An American Family History

Joseph Collins was born about 1640 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts. His parents were Henry and Ann Collins.

He married Sarah about 1668. Their children and life together is described in detail in the section on Joseph and Sarah Collins.

Joseph made his living as housewright.

. . . in 1673, Thomas Laughton, cleric, in behalf of the selectmen of Lynn, "receivinge a note from the worshipfull maior William Hathorne and mr Henry Bartholemew a comittee chossen to see some re-paire to be done att the greate Bridge in our Towne did agree with Henry collins Juniar and Joseph Collins to repaire the same for Wm they were to haue three pounds.

Joseph was also involved in a jury inquest in 1673.

Return of a jury of inquest, dated July 8, 1673, appointed to view a body lying upon the beach in Mr. King's farm, which which had been cast up by the tide. The man had on a pair of gray breeches, a leather apron, and old red drawers, and had reddish hair. He had also a knife with a white helf and a pair of russet shoes with French heels, and "we see him buryed." Signed by Jacob Knight, Nathanyell Ballard, Samuell Johnson, Mathew Farrington, John Nueall, Samvell Hartt, Joseph Collines, Samvell Tarbox, William Crofts, Crispas Brewer, Ralph Kingt and Thomas (his mark) Farar.

Joseph served in King Philip's War. He was credited with one pound, ten shillings, on June 24, 1676, for service under Captain Nicholas Manning. On June 4, 1685, he was one of 25 soldiers from Lynn who petitioned the General Court for land promised them for service in Nipmugg country and at the Narragansett Fort.

On June 4th 1685 a petition was presented to the Gen court in session at Boston for the grant of land which had been promised in 1675, "...if they played the man, took the Narragansett fort, and drove the enemy out of the Narragansett country, which is their great seat, they should gave a gratuity of land, besides their wages." Joseph Collins's name was affixed to this petition. (George Madison Budge, Soldiers in King Philip's War, Baltimore, 1976; pg 278, 406.407. 422.

Sarah died in 1682 in Lynn. After her death, Joseph married Mariah Smith on October 15, 1684. Their children and life together are also described in the section on Joseph and Sarah Collins.

He died in 1734 and was buried on February 4, 1734 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts.

From Henry Collins of Lynn

2. Joseph Collins (Henry) deposed in the case of Edward Richard's estate in Lynn, March 24, 1689, giving his age as "about fourty & Seaven yeares." This would make his birth fall in the year 1642 or 1643.

He was mentioned in the will of his father and was one of the brothers who made an agreement regarding the lands which their father had owned and bequeathed to them, in the year 1694.  

He was a housewright, or carpenter and builder. He lived at Lynn and owned considerable land.

February 20, 1721-2, he deeded land and buildings to his son Ezekiel, on condition of Ezekiel's taking care of himself and wife and paying certain sums to the other children; but March 28, 1724, they joined in a "disannulling" deed.  

He married first, Sarah; she died February 25, 1682. He married second, October, 1684, Maria Smith. He died February 4, 1734.  

Children: i. Dorothy, b. Mar. 6, 1675-6. ii. Sarah, b. Aug. 1, 1678. iii. Esther, b. Jan. 2, 1679-80. iv. Ruth, b. Oct. 26, 1685.  v. Mary, b. Jan. 16, 1687-8.  vi. William, b. Jan. 14, 1689-90.  vii. Elizabeth, b. Dec. 23, 1692.   viii. Joseph, b. Mar. 26, 1695. 3. ix. Ezekiel, b. Feb. 17, 1697-8. x. Martha, b. Apr. 1, 1700.  

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