In Scotland, a shaw is defined as "a thickly wooded spot in a low place or hollow - a thicket, a low country with a thick, short growth of trees and shrubbery.
The Shaws originally came from the Highlands of Scotland, although some immigrated to England before they came to America.
"Anitquarians and genealogists assent to the tradition that the 'Shaws' are descended from MacDuff (the earl of Fife, or 'thane', of Shakespearian fame) who aided Malcolm III, the rifhtful heir to the Scottish throne, in overthrowing Macbeth in 1056-7. Malcolm, in return for these services, granted in solemn covenant, the following unusual privileges to MacDuff and all his posterity:
1st. On all occasions when the royal standard was unfurled, this family was priviledged to lead the van in the Scottish Army.
2d. They had the right of placing the crown upon the heads of the future kings at their coronation. Isabel, daughter of Duncan MacDuff, and last in the line of Fife (who married the earl of Buchan) crowned Robert the Bruce in 1306.
3d. If they or their kindred to the ninth degree committed a slaughter, they were promised a special claim of sanctuary and obtained remission of all crime by paying an atonement to the relatives who survived the slain.
Malcolm also granted the province of Moray to the Scach or Shaw (eldest son of MacDuff) whose seat was established at Rothiemancus on the Spey in Inverness where the chiefs of this Clan resided for centuries. their badge was the red whortle-berry, - their motto, Fide et Fortitudine (By Faithfulness and Bravery).
The shield of MacDuff's Coat of Arms bore a red lion on a gold ground. The Armorial bearings of his son, 'The Shaw of Rothiemancus,' are this described: - 1st and 4th qrs. of shield, or, a lion rampart, gules armed, languid, azure. 2d and 3d qrs. Argent, a fir tree growing from a mound in base, proper, and on a conton in dexter chef of the field a dexter hand couped fesswise, holding a dagger, all peroper. Crest: A demi-lion, fules, holding in the dexter paw, a sword, proper.
In 1595 or soon afterwards, this clan befeft of their chief who forfeited his lances, were in part dispersed, though many joined the McPhersons and McIntoshes thus forming a part o fthe great Clan Chattan while retaining their distinctive name."
Another writer says, "The Shaw of Scotland were a branch of the Clan McIntosh, their progenitor being 'Shiah' surnamed DeShaw, one of the sons of MaDuff, third earl of fife, Scotland. The surname anglicized, means a thicket, or grove. The baronetcy of Granoch came by marriage with the family of Shae, of Sanchie; and continued in the family until the reign of James V. During the reign of Alexander III, John DeShawd was one of the sitnesses to a donation which John, the son of Reginald, made of lands to the monks of Paisley in 1284. In the year 1484, George Shaw was Lieutenant Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, commanded by the earl of Dumferline at the battle of worcester. For his valor and loyalty, his sovereign conferred on him the honor of knighthood. A little way south of the castle of Erskine, stands the house of Hargaran, the seat of John Shaw, whose ancestors have for more than three hundred years possed these lands."
Now as surnames were not in common use until the latter part of the tenth century, and the son of MacDuff received his as early as 1056-7,we may reasonably conclude that the name of Shaw originated with him; and that the early Shaws of England were, in reality, his descendants who had emigrated hither either before or after the partial dispersion of the Clan Shaw of Scotland.
Many sources report Roger Shaw's father's name to be Ralph Shaw, and that Roger was born in London in 1594, but a 2004 article examines Roger's English origins and discards this theory. The baptismal records of his first four children in Gawsworth do not mention the mother's name. (Source: Shaw, Edgar Joseph, "The English Origin of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Hampton, New Hampshire", The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, October 2004, pp. 309-318.)
In his article Shaw discusses his research into the parents of Roger Shaw. Based on a search of the probate records found in the Archdeconary Court of Chester, he was able to pinpoint the parents of Roger to Roger and Margery Shaw of Astbury and Hulme Walfield, and also identify a brother, Humphrey. In his will, Roger Sr. left his estate to his two sons, Roger and Humphrey, and in Humphrey's will of 1652 he left the land be bought of his brother Roger Shaw to one of his sons.
Roger and his family arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony sometime prior to the fourth month of 1638 when his daughter Ester's birth was recorded at Cambridge, Massachusetts. On 14 March 1638/9 he was made a Freeman of the Colony, which meant he had also become a member of the Church. Roger jumped right into the running of the town and the new Colony, then less than ten years old. He was a selectman for Cambridge in 1641,42,44, and 45. Roger was chosen Cambridge Town Clerk in 1642. According to the book the History of Cambridge "he bought a house and land on the southerly side of Arrow Street". Arrow Street still exists in Cambridge.
Source: Extensive and exhaustive research was done by Edgar Joseph Shaw which he compiled in his article "The English Origins of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Hampton, New Hampshire". This article was published in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register in 2004.
Roger Shaw is first mentioned as appearing at "General Court" from Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1636, where in 1638, he was made a freeman having bought two hundred acres of land and built a house on the south side of Arrow street. In 1639, he was drawn juryman, and the following year was elected Town Clerk of Cambridge, MA. He was also selectman for the same town for the years 1641-1643 and 1645.
Roger's probate record: http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/probate/index.htm
Baptism records from the Gawsworth Parish Registers in Cheshire suggest Roger Shaw was from that area of England. Those records list baptisms for Margaret, Mary, Ann, and Joseph, all children of Roger Shaw (no mother listed).
In 1639, Roger was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of Hampton, NH, and, in 1640, bought land there of John Crosse. Around 1647, he sold his property in Cambridge and, on 15 November 1647, bought a house and land in Hampton, NH. After moving there, he received some grants from the town, bought other tracts of land, and became a large landholder. He was a selectman in 1647, and both a selectman and a constable in 1654; a commissioner for small causes in 1651; and he represented the town in the General Court in 1651, 1652, and 1653. He was chairman of a committee to re-examine the book of town land grants, and to lay out highways in 1658.
Roger's will, dated 25 August 1660, codicil 20 March 1660/1, names two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, four daughters, Margaret Ward, Ann Fogg, Hester, and Mary, and Daniel Tilton, son of his second wife.
Roger and his wife Anne Shaw had at seven children:
Margaret, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 4 July 1626; m. Thomas Ward.
Mary, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 8 Nov 1629; d. Cambridge, MA 26 Jan 1639/40.
Ann, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 22 April 1632; d. Hampton, NH 9 Dec 1663; m. Samuel Fogg 2 Dec. 1652.
Joseph, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 12 Nov 1635; d. Hampton, NH 8 Nov 1720; m. Elizabeth Partridge, daughter of William and Ann (Spicer) Partridge.
Hesther (Esther), b. in Cambridge, MA, June 1638; d. after 25 Aug 1660.
Benjamin, b. Cambridge, MA July 1641; d. Hampton, NH 31 Dec 1717; m. Esther Richardson in Hampton, NH 25 May 1663.
Mary, b. Cambridge, MA, 29 Sept. 1645; m. Thomas Parker.
Will of Roger Shaw
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. The 25th day of August 1660, I, Roger Shaw of Hampton in the County of Norfolk, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfet memory praise be given to God for the same and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth and being desirous to settle things in order to make this my last will and Testament in the manner and form following: This is to say first and principally, I commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon en remission of all my sins, and be saved by the precious death and merit of my blessed Savior & redeemer Christ Jesus. And my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be buried in such decent and Christian manner as to my executor hereafter named shall be thought meet and convient. and as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath lent me, my will and meaning is: The same shall be employed and bestowed as hereafter by this my will expressed. and first I do revoke, renounce, frustrate, and make void all wills by me formerly made and declare & appoint this my last will and testament. First I give unto my son Joseph Shaw my farm that is to say one hundred acres of land bounded as followth fromt he Town bridge and goodman Louitt in pt. Comon Country way in part, & the Comon in part on the South east: fifteen acres of land o fmy own on the South West, and Mr. Daltons farm North west meadows belonging to the farm north east. And five and twenty acres of fresh meadow surrounded with the Taylors River and the land of the farm, the meadow lying north east. And all my Salt Marsh (except) five acres of that marsh to lie adjoining to Thomas Wards marsh on the south side of Taylors River with all priviledges belonging to the farm.
ITEM. I give unto my son Benjamin Shaw my dwelling house, houses Orchards Garden, and all the lands I have on the North side of Taylors River, meadow, land or Swamp with all comonages and priveledges there unto belonging with fifteen acres of land or Swamp lying at the south west end of the farm, with five acres Salt marsh on theat side of my marsh towards Taylors River adjoining to Thomas Wards.
ITEM. I give to Margaarett Ward my daughter five shillings.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Ann Fogg thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Hester thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Marie twenty pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Daniel Tilton five pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Benjamin one horse colt, three yearlings, one ewe lamb, the bed he lieth on, two puter dishes, one of eurye ironthing in the house if there be two (or else not), a third part of all husbandry ware, half of all carpenter's tools I have, six bushels of wheat and fourteen of Indian Corn, but he must be at cost of all labor to it. also, I appoint Benjamin to have for his use my house and land on the southeast side of teh country high way now for his use excepting half of the orchard which I give to my son Joseph. Two years and teh piece of meadow on this side the Town Bridge. And for all these goods I give unto Benjamin, my will is that he shall pay unto Daniel Tilton the sum of twenty five pounds when he comes to the age of 21 years. the shich sum is erte part of it which I was to pay by count & 5th I gave him more as is above expressed in my will. And for want of payment of this 25 lb, I do bind oer my sons Benjmins land for the security of it to be paid out of the rents of land until it be fully paid. also I do appoint Samuel Foge & my son Joseph as trustees to order & direct my son Benjamin until he come to ye age of 21 years according to law in all things.
ITEM. I give all the rest of my goods both moveable & unmoveable with the use of all fields on the other side on the highway (but two acres on the nearer side one year) I give unto my son Joseph. And my will is that he is sole executor of this my last will and testament, and I appoint him to pay all my debts legacies that are or shall appear to be due according to law, excepting what is appointed to be paid other ways. And if my executor failes to make payment I appoint, his land shall then (not by sale) but by the rent of it until they be paid or any part thereof and my will further is that if my sons Joseph and Benjamin die without issue, then the land to go to my other daughters Ann, Hester & Mary & to their heirs for ever considering the competency for their wifes at the discretion of my supervisors John Loueritt & Samuel Fogg whom I appoint as trustees to see this my will performed.
And renouncing all other former wills either by words or writing the twentieth of Marth one thousand six hundred and sixty one, I Roger Shaw, being yet in the land of the living & in mind memory & sense do think meet to add to this my last will as followth viz, that whereas there are two the children which have thirteen pounds a piece given them, I do apoint that they shall have but five a piece; and whereas I have given one child five shillings, I do appoint that it shall have five pounds all which sums are to be paid within a year after my decease & whereas I did bequeath fourteen bushels of indian corn to my son Benjamin & six bushels of what I do now apoint that he shall have none; & whereas I did appoint yet Benjamin should sow two acres of yet lot on the other side of the way, the next year, I do now appoint that Joseph shall have the fit thereof the next year, and whereas I did appoint Benjamin to pay his brother Daniel tilton twenty five pounds when he came to age, I do not appoint him to pay to his sister Mary twenty pounds at the time appointed her and to pay five pounds to his brother Joseph when Daniel comes to age, and I do appoint my son Joseph to pay Abraham & Daniel Tilton their portions according to covenant when they shall come to age. And to this my land addition, I do set my hand and scale the day and year above written.
Signed sealed in Roger (seal) Shaw
the presence of us:
Samuel Dalton
John Clifford
Tested upon oath before the Court at Hampton 10: 8th mo: 1661
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Essex ss. Probate Office September 9, 1897
A true copy of paper on file, Attest:-
(Signed) J. T. Mahaney, Regstr.
I make this my last will & Testament
In witness whereoff I have hereunto set my hand & scale the day and year above written.
(seal) Roger Shaw
Signed sealed in the presence of us:
John Clifford
Samuel Hall Sen.
Testified upon oath
by John Clifford & Samuel Dalton
Hall Sen. in ye court held at Hampton ye 10th 8th month 1661.
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Sources:
"The Clans of the Scottish Highlands" by Robert Roland Maclan, published in 1857.
"Shaw Records A Memorial of Roger Shaw 1594-1661" By Harriette F. Farwell, Bethel, Maine, E. C. Bowler, 1904
The Shaws originally came from the Highlands of Scotland, although some immigrated to England before they came to America.
"Anitquarians and genealogists assent to the tradition that the 'Shaws' are descended from MacDuff (the earl of Fife, or 'thane', of Shakespearian fame) who aided Malcolm III, the rifhtful heir to the Scottish throne, in overthrowing Macbeth in 1056-7. Malcolm, in return for these services, granted in solemn covenant, the following unusual privileges to MacDuff and all his posterity:
1st. On all occasions when the royal standard was unfurled, this family was priviledged to lead the van in the Scottish Army.
2d. They had the right of placing the crown upon the heads of the future kings at their coronation. Isabel, daughter of Duncan MacDuff, and last in the line of Fife (who married the earl of Buchan) crowned Robert the Bruce in 1306.
3d. If they or their kindred to the ninth degree committed a slaughter, they were promised a special claim of sanctuary and obtained remission of all crime by paying an atonement to the relatives who survived the slain.
Malcolm also granted the province of Moray to the Scach or Shaw (eldest son of MacDuff) whose seat was established at Rothiemancus on the Spey in Inverness where the chiefs of this Clan resided for centuries. their badge was the red whortle-berry, - their motto, Fide et Fortitudine (By Faithfulness and Bravery).
The shield of MacDuff's Coat of Arms bore a red lion on a gold ground. The Armorial bearings of his son, 'The Shaw of Rothiemancus,' are this described: - 1st and 4th qrs. of shield, or, a lion rampart, gules armed, languid, azure. 2d and 3d qrs. Argent, a fir tree growing from a mound in base, proper, and on a conton in dexter chef of the field a dexter hand couped fesswise, holding a dagger, all peroper. Crest: A demi-lion, fules, holding in the dexter paw, a sword, proper.
In 1595 or soon afterwards, this clan befeft of their chief who forfeited his lances, were in part dispersed, though many joined the McPhersons and McIntoshes thus forming a part o fthe great Clan Chattan while retaining their distinctive name."
Another writer says, "The Shaw of Scotland were a branch of the Clan McIntosh, their progenitor being 'Shiah' surnamed DeShaw, one of the sons of MaDuff, third earl of fife, Scotland. The surname anglicized, means a thicket, or grove. The baronetcy of Granoch came by marriage with the family of Shae, of Sanchie; and continued in the family until the reign of James V. During the reign of Alexander III, John DeShawd was one of the sitnesses to a donation which John, the son of Reginald, made of lands to the monks of Paisley in 1284. In the year 1484, George Shaw was Lieutenant Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, commanded by the earl of Dumferline at the battle of worcester. For his valor and loyalty, his sovereign conferred on him the honor of knighthood. A little way south of the castle of Erskine, stands the house of Hargaran, the seat of John Shaw, whose ancestors have for more than three hundred years possed these lands."
Now as surnames were not in common use until the latter part of the tenth century, and the son of MacDuff received his as early as 1056-7,we may reasonably conclude that the name of Shaw originated with him; and that the early Shaws of England were, in reality, his descendants who had emigrated hither either before or after the partial dispersion of the Clan Shaw of Scotland.
Many sources report Roger Shaw's father's name to be Ralph Shaw, and that Roger was born in London in 1594, but a 2004 article examines Roger's English origins and discards this theory. The baptismal records of his first four children in Gawsworth do not mention the mother's name. (Source: Shaw, Edgar Joseph, "The English Origin of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Hampton, New Hampshire", The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, October 2004, pp. 309-318.)
In his article Shaw discusses his research into the parents of Roger Shaw. Based on a search of the probate records found in the Archdeconary Court of Chester, he was able to pinpoint the parents of Roger to Roger and Margery Shaw of Astbury and Hulme Walfield, and also identify a brother, Humphrey. In his will, Roger Sr. left his estate to his two sons, Roger and Humphrey, and in Humphrey's will of 1652 he left the land be bought of his brother Roger Shaw to one of his sons.
Roger and his family arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony sometime prior to the fourth month of 1638 when his daughter Ester's birth was recorded at Cambridge, Massachusetts. On 14 March 1638/9 he was made a Freeman of the Colony, which meant he had also become a member of the Church. Roger jumped right into the running of the town and the new Colony, then less than ten years old. He was a selectman for Cambridge in 1641,42,44, and 45. Roger was chosen Cambridge Town Clerk in 1642. According to the book the History of Cambridge "he bought a house and land on the southerly side of Arrow Street". Arrow Street still exists in Cambridge.
Source: Extensive and exhaustive research was done by Edgar Joseph Shaw which he compiled in his article "The English Origins of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Hampton, New Hampshire". This article was published in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register in 2004.
Roger Shaw is first mentioned as appearing at "General Court" from Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1636, where in 1638, he was made a freeman having bought two hundred acres of land and built a house on the south side of Arrow street. In 1639, he was drawn juryman, and the following year was elected Town Clerk of Cambridge, MA. He was also selectman for the same town for the years 1641-1643 and 1645.
Roger's probate record: http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/probate/index.htm
Baptism records from the Gawsworth Parish Registers in Cheshire suggest Roger Shaw was from that area of England. Those records list baptisms for Margaret, Mary, Ann, and Joseph, all children of Roger Shaw (no mother listed).
In 1639, Roger was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of Hampton, NH, and, in 1640, bought land there of John Crosse. Around 1647, he sold his property in Cambridge and, on 15 November 1647, bought a house and land in Hampton, NH. After moving there, he received some grants from the town, bought other tracts of land, and became a large landholder. He was a selectman in 1647, and both a selectman and a constable in 1654; a commissioner for small causes in 1651; and he represented the town in the General Court in 1651, 1652, and 1653. He was chairman of a committee to re-examine the book of town land grants, and to lay out highways in 1658.
Roger's will, dated 25 August 1660, codicil 20 March 1660/1, names two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, four daughters, Margaret Ward, Ann Fogg, Hester, and Mary, and Daniel Tilton, son of his second wife.
Roger and his wife Anne Shaw had at seven children:
Margaret, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 4 July 1626; m. Thomas Ward.
Mary, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 8 Nov 1629; d. Cambridge, MA 26 Jan 1639/40.
Ann, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 22 April 1632; d. Hampton, NH 9 Dec 1663; m. Samuel Fogg 2 Dec. 1652.
Joseph, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 12 Nov 1635; d. Hampton, NH 8 Nov 1720; m. Elizabeth Partridge, daughter of William and Ann (Spicer) Partridge.
Hesther (Esther), b. in Cambridge, MA, June 1638; d. after 25 Aug 1660.
Benjamin, b. Cambridge, MA July 1641; d. Hampton, NH 31 Dec 1717; m. Esther Richardson in Hampton, NH 25 May 1663.
Mary, b. Cambridge, MA, 29 Sept. 1645; m. Thomas Parker.
Will of Roger Shaw
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. The 25th day of August 1660, I, Roger Shaw of Hampton in the County of Norfolk, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfet memory praise be given to God for the same and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth and being desirous to settle things in order to make this my last will and Testament in the manner and form following: This is to say first and principally, I commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon en remission of all my sins, and be saved by the precious death and merit of my blessed Savior & redeemer Christ Jesus. And my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be buried in such decent and Christian manner as to my executor hereafter named shall be thought meet and convient. and as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath lent me, my will and meaning is: The same shall be employed and bestowed as hereafter by this my will expressed. and first I do revoke, renounce, frustrate, and make void all wills by me formerly made and declare & appoint this my last will and testament. First I give unto my son Joseph Shaw my farm that is to say one hundred acres of land bounded as followth fromt he Town bridge and goodman Louitt in pt. Comon Country way in part, & the Comon in part on the South east: fifteen acres of land o fmy own on the South West, and Mr. Daltons farm North west meadows belonging to the farm north east. And five and twenty acres of fresh meadow surrounded with the Taylors River and the land of the farm, the meadow lying north east. And all my Salt Marsh (except) five acres of that marsh to lie adjoining to Thomas Wards marsh on the south side of Taylors River with all priviledges belonging to the farm.
ITEM. I give unto my son Benjamin Shaw my dwelling house, houses Orchards Garden, and all the lands I have on the North side of Taylors River, meadow, land or Swamp with all comonages and priveledges there unto belonging with fifteen acres of land or Swamp lying at the south west end of the farm, with five acres Salt marsh on theat side of my marsh towards Taylors River adjoining to Thomas Wards.
ITEM. I give to Margaarett Ward my daughter five shillings.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Ann Fogg thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Hester thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Marie twenty pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Daniel Tilton five pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Benjamin one horse colt, three yearlings, one ewe lamb, the bed he lieth on, two puter dishes, one of eurye ironthing in the house if there be two (or else not), a third part of all husbandry ware, half of all carpenter's tools I have, six bushels of wheat and fourteen of Indian Corn, but he must be at cost of all labor to it. also, I appoint Benjamin to have for his use my house and land on the southeast side of teh country high way now for his use excepting half of the orchard which I give to my son Joseph. Two years and teh piece of meadow on this side the Town Bridge. And for all these goods I give unto Benjamin, my will is that he shall pay unto Daniel Tilton the sum of twenty five pounds when he comes to the age of 21 years. the shich sum is erte part of it which I was to pay by count & 5th I gave him more as is above expressed in my will. And for want of payment of this 25 lb, I do bind oer my sons Benjmins land for the security of it to be paid out of the rents of land until it be fully paid. also I do appoint Samuel Foge & my son Joseph as trustees to order & direct my son Benjamin until he come to ye age of 21 years according to law in all things.
ITEM. I give all the rest of my goods both moveable & unmoveable with the use of all fields on the other side on the highway (but two acres on the nearer side one year) I give unto my son Joseph. And my will is that he is sole executor of this my last will and testament, and I appoint him to pay all my debts legacies that are or shall appear to be due according to law, excepting what is appointed to be paid other ways. And if my executor failes to make payment I appoint, his land shall then (not by sale) but by the rent of it until they be paid or any part thereof and my will further is that if my sons Joseph and Benjamin die without issue, then the land to go to my other daughters Ann, Hester & Mary & to their heirs for ever considering the competency for their wifes at the discretion of my supervisors John Loueritt & Samuel Fogg whom I appoint as trustees to see this my will performed.
And renouncing all other former wills either by words or writing the twentieth of Marth one thousand six hundred and sixty one, I Roger Shaw, being yet in the land of the living & in mind memory & sense do think meet to add to this my last will as followth viz, that whereas there are two the children which have thirteen pounds a piece given them, I do apoint that they shall have but five a piece; and whereas I have given one child five shillings, I do appoint that it shall have five pounds all which sums are to be paid within a year after my decease & whereas I did bequeath fourteen bushels of indian corn to my son Benjamin & six bushels of what I do now apoint that he shall have none; & whereas I did appoint yet Benjamin should sow two acres of yet lot on the other side of the way, the next year, I do now appoint that Joseph shall have the fit thereof the next year, and whereas I did appoint Benjamin to pay his brother Daniel tilton twenty five pounds when he came to age, I do not appoint him to pay to his sister Mary twenty pounds at the time appointed her and to pay five pounds to his brother Joseph when Daniel comes to age, and I do appoint my son Joseph to pay Abraham & Daniel Tilton their portions according to covenant when they shall come to age. And to this my land addition, I do set my hand and scale the day and year above written.
Signed sealed in Roger (seal) Shaw
the presence of us:
Samuel Dalton
John Clifford
Tested upon oath before the Court at Hampton 10: 8th mo: 1661
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Essex ss. Probate Office September 9, 1897
A true copy of paper on file, Attest:-
(Signed) J. T. Mahaney, Regstr.
I make this my last will & Testament
In witness whereoff I have hereunto set my hand & scale the day and year above written.
(seal) Roger Shaw
Signed sealed in the presence of us:
John Clifford
Samuel Hall Sen.
Testified upon oath
by John Clifford & Samuel Dalton
Hall Sen. in ye court held at Hampton ye 10th 8th month 1661.
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Sources:
"The Clans of the Scottish Highlands" by Robert Roland Maclan, published in 1857.
"Shaw Records A Memorial of Roger Shaw 1594-1661" By Harriette F. Farwell, Bethel, Maine, E. C. Bowler, 1904
In Scotland, a shaw is defined as "a thickly wooded spot in a low place or hollow - a thicket, a low country with a thick, short growth of trees and shrubbery.
The Shaws originally came from the Highlands of Scotland, although some immigrated to England before they came to America.
"Anitquarians and genealogists assent to the tradition that the 'Shaws' are descended from MacDuff (the earl of Fife, or 'thane', of Shakespearian fame) who aided Malcolm III, the rifhtful heir to the Scottish throne, in overthrowing Macbeth in 1056-7. Malcolm, in return for these services, granted in solemn covenant, the following unusual privileges to MacDuff and all his posterity:
1st. On all occasions when the royal standard was unfurled, this family was priviledged to lead the van in the Scottish Army.
2d. They had the right of placing the crown upon the heads of the future kings at their coronation. Isabel, daughter of Duncan MacDuff, and last in the line of Fife (who married the earl of Buchan) crowned Robert the Bruce in 1306.
3d. If they or their kindred to the ninth degree committed a slaughter, they were promised a special claim of sanctuary and obtained remission of all crime by paying an atonement to the relatives who survived the slain.
Malcolm also granted the province of Moray to the Scach or Shaw (eldest son of MacDuff) whose seat was established at Rothiemancus on the Spey in Inverness where the chiefs of this Clan resided for centuries. their badge was the red whortle-berry, - their motto, Fide et Fortitudine (By Faithfulness and Bravery).
The shield of MacDuff's Coat of Arms bore a red lion on a gold ground. The Armorial bearings of his son, 'The Shaw of Rothiemancus,' are this described: - 1st and 4th qrs. of shield, or, a lion rampart, gules armed, languid, azure. 2d and 3d qrs. Argent, a fir tree growing from a mound in base, proper, and on a conton in dexter chef of the field a dexter hand couped fesswise, holding a dagger, all peroper. Crest: A demi-lion, fules, holding in the dexter paw, a sword, proper.
In 1595 or soon afterwards, this clan befeft of their chief who forfeited his lances, were in part dispersed, though many joined the McPhersons and McIntoshes thus forming a part o fthe great Clan Chattan while retaining their distinctive name."
Another writer says, "The Shaw of Scotland were a branch of the Clan McIntosh, their progenitor being 'Shiah' surnamed DeShaw, one of the sons of MaDuff, third earl of fife, Scotland. The surname anglicized, means a thicket, or grove. The baronetcy of Granoch came by marriage with the family of Shae, of Sanchie; and continued in the family until the reign of James V. During the reign of Alexander III, John DeShawd was one of the sitnesses to a donation which John, the son of Reginald, made of lands to the monks of Paisley in 1284. In the year 1484, George Shaw was Lieutenant Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, commanded by the earl of Dumferline at the battle of worcester. For his valor and loyalty, his sovereign conferred on him the honor of knighthood. A little way south of the castle of Erskine, stands the house of Hargaran, the seat of John Shaw, whose ancestors have for more than three hundred years possed these lands."
Now as surnames were not in common use until the latter part of the tenth century, and the son of MacDuff received his as early as 1056-7,we may reasonably conclude that the name of Shaw originated with him; and that the early Shaws of England were, in reality, his descendants who had emigrated hither either before or after the partial dispersion of the Clan Shaw of Scotland.
Many sources report Roger Shaw's father's name to be Ralph Shaw, and that Roger was born in London in 1594, but a 2004 article examines Roger's English origins and discards this theory. The baptismal records of his first four children in Gawsworth do not mention the mother's name. (Source: Shaw, Edgar Joseph, "The English Origin of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Hampton, New Hampshire", The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, October 2004, pp. 309-318.)
In his article Shaw discusses his research into the parents of Roger Shaw. Based on a search of the probate records found in the Archdeconary Court of Chester, he was able to pinpoint the parents of Roger to Roger and Margery Shaw of Astbury and Hulme Walfield, and also identify a brother, Humphrey. In his will, Roger Sr. left his estate to his two sons, Roger and Humphrey, and in Humphrey's will of 1652 he left the land be bought of his brother Roger Shaw to one of his sons.
Roger and his family arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony sometime prior to the fourth month of 1638 when his daughter Ester's birth was recorded at Cambridge, Massachusetts. On 14 March 1638/9 he was made a Freeman of the Colony, which meant he had also become a member of the Church. Roger jumped right into the running of the town and the new Colony, then less than ten years old. He was a selectman for Cambridge in 1641,42,44, and 45. Roger was chosen Cambridge Town Clerk in 1642. According to the book the History of Cambridge "he bought a house and land on the southerly side of Arrow Street". Arrow Street still exists in Cambridge.
Source: Extensive and exhaustive research was done by Edgar Joseph Shaw which he compiled in his article "The English Origins of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Hampton, New Hampshire". This article was published in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register in 2004.
Roger Shaw is first mentioned as appearing at "General Court" from Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1636, where in 1638, he was made a freeman having bought two hundred acres of land and built a house on the south side of Arrow street. In 1639, he was drawn juryman, and the following year was elected Town Clerk of Cambridge, MA. He was also selectman for the same town for the years 1641-1643 and 1645.
Roger's probate record: http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/probate/index.htm
Baptism records from the Gawsworth Parish Registers in Cheshire suggest Roger Shaw was from that area of England. Those records list baptisms for Margaret, Mary, Ann, and Joseph, all children of Roger Shaw (no mother listed).
In 1639, Roger was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of Hampton, NH, and, in 1640, bought land there of John Crosse. Around 1647, he sold his property in Cambridge and, on 15 November 1647, bought a house and land in Hampton, NH. After moving there, he received some grants from the town, bought other tracts of land, and became a large landholder. He was a selectman in 1647, and both a selectman and a constable in 1654; a commissioner for small causes in 1651; and he represented the town in the General Court in 1651, 1652, and 1653. He was chairman of a committee to re-examine the book of town land grants, and to lay out highways in 1658.
Roger's will, dated 25 August 1660, codicil 20 March 1660/1, names two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, four daughters, Margaret Ward, Ann Fogg, Hester, and Mary, and Daniel Tilton, son of his second wife.
Roger and his wife Anne Shaw had at seven children:
Margaret, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 4 July 1626; m. Thomas Ward.
Mary, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 8 Nov 1629; d. Cambridge, MA 26 Jan 1639/40.
Ann, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 22 April 1632; d. Hampton, NH 9 Dec 1663; m. Samuel Fogg 2 Dec. 1652.
Joseph, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 12 Nov 1635; d. Hampton, NH 8 Nov 1720; m. Elizabeth Partridge, daughter of William and Ann (Spicer) Partridge.
Hesther (Esther), b. in Cambridge, MA, June 1638; d. after 25 Aug 1660.
Benjamin, b. Cambridge, MA July 1641; d. Hampton, NH 31 Dec 1717; m. Esther Richardson in Hampton, NH 25 May 1663.
Mary, b. Cambridge, MA, 29 Sept. 1645; m. Thomas Parker.
Will of Roger Shaw
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. The 25th day of August 1660, I, Roger Shaw of Hampton in the County of Norfolk, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfet memory praise be given to God for the same and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth and being desirous to settle things in order to make this my last will and Testament in the manner and form following: This is to say first and principally, I commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon en remission of all my sins, and be saved by the precious death and merit of my blessed Savior & redeemer Christ Jesus. And my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be buried in such decent and Christian manner as to my executor hereafter named shall be thought meet and convient. and as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath lent me, my will and meaning is: The same shall be employed and bestowed as hereafter by this my will expressed. and first I do revoke, renounce, frustrate, and make void all wills by me formerly made and declare & appoint this my last will and testament. First I give unto my son Joseph Shaw my farm that is to say one hundred acres of land bounded as followth fromt he Town bridge and goodman Louitt in pt. Comon Country way in part, & the Comon in part on the South east: fifteen acres of land o fmy own on the South West, and Mr. Daltons farm North west meadows belonging to the farm north east. And five and twenty acres of fresh meadow surrounded with the Taylors River and the land of the farm, the meadow lying north east. And all my Salt Marsh (except) five acres of that marsh to lie adjoining to Thomas Wards marsh on the south side of Taylors River with all priviledges belonging to the farm.
ITEM. I give unto my son Benjamin Shaw my dwelling house, houses Orchards Garden, and all the lands I have on the North side of Taylors River, meadow, land or Swamp with all comonages and priveledges there unto belonging with fifteen acres of land or Swamp lying at the south west end of the farm, with five acres Salt marsh on theat side of my marsh towards Taylors River adjoining to Thomas Wards.
ITEM. I give to Margaarett Ward my daughter five shillings.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Ann Fogg thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Hester thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Marie twenty pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Daniel Tilton five pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Benjamin one horse colt, three yearlings, one ewe lamb, the bed he lieth on, two puter dishes, one of eurye ironthing in the house if there be two (or else not), a third part of all husbandry ware, half of all carpenter's tools I have, six bushels of wheat and fourteen of Indian Corn, but he must be at cost of all labor to it. also, I appoint Benjamin to have for his use my house and land on the southeast side of teh country high way now for his use excepting half of the orchard which I give to my son Joseph. Two years and teh piece of meadow on this side the Town Bridge. And for all these goods I give unto Benjamin, my will is that he shall pay unto Daniel Tilton the sum of twenty five pounds when he comes to the age of 21 years. the shich sum is erte part of it which I was to pay by count & 5th I gave him more as is above expressed in my will. And for want of payment of this 25 lb, I do bind oer my sons Benjmins land for the security of it to be paid out of the rents of land until it be fully paid. also I do appoint Samuel Foge & my son Joseph as trustees to order & direct my son Benjamin until he come to ye age of 21 years according to law in all things.
ITEM. I give all the rest of my goods both moveable & unmoveable with the use of all fields on the other side on the highway (but two acres on the nearer side one year) I give unto my son Joseph. And my will is that he is sole executor of this my last will and testament, and I appoint him to pay all my debts legacies that are or shall appear to be due according to law, excepting what is appointed to be paid other ways. And if my executor failes to make payment I appoint, his land shall then (not by sale) but by the rent of it until they be paid or any part thereof and my will further is that if my sons Joseph and Benjamin die without issue, then the land to go to my other daughters Ann, Hester & Mary & to their heirs for ever considering the competency for their wifes at the discretion of my supervisors John Loueritt & Samuel Fogg whom I appoint as trustees to see this my will performed.
And renouncing all other former wills either by words or writing the twentieth of Marth one thousand six hundred and sixty one, I Roger Shaw, being yet in the land of the living & in mind memory & sense do think meet to add to this my last will as followth viz, that whereas there are two the children which have thirteen pounds a piece given them, I do apoint that they shall have but five a piece; and whereas I have given one child five shillings, I do appoint that it shall have five pounds all which sums are to be paid within a year after my decease & whereas I did bequeath fourteen bushels of indian corn to my son Benjamin & six bushels of what I do now apoint that he shall have none; & whereas I did appoint yet Benjamin should sow two acres of yet lot on the other side of the way, the next year, I do now appoint that Joseph shall have the fit thereof the next year, and whereas I did appoint Benjamin to pay his brother Daniel tilton twenty five pounds when he came to age, I do not appoint him to pay to his sister Mary twenty pounds at the time appointed her and to pay five pounds to his brother Joseph when Daniel comes to age, and I do appoint my son Joseph to pay Abraham & Daniel Tilton their portions according to covenant when they shall come to age. And to this my land addition, I do set my hand and scale the day and year above written.
Signed sealed in Roger (seal) Shaw
the presence of us:
Samuel Dalton
John Clifford
Tested upon oath before the Court at Hampton 10: 8th mo: 1661
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Essex ss. Probate Office September 9, 1897
A true copy of paper on file, Attest:-
(Signed) J. T. Mahaney, Regstr.
I make this my last will & Testament
In witness whereoff I have hereunto set my hand & scale the day and year above written.
(seal) Roger Shaw
Signed sealed in the presence of us:
John Clifford
Samuel Hall Sen.
Testified upon oath
by John Clifford & Samuel Dalton
Hall Sen. in ye court held at Hampton ye 10th 8th month 1661.
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Sources:
"The Clans of the Scottish Highlands" by Robert Roland Maclan, published in 1857.
"Shaw Records A Memorial of Roger Shaw 1594-1661" By Harriette F. Farwell, Bethel, Maine, E. C. Bowler, 1904
The Shaws originally came from the Highlands of Scotland, although some immigrated to England before they came to America.
"Anitquarians and genealogists assent to the tradition that the 'Shaws' are descended from MacDuff (the earl of Fife, or 'thane', of Shakespearian fame) who aided Malcolm III, the rifhtful heir to the Scottish throne, in overthrowing Macbeth in 1056-7. Malcolm, in return for these services, granted in solemn covenant, the following unusual privileges to MacDuff and all his posterity:
1st. On all occasions when the royal standard was unfurled, this family was priviledged to lead the van in the Scottish Army.
2d. They had the right of placing the crown upon the heads of the future kings at their coronation. Isabel, daughter of Duncan MacDuff, and last in the line of Fife (who married the earl of Buchan) crowned Robert the Bruce in 1306.
3d. If they or their kindred to the ninth degree committed a slaughter, they were promised a special claim of sanctuary and obtained remission of all crime by paying an atonement to the relatives who survived the slain.
Malcolm also granted the province of Moray to the Scach or Shaw (eldest son of MacDuff) whose seat was established at Rothiemancus on the Spey in Inverness where the chiefs of this Clan resided for centuries. their badge was the red whortle-berry, - their motto, Fide et Fortitudine (By Faithfulness and Bravery).
The shield of MacDuff's Coat of Arms bore a red lion on a gold ground. The Armorial bearings of his son, 'The Shaw of Rothiemancus,' are this described: - 1st and 4th qrs. of shield, or, a lion rampart, gules armed, languid, azure. 2d and 3d qrs. Argent, a fir tree growing from a mound in base, proper, and on a conton in dexter chef of the field a dexter hand couped fesswise, holding a dagger, all peroper. Crest: A demi-lion, fules, holding in the dexter paw, a sword, proper.
In 1595 or soon afterwards, this clan befeft of their chief who forfeited his lances, were in part dispersed, though many joined the McPhersons and McIntoshes thus forming a part o fthe great Clan Chattan while retaining their distinctive name."
Another writer says, "The Shaw of Scotland were a branch of the Clan McIntosh, their progenitor being 'Shiah' surnamed DeShaw, one of the sons of MaDuff, third earl of fife, Scotland. The surname anglicized, means a thicket, or grove. The baronetcy of Granoch came by marriage with the family of Shae, of Sanchie; and continued in the family until the reign of James V. During the reign of Alexander III, John DeShawd was one of the sitnesses to a donation which John, the son of Reginald, made of lands to the monks of Paisley in 1284. In the year 1484, George Shaw was Lieutenant Colonel of a Regiment of Horse, commanded by the earl of Dumferline at the battle of worcester. For his valor and loyalty, his sovereign conferred on him the honor of knighthood. A little way south of the castle of Erskine, stands the house of Hargaran, the seat of John Shaw, whose ancestors have for more than three hundred years possed these lands."
Now as surnames were not in common use until the latter part of the tenth century, and the son of MacDuff received his as early as 1056-7,we may reasonably conclude that the name of Shaw originated with him; and that the early Shaws of England were, in reality, his descendants who had emigrated hither either before or after the partial dispersion of the Clan Shaw of Scotland.
Many sources report Roger Shaw's father's name to be Ralph Shaw, and that Roger was born in London in 1594, but a 2004 article examines Roger's English origins and discards this theory. The baptismal records of his first four children in Gawsworth do not mention the mother's name. (Source: Shaw, Edgar Joseph, "The English Origin of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Hampton, New Hampshire", The New England Historical and Genealogical Register, October 2004, pp. 309-318.)
In his article Shaw discusses his research into the parents of Roger Shaw. Based on a search of the probate records found in the Archdeconary Court of Chester, he was able to pinpoint the parents of Roger to Roger and Margery Shaw of Astbury and Hulme Walfield, and also identify a brother, Humphrey. In his will, Roger Sr. left his estate to his two sons, Roger and Humphrey, and in Humphrey's will of 1652 he left the land be bought of his brother Roger Shaw to one of his sons.
Roger and his family arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony sometime prior to the fourth month of 1638 when his daughter Ester's birth was recorded at Cambridge, Massachusetts. On 14 March 1638/9 he was made a Freeman of the Colony, which meant he had also become a member of the Church. Roger jumped right into the running of the town and the new Colony, then less than ten years old. He was a selectman for Cambridge in 1641,42,44, and 45. Roger was chosen Cambridge Town Clerk in 1642. According to the book the History of Cambridge "he bought a house and land on the southerly side of Arrow Street". Arrow Street still exists in Cambridge.
Source: Extensive and exhaustive research was done by Edgar Joseph Shaw which he compiled in his article "The English Origins of Roger and Ann Shaw of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Hampton, New Hampshire". This article was published in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register in 2004.
Roger Shaw is first mentioned as appearing at "General Court" from Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1636, where in 1638, he was made a freeman having bought two hundred acres of land and built a house on the south side of Arrow street. In 1639, he was drawn juryman, and the following year was elected Town Clerk of Cambridge, MA. He was also selectman for the same town for the years 1641-1643 and 1645.
Roger's probate record: http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/probate/index.htm
Baptism records from the Gawsworth Parish Registers in Cheshire suggest Roger Shaw was from that area of England. Those records list baptisms for Margaret, Mary, Ann, and Joseph, all children of Roger Shaw (no mother listed).
In 1639, Roger was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of Hampton, NH, and, in 1640, bought land there of John Crosse. Around 1647, he sold his property in Cambridge and, on 15 November 1647, bought a house and land in Hampton, NH. After moving there, he received some grants from the town, bought other tracts of land, and became a large landholder. He was a selectman in 1647, and both a selectman and a constable in 1654; a commissioner for small causes in 1651; and he represented the town in the General Court in 1651, 1652, and 1653. He was chairman of a committee to re-examine the book of town land grants, and to lay out highways in 1658.
Roger's will, dated 25 August 1660, codicil 20 March 1660/1, names two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, four daughters, Margaret Ward, Ann Fogg, Hester, and Mary, and Daniel Tilton, son of his second wife.
Roger and his wife Anne Shaw had at seven children:
Margaret, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 4 July 1626; m. Thomas Ward.
Mary, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 8 Nov 1629; d. Cambridge, MA 26 Jan 1639/40.
Ann, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 22 April 1632; d. Hampton, NH 9 Dec 1663; m. Samuel Fogg 2 Dec. 1652.
Joseph, bpt. Gawsworth, Cheshire, England 12 Nov 1635; d. Hampton, NH 8 Nov 1720; m. Elizabeth Partridge, daughter of William and Ann (Spicer) Partridge.
Hesther (Esther), b. in Cambridge, MA, June 1638; d. after 25 Aug 1660.
Benjamin, b. Cambridge, MA July 1641; d. Hampton, NH 31 Dec 1717; m. Esther Richardson in Hampton, NH 25 May 1663.
Mary, b. Cambridge, MA, 29 Sept. 1645; m. Thomas Parker.
Will of Roger Shaw
IN THE NAME OF GOD AMEN. The 25th day of August 1660, I, Roger Shaw of Hampton in the County of Norfolk, being sick and weak in body but of sound and perfet memory praise be given to God for the same and knowing the uncertainty of this life on earth and being desirous to settle things in order to make this my last will and Testament in the manner and form following: This is to say first and principally, I commend my soul to Almighty God my Creator, assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon en remission of all my sins, and be saved by the precious death and merit of my blessed Savior & redeemer Christ Jesus. And my body to the earth from whence it was taken, to be buried in such decent and Christian manner as to my executor hereafter named shall be thought meet and convient. and as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath lent me, my will and meaning is: The same shall be employed and bestowed as hereafter by this my will expressed. and first I do revoke, renounce, frustrate, and make void all wills by me formerly made and declare & appoint this my last will and testament. First I give unto my son Joseph Shaw my farm that is to say one hundred acres of land bounded as followth fromt he Town bridge and goodman Louitt in pt. Comon Country way in part, & the Comon in part on the South east: fifteen acres of land o fmy own on the South West, and Mr. Daltons farm North west meadows belonging to the farm north east. And five and twenty acres of fresh meadow surrounded with the Taylors River and the land of the farm, the meadow lying north east. And all my Salt Marsh (except) five acres of that marsh to lie adjoining to Thomas Wards marsh on the south side of Taylors River with all priviledges belonging to the farm.
ITEM. I give unto my son Benjamin Shaw my dwelling house, houses Orchards Garden, and all the lands I have on the North side of Taylors River, meadow, land or Swamp with all comonages and priveledges there unto belonging with fifteen acres of land or Swamp lying at the south west end of the farm, with five acres Salt marsh on theat side of my marsh towards Taylors River adjoining to Thomas Wards.
ITEM. I give to Margaarett Ward my daughter five shillings.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Ann Fogg thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Hester thirteen pounds.
ITEM. I give to my daughter Marie twenty pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Daniel Tilton five pounds.
ITEM. I give to my son Benjamin one horse colt, three yearlings, one ewe lamb, the bed he lieth on, two puter dishes, one of eurye ironthing in the house if there be two (or else not), a third part of all husbandry ware, half of all carpenter's tools I have, six bushels of wheat and fourteen of Indian Corn, but he must be at cost of all labor to it. also, I appoint Benjamin to have for his use my house and land on the southeast side of teh country high way now for his use excepting half of the orchard which I give to my son Joseph. Two years and teh piece of meadow on this side the Town Bridge. And for all these goods I give unto Benjamin, my will is that he shall pay unto Daniel Tilton the sum of twenty five pounds when he comes to the age of 21 years. the shich sum is erte part of it which I was to pay by count & 5th I gave him more as is above expressed in my will. And for want of payment of this 25 lb, I do bind oer my sons Benjmins land for the security of it to be paid out of the rents of land until it be fully paid. also I do appoint Samuel Foge & my son Joseph as trustees to order & direct my son Benjamin until he come to ye age of 21 years according to law in all things.
ITEM. I give all the rest of my goods both moveable & unmoveable with the use of all fields on the other side on the highway (but two acres on the nearer side one year) I give unto my son Joseph. And my will is that he is sole executor of this my last will and testament, and I appoint him to pay all my debts legacies that are or shall appear to be due according to law, excepting what is appointed to be paid other ways. And if my executor failes to make payment I appoint, his land shall then (not by sale) but by the rent of it until they be paid or any part thereof and my will further is that if my sons Joseph and Benjamin die without issue, then the land to go to my other daughters Ann, Hester & Mary & to their heirs for ever considering the competency for their wifes at the discretion of my supervisors John Loueritt & Samuel Fogg whom I appoint as trustees to see this my will performed.
And renouncing all other former wills either by words or writing the twentieth of Marth one thousand six hundred and sixty one, I Roger Shaw, being yet in the land of the living & in mind memory & sense do think meet to add to this my last will as followth viz, that whereas there are two the children which have thirteen pounds a piece given them, I do apoint that they shall have but five a piece; and whereas I have given one child five shillings, I do appoint that it shall have five pounds all which sums are to be paid within a year after my decease & whereas I did bequeath fourteen bushels of indian corn to my son Benjamin & six bushels of what I do now apoint that he shall have none; & whereas I did appoint yet Benjamin should sow two acres of yet lot on the other side of the way, the next year, I do now appoint that Joseph shall have the fit thereof the next year, and whereas I did appoint Benjamin to pay his brother Daniel tilton twenty five pounds when he came to age, I do not appoint him to pay to his sister Mary twenty pounds at the time appointed her and to pay five pounds to his brother Joseph when Daniel comes to age, and I do appoint my son Joseph to pay Abraham & Daniel Tilton their portions according to covenant when they shall come to age. And to this my land addition, I do set my hand and scale the day and year above written.
Signed sealed in Roger (seal) Shaw
the presence of us:
Samuel Dalton
John Clifford
Tested upon oath before the Court at Hampton 10: 8th mo: 1661
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Essex ss. Probate Office September 9, 1897
A true copy of paper on file, Attest:-
(Signed) J. T. Mahaney, Regstr.
I make this my last will & Testament
In witness whereoff I have hereunto set my hand & scale the day and year above written.
(seal) Roger Shaw
Signed sealed in the presence of us:
John Clifford
Samuel Hall Sen.
Testified upon oath
by John Clifford & Samuel Dalton
Hall Sen. in ye court held at Hampton ye 10th 8th month 1661.
Thomas Bradbury rec'd.
Sources:
"The Clans of the Scottish Highlands" by Robert Roland Maclan, published in 1857.
"Shaw Records A Memorial of Roger Shaw 1594-1661" By Harriette F. Farwell, Bethel, Maine, E. C. Bowler, 1904
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