1785 - 1815 (29 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 2
2. | Abner Smead was born on 3 Apr 1752 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA (son of Jonathan Smead and Mehitable Nims); died on 2 Feb 1797 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Residence: 1790, Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA
Abner married Hannah Albert on 19 Jan 1774 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Hannah was born in 1754 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 22 Sep 1811 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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3. | Hannah Albert was born in 1754 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 22 Sep 1811 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Children:
- Elijah Smead was born on 8 Oct 1774 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 1 Sep 1777 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Lucinda Smead was born on 24 Sep 1776 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Hannah Smead was born on 14 Oct 1778 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Elijah Smead was born on 20 Aug 1780 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Caroline Smead was born on 14 Nov 1783 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- 1. Cyrus Smead was born on 13 Dec 1785 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 11 Mar 1815.
- Abner Smead was born on 25 Jul 1789 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1864 in , Lake, Ohio, USA.
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Generation: 3
4. | Jonathan Smead was born on 19 Jan 1707 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA (son of Ebenezer Smead and Esther Catlin); died on 29 Apr 1783 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Jonathan married Mehitable Nims on 19 May 1731 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Mehitable (daughter of John Nims and Elizabeth Hull) was born on 13 Mar 1714 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 5 Nov 1782 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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5. | Mehitable Nims was born on 13 Mar 1714 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA (daughter of John Nims and Elizabeth Hull); died on 5 Nov 1782 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Children:
- Jonathan Smead was born on 21 Jul 1731 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 23 Nov 1731 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Elizabeth Smead was born on 23 Nov 1732 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 19 Feb 1816 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Jonathan Smead was born on 3 Apr 1735 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 1 Apr 1814 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Esther Smead was born on 6 Mar 1737 in Charlemont, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 5 May 1780 in Charlemont, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Lemuel Smead was born on 19 Jul 1739 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Jan 1812 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Submit Smead was born on 28 Aug 1741 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 5 Sep 1741 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Mehitable Smead was born on 27 Nov 1742 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 1 Dec 1801 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Daniel Smead was born on 9 Mar 1745 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 21 Feb 1815 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Philomena Smead was born on 3 Aug 1747 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 4 Oct 1805 in Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- John Smead was born on 28 Dec 1749 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 24 May 1824 in Whitingham, Windham, Vermont, USA.
- 2. Abner Smead was born on 3 Apr 1752 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 2 Feb 1797 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Amasa Smead was born on 6 Jul 1754 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1825 in Wallingford, Rutland, Vermont, USA.
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Generation: 4
8. | Ebenezer Smead was born on 9 May 1675 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA (son of William Smead, Jr and Elizabeth Lawrence); died on 19 Jul 1753 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Ebenezer married Esther Catlin about 1694. Esther (daughter of John Catlin and Mary Baldwin) was born on 9 May 1675 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA; died on 12 Dec 1733 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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9. | Esther Catlin was born on 9 May 1675 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA (daughter of John Catlin and Mary Baldwin); died on 12 Dec 1733 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Children:
- Ebenezer Smead was born on 5 Dec 1695; and died.
- Esther Smead was born on 18 Oct 1696 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 17 Dec 1736 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Elizabeth Smead was born on 24 Dec 1698 in Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut, USA; died on 1 May 1774 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Thankful Smead was born on 23 Dec 1700 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 21 Apr 1760 in Hatfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA.
- Ruth Smead was born on 5 Sep 1702 in Hatfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 19 Jan 1765 in Westfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA.
- Ebenezer Smead was born on 12 Oct 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 31 Oct 1783 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- 4. Jonathan Smead was born on 19 Jan 1707 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Apr 1783 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Joseph Smead was born on 25 Nov 1713 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 17 Sep 1783 in Conway, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Abigail Smead was born on 29 Jan 1718 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 4 Dec 1755 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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10. | John Nims was born on 14 Aug 1679 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA (son of Godfrey Nims and Mary Miller); died on 29 Dec 1762 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Name: John (Twin) Nims
- Married: 1696
Notes:
John Nims, His Capture and Escape
On October 8, 1703, according to the Rev. John Williams ("The Redeemed Captive"), Zebediah Williams and John Nims went into the meadow in the evening to tend livestock and were ambushed by Indians in the ditch beyond Frary's bridge. The Indians fired at them, missed, and took Zebediah right away. Nims ran away to a nearby pond but returned, afraid of getting shot. The Indians wounded the cattle, and marched their captives to Canada. Zebediah died there in 1706. John Nims escaped in 1705, with Joseph Petty, Thomas Baker, and Martin Kellog, all three of whom were among the Feb. 29th captives. The four men walked to New England, via territory that is now Canada, Vermont, and New Hampshire. A letter written by Joseph Petty detailing their experiences survived and was reproduced in The Nims Family Association Book. George Sheldon wrote in his History of Deerfield that they had no weapons, and only meager provisions, but they made it home, more dead than alive from hunger and fatigue. Sheldon says "they were discovered in wisdom in an imbecile condition, and seemed guided more by instinct than by reason...Their appearance when brought in was such as to melt the stoutest heart...Broth, in small quantities, was given at first, and by slow degrees more substantial food, until they were filled. It was a long time before their cravings were satisfied."
Sheldon and the Nims Family Book (more information) also relate the following anecdote, told to Mr. Sheldon by his grandmother:
One day when the fugitives seemed at the last extremity, they discovered and killed a great white owl. This was instantly torn in pieces, which were laid in four piles, and fairly divided, one turning his back, and responding to the query, "Who shall have this?" Each took his share, and hardly waiting to pull off the feathers, tore through the tough fragments with their teeth, like so many ravenous beasts. Grandmother said John Nims always insisted that a wing which fell to him was the sweetest morsel he ever tasted."
source:http://freepages.folklore.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pahlow/nims.htm
Godfrey Nims (John's Father), and the Deerfield Massacre:
Three of his children had smothered to death in the cellar of his home while it burned over their heads, and his son Henry had been slain. His daughter Rebecca Mattoon and her newborn son had been slain. His wife, his son Ebenezer, his infant daughter Abigail, his step-daughter Elizabeth Hull, his son-in-law Philip Mattoon, and his mother-in-law Elizabeth Smead--along with many of other more distant relatives, friends and neighbors--had all been taken away as captives.
Was there, finally, nobody left for Godfrey? Was he all alone? Son John and step-son Zebediah Williams had been captured and carried to Canada a few months ago. His very first child had died shortly after birth; another step-son had died in the first Nims house fire in 1694.
John Nims, the son of Godfrey and Mary Miller. He was born on the14th of August 1679 along with a twin sister, Rebecca. He grew up in Deerfield, Massachusetts and survived. He persevered through sickness, weather, and enemies. John Nims defeated death at every turn; it was meant for him to live. He is our legacy and we are his.
On October 8, 1703 John 24 years old and his half brother Zebediah Williams age 28 were watching the cattle when they were taken by surprise and captured by Indians. They were taken to the Mohawk Fort in Canada. During his time as captive he watched the Indians bring in more prisoners and scalps. He saw many captives brought in from Deerfield, his family and friends among them. He watched their torture and endured his own.
John finally managed to escape on May 14, 1705 with Martin Kellogg, Joseph Petty and Thomas Baker. His return to Deerfield was something short of a miracle. Upon arriving in Deerfield, John found his father Godfrey had passed away early that spring in March.
Zebediah died a captive the following year. And to John’s dismal he was unsuccessful at bringing home his little sister Abigail or his brother Ebenezer. He offered a considerable sum for her ransom and the Indians would have given her up if she had wanted to go. The story was told that she would rather be a poor captive among Catholics than to become a rich heiress of a Protestant family.
John lived on the old homestead and married December 19, 1707, to Elizabeth Hull his stepsister. She too had been a captive at the Mohawk Fort in Canada. Finally, his brother Ebenezer was released in 1714 and came to live with John at the Nims home for a time. John and Elizabeth had twelve children; of which two were born and died on the same day, a daughter died when she was three years old, and his first born, a son named John died when he was two months old. Their last child was Daniel, the son who we descend from. John’s cherished wife, Elizabeth, lived a long and hard life. She passed away at the age of 66 on the 21st of September in 1754; John was 75 years old. John died on the 29th of December in 1762 at the age of 83.
John married Elizabeth Hull on 19 Dec 1707 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Jeremiah Hull and Mehitable Smead) was born on 23 Dec 1688 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 21 Sep 1754 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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11. | Elizabeth Hull was born on 23 Dec 1688 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA (daughter of Jeremiah Hull and Mehitable Smead); died on 21 Sep 1754 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
Children:
- John Nims was born on 26 Nov 1707 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 28 Jan 1708 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Mehitable Nims was born on 9 Mar 1709 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 16 Jul 1712 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Elizabeth Nims was born on 1 Mar 1712 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 28 Feb 1779 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- 5. Mehitable Nims was born on 13 Mar 1714 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 5 Nov 1782 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- John Nims was born on 19 Dec 1715 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 6 Oct 1769 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Thomas Nims was born on 8 Apr 1718 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 4 Feb 1793 in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Greenfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Jeremiah Nims was born on 26 Jun 1721 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 12 Jul 1797 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Mary Nims was born on 20 Jul 1724 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 23 Jul 1727 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Rebecca Nims was born on 6 Jan 1727 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 18 Apr 1750 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Mary Nims was born on 15 Mar 1729 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 21 Jun 1796 in Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Daniel Nims was born on 15 Jan 1731 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 14 Oct 1806 in Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Shelburne, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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Generation: 5
16. | William Smead, Jr was born in 1624 in Coggeshall, Essex, England (son of William Smead and Judith Stoughton); died on 1 Jan 1703 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Arrival: 1630, Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, USA
- Baptism: 13 Nov 1635, Rye, Sussex, England
- Residence: 1680, , , Massachusetts, USA
Notes:
He served in King Philip's War and participated in the Falls Fight under Capt.Turner. His son William was killed at Bloody Brook with Capt.Lothrop.
William Smead was the son of William Smead (d.c1634) and Judith (Stoughton) Denman Smead (1599-1639). Judith was the widow of John Denman, with whom she had two children. William was only three or so when his father died. Judith sailed from Gravesend with her three children on September 3,1635 on the ship “Dorset”. They stopped in the Barbadoes, then continued to New England. She settled with her children in Dorchester. She signed the Dorchester Church covenant in 1636 and was granted 20 acres of land there in 1638.
About the time his mother died, William was apprenticed at age seven or so, to John Pope of Dorchester. Pope died in 1646 and made provision in his will for William, calling him “my Littell boy.” He left to William his looms and tacking if William was willing to live with Pope’s widow, learn the trade, and become a weaver.
He married Elizabeth Lawrence at Dorchester,MA on Dec 31,1658.
Children: William Smead III, Elizabeth Smead Janes, Judith Smead Hawks, Mehitable Hull Smead Nims, Samuel Smead, John Smead, John Smead, Ebenezer Smead, Thankful Smead Hawks, and Waitstill Smead Warner.
It has been suggested that he must be buried at Old Deerfield Cemetery since that was the only cemetery at the time. However, that is not always the case as many ancestors were buried on their homesteads at the time.
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Smead-2
William married Elizabeth Lawrence on 31 Dec 1658 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Lawrence and Elizabeth Bates) was born on 15 Sep 1635 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 6 Mar 1642; died in 29 Feb 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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17. | Elizabeth Lawrence was born on 15 Sep 1635 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 6 Mar 1642 (daughter of Thomas Lawrence and Elizabeth Bates); died in 29 Feb 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Children:
- William Smead was born on 18 Jul 1660 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 18 Sep 1675 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Elizabeth Smead was born on 20 May 1662 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 26 Aug 1682 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA.
- Judith Smead was born on 18 Feb 1665 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 27 Jan 1719 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Mehitable Smead was born on 2 Jan 1668 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 4 Mar 1704 in , , Massachusetts, USA.
- Samuel Smead was born on 27 May 1669 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 1 Jan 1731 in Wapping, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- John Smead was born on 27 Aug 1670 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died in Dec 1670 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- John Smead was born on 27 Aug 1673 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 30 Apr 1720 in Wapping, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- 8. Ebenezer Smead was born on 9 May 1675 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 19 Jul 1753 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Thankful Smead was born on 13 May 1677 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Feb 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Elizabeth Smead was born on 23 Feb 1679; died on 13 May 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Waitstill Smead was born on 5 May 1680 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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18. | John Catlin was born in 1643 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA (son of John Catlin and Isabella Ward); died on 29 Feb 1704. Notes:
No family suffered more than his in the decimation of the town in 1704. His buildings were all burned and he and his son, Jonathan with them. One son was killed in the Meadows Fight, another saw three daughters captured - two of them killed on the march. The Deerfield massacre occurred as follows: In the middle of winter, the Governor of Canada sent a large war party towards the town of Deerfield, Massachusetts. It was sent, not because of any harm Deerfield could do Canada, but to keep the Indians in the Massachusetts area stirred up against the English and not allow them any time to develop any friendlier connections. The party was made up of 50-60 Frenchmen and 2-300 Indians. Deerfield had only 41 houses at the time, a population of 268 at the time of the attack. It had been a very cold winter and a recent heavy snow covered the ground. The river was frozen to a depth of 3 feet. The French and Indians came upon Deerfield in the early morning hours of the 28th. There was a patrol inside the little fort, but they were not professional soldiers and towards the morning, they went to sleep. It was two hours before dawn that the French leader, Hertel de ROUVILLE, took his men from hiding and descended upon the sleeping community.
They were inside the pallisade before anyone knew they were there. Within minutes buildings were ablaze and the shrieks of inhabitants filled the air. Two houses on the north end of Deerfield were well fortified and many] had gathered here for safety. The Stebbin and Sheldon houses were attacked and a hole was hacked in the Sheldon house and Mrs. Sheldon was shot and killed as she sat on her bed, and her two year old daughter, Mercy, had her head bashed on the door stone. It was in this house that John's wife, Mary, shown as a bright star in a black night. Her husband, son and grandson having been killed, Mary found it within herself to care for a wounded French officer. When he was brought to the house he was in great pain and cried out for a drink. It was Mary who responded to his call and did all she could to comfort him. It was probably because of this that she was allowed to remain behind when all the other prisoners were marched off to Canada. The march to Canada is fully chronicled by the Reverend John Williams in his book "The Redeemed Captive". Out of 120 captives who left Deerfield, only 60 were alive when they were
ransomed from Canada two years later.
John married Mary Baldwin on 23 Sep 1662 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Mary (daughter of Joseph Baldwin and Hannah Whitlock) was born on 23 Jun 1644; died on 9 Apr 1704. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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19. | Mary Baldwin was born on 23 Jun 1644 (daughter of Joseph Baldwin and Hannah Whitlock); died on 9 Apr 1704. Children:
- 9. Esther Catlin was born on 9 May 1675 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA; died on 12 Dec 1733 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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20. | Godfrey Nims was born in 1650 in , , , England; died on 14 Mar 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Fact 1: Godefrois Nismes
- Fact 2: Huguenot?
- Fact 4: Soldier in King Phillip's War.
- Fact 3: 1667; Northampton, Massachusetts
- Fact 5: 18 May 1676; Engaged in the "Falls Fight".
- Residence: 1679, Hatfield, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA
Notes:
The background of Godfrey Nims of Deerfield, Massachusetts is a mystery. One family tradition has it that he was a Huguenot, came to America as a lad, at first spelled his name Godefroi de Nismes, but changed the spelling to suit the colonial pronunciation. Others suggest he was of English birth with French ancestry. No documentary evidence has been found to verify any country of origin despite the efforts made over the years by The Nims Family Association.
The first official record of Godfrey Nims appears on September 24, 1667, in a Springfield, Massachusetts, court record. The transcript follows:
James Bennet, Godfrey Nims & Benoni Stebbins, young lads of Northampton being by Northampton Commissionrs bound over to the Corte to answer for diverse crimes & misdemeanors committed by them, were brought to this Corte by ye Constable of yt Towne wch 3 lads are accused by Robert Bartlett for that they gott into his house two Sabbath dayes when all the family were at the Publike Meeting: On ye first of wch tymes, the vizt. 24 shillings in silver & 7s in Wampum with the intention to run away to the French: Al which is by them confessed, wch wickedness of theirs hath also been accompanyd with frequent lying to excuse & justify themselves especially on Nims his pt, who seemes hath been a ringleader in their vilainys: ffor all wch their crimes and misdemeanors this Corte doth Judge yt the said 3 lads shalbe well whipt on their naked bodys vist, Nims & Bennet with 15 lashes apiece & Bononi Stebbins with 11 lashes. And the said Nims & Stebbins are to pay Robert Bartlett the summe of 4L being counted treble according to law for what goods he hath lost by their meanes.?
History tells us Godfrey Nims was off to a rough start in America, as all of us have had occasions in our life that we had to rise above, and better ourselves. This is exactly what Godfrey Nims did over 300 years ago. The records of Massachusetts list Godfrey Nims as one of many from Northampton who signed a petition in 1668 requesting relief from taxation on goods brought into the colony?s ports. He also appears with others when taking the Oath of Fidelity to the government on March 25, 1672/3, at the County Court at Northampton.
Family folklore tells us that Godfrey soon came to Deerfield, Massachusetts around 1670, possibly being one of the third to settle here. A deed dated 1679 gives the first written confirmation that Godfrey settled at Deerfield. He later shared in the holding of public offices, including constable, tax collector, selectman and a member of the school committee.
In 1677 he married Mary Miller Williams a widow. Her husband Zebediah had been killed by Indians. After Mary?s death in 1688, Godfrey married Mehitable Smead Hull in 1692, another widow. Godfrey had six children with Mary and five with Mehitable, in addition to caring for two stepchildren each that the widows brought to the marriages.
The records reveal, Godfrey Nims joined the Puritan society in the Connecticut Valley. He learned to make his living as a cordwainer, (shoemaker) as well as a farmer. The present day White Church, town office, town hall and Memorial Hall all stand on land formerly owned by Godfrey. J.R. Trumbull?s History of Northampton, Massachusetts describes Godfrey as ?the owner of considerable property and an honored and respected citizen.?
Godfrey Nims grew up from being a young lad in trouble with the law to having a good life in Massachusetts, with a family of 15 children. Godfrey Nims bought land in Deerfield in 1674. He was among the first earlier permanent settlers here. In 1692 he bought lot No. 27 and November 21, 1694 he bought lot No. 28. These two lots united became the Nims home lot, and has never been out of the family. The present house standing is more than two hundred years old.
He endured grave hardships in his life. May 19,1676 he served in the Falls Fight against the Pocumtuck Indians. Approximately 140 settlers marched into the dead of night into the wilderness to surprise the Indians at the salmon fishing falls near the mouth of Fall River. Some 400 Indians were killed, and 40 settlers were lost in this fight. Of them was James Bennett, friend of Godfrey's and Captain Turner. January 4, 1694 his home was destroyed in a fire, and four year old Jeremiah Hull died in the fire. Godfrey's son Henry, about 10 years old, accidently caused the fire, and was able to save one child from the room where Jeremiah slept. Henry tired to get Jeremiah from the room but the flames would not allow it.
He worked and faced tragedies and dangers common of that time. March 3, 1701 Godfrey Nims, Sergant Allyn, and Corporal Wells were chosen to lay a road to the land on the west side of the river. This led through to the present Main street of Greenfield, and northerly through Greenfield Meadows. In 1702 Godfrey and Benoni Stebins were on the school committee.
The worst tragedy was on February 29, 1704, the French & Indian 1704 massacre of Deerfield, Massachusetts. The French and Indians attacked about two hours before day break. The attackers burned most buildings and killed or took captive most of the settlers. It left him with no wife, and at the time with only a daughter, 20 year old Thankful Nims, Munn. Her home was dug into the side of a mountain, and the opening was concealed by the deep snow drifts. Godfrey?s family members were killed or taken captive in the 1704 raid on Deerfield, his second wife captured, dying on the forced march to Canada. One son killed, and one captured to be released ten years later; four daughters killed that day; one daughter captured and taken to Canada, never to return. A step-daughter, Mary Williams Brooks and a son-in-law, Phillip Mattoon, captured and killed on the march; a grandchild, infant Mattoon killed in the attack.
Prior to the 1704 attack, on October 8, 1703 a son, John 24 years old and Godfrey?s stepson Zebediah Williams, age 28, were captured by Indians and taken to Canada. John escaped May 14, 1705 after his father had passed away and Zebediah died a captive in 1706. Godfrey died without knowing the fate of his these surviving children.
According to the Nims Family Association, it is from the four surviving children, of Godfrey Nims, John, Ebenezer, Thankful and Abigail that members of the Nims family are descended.
Godfrey married Mary Miller on 26 Nov 1677 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Mary (daughter of William Miller and Patience Bacon) was born on 24 Dec 1653 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA; died on 27 Apr 1688 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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21. | Mary Miller was born on 24 Dec 1653 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA (daughter of William Miller and Patience Bacon); died on 27 Apr 1688 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA. Children:
- Rebecca Nims was born on 12 Aug 1678 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 30 Aug 1678 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- 10. John Nims was born on 14 Aug 1679 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Dec 1762 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Rebecca Nims was born on 14 Aug 1679 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Feb 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Henry Nims was born on 20 Apr 1682 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Feb 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Thankful Nims was born on 29 Aug 1684 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 11 Jul 1746 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Ebenezer Nims was born on 14 Mar 1686 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; died on 29 Dec 1762 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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Generation: 6
32. | William Smead was born in 1601 in Naughton, Suffolk, England (son of Woodhull Richard Smith and Mary Boyle); died in 1636 in , Essex, England. William married Judith Stoughton in 1623 in , , , England. Judith (daughter of Thomas Stoughton, Reverend and Katherine Evelyn Montpesson) was born on 3 Jul 1599 in Coggeshall, Essex, England; died on 18 Mar 1639 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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33. | Judith Stoughton was born on 3 Jul 1599 in Coggeshall, Essex, England (daughter of Thomas Stoughton, Reverend and Katherine Evelyn Montpesson); died on 18 Mar 1639 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Arrival: 1630, Salem, Essex, Massachusetts, USA
Notes:
Judith’s first husband John Denman was born in 1591 in Retford, Nottinghamshire, England. His parents were Nicholas Denman and Lady Anne Hercy. John died 1624 in Retford, Surrey, England.
Judith’s second husband William Smead was born 1601 in England. William died 1636 in Essex, England.
Judith was one of the signers of the Dorchester Church Covenant in 1636, and at the time of her death in 1639 was a widow. The General Court confirmed Israel Stoughton as executor of the will of his sister, Judith Smead, and the disposal of her effects is on record, though no copy of her will has been preserved. Though not proved, it is possible that Judith was a widow before leaving England and that she journeyed to America in 1633 with Israel Stoughton and his wife, Elizabeth.
Judith’s young son was apprenticed rather than taken into the home of his Uncle Israel.
Judith Smead signed the covenant in 1636 with the church at Dorchester, Massachusetts, and in 1638 had a grant of twenty acres there just below the First Burying Ground. An inventory of her estate after her decease was taken on May 18, 1639. She was the mother of John Denman, Mary Denman (wife of Clement Maxfield), and William Smead.
Step-mother of Humphrey Denman, an Elder of the English Reformed Church at Amsterdam, North Holland.
William Smead was the son of William Smead (d.c1634) and Judith (Stoughton) Denman Smead (1599-1639). Judith was the widow of John Denman, with whom she had two children. William was only three or so when his father died. Judith sailed from Gravesend with her three children on September 3,1635 on the ship “Dorset”. They stopped in the Barbadoes, then continued to New England. She settled with her children in Dorchester. She signed the Dorchester Church covenant in 1636 and was granted 20 acres of land there in 1638.
About the time his mother died, William was apprenticed at age seven or so, to John Pope of Dorchester. Pope died in 1646 and made provision in his will for William, calling him “my Littell boy.” He left to William his looms and tacking if William was willing to live with Pope’s widow, learn the trade, and become a weaver.
He married Elizabeth Lawrence at Dorchester,MA on Dec 31,1658.
Children: William Smead III, Elizabeth Smead Janes, Judith Smead Hawks, Mehitable Hull Smead Nims, Samuel Smead, John Smead, John Smead, Ebenezer Smead, Thankful Smead Hawks, and Waitstill Smead Warner.
It has been suggested that he must be buried at Old Deerfield Cemetery since that was the only cemetery at the time. However, that is not always the case as many ancestors were buried on their homesteads at the time.
Children:
- 16. William Smead, Jr was born in 1624 in Coggeshall, Essex, England; died on 1 Jan 1703 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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34. | Thomas Lawrence was born in 1615 in Limpsfield, Surrey, England (son of John Lawrence and Elizabeth Bull); died on 5 Nov 1655 in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA. Thomas married Elizabeth Bates in 1638 in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA. Elizabeth was born on 10 Mar 1609 in Limpsfield, Surrey, England; died on 18 Feb 1679 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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35. | Elizabeth Bates was born on 10 Mar 1609 in Limpsfield, Surrey, England; died on 18 Feb 1679 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Arrival: 1628, Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA
Children:
- Mary Lawrence was born on 8 Apr 1633 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA; died on 2 Apr 1723 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA.
- Nicholas Lawrence was born in 1635 in Hingham, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA; died on 20 Feb 1685 in Charlestown, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA.
- 17. Elizabeth Lawrence was born on 15 Sep 1635 in Dorchester, Suffolk, Massachusetts, USA; was christened on 6 Mar 1642; died in 29 Feb 1704 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
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36. | John Catlin was born about 1617 in , , , England; died in 1644 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA. John married Isabella Ward before 1643. Isabella was born about 1621 in Branford, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; died on 8 Dec 1676 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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37. | Isabella Ward was born about 1621 in Branford, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; died on 8 Dec 1676 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Children:
- 18. John Catlin was born in 1643 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA; died on 29 Feb 1704.
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38. | Joseph Baldwin was born about 1610 in Cholesbury, Buckinghamshire, England (son of Richard Baldwin and Isabell Harding); died on 2 Nov 1684 in Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA. Joseph + Hannah Whitlock. Hannah was born about 1613 in , , , England; died on 2 Nov 1684 in Milford, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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39. | Hannah Whitlock was born about 1613 in , , , England; died on 2 Nov 1684 in Milford, New Haven, Connecticut, USA. Children:
- 19. Mary Baldwin was born on 23 Jun 1644; died on 9 Apr 1704.
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42. | William Miller was born on 21 Nov 1620 in , , Middlesex, England (son of John Miller and Mary Pylston); died on 15 Jul 1690 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA. Other Events and Attributes:
- Arrival: 1648, Ipswich, Essex, Massachusetts, USA
William married Patience Bacon on 3 Mar 1641 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA. Patience (daughter of William Bacon and Martha Worchester) was born in 1631 in Ipswich, Essex, England; died on 29 Mar 1716 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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43. | Patience Bacon was born in 1631 in Ipswich, Essex, England (daughter of William Bacon and Martha Worchester); died on 29 Mar 1716 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA. Children:
- John Miller was born in 1650 in , , , England; died on 5 Oct 1675 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA.
- 21. Mary Miller was born on 24 Dec 1653 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA; died on 27 Apr 1688 in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA; was buried in Deerfield, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA.
- Rebeckah Miller was born on 8 Oct 1654 in Springfield, Hampden, Massachusetts, USA; died in Aug 1657 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA.
- Patience Miller was born on 15 Sep 1657 in Wethersfield, Hartford, Connecticut, USA; died after 1745 in Saybrook, Middlesex, Connecticut, USA.
- William Miller was born on 30 Nov 1659 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 22 Aug 1705 in Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
- Mercy Miller was born on 8 Feb 1662 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died in , , Massachusetts, USA.
- Ebenezer Miller was born on 7 Jun 1664 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 23 Dec 1737 in , , Massachusetts, USA.
- Mehitable Miller was born on 10 Jul 1666 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died in 1750 in Lebanon, New London, Connecticut, USA.
- Thankful Miller was born on 25 Apr 1669 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 30 Mar 1738 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA.
- Abraham Miller was born on 20 Jun 1672 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA; died on 7 Feb 1727 in Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, USA.
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