JOHN, youngest child of Thomas and Frances Kilbourne, was baptized at Wood Ditton, England, September 29, 1624. On the 15th of April, 1635.
He embarked for New England with his parents and sisters, on board the "Increase," Robert Lea, master. He was then a lad of ten years. As I have elsewhere stated, the family settled in Wethersfield, on the west side of the Connecticut river, six miles below the present city of Hartford, where the subject of this notice spent the remainder of his days, and where he was long a useful and prominent citizen.
On the 24th of September, 1647, at the age of 23 years, his name occurs for the first time upon the Wethersfield Records --he having been appointed "Collector of the Tax Rates" at that date. His first record as a land-holder bears date May 20, 1649.
On the 8th of March 1654, Mr. Kilbourne was appointed a member of the committee to run the Boundary Line between Wethersfield and " Mattabossett" (or Middletown), and three years subsequently he was chosen a member of a new committee for the same work.
On the 2d of April, 1655, John Kilbourne and Thomas Wright were appointed "to run ye line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye second day of next week."
In May, 1657, he was confirmed by the General Court" to be Sergeant at Wethersfield;" and from that time forward, he is almost uniformly designated upon the Town Records as "Sergeant Kilbourn."
At the October Session of the General Court, 1660, Sergeant Kilbourn took his seat in that body, for the first time, as a Representative from Wethersfield. He was a member at seven stated and special sessions, during a most interesting period of our colonial history.
In May, 1661, (Sergt. Kilbourne being in attendance,) an address to the King was presented to the Court for consideration by a committee previously appointed for that purpose. It was approved; and a committee was appointed to draw up a Petition to his Majesty, and to "compile and methodize the address as they shall judge most convenient, provided ye substance be still attended and retained."
The petition and address were perfected; Governor Winthrop was appointed the Agent of the Colony to present them to the King, and £600 were set apart for the furtherance of the great object contemplated. These measures resulted in procuring the famous Charter of 1662 by far the most liberal and republican instrument of civil government that the world at that date had ever seen. Under its benign auspices, the people of Connecticut continued to live and flourish until the adoption of our present State Constitution, in 1818 -- a period of 156 years.
Sergeant Kilbourne was a member of the Legislature during nearly every regular and special session, from the date of the first proposition for the Address and Petition, to the time when the charter arrived in the Colony -- September, 1662; and it is fair to presume that he was a deeply interested participant in those important measures that resulted in the comparative freedom of the colony in which he had laid the foundations of a Home for himself and his posterity.
At the May Session of the General Court, 1662, Sergeant Kilbourn was appointed by that body a member of the Colonial Grand Jury -- an office which he continued to hold until the organization of the counties, in May, 1666. He was subsequently often a Grand Juror of Hartford county; also of Particular Courts, and Courts of Magistrates. In May, 1677, he was on the "Jury of Life and Death," at Hartford.
In town affairs, our ancestor was conspicuous for a period of nearly 40 years. Besides being a Collector, Lister and Constable, he was a Selectman for eleven rears between 1657 and 1681, inclusive. During this period, a by-law was in force, providing that no person should be elected to the latter office for more than two years in succession. He also served on many important committees.
In October 1675, in the midst of the general war with King Philip, John Kilbourne petitioned the Council of War to be released from the office of Sergeant, which he had held for 18 years; and it was ordered that when Major Talcott should procure a suitable person in his place, he should be released.*
* See J. Hammond Trumbull's "Colonial Records" vol. ii p. 375. His military rank should not be judged by the present grade of the title which he bore. Previous to 1653, the highest military title in the colony was that of Captain. In the year last named, the commander-in-chief of all the New England forces, in the war with the Dutch at New York, was Captain John Lawrence of Boston; Lieutenant Cook being the commander-in-chief of the Connecticut troops in that war.
In the Pequot War, the General Court ordered that, on the death or disability of Captain Mason Lieutenant Seelye should be the commander-in-chief; and in the event of his death or disability, the senior Sergeant should take the chief command.
Ye 8th of March, 1653-4. -- We also ordaine that The Line betwixt Mattabosset and us shall be Rund some time this month, and ye Townsmen [Selectmen] and Samll. Smith, John Chester, John Kilborne, Jo. Dickinson and Richard Chester, Junior, shall Atend ye worke upon Munday, and to give notise to Mattaboset to meet us at ye devident Line."
"Ye second of April, 1655. -- Ye Townsmen Apointed John Kilborne and Thomas Wright to Run ye Line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye 2d day of next weeke. Nathl. Dickerson to give warning to the Hartford Townsmen "
"March 16, 1657. -- The Townsmen have apoynted John Kilburn, Phillip Smith and James Pratt to runn ye line betwixt Matabossitt and Wethersfield upon the twenty seventh of this present March, 1657."
"April the 2d [1665-6]. -- The townsmen agreed with Sargt. John Killborne to burne the woods belonging to the south end of the towne (viz. the woods between us and Middletowne) at such a time or times as may be most convenient for the advantage of the towne, and they are to allow him for his paines, in this work, six shillings. At this time they also agreed with Enoch Buck to burne the woods belonging to the other end of the towne," &c.-- Barber's Conn. Hist. Coll., p. 221.
"Feb. 1673. -- It was voted and agreed that Serj. Kilburne and Mr. Willard shall be empowered hereby to manage all affaires concerning sheepe in this Towne according to law."
"July 3d, 1676. -- At this meeting Mr. Samll. Talcoat, Leut. John Chester, Ensigne Goodridge, Sargt. Kilburne and Sargt. Deming, together with the townsmen in being, were empowered to order the sitting of all persons in seats and places in the meeting house." -- Barber, p. 221.
Oct. 25, 1677. -- " At the same meeting, Mr. Samuel Talcott, Lieut. Thomas Hollister, Ensign Hugh Wells, Sergt. Kilburne and Sergt Nott, are appointed a committee in the behalfe of the Towne, to setle and determine the bounds of the Highway which leads from Widow Goaff's home lott to Midletown so far as Dividend Brooke."
"Mr. Kimberly and Sergt. Kilborne are apointed • Committee to lay out lands granted to Goodman Hunn upon the side of Rocky Hill."
"April 17, 1677. -- At Towne meeting, Sargt. John Kilborne, Sargt. Hugh Welles and John Beldin were chosen a Comittee in the behalfe of the towne to deal with John Waddams and to make such an exchange of land as they may see cause both for the benefit of the towne and for his benefit as they can agree."
"Nov 27, 1678 -- Mr. Gershom Bulkley [minister] had granted to him one hundred and fifty acres of land joyning to his land in his present possesion by his mill. Serjeant Kilburne, Mr. Eleazer Kimberly, Serjt. John Deming and Ensigne Welles are appointed, they or ye most part thereof, to lay out the same."
"March 19, 1683 -- Sergt. John Kilborne and Enoch Buck were chosen a Cometee to procure a shepherd for the towne upon as good termes as they can, who shall be paid by a sheep Rate as aforesaid, as the Comettee aforesaid and the shepherd shall agree, and also take care of what fence is needfull and necessary."
"Dec 29, 1684 -- It was also voted by the Towne, that there shall be a Shepherd imployed by the towne to keep sheep every yeare soe long as shall be needful, and the vote to stand till the towne see cause to alter it; and tbe Shepherd apointed is to keep all the sheep that belong to tbe town. And Sergt. John Kilborn and Emanuel Buck are to take care about a Shepherd and what also is needful for the said sheep, according to a voat dated March 19,1683-4."
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That Sergt. K. was a lover of "righteousness and peace," will appear from the following petition, taken from the Land Records, Vol. I, Document 182, in the office of the Secretary of State.
" To the Honored Gov. and Deputy Gov. with the Assistants and members of the General Court now sitting in Hartford. The humble petition of diverse inhabitants of Wethersfield, proprietors in the lands on the East side of the Great River in the field called Naubuck. Whereas the original landmarks between the several divisions of land in the said field now long since lost and diverse of the proprietors (apprehending much trouble like to ensue thereupon) when the law of possession was rnade, did during the time that that law was suspended, petition the General Court to appoint a Committee to lay out and limit al1 the several divisions of land in Naubuck aforesaid according to the original record of the town. And the said Committee did attempt to discharge the trust committed to them, but not being able to fnd out tbe south bounds of the said field, they were at a loss and never did anything to effect. And now diverse persons of the said Committee are dead, and the south bounds of the said field are found out and settled by a Committee appointed by the General Court in the case pending between Mr. Bulkeley and Mr. Hollister, whereby the settling of the bounds of the several divisions of land according to the rules of righteousness and peace becomes very feasible, your petitioners being very sensible of great and almost endless troubles likely to ensue to divers of the proprietors unless they will, to their great loss and damage, yield up their just and lawful right to such as will unjustly encroach upon them, do therefore humbly request the Honorable Court to appoint a new Committee to lay out all the said field according to the original record of the town, as the former General Court did appoint, and also to set down leading stakes for the just lines, as need shall require. And now hope that the Honored General Court will not make difficulty about granting our petition because of the present aspect of things, for we do not desire a new grant or title of land, but a settling of us in a judicious way according to the rules of righteousness and peace, upon what was our ancient right and property. And we do the more earnestly desire this favor of the Honored General Court at this time, because it changes threatened consequences; contentions and divisions about limits and bounds of land will inevitably be an aggravation of our trouble, -- but not to trouble the Honored Court with a multiplicity of words, we subscribe ourselves your humble suppliants and servants.
JOHN KILBUREN, Sen'r.
JOSHUA ROBINS
SAM'L WELLES
ELEAZER KIMBERLY
EPHRAIM GOODRICH.
Wethersfield, October 13, 1687."
The Response to the above Petition was made by "a General Court held at Hartford," soon after, at which Gov. Treat presided.
It was ordered that "upon the petition of John Kilborn and others, that this Court would appoint a Committee to settle the bounds of their lands on the east side of the Great River at Naubuck, This Court do therefore order and appoint Serjt. John Deming, Deac. Samuel Butler,
Serjt. John Wells and Ensign Samuel Wright, to attend the said service and perfect the same according to the first and original Grants as near as they can, to begin at the south side of Capt. Talcott's lott and so to proceed as there is occasion."
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Sergt. Kilbourn was married to Naomi in 1650; she died, October 1, 1659, leaving three children, viz., John, Thomas, and Naomi.
He then married Sarah, daughter of Mr. John Bronson, of Farmington, by whom he had Ebenezer, Sarah, George, Mary, Joseph, and Abraham.. He departed this life on the 9th of April, 1703, in his 79th year -- or, as the Wethersfield Record quaintly expresses it, "of his age about 80 years, as nigh as could be come at." Sarah, his widow, died on the 4th of December, 1711, "aged 70 years, or something more," as the record has it.
More About John Kilborne , Sgt.:
Baptism (LDS): September 29, 1624, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England21
Immigration: April 15, 1635, Embarked on the ship "Increase" from London, England to New England.
John & Naomi had 7 children.
He embarked for New England with his parents and sisters, on board the "Increase," Robert Lea, master. He was then a lad of ten years. As I have elsewhere stated, the family settled in Wethersfield, on the west side of the Connecticut river, six miles below the present city of Hartford, where the subject of this notice spent the remainder of his days, and where he was long a useful and prominent citizen.
On the 24th of September, 1647, at the age of 23 years, his name occurs for the first time upon the Wethersfield Records --he having been appointed "Collector of the Tax Rates" at that date. His first record as a land-holder bears date May 20, 1649.
On the 8th of March 1654, Mr. Kilbourne was appointed a member of the committee to run the Boundary Line between Wethersfield and " Mattabossett" (or Middletown), and three years subsequently he was chosen a member of a new committee for the same work.
On the 2d of April, 1655, John Kilbourne and Thomas Wright were appointed "to run ye line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye second day of next week."
In May, 1657, he was confirmed by the General Court" to be Sergeant at Wethersfield;" and from that time forward, he is almost uniformly designated upon the Town Records as "Sergeant Kilbourn."
At the October Session of the General Court, 1660, Sergeant Kilbourn took his seat in that body, for the first time, as a Representative from Wethersfield. He was a member at seven stated and special sessions, during a most interesting period of our colonial history.
In May, 1661, (Sergt. Kilbourne being in attendance,) an address to the King was presented to the Court for consideration by a committee previously appointed for that purpose. It was approved; and a committee was appointed to draw up a Petition to his Majesty, and to "compile and methodize the address as they shall judge most convenient, provided ye substance be still attended and retained."
The petition and address were perfected; Governor Winthrop was appointed the Agent of the Colony to present them to the King, and £600 were set apart for the furtherance of the great object contemplated. These measures resulted in procuring the famous Charter of 1662 by far the most liberal and republican instrument of civil government that the world at that date had ever seen. Under its benign auspices, the people of Connecticut continued to live and flourish until the adoption of our present State Constitution, in 1818 -- a period of 156 years.
Sergeant Kilbourne was a member of the Legislature during nearly every regular and special session, from the date of the first proposition for the Address and Petition, to the time when the charter arrived in the Colony -- September, 1662; and it is fair to presume that he was a deeply interested participant in those important measures that resulted in the comparative freedom of the colony in which he had laid the foundations of a Home for himself and his posterity.
At the May Session of the General Court, 1662, Sergeant Kilbourn was appointed by that body a member of the Colonial Grand Jury -- an office which he continued to hold until the organization of the counties, in May, 1666. He was subsequently often a Grand Juror of Hartford county; also of Particular Courts, and Courts of Magistrates. In May, 1677, he was on the "Jury of Life and Death," at Hartford.
In town affairs, our ancestor was conspicuous for a period of nearly 40 years. Besides being a Collector, Lister and Constable, he was a Selectman for eleven rears between 1657 and 1681, inclusive. During this period, a by-law was in force, providing that no person should be elected to the latter office for more than two years in succession. He also served on many important committees.
In October 1675, in the midst of the general war with King Philip, John Kilbourne petitioned the Council of War to be released from the office of Sergeant, which he had held for 18 years; and it was ordered that when Major Talcott should procure a suitable person in his place, he should be released.*
* See J. Hammond Trumbull's "Colonial Records" vol. ii p. 375. His military rank should not be judged by the present grade of the title which he bore. Previous to 1653, the highest military title in the colony was that of Captain. In the year last named, the commander-in-chief of all the New England forces, in the war with the Dutch at New York, was Captain John Lawrence of Boston; Lieutenant Cook being the commander-in-chief of the Connecticut troops in that war.
In the Pequot War, the General Court ordered that, on the death or disability of Captain Mason Lieutenant Seelye should be the commander-in-chief; and in the event of his death or disability, the senior Sergeant should take the chief command.
Ye 8th of March, 1653-4. -- We also ordaine that The Line betwixt Mattabosset and us shall be Rund some time this month, and ye Townsmen [Selectmen] and Samll. Smith, John Chester, John Kilborne, Jo. Dickinson and Richard Chester, Junior, shall Atend ye worke upon Munday, and to give notise to Mattaboset to meet us at ye devident Line."
"Ye second of April, 1655. -- Ye Townsmen Apointed John Kilborne and Thomas Wright to Run ye Line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye 2d day of next weeke. Nathl. Dickerson to give warning to the Hartford Townsmen "
"March 16, 1657. -- The Townsmen have apoynted John Kilburn, Phillip Smith and James Pratt to runn ye line betwixt Matabossitt and Wethersfield upon the twenty seventh of this present March, 1657."
"April the 2d [1665-6]. -- The townsmen agreed with Sargt. John Killborne to burne the woods belonging to the south end of the towne (viz. the woods between us and Middletowne) at such a time or times as may be most convenient for the advantage of the towne, and they are to allow him for his paines, in this work, six shillings. At this time they also agreed with Enoch Buck to burne the woods belonging to the other end of the towne," &c.-- Barber's Conn. Hist. Coll., p. 221.
"Feb. 1673. -- It was voted and agreed that Serj. Kilburne and Mr. Willard shall be empowered hereby to manage all affaires concerning sheepe in this Towne according to law."
"July 3d, 1676. -- At this meeting Mr. Samll. Talcoat, Leut. John Chester, Ensigne Goodridge, Sargt. Kilburne and Sargt. Deming, together with the townsmen in being, were empowered to order the sitting of all persons in seats and places in the meeting house." -- Barber, p. 221.
Oct. 25, 1677. -- " At the same meeting, Mr. Samuel Talcott, Lieut. Thomas Hollister, Ensign Hugh Wells, Sergt. Kilburne and Sergt Nott, are appointed a committee in the behalfe of the Towne, to setle and determine the bounds of the Highway which leads from Widow Goaff's home lott to Midletown so far as Dividend Brooke."
"Mr. Kimberly and Sergt. Kilborne are apointed • Committee to lay out lands granted to Goodman Hunn upon the side of Rocky Hill."
"April 17, 1677. -- At Towne meeting, Sargt. John Kilborne, Sargt. Hugh Welles and John Beldin were chosen a Comittee in the behalfe of the towne to deal with John Waddams and to make such an exchange of land as they may see cause both for the benefit of the towne and for his benefit as they can agree."
"Nov 27, 1678 -- Mr. Gershom Bulkley [minister] had granted to him one hundred and fifty acres of land joyning to his land in his present possesion by his mill. Serjeant Kilburne, Mr. Eleazer Kimberly, Serjt. John Deming and Ensigne Welles are appointed, they or ye most part thereof, to lay out the same."
"March 19, 1683 -- Sergt. John Kilborne and Enoch Buck were chosen a Cometee to procure a shepherd for the towne upon as good termes as they can, who shall be paid by a sheep Rate as aforesaid, as the Comettee aforesaid and the shepherd shall agree, and also take care of what fence is needfull and necessary."
"Dec 29, 1684 -- It was also voted by the Towne, that there shall be a Shepherd imployed by the towne to keep sheep every yeare soe long as shall be needful, and the vote to stand till the towne see cause to alter it; and tbe Shepherd apointed is to keep all the sheep that belong to tbe town. And Sergt. John Kilborn and Emanuel Buck are to take care about a Shepherd and what also is needful for the said sheep, according to a voat dated March 19,1683-4."
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That Sergt. K. was a lover of "righteousness and peace," will appear from the following petition, taken from the Land Records, Vol. I, Document 182, in the office of the Secretary of State.
" To the Honored Gov. and Deputy Gov. with the Assistants and members of the General Court now sitting in Hartford. The humble petition of diverse inhabitants of Wethersfield, proprietors in the lands on the East side of the Great River in the field called Naubuck. Whereas the original landmarks between the several divisions of land in the said field now long since lost and diverse of the proprietors (apprehending much trouble like to ensue thereupon) when the law of possession was rnade, did during the time that that law was suspended, petition the General Court to appoint a Committee to lay out and limit al1 the several divisions of land in Naubuck aforesaid according to the original record of the town. And the said Committee did attempt to discharge the trust committed to them, but not being able to fnd out tbe south bounds of the said field, they were at a loss and never did anything to effect. And now diverse persons of the said Committee are dead, and the south bounds of the said field are found out and settled by a Committee appointed by the General Court in the case pending between Mr. Bulkeley and Mr. Hollister, whereby the settling of the bounds of the several divisions of land according to the rules of righteousness and peace becomes very feasible, your petitioners being very sensible of great and almost endless troubles likely to ensue to divers of the proprietors unless they will, to their great loss and damage, yield up their just and lawful right to such as will unjustly encroach upon them, do therefore humbly request the Honorable Court to appoint a new Committee to lay out all the said field according to the original record of the town, as the former General Court did appoint, and also to set down leading stakes for the just lines, as need shall require. And now hope that the Honored General Court will not make difficulty about granting our petition because of the present aspect of things, for we do not desire a new grant or title of land, but a settling of us in a judicious way according to the rules of righteousness and peace, upon what was our ancient right and property. And we do the more earnestly desire this favor of the Honored General Court at this time, because it changes threatened consequences; contentions and divisions about limits and bounds of land will inevitably be an aggravation of our trouble, -- but not to trouble the Honored Court with a multiplicity of words, we subscribe ourselves your humble suppliants and servants.
JOHN KILBUREN, Sen'r.
JOSHUA ROBINS
SAM'L WELLES
ELEAZER KIMBERLY
EPHRAIM GOODRICH.
Wethersfield, October 13, 1687."
The Response to the above Petition was made by "a General Court held at Hartford," soon after, at which Gov. Treat presided.
It was ordered that "upon the petition of John Kilborn and others, that this Court would appoint a Committee to settle the bounds of their lands on the east side of the Great River at Naubuck, This Court do therefore order and appoint Serjt. John Deming, Deac. Samuel Butler,
Serjt. John Wells and Ensign Samuel Wright, to attend the said service and perfect the same according to the first and original Grants as near as they can, to begin at the south side of Capt. Talcott's lott and so to proceed as there is occasion."
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Sergt. Kilbourn was married to Naomi in 1650; she died, October 1, 1659, leaving three children, viz., John, Thomas, and Naomi.
He then married Sarah, daughter of Mr. John Bronson, of Farmington, by whom he had Ebenezer, Sarah, George, Mary, Joseph, and Abraham.. He departed this life on the 9th of April, 1703, in his 79th year -- or, as the Wethersfield Record quaintly expresses it, "of his age about 80 years, as nigh as could be come at." Sarah, his widow, died on the 4th of December, 1711, "aged 70 years, or something more," as the record has it.
More About John Kilborne , Sgt.:
Baptism (LDS): September 29, 1624, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England21
Immigration: April 15, 1635, Embarked on the ship "Increase" from London, England to New England.
John & Naomi had 7 children.
JOHN, youngest child of Thomas and Frances Kilbourne, was baptized at Wood Ditton, England, September 29, 1624. On the 15th of April, 1635.
He embarked for New England with his parents and sisters, on board the "Increase," Robert Lea, master. He was then a lad of ten years. As I have elsewhere stated, the family settled in Wethersfield, on the west side of the Connecticut river, six miles below the present city of Hartford, where the subject of this notice spent the remainder of his days, and where he was long a useful and prominent citizen.
On the 24th of September, 1647, at the age of 23 years, his name occurs for the first time upon the Wethersfield Records --he having been appointed "Collector of the Tax Rates" at that date. His first record as a land-holder bears date May 20, 1649.
On the 8th of March 1654, Mr. Kilbourne was appointed a member of the committee to run the Boundary Line between Wethersfield and " Mattabossett" (or Middletown), and three years subsequently he was chosen a member of a new committee for the same work.
On the 2d of April, 1655, John Kilbourne and Thomas Wright were appointed "to run ye line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye second day of next week."
In May, 1657, he was confirmed by the General Court" to be Sergeant at Wethersfield;" and from that time forward, he is almost uniformly designated upon the Town Records as "Sergeant Kilbourn."
At the October Session of the General Court, 1660, Sergeant Kilbourn took his seat in that body, for the first time, as a Representative from Wethersfield. He was a member at seven stated and special sessions, during a most interesting period of our colonial history.
In May, 1661, (Sergt. Kilbourne being in attendance,) an address to the King was presented to the Court for consideration by a committee previously appointed for that purpose. It was approved; and a committee was appointed to draw up a Petition to his Majesty, and to "compile and methodize the address as they shall judge most convenient, provided ye substance be still attended and retained."
The petition and address were perfected; Governor Winthrop was appointed the Agent of the Colony to present them to the King, and £600 were set apart for the furtherance of the great object contemplated. These measures resulted in procuring the famous Charter of 1662 by far the most liberal and republican instrument of civil government that the world at that date had ever seen. Under its benign auspices, the people of Connecticut continued to live and flourish until the adoption of our present State Constitution, in 1818 -- a period of 156 years.
Sergeant Kilbourne was a member of the Legislature during nearly every regular and special session, from the date of the first proposition for the Address and Petition, to the time when the charter arrived in the Colony -- September, 1662; and it is fair to presume that he was a deeply interested participant in those important measures that resulted in the comparative freedom of the colony in which he had laid the foundations of a Home for himself and his posterity.
At the May Session of the General Court, 1662, Sergeant Kilbourn was appointed by that body a member of the Colonial Grand Jury -- an office which he continued to hold until the organization of the counties, in May, 1666. He was subsequently often a Grand Juror of Hartford county; also of Particular Courts, and Courts of Magistrates. In May, 1677, he was on the "Jury of Life and Death," at Hartford.
In town affairs, our ancestor was conspicuous for a period of nearly 40 years. Besides being a Collector, Lister and Constable, he was a Selectman for eleven rears between 1657 and 1681, inclusive. During this period, a by-law was in force, providing that no person should be elected to the latter office for more than two years in succession. He also served on many important committees.
In October 1675, in the midst of the general war with King Philip, John Kilbourne petitioned the Council of War to be released from the office of Sergeant, which he had held for 18 years; and it was ordered that when Major Talcott should procure a suitable person in his place, he should be released.*
* See J. Hammond Trumbull's "Colonial Records" vol. ii p. 375. His military rank should not be judged by the present grade of the title which he bore. Previous to 1653, the highest military title in the colony was that of Captain. In the year last named, the commander-in-chief of all the New England forces, in the war with the Dutch at New York, was Captain John Lawrence of Boston; Lieutenant Cook being the commander-in-chief of the Connecticut troops in that war.
In the Pequot War, the General Court ordered that, on the death or disability of Captain Mason Lieutenant Seelye should be the commander-in-chief; and in the event of his death or disability, the senior Sergeant should take the chief command.
Ye 8th of March, 1653-4. -- We also ordaine that The Line betwixt Mattabosset and us shall be Rund some time this month, and ye Townsmen [Selectmen] and Samll. Smith, John Chester, John Kilborne, Jo. Dickinson and Richard Chester, Junior, shall Atend ye worke upon Munday, and to give notise to Mattaboset to meet us at ye devident Line."
"Ye second of April, 1655. -- Ye Townsmen Apointed John Kilborne and Thomas Wright to Run ye Line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye 2d day of next weeke. Nathl. Dickerson to give warning to the Hartford Townsmen "
"March 16, 1657. -- The Townsmen have apoynted John Kilburn, Phillip Smith and James Pratt to runn ye line betwixt Matabossitt and Wethersfield upon the twenty seventh of this present March, 1657."
"April the 2d [1665-6]. -- The townsmen agreed with Sargt. John Killborne to burne the woods belonging to the south end of the towne (viz. the woods between us and Middletowne) at such a time or times as may be most convenient for the advantage of the towne, and they are to allow him for his paines, in this work, six shillings. At this time they also agreed with Enoch Buck to burne the woods belonging to the other end of the towne," &c.-- Barber's Conn. Hist. Coll., p. 221.
"Feb. 1673. -- It was voted and agreed that Serj. Kilburne and Mr. Willard shall be empowered hereby to manage all affaires concerning sheepe in this Towne according to law."
"July 3d, 1676. -- At this meeting Mr. Samll. Talcoat, Leut. John Chester, Ensigne Goodridge, Sargt. Kilburne and Sargt. Deming, together with the townsmen in being, were empowered to order the sitting of all persons in seats and places in the meeting house." -- Barber, p. 221.
Oct. 25, 1677. -- " At the same meeting, Mr. Samuel Talcott, Lieut. Thomas Hollister, Ensign Hugh Wells, Sergt. Kilburne and Sergt Nott, are appointed a committee in the behalfe of the Towne, to setle and determine the bounds of the Highway which leads from Widow Goaff's home lott to Midletown so far as Dividend Brooke."
"Mr. Kimberly and Sergt. Kilborne are apointed • Committee to lay out lands granted to Goodman Hunn upon the side of Rocky Hill."
"April 17, 1677. -- At Towne meeting, Sargt. John Kilborne, Sargt. Hugh Welles and John Beldin were chosen a Comittee in the behalfe of the towne to deal with John Waddams and to make such an exchange of land as they may see cause both for the benefit of the towne and for his benefit as they can agree."
"Nov 27, 1678 -- Mr. Gershom Bulkley [minister] had granted to him one hundred and fifty acres of land joyning to his land in his present possesion by his mill. Serjeant Kilburne, Mr. Eleazer Kimberly, Serjt. John Deming and Ensigne Welles are appointed, they or ye most part thereof, to lay out the same."
"March 19, 1683 -- Sergt. John Kilborne and Enoch Buck were chosen a Cometee to procure a shepherd for the towne upon as good termes as they can, who shall be paid by a sheep Rate as aforesaid, as the Comettee aforesaid and the shepherd shall agree, and also take care of what fence is needfull and necessary."
"Dec 29, 1684 -- It was also voted by the Towne, that there shall be a Shepherd imployed by the towne to keep sheep every yeare soe long as shall be needful, and the vote to stand till the towne see cause to alter it; and tbe Shepherd apointed is to keep all the sheep that belong to tbe town. And Sergt. John Kilborn and Emanuel Buck are to take care about a Shepherd and what also is needful for the said sheep, according to a voat dated March 19,1683-4."
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That Sergt. K. was a lover of "righteousness and peace," will appear from the following petition, taken from the Land Records, Vol. I, Document 182, in the office of the Secretary of State.
" To the Honored Gov. and Deputy Gov. with the Assistants and members of the General Court now sitting in Hartford. The humble petition of diverse inhabitants of Wethersfield, proprietors in the lands on the East side of the Great River in the field called Naubuck. Whereas the original landmarks between the several divisions of land in the said field now long since lost and diverse of the proprietors (apprehending much trouble like to ensue thereupon) when the law of possession was rnade, did during the time that that law was suspended, petition the General Court to appoint a Committee to lay out and limit al1 the several divisions of land in Naubuck aforesaid according to the original record of the town. And the said Committee did attempt to discharge the trust committed to them, but not being able to fnd out tbe south bounds of the said field, they were at a loss and never did anything to effect. And now diverse persons of the said Committee are dead, and the south bounds of the said field are found out and settled by a Committee appointed by the General Court in the case pending between Mr. Bulkeley and Mr. Hollister, whereby the settling of the bounds of the several divisions of land according to the rules of righteousness and peace becomes very feasible, your petitioners being very sensible of great and almost endless troubles likely to ensue to divers of the proprietors unless they will, to their great loss and damage, yield up their just and lawful right to such as will unjustly encroach upon them, do therefore humbly request the Honorable Court to appoint a new Committee to lay out all the said field according to the original record of the town, as the former General Court did appoint, and also to set down leading stakes for the just lines, as need shall require. And now hope that the Honored General Court will not make difficulty about granting our petition because of the present aspect of things, for we do not desire a new grant or title of land, but a settling of us in a judicious way according to the rules of righteousness and peace, upon what was our ancient right and property. And we do the more earnestly desire this favor of the Honored General Court at this time, because it changes threatened consequences; contentions and divisions about limits and bounds of land will inevitably be an aggravation of our trouble, -- but not to trouble the Honored Court with a multiplicity of words, we subscribe ourselves your humble suppliants and servants.
JOHN KILBUREN, Sen'r.
JOSHUA ROBINS
SAM'L WELLES
ELEAZER KIMBERLY
EPHRAIM GOODRICH.
Wethersfield, October 13, 1687."
The Response to the above Petition was made by "a General Court held at Hartford," soon after, at which Gov. Treat presided.
It was ordered that "upon the petition of John Kilborn and others, that this Court would appoint a Committee to settle the bounds of their lands on the east side of the Great River at Naubuck, This Court do therefore order and appoint Serjt. John Deming, Deac. Samuel Butler,
Serjt. John Wells and Ensign Samuel Wright, to attend the said service and perfect the same according to the first and original Grants as near as they can, to begin at the south side of Capt. Talcott's lott and so to proceed as there is occasion."
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Sergt. Kilbourn was married to Naomi in 1650; she died, October 1, 1659, leaving three children, viz., John, Thomas, and Naomi.
He then married Sarah, daughter of Mr. John Bronson, of Farmington, by whom he had Ebenezer, Sarah, George, Mary, Joseph, and Abraham.. He departed this life on the 9th of April, 1703, in his 79th year -- or, as the Wethersfield Record quaintly expresses it, "of his age about 80 years, as nigh as could be come at." Sarah, his widow, died on the 4th of December, 1711, "aged 70 years, or something more," as the record has it.
More About John Kilborne , Sgt.:
Baptism (LDS): September 29, 1624, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England21
Immigration: April 15, 1635, Embarked on the ship "Increase" from London, England to New England.
John & Naomi had 7 children.
He embarked for New England with his parents and sisters, on board the "Increase," Robert Lea, master. He was then a lad of ten years. As I have elsewhere stated, the family settled in Wethersfield, on the west side of the Connecticut river, six miles below the present city of Hartford, where the subject of this notice spent the remainder of his days, and where he was long a useful and prominent citizen.
On the 24th of September, 1647, at the age of 23 years, his name occurs for the first time upon the Wethersfield Records --he having been appointed "Collector of the Tax Rates" at that date. His first record as a land-holder bears date May 20, 1649.
On the 8th of March 1654, Mr. Kilbourne was appointed a member of the committee to run the Boundary Line between Wethersfield and " Mattabossett" (or Middletown), and three years subsequently he was chosen a member of a new committee for the same work.
On the 2d of April, 1655, John Kilbourne and Thomas Wright were appointed "to run ye line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye second day of next week."
In May, 1657, he was confirmed by the General Court" to be Sergeant at Wethersfield;" and from that time forward, he is almost uniformly designated upon the Town Records as "Sergeant Kilbourn."
At the October Session of the General Court, 1660, Sergeant Kilbourn took his seat in that body, for the first time, as a Representative from Wethersfield. He was a member at seven stated and special sessions, during a most interesting period of our colonial history.
In May, 1661, (Sergt. Kilbourne being in attendance,) an address to the King was presented to the Court for consideration by a committee previously appointed for that purpose. It was approved; and a committee was appointed to draw up a Petition to his Majesty, and to "compile and methodize the address as they shall judge most convenient, provided ye substance be still attended and retained."
The petition and address were perfected; Governor Winthrop was appointed the Agent of the Colony to present them to the King, and £600 were set apart for the furtherance of the great object contemplated. These measures resulted in procuring the famous Charter of 1662 by far the most liberal and republican instrument of civil government that the world at that date had ever seen. Under its benign auspices, the people of Connecticut continued to live and flourish until the adoption of our present State Constitution, in 1818 -- a period of 156 years.
Sergeant Kilbourne was a member of the Legislature during nearly every regular and special session, from the date of the first proposition for the Address and Petition, to the time when the charter arrived in the Colony -- September, 1662; and it is fair to presume that he was a deeply interested participant in those important measures that resulted in the comparative freedom of the colony in which he had laid the foundations of a Home for himself and his posterity.
At the May Session of the General Court, 1662, Sergeant Kilbourn was appointed by that body a member of the Colonial Grand Jury -- an office which he continued to hold until the organization of the counties, in May, 1666. He was subsequently often a Grand Juror of Hartford county; also of Particular Courts, and Courts of Magistrates. In May, 1677, he was on the "Jury of Life and Death," at Hartford.
In town affairs, our ancestor was conspicuous for a period of nearly 40 years. Besides being a Collector, Lister and Constable, he was a Selectman for eleven rears between 1657 and 1681, inclusive. During this period, a by-law was in force, providing that no person should be elected to the latter office for more than two years in succession. He also served on many important committees.
In October 1675, in the midst of the general war with King Philip, John Kilbourne petitioned the Council of War to be released from the office of Sergeant, which he had held for 18 years; and it was ordered that when Major Talcott should procure a suitable person in his place, he should be released.*
* See J. Hammond Trumbull's "Colonial Records" vol. ii p. 375. His military rank should not be judged by the present grade of the title which he bore. Previous to 1653, the highest military title in the colony was that of Captain. In the year last named, the commander-in-chief of all the New England forces, in the war with the Dutch at New York, was Captain John Lawrence of Boston; Lieutenant Cook being the commander-in-chief of the Connecticut troops in that war.
In the Pequot War, the General Court ordered that, on the death or disability of Captain Mason Lieutenant Seelye should be the commander-in-chief; and in the event of his death or disability, the senior Sergeant should take the chief command.
Ye 8th of March, 1653-4. -- We also ordaine that The Line betwixt Mattabosset and us shall be Rund some time this month, and ye Townsmen [Selectmen] and Samll. Smith, John Chester, John Kilborne, Jo. Dickinson and Richard Chester, Junior, shall Atend ye worke upon Munday, and to give notise to Mattaboset to meet us at ye devident Line."
"Ye second of April, 1655. -- Ye Townsmen Apointed John Kilborne and Thomas Wright to Run ye Line betwixt Hartford and Wethersfield upon ye 2d day of next weeke. Nathl. Dickerson to give warning to the Hartford Townsmen "
"March 16, 1657. -- The Townsmen have apoynted John Kilburn, Phillip Smith and James Pratt to runn ye line betwixt Matabossitt and Wethersfield upon the twenty seventh of this present March, 1657."
"April the 2d [1665-6]. -- The townsmen agreed with Sargt. John Killborne to burne the woods belonging to the south end of the towne (viz. the woods between us and Middletowne) at such a time or times as may be most convenient for the advantage of the towne, and they are to allow him for his paines, in this work, six shillings. At this time they also agreed with Enoch Buck to burne the woods belonging to the other end of the towne," &c.-- Barber's Conn. Hist. Coll., p. 221.
"Feb. 1673. -- It was voted and agreed that Serj. Kilburne and Mr. Willard shall be empowered hereby to manage all affaires concerning sheepe in this Towne according to law."
"July 3d, 1676. -- At this meeting Mr. Samll. Talcoat, Leut. John Chester, Ensigne Goodridge, Sargt. Kilburne and Sargt. Deming, together with the townsmen in being, were empowered to order the sitting of all persons in seats and places in the meeting house." -- Barber, p. 221.
Oct. 25, 1677. -- " At the same meeting, Mr. Samuel Talcott, Lieut. Thomas Hollister, Ensign Hugh Wells, Sergt. Kilburne and Sergt Nott, are appointed a committee in the behalfe of the Towne, to setle and determine the bounds of the Highway which leads from Widow Goaff's home lott to Midletown so far as Dividend Brooke."
"Mr. Kimberly and Sergt. Kilborne are apointed • Committee to lay out lands granted to Goodman Hunn upon the side of Rocky Hill."
"April 17, 1677. -- At Towne meeting, Sargt. John Kilborne, Sargt. Hugh Welles and John Beldin were chosen a Comittee in the behalfe of the towne to deal with John Waddams and to make such an exchange of land as they may see cause both for the benefit of the towne and for his benefit as they can agree."
"Nov 27, 1678 -- Mr. Gershom Bulkley [minister] had granted to him one hundred and fifty acres of land joyning to his land in his present possesion by his mill. Serjeant Kilburne, Mr. Eleazer Kimberly, Serjt. John Deming and Ensigne Welles are appointed, they or ye most part thereof, to lay out the same."
"March 19, 1683 -- Sergt. John Kilborne and Enoch Buck were chosen a Cometee to procure a shepherd for the towne upon as good termes as they can, who shall be paid by a sheep Rate as aforesaid, as the Comettee aforesaid and the shepherd shall agree, and also take care of what fence is needfull and necessary."
"Dec 29, 1684 -- It was also voted by the Towne, that there shall be a Shepherd imployed by the towne to keep sheep every yeare soe long as shall be needful, and the vote to stand till the towne see cause to alter it; and tbe Shepherd apointed is to keep all the sheep that belong to tbe town. And Sergt. John Kilborn and Emanuel Buck are to take care about a Shepherd and what also is needful for the said sheep, according to a voat dated March 19,1683-4."
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That Sergt. K. was a lover of "righteousness and peace," will appear from the following petition, taken from the Land Records, Vol. I, Document 182, in the office of the Secretary of State.
" To the Honored Gov. and Deputy Gov. with the Assistants and members of the General Court now sitting in Hartford. The humble petition of diverse inhabitants of Wethersfield, proprietors in the lands on the East side of the Great River in the field called Naubuck. Whereas the original landmarks between the several divisions of land in the said field now long since lost and diverse of the proprietors (apprehending much trouble like to ensue thereupon) when the law of possession was rnade, did during the time that that law was suspended, petition the General Court to appoint a Committee to lay out and limit al1 the several divisions of land in Naubuck aforesaid according to the original record of the town. And the said Committee did attempt to discharge the trust committed to them, but not being able to fnd out tbe south bounds of the said field, they were at a loss and never did anything to effect. And now diverse persons of the said Committee are dead, and the south bounds of the said field are found out and settled by a Committee appointed by the General Court in the case pending between Mr. Bulkeley and Mr. Hollister, whereby the settling of the bounds of the several divisions of land according to the rules of righteousness and peace becomes very feasible, your petitioners being very sensible of great and almost endless troubles likely to ensue to divers of the proprietors unless they will, to their great loss and damage, yield up their just and lawful right to such as will unjustly encroach upon them, do therefore humbly request the Honorable Court to appoint a new Committee to lay out all the said field according to the original record of the town, as the former General Court did appoint, and also to set down leading stakes for the just lines, as need shall require. And now hope that the Honored General Court will not make difficulty about granting our petition because of the present aspect of things, for we do not desire a new grant or title of land, but a settling of us in a judicious way according to the rules of righteousness and peace, upon what was our ancient right and property. And we do the more earnestly desire this favor of the Honored General Court at this time, because it changes threatened consequences; contentions and divisions about limits and bounds of land will inevitably be an aggravation of our trouble, -- but not to trouble the Honored Court with a multiplicity of words, we subscribe ourselves your humble suppliants and servants.
JOHN KILBUREN, Sen'r.
JOSHUA ROBINS
SAM'L WELLES
ELEAZER KIMBERLY
EPHRAIM GOODRICH.
Wethersfield, October 13, 1687."
The Response to the above Petition was made by "a General Court held at Hartford," soon after, at which Gov. Treat presided.
It was ordered that "upon the petition of John Kilborn and others, that this Court would appoint a Committee to settle the bounds of their lands on the east side of the Great River at Naubuck, This Court do therefore order and appoint Serjt. John Deming, Deac. Samuel Butler,
Serjt. John Wells and Ensign Samuel Wright, to attend the said service and perfect the same according to the first and original Grants as near as they can, to begin at the south side of Capt. Talcott's lott and so to proceed as there is occasion."
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Sergt. Kilbourn was married to Naomi in 1650; she died, October 1, 1659, leaving three children, viz., John, Thomas, and Naomi.
He then married Sarah, daughter of Mr. John Bronson, of Farmington, by whom he had Ebenezer, Sarah, George, Mary, Joseph, and Abraham.. He departed this life on the 9th of April, 1703, in his 79th year -- or, as the Wethersfield Record quaintly expresses it, "of his age about 80 years, as nigh as could be come at." Sarah, his widow, died on the 4th of December, 1711, "aged 70 years, or something more," as the record has it.
More About John Kilborne , Sgt.:
Baptism (LDS): September 29, 1624, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England21
Immigration: April 15, 1635, Embarked on the ship "Increase" from London, England to New England.
John & Naomi had 7 children.
