Zachariah Eddy

Famous Kin

At the age of seven years in 1646 and 1647, he was bound by his parents to Mr John Brown, a shipwright of Rehoboth, until he was 21 years of age. AT this session of Court, June 1781, he, with many others, was propounded for admission as a freeman, but it does not appear that he was ever admitted. June 7, 1665, the Court granted him 12 acres of land between his land and the Whetstone Vineyard Brook. He then resided in Plymouth: July 10,1667, he bought of Thomas Savery (Savory) 30 acres adjoining the land in which Zachariah then lived: He also bought other lands. His house stood on the 12 acres granted him by the Court, near what, in 1840, was the "Eddy Furnance." The house afterwards fell into the possession of the Palmer family. From Middleboro he removed to Swansea.

Zachariah Eddy

FATHER: Samuel Eddy MOTHER: Elizabeth (?) (probably Savery) Zachariah Eddy BORN: 1639 DIED: September 4, 1718

MARRIED: Alice Paddock on May 7, 1663

CHILDREN: Zachariah Eddy John Eddy Elizabeth Eddy Samuel Eddy Ebenezer Eddy Caleb Eddy Joshua Eddy Obadiah Eddy

MARRIED: Abigail Smith

p. 34 of The Eddy Family in America (Third Generation) 34 Zachariah Eddy b. 1639 (Court Orders, Plymouth, [Written] 2. 1. 151); d. Sept. 4, 1718, leaving a will; m. (1) May 7, 1663, Alice Paddock (East Bridgewater, V.R., also Plymouth Records, p. 28). She was b. Mar. 7, 1640; d. Sept. 24, 1692; dau. of Robert Paddock, (or Padduck) and his wife Mary . . . He m. (2) Abigail Smith, widow of Dermit Smith (alias Jeremiah, for which Dermit was a common nickname). She d. Sept. 13, 1720 leaving a will, dated Jan. 2, 1720.

Zachariah was bound out at the age of seven years to Mr. John Browne of Rehoboth. This Mr. John Browne was a man of importance in Plymouth, being the Governor's Assistant from 1636-1655. He was one of the original settlers and proprietors of Taunton and also of Rehoboth. A large tract of land called Wannamoisett was granted to him for his services to the government of Plymouth (Hist. of Taunton, p. 32). Mr. John Browne died in 1662, but in a deed dated Dec. 29, 1661, he left to "Zacariah Eedey now resident in my family" 1/3 of 150 acres in Narragansett betwixt Quidnisset and trading house of Richard Smith (Plymouth Col. Deeds, p. 103).

On Jan. 4, 1661, "Zachariah bought of Thomas Savery a piece of land lying near Whetstones Vineyard in the Major's Purchase bounded on or near where Eddy lives" (Plymouth Co. Deeds, 3, 81).

On March 24, 1662 he received from his father Samuel, land near "Namassakeet" (Plymouth Col. Records, p. 116), and later

"The court has granted to Zacary Eedey a smale gusset of land lying betwixt his land and the brook, fromhis house below the path to Namasskett unto the aforesaid brooke unto a bridg or way neare unto a path that turns out of the old way unto Wm. Nelson's house, the sd. parcell of land so bounded as aforesaid, is granted unto the said Zacary Eedey . . . etc. on condition that the said Zacary Eedey doe continue a bridge neare his house in the place where it is needed for horse and cart, for the use of the countrey, for the full tearme of twenty years from the date hereof. June 7, 1665." (Court Orders, Plymouth, printed. Vol. IV, p. 95. Hist. of Middleboro, p. 41.)

From these records it appears that upon completing his apprenticeship Zachariah went to Middleboro and settled there, remaining for about eight years. His house stood on the twelve acres, granted him by the court, near what was later known as Eddy's furnace, just south of the present Eddyville. In 1666 his bounds were laid out by Ephraim Tinkham and Henry Wood (Court Orders, 4, p. 128).

In 1667 Hugh Cole, Constant Southworth, Josias Winslow, and others, all of Plymouth, purchased of King Philip all the marsh and meadow land of Mattapoysett. At this time Rev. John Myles, who had been a pastor in Wales and had been driven from his parish by the new laws of the Englis king (Act of Uniformity issued by Charles II), was in Plymouth, but his preaching did not please the church members there and Myles and his few Baptist Dissenters were sent to Rehoboth. Complaints soon drove him from there, and he was advised by the court of Plymouth to go farther south beyond the borders of Rehoboth. The Court then decided to grant to him and those of like mind the new tract recently purchased from the Indians. On Feb. 22, 1669 fifty-five men signed the articles of agreement which made this section into the new town of Swansea. Two of the signers were Zachariah Eddy and his brother Caleb. Thus Zachariah and Caleb became two of the first purchasers of Swansea and at the same time became members of the First Baptist Church in Swansea. Zachariah took an active part in the Church life. In the old Church Book, now in the vaults of the B. M. C. Durfee Trust Co. of Fall River, there is a copy of a letter sent to a church in Boston, asking that the brethren in Boston help the Swansea Church in the selection of a pastor. Both Zachariah and Caleb Eddy signed this letter.

In these earliest times Swansea comprised the land which lay between the two upper forks of Narragansett Bay, south of Rehoboth and Taunton, and extended from the Taunton River to the Providence River. There are five main necks or peninsulas extending southward. The most eastern one (now Somerset) is between the Taunton River and Lees River (formerly called the Mattapoisett River). This neck was called Shawomett Neck. The next peninsula lies between Lees River and Coles River. This was called Mattapoisett Neck (now called Gardner's Neck and South Swansea). The third peninsula is divided into two sections by the Kickimuit River. It lies between Coles River and the Warren River. The whole section was called Kickimuit, while the eastern section was often called Towesett (alias sheep pasture) and the western section was called Mount Hope Neck. The latter extended far to the south and was the great stronghold of King Philip. Between the Warren and the Barrington Rivers was New Meadow Neck (now called Hampden Meadows). The most western neck, between the Barrington River and the Providence River, was called Wannamoisett Neck. The Shawomett lands comprised not only the Shawomett Neck but probably extended as far north as the present Dighton line. These words of explanation will give a clearer idea of the extent and location of the purchaes of Zachariah Eddy and his sons.

Soon after the incorporation of Swansea, Zachariah Eddy was made Freeman of Swansea on May 29, 1670. The following year on May 11th, he was chosen waywarden and on June 5th, he was elected surveyor of highways. In 1675 when King Philip's War broke out it is likely that Zachariah and his family took refuge in Plymouth for a few years. While there on June 5, 1677 he was summoned by the court of Plymouth to serve on the Grand Inquest. Some time in June of this same year, 1677, those who had formerly lived in Middleboro previous to the outbreak of the war, together with some who owned property within the borders of Middleboro, sixty-eight persons in all, met and agreed to resettle the town. The list of the names of "The Proprietors of the liberties of the township of Middleberry taken at Plimouth" contains the item, - "Sachariah Edey, Samuell Edey, 1 propriation." When Samuel Eddy became a proprietor of the town of Middleboro, he thereby obtained the privilege of being a participant in all future divisions of the undivided lands belonging to the township. This right was passed on to the sons when they received from im the lands at Namassakett. When the land was sold by them the proprietor's rights went with the land.

On July 23, 1673 Zachariah Eddy's name appears as the recipient of a lot in the South Purchase, which included the present towns of Rochester, Wareham, Carver, and a part of Middleboro. Later, on May 17, 1698, when the tract of land was divided, Zachariah received lots 128 and 129. On May 14, 1675, Zachariah was one of those who received a lot in the tract known as the "16 Shilling Purchase." He received lot No. 51.

After King Philip's War, when all danger from hostile Indians was over, probably about the spring of 1678, Zacharia and his family returned to Swansea. He was established there on Oct. 21, 1679, when he purchased a piece of land from Thomas Barnes, and by this purchase obtained rights as a "second ranch man"; that is in any division of lands he would receive twice as much as a man of the "third ranch" (or third rank as it is more often written). The third rank man received one unit of a division, a second rank man, two units, a first rank man, three units.

(Bristol Co. Deeds, 1. 14.) Zachariah Edey of Swansea bought of Thomas Barnes of Newport . . . My houselott, being 12 acres and 2 acres which I had of Jonathan Bosworth joining with it . . . by ye 33rd page of ye book Land records . . . and all my rt in Common and divisions of land whatsoever may appertain to me as I was a second ranck man in Town of Swansea.

In 1681 both Zachariah and his brother Caleb were members of a jury called to view the body of William Makepeace who had been drowned. On June 7, 1681, Zachariah was propounded as Freeman by the court in Plymouth. (Court Orders, [written] Plymouth, 6. 1. 47.) There is no record of his having been admitted, but it would seem that he must have been admitted, for he was called upon to perform the duties of a Freeman. He was made constable.

This (Plymouth) court imposes and authorizes Zachariah Eddy to be constable of the ward of Showamett and to act within that ward as in every respect as an other constable might do and proper unto the proprietors of Showamett, respecting them at that place. July, 1683. (Court Orders Plymouth VI, p. 115.)

Zacharia's name appears on the records in connection with several items of minor interest. On Sept. 26, 1697, together with Hezekiah Luther he was appointed to take the inventory of Widow Bartram's estate (N.E.H.G.R., Vol. LXIII). On Apr. 5, 1710, Zachariah Eddy testified at Bristol that he was "then about 70 years of age and that a certain lot of land was laid out by Samuel Luther, Thomas Esterbrooks, and Hugh Cole, about 26 years ago in the right of John Allen."

Most of the first purchases of Zachariah Eddy in Swansey were in the Shawomet Neck probably on its western side, and bordering on the Mattapoisett River, probably along the present highway leading out of Swansea Village toward Fall River.

Zachariah Eddy of Swansey bought on Nov. 1, 1683 of David Wood of Middlebury, house carpenter

½ share in land at a place called Shawawmett in New Plymouth Colony - ½ part of the first division in ye Great Neck being in number the 2 & 20th lot and in quantity about 45 acres & ye 1 moiety or half part of second division being in quantity 5 acres & also ½ of ye 3rd division being about 36 acres and all ye same divisions and allotments are bounded as may appear by ye records (Bristol Co. Deeds, 1, 15).

May 20, 1696. Zachariah Eddy of Swansea bought of James Bell "a 5 acre lot of upland lying in Shawamott Neck in Swansea, belonging to the Shawomett Purchase, 29 in number of the second division of small lotts purchased by me of Mr. Nicholas White of Taunton bounding easterly with Thomas Paine's lot; westerly with lot belonging to Gov. Josiah Winslow, Dec'd.; northerly on a highway and southerly on Samuel Winslow, about 5 acres." (B. C. D. 2, I.)

Zachariah Eddy bought of John Road (or Reed) of Freetown, "land being in Shawomett Neck in Swansey belonging to the freeman's purchase - meadow 2 acres a part of the third lot of meadows which fell by division to Thomas Thatcher of Boston and purchased of Thatcher by John Road (or Reed) bounded eastwardly with upland belong to Shawomett Purchase, westerly with the river that parts Mattapoisett Neck and said Shawomett, northerly beginning at a brook of water and from a tree marked 2 on north side said tree and three on south side," etc. (B. C. D., 2, 3.)

Zachariah Eddy of Swansey bought of "Richard Winslow of town of Boston, lot of land at Swansey known by name of Shawomett Neck, part thereof being already laid out in three lots, the great lot being the first of the 3, being 45 acres and in number the 23rd, the second is 5 acres and no 23 and the third beares the denomination of the outlett lott and is numbered 16." etc. (B. C. D., 2, 117.)

Zachariah Eddy of Swansey in County of Bristol bought of "John Borden of Portsmouth and Mary Borden his wife land in the township of Swansey and bounded eastward in part by land of Zachariah and partly by upland belonging to Shawmmonot Purchase, westerly by the river that driveth the fulling mill that belongeth to the said Zachariah Eddy and extendeth in length northwardly and southwardly from the afore said fulling mill to a small white oak which is marked and showeth near the mouth of the cove. (B. C. D., I, 286.)

From this deed it would seem that in addition to farming Zachariah had a mill somewhere near the present site of Swansea Village. This mill later came into the possession of his son Zachariah.

On July 30, 1691, James Brown sold to Zachariah Eddy in return for release of land at Narragansett, one rank right and a half of undivided lands, that is ½ of all the land yet undivided at the day of the date, pertaining and belonging to the said James Brown of Swansea (B. C. D., 2. 57). In this deed Zachariah parted with that land which Mr. Brown of Rehoboth had given him just before his death, probably in return for his services when an apprentice. Zachariah passed on the land obtained from James Brown to his son Zachariah.

On Oct. 14, 1695 the four sons of Samuel came to an agreement in regard to the ownership of the land which they had received from their father. Zachariah's share was on the east side of the Namasket River, in what was known as Capt. Southworth's Purchase (Plymouth Co. Deeds, Vol. VII, p. 177). This same year he sold to Obediah of Middleboro, his brother, certain lands in Middleboro (Plymouth Co. Deeds, 2.5).

After the purchase of the landsin Shawomett near the head of the neck and bordering on the east side of the Mattapoisett River, Zachariah sems to have purchased lands adjoining on the west, so that all the land of the present Swansea Village on the south side of the highway and extending from the main highway on the east, to the road which leads to Gardner's Neck, on the west, was a part of his possessions. This would include the present Stevens estate, the Eddy Burial Plot and the Swansea Dye Works and the land upon which the houses bordering the highway on the south are situated.

It would seem that his homestead was on or near the Stevens estate. This plot he sold to Caleb Eddy his son in a deed dated Jan. 27, 17I0/II.

Zachariah Eddy, yeoman, "to son Caleb Eddy, cordwainer, . . . my homestead, houses etc. at Mattapoisett . . . 50 acres of upland and meadow and salt marsh etc. at the head of Spring Brook, then by Spring Brook to salt water, then rounding by low water until it comes to a stake in the little cove before my door . . . to the brook near the Indian line; edge of Rocky Run Brook . . . Country Road." (B. C. D., 7, 489.)

The section west of Spring Brook and extending to the road leading down to South Swansea, he sold to his son Zachariah on Dec. 29, 1696. Zachariah Eddy, yeoman, "to son Zachariah Eddy, Jr. yeoman, 20 acres lying at a place commonly called and known by the name of Matapoysett in Swansey, bounded northerly with a highway, easterly with the fence and Spring Brook to the Salt Water, southerly to the land of Ralph Chapman . . . excepting and reserving the Burying Place on the premises which is to lye and remain as a burying place for and to the families of the said Eddys & for such their neighbors as the said Eddys shall admit of forever." Dated Dec. 29, 1696. Ack. Mar. 19, 1696/97. (B. C. D., 2, 57.)

The exact location of this land sold to Zachariah is very clear. The highway leading to Ralph Chapmans is the road leading off of the main road down to South Swansea. This was the western boundary; the present highway in Swansea village probably was the northern; Spring Broo kwhich is now partly on the Stevens estate and separates the Stevens estate from hte Eddy Burial Plot was the eastern boundary; and the salt water and Ralph Chapman the southern. The Burial Plot mentioned in the deed to Zachariah was used by the descendants of Zachariah for over a hundred years, as the place to bury their loved ones. The oldest stone therein, which bears any inscription is dated 1700.

On Jan. 22, 1700 Zachariah bought of Capt. T. Broks, 20 acres, at Mattapoisett. (B. C. D., 5, 510.)

Zachariah Eddy ffuller bought of Ralph Chapman of Newport . . . upland and salt marsh meadow at Mattapoisett Neck in Swansea about one and a half acres. Bounds mention a mill pond and low water mark. Dated May 18, 1705. (B. C. D., 4, 433.)

On Mar. 23, 1704/05 Zachariah bough of Hugh Cole 3 acres on th eRiver that parts Mattapoisett and Shawomet (B. C. D., 5, 420).

In addition to these lands at Shawomet and Mattapoisett, Zachariah owned land at Towissett, which he sold to Ralph Chapman and lands at Kickimuit near the Kickimuit Bridge, which he sold to Nathaniel Cole. Beside the purchases already mentioned Zachariah bought several other tracts of land in Swansea, so that he became a large landholder. As his sons grew to manhood and wished to start out in life for themselves, he deeded to them one after another, certain of his properties. The parts given to Zachariah and Caleb have already been mentioned.

On July 8, 1700 Zachariah Eddy sold to "well-beloved son John Eddy of Swansea, blacksmith, a piece of land lying and being in a place called Shawmut and in the township of Swansea, containing 40 acres and two 5 acre lots which he had purchased of James Bull or Bell and Richard Winslow. His wife Abigail signed this deed, which was witnessed by Thomas Seamons, Daniel Wilbur, and John West. (B. C. D., Vol. III, p. 223.) Again on Jan. 7, 1705/6 he sold to "my well beloved son, John Eddy of Swansea, blacksmith, 5 A. and the 3 A. lot, I bought of J. Little . . . and also my meadows lying on the south ward side of the line which runneth between my son Joshua Eddy and my son John Eddy to the middle of the land as there it runneth." (Bristol Co. Deeds, Vol. VIII, p. 35.)

Zachariah sold to "my son Joshua Eddy, cooper, for the great love I bear him land and meadow at Mattapoisett which I purchased of Hugh Cole." To his son Obadiah Eddy, tanner, he gave 90 acres near the brook on the Indian line, with the proviso that Obadiah could not sell it without the father's permission. To his son Ebenezer, who was living in Middleboro, he gave the 60 acres bought of Thomas Savery and Benjamin Eaton, and all of the rest of the lands east of the said sixty acres, also 400 A. which is called the Major's Purchase, and the three acres bought of Robert Ransom, and right in Assawamsett Neck, and a gusset of 12 A. granted by Plymouth, reserving 12 A. to myself. John Eddy was a witness to this deed. There are many other recordsof land transactions on file but they contain very little of genealogical interest. One deed was signed by wife Alice (B. C. D. 5, 545), another by wife Abigail (B. C. D. 3, 204). Elizabeth Eddy, Mary Eddy and Samuel Eddy witnessed the deed of April 23, 1690 (B. C. D. 5, 545); Bethia Smith witnessed a deed of Sept. 14, 1699 (B. C. D. 3, 204): Caleb Eddy and Samuel Eddy witnessed a deed of Aug. 4, 1698.

Having thus disposed of most of his possessions to his sons during his lifetime, Zahariah had but little to leave to his children as an inheritance. His will, dated Nov. 4, 1718, mentions his wife Abigail and all of his sons, to whom he states that he has given to them the land which he considers their share. It mentions also his daughter Elizabeth Whipple, who is deceased and his son-in-law, Samuel Whipple; his grandson Edward Eddy; and his wife's son, Timothy Smith. To his son Joshua he left his great Bible (Bristol Co. Prob., 3, 488). His wife Abigail left a will, dated Jan. 2, 1720, which mentions daughters, Abigail Hatch, Bethia Eddy, Hannah Simmons; son-in-law, Remembrance Simmons; daughter, Hopestill Kelley; and granddaughters, Ann, Abigail, and Amy, daughters of Caleb Eddy, whom she called her son-in-law (Bristol Co. Prob., 3, 693).

In the Eddy Burial Plot which Zachariah set aside to be a place for the burial of the Eddys forever are many graves, marked by stones which bear no inscriptions. Without doubt Zachariah and his two wives lie buried in some of these.

Children, b. in Swansea (Plymouth V.R.):

+78 Zachariah Eddy, b. Apr. 10, 1664. +79 John Eddy, b. Oct. 10, 1666. +80 Elizabeth Edy, b. Aug. 3, 1670. 81 Samuel Eddy, b. June 4, 1673; prob. d. young, as he is not mentioned in his father's will. +82 Ebenezer Eddy, b. Feb. 5, 1675 (also given Feb. 8, 1675). +83 Caleb Eddy, b. Sept. 21, 1678. +84 Joshua Eddy, b. Feb. 21, 1680. +85 Obadiah Eddy, b. Sept. 2, 1683.

Source: http://www.123people.co.uk/ext/frm?ti=person%20finder&search_term=j...

Eddy family volunteers to clean up cemetery named after their ancestors News Story: Oct. 23, 2010

Rob and Jonathan Eddy marveled at the work they’d done in Ye Olde Eddy Burial Ground on a windy and cold Friday, and rightfully so.

Leaves fell from the trees in a shower and quickly blew across the burial grounds that date back to 1639 and are the final resting place of Zachariah Eddy, one of Swansea’s founding fathers, and some of his family.

The grave stones and markers were visible after having been shrouded beneath overgrowth for several years.

Selectman M. Scott Ventura recently expressed interest in the old burial ground when he noticed it had become unkept.

The father and son duo stepped forward and used their own hands and some clearing equipment to clean up the historic cemetery.

Jonathan Eddy, 14, has learned about the Eddy family from his father and liked knowing that his family roots reached so far back into Swansea’s history.

“It feels pretty good,” Jonathan Eddy said. “It’s interesting to think of all the people who lived before me.”

The family descended from scholar William Eddye, a vicar of the chruch of St. Dunstan in Cranbrook, County Kent, England. His sons Samuel and John were the first Eddys to come to America. Samuel’s sons Zachariah and Caleb were among the 55 original purchasers of Swansea in 1669.

Zachariah owned a lot of land in Swansea Village and other towns. He lived in Swansea Village and set a plot aside for the burial ground in 1696.

“If a generation is 20 years, then (Jonathan) is a 20th generation Eddy,” Rob Eddy said. “I’d be the 19th.”

Rob Eddy, like Zachariah’s nine children, grew up in Swansea Village and played in the same spots. He fished in Bleachery Pond and trekked through the same woods to Lee’s River.

“We were lucky growing up in the village,” said Rob Eddy, who now resides in Rehoboth.

He’s been a biology teacher at Joseph Case High School for the past 38 years.

The cemetery is located on or near land where Swan Finishing did business until the early 1970s. Its concrete foundation is still visible.

The cemetery has a fall and winter view of Lee’s River on one side. It also leads to the Stevens Home, also once part of the Eddy property.

The burial ground is accessed at the end of Ledge Road, directly across from Town Hall on Main Road.

Rob Eddy’s late brother Peter kept the cemetery clear for years, and after his passing there wasn’t anyone to continue the work.

The cemetery is one of 17 under the town’s care, but access to the grounds is difficult.

A fence at the end of Ledge Road warns that the land is private property, and the only way in is on foot, through some trees and up a hill to the cemetery.

Rob and Jonathan Eddy worked at the cemetery for several hours, cleaning up brush and hauling away dead tree limbs.

“It’s not much different from when I was a kid,” Rob Eddy said.

Most of the cemetery markers were jagged edged rocks sunken into the ground. Some of the larger stones were tipped or leaning.

Rob Eddy said he remembers there being a spooky, dead oak tree there when he was a kid — but that is long gone. In clearing the burial ground, they did expose another old oak with limbs that grew out to the sides.

“If trees could talk,” Rob Eddy said.

Rob Eddy said they plan to try and keep up the cemetery to honor the people buried there. He said there were other ways to honor them as well.

“We honor deceased people in our family more by how we live,” he said.

Source: http://www.heraldnews.com/highlight/x1946665306/Eddy-family-volunte... E-mail Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.

Zachariah, a farmer, was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1639. He was bound out at the age of seven to Mr. John Browne of Rehoboth, a man of some importance in Plymouth, being the Governor's Assistant from 1636-1655. He died in 1662, but in a deed dated December 29, 1661 he left to "Zacariah Eedey now resident in my family" 1/3 of 150 acres in Narragansett betwixt Quidnisset and trading house of Richard Smith."

On May 7, 1663 at East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, he first married Alice Paddock, daughter of Robert Paddock and Mary Holmes. ("Zachariah Eedey was married to Allice Padduck the seauenth of May, 1663, Plymouth.") Alice was born in Plymouth on March 7, 1640/1 and died September 24, 1692 in Swansea, Massachusetts. Sometime shortly after Alice's death, Zachariah married secondly, Abigail, widow of Dermit Smith (alias Jeremiah, for which Dermit was a common nickname). All of Zachariah's children were by his first wife.

On January 4, 1661, "Zachariah bought of Thomas Savery a piece of land lying near Whetstones Vineyard in the Major's Purchase bounded on or near where Eddy lives" On March 24, 1662 he received from his father Samuel, land near "Namassakeet" and later "The court has granted to Zacary Eedy a smale gusset of land lying betwixt his land and the brook, from his house below the path to Namasskett unto the aforesaid brooke unto a bridg or way neare unto a path that turns out of the old way unto Wm. Nelson's house, the sd. parcell of land so bounded as aforesaid, is granted unto the said Zacary Eedey...etc. on condition that the said Zacary Eedey doe continue a bridge neare his house in the place where it is needed for horse and cart, for the use of the countrey, for the full tearme of twenty years from the date hereof. Dated June 7, 1665."

From these records, it appears than upon completing his apprenticeship, Zachariah went to Middleborough and settled here, remaining for about 8 years. His house stood on the twelve acres, granted him by the court, near what was later known as Eddy's furnace, just south of the present Eddyville. In 1666 his bounds were laid out by Ephraim Tinkham and Henry Wood. In 1667 Hugh Cole, Constant Southworth, Josias Winslow, and others, all of Plymouth, purchased of King Philip all the marsh and meadow land of Mattapoysett. At this time, Rev. John Myles, who had been driven from his parish in Wales by new laws of the English king, was in Plymouth, but his preaching did not please the church members there, and he was advised by the court of Plymouth to go farther south beyond the borders of Rehoboth. The Court then decided to grant to him and those of like mind the new tract recently purchased from the Indians. On February 22, 1669, fifty-five men signed the articles of agreement which made this section into the new town of Swansea. Two of the signers were Zachariah Eddy and his brother Caleb. Thus Zacharaiah and Caleb became two of the first purchasers of Swansea and at the same time became members of the First Baptist Church in Swansea.

Zachariah took an active part in the Church life. In the old Church Book, now in the vaults of the B.M.C. Durfee Trust Co., of Fall River, there is a copy of a letter sent to a church in Boston, asking that the brethren in Boston help the Swansea Church in the selection of a pastor. Both Zachariah and Caleb Eddy signed this letter. Soon after the incorporation of Swansea, Zachariah Eddy was made Freeman of Swansea on May 29, 1670. The following year on May 11, he was chosen waywarden and on June 5 he was elected surveyor of highways.

In 1675 when King Philip's War broke out it is likely that Zachariah and his family took refuge in Plymouth for a few years. While there on June 5, 1677 he was summoned by the court of Plymouth to serve on the Grand Inquest. Some time in June of this same year, 1677, those who had formerly lived in Middleborough previous to the outbreak of the war, together with some who owned property within the borders of Middleborough, sixty-eight persons in all, met and agreed to resettle the town. The list of the names of "The Proprietors of the liberties of the township of Middleberry taken at Plimouth" contains the item, "Sachariah Edey, Samuell Edey, 1 propiration." When Samuel Eddy became a proprietor of the town of Middleborough, he thereby obtained the privilege of being a participant in all future divisions of the undivided lands belonging to the township. This right was passed on to his sons when they received from him the lands at Namassakett. When the land was sold by them, the proprietor's rights went with the land.

On July 23, 1673, Zachariah Eddy's name appears as the recipient of a lot in the South Purchase, which included the present towns of Rochester, Wareham, Carver, and a part of Middleborough. Later, on May 17, 1698, when the tract of land was divided, Zachariah received lots 128 and 129. On May 14, 1675, Zachariah was one of those who received a lot in the tract known as the "16 Shilling Purchase." He received lot No. 51.

After King Philip's War, when all danger from hostile Indians was over, probably about the spring of 1678, Zachariah and his family returned to Swansea. He was established there on October 21, 1679 when he purchased a piece of land from Thomas Barnes, and by this purchase obtained rights as a "second ranch man"; that is in any division of lands he would receive twice as much as a man of the "third ranch" (or third rank as it is more often written). The third rank man received one unit of a division, a second rank man, two units, a first ran man, three units. "Zachariah Edey of Swansea bought of Thomas Barnes of Newport ... My houselott, being 12 acres and 2 acres which I had of Jonathan Bosworth joining with it...by ye 33rd page of ye book Land records...and all my rt in Common and divisions of land whatsoever may appertain to me as I was a second ranck man in Town of Swansea."

In 1681 both Zachariah and his brother Caleb were members of a jury called to view the body of William Makepeace who had been drowned. On June 7, 1681, Zachariah was propounded as Freeman by the court in Plymouth. There is no record of his having been admitted, but it would seen that he must have been admitted, for he was called upon to perform the duties of a Freeman. He was made constable. "This [Plymouth] Court imposes and authorizes Zachery Eddy to be constable of the ward of Showamett and to act within that ward as in every respect as an other constable might do and proper unto the proprietors of Showamett, respecting them at that place. Dated July, 1683."

Zachariah's name appears on the records in connection with several items of minor interest. On September 26, 1697, together with Hezekiah Luther he was appointed to take the inventory of Widow Bartram's estate. On April 5, 1719, Zachariah Eddy testified at Bristol that he was "then about 70 years of age and that a certain lot of land was laid out by Samuel Luther, Thomas Esterbrooks, and Hugh Cole, about 26 years ago in the right of John Allen."

Most of the first purchases of Zachariah Eddy in Swansey were in the Shawomet Neck probably on its western side, and bordering on the Mattapoisett River, probably along the present highway leading out of Swansea Village toward Fall River. On November 1, 1683, Zachariah Eddy of Swansey bought of David Wood of Middlebury, house carpenter: "1/2 share in land at a palce called Shawawmett in New Plymouth Colony - 1/2 part of the first division in ye Great Neck being in number the 2 & 20th lot and in quantity about 45 acres & ye 1 moiety or half part of second division being in quantity 5 acres & also 1/2 of ye 3rd division being about 36 acres and all ye same divisions and allotments are bounded as may appear by ye reocrds." Dated May 20, 1696.

Zachariah Eddy of Swansea bought of James Bell "a 5 acre lot of upland lying in Shawamott Neck in Swansea, belonging to the Shawomett Purhcase, 29 in number of the second division of small lotts purchased by me of Mr. Nicholas White of Taunton bounding easterly with Thomas Paine's lot; westerly with lot belonging to Gov. Josiah Winslow, Dec'd; northerly on a highway and southerly on Samuel Winslow, about 5 acres."

Zachariah Eddy bought of John Road (or Reed) of Freetown, "land being in Shawomett Neck in Swansey belonging to the freeman's purchase - meadow 2 acres a part of the third lot of meadows which fell by division to Thomas Thatcher of Boston and purchased of Thatcher by John Road (or Reed) bounded eastwardly with upland belonging to Shawomett Purchase, westerly with the river that parts Mattapoisett Neck and said Shawomett northerly beginning at a brook of water and from a tree marked 2 on north side said tree and three on south side," etc.

Zachariah Eddy of Swansey bought of "Richard Winslow of town of Boston, lot of land at Swansey known by name of Shawomett Neck, part thereof being already laid out in three lots, the great lot being the first of the 3, being 45 acres and in number the 23rd, the second is 5 acres and no 23 and the third beares the denomination of the outlett lott and is numbered 16, etc."

Zachariah Eddy of Swansey in County of Bristol bought of "John Borden of Portsmouth and Mary Borden his wife land in the township of Swansey and bounded eastward in part by land of Zachariah and partly by upland belonging to Shawmmonot Purchase, westerly by the river that driveth the fulling mill that belongeth to the said Zachariah Eddy and extendeth in length northwardly and southwardly from the aforesaid fulling mill to a small white oak which is marked and showeth near the mouth of the cove." From this deed it would seem that in addition to farming Zachariah had a mill somewhere near the present site of Swansea Village. This mill later came into the possession of his son Zachariah.

On July 30, 1691, James Brown sold to Zachariah Eddy in return for release of land at Narragansett, one rank right and a half of undivided lands, that is 1/2 of all the land yet undivided at the day of the date, pertaining and belonging to the said James Brown of Swansea. In this deed Zachariah parted with that land which Mr. Brown of Rehoboth had given him just before his death, probably in return for his services when an apprentice. Zachariah passed on the land obtained from James Brown to his son Zachariah. On October 14, 1695, the four sons of Samuel came to an agreement in regard to the ownership of the land which they had received from their father. Zachariah's share was on the east side of the Namasket River, in what was known as Capt. Southworth's Purchase.

This same year he sold to Obediah of Middleborough, his brother, certain lands in Middleborough. After the purchase of the lands in Shawomett near the head of the neck and bordering on the east side of the Mattapoisett River, Zachariah seems to have purchased the lands adjoining on the west, so that all the land of the present Swansea Village on the south side of the highway and extending from the main highway on the east, to the road which leads to Gardner's Neck, on the west, was a part of his possessions. This would include the present Stevens estate, the Eddy Burial Plot and the Swansea Dye Works and the land upon which the houses bordering the highway on the south are situated.

It would seem that his homestead was on or near the Stevens estate. This plot he sold to Caleb Eddy his son in a deed dated January 27, 1710/11. Zachariah Eddy, yeoman, "to son Caleb Eddy, cordwainer...my homestead, houses etc. at Mattapoisett...50 acres of upland and meadow and salt marsh etc. at the head of Spring Brook, then by Spring Brook to walt water, then rounding by low water until it comes to a stake in the little cover before my door...to the brook near the Indian line; edge of Rocky Run Brook...Country Road."

The section west of Spring Brook and extending to the road leading down to South Swansea, he sold to his son Zachariah on December 29, 1696. Zachariah Eddy, yeoman, "to son Zachariah Eddy, Jr. yeoman, 20 acres lying at a place commonly called and known by the name of Matapoysett in Swansey, bounded northerly with a highway, easterly with the fence and Spring Brook to the Salt Water, southerly to the land of Ralph Chapman and bounded westerly with the highway which leadeth to the land of Ralph Chapman...excepting and reserving the Burying Place on the premises which is to lye and remain as a burying place for and to the families of the said Eddys & for such their neighbors as the said Eddys shall admit of forever." Dated December 29, 1696. Acknowledged March 19, 1696/7. The exact location of this land sold to Zachariah is very clear. The highway leading to Ralph Chapman's is the road leading off of the main road down to South Swansea. This was the western boundary; the present highway in Swansea village probably was the northern; Spring Brook which is now partly on the Stevens estate and separates the Stevens estate from the Eddy Burial Plot was the eastern boundary; and the salt water and Ralph Chapman the southern. The Burial Plot mentioned in the deed to Zachariah was used by the descendants of Zachariah for over a hundred years as the place to bury their loved ones. The oldest stone therein, which bears any inscription, is dated 1700.

On January 22, 1700 Zachariah bought of Capt. T. Brooks, 20 acres at Mattapoisett. Zachariach Eddy "ffuller bought of Ralph Chapman of NewportÉupland and salt marsh meadow at Mattapoisett Neck in Swansea about one and a half acres." Bounds mention a mill pond and low water mark. Dated May 18, 1705. On March 23, 1704/5, Zachariah bought of Hugh Cole 3 acres on the River that parts Mattapoisett and Shawomet. In addition to these lands at Shawomet and Mattapoisett, Zachariah owned land at Towissett, which he sold to Ralph Chapman and lands at Kickimuit near the Kickimuit Bridge, which he sold to Nathaniel Cole.

Besides the purchases already mentioned Zachariah bought several other tracts of land in Swansea, so that he became a large landholder. As his sons grew to manhood and wished to start out in life for themselves, he deeded to them one after another, certain of his properties. The parts given to Zachariah and Caleb have already been mentioned. On July 8, 1700 Zachariah Eddy sold to "well-beloved son John Eddy of Swansea, blacksmith, a piece of land lying and being in a place called Shawmut and in the township of Swansea, containing 40 acres and two 5 acre lots which he had purchased of James Bull or Bell and Richard Winslow." His wife Abigail signed this deed, which was witnessed by Thomas Seamons, Daniel Wilbur, and John West. Again on January 7, 1705/6 he sold to "my well beloved son, John Eddy of Swansea, blacksmith, 5 A. [acre] and the 3 A. lot, I bought of J. LittleÉand also my meadows lyngon the south ward side of the line which runneth between my son Joshua Eddy and my son John Eddy to the middle of the land as there it runneth."

Zachariah sold to "my son Joshua Eddy, cooper, for the great love I bear him land and meadow at Mattapoisett which I purchased of Hugh Cole." To his son Obadiah Eddy, tanner, he gave 90 acres near the brook on the Indian line, with the proviso that Obadiah could not sell it without the father's permission. To his son Ebenezer, who was living in Middleboro, he gave the 60 acres bought of Thomas Savery and Benjamin Eaton, and all of the rest of the lands east of the said sixty acres, also "400 A. which is called the Major's Purcahse, and the three acres bought of Robert Ransom, and right in Assawamsett Neck, and a gusset of 12 A. granted by Plymouth, reserving 12 A. to myself." John Eddy was a witness to this deed.

There are many other records of land transactions on file. One deed was signed by wife Alice, another by wife Abigail. Elizabeth Eddy, Mary Eddy and Samuel Eddy witnessed the deed of April 23, 1690; Bethia Smith witnessed a deed of September 14, 1699; Caleb Eddy and Samuel Eddy witnessed a deed of August 4, 1698.

Having thus disposed of most of his possessions to his sons during his lifetime Zachariah had but little to leave to his children as an inheritance. He died in Middleborough, and his will, dated November 4, 1718, mentions his wife Abigail, and all of his sons, to whom he states that he has given to them the land which he considers their share. It mentions also his daughter Elizabeth Whipple, who is deceased and his son-in-law, Samuel Whipple; his grandson Edward Eddy; and his wife's son, Timothy Smith. To his son Joshua he left his great Bible. In the Eddy Burial Plot which Zachariah set aside to be a place for the burial of the Eddys forever are many graves, marked by stones which bear no inscriptions. Without doubt Zachariah and his two wives lie buried in some of them. The plaque below was erected by the Eddy Family Association and reads:

TO HONOR AND PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF 1639 ZACHARIAH EDDY 1718 ONE OF THE FIRST PURCHASERS OF SWANSEA ON DECEMBER 29, 1696. HE SET ASIDE THIS SPOT - WHICH IS TO LYE AND REMAIN AS A BURYING PLACE FOR AND TO THE FAMILIES OF THE SAID EDDYS AND FOR SUCH THEIR NEIGHBORS, AS THE SAID EDDYS SHALL ADMIT FOREVER.

TO MARK THE RESTING PLACE OF HIS PARENTS SAMUEL AND ELIZABETH EDDY

SAMUEL EDDY BORN IN 1608, SON OF REV. WILLIAM EDDYE, VICAR OF ST. DUNSTANS CHURCH IN CRANBROOK, CO. KENT ENGLAND, CAME ON THE HANDMAID IN 1630 TO PLYMOUTH WHERE HE RESIDED FOR FIFTY YEARS. HE DIED IN SWANSEA, NOVEMBER 12, 1687. ELIZABETH DIED HERE ON MAY 24, 1689 IN HER 82nd YEAR.

TO RECORD THE NAMES OF HIS CHILDREN ZACHARIAH, JOHN, ELIZABETH, SAMUEL, EBENEZER, CALEB, JOSHUA, AND OBEDIAH.

This tablet erected by the Eddy Family Association, Inc. 1946

Source: http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sam/eddy/zachariah.html

Stones and stewards of the past in Swansea historical cemetery By Deborah Allard Herald News Staff Reporter Posted Oct 11, 2010 @ 09:27 PM

When Zachariah Eddy was bound out to the John Browne family at the age of 7 to learn a trade, it must have been hard for the boy in 1640s Rehoboth to be without his family.

His father Samuel couldn’t afford to feed him and his four siblings as a tailor forced into farming, so had to give up some of his children to insure them a better life.

Zachariah grew up and became a good farmer under Browne’s apprenticeship. He married and had nine children, and eventually became a large landowner and one of Swansea’s founding fathers.

When Zachariah died in 1718, he was buried in Ye Olde Eddy Burial Ground, most likely with his two wives and his parents Samuel and Elizabeth.

It’s nearly impossible to find those graves today.

The old wooden sign at the corner of Ledge and Main roads points the way, but at the end of the street is a locked gate and a sign that warns against trespassing.

Looking beyond the gate shows no indication of a cemetery. There is an opening on the left of the fence, but one has to go through on foot.

Inside the gates, there are cement structures that make a dangerous playground, and are part of the former Swan Finishing plant foundation that closed in the early 1970s.

Beyond that is a foreboding nest of trees to the far left where the cemetery lies, and where a wild turkey was running through on a recent day.

A sort of path through overgrown grasses, shrubs and weeds and up a hill leads to the burial ground that dates back to 1639.

Short stones, many worn down from the centuries and sinking into the earth, stick out of the ground in no particular pattern.

One tall stone was laying flat. Another was propped up against a tree. A couple of larger markers could still be read.

The burial ground has a stone perimeter on one side marking its boundary, but on the other three sides, there’s not much indication how far it goes into the woods.

“These graves still deserve respect,” said Selectman M. Scott Ventura. “A lot of the town’s families are buried here, the Eddys, the Chaces, the town’s founding fathers.”

He said he used to go to the cemetery as a kid fishing in the area.

“It was very different then,” Ventura said. “You could see a lot more of a it.” Ventura enjoys history and in his adult life has ventured back to the spot occasionally. His last visit, several weeks ago, was a shock.

“I came back here and saw it was overgrown,” Ventura said.

He brought up the issue at a recent Selectmen’s meeting. Apparently, the cemetery is one of 17 in the town’s care, but access has been an issue.

The town has a total of 42 cemeteries, many of them small family burial grounds.

An Eddy family member in recent times kept the grounds cleared for many years.

The Eddy family

The Eddys buried in the old grounds, descended from William Eddye, a scholar and vicar of the church of St. Dunstan in Cranbrook, County Kent, England, according to the web site Ancestry.com. He was born around 1550, had 11 children, and died in 1616.

His son Samuel, who had been trained as a tailor in England, came to the new world in 1630 with a 100 pound inheritance.

He traveled with his brother John on the ship “Handmaiden” They were escorted to Boston by Miles Standish. Samuel settled in Plymouth. For Samuel, the new world would not be easy. The tailoring trade may have been profitable in England, but it didn’t turn out that way in early Plymouth.

He resorted to farming, which was mostly unknown to him. He had to put his children out as servants and was considered poor in 1638 records. Zachariah, in John Browne’s care, became a part of the family. When Browne died, he left him 50 acres of land.

Zachariah married Alice Padduck on May 7, 1663. They had nine children together. When she died in 1692. He married the widow Abigail Smith.

Zacharia was a farmer of Plymouth and Middleboro before coming to Swansea, according to the “History of Swansea” compiled and edited by Otis Olney Wright and published by the town in 1917.

Zacharia and his brother Caleb were among the 55 original purchasers of Swansea in 1669. It was a new tract of land recently purchased from the Indians. Both became members of the First Baptist Church.

Zacharia was active in the church. He became the waywarden and surveyor of highways.

He purchased much land in Swansea, as well as in other new area towns becoming a large landholder. His land included a large portion of Swansea Village. His family homestead was in the area of the burial ground. It likely made up the Stevens estate and dye plant land and extended to the highway.

Zacharia’s parents were alone in their old age in Plymouth where they spent their lives. They were finally persuaded in their 70s to come to Swansea to be with Zachariah and his brother Caleb.

Samuel died in 1687 followed by his wife Elizabeth in 1689. The land for the burial ground was set aside in 1696, but they had likely been using it already as a burial ground.

A tablet was erected at the burial ground by the Eddy Family Association in 1946. It is to honor the memory of Zacharia Eddy and the resting place of his parents.

Buried in the cemetery are Eddys, and various other families.

Ventura said he’s hoping someone, perhaps an Eagle Scout, might come forward to help clean up the old cemetery.

Many Eddy family descendants, generations later, still call Swansea their home.

E-mail Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com.

Copyright 2010 The Herald News. Some rights reserved SOURCE: http://www.heraldnews.com/features/x1738171923/Stones-and-stewards-...

http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sam/eddy/zachariah.html

Grandson of Vicar William Eddye, (1560 - 1616), VICAR WILLIAM EDDYE, 1592 - 1616 ST. DUNSTAN'S PARISH CHURCH CRANBROOK, KENT, ENGLAND, Vicar William Eddye's wife was Mary (Fosten) Eddye (1568 - 1611).

Zachariah was married May 7, 1663 in East Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ma.

Zachariah has a cenotaph in Central Valley Cemetery.www.findagrave.com

Zachariah Eddy
Birth: Mar. 7, 1639 Plymouth Plymouth County Massachusetts, USA
Death: Sep. 4, 1718 Swansea Bristol County Massachusetts, USA

Grandson of Vicar William Eddye, (1560 - 1616), VICAR WILLIAM EDDYE, 1592 - 1616 ST. DUNSTAN'S PARISH CHURCH CRANBROOK, KENT, ENGLAND, Vicar William Eddye's wife was Mary (Fosten) Eddye (1568 - 1611). Zachariah was married May 7, 1663 in East Bridgewater, Plymouth, Ma. Zachariah has a cenotaph in Central Valley Cemetery . Family links: Parents: Samuel Eddy (1608 - 1687) Elizabeth Savory Eddy (1606 - 1689) Spouse: Alice Paddock Eddy (1640 - 1692) * Children: Elizabeth Eddy Whipple (1670 - 1718) * Caleb Eddy (1678 - 1748) * Joshua Eddy (1680 - 1768) * Obadiah Eddy (1683 - 1757) * Siblings: John Eddy (1637 - 1715) * Zachariah Eddy (1639 - 1718) Caleb Eddy (1643 - 1713) * Obadiah Eddy (1645 - 1727) * Hannah Eddy (1647 - ____) Inscription: To Honor and Perpetuate the Memory of Zachariah Eddy 1639-1718 One of the purchasers of Swansea Dec. 29, 1696. He set aside this spot, which is to lye and remain as a burying place for the families of said Eddy's and for such of their neighbors as the said Eddy's shall admit forever. "To mark the resting place of his parents: Samuel Eddy born in 1608, son of Rev. William Eddy, Viscar of St. Dunstan's Church, in Cranbook Co., Kent, England, and came on the "Handmaid" in 1630 to Plymouth, where he resided for fifty years. He died in Swansea, Nov. 12, 1687. Elizabeth died here on May 24, 1689, in her 82nd Year." "To Record the names of his children: Zachariah, John, Elizabeth, Samuel, Ebenezer, Caleb, Joshua, and Obediah. This tablet erected by the Eddy Family Association, Inc. 1948." Note: The cemetery is located on the old Eddy Farm once owned by Samuel.

Burial: Eddy Burial Ground Swansea Bristol County Massachusetts, USA
Maintained by: ; )
Originally Created by: Linda
Record added: Aug 02, 2004
Find A Grave Memorial# 9257958