Theophilus Richardson’s life (1633–1674) spanned a formative period in early American colonial history. Born and raised in Woburn, Massachusetts, Theophilus lived during the first century of English colonization in New England. Below is an overview of what life would have been like during that time and in that area:

Woburn was officially settled in 1640 and incorporated in 1642, just a few years after Theophilus’s birth. It was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, established by Puritans seeking religious freedom from the Church of England.

The town was laid out in a classic New England pattern, with a central meetinghouse (used for both church services and town meetings) surrounded by homes and farmland.

Geography and Environment:

• Woburn was located about 10 miles north of Boston and was heavily forested with rivers and streams. Settlers cleared the land for farming, but the process was arduous and required cooperation among families.
• Winters were long and harsh, while summers were relatively short but could be hot and humid. Survival depended on efficient farming, hunting, and gathering.

The community was tightly knit and organized around Puritan religious practices. Church attendance was mandatory, and religion shaped every aspect of daily life, from governance to education.

Families were typically large, as children were seen as both a blessing and a necessity for labor. Theophilus likely grew up working on the family farm and helping with domestic chores.

• Woburn’s economy was largely agrarian. Most families engaged in subsistence farming, growing crops such as corn, beans, squash, and rye. They also raised livestock, including cows, pigs, and sheep.
• Bartering was common, as there was little coin currency available. Any surplus goods were traded with neighbors or sent to larger markets in Boston.
• Puritans placed a strong emphasis on literacy, as reading the Bible was central to their faith. Boys like Theophilus would have been taught to read and write at home or in small community schools.
• Harvard College, founded in 1636, reflected the colony’s focus on education, although only a small number of young men pursued advanced learning.

In 1890 a man by the name of Edward Francis Johnson published a  book called “Births, Deaths, and Marriages of Woburn, Mass from 1640 to 1873.” It’s this book that we are able to document so many in our family tree from that time period.

It’s thanks to this document that we know that Theophilus and his wife had eight children with his wife.

• Ezekiel (Oct 28, 1655)
• Mary (Jan 15, 1658)
• Sarah (April 23, 1660)
• Abigail (Oct 21, 1662)
• Hannah (Apr 6, 1665)
• John (Jan 16, 1668)
• Hesther (Jun 25, 1670)
• Ruth (Aug 31, 1673)

Some say that Bridget Richardson, born March 17, 1674, is also Theophilus’s daughter, but she wasn’t listed in the Woburn book.

However, I found a document called “Massachusetts Town Birth Records – Vital Records of Chelmsford,” which states that she was born on March 17, 1674, in Chelmsford and that her father is James, not Theophilus.

Theophilus Richardson is the son of my 11th great-uncle, Ezekiel Richardson. Theophilus’s grandfather is Thomas Richardson of Standon, my 12th great-grandfather. So, while he’s not in my direct line, he’s still a blood relative who lived in the same small town that my other family members did. For reference … here’s my direct family line.

• Thomas Richardson of Standon (1565-1633) My 12th great-grandfather
• Samuel Richardson (1602-1658) My 11th great-grandfather
• Joseph Richardson (1643-1718) My 10th great-grandfather
• Stephen Richardson (1674-1752) My 9th great-grandfather
• Stephen  Richardson (1696-1723) My 8th great-grandfather
• John David Richardson (1720-1777) My 7th great-grandfather
• David Richardson (1760-1842) My 6th great-grandfather
• Jonathan David Richardson (1795-1870) My 5th great-grandfather

Thomas Richardson of Standon had seven children, one of which was Ezekiel (Theophilus’s father) and the other being Samuel, which is my family line. These seven children would be the last generation born in England. From there, the kids would all move to America and have children of their own, who would become the first generation of American-born Richardson’s.

Major Historical Events During Theophilus’s Lifetime

1. King Philip’s War (1675–1678):
   • Though Theophilus died just as this conflict began, tensions with Native American tribes were a recurring issue during his life. King Philip’s War, which started the year of his death, was a violent and devastating conflict between English settlers and Native Americans. The war reshaped the New England frontier.
   • Earlier, there had been uneasy relations with local tribes, and occasional conflicts as settlers expanded onto native lands.
2. The Great Migration:
   • Theophilus was born near the end of the Great Migration (1620–1640), during which thousands of Puritans left England for New England. His family likely arrived as part of this wave, seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity.
3. Religious Life:
   • The Puritan way of life was strict and emphasized piety, hard work, and discipline. Ministers were community leaders, and infractions against religious laws (such as missing church services or public drunkenness) were harshly punished.
4. The English Civil War and Restoration:
   • Although Theophilus was living in the New World, events in England (such as the English Civil War, 1642–1651) still influenced the colonies. The Puritans initially supported Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth, and after the monarchy was restored in 1660, there was a growing unease about English interference in colonial affairs.

Challenges of Life in 17th-Century Woburn

1. Frontier Hardships:
   • Settlers faced constant challenges, including harsh winters, food shortages, and diseases such as smallpox and dysentery.
   • Relationships with Native Americans were fragile, and settlers were always wary of potential conflict.
2. Role of Women:
   • Women in Theophilus’s time were responsible for running households, raising children, cooking, and spinning wool or flax for clothing. Their lives were labor-intensive, and they held no formal political power, though they were active participants in the church.
3. Mortality and Health:
   • Life expectancy was relatively low. While Theophilus lived to age 41 (which was typical for men in his time), many children did not survive infancy, and diseases could quickly decimate entire families.

Theophilus Richardson’s life spanned a crucial period of colonial development in Massachusetts. He grew up during the early days of Woburn’s settlement, helping to establish a community that would endure for centuries. Like many New Englanders of his time, he likely worked tirelessly to ensure the survival and prosperity of his family and town. His life, deeply shaped by the Puritan ethic, was one of hard work, faith, and resilience.

Would you like to expand on any specific aspect, such as Puritan religious practices, education, or the Native American relations of the time?

He was the son of Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford. His exact date of birth is unknown, but it is thought to be somewhere between 1601 and 1604.

He died in  Woburn, MA on October 21, 1647.

He married Susanna and together they had seven children.

1. Phebe (Phoebe) (June 3, 1632)
2. Theophilus (December 22, 1633)
3. Josiah (November 7, 1634)
4. John (July 21, 1638)
5. Jonathan (February 13, 1639/40?)
6. James (July 11, 1641)
7. Ruth (August 23, 1645)

Ezekiel Richardson was among the early settlers of New England, arriving in America in 1630 as part of the Puritan migration during the Great Migration period (1620–1640). He is also referred to in historical records as “Ezechll Richeson,” reflecting the fluidity of spelling in the 17th century.

Ezekiel was the son of Thomas Richardson and Katherine Duxford. Although his exact date of birth is not recorded, historians estimate it to be between 1601 and 1604, based on the known dates of his parents and siblings. He was born in Westmill, Hertfordshire, England, a village about 30 miles north of London.

The Richardson family were Puritans, part of a religious movement that sought to reform the Church of England. Dissatisfied with the slow pace of reform and the persecution they faced under King Charles I, Ezekiel joined the thousands of Puritans who left England for the New World in search of religious freedom and a fresh start.

Ezekiel Richardson arrived in America in 1630 as part of the Winthrop Fleet, a group of 11 ships carrying nearly 1,000 settlers led by Governor John Winthrop. This expedition established the Massachusetts Bay Colony, a critical milestone in the history of English colonization in North America.

After landing in Salem, Ezekiel became a prominent member of the Puritan community, helping to lay the foundations for a new society governed by strict religious principles and communal cooperation.

Life in the New World

Ezekiel settled first in Charlestown, Massachusetts, one of the earliest settlements in the colony, where he was admitted as a freeman in 1630. Becoming a freeman signified that he was a full member of the church and granted him the right to vote in the colony’s affairs, a privilege reserved for Puritan men who adhered to the church’s strict moral and theological standards.

In Charlestown, Ezekiel and his fellow settlers worked together to clear land, build homes, and establish the Puritan way of life. The early years were challenging, marked by harsh winters, limited supplies, and the need to establish friendly—or at least neutral—relations with local Native American tribes.

In 1640, Ezekiel moved to Woburn, Massachusetts, where he played a key role in founding the town. Woburn was incorporated in 1642, and Ezekiel served as a selectman, helping to manage the town’s governance and development.

The Richardson family would have lived a modest but disciplined life centered on Puritan values. Education and religious instruction were emphasized, as children were expected to learn to read the Bible. Susanna played a critical role in managing the household, ensuring her children grew up with strong moral and religious foundations.

The Boston Church

Ezechiel Richardson and his wife were admitted to Boston church as members #80 and #81, which would be in the winter of 1630/1; on 14 October 1632.

Ezechiel Richardson and Susan, his wife, were dismissed for participating in the organization of Charlestown church; on 2 November 1632, “Ezek:” and “Susan Richeson” were admitted to Charlestown church as founding members.

Ezekiel Richardson was admitted as an inhabitant of Charleston in 1630 and appeared in the lists of inhabitants on January 9, 1633/4, and January 1635/6.

In his will, dated 20 July 1647 and proved 1 June 1648, “Ezekiell Richardson of Woebourne” appointed “my wife Susanna and my eldest son Theophilus joint executors”; and bequeathed to “Josias my son -30” at twenty-one years of age; to “James my son -3O” at twenty-one years of age; to “Phebe my daughter -3O” at “twenty years of age or within six months after the day of her marriage”; if any of these three should die before they come of age, the legacies be shared among the survivors; in case “my son Theophilus die before he shall accomplish one and twenty years of age, then his portion shall be equally divided to my other children”; discharged demands against “my brother Samuell Richardson“; to “my brother Thomas Richardson, his son Thomas, 1Os.”; overseers Ed-ward Converse and John Mousall of Woburn, if either of these die, then the survivor with the consent of Thomas Carter, pastor of the church in Woburn, to choose a replacement overseer; 30s. to each overseer; residue to my executors, “provided that my wife may peacably enjoy her habitation in the house so long as she shall live”.

The inventory of the estate of Ezekiel Richardson was taken on 18 November 1647 and totaled -19O 6s. 6d., with no real estate included.

On 6 March 1649/50 Edward Converse confirmed to the heirs of Ezekiel Richardson an earlier sale of twelve acres of meadow & upland in Woburn [MLR 2:71].

Now look at this tidbit of information —

On 27 March 1651, Samuel Richeson of Woburn, “having formerly sold unto Ezekill Richeson my brother (who is since deceased) forty acres of arable & meadow land” in Woburn, confirmed the same to “my sister Susanna Brookes (who was the wife of my deceased brother Ezekill Richeson”, On 23 March 1654/5

See that? That shows us that in fact, Ezekiel Richardson was the brother of Samuel Richardson, son of Thomas Richardson. So I’m not sure why Thomas Richardson of Standon left him out of the will, but it could have to do with why Ezekiel left to America a few years prior.

“Susanna Richeson now Brookes formerly the wife of Ezek: Richeson” confirmed a sale made eight years earlier by “Ezekill Richardson & Sussanna Richardson my wife” to Thomas Moulton and John Greenland of thirty-five acres of land in Woburn. On 13 December 1659, “Henry Brookes & Susanna Brookes of Woburn,” in accordance with an award of the court, deeded to Theophilus Richardson the right and title they had in “the moiety or half part of the housing & land of Ezekiell Richardson of Woburn aforesaid, by executorship or otherwise”.

So what this information tells us, is that Susanna Richardson was the wife of Ezekiel. These are the kinds of historical documents that are the proof we need to trace specific members of our family.

Death and Legacy

Ezekiel Richardson passed away on October 21, 1647, in Woburn, Massachusetts. His death occurred during a period when Woburn was still in its early stages of development, with settlers working hard to carve a new life out of the wilderness.

Ezekiel’s legacy is one of perseverance and faith. As one of the early settlers and founders of Woburn, he helped establish a community that would thrive for generations. His descendants carried on his work, becoming part of the fabric of colonial New England society. His children, including Theophilus Richardson, played significant roles in expanding the Richardson family and contributing to the growth of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

The first bit of verifiable information comes from the book – A genealogical dict. of the first settlers of New England, showing three generations of those who came before May, 1692. By James Savage. Boston. 1861. (4v.)v.3:536 — volume 146 page 1.

Next, we have The Richardson Memorial, Part 1 of 2, John Adams Vinton, Brown Thurston & Co.  Portland, ME, 1876, pg 186-187. It tells us — 1555.

JOSEPH RICHARDSON,²  brother of the preceding, and second son of Samuel Richardson,¹ was born in Woburn, July 27, 1643; married, Nov. 5, 1666, HANNAH GREEN,² born about 1647, daughter of Thomas¹ and Elizabeth Green, of Malden.

Stephen was the grandson of Samuel Richardson, one of the three Richardson brothers (alongside Ezekiel and Thomas) who emigrated to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 as part of the Great Migration. The Richardsons were devout Puritans, and their faith and values influenced their leadership and roles in the developing colony.

Stephen’s father, Joseph Richardson (1643–1718), was born in Woburn and married Hannah Green, the daughter of Thomas Green and Elizabeth Green of Malden. Joseph Richardson was a freeman of the colony, a member of the church, and an active participant in civic life, serving as a selectman in Woburn and fighting as one of Major Samuel Appleton’s soldiers during King Philip’s War (1675–1678). This legacy of civic engagement and military service was passed down to Stephen and his siblings.

Stephen was one of six children born into a family that emphasized religious devotion, community involvement, and family unity. His siblings included Hannah, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, and another brother, all of whom contributed to the growth of Woburn and the Richardson family’s enduring legacy.

Marriage and Family

Stephen married Bridget Richardson, a distant relative, continuing the practice of intermarriage within prominent families in colonial New England. This was not uncommon and helped maintain property and alliances within the community. Together, Stephen and Bridget had six children:

1. Stephen Richardson (1696–1703): The couple’s first son, who died young.
2. Phebe Richardson Snow (1704–1785): Their daughter, named after Phebe Richardson, the daughter of Ezekiel and Susanna Richardson, who was a key figure in the family lineage. Phebe married and lived a long life, contributing to the family’s story.
3. Ichabod Richardson (1706–1768): Ichabod became a prominent member of the Richardson family, representing the family’s continued influence in the Woburn area.
4. Stephen Richardson (1707–1787): Named after his deceased elder brother, a common practice in colonial families.
5. Adam Richardson (1709–1758): Another son who carried on the family name.
6. Asa Richardson (1713–1752): Asa’s life ended the same year as Stephen’s, marking a significant loss for the family.

The naming of children after deceased siblings or other relatives reflects the Puritan tradition of honoring family members and preserving their memory. The unusual spelling of Phebe’s name likely stems from earlier generations, specifically Phebe Richardson, daughter of Ezekiel and Susanna Richardson.

Life in Woburn, Massachusetts

Woburn, founded in 1642, was an early Puritan settlement. By the time Stephen was born, it was a thriving but still frontier-like community, heavily influenced by the strict religious practices and communal values of Puritan society. The town revolved around the church, which served as both a spiritual and civic center.

Stephen, like his father and grandfather, would have grown up farming, helping to clear and maintain land, and contributing to the survival of his family and community. Woburn’s economy was primarily agrarian, supplemented by small-scale trades and goods exchanged within the community or with neighboring towns like Boston.

The Puritan emphasis on literacy likely meant that Stephen had some level of education, as the ability to read the Bible was considered essential. His family, being relatively prominent in Woburn, would have ensured their children were well-prepared for leadership roles in the church and community.

Legacy and Death

Stephen Richardson passed away on February 4, 1752, just three days shy of his 78th birthday. He was buried in Woburn, where his family’s legacy was firmly established. His death marked the end of a life deeply intertwined with the development of one of New England’s earliest settlements.

Through his children, Stephen’s legacy continued, with the Richardson family remaining influential in Woburn and beyond. His descendants carried forward the values of faith, hard work, and community service that characterized the early Puritan settlers.

Historical Context

Stephen Richardson’s life was shaped by the broader events of colonial New England:

1. King Philip’s War (1675–1678): His father, Joseph, fought in this brutal conflict, which defined his childhood and the Richardson family’s commitment to defending the colony.
2. Puritan Society: The strict religious and moral codes of the Puritan faith governed every aspect of life in Woburn. This disciplined, community-focused lifestyle ensured the survival of settlements like Woburn in a challenging environment.
3. Intergenerational Continuity: As the grandson of Samuel Richardson, Stephen was part of a lineage that contributed to the success of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, ensuring that their legacy endured for generations.

Stephen Richardson’s life exemplifies the experiences of a second-generation Puritan settler in New England. Born into a family of pioneers, Stephen upheld the values of faith, family, and community. His contributions, both as a father and a resident of Woburn, helped shape the colony’s enduring foundation. Today, his descendants and the records preserved about his life provide a window into the struggles and triumphs of early colonial America.

We can verify this date of birth in the Woburn Mass records of births, deaths, and marriage records. It shows us that he was born on July 27, 1643, and is the son of Samuel.

Joseph was raised in a devout Puritan household. His father, Samuel Richardson, was among the founders of Woburn, which was incorporated in 1642. The Richardsons were prominent members of the community, known for their active involvement in both civic and church life.

Joseph’s birth is documented in the Woburn records of births, deaths, and marriages, confirming his birthdate as July 27, 1643, and listing him as the son of Samuel Richardson. These records demonstrate the meticulous record-keeping of the early Puritan settlers, who viewed such documentation as an important aspect of community organization.

On November 5, 1666, Joseph married Hannah Green, daughter of Thomas Green and Elizabeth Green of Malden, Massachusetts (modern-day Melrose). Hannah was born around 1647 and came from another prominent colonial family. Her father, Thomas Green, had emigrated from England before 1640 and was a selectman in Malden in 1658.

Joseph and Hannah Richardson had five children, all born in Woburn:

1. Hannah Richardson (b. October 22, 1667): Married Daniel Baldwin.
2. Mary Richardson (b. March 22, 1669): Married, first, James Fowle; second, Samuel Walker.
3. Elizabeth Richardson (b. June 28, 1670): Married, first, John Coggin; second, Jacob Wyman.
4. Joseph Richardson (b. May 19, 1672): Married Mary Blodget.
5. Stephen Richardson (b. February 7, 1674): Married Bridget Richardson, continuing the family line.

The Richardson family’s legacy extended through these children, who married into other notable families in the region, strengthening the family’s social and economic position.

Joseph Richardson was an active and respected member of the Woburn community. He was admitted as a freeman of the colony on May 15, 1672, signifying his full membership in the church and his eligibility to participate in colonial governance.

Joseph also served as a selectman of Woburn in 1693, 1694, and 1702, a role that involved overseeing the town’s administration, land allocation, and local disputes. This reflects his standing in the community and his commitment to public service.

In addition to his civic contributions, Joseph demonstrated his courage and dedication during King Philip’s War (1675–1678), one of the most devastating conflicts between English settlers and Native American tribes. He served as one of Major Samuel Appleton’s soldiers and fought in the Battle of the Great Swamp, an assault on the Narragansetts’ fort on December 19, 1675. This battle was a turning point in the war but came at a great cost, with significant losses on both sides. Joseph’s participation in this conflict highlights his role in defending the colony during one of its most perilous periods.

Later Life and Legacy

Joseph Richardson passed away on March 5, 1718, in Woburn. His will, dated June 24, 1717, was proved on April 22, 1718 and recorded in the Middlesex Probate Records (Volume XV, Page 143). The will provides insight into his character and priorities, showing that he carefully and generously provided for his wife, Hannah, and their children.

One notable provision in the will states that his son Joseph must “find her [Hannah] a horse, and keep the same for her use, and a man or himself to ride before her on Sabbath days, or where she shall have occasions to go, all during her natural life, if she remains my widow.” This stipulation underscores Joseph’s attentiveness to his wife’s well-being and the Puritan emphasis on familial duty.

Hannah Richardson outlived Joseph by three years, passing away on May 20, 1721.

Historical Context

Joseph Richardson lived during a pivotal period in New England’s history. Born shortly after the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s founding, he witnessed its transformation from a fledgling settlement to an established and prosperous region. Key historical events during his lifetime include:

1. The Great Migration: The wave of Puritan emigration to New England in the mid-17th century shaped the culture and governance of towns like Woburn.
2. King Philip’s War: This brutal conflict between colonists and Native Americans was a defining event in Joseph’s adult life and underscored the fragility of colonial existence.
3. The Dominion of New England (1686–1689): Joseph lived through the imposition of centralized control over the New England colonies by King James II, followed by the Glorious Revolution and the colony’s return to self-governance.

Joseph’s descendants carried on the Richardson family’s legacy in Woburn and beyond. His children married into other prominent colonial families, and their offspring continued to contribute to the development of Massachusetts. The Richardson Memorial, published in 1876, provides detailed genealogical records of his lineage, reflecting the enduring interest in and importance of the Richardson family in early New England history.

Joseph Richardson’s life exemplifies the values of Puritan New England: faith, hard work, community service, and dedication to family. From his early years in Woburn to his service as a soldier and selectman, Joseph played a vital role in the growth of his town and the colony. His careful planning for his family’s future, as seen in his will, highlights his commitment to ensuring their well-being even after his death. Today, his legacy endures through his numerous descendants and the rich records that preserve his story.

I found this document created by another person doing research. Please keep in mind just because someone says something doesn’t make it true. However, I did want to include it for your reference. Just don’t consider it 100% factually true unless you personally verify the information.

Next, we have a record of those buried in Woburn. Notice you’ll see Stephen Richardson died on February 4, 1752.

These official documents are what help us prove specific dates and family connections. When doing your own family research, always make sure that you confirm anything someone else has said, with official documents.

He is the son of Thomas Richardson and Catherine Duxford. We know this because Samuel was the executor of his father’s estate on July 31, 1634, in Hutchins, England. This is the Thomas Richardson that we also call Thomas Richardson of Standon.

Samuel Richardson was christened at St. Mary the Virgin in Westmill on December 22, 1604.

Samuel Richardson married Joanna Thake. They were married on October 18, 163 in Great Hormead, Hertfordshire, England.

Together, they had at least nine children.

• Mary (1637-1677)
• John (1639-1696)
• Hannah (1642-1642)
• Joseph (1643-1718)
• Samuel (1646-1712)
• Stephen (1649-1717)
• Thomas (1651-1657)
• Elizabeth (1653-1677) ?????

In 1636, they arrived in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He was one of the founders and largest landowners of Woburn, Mass.

His father was Thomas Richardson of Standon, and his mother was Katherine Duxford.

Samuel Richardson (1602 – 1658)
11th great-grandfather

No, this isn’t the same Mary Trueblood from the James Bond movie or any other made-up Hollywood show. This Mary Trueblood was a real-life person who just so happened to be my 8th great-grandmother.

Mary Trueblood was a Quaker. We know this because on March 21, 1770, she attended the Symons Creek Quaker Monthly Meeting, and there is a record of that. This took place in Pasquotank, North Carolina.  The physical location of this meeting was…

What’s nice about finding this record is that it pinpoints not only an exact date in history but also a place and a religious affiliation. So now we can later go back and use that information to do further research. It’s my understanding that the Quakers in that area kept records from 1677 (their first meeting) to June 17, 1854 (the date of their last meeting).

Mary’s father was John Trueblood, who was born in Shoreditch (London), England. Her mother was Agnus Fisher who was born in Ulverstone, Lancashire (Cumberland), England. Mary was their eldest child and was named after her grandmother, Mary Baker (Agnus Fisher’s mother). The Truebloods were Quakers.

Mary’s father died when he was 37 in July of 1692, and her mother died just a few months later, in September of 1692, when she was 36.

On August 19, 1699 (or thereabouts), Mary Trueblood married Stephen Richardson.

Please note there is another Mary Trueblood out there, but she was married in 1770. So, that is not the same as our Mary Trueblood.

We see by both her mother’s and father’s will Mary is one of 4 children – Mary, Elizabeth, John, and Amos. Their parents were John Trueblood and Agnes Fisher.

__________________

Will of Agnes Trueblood –  Will dated 15 September 1692.

(Please note the translation isn’t perfect because the document is very old and hard to read)

Know all men by these presents that I Agnes Trulocke of Pasquotank River and of the County aforesaid being through the natural affections that I bear unto my dear Children & for other good Reasons unto me known & moving; And my ordinary sense mind and natural affections to my said Children that is to say Mary Pritchard, Elizabeth Barlett, William Trulocke, Samuel Trulocke, and Sarah Barlett that is to say all that negro girl named Diana and the Issue of her body forever unto them equally to be divided amongst my said Children and their heirs forever or in Case any of them happen to dye without issue or heirs lawfully begotten then the same negro girl named Diana and her increase to descend to the Survivors of my Children in equal parts forever to be divided. And in case all my said Children should dye without issue or heirs of their bodies lawfully begotten then the said negro Diana and her issue to fall to and descend to my dear kinswoman Elizabeth Horne and her heirs forever.

And for the better performance of this Deed of Gift, I do by these presents assign & deliver the said negro girl Diana with all her increase into the hands of my Executors hereafter named to be kept & maintained under their hands and custody for the use of my said Children during their minority and until they come to age.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of September 1692.

Agnes Trulocke (Seal)

__________________

Will of John Trueblood

Many people have associated the document you see below as the last will and testament of John Trueblood but with the help of AI we can have it translated and see that isn’t the case at all.

In the name of God Amen I John Field Senr of Duxbury this 18th day of Nov: 1692 being weak in my body but of perfect mind and memory Do make this my last Will and Testament as followeth.

Imprimis I give unto my dearely beloved wife Sarah one half of my moveable estate during her life and also my negroes and bed I lie upon as also her firewood brought to her house and cutt fitt for her fire dureing her widowhood & my executor to pay unto my said wife two pounds yearly dureing her widowhood in such things as she shall need.

Secondly I give and bequeath the other halfe of my moveable estate to my son John Field (excepting my wearing clothes which I give to my sons and two pair of sheets which I give to my daughters equally between them.

Thirdly I give and bequeath to my loving wife Sarah Field during her life one third part of my upland.

Fourthly I give and bequeath to my loving sons John Field and Samuel Field all my upland and meadow equally between them to them and their heirs forever.

Fifthly I will that my son Samuel Field shall pay unto my loving daughters Elizabeth, Sarah, and Mary Field ten pounds apiece when they shall come to age or at their day of marriage.

Lastly I make constitute and appoint my loving son John Field my sole executor of this my last will and testament and in confirmation of this my will I hereunto sett my hand and seale the day and year first above written.

Signed Sealed & Declared
in presence of us John Field (Seal)

Griffin G. Grigory
Samuel Churchill
Mary Parsons

Here is the marriage agreement between her parents John Trueblood and Agnes Fisher, which are Mary Trueblood’s parents.

Anno 1679 – John Trueblood of Stanmore in ye County of Middlesex in Old England, yeoman, & Agnes Fisher of ye County of Albemarle in ye Province of Carolina, spinster, having declared their intentions of marriage two several times in a public meeting of ye People of God called Quakers in ye County aforesaid according to ye good order used among them, whose proceedings therein after a deliberate consideration thereof with regard unto ye righteous law of God were approved by ye said meeting.

They appearing in a public assembly of ye aforesaid people and others met together for that end & purpose at ye house of Francis Toms in ye said County ye 25th day of ye 8th month called October in ye year 1679. As a solemn testimony of their said marriage, he ye said John Trueblood taking ye said Agnes Fisher by ye hand did openly declare as followeth:

Friends in ye fear of ye Lord & before you I take this my friend Agnes Fisher to be my wife promising to be unto her a faithful & loving husband until it shall please ye Lord by death to separate us. And then & there in ye said assembly ye said Agnes Fisher did in like manner declare as followeth: Friends in ye fear of ye Lord & before you I take this my friend John Trueblood to be my husband promising to be unto him a faithful & loving wife until it shall please ye Lord by death to separate us.

And ye said John Trueblood and Agnes his wife as a further confirmation thereof did then & there to these presents set their hands. And we whose names are hereunder written being present among others at ye solemnizing of their said marriage & subscription have also to these presents subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto.

John Trueblood
Agnes Trueblood

Witnesses:
Thomas Nicholson, James Thigpen, Daniel Pritchard, Francis Toms, William Trueblood, Elizabeth Knight, Sarah Toms, Grace Trueblood, William Reginolds, and others.

Old English can be confusing. So here is a modern translation of what the text means.

Translation (Modern English):

Year 1679
John Trueblood of Stanmore in the County of Middlesex in England, a farmer, and Agnes Fisher of the County of Albemarle in the Province of Carolina, a single woman, declared their intention to marry on two separate occasions at a public meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in the aforementioned county. Their intentions and proceedings, after careful consideration and alignment with the righteous law of God, were approved by the meeting.

On October 25, 1679, they appeared at a public gathering of Friends and others at the house of Francis Toms in the county. As a testimony to their marriage, John Trueblood took Agnes Fisher by the hand and openly declared:

“Friends, in the fear of the Lord and before you, I take this my friend Agnes Fisher to be my wife, promising to be a faithful and loving husband to her until it pleases the Lord to separate us by death.”

Likewise, Agnes Fisher declared:
“Friends, in the fear of the Lord and before you, I take this my friend John Trueblood to be my husband, promising to be a faithful and loving wife to him until it pleases the Lord to separate us by death.”

To confirm their marriage, both John Trueblood and Agnes Trueblood signed the document. The witnesses present also signed to testify to this solemn occasion.

Mary Trueblood’s father was John Trueblood, also known as John of Shoreditch. Only four surviving children were born in the Carolinas: Mary b 1684, Elizabeth b 1687, John b 1689, and Amos b 1992.

Mary’s parents, John and Agnes, did not survive the hardships of the new land for long; both died in 1692, thus leaving their children as orphans at a very early age. Mary, the eldest, was eight, and Amos, the youngest, was not quite a year old.

Stephen Richardson is the son of Stephen Richardson and Bridget. He was born on June 12, 1696, in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. He died on July 16, 1723 in Woburn, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

In 1713 Stephen was granted 381 acres by Lords proprietors in Pasquotank, Co, North Carolina on the Southwest side of the Pasquotank River. Stephen Richardson was a farmer. He called his plantation Poplers Haven. This area seems to be around present-day Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Some people use this land grant information to say he didn’t come to Pasquotank until that time. However if you refer back to his wife, you’ll note that she was born and died in Pasquotank. She also married her husband there (most likely) in 1699. So logic dictates that for her to have met and married Stephen Richardson, he would have had to have been in Pasquotank prior to being granted land there, or at least somewhere close.

Stephen Richardson was very sick and son on February 7, 1722 he wrote out his will, during which he named off all of his living children. He died about a year later. We know this because His will went into probate on July 16, 1723.

Together Stephen and Mary had at least 7 children.

• Stephen Richardson 1708 – 1762
• Richard Richardson 1712 – 1780
• Labboos (Lebbeus?) Richardson (1714)
• Benjamin Richardson (1720)
• John David Richardson (1720)
• Elizabeth Richardson (1722)
• Joseph Richardson (1723)

Stephen Richardson is my 8th great grandfather

Land Transaction Witness

Witness to Patrick Henley’s Will in Albemerle County, Pasquotank Precinct 24 Jul 1697;

// Stephen Richardson of Pasquotank & province of NC planter … whereas the true and absolute Lds proprietors of Carolina did by their Deed or Patent bearing date ye 14th day of Jany. 1713/14 give and grant unto Stephen Richardson a Tract of Land ct. 381 Acres lying on ye So. west side of the Pasquotank River … for a valuable Consideration to me in had paid by Jerr. Everton of the same place … sold … (for 8 pounds) … 40 acres of the Afsd tract of land … 1717. Stephen Richardson, Mary M. Richardson (her mark) Ack 15th 8ber 1717 Regt 17 8ber 1717;

// 615 pg 214 Stephen Richardson 14 January 1713/14 395 acres on ye fork of Pasquotank River, joining ye Creek of ye sd. fork, William RELFE sd, /rucgardsibm te /swano if te /ruverm abd te /ruver /s/ T. Pollock, T. Boyd, N. Chevin, C. Gale, T. Knight.

18 July 1704 – Edward Jones proved three rights and assigned them to Stephen Richardson – Himself, Eleanor-his wife, and Thomas Steward. – These land rights would indicate that Stephen Richardson came to NC (along with Thomas Steward and Eleanor, and settled in NC in 1704.

A rough translation of the Last Will and Testament of Stephen Richardson

In the name of God, Amen – The Seven Day of February in the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty two

-I Stephen Richardson of the County of Albemarle in the provence of North Carolina in the precinct of Pasqutank ___ being very Sick and weak in body but of perfict Sense and memory thanks be to God therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body and know in that it is appointed for all men once to die

– now make and ordains this my last will and testament that is to say ___ first of all I Grant and Recommend my Soul to __ to the hands of God that Gave it and my Body I Recommend to the earth to be buried in decent and Cristen manner at the discretion of my Executrix not doubin but at the general resurrection I shall receive the same again by the all mighty power of God and as ___ sutch worldly estate whereas with it hath pleased God to bless me for this Life I Grant and devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and format

– Imprimis: I Give and bequeath unto my son John Richardson my now ___ plantation whereon I live called the Poplers Havin __ the benefit of the said

– Plantation and orchard During the days of hir natural life the wife of Stephen Richarson Mary Richardson and after the Desese of my wife Mary Richardson then to possess the same for ever

– Item: I Grant and Bequeath unto my son Stephen Richardson a Neck of land called White Oaks Neck and ___ if my Lawful wife Mary Richardson be not with Child then the same neck of Land shall be evenly divided between my son John Richardson and my son Stephen Richardson with my now ___ plantation to be equally divided between them both but if my Lawful wife Mary Richardson now be with Child then the said neck of Land called White Oaks Neck to be equally divided between my son Stephen Richardson and the child which we suppose whe may fo with but if my wife be not with child then my ___ in plantation and the said Neck of Land called white Oaks Nect to be equally divided between my son John Richardson and my son Stephen Richardson. Item: I Grant and Bequeath unto my son Richard Richardson my Lower Neck of Land Joynon one Jerimiah Everton Line called Blewbootens Neck and the said Richard Richardson not to ___ of

– Of the said Neck of Land Thomas Bettys and his wife ___ the natural days of theyre life and this provision that the said Thomas Bettyes shall proform the promises made that is to build a framed house twenty five foot long and fiftene foot wid one good __ and to plant ought a orchard of a hundred apells trees thirtey foot Destent for the Great Stones Sort and Twenty five foot aney other Sort and to keep it under close form from the distruction of ___ but if the said Thomas Bettys shall not ___ the said Richard Richardson when he shall come of age so live upon part of the said Neck of Land called Blewbootens and to have leave to ___ hogs or cattle or any other __ with the benefit of the orchard for ___.

Item: I Grant and Bequeath unto my son Labboos Richardson and Joseph Richardson and Benjamin Richardson and Elizabeth Richardson one tract of land formerly called (Anavenolls?) containing three hundred nintey five akors and to be equally divided my three sons a hundred dkors for each of them and nintey five akers for my Daughter Now as consernin these tracts of land which I do leave to my ___ if any of them shall die before they com of age then there part to be equally divided amongst the rest of my leggatees or theyre part to be __ appraised and the vallue share of equally divided among my issue and he that buys the said part of land to pay so the rest theyr equal share of eatch tract. Item: I give and bequeth the stock of cattle __ to me befor I was maried to my Lawful wife Mary Richardson __ to be equally divided among all my Children. Item: I Grant and Bequeath to my lovin and lawful wife Mary Richardson all the rest of my personable estate leaving hir my whole and sole Executrix of this my Last will and Testament and I leave my true and trusted friend John Trueblood and James Trueblood as trustees to be a guide to theyre sister in __ as may be required to act and do for the good of hir and hir children to the best of youre power. Wined Seled published and Delivered in presents of us the subscibers: Stephen Richardson

— James Greves, Katherine Greves (her mark), Hannah Everton (her mark)

— Pasquotank Court the 16th day of July 1723 Synopsis: Sons: John (“plantation whereon I live called the Poplars Havin”), Steven (land called the White Oak Neck), Richard (land called Blewbootens Neck, the said Richard to allow Thomas Bettys to live on said land if he, the said Berrys shall build a house “twenty five foot long and fifteen foot wide and plant ought a orchard of apells trees thirtey foot Destent for the Great Stones Sort and Twenty five foot aney other Sort &c.”), Lebbeos and Joseph. Daughter: Elizabeth. Wife and Executrix: Mary. Trustees: John and James Trewblood. Witnesses: James Greves, Katherine Greves and Hannah Everton. Clerk of the Court: W. Norris

When I first started this website, I was sure I knew everything I could about him. but in time I learned that just because someone else says something is true, doesn’t make it so.

Is Johann Hana Paul Michael Wägeli the same as Johann Paul Wegerlin or Paulus?

That’s really what I needed to try and figure out. Only it’s not exactly that easy. The Germany birth, death and marriage records are hosted by Family Search and not a single image is available. The translated data is, but as we all know, that is very possibly wrong. My question is simple … what is our real family name … not our anglicized name, but our original name? Simple enough question, right? Well not so easy to answer.

In the same batch of Germany records, here are the 15 common variations of our family name.

• Wegerlin
• Wegelin
• Wägerlin
• Wegerlein
• Wägele
• Wägeli
• Waegerlen
• Waegerlin
• Weckherlin
• Weekerlin
• Wegerle
• Weikhelin
• Wiegerlin
• Wigerli
• Wigerlin
• Waeckherlin
• Wuekherlin

I actually went as far as to hire someone from Germany who does translations to ask him who you even pronounce the name Wägeli. Was it why-gull or wu-ghel-ly or something different altogether?

He ended up telling me that the “ä” has a sound that is unique, there is no way to write it correctly for an English speaker but if you had to sound it out like why-gull, he said the closest would be the one that you said “wu-ghe-ly” but it’s only close and not the right way.

Here is a recording of his saying it so you can hear it said in his nature German tongue. 🙂

What I can say for sure is that Johann Paul came to America, specifically the Port of Philadelphia when he was 33 years of age, on September 18, 1732. Once in America, he would become known as Paul Wegerline. This “Americanization” of names wasn’t uncommon. More specifically he  arrived in the Port of Philadelphia on board of the Johnson Galley of London. We have the passenger list that tells us on that day he had with him his wife, Ottilia and four of their children … three girls, one boy.

And we aren’t even sure if her name was Ottilia or Obtilia or Otella or Otelia. I will say this though, Lancaster County, PA records her death in the year 1763. They have a copy of her will on file in book J, volume 1, page 344, again listing the spelling of her name as Wegerlin, Obtilia.

• Katharine Wegerlin became Catherine Wegerline
  

  1727 – 1800

• Ottilia Wegerline

  1729 –

  Anna Clara Wegerline

  1731 – 1784

• Jacob Wegerline

  Born sometime between 1716 and 1732
  

When they came to America, the original oath translations listed them as

Paul Wegerllue, (husband)
Jacob Wegerline, (son)
Otella Wegerline, (wife)
Oteliea Wegerline.. (daughter)
Katharine Wegerline. (daughter)
Anna Clara Wegerline. (daughter)

See how easy it is to lose track of someone when names are often times so misspelled? Also, I should note there is a separate entry for a Paulus Wegerlin.

We have a birth record for Anna Clara and on that record, it tells us that her mother’s name is Ottilia and her father’s name is Johann Paul Wegerlin. This record tells us that Anna Clara was baptized on April 16, 1731, in the city of Darmstadt in Germany, which is just south of Frankfurt.

The exact record reads “Evangelisch,Lampertheim,Starkenburg,Hesse-Darmstadt” but this is a translation mistake. “Evangelisch” tells us that she was baptized in the Evangelical Church in Germany. The identifying location is “Lampertheim, Starkenburg, Hesse-Darmstadt” which is actually the city of Darmstadt, in the province of  Starkenburg in the German state of Hesse. I asked a few different people from Germany and got varied results. While most agree it was in the city of Darmstadt a few said it meant she was baptized in the town of Lampertheim, a small town near Darmstadt in Germany.”

Google maps tells us that Lampertheim is about 25 miles south of Darmstadt.

So now we’ve matched the mother, father, and at least one child in two different records – the immigration passenger list and the child’s baptismal records. So this tells us that his full name is “Johann Paul Wegerlin” and when he came to America, it became Paul Wegerline.

Next, we have the baptismal records of their daughter Ottilia. She has her mother as Ottilia, but the father is Johann Paul Wegerle. This is a perfect example of why I wished we could see the actual records because obviously, the person who transcribed the data made a mistake. We know from other sources, though, that Wegerle is a common misspelling of Wegerlin / Wegerline.

So, moving forward, we now have three records that group this family together. It may not seem like a lot, but keep in mind these are records from hundreds of years ago, and there were a lot of people with similar names.

There was a Johann Nicklaus Wegerlin who married a Clara and had a daughter named Ottila, who also happened to be baptized in the exact same place as our own Ottila Wegerlin. Of course, we know this wasn’t our Ottila because this one was baptized in January of 1735, and by then, our Ottila was already in America. There was also a Paulus Wegerlein who married an Ottila Beyer and came to America but they are not the same as our Paul and Ottila.

I AM STILL WORKING ON VERIFYING SOME OF THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER IT 100% ACCURATE AT THIS TIME.

It is possible his full name is Johann Hana Paul Michael Wägeli or Johann Hana Paulus Michael Wägeli or Johann Hanß Paul Michael Wägeli.

It is possible that his father is Zacharias Wägeli, and his grandfather is possibly Hanß Wegerlin …. although at this time, I can not say for sure. It could be that Zacharias is his grandfather, making his father possibly Han Philipp Wegerle, which to me seems far more likely if you do the math.

So, is Johan Michel Weigel the same as Paulus Wegerline?

I’m sorry to say, but Johan Paul and Johan Michel Weigel are not the same person. And I can prove it with old obscure German birth records.

Johan Michel Weigel was married to Anna Elisabetha, and yes, they had a child named Anna Catharina, but it’s not the same.

Paul or Paulus Wegerlin was married to Obtilia. We know this because they came to America together, and we have a zillion records to prove that they came over together with two of their daughters, whom we also have old German birth records.

Another proof is that during the 1736 PA Early Census Index, Johan Michael Weygell lived in Philadelphia County, and we already knew Paulus was living in nearby Lancaster County during that period.

His wife was Obtilla Wegerlin, who was born on February 26, 1701, in Lampertheim, Bergstrasse, Hessen, Germany, and she died in November 1763 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

There is a document that is supposed to be her last will and testament, so I had it translated. Here is what it says.

This document is a Last Will and Testament written by Ottilla Bayer, dated April 6, 1763, from Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Below is a summary and transcription of key sections for clarity.

Summary of Key Details:

1. Introduction:
   • The document begins with Ottilla Bayer declaring this as her final will and testament. She acknowledges her faith in God and discusses her intent to settle her worldly affairs.
2. Bequests:
   • Specific Property and Money: Ottilla distributes her possessions, property, and any remaining funds among her children and heirs. She names the recipients and provides detailed instructions on how her assets are to be divided.
   • Care for Relatives: There is mention of provisions for family members, possibly ensuring care for those unable to support themselves.
3. Execution of the Will:
   • She names the executor(s) responsible for carrying out the terms of her will. Executors are likely close family members or trusted individuals.
4. Closing Statement:
   • Ottilla closes her will with blessings for her family and reiterates her intent that this document be followed after her death.
5. Witnesses:
   • The document is signed by witnesses and includes legal phrasing to validate the will under the laws of the time.

Transcription of Select Sections:

(Exact wording may vary slightly due to the old-style cursive handwriting.)

1. Opening Paragraph:
   

   “In the name of God, Amen. I, Ottilla Bayer, of Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory, blessed be God for His mercies, do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament, revoking and making void all former wills heretofore by me made.”

2. Bequests (Example Language):
   

   “I give and bequeath unto my son [Name], the sum of [specific amount], to be paid out of my estate, and to my daughter [Name], I leave [specific property or asset], with the intent that she shall have the care of [specific individual].”

3. Executor Appointment:
   

   “I nominate and appoint [Name(s)] to be the executor(s) of this my last will, to ensure all my debts and funeral expenses are paid and the remainder of my estate divided according to this my will.”

4. Closing Statement:
   

   “In witness whereof, I, Ottilla Bayer, have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three.”

5. Witnesses:
   

   “Signed, sealed, and declared by the said Ottilla Bayer as her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us, [Names of Witnesses].”

This document outlines Ottilla Bayer’s wishes for distributing her property, ensuring care for her family, and appointing executors to manage her estate. It reflects her effort to ensure her legacy and responsibilities were handled according to her faith and values.

Here’s the catch: if you dig deep into the transcript, you see that in Ottilla Bayer’s Last Will and Testament, she distributed various items and properties to her heirs, specifying who received what. Here’s a breakdown of other people mentioned in the will and what they were given, along with their locations or the location of the items:

Heirs and Bequests:

1. Maria Magdalena (daughter):
   • Items Given: A feather bed with all its furniture, the largest chest, and one cow (as transcribed earlier).
   • Location: These items were likely in Ottilla Bayer’s household in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
2. John (son):
   • Items Given: Several farming implements, tools, and a specific parcel of land.
   • Location: The land was likely located in Warwick Township or nearby areas as part of Ottilla’s estate.
3. Peter (son):
   • Items Given: Ottilla bequeathed him a parcel of land or rights to a property, along with some livestock and farming tools.
   • Location: The land location is likely documented in Lancaster County, PA.

Our Obtilla didn’t have any children by those names. Maria, John or Peter. So, while there may have been a woman living in Pennsylvania by the name of Obtilla, it is, in fact, not the one married to Johann Paul Wegerline.

So, is his wife’s maiden name Bayer? No.

By the time she came to America, she was already married, and all official documents list her as Obtilla Wegerline (or some variation of that spelling). They married on July 7, 1721, in Germany.

When they came to America from Germany (September 18, 1732), they already had four children, and those four children came to America with them.

Another document lists them as …..

• Paul Wegerllue, (husband)
• Otella Wegerline (wife)
• Katharine Wegerline (daughter)
• Oteliea Wegerline (daughter)
• Anna Clara Wegerline (daughter)
• Jacob Wegerline, (son)

When they got to America, they had 4 more children.

• Johan Simon (1736)
• Philip (1739)
• Barbara (1740)
• Adam (1744)

What makes doing research on the Wegley family line so complicated is that there are so many spellings and misspellings of the last name.  Here are just some of the ways people have spelled the Wegley name over the years.

• Wegley (1900s)
• Weighley (1800s)
• Weigley (1700s)
• Wageli (1600s)
• Weigel (1600s)
• Weichel (1500s)
• Weigle
• Weigel
• Weagley
• Wegerlin
• Wagerline
• Wegerle
• Weygell
• Weigele
• Wegerle
• Weckerly
• Freigley (obvious typo)

I haven’t proven who his father is yet but it looks like it may be a man by the name of Hanß or Hanss, Han or Hana.  Hanß could have been known by the last name of Wegerlin or Wageli.  To avoid confusion for now we are going to call him Han Wageli as this is what most of the other researchers are calling him.  The only thing I can really do now is get all the records from the 1600s for the town of Lampertheim within Bergstraße district in Hesse, Germany.

So what do we know about Zacharias?

We know that he died and was buried in Germany (1638-1695)
(FIND A GRAVE LINK)

Zacharias Wegerlin

Zacharias Wägeli was born in 1638 in Lampertheim, Germany and died in 1695, in Lampertheim, Germany. He appears to have married a woman by the name of Anna Elisabeth Treiber (1636-1720) on May 8, 1660 when he was 20 years old. 

They possibly had 14 children.

• Han Philipp Wegerle (1664 – 1747)
• Anna Catharina Wegerlin (1665 –)
• Han Georg Wegerlin (1667 – 1668)
• Nicolaus Wegerle (1675 – 1731)
• Johann Heinrich Wageli (1678 – 1678)
• Johann Peter Wegerle (1678 – 1678)
• Johann Martin Wageli (1679 –)
• Paulus Wegerle (1684 – 1684)
• Euphrosina Wegerle (1686 – 1686)

Zacharias Wegerlin was born in 1638 in Lampertheim, Starkenburg, Hesse-Darmstadt the only known child of Hana Wegerlin and his wife (UNKOWN NAME??). He married Anna Elisabeth Treiber on May 8, 1660 in Lampertheim, Starkenburg, Hesse-Darmstadt in the Lutheran Church. They had four children in 14 years. He died in 1695 in Lampertheim, at the age of 57.