Richard Swain, of Nantucket

1. D: I67953
2. Name: Richard Swain
3. Given Name: Richard
4. Surname: Swain 1 2
5. Name: Richard Swain
6. Given Name: Richard
7. Surname: Swain 3 4
8. Name: Richard (Swayne) Swain
9. Given Name: Richard (Swayne)
10. Surname: Swain 5 6 7
11. Name: Richard Swayne
12. Given Name: Richard
13. Surname: Swayne
14. Sex: M
15. Birth: Abt 1595 in Binfield, , Berkshire, England 4
16. Christening: 21 Sep 1595 Binfield, , Berkshire, England 4
17. Death: 14 Apr 1682 in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, USA 4
18. Residence: Hampton, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire, USA 2
19. Residence: Nantucket, Nantucket Co., Massachusetts, USA 2
20. Residence: Nantucket, Nantucket Co., Massachusetts, USA 8 7
21. Event: Alt. Birth 1600 England 1 2
22. Event: Alt. Birth 1601 Berkshire, England (possibly) 8 7
23. Immigration: 1635 From, England 4
24. Immigration: 1635 Hampton, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire, USA 8 7
25. Residence: 1635 Massachussets Bay Colony, Later named, Rowley, Essex Co., Massachusetts, USA 4
26. Immigration: 17 Sep 1635 From, London, England (Aboard the ship, "Truelove") 1 2
27. Residence: 1638 Hampton, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire, USA (Then called Winnacunnett) 4
28. Event: Property 2 Jul 1659 Richard and his son John were among the nine purchasers of Nantucket
29. Residence: 1660 To, Nantucket, Nantucket Co., Massachusetts, USA 4
30. Event: Alt. Death 14 Apr 1682 1 2
31. Event: Alt. Death 14 Apr 1682 Nantucket, Nantucket Co., Massachusetts, USA 9 10 7

Biography

From the book, "One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families", by John Osborne Austin:

   "Richard Swain, Hampton, N. H., Nantucket, Mass.

1635, 9, 17. Hes came in the ship "Truelove," from London, having sent his wife Elizabeth in the "Planter" the April previous, his sons Francis and William in the "Rebecca," and daughter Elizabeth in the "Susan and Ellen," in care of various friends.
1638, 10, 9. Newbury, Mass. His daughter Elizabeth was baptized there.
1639, 3, 13. Rowley, Mass. This same year he had liberty to settle small claims at Hampton, N. H. (then in Massachusetts), where he had been granted liberty to plant the year before.
1643, 3, 7. Hampton. He and others of Hampton, petitioned Governor of Massachusetts, complaining of William Haward, military officers.
He was, while at Hampton, Selectman, and commissioner for small causes.
1659, 7, 2. He and his son John were among the nine purchasers of Nantucket from Thomas Mayhew, the latter remaining a share. The consideration paid was oe30, "and also two beaver hats, one for myself and one for my wife," as Mayhew's deed declares.
1661, 5, 10. Nantucket. On a committee to lay out lands.
1667, 6, 18. He deeded land to Thomas Macy and Edward Startbuck, guardians of George Bunker's minor children, he himself being their step-father, as he had married George Bunker's widow.
1671, 6, 29. He and his son john were among the purchasers of the rights, etc., that Wanackmamack, Chief Sachem of Nantucket, this day deeded for consideration of oe40.
His last wife Jane, was the first white person recorded as having died on Nantucket, and his grandson, John Swain, was the first white male child born upon that island.
His son Francis went to Long Island, William staid at Hampton; and Richard, the only child by his second wife, moved to New Jersey, where descendants have been Cape May pilots.
1682, 8, 1. Administration on his estate granted to Richard Swain, Jr., who gave bond of oe50, with James Coffin, surety. Appraisers appointed by the Court were, Nathaniel Barnard, Stephen Coffin, Thomas Look, Tobias Cole..." [Birch genealogy by Terry Birch - 680559_GM.GED]
Notes for Richard Swain, Sr:
Sources for the Swain family include: Carl Swain, Claxton, GA (descendent of John Wesley Swain who was a son of Levi Bonaparte Swain, Sr), Truman Porter "Pete" Swain, Jr., Pender Co, NC (descendent of Thomas Willetts Swain who was a brother of Levi Bonaparte Swain, Sr), and Rebecca "Becki" Ray Watters, Fresno, CA (descendent of Martha Swain who was a sister of Levi Bonaparte Swain, Sr). The book by Robert Swain called "Swains of Nantucket-Tales and Trails".
Richard Swain, his wife, Elizabeth Basselle, and several children immigrated to New England in 1635. Richard Swain left England September 17, 1635 aboard the Truelove, while his wife and children were sent perhaps ahead in April 1635 on other ships under the care of friends. Wife Elizabeth left England aboard the Planter with children Nicholas, Grace and John. Sons William and Francis left aboard the Rebecca.
Richard Swain and his family first lived in the small town of Rowley, MA, then known as the MA Bay Colony. Later he moved to Hampton where he is listed as amoung the first settlers.
Richard, planter, Hampton, 1638. He owned a house and land at Exeter before 1650. Gave part of his house-lot in Hampton to his daugher Grace and her husband, Nathaniel Boulter, September 4, 1660; another tract to Hezekiah, eldest son of William, deceased; the widow Prudence to have the use of it till Hezekiah is 21 years old. He moved to Nantucket, MA. He sold his remaining estate to his son-in-law Boulter July 6, 1663.
Pioneers in Massachusetts, p.441
Richard Swain, Sr married his second wife, Jane Godfrey in 1658 and by 1663 they had moved to Nantucket, MA. Richard was one of a group of nine Massachusetts Englishmen (Tristram Coffin, Thomas May, Christopher Huffey, Thomas Bernard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, John Swain-son of Richard, and William Pike) who in 1659 purchased Nantucket Island from Thomas Mayhew for 30 pounds and two beaver hats.
The following is from Robert Swain's "Swains of Nantucket-Tales and Trails":
Christened as Rychard Swayn on 21 September 1595, Berkshire, England, the name Richard Swayne was used until he moved to Nantucket from the mainland. Other spellings of the name in England during the period 1500-1600's show Swaine, Swayn, and Swain, in addition to Swayne. His children, Francis, Nicholas, Grace, Richard and John, are listed in christening records as either Swaine or Swayne. One son, the first Richard, Jr., died as an infant in England.
In most instances the name Swayne or Swain(e) is derived from the Old Norse word sveinn which meant "boy, servant peasant" depending on its use in the sentence. It came to England with Danes and Norwegians and was altered there to suein, suen, swan, etc. Sveinn was first used as a descriptive term before becoming a surname. Burkes Armory describes the Coat-Of-Arms for one Swain, one Swain or Swaine, one Swaine and four Swaynes...each of them different. According to some authorities Richard Swayne of St. Albans, England who came to America in 1635, living first at Rowley, Massachusetts Bay in 1635, and then at Hampton in New Hampshire, was in line with William Swayne of Salisbury, England, granted the Coat-Of-Arms, 20 June 1444, later confirmed by a descendant of the same name, of London, in 1612. This is the same Coat-Of-Arms found in Scotland in 1100, but without the Motto.
A record of the births of four of the children of Richard Swayne are found in Easthampstead County, England: Nicholas, Grace, Richard, and John Swayne. After Richard Swayne took his family to America in 1635, there seems to be no other family of that name living in Easthampstead for nearly 60 years. St. Albans, England is northeast of London.
Of those using the name Swayne, Swain or Swaine, who came to New England early were: William, mentioned by Savage as "William Swain, Gentlemen", born 1585, came to Watertown, Massachusetts in 1635: was afterward one of a commission sent to govern the colony of Connecticut. A William Swain was in Branford after 1636. Jeremiah Swain was at Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1638 and one of the first settlers of Reading, Massachusetts. The third was Richard Swayne who came to Rowley, Massachusetts in 1635. It is not known if there was any relationship between these three early settlers of New England.
In Virginia, the following beadrights in county land grants were made to Stephen Swaine in Surry County in 1635. Some genealogical researchers have confused him with Stephen Swain of Nantucket who went ' to Chowan County, North Carolina about 1690. A Thomas Swain(e) and his wife were in James City in 1638 and another Thomas Swain was in New Kent in 1682.
In North Carolina, 32 families of Swains were property taxpayers in the period 1717-1779. The 1790 United States Census lists one or more of the spellings, Swain, Swaine, and Swains in Connecticut, Georgia (Reconstructed), Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia. The 1790 Census lists Swaims and Swains in the same counties so it would appear that Swaims were once Swains. The fact that the name Sveyn appears in England in 1045 and in Scotland in 1250 would reinforce the Priority of Swain.
Richard Swayne/Swain sent his wife Elizabeth and the children to New England in April 1635 and he followed in September of that same year. It is known that Elizabeth and the children did not arrive on the same ship, the older children on one vessel and the mother and younger children on another. An early historian states that the children who sailed separately from their mother were with friends on the ship Rebecca. These were sons, William and Francis, and Nicholas, Grace and John came with their mother on the ship Planter. Some records state a daughter named Elizabeth was a passenger on the ship Susan and Ellen. This was not the daughter of Richard Swain since his daughter was not born until he settled at Hampton, New Hampshire.
Richard Swain arrived in America in 1635 as stated above, and he and the family first lived in the small town of Rowley, Massachusetts, then known as the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Later he moved to Hampton where he is listed among the first settlers. That was in the autumn of 1638 and the settlement was called "Winnacunnett" according to the History of Hampton. Later the Reverend Steven Bachelor (Bachiler), one of the early petitioners, requested the name be changed to Hampton.
Included in the History of Hampton are many references to Richard Swain and his role as a leading citizen of the town. His wife was referred to as "Basselle" but this name is not found in any of the records from England. On a following page is an early map of the town of Hampton, New Hampshire, and you will note the names of some of the children of Richard Swain. Also shown are names of many of the early settlers, some remaining in Hampton and others migrating to Nantucket after its purchase from Thomas Mayhew.
It was at Hampton that the last child of Richard and Elizabeth Swain was born in 1636, Elizabeth Swain. It was here also where his wife, Elizabeth, died in 1657. In 1658 he married a widow, Jane Godfrey Bunker, whose husband, George Bunker, had died at sea leaving her with five small children. The oldest son of Richard Swain, William, also died in 1657, having lost his life at sea on a voyage from Hampton to Boston. In 1659 the problems for Quakers increased and many of the inhabitants began to search for a haven of safety where they could live and worship in peace. By 1660 Richard Swain had turned his property over to his daughters and moved with sons John and Richard, Jr., his new wife and stepchildren, to the Island of Nantucket. In 1659 he and his son, John Swain, were two of the ten original purchasers of Nantucket Island from Thomas Mayhew for thirty pounds silver and two "Beaver Hats".
What brought Richard Swain and others like him to America so long ago when they were desperate to brave the unknown of a new colony across the ocean? The voyage was long and dangerous in vessels that were small and propelled only by sail. Why did he send his family alone and who were the friends that traveled with the family and perhaps sheltered them until Richard arrived in America? It must have taken great courage on the part of Richard and Elizabeth to leave their home in England, and (Especially to travel separately not knowing if they would ever see each other again. We can only speculate about the reason for their leaving in the first place, but from 1633-1635, those immigrants from England were seeking more religious freedom from the confines of the Church of England. During a period of time before this migration the future of the "Puritans" in England was so black that thousands finally fled to America where they founded the Colony of Massachusetts. A study of events during that time will show that they did not like the control of the church by the bishops and the type worship service that, except for being conducted in English rather than Latin, could not be distinguished from the Catholic Church.
Early in the history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, religious persecution began. A series of acts was perpetrated in the name of the law that in our present age seems incredible. It is ironic that those who left England to seek religious freedom found conditions worse in their newly chosen land. It appears that many of those Puritans or Separatists joined the Society of Friends in America, and even before the first Quaker arrived in Massachusetts the General Court had appointed a Fast Day, "to seek the face of God in behalf of our native country, in reference to the abounding errors, especially those of Ranters and Quakers". Men and women were scourged from one town to another, imprisoned, banished from the Colony, hurt, mutilated and humiliated. This spirit had in 1658 and 1659 reached an extreme point. Quakers were banished from the Colony under the pain of death if they returned, or, if they were found within its jurisdiction after a limited time, the penalty was the same as return after banishment. Citizens were prohibited from harboring them, mingling with them or advocating or encouraging their religion. It appeared to be more intense in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. One law was enacted forbidding the Indians to worship in their own manner on English ground, punishing blasphemy with death, etc. Open renunciation of the church or its order was punishable by a fine of 50 shillings per month for each month of heresy. Disobedience of parents or denying the Scriptures to be the word of God was punishable with death. A man must be orthodox to hold office or vote. Complaint to the home government brought local whipping and banishment.
In 1655, a law was passed that "no Quaker be entertained by any person or persons with this government, under penalty of 15 pounds sterling for every such default, or be whipped". This was amended in October 1657, making the fine forty shillings per hour for every offense. Under the provisions of this law several Quakers were arrested and imprisoned. On the 18th of October 1659, the "Court understanding that several inhabitants of this jurisdiction have lodged Quakers now in prison, do order that the secretary issue out a warrant to the several persons, & send them same by messenger of purpose to bring them with speed to this court, to answer for their offense therein". These persons were: James Rawlins, Anthony Emery, Thomas Spencer, Richard Nason, Richard Swayne, Zaccheus Gould and Thomas Macy. Two of the Quakers imprisoned, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stephenson, were hanged in Boston on the 27th of December 1659. All those named were fined except James Rawlins who is said to be "more innocent & ingenious than the rest: the Governor only admonished him. Richard Swayne was fined three pounds and disenfranchised. Thomas Macy paid thirty shillings and was admonished by the Governor.
The above record and his release from the church at Hampton seems to be the only involvement Richard Swain had with the Society of Friends, but later- a good many of his descendants on Nantucket embraced the Quaker faith. As the population of the Island grew many of these Quaker families decided to move to other parts of the United States and we find several families departing together and living near each other as they settled in the south and Midwestern states. It is evident that the first white settlers of Nantucket were God-fearing people, but in addition to the Quakers, there were Baptist, some Presbyterians, Puritans and Separatists, among those leaving New England to migrate to other locations across America. It is believed that Richard Swain may have been a part of a Puritan group from England. Peter Folger embraced Quakerism and so did John Swain, the oldest son of Richard Swain. Stephen Hussey and John Swain could not agree with each other on the matters of religion so John Swain finally stopped his participation in the affairs of the Society of Friends. Stephen Hussey was the husband of Martha Bunker, stepdaughter of Richard Swain.
It was during this time of persecution of Quakers that Richard Swain and others, started looking into the possibility of finding a better place to rear their families. During the summer of 1659, Tristram Coffin made a visit to some of the offshore islands, and when he visited Martha's Vineyard he learned that Thomas Mayhew was willing to dispose of Nantucket. He went there, liked what he saw, found out that the Indians would agree to satisfactory terms made a report to his friends and neighbors, and as a result purchase of the Island was made from Thomas Mayhew on 2 July 1659. Thomas Mayhew, who retained a share for himself, did not go to Nantucket, nor did all of the men named in the deed. Richard Swain bought the half share of William Pile who was one of the "Half Share Men" selected by the original purchasers.
The original purchasers of Nantucket were allowed to select partners who were called "Half Share Men", whom later it was learned, were not to share in the political control of the island. At least that was the intent of the original purchasers. Most of the "Half Share Men" were tradesmen and were needed to perform the essential services of the growing community. The attempt to retain the political control of the early proprietors caused some friction and turmoil later on and caused a split among those first inhabitants that took some time to resolve. This occurred about 1673 and other men who came from the mainland to the Island later, many of them during the King Phillips War, seeking temporary residence joined the half share group.
The "Half Share Men" were selected early in 1659 when the first purchasers met at Salisbury, Massachusetts, and approved or agreed that the "ten owners will admit of Ten more partners who shall have liberty to take a partner who he pleases not being justly Expected against by the rest". There was no mention if anyone was turned down by the group initially selected as a partner. John Swain took as his partner Thomas Look who married Elizabeth Bunker, the oldest stepdaughter of Richard Swain. Although Thomas Look went to Nantucket and resided there for a number of years he and his family moved to Martha's Vineyard to live. A number of the first purchasers selected kin or neighbors as partners, so most of them knew each other before moving to Nantucket.
The poem quoted below is found in several forms in several publications and books written about the inhabitants of Nantucket. This version is from the History of Nantucket by Starbuck. Another version is in Chapter V as written in the History of Guilford County, North Carolina. It is doubted that all descendants of these families share the imaginative viewpoint as the poets:
"What may be, perhaps not ineptly, termed the clannishness of the descendants of the First Purchasers, is illustrated by a little doggerel written by someone who had no fear of the tribal displeasure nor any respect for the family pride of those he lampoons. (1) It appears in two stanzas, published about 1834 and the irreverent writer thus characterized his victims:
The Rays and Russells, coopers are,
The knowing Folgers lazy,
A lying Coleman very rare,
And scarce a learned Hussey.
The Coffins noisy, fractious, loud,
The silent Gardners plodding,
The Mitchells good, the Barkers proud,
The Macys eat the pudding.
As though that was not enough, some super-reckless individual added the following for good measure:
The Swains are swinish, clownish called,
The Barnards very civil,
The Starbucks they are loud to bawl,
The Pinkhams beat the devil.
(1) Presumable it was written, or at least the first two stanzas written by Hart, the author of Miriam Coffin. It has also been attributed to Phitieas Fanning who married Kezia Coffin, the daughter of John and Kezia Coffin.
Other illustrations of the clannishness and intermarriage among the Islanders can be found within the pages of the History of Nantucket, such as stories by Prof. Maria Mitchell and Rev. Ferinand C Ewer.
Notes for Jane Godfrey:
Jane Godfrey married Richard Swain after the death of her first husband, George Bunker. George Bunker was the son of William de BonCoeur, a French Huguenot who had fled to England. George came in 1634 to Ipswich, MA and was one of the original settlers of Topsfield, MA. He drowned there in 1658 leaving his widow Jane Godfrey and 5 young children.
After Jane married Richard Swain, they moved to Nantucket, MA.
Reference: Savage 1:299; Virkus, Immigrant Ancestors
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Surnames of Nantucket
Tristram and Dionis Stevens COFFIN - settled in 1659
John GARDNER - settler in 1660s
Thomas MAYHEW -
Richard SWAIN - proprietor of the 1600s
John SMITH - partner of Thomas Mayhew
Richard SMITH - an artisan circa 1661
Richard SWAIN - proprietor of the 1600s
John TROTT - settler in 1665
Nathaniel WYER - early settler
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In 1639, Richard Swain was one of the first settlers at Hampton, now in NH. See: http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history.htm
Click on the _Dow's History of Hampton_ links.
In 1659, he and his son John were among the 10 original purchasers of Nantucket. A good starting place for info about him there is: _The History of Nantucket..._ by Alexander Starbuck. In the back are genealogies for several generations of several of the early settlers.
By the way, I believe that Basselle is a "first" name. Some secondary sources refer to his first wife as Elizabeth, some as Basselle. Could Basselle be a nickname for Elizabeth? I've not found a primary source for her name. He married secondly Jane, the widow of George Bunker.
Regards,
Howard Swain
---------------------------------
[Folger genealogy by Lucy Folger - 2537872_GM.GED]
He came to America on the Truelove in 1635 and settled at Hampton. While living in Hampton, he was "Selectman and Commissioner for Small Cause s." In 1639 he had liberty to "settle small claims."
He was one of nine persons who purchased the Island of Nantucket in 1659.
==================== End of Notes ====================
Father: William (Swayne) Swain b: Abt 1560

Mother: Ann Trumbull b: 1578 in Yorks, England

Marriage 1 Elizabeth Basselle b: Abt 1598 in England (probably)

   * Married: Bef 1621 2

* Event: Alt. Marriage Abt 1632 in England 4
* Event: Alt. Marriage Bef 1633 7
Children

  1. Has Children William Swain b: 1618 in England

2. Has No Children Francis Swain b: 1621 in England
3. Has No Children Nicholas Swain b: 5 Mar 1622/23 in England
4. Has No Children Grace Swain b: 23 Feb 1625/26 in England
5. Has No Children Dorothy Swain b: Abt 1629 in Hampton, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire, USA
6. Has No Children Richard Swain b: 6 May 1630 in England
7. Has Children John Swain b: 5 Oct 1633 in England
8. Has Children Elizabeth Swain b: 9 Oct 1638 in Newbury, , Massachusetts
Marriage 2 Jane Godfrey b: Abt 1625

   * Married: 15 Sep 1658 in Hampton, Massachusetts 4

* Event: Alt. Marriage 15 Sep 1658 in Rowley, Essex Co., Massachusetts, USA 11 12 7
* Event: Alt. Marriage 1659 1 2
Children

  1. Has Children Richard Swain b: 13 Jan 1658/59 in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, USA

Sources:

  1. Media: Book

Title: One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families
Author: John Osborne Austin
Publication: Massachussetts, 1893, Privately Printed
Repository:
Name: I have a copy.
2. Media: Electronic
Title: Descendants of Jeremiah Tallman, dated 15 Dec 2003.GED
Author: Russell E. Tallman
Publication: December 15, 2003
3. Title: Terry Lytle BIRCH
4. Media: Other
Title: Birch genealogy by Terry Birch - 680559_GM.GED
5. Media: Book
Title: Alexander Starbuck, The History of Nantucket (Charles E. Tuttle Co.: Publishers, Rutland, Vermont, 1983)
Page: p. 813
Quality: 3
6. Title: Lucy Folger
7. Media: Electronic
Title: Folger genealogy by Lucy Folger - 2537872_GM.GED
Author: Lucy Folger
8. Title: Lydia S. Hinchman, Early Settlers of Nantucket (Ferris & Leach, Philadelphia, PA, 1901)
Page: p. 65
Quality: 3
9. Media: Book
Title: Alexander Starbuck, The History of Nantucket (Charles E. Tuttle Co.: Publishers, Rutland, Vermont, 1983)
10. Title: New England Historic Genealogical Society Register (Boston, MA)
Page: 7:261(14 Apr 1682)
Quality: 3
11. Title: Lydia S. Hinchman, Early Settlers of Nantucket (Ferris & Leach, Philadelphia, PA, 1901)
Page: p. 65
12. Media: Book
Title: Alexander Starbuck, The History of Nantucket (Charles E. Tuttle Co.: Publishers, Rutland, Vermont, 1983)
Page: p. 684

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He came on the ship "Truelove," from London, having sent his wife ELIZABETH in the "Planter," the previous April, his sons Francis and William in the "Rebecca," and daughter Elizabeth in the "Susan and Ellen," in care of various friends. 1638, 10, 9. Newbury, Mass. His daughter Elizabeth was baptized there. 1639, 3, 13. Rowley, Mass.

He was, while at Hampton, Selectman, and commissioner for small causes.

He and his son JOHN were among the nine purchasers of Nantucket from Thomas Mayhew, the latter retaining a share. The consideration paid was œ30, "and also two beaver hats, one for myself and one for my wife,"

His last wife JANE, was the first white person recorded as having died on Nantucket, and his grandson, John Swain, was the first white male child born upon that island. His son Francis went to Long Island, William staid at Hampton; and Richard, the only child by his second wife, moved to New Jersey, where descendants have been Cape May pilots. 1682, 8, 1. Administration on his estate granted to Richard Swain, Jr., who gave bond of œ50, with James Coffin, surety. Appraisers appointed by the Court were, Nathaniel Barnard, Stephen Coffin, Thomas Look, Tobias Coleman.

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Source: "Early Settlers of Nantucket, Their Associates and Descendants," Compiled by Lydia S Hinchman, Philadelphia, Ferris & Leach, 1901

Richard Swain (Rowley 1639) came to America in the Truelove 1635, aged thirty-four, settled at Hampton, and married, in 1658, Jane Godfrey Bunker, widow of George Bunker, of Ipswich. They removed to Nantucket. While living at Hampton he was " Selectman and Commissioner for Small Causes." In 1639 he had liberty to "settle small claims"

Source: "The History of Nantucket Co, Island and Town", by Alexander Starbuck, pub. Boston: C.E. Goodspeed & Co. 1924. Richard Swain according to Savage embarked in London on the Truelove Sept. 17, 1635, for America. Savage says that in April, perhaps, he had sent his wife Elizabeth in the Planter, his sons William and Frances in the Rebecca and daughter Elizabeth in the Susan & Ellen, under the care of various friends. He was then 34 years old. He was settled in Rowley in 1639; was made a freeman March 13, 1639; had liberty, with others, to plant in Hampton in 1638; and in the following year was authorized to settle small causes in Hampton. The date of the death of his first wife does not appear to be given but in 1658 or 1659 he married Jane, widow of George Bunker. Soon after he and his wife removed to Nantucket, bringing the Bunker Children with them..

Same source: Mr. Worth says of him, "He was not an educated man and his signatures are by mark. His house lot was on both sides of the cove formed by the north westerly extension of Hummock Pond. He never held any Town office, but performed labor for the town in relation to sheep and cattle. He was married before coming to America and had four children by that marriage. The wife, Jane, had two children, John and Richard. The latter is said to have moved to New Jersey but he was administrator of his father's estate.

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From Savage, 4:235: "RICHARD, Rowley 1639, came in the Truelove, 1635 aged 34, or rather more, emb. at London, 17 Sept. hav. in Apr. sent, perhaps his w. Eliz. in the Planter, s. William, and Francis, in the Rebecca; and d. Eliz. in the Susan and Ellen, under care of various friends, freem. 13 Mar. 1639, had liberty the yr. bef. to plant, with others, at Hampton, ..."

The source for birth dates and places of Richard Swan and his children are from Mrs. Mary Cole [marycole@prodigy.net] of Kentfield, California, who examined the parish records of Eastrington.

Richard Swan was admitted to the first church of Boston in 1638, but only remained there a short time, being dismissed 24 Nov 1639 to "ye gathering of a Church at Rowley." He was made a freeman at Rowley 13 May 1640. He served on the trial jury 1651, 1659, 1664; and on the grand jury 1653, 1654, 1655 and 1662. Richard was presented in Court 18 Oct 1650 for breach of the peace in striking "Ezekiel Northen" in the face with a Staff or goad. He was fined 3 shillings. From the smallness of the fine, the court must have thought he had some provocation. On 16 Mar 1654/1655, Richard Swan was owed by the estate of Henry Sewall "for twelve weekes tendans and wood, washing and provision 16li, 14s; for writing, hellping make up accounts and prizing goods, 9s.6d." On 31 Mar 1657 he deposed that he bought a couple of oxen of Mr. Dummer about two years after Mr. Nelson went to England and they were Mr. Nelsons oxen. He made an error in some testimony before the court of Assistants, but he acknowledged the mistake, and the court restored him to jury duty. In 1668 Richard Swan sued John Morgan for taking away John Huttson, servant of said Swan. He won the case and the boy was to be returned to him. Goodwife Lambert of Rowley had sold her indentured servant, John Hudson, to Richard Swan of Rowley for L14 to be paid in wheat and barley. (She sold his time as a servant.) Charles Brown deposed he heard John Hudson say that Richard Swan was to buy him and he rejoiced much at it. The indenture was dated 1 Dec 1664, John Hudson, son of John Hudson of Bristol, England, aged about 12, with consent of Mr. William Woodcocke of Salem, to whom he was committed in trust, bound himself to John Hutchinson of Salem fr 8-1/2 years. On 17 Dec John Hutchinson of Salem made over the boy to Richard Swan of Rowley with full consent of John Hudson of Rowley. John Morgan, commander of the Bristow (Bristol?) ship, lying in Marblehead harbor had taken Hudson, who was his cousin, and given him to Oliver Purchase. On 10 Mar 1669-1670 Richard Swan of Rowley, with the consent of his wife Ann, sold their portion in the Hogg Island mash to son John Hobkinson.

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Richard Swan, the emigrant, came from England to America, in January,1638, locating in Boston, Mass. where he joined the church, January 6, 1639. He removed to Rowley in 1640 and was admitted to Rowley church, May 23, 1644. He was made freeman, in Rowley, May 13, 1640. He was a soldier in King Philip's war, was prominent in town affairs, representative to the General Court, 1666 to 1675. He died in 1678. His wife was named Ann. His children, with the exception of the youngest, are supposed to have been born in England. The birth of John, the youngest, is recorded in Boston.

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Christened Richard Swain on 21 September 1595, Berkshire England , the name Richard Swayne was used until he moved to Natucket from the mainland.

1659, he and his son John Swain, were two of the ten original purchasers of Nantucket Island from Thomas Mayhew for thirty pounds silver and two "Beaver Hatts".

http://www.vergie.com/richards.html

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Richard Swayne sailed from London on September 19,1635 on the ship "Truelove". His wife, Elizabeth Basselle Swayne sailed ahead with three of their children; John, Grace, and Dorothy in April 1635 on the ship "Planter". Two of their children, William, and Francis sailed on the ship "Rebecca". The sixth child Elizabeth, sailed with family friends on the ship "Susan and Ellen". Elizabeth was baptized in Newberry, Massachusetts on October 9, 1639. Richard Swayne helped to found the town of Hampton, New Hampshire. Richard Swayne, along with his son John Swain were among the first settlers of Nantuckett, Massachusetts.

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1--RICHARD. Hampton, N. H., Nantucket, Mass. 1635, 9, 17. He came in the ship "Truelove," from London, having sent his wife ELIZABETH in the "Planter," the April previous, his sons Francis and William in the "Rebecca," and daughter Elizabeth in the "Susan and Ellen," in care of various friends. 1638, 10, 9. Newbury, Mass. His daughter Elizabeth was baptized there. 1639, 3, 13. Rowley, Mass. This same year he had liberty to settle small claims at Hampton, N. H. (then in Massachusetts), where he had been granted liberty to plant the year before. 1643, 3, 7. Hampton. He and others of Hampton, petitioned Governor of Massachusetts, complaining of William Haward, military officer. He was, while at Hampton, Selectman, and commissioner for small causes. 1659, 7, 2. He and his son JOHN were among the nine purchasers of Nantucket from Thomas Mayhew, the latter retaining a share. The consideration paid was Å“30, "and also two beaver hats, one for myself and one for my wife," as Mayhew's deed declares. 1661, 5, 10. Nantucket. On a committee to lay out lands. 1667, 6, 18. He deeded land to Thomas Macy and EDWARD STARBUCK, guardians of GEORG BUNKER'S minor children; he himself being their step-father, as he had married GEORGE BUNKER'S widow. 1671, 6, 29. He and his son JOHN were among the purchasers of the rights, etc., that Wanackmamack, Chief Sachem of Nantucket, this day deeded for consideration of Å“40. His last wife JANE, was the first white person recorded as having died on Nantucket, and his grandson, John Swain, was the first white male child born upon that island. His son Francis went to Long Island, William staid at Hampton; and Richard, the only child by his second wife, moved to New Jersey, where descendants have been Cape May pilots. 1682, 8, 1. Administration on his estate granted to Richard Swain, Jr., who gave bond of Å“50, with James Coffin, surety. Appraisers appointed by the Court were, Nathaniel Barnard, Stephen Coffin, Thomas Look, Tobias Coleman.

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The "Half-Share Men" were selected early in 1659 when the first purchasers met at Salisbury, Massachussets, and approved or agreed that the "ten owners will admitt of Ten more partners who shal have liberty to take a partner who he pleases not being justly Expected against by the rest". There was no mention is anyone was turned down by the group intitially selected as a partner. John Swain took as his partner Thomas Look who married Elizabeth Bunker, the oldest step-daughter of Richard Swain. Although Thomas Look went to Nantucket and resided there for a number of years, he and his family moved to Martha's Vineyard to live. A number of the first purchasers selected kin or neighbors and partners, so most of them knew each other before moving to Nantucket.

Swain’s have always been a seafaring people and in more peaceful times became ship builders and navigators. Among the early settlers of the New York and Massachusetts Colonies, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina there were Swain/Swayne’s of whom many were shipbuilders and Sea Captains.
The Swain/Swayne’s were among the earliest settlers in America. William, born in 1575 in Benfield Parish, Berkshire County, England and his wife, Ann Trumbull are thought to be the parents of, Richard Swain, born September 15, 1595, who was one of the original nine owners of Nantucket Island. Richard and Baselle/Bassille (surname unknown Note: this name has been disputed) Swain were married in England. All of their children were born in England except the last one.. They are believed to have traveled to this country on the following ships:

William Swayne, 50, Ship: Elizabeth and Ann, 1635 Elizabeth Swayne, dau 20, Ship: Planter, 1635 Richard Swayne 34 True Love, 1635 Francis Swayne 14 Rebecca, 1635 William Swayne 16

Interesting to note here, the family traveled on separate ships. It seems traveling by ship was very risky in those days. If one ship was lost other family members would survive. Don’t many families do the same today when they fly? Richard’s first wife was named Basell, with maiden name unknown. Not Elizabeth and not Elizabeth Basell! She is known as Basell in one record in England and 3 records in America. She is not known as Elizabeth anyplace in a primary record. Part of the reason for the confusion on names is the gross mistake by the author, Savage, when he thought Elizabeth Swain on the List of passengers for the Planter in 1635 was Richards wife. Basell is a rare name, the female equivalent for Basil. A woman named “Goody Swain” is on the same church roll as Richard Swain before the date Baselle died. Was “Goody” Baselle? Or his second wife, Jane Godfrey or Goodwin as it is listed in some places. Or was it someone else entirely? Richard Swain was married a second time, September 15 1685, to the widow, Jane Godfrey Bunker (Bon Coeur), a French Huguenot, in Topsfield, Sussex, Massachusetts. Richard and Jane had one son, also named, Richard. Jane died soon after their move to Nantucket Island. Some researchers say Richard married a woman named Ann (last name unknown) in 1658 in Topsfield, Massachusetts. I could find no proof of this marriage.

Below is an excerpt from a Family History by Eliza Starbuck on Richard Swain

Richard Swain, the first one of this name of whom we have record, was born in England about 1595, according to a deposition he made September 10, 1662, in which he gave his age as 67. He was made a freeman on March 13, 1639. He then received 100 acres of land. At that time he was a member of the orthodox church, although we have record he became Quaker later. He was appointed commissioner to end small causes, or Justice of Peace in1639 and from time to time he served as “lot layer”. something we call surveyor today. We find land records in Exeter, New Hampshire ( two grants, one for 30 acres ), Hampton, New Hampshire and Rowley, Massachusetts. A woman named “Goody” Swain had the third seat on the south side of the meeting house ( there was no other woman by the name of Swain in the record ) and Richard was assigned the first seat for men on the north side, seating being strictly according to importance and precedence. Richard served as selectman in 1650, also on the jury. He was on a Grand Jury in 1653, showing that he was still in good standing in the church. In June of that year he asked to be freed from military training, perhaps on account of age (58) or possibly it was the first indication of his tendency toward Quaker beliefs. Thomas Mayhew and his son, also, Thomas, merchants of Martha’s Vineyard were deeded the Island of Nantucket by the New York Colony authorities then in control of all lands between Cape Cod and the Hudson River. The Mayhew’s lived on Cape Cod but zealously “christianized” the Wampanoags Indians and raised sheep on the Island. In 1659, Thomas Mayhew decided to sell the Island to nine solid citizens who wanted to better their lives. Below is a portion of that deed: “ Recorded for Mr. Coffin and Mr. Macy aforesaid; Be it known unto all men by those presents that I Thomas Mayhew of Martha’s Vineyard, Merchant do hereby acknowledge that I have sold unto Tristnam Coffin, Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussy, Richard Swayne, Thomas Bernard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleafe, John Swayne and William Pike that right and interest I have in ye land of Nantucket by Patent: Ye weh Right I bought of James Forrest, Gent and steward to ye Lord Sterling and of Richard Vines, sometimes of Sacho, Gent, Steward and Gen’ell unto Sir Georges Knight as by conveyances under their Hands and Seales doe appear for them ye aforesaid to Injoy and their Heyers and Assigns XXX for in consideration of Ye sums of thirty pounds of Current Pay unto “whomsoever I ye saw Thomas Mayhew mine Heyers and Assigns shall appoint And also two Beaver Hats one for myself and one for my wife &c Reserving one twentieth part of the Island on to himself.” Richard did not immediately make the transition to Nantucket because on November 12 1659 he was taken into court and was given the following sentence: “That Richard Swayne for his entertaining Quakers shall pay as a fine the sum of three-pounds and be disfranchised.” Soon after this he began to dispose of his Hampton, New Hampshire property. In 1660 he deeded land there to his daughter Grace and her husband Nathaniel Boulter and still other property to his son-in-law Nathaniel Weare. He gave Nathaniel Boulter power of attorney and evidently left Hampton for good. In 1661 he was referred to as “late of Hampton” when he sold his Hampton house and land to Benjamin Swett. He also deeded land in Hampton to John Cram on May 5, 1659 “out of love and affection”. He was “of Nantucket” in July 1663 when he deeded more land to the Boulters and another tract to Hezekiah “eldest son of William Swain, deceased. William’s widow Prudence to have use of it until Hezekiah became 21. Richard Swain was excommunicated by the Hampton Church in May 1668, evidently in absentia, for being a Quaker. The Puritan’s stifled the growth of any other religious faith in what then had become the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The nine original men and their families were escaping the rigid intolerance of the Puritan’s of the Massachusetts Bay Colony only to become a part of what I term the equally rigid Quaker Faith. Although, I believe, after studying their beliefs they had many good points to their faith The rigid rules concerning marriages outside the faith which led to expulsion from the church led to many senseless problems for good people who would have been an asset to the meeting.

Source: The Eliza Starbuck Barney Genealogical Record, the most reliable genealogy for Nantucket’s families for the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries, contains vital information on more than 40, 000 Nantucketers. This nineteenth-century manuscript comprising more than one thousand pages has been entered into a searchable computer database and is now presented online.

http://trees.ancestry.com.au/tree/17232582/person/973665362/mediax/...

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• Residence: Massachussets Bay Colony, later named Rowley - 1635
• Updated from MyHeritage Match via son Richard , Jr. Swain by SmartCopy: Oct 3 2014, 17:45:48 UTC

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GEDCOM Note

"Entered on the Truelove, John Gibbs, Master, for New England, Sept. 20, 1635, Richard Swayne, aged thirty-four years."

Richard Swayne and his wife, Bassell, were residents of Hampton, soon after the town was settled, coming hither from Rowley, Mass. Their sons, William and Francis, preceded the parents in coming to America. "Entered as passengers in the Rebecca, John Hedges, master, [6 Apr., 1635], William Swyane, 16, and Francis Swayne, 14" years of age.

Richard Swayne's house lot of ten acres lay next to Rev. Timothy Dalton's, and was bounded on the north by the road leading to the Falls. He appears to have been a man of considerable property; was one of the proprietors of Nantucket, to which island he removed soon after 1660.

The General Court enacted, Nov. 12, 1659: "That Richard Swayne for his entertaining the Quakers shall pay as a fine the some of three pounds and be disfranchised. Children: William (2), b. ab. 1619; m. Prudence Marston; d. Oct. 20, 1657. Francis, b. ab. 1621; was of Exeter; came to H.; removed to Long Island. Dorothy, m , 1st, Thomas Abbot; 2d, Edward Chapman (1) ; 3d, Archelaus Woodman, of Newbury ; d. 1706. Grace, m. Nathaniel Boulter (1). John, m. Nov. 15, 1660, Mary, sister of Nathaniel Weare (1) ; had a dau. Mary, b. Sept. 11, 1661; removed to Nantucket. Elizabeth, bp. in Newbury, Oct. 9, 1638; m. Nathaniel Weare (1) ; d. Feb. 10, 1712. Nicholas, d. Aug. 18, 1650. Richard, b. in H. Jan. 13, 1660." Dow Hist of Hampton NH, vol 2: 985 (https://archive.org/stream/historyoftownofh02dowj#page/984/mode/2up)

"Entered on the Truelove, John Gibbs, Master, for New England, Sept. 20, 1635, Richard Swayne, aged thirty-four years."

Richard Swayne and his wife, Bassell, were residents of Hampton, soon after the town was settled, coming hither from Rowley, Mass. Their sons, William and Francis, preceded the parents in coming to America. "Entered as passengers in the Rebecca, John Hedges, master, [6 Apr., 1635], William Swyane, 16, and Francis Swayne, 14" years of age.

Richard Swayne's house lot of ten acres lay next to Rev. Timothy Dalton's, and was bounded on the north by the road leading to the Falls. He appears to have been a man of considerable property; was one of the proprietors of Nantucket, to which island he removed soon after 1660.

The General Court enacted, Nov. 12, 1659: "That Richard Swayne for his entertaining the Quakers shall pay as a fine the some of three pounds and be disfranchised. Children: William (2), b. ab. 1619; m. Prudence Marston; d. Oct. 20, 1657. Francis, b. ab. 1621; was of Exeter; came to H.; removed to Long Island. Dorothy, m , 1st, Thomas Abbot; 2d, Edward Chapman (1) ; 3d, Archelaus Woodman, of Newbury ; d. 1706. Grace, m. Nathaniel Boulter (1). John, m. Nov. 15, 1660, Mary, sister of Nathaniel Weare (1) ; had a dau. Mary, b. Sept. 11, 1661; removed to Nantucket. Elizabeth, bp. in Newbury, Oct. 9, 1638; m. Nathaniel Weare (1) ; d. Feb. 10, 1712. Nicholas, d. Aug. 18, 1650. Richard, b. in H. Jan. 13, 1660." Dow Hist of Hampton NH, vol 2: 985 (https://archive.org/stream/historyoftownofh02dowj#page/984/mode/2up)

GEDCOM Note