Identity of sisters Ann ( ) Wood, Mary ( ) Grant and Susanna ( ) Todd

Contents 1 The Hopkinson Sisters 1.1 Family Group 1.2 Records 2 Sources

The Hopkinson Sisters

The identity of sisters Ann ( ) Wood, Mary ( ) Grant and Susanna ( ) Todd has long been unknown and a problem for genealogists. Their origins and parents have recently been discovered. This page is meant to provide the evidence and explanation as to why they are the daughters of Michael Hopkinson of Halifax and Kildwick, Yorkshire, and of Rowley, Massachusetts.

Hunt Theory Disproved

It has long been known that Ann Wood, Mary Grant and Susanna Todd were sisters. Mary Grant in her will called Ann Wood and Susanna Todd her sisters.^[1] G.L. Howe in his article in the The American Genealogist in 1944 laid out extensive connections and circumstantial evidence between the Hunt-Wood-Todd-Grant families and concluded that the three sisters must be daughters of William Hunt of Concord and Marlborough, and sisters of Samuel Hunt of Ipswich.^[2] That the LNAB of the three sisters was Hunt can be found in many secondary sources and across the internet.

In 1954, Clarence A. Torrey refuted the theory.^[3] He pointed out that very little of Howe's evidence spoke directly to the LNAB of the sisters, and that which did had other and better explanations. The 1667 will of William Hunt named only three sons and one daughter - Samuel, Nehemiah, Isaac and Elizabeth Barnes.^[4][5] Though it is possible for daughters to be not named in a will, the will of William Hunt is lengthy and seemingly complete in naming his children. However, the 1654 will of Robert Best of Sudbury makes if very clear that Anne, Mary and Susanna were not daughters of William Hunt. This will names "the five children of my cousin William Hunt" as Samuel, Nehemiah, Isaac, Elizabeth and Hannah. The wording of the will makes it very clear that William Hunt had exactly five children and no more.

Family Associations

In 1675, Thomas Wood and John Todd gave testimony in case between John Acie and John Pickerd; Thomas Wood called John Todd his "brother Todd."^[6] The case involved a failed engagement between John Hopkinson and Hannah Palmer.

Discovery of Baptisms

In January 2022, Barry Wood was searching for the English ancestry of Michael and Anne Hopkinson of Rowley, Massachusetts. One good possibility was the Michael Hopkinson who married Anna Brigge on 2 December 1624 at St. Andrew's parish in Kildwick, Yorkshire, England. Among their children baptized at Kildwick was a Mary and an Ann. A continued search found a third daughter baptized at nearby Halifax, Susanna.

Conclusion

Michael and Anne Hopkinson have been shown to have had daughters Ann, Susanna and Mary born in England prior to their immigration. This is a perfect match for the sisters Ann Wood, Susanna Todd, and Mary Grant. Their ages are exactly what you would expect given their marriages and ages of their husbands. Michael Hopkinson was one of the original founders of Rowley, Massachusetts, and his daughters all married three other early settlers of Rowley. This identification also provides an explanation as to why Thomas Wood and John Todd gave testimony in the case involving John Hopkinson (their nephew).

Congratulations to Barry Wood in identifying the English origins of Michael Hopkinson, and in finding his three previously unknown daughters.

Family Group

Marriage: Michael Hopkinson married Anna Brigge on 2 December 1624 at St. Andrew's parish in Kildwick, Yorkshire, England.^[7]

Children of Michael Hopkinson and Anna Brigge:

1. John Hopkinson. Baptized on 2 December 1624 at St. Andrew's parish in Kildwick.^[8] He presumably died young and may be the John Hopkinson buried on 1 December 1634 at nearby Bradford, Yorkshire.^[9]
2. Anne Hopkinson. Baptized on 23 March 1627/8 at St. Andrew's parish in Kildwick.^[10] She immigrated to New England with her parents where she married Thomas Wood on 7 June 1654 in Rowley.^[11] Anne died on 29 December 1714 in Rowley.
3. Richard Hopkinson. Baptized on 2 October 1631 at St. Andrew's parish in Kildwick.^[12] He presumably died young and may be the Richard Hopkinson buried on 19 April 1637 in Halifax.^[13]
4. Susan Hopkinson. Baptized on 3 February 1632/3 at St. James parish in Halifax, Yorkshire.^[14] She immigrated to New England with her parents where she married John Todd about 1649 (birth of first child in 1650). Susanna died on 18 November 1710 in Rowley.
5. Mary Hopkinson. Baptized on 26 October 1634 at St. Andrew's parish in Kildwick.^[15] She immigrated to New England with her parents where she married John Grant. Mary died in 1698.
6. Jonathan Hopkinson. Born on 12 February 1641/2 in Rowley, Massachusetts.^[16] Jonathan was buried on 20 January 1641/2 in Rowley.^[17]
7. Jonathan Hopkinson. Born on 9 April 1643 in Rowley.^[16][18] Jonathan died on 11 February 1719 in Rowley.^[17]
8. Jeremiah Hopkinson. Born on 26 March 1645 in Rowley.^[19] Jeremiah was buried on 22 February 1665/6 in Rowley.^[17]
9. John Hopkinson. Born on 7 January 1646/7 in Rowley.^[16] He married Elizabeth Pearson on 8 June 1670 in Rowley.^[18] John died on 29 May 1704 in Rowley.^[20]
10. Caleb Hopkinson. Born on 19 February 1648/9 in Rowley.^[19] He married first Sarah Wallingford on 25 November 1679, and second Sarah Wheeler on 12 June 1701, both in Bradford, Massachusetts.^[21] Caleb died on 17 April 1721 in Bradford.^[22]

Records

Marriage:

2 December 1624: "Michael Hopkinſon; et Anna Brigge"^[7]

Baptisms

August 1625: "Johannes Hopkinſon filius Michael et Annæ ux'is eius de Sutton"^[8]

23 March 1627/8: "Anna Hobkinſon; fil: Michaelis et Annæ ux'is de Sutton"^[10]

2 October 1631: "Richardus Hopkinſon; fil: Mich: et Annæ uxoris eius de Suttonn"^[12]

3 February 1632/3: Susan Hopkinson at St. James Parish, Halifax, the daughter of Michael Hopkinson.^[14]

26 October 1634: "Maria Hopkinſon; fil: Michaell et Annæ ux'is eius de Sutton"^[15]

Hopkinson Records at Kildwick, Yorkshire, England:

- 2 Dec 1624 Michael Hopkinson married Anna Brigge

- Aug 1625 Johannes Hopkinson, son of Michael and Anne Hopkinson

- Mar 1627 Anna Hopkinson, daughter of Michael and Anne Hopkinson

- 23 Mar 1628 Anna Hopkinson, daughter of Michael and Anne Hopkinson

- 2 Oct 1631 Richard Hopkinson, son of Michael and Anne Hopkinson

- 26 Oct 1634 Maria Hopkinson, daughter of Michael and Anne Hopkinson

Hopkinson Records at Elland, Yorkshire, England:

- 2 Nov 1595, Michis Hopkinson, son of Michis (Mich'Is) Hopkinson

- 20 Dec 1595, Michaelis Hopkinson, son of Michis Hopkinson buried

- 16 Jan 1596, Gracia Hopkinson, daughter of Michis Hopkinson

- 27 Aug 1609, Josuah Hopkinson, son of Michaelis Hopkinson

- 1 Dec 1611, Maria Hopkinson, daughter of Michael Hopkinson

- 2 Oct 1614, Anna Hopkinson, daughter of Michaelis Hopkinson

- 18 Oct 1621, Jonathan, son of Michaelis Hopkinson

- 13 Apr 1626, Michael Hopkinson buried

- 14 Jul 1635, Susanna Hopkinson wife of Michael buried

- 16 Nov 1600, Johannes Hopkinson son of Samuelis Hopkinson

- 18 Oct 1604, Alexander Hopkinson son of Samuelis Hopkinson

- 6 Sep 1607, Judith Hopkinson daughter of Samuelis Hopkinson

- 2 Jan 1596, Juditha Hopkinson daughter of Jacobi Hopkinson

- 12 Jun 1614, Johannes Hopkinson son of Jacobi Hopkinson

- 28 Aug 1614, Johannes Hopkinson buried

- 25 Apr 1598, Michelis Hopkinson, son of Georgij Hopkinson

- 19 Nov 1602, same Michelis Hopkinson, son of Georgij Hopkinson buried

- 12 Jan 1611, Mattheus Hopkinson, son of Georgij Hopkinson

- 4 Sep 1614, Daniel Hopkinson son of Georgij Hopkinson

- 26 Apr 1618, Daniel Hopkinson son of Georgij Hopkinson

- 22 Oct 1620, Elizabetha Hopkinson daughter of Georgij Hopkinson

- 18 Sep 1622, Infans Hopkinson child of Georgij Hopkinson

- 13 Feb 1624, Elizabetha Hopkinson daughter of Georgij Hopkinson

- 7 Dec 1634, Johes Hopkinson son of Georgij Hopkinson and Janae Riley

- 17 Jan 1633/4, Georgius Hopkinson buried

- 21 Sep 1606, Michael Hopkinson son of of Johanis Hopkinson

- 30 Oct 1606, same Michael Hopkinson infant son of Johanis Hopkinson buried

- 27 Mar 1608, Gracia Hopkinson, daughter of Johanis Hopkinson

- 25 Feb 1615, Rosamunda Hopkinson, daughter of Johannis Hopkinson

- 3 Mar 1615/6, Rosamunda Hopkinson, daughter of Johannis Hopkinson buried

- 22 Nov 1635, Anna Hopkinson, daughter of Johnis Hopkinson

- 9 Mar 1605, Gracia Hopkinson, daughter of Abeli Wood and Judith Hopkinson

- 29 Sep 1620, Henricus Hopkinson, son of Henrici Hagh and Sarae Hopkinson

- 22 Jun 1623, Thomas Hopkinson, son of Johis Firth (Ffirth) and Annae Hopkinson

- 20 Dec 1595, Michaelis Hopkinson, son of Michis Hopkinson buried

- 5 Jun 1597, Agnes Hopkinson wife of Johis Hopkinson buried

- 19 Aug 1597, Willius Hopkinson son of Johis Hopkinson buried

- 10 Jul 1598, Johes Hopkinson Sr buried

- 10 Oct 1598, Editha Hopkinson daughter of Jacobi Hopkinson buried

- 3 Jun 1609, Johanna Hopkinson wife of Johan'is buried

- 16 Aug 1613, Guilielmus Hopkinson buried

- 29 Sep 1613, Elizabetha Hopkinson wife of Johan'is buried

- 13 Feb 1615/6, Agnes Hopkinson widow of Guilielmi buried

- 28 Jan 1617, Johan'Es (Johanes) Hopkinson buried

- 3 Jul 1624, Anna Hopkinson buried

- 13 Aug 1630, Johannes Hopkinson buried

- 6 Feb 1596, Grace (Gracia) Hopkinson married Saml (Samuelis) Fletcher

- 1607, Edmd Hopkinson married Jane Butterfield

- 19 Jan 1614, Johanes (John) Hopkinson married Elizabetha (Elizabetha) Dicson

- 15 Aug 1615, Maria Hopkinson married Humphrey Smallpage (Humfridus Smalepage)

- 16 Nov 1618, Grace (Gratia) Hopkinson married Rich (Richus) Mitchell (Michell)

- 15 May 1619, Judith (Juditha) Hopkinson married John (Johannes) Crossley

- 21 Oct 1627, Grace (Gratia) Hopkinson married Isaac (Isaacus) Houcar

- 20 Jun 1631, Judith (Juditha) Hopkinson married George Whitley (Georgius Whiteley)

- 6 Apr 1635, Johnes (John, Jonnes) Hopkinson married Susan Lumme

Hopkinson Records at Halifax, Yorkshire, England:

- 8 Feb 1600, James Hopkinson, son of Jo Hopkinson

- 22 Mar 1600, Edith Hopkinson, daughter of Isaak Hopkinson

- 25 Mar 1601, Priscilla Hopkinson, daughter of Edward Hopkinson

- 20 May 1604, Priscilla Hopkinson, daughter of Edward Hopkinson buried

- 13 Apr 1601, Michael Hopkinson, son of Daniel Hopkinson

- 27 Sep 1601, Mary Hopkinson, daughter of James Hopkinson

- 10 Feb 1604, Mary Hopkinson, daughter of John Hopkinson

- 5 Jan 1625, Susanna Hopkinson, daughter of Johis Hopkinson

- 26 Aug 1627, Samuel Hopkinson, son of Alexander Hopkinson

- 29 May 1632, Samuel Hopkinson, son of Alexander Hopkinson buried

- 20 Nov 1631, Sarah Hopkinson, daughter of Francisi Hopkinson

- 3 Feb 1632, Sarah Hopkinson, daughter of Michaelis Hopkinson

- 14 Feb 1633, Sara Hopkinson, daughter of Johannes Hopkinson

- 05 Jan 1633/4, Sara Hopkinson, daughter of Johannes Hopkinson buried

- 18 Jan 1634, Richardus Hopkinson, son of Gulielmi Hopkinson

- 26 Feb 1634, Richardus Hopkinson, son of Gulielmi Hopkinson buried

-

- 10 Nov 1625 Maria Hopkinson, daughter of Joseph Hopkinson

- 1 Apr 1627, Esther Hopkinson, daughter of John Hopkinson

- 7 Dec ?1627, Jacobus Hopkinson, son of Johis Hopkinson

- 6 Jan 1632 _____ Hopkinson, child of John Hopkinson

- 6 Jun 1631, Juditha Hopkinson, daughter of Alexandrus Hopkinson

- 30 Mar 1632, Juditha Hopkinson, daughter of Alexander Hopkinson buried

- 15 Apr 1600, Infant Hopkinson, daughter of Denielis Hopkinson

- 25 Sep 1601 _____ Hopkinson, wife of Edward Hopkinson

- 22 Apr 1625, Susana Hopkinson, daughter of Michis Hopkinson

- 13 Aug 1626, Maria Hopkinson, daughter of John Hopkinson

- 25 Sep 1628, Thomas Hopkinson, son of Edward Hopkinson

- 2 Oct 1628, Anthony Hopkinson buried

- 13 Feb 1629 Maria Hopkinson buried

- 29 Jan 1631 Maria Hopkinson buried

- 19 Feb 1631, Johannes Hopkinson buried

- 24 Mar 1631, Infant Hopkinson, daughter of Johannes Hopkinson

- 14 Apr 1632, Vid Hopkinson, wife of Jacobus Hopkinson

- 8 Feb 1632, Vid Hopkinson, wife of Johannes Hopkinson

- 30 Jul 1632, Johannes Hopkinson buried

- 30 Aug 1632, _____ Hopkinson, wife of Alexander Hopkinson

- 23 Nov 1633, Jacobus Hopkinson, son of Johis Hopkinson

- 1596, Edward Hopkinson married Lettice Holdsworth

- 1596, Grace Hopkinson married Anthony Wade

- 25 Mar 1600, Daniel Hopkinson married Susan Emot

- 3 Jun 1600, Edward Hopkinson married Lettice Greenehough

- 4 Aug 1600, Isabel Hopkinson married James Pollarde

- 27 Oct 1600, John Hopkinson married Grace Robtshawe

- 10 Feb 1604, James Hopkinson married Grace Somrskales

- 4 Jun 1604, John Hopkinson married Anne Smythe

- 28 Jan 1604, John Hopkinson married Susan Dobson

- 1607, Michael Hopkinson married Susan Oates

- 1608, Judah Hopkinson married Agnes Bentley

- 2 Feb 1626, Allan Hopkinson married Elizabeth Harper

- 31 Oct 1626, Sarah Hopkinson married John Woodhous

- 9 Jul 1627, James Hopkinson married Elizabeth Honnes

- 3 Oct 1628, Susanna Hopkinson married Henricus Howker

- 13 Jul 1631, Maria Hopkinson married Johannes Northend

- 30 Apr 1632, Gratia Hopkinson married Johannes Husband

- 11 Jun 1632, Anna Hopkinson married William Fletcher

- 18 Sep 1632, Johannes Hopkinson married Carthy Turner

- 27 Dec 1632 Maria Hopkinson married George Campnot

- 21 Jan 1633, Jana Hopkinson married Johannes Farwell

- 3 Feb 1633, Susanna Hopkinson married Johannes Eastwood

- 6 Dec 1633, Gulielmus Hopkinson married Maria Crosley

- 10 Dec 1633, Alicia Hopkinson married Thomas Wood

- 1635 Alice Hopkinson married Thomas Wood

Sources

Footnotes and citations:

1. ↑ Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881. (AmericanAncestors.org online database). Probate #11517, will of Mary Grant, 1698.
2. ↑ TAG, vol. 21. (1944): pages 123-133. "Thomas Wood of Rowley," by G.L. Howe.
3. ↑ TAG, vol. 30. (1954): pages 101-103. "William Hunt of Concord" by Torrey.
4. ↑ Wyman. Genealogy of Hunt Family, (1863): pages 42-44.
5. ↑ Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871. (AmericanAncestors.org online database). Probate #12305, will of William Hunt, 1667.
6. ↑ Essex Quarterly Courts, vol. 6. (1917): pages 14-16.
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1} Brigg. Parish Registers of Kildwick. (1916): page 49.
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1} Brigg. Parish Registers of Kildwick. (1916): page 6.
9. ↑ "England, Yorkshire, Bishop's Transcripts, 1547-1957", FamilySearch online database, (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:68ZX-1YNZ), John Hopkinson, 1634.
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1} Brigg. Parish Registers of Kildwick. (1916): page 11.
11. ↑ Rowley. Vital Records of Rowley. (1928): page 431.
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1} Brigg. Parish Registers of Kildwick. (1916): page 17.
13. ↑ "England, Yorkshire, Bishop's Transcripts, 1547-1957", FamilySearch online database, (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:68ZD-NYD), Richardus Hopkinson, 1637.
14. ↑ ^{14.0 14.1} "England, Yorkshire, Bishop's Transcripts, 1547-1957", FamilySearch online database. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:68K1-L88J), Susan Hopkinson, 1632.
15. ↑ ^{15.0 15.1} Brigg. Parish Registers of Kildwick. (1916): page 22.
16. ↑ ^{16.0 16.1 16.2} Rowley. Vital Records of Rowley. (1928): page 101.
17. ↑ ^{17.0 17.1 17.2} Rowley. Vital Records of Rowley. (1928): page 475.
18. ↑ ^{18.0 18.1} Rowley. Vital Records of Rowley. (1928):page 317.
19. ↑ ^{19.0 19.1} Rowley. Vital Records of Rowley. (1928): page 100.
20. ↑ Blodgette. Early Settlers of Rowley. (1887): Page 162.
21. ↑ Bradford. Vital Records of Bradford. (1907): page 226.
22. ↑ Bradford. Vital Records of Bradford. (1907): page 328.

Source list:

• The American Genealogist, volume 21 (1944): pages 123-133. "A Study of the Identity of Thomas Wood of Rowley, Mass., and His Wife Ann," by G.L. Howe. AmericaAncestors.org link.

• The American Genealogist, volume 30 (1954): pages 101-103. "William Hunt of Concord" by Clarence Almon Torrey. AmericanAncestors.org link.

• Blodgette, George Brainard. Early Settlers of Rowley, Massachusetts. (Salem: The Essex Institue, 1887): Grant page 125; Hopkinson page 161-162; Todd page 384; Wood page 411.

• Bradford. Vital Records of Bradford Massachusetts to the End of the Year 1849. (Topsfield, MA: Topsfield Historical Society, 1907): page 226.

• Brigg, Wm. Anderton ed. The Parish Registers of St. Andrew's, Kildwick-in-Craven. (London: Yorkshire Parish Register Society vol. 55, 1916): page 6; page 11; page 17; page 22; page 49.

• Essex County Courts. Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex... vol. 6: 1675-1678. (Salem: The Essex Institute, 1917): pages 14-16.

• Essex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1638-1881. (AmericanAncestors.org online database). Probate #11517, will of Mary Grant, 1698.

• Jewett, Amos Everett. Early Settlers of Rowley, Massachusetts, revised. (1933). HathiTrust.org link; Grant page 125; Hopkinson pages 161-162 [https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x000380798?urlappend=%3Bseq=472%3Bownerid=27021597765049155-492 Todd page 384; Wood page 411.

• Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871. (AmericanAncestors.org online database). Probate #12305, will of William Hunt, 1667.

• Rowley. Vital Records of Rowley, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849. (Salem: The Essex Institute, 1928): Births pages 100-101; Marriages page 317; Deaths pages 475-476.

• Wyman, Thomas Bellows. Genealogy of the Name and Family of Hunt, (Boston, 1863): pages 42-44.