Weymouth New England Genealogy

Source: History of Whidden family in America paper, (Authorunknown)Samuel and his brothers James and John came from Portsmouth,England to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1662, the firstWhiddens of record in America. He was the oldest son of IchabodWhidden of England.Court Records - p. 176.Source: Genealogy Dictionary of NH and Maine, by Noyes, Libbyand Davis, p. 745;Samuel's will was written 3 Mar 1713/14 and proved 7 May 1718.Source: Sybil Noye's manuscript (See letter from Phyllis O.Whitten dated Sept 8, 1997)Portmouth, New Hampshire, was the earliest home of thisWhitten-Whidden family in New England. Only time, and perhapsnot that, will tell how long Samuel Whitten, Whidden had been inPortsmouth when, on June 24, 1662, he gave a bill to Wat'r Abbutto pay John Pottle's fine. Pottle, for kicking in the head ofhis company's drum, for being drunk, by his Antick carriagebefore the Court, etc. had been fined 20 s. and fees or to bewhipped etc. (New Hampshire Court Records, State Papers, 40:176-- See below). As Whidden and Pottle were old Devonshire names,this record may indicate a family connection. Michael was aname used in the John Whidden family of Portsmouth [NewHampshire] and marriage of Michael Whidden and Dorthi Lynes onOct. 27, 1618, at Ipplepen, Co. Devon [England], has beennoted.Court records in these same New Hampshire State Papers,40:507-8, show Samuel's next known appearance here:`The deposishon of Samuell Whedin ayged about 30. This deponantwas Required by the Constable of strabry banke to ayd and assisthim in Executing a Levell which was deleved to hime by theselect men of the same towne and this deponant doe her testyfythat Walter Abbot sayd he would nocke the Constablls Brains outtif hee tocht any oxcen of his and stod with his axe Redy tostricke the sayd Constabell and sayd hee would Loes his hearttblood befor hee should have any oxcon ther and swoer by God andby Gods Bloud that hee shuld have knoe oxcon ther and thisdeponant will testyfy the same.Juenuery ye 21 : 1663Sowrne in Court 2d ffebruery 1663Ric: Stileman ClerkeJames Drew, aged about 30, deposed to the same on the same date.[Note from Paul D. Whidden: This would make Samuel born in abt1633, rather than 1643 as the Genealogical History of NH andMaine by Noyes, et. al. genealogy states.]Samuel and John, both bricklayers and both appearing inPortsmouth about the same time, seem brothers; or possibly John,whose age is unknown and whose son Jonathan was evidentlyconsiderably older than any of Samuel's children, was Samuel'sfather, though this seems unlikely. See the GenealogicalDictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, P. 745, for John Whiddenand his family.Oct. 16, 1667, Samuel Whidden and Richard Tucker witnessed Jamesand Mary Drew's deed to John Moses; the same day John Whiddenand Tucker witnessed deed from John and Ann Moses to James Drew.The first deed to or from Samuel Whidden is dated Jan. 27 1669,when Anthony and Abigail Ellins of Portsmouth sold to SamuelWhidden of Portsmouth, bricklayer, land adjoining that ofNehemiah Partridge which said Anthony sold him. Witnesses:James Jones, Elias Stileman (N.H. Province Deeds 3:22a). March8, 1670, Samuel Whiden of Strawberry Bank sold to Richard Monsonof same, land adjoining Monson's also the house. Witnesses:John Barsham, James Jones, Peter Ball (Province Deeds, 3:51b).Subscribers for the Rev. Mr. Mody's maintenance in March, 1671 -InWilliam Cotton's Division -Jno Whidden 6 (s.)Sam: Whidden 10Samuel's name standing between James Drew's and Antho: Ellins'(New Hampshire Genealogical Record, 1:11-13.June 29, 1672, Samuel Whidden of Portsmouth, bricklayer, sold toJoseph Hall of same, land adjoining Nehemiah Partridge's.Witnesses: Samuel Keaies, John Drew (?). Province Deeds,3:70b)Portsmouth Rate for 1673 - dated Oct. 21, 1672. (The highestrates werepaid by Mr. John Cutt and Mr. Richard Cutt, 18 each, and by Mr.RichardMartyn and Mr. John Hunking, 4:10 each) -Samuel Whiden (torn)John Whiden 1 - -The four names before Samuel's were Caleb Stephens, John Bowman,George Harris, John Preston - the four following Samuel's wereNehemiah Partridge, Anthony Ellins, Leonard Drown, WilliamCotton.In July 11, 1673, Anthony and Abigail Ellins of Portsmouth soldto Samuel Whidden of Portsmouth, land in Portsmouth. Witnesses:Joseph Hall, John Barsham (Province Deeds 3:109c)May 6, 1675, Joyhn Pickeren and Saml Whidden witnessed deeds,William Rogers to Elihu Gunnison, both of Kittery. (York Deeds,3:107).Nov. 25, 1676, Nathan Knight, with consent of his father-in-lawHenry Brookin and Eleanor his wife, was apprenticed for 12years, 5 months, at mason's trade, to Samuel Whidden ofPoretsmouth, mason. Witnesses:William Cate, John Barsham. See the full and interestingindenture in New Hampshire Historical lSociety Collections,8:287.In Tything List 1678 - Saml. Whidden was in Jno. Light's List,his name standing between Anto. Ellins' and Neh. Partridge's(Brewster's Rambles about Portsmouth, 1:60).Feb. 16, 1679, the list of eligible voters of Portsmouth andStrawberry Bank, Dover, Exeter and Hampton, for the election ofdeputies to the General Assembly, included the names of Sam:Whidon and Jno. Whidon under Portsmouth and Strawberry Bank (NewHampshire State Papers, 19:659).Aug. 6, 1680, Samuel Whidden of Portsmouth, bricklayer, withconsent of my now wife Mary, sold to Jethro Furber ofPortsmouth, land and buildings bought on July 11, 1673, fromAnthony Ellis. Witnesses: ffrancis Tucker, Elias Stileman(Province Deeds, 3: 159b).Province Rate, Portsmouth, 24 Sept. 1681 -Samuel Whidden 4s 6 d.John Whidden 4sJohn's name immediately follows Samuel's in this list - JohnLight and Hen: Kerck the two names just beforeSamuel's - Tho.Gubtail and Jno. Presson the two names following John's (NewHampshire Historical Society Collections, 8:61).June 19, 1682, George Huntress and wife of Portsmouth (wifeMary) sold to Samuel Whidden of Portsmouth land in Portsmouth ator near Greenland, and the buildings (Province Deeds 9:138) Fromthis date no Samuel of Portsmouth is shown in Province probateor deed except in administration of estate of Samuel (3), son ofMichael 2, (John 1).Greenland and Sandy Beach Tax - sworn by John Johnson,Constable, kAug. 25, 1684 - Last name - Samuel Whitten 3-4. SeeList 52, Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire.Feb. 7, 1687/8, Samuel Whitton and Thomas Whitton, both ofGreenland, were bound to the peace by Ludwick Fowler not to burnhis house (New Hampshire Court Records, 9:303). Was this Samuel(1) or his son Samuel (2)? Mr. Charles Thornton Libbyconsidered them Samuel (1) and his son Thomas.Constable's Rate made Dec. 1688 - Residents of Sandy Beach andGreenland - Samuel Whiden taxed, his name standing between thoseof Mathias Haines and Judwick Fowler (Brewster's Rambles aboutPortsmouth, 1:61).Greenland Tax, July 1690 - IncludingSamuel Wheden 2 - 8Thomas Wheden 1 - 6Ludwick Fowler 1 - 8one name immediately following the other, as above.Greenland and Sandy Beach Tax, 30 Oct. 1691 - only one Whiddennamed - Samuel Whidden.Address of New Hampshire Inhabitants, 10 Aug. 1692, asking equalprivileges with Massachusetts. Sam: Whidden was one of thesigners, his name standing between those of John Johnson, Sen.and William Vaughan. (List 62, Genealogical Dictionary of Maineand New Hampshire).Seated Portsmouth Meeting House, 3 April 1693 - Five in Seatunder Pulpit: Sergt. Moses, Henry Becke, Allexander Dennet,Edwd. Melcher, Samuel Whidden. Women's Seats (5) in Gallery -18 in the 3rd seat, Ye Widdow Whidden and Sam'l Whidden's wifethe first two named (The New Hampshire Genealogical Record, 3;173:176). The name Alexander Whidden in one printed list camefrom running together the names of two men, Dennett and Whidden.No Alexander Whidden is known.Greenland rate 1693 - Samuel the only Whidden named. Greenlandtown rate 1698 - first eight names: Tobias Langdon, AaronMoses, Jos. Berry, Saml. Whidden, John Foss, Saml. Haines, WidowMary Lewis, John Johnson, Jr., and his father's lands (List330d, Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire).Greenland rate 1708 - Samuel Whidden, Senr., and John Whiddennamed.Greenland parish rate, Feb. 5, 1711/2 (Jon. Johnson, Junr., paidthe highest rate, 1-10-10). Whittens were taxed:Saml. Whitten 10-06Jeam'l Whitten 06-06Jon. Whitten 1-01-09(New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 22:451:452).Who was Jeam'l Whitten? James? or Samuel, Jr.?Greenland tax 1713 - John and Samuel Whidden taxed.The full will of "Samuell Whiddon of Greenland Within yeTownship of Portsmouth in the Province of New Hampshire in NewEngland, Being antient' etc. is published in New HampshireProbate, 1:725-727. He have to son John All his piece of landin Greenland on the Eastwardly side of the road from Greenlandto Portsmouth, part of the homestead, except about two acres atthe southwardly and on the south side of the stone wall; 4acres on Westwardly side of road at the Northwardly and nextJohn Kate's orchard; 18 acres of a lot being laid out as part ofhis commonage near the way to Randall's farm, this 18 acres tobe next Mrs. Richard Wyburd's land' also ¬ part of his sawmilland < of his cattle - John to have and possess all after his andhis wife's decease, and to pay legacies as expressed.To son James his house and that part of his land lying onWestwardly side of road from Greenland to Portsmouth, with theorchard and all other buildings, except the 4 acres on that sideof the road given to son John; also to James that piece of landof about 2 acres on the southward side of the stone wall whichis on the East side of the said County road; also the farm wheremy son John has his 18 acres; and the other part of my cattle -James to have and possess after his and his wife's decease andto pay legacies as expressed.To daughter Jane Edgerly 20 s. To daughter Alice Haines 3. Todaughter Abigail White 3. To daughter Sarah Haines 6. Todaughter Mary Johnson 3. To daughter Alizabeth Whiddon 6. Todaughter Margaret Whiddon 6.To my three grandsons, sons of my son Samuel Whiddon, deceased,20 s. each and the two acres of land where their father's houseis.All legacies, debts, personal expenses, etc. to be paid by histwo sons equally in convenient time after his and his wife'sdecease.To dearly beloved wife Mary the profit and improvements of allestate during her natural live and all household furniture andall debts and moneys to her forever at her disposal among mydaughters of such of them as she shall think meet etc.To two sons equally all right etc. to any other lands that nowdo or hereafter may belong to me etc. and wife Mary and sonsJohn and James joint executors and executrix.Two acres on West side the County Road where my son Samuel'shouse stands, formerly given to my son now deceased is nowfather given unto his heirs. Signed 3 March 1713/14.Witnesses - Sam'll Whiden (Seal)Walter PhilbrookJohn NeallJoseph SmithWill proved 7 May 1718, but this evidently was a late probate orson James took over the farm while his father was living, asSamual (1) was not taxed in greenland in 1714, while Jno.Whidden and James Whidden, farm, were taxed then. These twoalso were the only male Whiddens in the 1715 tax list, whSource: Sybil Noye's manuscript (See letter from Phyllis O.Whitten dated Sept 8, 1997)Possible child - Thomas. Neither he nor anyone representinghim was named in Samuel Whidden's will, but the late Mr. CharlesThornton Liby wrote to this compiler, Dec. 31, 1928: "I shallmake Thomas Whidden son of Samuel. In the Concord files, Vol.9, p. 303, "Samuel Whitton and Thomas Whitton' both of Greenlandwere bound to the peace by Ludwick Fowler not to burn down hishouse (date 7 Feb. 1687-8)." And Mr. Libby considered thatthese two bound to the peace were father and son, not brothers.See also Greenland Rate for 1690 on p. 3.Source: New Hampshire State Papers - Vol XXXX - New HampshireCourt Records - p. 176.Complaint being made to this Court by the drum'er whoe attendsthem as there officer concerning Jno pottle for Kicking out thehead of his drum wch was proved in Court as alsoe the Courtstakeing notice of his being drunke by his not Knowing the placewhere he did it & by his Antick carriages before them, & othercontemptuous cariges & unrulyness: sentence him to pay 10sconcerning the drum & other his cariages & 10s for being drunkor to be whipt forthwith to ye Number of 10 stripes & fees ofCourt Sam: Wheden gave a bill to watr Abbut to pay this fine atmr Jno Cutts: & accepted by sd AbbuSource: New Hampshire StatePapers - Vol XXXX - New Hampshire Court Records - p. 176.Complaint being made to this Court by the drum'er whoe attendsthem as there officer concerning Jno pottle for Kicking out thehead of his drum wch was proved in Court as alsoe the Courtstakeing notice of his being drunke by his not Knowing the placewhere he did it & by his Antick carriages before them, & othercontemptuous cariges & unrulyness: sentence him to pay 10sconcerning the drum & other his cariages & 10s for being drunkor to be whipt forthwith to ye Number of 10 stripes & fees ofCourt Sam: Wheden gave a bill to watrAbbut to pay this fine at mr Jno Cutts: & accepted by sd Abbutt.Source: New Hampshire State Papers - Vol XXXX - New HampshireCourt Records - p. 176.Complaint being made to this Court by the drum'er whoe attendsthem as there officer concerning Jno pottle for Kicking out thehead of his drum wch was proved in Court as alsoe the Courtstakeing notice of his being drunke by his not Knowing the placewhere he did it & by his Antick carriages before them, & othercontemptuous cariges & unrulyness: sentence him to pay 10sconcerning the drum & other his cariages & 10s for being drunkor to be whipt forthwith to ye Number of 10 stripes & fees ofCourt Sam: Wheden gave a bill to watr Abbut to pay this fine atmr Jno Cutts: & accepted by sd Abbutt.The Widow of Samuel Whidden, perhaps Samuel, Jr., was alsotaxed.