Robert WHITCOMB

Notes:

Name:
"Whitcomb Family Genealogy": When in 1654 John, removed his family from Scituate, Mass., to Lancaster, Mass., robert remained behind, perhaps in the family of his oldest sister Catherine Ellmes, who was settled there, she having been married ten years before. From the fact that Robert remained and was given real estate, it is reasonable to suppose him to have been one of the oldest sons. It is recorded by several authorities that in this year, 1654, Robert received from his father a half interest in the Connihasset lands and it is probable that this was recognized as his share of his father's estate, as in the division of the property after his father's death he was awarded no part, nor was he mentioned in the will of his mother.

Events proved that Robert, like his brother-in-law, Rhodolphus Ellmes, and his neighbors, Gen. Cudworth and family, sympathized with the Quakers and possibly his inclinations led him to remain with these friends rather than to accompany his Puritan relatives to Lancaster. It is certain that six years later he was married by a Quaker preacher in Rhode Island to Mary (born July 23, 1637), daughter of Gen. James Cudworth, but this marriage being pronounced unlawful he was remarried by a Puritan preacher, March 9, 1660.

Robert Whitcombe was the first to settle at "Beechwood" in the Beeches, the family place at Scituate where several generations of Whitcombes have resided.

He seems to have died intestate and there is no record of his children except in the will of Gen. James Cudworth, who left legacies to four grandchildren. Another child, Elizabeth, is named elsewhere Dates of the death of Robert and his wife are unknown..

"Robert Whitcomb and Mary Cudworth for disorderly coming together without consent of parents and lawful marriage is sentenced to pay ten pounds fine and imprisoned during the pleasure of the Court; and being desirous to be orderly married, accordingly were, this 9th of March, 1660."

"Ezekiell Mayne for accompanying and countenanceing of the said pryes in there extravigant course for the accomplishing of their eregulare purposes, was fined twenty shillings."

Officers were appointed by the Court to apprenhend the Quaker preacher, "Henry Hobson of Road Iland, and to take securities for his appearance at the Court at Plymouth to answare for his derision of authoritle in counterfetting the solemanising of the marriage of Robert Whetcom and Mary Cudworth." - (Plymouth colony records; vol. III).

Gen. James Cudworth was assistant to the Government of Plymouth coony, 1656 to 1658. Commissioner to England for the Colonies, 1657. Commander-in-chielf of all the forces in the United Colonies engaged in King Phillps War; Deputy Governor of Plymouth Colon, 1681-82. History says, "a very valuable man." He sympathized with the Quakers and was deposed from office in consequence but was later reinstated. Robert Whitcombe and his brother-in-law Rhodolphus Elmes were frequently in trouble for attending Quaker meetings. - (Plymouth colony Records: Vol. III).

Robert married Mary CUDWORTH on 9 Mar 1660. Mary was born on 23 Jul 1637. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: A "set work cooper"

James married Mary PARKER on 22 Nov 1694. Mary was born in 1667/68; died on 30 Nov 1729 in Rochester, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]