Gregory Belcher, of Braintree

Gregory Belcher of Braintree was baptized on 30 March 1606 at Wardend, Parish of Aston, Warwickshire, England. and died on 25 November 1674.

Parents: Thomas Belcher of Wardend 2,3 b. say 1576

Married:

1. Catherine Alcock b. circa 1610, d. 20 July 1680

Children include

1. Josiah Belcher of Boston+ b. 1631, d. 3 Apr 1683 1
2. John Belcher of Braintree+ b. s 1634

An interesting case

from Surname Saturday: Gregory Belcher of Braintree, Mass. Sep 25, 2010

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34284766/gregory_belcher

The basic framework of Gregory Belcher was published in the New England Genealogical & Historical Register in 1906, 60:128-29, et seq., by Joseph G. Bartlett. He notes that Gregory was in New England as early as 1637 (without proof), but certainly by 30 December 1639 when he was granted land. He deposed in June 1665 aged about 60 years. We know his wife's name was Katherine.

Another Gregory Belcher of Barkswell, Warwickshire left a will dated 20 March 1620 which mentions his wife Joane and son Thomas [Putnam's Historical Magazine, Vol. 4, p. 183]. This Thomas is supposedly the same man who lived at Wardend, Aston, Warwickshire and who had a son named Gregory baptized there on 20 March 1606. A Gregory Belcher married a Katherine Alcock at nearby Mancetter, Warwickshire on 11 December 1627. So this all hangs together. A man with the same name, with a wife of the same name, of the correct age, and who disappears from English records appears in Braintree. I certainly think this is a strong case. However, to really nail it down, we need the will or probate of Thomas Belcher the father.

As I noted in this post, last year the English origins of Gregory's wife, Katherine, and her siblings who also emigrated to New England were published. Gregory had seven children among which was Mary, the wife of Alexander Marsh, with whom Gregory had several land transactions. Katherine (Alcock) Belcher survived Gregory and left a will naming her daughter as Mary Marsh.

Notes

1. GREGORY(1) BELCHER, b. c.30 Mar 1606, Aston, co. Warwick, England, d. 25 Nov 1674 @ age 68; m. 11 Dec 1627, Mancetter, Warwick, CATHERINE ALCOCK, b. c.1610, England, d. 20 Jul 1680, Braintree @ age abt. 70.[9] He was in New England as early as 1637; and on 30 Dec 1639, was granted a lot of 52 acres at Mount Wollaston (Braintree), for 13 heads, paying 3 shillings per acre for the same (Boston Town Records). Here he settled, was admitted a freeman on 13 May 1640; and was made a Selectman in 1646. He deposed in Jun 1665 aged about 60 years (Essex Co. Records). By occupation he was a farmer. On 14 Jul 1664,he purchased of John Smith, 9 acres of land in Milton, which he gave to his son, Joseph Belcher, for a marriage portion. On 6 Jan 1657/58 he obtained a lease of the Salter farm in Braintree, from the estate of William Tyng of Boston; and on 15 Jan 1666/67, Gregory Belcher and others bought the Salter farm for L900; Belcher's interest being one eigth.[10] On 26 Mar 1670, Gregory Belcher and his son-in-law, Alexander Marsh, purchased the Iron Works, with 200 acres of land in Braintree; and on 18 May 1671, the same parties bought 40 acres in Braintree Plain of Henry Crane,[11]

He died 25 Nov 1674 @ age 68. The inventory of his estate, showing a total of 629 pounds 5 shillings,
was represented by his widow, 29 Jan 1674/75, proved 20 Jul 1680; gives to son, Josiah, a cow ' if he molest not my son Moses in his present dwelling and posessions"; to son, John, a cow and a horse; to daughters, Elizabeth Gilbert & Mary Marsh, and granddaughter, Mary Marsh, some household effects; "to son Moses (who hath all his life carried himself so dutifully to myself and gis father) the great Bible and the whole house and land he now possesses which I declare his father gave him." Sons, Moses Belcher & Alexander Marsh, executors. On 9 Jul 1680, Josiah Belcher, of Boston entered a caveat against the probate of any Will said to be made by his late mother, Catherine Belcher, of Braintree, wid. deceased, until he be present. (Suffolk Co. Probate)[12]

6 Children: ( Born, Braintree, Norfolk Co.[13] )

1. Elizabeth(2) Belcher; m. Braintree, Thomas Gilbert, who was in Braintree in 1646.[14]
2. Josiah(2) Belcher, b. c.1631.
3. John(2) Belcher, b. c.1633.
4. Moses(2) Belcher, b. c.1635.
5. SAMUEL(2) BELCHER, b. 24 Aug 1637.
6. Mary(2) Belcher, b. 8 Jul 1639; m. 19 Dec 1655, Alexander Marsh, of Braintree.
7. Joseph(2) Belcher, b. 25 Dec 1641.

Links

• http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cousin/html/p445.htm#i29376
• Gregory Belcher of Braintree, Massachusetts

Citations

1. [S541] James Savage First Settlers of New England, I.
2. Gregory Belcher of Braintree, Massachusetts
3. [S1482] Various, FamilySearch™ IGI, 1544 to 1639/40, of the registers of the parish church of Aston-juxta-Birmingham Church of England. Parish Church of Aston (Warwickshire).

• [9] Internet: Ancestry.com
• [10] VR: Suffolk Co. (Deeds) Vol. V, Page 229.
• [11] Ibid: Vol. VII, Page 172.
• [12] NEHGR: (Apr 1906) Vol. LX, Pages 128, 129.
• 13] Ibid: Page 125.
• [14] VR: Massachusetts Colonial Records, Vol. III, Page 527.

Additional Sources

1. Belcher-Henshaw and Other Ancestry of Richard Townsend Henshaw 1882-1938 of Rye, New York by Richard Townsend Henshaw (Polyanthos, New Orleans, 1983), pp. 2-4.
2. “The Alcocks of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire: John Alcock and His Wife Elizabeth Wrightman, Anne Alcock and Her Husband Nicholas Needham, and Katherine Alcock, and Her Husband Gregory Belcher” by Mary Locke Eysenbach, New Hampshire Genealogical Record 26 (2009):49-56.

   ---

Gregory Belcher history

Added by kathyannaccarat on 12 Sep 2008

THE FIRST BELCHERS IN MASS: CAME ON THE WINTHROP FLEET OF SHIPS

AROUND 1620-1640 ACCORDING TO THE "Dictionary of First Settlers of New

England": BY James Savage

, "The Outline Of Amrican History of Mass",

AND the Mass State Archives:

THIS IS THE GENEALOGY LINE OF THE FIRST GREGORY BELCHER RECORDED IN THE MASS

BAY COLONIES IN THE UNITED STATES:

GREGORY BELCHER B 1606 in England

died Nov 25 1674 MASS:

son of Thomas Belcher of Wardend parish of Aston County Warwickshire England

CAME TO AMERICA ON JOHN WINTHROPS FLEET OF SHIPS TO THE MASS BAY COLONY: CAME TO BOSTON 1634 WAS A FREEMAN BY 13 MAY 1640: "listed on the freeman list" "Colonial America 1607-1789 MA Census index"

GREGORY MUST HAVE BEEN A MAN OF SOME PROMINENCE IN BOSTON AS HE WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF BRAINTREE.

RESIDENT OF MT WOLLASTON BRAINTREE(NOW QUINCY) FARMER

in a deposition Gregory made June 1665, stated he was about 60 years old:

Mount Wallaston(Braintree) paying three shillings per acre for the same.(Boston town Records) 1639. Feb. 19th. Belcher, Gregory, 3s. an acre 18 people 52 acres. he settled here and was admitted a freeman on May 13 1640 and was made selectman in 1646. Essex county court files:

"on July 14 1664 he purchased of John Smith 9 acres of land in Milton, which he gave to his son Joseph Belcher for a marriage portion.

On Jan 6 1657 he obtained a lease of the Salter Farm in Braintree from the estate of William Tyng of Bostona nd on Jan 15 1666 Gregory and others bought the Salter Farm for 1900 pounds Belchers interest being 1/8th.(Suffolk County Deeds vol 5. page 229)

March 26 1670 Gregory Belcher and his son-in-law Alexander Marsh bought the Iron Works with 200 acres of land in Braintree and on May 18 1671 the same parties bought 40 acres in Braintree Plain of Henry Crane.(Suffolk County deeds vol 7 page 172).

"John Heiford appears to have witnessed a deed from Gregory Belcher

to Richard Harris of Braintree april 6, 1667(see suffolk deeds.lib,386 and 387)

John Heiford was a witness to Gregory Belchers deed of land in Braintree Feb 21 1667

in the diary of Samuel Sewall written while visiting London, as found in

Vol. V Mass.Historical Collection. Sewall Papers under date of Aoril 3 1688.

see"The Orhcard John Hayford has planted") also same col page 252

"Anthony Fisher deposed in open court 29 Jul 1662, apprized by Gregory Belcher,

William Robinson, Edmund Quinsey and Anthony Fisher">

When Gregory Belcher died in 1674 his inventory showed: a total of 629 pounds 5 shillings and 0 pence. was presented to his widow Jan 29 1674(Suffolk County Probate)

MARRIED:CATHERINE

HER WILL IS LISTED 1680 MENTIONING LAST 4 CHILDREN:

THE GENEALOGY DICTIONARY OF FIRST SETTLERS OF NEW ENGLAND DOES NOT STATE HER SURNAME:

SEVERAL PLACES HAVE THIS GREGORY LISTED AS MARRIED TO: CATHERINE ALLCOCK

her will dated 3 sep 1679 and proven 20 july 1680, gives to son Josiah a cow, "if he molest not my son Moses in his present dwelling and possessions";

to son John a cow and a horse;

to daughters Elizabeth Gilbert and Mary Marsh and Grandaughter Mary marsh, some household effects;

to son Moses (who hath all his life carried himself so dutifully to myself and his father) the great bible and the whole house and land he now posesses which I declare his father gave him."

Son Moses Belcher and Alexander Marsh executors:

On 9 July 1680 Josiah Belcher entered a caveat against the probate of any will said to be made by his late mother Catherine Belcher of Braintree, widow, deceased until he be present.(suffolk co. Probate) It does not appear that the contest was made over the estate.

Children: 1..Josiah Belcher

2..John Belcher

3..Samuel Belcher

4..Mary Belcher

5..Joseph Belcher

6..Gregory Belcher: this Gregory in question whether he is their son:

not mentioned in will of mother:

but is listed in several sources of good standing as their son:

7..Moses Belcher

8..Elizabeth Belcher

Excerpt from the Great Migration..........

Added by kathyannaccarat on 12 Sep 2008

SAMUEL BASS (friend of Gregory Belcher)

ORIGIN: Saffron Walden, Essex

MIGRATION: 1633

FIRST RESIDENCE: Roxbury

REMOVES: Braintree 1640

OCCUPATION: Yeoman.

ESTATE: On 15 January 1666/7 the heirs of William Tyng sold to Deacon Samuel Bass, Edmund Quinsey, Gregory Belcher, William Savell and Joseph Crosby, all of Braintree, for £1900 "all that farm in Braintree aforesaid, which did belong unto the said Capt: William Tyng, in the time of his life called or known by the name of Salter's Farm, in which the said Gregory Belcher doth now inhabit and dwell, with all the houses, barns, stables, outhouses, yards, gardens, orchards, with all the upland, arable land, woodland, meadows, plains and swamp" [ SLR 5:229-31, 342-43]. On 28 October 1670 "Deacon Samuel Bass of Brantery" sold to John Ruggles of the same town for £16 two acres of salt marsh in Braintree "which formerly was part of a farm called or known by the name of Salter's Farm" [SLR 11:311-12]. On 18 February 1681/2 the purchasers of this land (or their heirs) confirmed a division of the farm, "which several parts were laid out in several divisions of land & meadow & swamp according to each man's proportion," in which Samuel Bass received one-quarter of the farm [SLR 12:265-66]. On the same day Samuel Bass Sr., Joseph Crosby and John Savell, executor to the will of William Savell, deceased, all of Braintree, exchanged land with Lt. Edmond Quinsey of Braintree, giving him "thirty & two acres of land and meadow more or less lying and being in Braintery aforesaid and being a part of the farm called Salter's farm ..." [SLR 12:171].

  On 26 April 1668 Joshua Fisher laid out forty acres for Samuel Bass, and on 27 May 1668 the General Court confirmed the grant [MBCR 4:2:386-87].

On 29 August 1672 Samuel Bass of Braintree, yeoman, sold to John Hull of Boston, goldsmith, for £50 two parcels at Bogastow near Medfield, one parcel being half of a two hundred acre lot, and the other being forty acres; Ann Bass wife of Samuel consented [SLR 5:15-16]. On 20 June 1674 Thomas Bass of Braintree, yeoman, sold to John Hull for £30 "all that parcel of land at Bogastow being the one half of two hundred acres formerly sold by Daniel Morse unto Samuel Bass and the other half lately sold by said Samuel Bass unto the said John Hull"; Sarah Bass wife of Thomas consented [SLR 5:16-18].
In his will, dated 11 May 1694 and proved 31 January 1694/5, Samuel Bass of Braintree bequeathed to son John Bass ten acres of salt marsh, a woodlot in the Captain's Plain, the malthouse and the orchard before it, half the well and half the kitchen, some lands in the Stony Field, a quarter of the upland in the farm, and any of the marsh in excess of thirty acres; to son Thomas Bass ten acres of salt marsh, a woodlot in the Captain's Field, and a quarter of the upland in the farm; to son Joseph Bass ten acres of salt marsh (valued at £100), the house he lives in and the orchard on the back side of it, the fresh meadow on the east end of it, a feather bed and the furniture and bedstead belonging to it (all of which is valued at £100), also the barn and two acres on which it stands, "two acres of land at the head of the home lot & one acre adjoining to the two acres which was John Dassitt's part of a five acre lot," half the kitchen and half the well, and seven acres in Stony Field (all of which is valued at £100), also a woodlot already set out to him in Captain's Plain (which, with the stock and movables already given to him, is valued at £100), also a quarter of the upland in the farm, and "what I have given my son Joseph Bass my will is that he shall not alienate or sell it away without the approbation of his two brothers & if he have children he may give it to them or if he have need to spend it he may for his own comfort & supply and if he marry a wife he may give her a hundred pounds of it and no more and the rest which I have not now disposed of he may give to any of his relations by blood as he shall see meet"; to Samuel Bass, carpenter, seven acres of pasture land in Stony Field, the salt meadows he already possesses, a quarter of the upland in the farm, half the woodlot given to son Joseph, and £60 out of the estate of son Joseph, and to Joseph Bass Junior £40 out of the estate of son Joseph, and to grandson Samuel Bass, cooper, £40 out of the estate of son Joseph Bass (all these to be if son Joseph has no children, if he doesn't spend the estate, and after the death of son Joseph); to daughter Mary Capen £40 and to daughter Sarah Penniman £20 out of the upland in the farm, and to these two daughters five cows; to John Bass Junior the malthouse (if he outlive his father), two acres of planting ground in Stony Field, four acres of pasture land in Stony Field, and half an acre where his barn stands; to granddaughters (except Sarah Biling) movable household goods, and Hannah Walsbey is to share with them; and to sons John Bass and Thomas Bass any uplands otherwise undisposed of, they to be executors [ SPR Case #2200, 13:538-41].
The inventory of Samuel Bass, taken 3 January 1694/5, totalled £942 1s. 6d., of which £891 was real estate: house and orchard behind it, fresh meadow at the end of it with kitchen and well, £96; malthouse and utensils for malt and orchard before the malthouse, his part of kitchen and well, £70; barn and two acres of land part of which it standeth on and two acres at the head of it and one acre bought of John Dassett and seven acres in the Slough Field, £100; sixty acres of upland in Captain's Plain, £90; thirty acres of salt marsh, £300; six acres of land lying in the Stony Field, £18; twenty acres of land at the farm at the fourscore acres, £80; twentyone acres of land at the Great Island at the farm, £60; eighteen acres of land at the ox pasture in the farm, £45; eleven acres of land in three parcels at the farm, £22; and eight acres of swamp, £10 [SPR Case #2200, 13:541].
The Great Migration Begins
Sketches

PRESERVED PURITAN

Gen. MacArthur - Belcher line

Added by JoAnnHadden67 on 7 May 2008

A Genealogical Look

at General Douglas MacArthur

Compiled by Rhonda R. McClure and Myra Vanderpool Gormley, CG

"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away . . . And like the old soldier of that ballad, I now close my military career and just fade away—an old soldier who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty. Goodbye." — Douglas MacArthur's farewell address to the U.S. Congress.

FIRST GENERATION

1. Douglas MacArthur was born on 26 January 1880 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He died 5 Aril 1964 at age 84 at the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., and is buried in Norfolk, Virginia. One of the most controversial military figures in American history, he was the son of a Civil War hero, Lt. General Arthur MacArthur, and Mary Pinkney Hardy. MacArthur's father, as a lieutenant in the 24th Wisconsin Infantry, earned the Congressional Medal of Honor at Missionary Ridge, Tennessee for his valor in battle during the Civil War. Douglas MacArthur first saw action in the Vera Cruz campaign in Mexico. In World War I he was awarded numerous commendations for valor for actions on the lines and became a division commander. After the war he returned to West Point to serve as the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy. Later, MacArthur served and commanded in the Pacific Theater during World War II where he earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was Commander of U.S. Occupation Forces, Japan, and United Nations Commander-in-Chief in Korea. The two MacArthur men are America's only father-and-son Medal of Honor recipients.

SECOND GENERATION

2. Arthur MacArthur was born on 2 June 1845 in Chicopee Falls, Hampden County, Massachusetts. He died on 5 September 1912 in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He was married to Mary Pinkney Hardy on 19 May 1875 in Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia. He served with distinction in the Union Army during the American Civil War and earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for leading a courageous assault up Missionary Ridge in Tennessee.

3. Mary Pinkney Hardy was born in 1852 in Virginia.

THIRD GENERATION

4. Arthur MacArthur was born on 26 January 1815 in Glasgow, Scotland. He died on 24 August 1896 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was married to Aurelia Belcher about 1844 in Chicopee Falls, Hampden, Massachusetts.

5. Aurelia Belcher.

6. Thomas Albert Hardy was born in 1800 in North Carolina. He died on 27 July 1876 in Norfolk County, Virginia. He was married to Elizabeth.[%E2%80%94?%E2%80%94]

7. Elizabeth [%E2%80%94?%E2%80%94] was born in 1813 in Virginia.

FOURTH GENERATION

10. Benjamin Barney Belcher was born in 1793/94 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 5 September 1859 in Chicopee Falls, Hampden County, Massachusetts. He was married to Olive [%E2%80%94?%E2%80%94] about 1817.

11. Olive [%E2%80%94?%E2%80%94] died on 13 September 1845. 12. Edwin Hardy

FIFTH GENERATION

20. Benjamin Belcher was born on 17 September 1765 in Easton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 17 December 1833 in Chicopee Falls, Hampden, Massachusetts. He was married to Sarah Barney on 1 January 1792 in Taunton, Bristol County.

21. Sarah Barney was born on 26 June 1771 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. She died on 14 October 1867 in Chicopee Falls, Hampden County, Massachusetts.

SIXTH GENERATION

40. Gregory Belcher was born on 26 January 1738/39. He was married to Deborah Williams on 13 or 27 December in 1764.

41. Deborah Williams was born in 1737. She died on 2 May 1774 in Easton, Bristol, Massachusetts. 42. John Barney was born about 1740 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 26 June 1807 in Taunton, Bristol County. He was married to Jemima Shaw on 22 October 1765 in Taunton, Bristol County.

43. Jemima Shaw was born in 1742/43. She died on 13 June 1825.

SEVENTH GENERATION

80. Joseph Belcher was born on 19 August 1704 in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was married to Deborah Hunt in 1732.

81. Deborah Hunt was born on 8 March 1710/11 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. She died on 21 March 1753.

82. Benjamin Williams was born on 31 July 1695 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 5 April 1775. He was married to Abigail Parson on 25 January 1727.

83. Abigail Parson.

84. Jonathan Barney was born on 27 August 1703 in Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts. He died on 31 March 1785. He was married to Anna Dean on 8 May 1729.

85. Anna Dean was born in 1709. She died on 30 June 1762 in Taunton, Bristol, Massachusetts.

86. Daniel Shaw was born on 12 July 1714 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died in December 1757. He was married to Jemima Hodges on 27 November 1739 in Taunton, Bristol County.

87. Jemima Hodges was born about 1719. She died by 1757.

EIGHTH GENERATION

160. Gregory Belcher was born on 28 February 1664/65 in Braintree, Massachusetts. He died on 4 July 1727. He was married to Elizabeth Ruggles on 25 March 1690.

161. Elizabeth Ruggles was born on 26 December 1669. She died on 22 November 1748.

162. Samuel Hunt was born on 8 February 1681/82 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. He died on 21 January 1729/30 in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. He was married to Hannah Pope about 1710.

163. Hannah Pope was born on 14 December 1693.

164. Benjamin Williams was born before 1650. He was dead by 1705/6. He was married to Rebecca Macy on 18 March 1689/90.

165. Rebecca Macy.

168. John Barney was born on 1 August 1665 in Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts. He died in May 1728 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He was married to Mary Throop on 4 November 1686 in Bristol, Bristol County, Massachusetts.

169. Mary Throop was born on 6 April 1667 in Barnstable, Massachusetts. 170. John Dean was born on 18 September 1674 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 31 July 1724 in Taunton. He was married to Hannah Bird on 21 September 1699 in Taunton.

171. Hannah Bird was born in 1671. She died on 17 July 1748.

172. Thomas Shaw. He was married to Bethiah Smith.

173. Bethiah Smith.

174. William Hodges was born on 18 March 1679/80 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 12 February 1768 in Taunton. He was married to Susannah Gilbert on 29 July 1708 in Taunton.

175. Susannah Gilbert died on 9 September 1766.

NINTH GENERATION

320. Samuel Belcher was born on 24 August 1637 in probably Braintree, Massachusetts. He died on 17 June 1679. He was married to Mary Billings on 15 December 1663.

321. Mary Billings.

322. John Ruggles was born on 31 December 1637. He died on 3 January 1710. He was married to Rebecca Farnsworth on 18 March 1663.

323. Rebecca Farnsworth was born on 2 January 1640.

324. Ephraim Hunt was born in 1650. He died on 26 June 1713. He was married to Joanna Alcock about 1678.

325. Joanna Alcock was born in 1660. She died on 29 March 1746. 326. Seth Pope was born in 1648. He died on 17 March 1726/27. He was married to Deborah Perry.

327. Deborah Perry was born on 28 November 1654 in Sandwich, Massachusetts. She died on 19 February 1710/11. 328. Richard Williams was born in 1606. He died in 1686 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was married to Frances Dighton.

329. Frances Dighton.

ii. Elizabeth Williams was born in 1647. She died on 20 October 1724.

330. George Macy died on 17 August 1693. He was married to Susanna Street.

331. Susanna Street.

336. Jacob Barney was born about 1635. He died on 12 February 1692/93 in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He was married to Ann Witt on 26 April 1660.

337. Ann Witt died on 17 March 1701.

338. William Throop was born in 1637. He died in 1704 in Bristol, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He was married to Mary Chapman on 4 May 1666 in Barnstable, Massachusetts.

339. Mary Chapman was born on 31 October 1643. She died in June 1732 in Bristol, Bristol, Massachusetts.

340. John Dean was born in 1639. He died on 18 February 1716/17 in Taunton, Bristol, Massachusetts. He was married to Sarah Edson on 7 November 1663.

341. Sarah Edson.

342. John Bird was born on 11 March 1641 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He died on 2 August 1732 in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He was married to Elizabeth Williams about 1665.

343. Elizabeth Williams was born in 1647. She died on 20 October 1724.

348. Henry Hodges was born in 1652 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts. He died on 30 September 1717. He was married to Esther Gallop on 17 December 1674 in Taunton, Massachusetts.

349. Esther Gallop was born on 21 July 1653 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts.

350. Thomas Gilbert was born in 1643. He died on 20 April 1725. He was married to Anna Blake on 8 December 1676 in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

351. Anna Blake was born on 6 March 1652/53. She died on 9 May 1722.

TENTH GENERATION

640. Gregory Belcher was born about 1606 in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was married to Catherine [%E2%80%94?%E2%80%94].

641. Catherine [%E2%80%94?%E2%80%94] died in 1680.

Resided 1639 to 1674 in Braintree Mass.

7 children; 7th Joseph.

Birth: Mar. 30, 1606 Aston Metropolitan Borough of Birmingham West Midlands, England Death: Nov. 25, 1974 Braintree Norfolk County Massachusetts, USA

I could not find the burial site for Gregory. He was residing in Braintree so is probably buried there.

• **** The New England Historic Genealogical Register Vol 60, p125+ states: He was born about 1606 in England and was probably the son of Thomas Belcher, baptized Mar. 30 1606 at Aston, County Warwick, England. There was a Gregory Belcher, yeoman, of Berkeswell, Co. Warwick who left a will dated Mar. 20 1620 in which he mentions wife Joane, son Thomas, sons in law John Bonney and William Cook, daughters Elizabeth Cook, Isabel Bonney, and Alice Pemberton.

Gregory Belcher came to New England about 1634 and soon settled at Braintree (now Quincy) and on Dec. 30 1639 was granted a lot of 52 acres at Mt. Wollaston for 13 heads, his family. The exact bounds has not been determined, but it was along Franklin St. just north of Pernis Hill.

He was made freeman of the colony May 13 1640 and was a selectman in 1646. In a deposition in June 1665 he calls himself aged about 60 years. (Essex County Court Files).

On Jan. 6 1657/8 he leased from heirs of William Tyng of Boston the Salter Farm in Braintree (now Wollaston) and on Jan. 15 1666/7 he was one of a group of five men who purchased the farm, his interest being 1/8 part. (S.D. 5:229). On Mar. 26 1670, he and his son in law Alexander Marsh purchased 200 acres of the Iron Works land, where the furnace stood (in West Quincy) and May 18 1671 they bought 40 acres adjacent to the above at Crane's Plain on the Milton line. (S.D. 7:172). He also leased April 1 1658 from Boston the Blue Hill lands in Braintree.

Gregory Belcher died Nov. 25 1674. His wife was Catherine (____) who died in 1680 leaving a will dated Sept. 3 1679, proved July 20 1680, mentioning son Josiah, son John, daughters Elizabeth Gilbert, Mary Marsh, grand daughter Mary Marsh, and son Moses who was to have "the whole house and land he now possesses which I declare his father gave him."

Gregory Belcher was one of the eight original members, founders of the First Church in Braintree (now Quincy) Sept. 16 1639, three months before his grant of land, so was probably residing here already on one of the large farms where he raised cattle. In 1659 he stated he had been in the country about 25 years and had about 80 head of cattle and petitioned for a grant of 1000 acres but it was not given to him. He was in Braintree before Aug. 1637 when his son Samuel was born.

Children of Gregory & Katherine, last three recorded in Braintree (Boston returns): i.Josiah, about 1631 ii. Elizabeth, near 1632; iii. John, about 1633. iv. Moses, about 1635. v. Samuel, Aug. 24 1637. vi. Mary, July 8 1639. vii.Joseph, Dec. 25 1641.

Family links:

Children:

 Joseph Belcher (1641 - 1687)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial: Unknown

Created by: Jim Kimble Record added: Apr 18, 2015 Find A Grave Memorial# 145190901

GEDCOM Note

Biography ==: from Surname Saturday: Gregory Belcher of Braintree, Mass. Sep 25, 2010 The basic framework of Gregory Belcher was published in the New England Genealogical & Historical Register in 1906, 60:128-29, et seq., by Joseph G. Bartlett. He notes that Gregory was in New England as early as 1637 (without proof), but certainly by 30 December 1639 when he was granted land. He deposed in June 1665 aged about 60 years. We know hiswife's name was Katherine.

Another Gregory Belcher of Barkswell, Warwickshire left a will dated 20 March 1620 which mentions his wife Joane and son Thomas [Putnam's Historical Magazine, Vol. 4, p. 183]. This Thomas is supposedly the sameman who lived at Wardend, Aston, Warwickshire and who had a son namedGregory baptized there on 20 March 1606. A Gregory Belcher married a Katherine Alcock at nearby Mancetter, Warwickshire on 11 December 1627. So this all hangs together. A man with the same name, with a wife ofthe same name, of the correct age, and who disappears from English records appears in Braintree. I certainly think this is a strong case. However, to really nail it down, we need the will or probate of Thomas Belcher the father. As I noted in this post, last year the English origins of Gregory's wife, Katherine, and her siblings who also emigrated to New England werepublished. Gregory had seven children among which was Mary, the wife of Alexander Marsh, with whom Gregory had several land transactions. Katherine (Alcock) Belcher survived Gregory and left a will naming her daughter as Mary Marsh. Notes 1. GREGORY(1) BELCHER, b. c.30 Mar 1606, Aston, co. Warwick, England, d. 25 Nov 1674 @ age 68; m. 11 Dec 1627, Mancetter, Warwick, CATHERINEALCOCK, b. c.1610, England, d. 20 Jul 1680, Braintree @ age abt. 70.[9] He was in New England as early as 1637; and on 30 Dec 1639, was granted a lot of 52 acres at Mount Wollaston (Braintree), for 13 heads, paying 3 shillings per acre for the same (Boston Town Records). Here hesettled, was admitted a freeman on 13 May 1640; and was made a Selectman in 1646. He deposed in Jun 1665 aged about 60 years (Essex Co. Records). By occupation he was a farmer. On 14 Jul 1664,he purchased of John Smith, 9 acres of land in Milton, which he gave to his son, JosephBelcher, for a marriage portion. On 6 Jan 1657/58 he obtained a leaseof the Salter farm in Braintree, from the estate of William Tyng of Boston; and on 15 Jan 1666/67, Gregory Belcher and others bought the Salter farm for L900; Belcher's interest being one eigth.[10] On 26 Mar 1670, Gregory Belcher and his son-in-law, Alexander Marsh, purchased the Iron Works, with 200 acres of land in Braintree; and on 18 May 1671, the same parties bought 40 acres in Braintree Plain of Henry Crane,[11] He died 25 Nov 1674 @ age 68. The inventory of his estate, showing a total of 629 pounds 5 shillings, was represented by his widow, 29 Jan 1674/75, proved 20 Jul 1680; gives to son, Josiah, a cow ' if he molestnot my son Moses in his present dwelling and posessions"; to son, John, a cow and a horse; to daughters, Elizabeth Gilbert & Mary Marsh, and granddaughter, Mary Marsh, some household effects; "to son Moses (who hath all his life carried himself so dutifully to myself and gis father) the great Bible and the whole house and land he now possesses which I declare his father gave him." Sons, Moses Belcher & Alexander Marsh, executors. On 9 Jul 1680, Josiah Belcher, of Boston entered a caveat against the probate of any Will said to be made by his late mother,Catherine Belcher, of Braintree, wid. deceased, until he be present. (Suffolk Co. Probate)

: Belcher (Belshar) etc.: Gregory1 Belcher was born about 1606 in England and was probably theson of Thomas Belcher, baptized Mar.30,1606 at Aston, Co. Warwick, England. There was a Gregory Belcher, yeoman, of Berkeswell, Co. Warwickwho left a will dated Mar.20,1620 in which he mentions wife Joane, son Thomas, sons in law John Bonney and William Cook, daughters Elizabeth Cook, Isabel Bonney, and Alice Pemberton. (See Register Vol.60 for further detail of the origin of this family). (Three wills also in Putnam's Monthly Historical Magazine, June-July 1896). : Gregory1Belcher came to New England about 1634 and soon settled at Braintree (now Quincy) and on Dec.30,1639 was granted a lot of 52 acresat Mt. Wollaston for 13 heads, his family. The exact bounds has not been determined, but it was along Franklin St. just north of Pernis Hill. : He was made freeman of the colony May 13,1640 and was a selectman in1646. In a deposition in June 1665 he calls himself aged about 60 years. (Essex County Court Files). : On Jan.6,1657/8 he leased from heirs of William Tyng of Boston the Salter Farm in Braintree (now Wollaston) and on Jan.15,1666/7 he was one of a group of five men who purchased the farm, his interest being 1/8 part. (S.D. 5-229). On Mar.26,1670 he and his son in law Alexander Marsh purchased 200 acres of the Iron Works land, where the furnace stood (in West Quincy) and May 18,1671 they bought 40 acres adjacent to the above at Crane's Plain on the Milton line. (S.D. 7-172) He also leased April 1,1658 from Boston the Blue Hill lands in Braintree. : 535 : Gregory1Belcher died Nov.25,1674.: His wife was Catherine - who died in 1680 leaving a will dated Sep.3,1679, proved July 20,1680, mentioning son Josiah, son John, daughtersElizabeth Gilbert, Mary Marsh, grand daughter Mary Marsh, and son Moses who was to have "the whole house and land he now possesses which I declare his father gave him." : Gregory Belcher was one of the eight original members, founders of the First Church in Braintree (now Quincy) Sep.16,1639, three months before his grant of land, so was probably residing here already on one of the large farms where he raised cattle. In 1659 he stated he had been in the country about 25 years and had about 80 head of cattle and petitioned for a grant of 1000 acres but it was not given to him. He wasin Braintree before Aug. 1637 when his son Samuel was born. : Henry Bartlett a servant of Gregory Belcher was listed in the inventory and was valued at £5. He was probably an apprentice and he servedthe town of Braintree in King Philip's War 1675.

Name ===: Gregory Belcher<ref name=Sprague>Sprague: Page 534</ref>

Birth

::: ABT 1606 England<ref name=Sprague/> :: 1606/1607 Ashton, England

Death

:: 25 NOV 1674 Braintree, Norfolk, MA<ref name=Sprague/>

Notes

:: NEHGR:: GREGORY BELCHER, born about 1606, was in New England as early as 1637, and on Dec. 30, 1639, was granted a lot of 52 acres at Mount Wollaston (Braintree), for thirteen heads, paying three shillings per acre for the same. (Boston Town Records.) Here he settled, was admitted freeman on May 13, 1640, and was made selectman in 1646. He deposed in June, 1665, aged about 60 years. (Essex Co. Court Files.) By occupation he was a farmer. On July 14, 1664, he purchased of John Smith 9 acres of land in Milton, which he gave to his son Joseph Belcher for a marriage portion. (Suffolk Co. Deeds, vol. 4, page 204a.) On Jan. 6, 1657-8, he obtained a lease of the Salter farm in Braintree, from the estateof William Tyng of Boston; and on Jan. 15, 1666-7, Gregory Belcher and others bought the Salter farm, Belcher's interest being one-eighth. (Suffolk Co. Deeds, vol. 5, page 229.) On Mar. 26, 1670, Gregory Belcher and his son-in-law Alexander Marsh purchased the iron works, with 200 acres of land, in Braintree ; and on May 18, 1671, the same partiesbought 40 acres in Braintree plain of Henry Crane. (Suffolk Co. Deeds, vol. 7, page 172.)

Sources

<references />

• Braintree Vital Records, baptisms. For those with memberships to American Ancestors: [https://www.americanancestors.org/DB2711/t/1320014589]
• The Belcher Families of New England: [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uva.x000423317;view=1up;seq=147]
• Anderson's Great Migration Directory on page 25 gives several references for Joseph's father Gregory Belcher-57 and his wife Catherine.
• Sprague, Waldo Chamberlain. Genealogies of theFamilies of Braintree, MA. 1640-1850 (2001) Page 534* Henshaw, Richard Townsend. Belcher-Henshaw and Other Ancestry of Richard Townsend Henshaw 1882-1938 of Rye, New York (Polyanthos, New Orleans, 1983), pp. 2-4.* Eysenbach, Mary Locke. The Alcocks of Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire: John Alcock and His Wife Elizabeth Wrightman, Anne Alcock and Her Husband Nicholas Needham, and Katherine Alcock, and Her Husband Gregory Belcher, The New Hampshire Genealogical Record 26 (2009):49-56
• Parish Register for Mancetter, Warwick
• Braintree V.R.*https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&amp;GRid=14519090...