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John Wells |
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Sarah Littlefield |
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John Wells (Thomas, Abigail) was probably the John Wells who gave a deposition on June 23, 1676, in which he stated that he was about thirty-six years old DO17, indicating that he was born in approximately 1640. John Chute and John Wells witnessed a deed between Richard and Jane Swaine of Hampton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts (the grantors) and John Readdington of Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts (the grantee) dated July 5, 1660 SA21. It is unclear if this was the same John Wells who was the son of Thomas and the husband of Sarah. He married Sarah Littlefield in about 1664 or 1665 WE8, BO10; they were married before July 31, 1666, when he and Sarah were mentioned in his father’s will TH27, DO14. According to the will of his father, John was given a deed of all of his father’s land in Wells, Maine, which was 350 acres of cropland, meadow, and pasture, in addition to two cows TH27. By John’s request, his father also paid ten pounds and fifteen shillings in cattle to Stephen Kent of Haverhill, on behalf of John’s father-in-law, Francis Littlefield, Sr. TH27. Thomas bequeathed ten pounds to John, which was to be paid within three years after his death; five pounds of this amount was to be paid in neat cattle and the remainder was to be paid in equal proportions of merchantable wheat, malt, and Indian corn TH27. Personal items willed to John included Thomas’ cloak, a large pewter candlestick with its top, two large saucers, and two small saucers TH27.
John Wells was a member of the Grand Jury at a court session held at Wells for York County on July 5, 1670, and a member of the Grand Jury again on July 4, 1671 at the York County Court in York LI1. He had a license to operate a ferry in 1671 NO10, a grant of land of an unspecified acreage in Wells in 1675 BO10, NO10, and he was a juror at the County Court held in Wells on July 4, 1676 LI1. His name appeared the following day on a York County petition to reinstate Major Richard Waldron to his office of Magistrate NO10. The Court of Associates held at Wells on December 12, 1676 ordered John Wells and Phoeby Farrow to supervise the estate of the late George Farrow, and to care for his widow WH16, NO10.
The Wells Militia Committee allowed certain charges for the soldiers who fought in the war against the Native Americans, and John Wells was allowed his charges of seven pounds, eighteen shillings, and seven pence BA43. This list of charges allowed to soldiers was undated but was “from the first Begininge of the Late Indian warre vnto the first September 1677” BA43.
John died intestate YO9 on April 11, 1677, according to the inventory of his estate LI1, WE8, BO10, which was conducted by William Symonds and Joseph Storer and was presented at court on November 16, 1677 LI1. He was said to have been “killed by the Indians” LI1. His estate was valued at over 352 pounds, and included LI1:
houses & Lands… one horse… one yoake of Oxen… Three Cows & three Calfes… Two Heffers and their Calfes… Two 2 yeare ould… Three Yearelings… nine swine… one frame of a barne… 2 bedds & bowlsters & pillows, 2 Ruggs & one cradle Rugg, 9 blanketts & 6 peyre of sheetes & pillow Cases… Table Cloath & 8 Napkines… his Cloathing… 2 Candlestickes… one warmeing pan… 2 Chamber potts… one basket to putt Lining [linen] in… one brass pot, one brass Kettle & one brass Skellett… one Iron Pott, one Iron Kettle & two peyre of pot hangers… one Trammell… one brass Morter & pestle… one friingpan… one peyre of Tongues & fyre slice… a Chyrne & 2 payles… Dishes and spoones… 2 Juggs & 1 glass bottle… 3 earthen potts… A smoothing Iron & Heaters… one Wheele & Cards… a Powdering Tubb… 3 Chests & 2 boxes… 2 Chayres & one Cradle… one Muskett, bandeleres [bandoliers, which are belts with small loops or compartments which hold the ammunition, and are worn across the chest] & Ammunition… Thyrty five pounds of yarne… bridle & saddle & pillion… Three Axes, Two Adges & foure Chissells… one square, with a drawing Kniffe, with Towles… one peyre of Hookes & hinges, with ould Iron… one spade & an How… a handsaw… Two bookes and 2 ould bibles… Two puddingpans & some other things… one cart & all other Tackeling for oxen
John’s estate was divided between his four living children on April 3, 1702 WE8, YO9, and the Articles of Agreement to this division indicate that Sarah “Lybbey” was not present YO9:
Articles of agreemt made between John Wells Thomas Wells Nathaniel Clark & Patience Clark his wife/ And Thomas Wells in ye right of Sarah Lybbey all of them Children to John Wells late of Wells Deceased concerning the Division of ye Estate that did belong to their father Deceased Intestate
Imprimis/ It is agreed that Thomas Wells have in behalf of himself and our Sister Sarah Lybbey thirty two poles or Rods in breadth of that parcel of land which adjoines to Joseph Sayer his land or that is now in Joseph Sayers possession which is to run in length upon a Northwest and Southeast line According as ye Lotts doe run And he is to begin next to Joseph Sayers and to run ye the thirty one poles or Rods upon a Northeast line which is ye breadth Also two third parts of that Marsh which belonged to our father abovesd Deceased which lies upon the Eastwardmost branch of little River… [the descriptions of the parcels of land meant for Patience and John have been omitted here] In witness to ye abovesd agreemt we the above named John Wells Thomas Wells Nathaniel Clark and Patience Clark have hereto put our hands and seales this third day of Aprill in ye year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and two And in the fourteenth year of his Mats Reign.
Sarah Littlefield (Francis, Rebecca) was the daughter of Francis Littlefield, Sr., and she was born on November 15 NO10 or November 16, 1649 TH27, BO10. Sarah was bequeathed “one five shillings peece of gould” from her father-in-law, Thomas Wells in his will dated July 31, 1666 TH27. With John, she was the mother of John, Thomas, Patience, and Sarah WE8, BO10, NO10.
John Wells of Wells, York County, Maine was deposed on November 19, 1734 in which he stated he was sixty-four years old YO15; this indicates he was born about 1670. John Wells, the son of John Wells, was born on August 10 or 20, 1671 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts VI28, DO15. John Wells married Mary Peck on February 18, 1696/7 in Boston, Massachusetts or Wells, Maine TO1. John Wells was the father of John Wells, Jr., Mary (Wells) Maddock, and Hannah (Wells) Goodwin WE8. John Wells was mentioned in his mother’s will dated April 7, 1734 SA6. John Wells, a yeoman of Wells, York County in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England wrote his will on May 10, 1748 which named his wife, Mary Wells, and his daughter, Mary Maddock, and his four grandchildren who were the children of Mary Maddock, John Maddock, Palsgrove Maddock, Mary Pike, and Sarah Maddock SA6. He also named his son, John Wells, his minor grandson, John Wells (probably the son of John Wells), his daughter, Hannah Goodwin, his son-in-law, Thomas Goodwin, and their minor son, Thomas Goodwin SA6. John died sometime before July 22, 1748 when his will was probated SA6.
Thomas Wells of Wells, York County, Maine was deposed on November 19, 1734 in which he stated he was sixty-two years old YO15; this indicates he was born about 1672. Thomas Wells married Sarah Browne on May 14, 1696 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts VI6, TO1. Thomas and Sarah Wells were the parents of Sarah, born on March 9, 1698/9 in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts VI28. Thomas and Sarah (Browne) Wells were the parents of Joshua, who was born on October 9, 1701 and was baptized on September 12, 1702 in Wells, York County, Maine, and they were the parents of an unidentified child who was born on approximately August 9, 1703 in Wells WE8. On August 10, 1703, Thomas Wells was not present in his residence (allegedly seeking the assistance of a midwife to care for Sarah) when Sarah and her children were killed in raid conducted by a group of Native American individuals WE8. Thomas Wells married Lydia Gale of Salem in Salem, Massachusetts on October 12, 1704 VI6; Lydia was the daughter of John and Lydia (Wells) Ropes and the widow of Abraham Gale WE8. Thomas and Lydia Wells were the parents of three children whose births were recorded in Newbury, Essex County, Massachusetts VI28. These were Nathaniel, born on August 21, 1705, Joshua, born on March 6, 1707, and Lydia, born on May 29, 1709 VI28. Thomas Wells was mentioned in his mother’s will dated April 7, 1734 SA6. Thomas Wells, a yeoman of Wells in York County, Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England, wrote his will on July 19, 1737 in which he mentioned his wife, Lydia Wells, his sons, “Nathll” (Nathaniell) and Joshua, his daughter, Lydia Clark, and a slave called “Negro man Jeff” to whom he did not grant freedom but instead continued to enslave as the property of his wife SA6. Thomas Wellse was deceased by September 22, 1737 when his will was probated SA6.
Patience Wells married Nathaniel Clark in Salisbury TO1. Patience Clark was mentioned in her mother’s will dated April 7, 1734 SA6. Nathaniel Clarke, a cordwinder of Wells in York County, Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England wrote his will on February 8, 1717/8 in which he named his wife, Patiance Clarke, his sons, Nathaniel, Isaac, Eleazer, James, and Samuel Clarke, and his daughters, Sarah Burton, Mary Thomson, Abigail Clarke, and Esther Clark SA6. Nathaniel Clarke was deceased by March 26, 1718 when his will was probated SA6.
Sarah Wells or Weld married Samuel Sibley on September 13, 1695 in Salem, Massachusetts and second married John Sawyer TO1.
Sarah, the daughter of Francis Littlefield and the widow of John Wells of Wells, York County, Maine remarried to William Sayer (Sawyer), the son of William and Ruth Sawyer of Wells, York County, Maine sometime before November 6, 1677 LI1, WE8. On that date, Nathaniell Wells of Ipswich, Thomas Wells of Aymsbury, and “Saraih Sayer [Sawyer] late wife of John Wells deceased” were appointed as joint administrators of the estate of John Wells LI1, WE8. Nathaniell, John’s brother, did not appear at the Court of Associates at York, and Thomas, who was another brother, along with Saraih, his widow, declined to accept the administration of John’s estate, and so on December 4, 1677, the Court of Associates ordered that Saraih “shall have the Improvement of the whoole Estate put into her hands for bringing up her Children, & the propriety of fivety Acres of upland & seaven acres of Marsh adjoyneing to the lower part of sayd Land whereon the houses are now Erected” LI1. John’s brother, Nathaniell, also did not wish to be an administrator of his estate, and on July 2, 1678, the County Court held at Wells accepted his decision LI1.
With William Sawyer, Sarah was the mother of Joseph, Francis, Daniel, Hannah, and Ruth.
Joseph Sawyer was born on August 14, 1678 in Wells, York County, Maine AP2, WE8. He allegedly married someone whose surname was “Hill”, with whom he was the father of Mary, who was kidnapped and held hostage by Native American individuals on August 10, 1703 and another unnamed child who was killed on that date AP2. He was not mentioned in either of the wills of his parents, which is a probable indicator that he died prior to June 4, 1718 SA6. Joseph and his family were said to have been “killed by the Indians” on August 10, 1703 WE8. Joseph Sayer of Wells died intestate on August 10, 1703 and the inventory of his estate was conducted by Nathaniel Cloyes, Samuel Hath, and Thomas Hale on May 23, 1704 MA41. The administration of his estate was granted to his brother, Francis Sayar of Wells, on May 29, 1704 MA41.
Francis Sawyer was born on March 6, 1681 in Wells, York County, Maine AP2, WE8. Francis “Saywer” of Wells and Elisabeth Dennis declared their intent to marry on October 6, 1705 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI24. Francis and Elisabeth Sawyer were the parents of seven children who were born in Wells, York County, Maine AP2. These were Joseph, born on December 8, 1706, Elizabeth, born on September 5, 1709, Samuel, born on June 11, 1712, Abigail, born on March 1, 1715, Mary, born on March 25, 1717, Daniel, born on January 25, 1719, and Eunice, born on July 6, 1722 AP2. Francis Sawyer of Wells and Susanna Low, a widow, declared their intent to marry on January 15, 1725 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI24. Francis and Susanna Sawyer were the parents of two children whose births were recorded in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI23. These were Hannah, baptized on March 2, 1728 and Samuel, baptized on September 27, 1730 VI23. Hannah Sawyer, the daughter of Francis and Susanna, died at age two years and one month on March 29, 1731 VI24. Francis Sawyer was mentioned in his father’s will dated June 4, 1718 SA6 and his mother’s will dated April 7, 1734 SA6. An unnamed wife of Francis Sawyer died on May 30, 1749 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI24; this was probably Susanna (Low) Sawyer. Francis Sayer and Mrs. Hannah Staniford declared their intent to marry on January 6, 1749 (probably 1750) in Ipswich, but Hannah Sawyer died in December 1750 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI24. Then, also in Ipswich, Francis Sawyer and Mrs. Mary Knowlton declared their intent to marry on October 26, 1751 VI24. Francis Sayer died on August 31, 1756 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts VI24.
Daniel Sawyer was born on May 26, 1683 in Wells, York County, Maine AP2, WE8. He married Sarah, with whom they were the parents of five children who were born in Wells, York County, Maine AP2. These were William, born on February 6, 1705, Sarah, born on October 6, 1708, Lydia, born on August 14, 1710, Daniel, born on April 4, 1712 (and died on November 9, 1713), and Hannah, born on March 29, 1714 AP2. Daniel Sawyer was not mentioned in the will of his father dated June 4, 1718 SA6 and was called deceased by the time Sarah wrote her will on April 7, 1734, but Daniel’s son, William, was mentioned in Sarah’s will SA6.
Hannah Sawyer was born on April 9, 1685 in Wells, York County, Maine AP2, WE8. Hannah Sawyer married an individual with the surname Chesley AP2; this was Philip Chesley whom she married on July 8, 1706 in Wells, York County, Maine ST26. Hannah and Lieutenant Philip Chesley were the parents of Lemuel, Joshua, who was baptized on February 23, 1724, Phebe, who was also baptized on February 23, 1724, and four additional children who were baptized on September 11, 1726: Paul, Samuel, Daniel, and Deborah ST26. Hannah and her minor sons, Joshua and Paul Chesly, were mentioned in the will of her father, William Sayer, on June 4, 1718 SA6. Hannah Chesley was mentioned in her mother’s will dated April 7, 1734 SA6.
Ruth Sawyer was born on May 26, 1687 in Wells, York County, Maine AP2, WE8 and married James Sampson AP2. James Samson, Jr. was the father of three children whose births were recorded in New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts MA27. These were Ebenezer, born on July 4, 1709, Hanah, born on October 3, 1710, and Sarah, born on October 10, 1712 MA27. William Sayer mentioned Ruth Sampson and her minor children, Ebenezer, William, Timothy, Hannah, and Sarah Sampson, in his will dated June 4, 1718 SA6. Ruth Sampson was mentioned in her mother’s will dated April 7, 1734 SA6.
Because her husband subscribed to the articles of the covenant which incorporated the church of Wells on October 29, 1701, led by its new minister, Mr. Emery, Sarah most likely attended that church BO10. The will of William Sayer of Wells, written on June 4, 1718, stated that he wished to bequeath one hundred pounds to his grandson, William Sayer, payable when he reached his majority (age twenty-one), and fifty pounds to his daughter, Hannah Chesly, fifty pounds apiece to Hannah’s sons, Joshua and Paul Chesly, when they reached the age of twenty-one, and fifty pounds to his daughter, Ruth Sampson SA6. He also bequeathed twenty pounds apiece to his grandchildren, Ebenezer, William, Timothy, Hannah, and Sarah Sampson, the boys inheriting at age twenty-one, but the girls at the age of eighteen SA6. He bequeathed all of his personal and real estate to his son, Francis, aside for one third of the improvement of his lands, and one third of his personal estate, which he intended for his wife, Sarah, to use during her life SA6. William “Sayer” of Wells died on June 7, 1718 AP2.
Sarah created her will on April 7, 1734 (transcribed below SA6), which was witnessed by Hans Dalzel, Jeremiah Storer, and Jeremiah Storer, Jr. SA6, and she died in Wells, York County, Maine in 1735 WE8.
To All People to whom these Prestns shall come Greeting. Know ye, that I Sarah Sayer of Wells in the County of York in the Province of the Massachusets Bay New England Relique of William Sawyer late of Wells aforsd Decesd (thô weak of Body, yet of sound & well Disposing mind & Iudgment) Do Committing my sperit in the first place unto God the Father of it thrô Jesus Christ, & my Body into the hands of my Executors hereafter named to be by them decently Interred in hopes of A Blessed Resurrection, Dispose of the Temporall Estate with which God has been pleased to bless me in the manner following vizt
1. My Will is that all my Iust & honest Debts, together with my Funerall Charges shall be paid out of my Estate by my Executors hereafter Named.
2. I Give & bequeath unto my son John Wells Eight Pounds to be paid him by my Executors within six months after my Decese. I Will also that A Bond of thirteen pounds given by him to me, shall be freely surrendred up unto him by my Executors within the aforsd term of six months after my Dece’se And I Will that the Eight pounds I herein give unto this my sd son John Wells be laid out by him in procureing A Funerall Coat after my Disc.
3. I Give & Bequeath unto my son Thomas Wells Eight pounds to procure A Funerall Coat after my Decese the which sd sum shall be paid him by my Executors within six months after my Decease. I will also that A Bond of thirteen pound given from him to me shall be freely surrendred up to him after my Dece’se.
4. I Give unto my Daughter Patience Clark five pounds (besides five pounds I have already given her) to be paid unto her by my Executors within six months after my Decease.
5. I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Sayer of Newbury two pounds & four pounds A piece to Each of her two sons Vizt Jonathan Sibley & Samll Sibley these several sums to be paid vnto my sd Daughter Sarah Sawyer & her aforesd two sons by my Executors within six months after my Decease.
6. I Give & Bequeath unto my son Francis Sawyer thirty pounds to be paid unto him within six Months after my Decease by my Executors.
7. I Give & Bequeath unto my Grand son William son of my son Daniel Sayer De’csd thirty pounds, to be paid him by my Executors within six months after my Decease.
8. I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Hannah Chesley thirty pounds to be paid her by my Executors within six Months after my Decease.
9. I Give & Bequeath unto my Daughter Ruth Sampson Thirty pounds to be paid her by my Executors within six Months after my Decease.
10. I Give & Bequeath unto my great grand-Daughter Mary Clarke Daughter of my grand son Nathall Clarke A Certain Feather Bed that has an homespone Tick to be Delivered to her by my Executors within six Months after my Decease.
11. I Will that what ever Use or Interest shall be found due upon my Bonds that any of my Children or Grand Children have Obliged themselves unto me by, shall be freely wholy and absolutely remitted released & given up unto such from whom it may be found due by my Executors at my Decease.
12. I Give & Bequeath unto my four Daughters my wearing Cloths as follows vizt I give to my Daughter Patience Clark A black Calaminco suit & my black blew searge Petty Coat. I give to my Daughter Sarah Sawyer my silk Crape suit & my red & Yellow under Petty Coat. I give unto my Daughter Hannah Chesley my silk suit. I give to my Daughter Ruth Sampson my striped Calaminco suit, & A striped Calaminco Gown & A black silk Petty Coat. all the Rest of my Cloths I will shall be Equally Divided among these my four Daughters. And if either of these my Daughters shall Decease before I shall, then I will that their Daughters shall have such Clothes as their Mother would have had by Vertue of this my Will if they were Liveing.
13. I Will that four pounds shall be paid by Executors unto the Church of Christ in Wells, within six months after my Decease, to be distributed by them among some of the poor Members of sd Church.
14. I Will all my Estate of what nature or kind so ever not already disposed of in this my Last Will & Testament unto my two grandsons & my two Daughters hereafter mentioned vizt Joseph Sayer, Wm Sayer, Hannah Chesley & Ruth Sampson to be delivered up unto them & equally Divided amongst them within six months after my Decease.
15. finally I Do hereby Ordain Constitute & appoint my son Francis Sayer & my Grand-sons Joseph Sayer & William Sayer to be the sole Executors of this my last Will & Testament and Do hereby revoke & Disannull all former Wills & Testaments heretofore made by me & Declare this to be my last will & testament: As Witness my hand and seal this twenty seventh Day of April Anno Domini 1734. Annoq, R R Georgii secundi magnæ Brittanniæ &c septimo.
The inscription on her gravestone, located at the Ocean View Cemetery in Wells, states “Here lyes Buried ye Body of M.rs Sarah Sayer Relict of Mr. William Sayer Who Died Janry 1734 in ye 85…”, and perhaps ends with the phrase “year of her age”.
