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Francis Littlefield |
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Francis Littlefield ★ (Edmund, Annis) was (as Frances Littlefeld) baptized on June 17, 1619 in Titchfield, Hampshire, England HA41, FR13, NO10. He was often called “Francis Littlefield, Sr.”, not because he had a son with the same name, but because he had a younger brother named Francis SA6, FR13, NO10. He arrived in Exeter, New Hampshire sometime before 1639 LI5, BO10, and he was assigned four acres and twenty rods of land in Exeter as a member of John Wheelwright’s party, unless this was actually a second lot intended for his father BE4, BO10.
Thomas Gorges, Esquire, the Deputy Governor of the Province of Maine, on behalf of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, granted fifty acres of land in Wells to “Francis Littlefield of Wells in the County of Somersett the elder” on July 14, 1643, for which Francis agreed to pay an annual sum of two shillings and six pence on September 29 YO14. This parcel of land was adjacent and on the east side of land held by Edmund Littlefield, and a transcription of the grant follows YO14:
The Coppie of a grant from Thomas Gorges Esqr deputy Governor of the Province of Mayne in behalfe of Sir Ferdinando Gorges unto Francis Littlefield of Wells
To all to whome theise presents shall Come Greeting Knowe yee that I Thomas Gorges deputy Governor of the Province of Mayne by vertue of Authority from Sr Ferdinando Gorges Knight Lord Propriator of the said Province for divers good causes & Considerac[i]ons me therunto moveing have in the behalfe of the said Sr Ferdinando Gorges Given granted & confirmed & by theise p[rese]nts Doe give grant & confirme unto Francis Littlefield of Wells in the County of Somersett the elder Fiftye Acres of land scituate lying & being in Wells aforesaid adioyning to the land of Edmond Littlefield on the Easter side thereof containing twenty pole in breadth towards the sea & soe up into the Mayne land till Fifty acres be compleated wth all the Marsh ground lyeing betweene the said land & the sea wall to contayne twenty pole likewise in breadth and eight acres or therabouts to be taken in Ogunquick Marsh. To have & to houlde the aforesaid land & all & singuler the premises wth the appurtenances unto the said Francis Littlefield his heires & assignes for ever to the only use & behoofe of the said Francis Littlefield his heires & assignes for evermore yeilding & paying for the prmisses yearely unto the said Sir Ferdinando Gorges his heires & assignes two shillings & six pence on the Nine & twentieth day of September And I the said Thomas Gorges doe hereby depute Edmund Littlefield to be my Lawfull atturney in the behalfe of the said Sr Ferdinando Gorges to enter into the prmisses or into p[ar]te thereof in the name of the whole & to take possesio[n] thereof & after seisin & possesion so taken to deliver possesio[n] & seisin of the prmises unto the said Francis Littlefield In Witnes whereof I the said Thomas Gorges have hereunto sett my hand & seale the Foureteenth day of July Anno dmi 1643.
Tho Gorges deput Govrnor
Rich: Vines Ste: gene:
Sealed signed & delivered in the presence of
Roger Guarde
George Puddington
From Exeter, Francis traveled about forty-two miles southwest to Woburn, Massachusetts, where he married his first wife, Jane, who died on December 20, 1646 after giving birth on December 14 of that year to their daughter, Mary Littlefield LI5, BO10, JO3, HO31. Jane’s death record in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts stated “Jane wife of Frances Littlefeild dyed 20th: 10th mo 1646” WO12.
Mary Littlefield was born on December 14, 1646; her birth record in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts stated “Mary daughter of Frances Littlefeild borne ye 14th 10th mo 1646” WO12. Mary first married John Kittredge and then John French of Billerica, Massachusetts NO10, FR13, HO31. Jane’s maiden name may have been “Hill” TO1, NO10, FR13 and she was the daughter of Ralph TO1. Two days after the loss of his wife, he was stung with a town tax for Woburn SE11, NO10.
Francis was granted a lot by Henery Bode in Wells, Maine on August 30, 1647 YO14:
Triedessimo die Augustj: 1647:
A grant made of a lott to Fran: Littlefejld by Hene: Bode, John Wadleigh, & John Sanders as followeth,
first wee grant him the Lott yt was granted vnto dearebarne, with the Marsh adioyneing to the Lott, alsoe halfe the Marsh lijng by the Necke, of Marsh yt hath an Yland, Joyneing to the River, wch parts Mr Wheelewrights Marsh, & soe from the River to the sea Wall: The sayd Francis is to have the furthest part of the Stony beach downe streight to the bushes, & soe to the River, & also a little stripp of Meddow lijng & adioyneing to Edm: Littlefejlds six Acers, upon the Necke betweene William Wentworth & Edmund Littlefejlds Marsh, hee is to pay to ye Lord five shillings yearely, In witnesse wr of wee have putt to our hands the day & yeare above written/
Henery Bode,
John wadleigh his marke
John Sanders his marke/
“Mary Ladbrooke formerly Barrett” gave a deposition under oath on July 13, 1671, and then she made an addition to her deposition on November 9, 1671 YO14. The two sworn statements have been combined below YO14:
…at the same tyme wn this deponent & her husband lived at the Farme of Mr John Wheelewrights at Wells, there was a [there was probably a small word missing here; the corner of the document has torn away] sett up on the North West side of the sayd farme by ordr of Mr John Wheelewright about that place wr Fran: Littlefejld Senjor did & doth now live, & from thence wr the gate now stands rann along to stony brooke, & further sayth yt yr was another fence rann along from stony brooke o[n] the South west side of the sd brooke, up into that Tract of Land along by the [the next word is illegible] side to secure It from Cattle /…these fences above mentioned were sett down about Twenty three or 20ty 4 yeares agone
This indicates that in about 1647 or 1648, Francis Littlefield, Sr. had relocated to Wells, York County, Massachusetts Bay Colony (now in Maine).
In 1648, Francis was taxed in Dover, New Hampshire WA1, NO10, FR13. The town rate on December 19, 1648 was a tax of four pence for each pound, and because his estate was assessed a valuation of sixty pounds and fifteen shillings, Francis was taxed one pound and three pence, of which one quarter was to be paid in Indian corn, wheat, or peas WA1. Francis married Rebecca by 1648 BO10, FR13 or about the year 1648 or 1649 TO1 and he was the father of Sarah Littlefield TH27, BO10, LI1. He purchased the house and land of George Haborne (also called “Rabone”) of Wells, along with eight acres of marshland at the neck and three acres of marsh on the Ogunquett (Ogunquit) River, on April 8, 1650 YO14. The terms of the sale stipulated that Francis must pay George Haborne in three installments, and he was to pay in the form of cattle worth twenty-one pounds, which were over two years old but younger than seven years YO14. This grant has been transcribed below YO14:
Aprill 8: 1650:
Know all men by these p[re]sents yt I Geo: Rabone or otherwise Haborne of Wells, have sould unto Fran: Littlefejld of the sd Towne, my house & ground, with that wch is planted & not, with all his Marshes both at the necke of Land being eight acers breadth, lijng betweene John Wadleighs & John Barrett his Marshes, with 3 Acers of Marsh lijng at Ogunquett, & all other priviledges & rights apprtaye[n]ing yrto [thereto] In witnesse wr to I have sett two my hand/
Geo: Haborne his marke
In prsence of
Edw: Rishworth/
In consideration of wch sayle of my house & lands with other priviledges yrto belonging, the sd Fran: Littlefejld is to give unto Geo: Haborne or his assigns the Just some of Twenty & one pounds, to bee pd in sufficient Cattle, at 3 severall payments, the first at the 29th day of Septembr: next Insewing 1650: the 2und the same day twelve Moenth after 1651: The 3d payment the 12 Moenth after at 29th: of Septebr 1652: wch Cattle are to bee not under 2 yeares ould, nor above 7 years ould, & the sd Cattle are to bee aprized at Wells as two Indifferent men shall prize them, each to chuse one, & the sd Francis is to helpe to drive the sd Cattle, at 3 severall tyms to Hampton, In witnesse wr of I have sett two my hand/
Francis Littlefejld/
In ye p[re]sence of
Edw: Rishworth/
Know all men by these p[re]sents, yt I George Rabone of Hampton do assigne & make over the full some of this bill being Twenty one pounds due from Fran: Little fejld & ye tyms yr specifyd unto my selfe with all my right & Interest In the sd bill, unto Thomas Wheelrygt [the previous surname was “Wheelewright”, but it seemed to have been abbreviated or written in a cramped hand, and was partially illegible] of wells for some good Causes & Considerations from ye day & date hereof, June: 12: 1650: In witnesse wr of I haue sett two my hand/
Geo: Haborne his Marke
In the p[re]sence of
Robe[rt]: Smyth his marke
Gyles Fuller/
June: 22: 52:
Know all men by these p[re]sents, that I Thomas Wheelewright doe fully discharge Francis Littlefejld from this bond In the behalfe of Good: Rabone or Haborne/ Witnesse my hand Tho: Wheelwright
As “Frances Littlefeild seanior”, he took the oath of fidelity and was a freeman on July 5, 1653 at Wells, York County, Massachusetts Bay Colony (now in Maine) MA70. This document stated “wee whose names are heereunder written Inhabitants of Wells doe heereby freely Acknowledge orselves subject to ye Government of the massachusetts as wittn our hands this 5 July 1653… These all tooke the oath of freemen the day above mentioned in open Court Edward Rawson” MA70. He was among nineteen men of the town of Wells who signed their names to this document, which was presented to the court on September 14, 1653 BA42, SH19, BO10. In return, the court granted the status of a township to Wells, Yorkeshire (York County), and granted that Wells shall enjoy the privileges of a town, just as other towns in the jurisdiction enjoy, in addition to granting other rights and privileges BA42, SH19. He may have been the Francis Littellfeild who purchased a house and houselot in Charlestown, Middlesex County (now Suffolk County), Massachusetts from John Smith on July 22, 1653 (a reproduction of the transcription has been provided below) CI5:
Know all men, that I, John smith, of charlstown, have solde and doe heare by confirme unto francise litlefeild one dweling house, with all the land belonging there unto, now setewate [situated] in charlstown which land is bowndid up on the north west up waping [Wapping] creecke, on the south east by charlstown river, and also all the timber and bords there to belonging, all which house and land and timber the forsaid John Smith, with Sarah, his wife, doe sell and have sold unto francis littellfeild, and doe heare by give up all our right and intrest unto the aforesaid francis and his aires fore ever, as a bill of salle under our hands, datted the 22 the 5 mo., 1653, testifieth
Samuell Adams
Francis Sr. purchased a dwelling house, one hundred acres of upland, a parcel of meadow, and another parcel of twelve acres from Samuell Austine on September 25, 1655 for the sum of forty pounds YO8. Francis was to render payment in installments; twelve pounds was to be given immediately, followed by six pounds paid by Seth Fletcher “the fall after the date here of”, which probably meant within a month or two, four additional pounds from Seth Fletcher in beef and pork “at the aforesayd fall”, and finally eighteen pounds in beef, pork, and wheat in June 1656 YO14. A transcription of this deed follows YO14:
This Indenture made the Twenty fifth day of Septembr: In ye year fivety five, betweene Fran: Littlefejld Senjor on the one partie & Samuell Austine on the other partie, both Inhabitants In the Towne of Wells, In the County of yorke witnesseth, that the sd Samuell Austine hath barganed & sould, & by this Indenture clearely barganeth & selleth unto the sd Francis his heyres & asiggnes, to thejr owne usse for ever, a dwelling house yt lyeth bounded with Robert: Hether sys [perhaps “Hethersy’s” or “Hetherfy’s”] Lott on ye one side, & Fran: Littlefejld Junjor In wells his lott on the other side, with a hundred Achers of upland more or lesse, Ite[m]: a p[ar]cell of Meddow yt form[er]ly was Geo: Habornes, being bounded on the South side by John Wadleigh, & John Barrett Senjor on the North side, Joyning to Mr Wheelewrights Necke, Item Twelve achers more or lesse that was formerly the aforesd Francises, & John Wadleighs lijng at ye sea Wall, right over aganjst Mr Wheelewrights farme: For the which purpose, the sd Francis is to give and pay unto the aforesd Sam[ue]ll Austine fourty pounds In manner & forme as followeth Vizt: Twelue pounds In hand, & six pounds by Seth Fletcher the fall after the date here of, & foure pounds more to receive of ye said Seth at the aforesayd fall In beife & porke, beife at 25s p[er] Cent: [the transcription of the previous valuation, 25 shillings per cent, is uncertain] porke at 4d p[er] pound, wheat at five shillings p[er] bushll: Ite[m]: ye next spring vidzt: In June after ye aforesd fall, eighteene pounds In beife, porke & wheat, all or severall of these at ye prizes above mentioned, In Confirmation of Which [the previous word is uncertain] Contract, they have Interchangeably sett two yr hands & seales, the day & yeare above spetifyd, Itt is to bee understood that all these payments are to bee made In Wells/
Samell Austine
Fran: Littlefejld
Elizabeth Austine her marke,
Testes Seth Fletcher, William Symonds,
Later, on December 7, 1659, he received a grant of two hundred acres of land in Wells NO10. At a court held at Wells on September 17, 1661, a record stated “For the more security of Fran: Littlefeild Senior who now keepeth the ordinary at Wells In his retayleing of wines & lyquors by the quart or pint” was given the liberty to renew his license yearly LI1. However, the transcripts of these court records by Charles Thorton Libby indicated that these events occurred on March 27, 1661 LI1. The York County court renewed his license to keep an ordinary (a house of public entertainment, or a pub) on July 5, 1664 LI1, July 7, 1674 LI1, July 4, 1676 LI1, July 1, 1679 LI1, March 4, 1690 MO2, February 15, 1692 MO2, January 7, 1700/1 AL4, October 7, 1701 AL4, and July 7, 1702 AL4.
“Fraunces Litlefeild” was the deputy representing York at the General Court at Boston on December 19, 1660 SH20. He and his father and brothers, and other men of Wells, petitioned the General Court at Boston on May 17, 1661 to request a reversal of the injunction the court had placed on Seth Fletcher, which forbid him to preach amongst them MA70, BA42, but the court’s answer on May 28 indicated that they would not grant the petition until Seth Fletcher brought forth a certificate of his repentance from the County Court of York BA42.
Francis “Littlefejld” was mentioned in the will of his father, Edmund Littlefejld, on December 11, 1661 SA6. On December 17, 1661, Francis, his mother Annas Littlefejld, and his brothers Francis Jr. and Thomas Littlefejld, made an agreement about the land assets which belonged to Francis Sr.; a transcription of this agreement follows YO14:
To end all differences that hath or shall arise betweene Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, & his Mother Annas Littlefejld, & his two brothers Namely Thomas & Fran: Littlefejld Junjor, that they are all fully agreed, & with an unanimous Consent, that Fran: Littlefejld Senjor shall haue a Certen Tract of Marsh (commanly Called Six Acers) wholly to him selfe, & his heyres for ever to have present possession, Alsoe Tho: & Fran: Littlefejld Junior doth give unto the aforesd Francis the Senjor, the Yland wch is com[m]anly Called Wardless [the previous word is partly obscured by an inkblot so it is uncertain] Yland, to him & his heyres for ever and yt hee shall have present possession, Alsoe Annas Littlefejld doth freely give unto Fran: Littlefejld his children at her death, all ye Marsh that is properly her owne, as Namely foure Acers of Marsh att Negunquett, & two Acers on the South side, of the necke of Land, Commanly Called Mr Wheelewrightts necke, & six Acers at the sea wall, next the Harbours Mouth, & alsoe Fran: Littlefejld Junjor doth give unto his brother Francis the Ellder, a small Necke of upland ioyneing to his Marsh at home; & for further Confirmation wee do all Joyntly bind our selves or heyres, Namely Francis Littlefejld Senjor, & Annas Littlefejld, & the sd Thomas & Fran: Littlefejld Jujor, firmely by these p[re]sents never to trouble one another about the Will, & lands Marshes goods moveble or unmoveble of Edm: Littlefejld’s yt is to say that Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, shall not Molest any of the three executors: namely Annis his Mother, or Thomas or Fran: Littlefejld Junjor of any thing yt Edm: Littlefejld left them, nor yt any of those three executors: shall not anie ways trouble or molest the sd Francis Littlefejld Senjor, of any thing yt is here given him, In witnesse here of they have all Interchangably sett two yr hands/ this 17th: Decembr: 1661:
Annis Littlefejld her Marke
Tho: Littlefejld his marke
Fran: Littlefejld Junjor his marke,
Fran: Littlefejld Senjor/
Testes, Jos: Bowles/
Sam[u]ell Wheelewright
The Commissioners of the General Court of Massachusetts convened at the home of Francis “Littlefeild” in Wells on May 27, 1662 at 3pm, where they held a court session BA42, BO10. On September 11, 1662, Robert Booth, who was about sixty years old, gave a sworn deposition before William Phillips which stated that “hee lived at Wells before hee sould his Lott, hee gave unto Franc: Littlefejld Senjor, two Achers of Marsh wthin the Harbours Mouth, Adioyneing to ye sea wall, which was the one halfe of ye foure Achers hee had there” YO14. Twelve years of service was promised of the nephew of Francis, Edward Littlefield of Cape Porpoise, to his uncle, Francis Littlefield, Sr., on October 7, 1662 LI1. This indenture was transcribed by Charles Thorton Libby, and has been copied below LI1:
This Indenture made the 7th of October 62: betweene Francis Littlefeild senior of Wells on the one part & Edw: Littlefeild of Cape Porpus on the other part: Witnesseth that the sayd Edw: Littlefeild doth here by promisse Covenant & grant to & with the said Francis Littlefeild In the behalf of himselfe & wife Rebecca Littlefeild from the day of the date hereof, to serve him for the Tearme of Twelve yeares in such service & Imployment as the sayd Fran: Littlefeild or his wife shall Imploy him in, according to the Costome of the Countrey, In Consideration whereof the sayd Fran: Littlefeild doth here by Covenant & grant to and with the sayd Edw: Littlefeild to mantayne him as his owne sun In meate, drinke, lodgeing & apparell dureing the Tearme aforesaid, & all other necessarys, & at the expiration thereof to give him double apparell & tenn pounds besides.
In witness whereof the partys above mentioned to these Indenture have Interchangeably sett two their hands & seals the day & yeare above written.
The marke of Edward Littlefeild
Mary Littlefeild
Sealed & deliverd In the presence of us
The marke of John Crosse
Geo: Pearson.
He accepted another apprentice, John Glydd, in the field of husbandry on June 13, 1663, for the term of eight years, during which time Francis was to provide John with food, apparel, and lodging, and a mare colt and two suits of apparel at the completion of the apprenticeship YO14:
This Indenture witnesseth that John Glydd son of John Glidd of Helson, In the County of Sussex in England husbandman, of his owne free will doth putt him selfe to Fran: Littlefejld Senjor of Wells In the County of Yorke In New England husbandman to learne his art, & with him his executors & assigns after the manner of Apprentize to serve from ye thirteenth day of June In the yeare of our Lord one thousand six hundred sixty & three, unto the full end & tearme of eight yeares from thence next following to bee fully Compleat & ended, dureing which tearme the sayd Apprentize his maister faithfully shall serve, his secrets keepe, & lawfull Com[m]andments every where gladly do, hee shall do noe dammage to his master, nor see itt to bee done of other, but yt hee to his pouer shall lett or forth with make knowne the same to his master, Hee shall not wast the goods of his master nor lend them unlawfully to any: Hee shall not Committ fornication nor Contract matrimony with in the sajd term, hee shall not play at any unlawfull game, wr by his master may have any losse: Hee shall not ha[u]nt tavern aylehouses nor places of gameing, nor absent him selfe from the service of his Master day nor night, unlawfully, but In all things as a faithfull apprentize, hee shall behave him selfe towards his sayd master, his executors & assigns, & all his & theirs dureing the sd Term. And the sd master, his executors & assigns his sajd apprentize in the Occupation of a husbandman, shall teach & Instruct, or cause to bee Instructed, finding unto his sajd apprentiz meat drinke apparell, Lodging, & all other necessarys dureing the sajd Term, & at the end of the sd Term shall give unto the sd Apprentize two sujts of apparell & a Mayre Cowlt, & for the true p[er]formance of all & every of the sd Covenants & agreemts: either of the sajd partys bindeth him selfe unto the other firmely by these p[re]sents, In witnesse whereof the partys above named to these Indenturs Interchangably yr hands & seales have sett ye day & yeare above written/ In the fiveteenth yeare of the Reigne of our soveraigne Lord Charles the secund, by the grace of god King of England &c: 1663:
The Marke of John Glydd
Signed, & sealed, & Deliver[e]d
In the p[re]sence of us/
Edward Blake/
William Pearse/
He took on a third apprentice, Thomas Orchard, who first signed an apprenticeship agreement with Nicholas Frost on March 25, 1662 for the term of five years YO14. On July 10, 1663, Nicholas Frost signed over Thomas Orchard’s apprenticeship to William Scadlocke, and then William Scadlocke signed over the indenture to Francis Littlefejld in an undated deed (but which occurred on or prior to May 6, 1664) YO14:
I Thomas Orchard do by these pr[e]sents assign over this Indenture with in expressed of Nicho: Frost, unto William Scadlocke or his Assigns, & yt the sd Nic: Frost is to serve the sd William Scadlocke or his assigns, foure years from the date hereof, In witnesse wr of I have here unto sett my hand the tenth day of July 1663:
I william Scadlocke do assigne over this Indenture, with the Consent of Nicholas Frost, unto Fran: Littlefejld the Ellder/ as witnesse my hand,
The Marke of William Scadlocke
He purchased seven and one-half acres of salt marsh in Wells, York County on December 19, 1663 from John Wadleigh and his wife, Mary Wadleigh YO14. A transcription of this deed follows YO14:
These prsents testify, that I John Wadleigh of Wells, In the Countie of Yorke alias province of Mayne, Planter, with the free & full Consent of my wife Mary Wadleigh, for & In Consideration of a valewable some in hand, by Fran: Littlefejld Planter, of the aforesd Towne, the receipt: wrof I acknowledg & am yr with satisfyd, & of every part & prcell there of, do acquitt release & discharge the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, his heyres executor[s] Administrators & assigns, do hereby bargan sell alien assigne & sett over unto the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor his heyrs, Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, seaven Acers & one halfe of Sault Marsh ground, being & lijng In Wells, in the sd province of Mayne, on the Necke of Land side, being bounded on the Northwester side, by the Marsh ground of Mr Jos: Bowles, & by Mr Jon: Gooch Senjor, his Marsh ground on the Easter & Southersides, & on the wester side by the Marsh ground of the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, Two acers of one halfe wr of was formerly sould unto the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, to have & to hould the aforesd prmisses, with all the rightts & priviledges yr unto apprtayning, & belonging unto him the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, his heyres executors, Administrators & assignes. And I do alsoe further Covenant, & p[ro]misse to defend the Title yr of aganst all p[er]sons, Clayming any right, title or Interest, yr unto. by from or under mee unto him the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, his heyrs executors Administrators & assignes, In wittnesse wr of I have here unto sett my hand & seale This nineteenth day of December: one thousand six hundred sixty three,
John Wadleighs Marke
Mary wadleigh her marke
Signed Sealed & deliver[e]d In ye p[re]sence of,
She: Fletcher,
William Symonds
Annas Littlefejld and Thomas Littlefejld sold their one half of the corn mill and one quarter of the sawmill on Webhannet Falls in Wells, York County with “all or [our] parts of Tymber Saws doggs Crows Wheeles Logg Chean sleads, & all or right In the Falls” to Francis and Ruth Littlefejld on January 25, 1663 (probably 1663/4) YO14:
These
p[re]sents testify, that wee Annas Littlefejld, & Thomas Littlefejld of
Wells In the County of Yorke alias province of Mayne Planters, with the free
& full Consent of my wife Ruth Littlefejld, for an In Consideration of a
valewable some In hand by Fran: Littlefejld Panter of the aforesd Towne ye
receapt wr of wee acknowledge, & am yr with satisfyd,
& of every part & p[ar]cell yr of, do release discharge
& acquitt the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor, his heyrs executors
administrators & assigns, do hereby bargan sell alline assigne & sett
over unto the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor his heyres executors
Administrators & assigns, the one halfe of the Corne Mill & one quarter
part of the Saw Mill, by mee Annas Littlefejld being & lijng In Wells upon
Webhannett Falls, In the p[ro]vince of Mayne, with all the priviledges &
appurtenances thereunto belonging, To have & to hould the aforesd prmisses,
with all the rightts & priviledges yr to apprtaye[n]ing
& belonging unto him the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor his heyrs
executors administrators & assigns, that is to say all or parts
of Tymber Saws doggs Crows Wheeles Logg Chean sleads, & all orther
right In the Falls, & Wee do alsoe covenant & promisse to defend the
Title thereof, against all p[er]sons Claymeing any right title or Interest yr
unto by from or under us, unto him the sd Fran: Littlefejld Senjor,
his heyrs executors Administrators & assigns, In witnesse wr of
Wee have here unto sett our hands, & seales this five & Twenteth day of
January, one thousand six hundred sixty & three/
Thomas Littlefejld his marke
Annas Littlefejld her marke
Ruth Littlefejld her Marke
Signed sealed & Deliver[e]d In the p[re]sence of,
Sam[u]ell Wheelewight/
Peter Cloyce his Marke/
On March 29, 1663/4, he relinquished his interest in the parcel of meadow and upland which was owned by George Haborne, and then John Littlefeild, who sold it to Samuell Austine LI1. The Court of Associates was scheduled to assemble at the home of Francis Littlefield, Sr. in Wells, York County, Maine on the third Tuesday in September 1664 LI1, and later he was a deputy representing Wells at the General Court on May 3, 1665 SH21. He and his younger brothers, John, Thomas, and Francis, Jr. signed a petition to the General Court in Boston on April 30, 1668 which made reference to another petition BA42. The petition of April 30, 1668 stated BA42:
wras yor humble petisionars hauing Liued by the good prouidence of God seauerall yeares vndr yor Authoritye and gouermt where by yor petitionars Injoyed many great benifits but now are deprived of those pruiledges: by some amongst vs who haue doubtles: ben ill affected to yor gouermtt yor Honours may Justly blame yor petisionars in reuloting & turning from our former obedience but we must in som measure make known the cause of It: mr Edw: Rishworth and some other prsented a petision… in consideration of ye length of time past and nothing hath apeared to yor petisionars whereby we are much parswaded that his majesty was Neuer acquainted in what Condition wee in this countrye ware left in… for the preuenting of us of us from falling Into disorder & deuissions [divisions] amongst ourselues which yor petisionars haue great cause to feare will vnauoydably com vpon us If God by his prouidence doth not preuent…
Francis Littlefeild, Sr. was a member of the Grand Jury at a court held for the western division of the Province of Maine on September 18, 1666 and at a court held in Yorke, York County, Maine on July 9, 1667 MA66. As “Fransies Lititelfild”, he was a juror at the York County Court on July 7, 1668, and on July 6, 1669, “Francis Littelfeld senior” was freed from training “per reason of sum unabilits” (he stated he was disabled) LI1. Francis signed a petition with a date of July 5, 1676 to restore Major Richard Waldron to his position as Magistrate for York County NO10. At the Court of Associates in York on December 4, 1677, he and William Sawyer were “bound to authority… in a bond of six hundred pounds & his daughter Saraih Sawyer Administrators to John Wells his Estate to respond all Legall rights belonging to that estate” LI1. Francis was again appointed as a deputy representing Wells on August 9, 1676 SH22. He swore the oath of allegiance at a town meeting on March 22, 1680, and he and Joseph Storer were selected as deputies representing Wells at the General Assembly at York on June 30, 1681 MO2. He received a grant of one hundred acres of land in Wells in 1686 BO10. Francis was a juror at the Court of Quarter Sessions at York on June 8, 1687 MO2. On March 4, 1689/90, Mr. Francis Litlefeild was approved by the selectmen of Wells, York County to keep a house of public entertainment MO2. He married his third wife, Mary (Wade) Symonds, the widow of Samuel Symonds of Ipswich, by 1689 NO10.
Perhaps beginning on June 9, but definitely on June 13, 1691, the town of Wells suffered an attack, allegedly by Frenchmen and Native Americans, who were said to have killed and drove off the cattle and promised a repeat assault BO10. Francis Littlefield, George Burroughs, John Littlefield, Joseph Storer, John Wheelwright, John Hill, Pendleton Fletcher, John Cloyes, and Nathaniel Cloyes signed a petition dated July 21, 1691, requesting soldiers, ammunition, and supplies BO10. The spelling, and possibly some of the punctuation, of the transcription of this petition was corrected by Edward Bourne BO10:
We being the front of all the eastern part of the country, remotely situated, for strength weak, and the enemy beating upon us, we can think of no other, but we are fair for ruin, and humbly conceive your honors are sensible of it, without seasonable help; our stocks are wasted the thirteenth of June last. The enemy killed and drove away upwards of one hundred head of cattle, besides sheep and horses; some of our corn is already lost, and more in great hazard; we therefore, distressed, make our humble address to your honors for men, with provision and ammunition for the strengthening of our town, with what force your honors shall see fit to keep out; also that there may be a magazine in the province that supplies may be near, whereby time will be redeemed, soldiers encouraged, and opportunity improved against the enemy; also that there be an effectual care taken, that the inhabitants of this province may not quit their places without liberty first obtained from legal authority; thus encouraging ourselves with the hopes that your honors will timely answer us herein, that so we and the rest of this poor province in great hazard, may yet stand, which may be to the honor of God, the interest of his majesty, and of the country, we rest, your honored humble servants…
Francis died before November 1712 FR13, or sometime in 1712, at the age of ninety-three BO10. The inventory of his estate was exceedingly small, and was appraised at just twelve pounds BO10:
one old bed and bedstead, and old furniture belonging… Wooling Cloaths & Lining, all old… two old chears, with two old Chussons… one looking glass… one pair tongs, one fire shovel… old pewter, one old candlestick & skillet… one old chest and one old box… one cow… one old table and 2 old books
Rebecca was allegedly born or was baptized on January 31, 1630 NO10. Rebecca was the mother of Sarah, Hannah, Deliverance, James, Isaac, Abigail, Dorcas, Phebe, Daniel, Dependence, and perhaps Rachel NO10.
Sarah Littlefield was born on November 15, 1649 NO10.
Hannah Littlefield was born on January 5, 1652 NO10. It has been claimed that Hannah Littlefield married Joseph Moulton; Clarence Torrey indicated that Joseph Moulton of York, Maine married a person with the Littlefield surname around 1678 TO1. Mrs. Hannah Moulton and Joseph Moulton among the several dozen residents of York, Maine who were killed in a massacre on Candlemas Day (at the end of the month of January) in 1692 by a group of Abenaquis (Abenaki) BA48.
Deliverance Littlefield was born on July 5, 1655 NO10. She married Abraham Tilton as his second wife about the year 1676 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts TO1. Deliverance and Abraham Tilton were the parents of Sarah DA14, Abigail born on April 1, 1679 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI23, DA14, Samuell, born on April 14, 168(?) in Ipswich VI23, DA14, twins Ebenezer and Mercy who were baptized in Wenham, Essex County, Massachusetts in 1682 DA14, Mary, born on August 8, 1683 in Ipswich VI23, DA14, twins Joseph and Benjamin who were baptized in Wenham in 1685 DA14, Daniel, baptized in Wenham in 1687/8 VDA14, Rebecca, born on March 8, 1692 in Ipswich VI23, DA14, and Isaac, born on May 2, 1695 in Ipswich VI23, DA14. Deliverance died about the year 1733 TO1.
James Littlefield was born about 1654 HO31 or on October 2, 1657 NO10. James Littlefield married Katharine Heard about the year 1687 in Wells, York County, Maine; he died by 1690 and Katharine (Heard) Littlefield next married John Wooden by the year 1691 TO1. James was probably “the one who was killed by Indians, May, 1690” HO31. James Littlefield of Wells was called a son of Francis Littlefield, Sr. in a deed dated March 20, 1682/3 YO9:
To all Christian people to whome these prsence shall come Know ye that ffrancis Littlefield Senr of Wells Yeoman in ye Province of Maine and in the County of York in New England in America sendeth Greeting, Know ye that I ye sd ffrancis Littlefield Senr out of that Naturall Love & affection that I bear to my son James Littlefield of Wells as abovesd And for divers and Sundry other considerations me thereunto moveing Have given, granted bargained and sold And doe by these prsence doe Absolutely and Clerely give, grant bargain sell Aliene assigne and set over and confirm unto my said son James Littlefield his heires Executrs Admrs and assignes All That house and land I lately bought of William ffrost lying and being in Wells, being bounded on the Westermost Side of that River called Webhannet River Joyning to sd ffrancis Littlefield Junr Land and Mills containing in breadth thirty four poles and half from a Marked red oak tree at or near unto the bridge next unto my said Lot on the westernmost side thereof and so thwart ye land unto the bounds of that Land formerly which was Edmund Littlefields late Deceased going down towards the sea southeasterly to ye fence a Small distance below the highway and soe to run back into ye woods until ye Lott of the Towns grant be fully Extended and Accomplished reserving only a high way for the Town and Country after ye Decease of my self and Rebeckah my now wife I doe further give unto my said Son James and to his heires Execrs and assigns as an Addition to ye Lands above given as is expressed in this bill of Sale soe much Land out of this ffarm which I now live upon beginning where my fence now stands above as to make it Equall for quantity of land with this sd ffarme I now live upon and now in my possession And I give my said son James to make use of said Land for pasture or wood when he pleases by not to Aliente it in any wise until I and my wife be dead And doe further give my sd son James Littlefield his heires Execrs and assignes one hundred Acres of Upland upon Merryland plain bounded wth ye land of Thomas Littlefield to the North and soe extends fifty poles in breadth Southward and to carry same breadth east and west untill it be Accomplished with two Acres of Marsh Lying near Mr Samll Wheelwrights Neck of Land Southerly And five Acres of Marsh more or less ten poles of Upland thereunto belonging at Merriland on each side of the River / with my Neck of Upland butting towards ye lower end of his Lott & the Salt Marsh that belongs to sd Neck; being bounded with a fresh water creek that runs into ye Salt River / And twenty pounds in comon pay at or before I and my wifes Decease and all my Island soe called lying upon ye seawall with four Acres Salt Marsh Meadow butting to sd Island with two Acres Salt Meadow Abraham Tilton bought formerly of Goodman Hamond on ye east side by a Creek / And two hundred Acres upland and ten Acres of frash Meadow Lying at Merriland which I bought of Thomas Averil bounded with a little Pitch pine tree marked close by the Meadow side and a Maple tree in ye River at ye lower end of ffrancis Littlefield Junr Meadow and to run eighteen score pole down ye river on both sides / Ye upland begins at ye aforesd Markt pine tree at the upper end of ye Meadow And to run Eight score poles by the Meadow westerly as bounded by ye marke trees untill it be compleated With all my right Title and Interest that I have or ought to have at the time of the Sealing of these presence in all the above sd housins Arrable fences upland & Meadow with all woods underwoods Mines Mineralls Comonage profits priviledges and Appurtenances thereunto belonging To have and to hold all and singuler ye above granted and bargained Premisses with every part and parcel thereof with all the profits priviledges & appurtences to every part and parcel thereunto belonging With all my right title and Interest therein, unto the sd James Littlefield my son and to his heires Execrs Admrs and assignes to his and their own proper use benefit and behoof for ever And I ye sd ffrancis Littlefield doe by these presence covent and promise for my self my heire Executrs Admrs to and with the said James Littlefield my son his heires Execurs Admrs and assignes that at and imediately before ye ensealing of these prsence was ye true and Lawfull owner of all and Singuler ye afore bargained Premisses And that I have good right and Lawfull Authority in my own name to give grant bargain sell & convey the same as aforesd And that ye sd James Littlefield my son his heires Execrs and assignes shall and may by vertue and force of these presence from time to time and at all times for ever hereafter Lawfully peaceably & quietly have hold use ocupie possess and enjoy ye above granted Premisses with their Appurtenances free and clear and freely and clearly Acquitted and Discharged of and from all manner of Gifts, grants bargains Sales Leases Mortgages Joyntures Dowers Judgmts Executions forfitures troubles and encumbrances whatsoever had made done or suffered to be done by me ye sd ffrancis Littlefield or my heires Executrs shall and will from time to time and at all times for ever hereafter warrant and Defend ye above granted Premisses with their Appurtenances and every part and every part and parcell thereof unto ye sd James Littlefield my son his heires Execrs Admrs and assignes for ever against all and every person or persons Laying Claime thereto or any part thereof by from or under me In Witness whereof I haue hereunto set my hand and seal the twentieth day of March one thousand six hundred eighty and two: three… Before Signing and Sealing hereof I give unto my Son James Littlefield his heires Executrs and assignes one small Island that lyeth in the Middle of ye river at ye Lower end of my Marsh being called by ye name of thatch Island to him and his heires for ever
Isaac Littlefield was born about 1652 HO31 or on January 23, 1660 NO10. He was said to have been “killed by Indians” HO31.
Abigail Littlefield was born on March 26, 1661/2 NO10. Abigail may have married John Eldridge TO1, HO31; Clarence Torrey indicated that about 1680 in Salisbury, Massachusetts, John Eldridge married Abigail, but Torrey was unable to identify her surname TO1. Francis Littlefield, Sr. of Wells granted a parcel of land which included 150 acres of upland and the housing upon that land for the sum of eighty pounds to his “sonn In law John Elldredg of Wells yeoman” on April 2, 1683 YO12.
Dorcas Littlefield was born on October 4, 1664 NO10.
Phebe Littlefield married John Heard on April 27, 1690, perhaps in Salisbury Massachusetts TO1. Phebe and John Heard were said to have been the parents of Dorcas, born on February 26, 1690/1 ST27, Phebe, born on January 15, 1692 ST27, Shuah, born on January 15, 1694 CO26 or January 25, 1694 ST27, and James, born on January 21, 1696 ST27. Shuah Heard married Captain Nathan Bartlet on March 10, 1714 CO26. According to a plaque installed in 1915 at Ambush Rock in Eliot, York County, Maine, Phebe Littlefield Heard, the wife of Captain John Heard, along with Major Charles Frost and Dennis Downing “were killed by Indians while returning on horseback from the meeting house in the parish of Unity in the precinct of Berwick where they had attended divine service” on Sunday, July 4, 1697. A photograph of this plaque can be viewed on the Find a Grave website.
Daniel Littlefield of Wells, Maine married by about the year 1701 or 1702 to Mehitable, the daughter of George, whose surname may have been Dodd TO1. He was the father of Francis Littlefield, who was baptized on May 3, 1702 HO31. Daniel died in 1718 TO1. The inventory of his estate was conducted on June 5, 1718 and the administration of his estate was granted to his son, Francis, on July 2, 1718 HO31. “Francis Litlefeild”, Sr. granted his son, “Daniell Litlefeild” (who was described as younger than twenty-one) a parcel of land on March 28, 1683 YO13:
To all Christian people to whom these presents shall Come Know ye that Francis Litlefeild Senr of wells in the province of Mayne & in the County of york in New England in america sendeth greeting Know ye that the said Francis Litlefeild Senr out of that naturall loue & affection that I beare to my sone Daniell Litlefeild and Divers & other good Causes me therevnto moueing Haue Giuen Granted & doe by these presents freely Clearely and Absolutely Giue Grant aliene assigne and sett over and confirme vnto my said sone Daniell Litlefield his heires Exrs administratrs & assignes all yt tract of land with houseing therevnto belonging which formerly belonged to Abraham Tilton of this place, one hundred & fifty acres of vpland on the north side of Augunkitt river beging Eight pooles from the said riuer & so to runne vp into the Country bounded on the northeast side by Francis Backhouse his lot vntill one hundred and fifty acres be accomplished & tenne acres of meadowes in the woods wr it may found free from any Claime by any person, Also one hundred & fifty acres more of vpland bounded on the northeast side by the lot of Joseph Crosses, and on the Southwest side by Nagunkitt river vntill it come to be forty poles wide which wideness it is to run vppon a west nor west line vntill it be fully Compleated & accomplished & two acres of salt marsh meadow bounded by Mr Samll Wheelwrights Senrs marsh on the East side & Joseph Crosses on the West: and foure acres of Marsh that I formerly gaue to my sone James Litlefeild Senior and tenn acres of salt marsh meadow more or less lyeing at the lower end of my own Marsh from the Island so called, Downward bounded with webhanicke river on one side & end & on the Southeast side by Joseph Crosse and two heifers and two young steares all being one yeare old a peece, all the particulars abouesaid is in lew of his portion with all my right title & Interest, I haue or ought to haue at the time of the sealeing of these presents in all the aforesd houseings arable land fenceing vpland and meadowes with all mines mineralls Comonages timbers timber trees profits previledges & appurtenances therevnto belonging To Haue and To Hold all & singular the aboue granted and bargained premises & every part and parcell thereof with all the woods vnderwoods profits &c and to every part and parcell ther of vnto me belonging wt all my right title and Interest therof vnto the said Daniell Litlefeild my sone his heires Exrs Administratrs to his & theire owne proper vse benefit & behoofe forever And the said Francis Litlefeild Senr doe by these presents Covenant & promise for my selfe my heire Exrs administratrs or asignes to & wth the sd Daniell Litlefeild my sone his heires Exrs Administrators & assignes that at and Imediately before the Ensealeing of these presents was the true and lawfull owner of all and singular the afore bargained premises and that I haue good right and lawfull authority in my owne name to grant giue bargaine Conuay the same as aforesaid and that the said Daniell Litlefeild my sone his heires Exrs Administrs & assignes shall & may by vertue & force of these presents from time to time & at all times for ever hereafter lawfully & peaceably & quietly Haue hold vse occupy & Injoy the aboue granted premises wt theire appurtanences free and Cleare & freely Discharged & Clearely acquitted of & from all manner of former gifts grants bargaines sailes leases Mortgages Jointures Dowers Judgments Executions forfeitures troubles & Incumbrances whatsoever had made Done or suffered to be Done by me the said Francis Litlefeild senior or my heires Exrs or assignes at any time or times before the Enseleing and Delivery of these presents, and I the said Francis Litlefeild Senr my heires Exrs & administrators shall & will from time to time & at all times for ever hereafter warrant & defend the aboue given and Granted premises with their appurtanences and every part & parcell thereof vnto the aboue named Daniell Litlefeild my sonne his heire Exrs administratrs or assignes against all & every parson or parsons laying Claime thereto or any part thereof from by or vnder me my heires Exrs administratrs In Witness whereof I haue herevnto sett my hand and seale this twenty eight Day of March one thousand six hundred Eighty and three... It is to be further vnderstood that my sone Daniell Litlefeild is now to haue imediate posession of the aboue given & granted premises only his father Francis Litlefeild Senr is to lett it out for said Daniell Litlefeild his sone as to Improue it as he shall see most convenient vntill his said sone Daniell Litlefeild shall come to the full age of twenty one yeares: the said Daniell is to haue the Improuemt and benefitt of the farme whatever is made of it vntill he come of age Excepting fiue acres marsh that I Francis Litlefeild Senr reserue in my own hands and to my own vse vntill my sd sone Daniell Litlefeild come to be twenty one years of age, then to be his, his heires Exrs & administrators for ever
Dependence Littlefield was born about 1671 TO1, YO15 in Wells and married Hannah (Snell) Ballard as his first wife about the year 1700 or by February 1706/7 in Wells, Maine TO1. Dependence Littlefield of Wells gave a deposition on November 19, 1734 in which he stated that he was sixty-three years old and stated that his brother was James Littlefield YO15. He may have married Elizabeth Batson as his second wife HO31. Dependence was the father of James, Hannah, Samuel, Isaac, and Nehemiah, who were all baptized on August 6, 1710 HO31. The administration of the estate of his father was granted to Dependence on January 6, 1712/3 HO31. “Francis Litlefeild”, Sr. granted his son, “Dependance Litlefeild” (who was described as younger than twenty-one) a parcel of land on March 29, 1683 YO13:
To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come Know ye that Francis Litlefeild Senr of wells yeoman in the province of Maine & in the County of yorke in New England in America sendeth Greeting Know ye that the said Francis Litlefeild Senr out of that naturall loue & affection that I beare to my sonne Dependance Litlefeild and for Divers & other good causes me therevnto moueing Haue giuen granted & by these presents frely Clearely & absolutely giue grant alien assigne & set over and Confirme vnto my said sonne Dependance Litlefield his heire Exrs Administrators & assignes all my farme of land yt I now liue in or vppon wt all my houseings barnes: out houseings arable land pasture land oarchards meadowes frsh & salt that is now in my Imediate possession Excepting what I haue Giuen vnto my sonne James Litlefeild Senr as by his Deed on the twentieth this Instant March Eighty three more at large appeareth & ten acres salt marsh which I haue giuen vnto my sone Daniell Litlefeild as by his Deed beareing Date the twenty Eight Day of march Eighty three may & Doth appeare all which land & houseing as abousd is bounded by my sonne James Litlefeilds Senr his land on the north side & by William Ashleys land and Mr Samuell Wheelwrights land on the South: and all the marsh that lieth neare mr Samll Wheelewrights senr neck of land and all other marsh now in my Imediate possession after my Death and the Death of my now wife Rebecka Litlefeild with all my right title and Interest I now haue or ought to haue at the time of the sealeing of these presents in all the aforesd houseings arreable land fences Marsh or Meadowes lands out houses mines Minerals Comodityes timber timber trees woods vnderwoods profitts priviledges and appurtenances therevnto belonging To Haue and To Hold all & singular the aboue granted & bargained premises to every part & parcell thereof vnto me belonging with all my right title & Interest thereof vnto the said Dependance Litlefeild my sonne after the decease of myselfe and Rebecka my now wife and to his heires Exrs administrators to his and their own proper vse benefitt & behoofe for ever: and the said Francis Litlefeild Senr Doe by these presents Covenant & promise for my selfe my heires Exrs administrators & asignes that at & Imediately before the Ensealeing of these presents was the true and lawfull owner of all & singular the afore bargained premise and that I haue good right & lawfull authority in my owne name to grant giue Bargaine & convey the same as aforesaid and that the said Dependance Litlefeild my sone after myselfe and Rebeckah my now wifes decease his heires Exrs administrators bargaines sailes leases mortgadges Jointures Dowres Judgments Executions forfeitures troubls and Incumbrances whatsoever had made done or suffered to be done by me the said Francis Litlefeild Senr or my heires Exrs or assignes at any time or times before the sealeing & Delivery of these presents And I the said Francis Litlefeild Senior my heires Exrs and administrators shall & will from time to time & at all times for ever hereafter warrant & defend the aboue given & granted premises with their appurtanences & every part & parcell thereof vnto the aboue named Dependance Litlefeild my sonne his heires Exrs administrators or assignes against all & every parson or parsons laying Claime thereto, or any part thereof from by or vnder my heires Exrs administrators In Wittness whereof I haue herevnto sett my hand and seale this twenty ninth Day of March one thousand six hundred Eighty and three... It is to be vnderstood that If my said sone Dependance Litlefeild should Dye before he come to age of twenty one yeares or Dye wtout Issue of his body lawfully begotten in Wedlock then the houseings lands as is aboue Expressed shall returne to my sonne James and Daniell Litlefeild to be equally Devided between them…
Rachel Littlefield married William Frost as his first wife on December 6, 1694 in Wells, Maine or in Salem, Massachusetts TO1.
Rebecca was alive on March 29, 1683 when Francis granted his homestead to their son, Dependence, aside from what he had already given to their sons, James and Daniel, but she died sometime before 1689, when Francis was at that time married to Mary (Wade) Symonds NO10.