Jason Babcock

Jason Badcock

• AKA Babcock
• Birth: 1715 • Maybe Marlborough MA
• Baptism: 1726 • Shrewsbury MA or Westborough MA
• Death: July 2, 1781 • Fitzwilliam, Cheshire, New Hampshire
• Father: William Babcock b: 1684 in Milton, Norfolk, Massachusetts (possibly)
• Mother: Mary Bartlett b: 20 OCT 1693 in Marlborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts (possibly)
• Marriage 1 Mary Beeton b: ABT 1735 in Westborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts Married: 11 SEP 1749 in Westborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts

Children

1. Aaron Babcock b: 3 DEC 1749 in Westborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts
2. Solomon Babcock b: 27 DEC 1751 in Westborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts
3. Keturah Babcock b: 22 AUG 1754 in Westborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts
4. Persis Babcock b: 22 FEB 1757 in Westborough, Middlesex, Massachusetts

   ---

   
   

Source: Westborough marriages https://www.familysearch.org/photos/artifacts/144116383?cid=mem_copy

Origins

A professional genealgoist suggested Jason Babcock was born in 1715 and that his mother was Mary Bartlett who had been fined for fornication on 2nd Tue of March 1715, And this date jives with his age and date of his death in some record.

On 3/30/1726, Joseph Wheeler of Westborough presented an illegitimate child for baptism.

Classification: Will Surnames: Wheeler, Rice, Townsend, Badcock Worcester Co MA Wills Vol. 2 page 584 Joseph Wheeler of Westborough probated 25 May 1747.

Item. I Give to Jason Badcock whom I brought up one half of the Right at Goulding's Town which I bought of Jonathan Moore the other half of which I Give to Asa Rice and Joshua Townsend forementioned to be Equally Divided between them.

---

Captured for 1 yr by Indians. Tory (loyal to king) during Revolution.

Source.....Athol Transcript, Dec 19 1911

Jason Babcock, Man Who Fiddled To Save His Life

During Indian uprising previous to the French & Indian War, & soon after settlement of Athol, several of our citizens while away from here suffered at hands of the red man, but it is well established fact only 2 of our inhabitants ever suffered violence by Indian hands within limits of our town. One of these, Ezekiel Wallingford of West Hill, lost his life, & his remains lie buried in Mt Pleasant cemetery. Other was Jason Babcock, who early acquired rights of at least 2 of the original proprietors, & by repeated swapping with others, acquired at least 16 meadow rights north of Millers River & east of Tully River, & some adjacent land between meadows & Silver Lake (which until recent times bore his name, being known as Babcock's Pond.) He chose the site for his dwelling on east side of the meadows, just a little north of where "Ranch" is now located, & for a time made rapid progress in clearing the land. One evening in spring 1747, some 8 mo after Wallingford's death, Babcock's cows strayed from the clearing into thick woods on west side of the meadow, not far from where my barn is now located, & while searching for them he was felled by an Indian bullet, but not being seriously wounded was taken away into the wilderness instead of being summarily killed, & was eventually taken to Canada.

Realizing that he was doomed to a long siege of captivity if his life should be spared, he at once begged privilege of going to his home for his "fiddle" & the prospect of musical entertainments pleased the Indians so much they granted his request, & his violin accompanied him on his long journey. Being quite a musician he spent much time "fiddling" greatly to the delight of his captors, who are said to have spared his life on this account. Just how long his captivity lasted is not definitely known, but somewhat about a year later an exchange was effected, & Babcock gained his freedom. He did not return at once to the scene of his disaster, but rather sought home of his childhood in Westboro, & there Sep 11 1749, he married Mary Beeton of that town, but marriage record shows that he still considered our town his home, for his is described as of "Packquage." Between 1751 & 1756, he had 3 children born to him in Westboro, & from there he enlisted in the English Army in 1755, under Johnson, & was wounded in Battle of Lake George in Sep of that year. In Dec of same year he petitioned Gen'l Court for some recompense on account of his Canadian captivity, & his army service, & was granted an allowance of 4 pounds. In 1756 he was living in Westboro, but in 1758 he returned to Pequoige, & remained here occupying his land until summer 1762, when he sold his meadows to Aaron Smith, & various other holdings to others, & removed to westerly part of Royalston, where we find him for upwards of 7 years. Aug 30 1769, his oldest daughter was killed by lightning in her father's house, & that is the last we know of the family in MA. Before outbreak of Rev, Babcock had settled in southwesterly part of Fitzwilliam, NH, & was making linen wheels, & there he ended his days. His daughter Persis married Josiah Goodale in Fitzwilliam Sep 13 1778. Babcock is described as short, wiry man, who after his various misfortunes walked decidedly lame. He is variously described as "Bay Joiner," "shop joiner," "house wright," "husbandman," & "wheel maker," which indicates he possessed much mechanical ability. At outbreak of Am Rev, like many others who had participated in war with France, Babcock held to his allegiance to King George, for which he suffered but little, as he took no active part in the war against the colonies, but the stigma of "Tory" followed him the rest of his days. Jason Babcock was born in Westborough, MA, Mar 30 1726 & died in Fitzwilliam, NH, Jul 2 1781.

W G LORD, Athol, Dec 19 1911

Our Own Pocahontas-Montachusett T&G-Sun, Aug 20 1995

With the popular Disney film making the theaters, now is a good time to retell the memory of our own Pocahontas. Like that of the legendary heroine of Jamestown, VA, our local tale involves a beautiful young Indian princess who admires a handsome & brave white man, & vice versa, she saves him from her father's wrath in the nick of time. The real Pocahontas, as we know, saved Capt John Smith's life in Jamestown in 1608. Captured & brought to Pocahontas' village, he was set before an altarstone to be killed by her father, Chief Powhatan. Our local heroine, "Silver Tongue," performed much the same deed in 1747 in Athol (known then by Indian name Pequoig), so the story goes. The legendary encounter took place at Silver Lake, now Athol's favorite public resort. The sages of Silver Tongue & Pocahontas both nudge the realm of myth. Yet there is no denying Jason Babcock of Athol, Silver Tongue's object of affection, was a real person, like Capt Smith. In fact, Silver Lake originally was known as Jason's Pond. That's because he was pioneer owner of the lake & its surrounding land. Jason, then 20, lived alone in a log cabin just over the hill on what is now Pequoig Av. One day while exploring his property, Jason came upon this quiet lake & saw a few Indian wigwams on its east shore. Ancient narrative then reads: "He approaches a wigwam & gazes upon a beautiful young maiden, Silver Tongue, so named by her father Chief Konkeput because of the silvery tones of her speech & song." She turns toward him. Their eyes meet. It's love at first sight. But alas, her stern father has been watching Jason's approach & the youngsters' mutual delight from a nearby thicket. Enraged, he springs out & rushes toward the love-smitten young man with a scalping knife. "Silver Tongue, as did that other chieftain's daughter, leaps into her father's arms & begs him to spare the paleface. Konkeput shakes her off, & in hot pursuit starts for his victim. Seeing his danger, Babcock plunges into the lake. But when attempting to land upon the other shore (today the main beach), he is taken captive." Jason's hands are bound &, with only a moment to gaze back longingly at Silver Tongue weeping across the water, he is led away by several of Konkeput's men to a far distant place, Canada. After a year of captivity & negotiations with colonial authorities, ransom in paid. Jason is set free & returns to his home, longing to find the girl who saved him from instant death & yearns to revive their romantic feelings. He also wants to make peace with Konkeput. But the tribe has moved away. The 2 young sweethearts will never meet again. It is historical fact that Jason Babcock was captured by Indians in Athol in spring 1747 & was taken to Canada until he returned to his childhood home in Westboro. There, in 1749 he married Mary Beeton & then raised a family. Subsequently, Babcock served during French & Indian War, & in 1755 the Legislature recompensated him for his captivity & his army service.

Plaque at 151 Peuoig Av, Athol, MA

CAPTURED BY INDIANS

Young pioneer Jason Babcock built his log cabin here in 1745. In the spring of 1747 he was captured by Indians in this open rear meadow, Taken prisoner to Canada, then freed.

Jason Babcock came here at age 18, & bought most of this meadow & hillside. One day his cows strayed into the westside woods & he went to look for them. Suddenly shots rang out from Indians in hiding & Babcock was slightly wounded. The war whoops were heard by men at the mill near the present YMCA. They ran to his rescue but he was already carried off.

Abstracts from "Journals of MA House of Representatives"

Dec 19 1755 (p 243) "Petition of Jason Babcock of Westborough, that he enlisted into army on Crown Point Expedition; that he was grievously wounded at the Battle near Lake George, whereby he has been disabled from following his day labour, which has been the only means of supporting himself & family; thereby praying such relief under his distressed circumstances as shall be thought reasonable."

Dec 26 1755 (p 257) Committee on petition of Jason Babcock orders 4 pounds from public treasury "in consideration of his sufferings."

Feb 21 1757 (p 356-7) action on land forfeits against those who failed to meet improvements & care requirements; "On the right originally for George Danforth, the committee found that the supposed title to the house-lot, by sundry conveyances, is transmitted down to one Jason Babcock, who after some improvements on his lands, bought in said place, was unhappily captivated by the Indian Enemy, & the committee proposes that said house-lot be confirmed to said Jason."

"Royalston Centennial Address" Aug 23 1865, A H Bullock

Jason Babcock settled west of Hill's; his house stood near the SE corner of George Woodbury's pasture; was taken captive by the Indians, while living in Athol, & carried to Canada. After getting safely back he removed to Royalston with his family. Keturah, a daughter age 15, was killed by lightning, Aug 30 1769. She was watching from a window for the return of the people from church, it being the Sabbath. The only other cases in town of death by lightning of which we learn occurred in 1845, & in the house on the adjoining Hill farm. The victims were 2 young persons, John H C Nichols & daughter of James Pierce. They were instantly killed by the same bolt. The last 3 settlements now deserted.

Athol MA, 1890

Athol is a very active & flourishing town of 4758 inhabitants & 1116 dwelling-houses, lying in the northwesterly section of Worcester Co, 83 mi from Boston by rail. Fitchburg Railroad passes through Athol village; where is also terminus of Springfield & Athol Railroad, connecting with southern towns. It is bounded on north by Royalston, on east by the same & Phillipston, on SE by Petersham, & on west by New Salem & Orange. Post-offices are Athol (depot), Athol Centre & South Athol. Villages are these & Eaglesville, Partridgeville, Riceville & Wheelerville. Area is 20411 acres, or about 36 sq mi, including hiways & water surfaces. About 7523 acres are forest, mostly pine, chestnut & oak. There are some old maple & elm trees along hiways; & town reports 11606 fruit trees. Underlying rock is calcareous gneiss, in which occur specimens of allanite, fibrolite, epidote & babingtonite. Principal elevations are Chestnut Hill, long eminence in the north ; Round Gap, abrupt hill in the east; Pierce Hill, NW of this; & High Knob, near the centre. Miller's River & its tributaries reach well over the town. Local mention is made of Setin Lake, Lake Ellis & Eagle Mill Pond; names given on county map are White Pond, in SW part of town (containing about 100 acres), & Babcock Pond, in NW (containing 44 acres)....

Indian & plantation name of this place was Payquage, or Poquaig. Territory was granted by Gen'l Court to 60 persons anterior to 1734. First settlers were Richard Morton, Ephraim Smith, Samuel Morton, John Smeed & Joseph Lord; who with their families 1st kindled their camp fires here Sep 17 1735. Most of their provisions for 1st yr, had to be brought through unoccupied wilderness from Hatfield, 30 mi away. Their location was at the point now called "The Street." Being a frontier settlement, planters lived in garrison houses, much of the time holding themselves in constant readiness to receive the savage enemy. Aug 1746, Mr. Ezekiel Wallingford was killed by Indians while running to the garrison & in earlier part of the ensuing year, Mr Jason Babcock was taken captive....

Source: Pp 123-124, Nason & Varney's MA Gazetteer, 1890

Jason Babcock, The Man Who Fiddled To Save His Life

During the Indian uprising previous to the French and Indian War, and soon after the settlement of Athol, several of our citizens while away from here suffered at the hands of the red man, but it is a well established fact that only two of our inhabitants ever suffered violence by Indian hands within the limits of our town. One of these, Ezekiel Wallingford of West Hill, lost his life, and his remains lie buried in the Mount Pleasant cemetery. The other was Jason Babcock, who early acquired the rights of at least two of the original proprietors, and by repeated swapping with the others, acquired at least 16 meadow rights north of Millers River and east of Tully River, and some adjacent land between the meadows and Silver Lake (which until recent times bore his name, being known as Babcock's Pond.) He chose the site for his dwelling o the east side of the meadows, just a little north of where the "Ranch" is now located, and for a time made rapid progress in clearing of the land.

One evening in the spring of 1747, some eight months afer Wallingford's death, Babcock's cows strayed from the clearing into the thick woods on the west side of the meadow, not far from where my barn is now located, and while searching for them he was felled by an Indian bullet, but not being seriously wounded was taken away into the wilderness instead of being summarily killed, and was eventually taken to Canada.

Realizing that he was doomed to a long siege of captivity if his life should be spared, he at once begged the privilege of going to his home for his "fiddle" and the prospect of musical entertainments pleased the Indians so much that they granted his request, and his violin accompanied him on his long journey. Being quite a musician he spent much time "fiddling" greatly to the delight of his captors, who are said to have spared his life on this account.

just how long this captivity lasted is not definitely known, but somewhat about a year later an exchange was effected, and Babcock gained his freedom.

He did not return at once to the scene of his disaster, but rather sought the home of his childhood in Westboro, and there Sept. 11, 1749, he was married to Mary Beeton of that town, but the marriage record shows that he still considered our town his home, for his is described as of "Packquage." Between 1751 and 1756, he had three children born to him in Westboro, and from there he enlisted in the English Army in 1755, under Johnson, and was wounded in the Battle of Lake George in September of that year.

In December of the same year he petitioned the General Court for some recompense on account of his Canadian captivity, and his army service, and was granted an allowance of four pounds.

In 1756 he was living in Westboro, but in 1758 he returned to Pequoige, and remained here occupying his land until the summer of 1762, when he sold his meadows to Aaron Smith, and various other holdings to others, and removed to the westerly part of Royalston, where we find him for upwards of seven years.

August 30th, 1769, his oldest daughter was killed by lightning in her father's house, and that is the last we know of the family in Massachusetts.

Before the outbreak of the Revolution Babcock had settled in the southwesterly part of Fitzwilliam, N.H., and was making linen wheels, and there he ended his days.

His daughter Persis married Josiah Goodale in Fitzwilliam Sept. 13, 1778. Babcock is described as a short, wiry man, who after his various misfortunes walked decidedly lame. He is variously described as a "Bay Joiner," "shop joiner," "house wright," "husbandman," and "wheel maker," which indicates that he possessed much mechanical ability.

At the outbreak of the American Revolution, like many others who had participated in the war with France, Babcock held to his allegiance to King George, for which he suffered but little, as he took no active part in the war against the colonies, but the stigma of "Tory" followed him the rest of his days.

Jason Babcock was born in Westborough, Mass., March 30th, 1726, (?) and died in Fitzwilliam, N. H., July 2, 1781.

W.G. LORD

Athol, Dec. 19, 1911

----------------------------------------------------------

Our Own Pocahontas - The Montachusett T&G - Sunday, August 20, 1995

With the popular Disney film making the theaters, now is a good time to retell the memory of our own Pocahontas. Like that of the legendary heroine of Jamestown, VA, our local tale involves a beautiful young Indian princess who admires a handsome and brave white man, and vice versa, she saves him from her father's wrath in the nick of time.

The real Pocahontas, as we know, saved Capt. John Smith's life in Jamestown in 1608. Captured and brought to Pocahontas' village, he was set before an altarstone to he killed by her father, Chief Powhatan.

Our local heroine, "Silver Tongue," performed mcuch the same deed in 1747 in Athol (known then by its Indian name of Pequoig), so the story goes. The legendary encounter took place at Silver Lake, now Athol's favorite public resort.

The sages of Silver Tongue and Pocahontas boh nudge the realm of myth. Yet there is no denying that Jason Babcock of Athol, Silver Tongue's object of affection, was a real person, like Captain Smith. In fact, Silver Lake originally was known as Jason's Pond. That's because he was the pioneer owner of the lake and its surrounding land. Jason, then 20, lived alone in a log cabin just over the hill on what is now Pequoig Avenue.

One day while exploring his property, Jason came upon this quiet lake and saw a few Indian wigwams on its east shore. The ancient narrative then reads:

"He approaches a wigwam and gazes upon a beautiful young maiden, Silver Tongue, so named by her father Chief Konkeput because of the silvery tones of her speech and song." She turns toward him. Their eyes meet. It's love at first sight.

But alas, her stern father has been watching Jason's approach and the youngsters' mutual delight from a nearby thicket. Enraged, he springs out and rushes toward the love-smitten young man with a scalping knife.

"Silver Tongue, ass did that other chieftain's daughter, leaps into her father's arms and begs him to spare the paleface. Konkeput shakes her off, and in hot pursuit starts for his victim. Seeing his danger, Babcock plunges into the lake. But when attempting to land upon the other shore (today the main beach), he is taken captive."

Jason's hands are bound and, with only a moment to gaze back longingly at Silver Tongue weeping across the water, he is led away by several of Konkeput's men to a far distant place, Canada. After a year of captivity and negotiations with colonial authorities, a ransom in paid. Jason is set free and returns to his home, longing to find the girl who saved him from instant death and yearns to revive their romantic feelings. He also wants to make peace with Konkeput. But the tribe has moved away. The two young sweethearts will never meet again.

It is a historical fact that Jason Babcock was captured by Indians in Athol in the spring of 1747 and was taken to Canada until he returned to his childhood home in Westboro. There, in 1749 he married Mary Beeton and then raised a family.

Subsequently, Babcock served during the French and Indian War, and in 1755 the Legislature recompensated him hor his captivity and his army service.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Plaque at 151 peuoig Ave. in Athol, Massachusetts

CAPTURED BY INDIANS

Young pioneer Jason Babcock built his log cabin here in 1745. In the spring of 1747 he was captured by Indians in this open rear meadow, Taken prisoner to Canada, then freed.

Jason Babcock came her at age 18, and bought most of this meadow and hillside. One day his cows strayed into the westside woods and he went to look for them. Suddenly shots rang out from Indians in hiding and Babcock was slightly wounded. The war whoops were heard by men at the mill near the present YMCA. They ran to his rescue but he was already carried off.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Abstracts from "Journals of the Massachusetts House of Representatives"

Dec. 19, 1755 (p. 243); "Petition of Jason Babcock of Westborough, that he enlisted into army on Crown Point Expedition; that he was grievously wounded at the Battle neaqr Lake George, whereby he has been disabled from following his day labour, which has been the only means of supporting himself and family; thereby praying such relief under his distressed circumstances as shall be thought reasonable."

Dec. 26, 1755 (p. 257); Committee on petition of Jason Babcock orders four pounds from public treasury "in consideration of his sufferings."

Feb. 21, 1757 (p. 356-7); action on land foreits against those who failed to meet improvements and care requirements; "On the right originally for George Danforth, the committee found that the supposed title to the house-lot, by sundry conveyances, is transmitted down to one Jason Babcock, who after some improvements on his lands, bought in said place, was unhappily captivated by the Indian Enemy, and the committee proposes that said house-lot be confirmed to said Jason."

-----------------------------------------

"Royalson Centenniel Address" August 23, 1865 by A. H. Bullock

Jason Babcock settled west of Hill's; his house stood near the S.E. corner of George Woodbury's pasture; was taken captive by the Indians, while living in Athol, and carried to Canada. After getting safely back he removed to Royalston with his family. Keturah, a daughter age 15, was killed by lightning, Aug. 30, 1769. She was watching from a window for the return of th people from church, it being the Sabbath. The only other cases in town of death by lightning of which we learn occurred in 1845, and in the house on the adjoining Hll farm. The victims were two young persons, John H. C. Nichols and a daughter of James Pierce. They were instantly killed by the same bolt. The last three settlements now deserted.

--------------------------------------------

Athol Massachusetts, 1890

Athol is a very active and flourishing town of 4,758 inhabitants and 1,116 dwelling-houses, lying in the northwesterly section of Worcester County, 83 miles from Boston by rail. The Fitchburg Railroad passes through Athol village ; where is also the terminus of the Springfield and Athol Railroad, connecting with southern towns. It is bounded on the north by Royalston, on the east by the same and Phillipston, on the southeast by Petersham, and on the west by New Salem and Orange. The post-offices are Athol (depot), Athol Centre and South Athol. The villages are these and Eaglesville, Partridgeville, Riceville and Wheelerville. The area is 20,411 acres, or about 36 square miles, including highways and water surfaces. About 7,523 acres are forest, mostly of pine, chestnut and oak. There are some old maple and elm trees along the highways ; and the town reports 11,606 fruit trees. The underlying rock is calcareous gneiss, in which occur specimens of allanite, fibrolite, epidote and babingtonite. The principal elevations are Chestnut Hill, a long eminence in the north ; Round Gap, an abrupt hill in the east ; Pierce Hill, northwest of this ; and High Knob, near the centre. Miller's River and its tributaries reach well over the town. Local mention is made of Setin Lake, Lake Ellis and Eagle Mill Pond ; the names given on the county map are White Pond, in the southwest part of the town (containing about 100 acres), and Babcock Pond, in the northwest (containing 44 acres)....

The Indian and the plantation name of this place was Payquage, or Poquaig. The territory was granted by the General Court to sixty persons anterior to 1734. The first settlers were Richard Morton, Ephraim Smith, Samuel Morton, John Smeed and Joseph Lord ; who with their families first kindled their camp fires here September 17, 1735. Most of their provisions, for the first year, had to be brought through the unoccupied wilderness from Hatfield, thirty miles away. Their location was at the point now called "The Street." Being a frontier settlement, the planters lived in garrison houses, much of the time holding themselves in constant readiness to receive the savage enemy. In August, 1746, Mr. Ezekiel Wallingford was killed by the Indians while running to the garrison and in the earlier part of the ensuing year, Mr. Jason Babcock was taken captive....

Source: Pp. 123-124 in Nason and Varney's Massachusetts Gazetteer, 1890

European flax wheel used to spin flax into linen thread.

Source: From the collection of Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, Dearborn, Michigan. Read more: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Linen.html#ixzz89vbS0vQC''

References

• https://www.familysearch.org/photos/artifacts/144116383?cid=mem_copy
• https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/4738538/person/-15...
• “How products are made: Linen” < link > This is a European "flax wheel" used to spin flax into linen thread within the home. Folklore tells us that it was brought by Henry Ford's Irish grandmother to the New World; it was one of the few family keepsakes Ford had from his Irish ancestors. In fact, it was not unusual for the Scots or Irish to bring such wheels to this country. The British Isles have a long and proud linen tradition, and even decades after others abandoned linen production for cotton in the New World the Irish and Scots here tenaciously clung to their linen-making traditions. Read more: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Linen.html#ixzz89vbH9Q5C
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Babcock-882 cites
  • 1. https://archive.org/details/vitalrecordswes00ricegoog/page/n18/mode... Vital Records of Westborough, page 11]
  • 2. Vital records of Westborough, Massachusetts, to the end of the year 1849 Publisher Worcester, Mass., F.P. Rice, 1903. Page: 121 https://archive.org/details/vitalrecordswes00ricegoog/page/n128
  • 3. Badcocks of Milton, Mass written about here: https://archive.org/stream/familyofbadcocko00appl#page/n9/mode/2up/...