Tristram Coffin Jr. (1632-1704)

Tristram Coffin Jr. emigrated with his family at the age of ten and was apprenticed to Henry Somerby, tailor. When Henry died, Tristram took over the business and married the widow, Judith Somerby. The three young Somerby children lived in the house on High St with the eight surviving Coffin children. This house in which he and nine generations of his descendants lived was built at least by 1654. Thomas Coffin Amory says it was built in 1649 by Henry Somerby. Others claim it was built about 1653 by Tristam. Tristram became a freeman of the Colony of MA in Newbury in 1668. He was a large landowner and civic leader. He was lieutenant of the Second Company of Newbury in 1683, Representative of the General Court in 1695-1700, and was Deacon of the Church for 20 years. At the time of his death in 1704, it is said that Tristram and Judith had 177 descendants. Tristram and wife Judith, as well as other members of their family, are buried in the church burying ground across the street from the house.