Joseph supposedly emigrated from England to Charleston, SC before coming to Wells where he had a 100 acre grant on the Kennebunk River in 1693.[1]
“At a court of sessions of peace held at yorke before Capt Francis Hooke, Majr Charles Frost, Mr. Samll Wheelewright & Mr Abraham Preble… the first Day of Novembr 1692… Wee present Rachell Credefur ye wife of Joseph Credefur for fornication…
A Court of sessions… at yorke this 4th Day of July 1693… Rachell Credefur presented for fornication appeared not but her husband appeareing in her behalf referd it to the Court and is fined twenty shillings or the woman to receive seven stripes on the bare skin at the post and Mr. Wheelewright to see the Execution speedily Done”.[2]
Looks like Joseph and Rachel had “carnal knowledge” of each other prior to getting married… a situation not taken lightly in Puritan New England. I hope they were able to pay the fine.
“Presentments made by the Grand Jury to this Court of sessions at Wells upon the 5th day of January: 1696/7… We present Joseph Credifor and Rachel his wife for not ffrequenting the public worship of God upon the Lords day… Joseph Credifor and his wife… appeared to answer their presentmts for not frequenting the public worshp of God upon ye Lords day, are for their ofence, admonished by the Court and to pay fees : 1s 6d a piece/ fees payd”.[3]
He had his tax in Kittery abated in 1704: "A List of the Persons to whom we destributed ye £14 8s ordered by ye Generall Court out of our Late Tax AD 1704... Joseph Credifer 0-10-0."[4] Joseph had died by June 1714 when Rachel had six children baptized in Wells. She joined the church 18 Oct. 1719.
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C > Crediford > Joseph Crediford
Categories: Wells, Maine