| 8. | PULSIFER John was born about 1667 in Ipswich, Essex Co., MA (son of PULSIFER Benedict and unknown); died on 27 Aug 1737 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Notes:
The old Ipswich court records make reference to Benedict's second
son, John. as a child of 12, we have a court record that John broke
open the barn door of James Chute Jr., breaking the lock taking his
oxen and working them "contrary to his knowledge and order",
witnessed by Thomas Harris Sr., his wife and son.
In the winter of 1678-79, John lived in the home of Mr. Francis
Wainwright. John apparently worked for Wainwright in some sort of
employee capacity. Wainwright was of a prominent family and a rather
wealthy member of the community. John was caught stealing food from
Wainwright, and providing it to his mother. In the hearing John tried
to put the blame on his parents, stating that his mother told him
that they wanted wheat, which "he might help them to" whereupon he
removed a bushel and a half of wheat and delivered it to Benedict,
his father. His mother, Susanna, made John a cake out of it. Later,
according to John, his stepmother asked that John take some pork from
Wainwright's warehouse. He took 2 large pieces five or six times.
This led to further thefts, including a small hog, half bushel of
salt, two bundles of candles, sugar carried in a handkerchief, all of
which he brought to his parents. Susanna's version of the story was
somewhat different. Yes, John had stolen the goods, but she
apparently did not put John up to it. She says she was suspicious and
wished them sent back to Mr. Wainwright, but did not for fear of
making trouble. John was to be severely whipped and the parents were
ordered to pay restitution to Mr. Wainwright.
Five years later, at the age of 17, John committed some unknown wrong
against his father. This dispute apparently could not be settled
within the family, so Benedict had to take his own son to court. On
Mar. 26, 1684, Benedict received execution of a judgment against his
son and the town Marshall "delivered said John Pulsepher to his
father for a term of six years." The records give no details
regarding the nature of the offense which would warrant what appears
to be a six year indenture to his father. two months later, John
"acknowledged judgment to his father in wheat, malt and pork.
Sometime in the next four years, John left Ipswich, and moved to
Gloucester, near a spot on the old road leading to Coffin's Beach.
In May 1684, at age 21 yrs.; Ipswich town
records note that John Pulsifer acknowledged
judgement to his father, Benedict with wheat, malt,
and pork. Whatever the dispute between
was, could not be settled privately and
required Benedict to exact a formal court
order against his son. He left Ispwich and
settled to the west town of Gloucester on
the road leading to Coffin's Beach.
John married KENT Joanna on 31 Dec 1684 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. Joanna (daughter of KENT Thomas) was born in 1665; died in Gloucester, Essex Co., Mass.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
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