Maj. John FOSTER (1680 – 1759) was Alex’s 8th Grandfather; one of 512 in this generation of the Shaw line.

Maj John Foster  was born 15 Oct 1680 in Salem, Mass.  His parents were John FOSTER Jr. and Mary STEWART (Stuard).  John married Margaret WARE on 4 Dec 1704 in Roxbury, Mass.  John died 24 Dec 1759 in Attleborough, Mass.

Margaret Ware was born 6 Jun 1685 in Wrentham, Mass.  Her parents were Robert WARE and Sarah METCALF.  Margaret died 4 Nov 1761 in Attleborough, Mass.

Children of John and Margaret:

	Name	Born	Married	Departed
1.	Lt. John Foster	4 Mar 1705/06 Dorchester, Mass.	Hannah Lovett 7 Sep 1727 Attleboro, Mass.	3 Nov 1774 North Providence, RI
2.	Robert Foster	26 Oct 1707 Dorchester		Bef. Aug 1709
3	Ebenezer FOSTER	20 Aug 1709 Dorchester, Mass.	Desire CUSHMAN 17 Sep 1730 Attleboro, Mass	18 Jun 1749 Cumberland, Providence, RI.
4.	Robert Foster	20 Aug 1709 Dorchester, Mass	Mary [__?__]	1760
5.	Margaret Foster	7 Mar 1711/12 Attleborough, Mass.	Israel Whitaker 7 Jan 1734/35 Rehoboth, Mass.	1766
6.	Benjamin Foster	17 Apr 1714 Attleborough, Mass.	Rachel Day 23 Jun 1739 Attleborough, Mass.	6 Jan 1803 Clarendon Rutland, Vermont
7.	Jonathan Foster	8 Jun 1715 Attleborough, Mass	Anna Jenks 3 Feb 1738	8 Nov 1781 Rhode Island
8.	Sarah Foster	18 Apr 1718 Attleborough, Mass	Unmarried in 1754 when her father made his will	1760
9.	Capt. Timothy Foster	14 May 1720 Attleborough, Mass.	Sybil Freeman 22 Mar 1744/45	3 Apr 1785
10.	Nathan Foster	23 Jul 1722 Attleborough, Mass.	Miriam Norwood 1 Apr 1743	1806 Bristol, ME.
11.	Esther Foster	1723 Wrentham, Mass.		1723
12.	Michael Foster	19 Oct 1724 Wrentham		15 Apr 1726 Wrentham
13.	Michael Foster	18 Jul 1727 Wrentham, Mass	Mary Jackson (Widow Bradford) 24 Oct 1764	1766
14.	Mary Foster	19 Nov 1729 Wrentham, Mass.	Benjamin Wolcott 3 Mar 1753 Attleboro, Mass.	1820 Cumberland, RI

He removed from Dorchester to Attleborough, Massachusetts, about 1712.

John Foster was an officer in the town militia, and he was frequently referred to as Major John Foster. He was a useful public man, and was chosen moderator at town meetings for many years, was a surveyor of lands, and active Justice of the peace, and a representative to the governor for many years.

John Foster and his family were members of the Second Congregational Church in Attleboro. (Puritan Church)

1741 –  John Foster, blacksmith, of Attleboro, and Margaret, his wife, convey for £150, to Anna Foster, spinster, of Boston, land at Northfields, Salem, which our’honored father, John Foster, of Salem, dec., bought of Samuel Beadle (Essex LXXXIV. 144).

John died on 24 DEC 1759 and was buried in South Attleboro. As late as 1900 his tombstone was still standing. His will was proved in 1760 and mentions his son, Timothy Foster.

Margaret Foster died 4 Nov 1761 in Attleboro. She was buried in South Attleboro. Her will was proved in Bristol County Probate and also mentions her son, Timothy.

Essex Deeds, vol. 61, p. 128: To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come greeting, sc.

Whereas the Selectmen of the town of Salem on the first day of Feb. 1677 for certain considerations did let and set to lease unto John Greene, John Leach, John Batchelder and John Tompkins, Jr., all of Salem. All the said towns, commons on Royal side excepting forty-four acres, to hold for the term of one thousand years and one day, and afterwards, viz.: on the 29th day of the eleventh month 1678/79 the then present selectmen of said town for certain considerations did also let and set to lease unto George Jacobs, Sen’r, John Tompkins, Jr., John Waters, John Foster, Samuel Foster, Lieut. Richard Leach, John Leach, John Green, John Batchelder, Joseph Batchelder and Abraham Warren the forty-four acres of land excepted in the former lease to hold for the term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. Whereas also the said John Tompkins by his deed dated the 17th of Feb. 1695/96 conveyed to John Waters John Foster and Geo. Jacobs three fourth parts of his fourth of the first mentioned leased land by force whereof the said John Foster became seized of one fourth of a fourth of the lands contained in the first lease and being by the second lease entitled to one eleventh part of the forty-four acres reserved in the first lease by his last will and Testament devised the same to Mary his wife during her life and after her deceased to his children to be equally divided among and whereas the said Mary Foster with others petitioned the town of Salem for allowance to purchase a certain parcel of said lands whereupon the said town at their annual meeting on the 27th of March last appointed the Selectmen and School Committee or the major part of them, a Committee to manage that affair, authorized them to make final and ample release of the same to the petitioners.

Now know ye that we .. (names of committee, etc).. for and in consideration of £63. 10s paid by 1741, John Foster, blacksmith, of Attleboro, and Margaret, his wife, convey for £150, to Anna Foster, spinster, of Boston, land at Northfields, Salem, which our ‘honored father, John Foster, of Salem, dec., bought of Samuel Beadle (Essex LXXXIV. 144). , Gent and Joseph Very of Salem, shoreman, do etc. Quit-claim one 16th of the lands first mentioned and one eleventh of the forty-four acres in the second lease.
In witness whereof sc. Dated 2 JAN 1732

Essex 33: To John Foster of Attleboro in the County of Bristol, Gent. Whereas your father, late of Salem in the County of Essex, sc. Administration. de bonis non – will annexed. Ipswich 31 Dec 1742
Daniel Appleton, Regr Thomas Berry, Judge

Inventory 1 JAN 1742 sworn Jan 3.
To 26 acres of Land At Royal Side at 85s per acre……………………………110.10
To Bendly lot at the head of the great cove 20 acres at £6, 10 per……………………..130.00
To 1/4 acre of marsh on the east side of the cove 50S……………………………. 2.10
To half an acre of marsh on west side of the great cove………………………….. 5.00
To the homestead 8 acres including house and barn.76.00
To 3 common rights at 80s, pr…………………12.00
Sum Total………………………..£336.

Essex Deeds, vol. 84, p. 144: John Foster, of Attleboro, blacksmith, and Margaret, his wife, and John and Mary Harrod, of Boston, for £150, bills of credit by Anna Foster, of Boston, spinster, 3/8 of a twenty acre lot in the north field of Salem which our honored father, John Foster deceased, formerly bought of Samuel Beadle. Also 3/8 of a salt marsh at the great cove. 14 Jan 1741.

Vol. 86, p.92: Same as the above, except that it includes Ruth Very of Mendon, and John Guild of Wrentham, attorney for his children. 19 Octjm 1743

Bristol County Probate, vol. 16, p. 464:

In the name of God, Amen, I John Foster of Attleboro in the County of Bristol in the providence of Mass Bay in New England being of sound mind and memory for which I bless God, and calling to mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make this my last will and Testament and principally and first of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God who gave it hoping through the merits of Christ my Redeemer to receive the free pardon of all my sins and to inherit eternal life and as touching such worldly state wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life, I give and dispose of it in the following manner and form:
IMPR I give unto my beloved wife Margaret all my movable and personal estate of what kind soever and debts owing to me to be at her disposal except what money is due to me from my son Michael which I have in this will otherwise disposed of.
Item: I give to my eldest son John Foster and to his heirs forever one quarter of a share in the undivided lands in Attleboro as an addition to what I have formerly given him by Deed which is to be his full portion of my estate.
Item: I give to the heirs of my son Ebenezer Foster, deceased, one quarter of a share in the undivided lands in Attleboro and to their heirs forever as an addition to what I gave my said son in his lifetime by deed and is to their full portion out of my estate.
Item: I give to my son Benjamin Foster and to his heirs the sum ten pounds lawful money to be paid by my executor hereafter named within two years after my decease and is in addition to what I have formerly given him by deed and is to be his full portion out of my estate.
Item: I give to my son Jonathan … one quarter share of undivided lands. To son Timothy one quarter share , to son Nathan one quarter share and eight pounds in money; to daughter Margaret, wife of Israel Whitaker, three pounds; to daughter Sarah fifty-five pounds and a lot of land in Attleboro two acres and twenty-five rods, to daughter Mary wife of Benjamin Walcut, three pounds I give to my son Michael Foster … on consideration of his paying all my lawful debts and funeral charges and the Legacys which I have in this will given to my children … all of my lands in Attleboro, not before given away in this will with my lands in Cumberland in the Colony of Rhode Island and all my lands and rights in the Narragansette Township number four lying partly in a place called Quabin: – constitutes Michael Executor, and of a bond and note for £255, which he owes to the estate instructs the executor to pay from it the legacy of £55 to his sister Sarah and releases the balance.
Annuls all former Wills.
Signed John Foster (Seal)
Witness Benjamin Ide, Josephine Holmes, Ichabod Ward.
Proved 12 Jan 1760, Administration 12 APR 1760 at Norton.
An inventory is listed that names clothing, bed, linens, 2 “wiggs”, a Bible, a Providence Law book, and other old books, etc. Also listed is one “Bear Barrel”.

Margaret Ware Foster’s Will Bristol Probate: Vo. 17, P. 546:

In the name of God, Amen and 28 of Jan anno domino one thousand and seven and sixty. I Margaret Foster of Attleboro, in the County of Bristol and the Providence of the Mass Bay in New England, widow being weak of body but of a sound disposing mind and memory for which I bless God calling to mind the mortality of my body knowing that it is appointed for all men to die I do make this my last will and Testament. First of all I recommend my soul into the hands of God that gave it and my body to be decently buried at the discretion of my executors hereafter named and as touching my worldly state wherewith it has pleased God to bless me … to my son John five shilling in lawful money. To the heirs of my son Ebenezer deceased five shillings, to sons Benjamin, Jonathan, Timothy and Nathan five shillings each, and to daughter Sarah, Kitchen table and household goods, constitutes son Michael Executor, gives him the family bible, law books, sc. and makes her daughters Margaret and Mary residuary legatees.
Margaret Foster
Witnesses, Ebenezer Lane, James Jillson, Jr. Joseph Carpenter.

The inventory is very long and made up of small items. It includes a “Gould Neck-lace and Grate Bible”.

Children

1. John Foster

John’s wife Hannah Lovett was born 15 Apr 1708 Attleboro, Mass. Her parents were John Lovett and Ursula Woodward.

John moved to Royalston, Mass in 1778 and later moved back to Attleboro.

Children of John and Hannah

i. John Foster 1725 Attleboro, Rehoboth, Mass.

ii. Margaret Foster 1726 –

iii. Esther Foster b. 17 Mar 1728/29 in North Providence, RI; m. William Walcott Jr., (b. 1717 Salem Village MA – d. 24 Sep 1799). William was Benjamin Wolcott’s brother, his parents were also William Walcott and Mary Felt. Benjamin married Esther’s youngest Aunt Mary Foster 3 Mar 1753 in Attleboro, Mass.

William was a member of the First Church of Attleboro MA in 1742, moved to Cumberland RI about 1745 where he was given 50 acres and a house by his father which he sold to his brother, Benjamin, in 1757, moving to Providence RI; in 1774 he was at Smithfield RI, he was given a land grant in VT; m. Esther Foster 1750 Cumberland RI.

iv. Robert Foster b. 7 Sep 1732 in Attleboro, Rehoboth, Mass. – d. 24 May 1791 in Steuben, Wash co, Maine; m. Elizabeth [__?__]
(1740 – 1794) Betw. 1778 and 1781 quartermaster at Machias, Maine; not in DAR book

v. James Foster b. 15 Jan 1734/35 in Attleboro, Rehoboth, MA

vi. Hannah Foster b. 20 Jun 1739 in North Providence, RI

vii. Chloe Foster b. 26 JUL 1741 in Attleboro, Rehoboth, MA or N Providence RI

viii. William Foster b. 1742

ix. Betsey Foster b. 22 May 1743 in North Providence, RI

x. Silas Foster b. 18 Feb 1746/47 – d. 23 Jun 1800 in Royalston, MA?0

3. Ebenezer FOSTER (See his page)

4. Robert Foster

Robert’s wife Mary [__?__]

5. Margaret Foster

Margaret’s husband Israel Whitaker was born 13 Jun 1710 in Rehoboth, Bristol, Mass. His parents were John Whitaker and Mehitabella Peck. He had a brother of the same name (23 Dec 1702 MA, Bristol Co, Rehoboth – 14 May 1707) resulting in many family trees showing his date of death to be before his birth.

6. Benjamin Foster

Benjamin’s wife Rachel Day was born 29 Sep 1725 in Attleboro, Bristol, Mass. Her parents were Benjamin Day and Margaret Robinson.  Rachel died 1820.

Children of Benjamin and Rachel:

i. Ichabod Foster b. 10 Apr 1740 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass

ii. Rachel Foster b. 21 Apr 1743 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass; d. d. 31 Mar 1815 in Whiting, Addison, Vermont; m.  20 Feb 1762 in Coventry, Kent, Rhode Island to Gideon Walker (b. 20 Nov 1738 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass.; d. 1793 Whiting, Vermont).  His parents were Daniel Walker and Mary Perry.  His grandparents were our ancestors Jasiel PERRY and Rebecca Peck WILLMARTH.  Rachel and Gideon had five children born between 1764 and 1784 in Whiting, Addison, Vermont,.

iii. Whitefield Foster b. 11 Apr 1745 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass

iv. Edward Foster b. 14 May 1749 in Sturbridge, Mass.

v. Benjamin Foster b. 23 Mar 1747 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass

vi. Lydia Foster b. 5 Aug 1749 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass

vii. Flecher Foster b. 16 Aug 1751 in Sturbridge, Mass

viii. Jerusha Foster b. 16 Aug 1751 Attleboro, Bristol, Mass

ix. Mary Stuart Foster b. 22 May 1756 Cumberland, Providence, Rhode Island

x. Joel Foster b. 4 Jun 1758 in Coventry, Kent, Rhode Island

7. Jonathan Foster

Jonathan’s wife Anna Jenks was born 1729 in Providence, Providence, Rhode Island. Her parents were Nathaniel Jenckes and Catherine Scott. Anna died 14 Feb 1796 in Watch Hill, Westerley, Rhode Island.

8. Sarah Foster

Unmarried in 1754 when her father made his will, giving her a generous £55

9. Captain Timothy Foster

Timothy’s wife Sybil Freeman was born 29 Oct 1723 in Attleboro, Bristol, Mass. Her parents were Jeremiah Freeman and Rachel Fuller.. Sybil died 8 Dec 1813 in Winthrop, Kennebec, Maine.

Timothy was born at Attleborough, May 14, 1720. He  was the first pioneer in 1765 in what became Winthrop, Maine. His farm was on the west shore of Cobbossecontee  Lake about two miles from its northerly end. His house was on the north end of a lateral moraine about ten rods from the lake shore. Their home was on the frontier; no settlers had then penetrated further into the forests. He was active in civil and military life. He was a member of the first board of selectmen of the town of Winthrop. During the Revolution he was captain of the Seventh Company, Second Lincoln County Regiment, commissioned July 23, 1776. The regiment saw action at the Battle of Bunker Hill, New York Campaign, Battle of Trenton,Battle of Princeton, Battle of Saratoga and the Battle of Monmouth. He was captain in a company in Major William Lithgo’s regiment, September to November, 1779, defending Lincoln county. He died April 3, 1785; his widow died December 8, 1813. He married at Attleborough, 1744, Sibler (Sibyl) Freeman, who was born October 29, 1723. Captain Foster’s death was caused by a blow from a falling tree.

Timothy and Sible lived in Attleboro until about 1764. At that time Timothy and family heard about the Plymouth Company’s offers of land grants in the area we now call Maine.

Legend states that a hunter named Scott built his cabin on the west side of the Great Pond (CobosseContee), and collected furs, and that in 1764 he sold the cabin and belongings for thirty pounds to Timothy Foster, and that Foster, failing to take a receipt for the same, was sued by Scott’s creditors for the purchase price, and that this lead to the imprisonment of Foster for six months. (See Thurston’s History of Winthrop, and Benson’s Historical Address at the Centennial Celebration of 1871).

The existing records indicate a basis for this legend. There are land records showing that Samuel Scott was buying and selling land in the Pownalborough area [now Dresden, Maine] in 1763 and 1764. This seems to suggest that Scott was a land speculator rather than trapper, and was probably an agent of the Kennebec Proprietors for the settling of Pond Town. The Court records of Lincoln County, show that Samuel Scott sued Timothy Foster for trespass in 1766, for breaking into Scott’s dwelling on 12 Aug 1765, and for taking possession of quantities of potatoes, turnips, pork, beef, bread, and hay. The court ordered that Foster should pay £48 to Scott, and should pay court costs. The tradition is probably correct that he made a verbal agreement with Scott without taking a receipt or deed. In the lawsuit Scott made no claim to land, house, and clearing, he asked only for compensation for provisions in the house and what was growing in the garden and meadow, about which there may have been a misunderstand of the agreement.

Timothy Foster did obtain the property as is evidenced by the following land grant, and by the warranty deed dated 11 March 1769, that shows that for 26 pounds Samual Scott gave said deed to Timothy Foster for 200 acres, lot #8 “whereon the said Timothy’s Family now and for some time past hath resided”, bounded westerly by wild, undivided lands of the Plymouth Proprietors. (this deed is in the Lincoln County land records, kept at Augusta, Maine)

Timothy Foster was granted by the Plymouth Proprietors “one Lott of land in Ponds Town in the County of Lincoln, one mile long, one hundred poles wide and containing 200 acres and is lott No. 8 as delineated by a plan made by John McKechnie. Dated June 11, 1766, as per record book of grants Folio 254 may appear” – Vol. 2, page 409. The conditions of said grant were “that said Timothy Foster build an house not less that twenty feet square and seven feet stud clear and bring to fit for tillage five acres of land within three years from the date thereof, and actually live on said premises himself during said term, or in case of his death that his heirs or some person under them shall dwell on said premises during said term, and he or they or some person under him or them, shall dwell thereupon for seven years after the expiration of said three years; reserving to this property all mines and minerals whatsoever within the hereby granted premises with liberty of digging and carrying off the same.” signed Boston, June 11, 1766, Benjamin Hallowell, James Bowdin, James Pitts, Sylvester Gardiner; John Hancock.

The foregoing citation from court records makes known the precise day when Timothy and Sible brought their 10 children to be the first settlers in the area, and moved into the lonely cabin on the shore of the Great Pond. (12 August 1765). At that time, settlements in Maine were confined to the coast or the navigable waters, but the Foster family plunged boldly into the Wilderness to found a home.  He was then forty-five years old, robust, energetic and fearless – his wife, three years his junior was a fit helpmeet. When Timothy and Sible established their domicile on the shore of Cobbosseecontee, they found everything around them in a state of nature. [Click here  for today’s lake vacation rentals.] The roving hunter and trapper had traversed the ground and the surveyor had set his compass and marked the lots, but no clearing had been made nor any attempt to fit the soil for cultivation, save a small area around the humble home. The ground, with the exception of the meadows, was completely covered with a heavy growth, while beneath the tree-tops were thickly scattered boulders, largely granite, of various sizes from the smallest pebble to those of many tons in weight.

The site of the Fosters settlement, grew to become the town of Winthrop (it was originally called Pond Town, as there were twelve ponds including the Cobbosseecontee.) Pond Town Plantation was incorporated as the town of Winthrop, on May 26, 1771. Timothy and Sible built the first frame house in the town in 1769.

From a letter written in 1830, by Nathaniel Fairbanks, who settled in 1767 in the area. “….. Captain Timothy Foster moved into Pondtown with his family in 1764 or 1765. He was the first settler and his son Stephen was the first Christian child born in it. In 1767 I came there… there was no road from Pondtown to Kennebec river, nothing but a spotted line to go by. In 1768 a road was cut and the stones for the mill (John Chandler’s) were hauled from the river, which took the whole strength of the place both in men and oxen about a week. Before this time, the people had to go to Cobosse (Gardiner) to get all their grinding done and carry it on their backs, as there was not yet a horse owned in the place. The new settlers underwent at this time great hardships and much privation…..”

It is related of Sible that prior to 1768, when the nearest mill was at Cobbosse, it was necessary to go to the mill. Husband and sons were busy but someone set her across the lake, and returned to work. It was then six long miles through the forest with no guide but “spotted trees”, and six long miles back, all walked while carrying the grain. Whether the water was low, the stones dull, too many grists, or she was so interested in the news of the place, is not known, but she was delayed and when she arrived at the shore on her return, it was so dark she could not find the horn that was kept to call the boatman to take her back, so she was obliged to wait in the woods until daylight.

Timothy was a leader in town affairs and his name appears frequently in the town records. In 1771, Timothy Foster was chosen as a selectman for the town, an office that he held for three years. In 1771, he was chosen Captain of the Town Militia.

The people of Winthrop put themselves on record as early as January 1773 as in sympathy with the movement for independence from England. On that date, at a town meeting a pamphlet written by Samuel Adams, Joseph Warren, and Benjamin Church, and published in England with a preface by Dr. Franklin, was discussed and voted on, and it was proposed and the motion passed that they stood firm and united as stated in said pamphlet. The pamphlet discussed what the rights of the colonists were, and whether the Acts of Parliament and measures of administration were subversive to those rights. Most towns had a Committee of Correspondence and Safety, who purpose was to keep in correspondence with other towns regarding “the grave crisis then pending.” Copies of this pamphlet were apparently being circulated from town to town.

Military officers were chosen by the town 25 Jan 1775. They included Ichabod How as Captain, and Timothy Foster as Ensign. (Timothy later served in the capacity as Captain) On the 17th day of March 1775, a Committee of Correspondence had been chosen. Ichabod How was a member of this three-man committee. The British raid on Lexington and Concord was on April 19, 1775. News traveled slowly in those days. Nine days later a town meeting was called, probably immediately after receipt of the news. A committee of Safety was chosen, and Ichabod How was a member of this three man committee. (Later the Committee of Correspondence and Committee of Safety were merged into one.) The committee was authorized to “consult the public good respecting coming into some way to purchase provisions and ammunition and other necessary stores” and to engage in behalf of the town any sum of money they may think proper for said purposes. Thus the town began their preparations for what was to come.

From a petition that was sent to the General Court in Boston by the town of Winthrop in March of 1777, we have a listing of the men from the town that had enlisted in the Continental Service (the “national” army”). The purpose of the petition was to request that the town be exempt from the draft, the “reason is our being so exposed to the enemy in the summer.” The town hoped that by showing how many had voluntary enlisted, there would be no draft. They felt the town was exposed to Indian threat, and was “a place as much frequented by Indians as any place in these parts” and “we are certain that part of the Indians that used to frequent this place are now on the side of the King of Britain.” They state that they “see no way of keeping this settlement together if our men should be drafted” and that the town was maintaining a Militia of sixteen in addition to the enlistees. This petition was signed by the Selectmen of Winthrop, Ichabod How, Timothy Foster, and Stephen Pullin, and by the Committee of Correspondence and Safety. The men who enlisted in the Spring of 1775 totaled 19 and included Eliphalet Foster. Others who enlisted in 1775 totaled 20 and included David Foster and Billy (Bela) Foster. In 1776, 17 enlisted and included Eliphalet, Thomas and David Foster. The final listing is of men who have not returned and are supposed to have enlisted for three years. This list totals 16, and includes David Foster.

From a letter written in 1830, by Nathaniel Fairbanks, who settled in 1767 in the area. “In the spring of 1775 hearing of the battle of Lexington, I and eighteen other young men from the town of Winthrop repaired to headquarters at Cambridge to defend our beloved country. I will just observe here that at this time there was not that attention to agriculture as would supply the people with bread, and considerable part was purchased with lumber. But on the news of war, such was the exertion of the people in the spring of 1775 to plant and sow, that bread was very plenty the next year; so much that it could hardly be sold at any price…The first military officers were Timothy Foster, Jonathan Whiting, and John Chandler.”

All of Timothy and Sible’s living sons served in the Revolutionary War. Four of them went privateering and were never heard from again. The colonies had no navy to pit against the British, so the federal government gave out a number of Letters of Marque and Reprisal commisssioning American Sailing ships to arm themselves as “privateers.” These were signed by John Hancock, as President of the Congress of the United Colonies. (the term United States was not then in use). These letters were well recognized in international practice and maritime law to distinguish privateers from pirates. \

Timothy came to his death by an accident, being at work in the woods, when he was 64 years old. A limb from a falling tree struck him, fracturing his skull, rendering him unconscious. This was on Thursday 1 APR 1785. Stewart, his son, and two of his neighbors, Daniel Allen and Joseph Rice, went to Brunswick on snow shoes with a hand sled for a surgeon. It is not known why so large a force went, but it is supposed they went prepared to draw the surgeon through on the sled. The surgeon did not come, but sent a trephine [A hole saw used in surgery to remove a circle of tissue or bone] with instructions how to raise the bone, but they returned to find he had died on the Saturday night following the accident. This was April 3, 1785.

His estate was probated, the inventory was returned 13 June 1785. The estate was valued at £565, 18s, 10p. His widow, Sible, was appointed administratrix. Children mentioned in the will include Timothy, David, Stewart, Stephen, Susan, and Sybil, and sons-in-law, Micajah Dudley, and Ephraim Stevens.

After Timothy’s death, a new home was built by her sons for their widowed mother. Sible’s house is still standing in Winthrop, Maine. It is near the pond, and was in wonderful shape, and was occupied, on the author’s visit to the area in 1987. In front of this house is a marker erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution, honoring Timothy Foster as a patriot and first settler of the town of Winthrop.

Sible lived to be 90 years old and died 8 DEC 1813 in Winthrop.

10. Nathan Foster

Nathan’s wife Miriam Norwood was born 14 Feb 1724/25 Gloucester, Essex, Mass. Her parents were Joshua Norwood and Elizabeth Andrews.

13. Michael Foster

Michael’s wife Mary Jackson was born 15 May 1732 in Wrentham Mass.  She first married Perez Bradford.  Mary is buried in the Holland MA cemetery next to her daughter Mary “Polly” (Bradford) (Jacobs) 1729 strong>14. Mary Foster

Mary’s husband Lt. Benjamin William Wolcott was born 16 Oct 1729 in Attleboro, Mass. His parents were William Wolcott and Mary Felt. Benjamin died 2 Jul 1781+ in Arnold Mills, Rhode Island.

Children of Mary and Benjamin:

i. Lt Benjamin Stuart Walcott Sr. [1757-1824]; m.  Marcy Dexter [1754-1858]  According to his great grandson Charles Doolittle Walcott’s Sons of American Revolution Membership Application, Benjamin was 2nd Lt in Captain Reuben Ballou’s Company, of Col Fallouous’ Regiment, and 1st Lt in  Col. Archibald Cray’s Battallion.

ii. Capt. John Walcott [1757-1809]; m. Molly Ellis: m. 9 Oct 1778

iii. George Walcott [1759-1826]; m.  Sabra Whipple [1767-1843]

iv. Dr. Michael Walcott [1762-1821]; m. Eunice Pitcher [1766-1826]

v. Sarah Walcott [1762-1825]; m. Joel Ellis [1759-1852]

vi. Ebenezer Walcott [1765-1806]; m. Mary “Molly” Titus [1767-1816]

vii. Mary Walcott  b: 1767

viii. Otis Walcott b: 1768

ix. Fanniah Walcott b: 1771

x. Lucy Walcott  b: 1774.

Sources:

http://www.genealogyofnewengland.com/b_f.htm

http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/14802745/person/584420645/story/2db4217f-75dd-4b83-a7e1-c34f4b199bc1?src=search

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=jbbullock&id=I40317