Joseph Nash

Hartford, Connecticut Probate Records, 1639-1700 about Sergt Joseph Nash

Name: Sergt Joseph Nash

Location: Hartford

Date of Will: 3 Sep 1678

Page: 7-8

Full Text: Invt. œ419-13-10. Taken 3 September, 1678, by Thomas Bull, Thomas Bunce, Nathaniel Stanly. Will dated 19 January, 1675-6.I Joseph Nash of Hartford do declare my last Will & Testament: My Will is that my just Debts be paid, & that being done, with my Funeral Charges & Necessary expenses defrayed, the remainder of my Estate I give to my wife Margaret & Sarah my only Child in such proportion & manner as is hereafter in this my Will expressed. I give to Margaret my wife 1-3 part of all my Moveable Estate both Goods & Cattle, And I give to Sarah my daughter 2-3 parts of all my Moveable Estate both Goods & Cattle: & for as much as our daughters that have been disposed of already have had the best of the Moveables, my Will is that my sd. daughter Sarah shall have in her part of the sd. Moveables the best featherbed & Boulster & two Pillows, the best Coverlet & Curtains & Furniture of the sd. Bed, & also my great Copper Kettle, also one great pewter Dish or platter (which is the bigest). These particulars first excepted, my wife to choose in the rest of the Moveables half her third part, & then the Residue to be divided according to proportion both in Quantity & Quality upon the Advice of my Overseers. I do give unto my sd. daughter Sarah my House, Houses, & all my Lands, with all Rights & Privileges belonging to them, to her & her heirs in full Right & Title, only the following caution to be observed: that for the support & Relief of my wife, my Will is, that there shall be yearly paid unto her my sd. wife, or to her Order, in Hartford, the sum of œ4 during the term of her natural life; and also, if my wife for her better support in her widowed condition shall make choice to keep the sd. Houseing & Lands in her hands, then my Will is that while she remains my Widow she shall injoy the sd. Houseing & Lands, and that my wife pay or caused to be paid unto my sd. daughter Sarah, yearly, in Hartford, œ7, and shall keep and maintain Houseing & Fences in Good repair, Also discharge all Dues both civil & ecclesiasticall. And further it is my Will, that my Lands should pay to the Ministry at the New Meeting House. My Will is that if my daughter Sarah die without Issue, that my Houses & Lands shall pass to my eldest brother, Capt. John Nash, and his heirs forever. I appoint my brother Capt. John Nash, of New Haven, Executor, and appoint Robert Webster and Andrew Benton to be Overseers.Witness: John Whiting, John White.Joseph Nash. Ls.Court Record, Page 8--17 October, 1678: Will proven.

Source: A DIGEST OF THE EARLY CONNECTICUT PROBATE RECORDS.1677 to 1687.

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Connecticut, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890 about Joseph Sgt. Nash

Name: Joseph Sgt. Nash

State: CT

County: Hartford County

Township: Hartford

Year: 1670

Record Type: Resident's List

Page: NPN

Original Database: CT 1635-1807 Misc. Records

Connecticut Census, 1790-1890. Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.

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Sergeant Joseph Nash, of Hartford, CT

Joseph Nash, or as he is uniformly styled in the rocrds at Hartford, Sergeant Joseph Nash, second son of Thomas Nash, the emigrant, b. in England, was evidently bred to his father’s trade; but as ordinary blacksmith work was much wanted among the agricultural people, it is probable that he gradually adapted his calling to the public wants. There is but little said of him in the records of New Haven. His lands are described and himself and wife are named in the seatings of the meeting-house. He was chosen corporal of the towne company 17 May, 1647, and was made ffreeman of New Haven, 7 March, 1657. He must have removed to Hartford soon after this, as he was may a freeman of the colony of Connecticut, 20 May, 1658. His first deed of land in Hartford bears date 1660. He was occasionally employed in public affairs in Harford, was elected constable in 1660,--townsman on the south side, in 1671, ---one of a committee for building a bridge over the rivulet in Aug. the same year, and one of a committee of accounts, in 1673. the office of constable in Connecticut, at that time, (it may be remarked,) was held by none but men of approved character and a more than ordinary standing in society. He was twice married, but no record is found of either marriage and the maiden names of his wives are not known. The Christian name of the (1) was Mary, and that of the (2) Margaret. It has been conjectured that one of them was a Norton from the circumstance that Francis Norton, appointed his cousin “Joseph Nash, of Harford,” one of his executors. His will was made 19 Jan. 1675-1676, and was presented at Probate Court, 17 Oct. 1678, by Capt. John Nash. The inventory amounted to L420 5s 10d. This Will casts a mist over his whole family history. It gives to his wife Margaret one-third of his property, and to “our only daughter Sarah” the remainder. And in the case of Sarah’s death without issue, the whole was to pass to his brother Capt. John Nash, of New Haven. It makes no mention of a son, and but dimly alludes to other daughters. Yet is does allude to other in such a was as to shew that there were such. “forasm uch as our daughters that have been disposed of, have had the best of the moveables,” &c. Ther are also reasons, as will be seen, amounting to all but a certainty, for believing that he had a son still living. Why he should have cut these children off, and in case of Sarah’s death without issue, have given the whole to a brother, already wealthy, it is not easy to conceive. The only rational conjectures are, either that the first wife’s children had received their portion, or that there was some feud in consequence of the (2) marriage. The latter is most probable from the entire abscission of the first children, even if Sarah should cease to want the property. No further mention has been found of the dau. Hannah or other daughters alluded to and the marriage of Sarah rests upon circumstantial evidence, though the circumstatnces are so strong as to leave very little room for doubt in relation to it. So far as the father’s intention was concerned, his name ceased at his death. Yet, it is believed that Providence did preserve him a name and posterity, in a way he did not expect. And though not numerous, they have been a highly respectable and generally a prosperous race.

The following is his genealogical record in New Haven. I John Nash, the son of Joseph Nash, was born ye 12 day of July, 1650 II Hannah Nash, daughter of Joseph nash, was born ye 21 jan 1651-2

       Mary Nash, the wife of Joseph Nash, died the 18 of Jan 1654  III        ______ Nash, the daughter of Joseph Nash, died the 18 of Jan 1654  IV        Sarah ________ daughter by 2nd wife b. at Hartford, but not recorded. 

In respect to the above record at New Haven, it appears that Mary, the wife, “dyed 25 Dec. 1654,” and the dau. Not named “dyed 18 Jan 1654.” According to the reckoning of that day the year commenced on the 25 march. Consequently the 18 Jan following the 25 Dec. would be reckoned in the same year, and not as we should now reckon it, in a new year. Hence, the child’s death was twenty-three days after that of the mother. And, as it was without name, it is conjectured that it was an infant, and that the mother died in child-bed.

It seems probable also, from the use of the pleural in the Will, that there had been one or more daughters between Hannah and this infant. But no trace of them has been found. SERGEANT JOSEPH NASH, OF HARTFORD, CT. 

HEAD OF THE ELDEE BRANCH.

(6-IV.)

Joseph Nash, or as he is uniformly styled in the records at Hartford, Sergeant Joseph Nash, second son of Thomas Nash, the emigrant, b. in England, was evidently bred to his father's trade; but as ordinary blacksmith work was much wanted among an agricultural people, it is probable that he gradually adapted his calling to the public wants.

There is but little said of him in the records of New Haven. His lands are described and himself and wife are named in the seatings of the meeting-house.

He was chosen corporal of the towne company 17 May, 1647, and was made ffreeman of New Haven, 7 March, 1657.

He must have removed to Hartford soon after this, as he was made a freeman of the colony of Connecticut, 20 May, 1658. His first deed of land in Hartford bears date 1660.

He was occasionally employed in public affairs in Hartford,—was elected constable in 1660,—townsman on the south side, in 1671,— one of a committee for building a bridge over the rivulet in Aug. the same year, and one of a committee of accounts, in 1773. The office of constable in Connecticut, at that time, (it may be remarked,) was held by none but men of approved character and a more than ordinary standing in society.

He was twice married, but no record is found of either marriage and the maiden names of his wives are not known. The Christian name of the (1) was Mary, and that of the (2) Margaret. It has been conjectured that one of them was a Norton from the circumstance that Francis Norton, appointed his cousin "Joseph Nash, of Hartford," one of his executors.

His will was made 19 Jan. 1675-6, and was presented at Probate Court, 17 Oct. 1678, by Capt. John Nash. The inventory amounted to £420 5*. lOd.

This Will* casts a mist over his whole family history. It gives to his wife Margaret one-third of his property, and to "our only daughter Sarah" the remainder. And in case of Sarah's death without issue, the whole was to pass to his brother Capt. John Nash, of New Haven. It makes no mention of a son, and but dimly alludes to other daughters. Yet it dbes allude to others in such a way as to shew that there were such.

"forasmuch as our other daughters that have been disposed of, have had the best of the moveables," &c.

There are also reasons, as will be seen, amounting to all but a certainty, for believing that he had a son still living. Why he should have cut these children off, and in case of Sarah's death without issue, have given the whole to a brother, already wealthy, it is not easy to conceive. The only rational conjectures are, either that the first wife's children had received their portion, or that there was some feud in consequence of the (2) marriage. The latter is most probable from the entire abscission of the first children, even if Sarah should cease to want the property.

No further mention has been found of the dau. Hannah or other daughters alluded to and the marriage of Sarah rests upon circumstantial evidence, though the circumstances are so strong as to leave very little room for doubt in relation to it.

So far as the father's intention was concerned, his name ceased at his death. Yet, it is believed, that Providence did preserve him a name and posterity, in a way he did not expect. And though not numerous, they have been a highly respectable and generally a prosperous race.

The following is his genealogical record in New Haven.

25 "I John Nash, the sonn of Joseph Nash, was bom ye 12 day of July, 1650.

26 II Hannah Nash, daughter of Joseph Nash, was born ye 21 Jan'y, 1651-2.

Mary Nash, the wife of Joseph Nash, dyed the 25 of Decembor, 1654.

27 m Nash, the daughter of Joseph Nash, dyed the 18 of Jan'y, 1654."

28 IV Sarah daughter {by (2) wife,) b. at Hartford, but not recorded.

In respect to the above record at New Haven, it appears that Mary, the wife, "dyed 25 Dec. 1654," and the dau. not named "dyed 18 Jan. 1654." According to the reckoning of that day the year commenced on the 25 March. Consequently the IS Jan. following the 25 Dee. Would be reckoned in the same year, and not as we should now reckon it, in a new year. Hence, the child's death was. twenty-three days after that of the mother. And, as it was without name, it is conjectured that it was an infant, and that the mother died in childbed.

It seems probable also, from the use of the plural in the Will, that there had been one or more daughters between Hannah and this infant. But no trace of them has been found.

Sources

1. The Nash Family: Or, Records of the Descendants of Thomas Nash, of New Haven, Connecticut, 1640.  Case, Tiffany, 1853 - Connecticut - 304 pages.  Page 18 etc.

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Hartford, Connecticut Probate Records, 1639-1700 about Sergt Joseph Nash

Name: Sergt Joseph Nash

Location: Hartford

Date of Will: 3 Sep 1678

Page: 7-8

Full Text: Invt. œ419-13-10. Taken 3 September, 1678, by Thomas Bull, Thomas Bunce, Nathaniel Stanly. Will dated 19 January, 1675-6.I Joseph Nash of Hartford do declare my last Will & Testament: My Will is that my just Debts be paid, & that being done, with my Funeral Charges & Necessary expenses defrayed, the remainder of my Estate I give to my wife Margaret & Sarah my only Child in such proportion & manner as is hereafter in this my Will expressed. I give to Margaret my wife 1-3 part of all my Moveable Estate both Goods & Cattle, And I give to Sarah my daughter 2-3 parts of all my Moveable Estate both Goods & Cattle: & for as much as our daughters that have been disposed of already have had the best of the Moveables, my Will is that my sd. daughter Sarah shall have in her part of the sd. Moveables the best featherbed & Boulster & two Pillows, the best Coverlet & Curtains & Furniture of the sd. Bed, & also my great Copper Kettle, also one great pewter Dish or platter (which is the bigest). These particulars first excepted, my wife to choose in the rest of the Moveables half her third part, & then the Residue to be divided according to proportion both in Quantity & Quality upon the Advice of my Overseers. I do give unto my sd. daughter Sarah my House, Houses, & all my Lands, with all Rights & Privileges belonging to them, to her & her heirs in full Right & Title, only the following caution to be observed: that for the support & Relief of my wife, my Will is, that there shall be yearly paid unto her my sd. wife, or to her Order, in Hartford, the sum of œ4 during the term of her natural life; and also, if my wife for her better support in her widowed condition shall make choice to keep the sd. Houseing & Lands in her hands, then my Will is that while she remains my Widow she shall injoy the sd. Houseing & Lands, and that my wife pay or caused to be paid unto my sd. daughter Sarah, yearly, in Hartford, œ7, and shall keep and maintain Houseing & Fences in Good repair, Also discharge all Dues both civil & ecclesiasticall. And further it is my Will, that my Lands should pay to the Ministry at the New Meeting House. My Will is that if my daughter Sarah die without Issue, that my Houses & Lands shall pass to my eldest brother, Capt. John Nash, and his heirs forever. I appoint my brother Capt. John Nash, of New Haven, Executor, and appoint Robert Webster and Andrew Benton to be Overseers.Witness: John Whiting, John White.Joseph Nash. Ls.Court Record, Page 8--17 October, 1678: Will proven.

Source: A DIGEST OF THE EARLY CONNECTICUT PROBATE RECORDS.1677 to 1687.

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Connecticut, Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1790-1890 about Joseph Sgt. Nash

Name: Joseph Sgt. Nash

State: CT

County: Hartford County

Township: Hartford

Year: 1670

Record Type: Resident's List

Page: NPN

Original Database: CT 1635-1807 Misc. Records

Connecticut Census, 1790-1890. Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.