LITTLEFIELD

1. FRANCIS-

b.c.1565 Tichfield, Hampshire
m.1. MARY ______ (bur. 29 Oct. 1605, Tichfield)
      2.
14 July 1606 Anne ______ (m.1. ______ Wigg, bur. 5 July 1619 Tichfield)
bur. 22 Oct. 1618 Tichfield

A William Lettylfeld of Odiham, Hampshire made his will in 1579.(3)

St. Peter's church- Tichfield

Francis was a clothier and made his will 21 Oct. 1618. He gave Edmund 20/, Nicholas £ 30, a table and fine stool, John £ 30 and each godchild 12d. To his wife's children Elizabeth and Robert Wigg he gave 40/ each. His maid Elizabeth Carter received 10/. To his brother James of Droxford he gave his best doublet and breeches, to his sister Mary Beane 5/ and to his brother Richard 20/. He gave the cathedral at Winchester 6d, the parish church of Tichfield 3/4, the poor of Tichfield a noble (10/) and the poor of Wickham 3/4. His wife Anne and son James were made executors of his will with Anne to have the house next to the fulling mill leased from John Hanksford of Bishop's Waltham. James was given the fulling mill. Overseers of the will were Thomas Knight of Sencleres in Droxford, his brother James Littlefield also of Droxford and Nicholas Waller of Swanwicke in Tichfield. Each were given 5/ for their trouble. The will was witnessed by John Wither, Robert Poulett and Francis Waller and was proved 21 Nov. 1618. The inventory of his estate taken 29 Oct. 1618 by John Houghton, John Weathers, John Coopper, John Beane and I. Hoopper amounted to £ 261/2/10 including 38 tod of wool at 28/ per tod (a tod was 28 lbs.), cloth £28, 3 kerses ready medeled £ 7/6, 4 weight of green wool £ 10, 5 tod of blue wool £ 11/6, 4 tod of black wool £ 4/4, 30 lb. of fine black wool £ 4/8, shears, shear-boards, cutting boards, etc.(1) Anne of Funtley, Titchfield, widow, made her will in 1619.(2)

Issue- all baptized at Tichfield, Hants. First five children by Mary, last two by Anne.

·  2I. EDMUND- bpt.27 June 1592, m. 16 Oct. 1614 ANNIS/AGNES (2) AUSTIN

·  II. Nicholas- bpt. 24 July 1595, bur. 12 Aug. 1595

·  III. James- bpt.18 June 1598, m. 17 Jan. 1618/9 Tichfield, Joanne Jeffrey. James inherited his father's fulling mill and lived in Tichfield.

·  IV. Anne- bpt. 8 Apr. 1601, bur. 10 Apr. 1601

·  V. Frances- bpt. 6 Oct. 1605, bur. 29 Oct. 1605

·  VI. Nicholas- bpt. 28 Aug. 1608, m. ?, bur. 23 May 1677 Funtley, Hants., will 1677 (4)

·  VII. John- bpt. 13 Jan. 1610/1, m.1. Joanne ______ (bur. 22 Dec. 1649 Tichfield), 2. ______ John lived in Funtley.

Ref:

(1) Archdeaconry of Winchester- 1618- HRO- 1618A/43
(2) HRO- 1619A/063
(3) Ibid- 1579A/51
(4) Ibid- 1677A/056

N.E.H.G.R.- Vol.67, pp.343-8, Oct. 1913


2I. EDMUND (FRANCIS 1)

bpt. 27 June 1592 Tichfield, Hampshire
m. 16 Oct. 1614 Tichfield, ANNIS (2) AUSTIN (b. 1596, will 12 Dec. 1677)
will 11 Dec. 1661

"Barry's Cottages"- Tichfield- home of Edmund Littlefield

On 12 Feb. 1635/6 Stephen March of Newport, Isle of Wight, Esq. sued Edmund Littlefield of Tichfield, clothier, Anne, his wife, and Nicholas Littlefield, his brother for eleven tods of wool valued at 30/ per tod (a tod was 28lbs.). March stated that in Feb. 1634 Edmund went to his house in Newport and agreed to buy the wool for £16, carried it away and used it to his great profit without paying for it. Conspiring with his wife Ann and his brother Nicholas to defraud March of his money, he alleged that Reinold Adams of Newport, deceased, owed him a large sum whereby he was unable to settle accounts with March. Nicholas replied on 17 Jan. 1636 that his brother had been a clothier for many years, buying wool in various places and that he did not know where the wool came from when he purchased it from his brother (1) Perhaps Edmund was fleeing creditors when he left England?

Edmund came first to Boston arriving on 26 May 1636 with his two oldest sons with Rev. John Wheelwright. That same year he was a juryman for the Court held at Saco.

May 1638: "Southampton- The list of the names of Passengs Intended to shipe themselves, In the Bevis of Hampton of CL Tounes, Robert Batten Mr for Newengland, And thus by vertue of the Lord Treasurers warrant of the second of may wch was after the restraynt and they some Dayes gone to sea Before the Kinges Mates Proclamacon Came unto South'ton...

38 Annis Littlefield and 6 children
John Knight, servant
Heugh Durdal, servant..."(2)

At Exeter he signed the combination 5 June 1639 and had two lots in the first division of uplands constituting 21 acres. He is listed in the Exeter town records from Dec. 1639 until 17 June 1644.

"... I Thomas Gorges Esqr Deputy Gouvnor of the Province of Mayne by vertue of authoritie unto me given from Sr fferdinando Gorges Knight Lord Propriator of the said Province... give grant & Confirme unto Edmund Littlefield of Wells in the County of Somersett... those pcells of land... scituate lying & being in Wells aforesaid that is to say One hundred acres of Land adjoyning to the Mill... and all the Marsh ground lying betweene the said land & the sea... And all the Neck of Marsh ground lying between the said hundred Acres of land & webhant River & six Acres of Marsh lying betweene Webhant River and the neck of land neere adjoyning unto the ffarme lately granted unto Mr John Wheelwright & Eight Acres of Marsh ground to be taken in Ogunquick Marsh & two litle pcells of Marsh & upland lying near Webhant falls on the West side thereof... Hee the said Edmund Littlefield... paying for the prmisses unto the said Sr fferdinando Gorges his heires and assignes six shillings yearely on the Nin Twentieth Day of September And I the said Thomas Gorges Doe hereby ordayne Henry Boade gent to be my lawfull Atturney... In Witnes thereof I the said Thomas Gorges have hereunto sett my hand & seale the ffourteenth Day of July 1643. Sealed signed & delivd in presence of Roger Guard, George Puddington, ffrancis Littlefield..."

Edmund built a saw-mill and grist mill on the Webhannet River in 1641 and also owned mills in Cape Porpoise and was the richest man in Wells. The first year he was an agent for R. Vines. On 20 Nov. 1645 Vines granted he and John Wadleigh 200 acres on the southwest side of the Ogunguit River.

Webhannet Falls- Wells

Edmund was on the jury in 1645 and 1647. He took the oath of allegience to Massachusettss and the freeman's oath at Wells 5 July 1653 although he did not side with Massachusetts' religious polity.(3) He was the Comissioner to end small causes from 1654 until his death except for the year 1657 and was a Selectman in 1654 and 1657. Edmund signed a petition favoring Seth Fletcher as the minister 17 May 1661.(4) He served on a committee to settle the boundary between Wells and Cape Porpoise.

Edmund was authorized 4 Nov. 1654 to sell wine and strong liquor to the Indians in York County to such an extent as he thought for their good.(5) When he was given his licence the general court at the same time expressed their abhorrence of the the free use of ardent spirits and sinfulness of the practice and prohibited the sale by anyone else the object being to restrain and limit the sale and not to extend or aid it.(6)

"The last will & Testament of Edmund Littlefield Decembr 11:61:...

I bequeath unto Francis Littlefield my elldest sun, & Anthony Littlefield, & Elizabeth Wakefield my daughter, all the whoole Tract of Land liing of the North East side of Kenebunke with the Falls togeather with a Certen quantity of Marsh liing up in the woods, betweene Cape Porpus River & Kenebunke, which is specifyd In two deeds, granted by Mr Geo: Cleeve Agent of Mr Rygbe, which is now come into the Government of Mr. Gorges, Proprietor of the Province of Mayne. Which Land & Marsh shall bee aequally devided amongst those three above specifyd.

I give unto Frances Littlefield Senior 10s to bee pd out of my goods

I give unto Anthony Littlefield all my weareing Cloaths

I give unto Elizabeth Wakefield 5s to bee pd out of my goods

I give unto my 3 executors Namely Annas Littlefield, My wife, & Thoms Littlefield, & Fran: Littlefield my youngest sun all my upland & Marsh att home which is not disposd, & that which I bought of my sun Anthony, & alsoe yt which I bouht of Mr Fletcher, togeather with ye Corne Mill & saw Mill, with all my houseing & goods, within doores & with out, togeather with all the stocke & Cattle both small and greate, which shall bee aequally devided amongst those 3 executors, onely the land that lyeth on the South side of Webbhannett River, If the sd Thos & Francis Littlefield Junior do both of them pay to Annas my wife foure bushs of corne yearely for 7 yeares, then my wife shall have nothing to do with Itt, otherwise if they do not pforme that yearly, then my wife shall have power to lett it to others, & to expell them quitte out of it all.

And likewise my sun Thoms & Fran: Littlefield shall pay unto my wife eight bushs of wheat yearely, for ye Corne Mill, if they will not yn my wife shall have power to lett it to any other, & expell them out of it. And my wife shall have her third part of the Marsh, that lyeth on the South East side of Webbhannett River; And if soe bee yt Fran: Littlefield & Thomas Littlefield, & Fran: Littlefield my youngest sun bee loveing & helpfull to yr mother my wife, then they shall have all after her desease, otherwise if they bee not loveing & helpfull to her shee shall have power to dispose of itt, wr shee thinkes good herselfe

I give unto my daughter Mary Barrett, and to my daughter Hannah Littlefield fiveteene pounds a peece to bee pd with in 3 years, five pounds a peece yearely, till it bee payd

I do give unto all my grandchildren five shillings a peece wn they come at age

I give unto my sun John Littlefield Tenn pounds to bee payd out of ye fourty pounds which hee is to pay for his purchase att Ogunquett

Alsoe the 3 executors, Namely Annas my wife, & Tho: & Fran: Littlefield shall have power to recover & receave all debts

And those 3 executors shall pay all debts due & demands, & all portions Legacys & gyfts, which is here specfyd; My suns Tho: & Fran: Littlefield Junior, is to Improve & till the ground, & there mother my wife shall have the third part of the Corne

I give unto my wife 6 or 7 Acres of Marsh that lyeth at Ogunquet

I desire Mr Ezekell Knightt & Mr Jos: Bowles to bee my Feffees In trust If neede require, to see my will fulfilled

Testes
Ezekell Knights       Edmund Littlefields"(7)
Joe: Bowles       owne hand X

The inventory of the estate was submitted 24 Dec. 1661 by Ezekiel Knight, Joseph Bowles and William Hammonds and amounted to £588/13/4.

"12th December:1677:... The last Will & testament of Annis Littlefield...

1: I do give unto my daughter Hannah Cloyce my bed & bowlster, & Katterine Wakefield to deliver it to her

2: I give unto my three daughters Elizabeth Wakefield Mary Barrett & Hannah Cloyce, all my lining & Wollen New & ould to bee aequally divided amongst them

I give unto my sonn John Littlefield my Cow Gentle & five buslls of Corne

I give to my daughter Merribah foure buslls of Wheate due from ye Mills

I give to my Grandchild Katterine Wakefield my Rugg & eight buslls of Corne

I give to my sonn Peter Cloyce too Acres of Marsh bee it more or less. yt lyeth on the South West side of Mr Whelewrights Necke of Land

I give unto my sonn Thomas Littlefield, who hath taken a great deale of care of mee, all the rest of my household goods Corne & Chattles, & I do make my sd sonn Thomas Littlefield, my whoole & soole executor, & to receive all debts comeing to mee, & pay all If any thing there bee that I do ow, & to take all the remaindr to him selfe, & to see my will fullfilled

Signed & Delivered,
In ye Presence of us,      Annis Littlefield
Joseph Bolls                               X
William Symonds                 her marke"(8)

The inventory of her estate was submitted by Samuel Austin and Joseph Bolls on 7 Mar. 1677/8 and amounted to £36/15.

Issue-

·  I.Ann- bpt. 11 Feb. 1615/6 Tichfield, Hants., d. 2 Jan. 1616/7

·  II. Edward- bpt. 17 Feb. 1616/7 Tichfield, d. 13 June 1635

·  3III. FRANCIS- bpt. 17 June 1619 Tichfield, m.1. Jane Hill (d.20 Dec. 1646 Woburn, MA) 2. REBECCA RUST (b.31 Jan. 1630, d. after 29 March 1683) 3. by 1689 Mary Wade (m.1. William Symonds of Ipswich) d.15 Jan. 1712/3

·  IV. Anthony- bpt.7 Oct. 1621 Tichfield, m.c.1652 Mary Page d. before Mar. 1662 Cape Porpus

·  4V. JOHN- bpt. 1 Nov. 1624 Tichfield, m.c.1650 PATIENCE WAKEFIELD (living in 1701), d. 9 Feb. 1696/7 Wells, ME

·  VI. Elizabeth- bpt. 22 July 1627 Tichfield, m. John Wakefield of Biddeford

·  VII. Mary- b.c.1630, m.1. Lt. John Barrett (killed by Indians 1688), 2. Thomas Page, living in 1703

·  VIII. Thomas- bpt. 10 Aug. 1633 Tichfield, m.1. c.1667 Ruth ______, 2. Sarah ______, drowned c.1689 Wells, ME

·  IX. Hannah- bpt. 10 Aug. 1633 Tichfield, m.c.1663 Peter Cloyes, d. 1680

·  X. Francis- bp.24 Mar. 1635/6 Tichfield, m.c.1658 Meribah Wardwell (b. 14 May 1637 Boston, MA), will 5 Feb. 1674/5-6 Apr. 1675

Ref:

(1) Court of Requests- Charles I, bundle 77, part 4 as quoted by Moriarty in Gleanings from English Records, NEHGR Vol. 88, Oct. 1934
(2) N.E.H.G.R.- Vol.67, p.347 (Oct. 1913); Planters of the Commonwealth 1620-40- Charles Edward Banks, p.200
(3) Mass. Archives- Vol.III, pp.221,228; History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.32
(4) Collections of the Maine Historical Society- second series, Vol.4, pp.171-2
(5) Ibid- Vol.XXX, p.35
(6) History of Wells and Kennebunk- Edward E. Bourne, LL.D, Portland, 1875, pp.38-9
(7) York Co. Court Records- B, 53
(8) York Co. Registry of Deeds- Vol. 5, p.25

Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England- Savage, Vol.III, p.100
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- pp.437-8
History of Wells and Kennebunk- Edward E. Bourne, LL.D, Portland, 1875, pp. 73-8
Old Families of Salisbury & Amesbury, MA- David W. Hoyt, Vol.II, p.575
Pioneers of Maine & New Hampshire- Pope, pp.128-9


3III. FRANCIS (FRANCIS 1, EDMUND 2)

bpt. 17 June 1619 Tichfield, Hampshire
m.1.
Jane Hill (d. 20 Dec. 1646 Woburn, MA)
      2.
REBECCA RUSK/RUST (b.31 Jan. 1630, d.after 29 Mar. 1683)
      3.
by 1689 Mary Wade (m.1. William Symonds of Ipswich)
inv. 15 Jan. 1712/3

Francis was an innkeeper at Wells where he received a 50 acre grant from Gorges in 1643. He was taxed in Woburn in 1646 and then in Dover in 1648 which he represented in the legislature. Soon after he was in Wells with his second wife yet he bought a house in Charlestown in 1653.

He took the oath of allegiance to Massachusetts and the freeman's oath 5 July 1653 and became a strong supporter of the claims of Massachusetts.(1)

He was a representative to the General Court from York in 1660 and then from Wells in 1665, 1676 and 1681. He signed a Wells petition 17 May 1661 along with his father Edmund to reinstate Mr. Seth Fletcher as minister.(2)

A general court was held at his house 27 May 1662. He was on the grand jury in 1666, 1667, 1673 and 1687. He signed another Wells petition 30 Apr. 1668 for Massachusetts to take over the province.(3) He was the county treasurer in 1676, 1678, and 1681 and was a selectman in 1677.

Wells petition to the General Court 30 Apr. 1668 , Page 2

Francis was a licenced innholder many times from 1661 until 1691 and at his inn fees were received and expenses paid for the court. Afterwards he was at Ipswich where he was an innholder 2 May 1700. He was licenced to sell spiritous liquors for one year but, he continued to sell after his licence expired and had difficulty in obtaining a renewal although he promised not again to be guilty of such a violation of the law. He had a licence at Wells in Oct. 1700, 1701 and 1702.

In 1686 Francis had a grant of 100 acres at the head of his lot. On 21 July 1691 Francis along with several others signed a letter requesting supplies so they could continue their fight against the enemy.

Issue-

·  I. Mary- b.14 Dec. 1646 Woburn, MA, m.1. Nov. 1664 John Kittredge 2. 16 Jan. 1677/8 John French

·  5II. SARAH- b. 15 Nov. 1649 Wells, ME, m.1. JOHN (2) WELLS, 2. by Nov. 1677 William Sawyer

·  III. Hannah- b. 5 Jan. 1652 Wells, ME, m. Jeremiah Moulton

·  IV. Deliverance- b. 5 July 1655 Wells, ME, killed by Indians

·  V. James- b. 2 Oct. 1657 Wells, ME, m. Katherine Heard, killed by Indians 16 May 1690

·  VI. Isaac- b. 23 Jan. 1660 Wells, ME, killed by Indians 1676

·  VII. Abigail- b. 26 Mar. 1661/2, m.c. 1680 John Eldridge

·  VIII. Dorcas- b. 4 Oct. 1664 Wells, ME

·  6IX. PHEBE- m. 27 Apr. 1690 JOHN HEARD (b.c.1667, will 15 Jan. 1739- 6 Jan. 1752), killed by Indians 4 July 1697

·  X. Daniel- b.c.1662, m. Mehitable Dodd, adm. 2 July 1718

·  XI. Dependence- b.c.1671, m.1. Feb. 1706 Hannah Snell (m.1. John Ballard, d. before 1718), 2. 5 Dec. 1718 Boston, Elizabeth Batson (m.1. _____ Fairfield), living in 1725

·  XII. Rachel- m. 6 Dec. 1694 William Frost

Ref:

(1) Mass. Archives- Vol.III, pp.221,228
(2) Ibid- Vol.X, p.96
(3) Ibid- Vol.III, p.276

Genealogical Dictionary of The First Settlers of New England- Savage, Vol.III, p.100
Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- pp.438
The History of Wells and Kennebunk- Edward E. Bourne
Old Families of Salisbury & Amesbury, MA- David W. Hoyt, Vol.II, pp.575-6


4V. JOHN (FRANCIS 1, EDMUND 2)

bpt. 1 Nov. 1624 Tichfield
m.c.1650 PATIENCE WAKEFIELD (living in 1701)
d. 9 Feb. 1696/7 Wells, ME

John and his brother-in-law John Wakefield had a grant of land called Great Hill Farm from George Cleaves at the mouth of the Mousam River in 1641.(1) John purchased numerous other parcels of land and owned a mill. John signed a statement 19 Oct. 1652 as to the origin of the Merrimack River(1a) (this was very important to the Massachusetts government as the boundary of the province included all the land west of the river). He took the freeman's oath at Wells 5 July 1653.(2)

He was on the committee to settle the Kittery- Wells bounds in 1658.(3) He was a constable in 1661 and in 1663/4; selectman in 1670 and 1677; and a representative in 1680. John signed the petition to the General Court in Boston 30 Apr. 1668 asking them to settle the government.(4) He also signed the petition to the General Court 22 May 1661 to keep the Rev. Seth Fletcher.(5)

Wells petition to the General Court 30 Apr. 1668 , Page 2

He was commissioned a Lieutenant 29 May 1668 "for wells John Littlefield Leiftenant, ffrancis Littlefield junior ensigne", and was placed in command at Wells in 1675.(6)

"Wells ye 19th Sept. 75 at 9 of the clocke at night.

Major Waldron, Sir.

You will se by ye above what a great strait ya are in at sacoe, and we look hourerly for an assalt here. Soe that you cannt expect any assistance from us, we being too weak to defend our selves, yr fore ye earnest request to you is that you will rase ann army from Pascataqua with all possible speed for the preservation of our lives and estats; otherwise we cannot expect in an ordinary way long to hold out. The Lord direct you and us all. We convaid Mr. George Broughton and company safe to the Cape. With out speedy supply you must expect no more posts from us. The enemy snapt twice or thrice at this post coming from Saco, but mist fire as God would have it.

Yours to command,
John Littlefield."(7)

John, as Commissioner of York Co., petitioned the governor and Council in 1676 requesting the building of garrisons, military organizations, aid against the Indians, and to encourage trade.(8) On 11 Sept. 1676 he signed a statement to the General Court describing the military conditions in the area.(9) On 23 July 1677 he wrote instructions to Shubael Dummer and William Symond listings requests for the Governor and Council to answer in regards to military affairs in Wells.(9a)

His mill was taxed for Fort Loyal in 1682 for £ 4.(10) At the court held in July 1670 the judges being: "advised that some persons in the late assessment for war rates did not give in a true account of their property, appointed Capt. Charles Frost, Capt. John Davis, and Lieut. John Littlefield, commissioers, to sit at York, and invested them with full authority to summon in these unfaithful men, and make them disclose the truth."(11)

John was a Burgess for Wells in 1680 and a commander of one of the garrisons in Wells in 1690: "Wells Towne 6 Garisons, (viz) Lt. Storer, Wido Littlefield, Francis Littlefield, John Wheelwright, Capt. John Littlefield and Mr. Samuel Littlefield where was 10 Souldiers Six of which ware dismist Lately by Capt. Littlefield and are gone."(12)

John was a member of a committee in Boston 28 May 1692 asking for aid for a preacher at Wells and the garrison:

"To his Excellelncy the Governor and Council sitting in Boston.

We, the subscribers, humbly pray that your Honors would be pleased to consider the distressed condition of the inhabitants of Wells, who are not only objects of pity with reference to the enemy and the length of the war, but also with reference to their spiritual concerns, there not being one minister of the gospel in these parts; and in this town of wells there are about forty soldiers and no chaplain, which doth much dissatisfy them, especially some of them. If your Excellency with the Honored Council will please to send us a minister to be chaplain to the soldiers and also minister of the town, we will allow him what we can for encouragement, with what the country may allow him upon account of the soldiers, we hope will be sufficient satisfaction and encouragement to us to stand our ground, as also to the soldiers to continue here, and so shall your servants remain to pray, etc.

Samuel Wheelright
John Littlefield                     These few persons subscribing
Samuel Storer                       are personally known here
James Gooch                        in Boston

If it were at Wells we have grounds to believe there would be the general voice of the town for the same."(13)

During King William's War collections were made in the churches which were forwarded to John Wheelright, John Littlefield and Joseph Storer to be appropriated as they judged necessary to the different garrisons.(14)

"Wells, July 21; 1691

We being the front of all the eastern part of the country, remotely situated, for strength weak, and the enemy beating upon us, we can think of no other, but we are fair for ruin, and humbly conceive your honors are sensible of it, without seasonable help; our stocks are wasted the thirteenth of June last. The enemy killed and drove away upwards of one hundred head of cattle, besides sheep and horses; some of our corn is already lost, and more in great hazard; we therefore, distressed, make our humble address to your honors for men, with provision and ammunition for the strengthening of our town, with what force your honors shall see fit to keep out; also that there may be a magazine in the province that supplies may be near; whereby time will be redeemed, soldiers encouraged, and opportunity improved against the enemy; also that there be an effectual care taken, that the inhabitants of this province may not quit their places without liberty first obtained from legal authority; thus encouraging ourselves with the hopes that your honors will timely answer us herein, that so we and the rest of this poor province in great hazard, may yet stand, which may be to the honor of God, the interest of his majesty, and of the country, we rest, your honored humble servants.

Francis Littlefield                     George Burroughs
John Littlefield                         Joseph Storer
John Wheelright                      John Hill
Pendleton Fletcher                  John Cloyes
Nathaniel Cloyes."
(15)

On 28 Sept. 1691 Cap. John along with Ensign John Hill carried another letter from Rev. George Burroughs and others from Wells to the Governor and Council, petitioning for more soldiers against the "sore scourge of Indians".(16) John also signed another peition to the Governor and Council on 27 Jan. 1691/2 for them to send men to save Wells as the Indians had just destroyed York.(17)

Wells was evidently again without a minister as John signed another petition for a chaplain on 28 May 1692: "Due to ye destressed Condition of ye Inhabitants of Wells who are not only objects of pitty with refferance to ye Enemy and ye length of ye War, but also with reference to their spiritual concerns Jno Litlefield"(18)

John was in court for selling without a license in 1693.

"A true Invintory of the Estate of Capt John Littlefield deceast who departed this life the ninthe day of february 1696/7 by us whose names are under writen this 4th day of Marche 1686/7:

                                                                                              £   s  d
To money...........................................................................01:10:00
To wearing clothes.......................................................... 10:00:00
To Iron bras Puter and other houshold goods at:...... 04:00:00
To two guns at................................................................. 01:10:00
To two beds and beding at:............................................04:10:00
To two horsis and mare & horse furneture at:.............05:00:00
To two Cowes at...............................................................05:00:00
To five Swine at:...............................................................02:05:00
To Coton and woolin yarne at........................................01:10:00
To Powder and shot at:....................................................00:10:00
To two oxen five Cowes thirteene younge calfe and twelve acres of medow all in the possession of Eliab Littelfield by a Lease from his Hononrd ffather John Littlefield Deseast.............................................................................. 02:10:00
                                                                                          ________
                                                                                             96:10:00

                                                                           £  s  d
To one bed and beding at:..........................06:00:00
To 4 yards of hommade cloathes...............00:12:00
To 1 ( ) at....................................................... 00:04:00
To swine at....................................................01:10:00

Ms: Pashons Littelfield appered before me this 30th of March 1697 and maid oath that this sd true Inventory of all the Estate of her Late husband Deceased Capt: John Littelfield to the best of her knowing and If Aney more appere after ward She upon the Same oath is to give it into the regesters of this County

Samll Wheelwright Judge of the Probate

In adition to the above Inventary which was forgoten and not ( ) stood by the administrator & also in sd hands of Eliab Littlefield
To two Dwelling houses one saw mill two hundred acres of upland & fiftene acres of salt marshe all at:120:00:00
To Iron worke for a single sawmill at:...............007:10:00

Taken by us: John Wheelwright

                Nicholas Cole"(19)

A mutuall greemt made and concluded upon this 7th day of october 1701 between us patience Littlefield widow and relect of Capt John Littlefield of wells in ye County of york in new england deceased Intestate and Josiah Littlefield and Eliab Littlefield for himselfe and as an attorney for Liddia Shore daughter to the sd Capt Jno Littlefield and Samuel Webber for himselfe and for his wife Debrah the daughter of Capt. Jno Littlefield and Matthew Austin for himselfe and for his wife mary the duaghter of sd Capt. Jno Littlefield and william cole for himselfe and for his wife Ccharity the daughter of sd John Littlefield and Josia winn for him selfe and Liddia his wife grandaughter of Capt. John Littlefield and only child of John Littlefield deseaced eldest son of Capt. John Littlefield and Eddward Beale for him selfe and his wife Elizabth daughter of Capt John Littlefield and Joanna Littlefield widow daughter in law to sd Capt. Littlefield and mercy Lufkin widow daughter to te sd Capt Littlefield and James Webber for him selfe and patience his wife daughter to the sd Capt John Littlefield relating to the Estate of ye sd Capt John Littlefield have devided the Estate as followeth

To Patience Littlefield widow and relect of sd Capt Littlefield

To wareing Clothes.............................010=00=00
To houshold goods............................004=00=00
To 1 ( )...................................................002=00=00
To 1 horse mare and furnitr...............003=10=00
To 1 bed and beding..........................006=00=00
To 4 yrds Cloath.................................000=12=00
To Cotton and woolen yarn..............001=10=00
To 1 spit...............................................000=04=00
To 1 Calfe.............................................000=10=00
To 1 young beast................................001=10=00
______________________________________________________________________________
Josia Littlefield
To 8 acres marsh................................012=00=00
Formerly of his father given.............008=00=00
_____________________________________________________________________________
Eliab Littlefield                                                            Mercy Lufkin
To 6 acres of marsh…...09=00=00                              Cow and Calfe…...03:00=00
To 2 Chayns...................01=19=00                               1 beast...................01=10=0
To Cart Iron and ( )........01=05=00                              3 acres marsh........04=10=0
Formerly Recd................00=06=00                               formerly Recd.......04=00=0
_____________________________________________________________________________
Samll Webber                                                            Will Webb
To 1 young beast.........01=10=00                               to Land and marsh...20=00=0
2 Chayns and ( )...........01=16=00                              to 2 Cowes..................05=00=0
to part of mill Irons......00=10=00
formerly Recd...............08=00=00
_____________________________________________________________________________
Matthew Austin                                                            Josiah Winn
To 1 bed and beding…...02=05=00                              to 1 hundred acres of Land and
To 1 young beast............01=10=00                              marsh Joyning to sd Land and ten
Formerly Recd..................06=12=00                              acres of marsh at meryland 30=00=0
_____________________________________________________________________________
Liddia Storer                                                            to Josiah Littlefield
To 1 Calfe and young beast 02=00=00                              3 acres of marsh…... 04=10=00
Formerly Recd……………... 10=00=00                                                            2 ( ) 01=10=00
____________________________________________ powdr and shot  00=10=00
to Edward Beale                                             to money. 01=10=00
1 bed & beding.
02=05=00                              to pay John Pirce five pound and
1 Cow and Calfe 03=00=00                              ten shillings and shot charges
1 young beast     01=10=00                               1:16:0
to part of mill Iron work 02=05=00
formerly Recd.    03=00=00
_____________________________________________________________________________
James Webber
1 ox cow & calfe     08=00=00
to mill Iron worke.. 02=04=00
Formerly Recd        00=06=00
____________________________________________
Johanna Littlefield
1 ox 1 cow.
        07=10=00
1 young beast.
01=10=00
to Swine.
          02=05=00
formerly Recd.
 00=14=00

The marsh and thatch ground on the back side of the River by all our Consents is disposed of to Eliab Littlefield at Eight pounds one third part to be payd to the widow Littlefield our mother and the Rest to be equally devided between thos parsons that are short of there part------

And the Land and marsh on the home side of the River with the dwelling house and saw mill and out housing with all the priviledges and appertainances there to be loning the use and benefit there of as followeth that is to say the one third prt to the widow Littlefield our mother dureing her life and also the use of the west End of the dwelling house together with the mild house and garden and the other two thirds to be equaly devided among themselves except those persons namely Josiah Littlefield william Webb and Josiah winn which have already Recd more than theire proportion of the Estate and when the incom of the Land housing and mill shall advance them to be equall with those that have Recd more than there proporson they and every one of them to advance an equall part with the Rest in that Estate and if there be any debts due to the Estate of sd Capt John Littlefield when it is payd 1 third part is to be disposed to the widow and the other two third parts to be equally devided among the children we have further agreed that Josiah Littlefield Eliab Littlefield and Samll webber shall Let sell or dispose of he sd Land housing and mill with those apportainances for the Use and benefit of the ( ) with the Consent of our mother patience Littlefield

Signed Sealed and Delivered                              her
In presence of us                                   Patience X Littlefield
Samuel Donnell                                                   mark
Cha: Story                                                   Josiah Littlefield
Jos: Hammond Junr                        his
                                                  Eliab X Littlefield
                                                          Mark
                                                 Samuell Webber
                                                  Edward Beale
                                                Matthew Austin
                                                          his
                                                 Josiah X Winn
                                                         Mark
                                                          her
                                              Joanna X Littlefield
                                                         mark
                                             marcy Lufking"(19)

John Littlefield's inventory, Estate settlement agreement- Page 1 , Page 2 , Page 3 , Page 4

Issue-

·  I. John- m. Mehitable ______, will 9 Sept. 1689

·  7II. JOSIAH- m.1. LYDIA MASTERS (killed 10 Aug. 1707), 2. Elizabeth Hilton (m.2. 18 Oct. 1716 Malachi Edwards), killed Apr. 1712

·  III. Eliab- m. Manchester, 29 Oct. 1696, Rachel Sibley, (d. 1718) Adm. 16 Apr. 1717 Manchester, NH

·  9IV. LYDIA- m. SAMUEL STORER (b.c.1652 Dover, NH, d. 10 June 1700 Charlestown, MA), living in 1722

·  V. Deborah- m. 1683, Samuel Webber (b.c.1656, d. 1716), d. May 1747

·  VI. Mary- m. Capt. Matthew Austin (b.c.1658, d. 1718)

·  VII. Charity- m. William Webb

·  VIII. Elizabeth- m. 1694, Edward Beale (b.c.1675, d. after 1736), living in 1747

·  IX. Mercy- m.1. Jacob Lufkin (d. 1700), 2. 1702, Richard Stimson, d. before Nov. 1708

·  X. Patience- m. James Webber (b.c.1666, d. 1729), living in 1748

·  XI. Samuel- m. Joanna ______, d.c.1699 Wells

Ref:

(1) History of Kennebunk Port- Charles Bradbury, Kennebunk, 1837, pp.32,98
(1a) Mass. Archives- Vol. 3, p.66
(2) Mass. Archives- Vol.3, p.228
(3) History of Wells and Kennebunk- Edward E. Bourne, LL.D, Portland, 1875, p. 304
(4) Mass. Archives- Vol. 3, p.276
(5) Ibid- Vol. 10, p. 79
(6) Mass. Archives- Vol.3, p.286; Vol.68, p.89
(7) History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.140
(8) Mass. Archives- Vol.69, p.56
(9) Ibid- Vol.69, p.57
(9a) Ibid- Vol. 69, p.159a
(10) History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.185
(11) Ibid- p.184
(12) Mass. Archives- Vol.3, p.344; Vol.36, p.52
(13) Ibid- Vol.11, p.62; History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.177
(14) History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.205
(15) Ibid- p.208; Mass. Archives- Vol.37, p.84a
(16) Mass. Archives- Vol. 37, p.144
(17) Ibid- p. 259
(18) Ibid- Vol. 11, p.62
(19) York County Probate- No. 11828

Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- pp.438-9


7II. JOSIAH (FRANCIS 1, EDMUND 2, JOHN 3)

m.1. LYDIA MASTERS (killed by Indians 10 Aug. 1707)
    2. Elizabeth Hilton (m.2. 18 Oct. 1716 Malachi Edwards)
killed by Indians 18 Apr. 1712

Josiah was on the grand jury in 1689, 1691, 1695 and in 1697/8 and was forman of the jury in 1701, constable in 1696.

"Petition of the town of Wells to the General Court.
May it please your Excellencies, yor Honores & yr Honble House of Representatives

It hath seemed good to this Great and General Assembly to lay on us as our part of three several taxes, eighty pounds; thirty whereof was required just upon the bloody desolation which it pleased God in his Sovreignty to make on our town by the Eastern enemies last year; in which many of our inhabitants (and they such as were wont to bear a great part of our public charges) were either murthered or taken captive, their houses burnt and goods spoiled, besides divers others escaping with only their clothes on their backs. So that we who are the Frontier wing of the body of the Frontier towns are most of all impoverished and diminished. More than a third part of our number are, one way or other, gone from us; and a great part of us who are left, being destitute of employment and income, are so exceeding poor, that if the constable, who hath already used all means more gentle, should execute the law in severity he must take their bodies. Our straights are every way enlarged. What we did formerly allow to our minister, which, at best, was but a slender maintenance, we are not able now to make good, and if country rates be exacted, we have reason to fear that, do what we can, our minister will be constrained to leave us, he having already removed his family for want of a convenient dwelling place, his house being only raised and partly enclosed before the present war. Which to finish will be impossible for us, if that little (which thanks be to God) is left us should be taken from us, while we hold our lives in our hands, and when we should labor in improving our lands; which also excepting what are near adjoining our garrisons, lye waste, insomuch that what we do or can improve, will come far short of finding us bread corn. Moreover, instead of adding to that little which the former war left us, we did, in the short time of peaceable intermission lay out what might be spared from our backs and mouths, in building a Meeting House and rebuilding our old waste places and settling new ones, as also in erecting mills, which are now, before they could in any measure repay our disbursments, useless and unprofitable. May it therefore please this Honble assembly to commiserate the distressed condition of your impoverished and exposed petitioners, groaning under many heavy burdens, enough to sink us if we now fail of relief, or to remit our above mentioned taxes, excepting what is granted out of them to our minister; thus humbly praying that the most favorable construction may be made of our bold importunity, and whatever else may be found amiss herein, we have not exceeded, but come very short in representing the hard circumstances of our present calamity. We must leave our very sad case to the all disposing influences of a gracious God, who knows the depths of our straights and can move your Excellency, and Hon. Courts of compassion toward your dutiful servants, who shall ever pray.

John Wheelright          Josiah Littlefield
Joseph Storer               Thomas Boston
Joseph Hill                    Samuel Hatch
Jonathan Hammond
In behalf of the town of Wells."
(1)

The General Court ordered one half of the tax of the preceding year abated and for the next year one quarter.

Josiah and his wife were attacked by Indians on the east side of Cape Neddick between York and Wells 24 June 1696.(2)

Josiah and his family were present when Thomas Cole and his wife were killed by an Indian attack. They were in Manchester in May 1698 and then in Wells where they were members of the church in 1701.(3) Lydia and her son were killed by Indians on their way back from Boston 10 Aug. 1707.

Josiah was captured by the Indians on 22 Apr. 1708 and spent two years in Canada returning in July 1710 only to be killed in an Indian attack in Apr. 1712.

"Dear and loving children, my kind love remembered to you all, and my kind love to my brother and sister, and my kind love to all my friends att Wells, and to Mr. Emery in particular, dasiaring of him prayers for me and for my children, hoping in God they are in good helth as I am att this present writing, blessed be God for it. Aprel the 23 I was taken by foer Indans, and may the 3 I arived att nongonuay (Norridgewock), and from thence to caback (Quebec), and arrived at caback may the 26 and from thence to Moriel (Montreal), and arrived at Moriel June the 2, and now I have liberty granted to me to rite to my friends and to the governor, and for my redemtion and for Wheelrite's child to be redeemed by two Indens prisoners that are with the English now, and I have been with the governor this morning and hee have promised that if our governor will send them that wee shall be redeemed, for the governor have sent a man to redeem Wheelrites child and do lookes for him in now every day with the child to Moriel where I am, and I would pray whilrite to be very brief in the matter, that we may come home before winter, for we must come by Albany, and I have allso aquainted our Gofnear dedly (Dudley) with the same. no more at present but remain yours to command.
Josiah Littlefield."(4)

"loving cousen. My kind love remember to you and to your wife and children and to all my friends, hoping in god that you and my dear children are all in helth as I am att present. O, I dasiare to bless god for the same, and I would pray you to be very kind, and a father to my dear children while I do come home, and so take the care of them and my estaite to maintain them that they may not sufeare. I would have you not to pay any deates of mine till I do come home, and I would pray you to rasarve some quantity of money to gather for mee, for I shall be at a great charge in my coming home if please god to spare my life and helth, and what money you can resarve to gether for me let it be silver money, for I must borre some money, and peaper money would not pass heare, so I would commit the care of all my concearns into your hands while my return. I am in grate hopes that if please god to spare me my life and helth that I may be at home by the midst of winter next ensuing, so I shall dasiare your prayers constant for me, as mine shall be for you all, so I remain your to command, ever loving onkel til death,
Josiah Littlefield."(5)

"Mary Storrar is well and Rachel Storar and ______ Storer is well and Mary Austin of York is well and dasiares to remember their duty to thear father and mother and their kind love to all thear friends and ralations, hoping in god you are all well.

I would pray you ______ Wheelright dear friends to be mindful in the matter consearning our redemsion. I have riten to the governer at boston.

          Yours to command,           Josiah Littlefield.

This for Capt. John Whelright and Josiah Winn att Wells.
Deliver with care."(6)

Josiah then wrote the following letter to Gov. Dudley:

"January 29, 1710

I thought it convenient to give to his Excellency an account where I am, and how the case stands with me. I was coming home in the fal, and was taken by a canady Indian which told me that I must go back to Canady again, and I told him that I thought I could not by reason of sickness in my journey, and he told me that he would kill me, and was a Indian that longing to Norigway, and I spoke to him to plead for me, that I might remain at Norrigway al winter, and with much persuading he sold me to a Indian belonging to Norrigway, which has nursed me and have recovered me, and have promised him payment for the love he bare to me in that respect, for he has been like a father to me, and now he is very willing that I should come home, if your Excellency would give leave that a sloop may come to Sacaty Hock, and to send Joseph Bane, for they have a desire to come to speak together, and they would have no other man than Joseph Bane to come for they reckons it all one as though your own person was there, if Joseph bane be living, and if not some other good onest man.
So I remain your humble sarvent, hoping that you will take pity on me.

                    Josiah Littlefield

And to send but three men be side Joseph Bane in the slop.
And after the arrival of this letter, the slope to Sacaty Hock in fifteen days."(7)

Josiah went with his Indian master and two other Indians to the fort at Casco Bay. Having arrived at the fort the Indians went forward under a flag of truce and entered into some negotiations for his release. Moody who was then in charge was not satisfied of the truth of the statement so the Indians had Josiah write some letters to comfirm his circumstances as well as the above letter to the Governor.

"Jan. 29, 1709/10

Capt Moodey after my love to you, I would pray you to make these Indians very welcome for one is my master, thearefore be kind to them and if you can, send to me an old Cote, and a peare of stocknes, and a litel tob(aco), if it be but a pound or two.

No mor but remaine yours to command
                              Josiah Lettelfeild

or Cap larbe for Cap Moodey or Cap larby."(8)

Josiah seems to have made large promises for his ransom as he sent the following to his friend Thomas Barber in Boston:

"Jan. 29, 1709/10

Cozen Barba: After my love to you and al my frinds I have sent a leter to the governor that a slop may come to Sacot Hoss and I would pray you to send me this goods which I set down- two hogsets of meale and one hogsits of corn and one hogsits of pase and ten yards of brodcloth of a sad color. ten yeards blue brodclith and a pes of Coten and vearey fine lase for theare cotes golovene of 2 & 3 sorts 4 yards of rid silk and a pes of holen verey fine and a cote of drovet and 4 peare of Shoes frinch fales 1 dusens of knives and a bras cetel of two galens and a caster hat and two spoones and one pes of cloth for sherts two beariels of Sider one brel of beare and 15 Galens of rome and thred and silk for the making and one dusen of braslets and some fine Shov bucles and two large haths and two cheses and a good hansome scmie spoune and I would pray you to send me a good sute of close and stocknes shouse and hat and tel Mr gugch that if he will Joyne hear is beavr anouf.

Pray fulfil this papr and in so doing you will oblige your frind

Josiah Lettelfeild

for Mr Thomas barber Att boston daliver"(9)

The buying of a prisoner from his captor was strictly forbidden by the governor who felt that if this started there would be a ready market for frontier captives. Because of this Moody did not send the letter to Barber, but he did forward Littlefield's letter to the governor which was read before the legislature.

"Casco 27 Jan 1709/10-

May it please yr Excellency.

This morning appeard three Indians upon ye Hill behind us wth a flag of truce: One of them came forward and left a letter upon ye fence which is here inclosed.

They wr hardly psuaded to tarry at all after ye delivery of ye letter (being, as they said) ordered to ye contrary by yr Sagamore, but in find upon ye promise of a pipe of Tobacco wr prevailed wth to discourse abt Six Minutes & told Leut Bean in short ye they of Kennebeck had been quiet above a year, and designed to remainso, but withal cautiond him to be very carefull, for they beleivd ye French Indians would be abroad & do all ye Mischeif they could- They also intimated to him yt yr was a party of them near, & yt Leut Littlefield of Wells was with them, & yt ye reason of their comeing at this time was som great News they had at Canada, & yt if I would write to yr Excellency they would tarry in these parts till they had an Answer to ye Inclosed, & so went off in hast-

Leut Bean will be Able to give yr Excellency A more pticular acct. We are in extreme want of good whale Boats I would humbly pray yr Excellency to order us two or three

Ye Next Conveyance- And if I may be Any wayes serviceable in this affair, I should chearfully reveiue your Excellency's Orders, & indeavr a strict complyance wth them.

I am yr Excellency's most humble & obedt Servt. Sam Moodey

To His Exellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Governr Captain Benll & Comandd in Chief of Her Majtys Province of ye Massachusetts &c In Boston

These p Leut Bean wth all speed"(10)

Feb. 3, 1709/10-

"Sr

Honest Bean is with mee with your Letters & returns with Instructions to proceed to Sagadahock for the releif of Litlefeild & to hear what the Indians will say

Hill brings him in his sloop with four whaleboats for your service you must take great care in their dispatch & return as soon as may be & let them be nothing sent said, nor done but what you have my Express orders for the business with Those Rogues is no Nice & of such Importance, that nobody must Insert themselves into it.

I am your servant J. Dudley

Send Bean either in the sloop or whaleboat as you think best."(11)

Before Bean was ready to sail the governor received a letter from Robert Pike outlining the "purchase" of Josiah from the Indians:

"To Capt Benj Larriby, Canso ye 6: of January 1709/10.

Worthy Sr:

These are to Informe you that this Morning the Indians Came with a flag of truce & 3 letters from Mr. Littlefield who Gives an a count yt as he was Cuming from Cannada ye last fall he was stopt by a Cannade Indian and afterwards sold to a Norigewok Indean who has Kept him there this winter far better than he Could Expect & to Recompence him got his won liberty & Supply there great want which we sopose thay are nor In has sent to pray ye Governor to Send a Sloop to Sackelipook with Leutnt Poare & onely 3 men More he has allso sent to a Gentle Man in Boston to Send down 2 Hogseds of Corn 2 of Meal 1 or 2 of Pease 150 wait of Tobaccl Sider Bear Cloth Shews & many other things within 15 days & thay will be there to meet ym att ye time appointed wee Could have but very little Discourse with ym for thay would Cum not a step nearer yn ye Hill thay say thay have lyen still above a Year and porpose to doe no more Mischeif but bid us have care of ye Cannede Indeans thay allso say there is great News att Cannade but will not tel what it is. This is all Needful att present with Due Respects to all friend

from Yours to serve
Robt Pike

For Captn Benjm Larraby To be left att Mrs Mary Gefferses in Lin"(12)

Dudley then wrote to Moody:

"Boston Febry 4th 1709

Sr

Your Letter came to me by Bean & Inclosed a Lettr from Littlefield, Whereupon the Assembly Sitting Advised me to proceed to Send Bean in a Sloop to Sagadahock to releive Littlefield, & to hear what the Indians would Say-

But before his Departure we are Surprized by a Lettr from Yor Fort Signed Robert Pike that Tells us of other Letters from Littlefield, Importing ye Sending of Hoggsheads of corne, Meale, pease, Clothes, Shoes &c of which you have given me no Advice, hereupon by the Advice of the Council & Assembly, I hav withdrawn my Orders to your selfe & Bean & ye Instructions as being not well Informed how to proceed for want of those papers, & yor further Letters of what you know.

This will delay my Resolutions, & may be a great hurt to the Service, if the Indns in the mean time Shew themselves you must Insist upon the Delivery of Littlefield without any purchase but that upon his Delivery to you, if they will Tell you what they would have me know from them, you will carefully Report it to me and give them my Answer in Twenty days-

You must keep Bean to Interpreat, & send some other good Courageable fellow Express with your Letters with all possible speed.

Yor Servt
J Dudley"(13)

Bean was therefore sent to Casco Bay to obtain these other letters before taking any measures for the release of Littlefield.

Moody wrote to the governor concerning this matter:

"Casco 11th Febry 1709/10

May it please yr Excellency

This day Leut Bean returned wth yr Excellency's letter, I am heartily sorry yt my inadvertency should occasion ye delay of ye Excellencys designs & prove hurtful in any measure to ye intended service.

The inclosed letters came wth ye other from Leut Littlefield wch I confess I ought before to have given advice of, & must beg yr Excellency's pardon for my neglect in yt Matter. Yet withall (being greatly astonished wth advice I have now from Boston as if I wr suspected of ill designs in concealing ye letter to Barber, yt a private trade wth ym) I do sollemnly protest to yr Excellency (& before God I be not) yt design was only to prevent its comeing into ye hands of private psons who might send them supply's wth out yr Excellency's Knowledge; & yt I have never designed any such think, or so much as entertained a thought of it, as well knowing how displeaseing it would be to yr Excellency, & injurious to my country, in whose Service I have ever indeavoured to be faithfull, & hope, if by providence I wr called to it, I should not account my life dear. I have now sent yr Excellence ye whole truth of all yt I know. No Indians have appeared sone Let Bean left us, but I psume are yet in ye Bay or places adjacent one of yr Cannoes being discovoured near Jewells Island by a Fisherman yt came in here about eight days since. I am

Yr Excellency's most humble & Obedit Servant
Sammll Moodey"(14)

The governor wrote back to Moody on 15 Feb.:

"Boston febr, 15, 1709/10

Sr

I have now your second letter enclosing two other from Leutenant Littlefield, that, to you is of no Importance, the other to Barbar, referring to provisions and Goods to be sent to Sagadahock &c, I always pitty a prisoner in Indian hands, especially when their Masters are Indigent, & in Necessity of Everything, but no Circumstance of that nature has yet altered my resolution, (never to buy a prisoner of an Indian) least we make a market for our poor weomen & children in the frontiers.

The business of seeing them at Sagadahock (being Entangled with that Expectation of a Trade with Barbar) is perfectly over and will admit of no further consideration.

If they were in Earnest to release Litlefeild or hope for any thing from mee, they will Come again, & then you will Exactly follow your orders of the fourth of february to Insist upon the delivery of Litlefeild, & to tell you their Errand to mee, & they shall have my answer in twenty dayes & for the future whatever happens, never do, nor send, nor say anything but what you have my orders for, & never hide any think tho it seem to be of the Least Importance, let mee alwayes know it, you may threat them civilly to get some knowledge of their affayrs, but keep your superiority, & distance as serving this Government & Express to mee as often as any thing occurs.

The General Assembly are yet sitting to whom I have communicated your last letter, they are sensible of your mistake in keeping back those two letters, and are well assured it shall be otherwise for the future.

I am Sr your humble servant                    J. Dudley

Read in Council
& sent to ye Representatives"(15)

Josiah's scheme for his release was frustrated by red tape and his disappointed Indian master took him back to Norridgewock. Moody evidently did not consider the plan by Josiah to buy his freedom as important enough for the governor to know about it. By not reporting this plan to the Governor, Moody was protecting his friend and others from possible prosecution.

After three or four months the Indians concluded to trust the governor to do what was right in 20 days after Josiah was released and so they brought him back and released him at the fort. On 10 July the Indians came to the fort stating that the French were very angry on account of Littlefield being released, and that they now had no dealings with them and asked for a supply of provisions:

"Casco 20th July 1710

May it please yr Excellency

I gave yr Excellency an Acct in my last p Serg. Hilton of ye Indians being here ye day before my Arrival and ye treatmt they met withal. Yesterday ye 19th Instant A great number of them appeard (I suppose near 50) who, they said, came from all quarters, Pigwockett, & Penobscut as well as Kennebeck- They pretended much sorroe for ye mischeif ye Indians had done upon ye frontiers, wch they had warned us of in ye Spring, & promised to give advice of ye Motions & designe from time to time; & withal complaind of ye Fishermens unfair treatment of them under a flagg of truce, & gave us ye Same Relation of ye Matter wch yr Excellency had from Piscataqua.

Mr Littlefields Master was ye man yt came to us, & told Leut Bean The ffrench were very Angry with them for bringing Littlefield to our Fort, & haveing now no Comerce wth them, were come for a Supply from ye English According to yr Excellency's promist in yr Letter sent Mr. Littlefield yt they might freely come hither at Any time & be civilly treated.

They have heard by some Captives yt 4 of Maquas were gone to England & were much concernd to know whether they wr returnd, & st ye Issue of yt matter was, to wch I made them little or no Answer-

They plead as formerly, yr desire of Lying still if they would have a Supply, otherwise they could not live, but must return to ye French, & seemd much disgusted yt no more notice was taken of ym; pticularly Littlefds master, who thought he deserved a reward for his pains in going round ye country to bring ye Indians hither. I replyd to ym yt they had no reason to complain of their treatment here: and as to trade & supplying them wth Provision (wch they earnestly beggd for) I would forthwith send to know your Excellency's pleasure & they might expect An Answer in ten or fifteen dayes.-

I psume they are very needy, yet dont seem to abate Any thing of yr lofty imperious temper, & act as if they hopd for a Complyance wth yr Excellency upon yr own Terms. I would humbly pray yr Excellency's Answer & pticular directions in my Farther treatmt of them.

I am Yr Excellencys most humble & obedt Servant
Samll Moodey."(16)

After the death of his father, Josiah was to assume the estate during the lifetime of his mother and for a short time afterwards. During his captivity Josiah's children and all his estate were put under the care of Josiah Winn, who married Lydia, a daughter of Josiah's brother. After Josiah's return from captivity a controversy arose between him and Winn. The exact cause of these difficulties is unclear as Winn appears to be a man of good character, however Josiah's wife Elizabeth was of a different nature. As a second wife she caused great discord among the family and she was probably not well reconciled to the fact that the court had given Winn control of the children and estate. Evidently she probably complained to Josiah about some of Winn's proceedings and her disposition was not geared towards an amicable settlement and before they had reached any conclusion Josiah was killed by the Indians and Elizabeth was appointed his administratrix.

"An Inventory of the Estate of Josiah Littlefield Deceased....................................... £.....s.....d
To Lands Meadows with a sawmill and other buildings upon sd land prised at    180=00=00
To the old place with sawmill and buildings………………………………………….. 90=00=00
and the land meadow and mill wth rights at the Little River………………………… 90=00=00
To three of oxen………………………………………………………………………… 015=00=00
To 8 Cows……………………………………………………………………………….. 022=00=00
To 1 horse and furniture…………………………………………………………..…… 010=00=00
To 1 horse and furniture…………………………………………………………..…… 003=00=00
To two Steers of 3 years old………………………………………………………..…. 006=10=00
To 5 Cattell of 1 yeare old……………………………………………………………... 007=10=00
To 5 Calves……………………………...……………………………………………… 002=00=00
To 7 Swine of a yeare old………………..……………………………………………. 002=10=00
To 6 small swine…………………………..…………………………………………… 002=00=00
To Carpenters tools……………………….…………………………………………... 004=00=00
To ox takling and Chayns…………………………………………………………….. 004=10=00
To 1 Cart and wheels hoop and boxes...…………………………………………….. 003=10=00
To Iron work for gristmill………………..……………………………………………. 015=00=00
To ( ) and takling……………………………...……………………………………….. 000=10=00
To 3 guns………………………………………...…………………………………….. 005=00=00
To 1 Rapier and belt……………………………..……………………………………. 000=16=00
To wearing Cloaths…………………………………………………………………… 020=00=00
To 2 fether beds with furniture………………...…………………………………….. 030=00=00
To 2 fether beds more with blankets………..………………………………………. 010=00=00
To 6 paire of sheets…………………………….…………………………………….. 006=00=00
To 4 pillo Cases…………………………………..…………………………………… 000=16=00
To table Linning………………………………….…………………………………… 001=10=00
To household stuf 1 warming pan……………..……………………………………. 000=15=00
To 1 old bras kettle full of holes……………..……………………………………… 000=16=00
To 1 old bras skellet………………………………………………………………….. 000=04=00
To 1 Iron pot with hooks and tramel……….………………………………………. 001=10=00
To 1 Iron kettle and tramel………………...………………………………………… 001=00=00
1 pare of ( ) Iron………………………………….…………………………………… 000=18=00
1 paire of handirons and tongs…………………..…………………………………. 000=12=00
To 2 tankes and a quart…………………………..…………………………………. 000=17=00
To 5 platters………………………………………………………………………….. 001=05=00
To 3 platters………………………………………………………………………….. 001=00=00
To 3 basons……………………………………..…………………………………… 000=10=00
To 1 bible…………………………………………………………………………….. 000=10=00
To 4 Chests……………………………………..…………………………………… 000=16=00
To 1 ( )……………………………………………….……………………………….. 000=16=00
To 1 box……………………………………………………………………………… 000=02=00
To 5 old Chaires…………………………………..………………………………… 000=10=00
To 1 table………………………………………...………………………………….. 000=07=00

York ss: Janry: 6: 1712/13

Mrs Elisabeth Littlefield administratrix of the Estate of the within named Josiah Littlefield personally appearing before me the subscriber Judg of Probate of Wils &ct for Said County of yorke made oath to the truth of the within Inventory and if any thing more hereafter shall come to her knowledge she will give it in to the Registers office Mr Jonathan Hammond and Daniel Littlefield within named appeared and made oath they did apprise the within Estate at the Just value to the best of their Judgment.
Ichabod Plaisted"(17)

Inventory of Josiah Littlefield's Estate- Page 1, , Page 2

During his guardianship Winn had supplied Josiah's saw mill with various pieces of machinery necessary for its operation. As it was now obvious that no peaceful settlement was going to be reached he removed from the mill all the articles he had supplied. Josiah's brother Eliab along with Samuel Webber who had leased to him their part of the mill, took away the water wheel, crank, and other materials which he had supplied. Thus a war began between all the parties interested in the estate which Bourne in his history of the town states was "without a parallel in the history of New England."(18)

Eliab and Webber called upon Elizabeth for possession of the mill which she at once refused, and they were compelled to resort to their suit. Judgment was rendered against her and she appealed to the superior court. Her vengeance was not to be appeased by reason or entreaty. Winn who had undoubtedly been faithful in the care of Josiah's estate and family while he was in Canada, felt that he ought to have a share of the estate for his services. Elizabeth, however, would give no heed to his claim. Winn, therefore, brought suit against her, as administratrix, and won. She also appealed this judgment. She also brought suit against him for cutting trees on the lands of the estate, which probably was part of his operating the mill for Josiah's benefit and she lost. From this judgment she also appealed. She then sued Eliab for a debt which he owed and won. Eliab then appealed. She sued Winn for trespass for carrying the machinery out of the mill. The jury determined it was his and ruled against her. She then brought an action of trover against him for taking several pieces of iron from the mill but, again the jury ruled that it was his to take. She again appealed.

Malachi Edwards was a witness for Elizabeth in these suits and amplified the facts to some extent to ingratiate himself to her affections. They were married 10 Oct. 1716 and the burden of the contest now was laid on his shoulders. She brought an action of trespass against Eliab for cutting down trees and she won. This inspired her with new vigor for the battle. Eliab, now living in Manchester, was satisfied that Elizabeth would not yield to any demands was determined to secure his title to the possession of the estate and brought action against Edwards and his new wife to eject them from the farm. Evidently Eliab did not have access to the agreement entered into by the heirs to allow Josiah to occupy the estate during the lifetime of his mother for Eliab lost the suit.

Winn then sued Edwards alone, for some trespass but he was unsuccessful. Winn then appealed. He then sued Edwards and Elizabeth for trespass on his land adjoining Ogunquit River, near Sandy Point. The outcome of this suit is unknown. Edwards then sued Winn for £ 100 for payment of a note which Winn had signed, but he failed in this suit and again the decision was appealed.

Winn sued Edwards, recovered judgment, Edwards appealed. Edwards again sued Winn, but was unsuccessful.

At length the children and others entered into the fray. Jacob Perkins was criminally prosecuted for swearing. Edwards was fined £ 10 while constable for ordering Judge Hill to stand guard over a prisoner. Winn was fined for swearing at the court while intoxicated. Jacob Perkins was prosecuted for the very serious offense of striking a negro on the head with an axe.

Henry Gorges who owned the fee in the mill and farm (Josiah being simply lessee under him), came in and claimed the property, brought his suit, and recovered the possession, so the principal cause of the quarrel ended. However, the strife went on.

"York At a Court of Probate held at Wells within & for ye county of York by the Honble John Wheelwright Esq. Judge of Probate for sd County Janr 15 1733 Messrs Richard Milbery Nathan Bartlet Joseph Chadbourn Tobias Leighton and John Morrall junr who were appointed to make a division & distribution of the Estate of Josiah Littlefield Decd. With theIsues and Proffitts thereof since ye death of sd Deceased making a Return of their Proceedings therein and having made oath thereunto it is ordered & decreed that the division of ye real Estate to and amongst ye widow and chldren of ye said Josiah Littlefield Deceased be and hereby is approved and allowed according to ye return or report of ye commissioners aforsd appointed for that purpose and as to ye isues & proffitts of ye said deceaseds Estate it is ordered and decreed that the additionall and ( ) of administration now exhibited by Elizabeth Edwards Administratrix to said Estate amounting to ye sum of five pounds Nineteen shillings & four pence & the accot of Jacob Perkins of his charges & ( ) about ye division or distribution of sd Estae & amounting to fifty two pounds six shillings and two pence be and are hereby allowed to be paid out of the Profitts of said Estate and the remainder of ye isues & proffitts of said Estate being five hundred forty five pounds & four shillings which I order & decree shall be paid & distributed as follows vizt. To ye said Elisabeth Edwards formerly ye widow of ye said Josiah Littlefield Decd. One third part thereof beoing one hundred eight pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence and whereas John Littlefield ye elder son of sd deceasd has recd of the administratrix fifteen pounds of ye personall estate of sd decd. And has had ye use and Improvement of a considerable part of ye little River farm for about nine years past the same is & shall be accounted in full satisfaction for his share as aforesd And whereas Lidia Littlefield another of ye children of said decd. Has recd. Of ye adminx. Of said estate ten Pounds two shillings & four pence I order & decree yt the administratrix pay to her thirty five pounds six shillings & four pence which makes up ye whole of her share of ye Issues & proffitts of said Estate and whereas Sarah Clark another of ye children of sd Deced. Has recd. Of ye adminx. Twenty three pounds six shillings & ten pence out of said Estate I order & decree that ye adminx. Pay to her twenty two pounds one shillings and ten pence in full of her single share of ye Issues & proffitts aforesd. And whereas Elisabeth Goodale another of ye children of said deceased has recd. Of ye administratrix out of said estate twenty one pounds nine shillings & four pence I order and decree that ye administratrix pay to her twenty three pounds nineteen shillings and four pence which is in full of her share as aforsd. And I order and decree that ye said administratrix shall pay out of the Issues and Proffitts of ye said Estate unto Anna Perkins another of ye children of sd deceased ye sum of forty five pounds eight shillings and eight pence being her single share of the Issues and Proffitts aforesaid and to Ester Credeford another of ye children of sd deceased ye sum of forty five pounds eight shillings & eight pence being her single share of the Issues & proffitts of the said Estate.

John Wheelwright

Wells Janr ye 15th 1733 upon reading the foregoing decree in the hearing of ye parties concernd Malachi Edwards & Elisabeeth his wife Claimed an appeal from ye same concerning ye whole distribution of said estate to ye Governour & Councill which is granted.

John Littlefield also Claim’d an appeal from ye said decree to ye governour & Councill in manner as aforesd."(19)

Division of Josiah Littlefield's Estate- Page 1, Page 2
Letter of administration Malachi Edward's request for an appeal of the previous division- Page 1, Page 2, Page 3 John Littlefield's request for an appeal- Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

The feud went on until the middle of the century and comprised 40 to 50 suits and criminal prosecutions between the principal parties, their descendants and friends. Finally, all the heirs united in a suit against Edwards and wife to recover the sum of £ 120 which had previously been decided by the court to be due from them (see above) but which they refused to pay. Edwards and Elizabeth appealed. Jacob Perkins, Joseph Crediford, James Clark, Zachariah Goodale, Eliab Littlefield and others were drawn into the war. On 18 July 1739 while Edwards was working on his marsh, Jacob Perkins, George Jacobs Jr., and John Jacobs attacked him, dragged him to a pond, forced him below the water into the mud while Jacob Perkins ran for his pitchfork to run him through. However, Edwards' son Joshua arrived and drove them away. The curses showered upon Edwards were quite profuse as shown by Joshua's deposition. The battle did not stop there as between 1710 and 1750 one or more suits were brought almost yearly by some members of the family.(20)

Issue- first 7 children by first wife, last 2 by second. all born or baptized in Wells.

·  I. Josiah- b. 15 Sept. 1688

·  II. Anna- bpt. 28 June 1702, m. 17 Oct. 1717 Jacob Perkins

·  III. John- b. 7 Apr. 1695, m. 27 Oct. 1714 Sarah Stimson

·  IV. Nathaniel- b. 3 June 1697, bpt. 29 May 1698 Beverly, MA, int. 20 July 1728 Salem, MA, Abigial Neal

·  V. Peter- bpt. 28 June 1702, m. Abigail ______

·  8VI. ESTHER- b. 1 Feb. 1703/4, bpt. 30 Apr. 1704, m. JOSEPH (2) CREDIFORD (b. 16 Feb. 1693/4), d. 1793

·  VII. Lydia- bpt. 19 May 1706, m. James Littlefield

·  VIII. Sarah- bpt. 30 Sept. 1711, m. James Clark

·  IX. Elizabeth- bpt. 6 Dec. 1712, m. 26 Nov. 1730 Zachariah Goodale

·  X. Samuel Cole- bpt. 12 July 1702, adopted son

·  XI. Elizabeth Cole- bpt. 12 July 1702, adopted daughter

Ref:

(1) History of Wells and Kennebunk- Edward E. Bourne, LL.D, Portland, 1875, p. 256, Mass. Archives- Vol.3, pp.405-6
(2) Mass. Archives- Vol.70, p.280
(3) History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.288
(4) Ibid- p.268
(5) Ibid
(6) Ibid
(7) Collections of the Maine Historical Society- second series, Vol.9, p.276; Mass. Archives- Vol.51, pp.181-2a
(8) Collections of the Maine Historical Society- second series, Vol.9, p.277; Mass. Archives- Vol.71, p.616
(9) Ibid
(10) Ibid- pp.274-5
(11) Ibid- p.289
(12) Ibid- pp.273-4
(13) Ibid- pp.289-90
(14) Ibid- p.290
(15) Ibid- p.292
(16) Ibid- pp.302-3
(17) York County Probate- No. 11861
(18) History of Wells and Kennebunk- p.338
(19)York Co. Probate- No. 11861
(20) Ibid- pp.336-42; see Mass. Archives- Vol. 42, pp. 3-21

Genealogical Dictionary of Maine & New Hampshire- pp.439-40


Return to Home Page