General Notes

[Joanne's Tree.1 GED.GED]

2  SOUR S332582
3  DATA
4  TEXT Date of Import: 14 Jan 2004


[daveanthes.FTW]

Philip Fowler and wife came to New England in the "Mary and John" from London, along with Margaret, their daughter.  He embarked with his family in the "Mary and John" of London, Robert Sayres, Master.  While lying in the river Thames, they "were made stay of untill further order" from the Council on 28 February 1633/1634, owing to misrepresentation of the colonies by its enemies which had reached England.  The Master was required, among other things, to give a bond of 100 lbs. that the service of the Church of England should be said daily on board and be attended by the passengers.  And before the ship was allowed to leave Southampton, London, England, Philip and all other passengers were also  required to take the "Oathes of Allegiance and Supremacie", which they did on 24th of March 1633-1634.

In The Osgood Family, Field states that Margery's father was Joseph Fowler, not Philip.  However, all other sources show that margery's father was indeed Philip Fowler.

The History of Amesbury states that "he was born in Wales, probably came over with.... and, it is said, served seven years for his passage to America."  That this was true about Thomas Fowler seems doubtful since his deposition shows that in his boyhood he lived in Marlborough, Witlshire, England which was the home of Anthony Morse and of his uncle, Philip Fowler, clothworker.

Philip and his family arrived in New England in May 1634.  He received a grant of land in Ipswich, Essex Co., Mass in 1634 on which he settled and where he resided until his death.  On January 5, 1634/35 the town of Ipswich "Given and granted unto John Webster, and unto Mathias Currin (Curwen), and until Philip Fowler, and unto William Moody, and unto Thomas Dorman, and unto Christopher Osgood, and unto Joseph Medcalf, to each of them, four acres of meadow and marsh ground as it will arise in 20 poles or rods, by the land side, unto them, their heirs or assigns, lying northward of the Town, the marsh is not limited unto them."  On January 26, 1634/35, "Given and granted unto Mr. (Richard Wa(ttles), Mr. (John) Fawn and to Philip Fowler, and to Goodman Adrews, and to Christopher Osgood, a Hill of ground containing 30 acres of land, unto each of them 6 acres of land and unto their heirs forever."  On 3 Sept. 1634, he took the Freeman's Oath.

April 20, 1635, "Granted to Philip Fowler, thirty-four acres of land lying on the northwest side of the mile river, having the land of Richard Jacob on the northeast, and Mr. Woomansey's farm on the sourthwest. Likewise ten acres in Jeffries neck, lying between John Hassal and Robert Andrews.  Likewise six acres of meadow lying towards the neck, having the little neck on the northeast, Christopher Osgood on the northwest, and Mr. Thomas Bresey on the southwest.  Likewise six acres of planting ground on the hill north side of the town, having Christopher Osgood's towards the northwest and George Varnham southeast.  Also an house lot in High Street, having Michael Cartwright on the northwest, and John Hassall on the southeast, to enjoy to him, his heirs and assigns forever."

In 1636 "Granted Philip Fowler, one house lot in the cross street called the meeting house lane, being about one acre of ground, having John Gage his house lot on the southeast, and Thomas Scott's houselot on the northwest.  Also ten acres of upland lying beyond Muddy river, within the common fence, having ten acres of the like land of John Webster's on the southeast, and ten acres of Christopher Osgood's on the northwest.  Also six acres of meadow near the highway to Jeffries neck, having a parcel of meadow of Mr. (John) Tuttle's on the south, and a parcel of meadow of Christopher Osgood's on the north."  And on July 13, 1636 Philip Fowler, with Thomas Dudley (Governor of Massachusetts), and Robert Lord, all of Ipswich, witnessed the Will of Widow Sarah Dillingham.

On the 1st instance, 12th month (Dec. 1) 1641/2 he witnessed a deed of Christopher Osgood (his son-in-law).

His will, as recorded in Essex Probate Book 1: 234, reads:

"I, Christopher Osgood of Ipswich, being weake in body, but of perfect understandinge & memory, doe comitt my soule into the hands of my redeemer, & concerning that little Estate the Lord hath lent mee, this is my last will & testament.

First, I do give unto my oldest daughter Mary Osgood, ten pounds, to be paid her or her assigns at her day of marriage, & to my other three daughters, Abigail, Elisabeth & Deborah, five pounds to each of them, to be paid to them, and every of them, at or upon their respective dayes of marriage.

And to my sonne Christopher Osgood, I do give my house and lands, to have & enjoy the same, at the age of two & twentie yeares.  And my will is, that my beloved wife Margery Osgood, shal be the sole executrix of this my will, & to enjoy the proffitt & benefitt of my estate, duringe the minority of my children, as abovesaid.  And lastly, I doe request and desire Mr. John Norton, and my Father Phillip Fowler, to be overseers, that this my will be performed, according to the true intent thereof.

In witness heere of, I have subscribed my hand, the nineteenth day of Aprill, 1650.

Christopher Osgood

I do also desire our respected Major (Daniel Denison) to a joyne with Mr. Norton & my Father.

Witness.
       Nathaniel Mathew.
       Joseph Rowlandson.
       Daniel Rolfe.

Memorandum which was forgotten, my will is, that my oldest daughter marry not, with the desire of my wife & the consent of my overseers, & that my younger daughters, marry not without the consent of their mother & the advice of the overseers, if it may be had, and that their several portions be paid unto them when they shall attaine the age of twenty yeares, if they be not marryed before that age.

Christopher Osgood

Proved by the oath of Daniel Rolfe, the 10th of the 8th mo. 1650, per me. Robert Lord."

Philip was on a Jury of Trials at Ipswich Court the first month, 29th day of 1642.  At a meeting of the Freemen in 1646, he was chosen to judge of defaults with William Adams.  He was elected Surveyor February 27, 1648/49; February 27, 1654/55; February 25, 1655/56; and February 17, 1656/57.  On April 7, 1662, he was chosen Surveyor of fences from the common fence gate to Jeffery's neck.

In 1647 he was allowed 7 shillings 8 pence by the town for his work at the watch-house which was to be paid by the constables.  On the 6th of the 12th month of 1647/48, he and John Woodam were to build the chimney at the watch house and do what clapboarding was needed.  They were to receive 8 lbs., 6 shillings, 8 pence -- receiving half their pay when they began and the rest when they finished.  As a surveyor Philip was to ensure that a wharf for the town's use, voted on December 23, 1656, was completed.

In 1648/49, Philip gave testimony at Court on behalf of Humphrey Broadstreete of Ipswich in regard to his land.

In 1650 Philip "in regard of age, is freed from ordinary Trayning", showing that he was then sixty years of age.

Philip witnessed the agreement between Thomas Rowell of Salisbury and Margery Osgood (his daughter) in a marriage contract on Febryar 24, 1650/51.

In 1651, "Philip Fowler the elder, of Ipswich, did come before me, and in the presence of Joseph his sonne, & Martha his wife, & with their full & free consent, did adopt as his sonne, Phillip, the sonne of the sd. Joseph & Martha, to be as his sonne.  Samuel Symonds."

In 1656, the Selectmen of Ipswich were to divide their twon into classes of five, six and ten and appoint a class-leader for the purpose of spining.  They were to assess each family a quarter, half or whole spinner, according to its other occupation.  Each family which could furnish one spinner should spin for thirty weeks in a years, three pounds of linen, collon and Woollen (monthly) and so proportionably, for a half or quarter spinner, on fine of 12d a month, for each pound short.  The commons were to be cleared for sheep.  The seed of hemp and flax to be save.  Under this division, on March 13, Philip was assessed for half a spinner 45 lbs.

On February 16, 1658/59, a Committee selected to determine who had right to Commonage and "what else they conceive may conduce to the good of the Town" were "as followeth viz:--Our two honored Magistrates, our teaching and ruling Elders, Mr. Wade, George Giddings, Philip Fowler, Joseph Medcalf, Thomas Hart."  On March 30, 1658/59 "atourney Phillip Fowler" gave an additional inventory of the estate of Humphrey Gilbert.

Mary, wife of Philip, died on August 30, 1659.  He entered soon afterward into a marriage contract.

"Know all men by these presents, that I, Phillip Fowler of Ipswich, in the county of Essex, clothworker, for & In consideration of a contract of marriage with Mary Norton, widow, doe grant unto her as followeth, viz: that if it please the Lord the mariage intended be compleated, and she the sayd Mary my intended wife do survive, I doe covenant & grant unto her that she shall injoye all my house and lands, with the appurtenances & privilidges thereunto belonging, untill my sonn Phillip (provided I make him my heir), shall come of age, and when he comes of age, I do grant unto her, that she shall possess and enjoy the chamber over the hall, with the table forms & cabbin beds, as alsoe the garretts & halfe the orchyard, and halfe the grasse of the close, & my six acres of land upon the hill, and the inward cellar to her owne proper use & behoofe, and alsoe liberty to make use of the lower roome for her necessary ocasions, with free liberty to make use of the well in the cellar to fetch watter, & all these to enjoye during the tyme of her natural life, and then to return unto my children, or who of them, I shall dispose them unto, and further doe grant her liberty of barne roome to lay in her corne, and two load of hay, with roome in the cowe house for to sett two cowes, & grasse, for to make two loads of hay a yeare, for the tyme of her life, as aforesayd.  In wittness whereof, I have hereunto sett my hand & seale, the 27th of February, 1659.
Signed, sealed and delivered, in the presence of us,
William Norton. Phillip Fowler (with a marke & seal)
Daniel Davison (with a marke).
Robert Lord.

Phillip Fowler acknowledged this wrighting, to be his act & deed, before me.  Daniell Denison.  February 27th, 1659"

On February 19, 1660/61, the town granted Philip five acres of march. On February 10, 1661/62, he was granted land at the west meadow.

On November 22, 1660, the Court issued a writ against "Philip Fowler, and Mary his wife, executrix to the estate of her late Husband, George Norton,...for L30, on complaint of Mr. William Norton, aturney to Mr. Emanuel Downing."  The was cas continued November 23, 1665, when a case was made by Phillip Fowler, and Mary his wife, as plaintiff, against Roger Preston, defendant, in an action of debt of 18 lbs, due for rent, and damages, according to attachment, dated 13th, 9th mo., 1665.  The jury found for the plaintiff, 19 lbs damages, and 24s. 8d., cost, 28th, 9th mo., 1665.  Robert Lord his atorney acknowledged a judgment of 18s.2d., due to Mr. William Norton, 28th, 9th mo., 1665. It seems that on August 4, 1656, Lucie Downing of Salem, with the consent of her husband Emanuell Downing, let and farmed to George Norton, sometime of Salem, carpenter, her farm called Groton, in Salem, near to Gov. Endicott's for the term of ten years, from Marych 1 1655/56 for 18 lbs per annum.  Then on March 14, 1658/59, an agreement was made between George Norton and Roger Preston for the lease "of the farme the said Norton now dwelleth on".

Philip witnessed a deed of William Wild of Ipswich to Robert Andrews of Topsfield on July 26, 1661.  On October 19, 1661, he with wife Mary gave testimony at Court concerning a defect in the highway.

In 1658/59, he is listed as a clothworker.

Phillip's residence in 1663 was in High Street, on the south side, adjoining the house lots of John Woodam and Philip Call.  In May 11, 1663 Phillip made an agreement by which he delivered to Philip Bill of "Jubaque," "two young heifers, with him to abide and continue for the terme of seven years".  Philip Bill left the jurisdiction and Philip entered a suit against him on November 8, 1668 and appointed his grandchild Phillip to be his attorney.

He owned single share four on the "list of the inhabitants that have shares in Plum Island, Castle Neck and Hog Island."

After having given trades to his children and living to see them all settled in life, Philip selected his grandson, Philip, his namesake, to take care of him in his old age.  In 1668 he gave a Deed of Gift to his grandson Philip which read:

"This present writing witnesseth, that I, Philip Ffowler of Ipswich, in the county of Essex, clothworker, for and in considderation of that naturall affection I doe beare unto my Grandchild Phillip Ffowler, as also in considderation of his being with me, and doeing my business for me, as formerly, I doe by these presents freely give and grant, and by these fully confirme, unto him the sayd Phillip, my grandchild, all that my now dwelling house and lands I stand now possesst off, after my decease (exsepting what by agreement with my wife upon mariage, wch is put in writing and recorded), for him, the sayd Phillip, my Grandchild, Imediatly after my decease.  To have * to hould, and quietly and peaceably to enjoy, unto him & his heires & assignes forever, all that my sayd houses and lands, with all and every, the apptenances & prevaldges, thereunto belonging, exsept as aforesayd, what is granted to my wife, dureing her naturall life, and after her decease, the whole to be and remaine unto him the sayd Phillip, my Grandchild, his heires and assignes, for ever, provided still, that if by the providence of God, I shall be forct for nesasary subsitance to sell any pt. thereof, wch in such case I reserve liberty to doe, provided, if he the sayd Phillip, dye without isue, then to returne unto his Brother Joseph, & if Joseph dye without isue, then to be & remaine his brother John, provided alwayes, that if my Grandchild Phillip, leaves a wife behind him when he dye, then she shall enjoy it dureing her naturall life, & then to be & returne, as above exprest. In wittnes whereof, I the sayd Phillip Ffowler, have sett to my hand and seale, dated the 23 of December, Anno Dom. 1668.

Signed Sealed & dl in the presence of us,
Richard Rimball (the marke of). Phillip Ffowler
John Severance. (the marke of with a green seal)
Robert Lord.

Acknowledged before me Apr. 29, 1670.  Daniel Denison.  Recorded May the 6th, 1670"  Essex Deeds, Bk. 3; 152.

A law was passed in December 1669 that stated none shall ride upon the foot causeway that lead through the streets towards the meeting house with horses upon the penalty of 12 pence for every time.  Philip Fowler was to see to the performance of this order and take the forfeits for which he was to have one half to himself and the other to the town.

In 1671, "We whose names are under-written, doe testifie (that in ye case one thousand six hundred thirty & five), the building of a mill in Ipswich, (with all appertenances), was granted to Richard Saltonstall, and it was provided in the grant aforesayd, that the Towne of Ipswich, being duely served by the sayd Mill, shall imploy the same, by grinding their corne thereat.  And as a preveledge annexed to the grant aforesd, It was ordered, that the sayd Richard, shall not be prejudiced, by the building of any other Mill within the bounds of Ipswich.  And that if the ocasions of the Towne should require more mills (the sayd Richard being willing to serve the Towne as afresd), he shall have liberty in such case to undertake the same. All which is testified by
Thomas Howlett. Phillip Ffowler
John Gage (& a marke).                                          (and a marke).
Thomas Borman.

Thomas Borman a very old man, being before us at Ipswich, declared upon his oath, that he judgeth the words (Thomas Borman) subscribed, among others, in the testimony above written, to be his hand, and further upon his oath, he saith not, dated the last of ffebruary, 1671.
Samuell Symonds.
Daniell Gookin.

Phillip Ffowler, aged above 80 yeares, being before us at Ipswich, declared upon his oath, that the marke of Phillip Ffowler, subscribed among others, in the testimony above written, is his marke, as also, that the above sayd testimony is the truth, the whole truth, & nothing but the truth, and further (upon his oath), he saith not, dated the last of February, 1671.
Samuel Symonds.
Daniell Gookin."

On January 2, 1672-73, Phillip sells to "Roger Darby, sope boyler" of the same town, his "dwelling house and ground about it with a house thereon, and orchyards, yards & gardens, in all containe two acres, be it more or less, with the comonage, and all and every,....which sayd house & land is scittuate & lyeing in Ipswich, aforesayd, on the same syde of the streete, comonly called Hill street, bounded or lyeing on the west syde of Thomas Lovell's pasture land, and on the north syde of Samuell Graves, his pasture, and on the east syde of John Browne's house lott, together with four acres of land, out of my lott at Muddy River, on the Northwest syde of Richard Shatswell's paster.

Subscribed, sealed & dl in the presents of us,
William Norton.                                                Phillip Fowler (and a seale).
Andrew Peeters.

Phillip Fowler acknowledged the above written to be his act & deed and Mary Fowler did surrender her right in the house and land herein conveyed, before me, Feb. 14, 1676-7.  Daniell Denison."  Recorded 14 Feb., 1676-7, Ipswich Series, Essex Deeds, Bk. 4:74.

This was not his homestead.  NOTE:  On this deed, he actually signed with a signature instead of only using a mark as he had previously done.

Philip died intestate and administration on what was left of his estate, he having previously disposed of most of his property amoung his children, was granted to his grandson Phillip on 29 Sept. 1679.

"An Inventory of the estate of Phillip Fowler, sen deceased, taken on the 7th of July, 1679, of the weareing clothes of the sd Phillip,
Imp 4 ould coates and an old cloke 01-15-0
It a psell of old clothes 01-00-0
It some old stockings 2 caps & a pr of gaiters 00-05-0
It a paire of old gloves & an old hat 00-02-0
It two paire of drawers & two old shirts 00-15-0
2 caps & two bands, 3 old handchercheres & 2 old wastecoats 00-04-6
3-01-0
Debts due to the estate 0-17-6
3-18-6
Debts due from the estate 3-19-7 1/2
these things above mentioned prised by us, Simeon Stace, Nicholas Wallis.

Phillip Fowler Aministrator dl this Inventory upon oath to be a true Inventory of his the estate to the best of his knowledge, & if more appeares to add the same.  In court held Ipswich, 30, (7), 1679.  As attest Robert Lord, cler."

In The Fowler Family by Stickney, Thomas is shown as a child of Philip Fowler.  The Old Families of Salisbury and Amesbury by Hoyt also states that Thomas is a child of Philip Fowler.  However, in the Ipswich Court files for Sep 30, 1656, found in the Essex County Quarterly Court Records and Files (1912), Vol. 2, pg. 3, it shows:

"John Cogswell and Phillip Fowlar consent to an assignment by said John of his servant, Thomas Fowlar, to his uncle, Philip Fowlar."

In the same volume of Ipswich Court Files, pg. 155, and according to English Origins, there is a deposition of An Sawars (Ann Sawyer) made April 16, 1659 in which she testified "that as she came along the street in Newbury with her masters Kindsman, Thomas Fowlar...when they came agayst Anthony Morse his house the sayd Thomas Fowlar sayd he would goe in and see his countryman...."

Thomas Fowler made a deposition in 1662, in the same volume, pg. 381, in which he stated that he was then about 26 years old.  Thus he was about 20 years when he was 'assigned' to his uncle.  Three years later he was given permission by the town fathers of Ipswich to plant two Acres on the North side of Jeffries Neck.  About two years later, he was living in Salisbury and in 1663 he bought twenty acres of upland in that section of Salisbury which was soon to become the new town of Amesbury.  There he lived for the rest of his life.  He became an influential citizen, holding numberoud town offices and accumulating considerable property. For five years, he represented the town in the Gernal Court.

The History of Amesbury states that "he was born in Wales, probably came over with.... and, it is said, served seven years for his passage to America."  That this was true about Thomas Fowler seems doubtful since his deposition shows that in his boyhood he lived in Marlborough, Witlshire, England which was the home of Anthony Morse and of his uncle, Philip Fowler, clothworker.

The Hammatt Papers states "Fowler, Philip, was among the earliest inhabitants of Ipswich. He took the freeman's oath in Boston, Sept. 3, 1684.  He had a house lot granted to him in 1635, in the cross street called meeting house lane*; being about one acre of ground, having John Gage his house lot on the south east, and Thomas Scott's houselot on the north west.  Christopher Osgood in his will dated April 9, 1650, appointed his 'father Phillip Fowler" of the overseers of his will."   "* This cross street or lane, ran from the rear of the Agawam House to house of the late Mr. John Stocker.  It is distinctly traced on plan made in 1717, which is among the Court Records at Salem."


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