USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Duxbury > History of the town of Duxbury, Massachusetts, with genealogical registers > Part 6
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* This was laid down at a later period, as one of the laws of the colony, when it was ordered, that if any man make a motion of marriage to another man's daughter or maid, without first obtaining leave of her parents or mas- ter, he shall be punished by fine, not exceeding five pounds, or corporal punishment, or both, at the discretion of the bench, according to the nature of the offence. Col. Rec.
JOHN ALDEN. 57
The damsel having been called into the apartment, Mr. Alden, who is said to have been of a most excellent form, and of a fair and ruddy complexion, arose, and, in a courteous and prepossessing manner, delivered his errand. The young lady listened with respectful attention, and at last, after considera- ble pause, fixing her eyes on him, replied with perfect naiveté, " Prithee, John, why do you not speak for yourself ?" He blushed, and bowed, and took his leave, but with a look which indicated more than his diffidence would permit him otherwise to express. Suffice it to say, however, that he soon renewed his visit, and it was not long before their nuptials were cele- brated in ample form .* What report he made to his constitu- ent after the first interview, tradition does not unfold.
It is said that the Captain never forgave his friend Alden to the day of his death. But as he was soon after united to an- other lady of his choice, we must think that this account of his lasting jealousy is exaggerated. Their long connection in the administration of the government, the intermarriage of their children, and their close communion in the same church, serve to convince us that none other than perfect friendship existed between them; and we are much more inclined to think, that the good humor of the Captain turned upon that circumstance not unfrequently with feelings far otherwise, and that congratulations for his success were extended to his more comely rival.
In 1626 he engaged with Standish, Brewster, Howland and others of the principal men of the colony, to pay their debts, contracted in England, and otherwise to prevent the ruin of the colony by want of credit; and during the following year bargained with the people for a consignment of the trade to them, promising to free them from the payment of the colo- ny's debts.
In 1631 he removed to Duxbury, and settled on the land which had been granted him on the south side of Blue-fish river. He built his house on a rise of land, near Eagle-tree pond,t and the site is still identified to the eastward of the present build- ing, near the dike; and here was his well, which long since having been filled up, it is now with difficulty that its precise
* On proceeding to the nuptials, it is said that he covered his bull with a handsome piece of broadcloth, and rode on his back ; but on the return he seated his bride upon the animal, and walked by her side, leading the bull by a rope fixed in his nose ring.
t The several oak trees in the region of this pond were formerly a favor- ite resorting place for eagles, and even to the present day occasionally one is there seen. Mr. Alden, it is said, planted the first orchard. The pear tree, lately standing in full vigor, was probably planted by the pilgrim, though perhaps by Jonathan, his son, and was considered a very old tree ninety years ago.
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situation is found. The second house stood a little further to the westward; and the present house, which was erected by his grandson, Col. John Alden, stands still further towards the west, which is now occupied by a descendant of the sixth generation. The farm, which has been in the possession of the family from the first settlement, is one of the best in the town. The original grant to Mr. Alden contained over 169 acres.
In 1633, he was chosen a member of the Board of Assist- ants to the Governor, and of this body he continued, with few interruptions, to the time of his death. In 1640, however, and for the ten succeeding years, he was not of that number, being most of that time a deputy from Duxbury. In 1666, he was the first on the Board of Assistants; and through the re- mainder of his life he continued of that rank, and was frequently styled the Deputy Governor, and on him devolved the duty of presiding in the absence of the Governor, and on these occa- sions he ruled with dignity and perseverance. Holding offices of the highest trust, no important measure was proposed, or any responsible agency ordered, in which he had not a part. He was often one of the council of war, many times an arbi- trator ; a surveyor of lands for the government as well as for individuals, and on several important occasions was authorized to act as agent or attorney for the colony. He was chosen teasurer in 1656, and held that office for three successive years.
In these times of our ancestors, the honors of a public trust were not so alluring, as their duties and expenses were formi- dable, and it was perhaps on account of a reluctance of the worthies to accept these public appointments, that the Court was led to pass, at a somewhat earlier period, the following acts : - "January, 1627. It was enacted by the public con- sent of the freemen of this society of New Plymouth, that if now or hereafter any were elected to the office of Governor, and would not stand to the election, nor hold and execute the office for his year, that then he be amerced in twenty pounds sterling fine ; and in case refused to be paid on lawful demand of the ensuing Governor, then to be levied out of the goods and chattels of the said person refusing. It was further or- dered and decreed, that if any were elected to the office of Council and refuse to hold the place, that then he be amerc- ed in ten pounds sterling fine ; and in case refused to be paid, to be forthwith levied. Also, that in case one and the same person should be elected Governor a second year, having held the place the foregoing, it should be lawful for him to refuse, without any amercement, and the company to proceed to a new election, except they can prevail with him by entreaty." The salary of the magistrates was in the beginning very tri-
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JOHN ALDEN.
fling, and it was not until a late period that any considerable recompense was allowed them. In 1665, it was ordered, that the old magistrates should receive £20 for their services per annum, and the charge of their table be defrayed, and those newly elected to have the charge of their table only; but in 1667, all the Assistants were allowed £50 per annum. Mr. Alden's constant employment in the government, little time being afforded him for attending to his own private affairs, so reduced his estate, that it came under the notice of the Court, who were conscious of his valuable services, and well knew their loss, should he be obliged to resign his labors; and took immediate action, as appears by the following record : "In regard that Mr. Alden is low in his estate, and occationed to spend time att the Courts on the Contreyes occations, and soe hath done this many yeares; the Court have alowed him a small gratuity the sume of ten pounds to bee payed by the treasurer."-Col. Records.
He was possessed of a sound judgment, and of talents, which though not brilliant, were by no means ordinary and disputa- ble. The writers who mention him, bear ample testimony to his industry, integrity and exemplary piety, and he has been represented as a worthy and useful man, of great humility, and eminent for the sanctity of his life. He was decided, ardent, resolute and persevering, indifferent to danger, a bold and hardy man; stern and austere and unyielding, of exemplary piety and of incorruptible integrity, an iron-nerved puritan, who could hew down forests and live on crumbs.
He was a puritan, both in theory and practice; and a pro- fessed disciple of Jesus Christ, he lived in accordance with his profession. He was a meek, humble, sincere, pious and faith- ful follower of the blessed Redeemer, and his end was peace and triumph. The object which in his youthful days he anx- iously sought, was fully attained. He came to the howling wilds of America, to enjoy the sweets of religion, pure and undefiled. Like the saints of old, he was willing to endure hardships with the people of God, while he might be instru- mental in extending the kingdom of Immanuel, and looking to a better and an eternal state of existence for the reward of grace. He was unmolested in the exercise of the rights of conscience and in the worship of the Most High. In addition to his spiritual blessings, he was crowned with that compe- tence, which is vital to content, with an uncommon length of days, and with a goodly number of children, all of whom de- lighted in the ordinances of God, and finally left that good name in the world, which is better than precious ointment. He was always a firm supporter of the clergy and the church, and eveything of an innovating nature received his determined opposition.
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Though in his earlier days he was possessed of an abundant property, and held a high place among the first settlers in that respect, yet at his death he only left an estate of about £50 sterling. He at one time owned land on the North river in Bridgewater, which he afterwards gave to his son Joseph. He also had land at Taunton. His farm in Duxbury he gave to his son Jonathan before he died. In 1637, he had an addi- tion made to his farm, of a small hill or knoll on the northerly side of the river Blue-fish, "in lue of a pcell of land taken from him (next unto Samuel Nashes land) for publicke use." Old Col. Rec. In 1657, the Court ordered him to look out and obtain land for his sons, and present it to them for their approval. In 1659, he had a grant of some of the commons in Duxbury. In 1661, he purchased a neck of land at Monu- met. In the latter part of his life he divided his property among his children, and lived with his son Jonathan.
He died at Duxbury, September 12, 1686, at the advanced .. age of 87 years. He was, at the time of his death, the last surviving signer * of that original compact of government, signed in the cabin of the Mayflower, at Cape Cod, November, 1620- the last of the first exiled pilgrims. In his last sick- ness he was patient and resigned, fully believing that God, who had imparted to him the love of excellence, would perfect the work which he had begun, and would render him com- pletely holy in heaven. - Alden's Epitaphs, Allen's Biogra- phy, Prince's Chronology, Belknap's and Bradford's Biog.
The following ELEGY, supposed to have been written by the Rev. John Cotton, of Plymouth, though it has before appeared, is still deserving of a record here, not on account of any merit of the style, but for its pure and healthy tone.
" The staff of bread, and water eke the stay, From sinning Judah God will take away The prudent counsellor, the honorable, Whom grace and holiness make delectable, The Judge, the prophet, and the ancient saint ; The death of such cause sorrowful complaint. The earth and its inhabitants do fall, The aged saint bears up its pillars all. The hoary head in way of righteousness A crown of glory is. Who can express Th' abundant blessings by disciples old ! In every deed they 're more than can be told.
* The last surviving passenger of the Mayflower, was Mary, daughter of Mr. Isaac Allerton, and wife of Elder Thomas, son of Robert Cushman. She died, aged about 90, in 1699.
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JOHN ALDEN.
The guise 'tis of a wanton generation To wish the aged soon might quit their station. Though truth it be, the Lord, our God, does frown, When aged saints by death do tuinble down. What, though there be not such activity, Yet in their prayers there's such fervency, As doth great mercy for a place obtain, And gracious presence of the Lord maintain. Though Nature's strength in old age doth decay, Yet the inward man renew'd his day by day. The very presence of a Saint in years, Who lifts his soul to God with pray'rs and tears, Is a rich blessing unto any place, Who have that mercy to behold his face. When sin is ripe and calls for desolation, God will call home old saints from such a nation. Let sinners then of th' aged weary be, God give me grace to mourn most heartily For death of this dear servant of the Lord, Whose life God did to us so long afford. God lent his life to greater length of days, In which he lived to his Redeemer's praise. In youthful time he made Moses his choice, His soul obeying great Jehovah's voice, Freely forsook the world for sake of God, In his house with his saints to have abode. He followed God into this wilderness, Thereby to all the world he did profess, Affliction with his Saints a better part, And more delightful to his holy heart, Than sinful pleasures, lasting but a season. Thus said his faith, so saith his carnal reason. He came one of the first into this land, And here was kept by God's most gracious hand Years sixty-seven, which time he did behold, To poor New England's mercies manifold, All God's great works, to this his Israel, From first implanting that to them befell ; Of them he made a serious observation, And could of them present a large narration. His walk was holy, humble and sincere, His heart was filled with Jehovah's fear. He honored God with much integrity, God therefore did him truly magnify. The hearts of saints entirely did him love, His uprightness so highly did approve,
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That whilst to choose they had their liberty, Within the limits of this Colony, Their civil leader him they ever chose. His faithfulness made hearts with him to close. With all the Governors he did assist ; His name recorded is within the list Of Plymouth's pillars to his dying day. His name is precious to eternal ay. He set his love on God and knew his name, God therefore gives him everlasting fame. So good and heavenly was his conversation, God gave long life, and show'd him his salvation. His work now finished upon this earth, Seeing the death of what he saw the birth, His gracious Lord from Heaven calls him home, And saith, my servant, now to Heaven come ; Thou hast done good, been faithful unto me, Now shalt thou live in bliss eternally. On dying bed his ails were very great, Yet verily his heart on God was set. He bore his griefs with faith and patience, And did maintain his lively confidence, Saying to some the work which God begun, He would preserve to its perfection. His mouth was full of blessings till his death To ministers and Christians all ; his breath Was very sweet by many a precious word, He uttered from the spirit of his Lord. He lived in Christ, in Jesus now he sleeps, And his blest soul the Lord in safety keeps.
JOHN ALDEN. ANAGRAM. END AL ON HI.
Death puts an end to all this world enjoys, And frees the saint from all that here annoys. This blessed saint has seen an end of all Worldly perfections. Now his Lord doth call Him to ascend from earth to Heaven high, Where he is blest to all eternity. Who walks with God as he, shall so be blest, And evermore in Christ his arms shall rest. Lord, spare thy remnant, do not us forsake, From us do not this holy Spirit take. Thy cause, thy interest in this land still own, Thy gracious presence ay let be our crown.
J. C."
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JOHN HOWLAND.
His bible, in the cabinet of the Pilgrim Society, bears this imprint : "Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, printer to the King's most excellent Majesty. Anno Dom. 1620. Cum Priuiligio." The text is in the Old English characters.
The autograph of Mr. Alden is exceedingly rare, consider- ing his position in the colony, and the number of times he pro- bably must have written his name in official capacities. His style in his younger days was more open and bolder than when he became further advanced in years.
The signature here given, is from a deed bearing date 1670, which was acknowledged before him, as one of the Assistants.
Colore nero Jorn Aliem
HOWLAND. The descendants of this pilgrim are numerous, and very respectable. He was a member of Governor Car- ver's family, whose daughter, Elizabeth, he married. He removed to Duxbury at an early date; but continued in the town for a few years only, having had grants of land in that vicinity, a large tract at Island creek pond, and also two small islands at Green's harbor, viz., Spectacle and Ann islands ; and afterwards removed to Plymouth, where the site of his house is identified in Summer street; and then he next re- moved to Rocky Nook, in Kingston, before 1665, when he petitioned for a way to his house; and there he died, February 22d, 1672, aged 80 years. He was one of the leading men in the colony, and a partaker of their hazardous undertakings, and eminent for his devotions to its interests both in civil and religious matters. He was for many years a deputy from Plymouth, and likewise an Assistant during the greater part of his long and valuable life. In speaking of his death, the Old Colony Records speak of him as "a godly man, and an ancient professor of the ways of Christ; one of the first com- ers, and proved a useful instrument of good in his place, and was the last male survivor of those who came over in the Mayflower in 1620, and whose place of abode was Plymouth." He was honorably interred at Plymouth, where his remains rested for upwards of a century without a stone, until a few years ago a suitable gravestone was placed over them by his descendant in the fifth generation, Hon. John Howland, Presi- dent of the Rhode Island Historical Society.
The same may be said in regard to his autograph, as of Mr. Alden's. The following is a copy of the only one, that the author has as yet seen. It was written but a year or
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two previous to his death, and in his old age, which may ac- count for the error in spelling, which will be noticed.
ELoseLas
The following account of a mishap, which befell him on the voyage hither, is found in a fragment of Gov. Bradford's MS. History, recently discovered [New Eng. Hist. Geneal. Reg. II. 187.]: - " In a mighty storm, John Howland, a Passenger, a stout young man, by a keel of ye ship was thrown into ye sea. But it pleased God, He caught hold of ye Topsail Halliards wc hung overboard and run out yr length : yet He kept his hold, tho several Fathoms under water, till He was drawn up by ye same Rope to ye surface, & by a Boat Hook & othr means got into ye ship : & tho somewt ill upon it liv'd many years & became a usefull member both in Church & Comon wealth." ..
FRANCIS EATON, another passenger of the Mayflower, was also one of the first settlers of Duxbury. His autograph is copied from an original in the Colony records.
frances cahier
GEORGE SOULE. This ancestor of a numerous family, was one of Governor Winslow's family on their arrival, and early settled near Eel river ; but, in 1637, we find that "a garden place is graunted to Georg Soule on Ducksburrow side by Samuel Nashes to lye to his ground at Powder point," and here he soon settled. Though not a man distinguished in the government of the colony, yet he was of essential service in his town, oftentimes representing it in the Court of Deputies, and holding other offices, to which he could not have been elevated, had he not been a man of integrity and probity.
The children of all the preceding, with the exception of those of Howland and Brown, remained in the town; and of the others, the name of Eaton has now become extinct in the town, and that of Standish also.
Of the twenty-seven heads of families, who arrived in the ship Fortune in 1621, these became at some future time pro- prietors of land in Duxbury : Robert Hicks, Thomas Prence, Moses Simmons, Philip Delano, Edward Bumpus, William Palmer, Jonathan Brewster, Thomas Morton and William Basset. Simmons and Delano became permanent residents in the town; and here most of their descendants have resided.
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SIMMONS, DELANO, STARR, SEABURY. 65
SIMMONS, or Moyses Symonson, as he was called, received a grant of forty acres at Duxbury in 1638-9, where he settled, and from him have sprung a numerous posterity.
DELANO. His name was originally spelled De-la-Noye, and he is said to have been a French protestant, who joined the church at Leyden. He was aged nineteen years on his arri- val ; was admitted a freeman January 1st, 1632, and early removed to Duxbury, and settled a little north or northwest of Alden, on the north side of Stoney or Mill brook, below the site of the late tack factory. His farm was confirmed to him in 1637, extending from the marsh at the farther end of the town on the north, to Alden's on the south, and from Bum- pus' land on the west, to the sea at the east, comprising about forty acres. He was a man of much respectability, and em- ployed in surveying lands, and was often one of the grand inquest of the colony. - Vide Geneal. Registers. 2.
The earliest physician of the town was, it is believed, COMFORT STARR, who came from Ashford, Kent, England, to Cambridge in 1633, and then removed to Duxbury, and bought a house of Jona. Brewster, and received a large grant of 120 acres between the North and South Rivers in 1638,- was admitted a freeman in 1639; but finally removed to Bos- ton, where he died January 2, 1659.
The autograph below given, is a copy of his signature to his will.
Comfort Storm
SAMUEL SEABURY, probably the next in the town, came from Boston and settled in Duxbury before 1660, and was a worthy man, and employed in the business of the town for a number of years. He died in 1681, bequeathing " his surjean bookes and instruments" to his son Samuel, who succeeded him as the physician, and was likewise a prominent man in the town, serving as their treasurer and representative, and also a principal member of the church, and an ensign of the militia.
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COLLIER, CHURCH, BASSET.
WILLIAM COLLIER. He was one of the merchant adventur- ers in England, and a wealthy merchant, and quite early came to Plymouth, and soon removed to Duxbury and settled in the southeastern part, near Standish and Brewster. He also had land west of North hill (granted 1635), and a tract called Bil- lingsgate. He was an enterprising man, and engaged much in business, and during most of his life employed in the gov- ernment of the colony, as Assistant and otherwise. In 1658, " The Court ordered a servant to him, because he can not easily come to public business, being aged and having much private business." He died in 1671 at an advanced age.
WILLIAM MAYCUMBER, a cooper, who appears in Duxbury as early as 1638, having had that year a grant of an island of three or four acres north of Powder point, was allowed to set- tle, "if the comitees of Duxburrow do consent," and in the same year we find liberty granted him " to fetch tymber to make Hoopes of, for vessells for the Colonies use at Clarks Iland & Sagaquash ;" and in 1640, he was granted the " wood fitt for coopery growing upon Wood Island, to be used by him so long as he followeth his trade, and forbidding all others to cutt any there, except for the loading of boats and vessells to carry away the hey."
RICHARD CHURCH. This person, a carpenter, was at an early date in Duxbury. We find him at Eel river and Ply- mouth until about 1649, when he appears soon after at East- ham ; and then of Charlestown in 1653, when he bought land in Hingham of Thomas Joye of Boston, [Suffolk Deeds] whither he removed, and, it is believed, continued during the remainder of his life. His death occurred at Dedham, Dec. 27th, 1668, though he was buried at Hingham, where his will is dated. - Hist. Bridgewater.
RALPH CHAPMAN, a ship carpenter, was in Duxbury as early as 1640, when he had a grant of four acres at Stoney brook, and also more to the north towards Green harbor. In 1645 he bought a ferry privilege at New Harbor marshes of Robert Barker, and soon after petitioned the Court to excuse him, " as it would bring him to extreme poverty," which they did, " ex- cept on special occasions, as bringing over the magistrates who dwell there .??
WILLIAM BASSET, or Bassite, a passenger of the second ship, the Fortune, removed to Duxbury before 1639. He had two in his family on his arrival in 1621. In 1640, he received a large grant of 100 acres at Beaver pond, and was a very large land owner. He left at his death a valuable library. He was one of the early deputies of the town, and a man of some note in the colony.
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PABODIE, PARTRIDGE, SAMPSON.
WILLIAM PABODIE, a man of considerable note in the earlier days of the town, was the son of John Paybody (as his name was spelled). He was much employed in the affairs of the town, and often engaged in the colony government. He was admitted a freeman of the colony in 1650, and frequently was one of the Court of Deputies from Duxbury ; and sometimes appeared before the same, as an attorney for individuals, as well as for the town.
William Icalubio
He removed to Little Compton about 1684, where he was selectman and an Associate of the colony. He was also town clerk of Duxbury, and was possessed of considerable landed property.
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