John Choate, of Ipswich

John Choate

• Sex: M
• Birth: BEF 6 JUN 1624 in Groton, Boxford, Colchester, Essexshire, England 1
• Death: 4 DEC 1695 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA 1
• Father: Robert CHOATE b: ABT 1598 in Colchester, Essex, England
• Mother: SARAH b: in England

summary

John came to Massachusetts in 1643, at the age of 19. He settled in the parish of Chebacco, Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts. He eventually owned almost all of Hog Island (Choate Island) which is located near the coast of Ipswich.

• Fact 6: Sargeant of militia, active member of the church
• Event: Event 3 became owner of several farms adjacent to first purchase
• Event: Event 4 eventually owned almost all of Hog Island, about 300 acres
• Event: Event 5 1667 Freeman
• Immigration: Paid for his first farm with grain and West India goods
• CONF: 1643 Ipswich, Essex Co., MA

family

Married:

1. ABT 1660 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA 1 to Anne [ARRAMAS] b: 1637. Her parents unknown.

Children

1. Margaret CHOATE b: in Chebacco/Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA
2. John CHOATE b: 15 JUN 1661 in Chebacco/Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA
3. Samuel CHOATE b: AFT 1663 in Chebacco/Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA
4. Mary CHOATE b: 16 AUG 1666
5. Thomas CHOATE b: 1671 in Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA
6. Sarah CHOATE b: AFT 1671 in Chebacco/Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA
7. Joseph CHOATE b: 1678 in Chebacco/Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA
8. Benjamin CHOATE b: 1680 in Chebacco/Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts, USA

brief biography

John Choate emmigrated to Ipswich in 1643 and settled at Chebacco Parish, where he owned several farms. He was a sargeant in the militia and a freeman in 1667. John Choate, son of Robert and Sarah Choate, was bapt. 6 June 1624, in Groton, Boxford, Colchester, England. Both of John's parents died in 1638 and are buried in the cemetery at the church in Groton. After his parents deaths, John removed to Kent to live with relatives, until he was of a suitable age to embark to America. As a young man of nineteen years, he came to this country in 1643 from Sudbury in the county of Suffolk, England, as an apprentice to Mr. Thomas Low. He came to this country with one of his brothers, but the brother returned to England, the following year. On arrival, he, soon found employment in Chebacco Parish, Ipswich, Essex Co., Massachusetts and was considered one of the towns first settlers. - The Choates in America - John Choate and his Descendents - 1624-1896

detailed biography

John immigrated to the Colonies in 1643, aged 19y, In 1648 John, age 24y resident of Ipswich, MA in 1648, was a subscriber to the Major Denison fund. He was tried for stealing apples in 1651. but acquitted (having proved that he had permission to help himself). John Androus was master of John Choate of Ipswich, when he was presented for lying and Samuel Mighell made deposition April 9, 1657, as to what Choate said, thereby proving his innocense. In 1659 John was brought before the court for refusing to assist the marshal in making an arrest, but made good his defence." John Andrews, and wife Jane, of Ipswich, sold land in that place to John Choate, September 27, 1660 paid for "in cattle not over eight years old; in grain English and Indian, and partly in West India goods." "I Thomas Willson of Ipswich in New England, Co. Essex, husbandman, sell unto John Choate of Ipswich, all my house and land of twelve acres for one hundred and twenty pounds." "earable and meadow," July 8, 1665 as witnessed by Theophilus Willson. (Ips. Deeds 3: 17). July 10, 1667 Richard Leigh, of Chebacco, carpenter, sold to John Choate of Ispwich, 3 1-2 acres of upland on the great hill in Hog Island, No. 106. (Ipswich deeds Vol. 3, p. 100). "John Choate aged about fifty-eight years testifieth and saith that John Andrews of Salem is the reputed son of Corporal John Andrews deceased, formerly of Ipswich, for this deponent hoape to fetch the woman to the said John Andrews his birth and hath lived neare to said John for eleaven yeares following and hath knowne him ever since. Sworn in court Ipswich 25, Sept '83. Attest JOHN APPLETON Clerico" "John Choate aged about fifty eight years certifieth and saith that he was in company with Mr Thomas Andrews of Ipswich at the school house eight or nine weekes before his decease & being in discourse with the said Andrews asking of him why he did not change his condition he replied that he had no thoughts of it; as he said he had tould this deponent often and the said Choate asked the said Mr Andrews what he would do with all his estate, and he tould this deponent that it was not so big but that he could easily bestow it and said that he would give it all to his cousens, John Andrews and his cousen Sarah Andrews for they stood in need enough of it for he said their father had bin a deare friend to him and he would be so to them, for said Mr Andrews they have no friends left Sworn in court Ipswich 25, Sept. 1683 Attest JOHN APPLETON Cleric" Anthony Checkly and Thomas Bishop, late of Barbadoes, sold their farm in two lots, one of 66 acres with house, barn etc. to John Brown, and 36 acres with house and barn to Sergeant John Choate, bounded by Choate's own land partly on the south, Jan. 1, 1684 (Ips. Deeds 5: 57). John prepared his will December 7, 1691 (an agreement of his heirs was substituted for the will May 14, 1697). He conveyed to his son John Jr. "a parcel of upland on which the dwelling house of sd Choate Jun. now stands," bounded by his own land toward the north west, May 1, 1692 (Ips. Deeds 5: 505). His son, Samuel Choate, received or bought the remainder of the John Choate property, with the dwelling bought from Bishop. He sold 8 acres to William Brown, his next neighbor, Mar. 29, 1707 (20: 202). Samuel Choate sold 43 acres with the house and barn to Thomas Boardman, reserving a road that is laid out through said premises leading to Chebacco, April 16, 1762 (110: 134).

descent

From page 1207 of History of Essex County, Massachusetts: With Biographical ..., Volume 2, Part 1 edited by Duane Hamilton Hurd

The Choate Family.—John Choate, the first of the surname in Chebacco, came here, it is believed, in 1645, at the age of about twenty-one years.1 He was from Sudbury, or its neighborhood, in Suffolk, near the boundary of Essex County, England. The tradition is, that his house stood within a few rods southeast of the spot where that of the late John Low now stands or formerly stood. His wife's first name was Anne, but her surname is unknown. He died December 4, 1695, at the age of about seventyone. His wife survived him till 1729, reaching the age of ninety.

1. There is a tradition (how authentic, I am unable to say) that he came to this country, when a child, with his father, and that they lived awhil.; in Newbury.
2. It is supposed that his father was the "Goodman Choate " mentioned. M one desiring to emigrate to this country, in a letter to John Winthrop, ,,r-, sent from England m early as 1633, by Rev. Henry Jacie.

They had several children. Of these, John, the eldest, was a deacon. He had six sons and two daughters. Thomas settled upon Hog Island, where he had four sons and five daughters. Benjamin was a clergyman.

Of Thomas' children, John became very distinguished; he was a colonel in the French and English war; was fifteen years a member of the General Court; was chosen Speaker, but the election was annulled for political reasons by Governor Belcher, under a power that officer then had; but he was, under another Governor, an executive counsellor for six years. His advice was often sought in matters ecclesiastical, as well as civil, being a prominent member of the South Church in Ipswich. He planned and superintended the construction of the stone bridge, in 1764, at Ipswich Centre, where he resided. He was, no doubt, an uncommon man. It is said that he used to wear a scarlet cloak, and at his side a silver-hilted sword, in accordance, probably, with an old English custom. He was for some years judge of Probate, and judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

Thomas' daughter Mary, who married Parker Dodge, of Hamilton, was mother of John Cleaveland's first wife. Rachel, his seventh child and third daughter, was ancestress of the writer.

Thomas' son Francis was a ruling elder in Mr. Cleaveland's church. His wife was Hannah Perkins, a descendant of John Perkins, (1st.) They had eight children. Their daughter Hannah Choate married Rufus Lothrop, and it was probably in compliment to him that her nephew, David Choate, (1st), gave his son, the eminent advocate, the name Rufus. Lothrop was living in Connecticut as late as 1795, only four years before Rufus Choate's birth, and probably later. He is referred to in Cleaveland's army journal at Ticonderoga, where he says: " I received a letter from my dear friend Rufus Lothrop."

estate

Estate of John Choate of Ipswich

Essex Probate Docket # 5348

Know all ye Christian people that I, Sargeant John Choat, of Ipswich in ye County of Essex in New England, being sick in body but of sound mind, do now make my last Will and Testament.

IMPRIMIS. I bequeath my soul to God by the merits of Christ and my body unto decent burial, and then dispose of my worldly estate, which God of his bounty hath given unto me in manner following, viz:

First. I give unto John Choate my eldest son. Half of my pasture where his new dwelling-house stands being about fifteen acres, viz. The said half with all the houses upon it with all stock I formerly possessed him of. Also give him the ploughing field commonly called "White's Field" containing about ten acres. Also I give him one half of my salt marsh at a place called "Thompson's Island" in Ipswich to him and his heirs forever.

Item . I give unto my son Samuel Choate, all that housing and land I bought of Mr. Bishop, where he the said Samuel Choate now lives, reserving only three acres of land within the field of said land for my son Benjamin, and the said Benjamin dying before he comes of age, the said three acres shall revert to Samuel or his heirs.

Item. I give and bequeath unto my son Joseph all my own living lands and ploughing grounds, and half of the salt marsh I have at "Thompson's Island" only reserving four acres of said half for my son Benjamin and said Benjamin dying before he is of age, said four acres shall revert unto Joseph to him and his heirs. And if the said Benjamin and Joseph shall die before they are of age, then said land and meadow shall be equally divided between the male heirs of my family then surviving.

Item. I have given my daughter Margaret Fitts upwards of three score pounds in current pay of merchants, which I have given her and I do now give and ratify unto her and her heirs as her portion.

Item. I do give and bequeath unto my daughter, Sarah Choate three score pounds in current pay of the merchants and I constitute my dear and beloved wife, Ann Choate, and she shall be my sole executrix and I do give and bequeath unto her all the rest of my estate of money chattels, debts and demands.

In witness whereof I have set my hand set my hand and seal this seventh day of December 1691.

John Choate, Sen.

Signed and sealed before us,

John Wise

Andrew Browne

The inventory made of John Choate's estate amounted to L405, 13s.

Objection to the Will

1696-7, March 15, John Chote enters cossion to ye Honoured Judg of probate of wills that whereas I having matter of waight to offer that my fathers Will may not be approbated while I have opportunity to alleadg against it as witness my hand.

John Chote

The heirs of John Choate, Sr., in setting aside his last will, state themselves as follows:

Whereas by the Will of John Choate deceased there are several parcels of lands & estate settled upon John his eldest son & Samuel & Joseph & Benjamin, yet, Thomas notwithstanding what has been given him in a deed of gift is not mentioned, nor confirmed in said will. John accounting his part short of a double portion, the rest not being well satisfied especially Anne, the relict of John Choate. Therefore it is mutually agreed by all said parties, namely Anne the said mother of said children & John, Thomas & Samuel for themselves and said Anne in behalf of herself & Benjamin & Thomas in behalf of himself and as guardian to said Joseph with the said Anne & Joseph & Benjamin consenting for themselves, that the estate given to any of them per deed of said children shall be as follows viz:

The Agreement

Imprimis. That said Anne during her natural life shall have and enjoy all the moveables & estate given her by Will, also the half of all housing her late husband died seized and possessed of, and half the orchard & one third of all tillage land and pasture and meadow ground her said husband died seized and possessed of, and until her son Benjamin come to commence Bachelor of Arts said Anne shall receive of Joseph, after he comes of age, one half of the income or produce of the other two thirds for to help bring up said Benjamin to and at the said College to the time prefixed, but if he die before then the said widow to have only the use of her half of the house and half of the barn and half the orchard and one third part of said tillage land, pasture and meadow ground & the said widow shall have the use of the whole, that is to say, the other two thirds till Joseph comes of age, that said estate shall be paid to Benjamin's guardian, that he shall choose for bringing him up as aforesaid, and if Anne die before Benjamin comes of age, the said Joseph shall pay six pounds current money yearly, until said Benjamin commence Bachelor of Arts or might have done, if he had remained at the University as before to his guardian.

Item. It is agreed that what said Anne hath in her hands undisposed of: her son John shall have a double part and all the rest of her sons equal parts, and it is agreed if any land be sold for the bringing up of Benjamin, it shall be the ten acres, or part of it, that is the pasture land lying betwixt Capt. Goodhues land and John Choate's land said John Choate shall have it giving as much as another will give, and if the said land be sold as aforesaid then Joseph shall have Benjamin's land given him by will except the three acres reserved for Samuel as his deed mentions.

Further it is mutually agreed that the said John Choate, the eldest son of John Choate, deceased, shall have all the housing and lands and stock given by deed of gift and confirmed by will without any right of dowry.

Further, it is mutually agreed that Samuel Choate shall have all the housing and lands & stock given him by deed of gift & (note) without any right of dowry.

Further, it is mutually agreed that Thomas Choate shall have all the housing and lands given him by deed of gift and not confirmed by Will without any right of dowry.

Further is mutually agreed that Joseph during his brother's life, and his brother Benjamin's education, as before mentioned, when he comes of age and after he comes of age during his mother's life & during his brother's education, as before inserted, shall have and enjoy all the housing lands and meadows as by his father's Will and afterwards forever.

Further - it is mutually agreed that Benjamin shall receive the yearly income of his brother Joseph's land till he comes of age, and other payments as before inserted until he Commences Bachelor of Arts or might have done it, if he remained at his learning, and the land given him by his father's will may be sold for the bringing to and at the College if need be, and if Joseph or Benjamin or both decease before they come of age of twenty one years, and land that shall then remain unsold shall be divided to the brothers viz: To John a double, and to each other male heir of said Choate's children a single share and if sold to have it forever.

It is further agreed and each doth for themselves and in behalf forever a quit claim make each other, and their respective heirs and assigns of all the estate real and personal of said John Choate, deceased estate, giving and granting to each the respective share inserted to have and to hold to them as it is prefixed to them without let or hindrance, molestation or interruption, suit or demand of us ourselves, our heirs, executors, administrators or assigns.

In Testimony hereof we have affixed our hands and seals this 14th day of May Anno Domino 1697.

(Signed)

Anne Choate (seal)

John Choate (seal)

Samuel Choate (seal)

Thomas Choate (seal)

Anne Choate (seal)

as guardian for Joseph & Benjamin Choate

The following author's comments after this will may shed additional light on this family:

The estate was settled satisfactorily on the basis of this agreement. Since no mention is made in these documents of Mary Choate, a daughter, it is probable that she had died in early life prior to 1691.

Mrs. Margaret Fitts appears in the will, but not in the agreement, for she had died in 1692.

Thomas Choate is not mentioned in his father's will, doubtless because he had already received by deed all to which he was entitled, but his name appears in the agreement of 1697.

Mrs. Anne Choate survived her husband more than thirty years. She receives but little mention. Her maiden name, birthplace, and parentage are unknown. It is said, however, that in some ancient court papers her name appears illegibly written, and seems to be 'Arramas'. She was doubtless a very estimable woman a good wife and mother. She joined the church in full communion December, 1673. Mr. Choate in his will calls her, 'my dear and beloved wife, Ann Choate,' and names her as 'my sole executrix.' Mrs. Choate died 'Feb. ye 16 1727 upwards of 90.'

• "John Choate and His Descendants, 1643-1896", by E.O. Jameson, Boston, 1896. link
• Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of the State of Massachusetts, William Richard Cutter, A.M. and William Frederick Adams, New York, 1910, Volume II, page 2440.
• The Choates in America 1643-1896, John Choate and His Descendants, Chebacco, Ipswich, Mass., E. O. Jameson, Boston, MA, 1896, page 1.
• Massachusetts Vital Record Transcripts to 1850, fische #1T.
• http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=cculbert&...

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John came to Massachusetts in 1643, at the age of 19. He settled in the parish of Chebacco, Ipswich, Essex County, Massachusetts. He eventually owned almost all of Hog Island (Choate Island) which is located near the coast of Ipswich.

Sources: Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of the State of Massachusetts, William Richard Cutter, A.M. and William Frederick Adams, New York, 1910, Volume II, page 2440. The Choates in America 1643-1896, John Choate and His Descendants, Chebacco, Ipswich, Mass., E. O. Jameson, Boston, MA, 1896, page 1. Massachusetts Vital Record Transcripts to 1850, fische #1T.* Reference: RootsWeb's WorldConnect - SmartCopy: May 19 2016, 3:00:22 UTC