Stephen Holden

Taken from: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/b/l/o/Andrew-R-Block/WEB...:

"Stephen Holden (son of Richard Holden)23 was born 1658, and died 1715. He married Hannah Lawrence, daughter of Nathaniel Lawrence and Sarah Morse.

Includes Notes for Stephen Holden:

In the early 1690s Groton, MA was a frontier town, often beset by troubles with the nearby Indian tribes. Sudden raids were an ongoing problem to the small populations in Groton and other towns scattered throughout the forests of eastern Massachusetts. The citizens of these communities built garrison houses here and there throughout the town to which they could retreat in the event of sudden attack, and thus protect themselves somewhat. In the more peacable interludes, these garrison houses were the homes of their owners, who were charged with seeing that everything was kept ready for a defense when needed. Selected men were appointed as scouts and were expected to raise the alarm, if a raiding party was sighted in the area.

On May 20, 1697 an attack was mounted at Groton. This was reportedly the same raiding party that had decimated Deerfield, the day before. One person was killed at Groton, and another, along with two children, was captured. This was Stephen Holden and his sons Stephen, Jr., and John, who were probably about 6 and 8 years old.

Captives were often taken on these raids and transported to Canada, where they were sold to the French, and then ransomed back to the English. An account of this incident is recorded in the Massachusetts Archives, vol LXX, which continues the story with the notation that John was released in January 1698/99, at Casco Bay (which is now in Maine), and that Stephen Holden of Groton, and Stephen, Jr. were still in the hands of the enemy.

However, about a week later, both father and son were also redeemed; by Stephen's own hand, it seems. He had ransomed himself for three pounds and twelve shillings, and upon his return to Groton, petitioned the town fathers to reimburse him this amount, and this request was granted. Stephen held a number of public offices in Groton, including Selectman, in 1696. Although a number of families left Groton temporarily or for good, because of the dangers of living there, Stephen and his family remained, and he died there in 1715"

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Know all men by these present, That We Hannah HOLDEN Widow of Groton and John LAWRENCE of Lexington husbandmen, both in the county of Middlessex within Her Majesties Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New Englnd, are holden and stand firmly bound and obliged unto Henry Foxcraft Judge of the Probate of Wills and Granting Administrations within the county of Middlessex in the full sum of 200 pounds, current money in New England: To be paid unto the said Henry Foxcroft his successors in the said Office or Assignees: To the true payment whereof, we do bind ourselves and each of us, our, and each of our heirs, and Executors, and Administrators, jointly and severely for the whole and in the whole firmly by these present. Sealed with our Seals. Dated 23rd Day Annoque Regni Regis GeorgII,

On Condition of this Present Obligation is Such, That if the above bounded Hannah HOLDEN this day administered unto her late husband Stephen HOLDEN late of Groton who died the 17 ________.

Be or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular Goods, Chattels, and Credits of the said Deceased, which have or shall come to the hands, possession or knowledge of the saide administratorix or into the hands or possession of person or persons for her: And the same so made, do exhibit or cause to be exhibited Registry of the Court of Probate for the aforesaid county of Middlessex on or before the third day of September next ensuing. And the same Goods, Chattels, Rights and all other Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of the said Deceased, at the time of and wait at any time after shall come to the hands or possession of the said Administratorix or into the hands and possission and any other person or persons for her do well Administer according to Law. And further deal make, or cause to make a just and true inventory of her said administration upon Oath, and/or before the 23rd day of September in the year of our Lord, 1715. The rest and residue of the said Goods, Chattels, Rights, and Credits which shall be found remaining ____ said Administrators Accept (the same being first examined an allowed of by the Judge or for the time being, of Probate of Wills and granting Administrations within the County of Middlessex aforesaid) shall deliver and pay unto such person or persons respectively as the said Judges by or their decree or sentence pursuant to Law shall limit appoint. And if it after appears that therein named do exhibit the same into the Court of Probate for the said County of Middlessex making request to have it allowed and approved accordingly. If the said Administratorix within bounden being there unto required, do render and deliver letters of Administration (Approbation of such Testament being first had and mad) into the court: Then the before Written Obligation to be Void and of none effect, or else to abide ____ in full Force and Virtue. Signed: Hannah HOLDEN (her mark) John LAWRENCE Thomas Foxcroft

Whereas, We Simon Stone, Jonas Prescott Jun., Johnathan Boyden, Jonathan LAWRENCE, and John Shople? all of Groton, We here appointed a Committee In and by a Commission from the HOnorable Francis Foxcroft ESq. Judge of Probate and for the County of Middlessex Dated FEbruary 22, 1715/16 to set out by meats and bounds to the Widow of Stephen HOLDEN (Holdin) Late of Groton who died Intestate. One third part of said deceased's housing and land of which he Died lived in this County; and to divide the residue on two-thirds to and among Said Deceased Children or their Legal ____ Administrative viz- Into 11 equal parts or portions (there being 10 children) or into so many as Deceased Lands will make settlement without ____ moving or ____ the whole according to the inventory. In said Commission We have accordingly allowed said works and have set out to the widow for her third, or dower. The housing and several parcels of land following viz- The East end of the Dwelling House with the Chimney thereto belonging together with the poles of Land adjoining to the North Side of the said East end of said House as it is marked and bounded out by us with one ____ as it is now, and one-third part of a barn being of South end of it with 15 poles of land adjoining to the south end and Westside of said barn as is marked and appraised at L25=6=8 Set out to the Said a Widow Part of the Homestead lying on the South Side of the Highway? An Dwelling House ____ next ____field (so called) Containing 20 acres more or ____ being upland swamps and low land or meadow surrounded by a lake standing by said highway, from there thence the line runs southerly by several stakes to the land of John Green from thence part Eastward to the land, formerly John Hutchworths, Westwardly, by said highway to a walnut tree marked from thence it runs northerly by several marked trees to a Black Oak marked, and on all other parts is bound to highways with the fencing and appraised at L50=0=0. Also Three Acres of meadow at Indian Hill (so called) being or lying on the? The said meadow on with the fence, appraised at L08=10=0 Also one third part of 16 acres mentioned in a record 3=6=8 Also Two acres E1/4 of Town Rights at 1=2=6 Sum Total 88=5=10

The Residue or two-thirds of said lands we have divided into four parts or allotments (there not being a ____ of lands for any more without __oyling or greatly Incommoding? the whole) as follows viz- To John E. Son of the Said Deceased the several parcels of Land and meadow following viz- Sixty acres of upland and swampy land lying on the West side of the Lancaster River (so called) at a place called millsby Bounded and described in a deed or convey and thereof from Deacon Nath. Lawrence and Samuel Page to said Deceased appraised at 18=0=0 Also six acres of Entervale on the West Side of Lancaster River at a place called The Rye? ford, be it more or less described in a deed there of from SAme Page to Deacon appraised at 4=0=0. Two acres of meadow lying in South meadow and Bounded in Town Records for Groton 05=0=0.

To Stephen Second Son to said Deceased the parcel of Land following viz- 100 and eight acres to be taken in the Town Comment on the West side of Lancaster River on ancient ____ 11=0=0. Two thirds of 16 acres of land mentioned in a deed thereof 6=13=4. Also Two acres of meadow more or less lying upon Squanuook River as bounded in Deed from Sam Page to Deceased. 4=0=0. Also a 4 acre Right in the Town Common 2=0=0. Stephen has had over and above his share or proportion. In the Deceased ____ Estate 4L7/8.5 4=7=8.5 Sum Total 128=1=.5.

To Nathaniel HOLDIN Third Son of Said Deceased all of Homestead Lying on Both Sides of the highway containing 30 acres more or less together with the house and barn for ____ the building thereon ____ with the appraisers. In the state of circumstances as ____ this personal exempting allowance thereof. What has been set out of the house barn and homestead for the said Widows third 79L=13=4. Also one acre of meadow at Indian Hill (so called) be it more or less it being all of the remains belonging to said Deceased Estate of ? Acres in part of Widows Third being set out as aforesaid .L9=10=0 Also 6 acres of upland at Indian Hill be it more or less bounded and described in Town Records appraised at 6=0=0. Also 2 acres of meadow lying in Long Meadow (as it is called) bounded in the Record for Groton appraised at 4=0=0. With four acres of Town Rights at 2=0=0. Sum Total 95=3=6.

To William fourth Son of Said Deceased, several parcels following---- Four acres of upland more or less lying (this is crossed out) field as bounded in Town Record 4=0=0. Also 12 acres more or less lying near the ____ Field 6=0=0. Also 15 acres more or less in the Con. Field at 8=0=0. Also 4 acres more or less of swamp in the Plumb Tree Swamp (so called) at 5=0=0. Also 20 acres of upland at Landy? Pond (so called) be it more or less as bounded by in Town Records at 7=0=0. Also 2 acres of meadow more or less lying in Lock meadow appraised at 4=0=0. Also 3 acres and 2/4 of Town Rights in Common at 1=14=6. Sum Total 35=17=6.

Whereas the Whole of said Land, amounts to Two Hundred and Fifteen Pounds one Shilling and 10 pence of which take out 10 pounds for charges that remain to be divided 205=1=10. The Eleventh part of which is 18=12=10 and whereas John Elvert son aforesaid hath received by the Land let to him 56 pounds of which his double shar is 37=5=9.5. There being 18 pounds 14.2.5 over and above his portion of which we order and direct him to pay to Benjamin HOLDIN the 7th son of said Deceased a minor under 14 years of age the sum of 18 pounds 12 and 10.? Being the full of his portion and one and four pence toward charges, Stephen having 28L and 5.5 he is to pay those out L9=8=2.5 to Hannah, second daughter to the Deceased or will renounce his full portion in his own hands 18=12=10.? And William having received 35 pounds 17 shillings and six pence his part being 18=12=10.5 there remains 17=4=7.5 which he is ordered to pay to Simon the fifth Son of the Deceased. And whereas Nathan, Son of the Deceased has received the land set out to him as aforesaid 95=8=4 of which he is to pay to Hannah the second daughter of aforesaid 9=8=5 which makes her equal with the other children and to Simon aforesaid to make him equal 1=8=2 and to Rachel fifth daughter to the Deceased her full part being 18=12=10.5 also he is to pay to Sarah, 3rd daughter of the Deceased her whole part 18=12=10.5 and to the Administratorix for charges 9=19=6 which with his own part makes 95=3=4. The Interested parties being appraised here have manifested their Content and Satisfaction herewith by subscribing hereunto, Hannah HOLDIN (her mark), Nathaniel HOLDIN, John ?, March 19, 1717. A couple of signatures left out here, unable to read. The above distribution was made by me the subscriber the 14th of October 1717. Simon Stone, Jonas Prescott, Jonathan Boyden, John ? (Committee)

A True Inventory of All and Singular the Land, Goods, Chattels and Credits of Stephen HOLDING of Groton Yeoman Dec'd Intestate at Groton on the 18 Day of November A.D. 1715. By Capt. Jonas Prescott, Leut. Jonathan Lawrence, and Simon Stone Groton aforesaid as Followeth:

The House and Barn with the Homestead or house Lot 40=00=00 2-33 Acres near the Genr. Field 030=00=00 3-06 Acres at Indian Hill 006=00=00 4-15 Acres in the Genr. Field 007=10=00 5-24 Acres at Landy Pond 012=00=00 6-12 Acres in the Genr. Field 006=00=00 7-04 Acres Bounded upon Sam Davis 002=00=00 8-16 Acres Bounded upon Sam Davis 010=00=00 9-06 Acres Bounded East and North upon the highway 004=00=00 10-04 Acres of Meadow at Indian Hill 012=00=00 11-Long Meadow 004=00=00 12-South Meadow 004=00=00 13- 04 Acres of Meadow and swamp at James Brooks 005=00=00 14-Back meadow 004=00=00 15-Squanicook Meadow 004=00=00 16-06 Acres lying near the Die Roadway 004=00=00 17-11 Acres of ? 006=00=00 18-60 Acres Lying at Millpos? 010=00=00 19-108 Acres ? 010=00=00 Improvements? 10=00=00 2-Books 00=10=00 3-Beds and Bedding 09=00=00 4-Pewter Pots, Kettle, Frying Pan 04=01=00 5-Chair, Barrells and other Lumbar 01=17=00 6-Charts 00=16=00 7-Credits or Debts owing to the Deacon 09=00=00 8-Guns, Sword, Halburd 03=10=00 9-Woo? Combs 01=00=00 10-Barrell of Jam 03=00=00 11-03 Pair of Oxen at ? 30=00=00 12-01 Pair of Steers 06=10=00 13-01 Steer 01=10=00 14-05 Cows 17=10=00 15-02 Hoarfers 06=00=00 16-01 Horses 02=00=00 17-05 Yearlings 02=00=00 18-02 Calves 01=10=00 19-03 Horses 12=00=00 20-01 Mares 02=05=00 21-09 Sheep 02=14=00 22-Swine 01=10=00 23-Cart with belongings to 00=17=06 24-Howes, Axes, Chains, other small things 03=04=06 25-Furniture for house 01=00=00 Total 138=18=00

The sum Total of both Real and Personal amount 419=08=00

Also the Three Sons of the said Deceased has received as follows: John HOLDING 06=00=00 Steph HOLDING 13=00=00 Nath HOLDING 04=10=00 The amount Hannah HOLDEN admin. To her late husband Stephen HOLDON late of Groton in the County of Middlessex. The accompanying charges (the rest not legible.) Include copy here -too difficult to read.

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John 6=00=00 Stephen 13=00=00 Nathaniel 14=10=00 William Simon Jonathan Benjamin Rachel Hannah Sarah all had nothing

To Capt. William Lawrence and Abraham Moore and __________ all of Groton in the County of Middlessex, of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England and Sufficient Freeholders, Greeting. Pursuant to the Power and Authority to Me given in and by the Laws of the said Province, I do hereby Authorize and Appoint the above named Persons a Committee to Apprize the Real Estate whereof Mr. Stephen HOLDING late of Groton in said County Middlessex, Deceased, Intestate, died seized and possessed in his own proper Right in Fee Simple each Piece and Parcel by it self, with their names and Distinction, Buts and Bounds, and Number of Acres, at the present true Value thereof in Bills of Publick Credit on said Province, al in Words at length.

Which you are to Distribute to and among the Children of the said Deceased or to many of them as the same will conveniently accommodate, without Prejudice to or spoiling the whole, Preference being had to the Sons. And in all deal impartially as you are Sworn. Moreover, if any of the Children of the said Deceased have received any thing of him in his life time in advance towards their Portions, you are to signify the same to ME, and how much each one has had. When you go about your Work, let all Parties concerned have Notice; and if any Dispute arise about the quantity of any Parcel of Land, you may procure an Artist for the Survey thereof; and if all said parties are satisfied with your Proceedings, let them signify the same by Countersigning. Finally, Seal up this Commission, with your Doings thereon, and return same with all convenient Speed, into the Registers Office of Probate by some or on of your selves. Given under my Hand and SEal of Office this second Day of January 1737 and in the Eleventh Year of His Majesty's Reign. Jonas Remington

On the side of this page reads, viz-So much thereof as was set off to his widow, (now also deceased) is not otherwise settled or disposed of. Middlessex, Groton January 16, 1737 The above named William Lawrence, Abraham Moore and ______ Waitt personally appearing were sworn Justly and Judiciously to appraise and distribute the real estate above mentioned.

http://trees.wmgs.org/getperson.php?personID=I61708&tree=Schirado

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Created by: Tom Spencer Record added: Apr 10, 2007 Find A Grave Memorial# 18850688

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=18850688

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GEDCOM Source

@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

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Database online. Record for Stephen Holden http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4232

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@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Record for Stephen Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4232

GEDCOM Source

@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Record for John Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4232

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@R1300841547@ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing The Generations Network, Inc.

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Database online. Source number: 146.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: NDB. Record for Stephen Holden 1,7836::589183

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@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Record for Stephen Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4232

GEDCOM Source

@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Record for John Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4232

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@R1300841547@ American Genealogical-Biographical Index (AGBI) Godfrey Memorial Library, comp. The Generations Network, Inc. Godfrey Memorial Library, American Genealogical-Biographical Index, Middletown, CT, USA: Godfrey Memorial Library

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Database online. Record for Stephen Holden 1,3599::3323780

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@R1300841547@ U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Yates Publishing The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Source number: 146.000; Source type: Electronic Database; Number of Pages: 1; Submitter Code: NDB. Record for Stephen Holden 1,7836::589183

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@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

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Database online. Record for Stephen Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4232

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@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

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Database online. Record for Richard Holden http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4234

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@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

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Database online. Record for Richard Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4234

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@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Record for Richard Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4234

GEDCOM Source

@R1300841547@ Public Member Trees Ancestry.com The Generations Network, Inc.

GEDCOM Source

Database online. Record for Richard Holden
http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=0&pid=4234