An American Family History

Edward Richards was birth date is not know exactly. Sources range from 1614 to 1621. He came to Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts when he was young.

In 1681 Edward Richards swore in court that he was about 65. In 1672 he also testified that he was 65.

Other testimony he gave in court concerning claims of certain inhabitants, indicates that he was in Lynn in 1633. In 1678 Edward made oath that he had lived in Lynn forty-five years.

When Lynn was incorporated, he was not a proprietor. He was, however, the owner of a town right. He may have been an indentured servant for Sir John Humphreys, probably as an apprentice joiner, a carpenter doing interior detail, working on the estate of the the Assistant Governor.

He was a joiner. He was made a freeman in 1641. From the court records it appears that he was a wild young man. After his marriage, he seems to have calmed down, but appeared often in court as a participant and witness.

In July, 1646, Edward was was charged with public lying. According to Records and Files of the Quarterly Courts of Essex County he said "to two men that he and nine more took a ship at Plymouth in old England, and killed all the men but one, and that he himself was captain, who commanded his men to bring the living man before him, and his head was taken off; and that he and his company were taken, and all but himself hanged, he having escaped, being under age. Wit: John Peabodie and Thomas Winterton. This was about fourteen years ago. Richards said that they were false statements. Fined ten shillings, and to acknowledge his sin and evil at Lynn before the congregation next lecture or Lord's day."

In 1646 Girard Spencer entered a complaint against him for not observing a rule of the planters. In April, 1646, he sold Daniel King, "one parcel of land, called Windmill Hill," which was the eastern mound of Sagamore Hill.

In 1646 he was "presented for being distempered with drink at the artillery at Salem."

He married Ann Knight about 1650. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Edward and Ann Richards.

In 1857 at the Lynn town meeting that "Mr. Richard Leader desired to have the wood at Nahant."

In June 1670, as the town of Lynn began dividing the common land, Edward was in court again as he "stood with a club to defend the land boundaries." 

In November, 1670 the Selectmen of the town sued him for "affronting' them on the Common, meeting them with a club, striking their cattle."

In 1675 he lost a case against Lieutenant Putnam, but won on appeal.

In 1678 he testified that Mr. Tomlins " was not to stop or hinder the alewives to go up to the great pond."

In 1688, he signed a protest against the grant of Nabant by Gov. Andros. He was not recorded as having taken the oath of fidelity.

He died on January 26, 1690 in Lynn. At his death his estate, not including his town right, was inventoried at œ180. His widow Ann was appointed administrator, and William Richards her principal surety.

*Writ: Lieut. Thomas Putman v. Edward Richards of Lynn; review of a case tried at the Salem court in July, 1675, with judgment for Lt. Putman, and on appeal at the Court of Assistants in Sept., 1675, when judgment was reversed; dated June 18, 1680; signed by Nath. Barnes,J for the court and town of Boston; and served by Samll. Cobbett,J constable of Lyn, by attachment of the dwelling house and land of defendant. Edward Richard's bill of cost, 12s.
Letter of attorney given by Edward (his mark) Richards to Thomas Norman of Boston. Wit: Jonath. Palmes and Edmond Bridges.J Acknowledged, June 29, 1680, before William Browne,J assistant.

...Edward Randolph, early in 1687, had requested Andros to grant to him Nahant. The Council directed the constables to give public notice in Lynn that " if any person or persons have any claim or pretence to the said land they appear before His Excellency the Governor in Council... Although it was considered an act of sedition to assemble in town meetings for purposes of deliberation, a town meeting was held in Lynn, March 5, 1687-8, and " Thomas Laughton, senior, Capt. Ralph King, Cornet John Lewis, Oliver Purchis, Lieut. John Burrill, Edward Richards and John ffuller, senior," were chosen to draw up the claims of the proprietors to Nahant. Lieutenant Burrill, Edward Richards and Captain King were selected as messengers to appear before the Governor and Council.

In the statement then made, they took the ground that the Lynn records gave evidence that in the year 1635 this tract of land was in the hands of the then freemen of Lynn to dispose of...

Edmond Bridges v. Edward Richards. Debt. Of 48s. in bar iron. Verdict for plaintiff.

Edward (his mark) Richards of Lyn, on Nov. 29, 1663, agreed with Edmond Bridgis of Topsfeeld, for the exchange of a mare and horse, etc. Wit: Daniell Salmon and Margey (her mark) Salmon. Owned in court by defendant.

Edward Richards declared in court before Mr. Wm. Perkins' face, that the latter being asked whither he was going, said to hell for aught he knew. Mr. Perkins appeared and denied the testimony, and was ordered to appear at the next Salem court.—Sept. 26, 1665.

For family trees and all source information, link to my RootsWeb File