The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Vol. 1, No. 2, April 1847

The New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Vol. 1, No. 2, April 1847

Samuel Sewall, son of Henry and Jane Sewall, was born at Bishop Stoke, in Hampshire, England, March 28, 1652. The family to which he belonged was ancient and respectable. His great-grandfather was a linen-draper of the city of Coventry, "a prudent man, who acquired a great estate," and was more "than once chosen mayor of the city." His grandfather, Henry Sewall, born in 1576, came to New England, lived in Newbury and Rowley, Ms., and died about 1655. Samuel, the subject of this memoir, was taught to read at Baddesly; and was afterwards sent to a grammar-school at Rumsey, of which a Mr. Figes was master. In 1661, he came to New England with his mother, his father having removed here previously. He was immediately put under the instruction of Rev. Thomas Parker of Newbury, with whom he continued six years, till his entrance into Harvard College, in 1667. His first degree he received under President Chauncy, in 1671. It was his original intention to enter the Christian ministry; and with a view to it, he studied divinity, commenced preaching, and received encouragement to go to Woodbridge, N. J., and settle as a minister among that people, who went from Newbury, where his father lived. But his thoughts were probably diverted from the sacred profession by his marriage connection, in consequence of which he came into possession of great wealth, and the means of influence and usefulness in public life. He was married, Feb. 28, 1676, by Gov. Bradstreet, to Hannah Hull, daughter and sole heir[Pg 106] of John Hull, Esq., a goldsmith and highly respectable merchant in Boston, master of the mint for many years, and one of the Assistants in 1683, the year in which he died. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 45763
Author: Various
Release Date: May 26, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Editor: Cogswell, William, 1787-1850