Individual Details

William Witter

(December 17, 1584 - May 5, 1659)

William Witter was born in England about 1584 and came to America as early as 1639 probably to Swampscott or Lynn, Massachusetts. ‘The first settlers of Lynn were principally farmers and possessed a large stock of horned cattle, sheep and goats.’ Witter married Annis Churchman, was a Baptist and in Court many times because of his association with Baptist leaders, Obadiah Holmes, John Crandall and John Clarke. In 1651 the three met at Witter’s home and were arrested. Roger Williams wrote a letter to the gov’r asking for religious freedom. (which is what the new world was supposed to be founded on?)

Events

BirthDecember 17, 1584Essex, England
ArrivalAbt, 1629Lynn, British America
MarriageAbt, 1630Annis Churchman
Residence1630Lynn, British America
CivilJuly 21, 1651Boston, British America
CivilApril 15, 1657Land purchase
DeathMay 5, 1659Lynn, British America
Will
ProbateNovember 15, 1659Essex, British America
ReligionBaptist
BurialAvery Cemetery, Preston City, New London, Connecticut, United States
OccupationFarmer

Families

SpouseAnnis Churchman (1616 - 1659)
ChildJosiah Joseph Witter (1638 - 1690)

Notes

Civil

In July, 1651, the pastor of the Newport church John Clarke, with Obadiah Homes and John Crandall visited Mr Witter an aged blind man who desired Christian counsel and consolation. A religious service was held, 4 or 5 others also attended. Clarke was beginning the scriptures when two constables appeared with warrant. Clarke requested to finish the service, the constables denied this and Clarke, Holmes and Crandall were removed then ordered to attend a public worship service. July 22 the prisoners were moved to Boston on July 31 they had a trial. Clarke, In the forenoon we were examined, in the afternoon, without producing either accuser, witness. Jury, law of God or man, we were sentenced. Govr Endicott accused Clarke, Holmes and Crandall of being Anabaptists. Clarke replied he was not an Anabaptist, nor a Pedobaptlst, nor a Catabaptist. The Govr lost his temper and said the men deserved death and ordered a discussion with the ministers. Clarke was up for the discussion and had his Four Points ready. The discussion was never arranged. Instead Crandall was fined 5 pounds, Clarke 20 and Holmes 30. They could pay these fines or be well-whipped. Their friends paid the fines. Then men tried to refuse their friends payment, only Holmes succeeded, Clarke and Crandall were released Holmes who was the greatest offender was held in jail until September then whipped and released. Roger Williams wrote a letter to the Govr on their behalf a plea for toleration in matters on conscience and religion

Probate

I give to my wife Annis halfe my lands, housing, chattels, but in case she change her names bequeathe to her but the thirds. To my son Josiah I give the other half.

Religion

Baptist, He was haled to Court more than once because of his opposition to infant baptism. He also gave offense because of his entertainment of the Baptist leaders, Obadiah Holmes, John Crandall and John Qarke.

Burial

Avery Cemetery, maybe, burial is probably unknown, there is no headstone.

Occupation

William Witter. The first settlers of Lynn were principally farmers and possessed a large stock of horned cattle, sheep and goats.

Endnotes

1. (1937). || Page 14 Chester/Cheshire William Witter parish Knutsford? Frodsham?, settled in Lynn, Massachusetts.

2. (2008). || Volume 3 page 1704.

3. Washburn, Georgia Cooper. Witter Genealogy; Descendants of William Witter of Swampscott, Massachusetts, 1639-1659. New York: The National historical company, 1929, Page 13, 14, 15 First Generation.

4. Barber, John Warner. Historical Collections: Relating to the History And Antiquities of Every Town In Massachusetts. Worcester: Dorr, Howland, 1840., Page 195 Lynn.

5. (1894). || Page 33 - 38.

6. Washburn, Georgia Cooper. Witter Genealogy; Descendants of William Witter of Swampscott, Massachusetts, 1639-1659. New York: The National historical company, 1929, Page 13, 14, 15 First Generation.

7. Lynn, Mass. Vital Records of Lynn, Massachusetts, to the End of the Year 1849, Salem, Mass.: The Essex institute, 1905-06, Volume 2 page 619.

8. (1897–1909) || Volume 10 page 20 of 207 the will of William Witter.

9. Massachusetts. County Court (Essex Co.). Records and files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts. Salem, Mass.: Essex institute, 1911, Volume 2 page 317.

10. Massachusetts. Probate Court Essex County. The Probate Records of Essex County, Massachusetts. Salem, Mass.: Essex Institute, 1916, Volume 1 page 350 Estate of William Witter of Lynn. Jun 5 1659.

11. Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Wills and Probate Records, 1635-1991, Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015., Essex 1638-1673, page 341 image 287 of 517 handwritten two pages with inventory 1659 November 15.

12. Massachusetts. County Court (Essex Co.). Records and files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County, Massachusetts. Salem, Mass.: Essex institute, 1911, Volume 2 page 317.

13. Massachusetts. Probate Court Essex County. The Probate Records of Essex County, Massachusetts. Salem, Mass.: Essex Institute, 1916, Volume 1 page 350 Estate of William Witter of Lynn. Jun 5 1659.

14. (1894). || Page 33 - 38.

15. Washburn, Georgia Cooper. Witter Genealogy; Descendants of William Witter of Swampscott, Massachusetts, 1639-1659. New York: The National historical company, 1929, Page 13, 14, 15 First Generation.

16. , "FindAGrave.com," online database, Find a Grave ( http://www.findagrave.com : accessed ), .

17. Barber, John Warner. Historical Collections: Relating to the History And Antiquities of Every Town In Massachusetts. Worcester: Dorr, Howland, 1840., Page 195 Lynn.