THIS IS A SIGN AT THE SAWYER-CARTER BRIDGE GOING OVER THE NASHUA RIVER IN LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS. IT READS: LANCASTER ON THE NASHUA 1653 SAWYER-CARTER BRIDGE NAMED FOR THE SAWYERS WHO OWNED MILLS HERE IN THE 18TH CENTURY AND THE CARTERS WHO OWNED SAW, GRIST AND FULLING MILLS HERE IN THE EARLY TO MID-19TH CENTURY.
Thomas Sawyer Gravestone, Old Settlers Burial Yard, Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts
Thomas Sawyer's head stone in the Old Settlers Burial Yard, Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts. It reads: "Thomas Sawer [note spelling] Died September 12 1706" Photo from findagrave.com This is the head stone, as there is also a foot stone.
Thomas Sawyer's foot stone in the Old Settlers Burial Yard, Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts. It reads: "About the 90 year of His Age" Photo from findagrave.com THIS IS A TRUE "FOOTSTONE" FOR THE SAME GRAVE. YOU DON'T SEE THESE VERY OFTEN. IT READS: ABOUT THE 90 YEAR OF HIS AGE
Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts. This large stone and plaque are at the former location of the Sawyer home and garrison. The plaque reads: "Site of Thomas Sawyer's Garrison-House. Between the Massacre of February 10, 1675-6, and the abandonment of the town, the inhabitants took refuge in the Stevens (Willard) and Sawyer Garrisons." Photo from findagrave.com
Old Settlers Grave Yard in Lancaster, Massachusetts
Sawyer, Thomas, died 1706, Lancaster, Massachusetts
Thomas Sawyer Died 1706, Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts
SAWYER'S Garrison Under Attack
10 Feb 1675, Lancaster, Massachusetts
Birth: 1616, Lincolnshire, England
Death: September 12, 1706, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA
In 1643 on ship commanded by Capt. Parker.
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Thomas Sawyer
Thomas Sawyer, born in England in 1615, came to Massachusetts with his two older brothers in 1635-1636. He was at Salem and Charleston for a time and in 1643 he went to Rowley with his brother Edward, who came over that year. He was known as the Rowley blacksmith. In 1647 he went to Lancaster, Massachusetts, where in 1647 he married Mary Prescott, daughter of John Prescott who founded Lancaster in 1643. John Prescott was the founder of the Prescott family in America. He was a blacksmith, surveyor, built roads, bridges, mills and was known as the father of Lancaster. He built the the first corn mill and the first saw mill. Thomas Sawyer raised a large family.
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THE SAWYER FAMILY
THOMAS (1) SAWYER, of Rowley and Lancaster, Massachusetts USA, was born in England about 1616. His father's name is said to have been JOHN. Thomas was one of "three brothers" (Thomas, Edward, and William) who came to Massachusetts after 1640. Thomas and Edward were at Rowley in 1643; in 1647 Thomas went to Lancaster. This is the oldest town in Worcester County; it was incorporated in 1653, but from 1676 to 1681 it was abondoned as unsafe, owing to Indian incursions during King Phiilip's War.
Thomas' will, dated March 6 1705/6, appointed his wife, Mary sole executrix. He named in it his eldest son Thomas, "other fouer sons" Joshua, James, Caleb and Nathaniel, and daughter Mary Wilder, widow of Lt. Nathaniel Wilder, who had been killed by Indians the 31st of July 1704.
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History of Thomas Sawyer
THE STORY OF MY ANCESTORS IN AMERICA BY REV. EDWIN SAWYER WALKER, A. M.
Tradition says that three emigrant brothers came over from Lincolnshire, England together as passengers in a ship commanded by Capt. Parker in 1636. They were Edward, William and Thomas. Rowley records show that a piece of land was set off to Thomas Sawyer, and another to Edward Sawyer in 1643, one of the boundries of each lot being upon the Ocean. Thomas soon removed to Lancaster, Massachusetts where he is on the list of proprietors of Lancaster in 1648. He took the Oath of Allegiance in 1647. He was one of the first six settlers and was one of the Prudential managers of the town in 1647. In 1654 he was admitted a freeman. His house was on the East Side of what is now the Main Street at South Lancaster, and next South of the home of his father-in-law, John Prescott. He was one of the leading men of the town all his life. There were only five full-fledged freeman in Lancaster in 1654 -- Edward Breck, Richard Smith, William Kerley, John Whitcomb and Thomas Sawyer. He was a prominent member of the church, and held many town offices.
The settlement increased and they lived in peace with the Indians for about twenty years, the Indians being useful in preparing and establishing homes. There appeared a warcloud in the distance. The Indians became unfriendly. The old Indian Chief, Massasoit had died and his mantle rightfully fell upon Wamsutta, his eldest grandson. The government had made a treaty with Massasoit which was faithfully maintained for fifty years. The government, before the death of Massasoit, sought to obligate Wamsutta and Mettacomet, his grandsons, to become citizens of that government, and had wrought upon their pride by giving them great names. Wamsutta was given the name of the Macedonian Emperor, Alexander, and Mettacomet was called Phillip, or King Phillip. These names were intended to work upon their vanity, thus inducing them to become citizens, they not knowing what a trap they were being caught in. After the death of Massasoit, Alexander was required to submit to the government as a citizen. He knew he was the rightfull ruler of the land which his grandfather ruled. He did not obey the government, but went to visit the Narragansett Indians. He afterwards retuned to his home. The government sent a posse to bring him before the magistrates. He was taken prisoner and brought before the magistrates which put him under such obligations as they choose. Wamsutta, alas Alexander, being now a prisoner, his feelings were much wrought upon, and he fell sick, and they sent him home to his own house, but kept him under guard until he died.
They had grain in Deerfield which they wished to procure, and sent teams for the purpose, and also sent the company of soldiers to protect the teams. The grain was loaded and started for home, with the soldiers protecting them. Going through a swamp near a brook they fell into an ambush by the Indians. The soldiers and teamsters were all killed, except one soldier and one teamster, who escaped to Hadley and carried the news. The brook where the massacre took place has always been known since as "Bloody Brook." After the massacre at Bloody Brook, 500 French and Indians went to Lancaster and after their arrival, Lancaster again became the scene of a bloody massacre. Thomas Sawyer's house again proved a safe defense against the Indians. Many of the French and Indians died in Lancaster, including a high ranking officer.
Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts. This large stone and plaque are at the former location of the Sawyer home and garrison. The plaque reads: "Site of Thomas Sawyer's Garrison-House. Between the Massacre of February 10, 1675-6, and the abandonment of the town, the inhabitants took refuge in the Stevens (Willard) and Sawyer Garrisons." Photo from findagrave.com
Old Settlers Grave Yard in Lancaster, Massachusetts
Sawyer, Thomas, died 1706, Lancaster, Massachusetts
Thomas Sawyer Died 1706, Lancaster, Worcester, Massachusetts
SAWYER'S Garrison Under Attack10 Feb 1675, Lancaster, Massachusetts
Birth: 1616, Lincolnshire, England
Death: September 12, 1706, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA
Thomas sailed to the new world from his home in Lincolnshire, England in 1636 with his two brothers, William, and Edward. He first settled in Ipswich, and Rowley, Massachusetts. In 1646 he moved west to what is now Lancaster, Massachusetts with 5 other families, thereby becoming the first settlers in that area. In 1648 he married Mary Prescott, daughter of John Prescott, and Mary Platt. Born to them were Thomas born 1649, Ephraim born 1651, Marie born 1653, Elizabeth born 1654, Joshua born 1656, James born 1657, Caleb born 1659, John born 1661, Elizabeth born 1664, Deborah born 1666, Nathaniel born 1670, Martha born 1673, and Hannah born ?
Thomas contributed much to the settlement and development of Lancaster. He served as Prudential Manager, Selectman, and Freeman. Not only a blacksmith, he was a builder as well, and, with his father-in-law, John Prescott, erected many saw mills and grist mills. Like most settlers, he was also a part-time soldier, and the Sawyer home was one of five garrison houses where town inhabitants took refuge during Indian raids. Son Ephraim died during the so-called Great Massacre of February 10, 1676, when King Philip, (an Indian chief given that name by the English, in order to flatter him) and some 1500 warriors attacked the town. Thomas Sawyer lived most of his life in a house on a low-lying lot beside the Nashua River, bordering Narrow Lane in South Lancaster near the Atherton Bridge. Thank you to Eleanor G. Sawyer for the biographical information taken from her book, "SAWYER FAMILIES II, EDWARD, WILLIAM, THOMAS 1636-2005" Penobscot Press. 2005
Burial: Old Settlers Burial Yard, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts, USA
Find A Grave Memorial# 22269043
Find A Grave Memorial# 22269043
found on findagrave.com
Co founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts
Thomas Sawyer 1613-1706, with John Prescott, co-founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts and hero of the Indian massacre of 1676.
Thomas Sawyer 1613-1706, with John Prescott, co-founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts and hero of the Indian massacre of 1676.
In 1643 on ship commanded by Capt. Parker.
found on ancestry.com
Thomas Sawyer
Thomas Sawyer, born in England in 1615, came to Massachusetts with his two older brothers in 1635-1636. He was at Salem and Charleston for a time and in 1643 he went to Rowley with his brother Edward, who came over that year. He was known as the Rowley blacksmith. In 1647 he went to Lancaster, Massachusetts, where in 1647 he married Mary Prescott, daughter of John Prescott who founded Lancaster in 1643. John Prescott was the founder of the Prescott family in America. He was a blacksmith, surveyor, built roads, bridges, mills and was known as the father of Lancaster. He built the the first corn mill and the first saw mill. Thomas Sawyer raised a large family.
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THE SAWYER FAMILY
THOMAS (1) SAWYER, of Rowley and Lancaster, Massachusetts USA, was born in England about 1616. His father's name is said to have been JOHN. Thomas was one of "three brothers" (Thomas, Edward, and William) who came to Massachusetts after 1640. Thomas and Edward were at Rowley in 1643; in 1647 Thomas went to Lancaster. This is the oldest town in Worcester County; it was incorporated in 1653, but from 1676 to 1681 it was abondoned as unsafe, owing to Indian incursions during King Phiilip's War.
THOMAS SAWYER was one of the first six settlers, and one of the Prudential Managers and Dividers of Land. In 1648 he married MARY(2) PRESCOTT, daughter of JOHN(1) PRESCOTT, the head man of the settlement; she was baptized at Sowerby, England, February twenty-fourth, 1630/1.
THOMAS SAWYER lived next south of his father-in-law, at Lancaster, on ground "recently [1884] occupied by the Seventh Day Advent Society, and now the residence of his descendant, Sally (Sawyer) Chase." He took part in King Philip's War, a garrison ("Sawyer's") being established on his land. In King Philip's attack, Frebruary tenth, 1675/6, his son Ephraim was killed, either at "Sawyer's" or at "Prescott's," in Clinton. All the Sawyers west of Middlesex County seem to have been descendants of THOMAS(1).
In the Lancaster Cemetery is his grave stone, inscribed as follows: THOMAS SAWYER Dec'd September 12 1706
[above copied from the book: A Munsey-Hopkins Genealogy, Author: D.O.S. Lowell, published Boston 1920. Call Number R929.2 M97]
[above copied from the book: A Munsey-Hopkins Genealogy, Author: D.O.S. Lowell, published Boston 1920. Call Number R929.2 M97]
During King Phillip's war the Sawyer house was one of the town garrisons and in the fierce attack of February 10, 1675/6 it escaped destruction, but Ephraim Sawyer, aged twenty-six, was killed at his grandfather Prescott's garrison house. Though the town had to be abandoned for about three years, the Sawyer's were one of the first families to return.
Thomas' will, dated March 6 1705/6, appointed his wife, Mary sole executrix. He named in it his eldest son Thomas, "other fouer sons" Joshua, James, Caleb and Nathaniel, and daughter Mary Wilder, widow of Lt. Nathaniel Wilder, who had been killed by Indians the 31st of July 1704.
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History of Thomas Sawyer
THE STORY OF MY ANCESTORS IN AMERICA BY REV. EDWIN SAWYER WALKER, A. M.
THOMAS SAWYER was one of these first settlers. Another was John Prescott, whose daughter, Marie Prescott, Thomas Sawyer married in 1648. There were nine families in the place in 1646, and but few additions were made to the number until 1653, when it was incorporated under the name of Lancaster. The next year, 1654, the names of twenty-five men, who were heads of families, were signed as "Townsmen," the full list giving the name of Thomas Sawyer, as the sixth in order. For the next twenty-one years the settlement increased and prospered, and friendly relations with the Indians were maintained. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Sawyer "set up a house near that of his father-in-law," Prescott, and followed the business of a blacksmith. In August, 1675, all the horrors of Indian warfare broke upon the town of Lancaster. Under the lead of King Philip, of Mount Hope, an attack was made, when eight persons were killed. On the 10th of February, 1676, another attack was made by King Philip, with a force of 1500 allies, consisting of Wampanoags, Narragansetts, Nipmucks, and Nashaways. They invested the town, which consisted of fifty families, in five distinct bodies and places. They were met by the heroic resistance of the settlers, but it was not until they had burned every house but two, and killed over fifty people, and carried away captive twenty more, that the awful work of devastation ceased. Than this, there is no bloodier chapter in New England history. The town was then utterly abandoned for four years, after which time the survivors returned, and rebuilt their desolated homes, and reared anew their family altars. The capture and death of King Philip, on August 12, 1676, just six months after the destruction of the town of Lancaster, closed the bloody drama, in which he was the chief actor, and for a time gave peace to the settlers. Thirteen years later, in 1689, King William's War, again sent the Indians on the war path. The Colonists were for the next eight years, subject to constant alarms. In September, 1697, another attack was made upon Lancaster, when Rev. John Whiting, the minister, and twenty of his people, were killed, gallantly fighting to the last. Soon after this came the peace of Ryswick, and for a time the settlers had rest. Through all these vicissitudes, and conflicts of border life, from 1644 to 1697, a period of fifty-three years, THOMAS SAWYER was an active participant; and one of the few, of the earliest settlers of Lancaster, who survived to see the close of the 17th century. He died in Lancaster, September 12, 1706, at the age of 80 years.
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Data: Thomas Sawyer
Sawyer, Thomas
The following data is extracted from Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.
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Tradition says that three brothers emigrated to America from Lincolnshire, England, sailing in a ship commanded by Captain Parker, and that their names were William, Edmund and Thomas Sawyer. They arrived in 1636, although Savage does not find William and Thomas until 1643. The fact that the Rowley records show that a tract of land was set off to Thomas Sawyer and another to Edward Sawyer in 1643, one of the boundaries of each lot being upon the ocean side, shows that the three brothers were William, Edward and Thomas, and that they came early in 1643 or just previous. Edmund came over seven years earlier and whether he was a brother of the others cannot be ascertained, but all agree that Thomas Sawyer was in Lancaster a few years after living at Rowley, and his descendants multiplied by the thousands.Thomas Sawyer was born in England in 1616 and died in 1706. The line of descent is through: (II) Thomas, Jr.; (III) William; (IV) Deacon Josiah; (V) Josiah, Jr.; (VI) Rufus; (VII) Addison; and (VIII) Eugene N. Sawyer. The biography of the first two ancestors follow.Thomas Sawyer was among the first emigrants to Lancaster. Richard Linton, Lawrence Waters and Thomas Bell had gifts of land in what was afterwards Lancaster as an inducement to settle there, Thomas Sawyer coming later. He was one of the nine persons in 1653 who organized the town, and gave it the name of Lancaster. He was a blacksmith and tiller of the soil, and one of the most conspicuous of the citizens. His farm was in the present grounds of the Seventh Day Adventists, between North Lancaster and Clinton. His house was just behind the house now or lately owned by John A. Rice of Lancaster. There is a stone to mark his grave in the old graveyard at Lancaster. This house was in the most central part of the Indian raid. He seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at or near the house of his grandfather, John Prescott. Thomas Sawyer's garrison proved a safe defense against the French and Indians. There was among their numbers a high French officer who it is said was mortally wounded while in the fight which much exasperated them. Lancaster remained desolate for some three years, and where the family of Sawyer resided during that time is not evident, but it is certain that they soon reappeared and helped rebuild the town, and he took a prominent part in its growth and prosperity during the next thirty years. It is now believed that John Sawyer of Lancashire, England, was the father of these three brothers who came to America.Thomas Sawyer took the oath of allegiance in 1647, and was on the list of proprietors in Lancaster in 1648. He was one of the first six settlers and one of the prudential managers of the town in 1647. He was admitted a freeman in 1654. He was a blacksmith by trade, and his house was on the east side of what is now Main Street, South Lancaster, next south of the home of his father-in-law, John Prescott. He was one of the leading men of the town all his life. He had command of one of the garrisons at the time of King Philip's War. There were only five full-fledged freemen in the town of Lancaster in 1654-Edward Breck, Richard Smith, William Kereley, John Whitcomb and Thomas Sawyer. He died September 12, 1720, aged about ninety years. His will was dated March 6, 1705-06, and proved April 12, 1720. He bequeathed to wife Mary, sons Thomas, Joshua, James, Caleb and Nathaniel, and daughter Mary Wilder. The latter testified that she had her father and mother during eight or nine months while her brother Thomas was in captivity. Her name and that of her mother was generally spelled Marie. Thomas Sawyer married Mary, daughter of John Prescott, a blacksmith, who came from Sowerby in the parish of Halifax, England, West Riding of Yorkshire, where he married Mary Blatts, a Yorkshire girl. He was born in Lancashire, and came to Lancaster, Massachusetts, in 164546, for the purpose of building up the town. He took the oath of allegiance in 1652. His family escaped the massacre and returned to the town in 1682. Children: Thomas, of further mention; Ephraim, killed by Indians at Prescott garrison; Mary; Elizabeth; Joshua; James; Caleb; John; Elizabeth; Deborah; Nathaniel.
12mamamooadded this on 1 Jun 2010
Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.
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From: webring.com
iii Thomas Sawyer born: August 1616, Lincolnshire, England, Baptized: 24 March 1629/30, Lincolnshire, England, Occupation: Yeoman/Blacksmith.
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Data: Thomas Sawyer
Sawyer, Thomas
The following data is extracted from Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.
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Tradition says that three brothers emigrated to America from Lincolnshire, England, sailing in a ship commanded by Captain Parker, and that their names were William, Edmund and Thomas Sawyer. They arrived in 1636, although Savage does not find William and Thomas until 1643. The fact that the Rowley records show that a tract of land was set off to Thomas Sawyer and another to Edward Sawyer in 1643, one of the boundaries of each lot being upon the ocean side, shows that the three brothers were William, Edward and Thomas, and that they came early in 1643 or just previous. Edmund came over seven years earlier and whether he was a brother of the others cannot be ascertained, but all agree that Thomas Sawyer was in Lancaster a few years after living at Rowley, and his descendants multiplied by the thousands.Thomas Sawyer was born in England in 1616 and died in 1706. The line of descent is through: (II) Thomas, Jr.; (III) William; (IV) Deacon Josiah; (V) Josiah, Jr.; (VI) Rufus; (VII) Addison; and (VIII) Eugene N. Sawyer. The biography of the first two ancestors follow.Thomas Sawyer was among the first emigrants to Lancaster. Richard Linton, Lawrence Waters and Thomas Bell had gifts of land in what was afterwards Lancaster as an inducement to settle there, Thomas Sawyer coming later. He was one of the nine persons in 1653 who organized the town, and gave it the name of Lancaster. He was a blacksmith and tiller of the soil, and one of the most conspicuous of the citizens. His farm was in the present grounds of the Seventh Day Adventists, between North Lancaster and Clinton. His house was just behind the house now or lately owned by John A. Rice of Lancaster. There is a stone to mark his grave in the old graveyard at Lancaster. This house was in the most central part of the Indian raid. He seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at or near the house of his grandfather, John Prescott. Thomas Sawyer's garrison proved a safe defense against the French and Indians. There was among their numbers a high French officer who it is said was mortally wounded while in the fight which much exasperated them. Lancaster remained desolate for some three years, and where the family of Sawyer resided during that time is not evident, but it is certain that they soon reappeared and helped rebuild the town, and he took a prominent part in its growth and prosperity during the next thirty years. It is now believed that John Sawyer of Lancashire, England, was the father of these three brothers who came to America.Thomas Sawyer took the oath of allegiance in 1647, and was on the list of proprietors in Lancaster in 1648. He was one of the first six settlers and one of the prudential managers of the town in 1647. He was admitted a freeman in 1654. He was a blacksmith by trade, and his house was on the east side of what is now Main Street, South Lancaster, next south of the home of his father-in-law, John Prescott. He was one of the leading men of the town all his life. He had command of one of the garrisons at the time of King Philip's War. There were only five full-fledged freemen in the town of Lancaster in 1654-Edward Breck, Richard Smith, William Kereley, John Whitcomb and Thomas Sawyer. He died September 12, 1720, aged about ninety years. His will was dated March 6, 1705-06, and proved April 12, 1720. He bequeathed to wife Mary, sons Thomas, Joshua, James, Caleb and Nathaniel, and daughter Mary Wilder. The latter testified that she had her father and mother during eight or nine months while her brother Thomas was in captivity. Her name and that of her mother was generally spelled Marie. Thomas Sawyer married Mary, daughter of John Prescott, a blacksmith, who came from Sowerby in the parish of Halifax, England, West Riding of Yorkshire, where he married Mary Blatts, a Yorkshire girl. He was born in Lancashire, and came to Lancaster, Massachusetts, in 164546, for the purpose of building up the town. He took the oath of allegiance in 1652. His family escaped the massacre and returned to the town in 1682. Children: Thomas, of further mention; Ephraim, killed by Indians at Prescott garrison; Mary; Elizabeth; Joshua; James; Caleb; John; Elizabeth; Deborah; Nathaniel.
12mamamooadded this on 1 Jun 2010
Biography and Genealogy of Western Massachusetts, 1639-1925.
found on ancestry.com
From: webring.com
iii Thomas Sawyer born: August 1616, Lincolnshire, England, Baptized: 24 March 1629/30, Lincolnshire, England, Occupation: Yeoman/Blacksmith.
Thomas died 12 September 1706, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Buried: 12 September 1706, Old Settlers Burial Field, Lancaster, Massachusetts.
Married 2 July 1648, in Rowley, Essex County, Massachusetts, Mary (Marie) Prescott, born 24 February 1629/30, Sowerby, Halifax, Yorkshire, England, Baptized: 24 February 1630/31, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England, (daughter of John Prescott and Mary Gawkroger Platts) died 12 April 1720, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Married 2 July 1648, in Rowley, Essex County, Massachusetts, Mary (Marie) Prescott, born 24 February 1629/30, Sowerby, Halifax, Yorkshire, England, Baptized: 24 February 1630/31, Halifax Parish, Yorkshire, England, (daughter of John Prescott and Mary Gawkroger Platts) died 12 April 1720, Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Tradition says that three emigrant brothers came over from Lincolnshire, England together as passengers in a ship commanded by Capt. Parker in 1636. They were Edward, William and Thomas. Rowley records show that a piece of land was set off to Thomas Sawyer, and another to Edward Sawyer in 1643, one of the boundries of each lot being upon the Ocean. Thomas soon removed to Lancaster, Massachusetts where he is on the list of proprietors of Lancaster in 1648. He took the Oath of Allegiance in 1647. He was one of the first six settlers and was one of the Prudential managers of the town in 1647. In 1654 he was admitted a freeman. His house was on the East Side of what is now the Main Street at South Lancaster, and next South of the home of his father-in-law, John Prescott. He was one of the leading men of the town all his life. There were only five full-fledged freeman in Lancaster in 1654 -- Edward Breck, Richard Smith, William Kerley, John Whitcomb and Thomas Sawyer. He was a prominent member of the church, and held many town offices.
The settlement increased and they lived in peace with the Indians for about twenty years, the Indians being useful in preparing and establishing homes. There appeared a warcloud in the distance. The Indians became unfriendly. The old Indian Chief, Massasoit had died and his mantle rightfully fell upon Wamsutta, his eldest grandson. The government had made a treaty with Massasoit which was faithfully maintained for fifty years. The government, before the death of Massasoit, sought to obligate Wamsutta and Mettacomet, his grandsons, to become citizens of that government, and had wrought upon their pride by giving them great names. Wamsutta was given the name of the Macedonian Emperor, Alexander, and Mettacomet was called Phillip, or King Phillip. These names were intended to work upon their vanity, thus inducing them to become citizens, they not knowing what a trap they were being caught in. After the death of Massasoit, Alexander was required to submit to the government as a citizen. He knew he was the rightfull ruler of the land which his grandfather ruled. He did not obey the government, but went to visit the Narragansett Indians. He afterwards retuned to his home. The government sent a posse to bring him before the magistrates. He was taken prisoner and brought before the magistrates which put him under such obligations as they choose. Wamsutta, alas Alexander, being now a prisoner, his feelings were much wrought upon, and he fell sick, and they sent him home to his own house, but kept him under guard until he died.
The rightfull authority of Massasoit now fell upon his second grandson, Mettacomet. He considered that his brother's death was caused by the ill-treatment of the whites. The government now summoned Mettacomet, alias King Phillip, to appear before the magistrates. He refused and instead fled to the interior where the white men could not catch him. King Philip enlisted the help of other Indian tribes and on February 10, 1675 he entered Lancaster with a band of 1500 warriors. Thomas Sawyer, whose house was in the most central part of the Indian raid, seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at the house of his grandfather, John Prescot. Lancaster was abandoned for some three years. After the re-building of Lancaster Thomas Sawyer took a conspicuous part in the growth and prosperity of the town during the next 30 years. In 1705 a war broke out between England and France. The French enlisted a band of 700 French half-breeds to raid the British colonies. The Colonists had anticipated trouble and procured a company of Government troops called the "Flower of Essex" for their protection, and were building a stockade for their defense, intending to winter there.
They had grain in Deerfield which they wished to procure, and sent teams for the purpose, and also sent the company of soldiers to protect the teams. The grain was loaded and started for home, with the soldiers protecting them. Going through a swamp near a brook they fell into an ambush by the Indians. The soldiers and teamsters were all killed, except one soldier and one teamster, who escaped to Hadley and carried the news. The brook where the massacre took place has always been known since as "Bloody Brook." After the massacre at Bloody Brook, 500 French and Indians went to Lancaster and after their arrival, Lancaster again became the scene of a bloody massacre. Thomas Sawyer's house again proved a safe defense against the Indians. Many of the French and Indians died in Lancaster, including a high ranking officer.
His gravestone in the old settlers' buring ground at Lancaster read: "Thomas Sawyer died Sept. 12, 1706, about the 90th year of his age." Mary: John Prescott, the father of Mary, was the founder of Lancaster, Massachusetts. He was born in Standish, England in 1604. He married Mary Platts at Wygan, Lancashire, January 21, 1629; he died in America in 1683. He left England to avoid persecution. In 1638 he landed at Barbadoes, where he bought land. In 1640 he came to New England and settled in Watertown. In 1643, with Thomas King and others, he purchased "Nashaway" (a part of which is now Lancaster), and became one of the earliest settlers. Nourse, in his "Annals of Lancaster" says the town would have been named "Prescott" had its founder been a freeman; but he had never given public adhesion to the established church covenant, and was therefore incapable of voting or holding office. In 1669, however, he was admitted freeman. He was a farmer, blacksmith and millwright.
John Prescott was a heroic figure in the early history of Lancaster and Groton. He brought with him a metallic coat of mail, which he sometimes wore when dealing with the savages; this served to impress them, as his force, capacity and judgment did his white neighbors. Nourse calls him an "ideal pioneer" a "true builder of the nation." He distinquished himself for bravery and leadership in the Indian Wars. He served in the garrison at Lancaster and in the defense of the town against the Indians on August 21, 1675 and February 10, 1676. He had a numerous family of descendants, many of whom have been persons of great ability and distinction.
His great-grandson, Colonel William Prescott, was chief in command at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Another descendant was William H. Prescott, the famous historian of the "Conquest of Mexico," "Conquest of Peru." At the time of his death, in 1683, his family had become one of the wealthiest and most influential in Massachusetts. John and Mary (Platt) Prescott had eight children. Mary Prescott was born in England. At the age of eighteen she married Thomas Sawyer of Lancaster, and by him became the mother of eleven children. She survived her husband, who died on September 12, 1706. By the marriage of Mary Prescott in 1648, the name of Prescott was merged in that of Sawyer; and in 1812 the name of Sawyer was merged in that of Munsey.
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Lancaster At War
1675 - 1676 , Lancaster, Massachusetts
The settlement (Lancaster) increased and they lived in peace with the Indians for about twenty years, the Indians being useful in preparing and establishing homes. There appeared a warcloud in the distance. The Indians became unfriendly. The old Indian Chief, Massasoit had died and his mantle rightfully fell upon Wamsutta, his eldest grandson. The government had made a treaty with Massasoit which was faithfully maintained for fifty years. The government, before the death of Massasoit, sought to obligate Wamsutta and Mettacomet, his grandsons, to become citizens of that government, and had wrought upon their pride by giving them great names. Wamsutta was given the name of the Macedonian Emperor, Alexander, and Mettacomet was called Phillip, or King Phillip. These names were intended to work upon their vanity, thus inducing them to become citizens, they not knowing what a trap they were being caught in. After the death of Massasoit, Alexander was required to submit to the government as a citizen. He knew he was the rightfull ruler of the land which his grandfather ruled. He did not obey the government, but went to visit the Narragansett Indians. He afterwards retuned to his home. The government sent a posse to bring him before the magistrates. He was taken prisoner and brought before the magistrates which put him under such obligations as they choose. Wamsutta, alas Alexander, being now a prisoner, his feelings were much wrought upon, and he fell sick, and they sent him home to his own house, but kept him under guard until he died. The rightfull authority of Massasoit now fell upon his second grandson, Mettacomet. He considered that his brother's death was caused by the ill-treatment of the whites. The government now summoned Mettacomet, alias King Phillip, to appear before the magistrates. He refused and instead fled to the interior where the white men could not catch him. King Philip enlisted the help of other Indian tribes and on February 10, 1675 he entered Lancaster with a band of 1500 warriors. Thomas Sawyer, whose house was in the most central part of the Indian raid, seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at the house of his grandfather, John Prescot. Lancaster was abandoned for some three years. After the re-building of Lancaster Thomas Sawyer took a conspicuous part in the growth and prosperity of the town during the next 30 years. In 1705 a war broke out between England and France. The French enlisted a band of 700 French half-breeds to raid the Brithish colonies. The Colonists had anticipated trouble and procured a company of Government troops called the "Flower of Essex" for their protection, and were building a stockade for their defense, intending to winter there. They had grain in Deerfield which they wished to procure, and sent teams for the purpose, and also sent the company of soldiers to protect the teams. The grain was loaded and started for home, with the soldiers protecting them. Going through a swamp near a brook they fell into an ambush by the Indians. The soldiers and teamsters were all killed, except one soldier and one teamster, who escaped to Hadley and carried the news. The brook where the massacre took place has always been known since as "Bloody Brook." After the massacre at Bloody Brook, 500 French Indians went to Lancaster and after their arrival, Lancaster again became the scene of a bloody massacre. Thomas Sawyer's house again proved a safe defense against the Indians. Many of the French and Indians died in Lancaster, including a high ranking officer. His gravestone in the old settlers' burying ground at Lancaster read: "Thomas Sawyer died Sept. 12, 1706, about the 90th year of his age."
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Lancaster Garrison Houses
1676 and 1697 , Lancaster, Massachusetts
Lancaster Garrison Houses (1676, 1697), Lancaster and South Lancaster Only 15 militia soldiers protected this town in 1676. The Reverend Joseph Rowlandson Garrison was destroyed in the attack. It was located at Main Street and Whitcomb Drive, now the grounds of Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster. A marker is nearby. The Stevens' Garrison was at Center Bridge Road near Neck Road. The Sawyer Garrison was at Main and Prescott Streets. There were three other garrison houses at this time. The Roper Garrison was attacked in 1697 during King William's War. It was located at George Hill Road and Langden Road in South Lancaster.
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Son Killed In Indian Raid
Lancaster, Massachusetts
Thomas Sawyer was among the first emigrants to Lancaster. Richard Linton, Lawrence Waters and Thomas Bell had gifts of land in what was afterwards Lancaster as an inducement to settle there, Thomas Sawyer coming later. He was one of the nine persons in 1653 who organized the town, and gave it the name of Lancaster. He was a blacksmith and tiller of the soil, and one of the most conspicuous of the citizens. His farm was in the present grounds of the Seventh Day Adventists, between North Lancaster and Clinton. His house was just behind the house now or lately owned by John A. Rice of Lancaster. There is a stone to mark his grave in the old graveyard at Lancaster. This house was in the most central part of the Indian raid. He seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at or near the house of his grandfather, John Prescott. Thomas Sawyer's garrison proved a safe defense against the French and Indians. There was among their numbers a high French officer who it is said was mortally wounded while in the fight which much exasperated them. Lancaster remained desolate for some three years, and where the family of Sawyer resided during that time is not evident, but it is certain that they soon reappeared and helped rebuild the town, and he took a prominent part in its growth and prosperity during the next thirty years.
found on ancestry.com
Sawyer's Garrison
10 February 1675/6, Lancaster, Massachusetts
During King Phillip's war the Sawyer house was one of the town garrisons and in the fierce attack of February 10, 1675/6 it escaped destruction, but Ephraim Sawyer, aged twenty-six, was killed at his grandfather Prescott's garrison house.
found on ancestry.com
Lancaster At War
1675 - 1676 , Lancaster, Massachusetts
The settlement (Lancaster) increased and they lived in peace with the Indians for about twenty years, the Indians being useful in preparing and establishing homes. There appeared a warcloud in the distance. The Indians became unfriendly. The old Indian Chief, Massasoit had died and his mantle rightfully fell upon Wamsutta, his eldest grandson. The government had made a treaty with Massasoit which was faithfully maintained for fifty years. The government, before the death of Massasoit, sought to obligate Wamsutta and Mettacomet, his grandsons, to become citizens of that government, and had wrought upon their pride by giving them great names. Wamsutta was given the name of the Macedonian Emperor, Alexander, and Mettacomet was called Phillip, or King Phillip. These names were intended to work upon their vanity, thus inducing them to become citizens, they not knowing what a trap they were being caught in. After the death of Massasoit, Alexander was required to submit to the government as a citizen. He knew he was the rightfull ruler of the land which his grandfather ruled. He did not obey the government, but went to visit the Narragansett Indians. He afterwards retuned to his home. The government sent a posse to bring him before the magistrates. He was taken prisoner and brought before the magistrates which put him under such obligations as they choose. Wamsutta, alas Alexander, being now a prisoner, his feelings were much wrought upon, and he fell sick, and they sent him home to his own house, but kept him under guard until he died. The rightfull authority of Massasoit now fell upon his second grandson, Mettacomet. He considered that his brother's death was caused by the ill-treatment of the whites. The government now summoned Mettacomet, alias King Phillip, to appear before the magistrates. He refused and instead fled to the interior where the white men could not catch him. King Philip enlisted the help of other Indian tribes and on February 10, 1675 he entered Lancaster with a band of 1500 warriors. Thomas Sawyer, whose house was in the most central part of the Indian raid, seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at the house of his grandfather, John Prescot. Lancaster was abandoned for some three years. After the re-building of Lancaster Thomas Sawyer took a conspicuous part in the growth and prosperity of the town during the next 30 years. In 1705 a war broke out between England and France. The French enlisted a band of 700 French half-breeds to raid the Brithish colonies. The Colonists had anticipated trouble and procured a company of Government troops called the "Flower of Essex" for their protection, and were building a stockade for their defense, intending to winter there. They had grain in Deerfield which they wished to procure, and sent teams for the purpose, and also sent the company of soldiers to protect the teams. The grain was loaded and started for home, with the soldiers protecting them. Going through a swamp near a brook they fell into an ambush by the Indians. The soldiers and teamsters were all killed, except one soldier and one teamster, who escaped to Hadley and carried the news. The brook where the massacre took place has always been known since as "Bloody Brook." After the massacre at Bloody Brook, 500 French Indians went to Lancaster and after their arrival, Lancaster again became the scene of a bloody massacre. Thomas Sawyer's house again proved a safe defense against the Indians. Many of the French and Indians died in Lancaster, including a high ranking officer. His gravestone in the old settlers' burying ground at Lancaster read: "Thomas Sawyer died Sept. 12, 1706, about the 90th year of his age."
found on ancestry.com
Lancaster Garrison Houses
1676 and 1697 , Lancaster, Massachusetts
Lancaster Garrison Houses (1676, 1697), Lancaster and South Lancaster Only 15 militia soldiers protected this town in 1676. The Reverend Joseph Rowlandson Garrison was destroyed in the attack. It was located at Main Street and Whitcomb Drive, now the grounds of Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster. A marker is nearby. The Stevens' Garrison was at Center Bridge Road near Neck Road. The Sawyer Garrison was at Main and Prescott Streets. There were three other garrison houses at this time. The Roper Garrison was attacked in 1697 during King William's War. It was located at George Hill Road and Langden Road in South Lancaster.
found on ancestry.com
Son Killed In Indian Raid
Lancaster, Massachusetts
Thomas Sawyer was among the first emigrants to Lancaster. Richard Linton, Lawrence Waters and Thomas Bell had gifts of land in what was afterwards Lancaster as an inducement to settle there, Thomas Sawyer coming later. He was one of the nine persons in 1653 who organized the town, and gave it the name of Lancaster. He was a blacksmith and tiller of the soil, and one of the most conspicuous of the citizens. His farm was in the present grounds of the Seventh Day Adventists, between North Lancaster and Clinton. His house was just behind the house now or lately owned by John A. Rice of Lancaster. There is a stone to mark his grave in the old graveyard at Lancaster. This house was in the most central part of the Indian raid. He seems to have escaped with all his numerous family, with the exception of his son Ephraim, who was killed at or near the house of his grandfather, John Prescott. Thomas Sawyer's garrison proved a safe defense against the French and Indians. There was among their numbers a high French officer who it is said was mortally wounded while in the fight which much exasperated them. Lancaster remained desolate for some three years, and where the family of Sawyer resided during that time is not evident, but it is certain that they soon reappeared and helped rebuild the town, and he took a prominent part in its growth and prosperity during the next thirty years.
found on ancestry.com
Sawyer's Garrison
10 February 1675/6, Lancaster, Massachusetts
During King Phillip's war the Sawyer house was one of the town garrisons and in the fierce attack of February 10, 1675/6 it escaped destruction, but Ephraim Sawyer, aged twenty-six, was killed at his grandfather Prescott's garrison house.
Though the town had to be abandoned for about three years, the Sawyer's were one of the first families to return
found on ancestry.com
found on ancestry.com
Thank you so much for posting all this information. I've just discovered how deep my roots are in early Massachusetts, and its wonderful to be able to find so much information. I share many of the first immigrants I've found on your website - what a thrill to find so many "cousins". I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada, but am planning a visit to New England, and thanks to your website now have many more places to visit. And I'll be able to pass on this knowledge to my grandchildren - information my American grandfather didn't have when he died at 90 in thirty years ago.
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ReplyDeleteHello - I just thought you should know that the grave site of Thomas Sawyer in Lancaster is in the Old Burying Ground, behind the "Center Cemetery" (as I saw it called). I know this because I have been there. The pictures you provide above tell the tale - what you have listed as the Old Settlers Grave Yard is a lot more open than the pictures of Thomas Sawyer's grave, which show a more heavily forested area. No worries, here's how you get to the real one: for a point of reference, the prospective visitor would want to go near the Thayer Music Academy in Lancaster (a giant yellow mansion that's hard to miss) and then head for the cemetery nearest to it. When you are across from this building the cemetery is visible.
ReplyDeleteThe tricky part is that you actually have to go behind it to find the older one. It's in the forest on the other side of some old train tracks, that are no longer in use. Step over the train tracks and once they are behind you, turn to face a rock with a number on it. Walking towards it reveals a path to your right before you get there, dipping down in between some trees. Following it a few steps opens up into the cemetery. It contains the graves of Thomas Sawyer, John Prescott, Mary Prescott (of the Gawkrogers of Platts) and others.
Here is a link to a photo I took of Thomas Sawyer's grave, submitted: http://o.mfcreative.com/f4/file14/objects/c/0/b/e/ec0be3f7-e024-4bd6-b0ac-3caa3780da76-0.jpg
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