GOV SIMON BRADSTREET-1603-1697

Listing of Cambridge alumni concerning Gov Simon Bradstreet states following info:

• Adm sizar at EMMANUEL, July 2, 1617. S. of Simon, above, V. of Horbling, Lincs. Bapt there, Mar 18, 1603-4. Matric 1618; BA 1620-1; MA 1624.
• For a time steward to Earl of Lincoln.
• Went to New England, in Gov Winthrop's fleet, 1630.
• Asst of Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1630-78. Deputy Gov, 1678. Gov, 1679-86 & 1689-92.
• M1 Anne, dtr of Thomas Dudley, Gov of MA;
• M2 Anne, dtr of Emmanuel Downing, & sister of Sir George Downing, 1676. Died at Salem, Mar 27 1697.

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Simon Bradstreet was baptized 18 Mar 1603/4 in Horbling, Lincolnshire, England and died in Salem, MA, on 27 Mar 1697. He was a colonial magistrate, businessman and governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Arriving in Massachusetts on the Winthrop Fleet in 1630, Bradstreet was almost constantly involved in the politics of the colony but became its governor only in 1679. He served on diplomatic missions and as agent to the crown in London, and also served as a commissioner to the New England Confederation. He was politically moderate, arguing minority positions in favor of freedom of speech and for accommodation of the demands of King Charles II following his restoration to the throne.

Bradstreet was married to Anne, the daughter of Massachusetts co-founder Thomas Dudley and New England's first published poet.

He was a businessman, investing in land and shipping interests. Due to his advanced age (he died at 93) Cotton Mather referred to him as the "Nestor of New England"

His father was Rev Simon Bradstreet, the rector of the parish church. Rev Simon Bradstreet was an Emmanuel College fellow, bred as puritan, &
member of the Non-conformist party. Simon Jr served at age 16 as tutor, or gov, to young Lord Rich, son of Earl of Warwick. Rev Simon Bradstreet died in Horbling Feb 9 1621 and wife Margaret made her will in 1631, probably dying soon afterward.

Simon was 17-18 yrs old at the time of his father's death and after, was committed to care of Thomas Dudley, with whom he remained for 8 years.
Puritan leader Governor Thomas Dudley (ca 1576-31 Jul 1653) was steward for Theophilus Clinton, Earl of Lincoln, & Simon Bradstreet served as his asst.
Clinton had 3 primary dwellings which included Tattershall Castle located between Lincoln & Boston, home in Boston, & his primary dwelling in Semperingham just 2 mi from Horbling.

Simon then entered Emmanuel College, Cambridge, in 1617 where he remained a yr, having his studies frequently interrupted.

He then resided, as steward, in family of Earl of Lincoln, & subsequently, in similar capacity, with Countess of Warwick. Simon eventually completed his education, earning Bachelor degree from Oxford in 1620 & Masters degree in 1624.

In about 1628, Bradstreet married the future poet Anne Dudley. She was born about 1610 in England and was the daughter of Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke (ca 1582-27 Dec 1643).

Anne was a lady celebrated for her poetical talent. Two studies of Anne Bradstreet and her poetry are by Elizabeth Wade White, Anne Bradstreet: The Tenth Muse (New York, 1971), and by Ann Stanford, Anne Bradstreet: The Worldly Poet (New York, 1974).

Their children include:

• 2956 i. Samuel Bradstreet (ca 1632-1682)
• 2957 ii. Dorothy Bradstreet (ca 1634-26 Feb 1671/2)
• 2958 iii. Sarah Bradstreet (ca 1636-17 Apr 1704)
• 2959 iv. Hannah Bradstreet (ca 1638-)
• 2960 v. Rev. Simon Bradstreet (28 Sep 1640-10 Feb 1683/4)
• 2961 vi. Mercy Bradstreet (ca 1647-5 Oct 1714)
• 2962 vii. Dudley Bradstreet (ca 1649-13 Nov 1706)
• 2963 viii. John Bradstreet (22 Jul 1652-11 Jan 1719)

Soon after the marriage, father-in-law Thomas Dudley, John Winthrop & others, recognizing Bradstreet's administrative abilities, persuaded him to leave for the fledgling Massachusetts Bay Colony. In 1630, he agreed to emigrate to New England, & settle a colony.

They accordingly sailed in ship Arbella Mar 29 1630, & arrived at Salem Jun 12. Mr Bradstreet spent summer & winter in Salem, & next spring, w/others, commenced settlement of Newtown, now Cambridge, residing there several yrs.

He was granted 500 acres of land at Salem in I639.
He was also interested in colony at Andover, building 1st mill on Cochickewick River, in 1644.

After living in Ipswich short time, being there in 1645, he removed to Andover.
In Andover, Mr Bradstreet did considerable business in sawing lumber, & shipping it to Barbados, where he exchanged for West India goods, which he brought home & sold.

His original residence in Andover burned July 1666, & he built & lived in house still standing in N Andover on Boston & Haverhill Rd. In this fire family suffered great loss, especially Mrs Bradstreet, many of her manuscripts & books being destroyed.

He was eminently useful in promoting that settlement, being selectman of town from Section of 1st board to 1672, when his wife died & he removed to Salem.

On 6 Jun 1676 when Simon was 72, he second married the widow of Capt. Joseph Gardner-- Ann Downing, daughter of Emanuel Downing (ca 1585-aft Nov 1660) & Lucy Winthrop (9 Jan 1599/1600-19 Apr 1679).
Ann was sister to Sir George Downing.
Younger by more than thirty years, Ann was born ca 1633 in London, England and baptized in St Brides, Fleet Street, London, on 12 Apr 1633. They had no children. Ann died on 19 Apr 1713.

Mr Bradstreet lived in Salem until his death, Mar 27 1697, at age 94, nestor of New England.

His remains were placed in tomb in ancient Charter St Burying Grnd, his tomb bearing following inscription in Latin, now entirely worn away:

SIMON BRADSTREET, GUBERNATOR. armiger, ex ordine senatoris, in colonia Massachusettensi ab anno I630, usque ad annum I673.

Deinde ad annum I 6 79, vice-gubernator. Denique ad annum I686, ejusdem coloni;e, communi et constanti
populi suffragio, Vir, judicio Iynceario prseditus, quem nec numma nec honos allexit. Regis authoritatem, et populi libertatem, aequa lance bibiavit. Religione cordatus, vita innocuus, mundum et vicit, et deseruit, 27 die Martii A. D. I697, annoque Guliel: 3t IX et AEt 94.

(In early 1900s bronze placque was attached to Simon's tomb which carried original Latin inscription along with English equivalent: "SIMON BRADSTREET, ESQUIRE

In the Senate of the Massachusetts Colony from the year 1630 to the year 1679, and at last until the year 1686, Governor of the same colony by the general and determined vote of the people.
He was a man endowed with keen judgement whom neither threats nor honors could sway. He weighed the authority of the King and the liberty of the people in even scales. In religion devout and upright in his ways. He vanquished the world and relinquished it on the XXVIIth [27th] day of March in the year of our Lord MDCXCVII [1692], and in the IXth year of King William Third, and of his life the XCIVth [94th].")

Mr Bradstreet came to New England as asst in new govt, & held office 48 yrs.
He was 1st secretary of the colony, & held that office for 13 yr; was deputy-gov 5 yrs, 1672-1679, & gov 10 yrs, 1679-1686, 1689-1691.
Title for many yrs was "Ye worshipful."
He was 1 of 1st commissioners of United Colonies in 1643, & served many yrs.
In 1653, he vigorously opposed making war on Dutch in NY, & on Indians, & his influence & efforts succeeded.
In 1661 he was sent, with Mr Norton, to Eng to congratulate Charles II on restoration, & secure their charter privileges, in which they were successful.
Mr Bradstreet was at head of moderate party when king demanded the charter, & he suffered reproach of those who objected to its surrender.
He strenuously opposed King's appointed Gov Andross, & when, in 1689, people put down the latter's authority, they made Mr Bradstreet their president.
He continued at head of administration till May 1692, when new charter, establishing province, arrived.
Mr Bradstreet was then 89 yrs old, having been in service of the colony 62 yrs.
He was puritanic in his religion, & prosecuted Quakers so severely that Bishop, in his New England Judged by the Spirit of the Lord, called him "man hardened in blood & a cruel persecutor."
He was, however, opposed to witchcraft delusion.
Though Gov Simon opposed trials for witchcraft, his successor, Gov Phelps, began infamous witchcraft trials in summer of 1692 immediately upon replacing Gov Simon in office.
Trials ended abruptly after abt 6 mo when Phelps' wife was accused of being witch.
During that process Simon's son John was accused of witchcraft.
To avoid hanging, John skipped the country for several months until trials blew over.
Simon was just magistrate judged by times, possessing prudence, sound judgment & strict integrity.
Believing fully in his mission, he sought usefulness rather than popularity.

In home life he was tender father & loving husband.
He took pride in his wife's poetical talents, & greatly mourned her death.

Source: Brief Biography from Bradstreet Gleanings, Essex Books, Essex Antiquarian and various other sources, Essex & otherwise.

Recent research has proven house in Andover, long known as Bradstreet House, was not built until long after deaths of both Simon & Anne Bradstreet. It was built in 1715. It was built for, & occupied by, local parson on land previously owned by Simon Bradstreet.

Add'l info concerning Boston, Lincolnshire, UK area is posted in the notes under Gov. Thomas Dudley.

Upon establishment of 1st church in Boston, Simon & wife Anne both joined. Simon was member #7 & Anne, who joined short time later, was member #13.

Simon graduated from Emmanuel College & was secured by local Dudleys to help with management of Dudley Estates nearby. Here he met Anne Dudley, dtr of Thomas Dudley. She afterward became his wife & was noted as 1st poetess of New World. Thomas Dudley decided to emigrate to America. Young folks were married & they remained behind. Very soon, Thomas Dudley was elected Gov of Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Soon afterward, having business with Mother Country, Thomas dispatched John Winthrop to Eng to attend to it, & asked him to do all in his power to induce young folks to come back with him to America.
Winthrop was successful & they all came back with him in good ship "Arbella" in 1630. Gov Dudley at once took Simon Bradstreet into his office at State House, in Boston, as clerk & advisor. Position he held with succeeding Govs for some 40 yrs. Then Simon Bradstreet was elected Gov for 7-yr term. At close of 3 yrs, however, Sir Edmund Andros arrived here, having been dispatched to take governorship.
He was high-handed &, after few mo, Colonists bundled him on board ship & sent him back to Eng, & Simon Bradstreet again took Gov's chair. Gov Bradstreet had great flair for real estate, coming, no doubt, from his experience with Dudley Estates in Eng. Hearing of grant given John Endicott, Simon Bradstreet asked for similar grant.
This was given him, starting at Endicott grant.
It contained 500 acres running toward Topsfield & ending at Bradstreet Hill.
Of this grant he made no use but, later on, gave it to son John, who m Topsfield minister's dtr. John built 1st house on Bradstreet Hill, & it was home of John's family for several generations.
Simon Bradstreet, with his associates, bought from Indians a large tract of land in upper part of the County, for 10 dollars, old coat & some small trinkets.
Simon took this N Andover section & soon built himself a permanent home, moving in when 1st son was 1 yr old. Here 7 other children were born. Anne, his wife, d in 1672 & Simon moved to Salem &, after 4 yrs, m dtr of Emmanuel Downing, niece of Gov Winthrop.
In MA some very desirable property was opened just north of Northampton, selling for 5 dollars/acre. Simon bought 500 acres but, about that time, Hartford CT Colony made a split & large contingent came up River & took a fancy to Bradstreet property.
They offered Simon what he paid for the land, plus a gift of the next 500 acres, & deal went through. Simon had acquired a good portion of town of Hatfield in which the Bradstreet Post Office was located for many yrs. Simon Bradstreet was mild-mannered, efficient diplomat, always counseling moderation between Colonies & Mother Country. However, he put himself with determination at head of the revolt against Andros.
He was 1st to sign proclamation which was 1st declaration of independence against Eng.
This act of Bradstreet's brought him great public honor.
He shares w/Geo Washington unique distinction of deposing & sending overseas a royally appointed Gov of the Colonies. Cotton Mather referred to him as "Nestor" Gov of New England. While Gov, he opposed witchcraft delusion in Salem. He saved life of Mrs Morse, who was sentenced to be hung as witch, by not allowing sentence to be carried out. Soon after his retirement to private life in Salem, trouble again broke out with Indians at Ft Royal, Canada. Ex-Gov, although 90 yr of age, enlisted some troops & marched w/them to the fort & captured it.

After this, he spent 4 yrs in retirement at Salem home, present site of Essex Institute. He d in 1697 in 94th yr. His tomb, in Charles St Cemetery, at Salem, was provided by Genl Court, & following Latin inscription may still be read:-Translated "Gentleman & soldier, senator in Colony of Massachusetts. Then until 1679 Deputy Governor, & finally, until 1686 Governor of the Colony by the united & unchanging vote of the people. In judgment he was farsighted as Lyceus. Wealth & honor had for him no allurement. He kept an even balance between authority of the King & liberty of the people. Of temperate judgment in religion, of blameless life, he overcame the world & left it Mar 27 1697 in the 3rd year of King William the 9th, & 94th yr of his age."

Credit: This information copied from Christmas Card sent to Priscilla Hunt Porter, Editions Editor & her husband in 1956 from Alvah J Bradstreet & Bertha L Bradstreet.

Simon Bradstreet (Mar 18 1603–Mar 27 1697) colonial magistrate, businessman & Gov of Massachusetts Bay Colony (English settlement on the east coast of North America in the 17th century, in New England, centered around present-day cities of Salem & Boston, MA). Simon Bradstreet b in Horbling (village situated 1/2mi north of Billingborough, Lincolnshire in South Kesteven. Lincolnshire is County in east of Eng. It borders Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire, & East Riding of Yorkshire). Prior to emigration to America, Bradstreet attended Emmanuel College, at Cambridge for 2 yrs. (Emmanuel College is constituent college of University of Cambridge, founded in 1584 by Sir Walter Mildmay on site of Dominican Order friary. Cambridge is college town & administrative centre of county of Cambridgeshire, England. It lies abt 50 mi north of London).
Simon Bradstreet m Anne Dudley, dtr of Puritan leader Thomas Dudley, while still in Eng. (Puritan of 16th & 17th century Eng was associate of any number of religious groups advocating for more "purity" of worship & doctrine, as well as personal & group pietism). Thomas Dudley was colonial magistrate who served several terms as gov of Massachusetts Bay Colony, during which he sometimes clashed with rival John Winthrop. Dudley & others recognized Bradstreet's admin abilities, & he was persuaded to leave for fledgling Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. Bradstreet was chosen to fill several important positions in colonial affairs, & he served as asst in upper house of Genl Court (shorthand name for NH Genl Court & MA Genl Court) for most of his life. During his 1st 20 yrs in colony, he was heavily involved in business pursuits, as well as founding of new towns. In 1661, he was chosen as envoy to court of Charles II of Eng, that monarch having recently been restored to power. In 1679 Bradstreet was chosen gov of colony. He would turn out to be last gov under original charter. In 1686, colony was denied its right to self-rule, & Sir Edmund Andros (b in London Dec 6 1637, son of Amice Andros, adherent of Charles I of Eng & Bailiff of Guernsey) was installed as gov. Bradstreet served briefly as gov again after Andros was overthrown, but Eng replaced him w/Sir William Phips. Bradstreet continued to serve in govt until death in 1697, in Salem, MA.
Simon Bradstreet built his 1st home in America at present location of Harvard Square at Brattle St & John F Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA. His 1st wife Anne Dudley. She d in 1672; they had 8 children, of whom 7 survived infancy. Bradstreet then m Ann Gardner, widow of Capt Joseph Gardner of Salem. Jun 1659, Bradstreet's dtr Hannah Bradstreet (by 1st wife Anne Dudley) m Andrew Wiggin, son of Gov Thomas Wiggin (1st gov of Upper Plantation of NH which eventually became Royal Province of NH in 1741).

1) Simon Bradstreet attended Cambridge Univ 1621-1624. He was steward to Countess of Warwick, he was chosen assistant Judge of Court of Colony on Massachusetts Bay prior to departure of colonist from England under Winthrop in 1630. With father-in-law, Thomas Dudley, he founded Cambridge, MA in 1631. He was Sec of United Colonies of New England, he was envoy from MA to congratulate Charles II on restoration to throne in 1661. He was deputy Gov of MA 1673-1679. He was Gov of MA 1679-1686 & 1689-1692, being last Gov under original charter. He was in service of colony for 62 yrs. His children are: Samuel Bradstreet, Dorothy Bradstreet, Sarah Bradstreet, Simon Bradstreet, Hannah Bradstreet, Dudley Bradstreet, Mercy Bradstreet, & John Bradstreet. He m 2nd time to Anna Downing sister of Sir George Downing, ambassador of Cromwell & Charles II to Holland (Colonial Families of US of America, edited by George Norbury Mackenzie, Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD, 1966, pp 182-185).

2) Simon Bradstreet b 1603 at Horbling in Lincolnshire, Eng according to this source. He was son of Simon Bradstreet, minister. He lived at Emanuel & went to Cambridge Univ in 1617 & matriculated 9 Jul 1618 as a sizer. He had his AB in 1620 & AM in 1624.
He came over in fleet w/Winthrop in 1630 & was chosen Asst 18 Mar 1630 & continued by annual election for 48 yrs.
He was Sec 23 Aug 1630-1636. He was Deputy Gov 1673-1678, & Gov 1679-1686, & Georgiain after rising against Sir E Andros 1689-1692. Simon Bradstreet's 1st wife, Ann Dudley, dtr of Gov Thomas Dudley, lady of some celebrity for her poetical talents. She d 16 Sep 1672 at Andover. They m in 1628. Simon Bradstreet m 2nd time to Ann Downing, widow of Capt Joseph Gardner & dtr of Emanuel Downing. She was younger than he by 30 yrs. They m 6 Jun 1676. Simon Bradstreet d 27 Mar 1697.
More info on his children: Dorothy m 14 Jun 1654 Rev Seaborn Cotton, Sarah m Richard Hubbard of Ipswich & Capt Samuel Ward, Simon b 28 Sep 1640 & graduated from Harvard College in 1660-he was ordained 5 Oct 1670 m his 1st cousin Lucy Woodbridge dtr of Rev John Woodbridge 2 Oct 1667 & d 1683, Hannah m Andrew Wiggins of Exeter 3 Jun 1659, Mercy b 1647 m Maj Nathaniel Wade 31 Oct 1672.
Son Dudley Bradstreet b 1648 was Col of Militia named by James II of Council to Gov Joseph Dudley-mbr of Council of Safety in 1689 m Ann Wood 12 Nov 1673, widow of Theodore Price-In ferocious prosecution in 1692 for witchcraft he was so lenient that neighbors strongly suspected him of same horrid or ludicrous offense. Son John Bradstreet b 22 Jul 1652 m Sarah Perkins 17 Jun 1679, dtr of Rev William Perkins.
He lived in Salem but spent most of his days in Topsfield. He d 11 Jan 1719. Son Samuel Bradstreet graduated from Harvard College in 1653. He went to Eng & spent 4 yrs as his mother tells making verses on each event there. He had studied for profession as physician.
He was Representative for Andover. He m Mercy Tyng, dtr of Capt William Tyng. Gov Bradstreet lived in Cambridge, Ipswich, Boston, & a few yrs at Andover. Aft Sep 1695 he lived in Salem (Genealogical Directory of 1st Settlers of New England, Vol I, James Savage, Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Company, 1990, p 236).

3) Colonial Families of US of America, edited by George Norbury Mackenzie, Genealogical Publishing Co, Baltimore, MD, 1966, pp 182-185. (Tifton Co Public Library).

4) Family tree prepared by Stanwood E Flitner, Englewood, NJ, 1934 for Orlando Nelson Dana & Clara H. Lequin. Copies in possession of Diane Blanton Bargeron & June Blanton.

5) Genealogical Directory of 1st Settlers of New England Showing 3 Generations of those who came before May 1692 on basis of farmers register, Vol I, James Savage, Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Co, 1990, p 236 (Tifton Co Public Library, Tifton, Georgia.)

6) Simon Bradstreet b in Lincolnshire, England, 1603. He m Anne Dudley, dtr of Thomas Dudley, Puritan leader, 1628. 2 yrs later 3 of them emigrated to North America. In 1634 John Winthrop, gov of MA Colony, sent Bradstreet to colonies of Plymouth, New Haven & CT, to negotiate formation of New England Confederation. After restoration of the monarchy, Bradstreet traveled to Eng & successfully persuaded King Charles II to confirm colony's charter. Bradstreet served as gov of MA Colony in 1679-86 & 1689-92. Wife, Anne Bradstreet, was America's 1st published poet. He d 1697.

From findagrave.com:
Birth: Mar 18 1603
Death: Mar 27 1697

Colonial Gov. Bradstreet recd bachelor's & master's degrees from Cambridge's Emmanuel College.
He m Anne Dudley, dtr of Puritan leader Thomas Dudley & later became 1st published poet in North America.
Dudley & Bradstreet relocated to MA Bay Colony in 1630 & Dudley was soon chosen to serve as gov. Bradstreet was involved in numerous business pursuits, most notably land speculation, & founded several new towns.
He also filled several important positions in local & colonial govt, including deputy gov. In 1661, he was chosen as envoy to court of Charles II, confirming colony's charter when Charles assumed throne of Eng after yrs of civil war. In 1679 Bradstreet was selected to serve as gov & held office until 1686, last person to hold position under colony's original charter.
In 1686 colony was denied its previously held right to self-rule, & Edmund Andros was appointed gov. After Andros was removed Bradstreet served again as gov from 1689-1692. Bradstreet was remarkably active even in old age, maintaining his participation in govt & his business pursuits almost until his death at age 94. (bio by: Bill McKern at findagrave.com)

Burial: Burying Point Cem, Salem, Essex Co, MA, USA

Simon Bradstreet was born at Horbling, Lincolshire in March 1603. He was a son of Rev. Simon Bradstreet and Margaret. His father died when he was 14 and was committed to the care of Hon. Thomas Dudley. He, along with Mr. Dudley, Mr. Winthrop, and others agreed to emigrate and form a settlement in Massachusetts.

Simon and the others boarded the "Arbella" on 29 March 1630. They arrived June 12, near Naumkeak, now Salem. They founded the town of Newtown, now Cambridge. Simon also lived at Salem and Ipswich.

Simon Bradstreet was the first Secretary of the colony and was one of the first Commissioners of the United Colonies in 1643. He was Deputy Governor from 1672 to 1679, then Governor until 1686.

By William Richard Cutter

To My Dear And Loving Husband by Anne Bradstreet

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee. If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye women, if you can. I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold Or all the riches that the East doth hold. My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence. Thy love is such I can no way repay. The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. Then while we live, in love let's so persever That when we live no more, we may live ever.

WILL:
Simon Bradstreet's Will (written in 1689, evidently while living in Boston), executed in 1697:

Simon Bradstreet of Boston ... being at present in competent health and strength" set his house in order and "for my outward estate which God in his rich mercy hath blessed me withal in this Wilderness (having given all my eight children such portions as I thought meet and equal & divided my plate and household stuff amongst them)" the remainder was bequeathed to "my dear and loving wife Mrs. Ann Bradstreet all that estate real and personal whatsoever that I had of hers or with her in marriage ... (according to agreement made with her before marriage) in lieu of her thirds," also £10 per year during her life out of my farm at Lynn "whereon Cornet John Lewis now liveth," also £10 more during her widowhood, one half from my house and land at Andover and the other half from my farm at Topsfield, also "my negro woman Hannah and her daughter Bilhah now living with me, not to be sold to any except in way of marriage, but if she finds meet to dispose of them or either of them before or at her death, then to some of my children whom she pleaseth," also "use of that little household stuff I bought since I came to Boston during her pleasure and then to some of my children as she shall see meet," also provisions at the house in Boston with one quarter rent of the house wherein I lived at my death "entreating her to accept of these small bequests as a testimony of my unfeigned love ... in regard of that love, care and tenderness she hath always showed to me and mine"; whereas "by a former will I had given to my eldest son Samuel Bradstreet my farm at Lynn" but at his death by his will given to Mary Bradstreet "his eldest daughter by his first wife whom I have been forced to educate and maintain ... since September 1670 ... and have now three of my said son's children sent me from Jamaica" make some alteration to this gift by granting my wife £10 a year from the farm and "to the said Mercy Bradstreet the daughter of my son Samuel" the farm in Lynn occupied by Cornet John Lewis, to her and her heirs or in want of such heirs of her body, to the children of her father Samuel Bradstreet equally she paying the aforementioned £10 to "her grandmother Ann Bradstreet"; to "the said Mercy her father's picture and household goods"; to "John and Simon Bradstreet two of my son Samuel's children now with me my house and land in Lynn" purchased of Major Samuel Appleton and his son Samuel, said land and house equally divided betwixt them, also to the said John Bradstreet my twenty acres of meadow and part of a little island in Topsfield; to "Anne Bradstreet another child of my son Samuel Bradstreet" a house and land in Lynn of 43 acres lately purchased of Mr Ezekiel Needham; "my dear and loving wife Mrs. Ann Bradstreet" executrix as regards the three children of my son Samuel viz. John Simon and Anne; to the three children of my son Simon Bradstreet viz. Simon John and Lucy, a half of all my houses and lands in Andover, also £10; to Simon Bradstreet the eldest of the three children before mentioned ten acres in Lynn near my farm; to "my son Dudley Bradstreet" the other half of my houses and lands in Andover, also to each of his children living at my decease £10 each; to "my son John Bradstreet and to the heirs of his body lawfully begotten my house and farm at Topsfield wherein he now liveth," also the lots of wood belonging to the farm, also the parcel of meadow purchased of Robert Muzzey together with all the swamp and ten or twelve acres of upland, also £60 and to each of his children living at my decease £10 apiece, his heirs to receive the farm as follows, one half to his eldest son and the other half equally divided amongst the rest of his sons and daughters; to "my grandchild Mr. John Cotton of Hampton" £20 and to his sisters "the daughters of my daughter Dorothy" or so many of them living at my decease £10 each "only as to Ann's legacy I leave it to my executor and overseers to do therein as they shall see cause and as she may deserve" by her carriage and behavior; to "my son-in-law Mr. Andrew Wiggin" all that debt which he owes me £50" and to every of his children by "my daughter Hannah" living at my decease £10 each; to "my daughter Mrs. Sarah Ward and to her husband Capt. Samuel Ward" all that debt which her former husband Mr. Richard Hubbard owed me being more than £100, and to every of her children living at my decease £10; to "my daughter Mrs. Mercy Wade and to her husband Mr. Nathaniel Wade" my farm at Topsfield whereon John Hunkins now lives, with twenty six acres of upland, part of an island, also the lot of upland of forty acres, she or her husband paying yearly the sum of £5 to "my wife Mrs. Ann Bradstreet during her widowhood," also to every one of her children living at my death £10 each; to "the three children of my son Simon" one farm of five hundred acres granted me for service to the colony and not laid out yet; to "my son Dudley Bradstreet" the other farm of five hundred acres granted me; to "the three children of my son Samuel (viz) John Simon and Anna now with me" £100 each for their education and make void a former bequest to them of my two houses and lands in Lynn mentioned in the former part of my will, "having already disposed of one of them"; to Mr. Samuel Willard "the Reverend Pastor of the South Church in Boston" £5; residue distributed by my executors to some of my grandchildren, especially to those of "my son Simon and Daughter Cotton whose parents had the least portions"; son Dudley Bradstreet sole executor except in duties committed to "my dear wife"; "my much honored friends Capt. Wait Winthrop Esqr. and Mr. Peter Sedgwick" overseers to accept 40s. each to buy a ring.

In codicil dated 27 Jan 1692/3 Bradstreet altered bequest of 2 negros Hannah & Bilhah so they were completely at dispose of wife Ann Bradstreet & she to pay to said negros 20s each; to my wife my spectacles set in gold; again entrusted the education of his son Simon's 3 children to wife Ann Bradstreet; to my grandson John [Bradstreet] my set of gold shirt buttons; to Simon a silver trencher salt; to Anna a silver porringer; to "my granddaughter Mrs Mary Oliver her father's picture"; to "my 3 grandchildren John, Simon and Anne, all the arrears of what is due to me for salary as late Governor of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay"; to "my grandson Simon the son of my late son Mr Simon Bradstreet" 10 acres of land in Lynn "he standing in great need of my help"; authorized his executor to sell the farm at Topsfield if the price of £250 can be gotten, £100 to his 3 grandchildren, John, Simon & Anne the children of my son Samuel, & the rest to my daughter Wade; Mr Isaac Addington overseer.

Notes:
Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony
In office 1679 – 1686
May 24, 1689 – May 16, 1692
Preceded by John Leverett (1679)
Edmund Andros (1689) (as President of the Dominion of New England)
Succeeded by Joseph Dudley (1686) (as President of the Dominion of New England)
William Phips (1692) (as Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay)
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links

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Bradstreet
https://archive.org/details/newenglandhisto1847wate/page/n159/mode/... page 76
http://www.geneamusings.com/
http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_Bradstreet&quot
http://www.geneamusings.com/
http://www.harvardsquarelibrary.org/
https://familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LRDM-KJ8
https://archive.org/details/historyofdudleyf06dudl/page/n71/mode/1u... page 673