Joseph Hodgkin

The Guilford Town Hall has a fragile old book that contains cattle brands from the late 1600's. In this book is recorded Joseph Hodgkin's brand with a date of 17 October 1705 and the following brand description, "a hollow crop on the near ear and a split in the top of the off ear." Joseph is listed on a "List of Freemen of the Corporation of Connecticut Colony dwelling in the Town of Guilford, and enrolled in the open Freemen's Meeting on the last Tuesday in April in the 3rd year of his Majesty Reign, 1730." Two other Hodgkin's are also listed but the Compilers copy of the list is folded on their names. On 17 September 1750 a list of Freemen, presently living in Guilford, was publish and Joseph and Thomas Hodgkin Esq. were the only two members of the family listed. On 10 March 1728/9, Joseph Hodgkin deeded to his brother Thomas a parcel of land containing 9 1/2 acres for the sum of fifty pounds current money. 

    Joseph's Will, dated 12 March 1749/5, and its numerous codicils leaves property to his "beloved wife Hannah." This information gives us a marriage after the death of Elizabeth. It also leaves property to brothers John and Abraham and sons Janna and Joseph. A later codicil, that seems to be dated in 1755 says that Joseph shall have no part of his estate and his share shall go to his "loving son Janna." This codicil would seem to challenge our death date for Joseph Jr; as he wouldn't be removed from the Will in that manner if he was already dead.