Bio originally created and added by: Leland Cole - Added: 5 Nov 2015
There are many written documents concerning Samuel Cole in Boston history. Few other people in the early 1600s in Boston are so well documented. The following is a summary.
Parents
Attempts were made, in the 21st century by a British genealogist, to find Samuel’s parents and siblings, but none were successful. Other genealogists have suggested parents, but none have been verified
Early Life
Samuel’s birth place is sometimes given as Mersea or Mersey, Essex, England. These are two different spellings for the same location, which is a low-lying island off the south coast of Essex. Some believe that Samuel’s wife Ann lived on Mersea, but that Samuel himself was born and lived in nearby Dedham. The birth date of Samuel Cole is generally assumed to be 1597, based on the date of his marriage to Ann and ages of their children.
No recorded history of Samuel’s education has been found despite various attempts to locate existing records. However, a, English genealogist did find he probably was well educated at the excellent Dedham Grammar School. Although the records for his school years have been lost, his family had been active in Dedham Grammar School for yours.
Samuel owned property at several locations in Massachusetts and they are outlined in Land Section below. Samuel also held several positions in the Colonial government. He was also a charter member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
In the end, Samuel had financial reverses and was granted land to tide him over. He died in 1666 or 1667. His burial place is unrecorded. However, since he had owned Rumney Marsh, and had willed this land to his daughter Elizabeth Weeden, it is believed this was his final resting place.
Immigration
Samuel Cole immigrated to Boston in 1630 on the Arabella, the flag ship of the Winthrop fleet. Twenty five of the two hundred and forty-seven possible heads of families were of a social rank above that of yeoman (attendant), or husbandman (farmer). Some were Earls, Knights and Esquires. Next came persons who were given the prefix of ‘Mr.’ and Samuel Cole was in this class. This is not entirely surprising since he certainly had enough financial resources to build a fine house and Inn in Boston, just down the street from Governor John Winthrop. Samuel came with his wife Ann, daughters Katherine and Elizabeth and son John.
Land (Homes & Residences)
Cole’s Inn was located at No. 63 Washington Street and apparently Samuel lived next door. The Inn was near the First Church and the Old State House. A few houses away lived Will & Anne Hutchinson. Further down Washington Street lived Governor John Winthrop. Since the Hutchinsons and Winthrop had adequate financial resources, it can be assumed that Samuel Cole, at this time, did also.
In 1634, Samuel Cole opened the first house of entertainment in Boston and referred to himself as a confimaker. It is assumed that these were confectionaries made from dried fruit, berries, nuts and sugar. The first name of the Inn was Cole’s Inn and was later known as Hancock’s when he sold the Inn in 1642 to George Halsell.
The following appeared in 1924:
Cole’s, licensed in 1634 was the first house of entertainment in New England. It stood near the site well known today as the “Old Corner Bookstore.
In 1645 Samuel Cole bought from Valentine Hill another property where he kept his inn. This second place was on the west side of Merchant’s Row, about midway from State Street to Faneuil Hall. It was a famous old inn, and entertained many of the illustrious guests of the time. Mr. Cole had the usual experience of the publican under the rule of the Puritan, and was fined several times for selling above price and for allowing disorder, and had his license taken away for a time. Longfellow refers to his inn in his poem “John Endicott.”
Trouble arose over the doctrines of Anne Hutchinson, John Cole’s future mother-in-law, and the Rev. John Wheelwright. Samuel favored the Hutchinson-Wheelwright party, and had, evidentially, with others, petitioned the general court on their behalf. There is on the records an acknowledgement of this petition. This was signed by twenty-four persons, of whom Samuel was one. The court, on November 27, 1637, eight months later, passed an order disarming all the followers of Wheelwright. After this order, the Reverend Wheelwright and his wife returned to England.
Land, including Rumney Marsh
Rumney Marsh, now the Rumney Marsh Burial Grounds: On 8 January 1637/8, pursuant to a town order of 14 December 1635, “Mr. Samuel Cole” was granted one hundred and five acres as a “great allotment at Rumley Marsh and Pullen Point”. The land was originally owned by Samuel Cole. In his will, dated 21 December 1666 and proved 13 February 1666/7, “Samuel Cole of Boston “bequesth to “my daughter Elizabeth Weeden that land of mine at Rumney Marsh which at present her husband and she lives upon and have done so for some years past, which is the sixth part of my land”
1. Hogg Island [Now Spinnaker Island in Boston Harbor near Hull] - The inventory of the
Estate of Mr. Samuel Cole, taken 7 May 1666, totaled £156 15s. 2d.
2. Nonatocke - On 18 May 1653, “Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, having long since distributed fifty pounds in the common stock, as appeared by good testimony to the court, hath 400 acres of land granted him at Nonatocke, to be laid out by Captain Willard”. On 2 June 1653, “in answer to the petition of Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, it is ordered, that Capt. Symon Willard shall and hereby is empowered to lay out 400 acres of upland, at Nonatocke, and is in satisfaction of fifty pounds by the said Samuel Cole, adventured in the common stock 23 years since”.
3. On 26 October 1653, Mr. Samuel Cole of Boston in consideration of a marriage solemnized and fully finished betwixt Edmond Jackson of Boston, a shoemaker and Mary his daughter, deeded to the couple all that dwelling house lately purchased of William Halsey with the garden & well thereto adjoining.
4. On 26 May 1658, the General Court granted petitioner Samuel Cole a neck of land lying within a mile and a half or two miles of “Nacooke” beyond the town of Chelmsford.
5. Bendall's Dock – Land purchased by Samuel and later given to his son John and wife Susanna. The later name was Main Warf and is located at the end of Cornhill Street in Boston. Possibly Samuel sailed from here to his property on Hogg Island in Boston Harbor. The area was later filled in and is now the site of Faneuil Hall.
Schools / Education
1. There is no written information about Samuel’s education. However, there are clear indications that he was educated since he owned a number of books, an uncommon practice in his day, and donated them to, and money to Harvard
2. Samuel signed his will and numerous deeds. His inventory included 13 books bound in leather with some other books.
3. On 12 August 1636, at a general meeting of the richer inhabitants of Boston, there were donations by numerous persons, including Samuel Cole, who gave 10s.
4. He made a bequest to Harvard College, and on 13 December 1652, he was appointed to a Boston committee for collecting money for the college.
5. Samuel’s Will states: Whereas I promised to give 20s to Harvard College & some part of it paid in wooden ware.
Employment and Government Positions
1. Boston Selectman, 1653 through 1657
2. Sealer of Weights and measures, 27 March 1654
3. Surveyor, 13 March 1647/8.
4. Assessor, 10 November 1634.
5. Highway company, 10 January 1641/2
Legal (partial list)
1. In 1630, Samuel Cole invested £50 in the common stock of the Massachusetts Bay Company.
2. Samuel Cole requested acceptance as a Freeman on 19 October 1630 and admitted 18 May 1631.
3. “Samuel Cole and Anne his wife” were admitted to Boston church as members #42 and #43, which would be in the fall of 1630.
4. On 20 November 1637, Samuel Cole was disarmed for signing the remonstrance on behalf of Rev. John Wheelwright. Twenty four citizens were disarmed at this time. That meant that their guns and bullets were taken away by Robert Keayne, the Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. Thus these persons were prohibited from obtaining replacements. This was clearly a serious punishment since the threat of Indians was always present. On about 22 November 1637, Cole was the first to sign an acknowledgement that “it was ill done, and unwarrantably, as transgressing therein the rules of due honor to authority, and of modesty, and submission in private persons, and therefore I desire my name be put off of it.
5. On 24 March 1653, “Samuel Cole of Boston and Margaret his wife sold to “William Halsey of Pullin Point in the parish of Boston all that their farm house, cottage or tenement in Rumney Marsh reserving part of the said bargained premises with the appurtenances, and also ten acres of upland ground & six acres of meadow or marsh excepted unto Edmond Grosse of Boston aforesaid”.
Organizations
Samuel Cole was admitted to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1638. His company included: a musket & bandoliers” valued at 10s.. He was probably one of the charter members and was listed as the ninth member under Captain Robert Keayne 1638-1647. Samuel would later marry the widow of Robert Keayne.
Spouses
Ann (or An) (1600-1647), married before 1622
Margaret Greene Greene, married 30 Sep 1647 (1589-1658)
Anne Mansfield Keayne, married 16 Oct 1660 (1596-1647)
Children
Katherine Cole Gross (1622-1657)
Elizabeth Cole Weeden (1624-1696)
Ann Cole Jackson (1628-1660)
John Cole (1629-1707)
Sources
Many, including The Winthrop Fleet, Massachusetts Bay Company Immigrants to New England 1629-1630, by Robert Charles Anderson and The Journal of John Winthrop, 1630-1649, edited by Richard S. Dunn and Laetitia Yeandle.∼Born by about 1597 based on estimated date of marriage. Innkeeper & confectioner who came to Massachusetts Bay in 1630 & settled in Boston. Died in Boston between 21 December 1666 (date of will) and 13 February 1666/7 (probate of will).
Married: (1) By about 1622 (assuming she was mother of all his children) Ann _____; she had died by 1647, and perhaps earlier.
(2) By 30 September 1647 Margaret (Greene) Greene, daughter of Isaac Greene of Mersea, Essex, & St. Osyth, Essex, England & widow of Edward Greene.
(3) Boston 16 October 1660 Ann (Mansfield) Keayne, widow; born about 1596-7 (aged about 21 on 17 June 1617 and aged 38 years when she came in the Defense in 1635. She married (1) by license dated 17 June 1617 Robert Keayne, who listed many of her relations in his 1656 will, including her "brother John Mansfield."
Samuel Cole was almost certainly closely related to Clement Cole who came to New England in 1635 on the Susan & Ellen [ Hotten 59]. The name immediately above Clement Cole's on the passenger list was "Jo: Mansfield," aged 34, whose sister had married Mr. Robert Keayne. (Edward Weeden, who would later marry Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Cole, was also on this vessel.)
Source: Anderson's Winthrop Fleet.
There are many written documents concerning Samuel Cole in Boston history. Few other people in the early 1600s in Boston are so well documented. The following is a summary.
Parents
Attempts were made, in the 21st century by a British genealogist, to find Samuel’s parents and siblings, but none were successful. Other genealogists have suggested parents, but none have been verified
Early Life
Samuel’s birth place is sometimes given as Mersea or Mersey, Essex, England. These are two different spellings for the same location, which is a low-lying island off the south coast of Essex. Some believe that Samuel’s wife Ann lived on Mersea, but that Samuel himself was born and lived in nearby Dedham. The birth date of Samuel Cole is generally assumed to be 1597, based on the date of his marriage to Ann and ages of their children.
No recorded history of Samuel’s education has been found despite various attempts to locate existing records. However, a, English genealogist did find he probably was well educated at the excellent Dedham Grammar School. Although the records for his school years have been lost, his family had been active in Dedham Grammar School for yours.
Samuel owned property at several locations in Massachusetts and they are outlined in Land Section below. Samuel also held several positions in the Colonial government. He was also a charter member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
In the end, Samuel had financial reverses and was granted land to tide him over. He died in 1666 or 1667. His burial place is unrecorded. However, since he had owned Rumney Marsh, and had willed this land to his daughter Elizabeth Weeden, it is believed this was his final resting place.
Immigration
Samuel Cole immigrated to Boston in 1630 on the Arabella, the flag ship of the Winthrop fleet. Twenty five of the two hundred and forty-seven possible heads of families were of a social rank above that of yeoman (attendant), or husbandman (farmer). Some were Earls, Knights and Esquires. Next came persons who were given the prefix of ‘Mr.’ and Samuel Cole was in this class. This is not entirely surprising since he certainly had enough financial resources to build a fine house and Inn in Boston, just down the street from Governor John Winthrop. Samuel came with his wife Ann, daughters Katherine and Elizabeth and son John.
Land (Homes & Residences)
Cole’s Inn was located at No. 63 Washington Street and apparently Samuel lived next door. The Inn was near the First Church and the Old State House. A few houses away lived Will & Anne Hutchinson. Further down Washington Street lived Governor John Winthrop. Since the Hutchinsons and Winthrop had adequate financial resources, it can be assumed that Samuel Cole, at this time, did also.
In 1634, Samuel Cole opened the first house of entertainment in Boston and referred to himself as a confimaker. It is assumed that these were confectionaries made from dried fruit, berries, nuts and sugar. The first name of the Inn was Cole’s Inn and was later known as Hancock’s when he sold the Inn in 1642 to George Halsell.
The following appeared in 1924:
Cole’s, licensed in 1634 was the first house of entertainment in New England. It stood near the site well known today as the “Old Corner Bookstore.
In 1645 Samuel Cole bought from Valentine Hill another property where he kept his inn. This second place was on the west side of Merchant’s Row, about midway from State Street to Faneuil Hall. It was a famous old inn, and entertained many of the illustrious guests of the time. Mr. Cole had the usual experience of the publican under the rule of the Puritan, and was fined several times for selling above price and for allowing disorder, and had his license taken away for a time. Longfellow refers to his inn in his poem “John Endicott.”
Trouble arose over the doctrines of Anne Hutchinson, John Cole’s future mother-in-law, and the Rev. John Wheelwright. Samuel favored the Hutchinson-Wheelwright party, and had, evidentially, with others, petitioned the general court on their behalf. There is on the records an acknowledgement of this petition. This was signed by twenty-four persons, of whom Samuel was one. The court, on November 27, 1637, eight months later, passed an order disarming all the followers of Wheelwright. After this order, the Reverend Wheelwright and his wife returned to England.
Land, including Rumney Marsh
Rumney Marsh, now the Rumney Marsh Burial Grounds: On 8 January 1637/8, pursuant to a town order of 14 December 1635, “Mr. Samuel Cole” was granted one hundred and five acres as a “great allotment at Rumley Marsh and Pullen Point”. The land was originally owned by Samuel Cole. In his will, dated 21 December 1666 and proved 13 February 1666/7, “Samuel Cole of Boston “bequesth to “my daughter Elizabeth Weeden that land of mine at Rumney Marsh which at present her husband and she lives upon and have done so for some years past, which is the sixth part of my land”
1. Hogg Island [Now Spinnaker Island in Boston Harbor near Hull] - The inventory of the
Estate of Mr. Samuel Cole, taken 7 May 1666, totaled £156 15s. 2d.
2. Nonatocke - On 18 May 1653, “Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, having long since distributed fifty pounds in the common stock, as appeared by good testimony to the court, hath 400 acres of land granted him at Nonatocke, to be laid out by Captain Willard”. On 2 June 1653, “in answer to the petition of Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, it is ordered, that Capt. Symon Willard shall and hereby is empowered to lay out 400 acres of upland, at Nonatocke, and is in satisfaction of fifty pounds by the said Samuel Cole, adventured in the common stock 23 years since”.
3. On 26 October 1653, Mr. Samuel Cole of Boston in consideration of a marriage solemnized and fully finished betwixt Edmond Jackson of Boston, a shoemaker and Mary his daughter, deeded to the couple all that dwelling house lately purchased of William Halsey with the garden & well thereto adjoining.
4. On 26 May 1658, the General Court granted petitioner Samuel Cole a neck of land lying within a mile and a half or two miles of “Nacooke” beyond the town of Chelmsford.
5. Bendall's Dock – Land purchased by Samuel and later given to his son John and wife Susanna. The later name was Main Warf and is located at the end of Cornhill Street in Boston. Possibly Samuel sailed from here to his property on Hogg Island in Boston Harbor. The area was later filled in and is now the site of Faneuil Hall.
Schools / Education
1. There is no written information about Samuel’s education. However, there are clear indications that he was educated since he owned a number of books, an uncommon practice in his day, and donated them to, and money to Harvard
2. Samuel signed his will and numerous deeds. His inventory included 13 books bound in leather with some other books.
3. On 12 August 1636, at a general meeting of the richer inhabitants of Boston, there were donations by numerous persons, including Samuel Cole, who gave 10s.
4. He made a bequest to Harvard College, and on 13 December 1652, he was appointed to a Boston committee for collecting money for the college.
5. Samuel’s Will states: Whereas I promised to give 20s to Harvard College & some part of it paid in wooden ware.
Employment and Government Positions
1. Boston Selectman, 1653 through 1657
2. Sealer of Weights and measures, 27 March 1654
3. Surveyor, 13 March 1647/8.
4. Assessor, 10 November 1634.
5. Highway company, 10 January 1641/2
Legal (partial list)
1. In 1630, Samuel Cole invested £50 in the common stock of the Massachusetts Bay Company.
2. Samuel Cole requested acceptance as a Freeman on 19 October 1630 and admitted 18 May 1631.
3. “Samuel Cole and Anne his wife” were admitted to Boston church as members #42 and #43, which would be in the fall of 1630.
4. On 20 November 1637, Samuel Cole was disarmed for signing the remonstrance on behalf of Rev. John Wheelwright. Twenty four citizens were disarmed at this time. That meant that their guns and bullets were taken away by Robert Keayne, the Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. Thus these persons were prohibited from obtaining replacements. This was clearly a serious punishment since the threat of Indians was always present. On about 22 November 1637, Cole was the first to sign an acknowledgement that “it was ill done, and unwarrantably, as transgressing therein the rules of due honor to authority, and of modesty, and submission in private persons, and therefore I desire my name be put off of it.
5. On 24 March 1653, “Samuel Cole of Boston and Margaret his wife sold to “William Halsey of Pullin Point in the parish of Boston all that their farm house, cottage or tenement in Rumney Marsh reserving part of the said bargained premises with the appurtenances, and also ten acres of upland ground & six acres of meadow or marsh excepted unto Edmond Grosse of Boston aforesaid”.
Organizations
Samuel Cole was admitted to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1638. His company included: a musket & bandoliers” valued at 10s.. He was probably one of the charter members and was listed as the ninth member under Captain Robert Keayne 1638-1647. Samuel would later marry the widow of Robert Keayne.
Spouses
Ann (or An) (1600-1647), married before 1622
Margaret Greene Greene, married 30 Sep 1647 (1589-1658)
Anne Mansfield Keayne, married 16 Oct 1660 (1596-1647)
Children
Katherine Cole Gross (1622-1657)
Elizabeth Cole Weeden (1624-1696)
Ann Cole Jackson (1628-1660)
John Cole (1629-1707)
Sources
Many, including The Winthrop Fleet, Massachusetts Bay Company Immigrants to New England 1629-1630, by Robert Charles Anderson and The Journal of John Winthrop, 1630-1649, edited by Richard S. Dunn and Laetitia Yeandle.∼Born by about 1597 based on estimated date of marriage. Innkeeper & confectioner who came to Massachusetts Bay in 1630 & settled in Boston. Died in Boston between 21 December 1666 (date of will) and 13 February 1666/7 (probate of will).
Married: (1) By about 1622 (assuming she was mother of all his children) Ann _____; she had died by 1647, and perhaps earlier.
(2) By 30 September 1647 Margaret (Greene) Greene, daughter of Isaac Greene of Mersea, Essex, & St. Osyth, Essex, England & widow of Edward Greene.
(3) Boston 16 October 1660 Ann (Mansfield) Keayne, widow; born about 1596-7 (aged about 21 on 17 June 1617 and aged 38 years when she came in the Defense in 1635. She married (1) by license dated 17 June 1617 Robert Keayne, who listed many of her relations in his 1656 will, including her "brother John Mansfield."
Samuel Cole was almost certainly closely related to Clement Cole who came to New England in 1635 on the Susan & Ellen [ Hotten 59]. The name immediately above Clement Cole's on the passenger list was "Jo: Mansfield," aged 34, whose sister had married Mr. Robert Keayne. (Edward Weeden, who would later marry Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Cole, was also on this vessel.)
Source: Anderson's Winthrop Fleet.
Bio originally created and added by: Leland Cole - Added: 5 Nov 2015
There are many written documents concerning Samuel Cole in Boston history. Few other people in the early 1600s in Boston are so well documented. The following is a summary.
Parents
Attempts were made, in the 21st century by a British genealogist, to find Samuel’s parents and siblings, but none were successful. Other genealogists have suggested parents, but none have been verified
Early Life
Samuel’s birth place is sometimes given as Mersea or Mersey, Essex, England. These are two different spellings for the same location, which is a low-lying island off the south coast of Essex. Some believe that Samuel’s wife Ann lived on Mersea, but that Samuel himself was born and lived in nearby Dedham. The birth date of Samuel Cole is generally assumed to be 1597, based on the date of his marriage to Ann and ages of their children.
No recorded history of Samuel’s education has been found despite various attempts to locate existing records. However, a, English genealogist did find he probably was well educated at the excellent Dedham Grammar School. Although the records for his school years have been lost, his family had been active in Dedham Grammar School for yours.
Samuel owned property at several locations in Massachusetts and they are outlined in Land Section below. Samuel also held several positions in the Colonial government. He was also a charter member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
In the end, Samuel had financial reverses and was granted land to tide him over. He died in 1666 or 1667. His burial place is unrecorded. However, since he had owned Rumney Marsh, and had willed this land to his daughter Elizabeth Weeden, it is believed this was his final resting place.
Immigration
Samuel Cole immigrated to Boston in 1630 on the Arabella, the flag ship of the Winthrop fleet. Twenty five of the two hundred and forty-seven possible heads of families were of a social rank above that of yeoman (attendant), or husbandman (farmer). Some were Earls, Knights and Esquires. Next came persons who were given the prefix of ‘Mr.’ and Samuel Cole was in this class. This is not entirely surprising since he certainly had enough financial resources to build a fine house and Inn in Boston, just down the street from Governor John Winthrop. Samuel came with his wife Ann, daughters Katherine and Elizabeth and son John.
Land (Homes & Residences)
Cole’s Inn was located at No. 63 Washington Street and apparently Samuel lived next door. The Inn was near the First Church and the Old State House. A few houses away lived Will & Anne Hutchinson. Further down Washington Street lived Governor John Winthrop. Since the Hutchinsons and Winthrop had adequate financial resources, it can be assumed that Samuel Cole, at this time, did also.
In 1634, Samuel Cole opened the first house of entertainment in Boston and referred to himself as a confimaker. It is assumed that these were confectionaries made from dried fruit, berries, nuts and sugar. The first name of the Inn was Cole’s Inn and was later known as Hancock’s when he sold the Inn in 1642 to George Halsell.
The following appeared in 1924:
Cole’s, licensed in 1634 was the first house of entertainment in New England. It stood near the site well known today as the “Old Corner Bookstore.
In 1645 Samuel Cole bought from Valentine Hill another property where he kept his inn. This second place was on the west side of Merchant’s Row, about midway from State Street to Faneuil Hall. It was a famous old inn, and entertained many of the illustrious guests of the time. Mr. Cole had the usual experience of the publican under the rule of the Puritan, and was fined several times for selling above price and for allowing disorder, and had his license taken away for a time. Longfellow refers to his inn in his poem “John Endicott.”
Trouble arose over the doctrines of Anne Hutchinson, John Cole’s future mother-in-law, and the Rev. John Wheelwright. Samuel favored the Hutchinson-Wheelwright party, and had, evidentially, with others, petitioned the general court on their behalf. There is on the records an acknowledgement of this petition. This was signed by twenty-four persons, of whom Samuel was one. The court, on November 27, 1637, eight months later, passed an order disarming all the followers of Wheelwright. After this order, the Reverend Wheelwright and his wife returned to England.
Land, including Rumney Marsh
Rumney Marsh, now the Rumney Marsh Burial Grounds: On 8 January 1637/8, pursuant to a town order of 14 December 1635, “Mr. Samuel Cole” was granted one hundred and five acres as a “great allotment at Rumley Marsh and Pullen Point”. The land was originally owned by Samuel Cole. In his will, dated 21 December 1666 and proved 13 February 1666/7, “Samuel Cole of Boston “bequesth to “my daughter Elizabeth Weeden that land of mine at Rumney Marsh which at present her husband and she lives upon and have done so for some years past, which is the sixth part of my land”
1. Hogg Island [Now Spinnaker Island in Boston Harbor near Hull] - The inventory of the
Estate of Mr. Samuel Cole, taken 7 May 1666, totaled £156 15s. 2d.
2. Nonatocke - On 18 May 1653, “Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, having long since distributed fifty pounds in the common stock, as appeared by good testimony to the court, hath 400 acres of land granted him at Nonatocke, to be laid out by Captain Willard”. On 2 June 1653, “in answer to the petition of Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, it is ordered, that Capt. Symon Willard shall and hereby is empowered to lay out 400 acres of upland, at Nonatocke, and is in satisfaction of fifty pounds by the said Samuel Cole, adventured in the common stock 23 years since”.
3. On 26 October 1653, Mr. Samuel Cole of Boston in consideration of a marriage solemnized and fully finished betwixt Edmond Jackson of Boston, a shoemaker and Mary his daughter, deeded to the couple all that dwelling house lately purchased of William Halsey with the garden & well thereto adjoining.
4. On 26 May 1658, the General Court granted petitioner Samuel Cole a neck of land lying within a mile and a half or two miles of “Nacooke” beyond the town of Chelmsford.
5. Bendall's Dock – Land purchased by Samuel and later given to his son John and wife Susanna. The later name was Main Warf and is located at the end of Cornhill Street in Boston. Possibly Samuel sailed from here to his property on Hogg Island in Boston Harbor. The area was later filled in and is now the site of Faneuil Hall.
Schools / Education
1. There is no written information about Samuel’s education. However, there are clear indications that he was educated since he owned a number of books, an uncommon practice in his day, and donated them to, and money to Harvard
2. Samuel signed his will and numerous deeds. His inventory included 13 books bound in leather with some other books.
3. On 12 August 1636, at a general meeting of the richer inhabitants of Boston, there were donations by numerous persons, including Samuel Cole, who gave 10s.
4. He made a bequest to Harvard College, and on 13 December 1652, he was appointed to a Boston committee for collecting money for the college.
5. Samuel’s Will states: Whereas I promised to give 20s to Harvard College & some part of it paid in wooden ware.
Employment and Government Positions
1. Boston Selectman, 1653 through 1657
2. Sealer of Weights and measures, 27 March 1654
3. Surveyor, 13 March 1647/8.
4. Assessor, 10 November 1634.
5. Highway company, 10 January 1641/2
Legal (partial list)
1. In 1630, Samuel Cole invested £50 in the common stock of the Massachusetts Bay Company.
2. Samuel Cole requested acceptance as a Freeman on 19 October 1630 and admitted 18 May 1631.
3. “Samuel Cole and Anne his wife” were admitted to Boston church as members #42 and #43, which would be in the fall of 1630.
4. On 20 November 1637, Samuel Cole was disarmed for signing the remonstrance on behalf of Rev. John Wheelwright. Twenty four citizens were disarmed at this time. That meant that their guns and bullets were taken away by Robert Keayne, the Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. Thus these persons were prohibited from obtaining replacements. This was clearly a serious punishment since the threat of Indians was always present. On about 22 November 1637, Cole was the first to sign an acknowledgement that “it was ill done, and unwarrantably, as transgressing therein the rules of due honor to authority, and of modesty, and submission in private persons, and therefore I desire my name be put off of it.
5. On 24 March 1653, “Samuel Cole of Boston and Margaret his wife sold to “William Halsey of Pullin Point in the parish of Boston all that their farm house, cottage or tenement in Rumney Marsh reserving part of the said bargained premises with the appurtenances, and also ten acres of upland ground & six acres of meadow or marsh excepted unto Edmond Grosse of Boston aforesaid”.
Organizations
Samuel Cole was admitted to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1638. His company included: a musket & bandoliers” valued at 10s.. He was probably one of the charter members and was listed as the ninth member under Captain Robert Keayne 1638-1647. Samuel would later marry the widow of Robert Keayne.
Spouses
Ann (or An) (1600-1647), married before 1622
Margaret Greene Greene, married 30 Sep 1647 (1589-1658)
Anne Mansfield Keayne, married 16 Oct 1660 (1596-1647)
Children
Katherine Cole Gross (1622-1657)
Elizabeth Cole Weeden (1624-1696)
Ann Cole Jackson (1628-1660)
John Cole (1629-1707)
Sources
Many, including The Winthrop Fleet, Massachusetts Bay Company Immigrants to New England 1629-1630, by Robert Charles Anderson and The Journal of John Winthrop, 1630-1649, edited by Richard S. Dunn and Laetitia Yeandle.∼Born by about 1597 based on estimated date of marriage. Innkeeper & confectioner who came to Massachusetts Bay in 1630 & settled in Boston. Died in Boston between 21 December 1666 (date of will) and 13 February 1666/7 (probate of will).
Married: (1) By about 1622 (assuming she was mother of all his children) Ann _____; she had died by 1647, and perhaps earlier.
(2) By 30 September 1647 Margaret (Greene) Greene, daughter of Isaac Greene of Mersea, Essex, & St. Osyth, Essex, England & widow of Edward Greene.
(3) Boston 16 October 1660 Ann (Mansfield) Keayne, widow; born about 1596-7 (aged about 21 on 17 June 1617 and aged 38 years when she came in the Defense in 1635. She married (1) by license dated 17 June 1617 Robert Keayne, who listed many of her relations in his 1656 will, including her "brother John Mansfield."
Samuel Cole was almost certainly closely related to Clement Cole who came to New England in 1635 on the Susan & Ellen [ Hotten 59]. The name immediately above Clement Cole's on the passenger list was "Jo: Mansfield," aged 34, whose sister had married Mr. Robert Keayne. (Edward Weeden, who would later marry Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Cole, was also on this vessel.)
Source: Anderson's Winthrop Fleet.
There are many written documents concerning Samuel Cole in Boston history. Few other people in the early 1600s in Boston are so well documented. The following is a summary.
Parents
Attempts were made, in the 21st century by a British genealogist, to find Samuel’s parents and siblings, but none were successful. Other genealogists have suggested parents, but none have been verified
Early Life
Samuel’s birth place is sometimes given as Mersea or Mersey, Essex, England. These are two different spellings for the same location, which is a low-lying island off the south coast of Essex. Some believe that Samuel’s wife Ann lived on Mersea, but that Samuel himself was born and lived in nearby Dedham. The birth date of Samuel Cole is generally assumed to be 1597, based on the date of his marriage to Ann and ages of their children.
No recorded history of Samuel’s education has been found despite various attempts to locate existing records. However, a, English genealogist did find he probably was well educated at the excellent Dedham Grammar School. Although the records for his school years have been lost, his family had been active in Dedham Grammar School for yours.
Samuel owned property at several locations in Massachusetts and they are outlined in Land Section below. Samuel also held several positions in the Colonial government. He was also a charter member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
In the end, Samuel had financial reverses and was granted land to tide him over. He died in 1666 or 1667. His burial place is unrecorded. However, since he had owned Rumney Marsh, and had willed this land to his daughter Elizabeth Weeden, it is believed this was his final resting place.
Immigration
Samuel Cole immigrated to Boston in 1630 on the Arabella, the flag ship of the Winthrop fleet. Twenty five of the two hundred and forty-seven possible heads of families were of a social rank above that of yeoman (attendant), or husbandman (farmer). Some were Earls, Knights and Esquires. Next came persons who were given the prefix of ‘Mr.’ and Samuel Cole was in this class. This is not entirely surprising since he certainly had enough financial resources to build a fine house and Inn in Boston, just down the street from Governor John Winthrop. Samuel came with his wife Ann, daughters Katherine and Elizabeth and son John.
Land (Homes & Residences)
Cole’s Inn was located at No. 63 Washington Street and apparently Samuel lived next door. The Inn was near the First Church and the Old State House. A few houses away lived Will & Anne Hutchinson. Further down Washington Street lived Governor John Winthrop. Since the Hutchinsons and Winthrop had adequate financial resources, it can be assumed that Samuel Cole, at this time, did also.
In 1634, Samuel Cole opened the first house of entertainment in Boston and referred to himself as a confimaker. It is assumed that these were confectionaries made from dried fruit, berries, nuts and sugar. The first name of the Inn was Cole’s Inn and was later known as Hancock’s when he sold the Inn in 1642 to George Halsell.
The following appeared in 1924:
Cole’s, licensed in 1634 was the first house of entertainment in New England. It stood near the site well known today as the “Old Corner Bookstore.
In 1645 Samuel Cole bought from Valentine Hill another property where he kept his inn. This second place was on the west side of Merchant’s Row, about midway from State Street to Faneuil Hall. It was a famous old inn, and entertained many of the illustrious guests of the time. Mr. Cole had the usual experience of the publican under the rule of the Puritan, and was fined several times for selling above price and for allowing disorder, and had his license taken away for a time. Longfellow refers to his inn in his poem “John Endicott.”
Trouble arose over the doctrines of Anne Hutchinson, John Cole’s future mother-in-law, and the Rev. John Wheelwright. Samuel favored the Hutchinson-Wheelwright party, and had, evidentially, with others, petitioned the general court on their behalf. There is on the records an acknowledgement of this petition. This was signed by twenty-four persons, of whom Samuel was one. The court, on November 27, 1637, eight months later, passed an order disarming all the followers of Wheelwright. After this order, the Reverend Wheelwright and his wife returned to England.
Land, including Rumney Marsh
Rumney Marsh, now the Rumney Marsh Burial Grounds: On 8 January 1637/8, pursuant to a town order of 14 December 1635, “Mr. Samuel Cole” was granted one hundred and five acres as a “great allotment at Rumley Marsh and Pullen Point”. The land was originally owned by Samuel Cole. In his will, dated 21 December 1666 and proved 13 February 1666/7, “Samuel Cole of Boston “bequesth to “my daughter Elizabeth Weeden that land of mine at Rumney Marsh which at present her husband and she lives upon and have done so for some years past, which is the sixth part of my land”
1. Hogg Island [Now Spinnaker Island in Boston Harbor near Hull] - The inventory of the
Estate of Mr. Samuel Cole, taken 7 May 1666, totaled £156 15s. 2d.
2. Nonatocke - On 18 May 1653, “Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, having long since distributed fifty pounds in the common stock, as appeared by good testimony to the court, hath 400 acres of land granted him at Nonatocke, to be laid out by Captain Willard”. On 2 June 1653, “in answer to the petition of Mr. Samuel Cole, of Boston, it is ordered, that Capt. Symon Willard shall and hereby is empowered to lay out 400 acres of upland, at Nonatocke, and is in satisfaction of fifty pounds by the said Samuel Cole, adventured in the common stock 23 years since”.
3. On 26 October 1653, Mr. Samuel Cole of Boston in consideration of a marriage solemnized and fully finished betwixt Edmond Jackson of Boston, a shoemaker and Mary his daughter, deeded to the couple all that dwelling house lately purchased of William Halsey with the garden & well thereto adjoining.
4. On 26 May 1658, the General Court granted petitioner Samuel Cole a neck of land lying within a mile and a half or two miles of “Nacooke” beyond the town of Chelmsford.
5. Bendall's Dock – Land purchased by Samuel and later given to his son John and wife Susanna. The later name was Main Warf and is located at the end of Cornhill Street in Boston. Possibly Samuel sailed from here to his property on Hogg Island in Boston Harbor. The area was later filled in and is now the site of Faneuil Hall.
Schools / Education
1. There is no written information about Samuel’s education. However, there are clear indications that he was educated since he owned a number of books, an uncommon practice in his day, and donated them to, and money to Harvard
2. Samuel signed his will and numerous deeds. His inventory included 13 books bound in leather with some other books.
3. On 12 August 1636, at a general meeting of the richer inhabitants of Boston, there were donations by numerous persons, including Samuel Cole, who gave 10s.
4. He made a bequest to Harvard College, and on 13 December 1652, he was appointed to a Boston committee for collecting money for the college.
5. Samuel’s Will states: Whereas I promised to give 20s to Harvard College & some part of it paid in wooden ware.
Employment and Government Positions
1. Boston Selectman, 1653 through 1657
2. Sealer of Weights and measures, 27 March 1654
3. Surveyor, 13 March 1647/8.
4. Assessor, 10 November 1634.
5. Highway company, 10 January 1641/2
Legal (partial list)
1. In 1630, Samuel Cole invested £50 in the common stock of the Massachusetts Bay Company.
2. Samuel Cole requested acceptance as a Freeman on 19 October 1630 and admitted 18 May 1631.
3. “Samuel Cole and Anne his wife” were admitted to Boston church as members #42 and #43, which would be in the fall of 1630.
4. On 20 November 1637, Samuel Cole was disarmed for signing the remonstrance on behalf of Rev. John Wheelwright. Twenty four citizens were disarmed at this time. That meant that their guns and bullets were taken away by Robert Keayne, the Captain of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. Thus these persons were prohibited from obtaining replacements. This was clearly a serious punishment since the threat of Indians was always present. On about 22 November 1637, Cole was the first to sign an acknowledgement that “it was ill done, and unwarrantably, as transgressing therein the rules of due honor to authority, and of modesty, and submission in private persons, and therefore I desire my name be put off of it.
5. On 24 March 1653, “Samuel Cole of Boston and Margaret his wife sold to “William Halsey of Pullin Point in the parish of Boston all that their farm house, cottage or tenement in Rumney Marsh reserving part of the said bargained premises with the appurtenances, and also ten acres of upland ground & six acres of meadow or marsh excepted unto Edmond Grosse of Boston aforesaid”.
Organizations
Samuel Cole was admitted to the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company in 1638. His company included: a musket & bandoliers” valued at 10s.. He was probably one of the charter members and was listed as the ninth member under Captain Robert Keayne 1638-1647. Samuel would later marry the widow of Robert Keayne.
Spouses
Ann (or An) (1600-1647), married before 1622
Margaret Greene Greene, married 30 Sep 1647 (1589-1658)
Anne Mansfield Keayne, married 16 Oct 1660 (1596-1647)
Children
Katherine Cole Gross (1622-1657)
Elizabeth Cole Weeden (1624-1696)
Ann Cole Jackson (1628-1660)
John Cole (1629-1707)
Sources
Many, including The Winthrop Fleet, Massachusetts Bay Company Immigrants to New England 1629-1630, by Robert Charles Anderson and The Journal of John Winthrop, 1630-1649, edited by Richard S. Dunn and Laetitia Yeandle.∼Born by about 1597 based on estimated date of marriage. Innkeeper & confectioner who came to Massachusetts Bay in 1630 & settled in Boston. Died in Boston between 21 December 1666 (date of will) and 13 February 1666/7 (probate of will).
Married: (1) By about 1622 (assuming she was mother of all his children) Ann _____; she had died by 1647, and perhaps earlier.
(2) By 30 September 1647 Margaret (Greene) Greene, daughter of Isaac Greene of Mersea, Essex, & St. Osyth, Essex, England & widow of Edward Greene.
(3) Boston 16 October 1660 Ann (Mansfield) Keayne, widow; born about 1596-7 (aged about 21 on 17 June 1617 and aged 38 years when she came in the Defense in 1635. She married (1) by license dated 17 June 1617 Robert Keayne, who listed many of her relations in his 1656 will, including her "brother John Mansfield."
Samuel Cole was almost certainly closely related to Clement Cole who came to New England in 1635 on the Susan & Ellen [ Hotten 59]. The name immediately above Clement Cole's on the passenger list was "Jo: Mansfield," aged 34, whose sister had married Mr. Robert Keayne. (Edward Weeden, who would later marry Elizabeth, the daughter of Samuel Cole, was also on this vessel.)
Source: Anderson's Winthrop Fleet.
Family Members
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