from The Driver Family
The ancestor of the Ipswich family...was Joseph Metcalfe, of whom no chronicler has given any information concerning the date of his sailing from England, or his arrival in New England; but it is on record that he was a resident of Ipswich, Mass., Jan. 5, 1634, and March 4, 1633, took the freeman's oath there...
Capt. Joseph Metcalfe mariner; born in England in 1605; died in Ipswich, Mass., July 21, 1665.
He was an original proprietor of Ipswich, receiving in 1634 his first grant of land. (See Possession Books of Ipswich, Mass.)
Jan. 5, 1634, it was by the town of Ipswich, given and granted unto Mathias Currin (Curwen), and unto Philip Fowler, and unto Christopher Osgood, and unto William Moody, and unto Thomas Dorman, and unto Joseph Metcalf, to each of them four acres of meadow and marsh ground as it will arise in 20 poles or rods, by the land side unto them their heirs, or assigns, lying northward of the Town, the marsh is not limited unto them.
March 4,1633-4, Joseph Metcalf took the freeman's oath.
He was deputy that year to the General Court, also for 1644, 1645, 1654,1655, and 1661 (Felt's Ipswich). He also owned a vessel:
So I came to ipswich and agred with goodman Medcafes vesell to bring me from Boston where I had brot my goods John Dean born 1612. New Eng. Hist, and Geneal. Register, for 1854, p. 154.
He subscribed yearly to the support of Maj. Denison, leader of the town of Ipswich, Mass....
May 23, 1655. Joseph Metcalfe was on a Committee of the House to collect gifts made in England by friends to the Colony (Mass. Bay).
Nov. 13, 1655. He was on Essex Committee for Trade.
Feb. 16, 1658. Voted by the Town, to choose a Committee, and give their apprehensions and commonages...This Committee Are as followeth, viz. : — Our two honored Magistrates, our teaching and ruling Elders, Mr. Wade, George Giddings, Philip Fowler, Joseph Medcalf, Thomas Hart.
June 5, 1665 Joseph Metcalf, seaman, of Ipswich, sells to Edward Nealand, Irishman, 7 acres of land, signed by Joseph Metcalf, and Elizabeth his wife, made her mark, Thomas Metcalf and his seal under them (Essex Probate Rec, Vol. III. p. 22).
June 3, 1665, Joseph Metcalf made his will, which was proved Sept. 26th. following, he having died July 21, 1665. He states his age as "60," and names his wife, Elizabeth, executrix, who is to have the estate, and after her decease, his grandson Joseph shall have his house and land, he paying £10 to his sister Mary.
What livestock his wife leaves at her death he bequeaths to his granddaughter Elizabeth. He appoints his son Thomas and William Goodhue overseers. His estate was valued at £370:13. Jacob Perkins (23 years old), was one of the witnesses of this will...
