His his early admission as a freeman, and his early election as a Selectman, show that he held a
respectable social position. He Other sources: 'The Ancestry of John Whitney', Henry Melville,
NY 1896; Frederick Clifton Pearce, Whitney Genealogy, Chicago, 1895; 'Finding Forefathers in
America', Archibald Bennett, 1957, p. 245; Will of Joshua Whitney, 17/04/1713; parish records of
St. Margaret's Westminster, held in the library of Westminster Abbey. Melville says John and
Elinor lived in Isleworth, a London 'suburb', he was apprenticed to William Pring of the Old
Bailey, 22/02/1607 (records of the Merchant Taylor's Company). Freed of his bond 13/03/1614.
08/11/1624 he took his youngest brother, Robert, as an apprentice and freed him 14/01/1632.
(same source) Family File 1, by Everton Publishers, found in the Allen County Public Library
shows the wife's name as Elinor Bray (John's mother's surname), and gives her birthyear as 1599,
all this on a Family Group Sheet # 16511. He HISTORY: 'Was apprenticed to a tailor. John
Whitney married Elinor ? and in May 1635, emigrated to American and lived in Watertown, Mass.
He had nine children...' Sailed on the 'Elizabeth and Anne', Roger Cooper, Master, about the
middle of May 1635 and arrived in Boston midsummer with 102 passengers; settled in
Watertown, Massachusetts. John Whitney and Elinor (--?--)
emigrated in Apr 1635 from Ipswich, Suffolk, in the "Elizabeth and
Ann," Roger Cooper, master. Listed are John Whitney, aged 35; wife Ellin aged 30; sons
John aged 11, Richard aged 9, Nathaniel, aged 8, Thomas aged 6, and Jonathan aged 1 year. He
and Elinor (--?--) immigrated in Jun 1635 to Boston, Suffolk,
MA. John Whitney purchased from John Strickland a 16-acre
homestall after Jun 1635 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He and Elinor (--?--) resided between Jun 1635 and 1 Jun 1673 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA; on his 16- or 17-acre homestall situated a little north of Belmont Street and east
of Common Street. He was admitted freeman on 3 Mar 1635/36 MA. He was selectman several
years between 1638 and 1655 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was elected
constable by the Court on 1 Jun 1641 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was
owned eight other lots, amounting to 212 acres in 1642 Watertown, Middlesex,
MA. He was owned a homestall lot of 16 acres, where he continued to reside, bounded E. and S.
by William Jennison, W. by Martin Underwood, and N. by Isaac Mixer in 1642 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was town clerk in 1655 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. John Whitney gave Jonathan Whitney 39 acres of land situated in the Little Plain purchased from
Richard Woodward circa 1659 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. John Whitney sold to Benjamin Whitney the former's house, barn,
and all his land about the home (about 17 acres, bounded N. by John Sherman; E. and S. by
William Bond; and W. by Martin Underwood) on 5 Apr 1670 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA. He left a will on 3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; John
Whitny Senior of Watertown; son John Whitny; son Richard Whitny; son Thomas Whitny; son
Jonathan Whitny; son Joshuah Whitny; son Beniamen Whitny; sons John Whitny and Joshuah
Whitny, executors; friend William Bond Senior, overseer; witnesses, William Bond senior, Sarah
Bond senior; signed by mark.
Elinor (--?--) was also known as Ellen. She was also known
as Ellin. She This record very doubtful in terms of the birthplace. No St.
Margaret's is listed as a parish in Warwickshire. On the other hand, St. Margaret's Westminster in
London, Middlesex, is a location that has many other records of this Whitney family, but NOT the
marriage of John and Elinor. Check the Warwickshire IGI for possible marriage. Much of this
data is taken from the Ancestral File database and the children are mostly wrong in this listing.
She The data given for birthplace is suspect. St. Margaret's is in Westminster in London, and her
husband's family were recorded in that parish register (located in the archives/muniments room of
Westminster Abbey). She may have been born in Warwickshire, in which case I now have a place
to search for her that I did not know before. She was born between 1597 and 1599. She died on
11 May 1659 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; aged 60.
Children of John1 Whitney and Elinor (--?--) were as follows:
He was not mentioned in his father's will on 3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex,
MA.
She Did not emigrate with the family in 1635.
He was not mentioned in his father's will on 3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex,
MA.
Judah (--?--) married Robert Clement between 1642 and 1657
Haverhill, Essex, MA. She was born circa 1638 Middlesex, MA. She died before
3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; since husband did not mention her in his
will.
There were no children of John1 Whitney and Judah (--?--).
Generation Two
3. John2 Whitney (John1); baptized 14 Sep 1621 Isleworth, Middlesex; m. Ruth Reynolds, daughter of Robert Reynolds and Mary Pulleyne, 1642 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; d. 12 Oct 1692 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA, at age 71; his estate was probated after 12 Oct 1692 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA, and administration granted to widow Ruth and sons John and Benjamin; his
estate was probated 26 Oct 1692 Watertown, Middlesex, MA, inventory taken by
Elnathan Beers and Thomas Hammond, embraced 18 lots or parcels of land, amounting to about
210 acres, and prized at L197-15s, including one lot of 17 acres "purchased of father
Arnold;" his estate was probated 23 Dec 1692 Watertown, Middlesex, MA;
Ruth Whitney, relict widow of John Whitney late of Watertown, John Whitney, and Benjamin
Whitney, as principals, and Munning Sawin and Joseph Whitney of Watertown as sureties, posted
administration bond; Ruth Whitney made her mark "RW", John Whitney signed,
Benjamin Whitney made his mark "B". The inventory was attested to by the
administrators the same day; his estate was probated 12 Mar 1692/93 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; agreement between Ruth Whitney, widow of John
Whitney, late of Watertown, decd., and John Whitney, Nathanll. Whitney, Samuel Whitney,
Joseph Whitney, and Benjamin Whitney, sons of said John Whitney, decd., also Enoch Lawrence,
Daniel Herrington, and Daniel Warren his sons-in-law, and Mary and Hannah his daughters
unmarried, concerning the settlement of his estate; that the said John Whitney decd. left at his
death an imperfect will signifying how he wanted his estate disposed after his death, they all have
agreed that with alterations, the will should be the rule of the division of the estate. The daughters
were each to receive L10 from John Whitney and L10 from Benjamin Whitney within 10 years of
the widow's decease, and they relinquish interest in the orchard, but instead they would be paid
within 10 years from this date; sons Nathaniel, Samuel, and Joseph Whitney were each to pay 50s
to each of their sisters within five years of the widow's decease, but instead they would be paid
within 5 years from this date; lands were to be given to the sons without the entail specified in the
will; signed by Benjamin Whitney, Phillip Shattuck (attorney to Enoch Lawrence), Daniel
Herington and Sary his wife, John Whitney, Nathanael Whitney, Joseph Whitney; mark made by
Ruth Whitney and Mary Whitney; his estate was probated 13 Mar 1692/93 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; Ruth Whitney, widow of Jno. Whitney; John Whitney;
Joseph Whitney; Nathanll. Whitney; Benjamin Whitney; Phillip Shattuck, attorney to Enoch
Lawrence and Ruth his wife; Mary Whitney; Danll. Herrington and Sarah his wife; and Hannah
Whitney; agreed to all the articles and agreements settling the estate; his estate was probated 27
Apr 1695 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; joint receipt given to John Whitney and
Benjamin Whitney for their share of the estate of their father, signed by John Whitney, Benjamin
Whitney (by mark), Joseph Whitney, William Shattuck in behalf of Phillip Shattuck, Marey
Whitney (by mark), Daniel Herington, and Hannah Whitney (by mark); witnessed by Saml.
Gookin, William Shattuck, and Pelatiak Whittemore; acknowledged by all the signers 6 May
1695; his estate was probated 27 May 1695 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; division
of the estate by John Whitney and Benjamin Whitney, amounting to L274-12s-10d: Ruth
Whitney, relict of Jno. Whitney; l143-14s-10d; John Whitney, L22-10s-0d; Nathaniell Whitney,
L22-5s-0d; Samuel Whitney, L22-5s-0d; Joseph Whitney, L22-15s-0d; Benjamin Whitney,
L22-10s-0d; Ruth Whitney alia Larrance, L9-10s-0d; Mary Whitney, L10-10s-0d; Daniel
Herrington and his wife Sarah, L10-10s-0d; Daniell Warrin and his wife Elizabeth, L10-10s-10d;
Hanna Whitney, L10-10s-0d; William Shattuck son of Jno. Shattuck, L0-7s-2d.
He Sources: The Ancestry of John Whitney, by Henry Melville, New York, 1896; Robert and
Mary Reynolds of Boston, M. H. Reynolds, 1928 (LC C571.R464); Genealogical Dictionary of
the First Settlers of New England, Vol. IV, p. 529; Appleton, Boston Births, Deaths and
Marriages. There seems to be no place called Hesworth in or around London, probably a
misreading for Isleworth, where this family lived prior to coming to America. He HISTORY:
Resident of Watertown, Mass. He was a Freeman in 1647 and a Selectman from 1673 to 1690.
He and Ruth Reynolds resided between 1643 and 1692 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; on a 3-acre lot on the east side of Lexington Street, on
land granted to Edward How, and the next lot south of the residence of the Phillips family, and is
probably the same ground occupied in 1855 by his great-great-grandson Bradshaw Whitney. The
ground is somewhat elevated, and there is little doubt that it is the "Whitney Hill"
sometimes mentioned in the records. John Whitney purchased from John Ellet his land grant in the Beaverbrook Plowlands before 1644 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was admitted freeman on 26 May 1647 MA. John Whitney purchased from Thomas Arnold (of Providence, RI)
about 17 acres of land on 17 Oct 1661 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was
selectman six times between 1673 and 1679 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He
was mentioned in his father's will on 3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
He began military service as a soldier in King Phillip's War on 25 Mar 1675 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He began military service between 25 Nov 1675 and 3
Dec 1675 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; "John Whettney Sr."
impressed. He ended military service as a soldier in King Phillip's War on 3 Dec 1675 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He ended military service on 24 Aug 1676; paid 2s-6d
for service under Capt. John Cutler. He ended military service on 24 Aug 1676; paid 18s for
service under Capt. John Holbrooke. He left a will on 27 Feb 1685 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA; will of John Whitney Senior of Watertown; wife; son John Whitne or his son
John if he not be living; son Nathanell; son Samuel; son Joseph; son Bengamin; daughter Ruth;
daughter Mary; daughter Sara; daughter Elisbeth; daughter Hanah; brother Harinton; Thomas
Arnall; wife to be executrix; if any of the sons or sons-in-law or daughters be quarrelsome, they
should lose their portions; signed and sealed in the year 1690; no witnesses.
Ruth Reynolds was born in 1623 Kent. She was mentioned in her father's will
on 20 Apr 1658 Boston, Suffolk, MA. She died after 12 Oct 1692 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. She was granted administration, together with sons
John and Benjamin, on the estate of her husband after 12 Oct 1692 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA.
Children of John2 Whitney and Ruth Reynolds all b. Watertown, Middlesex, MA, were as follows:
She unmarried in 1693 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
She was unmarried in 1693 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
4. Richard2 Whitney (John1); christened 6 Jan 1623/24 Isleworth, Middlesex; m. Martha Coldam 19 Jan 1650 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; m. Martha Coldam 19 Mar 1650/51
Watertown, Middlesex, MA; d. 20 Sep 1719 Concord,
Middlesex, MA, at age 95.
He was also known as Richard Whitney Sr. He and Martha
Coldam resided Concord, Middlesex, MA. He was admitted freeman on 7 May
1651 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was mentioned in his father's will on 3
Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He and Martha
Coldam resided in 1681 Stow, Middlesex, MA, where his was a proprietor. He
resided on 28 Aug 1688 Stow, Middlesex, MA; taxed 4s 10d. He "being
seventy years of age," was released from training by the Court on 7 Apr 1691 Stow, Middlesex, MA.
Martha Coldam. She was born circa 1626 Concord,
Middlesex, MA.
Children of Richard2 Whitney and Martha Coldam all b. Watertown, Middlesex, MA, were as follows:
6. Thomas2 Whitney (John1); christened 10 Dec 1627 London; m. Mary Kedall, daughter of John
Kedall, 11 Jan 1654/55 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; d. 20 Sep 1719 Watertown, Middlesex, MA, at age 91; Bond has given the father's death record to
his son Thomas.
He was mentioned in his father's will on 3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex,
MA. He began military service as a soldier in King Philip's War in 1675 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He and Thomas Whitney ended
military service on 24 Aug 1676 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; one paid 2s-6d
and the other 4s-2d for service. Thomas Whitney purchased from John Hayward 45 acres of land in Pompasitticut on 16 Jan 1682 Stow, Middlesex, MA. He was admitted freeman on 18 Apr 1690 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. Thomas Whitney sold to Elnathan Whitney and his sister Martha (spinster) all his real and personal estate,
especially his house and 1/4 acre of ground; recorded 1721 on 25 Jun 1714 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. Thomas Whitney sold to Martha Whitney (spinster) and her brother Elnathan all his real and personal estate,
especially his house and 1/4 acre of ground; recorded 1721 on 25 Jun 1714 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
Mary Kedall was also known as Mary Kettle. She was born
in 1599.
Children of Thomas2 Whitney and Mary Kedall all b. Watertown, Middlesex, MA, were as follows:
Thomas Whitney sold to Elnathan Whitney and his sister
Martha (spinster) all his real and personal estate, especially his house and 1/4 acre of ground;
recorded 1721 on 25 Jun 1714 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
Thomas Whitney sold to Martha Whitney (spinster) and her
brother Elnathan all his real and personal estate, especially his house and 1/4 acre of ground;
recorded 1721 on 25 Jun 1714 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
8. Jonathan2 Whitney (John1); m. Jane (--?--); christened
1634 London; b. 1634 London; m. Lydia
Jones, daughter of Lewis Jones and Anna (--?--), 30 Oct 1656
Watertown, Middlesex, MA; his estate was probated 1 Jan 1702/3 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA; inventory taken by Benoni Larned and John Coollidg,
amounting to L131-16s-0d; d. 1 Jan 1702/3 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA; his
estate was probated 1 Mar 1702/3 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA; will proved.
He took the Oath of Fidelity in 1652 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He resided in
1653 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. John Whitney gave Jonathan Whitney 39 acres of land situated in the Little Plain purchased from
Richard Woodward circa 1659 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He resided in 1664
Marlborough, Middlesex, MA. Jonathan Whitney sold to Richard Child 5 acres of meadow situated on a branch of Stony Brook on 7 Nov
1664 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. Jonathan Whitney sold to
Thomas Flagg for L40, 39 acres of land situated in the Little Plain on 7 Nov
1664 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was admitted freeman on 29 Apr 1668 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He was mentioned in his father's will on 3 Apr 1673
Watertown, Middlesex, MA. He and Lydia Jones resided in
1679 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA. He left a will on 21 Dec 1702 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA; will of Jonathan Whitney of Sherborne; children
Jonathan Whitney, John Whitney, Josiah Whitney, Joseph Whitney, Benjamin Whitney, Lydia
Addams, and Abigail Whitney, to share equally; grandchildren Benjamin Fisher and Anna Fisher,
under 18; executors Jonathan Whitney and John Whitney; witnesses, Nathanell Coolidg, Thomas
Whitney, and Munings Sawin.
Jane (--?--).
There were no children of Jonathan2 Whitney and Jane (--?--).
Lydia Jones. She was born in 1632. She died on 3 Feb 1701/2 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA.
Children of Jonathan2 Whitney and Lydia Jones all b. Watertown, Middlesex, MA, were as follows:
He not mentioned in his father's will on 21 Dec 1702 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA.
He was also known as Isaack Whitney. He not mentioned in his father's will on
21 Dec 1702 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA.
He was also known as Cornet Benjamin Whitney Jr. "Junior" to
distinguish him from his uncle, who also lived in Sherborn. He and Mercy Travis
no children. He left a will on 4 Feb 1713/14 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA; will of
Benjamin Whitne of Sherburn, husbandman; wife Mercy Witne; cousin James Whittne, son of my
brother John Whittne and Mary his wife; uncle Benjamin Whittne; brother Joseph Whittne;
brother Jonath Whittne; brother Josiah Whittne; brother Joseph Whittne; brother-in-law Major
Adams; brother-in-law Cornelius Fisher; Marcy and Elizabeth Whitne, daughters of John Whittne
my brother; Benjamin Fisher, son of Cornelius Fisher; Silvanus Whittne, son of Joseph Whittne;
widow executrix; witnesses Benoni Lerned, Robert Danel, and Daniel Rider.
9. Dea. Joshua2 Whitney
(John1); b. 15 Jul 1635 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; b. 15 Jul 1635 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA; called "John the son of John & Elinor Whitney born 15 (5)
1635;" b. 13 Feb 1635/36 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; m. Mary Buckmaster 20 Nov 1664 Charlestown, Middlesex, MA,
but he is called "Joseph Widney" in the marriage record; another source says he m. Mary ----- circa 1669; m. Abigail Tarbell, daughter of Thomas Tarbell and Mary (--?--), 30 Sep 1672 Watertown, Middlesex, MA; d. 7 Aug 1719 Groton, Middlesex,
MA, at age 84; aged 83 years; his estate was probated 6 Oct 1719 Groton,
Middlesex, MA; executors' bond posted by widow Abigail Whitney and William Whitney,
yeoman, both of Groton.
He was the first of the three children born in America, which came a very few months/weeks after
the family's arrival. Children after William are taken from Joshua's will dated 17 Apr 1713. One
source for children is James Savage, A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New
England, showing three generations, originally published 1860-62, vol. 4, p. 531. 'Jofhuah
whetmy and abigall Tarball Joyned in Maryage the laft of September' (p. 72, 1673, Watertown
Records). Allan E. Green
Mary Buckmaster, is shown in many records as Mary -----.
She was born circa 1641. She died on 17 Mar 1671/72 Watertown, Middlesex,
MA; "Mary whetny the wife of Jofhuah whetny deceafed the 17 of March" 1671,
which should then be 17 Mar 1671/72.
Children of Dea. Joshua2 Whitney and Mary Buckmaster both b. Groton, Middlesex, MA, were as follows:
He no children. He left a will; mentions Elizabeth Harmon and Sarah Tylor. He and Dea. Joshua Whitney began military service on 17 Mar 1691/92 Groton, Middlesex, MA; as "Joshua Whitting" and "Joshua
Whitting Junr.," members of the garrison in the West Regiment of Middlesex. He resided in
1699 Plainfield, Windham, CT; petitioned for a minister. He resided on 24 Dec
1702 Plainfield, Windham, CT; freeholder on the east side of the Quinebaug
River. He resided on 10 Oct 1706 Plainfield, Windham, CT; the General Court
of Connecticut confirmed the proprietors' rights. He was employed by Representative to the
General Court in 1711 Plainfield, Windham, CT. He was employed by
Representative to the General Court in 1712 Plainfield, Windham, CT. He was
employed by Representative to the General Court in 1715 Plainfield, Windham,
CT. He was employed by Representative to the General Court in 1717 Plainfield, Windham, CT.
Abigail Tarbell was born circa 1643. She was living in 1719, when she
posted bond as executor of his estate.
Children of Dea. Joshua2 Whitney and Abigail Tarbell were as follows:
11. Benjamin2 Whitney (John1); b. 6 Jun 1643 Watertown,
Middlesex, MA; Benjamin, the son of John & Elinor Whitney borne 6 (4) 1643; m. Jane (--?--) circa 1668 York, York, ME; m. Mary Poor 11 Apr 1695 Marlborough, Middlesex, MA; m. Mary Poor 13 Apr 1696 Marlborough, Middlesex, MA; husband
"of Framingham", wife "of Marlborough;" d. 26 Mar 1723 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA, at age 79.
He Family File 1, Everton Publishers, found in the Allen Co. Public Library shows his wife's name
as Mary Poor. Also of York, Dover (1667/8), Shirborne (1670). Primary Source, beyond AF
& FF: James Savage, A Gen. Dict. of the Fst. Sett. of NE, orig. pub. 1860-62. Notes show
another child, Benjamin, b. 22 or 27 May, 1709, in Sherborn, child of the second wife. However,
if she was indeed a sister of Jane Poor, the first wife, she was probably nearly 60 years old at that
time, and Benjamin would have been 66. (Notes from Jeanne Muse: I show marriage date of 1695
to Mary Poor. Thus Benjamin would have been only 52 when married & 62 when child born
in 1709. If Mary was young, this could have easily happened.). He BIR-DEA: Research by Alyson
Cobb of Green Cove Springs, Florida; migrated to Maine. He resided between 1667 and 1668 Cocheco, NH; appears on a list taken from Dover Town Records. He resided
before 1668 York, York, ME; as appears by the Registry of Deeds, Vol. III, p.
451-2. John Whitney sold to Benjamin Whitney the former's
house, barn, and all his land about the home (about 17 acres, bounded N. by John Sherman; E.
and S. by William Bond; and W. by Martin Underwood) on 5 Apr 1670 Watertown, Middlesex, MA. Benjamin Whitney sold to Dea. Joshua Whitney with the consent of his father, for L40, all right to his father's
homestead obtained 5 Apr 1670 on 9 Mar 1670/71 Watertown, Middlesex, MA.
He was mentioned in his father's will on 3 Apr 1673 Watertown, Middlesex,
MA.
Jane (--?--). She was also known as Jane Poor. She was
born circa 1647. She died on 14 Nov 1690 Sherborn, Middlesex, MA.
Children of Benjamin2 Whitney and Jane (--?--) were as follows:
She was also known as Elner Whitney.
Mary Poor. She was also known as Esther Poor. She was
born circa 1650.
Children of Benjamin2 Whitney and Mary Poor were as follows:
Please send e-mail to Robert L. Ward at 
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