| Daniel Finch migrated to New England during the Puritan Great Migration (1621-1640). (See Great Migration Begins, by R. C. Anderson, Vol. 1, p. 667) Join: Puritan Great Migration Project Discuss: pgm |
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Daniel Finch
According to Anderson in Great Migration Begins, we do not know the origin of Daniel Finch. He was probably born in England and was the father of Abraham Finch who was born in England "say" 1610.[1] Estimated birth date is 1585, based on the estimated date of his first marriage.
Abraham had a son named Abraham, (grandson to Daniel), who would have been born just before son Abraham was killed in the Pequot War.[2] Many researchers have contended that this grandson Abraham was adopted by his grandfather, Abraham[2] [sic the grandfather was named Daniel].[3]
Some works, including The History of Wethersfield have contended there was an ancient Abraham Finch known as "Old Finch" and that he was the father of "Abraham killed by Indians."[3] Jacobus contends that this character, "Old Finch," was actually Daniel Finch, and the problem arises from a single error in the record.[3] Upon the death of son Abraham, the 1640 estate record stated that the grandfather "Abraham" offered to take responsibility for the child, Abraham.[3] This single error, in calling the grandfather "Abraham" instead of his correct name, Daniel, has caused much confusion.[3] We find proof when in 1657, the estate of Daniel was committed by the court to the management of his grandson, Abraham.[3] Daniel, born c. 1585, was certainly old enough to be called "Old Finch" in the Wethersfield records of the 1640's, and since his grandson was also living there, the nick-name would have been used.[3] In addition, when the grandson, Abraham, died in Saybrook (will presented 5 June 1667) his estate included both property at Wethersfield and livestock in Fairfield.[3] This identifies him as the son of Abraham and the grandson of Daniel Finch.[3] He had removed with his mother and her 3rd husband, Richard Tousley, to Saybrook.[1]
Anderson admits the likelihood that Daniel and John Finch were related, but believes that Daniel was a generation older.[1]
Jacobus did much work on the Finch family and described them as, "perhaps the most difficult family he has studied" (Page 669).[1]
Daniel emigrated in 1630, initially settling in Watertown, MA, then removing to Wethersfield 1635, Stamford 1641, Fairfield 1653.[1] He was made freeman 18 May 1631.[1] Daniel was among the founders of Watertown,[4] and built his house on land previously untouched by Europeans.[4]He removed before the beginning of recorded land grants in 1636.[1] On 26 April 1636, Daniel Finch was appointed Constable at Wethersfield, Connecticut.[1]
Daniel married three times.
Dated 5 Mar 1666/7, proved 16 Mar 1666/7; inventory taken 11 Mar 1666/7[1] Mentions his wife.
Daniel died in Fairfield, Connecticut between 5 Mar (will written) and 11 Mar 1666/7 (inventory taken).[1]
Child with first wife, name unknown:[1]
Daniel and his 2nd wife had no children.
Child with third wife, Mary (Unknown) Dickerson:[1]
See also:
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Categories: Fairfield, Connecticut | Estimated Birth Date | Puritan Great Migration
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