John Taylor (abt. 1630 - abt. 1690)

Born about 1630 in Scotland [uncertain]

Husband of Martha (Unknown) Taylor — married about 1660 in Berwick, York, Massachusetts Bay Colony

Descendants

Died about 1690 at about age 60 in Berwick, York, Massachusetts Bay Colony (Maine)

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Toby Rockwell [send private message] and Roy Hardison [send private message]

Biographical Notes

John Taylor: Probable Dunbar Prisoner^[1]

"Residences: Kittery, Berwick ME. Appears: 1656. D.1690. Closely associated with other Scots at Kittery [Exiles; Banks: Ch.8; App.B]"^[2]

The Scottish Prisoners of War Society:

Documentation for John Taylor is often intermingled with others from the Kittery community, such as discussion of his receiving a land grant in the area, “When Leader left Great Works, in 1655, his Scotch employees or apprentices, received grants of land from the town. The following had grants in 1656, James Warren… John Taylor, and Alexander Maxwell. Their grants were just below Nason’s along the main river.” The land grant is described in Stackpole’s "Old Kittery and her Families" as being “Above Peter Grant the next lot was that of John Taylor, granted in 1655, fifty acres “on the north side of John Lambs lott and called by the name of brisparns cove.” It is called elsewhere “Onisiprus Cove.”” The location is in what is now Vaughn’s Woods State Park. He was mentioned again later in connection to the mill at Great Works, “About 1665 [Eliakim] Hutchinson rented the mill to Thomas Doughty, and James Grant of York, Peter Grant and John Taylor became Doughty’s bondsmen. The bond was dated 1 June, 1665.”

“In 1669, the York County Court admonished Sander [Alexander Cooper] and his wife, as well as John Taylor and several other Scotsmen, [Including SPOW James Warren] “for using profane speeches” and referring to the “divell” in their “common talk.”Through deposition of his daughter Deliverance, we learn that both he and his wife, Martha, “had been servants of Mr. Leader.” In John Taylor’s will, written 7 May 1687, probated 23 Feb 1691, he bequeathed to his five daughters 30 acres of land each.

It has been proposed that his death may have been due to Indian attacks in the area. “In March 1690, a large force of French troops and Wabanaki warriors attacked the village at Salmon Falls in present day South Berwick. The attackers burned twenty homes and killed or captured 80-100 of the English inhabitants. Given that he died in a year in which there were a great many Indian attacks in Berwick, one wonders if his death can be found at the hands of the Indians, Martha seemed to have some difficulty attending church in 1696 and 1697. She was ordered to court at least five times to explain why she wasn’t at the meeting house.”

“In 1700, Martha made an agreement with William Goodwin, her son-in-law, to care for her in exchange for the homestead. The farm remained with that family for several generations. When she died, daughter Katherine was not mentioned in the will although the other children were. Katherine had just passed away the same year.” Martha (_____) Taylor’s will was dated 7 Sept 1702 and probated 10 Feb 1702/3.^[3]

John married Martha (Unknown), also a servant of Richard Leader, in Berwick, probably by 1660, based on the estimated birth of their first child in that year.^[4] Torrey's entry: "TAYLOR, John & Martha ____; ca 1666?; Berwick, ME {GDMNH 674; Goodwin (1898) 47; Utah Gen. Mag. Chart 19; Kittery 320, 455}"

Martha and John had children, all born in Berwick.^[5] Their birth order is the order given on their parent's wills, and their birth years are implied by their likely marriage years.

1. Katherine (ca 1660), married Charles Cahan / Cane by 1682, in Boston.^[6] Torrey's entry: "CANE, Charles (-1686) & Catherine [TAYLOR]; by 1682; Boston {GDMNH 125-6}" Katherine is mentioned in her father's will of 1687, but not in her mother's will of 1702, so Katherine died between those years. Charles Cahan died by 1686; In 1688 Katherine was the administrator of his estate. She took over his innholder's license in Berwick. No known children.^[7]
2. Mary (ca 1662), married Stephen Hardison by 1691, then George? Coss, then John Legrow^[8] Torrey's entry: "HARDISON, Stephen (-1697) & Mary [TAYLOR] (1662±-), m/2 George? COSS, m/3 John LEGROW; by 1691; Kittery, ME {Kittery 510; GDMNH 309, 675}"
3. Sarah (ca 1665), married Elisha Clark by 1691.^[9] Torrey's entry: "CLARK, Elisha (1665-) & Sarah [TAYLOR]; by 1691; Kittery, ME {Kittery 320-1; GDMNH 143-4, 675; Blake-Glidden 73}"
4. Deliverance (ca 1670), married William Goodwin by 1687.^[10] Torrey's entry: "GOODWIN, William & Deliverance [TAYLOR] (1670±-); by 1687, Oct 1687; Kittery, ME {Kittery 427, 435; Goodwin 722; Utah Gen. Mag. 19:Chart; GDMNH 272, 675}"
5. Abigail (ca 1672), married Moses Goodwin in 1694.^[11] Torrey's entry: "GOODWIN, Moses (-1726) & Abigail TAYLOR (-1730+); 7 Sep 1694; Kittery, ME {Kittery 455, 786; GDMNH 271, 675}"

John Taylor's Will

"In the name of god Amen

I John Taylor of Barwicke in the province of Maine being weake of body and yet Through the Mercies of god sound in mind and Memory and humbly Comitting my soule to god that gave it and my body to the earth by Decent burieall not knowing how soone my Change may come Doe declare this Instrument to be my last Will and Testament

Impr I bequeath unto my Daughter Katherne Cahan thirtie acres of land to be taken out of my land at the rockie hills to run the whole length of it & to be to her & her heires for ever and also a cow and a calfe & an Ewe & a lambe

It: 2dly I bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Taylor thirtie acres of land to be taken out of my land at the rockie hills to run the whole length of it & to be to her and her heires for ever and also a cow and a calfe & an Ewe & a lambe

3dly I bequeath unto my Daughter Sarah Taylor thirtie acres of land to be taken out of my land at the rockie hills & to run the whole length of it, to be to her and her heires for evere also I give her a cow and a calfe and an Ewe and a lambe

4thly I Bequeath unto my daughter Deliverance Taylor thirtie acres of land to be taken out of my land at the rockie hills & to run the whole length of it to be to her and her heires for ever also I give her a Cow and a calfe and an Ewe and a lambe

5thly I bequeath unto my Daughter Abigaile Taylor thirtie acres of land to be taken out of my land at the rockie hills and to run the whole length of it to be to her and to her heires for ever also I give her a cow and a calfe and an Ewe and a lambe

6thly The rest of my Estate of Dwelling house out houses orchards Gardens lands Cattell Chattells household goods Utencills whatsoever at home or abroad within Dores or without I bequeath unto Martha my loveing Wife to be and remaine to her for her Maintenance and comfort and Dayly use dureing the whole terme of her Naturall life and what shall remaine at her decease she shall have power to Dispose of at her Discretion amongst her five Daughters above named and to have liberty to cut & take off ten cords of Wood per annom for her firewood During her life out of those lands above given to our above written five daughters, and the lands given by Nyvan Agnew to me & my Children I leave to my sd wife to Dispose of it amongst our Children at her Discretion

I Doe also Nominate & appoint the sd Martha to be the sole Executrix of this my last will & testament & to take Especiall care for payment of my Just debts as Witness my hand & seale this 7th Day of May 1687
John Taylor his mark X...
in presence of us
Stephen Hardison
John Wincoll...

The cattell above given to my Daughters not to be taken away from their mother till their respective marriages."

Inventory returned 4 Mar. 1690/1 at 156/04/0.^[12]

Timeline

Gen Dict Maine and NH, p 674:

"(13) John, Berwick, had Kittery gr. 1655, 1669. By depos. of dau. Deliverance, both he and w. Martha had been servants of Mr. Leader. Constable 1665. One of those who used 'profane language' in ordinary speech (see Warren 4). Gr.j. 1671, 1672. Allowed 20 s. for service to the ct. in 1679. Lists 30, 81, 288, 298. Will, 7 May 1687 - 28 Jan 1690-01 (inv.), named w. exec. (Stephen Hardison and John Turner bondsmen), ment. land given by Niven Agnew to him and his ch., and left 30 a. apiece to five daus. The wid. was abs. from meeting 1696, 1697. Her will, 7 Sept. 1702 - 10 Feb. 1703-04 (inv.). Ch: Catherine, m. Charles Cahan bef. 1687; not in mo.'s will. Mary, b. +/- 1662, m. 1st Stephen Hardison, m. 2d on e Coss (see 2), m. 3d John Legrow (1). Sarah, m. Elisha Clark (10). Deliverance, b. +/- 1670, m. William Goodwin (12). Abigail, m. Moses Goodwin (4)."^[13]

24 Aug 1655 Kittery land grant to John Taylor. 50 acres stated, another 10 "where he can find it".

15 Jul 1656 Land grant "Stated at Onisiprus Cove" page 81^[14][13]

4 Dec 1663 John Taylor witnesses land transfer, James Emery of Kittery in Pischataqua River Planter, to Stephen Robinson of Oyster River Carpenter. Signed (mark) in the presence of John Taylor. ^[15]

1665 Constable^[13]

1666 +/- Married Martha (_____). Note: Since daughter Mary was born about 1662, a more probable date is 1661+/-. "^[16][13]

13 Dec 1669 Kittery land grant to John Taylor. 100 acres stated "near his meadow at ? north?". "His addition - 60 rod lengths at the south end of his house"^[17][13]

13 Dec 1669 John Taylor's land mentioned in grant to Thomas Abbett. 60 acres land granted to Thomas Abbett 13 Dec 1669. Total 110 acres running a mile in length from the brow of the Rocky Hill at Slutts Corner, East South East to John Taylors Marsh, & fifty-six pole in breath....^[18]

Apr 1671 John Wincoll's list of unpaid bills of Salmon Falls mills. John taylor listed as being owed 5 pounds.

1671 Granted judgment^[19][13]

1672 Granted judgment^[13]

1679 Petition for Maine to have direct government, complaining that Mass is supressing freedom of religion. Signed by John Taylor and others in Kittery.^[20]

1679 Allowed 20 s. for service to the court.^[13]

1680 John Taylor signed Major Shapleigh's petition, started in Kittery, for Maine to be reinstated under Royal authority. ^[21]

9 Feb 1683 John Taylor witnessed will of Alexander Cooper of Barwicke in the town of Kittery. Estate left to "loving friends" Richard Nason Sr., James Warrine Sr., and Peter Grant, until his 16 year old son John turns 21. Witnessed by John Taylor along with George Gray; John Taylor signs with a mark. Alexander Cooper died 11 Feb 1683-4^[22]

7 May 1687 Will of John Taylor of Barwicke in province of Maine Names wife Martha (no maiden name) as "Executrix". Daughters Katherne Cahan, Mary Taylor (Stephen's future wife), Sarah Taylor, Deliverance Taylor, Abigaile Taylor. Mentions that he, his wife, and 5 daughters were given land by Nyvan Agnew. Witnessed by Stephen Hardison and John Wincoll. Richand Nason and Thomas Abbott appraised the estate Jan 1690-91.^[23]

16 Sept 1687 Will of Nyven Agnue of Kittery. Nyven Agnue names "beloved friend" John Taylor as executor. After paying debts, Nyven directs John to divide the estate between John and Peter Grant. After that, John is to divide his half with his daughter Mary, and Peter with his daughter Elizabeth. Witnessed by Benjamin Nason and James Warrin Jr. Estate appraised 27 Nov 1686 by George Broughton and Thomas Abbott.^[24]

6 Apr 1688 James Lander leased the Barry Agnew land at Salmon Falls from John Taylor.^[25]

23 Feb 1690/91 Martha Taylor Executrix to her Deceased husbands will. Stephen Hardison and John Wincoll took oath to John Taylors will.^[26]

4 Mar 1690/91 Martha Taylor, Stephen Hardison and John Turner acknowledge themselves "bound to the... King and Queen in the sum of 312 pound and that Martha shall perform according to the will."^[27]

7 Apr 1696 Martha admonished for not attending church. Presentments made by ye Grand Jury at ye Quarter Sessions held at York. We present ye Widow Taylor for not ffrequenting ye public worship of God upon ye Lords day.^[28]

15 Jan 1697 Martha admonished for not attending church. Presentments made by ye Grand Jury to this Court of Sessions at wells. (Kittery) We present Martha Taylor for not ffrequenting ye public worship of God upon ye Lords day.^[29]

4 Jan 1698 Martha admonished for not attending church. At his Majesty's Court of Sessions held at York January 4th 1697/98. (Kittery) We present ye Widdow Taylor... for not ffrequenting the public worship of God upon the Lords day. John Leighton fforemen. ^[30]

22 Jul 1700 Martha Tayor sells land to son-in-law William Goodwin in exchange for her keep. That ye said Martha (According to her best Prudence and her own Maintainance and the good of her daughters) Hath given, granted and sold to the said William Goodwin And doth hereby Effectually to make over and confirm The homestead, house, Barn, orchard and all Priviledges thereto Left to her for he Maintenance by her said husband...Witnessed by James Waren, Thomas Goodin, John Wade. Joseph Hamond registrar.^[31]

7 Sept 1702 Will of Martha Taylor of Kittery. Daughters mentioned: Mary (no last name given), Sarah Clarke, Deliverance Gooding (Goodwin?) Abigail Gooding. Daughter Katherne Cahan not mentioned. Except for a few items, the rest of the estate (not much) left to her granddaughter Margaret Gooding. Witnessed by Allin Fur and James Warren Estate appraised 5 Mar 1704 by Thomas Goodwin and James Emery.^[32]

20 May 1707 John Taylor's land mentioned. Will of Thomas Abbot Sr. of Barwick. Leaves to his son Thomas Abbot one hundred and ten acres of land upon the Rocky hill bounded on the North side by the land of Jabez Fox, and on the south side by John Taylor's land.^[33]

Associates

James Grant, James Barry, Niven Agnew, Peter Grant, Alexander Cooper, John Cooper, James Warren, George Gray, Richard Leader, John Turner, Stephen Hardison, Pattericke Bryce ("traveler scribe'), Richard Nason Sr.

Sources

1. ↑ "Lost Lives New Voices, Unlocking the Stories of the Scottish Soldiers from the Battle of Dunbar 1650. 2018, p 18, 204, 215, 216, 218, 219, 232, 234, 235, 252, 278.
2. ↑ "Lost Lives New Voices, Unlocking the Stories of the Scottish Soldiers from the Battle of Dunbar 1650. 2018, p 252
3. ↑ https://scottishprisonersofwar.com/john-taylor-probable-dunbar-prisoner/
4. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700. (Torrey v.3 p.1492) (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015 AmericanAncestors (by subscription)
5. ↑ Noyes, Sybil Genealogical dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, 2012 reprint, pp.674-5 InternetArchive
6. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. (Torrey v.1 p.270) Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015. AmericanAncestors (by subscription)
7. ↑ Noyes, Sybil Genealogical dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, 2012 reprint, p.125 InternetArchive
8. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700. (Torrey v.2 p.699) (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015. AmericanAncestors (by subscription)
9. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700. (Torrey v.1 p.320) (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015. AmericanAncestors (by subscription)
10. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700. (Torrey v.1 p.636) (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015. AmericanAncestors (by subscription)
11. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700. (Torrey v.1 p.635) (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.) Originally published as: New England Marriages Prior to 1700. Boston, Mass.: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2015 AmericanAncestors (by subscription)
12. ↑ "Maine Wills. 1640-1760"- William Sargent, Brown, Thurston & Co., Portland, 1887- pp.91-3 quoting York Deeds- Vol. V, part I, fol. 55
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7} Noyes, Sybil. Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire (Southward Press, Portland, Maine, 1928) Vol. 5, [Pages 674-675] (https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/281315-genealogical-dictionary-of-maine-and-new-hampshire-vol-5?offset=1).
14. ↑ Kittery Land Grants original document.
15. ↑ York Deeds Book III, Fol. 46, 46, page 196
16. ↑ New England Marriages to 1700
17. ↑ Kittery Land Grants original document.
18. ↑ York Deeds Book III, Fol.21, page 105
19. ↑ Gen Dict Maine and NH, p 14, list 81
20. ↑ Gen Dict Maine and NH, p 33, list 288
21. ↑ Gen Dict Maine and NH, p 6, list 30
22. ↑ Maine Wills 1640-1760, Registry of Deeds,5,27, p 77
23. ↑ Maine Wills 1640-1760, Registry of Deeds,5,27, p 9
24. ↑ Maine Wills 1640-1760, Probate Office, I,3., p 104
25. ↑ Gen Dict Maine and NH, p 410
26. ↑ York Deeds Book V, Part I, Fol.55, page 155
27. ↑ York Deeds Book V, Part I, Fol.56, page 156
28. ↑ York Deeds Part II, Fol.80, page 407
29. ↑ York Deeds Book V, Part II, Fol.99, page 423
30. ↑ York Deeds Book V, Part II, Fol.111, page 436
31. ↑ York Deeds Book VI, Fol.68, page 202
32. ↑ Maine Wills 1640-1760, Probate Office, I,87., p 139
33. ↑ Maine Wills 1640-1760, p 163

See Also

• Stackpole, Everett S., Old Kittery and Her Families (Lewiston Journal Co., 1903) [Page 125] (https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/007673168).

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Andrew White for creating WikiTree profile Taylor-12838 through the import of APW_2013-03-26.ged on Mar 26, 2013.

• WikiTree profile Taylor-7824 created through the import of Goodwin-2011.ged on Jan 27, 2012 by Steve Goodwin. See the Changes page for the details of edits by Steve and others.