Changes made to the best of my ability (varying info was provided) per the request of Elizabeth Bates Kingham Pratt's Ancestor - Pat Shaw ( Find a Grave member #46621490). Below you will find the information provided to me by Pat.
Due to the differences in the 2 change requests received, and information provided, I just clicked "accept" to the Ancestor's change requests and have listed Pat's email narratives with the information provided, below. I am unsure of which date of birth/date of Death is correct as I have been told two by the ancestor. (again, I changed them only by clicking "accept" to the Ancestor's requests).
Here are two batches of information provided by this person's Ancestor (Pat Shaw #46621490):
(5/4/20, Editing again, 3rd time, to add additional info received from another descendant. Her changes to follow at the end of the native)
---
(First information)
Elizabeth was not dead before Mathew she is in his will:
Birth: 1595
Aston Clinton
Buckinghamshire, England
Death: Oct. 29, 1672
Weymouth
Norfolk County
Massachusetts, USA
Wife: Elizabeth Bate Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bate) Married her on November 9, 1619 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
____________________________________________
**PP - "Chapter IV - The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, daughter of William and Catherine (Bate) Kingham. All records in the New World refer to Elizabeth's maiden name as "Bate" rather than "Kingham".
Elizabeth's parents, William and Catherine "Bate" Kingham were married on December 2, 1592. Her father was baptized in Aston Clinton on November 25, 1571. Her grandfather John Kingham was married to Elizabeth Bachiler on Jan 30, 1567, second marriage. Her grandfather's first marriage produced Thomas, baptized August 22, 1566.
Mathew and Elizabeth Pratt started their adventure in the New World just three years after they were married, when they joined Lord Gorge's group and set sail from Plymouth. They were accompanied by her uncle, Edward Bate and his wife, Susanna.
In the summer or early autumn of 1623, one Captain Robert Gorges, representing his father, leading a company of about 120 persons, including several families and Mathew Pratt, arrived and decided to settle in practically the same location the Weston Company had occupied, and for the same purpose of establishing a trading post. They also hoped to found a properous colony different from that at Plymouth.
The second company had a grant from the Council (British) of New England which allowed a coast line of ten miles, and estendd thirty miles inland. Capt. Gorges held a commission as governor-general, and associated with him were Rev. William Morrill and his assistant Rev. William Blaxton, both of the Church of England, Capt. Francis West, in the capacity of admiral, Christopher Levet, Esq. as a judicial officer, a council of which the Plymouth Governor was to be a member ex-officio, and such other officers as Robert chose to appoint from time to time.
What prompted 28 year old Mathew to join Lord Gorges Company and come to New England in 1623 is not clear. As it was just seventeen years before the Civil War, religion may have contributed to his decision. Being the youngest son with little chance of inheritance could have influenced him. Devon is the home of the seadogs like Drake and Hawkins with stories of the recent defeat of the Spanish Armada and the great promise that the new world held may have fired the imagination of adventuresome young lads like Mathew.
Law and order was fairly maintained, but the unwelcome attitude of the Plymouth people, due to Church of England control of the expedition, the hardships of pioneering life (especially during the winter), the uncertainty of sustaining friendly relations with the indians, and the prospect of a long and tedious struggle to attain the dazzling prosperity pictured by the promoters of the enterprise, were considerations sufficient to dull the ardor of the leader; so after a few months he decided that he did not care to remain longer, and with some of his company, including nearly all the officials, the gov-general of the day returned to England early in the spring of 1624.
Others went to Virginia and some joined the Plymouth Colony.
Quite a number, however, remained and bravely resolved to continue the settlement.
It is known that Phinehas was in Plymouth at this time, however, if he and Mathew ever met it is unknown.
Those who decided to remain, like the 29 year old Mathew, at Wessagusset immediately found themselves in a most serious emergency. They had little sympathy with the Pilgrims because of religious differences, and there were no other communities that attracted them favorably. They greatly preferred their present location and were confident of ultimate prosperity.
Therefore, there was but one course to pursue - they must organize to secure common interests and welfare. The only form of government with which they were well acquainted was that of a sovereign imposing his will upon a dependent and loyal people who had had no opportunity or preparation for political undertakings. A government in which they had no voice did not please them. They desired to exercise their own will and to govern themselves, even though under extraordinary conditions.
The exact date of relinquishment of the Gorges government is not given, but it is known to have occurred in the spring of 1624. That made it necessary to take speedy action for the protection and peace of the people of Wessagusset.
---------------------------------
The first mention of Mathew Pratt is found in the records of "possessions" which dates about 1643. This was a list of land owners which had listed not only records of land ownership but a section in which old residents were listed. It is here that we find the reference to Macute Pratt as "an old resident". The names of Macute, Macuth, Macaeth, Micareth and Mathew have all been linked to the line that we are tracing.
(Pratt Genealogy 1889. pg 19)
Mathew had twenty acres granted to him "in the mill field" (now East Weymouth) and eighteen acres on the west side of "mill River." Mathew was made a freeman of the Massachusettes Bay Colony on May 13, 1640 and in February of 1648 he was chosen a "townsman." (Selectman)
He made his will on March 25, 1672 and was proved April 30, 1673. (Pratt Genealogy 1889, p. 19)
Bearing in mind that the will of Mathew Pratt is over 300 years old, it gives us an insight into the times of our first American forefather, Mathew. Try and read the will with what you might perceive the thoughts and dreams of Mathew to be on that 25th day of March 300 years ago. (Sulfolk Probate 12149-50)
The Will of Mathew Pratt:
"Mathew Pratt of Weymouth, being in health of body and having a competent use of his understanding and memory does make this to be his last will and Testament as folloe & saith -
First, I doe and bequeath my Soul to God that gave it, & after my decease my body to be decently buried and all my Debts honestly paide, and then all my worldly goods I dispose of thus -
I doe give to my loving wife Elizabeth Pratt all my whole Estate recall and personall, which is hereafter exprest, that is for her natural life.
-------------------------
SECOND batch of information:
Their suggestion:
-------------------------
Your birthdate for her is way off
quote The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, etc
I would think she was born nearer Aug 17 1600 than what you have listed and she died in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Bates KINGHAM
B:
17 Aug 1600 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
D:
25 Mar 1672 in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
-----------------
5/4/20 additional information/changes requested by Gloria Beymer Check F.A.G.Member ID# 47594407
She reports "Bates" or "Bate" should not be included in Elizabeth's name. She would also like added/changed the following (received via email in text form, not in a manner where I could just click "accept" to have her changes automatic. So I am adding here, with the info provided by the other descendents):
"Suggested edit: England, Select Marriages, 1538–1973
Name: Maccuth Pratt
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 9 Nov 1619
Marriage Place: Aston Clinton,Buckingham,England
Spouse: Elizab. Kingham
FHL Film Number: 496686
The leading genealogist James Savage Genealogical Dictionary has MATTHEW PRATT of Weymouth made freeman 13 May 1640 (almost ALL men become freeman asap when they arrived in town)
And
U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s
Name: Matthew Pratt
Arrival year: 1640
Arrival Place: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Primary Immigrant: Pratt, Matthew
Matthew Pratt and Elizabeth Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bates)
The children born before 1640 were born in Aston Clinton, Buckingham, England
There are NO birth or baptism records in New England".
Due to the differences in the 2 change requests received, and information provided, I just clicked "accept" to the Ancestor's change requests and have listed Pat's email narratives with the information provided, below. I am unsure of which date of birth/date of Death is correct as I have been told two by the ancestor. (again, I changed them only by clicking "accept" to the Ancestor's requests).
Here are two batches of information provided by this person's Ancestor (Pat Shaw #46621490):
(5/4/20, Editing again, 3rd time, to add additional info received from another descendant. Her changes to follow at the end of the native)
---
(First information)
Elizabeth was not dead before Mathew she is in his will:
Birth: 1595
Aston Clinton
Buckinghamshire, England
Death: Oct. 29, 1672
Weymouth
Norfolk County
Massachusetts, USA
Wife: Elizabeth Bate Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bate) Married her on November 9, 1619 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
____________________________________________
**PP - "Chapter IV - The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, daughter of William and Catherine (Bate) Kingham. All records in the New World refer to Elizabeth's maiden name as "Bate" rather than "Kingham".
Elizabeth's parents, William and Catherine "Bate" Kingham were married on December 2, 1592. Her father was baptized in Aston Clinton on November 25, 1571. Her grandfather John Kingham was married to Elizabeth Bachiler on Jan 30, 1567, second marriage. Her grandfather's first marriage produced Thomas, baptized August 22, 1566.
Mathew and Elizabeth Pratt started their adventure in the New World just three years after they were married, when they joined Lord Gorge's group and set sail from Plymouth. They were accompanied by her uncle, Edward Bate and his wife, Susanna.
In the summer or early autumn of 1623, one Captain Robert Gorges, representing his father, leading a company of about 120 persons, including several families and Mathew Pratt, arrived and decided to settle in practically the same location the Weston Company had occupied, and for the same purpose of establishing a trading post. They also hoped to found a properous colony different from that at Plymouth.
The second company had a grant from the Council (British) of New England which allowed a coast line of ten miles, and estendd thirty miles inland. Capt. Gorges held a commission as governor-general, and associated with him were Rev. William Morrill and his assistant Rev. William Blaxton, both of the Church of England, Capt. Francis West, in the capacity of admiral, Christopher Levet, Esq. as a judicial officer, a council of which the Plymouth Governor was to be a member ex-officio, and such other officers as Robert chose to appoint from time to time.
What prompted 28 year old Mathew to join Lord Gorges Company and come to New England in 1623 is not clear. As it was just seventeen years before the Civil War, religion may have contributed to his decision. Being the youngest son with little chance of inheritance could have influenced him. Devon is the home of the seadogs like Drake and Hawkins with stories of the recent defeat of the Spanish Armada and the great promise that the new world held may have fired the imagination of adventuresome young lads like Mathew.
Law and order was fairly maintained, but the unwelcome attitude of the Plymouth people, due to Church of England control of the expedition, the hardships of pioneering life (especially during the winter), the uncertainty of sustaining friendly relations with the indians, and the prospect of a long and tedious struggle to attain the dazzling prosperity pictured by the promoters of the enterprise, were considerations sufficient to dull the ardor of the leader; so after a few months he decided that he did not care to remain longer, and with some of his company, including nearly all the officials, the gov-general of the day returned to England early in the spring of 1624.
Others went to Virginia and some joined the Plymouth Colony.
Quite a number, however, remained and bravely resolved to continue the settlement.
It is known that Phinehas was in Plymouth at this time, however, if he and Mathew ever met it is unknown.
Those who decided to remain, like the 29 year old Mathew, at Wessagusset immediately found themselves in a most serious emergency. They had little sympathy with the Pilgrims because of religious differences, and there were no other communities that attracted them favorably. They greatly preferred their present location and were confident of ultimate prosperity.
Therefore, there was but one course to pursue - they must organize to secure common interests and welfare. The only form of government with which they were well acquainted was that of a sovereign imposing his will upon a dependent and loyal people who had had no opportunity or preparation for political undertakings. A government in which they had no voice did not please them. They desired to exercise their own will and to govern themselves, even though under extraordinary conditions.
The exact date of relinquishment of the Gorges government is not given, but it is known to have occurred in the spring of 1624. That made it necessary to take speedy action for the protection and peace of the people of Wessagusset.
---------------------------------
The first mention of Mathew Pratt is found in the records of "possessions" which dates about 1643. This was a list of land owners which had listed not only records of land ownership but a section in which old residents were listed. It is here that we find the reference to Macute Pratt as "an old resident". The names of Macute, Macuth, Macaeth, Micareth and Mathew have all been linked to the line that we are tracing.
(Pratt Genealogy 1889. pg 19)
Mathew had twenty acres granted to him "in the mill field" (now East Weymouth) and eighteen acres on the west side of "mill River." Mathew was made a freeman of the Massachusettes Bay Colony on May 13, 1640 and in February of 1648 he was chosen a "townsman." (Selectman)
He made his will on March 25, 1672 and was proved April 30, 1673. (Pratt Genealogy 1889, p. 19)
Bearing in mind that the will of Mathew Pratt is over 300 years old, it gives us an insight into the times of our first American forefather, Mathew. Try and read the will with what you might perceive the thoughts and dreams of Mathew to be on that 25th day of March 300 years ago. (Sulfolk Probate 12149-50)
The Will of Mathew Pratt:
"Mathew Pratt of Weymouth, being in health of body and having a competent use of his understanding and memory does make this to be his last will and Testament as folloe & saith -
First, I doe and bequeath my Soul to God that gave it, & after my decease my body to be decently buried and all my Debts honestly paide, and then all my worldly goods I dispose of thus -
I doe give to my loving wife Elizabeth Pratt all my whole Estate recall and personall, which is hereafter exprest, that is for her natural life.
-------------------------
SECOND batch of information:
Their suggestion:
-------------------------
Your birthdate for her is way off
quote The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, etc
I would think she was born nearer Aug 17 1600 than what you have listed and she died in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Bates KINGHAM
B:
17 Aug 1600 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
D:
25 Mar 1672 in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
-----------------
5/4/20 additional information/changes requested by Gloria Beymer Check F.A.G.Member ID# 47594407
She reports "Bates" or "Bate" should not be included in Elizabeth's name. She would also like added/changed the following (received via email in text form, not in a manner where I could just click "accept" to have her changes automatic. So I am adding here, with the info provided by the other descendents):
"Suggested edit: England, Select Marriages, 1538–1973
Name: Maccuth Pratt
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 9 Nov 1619
Marriage Place: Aston Clinton,Buckingham,England
Spouse: Elizab. Kingham
FHL Film Number: 496686
The leading genealogist James Savage Genealogical Dictionary has MATTHEW PRATT of Weymouth made freeman 13 May 1640 (almost ALL men become freeman asap when they arrived in town)
And
U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s
Name: Matthew Pratt
Arrival year: 1640
Arrival Place: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Primary Immigrant: Pratt, Matthew
Matthew Pratt and Elizabeth Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bates)
The children born before 1640 were born in Aston Clinton, Buckingham, England
There are NO birth or baptism records in New England".
Changes made to the best of my ability (varying info was provided) per the request of Elizabeth Bates Kingham Pratt's Ancestor - Pat Shaw ( Find a Grave member #46621490). Below you will find the information provided to me by Pat.
Due to the differences in the 2 change requests received, and information provided, I just clicked "accept" to the Ancestor's change requests and have listed Pat's email narratives with the information provided, below. I am unsure of which date of birth/date of Death is correct as I have been told two by the ancestor. (again, I changed them only by clicking "accept" to the Ancestor's requests).
Here are two batches of information provided by this person's Ancestor (Pat Shaw #46621490):
(5/4/20, Editing again, 3rd time, to add additional info received from another descendant. Her changes to follow at the end of the native)
---
(First information)
Elizabeth was not dead before Mathew she is in his will:
Birth: 1595
Aston Clinton
Buckinghamshire, England
Death: Oct. 29, 1672
Weymouth
Norfolk County
Massachusetts, USA
Wife: Elizabeth Bate Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bate) Married her on November 9, 1619 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
____________________________________________
**PP - "Chapter IV - The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, daughter of William and Catherine (Bate) Kingham. All records in the New World refer to Elizabeth's maiden name as "Bate" rather than "Kingham".
Elizabeth's parents, William and Catherine "Bate" Kingham were married on December 2, 1592. Her father was baptized in Aston Clinton on November 25, 1571. Her grandfather John Kingham was married to Elizabeth Bachiler on Jan 30, 1567, second marriage. Her grandfather's first marriage produced Thomas, baptized August 22, 1566.
Mathew and Elizabeth Pratt started their adventure in the New World just three years after they were married, when they joined Lord Gorge's group and set sail from Plymouth. They were accompanied by her uncle, Edward Bate and his wife, Susanna.
In the summer or early autumn of 1623, one Captain Robert Gorges, representing his father, leading a company of about 120 persons, including several families and Mathew Pratt, arrived and decided to settle in practically the same location the Weston Company had occupied, and for the same purpose of establishing a trading post. They also hoped to found a properous colony different from that at Plymouth.
The second company had a grant from the Council (British) of New England which allowed a coast line of ten miles, and estendd thirty miles inland. Capt. Gorges held a commission as governor-general, and associated with him were Rev. William Morrill and his assistant Rev. William Blaxton, both of the Church of England, Capt. Francis West, in the capacity of admiral, Christopher Levet, Esq. as a judicial officer, a council of which the Plymouth Governor was to be a member ex-officio, and such other officers as Robert chose to appoint from time to time.
What prompted 28 year old Mathew to join Lord Gorges Company and come to New England in 1623 is not clear. As it was just seventeen years before the Civil War, religion may have contributed to his decision. Being the youngest son with little chance of inheritance could have influenced him. Devon is the home of the seadogs like Drake and Hawkins with stories of the recent defeat of the Spanish Armada and the great promise that the new world held may have fired the imagination of adventuresome young lads like Mathew.
Law and order was fairly maintained, but the unwelcome attitude of the Plymouth people, due to Church of England control of the expedition, the hardships of pioneering life (especially during the winter), the uncertainty of sustaining friendly relations with the indians, and the prospect of a long and tedious struggle to attain the dazzling prosperity pictured by the promoters of the enterprise, were considerations sufficient to dull the ardor of the leader; so after a few months he decided that he did not care to remain longer, and with some of his company, including nearly all the officials, the gov-general of the day returned to England early in the spring of 1624.
Others went to Virginia and some joined the Plymouth Colony.
Quite a number, however, remained and bravely resolved to continue the settlement.
It is known that Phinehas was in Plymouth at this time, however, if he and Mathew ever met it is unknown.
Those who decided to remain, like the 29 year old Mathew, at Wessagusset immediately found themselves in a most serious emergency. They had little sympathy with the Pilgrims because of religious differences, and there were no other communities that attracted them favorably. They greatly preferred their present location and were confident of ultimate prosperity.
Therefore, there was but one course to pursue - they must organize to secure common interests and welfare. The only form of government with which they were well acquainted was that of a sovereign imposing his will upon a dependent and loyal people who had had no opportunity or preparation for political undertakings. A government in which they had no voice did not please them. They desired to exercise their own will and to govern themselves, even though under extraordinary conditions.
The exact date of relinquishment of the Gorges government is not given, but it is known to have occurred in the spring of 1624. That made it necessary to take speedy action for the protection and peace of the people of Wessagusset.
---------------------------------
The first mention of Mathew Pratt is found in the records of "possessions" which dates about 1643. This was a list of land owners which had listed not only records of land ownership but a section in which old residents were listed. It is here that we find the reference to Macute Pratt as "an old resident". The names of Macute, Macuth, Macaeth, Micareth and Mathew have all been linked to the line that we are tracing.
(Pratt Genealogy 1889. pg 19)
Mathew had twenty acres granted to him "in the mill field" (now East Weymouth) and eighteen acres on the west side of "mill River." Mathew was made a freeman of the Massachusettes Bay Colony on May 13, 1640 and in February of 1648 he was chosen a "townsman." (Selectman)
He made his will on March 25, 1672 and was proved April 30, 1673. (Pratt Genealogy 1889, p. 19)
Bearing in mind that the will of Mathew Pratt is over 300 years old, it gives us an insight into the times of our first American forefather, Mathew. Try and read the will with what you might perceive the thoughts and dreams of Mathew to be on that 25th day of March 300 years ago. (Sulfolk Probate 12149-50)
The Will of Mathew Pratt:
"Mathew Pratt of Weymouth, being in health of body and having a competent use of his understanding and memory does make this to be his last will and Testament as folloe & saith -
First, I doe and bequeath my Soul to God that gave it, & after my decease my body to be decently buried and all my Debts honestly paide, and then all my worldly goods I dispose of thus -
I doe give to my loving wife Elizabeth Pratt all my whole Estate recall and personall, which is hereafter exprest, that is for her natural life.
-------------------------
SECOND batch of information:
Their suggestion:
-------------------------
Your birthdate for her is way off
quote The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, etc
I would think she was born nearer Aug 17 1600 than what you have listed and she died in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Bates KINGHAM
B:
17 Aug 1600 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
D:
25 Mar 1672 in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
-----------------
5/4/20 additional information/changes requested by Gloria Beymer Check F.A.G.Member ID# 47594407
She reports "Bates" or "Bate" should not be included in Elizabeth's name. She would also like added/changed the following (received via email in text form, not in a manner where I could just click "accept" to have her changes automatic. So I am adding here, with the info provided by the other descendents):
"Suggested edit: England, Select Marriages, 1538–1973
Name: Maccuth Pratt
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 9 Nov 1619
Marriage Place: Aston Clinton,Buckingham,England
Spouse: Elizab. Kingham
FHL Film Number: 496686
The leading genealogist James Savage Genealogical Dictionary has MATTHEW PRATT of Weymouth made freeman 13 May 1640 (almost ALL men become freeman asap when they arrived in town)
And
U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s
Name: Matthew Pratt
Arrival year: 1640
Arrival Place: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Primary Immigrant: Pratt, Matthew
Matthew Pratt and Elizabeth Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bates)
The children born before 1640 were born in Aston Clinton, Buckingham, England
There are NO birth or baptism records in New England".
Due to the differences in the 2 change requests received, and information provided, I just clicked "accept" to the Ancestor's change requests and have listed Pat's email narratives with the information provided, below. I am unsure of which date of birth/date of Death is correct as I have been told two by the ancestor. (again, I changed them only by clicking "accept" to the Ancestor's requests).
Here are two batches of information provided by this person's Ancestor (Pat Shaw #46621490):
(5/4/20, Editing again, 3rd time, to add additional info received from another descendant. Her changes to follow at the end of the native)
---
(First information)
Elizabeth was not dead before Mathew she is in his will:
Birth: 1595
Aston Clinton
Buckinghamshire, England
Death: Oct. 29, 1672
Weymouth
Norfolk County
Massachusetts, USA
Wife: Elizabeth Bate Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bate) Married her on November 9, 1619 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
____________________________________________
**PP - "Chapter IV - The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, daughter of William and Catherine (Bate) Kingham. All records in the New World refer to Elizabeth's maiden name as "Bate" rather than "Kingham".
Elizabeth's parents, William and Catherine "Bate" Kingham were married on December 2, 1592. Her father was baptized in Aston Clinton on November 25, 1571. Her grandfather John Kingham was married to Elizabeth Bachiler on Jan 30, 1567, second marriage. Her grandfather's first marriage produced Thomas, baptized August 22, 1566.
Mathew and Elizabeth Pratt started their adventure in the New World just three years after they were married, when they joined Lord Gorge's group and set sail from Plymouth. They were accompanied by her uncle, Edward Bate and his wife, Susanna.
In the summer or early autumn of 1623, one Captain Robert Gorges, representing his father, leading a company of about 120 persons, including several families and Mathew Pratt, arrived and decided to settle in practically the same location the Weston Company had occupied, and for the same purpose of establishing a trading post. They also hoped to found a properous colony different from that at Plymouth.
The second company had a grant from the Council (British) of New England which allowed a coast line of ten miles, and estendd thirty miles inland. Capt. Gorges held a commission as governor-general, and associated with him were Rev. William Morrill and his assistant Rev. William Blaxton, both of the Church of England, Capt. Francis West, in the capacity of admiral, Christopher Levet, Esq. as a judicial officer, a council of which the Plymouth Governor was to be a member ex-officio, and such other officers as Robert chose to appoint from time to time.
What prompted 28 year old Mathew to join Lord Gorges Company and come to New England in 1623 is not clear. As it was just seventeen years before the Civil War, religion may have contributed to his decision. Being the youngest son with little chance of inheritance could have influenced him. Devon is the home of the seadogs like Drake and Hawkins with stories of the recent defeat of the Spanish Armada and the great promise that the new world held may have fired the imagination of adventuresome young lads like Mathew.
Law and order was fairly maintained, but the unwelcome attitude of the Plymouth people, due to Church of England control of the expedition, the hardships of pioneering life (especially during the winter), the uncertainty of sustaining friendly relations with the indians, and the prospect of a long and tedious struggle to attain the dazzling prosperity pictured by the promoters of the enterprise, were considerations sufficient to dull the ardor of the leader; so after a few months he decided that he did not care to remain longer, and with some of his company, including nearly all the officials, the gov-general of the day returned to England early in the spring of 1624.
Others went to Virginia and some joined the Plymouth Colony.
Quite a number, however, remained and bravely resolved to continue the settlement.
It is known that Phinehas was in Plymouth at this time, however, if he and Mathew ever met it is unknown.
Those who decided to remain, like the 29 year old Mathew, at Wessagusset immediately found themselves in a most serious emergency. They had little sympathy with the Pilgrims because of religious differences, and there were no other communities that attracted them favorably. They greatly preferred their present location and were confident of ultimate prosperity.
Therefore, there was but one course to pursue - they must organize to secure common interests and welfare. The only form of government with which they were well acquainted was that of a sovereign imposing his will upon a dependent and loyal people who had had no opportunity or preparation for political undertakings. A government in which they had no voice did not please them. They desired to exercise their own will and to govern themselves, even though under extraordinary conditions.
The exact date of relinquishment of the Gorges government is not given, but it is known to have occurred in the spring of 1624. That made it necessary to take speedy action for the protection and peace of the people of Wessagusset.
---------------------------------
The first mention of Mathew Pratt is found in the records of "possessions" which dates about 1643. This was a list of land owners which had listed not only records of land ownership but a section in which old residents were listed. It is here that we find the reference to Macute Pratt as "an old resident". The names of Macute, Macuth, Macaeth, Micareth and Mathew have all been linked to the line that we are tracing.
(Pratt Genealogy 1889. pg 19)
Mathew had twenty acres granted to him "in the mill field" (now East Weymouth) and eighteen acres on the west side of "mill River." Mathew was made a freeman of the Massachusettes Bay Colony on May 13, 1640 and in February of 1648 he was chosen a "townsman." (Selectman)
He made his will on March 25, 1672 and was proved April 30, 1673. (Pratt Genealogy 1889, p. 19)
Bearing in mind that the will of Mathew Pratt is over 300 years old, it gives us an insight into the times of our first American forefather, Mathew. Try and read the will with what you might perceive the thoughts and dreams of Mathew to be on that 25th day of March 300 years ago. (Sulfolk Probate 12149-50)
The Will of Mathew Pratt:
"Mathew Pratt of Weymouth, being in health of body and having a competent use of his understanding and memory does make this to be his last will and Testament as folloe & saith -
First, I doe and bequeath my Soul to God that gave it, & after my decease my body to be decently buried and all my Debts honestly paide, and then all my worldly goods I dispose of thus -
I doe give to my loving wife Elizabeth Pratt all my whole Estate recall and personall, which is hereafter exprest, that is for her natural life.
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SECOND batch of information:
Their suggestion:
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Your birthdate for her is way off
quote The Immigrant Macuth Pratt"
"Mathew married Elizabeth Bate Kingham in Aston Clinton on November 9, 1619. She was baptized at Aston Clinton on August 17,1600, etc
I would think she was born nearer Aug 17 1600 than what you have listed and she died in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Bates KINGHAM
B:
17 Aug 1600 in Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, England
D:
25 Mar 1672 in Weymouth, Norfolk, Massachusetts
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5/4/20 additional information/changes requested by Gloria Beymer Check F.A.G.Member ID# 47594407
She reports "Bates" or "Bate" should not be included in Elizabeth's name. She would also like added/changed the following (received via email in text form, not in a manner where I could just click "accept" to have her changes automatic. So I am adding here, with the info provided by the other descendents):
"Suggested edit: England, Select Marriages, 1538–1973
Name: Maccuth Pratt
Gender: Male
Marriage Date: 9 Nov 1619
Marriage Place: Aston Clinton,Buckingham,England
Spouse: Elizab. Kingham
FHL Film Number: 496686
The leading genealogist James Savage Genealogical Dictionary has MATTHEW PRATT of Weymouth made freeman 13 May 1640 (almost ALL men become freeman asap when they arrived in town)
And
U.S. and Canada, Passenger and Immigration Lists Index, 1500s-1900s
Name: Matthew Pratt
Arrival year: 1640
Arrival Place: Weymouth, Massachusetts
Primary Immigrant: Pratt, Matthew
Matthew Pratt and Elizabeth Kingham (daughter of William Kingham and Catherine Bates)
The children born before 1640 were born in Aston Clinton, Buckingham, England
There are NO birth or baptism records in New England".
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