Haskells in Massachusetts Bay Colony
Why did John Stone and Elinor decide to come to the new world? Roger was 21, William was 17, Mark was 14 and Joan was 6. As we saw in chapter 1 Starting with Henry VIII who broke with the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England through King Charles I was the period of the English Reformation. Some monarchs were staunch Catholics and some were staunch Protestants. When a Catholic monarch reigned the Protestants were persecuted. When a Protestant monarch reigned the Catholics were persecuted. So it was a bitter rivalry between the two factions. By the time of King James I. The Church was firmly established as Epicopalian. However, a large group thought that too much of the Catholic non biblical practice was still in the Church and they wanted to purify it of those practices, hence the name Puritans. A large group of Puritans (These would become the pilgrims.) left England in 1608 for Holland to escape persecution but after ten years their children began to speak Dutch and had other undesirable influence so they decided to leave Holland and go to the new world where they would be able to be free to practice their religion without fear of it being contaminated by worldly concerns. In other words to separate completely from the Church of England.
By 1635 John Stone and his new family made the decision to go to the new world to join the other Puritans. A large part of this decision had to be based on their religious concerns. We know from the Church certificate that they were rich enough to pay their way without “subsidy”. But to make a better life for themselves can not be ruled out as a motive for going. But this was not a decision to be made lightly. It amounted to someone today deciding to go to the moon and knowing that it was very likely they would not survive the trip and had to take everything they needed with them because there was no way to get supplies once you arrived. It must have taken a long time after the decision to go was made to accumulate all the supplies and a lot of money to pay for passage and shipping of supplies for the whole family.
According to Ira Haskell, “ The trip across the stormy Atlantic must have been a perilous one, for the ships were small and slow. Nor when the trip was over would their’s be a life of ease. Certainly it is that they must have had the spirit of adventure and pioneering that has inspired the race and the generations which have followed and helped build this great country of ours.
"Before you come," wrote Rev. Francis Higginson, the first minister at Salem, "be careful to be strongly instructed what things are fittest to bring with you for your more comfortable passage at sea, as also for your husbandry occasions when you come to the land. For when you are once parted with England you shall meete neither markets nor fayres to buy what you want. Therefore be sure to furnish yourselves with things fitting to be had before you come: as meale for bread, malt for drinke, woolen and linnen cloath, and leather for shoes, and all manner of carpenters tools, and a great deale of iron and steele to make nails, and locks for houses, and furniture for ploughs and carts, and glasse for windows, and many other things which were better for you to think of there than to want them here."[1] Elsewhere the good pastor set down "A catalogue of such needfull things as every Planter doth or ought to provide to go to New England",in which he enumerated the necessary victuals per person for the first year, viz.:
"8 Bushels of meale, 2 Bushels of pease, 2 Bushels of Otemeale, 1 Gallon of Aquavitae, 1 Gallon of Oyle, 2 Gallons of Vinegar, 1 Firkin of Butter; also Cheese, Bacon, Sugar, Pepper, Cloves, Mace, Cinnamon, Nutmegs and Fruit."
The household implements listed were: "1 Iron pot, 1 Kettel, 1 Frying pan, 1 Gridiron, 2 Skellets, 1 Spit, Wooden Platters, Dishes, Spoons and Trenchers."
Mr. Higginson listed in detail the food supplies required per person for a year, including “a good variety of spices; and also the clothing for a man, which included a Monmouth cap, a suit of canvas, a suit of freize, a suit of cloth, four pairs of shoes, three shirts and three falling bands, a pair of blankets, a coarse rug and seven ells of canvas with which to make a bed and bolster. The settler must also bring with him a complete armor, with a long piece, sword, bandoleer and ammunition, tools for cultivating the soil and for working wood, and also household implements” - limited equipment, comparable with the kit packed by the scout or mining prospector of more recent times.
The first settlers in the Massachusetts Bay brought with them mechanics of all kinds, well equipped with tools, and it is altogether probable that these workmen plied their trades on this side of the Atlantic exactly as they had been taught through long centuries of apprenticeship in England. The houses of that early period, still remaining, all resemble similar English structures. Upon arrival, however, the need for shelter was imperative, and all sorts of rude expedients were adopted. Deacon Bartholomew Green, the printer of the Boston News-Letter, related that when his father arrived at Boston in 1630, "for lack of housing he was wont to find shelter at night in an empty cask," and during the following winter many of the poorer sort still continued to live in tents through lack of better housing. When Roger Clap arrived at Charlestown in 1630 he "found some Wigwams and one House ... in the meantime before they could build at Boston, they lived many of them in tents and Wigwams."
The vessels which carried the great emigration to New England between 1630 and 1640 were of small tonnage and the passenger accommodations on board were limited in space and barren of creature comforts. Small wonder that the health of many of the first settlers, shaken by the passage at sea, paid toll to the severity of the New England climate—the biting cold of the winter and the heat of the summer days to which they were unaccustomed.
"It was not because the Country was unhealthful, but because their bodies were corrupted with sea-diet, which was naught, their Beefe and Porke being tainted, their Butter and Cheese corrupted, their Fish rotten, and voyage long, by reason of crosse Windes, so that winter approaching before they could get warme houses, and the searching sharpnes of that purer Climate, creeping in at the crannies of their crazed bodies, caused death and sickness.”
The ship Talbot, on which Mr. Higginson sailed, brought over one hundred passengers and thirty seamen. She measured nearly eighty-six feet in length and had a depth of hold of eleven feet. By present-day measurement she was about two hundred tons burden. The space between decks, where the passengers slept and spent much time during the dreary voyage, was so low that a tall man could not stand erect, and whenever a severe storm arose, so that the ports and hatches must be kept closed, the air below deck in time must have become intolerable. Such a storm arose when the Talbot was thirty-three days out and "ye wind blew mightily, ye sea roared and ye waves tossed us horribly; besides it was fearfull darke and ye mariners made us afraid with their running here and there and lowd crying one to another to pull at this and yt rope."
These small emigrant ships of the seventeenth century, besides men, women and children, brought over much livestock housed in temporary pens and shelters built amidships. The long boat or pinnace was also carried on board, all of which left little room for movement about the deck. But these three hundred tons ships were traveling palaces when compared with some of the smaller craft that boldly ventured across the Atlantic. Barks, ketches, pinks and other small vessels of less than fifty tons burden were common. In 1635, a "small Norsey bark" of twenty-five tons reached Boston. She was bound for Connecticut, but a stormy voyage had forced her to seek safety in Boston harbor. This vessel, little over thirty feet in length, brought over fourteen passengers, including two women, with their household goods.
These descriptions give you an idea of what these Haskell’s lived through as they made their way from England to Massachusetts in 1635 in their little ship. It is unknown what time of year they arrived at Beverly and it is not known how long it took for them to erect a house but surely before that they lived in a canvas tent. But most likely they started their travel during the summer and arrived late fall. They must have suffered in the cold Massachusetts winter. But they all survived.
Puritans focused on living simple and peaceful lives. Religion was the center of Massachusetts society. The fundamental rule was to follow God’s law. Puritans attended church at least twice a week and all paid tithes. Education was important so everyone could read the Bible. To the Puritans it was more than a religion it was a way to live their lives. It is interesting that for about 100 years the
The Goucester Haskell’s
Generation 2: William(2) Haskell (b. 8 Nov 1618) (d. 20 Aug 1693)
++ Mary Marie Tybott (b. 6 Nov 1628) (d. 16 Aug 1693) (m. 16 Nov 1643)
Children
William(3) Haskell (b. 26 Aug 1644) (d.17 Jun 1708) (Referred to as Junior)
Joseph Haskell (b. 2 Jun 1646) (d.12 Nov 1727)
Benjamin Haskell (b.1648) (d.1741)
John Haskell (b.1649) (d.1718)
Elizabeth Haskell (b.1651) (d.1719)
Ruth Haskell (b.1654) (d.1714)
Mark Haskell (b.1656) (d.1691)
Mary Haskell (b.1660) (d.1737)
Sarah Haskell (b.1660) (d.1697)
Elinor Haskell (b.1663) (d. 1685)
From http://www.williamhaskellhouse.com/haskell-history.html this history is provided.
Captain William(2) Haskell was born in November, 1617 in Charlton Musgrove, Somerset England and died August 20, 1693 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Along with his brothers, Roger and Mark; sister, Joan; step brother, John Stone Jr.; stepfather, John Stone and mother, Elinor, William(2) came to America from England in 1635. The family settled near, what is now, Beverly, Massachusetts. On November 16, 1643, William married Mary Tybott. He and his wife moved to Gloucester in 1645 and bought property on Walker’s Creek where they lived. They also owned property on Planter's Neck.They had nine children and lived the rest of their lives in Gloucester and became known as the Gloucester Haskell’s.. Mary died August 16, 1693. Four days later, William died. When he died, his estate was valued at 548 pounds, 23s. [a lot of money in those days].
The property on Walker's Creek where the Haskell House is located had many advantages. It abutted his mother-in-law's farm, which his wife would inherit. William(2) would have plenty of timber and farmland. The salt marsh offered many advantages. It brought wildlife that could be hunted, fished or trapped, and clams and mussels could be dug. The salt marsh provided hay without much work and it did not spoil, if it was kept outside. In the winter months the salt marsh hay provided food for his livestock, and he could transport it across the ice for sale. William(2) planned around the tides. He moved his livestock accordingly. He would have travelled by boat or canoe on Walker's Creek depending on the tide. In order to farm his land, he had to remove rocks from his fields. He built fences with the rocks, some to trace the line of the high water. Some remnants of the original stone fencing can still be seen. He grew most of his food, took care of the cattle, and cared for his house and buildings. His wife and children also cared for the livestock. Mary cooked, cleaned, laundered, sewed clothing and took care of the children. She grew her own flax and spun it into linen yarn. She grew vegetables and medicinal herbs. Over the next seven years, William(2) made twelve additional purchases of salt marsh land, totaling 36 acres.
When William(2) moved to Walker's Creek, he was looking to secure his own prosperity and that of his children. William(2) was a mariner and involved in the fishing business. He was also engaged in farming. Research indicated he was a Puritan and a deacon in his church. In 1672, William(2) was elected to be Selectman and was also chosen to be Gloucester's representative to the First Great and General Court in Boston. He was a prominent citizen, being selected as a representative of the General Court many times. Haskell was appointed lieutenant of the local militia and later became a captain. His title was "Captain Haskell" for which he was known until his death. William made time to fish with friends and hunt for food and sport. On Saturdays, he was involved in militia training, followed by drinks and talk. Because they feared attack from Native American Indians, the French and the Dutch, they were required by law to have a militia.
According to "Short Account of the Descendants of William Haskell of Gloucester, Massachusetts," by Ulysses G. Haskell, “[in 1688], some feeble but magnanimous efforts of expiring freedom were exhibited in the refusal of several towns to assess the taxes which the Governor, Sir Edmond Andros, and Council of New England had levied upon them." One of these towns was Gloucester, seven of whose citizens, and one being William(2) Haskell, were fined at the Superior Court for non-compliance and served a warrant for the assessment of "odious taxes." He was fined 40 shillings with 3 pounds and a shilling for fees. Also, according to Ulysses G. Haskell, "in 1681, William(2) was one of the petitioners to the King praying for the crown's interposition to prevent the disturbance of titles to real estate at Gloucester by Robert Mason, who had made claims thereto."
Generation 3: William(3) Haskell (b. 26 Aug 1644) (d. 17 Jun 1708)
++ Mary Brown (b. 28 Jun 1649) (d. 12 Nov 1715) (m. 3 Jul 1667)
Children
Mary Haskell (b.29 Apr 1668) (d. 1 Nov 1721)
William(4) Haskell III (b. 6 Nov 1670) (d. 17 Jan 1730)
Joseph Haskell (b. 20 Apr 1673) (d. 11 Apr 1718)
Abigail Haskell (b. 2 Mar 1675) (d. 5 May 1762 )
Henry Haskell (b. 3 Apr 1678) (d. 17 Apr 1739)
Andrew Haskell (b. 27 Jul 1680) (d. 14 Aug 1680)
Lydia Haskell (b. 4 Sep 1681) (d. 2 Oct 1734)
Sarah Haskell (b. 26 Feb 1683) (d. 20 Feb 1690)
Elizabeth Haskell (b. 5 Apr 1686) (d. ?)
Hannah Haskell (b. 30 Oct 1688) (d 15 Feb.1689)
Jacob Haskell ( b. 15 Jan 1689) (d. 6 Aug 1756)
Sarah Haskell (b. 11 Sep 1692) (d. 10 Jul 1773 )
On 3 Jul 1667, William(3), also known as Junior, married Mary Brown also known as Mary Walker (her step father’s last name), the girl next door. They had 12 children. Ulysses G. Haskell, in his book, “Short Account of the Descendants of William Haskell of Gloucester, Massachusetts”, stated that
“Junior owned a successful grist and saw mill on Cape Ann in the town now known as Rockport. He lived his entire life in the Gloucester area. On June 5, 1708, he died at age 64. At his death, his estate was valued at 666 pounds. This included land, buildings and farm animals. (We believe that one of Junior Haskell's other sons may have lived in the family home during this time.)”
Generation 4: Joseph Haskell (b. 216 Apr 1673) (d. 11 Apr 1718)
++ Rachel Elwell (b. 1674, d. 1732) (m. 19 Mar 1696)
Children
Rachel Haskell (b. 13 Mar 1697) (d.1730)
Joseph Haskell (b. 16 Dec 1698) (d. 1791)
Abraham Haskell (b. 8 Mar 1701) (d.1791)
Hannah Haskell (b. 28 Jun 1703) (d. ?)
Moses Haskell (b. 25 Dec 1705) (d. ? - Probably before reaching manhood)
Stephen Haskell (b. 7 Jul 1708) (d. ? - Probably before reaching manhood)
Andrew Haskell (b. 6 Dec 1711) (d. 3 Nov 1791)
Jeremiah(1) Haskell (b. 23 Oct 1714) (d. 20 Jun 1786)
Joseph was a cooper by trade. Upon his death, his last will instructed that his sons must all learn a trade. His death record lists him as a sergeant so he must have been in the militia. He was also a fisherman and a farmer. He lived and died in Gloucester and all of his children were born there.
At this time this branch of the family started to move westward from Gloucester to Harvard and on to Lancaster but had not yet left the Massachusetts Bay Colony. That would happen with the 7th generation. What were the reasons for this westward movement? The most germane answer is land.
Remember that to the English the real measure of wealth was land ownership. To gain possession of land has almost always been a human endeavor throughout history and prehistory. How many wars and massacres have been waged to take territory; to conquer and plunder? How many lives have been given through the ages around the world in this pursuit? Of course, there are other factors contributing such as crowding or overcrowding but, that is a relative thing. The population of Massachusetts at that time was nowhere near what it is today. But at that time they still felt it was getting too crowded. Of course, they were basically living a subsistence lifestyle and needed to hunt, fish and grow and raise their own food. That meant that each family needed an adequate amount of land; much more per person than is required per person today. The land around Goucester was poor for farming: very rocky and poor quality soil. The land to the west was far better for farming. Most of the families around Gloucester relied on fishing to sustain them. Farther west farming became much more lucrative and provided better sustenance.
The Lancaster Haskells
Generation 5:Jeremiah(1) Haskell (b. 23 Oct 1714) (d. 20 Jun 1786)
++ Thankful Beamon (b. 1 Jan 1716) (d. 30 Mar 1788) (m.14 May 1741)
Children
Thankful Haskell (b.1741) (d.1771)
Jeremiah(2) Haskell Jr. (b. 20 May 1744) (d. 1835)
Andrew Caleb Haskell (b.1748) (d.1781)
Abijah Haskell (b.1753) (d.1819)
Nathaniel Haskell (b.1755) (d.1813)
Rebecca Haskell (b.1758) (d.1846)
Jeremiah(1) and his brother Andrew, as young men, moved west to Lancaster, Worcester Massachusetts. Their Uncle Henry with some of their cousins had already moved to Harvard (called the Harvard Haskells) and on to Worcester, Massachusetts. who became part of the group known as the Lancaster Haskell’s or the Worchester Haskell’s. Jeremiah(1)’s son, Nathaniel, moved from Massachusetts to Ontario, Canada and established the Canadian Haskell line.
Generation 6:Jeremiah(2) Haskell Jr. (b.1744) ( d.1835)
++ Letice Corthell (b.5 Jul 1743) (d.?) (m.5 Jul 1772)
Children - None
Jeremiah(2) was a soldier in the Massachusetts Militia and a Minute-Man. He enlisted in the army April 27,1775. He served as a corporal in Captain Benjamin Houghton’s Company of Minute-men in Colonel John Whetcomb’s Regiment which marched on the alarm of April 19, 1775 to Cambridge. He served as a 3rd sergeant in Captain Andrew Haskell’s Company in Colonel Asa Whitcomb’s Regiment. April 26, 1776 to November 1 1776 he served in William Warner’s Company in Colonel Josiah Whitney’s Regiment at Camp at Hull. He was listed as a Corporal.
Jeremiah(2) married Letice Corthell on 7 Jan 1777. It was her second marriage and Jeremiah(2)’s first. Letice Corthell was married to Abraham Enice on 5 July 1772. Abraham who may have been killed in fighting but his fate is not known. No mention of any children from Jeremiah(2)’s and Letice’s marriage has been found. I have not been able to discover what ended Jeremiah(2)’s first marriage. I haven't found a date of death for Letice so I don’t know if she was alive when Jeremiah(2) married Letty Benjamin or if she had died before from sickness or childbirth.
++ Letty Benjamin (b.1756, d.1820) (m.1789)
Children
Letty Haskell (b.1790) (d.????)
Henry Haskell(1) . (b.1791) (d.1844)
Jeremiah(2) married Letty Benjamin in 1789. I have not discovered the day or month of the marriage. I also do not know if this was a first or second marriage for her. She was 33 years old when she married Jeremiah(2). During the Revolutionary War many husbands had been killed and during this period: a man was expected to have a wife and a woman was expected to have a husband because of how hard it was to just to survive. So remarriage was almost a necessity. Women and men each had their role and worked from sunup to sundown and beyond.
Jeremiah(2) grew up in and around Lancaster His last residence in Massachusetts was in Dudley. I do not know when Jeremiah moved from Dudley, Massachusetts to Oneida, New York. But it was sometime after the War of 1812 and he probably followed his son Henry (1) to New York State after his wife Letty Benjamin died in 1820.
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