| i. | William Curtis, Jr, born 1618 in Nazeing, England; died 1634 in Roxbury, MA. |
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More About William Curtis, Jr: Migration: 1631, England to Massachusetts with Rev. John Eliot.439 |
| ii. | Mary Curtis, born Abt. 11 Mar 1620/21 in Nazeing, Essex; died Unknown. |
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More About Mary Curtis: Migration: 1632, England to Massachusetts aboard the Lyon. |
| iii. | Thomas Curtis, born Abt. 19 Jan 1621/22 in Nazeing, England; died 1652. |
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More About Thomas Curtis: Migration: 1632, England to Massachusetts aboard the Lyon. |
| 139 | iv. | Elizabeth* Curtis, born Abt. 13 Feb 1624/25 in Nazeing, Essex, England; died 1707 in Roxbury, Suffolk County, MA; married Isaac Newell, Sr* 14 Dec 1659 in Roxbury, Suffolk County, MA. | ||
| v. | Sarah Curtis, born Bef. 05 Aug 1627 in Nazeing, England; died 29 Nov 1676 in Attleboro or Rehoboth, MA; married John Woodcock, Sr* Abt. 1644 in Rehoboth, MA; born Abt. 1615 in of London, England; died 20 Oct 1701 in Attleboro, Bristol County, MA. |
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Notes for Sarah Curtis: >>>>>CONTINUED FROM NOTES FOR JOHN WOODCOCK, SR, HUSBAND OF SARAH>>>>> The first settlement within the present (1886) bounds of the town of Attleboro was in the neighborhood of the Baptist meeting house, where Hatche's old tavern still stands. It was commenced by Mr. John Woodcock, his sons and their families soon after the first division (of lands) in 1669. Here he built a public house on the "Bay road" and fortified it as a garrison, and laid out lands to the amount of about three hundred acres, which afterward made an excellent farm. At this time and subsequently he took up in several parts of the town about six hundred acres, part on his own shares, and the rest on rights that he purchased of Roger Amidon, James Rednay, Andrew Willet and others. A part of this six hundred acres was on Bungay river, where Bishop's shop once stood, and this he conveyed to his son Jonathan, "with the saw mill thereon standing." Woodcock's garrison house was occupied for a garrison. It was licensed in 1670, according to the following: (See Old Colony records, July 5th, 1670.) John Woodcock is allowed by the court to keep an ordinary at the "Ten Mile River" (so called) which is in the way from Rehoboth to the Bay. And likewise enjoined to keep good order, that no unruliness or ribaldry be permitted there. Woodcock's garrison was a well-known place of rendezvous in the great Indian war and was probably for some years the only house excepting its immediate neighbors on the Bay road between Rehoboth and Dedham, though this was then the main road from Rhode Island, Bristol, Rehoboth to Boston. The Bay road extended at first from Rehoboth through what is now the city to West Attleboro, north to Woodcock's, thence over Ten Mile Hill, to Jacob Sheperdsen's in what is now Foxboro, thence through Dedham and Roxbury to Boston. This garrison was one of a chain of fortifications extending from Boston to Rhode Island. There was one in Boston, one in Dedham at Ames' Corner, Woodcock's in this place, one at Rehoboth situated in the center of "great plains" on the borders of which the first settlements were principally located. Another at Senport on the Island and perhaps others in the intermediate spaces. It was a famous place on this road, a convenient public house for travelers as well as a well-known station in King Philip's war. It witnessed many a military force on its march to the defense of the Colonists, and such often halted and encamped there on their route over night, and sometimes longer, while waiting for additional forces. Companies were sometimes ordered there to await the arrival of other troops who were to accompany them, and then the solitary places of the wilderness were enlivened by the tread of armed men and the sounds of martial music. While armies in their marches halted there and great men of the Colonies, in their travels, stopped there, this house is often mentioned by historians. The celebrated Judge Sewall relates in his "Diary" that on his return from Rehoboth he dined at Woodcock's with fellow travelers on boiled venison, which was probably just such a dinner as they chose in those days, and would not be unacceptable at the present time. Madam Knight in her famous journey from Boston to New York, lodged there over night and speaks of her fare. This was considered a perilous journey in those days and required eight days to accomplish. This "Oulde Bay Road" was the first main road laid out in this part of the country, and all travel would necessarily pass by this ordinary in those early days which might be called the dawn of life and civilization. It is a delight to go back in imagination and view the landscape that surrounded the traveler, and the novel scenes of early Colonial life. Mile after mile of almost trackless woods filled with bears, deer and other denizens of the forest, with here and there a gleaming lake or sparkling river glinting in the sunlight. The plodding wayfarer on foot with his heavy staff, the rider on horseback, clad in the quiet costume of the time, and anon, a little opening in the wilderness with a single log house, or a small cluster of rude buildings where rest and refreshment could be obtained for man and beast. As one traveler dismounts, or another shifts his burden to the bench by the open door, we can see the dwellers of the hamlet slowly gathering one by one to hear the news from the outside world, a faint echo of whose events just reaches these secluded places, or the women collecting about the peddler to hear the latest fashions of the towns described, and to barter for some of the contents of the pack by his side. The old garrison house was torn down in 1806. A great part of the timber was said to be perfectly sound, pierced, however, by many a bullet received in Philip's war. A relic of this house has been preserved by the Massachusetts Historical Society. In April, 1676, the Indians, having suffered severe defeats in a body, adopted a new mode of warfare and disposed themselves in small parties over the country, burning and killing and destroying wherever opportunity offered. Among other outrages they attacked the Woodcock garrison, killed one man, and one of Woodcock's sons and wounded another, and then burned the son's house. Some circumstances connected with this event appear to have been accurately preserved by tradition, from which and other sources, are gathered the following particulars: "His sons were at work in the cornfield near the house. The Indians, concealed in a wood adjoining this field, (now the meadow on the east of the turnpike below the bridge) approached to its borders and suddenly fired upon them. The workmen fled to the garrison house, leaving the dead body in the field. The Indians to gratify their spite against the family, cut off the son's head, stuck it on a long pole which they set up on a hill in full view of the family, to aggravate their feelings as much as possible. From this time Woodcock swore never to make peace with the Indians, he ever afterward hunted them like wild beasts. He was a man of resolute and determined character and tradition says that not a few fell victims to his vengeance, and a sacrifice to the name of his murdered son. This attack was in April, 1676. The body of his son (whose name was Nathaniel) was buried on the spot where he fell, nearly in the center of the yard, which has ever since been reserved for a burying ground. A detail of six soldiers had been sent to this garrison for its protection by the Plymouth government, as may be seen by Woodcock's petition to the General court. They had been temporarily withdrawn for service elsewhere, leaving him dependent upon his own resources, and in great danger from the roving Indians. There were only fourteen persons living in the settlement at the time, consisting of his sons and daughters, and sons-in-law, and including two or three others, and probably a man by the name of Rocket, whose signature as a witness appears on several instruments, was one of them. The writer has visited the locality and viewed the site of the old garrison house, and walked through the Woodcock burying ground at North Attleboro. Through the efforts of the late E. R. Price and other public-spirited citizens, a retaining wall of granite has been built enclosing the entire lot. When Woodcock sells his farm and garrison to John Devotion in 1694, he reserves a plot of land six rods square for "a burying place in which my wife and several of my children and neighbors are buried." Woodcock had a large family with a number of laborers and assistants. There must have been fully fourteen in the entire family. He had a smith on his place, barns, a garrison house of large size, sons' houses, etc., so that his place made quite an opening in the forest and furnishel social relief to the lonely and weary journeyers. There was on such a route more travel than one would at first suppose, for emigrants were from time to time going from town to town, and settlement to settlement, seeking eligible situations or locations, and messengers on business matters or the municipal and military affairs of the Colonies must have passed to and fro. Woodcock occupied this garrison house for twenty-three years. On Feb. 17th, 1693-4, John Woodcock, senior, of Rehoboth (with Joanna, his wife) for œ390 money in hand received, conveys to John Devotion of "Muddy river," formerly of Boston, a tract of land containing two hundred and ten acres, being at a place called "Ten Mile River," by a highway called Wrentham Lane, etc., with the mansion or dwelling house, barn and all other outhousing and buildings. (The smith shop only excepting, standing on the river.) Also thirty acres lying on the northwest side of the country road, formerly given to his son, John Woodcock, bounded by Ten Mile River, etc., with his son's dwelling house and barn on the same. John Devotion took quiet possession of the same April 9th, 1694, in presence of Nathaniel Brentnal and William Chaplin. In this conveyance to Devotion is the following curious item: "also all the said John Woodcock his rights to and privilege in a house and pasture at Wrentham for accommodation of his family and horses on Sabbath days and other public times as occasion may be." As we have seen he formerly had a house at Rehoboth for a similar purpose; from this and other records it appears that Woodcock and his family were very attentive at public worship. John Woodcock, Sr., died Oct. 20th, 1701, having arrived at a very advanced age in spite of many attempts which had been made by the Indians to destroy him. It is said that after his death the scars of seven bullet holes were counted on his body. He was an inveterate and implacable enemy to the Indians, the cause of which has already been cited. In encounters with them on several occasions he ran imminent risk of his life. He was foremost in all enterprises, the object of which was the destruction of the Indians. He was a very useful man as a pioneer in the dangers and hardships of a new settlement, being cunning in contrivance, and bold and active in execution. He was buried in the Woodcock burying ground, so-called, and the record of his interment and the record of William Woodcock's interment appears on the same page of the North Purchase records. The writer believes that the William Woodcock mentioned was a brother of John1. "William Woodcock deceased this life 27th day of October, 1703." The history of John Woodcock of Rehoboth has been given considerable space and has been quoted largely from Daggett's History of Attleboro, 1834. Hon. John Daggett, the author of that work, was a lineal descendant of one of the early settlers, and was a leading man in that community. He was well educated and equipped in every way to write and compile an accurate and faithful history of the town. In 1894 his daughter, Mrs. Amelia Daggett Sheffield, extended the history written by her father, publishing "A Sketch of the History of Attleborough." That is one of the most complete town histories in the country, inheriting from her father rare gifts of an author, she has given to the public a work that is very much appreciated. Through the courtesy of Mrs. Sheffield, the writer has been permitted to quote such matters as pertain to John Woodcock1." As heretofore stated, John Woodcock1 became a large holder in the North Purchase lands, now Attleboro. The records of Bristol county show that he distributed these acres as well as his personal estate quite liberally among his children before his decease. His career at Rehoboth and on the North Purchase lands was in many respects an eventful one, full of hardship and danger. It covered the period of the Indian wars that brought disaster to so many of the new settlements of Eastern Mass. Yet amid all these perils and disadvantages he seems to have prospered in gaining worldly possessions and raised a family of at least eight children. In his correspondence with the colonial authorities he calls the troublesome Indians "the heathen." It is in evidence that he considered that "the heathens" "have no rights that a white man need respect," as he laid hands on an Indian chief's papoose, and held the papoose as security for a debt, which the chief refused to pay. This act of Woodcock was not countenanced by the town authorities, and possibly to placate the excited Indians he was punished in accordance with Puritan discipline. However, this incident did not forfeit the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, as he was soon after chosen as a deputy to the General court at Plymouth, the highest honor they could bestow upon a citizen. As will be noticed, John Woodcock1 distributed nearly all of his real estate holdings between his sons John, Israel, Jonathan and Thomas, before his decease. The agreement between the heirs and the proceedings at the final division of the estate, is signed by the four sons, and Thomas Estabrook, who was the husband of the daughter Sarah; Samuel Guile, who was the husband of the daughter Mary; and Benjamin Orion, who was the husband of the daughter Deborah. It is not known whether any of these daughters were living at the time. The writer has a tracing of the signature of Jonathan, one of the sons mentioned. John Woodcock1 died Oct. 20th, 1701, intestate. The following agreement is taken from the Bristol County Probate records (Vol. 2, folio 37): "Agreement--Between Joanna Woodcock, Relict, to John Woodcock of Attleboro, deceased, and John Woodcock, Israel Woodcock, Jonathan Woodcock, Thomas Woodcock, Thomas Estabrook, Samuel Guile and Benjamin Onion, children and heires to said John Woodcock, deceased. The widow to have one-third part of the movable estate for her own forever; and one-third of the housing and lands, during life; also two milch cows, a warming pan, etc. The children to have remainder of estate equally divided between them, after the ffunerall charges and debts be payd." Dated at Attleborough this fourth of December, 1701, and acknowledged same day. At the time of the division of John, Sr.'s, estate, dated 6th of March, 1703, the agreement is between Joanna Ffouler, relict to John Woodcock of Attleborough, deceased, and is signed by James Ffouler, Joanna Ffouler and the heirs as named above. (Vol. 2, folio 106.) Here follows the Administrator's account: "An account of the administration of John Woodcock of Dedham, in the County of Suffolk in New England, and Samuel Guild, administrators of the estate left by their late ffather, Mr. John Woodcock, late of Attleboro, deceased, intestate. Exhibited Nov. 2nd, 1704. THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DEBTS. To the personall estate as by the inventory on record, the sum of 213.=10.=00 To the real estate on record 128.=00=00 Sum totall 341.=10=00 Lost in selling ye personall estate 27.=17= 8 Lost in ye sale of real estate 8=00=00 35.=17= 8 305.=12= 4 To the debts, funerall charges and expenses on the other side 165.= 6= 9 140.=05= 7 SAMUEL GUILD, Admr. Debts payd out of the estate: To Jonathan Woodcock 01=00=00 To Israel Woodcock 00=01=00 To ffunerall charges 12=12=00 To our mother upon agreement 15=01=00 Charges for the settlement of the estate for entertainment in the house 8=07=00 Administrator's charges 13=15=00 The housing and lands are sold for the sum of 120=00=00 To be divided to and amongst the children of the said John Woodcock, deceased, equally, except John Woodcock, who is to have two shillings in the pound more than the other children. The following free gifts to his sons, Israel and Thomas: John Woodcock, Sr., of Rehoboth in the Colony of New Plimouth in New England, to my son, Israel Woodcock, upland and meadow, near and adjoining Ten Mile River, being by estimation, one hundred acres. Dated 9th Aug., 1692. Ack. same day. (Vol. 1, folio 187.) John Woodcock, Sr., to my son Thomas Woodcock, several parcells of land; sixty acres bounded on the north by line formerly dividing Massachusetts and Plymouth Colonies, west on Ten Mile River, etc. Dated 9th Aug., 1692. Ack. same day. (Vol. 1, folio 188.) A mem. to each of the last two deeds reads: "This deed of gift is recorded in the new book of the town record of Rehoboth, Jan. the 7th of April, 1692. By McWILLIAM CARPENTER, Town Recorder." The following conveyance has already been referred to: John Woodcock of Rehoboth to John Devotion of Muddy River (now Brookline) formerly belonging to the town of Boston, land at Ten Mile River, also about 30 acres on the northwest side of the country road, formerly given and granted by the said John Woodcock unto my son, John Woodcock, as by a deed thereof may appear. Except a plot of about six rods square for a burying place in which my wife and several of my children and neighbors are interred. Dated 17th Feb., 1693-4. Ack. same day. JOHN WOODCOCK1 had quite a large family. The names of John, Israel, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Thomas and Sarah, Mary and Deborah. There was undoubtedly a Samuel, who married Mary Newman at Rehoboth Jan. 3rd, 1669. He might have been the son slain by the Indians with Nathaniel April 28th, 1676, as the father writes to the Mass. Bay Colony that two of his sons had been slain. The writer has found no records of Samuel's family. ... ...WOODCOCK FAMILY MILITARY RECORDS. Massachusetts Society of Colonial Wars, Ancestors and descendants (1897 Year Book): "John Woodcock, Attleboro, Mass., Commander Woodcock's garrison at Ten Mile River (now Attleboro) during King Philip's war, 1675-6. The Muster Rolls of Attleboro, and the XVIIth Vol. "Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Revolutionary War" show that eleven of the Woodcock family of Attleboro saw service in that war. Jonathan Woodcock, who settled in New Hampshire, became a pensioner. His name appears on N. H. Rolls. The following were credited to Attleboro: Benjamin Woodcock, Attleboro, private in Capt. Aaron Guild's Company, Col. Josiah Whitney's Regt. Service April 1, 1776, to Nov. 1, 1776, 90 days. He was also in Capt. Stephen Richardson's Company. Service, 25 days, April 21, 1777. This company comprised one-fourth of the militia of Attleboro. He is also in the list of men raised in Bristol County, Mass, dated at Taunton, to serve in Continental Army, April 18, 1781, and is in Col. Shepard's Regt., described as 24 years of age. stature, 5 ft., 10 in.; complexion, dark; occupation, laborer; engaged for the war. David Woodcock, Attleboro, sergeant, in Capt. Stephen Richardson's Company, of Minute Men, who marched at alarm of battle of Bunker Hill, April 19, 1775. Service, eleven days. He was also in Capt. Richardson's Company in what was called the "Grand Campaign of All" for "three years or during the war," July 27th, 1778. He was also in Col. Daggett's Regt. in five months' campaign in Yorke, 1776. David Woodcock, Jr. (son of William), was in Captain Richardson's company in Six Weeks campaign at Roxbury. Israel Woodcock of Attleboro; order dated at Cambridge, June 30th, 1775, for accoutrements. Signed by Lieut. Col. Bond, ranks as sergeant. The following patriots saw service, and the terms, etc., of that service can be found in the "Mass. Soldiers and Sailors," (Vol. XVII): Jeremiah Woodcock, Sr., and Jeremiah, Jr., of Needham. John of Attleboro and John of Easton. Jonathan of Attleboro and Joseph, Jr. Michael of Peterboro and Nathaniel of Attleboro. Nathan of Easton, Nathaniel of Thomaston, Me. Samuel of Attleboro and Samuel of Needham. William of Attleboro, Bartholomew and his brother, Nehemiah of Williamstown, Mass. [] BOSWORTH GENEALOGY VOL 1 p 69 May 26, 1672, Jonathan [Bosworth] bought one acre of fresh meadow, of John Woodcock; the following is a copy of the deed: To all Christian People to whom these pesents shall come John Woodcoke of Rehoboth in the government of New Plymouth in New England--Sendeth greeting--Know ye that I the aforesaid John Woodcoke have for a good and Valuable consideration By me in hand Received and paid by Jonathan Bosworth Sen. of Rehoboth aforesaid Wherewith I the said John Woodcock doe acknowledge myself Sufficiently satisfied contented and paid and thereof and every part and parcel doe exonerate aquit and discharge the aforesaid Jonathan Bosworth he his executors administrators or assigns forever by these presents have freely and absolutely bargained and sold infeeffed and confirmed and by these pesents do bargain sell infeeffe and confirm from me the said John Woodcoke and my heirs to him the said Jonathan Bosworth he his heirs and asigns forever A certan trackt of fresh Meadow lying and being in Rehoboth aforesaid Lyeing upon a Run comonlye knowne by the name of The Mille Run. By Bowens Bridg that goeth over into the Neck being about an aker be it more or less Being Bounded To the North the Meadow of Sampson Mason To the east the River To the West the upland: to the South the upland That lyes by Bowens Bridge To have and to hould the aforesaid Tract of Meadow. be it an aker more or less. unto the said Jonathan Bosworth as his own proper right to him his heirs and assigns forever Therby does and of right acustomed and waranting the sale hereof against what people soever from by or under me the said John Woodcoke or by my right or tittell claiming any right or titell of or in the aforesaid Premises and I the said John Woodcoke doe allsoe Covenant promise and grant to and with the said Jonathan Bosworth That it shall be lawful for him or his atturney to record or inrolle the tittell and tenur of these pesents at the Court of New Plymouth or any other place of Records. In wittness whereof I the said John Wodcoke have hereunto set my hand and Seall the twentyesix day of May In the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred seventy and two John Wodcoke in the pesence of William Carpenter Nicholas Ide [] 4-22 updated Tree Entries: 19792 Updated: Sat Aug 25 20:55:11 2001 Contact: Lynnette James ID: I18178 Name: John WOODCOCK 1 2 Sex: M Birth: 1615 in ,,, England 2 Death: 20 OCT 1701 in Attleboro, Bristol, MA 2 Emigration: 20 MAR 1634/35 3 2 Note: [221834a.FTW] RFN: 5104 King Philip's War (1675-1676) 109 The court endeavored to appl y justice to everyone, and it demonstrated this determination dramatically to the Indians in 1638 when four white men robbed and murdered an Indian on the h ighway. Arthur Peach, Thomas Jackson, Richard Stinnings, and Daniel Crosse we re indicted, and, though Crosse managed to escape custody, the other three were hanged. On 6 March 1654/55 the court sentenced John Woodcock of Rehoboth to sit in the stocks and to pay a forty shilling fine for going into an Indian's house and taking away some goods plus the Indian's child as satisfaction for a debt the Indian owed him. Adonijah Morris, who also seized some goods from t he same Indian for a debt, was likewise fined forty shillings. On 5 October 1 663 three Indians came to court to answer a complaint against them by Ephraim Doane, but when Doane did not appear to prosecute, the court awarded the Indi ans five shillings each for their trouble. On 1 March 1669/70, Thomas Matthews was fined three shillings four pence for beating up an Indian named Ned, and he was further ordered to pay fourteen shillings to Ned toward his cost of hav ing to travel to court. The Plymouth Court also took it upon itself to act as judge and jury over cases of Indians injuring other Indians within the court' s jurisdiction, and on 27 October 1674 it tried an Indian named Matthias, alia s Achawehett, for the murder of an Indian named Joseph, alias Chachapanucke. The jury found Matthias guilty of manslaughter "by chance medley," and accordingly the court cleared him of willful murder and released him. It might ha ve been this impartial striving for justice that brought about the opening vol ley of King Philip's War. On 1 June 1675 a trio of Indians Tobias, his son Wampapaquan, and Mattashanamo -were tried for having on 29 January 1674/75 "wilf ully and of sett purpose, and of mallice fore thought, and by force and armes, murdered John Sassamon, an other Indian, by laying violent hands on him and s triking him, or twisting his necke, untill hee was dead; and to hide and conce ate this theire said murder, att the time and place aforsaid, did cast his dead body through a hole of the iyce into the said pond." This was a particularly sensitive case, for Sassamon was a Christianized, educated Indian who had on ce served as Philip's secretary. He later left Philip, became a teacher to fr iendly Indians near Middleborough, and, shortly before his death, warned the Plymouth government of a Wampanoag conspiracy to wage a general war. One of his murderers, Tobias, was a counselor to Philip. Accordingly, the Plymouth au thorities were very circumspect, and they added six of the 11 most indifferent est, gravest, and sage Indians" to the usual jury, and all six of these concur red with the verdict, which was that the three accused Indians were guilty of murder. The court sentenced the three to be hanged, and Tobias and Mattashana mo were executed on 8 June 1675. Wampapaquan was reprived briefly for some un specified consideration, but within a month was shot to death. Right after the hangings, Plymouth authorities began hearing reports of pronounced Indian unrest. Marriage 1 Sarah NN---- b: 1629 Married: ABT. 1649 in Rehoboth 2 Children Mary WOODCOCK b: 9 MAR 1650/51 in Roxbury, Massachusetts Sources: Title: Plymouth Colony, its History and People 1620-1691 Author: Stratton, Eugene Aubrey Publication: 8 MAR 1997 Repository: Note: Title: 221834a.FTW Repository: Call Number: Media: Other Title: Original Lists of Persons of Quality 1600 1700 Author: Hotten, John Camden Publication: 28 MAY 1994 Repository: Note: [] Woodcock Entries: 833 Updated: Sat Aug 24 13:39:01 2002 Contact: Jody Woodcock -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Index | Descendancy | Register | Pedigree | Ahnentafel | Download GEDCOM | Add Post-em -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ID: I444 Name: John Woodcock Sex: M Birth: 1615 in London Middle sex England Death: 20 OCT 1701 in Attleboro,bristol,Mass Occupation: Captain of troops Note: He was the captain of troops in 1676 to fight the Indians. He came from Wymouth, England to Boston, Mass. Arriving March 20, 1635. He helped build the first house in Springfield. He was a grantee in the Northern Purchase and he built Woodcock's fort. Their children were John the second, Israel, Nathaniel (who was killed by Indians), Jonathon, Thomas, Mary, and Deborah. Father: William Woodcock b: 1586 in London Middle sex England Mother: Alice Washburne b: 1588 in London Middle sex England Marriage 1 Sarah Curtis b: 1629 in Plymouth Colony, Mass Children Jonathan Woodcock b: 1668 in Roxbury,Suffolk, Mass Mary Woodcock Samuel Woodcock Sarah Woodcock John Woodcock II Israel Woodcock Thomas Woodcock Nathaniel Woodcock Deborah Woodcock [] http://www.iment.com/maida/familytree/misc/immigrant.htm Woodcock, John Woodcock Family John Woodcock (b: 1615, England) (d: 20 October 1701, Woodcock burying ground, Rehoboth, Bristol, Ma) +(7 June 1674, Rehoboth, Bristol, Mass) Sarah (d: 29 November 1676, Rehoboth, Bristol, Ma) Note: No record of John or Sarah's death appears in Rehoboth Vital Statistics, although there is a death noted for Noah, wife of John on March 20, 1676. New England Marriages Prior to 1700: John1 (-1700,1701) & 1/wf Sarah [?CURTIS] (-1676); ca 1649; Rehoboth Attleboro was first settled by John Woodcock. John Woodcock's home is now a landmark and sits across the street from the Woodcock Burying Ground, the place where he buried his son who was killed by Indians. They beheaded the boy and left his head on a stake to distress the family (which it did). The Burying Ground is also across the street from my favorite Dunkin' Donut. I only mention this oddity because I was raised 1000 miles away from here. We came to this area because my husband took his PhD at MIT. Following that, I was supposed to return obediently to New York but found myself so caught by the Boston area that I went out from the city until I could afford it, then set down roots in a town that required Paul and I to commute weekly to IBM Research in NY for 15 years. And now I learn that great-n granddad stood across the street and looked at his son's head. It's almost enough to put you off donuts. J.L. Woodcock's John Woodcock of Rehobeth, Ma, 1647, and Some Descendents. [] SARAH CURTIS' PARENTS Are Sarah Curtis, wife of John Woodcock, and Sarah Curtis, daughter of William and Sarah Curtis, the same person? Circumstantial information indicates this possibility and some ancestral files show this connection. [i.e., the following] ---RCM http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~stanfam/html/g0000220.htm#I9675 Sarah CURTIS 5 Aug 1627 - 29 Nov 1676 BIRTH: 5 Aug 1627, Nazeing,Essex,England DEATH: 29 Nov 1676, Rehoboth,Briston,MA Father: William CURTIS Mother: Sarah ELLIOT Family 1 : John WOODCOCK DIVORCE: N [] |
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More About Sarah Curtis: Date born 2: Abt. 1629, Rehoboth, MA |
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Notes for John Woodcock, Sr*: Notices: Genealogical and Historical, of the Martin Family, of New England GenealogyLibrary.com Page 174 APPENDIX A. THE following list of passengers was discovered in a bundle of miscellaneous manuscripts, in the Public Record Office (England). A copy of it was made by H. G. Somerby, esq., and sent to the "New England Historical and Genealogical Register," in which it is to be found, vol. xxv., p. 13:-- Waymouth, ye 20th of March 1635. 1. Joseph Hall(* Should be Joseph Hull.] of Somersst a Minister, aged 40 years. 2. Agnis his Wife aged 25 yrs. 3. Joan Hall his daught aged 15 yeare. 4. Joseph Hall his sonne aged 13 yeare. 5. Tristram his son aged 11 yeare. 6. Elizabeth Hall his daughtr aged 7 yeare. 7. Temperance his daughtr aged 9 yeare. 8. Grissell Hull his daughtr aged 5 year. 9. Dorothy Hull his daughtr aged 3 yeare. 10. Judeth French his srvunt aged 2 yeare. 11. John Wood his srvunt aged 20 yeare. 12. Robert Dabyn his srvunt aged 28 yeare. 13. Musachiell Bernard of batcombe Clothier in the County of Somersett 24 yeare. 14. Mary Bernard his wife aged 28 yeare. 15. John Bernard his sonne aged 3 yeare. 16. Nathaniell his sonne aged 1 yeare. 17. Rich: Persons salter & his srvant: 30: yeare. 18. Francis Baber Chandler aged 36 yeare. 19. Jesope Joyner aged 22 yeare. 20. Waller Jesop Weaver aged 21 yeare. 21. Timothy Tabor in Somsst of Butcombe taylor aged 35 yeares. 22. Jane Tabor his Wife aged 35 yeare. 23. Jane Tabor his daughtr aged 10 yeare. 24. Anne Tabor his daughtr aged 8 yeare. 25. Sarah Tabor his daughtr aged 5 yeare. 26. Willm Fever his srvunt aged 20 yeare. 27. Jno Whitmarsk aged 39 yeare. 28. Alice Whitmarke his Wife aged 35 yeare. 29. Jms Whitmarcke his sonne aged 11 yeare. 30. Jane his daughtr aged 7 yeare. 31. Onseph Whitmarke his sonne aged 5 yeare. 32. Rich: Whytemark his sonne aged 2 yeare. 33. Willm Read of Batcombe Taylor in Somsstt aged 28 yeare. 34. 35. Susan Read his Wife aged 29 yeare. 36. Hanna Read his daughtr aged 3 yeare. 37. Susan Read his daughtr aged 1 yeare. 38. Rich: Adams his srvante 29 yeare. 39. Mary his Wife aged 26 yeare. 40. Mary Cheame his daughtr aged 1 yeare. 41. Zachary Bickewell aged 45 yeare. 42. Agnis Bickwell his Wife aged 27 yeare. 43. Jno Bickwell his sonne aged 11 yeare. 44. Jno Kitchin his servaunt 23 yeare. 46. George Allin aged 24 yeare. 47. Katherine Allyn his Wife aged 30 yeare. 48. George Allyn his sonne aged 16 yeare. 49. Wilm Allyn his sonne aged 8 yeare. 50. Mathew Allyn his sonne aged 6 yeare. 51. Edward Poole his srvant aged 26 yeare. 52. Henry Kingman aged 40 yeares. 53. Joane his wife beinge aged 39. 54. Edward Kingman his son aged 16 yeare. 55. Joane his daughtr aged 11 yeare. 56. Anne his daughtr aged 9 yeare. 57. Thomas Kingman his sonne aged 7 yeare. 58. John Kingman his sonne aged 2 yeare. 59. Jn Ford his servaunt aged 30 yeare. 60. William Kinge aged 40 yeare. 61. Dorothy his Wife aged 34 yeare. 62. Mary Kinge his daughtr aged 12 yeare. 63. Katheryn his daughtr aged 10 yeare. 64. Willm Kinge his sonne aged 8 yeare. 65. Hanna Kinge his daughtr aged 6 yeare. 66. THOMAS HOLBROOKE of Broudway aged 34 yeare. 67. JANE HOLBROOKE his wife aged 34 yeare. 68. JOHN HOLBROOKE his sonne aged 11 yeare. 69. THOMAS HOLBROOKE his sonne aged 10 yeare. 70. ANNE HOLBROOKE his daughtr aged 5 yeare. 71. ELIZABETH his daughtr aged 1 yeare. 72. Thomas Dible husbandm aged 22 yeare. 73. Francis Dible Soror aged 24 yeare. 74. Robert Lovell husbandman aged 40 yeare. 75. Elizabeth Lovell his wife aged 35 yeares. 76. Zacheus Lovell his sonne 15 yeares. 78. Anne Lovell his daughtr aged 16 yeare. 79. John Lovell his sonne aged 8 yeare. xx. Ellyn his daughtr aged 1 yeare. 80. James his sonne aged 1 yeare. 81. Joseph Chickin his servant 16 yeare. 82. Alice Kinham aged 22 yeare. 83. Angell Hollard aged 21 yeare. 84. Katheryn his Wife 22 yeare. 85. George Land his servaunt 22 yeare. 86. Sarah Land his kinswoman 18 yeare. 87. Richard Joanes of Dinder. 88. Robt: Martyn of Badcombe husbandm 44. 89. Humfrey Shepheard husbandm 32. 90. John Upham husbandm 35. 91. Joane Martyn 44. 92. Elizabeth Upham 32. 93. John Upham Jun 07. 94. William Grane 12. 95. Sarah Upham 26. 96. Nathaniell Upham 05. 97. Elizabeth Upham 03. 98. Dorsst Richard Wade of Simstuly Cop aged 60. 99. Elizabeth Wade his Wife 6. 100. Dinah his daughr 22. 101. Henry Lush his srvant aged 17. 102. Andrew Hallett his srvaunt 28. 103. John hoble husbandm 13. 104. Robert Hustle husbandm 40. 105. JOHN WOODCOOKE 2. <<<<< 106. Rich: Porter husband 3. John Porter Deputy Clerk to Edw: Thoroughgood." [] Woodcock Genealogy GenealogyLibrary.com Page 13 JOHN WOODCOCK OF SPRINGFIELD, 1635 TO 1642. On page 288 of "Hotten's List of Emigrants to America, 1600 to 1700," can be found this entry: "Bound for New England, Waimouth, ye 20th of March, 1635, John Woodcock from Dorset--2." He was the only one of that surname among the list of passengers there recorded. He was evidently a lone adventurer starting for the New World. We are led to believe that he was at the time of sailing about 22 yrs. of age. The writer has examined several of the parish registers of Dorset and finds several families of Woodcocks, but has been unable to connect the John of Springfield with either of these families. William Pynchon, the founder of Roxbury, afterward of Springfield, Mass., also came from Waimouth (now Weymouth) with Governor Winthrop in 1630. Referring to "Evart's History of Connecticut Valley," Vol. 11, p. 814, a very good account of the early settlement of Springfield can be found, as follows: In the summer of 1635, William Pynchan of Roxbury received the consent of the general court of Mass. Bay to remove to the Connecticut river and despatched two men, John Cabel and John Woodcock, to "The Wilderness" for the purpose of erecting a habitation and preparing for those who were to follow. These men erected a structure on the west side of the Connecticut in the Meadow, which from this circumstance was subsequently called "House Meadow." The house was doubtless occupied by Cabel and Woodcock during the summer, but being informed by the Indians that the site was subject to overflow, it was abandoned and a new location selected, and a house was erected on the east side of the river. The location of the first house is described in an entry made by John Holyoke in the Register of Deeds, 1779, "as that meadow on the south of Agauam river where the English did at first build a house, also where the English kept their residence who first came to settle and plant at Springfield now so called." It seems quite probable that the John Woodcock here mentioned is the emigrant that left Waimouth on the 20th of March, 1635. That he was identical with John Woodcock of Rehoboth, the first American ancestor of the Woodcocks of Eastern Mass., is a question that has not been settled. The sketch here given of the Springfield man and of his career during the seven years that he lived there, is submitted in deference to the opinions held by several genealogists who have given the matter some investigation. They do not give positive information, but rest on probabilities. In comparing the histories of Woodcock of Springfield and Woodcock of Rehoboth a difference will be noted in the temperament and capabilities of the two men. While living at the "new plantation" established by Pynchon, Woodcock was noted for his litigation and it is easy to follow him in the court records for the seven years that he made his home there. He was allotted a lot of land by the first proprietors. The size of the lot "8 rods wide" establishes the fact that Woodcock was a single man at this time, as married men were allotted "12 rods wide." The following is copied from the court records of William Pynchon, who was authorized by the General court to try causes: November 14th, 1639. "A meetinge to order some towne affairs and to try causes by jury. The Jury--Henry Smith, Henry Gregory, Jo Leonard, Jo Searles, Samuel Hubbard, Samuel Wright. The Action--John Woodcock complains against Jo Cabel in an action of the case for wages due to him for certaine work he did to a house that was built in Agauam side for the plantation. The Verdict--The jury finds for the defendant, but withal they find the promise that Jo Cabel made to the plaintiffe to see him paid for his work, firme and goode. But as for the five days in cominge up with John Cabel, we find them not due to be paid, for he came up not purposely, but in his coming he aimed at a lot each end of his he did attain. Moreover we do agree that John Cabel is ingaged to the plaintiffe for work done about the house, yet we also judge that Joe Woodcock is fully satisfied in regard that he hath had the use of the ould (indian) ground and of the house all that sommer as far as Joe Cabel had himselfe." January 2, 1640. "Rev. Mr. Moxon complained of John Woodcock for slander, Woodcock having accused the reverend gentleman of taking a false oath against him at Hartford." Then follows two suits of Woodcock vs. Gregory about a pigge and hogge. These trials are dated Feb., 1640, and Sept., 1640. Feb. 15th, 1641, Robert Ashley complained of Woodcock for not delivering a gunn that the plaintiffe had purchased of him. Jan 5th, 1642. In a 2nd division of plantinge ground single pfsons are to have 8 rods in bredth maryed pfsons 10 rod in bredth, bigger familys 12 rod, to begin upward at ye edge of ye hill. John Woodcock 8 rod in bredth. This shows Woodcock to have been a man with no family. His name does not appear again on the records of Springfield after Jan. 5th, 1642. Francis Ball is referred to as the owner of this lot (first occupied by Woodcock) in a report on the town records made in Feb., 1644. From the County and Probate Records at Northampton Feb. 12th, 1690, Widow Abigail Stebbins testified "that her first husband, Francis Ball, bought of John Woodcock allotments in Springfield, and paid five pounds for his labor, and what he had done," and at the same time Thomas Merrickesen, one of the ancient planters and settlers of Springfield, further confirmed Ball's title to the land. This home lot that Woodcock sold to Ball for œ5 was situated on the south side of what is now Elm street, and is now occupied by the Chicopee bank building, the Court Square Theatre building, Hamden County court house and many other buildings." Referring again to the case of Moxon vs. Woodcock the plaintiff claimed œ9 and 19s. damages, and Woodcock being found guilty, œ6 and 13s. was awarded. A few days after this, "John Searles, constable of Springfield" was required by the magistrate "to attach the body of John Woodcock upon an execution granted to Mr. George Moxon." Moxon seems to have persisted in getting satisfaction and carried the case up to the General court at Mass. Bay. In the "Bibliographical Sketch of the Colonial Laws of Mass., 1630 to 1686, we find "Present, the Governor Wm. Winthrop, Increase Nowell, the 12th, 3rd mo. 1642. John Woodcock for his many miscarriages was censured to be whipt." Henry M. Burt of Springfield has recently (1898) published in two volumes "The First Century of Springfield." In his list of early inhabitants we read "John Woodcock, 1639, went to Connecticut and died there in 1642." (See Vol. 1, p. 41.) Mr. Burt was a careful and capable historian and was the author of several historical works. His ancestors were among the early settlers in Springfield, and he had unusual facilities for securing family records. Mr. Burt died March 7th, 1899. No other record as to where and when Woodcock died in Connecticut, has been secured. After considering the career of John Woodcock of Springfield and his turbulent life there, the writer is unwilling without further evidence to believe that he is identical with John Woodcock of Rehoboth, 1647. The proprietors of Rehoboth were careful about receiving "undesirable citizens" and Woodcock of Springfield had advertised himself throughout the colony by his conduct. John Woodcock, who had real estate of value in Roxbury was evidently "fore handed." While Woodcock of Springfield sold all he possessed in Springfield in 1642, for about twenty-five dollars, and disappears from record, one historian states that he went to Connecticut and died there. Another historian states that he escaped to England as a servant of Mr. Pynchon in 1652, when the latter takes his departure from this country. JOHN WOODCOCK OF REHOBOTH. JOHN WOODCOCK, of Rehoboth and Attleboro, was born in England probably in 1615. The date of his arrival in America is not known definitely. He married 1st Sarah ((???)), who died at Rehoboth Nov. 29, 1676; 2nd wife Joanna ((???)), who, after his decease, married James Fowler, at Attleboro. Children all by first wife: 1. JOHN2, b. 1649, probably at Roxbury. 2. NATHANIEL2, slain by Indians April 26, 1676. 3. JONATHAN2, b. probably at Roxbury. 4. ISRAEL2, b. probably at Roxbury. 5. MARY, b. probably at Roxbury. 6. DEBORAH, b. probably at Roxbury. 7. SARAH, b. probably at Roxbury. 8. THOMAS2, b. probably at Roxbury. John Woodcock first appears of record in Rehoboth on the 28th, 4th m., 1647, when he is allotted by the proprietors the land before granted to Edward Patteson. He was living there as early as 1654, probably for some years previous. The precise date cannot be ascertained. He came from Roxbury, where he owned real estate. He was admitted a freeman there in 1673. He also had a grant of land in May, 1662, for a small house near the church at Rehoboth, for "Lord's day." The following is taken from Savage's Genealogical dictionary, Vol. 4, p. 636. "Woodcock John, Wrentham, is first heard of at Springfield, 1638, where he was largely in trade. Yet he may have gone hither from Roxbury. At least he was of Roxbury so much as to own two houses there, for he mortgaged one 25th March, 1642, and then perhaps to Rehoboth, before 1673, but probably living most at Wrentham. In Philip's War his house in Wrentham was perhaps within Attleboro bounds was a famous garrison, and he says in a letter of April 26, 1676, that two of his family had been slain, and another son was wounded. Yet he preferred the jurisdiction of Plymouth and was Rep. for Rehoboth 1691. Of his family no full account is known, but he was living in 1694, had a daughter Sarah who m. Alexander Balcom of Providence." The writer, who has given much time and money, covering a period of more than ten years, begs to differ with Savage on several important statements. First, the John Woodcock of Springfield had been "largely in trade" there, when it will be seen in the sketch of his career there that he sold his interest in the plantation to Ball in 1642 for œ5. Wm. Pynchon was the man who was largely in trade, as the histories of Western Mass. state that Mr. Pynchon was the ruling spirit and good genius of Springfield and was "largely engaged in the beaver trade." 2nd'ly. The early history and vital records of Dedham, Mass., are the most extensive and complete of any that have been published, and no mention of John Woodcock1, can be found there; his oldest son John2 married the widow Westbroke at Dedham in 1682 and was a resident there from 1684 until the time of his death in 1718. It is true that John1 had a small house for the "Lord's day," in Wrentham, as will be seen by the following: (See History of Norfolk Co. p. 635.) "In March, 1681 * * * and they granted to John Woodcock a parcel of land as nere the place where the meeting house shall stand as may be conveniently had, that he might sett a small house up fore theire refreshment on the Sabbath day when they come to attend the worship of God." Some historian has described these Sabbath day houses as follows: "A Sabbath day house was a hut in one end of which horses might be sheltered, and in the other end was a room having a fireplace, and furnished perhaps with a bench, a few chairs and a table. Here the owner arrived soon after the first drum, and if cold, kindled a fire. Here they deposited their lunch and any wraps that might be superfluous in the meeting house. Hither they came to spend the intermission of worship. It will be noticed that when John Woodcock1 built the Garrison house at Ten Mile river, he was eleven miles from the Rehoboth church, and only two miles from Wrentham. In the petition to the General court for authority to incorporate the town of Attleboro in 1694, the committee, of whom John Woodcock1 was chairman, mention was made of the inconvenience of going so far to Rehoboth to worship God, especially in stormy weather. Again, Savage's statement that John Woodcock1 had a daughter Sarah, who married Alexander Balcom, is not correct. This Sarah was the daughter of William Woodcock of Hingham, as will be seen in the will of said William proved in 1704, and whose family record is published in this book. Several other authorities could be quoted besides Savage, all of whom say it is probable that the John Woodcock of Springfield and John of Rehoboth are identical. It may be said that the writer of these records objects to the John Woodcock of Springfield as an ancestor. This is true in part. "We cannot choose our ancestors." Tradition is not looked upon with much favor, but in this case it is so strong and persistent that it deserves attention. The writer has found tradition the key to open the way to desired and correct information. While no arrival of Woodcocks has been found to verify, the family tradition is that "three brothers Woodcock came to this country from England about the middle of the 17th century, and settled at Attleboro. They were evidently men with some ready capital. The manuscript records at Attleboro, give a history of John Woodcock, and the proprietor's records of Rehoboth mention a William, and a Thomas Woodcock appears in Boston in 1674 as a citizen. William, as will be seen, settled in Hingham. There is no mention of Thomas' descendants. John1 named his youngest son Thomas. A history of John Woodcock and a part of his descendants will be given here and the reader may decide for himself as to the merits of the case in hand. No extensive search has been made in England for the antecedents of the Attleboro family. There was a large family of the name living in Dorset County, and the family names on the parish registers there were the same in a few instances as those adopted by the Attleboro family. In Rutland County, Luppenberg parish, there can be found a much larger list, where the names of Nathaniel, John, William and Thomas are to be found. It is hoped that a future student who may be interested in the Woodcock genealogy, will find the connecting link between the English and our first American ancestor. The career of John Woodcock1 at Rehoboth, Mass., and the north purchase lands, is best described by the writer, whom I shall quote largely in this work. From a careful study of published and manuscript records, the writer is led to believe that John Woodcock1 first settled at Roxbury, where he remained for a few years after he had secured real estate in Rehoboth. The Roxbury records were destroyed by fire in 1652, "by God's Providence being burned," which may account for the loss of birth, marriage and death records. "Woodcock was a man of some consideration in these days, his name frequently appearing in town offices and on committees. On June 2nd, 1691, he was chosen deputy to the General court from Rehoboth, and at several other times. He was shrewd, hardy, fearless and adventurous, a character just suited to the times in which he lived, and the circumstances in which he was placed." The following petition to the council of representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, was presented by the inhabitants of the North Purchase (afterward Attleboro, Mass.). "To his Excellency, Sir William Phipps, Knight Captain General and Governor in Chief of their Majesty's Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England. With the honorable council and representatives, thereof now assembled in General court at Boston Oct. 17, 1694. "The Pet'n of the subscribers in behalf of themselves and the rest of the proprietors of the lands herein mentioned and expressed, humbly showeth that whereas our ancestors and some of ourselves, have formerly purchased a certain tract of land commonly known by the name of the North Purchase, containing in length about ten miles from Pontucket river to Taunton bounds, and about eight miles from the Massachusetts line, between the two colonies to Rehoboth bounds, being in our apprehension land sufficient for a township. And we being now already above thirty families on the place besides other proprietors that at present live elsewhere. Doe humbly pray this Honorable Assembly to make us a township, endued with such privileges as other towns are, for these reasons following, viz.: First, and principally for the honor of God; and our chiefest good in that our distance is far to go on the Lord's day. Some of us for ten or eleven miles to Rehoboth to the public worship of God which in the winter season is very inconvenient for us to go, and especially for our children and also for the great burthen we sustain in going so far to traine, attend town meetings, and to work in their highways and our own in the meantime neglected. Secondly, in that if we were a township we could quickly (we hope) procure an able orthodox minister to teach us, and also a schoolmaster to instruct our children, which would incite more able and desirable inhabitants to come and settle among us, we having lands and other commodities for their encouragement. Thirdly, in that we being as frontiers in danger of the enemy, between Rehoboth and other places, should if we were a township be in better posture of defense when we are compleated with officers amongst ourselves. Fourthly, we might further add the benefit might redound to their Majestys service, there being great store of ship timber, and coopers' stuff which might with more facility be conveyed to the water side, were our inhabitants settled nearer. All which is humbly offered to your Excellency and Honors for acceptance by your humble supplycants. JOHN WOODCOCK, DANIEL SHEPPISON, JOHN CALLENDER, For and in the name and behalf of the rest of the proprietors of the said lands. October 17th, 1694. That the above petition is granted provided it do not prejudice any former grant. The name to be Attleborough. Die predict. Voted to be drawn into an act. Past in the affirmation by the House of Representatives. NEHEMIAH QUINET, Speaker. Oct. 19, 1694, H. of R. sent up. Then follows the Act of Incorporation, dated October 19th, 1694. The first town meeting on record appears to have been held May 11th, 1696, two years after incorporation. At this meeting the town chose Mr. John Woodcock and Mr. John Rogers, late of Bristol, as agents to manage our concerns in matters relating to that part of our township commonly called the "mile and half," according to our petition and other copies which are in the hands of Mr. Henry Devens, clerk of the House of Representatives, and did further appoint and impower Mr. John Woodcock to agree with and impower said Mr. Rogers and to take care and help him to such papers as may concern our business for the promoting of matters relating to our township. At the same meeting three assessors were chosen for the ensuing year, namely: Israel Woodcock, Thomas Tingley and Samuel Titus. The next town meeting was held Nov. 23rd, 1696, at which the town authorized the selectmen to make a rate to pay the town's debts, which amounted to œ5, 15s. 1d. At the same time several individuals engaged to pay certain sums, by way of free gift towards the building of a meeting house, and desired their names and sums might be entered accordingly. Mr. John Woodcock, œ1; John Lance, œ1, Israel Woodcock, 10s.; Thomas Woodcock, 10s.; George Robinson, œ1; David Freeman, œ1. At a meeting held March, 1696-7, Mr. John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague, Daniel Jenks, Jonathan Fuller, Thomas Tingley, selectmen; John Woodcock, Anthony Sprague and Daniel Jenks, assessors; Israel Woodcock, constable. Twenty years before this, during King Philip's war, John Woodcock had suffered severely from a raid made by the Indians, or "heathens" as he called them. As will be seen by the following appeal to the Mass. Bay authorities, he also made a similar appeal to the Plymouth Colony people for help: "Honored Governor and Council: I make bold to inform your honors that God has been pleased to give the heathen commission to break in upon us, who have slain two of my family, and another of my sons sorely wounded, shot with several bullets in the shoulders, but in the midst of our afflictions, God has shown us mercy. I was encouraged to keep my station by our authority, but of a sudden they were pleased to call off my garrison soldiers, and not giving me any warning, and I am in a great strait what to do. We are but fourteen of us, and but six that can bare arms, and most of us sick. I would intreat your honors to consider our afflicted condition, and send me some assistance for the present, until my family is able to draw off. And as my house and family have been serviceable to the country, I desire that I may not be forgotten by both colonies, but would intreat your honors to send me half a dozen men to relieve my family, for if I were able to go away I could not carry my provisions away with me. I have near a hundred bushels of corn in my house besides other provisions, and I bless God for it. And am very loth to go away and leave it to the heathen. We do judge that there is not above twelve or fifteen Indians that have have done all this evil, to our neighbors at Wrentham, and I would intreat your honors to send me a surgeon to dress my wounded son. I hope there is no danger to come if they come by night, Not to trouble you any further at present, begging your prayers, hoping God will move your hearts with compassion speedily to send us some relief, so I rest. Yours to serve in what I may, JOHN WOODCOCK. April the 26th, 1676. "I hope I shall be able to satisfy what charge will come upon me. It may be of interest to learn what effect this petition for assistance had upon the honorable gentlemen to whom it was addressed. At a meeting of the Council held at Boston, the 17th of June, 1676, at eight of the clock: The Council being informed that the Indians are skulking to and again about Wrentham, Woodcocks (or Mount Hope) and having done mischief to the English. It is ordered that the Major of Suffolk issue out his orders forthwith for such a party as he judgeth is fit and necessary to repair to Dedham on 2nd day next early and range the woods to and again for the disarming, destroying and distressing of the enemy, wherever they find them, committing the conduct of that party to whome it seems mete. Ordering that each soldier be completely armed with firearms and ammunition, and provisions for four days. Past by the Council. EDW. RAWSON, Secy. INSTRUCTIONS FOR CAPT. THOMAS BRATTS. "Ordered to take 20 of his troops with such officers as he may choose, and an officer and ten troopers of Lieut. Haley's troupe, and march to Dedham, where are ordered to be an officer and eighteen foot soldiers mounted from Dorchester, 6 from Roxbury and 24 from Dedham, with an officer. All appointed to be at Dedham, the rendezvous, this day at 4 p. m. S. C. You are to march with your troopers and dragoons to be at John Woodcock's by midnight, where you shall meet an Indian Pylot and his file of musketeers which pylot was engaged to bring you upon Philip and his company, who are not above 30 men as he saith, and not ten miles from Woodcock's. Be sure to secure your pylot to prevent falsehood and escape. In case you meet not with a pylot at Woodcock's you are to send to Mr. Newman at Rehoboth and let him know of your being there." >>>>>CONTINUED AT NOTES FOR SARAH, WIFE OF JOHN WOODCOCK>>>>> |
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More About John Woodcock, Sr*: Christening: 20 Jul 1627, St Antholin Parish Church, London Immigrant Ancestor: 10 Mar 1635/36, England, Somerset, to MA Migration: 10 Mar 1635/36, England to Massachusetts |
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More About John Woodcock and Sarah Curtis: Marriage: Abt. 1644, Rehoboth, MA |
| vi. | John Curtis, born Abt. 17 Jul 1629 in Nazeing, England; died Unknown. |
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More About John Curtis: Migration: 1632, England to Massachusetts aboard the Lyon. |
| vii. | Philip Curtis, born Abt. 28 Mar 1632 in Nazeing, England; died Unknown. |
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Notes for Philip Curtis: May have been the Philip Curtis killed by Native Americans at Hassanamesset 9 Nov 1675. A Lt. of Roxbury. |
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More About Philip Curtis: Migration: 1632, England to Massachusetts aboard the Lyon. |
| viii. | Hannah Curtis, born Aft. 1632 in Nazeing, England; died Unknown. | |||
| ix. | George Curtis, born Abt. 20 Oct 1633; died Unknown. | |||
| x. | Isaac Curtis, born 22 Jul 1642 in Nazeing, England; died Unknown. |
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