323With two children Robert and Eleanor came to Ipswich, MA in 1635. They then moved to Salem as early as 1638 and settled finally in Newbury in 1640. Robert owned a large amount of land and became quite prosperous. He was employed by the town to "ring the swine" in 1646 and swore the "Oath of Allegiance" in Newbury in 1678.
Abstract of the Will of robert Adams, the immigrant, Newbury, MA, 1680
To be buried according to the disposing of Executors. Loving wife, Sarah, confirmed in the agreement I made with her before marriage, and having allowed her the annuity belonging to her by the will of her former husband which she hath reserved to her own use, I do allow it to her, and her right not to be questioned; also I give her my great chest, and the highest chair in the room wherein we live; both which she is to restore again at her death, or if she shall marry again; also all the money I leave, and not to be accountable to anyone; to live and dwell in the house, enjoying the parlor wholly for one year. To eldest son, John Adams, (besides what has been given to him), 20 pounds to be paid by Executor within twelve months. To son, Isaac Adams, 5 pounds by the year during life, in good merchantable pay, as English corn, pork, beef and such like; also my wearing clothes, and the bed in the north garret, and all the furniture belonging to it, and the least brass pot and pothooks, and liberty to make use of such garret during life, inless he marry, then he shall leave it. To son, Jacob Adams, the house he lives in and the land adjoining to it as now fenced in; also, all my meadow in the Neck, on the south dise of the Newbury River. To daughter Hannah Adams, 20 pounds, within a year. To Joanna, her child, the bed and furniture to it in the parlor, and the bigger brass pot, and the chest and chair which are formerly mentioned, when returned - to have said legacy when full eighteen years of age or to be married. To daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Edward Phelps, one cow. To daughter, Joanna, wife of Launcelot Grainger, one cow. To daughter, Mary, wife of Jeremiah Goodridge, one cow. To the three sons of my son Abraham, viz.: Robert, Abraham, and Isaac each a gun, and to the two elder, each a sword. All the rest of effects to son, Abraham Adams. Lands, after his death, to go to his eldest son, Robert, also the great brass kettle, tables, andirons and spit. Son Abraham and his son, Robert, to be joint Executors of will. Son Abraham to have full power to act alone as Executor till his son, Robert, be of age. And though I appoint Robt. Adams my heir after his father, mary, wife of said Abraham not to be debarred any just claim if left a widow. Further, to daughter Joanna Grainger, my pewter tankard and a pewter bowl. To Mary, daughter of son Abraham, a box with a lock and key, and six diaper napkins. If Robert, son of son Abraham, come into possession by reversion of my lands, he shall give to either of his two brothers now in being, viz.: Abraham and Isaac, 20 pounds apiece.
Loving friends, Mr. John Woodbridge and Mr. Nicholas Noyes, both of Newbury to be overseers of this my will, and I give them two of the best wethers (castrated rams) I have, to either of them one. Signed and sealed the 7th of March, 1680. In presence of John Woodridge, Nicholas Noyes. - Robert Adams (L.S.)
On review of this my will, do ratify and confirm it, with theat lieele addition in the article to my son, isaac. This 27th of June, 1682. Witness: Jno. Woodbridge, Nicholas Noyes. - Robert Adams (L.S.)
Inventory: orchard, dwelling0house, barn, &c., with 80 acres upland, 60 acres meadow and freehold, 600 pounds. Livestock, 94 pounds. Furniture &c. 222 pounds 17 shillings. Total 916 pounds 17 shillings. |