Joseph WILLIAMS

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He took the Colonial oath at Haverhill 28 Nov. 1677. His father conveyed to him property in Haverhill thus recorded 14 July, 1673:

" To my sonne Joseph Williams my now dwelling house, out housing, house lott, oarcheard and hopp years, ye are upon ye sd lott, together with eight commonages weh I have in ye sd towne of Haverhill, and also yt pcell of ox comon land wch was layd out to me beyond the fishing river towards the saw mill, and also my Duck meadow wch is bounded at ye south end with two oakes and at ye north end with a swamp."

This is evidently the same property which the father had willed to him in 1670.

Many years later "Joseph Williams of Norwich sold property in Haverhill inherited from his father."

After the birth of his youngest child in 1683 his name is found no more in the records of Haverhill. The next trace of him is gathered from the archives of Norwich, Conn. Here he settled on Poquetannock Cove, Brewster's Neck, on the extreme boundary line of the southern limits of old Norwich, east of The Thames, just within what was comprehended in the original Indian grant of the 'nine miles square tract."...

Every newcomer who succeeded in being publicly accepted obtained a grant of land comprising a building lot, pasture ground, and woodland sufficient for a family. So, in 1702, we learn that a vote was taken at a town meeting of Norwich, putting certain names on the Roll as an addition to its inhabitants, and in the number Joseph Williams was enteres as "a wholeshare man respecting lands. In 1703 he was a member of the first Congregational church of Norwich The Norwich town records mention many reaal-estate transactions of Joseph Williams, which show that he was a man in prosperous circumstances and that his business interests were in partnership with his son John. He as well as his son received lands in return for contributions to the meeting-house. A roll of landed proprietors is given in 1718, which mentions him; and the record of a deed bearing date of March, 1719, is in his name. In 1720, the year of his wife's death, he is referred to as deceased. He left but one son to carry down the Williams name.

Joseph married Mary FULLER on 18 Nov 1674 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Mary (daughter of Samuel FULLER and Jane LOTHROP) was born in Scituate, Plymouth Co., Massachusetts; was christened on 16 Jun 1644; died on 11 Nov 1720 in Norwich, New London, Connecticut, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Sarah WILLIAMS was born on 17 Nov 1675 in Haverhill, Essex Co., Massachusetts; died on 10 Sep 1702.
2. Mary WILLIAMS was born on 29 Nov 1677 in Haverhill, Essex Co., Massachusetts.
3. John WILLIAMS was born on 17 Feb 1679/80 in Haverhill, Essex Co., Massachusetts; died on 11 Jan 1741 in Poquetannock, Connecticut.
4. Hannah WILLIAMS was born on 30 Sep 1683 in Haverhill, Essex Co., Massachusetts.

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In 1642, John Williams was admitted freeman: that is, he was made an acknowledged citizen of the place, was a member of the church, had a full right to vote on any and all questions, and had taken the oath of fidelity and allegiance. In 1643, according to a town vote, the valuation of his property was put at eighty pounds, which compares favorable with that of the 31 other land owners. Every stockholder who emigrated at his own expense was to receive fifty acres for each member of his family; and every fifty pounds contributed to the company's stock entitled the stockholder to two hundred acres of land. In the 4th division of land, 14 oct., 1659, John Williams drew the 4th lot. In 1667 he again received a share in the distribution of some lands belonging to the town, which confirms the statement that he was one of the original proprietors, and to be such he must have been in possession of means brought from the old country. He also owned other property in Haverhill, some of which he gave to his sons during his lifetime.

John williams passed the residue of his days in Haverhill, dying there 10 Feb., 1674; his widow Jane surviving until 21 Nov., 1680. His will, dated 9 Dec., 1670, probated 18 mar., 1674, mentions his children, John, Joseph, Sarah, Mary and Lydia, and a grandchild, Sarah, daughter of Sarah who had married John Ayer. ...

John married Jane ?. Jane died on 21 Nov 1680 in Haverhill, Essex Co., Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]