1. Atwater https://archive.org/details/Vol1AtwaterHistoryAndGenealogy Full Text: "Atwater History and Genealogy VOL. I" Compiled by Francis Atwater 1901
2. :Atwater https://archive.org/stream/atwaterhistoryge02atwa#page/n5/mode/2up II Full Text:"Atwater History and Genealogy VOL. II " Compiled by Francis Atwater 1907
3. Atwater: https://archive.org/stream/atwaterhistoryge03atwa#page/n5/mode/2up Full Text: "Atwater History and Genealogy VOL. III" Compiled by Francis Atwater 1918
4. Atwater: https://archive.org/stream/atwaterhistoryge04atwa#page/n5/mode/2up Full Text: "Atwater History and Genealogy VOL. IV" Compiled by Francis Atwater 1927
5. Atwater: https://archive.org/stream/atwaterhistoryge05atwa#page/n287/mode/2up Full Text: "Atwater History and Genealogy VOL. V" by Charles Hobart Atwater 1956 p. 272
6. New Haven-Full Text: https://archive.org/stream/historyofnewhave01rock#page/n7/mode/2up History of New Haven County, Connecticut by Rockey, J. L. (John L.) (1892)

David Atwater, b. Royton Manor in Lenham County of Kent, England; chr. 8 Oct. 1615, d. New Haven, Connecticut on Oct. 5, 1692. Son of John and Susan Atwater, settled at New Haven, Connecticut in 1638, with brother, Joshua and sister, Ann, in company with Eaton, Davenport and others; founders of the New Haven Colony; signed plantation covenant 4 June 1639; large land owner, freeman of United Colony of New Haven and Connecticut; md. after 1643 but before 10 Mar . 1646/47, Demaris Sayre (d. April 1,1691), daughter of Thomas Sayre of Southampton, Long Isl and; issue:

Mercy (b. 29 Feb. 1647/48; d. 1683); md. 5 November 1667 to John Austin (d. February 22, 1690 ) who md. 2nd wife in 1684, Elizabeth Brockett: 5 sons, 2 daughters.

Demaris (b. November 2, 1648; d. December 14, 1711); md. 5 November 1667 to John Punderson (d . Jan. 23 1729) only son of Deacon John and Margaret Punderson; deacon First Church New Haven : 5 sons, 4 daughters.

David (b. July 13, 1650; d. January 10, 1736); lived at New Haven; md.Joanna (d. December 5 , 1722): 1 son, 2 daughters.

Joshua (b. January 11, 1652/53; d. Wallingford, 1681) removed to Wallingford, Connecticut an d md. there 24 June 1680, Lydia (b. November 27, 1656; d. November 27, 1681), daughter of Joh n and Sarah Rockwell: no children.

Jonathan (b. New Haven, July 12, 1656; d. June 3, 1627); merchant; lived at New Haven; md. Ju ne 1, 1681, Ruth Peck (b. apr. 3, 1661), daughter of Reverend Jeremiah and Joanna (Ketchel) P eck: 6 sons; 5 daughters.

John (b. New Haven, Nov. 1, 1654; d. 1748); settled at Wallingford, where he was called "weav er," md. first wife September 13, 1682, Abigail Mansfield (b. February 7, 1664; d. Sept. 24 , 1717), daughter of Moses and Mercy (Glover) Mansfield; md. second wife November 27, 1718, M ary, widow of John Beach; issue from first marriage: 7 sons, 3 daughters.

Abigail (b. March 3, 1660); md. 7 Oct. 1684, Nathaniel Jones (d. August 21, 1691), son of Dep . Gov. William Jones: 1 son, 2 daughters.

Mary (b. March 31, 1662); md. first October 22, 1688, Ichobod Stowe (b.20 Feb. 1653; d. 25 Ja n. 1694/95) of Middletown, Conn., son of Rev. Samuel and Hope (Fletcher) Stow; md. second Dav id Robinson (b. 1660; d. January 1, 1748), son of Thomas and Mary Robinson; removed from Guil ford, Conn., second settler at Durham, Conn.; issue: first marriage-2 daughters; issue: secon d marriage - 2 sons, 3 daughters.

Samuel (b. 17 Sept. 1664; d. 17 Sept. 1742) lived at New Haven, farmer; md. New Haven, July 7 , 1691, Sarah Alling (b. November 25, 1666; d. 26 Sept. 1742), daughter of John Alling; issue : 7 sons, 3 daughters.

Ebenezer (b. 13 Jan. 1666/67); tailor; md. 9 Dec. 1691, Abigail Heaton (b.Jan. 1673/74; d. No v. 19, 1731), daughter of James and Sarah (Street) Heaton. She md. second, Nov. 27, 1712, Jo hn Gilbert. Issue: 1 son, 3daughters.

David Atwater and his brother, Joshua, sons of John Atwater of Royton, Kent, England, were en rolled among the early settlers of New Haven, Joshu abeing one of the seven peioneers who fir st visited that place and spent a winter of great privation there.

David is credited with being the first signer of the "planter agreement." His residence an d farm were between East Rock and the Quinnipeach River, known as Cedar Hill. This land is y et owned by his descendants. The land owned by Joshua Atwater is now covered with building s and is part of the vast Yale University system.

Joshua Atwater, the elder brother of David, had established himself as " a mercer " at Ashford. David Atwater, from whom all in America who bear that family name are descended, had not completed his twenty-second year when he landed in America. They had buried their father in November, 1636, and their mother in the following January; and, being thus liberated from filial duties, joined the expedition with their sister, the only surviving member of the family besides themselves.

David Atwater, a younger brother of Joshua Atwater, had a lot adjoining that of Mr. Caffinch, but never lived on it. He seems to have become a proprietor at a late date, and to have received his whole allotment, with the exception of this town-lot, in the third division. It is conjectured, that, before he became a proprietor at New Haven, he may have had some thought of joining the Kentish colony at Guilford. His residence in New Haven was at his farm between East Rock and Quinnipiac River, where his neighbors were Capt. Turner, Richard Mansfield, and William Potter. His town-lot had been previously, assigned to John

Mr. Atwater died in 1692, having outlived most of the first planters.

Two lots, extending from Mr. Atwater's to the corner of College and Elm Streets, were reserved for nonresidents named respectively Dearmer and Lucas.

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From The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy Lineage Record, Vol 3, p. 647: Atwater, David (1615 - 92) from England to Boston 1637. Thence to Quinnipac (New Haven), conn 1638; signed the Covenant 1638; m. Damaris Sayre.

Vol 7: Atwater David (b. Royton Manor, Lenham Co., Kent, England, bapt 10-8-1615; d. New Haven 10-5-1692, son of John (m. Susan ___); settled at New Haven 1638 with brother Joshua & sister Ann; signed plantation covenant, June 4, 1639; large land owner; freeman 1685; m. between 1643 and 1646 Demaris (d. 4-1-1691) daughter of Thomas Sayre.

Vol.??? p. 78: ATWATER This family derives descent from David Atwater, a native of Lenham, Kent Co., England who emigrated to America, 1637 with Rev. John Davenport and others of the original planters.

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1312–1313. David Atwater was baptized in Royton in Lenham, Kent, England, on Sunday, October 8, 1615, and died in Cedar Hill, New Haven, Connecticut, on October 5, 1692. Damaris Sayre was born in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England, in—say—1625, and died in New Haven, Connecticut Colony, on April 1, 1691. He is the son of John and Susan (Narsin) Atwater. She is the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Aldrich) Sayre. They had ten children:

i. Mercy Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on February 29, 1647/8. She married John Austin. She was buried on Apr 14, 1683.

ii. Damaris Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on November 12, 1648, baptized on October 21, 1649, and died on December 14, 1711. She married John Punderson. Her birthdate has also been reported as November 2, 1647.

iii. David Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on July 13, 1650, and died on January 10, 1735/6. His birthdate has also been reported as July 13, 1651. He married Joanna _____. It is believed, per Genealogical Register ..., that he lived upon and cultivated a portion of the land which was originally assigned to his father. They had three children: Johannah (b. Feb. 29, 1682), Abigail (b. Jan. 18, 1684), and Joshua (b. Jan. 29, 1687).

iv. Joshua Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on January 11, 1652/3. Per Genealogical Register ..., he moved to Wallingford where he married Lydia Rockwell on June 24, 1680. He died soon after leaving no children.

v. John Atwater was born on November 1, 1654, and died in 1748. He married Abigail Glover on September 13, 1682. His second wife was Mary Beach, widow of John Beach. Per Genealogical Register ..., he married Abigail Mansfield on the above date and settled in Wallingford on a farm which had belonged to his brother Joshua. He had ten children: John (b. Aug. 17, 1683), Abigail, Mercy, Hannah, Joshua, Moses, Phineas, Caleb, Benjamin, and Ebenezer (b. Feb. 6, 1709).

vi. Jonathan Atwater [#656]: He was born in New Haven Colony on July 12, 1656, and died in New Haven on June 3, 1726.

vii. Abigail Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on March 3, 1659/60. She married Nathaniel Jones.

viii. Mary Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on March 31, 1662. She married first Ichabod Stow, second David Robinson.

ix. Samuel Atwater was born in New Haven on September 17, 1664, and died on September 17, 1742. He married Sarah Alling on July 7, 1691, daughter of John and Elena (Bradley) Alling (#1328/9). They had ten children:

Samuel, born July 14, 1692; died September 19, 1713

David, born September 29, 1694

James, born December 23, 1696; died December 16, 1722

Sarah, born January 21, 1699; died July 2, 1699

Damaris, born May 21, 1700

Caleb, born October 16, 1702

Stephen, born December 5, 1705

John, born November 28, 1707; died April 29, 1709

John, born August 4, 1709; died December 20, 1709

Seth, born May 16, 1711; February 4, 1712

x. Ebenezer Atwater [#662]: He was born in New Haven on January 13, 1666.

The conditions in England that resulted in the immigration of David, Joshua, and Ann Atwater to America will be presented here. They include religious persecutions and illegal "taxation" by King Charles I, and that their parent had just died as had their uncles. The information is taken from Atwater History, sometimes summarized, sometimes verbatim.

From David's birth thru 1633, George Abbott was the Archbishop of Canterbury. During this period, the Puritans in his own Diocese of Canterbury were largely protected from the persecutions of Charles I by his personal authority. Archbishop Abbott permitted the French and Dutch churches to continue to worship according to their Presbyterian form in Maidstone, Sandwich, and Canterbury. One of these congregations worshiped according to that form in his own Cathedral Church of Canterbury as had been done from the time of Queen Elizabeth. [Abbott was employed on the authorized translation of the Bible under King James I.]

However, another Archbishop, Laud, had gained unlimited sway over the mind of Charles I and convinced him that the Puritans should no longer be afforded asylum in England. Therefore, when Archbishop Abbott died in 1633, persecution of the separatists became much more active. On Christmas Day, 1636, Laud wrote to the king that even tho the ringleaders of the Brownists and other separatists from the Church of England had been imprisoned, the movements continued. "Neither do I see remedy like to be, unless some of their seducers be driven to abjure the Kingdom, which must be done by the judges at the common law, but is not within our power."

Charles I responded with the memorandum: "C. R. Informe mee of the particulars and I shall command the Judges to make them Abjure."

Six months later, on June 26, 1637, Joshua, David, and Ann Atwater arrived in Boston in the company of Theophilus Eaton, John Davenport, and the other founders of the New Haven Colony on the Hector.

In addition to these eccleaiastical troubles, the forced loans and illegal extractions, resulting from the attempt of King Charles I to govern without a parliament, were severely felt. Each person was required to pay a fixed proportion of his property in land or goods. Those who refused were impressed to serve in the navy, others were imprisoned, "committed by special command of his majesty." (There are many pages of detail, including many quotations from original documents of the time, in Atwater History.)

The financial implications on David, Joshua, and Ann Atwater we significant. According to the custom of gavelkind of the time, David, the youngest son, would retain the homestead and remain at Royton when his father died. Joshua had received the rest of the estate and was a mercer (merchant in fabrics) in Ashton, about seven miles from Royton. Both had received much from the estates of their uncles George and David, and from that of Ann, George's wife. Therefore, to leave for America on short notice likely meant selling all of their lands and possessions at a considerable disadvanage.

David Atwater was 22 years old when he arrived in New England in 1637. If he was one of those who accompanied Mr. Eaton to Quinnipiack in the autumn of that year, he returned to Boston, for only seven of the company, including his brother Joshua, remained at Quinnipiack thru the winter. It is likely that David and his sister Ann stayed in Boston for the winter and sailed with the company for their new home in the spring of 1638. He signed the plantation covenant on June 4, 1639, the day of the constituent assembly in Mr. Newman's barn.

David was unmarried thru 1643 when his name appears on the list of 21 planters with a valuation upon their estates of £500 or more, "according to which he will pay his proportion in all Rates and Public charges from time to time to be accessed for civil uses, and expect Lands in all divisions which shall generally be made to the planters". (Barber's History and Antiquities of New Haven, edition 1831.)

Per Trumbull's History of Connecticut after the Union of the Colonies, and Atwater's History of the City of New Haven, David married Demaris Sayre before March 10, 1646/7, the date of the General Court, when the name of "David Atwater's wife" was read among those seated in the meeting-house.

Examination of David Atwater's will, in connection with knowledge obtained from other sources, affords information of interest to all his descendants.

One of his six sons, Joshua, had removed to Wallingford, Connecticut, where he married, June 24, 1680, Lydia Rothwell, and died soon after, leaving no children.

One of his four daughters, the eldest child, Mercy, who married John Austin, appears not to have been then living, by the terms of the will in relation to her children.

There are special bequests of lands to each of the surviving five sons, David, John, Jonathan, Samuel and Ebenezer, determined in relation to the portions of the estate already received by each.

Two of the sons had already been established in business in New Haven, namely, Jonathan, whose name appears in the list of "Proprietors of New Haven, Conn., in year 1685," the bequests to him being, in the words of the will, "besides what also he hath already received," and the youngest son and child, Ebenezer.

The portions of the estate already received by these two sons may be conjectured to have been the requisite money capital for business, and possibly the town lot (now 120 to 128 College Street, north of Elm), assigned to David in the original division of the lands, with its improvements and the house and land formerly owned and occupied by Joshua, on what was known as Fleet Street, bought by David from Joshua 19th June, 1665, after the removal of Joshua to Boston—which house is said to have been occupied by the descendants of David more than two hundred years—neither of these properties appearing in the inventory of his estate in 1692.

It is known that the house of David, the eldest son of Jonathan, "was in that part of State Street formerly called Fleet Street," and the house of James, the only son of Ebenezer, "was in State Street, between Crown and George Streets."

To each of the three remaining sons there is a specific bequest of a homestead.

To David Atwater, Jr., whose name was in the list of Proprietors in 1685, as follows.

Item. I doe Ratify and Confirm to David Attwater, junior, my eldest son, my old House, Barn and Orchard, which he already possesseth, and twelve acres, lying on both sides ye creek, adjoining to meadow of Issac Turner's, and twenty acres of upland, ten to ye Cornfield and ten in ye Neck, soth halfe that peese of land fensed in on ye west side of Road and ye Rock.

To John Atwater, whose name was in the list of Proprietors in 1685, as follows.:

Item. I doe give and bequeath unto my son, John Attwater, ye House and accommodations at Wallingford, with ye Rights and privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, wch I bought of Samuel Potter, with two acres of meadow I had of John Dod, formerlv Ephraim Young's land, and one acre more of silt marsh next ye River, lying near my son David's.

To Samuel Atwater, whose name was not in the list of Proprietors in 1685, as follows:

Item. For all the Rest of my lands, both uplands and meadow, with my dwelling house, barne and other buildings, wth the Orchard, privileges and appurtenances, I give to my son, Samuel, to be to him and to his Heires forever.

And for these lands and meadows, above mentioned, given to my other sons, my will is that it be to them and to their Heirs forever. And my further will is yt, if any sons see Cause to sell any of their lands, they shall first offer it to their Brothers, that they may have ye first refusal.

It would appear that there had been three divisions of lands to the planters, according to their original agreement, the third division, as indicated in the inventory, being about one hundred acres to him:

Item. From my owne 3d Division, and wt I had of my son John, I give and bequeath unto my ffour sons, David, Jonathan, Samll and Ebenezer, to be equally divided between them.

And forr all ye Rest of my p'sonal estate, movables and stock of cattle, my will is it be equally divided between all my children, at least to ye vallew of it, my Grandchildren, sons of my daughter Austin, to be included for one share."

On the day of the marriage of Ebenezer, the youngest son and child, to Abigail Heaton, which was the last of the marriages of his ten children, David Atwater could doubtless reflect that, upon the execution of his will, each of his eight surviving children would be established in life with a place of residence.

On that day, December 9, 1691, he recorded his great thoughtfulness and equal care for all his children in an Appendix to his will, without the formality of witnesses, in these words:

Know all men whom it may concern, that I, David Attwater, Senr, Doe upon further consideration, and from a desire to promote love and peece among my children, and to make, as neere as I can, an equall distribution of that estate wch God hath given me, I Doe heereby, as my will, give to each of my children, out of Samuell's part, five pounds, to be paid out of ye stock of cattle or as he may think best.

Probate record:

This Appendix to ye will admitted by all of ye children & ye Court as if proved by witnesses. Agrees with ye Original Text.

Wm. Jones, Clerk.

These extracts from the will of David Attwater, of Royton in Lenham and Cedar Hill, New Haven, of natural interest to all who trace their lineage to him, whether they bear his name or not, mav appropriately end with its opening and closing words:

Know all men by these p'sents, that I, David Attwater, Senr, of New Haven, in ye Colony of Connecticut in New England, though weak of body, yet of Competent, sound understanding & memory, Doe Make and Ordaine this as my last will and testament, in manner and fform following:

Imprimis. I comend my sowle unto the hands of God, through Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, & my body to the earth, to be buried in a Comely and desent manner, according to the discression of my executors hereafter named."

Lastly. I doe hereby constitute and appoint my loving son-in-law, John Punderson, and my son Samuell, to be Executrs of this, my last will and testament. And Capt. Moses Mansfield, Overseer. And Doe order my son-in- law, John Punderson, and my son Samuell, to pay him twenty shillings for his trouble. And I doe hereby Revoak and make voyd all former will or wills. And Declare this to be my last will and testament.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seale this fourteenth day of April, one thousand six hundred ninety-one. 1691.

David Attwater. [Seal.]

Signed, sealed and delivered in p'sense of

John Sayre

Sworn in court:

Samuel Sayre

With this will of David Attwater, of Royton in Lenbam and Cedar Hill, New Haven, ends the record by wills of the English ancestry of the Atwaters in the United States.

David Atwater was the only male descendant of his grandfather, Christopher, to have male heirs.

Per Genealogical Register ..., David Atwater was one of the first planters of New Haven, and in the first division of lands among the settlers, a farm was assigned him in the "Neck," as the tract between the Mill and Quinnipiac Rivers was called, upon which it is believed that he lived until his death.

Sources:

Atwater, Francis, Atwater History, 1901, pp. 51–94

Jacobus, Donald Lines, Families of Ancient New Haven, vol. V, p. 1058.

ibid., vol. I Donald Lines Jacobus pp. 60–63, 90.

ibid., vol. VI Donald Lines Jacobus p. 1494.

Genealogical Register of the Descendants in the Male Line of David Atwater, One of the Original Planters of New Haven, Conn., to the Sixth Generation, 1873.

Families of Ancient New Haven by Donald Lines Jacobus, pg. 60

312–1313. David Atwater was baptized in Royton in Lenham, Kent, England, on Sunday, October 8, 1615, and died in Cedar Hill, New Haven, Connecticut, on October 5, 1692. Damaris Sayre was born in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England, in—say—1625, and died in New Haven, Connecticut Colony, on April 1, 1691. He is the son of John and Susan (Narsin) Atwater. She is the daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Aldrich) Sayre. They had ten children:

i. Mercy Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on February 29, 1647/8. She married John Austin. She was buried on Apr 14, 1683.

ii. Damaris Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on November 12, 1648, baptized on October 21, 1649, and died on December 14, 1711. She married John Punderson. Her birthdate has also been reported as November 2, 1647.

iii. David Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on July 13, 1650, and died on January 10, 1735/6. His birthdate has also been reported as July 13, 1651. He married Joanna _____. It is believed, per Genealogical Register ..., that he lived upon and cultivated a portion of the land which was originally assigned to his father. They had three children: Johannah (b. Feb. 29, 1682), Abigail (b. Jan. 18, 1684), and Joshua (b. Jan. 29, 1687).

iv. Joshua Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on January 11, 1652/3. Per Genealogical Register ..., he moved to Wallingford where he married Lydia Rockwell on June 24, 1680. He died soon after leaving no children.

v. John Atwater was born on November 1, 1654, and died in 1748. He married Abigail Glover on September 13, 1682. His second wife was Mary Beach, widow of John Beach. Per Genealogical Register ..., he married Abigail Mansfield on the above date and settled in Wallingford on a farm which had belonged to his brother Joshua. He had ten children: John (b. Aug. 17, 1683), Abigail, Mercy, Hannah, Joshua, Moses, Phineas, Caleb, Benjamin, and Ebenezer (b. Feb. 6, 1709).

vi. Jonathan Atwater [#656]: He was born in New Haven Colony on July 12, 1656, and died in New Haven on June 3, 1726.

vii. Abigail Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on March 3, 1659/60. She married Nathaniel Jones.

viii. Mary Atwater was born in New Haven Colony on March 31, 1662. She married first Ichabod Stow, second David Robinson.

ix. Samuel Atwater was born in New Haven on September 17, 1664, and died on September 17, 1742. He married Sarah Alling on July 7, 1691, daughter of John and Elena (Bradley) Alling (#1328/9). They had ten children:

  1. Samuel, born July 14, 1692; died September 19, 1713

2. David, born September 29, 1694
3. James, born December 23, 1696; died December 16, 1722
4. Sarah, born January 21, 1699; died July 2, 1699
5. Damaris, born May 21, 1700
6. Caleb, born October 16, 1702
7. Stephen, born December 5, 1705
8. John, born November 28, 1707; died April 29, 1709
9. John, born August 4, 1709; died December 20, 1709
10. Seth, born May 16, 1711; February 4, 1712
x. Ebenezer Atwater [#662]: He was born in New Haven on January 13, 1666.

The conditions in England that resulted in the immigration of David, Joshua, and Ann Atwater to America will be presented here. They include religious persecutions and illegal "taxation" by King Charles I, and that their parent had just died as had their uncles. The information is taken from Atwater History, sometimes summarized, sometimes verbatim.

From David's birth thru 1633, George Abbott was the Archbishop of Canterbury. During this period, the Puritans in his own Diocese of Canterbury were largely protected from the persecutions of Charles I by his personal authority. Archbishop Abbott permitted the French and Dutch churches to continue to worship according to their Presbyterian form in Maidstone, Sandwich, and Canterbury. One of these congregations worshiped according to that form in his own Cathedral Church of Canterbury as had been done from the time of Queen Elizabeth. [Abbott was employed on the authorized translation of the Bible under King James I.]

However, another Archbishop, Laud, had gained unlimited sway over the mind of Charles I and convinced him that the Puritans should no longer be afforded asylum in England. Therefore, when Archbishop Abbott died in 1633, persecution of the separatists became much more active. On Christmas Day, 1636, Laud wrote to the king that even tho the ringleaders of the Brownists and other separatists from the Church of England had been imprisoned, the movements continued. "Neither do I see remedy like to be, unless some of their seducers be driven to abjure the Kingdom, which must be done by the judges at the common law, but is not within our power."

Charles I responded with the memorandum: "C. R. Informe mee of the particulars and I shall command the Judges to make them Abjure."

Six months later, on June 26, 1637, Joshua, David, and Ann Atwater arrived in Boston in the company of Theophilus Eaton, John Davenport, and the other founders of the New Haven Colony on the Hector.

In addition to these eccleaiastical troubles, the forced loans and illegal extractions, resulting from the attempt of King Charles I to govern without a parliament, were severely felt. Each person was required to pay a fixed proportion of his property in land or goods. Those who refused were impressed to serve in the navy, others were imprisoned, "committed by special command of his majesty." (There are many pages of detail, including many quotations from original documents of the time, in Atwater History.)

The financial implications on David, Joshua, and Ann Atwater we significant. According to the custom of gavelkind of the time, David, the youngest son, would retain the homestead and remain at Royton when his father died. Joshua had received the rest of the estate and was a mercer (merchant in fabrics) in Ashton, about seven miles from Royton. Both had received much from the estates of their uncles George and David, and from that of Ann, George's wife. Therefore, to leave for America on short notice likely meant selling all of their lands and possessions at a considerable disadvanage.

David Atwater was 22 years old when he arrived in New England in 1637. If he was one of those who accompanied Mr. Eaton to Quinnipiack in the autumn of that year, he returned to Boston, for only seven of the company, including his brother Joshua, remained at Quinnipiack thru the winter. It is likely that David and his sister Ann stayed in Boston for the winter and sailed with the company for their new home in the spring of 1638. He signed the plantation covenant on June 4, 1639, the day of the constituent assembly in Mr. Newman's barn.

David was unmarried thru 1643 when his name appears on the list of 21 planters with a valuation upon their estates of £500 or more, "according to which he will pay his proportion in all Rates and Public charges from time to time to be accessed for civil uses, and expect Lands in all divisions which shall generally be made to the planters". (Barber's History and Antiquities of New Haven, edition 1831.)

Per Trumbull's History of Connecticut after the Union of the Colonies, and Atwater's History of the City of New Haven, David married Demaris Sayre before March 10, 1646/7, the date of the General Court, when the name of "David Atwater's wife" was read among those seated in the meeting-house.

Examination of David Atwater's will, in connection with knowledge obtained from other sources, affords information of interest to all his descendants.

One of his six sons, Joshua, had removed to Wallingford, Connecticut, where he married, June 24, 1680, Lydia Rothwell, and died soon after, leaving no children.

One of his four daughters, the eldest child, Mercy, who married John Austin, appears not to have been then living, by the terms of the will in relation to her children.

There are special bequests of lands to each of the surviving five sons, David, John, Jonathan, Samuel and Ebenezer, determined in relation to the portions of the estate already received by each.

Two of the sons had already been established in business in New Haven, namely, Jonathan, whose name appears in the list of "Proprietors of New Haven, Conn., in year 1685," the bequests to him being, in the words of the will, "besides what also he hath already received," and the youngest son and child, Ebenezer.

The portions of the estate already received by these two sons may be conjectured to have been the requisite money capital for business, and possibly the town lot (now 120 to 128 College Street, north of Elm), assigned to David in the original division of the lands, with its improvements and the house and land formerly owned and occupied by Joshua, on what was known as Fleet Street, bought by David from Joshua 19th June, 1665, after the removal of Joshua to Boston—which house is said to have been occupied by the descendants of David more than two hundred years—neither of these properties appearing in the inventory of his estate in 1692.

It is known that the house of David, the eldest son of Jonathan, "was in that part of State Street formerly called Fleet Street," and the house of James, the only son of Ebenezer, "was in State Street, between Crown and George Streets."

To each of the three remaining sons there is a specific bequest of a homestead.

To David Atwater, Jr., whose name was in the list of Proprietors in 1685, as follows.

Item. I doe Ratify and Confirm to David Attwater, junior, my eldest son, my old House, Barn and Orchard, which he already possesseth, and twelve acres, lying on both sides ye creek, adjoining to meadow of Issac Turner's, and twenty acres of upland, ten to ye Cornfield and ten in ye Neck, soth halfe that peese of land fensed in on ye west side of Road and ye Rock.

To John Atwater, whose name was in the list of Proprietors in 1685, as follows.

Item. I doe give and bequeath unto my son, John Attwater, ye House and accommodations at Wallingford, with ye Rights and privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging, wch I bought of Samuel Potter, with two acres of meadow I had of John Dod, formerlv Ephraim Young's land, and one acre more of silt marsh next ye River, lying near my son David's.

To Samuel Atwater, whose name was not in the list of Proprietors in 1685, as follows:

Item. For all the Rest of my lands, both uplands and meadow, with my dwelling house, barne and other buildings, wth the Orchard, privileges and appurtenances, I give to my son, Samuel, to be to him and to his Heires forever.

And for these lands and meadows, above mentioned, given to my other sons, my will is that it be to them and to their Heirs forever. And my further will is yt, if any sons see Cause to sell any of their lands, they shall first offer it to their Brothers, that they may have ye first refusal.

It would appear that there had been three divisions of lands to the planters, according to their original agreement, the third division, as indicated in the inventory, being about one hundred acres to him:

Item. From my owne 3d Division, and wt I had of my son John, I give and bequeath unto my ffour sons, David, Jonathan, Samll and Ebenezer, to be equally divided between them.

And forr all ye Rest of my p'sonal estate, movables and stock of cattle, my will is it be equally divided between all my children, at least to ye vallew of it, my Grandchildren, sons of my daughter Austin, to be included for one share."

On the day of the marriage of Ebenezer, the youngest son and child, to Abigail Heaton, which was the last of the marriages of his ten children, David Atwater could doubtless reflect that, upon the execution of his will, each of his eight surviving children would be established in life with a place of residence.

On that day, December 9, 1691, he recorded his great thoughtfulness and equal care for all his children in an Appendix to his will, without the formality of witnesses, in these words:

Know all men whom it may concern, that I, David Attwater, Senr, Doe upon further consideration, and from a desire to promote love and peece among my children, and to make, as neere as I can, an equall distribution of that estate wch God hath given me, I Doe heereby, as my will, give to each of my children, out of Samuell's part, five pounds, to be paid out of ye stock of cattle or as he may think best.

Probate record:

This Appendix to ye will admitted by all of ye children & ye Court as if proved by witnesses. Agrees with ye Original Text.

Wm. Jones, Clerk.

These extracts from the will of David Attwater, of Royton in Lenham and Cedar Hill, New Haven, of natural interest to all who trace their lineage to him, whether they bear his name or not, mav appropriately end with its opening and closing words:

Know all men by these p'sents, that I, David Attwater, Senr, of New Haven, in ye Colony of Connecticut in New England, though weak of body, yet of Competent, sound understanding & memory, Doe Make and Ordaine this as my last will and testament, in manner and fform following:

Imprimis. I comend my sowle unto the hands of God, through Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, & my body to the earth, to be buried in a Comely and desent manner, according to the discression of my executors hereafter named."

Lastly. I doe hereby constitute and appoint my loving son-in-law, John Punderson, and my son Samuell, to be Executrs of this, my last will and testament. And Capt. Moses Mansfield, Overseer. And Doe order my son-in- law, John Punderson, and my son Samuell, to pay him twenty shillings for his trouble. And I doe hereby Revoak and make voyd all former will or wills. And Declare this to be my last will and testament.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seale this fourteenth day of April, one thousand six hundred ninety-one. 1691.

David Attwater. [Seal.]

Signed, sealed and delivered in p'sense of

John Sayre

Sworn in court:

Samuel Sayre

With this will of David Attwater, of Royton in Lenbam and Cedar Hill, New Haven, ends the record by wills of the English ancestry of the Atwaters in the United States.

David Atwater was the only male descendant of his grandfather, Christopher, to have male heirs.

Per Genealogical Register ..., David Atwater was one of the first planters of New Haven, and in the first division of lands among the settlers, a farm was assigned him in the "Neck," as the tract between the Mill and Quinnipiac Rivers was called, upon which it is believed that he lived until his death.

"DAVID ATWATER Born 8 Oct 1615 in Kent, England Died 5 Oct 1692 in New Haven, CT From The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy Lineage Record, Vol 3, p. 647: Atwater, David (1615 - 92) from England to Boston 1637. Thence to Quinnipac (New Haven), conn 1638; signed the Covenant 1638; m. Damaris Sayre. Vol 7: Atwater David (b. Royton Manor, Lenham Co., Kent, England, bapt 10-8-1615; d. New Haven 10-5-1692, son of John (m. Susan ___); settled at New Haven 1638 with brother Joshua & sister Ann; signed plantation covenant, June 4, 1639; large land owner; freeman 1685; m. between 1643 and 1646 Demaris (d. 4-1-1691) daughter of Thomas Sayre. Vol.??? p. 78: ATWATER This family derives descent from David Atwater, a native of Lenham, Kent Co., England who emigrated to America, 1637 with Rev. John Davenport and others of the original planters.

Married on 10 Mar 1647/8 in New Haven, CT to DAMARIS SAYRE Born 1625 in New Haven, CT; Died 1 Apr 1691 in New Haven, CT Daughter of Thomas Sayre b. 20 Jul 1597 in Leighton, Bedfordshire, Eng.; d. 23 Apr 1671 in Southampton, Suffolk, NY and Margaret Aldrich b. 1600 in Leighton, Bed, Eng.; d. 1600 in Leighton, Bed. Eng., d. 23 Aug 1634 in Lynn, Southampton, LI, NY From DAR Lineage Book, Vol. 1, 1890-91, p. 990, Sayre (Sayer, Sayres), Thomas (bap. 1597 - 1670) from England, first recorded at Lynn, Mass 1638, a founder of Southampton, L. I. 1640; where he built a house still standing, served as a scout against the Indians at Southampton."

Born in 1615 Royton, Lenham, Kent, England son of John Atwater and Susan Narsin, came to North America June 26, 1637 when he was 22. He sailed to America on a ship named Hector. Traveling with him was John Davenport and Theophilus Eaton (founders of New Haven). Joshua and Ann his sister and brother where also aboard.

From Boston the group made their way to the Quinnipiack (home of the Quinnipiack Indians). But returned to Boston due to their lack of preparedness of the New England winter, His Brother and 7 others remained in New Haven. Returning in the spring of 1638 and settled there. On June 4, 1639 he signed the plantation covenant in Francis Newman's barn along with 20 others. The valuation of their land was £500 and up.

A farm was assigned to him in the "Neck" [2] the tract between the Mill and Quinnipiac Rivers. In 1685, David Atwater, Jr. inherited his father's home, now believed to be on View and Ridge Streets. The will described it as an "old House, Barn and Orchard, [...] and twelve acres, lying on both sides ye creek, adjoining to meadow of Isaac Turner's, and twenty acres of upland, ten to ye Cornfield and ten in ye Neck, soth halfe that peese of land fensed in on ye west side of Road and ye Rock." The rest of his property was bequeathed to his son Samuel Atwater, including David's "dwelling house, barne and other buildings, with the Orchard". Remnants of the apple orchards and plants from gardens long ago are thought to still be in the area.[3]

Feb 7, 1668: At a town meeting when action was taken to establish the Hopkins Grammar School.

On the 1685 list of names of Proprieters of New Haven, CT.

David married Demaris Sayre around March 10, 1646.

Children: Mercy Born February 29, 1647, Damaris November 12, 1648, David July 13, 1650, Joshua January 11, 1652, John November 1, 1654, Abigail March 3, 1659, Mary March 31, 1662, Samuel September 17, 1664, Ebenezer January 13, 1666.

David Atwater died October 5, 1692 in Cedar Hill, New Haven and was buried at the Center Church on the Green Church yard, New Haven, Connecticut.

References

1) "History and antiquities of New Haven (Conn.) from its earliest settlement to the present time" . Archive.org. Retrieved 2013-09-28.

2) Papers of the New Haven Colony Historical Society - New Haven Colony Historical Society - Google Books . Books.google.com. Retrieved 2013-09-28.

3)"Full text of "Atwater history and genealogy"" . Archive.org. Retrieved 2013-09-28.

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Source# 1: David Atwater, "A GENEALOGICAL REGISTER OF THE DESCENDANTS IN THE MALE LINE OF DAVID ATWATER, ONE OF THE ORIGINAL PLANTERS OF NEW HAVEN, CT., TO THE SIXTH GENERATION"
NEW HAVEN, CT: PRINTED BY TUTTLE, MOREHOUSE & TAYLOR (1873)

Source #2: Francis Atwater: "Atwater History and Genealogy" (The Journal Publishing Company. Meriden. CT 1907)

Their children were:

• 2. Mercy, born Feb. 29, 1647.
• 3. Damaris, b. Nov. 12, 1648.
• 4. David, b. July 13, 1650.
• 5. Joshua, b. Jan. 11, 1652.
• 6. John, b. Nov. 1, 1654.
• 7. Jonathan, b. July 12, 1656.
• 8. Abigail, b. March 3, 1660.
• 9. Mary, b. March 31, 1662.
• 10. Samuel, b. Sept. 17, 1664.
• 11. Ebenezer, b. Jan. 13, 1666.

The following is taken from Magazine of American Genealogy, May 1930; no. 10, pg. 93:

David Atwater, b. Royton Manor in Lenham County of Kent, England; chr. 8Oct. 1615, d. New Hav en, Connecticut on Oct. 5, 1692. Son of John and Susan Atwater, settled at New Haven, Connec ticut in 1638, with brother, Joshua and sister, Ann, in company with Eaton, Davenport and oth ers; founders of the New Haven Colony; signed plantation covenant 4 June 1639; large land own er, freeman of United Colony of New Haven and Connecticut; md. after 1643 but before 10 Mar . 1646/47, Demaris Sayre (d. April 1,1691), daughter of Thomas Sayre of Southampton, Long Isl and; issue:

Mercy (b. 29 Feb. 1647/48; d. 1683); md. 5 November 1667 to John Austin (d. February 22, 1690 ) who md. 2nd wife in 1684, Elizabeth Brockett: 5 sons, 2 daughters.

Demaris (b. November 2, 1648; d. December 14, 1711); md. 5 November 1667 to John Punderson (d . Jan. 23 1729) only son of Deacon John and Margaret Punderson; deacon First Church New Haven : 5 sons, 4 daughters.

David (b. July 13, 1650; d. January 10, 1736); lived at New Haven; md.Joanna (d. December 5 , 1722): 1 son, 2 daughters.

Joshua (b. January 11, 1652/53; d. Wallingford, 1681) removed to Wallingford, Connecticut an d md. there 24 June 1680, Lydia (b. November 27, 1656; d. November 27, 1681), daughter of Joh n and Sarah Rockwell: no children.

Jonathan (b. New Haven, July 12, 1656; d. June 3, 1627); merchant; lived at New Haven; md. Ju ne 1, 1681, Ruth Peck (b. apr. 3, 1661), daughter of Reverend Jeremiah and Joanna (Ketchel) P eck: 6 sons; 5 daughters.

John (b. New Haven, Nov. 1, 1654; d. 1748); settled at Wallingford, where he was called "weaver," md. first wife September 13, 1682, Abigail Mansfield (b. February 7, 1664; d. Sept. 24 , 1717), daughter of Moses and Mercy (Glover) Mansfield; md. second wife November 27, 1718, M ary, widow of John Beach; issue from first marriage: 7 sons, 3 daughters.

Abigail (b. March 3, 1660); md. 7 Oct. 1684, Nathaniel Jones (d. August 21, 1691), son of Dep . Gov. William Jones: 1 son, 2 daughters.

Mary (b. March 31, 1662); md. first October 22, 1688, Ichobod Stowe (b.20 Feb. 1653; d.25 Jan. 1694/95) of Middletown, Conn., son of Rev. Samuel and Hope (Fletcher) Stow; md. second David Robinson (b. 1660; d. January 1, 1748), son of Thomas and Mary Robinson; removed from Guil ford, Conn., second settler at Durham, Conn.; issue: first marriage-2 daughters; issue: second marriage - 2 sons, 3 daughters.

Samuel (b. 17 Sept. 1664; d. 17 Sept. 1742) lived at New Haven, farmer; md. New Haven, July 7 , 1691, Sarah Alling (b. November 25, 1666; d. 26 Sept. 1742), daughter of John Alling; issue : 7 sons, 3 daughters.

Ebenezer (b. 13 Jan. 1666/67); tailor; md. 9 Dec. 1691, Abigail Heaton (b.Jan. 1673/74; d. No v. 19, 1731), daughter of James and Sarah (Street) Heaton. She md. second, Nov. 27, 1712, John Gilbert. Issue: 1 son, 3daughters.

David Atwater and his brother, Joshua, sons of John Atwater of Royton, Kent, England, were en rolled among the early settlers of New Haven, Joshu abeing one of the seven peioneers who fir st visited that place and spent a winter of great privation there.

David is credited with being the first signer of the "planter agreement." His residence and farm were between East Rock and the Quinnipeach River, known as Cedar Hill. This land is y et owned by his descendants. The land owned by Joshua Atwater is now covered with building s and is part of the vast Yale University system.

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David Atwater BIRTH 1615 Fordwich, City of Canterbury, Kent, England DEATH 8 Oct 1692 (aged 76–77) New Haven County, Connecticut, USA BURIAL Center Church on the Green Churchyard New Haven, New Haven County, Connecticut, USA Add to Map PLOT PLEASE READ THE TABLET IN THE PHOTO...THERE ARE NO STONES REMAINING IN THIS CEMETERY (EXCEPT IN THE CRYPT)...THEY WERE ALREADY GONE OR MOVED TO GROVE STREET IN THE EARLY 1800'S. MEMORIAL ID 29919757 · View Source

The son of JOHN & SUSAN (NORSON/NARSON) ATWATER of Lenham, Kent, England and grandson of CHRISTOPHER ATWATER, he was baptized on October 8, 1615 (THIS IS NOT HIS BIRTH DATE) at Royton, Lenham Parish, county Kent, England.

His father died in England in October of 1636 and his mother in January of 1637 , so David, his brother, Joshua, and sister, Ann, immigrated to Boston arriving on June 26, 1637 on the good ship, HECTOR, with Rev. John Davenport. From Boston, he went to Quinnapiack (New Haven) in the colony of New Haven in the spring of 1638 as an original proprietor. He signed the New Haven Covenant on June 4, 1639, and was the first person in the New Haven Colony who was sworn a freeman in the united colony on May 11, 1692.

In the first division of land, he received land in the "Neck" between Mill & the Quinnipiac Rivers which was part of the "CEDAR HILL DISTRICT". His farm was between East Rock & the Quinnipiac River. He & his family lived there until his death. In the second division of land in 1641, he was assigned lot #2 in the meadow. By 1643, his property was valued at 500 pounds.

King Charles II sent troops to capture the regicides who had condemned to death his father, Charles I. Among those pursued were Judges Walley and Goff who came to America in 1660 and after being concealed by Mr. Davenport, hid in what was later called "the Judge's Cave in West Rock" on the land owned by David Atwater who left food for them daily. They were never captured.

He married DAMARIS SAYRE, daughter of THOMAS & MARGARET (ALDRICH) SAYRE, on March 10, 1647/48 in New Haven, Conn. They were the parents of six boys and four girls. His will dated April 14, 1691 with a codicil dated 9 December 1691, was proved at New Haven.

Please Note: Some people think that David Atwater was buried on his farm in the Cedar Hill district of New Haven which may be true, but not likely as the tradition of that time was to be buried in the churchyard. One thing I know for sure.......... HE IS NOT BURIED IN THE CEDAR HILL CEMETERY IN HARTFORD!!!!! HE NEVER LIVED IN HARTFORD. HE LIVED IN THE CEDAR HILL DISTRICT OF NEW HAVEN, CONN.

Parents John Atwater, unknown–1636 Susan Narsin Atwater, unknown–1637

Spouse Damaris Sayre Atwater, 1625–1691

Siblings Joshua Atwater, 1612–1676

Children Mercy (Mary) Atwater Austin, 1647–1683 Damaris Atwater Punderson, 1649–1711 David Atwater, 1651–1735 Joshua Atwater, 1652–1681 John Atwater, 1654–1748 Jonathan Atwater, 1656–1726 Mary Atwater Robinson, 1662–1746 Samuel Atwater, 1664–1742 Ebenezer Atwater, 1666–1702

• Reference: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29919757/david-atwater
• Notes: http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=151189639&pi...
• Reference: GenealogieOnline Family Tree Index - SmartCopy: Mar 5 2021, 0:41:44 UTC
• Reference: https://higginsonbooks.com/search?type=product&q=Atwater Hardback copies may be purchased from Higginson Books..

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• Reference: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~genepool/nhmap.htm 1641 map of the nine squares of ancient New Haven. Davi's lot is in square three.

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• Reference: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/p/o/p/Sandra-Popiel/FILE... Descendants of John Atwater
• Reference: http://worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db...
• Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Atwater
• Reference: http://www404.pair.com/vtandrew/family/i0006578.htm#i6578
• Reference: http://kinship6.homestead.com/Atwater.html