Great Migration Begins, pgs. 1162-63: Lawrence Leach (~1583-~1662) and Elizabeth (----) had four children: Robert, John, Richard, and Rachel. No Giles is named in will or deeds.

Son of Lawrence and Elizabeth Mileham Leach.

Husband of Ann Nokes Leach.

Father of:

Sarah Leach b. Nov. 13, 1656

Elizabeth Leach b. Abt. 1660

Samuel Leach b. Oct. 02, 1662

David Leach b. Abt. 1664

John B. Leach b. Abt. 1665

unknown Leach 1667

Benjamin Leach b. Abt. 1677

The town granted him 4 acres in the First Div. and 12 acres in the 2nd Div. December 14, 1663 (Weymouth land grants)

He owned sixteen acres of land at Weymouth in 1663, moved to and settled in Bridgewater in 1664, where he became entitled, by purchase, to one of the 56 shares of the thousands of acres of land bought in 1645 of the old Indian Chief, Massasoit (King Philip's father), by Capt. Miles Standish, Samuel Nash and Constant Southworth, for the use of the 56 original proprietors.

The first mention of him in the Bridgewater records he is styled "Goodman", which fact suggests that he was then a prominent and esteemed member of the Bridgewater church, and head man of the 4th seat by the pulpit, which was among the places of honor of the sanctuary. Places of distinction were not assigned in those days to the undeserving or out of favoritism. He took an active part in the municipal affairs, and was elected constable on May 27, 1689 and was elected as surveyor of the lands several times. By virtue of his proprietary right in Bridgewater, he became a large land holder.

His home was in the immediate vicinity of Satucket Pond, the haunt of King Philip and his tribe, and he was on friendly terms with him.

In a deed dated 31 December 1702, Giles Leach gave land to "my yungest son Benjamin Leach ..." (Plymouth Co LR 5:6)