unknown

unknown married PULSIFER Benedict about 1661 in prob. Ipswich. Benedict was born about 1637 in England; died in 1710 in Ipswich, Essex Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

One of the most interesting stories revealed in the old Ipswich court
records involves the conviction of Benedict Jr. in 1682 for burglary
aboard a sloop. This incident was a profound embarrassment to his
father. Benedict Sr. submitted a lengthy written petition to the
quarterly session of the court seeking to defend his son against
conviction in May 1682. Benedict Sr. was ahead of his time, in a way,
in his use of defense which, with some embellishments, has become
popular in the latter half of the 20th century, known as the
"diminished capacity" defense. The profile presented, quite a
lengthy, and written in the first person, is of a father persistently
concerned about the value of education for his son, despite the son's
apparent dull-wittiness. This account shows that Benedict Sr. was
quite literate in an age when education among Englishman was rare.
Benedict Sr. painted a picture of his son as a dull-witted lad
hopelessly unable to learn to read despite the extraordinarily
painstaking efforts of his father and who was innocently led into
mischief by a Negro slave who was more cunning. His pleas for mercy
was in convincing to the court. Benedict Jr. was convicted of
" being with Stephen Crose's Negro aboard Crose's sloop, stealing
wine, sugar, and biscuit to the value of 36s". The court ordered
Benedict to pay half the treble damages to Crose and also to be
whipped.
In the summer of that same year, Benedict Jr. again got himself into
trouble with the law. In August 1682, Benedict Jr. was convicted in
Salem court, along with two other youths of stealing 37s in silver
which they took from a box from the house of Nathaniel Treadwell to
finance their plan to runaway from home. In July of 1682, 19 year old
Benedict Jr. along with John Yell and James Dunaway made a secret
agreement to abandon their Failes and leave town. They also took a
boat from Thomas Clerk and "a sayle and oare from Robert Cross". The
youths left the boat at York and went by land to Black Point, where
they were apprehended by Andrew Birdsley and brought back to the
great island in Pascataquay, and from there returned to Ipswich.
Benedict avoided a public whipping by paying a fine and his share.
His restlessness continued, and in September of 1688, he had wandered
north to the banks of the Royal river in what is now the town of
Yarmouth, Maine, but then called Westcustogo. He became involved in
the first bloodshed in the state of Maine in what came to be called,
"King Williams War". This involved a number of bloody outbreaks
between white man and Indians. The abundance of fish and game and
large stands of timber attracted the white man to this region. Yet
the Indians resented the encroachment into their homeland and
considered it a violation of treaties. Benedict was among those
involved in building a stockade against the Indians on the west side
of the river. On one fateful morning in Sept 1688, Benedict and a man
named Larabee and a few others were sent over from the block house
before the rest of the workmen to make preparations for the days
work. The Indians were lurking in ambush. With their faces smeared
with war paint, the Indians sprung from the bushes to attack. One of
the Indians gave Larabee a violent push. Larabee immediately lifted
his gun and shot the Indian dead. While he fired, a second Indian
seized Larabee and Benedict struck the Indian squarely on his
shoulder with the edge of his broard axe and the Indian fell to the
ground. The fight now broke into general chaos. The Indians
ultimately retreated with two captive men who they put to death by
torture back in their camp. The settlers fled the region, and it was
not repopulated with white people until 1713.
Benedict continued his travels and in 1690 Benedict Jr. enlisted in
Sir William Phip's expedition to Quebec as a member of Captain
Abraham Tilton's company. It is quite possible he was killed or taken
prisoner in the unsuccessful attempt to take the Canadian stronghold.
No further records on benedict Jr. are available. He apparently died
unmarried and childless.

Notes:

The old Ipswich court records make reference to Benedict's second
son, John. as a child of 12, we have a court record that John broke
open the barn door of James Chute Jr., breaking the lock taking his
oxen and working them "contrary to his knowledge and order",
witnessed by Thomas Harris Sr., his wife and son.
In the winter of 1678-79, John lived in the home of Mr. Francis
Wainwright. John apparently worked for Wainwright in some sort of
employee capacity. Wainwright was of a prominent family and a rather
wealthy member of the community. John was caught stealing food from
Wainwright, and providing it to his mother. In the hearing John tried
to put the blame on his parents, stating that his mother told him
that they wanted wheat, which "he might help them to" whereupon he
removed a bushel and a half of wheat and delivered it to Benedict,
his father. His mother, Susanna, made John a cake out of it. Later,
according to John, his stepmother asked that John take some pork from
Wainwright's warehouse. He took 2 large pieces five or six times.
This led to further thefts, including a small hog, half bushel of
salt, two bundles of candles, sugar carried in a handkerchief, all of
which he brought to his parents. Susanna's version of the story was
somewhat different. Yes, John had stolen the goods, but she
apparently did not put John up to it. She says she was suspicious and
wished them sent back to Mr. Wainwright, but did not for fear of
making trouble. John was to be severely whipped and the parents were
ordered to pay restitution to Mr. Wainwright.
Five years later, at the age of 17, John committed some unknown wrong
against his father. This dispute apparently could not be settled
within the family, so Benedict had to take his own son to court. On
Mar. 26, 1684, Benedict received execution of a judgment against his
son and the town Marshall "delivered said John Pulsepher to his
father for a term of six years." The records give no details
regarding the nature of the offense which would warrant what appears
to be a six year indenture to his father. two months later, John
"acknowledged judgment to his father in wheat, malt and pork.
Sometime in the next four years, John left Ipswich, and moved to
Gloucester, near a spot on the old road leading to Coffin's Beach.

In May 1684, at age 21 yrs.; Ipswich town
records note that John Pulsifer acknowledged
judgement to his father, Benedict with wheat, malt,
and pork. Whatever the dispute between
was, could not be settled privately and
required Benedict to exact a formal court
order against his son. He left Ispwich and
settled to the west town of Gloucester on
the road leading to Coffin's Beach.

John married KENT Joanna on 31 Dec 1684 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Joanna (daughter of KENT Thomas) was born in 1665; died in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Her will, dated 24 Jan. 1755 at Hampton Falls, N.H.; witnessed by
Jonathan Green, Samuel Prescott Jr. and Thoedore Smith. Proved 30 May
1755.

See: Genealogical and Family History of the State of New
Hamphire page 1654

Died:
BET 1754 AND 1755

Family/Spouse: PRESCOTT Jonathan. Jonathan (son of PRESCOTT James and BOULTER Mary) was born on 08 May 1675 in NH; died on 06 Jan 1755 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co., N.H.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married CLIFFORD Isaac on 13 Aug 1693 in Newbury, Essex Co., MA. Isaac was born about 14 Feb 1662 in Hampton; died on 02 May 1694 in Newbury, Essex Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

No further information available on William. It is likely he died
young.

Notes:

He died the day after his wife did. He had a
son Nathaniel who narrowly escaped
massacre at the surrender of Fort William
Henry in the French Indian Wars.

Birth:
10 FEB 1692/1693 Baptised Aug. 8, 1707

Thomas married GROVER Sarah about 06 Jan 1725 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Sarah was born about 1707; died on 26 May 1728 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas married WOODWARD Hannah on 29 Oct 1730 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Hannah died on 23 Sep 1778 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He is called "cordwainer" in a deed dated 1721 and a "Yeoman" in deed
that is conveying to Caleb Pool, for 300 pounds, 20 acres of land
near Lane Cove, and a house and barn which I built", dated Ipswich
Apr. 13, 1736.
The General Court had ordered a township 6 miles square to be laid
out and distributed to officers and soldiers engaged in the
expedition to capture Quebec in 1690 which was commanded by Lieut.
William Phips. The expedition was a failure. Ebenezer Pulsifer was
allowed one share in the right of his uncle Benedictus (Jr.), who
was a member of Lieut. Abraham Tilton's co. of Ipwich. Ebenezer was
allotted Share # 33, located "next to the ministers' lot # 32". The
township, afterwards Winchendon, Mass. was granted on condition of
actual settlement. Ebenezer probably. moved to the new land in 1736,
selling as noted above,, his house and farm at Gloucester., but later
returned there where his 9th child. Joseph, was born in 1740, and
others in subsequent years.

Ebenezer married SILLEY Huldah about 11 Feb 1719 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lived in Gloucester and bought the family homestead on May 22, 1725
from his father, John for 25 pounds and the care of his father and
mother until their deaths.
This property is situated on the west side of The Annisquam River,
and it contained a thatch lot which was given to him by a town
vote,,, lying on the Jones River, all horses, neat cattle, hogs
sheep, etc.

Birth:
9 JAN 1700/1701

David married MAXWELL Mary on 29 Nov 1723 in Wenham, Essex Co., MA. Mary was born in Wenham; died on 12 May 1773 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He resided at Gloucester until about 1736 when he moved his family to
Kensington, Rockingham Co., N.H. His name appears on a petition dated
Nov. 21. 1746 regarding the building of a bridge (N.H. Prov. Papers,
Vol. 9;9; page. 583).
He was allowed 2.14 pounds in Dec. 1758 for expenses of his son,
Jonathan, a soldier, who was sick and died at Sheffield, Mass., on
his return from the Fort George Campaign.
It is supposed that they moved to Brentwood in the same county around
the year 1762, but there is no record of him in Brentwood, nor one at
Kensington after 1750.
A Jonathan Pulsifer was admitted as a settler at Penacook, N.H. Feb.
1725 on payment of 20 shillings. This is from the proprietors Book of
Rumford (now Concord, N.H.). It is probably the same man, but we are
not absolutely certain.
His will, dated Jan. 12, 1766 and proved Aug. 27, 1766, mentions his
wife Susanna, children Samuel, Benjamin, Hannah, Elizabeth Crane,
Mary, and grandson Jonathan Batchelder (Rockingham Probate).

Jonathan married HADLEY Susanah on 11 Dec 1729 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Susanah died after 1766 in prob. Brentwood, Rockingham Co., NH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hannah married STEDMAN Samuel on 26 Sep 1728. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
19 JAN 1745/1746

Jonathan married GROVE Judith on 03 Apr 1721. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married DALTON Mehitable on 16 Oct 1728. Mehitable (daughter of DALTON Philemon and GOVE Abigail) was born on 25 Sep 1713. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Abigail married LOCKE Nathaniel about 06 Jan 1725. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married TABOR Mary on 08 Sep 1729. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: HILLIARD Benjamin. Benjamin was born in Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co., N.H.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: GARLAND Peter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
in her fifth year

Notes:

He was a farmer. In 1776 he was a signer to a "Declaration" of the
patriots of Gloucester insisting upon the justice of the War of
Revolution.

Birth:
28 FEB 1733/1734

Thomas married SAWYER Jemima on 02 Jan 1771 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Jemima died on 04 Mar 1776 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas married ALLEN Tabby on 07 Sep 1777 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He was a farmer. He served in the French War and was present at Fort
William Henry at it's surrender and narrowly escaped capture. He was
in Capt. Jos. Whipple's Co. Jul. 1775 and Capt. Lt. in Capt. Jos.
Lanes' Company in Sept. and Oct. in the same year. Later a member if
Sea Coast Company at Gloucester. His sons, Nathaniel and Epes
Proctor, claimed a pension as the only children then living.

Nathaniel married PROCTOR Abigail on 06 Feb 1766 in Ipswich, Essex Co., MA. Abigail was born about 1748 in Ipswich, Essex Co., MA; died on 25 Dec 1788 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Nathaniel married DIAL Sally on 09 Dec 1792 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hannah married ALLEN William (Jr.) on 26 Apr 1757. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married HUNTER Sarah about 28 Feb 1744 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
30 JAN 1723/1724

Notes:

Birth:
10 MAR 1727/1728

Edmond married DAY Mary about 10 Jan 1750 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Mary died in Dec 1763 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edmond married HASKELL Mary on 07 Feb 1765. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
MAR 1731/1732

Notes:

Birth:
20 FEB 1740/1741

Notes:

He resided in Gloucester until after 1772

Joseph married HARRIS Anna on 08 Oct 1767 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married MORGAN Luke on 01 Dec 1747 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

David Pulsifer Jr. served as Pvt. in the Revolutionary War. In 1790
he settled in Poland, Maine, where he moved from Essex Co., Mass.,
taking all his family with him except for Hannah (Mrs. Knowlton). She
followed him some 25 years later with part of her family. David
purchased his farm at Bakersfield, now Poland, consisting of 5
hundred acres of land, at $1.25 per acre which he divided among his
sons, all grown men. Two of his sons, Jonathan and Ephraim had
already married and had children. These two sons followed the sea
previous to emigration to Maine. David and his sons cleared the farm
by cutting and burning the trees, which remained in the Pulsifer
family for nearly a century. The last Pulsifer owner of this farm was
the Hon. John Rust Pulsifer. It was sold to Mr. James S. Sandborn of
Chase and Sanborn of Boston in 1886 and was known as the Sanborn farm
and later as the Elmwood farm. After Mr. Sanborn's purchase of the
property from John Rust Pulsifer, he erected on it one of the
largest, most commedious and finely finished barns to be found in New
England. On the Sanborn or Elmwood farm, Mr. Sanborn bred fine
horses. The Elmwood farm lay on the south side of the county road and
along the western boundry of New Glousester, Me. in the Empire
Settlement.

David married PULSIFER Hannah on 04 Feb 1762 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Hannah was born in 1729 in Brentwood, Rockingham Co., NH; died in 1831 in Poland, ME. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
(died a soldier)

Hannah married PULSIFER David Jr. on 04 Feb 1762 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. David was born in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
died young; prob. at Kensington.

Notes:

Birth:
9 FEB 1745/1746

Notes:

Birth:
15 MAR 1747/1748

Family/Spouse: LONGFELLOW Green. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: CURRIER Abigail. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

They resided in Saco, Maine.

Family/Spouse: BACHELDER David. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He resided in Raymond, N.H. and when the war broke out, he left a
young wife and an infant son of 6 months old and hastened to bunker
Hill, where he was killed.

Family/Spouse: ROLLINS Esther. Esther was born in of Epping, NH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
13 JAN 1728/1729

Philemon married TAYLOR Elizabeth about 1751. Elizabeth was born in 1732; died on 15 Aug 1772 in Hampton Falls, Rockingham Co., N.H.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]