Today we visit Suffolk County, New England, where we are on the search for Ritchey’s elusive Jewell ancestors, his 8th great-grandparents Thomas Jewell and Grizzell Fletcher.
Thomas Jewell was born in England about 1607. April 8, 1635, he was listed as a miller, aged 27, enrolled at London as a passenger for New England. In 1635 he arrived at Boston Harbor on the ship Planter. “On February 24, 1639/40 Thomas Jewell, of the Mount, miller, for three heads, 12 acres, upon the covenant of 3 shillings per acre.” Thomas Jewell and Grizzell Fletcher married about 1638. I have no information on Thomas Jewell’s parents. Grizzell’s maiden name was Fletcher, the daughter of Robert Fletcher and Sarah Hartwell.
After Thomas’ death, which occurred between February 10, 1654, when the will was written, and July 21, 1654, when the will was probated, Grizzell Fletcher Jewell married Humphrey Griggs November 1, 1655. She married her third husband, Henry Kibby, October 8, 1657. She married her fourth husband, John Gurney, Sr., November 12, 1661. And she married her fifth husband, John Burge, July 3, 1667. This was a time when people lived short lives, which meant short marriages, which meant many spouses.
Thomas and Grizzell’s children:
- Thomas Jewell, born February 27, 1639, died 1702, married Susannah Guilford, October 18, 1672. Ritchey’s 7th great-grandparents.
- Joseph Jewell, born April 24, 1642.
- Hannah Jewell, born December 27, 1643.
- Nathaniel Jewell, born April 15, 1648.
- Mercy Jewell, born March 19, 1650.
- Grizzell Jewell, born March 19, 1651.
- Mary Jewell, born April 14, 1653.
Will of Thomas Jewell
Suffolk County, Massachusetts
The will of Thomas Jewell of Braintree while he is yet in perfect memory of my soul. I commit into the hand of Almighty God in ye mediation of Jesus Christ and my body to the dust. All of the estate which God hath given me I do give to my wife for to be hers as long as she is a widow and so remains, but if she shall marry then to divide it, into three parts
and two parts, to be divided among my children and the third to be hers. I do by this will give power to these two, my friends here mentions, namely William Needom and Thomas Foster, to take the care and oversight of all this my estate for my wife and children’s good, according to their best wisdom to be ordered.
Thomas Jewell, his mark
Dated the 10th 2nd month 1654 in the presence of William Scant, Hannah H. Harbor, witnesses
That this is the true will of Thomas Jewell as is here testified upon oath by William Scant and Hannah Harbor, before me, Samuel Basse, Commissioner.
Administration to the estate of Thomas Jewell of Braintree, deceased, is granted to Grizzell Jewell, his said wife, who is to see this will performed as near as may be and give security that the children shall have their parts out of it this 21 July 1654. Att. A meeting of the Magistrate and Records this 5th October 1655.
Humphrey Griggs, of Braintree, who with God’s leave is suddenly to marry the relict of Thomas Jewell, appeared before the magistrate and acknowledged yet it was agreed between him and Thomas Foster and William Needom, overseers to the last will of Thomas Jewell, yet the said Griggs should have the sole benefit of the Thomas Jewell, left and at his own charge, should bring up all the children of the said Jewell, till they were fit to be put apprentice, causing them to read and the said Griggs did before the magistrates engage and bind himself and his estate, viz., ye house and land of ye said Jewell besides his own, to pay to each of the said children the sum of seven pounds and ten shillings when they come to the age of twenty one years, ye sons, and day of marriage or eighteen years, which shall first happen ye daughters, and to ye eldest son fifteen pounds at his
age of twenty one years, in witness to all which ye said Humphrey Griggs subscribed his name before ye Magistrate and Recorder ye day above mentioned which agreement was approved of and upon the former bond of William Needom and Thomas Foster is to be given up.
Humphrey Griggs
Witnesses – William Needom, Thomas Foster
Categories: Old Wills
