70 and probably removed with most of the family to Falmouth, where her daughter Experience had mar- ried. She appointed Caleb Lum- bert an attorney for her, who had trouble with Godfrey, and in 1733 leased the property to Elisha Hop- kins.71 The widow Katherine died
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EARLY CHATHAM SETTLERS.
about 1740. There is no list of
the children.72
Robert Nickerson, youngest son of William and Mercy (Williams) Nickerson, born about 1684, mar- ried Rebecca Jones, daughter of Jeremiah of Yarmouth, March 28, 1706-7. He lived on his father's farm and came into full possession of it on the death of his father in 1719, subject to the life estate of the widow. By deed dated May 15, 1729, he conveyed all his property to his sons James, Rob- ert, Sylvanus and Elkanah, re- serving the use and improvement to himself and wife .? Soon after this his creditors became more pressing. Richard Knowles, Thom- as Doane, Samuel Godfrey, Ben- jamin Ashton and others secured judgments against him about 1730.74 His will, dated January 16, 1755, and proved February 4, 1755, mentions no other son but El- kanah. His widow died about
1765.75
NOTES.
(58) A deed dated March 16, 1767, from William Nicholson to Joseph Atwood gives the following description of this land: Thirty aeres bounded "Easterly by the Road to Stage Harbour Northerly by the land of John and Jeremiah Eldredge, Westerly by land of Solomon Eldredge as the fence stands and by other land of the grantor and in ye Swamp, South- erly by land of Seth Eldredge's heirs." Joseph Atwood papers.
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