Fac simile of his signature to deed.
(*) Most likely 1665, as it is the last time his name occurs. In a list of signatures of March 12, 1665-6, T. B.'s name is not found.October 2018
Below are the footnotes to the biography of the English immigrant Thomas Benedict (1617-1690) in Henry Marvin Benedict's Genealogy of the Benedicts in America (1870), page 1-23. I have renumbered the footnotes for clarity's sake.
(A) Hinman says: "Thomas Benedict was the only early settler found in the colony of Connecticut of the name of Benedict." The same is true of all the other colonies. [NOTE: This may be confirmed by consulting James Savage's Genealogical Dictionary of the First Settlers of New England (1884), vol. I, which shows no other English immigrants to New England surnamed "Benedict" besides Thomas. -- JO]
(B) [In this footnote, Henry Marvin Benedict showed a complete transcript of Deacon James Benedict's 1755 genealogical "Memorial" of his Benedict family. This transcript may be read on The Benedict Genealogy webpage. -- JO]
(C)
These presents Witness,
That William Salmon of Hashamomack alias Neshuggancie, have sold unto Henry Whitney, Edward Treadwell and Thomas Benedick three parts of all
his upland lying betwixt Thoms Creek so called by the English and Mr. Goodyeare's land reaching to a fresh pond lying by the North Sea, with
an island of trees standing in it, with all the marsh grounds and mowing lands lying by the aforesaid Thoms Creek, from the one end of
it to the other, in the wch meadow the aforesaid Wm Salmon is to have no share, excepting to himself all other meadow grounds lying within
the same cumpest of Lands within the neck of Land lying against the harbor on the south wch neck of Land he is to fence in at his own cost
and charge and to maintain for ever-whch fence is to begin at the now dwelling house of John Corey and to run straight pointing at the
wading place leaving out all the meadow sold to the aforesaid parties, in which neek of Land so fenced in the other parties are to have no
shares, but is to remain to his own proper land to him and his heirs forever--Likewise the said William Salmon doth give Liberty unto the
aforesaid parties to fence in for themselves a corn field, beginning at the backside of the now dwelling house of Thomas Benedick and to
run to the nearest cutt to the North Sea where they shall find most convenient--which piece of Land being so fenced in is to remain their
own proper land to them their heirs and assigns forever, with three parts of all his other lands by what name or names soever called
(except before excepted, with Warrantie against the said William Salmon his heirs and assigns and only them, peaceably and quietly to
enjoy the same without any molestation or disturbance the aforesaid Henry Whitney, Edward Tredwell and Thomas Benedick paying to William
Salmon thirty pounds for the same--Likewise the aforesaid Willm Salmon doth except so much liberty to himself that when he shall see fit to
fence in his meadow he may take in so much upland as that he may in some measure run straight from meadow to meadow, provided nevertheless
that when the other parties shall have occasion to carry or recarry any thing by sea they shall have the liberty of the water side at any
time--to all which Presents the aforesaid Wm Salmon hath set his hand and seal the 8th day of October 1649.
Sealed & delivered in the WM F SALMON his mark.
presence of John Corey
Ann S Corey
--------------------------------------
Hashamommuck Beach and Plantation.
"Examine Chase's Map of Suffolk County, N. Y., and you may see a Small body of water marked just north west of the northwest point of Shelter
Island and almost connecting Peconic Bay and Long Island Sound. The only separation is a level flat of Sand and Shingle, a few rods wide,
and perhaps twenty long, partially covered with sedgy vegetation. Across this flat the famous Guilford expedition drew their whale boats
when they made their successful descent upon the British post and stores at Sag Harbor. This flat is Hashamommuck Beach. The Small body
of water is now generally called Mill Creek, a tide-mill to grind grain having been built upon it many years ago, and one is still in
use near the old site. The proprietor of this mill some six or eight years since cut a canal from the Sound to the creek and thus poured
the water of the Sound across Hashamommuck Beach into the creek, to give him more water and a higher head for his mill. But the action of
the Sound soon closed the Canal with sand, as all intelligent persons predicted. This creek was formerly Thomas Benedict's, and in the
oldest records of Southold is familiarly called Thomas's Creek and then for convenience it became Thom's Creek and even Tom's Creek. I
have heard it called Tom's Creek--even in my day. The Creek is a few rods more than two miles east of the First Church of Southold. It is
just two miles east of the Southold station of the Long Island Rail Road. Hashamommuck is about a square mile directly east of this Creek."
Ex. letter Rev. Eph. Whitaker, Southold, L. I., dated Jan. 30, 1868.
(D)
These presents witness, that I Thomas Benedickt formerly of Hashamommuck near Southold on Long Island, now of Huntington on the
same Island for good consideration, me thereunto moving, have granted bargained and sold and by these presents do fully and absolutely grant
bargain and sell unto Thomas Rider now of Hashamommuck aforesaid and to his heirs and assigns for ever, All that my dwelling house, barn,
orchard, garden, whom lot, fences and all other dividends and appurtenances of Land thereunto belonging both of meadow and upland
with comon and comons of pasture, situate lying and being in and upon the said neck called Hashamommuck, and all right appertaining to me
the said Thomas Benedickt, as also right of comonage and pporcon of meadow for a second lot in all the rest of the necks of land and
meadows lying eastward from the land last mentioned wherein South hold inhabitants have interest and in as large and ample manner in every
respect as they proportionably. To have and to hold the said dwelling house, barn, whom lot, orchard, garden, fences, meadows, pastures,
comon and comons of pasture, and all other the premises herein before mentioned to be hereby granted with their and every of their
appurtenances to the said Thomas Rider his heirs and assigns for ever, with Warrantie against the said Thomas Benedickt my heirs, executors,
admrtrs and assigns and every of them claiming by from or under my estate right or title.
In witness whereof I the said Thomas Benedickt have hereunto set my hand and seal the seven and twentieth day of Februarie 1659.
Sealed, subscribed and delivered THOMAS BENEDICKT.
in the presence of
John Conckelyne Senr.
his
Henry 7 Whitney.
mark
Recorded by me
Willm Wells, Recorder.
(E)
At a Generall Court held at New Haven for the Jurisdiction the 31st of May 1654.
The deputees of Southold informe the Court that Thom: Benidict and some others liue nere Southold doe desire to joyne wth them, wch the
Court advised to, so it might be to mutuall satisfaction. Hoadly, New H. Col. Rec., p. 96.
Anthony Waters, Attorney for John Conckling, Tho. Osman and Tho. Rider, inhabitants in the land called Hashamommock, plainteifs, entred
an action of the case against John Budd Senior, for breach of an ancient order made for ye prservation of good neighbourhood, wch order
or agreement is as followeth [240] We whose names are enderwritten inhabiting on ye neeke of land comonly called Hashamommock,
considering that our comfort and quiett settlemt consist and stand in ye injoymt of good neighbourhood, did make this agreemt at our first
sitting doune, that what man soeuer should desire to remoue and so endeauour to make sale of his accomodations, should put in such
neighbour as the other inhabitants liueing with him shall approue off.
This is a true coppy of ye [Signed] F WILLIAM SALMON
record, coppied by mee F HENRY WHITNEY
William Wells, Recorder, F EDWARD TREDWELL
THO. BENEDICK
(John Budd Junior appeared to answere the sute, &c.)
Southold Rec., May 17, 1660.
It will be observed that Tho. Benedick was the only one of the four who did not take his mark for his sign-manual.
(F)
At a meeting of the Commissioners for the United Colonies in New England at Hartford the 5th September, 1650. Vncus Sachem of the Mohegins informed the Commissioners and complained that the Mohansick Sachem in Long Island had killed som of the said Vncus his men, bewitched diuers others and hiselfe also and desired the Commissioners that hee might be righted therein. But because the said Sachem of Long Island was not there to answare for himselfe It was thought meet and accordingly aduised that Commission bee graunted by the Gouernment of Connectacot to Captaine Mason Mr. Howell Mr. Gosmer and Tho. Benedict of Southold or any three of them to examine the Matters charged by Vncus and if proof bee cleare to labor to convince him thereof, require satisfaction and in case of reasonable complyance endeauor a Composure thereof; but if no satisfaction will bee giuen for Injuries proceed then to lett him to know they giue the English just cause of offence and will bring trouble upon themselues. Hazard's His. Coll., vol. II, p. 151.
(G) See Deeds, II, 143 and 144, Secretary of State's office, Albany, N. Y.
(H)
At a Gen: Court held at New Haven for ye Jurisdicon the 26th of May, 1658.
Jonas Wood and Jonas Wood, both of Huntington on Longe Island, as agents for ye inhabitants of ye same prsented to ye court ye desires
of their towne to ioyne in combination wth this colony, to wch purpose they presented a writeinge subscribed by three of the inhabitants
thereof, whereby it appeared yt the said agents were authorized to treat of and to finish this business wth the Court, ye contence of wch
writeing is as followeth, To the honoured Court of Magistrates and deputies now sitting at Newhaven. May it please this honoured Court to
vnderstand yt a motion being made by one of or town of Huntington, at ye Court of comissioners sitting in Boston ye last year that or towne
might be put vnder Newhauen gouernment, and yt motion being consented to by ye honoured comissioners there prsent, or towne of Huntington
aforesd, in pursuance of their desires, haue thought good to make their addresses to this honoured Court by their deputies, viz., Jonas
Wood (O,) and Jonas Wood (H,) for the obtaining of their proposed ends, having given vnto them full power and authority to treat of and
finish this business wth ye court in their names, humbly desireing therein acceptance of vs, and further yt you will be pleased,
(considering ye remotenes of ye place, ye great charges yt such infant plantations are vsed to be attended with,) to condescend to such
moderate ppositions we have ordered them to comend to ye Court in or behalf, in hopes whereof we rest
Yors in all due observance
17 of 3d--58. WILL SMITH
THO. BENEDICK
WM LEUERICH in
ye name and with ye
consent of ye rest
which being read they were desired to give in, in writeing, what they had pposed in ye psuance of this business wch accordingly they did in
5 propositions, 4 of which pper to ye case in hand, wch were as followeth, &c &c. Hoadly N. H. Col. Rec., pp. 236, 237.
(I)
At a Court of Election held at Hartford May 15, 1662. This Court hath granted the petition from Huntington, and doe confirme Jonas Wood and Thomas Benedick, according to their desire, who are impowred to act in point of Gouernment according to ye liberties granted to that Towne by this Court; and the Secretary is to giue them a coppy of ye Articles with Southampton, vpon wch termes they are accepted. Col. Rec. Conn., vol. I, p. 379.
(J)
1662, Dec. 12. It is voted and concluded upon by the Town that Goodman Benedik (with H. Whitney and N. Denton) shall lay out the South Meadows as soon as they can; and that they shall have 3d an acre each for their labor. Vol. I, page 19.19. 1662, Dec. 12. The Town haue given a Home lot to Thomas Benedik. 1663, Dec. 22. It is ordered that Goodman Benedik shall lay out the meadows upon the farther East Neck to them they belong to. 1663, Dec. 3. Voted and agreed upon that Goodman Benedik be Lieutenant of this Town. Jan. 31, 1664. Further veted that Thomas Bendick shall have a ten acre lot beyond the Rocky Hollow under the Hills to the East of the Jamaica lots already laid out. Feb. 5, 1664. Voted that Lt. Benedik [and two others] make out a rate for the payment of the land bought of the Indians. Feb. 14, 1664. It is voted by the town that Goodman Benedik &c shall make a rate for Mr. Walker's mantenance. Feb. 27, 1664. The Town vote that Thomas Benedik shall take account of Wm. Foster and D. Denton's last years actions for the poor. Feb. 15, 1664.(*) Thomas Benedyck signs his name as a witness to a bill of sale. Page 34. Extracts from Jamaica Records.
(K) See O'Callaghan's Reg. of New Netherland, p. 94.
(L)
To the Generall Court to be assembled at hartford October the eighth 1663. The humble petition of vs the Inhabitants [of] Jemaico,
Middelborow and Hemstead upon Long Island, (whose names are subscribed,) to the Honored General Court to be assembled at Hartford
8th Octob. 1663, humbly sheweth:-- That forasmuch as it hath plesed the aldisposing Providence who determines the times before appointed
and the bounds of men's habitasion to apointe unto vs our dwellings in these parts of the cuntery under the Dutch gouernment, in which
gouernment we mete with seuerall inconvenyances that doe much trubble vs, and which we finde verry uncumfortable, and forasmuch as we haue
received information how it hath plesed the highest Maiesty to move the hart of the King's maiesty to grant vnto your colony such
enlargements as comprehends this whole Iland thereby opening a waye for vs (as we hope) from our presant bondage to such liberties and
inlargements as we are informed your patten affords; and seeing your worshiphs were pleased the last yere to manefest your respect to vs
and care of vs by Capt. John Youngs and since by letters; shewing your willingness to accept of vs and that we may be true to the comforts of
ourselves and these concerned in vs, we make bould to become petisioners to yr Worships, and accordingly our humbel petision is,
that as we ar alruddy according to our best information under the scurts of your patten, so you would be plesed to cast over vs the
scurts of your gouernment and protecktion, for assuredly if you should leaue us nowe, which we hope we haue not cause to feare, our liues,
comforts and estates will be much indangered; as wo full experiance makes manefest, yt a contryman of ours for cariing a mesage to a
neighbor plantasion from sum of yourselues have bin imprisoned for several weks and how long it will be continued we know not. Our
petition therefor is yt your worships will be plesed seriously to consider our condision and giue vs such an answer as your wisdums shal
judg mete with as much speed as may bee; and leaue the full declarasion of things to our trusty messenger and thus we shall for
the present take leaue of your Worships, comiting ourselues and concernes to the Supream disposer and remaine your humbel petisioners
as aforesaid. Sept. 29. 1663.
(Signed) ROBERT COE
JOHN STICKLAND
ZACHARIAH WALKER
THOMAS BENNYDICK
THOMAS BENNYDICK, Junior
and 21 others.
-- Towns and Lands, I, 18; also O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. II, p. 486, note.
(M)
Towns and Lands, I, 19. To the honerable Counsell off Conecticut Greeting. These may sertefie that these two men here nomenated ar sent
and imployed by us the inhabitants of the inglish towns upon the wester ind of long jland namely Capt. John Coe and Anthony Waters to
actt in our behalfe as if we were personally prsant to all intents and purposes as may farder apere by other writing--as namely hempstead
Jemero Neutown Grauesand flushing. Witness our hands who ar the representatives of the fiue towns abouesayd. November 3d 1663.
(Signed) ROBERT COE
THOMAS BENNYDICK
and seven others.
Endorsed: These may certify the hond Counsel yt was Capt. John Coe is on ye other side mentioned as one deputed by ye representatives of ye
fiue tounes for the mannaging of this or business providence so disposing that he was unexpectedly to himselfe and others prevented,
Mr. Thomas Benedicke was desired to come in his stead; for clearing wrof wee in stead of more for ye present haste have subscribed or names.
(Signed) ROBERT COE
ZACHARIAH WALKER
Neither of the above are in handwriting of T. B., but were probably written by Robt. Coe or Rev. Zach. Walker.
To the Honrd Gouernour and the Counsell of Connetcut Colleny in New England. The Humble Petition of Thomas Benedict and Anthony Walters.
Sheweth
That wee your pettitioners beeing deputed by the representatives of five Townes on Long Island to make this our adress to your Worshipps,
doe humbly declare to yr worships that whereas those fiue Towns viz Hemsteed, Jamecao, Midleburrough, Grauesand and Flushing, finding that
they are both subiects to their soueraigne Lord Charles the Second King of England &c: and all soe that they doe liue uppon and inhabite
part of his maiestie's dominions haue as they iudged it their duty proclaimed his royall maiestie in thair said towns and haue reiected
wholly all other pretended Jurrisdictiones over them and submitt themselues wholly to bee gouerned by his maiestie's Laws,
nottwitzstanding which wee haueing allredy in part found the deslike of some persons to such reasonable proceedings and the effects that
will nessesarily follow the same and fearing more of that nature wee doe therefore Humbly request of your Worshipps who under our Lord, the
King and in his behalfe as wee conceiue are bound by his royall pleasure to take care of Gouern and protect those his Loyall subiects,
that you will please to let those his subiects inioy the benifit of his Maties pleasure expressed in the Charter Lately Granted by him, as
the rest of the members of the same Corporation doe at this present. And that whereas we allone as it were are without such officers as may
from your selues Administer the wholesom Laws of this corporation to us, that that may be speedily settled and established in those fiue
townes, for the executeing the laws by which they ought to bee gouerned which will be the praise and incouragement of those that doe
well and for the due punishment of all offenders which matter being of no less importance then the presseruation or Loss of those his maties
Subiects and towns, and the well or illfare of the inhabitants--wee think it needless to press it farther not doubting of your care to
fullfil his maties pleasure, and that those his subiects will find all due redress of evills and protection from you, wee waite for your
worshipps pleasure herein and for your worshipps as our duty is we shall euer pray &c.
(Signed) THOMAS BENNYDICK:
ANTHONY WATERS.
Hartford, Nouember ye 12th 1663.
-- Town and Lands, I, 19, State Library, Hartford, Ct. The body of this petition is in the handwriting of William Pitkin, schoolmaster, of
Hartford. The signatures are autographs.
(N)
March the 7th 1663-4. To the honored assembly at hartforde for the Colony of Connecticut. these fewe lines we make bowld to present to
your worshipfull considerations, as being necesitated thereunto in regarde of some troublesome occurants we haue met witz since the time
we met witz your honered commissioner Mr. Allyn at hemstead, whoe had sadd experiance of the beginings of it at that meting, and after oure
return whome we met witz no smale trubbles In our plantations for it being declared by Mr. Allyn In the name of the Consell of Conectecut
that we ar witzin your charter Grant, we accordingly did unite thereunto, but Captin Scott haue labored to make voide that
combynation, telling the people that you haue nothing to doe witz Long Island, and that you dare not take us in by vartue of your pattin,
which hath made a greate dele of stirr in our plantations causing many to fall ofe, yet witz us In our toune we haue more than a major part
that ar resolued to howld to that Ingagement made at hemsted, hoping that your worships will take care of us, and spedely euse all due mens
for our releife; affording vs that help of your authority, for the setling of peace amongst us and the killing and quelling of mutenus
and facsious sperits which otherwise will disturb and destroy all good order, and orderly proceedings boeth in church and comenwelth, and
that you will be plesed spedely to put an end to this grand controverci--that you will take us In by vartue of your pattin, for
that all men saye if yt evedintly apere they will submit, but we shall not Inlarge haucing Soe trusty a Mesenger as Mr. hiks to speak in our
behalfe to whome we shall comit the managing of these our affayers unto, and so take leauve of your worships desiring the lord to be
present with you and president amongst you In the managing of all your great and waity affaires, and rest yours to comande.
from Crafford alias Jemaico (Signed) ROBERT COE
THOMAS BENNYDICK
-- Town and Lands, Vol. I, p. 28.
March 7, 1663. Confirmation of Wamatumpacks former sale to the Inhabitants of Crafford, alias Jamaica in the year 1655, subscribed
before Daniel Denton and Thomas Bennydick. Deeds, Vol. II, p. 163, office Secretary of State, N. Y.
(O)
May 12, 1664. This Court doth nominate Mr. Richard Coe and Mr. Thomas Benedict commissioners for Jamacoe. Col. Rec. Conn., p. 379. O'Callaghan's New Netherland Reg., p. 94. May 12, 1664. Thomas Benedick, freeman for Jamaicoe. Col. Rec. Conn., Vol. i, p. 429.
(P)
"To the Right Honourable Col Richard Nicolls, Esq. Governor of New York &c. The humble Petition of us subscribed Sheweth,
That several of us your Petitioners being intended formerly to have purchased and settled a Plantation, upon the River called Arthur Cull
Bay, before your arrival unto these Parts; our Intentions notwithstanding our making some way with the Indians, and charges and
Expenses about the Premises, was obstructed by the then ruling Dutch, and some of us, by Reason of not having any Accommodations here, were
put upon Thoughts of removing into some other of his Majesty's Dominions; but now upon this your happy Arrival, and the Decease of
the Dutch Interests; we would gladly proceed in the Design aforesaid, in order whereunto, we make bold, with all Humility, to Petition to
your Honour that you would grant us Liberty to purchase and settle a Parcel of Land to improve our Labour upon, in the River before
mentioned; and some of us being destitute of Habitations where we are, we crave your answer with as much Expedition as may be; we humbly take
our Leave at present and subscribe
Your Honor's, to command
[Signed] JOHN BAILEY
From Jamaica DANIEL DENTON
Commonly So called THOMAS BENNYDICK.
Sept 26th 1664. NATHANIEL DENTON.
JOHN FOSTER
LUKE WATSON.
Upon Perusal of this Petition I do consent unto the Proposals, and shall give the undertakers all due Encouragement in so good a Work.
Given under my Hand in Fort James, this 30th of September, 1664.
[Signed] R. NICHOLLS"
A Deed of a tract of tracts of land in New Jersey on a part of which stands Elizabeth city was obtained by purchase of Indian chief
inhabiting Staten Island Oct. 28th, 1664; and a deed of Richard Nicholls Dec. 2, 1664.
Four families admitted to have settled under this purchase. See Elizabethtown Bill in Chancery, pp. 25, 26, 28, 29.
"The four families found at Elizabeth town by [Gov.] Carteret were the pioneers of the Jamaica Colony." Whitehead's E. Jersey under the
Proprietors, pp. 38, 39. See also, Smith's His. N. J., 8vo, 1765, p. 62.
(Q) See Thompson's Long Island, vol. I, p. 132, also N. Y. Civil List (1865), p. 31.
(R)
"Richard Nicolls Esq Deputy Governor under his Royall Highness the Duke of York, of all his Territoryes in America
To Bryan Newton, Captaine of the ffoot Company of Jamaica.
Whereas you are chosen by the Towne of Jamaica as Captaine of a ffoote Company, isted or to bee Listed, within the said Toune; You are by
these Presents confirmed and constituted in the said office as Captaine; You are to the best of your skill and knowledge, to Instruct
and teach the Souldiers under your command, the use and practice of their Armes, and to take care that the Military Lawes bee duly
executed, or the defaults duly presented and Punished. Every private Souldier is hereby required to obey you as their Captaine; and you are
also required to obey your Superior Officer or Officers, according to the Military Lawes establis'ht--Given under my hand at ffort James in
New York this 7th day of Aprill 1665.
[Signed] RICHD NICOLLS"
The foregoing is the form of a Military Commission in 1665. Thomas Benedict was appointed Lieutenant and Abraham Smith, Ensigne of Capt.
Bryan Newton's Foot Company. Their commissions also bear date 7th Aprill 1665. Book of Deeds, II, pp. 25, 26, office of the Secretary of
the State New York.
(S)
Thomas Benedick, Sen. (recorded March 1, 1669-70, having possessed it some years before), purchased of Mr. Hanford 1 acre 1 rood, of John Ruscoe 2 roods, of John Bowten 1 rood--4 acres. Bounded east by Mr Handford's and John Ruscoe's, west by John Bowten, north by Town Highway, south by Richard Homes. Hall, p. 24. Thomas Benedict, Sen., in 1669, bought of Samuel Campfield his houselot, granted him by the town, between Tho Betts and Ephraim Lockwood. Ibid., p. 27. For location of Thomas Benedict's home lot see Map of the Old Settlement in Hall's Hist. of Norwalk, Ct. There is now (1870) upon the Lot a neat two story frame building owned by H. Hoyt--It is reached on the rail road almost immediately after crossing the Norwalk bridge going East. The track crosses a corner of the original lot.
(T)
At General Court of Conn., held May, 1684: Mr. John Bur, Mr. Tho. Fitch, Mr. Tho. Benedict are by this Court appoynted and impowred a Committee for to order the planting of a Towne aboue Norwalke or Fayrefeild and to receiue in inhabitants to plant there; and what they, or any three of them shall doe in the premises shall be good to all intents and purposes for the planting of Paquiage. Col. Rec. Conn., Vol. III, p. 142.
(U)
At Gen'l Court held Oct. 13, 1687: A Petition dated Oct. 6th, was presented at the Genl Court &c., in behalf of the plantation of Paquiage, that the same may be constituted to be a towne, and to be named Swamfeild &c: Signed by Tho. Fitch, Jehu Burr, John Burr and Tho. Bennydick. Town and Lands, I, 226. The General Court substituted the name of Danbury. The petitioners stated that "there are twentie families inhabiting at Paquiage and more desirable persons a comminge." Col. Rec., Vol. III, p. 240.
(V)
"December ye 20th 1662. A town meeting called: The town have voted and concluded and agreed upon yt these five namely Mr. Coe, Goodman Benedick, Goodman Smith, Goodman Baylie and Daniel Denton shall make ye rate for ye minesters house, and transporting ye minester. . . Records 1, p. 20." "February ye 14th 1663. A town meeting called: Voted and agreed upon by ye town yt Goodman Benedick and Nathaneel Denton shall be overseers in behalf of ye town to supply Mr Walkers wants wt what hee shall stand in need of according as ye town shall agree to make a supply; and to appoint men as their turns come to bring in what shall bee needfull in ye premises, as need shall require. Rec. p. 21." "Feb. 14th, 1663. It is voted by ye town yt Mr Coe and Goodman Benedick and Daniel Denton shall make a rate for Mr Walkers maintenance. Rec. 1, p. 22." "March ye 2d, 1663. The freeholders of the town, 24 in number, including 'Thomas Benedick' gave to Rev. Zechariah Walker their 'minester' the use of a house and a home lot, to be his in fee-simple if he remained as minister of the town, or if they should so act as to be the cause of his going away. Mr. Walker's salary was 60 pounds per annum, and Dr. McDonald remarks: "In raising this generous support, so much beyond what many infant churches at the present day, especially in new settlements, feel themselves able to do, every inhabitant contributed his due proportion." "Dec. ye 13th, 1664. Thomas Benedick Senior and Daniel Denton shall make a rate for ye minester. Rec. 1, p. 32." Macdonald's Oldest Pres. Church in America, pp. 37, 38, 40.
(W)
I, Thomas Bennidick of Norwalk, in ye County of Fairfield, in ye Colony of Conecticut, aged aboute 73 years, being weak of body, yet of
perfect mind and memory, do make and declare this as my last Will and Testament.
Imprimis. I do commend my Soule into ye hands of my gracious God yt hath made it, and do give my body to ye Earth from whence it was, to
be decently buried, in hope of a happy and gracious Resurrection at ye last day; As for my temporall Estate, I do despose of as followeth:
I do will and bequeath to my loueing wife Mary Bennidick my whole Estate, house and households, Lands, Cattle--to use and despose
according to ye controll and advice she, with my overseers afterwards mentioned, shall judg[e] most [ ] during ye Time of her naturall Life,
and after ye decease of ye said Mary, my wife, I do will and bequeath to my Sonn, Daniell Bennidick, my dwelling house barne and houseing,
orchard and four ewes--ye whole of my homested--to be to him and his heirs, to have and to howld, forever.
I do will and bequeath my Sonn, John Bennedick, my calve pasture Lot--he [to] pay to my grandchild Thomas Slauson, ye Son of my
daughter, Elizabeth Slasson, ye sum of ten pounds--which I give him as a legacy in time convenient.
I do also give to my said Son, John Bennedick one third part of my Sticky plaine Lott, which is half broken up. I also bequeath to him yt
part of salt meadow lying be ye bridge at ye Indian Feild. Also, unto him, I bequeath eight acres of upland laid out above ye Long Swamp
beyond ye New feild--All these lands to be to him and his heirs forever.
I do will and bequeath to my son, James Benedick, my Long Lot of Salt Medow--over ye River--lying between Keloge and Bets--I do also
bequeath to ye said James, my son, half my fruitefull Spring Lot--yt Lyeth sideing by ye medow, provided ye said James shall pay to my
Grandchild Elizabeth Slausson, ye sum of five pounds, in time convenient, the afforesaid Land to be James and his heirs forever.
I do will and bequeath to my grand child Thomas Benedick, one 3d part of my Sticky plaine Lot which he hath in part improued and is in part
unbroken. I also, bequeath to ye sd Thomas, my second division of medow called Mamathemans--the lands to be to him and his heirs forever.
I do will and bequeath to my Grandchild Samuell Benedict, ye other half of my fruitfull Spring Lot lying next to Nathaniel [ ] I do also
bequeath to ye sd Samuell, a small parcel of medow which is salt--[ ] Kelloggs Swamp rung through --also one 3d part of my sticky plaine Lot
on ye [side] I have broken up. I do also bequeath to my sd grand child Samuel, half my comonage which is 50 pounds; and the other half I do
give to my grandchild John Bennedick ye eldest son of my son John Bennedick. I also will and bequeath to my Grandchild Samuell Bennedick
my ould Horse and one yearling Calf. I do also bequeath to ye sd Samuell, my Carts and Iron plows and chains and irons belonging to
plow and cart. Also ye bed and bedsted--yt in ye chamber with what belongs to it--leauving it to his Grandmother and ye overseers to give
him of ye moveables what they can spare, provided he carry and behauve himself dutefully and louvingly towards his Grandmother--so doing, I
do, also, will and bequeath to ye sd Samuell half of my sheep.
I do will and bequeath to Joanna Bennedick, One Cow, one half of my sheep--the trukle bedstead wth ye bed thereupon and the furniture of
it, and what else of household her Grandmother shall bestow on her, provided she liue with her and be tender of her while she shall
continue in this world.
As for my Out Lands, undesposed of, it is my will that my Son James and Daniell diuide ye Upland between them equally except ye peace of
boggy medow which I will to be equally divided between my son James and grandchild Samuell Benedick.
I do will and bequeath to my daughter Rebecka Wood [the] mare yt is now running in ye wood; and I leauve it to my wife to give to my
Daughter Sarah and Rebecka what of ye moveables she shall see meet and can spare.
I do will and bequeath to my Grand child Mary Olmsted, a legacy of twenty shillings; I also give to Hannah Benedick, my grand child, ten
shillings the [same] to be paid out of ye estate after my decease.
Finally it is my will and I do hereby appoint my Son John and my Son Samll Bennedick to be joynt overseers of this my last will and
testiment--willing these my loueing sons to be carefull of their Mothers comfortable liueing and to councell her in ye ordering her
affairs and desposall of goods; and to see carefully to ye payment of all lawfull debts.
In confirmation of ye premises of this my will and Testiment, I do set my hand and seal this eight and twentieth febt Ano dominy 1689-90.
[Signed] THOS BENEDICK, Senr.
Signed and Sealed in presents of us,
Thomas Hanford
John Platt, Jr.
Memorand: in ye twentieth line Elizabeth is bloted out and Mary put in ye Marjent accordin to ye will of ye testator--ye name mistake[n] by
the writer
THOS. HANFORD.
An Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Benedick Senr of Norwalk, late deceased, taken this 18. of March 1689 or 90.
Imprimis: L. s. d.
The Homested and Buildings 40. 00. 0.
Item in Lands 150. " "
" " Neat Cattle 30. " "
" " Horss Kinde 05. " "
" " Beding and furniture 17. 04. 0.
" " Table linen and Napkins 01. 02. "
" " Wearing Cloathes 04. 06. "
" " Bedsteds, Chests and boxes 02. 12. "
" " Iron Kettle and pott 01. 03. "
" " Pewter, brass Earthenware and Woodenware 03. 15. "
" " Several iron things 04. 18. "
" " Carts and wheels and Irons belonging to them 03. 10. "
" " Knailes and other Small things 01. 12. "
" " Plogh and Graine 8. 14. "
" " Arms and Ammunission 02. 13. "
" " Saddle, bridle and Sundry small things 06. " "
" " 5 Small Swine 02. 10. "
the total 285. 09. 0.
Taken by us:
Thomas Seamer
James Olmsted.
Mary Benedict, ye Relickt of Thos Benedick Senr, late of Norwalk deceased, appeared before me, the 5th of November 1690, and attested
upon oath yt according to ye best of her knowledge, ye above sd Inventory is a true Inventory.
[Signed] THOS. FITCH, Comiss.
The Will and Inventory of Thomas Benedick, decd of Norwalk, being exhibited to ye County Ct, in Fairfield, this 9th of November 1690, ye
probate whereof being deferred until the next County Court in March, I do also appoint these two persons who wear appointed overseers of the
sd will, viz: John and Samll Benedick with ye widow, Relickt of ye sd deceased Benedick, to administer on the sd estate--to receave and pay
all debts due to and from ye sd estate and to husband ye estate and preserve it from imbez'ment.
[Signed] NATHAN GOLD, Clark.
The County Ct this 10. of Mar 1690-1 do except ye above sd Will and Inventory and order them to be recorded.
[Signed] NATHAN GOLD, Clark.
Mem: The foregoing Will and Inventory are recorded in Vol. of Probate Records, "1689-1701," pp. 38, &c., deposited in Probate office, Fairfield, Conn. The original will could not be found.
(X)
At a Court of Election May 9, 1672: Whereas Richd Olmsteed, Thomas Benedict and 12 others have given in their names for a beginning of a plantation neare the back side of Norwalke and by their deputies desired the countenance of the Court therein, --The Court haveing considered the same doe see cause to nominate a Come to view the place moved for to make a plantation and to order the planting thereof and to entertein inhabitants to joyne with the afoarnamed people of Norwalk, in the planting the afoarsayd plantation.-- Col. Rec. Conn., Vol. II, p. 176.
(Y) See Hall, p. 63; and Bouton's Norwalk Bi-Centennial Address, pp. 27, 28.