Isaac Billington (ca 1644-1709) and Hannah Glass (1651 to 1704-09) Plymouth, Marshfield and Middleborough, Mass.

Isaac Billington (sometimes Isacke in records) was born about 1644, probably in Plymouth, Mass., the son of Francis and Christian (Penn) Billington.  I wrote about Francis here. Isaac’s father and grandparents came over as “strangers” on the Mayflower and were not well-regarded by the “saints.” John Billington was hanged for murder and his young sons Francis and John were frequently causing a stir. Things changed, though, as John Billington’s children and grandchildren seemed to be well-respected citizens. Isaac is my 8^th great-grandfather on my grandfather Arthur Washburn Davis’ side of the family.

Isaac was deeded 50 acres of land at Plymouth from his father Francis in 1665:

On 11 May 1665 "Francis Billington living in the jurisdiction of Plymouth in the place called Nama (----) otherwise called Namasquocomaquist" to "my sonne Isacke Billington," "for natural affection," "after my wifes decease and mine," "all the land that I have lying at the place called by the Indians Namasquocomaquist on the southward side bounded with the two red oakes betwixt my land and Joseph Bumpas; on the north side with a white oake tree marked betwixt my land and Samuell Eatons; buting upon the River called Namasskett River; and from the river up into the woods or plaines one mile; the quantitie of fifty or threescore acrees." (Francis Billington makes further provisions in case Isaac should marry.) Witnesses: Samuel Sturtivant, William Crow, William Hoskins (Plymouth Co. Deeds, The Mayflower Descendant vol. 35, no. 1 Jan. 1985) I believe this land is in what became Middleborough.

Before 1675, Isaac married Hannah Glass. Hannah was born at Plymouth on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1651, the daughter of James and Mary (Pontus) Glass. I wrote about James and Mary here.

Isaac and Hannah had six children, although none of their births were recorded they are all mentioned in deeds and probate records. They were probably born Marshfield and Middleborough:

Desire born about 1675, married James Bonney and Thomas Pratt

Lydia born about 1677, married John Washburn

Eleanor born about 1683, married Samuel Warren a direct descendent of Richard Warren of the Mayflower

Mary born about 1685, married Elnathan Wood

Seth born about 1687, died unmarried and without issue

Isaac born about 1693, married Mary Dunham

I descend through Lydia.

Isaac lived at Middleborough, then at Marshfield from 1675-77 during King Philip's War, but returned to Middleborough at the urging of his parents. Although Marshfield was spared from attack during the war, other surrounding towns were not as fortunate.

Hannah received land from her mother Mary Pontus Glass Delano: Phillp Delano Senr aged 74 years or there about Testifieth & Sayth . Before he marryed mary Glass ye Relict of James Glass Deceased That she ye sd mary gave all her Lands unto her three children mary wybery & Hannah equally alike. Phillip delano Senr & mary his wife Came this: 3: 1: 76/77 & took oath to this above written Before me John Alden Assist. (From Plymouth Colony Deeds, VI: 93)

In 1696 Isaac sold land: Isaac Billington of...Middleboro...for and in consideration of...fifty shillings...paid by John Holmes of (Middleboro)...sell...The one half of a whole share of the undivided Lands purchased by captain Thomas Southworth of Josiah Wampatuck...26 June 1696.

Isaac Billington.

Samuel Wood his mark

Ephraim Tinkham his mark

Acknowledged 30 June 1696; recorded 14 Oct 1697

In a petition dated 1 March 1703/4 Isaac and Hannah Billington described their seven years of caring for the aged Francis and Christian, asking the court to award them all of Francis' landed estate in Middleborough. This request was evidently denied, for Isaac's daughter Desire soon began seeking quitclaims for the land from all her grandfather Billington's other heirs.

Near death, on 9 Dec 1709, Isaac deeded his homestead and 50 acres at Middleborough to his son Seth, mentioning other land given to son Isaac. The inventory of his estate was taken 16 April 1712 and administration given to son Seth 21 June 1712. The records of Seth's own estate provide proof of Isaac's children, all probably born Marshfield or Middleborough:  Desire, Lydia, Eleanor, Mary, Seth, Isaac.

Hannah died after 30 Aug 1704 and before 9 Dec 1709 when Isaac deeded his land to his sons without providing for his wife. On 30 Aug 1704 Isaac Billington and wife Hannah joined in a deed with Joseph Bumpas and wife Wybory all of Middleborough, and Samuel Hunt and wife Mary of Duxbury, all the women daughters of Mary Glass alias Dellano, deceased, daughter of William Pontus, deceased. All six grantors conveyed land at Plymouth inherited from William Pontus, Hannah’s grandfather.

Isaac died 11 December 1709 at age 66. His death is recorded in the Middleborough Vital Records.

Sources Not Listed Above:

Harriet W. Hodge, Mayflower Families Through Five Generations, Volume Five, Edward Winslow and John Billington, published by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, 1997

Mayflower Descendant, Vol 53, No. 2, Summer 2004, Plymouth County MA Records of Deeds