Henry Cobb

     Henry Cobb was born circa 1607 at England; The birth date is based on the estimated time of his first marriage.¹ He married Patience Hurst, daughter of James Hurst and Catherine (?), before 1632.¹ Henry Cobb married Sarah Hinckley, daughter of Samuel Hinckley, on 12 December 1649 at Barnstable, Barnstable Co, Massachusetts.¹ Henry Cobb died before 3 June 1679 at Barnstable, Barnstable Co, Massachusetts.¹ He was buried at Lothrop's Hill Cemetery, Barnstable, Barnstable Co, Massachusetts.² His estate was probated on 3 June 1679 at Barnstable Co, Massachusetts.³
     Henry Cobb was of Plymouth 1632, Scituate 1633 and Barnstable 1639. He is among the many who probably belonged to Rev. Lothrop's Congregational Church in London before arriving in the Colony. He did not escape persecution in England, but was lucky enough to escape imprisonment, although Rev. Lothrop and 24 of church members did serve two years in the terrible prisons of London. His house in Scituate was the 7th built in the town according to the Rev. Lathrop's records.
In Barnstable, Henry Cobb lived in a stone house; such houses were commonplace as they served as a refuge should there be an Indian attack. All three church deacons had such, providing safety for other church members.
On 5 Jun 1644, Henry was licensed to draw wine at Barnstable and therefore kept a tavern.
Henry Cobb was a deputy to the Colony Court for many years, and on 14 April 1670 he was chosen and ordained a ruling elder of the Barnstable Church, a position he held until his death in 1679.¹ He left a will on 4 April 1678 at Barnstable Co, Massachusetts; Henry left his "great lot" in Barnstable to his son James Cobb. John, James, Gershom and Eleazer rec'd half of his lands in Suconeesett, to be divided between them. He left his new dwelling house and half his lands to his wife Sarah. Upon her death, Samuel was to receive the dwelling house and two acres of upland, and an acre and a half of the swamp land, and Samuel, Jonathan and Henry, the residue of land, equally. He left a shilling to sons, John, Gershom and Eleazer, as well as daughters, Mary Hannah and Patience. His "second best" bed and furniture was to go to his daughter, Sarah. He added a codicil to the Will 22 Feb 1678/9, changing a few of the gifts.³