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| Hear lies the Body of Elder Henry Hodges, aged 65 Died in the year 1717, September the 30th. Reset by the Old Colony Historical Society, 1905 |
Born: 1652 in Taunton, Massachusetts
Died: September 30, 1717 in Taunton, Massachusetts
Buried: Neck O'Land Cemetery in Taunton, Massachusetts
Married: Esther Gallop, December 17, 1674 in Taunton, Massachusetts
Religion: Congregational Church Elder
Henry Hodges lived near the residence of his brother John. His house, it is stated in the first edition of this genealogy, was "within a few yards of the place where a red school house stood in 1820. At that time there were some indications on the surface of the earth of the spot where the cellar had been." The site of the red school house, on High street, opposite the Central Railroad Station, is now occupied by the old Niagara Engine House, used at present as a ward room, and during the winter months, the Niagara Evening School is held here. The exact location of Henry Hodge's home is difficult to fix. Henry Hodges certainly owned the ground here, and the city authorities have placed on the engine house a tablet inscribed "Homestead of Elder Henry Hodges, 1681-1717." From an examination of the ground, a consideration of the manner in which the roads were laid out in this vicinity, and the testimony of persons (some now deceased) who have been well acquainted with the locality for many years, it seems probable that Elder Henry's house stood where the freight house of the railroad now stands, on the corner of Tremont and Oak streets.
Henry Hodges was a leading man in all the affairs of the settlement. He was Captain of the military company, held the highest town offices for very many years, and was a deacon and Presiding Elder of the church, occupying, it is said, a seat in the pulpit with Rev. Samuel Danforth. He acquired a large amount of real estate, and his farm of "Crooked Meadow," at Burt's Brook, adjoining the boundary line of Norton and Taunton, is often referred to in the records. He was administrator of a large number of estates, and from his prominence in the matter of allotment of lands, it would seem that he was a surveyor. He was on a coroner's jury at court held at Plymouth, Oct. 30, 1678, and on the Grand Jury, June 6, 1683. in 1681 he was appointed constable at Taunton. He was selectman for 28 years (1687 to 1701, 1703 to 1709, 1711 to 1716), was member of the Town Council 2 years (1689, 1690), and represented Taunton in the General Court 5 years (1704, 1713, 1715, 1716 and 1717). His name appears, April 8, 1682, in the roster of the 3rd squadron of the military company, ordered to bring arms to church on Sundays. He was elected Ensign of the First Military Company in March, 1690, when the town was greatly excited over the question as to who should command the company. At some undetermined date prior to 1703, the Second Military Company was organized. He was the first captain of his company and retained command until 1714. He was a subscriber to the fund for the Canada Expedition of 1690 under Sir William Phipp. When the North Precinct of Taunton was established, although he had been opposed to the separation, he donated land as an inducement for a minister to settle in the new parish. He was a shareholder in the first Taunton iron works. He was buried in the "Neck of Land Burying Ground," where is still to be seen his gravestone inscribed, "Here lies the body of Elder Henry Hodges. Died Sept. 30, 1717. Aged 65 years."
Records:
1654/5, March 15 - Taunton, Massachusetts - Mary Hodges executed the following deed of gift to her two children:
Be it known unto all men that I, Mary Hedgis, widow, of the town and plantation of Taunton within the pattent of New Plymouth, do give out of my estate left me by my husband as followeth. Imprimis. I give unto John, my eldest sonne, thirty pounds, with my house, home lott and all lands pertaining thereto. Item. I give unto Henery, my second son, the sum of thirty pounds, with a parcel of land given me by my father, lying between the Lotts of my brother Henry Andrews and John Cobb. Item. I reserve in my own hands the sum of thirty pounds of my estate to despose thereof as I shall think good. Item. I reserve in myne own power to despose of my own wearing apparrell as I shall think good. Item. I bind Peter Pitts, in case I make him my husband, to perform the conditions of this my deed of gift, unless the hand of God doe disable him by some extraordinary accident as may fall out, as by his sickness or the like, and this to be judged of by those men whom she shall put in trust, and by them to be ordered what shee shall doe if god crosse him. I intend he shall maynetayne these my two children for the use of their portions I give them, untill they come of age or be otherwise desposed of in marriage. Item. My intent and will is to make Richard Williams, James Wyate and James Walker my trustees and overseers for the fulfilling of this my deed of gift. March 15, 1654. [Witnessed by] Richard Williams, James Wyate, William Pole, Samuel Williams, Peter Pitts.
1680 - May 25 Land Division in Taunton, Massachusetts:
This 25th of May 1680. The town hath voted that they accept of what the committee hath done; by the committee is understood those that did this day present what they had caused to be entered on the town book of Town Orders, concerning settling of our lands and town orders.
A list of the names of the present purchasers or proprietors of the Town of Taunton unto whom the town hath already granted or divided lands by virtue of their enjoying either purchase lots or purchase rights to divisions of land as followeth [includes]:
John Hodges on the rights that was his father's [Henry's brother]
Henry Hodges on the rights that was John Gollup's - his father-in-law
These purchasers or proprietors, fore-mentioned, are hereby and by virtue hereof entitled and interested only unto the first purchase of the township of Taunton and not unto any later purchases.
This list was made and agreed upon and concluded and confirmed by us whose names are underwritten, being the major part of the committee chosen by the town for that end. Dated May 14, 1675.
1692 - Letter to William Stoughton, esq., Deputy Governor:
Hon'l Sir - In a few words these are to set before your Honor the present confucion of our Town.
The occasion this. That whereas about a week since the Governor with the advice of the Council sent commissions to Thomas Leonard Captain, Left. [Leiutenant] Jno. Hall, Henry Hodges Ensign, the whole Town seemed to be cemented and quieted. A few days after commissions to Left Macey Captain, and John Hall Left, and John Hathaway Ensign, and is reported that this was obtained by the Governor by help of Mr. Cotton of Plymouth, in a private conversation with them and one of ye Rev'd. Mather.
No doubt his Excelency was clouded in the matter, else Jno. Hall would not have had two commissions, one to the Left, under Captain Leonard, a second to be under Captain Macey, and how he can answer to both his commissions we know not. And in another respect the said two commissions are incoherent, for the first runs to Captain Leonard to be Captain over the whole Militia, the second to Capt. Macey over half the Company, If ye first be sworn to governe the whole the other will be to seek for a half, the major part of the people are amazed at the thing. Anything but a continuance of the differences in view in which yt John Pollard should have so much influence in our towne who is but a new comer & is not by charter capable of voting for any officer & that two or three disorderly persons (one or more of whom are professed churchmen) should be so honored & who when we had but a weak government, endeavored or as much s in them lay to trample it under foot (who to say no worse) either for idleness tattling being busy bodye and meddling deserve punishment rather than preferment and continence.
Sir, we entreat that some opportunity may be given us yt the town may send some person to lay before authority the true state of the place. If your honor would spend one day among us to hear a declare on both sides we do engage all our obedience to your final determination of the matter and if of necesity there must be two companies, Yet, to be settled on such basis as not to perpetuate differences to posterity as we apprehend now it will - ye father trayning under one Captain ye son under another. -- Captain Thomas Leonard's Papers.
1692 - Letter without Address about the "Differences," (Supposed to be forwarded to Mr. Cotton at Plymouth.)
Rev'd. Sir.
It being reported commonly among us that you had some hand in obtaining from his excellency commissions for Captain Macey, Left. Hall & Ensign Hathaway, therefore think it wisdom to apply ourselves to you in this case, and are glad we have such a person to unbosom ourselves to, whose candor we may confide in yt no ill resentment shall be made of what we say, and indeed we had sooner appeared in this matter but we concluded yt nothing would be among us of this nature unless some sober and moderate persons among ourselves had liberty for to declare the true state of town. By what means it was effected we can not guess. That John Pollard should be so capable to manage and settle our affairs for us, one of no freehold in our Town that bears an inconsiderable burden of public charge, a new comer &c. and now for him to make innovations it fills us so much with amazement we can not but speak a little.
But a few days before our militia was settled with officers by Gov'r in council, to Thomas Leonard Captain, John Hall Leift, and Henry Hodges Ensign. All parties began to acquiese and enjoy it & good people to rejoice in the prospect of ensuing peace, but the clouds soon return, the person aforesaid which we never thought had any connection with Court of Council, except at standing of ye bar of ye store, brings a new model whereby the major part of the Town are disturbed, yt we desire to behave ourselves with strict obedience to authority according to our knowledge and shall not argue or enquire about ye reversing of a Publick act in Council, by a private act without council we rather wish yourself would personally inquire & let all parties face one another and debate our matter of discontent, & then we are confident that you never would advise yt such should be favored that deserves frowns for y'r former ill deeds.
There is doubtless blame on all sides for our present differences but were the ground work of all our troubles searched into, we can not believe that a pious government would discourage such as are true honest publick spirited & orderly people, & favor those with honors, who have continually added weights to ye wheels of all publick meeting both in Church & State. However if idle persons and busy bodyes (to say no worse) must rejoice in this our day of trouble, and the mourners of Zion continue mourning we must submit to God's providence and accept of the punishment of our sins. But we had hoped of such disturbers of the peace, who longed for ye old Gov'r Edmond, would not now have lifted up their horn on high, nor yt we the Churchmen at Taunton hang down our heads that meanwhile the professed Churchmen at Taunton should ride in triumph & feel who by virtue of a new charter are not capable of voting for an officer should now boast and bragg that they can and will do whatever they please. We leave the rest to the bearer, and entreat that some way may be found yt we may answer for ourselves, and place our case before meet and competent judges, for we are persuaded that this never would have come to pass unless abundance of lyes had been told against the professed people of God in this place. Our desire is that the last surprising commissions to s'd Macey, Hall and Hathaway may be some act of government be suspended, till the difficulties among us be debated before some person deputed to hear it. Captain Thomas Leonard's Papers
1707-1709 - The residents of the north purchase petitioned for a new meeting house in their part of town. This meant that their tithes would stay in the north purchase in order to support a minister. In June 1708 the town declined the request. Petitions were made and town meetings held.
1709 - May 25 - To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esquire, Captain-Generall, Governor-in-chief in and over her majestie's Province of Massachusetts bay, and the rest of the honorable Councill and Representatives Convened in General Court, May 25, 1709, humbly Sheweth:
That whereas the Honoured Court sent to the Selectmen of Taunton to show their reasons (if any they have) why Taunton North purchse and South purchase should not have their prayer granted.
In answer whereunto, we say, that although it hath pleased God to Increase our numbers, -- which, we hope, is in mercy, -- yet must say, that, through the providence of God, a great many are so extream poor, and rates and taxes so high, that we find it hard and difficult to rub along; and the Generality of the North purchase are so poor, that we ffear they will not be able to build a meeting-house and to maintain a minister.
But as for the North Purchase, we think it better ffor them to be a Township than a precinct.
This is our last and finall answer, uppon mature concideration.
Israel Thrasher, John Spur, Ezra Dean, Selectmen
We whose names are underwritten are of the same mind with those above, -- Thomas Leonard, Henry Hodges, Samuel Deane, Seth Williams, Joseph Williams. State Papers, Vol. CXIII, p. 514.
1717 - September 17 - Henry Hodges wrote his last will and testament:
In the Name of God Amen. I Henry Hodges sen'r of Taunton in the County of Bristol in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England being of sound & disposing mind & memory (thru the Goodness of God) Do make & ordeyn this to be my last will & Testament in manner & form as followeth. In primis: I comit my soul into ye hands of the Lord Jesus Christ my gracious Redeemer. And my body to ye Earth to be decently buryed by my Executor in hopes of a joyfull resurrection as to my worldly estate, Having already setled estates in Lands by Deeds upon my sons, namely on my son William Hodges, John Hodges, Joseph Hodges, Henry Hodges, Benjamin Hodges & Ephraim Hodges, which estates in Lands I do hereby ratify & confirm & unto Each of them according to the tenour [tenure] of the Deeds I have given them & shall and no ----- thereto only Heat (?) Eighteen pence to each of them shall be payd by my Executor. As to my stock of Cattle, husbandry tools, Household stuff & all my moveables, I give & bequeath them wholly to my beloved wife Esther Hodges to be impressed for her comfort during her naturall life & if she cause to sell any part of my stock & moveables for her own use & benefit she hath power so to do. And what of my stock, household stuff or moveables remayne unspent at the time of her decease, shall be Equally divided between my five daughters & my youngest son, namely Mary Keith, Esther Southworth, Charity Leonard, Elizabeth Hodges,Abigail Hodges & Ephraim Hodges; after funerall charges & just debts and payd. And I approve my son Ephraim Hodges to be sole Executor of this my last will & testament. In testimony hereof I have hereto sett my hand & seale this seventeenth day of September Anno Domini One hundred seven hundred & seventeen In the 4th year of the reign of our soveraign Lord George of Great Brittain & king.
Memorandum: My purchas[e] right to undivided Lands or to future divisions of Comon Lands within the old township of Taunton I give & bequeath my ------ sons Henry Hodges & Ephraim Hodges to be Equally between, to them & theyr heyrs & assigns forever; And some Land due & not yet granted, ---- on the lot division of Lands in Taunton, about four acres ---- of it, this I give & bequeath to my son Henry Hodges his heyrs & assigns forever. And halfe a lott in the great Cedar Swamp in Taunton that lyes near to Bridgwater line I bequeath to my son Henry Hodges his heyrs & assigns forever
[Signature] Henry Hodges
Signed, Sealed & declared to be the last will & testament in presence of us: Samuel Danforth, Jonathan Harvey, Samuel Danforth Junior
1717 - October 15 - An Inventory of the Estate of Elder Henry Hodges Esqr. of Taunton in the County of Bristoll both Real and personall acording as he hath given his estate by his Last Will and Testament, not mentioning what he hat disposed of by deeds in his life time.
Imprimis his wearing apparrell £17.08.00
Item his books £03.09(?).00
Item Arms £00.12.00
Item two cows (?) £02.05.00
Item his beds and beding and furniture belonging thereto £37.08.00
Item his Table linnen £01.08.00
Item his pewter and cadlestick £02.04.00
Item his silver spoon £00.12.00
Item his brass kettle and warming pan £01.06.00
Item his Tramels (?), fire shovels and Tongs and chafing dish box and ------ £01.05.00
Item his Iron pots kettles frying pan and grid Iron and Iron skillet and spit £02.08.00
Item his earthen ware and glass £00.07.00
Item his chest and box £01.07.00
Item his Table and bench £00.10.00
Item his chairs £01.02.00
Item his spining wheels £00.12.00
Item his butter tub and pails and other things necessary for housekeeping £01.00.00
Item his cyder barrels and old Tubs and old Lumber £02.15.00
Item his utinsills belonging to husbandry £07.11.06
Item his stock of meat (?) cattle (?) £44.00.00
Item his 18 sheep £09.00.00
Item his horses £20.00.00
Item his saddle bridle and male (?) pillion (?) £01.10.00
Item his swine £01.10.00
Item his purchase right in the undivided Lands in Taunton old Township £01.00.00
Item his four acres of Land due on the sixty one acre division £01.00.00
Item his half a Lot of Land in the Great Cedar Swamp in Taunton near Bridgewater Line £02.00.00
[Subtotal] £164.09.06
Item bills of credit on the promise £04.06.06
Totall £169.160.00
This above written Inventory was Taken by us whose names are under written this fifteenth day of October Annos domini 1717
Seth Williams
John Wilborn (?)
John Mason
1717 - November 4 - Executors bond issued for Ephraim Hodges, Sam Danforth and Jonathan Harvey(?):
Know All Men by these Presents, That we Ephraim Hodges executor to the last will and Testament of Elder Henry Hodges deceased Sam Danforth Jun. & Jonathan Harvey all of Taunton in the County of Bristol within His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, are holden and stand firmly bound and obliged unto Natha'l Paine Esqr. Judge of the Probate of Wills and Granting Administrations within the County of Bristol, in the full Sum of three Hundred Pounds, Currant Money in New England: To be paid unto the said Nathanel Paine his Successors in the said Office or Assignes: To the true Payment whereof, We do bind ourselves and each of us, our, and each of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, joyntly and severally for the whole and in the whole firmly by these Presents. Sealed with our Seals. Dated the fourth day of November Anno Domini, One Thousand seven Hundred & seventeen Annoque Regni Regis Georgii.
The Condition of this Present Obligation is such, That if the above-bounden Ephraim Hodges Executor as above said do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods, Chattels Rights and Credits of the said Deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him the said Ephraim Hodges or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him: And the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Court of Probate for the aforesaid County of Bristol, at or before the Tenth Day of December next ensuing. And the same so Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits, and all other Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of said Deceased, at the time of Death, which at any time after shall come to the hands and possession of the said Ephraim Hodges or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly Administer according to Law. And further do make, or cause to made a just and true Accompt of his said Administration upon Oath, at or before the Tenth Day of December which will be in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand seven Hundred & Eighteen And all the rest & residue of the said Goods, Chattels, Rights & Credits which shall be found remaining upon the said Administrators Accompt (the said being first examined & allowed of by the Judge or Judges for the time being, of Probate of Wills and granting Administrations within the County of Bristol aforesaid) shall deliver and pay unto such Person or Persons respectively as the said Judge or Judges by his or their Decree or Sentance pursuant to Law shall limit & appoint. And if it shall hereafter appear, That any last Will and Testament was made by the said Deceased: And the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the same into the County of Probate for the said County of Bristol, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly. If the said Ephraim Hodges within bounden being there-unto required, do render and deliver the said Letter of Administration (Approbation of such Testament being first had & made) into the said Court: Then the before Written Obligation to be Void and of none Effect, or else to abide and remain in full Force and Virtue.
Sealed and Delivered in Presence of William Wood, Isaac Mason.
[Signed] Ephraim Hedges {Seal}, Samuel Danforth Jun'r. {Seal}, Jonathan Harvey {Seal}
1717 - November 4 - Inventory presented at Court -
----- is November the 4th 1717 - Then before the Hon'able Nathal Paine Esqr. Judge of Probate of wills &c. within the County of Bristol Ephraim Hodges Executor to last will & Testament of Mr. Henry Hodges deceased, made oath that the Inventory above written contain on the whole of that estate the said Dec'd Dyed pos'sed of and -- come to his present knowledge & that when he knows of any more he will Reveal it that as may be of Record herewith
John Cary Regt., Nath. Paine
Enforced(?) November 4th 1717 in ye 3rd Book Folio 366 by John Cary Reg'r.
1723 - Probate, Taunton, MA - The Account of Ephraim Hodges of Taunton in ye County of Bristol in ye Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in New England Executor to ye Estate of Henry Hodges of Taunton in the County of Bristol aforesaid of His father Deceased; of Debts and to sd Effects the sd accomptant have Received as Hereafter brt. forth -
Imprimis Received of the Town of sd Taunton upon ye account of my father serving the sd Town as Representative £18=11=00
Received upon ye account of my fathers taking ye acknowledgm't of Instruments £00-17-00
Received of several persons in money £01-18=00
Debts payd ---- from sd Estate is as followeth to ye Doctor £01=10=00
to ye funiral Charges £08=03=04
for proving of ye will witness time & mine (?) & expences £01-09-04
for prising [appraising] of sd Estate £00-06-00
other small debts ows to several persons £04-11=05
Dated Taunton January 21, 1723(?) £16-0-6
To allowing and Registring this acctt £00-05-00
To ye accomptants trouble and expenses in administring £6-60-00 (?)
Ephraim Hodges £17-5-6
Bristol, -----, Janur the 28 1723
Then before ye Honoble Nath'll Paine (?) Esq. Judge of Probate of Wills within ye County of Bristol & Mr. Ephraim Hodges executor to ye estate of his father mr Hennery Hodges late of Taunton deceased presented yt before written account of his Administration and mad[e] oath that it ----- a Just and true account so far as he hath proceeded which account --- --- Dow and approve of
Jurat Coram (?) Nath'll Paine
Bristol Janu 29th 1723 - Entered in ye fourth book folio ---- 258 -- Stephen Paine Register
Children:
1680 - May 25 Land Division in Taunton, Massachusetts:
This 25th of May 1680. The town hath voted that they accept of what the committee hath done; by the committee is understood those that did this day present what they had caused to be entered on the town book of Town Orders, concerning settling of our lands and town orders.
A list of the names of the present purchasers or proprietors of the Town of Taunton unto whom the town hath already granted or divided lands by virtue of their enjoying either purchase lots or purchase rights to divisions of land as followeth [includes]:
John Hodges on the rights that was his father's [Henry's brother]
Henry Hodges on the rights that was John Gollup's - his father-in-law
These purchasers or proprietors, fore-mentioned, are hereby and by virtue hereof entitled and interested only unto the first purchase of the township of Taunton and not unto any later purchases.
This list was made and agreed upon and concluded and confirmed by us whose names are underwritten, being the major part of the committee chosen by the town for that end. Dated May 14, 1675.
1692 - Letter to William Stoughton, esq., Deputy Governor:
Hon'l Sir - In a few words these are to set before your Honor the present confucion of our Town.
The occasion this. That whereas about a week since the Governor with the advice of the Council sent commissions to Thomas Leonard Captain, Left. [Leiutenant] Jno. Hall, Henry Hodges Ensign, the whole Town seemed to be cemented and quieted. A few days after commissions to Left Macey Captain, and John Hall Left, and John Hathaway Ensign, and is reported that this was obtained by the Governor by help of Mr. Cotton of Plymouth, in a private conversation with them and one of ye Rev'd. Mather.
No doubt his Excelency was clouded in the matter, else Jno. Hall would not have had two commissions, one to the Left, under Captain Leonard, a second to be under Captain Macey, and how he can answer to both his commissions we know not. And in another respect the said two commissions are incoherent, for the first runs to Captain Leonard to be Captain over the whole Militia, the second to Capt. Macey over half the Company, If ye first be sworn to governe the whole the other will be to seek for a half, the major part of the people are amazed at the thing. Anything but a continuance of the differences in view in which yt John Pollard should have so much influence in our towne who is but a new comer & is not by charter capable of voting for any officer & that two or three disorderly persons (one or more of whom are professed churchmen) should be so honored & who when we had but a weak government, endeavored or as much s in them lay to trample it under foot (who to say no worse) either for idleness tattling being busy bodye and meddling deserve punishment rather than preferment and continence.
Sir, we entreat that some opportunity may be given us yt the town may send some person to lay before authority the true state of the place. If your honor would spend one day among us to hear a declare on both sides we do engage all our obedience to your final determination of the matter and if of necesity there must be two companies, Yet, to be settled on such basis as not to perpetuate differences to posterity as we apprehend now it will - ye father trayning under one Captain ye son under another. -- Captain Thomas Leonard's Papers.
1692 - Letter without Address about the "Differences," (Supposed to be forwarded to Mr. Cotton at Plymouth.)
Rev'd. Sir.
It being reported commonly among us that you had some hand in obtaining from his excellency commissions for Captain Macey, Left. Hall & Ensign Hathaway, therefore think it wisdom to apply ourselves to you in this case, and are glad we have such a person to unbosom ourselves to, whose candor we may confide in yt no ill resentment shall be made of what we say, and indeed we had sooner appeared in this matter but we concluded yt nothing would be among us of this nature unless some sober and moderate persons among ourselves had liberty for to declare the true state of town. By what means it was effected we can not guess. That John Pollard should be so capable to manage and settle our affairs for us, one of no freehold in our Town that bears an inconsiderable burden of public charge, a new comer &c. and now for him to make innovations it fills us so much with amazement we can not but speak a little.
But a few days before our militia was settled with officers by Gov'r in council, to Thomas Leonard Captain, John Hall Leift, and Henry Hodges Ensign. All parties began to acquiese and enjoy it & good people to rejoice in the prospect of ensuing peace, but the clouds soon return, the person aforesaid which we never thought had any connection with Court of Council, except at standing of ye bar of ye store, brings a new model whereby the major part of the Town are disturbed, yt we desire to behave ourselves with strict obedience to authority according to our knowledge and shall not argue or enquire about ye reversing of a Publick act in Council, by a private act without council we rather wish yourself would personally inquire & let all parties face one another and debate our matter of discontent, & then we are confident that you never would advise yt such should be favored that deserves frowns for y'r former ill deeds.
There is doubtless blame on all sides for our present differences but were the ground work of all our troubles searched into, we can not believe that a pious government would discourage such as are true honest publick spirited & orderly people, & favor those with honors, who have continually added weights to ye wheels of all publick meeting both in Church & State. However if idle persons and busy bodyes (to say no worse) must rejoice in this our day of trouble, and the mourners of Zion continue mourning we must submit to God's providence and accept of the punishment of our sins. But we had hoped of such disturbers of the peace, who longed for ye old Gov'r Edmond, would not now have lifted up their horn on high, nor yt we the Churchmen at Taunton hang down our heads that meanwhile the professed Churchmen at Taunton should ride in triumph & feel who by virtue of a new charter are not capable of voting for an officer should now boast and bragg that they can and will do whatever they please. We leave the rest to the bearer, and entreat that some way may be found yt we may answer for ourselves, and place our case before meet and competent judges, for we are persuaded that this never would have come to pass unless abundance of lyes had been told against the professed people of God in this place. Our desire is that the last surprising commissions to s'd Macey, Hall and Hathaway may be some act of government be suspended, till the difficulties among us be debated before some person deputed to hear it. Captain Thomas Leonard's Papers
1707-1709 - The residents of the north purchase petitioned for a new meeting house in their part of town. This meant that their tithes would stay in the north purchase in order to support a minister. In June 1708 the town declined the request. Petitions were made and town meetings held.
1709 - May 25 - To his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esquire, Captain-Generall, Governor-in-chief in and over her majestie's Province of Massachusetts bay, and the rest of the honorable Councill and Representatives Convened in General Court, May 25, 1709, humbly Sheweth:
That whereas the Honoured Court sent to the Selectmen of Taunton to show their reasons (if any they have) why Taunton North purchse and South purchase should not have their prayer granted.
In answer whereunto, we say, that although it hath pleased God to Increase our numbers, -- which, we hope, is in mercy, -- yet must say, that, through the providence of God, a great many are so extream poor, and rates and taxes so high, that we find it hard and difficult to rub along; and the Generality of the North purchase are so poor, that we ffear they will not be able to build a meeting-house and to maintain a minister.
But as for the North Purchase, we think it better ffor them to be a Township than a precinct.
This is our last and finall answer, uppon mature concideration.
Israel Thrasher, John Spur, Ezra Dean, Selectmen
We whose names are underwritten are of the same mind with those above, -- Thomas Leonard, Henry Hodges, Samuel Deane, Seth Williams, Joseph Williams. State Papers, Vol. CXIII, p. 514.
1717 - September 17 - Henry Hodges wrote his last will and testament:
In the Name of God Amen. I Henry Hodges sen'r of Taunton in the County of Bristol in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England being of sound & disposing mind & memory (thru the Goodness of God) Do make & ordeyn this to be my last will & Testament in manner & form as followeth. In primis: I comit my soul into ye hands of the Lord Jesus Christ my gracious Redeemer. And my body to ye Earth to be decently buryed by my Executor in hopes of a joyfull resurrection as to my worldly estate, Having already setled estates in Lands by Deeds upon my sons, namely on my son William Hodges, John Hodges, Joseph Hodges, Henry Hodges, Benjamin Hodges & Ephraim Hodges, which estates in Lands I do hereby ratify & confirm & unto Each of them according to the tenour [tenure] of the Deeds I have given them & shall and no ----- thereto only Heat (?) Eighteen pence to each of them shall be payd by my Executor. As to my stock of Cattle, husbandry tools, Household stuff & all my moveables, I give & bequeath them wholly to my beloved wife Esther Hodges to be impressed for her comfort during her naturall life & if she cause to sell any part of my stock & moveables for her own use & benefit she hath power so to do. And what of my stock, household stuff or moveables remayne unspent at the time of her decease, shall be Equally divided between my five daughters & my youngest son, namely Mary Keith, Esther Southworth, Charity Leonard, Elizabeth Hodges,
Memorandum: My purchas[e] right to undivided Lands or to future divisions of Comon Lands within the old township of Taunton I give & bequeath my ------ sons Henry Hodges & Ephraim Hodges to be Equally between, to them & theyr heyrs & assigns forever; And some Land due & not yet granted, ---- on the lot division of Lands in Taunton, about four acres ---- of it, this I give & bequeath to my son Henry Hodges his heyrs & assigns forever. And halfe a lott in the great Cedar Swamp in Taunton that lyes near to Bridgwater line I bequeath to my son Henry Hodges his heyrs & assigns forever
[Signature] Henry Hodges
Signed, Sealed & declared to be the last will & testament in presence of us: Samuel Danforth, Jonathan Harvey, Samuel Danforth Junior
1717 - October 15 - An Inventory of the Estate of Elder Henry Hodges Esqr. of Taunton in the County of Bristoll both Real and personall acording as he hath given his estate by his Last Will and Testament, not mentioning what he hat disposed of by deeds in his life time.
Imprimis his wearing apparrell £17.08.00
Item his books £03.09(?).00
Item Arms £00.12.00
Item two cows (?) £02.05.00
Item his beds and beding and furniture belonging thereto £37.08.00
Item his Table linnen £01.08.00
Item his pewter and cadlestick £02.04.00
Item his silver spoon £00.12.00
Item his brass kettle and warming pan £01.06.00
Item his Tramels (?), fire shovels and Tongs and chafing dish box and ------ £01.05.00
Item his Iron pots kettles frying pan and grid Iron and Iron skillet and spit £02.08.00
Item his earthen ware and glass £00.07.00
Item his chest and box £01.07.00
Item his Table and bench £00.10.00
Item his chairs £01.02.00
Item his spining wheels £00.12.00
Item his butter tub and pails and other things necessary for housekeeping £01.00.00
Item his cyder barrels and old Tubs and old Lumber £02.15.00
Item his utinsills belonging to husbandry £07.11.06
Item his stock of meat (?) cattle (?) £44.00.00
Item his 18 sheep £09.00.00
Item his horses £20.00.00
Item his saddle bridle and male (?) pillion (?) £01.10.00
Item his swine £01.10.00
Item his purchase right in the undivided Lands in Taunton old Township £01.00.00
Item his four acres of Land due on the sixty one acre division £01.00.00
Item his half a Lot of Land in the Great Cedar Swamp in Taunton near Bridgewater Line £02.00.00
[Subtotal] £164.09.06
Item bills of credit on the promise £04.06.06
Totall £169.160.00
This above written Inventory was Taken by us whose names are under written this fifteenth day of October Annos domini 1717
Seth Williams
John Wilborn (?)
John Mason
1717 - November 4 - Executors bond issued for Ephraim Hodges, Sam Danforth and Jonathan Harvey(?):
Know All Men by these Presents, That we Ephraim Hodges executor to the last will and Testament of Elder Henry Hodges deceased Sam Danforth Jun. & Jonathan Harvey all of Taunton in the County of Bristol within His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, are holden and stand firmly bound and obliged unto Natha'l Paine Esqr. Judge of the Probate of Wills and Granting Administrations within the County of Bristol, in the full Sum of three Hundred Pounds, Currant Money in New England: To be paid unto the said Nathanel Paine his Successors in the said Office or Assignes: To the true Payment whereof, We do bind ourselves and each of us, our, and each of our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, joyntly and severally for the whole and in the whole firmly by these Presents. Sealed with our Seals. Dated the fourth day of November Anno Domini, One Thousand seven Hundred & seventeen Annoque Regni Regis Georgii.
The Condition of this Present Obligation is such, That if the above-bounden Ephraim Hodges Executor as above said do make or cause to be made a true and perfect Inventory of all and singular the Goods, Chattels Rights and Credits of the said Deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him the said Ephraim Hodges or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him: And the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited into the Registry of the Court of Probate for the aforesaid County of Bristol, at or before the Tenth Day of December next ensuing. And the same so Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits, and all other Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of said Deceased, at the time of Death, which at any time after shall come to the hands and possession of the said Ephraim Hodges or into the hands and possession of any other person or persons for him do well and truly Administer according to Law. And further do make, or cause to made a just and true Accompt of his said Administration upon Oath, at or before the Tenth Day of December which will be in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand seven Hundred & Eighteen And all the rest & residue of the said Goods, Chattels, Rights & Credits which shall be found remaining upon the said Administrators Accompt (the said being first examined & allowed of by the Judge or Judges for the time being, of Probate of Wills and granting Administrations within the County of Bristol aforesaid) shall deliver and pay unto such Person or Persons respectively as the said Judge or Judges by his or their Decree or Sentance pursuant to Law shall limit & appoint. And if it shall hereafter appear, That any last Will and Testament was made by the said Deceased: And the Executor or Executors therein named do exhibit the same into the County of Probate for the said County of Bristol, making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly. If the said Ephraim Hodges within bounden being there-unto required, do render and deliver the said Letter of Administration (Approbation of such Testament being first had & made) into the said Court: Then the before Written Obligation to be Void and of none Effect, or else to abide and remain in full Force and Virtue.
Sealed and Delivered in Presence of William Wood, Isaac Mason.
[Signed] Ephraim Hedges {Seal}, Samuel Danforth Jun'r. {Seal}, Jonathan Harvey {Seal}
1717 - November 4 - Inventory presented at Court -
----- is November the 4th 1717 - Then before the Hon'able Nathal Paine Esqr. Judge of Probate of wills &c. within the County of Bristol Ephraim Hodges Executor to last will & Testament of Mr. Henry Hodges deceased, made oath that the Inventory above written contain on the whole of that estate the said Dec'd Dyed pos'sed of and -- come to his present knowledge & that when he knows of any more he will Reveal it that as may be of Record herewith
John Cary Regt., Nath. Paine
Enforced(?) November 4th 1717 in ye 3rd Book Folio 366 by John Cary Reg'r.
1723 - Probate, Taunton, MA - The Account of Ephraim Hodges of Taunton in ye County of Bristol in ye Province of ye Massachusetts Bay in New England Executor to ye Estate of Henry Hodges of Taunton in the County of Bristol aforesaid of His father Deceased; of Debts and to sd Effects the sd accomptant have Received as Hereafter brt. forth -
Imprimis Received of the Town of sd Taunton upon ye account of my father serving the sd Town as Representative £18=11=00
Received upon ye account of my fathers taking ye acknowledgm't of Instruments £00-17-00
Received of several persons in money £01-18=00
Debts payd ---- from sd Estate is as followeth to ye Doctor £01=10=00
to ye funiral Charges £08=03=04
for proving of ye will witness time & mine (?) & expences £01-09-04
for prising [appraising] of sd Estate £00-06-00
other small debts ows to several persons £04-11=05
Dated Taunton January 21, 1723(?) £16-0-6
To allowing and Registring this acctt £00-05-00
To ye accomptants trouble and expenses in administring £6-60-00 (?)
Ephraim Hodges £17-5-6
Bristol, -----, Janur the 28 1723
Then before ye Honoble Nath'll Paine (?) Esq. Judge of Probate of Wills within ye County of Bristol & Mr. Ephraim Hodges executor to ye estate of his father mr Hennery Hodges late of Taunton deceased presented yt before written account of his Administration and mad[e] oath that it ----- a Just and true account so far as he hath proceeded which account --- --- Dow and approve of
Jurat Coram (?) Nath'll Paine
Bristol Janu 29th 1723 - Entered in ye fourth book folio ---- 258 -- Stephen Paine Register
Children:
9 Mary b. 1676 md. James Keith ca. 1695
- James b. 1696, d. 1770 md. 1722 Comfort Thayer
- Mary b. 1698
- Gershom b. 1701, d. 1770 md. Mary (--?--)
- Israel b. 1703 md. ca. 1718 Deborah Partridge (?)
- Faithful b. 1704
- Esther b. 1707 md. ca. 1730 Josiah Thayer
- Jane b. 1709 md. 1729 David Thayer
- Simeon b. 1712, d. 1741 md. 1740 Abigail Aldrich
- Job b. 1714 md. 1736/7 Hannah Lovett
- George b. 1717, d. 1774 md. Elizabeth (--?--)
- Micah b. 1720, d. ca. 1745 md. Bathsheba Ballou
10 Esther b. 1678, d. 1760 md. Ichabod Southworth ca. 1706
- Desire b. 1707, d. 1772 md. 1731 Samuel Shaw
- Priscilla b. 1710, d. 1793 md. 1735 Nathaniel Macomber
- Nathaniel b. 1712, d. 1731 age 19
- Mary b. 1713, d. 1788 md. 1757 Rowland Hammond
- Abigail b. 1716 md. 1758 Benjamin Sandy
- William b. 1719 md. 1749 Bathsheba Smith
11 William b. 1680, d. 1768 md. Susannah Gilbert 1708
- Thomas b. ca. 1709, d. 1737 md. ca. 1736 Katharine Danforth had one child Susannah
- William b. ca. 1711, md. 1) Lydia Andrews 1739 2) Rachel (Cox) Hodges widow of Ephraim Hodges (son of Benjamin & Abigail (Deane) Hodges, below), children: Lydia, Hannah, Thomas, Anna, John and infant daughter
- Susannah b. ca. 1713, d. 1796, md. 1732/3 John Sprague, children: Benjamin, Lydia
- Esther b. ca. 1715, d. 1774, md. 1735 Morgan Cobb, at least one child George
- Mary b. ca. 1717, md. 1738 Daniel Smith
- Jemima b. ca. 1719, d. before 1757 md. 1739 Daniel Shaw, children: Jemima, Anna
- Waitstill b. 1723, d. 1820 md. ca. 1750 Simeon Williams, children: Zipporah, Lurana, Nathaniel, Waitstill, Hannah, Levi, Jemima, Cynthia
- Seth b. ca. 1727, d. 1802 md. Hannah Luther no known children
John b. 1684, d. 1759 md. Hannah Morton
- Elizabeth b. 1724, d. before 1725 less than a year old
- Peter b. 1727, d. ca. 1730 3 years old
- Andrew b. 1729 or 1730 md. 1) Mehitable Leonard; 2) 1773 Abigail Hoskins, children of Andrew & Mehitable: Hannah, John, Rufus, Andrew, Sibyl, Zilpha, child of Andrew & Abigail: Leonard
Henry b. ca. 1685, d. 1755 md. Sarah Leonard 1711
- Josiah b. 1712, d. 1798 md. 1744 Mary Coolidge, children: Benjamin, Lydia, Phebe, Mary, Sarah, Betsy, Josiah
- Sarah b. 1715, d. 1797 md. 1736/7 George Williams, children: Phebe, Sarah, unnamed child, George, Anna, Ebenezer, Lydia, Richard, Abiather
- Eliphalet b. 1717 md. 1745/6 Abigail Fillebrown or Phillebrown, child: Israel
- Henry b. 1718, d. 1778 md. 1742/2 Mercy Eddy, children: Zephaniah Spencer, Henry, Lydia, Abiather, James, Elkanah
- Lydia b. ca. 1720, d. ca. 1741 md. 1740 George Godfrey, one child: Deborah
- Elizabeth b. ca. 1722, d. 1765 md. 1) Paul Eddy, 1745/6; 2) Benjamin Wilbore 1757, children: Paul Eddy, Apollos Eddy
- Abigail b. ca. 1724, md. 1747 John Harvey, Jr. children: Zebulon, Joel, Darius, John Sarah, Wealthy, Abigail Experience
- James b. ca. 1726, d. ca. 1756 md. 1753 Rachel Barney, child: Phebe
Joseph b. ca. 1688, d. 1745 md. 1) Bethiah Williams 1713 & 2) Mary Toogood 1738
- Joseph b. 1714, d. 1756 md. 1) Naomi Pratt 1739; 2) Miriam (Hodges) Bishop 1749, daughter of his uncle Samuel & Mary (King) (Allen) Hodges, widow of Joseph Bishop. Children: Sarah, Naomi, Miriam, Joseph, Naomi 2nd.
- Charity b. 1716, d. ca. 1813 md. 1738 James Winslow, children: Mehitable, Ephraim, Margaret, Joseph, James, Shadrach, Bethiah, Thankful, Isaac
- Timothy b. 1718, d. 1791 md. 1756 Lydia Cox, children: Lydia, Sarah, Timothy, Joseph, bethiah, Elizabeth
- Jonathan b. 1722, d. 1795 md. 1743 Abigail Sanford, children: Bethiah, Abigail, Wealthy, Mehitable, Amasa, Abigail, George, Mercy Jonathan, Selah
- Bethiah b. 1723, d. 1786 md. 1744 George Godfrey children: Lydia, Joanna, Bethiah, Mary, John, Wealthy, George, Rufus, Linda
- Mary b. 1726, d. 1775 md. 1) George Morey 1748; 2) Samuel Newcomb 1758, children: George Morey, George Morey 2d, Mary Morey, Rachel Newcomb, Mehitable Newcomb Susannah Newcomb, Sylvester Newcomb
- Isaac b. 1729, d. 1807 md. 1750/1 Mary Pratt, children: Isaac, Mary, Jesse, Isaac 2d, Lucilda, Ranah, Anna, Darius, Rachel, Set
- Mehitable b. 1731, d. 1750 age 19
Benjamin b. ca. 1691, d. 1754 md. 1) Abiah Deane ca. 1719 & 2) Sarah Lane 1749
- Abigail b. 1720, d. ca. 1753 md. 1746 Beach Cutler, children: Benjamin, William, Abigail, Hodges
- Abiah b. 1722, md. 1) Nehemiah King 1738; 2) Jonathan Hunt 1758, children: Hezekiah King, Sarah King, Elizabeth Hunt, Chloe Hunt, Quincy Hunt
- Anna b. 1723, md. 1) John Wild Jr. 1746, 2) Samuel Clapp 1757, children: Benjamin Wild, David Wild, John Clapp
- Benjamin b. 1726, d. 1745 during the siege of Louisbourg on Cape Breton, age 19
- Rachel b. 1728, md. 1751 Record Franklin, children: Elisha, Jonathan, Rachel, Abigail, Huldah, Abel, Cynthia, Asahel, Lucy
- Ephraim b. ca. 1730, d. 1768 md. Rachel Cox widow of William Hodges (see above), children: Benjamin, Rachel, Ephraim, Nathaniel, Ezra, Daniel, Experience
- Nathaniel b. ca. 1734, d. 1757 age 23
Ephraim b. ca. 1693, d. 1772 md. Bethiah Danforth 1731
- Rachel b. 1738
- Ephraim b. 1740, md. 1772 Mary Wentworth, children: Mary, Andrew, Lucinda, Seth, Fidelia, Zalmon
- Sarah b. 1743, d. 1769 age 26 never married
Elizabeth b. 1695, possibly the same person as Elizabeth (--?--) (Shaw) (Samson) Richmond who died October 10, 1782 and buried near her probable sister Charity (Hodges) (Leonard) Perkins. This Elizabeth md. 1) Samuel Shaw, 2) Isaac Samson 1734 & 3) Edward Richmond 1750. Children of this Elizabeth:
- Samuel Shaw
- Nathaniel Shaw
- Joseph Shaw
- Stephen Shaw
- Abraham Shaw
Abigail b. 1697
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