Ezekiel Cheever Sr (1614 - 1708)

Born 25 Jan 1614 in London, London, England

Husband of Mary (Unknown) Cheever — married 1638 in New Haven, New Haven colony

Husband of Ellen (Lathrop) Cheever — married 18 Nov 1652 in Ipswich, Essex, Massachusetts

Descendants

Died 21 Aug 1708 at age 94 in Boston, Suffolk, Province of Massachusetts Bay

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Ezekiel Cheever Sr migrated to New England during the Puritan Great Migration (1621-1640). (See The Directory, by R. C. Anderson, p. 62) Join: Puritan Great Migration Project Discuss: pgm

Biography

Ezekiel Cheever immigrant ancestor of this branch of the family born in London on January 26, 1614/15, son of William Cheever and Margaret Newman. ^[1]

Eleanor Collin, sister to his grandmother Ann (Collin) Newman, died unmarried and in her will of 1634, left numerous bequests, many to the children of her sisters. Included where her niece Margaret Cheever, widow of London, and Margaret's children: Ezekiel, Sarah and Anne. ^[1]

He came to Boston Massachusetts in 1637 ^[1] on the ship Hector ^[2]and after many years being school master at New Haven, Ipswich, and Charlestown, late in life he became the famous and worthy schoolmaster of the Boston Latin School. ^[3]

He removed to New Haven Connecticut and afterwards to Ipswich, Massachusetts where he resided in 1650; then to Charlestown, Massachusetts in November 1661; and finally to Boston, again in 1671. ^[3]

He died at Boston on August 21, 1708. ^[1] His funeral sermon was preached by Cotton Mather. ^{[3] [4] [5]}

He is buried in the Granary Burying Ground in Boston. His original headstone contains the name Mr Ezekiel Cheever. An additional headstone placed by his descendants and a memorial plaque are also located at his grave site. ^[6]

His will dated February 16, 1705-06; proved August 24, 1708, bequeathed to wife Ellen, children Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth, Ezekiel, Thomas, and Susanna, to grandson Ezekiel Russell. ^[3]

Marriages

He married first in the autumn of 1638 at New Haven, Mary ___ who died at New Haven, January 20, 1649. ^{[1] [3]}

Children of Ezekiel and Mary:

1. Samuel, born September 22, 1639 at New Haven ^{[7] [4] [5]}; baptized November 17, 1639. ^[8]
2. Mary, baptized November 29, 1640 ^[8]; died on January 10, 1728; married first William Lewis on November 22, 1671 of Farmington, Connecticut as his second wife; married second at Farmington, on January 13, 1691/2, Thomas Bull, son of Thomas and Susanna Bull, as his second wife. ^[7][5][9]
3. Ezekiel, baptized June 12, 1642 ^[8]; died young. ^{[7] [5] [4]}
4. Elizabeth, baptized April 6, 1645 ^[8]; married Samuel Goldthwaite of Charlestown on September 6, 1666. ^{[7] [5] [4]}
5. Sarah, baptized September 21, 1646. ^{[8] [7] [5] [4]}
6. Hannah, baptized June 25, 1648. ^{[8] [7] [5] [4]}

The baptisms of his children, Samuel, Mary, Ezekiel, Elizabeth, Sarah and Hannah are recorded at New Haven. ^{[10] [8]}

He married second, November 18, 1652, Ellen Lothrop ^{[7] [1]} , a sister of the Captain Thomas Lothrop who came to this country about the year 1650. The captain had in that year visited his English home, and prevailed on his mother, to let this daughter, then just grown to early womanhood, return with him. In due time she became the second wife of Ezekiel Cheever, the most famous of our early New England teachers. She became the mother of six children. ^{[11] [12] [3]}

His wife Ellen died on September 10, 1706 at Boston. ^{[1] [7]}

Children of Ezekiel and Ellen:

1. Abigail, born October 20, 1653; died unmarried on January 24, 1705 at the age of 52. ^{[7] [11]}
2. Ezekiel, born July 1, 1655; married in Salem, June 17, 1680, Abigail Lippingwell. His will was dated November 18, 1724 and probated on Dec. 30, 1731. ^{[7] [11]}
3. Nathaniel, born in Ipswich, June 23, 1657; died there July 12, 1657. ^{[7] [13] [11]}
4. Thomas, born August 23, 1658 at Ipswich, Massachusetts ^[13]; graduated Harvard College, Minister in Malden and Chelsea; died in November or December 27, 1749; ^[11]; married first Sarah Bill; married second on July 30, 1707 at Boston, Elizabeth Warren; married third Abigail Jarvis in 1727. ^[7]
5. William, born in Charlestown, January 23; died February 5, 1664. ^{[7] [11]}
6. Susanna, born ___; married June 5, 1693, Joseph Russell in Boston. ^{[7] [11]}

Events of his life

Arrival in Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony

• 1637: Sailed from England on the Hector and arrived at Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony that year. ^[2]

New Haven Colony

• 1638: He removed to New Haven with Governor Eaton. ^[10]
• 1638/9: In the list of the names of all the freemen of the Courte of Newhaven made by Thomas Fugill, the first secretary of the plantation, that of Mr. Eze. Chev's stands ninth. ^[3]
• 1639: June 4: His name appears in the Plantation Covenant signed in Newman's barn. ^[10] He was one of the twelve men chosen as fitt for the foundaco worke of the church at the general meeting.^[3]
• 1639: June 4: He was one of the signers of the foundamentall agreemt made at that meeting. ^[3]
• 1639: October 25: Mr. Nathaniell Turner, Will Andrewes, and Mr Cheev's members of this church and others were admitted members of the Court. ^[3]
• 1641: March 17: At a meeting about casting lots for the East Meadows and the meadows in the Mill River, he was one of those who are to have their meadow in Mil-meadow and the Land in the East River.^[3]
• 1643: In the list of planters and their estates his name stands sixth, although his estate was estimated at L20. ^[3]
• 1643: It was ordered that the present schoolmaster, Ezekiel Cheevers be paid 20L annually from the towns stock, for the teaching of the children. ^[3]
• 1644: July 1: He took the oath of fidelity at a court held at New Haven. ^[3]
• 1645: August: His annual salary was increased to 30L. ^[3]
• 1645: December 8: At the General Court, the Governor magistrates deputies with Elder Newman, the 2 deacons, Mr. Cheevers, brother Miles, brother Clarke, brother Anthony Thompson and brother Munson were made a committee to consider the subject of taxation. ^[3]
• 1645: March: He was present at a General Court held at New Haven which ordered the removal of Thomas Fugill from the office of secretary for the Plantation. At the same court Brother Wackman & Brother Cheevers were chosen deputies for the jurisdiction court in April next. ^[3]
• 1646: October 25: He was one of the deputies chosen for the General Court. ^[3]
• 1647: Februaury 1: He passed over to John Cooper, 5 and 2/3 acres upland. ^[3]
• 1649: He was disciplined and then censured by the church elders at New Haven for actions of 'uncomely gestures and carriage' in church, for which he was brought to trial. His explanation was that he suffered from frequent and severe headaches, which brought about his actions. This prompted Ezekiel's move to Ipswich. ^{[3] [14]}

Ipswich, Massachusetts

• 1653: The Grammar School or Free School of Ipswich, Massachusetts was completed and Ezekiel Cheever was the first master . ^[3]
• 1660: September. 20: Richard Coy attorney to Samuell Heifer, brought a suit against Mr. Ezekiell Chever in an action of trespass upon the case for takeing and keeping possesion of a house which was left in his the said Richards possession by the said Samuell Heifer. This was the house that Mr. Cheever's had occupied since 1652 at the commence of the building of the first school on that donated property, and he had since built a barn and planted an orchard. The case was decided for the defendant, Mr. Cheever, and the property was then purchased by Officials and given to the school. ^[3]

Charlestown, Massachusetts

• 1661: November, 26: Mr. Cheever then moved to Charlestown and entered upon the duties of schoolmaster there at L30 a year.^[3]
• 1666: November 3: At a meeting of the Selectmen November 3, 1666, Mr. Chevers motioned the day the Townsmen; first that they would take care the school house be speedily amended because it is 'much out of Repaire'; secondly that they would take Care that his annual salary be paid, the Counstables being much behind in payments; thirdly he reminded them of their promise at his first coming to town that no other schoolmaster should be set-up by the town, yet now Mr. Mansfeilde 'is suffered to teach & take away his Scholers.' ^[3]
• 1669: December 19: At a meeting of the selectmen, he appeared requesting them to consider granting him a piece of ground or house plot whereon a house for his family could be built. ^[3]
• 1669/70: January3: By a general town vote it was approved this day that the new Selectmen shall have power to seek and find out a convenient place and house plot for Mr. Ezek. Chever shcoolemaster, and to make report to the Town. ^[3]

Boston, Massachusetts

• 1670: Oct. 10: At a Meeting of the Hon. Governor Major General Leveret, Edward Tynge Esqr., Magistrates Mr. Mayo, Mr. John Oxenbridge, Mr. James Allen, Elder, Capt. Thomas Lake, Mr. Hez. Usher, Capt. James Olliver, Mr. John Richards, & Jno. Joyliffe Selectmen, they invited Ezekiel to a forthcoming meeting regarding free schools at Boston. ^[3]
• 1670: October 29: , It was agreed and ordered that Mr. Ezechiell Cheevers should be called to & installed in the free school as headmaster. Ezekiel, being then present, accepted. ^[3]
• 1671: January 6: It was agreed that Mr. Cheevers should be allowed 60L annually, out of the town rates & rents, for his service in the school, and the possession and use of the school house. ^[3]
• 1675: December 22: The will of his brother-in-law, Captain Lathrop, was proved at Salem. Ezekiel petitioned the court regarding the legacy, as he believed his wife should receive part of the estate. This case was reviewed over several years time. ^[3]
• 1693: May 29: In response to a petition by Mr. Cheevers in 1687/88 about his 50 years teaching experience and his salary being in arrears, the Boston selectman approved the his salary be set at 60L, quarterly. ^[3]
• 1699: May 8: The selectman voted to assign Ezekiel's grandson, Ezekiel Lewis, as his assistant at the Latin School. ^[3]
• 1701: March 10: At a town meeting, it was voted that a house be built for 'Old Mr. Ezek Cheever, the Latine schoolmaster', and that the Selectmen were to take care about the building of it. ^[3]
• 1708: Ezekiel Cheever died in Boston and his death is thus referred to by Governor Hutchinson: Aug. 21, this year died Ezekiel Cheever, venerable not merely for his great age 94, but for having been the schoolmaster of most of the principal gentlemen in Boston who were then upon the stage. He is not the only master who kept his longer lighted than otherwise it would have been by a supply of oil from his scholars. ^[3]
• Ezekiel Cheever was the author of The Accidence and of Scripture Prophecies Explained. ^[3]

Last Will and Testiment of Ezekeiel Cheever: Probate Record Librer No. 16 pp. 452-3. see p. 42^[5]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6} Mahler, Leslie. The Collin Family of Broxted, Essex, England. Maternal Ancestors of New England Schoolmaster Ezekiel Cheever in: The American Genealogist, New Haven, Connecticut, 2006, Vol. 81, p. 54-65
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Isabel MacBeath Calder, The New Haven Colony, (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1934), 30-31; digital images, Ancestry.com, (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/16182/ : accessed 30 Jan 2022) [$ubscription required] and p.30 free image courtesy of ancestry.com.
3. ↑ ^{3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 3.31 3.32 3.33 3.34} Hassam, John Tyler. Ezekiel Cheever and Some of His Descendants. [Followed by Appendix of his poems], in: The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 33, 1879 p. 165-200
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5} Cutter, William R. & William Frederick Adams. Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of the State of Massachusetts, Volume 4. p. 2228
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7} Barnard, Henry L., editor. Memoirs of Teachers, Educators and Promoters and Benefactors of Education Reprinted from the American Journal of Education, F. C. Brownell, New York 1861 p. 42
6. ↑ Find A Grave Memorial# 20699023 http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20699023
7. ↑ ^{7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13} Hassam, John Tyler. Ezekiel Cheever and Some of His Descendants. (Part Second) in: The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, Vol. 38, Boston, Massachusetts, 1879 p. 170-6
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6} White, Henry. List of Baptisms In the Church in New Haven, Conn., during the Ministry of Rev. John Davenport, from Nov. 1639 to Nov. 1666 in: The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, NEHGS, Boston, Massachusetts, 1855 p. 358
9. ↑ Anderson, Robert C. Great Migration: Immigrants to New England, 1634-1635, Volume I, A-B, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, 1999. p. 475 (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.)
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1 10.2} American Annals of Education, Volume 9 Otis, Broaders and Company, 1839 p. 442-444
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6} Huntington, Julia. A Genealogical Memoir of the Lo-Lathrop Family in this Country: Embracing the Descendants, as Far as Known, Ridgefield, Connecticut, 1884 p. 407
12. ↑ Anderson, Robert C. Great Migration Begins: Immigrants to N.E. 1620-1633, Vols. I-III New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts, 1995 p. 1203-4. (Online database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2010)
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1} Vital Records of Ipswich Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849, The Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts 1920 p. 85: 521
14. ↑ The Trial of Ezekiel Cheever Before the Church at New Haven ... 1649 The Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford 1860 p. 22-51. https://archive.org/details/trialofezekielch00cheerich

See also:

• Dexter, Franklin Bowditch. Historical Catalogue of the Members of the First Church of Christ in New Haven (New Haven, 1914) Page 2
• Hollister, Gideon. The History of Connecticut, From the First Settlement of the Colony to the Adoption of the Present Constitution (Case, Tiffany & Co., Hartford, 1857) Vol. 1, Page 501