John Paybody, born in England, came to Plymouth, New England, as early as 1636, for his name is in the list of freemen of the colony dated March 7, 1636, and he was admitted and sworn with others whose names were on that list, 2 Jan.,1637-8. He received a grant of 10 acres of land, 1 Jan., 1637-8, “On Duxburrow side, lying betwixt the lands of Mr. Tubs on the north side and those of Experience Mitchell on the south side, and from the sea in the west and from Blew fish in the east.” Another tract granted him 2 Nov., 1640, was 30 acres “with meadows to it” at North River. He was a member of the jury that convicted three young Englishmen of the murder of an Indian 4 Sept., 1638, and of the Grand Inquest at the court 4 June, 1639. He was one of the sureties on a neighbor’s bond 4 June, 1645.

From his will:

In and upon the 16 of July, in the yeare of our Lord 1649 I John Paybody of Duxbrook in the coloni of New Plymouth planter being in perfect health and sound in memory God be blessed for it doe ordain and make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form as followeth:

Imprimus, I bequeathe my soul to God that gave it hopeing to be saved by the merit of Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer. As for my worldly goods as followeth:

Item. I give and bequeathe unto Thomas my eldest sonne, one shilling.

Item. I give and bequeathe to ffrancis Peabody my seond son, one shilling

Item. I give and bequeathe to William Peabody my youngest son one shilling

Item. I give and bequeathe to Annis Rousemy daughter one shilling

Item. I give and bequeathe to John Rouse, the son of John Rouse my lands in Carswell in Marshfield after my wife’s decease

Item. I give and bequeathe unto John Paybody, the son of William, my bitt of land att the New Plantation.

Item. I give and bequeathe all the rest of my goods that are mine living and dead, unto my wife, Isabel Paybody, whom I make the sole executrix of this my last Will and Testament, memorandum all this legasyes before set down are to be payed by William Paybody, my youngest son when they shall be demanded.

John Paybody
Boston in New England
John ffernsyde The 27th of Apr. 11, 1667

No record of death or burial found.178