Puffer Genealogy

FENNO, Isaac

FENNO, Isaac

Male 1731 - 1762  (31 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  FENNO, IsaacFENNO, Isaac was born on 28 Jun 1731 in MA (son of FENNO, Isaac and PUFFER, Hannah); died on 6 Oct 1762 in Stoughton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 11

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=156845999

    Died:
    "On Wednesday last a sorrowful accident happened at Stoughton, as a number of persons were raising the spire of the meeting-house there, some of the tackling gave way, when one Mr. Isaac Fenno, jun'r fell to the ground, and was killed in an instant. He has left a widow and 4 children."

    Family/Spouse: DAVENPORT, Meriah. Meriah was born in 1735; died in 1825; was buried in Canton, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

    Children:
    1. FENNO, Enoch was born on 23 Mar 1755 in Stoughton, MA; died on 19 Sep 1796 in Milton, MA; was buried in Milton, MA.
    2. FENNO, Jesse was born on 23 Jul 1760 in Stoughton, MA; died on 20 Jul 1827 in Quincy, MA; was buried in Mount Wollaston, MA.
    3. FENNO, Elijah was born on 30 Aug 1757 in Canton, MA; died on 17 Apr 1819 in Canton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.
    4. FENNO, Isaac was born on 30 Dec 1762 in Canton, MA; died on 24 Apr 1796 in Dorchester, MA; was buried in Dorchester, MA.

Generation: 2

  1. 2.  FENNO, IsaacFENNO, Isaac was born on 14 Nov 1698 in Dorchester, MA (son of FENNO, John and NEWCOMB, Rachel); died on 2 Jul 1771 in Canton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 11

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=41743736

    Isaac married PUFFER, Hannah on 9 Jan 1728 in Stoughton, MA. Hannah (daughter of PUFFER, James and NEWTON, Abigail) was born on 9 Nov 1709 in Dorchester, MA; died on 3 Jul 1731 in Stoughton, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 3.  PUFFER, HannahPUFFER, Hannah was born on 9 Nov 1709 in Dorchester, MA (daughter of PUFFER, James and NEWTON, Abigail); died on 3 Jul 1731 in Stoughton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 2
    • Adopted: 19 Oct 1719

    Notes:

    John Dickerman was appointed her guardian Oct. 19, 1719, In 1729 she deeded a quarter of her father's estate to John Puffer and John Puffer Jr. (see p. 450 Reg. 1898)

    Adopted:
    Her birth parents are unknown.

    Children:
    1. FENNO, Elizabeth Kimber was born on 20 Sep 1729 in Stoughton, MA; died on 20 Sep 1807 in Chesterfield, MA.
    2. 1. FENNO, Isaac was born on 28 Jun 1731 in MA; died on 6 Oct 1762 in Stoughton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.


Generation: 3

  1. 4.  FENNO, JohnFENNO, John was born on 29 Aug 1665 in Milton, MA (son of FENNO, John and TUCKER, Rebecca); died on 23 Apr 1741 in Stoughton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    He was a farmer, and lived in that part of Stoughton now Canton. The h ouse he built in 1694 is standing -- a big-chinneyed red house with num erous outbuildings, on Farm street, south side of Porkipog Pond. The l and, fice hundred acres, was bought by his father in 1694. He seems to b e the only one of the brothers who settled in Canton.

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=27696690

    John married NEWCOMB, Rachel on 25 Jun 1692 in Milton, MA. Rachel (daughter of NEWCOMB, John and MARSHALL, Ruth) was born in 1667 in Braintree, MA; was christened on 13 Oct 1672 in Braintree, MA; died on 16 Oct 1750 in Canton, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 5.  NEWCOMB, Rachel was born in 1667 in Braintree, MA; was christened on 13 Oct 1672 in Braintree, MA (daughter of NEWCOMB, John and MARSHALL, Ruth); died on 16 Oct 1750 in Canton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Children:
    1. FENNO, Bethiah was born on 12 Oct 1692 in Stoughton, MA; died on 29 Apr 1780 in Stoughton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.
    2. FENNO, Joseph was born on 21 Feb 1695 in Milton, MA; died on 26 Jun 1764 in Canton, MA.
    3. FENNO, Rebecca was born on 8 Sep 1697 in Milton, MA; died on 13 Mar 1783 in Canton, MA.
    4. 2. FENNO, Isaac was born on 14 Nov 1698 in Dorchester, MA; died on 2 Jul 1771 in Canton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.
    5. FENNO, John was born on 7 Feb 1703 in Milton, MA; died on 15 Dec 1759 in Canton, MA; was buried in Milton, MA.
    6. FENNO, Ruth was born on 30 May 1705 in Dorchester, MA; died on 28 Mar 1786 in Easton, MA; was buried in Eaton, MA.
    7. FENNO, Elizabeth was born on 7 May 1707 in Canton, MA; died on 17 Oct 1783 in Stoughton, MA.
    8. FENNO, Seth was born on 28 Oct 1709 in Canton, MA; died on 31 Oct 1740.
    9. FENNO, Freelove was born on 1 Feb 1715 in Dorchester, MA; died in 1740 in MA.

  3. 6.  PUFFER, James was born on 4 Jun 1668 in Mendon, MA (son of PUFFER, Matthias and FARNSWORTH, Rachel); died in 1718 in Dorchester, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Ref#: 8
    • _COLOR: 2

    Notes:

    His widow Abigail and son-in-law Edward Wyatt were appointed administrators, Nov 18, 1718. His estate was inventoried at 560 pounds.

    James married NEWTON, Abigail on 17 Dec 1695 in Dorchester, MA. Abigail (daughter of NEWTON, Ephraim and PITCHER, Ruth) was born on 24 Jul 1675 in Milton, MA; died on 18 Nov 1718 in Stoughton, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 7.  NEWTON, Abigail was born on 24 Jul 1675 in Milton, MA (daughter of NEWTON, Ephraim and PITCHER, Ruth); died on 18 Nov 1718 in Stoughton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 2

    Children:
    1. PUFFER, Abigail was born on 20 Nov 1696 in Dorchester, MA; died on 9 Sep 1775.
    2. PUFFER, Esther was born on 29 May 1699 in Dorchester, MA; died on 6 Oct 1745 in Stoughton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.
    3. PUFFER, Ruth was born on 16 Mar 1704 in Dorchester, MA; died on 22 Apr 1790 in Stoughton, MA.
    4. 3. PUFFER, Hannah was born on 9 Nov 1709 in Dorchester, MA; died on 3 Jul 1731 in Stoughton, MA.


Generation: 4

  1. 8.  FENNO, John was born in 1629 in Lancashire, England; died on 7 Apr 1708 in Milton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=147903280

    John married TUCKER, Rebecca in 1662 in MA. Rebecca (daughter of TUCKER, Robert and ALLEN, Elizabeth) was born in 1640 in Gloucester, MA; died on 12 Jun 1690 in Milton, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  2. 9.  TUCKER, RebeccaTUCKER, Rebecca was born in 1640 in Gloucester, MA (daughter of TUCKER, Robert and ALLEN, Elizabeth); died on 12 Jun 1690 in Milton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=147903368

    Children:
    1. 4. FENNO, John was born on 29 Aug 1665 in Milton, MA; died on 23 Apr 1741 in Stoughton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.
    2. FENNO, Mary was born on 31 Jul 1677 in Milton, MA; died on 19 Apr 1735 in Coventry, CT; was buried in Coventry, CT.
    3. FENNO, Rebecca was born on 23 Sep 1662 in Norfolk County, MA; died in Jul 1741 in Norfolk County, MA; was buried in Braintree, MA.

  3. 10.  NEWCOMB, John was born on 3 Jul 1634 in Sudbury, Babergh District, Suffolk, England; died on 21 Mar 1722 in Braintree, MA; was buried in Quincy, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=21649745

    John married MARSHALL, Ruth. Ruth was born on 13 May 1640 in Salem, MA; died on 23 Jun 1697 in Norfolk County, MA; was buried in Quincy, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  4. 11.  MARSHALL, RuthMARSHALL, Ruth was born on 13 May 1640 in Salem, MA; died on 23 Jun 1697 in Norfolk County, MA; was buried in Quincy, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=101780532

    Children:
    1. 5. NEWCOMB, Rachel was born in 1667 in Braintree, MA; was christened on 13 Oct 1672 in Braintree, MA; died on 16 Oct 1750 in Canton, MA.

  5. 12.  PUFFER, MatthiasPUFFER, Matthias was born in 1635 in Braintree, MA (son of PUFFER, George and Elizabeth, son of PUFFER, George); died on 9 May 1717 in Dorchester, MA; was buried in Dorchester, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • Ref#: 3
    • _COLOR: 6
    • Residence: 1669, Mendon, MA

    Notes:

    Was born about 1635. He lived in Mendon (Braintree) until after the birth of his second son. About 1666, he made his home in Mendon, Worcester County, MA. Matthias Puffer was one of the thirteen persons ordered to be settled in the plantation of Nipmug, later called Mendon, in September, 1663, and in 1671-2 he was a selectman of Mendon. He was one of a committee "Deputed by the towns of Dedham and Mendon to Run the Lyne between them" in 1669. At a town meeting Oct. 18, 1674, the town of Mendon chose Puffer "to goe to Natick to fech Asnawaket up for to shew us the bounds of the land that he sold to Moses Paine and Peter Brackett and all so gave him full power to act in the behalf of the Town as if themselves were present."

    "A tract of land eight miles square was purchased for L24, and a deed of April 22, 1662, was signed by Anawassanauk, Quashamait, Nanconet and Upanboquin. Matthias Puffer had a thirty acre lot, on its northeast corner being "A greate Rocke with A Springe running from under it into Muddy Brooke." (The Deadham Historical Register, Vols 13-14)

    At a general town meeting May 6,1675, the town sold to Matthias Puffer a tract of land lying between John Bartlett's house lot and the mill, and also twenty acres of land in some other place where he shall choose, "and for the said tracts of Land Mathias pufer doth Ingage to care one and to manigge the work of the towne In settelling the bounds and preambulations of the said town att the generall Court or Courts as ned may Require untill it be seteled unto us by the honered Court and all so to pay and bare all the Charges that may be demanded or mabe nedfull or necessary upon the said town from all dewes or demand upon the said Acount."

    "Granted to Mathyas Puffer Tenn Acores of land and twenty five more of a cores on the south side of the runlett that Runs downe at the End of his house lott on the right hand or side of the old fotte path."

    His home lot was about one mile south of the present post office in Mendon. On what part of it his building stood no records or reliable traditions indicate. It is positively certain, however, that the Swandale Cemetary is situated on what was once part of the Puffer house lot. As the valuable and attractive spring, now or lately owned by W.S. Wilcox, was near by, it is quite possible that the Puffer house stood on a spot now included in the cemetery. Dr. Metcalf thought that the locations of the Puffer house was marked by an old cellar hole, which had be pointed out to him forty years before he published his book. But Dr. Loring Puffer and others who have studied the matter since then are satisfied that this was not the location, though it is a spot of historic interest, for it is now understood to be the place where the first murder was committed in Mendon. The victim was Mrs. Thomas Sanford and the house stood in the pasture now or lately owned by Willard S. Wilcox a little southeast of the Daniel Thurber house, now or lately occupied by C. Austin Fletcher. Thomas Sanford formerly owned the Austin A. Taft place, buying it about 1713 of Deacon Peter Holbrook, but he sold it for a long time before the murder and bought the place first mentioned. Puffer was built on this site. The first house was destroyed by the Indians at the beginning of King Philip's War.

    M.M.A. writes in the Milford Journal, Aug. 19, 1901: "Mr. Puffer's house-lot extended from the now Providence and Worcester road to this spring (on the Wilcox place) and as no other house-lot extended farther than Muddy Brook and the Puffer house-lot only in a narrow strip of land just to reach the spring, it would seem that the object of Mr. Puffer in asking to have this special piece of land set off to him as that he might enjoy this beautiful spring of running water for his family use. This would not be convenient if his house was at the west end of this house-lot across Muddy Brook with a third of a mile to travel and a swelling brook to ford. Our records, so far as found, make mention of Matthias Puffer's house in two different places. In both it is more probable that its location was at or near the spring than at the extreme west end of his house-lot, where, evidently, his second house was built, he perhaps not feeling that he could again locate where the blood of his wife and son had been so ruthlessly spillied.

    "That Matthias Puffer did return to Mendon after King Philip's War is shown by an agreement made by him with the town of Mendon Jan. 9, 1684, to rebuild the Benjamin Albee corn mill (which stood near where Lewis B. Gaskill now lives) and maintain said mill and provide it with a miller for the term of twenty years."

    The first victims of King Philip's war in MA were the wife and son of Matthias Puffer, killed by Indians at Mendon July 10 or 14, 1675. The event has been commemorated by a suitable monument at Mendon, inscribed with a list of the victims. After this massacre the inhabitants returned to Braintree, Weymouth and other older towns the Indians burned, Mendon the following winter. After the war, about 1780 (sic 1680 ), when some of the inhabitants had returned to the desolate village, a complaint was made to the General Court because Puffer had not returned to help built up the settlement again. To the Court he made answer: "To the Honored Counsil Now Sittinge in Boston, The humble petition of Matthias Puffer Humbly sheweth That whereas your petitioner hath been Complained of for being absent from Mendon to ye discourgement of those that remaine, my answer is that I at first departed with ye consent of the Town, provided I carried away the Widow Gurney (whose husband is thought to have another victim of the massacre) at my own charge which I accordingly performed and since the Majors warrant to summon me and the rest thither againe I have returned thither againe and have ben helpful t o them by procuring them ammunition and otherwise. Indeed I have been forced to return to Braintree to take care of my children that are left.

    "My wife was slaine by the barbarous Indians and my eldest son; several of the best of my cattell killed; to maintain the garrison many more of them, I have left; my estate lost; my condition is desolate and I am not in ye capacity that others are whose families are not broken, I humbly beseech the Honored Councill to consider my case & not expose my poore children to ruin for I have not estate to maintain my children without my labour and care, to him that is in affliction pitty should be showed.

    "I think my case is the case of the widow if not worse. My humble petition is that I may be suffered to remaine at Braintree that I may be a succor to my children which else will be exposed to ruin and your petitioner shall ever pray, Matthias Puffer."

    After living at Dedham for a time, he finally settled in Dorchester. His farm was in that part of town afterwards incorporated as Stoughton. He was surveyor of highways at Dorchester in 1702 and tyhingman in 1705. He joined the church at Milton Nov. 12, 1693. He deeded 120 acres of the 340 acres that he bought in 1696 of James Foster to his son John.

    His house was the next north of the Doty tavern. It was enlarged and repaired about 1810 by John Davenport. In 1879 it was the oldest house in Canton. He deeded it to his son Jonathan Puffer.

    He died at Dorchester, May 9, 1717. His will was dated April 23, 1714, proved June 24, 1717. He left to his wife Mary a third of the real estate and ten pounds in money and bequeathed also to his sons John, James, Jonathan and Eleazar and daughters Hester Sumner and Abigail Crane. Jonathan was executor. In the will the name is spelled Puffar. He signed by mark, which was an old English or Geman capital "M".

    Will

    "In the Name of God Amen April the Twenty Third One Thousand Seven hundred and fourteen I Matthias Puffar of Dorchester in the County of Suffolk in Her Majesty's Province of MA Bay in New England yeoman having by the Goodness and patience of God lived to Old age-but being in perfect mind and memory thanks to be god for it, therefore calling to mind the Mortality of Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye Doe make this my Last Will and Testament That is to Say Principally and first of all I Give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that give it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in Decent and Christian manner at the Discretion of the Executor nothing Doubting but at the General Ressurection I shall receive the same again by the Almighty Power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith I hath pleased God for to Bless me in this life I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following manner & form Imprimis I Give and bequeath to Mary Puffar my dealy beloved wife after my Decease the income of one Third of my Estate and Ten pounds in money to be paid to her by my Executors out of my moveable Estate Item I have and bequeath unto my well beloved son John Puffar one halfe of my Meadow lying in the foul meadows and no more because he has sufficient portion already. Item I give to my beloved son James Puffar besides what I have gen him already out of my Estate the one halfe of my Salt meadow lying in Dorchester which is three acres. Item I give to my beloved Daughter Hester Sumnar the one half of my fresh meadow in the foul Meadows. Item I give to my wel beloved Son Jonathan Puffar whom I Constitute and appoint one of my Executors of this my last will and Testament one halfe of my Salt meadow in Milton and fifty Acres of Land lying on the North Side of the Indian line and one halfe of my Six score Acres of Land in Dedham near to Wrentham. Item I give to my beloved son Eliazar Puffer whom I also Constitute to be one of my Executors all my housing and the Land thereunto Adjoyning which I have not already Disposed of to my Son James and Jonathan & also one halfe of my salt meadow in Milton Item I give to my well beloved Daughter Abigail Crane one halfe of my lot of Land in Dedham near Wrenthem & I Do hearby Utterly Disallow all other wills and Testaments Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness w hereof I have Set to my hand and seal this Day and year above written

    ye marke
    Matthyas "M" Puffar,
    & a seale

    Signed Sealed and Declared by Matthyas Puffar in Presence of us

    Samuel Andrewes,
    Samuel Andrewes, junr.,
    Peter Lyon.

    Examinded p Jos. Marion Regr.

    Inventory

    First his wearing apparel 5: 0: 0
    Secondly the Homestead 150: 0: 0
    Thirdly the Salt Meadow 74: 0: 0
    Fourthly Land in the Township of Dedham 60: 0: 0
    Fifthly Meadow in a place called by the name
    Fowle Meadow 12: 0: 0
    Sixthly by Cattle and Swine 25: 0: 0
    Seventhly Being and Household Stuff 16: 0: 0
    _ ______

    The whole comes to L 342: 0: 0

    The same being apprized this 19th day of November
    1717 by John Fenno, Benjamine Blackman, Thomas Tole-
    man

    By the Honble Samuel Sewall
    Esqr Judge of Probate &c.

    He married, first, at Braintree, March 12, 1662, Rachel Farnsworth, daughter of Joseph Farnsworth of Dorchester. She was killed by Indians at Mendon, July 10, 1675.

    He married, second, at Dedham, April 11, 1677, Abigail Everett, born 16 47, daughter of Richard, one of the pioneers of Cambridge, Dedham and Springfield. She died at Dedham Dec 27, 1685.

    He married, third, at Milton, May 14, 1697, Mary Crehore, probably thew idow of Teague Crehore of Milton.

    From Canton Mass. Historical Society, Canton Bicentennial Book, Chapter 1

    "Looking east from the bridge over 128, we can make out the Davenport House over the southeast edge of the highway's cloverleaf. Built in 1711 , this is the oldest house still standing in Canton (the Fenno House was the oldest until its relocation to Sturbridge Village in the 1940's). Jonathan Puffer erected the house with the assistance of the Ponkapoag Indians using cedar from the Ponkapoag bogs. (Ed note. Puffer Genealogy states that Matthias was the builder, not Jonathan, his son. DMC)

    John Davenport purchased the house in 1717. The house would remain in his family for 183 years until 1900. It then passed to their relatives, the Farringtons, who occupied the home until 1924 when they moved to a new house up on Route 138.

    The house was sold to the Homans family who greatly enlarged it. The wing which is visible from Route 128, is such an expansion and is known as the ballroom. The house is unique in that many of its original features are still intact, including a fireplace with beehive oven."

    From Daniel T.V. Huntoon's "History of The Town of Canton, Massachusetts (1893)

    John Davenport appears as a lessee on the Indian land, May 30, 1705, in connection with Peter Lyon. There is no evidence that he ever resided on his land. He was a Milton man, and lived in the old house in the rear of the mansion of Isaac Davenport, which was occupied by Samuel, father of Nance, until his death, Dec. 6, 1793. John died there in 1725. His son John was born in 1695, and purchased his estate from Jonathan Puffer in 1 717. The house, situated down the lane running easterly on Cherry Hill, has ever since been owned and occupied by the Davenport family. Tradition asserts that the Indians greatly helped in the building of this house . It probably was erected about 1711, for that year Jonathan Puffer was " allowed liberty to get one load of clapboards and two loads of cedar bolts from the common swamps."


    -- MERGED NOTE ------------

    Was born about 1635. He lived in Mendon (Braintree) until after the birth of his second son. About 1666, he made his home in Mendon, Worcester County, MA. Matthias Puffer was one of the thirteen persons ordered to be settled in the plantation of Nipmug, later called Mendon, in September, 1663, and in 1671-2 he was a selectman of Mendon. He was one of a committee "Deputed by the towns of Dedham and Mendon to Run the Lyne between them" in 1669. At a town meeting Oct. 18, 1674, the town of Mendon chose Puffer "to goe to Natick to fech Asnawaket up for to shew us the bounds of the land that he sold to Moses Paine and Peter Brackett and all so gave him full power to act in the behalf of the Town as if themselves were present."

    "A tract of land eight miles square was purchased for L24, and a deed of April 22, 1662, was signed by Anawassanauk, Quashamait, Nanconet and Upanboquin. Matthias Puffer had a thirty acre lot, on its northeast corner being "A greate Rocke with A Springe running from under it into Muddy Brooke." (The Deadham Historical Register, Vols 13-14)

    At a general town meeting May 6,1675, the town sold to Matthias Puffer a tract of land lying between John Bartlett's house lot and the mill, and also twenty acres of land in some other place where he shall choose, "and for the said tracts of Land Mathias pufer doth Ingage to care one and to manigge the work of the towne In settelling the bounds and preambulations of the said town att the generall Court or Courts as ned may Require untill it be seteled unto us by the honered Court and all so to pay and bare all the Charges that may be demanded or mabe nedfull or necessary upon the said town from all dewes or demand upon the said Acount."

    "Granted to Mathyas Puffer Tenn Acores of land and twenty five more of a cores on the south side of the runlett that Runs downe at the End of his house lott on the right hand or side of the old fotte path."

    His home lot was about one mile south of the present post office in Mendon. On what part of it his building stood no records or reliable traditions indicate. It is positively certain, however, that the Swandale Cemetary is situated on what was once part of the Puffer house lot. As the valuable and attractive spring, now or lately owned by W.S. Wilcox, was near by, it is quite possible that the Puffer house stood on a spot now included in the cemetery. Dr. Metcalf thought that the locations of the Puffer house was marked by an old cellar hole, which had be pointed out to him forty years before he published his book. But Dr. Loring Puffer and others who have studied the matter since then are satisfied that this was not the location, though it is a spot of historic interest, for it is now understood to be the place where the first murder was committed in Mendon. The victim was Mrs. Thomas Sanford and the house stood in the pasture now or lately owned by Willard S. Wilcox a little southeast of the Daniel Thurber house, now or lately occupied by C. Austin Fletcher. Thomas Sanford formerly owned the Austin A. Taft place, buying it about 1713 of Deacon Peter Holbrook, but he sold it for a long time before the murder and bought the place first mentioned. Puffer was built on this site. The first house was destroyed by the Indians at the beginning of King Philip's War.

    M.M.A. writes in the Milford Journal, Aug. 19, 1901: "Mr. Puffer's house-lot extended from the now Providence and Worcester road to this spring (on the Wilcox place) and as no other house-lot extended farther than Muddy Brook and the Puffer house-lot only in a narrow strip of land just to reach the spring, it would seem that the object of Mr. Puffer in asking to have this special piece of land set off to him as that he might enjoy this beautiful spring of running water for his family use. This would not be convenient if his house was at the west end of this house-lot across Muddy Brook with a third of a mile to travel and a swelling brook to ford. Our records, so far as found, make mention of Matthias Puffer's house in two different places. In both it is more probable that its location was at or near the spring than at the extreme west end of his house-lot, where, evidently, his second house was built, he perhaps not feeling that he could again locate where the blood of his wife and son had been so ruthlessly spillied.

    "That Matthias Puffer did return to Mendon after King Philip's War is shown by an agreement made by him with the town of Mendon Jan. 9, 1684, to rebuild the Benjamin Albee corn mill (which stood near where Lewis B. Gaskill now lives) and maintain said mill and provide it with a miller for the term of twenty years."

    The first victims of King Philip's war in MA were the wife and son of Matthias Puffer, killed by Indians at Mendon July 10 or 14, 1675. The event has been commemorated by a suitable monument at Mendon, inscribed with a list of the victims. After this massacre the inhabitants returned to Braintree, Weymouth and other older towns the Indians burned, Mendon the following winter. After the war, about 1780 (sic 1680 ), when some of the inhabitants had returned to the desolate village, a complaint was made to the General Court because Puffer had not returned to help built up the settlement again. To the Court he made answer: "To the Honored Counsil Now Sittinge in Boston, The humble petition of Matthias Puffer Humbly sheweth That whereas your petitioner hath been Complained of for being absent from Mendon to ye discourgement of those that remaine, my answer is that I at first departed with ye consent of the Town, provided I carried away the Widow Gurney (whose husband is thought to have another victim of the massacre) at my own charge which I accordingly performed and since the Majors warrant to summon me and the rest thither againe I have returned thither againe and have ben helpful t o them by procuring them ammunition and otherwise. Indeed I have been forced to return to Braintree to take care of my children that are left.

    "My wife was slaine by the barbarous Indians and my eldest son; several of the best of my cattell killed; to maintain the garrison many more of them, I have left; my estate lost; my condition is desolate and I am not in ye capacity that others are whose families are not broken, I humbly beseech the Honored Councill to consider my case & not expose my poore children to ruin for I have not estate to maintain my children without my labour and care, to him that is in affliction pitty should be showed.

    "I think my case is the case of the widow if not worse. My humble petition is that I may be suffered to remaine at Braintree that I may be a succor to my children which else will be exposed to ruin and your petitioner shall ever pray, Matthias Puffer."

    After living at Dedham for a time, he finally settled in Dorchester. His farm was in that part of town afterwards incorporated as Stoughton. He was surveyor of highways at Dorchester in 1702 and tyhingman in 1705. He joined the church at Milton Nov. 12, 1693. He deeded 120 acres of the 340 acres that he bought in 1696 of James Foster to his son John.

    His house was the next north of the Doty tavern. It was enlarged and repaired about 1810 by John Davenport. In 1879 it was the oldest house in Canton. He deeded it to his son Jonathan Puffer.

    He died at Dorchester, May 9, 1717. His will was dated April 23, 1714, proved June 24, 1717. He left to his wife Mary a third of the real estate and ten pounds in money and bequeathed also to his sons John, James, Jonathan and Eleazar and daughters Hester Sumner and Abigail Crane. Jonathan was executor. In the will the name is spelled Puffar. He signed by mark, which was an old English or Geman capital "M".

    Will

    "In the Name of God Amen April the Twenty Third One Thousand Seven hundred and fourteen I Matthias Puffar of Dorchester in the County of Suffolk in Her Majesty's Province of MA Bay in New England yeoman having by the Goodness and patience of God lived to Old age-but being in perfect mind and memory thanks to be god for it, therefore calling to mind the Mortality of Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to dye Doe make this my Last Will and Testament That is to Say Principally and first of all I Give and recommend my Soul into the hands of God that give it and my Body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in Decent and Christian manner at the Discretion of the Executor nothing Doubting but at the General Ressurection I shall receive the same again by the Almighty Power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith I hath pleased God for to Bless me in this life I Give Demise and Dispose of the Same in the following manner & form Imprimis I Give and bequeath to Mary Puffar my dealy beloved wife after my Decease the income of one Third of my Estate and Ten pounds in money to be paid to her by my Executors out of my moveable Estate Item I have and bequeath unto my well beloved son John Puffar one halfe of my Meadow lying in the foul meadows and no more because he has sufficient portion already. Item I give to my beloved son James Puffar besides what I have gen him already out of my Estate the one halfe of my Salt meadow lying in Dorchester which is three acres. Item I give to my beloved Daughter Hester Sumnar the one half of my fresh meadow in the foul Meadows. Item I give to my wel beloved Son Jonathan Puffar whom I Constitute and appoint one of my Executors of this my last will and Testament one halfe of my Salt meadow in Milton and fifty Acres of Land lying on the North Side of the Indian line and one halfe of my Six score Acres of Land in Dedham near to Wrentham. Item I give to my beloved son Eliazar Puffer whom I also Constitute to be one of my Executors all my housing and the Land thereunto Adjoyning which I have not already Disposed of to my Son James and Jonathan & also one halfe of my salt meadow in Milton Item I give to my well beloved Daughter Abigail Crane one halfe of my lot of Land in Dedham near Wrenthem & I Do hearby Utterly Disallow all other wills and Testaments Confirming this and no other to be my Last Will & Testament In Witness w hereof I have Set to my hand and seal this Day and year above written

    ye marke
    Matthyas "M" Puffar,
    & a seale

    Signed Sealed and Declared by Matthyas Puffar in Presence of us

    Samuel Andrewes,
    Samuel Andrewes, junr.,
    Peter Lyon.

    Examinded p Jos. Marion Regr.

    Inventory

    First his wearing apparel 5: 0: 0
    Secondly the Homestead 150: 0: 0
    Thirdly the Salt Meadow 74: 0: 0
    Fourthly Land in the Township of Dedham 60: 0: 0
    Fifthly Meadow in a place called by the name
    Fowle Meadow 12: 0: 0
    Sixthly by Cattle and Swine 25: 0: 0
    Seventhly Being and Household Stuff 16: 0: 0
    _ ______

    The whole comes to L 342: 0: 0

    The same being apprized this 19th day of November
    1717 by John Fenno, Benjamine Blackman, Thomas Tole-
    man

    By the Honble Samuel Sewall
    Esqr Judge of Probate &c.

    He married, first, at Braintree, March 12, 1662, Rachel Farnsworth, daughter of Joseph Farnsworth of Dorchester. She was killed by Indians at Mendon, July 10, 1675.

    He married, second, at Dedham, April 11, 1677, Abigail Everett, born 16 47, daughter of Richard, one of the pioneers of Cambridge, Dedham and Springfield. She died at Dedham Dec 27, 1685.

    He married, third, at Milton, May 14, 1697, Mary Crehore, probably thew idow of Teague Crehore of Milton.

    From Canton Mass. Historical Society, Canton Bicentennial Book, Chapter 1

    "Looking east from the bridge over 128, we can make out the Davenport House over the southeast edge of the highway's cloverleaf. Built in 1711 , this is the oldest house still standing in Canton (the Fenno House was the oldest until its relocation to Sturbridge Village in the 1940's). Jonathan Puffer erected the house with the assistance of the Ponkapoag Indians using cedar from the Ponkapoag bogs. (Ed note. Puffer Genealogy states that Matthias was the builder, not Jonathan, his son. DMC)

    John Davenport purchased the house in 1717. The house would remain in his family for 183 years until 1900. It then passed to their relatives, the Farringtons, who occupied the home until 1924 when they moved to a new house up on Route 138.

    The house was sold to the Homans family who greatly enlarged it. The wing which is visible from Route 128, is such an expansion and is known as the ballroom. The house is unique in that many of its original features are still intact, including a fireplace with beehive oven."

    From Daniel T.V. Huntoon's "History of The Town of Canton, Massachusetts (1893)

    John Davenport appears as a lessee on the Indian land, May 30, 1705, in connection with Peter Lyon. There is no evidence that he ever resided on his land. He was a Milton man, and lived in the old house in the rear of the mansion of Isaac Davenport, which was occupied by Samuel, father of Nance, until his death, Dec. 6, 1793. John died there in 1725. His son John was born in 1695, and purchased his estate from Jonathan Puffer in 1 717. The house, situated down the lane running easterly on Cherry Hill, has ever since been owned and occupied by the Davenport family. Tradition asserts that the Indians greatly helped in the building of this house . It probably was erected about 1711, for that year Jonathan Puffer was " allowed liberty to get one load of clapboards and two loads of cedar bolts from the common swamps."

    FindaGrave:
    GRID=110111360

    Matthias married FARNSWORTH, Rachel on 12 May 1662 in Braintree, MA. Rachel (daughter of FARNSWORTH, Joseph Sr. and MASON, Elizabeth) was born in Mar 1642 in Braintree, MA; died on 14 Jul 1675 in Mendon, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  6. 13.  FARNSWORTH, RachelFARNSWORTH, Rachel was born in Mar 1642 in Braintree, MA (daughter of FARNSWORTH, Joseph Sr. and MASON, Elizabeth); died on 14 Jul 1675 in Mendon, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 6

    Notes:

    Died:
    It was this fact that started me on my genealogical journey (1985). I saw a mention of this historical event in the writings of my grandfather's cousin. A trip to the library confirmed the historic accuracy and the name of my ancestor. The die was cast from that moment on. DMC

    Children:
    1. PUFFER, Joseph was born on 17 Mar 1663 in Braintree, MA; died on 10 Jul 1675 in Mendon, MA.
    2. PUFFER, Lieutenant Lt. John Sr. was born on 10 Oct 1665 in Braintree, MA; died on 16 Jan 1750 in Canton, MA; was buried in Canton, MA.
    3. 6. PUFFER, James was born on 4 Jun 1668 in Mendon, MA; died in 1718 in Dorchester, MA.
    4. PUFFER, Esther was born about 1675 in Mendon, MA; died on 27 Jun 1748 in Mendon, MA.

  7. 14.  NEWTON, Ephraim was born on 9 Sep 1647 in Dorchester, MA; was christened on 19 Sep 1647 in Dorchester, MA (son of NEWTON, Anthony and BRADLEY, Ruth); died in 1682 in Milton, MA.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 2

    Ephraim married PITCHER, Ruth in 1672 in Milton, MA. Ruth was born in 1647 in Dorchester, Suffolk, England; was christened on 25 Jul 1647 in Dorchester, MA; died after 10 Mar 1689. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]


  8. 15.  PITCHER, Ruth was born in 1647 in Dorchester, Suffolk, England; was christened on 25 Jul 1647 in Dorchester, MA; died after 10 Mar 1689.

    Other Events and Attributes:

    • _COLOR: 8

    Children:
    1. 7. NEWTON, Abigail was born on 24 Jul 1675 in Milton, MA; died on 18 Nov 1718 in Stoughton, MA.