James Fisher (1670 - aft. 1702)

Born 18 Sep 1670 in Clitheroe, Lancashire, England

Died after 1702 after age 31 in British Colonial America

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Biography

James Fisher was born to John and Margaret Hindle in Clitheroe, Lancashire, England. He was baptized at St Mary Magdalene Church in Clitheroe, Lancashire, England on the 18th of September 1670.^[1] He has four older siblings, (Michael, Thomas, Annie, and John) and three younger sisters (Rachel, Sarah, and Alice). See Research Note 1.

James' father was a glazier, a worker of glass.^[2] While this was not a new technology in the 17^th century, it was a highly skilled trade.^[3] The indications are that his father made an excellent living as after 19 years of marriage he was able to purchase passage from England to Pennsylvania for himself, his wife, and seven children. John also purchased 500 acres land in the city of Philadelphia before leaving England. In addition to this, it must be assumed that he not only brought his own tools of trade, but must also have brought a supply of glass, as the first glass furnace in America was not established until early in the 18^th century.

Fisher family lore has the James' family arriving in Pennsylvania in late fall of 1682 aboard the Welcome with William Penn.^[4] While there is no evidence^[5] supporting his family's arrival aboard the Welcome with William Penn, there is evidence that the timing of the family's arrival is correct. Again, from Fisher family lore we learn that they were not prepared for their first winter and due to a "housing shortage" they lived in a timbered cave in the banks of the Delaware River.^[4] They were cold and miserable.

James father, John Fisher, died in the late winter/early spring of 1685/86. The fourth and fifth items in his father's will (See Research Note 2), which pertaining to him, are reproduced below:

I give and bequeath unto my three sons Thomas, John and James Fisher their heirs and assignees forever seven hundred acres of land lying in Sussex County, their mother’s third excepted, during her life, but not to be equally shared until my youngest daughter Alice comes at age, the said seven hundred acres of land lying as follows, vis. five hundred acres of land that I bought of Roger Gum and two hundred acres out of that dividend of land that I bought of Henry Stretcher.

I give and bequeath unto my children viz: Thomas, John and James Fisher, Rachel, Sarah and Alice Fisher, their heirs and assignees forever, the other two third parts of my moveable estate as goods, chattels, servants, debts, houses in Philadelphia, lots or other tenements not already given and to be equally shared amongst these six children, the daughters to have as good a share as the sons but not to be shared nor divided until my youngest daughter Alice Fisher come at age.

The first of these bequests is of significant importance genealogically. James died intestate and before his brothers had officially transferred his share of his inheritance to him. Thus, there exists a deed of conveyance dated the 4th of May 1703 recording the transfer of 500 of the 700 acres to James' daughter Sarah by his wife Catherine, thereby not only identifying James' wife and daughter, but also gives one a died before date. This deed is reproduced below (It has been edited for readability).

Whereas our said deceased father John Fisher by his last Will and Testament proved and probated, bearing date of sixth day of 12 month (Feb) 1685, among other things did give and bequeath unto us his said sons Thomas and John Fisher and our youngest brother James Fisher, our heirs and assignees forever, seven hundred acres of land situated, lying, and being in Sussex County aforesaid: the same to be equally shared but not until our youngest sister Alice Fisher came of age, Our Mother’s thirds therein during her life only except -? The said seven hundred acres of land being purchased as follows (viz.) five hundred acres that our said deceased father bought of Roger Gum and two hundred acres more out of the –obscured- of land he bought of Henry Stretcher.

And whereas our said sister Alice Fisher has long since been of full age and as well we the said Thomas, John, and James Fisher have jointly agreed and divided long since, and are fully satisfied that the said five hundred acres of land which was bought of Roger Gum as aforesaid shall be and remain to the only proper --? and benefit and behoove of our said brother James Fisher his heirs and assignees forever. And we do further acknowledge that our said brother James has long since been lawfully possessed thereof with, lived and lately died thereon (and as it happened dyed intestate) and before we had transferred him a title of Property according as the law directs.

Now know you that we the said Thomas and John Fisher, being in duty and confidence obliged and as well for other reasonable and sufficient considerations, by our said brother James Fisher to use in his lifetime in hand and delivered have given granted, bargained alienated en--?ed & confirmed. And by these presents do fully and absolutely give grant bargain alienate en--? & confirm unto Sarah Fisher the only daughter of our said brother James Fisher by Cathrine his wife her heirs and assigns forever all the said five hundred acres of land except on acre of the said land by joint agreement to be reserved for a burying place, also the said Cathrine’s third during her life only excepted.... [description of property survey follows].

Research Notes

Research Note 1: James' siblings. From baptismal records of St. Mary Magdalene Church in Clitheroe, Lancashire, England,^[6] we have the baptism dates for the four Fisher brothers. These are listed in the table below:

Name	Baptism Date
Michael	1 May 1664
Thomas	4 Nov 1666
John	13 Jun 1669
James	18 Sep 1670

We must now place the four Fisher sisters into this frame work. First, observe that there are 30 months between Michael and Thomas' births, 31 months between Thomas and John's births, and finally there are 15 months between John and James' births. Thus, there is time enough between the births of Michael and Thomas, and those of Thomas and John, for another child. A child born prior to Micheal would have been at least 19 upon arrival in America, a child born between Michael and Thomas would have been 17 years of age upon arrival, and a child born between Thomas and john would have been 15 years of age. From John Fisher's Last Will and Testament it is learned that his daughter, Annie, married shortly after arrival in the new world. See Research Note 2. Based on this, it is assumed that Annie was John's eldest daughter and that she was of marrying age upon arrival in Pennsylvania.The age of 19 years is an acceptable for a marriage, 17 years is young but still acceptable, however, 15 years of age is definitely on the young side. A child born between Thomas and John would have been 15 years old upon arrival in the new world. This is a bit young for a marriage. In the present profile it has been assumed that Annie was born between Thomas and John. Annie's young age may be the reason for the antagonism between her husband and her father. Annie's three younger sisters were born after James. It is assumed that they are listed in order in the fifth item in John's will.

Research Note 2: John Fisher's Last Will and Testament. John Fisher's Last Will and Testament was signed and witnessed on the 6th of February 1685/86, it was proven the 30th of April 1686 and is recorded in the Probate records of Sussex County, Delaware.^[7] Transcript of this will can be found in J. L. Fisher's The First Fishers of Pennsylvania and Adjacent Colonies.^[8] on pages 25 and 26. Given directly below is a copy of this transcript that has been edited for readability.

John Fisher’s Last Will and Testament

In the name of God Amen. I, John Fisher of Sussex County in the territories of Pennsylvania, being sick and weak but of sound and perfect memory, have here in this my last will and testament given and bequeathed all my worldly estate as follows:

Imprimis. I give unto Thomas Scott fifty acres of land out of that dividend of land which I bought of Roger Gum in Sussex County always provided the said Scott does come to live upon it himself but not to dispose of it or sell it to any person.

I give unto my well beloved wife, Margret Fisher, one third part of my moveable estate as goods, chattels, debts, in what nature so ever and also one third part of all my lands houses & tenements during her life, but the said third part not to be taken out of my Estate until my youngest daughter Alice comes at age.

I give unto my eldest son Thomas Fisher, three hundred acres of land lying behind the Schuylkill near Philadelphia and to his heirs and assignees forever, but not to be sold until my youngest daughter Alice come of age, except if my wife Margret Fisher and my son Thomas both see it convenient, she having her third part in it during her life.

I give and bequeath unto my three sons Thomas, John and James Fisher their heirs and assignees forever seven hundred acres of land lying in Sussex County, their mother’s third excepted, during her life, but not to be equally shared until my youngest daughter Alice comes at age, the said seven hundred acres of land lying as follows, vis. five hundred acres of land that I bought of Roger Gum and two hundred acres out of that dividend of land that I bought of Henry Stretcher.

I give and bequeath unto my children viz: Thomas, John and James Fisher,Rachel, Sarah and Alice Fisher their heirs and assignees forever, the other two third parts of my moveable estate as goods, chattels, servants, debts, houses in Philadelphia, lots or other tenements not already given and to be equally shared amongst these six children, the daughters to have as good a share as the sons but not to be shared nor divided until my youngest daughter Alice Fisher come at age.

I give unto my daughter Annie the wife of Samuel Adkins five shillings within one year after my decease but if my daughter Annie should come to want or poverty or other ways constrained by the unkindness of her husband, so that she come to want that then it is my will she shall have a maintenance amongst the rest.

Lastly I ordain constitute and appoint my beloved wife Margret Fisher and my eldest son Thomas Fisher to be my executrix and executor jointly to administer of all & singular of this my estate and to dispose thereof according as it is expressed in this my last will & testament and also to take care of the rest of my children until they come to lawful age and that neither my wife nor my son Thomas shall at any time act or do anything touching the managing of this my estate without the joint consent of both if it please God that they both live until the expiration and finishing thereof as witness my hand and seal this sixth day of the twelfth month one thousand six hundred eighty five. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us Wm Emmett, Richard (mark R C ) Coore, Ann (mark ?) Dougdull. (Probate Reg. Sussex County, p. 95). Signed John Fisher (Seal). Letters

Testamentary were granted to Margret Fisher and Thomas Fisher by Wm. Clark, deputy register of the counties of Sussex and Kent on the 30th of April 1686.

Note that the fourth and fifth items (in italics) of the seven items in the will are, in part, addressed to his son, James, his youngest son.

Research Note ?: James' inheritance.

James died intestate. After his death, his brothers Thomas and John conveyed property to his heirs.

”Whereas Our sd deceased Father John ffisher by his last Will and Testam.’t Proved & approved, bearing date of Sixth day of 12 month ffeb’ 1685, Amonge Other things did Give & bequeath unto us his sd sons Thomas & John ffisher and our youngest brother James ffisher, our Heirs & Assigns forever[,] seven hundred acres of Land Scituate Lying & being in Sussex County Afores’d: the Same to be Equally Shared but not until Our youngest Sister Alice ffisher came of age, Our Mother’s Thirds therein During her Life only Except -? The sd. Seven hundred Acres of Land being purchased as followeth (Viz.) five hundred Acres that our Sd. Deceased ffather bought of Roger Gum and Two hundred Acres more out of ye –obscured- of land he bought of Henry Stretcher.

And whereas our sd. sister Alice ffisher hath long since been of full age and as well we ye sd. Thomas, John & James ffisher have joyntly agreed & Divided long since, and are fully satisfied that ye sd five hundred acres of Land which was bought of Roger Gum as Afores’d shall be & remaine to ye only Proper --? & benefit & behoofe of Our sd. brother James ffisher his Heirs & Assigns for ever[.] And we do further acknowledge that our s’d brother James hath long since been lawfully possessed thereof with, lived and lately died thereon (and as it happened dyed intestate) and before we had transferred him a title of Property according as ye Law directs.

Now know ye that We ye said Thomas & John Fisher, being in Duty & Confidence obliged & as well for other Reasonable & Sufficient Considerations, by our sd. brother James ffisher to us[e] in his lifetime in hand & Delivered have Given Granted, bargained Alienated En--?ed & Confirmed. And by these presents do fully & absolutely Give Grant bargain Alienate En--? & Confirm unto Sarah ffisher ye only Daughter of our sd. brother James ffisher by Cathrine his wife Her Heirs & Assigns forever all ye sd five hundred Acres of Land except on acre of ye sd Land by joynt Agreem’t to be reserved for a burying Place, also ye sd. Cathrine’s third during her Life Only Excepted.... [description of property survey follows]^[9]

• In the will of John ffisher made 6th of February 1685[/06], the property, land, etc. to his wife Margaret and children Thomas, John, James, Rachell, Sarah, and Alix Fisher. [witnesses] Wm. Emmatt, Richard R.C. Coore, Ann S. Dougdull. Margaret and Thomas’ letter of Administration on the estate of John Fisher, 30th April 1686. ^[10]

Sources

1. ↑ Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerks. "The Parish of Clitheroe in the County of Lancashire: Baptismal Records." database with index, OnLine Parish Clerks (https://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Clitheroe/stmary/index.html : 8 May 2022). James Fish, 18 Sep 1670, St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Register: Baptisms 1653 - 1680, Page 31, Entry 8. Source: LDS Film 1278857.
2. ↑ Philadelphia (Book E, No. 2, page 107)
3. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Early glassmaking in the United States," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Early_glassmaking_in_the_United_States&oldid=1021958272 : 9 May 2022).
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Smith, Anna Wharton. 1896. Genealogy of the Fisher family, 1682 to 1896, Chapter VII, p. 27. Philadelphia: [publisher not identified]. Digital copy available at archive.org [1]
5. ↑ Sheppard, Walter Lee. 2006. Passengers and ships prior to 1684: volume 1 of Penn's colony : genealogical and historical materials relating to the settlement of Pennsylvania. Westminster, Md: Heritage Books.
6. ↑ Lancashire OnLine Parish Clerks. "The Parish of Clitheroe in the County of Lancashire: Baptismal Records." database with index, OnLine Parish Clerks (https://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Clitheroe/stmary/index.html : 8 May 2022). Michael Fish, 1 May 1664, St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Register: Baptisms 1653 - 1680, Page 28, Entry 38; Thomas Fish, 4 Nov 1666, St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Register: Baptisms 1653 - 1680, Page 29, Entry 45; John Fish, 13 Jun 1669, St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Register: Baptisms 1653 - 1680, Page 30, Entry 36.; James Fish, 18 Sep 1670, St Mary Magdalene, Clitheroe, Lancashire. Register: Baptisms 1653 - 1680, Page 31, Entry 8. Source: LDS Film 1278857.
7. ↑ Sussex County (Delaware). Register of wills. Registry of wills, letters of administration, marriages, etc.... 1683- 1695 : includes some Kent County, Delaware probate matters, p. 95-99, John Fisher's Last Will and Testament. images FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C95D-XS5R-J : 27 Apr 2022). images 66-68 of 184.
8. ↑ Fisher, Jackie L. 2010. The First Fishers of Pennsylvania and Adjacent Colonies, 1650 - 1747. Self-published, Wimberley, Texas. Digital copy available at cephasfisher.net [2].
9. ↑ transcribed by A Hayes
10. ↑ Turner, C.H.B., Some Records of Sussex County, Delaware. 1909, Allen, Lane & Scott, Philadelphia, PA. Digital copy available at archive.org [3]. Page 136, Court Records

Also see:

• Deed Records of Sussex County, Delaware, 1693-1886: Deeds, book C3-D4, 1698-1721. FamilySearch.org. Accessed 23 Oct 2019

Image: 200 [4]

declaration of joint ownership

Date: 22 Sep 1702

Jacob Warring and James ffisher, both of Sussex County

100 acres being in –obscured – Neck, called ‘the Point’

• Delaware, Land Records, 1677-1947: Sussex: Roll 02. Image 127. Available at Ancestry.com Image

Date: 4 May 1703

Deed of Conveyance

from: Thomas ffisher and John ffisher, sons of John ffisher late of Sussex County, Pennsylvania Territory

to: Sarah ffisher, daughter of James ffisher, deceased

Description of Property: 500 acres