An American Family History

Joseph Collins was born March 26, 1695 in Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts. He was the son of Joseph Collins and Maria Smith.

He was a cordwainer.

This Joseph was not the Joseph Collings or Collins who lived in Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey who married Rachel Dorset.

According to Massachusetts Marriages 1633-1850, He married Patience Boynton on May 21, 1717 in Lynn. Patience was born in Lynn about 1699. She was the daughter of John Boynton and Hannah Keyes.

In 1718/19, they sold the land she had inherited from her father.

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.

A cordwainer (or cordwinder) made shoes from fine, soft leather. There was a distinction between a cordwainer, who made shoes, and a cobbler who repaired them.