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Descendants of John RUMFORD

Generation No. 1

1. JOHN¹ RUMFORD was born Abt. 1674 in England, and died February 13, 1737/38 in Plymouth Twnshp, Philadelphia Co, Pennsylvania. He married MARY SCAIFE July 27, 1699 in Middletown Meeting, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania, daughter of JONATHAN SCAIFE and ANNE SCAIFE. She was born June 10, 1678 in Yorkshire, England, and died Bef. 1721 in Haverford, Delaware, Pennsylvania.

Notes for JOHN RUMFORD:
Information provided by
Richard and Bonnie Rumford
837 Sandusky
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
(913)281-2737 Fax: (913) 281-9148
rumfam@microlink.net

John Rumford was Born about 1674 in England. He was a member of the Quaker faith, and came to America in the year 1698. He brought with him a Certificate of removal from the Quakers in England to be presented to the Quakers in Pennsylvania. A copy of that certificate reads as follows:
To our Friends and brethren in Pennsylvania or elsewhere these may come. The bearer John Rumford having several years lived within the compass of this meeting applied at our last month's meeting and acquainted us with his intention to transport himself unto Pennsylvania which he had also first proposed to Friends of the particular meeting at Bickerstath the place of his residence and the grounds of his removal being here and there weighted we find freedom to convey on his behalf. That since we first knew him he has been a very constant frequents of our meetings and a reliable member therein and with a well affected mind has delighted in truths, promotion his conversation has been innocent and harmless, his words few and a savory a good example of gravity to other young people as far as we know he comes to us clear from all women relating to the concern of marriage he is endowed with a good understanding and thereby has been serviceable in his station in divine respects for the sake whereof Friend's here valued him and desired him to stay, had he not signified that a concern relating to such an undertaking had formerly in his mind and that his stay entreaty approved an exercise since and that now opportunity opening his way finds in himself fresh encouragement. All these things and others considered we have given our consent that he act therein according to his inclination and purpose desiring the God of all mercies and blessing to preserve him a sweet savor and an instrument of good in his lot and capacity to the praise of God to whom he, we and you are for protection and keeping committed and with our Prayers for the increase of all heavenly virtue and blessing to fall upon you. We rest in dear and tender love, your Friends and brethren. Given forth from our men's meeting at Hartshaw in Lankashire the 15th day of the first month 1698, and signed on behalf thereof by. This document was signed by 24 people.
On the minutes of the monthly meeting of Friends, held at Middletown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the 4th of the 6th month (August) 1698, it is recorded that, "our Friend John Rumford lately come from old England produced a certificate which was read and the meeting being well satisfied with the testimonial contained therein does order it to be recorded.
At the monthly meeting on the 6th day of the 5th month 1699, John Rumford and Mary Scaife did signify their intentions of being with each other in marriage if the Lord permits before this meeting and it being the first time, this meeting does appoint Ezra Crossdale and Thomas Stackhouse to inquire into his clearness of other women and also into consent of parents of her and return to the next monthly meeting and also does appoint Martin Wildman.
At the monthly meeting on the 7th day of the 7th month 1699, John Rumford and Mary Scaife signified their intentions of marriage with each other it being the second time and inquiry being made, nothing is found but that he is clear so this meeting does leave them to their liberty to accomplish their intentions when they in the wisdom of God shall find freedom and opportunity.
On the 27th of the 7th month (September) 1699, at the Middletown meeting house is found
this account:
Whereas John Rumford of Middletown in the county of Bucks and province of Pennsylvania and Mary Scaife of the same town and county having declared their intentions of marriage with each other before several public meetings of the people called Quakers recording as the just order and manner as whose proceedings here as after upon consideration and consent of parents, friends and all others concerning they being found clear from all others and publications having been made according to the law of the said province, we approved of by the law.
Now these are to certify all whom it may concern that for the accomplished of the said intentions the twenty-seventh day of the seventh month of the year according to the justice and English account one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine.
They the said John Rumford and Mary Scaife appeared in a public and solemn assembly of the aforesaid people and others met together for that purpose in their meeting house in Middletown in the county of Bucks and in a solemn manner according to the example of the holy men of God recorded in the scriptures of truth that the said John Rumford taking the said Mary Scaife by the hand did openly declare with Friends in the fear of the Lord and in the presence of this assembly whom take to record. I take this my Friend Mary Scaife to be my wife promising with the Lord"s help and assistance to be a loving faithful and kind husband until it may please God to separate us by death and then and there in the said assembly the said Mary Scaife did likewise declare Friends in the presence of God and before you this assembly. I take my Friend John Rumford to be my husband promising with the Lord"s assistance to be to him a faithful loving and loyal wife until it please God in his wisdom to separate us by death and the said John Rumford and Mary now his wife according to the custom of marriage, Mary Rumford as is further confirmed this, did then and there in our presence set their hand and we whose names are also subscribed here present at the said marriage do set our names as witnesses the day and year written. This document was then signed by John and Mary along with all those in attendance.
Mary came to America with her parents at the age of five. She was born in Cheshire, England, August 10, 1678, daughter of Jonathan and Ann Scaife. They left Liverpool, England in 1683 aboard the ship called "Friendship" and arrived in Delaware by 21, 9th month (November) after a voyage of less than two months. Her father was one of the peacemakers in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1685, and coroner between 1697-1699. He was buried 1, 5th month 1709; and his wife Ann 8, 8th month 1723.
The next record of Mary is found in 1695 from court records of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and states that the said Mary Scaife being examined about and her having of a bastard born on her body acknowledged the same and said James Heaton was the father of it. The court adjudged to pay a fine of three pounds for committing fornication. Payment of the same was promised by Jonathan Scaife, father of the said Mary. Court adjourned to the 7th month next at usual day.
A release from the Governor of a fine imposed by the court on Mary the daughter of Jonathan Scaife produced in the court by her father as Followeth:
Whereas the daughter of Jonathan Scaife of Bucks County stands find upon the record of the said county in the sum of three pounds I do forgive release and acquit her of the said fine, witness my hand and seal this 26th day of October 1695.
Wm. Markham Govr.
Undr. Wm. Penn Absolute
Recorded by order of Court Proprietor.
As pertaining to what became of this child of Mary's, I have been unable to find any other account given to this child.
After the marriage of John and Mary, in the same year Jonathan Scaife conveyed to his son-in-law, John Rumford, a farm in Middletown on Core Creek, where they resided until 1712, when they took a certificate to the monthly meeting at Philadelphia, in Philadelphia County, and later became members of the Haverford Meeting.
In the will of Thomas Stackhouse of Belmount in Bessalem Township, Bucks County, dated 26, 9th month 1705, and probated 31 August 1706, names as witnesses were Jeremiah Scaife, John Romford, And Jonathan Scaife. Note the spelling of the last name of John.
Next is the records of the monthly meeting from the Middletown Quakers concerning the certificate that John took to Philadelphia

Monthly Meeting 3rd day of the 2nd month 1712.

John Rumford acquainted this meeting that he intends to remove himself and family to Philadelphia and desires of us a certificate, which this meeting is willing to take into consideration and appoints Thomas Baynes and Adam Harker to make inquiry of his clearness in matters relating thereto so far as they may see it needful and make report to the next monthly meeting.

Monthly Meeting 1st day of the 3rd month 1712.

This being the second time that John Rumford appeared and desired a certificate for his removal to Philadelphia, and report being made by Thomas Baynes and Adam Harker that they have made inquiry of his clearness relating thereto and find nothing but that he is clear. Therefore this meeting doth order that he have a certificate and William Hayhurst is ordered to write it before the next monthly meeting and bring it to the same for approbation.

Monthly Meeting 5th day of the 4th month 1712.

There being some reports brought to this meeting of John Rumford finds the inquiry was made for his certificate which Friends are unsafe with, therefore the meeting doth appoint Thomas Stackhouse and Thomas Baynes to go to the said John Rumford and make inquiry further into it, and make report to the next monthly meeting.

Monthly Meeting 7th day of the 6th month 1712.

Thomas Stackhouse and Thomas Baynes do acquaint this meeting that they have not spoken to John Rumford. Therefore they are desired to continue their care and desire him to come to the next monthly meeting to give Friends satisfaction for their unsafeness concerning him and make return of his answer to the next monthly meeting.

Monthly Meeting 4th day of the 7th month 1712

John Rumford hath sent a complaint by Thomas Baynes to this meeting against William Cutler for delaying to pay him a certain sum of money due to him sometime ago which the said John Rumford is in great necessity of for the sustaining of his family; and William being here hath been discussed with, and is advised and ordered by this meeting to pay the said John Rumford his money or someway satisfy him without delay within a week's time and bring a note from his hand to the next monthly meeting how he is satisfied.

Monthly Meeting 4th day of the 7th month 1712

Thomas Baynes reports that he hath spoken with John Rumford concerning those things which Friends were unsafe with and it doth not appear that John is in so much blame as he seemed to be in by the first report given, and he being under inconveniences by reason of the weakness of his family could not be here, therefore the meeting is willing to pass it by and let him have his certificate and order William Hayhurst to transcribe and sign it with other Friends.

Monthly Meeting 2nd day of the 8th month 1712.

William Cutler acquainted this meeting that he hath not answered John Rumford but promised he will do it before the next monthly meeting and bring the meeting an account thereof.

Monthly Meeting 9th day of the 9th month 1712

William Cutler Produced a receipt that the money owing John Rumford is paid according to his order.

John is found in minute book H desiring to purchase 300 acres of land on Schuylkill, above Thomas Millar's mill. Tis granted to him at 12 pounds per hundred, 20 pounds thereof to be paid next 3d, 3 month and the remainder in 9ber next, and a warrant dated the 19th 1st month 1713-1714. In the history of Chester County, Pennsylvania, John is in Coventry Township. The list of settlers in those parts is from the assessment of 1718, as follows; The rate of the highest district from Skoolkill to Brandiwine. John Rumford 2 shillings 6 d.
From a record of the council at Philadelphia dated 22 March 1720. "Upon consideration of a petition this day read at the board, from Sundry persons who call themselves the upper inhabitants of the west side of the Schulkill in these words:
"To the honorable William Keith Esq. Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania and to his honorable council, the petition of the upper inhabitants on the west side of Schuylkill, humbly sheweth, That whereas the commissioners for the county of Chester have attempted of late to make us pay taxes in the county of Chester, notwithstanding we have ever since our first settlement paid our taxes in the county of Philadelphia.
"And your humble petitioners having no trade with Chester, and seeing it is impossible for us to make any tolerably convenient road to Chester, by reasons of rocks and mountains.
"And considering that the county of Philadelphia, if bounded by Schuylkill, aforesaid will be near fifty miles broad by the like computation.
"And considering that we must carry the product of our labor to market at or near Philadelphia, which is forty or fifty miles, to purchase money to pay our taxes, and defray the several charges we shall be incident to by public services if we be taken to Chester County, which will be a very great burden upon us.
"The aforesaid considerations your humble petitioners hope are sufficient reason for us to pray your honors that the counties may be divided and that if possible we may be(as heretofore) inhabitants in the county of Philadelphia, tho' on the west side of Schuylkill; and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray.
Signed by Israel Robertson, Francis Hughs, Henry Bell, John Sinclair, John Rumford, and about forty other persons.
In 1721 John removed with his family to Plymouth Township, Philadelphia County, (now Montgomery County), and took his certificate to Gwynedd Monthly Meeting, bearing
date 26 July 1721. He became an active and prominent member of this meeting and was named, April 3, 1723, as one of the Friends to visit families at Oley (now in Berks County). He was named as an overseer of Plymouth Meeting by Gwynedd Meeting, and served until July 28, 1724, when he requested to be relieved. He died in Plymouth Township, his will bearing date December 26, 1738, being proved February 3, 1738-9. His wife, Mary Scaife, evidently died before this date as she is not mentioned in the will. The following is a copy of that will:
The twenty sixth of the tenth month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty eight. I John Rumford of Plymouth in the county of Philadelphia, weaver being very sick and weak of body but of perfect mind and memory calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make this day my last will and testament, that is to say principally and first of all I beseech the most high God to be pleased to receive my spirit to himself who gave it and for my body to be interned in a decent manner and touching my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased the Lord to bless me with. I devise and dispose of the same in the following manner. It is my will that all my just debts and funeral charges be paid and satisfied. Item, I give and devise unto my eldest son John Rumford an English shilling. Item, I will and bequeath to my beloved son Jonathan Rumford a silver seal and a pair of weight scales with box and weights thereto belonging and the estate with which I have before invested him with. Item, I will and bequeath unto my eldest daughter Sarah Bell five pounds to dispose of to her children at her will. Item, I will and bequeath to my grandchild Jonathan Dawes seven pounds, five to be paid out of my estate and two pounds to be out of his father's which I lent him the whole to be paid at age with interest. Item, I leave to my Daughter Martha Rumford, ten pounds, my riding mare and copper skillet. Item, I will and leave to my grandson John Bell, my greatcoat,, my white gloves and calfskin shoes. Item, I will to my beloved grand daughter Hannah Bell one pound of money. Item, I will and bequeath to my friend Sarah Dawes, three pounds of money. Item, I leave will and bequeath to my youngest son Thomas Rumford, eighteen pounds of money, my saddle and bridle, a silver spoon with my name engravened on it and the rest of my apparel raiment and an English crown of silver. Item, I will and bequeath unto my daughter Miriam Rumford, nine pounds and ten shillings of money, my great bible and silk handkerchief and an English silver crown. Item, it is my will and I order that my youngest son Thomas Rumford and my youngest daughter Miriam Rumford whom I constitute make and ordain my only executors to this my last will and testament have all the rest of my substance and other books that are in my possession and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and dismiss all and every other former Testaments, wills, legacies and executors by me in anyway before this time named, willed and bequeathed ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal the day and year above written. John Rumford seal. Signed sealed, published, pronounced and declared by the said John Rumford as his last will and testament in the presence of us the subscribers. Henry Bell his mark, Micheal Thomas, Edward Dawes.

Issue:

2. Sarah , Born March 25, 1700
3. John, born December 31, 1701
4. Rebecca, born Dec 18, 1703
5. Jonathan, born January 11, 1705
6. Mary, born February 2, 1707/8
7. Rachel, born June 28, 1710
8. Hannah, born April 21, 1712
9. Martha, born, August 12, 1713
10. Miriam, born January 13, 1715/6
11. Thomas, born October 22, 1719

Notes for MARY SCAIFE:
Not proven

Marriage Notes for JOHN RUMFORD and MARY SCAIFE:
American Marriage Records Before 1699 S
SCAIFE, Mary and John Rumford, 27 July 1699, Middletown, Penn.

Children of JOHN RUMFORD and MARY SCAIFE are:

2.	i.	SARAH² RUMFORD, b. March 25, 1700, Middletown Meeting, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. 1739, Plymouth Twnshp, Philadelphia Co, Pennsylvania.
3.	ii.	JOHN RUMFORD, b. October 31, 1701, Middletown Meeting, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. Abt. February 1738/39, Greenwich Twhshp, New Jersey.
4.	iii.	REBECCA RUMFORD, b. October 18, 1703, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.
5.	iv.	JONATHAN RUMFORD, b. November 11, 1705, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. July 3, 1782, New Castle Co, Delaware.
6.	v.	MARY RUMFORD, b. Bet. December 2 1707 - 1708, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.
	vi.	RACHEL RUMFORD, b. April 28, 1710, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.
	vii.	HANNAH RUMFORD, b. February 21, 1711/12, Bucks Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.
7.	viii.	MARTHA RUMFORD, b. June 12, 1713, Chester Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.
	ix.	MIRIAM RUMFORD, b. Bet. November 13 1715 - 1716, Chester Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y; m. ABRAM DAWES, 1739, Gwynedd Meeting, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.

Notes for MIRIAM RUMFORD:
Information contributed by Richard and Bonnie Rumford,
837 Sandusky, Kansas City, Kansas 66101
rumfam@microlink.ne

She married Abram Dawes, and they declared their intentions to marry the first time at Gwynedd Meeting, 25th day 7th month 1739, and the second time they announced their intentions the 30th day 8th month 1739. On the 27th day 9th month 1739 they reported their marriage. Abram was born the 28th day 9th month 1713, the son of Edward and Sarah (Cassel) Dawes and the brother of Edward who married Mary Rumford, the sister of Miriam.
They were of the Quaker faith and a record of them is found in the Kenneth Monthly Meeting minutes where Abram was received on a certificate from the North Wales Monthly Meeting, dated 4th day 10th month 1742, and Miriam was received on a certificate from the Gwynedd Monthly Meeting dated 4th day 10th month 1742. I have found no other account of them since that time.
Miriam married second December 1781, Griffin Minshall in Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware.

Issue: none known

THOMAS RUMFORD, b. August 22, 1719, Chester Co, Pennsylvania; d. Unknown, Y.

Notes for THOMAS RUMFORD:
Information contributed by Richard and Bonnie Rumford,
837 Sandusky, Kansas City, Kansas 66101
rumfam@microlink.ne

Thomas Rumford, son of John 1 and Mary (Scaife) Rumford, was born the 22nd day 8th month 1719, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. There's not very much known about him except that he was one of the executors in his father's will in 1738. He was received on a certificate to the Newark Monthly Meeting, New Castle County, dated May 5, 1739. On the 6th day 4th month 1741 he was disowned at the Kenneth Meeting for not paying his just debts. This is the last known account on him.
.

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