George Abbot (1615-1681)
He was born May 15, 1615, in Bishop’s Stortford, England. "At the time of the Norman Conquest (1066), the town’s population has been estimated at no more than 150, increasing to around 700 by the 13th century. This number then grew steadily but was substantially reduced on each of the three occasions that "plague" struck the town: 1348–9, 1582–3 and 1666." In 1637, it is believed that he emigrated to New England on a ship named “Arbella” (see Note #1 below) with the family of William Chandler, also of Stortford. The Chandlers had four children with them on the voyage. One of them, a girl named Hannah, born in May of 1630, was age 7 or 8 when they emigrated. She was to become George’s wife in 1646.
The Abbots and the Chandlers first settled in Roxbury, Masschusetts. George lived a few years in Roxbury, but when a new plantation was planned in 1643 at Andover (see Note #4 below), originally called “Cochichawiche,” the land was purchased from Cutshamache, the Sagamore of Massachusetts (part of the Pennacook Confederacy who spoke the Algonquin language) for “6 pounds and a coat.” (5) This notable bargain is commemorated in Andover’s official seal. The settlement was incorporated as a town in 1646 and was most likely named after Andover, England, which is near the home of some of the first residents. George became one of the first proprietors and settlers of that town, #19 on the list. He first lived in the northern section of Andover. George and Hannah were married in Roxbury on December 12, 1646 in the First Church (see Note #2 below) by Reverend John Eliot, known as the “apostle to the Indians” (see Note #3 below). Shortly after they were married, George “received his bride into his humble cabin which was a garrison house for many years.” (4)
About 1660, he established a farm in the South Parish. His home was a fortified garrison, built about 1673-75, where villagers would flee for protection against Indian attacks. “The house was built of heavy hewn or sawed logs with the corners securely fastened, the eaves extending out over the walls by two feet or more, so that in case of attack, the defenders could fire down upon the enemy or pour water to put out a fire if started.” “The garrison house was home to the family until 1704, when it was replaced by a structure which later became known as “The Old Red Abbot House”. This stood until 1858, when it was torn down to be replaced with the first section of a fine, large house.”
George and Hannah had thirteen children (eight sons and five daughters) and eleven survived to maturity.
The first child, John, was born March 2, 1648, he would later become the first deacon of South Church in 1711. The second child, Joseph, died when little more than a year old, the first recorded death in the town of Andover. The fourth child, also named Joseph, was killed by Indians. “The first violence and damage occurred on April 19, 1676. Mr. Ephraim Stevens discovered the enemy about a mile this side of Bidwell’s Ferry, but escaped upon his horse, and alarmed the inhabitants. The Indians pursued along the main road, without doing any mischief, till they came to the south part of town, where they killed Joseph Abbot and took Timothy Abbot. Joseph was stout and resolute, and probably made resistance; and there is tradition, that he killed one, or more of them, before he was slain. He was in his 24th year.” “After suffering great hardships at the hands of his captors, Timothy was returned by a squaw his grandmother had been kind to, in August, near the point of starvation.” (5)
No picture or physical description of George has been handed down. “He was a man of some education; a deeply religious Puritan; and a successful businessman and farmer. His industry and judicious application of labor secured success in forming a good farm. His honesty, integrity, and wisdom secured the confidence and respect of the community. He was much employed in the business of the town, was the friend of the widow, the guardian of the orphan, and the helper of the poor. (1) He could read and write and was surveyor of highways in 1673, served on the Grand Jury in 1658 and in 1676; in 1658 was commissioner for Andover, in 1663 was Constable, in 1669 he was chosen arbitrator in a civil case, and brander of cattle in 1676.” At his death on December 24, 1681, at the age of 66, his estate was valued at 587 pounds, “6th highest in Andover.” In his will, dated December 12, 1681, 12 days before his death, he paid his wife Hannah a remarkably tender tribute: “Considering the great love and affection I bear unto my loving wife Hannah Abbot and also considering her tender love and respect she hath had to me and also considering her care and diligence in helping to get and save what God hath blessed us withal and also prudence in management of the same, I do therefore leave my whole estate to her.” (1) “At the time of her husband’s death, Hannah was fifty-two, had been married 35 years and borne 13 children, four of whom were still under age. Nine years later, in 1690, she married the pastor of the church, as his third wife, the Reverend Francis Dane (see note #5), her step-brother (Hannah’s mother married Francis’ father John Dane), likewise somewhat older than herself. She survived him by fourteen years, passing away June 11, 1711, at the age of 82 years. Her will, dated February 10, 1707, is also on record and is considered remarkable since it is said to be the only will of the time on record in which a woman alone conveys real estate after the death of her husband.” (1) “The descendants of George Abbott and Hannah Chandler are very numerous and most respectable, and possess a marked character of their own for industry, sobriety, economy, and for the peaceful, conscientious discharge of every duty as citizens.” “They were industrious, economical, sober, pious, and respected. With Christian fortitude and submission they endured their trials, privations and dangers, of which they had a large share. They brought up a large family well, and trained them in the way they should go, from which they did not depart.” (1)
List of Children:
1. John, born March 2, 1648, died March 19, 1721. The first deacon of South Church upon its establishment in 1711, he "used the office well." (11) He was married on November 17, 1673 to Sarah Barker, "daughter of Richard Barker, one of the first settlers of Andover, she was born in 1647, died February 10, 1720."(11) John and Sarah had nine children. “They were respected for their uprightness and piety. Their children, by their instructions and example, were religiously trained, and respected.” (1) The grounds for the meeting house, school, and burial grounds were donated by John in his will. “He was employed in town business, often a selectman, and was deputy to the general court.” Click here for a list of John & Sarah's children.
2. Joseph (1st), born March 11, 1649, died June 24, 1650. First death on Andover town records.
3. Hannah, born June 9, 1650, died March 2, 1741. Married Captain John Chandler on December 20, 1676. Click here for a list of Hannah & John's children.
4. Joseph (2nd), born March 30, 1652, died April 8, 1676. First inhabitant of Andover killed by Indians. “The Indians came to avenge the death of the old and blind redmen in the Nauset wigwams, who had been burned by Joseph and his fellow soldiers on the way home from the Chelmsford garrison.” The soldiers said they “did not know that the old Indians were left behind in the village.” The soldiers were “filled with hot cider and war fury,” so the deaths can be attributed to “liquor.” (4)
5. George, born June 7, 1655, died February 26, 1736. He married Dorcas Graves on April 17, 1678. He was a Captain and fought in King Philip’s War. “George was a selectman of Andover and a man of Christian character.”(2) Click here for a list of George & Dorcas' children.
6. William, my next heir, born November 18, 1657, died October 24, 1713.
7. Sarah, "born November 14, 1659, died June 28, 1711. Married Ephraim Stevens on October 11, 1680. He was born about 1634 and died about 1685." (14)
8. Benjamin, born December 20, 1661, died March 30, 1703. Married Sarah Farnum on April 22, 1685, they had four children. He served in the military as a Corporal and fought in King Philip’s War. Benjamin was a carpenter and at the age of 24 he built a house (click here for more info)”for his bride on 75 acres along the Shawsheen River that was part of a bigger estate owned by his father.” “Ben built the house like a fort in order to withstand Indian attacks.” “Ben was rightfully nervous about Indians, for he’d lost a brother in an Indian raid, and had another brother kidnapped.” “Abbot’s emotional sensitivity apparently applied to more than just Indians. He became involved in a property line dispute with the owner of the neighboring land, Martha Allen Carrier. Many thought her to be too strong-willed for a woman and she’d once had smallpox.” “She was not one to stand down if she thought she was right.” “When she argued with Ben Abbot, her anger got the better of her.” “She told him she’d be as close to him as bark on a tree until the property issue was settled; then she cursed him for seven years.” “Ben was sensitive to Carrier’s words, especially the curse, and he became bewitched, developing maladies such as a swollen foot and a giant pustule on his side that drained gallons of fluid. He accused Martha Carrier of being a witch.” “Hers was the most famous witch trial and she refused to confess, calling the witnesses liars and denying that the judges told the truth.” “Two of her children, adolescent boys (ages 18 and 15), were tortured until they testified against her”. She was “hanged as a witch on August 19, 1692.” “After she was arrested and executed, sensitive Ben recovered.” (8) Martha Allen married 7 foot 4 inch tall Welshman Thomas Carrier. Much has been written of this citizen of Billerica and Andover who is said to have been a refugee from the vengeance of Charles II, having been the substitute for the regular executioner at the beheading of Charles I." He was "of Billerica in 1674" and his real last name was said to be "Morgan."(19) Click here for a list of Benjamin & Sarah's children.
9. Timothy Sr., born November 17, 1663, died September 9, 1730. “Timothy took one of the powder horns, as he supposed, the morning his brother (Joseph) went to cut elder bushes by the swamp, now Brothers’ Field, but it was the horn of sand, used to whet the scythes, so they had no ammunition. When the Indians came upon them, Joseph was bound not to be taken or let Timothy go, as he knew he would be tortured because he was among those who burned Nauset lodges on his way back from the war. So he resisted, and was killed. Timothy was taken prisoner by Indians on April 8, 1676, he was returned some months later, by a friendly squaw, near the point of starvation.” (1) First marriage to Hannah Graves, when she passed away he married Mary Foster on December 9, 1717. He was a carpenter and builder of the “Old Red Abbot House” in 1704. “Purchased and moved to brother William’s home in 1720.” Click here to see a list of Timothy's children.
10. Thomas Sr., born May 6, 1666, died April 28, 1728. He was a farmer who married Hannah Gray on December 7, 1697, they had 10 children."
Click here for a list of Thomas & Hannah's children
11. Edward, born about 1668, died young (drowned)
12. Nathaniel Sr., born July 4, 1671, died December, 1, 1749. Married Dorcas Hibbert on October 22, 1695. They had 4 children. Occupation: wheelwright. He was a lieutenant in the military. “About 1725 he moved to Concord, New Hampshire (originally called Rumford) and was one of the original settlers. The first European child born in Concord was born in his house.” (14)
Click here for list of Nathaniel & Dorcas' children
13. Elizabeth, born January 29, 1673, died May 4, 1750. Married Nathan Stevens on November 24, 1692.
NOTES
Note #1: Arbella or Arabella “was the flagship of the Winthrop Fleet on which, between April 8 and June 12, 1630, Governor John Winthrop, other members of the Company and Puritan emigrants transported themselves and the Charter of the Massachusetts Bay Company from England to Salem, thereby giving legal birth to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The ship was first known as the Eagle. Its name was changed in honor of Lady Arabella Johnson, who was a member of Winthrop’s Company, along with her husband Isaac Johnson. Lady Arabella was the daughter of Thomas Clinton, 3rd Earl of Lincoln.” This is the same ship that brought George and Hannah to New England in 1637. (for further information about the ship click here)
Note #2: First Church in Roxbury, MA “was built in 1632, that same year Thomas Weld was ordained as the first pastor and John Eliot was ordained as the first teacher”. This church is where, on December 12, 1646 George Abbot and Hannah Chandler were married. “It was the starting point for William Dawes’ Midnight Ride, April 18, 1775, in different direction than Paul Revere.” Repository for the records is the Andover-Harvard Library, Harvard Divinity School.
Note #3: Reverend John Eliot “the Indian missionary called The Apostle.” “He became minister and teaching elder at the First Church in Roxbury. In that town, he founded the Roxbury Latin School in 1645.” (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) “From 1649 to 1674, he was assisted in the Roxbury ministry by Samuel Danforth.” “He developed an interest in the Indian language and customs, and began to preach to the Indians in 1646, at first in English, but within a year in their own tongue, Algonquin. Eliot planned towns for Indian converts, away from the white towns, in areas where they could preserve their own language and culture and live by their own laws. He prepared Indians to be missionaries to their own people.” Born in 1604, “he died after a long illness on May 21, 1690.” (6)
Note #4: Andover boasts an impressive history of Presidential presence. “Washington came through Andover on November 5, 1789, on his tour of the eastern states following his inauguration. In his diary for that year, he writes that he enjoyed breakfast at the Abbot Inn on Elm Street. While at the inn, the president bestowed a kiss on the cheek of Priscilla Abbot, innkeeper Isaac Abbot’s daughter, who handily repaired the president’s riding glove. During his visit he toured the newly founded Phillips Academy.” “On July 1, 1833, President Andrew Jackson came to Andover.” “President Jackson and Vice President Martin van Buren...were welcomed at the Andover town line by the ringing of bells and the firing of artillery.” “The president spent the night at the Mansion House at Phillips Academy.” “Years later, President Franklin Pierce found a second home in Andover, known as the Summer White House. His wife’s sister lived there and the president and his wife visited frequently. Two months before his inauguration as the 14th President, while traveling on a train, one of the axels broke sending Pierce’s car into an embankment near Frye Village. The accident killed his 12 year old son.” “ Former President Theodore Roosevelt attended his son Archibald’s 1913 commencement from the academy. Former president William H. Taft was an honored guest at the academy’s Founder’s Day celebration that same year.” “In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge addressed students and residents in honor of the school’s 150th anniversary.” In 1959, Senator John F. Kennedy made a campaign stop. “President H.W. Bush spent five years studying at Phillips Academy.” “George W. Bush attended from 1962-1964.” (for more information click here)
Note #5: Reverend Francis Dane, (1615-1697) (Hannah Chandler Abbott’s second husband) “Dane moved to Andover in 1648, he became the second pastor of the North Parish in 1649. During that time he founded a school for Andover youth. Around 1680, when Francis Dane was 65 years of age, church members became concerned about his ability to fulfill his role leading the church and requested that a younger minister be sent to them. In January, 1682, Rev. Thomas Barnard, a recent Harvard graduate arrived. Shortly following Barnard’s arrival, Francis Dane’s salary was stopped.” “Dane petitioned the General Court in Boston to have it reinstated. The town complied, but split the salary of 80 pounds a year so that Dane received 30 pounds and Barnard 50. Neither man was pleased with the solution.” “He was seventy-six years old when the Salem Witch Trials began. Reverend Barnard did much to facilitate the witch hunt, holding prayer meetings in the church that resulted in touch tests where the accusers could simply touch community members who were then accused of witchery. Reverend Dane refused to take part in the witch hunt from the outset, and perhaps because of this, as well as the tension between Dane and Barnard, more members of Dane’s family were accused than any other single family in the entire episode. In addition to Dane’s extended family, two of Dane’s daughters, his daughter-in-law, and five of his grandchildren were accused.” “Regardless of the motives behind what occurred in Andover in 1692, Dane emerged as a fearless and effective leader. He suffered under the accusations of numerous members of his family, yet found the strength to guide an entire community through an irrationality that could have lead to many more innocent deaths had he not taken such an outspoken, controversial and admirable stand.” (Salem Witch Trials in History and Literature)
Note #6: I discovered that, in addition to my heir George Abbot of Andover, there was also a George and George Abbot of Rowley, Massachusetts (located not far from Andover). "There is some evidence that the three Abbots were related. Perhaps George of Andover was a son of an older, and Thomas of a younger brother of George of Rowley. Coincidence of names in their families indicates relationship. All three name sons John and daughters Sarah. George of Andover, soon after the death of Thomas of Rowley and the marriage of Thomas of Andover, named a son Thomas. The same George, after naming his first daughter for his wife, called his second Sarah for the wife of George of Rowley, who at that early date had no daughter; but in reasonable time returned the compliment by naming his third daughter Hannah. Thomas had six sons, five are named after five of those of George of Andover." "The tradition that three brothers came from England, and settled in Andover and vicinity, from whom originated all the Abbots in the country, may have arisen from the fact, that the three were probably sons of three brothers in England."
Note #7: New information regarding George of Rowley.
George Abbott Sr.
Born before November 24, 1586 in Chappel, Essex, Englandmap
Son of Thomas Abbott and Anne (Unknown) Abbott
Brother of Katherine Abbott, Margaret (Abbott) Warren and Thomas Abbott
Husband of Dorothy (UNKNOWN) Abbott — married [date unknown] [location unknown]
Husband of Mary (Felstead) Abbott — married October 5, 1624 (to 1633) in Great Tey, Essex, Englandmap
Father of Thomas Abbott Sr., George Abbott Jr., Mary Abbott, Nehemiah Abbott, Mary Abbott and Thomas Abbott Jr.
Died before August 30, 1647 in Rowley, Essex County, Massachusetts Bay Colonymap
George Abbott was baptized at Chappel, county Essex, England on 24 November 1586, the son of Thomas Abbott.[3] He was married to Mary Felstead in the adjacent parish of Great Tey on 5 October 1624. He was a maltster. "Mary wife of George Abbott" was buried at Chappel at the end of the year 1633 [exact date is illegible].[4]
George's father, Thomas Abbott was born say 1556 (assuming that he was age 25 in 1581), and was buried at Chappel, co. Essex, on 30 May 1625. The administration of Thomas' estate was granted to son George on 6 October 1625. George Abbott of "Ponsbright alias Chappel," maltster, became administrator for the estate of his father, Thomas Abbott, deceased, and entered feoffment for £70 bond. No marriage record was found for Thomas in Boyd's Marriage Index for Essex, which includes almost all of the extant parish registers. Thomas' only known wife was recorded at Chappel as "Anne Abbott the wife of Thomas Abbot died and was buried the xvj day of November" 1612.[3]
George was an early settler of Rowley, Massachusetts, and is known to have had three sons, Thomas, George, and Nehemiah, all born in Chappel before the family's arrival in New England about 1643. This family's records have been found in parish registers in northern Essex, a region which produced many New England colonists. The three sons were all baptized in the parish of Chappel, and George was married in the adjacent parish of Great Tey. Unfortunately, no wills have been found for the family.[3]
The first record of George Abbott in Rowley, Massachusetts, is found when he headed a registration of lots granted there dated 10 January 1643[/4], when he received a two-acre house lot. His nuncapative will does not survive, although it is mentioned in a court record dated 11 November 1647. The administration of his estate was granted to Marke Symonds [of Ipswich] on 28 7th month [Sept.] 1647. On 28 March 1654, the sons acknowledged that they had received their portions from their guardians, Humphrey Rayner and Thomas Mighill; £16 was given to son George, £21 to son Nehemiah, and £16 to son Thomas Jr. An inventory of the estate was taken on 30 August 1647, with a total value of £95 2s. 8d.[4]
Children of George Abbott, the first five by Mary (Felstead), baptized at Chappel, co. Essex; the sixth child was by a different mother whose identity is not known:[4]
Thomas Sr., bp. 1 Sept. 1625, bur. Rowley, Mass., 7 Sept. 1659; m. there, Mass., 13 5m [July] 1655, Dorothy Swan, daughter of Richard and Ann (_____) Swan. No children.
George, bp. 22 Nov. 1627, d. Andover, Mass., 22 March 1688/9; m. there, 26 April 1658, Sarah(2) Farnham, daughter of Ralph and Alice (_____) Farnham of Ipswich, Mass. Ten children.
Mary, bp. 21 Dec. 1628, bur. Chappel, 24 Feb. 1630[/1].
Nehemiah, bp. 2 May 1630, d. Ipswich, Mass., March 1706/7; m. Ipswich, Mass., 14 Dec. 1659, Mary How, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Dane) How(e). Three children, two of whom d. young.
Mary Abbott (again) bp. 26 Feb. 1631[/2], bur. Chappel, 13 May 1634.
Thomas Jr., b. by 1639, was at Concord, Mass. in 1659, d. Andover, 6 May 1695; m. there, 15 Dec. 1664, Sarah Stewart. Ten children.
Son Thomas Sr.'s estate named brothers, Thomas and Nehemiah Abbott.[5]
Immigration
George Abbott migrated to New England in 1642, and died five years later in 1647 in Rowley, (or Ipswich) Massachusetts. With Mr. Roger's Party, first arrived in Salem, MA, in the fall 1638. He had large land holdings in Rowley. His will dated 11 Nov 1647 shows that he had large estates and left or deeded most of it to his older son. Two of his sons were were called Thomas, one Sr. and the other Jr. This practice was somewhat common in England at the time (pp 3-12).[1]
Marriage and Children
George was married on 5 October 1624 at Great Tey, Essex, England to Mary Felstead.[1] Their first five children were born between 1625 and 1632 and were baptized at Chappel.[1]
Children:[1][5]
Thomas Abbott, Sr, b "say" 1628,[5] d Sept 5, 1659 Rowley; mar Dorothy Swan, daughter of Richard and Anna Swan of Rowley (p 9)
George Abbott b "say" 1633; mar Sarah Farnum (p 13)
Nehemiah Abbott b "say" 1634; mar Dec 14, 1659 to Mary How/Howe, rem. to Ipswich
Thomas Abbott, Jr, b c. 1637 [ EQC 3:132]
There were two sons named Thomas. Lemuel Abbott speculates that one may have been adopted (p 5).[1] The children were appointed guardians when their father died.
Court & Probate Records
Estate of "George Abbot of Rowley" [6]
30: 1: 1647 Warrant for George Abott, Thomas Abbott, sr., Thomas Abbot, jr., and Nehamiah Abbot, about putting out one of the sons of George Abbot by the town of Rowley. Town of Rowley allowed to put forth Thomas Abott, jr., son of George Abott of Rowley, to be an apprentice to John Boynton (also Boyton) for seven years. Boynton to pay him £5 at the end of his time. Case to be referred to next court, in order that the boy's father have opportunity to object. Ipswich Quarterly Court 30: 1: 1647 Vol. 1:111, 113
28: 7: 1647 Marke Symonds appointed administrator of the estate of George Abott, late of Rowley. The will referred to General Court. Ipswich Quarterly Court 28: 7: 1647 Vol. 1:128
28: 10: 1647 Nuncupative [verbal, deathbed] will of George Abbott of Rowley sent from Salem Quarterly Court to General Court. Ordered that it shall stand; and after paying legacies to the children, the remainder shall remain in hands of Marke Simons of Ipswich, according to the will, to be disposed of to the children, who are to choose their guardians, etc. Marke Simons to have 4d. and the wintering of two cows. Salem Quarterly Court Records 28: 10: 1647 Vol. 1:130-131
30 Aug 1647 Inventory taken by Sebastan Brigham, Thomas Barker, Mathew Boyes, and James Barker. House, land, outbuildings, £30; total of estate £95 [Ipswich deeds, 1:61]
28: 1: 1648 Humphry Rayner (or Reiner) and Thomas Mighill were chosen guardians by the children of Georg Abott, late of Rowley, and confirmed by Salem and Ipswich courts. The guardians acknowledged the receipt of £53, the children's portions, divided so: George £16, Nehemyah £21, Thomas Jr. £16. Ipswich Quarterly Court Records 28: 1: 1648 Vol. 1:142
28 Mar 1654, Mr. Reyner presented Nehemiah Abbott and Thomas Abbott, jr., who acknowledged that they had received satisfaction from Mr. Humphry Reyner and Thomas Mighill, guardians, for their portions. Thomas Abbott, Sr., and Nehemiah Abbott testified that their brother George Abbott, had satisfaction also. The guardians were discharged. Ipswich Quarterly Court 28 Mar 1654 Vol. 1:328
Death and Legacy
George died at Rowley sometime before his inventory was taken on 30 August 1647.[1][5] According to Lemuel Abbott, George did have a will (was referred to in inventory documents), but has not been found. Apparently, the death of George Abbott was not recorded in town records, or if so they have now been lost.[5]
Research Notes
The Find-A-Grave memorial for George Abbott of Rowley cites only Savage, who writes one line: ".... brot. from Eng. s. George, Nehemiah, and Thomas, and d. 1647.[7]
HIS SON GEORGE ABBOT, JR
eorge Abbott Jr. aka Abbot, Abbet
Born before November 22, 1627 in Chappel, Essex, Englandmap
Son of George Abbott Sr. and Mary (Felstead) Abbott
Brother of Thomas Abbott Sr., Mary Abbott, Nehemiah Abbott, Mary Abbott and Thomas Abbott Jr.
Husband of Sarah (Farnham) Ingalls — married April 26, 1658 in Andover, Essex, Massachusettsmap
Father of George Abbott, Sarah Abbott, John Abbott Sr., Mary (Abbott) Barker, Nehemiah Abbott, Hannah (Abbott) Ingalls, Mehitable (Abbott) Cutter, Lydia (Abbott) Chandler and Samuel Abbott Sr
Died March 22, 1689 in Andover, Essex, Massachusetts,USAmap
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Last modified 22 January 2016.
21 January 2016
23:30: Bobbie (Madison) Hall edited the Biography, Birth Date, Birth Place and Status Indicators for George Abbott. (added TAG source & update bio based on that article) [Thank Bobbie for this | 1 thank-you received]
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Categories: Rowley, Massachusetts | Andover, Massachusetts.
Contents
[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Death
1.2 Event
2 Sources
Biography
George Abbott was baptized 22 Nov. 1627 at Chappel, co. Essex, England, the son of George and Mary (Felstead) Abbot.[1] He arrived in New England with his father and brothers about 1642. The family settled in Rowley, Massachusetts. George remained there until 1655 when he moved to Andover, Massachusetts, known as North Andover and now Andover Center.[2]
He married Sarah Farnham in Andover, Massachusetts on 26 April 1658,[3] the daughter of Ralph(1) and Alice (_____) Farnham of Ipswich, Mass.[4] The family resided in Andover, where the couple's ten children were born. George Abbott was a tailor and one of the five wealthiest men in Andover. He was freeman in 1669 and constable in 1680.[2]
There were two men named George Abbott in Andover, Massachusetts, in the town's early years. They were not father and son, but to distinguish them the older George Abbott was commonly referred to as "George Abbot, senior," and this man was known as "George Abbot, junior." He also was called "George Abbot tailor" or "George Abbott of Rowley."[5]
George Abbott died in Andover on March 22, 1688/9 (new style date 1689).[6] He left no will. There was, however, an agreement of heirs, dated 27 March 1689/90, amongst the widow Sarah (now wife of Henry Ingals), eldest son George, John the 2nd son, Nehemiah the 3rd son, daughters Sarah, Mary, Hannah, and Lydia (when she comes of age, her brother Nehemiah to be her guardian), and the two youngest children Samuel & Mehitable. The widow married Henry Ingalls before the writing of the agreement,[7] on 01 Aug 1689 in Andover.[8]. John Falkner and Stephen Barker having married Sarah & Mary, also signed the agreement.[9]
Death
Death:
Date: 22 Mar 1688/89
Place: Andover, Essex, Massachusetts
Event
Event: Sgt. James Osgood's militia company
Type: Military Service
Type: Freeman
Date: 19 May 1669
Event: Constable
Type: Town Office
Date: 3 Jun 1680
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