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!

Nathan Nye (about 1657-before 13 May 1747) and his Wife Mercy of Sandwich, Massachusetts

Nathan Nye was born about 1657 at Sandwich, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, the son of Benjamin and Katherine (Tupper) Nye. Unfortunately Nathan rarely appears in public records, but he is shown to be a son of Benjamin by his will in which he mentions “my brother Jonathan Nye,” a proven son of Benjamin. He is my 9th great-grandfather on my grandfather Arthur Washburn Ellis Davis’ side of the family. I also directly descend from Nathan’s brothers Jonathan and John. I wrote about Benjamin and Katherine here and here. I wrote about Jonathan here and John here.

Benjamin Nye owned a grist mill and a fulling mill in Sandwich, so he would have been financially comfortable. Nathan was the seventh child, and fourth son, of Benjamin and Katherine, so perhaps he would have had to make his own way. I also descend from Nathan’s brothers Jonathan and John. Benjamin and Katherine’s house was on the same property as the mills and still stands at 85 Old County Road in East Sandwich.

Nye homestead on Old County Road

Nathan Nye took the oath of fidelity in 1678 and in 1702 he appears on the list of those entitled to share in the division of Sandwich lands. [Hyatt] He is on list of Sandwich freemen admitted to vote at Town Meeting in 1681 and 1701. [Deyo]

About 1686 Nathan married a woman named Mercy whose maiden name is unrecorded; marriage year is based on first child being born in 1687. Mercy was born about 1663, as she was “about 65 years” old at her death. In Marian Bowers Natale’s work on identifying Nathan’s wife, she presents a strong case for Mercy being the daughter of Ralph and Mary (Fuller) Jones.

Natale looked for females named Mercy or Marcy born 1660-1670 in Plymouth and Barnstable Counties—13 were found. She found husbands for 12 of them but neither a marriage or death record found for Mercy Jones born 14 November 1666, daughter of Ralph and Mary (Fuller) Jones. She is the correct age to be Nathan’s wife, she would have been 20 at marriage, 42 when last child born, and living in 1692 when her father included her in his will. Ralph Jones, in his 11 May 1692 will, mentions his daughters by first name only—Mercy, Mary, and Mehitable. Mercy and her sisters were likely married as each was given five pounds in money or cattle. If unmarried, Ralph probably would have made provisions such as allowing them space in his dwelling. Unfortunately there isn’t a strong familial naming pattern for either side in Nathan and Mercy’s children. 

There is a lack of deeds for Barnstable County due to the 1827 courthouse fire, but in surviving deeds the Nye, Jones, and Fuller families all lived at Scorton Neck in Sandwich.  Ralph’s will mentions land on Scorton Neck and meadow at Sandy Neck Lot abutting John Fuller’s Land that he left to son Shuball Jones.

In March 1730 Rev. Benjamin Fessenden listed heads of family in Sandwich. No. 128 Shuball Jones, No. 129, Nathan Nye, No. 130 Lemuel Nye (Nathan’s son). Nathan and Mercy Jones were neighbors! Nathan Nye’s inventory was taken by Benjamin Fuller, Matthias Smith, and John Fuller. His eldest son Lemuel describes family land at Scorton Neck he inherited from his father and also bought of his brother Nathan, Barnstable salt meadow he bought of Samuel Jones (son of Ralph), which adjoins land of John Fuller deceased. If Nathan Nye was son-in-law of Ralph Jones, it may be the latter sold or gave him land as it wasn’t acquired from his father Benjamin Nye.

Nathan Nye took the inventory of Ralph Jones’ granddaughter Mary/Marcy Jones’ estate on 4 Nov 1730. We know he is this Nathan and not his son or nephew as he used a similar mark to his codicil. 

Nathan Nye's mark

In Otis’ book on Barnstable families he noted that the Jones family frequently avoided marriage by ministers as Ralph was either a Quaker or in sympathy with them. Nathan Nye did not frequently take inventories or witness wills, but when his name is found it concerns estates with connection to Scorton Neck where the Jones and Fuller families owned considerable land.

Mercy and Nathan’s children, born to “Nathan and Mary Nye” [Sandwich VR, MD 30:65; marriages McLean]:

1. Remember born 28 Feb 1686/7; married 1) 29 Dec 1709 Nathaniel Backhouse, (Sandwich Town Records) and had eight children. Remember evidently moved to Barnstable where she married 2) 29 Sept 1733 Joseph Blish who had married first Hannah Childs.
2. Temperance born 7 April 1689; married 31 October 1712 John Daman/Damon of Scituate.
3. Thankful born 11 August 1691; married 7 Dec 1714 John Davis of Falmouth, son of John and Ruth (Goodspeed) Davis.
4. Content born 25 Sept 1693; married 1719 John Landers, son of John and Rachel (Freeman) Landers. John’s 1738 will names his wife Content and eight children.
5. Jemima born 20 February 1695. She probably died before 1741 as she is not named in her father’s will.
6. Lemuel, born 21 March 1698, probably 1697/8; marriage intention 30 April 1728 toSarah Jenkins, daughter of Thomas and Experience (Hamblen) Jenkins. 
7. Deborah born 8 April 1700; married ca 1721 James Hamblen, son of James and Ruth (Lewis) Hamblen.
8. Maria/Mariah born 2 April 1702; Hyatt states she married —- Jones and McLean suggests she married John Fuller Jr. 
9. Caleb born 28 June 1704; married 28 Oct 1731 Hannah Bodfish, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Crocker) Bodfish. 
10. Nathan born 28 September 1708; married Patience Percival daughter of John and Mary (Bourne) Percival on 22 Sept 1733; Hyatt states he married 2nd Sarah Percival and McLean believes only married Patience. 

I descend from Content whom I wrote about here.

Mercy Nye died 8 October 1728 and is buried Old Burying Ground, Sandwich Village:

Here lyes ye Body of Mrs. Mercy Nye

wife to Mr Nathan Nye who 

Departed This Life Octbr ye 8th 1728 

Aged About 65 years

Mercy Nye's gravestone

Nathan died between 28 November 1744 (signed codicil to his will) and 13 May 1747 (estate proven), likely close to the latter date. He was about age 90. It is probable he is buried with his wife Mercy, but no stone exists. 

Nathan Nye of Sandwich, husbandman, wrote his will 18 Sept 1741, a codicil 28 November 1744, proved 14 January 1746[/7]. 

Bequests in his will and codicil:

• Sons Lemuell Nye, Caleb Nye, and Nathan Nye to divide all of Nathan’s land at Sandwich and Barnstable, except for sheep pasture lot, according to deeds executed July “last past.” They were also to divide his clothing, money and credits after debts are paid.
• Sons Lemuell, Caleb, and Nathan to equally divide all the moving cedar fencing stuff on lands in Scorton Neck per 14 July 1741 written promise. 
• Lemuell and Caleb to receive all husbandry utensils and tools.
• Lemuell is to receive gun, sword and fry kettles and is named sole Executor.
• Because Lemuell helped and supported Nathan in his old age, the codicil leaves him all the livestock.
• Caleb to receive looms. 
• Grandson Nathan Backhouse to receive the sheep pasture lot.
• Three sons were to pay 40 shillings to daughter Remember Blish and £10 each to granddaughter Mercy Backhouse, daughter Temperance Damon, daughter Thankfull Davis, daughter Content Landers, daughter Deborah Hamblin, daughter Mariah Jones.
• Granddaughter Mercy Backhouse, daughters Temperance, Thankfull, Content, Deborah, Mariah to divide remaining indoor household stuff.

It is remarkable that out of 10 children, only Jemima predeceased her father. 

Nathan signed both documents by his mark. The will was witnessed by David Crocker, Samuell Hoxie and Mary Hoxie. Solomon Hoxie, Solomon Hoxie Jr., and David Crocker witnessed the codicil. When the will and codicil were proved,  Solomon Hoxie and Mary Wing "once Hoxie" are mentioned as being Quakers. I do not know if Nathan himself was a Quaker. 

The inventory of the estate of Nathan Nye was taken 19 May 1747 and Benjamin Fuller, Matthias Smith, and John Fuller made oath to same on 10 June 1747. It totaled more than £311 and included arms, multiple beds, 6 napkins, looms, candlesticks, spectacles, husbandry tackling, livestock, and a sheep pasture lot in a tract called Lawrence Hole valued at  £114. The inventory shows that even at his very advanced age, Nathan was living in his home, rather than in one room at a child’s house.  [Will, codicil, inventory Barnstable County Probate 8:189-93]

Sources:

Maclean McLean, The American Genealogist, “The Children of Nathan 2 Nye of Sandwich, Mass.,” 41:176 (1965)

Ian Hilder, George R. Nye, Jonathan A. Shaw, NEHGS Register, “The Origins of Benjamin 1 Nye: Examining the Sources,” Vol 158 (October 2004)

John G. Locke, communicated by, NEHGS Register, “Extracts from Rev. Benjamin Fessenden’s Manuscript,” 13:30-31

R.A. Lovell, Jr., Sandwich A Cape Cod Town, 1984

Marian Bowers Natale, The Mayflower Descendant, “Mercy, Wife of Nathan Nye,” 66:122 (2018)

George Hyatt, Genealogy of the Nye Family, 1907 

Simeon Deyo, History of Barnstable County Massachusetts, 1890