Introductory note:  This is a series of email posting to the Dunton-L Rootsweb email list dating back to 1998.  The work was graciously done by Darrell A. Martin and posted to the list.

Subject: Middlesex Co, MA Probate

Present-Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 17:34:32 -0800 (PST)

Resent-From: DUNTON-L@rootsweb.com

Date: Fri, 16 Jan 1998 19:30:51

From: "Darrell A. Martin" <darrellm@sprynet.com>

Mike:

Sometimes one has to go through a whole stack of stuff knowing full well that there probably won't be anything earth-shattering in it, but that one won't be sure unless it's done. Then all that work doesn't do anybody else any good. My posting of these summaries is one way of MY getting more enjoyment out of these probate records than I might, otherwise. And, who knows, I might find out something I didn't already know.

My approach is this: first, I created a computer database of all the DUNTON / DUTTON surname entries (including variants) from the official published index of the "first series" of Middlesex County probate records. The index is at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Then I sorted the database various ways, including by date. The date list is the one I am working from. Then I went to my local LDS Family History Center and put film number 0397047 on long-term loan. This film is of all the documents actually in the files, not of abstracts. The index numbers were assigned at the time the records were alphabetized for filing. The order is by surname, then given name. The name of the principal person, as spelled in the first document, is used to index the file. This led in one case to someone correctly named DUNTON throughout the file being alphabetized and indexed under DUNTING, which only appeared in the first, preliminary, petition. Working forward by date, I have manually (i.e., pen on paper) summarized each probate entry I have found. (Why ARE so many of these DUTTON / DUNTON folks "non compos mentis" anyway?? {grin}) In my summaries I distinguish between my own "translations" and verbatim quotes. I try to find anything that, even if not obviously meaningful to me at the time, might be a genealogical clue later. I also watch the dates, since the bond certificates frequently express the year both in A.D. and in the regal year of the king.

I'm glad you find what I'm doing of value. If anybody gets a clue, or some long-sought proof, or just confirmation of already-known facts, that makes it worth it.

Darrell

Darrell A. Martin
Formerly of the Dutton District of Springfield, Vermont
Currently in Exile in Addison, Illinois
darrellm@sprynet.com

Hi, fellow Dutton descendants, cousins, and lurkers:

I am in the process of transcribing summaries of every DOTON / DUNTON / DUNTING / DUTTEN / DUTTON file in the Middlesex County, Massachusetts Probate Records. Most of this information does not tie in with my DUTTON line but I'd hate to have it go to waste. The following is one of a series of messages giving my findings.

Key: Text is summary unless enclosed in "double quotation marks." All spelling, especially of names, is as found. Formatting is for readability, especially lists. I apologize for any error which, although I have worked hard to avoid it, may have crept in.

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Probate file number, name, date:

6367 Sally DOTON 1835

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Doton, Sally -- South Reading -- 1835 -- Will -- 6367

Family History Center Microfilm # 397045

Summary:

She bequeathed "equally to my beloved children Barzillia Reed Lewis, Sarah Lewis, Rachel Elizabeth Lewis, and Louisa Lewis children by my first husband . . . when each child shall become of twenty one years of age whether my only son or either[?] of my daughters"

[signed] "Sally Doton"
[dated] 15 May 1835

Probate at Charlestown 18 August 1835

. . . "Sally Doton, late of South Reading . . . widow, deceased"

Appointment of persons to take inventory 30 May 1835

Value of estate $155.36

========================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6531 Deborah DUNTING 1741

6532 Deborah DUNTON 1774

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunting, Deborah -- Natick -- 1741 -- Guardian -- 6531

Dunton, Deborah -- Natick -- 1774 -- Administration -- 6532

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

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6531 -- Deborah Dunting -- 1741

16 October 1741 -- Robert Cook, Eleazar Kingsbery, James Kingsbury, selectmen of Needham inform the court "that their is a poor widow woman belonging to the town of Natack whose name is Deborah Dunting who has for a Long time been wandring from place to place being berived of her sences & not Capable of Looking after her Self Either to Recive or to Lay out any of that Litlll Dowrey Comming to her from her desesed husband and stands in absolute neede" and request the appointment of a guardian.

[Note: this, the earliest document in the file, and the judge's immediate response to it, are the only ones to call her "Deborah Dunting." The others refer to her as "Deborah Dunton" or, in one place, "Deborah Duntan." Unfortunately, the probate file itself is alphabetized under the least correct surname.]

19 October 1741 -- Judge requests that Natick selectmen determine whether "Deborah Dunting" is "a Person Non-compos Mentis or not."

26 October 1741 -- Selectmen state "that Deborah Dunton Relict widow to Thomas Dunton Late of Natick Deceased is deprived of the free Use of Her Reason and is uncapable of Managing Her affairs and is a Non Compos person."

[signed by mark] Thomas Pegon
[signed by mark] Joseph Ephraim
[witnessed] James Kingsbury
[witnessed] Eleazar Kingsbery

26 October 1741 -- David Morse, Hezekiah Broad, and Jonathan Carver write the judge, "We think ourselves obliged to inform you, that this day the selectment of Needham brought into Natick one Deborah Dunton, pretending to have done according to Law altho she was (as we understand) born in sd Needham & is now an Inhabitant there & sd selectmen have (if we are rightly informed) obtained a paper signed by some (Called) selectmen of Natick, of what purport we are not certain, & have some reason to thing the signers themselves did not fully understand; but as far as we can guess to signify that sd woman is not Compos Mentis; which we shall not determine" and the letter goes on to argue that the supposed selectmen's certification is invalid because Natick is an Indian town, with Colonel Fullam appointed their overseer, and he was not consulted. Further, in point of legal privileges Natick is not counted as a town, according to the letter. The writers ask the judge not to proceed without further investigation.

14 December 1741 -- Eleazar Kingsbury and Robert Cook, both of Needham, yeomen, give bond of 1,000 pounds for Eleazar Kingsbury's guardianship of "Zeborah Dunton of Natick widow . . . a Person Non-Compos."

[It is clearly a simple clerical error, but the first letter of Deborah's name is definitely NOT a D.]

14 December 1741 -- Eleazar Kingsbury of Needham, yeoman, appointed guardian of "Deborah Duntan of Natick . . . widow."

28 April 1743 -- Eleazar Kingsbery gives an accounting of his guardianship. Items include:

"For mony to a citation to ye Indians selectmen to take care of her . . .

To going to Natick to cary ye woman to ye selectmen there . . ."

[Dated "Needham"]

2 May 1743 -- Judge allows the account and revokes Eleazar Kingsbury's guardianship. "A copy of this acct. to be {??}ed to ye selectmen of Needham."

31 May 1745 -- Needham selectmen recommend Amos Fuller as guardian for "Deborah Dunton of Natick."

3 June 1745 -- Amos Fuller bonded as guardian of "Deborah Dunton of Natick."

4 May 1769 -- Amos Fuller gives accounting of his guardianship, including "support of the said Deborah and her child." The account is allowed by the judge.

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6532 -- Deborah Dunton -- 1774

4 January 1774 -- In an extremely sparse file, Isaac Dunton of Natick, husbandman, and two others are bonded and Isaac is admitted administrator of the estate of "Deborah Dunton late of Natick aforesaid Widow deceased intestate."

======================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6538 Samuel Dunton Jr. 1684

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Samuel Jr. -- Reading -- 1684 -- Administration -- 6538

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

[Undated -- possibly 1684] "An account of the Administration of Sarah Richardson formerly Sarah Dunton: and Relict widow of Samll. Dunton Junr. of Reading deceased. Where as I the said Sarah Richardson was allowed Adminx. on the estate of my former husband Samll. Dunton who dyed Intestate: in Reading" and an inventory follows, totalling 249 pounds 15 shillings.

[among expenses]

"Paid to Brother Jno. Dunton"

"To Mother Kendall 1-7-0 a year for . . ."

"To the Doctor and funeral charges for my Daughter Rebeckah"

"and I Brought up 5 my children which cost me . . ."

[note: the character "5" is clear, but is written either as an insertion or a superscript, meaning ??]

"And I paid to my daughter Sarah Frost in moveable goods: toward her portion . . ."

3 October 1705 -- "The underwritten persons being three of the Children of Saml. Dunton (deceased) Viz one by himself the Other by their Guardian and Attorney . . . declare themselves fully satisfied . . ."

[Signed -- hard to decipher] "Ebenezer Duntin" and "(Jon??? or Thos???)

Duntin" and the guardian/attorney.

10 October 1705 -- Judge appoints Capt. Thomas Nichols, Lieut. Hananiah Parker, and Mr. Joshua Eaton of Reading to appraise the estate.

22 October 1705 -- The appraisal is returned at 130 pounds 4 shillings.

5 November 1705 -- Documents filed, with notation:

"Children of Saml. Dunton
Saml. Dunton's Childr.
Ebenezr. Dunton
Thos. Dunton
Sarah Frost daughter of (deceased)
Estate to be divided into 5 shares."

3 December 1705 -- "Ebenezer Dunton of Roxbury in the County of Suffolk, Blacksmith, Thomas Nichols & Josph. Burnap both of Redding . . ." give bond. Ebenezer, son, gets the real estate. Other shares to "Saml. & Rebeccah Dunton the Children of sd. Dunton late of Redding (deceased??) Eldest son of the Intestate aforesaid or unto their guardians . . ." they get a double share. "Thomas Dunton" gets a single share. "Sarah the Wife of Thomas Frost of Billerica . . . daughter . . ." gett a single share.

[The document is hard to read, the edges are worn, and as you can see the meaning is sometimes dubious.]

27 April 1706 -- Thomas Frost of Billerica gives a receipt to "Ebenezer Dutton" for Frost's wife's, Sarah's, portion of the estate.

===============================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6539 Samuel Dunton + al. 1705

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Rebecca -- Reading -- 1705 -- Guardian -- 6539

Dunton, Samuel -- Reading -- 1705 -- Guardian -- 6539

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

11 June 1705 -- Joseph Burnap gives bond as guardian to Rebecca Dunton and Samuel Dunton of Reading. Samuel is "about six" and Rebecca is "about seven" years old. They are "Children of Samuel Dunton late of Redding decd. and Anna his wife . . ."

[Note: "Anna" appears to be an error when compared with probate file 6538, certainly for the same family, where the mother's name is "Sarah Richardson, formerly Sarah Dunton" but in this file it is clearly legible as "Anna."

==============================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6537 Samuel Dunton 1685

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Samuel -- Reading -- 1685 -- Will -- 6537

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

3 October 1685 -- John Dunton of Reading Accomptant and Administrator for Samuel Dunton, Middlesex, deceased intestate . . . Among the expenses June 1685 *

"By so much pd Funerall of his Father Saml. Dunton . . .
By pd Hanna & Sarah Dunton . . .
By pd Nath Dunton 4s 6d Charge of Administration . . ."

July 1689 *

"By pd Funerall Charges on my Mother . . .
[illegible] Dunton[?] one Cow at . . .
By Samuell Dunton a going to & Frow [? phrase] . . .
By Nathanl. Dunton Three Acres . . ."
By my Mothers maintenance . . . for 4 years from my Father's decease .. ."

25 August 1702 -- The account is summarized.

[Note: The capital "F" above is written old style, which is sometimes transcribed "ff". Also note that the dates* for the expenses are in the margin, and although they appear to be tied to the expenses listed that is not absolutely certain.]

==================================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6534 Ebenezer Dunton 1730

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Ebenezer -- Sudbury -- 1730 -- Guardian -- 6534

Dunton, Ebenezer -- Natick -- 1730 -- Guardian -- 6534

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

9 September 1730 -- "Ebenezer Dunton in his 16th year son of Nathaniel Dunton of Sudbury has chosen Thomas Dunton of Natick Husbandman for his guardian. Thos Dunton of Sudbyry Husbandman Surety 300L [pounds]. Fees paid Judge 7/6."

9 September 1730 -- "Thomas Dunton of Natick, Husbandman" and "Thomas Dunton of Sudbury, Husbandman" give 300 pounds bond for "Thomas Dunton" [not specified in the bond document which] as guardian to "Ebenezer Dunton a Minor in his sixteenth years of age a son of Nathaniel Dunton late of Sudbury aforesd. Deceased . . ."

[signed by mark] Thomas Dunton
[signed by mark] Thomas Dunton

===========================================

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Nathaniel -- Sudbury -- 1736 -- Guardian -- 6535

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Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

"Natick March ye 10th 176/7" [context makes it clear 1736/7 was intended] Certifies "That Nathaniel Dunten is full fourteen years old, and has chose Sargt. Samuel Gould of Sudbury to be his Gardain as witness our hands."

[signed by mark] Thomas Coller
[signed by mark] John Dunten

"March 10th 1736 allowed 300" [followed by a symbol I don't recognize, but seems to mean "pounds"]

"Mother to signify her intent before letter be granted"

15 March 1736 "Samuel Gould & Samuel Graves junr." both of Sudbury give 300 pounds bond for "Samuel Gould Nominated and Allowed to be Guardian unto Nathaniel Dunten a Minor in his fifteenth year of age, son of Nathaniel Dunton late of Sudbury in the County of Middlesex Deced."

[note in both documents the surname spellings Dunten and Dunton]

=================================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6590 Jonathan Dutton 1732

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dutton, Jonathan -- Billerica -- 1732 -- Guardian -- 6590

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Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

23 June 1732 -- Billerica -- "I the subscriber having a son whose name is Jonathan Dutton who is Non Compos or unCapable to take care of him self or family I therefore do desire your Honr. would be pleased to appoint and Impower some meet person to be his Guardian that so both he and his may be taken Care of."

[signed by mark] John Dutton

26 June 1732 -- Judge requests the Billerica selectment to inquire whether "Jona. Dutton within named be a non Composs Person."

2 July 1732 -- John Dutton, Billerica, asks that Jacob Walker of Billerica be guardian for "my son Jonathan Dutton" of Billerica.

3 July 1732 -- The selectmen are "of opinion that Jonathan Dutton within named be so far non-composs as to stand in great need of a Guardian."

3 August 1732 -- Jacob Walker is appointed guardian.

28 June 1738 -- Jacob Walker gives up his guardianship. ". . . the reson why I have not exhibeted an inventory is becase the sd Dutton was restored to his former reson again and also I foresee he was lickly to be set of to a nother town which accordingly he was nevertheless I took care of his Estate and preserved it: but I have never desposed of so much as one peneworth of his Estate to my self or to any other person and now I desire to be dismist from sd. offis -- I charge nothing for my searvice."

[signed] Jacob Walker

20 July 1738 -- The Tewksbury selectmen request that Mr. William Kittredge be appointed guardian to Jonathan Dutton.

11 September 1738 -- William Kitteridge of Tewksbury gives bond of 500 pounds for his guardianship over "Jonathan Dutton of sd. Town, Husbandman."

4 April 1739 -- Inventory is taken of the estate by two Tewksbury selectmen. It totals 200-00-00.

27 November 1744 -- The Tewksbury selectmen petition that "said Dutton having a son now capable of manageing for him and he him self being better Composed then formarly" please let them take care of themselves.

7 January 1744 [meaning 1744/5] -- Guardianship is revoked.

13 September 1764 -- "Mrs. Sarah Duton" requests a guardian for her husband. He's spending the estate.

18 September 1764 -- The Tewksbury selectmen concur with Mrs. Dutton.

18 September 1764 -- Ezra Kendall and William Brown Jr. give bond of 500 pounds for "Ezra Kendall guardian of Jonathan Dutton of Tewksbury, Husbandman."

=============================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6580 John Dutton 1735

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dutton, John -- Billerica -- 1735 -- Administration -- 6580

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Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

16 May 1735 -- "Samuel Dutton Blacksmith, Thomas Kidder Gentleman, & John Sanders Husbandman -- all in the Town of Billerica" give 500 pounds bond for "Samuell Dutton -- admitted adminstrator on the Estate of his Father John Dutton late of sd. Billerica Deced."

[signed] Samuel Dutton
[signed] Thomas Kidder
[signed by mark] John Sanders

14 July 1735 -- A detailed and substandial inventory is taken. There are 41 lines of personal property. There are 8 lines of real property, including the 23.5 acre homestead and 6 other lots.

18 July 1735 --Billerica -- Thomas Danforth, Oliver Farmer, and Jer. Abbott take oaths as to the accuracy of the above inventory before Oliver Whiting, Justice of the Peace.

"Middx. County August 9, 1735 Samuel Dutton ye administrator exhibited this inventory on oath before Jona. Remington JPro."

Probate file number, name, date:

6593 Samuel Dutton 1736

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dutton, Samuel -- Billerica -- 1736 -- Guardian -- 6593

===========================================

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

8 January 1736 -- "Samuel Dutton son of Saml. Dutton late of sd. Billerica decd. being about the age of eighteen years acknowledged that he chose Thomas Kidder of sd. Billerica his guardian before me."

[signed] Benj'n. Tompson

"allowed 500 it[?] John Dutton of [?] in surety"

10 January 1736 -- Thomas Kidder Gentleman & John Dutton Husbandman, both of Billerica, give 500 pounds bond for Thomas Kidder's guardianship of "Samuel Dutton a Minor about eighteen years old, son of Samuel Dutton late of sd. Billerica . . . Deced. . . ."

[signed] Thomas Kidder
[signed] John Dutton

===========================================

Probate file number, name, date:

6542 Deborah Dunton +al 1737

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index

to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First

Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Deborah -- Natick -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Deborah -- Needham -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Isaac -- Natick -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Isaac -- Needham -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Johanna -- Natick -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Johanna -- Needham -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Sarah -- Natick -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

Dunton, Sarah -- Needham -- 1737 -- Guardian -- 6542

===========================================

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

4 July 1737 -- Natick -- "Hond. Sir If your Honr. sees Cause to appoint Mr. John Goodenow a Guardian to the Children of Thoms. Dunton Dec'd. I am humbly of opinion he will do very well, I am your Honrs. humble servant"

[signed] Oliver Peabody

4 July 1737 -- "John Goodenow of Needham . . . Husbandman & Ebenezer Felch of Natick . . . Husbandman" give 1000 pounds bond for John Goodenow's guardianship of "Deborah, Sarah, Isaac & Johanna -- all minors & children of Thomas Dunton late of Natick Deceas'd."

[signed] John Goodenow
[signed] Ebenezer Felch
[witnessed] Saml. Danforth
[witnessed by mark] John Dunton

13 July 1745 -- Natick -- "Hond. Sir, The occasion of my giving you this trouble, is that Sarah Daughter of Thomas Dunton late of Natick, Decd.: who has been under the Guardianship of Capt. John Goodenow, is now come to be fourteen years old, & is (as I am told) inveigled by one Ebenezer Frost to chuse him (Frost) her guardian, he is one yt. is Called a New light & has separated from our chh; & as ye. sd. Sarah was by her Father committed to me, I think myself Bound to desire of your Honr.: not to admit sd. Frost as her Guardian, nor any whom he shall recommend, I know no fitter man at present than Capt. Goodenow for a guardian for her, but if she is so misguided as not to Chuse him, I pray your Honr. to put in one well recommended; there is one Mr. Broad named, whom (altho' otherwise a good sort of man,) yet at present I cant recommend. asking your Excuse for this Trouble I beg leave to subscribe Your Honrs. very humble servt."

[signed] Oliver Peabody

"PS: Sir I suppose the design is that the Girle may Live with sd. Frost which I hope will never be allowed of. OP."

22 July 1751 -- "The account of John Goodenow, Guardian of Deborah Dunton within named . . . The said Guardian is charged with her proportion of 134-13-4 (Rent of the Place for 8 years) -- being -- 26-16-8 and craves allowances as follows -- viz (vid. within)." The expenses on the reverse side were allowed by the judge, 22 July 1751.

9 February 1753 -- Dedham -- "These lines are to sertify that Isaac Dunton has made Chois Mr. Nathaniel Battle to Be his gardaen as witness my hand"

[signed by mark] Isaac Dunton
[witnessed] Ebenezer Battle
[witnessed] Thomas Battle

16 April 1753 -- "The accot. of John Goodenow -- Guardian of Deborah, Joanna, Isaac & Sarah Dunton, minors & children of Thomas Dunton late of Natick . . . Deceased.

The said accountant chargeth himself with . . .
Also, with the Rent of 2/3 of the Place the first 5 years . . .
Also, with Rent of Do. for 8 years next afterwards . . .
And . . . craves allowance . . .
For his Disbursements, Journeys & Trouble in his Guardianship -- for sd.
Deborah and Joanna joyntly, as follows: . . .
For his Disbursements, Journeys & Trouble on behalf of Sarah, as by an accot.
Particularly on File . . .
For Do. for Isaac . . ."

Part of the account was exhibited by Mr. Goodenow in his lifetime, part by Nathaniel Battle . . . current administrator, and present guardian of "one of the Children beforenamed -- now of age." The judge allowed the account, plus 8 pounds old tenor to Isaac Goodenow for settling "the said minors concerns" after John Goodenow's death.

17 April 1753 -- "Nathaniel Battle Yeoman and Joseph Draper Yoeman both of Dedham" give 500 pounds bond for Nathaniel Battle's guardianship of "Isaac (at his own Election) a Minor upwards of fourteen years of age son of Thomas Dunton late of Natick . . . Deceased."

[signed] Nathaniel Battle
[signed] Joseph Draper
[witnessed] Andw. Bordman
[witnessed] John Farrar

14 June 1753 -- Natick -- Receipt to Isaac Goodenow from "Joanna Dunten Daughter of . . . Thomas Dunten"

[signed as guardian] Joseph Draper

14 June 1753 -- Natick -- Receipt to Isaac Goodenow from "Isaac Dunten Son of . . . Thomas Dunten"

[signed as guardian] Nathaniel Battle

14 June 1753 -- Natick -- Receipt to Isaac Goodenow from "Sarah Dunten Daughter of . . . Thomas Dunten"

[signed] Sarah Dunten

14 June 1753 -- Natick -- Receipt to Isaac Goodenow from "Thomas Battle and Deborah Battle Daughter of the sd. Thomas Dunten . . . We say Received by us"

[signed] Thomas Battle

[Note on the above four receipts: all four are written by the same hand, and all spell the surname "Dunten." Interestingly enough, Sarah signs her name with that spelling. All the receipts were ordered recorded by the judge 2 July 1753.]

Probate file number, name, date:

6576 James Dutton 1755

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dutton, James -- Chelmsford -- 1755 -- Will -- 6576

===========================================

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047

Summary:

3 December 1748 -- "I James Dutton of Chelmsford . . . being very weak in Body but of perfect mind and Memory. . . . Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament." The following items are listed (the numbering is mine):

1. Funeral expenses to "be equally paid by my two Beloved Sons Jonas: and James:"

2. "My Dearly Beloved wife Phebe" to have the use of the west end of the house, which is to be maintained by his two sons.

3. Wife Phebe to have the use of all the household goods.

4. Sons Jonas and James to provide wife Phebe with a cow, a pig each year, and other provisions.

5. Son Jonas to own the east end of the house, and half the barn.

6. Son Jonas to receive the blacksmith shop, related tools, and all of the iron.

7. Sons Jonas and James to divide equally all lands in Chelmsford.

8. Son James to own the west end of the house and have the use of it after his mother's death.

9. Son James to pay 1/3 the cost for Jonas to rebuild the house, when Jonas does so. James to own half the barn.

10. "Unto my Beloved Daughter Mary one Puter Platter and one Puter plate."

11. "Unto my Beloved Daughter Mary the sum of Twenty Pounds in passable Bills of Credit of the old tenor" to be paid by Jonas immediately upon his father's death, "and that to be her full portion."

12. "Unto well Beloved Daughter Dorcas" 20 pounds, to be paid by James when she reaches age 20, "her full portion."

13. "Unto my Beloved Daughter Easther" 20 pounds, to be paid by Jonas when she reaches age 20, "her full portion."

14. Upon Phebe's death all household goods to be divided equally among all the children.

15. Livestock to be divided equally between the two sons. Son "Jonas Dutton to be my Sole Executor."

[legal boilerplate]
[signed] James Dutton
[witnessed] Ephraim Spaulding
[witnessed] Moses Graves
[witnessed] David Butterfield

14 July 1755 -- Chelmsford -- The "heirs to ye Estate of James Dutton Late of Chelsmford . . . deceast." are satisfied with the will.

[signed by mark] Phebe Dutton widow
[signed] Jonas Dutton
[signed] James Dutton
[signed by mark] Mary Farmer
[signed by mark] Thomas Blanchard Jun.
[signed by mark] Dorcas Blanchard

4 August 1755 -- "Jonas Dutton Blacksmith, Ephraim Spaulding Gentleman, & David Butterfield Husbandman all of Chelmsford" give 300 pounds bond for the executorship of Jonas of the will of "his Father Mr. James Dutton late of Chelmsford . . ."

[signed] Jonas Dutton
[signed] Ephraim Spaulding
[signed] David Butterfield
[witnessed] Andw. Bordman
[witnessed] James Woods

4 August 1755 -- The will "of James Dutton late of Chelmsford in said County Yeoman deceased . . . was presented for Probate by Jonas Dutton the Executor therein named." The will was proved and allowed by the judge.

===========================================

This one is a bit different from previous posts.

Probate file number, name, date:

6540 Thomas Dunton 1683

Indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Thomas -- Reading -- 1683 -- Will -- 6540

===========================================

Family History Center Microfilm # 397047 has only an index card, which reads:

-----

No 6540 (Copy) Thomas Dunton of Reading

1683 Dec. 18 Record of Noncupative Will Vol. 6 Pg. 166

" Record of Inventory

(Nathaniel Dunton, Adm.) " "

-----

Family History Center Microfilm # 0521762 has the original probate books for Middlesex County, vols. 4-6 1672-1705. HOWEVER, the records in question are in Vol. 6 but on pages 109-110, found by reference to the original index for Vol. 6. What follows is the entire record, verbatim and literatim (if you don't read Latin, that means not only word by word but letter by letter -- if you do read Latin, maybe it means something else? {grin}):

-- Best viewed in a monospaced font such as Courier for the tabular stuff. -- The dates are all very clear in the original. The probate records I checked in the same book, about the same time, consistently used Annunciation dating, in which November - month 9 and December - month 10.

-- The capital "F" in the clerk's handwriting is a character we today interpret as "ff" (Uncle Felch).

-- The "2 guns" at the bottom of the first page is a device used by manuscript copyists to make certain that they begin the next page at the right spot. This clerk used it extensively, where the first two or three words of the following page are lightly written at the bottom of the preceding page.

-----

[top of page - gutter to the left]

109

Thos. Dunton

The last mind & verball will of Thomas Dunton of Redding who dyed .27.Nov.1683. Wee whose names are underwritten being p[?]ent[present] at the dying and last words of Thomas Dunton abovesd. & wee Cornelius Brown & Thomas Parker heard Thomas Dunton dispose & give his Estate as followeth

1. Unto my bro: Nathaniel Dunton I give my house & lands: and also said, that his Brother Nathaniel should pay the Doctor.

2. he sayd. Unto my brother John Dunton I give all my tools and all my corn, he paying my Uncle ffelch.

3. he sayd. My wearing cloaths I give to my father and my brother John Dunton.

These were the last & dying words of Thomas Dunton: as we abovenamed are able to testifye if wee be called.

Decemb .18.1683 Cornelius Brown & Thomas Parker made oath in Court as witnesses to the last will above written.

Jonathan Remington Clericus

Tho. Dunton
An Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Dunton at Redding who dyed .27.9.1683.

20 acers of land at                       030 00 00
1 house at                                008 00 00
corne & hay at                            003 15 00
3 acers of medow at                       008 00 00
wheelrights tools at                      002 00 00
Timber & wooden ware at                   000 15 00
Chest and Box : Iron pott at              001 00 00

2 guns

[page break - new page is gutter to the right]
110
Tho. Dunton

2 guns 2 swords with other things at      002 10 00
Books at                                  000 06 00
Bedding at                                001 00 00
Wearing cloaths                           005 10 00
                                         ------------
Totalleth                                  62 16 00

This is a [true?] Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Dunton taken
.14.decemb. [sic - no year]
By M. James Boutwell
John Nickells[??]
Nathaniel Goodwin
18.10.83
Nathaniel Dunton allowed adm. & he took oath to this Inventory
Tho. Danforth [symbol - ?]

===========================================

Probate file number, name, date:

This document RELATES TO:
6538 Samuel Dunton, Jr. 1684
see previous message "Middlesex Co., MA, Probate 3"

This is indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Samuel, Jr. -- Reading -- 1684 -- Administration --

6538

-----

Family History Center Microfilm # 0521762 has the original probate books for Middlesex County, vols. 4-6 1672-1705. This record is in Vol. 6 on pages 141-142, found by reference to the original index for Vol. 6.:

-- The dates are all very clear in the original. The probate records I checked in the same book, about the same time, fairly consistently used Annunciation dating, in which November - month 9 and December - month 10.

-----

[top of page - gutter to the left]

141

[most of the page is the inventory of George Polly]

An Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Duntens jun. who dyed intestate the .9.9.1683 [I believe this should be interpreted as November 9, 1683]

. . .

[land, including] 6 acres of land upon the hill at the south end of his father Duntons Co[?]

. . .

[page break - new page gutter to the right]

142

. . .

cart, & wheels, plow, chairs, wheelwrights tools

. . .

3 Bibles & other books

. . .

one gun

--------------------

the totall summ 249 [pounds] 15 [shillings] 00 [pence]

This is a true Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Dunton as it was taken by us .29.11.1683 [I believe this should be interpreted as January 29, 1683/4]

Apr. 1.84. Sarah Dunton adm. took oath to this Inventory in Court attests

J.R. Clericus

Probate file number, name, date:
This document RELATES TO:
6537 Samuel Dunton 1685
see previous message "Middlesex Co., MA, Probate 5"
although the other entry calls Samuel "deceased, intestate" [??]

This is indexed in Folsom and Rogers, Registers of Probate and Insolvency, "Index to the Probate Records of the County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, First Series, From 1648 to 1871" (Cambridge, MA: 1914) as:

Dunton, Samuel -- Reading -- 1685 -- Will -- 6537

-----

Family History Center Microfilm # 0521762 has the original probate books for Middlesex County, vols. 4-6 1672-1705. This record is in Vol. 6 on pages 252-253, found by reference to the original index for Vol. 6.:

-- The dates are all very clear in the original except for one character, which I have fully annotated. The probate records I checked in the same book, about the same time, fairly consistently used Annunciation dating, in which November is month 9 and December is month 10. However, the careful researcher will take care in *interpreting* the dates given here. -- The writing in this document is somewhat difficult to decipher compared with others of the same period that I have encountered. As usual, I have indicated my uncertainty by [square brackets]. I have recorded in my notes as close to a "picture" of each indeterminate word or character as I could make; the reader is encouraged to contact me with questions or suggestions.

-----

[top of page - gutter to the left]

"The last & verball will & Disposure of Samuel Dunton of Redding his Estate seid.[?] made the last week in the 12: month in the year 1684. & [??] for his son John Dunton. & did voluntarily mend the same about two days before his Death. His own words as followeth"

"Well son John Because I am so much in yor. debt I give to you my Son John Dunton All my Lands & meadow & my house & houses, stuff & cattle my swine (& my beds & bedding I reserve to my selfe & the rest of my houses & Tobacco Garden. and halfe an acre of land. My two cows, my Houshold stuffe all these things I reserve as long as either I or my wife liveth & then they shall be my son Johns all but my swine & bed & bedding them I give to whom I please, & my son John shall pay to either me or my wife as long as either of us liveth ten pounds a yeare"

... [details relating to items and John]

"To my Son Nathaniel I give on peice of land" ... [the following phrase is confusing to me, but the gist of it is] but he can't sell it except to his brother John ... "And as for Samuel my Son that ten acres of land & two acres of meadow which he has of me already & that four acres of meadow which he is to have after my demese is his full double portion"

... [details relating to items]

"but my Grandson Samuel I give my long Gun & my [??] & my Son John shall keep them for him till he is sixteen years of age"

... [details relating to items]

"& after both our demeses John my Son shall pay to my daughters Hannah & Elizabeth Sarah & Mary to each of them a cow a piece or the vallue of a Cow as they shall agree & to my daughter Ruth he shall pay two Cows or the vallue of them & John you may pay some or all of them if you see good before our demese & that meadow wch Thomas had for to use is yours as well as any of

                the"

[page break - new page gutter is to the right]

"253
Sam: Duntons
will"

"the rest of the lands but you let Nathaniel have the use of it as you can spare it. lovingly wee whose names are under written can testify that this abovewritten were the words of our father Samuel Dunton Sen."

[all the following is in the same hand as the rest of the will]
"Hannah Dunton
Ruth Dunton
Ann Dunton Relict of the de[ceased?] doth testify the same abovewritten
Ann Dunton her marke"

[there is no intervening material between the above and the following]

"Sam: Dunton will"

"The last mind & words of Samuel Dunton of Redding Tanner: the fifth day of the fourth month in the year 1685: His own words as followeth."

"That Agreement wch I made with my Son John the last ffebruary.1684. is my will & I would have John write it, for my death shall make no change in my estate, only that wch I reserved to my selfe then I give to my wife now & I would have John & Ruth look after there mother well, if God shall please to take me away now at this time."

"And this above writing was the mind & words of our father the 5th day of the last June in the year.1685[? the last character is peculiar--it appears the clerk first wrote "4" and then attempted to amend it to "5"] wee whose names are here under written can testify to the above writing if called to speak."

[all the following is in the same hand as the rest of the will]

"Anne Dunton Relict of the decd. hir marke
Sarah Dunton
Ruth Dunton"
[there is no intervening material between the above and the following]

"Saml: Duntons

Invent--"

"An Inventory of the Estate of Samuel Dunton of Redding Senr. who dyed the 7 of June 1685"

[various items]

"This inventory was taken 3.--8ber.1685
Apprised by us Jno Browne Jeremiah Swayen"

"Cambr: octobr 6th 1685 John Dutton made oath to this Inventory and tooke Administration"

===========================================

Hi, Duttons and Duntons and all:

Here are some interesting tidbits from Lilley Eaton's "Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass., Including the Present Towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading, with Chronological and Historical Sketches, from 1639 to 1874" (Boston: Alfred Mudge & Son, 1874).

I have a growing suspicion that the Dutton family's connection with the Quakers may help to explain a lot of things. For example, it seems that for first settlers, the Dunton / Dutton family in Reading does not get as much notice in the documents of the time as I would expect. Maybe that's really, "as I would hope," and that is the problem. But in any case knowing the context can frequently make puzzles come clear.

To be a Quaker in early colonial Massachusetts was a criminal offense. A Quaker could be fined, whipped, or exiled; and if one returned after exile, he or she could be executed. So the hostility toward this group is not trivial, and frequently resulted in actions that went way beyond neighborly disapproval. Here are the facts:

Pg. 3: Eaton concludes that Robert Dunton and Samuel Dunton were inhabitants at or about the year of incorporation of Reading. The town was incorporated 29 May 1644.

Pg. 7: in a list of members of the Reading Chruch 29 Sep 1648 to 1650, there is only one Brother Dunton.

Pg. 21: In 1671, "Tho. Hodgman and his wife, Cornelius Browne, John Wiley, Sam'l Dunton, and Sarah Eaton, 'for their uncivill carriages in an unseasonable time of night at Tho. Clarke's house, were admonished and fined costs'." Was this a late party, and a simple complaint of disturbing the peace? Or was this a forbidden Quaker meeting handled this way to avoid harsher penalties?

Pg. 22: In 1672, "Saml Dunton and wife were summoned to Court to answer for not coming to the publique worship of God on the Lords day'." I have other ancestors whose reasons for avoiding worship were worldliness and/or laziness. Was this really the case here? Or was the community flexing anti-Quaker muscles?

Pg. 22: In 1674, "Samuel Dunton of Redding, appearing before the Court and being conficted of bringing up his children in a rude, irreligious, profane, and barbarous manner, contrary to the word of God and the laws of the Commonwealth, the Court doth order 'that the Selectmen of said town do take care to dispose of the children of said Dunton to service or apprenticeship, as they may be capable, and in case they be obstructed therein through the refractiveness and stubbornness in parents or children, they are to inform the Court, who will proceed with them according to law by committing them to the House of Correction until they will learn to submit themselves; and the said Dunton is ordered to pay costs'." Understanding that we may be looking at religious persecution, not necessarily outrageous public behavior or child abuse, can help interpret what otherwise looks pretty horrendous. I can think of no bigger stick to swing than the threat to take children away from their parents.

Pg. 22: There are no Duntons / Duttons in the list of troops for King Philip's War. Given the high percentage of men who did serve throughout New England, and the number of Duttons / Duntons of age in Reading, this is interesting. [NOTE: See below.]

Pg. 34: One of the following generation, Joseph Dutton, is on the 1688 Meeting-house subscription list.

Pg. 38: Two others of the following generation, John Dunton and Sam'l Dunton, are on the minister's tax list.

Had the Puritans won their battle? Or were the Duntons / Duttons just conforming outwardly, like the Japanese Christians did for the 200 years that Japan isolated itself from the West? Or am I all wet?

Comments welcome! I am no expert on these matters.

Darrell

Darrell A. Martin
Formerly of the Dutton District of Springfield, Vermont
Currently in Exile in Addison, Illinois
darrellm@sprynet.com

At 06:53 AM 2/6/98 -0800, you wrote:

>Darrell,
>
>Where did you find a copy of Lilley Eaton's "History of Reading"?

... snip

Mike:

It is call number E 6973.2 at Chicago's Newberry Library. I asked to have 23 pages copied, but I was informed (well, I could see for myself) that it was too fragile to be photocopied. I transcribed each section that I found relevant (anything to do with Dutton / Dunton). When this weekend's CapriCon science fiction convention is over, I can post my transcriptions.

Gotta run. Vulcans are waiting.

Darrell

===========================================

Greetings, fellow Dutton / Dunton searchers:

I have been told that Eaton's "Genealogical History of Reading, Mass." Is difficult to find. I have access to a copy at Chicago's Newberry Library, but it is too fragile to photocopy. I have transcribed the items I would expect to be of interest to this group, and herewith present same:

[Reference information]

Newberry Library, Chicago, E 6973.2

--------------------

[Title page]

GENEALOGICAL HISTORY
OF THE
TOWN OF READING, MASS.
INCLUDING THE PRESENT TOWNS OF
WAKEFIELD, READING, AND NORTH READING,
WITH
CHRONOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SKETCHES
FROM 1639 TO 1874.
BY HON. LILLEY EATON.

[a quote from Whittier which I did not copy]

BOSTON: ALFRED MUDGE & SON, PRINTERS, 34 SCHOOL STREET.
1874

[page ix]
[In a list of early settlers]
33 Dunton, p. 63
34 Dutton, p. 63

[page 3]
"The earliest settlements were made in what is now the town of Wakefield. We are unable to state precisely who were the very first to build and locate upon the territory. It is probable that several families removed hither from Lynn in the same year, and as early as 1640. ... The early records of Lynn, which should [supply information on the earliest land grants] are wanting. [So are some of the earliest Reading records.]"

"There is reason to conclude, however, that the following persons, with their families, were inhabitants at or about the year of incorporation, viz.:--"
[in the list]
"Robert Dunton"
"Samuel Dunton"

[Reading was incorporated 29 May 1644; Mass. Bay Rec., Vol. II, p. 73, cited in "Historical Data relating to Counties, Cities and Towns in Massachusetts" (Published by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1948)]

[page 7]

[In a list of members of the Reading Church 29 Sep 1648 to 1650, inclusive:] "Brother Dunton"

[page 11]

"1652.-- This year the town ordered, -- [that land should be distributed by lot. The list includes] Samuel Dunton, Robert Dunton". [This list is considered the earliest complete list of male inhabitants.]

[page 14]

"1655.-- ... This year 'the meddow from Jeremiah Swayne's meddow, downe below the falls, was divided by lott among the settlers,' and the following changes from the last of drawers as given under the year 1652, appear, viz.:-- 'Omitted: ... Robert Dunton ... Added: ... Tho. Dutton ...' "

[page 20]

[In a list of inhabitants that drew land in the 1666 division of the Great Swamp, with their minister rates:] "Sam Dunton, Jr." 0 pounds, 7 shillings, 0 pence. "N.B.-- ... Samuel Dunton [in a list of six names] did not draw land at that time, for the reason, probably, that they had received special grants." [In a list of 59 houses existing in 1667] "Samuel Dunton" "Samuel Dunton, Jr."

[page 21]

"1671.-- ... Tho. Hodgman and his wife, Cornelius Browne, John Wiley, Sam'l Dunton, and Sarah Eaton, 'for their uncivill carriages in an unseasonable time of night at Tho. Clarke's house, were admonished and fined costs.' "

[page 22]

"1672.-- ... Saml Dunton and wife were summoned to Court to answer 'for not coming to the publique worship of God on the Lordsday.' "

"1674.-- ... Samuel Dunton of Redding, appearing before the Court and being convicted of bringing up his children in a rude, irreligious, profane, and barbarous manner, contrary to the word of God and the laws of the Commonwealth, the Court doth order 'that the Selectment of said town do take care to dispose of the children of said Dunton to service or apprenticeship, as they may be capable, and in case they be obstructed therein through the refractiveness and stubbornness in parents or children, they are to inform the Court, who will proceed with them according to law by committing them to the House of Correction until they will learn to submit themselves; and the said Dunton is ordered to pay costs.' " [1675 - There are no Duttons / Duntons in the list of troops for King Philip's War.]

[page 32]

[In the 1686 list of assessments to pay a long overdue debt to the Indians]
"John Dunton"
"Saml Dunton"

[page 34]

[In the 1688 meeting-house subscription list]
"Joseph Dutton"

[page 38]

[In the 1692 minister tax list]
"John Dunton"
"Sam'l Dunton"

[page 63]

[In a list intended to "include all the names of all the men who settled in the town prior to the year 1700"]
"DUNTON, Robert, was selectman of Reading, 1647 to 1649. DUNTON, Samuel, probably a son or brother of the foregoing, came from Lynn, and had chil.:

Samuel, b. 1647;
Hannah, b. 1649;
Nathaniel, b. 1655;
Elizabeth, b. 1658;
Sarah, b. 1660;
Mary, b. 1662;
Ruth, b. 1664;
and perhaps
John
Thomas.

He d. 1683, and his wid., whose name was Anna (probably), d. 1689.

DUNTON, Samuel, Jr., son of the foregoing, b. 1647; by wife Sarah, had chil.:

Samuel, b. 1674;
Sarah, b. 1677;
Rebecca, b. 1679, and d. soon;
Ebenezer, b. 1681.

DUNTON, John, probably brother of the last above-named; by wife Ruth had chil.:

John, b. 1686;
Samuel, b. 1688;
Ruth, b. 1690, and m. 1713, Samuel Gould;
Elizabeth, b. 1692;
Thomas, b. 1695;
Joseph and Mary, twins, b. 1697, of whom Joseph d. soon;
Sarah, b. 1700;
Hepzibeth, b. 1702.

DUTTON, Thomas, b. about 1626; 1st wife's name was Susan; she d. 1684, and he m., 2nd, 1684, Ruth, dau. of Wm. Hooper. Chil.:

Thomas, b. 1648;
Mary, b. 1651;
Susanna, b. 1653;
John, b. 1656;
Elizabeth, b. 1659;
Joseph, b. 1661, and m. 1685, Rebecca Fitch;
Sarah, b. 1662;
James, b. 1665;
Benj., b. 1669.

He removed first to Woburn, and after to Billerica, where he was in 1675. His son Thomas was in the Indian war at the East, and had a remarkable escape in 1677, when many were killed."

[page 281]
"Selectmen of Reading. Robert Dunton, 1647, 1649." [Robert is first on the list, which is chronological.]
"John Dunton, 1693"

[page 694]
[In the list of soldiers of the Revolution from Reading]
"Benja. Dutton, Corp."

===========================================

Mike:

By now my transcription of the parts of Eaton that relate to Dunton / Dutton should have hit the lists. If you see anything that looks like a typo, or that raises questions of other sorts, please ask. I'll recheck, if that's what's needed. Most of what is in Eaton is a simplified version of the Reading VR's, except for the "stories" that began this conversation. I remain suspicious that what was really going on in Reading was a religious dispute, and not a case of child abuse or riotous living. In any event, my two direct lines are not directly involved. However, some of my line did live in Reading at the time; it would be silly to consider Samuel's misfortunes to be irrelevant to my own family history. At the least, these were close relatives. At most, my direct ancestors just laid a bit lower in their nonconformity. More needs to be found out, of course!

Darrell

Darrell A. Martin
Formerly of the Dutton District of Springfield, Vermont
Currently in Exile in Addison, Illinois
darrellm@sprynet.com

===========================================

From: J Armbruster [mailto:jarmbru@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, May 28, 2016 11:28 AM
To: info@dunton.org
Subject: Dutton in King William's War

Re: your statement, "Pg. 22: There are no Duntons / Duttons in the list of troops for King Philip's War. Given the high percentage of men who did serve throughout New England, and the number of Duttons / Duntons of age in Reading, this is interesting."

My 7th Great Grandfather, Thomas Dutton II, b. 1648, was more or less drafted from his home in Billerica, MA for that war.  If you search the following webpage for "Dutton" you will find two mentions of Thomas.  One is Thomas' own detailed description of his experience in the Battle of Moor(e)'s Brook, June 29, 1677. He was having a bad day.

http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/military/mooresbrook.htm

Jay Armbruster
Knoxville, TN