Rockingham County NH

Shaw Family in New Hampshire

1892 Map of New Hampshire

No less than thirty-two men by the name of Shaw were among the pioneer settlers of New England during the seventeenth century. This genealogy traces three individual lines of descent centered in New Hampshire. The first starts with Roger Shaw of Hampton, New Hampshire, who was of Cambridge, Massachusetts as early as 1636 before removing to Hampton; the second is the line of Scotchman William Shaw, who first settled in Charleston, South Carolina in 1730, before removing to Concord, Massachusetts, his descendants would reside in Milford, New Hampshire; the final line is for Benjamin Shaw of Chichester, New Hampshire, who while having been born in Hampton in 1766, cannot positively be attached to any family there.

Watson Family in New Hampshire

1892 Map of New Hampshire

This genealogy, derived from early 1900s research, traces the descendants of Jonathan Watson of South Hampton, New Hampshire, and Daniel Watson of Meredith, New Hampshire.

Henry Beck (c1617-c1694)

Early Map of Piscataqua Harbour and River

Henry Beck, born around 1617, was one of the earliest English settlers in New England, arriving in 1635. He settled in Dover and played a key role in local governance, signing the Dover Combination in 1640. Beck later moved to Portsmouth, where he accumulated land and participated in civic duties, reflecting a stable and modest life. He married Ann around 1640, and their children continued the family legacy in the area. Beck’s life exemplified the experiences of early New England planters, marked by steady contributions to community building and land cultivation. He passed away by 1694, leaving a lasting impact on the Piscataqua region.

Probate Records of Hampton, N.H., 1649-1770

The early probate records of the Province of New Hampshire, from 1635 to 1771, have been published in nine volumes (vols. 31-39) of the set “New Hampshire State Papers” edited by Albert Stillman Batchellor, Henry Harrison Metcalf, and Otis G. Hammond. Originally published in the years 1907-1941 these books are available online in pdf format online. It is strongly suggested that whenever possible the original text from the State Papers (if not the original wills themselves) be checked due to the possibility of typographical errors. At present only Hampton wills from volume one, covering the years 1635-1717, are included here.

Probate of William Wilson of Hampton, 1710

[Administration on the estate of William Wilson of Hampton, cooper, granted to his widow, Elizabeth Wilson, April 26, 1710.][Probate Records, vol. 7, p. 134.] [Bond of Elizabeth Wilson of Hampton, widow, with Lieut. Joseph Swett and John Gove as sureties, in the sum of £100, April 26, 1710, for the administration of the estate; witnesses, Joseph Smith and Elizabeth Smith.] [Abigail Wilson of Hampton, daughter of William Wilson, makes choice of Joseph Swett of Hampton as her guardian, April 26, 1710; witnesses Joseph Smith and Charles Story.] [Inventory, signed by Joseph Gove and John Gove: amount, £71.12.0.] [Settlement of the … Read more

The Will of John Wedgwood of Hampton, 1654

The last will & testamt of John wedgwood of Hampton. In ye name of God Amen : The twentie fourth day of ye month of November one thousand six hundred fiftie fower I John wedgwood husbandman of Hampton in ye County of Norfolke being of whole minde & in good & perfect remembrance Laud & praise bee unto Allmighty God make & ordaine this my prsent Testament concerning herein my last will in manner & forme following that is to say first I com’end my soule unto Almighty God my Maker & my redeemer Item I bequeathe to my eldest Sonne viz John my house … Read more

The will of James Wall of Hampton, 1659

The last will & testament of James Wall of Hampton in the County of norfolke I James Wall being very weake of Body but of Good understanding & memory Due by these prsents Comend unto all unto whome they shall Come the true Intent of my mind Conserning the setteling of my Estate after my Decease viz Conserning the Deeds formerly made to my two Eldest Daughters (Elizabeth & Sarah Wall) of my farme which lyeth westward of Robert Pages Land & bounded with the River Call Taylors River towards the South & Likewise Six Acres of Salt marsh lying … Read more

Probate records of Robert Tuck of Hampton, 1664

[Inventory of the estate of Robert Tuck, appraised by Robert Page and Thomas Ward Nov. 17, 1664. Amount, £385.17.2.] [Norfolk County, Mass., Court Files, vol. 1, p. 39] [Administration on the estate was granted to “Johannah Tucke widow & John Samborn her son in law,” Oct. 11, 1664.] [Norfolk County, Mass., Court Files, vol. 1, p. 39, and Court Records, Oct. 11, 1664.] [Order of court, April 11, 1665, that the estate of Robert Tuck, intestate, be left in the hands of the administrator for the use of the widow during her life, and then be divided among the three … Read more

Probate Records of Edward Tuck of Hampton, 1653

[Order of court June 14, 1653, that the two children of Edward Tuck of Hampton shall have out of his estate as follows: Edward Tuck, the older, 40 marks at the age of twenty-one, including the house, and all the lands, meadow, upland and commonage mentioned in the inventory; and John, the younger, 20 marks at the age of twenty-one. The widow was to have the rest, and was to have the use of £40 until the children were of age, she having them taught to read and write.] [Norfolk County, Mass., Court Records.]