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An American Family History

Samuel Fiske

Wenham, Essex County, Massachusetts was settled in 1636. The first settlers called it Enon. It was officially set off from the Town of Salem on May 10, 1643,

A tythingman was responsible for the moral behavior of a group of neighbors. He had the authority to bring problems to the court.

A constable was an elected official who was responsible for keeping the peace. His duties were more limited than the sheriff's. He apprehended and punished offenders, helped settle estates, and collected taxes.

Children of William Fiske (Fisk)
and Bridget Muskett
  • Deacon William Fiske
  • Samuel Fiske
  • Joseph Fiske
  • Benjamin Fiske
  • Martha Fiske
    		•

    Samuel Fiske was the second son and child of William Fiske and Bridget Muskett. He was, born in Wenham, Essex County, Massachusetts. He was a tailor.

    He married Phebe Bragg on November 6, 1679.

    Phebe died in Wenham, October 1, 1696.

    Samuel's children were Samuel Fiske (married Sarah Reddington), John Fiske (married Abigail Poor), William Fiske (June 10, 1687 married (first) Rebecca Reddington; second Lydia Thurston; third Bethiah Goodrich), Daniel Fiske, Benjamin Fiske, and Hannah Fiske (January 7, 1698).

    His second wife was Mrs. Hannah Allen, of Manchester, born 1662, died January 30, 1722.

    He was admitted as a freeman on March 25, 1685. He held the offices of tythingman, constable and selectman. He left a large estate, which, before his death, he deeded to his sons.

    He died October 31, 1716.

     

    Before 1752 the year began on March 25th. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year, not the beginning.

    In early New England towns policy was set by men gathered in town meetings. Day-to-day operations were handled by a board of 3 to 5 selectmen. They oversaw public resposibilites such as the policing, roads, and fences.

    Any man entering a colony or becoming a a member the church, was not free. He was not forced to work, but his movements were carefully observed to see if they followed the Puritanical ideal. After this probationary period, he became a "freeman." Men then took the Oath of a Freeman where they vowed to defend the Commonwealth and not to overthrow the government.

      (from Historic Homes and Institutions by Ellery Bicknell Crane)

    (IX) Samuel Fiske, second son and child of William (8) and Bridget (Muskett) Fiske, born in Wenham, Massachusetts; resided in Wenham, where he was admitted a freeman, March 25, 1685. He was a tailor by trade. He held the offices of tythingman, constable and selectman. He left a large estate, which, before his death, he deeded to his sons. He died October 31, 1716.

    He married (first), November 6, 1679, Phebe Bragg, who died in Wenham, October 1, 1696. He married (second) Mrs. Hannah Allen, of Manchester, born 1662, died January 30, 1722. The children of Samuel Fiske were: 1. Samuel, married Sarah Reddington. 2. John, married Abigail Poor. 3. William, born June 10, 1687; married (first) Rebecca Reddington; second Lydia Thurston; third Bethiah Goodrich. 4. Daniel, of whom later. 5. Benjamin, died unmarried, September 16, 1719. 6. Hannah, born January 7, 1698; died February 3, 1699.

    		  
         
         

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