Jonathan Pulsipher

concerns

This Jonathan is the same as Jonathan Pulsipher. Merge requested April 16, 2022.

sources

• https://books.google.com/books?id=7dGPyld17G4C&pg=PA179&lpg=PA179&d...

links

• http://family.drumhop.com/getperson.php?personID=I7435&tree=1

content to clean up

The old Ipswich court records make reference to Benedict's second son, John. as a child of 12, we have a court record that John broke open the barn door of James Chute Jr., breaking the lock taking his oxen and working them "contrary to his knowledge and order", witnessed by Thomas Harris Sr., his wife and son. In the winter of 1678-79, John lived in the home of Mr. Francis Wainwright. John apparently worked for Wainwright in some sort of employee capacity. Wainwright was of a prominent family and a rather wealthy member of the community. John was caught stealing food from Wainwright, and providing it to his mother. In the hearing John tried to put the blame on his parents, stating that his mother told him that they wanted wheat, which "he might help them to" whereupon he removed a bushel and a half of wheat and delivered it to Benedict, his father. His mother, Susanna, made John a cake out of it. Later, according to John, his stepmother asked that John take some pork from Wainwright's warehouse. He took 2 large pieces five or six times. This led to further thefts, including a small hog, half bushel of salt, two bundles of candles, sugar carried in a handkerchief, all of which he brought to his parents. Susanna's version of the story was somewhat different. Yes, John had stolen the goods, but she apparently did not put John up to it. She says she was suspicious and wished them sent back to Mr. Wainwright, but did not for fear of making trouble. John was to be severely whipped and the parents were ordered to pay restitution to Mr. Wainwright. Five years later, at the age of 17, John committed some unknown wrong against his father. This dispute apparently could not be settled within the family, so Benedict had to take his own son to court. On Mar. 26, 1684, Benedict received execution of a judgment against his son and the town Marshall "delivered said John Pulsepher to his father for a term of six years." The records give no details regarding the nature of the offense which would warrant what appears to be a six year indenture to his father. two months later, John "acknowledged judgment to his father in wheat, malt and pork. Sometime in the next four years, John left Ipswich, and moved to Gloucester, near a spot on the old road leading to Coffin's Beach.

In May 1684, at age 21 yrs.; Ipswich town records note that John Pulsifer acknowledged judgement to his father, Benedict with wheat, malt, and pork. Whatever the dispute between was, could not be settled privately and required Benedict to exact a formal court order against his son. He left Ispwich and settled to the west town of Gloucester on the road leading to Coffin's Beach.