Josiah, son of John and Susanna (Randall) (Stetson) Holmes, was born at Pembroke, MA on September 26, 1715.
In 1717, his half-sister, Susanna Steton's father Nathaniel Stetson's estate settlement went to his mother Susanna (who married his father, John Holmes on 25 November 1714) and being the next of kin to his deceased sister, Susanna, he received the lands of Nathaniel Stetson. The probate record mentions his birth as 23 October 1715.[1]
On 16 September 1725, his father, John Holmes was appointed guardian to him and the estate that he had inherited on his mother's side.[2]
At the Plymouth Court of General Sessions, begun the third Tuesday of September 1734, “Josiah Holmes, a Minor and Apprentice to Mr. Isaac Soul of Pembroke...Cordwainer,” made complaint that he was bound to Soul as an apprentice on 17 March 1729 for a term of seven years and fourteen days. The conditions under which Mr. Soul, as his master, became obliged to fulfill all legal requirements to him. The complainant “found by experience that he could not live with his said Master for he did not provide for him either Victuals or Cloths... and he hath not according to his Indenture learned him (nor endeavored the same) to wright and Cypher.” Josiah feared that he would be “undone if he should continue the expiration of Time with his said Master” and prayed that the court give him relief as provided by the law. The decision of the court was not recorded.[3]
He married Sarah Rogers, daughter of Samuel and Jael (Huet/Hewitt) Rogers, probably around 1736 at Marshfield, Massachusetts. They had 11 Children.[4]
Josiah Holmes of Marshfield, cordwainer, died intestate. Letters of Administration on his estate were granted to Seth Bryant of Marshfield, gentleman.[5] The warrant to appraise the estate was issued to John Tilden, Simeon Turner and Seth Ewell of Marshfield, yeomen, on 4 February 1761 and the inventory was dated the same day. The estate was insolvent and James Lewis and Seth Ewell were appointed commissioners to examine the outstanding debts. They made their claims report on 24 April 1762. The account of Seth Bryant, administrator, was dated 26 July 1762 and he was ordered by the court to pay the sum of 1 shilling, 4 pence in the pound to the creditors.[6]
His inventory was taken on 7 February 1761 in Marshfield.[7]
In 1762, an account of his estate by Seth Bryant was recorded which included the sale of real estate, wages received from the Province Treasurer (probably as a soldier), charges in his last sickness, necessaries to the widow, and administration fees. The balance went to the creditors.[8]
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