Elizabeth OLNEY

Family/Spouse: John SAYLES. John (son of John SAYLES and Mary WILLIAMS) was born on 17 Aug 1654 in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island; died on 02 Aug 1727 in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Thomas SAYLES, Esq. was born on 9 Feb 1698/9 in Providence, Rhode Island; died on 9 Nov 1754 in North Smithfield, Rhode island.

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He came from England with his parents when a small child, and quite early in life became a leading spirit in the Rhode Island Colony, and was constantly engaged to the time of his death in public affairs.

He was chosen Assistant during the years 1669, '70, '77 to '79. For thirty years he was a member of the Town Council, and frequently we find his name among the members of the Colonial Assembly. His signature occurs though a long term of years as Town Clerk. he was ordained a minister in 1668, and succeeded the Rev. Gregory Dexter as pastor to the First Baptist Church, serving until about the years 1710 to 1715.

He was an earnest opponent to George Fox, a leading Quaker, who came from England and resided some years in the Colony. He very severely criticised his methods and teachings in a document entitle "Ambition Anatomized," the original of which may be seen at the R.I. Historical Society. His home was near where the works of the American Screw Co. are now located at the North End, at the foot of Stampers Hill. He was an owner of a very large tract of land known as the Wenscot Farm, lying in those parts of Providence, now forming a portion of North Providence and Lincoln, considerable of which still remains in the possession of his descendants.

Thomas married Elizabeth MARSH on 3 Jul 1660. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]