SEDLEY, James

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 3

James married Sarah about 1604. Sarah was born in 1583 in Weymouth, MA; died in Weymouth, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Elizabeth Sedley

Notes:

It is unproven if Elizabeth Sedley was the wife of George Puffer. Some modern genealogies put her here and I have included her just on that possibility. There is some speculation that her husband George may have been an indentured servant of her father, James Sedley. Again, there is no historical proof that this is so. In fact, there are no records at all of any Sedley's arriving in the colonies from 1620-1640.
We do know that the wife of George Puffer "died at Braintree, February 18, 1676". DMC

Family/Spouse: PUFFER, George. George was born in 1600 in Dorchester, Dorchestshire, England; died on 27 Sep 1639 in Braintree, MA; was buried in Braintree, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 2
• _COLOR: 11

Notes:

Born about 1624, probably in England. He succeeded his father's homestead in Braintree and lived there to the end of his life. His farm was at Ship's Cove, now called Quincy Neck, and he also owned land in what is now the town of Randolph. Though he followed farming, he is also described as a boatman. He was elected constable in place of John Bass, Mch 1679-80. He died at Braintree, July 25, 1692, aged about sixty-eight years. He married at Braintree, February 14, 1656, Mary Ludden, who was born at Weymouth, December 17, 1636, daughter of James Ludden, a pioneer of the town of Weymouth, corporal of the military company and town officer. She died at Braintree, July 22, 1700.

(References" Prince's Chronology, p. 407; Winthrop's New England, p. 92 , Vol. I; Drakes Boston, pp. 145-6.)

In the will of John Saunders of Braintree, 1684, he describes his land as "Next the sea" adjoining James Puffer's. (Suffolk, XVI, p. 207.)

James married LUDDEN, Mary Swalden on 14 Feb 1656 in Braintree, MA. Mary (daughter of LUDDEN, Capt. Cpl. James and JOHNSON, Mary) was born on 17 Dec 1636 in Weymouth, MA; died on 22 Jul 1700 in Braintree, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 11

Notes:

(Ed. Note: It is supposed she is a daughter of George, but no proof exists)

"JONATHAN BLISS (1626-1687) was the son of Thomas and Dorothy (Wheatlie) Bliss of Braintree and Rehoboth, Mass. The oft-repeated claim that his wife was MIRIAM HARMON is false. She was, in fact, neither a Miriam nor a Harmon; there is no record of a Miriam Harmon in New England during this period. Jonathan Bliss's wife was almost certainly a daughter of George PUFFER of Braintree, Mass., probably named RACHEL. For a complete discussion of the factors that led to this misidentification and the evidence supporting its correction, see NEHGR 151(1997):32-37."

FindaGrave:
GRID=34283390

Rachel married BLISS, Jonathan in CA 1648 in Rehoboth, MA. Jonathan (son of BLISS, Thomas and HULINS (HULINGES), Margaret) was born on 11 Mar 1626 in Daventry, Northamptonshire, England; was christened on 2 Apr 1626 in Daventry, Northamptonshire, England; died on 11 Jun 1687 in Rehoboth, MA; was buried on 11 Jun 1687 in Rehoboth, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 3
• _COLOR: 11
• 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]

Matthias married EVERETT, Abigail on 11 Apr 1667 in Dedham, MA. Abigail (daughter of EVERETT, Richard and WINCH, Mary) was born on 19 Nov 1647 in Dedham, MA; died on 27 Dec 1685 in Dedham, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Matthias married SPURR, Mary on 14 May 1697 in Milton, MA. Mary was born in 1637 in Braintree, MA; died after 14 May 1697 in Dorchester, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: FARNSWORTH, Ruth. Ruth (daughter of FARNSWORTH, Joseph Sr. and MASON, Elizabeth) was born on 3 Jun 1642 in Dorchester, MA; died in 1686 in Braintree, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 4

Notes:

He settled in Wrentham. He was a soldier in King Philip's War in Capt. John Holbrook's company. He deeded 20 acres of land at Mendon, March 1, 1702 to John Whiting in exchange for 20 acres at Papanuttuck. His son William was appointed administrator of his estate, Feb 21, 1724. His estate was divided amoung his six children, Mar 10, 1725.

Vol. Page

Richard Puffer Sr. 1724 Letter 23 128
(Wrentham) Inv. 23 144
Acct. 24 280
Agreemt. for Division 26 530

Inventory

It. The Dwelling House & Barn & Homestead lying on
both sides of the Highway estimated at 32 Acres. 150: 0 : 0
The Land that was formerly Joseph Kinsbury's with
what has since been added to it lying on both sides
of the way estimated at 34 Acres 150: 0: 0
Eighty Eight Acres and three quarters of an Acre of Land
lying on the west side of Abbits Run near Dinion Hill 80 0 0
Seven Acres and a quarter and Twenty eight Pole of
Pine Swamp at Nine Brook 14 0 0
Nineteen Acres of Land joyning to Thomas Bacon's Land
near to Ichabod Pond's 25 0 0
Three Acres of Meadow At Stop River 24 0 0
Twnety Seven Acres of Land lying at a place
called Honey Pothole at Stop River 40 0 0
Twenty Six Acres upon Desire Meadow Plain 39 0 0
Nine Acres of Land lying near Deisre Meadow
johying to Jacob Pond's land 18 0 0
A tract of Meadow Land & Swamp lying at
Mill Brook, estimated at 3 Acres 24 0 0
Seven Cow Common rights and Two Sheep Commons 7 0 0
Thirty eight Acres and one half Acre of Land yet to be
taken up upon the Common undivided Land on the 12
Acre Dividend 19 5 0
_________
L 710 11 6

William Man, Theodore Man, Jonathan Ware
William Puffer, Adminstrator Boston Mch. 13, 1723

The Account of William Puffer Adminr on the Estate of his Father Richard
Puffer late of Wrentham Husbandman deceased Intestate.
Boston Dec. 1, 1725

Division

We the subscribers Viz Ruth Puffor Relict Widow
of Richard Puffor late of Wrenthem in the County of
Suffolk within His majesty's province of the Mass. Bay
in New England Husbandman deceased instestate William
Puffor, Richard Puffor, John Day and Ruth his wife, Ralph Day
and Mary his wife Edward Gay and Rachel his wife and Sarah
Puffor all of Wrentham afroresd being the children and heirs of
said Richard Puffer deceased send greeting.
Know ye &c--agreed together to divide the real estate among ourselves--
To Ruth Puffor the Widow aforesaid--during the term of her natural life the Dwelling House and Barn and Homestead lying on both sides of the highway estimated at 32 Acres And more the land that was formerly Joseph Kingsbury's lying on both sides of the way with what has since been added to it estimated at 34 Acres. To William Puffor 3 Acres of Meadow at Stop River lying below Morses saw mill bounded upon sd river eastward And more 37 Acres of Land at a place commonly called Honey Pot hole bounded upon the line betwixt Wrentham and Walpole eastward. To Richard Puffor 19 Acres of Timber land adjoyning to the land of Thomas Bacon junr lying near Ichabod Ponds. To John Day and Ruth his wife 26 Acres of land upon Desire Meadow Plain bounded upon Ephraim Ponds land northward and more 9 Acres of land lying near sd Desire Mead Plain joyning to Jocob Ponds land and bounded upon Jacob Ponds land northward. To Ralph Day and Mary his wife the one moity or half part of a tract of land containing 80 Acres and 3 qt. of an Acre lying on the Oak Hill on the West side of Abbitts Run near Diamon Hill to be set of on the northwest side of sd Tract bounded with the land set out to Sarah Puffor south east More 30 Acres of land in the 12th Acre Division & 3 Cow Common Right & a Sheep Common. To Edward Gay and Rachel his wife 3 Acres of meadow and Swampy land lying on both sides of Mill Brook above Nathll Wares saw mill More the 1 qt. part of a tract of land qtaining 80 Acres and 3 qts of an acre lying upon Oak Hill on the west side of Abbitts Run near Diamon Hill to be set out on the south east side of sd Tract of land bounded upon the land set out to Sarah Puffor northwest. More Ten Acres of land on the Twelve Acre Division and Two Cow Common Rights. To Sarah Puffor one quarter part of a tract of land containing 80 Acres and 3 qt. of an Acre lying up the aforesd Oak Hill lying betwixt the land set out to Ralph Day and Edward Gay aforesaid bound upon said Ralph days land northwest and said Edward Gays land south east More seven acres and a quarter and Twenty eight pole of land being pine swamp at Mine Brook bounded upon 3d Brook westward. More seven acres and an half of land to be laid out in the 12 Acre Division and Two Cow Common Rights.

In confirmation of the above------&c
Tenth Day of March 1725 &c

Sarah Puffer Ruth Day
Ruth Puffer Ralph Day
William Puffer Mary Day
Richard Puffer Edward Gay
John Day Rachel Gay

Richard married EVERETT, Ruth on 23 Mar 1681 in Dorchester, MA. Ruth (daughter of EVERETT, Richard and WINCH, Mary) was born on 14 Feb 1653 in Dorchester, MA; died about 1730. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Admitted to full communion Jan 8 1687-8 in the Braintree Church

Mary married BLACKALER, Philip on 26 Nov 1700 in Boston, MA. Philip was born about 1658; died in 1709. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 5
• _COLOR: 11
• Confirmation: 15 Aug 1703, Braintree, MA

Notes:

He joined the Braintree church Aug. 15, 1703. He lived at Ships Cove, Quincy Neck. In 1712 he moved to Sudbury with his brother. Epitaph: "Here lyes Buried ye Body of Mr. James Puffer who Departed this life Nov. ye 11th 1749 in ye 87th year of his age." He was hayward in 1701 and 1702 (hedge warden in charge of fences and enclosures, a herdsman in charge of cattle and other animals grazing on common land. DMC)

"June 27, 1698 voted
Whereas there are some persons of Boston that make some claims or pretensions to some lands in our township of Braintry & now in our possession, They having sued Thomas Thayer and Cornelius Thayer, We do there fore agree mutually to defend our ancient rights and will oppos in a Course of Law those and all those that shall by any means disturb, molest, endeavor to disposses any of the inhabitants of the sd Land as aforesaid & do promise & ingage that we well defray all such charges as shall arise by any such suits, or Suits conserning the same and have made choice of our Loving friends, Caleb Hubbard, Lieut John Baxter, Wm. Veasy John Mills to doe all such thing or things in the law as to them shall seem meet, In our name & stead as the circumstances of that affair may require. John Ruggles sen & James Brackett entered dissent. Voted at the same time that moneys necessary for the management of the above mentioned affairs be raised upon the heads of Braintry freeholders. Samuel Belcher, James Puffer entered dissent.

Year Vol Page
James Puffer. 1718 Letter & Probabe 21 172
(Dorchester) Inventory 21 192
Acct. 21 502

Inventory

Impr. His wearing apparel 1 0: 0: 0
It. A Dwelling House, Barn, Orchard, Land 4 00: 0: 0
and 4 Acres of Salt Meadow
It. Oxen, Cows and Horses 5 6: 10: 0
It. Swine 7 :0: 0
It. Bedding and Linnen 4 9: 0: 0
It. Sheep 7 : 0: 0
It. Household Goods 2 0: 0: 0
It. A Gun and Sword 2 : 10: 0
It. A Cart and Wheels and Chain 6 : 0: 0
_ __________
L 560: 0: 0

Benj. Blackman, John Fenno, Thomas Tolman,
Abigail Puffer Edward Wyat Administrators
Boston Dec, 1, 1718

Oct. 19, 1719, Ruth Puffer aged 15, appoints Manassah Tucker of Milton her guardian.

Oct. 19, 1719, John Dickerman of Milton is appointed guardian for Hannah Puffer aged 10, by court.
Ruth & Hannah children of James Puffer.

ED NOTE: this is oldest known gravestone of the Puffer genealogy, grandson of George Puffer.

FindaGrave:
GRID=40360504

James married ELLIS, Mary on 18 Sep 1690 in Braintree, MA. Mary (daughter of ELLIS, Joseph and MORSE, Ruth) was born on 24 Mar 1671 in Dedham, MA; died on 29 Dec 1751 in Sudbury, MA; was buried in Sudbury, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Nancy. Nancy was born in 1667 in MA; died on 29 Dec 1754 in Sudbury, MA; was buried in Sudbury, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 11

Notes:

Jane is not listed in Puffer Genealogy book.

FindaGrave:
GRID=33739447

Jane married ALDRICH, Samuel in 1681 in Providence, RI. Samuel (son of ALDRICH, Joseph and OSBORNE, Patience) was born on 15 Nov 1661 in Braintree, MA; died on 4 Feb 1747 in Smithfield, RI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Confirmation: 1 Aug 1697, Braintree, MA

Notes:

She was admitted to the Braintree Church Aug. 1, 1697

Rachel married ISGATE, Eleazer on 7 Jan 1695 in Braintree, MA. Eleazer was born about 1664 in Braintree, MA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 6
• _COLOR: 11
• Confirmation: 21 May 1704, Braintree, MA
• Residence: 1712, Sudbury, MA

Notes:

Baptized in Sudbury Feb 22, 1673-4. He and his wife joined the Braintree church, May 21, 1704. He was a boatman, resided at Ship Cove, now Quincy Neck. "Jabez Puffer, boatman, for L 20 7s, sold to John Ruggles 4 acres of upland and meadow called the "great fence field" near the house of Ruggles. Bounded westerly on land of Samuel Newcome, deceased, easterly and northwesterly on land of Ruggles, southerly on the creek called Sheep Cove." In 1712, he bought land in Sudbury and came with his brother James to settle there. He was captain of the Sudbury company (militia). His farm was in the northeast part of Sudbury in what is now Maynard, near Puffer's Pond, which took it's name from the family.

FindaGrave:
GRID=68619568

Jabez married GLAZIER, Mary on 3 Dec 1702 in Braintree, MA. Mary (daughter of GLAZIER, John and GEORGE, Elizabeth) was born on 6 Oct 1682 in Sudbury, MA; died on 2 Jan 1749 in Braintree, MA; was buried in Wayland, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 11

Notes:

Some records have her the daughter of Jonathan and Marion Harmon Bliss.

FindaGrave:
GRID=21484507

Bethia married CARPENTER, Daniel on 15 Apr 1695 in Rehoboth, MA. Daniel (son of CARPENTER, William Jr and SAILE, Miriam) was born on 8 Oct 1669 in Rehoboth, MA; died on 14 Sep 1721 in Rehoboth, MA; was buried in East Providence, RI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married THURBER, James on 25 Jun 1684 in Rehoboth, MA. James (son of THURBER, John and ALDEN, Priscilla) was born on 26 Aug 1660 in Stanton, Lincolnshire, England; died on 26 Mar 1736 in Rehoboth, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Joseph was the oldest son, killed with his mother by the Nipmuck Indians, the first casualties of King Philip's War.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 7
• _COLOR: 11

Notes:

He was an early settler in Canton, receiving from his father in 1691 the deed of 120 acres of land, bounded northeast by what is now the Milton line and northwest by the Great Blue Hills. This farm was in that part of Dorcester incorporated as Stoughton in 1726 and later as Canton. He was lieutenant of the military company; served on the committee to seat the meeting house, Nov 15 1717; was assessor in 1719. In 1705 he was constable at Ponkapoag. John Puffer and Benjamin Blackman took the deed of the oldest cemetery in Canton, March 7,1741, of Thomas Shepard. " Old Lieutenant Puffer" died Jan 16, 1750-1. The Canton history describes his headstone as "in sad condition"; it is broken so as to be almost illegible and some kind hand has set it up against the wall. It reads: " --ried the --uffer who die-- (1) 750 aged 85 -- --onths and 6 days."

(Ed Note: This cemetery is commonly called "Propietor's Lot", being the first place the original settler's of Canton buried their children. It is off Washington Street, Canton, MA and I expect to visit and photograph this cemetery DMC)

FindaGrave:
GRID=104523082

John married HOLBROOK, Mary on 17 Dec 1695 in Dorchester, MA. Mary (daughter of HOLBROOK, John and HEMINGWAY, Elizabeth) was born in 1673 in Roxbury, MA; died on 16 Apr 1736 in Newport, RI; was buried in Newport, RI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 8

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]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 9

Notes:

She was a baby at the time her mother was slain. (ED NOTE - by Nipmuck indians during King Philips War). Hon. Charles Endicott, formerly MA State Treasurer, and William Sumner Appleton of Boston were descendants.

Esther married SUMNER, Deacon William on 2 Jun 1697 in Milton, MA. William (son of SUMNER, Deacon Roger and JOSSELYNE, Mary) was born on 26 Jan 1673 in Dorchester, MA; died on 22 Dec 1738 in Roxbury, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 10

Notes:

He lived for a time at Roxbury and Concord. Dr. Lee's History of Concord says of him (page 144): "Now there was at Concord at ye time a man named Jonathan Puffer who had much Low Cunning of the (sort) best calculated to make division and Breed confusions and bring on trouble, that I ever knew, indeed he was the most compleat sophisticator and mischiefmaker in ye town or county. This mighty Christian was driving about among people until he got a bare majority to petition the town and court to set them back again and it was done, 1739."
Jonathan Puffer of Roxbury bought of Prudence Thompson, widow, land in Roxbury, Aug 13, 1722 (S. D. 36-94) and a house and 1/4 acre of same grantor Oct 3, 1722 (S.D. 36-131).
Jonathan Puffer of Punchapaugg sold to Josiah Bacon of Boston house and land Jan. 30, 1722 (S.D. 36-194).

Jonathan married BACON, Abiel on 18 Jul 1717 in Roxbury, MA. Abiel was born about 1683 in Roxbury, MA; died on 9 Dec 1733 in Bradford, MA; was buried in Groveland, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 11

Other Events and Attributes:

• Ref#: 11

Notes:

He settled in that part of Dorchester that later was incorporated as the town of Stoughton.

Eleazer married TALBOT, Elizabeth on 27 Nov 1713 in Dorchester, MA. Elizabeth (daughter of TALBOTT, George Peter and GOOLE, Mary) was born on 13 Jan 1686 in Chelmsford, MA; died on 9 Feb 1759 in Walpole, MA; was buried in Sharon, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 2

Abigail married CRANE, Lt. William on 25 Mar 1708 in Dorchester, MA. William (son of CRANE, Henry and VOSE, Elizabeth) was born about 1684 in Dorchester, MA; died on 20 Jul 1742 in Stoughton, MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Abigail married WAITE, Edward on 15 Apr 1718 in Boston, MA. Edward was born about 1683 in MA; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]