Corporal Edward "England" Colburn, Sr.

Genealogy of the descendants of Edward Colburn/Coburn : came from England, 1635; purchased land in "Dracutt on Merrimack," 1668 ..

p. 5. The burial places of the early Coburns are unknown. In those days public cemeteries, unless in thickly settled villages, were unknown, and the dead were buried in the fields or on the hillside and the location of the graves forgotten. It is doubtless the case that Edward and at least four of his sons are buried within the limits of the farm, but no record was kept, and if a rude headstone was erected it has disappeared. The earliest burial whose grave can be found is that of Thomas 3, son of Thomas 2, whose headstone may be seen in an old cmetery at Tyngsboro.

An entry found in the records relating to the Colburns is worth preserving, as it is probably a verdict of a coroner's jury.

CHELMSFORD, 29 June, 1690.

We whos names are under writen being caled by the Constable of Chelmsford to give in our verdect conserning one Elias Keyes of Sudbury who was taken up dead in Merrimac River we find yt he was padeling on said river in a small canoe, the streame being strong and the wind very high; he was turned into the water & a person taking hould of him after much striving to preserve life; wear both by the provedence of God drownded: & said Keyes was taken up about ten or eleven days after they were drownded, as witness out hands.

Corporall Edward Colbourn, Bennoni More,

Mr. Nathaniel Howard, Joseph Wright

Eliazar Brown, Ebenezer Essetight

John Sheple, Ebenezer Parkhurst

John Walker, Samuel Spaulding

Thomas Colbourn, Joseph Parham.

pp. 6, 7, 8

DEED OF JOHN EVERED, ALIAS WEBB, TO EDWARD COBURN.

This Indenture made the Thirtieth Day of the month of September in the year of our Lord according to the Computation of the Church of England one thousand sixty eight between John Evered alias John Webb of the Town of Dracut upon Merrimack in the County of Norfolk Gent late of the Town of Boston in New England, Merchant and Mary his wife of the one part and Edward Coburn of the Town of Ipswich in the County of Essex yeoman of the other part witnesseth, that they the said John Evered and Mary as well for and in Consideration of the sum of thirteen hundred pounds of lawful money of New England to be well and truly contented satified and paid to the said John Evered his heirs Executors and assigns as also for divers other goods causes and Considerations then the said John and Mary hereunto especially moving have devised given granted bargained sold assigned enfeoffed and confirmed and by these presents do devise give grant bargain sell assign aliene enfeoffe and confirm unto him the said Edward Coburn all the singular their rights titles interests Challenge Claim and demand whatsoever that they the John and Mary may have into and unto the Farm commonly called and known as reputed to be known by the name of Dracut upon Merrimac. that is to say into or unto all and singular the Houses Edifices******** of what kind or nature soever and also all the singular the Lands meadows pastures woods underwoods swamps ponds ways waters water courses with all and singular the

Hereditaments as it is now marked bounded and set forth containing by estimation Sixteen hundred acres or thereabout be it more or less bounded with the River Merrimack on the South by the land of Richard Shatwell on the East and by the land of Richard Shatwell and Samuel Varnum on the Northwest together also with the Deeds, Writings and Escripts concerning the same and together also with all *** Profits Commodities and advantages whatsoever that shall or may from time to time and at all times hereafter increase arise grow or be in or upon the said lands or premises or any part thereof now in the *****use Occupation and possession of the said John and Mary their assign or Assigns. To have and to hold all and singular the said House Edifices ***and buildings together also with the Deeds writings and Escripts and also assigned alened endeoffed and confirmed Lands and Premises with the Hereditaments unto him the said Edward Coburn his heirs and assigns forever from the day of the date hereof to inure and be to the only proper use benefit forever, and to no other use Intent Purpose benefit and behoof whatsoever yielding and ****therefor and the said Edward doth hereby for himself his heirs Executors Administrators and assigns and for every of them covenant promise grant and agree to and with the said John his heirs executors and assigns and to and with every of them to pay content and satifie unto the said John his heirs Executors and assigns thirteen hundred pounds in Cuurent Pay of New England that is to say two thirds of the sum of thirteen hundred pounds in wheat malt and Pease and the other third in Beef Pork and Indian Corn by even and equal Portions and also in such bmanner and upon such Days Times and Places as is hereafter in and by these presents mentioned appointed is to say to pay or satify unto the said John Evered his heirs Executors or assigns at Charleston in New England aforesaid at or before the twenty and Eighth Day of the month of September next ensuing the date hereof and Seventy pounds at his the said John Evereds house in Chelmsford in New England aforesaid at or before the six and twentieth day of the Month of March which shall be in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and seventy and also to pay content and satifie unto the said John his heirs executors and assigns the sum of three hundred pounds in at upon or before the six and twentieth day of the month of March yearly and every year next coming and ensuing after the said six and twentieth day of March which shall be in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred and seventy as aforesaid by even and equal portions and in the species aforesaid and in or at the Dwelling house of the said John at Chelmsford aforesaid or in or at some other place that the said John heirs Executors or assigns shall will and appoint it be near to the said farm of Dracut until the said sum of thirteen hundred pounds be fully paid and satified unto the said John and his executors and assigns and the said John and Mary do by these presents for themselves their heirs Executors and administrators and for every of them covenant promise grant and agree to and with the said Edward his heirs and assigns and to and with eb=very of them that they the said John and Mary now are at and before the ensealing and delivery hereof sole heirs** of all the singular the said devised bargained sold premises with the appertaining **** of the fee simple of and in a good and indefeazable estate of inheritance without any condition mortgage jointure Dowrey use or uses of Limitation or Limitations to alter change or otherwise make void and determine the same and that they now have good right and full power to bargain and sell the same and every part thereof to confirm as aforesaid free and clear from all manner of Incumbrances whatever and the same and every part thereof they the said John and Mary their heirs Executors and administrators shall from time to time and at all times hereafter warrant and defend unto the said Edward his heirs and assigns (by and under the performance of the Payment of the said thirteen hundred pounds in manner as aforesiad) against them the said John and Mary their heirs Executors and administrators and every of them and against all and all names of persons having or lawfully claiming any Right Title or Interest or pretense thereto or to any part thereof in by from or under them the said John and Mary or either of their or either of their heirs Executors administrators or assigns.

In testimony whereof the said parties to these presents have Interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

pp. 8,9, 10, 11

THE WEBB FARM

Edward Colburn was probably the first settler in Dracut who owned land with the intention of making a permanent settlement. The names of Tyng, Hinchman and Webb appear as owners, but they held their land only for sale and were nor settlers but speculators. Perhaps to this time Samuel Varnum had purchased land in "ye wildernesse on Northerne side of Merrimac River," but on account of the danger caused by the Indian raids safety was secured only by the occupation of garrison houses, and consequently Varnum and his dwelling temporarily on the Chelmsford side of the river, crossing in a boat to cultivate the land.

The wording of the early deeds and grants are vague and unsatisfactory. The angles are, made at "a stake and stones," "a pine stump'" an old ditch or a maple tree. These would be satifactory as long as the bounds were renewed every year, but had no permantency. A careful study of the early grants leads us to conclude that the tract of land lying on the west side of Beaver Brook and north of the Merrimac River, comprising 500 acres, and extending far enough up the river to include a part of Pawtucketville, was set apart as an Indian Reservation. This was for the protection of the fishing rights of the Indians. After the close of King Philip's War, this tract was sold to Jonathan Tyng and Major Hinchman. They in turn sold to the inhabitants of Chelmsford, numbering about fifty. The three sons of Samuel Varnum, viz: Thomas, John and Joseph purchased these shares and became the sole owners. At a point near the water works gallery will be seen a small brook emptying into the Merrimac River. This is now called Clay Pit Brook, while on the plans drawn 250 years ago it was called "bare medow brook." This was near the western line of the Indian Reservation, and the eastern bound of the Webb farm. This farm was bounded on the south and west by the Merrimac River, extending up the river a distance of three and one-quarter miles, and was roughly estimated at 1,000 acres, and was granted to Capt. James Oliver, Lieut. Peter Oliver, Capt. James Johnson and Ensign John Webb, of the Boston Ancient and Honorable Artillery.

The original plan of the grant is preserved at the Office of the Secretary of the Coomonwealth with the following description:

                                               June 7, 1659.

Laid out to Left peter Oliver Capt. James Oliver Capt. James Johnson and ensigne John Evered one thousand acc. of land in ye wildernesse on ye Northern side of Merrimuk River: lying about Nahamkeage being bounded with Merrimick Riv on ye South and on ye west; the wildernesse elswher Surrounding according to marked trees" as bye a plott taken of the same is demonstrated.

                  By JONATHAN DANFORTH Survey

was sometimes spelt Naamkeek and means a fishing station.
A plan drawn according to the scale and compared with the maps in existence shoiws the west line reaching to the east bank of Tyng's Island. Some of this land is now overflowed by reason of the of the height of the dam at Pawtucket Falls, and the original channel has been lost. Joh Evered, for some reason, preferred to be known as John Webb, and buying the shares of his partners, he became the owner of the 1,000 acres. Previous to this time, either prompted by a spirit of philanthropy or shrewdly reckoning on securing a bargain, he paid a fine for an Indian, thus saving him from imprisonment, and purchased by consent of the General Court the island west of the property, then known as Wicosuck, now Tyng's Island. From a record in the Bay Colony the Indians were dissatified and presented a petition requesting that the ownership of the island should be restoed to them. Realizing the good policy of keeping the Indians quiet, the General Court granted their petition, and to reimburse Webb they gave him a tract of 500 acres lying upon the Merrimac River and the 500 acres on the east side if Beaver Brook, in addition to the 1,000 acres lying upon the Merrimac River and the 500 acres on the east side of Beaver Brook, Webb with Varnum and Shatwell purchased the tract of 500 acres which on the 6th of June 1663, had been granted to the Town of Billerica.

The Town of Billerica was in need of financial assistance, and the General Court granted it in different locations, tracts of land amounting to 4,000 acres. These tracts were sold and the money applied to the payment of the expenses of the town.

In 1664, Webb sold to Richard Shatswell and Samuel Varnum one-half of the farm which was originally granted to the Olivers, Johnson, and himself, and five years later Shatswell sold his share in this land to Major Thomas Hinchman, who, in 1671, sold to Edward Colburn, thus making Colburn and Varnum the owners of the tract. Hinchman describes it as "a part of the land Richard Shatswell purchased of Evered. It contained that whole tract of land that was the division of the said Richard Shatwell's at Merrimac River below, bounded between Coburn on the West and Samuel Varnum of the East."

A more definite description is given in the quaint language of the time in the deed of Thomas Hinchman to Edward Coburn, dated April 3, 1671:

"Lying and being within the bounds and limits of the place Dracut aforesaid being a part of that land which Richard Shatchell purchased of Mr. John Evered deceased it contains that wholl part of land that was the Division of ye Sd Shatchell at Merrimac below, bounded between ye sd Coburn on the West and Samuel Barnum on the east. Also that parcell of meadow land lying at the great meadows comonly so called which by agreement between me, Mr. Evered & Samuel Varnum aforesaid and Richard Shatchwell aforesaid feil to the share and part of Sd Richard Shatswell in that place which parcell of meadow is not yet Divided betwene ye Sd Sam Varnum and Shatchell."

This was signed by Thomas and Elizabeth Hinchman, Elizabeth making her mark. It is signed in "the presents of us," Jonathan Danforth and Cornelius Waldo.

In September, 1668, Webb's widow sold all the property in Dracut remaining in his name to Edward Colburne. In this way Colburne came into possession of a large tract of land in the Wilderness north of the Merrimac, which later, upon the incorporation of the Town, became Dracut.

At this time King Philip, foreseeing the time when the red man must be driven from the homes of his fathers, was inciting the tribes to make war on the white people, and although Chelmsford and vicinity did not suffer as severely as the towns in Worcester County, still, roving bands would suddenly appear before the small settlements, and killing the settlers and burning the buildings would suddenly disappear. In the year 1676, it is recorded that "At Chelmsford the Wamesit Indians about March 18 fell upon some houses on the north side of the river and burned down three or four that belonged to the family of Edward Colburn." In early histories of New England, we find the following record: "Chelmsford. Where were many deserted Houses burned in the Beginning of April 1676 belonging to one Ed. Colburn that had formerly purchased the Seat of Capt. Web."

Drake, in his Indian Wars, also says" "Mar. 18, 1675 at Chelmsford the said Wamesit Indians fell upon some houses on the North side of the River, burnt down three or four that belonged to the family of Edward Colburn: the said Colburn with Samuel Varnum his Neighbor being pursued as they passed over the River to look after their Cattell on that Side of the River."

As the older sons of Edward were married before this date, we conclude that it was their houses which were destroyed. The Colburns and Varnums; while ready to defend their homes, were also ready to live peaceably with the Indians, often granting their requests and complying with their demands when they were under no legal obligation to do so; for we find the record of a deed from John Sagamore, an Indian of Natick, in which they paid him 300 pounds in silver for certain lands in Dracut already owned by them and which were grants to the earlier owners by English Government.

This Government claimed the right to dispose of these lands without recognizing the rights of the Indians. There were some of the tribes who would not surrender their rights without compensation. The settlers had cleared the land and built houses, and found it easier to make a money payment than to abandon the settlement, while forcible resistance was impossible. In a deed dated Apr. 4, 1701, John Thomas Sagamore, Minister of Natick, conveyed to Thomas, Daniel, Ezra, Joseph, John, and Robert Coburn, their sister, Hannah Richardson, widow, Thomas, John and Joseph Varnum, two or three thousand acres lying on Merrimac River. The west line was on Master Sewell's farm, from which it ran in a straight line to the north side of Long Pond, thence northeast to Beaver River, thence south by the river to a farm called Chelmsford land, thence by a crooked line tp "Paw Tucket." This would include all the territory lying between Merrimac River, Tyngsboro, Pelham and Beaver Brook. excepting what was known as the Indian Reservation, which was the 500 acres lying in the angle formed by the Merrimac River and Beaver Brook, and which at that time was called Chelmsford Farm.

p. 12

EDWARD COLBURNE

Edward was the progenitor of the Colburn and Coburn families, who, two centuries ago, lived in eastern Massachusetts, but at present time may be found in nearly every state in the Union, and which have representatives in Canada, Europe, and Australia. Of his birthplace and early years we are ignorant. But we have reason to believe that his early home was in England, as we find in the list of emigrants sailing from London, the name of Edward Colburn. The records kept by the companies who furnished transportation show that early in the month of September, 1635, the ship "Defence" Capt. Bostock, arrived at Boston, October 30th, after a voyage lasting 54 days, having amongst the passengers, Edward Colbourne, whose age is given as 17 years. In the same list we find the name of Robert Colburn, whose age is given as 28 years, and they may have been brothers.

No record are found of the years following his arrival, but allusions are made in legal papers to Edward as being of Ipswich, and he is called Nathaniel Saltonstall's farmer, from which we conclude that he was the superintendent and manager of the estate of Nathaniel Saltonstall, who was a prominent citizen of that town. In proof of this, we find no record of his owning a farm until, with his family, he removed to Dracut.

Arriving at Boston, he journeyed to Ipswich, where he remained until his removal with his family to Dracut.

The early settlers of Ipswich intended to make that town the port of entry, and looked forward to the time when the town should become a large city, but were unable to complete their plans on account of a sand bar, which prevented their securing a harbor sufficient to receive the larger vessels.

The Saltonstalls, Richard and his son Nathaniel, settled early at Ipswich, and were extensive owners of real estate. It was through the influence of Nathaniel that Edward came to America, and reference is made to him in the History of Ipswich, as "Nathaniel Saltonstall's farmer."

This may account for the fact that he did not own a farm, and the inference is that, as his family increased, he realized the necessity of providing for them, and knowing that the Webb farm laid on the river and was for sale, he purchased it and removed with his family to what is now Dracut, then an unnamed wilderness called "The Wildernesse North of the Merrimac." Here his sons grew to manhood and his daughters married, and amongst them Edward lived and died.

From the records of the County we learn that on May 20, 1648, he signed his name as a witness to a will, and Sixteen years later, viz.: August, 1664, Richard Saltonstall conveyed to his son, Nathaniel, a "farm in Ipswich at the new medows containing by estimation eight hundred acres now in the occupation of Edward Colborne," from which we conclude that at one time he rented a farm from the Saltonstalls. From the same source we learn that with others he owned a tract of land off the Ipswich shore called Hog Island. In 1665, when the lines between Ipswich and Wenham were established, we find him a member of the committee whose duty it was to decide upon the location of these lines.

In 1668, he was appointed to appraise a stray horse. In this manner we learn where he was located. In 1668, we find the first change in the spelling of the name, as the final letter had at that time disappeared, leaving the name Colborn, and in 1671, when he sold land in Ipswich, "on the Wenham lyne," he spelled his name, Colburn. In 1694, the spelling is again changed, and the name Coburn appears, and at the present time his descendants are Colburns and Coburns.

The records of the Town of Ipswich were destroyed by fire about the year 1831, thus depriving us of exact dates of births of children. But from the County records, viz.: Probate records and registry of deeds, we gather some material for his early history.

His later life is so closely connected with the eraly history of Dracut that it may be found in the article with the title of the Webb Farm.

Gen. Philip Read, who was made a careful study of Dracut history, and who is a descendant of Edward 1 writes as follows:

   "Corp. Edward Coburn.

(Sometimes Coburne, Colbron, Colebron, or Coulbirne), 1618-1700, of Dunstable, Chelmers-ford, Chelmsford, Middlesex Co., Mass.

 He was a soldier in the local Military Co. of Chelmsford during King Philip's War, 1675-77. was in command of Colbron's Garrison on the east side of the Merrimac as stregthened after the attack upon Chelmsford by the Indians 25 Feb., 1676 and contimued in charge and pay until Nov. 17, 1692, perhaps still longer. On that date Dunstable included Nashua, Nashville, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, and Merrimac.

Corporal Edward Coburn was guarding the ferry 18 Mar. 1675 when the Wameist Indians killed two of the sons of Samuel Varnum and burned the Corporals house. Was in command of local Garrison 23 July 1689 during the first French and Indian or King Williams War."
THE GARRISON HOUSE.
As Edward was the first settler on the north of the Merrimac, it was necessary to provide against the assaults of the Indians. They roamed through the woods and paddled their canoes on the river, and the lives of the white settlers were of no value to them. He erected a Garrison House, and, with his sevn stalwart sons and his sons-in-law, he was able to protect himself from the thieving bands of Indians, while aid could be summoned in time of danger, when larger bands would be on the warpath. His Garrison House he left in his will to his son, Joseph, and there can be no doubt that it is still standing. On Varnum Avenue, nearly opposite Totman Road, is a two-story house, which was for many generations the home of the Coburns. The last to occupy it was Nathaniel B. and his sons, Edmund, Howard and Walter, and it passed out of the ownership of the Coburns. It has been known as the Garrison House for five generations, and the size of the timbers, the low posted rooms, and the style of building, all furnish evidnece of its age. It has been remodeled, and changed by additions and demolition until but little of the original building can be found. The earlier settlers had no motive for calling it the Garrison House, unless it was one, and the later generations would not have originated the name, all of which proves it to be Edward Coburn's Garrison House.
p. 15. As the earlier records of Ipswich were burned, the birth of the first seven children can only be given as occuring about the years mentioned. Exact dates of births of Ezra, Joseph and Lydia have been found.

"Corp. Edward Coburn.

(Sometimes Cobume, Colbron, Colebron, or Coulbome),

1618-1700, of Dunstable, Chelmers-ford, Chelmsford, Middlesex

Co., Mass.

He was a soldier in the local Military Co. of Chelmsford

during King Phillip's War, 1675-77, was in command of Colbron's

Garrison on the east side of the Merrimac as strengthened after

the attack upon Chelmsford by the Indians 25 Feb. 1676 and

continued in charge and pay until Nov. 17 1692, perhaps still

longer. On that date Dunstable included Nashua, Nashville,

HoUis, Hudson, Litchfield and Merrimac.

Corporal Edward Coburn was guarding the ferry 18 Mar.

1675 when the Wamesit Indians killed two of the sons of Samuel Vamum and burned the Corporals house. Was in command

of local Garrison 23 July 1689 during the first French and Indian

or King Williams war."