Lieutenant Silas Sears

3. Lieut Silas Sears (Richard ) was born in Aug 1637 in Marblehead, MA. He died on 13 Jan 1697 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, MA.

Silas married Anna Bursell daughter of James Bursell and Emott in 1660 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, MA. Anna was born in 1642 in Barnstable, MA. She died on 4 Mar 1725/1726 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, MA.

They had the following children:

• + 15 M i Silas Sears
• + 16 M ii Richard Sears
• + 17 F iii Hannah Sears
• + 18 M iv Capt Joseph Sears
• + 19 M v Josiah Sears
• + 20 F vi Elizabeth Sears
•   21 F vii Dorothy Sears was born 1 about 1687 in Yarmouth. She died on 28 Feb 1753. She was buried in N Dennis. Dorothy married Joseph Staples son of John Staples and Sarah Atkins on 8 Feb 1715/1716. Joseph was born in <1683> in <Yarmouth>. He died on 28 Feb 1753. He was buried in N Dennis.

Source: Sears Family Association link

notes

from http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbpretz/PS02/PS02_195.HTM

His birth was also given as 1637-38, "as indicated by his age given by Otis at the time of his death" . . . He was "possibly a twin of Paul, as his age given by Otis at his death would indicate".240

"Silas, son of 1st Richard, Yarmouth, had Silas, Thomas, Richard, Hannah, Joseph, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Dorothy." 589

"In 1680 the Town Meeting appointed the following men to watch for drift whales and claim them for the town: Paul Sears, Samuel Worden, Silas Sears and John Burges from Sawtucket to Nobscusset Point and Samuel Howes, John Howes and Jeremiah Howes from that Point to Yarmouth Harbor. At some early but not certain date, land was appropriated and houses built to shelter the watchers in the seasons of winter and early spring when whatles were most likely to be spotted." 293

"The Great and General Court of Plymouth Colony met for one final time on the last Tuesday of July, 1692. Silas Sears (c. 1638-1697/8) and Jeremiah Howes (1637-1708) were the representatives from Yarmouth on that occasion. The Court set aside the last Wednesday in August as a day of fasting and prayer. " 293

"It was now the custom to appoint a committee to decide on seating the congregation according to rank and wealth. In 1694 the town voted to appoint Captain John Thacher, Lieutenant Silas Sears, Mr. John Miller and Sergeant Joseph Ryder as the committee to 'seat Men, women and others in the meeting house.' " 293

He was for many years a selectman of the town, and also a member of the Colony Court, which latter office heheld at the time of the junction of the Plymouth colony with Massachusetts Bay. He also held a military office, and is named on the records with the title of 'Lieutenant.' He died in Yarmouth (now East Dennis) in 1697, leaving five sons and two daughters". 364

"Lieutenant Sears lived in the East Precinct of Yarmouth, which later became Dennis. He was commissioned ensign Oct. 28, 1681, and Lieutenant July 7, 1682. He was chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth, 1685-91, selectman, 1680-94, and juryman, 1680-82. He was appointed in 1676 one of the administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth."240

"On 11/1/1676 Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate James Bursell of Yarmouth." 590

!SPM Lieut Silas Sears lived in that part of Yarmouth known as the East precinct, now East Dennis; was propounded to take up Freedom,"Jun 6 1682; comd Ensign, Oct 28, 1681; Lieut. Jul 7, 1682; chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth 1680-82. 25 Dec 1689, "Silas Sears and others fined 20s for not appearing and attending at court, or disorderly departing therefrom;"-fines remitted later,"it being first offense of the kind." 1694, "Lt Silas Sears on Com. to seat men, women and others in the meeting house;" an onerous duty in those days. 1 Nov 1676, Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth. He left no will, and letters of administration were granted to his widow Anna, May 5, 1698, a copy of which is annexed, mentions sons Silas, Richard, Joseph and Josiah; and daughters, Hannah, Elizabeth and Dorrity. Rev E.H. Sears states in his "Sears Genealogy," that Lieut. Silas Sears had a son Thomas, born Yar., 1664, who removed to Newport, R.I., and died there 1707 leaving issue. Freeman Hist Cape Cod II p.205, says Lt. Silas Sears d. ae. 60 and it is said came from Yar. NE but the entry is now lost. About 1860, a gravestone was erected by Hon. David Sears in the old burying ground on Thames street, Newport, which bears the following inscription. [Copy of epitaph in N.E.Gen. Reg., communicated by Hon. D.S.] "Here lyeth the body of Thomas Seares, Son of Lt. Sylas Seares, of Yarmouth, P.C. And grandson of Richard the Pilgrim. Born in 1664, and died August ye 16th 1707, Aged 43 years. "Beneath this stone the empty casket lies, The polished jewel brightens in the skies." P.Stevens & Sons. [Stone-cutters] This stone is surmounted by the arms of "Sears of Chatham." The name of Thomas Sears is not found in town or church records of Yarmouth or Newport, nor in the Probate records of Barnstable county, or of Newport, R.I; and the fact that he is not mentioned in the settlement of the estate of Lieut. Silas Sears, nine years previous to his alleged death, should be considered good evidence that Silas Sears had no son of that name then living, if he ever had such. Silas Sears, Jun., did have a son Thomas, born in 1702-3, named for his maternal grandfather, Rev. Thomas Crosby. !MD 32, p.165

"[Estate of Lieut. Silas Sears] [2:70] 'The Invintory of Liut Silus Sears of yarmouth Lately deceased' was not dated. It was sworn to, 2 May, 1698, by 'Anna Sears vid Relict of Liut Silus Sears'. The real estate was: 'houses Lands and meadow' L130. The estate was indebted to:'mr John Stoos', 'mr Isaac Chapman', Nathaniel Cole, Thankful Boarman, Samuel Taylor, Seth Taylor, James Sturgis, 'mr Jonathan White', John Paddack, 'mr Barnabas Lothrop'. [p.71] On 5 May, 1698, Anna Sears, the widow, was appointed administrix of Lt Silas Sears, 'deceased Intestate'. [p.72] On 5 May, 1698, Barnabas Lothrop, Judge of Probate, settled the estate as follows: 'The widow Anna Sears shall have when debts are paid, one third of ye personal Estate to herself forever: to be at her dispose. And for her dower she shall have one third of ye housing and Land that was her Late husbands sd Silas Sears or ye Improvement thereof During her Natural Life. The Rest of ye Estate shall be equally divided amongst ye sd (said) deceaseds children, only his eldest son to have a dubble part, at ye Death of ye widow her Dower to be like divided as aforesaid. There is to be added to ye Inventory of ye sd personal estate fifty four pounds which sum of sd deceaseds children own that they have all Redy Received of their father as portion, so that ye widows thirds of ye personal Estate when debts are paidcoms to thirty three pounds, ye childrens part of ye personal and Real Estate beside ye widows Dower with what thwey have allRedy had is as followeth: The eldest son Silas Sears hath as he owned, had alredy, two pounds, and must have more nine pounds. (The word "thirty" before "two" was doubtless omitted by mistake of the Register in 1698.) Richard Sears hath allRedy four pounds and seven shillings, and must have more, sixteen pounds and three shillings. Hannah Sears hath had allRedy fifteen pounds, and is to have more five pounds and ten shillings. Joseph Sears hath had allRedy three pounds and is to have more seventeen pounds and ten shillings. Josiah Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten Shillings. Elizabeth Sears is to have Twenty pounds and ten shillings. Dorrity Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten shillings. only if debts should appear morethan ye doth due from sd Estate, then widow and children according to what they have or shud Receive must pay their proportions thereof. Barnabas Lothrop, Judg of Probate. (Seale) Barnstable, ss. Oct. 8,1885. A

"Silas, son of 1st Richard, Yarmouth, had Silas, Thomas, Richard, Hannah, Joseph, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Dorothy." 589

"In 1680 the Town Meeting appointed the following men to watch for drift whales and claim them for the town: Paul Sears, Samuel Worden, Silas Sears and John Burges from Sawtucket to Nobscusset Point and Samuel Howes, John Howes and Jeremiah Howes from that Point to Yarmouth Harbor. At some early but not certain date, land was appropriated and houses built to shelter the watchers in the seasons of winter and early spring when whatles were most likely to be spotted." 293

"The Great and General Court of Plymouth Colony met for one final time on the last Tuesday of July, 1692. Silas Sears (c. 1638-1697/8) and Jeremiah Howes (1637-1708) were the representatives from Yarmouth on that occasion. The Court set aside the last Wednesday in August as a day of fasting and prayer. " 293

"It was now the custom to appoint a committee to decide on seating the congregation according to rank and wealth. In 1694 the town voted to appoint Captain John Thacher, Lieutenant Silas Sears, Mr. John Miller and Sergeant Joseph Ryder as the committee to 'seat Men, women and others in the meeting house.' " 293

He was for many years a selectman of the town, and also a member of the Colony Court, which latter office heheld at the time of the junction of the Plymouth colony with Massachusetts Bay. He also held a military office, and is named on the records with the title of 'Lieutenant.' He died in Yarmouth (now East Dennis) in 1697, leaving five sons and two daughters". 364

"Lieutenant Sears lived in the East Precinct of Yarmouth, which later became Dennis. He was commissioned ensign Oct. 28, 1681, and Lieutenant July 7, 1682. He was chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth, 1685-91, selectman, 1680-94, and juryman, 1680-82. He was appointed in 1676 one of the administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth."240

"On 11/1/1676 Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate James Bursell of Yarmouth." 590

!SPM Lieut Silas Sears lived in that part of Yarmouth known as the East precinct, now East Dennis; was propounded to take up Freedom,"Jun 6 1682; comd Ensign, Oct 28, 1681; Lieut. Jul 7, 1682; chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth 1680-82. 25 Dec 1689, "Silas Sears and others fined 20s for not appearing and attending at court, or disorderly departing therefrom;"-fines remitted later,"it being first offense of the kind." 1694, "Lt Silas Sears on Com. to seat men, women and others in the meeting house;" an onerous duty in those days. 1 Nov 1676, Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth. He left no will, and letters of administration were granted to his widow Anna, May 5, 1698, a copy of which is annexed, mentions sons Silas, Richard, Joseph and Josiah; and daughters, Hannah, Elizabeth and Dorrity. Rev E.H. Sears states in his "Sears Genealogy," that Lieut. Silas Sears had a son Thomas, born Yar., 1664, who removed to Newport, R.I., and died there 1707 leaving issue. Freeman Hist Cape Cod II p.205, says Lt. Silas Sears d. ae. 60 and it is said came from Yar. NE but the entry is now lost. About 1860, a gravestone was erected by Hon. David Sears in the old burying ground on Thames street, Newport, which bears the following inscription. [Copy of epitaph in N.E.Gen. Reg., communicated by Hon. D.S.] "Here lyeth the body of Thomas Seares, Son of Lt. Sylas Seares, of Yarmouth, P.C. And grandson of Richard the Pilgrim. Born in 1664, and died August ye 16th 1707, Aged 43 years. "Beneath this stone the empty casket lies, The polished jewel brightens in the skies." P.Stevens & Sons. [Stone-cutters] This stone is surmounted by the arms of "Sears of Chatham." The name of Thomas Sears is not found in town or church records of Yarmouth or Newport, nor in the Probate records of Barnstable county, or of Newport, R.I; and the fact that he is not mentioned in the settlement of the estate of Lieut. Silas Sears, nine years previous to his alleged death, should be considered good evidence that Silas Sears had no son of that name then living, if he ever had such. Silas Sears, Jun., did have a son Thomas, born in 1702-3, named for his maternal grandfather, Rev. Thomas Crosby. !MD 32, p.165

"[Estate of Lieut. Silas Sears] [2:70] 'The Invintory of Liut Silus Sears of yarmouth Lately deceased' was not dated. It was sworn to, 2 May, 1698, by 'Anna Sears vid Relict of Liut Silus Sears'. The real estate was: 'houses Lands and meadow' L130. The estate was indebted to:'mr John Stoos', 'mr Isaac Chapman', Nathaniel Cole, Thankful Boarman, Samuel Taylor, Seth Taylor, James Sturgis, 'mr Jonathan White', John Paddack, 'mr Barnabas Lothrop'. [p.71] On 5 May, 1698, Anna Sears, the widow, was appointed administrix of Lt Silas Sears, 'deceased Intestate'. [p.72] On 5 May, 1698, Barnabas Lothrop, Judge of Probate, settled the estate as follows: 'The widow Anna Sears shall have when debts are paid, one third of ye personal Estate to herself forever: to be at her dispose. And for her dower she shall have one third of ye housing and Land that was her Late husbands sd Silas Sears or ye Improvement thereof During her Natural Life. The Rest of ye Estate shall be equally divided amongst ye sd (said) deceaseds children, only his eldest son to have a dubble part, at ye Death of ye widow her Dower to be like divided as aforesaid. There is to be added to ye Inventory of ye sd personal estate fifty four pounds which sum of sd deceaseds children own that they have all Redy Received of their father as portion, so that ye widows thirds of ye personal Estate when debts are paidcoms to thirty three pounds, ye childrens part of ye personal and Real Estate beside ye widows Dower with what thwey have allRedy had is as followeth: The eldest son Silas Sears hath as he owned, had alredy, two pounds, and must have more nine pounds. (The word "thirty" before "two" was doubtless omitted by mistake of the Register in 1698.) Richard Sears hath allRedy four pounds and seven shillings, and must have more, sixteen pounds and three shillings. Hannah Sears hath had allRedy fifteen pounds, and is to have more five pounds and ten shillings. Joseph Sears hath had allRedy three pounds and is to have more seventeen pounds and ten shillings. Josiah Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten Shillings. Elizabeth Sears is to have Twenty pounds and ten shillings. Dorrity Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten shillings. only if debts should appear morethan ye doth due from sd Estate, then widow and children according to what they have or shud Receive must pay their proportions thereof. Barnabas Lothrop, Judg of Probate. (Seale) Barnstable, ss. Oct. 8,1885. A true copy of the record, Attest, Freeman H Lothrop, Register of Probate Court. The Inventory of Liut. Silas Sears of Yarmouth, LAtely deceased and his estate prized and ye prise of each particleer set down as followeth: L s d To houses lands and meadow .................................130 00 00 To swine ................................................01 05 00 To one bed and furniture belonging to it ........................07 00 00 To another bed and furniture belonging to it ......................06 00 00 To pewter .......................................................01 05 00 To two Brass Kittles ...........................................01 10 00 To two skilletts, a warming pan, spice mortar, box iron ...........01 00 00 To two tubbs and trays and a earthen pot ..........................00 10 00 To Bookes ........................................................00 08 00 To two pailes and to earthern pots ................................00 02 00 To Barrels ........................................................00 07 00 To two wheels and a pair of cards .................................00 05 00 To three old chests ...............................................00 07 00 To four chairs ....................................................00 03 00 To two tables .....................................................00 02 00 To one Gun ........................................................01 10 00 To another Gun ....................................................00 18 00 To Linnen cloths ..................................................00 15 00 To a bed ..........................................................01 00 00 To Flax and Linnen Yarn ...........................................00 13 00 To Sheeps wool ....................................................00 04 00 To a piece of cloth ...............................................00 06 00 To wearing cloaths ................................................08 00 00 To a sett of coopers tools ........................................01 10 00 To 3 axes, and 2 wedges 2 sithes ..................................00 10 00 To one carte ......................................................00 16 00 To youks, and a chain, and hows, a spade ..........................01 00 00 To plow irons and a chaine ........................................00 06 00 To one grinding stone .............................................00 05 00 To 3 sickles, a sourd a candlestick a Tramel Tonges ...............00 14 00 To 20 sheepe ......................................................05 00 00 To 4 oxen .........................................................16 00 00 To 5 cowes and other young cattle .................................20 00 00 To one iron pott and a Looking Glass at ...........................00 09 06 To money ..........................................................00 07 00 To some od small things ...........................................00 04 00 To powder and Bulletts ............................................00 06 00 To acount of Debts which is to be paid out of ye Estate To Mr John Sloos ..................................................02 12 00 To Mr Isaac Chapman ...............................................00 10 00 To Nathaniel Cole ................................................10 00 00 To Thankful Boarman ...............................................05 15 00 To Samuel Taylor ..................................................01 10 00 To Seth Taylor James Sturgis ......................................00 11 06 To Mr Jonathan White ..............................................00 06 04 To John Paddock ...................................................01 12 04 To Mr. BArnabas Lothrop ...........................................00 18 06 Anna Sears wid Relict of Lieut. Silas Sears late of Yarmouth deceas'd made oath to ye truth of this Invintory before Barnabas Lothrop Esq Judg of Probate and granting administration MAy ye 2d. 1698. Examined and entered May ye fourth 1698. Attest, Joseph Lothrop, Regist. Barnstable,ss. Oct. 8,1885. A true copy of the records. Attest, Freeman H. Lothrop, Register of Probate Court. ' "363

"Lt. Silas Sears died, Jan. 13, aged 60. . . Mr. Silas Sears, holding a military office, is generallymentioned in the records as 'Lt. Sears.' He was a prominent citizen, selectman, and deputy." 225

"Leutenant Silas Sears of Yarmouth died upon (torn) 13th day of January 1697/8." 588

There is a large monument in Yarmouth Ancient Cemetery which was visited and photographed by Barbara Fleming, August, 2001. Photos on file. One side of the monument read: "Sacred to the memory of Sylas Sears, Third Son of Richard Sears Born in 1630 Married And Died in Yarmouth in 1697" 71

Children: Silas Sears Jr, Thomas Sears, Richard Sears, Hannah Sears Snow, Joseph Sears, Josiah Sears, Elizabeth Sears Cooke, and Dorothy Sears Staples.

A cenotaph for Silas exists in Ancient Cemetery at Yarmouth, and can be found Here. The cenotaph there records a family history from the 19th century which has been debunked. Note: Given the age of the stones at this cemetery, it is possible Silas and his wife Anna are among the broken or very worn and illegible stones.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=14082140

Birth: 1641 Marblehead Essex County Massachusetts, USA Death: Jan. 13, 1697 Massachusetts, USA

He married Anna Bursell by 1661.

Children: Silas Sears Jr, Thomas Sears, Richard Sears, Hannah Sears Snow, Joseph Sears, Josiah Sears, Elizabeth Sears Cooke, and Dorothy Sears Staples.

A cenotaph for Silas exists in Ancient Cemetery at Yarmouth, and can be found Here. The cenotaph there records a family history from the 19th century which has been debunked.

Family links:

Parents:

 Richard Sears (1590 - 1676)

 Dorothy Jones Sears (1603 - 1678)

Spouse:

 Anna Bursell Sears (1642 - 1726)*

Children:

 Silas Sears (1661 - 1732)*

 Joseph Sears (1675 - 1750)*

 Dorothy Sears Staple (1687 - 1763)*

Siblings:

 Knyvet Sears (1635 - 1696)**

 Paul Sears (1638 - 1708)*

 Deborah Sears Paddock (1639 - 1732)*

 Silas Sears (1641 - 1697)

*Calculated relationship

• *Half-sibling

Note: Given the age of the stones at this cemetery, it is possible Silas and his wife Anna are among the broken or very worn and illegible stones.

Burial: Sears Cemetery West Brewster Barnstable County Massachusetts, USA

GEDCOM Note

Category:Yarmouth, Massachusetts

Biography

:"Silas, b. say 1641, m. by about 1665 Anna, probably daughter of James Bursell of Yarmouth."<ref>New England, The Great Migration and The Great Migration Begins, 1620-1635, by Robert Charles Anderson, Vol 3, P-W, p. 1643</ref>
Silas is mentioned as the son of Richard Sears in James Savage's "Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England": "SILAS, Yarmouth, s. perhaps youngest, of the preced. had Silas; Thomas, b. 1664;Hannah, Dec. 1672; liv. then at Eastham, and prob. had other ch.; presum. to be Richard, Joseph, Josiah, Elizabeth and Dorothy; was rep. 1685, 6, and, aft. the overthrow of Andros, 1689, 90, and 1, and d. by fam. tradit. 1697."<ref>A Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England, Before 1692; Volume #4, By James Savage. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/newengland/savage/bk4/sealis-senn...</ref> Silas was named in his father's will dated May 10, 1667 and proved March 5, 1675. :"'Richard Sares of Yarmouth' bequeathed to 'Sylas Sares, my younger son...all my land that is all the upland upon the Neck where his house stands in which he know dwells... after mine and my wife's decease,' "provided that my son-in-law Zachary Paddock" shall have the house where he dwells and two acres within the above tract 'during the life of Deborah his now wife'; also to 'the said Sylas Sares' a tract of meadowand half of 'my land called Robins as is undivided...<ref>New England, The Great Migration and The Great Migration Begins, 1620-1635, by Robert Charles Anderson, Vol 3, P-W, p. 1642</ref>

Excerpt from "The descendants of Richard Sares..." ===:"Lieut. Silas Sears lived in that part of Yarmouth known as the East precinct, now East Dennis ; was 'propounded to take up Freedom,' June 6, 1682 ; com. Ensign, Oct. 28, 1681 ; Lieut. July 7, 1682 ; chosen Representative to the General Court at Plymouth, 1685-91 ; Selectman, 1680-94 ; Juryman, 1680-82.

:25 Dec, 1689, " Silace Sears and others fined 20 s for not appearing and attending at Court, or disorderly departing therefrom ; " — fines remitted later, 'it being first offense of the kind.' :1694, 'Lt. Silas Sears on Com. to seat men, women and others in the meeting house;' an onerous duty in those days. :1 Nov., 1676, Emott Bursell and Silas Sears appointed administrators of the Estate of James JBursell of Yarmouth. :It has been suggested that his wife may have been a daughter of the above James Bursell, but I find nothing whatever to confirm the supposition, which is based, so far as I know, simply upon his being chosen one of the administrators. :He left no will, and letters of administration were granted to his widow Anna, May 1, 1698. The 'settlement' of his estate made May 5, 1698, a copy of which is annexed, mentions sons Silas, Richard, Joseph andJosiah ; and daughters, Hannah, Elizabeth and Dorrity." <ref>The descendants of Richard Sares (Sears) of Yarmouth, Mass., 1638-1888 : With an appendix, containing some notices of other families by name of Searsby May, Samuel P. (Samuel Pearce), 1828-ca. 1, 914, Published 1890, p. 48-52. https://archive.org/stream/descendantsofric1890mays#page/48/mode/2up</ref>

Children ===Children of Silas Sears and Anna Bursell:<ref>The descendants of Richard Sares (Sears) of Yarmouth, Mass., 1638-1888 : With an appendix, containing some notices of other families by name of Searsby May, Samuel P. (Samuel Pearce), 1828-ca. 1, 914, Published 1890, p. 48-52. https://archive.org/stream/descendantsofric1890mays#page/48/mode/2up</ref>

1. Silas Sears Jr 1660–1732. "Silas, b. Yar., 1661."
2. Richard Sears 1665–1726. "Richard, b. Yar."
3. Joseph Sears 1675–1750. "Joseph, b. Yar., about 1675."
4. Josiah Sears 1675 - "Josiah, b. Yar., 1675."#Hannah Sears 1672–1706. "Hannah, b. Eastham, Dec, 1672; adm. Ch. Harwich, 1701 ; m. Feb. 8, 1692-3, Thomas Snow, son of Mark and Jane (Prence) S., he b. Aug. 6, 1668 ; (m. 2d, Sep. 30, 1706, Mrs. Lydia (Sears) Hamblen, widow of Eleazar H., of Har., and dau. of Paul Sears, by whom he had Lydia, b. 1707. Thomas, b. June 15, 1709. Aaron, b. Feb. 15, 1710-11, and Ruth, b. 1713.) Children, Snow : [1.] Elizabeth, b. Oct. 25, 1693. [2.]' Mary, b. 1696. [3.] Josiah, b. Jan. 27, 1699. [4.] Ebenezer, b. Feb. 14, 1700-1 ; the first child baptized in Har., Mar. 30, 1701. [5.] Hannah, b. 1703."#Elizabeth Sears 1675–1725. "Elizabeth, b. Yar., m. there Nov. 22, 1705, John Cooke."#Dorothy Sears 1687–1753. "Dorrity, b. Yar., about 1687 ; m. Yar., Feb. 8, 1715- 16, Joseph Staples ; was adm. 2d Gh. Yar., June 30, 1728 ; and d. Feb. 28, 1753, se. 65, gr.-st. , No. Dennis. (Joseph Staples was adm. 2d Oh. Yar., July 6, 1766 ; perhaps a son.)"

Estate ===:"[Estate of Lieut. Silas Sears] [2:70] 'The Inventory of Lt. Silus Sears of Yarmouth Lately deceased' was not dated. It was sworn to, 2 May, 1698, by 'Anna Sears vid Relict of Lt. Silus Sears'. The real estatewas: 'houses Lands and meadow' L130. The estate was indebted to:'Mr. John Stoos', 'Mr. Isaac Chapman', Nathaniel Cole, Thankful Boarman, Samuel Taylor, Seth Taylor, James Sturgis, 'Mr. Jonathan White', John Paddack, 'Mr. Barnabas Lothrop'. [p.71] On 5 May, 1698, Anna Sears, the widow, was appointed administrix of Lt. Silas Sears, 'deceased Intestate'. [p.72] On 5 May, 1698, Barnabas Lothrop, Judge of Probate, settled the estate as follows: 'The widow Anna Sears shall have when debts are paid, one third of ye personal Estate to herself forever: to be at her dispose. And for her dower she shall have one third of ye housing and Land that was her Late husbands sd Silas Sears or ye Improvement thereof During her Natural Life. The Rest of ye Estate shall be equallydivided amongst ye sd (said) deceaseds children, only his eldest son to have a double part, at ye Death of ye widow her Dower to be like divided as aforesaid. There is to be added to ye Inventory of ye sd personal estate fifty four pounds which sum of sd deceaseds children own that they have already Received of their father as portion, so that ye widows thirds of ye personal Estate when debts are paidcoms to thirty three pounds, ye childrens part of ye personal and Real Estate beside ye widows Dower with what they have alredy had is as followeth: The eldest son Silas Sears hath as he owned, had already, two pounds, and must have more nine pounds. (The word "thirty" before "two" was doubtless omitted by mistake of the Register in 1698.) Richard Sears hath already four pounds and seven shillings, and must have more, sixteen pounds and three shillings. Hannah Sears hath had already fifteen pounds, and is to have more five pounds and ten shillings. Joseph Sears hath had already three pounds and is to have more seventeen pounds and ten shillings. Josiah Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten Shillings. Elizabeth Sears is to have Twenty pounds and ten shillings. Dorrity Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten shillings. only if debts should appear more than ye doth due from sd Estate, then widow and children according to what they have or shud Receive must pay their proportions thereof. Barnabas Lothrop, Judg of Probate. (Seale) Barnstable, ss.."<ref>Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=48961699&...</ref>

Contested Parentage==Some sources claim that Silas' parents were Richard Searsand Dorothy Jones. However, other sources claim that Richard actually married Dorothy Thatcher.

Anderson, in The Great Migration Begins, identifies his mother as Dorothy Jones, daughter of George and Agnes (Unknown) of Dinder, Somerset.<ref>#GMB Page 1643</ref> Sylas SEARS was born about 1639 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, MassachusettsBay. He was the son of Richard Sears.

Sylas died 13 Jan 1697 in Yarmouth, Barnstable, Massachusetts Bay. "Silas, son of 1st Richard, Yarmouth, had Silas, Thomas, Richard, Hannah, Joseph, Josiah, Elizabeth, and Dorothy." 589 "In 1680 the Town Meeting appointed the following men to watch for drift whales and claim them for the town: Paul Sears, Samuel Worden, Silas Sears and John Burges from Sawtucket to Nobscusset Point and Samuel Howes, John Howes and Jeremiah Howes from that Point to Yarmouth Harbor. At some early but not certain date, land was appropriated and houses built to shelter the watchers in the seasons of winter and early spring when whatles were most likely to be spotted." 293 "The Great and General Court of Plymouth Colony met for one final timeon the last Tuesday of July, 1692. Silas Sears (c. 1638-1697/8) and Jeremiah Howes (1637-1708) were the representatives from Yarmouth on that occasion. The Court set aside the last Wednesday in August as a dayof fasting and prayer. " 293 "It was now the custom to appoint a committee to decide on seating thecongregation according to rank and wealth. In 1694 the town voted to appoint Captain John Thacher, Lieutenant Silas Sears, Mr. John Miller and Sergeant Joseph Ryder as the committee to 'seat Men, women and others in the meeting house.' " 293 He was for many years a selectman of the town, and also a member of the Colony Court, which latter office heheld at the time of the junctionof the Plymouth colony with Massachusetts Bay. He also held a military office, and is named on the records with the title of 'Lieutenant.' He died in Yarmouth (now East Dennis) in 1697, leaving five sons and two daughters". 364 "Lieutenant Sears lived in the East Precinct of Yarmouth, which later became Dennis. He was commissioned ensign Oct. 28, 1681, and Lieutenant July 7, 1682. He was chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth, 1685-91, selectman, 1680-94, and juryman, 1680-82. He was appointed in 1676 one of the administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth."240 "On 11/1/1676 Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate James Bursell of Yarmouth." 590 !SPM Lieut Silas Sears lived in that part of Yarmouth known as the East precinct, now East Dennis; was propounded to take up Freedom,"Jun 6 1682; comd Ensign, Oct 28, 1681; Lieut. Jul 7, 1682; chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth 1680-82. 25 Dec 1689, "Silas Sears and others fined 20s for not appearing and attending at court, or disorderly departing therefrom;"-fines remitted later,"it being first offense of the kind." 1694, "Lt Silas Sears on Com. to seat men, women and others in the meeting house;" an onerous duty in those days. 1 Nov1676, Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth. He left no will, and letters of administration were granted to his widow Anna, May 5, 1698, a copy of which is annexed, mentions sons Silas, Richard, Joseph and Josiah; and daughters, Hannah, Elizabeth and Dorrity. Rev E.H. Sears states inhis "Sears Genealogy," that Lieut. Silas Sears had a son Thomas, bornYar., 1664, who removed to Newport, R.I., and died there 1707 leavingissue. Freeman Hist Cape Cod II p.205, says Lt. Silas Sears d. ae. 60and it is said came from Yar. NE but the entry is now lost. About 1860, a gravestone was erected by Hon. David Sears in the old burying ground on Thames street, Newport, which bears the following inscription. [Copy of epitaph in N.E.Gen. Reg., communicated by Hon. D.S.] "Here lyeth the body of Thomas Seares, Son of Lt. Sylas Seares, of Yarmouth, P.C. And grandson of Richard the Pilgrim. Born in 1664, and died Augustye 16th 1707, Aged 43 years. "Beneath this stone the empty casket lies, The polished jewel brightens in the skies." P.Stevens & Sons. [Stone-cutters] This stone is surmounted by the arms of "Sears of Chatham."The name of Thomas Sears is not found in town or church records of Yarmouth or Newport, nor in the Probate records of Barnstable county, orof Newport, R.I; and the fact that he is not mentioned in the settlement of the estate of Lieut. Silas Sears, nine years previous to his alleged death, should be considered good evidence that Silas Sears had no son of that name then living, if he ever had such. Silas Sears, Jun., did have a son Thomas, born in 1702-3, named for his maternal grandfather, Rev. Thomas Crosby. !MD 32, p.165 "[Estate of Lieut. Silas Sears] [2:70] 'The Invintory of Liut Silus Sears of yarmouth Lately deceased' was not dated. It was sworn to, 2 May, 1698, by 'Anna Sears vid Relict of Liut Silus Sears'. The real estate was: 'houses Lands and meadow' L130. The estate was indebted to:'mr John Stoos', 'mr Isaac Chapman', Nathaniel Cole, Thankful Boarman, Samuel Taylor, Seth Taylor, James Sturgis, 'mr Jonathan White', John Paddack, 'mr Barnabas Lothrop'. [p.71] On 5 May, 1698, Anna Sears, the widow, was appointed administrix of Lt Silas Sears, 'deceased Intestate'.[p.72] On 5 May, 1698, Barnabas Lothrop, Judge of Probate, settled the estate as follows: 'The widow Anna Sears shall have when debts are paid, one third of ye personal Estate to herself forever: to be at her dispose. And for her dower she shall have one third of ye housing and Land that was her Late husbands sd Silas Sears or ye Improvement thereof During her Natural Life. The Rest of ye Estate shall be equally divided amongst ye sd (said) deceaseds children, only his eldest son to have a dubble part, at ye Death of ye widow her Dower to be like divided as aforesaid. There is to be added to ye Inventory of ye sd personalestate fifty four pounds which sum of sd deceaseds children own that they have all Redy Received of their father as portion, so that ye widows thirds of ye personal Estate when debts are paidcoms to thirty three pounds, ye childrens part of ye personal and Real Estate beside ye widows Dower with what thwey have allRedy had is as followeth: The eldest son Silas Sears hath as he owned, had alredy, two pounds, and musthave more nine pounds. (The word "thirty" before "two" was doubtless omitted by mistake of the Register in 1698.) Richard Sears hath allRedy four pounds and seven shillings, and must have more, sixteen pounds and three shillings. Hannah Sears hath had allRedy fifteen pounds, andis to have more five pounds and ten shillings. Joseph Sears hath had allRedy three pounds and is to have more seventeen pounds and ten shillings. Josiah Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten Shillings. Elizabeth Sears is to have Twenty pounds and ten shillings. Dorrity Sears isto have twenty pounds and ten shillings. only if debts should appear morethan ye doth due from sd Estate, then widow and children accordingto what they have or shud Receive must pay their proportions thereof.Barnabas Lothrop, Judg of Probate. (Seale) Barnstable, ss. Oct. 8,1885.

Sources

<references />

• May, Samuel. The Descendants of Richard Sares (Sears) of Yarmouth, Mass., 1638-1888 (Joel Munsell's Sons, 1890) Page 48-52.* Morris, Tyler Seymour. Ephraim and Pamela (Converse) Morris - Their Ancestors and Descendants (T.S. Morris in Chicago, 1894) Page 124. * Find A Grave memorial #48961699* Savage, James. A Genealogical Dictionaryof the First Settlers of New England, Before 1692 (Boston, Little, Brown and Company, 1862) Volume #4, http://www.usgennet.org/usa/topic/newengland/savage/bk4/sealis-senn... The Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to New England 1620-1633, Volumes I-III. New England Historic Genealogical Society, by Robert Charles Anderson, Boston, 1995|url=www.AmericanAncestors.org|repository=New England Historic Genealogical Society Online database (Subscription required), or Ancestry.com (Subscription required).*History and Genealogy of the Mayflower Planters, by Leon Clark Hills,Cape Cod Series Vol. 2, 1941, p. 67.* Torrey, Clarence Almon. Torrey’s New England MarriagesPrior to 1700 (Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore, 1985)* The Connecticut Quarterly (Hartford, Conn., 1897) Vol. 3, Page 238: Lieu. Silas Sears, dJan. 13, 1697-8 See also:* "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVK2-PNRB : 13 December 2015), Sylas Sears, 1697; Burial, Yarmouth Port, Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States of America, Ancient Cemetery; citing record ID 48961699, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.* "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVVD-FQZX : 13 December 2015), Silas Sears, 1697; Burial, East Dennis, Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States of America, Sears Cemetery; citing record ID 14082140, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to Greg Rose for starting this profile.

GEDCOM Note

SPM Lieut Silas Sears lived in that part of Yarmouth known as the East precinct, now East Dennis; was propounded to take up Freedom,"Jun 6 1682; comd Ensign, Oct 28, 1681; Lieut. Jul 7, 1682; chosen representative to the General Court at Plymouth 1680-82. 25 Dec 1689, "Silas Sears and others fined 20s for not appearing and attending at court, or disorderly departing therefrom;"-fines remitted later,"it being first offense of the kind." 1694, "Lt Silas Sears on Com. to seat men, women and others in the meeting house;" an onerous duty in those days. 1 Nov 1676, Emott Bursell and Silas Sears were appointed administrators of the estate of James Bursell of Yarmouth. He left no will, and letters of administrationwere granted to his widow Anna, May 5, 1698, a copy of which is annexed, mentions sons Silas, Richard, Joseph and Josiah; and daughters, Hannah, Elizabeth and Dorrity. Rev E.H. Sears states in his "Sears Genealogy," that Lieut. Silas Sears had a son Thomas, born Yar., 1664, who removed to Newport, R.I., and died there 1707 leaving issue. Freeman Hist Cape Cod II p.205, says Lt. Silas Sears d. ae. 60 and it is said came form Yar. NE but the entry is now lost. About 1860, a gravestone was erected by Hon. David Sears in the old burying ground on Thames street, Newport, which bears the following inscription. [Copy of epitaph in N.E.Gen. Reg., communicated by Hon. D.S.] "Here lyeth the body of Thomas Seares, Son of Lt. Sylas Seares, of Yarmouth, P.C. And grandson of Richard the Pilgrim. Born in 1664, and died August ye 16th 1707, Aged 43 years. "Beneath this stone the empty casket lies, The polished jewel brightens in the skies." P.Stevens & Sons. [Stone-cutters] This stone is surmounted by the arms of "Sears of Chatham." The name of Thomas Sears is not found in town or church records of Yarmouth or Newport, nor in the Probate records of Barnstable county, or of Newport, R.I; and the fact that he is not mentioned in the settlement of the estate of Lieut. Silas Sears, nine years previous to his alleged death, should be considered good evidence that Silas Sears had no son of that name then living, if he ever had such. Silas Sears, Jun., did have a son Thomas, born in 1702-3, named for his mat- ernal grandfather, Rev. Thomas Crosby. !MD 32, p.165 Abstracts of barnstable County, Mass Probate Records Settlement of Estate of Lt Silas Sears p.70 "The Invintory of Liut Silus Sears of yarmouth Lately deceased" was not dated. It was sworn to, 2 May, 1698, by "Anna Sears vid Relict of Liut Silus Sears". The real estate was: "Houses lands and meadow" L130. The estate was indebted to:"mr John xxxx, mr Isaac Chapman, Nathaniel Cole, Thankful Boarman, Samuel Taylor, Seth Taylor, James STurgis, mr Jonathan White,John Paddack, mr Barnabas Lothrop. p.71 On 5 May, 1698, Anna Sears the widow, was appointed administrix of Lt Silas Sears, "deceased Intestate". p.72 On 5 May, 1698, Barnabas Lothrop, Judge of Probate, settled the estate as follows: May ye 15th, 1698, by Barnabas Lothrop, Judg of Probate and granting admini- stration in ye county of Barnstable, a settlement of ye Estate of Liut. Silas Sears late of Yarmouth deceased Intestate: and to be devided as hereaft exprest. !SPM The widow Anna Sears shall have when debts are paid, one third of ye personal Estate to herself forever: to be at her dispose. And for her dower she shall have one third of ye housing and Land that was her Late husbands sd Silas Sears or ye Improvement thereof During her NAtural Life. The Rest of ye Estate shall be equally divided amongst ye sd (said) deceaseds children, only his eldest son to have a dubble part, at ye Death of ye widow her Dower to be like divided as aforesaid. There is to be added to ye Inventory of ye sd personal estate fifty four pounds which sum of sd deceaseds children own that they have all Redy Received of their father as portion, so that ye widows thirds of ye personal Estate when debts are paidcoms to thirty three pounds, ye childrens part of ye personal and Real Estate beside ye widows Dower with what thwey have allRedy h followeth: The eldest son Silas Sears hath as he owned, had alredy, two pounds, and must have more nine pounds. (The word "thirty" before "two" was doubtless omitted by mistake of the Register in 1698.) Richard Sears hath allRedy four pounds and seven shillings, and must ha more, sixteen pounds and three shillings. Hannah Sears hath had allRedy fifteen pounds, and is to have more five pounds and ten shillings. Joseph Sears hath had allRedy three pounds and is to have more seventeen pounds and ten shillings. Josiah Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten Shillings. Elizabeth Sears is to have Twenty pounds and ten shillings. Dorrity Sears is to have twenty pounds and ten shillings. only if debts should appear morethan ye doth due from sd Estate, then widow and children according to what they have or shud Receive must pay their proportions thereof. Barnabas Lothrop, Judg of Probate. (Seale) Barnstable, ss. Oct. 8,1885. A true copy of the record, Attest, Freeman H Lothrop, Register of Probate Court. The Inventory of Liut. Silas Sears of Yarmouth, LAtely deceased and his estate prized and ye prise of each particleer set down as followeth: L s d To houses lands and meadow ..................................................130 00 00 To swine .......................................................................... ........01 05 00 To one bed and furniture belonging to it .........................................07 00 00 To another bed and furniture belonging to it .....................................06 00 00 To pewter .......................................................................... ...............01 05 00 To two Brass Kittles .......................................................................01 10 00 To two skilletts, a warming pan, spice mortar, box iron ...................01 00 00 To two tubbs and trays and a earthen pot ........................................00 10 00 To Bookes .......................................................................... ..............00 08 00 To two pailes and to earthern pots ...................................................00 02 00 To Barrels .......................................................................... ...............00 07 00 To two wheels and a pair of cards ....................................................00 05 00 To three old chests .......................................................................... .00 07 00 To four chairs .......................................................................... ..........00 03 00 To two tables .......................................................................... ...........00 02 00 To one Gun .......................................................................... ..............01 10 00 To another Gun .......................................................................... ........00 18 00 To Linnen cloths .......................................................................... ......00 15 00 To a bed .......................................................................... ...................01 00 00 To Flax and Linnen Yarn ...................................................................00 13 00 To Sheeps wool .......................................................................... .......00 04 00 To a piece of cloth .......................................................................... ...00 06 00 To wearing cloaths .......................................................................... ..08 00 00 To a sett of coopers tools ..................................................................01 10 00 To 3 axes, and 2 wedges 2 sithes ....................................................00 10 00 To one carte .......................................................................... ............00 16 00 To youks, and a chain, and hows, a spade ......................................01 00 00 To plow irons and a chaine ..............................................................00 06 00 To one grinding stone ......................................................................00 05 00 To 3 sickles, a sourd a candlestick a Tramel Tonges .....................00 14 00 To 20 sheepe .......................................................................... .........05 00 00 To 4 oxen .......................................................................... ...............16 00 00 To 5 cowes and other young cattle ..................................................20 00 00 To one iron pott and a Looking Glass at ..........................................00 09 06 To money .......................................................................... ................00 07 00 To some od small things ..................................................................00 04 00 To powder and Bulletts .....................................................................00 06 00 To acount of Debts which is to be paid out of ye Estate To Mr John Sloos .......................................................................... ....02 12 00 To Mr Isaac Chapman .......................................................................00 10 00 To Nathaniel Cole .......................................................................... ...10 00 00 To Thankful Boarman .......................................................................05 15 00 To Samuel Taylor .......................................................................... ...01 10 00 To Seth Taylor James Sturgis ..........................................................00 11 06 To Mr Jonathan White ......................................................................00 06 04 To John Paddock .......................................................................... ....01 12 04 To Mr. BArnabas Lothrop .................................................................00 18 06 Anna Sears wid Relict of Lieut. Silas Sears late of Yarmouth deceas'd made oath to ye truth of this Invintory before Barnabas Lothrop Esq Judg of Probate and granting administration MAy ye 2d. 1698. Examined and entered May ye fourth 1698. Attest, Joseph Lothrop, Regist. Barnstable,ss. Oct. 8,1885. A true copy of the records. Attest, Freeman H. Lothrop, Register of Probate Court.

References

1. http://www.treetreetree.org.uk/SearsSilassonRichard.htm