For additional help, please go to the Facebook Group. (Our small website team is unable to help with further research.)
Gerrard, Christopher M.., et al. Lost Lives, New Voices: Unlocking the Stories of the Scottish Soldiers at the Battle of Dunbar 1650. Oxbow Books, 2018, p. 255. [↩]
Stackpole, Everett Schermerhorn. Scotch Exiles in New England. 1922. Coll. 733 & 831, Collections of the Maine Historical Society, Portland ME. [↩]
1. THOMAS ROSS, was born, possibly in Scotland, about 1631 and died, probably in Billerica, Massachusetts, on 20 Mar 1695. He married at Cambridge, on 16 Jan 1661, SEETH HOLMAN.
THOMAS ROOS AGED 64 YEARS DIED THE 20 OF MARCH 1695 Photo taken by Jeannette Wentworth
Biographical Notes: “He was not sent to Saugus, he was indentured in Cambridge Mass where he married, then later settled in Billerica Mass. Even on his grave stone they spelled Ross, Roos.” ~ Jeannette Wentworth
Children of Thomas and Seeth (Holman) Ross: 2. i. THOMAS ROSS, b at Billerica in 1663; m. by 1693, SARAH (_____).
Sources and Notes:
Torrey’s New England Marriages Prior to 1700. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015.
Battle of Dunbar in Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland
Ship/Arrival:
Unity, Dec 1650
Prisoner and List:
Name Variations:
Residences:
Other SPOW Associations:
Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy; please independently verify all data.
Published: 01 Feb 2016 Updated: 09 Mar 2020 Researchers: Andrew Millard, Diane Murach, Teresa Rust, Janet Stemmer Editor: Teresa Rust
John “Maccoon”, #57 on George S. Stewart’s Captured at Dunbar List Name Variations: Maccoon, Macchone, Macoone, Maccoone, McCone
Contributed by Dr. Andrew Millard in July 2018: According to, Christopher Gerrard, Pam Graves, Andrew Millard, Richard Annis, and Anwen Caffell, in, Lost Lives, New Voices: Unlocking the Stories of the Scottish Soldiers at the Battle of Dunbar 1650, (England: Oxbow Books, 2018), on page 250, John is categorized as: Probable [that he is a Dunbar prisoner transported on the Unity] Maccoon/Macchone/Macoone/Maccoone, John. Residences: Cambridge MA. Appears: 1656. D.1705. [SPOWS; Ch.8; App.B] For explanations of the category, abbreviations and references see List of Dunbar prisoners from Lost Lives, New Voices.
First Generation in the New World
1. JOHN¹ MACCOON, was born, probably in Scotland, and died at Cambridge, Massachusetts, on 8 October 1705. He married, first, at Cambridge on 08 Nov 1656, DEBORAH BUSH.1 He married, second, at Cambridge on 14 Jun 1665, SARAH WOOD.1 He married, third?, at Cambridge before 17 Jan 1669, MARY (_____).2
Biographical Notes: John Maccoon/Maccoone is listed as #57 on the George S. Stewart Dunbar Prisoners list. He is believed to be a prisoner of war from the Battle of Dunbar which took place 03 Sep 1650. He would have arrived on the ship Unity in late Dec 1650 to Charlestown, Massachusetts Bay, and begun his indenture immediately, apparently staying in the Cambridge area throughout his marriages and his death. The indenture periods were typically 6 to 8 years, averaging closer to seven years but varying slightly. That is why we start to find records of the SPOWs appearing about 1656-1658. His first marriage takes place nearly six years after he would have arrived.
Children ofJOHNandDEBORAH (BUSH) MACCOONE: 2. i.HANNAH² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 31 Oct 1659.3 2. ii.DEBORAH² MACOONE, b. at Cambridge, 31 Dec 1661.3 2. iii.ELIZABETH² MACOONE, b. at Cambridge, 31 Jan 1662.3 2. iv.SARAH² MACONNE, born at Cambridge, 15 Feb 1663.3
Children ofJOHNandSARAH (WOOD) MACOONE: 2. v. JOHN MACOONE, born at Cambridge on 14 Jun 1666; d. in 1733; m., ANNE LARKIN.3 2. v.DANIEL² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 18 Feb 1668; d. in 1746; m., SARAH PLACE.3
Children ofJOHNandMARY (UNKNOWN) MACOONE: 2. vii.ELIZABETH² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 17 Jan 1669.3 2. viii.MARGARETT² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 20 Feb 1671.4 2. ix.PETER² MACOONE, born at Cambridge on 21 Feb 1673.5
Second Generation
Children of JOHN¹ and DEBORAH (BUSH) MACCOONE:
2. i.HANNAH² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 31 Oct 1659
2. ii.DEBORAH² MACOONE, b. at Cambridge, 31 Dec 1661
2. iii.ELIZABETH² MACOONE, b. at Cambridge, 31 Jan 1662
2. iv.SARAH² MACONNE, born at Cambridge, 15 Feb 1663
Children of JOHN¹ and SARAH (WOOD) MACOONE:
2. vi.JOHN² MACCOONE, (John¹), was born at Cambridge on 14 Jun 1666 and died in 1733. He married before 1754, ANNE LARKIN.
Children of John and Anne (Larkin) Maccoone: 3. i. JOHN³ MACCOONE, (John², John¹), was born in 1694 and died on 07 Apr 1754. He married, PATIENCE RANDALL.
3. ii. DANIEL³ MACCOONE, (John², John¹), was born on 18 Feb 1696. He married, ELIZABETH HALL.
3. iii. RACHEL³ MACCOONE, (John², John¹), was born in 1698. He married in Washington County, Rhode Island on 17 Apr 1721, JAMES HALL, Jr.6
3. iv. MARY³ MACCOONE, (John², John¹), b. 1700; m in Washington County, on 24 Jul 1730, JOHN LARKIN.7
3. v. ABIGAIL³ MACCOONE, (John², John¹), was born in 1702 and died on 12 Feb 1798. She married at Washington County, Rhode Island on 06 Apr 1730, BENJAMIN BROWN.7
3. vi. WILLIAM³ MACCOONE, (John², John¹), b. 1704; d. 1742; m., first, PENELOPE ROGERS; m., second, PATIENCE ALLEN.
2. v.DANIEL² MACOONE, born at Cambridge on 18 Feb 16688 and died in 1746. He married at on , SARAH PLACE. Daniel of Cambridge Village was wounded in an expedition to Canada in 1690.9
Children of JOHN and MARY (UNKNOWN) MACOONE:
2. vii.ELIZABETH² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 17 Jan 1669.10
2. viii.MARGARETT² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 20 Feb 1671.4
2. ix.PETER² MACOONE, born at Cambridge, 21 Feb 1673.10
SOURCES AND NOTES:
Soldiers in the expedition to Canada in 1690 By Walter Kendall Watkins Soldiers in the expedition to Canada in 1690 By Walter Kendall Watkins
15 Jun 2016, Diane Murach () said, “I recently read somewhere that two months before the birth of John Maccoon Jr, Apr 1666., there was a land transaction and in two places John’s wife indicated her name as Mary Maccoon. This could mean that the town clerk was mixed up when he named Sarah as the wife of John Maccoon 14 Jun 1665 in Cambridge and on the first two births of the sons John and Daniel. Perhaps Mary had a sister or mother named Sarah and they resembled each other. Wondering if you had heard this? I’m really into researching more on this family. I found the article online.: Rhode Island Roots Volume: 13 Pages(s): 7, Probable Origins of the Maccone Family, By Rosemary Canfield, March 1987 Couple of things that were stated.: 14 Jun 1665 marriage to Sarah Wood (Can’t be Richard Wood’s wife as he has not died yet, but could be a sister or daughter to Richard Wood) Land Record 21 Apr 1666 Land Record where Mary Maccoon makes her mark. Name Mary Maccoon is used twice. Land is sold to Randall Bush. Son John born 14 Jun 1666 to John and Sarah Son Daniel born 18 Feb 1668 to John and Sarah Dau Elizabeth born 17 Jan 1669 to John and Mary as are rest of the children Land Transaction – 13 Apr 1676 – Sarah Woods, “widow of Richard Woods late of Cambridge and their son Thomas Woods sold a house and 34 acres of land to John Maccone. A Sarah Wood marries John Warner 12 Jun 1677 – (possible Mother to Mary, twin to Mary???) Will of John refers to his children by my former and latter wife.” My thoughts: No marriage to a Sarah Wood, but definitely a marriage to a Mary (possibly Wood) Perhaps Mary resembles her mother or sister who has the name Sarah. Perhaps the town Clerk is really old, drinks or who knows what. Ready to study John Maccoon of Cambridge and John Maccone of Westerly to see if they the same person. Studying a chronology of each to see where they fit together. I need to remember that people often registered children’s births in more than one location. Sources, many I have not seen: Vital Records of Cambridge, MA Vol 1 & 2 Middlesex Co MA deeds: Vol 3: 180 ; 4: 303 ; 6 :210 Middlesex Co MA Probate Vol 12: 107-111. Arnold, Vital Record of Rhode Island, Vol 5 North Kingstown: 32 ; Westerly: 11. Marblehead, MA Vital Records Vol II: 162. Records of First church in Salem MA, p. 176. Oysterbay Town Records, Vols I – III. Records of the colony of Rhode Island, Vol II: 338, III: 68. Collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society, III: 250 -253. James Savage, genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England John Austin, Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island. George F Black, The Surnames of Scotland, p 475. “The McCoun Family of Oysterbay, long Island” by Henry B Hoff in New York Genealogical and biographical Record 108: 159 -162. New World Immigrants, Michael Tepper, ed., Vol 1: 135-160.” ~ Diane
New England Marriages to 1700. Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB1568/i/21175/986/426932843 [↩] [↩]
“my loving wife, Mary Maccoon.” Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Archives. Digitized images provided by FamilySearch.org) https://www.americanancestors.org/DB536/i/14464/14446-co3/38323360 [↩]
“Rachel Meckcome” Rhode Island: Vital Records, 1636-1850. (Online database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014), Originally Published as: Vital record of Rhode Island 1636-1850: First Series: births, marriages and deaths: a family register for the people, by James N. Arnold. Providence, RI: Narragansett Historical Publishing Company. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB532/i/14346/4-34/260789136 [↩]
Rhode Island: Vital Records, 1636-1850. Originally Published as: Vital record of Rhode Island 1636-1850: First Series: births, marriages and deaths: a family register for the people, by James N. Arnold. Providence, RI: Narragansett Historical Publishing Company. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB532/i/14346/4-44/260789971 [↩] [↩]
“(see Macoon), Daniel, s. of John and Sarah, Feb. 18, 1668.” Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/rd/7674/456/140969524 [↩]
Colonial Soldiers and Officers in New England, 1620-1775. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB494/i/13255/159/236050746 [↩]
1. WILLIAM¹ EAGER, “Scotchman” was born presumably in Scotland about 1629 and died at Marlborough*, Middlesex, Massachusetts* on 4 April 1690*. He married, first, at Malden*, Middlesex, Massachusetts on 7 Oct 1659*, RUTH HILL*, daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Long) Hill. He married, second, at Cambridge on 13 Apr 1680, LYDIA CHEEVER, widow of Thomas Barrett and Arthur Cole (Coale).
Biographical Notes: “c. c. [County Court Returns] Augur, William, m. Ruth Hill. Capt. Marshall. 7 (10), 1659.” From: Births, Marriages and Deaths from the Town of Malden, Massachusetts, 1649-1850. He left a will which can be seen at: Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871. Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Archives.) Unfortunately it is in poor condition and difficult to read. One of his descendants needs to print out the will and carefully try to transcribe it as there does seem to be a lot of information in the will.
Malden, a hilly woodland area north of the Mystic River, was settled by Puritans in 1640 on land purchased in 1629 from the Pennacook tribe. The area was originally called the “Mistick Side” and was a part of Charlestown. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1649. The name Malden was selected by Joseph Hills, an early settler and landholder, and was named after Maldon, England.~Wikipedia
Children of William and Ruth (Hill) Eager: 2. i. WILLIAM EAGER*, (William¹)*, b. and d.* at Malden* on 20 Dec 1661*; DIED YOUNG. (Births, Marriages and Deaths from the Town of Malden, Massachusetts, 1649-1850. Page 328.) 2. ii. WILLIAM EAGER*, (William¹), b. at Malden* on 30 Nov 1662*; d. before 1684. (“Augur” on birth record at Malden) 2. iii.ZACHARIAH EAGER, (William¹), b. at Malden in Oct 1667; d. at Marlborough on 5 Jul 1742. 2. iv.ABRAHAM EAGER, Captain, (William¹), b. at Malden on 11 July 1670; d. at Shrewsbury, MA on 25 Oct 1734; m. on 15 Nov 1692, LYDIA WOODS, dau. of John and Lydia (Rice) Woods 2. v. ZERUBBABEL EAGER, (William¹), b. at Cambridge on 8 Jun 1672; d. at Marlborough on 9 Jan 1746/7; m. on 23 Mar 1698, HANNAH KERLEY, dau. of Henry and Elizabeth Ward Howe Kerley. 2. vi.MARTHA EAGER, (William¹), b. at Cambridge on 26 Oct 1674. 2. vii.RUTH EAGER, (William¹), b. at Cambridge on 1 Feb 1677; d. at Marlborough on 25 Dec 1768; m., JOHN BANISTER. 2. viii.SARAH EAGER, (William¹), b. at Cambridge on 25 Jun 1679
Children ofWilliam and Lydia (Cheever) Barrett Cole Eager: 2. ix. MARGARET EAGER, (William¹), b. 25 May 1681, d. Cambridge in 1725; m. ISAAC MANNING 2. x.MERCY EAGER, (William¹), b. at Marlborough on 20 Oct 1682. 2. xi.LYDIA EAGER, (William¹), b. at Marlborough on 20 Jun 1684. 2. xii.JAMES EAGER, Captain, (William¹), b. at Marlborough on 21 Sep 1686; m. TABITHA HOWE. 2. xiii.JACOB EAGER, (William¹), b. at Marlborough in 1688. 2. xiv.JOHN EAGER, (William¹), b. at Marlborough on 6 Jun 1689; d. 18 Jan 1756.
Second Generation
2. i. WILLIAM EAGER, (William¹ & Ruth), was born and died at Malden in 1661. DIED YOUNG.
2. ii. WILLIAM EAGER, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Malden on 30 Nov 1662 and died before 1684.
2. iii.ZACHARIAH EAGER*, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Malden in Oct 1667* and died at Marlborough on 5 Jul 1742*. He married at Marlborough/Framingham* by 1694*, ELIZABETH NEWTON*. Elizabeth* died at Marlborough* on 18 Jan 1756*.(Torrey’s NE Marriages to 1700) (In will, probate 1690 “William Eager”)
Children of Zachariah and Elizabeth (Newton) Eager: 3. WILLIAM EAGER*, born* at Marlborough* on 14 Feb 1697*. 3. MARGRET EAGER*, died* at Marlborough* on 19 Jul 1726*. 3. PHINEHAS EAGER*, son, died* at Marlborough* on 28 May 1729*.
2. iv.ABRAHAM EAGER*, Captain, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Malden on 11 July 1670 and died at Shrewsbury, Mass. on 25 Oct 1734. He married at Marlborough/Worcester/Shrewsbury* on 15 Nov 1692*, LYDIA WOODS*, daughter of John and Lydia (Rice) Woods. (In will)
Children of Abraham and Lydia (Woods) Eager: 3. i. MARTHA EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 15 Aug 1693*. 3. ii. LYDIA EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 3 Jul 1696*. 3. iii. SARAH EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 27 May 1699*. 3. iv. HAZADIAH EAGER*, daughter*, b. at Marlborough* on 1 Jul 1701*. 3. v. PHEBE EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 11 Feb 1703*. 3. vi. ZERUIAH EAGER*, daughter*, b. at Marlborough* on 17 Sep 1705*. 3. vii. LUCY EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 15 Jul 1707*. 3. viii. ABRAHAM EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 14 Sep 1709*. 3. ix. MILLICENT EAGER*, b. at Marlborough* on 22 Feb 1711/12*; d. at Marlborough on 24 Feb. 1711/12. DIED YOUNG. 3. x. BEZALEEL EAGER*, son, b. at Marlborough* on 22 Dec 1713*.
2. v. ZERUBBABEL EAGER*, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Cambridge on 8 Jun 1672* and died at Marlborough on 9 Jan 1746/7*. He married at Marlborough* on 23 Mar 1698*, HANNAH KERLEY*, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Ward Howe Kerley. (Torrey’s NE Marriages to 1700) (In will)
Children of Zerubbabel and Hannah (Kerley) Eager: 3. URIAH EAGER*, Captain*, son, b. at Marlborough* on 4 Apr 1700* and died* at Marlborough* on 30 Dec 1780* “in his 81st year”*.
2. vi.MARTHA EAGER, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Cambridge on 26 Oct 1674.
2. vii.RUTH EAGER, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Cambridge on 1 Feb 1677 and died at Marlborough on 25 Dec 1768. She married, JOHN BANISTER.
2. viii.SARAH EAGER, (William¹ & Ruth), was born at Cambridge on 25 Jun 1679.
2. ix. MARGARET EAGER, (William¹ & Lydia), was born at 25 May 1681 and died at Cambridge in 1725. She married, ISAAC MANNING.
2. x.MERCY EAGER*, (William¹ & Lydia*), was born at Marlborough* on 20 Oct 1682*.
2. xi.LYDIA EAGER*, (William¹ & Lydia), was born at Marlborough* on 20 Jun 1684*.
2. xii.JAMES EAGER*, Captain, (William¹ & Lydia*), was born at Marlborough* on 21 Sep 1686*. He married, TABITHA HOWE. Has living descendants.
2. xiii.JACOB EAGER, (William¹ & Lydia), was born at Marlborough in 1688.
2. xiv.JOHN EAGER*, (William¹ & Lydia*), was born at Marlborough* on 6 Jun 1689* and died on 18 Jan 1756.
SOURCES AND NOTES:
Torrey’s New England Marriages Prior to 1700. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015.Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). “Marlborough”
Written and submitted by Jill Barnard, direct descendant of William Eager January 19, 2015: “There is much conjecture about the origins of William Eager (alternate spellings Auger, Augur, Eger, Agar, and Ager). William’s ancestry is believed to be from England, who then settled on their estates in Ireland, and married into a Scottish family. There is no record of his birth or his arrival in New England. He was deposed in 1689/90 as being age 60, making his birth year about 1629 (New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol 85 p 453-454, pub Boston, MA 1931.)
There is strong evidence that he was one of 10,000 Scottish soldiers captured at the Battle of Dunbar September 3, 1650, by Oliver Cromwell of England, and taken to New England on the “Unity” as one of 150 Scottish Prisoners of War, who were sold as indentured servants upon arrival. The usual term of indentured servitude was 7 years.
He is first found in New England records in 1659 when he married in Malden, MA – just after his indenture would have ended. He was mentioned in the will of William Godden (Gooden) of Malden, written in 1663, which stated, “There were sums of money due him [Godden] from Edward Wiar and William Egar, Scotchmen…” (History of Malden, MA 1633-1785, p 601)
Both of these men were included on a list of probable Unity passengers in 1650, compiled by reputable American genealogist George S. Stewart. As he wrote in a letter to Elizabeth French on 18 Jan 1911, Stewart was “particularly interested in 150 of the Dunbar prisoners who were embarked at Newcastle, England in November 1650, consigned to John Bex and Joshua Foote, merchants of London, and whose ultimate destination was New England…”
Elizabeth (French) Bartlett was one of the most esteemed female genealogists of her time, doing research in England and America between 1908 and 1917. Stewart requested her assistance in researching the Dunbar list while she was living in London. Their documents are held in the R. Stanton Avery Collection at New England Historic and Genealogical Society in Boston. More research is needed to determine what information caused Stewart to place William Eager’s name on his list of probable Dunbar prisoners.
1659: He was married by Captain Marshall on October 7, 1659 in Malden, MA to 1) Ruth Hill (daughter of Abraham and Sarah Long Hill) born 1640 in Malden. (Malden VRs to 1850) It has been noted that the Scottish Prisoners of War frequently married the daughters or close family members of the men they were indentured to. Abraham Hill was a prominent citizen of Malden, a tavern owner, and was the tenant and operator of the Coytmore corn mill. It is probable he could have needed the servitude of one or more SPOWs, and had the means to support them.
1673: By 1673 William and Ruth had five children and at least one servant. On 22 Nov 1673, Ruth Agur testified as “wife of William”, “that John Salter, their servant, threw her on to the fire”; confirmed by John Evans (perhaps another servant?). Salter was sentenced to Bridewell; Daniel Champney, Surety. Test: Ruth Egur age thirty three {33} yrs. (Middlesex County, MA: Abstracts of Court Files, 1649-1675, Vol 2 p 194)
1679: Ruth died in Cambridge 6 Jan 1679 and is buried there. Her headstone is inscribed “Ruth wife to William Eger, aged 39 year, Dec. Jan y 6 1679”.
1680: William, age 50-51, married in Cambridge, MA, on 13 Apr 1680: 2) Lydia ?Cheever Barrett Cole, widow of Thomas Barrett and Arthur Cole (Coale). (Cambridge VRs to 1850)
1682: They removed to Marlborough about 1682 in the earliest days of that settlement. He was one of the original proprietors of Marlborough, and was instrumental in the purchase of the Ockoocangansett Plantation from the Indians in 1684. He settled in that colony, where he died 4 Apr 1690. There is no surviving gravestone in the early cemeteries.
Susie Eager Trotter wrote in “History of the Eager Family”: “His marriage and his interest in the purchase of the Indian tract indicated that he was a man of some standing, and I have, therefore, been surprised not to find any record of his admission to citizenship or his activity in public affairs. The record of his Scottish ancestry probably explains this. If he was a Scotch Presbyterian, he was of course not eligible as long as he retained his membership.”
In his will he left 42 acres on which his dwelling house, barn, and out housing stood, commonly called his Home lot; plus land and meadows (acreage not mentioned). His estate was inventoried at £318.
The names of his wives and 14 children are listed in the Malden church records and/or the will of William Eager, which was probated 17 June 1690.
His children with Ruth Hill: i. William b. and d. 1661 Malden ii. William b. 30 Nov 1662 Malden; d. before 1684 iii. Zachariah b. October 1667 Malden; d. 5 Jul 1742 Marlborough iv. Captain Abraham Eager b. 11 July 1670 Malden, MA; d. 25 Oct 1734 Shrewsbury, MA; m. Lydia Woods, dau. John and Lydia Rice Woods v. Zerubbabel b. 8 Jun 1672 Cambridge; d. 9 Jan 1746/47 Marlborough m. Hannah Kerley 23 Mar 1698, dau. Henry and Elizabeth Ward Howe Kerley. vi. Martha b. 26 Oct 1674 Cambridge vii. Ruth b. 1 Feb 1677 Cambridge; d. 25 Dec 1768 Marlborough; m. John Banister viii. Sarah b. 25 Jun 1679 Cambridge
His children with Lydia Cheever Barrett Cole: ix. Margaret b. 25 May 1681, d. 1725 Cambridge. m. Isaac Manning x. Mercy b. 20 Oct 1682 Marlborough xi. Lydia b. 20 Jun 1684 Marlborough xii. Capt. James b. 21 Sep 1686 Marlborough xiii. Jacob b. 1688 Marlborough xiv. John b. 6 Jun 1689 Marlborough, d. 18 Jan 1756
**Esther, mentioned in his will, is believed to be the daughter of Lydia Cheever and her 1st husband Thomas Barrett.
In History of the Eager Family…, Susie Eager Trotter gives the following account: WILLIAMEAGER: born in Ireland, came to Plymouth, MA from Wales in 1630 with the Winthrop Fleet, then moved from Plymouth to Cambridge, MA. This is believed to be erroneous for the following reasons:
William Eager was deposed in Marlborough, MA in 1689/90 as being 60 years old. That would make his birth year 1629 Or 1630. Therefore, he would have been one year old or less upon arrival with the Winthrop Fleet. There is no record of his birth in England, Ireland, or New England. (New England Historic and Genealogical Register, Vol 85 p 453-454, pub Boston, MA 1931.)
The William Ager who came with the Winthrop Fleet in 1630 appears to have come alone. There were no parents, spouse, siblings, or children listed. This William Ager settled in Salem, married “Alice”, had four children (none named William), and died in 1654. (The Great Migration Begins, Vol 1 p 14-15, pub 1995)
The Winthrop Fleet did not arrive at Plymouth, but at Charlestown and Salem, MA. So he would not have “moved from Plymouth to Cambridge”. Further, Eager spent at least 11 years in Malden after marrying there, and prior to removing to Cambridge; he had four children in Malden, all of public record. The author failed to acknowledge his presence in Malden, MA.
Sources: -Vital records of Malden, Cambridge, & Marlborough, MA to 1850 –History of Malden, Massachusetts, 1633-1785, Corey, pub. 1898 –The Great Migration Begins”, Vol 1, p 14, pub 1995 – History of the Eager Family 1630-1952; Susie Eager Trotter, pub 1952
IMPORTANT UPDATE! (July 2018) According to, Christopher Gerrard, Pam Graves, Andrew Millard, Richard Annis, and Anwen Caffell, in, Lost Lives, New Voices: Unlocking the Stories of the Scottish Soldiers at the Battle of Dunbar 1650, (England: Oxbow Books, 2018), on page 253, Patrick is categorized as: Possible [that he is a Dunbar prisoner transported on the Unity] Fassett/McPherson/Mackfassy/Mackfarson, Patrick/Patriach. Residences: Cambridge, Billerca, Malden, Concord, Charlestown MA. Appears: 1666. B.c.1628. D.1713. There is an entry in the John & Sara list for Mackfarson, with no forename, but it is impossible to tell if this is the same man. [Exiles; DR; SPOWS; Ch.8; App.B] For explanations of the category, abbreviations and references see List of Dunbar prisoners from Lost Lives, New Voices.
Scottish Surname: Black, George Fraser, 1866-1948. The Surnames of Scotland, Their Origin Meaning and History, (New York : New York Public Library & Readex Books, 1962), First published in 1946. Page 505.: There is NO FASSETT OR FASSET in this book but there is MacPherson.
1. PATRICKFASSETT, was born presumably in Scotland about 1628 and died at Billerica, Massachusetts on 06 or 07 Nov 1713, aged 85. 1. 2 He married at Malden, MA by 1670, SARAHREYLEY. 3 She died at Billerica, Massachusetts on 15 Jan 1740 as the wife of, THOMASBATEMAN.
Biographical Notes: Patrick lived in Malden, Boston and Billerica, Massachusetts. 1. Patrick’s headstone and a slightly inaccurate biographical note can be found at Find A Grave. 2. The following information is from a query in the Boston Transcript (1830-1941): “Sarah Fassett (Macpherson) born in Boston 1 Mar 1674 was one of the children of Patrick Fassett, born in Scotland about 1628, died 6 Nov. 1713, aged 85 (grave stone Billerica, Mass). He was in Concord in 1663-67, Charleston 1670, Malden 1672, Boston 1674-79, Bilerica 2 June 1679 (inhabitant). He married Sarah who died 15 Jan. 1739/40 aged 95. Children John, Joseph, Sarah, Samuel, Deborah, Mary, Peter, Josiah, Benjamin. Patrick Fassett, a prudent and well behaved farmer acquired considerable estate conveying land to his sons in his lifetime. His widow Sarah married Thomas Bateman of Concord. Patrick came to New England about 1652, one of a group of prisoners taken in Cromwell’s campaigns against the Scots.” – Submitted by Diane Schroeder 3. In “1688 Patrick Fassit was living in Newton & Billerica” 4 from the Massachusetts: Miscellaneous Census Substitutes, 1630 – 1788, 1840, 1890 found at American Ancestors.org.
Children of Patrick and Sarah (Reyley) Fassett: 2. i. JOHN FASSETT, b. at Malden on 3 Oct 1670; d. 30 Jan 1737; m. at Billerica on 31 Mar 1697, MARY HILL. 2. ii. JOSEPH FASSETT, b. at Malden, Massachusetts in 1672 [6]; m. at Lexington by 1701, MARY MUNROE. 2. iii. SARAH FASSETT, b. at Boston, Mass., 1 Mar 1674; m. in Cambridge, Mass. in 1725, THOMAS HUTCHINSON. 2. iv. SAMUEL FASSETT, b. at Boston on 29 Dec 1677 2. v. SAMUEL FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 07 May 1679 2. vi. DEBORAH FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 15 Feb 1680/81 2. vii. MARY FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 31 Mar 1683²; m., JOB LANE. 2. viii. PETER FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 24 Aug 1685;2 d. at Billerica on 16 May 1711 5 m. at Billerica on 01 Feb 1710/11, ELIZABETH MANNING.8 2. ix. JOSIAH FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 01 Dec 1687. 2. x. BENJAMIN FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 07 Jul 1690.
Second Generation
2. i. JOHN FASSETT, was born at Malden on 3 Oct 1670 and died at on 30 Jan 1737. He married at Billerica on 31 Mar 1697, MARY HILL. 3
Biographical Notes: John Fassett was the first resident physician in the town of Bedford, Massachusetts. 30 Jan 1736 he was 66 years old. 6
Children of John and Mary (Hill) Fassett:
2. ii. JOSEPH FASSETT, was born at Malden, Massachusetts in 1672. He married at Lexington by 1701, MARY MUNROE, (probably SPOW descendant). 3
2. iii. SARAH FASSETT, was born at Boston on 01 Mar 1674. Married at Cambridge in 1725, THOMAS HUTCHINSON. (See below in Notes by Sheila McCreven)
On 29 Oct 2016, Sheila McCrevenof Woodbridge, CT shared: “Hello. I am an 8th great-granddaughter of Patrick Fassett and Sarah Reyley through their daughter Sarah who married Thomas Hutchinson in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1725. I see that you have Patrick and Sarah’s children listed including my Sarah but no further information on her descendants. I would be happy to supply you with some details if you would like to add them. I would also like to know more about Patrick and any possible connection to the MacPherson clan in America? Specifically I am looking to see if there is a connection to another ancestor of mine: Mary McPherson – born March 8, 1820, married Linus Berthrong, died January 10, 1898 in upstate New York.”
2. iv. SAMUEL FASSETT, was born at Boston on 29 Dec 1677. 7
2. v. SAMUEL² FASSETT, was born at Billerica on 07 May 1679. 8 He married, LYDIA (_____).
Children of Samuel and Lydia (_____) Fassett: 3. ESTHER³ FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 29 Sep 1706. 9 3. LYDIA FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 01 Fen 1709/10. 9 3. ESTHER³ FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 13 Nov. 1711.9 3. AMAZIAH³ FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 06 May 1720. 10
2. vii. MARY FASSETT, was born at Billerica on 31 Mar 1683. 11 She married, JOB LANE.
2. viii. PETER FASSETT, was born at Billerica on 24 Aug 168512
Children of Josiah and Sarah (_____) Fasset: 3. MARY FASSET, d. at Billerica on 08 May 1720.
2. x. BENJAMIN FASSETT, was born at Billerica on 07 Jul 1690.11
Here lies buried the body of Doctor John Fasset who departed this life January 30th 1736 in the 67th year of his age. Old Burying Ground Bedford Middlesex County Massachusetts, USA Plot: Sect. C5, Stone 103
For more information please contact the descendants/researchers of Patrick Fassett. Thank you! 🙂
Sources and Notes:
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016).https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/360/141919006 [↩]
Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871.Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014. (From records supplied by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Archives. Digitized images provided by FamilySearch.org) https://www.americanancestors.org/DB536/i/14471/7399-co2/38240272 [↩]
New England Marriages to 1700. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015. https://www.americanancestors.org/DB1568/i/21174/532/426885392 [↩] [↩] [↩]
Massachusetts: Miscellaneous Census Substitutes, 1630-1788, 1840, 1890 (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2013. From records supplied by Ancestry.com) https://www.americanancestors.org/DB509/rd/13684/11913/242330152 [↩]
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/360/22246504 [↩]
History of the Town of Bedford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts: From Its Earliest Settlement to the Year of Our Lord 1891 … with a Genealogical Register of Old Families Abram English Brown author, 1891 – Bedford (Mass.) https://books.google.com/books?id=YXYUAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=Dr.+John+Fasset+of+Bedford&source=bl&ots=Seo-MOjjGu&sig=ACfU3U0rnV-zRzTf67Keu_5qJUsf5c17rQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj43KGO4onoAhUTvp4KHXOOBeoQ6AEwBHoECAkQAQ#v=onepage&q=Dr.%20John%20Fasset%20of%20Bedford&f=false [↩]
Boston, MA: Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston, 1630-1822 (Thwing Collection). Inhabitants and Estates of the Town of Boston, 1630–1800 and The Crooked and Narrow Streets of Boston, 1630–1822. CD-ROM. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2014.) https://www.americanancestors.org/DB530/i/14226/7849/260103911 [↩]
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/76/22246372 [↩]
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/22246371 [↩] [↩] [↩]
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/22246371[/efn+note] 3. MARY FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 03 Jul 1722. ((Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). 3. DEBORAH³ FASSETT, 09 Jun 1724. ((Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/22246371[/efn+note]
2. vi. DEBORAH FASSETT, b. at Billerica on 15 Feb 1680/1. ((Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/141909926 [↩]
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/141909926 [↩] [↩]
Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/141909926[/efn+note] and died at Charlestown, Massachusetts on 16 May 1711. He married at Billerica on 01 Feb 1710/11, ELIZABETH MANNING.8
2. ix. JOSIAH FASSETT, was born at Billerica on 01 Dec 1687. ((Massachusetts: Vital Records, 1620-1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2016). https://www.americanancestors.org/DB190/i/7660/75/141909926 [↩]
Battle of Dunbar at Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland on 3 Sep 1650
Ship/Arrival:
The ketch, Unity; Dec 1650, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Prisoner and List:
Daniel Forbes (alias Forbush), #24 on George S. Stewart’s Captured at Dunbar list
Name Variations:
Forbes, Farrabus, Farrabas, Forbush, Forbysh, Fforbes, Ffarrabas, Fferebas, Furbush, Farrowbush, Farrabush Name may have changed in this order in New England: Farrabus>Forbush>Forbes
Residences:
Cambridge and Marlborough, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Other SPOW Associations:
Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy; please independently verify all data.
Published: 04 Dec 2014 Updated: 19 Sep 2020 Researchers: Michael Forbush, Andrew Millard, Teresa Rust Editor: Teresa Rust
First Generation in the New World
1. DANIEL¹ FORBES/FARRABAS, was born, presumably in Scotland and died at Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts in Oct 1687. He married, first, at Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts on 27 Mar 1660, REBECCA/H PERRIMAN. He married, second, in Cambridge on 22 May 1679, DEBORAH REDIAT.
Biographical Notes: 1. According to, Christopher Gerrard, Pam Graves, Andrew Millard, Richard Annis, and Anwen Caffell, Lost Lives, New Voices: Unlocking the Stories of the Scottish Soldiers at the Battle of Dunbar 1650, (England: Oxbow Books, 2018), on page 253, Daniel is categorized as: Possible [that he is a Dunbar prisoner transported on the Unity] Forbes/Forbush/Farrabus/Farrabas/Forbysh/Fforbes/Ffarrabas/Fferebas/ Furbush/Farrowbush/Farrabush, Daniel. Residences: Cambridge, Marlborough MA. Appears: 1660. B.c.1633. D.1687. [Exiles; DR; SPOWS; Ch.7] For explanations of the category, abbreviations and references see List of Dunbar prisoners from Lost Lives, New Voices. 2. Daniel’s widow, “Mrs. Deborah Farrowbush” married on 22 May 1688, ALEXANDER STUART. They moved to North Brookfield, Hampshire County, Massachusetts and you can read about them at: History of North Brookfield, Massachusetts by Josiah Howard Temple, page 588-591. 3. #41 William Furbush is #36 Daniel Forbes brother. This is from some research that I have done. By November 11, 1650 Sir Arthur Haselrig was told to deliver 150 prisoners Augustine Walker the master of the ship Unity. Among these prisoners were Daniel and William Forbes. Walker sold Daniel and William Forbes to Samson Angier of Kittery, Maine for £30 each. William remained with Samson while Daniel was either sold or given to his brother Edmund Angier of Cambridge, Massachusetts.~Michael Forbush
Children of Daniel andRebeccah (Perriman) Forbes/Forbush: 2. i.DANIEL² FORBUSH, born at Cambridge on 20 Nov 1664 [VR below], married Unknown (_____). 2. ii.THOMAS² FORBUSH, b. at Cambridge on 7 Mar 1667, married DORCAS RICE. 2. iii.ELIZABETH² FORBUSH, b. at Cambridge, 16 Mar 1669; d. at Southborough, Worcester, Massachusetts on 27 Apr 1746; m. ROGER BRUCE. 2. iv.REBECCA² FORBUSH, b. at Concord on 15 Feb 1671/2; d. at Westboro on 28 Jan 1768 age 93, m. JOSEPH BYLES. 2. v. SAMUEL² FORBUSH, born about 1674; married ABIGAIL RICE.
Children of Daniel andDeborah (Rediat) Forbes: 2. vi. JOHN² FORBUSH, born in 1681; married MARTHA BOWKER. 2. vii. ISAAC² FORBUSH, b. on 30 Oct 1682, Nothing further known. 2. viii. JONATHAN² FORBUSH, b. on 12 Mar 1684, m. HANNAH HOLLOWAY.
Second and Third Generations
2.i.DANIEL² FORBUSH, (Daniel¹) born at Cambridge on 20 Mar 1664. He married, Unknown (_____). See: Forbes and Forbush Genealogy below.
2. ii. THOMAS² FORBUSH, (Daniel¹) born at Cambridge on 6 Mar 1667. He married DORCAS RICE.
Children of Thomas and Dorcas (Rice) Forbush:
3. i. AARON³ FORBUSH, (Thomas², Daniel¹), 3. ii. THOMAS³ FORBUSH, (Thomas², Daniel¹), 3. iii. TABITHA³ FORBUSH, (Thomas², Daniel¹), 3. iv. REBECCA³ FORBUSH, (Thomas², Daniel¹), 3. v. EUNICE³ FORBUSH, (Thomas², Daniel¹),
2. iii.ELIZABETH² FORBUSH,(Daniel¹), b. at Cambridge, 16 Mar 1669; d. at Southborough, Worcester, Massachusetts on 27 Apr 1746; m. ROGER BRUCE.
Children of Roger and Elizabeth (Forbush) Bruce:
3. i. SAMUEL³ BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Marlborough on 24 Mar 1691; d. at Holden, Mass. on 16 dec 1741; m. ELIZABETH TOWNSEND. 3. ii. ABIDJAH BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Marlborough on 27 Nov 1693; at Westborough on 2 Dec 1774; m. MARY (_____). 3. iii. ELISHA BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Framingham on 14 Sep 1695; d. at Hopkinton, Mass. 10 Jan 1770; m. SILENCE BRUCE. 3. iv. REBECCA BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. Framingham on 22 Feb 1695; d. 16 Dec 1733. 3. v. SARAH BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Sutton, Mass. in 1700; at Westborough on 29 Jul 1747; m. JAMES MILLER. 3. vi. DANIEL BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Marlborough on 22 Feb 1701; d. at Berlin, Mass. on 13 Feb 1790. 3. vii. THOMAS BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Marlborough on 5 Feb 1703; d. at Bolton, Mass. on 2 March 1743. 3. viii. HANNAH BRUCE, (Elizabeth², Daniel¹), b. at Marlborough on 18 Feb 1705
2. iv.REBECCA² FORBUSH, (Daniel¹) was born at Concord on 15 Feb 1671/2 and died at Westborough on 28 Jan 1768 at the age of 93. She married, JOSEPH BYLES.
2. v. SAMUEL² FORBUSH, (Daniel¹) was born about 1674. He marriedABIGAIL RICE.
Children of Samuel and Abiagil (Rice) Forbush: 3. i. SAMUEL FORBUSH, (Samuel², Daniel¹) 3. ii. CHARLES FORBUSH,
2. vi. JOHN² FORBUSH, (Daniel¹) was born at Marlborough in 1681. He married on 30 Nov 1704, MARTHA BOWKER.
Children of John and Martha (Bowker) Forbush: 3. i. JOHN³ FORBUSH, (John², Daniel¹), b. 1710; m. EUNICE HOUGHTON. 3. ii. MARTHA³ FORBUSH, (John², Daniel¹), b. 1714; m. JOHN GOULD. 3. iii. DAVID³ FORBUSH, (John², Daniel¹), b. 1718; m. RUTH (_____).
2. vii. ISAAC² FORBES, (Daniel¹) was born in Massachusetts on 30 Oct 1682, Nothing further known.
2. viii. JONATHAN² FORBUSH/FORBES, (Daniel¹) was born at Marlborough, Massachusetts on 12 Mar 1684 and died at Westboro in 1768, aged 84. He married, in 1706, HANNAH HOLLOWAY.
Biographical Notes: Jonathan TOOK THE NAME OF FORBES. He became a deacon in Westboro in 1738.
Children of Jonathan and Hannah (Holloway) Forbes: 3. i. MARY FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. at Marlborough on 31 Dec 1706 3. ii. DINAH FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. on 29 July 1708 3. iii. DANIEL FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. in Oct 1710 3. iv. THANKFUL FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. on 1 Dec 1712 3. v. JONATHAN FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. on 3 Feb 1715 3. vi. ABIGAIL FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. at Westboro on 17 Feb 1718 3. vii. PATIENCE FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. on 26 Feb 1720 3. viii. PHINEAS FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. 4 Mar 1721 3. ix. ELI FORBES, (Jonathan², Daniel¹), b. at Newton on 26 Oct 1726
SOURCES and NOTES: The ruins of Corse Castle, the ancient seat of the Forbes family, stand some three miles to the north. History of North Brookfield, Massachusetts by Josiah Howard Temple. (Lots of information about the family.)
Cambridge, Massachusetts Marriages Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010). Cambridge Births Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010).Marlborough Deaths Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010).
The first record of Daniel Fforbes, or Forbes, or Ffarrabas, that I can find in this country is in Cambridge, Massachusetts when he married, March 26, 1660, Rebecca Perriman, who is supposed to be the sister of Thomas Perriman, who was of Weymouth, 1652 an apprentice of Mrs. Dorothy Hunt; and of Frances Perriman who married, June 8, 1654; Isaac Andrew, of Cambridge. The son, Isaac Jr. b. 1656; m. Jane Rutter, and resided in Marlborough, where he was an early settler. The father died April 7, 1759(sic), and his widow, Frances, m. Febuary 14, 1662, Richard Cutter, and had several children. He died June 1693, and she died 1725.
It was customary in the early colonial times for the males over twenty to be admitted as freemen before they became entittled to suffrage, but I can not learn that Daniel was ever made a freeman. The priviledge was earnestly desired by every man, and all freemen at that early period were required to be “orthodox,” members of the church, twenty years old, and worth £200. The oath sworn at admission required them to be “true and faithful” subjects of the common wealth; to “yield, assistance and support thereunto” with person and estate; maintain and preserve all her “liberties and privileges;” submit to her “wholesome laws;” never “plot and practice” evil against her; nor “consent to any that shall so do, but “timely discover and reveal the same to lawful authority for the speedy preventing thereof.” Moreover, they solemnly bound themselves “in the sight of God,” that whenever called to give voice “touching any such matter of the State” where freemen were to deal, they would give their “vote and suffrage” as they judged in their own conscience might best “conduce and tend to the public weal of the body” without respect of the persons or favor of man.
February 27, 1664 and March 27, 1665 Daniel Ffarrabas was granted by thee town of Cambridge these several lots as followeth; and also agreed that the interest of each person in the low commons shall be in proportion with the number herein inserted, and that no more proprietors shall be allowed without unanimous consent. [Cambridge town records.] Daniel Fferebas was in the employ of Edmund Angier, of Cambridge, and was warned out of town. (The footnotes explain that Edmund Angier was licensed to sell liquor, and his father owned a grocery and bar on the corner of Dunster and Mt. Auburn Streets. This Edmund was the brother of Samson Angier of Kittery and it was thought that Daniel Ffarabas went to Cambridge and entered the employ of Edmund through the efforts of Samson. If this is the case, Daniel is the brother of William.) But Daniel Ffarrabas was a man of character, stood well in Cambridge, was doubtless a church member; had his land set off to him by the authorities. [The land was sold to Edmund Angier.]
“Warned out of town” was a common occurrence in those early days, by the constable of the town. The high and the low, the rich and the poor, all had warnings upon moving their residence into another town, or coming in to tarry there for a short time. No offense was taken at such messages from the constable, and they passed unheaded. Yet, not in every instance–for a family of property and good standing came in from other States who knew nothing of such a practice and upon setting down to abide in one of the towns was warned “by authority” and “without a what or a wherefore,” to depart town. The astonished husband laid it to heart, and discussed inquiringly with his wife what it could mean. She could not for the life of her imagine what it was for! “Have you said or done anything here to give offense?” quoth she, looking up at his face. ” I have done no more than civilly pass the time o’day with the people since we have been here.” “Well then, who knows but they think we have got the small-pox?” Thus they querried, but could not account for it. The husband, having laid awake upon it during the night told his wife in the morning that he was going to pack up his things and go somewhere else, ” for this is no great of a place after all!”
March 19, 1671, Daniel and Rebecca Ffarabas conveyed five acres of land in Cambridge to Edmund Angier, being land conveyed to Daniel by the town of Cambridge, March 27, 1665.
“When Daniel Ffarabas conveyed land to Edmund Angier, on moving to Marlboro he signed the conveyance with a cross-his name being put above and below, Daniel thus X the evidence that he could not write and, what more natural than a clerk Farrabas writing it in two syllables, and copying the broad Scotch dialect, should spell it Farrabas.
It is likely Daniel Forbush was among the 10,000 Scottish prisoners taken by Lord Cromwell at the Battle of Dunbar on September 3, 1650. Many of these prisoners were exiled to the British colonies.
Is this where the name “Farrabas” came from? I have corresponded with an old clergyman in Scotland who lives in the only town where in any century I have found the name “Daniel Forbes.” He said that Forbes is even now (1892) prnounced in that place as if it were in two syllables and broadly, so that it sounds like Farrabas, Far-r-bes. Pronounce the first syllable like “far” then trill the “r”, then pronounce the “bes” as a syllable, and you have Farrabas. Moreover, the first Daniel did not write, and the name was written for him as he pronounced it. Now, in 1660, in this Scotch borough there was a young man holding some landed property, who was described as the nephew and heir of Daniel Forbes, but it was not said that Daniel Forbes was dead, only he seems to be absent. Now, suppose he was of the number of Scotch soldiers that were taken by Cromwell in some of his battles, and sent along with the rest to the colonies. This gives a clew to the whole, and this is my theory. – Edwin F. Waters
The records of Marlboro just prior to 1700 were kept in a most meagre state. It was not far from 1681 that Daniel and his wife moved to Marlboro. For a long time this town was sort of a way station, a place for a temporary sojourn for the families which were bound for towns further west.
Daniel’s wife Rebecca, died May 3, 1677 and he married second May 23, 1679 Deborah Rediat of Concord, who was the daughter of John Rediat of Sudbury, who was a freeman in 1645; by his wife Ann (Volt or Dolt) he had John b. April 19, 1644; Samuel b. October 22, 1653, who died in a few weeks; Eliza b. 12 Aug. 1657; Deborah, b. 1652; Mehitable, who m. Nathaniel Oaks and d. s. p. Nov. 25, 1702, and perhaps others. Deborah was m. at Concord to Daniel Farabas, as his second wife.
John Ridat was probably born in England in 1612 and came to America in the good ship “Confidence” of London, of which John Jobson was master, in 24th of April 1638. At that time he was 26 years of age and with John Blareford and Richard Bidlcombe were servants to Walter Hayne of Sutton Manfield, the now Sutton Manderville, England. – Founders of New England, p. 53 by S.G. Drake.
In September, 1657, John Ridat’s name appears among a list of additional original owners to the town of Marlboro. In the division of house lots, November 26th, John Ridat was granted 22 1/2 acres of land. There were thirty-eight owners and 993 1/2 acres were divided. In 1664 John Ridat was one of nine petitioners to the magistrate for permission to establish a church – setting forth, that distance from the church at Sudbury, of which they were all members, rendered it inconvenient to go there to enjoy church privileges.
John Rediat had land granted to him within the present limits of Northboro in 1672; it was “on the Nepmuck road that formerly led toward Coneticoat.” A grant was made by the General Court to John Rediat, “west of Assebeth River, northwest of Chauney Great Pond, bounded on the east by a spuce swamp” and another “on Nepmuck road that formerly led to Coneticoat.” The former of these grants was afterward the farm of Nathanial Oaks who married John Rediet’s daughter, and subsequently belonged to Rev. John Martyn and Rev. Peter Whitney.
October 1, 1675, a meeting of the citizens was called, and John Rediat attended. Arrangements were made for the better protection of the inhabitants from the Indians. Rediat’s will is dated, Marlboro, Feb 5, 1687 and proven April 28. Deborah got quite a little property from her father.
After Daniel’s death, in October 1687 at Marlboro, his widow was married May 22, 1688 to Alexander Stewart. He was in Marlboro as early as 1687, and according to the county records, was married to Mrs. Daniel Farrowbush in 1688. He died April 6, 1731, leaving Mary b. Feb 13, 1689, Daniel b. Feb 6, 1691, m. Dec 12, 1718, Persis Witt and he had nine children; Alexander b. Jan 15, 1696. In 1768 a notice appeared in a Boston newspaper refering to Rev. Jonathan Forbes of Marlboro and a sister of “half blood”. This half blood refers to Mary b. 1689.
Alexander Stewart was a shipwright and resided in Charleston; his first wife’s name was Hannah and by her he had John, James, Hannah, Samual, and Margaret who were all baptized May 9, 1675. Hannah, the wife died Aug 21, 1674. He had come to Charleston from another town were he was not a church member. and removed to Marlboro where he married Mrs. Deborah (Rediat) Forbush. She is called by some his third wife, but I think she was his second. She died April 20, 1720, ae. 68 and was born in 1652.
Daniel was a resident of Cambridge, Concord and Marlborough, Mass.
Daniel had the following children with Rebecca (Perriman): i. Daniel born Cambridge March 20, 1664; married Dorthy Pray ii. Thomas born Cambridge, March 6, 1667; married Dorcas Rice iii. Elizabeth born Cambridge, March 16, 1669; Nothing further known. iv. Rebecca born Concord, Feb. 15, 1672; married Joseph Byles she died in Westboro Jan 28, 1768 age 93. v. Samuel born about 1674; married Abigail Rice
Daniel had the following children with Deborah (Rediat): vi. John born 1681; married Martha Bowker vii. Isaac b. Oct. 30, 1682; Nothing Further Known viii. Jonathan born March 12, 1684; married Hannah (Haywood) (Farrar) Holloway
