James Coffin and Mary Severance

James Coffin was born 1 or 12 August 1640 in England (probably Brixton, Devonshre) to Tristram Coffin and Dionis Stevens. He was one of the first white settlers on Nantucket, arriving after a stormy journey by boat with the Macy family and others in 1659. James was the partner of his brother, Peter Coffin, in the ownership of a share of Nantucket. He, however, settled in Dover, Strafford, New Hampshire in 1662, where he was a freeman in 1671. James married Mary Severance 3rd 12 month (3 Dec) 1663 in Salisbury, Essex, Massachusetts. Mary was born 5th 8 month (5 August) 1645 in Salisbury, Essex, Massachusetts to John Severance and Abigail Kimball. In 1673, according to the Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, James was a merchant on the Ketch Neptune and was captured by the Dutch. James returned to Nantucket, where he was one of a number of men purchasing land on Nantucket from Wanackmemack in 1671. His will was made 17 May 1720 and proved 12 Aug 1720. James served as the first judge of probate on Nantucket. He was also elected selectman numerous times and assessor twice. He was an assistant Magistrate and representative to the General Court. His lot was on a hill west of the Maxey’s Pond. James died 28th 7 month (28 July) 1720 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

James and Mary's children are: James Coffin, Jr., born 9th 5 mo 1664, married 1) Love Gardner and 2) Ruth Gardner 19th 3 mo 1692 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 2nd 8 mo 1741 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Mary Coffin, born 18th 4 mo 1665, married 1) Richard Pinkham, and 2) James Gardner, mentioned in father’s will, died 1st 2 mo 1741 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Abigail Coffin, born in 1666, married Nathaniel Gardner, died 15th 3 mo 1709 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, her children mentioned in father’s will.  Nathaniel Coffin, born 3 mo 1671, married Damaris Gayer 17th 8 mo 1692 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 29th 10 mo 1721 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  John Coffin, born 4 mo 1672, married Hope Gardner in 1692 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 1st 7 mo 1747 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Dinah Coffin, born 5 mo 1674, married Nathaniel Starbuck, Jr. 20 Nov 1690 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 1st 8 mo 1750 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Elizabeth Coffin, born 9th or 19th, 7 mo 1675, married 1) Jonathan Bunker and 2) Thomas Clark 30th 11 mo (Jan) 1723/4 in Nantucket Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 30th 1 or 3 mo 1769 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Deborah Coffin, born 7 mo 1676, married George Bunker Esq. (son of William Bunker and Mary Macy) 10th 8 mo 1695 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 8th 10 mo. 1767 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Ebenezer Coffin, born 30 Mar 1678 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, married Eleanor Barnard 12 Dec 1700 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 17th 10 mo 1730 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Joseph Coffin, born 4 Feb 1679 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, married Bethia Macy, died 14th or 15th 7 mo 1719 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, his children mentioned in father’s will.  Benjamin Coffin, born 28 Aug 1683 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, died at sea (lost between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard).  Ruth Coffin, married Joseph Gardner, mentioned in father’s will, died 28th 5 mo 1748 in Nantucket, Massachusetts.  Experience Coffin, died young.  Jonathan Coffin, born 28th 6 mo 1692 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, married Hepsibeth Harker 24th 11 mo 1711 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, mentioned in father’s will, died 5th 2 mo 1773 in Nantucket, Massachusetts, called “Old Shaggin.”

Sources: 

Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. I—Births (A-F), Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1925.  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. II—Births (G-Z), Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1925.  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. III—Marriages (A-G), Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1927.  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. V—Deaths, Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1928.  Savage, James, A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, Before 1692, Vol. 1, Boston, MA, 1860.  Austin, John Osborne, One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families, Salem, MA, 1893, pgs. 68-70.  Coffin, Louis, The Coffin Family, Nantucket, MA:  Nantucket Historical Association, 1962.  “Peter Coffyn,” American Genealogical Record, Vol. 2 No. 1.  Sinnett, Charles Nelson, Richard Pinkham of Old Dover New Hampshire and his Descendants, Concord, NH:  Rumford Printing Co, 1908. Lainhart, Ann Smith, “Nantucket Ear Marks 1665-1813”, New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Vol. 150, No. 598, Apr 1996.  Worth, Henry Barnard, Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, Nantucket:  Nantucket Historical Association, 1901, Vol. 2, Bulletin No. 1.  Noyes, Sybil, Libby, Charles Thornton, and Davis, Walter Goodwin, Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, Baltimore, MD:  Genealogical Publishing Co., 1976, p. 541.  Dow, George Francis (ed.), The Probate Records of Essex County, Massachusetts, Salem, MA:  Essex Institute, 1917, Vol. 2.

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Vital Records: Births

Nantucket Births COFFIN Page 237 Abigail, wife of Nathaniel Gardner (son of Richard and Sarah), daughter of James and Mary (Severance), —, 1666, P. R. 38.[1] Page 247 Benjamin, son of James, August 28, 1683 [son of James and Mary (Severance), 28th, 8 mo., P. R. 38. Page 256 Deborah, wife of George Bunker Esq. (son of William and Mary (Macy)), daughter of James Esq. and Mary (Severance), —, 7 mo. 1676 [? in Nantucket], P. R. 38. Page 258 Dinah, wife of Nathaniel Starbuck Jr., daughter of James and Mary (Severance), —, 5 mo. 1674 [? in Nantucket], P. R. 38… …Ebenezer, son of James, March 30, 1678. [husband of Eleanor (daughter of Nathaniel Barnard and Mary (Barnard)), son of James and Mary (Severance), 30th, 3 mo., P. R. 38.] Page 263 Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Bunker (son of William and Mary), wife of Thomas Clark, daughter of James 1st and Mary (Severance), 9th (duplicate entry, 19th), 7 mo., 1675, P. R. 38. Page 270 Experience, daughter of James and Mary (Severance), —, P. R. 38. Page 283 James, husband of Mary (daughter of John Severance and Abigail of Salisbury), son of Tristram and Dionis (Stevens), 12th, 8 mo., 1640, in England, P. R. 38. James, husband of Love (daughter of Richard Gardner and Sarah), husband of Ruth (daughter of John Gardner and Priscilla), son of James and Mary (Severance), 9th, 5 mo. 1664, P. R. 38. Page 287 John, husband of Hope (daughter of Richard Gardner and Sarah (Shattuck)), son of James and Mary (Severance), —, 4 mo. 1672, P. R. 38. Page 289 Jonath[an], son of James and Mary, 28th, 6 mo. 1692. [husband of Hepsibeth (Harker) of North Carolina, son of James and Mary (Severance), 28th, 8 mo., P. R. 38.]… …Joseph, son of James, February 4, 1679. [husband of Bethia (daughter of John Macy and Deborah) of North Carolina, son of James and Mary (Severance), 4th, 2 mo. 1680, P. R. 38.] Page 302 Mary, wife of Richard Pinkham 1st of Portsmouth, Isle of Wight, England, fourth wife of James Gardner (son of Richard and Sarah (Shattuck)), daughter of James and Mary (Severance), 18th, 4 mo. 1665, P. R. 38. Page 312 Nathaniel, husband of Damaris (daughter of William Gayer and Dorcas (Starbuck)), husband of Ruth (daughter of John Gardner and Priscilla), son of James and Mary (Severance), —, 3 mo. 1671, P. R. 38. Page 325 Ruth, wife of Joseph Gardner (son of Richard 3d and Mary (Austin)), daughter of James and Mary (Severance), —,P. R. 38. Source:  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. I—Births (A-F), Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1925. Nantucket Births SEVERANCE Page 464 Mary, wife of James Coffin (son of Tristram and Dionis), daughter of John and Abigail of Salisbury, 5th, 8 mo. 1645, [see Salisbury Vital Records], P. R. 38. Source:  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. II—Births (G-Z), Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1925.

Vital Records: Marriages

Nantucket Marriages COFFIN Page 255 Deborah and George Bunker [duplicate entry, Buncker], 10th 8 mo. 1695.[2] [Deborah, daughter of James Esq. and Mary (Severance), and George Bunker Esq., son of William and Mary (Macy), P. R. 38.] Page 256 Dinah, daughter of James, and Nath[anie]ll Starbuck, son of Nath[anie]ll, November 20, 1690.[2]  [Dinah, daughter of James and Mary (Severance), and Nathaniel Starbuck Jr., son of Nathaniel and Mary (Coffin), P. R. 38.] Page 257 Ebenezer and Elenor [duplicate entry, Eloner] Barnard, Dec. 12, 1700.[2] [Ebenezer Esq., son of James and Mary (Severance), and Eleanor Barnard, daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Barnard), P. R. 38.] Page 274 James, son of Tristram and Dionis (Stevens), and Mary Severance, daughter of John and Abigail of Salisbury, 3d, 12 mo. 1663, in Salisbury,[2] P. R. 38. James Jr. and Ruth Gardner, 19th, 3 mo. 1692.[2] [James, son of James and Mary (Severance), and Ruth Gardner (second wife), 15 years 3 months 19 days, daughter of John and Priscilla (Grafton), P. R. 38.] Page 278 John, son of James and Mary (Severance), and Hope Gardner, son of Richard 1st and Sarah (Shattuck), —, [2]1692, P. R. 38.] Page 280 Jonathan and Hephzibah Harker, 24th, 11 mo. 1711.[2] [Jonathan, son of James and Mary (Severance), and Hepsibeth Harker, daughter of Ebenezer and Patience (Folger) of North Carolina, P. R. 38.] Page 298 Nathaniell and Damariss Gayer, 17th 8 mo. 1692.[2] [Nathaniel, son of James and Mary (Severance), and Damaris Gayer, daughter of William and Dorcas (Starbuck) (first wife), P. R. 38.] CLARK Thomas of Nantucket and Elizabeth Bunker, widow of Jonathan of Nantucket, 30th, 11 mo., “called January,” 1723-4, in Nantucket, C. R. 4. [Thomas, son of John, and Elizabeth Bunker, widow of Jonathan, daughter of Hon. James Coffin and Mary (Severance), 30th, 11 mo. 1734, P. R. 38.] Source:  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. III—Marriages (A-G), Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1927.

Vital Records: Deaths

Nantucket Deaths COFFIN Page 146 Benjamin, son of James and Mary (Severance), —, “lost between Nantucket and the Vineyard,” P. R. 38. Page 151 Ebenezer, husband of Eleanor (Barnard), son of James and Mary (Severance), 17th, 10 mo. 1730, P. R. 38. Page 155 Experience, daughter of James and Mary (Severance), —, “young,” P. R. 38. Page 160 James, husband of Mary (daughter of John Severance and Abigail of Salisbury), son of Tristram and Dionis (Stevens), 28th, 7 mo. 1720, P. R. 38. [Judge of Probate, 1st, 6 mo., P. R. 63.] James, husband of Love (Gardner), husband of Ruth (Gardner), son of James and Mary (Severance), 2d, 8 mo. 1741, P. R. 38. Page 162 John, husband of Hope (daughter of Richard Gardner and Sarah Shattuck), son of James and Mary (Severance), 1st, 7 mo. [duplicate entry, 7th, 1 mo.] 1747, P. R. 38. [1st, 7 mo., P. R. 63.] Page 164 Jonathan, husband of Hepsibeth (Harker) of North Carolina, son of James and Mary (Severance), 5th, 2 mo. 1773, P. R. 38. [“Old Shaggin,” aged 81, P. R. 63.]… …Joseph, 14th, 7 mo. 1719. [husband of Bethia (Macy), son of James and Mary (Severance), P. R. 38. 15th, 7 mo., P. R. 63.] Page 174 Nathaniel, husband of Damaris (daughter of William Gayer and Dorcas Starbuck)), son of James and Mary (Severance), 29th, 10 mo. 1721, P. R. 38. GARDNER Page 289 Abigaile, wife of Nathaniel, 15th, 3 mo. 1709. [Abigail, wife of Nathaniel (son of Richard and Sarah), daughter of James Coffin and Mary (Severance), P. R. 38.] Page 310 Mary, fourth wife of James (son of Richard), widow of Richard Pinkham 1st (from the Isle of Wight, England, daughter of James Coffin and Mary (Severance), 1st, 2 mo. 1741, P. R. 38. Page 317 Ruth, wife of Joseph, (son of Richard 2d and Mary), daughter of James Coffin and Mary (Severance), 28th, 5 mo. 1748, P. R. 38. [widow of Joseph, P. R. 63.[3]] STARBUCK Page 542 Dinah, wife of Nathaniel, 1st, 8 mo. 1750, C. R. 4.[4] [wife of Nathaniel Jr., daughter of James Coffin and Mary (Severance), P. R. 38.] Source:  Vital Records of Nantucket, Massachusetts to the Year 1850, Vol. V—Deaths, Boston:  New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1928.

Savage's Genealogical Dictionary

COFFIN, JAMES, Newbury, son of the first Tristram, born in England 1 or 12 August 1640, lived some years at Dover, perhaps before marrying 3 December 1663, Mary, daughter of John Severance of Salisbury, had Mary, baptized 18 April 1665, removed to Nantucket, there had Ebenezer, born 30 March 1678; Joseph, 4 February 1680; Benjamin, 28 August 1683; and Jonathan, 28 August 1692; beside several others, probably earlier, by family tradition in all fourteen children and died 28 July 1720. He was twelve years judge of Probate, progenitor of the late admiral, Sir Isaac, and died 28 July 1720. Source:  Savage, James, A Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England, Before 1692, Vol. 1, Boston, MA, 1860.

Austin's One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families

Coffin. 1. James,                   {b. 1640, 8, 12,                                   {d. 1720, 7, 28.  m. 1663, 12, 3.                                   {b. 1645, 8, 5,  Mary Severance.   {d. 1720 (—), dau. of John and Abigail ( ) I. Mary,                     {b. 1665,  4, 18,                 {1684, 11, 12, 91, 6, 7, 93, 1, 22, 95, 2, 28, m. (1),                        {d. 1741, 2, 1.                    {(1) Jonathan, Shubael, Nathaniel, Deborah, Richard Pinkham.    {b.  97, 12, 8,                     {1700, 1, 3, 2, 2, 5, 6, 3, 14, 8, 2, 19,                                    {d. 1718.                            {Daniel Barnabas, Peleg, Theophilus, James.  m. (2)                        {b. 1664, 5,19,  James Gardner.       {d. 1723, 6,1, son of Richard and Sarah (Shattuck) Gardner. II. Abigail,                {b.                                      {1686, 7, 6, 88, 10, 27, 91, 7, 22, 93, 10, 28, 96, 1, 28 m.                               {d. 1709, 3, 15.                  {Hannah, Ebenezer, Peleg, Judith, Margaret,                                                                               {97, 12, 14, 99, 12, 26,  1702, 8, 6, 6, 8, 4,  Nathaniel Gardner. {b. 1669,  11, 16,               {Nathaniel, Andrew, Abel, Susannah.                                    {d. 1713,  son of Richard and Sarah (Shattuck) Gardner. III. James,                  {b.   —,                              {1693, 4, 22, 95, 3, 9, 96, 11, 13, 99, 8, 10, m. (1)                          {d. 1741, 2, 1.                    {(1) Benoni (2) George, Sarah, Nathan, Elisha,                                                                                {1701, 9, 16, 3, 10, 27, 8, 6, 3, 10, 7, 29, 13, 6, 10, Love Gardner,           {b. 1672,  5, 2.                   {Joshua, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Mary, James.                                     {d. , dau. of Richard and Sarah (Shattuck) Gardner. m. (2), 1692, 5, 10,     {b. 1676,  1, 26.  Ruth Gardner.          {d. 1748, 12, 4, dau. of John and Priscilla (Grafton) Gardner. IV. Nathaniel,            {b. 1671,                             {1693, 7, 22, 95, 4, 8, 97, 5, 6, 99, 12, 4, 1702, 3, 1, m. 1692, 10, 17,          {d. 1721, 10, 29.                 {Dorcas, Christian, Lydia, William, Charles,                                                                                 {5, 6, 3, 9, 5, 24, 11, 6, 19, 15, 6,  23, Damaris Gayer.          {b. 1673, 10, 24,                {Benjamin, Gayer, Nathaniel, Catharine.                                      {d. 1764, 9, 6, dau. of William and Dorcas (Starbuck) Gayer. V. John,                       {b.  1694, 6, 12,                 {1696, 1700, 1702, 1706, m.                                 {d. 1747, 7, 1.                    {Richard, Peleg, Judith, Silas, Francis,                                                                                 {1708, —, Hope Gardmer.           {b. 1669, 11, 16,               {Abigail, Gehoden.                                      {d. 1751, 2, 10, dau. of Richard and Sarah (Shattuck) Gardner. VI. Dinah,                   {b.                                      {1692, 12, 31, 94, 10, 29, 96, 10, 25, 98, 11, 27, 1700, 11, 8, m. 1690, 11, 20,          {d. 1750, 8, 1.                     {Mary, Paul, Priscilla, Elizabeth, Hepzibah,                                                                                 {4, 8, 28, 7, 9, 16, 9, 8, 18, 15, 2, 24, 16, 11, 12, Nathaniel Starbuck.  {b. 1668, 8, 9,                    {Abigail, Benjamin, Tristram, Ruth, Anna.                                      {d. 1752, 11, 29, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Coffin) Starbuck. VII. Deborah,              {b.                                      {1696, 8, 16, 97, 12, 27, 99, 11, 2, m. 1695, 10, 10,            {d. 1750, 8, 1.                    {Daniel, John, Caleb.  George Bunker.          {b. 1671, 4, 22,                                       {d. 1744, 11, 24, son of William and Mary (Macy) Bunker. VIII. Ebenezer,             {b. 1678, 3, 30,                  {1701, 8, 30, 3, 6, 19, 5, 1, 17, 8, 9, 1, 1712, m. 1700, 12, 12,             {d. 1730, 10, 17.                {Oliver, Prince, Love, Cromwell, Jane,                                                                                   {13, 12, 20, 16, 12, 21, 19, 11, 19, 1725, Eleanor Barnard.          {b. 1679, 6, 18,                 {Alexander, Valentine, Joseph, Benjamin.                                        {d. 1769, 11, dau. of Nathaniel and Mary (Barnard) Barnard. IX. Joseph,                   {b. 1682, 2, 4,                    {1705, 7, 9, 7, 9, 2, 10, 1, 11, 12, 8, 4, m.                                   {d. 1719, 7, 14.                  {Micah, Eunice, Zaccheus, Hezekiah,                                                                                   {15, 12, 4, 17, 12, 2, 20, 2, 9, Bethiah Macy.             {b. 1681, 4, 8,                    {Jedidah, Miriam, Mary.                                        {d. 1738, 8, 29, dau. of John and Deborah (Gardner) Macy. X. Elizabeth,                  {b.                                      {(1) George, Zechariah, James, Simeon, Lydia, m. (1),                             {d. 1769, 3, 30.                  {Ruth, Patience, Judith, Abigail. Jonathan Bunker,         {b. 1674, 2, 25,                                         {d. 1720, daughter of William and Mary (Macy) Bunker. m. (2), 1735, 1, 30,         {b. Thomas Clarke.             {d. 1740, 11, 18, son of John Clarke. XI. Benjamin,                 {b. 1683, 8, 28, unmarried.                      {d. young. XII. Ruth,                       {b.                                     {Shubael, Grindal, Bethuel, Charles, m.                                    {d. 1748, 5, 28.                 {1705, Joseph Gardner.            {b. 1677,                          {Patience, Love, Margaret, Caleb.                                         {d. 1747, 7, 29, son of Richard and Mary (Austin) Gardner. XIII. Experience,            {b.                                          {d. young. XIV. Jonathan,               {b. 1692, 8, 28,                {1712, 12, 30, 14, 12, 18, 16, 2, 23, 18, 2, 22, 20, 1, 5, m. 1711, 11, 24,               {d. 1773, 2, 5.                  {Susannam Ephriam, Henry, Daniel, Anna,                                                                                    {23, 3, 24, Hepzibah Harker.           {b. 1694,                          {Jonathan, James, Joshua, Hepzabeth, Mary.                                          {d. 1773, 12, 30, dau. of Ebenezer and Patience (Folger) Harker. … 4—James. Brixton, Eng., Dover, N.H., Nantucket, Mass. 1659. He came with the first settlers to Nantucket, the party consisting of Thomas Macy and family, Edward Starbuck, Isaac Coleman and himself. He did not long remain at this time (altough they were kindly treated by the Indians), but soon removed to Dover, N.H. 1662. he was living at Dover this year, and nine years later was still there, member of a church and Freeman. 1671, 6, 29. Nantucket. He and others received deed from Wanackmemack, Head Sachem, for £40, of lands and rights. 1680. He entered into obligation on his father’s account, there having been a misunderstanding about salvage on a cargo of hides upon a ship wrecked at the island. The sum of £150, being adjusted due from his father, half was paid, and obligation of James given for the other half. He held many important public offices, and was the first Judge of Probate Court on the island. 1720, 5, 17. Will, proved 1720, 8, 12. Ex—sons, John and Ebenezer. Witnesses, Thomas, John, and Richard Macy. To son James privilege of keeping 12 sheep on Tuckernuck Island, great silver tankard and £25. To sons Nathaniel £150, Ebenezer £110 and John £110. To grandsons Zaccheus and Hezekiah, tract called “Quaise” on Nantucket and stock thereon; they to pay their sisters 30s. To son Joseph Coffin’s children £110. To son Jonathan privilege of 12 sheep on Tuckernuck, bed in west chamber, 2 tables, fish house stage, fish boats, book of accounts with Indians, and all debts due thereon, and £25. Rest of Nontucket estate to sons John and Ebenezer, and grandson Micah; the latter to pay his sisters £5, each. To daughters Mary Gardner, Dinah Starbuck, Deborah Bunker, Elizabeth Bunker and Ruth Gardner, all meadows at Salisbury, and all lands at Dover, N.H., except 2 acres of orchard promised Richard Waldron. Children of daughter Abigail Gardner, deceased, to share equally with daughters above mentioned. Negro servant Hagar, to dwell with and serve my daughter Mary Gardner during life of said daughter, and then given to son John Coffin. Wearing apparel, both linen and woolen, equally to sons. Source:  Austin, John Osborne, One Hundred and Sixty Allied Families, Salem, MA, 1893, pgs. 68-70.

The Coffin Family by Louis Coffin

Page 43 …it is a tradition if nothing better, that James Coffin, then about 19 years old, accompanied Thomas Macy and family, Edward Starbuck, and Isaac Coleman, later in the same year (1650), when they took up their residences upon the island… Pages 44-5 At Salysbury, February, 1659.—At a meeting of the purchasers or the major part of them appeared alowed by the rest together with some others that was owned for Ass’iates as will hereafter appear—it was agreed and Determined and approvd as follows, vizt: that the ten owners will admitt of Ten more partners who shall have equall power and Interest with themselves, and that either of the purchasers aforementioned shall have liberty to take a partner whome he pleases not being mostly excepted against by the rest. At that meeting Robert Pike was owned partner with Christopher Hussey, Robert Barnard was owned partner with Thomas Barnard, Edward Starbuck was owned to be Thomas Macy’s partner, and Tristram Coffin, jur., partner with Stephen Greenleaf, James Coffin partner with Peter Coffin—at the same meeting it was mutually and unanimously agreed upon, determined and concluded, that no man whatsoever shall purchase any land of any of the Indians upon the said iland for his own private or particular use; but whatsoever purchas shall be made, shall be for the general account of the Twenty owners or purchasers and whatsoever person shall purchas any Land upon any other account, it shall be utterly void and null, except what is don by Leve from the said Owners or purchasers:  at the same meeting it was ordered and Determined that there shall be ten other Inhabitants admitted into the Plantation who shall have such accomodation as the Owners or purchasers shall judge meet- as namely necessary tradesman and Seaman. Page 46 Late in the season of 1659, the first of the settlers arrived, consisting of Thomas Macy and his family, Edward Starbuck, Isaac Coleman, and James Coffin. they found the natives hospitable and kind, and disposed to make them welcome… Page 47 [From First Book of Nantucket Records.]  James Coffin had his house lot layed out by the aforesaid lot layers, sixty rods squar, or thereabouts, bounded on the south by the lot of Nathaniel Starbuck; the West side bounded by the common; on the East by the land of Stephen Greenleaf, more or less. Page 57 Mr. James Coffin, John Coffin, Steven Coffin doe bind ourselves, Joyntly and severally, in the some of an hundred pounds starlinge, to performe the trust in administering on our father's estate, and to baer the Court harmless according to law. James Coffin, John Coffin, Stephen Coffin.  At a Court of Sessions held the 29th of November, 1681, I have granted administration unto Mr. James Coffin, John Coffin and Steven Coffin, on the estate of Mr. Tristram Coffin, deceased the 3d day of October, 1681, the having given security according to law. … At a Court this 9th February, 1682.  Mr. James Coffin and Steven Coffin appeared at this Court desiring discharg of further standing administrator to the estate of Tristram Coffin, deceased. It appeared to the Court they having made payment of all the estate. Page 61 Deed of Tuckanucket Ifland.[5] [Deeds iii, 57, Secretary’s Office.] Recorded for Mr Coffin and Mr Macy aforesaid ye Day and Yeare Aforewritten. The tenth Day of October, one thoufand fix hundred fifty and nine; Thefe prefents Witnefs, That I, Thomas Mayhew, of Martin’s Vineyard, Mercht, doe Give, Grant, Bargaine, and Sell, all my Right and Interest in Tuckannuck Ifland, als Tuckannuckett, which I have had, or ought to have, by Vertue of Patent Right, purchafed of ye Lord Stirling’s Agent and of Mr Richard Vines, Agent unto Sir Fferdinando George, Knight, unto Triftram Coffin Sr, Peter Coffin, Triftram Coffin Junr, and James Coffin, to them and their Heyres forever, ffor and in consideracon of ye juft Sume of fix Pounds in Hand paid, and by mee Thomas Mayhew, received in full Satisfaction of ye aforesaid Patent Right, of ye aforefaid Ifland. And in Witnefs hereof, I have fett my Hand and Seale.       Per me, Thomas mayhew.     Witnefs hereunto,          Roger Wheeler,          George Wheeler. Pages 61-2 Indian Deed of Nantucket. [Deeds iii, 54, Secretary’s Office.] Recorded for Mr. Triftram Coffin and Mr. Thomas Macy, ye 29th of June, 1671 aforefaid.  These prfents Wittnefs, yt I, Wanackmamack, Head Sachem of ye Ifland of Nantuckett, have Bargained and Sold, and doe by thefe Prefents Bargaine and Sell unto Triftram Coffin, Thomas Macy, Richd Swayne, Thomas Bernard, John Swayne, Mr. Thomas Mayhew, Edward Starbuck Peter Coffin, James Coffin, Stephen Greenleafe, Triftram Coffin Junr, Thomas Coleman, Robert Bernard, Chriftopher Huffey, Robert Pike, John Symthe, and John Bishop, thefe Iflands of Nantuckett, namely, all ye Weft end of ye aforefd Ifland unto ye Pond comonly called Waquittaquay, and from ye Head of that Pond to ye North fide of ye Ifland Manamoy; Bounded by a path from ye Head of ye Pond aforefaid to Manamoy; as alfo a Neck at ye Eaft End of ye Ifland called Poquomock, wth the property thereof, and all ye Royaltyies, Priviledges, and Immunityes thereunto belonging, or whatfoever Right I ye aforefd Wanackmak have, or have had in ye Same:  That is, all ye Lands aforemenconed and likewife ye Winter ffeed of ye whole Ifland from ye End of an Indyan Harveft untill Planting Time, or ye firft of May, from Yeare to Yeare for ever; as likewife Liberty to make Ufe of Wood and Timber on all Parts of ye Ifland; and likewife halfe of the Meadows and Marifhes on all parts of ye Ifland, wthout or beside ye aforefd Tracts of Land purchafed; And likewife ye ufe of ye other Halfe of ye Meadows and Marifhes, as long as ye aforefaid Englifh their Heyres and Affignes live on ye Ifland; And likewife I the aforefaid Wanackmamack doe fell unto ye Englifh aforemenconed ye propriety of ye reft of ye Ifland belonging unto mee, for and in confideracon of ffourty Pounds already received by mee or other by my Consent or Ordr. To Have and to Hold, ye aforefd Tracts of Land wth ye P’priety, Royalties, Immunityes, Priveleges and all Appertenances thereunto belonging to them ye aforef Purchafrs their Heyres and Affignes forever. In Witnefs Whereof, I the aforefd Wanackmamack have hereunto fett my Hand and Seale ye Day and Yeare above written. The Signe of Wanack-mamack. Signed, Sealed and Delivered in ye prfence of      Peter Foulger,      Eleazer Foulger,      Dorcas Starbuck. Page 63 Two Letters or Certificates from the Inhabitants of Nantucket. [Deeds iii, 58, Secretary’s Office, Albany.] Recorded for ye aforesaid Mr. Coffin and Mr. macy, 2 Lives on Certificates, from ye Inhabitants of Nantuckett, as followeth, vizt. Whereas ye Honble Coll: Lovelace, Governour of New Yorke, gave forth his Summons for ye Inhabitants of ye Ifle of Nantuckett to make their Appearance before his Honor at New Yorke, either in their own Perfon or by their Agent, to fhew their Claymes in refpect to their Standing or Clayme of Intereft on ye aforesaid Island. Now wee whofe Names are underwritten having intrufted our ffather Tristram Coffin to make Anfwer for us, Wee doe Empower our ffather Tristram Coffin to act and doe for us wth ye Hond Governr Lovelace, foe far as is Juft and Reasonable, wth Regard to our Intereft, on ye Ifle of Nantuckett and Tuckanuckett. Witnefs our Hands ye 2d Day of ye fourth Month, fixteen hundred and feventy-one, 1671. James Coffin, Nathaniel Starbuck, John Coffin, Stephen Coffin. Pages 71-2 Hon. James Coffin, the fourth child, was born in England, Aug. 12, 1640. He married, Dec. 3, 1663, Mary, daughter of John and Abigail Severance, of Salisbury, Mass.; and died at Nantucket, July 28, 1720, aged 80 years. He came to Nantucket with the first settlers, but subsequently removed to Dover, N.H., where he resided in 1668, being a member of the church there in 1671, and the same year, May 31, he was there made freeman. Soon after this date, however, he returned to Nantucket and resided there until his death. He filled several important public offices at Nantucket, among them Judge of the Probate Court. The first records of the Probate Office are under his administration. He was the father of fourteen children, all of whom, except two, grew to maturity and married. From him have descended, perhaps, the most remarkable representatives of the Coffin family, as doubtless the most numerous and generally scattered. This branch furnished the families that remained loyal to Great Britain in the American Revolution, and General John Coffin, as well as his brother Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, rendered valiant service against the Colonies, for which they received in time their reward, two sons of Gen. John now holding Admiral’s commissions in the Royal Navy, one ages 88 and the other 84 years, both hale and hearty when last heard from. The most distinguished woman which America has produced, Lucretia Mott, was also descended from this line, Her father, Thomas Coffin, being the 17th child of Benjamin, and not the youngest, either. The children of James are: Mary, b. in Nantucket, April 18, 1665; married first, Richard Pinkham, of Portsmouth, N.H., who came from the Isle of Wight, and died in nantucket in 1718; second, James, son of Richard and Sarah Gardner; d. in Nantucket, Feb. 1, 1741. James, Jr., b. probably in Dover, N.H.; m., first, Love, dau. of Richard and Sarah Gardner; second, Ruth, dau. of     John and Priscilla Gardner; d. in Nantucket, Oct. 2, 1741. Nathaniel, b. in Dover, N.H, 1671.; m. Aug. 17, 1692, Damaris, dau. of Wm. Gayer; d. Aug. 29, 1721. John, b. in Nantucket; m. Hope Gardner, dau. of Richard; d. there July 1, 1747. Dinah, b. in Nantucket; m. Nov. 20, 1690, Nathaniel Starbuck, Jr.; d. there Aug. 1, 1750. Deborah, b. in Nantucket; m. Oct. 10, 1695, George Bunker, son of Wm.; second, Ruth, dau. of John and Priscilla     Gardner; d. there Oct. 8, 1767. Ebenezer, b. in Nantucket; m. Dec. 12, 1700, Eleanor, dau. of Nathaniel Barnard; d. there Oct. 17, 1730. Joseph, b. in Nantucket, Feb. 4, 1680; m. Bethia, dau. of John Macy; d. there July 14, 1719. Elizabeth, b. in Nantucket; m., first, Jonathan, son of Wm. and Mary Bunker; second, Thomas Clark; d. there,     March 30, 1769. Benjamin, b. in Nantucket, Aug. 28, 1683; lost overboard between Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Ruth, b. in Nantucket; m. Joseph, son of Richard and Mary Gardner; d. there, May 28, 1748. Abigail, b. in Nantucket; m. Nathaniel, son of Richard and Sarah Gardner; d. there March 15, 1709, and was the     first person buried in Gardner’s burial ground. Experience, b. in Nantucket and died young. Jonathan, b. in Nantucket, August 28, 1692; m. Hepzibah, dau. of Ebenezer Harker; d. there Feb. 5, 1773. Source:  Coffin, Louis, The Coffin Family, Nantucket, MA:  Nantucket Historical Association, 1962.

American Genealogical Record

He was one of the first settlers of Nantucket; moved to Dover, N.H., where he lived in 1668; returned to Nantucket, and died there 28 July, 1720. Source:  “Peter Coffyn,” American Genealogical Record, Vol. 2 No. 1.

Sinnett's Richard Pinkham of Old Dover

Hon. James Coffin, removed from Nantucket to Dover Neck, N.H., about 1668, being a member of the church there in 1671. On May 31, 1671, he was made a freeman at Dover. After awhile he returned to Nantucket, which was ever after his home. He filled several important public offices at Nantucket, among them Judge of the Probate Court. He was the father of fourteen children, all but two of which grew to maturity. From him have descended, perhaps, the most remarkable representatives of the Coffin family, as doubtless the most numerous and generally scattered. Of this line was Gen. John coffin, who had two sons who were admirals in the English navy; Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin was a brother of Gen. John Coffin. The famous Lucretia Mott was of this Coffin line." Source:  Sinnett, Charles Nelson, Richard Pinkham of Old Dover New Hampshire and his Descendants, Concord, NH:  Rumford Printing Co, 1908.

Nantucket Ear Marks

At a Meeting of the Town ye 23rd June 1665  It was Concluded that Every one of the inhabitants shall Ear Mark all his Cattle according to the form hereafter Expressed . . . …James Coffin his Mark is a crop on Either Ear & Slit Down in the Crop… Source:  Lainhart, Ann Smith, “Nantucket Ear Marks 1665-1813”, New England Historical & Genealogical Register, Vol. 150, No. 598, Apr 1996.

Worth's Nantucket Lands and Land Owners

James Coffin was a man of high order of intellect, as is shown by the fact that he was over a dozen times elected selectman, was an assistant Magistrate, Judge of Probate and twice elected assessor, and was representative to the General Court. He had a warehouse east of the present Federal street. His house lot was on the hill to the westward of the Maxey's Pond. His house could be seen from the Parliament House about north. On the south of his house lot was that of nathanial Starbuck; according to the custome of those days, several of his children lived in houses near his own… …On account of the inconvenience of obtaining a confirmation of purchases made from the Indians, it was concluded best to obtain a general grant of the entire island, which was the Dongan patent, dated June 27, 1687. This patent is very elaborate and lengthy, and . . it can be found at the Registry of Deeds at Nantucket and in the Genealogy of the Macy family. . . It established John Gardner, James Coffin, William Gayer, Peter Cofin, Nathaniel Barnard, Stephen Hussey and John Macy a body corporate called the Trustees of the Freeholders of the Town of Sherburne… …August 12, 1720. Will of James Coffin probated. Witnesses Thomas, John and Richard Macy. Negro servant Hagar to Daughter Mary Gardner, and after her to son john; also great silver tankard. Pecuniary legacies to sons Nathaniel, John, Ebenezer, and children of his deceased son Joseph. Real estate on Nantucket and Tuckanuck to sons james, jonathan and grandsons Zacheus, hezekiah and Micah. His lands at Salisbury and Dover to daughters Mary Gardner, Dinah Starbuck, Deborah Bunker, Elizabeth Bunker, Ruth Gardner and the children of my daughter Abigail Gardner… At Salisbury, February, ‘59 [1659]. At a meeting of the sd purchasers of the major pt of them appved . . And that either of the purchasers forementioned shall have liberty to take a ptner whom he please no being justly excepted again by the rest: . . James Coffin ptner with Peter Coffin… …The first election for Magistrates was held April 15, 1672 . . . Assistant Justices were: Peter Coffin, Lieutenant; . . . and James Coffin… …The records in the Probate Office commence in 1706, when James Coffin was appointed Judge. Source:  Worth, Henry Barnard, Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, Nantucket:  Nantucket Historical Association, 1901, Vol. 2, Bulletin No. 1.

Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire

James, brother of (4 (Tristram Coffin)), b. 12 Aug. 1640, brought over in 1642, living several years in Dover before settling in Nantucket. In New Hampshire, freeman 1671, jury 1669, 1673. In November 1673 as merchant of the Ketch Neptune, David Kelly commander, Richard Cutt owner, he was captured by the Dutch. Lists 356ghkm, 357ad, 359a. He married 3 December 1663 Mary Severance. Among their 14 traditional children, of whom 12 had families: Mary, born Dover 18 April 1665, married Richard Pinkham and James Gardner. Dinah, married Nathaniel Starbuck jr., Benjamin, drowned 20 January 1703-4. List 96. In 1723 Mary, Dinah, Deborah, and Geo. Bunker, Esq., Elizabeth Bunker widow, and Ruth Gardner, all of Sherburn, Nantucket, sold the Dover lands willed to “my five daughters” by their father. Source:  Noyes, Sybil, Libby, Charles Thornton, and Davis, Walter Goodwin, Genealogical Dictionary of Maine and New Hampshire, Baltimore, MD:  Genealogical Publishing Co., 1976, p. 541.

Will

Estate of Ebenezer Severance The last will & Testamt of Ebenezar Severance made the 22th of August 65 Imp I do giue & bequeath unto my brothers Jno Severans & Joseph Severans all my tooles to be divided equally between them: & to my brothers Benjamin & Ephraim Severans: each 40s: it I giue unto my Sister Mary Coffyns daughter: Mary fiue pound: It I giue unto Abigail Ambross 20s: and the rest ofmy Estate: I do giue & bequesth unto my beloved Sisters Abigail Church & Mary Coffin: And I do appoint my Honered ffather Jno Severans my Sole Executor to this my last will 7 testamt: In wittness whereof I haue here unto sett my hand & Seale. Ebenr Severns. Witness: Joshua Peirce, Tho. Bradbury, Sen. Proved in Salisbury court 9: 2m: 1667 by Tho. Bradbury, Sr. Essex County Probate Files, Docket 25,068. Source:  Dow, George Francis (ed.), The Probate Records of Essex County, Massachusetts, Salem, MA:  Essex Institute, 1917, Vol. 2.

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Footnotes: 

[1] Note in Vital Records:  “P. R. 38—private record, from the William C. Folger genealogical records in possession of the Nantucket Historical Association (This compilation has been used because of the valuable clues it affords, but its statements should be received with caution, as it is not free from errors. It should also be understood that in many instances the events recorded did not take place in Nantucket, and in a few cases attention has been called to the question of residence.)” [2] Note in Vital Records:  “Intention not recorded.” [3] Note in Vital Records:  “P. R. 63—private record, from a copy of a manuscript kept by Hon. Isaac Coffin, Judge of Probate, in the possession of the Nantucket Atheneum.” [4] Note in Vital Records:  “C. R. 4—church record, Society of Friends.” [5] In this deed and subequent records on pages 61-3, Louis Coffin recorded a number of s’s as f’s. This is probably due to the handwriting of the document. It was common at the time to often write an s with a flourish, which could be easily mistaken for an f. I have chosen to keep Louis Coffin’s spelling as I am quoting him directly but to italicize the f’s that should probably be s’s (in other words,  f). MB

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Author: Michelle A. Boyd

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Last updated 23 Jun 2004