Joseph Clarke, of Newport

• https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LY27-4H8
• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54609439/joseph-clarke <— Incorrectly shows burial at Swan Cemetery, Providence owing to a Memorial there with his name on it. See RI Historical Cemeteries.
• https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Clarke-39

JOSEPH4 CLARKE (Thomas3, John2, John1). He was born 9 December 1618 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England, and baptized 16 December 1618 in Westhorpe, Suffolk, England. He died 1 June 1694 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

Joseph Clarke evidently came to Boston with his older brothers, Thomas and John, but he is not mentioned in any records of that town. He may have come in the capacity of a servant to his brother John, as was later noted in a recording of his lands in Newport, Rhode Island. His brother, Dr. John Clarke, was disarmed with others as associates of Anne Hutchinson at Boston on 20 November 1637. John and Thomas left the Massachusetts Bay Colony with the Coddington party and were signers of the Aquidneck agreement on 7 March 1638. Joseph Clarke first appears on the record when he was admitted an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck (at Portsmouth) on 24 January 1638/9, and again on 21 February 1638/9. However, he soon left Portsmouth for Newport, newly founded by his brother, John Clarke, and others dissatisfied with the government of Portsmouth. He was admitted an inhabitant and made a freeman of Newport at a General Quarter Court held there on 17 December 1639. He was present in the General Court of Election held at Newport on 12 March 1640, and was listed on the court roll of freemen on 16 March 1641. He served on the grand jury at a Quarter Sessions Court at Portsmouth on 1 December 1641. He is said to have been one of the original members of the First Baptist Church of Newport in 1644, and was certainly a member in full communion in 1648.

Sometime between March 1643 and 15 March 1644, Joseph Clark of Nuport had his lands in Newport, consisting of fifty acres, recorded. His lands lay in several parcels, one of thirty acres "lying beyond the mill bounded on the North by the hie way to Sachuis on the East by Stony River on the South by Robert Fields land," another parcel of 2.5 acres between Mr. John Clark's farm and Thomas Clark's cow pasture, a home lot of 3.5 acres lying next to Mr. [John] Clark's swamp at the lot's end, a "cowes hay" or pasture at the southwest corner of the harbor, another "cowes hay" on the east side of Stony River, and one acre of upland bounded by "the Creeke & Thomas Clarks marsh, a way for the bringing forth of hay & bringing thruw cattle to John Peckams marsh & Thomas Clarks marsh excepted." These lands, amounting to 40 acres, were bought by Joseph Clark for an unknown sum as evidenced by the treasurer's receipt produced by him at the recording of the land. (An order issued by the town on 5 June 1639, divided all meadow lands within Newport at a rate of 20 "Cowes meat" to 300 acres of upland, so Joseph can be expected to have given at least two or three cows for his land.) However, Joseph Clarke had an additional ten ac[re]s more granted unto him by vertue of a certaine donation given by the sd Towne to certaine Servants the sd Joseph being serv[an]t to mr John Clark w[hi]ch Tenn ac[re]s is layd forth in and w[i]th the first p[ar]cell of thirtie all w[hi]ch amounting to the No of Fifthe ac[re]s more or less is fully Impropriated to the sd Joseph Clark his heirs or Assignes for ever. On 25 December 1644, Joseph Clarke deeded five acres of meadow lying on the soutwest side of the harbor in Newport to Robert Stanton of Newport. His land is also mentioned in the record of highways laid out by William Dyre, Nicholas Easton, and Mr. John Clarke dated 15 February 1654. One highway was laid out "from the Mill to Joseph Clarkes...towards the great Comons, and by the side of mr John Clarkes Joseph and Thomas Clarkes lands &c being on the east side thereof went the hie way...to mr Eastons Farme...downe to Stony River...and soe came into the Comons at the Rocks..." On March 10, 1656/7, Joseph Clarke was granted a 1/54th share of the purchase of Conanicut (later, Jamestown) and Dutch Islands, and he also signed on behalf of his brother, it being ordered "that Joseph Clarke shall subscribe hereto in the behalf of his Brother Mr. John Clarke in England." Joseph Clarke, of Newport, was also appointed to the perpetual council that would govern the affairs of Conanicut at the time of the purchase.

In 16 May 1648, he was made a member of the General Court of Trials to represent the town of Newport, and served on both the grand and petit juries at Warwick on 30 June 1657. His name appears on a list of the freeman of the Colony, of Newport, in 1655. From 1655 on, he is referred to in the records of the Colony as "Mr. Joseph Clarke,"and was a commissioner for Newport at the Court of Commissioners held at Portsmouth on 28 June 1655, at Newport on 19 May 1657, at Portsmouth again on 10 March 1657/8, at Providence on 17 May 1659, and once more at Portsmouth on 23 August 1659. He was made an Assistant (which appears to have been the same as commissioner) for Newport at the General Court of Election held at Warwick on 18 May 1658, and served in this capacity at a General Court of Trials held at Newport in June 1658, at a meeting of the General Counsel held at Warwick on 14 October 1658, at another General Court of Trials held at Warwick on 16 October 1658, at the General Court of Election held at Providence on 17 May 1659, at a General Court of Trials held at Newport on 3 March 1659/60, and at a meeting of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and Assistants held at Newport on 25 November 1663. On 4 July 1657, at a General Court held at Warwick, Mr. Joseph Clarke and three others were authorized to write a letter to Mr. John Clarke in England to request further judgment of the authorities in England in the charges of treason brought against William Harris by Roger Williams. He was also chosen to form a committee with five others at a General Court of Commissioners held at Portsmouth on 23 August 1659, to write a letter of thanks to Mr. John Clarke, to review letters sent to the colony regarding disputes with the "United Colonies, Massachusetts, or Plymouth," and to insturct Mr. Clarke to take such matters before Parliament accordingly. The task of opening letters and informing Mr. Clarke, as well as providing Clarke with a commission from the Colony, was reauthorized to Mr. Joseph Clarke, althouhg he was not an Assistant at the time, and the others at a General Assembly held at Warwick on 18 October 1660.

On 1 November 1661, Tobias Saunders, Robert Burdick, and Joseph Clarke were arrested for taking possession of lands of Southertown, in the Pequot Country, under a warrant issued by the commissioners of the General Court of Massachusetts dated 25 October 1661 to the constable of Southertown, Walter Palmer. However, Clarke "upon extraordinary occasion was, by the Commissioners [of Southertown] and constable, set at liberty." Southertown was the name given by Connecticut to the area called Misquamicutt (later Westerly) by the Rhode Islanders who were settling there. Saunders and Burdick were taken to Boston, where from testimony they gave on 14 November 1661, it is learned that the Court of Rhode Island had allowed them to purchase lands of the Indians there, and Burdick had "built a small house there, upon the lott layed out to him." "Joseph Clark of Road Island, who was also apprehended in the company of the two former persons, being all three in company, was released by the Constable upon a very urgent occasion." Clarke was the only one identified as of "Road Island," which indicates that he was a resident of the island of Road Island (Newport or Portsmouth), and was not residing in Westerly.

Joseph Clarke's name appears as one of the "purchasers and free inhabitants of our island, called Rhode-Island, and the rest of the colonie of Providence Plantations" in the charter granted to Rhode Island by Charles II, King of Great Britain, on 8 July 1663, and by order of this charter he was appointed an assistant to the General Assembly at Newport on 1 March 1663/4. He served in this position again at meetings of the General Assembly held at Newport on 4 May 1664, in October 1664, on 23 February 1664/5, and 3 May 1665. He was not re-elected to that position at the last meeting.

He appears to have had a son, whose name is not known, who was killed in 1662 in unknown circumstances. At a General Court of Trials held at Newport on 8 March 1663/4, Upon accation of some debate in this Court Concearning the Death of a young neger sarvant to Mr. benidict arnold now govenor in the yeare 1661 soe Called and alsoe Concearning the Death of a son of Mr Joseph Clarke now assistant in the yeare 1662 the Court declares themselves fully satisfied in the proceedings taken by the towne of newport and the officers therof to the Enquiers after the Death of the parsones aforesd and that the proceeding aforesayd weare fully availeable sufficiente and unquestonable as to the Clearing of all parsones from all maner of guilt Relating to the Death of the parsones aforesd.

He appears to have lived in Newport for the rest of his life. Some histories say he removed to Westerly, but a detailed study of the Rhode Island Colony Records shows that it was his son, Joseph, who was made a freeman of Westerly in 1668, and appears there in 1669, 1671, and 1679. Joseph Clarke was appointed on 13 or 14 May 1667, to a committee by the town of Newport to collect 155 pounds for the defense of that town and outfitting the prison. He took leave of grand jury duty in 1669: at a Court of Trials held at Newport, 10 May 1669, Mr. Joseph Clarke, who had been selected by the town of Newport to serve on the grand jury, had not appeared for his term, but considering "how much hee hath ben Imployed formerly and that in this Court his son Joseph was prevayled with to Saply the place of a grand Jury man. The Court doe Remitt the aforesd Mr Joseph Clarkes fine for not appearing." Mr. Joseph Clarke was a Deputy for Newport at meetings of the General Assembly held at Newport on 6 May 1668, 28 October 1668, 27 October 1669, 13 October 1670, 26 October 1670, 25 September 1671, 5 March 1671/2, and 2 April 1672.

He was very active in the efforts of Rhode Island to thwart the designs of Massachusetts and Connecticut to take the lands of the Narragansett region. On 20 Mar 1664/5, Joseph Clarke was among fourteen men chosen at Pettasquamscutt to exercise the powers of Justices of the Peace or Magistrates for the Naragansett Country, or the King's Province, by order of the King's Commissioners. On 2 May 1677, Mr. Joseph Clarke was elected and engaged as an Assistant at a General Assembly and Election held at Newport and was appointed to a Court of Justices of the Peace to be held in the Narragansett (or King's) Province on the 15th of May for the speedy and peaceful settling of the inhabitants of that region. He was an Assistant at the General Court of Trials held at Newport on 7 May 1677, and shortly thereafter took the acknowledgement of Thomas and Liddia Burge of Newport on a sale of land in Dartmouth, Plymouth Colony, to Thomas Ward of Newport on 27 June 1677, in the capacity of an Assistant. He was an Assistant at the General Court of Trials held at Newport on 24 October 1677, 6 May 1678, 23 October 1678, 17 May 1679, and 22 October 1679, and at General Assemblies held at Newport on 30 April 1678, 1 May 1678, 25 March 1679, 6 May 1679, 17 September 1679 (at Westerly), and 4 May 1680. On 9 July 1679, he was among four men, including the Governor and Deputy Governor, who supplied 18 pounds, 8 shillings in partial payment to Mr. Arnold of 60 pounds the later paid to Capt. Randall Howldon and Capt. John Greene of Warwick on behalf of the Colony. On 23 June 1681, these four petitioned the General Assembly for repayment of the moneys they paid, which was granted.

A "mr. Clarke" mentioned as holding 17 acres at Stony River in Newport on behalf of John Alcock, deceased, for the son of the latter in an inventory dated 8 August 1677, may have been Joseph Clarke, as he held land near Stony River (see above). In 1680, Joseph Clarke of Newport was taxed £1 13s 3d. Mr. Joseph Clarke, "my loving friend," was made an overseer of the estate of Rev. Obadiah Holmes in the will of the latter, dated 9 April 1681. On 25 September 1685, Joseph Clarke, of Newport, and his wife, Margaret, sold a 1/54th part of Conanicut Island, consisting of 89 acres, and a 1/54th part of Dutch Island (which lies to the west of Conanicut, or Jamestown) to Francis Brinley of Newport for £100. This is the last official record of Joseph Clarke. He may have been mentioned with other early church members in a letter from Rev. Samuel Hubbard to John Thornton of Providence, dated 19 December 1686.

Joseph Clarke left no will that has been found. In the will of Dr. John Clarke, dated 20 April 1676, Joseph Clarke is said to have had two wives, his son John being by the first. The will of Thomas Clarke, dated 28 July 1674, mentions Margaret, wife of his brother Joseph Clarke. An addendum to the will of Thomas Clarke names the children of Joseph Clarke that were alive on 19 December 1674: Joseph Clarke, John Clarke, William Clarke, Susannah (surname struck-out), Mary (surname struck-out), Joshua Clarke, Sarah Clarke, Thomas Clarke, Kary (Carew) Clarke, and Elizabeth Clarke. Joseph Clarke may have had more children who died young, before 1674, or were born after 1674, although the latter is unlikely. His death is recorded in the family Bible held by the descendants of his son, John.

• http://hylbom.com/family/paternal-lines/paternal-cl-to-du/clarke-1344/

Sources:

1. J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], pp. 47, 107, 188.
2. J. R. Bartlett, "Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England." Providence, 1856-1862 (Reprinted New York, 1968), vol. 1, pp. 67, 90-91, 95, 100, 111, 209, 301, 316, 354, 364, 366, 386, 408, 419, 421, 433, 455-456, 511; vol. 2, pp. 3, 6, 8, 13, 28, 37-40, 61, 90, 93-94, 96, 197, 222, 236, 287, 350, 354, 411, 431, 434, 565, 592; vol. 3, pp. 3, 5, 28, 30, 48, 68, 83, 85, 101-102.
3. L. P. Bates, "Saunders-Peckham," NEHGR, Vol. 63 (1909), p. 198.
4. H. M. Chapin, "Documentary History of Rhode Island." Providence, 1919, vol. 2, pp. 79-80, 92-93, 94-95, 117, 119-120, 132.
5. E. P. Clark, "Family of Dr. John Clarke," Genealogies of Rhode Island Families From Rhode Island Periodicals, Vol. I. Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, 1983, pp. 197-200.
6. E. S. Gaustad, "Baptist Piety: The Last Will & Testimony of Obadiah Holmes." Christian University Press, 1978, will reproduced at http://www.genweb.net/~samcasey/obadiah.html.
7. G. A. Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich," NEHGR, Vol. 75 (1921), pp. 273-301.
8. G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902, pp. 23-24.
9. "Records of the Island of Rhode Island, 1638-1644." Rhode Island Archives, Providence (original mss., and FHL Film #0954960), pp. 65-66.
10. "Rhode Island Colonial Records, Proceedings of the General Assembly." FHL Film #0947963, vol. 1, part 1, pp. 17, 30.
11. "Rhode Island Court Records: Records of the Court of Trials of the Colony of Providence Plantations." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, 1920, vol. 1 (1647-1662), pp. 27, 39, 46, 55, 59; vol. 2 (1662-1670), pp. 23, 28-31, 75-79.
12. "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 54-56, 56-57, 123.
13. J. J. Smith, "Civil and Military List of Rhode Island, 1647-1800." Providence, 1900, pp. 1, 4, 9. "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol. 1 (1680-1739)." Typed transcript, FHL Film #0946901, pp. 6-10, 56-57 (69-70 in original records).

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Family

He married first ------, about 1641 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Rhode Island.

Tobias Saunders of Westerly in his will, dated 9 August 1688, mentions his "cousin Joseph Clarke," probably the son of Joseph Clarke. Joseph Clarke Jr. was a neighbor and associate of Tobias, who bade Clarke and John Maxson Sr. assist his widow as administratrix. As "cousin" was often used to denote a nephew, this would mean that Joseph Clarke's first wife was sister to Tobias Saunders. However, Joseph Clarke Jr. was also a true cousin to Mary (Peckham) Saunders, Tobias's wife and daughter of John and Mary (Clarke) Peckham, and Saunders may have been referring to him in that sense.

Sources: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], p. 173. L. P. Bates, "Saunders-Peckham," NEHGR, Vol. 63 (1909), p. 198.

They had the following children:

• + 32 i. JOSEPH5 CLARKE. Born 11 February 1642/1643 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married(1) Bethiah Hubbard.
• + 33 ii. JOHN5 CLARKE. Born about 1645 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married(1) Rebecca ------.
• + 34 iii. WILLIAM5 CLARKE. Born about 1647 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Hannah Weeden.
• 35 iv. SUSANNAH5 CLARKE. Born about 1650 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Died after 1674. She may have married before 19 December 1674, as her maiden name is crossed out in the list of Joseph Clarke's children attached to the will of Thomas Clarke.
• + 36 v. MARY5 CLARKE. Born about 1652 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married William Peckham.

Joseph Clarke married second MARGARET ------, about 1656 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. She died in 1694 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Residence: Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

Margaret Clarke, wife of Joseph Clarke, was mentioned in the will of her brother-in-law, Thomas Clarke, dated 28 July 1674, and Joseph Clarke is said to have had two wives in the will of his other brother, John Clarke, dated 20 April 1676. Therefore, Margaret must have been his second wife. On 25 September 1685, Joseph Clarke, of Newport, and his wife, Margaret, sold a 1/54th part of Conanicut Island, consisting of 89 acres, and a 1/54th part of Dutch Island to Francis Brinley of Newport for £100. Several secondary sources list her as Margaret Turner, but there is no known evidence to support this contention.

Sources: J. O. Austin, "The Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island." New York, 1887 [1982], p. 47. G. A. Morrison, "The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island." Evening Post Printing House, New York, 1902. "Rhode Island Land Evidences, 1648-1696." Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence, pp. 56-57. "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol. 1 (1680-1739)." FHL Film #0946901, pp. 69-70.

They had the following children:

• 37 i. ------5 CLARKE (Son). Born about 1657 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Died in 1662 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.
• +38 ii. JOSHUA5 CLARKE. Born about 1660 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Alice Phillips.
• +39 iii. SARAH5 CLARKE. Born 29 January 1663/4 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Thomas Reynolds.
• +40 iv. THOMAS5 CLARKE. Born about 1666 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Elizabeth ------.
• +41 v. CAREW5 CLARKE. Born about 1668 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island. Married Anne Dyer.
• 42 vi. ELIZABETH5 CLARKE. Born about 1670 in Newport, Newport, Rhode Island.

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• Joseph Clarke (Thomas3, John2, John1), b 9 Dec 1618 Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng, & baptized 16 Dec 1618 Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng, d 1 Jun 1694 Newport, Newport, RI. Res: Newport, Newport, RI.
• Jos Clarke evidently came to Boston w/older brothers, Thos & John, but not mentioned in any records of that town. May have come in capacity of servant to bro John, as was later noted in recording of his lands in Newport, RI. Bro, Dr John Clarke, was disarmed w/ others as assocs of Anne Hutchinson at Boston 20 Nov 1637. John & Thos left MA Bay Colony w/ Coddington party & were signers of Aquidneck agreement 7 Mar 1638. Jos Clarke 1st appears on record when admitted inhabitant of Island of Aquidneck (at Portsmouth) 24 Jan 1638/9, & again 21 Feb 1638/9. However, he soon left Portsmouth for Newport, newly founded by bro, John Clarke, & others dissatisfied w/govt of Portsmouth.
• Admitted inhabitant & made freeman of Newport at Genl Quarter Crt held there 17 Dec 1639.
• Present in Genl Crt of Election held at Newport 12 Mar 1640, & listed on crt roll of freemen 16 Mar 1641.
• Served on grand jury at Quarter Sessions Crt at Portsmouth 1 Dec 1641.
• Said to be 1 of orig mbrs of 1st Baptist Church of Newport in 1644, & certainly mbr in full communion in 1648.
• Sometime bet. Mar 1643 & 15 Mar 1644, Jos Clark of Nuport had his lands in Newport, consisting of 50 acres, recorded.
• His lands lay in several parcels, 1 of 30 acres "lying beyond the mill bounded on the North by the hie way to Sachuis on the East by Stony River on the South by Robert Fields land," another parcel of 2.5 acres bet Mr John Clark's farm & Thos Clark's cow pasture, home lot of 3.5 acres lying next to Mr John Clark's swamp at lot's end, "cowes hay" or pasture at SW corner of harbor, another "cowes hay" on east side of Stony Riv, & 1 acre of upland bounded by "the Creeke & Thomas Clarks marsh, a way for the bringing forth of hay & bringing thruw cattle to John Peckams marsh & Thomas Clarks marsh excepted." These lands, amting to 40 acres, bought by Jos Clark for unk sum as evidenced by treas' receipt produced by him at recording of land.
• Order issued by town 5 Jun 1639, divided all meadow lands w/in Newport at rate of 20 "Cowes meat" to 300 acres of upland, so Jos is expected to have given at least 2 or 3 cows for his land. However, Jos Clarke had addl "10 acres more granted unto him by vertue of certaine donation given by the sd Towne to certaine Servants the sd Joseph being serv[an]t to mr John Clark w[hi]ch Tenn ac[re]s is layd forth in and w[i]th the first p[ar]cell of thirtie all w[hi]ch amounting to the No of Fifthe ac[re]s more or less is fully Impropriated to the sd Joseph Clark his heirs or Assignes for ever.
• 25 Dec 1644, Jos Clarke deeded 5 acres of meadow lying on SW side of harbor in Newport to Robt Stanton of Newport.
• His land is also mentioned in record of hwys laid out by William Dyre, Nicholas Easton, & Mr John Clarke dated 15 Feb 1654. 1 hwy was laid out "from the Mill to Joseph Clarkes...towards the great Comons, & by the side of mr John Clarkes Joseph & Thomas Clarkes lands &c being on the east side thereof went the hie way...to mr Eastons Farme...downe to Stony River...& soe came into the Comons at the Rocks..." Mar 10 1656/7, Jos Clarke was granted 1/54th share of purchase of Conanicut (later, Jamestown) & Dutch Islands, & he also signed on behalf of his brother, it being ordered "that Joseph Clarke shall subscribe hereto in the behalf of his Brother Mr John Clarke in England."
• Jos Clarke of Newport, was also appted to perpetual council that would govern affairs of Conanicut at time of purchase. 16 May 1648 made mbr of Genl Crt of Trials to represent town of Newport, & served on both grand & petit juries at Warwick 30 Jun 1657.
• 1655: Name appears on list of freeman,of Colony of Newport.
• From 1655 on, he is referred to in records of Colony as "Mr Jos Clarke," & was commissioner for Newport at Crt of Commissioners held at Portsmouth 28 Jun 1655, at Newport 19 May 1657, at Portsmouth again 10 Mar 1657/8, at Providence 17 May 1659, & once more at Portsmouth 23 Aug 1659.
• Made Asst (appears to be same as commissioner) for Newport at Genl Crt of Election held at Warwick 18 May 1658, & served in this capacity at Genl Crt of Trials held at Newport Jun 1658, at mtg of Genl Counsel held at Warwick 14 Oct 1658, at another Genl Crt of Trials held at Warwick 16 Oct 1658, at Genl Crt of Election held at Providence 17 May 1659, at Genl Crt of Trials held at Newport 3 Mar 1659/60, & at mtg of Gov, Deputy Gov, & Assts held at Newport 25 Nov 1663.
• 4 Jul 1657, at Genl Crt held at Warwick, Mr Jos Clarke & 3 others authorized to write ltr to Mr John Clarke in Eng to request further judgment of authorities in Eng in chgs of treason brought against Wm Harris by Roger Williams.
• He was also chosen to form committee w/5 others at Genl Crt of Commissioners held at Portsmouth 23 Aug 1659, to write ltr of thanks to Mr John Clarke, to review ltrs sent to colony regarding disputes w/"United Colonies, MA, or Plymouth," & instruct Mr Clarke to take such matters bef Parliament accordingly.
• Task of opening ltrs & informing Mr Clarke, as well as providing Clarke w/ commission from Colony, was reauthorized to Mr Jos Clarke, although he was not Asst at time, & others at Genl Assembly held at Warwick 18 Oct 1660.
• 1 Nov 1661, Tobias Saunders, Robt Burdick, & Jos Clarke arrested for taking possession of lands of Southertown, in Pequot Country, under warrant issued by commissioners of Genl Crt of MA dated 25 Oct 1661 to constable of Southertown, Walter Palmer. However, Clarke "upon extraordinary occasion was, by the Commissioners [of Southertown] and constable, set at liberty." Southertown was name given by CT to area called Misquamicutt (later Westerly) by RI'ers who were settling there. Saunders & Burdick were taken to Boston, where from testimony they gave 14 Nov 1661, it is learned Crt of RI had allowed them to purchase lands of Indians there, & Burdick had "built a small house there, upon the lott layed out to him." "Joseph Clark of Road Island, who was also apprehended in the company of the 2 former persons, being all 3 in company, was released by the Constable upon a very urgent occasion." Clarke was only 1 identified as of "Road Island," which indicates he was resident of island of Road Island (Newport or Portsmouth), & not residing in Westerly.
• Jos Clarke's name appears as 1 of "purchasers & free inhabitants of our island, called Rhode-Island, & the rest of the colonie of Providence Plantations" in charter granted to RI by Charles II, King of Great Britain, 8 Jul 1663, & by order of this charter he was appted asst to Genl Assembly at Newport 1 Mar 1663/4.
• He served this position again at mtgs of Genl Assembly held at Newport 4 May 1664, Oct 1664, 23 Feb 1664/5, & 3 May 1665. He was not re-elected to that position at last mtg.
• Appears to have son, name not known, who was killed in 1662 in unk circumstances. At Genl Crt of Trials held at Newport 8 Mar 1663/4.
• "Upon accation of some debate in this Court Concearning the Death of a young neger sarvant to Mr. benidict arnold now govenor in the yeare 1661 soe Called & alsoe Concearning the Death of a son of Mr Joseph Clarke now assistant in the yeare 1662 the Court declares themselves fully satisfied in the proceedings taken by the towne of newport & the officers therof to the Enquiers after the Death of the parsones aforesd & that the proceeding aforesayd weare fully availeable sufficiente & unquestonable as to the Clearing of all parsones from all maner of guilt Relating to the Death of the parsones aforesd."
• Appears to have lived in Newport rest of his life.
• Some histories say he removed to Westerly, BUT detailed study of RI Colony Records shows son, Jos, who was made freeman of Westerly in 1668, & appears there in 1669, 1671, & 1679.
• Jos Clarke was appted 13 or 14 May 1667, to committee by town of Newport to collect 155 pounds for defense of town & outfitting prison.
• He took leave of grand jury duty in 1669: at Crt of Trials held at Newport, 10 May 1669, Mr Jos Clarke, who had been selected by town of Newport to serve on grand jury, had not appeared for his term, but considering "how much hee hath ben Imployed formerly & that in this Court his son Joseph was prevayled with to Saply the place of a grand Jury man. The Court doe Remitt the aforesd Mr Joseph Clarkes fine for not appearing."
• Mr Jos Clarke was Deputy for Newport at mtgs of Genl Assembly held at Newport 6 May 1668, 28 Oct 1668, 27 Oct 1669, 13 Oct 1670, 26 Oct 1670, 25 Sep 1671, 5 Mar 1671/2, & 2 Apr 1672.
• He was very active in efforts of RI to thwart designs of MA & CT to take lands of Narragansett region.
• 20 Mar 1664/5, Jos Clarke amg 14 men chosen at Pettasquamscutt to exercise powers of Justices of Peace or Magistrates for Naragansett Country, or Kings Province, by order of Kings Commissioners. 2 May 1677, Mr Jos Clarke elected & engaged as Asst at Genl Assembly & Election held at Newport & appted to Crt of Justices of Peace to be held in Narragansett (or Kings) Province 15 May for speedy & peaceful settling of inhabitants of region.
• Asst at Genl Crt of Trials held at Newport 7 May 1677, & shortly thereafter took acknowledgement of Thos & Liddia Burge of Newport sale of land in Dartmouth, Plymouth Colony, to Thos Ward of Newport 27 Jun 1677, in capacity of Asst. Asst at Genl Crt of Trials held at Newport 24 Oct 1677, 6 May 1678, 23 Oct 1678, 17 May 1679, & 22 Oct 1679, & Genl Assemblies held at Newport 30 Apr 1678, 1 May 1678, 25 Mar 1679, 6 May 1679, 17 Sep 1679 (at Westerly), & 4 May 1680.
• 9 Jul 1679, he was amg 4 men, including Gov & Deputy Gov, who supplied 18 pounds, 8 shillings in partial payment to Mr Arnold of 60 pounds later pd to Capt Randall Howldon & Capt John Greene of Warwick on behalf of Colony. 23 Jun 1681, these 4 petitioned Genl Assembly for repayment of moneys they pd, which was granted. A "mr Clarke" mentioned as holding 17 acres at Stony Riv in Newport on behalf of John Alcock, deceased, for son of latter in inventory dated 8 Aug 1677, may have been Jos Clarke, as he held land near Stony Riv.
• In 1680, Jos Clarke of Newport was taxed £1 13s 3d. Mr Jos Clarke, "my loving friend," was made overseer of estate of Rev Obadiah Holmes in will of latter, dated 9 Apr 1681. 25 Sep 1685, Jos Clarke, of Newport, & wife, Margaret, sold 1/54th pt of Conanicut Island, consisting of 89 acres, & 1/54th pt of Dutch Island (which lies to west of Conanicut, or Jamestown) to Francis Brinley of Newport for £100. This is last official record of Jos Clarke.
• May have been mentioned w/other early church mbrs in ltr from Rev Saml Hubbard to John Thornton of Providence, dated 19 Dec 1686. Jos Clarke left no will that has been found.
• In will of Dr John Clarke, dated 20 Apr 1676, Jos Clarke is said to have 2 wives, his son John being by 1st. Will of Thos Clarke, dated 28 Jul 1674, mentions Margaret, wife of bro Jos Clarke.
• Addendum to will of Thos Clarke names children of Jos Clarke that were alive 19 Dec 1674: Jos Clarke, John Clarke, Wm Clarke, Susannah (surname struck-out), Mary (surname struck-out), Joshua Clarke, Sarah Clarke, Thos Clarke, Kary (Carew) Clarke, & Elizabeth Clarke. Jos Clarke may have more children who died young, bef 1674, or born aft 1674, altho latter unlikely.
• His death is recorded in family Bible held by descendants of his son, John.

Sources

1. J O Austin, "Genealogical Dict of RI" NY, 1887 [1982], p 47, 107, 188
2. J R Bartlett, "Records of Colony of RI & Providence Plantations in New Eng" Providence, 1856-1862 (Reprint NY, 1968), vol 1, p 67, 90-91, 95, 100, 111, 209, 301, 316, 354, 364, 366, 386, 408, 419, 421, 433, 455-456, 511; vol. 2, pp. 3, 6, 8, 13, 28, 37-40, 61, 90, 93-94, 96, 197, 222, 236, 287, 350, 354, 411, 431, 434, 565, 592; vol. 3, pp. 3, 5, 28, 30, 48, 68, 83, 85, 101-102
3. L P Bates, "Saunders-Peckham," NEHGR, Vol 63 (1909), p 198
4. H M Chapin, "Documentary Hist of RI" Providence, 1919, vol 2, p 79-80, 92-93, 94-95, 117, 119-120, 132
5. E P Clark, "Family of Dr John Clarke" Genealogies of RI Families From RI Periodicals, Vol 1. Genealogical Pub Co, Baltimore, 1983, p 197-200
6. E S Gaustad, "Baptist Piety: Last Will & Testimony of Obadiah Holmes." Christian Univ Press, 1978, will reproduced at http://www.genweb.net/~samcasey/obadiah.html.
7. G A Moriarty, "Clarke-Cooke (alias Carewe)-Kerrich" NEHGR, Vol 75 (1921), p 273-301
8. G A Morrison, "'Clarke' Families of RI" Evening Post Printing House, NY, 1902, p 23-24
9. "Records of Island of RI 1638-1644" RI Archives, Providence (original mss & FHL Film #0954960), p 65-66
10. "RI Colonial Records, Proceedings of Genl Assembly" FHL Film #0947963, vol 1, pt 1, p 17, 30
11. "RI Crt Records: Records of Crt of Trials of Colony of Providence Plantations." RI Hist Soc, Providence, 1920, vol 1 (1647-1662), p 27, 39, 46, 55, 59; vol 2 (1662-1670), p 23, 28-31, 75-79
12. "RI Land Evidences 1648-1696" RI Hist Soc, Providence, p 54-56, 56-57, 123
13. J J Smith, "Civil & Military List of RI 1647-1800" Providence, 1900, p 1, 4, 9
14. "Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol 1 (1680-1739)" Typed transcript, FHL Film #0946901, p 6-10, 56-57 (69-70 in orig records)

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Comments

Jon Saunders has variant family information

From http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jonsaunde...

Marriage 1 Sarah DAVIS b: ABT 1618
Married: 1638/39 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island Children

• Joseph CLARKE b: 11 FEB 1642/43 in Misquamicutt, Kings Co., Rhode Island
• William CLARKE b: ABT 1644 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• Mary CLARKE b: ABT 1645 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• John CLARKE b: ABT 1648 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• Susannah CLARKE b: ABT 1650 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• Elizabeth CLARKE b: ABT 1652 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island

Marriage 2 Margaret TURNER b: ABT 1640 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island Married: ABT 1658 in Misquamicutt, Kings Co., Rhode Island Children

• Joshua CLARKE b: ABT 1660 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• Sarah CLARKE b: 29 JAN 1663 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• Carew CLARKE b: ABT 1668 in Newport, Newport Co., Rhode Island
• Thomas CLARKE b: ABT 1670 in Westerly, Kings Co., Rhode Island

Source

• Title: The 'Clarke' Families of Rhode Island
• Author: George Austin Morrison, Jr.
• Publication: The Evening Post Job Printing House, New York, 1902
• Page: 14, 23

  ---

  
  

THE CLARK GENEALOGIES GEORGE AUSTIN MORRISON http://digital.library.yale.edu/cdm/ref/collection/rebooks/id/101464

__________________________________

1638- Arrived in Newport, RI. One of the first settlers. Later, settled in Westerly, RI.
1648- Member of the General Court of Rhode Island.
1648, 1655, 1657-59: Commisioner.
1658-59, 1663-64, 1678-79: Assistant from Newport, RI.
1668-70, 1672, 1690- Deputy from Westerly, RI.

Brother of Dr. John Clark, bapt. 8 October 1609, one of the prinicipal founders of Rhode Island, several times Deputy Governor, and long the colony's agent in England.

Additional Siblings: Carew bapt. 17 February 1602 and Thomas bapt. 31 March 1605.

Joseph Clark is buried in a family plot in Westerly, RI on the left bank of the Pawcatuck River, above Meeting House Bridge and a few rods east of the Pound Road.

He must have left England about 1637, and settled immediately in Rhode Island, for he was admitted an inhabitant of the Island of Aquidneck, at Newport, in 1638. His brother was Rev. Dr. John Clarke who with Roger Williams founded R.I. PECKHAM genealogy: pp 47-50. RIGR: Vol. 13; pp 200-204. He appears to have lived some time at Westerly, but to have returned to Newport during the later years of his life. His first wife d Abt 1657.

_____

In 1640, he was present at the General Court of Election, and became a free man on 17 March, 1641. In 1644 he was made one of the original members of the First Baptist Church of Newport, and in 1648 became a member of the General Court of Trials. In 1655 he became a freeman of the colony and acted as a Commissioner in 1655-57-58-59. He was an Assistant in 1658, 63-64-65, 78, 80, 90. On 8 July, 1663, his name appears in the charter granted to Rhode Island by King Charles II. In 1668 he was made a freeman at Westerly and acted as deputy to the General Assembly 1668- 69-7o-7I-72, 90. On the 18 May, 1669, his name appears in the list of Westerly inhabitants, and in 1677 he was a member of the Court of Justices of the Peace to attend to the matter of injurious and illegal acting of the Connecticut Colony. In 1679 he, with thirty-two others of Westerly, gave the oath of allegiance. In 1680 he, as of Newport, was taxed £1, 13s. 3d. On 25 September, 1685, he and his wife Margaret, as of Newport, R.I., sold Francis Brinley of Newport an 1/154 part of Conanicut Island (89 acres), and an 1/154 part of Dutch Islad. In 1690 he, with others, was empowered to proportion the taxes to the respective towns. He appears to have lived some time at Westerly, but to have returned to Newport during the later years of his life. The names of Joseph Clarke's children are learned by the following memorandum, which is appended to record of will of his brother, Thomas Clarke. "The names of the children of Joseph Clarke, of the town of Newport, that are living this 19th day of December, 1674. Joseph Clarke, William Clarke, Mary Clarke, Sarah Clarke, John Clarke, Susanna Clarke, Joshua Clarke, Thomas Clarke, Cary Clarke, Elizabeth Clarke." The surnames of Mary and Susanna are crossed out as if they had already married at date of the entry.

Joseph Clarke b 9 Dec 1618 Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng, chr 16 Dec 1618 Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng, d 1 Jun 1694 Newport, Newport Co, RI. Sailed from Eng c1637 & settled in Aquidneck, Newport, RI, 1638. 3 of his bro also emigrated, Thomas, John & Carewe, but left no decendants. John brought family bible w/him which aft his death, passed into Joseph's hands. Nothing known abt 1st marriage. 2nd wife was Margaret, who d at Newport 1694.

Sources:

• Clarke Families of RI, George Austin Morrison
• Colonial Families of USA, Vol 4
• Genealogies of RI Families, Vol 1, p 197
• Babcock & Allied Families by Louis E. de Forest
• Potter-Richardson Memorial
• Ancestry of George P Clarke of Newport, RI, G Andrews Moriarty
• C Merton Babcock, RI Families
• Virkus
• 160 Allied Families
• Founders of Early Am Families
• NEHGR, v75, p280 & v91, p249
• Witter Family History.

De Forest: Joseph Clarke, 1st of line to emigrate; b 9 Dec & chr 16 Dec 1618 Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng. Sailed from Eng c1637 & settled in RI. Became inhabitant of Island of Aquidneck at Newport in 1638. 3 of his bros, Thomas, John & Carewe, also emigrated, but left no descendants. Nothing known abt 1st marriage; 2nd was to Margaret ____, d Newport 1694. He d 1 Jun 1694 Newport. Made freeman 17 Mar 1641 & was orig mbr 1st Baptist Church, Newport, founded 1644. Performed many civic duties, name appeared on Royal Charter sent to RI by King Charles II, Joseph being amg those to whom charter was granted. In Westerly in 1668, being named freeman that yr, & representative to Genl Assemby as deputy in 1668-1670, 1672 & 1690. Returned to live in Newport in declining yrs, & may have d there, although it is said he d in Westerly.

Memorial: Joseph Clarke of Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng; b 9 Dec 1618; d 1 Jun 1694 Newport, RI. M 1641/2 to 1st wife, name unk; m2 Margaret. Came to Dorchester, MA, c1639; removed to Newport, RI, became freeman in 1641. Would indicate both wives were from Newport or environs.

C M Babcock: Joseph Clarke, b 9 Dec 1618; d 1 Jun 1694 Newport, RI; settled at Newport in 1638 & was commissioner for RI 1655-1659. Had 10 children, incl Joseph Jr & Sarah, who m Thomas Reynolds 11 Oct 1683.

RI Families: Joseph Clarke, baptised 16 Dec 1618, b 9 Dec & Joseph Clarke d 1 Jun AD 1694. (Vol 1, p 198-199. Bible records.) Bros Joseph, Carew, Thomas & John Clarke, sons of Thomas Clarke, were amg early settlers of Newport, RI. Joseph was only 1 who left any issue.

Virkus: Joseph Clarke (1618-1694), from Eng, 1638, admitted freeman at Newport, RI, 1639. M2 Margaret. [Margaret apparently mother of children recorded here.]

160 Families: Joseph Clarke, b 9 Dec 1618, chr 16 Dec 1618, d 1 Jun 1694. M1 unk wife c1642; m2 Margaret ___, who d 1694. Admitted inhabitant of Portsmouth, RI, in 1638 & next yr of Newport. [See p 63 for rundown of many public offices, along w/other info.]

Founders: Joseph Clarke. Aquidneck, RI, 1638; Westerly 1665, Newport 1680. D there 1 Jun 1694. Asst. Deputy. Baptist.

NEHGR, v75: Joseph Clarke, b 9 Dec 1618, chr 16 Dec 1618 at Westhorpe, Suffolk, Eng. D 1 Jun 1694. M1 _____; m2 Margaret ______, who d in 1694. Emigrated to RI in 1638 & resided in Newport & Westerly. Lrg landowner, assistant in 1658 & several later yrs, & deputy, 1668-1672 & 1690. Only mbr of family who left issue in New Eng, & from him descends grter part of Clarke family living in Narragansett country. 10 children.

NEHGR, v91: Joseph Clarke was 1 of 1st settlers of Newport, RI.

Witter Family: Joseph Clarke, b 9 Dec 1618, chr 16 Dec, Westhorp, Suffolk, Eng. D 1 Jun 1694, age 76, at Newport, or possibly, Westerly, RI. M Margaret Turner, who d 1694 in Newport. May have had 1st wife. Bro of John Clarke of Witter Incident', who was founder of RI. Emigrated by 1638. Founder of Baptist Church of Newport, 1644. Came to MA w/Puritans but was Baptist & soon moved to RI. Mbr of Genl Court, 1640. Freeman, 1655, Westerly in 1668. Lrg landowner. Commissioner in 1644 & 1657-1659. Asst, 1658, 1663, 1678 & 1679. Mbr of Court of Justice of Peace, 1667. At Newport 1680 until death. Freeman of Boston 1634/5, where he was called Clerke." [Note: Earlier said emigrated by 1638. Must mean emigrated to RI by that date.]

Joseph m Margaret Turner c1640. Margaret b 1615 Eng. She d 1694 Newport, Newport Co, RI.

De Forest: Margaret __, 2nd wife who d Newport 1694.
Memorial & Virkus: Margaret __, 2nd wife.
160 Families & NEHGR: Margaret __, 2nd wife, d 1694.

Witter Family: Margaret Turner, d 1694 Newport, RI. She had 10 or 11 children. She prob was dtr of Lawrence Turner & Mary, who had 10 children.

They had following children:
i. Joseph Jr. b 11 Feb 1642, d 11 Jan 1726/1727.
ii. John b c1648 Westerly, Kings Co, RI, d 11 Apr 1704 Newport, Newport Co, RI.

Sources:
Colonial Families of USA
Potter-Richardson Meml
RI Families, v2, p199, Bible records
Genealogies of RI Families
160 Allied Families.
Families: John Clarke, d Newport, 11 Apr 1704.
Memorial: John Clarke, d 1734.
RI Families & 160 Families: John Clarke, d 11 Apr 1704.

iii William Clarke b Westerly, Kings Co, RI, d 30 Sep 1683.

Sources:
Colonial Families of USA
Babcock & Allied Families, de Forest
Potter-Richardson Meml
Genealogies of RI Families
160 Allied Families.
De Forest: William Clarke, d 30 Sep 1683; m Hannah Weeden.
Colonial Families & Meml: William Clarke, d 1683.
160 Families: William Clarke, d 30 Sep 1683; m Hannah Weeden, dtr of William Weeden.

William married Hannah Weeden. Hannah d 3 Mar 1723.

Sources:
Colonial Families of USA
Babcock & Allied Families, de Forest
Potter-Richardson Meml
160 Allied Families
Witter Family History.
De Forest: Hannah Weeden, dtr of William Weeden. M1 William Clarke m2 Thomas Peckham; m3 Joseph Clarke, William's brother. She d 3 Mar 1723.

Meml: Hannah Weeden, dtr of William son of James.

160 Families: Hannah Weeden, d aft 1722, dtr of William Weeden.
Witter Family: Hannah Weeden, dtr of William Weeden & wid of both William Clarke, bro of Joseph Jr, & of Thomas Peckham.

iv Thomas b 17 May 1656, d c1705.

Sources:
Potter-Richardson Meml
Colonial Families of USA
Babcocks & Allied Families, de Forest
160 Allied Families.

De Forest: Thomas Clarke, m Elizabeth Babcock.
Families: Thomas Clarke, living 1705; m Elizabeth ___.
Meml: Thomas Clarke, m Elizabeth ___.
160 Families: Thomas Clarke, d aft 1705; m Elizabeth __, who d aft 1705.

Thomas m Elizabeth Babcock. Elizabeth b 8 Feb 1691 Westerly, Kings, RI.

Sources:

Babcock & Allied Families, de Forest.

De Forest: Elizabeth Babcock, b 8 Feb 1691, Westerly.

v Sarah b 29 Jan 1663.

vi Susannah

Sources:
Potter-Richardson Meml
Colonial Families of USA
160 Allied Families.

Susannah m Samuel Fish

vii Carew

viii Joshua b est 1669 Westerly, Kings Co, RI, d c1702 Providence, Providence Co, RI.

Sources:
Potter-Richardson Meml
Colonial Families of USA
160 Allied Families.
Families of USA: Joshua Clarke, d aft 1702; m Alice Phillips.
160 Families: Joshua Clarke, d aft 1702; m Alice Phillips,

dtr of Michael & Barbara ___ Phillips.

Meml: Joshua Clarke, m Alice Phillips, dtr of Michael.

Joshua m Alice Phillips, dtr of Michael Phillips & Barbara. Alice b c1670 Est.

Source:
160 Allied Families.

ix Mary Clarke d c1695.

Sources:
Babcock & Allied Families, de Forest
Colonial Families of USA
Potter-Richardson Meml
160 Allied Families.

De Forest: Mary Clarke, living as late as 1695; m Tobias Saunders, prob bef 19 Dec 1674.
Meml: Mary Clarke, m Tobias Saunders.
Families: Mary Clarke, d 1695; m Tobias Sanders (sic).
160 Families: Mary Clarke, d aft 1695. She & Tobias Saunders had John, Edward, Stephen, Benjamin & Susanna.

Mary m Tobias Saunders bef 19 Dec 1674. Tobias d c1695.

Sources:
Babcock & Allied Families, de Forest
Colonial Families of USA
160 Allied Families.
De Forest: Tobias Saunders. Will probated 2 Sep 1695.
160 Families: Tobias Saunders, d 1695.

x Elizabeth Clarke

Sources:
Potter-Richardson Meml
Colonial Families of USA

Families: Elizabeth Clarke, m Rev William Peckham.
Meml: Elizabeth Clarke, m Rev William Peckham, son of John.

Elizabeth m Rev William Peckham, son of Sir John Peckham & Mary Clarke, c1675. William b c1647, d 2 Jun 1734.

He m1------, c1641 Newport, Newport, RI. Res: Newport, RI. Tobias Saunders of Westerly in his will, dated 9 Aug 1688, mentions "cousin Jos Clarke," prob son of Jos Clarke. Jos Clarke Jr. was neighbor & assoc of Tobias, who bade Clarke & John Maxson Sr assist his widow as administratrix. "Cousin" was often used to denote nephew, this would mean Jos Clarke's 1st wife was sis to Tobias Saunders. However, Joseph Clarke Jr was also true cousin to Mary (Peckham) Saunders, Tobias's wife & dtr of John & Mary (Clarke) Peckham, & Saunders may have been referring to him in that sense.

Sources:
J O Austin, "Genealogical Dict of RI" NY, 1887 [1982], p 173
L P Bates, "Saunders-Peckham" NEHGR, Vol 63 (1909), p 198

---

They had following children:
i. Joseph, b 11 Feb 1642/1643 Newport, Newport, RI, m1 Bethiah Hubbard
ii. John, b c1645 Newport, Newport, RI, m1 Rebecca ——.
iii. William, b c1647 Newport, Newport, RI, m Hannah Weeden
iv. Susannah, b c1650 Newport, Newport, RI, d aft 1674. She may have m bef 19 Dec 1674, as maiden name is crossed out in list of Jos Clarke's children attached to will of Thos Clarke
v. Mary, b c1652 Newport, Newport, RI, m Wm Peckham

Jos Clarke m2 Margaret---, c1656 Newport, Newport, RI. She d 1694 Newport, Newport, RI. Res: Newport, Newport, RI. Margaret Clarke, wife of Jos Clarke, was mentioned in will of bro-in-law, Thos Clarke, dated 28 Jul 1674, & Jos Clarke is said to have 2 wives in will of other brother, John Clarke, dated 20 Apr 1676. Therefore, Margaret must have been 2nd wife. 25 Sep 1685, Jos Clarke of Newport, & wife, Margaret, sold 1/54th pt of Conanicut Island, consisting of 89 acres, & 1/54th pt of Dutch Island to Francis Brinley of Newport for £100. Several 2ndary sources list her as Margaret Turner, but no known evidence to support this contention.

Sources:
J. O. Austin, Genealogical Dictionary of RI, NY, 1887 [1982], p 47
G. A .Morrison, Clarke Families of RI, Evening Post Printing House, NY, 1902
RI Land Evidences, 1648-1696 RI Hist Soc, Providence, p 56-57
Town of Jamestown, Land Evidence, Vol 1 (1680-1739)" FHL Film #0946901, p 69-70

They had following children:
i. ------(Son), b c1657 Newport, Newport, RI, d 1662 Newport, Newport, RI
ii. Joshua, b c1660 Newport, Newport, RI, m Alice Phillips
iii. Sarah, b 29 Jan 1663/4 Newport, Newport, RI, m Thos Reynolds
iv. Thomas, b c1666 Newport, Newport, RI, m Elizabeth---
v. Carew, b c1668 Newport, Newport, RI, m Anne Dyer
vi. Elizabeth, b c1670 Newport, Newport, RI

Sailed from Eng c1637. Settled in Aquidneck, at Newport, RI, 1638. Was lrg landowner, asst in 1658 & deputy, 1668-1672 & 1690. Made freeman 3/17/1641. Orig mbr of 1st Baptist Church at Newport. Name appeared on Royal Charter sent to RI by King Chas II. Came to MA w/Puritans but was Baptist & soon moved to RI. Mbr of Genl Crt 1640.

From findagrave.com:
Birth: 1618
Death: Jun 1 1694, RI, USA
Wife was Margaret. Father b in Eng
Burial: Swan Pt Cem, Providence, Providence Co, RI <— Joseph was not interred here. There's a family memorial at this cemetery with his name included. See: Rhode Island Historic Cemeteries.

SOURCE 1: History of SDB in Rhode Island
http://www.lauricellas.com/clint/johnmsrn.htm

Brief History of a few Early Settlers of Rhode Island and some of their Descendants
by Mary S. Andrews
Farina, Illinois, 1910
Copyist - Daisy (Vincent) Schrader
June 5, 1926 Milton Junction, WI

Introductory
In preparing the following history I am indebted to "Seventh Day Baptists" in Europe and America, the "Seventh Day Baptist Memorial", and the friends who have sent extracts from Rhode Island histories and from family records.

On nearly every point, more than one authority has been consulted and no important difference found, which indicates that these records following may be relied on for accuracy. Great care has been used in copying to avoid mistakes. It is a matter of regret that in some instances more complete records could not be obtained.

Mary S. Andrews
Florina, IL, August 17,1910

The First Baptist Church in America

The Pilgrims landed from the Mayflower December 20,1620, upon a rock of granite, on the shore of what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts. This marks the date of the founding of Christianity on American soil.

Roger Williams, son of William Williams, was born in Wales in 1606. With his wife Mary, he came from England and landed in Boston, February 5,1631. In 1635 Roger was banished from the Plymouth colony where he had been assistant pastor to Ralph Smith, because of difference in religious belief. With some followers he made a settlement in what is now Rhode Island, in 1636, and called it Providence. In March 1639 they organized a church, the first Baptist Church in America. It is still in existence, and is now known as the First Baptist Church of Providence.

This church was organized with 12 members.

The Second Baptist Church in America

Dr. William Clarke was born at Westhorpe, Suffolk County, England, October 8,1609 and died at Newport, RI, April 20, 1676. He was a physician in London, educated at Cambridge University. He arrived at Boston, with his wife, Elizabeth Harges, in November of 1637. He was soon allowed to leave the Boston colony because of his religious beliefs. After some time he went to Providence, and with the help of Roger Williams he and his followers purchased island of Aquidneck, later called Rhode Island, for their future home. The first settlement was made in 1638 at Pocasset, later called Portsmounth, and Dr. Clarke began preaching for them. In 1639 members of the colony took steps to make a settlement at Newport. In 1644 he founded at Newport, the Second Baptist Church in America, and became its pastor. In 1648 this church had but 15 members, including Dr. John Clarke, pastor, Thomas Clarke, Joseph Clarke and Samuel Hubbard.

The First Seventh Day Baptist Church in America

In 1664, or probably in 1665, new style, Stephen Mumford and his wife came from England to Newport, probably sent as Missionaries. They were members of the Belle Lane S.D.B. Church of London. Through his efforts several members of John Clarke's church at Newport embraced the Sabbath, the first convent to the Sabbath in America being Tacy (Cooper) Hubbard.

Samuel Hubbard was born at Mendelsham, Eighty miles northwest of London, in Suffolk Co., in 1610, the youngest of seven children. He came from Trekesbury in 1633, and settled at Salem, Massachusetts. In the autumn of 1635 he removed in a company of settlers, to the Valley of the Connecticut River. In the spring of 1636 he married Tacy Cooper, who was also of the company of settlers. Samuel and Tacy settled at Weathersfield and later moved to Newport. Before removing with her parents, to the valley of the Connecticut River, Tacy Cooper lived at Dorchester, and was a member of the church at Dorchester. After their removal to Newport, Samuel and Tacy joined Dr. John Clarke's church.

The following is taken from Samuel Hubbard's Journal, (old style calendar): "My Wife took up keeping of the Lord's holy 7th day, April, 1665: Our daughter Ruth, October 25, 1666: Rachel, January 15, 1666: Bethiah, February, 1666: our son Joseph Clarke, February 23, 1666." Their daughter, Rachel Langworthy was the third convert, Samuel Hubbard having embraced the sabbathe three weeks after his wife embraced it. Roger Baster followed. Then William Hiscox, both in 1666. These five all lived at Newport and were members of Dr. John Clarke's church in which, for some years, they continued their membership. With Stephen Mumford and wife, these five organized at Newport the first S.D.B Church in America. December 23, 1671, old style calendar, or January 3, 1672, new style. Samuel Hubbard made the following entry in his journal: "We entered into a church covenant the 23rd day of December, 1671. Wm. Hiscox, Stephen Mumford, Samuel Hubbard, Roger Baster, Sister Hubbard, Sister Mumford, Sister Rachel Langworthy." Joseph Clarke. Sr., and his wife Bethiah Hubbard, and Robert Burdick and his wife Ruth, who was also Samuel Hubbard's daughter, and Mrs. John Maxson Sr. all of whom were living in Misquanicut: Joseph and Bethiah Clarke soon following. The first pastor or leading elder of the Newport church was Wm. Hiscox, who was born in 1638. He served as pastor 33 years. In his journal, Samuel Hubbard states that Stephen Mumford returned to England and brought Return to America with him, Wm. Gibson who came from the Belle Lane church, with his wife and two children, in 1675, Wm. Gibson was second pastor of the Newport church, serving from 1704 - 1717. The third pastor was Joseph Crandall, a convert to the Sabbath, of Westerly, son of Elder John Crandall of Westerly, who was the first minister converted to the Sabbath in America. His wife (John's) was the first S.D.B. to die in America. Elder John Crandall was an elder in Dr. John Clarke's church at the time of his conversion to the Sabbath.

For some time the church at Newport had no official name, it was sometimes called The Church of Rhode Island and Westerly. Sometimes The Church.

In November 1887 the Historical Society moved the Church to a safer location, fearing fires. Thomas Hubbard of England was the grand father of Samuel Hubbard, is not known to have been a Sabbath keeper, but for the truth's sake he was burned at the stake March 26, 1555, in the reign of Bloody Mary, Queen of England. The father of Samuel Hubbard was James Hubbard. The father of James Hubbard was Thomas Hubbard, Samuel's mother was Naomi, daughter of Thomas Cocke, England, Thomas Cocke had a Testament, printed in 1549, which was afterward owned by Samuel Hubbard.

The Second S.D.B. Church in America

A tract of land, called Misquanicut, meaning Salmon, extending about fifteen miles northward from the ocean, and ten miles eastward from Pawcatuck river, was purchased of Sosa, and Indian captain of the Narragansetts in 1661, by a company formed at Newport. Robert Burdick, Tobias Saunders and Joseph Clarke Sr., were the first settlers in 1661.

John Maxson soon followed. He married Mary Mosher, Daughter of Hogh Mosher who was one of the Purchasers of Misquanicut. Elder John Crandall soon followed.

These all soon embraced the Sabbath, and joined the church at Newport. The first settlers of Misquanicut found it a thin, sandy and stony soil, covered with dense forests, without roads, inhabited by wild and ravenous beasts, such as bears, wolves and wild cats. Indians troubled them for twenty years. They made clearings and built one room log cabins, some of them half buried in the earth, usually near springs of running water. They had wide fireplaces, and rough homemade furniture and homespun clothes. After a little time their farms were surrounded and subdivided with stone walls.

Massachusetts and Connecticut both claimed Misquamicut. Tobias Saunders and Robert Burdick were arrested, and carried to Boston and committed to jail for probably more than a year. Joseph Clarke was also imprisoned in Hartford, Connecticut. Elder John Crandall, whose wife was Elizabeth, daughter of the famous Samuel Gorton, was persecuted and imprisoned in Boston for his Baptist beliefs. He was one of the purchasers and first settlers of Misquamicut. Died about 1676.

Question of ownership was not permanently settled for more than forty years.

Arnold's history of R.I. in speaking of the above mentioned Saunders, Burdick and Clarke, says "Had it not been for the steadfast fight of these men, Rhode Island would not have held the territory." It would in the event, have belonged to Massachusetts or Connecticut instead of RI. "the state that bears distinction of being the first to establish religious liberty."

In May 1669, the name Misqumicut was changed to Westerly, when it was incorporated as a town (township) the fifth in the colony, (or state) with only twenty four freemen.

The Seventh Day Baptists in Westerly, though having a meeting house in Westerly, kept their membership in the Newport church until set off as a separate church in 1708. The church records state that "The church at the General Meeting held September 28, 1708 (new style) in the old Westerly meeting house, passed an act making two churches." after being considered one church for nearly forty years. Just previous to this date a business meeting was held at the home of Elder John Maxson, Jr. "to hear and consider the letter received from the Newport church in regard to permitting the members at Westerly to separate from the Mother Church."

Both sides agreed to the proposition, at that meeting. The Westerly church is usually considered the Second S.D.B Church in America, though not organized as a separate church until September 28, 1708. At the division, the Newport church retained forty one members: the Westerly church Seventy two, including John Maxson, Sr., and Joseph Clarke Jr., and Joseph Maxson.

The first six pastors of this church were first chosen deacons, then elders, then leading elders (or pastors). It was expected that a deacon would become an elder. John Maxson Sr. was the first pastor, after the organization. He was seventy years old at the time of his ordination, and served twelve years, until his death in 1720. Of his ordination Samuel Hubbard says in his journal: "The 20th of said month our beloved brother John Maxson Sr., was ordained to the place and office of an elder of the congregation in and about Westerly by fasting and prayer and laying on of hands." In 1712, Joseph Clarke Jr., was ordained elder to be his assistant.

The first eight pastors of these churches were called "leading Elders"; beginning with the ninth, Daniel Coon, they were called pastors.

The pastorates of the early pastors, or leading elders were as follows:
John Maxson, Pastor for 12 years from 1708 to 1720:—
John Maxson Jr., Pastor for 27 years from 1720 to 1747
Joseph Maxson, Pastor for 3 years from 1747 to 1750
Thomas Hiscox, Pastor for 23 years from 1750 to 1773
Josuha Clarke, pastor for 20 years from 1773 to 1793
John Burdick, Pastor for 9 years from 1793 to 1802
Abram Coon, Pastor for 11 years from 1802 to 1813
Mathew Stillman, Pastor for 25 years from 1813 to 1838
Daniel Coon, Pastor for 14 years from 1838 to 1853

The ministers' Monument in the old cemetery of this church was dedicated August 28, 1899. It marks the spot where the meeting house stood from 1680 to 1852. As well as memorializing the pastors who served the church from 1708 to 1852. It is made of Westerly granite and is twenty five feet high.

It was erected largely through the generosity of the misses Maria L. and Harriet W. Potter, though for some years the church had planned the erection of such a monument. Upon its north face is the following inscription: "1680 - 1899

This Monument is a memorial to the early pastors of the Second Seventh Day Baptist Church in America. Whose remains lie buried with in the enclosing circle. They were stalwart men and sound preachers. They fought a good fight and kept the faith. Upon this spot stood the house of worship from 1680 to 1852"

Upon the West face is the following:
"Thomas Hiscox, 1686-1773
John Burdick, 1732-1802
Joseph Maxson, 1672-1750
Abram Coon, 1763-1813
Mathew Stillman, 1770-1838
Daniel Coon, 1792-1858"

Upon the east face the following:
"Joseph Clarke Jr., 1670-1719
John Maxson, 1638-1720
John Maxson Jr., 1666-1747
Thomas Clarke, 1686-1767
Joshua Clarke, 1717-1793."

Each grave has a marker bearing the initial letters for the respective names upon the monument. The pastors' wives buried here are as follows:
Mary, wife of John Maxson, 1640-1718
Hannah, wife of Joshua Clarke, 1718-1808
Prudence, wife of Abram Coon, 1762-1821
Elizabeth, wife of Matthew Stillman, 1775- 1855

The remains of these early pastors were originally buried at various places, those of Thomas Hiscox could not be found, but the others were, and were removed to the "Circle" in 1883, and in June 1884 those of Joseph Clarke Jr., John Maxson and Mary his wife, John Maxson Jr., Joseph Maxson, and others were brought from an old burying ground on the south side of the Pawcatuck river, about three quarters of a mile above the meeting house bridge. Others were brought from other parts of this somae cemetery and placed in the "Circle".

Maxson Pedigree
1. Richard Maxson
2. John Maxson, Sr.
3. John Maxson Jr.
4. John Maxson
5. David Maxson
(6) Elanor (Maxson) Vincint and (6) Elizabeth (Maxson) Stillman
7. David Vincint 7. Betsy (Stillman)Coon
8. Elanor (Vincint) Andrews 8. Almeda (Coon) Andrews
9. Mary Andrews 9. T. P. Andrews
10. Mary Andrews

The Maxson Family

The name in the old country was probably spelled Maxtone or Maxton, as many families of that name are found in England and Scotland: Some also spell it in the American way. Dr. E. R. of Syracuse, N. Y., believes, as do many others, that the Maxson originally came from Scotland. He visited Scotland in 1867, and a gentleman there insisted on spelling his name Maxton. There is a village in Scotland, a few miles from the Tweed river, called Maxton. Tradition says the Maxsons are of royal descent. There is a Macson Coat of arms on which is the picture of a bee, with the Latin inscription "Ptoviders esto", Be Provident.

(1) Richard Maxson and his wife, who came from England, were the ancestors of all the Seventh-Day Baptist Maxsons in this country. His wife's Christian name was Goodwife, her surname now unknown in Boston in 1634, where he was a blacksmith and worked for James Everill. He is shown by the R.I. Colonial Records to have a resident of the town of Portsmouth, R.I. as early as 1638. He was amongst the list of freemen who settled Newport, at the south end of the island, the same year, getting in the original division of the land. 36 acres, as the deeds show. In 1643 his wife is mentioned as "Goodwife Maxson, widow of Richard Maxson." It is supposed that he and his son Richard were killed by Indians, that his widow escaped, with others, in an open boat, and that her son John was born soon afterward, in 1638. Several authorities state that he was the first white child born on the island of Rhode Island. In 1661 John joined a company formed at Newport for the purchase and Settlement of the tract of land called Misquanicut.

(2) John Maxson, born in 1638. Married Mary, the daughter of Hugh Mosher, who was also one of the purchasers of Misquanicut. She was born in 1640. Soon after settling in Mesquanicut, John and Mary Maxson embraced the Sabbath, and joined the church at Newport. When the Westerly congregation was set off as a separate church he was ordained to be its first pastor and served until his death, December 17, 1720. His wife died February 2, 1718. They had seven children, Tacy, John Jr., Joseph, and Jonathan, Dorothy, Mary, and Hannah.

John Maxson, Sr., represented Westerly in the Colonial Assembly in 1670, 1686, 1687, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1693, 1705. He and his wife were buried in the Clarke burying ground, near the old meeting house. His grave was marked with a blue slate stone, upon which was the following inscription: "Here lieth the body of John Maxson, died Dec. ye 17, 1720, in the 82nd year of his age." In 1884 their remains were removed to the "Circle".

(3) John Maxson, Jr. was born in 1666, and was married in 1687 to Judith, the daughter of Joseph and Bethiah (Hubbard) Clarke. John and Judith were baptized and joined the Newport S.D.B. church July 31, 1692. August 21, 1712 he was ordained deacon in the Westerly church, as they were members of that church after it was set off from the Newport church. At the time he was ordained deacon Joseph Clarke, Jr., was ordained Elder to be an assistant to John Maxson, Sr. July 5, 1719, he was ordained elder in the Westerly meeting house by Elder Joseph Crandall who lived in Westerly and was pastor of the Newport church. At the ordination, the laying on of hands was done by Joseph Crandall, Joseph Clarke, Sr., and Peter Barker.

In 1720, he became pastor of the Westerly church, following his father. he served as pastor for twenty seven years, until his death in July 1747. In 1739 his brother Joseph was ordained Elder to assist him. John, Jr., was an extensive land holder in Westerly. He represented Westerly in the Colonial Assembly in 1742, 1743, and 1744.

[John and Judith] had ten children:
1. Judith born in 1689
2. Mary born in 1691
3. Bethiah born in 1693
4. Elizabeth born in November 7, 1695
5. Joseph born in 1709
6. Hannah born in 1698
7. John born in 1701
8. Dorothy born in 1703
9. Susan born in 1706
10. Avis born in 1712

Elizabeth, daughter of John Maxson, Jr. married Elder John Davis whose father, Elder Wm. Davis, came from Wales. They had nine children, Elizabeth, William, Martha, John, Joseph, Anna, Judith, Experience, Mary. Mary was called Molly, and married Elisha, son of Geo. Stillman II.

(5) In the Revolutionary War, David Maxson was appointed Deputy by the General assembly to procure ammunition for the colony of R.I. He was Deputy from 1781 to 1783. He made bullets. In 1777 was in the alarm list. Made bullets 1775 to 1776.

David Maxson was born at Westerly, July 24, 1729. he married Abigail Greenman, daughter of Edward and Sarah (Clark) Greenman.

[David and Abigail] had ten children, born at Westerly:
1. Silas born December 29, 1750, married Sarah Clarke.
2. Asa born March 6, 1752, married Lois Stillman
3. Elizabeth born July 14, 1754, married Joseph Stillman
4. Paul born August 2, 1757, married Susannah Stillman
5. Chloe born October 15, 1759 married Samuel Clarke
6. Wealthy born March 9, 1762 married Wait Stillman b. 1758 d. 1839
7. Sarah born December 223, 1763, married Geo. Stillman
8. David born August 29, 1766, married Sarah Greenman
9. Elanor born 1769, married Joshua Vincent
10. Abigail born ——

David Maxson and his wife Abigail, were baptized and joined the Westerly S.D.B. church August 4, 1753. Their daughter Elizabeth joined in 1771. Chloe in 1779, Wealthy in 1780, Elanor and Abigail March 25, 1886. Paul and David April 8, 1786.

David Maxson represented Westerly in the Colonial Assembly in 1765, 1781, and 1783. He was a farmer, and has been said to have been buried on his farm near Westerly. He died about 1786. His wife died March 5, 1812 and is buried in the village cemetery neat Petersburg, N.Y.

The town of Westerly, "April 17, 1776 - Voted that Mr. David Maxson be paid 32 shillings for bringing the Powder and Lead from the town of Providence.

June 4, 1776, - Voted that the store of Lead now in this town be run into bullets for firearms of several sizes, and Mr. David Maxson is appointed to run the same as soon as may be.

Asa Maxson, son of David was 92 years old when he died, was buried in the Union Cemetery at Adams Center, N.Y. where his son David is also buried, as was a soldier of the American Revolution and his grave is marked with an Rev. Shield. Such as is used to mark and honor the graves of soldiers that served in that war. Asa's son David had a son Lorenzo, who lived at Farina, IL. And a son, E.R. Maxson who lives with his son E.S. at Syracuse , N.Y. Asa's daughter Polly married a Whitford, and had a son, Asa Maxson Whitford, and a son Edward M. Whitford, both of whom lived at Farina.

Wealthy Maxson, Daughter of David, married Wait Stillman and had a son Ephrian, who had a daughter, Mary (Stillman) Watson.

(6) Elizabeth, daughter of David Maxson, married Joseph Stillman, their daughter Betsy married Aaron Coon, and had a daughter, Almeda, who married Daniel Andrews, the father of T.P. Andrews.

Daniel Scranton Andrews was born at Westerly R.I. November 10, 1807, died December 11, 1887. He was married at Petersburg N.Y. to Almeda Coon, February 1833. She was born July 6, 1811 and died February 7, 1888.

They had eight children:
1. Almerion Daniel, born at Petersburg in 1834, died 1853.
2. William Fisher, born at Adams, April 9, 1836.
3. Torner Philetus, born at Adams, January 23, 1839, died May 5, 1912.
4/5. Marion a daughter born at Adams 1841 and Manford a daughter born at Adams 1841 both died 1843, they were twins.
6. Charles Henry, born at Watson, March 8, 1846, died April 22, 1903 married Marinda Almeda who died September 17, 1899.
7. Hezikiah, who died October 30, 1860. (6)
8. Elanor, daughter of David Maxson, married Joshua Vincent, and had a son David, whose daughter, Elanor Vincent married T.P. Andrews.

In 1661, John Maxson with others formed a company at Newport for purchasing and settling a tract of land called by the Indians Misquamcut which now comprises Westerly, Charlestown, and Hopkinton, R.I. He was married about 1665 and was made freeman at Westerly Oct. 29, 1668. He served as deputy to the general assembly from Westerly 1670, 1686, 1690, and 1705. He was overseer of the poor in 1687. The colony of Westerly had connected itself as a branch to the Nowport Seventh Day Baptist Church of which William Hiscox was pastor. John Maxson was a member of this branch church before 1692. In 1708 the Westerly branch was made a separate church. Sept. 20, 1708 John Maxson Sr. was ordained to the office of Elder (pastor) to the congregation in and about Westerly, now called the First Hopkinton S.D.B.C. at Ashway, R.I.

John Maxson made his will Jan. 22, 1716 which was probated Feb. 16, 1721. He was buried in the Clark burying ground near the Paytucket River where on a slate stone was the following inscription: "Here lieth the body of John Maxson, died Dec. 17, 1720 in the 82nd year of his life." The early ministers of the First Hopkinton church have been reinterred on the spot where the church stood and a monument has been erected to their memory.

John was the first Caucasian child born in Aquetneck, Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

SOURCE 2: The Burdicks of Rhode Island and Connecticut

My Burdick ancestry begins with my maternal grandmother, Bertha Melissa Burdick, who was a ninth generation descendant of Robert Burdick, the immigrant ancestor of the Burdick family who came to Newport, Rhode Island from England in 1651. Robert Burdick was admitted a Freeman of Newport on May 22, 1655, and a Freeman of the Colony of Rhode Island on May 20, 1657. He married Ruth Hubbard, the first white child born at Agawam (now Springfield), Massachusetts on November 2, 1655.

Robert Burdick gained early notoriety during a land dispute between the colonies of Rhode Island and Massachusetts over a tract of land known as the Pequot Country -- land taken by the English colonists in the Pequot War of 1637 -- which is now situated, largely, within New London County, Connecticut. Boundary disputes had been going on for some time between Massachusetts and Connecticut over land within the Pequot Country, but the conflict in this instance was primarily between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The dispute was centered upon a small settlement located in Pequot Country, between Mystic and Pawcatuck, which, in 1658 was named Southertown, and which, today is mostly contained within Stonington, Connecticut and a small part of Westerly, Rhode Island. In October 1658, the colony of Massachusetts laid claim to this settlement, declared it to be a plantation with the name of Southertown, annexed it to Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and appointed special commissioners and a constable to administer the new plantation.

In the meantime, the colony of Rhode Island purchased land in a transaction known as the Westerly Purchase to add to its Narrangansett settlement. Included in the Westerly Purchase was some of the land within the boundaries of Southertown. A group of Rhode Islanders, including the Newport farmer, Robert Burdick, and his neighbors Tobias Saunders and Joseph Clarke, laid claim within the new settlement. In retaliation for the Massachusetts claim to Southertown, the Rhode Island Assembly sent out the warning to all settlers within the area of dispute that their land would be confiscated if they put it under the governance of another colonial government (e.g. Massachusetts).

On September 30, 1661, William Cheseborough, an early settler of Southertown from Plymouth Colony, testified before the General Court of Massachusetts of his concern that some thirty-six inhabitants of Rhode Island had come into Southertown and had divided and laid out lots. The General Court of Massachusetts issued a warrant to apprehend the Rhode Island men who had settled in Southertown. A stand-off ensued, and Robert Burdick, Tobias Saunders and Joseph Clarke were arrested (although Joseph Clarke was "upon extraordinary occasion ... set at liberty.") For two years, the colony of Rhode Island attempted, unsuccessfully, to negotiate the release of Burdick and Saunders. As a last resort, Rhode Island authorities abducted two Massachusetts officials, who were then exchanged for the release of Robert Burdick and Tobias Saunders.

The issuance of the Charter of Connecticut by King Charles II on April 25, 1662 fixed the eastern boundary of Connecticut at the Pawcatuck River. Southertown was situated within this boundary, and thus under the jurisdiction of Connecticut. Later, the British Crown settled the conflict by dividing the disputed land between Connecticut and Rhode Island. The land where Robert Burdick had settled was awarded to Rhode Island, and became part of the area known as Westerly. The land that was awarded to Connecticut became part of the area known as Stonington.

After his release from prison, Robert Burdick settled on the same land he was taken from and inprisoned over. He and his wife, Ruth, had eleven children, nine of whom survived to adulthood and had children of their own. He served as a deputy to the General Court of Rhode Island from Westerly for the years 1680, 1683 and 1685, and he was one of the earliest members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church (the Sabbatarians).

My two lines of descent from Robert and Ruth (Hubbard) Burdick, down to my maternal grandmother, is as follows:

Line One
1. Robert BURDICK 1633 - Aft. 1704 + Ruth HUBBARD 1639/40 -
2. Samuel BURDICK Abt. 1668 - 1756 + Mary FOSTER 1675 - 1768
3. Thomas BURDICK Abt. 1699 - Aft. 1761 + Dorothy MAXSON 1703 - 1740-1748
4. Stephen BURDICK Abt. 1736 - Aft. 1807 + Mary CHURCH Abt. 1742 - 1832
5[2]. Joel BURDICK Abt. 1763 - 1828 + [1] Sarah CRANDALL 1767 - 1863
6. Rowland BURDICK 1789 - Aft. 1870 + Lydia GEER 1792 - 1851
7. Abel BURDICK 1836 - 1926 + Susan M. PHILLIPS 1846 - 1917
8. Frank R. BURDICK 1885 - 1960 + Sarah H. CLARK 1884 - 1955
9. Bertha M. BURDICK 1912 - 1976

Line Two
1. Robert BURDICK 1633 - Aft. 1704 + Ruth HUBBARD 1639/40 -
2[3]. Deborah H. BURDICK Abt. 1662 - ? + [4] Rev. Joseph CRANDALL Abt. 1661 - 1737
3. Joseph CRANDALL 1684 - 1749/50 + Ann LANGWORTHY Abt. 1690 - 1773
4. Benjamin CRANDALL 1736 - 1793 + Alice KENYON 1736 - 1836
5[1]. Sarah CRANDALL 1767 - 1863 + [2] Joel BURDICK Abt. 1763 - 1828
6. Rowland BURDICK 1789 - Aft. 1870 + Lydia GEER 1792 - 1851
7. Abel BURDICK 1836 - 1926 + Susan M. PHILLIPS 1846 - 1917
8. Frank R. BURDICK 1885 - 1960 + Sarah H. CLARK 1884 - 1955
9. Bertha M. BURDICK 1912 - 1976

Most of the links on this table are not yet active, but they will be soon. This page is a work in progress and I update it frequently. Make sure to come back and visit, and when you do, click on your "refresh" button to make sure you recieve the most up-to-date information. Thanks!

Frank Rowland Burdick & Sarah Hannah Clark of Canterbury and Waterford, CT.

Abel Burdick & Susan M. Phillips of Griswold and Hampton, ConnecticutRowland Burdick & Lydia Geer of Hopkinton, Rhode Island and Griswold, ConnecticutJoel Burdick & Sarah Crandall of Hopkinton, Rhode IslandStephen Burdick & Mary Church of Hopkinton, Rhode Island (and Clifford. PA.)Thomas Burdick & Dorothy Maxson of Westerly, Rhode IslandSamuel Burdick & Mary Foster of Westerly, Rhode IslandDeborah Burdick & Rev. Joseph Crandall of Westerly, Rhode Island (second line)Robert Burdick & Ruth Hubbard of Westerly, Rhode Island

SOURCES
– The Descendants of Robert Burdick of Rhode Island by Nellie Williard Johnson. The Syracuse Typesetting Co., Inc. Syracuse, N.Y., 1937.
– History of the Town of Stonington, County of New London, Connecticut, from its First Settlement in 1649 to 1900 by Richard Anson Wheeler. Press of the Day Publishing Company, New London, Connecticut, 1900.

My New England Ancestry
Contact me, Sally, at
cscox@gci.net
http://hylbom.com/family/paternal-lines/paternal-cl-to-du/clarke-1344/

Rhode Island Timeline

• Time-line to use in fleshing out background of RI ancestors' lives. By no means exhaustive or representative of rich history of region. Primarily focuses on founding of earliest towns in RI & New Eng, as well as other significant social, political, & religious events in region.
• 1500-1638 Aquidneck contested ground & hunting lands of Wampanoags & Narragansetts.
• 1524 Giovanni da Verrazzano, Italian explorer working for French, explores Aquidneck & Narragansett Bay.
• 1614 Adriaen Block, Dutch explorer, visits & maps RI region.
• 1620 Pilgrims found Plymouth Colony.
• 1630 Puritans found Boston & MA Bay Colony.
• 1634 or 1635 Wm Blackstone leaves Boston & settles in what is now Cumberland, RI, on banks of Blackstone Riv, claimed by Rehoboth, MA.
• 1635 Oct 9 Roger Williams banished by MA Genl Crt.
• 1636 Jan Roger Williams flees Salem; buys land on east bank of Seekonk Riv from Massasoit (Ousamequin) of Wampanoag.
• Jun Roger Williams crosses Seekonk & founds Providence w/others.

Thos Hooker & Puritans found Hartford & CT Colony.

• 1637 Aug 20 Providence compact signed.
• 1637 Nov 30 Antinomians & others disarmed at Boston.
• Abt this yr, Richard Smith establishes trading post at Cocumscussoc (Wickford) in Narragansett Country.

Roger Williams & Gov John Winthrop purchase Prudence Island & Patience Island.

• 1638 Mar 7 Pocasset (Portsmouth) Compact signed (prob at Boston?).
• 1638 Mar 24 Roger Williams obtains deed from Canonicus & Miantonomi for Providence lands; William Coddington & friends buy Aquidneck from Canonicus & Miantonomi.
• 1638 May 13 1st mtg at Pocasset, mtg house ordered built.
• 1639 Oct 8 Roger Williams deeds lands at Providence to others.
• 1638 Dec 18 Samuel Gorton ordered to leave Plymouth Colony. Pawtuxet inhabited.

Protestants found New Haven & Quinnipiac Colony.

• 1639 Mar 16 1st Baptist church established at Providence.
• 1639 Apr 28 Coddington & others split from Hutchinsons, resolve to form new town.
• 1639 Apr 30 Samuel Gorton at Portsmouth.
• 1639 May 16 1st mtg at Newport & its bounds defined (incl Conanicut Island).
• 1639 May 20 Inhabitants of Newport admitted.
• 1639 Jun 5 Newport lands proportioned. Fundamental Orders of Connecticut signed at Hartford.
• 1640 Mar 8 Saml Gorton at Providence.
• 1640 Jul 27 Providence men sign agreement to form govt.
• 1640 Jul Dividing line bet Providence & Pawtuxet established.
• 1641 Mar 12 Pocasset renamed Portsmouth, unites w/Newport.
• 1641 Nov 17 Samuel Gorton at Pawtuxet
• 1642 Sep 8 Pawtuxet subjects itself to MA authority (until 1658).

Roger Williams sent to Eng to obtain charter (returns successful in 1644).

• 1643 Jan 12 Saml Gorton & others have deed of Shawomet from Miantonomi.
• 1644 Dr John Clarke organizes 1st Baptist Church at Newport.
• 1646 Saml Gorton & others obtain protection for Shawomet, renamed Warwick, while on mission to Eng.
• 1647 May 19 Providence, Warwick, Portsmouth & Newport unite.
• 1649 Jan Coddington goes to Eng & secures commission as Gov for life.
• 1651 Providence & Warwick split from Newport & Portsmouth.

Roger Williams & Dr John Clarke sent to Eng to obtain new charter.

• 1654 Roger Williams returns from Eng; 4 towns re-unite.
• 1656 Quakers arrive on Aquidneck. 2nd Baptist Church founded in Newport.
• 1657 Jan 20 Native sachems deed land in Narragansett called Pettaquamscott (later Kings Town) to Saml Wilbur & others.
• Apr 15 Deed obtained for Conanicut Island & Dutch Island.
• 1658 May 22 Benedict Arnold & John Greene purchase Goat Island, Coaster's Harbor Island, & Dyer's Island from Cachanaquant, Chief Sachem of Narragansetts. Pawtuxet reunited to Providence.
• 1660 Jan 29 Hugh Mosher & others obtain deed for Misquamicut (Westerly) from sachem Socho, who had been given land by Conanicus & Miantonomi for driving off Pequot in 1637.
• 1660 Aug 27 Block Island bought.
• 1661 Apr Settlers arr on Block Island & found New Shoreham. Sep Lands at Misquamicut (Westerly) divided.
• 1661 Nov CT begins harassment of Westerly settlers.
• 1663 Jul 3 Residents of Wickford place themselves under CT jurisdiction.
• Jul 28 Dr John Clarke obtains charter for Colony of RI & Providence Plantations from Charles II, & returns to RI.
• 1668 May 4 Residents of Wickford request CT provide protection for their govt.
• 1671 Dec 23 Saml Hubbard & others form 7th Day Baptist congregation.
• 1675 Jun Outbreak of King Philips War.
• 1675 Dec 19 Narragansett (Great) Swamp Fight; 1000+ natives & 200 Eng killed.
• 1676 Aug 12 King Philip (Metacom, son of Massasoit of Wampanoag) killed in battle near Mt Hope.
• 1677 Oct 31 East Greenwich grant.
• 1678 Jamestown incorporated on Conanicut Island.
• 1679 Jul 29 Residents of Narragansett (Wickford) petition King to put end to differences in govt of their town.
• 1680 Committee is formed to codify laws of colony.
• 1681 Sep 1 Settlement at Mt Hope named Bristol.
• 1682 Jun 2 Saconett renamed Little Compton.
• 1683 Aug 22 Gov Cranfield of NH holds assembly at Richard Smith's in Wickford.
• 1687 Jan 12 Sir Edmund Andros dissolves Charter & RI becomes part of Dominion of New Eng. Towns of Kings Province re-named: Rochester (Kingstown), Haversham (Westerly), & Dedford (East Greenwich).
• 1689 Jul 3 French privateers plunder New Shoreham on Block Island. Charter govt resurrected.
• 1708 Assembly begins to order sale of several large tracts of vacant land in Narragansett, to be pt of Kings Town.
• 1722 Kings Town split into N Kingstown & S Kingstown.
• 1738 Charlestown set off from Westerly.
• 1747 Richmond set off from Charlestown.

Sources

1. Bartlett, John Russell, ed. Records of Colony of RI & Providence Plantations in New Eng. Printed by order of Genl Assembly, Providence, 1856-1862 (Reprint NY, 1968).
2. Bridenbaugh, Carl. Fat Mutton & Liberty of Conscience: Society in RI, 1636-1690. Brown Univ Press, Providence, 1974.
3. James, Sydney V. Colonial RI: Hist. Charles Scribner's Sons, NY, 1975.