Deacon Samuel Edson, l

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Deacon Samuel Edson, l is our fourth cousin 11 times removed.
Janet Milburn
9/06/2023
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Deacon Samuel Edson was born about 1612 in Fillongley, Warwickshire England where he was baptized on September 5, 1613. There is now a dispute as to exact identity of his wife. Documented by Naum Mitchell is his marriage to a Susannah Orcutt who was thought to be born around 1618 in England. New facts are documented in the following points by Joel Thomas Orcutt:

Fact 1 There has never been any person named Susannah Orcutt ever recorded to have married Samuel Edson. The record of marriage Mar 1, 1638, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, England, states Samuel Edson married Susannah BICKLEY. Fact 2 Susannah Bickley was the sister of Margaret BICKLEY who married William Awcotte,(Orcott), May 1635, Over Whitacre, Warwickshire, England. Their son, William Awcotte/Orcott, born 1639 Mancetter, Warwickshire, England and settled in Plymouth, Mass, was the nephew of Susannah [Bickley] Edson, and not the brother, as for these many years previous supposed to have been. Fact 3 There has never been a birth record uncovered for a Susannah Orcutt born 1618 in Massachusetts or England. That as it is, Samuel Edson and his wife Susannah migrated to Salem, Essex County Massachusetts sometime before 1639 and then moved to Bridgewater, Plymouth County Massachusetts around the year 1650.

Samuel Edson was highly prominent in Bridgewater where he and his son in law James Keith, were added to the list of the fifty-four original proprietors. This list includes the historic Mayflower Pilgrim names of Miles Standish and John Alden. Mr. Edson built the first corn-mill in 1662 and was a deacon in the Puritan church between 1664 and 1692. In the year 1657 he was made a "Freeman" and was a member of the Council of War (King Philip's War) between 1666 and 1676. He was made foreman of a jury to lay out roads 1667 and 1672. He represented the town of Bridgewater in the General Court at Plymouth 1676 and was appointed, with others, to settle the boundary line between Bridgewater and Middleboro and between Bridgewater and Taunton 1680.

Samuel Edson recorded his will on January 15, 1688 or 1689 and died on July 19, 1692 in West Bridgewater. His estate was probated on September 20, 1692. Susannah Edson died on February 20, 1699 at West Bridgewater.

Children of Samuel Edson and Susannah:

1. Susanna Edson [b.abt.1640 Salem, Essex Co. MA][m. Rev James Keith][d. 1705 Bridgewater MA]
2. Sarah Edson [b. abt.1641 Salem MA][m. John Dean][d.12/8/1717 Taunton,Bristol Co. MA]
3. Elizabeth Edson [b. abt.1643 Salem MA][m. Richard Phillips][d. aft.1694]
4. Samuel Edson Jr.[b.1645 Salem MA][m. 1678 Susannah Byram][d.4/10/1717 Br. MA]
5. Mary Edson [b. abt.1647 Salem MA][m. Nicholas Byram jr][ d.1727 Bridgewater MA]
6. Joseph Edson [b.1649 Salem MA][m. Experience Field m.Mary Turner][d. aft.1712]
7. Josiah Edson [b.abt.1651 Duxbury, Plymouth Co.MA][m. Elizabeth Hayward][d. 1734 Bridgewater]
8. Bethiah Edson [b.3/2/1654 Duxbury MA][m. Ezra Dean][d. aft.1683]

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I) Deacon Samuel Edson was born in England in 1612. He became an inhabitant of Salem, Mass., and was the first of the name that settled in the town of Bridgewater, locating in the West parish. He erected the first, and what was for a long time the only, mill in the old town.

He married Susanna Orcutt, and his children were: Susanna, born in 1638, married Rev. James Keith ; Sarah, born in 1640, married John Dean, of Taunton: Elizabeth, born in 1643, married Richard Phillips, of Weymouth; Samuel, born in 1645, married Susanna Byram; Mary, born in 1647, married Nicholas Byram, Jr. : Joseph, born in 1649, married Experience Field, of Providence, R. I. ; Josiah, born in 1651, married Elizabeth Dean, of Taunton; and Bethiah, born in 1653, married Ezra Dean, of Taunton. From: Representative Men and Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts By J.H. Beers &

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A bronze plaque publicly displayed in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, MA, bears the text (albeit in all caps) "In honored memory of Deacon Samuel Edson / baptised Sept. 5, 1613 / Fillongley, Warwickshire, England / An original proprietor of Bridgewater / he, with 56 share holders including Miles Standish and "Goodman Alden" bought the land Mar. 23, 1649 from Chief Massasoit / the "White Man's Friend to the Pilgrim Fathers" / Deacon Edson built the first grist mill in Bridgewater on this site where these mill stones testify to his courage and foresight / A deacon in the Puritan church prominent leader in the affairs of the community until his death July 19, 1692"

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Laurel Logan August 14, 2008

from http://www.mayflowerfamilies.com/cooke/d12.htm#P691

Samuel (1) EDSON Deacon was born in 1613 in Fillongley, Warwickshire, England. (891)(892) (893) (894) Threlfall's 1993 Great Migration Colonists, says he did not Marry Susanna Orcutt, as suggested in several genealogies, and says bp. Sept 5, 1613.

"Removed from Salem to Bridgewater, and was one of the first settlers in that town; built the first mill there; m. Susanna (Orcott-see disclaimer to this), who d. 1699, aged eighty-one; he d. Bridgewater, 1692 aged eighty. They had eight or nine children . . Charles Adams: Genealogical Register of North Brookfield p. 585, in History of North Brookfield, Mass 1887. Temples Modified Register.

Edson's Early in Bridgewater: " born in England, 1612; came over early to Massachusetts, resided in Salem 1639 (reference to town records and quote) and married Susanna (Orcutt) about 1637, (probably an elder sister of William Orcutt, who came from Scitutate and settled in Bridgewater before 1682) . . ." Other information gives Bridgwater land grants, etc.

He died in 1692.(895) (546)(896) [Plym. Co. Prob. I: 143] "Samuel Edson Senr Inhabitant of the Town of Bridgwater" made his will 15 January, 1688/9.

He was married to Susanna. (897)(898) Although Threlfall, now says this is incorrect, this small volume has him as born in England, 1612, residing in Salem 1639, marrying Susanna Orcutt about 1637 (saying she is "probably an elder sister of William Orcutt who came from Scituate and settled in Bridgewater before 1682) and moved to Bridgewater about 1650. He is said to have died in 1692, aged 80 with his will dated jan 15, 1688-9, proved Sept 20 1692. Children were: Samuel (2) EDSON, Joseph(24) EDSON, Susanna EDSON, Sarah EDSON, Bethia EDSON, Mary EDSON.

891. Charles Adams: Genealogical Register of North Brookfield p. 585, in History of North Brookfield, Mass 1887. Temples Modified Register. Charles Adams: Genealogical Register of North Brookfield p. 585, in History of North Brookfield, Mass 1887. Temples Modified Register. 892. Lowell. Edsons, Early in Bridgewater. Thos. P. James, 1864. p. 4. 893. Ibid. pp.4-14. 894. by Jarvis Bonesteel Edson, of the city of New York. Edsons In England And America. Kinckerbocker Press,1903, 27 West 23rd Street, NY,NY. P 2: "Samuel, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Copson) Edson, baptized in fillongley, Warwickshire, England on September 5, 1613 married in Warwickshire, in 1638 Susanna Orcutt, born there in 1618.". 895. Mitchell p. 153. 896. Lowell. Edsons, Early in Bridgewater. Thos. P. James, 1864. pp.4-14. 897. Ibid. pp.4-14. 898. by Jarvis Bonesteel Edson, of the city of New York. Edsons In England And America. Kinckerbocker Press,1903, 27 West 23rd Street, NY,NY. P 2: "Samuel, son of Thomas10 and Elizabeth (Copson) Edson, baptized in fillongley, Warwickshire, England on September 5, 1613 married in Warwickshire, in 1638 Susanna Orcutt, born there in 1618.". --Laurel Logan

Laurel Logan August 4, 2008

from http://geneajourney.com/edson.html

He came to New England about 1639, first residing in Salem, Mass., where on 25 May 1639 he was granted half an acre near "Catt Cove, and five acres more for plantinge ground". He later was granted 25 acres in "Mackrell Cove" and two additional acres of meadow. He had removed to Bridgewater by 1657, where he was one of the 56 original proprietors, and in 1657 he was among those who took the Oath of Fidelity in that town. He served as a member of the jury 1674, of the Town Council 1675-76, as well as Selectman 1676, 1677, 1678, 1681, and 1686. He also served as deputy of the General Court, a member of the Council of War, and numerous other positions. He married Susanna, but most sources now believe she was not Susanna Orcutt. His will, dated 15 Jan 1688/89 follows:

This fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and eighty-eight or eighty-nine, I Samuel Edson, sen., Inhabitant of the Town of Bridgewater, in the county of Plimouth, in New England, Being of perfect understanding and memory, Praysed be God for the same, do make and declare my last Will and Testament in maner and forme following:

Having already disposed of moste of my Lands and Great part of my estate to my children as By their Deeds doth appear I do now Will and Bequeath to my eldest son, Samuel Edson, my ffowling piece, and to my other two sons, Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson, my musket, sword, and Bandaleers.

Item. I give and Bequeath to my three sons, Samuel Edson, Joseph Edson, and Josiah Edson, to each of them a draught chaine and also a Logg Chain and all my wearing cloaths to be divided among them.

Item. I Give and bequeath to my Loving Wife, Susanna Edson, all the rest of my estate, Both Personal and reall, housing, Lands, chattels, cash, all within doors and without, whatsoever I have not otherwise disposed of, to be wholly at her dispose during her naturall Life, and what is Left at her decease and mine, either Housing, lands, chattels, or cash, all without doorss, to be equally divided among my three sons, Samuel Edson, Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson, their heirs and Assigns. And all within doorss all my household Goods and cash to be equally divided among my five daughters, Elizabeth, Susanna, Sarah, Mary, and Bethiah, their heirs and assigns. And I do hereby nominate and appoint my Loving Wife, Susanna Edson, to be my executrix and my son Samuel Edson and my son Josiah Edson to be Joyned with her as executors of this my last Will and Testament.

And I do further Will and desire Mr. James Keith, John Kingman, senr. and Thomas Snell of Bridgewater to be overseers of this my Last Will and Testament to see it faithfully performed, hereby appointing my executrix and my executors above mentioned to receive all my just debts and to pay whatever I owe any p(er)son, discharging my funeral's (expenses).

In witness whereof I, the abovesaid Samuel Edson, senr. have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Samuel Edson, Senr. (Seal.)

Readd, signed, sealed, Published and declared to be his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of us. Witnesses: John Ffield John Ames, Samuel Kinsley.

John Ames and Samuel Kinsley, two of the Witnesses here named made oath before the Court at Plimouth, September ye 20th, 1692, that they were present and saw the above named Samuel Edson senr. now deceased, sign, seal and heard him declare the above written to be his last Will and Testament. And that, to the best of their judgment, he was of sound mind and memory when he did the same.

Attest: Saml. Sprague, Clerk.
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SOURCES: GL: The Sharpe Family Records, by Elizabeth E. Jones, 1940 [ref: The Edsons in England and America, by Jarvis Bonesteel Edson, 1903, pp. 447-48]; English Origins of New England Families, Series 2, Volume 3, English Birth of Thomas Snell, by Hallock P. Long, p. 894, an article originally appearing in NEHGR, republished by Genealogical Publishing Company. --Laurel Logan

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Samuel and Susanna Edson came to Salem, MA, had 6 children (one being Samuel Edson b.1645), and then moved to West Bridgewater, and had 2 more children.

Samuel is buried at the Old Graveyard on South Street in West Bridgewater, MA. ___________________________________________________________________

The Will of Samuel Edson Samuel Edson, Senior

[Plym. Co. Prob. I: 143] "Samuel Edson Senr Inhabitant of the Town of Bridgwater" made his will 15 January, 1688/9.

"Having already Disposed of moste of my Lands and a Great part of my Estate to my Children as By their Deeds Doth appear"

I "Bequeath to my Eldest son Samuel Edson my Fowling peece and to my other two sons Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson my musket Sword and Bandaleers."

"to my three sons Samuel Edson Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson to each of them a Draught chaine and also a Logg chain and all my wearing deaths to be Divided among them."

"to my Loving Wife Susanna Edson all the Rest of my Estate Both Personall and Reall housing Lands Chattels and Cash all within Doors and without whatsoever I have not Otherwise Disposed of to be wholy at her Dispose During her naturall Life and what is Left at her decease and mine Either Housing lands Chattels or Cash: all without Doores to be Equally Divided among my three sons Samuel Edson Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson their heires and Asigns And all within Doores all my houshold Goods and Cash to be Equally Divided among my five Daughters Elizabeth Susanna Sarah Mary and Bethiah their heirs and assignes"

"my Loving Wife Susanna Edson to be my Executrix and my son Samuel Edson and my son Josiah Edson to be Joyned with her as Executors"

"And I Doe .... desire Mr James Kieth John Kingman Senr and Thomas Snell of Bridgwater to be overseers of this my Last Will"

The witnesses were John Field, John Ames and Samuel Kinsley. "John Ames and Samuel Kinsley two of The Witnesses" made oath to the will, at Plymouth, 20 September, 1692.

[p. 144] "The Inventory of Samuel Edson Senr who deceased the 19th Day of July 1692" was taken, 29 July, 1692, by Samuel Allen, Sr., and William Brett, and was sworn to by "Samuel Edson and Josiah Edson the Sons of sd Deceased" on 20 September, 1692. The total was £148, 14s., 8d. The real estate was: "house and Land" *£50, and there was £30 in "Silver money". [There are no original papers in the files.] Abstracts of Plymouth County Probate Records

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Deacon Samuel Edson was born in England in 1612; became an inhabitant of Salem; was the first of the name that settled in the ancient town of Bridgewater. He came from Salem and settled in the West Parish. He erected the first mill in the old town, which was the only mill for a long time. He married Susanna Orcutt.

http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA492&dq=samuel+edson+weymouth+ma&...

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In honored memory of Deacon Samuel Edson Bapt. Sept 5, 1613 Fillongley, Warwickshire, England

An original proprietor of Bridgewater He, with 56 shareholders including Miles Standish and “Goodman Alden” Bought the land Mar. 23, 1649 From Chief Massasoit The “White man’s friend to the Pilgrim Fathers”

Deacon Edson built the first grist mill in Bridgewater on this site Where these millstones testify To his courage and foresight

A Deacon in the Puritan Church Prominent Leader in the affairs of The community until his death July 19, 1692

Samuel Edson, Senior [Plym. Co. Prob. I: 143] "Samuel Edson Senr Inhabitant of the Town of Bridgwater" made his will 15 January, 1688/9.

"Having already Disposed of moste of my Lands and a Great part of my Estate to my Children as By their Deeds Doth appear" I "Bequeath to my Eldest son Samuel Edson my Fowling peece and to my other two sons Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson my musket Sword and Bandaleers."

"to my three sons Samuel Edson Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson to each of them a Draught chaine and also a Logg chain and all my wearing deaths to be Divided among them." "to my Loving Wife Susanna Edson all the Rest of my Estate Both Personall and Reall housing Lands Chattels and Cash all within Doors and without whatsoever I have not Otherwise Disposed of to be wholy at her Dispose During her naturall Life and what is Left at her decease and mine Either Housing lands Chattels or Cash: all without Doores to be Equally Divided among my three sons Samuel Edson Joseph Edson and Josiah Edson their heires and Asigns And all within Doores all my houshold Goods and Cash to be Equally Divided among my five Daughters Elizabeth Susanna Sarah Mary and Bethiah their heirs and assignes" "my Loving Wife Susanna Edson to be my Executrix and my son Samuel Edson and my son Josiah Edson to be Joyned with her as Executors" "And I Doe .... desire Mr James Kieth John Kingman Senr and Thomas Snell of Bridgwater to be overseers of this my Last Will" The witnesses were John Field, John Ames and Samuel Kinsley. "John Ames and Samuel Kinsley two of The Witnesses" made oath to the will, at Plymouth, 20 September, 1692.

[p. 144] "The Inventory of Samuel Edson Senr who deceased the 19th Day of July 1692" was taken, 29 July, 1692, by Samuel Allen, Sr., and William Brett, and was sworn to by "Samuel Edson and Josiah Edson the Sons of sd Deceased" on 20 September, 1692. The total was £148, 14s., 8d. The real estate was: "house and Land" *£50, and there was £30 in "Silver money". [There are no original papers in the files.] Abstracts of Plymouth County Probate Records __________________________________________________________________________ _________ Mr. Edson built the first corn mill in 1662 and was a Deacon in the Puritan church between 1667 and 1692. In the year 1657 he was made a "freeman" and was a member of the Council of War (King Philip's War) between 1666 and 1676. He was made foreman of a jury to lay out roads 1667 and 1672. He represented the town of Bridgewater in the General Court at Plymouth 1676 and was appointed, with others, to settle the boundry line between Bridgewater and Middleboro and between Bridgewater and Taunton. "Removed from Salem to Bridgewater, and was one of the first settlers in that town; built the first mill there; m. Susanna (Orcott-see disclaimer to this), who d. 1699, aged eighty-one; he d. Bridgewater, 1692 aged eighty. They had eight or nine children . . Charles Adams: Genealogical Register of North Brookfield p. 585, in History of North Brookfield, Mass 1887. Temples Modified Register.

Edson's Early in Bridgewater: " born in England, 1612; came over early to Massachusetts, resided in Salem 1639 (reference to town records and quote) and married Susanna (Orcutt) about 1637, (probably an elder sister of William Orcutt, who came from Scitutate and settled in Bridgewater before 1682) . . ." Other information gives Bridgwater land grants, etc.

Source:Charles Adams: Genealogical Register of North Brookfield p. 585,in History of North Brookfield, Mass 1887. Temples Modified Register.

Source:Lowell. Edsons, Early in Bridgewater. Thos. P. James, 1864. p. 4-14

__________________________________________________________________________ __________ "Samuel, son of Thomas10 and Elizabeth (Copson) Edson,baptized in Fillongley, Warwickshire, England on September 5, 1613 married in Warwickshire, in 1638 Susanna Orcutt, born there in 1618."

Source: Jarvis Bonesteel Edson, of the city of New York. Edsons In England And America. Kinckerbocker Press,1903, 27 West 23rd Street, NY,NY. P 2 __________________________________________________________________________ __________

Notes from Joel Thomas Orcutt:

Birmingham City Archives: W B Bickley, antiquarian [MS 3069/Acc1904-005 - MS 3069/Acc1922-003] The contents of this catalogue are the copyright of Birmingham City Archives. Rights in the Access to Archives database are the property of the Crown, © 2001-2003. Bickley, W B, fl 1904-1933, of Birmingham FILE - Marriage settlement. Nicholas Hill of the New-house in the parish of Kingsbury, co. War., husbandman and Thomas Snell the elder of Nether Whitacre, co. War., yeoman, and George Sherocke of Lea Marston, co. War., yeoman. A messuage, land and appurtenances in the parish of Lea Marston. (Please order number 569) - ref. MS 917/2080 - date: 4 October 1650

Marriage recorded Holy Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire March 1, 1638 "Samuel Edson and Susannah Bickley, both of Whittaker were married In this church by virtue of a license."

Note; Whittaker (Whitacre) is a small parish adjoining Fillongley to the north east, about 1-2 miles from the birthplace of Samuel Edson.

Francis Cooke, Early Massachusetts & New England Families

Susanna was born In 1618 In Warwickshire, England. Mitchell, according to Savage, says all children of William Orcutt, including Susanna, are mention In his will of 1694. She died on 20 Feb 1699 In Bridgewater Massachusetts. The Second Torrey Supplement says he did marry a Susanna, but not Orcutt! Reference is John Brooks Threlfall, Great Migration Colonists, 1993.

She was married to Samuel (1) EDSON Deacon. Although Threlfall, now says this is incorrect, this small volume has him as born In England, 1612, residing In Salem 1639,( at Salem, Massachusetts, July, 1639) marrying Susanna Orcutt about 1637 (saying she is "probably an elder sister of William Orcutt who came from Scituate and settled In Bridgewater before 1682) and moved to Bridgewater about 1650. He is said to have died In 1692, aged 80 with his will dated jan 15, 1688-9, proved Sept 20 1692.

New England Families Genealogical and Memorial: Third Series, Volume IV EDSON The surname Edson is derived from the personal name Ed, and is a shorter form of Edwardson, Edmondson or Edwinson, possibly of Addison. The first mention of the name of Edson, spelled In this way, is In the early American records relating to this family, and it is believed that the immigrant himself abbreviated his name upon coming to this country.

(I) Deacon Samuel Edson, the pioneer, was an early settler at Salem, Massachusetts, where he was admitted an inhabitant In 1639, and was granted half an acre of land near Catt Cove, and five acres of planting ground. In 1642 he was granted twenty-five acres of land at Mackerel Cove, and two acres of meadow. About 1650 he moved to Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and he was called an inhabitant of that town In a deed dated December 10, 1652. He died there In 1693, aged eighty years. He and his wife are buried In the old burying ground, and one of the oldest headstones In the cemetery marks their graves. Deacon Samuel Edson and Rev. James Keith, of Scotland, the first minister of Bridgewater, were given grants after the fifty-four proprietors had taken their shares. He erected the first corn mill In the town In 1662, on Town river. His will was dated January 15, 1688-89, and proved September 20, 1692. He was admitted a freeman In 1657. His home was on the south side of the river, near his mill. He deeded the mill to his five daughters, according to a deed recorded April 19, 1736. He was a good farmer, and possessed much mechanical skill. In 1660 he owned three rights In the town; In 1683 he had one right, having given rights to his sons. He was well-to-do. He filled a number of town offices. In 1666 he was appointed a member of the council of war; In 1676 he was representative to the general court, and In the same year served on a committee to distribute the town share of the contributions for distress In the Indian wars. In November, 1672, he was on a committee which received the deed from Chief Pomonoho of the Titicut purchase "In and for the use of the townsmen of Bridgewater, joint purchasers with them." In December, 1686, he and Ensign John Howard and Deacon John Willis, agents of the town, received a confirmatory deed of the Indian Chief Wampatuck for the purchasers and the town, of all the lands previously conveyed to them by Massasoit. This deed was dated March 3, 1649. In 1667 he was foreman of a committee to lay out roads, and again In 1672. In 1680 he was on the committee to determine the boundary line between Bridgewater and Middleborough, and In the same year on a similar committee which decided the boundary between Bridgewater and Taunton. He was one of the first deacons of the church, from about 1664 to the end of his life. He was associated with very prominent men, and was influential In the town, church and colony. He is said to have been of large, athletic frame, of medium weight and sturdy constitution. He was grave and dignified In manner, keen and discerning In mental powers. Firm In his opinions, he was not obstinate, and would cheerfully admit the soundness of an argument, when convinced. It is said that he was rather inclined to listen and weigh evidence, and was not given to much speaking, but when he was heard In town seting his arguments carried weight and he usually won his point. "The strength and vigor of his intellect, the quickness of his perceptions, the extent and accuracy of his memory and the struggle of mental enterprise, supplied In no inconsiderable degree the deficiency of education. While he was thus respected for these attributes of mind and character, it was to his constant practice of the Christian virtues and the influence of his example that his preeminence was greatly due." He married, about 1637, In England, Susanna Orcutt, probably a sister of William Orcutt, who came to Scituate and settled In Bridgewater before 1682. "Her education and natural abilities were said to be fully equal to his, while In union with an expressive modesty of deportment and unaffected piety, gave to her person an elevated position and to her character a high rank among the matrons of the town," as an old genealogy says. "She exhibited a majestic figure, rather above medium height, an elegant and majestic mein, with a countenance happily combining graceful dignity and cheerful benignity." Children: Susanna, born In England, about 1638; Sarah, at Salem, about 1640; Elizabeth, at Salem, about 1643; Samuel, 1645; Mary, at Bridgewater, about 1647; Joseph, mentioned below; Josiah, at Bridgewater, 1651; Bethiah, about 1653.

Genealogy of the Families who Have Settled In The NORTH PARISH OF BRIDGEWATER & HISTORICAL SKETCH of NORTH BRIDGEWATER. By Moses Cary. Boston: Printed by Bannister and Marvin. 1824. page. 10 "BENJAMIN EDSON, Was a descendant of Samuel Edson, who came from Salem, and was an early settler at Bridgewater. He m. an Orcutt; had six ss. Benjamin, Peter, William, Seth, Ichabod, and Ebenezer; and two ds. Joanna, and Abigail."

Genealogical Register of the First Settlers of New England by John Farmer 1829 page 93 ?EDSON, SAMUEL, Salem, from thence to Bridgewater, where he was a deacon of the church; representative to Plymouth court 1676, d. 9 July, 1692, ?. 80. Susanna, his widow, d. 20 Feb. 1699, ?. 81. Five of the name of Edson, and probably his descendants, have been educated at Harv., Yale, and Dartmouth.?

History of the Early Settlement of Bridgewater, In Plymouth County, Massachusetts including an extensive Family Register By Nahum Mitchell. Boston: Printed for the author by Kidder and Wright, 32 Congress Street. 1840

page. 153

EDSON "--Dea. Samuel Edson and his wife, Susanna Orcutt, came from Salem. He was one of the first settlers In the town, and owned the first mill and probably built it; he d. 1692 age 80; she 1699, age 81. He had Samuel, Joseph, Josiah, Susanna, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Bethiah. Susanna m. the Rev. James Keith.--Elizabeth m. Richard Phillilps of Weymouth.--Mary m. Nicholas Byram, Jr. 1676.--Sarah m. John Dean of Taunton 1663.--Bethiah m. Ezra Dean of Taunton 1678.--Benjamin Edson, who m. Sarah Hoskins at Plymouth 1660, was his son perhaps."

A GENEALOGICAL DICTIONARY of THE FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND, SHOWING THREE GENERATIONS OF THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE MAY, 1692, ON THE BASIS OF FARMER'S REGISTER. BY JAMES SAVAGE, originally pub. 1860

"EDSON, SAMUEL, Salem 1639, rem. to Bridgewater, there was deac. rep. 1676, d. 9 July 111692, aet. 80; and his wid. Susanna d. 20 Feb. 1699, aet. 81. He had Samuel, Joseph, Josiah, Susanna, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, and Bethia. Susanna m. Rev. James Keith; Elizabeth m. Richard Phillips of Weymouth; Mary m. 1676, Nicholas Byram, jr.; Sarah m. 7 Nov. 1663, John Dean of Taunton; Bethia m. 17 Dec. 1678, Ezra Dean.

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http://www.genealogyofnewengland.com/f_8d.htm#143