History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

196 History of Swansea
Capt. Willett executed his duties there to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.
His services rendered him so popular with the people that, after the
organization of the government, he was chosen the first English Mayor of
New York; and he was re-elected. Mr. Baylies, in his "History of Plymouth
Colony," says: "But even this first of city distinctions conferred by
that proud metropohs did not impart more real honor to his character than
the address and good feeling manifested by him in effecting the practical
settlement of the humble town of Swansea.
The Dutch had so much confidence in Capt. Willett that he was
selected as umpire to determine the controverted boundary between New
York and New Haven colonies. He was a Commissioner of Delegates of
the United Colonies several years.
After the settlement of Rehoboth Capt. Willett removed to Wannamoisett,
now Swansea. He owned a quarter of a township, and there associated
with him was Mr. Myles, the first Baptist minister in Massachusetts.
He married Mary Brown, daughter of John Brown 1., on July 6, 1636. They
had several children. One son was killed in King Phihp's war, and one of
his descendants, Col. Willett, a distinguished officer in the Revolutionary
war, was also Mayor of New York. After a residence of a few years in
New York, Capt. Willett returned to Swansea, and there died, August 4,
1674, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Willett died in 1669, and is buried
beside her husband.
"
Thomas Willett
1671, June 15.
From the Journal of William Jefferay, Gentleman.
"Set off for Mr. Willett's today, upon my horse, as far as the north
shore of Portsmouth, which reaching by noon, after pledging in Mr.
Baulstone's claret, and leaving my horse to be returned, went on in a
shallop, which, unlaiding at Mr. Willett's will, in a few days, return me to
Newport.
"Arrived this evening at Mr. Willett's, and was made most welcome,
by himself and youngest daughter, who keepeth his house, his wife having
died these two years since.
"We had at our supper some exceeding fine oysters, both roasted in
the shell, and stewed out of it, they abounding here in a mixture of fresh
and salt water, which they require. After supper we had much discourse,
such as old men like, he calling himseff aged, though I his elder by near a
score of years. He hath had employment in weighty affairs of State, and
wide venturing in trade on his own behalf, having had valuable leases to
trade upon the Kenebec, by which he hath advantaged so that his estate
is ample and sufficient for his later years. We talked of his early days at
Leyden in Holland, where he learned his Dutch, so valued later at Manhattan.
"June 17. Mr. Willett setteth forth his table with more silver than
I have mostly seen, in these parts, having, as he telleth one, over fourteen
pounds weight thereof. There is a large fruit dish, tankard, wine bowl,
mustard pot, porringer, spoons, snuffers, tobacco box, etc.
"He hath shown me his books, by which he setteth much store: more
especially, 'Smith's Voyages,' 'Pilgrimage in Holland,' 'Holy War,*
*Heber's Episcopal Policy,' 'Calvin's Harmony,' and, for use upon
occasion, 'General Practice of Physick,' being not near to any other
Physician.
"He hath cattle, sheep, and horses in plenty, and large amount of
land here, at Rehoboth, and at Narragansett, with dwelling houses, ware-
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