The Humphreys family in America - citizen hylbom blog

FAMII^Y a
II. Deacon JonaS" Humphrey, Is] (Jonas') born in Wendover, England, about 1620,
as, in 1688, he calls himself 68 years old. Removed with his father to Dorchester, New England,
in 1637. He remained in Dorchester a few years, and afterwards removed to Weymouth, a few
miles to the eastward, on the shore of the bay, but at what date is uncertain, as he appears to
have held a residence in both towns at the same time. He was chosen to a town office in Weymouth
in 1648, while his two eldest children were born in Dorchester at later dates. He does
not appear to have permanently settled in the former town until perhaps 1653 or 1654. He
resided in the northern part of the town, commonly called "Old Spain," and the old homestead,
on Neck Street, remained in the family for nearly two centuries. He was a man of great capacity
and influence and one of the leaders of the town. He served many years as selectman, a part
of the time as chairman of the board, and was a deacon of the church for a long time previous
to his decease. He was made a freeman in 1653. He died 11 Feb., 1698-99, aged 79 years.
His will, dated 6 Aug., 1692-3, and proved 30 Mch., 1699, is recorded in Suffolk Probate book
14, page 25, of which the following is an abstract:
Gives son Samuel orchard and pasture bought of Samuel Butterworth, with an acre of meadow on Western
Neck, and the first share on Eastern Neck, also one-half of ten acres on Grape Island, also one acre of salt marsh
by Richard Phillips on Salt Creek, and three-quarters of an acre next to James Smith, Sr.
Gives son Nathaniel eighteen acres of pastiu-e near his dwelling, except four acres next to Samuel Patty's;
also one acre of salt marsh on Western Neck, and one and a half acres next to Natahant's Beach; also a share of
land on Eastern Neck, with the use of half of the barn belonging to "my dwelling house," and the other half of
the ten acres on Grape Island.
Gives son James his homestead, about ten acres, with the fresh meadow on the other side of the way; also
two acres on Grape Island, lately bought of Nathaniel Smith, and " my interest " in three acres on Back River,
near Andrew Ford's; also one-half share on neck—about three acres; all of the salt marsh on Eastern Neck, and
the four acres of land near Samuel Patty's.
Divides equally between his three sons his lots in the first and second divisions, commons and swamp.
Gives grand -son James, when he shall arrive at twenty-one years, four acres of up-land by Natahant's Beach,
on Eastern Neck; also eight poiuids. [Son of Jonas.]
Gives grand -daughter Mary, when she reaches eighteen years, five pounds.
In case of the death of any of the heirs, the simrivors are to have their portion.
The remainder of the estate is to be divided into four parts—one to Samuel, one to Nathaniel, one to James
and one to the three grand-children. [Children of Jonas.]
Sons Samuel and Nathaniel executors.
The instrument was witnessed by Joseph Petty, William Chard and Wary WTiitman. William Torrcy and
Ebenezer White appraised the estate, which was valued at ^501.13.
Wife Martha and children John and Sarah died probably before the will was made, as they
are not mentioned in it. He probably married in Dorchester, and his wife is only known by her
Christian name of Martha. The date of her death is not known. One account says she lived
until 22 June, 171 2.
Children:
12. I. Samuel,3 b. in Dorchester, in 1649: m. Mary Torrey. Family 6.
13. H. Nathaniel,^ b. in Dorchester, in 1652; m. Elizabeth .
Family
7.
14. HI. JoNAS,3 b. in Weymouth, 24 Feb., 1655; m. I\Iary Phillips. Family «.
15. IV. John, 3 b. in Weymouth, 31 Aug., 1658.
16. A'. Sarah, 3 b. in Weymouth, 16 May, 1661.
17. VI. James,3 b. in Weymouth, 10 Sept., 1665; m. (i) Thankful ; m. (2) Margaret
Torrey, Family 9.
R4?