Clement came to America aboard the ship Fortune. The ship Fortune arrived at Plymouth on November 9, 1621, just a few weeks after the First Thanksgiving. This passenger list is based on the 1623 Division of Land, the passenger list compiled by Charles Edward Banks in Planters of the Commonwealth, by material published occasionally by Robert S. Wakefield in the Mayflower Quarterly, and by the information found in Eugene Aubrey Stratton's Plymouth Colony: Its History and Its People, 1620-1691. The author is descended from Fortune passengers John Adams, William Bassett, and Moses Simmons.
Clement's will was probated Boston, August 24, 1650.
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CLEMENT BRIGGS was born 1598 in Southworthshire, (or Southwark, Surrey) England, and died 23 Dec 1648 (age 61) in Weymouth, Sufflok, MA. He married (1) JOAN ALLEN. He married (2) ELIZABETH LNU.
*Source of marriage to Joan Allen: History of Weymouth, MASS in 4 Volumes, by George Walter Chamberlain, MS. Published 1923 Weymouth Historical Society
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Clement BRIGGS: felsmonger, came from Southwarke, England to Plymouth, MA, 1621; removed to Dorchester, MA, 1631, and to Weymouth, MA 1633.
*Source: Directory of Ancestral Heads 1620-1700, of N. E. Families, by Frank R. Holmes
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Clement Briggs was first mentioned by Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony when his name appeared in the land division with the list of single men who were passengers who had arrived on the "Fortune", November 1621. "lots cast 1623 for those who came on the Fortune (Nov. 1621) Clement Briggs 1 acre beyond the first brooke to the wood westward." (Records of the Colony of New Plymouth, 1: 5). In 1627 he was one of 13 persons in the fourth lot to which "fell one of the 4 heyfers that came on the Hacob called Raghorne."
On 6 Feb. 1631 Governor Bradford of Plymouth Colony wrote a letter to Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts Bay Colony (Chamberlain Collection, Boston Public Library), stating that four men were moving to Wessaguscus in Massachusetts Bay Colony. Also mentioned in this letter were Edward Winslow, John Philips, John Peckworth, and Richard Church who had come to Plymouth Colony from Massachusetts Bay Colony. This letter by Gov. Bradford states "now ther are diverce goone from hence, to dwell and inhabite with you, as Clement Briggs John Hill, John Eeedy, Daniel ray, the which if either your ot they desire thir dismissions: we shall be redy to give them: hopeing you will doe the like; in the like cases, though we have heard something otherwise. Thus with our Prayers to ye Lord for your prosperity, as our owne, and our harty salutations unto you all we rest
You assured loving friends
William Bradford Gove'r
Plym: feb 6 1631
Samuell ffuller Myles Standish
John Alden Tho: Prence."
(Mayflower Desc. 9: 2-3; Ply. Town Records, 9: 2-3)
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It has been frequently suggested that these four men who moved to Massachusetts Bay Colony were not members of the original Pilgrim group and left Plymouth Colony because of religious differences. It seems equally possible that Clement Briggs may have been granted land in Wessaguseus purchase before the boundary was drawn between Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies. During the ten years that Clement Briggs had resided in Plymouth other fellmongers (tanners) had joined the Colony. Best known in Plymouth was "Robie Heeks" (Robert Hicks) who had also come on the Fortune. That Clement Briggs may have settled in the outlying area of Wessaguscus (later Weymouth) in order to obtain the bark from a species of oak used in tanning and more skins has been entirely overlooked.
Although we do not have a date of birth of Clement Briggs, it can be ascertained from his deposition made 19 Aug. 1638 that he was dwelling with Mr. "Samuell Lathame" in Barmundsey Street in Southwark 22 years before, it is evident that he was at that time, 1616, old enough to be apprenticed to a fellmonger. He died in Weymouth and his will was executed 24 Aug. 1650.
On 1 Mar. 1630/1, Constable Thomas Stoughton was fined five pounds by Governor Winthrop of Mass. Bay Colony for "taking upon him to marry Clemt Briggs and Joan Allen." No reason was given for the heavy fine except that Constable Stoughton had overstepped his authority. It is to be noted that the Governor received a fee of five pounds for performing a marriage ceremony at that time.
On 6 Oct. 1634, Clement Briggs was fined ten shillings for entertaining an Indian without leave.
On 6 Mar. 1637/8 Clement Briggs was bonded for ten pounds for his wife to appear in the next court for Arthur Warren being in her company. There is no evidence that this was in any way a moral charge against Joan Briggs.
On 4 Dec. 1638, Clement Briggs was found not guilty of extortion and the case discharged. No later fines were recorded against Clement Briggs in the Record of the Governor and Company of Mass. Bay Colony. Constable Thomas Stoughton moved from Weymouth with the settlers forming the new colony in Hartford, Conn.
On 8 Oct. 1637 Clement Briggs exchanged four acres of land in Plymouth for four acres of land on "Joanes" River. The deed was recorded by Gov. Bradford.
Clement was a grantor to Robte Heeks, grantee, for one acre of land in Plymouth, recorded by Governor Bradford on 29 Aug. 1638.
*Source: Internet
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John, son of Clement, born in Weymouth c1635-1640; MAY have liv'd in Taunton; thought to have died prior to 1662, when the other sons of Clement received land as old timers
*Source: Clement Briggs of Plymouth Colony and His Descendants by Edna Anne Hannibal and Claude W Barlow
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There is Mormon microfilm record of a birth of a Clement Briggs. He was baptized with a brother William in 1599 in Lincolnshire, sons of John. Baptisms of his children stop in 1605. Baptisms of another John Briggs commence at St. Stephen's, Coleman St, London, shortly after. Perhaps this was the same family. Clement is known to have been apprenticed to Samuel Lathame, tanner, in London. In a deposition made in 1638, he said that 22 years earlier he lived with Lathame on Bermondsey St. in Southwark (which was and still is London's leather district) and discussed with Thomas Harlow the number of pelts their masters "pulled" in a week.
Clement sailed on the ship Fortune, the second ship to arrive at Plymouth Colony, which landed near what is now Provincetown on 11 November 1621. He received 1 acre at Plymouth Plantation when the first lots were cast in 1623. He was in the company of John Howland for the division of livestock grants (1627). Perhaps it was in Plymouth that he was fined 10 shillings for entertaining "Indians" without permission of the court. About 1631 he moved to Weymouth, MA, perhaps for better tanning bark. His removal is mentioned in a letter between the governors of the Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay Colonies. He kept ownership of his home in Plymouth, which he later willed to his son Thomas. Clement was granted the heifer "Raghorne" when it arrived on the ship Jacob.
Clement's marriage is referred to in a court record that states that Rev. Thomas Stoughton was fined 5 lbs. on 1 February 1630-1 for marrying Clement and Joan Allen. Joan was brought to court for being alone in the presence of Arthur Warren. Clement gave a 10 lb. bond to assure her appearance. The following June, Joan was ordered to stay away from Warren.
Clement was granted more land at Plymouth: 4 acres adjoining his own land on the Jones River in 1637 , and another acre in 1639 . His first land grant at Weymouth was 10 acres in the "easter neck" about 1643 and 2 acres on the neck at the ferry. He was once charged with extortion, but the case was dismissed.
Clement died before his children were adults. On their behalf, Phineas Pratt and Elder Bates petitioned for land to be given to the children as their right as "other purchasers or old comers." His second wife may have been among a squadron that salvaged usable parts of whales at Southhampton, LI.
*Source: Internet
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Clement Briggs
b. abt 1600
d. estate inventoried 23 Feb 1648
English Origin: Southwark, Surrey
Came to US: 1621 in the ship Fortune
Resided in: Plymouth, PC; Weymouth 1630
Occupation: skinner, furrier
First Spouse: Joan Allen, d. abt 1640
Children: Thomas, Jonathan
Second Spouse: Elizabeth, d. abt 1685
*Source: The Winthrop Society, Mass Bay First Settlers
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Plymouth Colony Division of Cattle, 1627
Caleb Johnson, a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, provides the following notes on this record of cattle divisions:
On 22 May 1627, the Division of Cattle was recorded in the Plymouth Colony Records. This is a very important document because it names all the members of each household, including the names of women and children -- making it in essence a complete census of 1627 Plymouth.
1627.
At a publique court held the 22th of May it was concluded by the whole Companie, that the cattell wch were the Companies, to wit, the Cowes & the Goates should be equall devided to all the psonts of the same company & soe kept untill the expiration of ten yeares after the date above written & that every one should well and sufficiently pvid for there owne pt under penalty of forfeiting the same.
That the old stock with halfe th increase should remaine for comon use to be devided at thend of the said terme or otherwise as ocation falleth out, & the other halfe to be their owne for ever.
Uppon wch agreement they were equally devided by lotts soe as the burthen of keeping the males then beeing should be borne for common use by those to whose lot the best Cowes should fall & so the lotts fell as followeth. thirteene psonts being pportioned to one lot.
To this lot fell one of the 4 heyfers Came in the Jacob Called Raghorne.
10 Clemont Briggs
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Briggs, Clement came in the Fortune, 1621, m., in Dorchester 1631, Joan Allen, and had Thomas, 1633; Jonathan, 1635; John; David, 1640, and Clement, 1643. He finally settled in Weymouth.
*Source: Davis, William T. Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth, Part II. Genealogical Register of Plymouth Families (1st Edition; Boston: A. Williams and Company, 1883); published online: Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth - Genealogical Register, , 28 August 2001
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"Governor William Bradford and the Assistants of Plymouth Colony wrote on 6 February 1631/32 to their Massachusetts Bay counterparts saying "Now there are diverse gone from hence, to dwell and inhabit with you, as Clement Brigges, John Hill, John Eddy, Daniel Ray, etc, the which if either your, or they desire their dismissions, we shall be ready to give them." Comments [by Anderson]: Clement Briggs went to Weymouth….".
*Source: The Great Migration Begins, Anderson, p 937
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The Fortune arrived at Plymouth on November 9, 1621, just a few weeks after the First Thanksgiving. This passenger list is based on the 1623 Division of Land, the passenger list compiled by Charles Edward Banks in Planters of the Commonwealth, and by the information found in Eugene Aubrey Stratton's Plymouth Colony: Its History and its People, 1620-1691.
John Adams, Robert Hickes, William Basset, William Hilton, Elizabeth Basset (Wife), Bennet Morgan, William Beale, Thomas Morton, Jonathan Brewster, Austen Nicolas, Clement Briggs
In a disposition taken from Clement Briggs of Weymouth, fellmonger, at New Plymouth 29 August 1638, he said that about twenty-two years earlier he was dwelling with and working for Mr. Samuel Latham in Bermondsey Street, Southwark, London, and a Thomas Harlow was dwelling with and working for Mr. Robert Hicks. Harlow and Briggs often discussed how many pelts their masters pulled a week.
*Source: Plymouth Colony Its History & People 1620 - 1691 by Aubrey Stratton - 1986
Note: fellmonger means tanner
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Clement Briggs (d. 1649) of Southwark, fellmonger; md. Joan Allen c 1630 and removed to Dorchester; 5 children.
Source: Saints and Strangers by George Willison.
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"WARREN, sometimes spelt WARIN, or WARINS, ABRAHAM, Salem 1637, was of Ipswich 1648, where he d. 1654, his will of 22 Apr. in that yr. (Essex Inst. I. 10) ment. d. Sarah, and wid. not her mo. ARTHUR, Weymouth, was in Mar. 1638, charg. with keep. comp. with the w. of Clement Briggs, and in June foll. she was enjoin. not to come into his comp. but this does not. of necessity, prove any guilt, and soon after he m…."
*Source: A Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England, Before 1692, Volume #4, Warren-Waterhouse, by James Savave (vol.4, p. 423)
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In 1640, Governor Bradford surrendered the Patent of the Plymouth Colony to "the body of Freemen." Three large tracts of land were included; of these the first comprehended Eastham, Orleans, and Brewster in the County of Barnstable: second, a part of New Bedford and Dartmouth in the County of Bristol: and third, Swansea and Rehoboth in the same County; and Barrington and Warren and perhaps Bristol in Rhode Island, were reserved in the surrender to the "purchasers" or "old comers." They then numbered forty-eight persons. In 1664 a portion of these lands were set off to Phinehas Pratt and the children of Clement Briggs, under these considerations, viz.:-- "That whereas, the said Pratt and Clement Briggs have not had their proportion of land with others formerly called 'purchasers' or 'old comers,' that they may have some consideration of land in that respect in a parcel or tract of land lying near unto the line betwixt the Plymouth and the Massachusetts jurisdiction, and near unto Weymouth, doth grant unto said Phinehas Pratt, and unto two of the said Clement Briggs his sons, viz., David Briggs and Remember Briggs, Three hundred and fifty acres. The remainder thereof unto the two sons of the said Clement Briggs. The grantees to pay the cost of extinguishing the Indian title." This grant was laid out from the path that led from Weymouth to Bridgewater.
*Source: Internet
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The first settlers of Plymouth who came on the Mayflower (1620), Fortune (1621), and Anne (1623) were granted special land privileges not granted to later Plymouth settlers--a status often referred to as the "First Comers"
*Source: Internet
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5 October 1640 : "The Court doth order, that Mr John Howland, Francis Cooke, Josuah Pratt, and Thom Cushman shall range the bounds of the lands betwixt Mr Thom Prence & Clement Briggs at Joanes Riuer, and to set them forth according to the auncient bounds & markes formly made betwixt them."
*Source: Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. 1, p. 163.
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BRIGGS, CLEMENT, Plymouth, came in the Fortune, 1621, prob. young; rem. to Dorchecter, there m. 1630, or 1631, early, Joan Allen, for officiat. at wh. cerem. Thomas Stoughton, the constable, was fin. Ð5. at the Mar. Court, 1631; thence he rem. to Weymouth 1633, had s. Thomas, b. 14 June 1633; Jonathan, 14 June 1635; John; David, 23 Aug. 1640; and Clement, 1 Jan. 1643. Grievous is our feeling of regret at find. the Court, in June 1638, led to forbid the w. to come into the comp. of Arthur Warren, as we are compell. to fear the m. was imprud. Bef. he d. he had ano. w. Elizabeth Of his will, the abstr. is giv. in Geneal. Reg. VII. 233; but the envelope of it is label. Mary Mouth, wh. the blundering clk. read for Weymouth, the resid. of the testator. His inv. of 23 Feb. 1649 not. in the same Vol. p. 228, was label. Osomunt Bray, full evid. of knonl. by the scrivener of the old writ. In Vol. IX. 347, the correct name is giv. His s. Thomas was of Taunton 1668, and num. descend. in that vicin. CORNELIUS, Scituate, s. of Walter, was ensign in Philip's war under eld. brs. James, the lieut. and John, capt.; m. 1677, the wid. of Samuel Russell, one of his fellowsoldiers, wh. had fallen the yr. preced. had Cornelius, b. 1678; Joseph, 1679; and James, 1683. EDMUND, Topsfield 1667. JAMES, Scituate, s. of Walter, lieut. in the gr. war, m. 1678, Rebecca, d. of deac. Joseph Tilden, had Joseph, b. 1678; Mary, 1682; James, 1687; Benjamin, 1695; and perhaps others. JOHN, Lynn, came, prob. in the Blessing, 1635, aged 20, rem. to Sandwich 1637, there d. 1641. His w. Catharine had admin. 1 June. JOHN, Newport 1638, or Portsmouth 1650, was freem. there 1655, had Thomas, and an elder s. viz. JOHN, Warwick, b. 1642, wh. m. Frances, d. of Edward Fisher of Portsmouth, R. I. had John, b. 25 Jan. 1668; James, 12 Feb. 1671; Frances, 26 Feb. 1673; and Richard, 1 Feb. 1675. He liv. at Kingstown in 1678, when his w. was nam. Hannah. JOHN, Boston 1673, s. of William, rem. that yr. to Lyme, there by w. Mary had William, b. 30 July 1672 or 3; and Peter, 5 Feb. 1680. JOHN, Scituate, s. of Walter, had Hannah, b. 1684; Deborah, 1685; and John, 1687. He was a capt. in the war. Deane, 225. JONATHAN, Taunton, perhaps s. of Clement, had Jonathan, b. 15 Mar.[[vol. 1, p. 252]] 1668; and David, 6 Dec. 1669. MATTHEW, Hingham, m. May 1648, perhaps sec. w. Deborah, d. of Matthew Cushing, wh. d. bef her f. Matthias is more common name of this man. From Hobart+s Diary we find, that Hannah and Peter Briggs were bapt. 2 Aug. 1646, and John, 20 Dec. foll. but their f. is unkn. RICHARD, Taunton, perhaps s. of Clement, m. 15 Aug. 1662, Rebecca Hoskins, had William, b. 21 Nov. 1663; Rebecca,, 16 Aug. 1665; Richard, 7 Apr. 1668; John, 13 Feb. 1673; Joseph, 15 June 1674; Benjamin, 15 Sept. 1677. THOMAS, Portsmouth, R. I. younger s. of the first John of the same, had in 1678 w. Mary, and no more can I learn a. him.
*Source: A Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England, Before 1692, Volume #1, Pgs 241 - 252, Breed-Briggs, by James Savage
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CLEMENT BRIGGS OF WEYMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS
1999 @ Perry Streeter @ 3273 NYS Route 248 @ Canisteo, NY 14823 USA @ perry@streeter.com @ (607) 225-4246 8 January 2001
Copyright 1999 Perry Streeter (Content updated 8 January 2001)
1999 Perry Streeter @ mailto:perry@streeter.com @ http://www.perry.streeter.com
This document is Copyright 1999 by Perry Streeter. It may be freely redistributed in its entirety provided that this copyright notice is not removed. It may not be sold for profit or incorporated in commercial documents without the written permission of the copyright holder.
I am seeking all genealogical and biographical details for the family documented below including their ancestors, children, and grandchildren and the spouses thereof, including the full names of those spouses' parents. All additions and corrections within this scope, however speculative, will be greatly appreciated.
Clement Briggs of Weymouth, Massachusetts The following chapter is extracted and summarized from Clement Briggs of Plymouth Colony and His Descendants 1621-1965, compiled by Edna Anne Hannibal of Palo Alto California with abstracts of probate and land records by Claude W. Barlow, Ph.D. of Clark
University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Grayce (Harper) Alsterad's 1978 work, William Card 1710-1785 with Ancestors and Descendants was another valuable source of information. Daniel3 Brigg's granddaughter had the unusual name of Almy (Card) Goff. Perhaps his wife, Lydia, or his mother, Ann, was descended from another Rhode Island colonist, William Almy.
1. CLEMENT1 BRIGGS was born in England and died at Weymouth, Massachusetts probably in early 1650. His will was executed in Weymouth and probated in Boston 24 August 1650. He married first at Dorchester, Massachusetts before 1 March 1630 JOAN ALLEN. Joan died before 1640 at Weymouth; daughter of George1 Allen. Clement married second before 1640 ELIZABETH ; she died at Weymouth; her will was made 11 November 1685 and probated at Boston 11
August 1691.
In a deposition he made on 19 August 1638, Clement stated that he was living on Bardmundsey Street in Southwark, England in 1616 with Mr. "Samuell Lathame." By that time, he was already old enough to be an apprentice fellsmonger or tanner. Clement Briggs arrived at Plymouth Colony as a single man in November 1621 via the Fortune. Lots were cast for these passengers in 1623 and Clement received "1 acre beyond the first brooke to the wood westward." In 1627, he received "one of the four heyfers that came on the Jacob called Raghorne,"; he shared this heifer with twelve others. On 6 February 1631, Governor William Bradford of Plymouth Colony wrote a letter to Governor John Winthrop of Massachusetts Bay Colony that four men were moving to Wessaguscus (later Weymouth) in Massachusetts Bay Colony: "now ther are diverce goone from hence, to dwell and inhabite with you, as Clement Briggs John Hill John Eedy, daniel ray, the
which if either you or they desire thir dismissions: we shall be redy to give them: hopeing you will doe the like; in the like cases, though we have heard something otherwise. Thus with our Prayers to ye Lord for your prosperity, as our owne, and our harty salutations unto you all we rest."
Some have argued that Clement Briggs and the others who went to Massachusetts were not of the original Pilgrim group and left for religious reasons. Another possibility is that Clement and the others were granted land in Weymouth before the boundary was drawn between the two colonies. Clement, as a fellsmonger, may have relocated to Weymouth in order to obtain the bark from a certain species of oak tree used in the tanning process. On 1 March 1630/1, Constable Thomas Stoughton was fined Ð5 by Governor Winthrop for "taking upon him to marry Clemt and Joan Allen." Stoughton had exceeded his authority and
at that time, the Governor received a fee of Ð5 for performing marriage ceremonies. On 6 October 1634, Clement Briggs was fined ten shillings for entertaining an Indian without permission. On 6 march 1637/8 he was bonded Ð10 for his wife to appear in the next court because Arthur Warren had been in her company; there is no evidence that this was a moral charge against Joan. Clement was found not guilty of an extortion charge on 4 December 1638.
On 8 October 1637 Clement exchanged four acres of land in Plymouth for four acres of land on the "Joanes" River belonging to John Browne of Plymouth. Clement sold Robert Hicks one acre of land in Plymouth on 29 August 1638. Clement and Hicks had known each other in England where they lived on the same street and both were fellsmongers and passengers on the Fortune. On 26 December 1651, Clement and 58 other men purchased land in Marshfield,
Massachusetts; he must have died soon thereafter.
Clement's will was probated in Boston on 24 August 1650 and witnessed by John Rogers and Robert Tucker. The inventory of his estate was valued at a little over Ð65.
The last will and Testiment of Clement Briggs of Waymouth in New England first, I give my soule to God (that) gave it.
It(em) I give my son Thomas my home lott at Plemouth 20 acres by esteema(tion) and my biggest iron pott.
It(em) I give to my son Jonathan 3 acres of my land joning to John es lands that is not break up an enter to it when hee is of the aige of 18 years and when he is of the aige of 21 years to have as much 3 acres one 4th pt of all my land in Waymouth and after decess of my wiff it is my will hee shall have one 4th pt more if shee dye not before hee bee of the aige of 21 years But if shee should dye before Jonathan be 21 years ouild then it is my will it should be for the bringing up of my children
It(em) I give to my son Clemet my housing and the other half of my land in Waymouth and hee to enter to it when hee is of the aige of 21 years—if his mother—be decesed before, but if not then he should not have it tell after her decese—But if my wiff should die before Clemant be—21 year ouild it is my will the land should be for the bring(ing) up of my children.
It(em) I give my sons Thomas dauid John—Remem2 my other Land at Plemouth (or in Plimouth Col) jointly and equaly amonst them. It is my will in one year thereafter Clemt do enter to the forsed land hee shall give his brother Remem 20s—and John 10s and it is my will that Jonathan shall give 10s to his bro. dauid and to his bro. Thom. 10s in one year after he do enter to half my land and it is my will that my wiff shall be my Exequtrix
it is also my will that degon Rogers and Robert Tucker should be my overseers in trust.
In May 1652, the Widow Elizabeth Briggs was granted land at Southampton, Long Island. The lot owners of Southampton salvaged usable whale parts whenever they washed up on the coast: "Squadrons for cutting up whales that might drift upon the shores, 1653, Widdow Briggs has one share." She was granted 50 acres on 1 February 1655 in the Seabonac Division of 41 lots. Apparently, Elizabeth returned to Weymouth at some point, she is "of Weymouth" in deeds of 1672 and 1684 and living there until her death, prior to 11 August 1691.
Elizabeth Briggs of Weymouth made her will the 13 of November 1683, as follows: To her son David she gave Ð10; to her grandchild Clement Briggs Ð15 at 21 yrs; to her son Remember Briggs, the remainder of her estate; Stephen French, Ebemezer White and Joseph Pitty to be overseers. Codicil reads: "Whereas my son David is deceased since publishing this my last will, etc.... I declare that the Ð10 I gave him, my grandchild Clement Briggs shall have."
Dated 11 November 1685; probated at Boston 11 August 1691. (Suffolk Probate Records, 8:49)
Children, by Joan Allen:
2. ii. THOMAS2, b. Weymouth, MA 14 June 1633; m. ANN .
iii. JONATHAN, b. Weymouth, MA 14 June 1635; d. before 18 Nov 1690; m. Taunton, MA EXPERIENCE HARVEY, dau. of William and Joane (Hucker) Harvey.
iv. JOHN, d. probably before 1662.
Children, by Elizabeth :
v. DAVID, b. 23 Aug 1640; d. after 13 Nov 1683 and before 11 Nov 1685; m.
MARY BARKER.
vi. CLEMENT, b. Weymouth, MA 1 Jan 1642; d. Weymouth, MA 7 Nov 1669 (Suffolk Probate Records, 7:2); m. HANNAH PACKER, dau. of Samuel Packer of Hingham and Bridgewater, MA, she may have m. (2) Thomas Randall of Easton (Packard Genealogy). Administration of Clement's estate was granted on 19 Nov 1669 to Hannah and her father with William Chard of Weymouth as their surety (Suffolk Probate Records 7:1); William Chard may have been a direct ancestor of the compiler.
2. THOMAS2 BRIGGS (Clement1) was born at Weymouth, Massachusetts 14 June 1633 and died at Taunton North Purchase, Bristol County, Massachusetts 1 April 1696. He married probably at Taunton ANN who died after 1707. On 7 June 1659, "150 Acres of land was granted Thomas, son of Clement Briggs, deceased, and 20 acres of meddow if it bee had in the place desired which is on the way from Deadum from Taunton betwixt a pond & the Mill riuer which comes from Taunton, betwixt Taunton and Massapauge Pond." This grant was in the northeast part of modern Mansfield, Massachusetts.
Thomas Briggs killed a wolf on 20 May 1690 and another on 2 June 1691. He was also a member of the Military Company of Taunton. The estate of Thomas Briggs of North Purchase was sworn by Samuel Briggs, his younger son and an inventory was taken on 1 April 1696; the two older sons had refused to participate.
On 5 May 1696 Thomas' three sons made an agreement by which Samuel was to care for their aged mother Ann and land was given to their sister, Susannah (Briggs) Cobb. The widow Ann Briggs renounced her dower on 26 August 1697. Ann outlived her son Samuel and she went to live with her daughter, Susannah (Briggs) Cobb. Samuel's widow, Mary, was released from Samuel's obligation to care for Ann and she married Benjamin Caswell. On 2 September 1707, Ann and her son-in-law, John Cobb, sold to Benjamin and Mary (Hall) (Briggs) Caswell "1/3 interest in land and dwellings for 10 pounds in open and money."
Children, born in Taunton North Purchase:
i. THOMAS3, d. at E. Greenwich, RI about 1736; m. MARTHA .
ii. DANIEL, b. at Taunton, N. Purchase, MA in 1665; m. LYDIA .
iii. SAMUEL, d. at Norton, N. Purchase, MA; m. Taunton, MA 27 July 1692 MARY HALL, b. 3 Oct 1672, dau. of Samuel and Elizabeth (White) Hall; she m. (2) 17 March 1706/07 Benjamin Caswell, b. Taunton 1676.
iv. SUSANNAH, m. JOHN COBB.
3. DANIEL3 BRIGGS (Thomas2, Clement1) was born at Taunton North Purchase, Massachusetts in 1665 and died at East Greenwich, Rhode Island in 1728/30. He married perhaps on Patience Island, Rhode Island LYDIA ; she died before 1730. Like his father Thomas, Daniel was named as having killed a wolf on 2 June 1691. On 7 October 1702, Daniel Briggs of Patience Island, Portsmouth, Rhode Island bought 90 acres in East Greenwich, Rhode Island from Joseph Waight. It was the 16th farm in the second division. This transaction was witnessed by James Reynolds and John Heath. On 20 January 1708/9 Daniel Briggs of East Greenwich, yeoman, signed his mark, D.B., to sell Joshua Davis share no. 3 of "boggey meadow" in East Greenwich; this deed was witnessed by Anthony Sadler and John Heath. Daniel gave twelve acres of the northwest corner of his farm to his son Benjamin for "love and affection" on 24 December 1717.
Children:
i. BENJAMIN4, b. E. Greenwich, RI 5 May 1695; d. there 25 Nov 1759; m. SUSANNAH SPENCER, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth ( ) Spencer.
ii. HANNAH, m. JOSEPH GARDNER, b. ca. 1671; d. after 1733; son of George and Tabitha (Tefft) Gardner; resided at East Greenich, RI; their descendants
moved to Pownal, VT.
iii. MARTHA, b. 27 Dec 1708; m. 28 May 1719 SAMUEL SPENCER, son of Michael and Elizabeth ( ) Spencer.
iv. DELIVERANCE, m. 28 Oct 1732 SETH JONES, b. 18 March 1710, son of Jeremiah and Mary (Reynolds) Jones.
v. MERCY, m. at E. Greenwich, RI 13 June 1733 WILLIAM4 CARD (Peleg3, James2, Richard1), b. N. Kingston, RI about 1710, d. Pownal, VT in 1784/5, son of Peleg3 and Rebecca (Dolover) Card. See Richard Card of Newport, Rhode Island for more information.
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Other Briggs resources:
BRIGGS Briggs, Sam. A Partial Record of the Descendants of Walter Briggs of Westchester, New York, to Which is Added Some Account of His Ancestry, Collateral Branches, Origin of the Family Name, Ancient Pedigrees, Wills, Etc. (1878). CS/71/B854/1878
BRIGGS Briggs, Mary Balch (Ed.). We and Our Kinsfolk. Ephraim and Rebekah Waterman Briggs, Their Descendants and Their Ancestors. (1887). CS/71/B854/1887
BRIGGS Holman, Winifred L. Briggs Family Records. (Compiled for the Briggs Family Association). (1931). CS/71/B854/1931
BRIGGS Briggs, L. Vernon. History and Genealogy of the Briggs Family, 1254-1937. 3 vols. (1938). CS/71/B854/1938/v.#
BRIGGS Aldridge, Bertha B.B. The Briggs Genealogy, Including the Ancestors and Descendants of Ichabod White Briggs, 1609-1933.
Also Other Line Descendants of His Immigrant Ancestor, John Briggs, b. 1609, York, England, And Some of the Descendants of Ichabod White. (1953). CS/71/B854/1953
BRIGGS Hannibal, Edna A. and Claude W. Barlow. John Briggs of Sandwich, Massachusetts and His Descendants. With Abstracts of Probate and Land Records. (1962). CS/71/B854/1962
He died before 15 Aug 1717, on which date his son Seth is appointed administrator. He settled at Mendham, N.J., about 1743. On 2 May 1744, the East Jersey Land Records at Perth Amboy record his purchase of about 50 acres at Rocksiticus (an old name of Mendham), said tract being on the South side of Thos. Kent's mill pond.
While American troops were quartered in Morristown, Isaac and his family sent them daily great quantities of bread baked in the great home oven.
Married Feb 12, 1738-39, at Berkley, Mass, Elizabeth Babbitt, daughter of Seth and Sarah (Cooper) Babbitt. She was bron Feb. 19, 1714.
The accompanying deed gave proof of their removal to New Jersey:
Bristol County Deeds, Book 50, Page 271
To all people to whom these presents fhall Come Know ye that I Ebenezer Byram of Mendum in ye County of Morris in ye province of Jew Jersey, Esqr for and and in Consideration of ye sum of fourteen pounds fourtten Shillings & four pence, to me in hand paid or secured to be paid by Nathaniel Bobbit Easton in ye County of Bristo in ye province of ye Massachusetts Bay in New England yeoman. Have remissed Released and for ever Quit Claimed and by vertue of a power of attorney to me Given by Isaac Bobbit and Elizabeth his wife, Do by these Presents Remise Release and for ever Quit Claim unto him sd Nathaniel Bobbet, his heirs and assigns for ever all such Rights Estates Tittle Interest and Demand what so Ever ye sd Isaac and Elizabeth Bobbit held or ought to have in or to all ye Estate that was Given to Thomas Bobbit by nis father Seth Bobbit of sd Easton Late Deceased in sd Estate Divided & Set off to ye sd Thomas Bobbit; a minor who is now Deceased or any estate that hath or shall arise unto sd Estate by any ways or means what so ever; he sd nathaniel paying to his mother over and above ye above sum all Demands she may have on sd Land as Thirds, maintenance Costs or any other ways and also and also on Confideration of ye above sum Do aquit ye sd Nathaniel Bobbit of ye Legacy of Six pounds Thirteen shillings & four pence given to Elizabeth Bobbit by her father Seth Bobbit in his Last Will and Testament to be paid to her by Erasmus bobbit and ye above sd Thomas Bobbit now Deceased. To Have and to Hold all ye above sd Estate unto ye said Nathiel Bobbie his heirs and assigns for ever; and I ye sd Ebenezer Byram for my selfe and my heris and assigns for ever; and I ye sd Ebenezer Byram for my selfe and my heris Do Covenant to and with ye sd Nathaniel Bobbit his heris and assigns for ever against ye Lawfull Claims & Demands of Isaac Babbit and Elizabeth Bobbit his Wife or any in by or under them ye above Bargained premises for ever to warrant and Defend in Witness where of I have here unto set my hand and seal this Tenth Day of April 1758.
Signed sealed & Delivered (Signed) Ebenr Bryam
in presence of us
Ebenzer Allen
Nathan Alden
Recd October 305h 1765 Recorded".
MENDHAM
From an old history of New Jersey by John W. Barber and Henry Howe:
The township of Mendham is about 6 m. sq. bound N. by Randolph, E. by Morris, S. by Bernard & Bedminster, Someset Co., and W. by Chester. The surface is generally hilly & on the N. mountainous. The soil is fertile, productive in wheat and grass & great numbers of peaches are raised. Limestone is quarried to a considerable extent on the North Branch of the Raritan. The township is well watered, & important branches of the Raritan & Passaic take their rise within a mile of each other.
There are 2 grist, I saw, I fulling m., I wollen, 1 cotton factory; Cap. in manufac. $29,800. 3 academies, 95 students; 5 schools, 183 scholars, Pop.. 1, 378.
The earliest regular settlement in Mendham was on the N. branch of the Raritan. As early as 1713, there were some few squatter's cabins. At that time land was taken up by the Wills family, but they did not settle until many years after. The village of Mendham is in the central part, 6 1/2 miles S. W. of Morristown. Among the first settlers in he vicinity were the Byram, Cary, Thompson, & Drake families. The grave stone of the elder Ebenzer Bryam, which is now standing in the graveyard, records his death Aug. 9th, 1753, aged 61. When he came, the locality bore the Indian name, Roxiticus. The name of a tavern which he established was "The Black Horse," from its sign. Tradition asserts the neighborhood was rendered famous by the pranks of a wild crew of fellows who lived there. Mr. Byram, having been told the nature of the society he had settled in, replied "I'll mend 'em," - an assertation he carried out literally; hence the name Mendham.
The village of Mendham contains a Methodist & Presbyterian church, an academy for males, & the "Hill-top" Seminary for females; several stores, 2 carriage establishments, & about 50 dwellings. When a young man, the Hon. Samuel L. Southard taught school in Mendham. A considerable number of young men have been prepared for college in this place who finally entered the ministry of the Presbyterian church.
The Presbyterian church, standing on a beautiful and commanding elevation in the southern part of the village, is seen, in some directions, from a distance of many miles; and it is asserted that when the atmosphere is very clear it can be discerned from elevated land in Pennsylvania distant 30 or 40 miles. The oldest stone in the ancient graveyard adjoining the church, is that of Stephen Cooke, who died Dec. 16th, 1749. The first person there buried was Mrs. Drake, in 1745. There are two other burying grounds, though unused for many years. One is on a hill a quarter of a mile E. of the N. branch of the Raritan, within a few rods of the Washington turnpike; the other a mile S. of the village, on the Baldwin farm, which latter is now a cultivated field. Some time previous to 1740, a small building was erected for public worship by the Presbyterians, on the Morris turnpike, about a mile & a half west of the village.
In Oct 1743, Mr. Eliza Byram, from Bridgewater, Mass, commenced preaching. In 1745 a new church was erected on the hill, which remained until a new one was built in 1816............There was anciently an Indian village on the farm of Col. J. W. Drake, on the hill-side about 40 rods from his dwelling. The houses were scattered continuously around the hill. Indian arrow-heads, stone & other relics, have occasionally been ploughed up........
Copied from New Ed. of Barber's Hist, 1853 by E. L. Babbitt
*Source: The Babbit Family History, 1643-1900 compiled by William Bradford Browne, Taunton, Mass 1912, pp. 77-80