Deacon Benjamin Parsons

Benjamin Parsons

• Christened: 1 May 1625, St. Mary's, Beaminster, Dorset, England to Williami Parsons
• Died: 24 Aug 1689, Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts
• Parents: William Parsons and Margaret Hoskins, married 15 Nov. 1602
• Wives: Sarah Vore, Sarah Heald

Came to this country & was among the early settlers of Springfield, MA. Chief instrument in the formation of the Springfield church. Deacon & prominent citizen of exemplary moral character.

Biography

He came to New England about 1650, met and married Sarah at Windsor, Massachusetts 6 October 1653. She was probably born in Dorchester, Massachusetts about 1635, daughter of Richard and Ann Vore.

Benjamin was still a resident of Beaminster in March 1649/50, when he surrendered his cottage there. He apparently left soon after, for he first appeared in Springfield, Massachusetts on 4 November 1651, when he was appointed a fence viewer.

Benjamin Parsons took an active role in town affairs in Springfield, serving as surveyor of highways, fence viewer, juror, constable and selectman. He was active in establishing the First Congregational Church there in 1679 and became a deacon. When he was chosen a selectman in February 1678/9, his name was not prefixed with a title, but at a meeting of the selectmen on 2 June 1679, he was designated as "Deacon” Benja Parsons. He owned land in Springfield, Suffield, and Enfield; the latter two towns then in Massachusetts but now in Connecticut.

He is one of six settlers that are named on the Enfield Plantation deed. That deed was negated with the Indians on 16 March 16 80. He never lived in Enfield, but was given more than one parcel of land. In 1691, B. Parsons, S. Terry & I. Morgan were given a tract of land to build a sawmill. This was the first building built East of Enfield. Two of Deacon Benjamin’s sons, Benjamin II and Samuel settled in Enfield.

The will of "Deacon Benja Parsons deceased - of Springfd," dated 20 February 1687/8 and probated 30 March 1690, named his sons: Benjamin, Samuel, Joseph, Ebenezer and Hezekiah; daughters: Mary "who is as yet unmarried," Sarah Dorchester and Abigail Richards; and grandsons: John Parsons, John Dorchester, James Dorchester, Benjamin Mun, John Mun and John Richards. His sons Benjamin and Joseph were to be executors

Origins

Benjamin, an early settler of Springfield, Massachusetts, was baptized May 1, 1625 at St. Mary's Church in Beaminster, Dorset, England, son of William Parsons and Margaret Hoskins.

Benjamin sailed with his brother Joseph and others of the family from Gravesend, England, in the bark "Transport," bound for America in 1635. (Comment: also seen as immigrated in 1644, and as 1650).

He was born in Great Torrington, near Exeter, Devonshire, England (sic) and is supposed to have descended from Sir Thomas Parsons, of Milton Royal, who was knighted by Charles II, 1634. The record states that

"Benjamin Parsons was a grandson of Thomas Parsons, of Great Milton, Oxfordshire, England, who died in 1597." (2)

Note: This was a different Benjamin Parsons (son of Hugh Parsons, of Great Milton)

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Parsons-679

Deacon Benjamin Parsons

Born 1 May 1625 in Beaminster, Dorsetshire, England

Son of William Parsons and Margaret (Hoskins) Parsons

Brother of William Parsons, Thomas Parsons, Christopher Parsons, Marie (Parsons) James, Mary Parsons and Joseph Parsons

Husband of Sarah (Vore) Parsons — married 6 Oct 1653 in Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut [uncertain]

Husband of Sarah (Heald) Leonard — married 21 Feb 1677 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts

Father of Sarah (Parsons) Dorchester, Abigail (Parsons) Richards, Samuel Parsons, Mary (Parsons) Richards and Hezekiah Parsons Sr

Died 24 Aug 1689 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts

Profile last modified 19 Mar 2019 | Created 9 May 2011

Biography

DEACON BENJAMIN PARSONS, an early settler of Springfield, was baptized May 01, 1625 at St Mary's Church in Beaminster, Dorset, England, son of William and Margaret (Hoskins) Parsons. He came to New England about 1650, and died at Springfield August 24, 1689. He married first at Windsor, 06 October 1653, SARAH VORE, who was probably born in Dorchester, MA, about 1635, and died at Springfield, January 01, 1675/76, daughter of Richard and Ann Vore (or Voare) of Crewkerne, Somerset, and Windsor, Connecticut.. He married second, in Springfield 21 February 1676/77, SARAH HEALD, who died there 23 November 1711, widow of John Leonard. She married third, at Springfield, 3 November 1690, Deacon Peter Tilton of Hadley, Massachusetts.

1656 Benjamin testifies in behave of his sister in law Mary Bliss who is accused by Sarah Bridgman of being a witch.
1669 (Jan 14th) Benjamin owns a grant of 30 acres in Enfield CT. (this is before the town was organized.) He also has a land grant at Stony River – Suffield CT.
1670 (October) Benjamin Parsons along with John Pynchon and others petitioned the General Court of Mass. for the plantation of Suffield CT. He was also on a committee of Springfield men to layout and establishes the town of Longmeadow. 1679 (August 14th) A committee of five persons including Benjamin Parsons and John Pynchon were appointed by the town of Springfield to manage the corners of the proposed plantation at the Falls and at Freshwater (Enfield CT.) 1689 Springfield Commissioner’s including Benjamin Parsons purchase lands from the local Indians, Benjamin is granted a tract of land for the erection of a sawmill at Scantick.[1] children

Sarah Parsons 18 Aug 1656 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 27 Jun 1740 Benjamin Parsons 15 Sep 1658 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 22 Dec 1728 Enfield, Hartford, Connecticut, United States Mary Parsons 10 Dec 1660 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 27 Jan 1661 Abigail Parsons 6 Jan 1663 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts Samuel Parsons 10 Oct 1666 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 17 Feb 1735 Deacon Ebenezer Parsons 17 Nov 1668 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 23 Sep 1752 West Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, United States Mary Parsons 17 Dec 1670 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 3 Nov 1758 Hezekiah Parsons 24 Nov 1673 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 18 Mar 1756 Joseph Parsons Dec 1675 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, 21 Oct 1733 Birth: Date: 01 MAY 1625 Sources: Stott, Clifford L. Vital Records of Springfield, Massachusetts to 1850. (Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2002), 2:1681.

"Benjamin Parsons joined in marriage at Winsor to Sara Vore the 6th of the 8th mon 1653 [October 6, 1653]"

Sources

↑ https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/parsons/1663/ Connecticut Valley Historical Society, Papers and Proceedings (The Society, Springfield, Mass., 1904) Vol. 2, Page 128 Stott, Clifford L. Vital Records of Springfield, Massachusetts to 1850. (Boston, Massachusetts: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2002), 2:1681. "Benjamin Parsons joined in marriage at Winsor to Sara Vore the 6th of the 8th mon 1653 [October 6, 1653]"

Commemorative Biographical Record of Hartford County, Connecticut. vol. 1 page 58 http://www.parsonsfamilyassn.org/Parsons-Families.html Find A Grave: Memorial #112010978 http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Family:Benjamin_Parsons_and_Sarah_Vore_(1) According to Springfield Records Benjamin arrived in Springfield in 1651, resided in Springfield 38 years until his death 1689.

Benjamin Parsons Birth 01 MAY 1625 in Beaminster, Dorset, England Death 24 AUG 1689 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts,

Parents FATHER William Parsons 1570 – 1654 MOTHER Margaret Hoskins 1581 –

Siblings

William Parsons 1604 – 1655

Thomas Parsons 1609 – 1661

Christopher Parsons 1612 –

Mary Parsons 1617 – 1669

Joseph Parsons 1620 – 1683

FIRST Spouse Sarah Vore 1635 – 1676

Children WITH SARAH VORE

Sarah Parsons 1656 – 1740

Benjamin Parsons 1658 – 1728

Mary Parsons 1660 – 1663

Abigail Parsons 1663 – 1695

Samuel Parsons 1666 – 1736

Ebenezer Parsons 1668 – 1752

Mary Parsons 1670 – 1758

Hezekiah Parsons BORN 1673 NOV 24 SPRINGFIELD, MA DIED 1756 MAR 18 WINDSOR, CT AGE 82 YRS MARRIED 1701 FEB 20 SPRINGFIELD, MA

HANNAH COOLEY*** BORN 1679 DEC 24 SPRINGFIELD, MA DIED 1725 JUL 29 WINDSOR, CT AGE 45 YRS FATHER ELIAKIM COOLEY MOTHER HANNAH TIBBALS

Joseph Parsons 1675 – 1733

SECOND Spouse & Children Sarah Heald or Hale – 1711

Timeline Birth 1625 1 May Beaminster, Dorset, England

Emigration 1651 Age: 26 first record Nov 4-1651 at Springfield.

FIRST Marriage to Sarah Vore 1653 6 Oct Age: 28 Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, USA

SECOND Marriage to Sarah Heald or Hale 1677 21 Feb Age: 51 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA

Will 1688 20 Feb Age: 62 probated March 30 1690

Grandsons 1688 Age: 63 John Parsons, John & James Dorchester, Benjamin & John Munn and John Richards.

Sons Benjamin, Samuel, Joseph, Ebenezer and Hezekiah. Daus.

Death 1689 24 Aug Age: 64 Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA Title (Deacon)

Benjamin Parsons: MARRIAGE: Mr. Parsons md. (1) Sarah Vore, dau of Richard of Windsor, who was a member of the Rev. John Warham's church in Dorchester, and accompanied him to Windsor in 1635. She d. at Springfield 1 Jan 1676; He md. 2nd Sarah, relict of John Leonard in 1677. DEATH: Deacon Parsons d. 24 Aug 1689. Benjamin Parsons' will (Probate Records at Northampton, Vol. 1, page. 269) mentions grandsons John Parsons, John Dorchester, James Dorchester, Benjamin Munn, John Munn, John Richards. BIOGRAPHY: Younger brother of Cornet Joseph Parsons; was among the first settlers of Springfield; prominent citizen and a gentleman of exemplary moral character; of great worth and respectability. He was Deacon of the church and a chief instrument in its formation in Springfield as appears from his correspondence with the Rev. Dr. Increase Mather. In the civil affairs of the town, no one held more responsible offices, or discharged them with greater fidelity.

• __ __________
• 'PARSONS FAMILY ASSOCIATION
• http://members.frys.com/~parsons/d0016/g0000015.html#I330
• 'Benjamin (Deacon) PARSONS (Sr.)
• ABT 1625 - 24 Aug 1689
• TITLE: Sr.
• BIRTH: ABT 1625, Beaminster,Dorset,Canterbury Prov.,England
• CHRISTENING: 1 May 1625, St. Mary's,Beaminster,Dorset,England
• DEATH: 24 Aug 1689, Springfield,Hampshire Co.,MA,USA
• Father: William PARSONS
• Mother: Margaret (Margret) HOSKINS
• 'Family 1 : Sarah (Voare\Vove) VORE
• MARRIAGE: 6 Nov 1653, Windsor,,CT,USA
  • 1 Sarah PARSONS
  • 2+Benjamin (Lt.) PARSONS
  • 3 Mary (A) PARSONS
  • 4+Abigail PARSONS
  • 5+Samuel PARSONS
  • 6+Ebenezer (Deacon) PARSONS
  • 7+Mary (B) PARSONS
  • 8+Hezekiah PARSONS
  • 9 Joseph PARSONS
• 'Family 2 : Sarah HEALD
• __________
• http://our-royal-titled-noble-and-commoner-ancestors.com/p2201.htm#...
• 'Benjamin Parsons
• M, b. circa 1629, d. 1689
• ' Benjamin Parsons was born circa 1629. He married Sarah Vore, daughter of Richard Vore and Ann, on 6 October 1653 at Windsor, Hartford, CT. Benjamin Parsons married Sarah Heald on 26 February 1677 at Springfield, MA. Benjamin Parsons died in 1689 at Springfield, MA.
• 'Family 1 Sarah Vore b. 6 Oct 1635, d. 1 Jan 1675
• Child
• ◦Sarah Parsons+ b. 13 Aug 1656, d. 27 Jun 1740
• 'Family 2 Sarah Heald d. 1711
• ______________ ACCORDING TO THIS BOOK, THE PARENTS OF BENJAMIN AND JOSEPH PARSONS ARE UNKNOWN Parsons family: descendants of Cornet Joseph Parsons, Springfield, 1636 ... By Henry Parsons Pg. 30

The letter of Rev. Jonathan Parsons of Newburyport, Mass., to his son. Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons, furnishes quite satisfactory evidence that his grandfather, 'Deacon Benjamin Parsons, was born at or near Torrington, in Devonshire, and came to this country soon after Joseph. It is also well settled by record evidence that Cornet Joseph Parsons and Deacon Benjamin Parsons were brothers, the following being some of the evidence :

• Pg. 33
• In the American Biographical Dictionary, by Allen (1852), is this record of the writer of the above letter :
• "Parsons, Jonathan, b. West Springfield, Nov. 30, 1705. Yale 1729. Ordained 1730, Minister Lyme."
• He was the son of Ebenezer Parsons, of Springfield, and Margaret, daughter of Samuel Marshfield, and Ebenezer was a son of 'Benjamin Parsons and Sarah Vore, his wife, of Springfield, Mass'. (Vol. I, N. E. Hist. & Gene. Reg.)
• ________________

Sources

1. Beniamyn Parsons Gender: Male Christening: Mar 17 1627 Sandford-On-Thames, Oxford, England Father: Hughe Parsons Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C06421-2 System Origin: England-ODM GS Film number: 952330
2. Genealogical and Personal Memoirs of Worchester County, vol 1.2 

Links

• http://americanheritagefamilies.com/ps06/ps06_452.htm
• http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~havens5/p29620.htm
• http://www.mynonurbanlife.com/familyhistory/wc01_302.html

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DEACON BENJAMIN PARSONS, an early settler of Springfield, was baptized May 01, 1625 at St Mary's Church in Beaminster, Dorset, England, son of William and Margaret (Hoskins) Parsons. He came to New England about 1650, and died at Springfield August 24, 1689. He married first at Windsor, 06 October 1653, SARAH VORE, who was probably born in Dorchester, MA, about 1635, and died at Springfield, January 01, 1675/76, daughter of Richard and Ann Vore (or Voare) of Crewkerne, Somerset, and Windsor, Connecticut.. He married second, in Springfield 21 February 1676/77, SARAH HEALD, who died there 23 November 1711, widow of John Leonard. She married third, at Springfield, 3 November 1690, Deacon Peter Tilton of Hadley, Massachusetts.

Children of Benjamin Parsons and Sarah Vore Sarah, 18 Aug.1656 - 27 June 1740 Benjamin,. 15 Sept. 1658 - 29 Dec. 1728 Mary, 10 Dec. 1660 - 27 Jan.1662/3 Abigail, 6 Jan.1662/3 - Aft. 1695 Samuel, 10 Oct.1666 - 17 Feb. 1735/6 Ebenezer, 17 Nov. 1668 - 12 or 23 Sept.1752 Mary, 17 Dec. 1670 - 3 Nov. 1758 Hezekiah, 24 Nov. 1673 - 18 Mar. 1756 Joseph, Dec. 1675 - 21 Oct. 1733

• Benjamin Parsons Find a Grave
• II Ebenezer Parsons Find a Grave
• III Rev Jonathan Parsons Find a Grave

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• https://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:Benjamin_Parsons_(1)_

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http://www.parsonsfamilyassn.org/Parsons-Families.html

DEACON BENJAMIN PARSONS, an early settler of Springfield, was baptized May 01, 1625 at St Mary's Church in Beaminster, Dorset, England, son of William and Margaret (Hoskins) Parsons. He came to New England about 1650, and died at Springfield August 24, 1689. He married first at Windsor, 06 October 1653, SARAH VORE, who was probably born in Dorchester, MA, about 1635, and died at Springfield, January 01, 1675/76, daughter of Richard and Ann Vore (or Voare) of Crewkerne, Somerset, and Windsor, Connecticut.. He married second, in Springfield 21 February 1676/77, SARAH HEALD, who died there 23 November 1711, widow of John Leonard. She married third, at Springfield, 3 November 1690, Deacon Peter Tilton of Hadley, Massachusetts.

Children of Benjamin Parsons and Sarah Vore

• Sarah, 18 Aug.1656 - 27 June 1740
• Benjamin,. 15 Sept. 1658 - 29 Dec. 1728
• Mary, 10 Dec. 1660 - 27 Jan.1662/3
• Abigail, 6 Jan.1662/3 - Aft. 1695
• Samuel, 10 Oct.1666 - 17 Feb. 1735/6
• Ebenezer, 17 Nov. 1668 - 12 or 23 Sept.1752
• Mary, 17 Dec. 1670 - 3 Nov. 1758
• Hezekiah, 24 Nov. 1673 - 18 Mar. 1756
• Joseph, Dec. 1675 - 21 Oct. 1733

References

Unauthored, Compiled by the Society, "Genealogy of the Parsons Family" The New England Historic and Genealogical Register, Vol. 1 (July 1847) 263-275, digital images, American Ancestors (https://www.americanancestors.org)

Reprinted Original, Transcribed by the Society, "Letter…" The New England Historic and Genealogical Register, Vol. 12 (April 1859) 175-6, digital images, American Ancestors (https://www.americanancestors.org)

Henry M. Burt, The First Century of the History of Springfield, Vol. 2 (Springfield, Mass: H. M. Burt, 1899), digital images, Internet Archive, https://archive.org/stream/firstcenturyofhi021899spri#page/670/mode/2u).

Cuyler Reynolds, ed. Hudson-Mohawk Genealogical and Family Memoirs, (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Company, 1911), Vol. I, pp. 270-272

440 YEARS OF PARSONS FAMILY HERITAGE, 1570-2010, pfawr.org/.

The Pynchon Papers, VOLUME II & VOLUME III, Selections from the Account Books of John Pynchon, 1651–1697, https://www.colonialsociety.org/index.php/node/801

Gerald James Parsons, " Were Joseph and Benjamin Parsons and David Wilton of Beaminster, Dorset, England, the New England Colonists?" The New England Historic and Genealogical Register, Vol. 143 (April 1989) 101-119, digital images, American Ancestors (https://www.americanancestors.org)

Gerald James Parsons, "The Early Parsons Families of the Connecticut Valley, Part 1" The New England Historic and Genealogical Register, Vol. 149 (July 1994) 215-238, digital images, American Ancestors (https://www.americanancestors.org)

Gerald James Parsons, "The Early Parsons Families of the Connecticut Valley, Part 2" The New England Historic and Genealogical Register, Vol. 149 (January 1995) 69-70, digital images, American Ancestors (https://www.americanancestors.org)