John Severance, the immigrant ancestor, was a resident of Boston, Massachusetts, as early as 1637. He was admitted a freeman that year, and in 1640, was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. He removed to Salisbury about 1639, where he had a grant of land. He was one of the prudential committee in 1642, and in 1645 was appointed highway surveyor. On December 21, 1647, he sold his houses, the “new and old,” to Thomas Bradbury, and opened an “ordinary.” He was afterwards known as a “victualler and winter.” He was on a committee in 1652 to repair the meeting house. His will was dated April 7, 1682, and proved May 9, 1682. He married (first) in England, in 1635, Abigail Kimball, who died June 19, 1658. He married (second), October 27, 1663, Susanna Ambrose, of Boston, widow of Henry Ambrose. He died April 9, 1682. Children : Samuel, born September 19, 1637, died young; Ebenezer, March 7, 1639, died unmarried, September, 1667; Abigail, January 7, 1641, died same day; Abigail, May 25, 1643; Mary, August 5, 1645; John, November 27, 1647, mentioned elsewhere; Joseph, February 15, 1650; Elizabeth, April 8, 1652, died 1656; Benjamin, January 13, 1654; Ephraim, April 8, 1656; Elizabeth, (twin) June 17, 1658; Daughter, (twin) June 17, 1658, died June 23 following.
