William Macomber

Children

Notes

William was cooper licensed to dwell within the government, at Plymouth or elsewhere, upon the testimony of his good behavior he hath brought with him. Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. I. p 82.

This is the first mention of William Macomber in America. The testimony of good behavior is likely to have been obtained from the person whom he served hist apprenticeship in learning the trade of cooper. The date of the above record is April 2, 1638.

Under date of 3 September 1638, are found the following records: 'William Maycumber, a cooper, is graunted an island lying on the north side Powder Poynt, & containing about three or four acres of land, provided that the committees of Ducborrow doe consent thereunto, and that he doe not stop the townes cattle from the fresh water thereupon,' and 'Liberty is graunted to Will'm Maycumber, cooper, to fetch tymber to make hoopes of for vessels for the colonies use at Clarks Island and Sagaquash.' Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. I. p 95.

3 August 1640, 'Will'm Maycumber is granted the wood fit for coopery growing upon Wood Island, to be used by him so long as he followeth his trade, and forbidding all others to cutt there except for the loading of boats and vessells to carry away the hay.' Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. I. p 159.

He settled in Marshfield, Massachusetts. In 1644 he was fined for speaking against the Indians. He was a surveyor in Marshfield in 1653.

A sworn statement, made March 1, 1655, gives his age as 45 years. He was, therefore, born in 1610. Tradition says that he was brother to John Macomber of Taunton. In favor of this is the following:

'Aug. 20, 1644, William Maycomber of Duxborrow --------- sent forth to bring in John Macomber for non-appearance for making allarum at Taunton.' See Proprietors' Records at Taunton.

Source: 'Macomber Genealogy', 1908, Everett S. Stackpole, p 89-90. 'Connections', 1985, Edward M. Macomber.