King Philip’s War was a bloody and costly series of raids and skirmishes in 1675 and 1676 between the Native American people and the colonials. King Philip was the Native American leader Metacom.
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.
Lieutenant Nathan Fiske, Jr. was born on October 17, 1642 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Nathan and Susannah Fiske. He was referred to as sergeant in 1689 and 1692, but as lieutenant in 1693. He acquired the title of Lieutenant during King Philip’s or other early Indian wars.
He married Elizabeth Fry about 1664 when he was 22 years old. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Nathan and Elizabeth Fiske
Nathan Fiske purchased 220 acres of in Weston on October 1, 1673 for 10 pounds.
He was chosen in November 1674, as a hog reviewer, a tythingman in 1681 and 1684, selectman in 1685, 1688, 1692, and 1693, and town constable in 1689 and 1694.
He died on October 11, 1694 in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts when he was 51 years old. Administration of the estate was granted to "Elisabeth Fisk, Relict widow of Lt. Nathan Fisk ... and Nathan Fisk his Eldest Son."
The inventory of the estate was taken on November 27, 1694 by Samuel Johnson, Sr. and Nathaniel Barsham and amounted to 151 pounds.
Nathan's son William was a minor at the time of his father's death and chose his uncle David Fiske as his guardian.
Division of the estate was made on February 21, 1694/5 by William Bond, Simon Stone, Nathaniel Barsham, Samuel Thatcher, and William Shattuck [Jr.]. James Ball was mentioned as the husband of Nathan's daughter Elizabeth. The other three daughters were unmarried at the time.
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
In early New England towns policy was set by a board of 3 to 5 selectmen. They oversaw public responsibilities such as the policing, roads, and fences.
A tythingman was responsible for the moral behavior of a group of neighbors. He had the authority to bring problems to the court.
from Colonial and Revolutionary Families of Pennsylvania: Genealogical, Volume 3
Lieutenant Nathan Fiske, son of Nathan and Susanna Fiske, was born at Watertown, Massachusetts, October 17, 1642, died there October 11, 1694. The title of lieutenant, by which he appears on record, was doubtless acquired during King Philip’s or other early Indian wars. He married Elizabeth Fry, about 1664, and their eldest child was born February 9, I665. Elizabeth, the widow, died May 15, 1696.
