Joseph Snow (1734-1808) of Rochester (now Mattapoisett), Massachusetts, and His Wife Rachel Landers (1732-1807)

Joseph Snow was born 17 January 1733/4 at Rochester, the son of Prence Snow and Mary Sturtevant. [Rochester Vital Records 1:176] He is my 6th great-grandfather on my grandfather Arthur Washburn Ellis Davis’ side of the family. He is a descendant of Mayflower passengers Stephen Hopkins and his daughter Constance. 

Joseph was a lifelong resident of the second precinct of Rochester, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, in the part of town that was set off as Mattapoisett in 1857. 

Joseph Snow married Rachel Landers at Sandwich, Barnstable County, on  20 January 1756. Her surname is written as Sanders in the marriage record and Landers in the marriage intentions. [Rochester Vital Records 2:264] The marriage is also recorded in Sandwich Vital Records 1:190. They were married by Mr. Abraham Williams, Minister. 

Rachel was born 12 July 1732 at Sandwich, the daughter of John Landers Jr. and Content Nye. [Sandwich VR 1:130]  I wrote about her parents here.

Rachel and Joseph had seven children, births all recorded Rochester: 

1. Mary/Molly born 18 February 1760 [RVR 1:277]; called Molly in baptism record. Brownson and McLean do not provide a husband’s name, but her father calls her Molly Stephens in his 1807 will. A Mary Snow married Noah Stevens 15 April 1787 at Rochester, a good possibility to be her. [RVR 1:284] Some researchers identify her as the Molly Snow who married John Wade 26 March 1791 [Bridgewater VR 349; no parents listed]; died 18 September 1842 at East Bridgewater age 80 [MA VR 1841-1910, 3:68; no parents listed], but I believe this is a different Molly Snow. John Wade died 1798 and doesn’t seem she remarried as she is Molly Wade on her gravestone. 
2. Abigail born 30 March 1763 [RVR 1:273]. Her last name is Meiggs in her father’s 1807 will; an Ephraim Meigs married Nabby Snow (intentions she is Abigail) at Rochester in December 1791.  [RVR 2:214]  In Ephraim Meigs of Rochester’s 1812 will (probate file no. 13884), he mentions wife Abigail, four daughters Alice, Abigail, Sarah, Mary, and son Ephraim. Abigail Meiggs wife of Ephraim died 2 March 1832 in 59th year. [RVR 2:410] This age at death doesn’t match up as Abigail would have been 68; I have not seen the original record just the book of transcriptions. Abigail Meigs of Rochester’s 1831 will (probate no. 13879) left bequests to daughters Alice Meigs, Abigail Landers, Mary Snow, granddaughter Lucy LeBaron Meigs. Executor son [in-law?] Levi Snow. Her son Ephraim was lost at sea in 1828. Brownson and McLean state her husband was Ebenezer Lawrence. “Mrs. Abigail Snow” marriage intentions published 23 September 1782 to Ebenezer Lawrence [RVR 2:281] Abigail would be young for a second marriage and first husband would have also been a Snow, so I believe Ebenezer is the incorrect spouse. 
3. Deborah born 16 Oct 1765 [RVR 1:274]; married 10 May 1786 James Hammond [RVR 2:282] She died 8 December 1843 [RVR 2:386] and is buried Cushing Cemetery, Mattapoisett. Debby Hammond received a bequest in her father’s 1807 will. 
4. Prince born 24 July 1768 [RVR 1:278]; married June 1794 Martha Dexter [Rochester VR 2:113]; died 26 February 1859 age 90 [Mass Vital Records 1841-1910, 130:219]; buried Pine Island Cemetery in Mattapoisett; his gravestone death date of 29 Jan 1859 differs from vital record.
5. Hannah born 2 March 1771 [RVR 1:275]; married in Oct 1792 Joshua Snow Jr. at Mattapoisett [RVR 2:283]; she died Mattapoisett 19 June 1825 age 57, widow of Capt. Joshua Snow [RVR 2:433]. 
6. Joseph born 25 July 1773 [RVR 1:276]; no wife is provided by Brownson and McLean. He is called deceased in his father’s 1807 will which mentions an unnamed son of Joseph. He died before 29 Oct 1800 when Prince Snow and Rebecca Snow were named executors of his estate. This is likely him: Joseph Snow married Rebeccah (int. Rebecca) Snow —- 1796; intention 18 Jan 1796. [RVR 2:283]
7. Thomas born 5 March 1776 [RVR 1:279]; married 3 June 1798 Priscilla Hammett [RVR 2:286]. He received a woodlot in his father’s May 1807 will. He died 23 Dec 1858 at Mattapoisett; buried Cushing Cemetery. Identified as a Deacon on his gravestone. He had three additional wives according to gravestone records: Nancy Hatch who died 4 Dec 1812 at age 28 and shares a gravestone with Priscilla; Elizabeth Pitson Hammond Whittredge who died 27 May 1817 at age 39; Sarah Ellis who died 26 November 1843 at age 67.

I descend from Prince. I wrote about him here.

“Molly,” Abigail, “Debby,” Prince, and Hannah were baptized 31 May 1772 by Rev. Jonathan Moore of the First Congregational Church in Rochester. [Mayflower Descendant 47:109]

Joseph Snow is enumerated in the 1790 Federal Census taken at Rochester as a head of household with a total of 7 members of his household: 3 males 16 and over; 1 male under 16, 3 females. He is living between Asa Pease and Caleb Dexter. 

In the 1800 Federal Census Joseph Snow is in Rochester as head of two member household: 1 male 45 and over and one person over age 25. He is living between James Snow and Prince Snow and there are other Snows in the area. 

At the Plymouth Court of Common Pleas, August 1805 Stephen Wing, Joseph Davis, and Nathaniel Hammond, Gents., and Jesse Tripp, Joshua Snow Jr, Elias Dexter, Nathan Maxham, Benjamin Hammond, Jabez Dexter, Joshua Besse, Abraham Tinkham, Andrew Tinkham, Henry Smith, Lemuel Randall, Jesse Tripp Jr., Benjamin Hammond III, John Simmons, Ebenezer, Snow, Nathaniel Briggs, Nathaniel Besse, Ephraim Meiggs, John Clark, Thomas Ellis, Malachi Ellis, Charles Tinkham, Samuel Bowles, Reuben Tinkham, Joseph Snow, David Randall, Clement Randall, John Beard, Azaziah Bowles, Stafford Hammond, Cephas Cushman, and Isaac Bowles Jr. (Yeomen), and John M. Beard (Schoolmaster) and Elizabeth Dexter (Spinster) “all of Rochester…and all within said second Precinct and all belonging to and a part of the United Baptist Church and society in Rochester and New Bedford,” by atty’s Paddleford and Sprout, vs. inhabitants of second Precinct in Rochester, by atty Noah Hammond. Case, for $500 “had and received” to pltfs’ use, payable on demand, to pltffs’ damage of $1000. Defts pleaded never promised. Jury verdict for defts, costs taxed at [blank]. Appealed by pltffs. [Plymouth County Court Records 1686-1859, 11:310]

I don’t understand the exact nature of this lawsuit but it shows that Joseph Snow lived in the Second Precinct of Rochester which became Mattapoisett and that he was a Baptist. 

Joseph Snow, yeoman of Rochester, wrote his will 9 May 1807. It was proved 2 November 1808. Plymouth County Probate File No. 18694.

He named his son Prince Snow executor and left him all the residue of his estate. 

Other bequests: 

• To my beloved wife Rachel Snow I bequeath one third of all personal estate and the use of one third of my real estate during her natural life. Rachel was to die just nine days later.
• To my son Thomas Snow I bequeath my wood lot which I bought of Aaron Norton and Wilbur Southworth committee of the second Precinct in Rochester.
• To my grandson, the son of my son Joseph, deceased, I bequeath five acres of wood land off the west end of my wood lot adjoining to David Randall’s homestead.
• To my son Prince Snow I bequeath all the residue of my estate obliging him to pay my just debts, which are small, and to pay within a year after my decease ten dollars to each of my daughters: Molly Stephens, Abigail Meiggs, Debby Hammond, and Hannah Snow.

Joseph Snow signed his will in the presence of Lemuel LeBaron, Clement Randall, and Bethiah Randall.

Joseph Snow's signature on his will

On 2 November 1808 the will of Joseph Snow of Rochester, yeoman, was presented for probate at the Plymouth Court by Prince Snow, executor. Lemuel LeBaron and Clement Randall made oath as witnesses to the signing of the will. No inventory is included in file. 

Rachel Landers Snow died 18 May 1807 in Rochester. [Rochester VR 2:434] She was 74 years old.

Joseph Snow died Rochester 31 August 1808 in his 75th year. [Rochester VR 2:434]

Joseph and Rachel are buried at Barlow Cemetery in Mattapoisett. The inscriptions on both stones are worn and the top half of Joseph's stone is broken off.

Joseph Snow's gravestone (source Findagrave.com)

Rachel Landers Snow gravestone (source Findagrave.com)

Sources:

John D. Austin, Mayflower Families Through Five Generations, Volume 6: Stephen Hopkins, 2001

Lydia (Phinney) Brownson & Maclean McLean, NEHGS Register, "Thomas 1 Landers of Sandwich," vol 124 p 42 (January 1970)

Visit to Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth

Thought I'd share photos I took of items from a recent visit to Pilgrim Hall Museum connected to my Mayflower families. I always enjoy being in such close proximity to these meaningful antiques! Some photos aren't great quality given they were taken through glass; the museum has images of some of the items at Pilgrimhall.org. Item descriptions are from information displayed with the pieces.

Pilgrim Hall often participates in the town's "Yarn Pop" installations

The 200+ year old museum has been undergoing renovations and its two huge paintings, The Landing of the Pilgrims and The Departure of the Pilgrims, were restored. The day we were there they were bringing in the paintings to be hung in the main hall which has been closed during renovations.

The Allerton-Cushman Wood Cup has such beautiful carvings including the year of 1608 and this beautiful relgious sentiment:

"Lord help thy people that are in Destresse:
teach all true Christians for to help each other:
turne + the hard hart's that Doth the poore opresse:
teach them to know their needy Christian Brother:
Think on+the ritch mans flourishing estate:
Which cried out in hell+Blessed are the mercyfull+Wh-t was to late"

Cushman Chest

Thomas Cushman hammer

I descend from Isaac Allerton's daughter Mary (both Mayflower passengers) who married Thomas Cushman. 

Turned Great Chair that probably belonged to William Brewster, the spiritual leader of the colony. Men with authority and standing in the community were the users of "great chairs." 

Believed to be the chest that William Brewster brought with him from Holland. The six board chest is made of Norway pine and dates to early 17th century.

"Admonition to Parliament" printed by William Brewster in Leiden 1617

William Brewster's sword

I descend from William Brewster through two of his children Patience Brewster (Gov. Thomas Prence) and Love Brewster (Sarah Collier).

Thomas Prence chair made in Plymouth late 17th century. Thomas Prence arrived on the Ship Fortune in 1621 and later became Governor. He married four times, including to William Brewster's daughter Patience. I descend from their daughters Rebecca (Edmund Freeman) and Mercy (John Freeman).

Constance Hopkins' beaver hat. Constance was a Mayflower passenger with her father Stephen Hopkins. She married Nicholas Snow; I descend from their sons Mark (Jane Prence) and Joseph (Mary whose maiden name is unknown).

All three tin-glzed earthenware vessels in this display belong to families I descend from. Left to right: Bowl ca 1675-1700 from the Cooke-Thompson family; blue porringer ca 1675-1700 from the Warren family; white salt ca 1640-1700, from the Fuller Family.

I descend from from Mayflower passenger Francis Cooke and his wife Hester Mahieu through their daughter Hester (Richard Wright); Mayflower passenger Richard Warren and his wife Elizabeth Walker through their son Joseph (Priscilla Faunce); Mayflower passenger Samuel Fuller and his wife Bridget Lee through their son Samuel (first wife's name unknown).

Fuller cradle, probably made at Duxbury 1680-1720, made of pine, descended in the family of Samuel Fuller. 

The Warren family napkin. It's quite large! From the Netherlands, ca 1600-1625, linen damask. Linens were a sign of wealth and at a time when forks weren't in use people often ate with their hands.The gallery where this is currently displayed does not allow photography; I took these at a prior visit.

Signatures of owners of the Warren napkin

George Soule drinking gourd and spoon. The spoon is latten brass, made pre-1650 in England.

I descend from Mayflower passenger George Soule and his wife Mary Becket/Bucket through their son John (Rebecca Simmons). 

Howland family teapot  was made in Delft, Holland, between 1686 and 1701. I descend from Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley, through their daughter Ruth (Thomas Cushman) as well as Desire (John Gorham).

Henry Howland's tin-glazed ceramic bowl. Henry was brother to Mayflower passenger John Howland. I descend from Henry's daughter Abigail (John Young).

The Morton family chest, probably made in Plymouth 1650-1700. The photo is blurry but the original design was a bright red tulip with green leaves. 

 

Nathaniel Morton's walking stick ca 1650-1700 England.

George Morton and his wife Julianna Carpenter came to Plymouth in 1623 through four of their children: Nathaniel (Lydia Cooper), Patience (John Faunce), Sarah (George Bonham) and Ephraim (Ann Cooper). 

Mayflower passenger Peter Brown/Browne's wood tankard, ca 1610-1650 from the Baltic region. I descend from Peter and Mary's (maiden name unknown) daughter Mary who married Ephraim Tinkham.

If you descend from the same people, you can use the search function to find sketches I've written on many of them. 

Mayflower Society House and Other Plymouth Sites

Somehow I've never toured the Mayflower Society House before but we had a nice tour last night. We had a very informative guide, Peter. I learned that butlers often slept in or near the pantry, armed with guns to protect the silver from theft. Dangerous job! The house has been restored and is lovely. It was built in the 18th century by Edward Winslow, great-grandson of the Pilgrim. It is now the headquarters of the General Society Mayflower Descendants and there is a research library and offices on the grounds.

I've been interested in the house beyond being a Mayflower descendant because it was later the home of Charles Jackson's family. His daughter Lydia (later Lidian), born 20 September 1802, is my 4th cousin 6 times removed. She was the 2nd wife of Ralph Waldo Emerson and they were married in the house in 1835. I wrote about Lydia here. I loved seeing the staircase Lydia descended on her wedding day (and where she had an earlier vision that she would marry Emerson) and the parlor where they married. I'm distantly related to Emerson as well as he's a descendant of John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley.

The house itself is impressive--the incredible woodwork, bullseye glass, cantilevered stairs, Delft tile on every fireplace, tall ceilings, huge doors. The house also has a practical side--the Governor General has an office upstairs, there are several bedrooms for GSMD officers to use, there's a caterer's kitchen used for events at the house, and a meeting room. There are plentiful antiques, although not original to the house, and a fun array of vintage Mayflower/Plymouth/Pilgrim souvenirs which I also collect. There's a beautiful image of the Forefathers Monument, one of my favorite historic spots in town. 

The grounds are beautiful, with flowering plants, brick paths, and a view of the harbor, the Plymouth Rock Portico, and the Mayflower. There's a recent addition of a statue of Governor William Bradford. 

We walked around the corner to Cole's Hill to see the sarcophagus which holds the remains of the early Pilgrims. It always gives me chills. It is believed to be the final resting place of my ancestors Mary (Norris) Allerton (wife of Isaac), James Chilton's wife whose name is unknown, and Sarah wife of Francis Eaton.

 

Cole's Hill overlooks the harbor, with the portico and the Mayflower in view. 

I never tire of the history and beauty in Plymouth!