Benjamin Lester (abt. 1666 - 1727)

Born about 1666 in Groton, New London, Connecticut

Ancestors

Husband of Ann (Stedman) Lester — married about Nov 1689 in New London, Connecticut

Husband of Elizabeth (Lewis) Latham — married 10 Jun 1713 in New London, New London, Connecticut Colony

Descendants

Died 24 Apr 1727 at about age 61 in New London, New London, Connecticut

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Jonathon Myers [send private message]

Biography

"Joseph and Benjamin Lester, sons of Andrew Lester and Ann Clark, his wife, settled on farms in the vicinity of the town of New London. The descendants of the latter are quite numerous. By the first wife, Ann Stedman, he had nine sons, and two daughters, and probably other children by a second wife. Only six children are recorded to Benjamin and Ann Lester in New London"^[1]

Birth

1666 Groton, New London, Connecticut

Note: According to New London LR 5:125, he apparently came of age and was given his portion of his deceased father Andrew Lester Senr's land, as stipulated in his father's will, in a deed dated 21 Feb 1686. This included a house lot adjacent to his brother Joseph Lester, 1 1/2 acres of meadow, and 1 acre of salt meadow.

Died 24 APR 1727. New London, Connecticut. ^[2]

Buried 25 APR 1727. New London, Connecticut. ^[3]

Probate: MAY 1727. New London, Connecticut.^[4]

Marriage. Groom Benjamin Lester. Bride Ann Stedman. NOV 1689. New London, Connecticut. Note: date calculated from her death record which says how long they had been married.

Groom Benjamin Lester. Bride Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis Plumley. 10 JUN 1713. New London, Connecticut.^[5] Note: The Parkhurst MSS calls her Elizabeth Lewis daughter of John (34:70). A deed dated 21 Mar 1748/9 from Benjamin's son Daniel to Daniel's brother, David, conveys Daniel's "right in land belonging to my hon'd father Mr. Benjamin Lester late of New London dec'd which was set out to my mother Mrs. Elizabeth Latham late Mrs. Elizabeth Lester widow of Benjamin as her dower". (New London LR 15:134).

Identification of the last wife of Benjamin Lester by Joshua Hempstead in the 11 Aug 1754 entry in his diary:

• Primary Source, Joshua Hempstead Jr., Diary of Joshua Hempstead of New London, Connecticut; ^[6] From the Diary of Joshua Hempstead:

1. ) page 183: 1727, April 24; Mon 24, rain ... Benja Lester Died. Tues 25 fair. Benja Lester was buried.
2. ) Joshua Hempstead Diary, page 635: 1754, Aug 11; Sun 11 fair. Mr. Wm. Adams pr all day. the Widow of Mr. Wm Latham Late of Groton Decd was buryed after meeting. aged about 77. She was the Eldest Child of the Second John Lewis of this town & was the widow of Benja Lester that died about 30 year ago. She was ye widow of John Plumley wn Lester married her. She had one Child by her first Husband (& none after) who is the wife of Benja Beebee.

Sources

1. ↑ Avery, Rev. John. History of the Town of Ledyard 1650-1900. Norwich: Noyes & Davis, 1901. p. 142+
2. ↑ Source: #S24 p. 183
3. ↑ Source: #S24 p. 183
4. ↑ Source: #S11 Elizabeth Lester admin with Samuel Fox and Solomon Coit sureities gave bond 24 Apr 1727. A long list of inventory dated May 2, 1727 totalled £2312-13-3 included lots of livestock (117 sheep), the homelot with 30 acres, two other pieces of 25 acres each, 3 acres salt marsh, 3 acres swamp, and 25 acres wood land; a negro woman, silver coin, English half pence, 4 bibles, 4 unbound and 5 bound books, 5 guns and a sword and 5 powder horns. Distribution dated May 23, 1727 to Elizabeth widow, to Timothy eldest son (double portion), John 2nd son, Benjamin 3rd son, Isaac 4th son, David 5th son, Jonathan 6th son, Daniel 7th son, Anne eldest daughter, and Hanah youngest daughter. (New London Probate Book C, p. 201, 209-12, 270-4).
5. ↑ Source: #S1 She is called widow Elizabeth Plumley (1:40).
6. ↑ Hempstead, Joshua, Diary of Joshua Hempstead of New London, Connecticut covering a period of 47 years from Sept 1711, to Nov 1758. Published by The New London County Historical Society, New London CT., Printed by the Journal of Commerce Co., Providence RI. 1901., page 561 Diary of Joshua Hempstead online - Title Page

• Lester, James. The Lesters: A Brief History and Genealogy of the Lesters of the Massachusetts and Connecticut Colonies (Calumet Press, Gary, Indiana, 1926) Page 20
• Source: S11 probate record
• Source: S1 marriage record