An American Family History

Henry Batcheller was born in England early in the 17th century. His brothers were Joseph Batcheller and John Batcheller. He was a brewer.

He came to America with his wife, Martha and four servants. They settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Martha and Henry did not have children. They came at the same time as his brother, Joseph,

They were Quakers.

In 1639, the town of Ipswich granted him 60 acres of upland and 20 acres of meadow near Hurttlebury Hill. He had to give up 50 acres, formerly granted to him in the West Meadows and stay in the town.

In 1641 he was on the list of commoners in Ipswich who signed an agreement about the number of cows for each bull on the Ipswich common land.

Like most men in Ipswich, he was a member of the local militia. In October, 1643 he was

of such as have forfeited, for not returning their Powder according to ann order of the Town.

In 1645 he sold Thomas Knowlton a six acre lot on the hill on the north side of the river.

Since they were Quakers, they were persecuted for their religion. There was no difference between church and state in Puritan Ipswich. Eventually the town of Ipswich took their land because they did not attend the usual public meetings. The land was placed in trust with Nathaniel Treadwell and John Warner.

In March, 1654, Henry was presented to the court and had to pay fees and costs. In May, 1660 he was fined for being absent from a public meeting. In September of that hear he was fined 5£ and court costs for his absense from worship.

On February 14, 1664, Henry was assigned share 13 in the division of Plum Island, Castle Neck and Hog (now Choote) Island.

Martha died on April 4, 1686.

Henry died on February 2, 1679. Nathaniel Treadwell, John Warner, and John Batchelder administrators of his estate.

His estate was distributed in 1697. His brother, Joseph's, children,
John, Elizabeth and Hannah, and his brother John's children each inherited 11£ 13s and a share of the remainder of his farm. Joseph's children sold their share.

Cattle were vital to a household and an important legacy. Unweaned cattle are calves. Female cattle are heifers and cows (had a calf). Male cattle are steers (castrated) and bulls. Oxen are trained draft animals and are often castrated adult male cattle.

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.