Genealogical notes of Barnstable families - citizen hylbom blog

114 GENEALOGICAL NOTES OF BARNSTABLE FAMILIES.
Shearjashub Bourne, Esq., son of Eiohard, resided on
the Marshpee Plantation until his death, living in reputation
and presiding over the Indians, with whom he carried on a
lucrative trade. I cannot find, says Mr. Hawley, that he
made any trespasses on their lands, or was instrumental in
bringing about an alienation of any part thereof. He was
much employed in public business, was often a representative
to the General Court at Plymouth and in Boston. He
married in 1673, Bathsheba, daughter of James Skiff, Esq.,
of Sandwich. . She was born 20th April, 1648, and was not
living at the decease of her husband. He died March 7,
1718-19, aged 75. In his will, dated on the day next preceding
his death, he names all his children, except Sarah,
who probably died young. To his eldest son Melatiah, he
gave all his lands in the town of Falmouth ; to his son Ezra
all his lands in Marshpee ; to bis grandson Shearjashub,
£100 ; to his grandson Joseph, £100 ; to his daughter Mary,
£200 ; to his daughter Eemember, £200 ;
to his daughter
Patience, £200 ; and to the Church in Sandwich £8. His
estate was appraised at £943.16.
He took a deep interest in the well-being of the Indians
and was their constant friend, and adopted measures to
secure to them and their heirs forever their lands.
The children of Shearjashub Bourne, born in Sandwich,
were
I. Melatiah, born 12th Jan'y, 1673-4, married Feb. 23,
1695-6, Desire Chipman.
II. Ezra, born 6th Aug. 1676, married Martha Prince.
III. Mary, born 21st Oct. 1678, married Allen.
IV. Sarah, born 6th Feb. 1680-1.
V. Eemember, born 6th Feb. 1683-4, married Mayhew.
VI. Patience, born 20th April, 1686, married Alien.
Ezra, the youngest son of Shearjashub, inherited the
Marshpee estate on which he lived, and presided over the
Indians, over whom to the day of his death, he maintained
a great ascendency. He was one of the most distinguished
and influential men of his time. He was Chief Ju'stice of
the Court of Sessions, and Court of Common. Pleas. He
died Sept. 1 764, in the 88th year of his age. The late Eev.
Gideon Hawley of Marshpee, says of him, -'In him I lost a
good friend."