Ann Downing was born about 1633 in London, England to Emanuel Downing and Lucy Winthrop. Her father was a lawyer in London and her mother was the sister of Governor Winthrop of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was said that Ann had "an excellent education, and what is more, a principle of deep piety, which rendered her talents, attainments and possessions, blessings to society."[1]
Ann was baptised 12 April 1633 at St Bride Fleet St, London to parents Emanuel Downing, Gent. and Luce.[2]
Ann married Capt. Joseph Gardner in Salem, Massachusetts. On Aug. 8, 1656, Lucie Downing, with the consent of her husband, Emanuel Downing gave property to Joseph Gardner as his "dowry & marriage porcon with Ann, ye daughter of ye said Emanuell and Luce." This lot was ultimately divided into five parts; lots 1 and 3 were sold to Joseph's brother, Samuel Gardner; Lot 2 was sold on Mar. 28, 1659 to Richard Prince; Lot 4 was sold to William Browne on Aug. 3, 1664. Lot 5 was retained by Joseph and Ann for their own occupancy.[3]
Ann's husband, Joseph, was killed fighting the Indians in 1675.[4] After the death of her husband it was voted that she "shall be payd her chardges disburst upon ye Commetta about Mr. Higginson." About 1676, Ann married Governor Simon Bradstreet.[5] The agreement drawn up between Mrs. Ann Gardner and the Governor, upon the eve of their marriage is an exceedingly interesting document. It is dated May 2, 1676 and sworn to on the 6th of the following month. the four "Articles of Agreement," are models of shrewdness and business foresight and the "new woman" of today will have a difficult task in equaling in these regards her counterpart from 350 years ago.
Ann was appointed the executrix in the settlement of the estate of her first husband, Joseph Gardner. On Nov. 30, 1680, "This court understanding theire is remaining due to Mrs. Bradstreete late relict & executrix of Capt. Joseph Gardner deceased to the value of about 10 pounds for the court expenses, this court doe order that the marshall shall forthwith pay the same out of the first money he receives." On Sep. 23, 1704, Madam Ann Bradstreet, "widow, executrix of ye Last will of Capt. Joseph Gardner, Late of Salem, mariner Dec. for 13 pounds sold to Lieut. Abell Gardner ye only surviving son of Mr. Samuel Gardner Sen. of Salem Dec. have quitclaimed, released and all manner of actions and especially into ye estate of my first husbands father Mr. Thomas Gardner Sen., etc." [6]
She received a letter of recommendation from the church on March 10, 1680, having been married to Governor Bradstreet.[7]
Part of the Lot 5 given to Ann and Joseph was sold by Ann Bradstreet to William Bowditch on Apr. 8, 1700. The remaining portion of Lot 5, Madam Bradstreet occupied until her death. On Aug. 20, 1713, William Bowditch bought another portion of this lot from Ann Bradstreet's heirs. The remaining portion of Lot 5 was sold by her heirs to Benjamin Ropes on Nov. 1, 1716, including a house known as "ye Globe Tavern." It extended through from street to street and was bounded on the eastern side by William Bowditch's land, and on the western by land of the heirs of William Browne, deceased.[8]
Ann died on Apr. 19, 1713 at the age of 79 years.[9]
Joseph and Ann Gardner had no children.[10]
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D > Downing | B > Bradstreet > Ann (Downing) Bradstreet
Categories: Salem, Massachusetts | Puritan Great Migration Minor Child
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