1. EDWARD-
d. after 1504
The "History of Hitchin" states that "From Edward Moody, 1504, whose son twenty years after saved the great despoiler's life when he fell head first into the Hiz, they received two quarters of malt."(1)
Issue-
Ref:
(1) History of Hitchin- Reginald L. Hine, Gresham Press, Old Woking, Surrey, 1927- Vol. I, p. 140
b.c.1495
bur. 17 Sept. 1562 Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
King Henry VIII- c.1520
KING HENRY THE VIII
In this yere the kyng folowyng of his hauke, lept over a diche beside Hychyn, with a polle and the polle brake, so that if one Edmond Mody, a foteman, had not lept into the water, and lift up his hed, whiche was fast in the clay, he had bene drouned: but God of his goodnes preserved him.
THE XVI. YERE The jeoperdy the kyng was in. [l524-25]
"The Armes & Crest of Edmund Moody of Bury St. Edmunds in the County of Suffolk, Gentlemen, graunted to him appear to be those which were given and granted unto Edmund Mowdye otherwise Moody of Bury St. Edmunds by Letters Patent of Thomas Hawley (then Bluemantle, later Clarenceux King-at-Arms, of the College of Arms), 6th October 1541, in the 32 year of King Henry the Eighth (1540), for his miraculously saving his life (at Hitchin, co. Herts), when leaping over a ditch with a pole which brake; that if the said Edmund had not leapt into ye water and lifted up the King�s head, he had drowned; for which he was rewarded.� After which he left the Court and lived at St. Edmunds Bury, as stated by Letters Patent in the Office.
King Henry VIII c.1540
Arms: Argent, on a chevron engrailed sable, between three trefoils slipped vert, three lozenges or; on a chief azure, two arms issuing from clounds, proper, vested bendy or and gules, holding in the hands a rose of the last. Crest: Two embossed arms in saltire, the dexter vested gules, the sinister vert, each holding a cutlas argent, hilted, or.�(1)
Moulton is a peculiar jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury, rather than the Archdeacons of Sudbury or Suffolk. That is why Henry VIII was able to grant Edmund Moody land there. Moulton was the closest place in Suffolk to Edmund�s home which was entirely in Henry�s gift. The land was probably confiscated from a religious organization.
Edmund was rewarded with a pension of a groat a day or �6 per year, a large sum at the time. His pension was honored as we can see from the following: "The 24th day of September 1531, paied to Edmond the foteman, being in pension of a grote a day for one quarter now ended, xxx shillings."
Warrant of King Henry VIII
By the king
[Signature of Henry VIII]
We woll and commaunde you forthw[ith] upon the sight herof that ye do delyv[er]e or do to bee delyv[er]ed Unto our welbeloved s[er]v[a]ntes Robert Grene William Armorer William Cokkes Thomas Hutton James Tore and Edmond Mody your fotemen and to ev[er]y of them these parcelles folowing Furst to ev[er]y of them fowre brode yardes of London Russet cloth p[ri]ce ev[er]y yarde six shillinges for a gowne for ev[er]y of them W[ith] asmoche Irisshe Lambe as woll furre ev[er]y of the same p[ri]ce ev[er]y furre thyrcy shillinges and that ye paye fowre shillinges for leyng in of ev[er]y of the same furres It[e]m to ev[er]y of them fowre peyre of hosen of white kerseye p[ri]ce of ev[er]y of them W[ith] the lynyng and making fowre shillinges Item to ev[er]y of them two peyre of Skarlet hosen peyeing for the making and lynyng of them price ev[er]y peyre Nyne shillinges It[e]m to ev[er]y of them two dublettes of velwet the oon of ev[er]y of them tawney velwet and thoder Russet velwet ev[er]y dublet conteynyng thre yardes and Lyned w[ith] fustyan and canvas redy made It[e]m to ev[er]y of them two yardes of Crymson velwet for a Jerkyn and lyned w[ith] fustyan ev[er]y of the same redy made It[e]m to ev[er]y of them two skarlet bonettes price the pece six shillinges It[e]m to ev[er]y of them oon hatte ev[er]y hat p[ri]ce two shillinges Item to ev[er]y of them six shyrtes ev[er]y shyrt conteynyng fowre elles of holand cloth price ev[er]y elle 16d. made with draught worke Item to ev[er]y of them twelve peyre of double soled shoes p[ri]ce ev[er]y peyre twelve pens It[e]m to ev[er]y of them six dosen of sylke riband poyntes p[ri]ce ev[er]y dosen eight pens And these our l[ett]res shalbe your sufficient Warraunt and Discharge in this behalf Yeven under o[ur] Signet at o[ur] Manor of Grenewiche the 17th daye of October the 25th yere of our Reigne
To o[ur] Right trusty and Welbeloved Counsaillor the Lord Windesore keper of our greate Warederobe (3)
One has to wonder what course history would have taken if Edmund hadn't pulled the king out of the muck... Bloody Mary would have become queen at age 8 and neither the Act of Supremacy nor the dissolution of the monasteries would have occurred and England would probably have remained a Catholic country.
Issue-
Ref:
(1) Record in the College of Arms quoted by Davy in his MS collections- Additional MSS. 19142, folio 194, British Museum Library
(2) Life of Henry VIII- Edward Hall, 1904 edition- p. 38, originally published in London in 1542
(3) PRO- DR 37/2/72/14
The Moody Family: Records of the Descendants of Mr. John Moody of Hartford, Connecticut- Rev. Plinius Moody- book I, generations 1-8
The Moody family: A Full and Complete Text Transcribed from Davy's Suffolk Collections Pedigrees of Suffolk Families- David Elisha Davy, Additional MSS 19, 142 Folio 186 at the British Library MS Reading Room
b. 28 Apr. 1524 Bury St. Edmund
m. 4 Feb. 1548 Moulton, ANNE PANELL (b.c.1532, m.2. 6 Sept. 1574 Moulton, Edward Coulte, gent., bur. 14 Mar. 1576/7 Moulton)
bur. 28 Apr. 1574 St. Peter's, Moulton, Suffok
Saint Peter's Church- Moulton
In 1558 Richard brought a suit in Chancery against Thomas Burgeant to recover the title deeds relating to a leasehold house and lands in Moulton, called Lanwades:
To Sir Nicholas Bacon Knt., Keeper of the Great Seal of England:
Your orator Richard Modye of Moulton, co. Suffolk, was seized in his demesne as of fee of and in one messuage in Moulton called "Lanwades� and of and in 120 acres of 1 and, 10 acres of pasture with the liberty of one folde course until the said messuage belonging in the town and fields of Moulton. And so it is that divers deeds concerning the premises, a great part whereof were copied out by the hand of Thomas Burgeant, are of late time come to the hands of Sir Clement Highham, Knight, Richard Hyldersham, Gent., and of the said Thomas Burgeant; and "albeit� your orator hath made divers requests for the delivery of the said deeds, Sir Clement and the others named that to do have utterly refused. The number of deeds or wherein they are contained unto your orator is unknown, by reason whereof your orator is remediless to be holpen [helped] for the recovery of them by the due course of the common law, wherefore a subpoena is asked in this Court.
This defendant saith he did copy out certain deeds concerning the premises and did deliver the same deeds unto the plaintiff. He denies any other deed came to his hands, and also denies the other articles in the bill alleged.
15th Century Packhorse Bridge over the River Kennett- Moulton
In the Subsidy of 1567/8 Richard Modye was rated at Moulton for goods worth � 40 and his tax was � 1-13-4 (1) For the times this was a large estate as of the 8,000 people assessed in the county only 40 had a higher tax than Richard.
Richard made two wills, one on 14 Jan. and the other on 2 Feb. 1572/3. In his anxiety to provide for the virtuous upbringing of his children in the fear of God and good learning and education, he distributed the care of his younger sons, with their lands, among various friends. Under both wills the house called Fryettes was to go to Anne, his wife, but under the second will she was to have it for life only, with remainder to the eldest son, George. This son was also to have other lands in Moulton, and certain stock, farm produce, etc. On Sunday, 25 Apr. 1574, only three days before his death, Richard Moody added a codicil to the earlier will, and on 30 Apr. 1574, two days after the death of the testator, the executors named in the first will, by their procurator, proved it, together with the codicil. In June 1574, however, Anne Moody, the widow, brought forward the second will, in which Thomas Smythe of Ashley (one of the executors of the first will) and Roger Thompson of Clare were appointed executors, and the Court gave judgment, 10 June, in favor of this will. The executors, refusing to act, administration on the estate was granted to the widow, 16 June 1574:
"The will of Richarde Mody of Moulton, co. Suffolk, dated 14 Jan. 1572/3.My body to be buried in the church of Mowlton.
To Anne my wife my house which I now inhabit called "Fryetts� and all the lands which I late bought of the executors of the will of Roger Fryett, that is to say George Taylor and Thomas Harvye, to the said tenement appertaining; to hold to her for her life in recompense for her dower; also all my winter corn growing upon the said land; also 40 "comes of seade barley� to sow the same land; also 4 bullocks, 4 horses in masons stable, plough and plough gears, cart and cart geare; also 10 "combes� of rye and 6 "combes of mawlt; also half my household stuff. My will is that my said wife give up all her right and title that she may have or ought to have by reason of her downer of all the residue of my lands not yet mentioned, and the release to be made by my said wife in the parish church of Mowlton or in any other place at the discretion of my executors. My meaning is that if Anne refuse to take the said house I inhabit and the lands belonging thereto, or if she shall claim her dower of my lands or shall refuse to release her right, title, etc. to the lands or do any other acts whereby this my will shall not take effect, then I will that all bequests made to her shall be void.
To George my eldest son all my lands and tenements free and copy in Moulton to enter upon the same at the age of twenty-one years; to hold to him and the heirs of his body; remainder to John my son and the heirs of his body, to enter upon at 21 years; remainder to Edmond my youngest son and the heirs of his body to enter upon at 21 years.
To Edmond my son all my houses and lands free and copy in Gasley; to hold to him and the heirs of his body, to enter upon at 21 years; also my lease of ten acres of land in Moulton that I bought of Mr. Bylde; also all my corn now growing in Gasley; also fourtenscore wetheres sheep now going with James Taylor of Gasley, the said corn and sheep to be delivered to him at 21 years of age.
To John my son my lease at Cavenham that I bought of Thomas Rampling with all my sheep there going, to have all the same at 21 years of age.
To Robert my son all my leases and stocks of Cattle in Olingbury [Alconbury], Wessen [Weston], Illington [Ellington] or elsewhere in co. Hunts, to be delivered at 21 years of age; also one obligation that I have of William Goodinche and all the money due by the same, and all the money William oweth me besides "and to make up all theise somes fourscore pounds."
To Grace, Margaret and Mary, my daughters, half my household stuff, 9 bullocks, and "sixescore combes� of rye and � 20 equally betwean them, at their several ages of 18 years. And if any die before 21 years, their portion shall remain with the rest that shall survive.
To Thomasyn my eldest daughter 400 sheep now going at Iseleham, at 18 years. To Anne my dau. � 40 at 18 years.
To George my eldest son the residue of my sheep going at Moulton, at 21 years; 6 horses, plough and plough geare, cart and cart geare, and so much rye as is left over the loft at Moulton end.
Foreasmuch as my great care and desire is that my children may be well and virtously brought up in the fear of God and good learning and education, the executors shall take all the mean profits bequeathed to the children until their several ages, trusting that they will have great care for their good education. I will Thomas Smithe, son and heir of Thomas Smith, one of my executors, shall have the education and bringing up of John Mody my son, and all his land, and that Richard Grene of Newmarket shall have as aforesaid Robert my son. Residuary legatees to be my children.
Executors, Thomas Smuthe of Asheley and John Smuthe of Newmarkett.Supervisor: Thomas Sutevile of Dalham, co. Suffolk, esq., and I give him my silver salt and a bay colt.
To Robert and Elizabeth Gynner 10 "combe� of rye and 10 "combe� of malt.
To every poor house in Moulton a bushel of rye.
To every godchild I have 10s. each.
To all my servants 10s. apiece.
Witnesses: Richard Grene, John Midlediche, John Kynge, Davy Ayre, John Phillipp, with others.
Codicil
Sonday, 25 April 1574; in place of the 400 sheep given to his dau. Thomasyn Modye, he gave her � 100 at her day of marriage. To his unborn child � 40.
Witnesses: Richard Grene, Christofer Funston, John Trace, John Leche, Richard Johnson, Robert Browne, and others.
Proved the last day of April 1574 by George Harrison, Notary Public, proctor to the executors.
(Note in margin) This testament was declared null 10 June 1574."
"This will of Richard Modye of Moulton co. Suffolk, dated 2 Feb. 1572/3.
My body to be buried in the church of Moulton. To the reparation of the said church 6s. 8d. To every poor householder in Moulton 1 bushel of rye. To the poor of Gaseleye 6s. 8d. To the poor of Dalham 6s. 8d. To the poore of Kentford 6s. 8d. To the poor of Newemarkette 10s.
To Anne my wife my messuage wherein I now dwell which I late bought of George Tailor and Thomas Harveye, executors of the last will of Roger Fryette deceased; to hold the same to her in lieu of her dower of all my lands, during her life; remainder to George Modye my son and his heirs for ever.
To the said George my son my other lands and tenements whatsoever in the town and fields of Moulton and Kenteford, to him and the heirs of his body; remainder to John Modye my third son and the heirs of his body; remainder to Edmond Modye my son and his heirs forever.
To the said Edmond my son all my lands both free and copy in Gaseleye, which I late purchased of Christopher Birde and Beatrice Birde, to him and the heirs of his body; remainder to John Modye my son and his heirs forever. To the said Edmond one lease of 10 acres of land which I hold of the demise and grant of Mrs. Higham, widdowe; also xiii (280) sheep now going in Gaseleye.
To Anne my wife all my household stuff, upon condition she give my son George, at his age of 21 years, �20, half my bullocks, half my horses, halfe my carts and ploughs with their furniture; all the corn growing on my lands late "Frietts� with the tythe of the said lands which are to be sown with barley, and 40 "combes� of barley to sow the same land with; also 20 "combes of malte� and 20 "combes of rye�.
To George my son the other half of my bullocks, horses, etc; also all the residue of my corn of all my other lands growing in Moulton with the tithe and sufficient seen barley to sow the same.
To Edmond my son all my corn now growing on my lands in Gaseleye.
To Anne my wife and George my son, equally, all my sheep in the town and fields of Moulton. To the said George one lease of sheeps ground in Moulton which I hold of the demise of John Trace, gentlemen.
To John my son both my leases in Cavenham which I bought of Richard Rampleye, at 21 years of age; Also all my sheep going there. I will that my "Gossappe� Christofer Founstone shall have the use of the said two leases and the sheep until John attain 21 years, and the said Christofer to bring up John in good learning until he attain 21 years.
To Robert my son � 80 to be paid unto Richarde Grene, he to bring up my son Robert and to have the use of his money until he attain 21 years of age.
To Thomazine my daughter � 100 at her marriage.To John my son all my sheep going at Kennette with John Cheverrye.
To Grace my daughter � 20 at her marriage.
To Anne my daughter � 40 at her marriage.
To Margaret and Mary my daughters, � 20 at their marriages.
If any of my sons die before 21 years, their portion to be divided among those remaining; and if any of my daughters die before their marriages, their portion to be divided among those remaining. I will that Mr. Taylor shall take the issue from John�s lands, and shall bring him up until he attain 21 years.
To Elizabeth Jayner 10 combes of rye and 10 combes of malt; to Richard Lamberte one combe of rye; to Robert Wilsonne my servant my worsted coat, hose and doublet; to Thomas Archer one combe of wheat; to John Modye of Cambridge 2 stone of wool, one black and one white.
To Thomas Smuthe of Assheley the issues of the lands and tenements given to Edmond my son, be bringing up the said Edmond until he attain 21 years.
Residuary legatees to be my four daughters at their days of marriage, viz., Grace, Anne, Margarette and Marye. To my unborn child � 40.Executors: Thomas Smith of Assheleye and Roger Thompson of Clare.
Supervisor: Mr. Stuttervile of Dalham, to whom I give my silver salt and my bay coult.
Witnesses: Richard Lamberte, Richard Grene, Christofer Funstone.
My wife to have the use of my daughters� legacies until they marry.
Commission granted 16 June 1574 to Anne Modye relict, and Edward Colte, gent., because Thomas Smuthe and Roger Thompson renounced. Sentence confirming will, 12 June 1574." (6)
"Inquisition taken at Bury St. Edmunds, co. Suffolk, 22 Jul 16 Eliz. (1574), before John Jermyn, and John Higham, Esq., and Francis Boldero, esq. feodary commissioners, """""" after the death of RICHARD MOODYE, deceased, """""by the oath of John Webbs, John Borage, John Hemyngton, Robert Brunwyn, William Chaplyn, Robert Olyver, Edward Egle, Thomas Dyke, William Harpley, John Symonde, Thomas Page, Christofer Edgar, Thomas Callowe, Edward Harwarde, Robert Callowe, and John Gybbon, who say that Richard Moody was seized in his demesne as of fee of and in 20 acres of arable land lying in Moulton in said county in a certain field called "Millwaye Felde� lately purchased of [blank] Burgent, gent., and that Richard Moodye died of such a state thereof only seized, and that George Moody is the son and next heir of Richard Moodye and that the said 20 acres of land by and after the death of Richard by right of inheritance shall descend to George Moodye. And that the 20 acres of land are held and at the time of the death of Richard were held of the Queen as of her Honour of Clare by knight�s service, and that the 20 acres are worth clearly by the year in all issues beyond reprices 10s. And they further say that Richard Moodye dies 28 April last past (1574), and that George Moodye his son at the time of the death of Richard was aged 14 years and 7 months." (7)
Issue-
Ref:
(1) Lay Subsidy for Suffolk, 182-359- PRO
(2) Chancery Proceedings- Series 2, bundle 121, No. 54, Michaelmas Term, 1 Elizabeth (2-25 November 1558)- PRO
(3) Feet of Fines- 22 May-12 June, 29 Elizabeth I [1587]
(4) Shipmoney tax for Gazeley, Suffolk- Harleian MSS 7540, folio 78
(5) Dr. David L. Moody's Genealogy Page at: http://homepage.mac.com/deltalimemike/Edmund/wc_toc.html
(6) P.C.C.- Vol. Martyn, folio 16 & 25, dated 14 Jan 1572. Proved 30 April 1574. Ob. 28 April 16 Eliz. Escheat 16 Eliz.
(7) Inquisitions Post Mortem, Chancery Series ii, vol. 167, no. 105, and Court of Wards and Liveries, vol. 15, no. 69- PRO
Parish Registers for Moulton, Suffolk
The Moody Family: Records of the Descendants of Mr. John Moody of Hartford, Connecticut- Rev. Plinius Moody- book I, generations 1-8
The Moody family: A Full and Complete Text Transcribed from Davy's Suffolk Collections Pedigrees of Suffolk Families- David Elisha Davy, Additional MSS 19, 142 Folio 186 at the British Library MS Reading Room
English Origins of New England Families- Gary Boyd Roberts, NEHGS, 1984- Vol. II, pp. 144-150
Hale, House and Related Families: Mainly of the Connecticut River Valley- Donald Lines Jacobus, Edgar Francis Hale, Genealogical Pub. Co., Baltimore, 1978- pp. 652-668
bpt. 20 Mar. 1563/4 St. Peter's, Moulton, Suffolk
Robert was left his father's lands in Alconbury, Weston and Ellington, Huntingdonshire in his will of 14 Jan. 1572/3, however, this legacy was changed in his father's second will of 2 Feb. 1572/3: "To Robert my son �80 to be paid unto Richarde Grene, he to bring up my son Robert and to have the use of his money until he attain 21 years of age".(1)
Issue-
Ref:
PCC- Martyn, folio 25
Parish Registers for Moulton, Suffolk
The Moody Family: Records of the Descendants of Mr. John Moody of Hartford, Connecticut- Rev. Plinius Moody- book I, generations 1-8
The Moody family: A Full and Complete Text Transcribed from Davy's Suffolk Collections Pedigrees of Suffolk Families- David Elisha Davy, Additional MSS 19, 142 Folio 186 at the British Library MS Reading Room
b.c.1580 Sudbury, Suffolk
m. 2 July 1603 Sudbury, AGNES COLLYN
Genealogists of the likes of Donald Lines Jacobus and Gary Boyd Roberts have linked William of Newbury to William of Sudbury and Ipswich and this William with Robert of Moulton, however, other than for the similarity of names I am unable to find any conclusive evidence that they are all of the same family. Also, it seems odd to me that the above Robert would have been married and had two children prior to coming of age and receiving his inheritance. With Robert receiving an inheritance of �80 and no land it would be possible for him to move to another location, and Sudbury is not very far from Moulton or Ipswich. Perhaps Richard Greene squandered Robert's money and Robert left town and married at age 17? My guess is that we are dealing with a different Robert Moody, not the son of Richard born in 1564 in Moulton. Another genealogical mystery.
Issue-
Ref:
Moody- Lillian J. Redstone, NEHGR- Vol. LXXX (1926), pp. 313-27
English Origins of New England Families- Gary Boyd Roberts, NEHGS, 1984- Vol. II, pp. 144-150
bpt. 16 Jan. 1611 Ipswich, Suffolk
m. SARAH_____, d. 13 Jan. 1672/3 Newbury, MA
d. 25 Oct. 1673 Newbury
Monument to the First Settlers- Lower Green, Newbury
William was a saddler and came from Ispwich, England to Ipswich, MA in 1634 sailing on the "Mary & John", Robert Sayres, Master, from Southhampton 10 Apr. with his wife Mrs. Sarah Moody and their son Joshua. He, along with 100 others, moved to Newbury in 1635 where he took the freeman's oath 6 May 1635 and received a grant of 92 acres of land.(>1) William was, by family tradition, a blacksmith and was the first person in New England to shoe oxen to enable them to walk on ice.(2)
On 24 Feb. 1637 it was agreed that "William Moody, James Browne, Nic. Holt, Francis Plummer, Na Noyse, shall lay out all the general fences in the towne, that are to be made, as likewise tenn rod between man & man for garden plotts this is to be done by the 5th of March on the penalty of 5s apiece." (5)
At the town meeting 27 Apr. 1648 William Moody and John Bartlett were chosen way wardens.(3)
On 1 Mar. 1651 a committee was chosen to settle all claims arising from the sale or purchase of freehold rights. The committee reported that: These persons heer under mentioned are acknowledged to be ffreeholders and to have an interest in all comons belonging to the Towne as having lawfully purchased theyr priviledges from such as had the priviledges estated on them by the Towne... William Moody hath John Gofts(4)
Issue-
Ref:
(1) A Sketch of the History of Newbury, Neburyport and West Newbury- Joshua Coffin, Samuel Drake, Boston, 1845- p.287
(2) Biographical Sketches of the Moody Family- Charles C.P. Moody, Samuel Drake, Boston, 1847- pp.8-10
(3) History of Newbury- John James Currier, Damrell & Upham, Boston, 1902- p. 109
(4) Ibid- p. 93
(5) New England Families- Genealogical and Memorial- William Richard Cutter, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1915- Vol. IV, p. 2333
Old Families of Salisbury & Amesbury-pp.248-9
7III. CALEB (EDWARD 1, EDMUND 2, RICHARD 3, ROBERT 4, WILLIAM 5, WILLIAM 6)
b.c.1637
m.1.24 Aug. 1659 Newbury, Sarah Pierce, d. 25 Mary 1665 Newbury
2. 9 Oct. 1665 Newbury, JUDITH BRADBURY, b. 2 Oct. 1638, d. 24 Jan. 1698/9 Newbury
d. 25 Aug. 1698 Newbury
Serg. Caleb Moody took the freeman's oath 23 May 1666 (7), was a member of the Newbury church in 1670, and took the oath of allegiance in 1678. He was a representative to the General Court in 1677-8.
On 31 Jan. 1670/1 the selectmen authorized Caleb Moody, John Hale, Benjamin Rolfe, John Webster, Abel Somerby, Nathaniel Clarke, Percivall Lowle, Jonathan Woodman, Daniel Thurston, Benjamin Lowle, and John Swett to build at their own charge "a pew in the south east corner of the meeting house" to be assigned to them for the use of their wives and daughters.(11) As one of the selectmen, Caleb signed a petition to the General Court on 11 May 1670:
To ye Honobe Generall Court assembled at Boston.
The Humble request of the Selectmen at Newbury is that inasmuch as their Towne is remote from any Towne where a magistrate dwells; that Mr Woodman may be Impowrd with Magisterriall powr in this Towne as other Townes have to the Eastward.
William Chandler
Edm. Morse
Sam. Plumer
Caleb Moody.(13)
The indorsement on the petition shows that it failed to receive the approval of the General Court: "The deputies consent... the magistrates consent not".
On 2 Sept. 1670 the selectment of the town, John Bartlett, William Chandler, Edmund Moores, Samuel Plummer, and Caleb Moody, "received of Nathaniel Clarke a barrell of powder for the Townes use for which they agree to pay ten pounds." The selectmen were required to provide powder and ammunition for the militia and had to keep a supply on hand at all times.(10)
On 13 Feb. 1672 David Wheeler of Rowley, planter, sold to Caleb Moody of Newbury, maltster, for £28 all his right or freehold belonging to the house lot "lying near to Watts his seller in Newbury" conditionally upon the payment of £14 to the said Caleb Moody before 1 Apr. 1675. The bill of sale to be void and of no effect if the said £14 is paid."(5)
At a town meeting 1 March 1674/5 it was voted that a salary of £100 be paid to Rev. John Richardson, each person to pay his portion on or before the first day of November, "one half in merchantable barley at the malt houses of Daniel Pierce or Caleb Moody" and the other half in pork, wheat, butter, or Indian corn, to the satisfaction of Mr. Richardson.(6) Col. Pierce had two or more malt houses on land at the southeasterly corner of Chandler's land, now Federal St., and the way by the Merrimack River, now Water St., in Newburyport and on the northwesterly corner of the same streets Caleb built a malt house as early as 1673. (9)
In 1680 Robert Mason, grandson of Capt. John Mason, came over from England and claimed that under the grant made to his grandfather he was entitled to the land from Salem to the Merrimack River and demanded rents from the settlers for that property. On 16 Feb. 1681/2 the inhabitants sent a petition "To the Kings most excellent Majesty", stating that for more than 50 years they and their predecessors had owned and occupied the land now claimed by Mason and had never been molested or disturbed in their possession of the same, and humbly implored his Majesty to interpose his royal authority and protect his loyal and obedient subjects in the maintenance of their legal rights. Caleb Moody, Daniel Pierce, Tristram Coffyn, Nicho: Noyce, Joseph Pike, Richard Dumer, Henry Sewall, Jno. Hale, and Jno. Woodbridge were the folks from Newbury who signed the petition.(12) At a legall meeting of the towne April nineteenth 1682. There was voted to go to Ipswich to subscribe according to court order about Mr. Mason's clayme, captain Daniel Pierce, mr. Richard Dummer, sergeant [Tristram] Coffin, sergeant [Caleb] Moody, Mr. John Woodbridge, Mr. Henry Sewall, Nicholas Noyes.(4) King Charles died in Feb. 1685 and in Dec. 1686 the hated Sir Edmund Andros became governor of all New England and Robert Mason was a member of his council. The people of Massachusetts and New Hampshire tried to maintain friendly relations with the new government, however, Mason was able to get some of his friends in positions of power in various communities. Mason died at Kingston on the Hudson in 1688 and his sons found it impossible to establish their claim to the disputed territory, especially after the "Glorious Revolution" and the ouster of Andros. Mason's heirs sold out their interest in any claims they had in the territory which led to a dispute in the boundary which wasn't settled until 1740 and with some of the surveying left undecided until finally settled in 1899!
On 11 Oct. 1681 John Richardson, Daniel Poore, Richard Dummer, Tristram Coffin, Caleb Moody, Thomas Noyes, Anthony Somerby, Francis Brown, and others petitioned the General Court for the appointment of John Woodbridge as magistrate to take depositions and acknowledgments, and also to have authority to reform abuses and solemnize marriages. "In consequence of the largeness of the town and the frequent concours of vessels," they consider the appointment of a special magistrate necessary and recommend "Mr. John Woodbridge as ye fittest and most able person for such a work in this place." The magistrates voted to grant the petition, but the deputies "consented not".(8) In 1684 "Caleb Moody and Daniel Pierce were licensed to boil sturgeon in order to a market".(3)
On 5 May 1686 Sergt. Caleb Moody was a member of the committee "to agree upon a meete way of dividing the commons and bring in theyr result and conclusion to the towne."(14)
During the Andros administration, Caleb was imprisoned for five weeks in 1688 and Joseph Bayley put under a bond of £200 for an alleged offence:
Caleb Moody of Newbury aged fifty-two years testifyeth that some time in January 1688 Joseph Baylie of ye same towne gave me a paper, which he told me he had taken up in the king's highway, the title of it was,
New England alarmed,
The purport of the paper was to give notice to the people of the danger they were in, being under the sad circumstances of an arbitrary government, sir Edmund Andros having about one thousand of our souldiers, as I was informed, prest out of the Massachusetts colony and carried with him to the eastward under pretence of destroying our enemy indians (although not one Indian killed by them that I heard of at that time). We had no watching nor warding at our towne by order of those yt sir Edmund put in command there. Justice Woodbridge and Justice Epps sent me a warrant to bring a paper that was in my hands, which I did, and told them I received the paper from Joseph Baylie, who owned it to them, whereupon I was cleared, and they bound said Joseph Baylie in a bond of two hundred pounds to answer it at Salem court ye fifth of March following and they took me for his bondsman. Notwithstanding this, about a week after the said justices by a warrant brought me before them and then committed me to Salem prison (though I proffered ym bayle) they would not take it but I was to be safely kept to answer what should be charged against me upon the king's account for publishing a scandalous and seditious lybell. After I had been in prison a whole week then judge Palmer and Mr. Grayham, ye king's attorney came to Salem and examined me and confined me to close imprisonement ordering that neither my friends, or acquaintance nor fellow prisoners to come to me, which continued for about a week's time, and then judge P. and Mr. G. came againe, and said G. sent for me, and after some discourse he refused any bayle, but committed me to close prison, and after, Charles Redford, the high sheriff, came to prison and told Joseph Baylie and myself that he had orders to examine us, and to put a new mittimus upon us and charge us with treason, and the time came when the court should have sent to try us and there was no court. Afterwards there came news of ye happy arrival and good success of ye prince of Orange, now king of England, and then by petitioning I got bayle. The time of my imprisonement was about five weeks, and I doe judge my dammage one way and another was about forty pounds.
Boston New England, January ninth, 1689/90Caleb Moody appeared personally January ninth, 1689/90 and gave evidence upon oath of the truth of the above written before me.
Samuel Appleton
Assistant for ye colony of ye Massachusetts by in New England(1)
1696
February 28th. A rate was made for payment of building and finishing the west end meeting house and ministry house. The expense was twenty-two pounds and three shillings in money, and two hundred and eighteen pounds, eighteen shillings, and twopence in pay.
Caleb built what is now known as the Moody-Ridgeway House on 803 Main St. in West Newbury. The house was originally four rooms and passed to his son Caleb and continued in possession of his descendants until 1937. The 67th Moody Family Reunion was held here in Sept. 1999.
Moody-Ridgeway House- built 1659 with Additions from 1773
Issue- all children born in Newbury, MA- first two children by Sarah, last eight by Judith
Ref:
(1) A Sketch of the History of Newbury, Neburyport and West Newbury- Joshua Coffin, Samuel Drake, Boston, 1845- p. 150
(2) Ibid- p. 164
(3) Ibid- p. 113
(4) Ibid- p. 136
(5) History of Newbury- John James Currier, Damrell & Upham, Boston, 1902- p.95
(6) Ibid- p.331
(7) Mass. Colony Records- Vol. IV, part II, p. 582
(8) Mass. Archives- Vol. 112, p. 328
(9) History of Newbury- John James Currier, Damrell & Upham, Boston, 1902- p.262
(10) Ibid- p. 225
(11) Ibid- p. 318
(12) Ibid- p. 194
(13) Ibid- p. 107 quoting Mass. Archives- Vol. 39, p. 376
(14) Ibid- p. 210
Biographical Sketches of the Moody Family- Charles C.P. Moody, Samuel Drake, Boston, 1847- pp. 10-11
Old Families of Salisbury & Amesbury-pp.249-50
8III. CALEB (EDWARD 1, EDMUND 2, RICHARD 3, ROBERT 4, WILLIAM 5, WILLIAM 6, CALEB 7)
b. 9 Sept. 1666 Newbury
m. 9 Dec. 1690 Newbury, RUTH MORSE, d.26 June 1748 Newburyport
d. 2 May 1741 Newburyport
On 28 Feb. 1705/6 it was voted that ye inhabitants of ye west end of the town of Newbury will build a new meeting house upon Pipe stave hill, fifty-four feet long and thirty-four feet broad within the space of five years at ye furthest and to meet in the old meeting house five years, not to force any person to pay any money or pay till three years be expired, and then to pay one quarter part yearly until ye whole be paid... Captain Hugh March, Caleb Moody, and serjeant John Ordway were also chosen a committee to build the new meeting house and enlarge the old meeting house.(2)
August ye 11th 1708
I and my company marcht over to Amsbery. And from thence to Jemaco. And so wee marcht daily from Jemaco* to Amsbery And from Amsbery to Jemaco & schouted in ye woods. Agust ye 26th by order from Capt. Turner I released all my men but ten but were comanded to return again on ye first allarm. on august ye 29 wee allarmed & marcht to Haverill and so marcht into ye woods after ye enemy. on Sept ye 2d a little before night wee were dismis.
Caleb Moody, Lieut
*Merrimac
On 15 July 1710 Col. Thomas Noyes, Major Henry Somerby, and Capt. Thomas Hale, in consideration of eight acres of land owned by Capt. Hugh March and Lieut. Caleb Moody, sold and conveyed to the said March and Moody "the aforesaid five acres of land, bounded northerly by ye road leading to Bradford, westerly by Harty Choak River, southerly & easterly by common land, which five acres of land was granted & given by ye freeholders and Inhabitants of Newbury aforesd at a legall meeting held December 18 Anno Dom: 1695, for a pasture for a ministry and upon removal of ye meeting House at ye West end of ye said Towne this pasture to be disposed of to procure an other convenient pasture for ye ministry as by ye said vote may appear." This land was on the easterly side of "Artichoke" river nearly opposite the entrance to Hoyt's Lane from Storey Ave. in Newburyport.(5)
Newbury Aprill ye 2d 1717
Thre persons claim ye right of ye first born in this Towne, viz:- Joshua Woodman, Caleb Moody & ye wife of Peter Godfre, these being not to be found in ye Record:
(4)On 30 Nov. 1725 a committee of lieutenant colonel Richard Kent, major Joseph Gerrish, deacon Caleb Moody, lieutenant Charles Pierce and captain John March were appointed to use all proper means with others of other towns for to get the county of Essex divided into two counties.(3)
On 22 Nov. 1727 the General Court provided for another loan of £60,000 in bills of credit to the towns in the province. On 16 Apr. 1728 "Majr Joseph Gerrish, Deacon Abiel Somerby and Deacon Caleb Moody" were chosen trustees by the town of Newbury to receive and take charge of bills of credit to the amount of £1,328, 15s., and to manage and invest the same..." Part of the interest received from these loans was used to defray the expenses of the Third Parish Church in Newbury. (6)
Caleb and Ruth are buried at Sawyers Hill, Newburyport.
"Here lies the body of Deac: Caleb Moody who died may 2nd 1741 in the 75th year of his age."
"Here lies the body of Mrs Ruth the wife of Deac: Caleb Moody who died Iune 26th 1748 in the 79th year of her age."
Issue-all children born in Newbury
Ref:
(1) Old Families of Salisbury & Amesbury- pp.249-50
(2) A Sketch of the History of Newbury, Neburyport and West Newbury- Joshua Coffin, Samuel Drake, Boston, 1845- p. 176
(3) Ibid- p. 196
(4) History of Newbury- John James Currier, Damrell & Upham, Boston, 1902- p. 59
(5) Ibid- p. 354, quoting Essex Deeds- book XXIV, folio 236
(6) Ibid- p. 219
Newbury VR