Deacon John BIRDSEY

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John Birdsey's origins are unknown, and his immigration to New England was not recorded in a ship's list. He may have arrived inWethersfield by 1636. He was certainly in Milford by 20 November 1639 when he was named on a list of free planters there. He and wife joined the church in Milford 23 August 1640. They were dismissed to the Stratford church 29 March 1649. He was first referred to as Deacon of the congregational Church in Stratford in 1678.

At a General Assembly held at Hartford 10 October 1667, John was accepted as a freeman with the oath of freedom to be administered by the Assistant Mr. Samuel Sherman. He was again named a freeman in Stratford 7 October 1669. he was named townsman in Stratford in 1669. Based on the loom and large value of linen and woolen clothing in his inventory, it appears that is occupation was weaver and tailor, Although he signed his will with his mark rather than his signature, his inventory contained "5 bibles and other books" valued at 7 pounds which was a significant value.

John and Alice signed a pre-martial agreement on 8 October 1688 which noted that each of them had the right to enjoy, possess and dispose of his or her own estate both in life and death Also, if either of them was totally disabled by sickness, both estates would be available for their maintenance. If Alice outlived John, she would enjoy the dwelling house and yard during her natural life. John was to "winter and summer a cow" for Alice during her natural life.

John married Philippa ? about 1640. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. John BIRDSEY was born on 28 Mar 1640/1 in Stratford, Fairfield Co., Connecticut; was christened on 4 Apr 16641 in Milford Congregation Church; died on 09 Jan 1697/8 in Stratford, Fairfield Co., Connecticut.
2. Johanna BIRDSEYE was born on 18 Nov 1642 in Milford, New Haven Co., Connecticut; was christened on 20 Nov 1642 in Milford Congregation Church; died in Aug 1713 in Stratford, Fairfield Co., Connecticut.

John married Alice ? in 1688. Alice died on 25 Jan 1697/8. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]