My Family Tree

Artemus Harmon book pg. 159
Pioneers of MA by Charles Pope:
Dorchester, Anthony, Windsot, CT 1644; rem to Springfield, propr. abt 1649. Town officer. Wife Sarah bur 9 (9) 1649. His second wife, Martha d. 17 Dec 1662. His son-in-law, Samuel Kichwell was bur 9 (4) 1651. Anthony inv. pres. 25 Sep 1683 by son John. Agreement made between sons John and James, gr. ch, Benjamin, dau Mary, wife of John Harmon, dau Sarah, wife of Joseph Stebbins, & dau-in-law, Martha, wife of Abel Wright--who claimed something for what her mother, the relict of Samuel Kitcherell, once of Hartford, brought to
the late Anthony Dorchester. Pope made several mistakes in his entry with Anthony. I believe the son-in-law
was Martha's son named after his father, Samuel Kichwell. Agreement names children, John, James, Mary and Sarah, and a grandchild, Benjamin. Benjamin was only son of Benjamin and Sarah Burt. Benjamin, Anthony's son, died abt 1676 when his child was just an infant. Sarah Burt Dorchester remarried Luke Hitchcock in Feb 1677.

History of Springfield Volume II: Anthony Dorchester and his wife, Sarah came to Springfield from Windsor and brought three children: John, James, and Mary. Wife died in Springfield 9 Nov 1649; married widow Martha Kritchwell 2 Jan 1651. She died 17 Dec 1662. He married 3rd the widow of John Harmon and he died 28 Aug 1682/3. Widow, Elizabeth died 16 May 1699 age 92.

Land Grants from Springfield Town Records: These apparently were put together after Anthony's death when his estate was divided. I have placed these grants in chronological order of their origin as near as possible. When there is an obvious discrepancy, I make note of it. Film 502,828. Land Abstracts of Early Springfield 1634-1664. Pg 131-139

 

1651: Jan 9 - 22. By the Selectmen, Mr. Henry Smith also concurring with them according to Order in ye Distribution of Land, Jan 9th and Jan 22, 1651. There is granted to Anthony Dorchester a parcel of planting land over ye Great River at ye Lower end of Chicobee Plain on the side of ye 60 acres for ye Ministry, adjoying ye Brook, of about 8 acres, which he is to get measured and record ye Quantity be it more or less. (1st Bk pg. 106)

1651. Jan. There was Granted to Anthony Dorchester four acres of meadow more or less, on Pacowsuck Brook, bounded west by Benja Cooley, east by Widow Margaret Bliss.

1652. Jan 5. Also Anthony Dorchester hath bought of Reice Bedortha a Home lot four acres more or less, breadth 8 rod lenght 80 rod extending from ye street fence to ye Great River.

Also in ye Same line westward six acres of Wet Meadow and Wood Land. Breadth 8 rod; length extending east from ye street to make up ye number of acres, bounded North by that which was Griffith Jones (being now Anthony Dorchesters as above said) south by Benjamin Cooley. These parcels of land are of Reice Bedortha fully and absolutely sold and past over to Anthony Dorchester this 5 Jan 1652. John Pynchon Recorder.

1656: Feb 13. At a meeting of the Selectmen. Likewise there was granted unto Anthony Dorchester 10 acres of upland on the Southwest Side of Chickobee Plain, beginning at the Little Spring and so to run South east till it make up 10 acres, provided he Continue in Town 5 years. (Page 132)

1656: May 30. Also by purchase from John Mathews of six acres wet meadow and wood land lying before ye town platt, betwixt Anthony dorchester’s Wet Meadow and Wood Lot above said Jonathan Taylors; Anthony lying on ye south side of it; Jonathan Taylor north. (This six acres of John Mathews to James Dorchester & his Heirs.)

Also by purchase from James Osborn of half an acre of land more or less lying on ye East side of ye street fro; ye Street East to ye Brook, breadth 8 rod, bounded north by Thomas Sewall; south by Jonathan Taylor. Together with four acres of Wet meadow (in ye same line east) more or less, with a wood lot of eight acres more or less, breadth 8 rod, length extending from the street eastward to make up ye number of acres, bounded by Anthony Dorchester’s own land aforesaid. (This ½ acre to James Dorchester and ye 4 acres of Meadow of Osborn and 8 acres Woodland of Osborn to James Dorchester. Together with four acres on ye west side of ye Great River in ye neck, breadth 8 rod, Length from ye highway by ye Great River in ye neck, Breadth 8 rod, length from ye highway by ye Great River Side westward 80 rod, bounded north by James Bridgmena now Ssam. Marshfield, south by John Mathews.

Also adjoyning on ye North side of this four acres at ye West end in ye swamp by Agawam River of two acres more or less, breadth 8 rod, length 40, bounded north by Jonathan Bridgman now Sam Marshfield) All these parcels of land were registered May 30, 1656. Note—In the margin against the preceding grants is the following: Two acres of this four acres by Anthony Dorchester sold and fully passed away to Abel Wright his heirs and assigns forever, January 5th 1662 and Returned again to Anthony dorchester, Nov. 13, 1665 & the 6 acres in the Neck of Osborn to James Dorchester and his Heirs.
1657. Jan 13. Also by purchase from John Lumbard to Anthony Dorchester is possessed of one acre more or less, adjoyning to Anthony’s homelot above, bounded by Jonathan Taylor north. Registered January 13, 1657. (This one acre to James Dorchester.)

1657. Jan 25. Granted to Anthony Dorchester what land is yet undisposed of in the further Meadow over Agawam to ye quantity of 2 or 3 acres Lying at the South End of his own between the Land of John Leonard bought of Sam Marshfield and the upland.

Anthony Dorchester is possessed of a House Lot by purchase from Griffith Jones, viz four acres more or less, breadth 8 rod length 80 rod; bounded North by Jonathan Taylor, South by Reice Bedortha. (3rd bk p. 41)

Also a woodlot & wet meadow of six acres more or less. Breadth 8 rod; length extending from the Brook east 120 rod bounded North by John Matthews, south by Reice Bedortha.

The house lot and wet meadow and wood lot to James Dorchester. More bought of Hugh Parsons over the River in the Neck Two acres more or Less. Breadth r rod. Lenght extending from the River west 80 rod, bounded North by John Matthews, South by John Lumbard. This two acres is by Anthony Dorchester sold and passed away to John Lumbard, his heirs and assigns forever, this 25th of January 1657..

Also bought of Nathaniel Bliss over Agawam River in the 2nd Division five acres more or less. Breadth 10 rod, Lenght 80 rod from ye way by the Great River west, bounded north by a 3-corner piece lying next to Agawam River, south by George Langton.

Also said Anthony Dorchester bought five acres of Benjamin Parsons south of the above said five acres.
(Both these five acre lots descended to John Dorchester by the Courts Settlement of his father Dorchester’s estate.)

1858. Jun 2. Also by purchase from John Mathews of four acres more or less in the neck over the Great River breadth 8 rod length from ye Highway by ye Great River side westward to Agawam River 80 rod bounded by Jonathan Burt south.

(This four acres in the neck of Matthews to James Dorchester and his heirs.) Also by purchase from Sam. Wright of Seven acres of land over Agawam River lying at ye rear of Mr. Smith’s meadow lott breadth 14 rod, Length 80 rod, bounded by Thomas Merick west by John Clarke East.

1658. Aug 9. Also thereas Granted a parcel of (planting ground in) ye lower end of ye Chickobee Playne over ye Great River, Lying 3-cornerwise, bounded by ye Brook South by ye Town 30 acres North. This seven acres is by Anthony Dorchester sold and fully passed away to Jonathan Taylor and his assigns forever.

Also of two acres more or less of meadow upon ye North branch of ye Mill River, bounded by Sam. Chapin Southward down ye River by Reice Bedortha northward up ye River. (This two acres is descended to James Dorchester upon settlement of his father’s estate.) All these several parcels of land are by Jonathan Taylor sold and fully passed away to Anthony Dorchester, his heirs and assigns forever, and registered to Anthony Dorchester this 9th of August 1658.

1659. Jan 20. Also Anthony Dorchester hath purchased from Wm Brooks nine acres of land over Agawam River lying at ye reer of Mr. Smith and Deacon Wright’s Meadow land, being 18 rod broad and so running southward 80 rod in length, bounded by Thos. Stebbins west, Thos. Mirick East. Registered. Jan 20th 1659.

1660. Feb 12. Furthermore, There is granted by ye Selectmen to Anthony Dorchester 10 acres of land on ye back side of Chickobee Plains on the West Side of ye Great River, which land is to lye at or near ye backer end of certain lots which were his own in that plain. This 10 acres is said formerly granted to him which grant is now renewed. (1st Bk. P. 199)

1661. Jan 4. Also by purchase from Abel Wright of an acre and a half of meadow ground more or less lying over Agawam River breadth is 3 rod & 1/4; length 80 rod, bounded north west by said Anthony, his own land bought of James Osborn and also by his own land, bought of Abel Wright which was Benjamin Muns on the South East.

Also by purchase from Abel Wright of three acres more or less of meadow, lying over Agawam River, breadth 6 rod, length 80 rod bounded by John Leonard south east and Anthony Dorchester, his own land on ye northwest.

1661. Jan. 14. There is granted to Anthony Dorchester ten acres of land on ye back side of Chickobee Playne on the west side of ye Great River. This ten acres is by Anthony Dorchester sold and fully passed away to Riece Bedortha, his heirs and assigns forever.

Anthony Dorchester is by purchase from Riece Bedortha possessed of five acres of upland on ye west side of ye Great River & below Agawam River in breadth 10 rod, in length extending from ye Great River 80 rod westward bounded north by ye lott that was Griffith Jones, south by ye lot what was Benja. Cooleys. (John Dorchester having the five acres mentioned descending to him hath sold the same to James Sikes.)

1661. Jun 4. Anthony Dorchester is by Purchase from James Osborn possessed of Two acres of Meadow with the addition be it more or less, lying over Agawam River, breadth 6 rod and 1/4; length 80 rod, bounded south east by Anthony his own land which was John Harmons, northwest by Anthony, his own land bought of Samll Wright. Registered June 4th 1661.

1668. Feb 8. At a meeting of the Selectmen. Anthony Dorchester having a Parcel of land granted him in Chickobee Playne on ye west side of ye Great River at ye back end or west end of that land sometimes called Miles Mur(g)wins Lot, which grant was many years since and he hath possessed it and improved it several years and yet the record of it through some neglect is not to be found. The said land is now confirmed to him, viz, Six or seven acres, Robert Ashley, his land lying on the North side of it and Miles Morgans land on the South. (2nd Bk. Pg. 63)

1668. Dec 28. Anthony Dorchester is possessed by purchase from Jonathan Taylor of a House Lot containing seven acres more or less, the breadth at ye front next ye street is 8 rod and at 20 rod end it is 16 rod in breadth; ye length 80 rod from ye Street westward to ye Great River, bounded South by Anthony Dorchester’s own land, North by Mr. Holyoke which was John Mathews. (3rd Bk pg. 40)

Also of Two acres of wet meadow more or less opposite to this land at ye east end of it, with a wood lot of four acres, at ye east end of ye wet meadow. Breadth 8 rod, Length 80 rod from ye wet meadow westward, bounded north by Benj. Parsons, South by Anthony Dorchester, which he bought of James Osborn. (The house lot and 2 acre meadow and 4 acre wood lot to James Dorchester.)

Also of five acres in Longmeadow in ye upper field more or less breadth 11 rod and ½ length extending from ye east fence till ye said five acres be up (ye other part of ye lot being Wm. Branch and by him sold to George Colton), bounded North by Widow Bliss, South by Geo. Colton. This five acres is by Anthony Dorchester sold and fully passed away to John Bliss & to his heirs and assigns forever.

1669. Jan 14. At a meeting of the Selectmen. Granted to Anthony Dorchester about ten acres of swamp and low land lying beyond Agawam River where his Wet Meadow is betwixt the Hills against his wet meadow there. (2nd Bk. Pg. 75)

1672. Aug 20. At a meeting of the Selectmen all being present. Granted Anthony Dorchester 20 acres of Land of and about ye Dingle against his Land at Cowsuck Brook. (2nd Bk. Pg. 99/100)

1682. Apr 27. Anthony Dorchester is possessed by grant of the plantation of 4 acres of land that lyeth on the west side of his wet meadow that lyeth on the Northerly Branch of the 3 Mile Brook, this 4 acres lyeth on the west side of and adjoyneth to the meadow that the said Anthony Dorchester is now possessed of, it begineth at the South corner of his meadow, and so taketh in a small triangle of land which lyeth between the west side of the meadow and so runs up to a small brook. (3rd Bk; pg. 50)

Anthony Dorchester is by Grant of the Plantation possessed of 20 acres more or less of land upland swampy low land on the North side of Pecowsuck, lenght 100 rod, Breadth 32 rod and bounded easterly by a white oak marked by his own meadow southerly and westerly and northerly by common land. Registered 27 Apr 1682.

1697. May 15. Anthony Dorchester is by Grant of the Plantation possessed of Three acres of Land over the Mill River in Length extending from the Great River to the Brow of the Hill, and in Breadth 12 rod, Leaving a highway through it. This is to him, his Heirs, forever, this land is bounded by John Harmon South and by Nathaniel Wright North originally, but now is in the hand of John Dorchester. Registered May 15, 1697. (This three acres descended to James Dorchester as part of his portion of his father’s land settled so by the county court.) (This was registered 14 years after Anthony Dorchester’s death.)

1699. May 4. (Only 12 days before Elizabeth’s death–16 years after Anthony’s death) Anthony Dorchester is possessed of six or seven acres of land he having a parcel of land granted in Chickobee Playne on the west side of the Great River at the Backer end or west end of that land sometimes called Miles Murwin (Morgan) lot, which grant was made many years since and he hath possessed it and improved it several years, yet the record of it through some neglect is not to be found, the said land is now confirmed to him near six or seven acres, Robert Ashley his land lying on the North side of it and Miles Morgan land on the south. This is taken out of the least of the Old Town Book; and the said land being in the hands of Jonathan Taylor by way of exchange. It is also recorded to him 25 rods in breadth 44 rods in length, this land to him, his heirs and assigns forever. Registered May 4, 1699 by John Dorchester. (3rd Bk; pg. 89).

1685: May 2. An acquittance of John Harmon (Jr.)--husband of Mary Dorchester, to her brothers, John and James
Dorchester stating that he had already received the forty pounds due him upon the death of Anthony Dorchester who died intestate:
These gentlemen testify by oath that whereas Anthony Dorchester, deceased [died intestate] under which consideration the ... Corte [held in Springfield the 3rd of September Anno Dom 1684] made a distribution of the estate of the deceased Anthony Dorchester [awarding to his surviving children] according to law, and made his two sons, John Dorchester and James Dorchester administrators of the said estate of which estate the said Corte gave to me, John Harmon of Springfield and son-in-law to the said Dorchester deceased] forty pounds, which forty pounds I have already received of John and James Dorchester to my full satisfaction; therefore, I, John Harmon, do by these presents for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns acquit and forever discharge the said John and James Dorchester, their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns of all legacies, ... .... or ... due to me or my ... from the said estate. Witness my hand.
John Herman X (his mark)
In the presence of us:
John Richards
Thomas Vigers (his mark)
John Herman above subscribing his mark came personally and acknowledged the same that he was fully paid and did discharge and acquit John and James Dorchester formal payments as above said and make acknowledgment whereof and of this, his full acquittance, Sept. 18th, 1685.
Before John Pynchon
The above acquittance entered into the records on October 9, 1685 by John Holyoke.
Film 844,486 pg. 56AB