THE INMAN PURCHASE IN NORTH SMITHFIELD.


The Inman Purchase in North Smithfleld.


Contributed by Fred A. Arnold, of Providence.


Deed from William Minion to Edward Inman and John Mawry.


Recorded in R. I. Land Evidence, Book 2, P. 19.


    Bee it knowne vnto all men by these presents that I William Minnion of
punkkipage in in the Collony of the Massssachusetts Bay have upon good
consideran, moveinge me thereunto have ffreely given and passed over, a
tract of land unto Edward Inman and John Mawry of providence in the Collony
of RhodIsland and providence plantacons, in the Kings province this tract of
Land beinge two Thousand acres more or less I freely and firmly pass it over
to the above said Edwd. Inman and John Mawry, and I doe binde my selfe my
heires Executors, Administrators or assignes never to trouble them nor
mollest them nor their heires Executors Administrators or assignes, they
forever for to keepe and quietly to injoy the same from any that shall lay
any claime or right or title or thirds or interest thereunto, I William
Minion have set the bounds of their Land, lyinge from loquiset northward.
the first bound is a chesnutt on the south marked on fower sides at the first
indian ffield on Wessukkuttomsuk hill runninge a mile due North and then upon
a line to vmmohtukkonit takeinge in all the medow, and soe to run to
Nipshacuck, and soe to the Indians grownd, and soe to a champ of pines called
the Key, and soe to the springe called wessukkuttomsuk, to the chesnut tree
above mentioned. and soe to patuket river Northwrd and on the end of the
mill north to patukit river. soe I William Minion have firmerly passed this
tract of Land over to Edward Inman and John Mawry from me my heires Executors
Administrators or assignes unto the abovesaid Edward Inman and John Mawry to
their heires Executors Administrators or assignes forever to have and to
hould without any trouble or Mollestation by any Indians, and for the true
performance hereof I have sett to my hand and seale on the ffourteen day of
May 1666 this deed although a Lease passed on this Land yett upon occassion
this deed for to be showne and to stand in law for the lease was purchased,
and hereunto I sett my hand and seale this day and yeare above written.

Signed Sealled and The marke W of Willia. Minion
Delivered in the 
pressence off us
Undisplayed Graphic
                              The marke               of Joseph Willia.

     Daniel Abbott
Mynions Coson [ S ] John Steere. [ S ]
  A. Copie of the Origonall Entred and Recorded the 14th of October: 1672
                  p me       John Sanford                 Recorder.

   Although this deed mentions as grantees only Edward Inman and John Mawry,
there were soon associated with them as partners, Nathaniel Mawry, brother of
John, who married about this time Johannah, the daughter of Edward Inman; 
John Steere, one of the witnesses of the deed, and Thomas Walling; the two 
Mawrys having three shares, and the others one each, as is shown by the 
following agreement:
   "We, the proprietors, being met together this tweneth daye of April, one 
thousand Six hundred sixti and eight, doo conclude and agree as foloweth: to
make an equal division of a certain tract of land and medo which we had
originally of William Anminion; that is to say to each proprietor three
hundred acres of upland and swampes; and six acres medo; and that no
proprietor amonst us shall have any medo layed out in his grate lot; but that
which is medo shall be taken up for medo; and that each manes land shall be
laid out with all convenient speede that may be if desired; and that a publick record be keept of each mans land and medo; and that the remainder of the
land and medo undivided doo remain as comon till we see cause further to Agree; we haveing drawed our lots for this present division of six Acres of medo; Edward Inman first in turn in medo; John Steer third, John Mory and Nathaniel Mory are second and Nathaniel Mowy is forth, Thomas Wallin is fifth and John Mowy sixth; and this present division of upland and medo to be laid
out by the sixteen foot and a half to the pole; also reserving to ourselves convenient highways threwout this whole tract if need require; loweing to that man in whose land it shall fall reesnable satisfaction; and that Arthur Fenner take care of this our agreement untill he hath transcribed unto us true copies hereof: which is oned authtentick to us as the original with the subscription of his hand; is the true performance of these our agreements we have here unto subscribed our names. (from Richard Mowry family History, p.11)
                                               Edward Inman
                         The marke of T. W.  Thomas Walling
                                                 John Steer
                                            Nathaniel Mowry
                                                 John Mowry
                                            Nathaniel Mowry
  This is a true coppy of the original; in witness whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand This 23: day of February: 1707:8
                                             Arthur Fenner"

Deed from William Manannion to Edward Inman.


Reconciled in R. I. Land Evidences, Book: 2, P. 19.

   To all Christian people of what Nation and langnage soever to whome these
pressents shall come William Manannion Indian liveinge at punkapage (alias pahene) sendith Greetings &c. Know yea that the said William, Manannion for and in consideration of Twenty pownds in hand paid by Edward Inman late of providence to the full Satisfaction of the said William, he the said William Manannion, hath Given, Granted, Bargained Sold Enfeoffed and Confirmed. And by these pressents doe Give Grant Bargaine Sell Enfeoff and Confirme unto the said Edward Inman his heires and assignes, a certaine Tract of Land contaninge ffive hundred acres more or less bounded at Wewesapinset, and from thence upon a stright line to vmstococonnet. and from umetococonnet to the midle of a great Seader Swamp to a Butten tree and from thence runs to potuceket river almost North there bounded by a walnutt tree, and these are the bounds of the last purchassed Lands comonly called and Knowne by the name off Wansuakitt hill, To have hould poses and injoy the aforesaid Tract of Land, and all and every part & percell thereof therin contained and all the previleges
apurtanences & Comodities thereof as before bounded, vnto the said Edward
Inman his heires and assignes to the only proper use and behoofe of the said
Edward Inman his heires and asslgnes forever And the said William Manannion
for himselfe his heires Executors Administrators doth covinnant and grant to
and with the said Edward Inman his heires and asslgnes by these presents that
he the said Willlam Manannion at the day of the date hereof is and standith
lawfuly seized to his owne use off and in the aforesaid bargined premisses
with and in every part and percell thereof, with the appurtenances thereof
in a good Estate of Inheritance and hath in himselfe full power good Right
and Lawfull Authorety to grant bargaine Sell Convay and assure the same in
manner and aforesaid, And that he the said Edward Inman his heires and
assignes and every of them shall and may forever hereafter peaceably and
quietly have hold and injoy the same ffree from all incumberences whatsoever,
and that he the said William Manannion and his heires shall and will
perfomme and doe or cause to be performed and done any such further act or
acts as he the said William Manannion shall be thereunto Reasonably Required
or advised by him the said Edward Inman his heires or assignes for a more
full and perfect convayinge and assureinge the said premisses and every part
and percell thereof. In Wittnes whereof the said William Manannion, hath
hereunto sett his hand and seale this thirteenth of May in the yeare of our
Lord One Thowsand Six hundred and Sixty & nine.
              William Manannion         [ S ]       W       marke
                                     and Seale
   Signed Sealed and Delivered
   in the pressence off
       Samuel Gorton Junr.
       Jonathan Blisse.:
   A True Copie Entred and Recorded the 15th day of October 1672
                         p  me     John Sanford    Recorder

Release of same lands by King Philip and others.


   Know all men by these presents that Wee King phillip Joseph Manannion 
Totocoms widdow named Kewapam & William Manannions uncle called by the name of Jeffery every one of us for him and for her selfe the more full Confirmation of the within mentioned tract of Land have Released and by these presents for our selves and every one of us our and every of our heires Executors Administrators and assignes ffully cleerly and absolutly Release unto the within mentioned Edward Inman late of providence in the Collony of Rhod. Island in New England his heires and assignes for ever all our and every of our Right State title use intrest claime and demand whatsoever, which wee or any of us ever had now have or at any time hereafter wee or any of us or the heires of any of us may have or claime of or into the within Bargained premisses; To have and to hold the same with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Edward Inman his heirs and assignes to the only proper use and behoofe of the said Edwd. Inman his heires and assignes forever, And wee The said King phillip. Joseph Manannion Totocoms widdow and William Manannions uncle. Called by the name of Jeffery as concerninge all and singular the within named and written p misses with the appurtanances to the aforesaid Edward Inman his heires and assignes against us and every one of us and the heires of us and every of us Shall and will forever hereafter warrant and defend by these presents. In Wittnes whereof Wee have hereunto putt our hands the thirteenth day of May in the yeare of our Lord one Thowsand six hundred and Sixty and Nine. (R. I. Land Evidences, II, 20.)
Signed Sealed and Delivered    Kin phillips      marke [ S ]
in the presence off            & seale     
                                             
Undisplayed Graphic
   Samuel Gorton Junr.
   Jonathan Blisse


Confirmation by the Colony.


   Be It Knowne unto all whome it may concerne that whereas Edward Inman and
John Mawry both of the Towne of providence in the Collony of Rhode Island and providence Plantations in New England in America, standinge and beinge in the full peaceable and Right posession of a certaine Tract of Land by them purchased of an Indian called William Minion, the said Tract of Land containeing two thousand acres more or less is lyinge from Loquissett northward. the first bound is a chesnut tree, on the south marked on four sides, at the first Indian field on Wessukkutomsuk hill running a mile due
north, and then upon a line to ummohtukkonitt. takeing in all the medow,
and soe to run to Nipshacuck, and soe to the Indians ground, and soe to a champ of pines called the Key, and soe to the springe called Wessukkatomsuk to the chestnut tree abovenamed, and soe to patuckitt river northward and on the end of the Mill north to patuckitt river, The which aforementioned tract of Land within the Bounds aforesaid together with all and singular dwellinge houses, Barnes, out houses, ffenceings, orchards, Gardens, Timbers woods and all other Rights, proffitts, previledges imuneties and apertanences whatsoever to the Said Land or any part or percel thereof in any wise beinge belonginge or apertaineinge, This present Deed. or Record. Doth Evidence and Declare that accordinge to a law made and Establised in this Collony the 22th of May 1662. all and every part of the above written premisses, are hereby Ratefied and confirmed to be the due, true and undoubted Right, Title, Intrest, and Estate, of the aforenamed Edward Inman and John Mawry their heires or assignes forever To have And to hold, peaceably and Quietly use poses and injoy, accordinge to the true meaninge contents and sentance of the aforenamed Law: And in confirmation hereof By vertue and Authorety of the aforesaid Law. (R. I. Land Evidences, II, 26.)
   I have Recorded these presents the. fourth of ffebruary 1672.
                              John Sanford Recorder.


Confirmation of the Second Inman Purchase.


   Bee it Knowne and mannifest unto all whome it may Concerne, that wheras 
Edward Inman now or late of the Towne of Providence in the Collony of Rhode .
Island and providence plantations in America glover, beinge and standinge at 
the day of the date hereof, in the full peaceable & quiett posession of a 
certaine percell of Land contaninge five hundred acres of Land be it more or 
less Bounded at Wewesampinsett, and from thence upon a streight line to 
vmstococonnet and from umstococonnett, to the mldle of a great seader swamp, 
to a butten tree, and from thence runs to pawtuckett river, almost north, 
and there bounded, by a walnutt tree which said Land was by the said Edward 
Inman purchased  of an Indian called William Manannion, *     *     *     *
   The present Record or Deed doth Evidence and declare That accordinge to a 
law made and established in this Collony the 22th of May (1662) all and every
part of the above written prmises are hereby Ratifyed and Confirmed to be the
due true and undoubted Intrest, Right, Title, posession and Estate of him the
said Edward Inman his heirs and  assignes *     *     *     *     *      *
   Recorded the ffirst of May 1675, (R. I. Land Evidences, II, 103.) 
                                John Sanford Recorder.

   The Inman Purchase appears to have been made without consultation with 
the town of Providence, and probably against their wishes.  The Indian deeds,
as well as deeds of sale made to the Blackmores, Bukmans, Buccklands, Arnold,
and others were recorded on the Colony records at Newport, but were not 
allowed to be recorded at Providence, that town claiming jurisdiction over 
the territory, under their deeds from Canonicus and his successors.  In 
conformity with a provision in the confirmatory deeds, to satisfy the 
resident Indians, the town had proceeded with the purchase as far north as 
this very land, when Inman and his associates, themselves townsmen of 
Providence, step in and purchase a claim, not from Indians subject to the 
Narragansetts, but from an under Sachem of the Massachusetts, which purchase 
is confirmed by Philip of Pokanoket, chief sachem of the Wampanoags, and 
ratified by the Colonial authorities.  The breaking out of Philip's war 
perhaps, postponed the settlement of this difference for a time, and not 
until 1682, did the town by the following action acknowledge the purchase as 
legal.
   At a meeting of the town Feb. 10, 1682 it was 
   "Voated that Capt Arthor ffenner: Mr Richard Arnold Capt William Hopkins, 
John Whipple junr and Thomas olney junr shall meete with Edward Inman and 
Debate the matter with him about the lands whereon hee and others with him 
are settled upon, and what conclusion and Agreement the sayd persons Doe 
make with the sayd Edward Inman and with other persons with him conserned; 
The Towne will Accept as theire owne Act; the which shall be performed, and 
a returne made to the next quarter days meeting of this Towne." (Prov. Town
Meetings III, 62.)
   April 27, 1682 the following action was taken.
   "Whereas at a Towne meeting ffebruary ye 1Oth 1681 Arthur ffenner, Richard
Amold, William Hopkins, John Whipple junr and Thoma olney: junr: were ordered,
and Impowered by the Towne to make a conclusion with Edward Inman and others 
with him Conserned as to a Tract of land lieing in the northerne part of or 
Townshipp: The sayd Towne (Prov. Town Meetings III, 62.) Trustees haveing
this day made theire returne of theire proceedes, with the sayd Edward Inman
and his Associates, that an Ishue is fully by agreement on both partys made, 
An Instvement in parchment is Drawne and by both partys Signed and Sealed, A 
platt of the severall percells of lands allowed to ye said Edward Inman and
his Associates in paper being made, The which said Instrvement in parchment
and platt in paper being by ye abouesayd Trustees alsoe Deliuered unto ye Towne
The Towne accepteth the Agreement and have Received ye sayd Instrvement and platt, and Doe Comitt both ye sayd Instrvement and platt unto ye Towns Clerks office there to be Carefully kept." (Town Meeting III, 63.)

Agreement between the Town of Providence and Edward Inman.


   Whereas there hath of long time benn a diference betweene ye towne of 
Providence in ye Colloney of Rhode Island & Providence plantations in new 
england, and Edward Inman & some others with him inhabetants of ye towne & 
Colloney aforesaid about a tract of land lieing about a place called 
wesquadomesett, & in the northerne part of ye Towneshipp of ye aforesaid 
towne of Providence, & lieing bordring upon ye River called Pautuckett River:
And ye said towne considering ye said Edward Inman & ye rest with him 
concerned to be theire neighbours, and not being willing diferencyes should 
any longer betweene them continue The said Edward Inman & some other his 
Associats also haveing setled themselves & familyes upon ye said tract of 
land & bestowed much labour thereupon, The which said Considerations mooveing
ye said towne to indulgencye Rather then Rigor to remoove them & theire 
familyes of from ye same; inclineing to part with some of their Right that 
so a Neighbourly Amitye might be setled rether then to use Extreamety by 
which Annimossityes might be continued to posteritye; The said towne of 
Providence haveing nominated appoynted & fully impowred five persons (viz) 
Arthur ffenner, Richard Amold, William Hopkins, John Whipple junr & Thomas 
olney junr: their trustees in theire name, & on theire behalfe to dispose 
act doe & performe in all things as to ye premises according as theire owne 
understandings shall them direct.
   Therefore This Indenture made the six & twentyeth day of Aprill in ye yeare
one thousand six hundred Eighty & two betweene ye aforesaid towne of 
Providence by theire said trustees Arthur ffenner Richard Arnold William 
Hopkins, John Whipple junr. & Thomas olney junr: on ye one part, And Edward 
Inman senior of ye aforesaid towne of Providence & his associats on ye other 
part wittnesseth, That for & upon ye abovesaid Considerations, & so to a 
finall conclusion & Ishue of all diferences betweene ye said towne of 
Providence, & ye said Edward Inman & Associates as concerning ye aforesaid 
tract of land, That the said Edward Inman & ye rest his associats with him 
concerned shall of ye abuesaid tract of land have three thousand & five 
hundred acres amongst them to be devided; the which said land being already 
by ye aforesaid towne of Providence theire sirveiors laid out & devided from 
ye townes comon: It lieing in three parts, (viz) two thousand three hundred &
fifty acres lieing north & be west the length crosse ye easterne end of ye 
said Tract, part bordering upon Pautuckett River & part upon a small streame 
called Wasquadomsett River, bounding on the Southeasterne cornner with a 
white oake tree, & from the said white oake tree to range west & be south 
unto a heape of stones set for a southwesterne cornner boundes, & from ye 
said heape of stones to range north & be west to a great white pine which is 
ye norwesterne corner bound, And from ye said white pine to range about 
northeast & be east unto a pine tree standing upon ye brimm of ye banke at 
Pautuckett River the which is a northeasterne cornner bound.  Also one 
thousand acres of land at & upon wansaukutt hill, beginning at ye southerne 
end of ye said wansaukutt hill, & so rangeing northward to Pautuckettett 
River, the North end thereof bordering upon ye said River, the southeasterne 
cornner be bounded with a snagg tree, & from ye said snagg tree to range 
wcst to a low Rock which is a southwesterne cornner bound; and from ye said 
Rock to range north to a bigg Rock standing in Pautuckett River, the which 
said Rock is a northwesterne cornner bound: And from ye said Rock to follow 
ye River, unto a walnutt tree which standeth marked upon ye brimm of ye River
banke, which is a northeasterne cornner bound of ye sayd thousand acres of 
land.
   Also one hundred & fifty acres lieing at ye place where James Blackmore 
his howse once stood: *      *       *       *       *
   As also considering ye said Edward Inman & also Nathanaell Mawry & John 
Mawry who are theire already settled that they cannot well subsist without 
some meaddow; The towne of Providence doe by theire said trustees afore named
allow unto them & to James Blackmore those peeces of meaddow called 
mettetakonitt meaddowes lieing within ye said tract together with all ye 
percells of meaddow within ye said tract of land above named the which lie 
eastward from ye said mettetakonitt meaddowes, & also which lie eastward of 
a north line from ye said Mettetakonitt meaddow to Pautuckett River.  And 
that all cedar swamps being in any part of said tract shall remain the towns 
comon, who shall not be debarred of highways for recourse therunto as also 
all lime stones contained in any part of ye said lands to be free. *    *    *
And a highway of foure poles wide to goe through the said two thousand three 
hnndred & fifty acres northward. (Prov. deeds, I, 92.)
      Edward Inman                                   Arthur ffenner
      Stephen Arnold                                 Richard Arnold
      Nathaniell Mawrey                              William Hopkins
      John Mawry                                     John Whipple junr.
                                                     Thomas Olney junr.
     Signed & Sealed in ye presence of
         Alexander Balkcom
         Samuell Walker
Edward Inman & his                         The towne of Providence Trustees
associats theire seale                                 theire seale
       [ S ]                                               [ S ]

A plat of the Mattetakonitt meadows made by Thomas Olney in 1689 is recorded in Prov. deeds V. 367.

   The territory covered by the first deed, lies almost entirely within the 
town of North Smithfield, the south western end extending into the present 
town of Smithfield and the north  eastern into Woonsocket.  The first bound 
mentioned, Wessukkuttomsuk, (Wesquadomset) is just north of Louisquiset.  
This name was applied to the country around Wesquadomset or Sayles hill, as 
well as to the stream now called Crook Fall river.  Starting from a point in 
Crook Fall river, where the towns of Smithfield, No. Smithfield and Lincoln 
join each other, the line of this tract runs north with that stream to its 
junction with the Pautucket river, thence to the mill near the falls, thence 
taking a south easterly direction through the Great Ceder Swamp and between 
Woonsocket and Sayles hills, to Nipsachuck hill, thence to the Keys, and 
thence easterly to the place of beginning on Crook Fall river.
   Nipsachuck hill and the Keyes are the south western bounds; the Keyes, was
a pine swamp or woods lieing on the eastern side of the eastern branch of 
Wanasquatucket river and about a mile and a half north of Stillwater; this 
branch was sometimes called the Nipsachuck river.
   To the west and northwest of the Keyes, about a mile lies Nipsachuck hill,
beyond what may be called the middle branch of the Wanaquatucket.  Between 
the two branches the country is called Nipsachuoug and within said tract a 
swamp called Nipsachuck is spoken of in many deeds.  Smithfield Station on 
the Providence and Springfield Railroad is about the centre of this tract.
   This location being different from that given by at least two writers, 
[Parson's Indian Names, P. 19. "Nippsatchuck hill N. E. 2 miles from Greenville,
in Smithfield, probably Wolf's hill."  History of Woonsocket, P. 30. 
"Nysshacuck I have supposed to be Sayles hill," *    *    * but my supposition 
has been disputed."]  I have been at considerable pains to verify the same, 
with the following result.
   May 12, 1692, there was laid out to Nathaniell Mawry 56 12 Acres of land, 
"on both sides of that branch of Wanasqatuckett river which runneth by the 
place called the Keyes; the which said land is the most part of it lieing 
over the river against the place called the Keyes and adjoining to the said 
river," bounded east by the river, north onland of Arthur Fenner and on other 
sides by common land. (Prov. deeds I, 216.) December 22, 1695. Nathaniell Mawrey and wife Johannah deeded the above to their son Joseph (Prov. Transcript P. 380.) for his settlement, he having been married in June of that year. April 5, 1703, there was laid out to Joseph Mawrey 26 acres "on the west side of that branch of Wanasquatuckett river, which runneth down by that place called the Keys and is laid out over against the place called the Keys westward from it and adjoining to the northwestern part of the said Joseph Mawrey his former land where he now dwelleth." (Prov Transcript P. 332.) March 27, 1704, there was laid out to John Sailes, 36 acres in several parcels but near each other, six of these parcels are described as lieing between that branch of Wanasquatucket river which runneth down by the Keyes, and Nipsachuck hill, and a little way westward of Joseph Mawrey's house, one piece, was a ledge of rocks lieing just by Joseph Mawryes his dwelling house, westward from it and bounded north, west and south by said Mawry, and east by a highway. Another piece over against the place called the Keyes, on the western side of the river and within and adjoining to Joseph Mawry, &c. (Prov. Deeds II 6.) May 17, 1705, John Sayles sells the above 36 acres to Joseph Mawrey, describing them as lieing and being between that branch of Wanasquatucket river which runneth down by the place called the Keyes and the hill called Nippsachuck hill and south westward from the now dwelling house of the said Joseph Mawrey." (Prov. deeds II 8.) Dec, 20, 1707, John Sailes sells Josep Mawry three acres near a place called Nipsachchuoge being on the east side of the river, the place is called the Keyes eastwrardly from the dwelling house of Joseph Mawry, and adjoining Mawry's land. (Prov. deeds II 462.) March 21, 171112, there was laid out to Joseph Mawry three acres of land west of and adjoiniug his farm, one of the bounds of which was a maple tree standing in the south end of Nipsuchuck cedar swamp. (Prov. deeds II 219.) April 29, 1713, sixteen acres laid out to same, lieing and being on the said Mawry's westwardly part of his forme land and adjoining to the north end of Nipsachuk cedar swamp. (Prov deeds II 287.) March 25, 1712, Nathaniell Waterman sold Joseph Mawrey, 50 acres "a little distant from the now dwelling house of said Joseph Mawrey," part on the east and part on the west side that branch of Wanasquatucket river which runneth from the place called the Keyes. Feb. 1, l7289, Joseph Mowry deeded to his son Daniel one hundred acres of land, the southerly end extends so far north as to include that piece of land I bought of Nathaniel Waterman which lieth on the east and west of Nipsachack river and lieth below my damb &c. (Prov deeds IX 50.) May 16, 1704, there was laid out to John Inman land "lieing about one mile and a quarter northward from the now dwelling of John Malavery, and between the hill called Wansoket hill and Nipsatchuck hill." (Prov Transcript P.338) Sept. 12, 1704, there was laid out to Edward 3 Inman land "about one mile distant eastwardly from the eastern part of the northern end of Nippsatchuck hill; and adjoin-to the western end of the said Edward Inman his land to say his farm whereon he now dwelleth." (Prov deeds II 5.) The land of the above John Inman, Edward3 Inman, John Malavery, the Phillips family and others, lay on the western and south western side of Woonsocket hill. The dwelling of Joseph Mawrey spoken of in so many of the above deeds was built between 1695 and 1708 and is still standing, a short distance west of the Douglas Turnpike and about a mile northwesterly from Stillwater. In 1878 it was owned by S. Keefe. (Richard Mowry family history, p. 39) March 20, 1704, the town laid out to John Mawry, land "about a mile and a quarter northward from his now dwelling house and about two miles south from Wansoket hill." (Prov. Transcript P. 323.) June 12, 1710, James & Elizabeth Bick sold land to "John Mawrey of Providence dwelling near a place called Nipsachuck." (R. I. Land Evidences, II, 20.) It seems the more singular that the location of Nipsachuck should be obscure, in view of the fact, that in this immediat vicinity, took place the first and last engagement, in the Colony of Rhode Island, during the Indian war which followed so closely the Inman purchase. In the latter part of July 1675, the country around Montaup having become too hot for King Philip, he retreated toward the Nipmuck country through Rehoboth, and the "Gore" (now Cumberland) crossing the Pautucket River. He was closely followed by a small force from Rehoboth, Taunton and Swansea, who were joined by about thirty Providence men. On the night of July 31, this force havingdiscovered the enemy in front, encamped on "an Indian field belonging to Philips men called Nipsachick." The next morning, Aug., 1, before daylight some Indians foraging for provisions, were fired upon by the English scouts and Philip's camp was alarmed; "The enemy fled in such haste as they left their kettles, coates meat dressed and undressed, some ammunition, as lead and slugs, and other goods, so that as was judged by some English then present, their plunder then taken was worth near an 100 pounds. Philip's fighting men showed themselves upon a hill unto us; Philip's men upon our running towards them, dispersed themselves for shelter in fighting, and so in like manner did we, the ground being a hilly plain, with some swamps between us as advantageous for us, as for them, where we fought until about 9 of the clock." In this engagement about thirty of Philip's men were killed, among them Nimrod one of his chief counsellors. (Mather's Indian War, Drake's Ed. P. 65) "One of Providence men and two of our garrison soldiers were wounded.* * * * Providence men returned to carry home their wounded men and myself and the rest with me to carry our wounded men. We got to Providence that night about 12 or one of the clock. I sent the wounded men that were with me to Road Island to Capt. Fuller, that night. Next morning returned with 5 men, and in company with 12 Providence men" under command of Capt. Andrew Edmands (Drake's Hubbard I 90.) "carrying ammunition and provlsions." (Letter of Capt. Nathaniel Thomas dated Aug. 10, 1675. Mathers Indian wars, P. 227 - 274.) Following the track taken by Capt. Henchman in pursuit of Philip, they came up with him Aug. 3, at a fort in the Nipmug country where they staid until the 7th, when their provisions being spent, the 12 Providence men were sent to Norwich, and the Mass. troops to Mendon. Col. Church who was not in this section at the time, makes but brief mention of this engagement. He says that Philip after making his escape, "fled over Taunton river, and Rehoboth Plain, and Petuxetriver where Capt. Edmonds of Providence made some spoil upon: and had probably done more, put was prevented by the coming up of a Superior Officer, that put him by." (Dexter's Church, I 47.) It is not probable that any Naragansett Indians were concerned in this affair as up to this time they had not taken any active part with Philip. In December of this year occurred the "swamp fight" in Narragansett, at which time the remnant of that tribe were driven to the Nipmuck country, and through the spring of 1676, joined with Philip and others in ravaging the towns of Massachusetts. In May of that year signs began to appear that Philip's allies were breaking away from him, several of the smaller tribes coming in, and others asking terms for surrendering. At a meeting of the Connecticut Council at Hartford May 1, there appeared a messenger named Tiawa Kesson from Sucquance (Pessicus) and others. He was returned with a writing signed by John Allyn, Sec., with other things saying that if he and others wouldcome in with their English prisoners to be exchanged, and to arrange terms of peace, they should have safe conduct and free liberty to depart if an agreement was not arrived at. (Com. Co. Rec. II 438.) May 29th, Rev. James Fitch reports to the Council at Hartford, that the Indians "have planted at Quabaug & at Nipsachook, nigh Cowessit and that Philip's men & the Narragansetts are generally come into those above mentioned places only that Pesicus one of the chiefs of the Narragansett Sachems, did abide up at Pocomptock with some few of his men," and suggesting that an expedition be sent in those directions. (Conn. Co. Rec. II 447.) The next day a letter was sent from the council to Major Talcott, then at Norwich, advising him that he "range about Nipsochooke & those parts," with Capt. Denison and such Indians as could be procured. Major Tallcott reports the result of this expedition as follows. "July 4, 1676. At Mr. [Thomas] Stanton's Farm house at Monacontauge (Quanacontauge a neck of land about five miles east of Pawcatuck river.)
  Honrd Gent:
These may acquaint you that we made Nipsachooke on y e first of July and seized 4 of ye enemye, and on the 2d instant, being the Sabboth, in ye morning about sun an houre high made ye enemys place of residence and assaulted them who presently inswamped themselves in a great spruse swamp; we girt the sd swamp and w th English & Indian souldrs drest it, and within 3 hours slew and tooke prisoners 171, of which 41 prison(Widow of Mexam son of Canonicus.) was slaine, and or old friend Watawaikeson, (Tiawakesson) Pessecus his agent, was slayne and in his pocket Capt. Allynes Ticket for his free passage up to his headquarts;" From this point he proceeded by way of Providence and Warwick neck, where on the 3d he had another encounter, down to Mr. Smiths, (Wickford) and from thence by way of Boston neck and Point Juda to Mr. Stantons. He reports that he had taken and slain 238 of the enemy, with a loss of one Indian and no English of his command. (Conn. Col. Rec. II 458.) Under date of Hartford, July 8, 1676, the council write to Gov. Andross at Albany, "We sent forth from hence June 27 about 300 English vnder comand of Major Tallcot, wth a party of Indians, whoe upon the 2d day of this instant, at a place called Nipsachoog, kild & tooke 171 of the enemie; and upon ye day following met withanother party of the enemie & kild and tooke 67 of them." (Conn. Col. Rec. II 461.) In speaking of this fight Hubbard says, "But the greatest blow given to the Narhagansets was by Connecticut Forces under Major Talcot, July the second." (Drake's Hubbard I 251, II 62.) By a some what singular coincidence both of these engagements, as well as three others on Rhode Island soil, took place on the sabbath. The first fight at Nipsachuck, Sunday Aug. 1, 1675. The Swamp fight at Kings Towne, Sunday Dec. 19, 1675. Peirce's fight near Valley Falls, Sunday March. 26, 1676. The capture of Canonchet near Pawtucket Sunday April 9, 1676. Talcott's fight at Nipsachuck, Sunday July 1, 1676. The territory covered by the second deed was northwest of the first purchase and lies aronnd Woonsocket hill; the line commencing at a place northwest of said hill called Wewesampinset, runs south to umetococonnet, (Mattetakonitt) the meadows lieing south of Woonsocket hill, thence east and north through the Great Cedar Swamp northwest of Sayles hill, to the Branch river, and west, following said river to the place of begining. Wansaukitt (Woonsocket) hill, which gives its name to this purchase is said to be the highest land in the state, rising to a height of nearly six hundred feet above the sea." East of this last purchase and northwest from the first tract, was a considerable territory not included in either deed that was settled upon by Capt. Richard Arnold and Ensign Samuel Comstock; for many years they held this land without title from either Indians or Whites, until April 14, 1701, when the town made them a grant of the land on which they had so long been settled. This grant was bounded east and northeast with Pawtuckett river, on the west with Inman's land on Wansokutt hill, south and southwest with said Inman & his associates land, and north with that river which runneth by the north part or end of said Wansokutt hill & so falleth into Pautuckett River. This locality they called Woonsocket, taking the name from the hill on the west. It is now known as Union Village and the name Woonsocket has been moved a second time to the compact part of the town north of the river at the falls, but this did not occur until after the purchase of this land by John Arnold son of Capt. Richard, in 1710. The records clearly prove that Wansaukett was the Indian name of the hill, and given by the whites to their settlenrent at Union Village, and by a later generation again transferred to the present town of Woonsocket. There is no proof that the name was ever applied by the Indians, or the first English settlers, to the falls, or to the land north of the river now the compact part of the town. This conclusion if correct disposes of the poetical derivation of the name "Woone,(thunder) suckete, (mist) from the falls of the Pawtucket river," given by S. C. Newman (Newman's Woonsocket, P. 7.) or to say the least the "thunder" and "mist" must be transferred from the "falls" to the hill in North Smithfield. The term in this deed of "five hundred acres more or less" seems to have been a very elastic one, for when the partners commenced to sell, it is described as the thousand acre purchase in many of their deeds, and the Arnolds and Comstocks in some of their deeds bound their land westerly on the thousand acre purchase of Edward Inman. The accompanying map shows approximately the varions localities mentioned in these deeds.

Undisplayed Graphic

  William Minion or Manannion alias Quashauwaunamitt or Quashaamitt of 
Punkapaog, the grantor of these deeds, first appears at Providence in 1659, 
laying claim to certain lands,  and the following action was taken in his 
case:
   "Att a Quarter day meeting July the 27th 1659 Mr. ffeild modderatrfor as 
much as an Indian Called William allias Quashauwaunamitt, hath benn this day with the Towne Laieing Clayme vnto some of the Land belonging vnto the Towne; his Answere is as ffolloweth (Viz)ee Judge wee haue Intrest in the Land CLayme, yett wee shall further inquire betweene this, and or next Quarter Court, of the Indians which ar Antiient men both what Right yor prdessesors had on this side pautuckett Riuer, if any, and also where it Lieth, and in the meane Tyme wee Cann say no more, but you shall here ffurther:" (Prov. deeds, small old book, P. 65.) No further action upon the case was recorded, and his name next appears in the deed made by Alexander to the town of Providence, Feb. 1, 16612, heretofore given in this series. It will be remembered that Alexander deeded all his interest in lands west of the Seekonk river, "except a tract about four or five miles, which he gave leave to William or Quashawannamitt of Massachusetts to dispose of which said land begins at the old field of Wesquadomisk." This is the land covered by the deeds here given. Sept. 8, 1662, he was party to another deed of land lieing north of and adjoining the land given in these deeds. This deed was to the proprietors of the town of Squmshepauke or Mendon, (Quinshepauge, Hubbard Ind. War, I 86.) and in it he is called Quashaamitt allis William of Blewe Hills. (Annals of Mendon, P. 6.) August 5, 1665, in a deed to the town of Braintree made by Wampatuck alias Josiah, Chief Sachem of the Massachusetts Indians, "With the consent of his wise men," he is called William Mananiomott in the body of the instrument, but his signature is William Manunion, and Joseph Manunion was a witness. (Drake's Indians, II, 45. History of Old Braintree, P. 45.) William appears to have been at this time a prominent man at Punkapaog, one of the villages of the praying Indians established by Eliot, and one of the remnants of the once powerful tribe of the Massachnsetts. Of this place Gookins says, (Mass. His. Soc. Col., I 184.) "Pakemitt or Punkapaog is witlhin the present limits of Stoughton. The significance of the same is taken from a spring that ariseth out of the red earth. This town is south of Boston, abont 14 miles. There is a great mountain, called the Blue Hill, lieth northeast from it about two miles: and the town of Dedham, about three miles northwest. This is a small town and hath not above twelve families in it and so abont sixty souls. The Indians that settled here removed from Neponsitt Mill in 1657. There rulers name is Ahawton an old and faithful friend of the English. There teacher is William Ahawton his son, an ingenious person, and pious man, and of good parts. Here was a very able teacher who died about three years since. His name was William Awinian. He was a knowing person, and of great ability, and of genteel deportment, and spoke very good English. His death was a very great rebuke to this place. Here it was that Mr. John Elliot Junior preached once a fortnight. In this village besides their planting and keeping cattle and swine, and fishing in good ponds, and upon Neponsitt river which lieth near them; they are also advantaged by a large cedar smamp; wherin such as are laborious and diligent, do get many a pound, by cutting and prepareing cedar shingles & clapboards which sell well at Boston and other English towns."

   Of King Philip who ratified this sale, but little need be said, as he is 
probably the best known Indian chieftain in New England history.  He first 
appears at Plymonth, June 13, 1660, with his brother Alexander, asking that 
English names might be conferred upon them, on account of the death of their 
father Massasoit, and in accordance with an Indian custom of receiving a new 
name to commemorate any important incident in their life.  His Indian name 
was Pometacom, alias Wewasowanuett alias Metacomet. He succeeded his brother 
Alexander as Chief Sachem early in 1662, and from that time until 1675, about
all we hear of him is in regard to sales of land, and plotting schemes of 
vengeance upon his white neighbors.  In June 1675, broke out the bloody war, 
which after carrying desolation throughout the English settlements as far 
west as the Connecticut river, was finally ended with his death Aug. 12, l675, 
and the virtual extermination of the confederated tribes.  His wife was 
Wootonekanuske, a sister of Weetamoo, the wife of Alexander.  She, with a son 
about 9 years of age was captured Aug. 1, 1676, and the boy was finally sold 
into foreign slavery against the wishes of many of the clergy who desired his 
death for his fathers crime. (Dexter's Church, I, 127.)

   That Philip had at least one sister is shown by the following unique 
letter the original of which is still preserved at Plymouth. (Mass. His. Col. II)
   "To the much honered Governor, Mr Thomns Prince, dewlling at Plimoth.
   King Philip desire to let you understand that he could not come to Court, 
for Tom, his interpreter, has a pain in his back, that he could not travil so 
far, and Philip sister is very sik.
   Philip would intreat that favor of you, and aney of the magistrats, if 
aney English or Engians speak about aney land, he preay you to give them no 
ansewer; at all.  This lastsumer he maid that promis with you, that he would 
not sell no land in 7 years time, for that he would have no English trouble 
him before that time, he has not forgot that you promis him.  He will come a 
sune as posible he can to speak with you, and so I rest, your verey loveing 
friend Philip, dwelling at mount hope nek."
     A sister of Philip was reported as being a prisoner with Uncas Feb. 1676. 
(Conn. Col. Rec. II, 487.)
     A sister of Philip called Amie married Watuspaquin the "Black Sachem" of 
Assawampset who was put to death at Plymouth in September, 1676. (Pierce's 
Indian History, P. 211.) 
     A direct descendant of this sister, Mrs. Zerviah G. Mitchell, in 
connection with Mr. Ebenezer W. Peirce of Massachusetts has published an 
interesting history, biography and genealogy of the Wampanoag tribe.
     A brother of Philip called Sonconewhew, who witnessed a deed of his in
1668, (Drake's Indians, III, 15.) and also signed a treaty in 1671, (Plymouth 
Col. Rec. V, 79.) may be identical with the brother, said to have been killed 
at Pocasset, July 18, 1675, and whose head was sent to Boston. (Old Indian
Chronicle, P. 133.)

   EDWARD INMAN first appears at Warwick where he was recorded as an 
inhabitant 1648, June 5.
     1651, Oct., 27.  He was recorded as a townsman of Providence, "after 
the order of John Brown,"  and granted land by the place where his house is.
     1652, Dec., 13.  He bought land of Thomas Harris.
     1653, Jan., 3.  Not to forfiet land for not building, as he had built in 
another more convienient place, for his trade of dressing fox gloves. (Prov.
Transcript, P. 133.)
     1656, Jan., 27.  Granted 5 acres between the bridge that goeth to Mr. 
Scott's meadow and Mr. Dexter's bridge.
     1657.  Commissioner and Juryman.
     1657, June, 10.  Entered two ankers of rum.
     1658, April, 27.  Received as a purchaser. (Prov. Transcript, P. 108.)
     1659, March, 6.  Juryman.
     1660, June, 4.  Member of the town council.
     1661, Feb., 18.  Grand Juryman.
     1663, July, 27.  Entered two ankers of liquor.
     1663, Dec., 7.  He and Thomas Hopkins gave bond to the town for money to 
be disbursed for the relief of Joanna Hazard.
     1666, 7, 8, 72, 4, 6, 7 and 8.  Deputy.
     1666.  Surveyor and engaged Allegiance.
     1666, May, 14.  With John Mawry he made the Westquadomeset purchase and 
after fifteen years active life in the compact part of the town he probably 
removed to his new home.
     1667, Sept., 22.  He sold to Stephen Paine Sen., of Rehoboth, his dwelling
house, barnyards and home lot being six acres, bounded west by land of Thomas 
Harris, Sen., south by land of Thomar Harris, Jun., and north west by land of 
Richard Pray.  Also five acres of upland near Dexter's bridge and a full 
share of commons (both of the first and last purchase,) possession to be 
given, "next Michaelmas being the 29 of this instant month." (Prov. Transcript
P. 18.)
     1668, April, 20.  signed ageement with his partners to divide the land 
bought of William the Indian.
     1669, May, 13.  Made second purchase of William, confirmed by King Philip.
     1672, Feb., 4.  Received confirmation of the Indian purchase from the 
Colony. (R. I. Land Evidences, II, 26.)
     1672, Oct., 10.  Sold to James Blackmar and John Bukman of Rehoboth, a 
sixth part in both Indian purchases and to William, Joseph, and James Bukland 
another sixth. (R. I. Land Evidences, II, 21, 22.)
     1679, July.  Taxed at Providence, 1 s, 101/2 d
     1682, April, 26.  He and his associates enter into an ageement with the 
town, to settle all differences between them and by which agreement the town 
released certain rights in the lands that Inman had Purchased from the Indians.
     1684. Taxed, 2s.
     1686, Aug., 17.  Deeded Joshua Clark who had married Alice Phillips the 
daughter of his wife Barbara by her first marriage, 60 acres of land at 
Westquadomeset, it being a part of the homestead of Inman where he then lived,
 and upon which said Clark had already built. (Prov. Transcript, P. 398, 399.)
In 1702 Clark, then of Newport, sold the above to his brotherinlaw Richard 
Phillips.
     1689, May, 22.  He and wife Barbara deed to John, James and Richard 
Phillips, sons of said Barbara, for their well being and settlement, a tract 
of land at Westqundomeset being the same land he had previously sold to John 
Buckman of Rehoboth, who sold it to Stephen Paine, and whose grandson Stephen 
Paine had reconveyed it to Inman. (Prov. deeds II, 113.)
     1696, July 27.  He sold Stephen Arnold Sen., of Pawtuxct, 350 acres, 
"upon the southern and southwestern part of Wansokutt Hill," the consideration
being an agreement previously made with the said Arnold for a sixth interest 
in the whole purchase, and other debts due. (Prov. deeds II, 76.)
     1702, Nov. 14.  He and wife Barbara, sold John Sayles jun., for œ60 
Silver money, the homestead farm on which he had lived since abont 1666, 
with mansion house, orchards, meadows and mowing lands, in all about nine 
score acres.  This farm was on the northern side of Westquadomeset or Sayles 
hill, and on both sides of highway, the house being on the western side. (Prov.
Transcript P. 401.)
     1706, July 27.  His son John in a deed to John Gully speaks of his 
father as then deceased.
     1706, Aug., 17.  Inventory of Estate presented to town councii.
     1706, Aug., 26.  The widow and children refusing administration, the 
council appointed Jonathan Sprague one of their own number.
      EDVARD INMAN, b. _____; d.1706. m. (Ist.) _____; m. (2nd.) Barbara, 
widow of Michael Phillips who survived him.  Children by first wife:
1. JOHANNAH, b. _____; d. after 1715; m. 1666, Nathaniel, s. of Roger and 
     Mary (Johnson) Mawry, who was b. 1644; d. Mch. 24, 1718.  Children:
          1. Nathaniel; 2. John; 3. Henry;  4. Joseph; 5. Sarah; 6. Mary; 
          7. Joanna; 8. Patience; 9. Marcy; 10. Experience; 11. Martha.
2. JOHN, b. July 15, 1648; d. Aug. 6, 1712; Will, Mar. 30, 1702, proved 1712. 
     (See Prov. Wills) m. Mary Whitman, d. of Capt. Valentine and Mary (_____) 
     Whitman, who was b. Nov. 16, 1652; d. April 27, 1720.  Children:
          1. Mary; 2.Deborah; 3. Sarah; 4. Anne; 5. John; 6. Valentine; 
7. Naomi; 8. Joanna; 9. Tabitha. 3. EDWARD, b. 1654; d. June 1735; m. Elizabeth, d. of Samuel and Anna (_____) Bennett, who was living Oct. 30, 1721; Children: 1. Edward; 2. Samuel; 3. Francis; 4. Benjamin; 5. Joseph; 6. Isaiah.
     JOHN MAWRY was the son of Roger and Mary (Johnson) Mawry, who were first 
at Plymonth, then at Salem, and removed to Providence about 1663. He was 
received as a freeman May 1. 1672, and was one of those who "staid and went notaway," in the time of King Philip's war. His maternal uncle, Capt. lsaac Johnson, of Roxbury, was killed at "The Great Swamp Fight," in Narragansett. 168O, July 16. Taxed 8 d. 1688. Rateable Estate. 8 cows, 2 oxen, bull, 5 young cattle, mare, horse, 8 acres tillage, 8 acres pasture, 5 acres meadow. 1690, Oct. 3. Administration granted to his brother Nathaniel. Inventory, œ 66, 03 s., 04 d. Among the items being a gun, a sword, an old Bible, some sma11 books, boards at saw mill, ect. 1695, April 16. The Administrator rendered an account to the council and was directed to turn over his part of the estate to John the heir, who was now declared to be of full age. 1695, April 3. John Jr., sold the homestead to James Bick of Mendon, and moved to Nipsachuck, about three miles south of Woonsocket hill. (Prov. Transcript, P. 356, 323. Prov deeds, II, 172.) 1710-11, Feb. 3. James Bick reconveyed a lot to John Mawrey on the northeastern side of the highway, where his father and mother were buried. (Mowry family History, P. 13.) 1711, April, 27. James and Elizabeth Bick sold a portion of said farm to Richard Phillips, "reserving 2 poles square of land lieing on the east side of the highway that leadeth to Mendon, at the place wher_ John Mawry, deceased and his wife are buried. (Prov. deeds II, 388.) "There is a tradition that John Mawry, Sen., and his wife both died of small pox and were buried on their farm at Sayles' hill, on land now, (1875) belonging to Benjamin Sayles 2nd." (Mowry family History, P. 13.) The following are some of the items in the administrators account of April 16, 1695. (Prov. Probate Office, Doc, Boz, 149.) S. d.
      Paid Elizabeth Mori for help in their sickness        18
       "   Jonathan Sprague       Do                        10
       "   Jeams Jilson (doctor?)  "                        œ1      10
       "   father Inman for meal borrowed in
           their sickness                                    1       6
       "   Mary Inman a sheet that was borrowed              5       6
       "   John Inman for boards for making
           2 cofins                                          2       9
       "   Elezar Wippel for making two cofins               2
       "   Thomis Copper for burriing the corpes
           and work done about the house                    19
   Another item in this account seems to show that the two young daughters, 
Experience and Sarah, were taken to Conanicut to live with their uncle Joseph.
JOHN MAWRY (Roger) b. _____; (d. July 7,1690; m. Mary _____,   Children:
1. MARY,b. _____; d. _____;  m. James, s. of Michael and Barbara (_____) 
     Phillips. Children: 
          1, Michael; 2, John; 3, Jeremiah; 4, Joshua; 5, Samuel; 6, Mary;      
          7, Phebe; 8, Elizabeth.
2. JOHN, b. _____; d. Sept. 19, 1732; m. April 18, 1701; Margery, d. of 
     Eleazer and Alice (Angell) Whipple. Children:
          1, Mary;  2, Ananias;  3, Philip;  4, John;  5, Abigail;  
          6, Margery;  7, Amey; 8, Meribah. 
     M. (2nd.) Aug. 23, 1722, Hannah, d. of Nathaniel Packard. Child:
          9, Ezekiel.
3. EXPERIENCE, b. _____; d. _____; m. Elisha, s. of John and Sarah (Whipple) 
     Smith.  Children:
          1,  Penelope;  2,  Philip;  3,  Noah;  4,  Sarah;  5,  Jonathan;  
          6,  Abraham; 7,  Richard;  8,  Mary;  9,  Stephen;  10,  Daniel.
4. SARAH.

     DANIEL ABBOTT, was the son of Daniel and Mary Abbott, who were first at 
Cambridge about 1630, and removed to Providence about 1639.  They both died 
before their son was of age.
     1650, July 27.  It was "ordered that Nicholas Power and Gregory Dexter 
shall take the Goods belonging to the children of Daniel Abbot deceased into 
their hands and take notice of the Goats and also care of them, to see to 
their disposal of them and bring in a list into the Town and record them.'
(Prov. Transcript, P. 142.) 
     1651, July 25.  It was "ordered that Thomas Harris and Nicholas Power 
shall equally divide the Goats & goods and what else that belongs unto the 
two Orphans of Daniel Abbot deceased and possess Thomas Walling husband of 
Mary Abbot the Daughter of the said deceased with one half of the said Goats, 
goods &c. and the other half to order for Daniel Abbot the Son of the said 
deceased best Advantage." (Prov. Transcript, P. 138.)
     Young Daniel was apprenticed as a servant to Robert Williams 
(schoolmaster) who is supposed to have been a brother of Roger Williams, and 
was living at this time upon the home lot that was given by the proprietors 
to Daniel Abbott Sen.
     1665, Oct. 1.  Robert Williams, now of Newport, sold this home lot, to 
Daniel Abbott, and describes it as the lot he purchased of Robert Morris, who 
bought it of Daniel Abbott Sen. (Prov. deeds, I, 10.) This lot was on the 
town street, the south-west center being a little north of College street, 
and extending something over a hundred feet northerly on Market square and 
easterly over the hill, crossing what is now the grounds of Brown University, 
to the vicinity of Hope street.  The What Cheer Building, Eagle Bank Building 
and the Central Congregational Church are all on the western end of this lot.
     1672, Dec. 30.  He purchased the adjoining home lot on the south, of 
the heirs of Chad Brown.
     1672, April 30.  He was made a freeman.
     He was one of those "who staid and went not away" during the Indian War.
     "Daniel Abbott and Margaret Walling (widow) both of this Town of 
Providence had theire publication of Marriage intended, Sett forth upon a 
publick place in this Towne, Date ye 10th of December 1678 And was joyned 
together in Marriage on ye 25th of ye aforeinstanced month December 1678.
                By John Whipple Assistant." (Prov. Town Meetings, III, 46.)
     This Margaret Walling was the widow of Thomas Walling and his second 
wife, his first wife having been Mary Abbott sister of the above Daniel 
Abbott.
     1678, 9, 80, 81.  Town Clerk.
     It is probable that the town meetings were held at this time in Daniel 
Abbott's house, and that the town in the straightened condition of things 
just after the war, were not very prompt in the payment of their bills; after 
nearly two years service the following letter was sent by Abbott to the town.
     "To the Town met this 22nd of December 1679.
     These are to pray the town now without much further delay before the 
Boards and timber be most all sent out of the township _____ done to the 
particular propriety and advantage of only some few particular persons of the 
town, that they agree lovingly together, for the building them a town house,
to keep their meetings at, and not yet to continue further troubles and 
burdens on some particular persons, without tendering any satisfaction for 
the privilege thereof, as hath appeared near this two years' space of time, 
unto your neighbor and friend.
                                                     Daniel Abbott.
And that also they take some course to pay their other debts, to remove 
underserved jealousy." (Annals of Prov. P. 173.)
     At a town meeting held the 28th of the next month Jan. 167980, it was 
"voted by ye towne vpon ye prsentation of a bill by Mr. Roger Williams 
concerning paymt of house Rent & Clerkes fees, and Serjants wages, it is 
ordered by ye Towne that Dan: Abbott shall have of this Towne, the full & 
just Sume of forty shillings in Current pay of thisCollony to be payed to 
Dan: Abhott aforesd according to Law, and yt ye sd Clerke & Serjants for ye 
time past, shall be pd according to law & ye Townes Agreemts:"(Prov. Town
Meetings, III, 30.) 
     1680, April 27.  The following vote was passed by the town.  "Whereas no 
record appears that Daniel Abbott dec. was an equal proprietor with the rest 
of the purchasers although well known to the town it is therefore ordered 
that Daniel Abbott his son and heir by right of succession be now recorded a
purchaser in his fathers room." (Prov. Town Meetings, III, 35.)
     In 1723 his son Col. Daniel Abbot,(Daniel,Daniel) and the last of 
the name, deeded that part of the lot purchased by his father of the Chad 
Brown heirs, where the Providence County Court House now stands, to the Rev. 
Nathaniel Cotton and others, "for œ 30, and of his own free Bounty for the 
setting vp the worship of God in the Prisbeterian or Congrigational way," 
(Prov. deeds V, 306.) and upon it was built the first Congregational church 
in Providence.  May 29, 1744, he gave another lot for the same purpose where 
the Beneficent Cong. church now stands, (Prov. deeds B. X., 203.) and the 
adjoining lot now Abbott Park, he gave to the town May 19, 1746, "for the 
Love Good will and affection I have and bare vnto the Town of Providence in 
General, and in Perticular to sevil military and Eclesiastical orders in said 
Town, for Passing and Redassing training and the Like always to be kept free 
and clear of any building fenceing or other incumbrance, to the Prejudice of 
the Publick forever."  This lot was described, as lieing between the dwelling 
house of Joseph Snow" and the lot I gave to the Congregational Society, and 
on which their Meeting house, now stands." (Prov. deeds, XII, 19.)  
     Aug 1, 1751, he gave to the town another lot containing a watering place 
or fountain, at a place called the ship yard, a little east of Fox hill, "to
encourage the business of shipping and navigation." (Prov. deeds, XII, 510.) 
The above gifts to his native town shows him to have been an unusually public 
spirited man.  He became Lieut. Governor of the Colony, and was, says Dorr, 
the chief landholder of his day. The old Abbott house, where he lived, was on 
the ancestral homestead, the site being now occupied by the What Cheer 
Building on Market Square.  "From its balcony King George IInd. was proclaimed,
and the Declaration of Independence was read." (Dorr's Planting and Growth of 
Prov. P. 162.)
     DANIEL ABBOTT (Daniel), b. _____; d. 1709; m. Dec. 25, 1678, Margaret_____, 
widow of Thomas Walling.  Children:
1. MARY, b. Dec. 13, 1679; d._____; m. Thomas, s. of Thomas and Dinah (Borden) 
     Fenner. Children: 
          1, Thomas; 2, Daniel; 3, William; 4, Mary.
2. CAPT. DANIEL, b, April 25, 1685; d. Nov. 7, 1760; m. Mary, d. of Thomas 
     and Dinah (Borden) Fenner, b. 1692; d. Jan. 7, 1759.  No issue.

     JOHN STEERE, first appears on Provldence Records, March 9, 1660, when 
he was granted land for a home lot on the west side of Moshassuck river, near the land of Thomas Olney, Jr. 1660, Oct. 27. His intention of marriage was published. 1661, Feb. 18. Accepted as a townsman. 1662, June -. Was appointed on a committee to get out timber and frame a bridge that was to be built over Moshassuck river. 1663. Town Sergeant. 1667, April 1. He had a lot laid out at Weecapasaeheck, "where his house stands" on the east side, said lot measuring 160 by 67 poles. 1667, May 24. He sold his house and land near Thomas Olney Jr., and on the opposite side of the river, to Parson Tillinghast. This lot must have been about where Randall Square is now. 1670, Sept. 6. He sold Parson Tillinghast twenty acres of land on West river that had been bequeathed to him by William Wickenden. 1652, May 1. Freeman. 1694, June 5. Deeded son William, half his lands west of the seven mile line. 1695, May 25. Deeded son-in-law Peter Place and Sarah my daughter for love &c. 6 1/2 acres. 1699, Nov, 7. Deeded son Thomas, 40 acres, 1/4 of a mile from John Hawkin's house. 1702, Oct. 19. Deeded son Samuel, half his right in lands west of the seven mile line. 1704, Dec. 6. Made a lease of 6 acres of land for 30 years, to one Sam Noforce an Indian, "who hath for some years lived by me and hath well behaved himself towards me and mine;" at the expiration of the lease the land was to go to grand son Timothy Blanchard, Sam "to leave it smooth and not in hills" and not to fence the spring. (Prov. Transcripts, P. 14.) 1705, Nov. 5. Deeded to son Samuel for love and natural affection, and to prevent future controversies "after my days and the days of my wife Hannah Steere;" his mansion house, orchards and meadows, about 40 acres and also a meadow called Ridge Hill. 1707, April 1. Thomas Steere, sells his brother Samuel 40 acres of land at Wyunkeage being a part of the homestead of their father John Steere, Sen. 1711, Jan. In a deposition made this month he calls himself aged about seventy years. 172O, Sept 3. He signed as consenting, a deed of the Ridge Hill meadow he had given his son Samuel, who sold it to Joseph Mowry, and described it as near a place called Wiunckheague, and bounded on the south east with the western branch of Wanasquctucket river. 1724, Dec. 21. Administration to son Samuel. Inventory œ 44, 6 s. The homestead farm where John Steere appears to have settled about 1667, at Weecapasacheck or Wionkeage, was near the dividing line between Smithfield and Glocester not far probably from Greenville. JOHN STEERE, b. 1634; d. Aug. 27, 1724; m. 1660, Hannah, d. of William Wickend_n, b. _____; d. after 1705. Children:
1. LIEUT JOHN, b. _____; d. Jan. 5, 1727; m. Esther, d. of Valentine and Mary (_____) Whitman, b. ______; d. Aug. 21, 1748. Children: 1, John; 2, Hosea; 3, Hezekiah; 4, Wickenden. 2. SARAH, b. _____; d. _____; m. Dec. 24, 1685, Peter, s. of Enoch and Sarah (_____) Place, b. July 6, l735. Children: 1, Sarah; 2, Nathan; 3, Joseph; 4, Hannah; 5, Aminette; 6, Dinah; 7, Ruth; 8, Penelope. 3. DINAH, b. _____; d. before 1716; m. John, s. of John and Sarah (_____) Thornton,b._____; d. Jan. 9, 1716. Children: 1, John; 2, Josiah; 3, Dinah; 4, Stephen, 5, Ruth; 6, Daniel; 7, Elihu; 8, Ebenezer. 4. THOMAS, b. _____; d. Aug. 27, 1735; m. (1st.) Mary, d. of Richard and Mary (Angell) Arnold, m. (2nd.) Mehitabel Plummer, widow of Samuel, and d. of Richard and Mary (______ ) Evans. Children: 1, Phebe; 2, Mary; 3, Thomas; 4, Richard; 5, Elisha. All by first wife. 5. JANE, b. _____; d. _____; m. William Blanchard. Children : 1, Timothy; 2, Moses; 3, Theophilus; 4, William. 6. RUTH, b. _____; d. 168O; unmarried. 7. WILLIAM, b. Nov. 25, 1671; d. Jan. 29. 1737; m. Susanna, _____. Children: 1, Willam; 2, Ruth; 3, Amey; 4, Samuel. 8. ANN, b. _____; d. Oct. 29, 1725; m. Jan. 14, 1706, Richard Lewis. Children: 1, Edward; 2, Nehemiah; 3, Jane; 4, Richard. 9. SAMUEL, b. _____; d. Oct. 18, 1745; m. Hannah, d. of John and Elizabeth (Everden) Field. Children: 1, Urania; 2, a son; 3, Anthony; 4, Jonah; 5, Jeremiah; 6, Samuel.

SAMUEL GORTON, JR., was the eldest son of the celebrated Samuel Gorton the founder of Warwick, and Elizabeth his wife. He was born probably in England about 1630, and arrived in Boston with his father in March 1637. 1670, June 29. Had a fine of 20 s. for not attending a court of trials
at Newport remitted, on account of having been several times employed as an
interpreter betweenthe English and the Indians. (Dexter's Church I, 13.) 1675, June 14. Six days before the commencement of the Indian war he accompanied Mr. James Brown of Swansey as an Interpreter, with a letter from the Governor of Plymouth to King Philip. (Dexter's Church, I, 13.) 1676, Aug 24. Was a member of the Court Martial held at Newport for the trial of Indian captives who had been engaged in the war. 1676, 7, 8, 9, 8O, 1, 2, 3. Assistant, and had the title of Captain much of this time. 1677, Nov. 27. His father deeded him for good will and by reason of his being instrumentally a great support unto me to help me bring up my family when my children were young and I was absent from my family, &c., all interest in house, house lot &c., and all goods and chattels, "as also my library together with all my deeds and writings" &c., and committed to him the care and maintenance of his mother and to provide for her "recreation in case she desires to visit her friends." 1675, Aug. 25. On a committee to receive the Charter from Mrs. Arnold, on the death of Benedict Arnold the Governor. 1679, July 9. On a committee to answer the letter of King Charles in regard to the Mount Hope Lands, and the late Indian War. (R. I. Col. Rec. III, 39.) 1680, Mch. 10. On a committee to answer the twenty-seven queries of the Privy Council. 1680, May 5. On a committee to go to Mrs. Mary Cranston, widow of Gov.
John Cranston for certain information as to the deaths in the Colony for the previous seven years; said committee report that their had been 455 deaths. 1684 and 1691. Deputy. 1685. Elected Assistant but refused to serve. 1687. Grand Jury. 1721, Dec. 21. Will, proved Sept. 28, 1724. Ex. wife Susannah. He calls himself in 92nd year. He gave to wife all housing and lands where I dwell and all lands in Warwick neck &c. to be at her disposal for life and at her decease son Samuel to have land joining his house and certain other lands. The rest of land and housing to son Hezekiah, he paying his sister Susannah Stafford œ 30. To wife, all out lands at Coweset, and all other lands undisposed of, and the back room both above and below in house where son Samuel now dwells if she have occasion for it, and at her death to go to Samuel. To son Hezekiah, one half of cart and tackling. To wife rest of goods and chattels with my negro man and girl. To Hezekiah at decease of his mother the negro girl. Inventory, 5 cows, 2 two year old in the woods, 3 yearlings, 3 calves, a pair of oxen, 3 swine, 6 pigs, 30 sheep and 20 lambs in the woods, 4 mares, 2 colts, one halfof a two year old horse, 3 guns, a silver seal, silver money and plate, œ 2, 16 s., 96 books, œ 30, etc. His wife Susannah married Richard Harris of Smithfield and in her will July 15, 1733, among other bequests, gave to her grand son Samuel, son of Samuel the "long gun that was his grand fathers." About the year I685, Samuel Gorton, Jr. built the house still standing and now known as the Gov. Greene house in Warwick. Here he probably lived until about 1718, when he sold the estate to Samuel Greene son of Dep. Gov. John Greene, who had married the daughter of Benjamin Gorton, brother of Samuel Jr. In this family the old mansion still remains and has become historic. Here lived the two Gov's, William Greene, father and son; the latter during the stirring scenes of the Revolution, when the house became headquarters for the Governor's Council, and was often visited by Washington, Franklin, Gen. Greene, Lafayette, Rochambeau, and hosts of others. In the west room Ju1y 20, 1774, Gen. Nathaniel Greene and Miss Catharine Littlefield were married by Elder John Gorton. The house stands a few miles west of East Greenwich and is on what is known as No. 17, of the Coweset farms, which fell to Samnel Gorton, Sen. in the division just after the close of the Indian war. (History of Warwick, P. 157 to 162.) SAMUEL GORTON, (Samuel) b. 1630; d. Sept. 6, 1724; m. Dec. 11, 1684, Susannah, d. of William and Hannah (Wickes) Burton, b. 1665; d. June 25, 1737, Children: 1. SAMUEL, b. June 1, 1690; d. April 1784; m. June 1, 1715, Freelove, d. of Joseph and Lydia (_____) Mason, b. June 5, 1695; d. _____; Children: 1, Samuel; 2, Freelove; 3, Ann; 4, Lydia; 5, Benjamin; 6, William; 7, Joseph; 2. HEZEKIAH, b. June 11, 1692, d. 1748; m. Aug. 20, 1719, Avis, d. of Edward and Hannah (Stanton) Carr, b.May 29, 1698; d. _____; Children: 1, Samuel. 3. SUSANNAH, b. June 4, 1694; d. Aug. 29, 1734; m. Joseph, s. of Joseph and Sarah (Holden) Stafford, Children: 1, Mercy; 2, Joseph; 3, Susanna; 4, Susanna.
     JONATHAN BLISS, was a freeman of Rehoboth 1658 and the eldest son of 
Thomas Bliss of the same place.  He was born probably in England, and married 
Miriam Harmon,     Children:
          1, Ephraim;  2, Rachel;  3, Jonathan;  4, Mary;  5, Elizabeth;  
          6, Samuel; 7, Martha,  8, Jonathan;  9, Dorothy;  10, Bethia.
Note.  I am indebted for so much of the Genealogical information in this 
article, to the exhaustive Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island, recently
published by Mr. John O. Austin, that I find it impracticable to refer to 
each item seperately.