Nevill

Essex County Massachusetts Probate Records 1635-1664

Sample Last Will and Testament

The “Governor and Company of Massachusetts Bay” established a judicial system in 1628, with a General Court in Boston and quarterly courts in major towns like Salem and Ipswich by 1635. These courts managed probate matters, and after Essex County’s formation in 1643, individual probate courts were later established in 1692. These are the probate records from 1635 to 1664, sourced from various original documents, including detailed wills and estate settlements.

Ancestry of Alfred Pierce of Attleboro Massachusetts

Old Families of Southeastern Massachusetts

Alfred Pierce, born January 1, 1822, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, is a retired contractor and builder from Attleboro, where he contributed significantly to the construction of public and private buildings over fifty years. A descendant of a notable lineage tracing back to the Norman Conquest, his ancestors participated in many historical events. Alfred and his wife Martha Richardson Williams, a prominent community member, had one daughter, Marion, who pursued a career in art and was active in civic organizations. Alfred remains a respected figure in his community.