1. THOMAS
b.c.1515 Norwich, Norfolk m. MARGARET (2) RUDD bur. 25 Feb. 1584/5 St. John's Timberhill, Norwich
Thomas was a plaintiff in Chancery in 1568.
Issue-
2I. THOMAS- b.c.1542, m. ALICE ______ (bur. 6 June 1596 St. Peter's Permontergate), bur 23 Sept. 1600 St. Peter's
Ref:
The Nickerson Family- Pauline Wixon Derick, Ed., The Nickerson Family Assoc., Inc., 1976, p. 15
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b.c.1542 m. ALICE ______ (bur. 6 June 1596 St. Peter's Permontergate) bur. 23 Sept. 1600 St. Peter's Permontergate, Norwich
Thomas was from St. John's from 1567 until 1569 and then was of St. Peter's until his death.
I. John- bpt. 26 Mar. 1567 St. Peter's 3II. WILLIAM- bpt. 15 Dec. 1571 St. Peter's, d. after 1621
The Nickerson Family- p. 15
bpt. 15 Dec. 1571 St. Peter's Permontergate, Norfolk d. after 1621
William was taxed in St. Etheldred's Parish, Norwich on 13 Jan. 1604/5. He was admitted a freeman 8 Dec. 1620 and took his two sons, William and Richard, as apprentices in his tailoring business 28 Apr. 1621. He died a few years later.
4I. WILLIAM- b.c.1604, m.c.1627 ANNE (4) BUSBY (b.c.1607, d. after 18 May 1686 Monomoit, MA), d. between 30 Aug. 1689 & 8 Sept. 1690 Monomoit, MA II. Richard-
The Nickerson Family- pp. 15-6
b.c.1604 Norwich, Norfolk m.c.1627 ANNE (4) BUSBY (bpt. 2 Feb. 1607 St. Mary Coslany, Norwich, d. after 18 May 1686 Monomoit, MA) d. between 30 Aug. 1689 & 8 Sept. 1690 Monomoit, MA bur. Burial Hill, Chatham Port, MA
Probably because of the persecutions of Bishop Wren of Norfolk William decided to come to America. His examination before their departure reads: "The examination of William Nickerson of Norwich, in Norfolk, weaver, aged 33 and Anne, his wife, aged 28, with four children, Nicho, Robartt, Elizabeth, Anne, are desirous to go to Boston in New England there to inhabit. April 8, 1637"(1) They sailed from Yarmouth 15 Apr. 1637 on the John and Dorothy, Capt. William Andrews, Master, accompanied by the Rose, commanded by the Captain's son. With them sailed Anne's parents and all the Nickerson children. In the same party was 18 year old Samuel Lincoln, the ancestor of Abraham Lincoln. They arrived in Salem 20 June 1637.
On 2 May 1638 William took the freeman's oath at Boston though he was probably living in Watertown with his wife's relatives who went there after a brief stay in Newbury.(2) On 1 Dec. 1640 he was proposed as a freeman at the Plymouth Colony Court, evidently planning to settle in their jurisdiction rather than in that of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.(3)
William evidently moved to Yarmouth as he took the oath of fidelity and was on the grand jury 1 June 1641 as well as being a freeman of that place at the next court.(4) His house was near Folland's Pond at the head of the Bass River.
William was complained of 1 Mar. 1641 as a "Scoffer and jeerer of religion" and had other frequent run-ins with the church which very likely had to do with his move to the wilderness of Monomoy.
He was among those able to bear arms in Yarmouth and was chosen on the committee headed by Myles Standish to settle disputes over land boundaries which had become acute in Yarmouth in 1643.(5)
On 14 May 1648 in the final allotment of lands at Yarmouth by the Standish Land Court he was given the 10 acres of upland and 6 acres of meadow on Little Bass Pond. He also had purchased 6 acres of meadow in "Nobscusset Meadows", now known as Hockanom.
About 1656 William purchased from Chief Mattaquason and his son John a tract of land at Monomoy without the consent of the authorities which was contrary to the law passed 6 June 1643: "Whereas it is holden very unlawful and of dangerous consequence and it hath beene the constand custome from our first beginning That no person or persons have or ever did purchase Rent or hire any lands herbage wood or tymber of any of the Natives in any place within this Government without the consent & assent of the Court Every such person or persons shall forfeit five pounds for every acree wch shallbe so purchased hyred rented and taken And for wood & tymber to pay five tymes the value thereof to be levyed to the Colonies use."(6)
On 3 June 1656 the matter was brought to court: "Att this court William Nicarson appeered, being summoned to answare for his buying of land of the Indians, contrary to order of the Court, and for selling of a boat to the Indians, against a warrant directed to Yarmouth strictly prohibiting the same, haveing left the boate to bee the Indians; concerning his breach of order in buying of land, hee lyeth under the fine and penalty expressed in the order for the breach thereof; and for his contempt of the warrant, he is disfranchised his freedom."
This was again in court 3 June 1657: "In answare unto a petition preferred to the court by William Nicarson, desiring to have liberty to enjoy the land hee purchased att Mannamoiett,-
The court have ordered, that the said land shall be viewed by some that shall be deputed; and afterwards, upon their report to the court, hee is to have a competency or proportion out of it allowed unto him, and then to resigne up the remainder unto the court."(7)
William sold his Yarmouth farm to James Matthews and moved to Monomoyick (Chatham). On 27 Nov. 1662 he sold his Boston property to Phillip Gibbs for L150.
On 29 Mar. 1678 William of Monomoy purchased from the Monomoy Sachems Mattaquason and John Quason alias Towsowet, a large tract of land on the west side of Monomoy (now in Chatham) for L25.(8)
I. Nicholas- bpt. 10 Aug. 1628 St. Peter's, Norwich, m.1. ?, 2. Mary Darby (b.c.1644, d. 16 Mar. 1705/6 Yarmouth), d. 26 Mar. 1681/2 Yarmouth II. Elizabeth- bpt. 1 Jan. 1629/0 St. Peter's III. Robert- bpt. 27 Nov. 1631 St. Peter's IV. Thomas- bpt. 10 Jan. 1633/4 St. Peter's V. Anne- bpt. 7 May 1635 St. Peter's VI. Samuel- b.c.1638 VII. John- b.c.1640 VIII. Sarah- b.c.1644 Yarmouth, MA IX. William- b. June 1646 Yarmouth 5X. JOSEPH- b. Dec. 1647 Yarmouth, MA, m. before 1677 RUHAMAH (2) JONES (b.c.1650, d. after 1735), d. between 1725 & 1731 Harwich, MA
(1) Hottens History of Immigrants (2) Hawes, Cape Cod Library- I, No. 102 (3) Ibid (4) Ibid (5) Hawes- No. 102 (6) II Plym. Col. Recs.- 41 (7) Hawes- No. 102 (8) History of Harwich- pp.65-6
The Nickerson Family- pp. 9-10, 16
b. Dec. 1647 Yarmouth m. before 1677 RUHAMAH (2) JONES (b.c.1650, d. after 1735 Harwich, MA) d. between 1725 & 1731 Harwich, MA
Joseph went with his father to Monomoit where he lived on a tract of land his father conveyed to him north of Ryder's Cove. For several years he lived in East Harwich, but on 1 Apr. 1697 he purchased all the marsh from the mouth of Muddy Cove River to the head along with 50 acres of upland lying on the southerly side, abutting the marsh William Nickerson bought from the Indians. He bought this land from Barnabas Lothrop for L25.(1) He also owned lots 6 and 16 in the Quason Purchase on Long Pond at a Proprietors meeting 19 Apr. 1714.(2) Joseph was the hog reeve in 1721 and was to look after the pigs going at large to make sure they were "ringed and yolked".(3")
"Joseph Nickerson of Monamoy... yeoman, for & in Consideration of my Real Love and Goodwill to my Natural son William Nickerson of Monamoy... have Given... unto him... all that my Percel of upland and meadow... on the Northerly Side of the Muddy Cove River in the Township of Harwich... containing thirty acres more or less: with free Liberty for Cutting fire wood fenceing Stuff and Timber with Liberty of Herbage on all my undivided Land on that Side of Said River." The will is dated 5 Nov. 1709 and was witnessed by Joseph Higgins, Eben Hawes, and Joseph Doane.
Ruhamah was evidently a great beauty, but "of a disagreeable nature" and delighted in harassing others, so much so that her neighbors tried not to offend her. It was said that if provoked she would play havoc with their washing, their choice plants and the fruits of their harvest. She was ready for an argument at any time. She was even suspected when Edward Banks' barn was burned after they had quarrelled. Ruhamah said she was sick at the time of the trial and Joseph petitioned the court for an abatement. Joseph had given surety for Ruhamah to the sum of L50 and the court wanted to know whether or not to levy this fine. Joseph had failed to attend court and pleaded ignorance of the law of releases and stated that any adverse action at that time would cause him to loose his estate and render himself and his wife destitute in their old age. Col. Otis ruled tentatively in favor of Joseph 7 Mar. 1710/1(4). Joseph also petitioned the court to have his farm restored to him 27 June 1711.(5) Ruhamah lived to a great age and in 1735 the town of Harwich was ordered to pay for her care in the home of John Eldredge. Evidently she had remained sitting for so many years that upon her death it was thought best to bury her in "the same crooked position"
. Issue-
I. Jeremiah- b.c.1675 II. William- b.c.1678 III. Joseph- b.c.1682 IV. Josiah- b.c.1685 6V. JOHN- m. before 1709 SARAH (4) BASSETT
(1) History of Harwich- p.124 (2) Ibid- pp.176-7 (3) Ibid- p.210 (4) MA- Vol.40, pp.954-5 (5) Ibid- Vol.113, p.610
The Nickerson Family- p.23
m. before 1709 SARAH (4) BASSETT (m.2. 18 Apr. 1728 John Rogers (d. 10 Jan. 1738/9 Harwich, MA), living in 1744) d. before 1722 Harwich, MA
Sarah as a widow had her taxes allowed her in Chatham in 1722 and lived in East Harwich in 1726. Sarah was living in 1744 when she was mentioned in a deed by her son Eleazer Rogers.
7I. REUBEN- b.c.1707 Harwich, MA, m.1. int. 28 Apr. 1728/9 PRISCILLA (5) ROGERS (b. 1710 Eastham, d.c. 1742), m.2. 30 Mar. 1744 Ruth Arey (b. 13 June 1721 Eastham, d. 1788 Orleans, MA), d. 10 Dec. 1791 Eastham, MA II. Jeremiah- III. Jesse- IV. Sarah-
The Nickerson Family- p. 34
b.c.1707 Harwich, MA m.1. int. 28 Apr. 1728/9 PRISCILLA (5) ROGERS (b.1710 Eastham d.c.1742) 2. 30 Mar. 1744 Eastham, Ruth Arey (b. 13 June 1721 Eastham, d. 1788 Orleans, MA) d. 10 Dec. 1791 Eastham, MA
Several times between 1739 and 1754 Reuben signed deeds and agreements with the heirs of John Rogers, probably involving land which was Priscilla's share of her father's estate. Reuben's name appears in numerous unrecorded Barnstable Co. deeds indicating that he owned a large amount of prperty. After his wife's death in 1788 he was 80 years of age and living alone in Eastham. His sons Reuben Jr and Joshua were known as "wayward" sons and it is said that because of them he hung himself in his barn the afternoon of Dec. 10th, 1791. The family problems perhaps stemmed from political differences.
Issue- all children born at Harwich. First four children by Priscilla, last six by Ruth.
I. Ruth- b. 23 Aug. 1729, m. 6 Apr. 1749 John Mayo 8II. ELIPHALET- b. 30 June 1731, m. 4 May 1756 Orleans, MARY (6) HIGGINS (b. 12 Sept. 1731 Eastham) III. Priscilla- b. 17 July 1735, probably d.s.p. IV. Sarah- m. 20 May 1762 Reuben Cahoon, d. between 1765 & 1767 V. John- b.c.1744, m. int. Feb. 1779 Yarmouth, MA, Sarah Hall VI. Jesse- b.c.1748, m.1. 20 Dec. 1770 Eastham, Eunice Snow, m.2. 19 Aug. 1773 Eastham, Thomasine Knowles, lost at sea in 1775 VII. Zeruiah- b.c.1750, m. 21 Oct. 1768 Timothy Freeman, d. 17 Dec. 1788 Orrington, ME VIII. Paul- b.c.1752, m. 12 Feb. 1778 Orleans, Mary Taylor (d. 2 Dec. 1829 Orrington), d. 26 Apr. 1826 Orrington, ME IX. Joshua- b.c.1756, m. 25 Dec. 1783, Orleans, Jennet Young, d. 16 Mar. 1832 Chatham, MA X. Reuben- b.c.1757, m. 13 Dec. 1781 Lois (Sparrow) Smith, d. 18 Aug. 1831 Frankfort, ME
The Nickerson Family- pp. 75-6
8II. ELIPHALET (THOMAS 1, THOMAS 2, WILLIAM 3, WILLIAM 4, JOSEPH 5, JOHN 6, REUBEN 7)
b. 30 June 1731 Harwich, MA m. 4 Mar. 1756 Harwich, MA, MARY (6) HIGGINS (b.12 Sept. 1731 Eastham, MA)
Eliphalet served in the French & Indian Wars, having enlisted in Apr. 1759 and was discharged 8 Mar. 1760.(1) He moved to Orrington, ME in 1774 and lived in that section which is now Brewer.
Issue- all children born in Harwich
I. Warren- b. 10 Jan. 1757, m.1. 22 Nov. 1785 Anna Alden (b. 13 Apr. 1766 Gorham, ME, d. 12 Nov. 1817 Orrington, ME), 2. Feb. 1819 Orrington, Martha Atwood (b. Feb. 1755 Wellfleet, MA, m.1. 25 Oct. 1785 Moses Baker (b. July 1759, d. 1805 Orrington), d. 3 July 1825 Orrington), d. 13 Sept. 1839 Orrington 9II. DANIEL- b. 9 or 19 Mar. 1759, m. 19 Nov. 1784 Orleans, TRYPHENIA (7) MAYO (b. 4 Oct. 1760 Eastham, d. 11 Jan. 1848 Orrington) d. 20 Sept. 1847 Orrington III. Elphalet- b. 13 June 1761, m. 8 Nov. 1787 Sarah Swett, d. 4 Oct. 1836 IV. Joanna- b. 29 May 1762, m. 22 Oct. 1789 Shebna Swett, d. 15 Aug. 1823 V. Mary- m. Solomon Swett VI. Sarah- m. 8 Nov. 1787 James Mayo of Hampden, ME VII. Priscilla- b.c.1770, m. int. 29 July 1797 Bangs Doane, d. 22 Sept. 1850
(1) History of Harwich- pp.296-7
The Nickerson Family- pp.188, 411-2
b. 9 Mar. 1759 Harwich, MA m. 19 Nov. 1784 Orleans, TRYPHENIA (7) MAYO (b. 4 Oct. 1760 Eastham, MA, d. 11 Jan. 1848 Orrington) d. 20 Sept. 1847 Orrington
Daniel settled in Orrington before the Revolutionary War. In 1820 Daniel and Tryphenia were members of the Orrington Methodist Church where he was registered as a leader.
"I Daniel Nickerson of Orrington in the county of Penobscot and State of Maine, Yeoman... do make publish and declare the following as my last will and Testament.
First, I give and bequeath unto my wife Tryphenia her maintenance and support out of my Estate during her life in the same ( ) and ( ) to which she has been accustomed; to be furnished for her by my Son Eliphalet Nickerson in consideration of the bequest and devise herein after made to him, I also give and bequeath to my said wife Tryphenia the use and improvements of all my house hold goods and furniture during her life; at her decease to be devided as herein after Devised.
Second. I give and bequeath to my unmarried daughter Sally Nickerson, the use of the East chamber and bedroom adjoining in my dwelling house, so long as she shall remain unmarried, I also give and bequeath unto my said daughter Sally out of my Estate her support, to be furnished by my said son Eliphalet during her life, or so long as they shall agree to live together, but in case of a disagreement, she shall relinquish her right to her support, and also the use and improvement of five acres of land to be set off to her from the South side of my homestead lot; commencing at the ( ) about seventy five rods from the county Road, thence Easterly on the line of said lot Eighty rods; Thence northerly ten rods, Thence westerly parallel to the line of said lot Eighty rods, Thence Southerly ten rods to the first mentioned bounds, said use and improvement of said land to ensure to her use and benefit during her natural life, so ether married or unmarried. I also give and bequeath to my said daughter Sally one third part of my house hold goods and furniture.
Third. I give and bequeath to each of my ( ) Sons as following; to my Son Benjamin Nickerson Sixty Dollars. To my Son Theophilus Nickerson Sixty Dollars including a certain note of hand to me given by him sealed at Brewer December 25th 1835, for $18. which principal and interest an the same to be deducted from said sixty dollars if not paid before my decease. To my son Warren Nickerson Sixty Dollars. To my son Herman Nickerson Forty Dollars and three notes of hand which I hold against him amounting to the sum of twenty Dollars.
Fourth. I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Bartlett twenty five dollars and one third of my household goods and furniture, to the heirs of my daughter Elizabeth Billington twenty five dollars in money and one third of my household goods and furniture.
Fifth. I bequeath and devise to my son Eliphalet Nickerson all the residue of my Estate both real and personal of whatever description which I may die possessed of; together with that part of my dwelling house and homestead lot herein bequeathed to my daughter Sally after her marriage or decease, to have and to hold to him the said Eliphalet his heirs and assigns forever; he to provide for the maintanance and support of my said wife, to pay the above legacies to the above named legatees, and all my debts, funeral charges and expences, of the probate of this my last will and testament.
Lastly. I do appoint my said son Eliphalet Nickerson Sole Executor of this my last will and Testament.
In testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty three
...witnesses...................... Daniel Nickerson Nathan Nickerson Daniel Nickerson 2d George W. Nickerson"
"I Daniel Nickerson of Orrington in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, do make, publish and declare this Codicil to my last will and testament in manner following viz: whereas in my last will and testament (with other legacies) I gave and bequeathed to my unmarried Daughter Sally out of my Estate her support to be furnished by my son Eliphalet Nickerson, during her life or so long as they shall agree to live together; but in case of a disagreement she should relinquish her right to her support and take the ( ) improvement of five acres of land during her natural life wether married or unmarried to be set off &c. Now I do hereby declare that my will is that in case of such disagreement, my son Eliphalet Nickerson pay to my said daughter Sally the sum of forty dollars in money in addition to the improvement of said land, my further will is that in case of the marriage of my said daughter Sally my said Son Eliphalet pay to her (if not already paid) the said Sum of forty dollars, and she shall relinquish her right to her support (if not relinquished) and her right to the use and improvement of said lands.
I do hereby further declare that my will is that instead of the Sums of Mony severally bequeathed in my last will and testament to my four Sons Benjamin, Theophilus, Warren, and Herman Nickerson and to my daughter Mary Bartlett and the Heirs of my daughter Elizabeth Billington there be paid to Each the sums following, to wit; To my Son Benjamin Nickerson the Sum of forty Dollars. To my Son Theophilus Nickerson the sum of Twenty Dollars and a note of hand described in my last will & testament, To my Son Warren Nickerson the Sum of forty Dollars. To my Son Herman Nickerson the sum of twenty Dollars and three notes of hand described in my last will & testament. To my daughter Mary Bartlett the Sum of five dollars To the heirs of my daughter Elizabeth Billington the Sum of five dollars. And my further will is that the above named sums of money be not paid by my son Eliphalet Nickerson named Executor therein of my last will and testament until after the decease of my wife should she out live me.
Lastly. It is my desire that this my present codicil be annexed to and make a part of my last will and testament to all intents and purposes.
In testamony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this eleventh day of March in the year one thousand Eight hundred and forty seven.
...in presence of.................... Daniel Nickerson Nathan Nickerson Josiah Nickerson Solomon Nickerson"(1)
Issue- children all born in Orrington.
I. Sarah- b. 27 Feb. 1786, d.s.p. 17 Mar. 1879 10II. BENJAMIN- b. 18 June 1787, m. 25 Sept. 1811 ELIZABETH (8) HIGGINS (b. 25 Nov. 1789, d. 18 Aug. 1870), d. 21 May 1879 Orrington III. Theophilus- b. 25 Jan. 1789, m.1. int. 1 Sept. 1810 Eunice Hamilton, 2. 5 Aug. 1845 Mrs. Lydia Smith, d. 11 June 1862 IV. Warren- b. 25 July 1790, m.1. 20 Mar. 1811 Nancy B. Doane (b. 8 Sept. 1794, d. 6 Dec. 1820), 2. 10 Dec. 1821 Mercy Swett, 3. 27 June 1840 Nancy Alden (m.1. ______ Parker), 4. 4 Aug. 1858 Mrs. Anna Hansen, d. 20 Apr. 1867 V. Tryphenia- b. 5 Apr. 1792, m. 5 Dec. 1811 Henry Rogers, d. 25 Jan. 1812 VI. Mary- b. 5 Apr. 1794, m. 19 Jan. 1815 Amasa Bartlett, d. 26 Oct. 1883 VII. Eliphalet- b. 8 Dec. 1795, m.1. 24 Oct. 1821 Jerusha Ryder Eldredge (b. 20 Jan. 1800, d. 11 Aug. 1835 Orrington), 2. 17 June 1837 Sarah Barker, (b. 31 Oct. 1811), d. 2 Dec. 1884 VIII. Herman- b. 3 Sept. 1797, m. 20 Jan. 1825 Sarah Jones Hobart, d. 20 Dec. 1869 IX. Levi- b. 9 Oct. 1800, d. 5 Nov. 1815 X. Elizabeth- b. 10 Sept. 1802, m. 12 Aug. 1824 Francis Billington, d. 20 Dec. 1842
(1) Penobscot Co. Probate- Vol. 15, pp.415-6
Orrington V.R. The Nickerson Family- p. 412
b. 18 June 1787 Orrington, ME m. 25 Sept. 1811 Wellfleet, MA, ELIZABETH (8) HIGGINS (b. 25 Nov. 1789 Wellfleet, d. 18 Aug. 1870 Orrington, ME) d. 21 May 1879 Orrington, ME
Benjamin is listed in the 1850 census for Orrington as a ship's carpenter, his real estate worth $800.00.
Issue- all children born in Orrington.
11I. PAINE H.- b. 21 July 1812, m. 10 Apr. 1842 Orrington, SARAH J. (2) WARE (b.c.1825, m.1. 1 Sept. 1840 Hampden, Levi Nickerson (b. 16 Mar. 1816 Orrington, d. 27 May 1841 Orrington), d. 26 Dec. 1862 Orrington II. Levi- b. 16 Mar. 1816, m. 18 Aug. 1840 Sarah Jane Ware, d. 27 May 1841 Orrington III. Daniel L.- b. 24 Apr. 1823, m. before 22 Mar. 1856 Mary A. ______
Orrington & Hampden V.R. 1850 Census for Orrington- p.206 Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington History and Families- Mildred N. Thayer, Mrs. Edward W. Ames
b. 21 July 1812 Orrington, ME m. 10 Apr. 1842 Orrington, SARAH JANE (2) WARE (b.c.1825, m.1. 1 Sept. 1840 Hampden, Levi Nickerson (b. 16 Mar. 1816 Orrington, d. 27 May 1841 Orrington) d. 26 Dec. 1862 Orrington
The 1850 census for Orrington lists Paine as being a sailor, his real estate worth $300.00.
I. Elizabeth G.- b. 15 July 1842, d. 27 Feb. 1864 II. Corrilla N.- b. 19 May 1847 15III. ANNA LAURA- b. 8 Aug. 1849, m. 18 Nov. 1866 WILLIAM H. (2) NUNAN (b.c.1844 Provincetown, MA, d. 24 Feb. 1882 Cape Hatien, West Indies), d. 5 May 1873 Kennebunkport, ME IV. Benjamin P.- b. 7 Apr. 1853 V. Etta- m. ______ Bonney. Etta was living with Richard J. Nunan in Kennebunkport in 1870.
Orrington & Kennebunkport V.R. 1850 Census for Orrington- p.206