Ancestry of Joseph Pearl of Rochester, NH and Porter, ME

PEARL

1. JOHN-

b.c.1590
m. FRANCES ______
d. 30 Mar. 1646 Beverly, York

North Bar- Beverley- c.1900

"March 4, 1645.
In ye name of God Amen.

I John Pearle of Beverly in ye County of Yorke yeoman being sicke in body but of perfect memory (praysed bee God) do here make my last Will and testament in manner following.

First I commend my soul into the hands of ye Lord Jesus my Savior hoping for salvation only in and by his merit and righteousness.

For my body I wish it to bee buryed in ye church in Beverly at the discretion of my executresse.

For my temporal estate thus dispose it:

First I give and bequeath to my elder son Nicholas Pearle the sume of two hundred pounds of lawfull moneys. Item, I give to John ye son of Nicholas Pearle the sume of one hundred pounds when he shall come to sixteene years of age and in the meantime till ye sayd John son to ye sayd Nicholas Pearle come to ye sayd age of sixteen years my will is the sayd hundred pounds of lawfull money bee comitted to ye custody and improvement of Mr. Joseph Wilson, Minister for ye use and benefit of ye said John Pearle. Item, I give and bequeath to my second son John Pearle the sume of one hundred pounds of lawfull moneys which he may receive (if living) within the terme of one yeare of my executresse and in case hee bee dead and without issue of Nicholas my son yet my will is the sayd hundred pounds bee reserved in the hands of Mr. Joseph Wilson for ye sayd childs use til it come to sixteene yeares of age. Item, I give to my wife Frances Pearle the sume of two hundred pounds, one whereof my will is may goe forward for ye issue of her body by mee begotten in case she prove with child. The other for her owne maytenance and in case she proves not with child to mee my will is the two hundred pounds shall be ye above sayd Mr. Wilson be received and improved for her further benefit.

All my household goods and utensils I leave to my wife Frances whome I make Executresse of this my last will and testament (my debts and funeral payd) and I nominate Mr. Will Coulston and Mr. Joseph Wilson supervisors of this my last will and testament.

In witness wherof I have subscribed and set to my hand and seale the day and yeare above written.

I give five pounds apice to my two daughters Mary & Anne.

I give to Mr. Joseph Wilson XX L.

John Pearle ( L S )
sealed and signed in ye presence of
Jos Wilson
John Norris"

The document is accompanied by a statement of debts to be paid, moneys due, and amounts on hand.

Proved 8th of April 1646 in the Deanery of Harthill by Francis the relict.

Issue-

  • 2I. NICHOLAS- b.c.1620, m.c.1645 ALICE PROUDFELLOW (b.c.1625, d. after 24 Oct. 1666 Beverly, York, d. before 1 May 1662 Beverly, Skidby, York
  • II. John- possibly the John Pearle who dies in Boston leaving his estate to nephews John and Nicholas.
  • III. Mary-
  • IV. Anne-


    2I. NICHOLAS (JOHN 1) b.c.1620 ?Skidby, York
    m. 1 May 1645 St. Mary's, Beverley, York, ALICE PROUDFELLOW (b.c.1625, d. 30 Oct. 1669 Beverly, York)
    d. before 1 May 1662 Beverley, Skidby, York

    St. Mary's Church- Beverley

    Information about John and Nicholas in England comes from documents contained in a trunk which John brought with him. This trunk has been passed down through generations of Pearls who live near Boxford, Massachusetts and contains important documents relating to the first generations of Pearls in Boxford and to John�s activities in England. The trunk is currently (1994) in the possession of Elizabeth (Pearl) Chadwick who lives in West Boxford, Massachusetts, the same town where John Pearle originally settled in New England. The contents of the trunk have been looked over and transcribed by a number of relatives over the years. There are several papers from England:

    (1) A power of attorney to collect a debt owed widow Alice Pearle by Jane, wife of William Jackson, dated May 1, 1662, Beverley Parks, England.
    (2) The indenture of John Pearl13 to John Gurwood dated 1666.
    (3) The indenture of Nicholas Pearle14 to John Pearl of Skidbie dated 1669.
    (4) A paper relating to the "goods and chattels of Alice Pearl deceased" dated 1670. John Pearle of Cottingham in the County of Yorke is mentioned.
    (5) An "Article of Agreement Covenanted and Agreed upon by and between John Pearle of Cottingham in the County of York, millnor on the one party and Henry Boll of Skidby in the County of York millnor on the other party" relating to a water wheel and dated Jan. 31, 1671.

    Issue-

  • I. John- bpt. 8 Feb. 1645/6 St. John's Church,Beverly, York, m. 1682 Elizabeth Holmes (b. 15 Sept. 1662 Rowley, MA, d. 26 Mar. 1744 West Boxford, MA, bur. Mount Vernon Cemetery), d. 1720 Bradford, MA
  • II. Maria- b. 13 Jan. 1648/9
  • III. Michael- b. 4 Dec. 1649
  • IV. Anna- bur. 30 Mar. 1650/1 Beverly
  • 3V. NICHOLAS- bpt. 18 Apr. 1652 Beverley, York, m. 25 Oct. 1686 Ipswich, MA, ELIZABETH BOSWORTH (b.c.1664 Ipswich, MA, d. 24 June 1702 Ipswich)
  • VI. Mary- b. 3 Nov. 1655


    3V. NICHOLAS (JOHN 1, NICHOLAS 2)

    bpt. 18 Apr. 1652 St. John's (Beverley Minster), Beverley, York
    m. 25 Oct. 1686 Ipswich, MA, ELIZABETH BOSWORTH (b.c.1664 Ipswich, MA, d. of Hannil and Abigail (Scott) Bosworth, d. 24 June 1702 Ipswich)
    d. 10 or 11 Aug. 1706 Dover, NH

    Nicholas probably came to America about the same time as his brother John (1670). He was also bound to his brother John at Skidbie, Eng. to serve an apprenticeship to learn the trade of a miller for a term of seven years starting in Nov. 8, 1669. The apprenticeship papers of Nicholas are reproduced here:

    "THIS INDENTURE made in the Twentete yeare of the Reigne of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith.

    WITNESSETH that Nicholas Pearle of Beverly Parke in the countie of Yorke, Batchelor hath of his owne free will (and with the consent of his friends) put himselfe an Apprenticeship unto John Pearle of Skidbie of the aforesaid County Miller, the Scyence or Traid which hee now useth to be taught. And with him after the manner of a faithful and obedient Servant and Apprentice, with him the said John Pearle his Master to abide, remain, and Continue, from the Twelvth of November Anno Dom 1669 for and during the full end and tearme of Seven yeares, next and immediately following, bee fully compleat ended and finished.

    By all which said tearme the Apprentice his said Master will truely & faithfully shall serve, his Secrets shall keepe his commands duly lawfully and honestly everywhere hee shall doe noe fornication in the house of his said Master nor Adultrie hee shall not comit nor without hurt to his said master he shall not doe, nor consent to be done to the vallew of thirtene pence by the yeare, or above, but he to his power shall lett it, or anon his said Master thereof shall warn.

    Taverns or Ayle Houses of custom, he shall not frequent except it be about his Masters business there to be done. At Cards, Dice, or any unlawful game, he shall not play the goods of his said Master he shall not waste nor them to aneybodie lende or give without his said Masters license. Matrimony with aney woman, during or within the said terme he shall not contract or espouse, nor from said Masters service, neither by day or by night, he shall not proloyne, or absente himself but shall behave himself towards his said Master, as well in words as in deedes, during the said tearme. Account of all his masters goods and Chattels commited to his charge, rule and govern�t, he shall truly at all time, and times, give an acoumpte of as often as by the said Master or his assign shall be required.

    AND the said John Pearle the Master, Covenanth and agreeth, by these presents that the said Nicholas Pearle the Apprentice to teach, instruct, and informe, or cause to be taught, instructed and informed in the traid arte or scyence of a Millnor which he now useth, after the best maner or knowledge that he Can, or may, and in dewe time to chastise him, finding to his said Apprentice sufficient, meate, drinke, washing, lodging, befitting for such an Apprentice of such traid, or science.

    IN WITNESS whereof the p'ties above said to these present Indentures Interchangeably sett their hands and seales the Daye and yeare above mentioned."

    Some erasures Signatures torn off
    Note: In this document "let" means to hinder or obstruct.

    St. Michael's Church- Skidby

    The earliest record of Nicholas states, "Nicholas Pearl, Cordwinder, admitted by Gov. Bradford to the Colony as inhabitant of Salem, Mass. Mar. 4, 1683/4." Nicholas moved with his son to Dover, NH about 1703. "Nicholas was slain by Indians in the day-time in his cave above Oyster River where he dwelt night and day, summer and winter, from the last breaking out of the war, precisely three years, though twas in the very wake and way where the enemy used to pass. He was a man of strange confidence and would not be persuaded to leave his place." Another record has "Nicholas Pearl .... lived in a small hut near the Demerett garrison at Pudding Hill in Old Dover. It was close to a path which the Indians traveled and nearby was a refuge known as Pearl�s Cave. The Indians set fire to the hut and Nicholas was burned alive on Aug. 10, 1706." Another record states that the Indians took Nathaniel Tibbetts a captive in the same raid, but probably mistakenly referring to Nicholas as "William Pearl.". The guardianship of his son John then fourteen years old of Ipswich, Mass. was granted to kinsman William Rogers of Wenham, NH 30 Aug. 1706. Nicholas was buried by William Van Dam, Jr., who with Joseph Meader, were bondsmen for the estate administrator William Rogers.

    Issue-

  • 4I JOHN- b. 17 July 1692 Ipswich, m.c.1710, MARY BERRY (b.c.1693), d. May 1753 Dover, NH
  • II. Elizabeth- d. 19 July 1702 Ipswich, MA


    4I. JOHN (JOHN 1, NICHOLAS 2, NICHOLAS 3)

    b. 17 July 1692 Ipswich, MA
    m.c.1710 MARY BERRY (b.c.1693)
    d. May 1753 Dover, NH

    John was only fourteen when his father was killed by Indians. Probate Records of New Hampshire and Essex Co. Probate Court Records state that the guardianship of John of Ipswich, Mass. was granted to kinsman William Rogers of Wenham, NH Aug. 30, 1706 when John was fourteen. John, mason, and his wife Mary Nov. 30, 1717 conveyed land formerly owned by his father Nicholas to James Clark. They left Dover May 10, 1722, and John became one of the first proprietors of Rochester, NH. On Mar. 13, 1722/3 "John Purell" was licensed to keep a ferry over Back River from his house or landing place: to receive "one penny for every inhabitant so carried or fetched over and 2d for strangers." John acquired four acres of land here from Thomas Waits on Feb. 18, 1739/40 and Benjamin Roberts sold to John a tract of land ten rods square on Jan. 4, 1744/45. Again on Aug. 3, 1752 Benjamin Roberts sold four acres adjoining "said Pearl�s dwelling house lot previously bought by said Robert, adjoining the highway that leads to said Pearl�s house down to the Back River." This land was later sold by Mary (a widow) to Moses Varney Apr. 2, 1754. The deed of 1739/40 calls John a bricklayer. Nov. 30, 1717 John and Mary sold land formerly owned by Nicholas to John Clark.

    The probate of John's estate states, "John Pearl, 1753 Dover. Bond of Mary Pearl, widow, with Elijah Tuttle and Thomas Young, yeoman, as sureties, all of Dover, in sum of 500, May 30, 1753 for the administration of the estate of John Pearl of Dover, yeoman: Witness William Parker and Jonathan Blanchard. Inventory of estate on June 25, 1753, amount 719.10 pounds, signed by Joseph Austin and Alexander Caldwell. List of debts amount 298.3 pounds - signed Mary Peas, no date."

    Issue-

  • I. John- b. 11 Aug. 1714 Dover, NH, m. 22 July 1731 Mary Tibbets of Dover (b. 11 Oct. 1716 Dover, m.2. Benjamin Allen), d. 1753 Dover
  • II. Elizabeth- b. 28 Dec. 1718 Dover, NH, d. after 1741
  • 5III. JOSEPH- b. 30 Mar. 1721 Dover, NH, m. 28 Nov. 1749 Dover, SARAH BICKFORD (b. 1729 Newington, NH, bpt. 12 Dec. 1736 Newington, d. 9 Oct. 1776 Rochester, NH), d.c.1813 Rochester, NH
  • IV. Benjamin- b. 29 Nov. 1721 Dover, NH, m. 28 Nov. 1751 Elizabeth Twombly (b. 1 Nov. or 19 Sept. 1723 Madbury), d. between 1800 & 1810 Barrington, NH
  • V. Abraham- b. 25 Apr. 1726 Dover, NH, m.23 June 1748 Abigail Bickford (b.10 Dec.1723), d. 1790 Rochester, NH
  • VI. Diamond- b. 1730 Rochester, NH, m. Sarah ______
  • VII. Simeon- b.c.1735 Rochester, NH, m.1.c.1760 Mary Leighton of Dover, 2. 7 Aug. 1806 Edgecomb, ME, Abigail Gove, d. after 1806 Edgecomb, ME, bur. Riggs Cemetery, Robinhood


    5III. JOSEPH (JOHN 1, NICHOLAS 2, NICHOLAS 3, JOHN 4)

    b. 30 Mar. 1721 Dover, NH
    m. 28 Nov. 1749 Dover, SARAH BICKFORD (b. 1729 Newington, NH, bpt. 12 Dec. 1736 Newington, d. 9 Oct. 1776 Rochester, bur. Meeting House Hill Cemetery), d. of Thomas Bickford and Sarah Simpson
    d.c.1813 Rochester, NH

    "April 14. [1751] Sarah ye wife of Joseph Pearl Renewed Her Baptismal Covt with the Chh At the Same Time Baptized their child Icabod Pearl-" (1)

    Joseph was appointed to look into the maintenace of the parsonage in Nov. 1775 and was listed as an assessor in 1778.

    Issue-

  • I. Ichabod- bpt. 14 Apr. 1751 Rochester, NH, m.c.1790 Mary Young, d. 8 Mar. 1832 Strafford, NH
  • II. John- bpt. 24 June 1753 Barrington, NH, m.12 Oct. 1789 Barrington, Abigail Gray, d. 10 June 1776 ?s.p.
  • III. Sarah- bpt. 11 July 1756 Rochester, m. 21 Nov. 1782 Samuel Hayes of Barrington
  • IV. Isaac- b.c. 1756 Rochester, m. 15 May 1792 Rochester, Jane Tucker, d. 1817
  • V. Elizabeth- b. 1758 Rochester, m. 29 July 1779 Rochester, John Bickford, d. 6 May 1844 Dover
  • VI. Mary- b.c.1760 Madbury, NH, m. 22 May 1783 Rochester, JohnHuckins of Barrington, d. 18 Sept. 1835 Barrington, NH
  • 6VII. JOSEPH- b. Jan. 1760 Rochester, NH, m. 17 Nov. 1783 Rochester, CATHERINE CLARK (b. 1762 Rochester, d. 4 May 1837 Porter, ME), d. 1813 Porter, ME
  • VIII. Rachel- b.c.1762 Rochester, m. 13 Apr. 1780 Rochester, Matthias Welch

    Ref:

    (1) History of the Town of Rochester- Franklin McDuffee, John Clarke, Printers, Manchester, 1892- Vol. II, p. 590

    Newington Church Records-The New Hampshire Genealogic Record, Dover, 1905- Vol. II, p. 176
    Rochester Church Book of Records


    6VII. JOSEPH (JOHN 1, NICHOLAS 2, NICHOLAS 3, JOHN 4, JOSEPH 5)

    b. Jan. 1760 Rochester, NH
    m. 17 Nov. 1783 Rochester, CATHERINE CLARK (b. 1762 Rochester, d. 4 May 1837 Porter, ME)
    d. 1813 Porter, ME

    The history of Porter states that Joseph Pearl was one of the six men to serve in the Revolutionary War from Porter. Joseph Pearl settled in Porter about 1793 and was a successful farmer.

    Issue-

  • 7I. MARY/POLLY- b. May/June 1784 Rochester, m. 7 July 1805 Parsonsfield, ME, WILLIAM MOULTON (b. 28 July 1785 Newbury, MA, d. 1 May 1875 Parsonsfield), d. 26 Apr. 1856 Parsonsfield
  • II. Simeon- b. 1786
  • III. Elizabeth- b. 1786
  • IV. Benjamin- b. 1790, d. 1 June 1830
  • V. Sarah- b. 1792, m. Jonathan Quint (b. 25 Nov. 1786 Newington, NH, d. 28 Nov. 1866 Brownfield, ME), d. 12 Jan. 1877 Farmington, NH
  • VI. Perry Diamond- b. 1794 Porter, ME, d.c.1837
  • VII. Anna- b. 1796 Porter
  • VIII. John- b. 1798 Porter
  • IX. Joseph- b. 1801 Porter, m. 20 Apr. 1820 Porter, Eliza Cook, d. 10 Dec. 1887 Holderness, NH
  • X. James C.- b. 26 Feb. 1804 Porter, d. 13 Oct. 1890 Porter

    Ref:

    Pearls in America: The History of Two Brothers John and Nicholas Pearl and Their Descendants 1671-1995- Richard H. Pearl & Betty J. Pearl, Las Vegas, NV, 1996- Vol. II- available through the LDS Family History Library- Call No. 929.273 P316pr, FHL US/CAN Film -2055285 Item 2


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