| 14. | Benjamin Harrington (Hearenden), (Immigrant) was born in 1618 in Somerset, Somerset, England (son of James John Harrington, (immigrant) and Ann Clinton, (immigrant)); died on 18 Apr 1687 in Smithfield, Providence Co, Rhode Island. Other Events and Attributes:
- Other-Begin: 11 Mar 1681, Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island
Notes:
Microfilm of typescript (carbon copy; [5], 112, 27 leaves) at the at the Rhode Island Historical Society, Providence.
Benjamin Hernden/Herndale (before 1630-1687) moved to Providence, Rhode Island, from Lynn, Massachusetts, ca. 1647. He married Elizabeth White, daughter of William and Elizabeth White. They had nine children. Their son, John Hernden/Hearnton/Herenton, was born between 1655 and 1661. He acquired a farm in Scituate, Rhode Island, which he divided among his five sons. He died between 1738 and 1741. Descendants lived in Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Ohio, and elsewhere.
Most descendants use the surname "Harrington". Includes surname variations Herrington, Herrenton, Herrendeen, Herenden, Herrinton, Herenton, and others.
Subjects
Hearndon
Hernden
Harrington
Herrington
Herrenton
Herrendeen
Herenden
Herrinton
Herenton
Benjamin of Providence, R.I., b. in England about 1618; died in Providence, R.I., in 1687; m. Elizabeth White.
She died in Providence, R.I.in 1700/1701. She was dau.
of William and Elizabeth White of Boston, Mass. William White came to America on the ship "Increase" Apr. 15, 1635; he was in Boston in 1646 and went from Boston to Providence, R.I., where he lived for some years, and
later returned to Boston. William White was a bricklayer. His wife, Elizabeth, died, and he married 2nd in 1653 ? P_______ Wood; he died, will dated Oct. 13, 1673, and bequeathed his property to his wife, his sons, Isaac and Cornelius, 1673, and daughters Susannah who married Thos. Waggett; Eliz. who married Benjamin Harrington; Margaret, who married Thomas Wallen, and Ursula, who married John Bennett, and also to son, William, William, Sr. witnessed the deed of Mavericks in 1649.
Just when Benjamin came to Providence isn't known.
In 1662 he bought from William and Elizabeth White,
his wife's parents, a house and lot of 25 acres in Providence, the money being paid by his wife, Elizabeth Harrington. He was connected with Rhodes and Westcott, land brokers.
Benjamin's will, under which his children and wife were bequeathed his property, was dated Feb. 1, 1686. One June 9, 1701, after his death in 1687, his house and lot were sold by his son, Isaac.
He was a close friend of Roger Williams whith whom one record says he was connected by marriage. Many of his descendants served in the Rev. War.
In the earliest lot of 25 acre men, received as inhabitants of Providence, Jan. 19, 1654, are found the names of John Clawson and Benjamin Herendeen. Their families were very intimate, probably related by
marriage. Clawson was hired servant for Roger Williams.
On the night of Jan. 4, 1661 Clawson was attacked from behind a thicket of barberry bushes, near north burial ground by an Indian named Waumanio, whom Clawson supposed to be instigated there to by Herendeen. At first assault thereto, Clawsons chin was split open by a blow with the broad axe, from the effects of which he soon afterwards died, but not before he had pronounced the strange curse upon his murderer, which the legend records as having been so strangely fulfilled, "That he and his prosterity might be marked with split chins and be haunted with barberry bushes." More than a century later testimony was collected in proof of this dying malediction. By this it appeared that the descendants of the murderer were remarkable for the excavated or furrowed chin which caused the curse of Clawson to be kept in remembrance, and many a quarrel was excited at huskings and frolics by mention of the words "Barberry bushes." "The Curse of Clawson," with singular evidences of its fulfillment was collected from the most responsible sources by the Hon. Theodore Foster and also an account of the murder and trial, with a copy of a letter from Roger Williams, May 11, 1661, concerning the estate of the murdered man and preserved in the Foster manuscripts. Attached to the Williams letter is a memorandum which says: "This paper was taken to Newport by Theodore Foster and was read in Capt. Garner's packet on Sunday, June 27, 1814, the gentlemen then present returning from the General Assembly of Providence, among whom was present, Robert Harris, Esq., who informed them, etc., "of the attack on Clawson as set forth above, but he states that the Clawson "Indian was instigated thereto by John Benjamin Harrington. In Rhode Island Trials, Vol. 1, page 70, "The Indian confessed to the killing of Clawson and was sentenced to be executed. Harrington, charged as an accessory, was cleared by the jury and court.
After Benjamin's death, his wife, Elizabeth, married Richard Pray.
On May 4, 1670, the General Assembly imposed a fine on him, but this fine was remitted by the Assembly. July 1, 1679 he was taxed 1s. 3d, Mar. 16, 1680, upon his petition to the General Assembly to remit sentence on Gen. Ct. of Trials against his wife, Elizabeth, he pleaded great poverty and debility of himself and his wife, and the fine was absolutely remitted.
May 26, 1684 he had 60 acres of land laid out to him, and Apr. 20, 1685, he and his wife deeded son Benjamin 60 acres with meadow, he being destitute of a place of settlement. Mar. 3, 1686, he and wife deeded son Joseph 67 acres for his well being and settlement, part of land situated 10 miles from Providence. Feb. 1, 1687, his will was presented and seemed probated Apr. 4, 1688. Sept. 1, 1688, the estate of Benjamin, deceased was taxed 4s. 2d.
Oct. 20, 1688, his widow (now wife of Richard Pray), deeds to her son, Isaac, homestead, houses, orchard, etc., given her for life by will of her late husband.
Dec. 13, 1701, his widow sold to Joseph Whipple house an 10 acres part of it being land owned by her father, bought by her husband, Benjamin, and willed her for life, then to son Isaac, who released her. June 19, of same year: "Whereas there is fame gone abroad that there is some person intending to purchase the house and land joining which lieth in Town of Providence and Colony of Rhode Island, and which formerly belonged to Benjamin Herendeen, Sr. of said providence deceased, and to purchase it of Isaac, son of said Benjamin Herendeen."
"These are therefore to signify unto all persons whatsoever, that to the said house Isaac hath no right or interest, but that the right, title, etc., wholely belongeth unto me, Elizabeth Pray, widow, formerly Elizabeth Herendeen."
"Providence, 11th day of March, 1674-5, so-called. Received this present day above said, of Ben Hernden six shillings nine pence which makes up ye full sum of eleven pounds for which I sold to him ye home and land which was John Clawson's, and hereby receiving this last payment of Benjamin Hernd I declare my self full satsified and doe hereby fully discharge the said Benjamin of ye payment aforesaid. Witness my hand, Roger Williams.
"Enrolled ye 12th day of May 1675 by me John Smith, Clerk."
Oath of Allegiance, the 19th of 11th month, 1648. "We whose names are hereafter subscribed, having obtained a free grant of 25 acres of land apiece with the right of commoning according to the said proportion of lands from it's free inhabitants, of the Town of Providence, do thankfully accept the same and hereby promise to yield active or passive to the authority of King and Parliament established in this colony according to our charter, adn to all such wholesome laws and orders that are or shall be made by the major consent of the Town of Providence, as also not to claim right to the purchase of said plantation nor any privileges of vote in Town affairs until we shall be received as freemen of said town of Providence."
There were 28 signatures including that of Banjamin Hearndean, mark, X (he having signed by mark.)
He signed many documents with his mark, and scarcely any two were alike in spelling. He even signed his X to the name of Herndell. In England the name is spelled Harrington, and variations of the name, Herendeen are not known among British Genealogists.
Tradition states that he was one of the three brothers who came to Boston from England, He was a close friend of Roger Williams, and a man of influence and considerable land. He swore allegiance in May, 1666, and was among the freemen admitted from Providence at the General Court held at Norwick, May 18, 1658.
"In answer to a letter from the Massachusetts Colony, touching the return of an apprentice to his master in the Bay, it is ordered that of the said apprentice, his father Benjamin Herendon, in whose keeping the said apprentice is, do not return the said apprentice speedily unto the Bay, the constable shall forthwith apprehend him and convey him to his master." -- 19th of 1st month, 1643. (1654).
Benjamin Herendeen "The Rogue of Rhode Island"
1618-1687 , Massachusetts and Rhode Island
This story is extracted from Benjamin Harrington the Rogue of Rhode Island. Credit is given to Dorothy (Bennett) Inderkum of Sacramento, California. A principle source of information is The Hearnden Line, compiled by Mrs. J.M. Morrison, 1944, by Winifred (Lovering) Holman, S.B.; F.A.S.G., Lexington, Massachusetts. A copy is available at the library of The New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, Massachusetts. It is also extracted from the Harrington Research Bulletin. It should be noted that Benjamin Harrington (Herendeen) was not the son of John and Anne (Clinton) Harrington of Charlestown, Massachusetts as appears in some sources.
The surname Herendeen is identical with Herenden, Harandine, Hardine, Harrenden, Harraden, Haranden, and Harrington, and there are various other spellings. It generally became established as Harrington by the third generation in New England.
Benjamin Herendeen the immigrant ancestor of all the early Rhode Island families of this surname, was born probably in England and settled at Providence, Rhode Island. He died at Providence, Rhode Island about February 1687/8. He married Elizabeth White, daughter of William and Elizabeth White, in Massachusetts in 1647. Elizabeth was born about 1630 and died about 1701 in Providence, Rhode Island. In 1688, after Benjamin Herendeen died in 1687, Elizabeth married second Richard Pray. She was the second wife of Richard Pray, who died before 13 December 1701, and whose first wife Mary died in 1686.
Benjamin was probably living in Essex County, Massachusetts in December 1647 when he was presented to the court in Lynn for beating his wife, as witnessed by Ezekial Gilbert and Henry Collins. Apparently, Elizabeth White was not above scandal herself. She was brought before the Lynn court for stealing clothes from Mary Pray and ordered to make double restitution (Essex Court files 1:133,137).
Benjamin became an adherent of the Baptist faith and followed Roger Williams to Providence, Rhode Island. Benjamin first appears in Providence, Rhode Island in 1651 when he had the privilege of 25 acres for which he paid and received quittance in March. He was taxed 4 shillings in June 1652. Appearing on the tax list with Benjamin was John Clawson a hired servant to Roger Williams.
On 27 October 1656, Providence ordered that William White be accomodated with a house lot adjoining the house lot of Benjamin Herendeen and further ordered that Benjamin Herendeen enlarge his lot.
On 17 February 1659, Benjamin Herendeen was brought into the court by a 10 pound bond if he didn't appear in court to answer a to "a breach of the peace and fight committed on the family of William White, of this Towne." William White was also bonded to 10 pounds to appear in the next town court in Providence to prosecute Benjamin. Apparently, Benjamin Herendeen had been having a family fight with his in-laws.
In 1661, John Clawson was fatally attacked with a Broad Ax by the Indian, "Waumanio," from behind Barberry Bushes near the Burying Ground. Before he died Clawson named Benjamin Herendeen as the instigator and pronounced a curse on him and his descendants, that "he and his prosterity might be marked by split chins and be haunted by Barberry Bushes." In Rhode Island Trials, Vol 1, page 70, it states that "the Indian confessed to the killing and was sentenced to be executed. Benjamin Herendeen was charged as an accessory, he plead not guilty and the jury found him not guilty and cleared him."
In 1662, William White of Boston, bricklayer, with consent of his wife Elizabeth, for 20 sterling payed by Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Herendeen of Providence confirmed to Benjamin his land, dwelling house and other houses in Providence.
Desedents and not desendents of Benjamin HARRINGTON, b. 1618, England to Providence, RI http://dgmweb.net/FGS/H/Harrington_immigrants_to_New_
England.html
WHO WERE BENJAMIN HARRINGTON'S PARENTS?
Benjamin Harrington/Herrington (1618?1694) ( aka ?Benjamin of Rhode Island') has probably been the most written about, vilified and controversial Harrington since the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Because he provides a vital connection within my own family lineage I have focused my attention on Benjamin's English background. After all about the only issue not in dispute about the man is that he had to have been of British descent.
English family records show that Benjamin was the second son of James Harrington. James was the seventh son of Sir John Harrington of Kelston, Somerset, England.
Pedigree documentation reveals that the second daughter of the Earl of Lincoln, Anne Clinton-Fiennes, married James Harrington of England and they produced four children named respectively; Robert (b 1616) Benjamin (b 1618) Abraham (b 1622) & Rebecca (b 1625). Both Clinton and Harrington records confirm the same children of the marriage.
Anne Clinton-Fiennes was born at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England about 1595/96. She was the second daughter of Thomas Clinton-Fiennes, (3rd Earl of Lincoln) and Elizabeth Knyvett. (The Earl was a prominent Puritan involved in the formation of the ?The Massachusetts Bay Company'). Her family record shows she married James Harrington in 1615 and that she died at Charlestown, Middlesex, MA on 25th December 1632. She was later buried at the Burying Ground, Cambridge, and Middlesex MA.
James Harrington (b.abt. 1592) was the ninth child of Sir John Harrington (1561 - 1612) and Lady Mary Harrington (nee Rogers d. 1634) of Kelston, Somerset, England. Harrington family records show that James died at Watertown, Middlesex, MA in January 1630.
Sir Johns wife, Lady Mary was also a person with long standing Puritan leanings. Their first born son was named James but it seems he died at an early age. As was often the case in those days they named a subsequent son with the same Christian name. Their first surviving son, (and by convention their heir) was called John. Some American family historians insist John Harrington was the father of Robert Harrington (of Watertown) and was the one who drowned in 1630. English historian Ian Grimble (?The Harington Family' ? Jonathan Cape ? London) clearly shows that Sir John Harrington of Kelston's eldest son John married the daughter of the Ist Earl of Marlborough and they both remained in England. This John Harrington (III) actually became a Member of the English Parliament. .
Benjamin Harrington is believed to have accompanied his father, mother and the two younger siblings (Abraham and Rebecca) to Massachusetts sometime during 1630. They travelled not with ?Winthrops Great Fleet' but aboard an accompanying cattle ship named ?Prosperous'. (James was probably a farmer ? hence their mode of travel). Thus, though family legend would have it that the first Harrington to arrive in Boston Bay was named John Harrington the evidence now clearly shows it was more likely to have been James, husband of Anne and father of Benjamin, Robert Abraham and Rebecca.
Eldest sibling Robert didn't arrive in America until after his mother died. During those crucial years Robert enjoyed an education and the home comforts of his English grandmother. Benjamin was only 12 years old when he lost his father, Abraham was eight and Rebecca five. The loneliness, privation and sheer terror imposed upon widowed Anne and her three young children isolated on the shores of a barren unfamiliar land is something critics of Benjamin perhaps fail to understand. The family were without a male leader, adequate food, shelter or proper protection. They were almost certainly without basic education. Following his mother's death Benjamin lived briefly with an uncle, Charles Clinton-Fiennes of Lynn MA. That man was said to be a strict uncompromising Puritan. Benjamin finally escaped to Rhode Island with a family of Quakers, named White. They too had some major personality hang-ups. In spite of all this he later married their youngest daughter Elizabeth. Life could never have been easy for Benjamin.
The evidence clearly indicates that Benjamin Harrington/Herrington/Errington/Herndell/Harnden/Herinqton et al were all colonial descriptions of the same man. Given the circumstances of the times there can be nothing sinister read into this list of perceived ?aliases'. If, as seems likely, Ben couldn't spell he would hardly be in a position to correct someone else. His ancestral name probably meant little to him anyway. His link was broken the day his mother died.
The ancestors of Robert, Benjamin, Abraham and Rebecca were, none the less, prominent people in medieval and Tudor England. The Clintons are of Norman origin. The family settled in England at about the time of the conquest by William I. Harrington's are believed to be of even earlier origin. They arrived with the Vikings. Harrington is one of the oldest family names in the English language. It derives from the name of an ancient Celtic coastal village in the north of England called Haefertun ? ?The Place of The Cattle People'. (It is nowadays the Cumbrian village of ?Harrington') Our earliest known ancestor was a local chief called Osulf of Fleminby. Osulf settled one of his sons, Robertus, at nearby Haefertun. Thereby Robertus became known as Robertus de (of) Haefertun. Over the years the name of Haefertun corrupted to Hafrinctuna (Romans), de Hafrinctuna and de Haveringham (Normans), de Haverington (Anglo Saxon) and finally to its present form of Harrington (English Middle Ages). Since those early times there have been numerous variations to the surname. One branch of the English family spells its name with only one r. i.e. ?Harington'. Consider also the different interpretations of Benjamin's family name. Rhode Island records report that in 1665 his father in law, William White, was "granted a house lot adjoining his son-in-law Benjamine Herndell". White's will, made 13th October 1673, described his daughter Elizabeth as "Elyzabeth Harnden". Benjamin and Elizabeth Harrington's son, Isaac made his last will on 3rd September 1727. It was filed in the name of Isaac Herinqton. It must be realised that very few of those early generation New England settlers could spell their own name. The early records were usually compiled by simple scribes, who themselves transcribed largely on the basis of hand-me-down phonetic interpretation. (There were no dictionaries or phone books to check the spelling!)
The first Harrington to adopt the name as we know it today was Lord John Harrington of Aldingham. (1281 ? 1347). He was the eldest son of Sir Robert de Haverington (1262 ? 1298). John deleted the Norman prefix and thus became the namesake of our modern clan of Harrington's. John was created a Baron, by his peers, in 1324. He then became known as John First Lord Harrington of Aldingham, thereby securing the family name within English nobility. It was his son (Sir John Harrington) who introduced the family name to Ireland around 1350 AD. The Harrington families of the period became riddled with eldest sons called John. (A genealogists nightmare!) Benjamins grandfather, Sir John Harrington of Kelston (b. 1561 ? d. 1612) was the son of a John Harrington (b. ? d.1582) and, as previously indicated, Sir Johns eldest surviving son and heir was also called John. It is little wonder Harrington folklore assumed the first New England settler's name could be anything but John. (Thank God for the Puritans!)
Sir John Harrington of Kelston was, among other things, godson to Queen Elizabeth I and confidant of Sir Walter Raleigh. He was a renowned wit and became one of the more prominent writers of his age. He was at one time an English spy and at another a prisoner of the English crown. But he is probably best known for his invention of the water closet (appropriately referred to in America as ?The John"). .
Sir John's father [John] was a poet to the Court of King Henry VIII. To avoid confusion Sir John of Kelston was known as ?John the Writer' and his father, ?John the Poet'. The Poet got as close as any Harrington to introducing royal blood into our line. ?John the Poet' was married briefly to Audrey Tudor, (also known as ?Ethelreda Malte') one of King Henry VIII's illegitimate children. Audrey died at childbirth having born him a daughter called Hester. His second wife, Sir John the Writers mother, was Isabella Markham, ?Gentlewoman companion' to Queen Elizabeth I
The years 1300 AD to 1600 AD cover an important period of English history. During that time Sir John's forebears actively participated in a number of notable events including ?The Wars of the Roses', ?The Battle of Agincourt' and ?The Battle of Bannockburn'. The Harrington's were among the senior knights and barons of the Middle Ages. During Tudor times they were variously parliamentarians, prosecutors, pirates and priests. There is even to be found a family ?curse', occasional villain and an alleged traitor.
My family history is work in progress. Discussion, criticism and correction are welcome. June 2011
Source: http://genforum.genealogy.com/harrington/messages/4602.html
Benjamin Harrington, 1618-1694, son of John and Ann Harrington, married Elizabeth White, of the Quaker faith. While in his teens Benjamin became a Baptist and followed Roger Williams to Rhode Island and settled in Providence on Harrington Lane, now Rochambean Avenue, He fought in King PhillipŁus War and acquired considerable property, chiefly land. The children of Benjamin and Elizabeth, all born in Providence were: Benjamin, Alice, Joseph, Sarah, Mary, William, John, Thomas, and Isaac. They left twenty-one grandsons whose descendants were the first of the family to settle in Vermont and upstate New York. Only in later years did any of the descendants of Robert of Watertown come to these areas. Some of these descendants who settled in New Your were: Captain Henry in White Creek. Benjamin and Samuel in Stephenson, John, Elisha and Silas in Warrensburg and Williams and his sons in Easton. Among those in Vermont were: Captain Job and James in Pownal, John in Bennington, William, Paul and Abraham in Shaftsbury and Thomas and John in Danby. The last two were brothers of William of Easton whose descendants this record follows. Another noted Vermont descendant was Theophilus of Clarendon, who became a Justice former master was trying to recover, that ŁSEvidence on ownership of a human being is not sufficient without evidence of a bill of sale signed by GodŁu, is famous. This decision is said to have been commemorated by a tablet in Westminster Abby in England. It is inscribed on his large monument in Clarendon Cemetery.
Source: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=olney&id=I23937
?There is much disagreement as to Benjamin's parentage. As of now there is no proof for either argument: that he is or is not of direct descent of the noble Harrington line through John Harrington, the writer and godson of Queen Elizabeth. (note: see Chapter Nine of this book for more of the Harrington genealogy.) Tradition has always said that he came to America with his parents (his mother being Ann Clinton) and brother Abraham and sister Rebecca, that his father drowned in Boston Harbor in 1630, that he moved in with his uncle and from there made his way to Rhode Island. It is possible that his father was a John Harrington and his mother an Ann; but probably not trues that John was a son of Sir John Harrington and Ann the daughter of Thomas Clinton. He was probably not a brother to the Robert Harrington of Waterton, Massachusetts, but could be a cousin. Both Benjamin and his brother Abraham's children and grandchildren intermarried with the children and grandchildren of Robert of Waterton. It is quite possible that his father drowned in Boston Harbor in 1630 as tradition has it, but since the exact identification of this individual is unknown, it can not be claimed with any certainty.
While there are arguments that Ann Clinton, the daughter of Thomas, died young and, therefore, could not be the mother of Benjamin, there is other evidence that his father was indeed related to the original Harrington family. The tradition is very strong. I have found family accounts of this traditional parentage from Canada to New York.
According to Collinson's History of Somersetshire, England, one of Sir John Harrington's younger sons, who had married a Clinton, went with his family and other kinsmen in a private vessel to Charlestown, Massachusetts about 1630. There were eighty persons on this ship the Prosperous. Governor Dudley stated to the Count of Lincoln that in 1630, seventeen ships arrived for an increase of population to New England; one was sent out by private merchant. In July of 1630, several hundred English men, women and children were trying to live in huts and tents around the Town Hill of Charlestown, Massachusetts. This town had been founded in 1629 by other progenitors of our family, including the Sprague brothers. These Englishmen had recently escaped discomforts on the sea for privations on shore.
The Records and Traditions of the Family Harrington, Handed Down Through Captain Henry Harrington of Providence, Rhode Island and later of White Creek, New York and who Married his Cousin, Freelove Harrington states that John Harrington (by another called Henry, and by still another called Thomas), a younger son of Sir John Harrington, the Writer (Godson of Queen Elizabeth), came to America with his wife ______ Clinton (probably Ann) and two sons and a daughter. They came in the company with other relatives, in a vessel fitted out by a kinsman. The voyage was attended with great hardships and after almost miraculous escapes, it landed in Charlestown, or Boston Harbor about 1630. Shortly after the arrival, the father John Harrington perished at sea and left his widow with her children.
The following two paragraphs are from the Harrington Family Genealogical Gazetteer by George H. Harrington, Austin, Texas 1941. I believe that most of the information comes from Capt. Harrington in his private papers concerning his family. These comments are also in The Genealogical Record of the Harringtons, chapter entitled "The Harringtons of Nova Scotia."
"When he was about 15 years of age, Benjamin Harrington went to live with his uncle. Benjamin embraced the Baptist faith, then under ban in Massachusetts. The uncle remonstrated with him, but without effect and as a final resort his uncle tied him to a post and administered a most unmerciful flogging, and then threatened to turn him over to the authorities if he persisted in his heretical opinions. Soon after, the lad arranged to escape, stealing away from his uncle's house, penniless and alone. With his Bible, a fishing line, a few articles done up in a handkerchief, and a scant supply of food for a few days, he started for Roger William's settlement in Rhode Island.
"When hungry, footsore and weak from exertion, Benjamin fell in with a family of Quakers traveling towards the same goal. They welcomed him to their midst, gave of their simple fare, and cared for him in his enfeebled condition. In a short time he was strong and vigorous as before and was able to repay his benefactors in labor, caring for the team which was always overburdened and helping to load and unload the wagon, and carrying household chattels over logs and steep banks. At times a more pleasing task befell him, that of carrying Elizabeth, the oldest daughter, across streams and bog holes. On account of the excessive load on the wagon, the family was required to travel mostly on foot. The acquaintance, thus begun, with Elizabeth White ripened into love and not long after their arrival in Providence, Rhode Island in about 1642, she became his wife."
Regardless of the validity of the family traditions, Benjamin was one that would not let himself be imposed on. He was not a quitter; he was a friend and partisan of Roger Williams; he raised at least three daughters and six sons; he accumulated considerable property. For more than forty years he played his part as a citizen of Providence, Rhode Island. Benjamin set the tone for the development of the family, encompassing the qualities of independence and self-confidence.
The Settlement of Rhode Island and the King Philip's War
In 1675, the King Philips War broke out and the energies of the colonists were required to defeat and subdue the hostile Indians. A list is preserved of those settlers "who staid and went not away" to this war. The fact that Benjamin Herenden's name does not appear upon this "slacker list" is sufficient evidence that he was a soldier and did his part in the war.
Benjamin was a man who wore his emotions outwardly. Rebellious is the best adjective to describe him, quick to find fault and act on it. He appears in early court history in two states. Neither he nor his wife Elizabeth fit the historical notion of good Puritans. I like to think that dear old cantankerous Benjamin Harrington would be proud of the way the family has flourished.
It is often assumed that Benjamin was born about 1615 in Bath, England. He supposedly was christened in 1624, but I have not found the official record. Benjamin died between 1 February 1686/7 and 17 May 1686/7. He is buried in North Burying Cemetery in Providence (Smithfield) Rhode Island. Part of the cemetery today was his farm. His will was dated 1 February 1686/7 and probated 4 April 1688. The inventory was 42 pounds, 7 shillings and 4 pence.
He married Elizabeth White no later than December of 1647, probably 1642. They were married either in Lynn, Massachusetts, or Providence, Rhode Island. He was presented in Lynn (or at least of man of his name was) for a Breach of Peace in December 1647 for beating his wife. The witnesses to this incident were Ezekiel Gilbert and Henry Collins. Apparently, Elizabeth was not free of scandal either. She was presented in Providence for stealing clothes from Mary Pray, and she was ordered to make double restitution. Interestingly, Elizabeth married second Richard Pray after the death of Benjamin and the death of Richard's wife Mary. She was a Quaker and Roger Williams, although he himself was opposed to Quaker doctrine, admitted Quakers to Rhode Island.
Benjamin's occupation was that of bricklayer and farmer. Men often had two jobs, one of farming and then one for the winter months. His father-in-law was a bricklayer.
Children:
? Joseph 1652 and married 1671 (probably) Sarah Tillinghast; died 19 April 1694 in North Smithfield.
He was a twin.
Alice 1651/2 and married 25 December 1669 Daniel Browne in Newport; died 25 February 1727. She was a twin.
Sarah 1654/6 and married 15 May 1675 David Whipple; died 2 April 1677. On 20 January 1669 she published her intentions to marry John Inman, but for some reason she married Whipple instead.
Mary 1658 and married 14-16 October 1675 Captain Andrew Edmonds; died 13 August 1696/1707. Edmonds was the Keeper of the Ferry where the present Red Bridge is located. He was a Captain of the troops during the King Philip War and was granted land at the foot of present day Waterman Street in payment for his services.
William 20 August 1660 and married (1) Esther and (2) Deliverance; died 27 August 1727. He was a shoemaker by trade.
Isaac 1668, married Sarah and died 16 August 1723 or 1728, in Norwalk, New London, Connecticut. He was a weaver.
John 9 October 1662 and married 28 March 1687 Lydia Cranston; died 30 January 1736-1741 in Scituate, now Foster, Rhode Island. His grandson Stephen was the grantee in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. This grandson Stephen was born in Newport, Rhode Island about 1745. In a letter from Alice Harrington Taylor dated 1937 we learn that her father Robert (who would visit his grandfather in Nova Scotia) said that Stephen was related to Sir John Harrington the poet whose fourth son John married Ethelrida, the natural daughter of Henry VIII. She received Kelston Manor near Bath in Somerset. Later Queen Elizabeth gave one of her younger sons a large tract of land in Virginia. Another source says that Ethelride died without issue and that the son of John's remarriage to Isabella Markham was the Harrington who came to America. Stephen came to Canada with his mother Elizabeth Shippe Harrington Knight. Stephen, Sr. and his wife Elizabeth, together with several grown sons and some daughters and their husbands, moved northeastward from Rhode Island through Boston to Nova Scotia where they took possession of the fertile land with extensive improvements made vacant by the expulsions of the Acadians in 1755. This family also brought slaves with them to Canada and an old family carriage, one of only three in the country.
Thomas 1665 and married 1685 Hannah; died 20 August 1722
Josiah about 1652
Elizabeth (possibly) 1640-50, married Stephen Northup. The name of Stephen's wife is not proven, but it is thought she was a daughter of Benjamin Harrington, a Providence neighbor. One of the Northup children was named Benjamin, and one of the Harrington grandchildren is buried in the old Northup burial ground, while still another was brought up in the family of a son of Stephen Northup.
"In August, 1672, the Colony of Connecticut, which claimed jurisdiction over the Narragansett country, in which Pettaquamscutt lay, issued an order for Stephen Northup to appear before their court to be held there. Northup was a staunch Rhode Islander, as appears by the reply to the summons.
"To Samuel Eldred, Constable of Wickford. The Answer of Steven Northrop when ye Constable Served this warrant upon him I denie to obey any warant from ye Authority of Connecticut, If ye governm't of Roade Island send any I will obay them but not this warant nor any from Conecticot Collony."
Benjamin ca. 1650, married 1670 Lydia Wells; died 18 April 1694
(One interesting side note about Benjamin Jr. is that on 4 May 1681, "He having lately shot at an Indian, for no other cause as he confessed but for that said Indian would not obey his word and stand at his command and the Indian though having a gun, having not shot again but went peaceably away, only using some words by way of reproof, blaming him for his violence and cruelty---the Assembly therefore enacted that all his Majesty's subjects are hereby required to behave themselves peaceably towards Indians in like manner as before the war."
This problem between the Indians and the town was brought before the Assembly "upon complaint of two Assistants of the Towne Council of Providence, concerning the late rash, turbulent, and violent behavior of Benjamin Hernden, Jr. of said Providence, towards an Indian man.
There is a second interesting note about Benjamin Jr. It was the custom of the authorities of the early days to send back to a town from which a visitor came, anyone who seemed to them incapable of supporting him or herself. In the winter of 1693, one Mary Clarke came from Newport, a vagrant, and was called to account before the Council. And when she confessed that she had no husband to support her and the child soon to be born, and so must be sent away, Daniel Browne and Benjamin Herndon went sureties for her and put up one hundred pounds bond to keep the town free from any expense on her account.)
I track Benjamin, Sr. movements as follows: From arrival in America in Massachusetts, he went to Rhode Island about 1636 near the time of Roger Williams' founding of the colony. From there he may have moved back and forth between Rhode Island and Massachusetts as he emigrated to Rhode Island again in 1645, but was back in Lynn, Massachusetts before 1647. By 1651 he owned property in Providence, Rhode Island. The reference First Settlers of Rhode Island has his immigration to Rhode Island as 1636. He is also listed in Founding Early American Families from Europe 1607-1657 as immigrating to Rhode Island in 1645. On 18 May 1658 he was admitted as a Freeman.
Oath of Allegiance, the 19th of the 11th month 1648: "Wee Whose Names are hereafter Subscribed, having obteyned a free Grante of Twenty Five Akers of Land apeece with the Right of commonage according to the said proportions of land; from the free Inhabitants, of the Towne of Providence; doe thankfully accept the Same; and heereby doe promise to yield a Active; or passive Obeydience to the Authority of King and/or Parliament established in this Colonye according to our Charter; and to all such wholesome Lawes & Orders that are or Shall be made, by the Major consent of the Towne of Providence; as also not to claim Rights to the Purchase of said plantation; Nor any privileges of Vote in Towne Affaires until we shall be received as free-Men of said towne of Providence." There were 28 signatures including that of Benjamin Heardeean by his mark.
So on the "25th of the 1st month 1651, "it is ordered that Benjamin Hernden shall have the privileges of 25 acres, his Home Lot next to the last field side fence." This lot was on Hernden's Lane, now Rochambeau Avenue and was one of the few lanes connecting the Seekonk River with the Moshassuck and Providence Rivers. It formed part of the road to Pawtucket Falls. Some three years later the Assembly with Roger Williams as Moderator on the 19th of the 1st month 1654 voted "that Benjamin Hernden shall have four acres added to his home lot, 11 pole wide and 60 pole long." A pole was equal to 16 and 1/2 feet.
These are the first authentic dates we have for him in Rhode Island. If the traditional story of his arriving in Rhode Island at age 15 is correct, then he must have been there at least six years previous to 1646, as he could not have secured land as a minor.
The earliest settlers had taken up their homes along the edge of the river on what we now call North Main and South Main Streets, in that part called the Neck, because it lay between the Seekonk River on the East and the Moshassuck and Providence Rivers on the West. The lots of the first thirteen were quite close together, and as others joined them, they were given home lots adjoining the originals to the north or south.
As the years went on he accumulated considerable land. He petitioned the town for more land on 27 October 1656, when the "Quarter Court ordered the town assembly that it be left to the Discretion of the Towne Deputies about enlargeing of Benjamin Herndell, his lot." On 19 February 1665, he drew Lot 86; on 26 May 1884 he had 60 acres of land laid out to him and there are numerous other land records. He purchased the White and Clawson lands. He is sometimes referred to as a landholder and a land dealer, but with one possible exception, he appears to have been a buyer and to have passed his lands to his children.
The will of Benjamin and the wills of his sons show the typical possession of the 1600's and early 1700's in Rhode Island. They had cows, heifers, calves, horses, oxen, steers, sheep, lambs, swine, guns, axes, warming pans, spinning wheels, and carpenter tools. They grew the crops of corn, rye, oats, tobacco, and flax.
? He was taxed 4 shillings in June, 1652 to pay for Roger Williams' trip to England at the request of the town and to pay money owed to some Indians and private individuals.
? On 28 January 1653 Beniobin Heriden petitioned the town as follows: "To the Town Meeting now in beeing the 28th day of January 1653; It is the desire of Beniobin Herinden, Junior (Jr. was only 3 years old, so we can assume the reference is to Sr.) and some others that the line between Edward Ingman, senior and the town may be run as concerning the meadows that in so doing the town's Common may not be damnified for the want of the running thereof."
? He had apprenticed one of his sons to a man in Boston or thereabouts, and the boy had come back to Providence and refused to return. It was necessary for the master to appeal to the government of the Massachusetts Colony, who then wrote to the government of the Rhode Island Colony. On the 19th of March 1654 the colony, "Ordered, In answer to a Letter from the Massachusetts Colony touching the returning of an Apprentice to his master in the Bay; that if the said Apprentice his father Benjamin Hernden, in whose keeping the said Apprentice is, do not return the said Apprentice speedily into the Bay, that the Constable shall forthwith apprehend him & convey him to his master." (This entry means he must have had a son whose birth is not recorded. If Benjamin and Elizabeth married in 1642, this boy would be about 12., unless the date of 1654 has been copied incorrectly.)
? Early Providence Records show his father-in-law got a house adjoining Benjamin on 27 October 1656. Providence "ordered yt William White be accomodated with a house Lot adjoining to Benjamin Herndell his house lot and further according to convenience Ordered yt inlargeing of Benjamine Herndell his lot." This close proximity of the father-in-law led to trouble and Benjamin was obliged to post a bond for his good behavior. He was held for a Breach of Peace on 17 February 1659 according to Early Providence Records 15:75-76. Benjamin was brought into court on a bond and ordered to answer to "breach of peace and fright comitted on the family of william white, of this Towne." William White was also bonded to appear at the next town court in Providence to prosecute Benjamin.
? The Curse of Clawson occurred on the night of 4 January 1660/1. An Indian named Waumanio attacked John Clawson from behind a thicket of bayberry bushes, near the north burial grounds, by. The Indian hit Clawson with a broad axe and his chin was split. He died soon afterward, but not before he had pronounced the strange curse upon Benjamin Herendeen, whom he suspected of having the Indian kill him. The curse was that he (Harrington) and his posterity might be marked with split chins and be haunted with barberry bushes. The Indian confessed to the killing and was executed while Harrington was charged as an accessory. The jury and court cleared Benjamin.
John Clawson was a hired servant of Roger Williams who administered upon his estate. Roger Williams sold his land some nine years later to Benjamin Hernden. A letter from Roger Williams dated 11 May 1661 has been preserved in the Foster manuscripts which shows that Benjamin took care of Clawson after the attack. "Clawson was attended in his dying hours by the Hernden's, he making a dying statement to Elizabeth about the administration of his estate, and of his having been supported by Benjamin when he tried to talk to Roger Williams.." This was Providence's first murder case.
Clawson was attacked not far from his home, probably in the wild section on the banks of the Moshassuck, about where the North End Cemetery is now located. He managed to attract help and was taken to his home, and according to Roger Williams' statement, cared for by Benjamin Heriden and Robert Colwell, Benjamin's brother-in-law.
He was so wounded that he "spake by fits and could not answer a word to many questions. And in ye morning when he much desired to speak & and said Lift me up & was lift up by Benjaimin Hernden & Robt. Colwell, he could not speak one word."
Attached to the Williams' letter is a memorandum which says: "This paper was taken to Newport by Theodore Foster and was read in Capt. Gardiner's packet on Sunday, June 27, 1814, the gentlemen then present returning from the General Assembly of Providence, among whom was present Robert Harris, Esq., who informed them, etc., "of the attack on Clawson as set forth above, but he states that the Clawson "Indian was instigated thereto by John Benjamin Harrington. The Indian confessed to the killing of Clawson and was sentenced to be executed. Harrington, charged as an accessory, was cleared by the jury and court."
"Benjamin Hernden is by order of the Court Committed to the Custody of the Sarjent till he be tried." He was arrested and the Court acted upon an "indictment by the General Aturney for Suspition of being principal in Murther Committed by Waumaion an Indian upon John Clauson. The sayd Benjamin Hernden being called and asked whether Guilty or not Guilty pleads not Guilty and refers self for Tryal to God and the Countrey." The Juror's verdict reads, "Wee find Benjamin Hernden not Guilty."
On 29 May 1669 he bought of Roger Williams, who had charge of the settlement of the estate of John Clawson, his house and home lot. "I, Ben. Hernden of Providence in New England having bought of Roger Williams of the Towne of Providence aforesaid a Howes and Howes share in Providence which formerly was the howse and ground of John Clawson, Dutchman, hath since his death bene by possession of Roger Williams aforesaid; I doe by the presents acknowledge myself indebted to ye said Roger Williams for the Howse and land aforesaid, the full summe of Eleaven pounds currant Countrey pay and doe promise to pay it to sayd Roger Williams the sayd summe in three years of the date hereof,: That is to say 5 pounds in the first year, three pounds in the second and as much in the third yeare following in cloth and stockings, and Corne and Aples, at the Common and usual price."
"Providence, 11th day of March 1674/5, so-called. Received this present day above said, of Ben Hernden six shillings nine pence which makes up ye full sum of eleven pounds for which I sold to him ye home and land which was John Clawson's and hereby receiving this last payment of Benjamin Hernd I declare my self full satisfied and doe herely fully discharge the said Benjamin of ye payment aforesaid. Witness my hand, Roger Williams." "Enrolled ye 12th day of May 1675 by me John Smith, Clerk."
? Starting on 20 April 1685, Benjamin began to give his land to his children. The first was Benjamin, Jr. where they deeded him 60 acres of meadow, he being destitute of a place of settlement. In March 1685/86 it was Joseph's turn. They deeded him 67 acres for his well being and settlement in life.
? On 27 July 1685 Benjamin was ordered to take down a fence within which he had enclosed 2 acres which the town decided did not belong to him. He claimed the town had shortchanged him when his home lot was laid out, so the town took the 2 acres he had fenced, but gave him 2 different acres in its place.
? On 27 May 1687 an inventory of Benjamin's goods and property showed their value to total 42 pounds-07shillings-02 pence. On 1 September 1687 his estate was taxed four shillings and 2 pence.
Source: http://www.deuteronomyandmary.com/
getperson.php?personID=I14
Benjamin Harrington of Providence, Rhode Island
Copyright 1999 Perry Streeter (Content updated 8 January 2001)
© 1999 Perry Streeter @ mailto:perry@streeter.com @ http://www.perry.streeter.com
This document is Copyright 1999 by Perry Streeter. It may be freely redistributed in its entirety provided that this
copyright notice is not removed. It may not be sold for profit or incorporated in commercial documents without the
written permission of the copyright holder.
I am seeking all genealogical and biographical details for the family documented below including their ancestors,
children, and grandchildren and the spouses thereof, including the full names of those spouses' parents. All
additions and corrections within this scope, however speculative, will be greatly appreciated.
Benjamin Harrington of Providence, Rhode Island
I am indebted to Dorothy (Bennett) Inderkum of Sacramento, California for generously
sharing with me the results of her research. A principal source in the information below is The
Hearnden Line, compiled for Mrs. J.M. Morrison, 1944, by Winifred (Lovering) Holman, S.B.;
F.A.S.G., Lexington, Massachusetts. A copy is available at the Library of The New England
Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, Massachusetts. The name seems to originally have been
Hearnden, Herndell, etc. but became established as Harrington by the third generation in New
England. It should be noted that Benjamin1 Harrington was not the son of John1 and Anne
(Clinton) Harrington of Charlestown, Massachusetts as appears in some sources.
1. BENJAMIN1 HARRINGTON died at Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island between
February 1686/7 and 17 May 1687 and was buried in the North Burying Ground, Providence,
Rhode Island (John O. Austin, Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island) He married, probably in
Massachusetts, before December 1647 ELIZABETH WHITE (William1). Elizabeth was born about
1630 and died at Providence, Rhode Island after December 1701; she married second, as his
second wife, RICHARD PRAY, who died before 13 December 1701, whose first wife, Mary ,
died in 1686. Elizabeth was the daughter of William1 and Elizabeth ( ) White of Boston,
Massachusetts.
Benjamin was probably living in Essex County, Massachusetts in December 1647 when he
was presented in Lynn for beating his wife, as witnessed by Ezekiel Gilbert and Henry Collins.
Apparently, Elizabeth was not free from scandal herself. She was presented for stealing clothes
from Mary Pray and was ordered to make double restitution. (Essex Court Files, 1:133,137)
Benjamin first appears in Providence, Rhode Island in 1651 when he had a privilege of 25
acres for which he paid and received quittance in March. He was taxed 4 shillings in June of
1652. On 27 October 1656, Providence "ordered yt William White be accomodated with a house
Lot adjoining to Benjamin Herndell his house lot and further according to convenience Ordered yt
inlargeing of Benjamine Herndell his lot." (Early Providence Records, hereinafter EPR)
On 17 February 1659, Benjamin was brought into court by a £10 bond to answer to "the
breach of peace and fright comitted on the family of william white, of this Towne." William
White was also bonded £10 to appear at the next town court in Providence to prosecute
Benjamin. (EPR, 15:75-76)
William White of Boston, bricklayer, with consent of wife of Elizabeth, for £20 sterling,
"payd by Elizabeth the wife of Benjamin Herenden of providence" confirmed to Benjamin land,
dwelling house, and other housing in Providence on 16 October 1662. (EPR, 4:9-10)
In his Genealogical Dictionary of Rhode Island, Austin states that Benjamin's will was
presented for probate 4 April 1688 and an inventory of goods and property totalling £142-07-02
was taken on 27 May 1687 without citing a source. On 20 October 1688, "Elizabeth, now wife
of Richard Pray, deeded to her son, Isaac Hearnden, the homestead, houses, orchard, etc. which
were given her, for life, by the will of her late husband, dated 1 Feb 1686[/87], of which she was
named executrix. (EPR, 5:34-37) It was suggested in an unidentified manuscript at The New
England Historic Genealogical Society, that Isaac may have been the youngest child and perhaps
this deed was a gift from Elizabeth to get Isaac started in married life.
Isaac must have deeded this land back to his mother, because on 13 December 1701 she
sold to Joseph Whipple of Providence her "dwelling house and all land thereunto lieing and
adjoyneing (part belonged to husband Benjamin Hearnden and to my father William White)..."
which was to revert to son Isaac Hearnden upon Elizabeth's decease, but which she had purchased
by a deed from Isaac. (EPR, 4:219). This is supported by the Holman manuscript which indicates
that on 10 February 1689, "Isaac Hearnden of Providence for a valuable consideration... also for
the duty of Naturall love & affection I beare unto my deare Mother Elizabeth Prey... (home stall
& house)..."; it not clear what is the source of this record.
Whatever the case in these confusing purchases, on 9 June 1701 Elizabeth had made it
very clear who owned what: "Whereas there is a fame gone abroad that there is Some person or
persons intending to purchase the house & land to it adjoyneing which lieth in ye Towne of
Providence... which formerly belonged unto Benjamin Hearnden Senr of said Providence
(deceased) and to purchase it of Isaac Hearnden hath no Right... to ye said house, nor inn or to
any of the said lands, neither by Reversion nor any other wayes; But all the Right... to the said
house & lands wholy belongeth unto me Elizabeth Prey (widow), formerly Elizabeth Hearnden; as
may appeare by a deede under the said Isaac Hearnden his hand & seal, and I the said Elizabeth
Prey, Doe therefore by these presents forbid all & Every person or persons whome so ever; for
Bargaineing or purchaseing the said house and lands, or any part hereof, of the said Isaac
Hearnden: 9 June 1701 Elizabeth Prey formerly Elizabeth Hearnden." (EPR, 5:256)
Children, born in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island (Warren Adrian Barber,
correspondence, 14 September 1998):
i. son
ii. BENJAMIN JR., b. ca. 1650; d. Providence, RI 18 April 1694; m. Providence,
RI 1670 LYDIA WELLS, b. Providence, RI 1652, d. 1710.
iii. ALICE, b. 1651; d. Providence, RI after 1718; m. Providence, RI 25 Dec 1669
DANIEL BROWNE, b. Providence, RI ca. 1642, d. Providence, RI 29 Sep
1710, son of Chad and Elizabeth (Sharparowe) Browne, (New England
Historical and Genealogical Register, 80:74-77).
iv. JOSEPH, b. 1652; d. North Smithfield, Providence Co., RI 19 April 1694; m.
1671 SARAH TILLINGHAST, b. Providence, RI 1652.
Children, b. Providence, RI, surname Hearnden/Harrington: 1.
Richard, b. 1674; freeman at Coventry, Kent Co., RI 1742; resided at rth Kingstown, Washington Co., RI. 2. Elizabeth, b. Jan 1674/75. 3.
Ebenezer, b. 21 June 1681; d. after 1778; freeman at Warwick, Kent Co.,
RI 1734; resided at North Kingstown, Washington Co., RI in May 1778.
4. Job, b. Dec 1683; m. Martha Elizabeth Weeden, b. Providence, RI ca.
1678. 5. Joseph, b. before 1690; d. after 1754. 6. child.
v. SARAH2, b. 1654; d. Providence, RI 2 April 1677; m. Providence, RI 15 May
1675 DAVID WHIPPLE, son of John and Sarah ( ) Whipple, c. Dorchester,
MA 28 Feb 1656, d. 18 Dec 1710, m. (2) 11 Nov 1677 Hannah Tower
(New England Historical and Genealogical Register, 32:403-407).
Child, surname Whipple: 1. David.
vi. THOMAS, b. 1655; d. Providence, RI before Aug 1722; m. Providence, RI
1685 HANNAH .
vii. MARY, b. 1658; d. 1707; m. Providence, RI 14 Oct 1675 ANDREW EDMONDS,
b. 1639, d. 1695.
viii. WILLIAM, b. 20 Aug 1660; d. Providence, RI 27 Aug 1727; m. (1) ESTER ,
d. 1694-95; m. (2) DELIVERANCE , d. 1728.
Children, surname Hearnden/Harrington: 1. Thomas. 2. Elisha. 3.
William. 4. Benjamin. 5. Solomon. 6. Preserved. 7. Abigail, m.
Tucker. 8. Ester. 9. Keziah. 10. Meribah. 11. Martha.
ix. JOHN, b. 1662; d. (then Scituate, now) Foster, Providence Co., RI 1738-1741;
m. 1698 LYDIA CRANSTON, dau. of John and Mary (Clarke) Cranston (Lois
Barr, correspondence [2 Sep 1999]; hereinafter Barr).
Children, surname Hearnden/Harrington: 1. Elizabeth, b. 1700; d.
after 1769; m. James[3] Bates Sr. (Francis2-1), b. 23 Oct 1695, d. 1763,
probably the son of the compiler's direct ancestors, Francis2 and Mary
(Burges) Bates, see Francis Bates of Topsfield, Massachusetts for more
information; resided in Kent Co., RI; seven children (Barr). 2. John. 3.
Josiah, m. perhaps Elizabeth Bennett (John3-2, Edward1). 4. Amos. 5.
Jonathan. 6. Stephen.
2. x. ISAAC, b. 1668; m. SARAH .
2. ISAAC2 HARRINGTON (Benjamin1) was born at Providence, Providence County, Rhode
Island in 1668 and died at Norwich, New London County, Connecticut in 1727. He was married
at Providence, Rhode Island on 10 February 1689 to SARAH , who died at Norwich,
Connecticut in 1744.
Soon after selling his home place back to his mother, Isaac bought 50 acres eight miles
outside of Providence on the southern side of Westquadomsett Brook, near the Pawtucket River
from Rebecca Whipple. Later, on 31 March 1696, he sold 50 acres of this plot with a house to
Samuel Wilkinson. (EPR, XIV:271). Apparently, Isaac had settled near his older brother in the
Westquadomsett section and probably went on to Norwich, Connecticut in 1696. He was a
weaver by trade and Norwich may have afforded him greater economic opportunities.
On 7 January 1724 in Providence, the following was witnessed, etc.: "Isaac Hearnden of
Norwich, CT., yeoman, ...to Robert Currie of Providence... all my right of and to the Commonage
7 undivided lands... which appertaineth to me by the last will... of my father Benjamin Hernden
and again repeated & confirmed by a deed made unto me by my Honored deceased mother."
Isaac made his will 3 September 1727 and it was proved 16 August 1728. It reads as
follows: "Will of Isaac Herington of Norwich, New London Co., Conn." "Dated 3 Sept 1727."
"Isaac, very sick & weak in body but of perfect mind & memory, etc... Debts and funeral charges
to be paid by the Executrix... Bequeathes to Sarah, dearly beloved wife, my Dwelling hous or
housing in sd Norwich and Ten Acres of Land Where ye sd hous stands to be laide in such form
as She my sd Wife so causes With all ye privilegs thereon or thereunto belonging to be hur own
for Ever and at hur own Disposing And allso I give unto my sd wife all my moveable Estate Both
Within Doars and Without to be hur own for Ever and at hur own Dispos - and the improvement
of Sum of my other Lands During life as hereafter Exprest..." "to my Grandaughter - Unis
Bennett - my daughter Sarah dcd-s youngest Daughter fourty shillings mony to be paid by my
Executorix heareafter named When She arives to ye age at Eightene years..." "Appoints well
beloved wife Sarah Sole Executorix" Isaac signed his mark to this document and it was witnessed
by John Bennett, Josiah Harrington, and John Crery. (New London County Wills, 6:3-4)
Children, order and places of birth uncertain:
i. ISAAC3, m. JEMIMA ; resided in Killingly, CT.
ii. SYLVANUS, m. (1) 26 Jan or July 1727 ELIZABETH LAMBERT; m. (2) 31 July
1729 HANNAH AYR.
iii. JAMES, m. 23 May 1723 ANN CLARK.
iv. PATIENCE, m. before 1727 SAMUEL WHALEY of N. Kingston, RI.
v. JEMIMA, m. ca. 1719 JOSEPH4 BENNETT (John3-2, Edward1).
vi. MARY, d. probably before 1744; m. before 1727 ISAAC4 BENNETT (John3-2,
Edward1).
vii. PRUDENCE, m. between 1727 and 1744 WILLIAM THOMPSON.
* viii. SARAH, d. late in 1722 or early 1723; m. ca. 1714 her second cousin, as his
first wife, SAMUEL3 BENNETT (John2-1), b. at Stonington, CT 7 September
1694, d. at Coventry, RI between 4 January 1766 and 16 February 1679,
son of John2 and Elizabeth (Parke) Bennett; direct ancestors of the
compiler; see John Bennett of Stonington, Connecticut for more
information.
Samuel Bennett and Sarah Harrington were second cousins; their
paternal grandmothers were both daughters of William1 White, Ursula
(White) Bennett and Elizabeth (White) (Harrington) Pray. See William
White of Boston, Massachusetts for more information.
Index
This is a complete every-name index for the entire document; each woman is indexed under her maiden name and
her married name(s). A question mark, (?), indicates an unknown maiden name.
Other-Begin:
Vol.VIII, p.93 11 Mar 1681 Samuell Comstock & Benjamin Hernden witnessed for Jonathan Morey that he is heir to father Roger Morey and claims his 12 acres of upland and new fields and desires his claim to be placed in the record.
Benjamin married Elizabeth White on 9 Jul 1647 in Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island. Elizabeth was born in 1628 in England; died on 13 Dec 1701 in Providence, Providence Co, Rhode Island; was buried in North Burial Ground, Providence Co, Rhode Island. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
|
1729 - 1816 (87 years)