Individual Details
William Harris
(Abt 1610 - Bef 20 Feb 1681)
It is conjectured that Thomas and William Harris, brothers, were born in Haverford West, Pembrokeshire, South Wales. They sailed with Roger Williams in the Ship "Lyon" from Bristol, England, 1 Dec 1630. William was one of the five companions of Roger Williams when they left Seekonk to found the new settlement of Providence.
Early Town Records of Providence
Vol. XIV Deed Book 1, p.60 William Harris deeds 150 acres to eldest son Andrew and his heirs, or if Andrew dies without heirs to youngest son Tolleration Harris. If neither has heirs the land is to go to 3 daughters: Mary, wife of Thomas Borden, Susanna, wife of Ephraim Carpenter, and Howlong Harris. 10 Nov 1670
Vol. VI Will Book 1, p.48 Last Will & Testament of William Harris. States he is in his 68 years of age and great sickness & mortality is among neighbors and mary are sick of Smallpox; and he is intending to sail to England. Wife Susanna, Executrix, with son Andrew, Executor, daughter Howling Executrix. Half of land, goods & cattle to Wife during her life.
One third of farm (whole about 750 acres) & one third of meadows. One third of said farm & Meadows to wife. One third to Howlong. Wife's third to go to Andrew after her death. Farm is called "Mourning" as a monument to deceased son Tolleration. Remainder except 50 acres to be divided into 4 parts: 1 part to Andrew, 1 part to Howlong, 2 parts in costody and trust. To daughter Mary Burden 50 acres which belonged to Thomas Burden, husband of Mary. He then proceeds to entail lands through his great, grandchildren. Dated 4 Dec 1678. Proved 20 Feb 1681.
Inventory mentions 1/4 of estate of the deceased widow Parnill Roberts, and 1/4 of estate of Parnill Roberts in the right of Anne Harris in the custody of James Clarke of Newport which cannot now be valued.
Events
| Birth | Abt 1610 |  | |||
| Death | Bef 20 Feb 1681 | Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island | | ||
| Marriage | Susanna [Harris] |
Families
| Spouse | Susanna [Harris] ( - 1682) |
| Child | Andrew Harris (1635 - 1686) |
| Child | Mary Harris ( - ) |
| Child | Susanna Harris ( - 1670) |
| Child | Howlong Harris ( - ) |
| Child | Tolleration Harris ( - 1670) |
Endnotes
1. The Early Records of the Town of Providence. 21 Volumes commissioned by the City Council to be collected and printed from the early records of the town. (Snow & Farnham City Printers), Book VI, Will Book 1 p.48.
2. The Early Records of the Town of Providence. 21 Volumes commissioned by the City Council to be collected and printed from the early records of the town. (Snow & Farnham City Printers), Book VI, Will Book 1 p.48.