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FOREWORD "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." —Joel i., 3. In attempting to trace the ancient history of his family the compiler is early confronted with the necessity for sifting facts from tradition, and while many traditions are interesting and fondly cherished, often plausible, as well as suggestive and helpful in research, yet the evidence of recorded facts is the only safe guide in order to make such a compilation of much value. As a matter of fact, however, instances occur in these pages where traditions of Revolutionary service have been clues suggesting investigation which led to their verification by the discovery of recorded facts.

The name of Pringle is of great antiquity, and has been historically eminent in Scotland for many centuries. Alexander appears to have been the great progenitor of the family, and he is said to have been one of the promoters of the Fourth Crusade and commanded one of the divisions of the Scottish soldiers engaged in Palestine. Sir James Pringle was a Knight of great courage and discretion, and enjoyed the friendship] and favor of King Robert the Bruce; and was one of the Scottish Knights who accompanied the great Lord Douglas on the celebrated pilgrimage of the heart of Robert Bruce. In the arms of all those engaged in that celebrated pilgrimage, a winged heart has been given as a crest, and it appears on some of the Pringle coats of arms. The escallop shells also show that a pilgrimage had been made to Jerusalem. The origin of the Pringles in America is as yet uncertain, although it is known that our progenitor in this country, William Pringle, of New Haven, Conn., in 1654, was of Scottish nationality. No attempt has been made to trace his ancestry across the water.

The name of Pringle frequently appears in the Publications of the Scottish History Society; and in Vol. 50, entitled "Records of the Baron Court of Stitchill, 1655-1807,"—Edinburg, 1905, there is given the genealogy of Pringles of Stitchill, from the Pringles of Snailholm, and Hop Pringle of Craiglatch and Newhall—two generations prior to William Hop Pringle, 1485, from whom the descent follows.

These Records comprise the minutes of "The firste Court Barron holden at Stitchell," beginning January 8, l655, "be the Right worthy Walter Pringle of Greenkow. In the name of and having full power and commission fra the Right worthy Robert Pringle of Stitchill, Barroun and heretable proprietor of the Lands, Paro-chin, and Barrony of Stitchill,'' and extending to November 21, 1807.

This Baron Court was that of the village, barony and parish of Stitchill in Roxburgshire, three miles north of Kelso on tlie river Tweed. Walter Pringle of Greenkow was the second son of Robert the first laird of Stitchill. The name of Pringle is found with the Kers, Elliotts, Scotts and others, all ancient and renowned Border names, who were in full sympathy with the principles of the Covenant, and exerted undying influence on those living upon their estates. The lairds of Stitchill were Covenanters and the head of the family (in 1732) originated the secession in the parish from the Church of Scotland.

There was a "Prindle Hill" near Scrooby, in Nottingham, England, the birth-place of Rev. John Davenport, the founder of the New Haven Colony in 1636, and which suggests that some of the name lived in that vicinity. Scrooby Manor was near to the borders, both of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire, though itself in the County of Nottingham. It was also an ancient possession and occasional residence of the Archbishop of York, and located a little south of Bawtry, a market and post town situated on the boundary line between Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Northumberland is still the home of Pringle families, as also the southeastern counties of Scotland, just over the border from Northumberland, where the Pringles of Yair and Whytbank were neighbors and distant kinsfolk of Sir Walter Scott.

There are many graves of Pringles in Melrose Abbey and church-yard, with quaint inscriptions and tablets bearing dates from February 28, 1585, to January 13, 1899, the oldest of which is on an effigy lying on the floor of No. 5 chapel, and reads as follows: Heir Leis ane Honourabil Man Andro Pringil Feuar of Galloschiels Quha Decesit ye 28 OF Februare An. Dom. 1585. The word Feuar is very common over all parts of Scotland and elsewhere, and means a person having a long lease of a piece of Foreword. XI ground from another superior at a nominal rent. These leases vary from 99 years up to say 200 and 300 years, and many houses are built all over the country on ground taken in such a way.

There are also old inscriptions of several Alexander Pringles, this name having been transmitted through several generations; and two or three of John Pringle, the earliest having died April 24, 1675, aged 72. The earliest record so far found of Prindles in America is of John, whose name appears as an "after planter" in Milford, Conn., in 1645; and nothing further has yet been found until the name of William appears in the New Haven Colonial Records, in 1653-4. And in order to a better understanding of the matter it is desirable to make a brief reference to some of the events leading up to the settlement of this Colony, and the appearance of William, whom we find taking the oath of fidelity to the New Haven
Jurisdiction in 1654.

The early settlers brought with them a high regard for church and town records, and so noted down with much care and minuteness the current facts connected with the family and business life. Some of these old records may seem of little moment, and even trivial, to the ordinary reader, but to the historian and genealogist they are often found to be of great value. The history of the New Haven Colony begins as early as l635, when the first steps were taken in the organization of the Davenport and Eaton Company, in England and Holland. The Rev. John Davenport, as pastor of the Church in Coleman Street, London, was made to feel the persecuting hand of Archbishop Laud, and to escape which he sought refuge for a time in Holland.

Theophilus Eaton, the other founder of this Colony, was a London merchant of means and influence, and is said to have been a member of the former's congregation. This company was the fourth colony which had set out for New England, and is mentioned as being better equipped as to men and means than any of its predecessors. On arrival at Boston they were urged to join the Massachusetts Bay Colony. But glowing accounts had reached them from settlers who had "swarmed" from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and while wintering in Boston some of their number had sought for a suitable location in Connecticut.

Fearing that Archbishop Laud might trouble the Massachusetts Bay Colony if they remained with it, and having their own ideas about the management of civil and religious affairs^ they were moved to decline the invitation as a colony, though doubtless some individuals may have remained, and others of the Bay Colony joined the newer enterprise. So Eaton selected and purchased this tract on Long Island Sound, and settled upon the mouth of the Connecticut River as their harbor, being " merchants of Traffick and business. The Colony was under the conduct of as holy, and as prudent and as genteel persons as most that ever visited these nooks of America."

The Colony arrived at New Haven, April 14, 1638, and in June, 1639, after much consideration, proceeded to the organization of a civil government. In August following the church was organized, and Mr. Davenport chosen pastor, and later Mr. Eaton was made governor. The church at Milford was organized the same day. The settlement of Guilford, Stamford, Branford, and Southold, L. I., followed, as families from the various old home counties naturally gathered together at the different places, and their numbers were increased from time to time by the later emigrants in 1640-45. It is stated that owing to the persecutions of Laud about nineteen-twentieths of the Puritans that came over arrived in the few years preceding the long Parliament, 1641.

The later settlers, who came to Milford from Wethersfield and elsewhere, were called "after planters," and it is on this list that the name of John Prindle is found. The different plantations were not equally prosperous or harmonious, but those at New Haven and Milford seem to have been the most so. In 1646 Mr. Isaac Allerton, a Mayflower Pilgrim, came to New Haven from New York. He had been "assistant" to Governor Bradford, and was a "factour" of the Plymouth Colony some fifteen to twenty years before. He was interested in shipping and made several voyages back and forth to England, exchanging beaver skins, etc., for other goods needed by the colonists, but was most active in promoting the formation of new companies of "adventurers." Some dissatisfaction among these colonists followed his management of their affairs and so he removed to New York, about 1632-34, but later returned to New Haven.

In 1653-4 we find William Pringle mentioned as " the Scotchman which lives at Mr. Allerton's." It was the custom to require a young man not living with his parents to make his home with a householder. Men married young then, often not waiting long after they were of age, and frequently marrying before that time; and so William was probably about twenty-one when he married Mary Desborough, in 1655. His relationship to John, if any existed, has not been ascertained; nor, as before stated, have any steps yet been taken to trace his ancestry, but it is much to be hoped that the compilation of this little history may serve to arouse the enthusiasm and interest of his living descendants to make an earnest and persistent effort toward ascertaining his parentage and antecedents across the water.

For however humble may have been the lot of our forbears who fled to New England to pioneer a new land of liberty and freedom, their names should not be left to perish with the lapse of time. And ungrateful must be the descendants of these founders, who have inherited the blessings for which they toiled and suffered to secure, who will not in some way aid to rescue their names from oblivion. The tradition in many families, of the two or three "brothers who came over," has become so frequent as to excite the smiles of the incredulous; but when one considers the history of the times, the facts of homes broken up and families scattered by persecution, or the desire to better their condition, with one or more venturing to Holland or America for refuge or in search of a new home, it should not appear so strange.

It would be but most natural for two or more of the same family to go together, or, if separately, with the purpose of rejoining later on in the new far-away land. So when the "three brothers" came over, it might have been at intervals or at the same time, the details of which are now lost in the distance; but the statement that they "came over" is often the starting point of the family history in the New World. The Prindle traditions vary: some say three brothers, some say two; some say one settled in Massachusetts, and one in Connecticut, and one somewhere else; while others say one in Connecticut, one in Virginia, and lose the third one; and those that say two, put one in Connecticut, but are in doubt as to the other.

Remembering the general histories of the Colonies, all these traditions might be the truth, especially as early records in Massachusetts, Virginia and North Carolina mention Pringles or Prindles whose connection with William of Connecticut has not been traced. Means of communication were slow and difficult in those early days, and in most cases families thus scattered soon lost all knowledge of one another. At a much later period, after the Revolution, some Tory Prindles went to Canada, and, resuming the Scotch " g " of the name, lost their identity as Connecticut Prindles almost entirely.

Also several Pringles of the British Army, liking the country, drew land and remained here. Tradition also points to Holland, as well as Northumberland and around Edinburgh, as the place from which the early immigrants came. This seems very probable, as Holland was the near-by refuge of many who looked and longed for America as their future home.

The story thus far goes to show how meager and uncertain is our present knowledge of the origin of the Prindles in America. The only authentic statement yet found is the one referred to about "the Scotchman" William, of New Haven; and it is concerning him that one of his descendants writes: " William Pringle was the son of one of the followers of King James of Scotland and came to America on the restoration of Charles the Second, and from him the family in the United States derives its name and descent."

Another descendant writes: " My aunt tells me that there is a tradition in one branch of the family that two brothers came over from Scotland. They ran away on account of a stepmother." And still another descendant writes: " There is a tradition in our family that we are descendants of a Pringle boy who came not many generations ago from Scotland. His story was told me by my dear grandmother, my father's mother, who long survived her husband and lived all my boyhood in this old Prindle home, where I was reared. My grandmother told me what she had heard from her husband, of that Scotch boy: that he was apprenticed in some seaport town to a ship's blacksmith.

Living in the family of his master he came under the discipline of the blacksmith's wife, who was wont to chastise him severely. One day, when the boy had attained considerable size, his mistress was administering the customary punishment, the boy stooping before her, his head between her knees, while she was belaboring his posterior parts. The severity of the blows stirred the boy to rebellion, so gathering all his strength in an effort for freedom, he upset his mistress and escaped. When he had opportunity to consider what he had done, and the consequences of his rebellious act, he knew it would never do to fall into the hands of his mistress again, so he escaped to a ship bound for America."

The original aim of the compiler was to prepare only a brief family record of his great-grandfather, Zalmon Prindle, who was a soldier of the American Revolution, and of his descendants, and, as a slight tribute to his memory, to publish the same for preservation and distribution among those of his descendants now living who might desire to have it. Then, as the interest to know more of his antecedents speedily grew, the investigation was enlarged so as to embrace the record of his ancestors in the direct line of ascent to the original emigrant and progenitor of the family in this country.

This in turn led to include also the children of each male ancestor; and, finally by utilizing the data incidentally accumulated, to enlarge the record so as to include all the descendants of William as far as ascertained, from l654, to those of Zalmon'^ now living, 1906, during a period of 252 years and embracing ten generations. The descendants of the several lines and branches other than that of Zalmon have, however, only been brought down generally to the sixth generation, and in some lines to the seventh and eighth generations, but which it is hoped will prove sufficient to enable those of later generations to connect their own family records with those of the past.

The compiler will feel sufficiently rewarded for his efforts if these pages shall serve to induce other descendants not only to make and preserve a careful record of their own families, but will also undertake the work of completing the history of their own lines and branches which has failed to find a record here, to the end that ultimately a full and complete history of the Prindle family in America can be made. For the benefit of those descendants of soldiers of the Revolution who might wish to establish their eligibility to membership in the patriotic societies, based upon the service of Revolutionary ancestors, etc., there will be found in the Appendix, Note 11, a list of those soldiers whose names appear upon the official records of the Pension Office, War and Treasury Departments, and of the States of Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, together with a brief transcript of records of service rendered by them in the achievement of American independence. whose connection with William of Connecticut has not been traced. Means of communication were slow and difficult in those early days, and in most cases families thus scattered soon lost all knowledge of one another.

The compiler desires to return his sincere thanks to those members of the family who have freely rendered assistance in furnishing their family records, etc., while special acknowledgments are due, and hereby gratefully made, to Mrs. Isabella A. (Hedenberg) Prindle, of Bon Air, Virginia, for most valuable aid rendered and for making available the extensive data which she has been patiently collecting for several years past, and which was freely used in this work; also to Miss Mary L. Hine, of West Haven, Conn., who has furnished most of the early records of our progenitor, William, and his immediate family, as well as the line of Joseph", of which she is a descendant.

While much pains have been taken to make the individual records correct, as to names, dates, etc., it is probable that errors will be found; and it is earnestly requested that all such may be promptly reported to the compiler, as well as any omissions or additions needed to make the work more complete and useful. Franklin C. Prindle. Washington, D. C, August, 1906. EXPLANATORY

Franklin Cogswell Prindle (2012-05-21). The Prindle genealogy. embracing the descendants of William Pringle the first settler, in part for six, seven and eight generations, and also the ... covering a period of two hundred and fifty-t (Kindle Locations 199-206). . Kindle Edition.

Description

The name of William Pringle^ the emigrant and progenitor of the Prindle family traced in this volume, first appears in America, in the Colonial Records of New Haven, Conn., in 1653-54, where he is referred to as "the Scotchman which lives at Mr. Allerton's." He took the oath of fidelity to the New Haven Jurisdiction, Theophilus Eaton, Governor, on April 4, 1654; married Mary Desborough, December 7, 1656; and, after living for some time in New Haven, bought about 1672, from the administrators of the estate of Sergeant Thos. Jeffreys, 24 acres of land in what is now West Haven, but then really a part of New Haven, and known as "West Farms," and settled there.

This land lies between what is now Main and Elm Streets, and Second and Third Avenues, and the old house formerly stood in Second Avenue near Main Street. A part of this land is now owned and occupied by the children of Rollin W. and Lugevia (Prindle) Hine, descendants of the 8th generation, and lies opposite their present home. His name is not found on a list of residents of New Haven, 1640-50. These brief items tell nearly all that is now known of William Pringle, but much more is needed to satisfy the interest in the progenitor of a family, and we find considerable information of value in the general history of the times and customs of the people where he dwelt.

Isaac Allerton was a passenger on the "Mayflower," and "was chosen to be an Assistant unto" Gov. Bradford for many years in succession. He was sent several times to England and to Holland to dispose of furs and other products of the Colony and given "full power to conclude the former bargains with ye adventurers." Having been given so much power some cause for dissatisfaction would naturally arise, and about l632 his connection with the Plymouth Colony was severed, though he was not until several years after a settler of New Haven.

The New Haven Colony arrived at New Haven in the spring of l638, having passed the winter in Boston, and was composed principally of members of the church and congregation of which the Rev. John Davenport was pastor, in Coleman Street, London. They came provided with means and "men skilled in various arts," and Cotton Mather writes 'The Colony was under the conduct of as holy, and as prudent, and as genteel persons as most that ever visited these nooks of America."

Mr. Allerton came to New Haven to stay about 1646, and built a handsome house "all of oak and the best of joiner work," having four porches and equal in every respect to that of the Governor. The intervening years were probably spent in New York where he continued his trading, though the final settlement of his affairs with the Plymouth Colony dragged along for several years. He was married three times, his first wife being Mary, the daughter of Elder Brewster, whose account of Mr. Allerton's relations to the Plymouth Colony is quaint and interesting, and gives us an idea of the man and his character, although he is mentioned only at long intervals in the Elder's diary.

"Besides, through private gain, I doe persuade my self, was some cause to lead Mr. Allerton aside in those beginnings, yet I think, or at least charitie caries me to hope, that he intended to deal faithfully with them in ye maine, and had such an opinion of his own ability, and some experience . . . as he conceived he might both raise himself an estate, and allso be a means to bring in such profits to Mr. Sherley. ... At length, they, having an opportunity, resolved to send Mr. Winslow, with what beaver they had already, into England, to see how ye square wente, being very jealous of these things, and Mr. Allerton's courses."

Mr. Sherley writes also, "I fear neither you nor we have been well delt withal . . . and 3^et for all this ... I dare not but think him honest, and that his desire and intent was good." In the Chronicles of New Haven Green, it is stated that, "On the lower Green, in some place unknown, but supposed to be not far from the flagstaff, lies Isaac Allerton, one of the -^ Mayflower Pilgrims, and 'father of American Commerce'." X" This is the man under whose roof our William Pringle found a home, but for how long a time we do not know.

The town records of New Haven make some interesting references to him, which gives us some idea of the man he was, as will be seen by the following extracts: "Feb. 27, 1653.—-The townsman were desired and appointed to speak with the Scotchman which lives at Mr. Allerton's, and see if they can agree with him to sweep the chimneys in the town according to the order made 13th of November, 1643." "Jan. 28, 1655.—It was propounded that one might be gotten to sweep chimneys in the town. William Pringle was named, and some were desired to speak to him to come to the governor and speak with him about it."

"Feb. 11, 1655.—The governor further acquainted the town that William Pringle, who was spoke of to the last court to sweep chimneys for the town had been with him, and propounded some difficulty in the Avork, but the manner of paying discouraged him much, but hoping that may be amended, he is willing to try another year, if the town will lend him 40 shillings in corn, and let him have a canvas frock, and hood, to cover his clothes when doth the work. But now, Peter lallory, from him declared, that the 40 shillings to be lent, he let it fall, so he may have the frock propounded, and his pay for his work duly paid him.

The town declared if canvas can be got, he shall have such a frock and hood, he promising that if he leave the work, to leave such garment to the town again, and that men pay him down for his labor, or otherwise to his content, but if not, upon complaint the court will see it remedied, and that all chimneys in the town be included, and none exempted from pay, though they sweep them themselves, provided that he come within such time Winter and Summer, as is expressed in an order in the town records."

"The 4th of the 10th month, 1656.-—The townsmen are desired to treat with William Pringle and agree with him to sweep chimneys for the town as they see cause." The inhabitants were obliged to have their chimneys swept twice a year, or be fined. The doer of the task was not looked down upon by the others, for there were many things essential to the welfare of such a community that were not particularly agreeable, but persons to perform such duties were appointed by the town meeting and regarded as a call to duty for the common welfare.

Many of the early chimneys were built of logs and plastered with clay on the inner surface, and it was, therefore, a matter of self-protection to appoint and maintain the office of Chimney sweep. But it was sometimes difficult to get and keep one in the office, largely, no doubt, because "the manner of paying discouraged them much," for in 1658 "the townsmen informed the Court that they could prevail upon no man to be chimney sweeper."

William's independent way of "treating with the townsmen" indicates his stand-ins; in the community. After these records William's name appears in the transfer of property, and in the birth records of his children, etc. His will, dated October 17, 1689, and probated June 5, 1690, with inventory of his estate, also appear; but the exact date of his death is not now known.

William and Mary were in all probability buried in the ancient ground of New Haven Green, which was used as a place of burial from 1638 to 1812. The part of this ground so used was that around and under the present Center Church, in the crypt of which are still preserved many headstones of the early settlers. When the Green was leveled in 1820 the stones that were in good condition were taken to the then new Grove Street Cemetery and placed against the stone fence, but none can be found there of William or Mary.

The vestry records of Christ Church date back as far as known only to 1778, while those of Trinity Church date back only a few years earlier, to 1767, and contain the names of many Prindles, including those of Joseph"' , at which time the Prindles of New Haven were, and ever since have been, stanch Episcopalian's. It is not known to what denomination William belonged, but in the assignment of seats in the old "meeting house," by order of the general court, Feb. 20, 1661-2, the name of William Pringle appears, with others, on the list of those seated "Below the door," and Mrs. Isaac Allerton is assigned a seat, with other women, "In the short seats at the upper end,"

Mr. Allerton having died in 1659- It is probable that William may have had a sitting in the meeting house before this time, as the last order of the court before this, assigning the seats, was dated 4 yrs. before and then the names of both Mr. and Mrs. Allerton appear. Besides the name of William Pringle in 1653, on the New Haven records, we have a John Pringle, "after-planter," in l645, on the Milford records; but thus far nothing further has been learned about him, nor of his relationship, if any, to William.

He might easily have been an older brother, perhaps bringing William with him as a lad, for William does not take the oath of allegiance until 1654. Or perhaps William may have followed John a little later; possibly one or both "were adventurers" in a company brought over by Mr. Allerton. About these things, however, we can only conjecture. Of the traditions that come from more or less widely separated branches of the family, nearly all agree that there were "brothers" who came to this country, but differ as to the number, whether two or three, though all agree that one settled in Connecticut.

There were Prindles and Pringles in several of the colonies, but they were probably later emigrations from England and Scotland. In the old country they were most numerous in the border counties of Northumberland in England, and Roxburgh in Scotland, the earliest records of Pringles being found at the latter place. William Pringle's Will.

Probated June 5, 1690. New Haven Probate Records. Vol. II, pp 38-39. Wm. Pringle. The last Will & Testament of William Prindle: Imprimis, when it shall please god to take me out of this world, I doe bequeath my foule to the lord, & my body to a decent burial;

And as for my goods & effects I doe bequeath unto my loving wife & my son Eleazer Prindle, and when it shall please god to take away my wife by death, Then doe I will the whole of my estate unto my aforefd son EleazerPrindle to be his forever; only further, for the comfortable subsiltence of my wife, I doe will that she shall have command of the house & what is within ye house during her life, & at her decease, then my son Eleazer Prindle as aforefd shall receive ye whole of my estate, he paying all my debts & Legacyes & the Legacyes are to my children that are here mentioned: Unto John Prindle twenty shillings.

Unto Ebenezer Prindle twenty shillings. Unto Sam Prindle twenty shillings Unto Mary Roach twenty shillings.—Unto Hannah Prindle twenty shillings Unto my daughter Beecher five shillings & unto Joseph Prindle five shillings. And furthermore my aforefd son Eleazer whom I have made my executor", doth engage to maintain me and my wife as long as we shall live comfortably: And upon these considerations, I doe as above to Will will unto my aforefd son Eleazer Prindle, all & the whole of my estate, goods, cattle, chattels, my house, orchard, upland & meadow, to be his & his hers forever; peaceably & quietly to poflefs the whole of my estate, without any hindrance, lett or moleftation, from any perfon or perfons to enjoy forever: This I doe own as my last Will & Testament as witness my hand this feventeenth of October one thousand fix hundred eighty nine./ The mark of X William Prindle. Teftes William Trowbridge John Umfrevile An Inventory of the estate of William Prindle defeased. 1. s. d. Imprim's The house & land & meadow 82 : 10 : 00 :fp : one cow 4I./ a cheft 10^^, Two payre of sheets 2l 06 : 10 : 00 # : By bedding & blankets 5l, two bedfteads 15^. 05 : 15 : 00 # : By two wheels 16^ his clothing 2^ 02 : 16 : 00 ^ : By an iron pott, a pan, tramels, & pothangers. 05 : 05 : 00 ^ : bv axe & old iron, 13^ 6^/ winding blades & 'scales 2s 00 : 15 : 06 :^ : bv trays, dishes & spoons 5^ 5^./, old tubs & "salt '12s 05 : 13 : 00 # : bv chayres & formes 8/ an old bible 5s 00 : 09 : 00 bV Tobacco 5^./ by fowles 5s 00 : 10 : 00 105 :19 :06

John Clarke | Apprifors John Smith V Appri




Franklin Cogswell Prindle (2012-05-21). The Prindle genealogy. embracing the descendants of William Pringle the first settler, in part for six, seven and eight generations, and also the ... covering a period of two hundred and fifty-t (Kindle Locations 5853-5871). . Kindle Edition.