Simon Wainwright (Francis), son of Francis Wainright & Phillipa Sewall, was killed in Haverhill 29 Aug., 1708.

Capt. Simon Wainwright was a high-minded and influential citizen. He conducted an expedition against Port Royal in 1689; was one of three first assessors in Haverhill in 1694. He was supposed to be very rich; it was said he buried much of his money on his farm and part of the ground has been dug over by treasure hunters to find it unavailingly. In 1684 he was permitted to sell "liquors out of doors." He had a valuable apple orchard and boys are reported to have cut down some of his apple trees. In 1688 he made twenty barrels of cider from his orchard which were taken from him by Andros' excise officers. In 1690 he had a "valuable horse stabbed by Sam Swan" who was sent to jail. His house was one of the block "houses of refuge" fortified in 1680 against the Indian raids, and in front of [ref 81:27] his own house he was murdered in the memorable attack of 1708 in which 18 were slain and 30 or 40 made prisoners.

When the Indians attacked the house, Mrs. Wainwright (Mary3 Williams) fearlessly unbarred the door and let them in. She spoke kindly, waited on them and promised to procure them whatever they desired. They demanded money and upon her retiring "to bring it," as she said, she fled with all her children except one daughter, Mary, who was taken captive. He m. (1) 6 Oct., 1681, Mrs. Sarah Gilbert; m. (2) 2 Oct., 1688, Mrs. Ann Pierce. [ref 81:28]

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